Analysis of changes in the rat cardiovascular system under the action of lead intoxication and muscular exercise

Introduction. One of the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases is the toxic metal pollution of the industrial area and the environment. Lead is the most critical of toxic metals. In industrial conditions, the body’s exposure to harmful substances is often combined with muscular work of varying severity. It has not been studied enough how these combinations influence the development of pathological processes associated with harmful exposure. Materials and methods. The subchronic experiment was carried out on white outbred male rats for six weeks. Intoxication was simulated by repeated intraperitoneal injections of lead acetate three times a week. Running was chosen to model the muscle exercise at a 25 m/min speed for 10 minutes 5 days a week. We performed biochemical and electrocardiographic studies. Blood pressure parameters were recorded. Muscle contractility was studied on isolated multicellular preparations of the right ventricular myocardium in isometric and physiological contraction modes. The ratio of myosin heavy chains was determined by the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The sliding velocity of reconstituted thin filaments on myosin using an in vitro motility assay. Results. Physical exercise under lead intoxication normalized the level of calcium and the angiotensin-converting enzyme activity in the blood serum, the voltage of the isoelectric line and the amplitude of the T wave on the electrocardiogram. The combined action of lead and physical exercise showed an increase in the creatinine kinase-MB level. We found that the effect of exercise under lead intoxication on myocardial contractility was ambiguous. The maximum isotonic shortening velocity in trabeculae was normalized, but the maximum rate of strength development in the isometric mode in the papillary muscles decreased to a greater extent than under lead intoxication. The maximum sliding velocity of reconstituted thin filaments and myosin and the heavy chain ratio was partly normalized. Conclusion. In general, muscle exercise attenuated the lead cardiotoxic effects.

Pelvic floor muscle exercise and training for coping with urinary incontinence

The pelvic floor consists of levator ani muscles including puborectalis, pubococcygeus and iliococcygeus muscles, and coccygeus muscles. Pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) is defined as exercise to improve pelvic floor muscle strength, power, endurance, relaxation, or a combination of these parameters. PFME strengthens the pelvic floor muscles to provide urethral support to prevent urine leakage and suppress urgency. This exercise has been recommended for urinary incontinence since first described by Kegel. When treating urinary incontinence, particularly stress urinary incontinence, PFME has been recommended as first-line treatment. This article provides clinical application of PFME as a behavioral therapy for urinary incontinence. Clinicians and physical therapist should understand pelvic floor muscle anatomy, evaluation, regimen, and instruct patients how to train the muscles properly.

Deep Cervical Muscle Exercise Versus Soft Tissue Mobilization In Non-Specific Neck Pain

Background: Neck pain is a common health problem in the working population. When studied by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), the problems that arise in non-specific neck pain include: neck pain, limited joint motion, and decreased functional ability in carrying out daily activities. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of combination ultrasound therapy (UST) and deep cervical muscle exercise (DCME) versus combination ultrasound therapy (UST) and soft tissue mobilization (STM) on non-specific neck pain. Methods: This research was experimental with a randomized pre-test and post-test control group design, in which the study participants were divided into two groups randomly. The study participants were 20 people who were divided into the control group (n = 10) who were given the combined intervention of UST and DCME while the treatment group (n = 10) were given the combined intervention of UST and STM. Therapeutic evaluation measurement tools include: pain scale in the form of numeric rating scale and neck disability in the form of neck disability index. The research was carried out in the independent physiotherapy practice in Denpasar and Badung. The intervention was given 3 times in 3 weeks. Results: The results showed a decrease in neck pain and disability in each intervention group (p <0.05). However, there were no significant differences when compared between groups. Conclusion: Based on these results, it can be concluded that the combination of UST and DCME has the same results as the combination of UST and STM in reducing neck pain and disability in non-specific neck pain.

Comparative Study on the Effects of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises and Abdominal Muscle Training in Functional Constipation among Children

To compare the effects of pelvic floor muscle exercise and abdominal muscle training, breathing exercises and abdominal massage in children with functional constipation. Functional constipation is one the most common gastrointestinal condition in pediatrics practice with an estimation prevalence ranging from 0.7% to 29.6%. It has a multifactorial pathophysiology mainly consisting of stool with holding and delayed colonic transit.30 subjects who met theRome-III criteriafor pediatric functional constipationwere randomly divided into 2 groups. Group-A was trained with pelvic floor muscle exercise along with squat walking for 5 min under supervision of parents. Exercise duration was increased 5 min per week, for two consecutive weeks and remained the same for the next six weeks and Kegels was performed for 10 seconds. Group-B was given isometric training of the abdominal muscle which was carried out in two ways. The patient was either lying down in a left lateral decubitus position with the hip and knee flexed at 90° with two series of eight contractions and relaxations until the third week and was then increased to two series of 12 contractions and relaxations for 6 weeks. In the sitting or lying down method, training began with one series of three contractions and relaxations lasting 10 s which was increased to five repetitions in the third week until the sixth week along with abdomen tuck-in exercise. Diaphragmatic breathing and abdominal massage was given to both groups in common. The intervention of the study was about 8 weeks.Results of statistical analysis showed that both Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises and Abdominal Muscle Training are effective in treating functional constipation among children. However pelvic floor muscle exercise was better than abdominal muscle training on the basis of Wexner Construction Scoring System

Exercising With a Six Pack in Virtual Reality: Examining the Proteus Effect of Avatar Body Shape and Sex on Self-Efficacy for Core-Muscle Exercise, Self-Concept of Body Shape, and Actual Physical Activity

This study investigates the Proteus effect from the first-person perspective and during avatar embodiment in actual exercise. In addition to the immediate measurements of the Proteus effect, prolonged effects such as next-day perception and exercise-related outcomes are also explored. We theorized the Proteus effect as altered perceived self-concept and explored the association between virtual reality (VR) avatar manipulation and self-concept in the exercise context. While existing studies have mainly investigated the Proteus effect in a non-VR environment or after VR embodiment, we aim to contribute to the literature by addressing this concern to explore how the Proteus effect works in actual VR exercise. Through a 2 (avatar body shape: with a six pack vs. normal) × 2 (sex: male vs. female) between-subject experiment, the results partially support the Proteus effect. Regarding actual physical activity, embodying an avatar with a six pack during exercise creates fewer body movements. No significant effect was found for perceived exertion. We also explored the role of sex as a potential moderator in the association of the Proteus effect on exercise outcomes. The Proteus effect was supported by immediate and next-day self-efficacy for core-muscle exercise only among female participants. The between-subject design allowed us to probe how avatar manipulation of muscular body shape with a six pack as opposed to normal body shape influences participants’ self-concept and exercise outcomes, as limited VR studies have employed within-subject comparisons. This also contributes to the literature by providing an upward comparison (e.g., muscular with a six pack vs. normal) as opposed to the previous downward comparison regarding body fitness (e.g., normal vs. obese). The overall results supported the Proteus effect in the context of core-muscle exercise when comparing normal and ideal body shape avatars. However, the Proteus effect as an altered self-concept and its effects on self-efficacy for exercise were supported among females but not males. Whereas the female participants who embodied avatars with a six pack associated themselves more with the muscular concept than other people, the male participants who embodied avatars with a six pack perceived themselves as more normal than others. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Muscle Exercise Mitigates the Negative Influence of Low Socioeconomic Status on the Lack of Muscle Strength: A Cross-Sectional Study

Socioeconomic status (SES), which takes into account household income and education level, is an important factor in the role of muscle strength as a discriminator of sarcopenia. Although the benefits of exercise on muscle strength are well recognized, its influence on people of different SES has not been fully elucidated, informing the aim of this study. A total of 6081 subjects, for which we had complete data on measurements of handgrip strength (HGS) and other relevant variables, were included from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) VII-3. A multivariable analysis showed that people with a low household income (odds ratio (OR) 1.637, p = 0.005) and low education status (OR 2.351, p < 0.001) had a poor HGS compared to those with a high SES, and that the difference in HGS made by muscle exercise was greater for people with a low household income (OR 7.082 vs. 3.619, p < 0.001) and low education status (OR 14.711 vs. 6.383, p < 0.001). Three-step logistic regression analysis showed that muscle exercise mediated the relationship between muscle strength and low household income (OR from 1.772 to 1.736, z = 2.373, p = 0.017) and low education level (OR from 2.368 to 2.309, z = 2.489, p = 0.012). This study confirmed that exercise improves the negative effect of SES on muscle strength, suggesting the greater importance of muscle exercise for people with a low SES.

Effects of intrinsic-foot-muscle exercise combined with the lower extremity resistance training on postural stability in older adults with fall risk: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background Falls are one of the most common accidents in older adults, often leading to injury, disability and quality-of-life declines. Foot core function contributes to postural stability in most static postures and dynamic activities. As efficient foot core training, the intrinsic-foot-muscle exercise has been proposed to improve postural control. However, the effects of the exercise on postural stability in the elderly remain unclear. Therefore, this study attempts to investigate the effect of 12-week intrinsic-foot-muscle exercise on postural stability in older adults with fall risk. Methods We will conduct a prospective, single-blind randomised controlled trail on 120 older adults with fall risk. Participants will be randomly assigned to an intrinsic-foot-muscle exercise combining the lower extremity resistance training group (IFM group), an extrinsic-foot-muscle exercise combining the lower extremity resistance training group (EFM group) and a control group. The control group will perform lower extremity resistance training. The IFM and EFM groups will be given additional short-foot exercise or towel-curl exercise training, respectively. After the intervention, participants will be followed up for another 12 weeks with no active intervention. The outcome measures will include the postural stability measurements, self-reported postural stability, number of falls, intrinsic-foot-muscle strength and foot arch function. Furthermore, adverse events will be recorded and analysed. If any participant withdraws from the trial, an intention-to-treat analysis will be performed. Discussion The trial is designed to investigate the efficacy of a 12-week intrinsic foot muscle training combined with the lower extremity resistance training on postural stability outcomes in elderly people with fall risk. The trial will also examine the comprehensive outcomes of postural stability during static standing and dynamic movements. The function of intrinsic foot muscle to support the arch will also be evaluated. Important features of this trial mainly include intervention setting, outcome measure selection and study duration. The results of this study will determine the effectiveness and provide scientific evidence to establish comprehensive fall prevention intervention. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000033623. Registered on 7 June 2020. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=54741

Effect of Expiration Muscle Exercise Using Positive Expiratory Pressure in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

In this COVID-19 pandemic era, it is important to obtain objective expiratory muscle strength measurement in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients (COPD).

Assessment of Efficacy of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise (PFME) on Urinary Incontinence among Middle Aged Women

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a familiar manifestation that can affect women of all ages, with a wide range of severity and nature. While rarely life-threatening, incontinence may seriously influence the physical, psychological and social wellbeing of affected individuals. Objective: The main objective of the study is to assess the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME) or Kegel’s exercise on urinary incontinence among middle aged women of selected urban community of Raipur (C.G). Methodology: A community based quazi - experimental study was conducted among 60 middle aged women having mild to moderate degree of urinary incontinence. The sample were selected by nonrandomised purposive technique The baseline data were collected from 60 samples (30 in experimental group and 30 in control group) by standardised tool - Questionnaire for urinary incontinence diagnosis (QUID) on urinary incontinence. The experimental group was taught to practise Kegel’s exercise for 4 week followed by post- test of both control & experimental group to compare the data for effectiveness. Results: Comparison of mean and SD of pre-test and post-test level of urinary incontinence among middle aged women in experimental group & control group (un paired t -test) showed that the calculated value (2.1) of t was higher than the table value (2) at 0.05 level which shows that PFME is effective in improving symptoms of urinary incontinence if practised on regular basis. Factors positively associated with urinary incontinence were parity, type of delivery and nature of work. Conclusion: Middle aged women with urinary incontinence will be greatly benefitted with regular pelvic floor muscle exercise. Health care practitioner should train & educate them on correct ways of performing Kegel’s exercise at community level.