Internet addiction and psychological distress among Chinese schoolchildren before and during the COVID-19 outbreak: A latent class analysis

Abstract Background and aims The present longitudinal study examined the changes in problematic internet use (problematic smartphone use, problematic social media use, and problematic gaming) and changes in COVID-19-related psychological distress (fear of COVID-19 and worry concerning COVID-19) across three time-points (before the COVID-19 outbreak, during the initial stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, and during the COVID-19 outbreak recovery period). Methods A total of 504 Chinese schoolchildren completed measures concerning problematic internet use and psychological distress across three time-points. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to classify participants into three groups of problematic internet use comprising Group 1 (lowest level), Group 2 (moderate level), and Group 3 (highest level). Results Statistical analyses showed that as problematic use of internet-related activities declined among Group 3 participants across the three time points, participants in Group 1 and Group 2 had increased problematic use of internet-related activities. Although there was no between-group difference in relation to worrying concerning COVID-19 infection, Groups 2 and 3 had significantly higher levels of fear of COVID-19 than Group 1 during the COVID-19 recovery period. Regression analysis showed that change in problematic internet use predicted fear of COVID-19 during the recovery period. Conclusion The varied levels of problematic internet use among schoolchildren reflect different changing trends of additive behaviors during COVID-19 outbreak and recovery periods.

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Predictive Value of Minimal Residual Disease: Analysis By Flow-Cytometry in Children with Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.2494.2494 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 2494-2494

Author(s):

Myriam Ruth Guitter ◽

Jorge Gabriel Rossi ◽

Elisa Sajaroff ◽

Carolina Carrara ◽

Pizzi Silvia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Flow Cytometry ◽

Residual Disease ◽

Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽

P Value ◽

Time Points ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

To Receive ◽

Group 1

Abstract Introduction: Despite the advances observed in the outcome of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment during the last 20 years, relapse remains the most common cause of treatment failure in childhood ALL. Several factors have been associated to the prognosis of these patients; however, minimal residual disease (MRD) emerges as a relevant predictor of outcome. Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess MRD by flow-cytometry in relapsed ALL and to evaluate its prognostic impact as a predictor factor of outcome at the end of the induction therapy and prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Patients and Methods: From Aug'10 to Jun'15, 123 ALL patients were treated at our center. MRD determination at least at two time-points during relapse treatment was a requirement for considering a patient eligible for the present study. Sixty-six cases were excluded due to the following causes: 10 patients died during induction, 2 died early in complete remission (CR), 29 did not respond to chemotherapy, in 13 patients MRD determination was not performed: 4 did not have clinical data available, 4 patients were Down Syndrome and 4 children received treatment for relapse in other centers. Thus, fifty-seven patients achieved CR and were evaluated for MRD at two time points. Of them, 56 patients belonged to S4 and S3 and 1 patient to S1 group as defined by the Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster stratification for relapsed ALL. MRD was analyzed by multiparametric flow-cytometry following ALL-IC 2009 guidelines. Negative MRD was defined as disclosing less than 0.1% of blasts. For this analysis, patients were stratified based on MRD levels at two different time points: after end of induction, before HSCT or at any other time point during the follow-up for patients who did not undergo HSCT. Three groups were defined: Group-1: negative at both time points (n= 23), Group-2: positive at 1 time point (n= 13) and Group-3: positive at both time points (n= 21). Patients who relapsed before receiving HSCT were considered Group-3. Twenty-five patients underwent HSCT: 13 of them from Group-1, 9 from Group-2 (2 had positive MRD previous to receive HSCT) and 3 patients from Group-3. HSCT was performed with matched familiar donor in 16 cases and matched unrelated donor in 9 cases. Results: The distribution of events according to receiving or not HSCT was: 5 died due to transplant related mortality (TRM), 9 relapsed after receiving HSCT and 16 during treatment with chemotherapy. With a median follow-up of 16 (range: 6-67) months, overall 3-year EFS probability (EFSp) (SE) was 32 (8)%. The 3-year EFSp was 75 (11)% for Group-1, 24 (14)% for Group-2 and 0% for Group-3 (p-value <0.00001). Comparing patients who did not receive HSCT vs. patients who did, EFSp (SE) was 32 (12)% and 29 (11)% respectively (p-value: non-significant). The EFSp (SE) according to MRD groups in patients who underwent HSCT was: Group-1: 53 (19)%, Group-2: 14 (13)% and 0% for Group-3 (p-value: 0.06). Conclusions: MRD quantification by flow-cytometry demonstrated to be a significant prognostic factor for relapsed ALL. Both, TRM and death in CR rates, were high and should be decreased by improving supportive measures. MRD determination by flow-cytometry in patients who underwent HSCT showed a trend to achieve a better EFSp, thus representing a relevant tool for stratifying relapsed ALL patients in order to achieve a better selection of patients to receive HSCT. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Effect of Accelerated Aging on the Sorption and Solubility Percentages of Silicone Facial Prostheses

European Journal of Dentistry ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1731932 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Adhara Smith Nóbrega ◽

Clóvis Lamartinede Moraes Melo Neto ◽

Daniela Micheline dos Santos ◽

André Pinheirode Magalhães Bertoz ◽

André Luiz de MeloMoreno ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Statistical Analysis ◽

Accelerated Aging ◽

Time Points ◽

Tukey Test ◽

Group 4 ◽

Facial Prostheses ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 5 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effect of accelerated aging on the sorption and solubility percentages of the MDX4-4210 and A-2186 silicones. Materials and Methods Two silicones (A-2186 and MDX4-4210) and three intrinsic pigments (bronze, black, and pink) were used in this study. Thus, six groups were created (n = 10): Group 1 = bronze MDX4-4210; Group 2 = black MDX4-4210; Group 3 = pink MDX4-4210; Group 4 = bronze A-2186; Group 5 = black A-2186; and Group 6 = pink A-2186. The dimensions of all samples were the same (45-mm diameter (ø) × 1-mm thickness). The samples were aged for a total of 1,008 hours. In this period of 1,008 hours of accelerated aging, the sorption and solubility percentages of each sample were calculated at three time points (252, 504, and 1,008 hours). Statistical Analysis Three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test were performed (α = 0.05). Result Accelerated aging can significantly increase the sorption and solubility percentages of the MDX4-4210 and A-2186 silicones.

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THE PERSPECTIVES OF CELLULAR THERAPY IN REHABILITATION TREATMENT OF NEUROLOGICAL PATIENTS (REVIEW OF LITERATURE WITH OWN RESEARCH DATA)

Eastern Ukrainian Medical Journal ◽

10.21272/eumj.2019;7(4):306-315 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 306-315

Author(s):

V. Lychko

Keyword(s):

Brain Tissue ◽

Cellular Therapy ◽

Recovery Period ◽

White Male ◽

Perivascular Spaces ◽

Average Area ◽

Neurological Patients ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

The article gathers and analyses modern data from foreign and regional authors regarding the latest achievements in cellular technologies that have prospects in rehabilitation of neurological patients. For the replacement of damaged brain tissue, technologies directed for differentiation of stem cells in neuronal and glial directions are extremely promising. Today, it is feasible to expect that in the near future this will enable the transplantation of cells to activate the processes of neuroplasticity in recovery period. The data of own researches, which examined changes in structural and functional characteristics of brain tissue of rats with condition of experimental acute focal cerebral ischemia (AFCI) in dynamics of treatment cryopreserved cord blood serum (CCBS) was given for evaluation of its membrane protection, immune modulation and proangiogenic activity. The study was conducted on 60 outbred white male Wistar rats weighing 200±20 g. All animals were divided into 3 groups: 1st group (controls) – intact rats without trauma and treatment; 2nd group – animals after modelling AFCI without treatment; 3rd group – rats after modelling AFCI, which was administered CCBS. The results of the study indicated the stimulating effect of the components of CCBS on restoration of ultrastructure of the damaged capillaries, increasing their density, as well as the formation of new capillaries. It was found that the average area of the perivascular spaces, which is an indicator of vasogenic edema in rats of group 2 is 45 times higher than that in group 1, while in rats in group 3 treated with CCBS, this figure was exceeded 37 times. The average area of pericellular spaces, indicating the degree of cytotoxic edema, in rats of group 2 on the 7th day after AFCI is almost 23 times higher than the results of group 1. This indicator in rats of group 3 was increased by 20 times compared with group 2. On the 7th day of the experiment in rats of group 2, the surface area of endothelial cells was significantly larger than in rats of groups 1 and 3 by 54.1% and 31.6% respectively. Neurotrophic therapy is a very promising area of regenerative medicine, which requires further study in the use of growth factors.

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In-vivo evaluation of the effect of cyanoacrylate on prosthetic vascular graft infection – does cyanoacrylate increase the severity of infection?

VASA ◽

10.1024/0301-1526/a000867 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 49 (4) ◽

pp. 281-284

Author(s):

Atıf Yolgosteren ◽

Gencehan Kumtepe ◽

Melda Payaslioglu ◽

Cuneyt Ozakin

Keyword(s):

Vascular Graft ◽

Graft Infection ◽

Vascular Graft Infection ◽

Group 4 ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Prosthetic Vascular Graft Infection ◽

Group 1

Summary. Background: Prosthetic vascular graft infection (PVGI) is a complication with high mortality. Cyanoacrylate (CA) is an adhesive which has been used in a number of surgical procedures. In this in-vivo study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between PVGI and CA. Materials and methods: Thirty-two rats were equally divided into four groups. Pouch was formed on back of rats until deep fascia. In group 1, vascular graft with polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) was placed into pouch. In group 2, MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected into pouch. In group 3, 1 cm 2 vascular graft with PET piece was placed into pouch and MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected. In group 4, 1 cm 2 vascular graft with PET piece impregnated with N-butyl cyanoacrylate-based adhesive was placed and MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected. All rats were scarified in 96th hour, culture samples were taken where intervention was performed and were evaluated microbiologically. Bacteria reproducing in each group were numerically evaluated based on colony-forming unit (CFU/ml) and compared by taking their average. Results: MRSA reproduction of 0 CFU/ml in group 1, of 1410 CFU/ml in group 2, of 180 200 CFU/ml in group 3 and of 625 300 CFU/ml in group 4 was present. A statistically significant difference was present between group 1 and group 4 (p < 0.01), between group 2 and group 4 (p < 0.01), between group 3 and group 4 (p < 0.05). In terms of reproduction, no statistically significant difference was found in group 1, group 2, group 3 in themselves. Conclusions: We observed that the rate of infection increased in the cyanoacyrylate group where cyanoacrylate was used. We think that surgeon should be more careful in using CA in vascular surgery.

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Abnormal Haemostasis and Blood Viscosity in Malignant Hypertension

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1661190 ◽

1984 ◽

Vol 52 (03) ◽

pp. 253-255 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

C Isles ◽

G D O Lowe ◽

B M Rankin ◽

C D Forbes ◽

N Lucie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Blood Viscosity ◽

Renal Damage ◽

Antithrombin Iii ◽

Plasma Viscosity ◽

Malignant Hypertension ◽

Fibrin Deposition ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

SummaryWe have previously shown abnormalities of haemostasis suggestive of intravascular coagulation in patients with malignant hypertension, a condition associated with retinopathy and renal fibrin deposition. To determine whether such abnormalities are specific to malignant hypertension, we have measured several haemostatic and haemorheological variables in 18 patients with malignant hypertension (Group 1), 18 matched healthy controls (Group 2), and 18 patients with non-malignant hypertension (Group 3) matched for renal pathology, blood pressure and serum creatinine with Group 1. Both Groups 1 and 3 had increased mean levels of fibrinogen, factor VIIIc, beta-thrombo- globulin, plasma viscosity and blood viscosity (corrected for haematocrit); and decreased mean levels of haematocrit, antithrombin III and platelet count. Mean levels of fast antiplasmin and alpha2-macroglobulin were elevated in Group 1 but not in Group 3. We conclude that most blood abnormalities are not specific to malignant hypertension; are also present in patients with non-malignant hypertension who have similar levels of blood pressure and renal damage; and might result from renal damage as well as promoting further renal damage by enhancing fibrin deposition. However increased levels of fibrinolytic inhibitors in malignant hypertension merit further investigation in relation to removal of renal fibrin.

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Features of postoperative period in patients with chronic venous insufficiency: phlebectomy versus thermal ablation

Hirurg (Surgeon) ◽

10.33920/med-15-2001-05 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 64-75

Author(s):

E. Burleva ◽

O. Smirnov ◽

S. Tyurin

Keyword(s):

Postoperative Period ◽

Chronic Venous Insufficiency ◽

Thermal Ablation ◽

Venous Insufficiency ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Varicose Veins ◽

Statistical Processing ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

The purpose of the study was to conduct a comparative assessment of the course of the postoperative period after phlebectomy and thermal ablation in patients with varicose veins of the lower extremities in the system of the great saphenous vein (GSV) with class C2 of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) — CEAP class C2. Materials and methods: 455 patients (455 limbs) with CEAP class C2. Group 1 (n = 154) received stripping + minimally invasive phlebectomy; Group 2 — endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of GSV trunk + sclerotherapy of varicose veins; 3 group (n = 150) — radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the GSV + sclerotherapy. All patients were united by a single tactical solution — the elimination of pathological vertical reflux in GSV. In each group, patients were with similar hemodynamic profile were selected (Group 1 = 63; Group 2 = 61; Group 3 = 61). The course of the postoperative period (from 2 days to 2 months) was compared for pain (visual analog scale — VAS), clinical symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, degree of satisfaction (Darvall questionnaire), and duration of disability. Statistical processing was carried out using Excel programs for Windows XP, MedCalc® (version 11.4.2.0., Mariakerke, Belgium). Results: Postoperative pain is more pronounced (during day 1 for Group 1–4.0, Group 2–3.0, Group 3–2.0) and more prolonged (up to 4 days) after open surgeries (p < 0.05). The dynamics of the clinical symptoms of CVI (including varicose syndrome and use of compression therapy) could not be fully evaluated in connection with the ongoing sclerotherapy procedures for patients of Groups 2 and 3. Satisfaction of patients with aesthetic aspects was higher than expected in all groups. Reliable statistical differences proved decrease in days of disability (Group 1–14; Group 2–4; Group 3–3) and earlier return to physical activities and work in patients after thermal ablation in comparison with phlebectomy. Conclusion: The study shows that all three methods for eliminating vertical reflux in the GSV can be proposed for a large category of patients with CEAP of class C3 and C2. Medical and social rehabilitation of patients using endovascular thermal ablation technologies proceeds faster, which is beneficial both for the patients and for society.

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Analysis of the quality of early diagnostics of cardiovascular diseases in students of educational institutions of Khabarovsk (according to the data of preventive examinations)

Dalʹnevostočnyj medicinskij žurnal ◽

10.35177/1994-5191-2020-4-13-16 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 13-16

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Sinus Tachycardia ◽

Blood Pressure Level ◽

Educational Institutions ◽

Conduction Disturbances ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

To identify the prevalence of early pathology of cardiovascular diseases, a survey of 400 200 girls) in the age group 15 and 17 years old was conducted as a part of routine medical of the level of blood pressure (BP) was carried out, with the calculation of the average level pressure on the basis of three separate measurements estimated by percentile tables for a registration of a standard resting ECG in 12 leads. According to the results of the survey, into 3 groups: with an increase in blood pressure above 95 ‰ (group 1 – 16 people), which recorded in males (p<0,05); Group 2 (67 people) – adolescents with a normal blood pressure level and group 3 of adolescents with a decrease in blood pressure below 5 ‰ changes in the form of rhythm and conduction disturbances were noted in almost every a predominance of sinus tachycardia in the first group. In the third group of adolescents, form of ectopic rhythm and pacemaker migration were significantly more frequently only 78 % of adolescents were referred for consultation and in-depth examination by a pediatric cardiologist.

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Does Perioperative Hemoglobin A1c Level Affect the Incidence, Pattern and Mortality of Lower Extremity Amputation?

Current Vascular Pharmacology ◽

10.2174/1570161116666180123112529 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 17 (4) ◽

pp. 354-364

Author(s):

Hassan Al-Thani ◽

Moamena El-Matbouly ◽

Maryam Al-Sulaiti ◽

Noora Al-Thani ◽

Mohammad Asim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Glycemic Control ◽

Lower Extremity ◽

Hazard Ratio ◽

Lower Extremity Amputation ◽

Group 4 ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 5 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Extremity Amputation ◽

Group 1

Background: We hypothesized that perioperative HbA1c influenced the pattern and outcomes of Lower Extremity Amputation (LEA). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted for all patients who underwent LEA between 2000 and 2013. Patients were categorized into 5 groups according to their perioperative HbA1c values [Group 1 (<6.5%), Group 2 (6.5-7.4%), Group 3 (7.5-8.4%), Group 4 (8.5-9.4%) and Group 5 (≥9.5%)]. We identified 848 patients with LEA; perioperative HbA1c levels were available in 547 cases (Group 1: 18.8%, Group 2: 17.7%, Group 3: 15.0%, Group 4: 13.5% and Group 5: 34.9%). Major amputation was performed in 35%, 32%, 22%, 10.8% and 13.6%, respectively. Results: The overall mortality was 36.5%; of that one quarter occurred during the index hospitalization. Mortality was higher in Group 1 (57.4%) compared with Groups 2-5 (46.9%, 38.3%, 36.1% and 31.2%, respectively, p=0.001). Cox regression analysis showed that poor glycemic control (Group 4 and 5) had lower risk of mortality post-LEA [hazard ratio 0.57 (95% CI 0.35-0.93) and hazard ratio 0.46 (95% CI 0.31-0.69)]; this mortality risk persisted even after adjustment for age and sex but was statistically insignificant. The rate of LEA was greater among poor glycemic control patients; however, the mortality was higher among patients with tight control. Conclusion: The effects of HbA1c on the immediate and long-term LEA outcomes and its therapeutic implications need further investigation.

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Cholinesterase Activities and Oxidative Stress in Cattle Experimentally Exposed to Nitrate/Nitrite in Cultivated Pasture with Different Fertilization Schemes

Acta Scientiae Veterinariae ◽

10.22456/1679-9216.82068 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 46 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ricardo Christ ◽

Aleksandro Schafer Da Silva ◽

Mateus Eloir Grabriel ◽

Luan Cleber Henker ◽

Renan Augusto Cechin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Enzyme Activity ◽

Cholinesterase Activity ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Group 3 ◽

Cholinesterase Activities ◽

Group 2 ◽

Nitrate And Nitrite ◽

And Oxidative Stress ◽

Group 1

Background: Nitrate and nitrite poisoning is associated with pasture intake that has high nitrate levels and leads to acute methemoglobinemia. Pasture may accumulate nitrate under certain conditions, such as excessively fertilized soil or environmental conditions that enhance the N absorption (rain preceded by a period of drought). After ingestion of plants, this substrate reaches the rumen and, in physiological conditions, is reduced to nitrite and afterward to ammonia. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in cholinesterase activities and oxidative stress caused by subclinical poisoning for nitrate and nitrite in cattle fed with Pennisetum glaucum in three different fertilization schemes. Materials, Methods & Results: In order to perform the experimental poisoning, the pasture was cultivated in three different paddocks: with nitrogen topdressing (urea; group 1), organic fertilizer (group 2) or without fertilizer (group 3; control). Nitrate accumulation in forage was evaluated by the diphenylamine test. After food fasting of 12 h, nine bovine were randomly allocated to one of the experimental groups and fed with fresh forage (ad libitum) from respective paddock. In different time points from beginning of pasture intake (0, 2, 4, 6 and 9 h) heart rate and respiratory frequency were assessed, as well as mucous membrane color and behavioral changes. Blood samples from jugular vein into vials with and without anticoagulant were collected. From blood samples, serum nitrite levels, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme activity were evaluated, as well as oxidative stress through the following parameters: levels of nitrate/nitrite (NOx), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), beyond the antioxidant system by enzyme activity measurement of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The diphenylamine test was positive to group 1 and 2, so that the pasture presented 3.16 mg/kg, 2.98 mg/kg and 1.67 mg/kg of nitrate for group 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In addition, cows from group 1 demonstrated increased (P < 0.05) nitrite levels in serum, compared to other groups, and greater heart rate after 9 h (P < 0.05). The AChE and BChE activity in group 1 showed significant increase (P < 0.05) at 4 and 6 h (AChE), and 4 and 9 h (BChE) compared to group 3. Also, NOx levels were lower at 6 and 9 h (P < 0.05) and at 9 h (P < 0.05) for animals of group 1 and 2, respectively, when compared to group 3. Furthermore, in the group 1 levels of ROS and TBARS were significantly higher (P < 0.05) after 2 and 4 h, and 6 and 9 h compared to other groups, respectively. The CAT activity increased significantly (P < 0.05) with 2 and 4 h of the experiment, but on the other hand, decreased at 6 and 9 h in group 1. Nevertheless, the animals from group 2 presented only a significant reduction in this enzyme activity at 9 h. Furthermore, SOD activity was reduced in animals of groups 1 (P < 0.05) at 4, 6 and 9 h, compared to other groups. Discussion: It was concluded that the nitrate and nitrite poisoning by pasture intake cultivated and fertilized with urea leads to increased levels of serum nitrite, as well as the cholinesterase activity and causes oxidative stress in cattle. It is conjectured that the cholinesterase activity and oxidative stress may assist in understanding the pathophysiology of changes caused by poisoning.Keywords: plant toxicology, poisoning, methemoglobin, cholinergic system, oxidative stress.

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Isometric Handgrip Exercise Training Improves Spirometric Parameters and Pulmonary Capacity

Pathophysiology ◽

10.3390/pathophysiology28030022 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 328-338

Author(s):

Ogbutor Udoji Godsday ◽

Nwangwa Eze Kingsley ◽

Nwogueze Bartholomew Chukwuebuka ◽

Chukwuemeka Ephraim ◽

Ezunu Emmanuel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Function ◽

Isometric Exercise ◽

Handgrip Exercise ◽

Isometric Handgrip ◽

Post Exercise ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Isometric Handgrip Exercise ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Decline in normal physiological pulmonary function has been attributed to premorbid conditions such as prehypertension. Research evidence suggests that physical activity reduces age-related decline in pulmonary function and improves the efficiency of the lungs in prehypertensive patients. However, there is a scarcity of data evidence relating to isometric exercise and pulmonary function. Furthermore, the interrelationship between the intensity and duration of isometric exercise and pulmonary function in these patients is still uncertain. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the effect of isometric handgrip exercise on pulmonary function capacity in adults with prehypertension. To determine the effectiveness of isometric handgrip exercise on pulmonary function capacity in adults with prehypertension. A quasi experiment using a pre- and post-exercise method was carried out in two out-patients hospital settings. The sample comprised 192 sedentary pre-hypertensive subjects, aged between 30–50 years, that were randomly distributed into three groups of 64 participants each. The subjects performed, for 24 consecutive days, an isometric handgrip exercise at 30% Maximum Voluntary Contraction (M.V.C.). At the end of the 24 days, group one (GP1) discontinued, while group two (GP2) continued the exercise protocol for another 24 consecutive days and group three (GP3) continued with the exercise protocol for another 24 consecutive days but at 50% M.V.C. Determinants of lung function (outcomes) were Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC Ratio and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR). The study shows that there was no statistically significant difference in the pre- and post-exercise outcomes for FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC Ratio and PEFR after 24 days for group 1. In group 2, there was a statistically significant difference in the FVC [(mean = 0.12 ± 0.12), (p = 0.002)], FEV1 [(mean = 0.15 ± 0.17), (p = 0.003)] and PEF [(mean = 0.85 ± 0.35), (p = 0.001)] after 48 days. In group 3, there was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001) in all the outcomes assessed after 48 days. There was a between groups difference in favour of group 2 compared with group 1 for outcomes of FEV1 [(mean = 0.142 ± 0.68), (p = 0.005)] and PEF [(mean = 0.83 ± 0.19), (p = 0.0031)]. There was statistically significant difference in favour of group 3 compared to group 2, by increasing the exercise intensity from 30% to 50% M.V.C., for outcomes of FVC [mean change = 0.10 ± 0.052), (p = 0.005)], FEV1/FVC [mean change = 3.18 ± 0.75), (p = 0.017)] and PEF [(mean change = 0.86 ± 0.35), (p = 0.001)] after 48 days. Isometric handgrip exercise (after 48 days at 30% to 50% M.V.C.) improves outcomes of pulmonary function capacity in adults with prehypertension. Meanwhile, duration and/or increase in intensity of the isometric effort significantly contributed to the affects attained.

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