COVID-19 Pandemic: Physical Activity as Prevention Mean

Background: The consequences of the new pandemic caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) have ruined the whole world. To date, more than 180 countries have been affected with more than 13 million people afflicted of all categories (young people, the elderly, athletes, and children) and more than 500,000 deaths around the globe. Moderate-intensity physical activity should be recommended as a non-pharmacological, low-cost, and feasible mean to cope with the COVID-19 virus Objective: The first objective is to provide an overview of the COVID-19 pandemic along with the evolution of this disease, the modes of inter-persons transmission, and the symptoms. The second objective is to suggest means of prevention for people, including the practice of regular physical activity. Conclusion: No drugs or treatments exist until today. The solution remains confinement in order to minimize contact between people (social distancing) and the strengthening of the immune system through a healthy lifestyle (healthy food and regular physical and sports practice) in addition to the recommended preventive measures.

STUDY OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT FOR THE CORRECTION COMPONENTS OF THE FUNCTIONAL CONDITION OF ELDERLY HOCKEY PLAYERS

Представлены результаты динамического комплексного исследования вегетативных, метаболических и психофизиологических компонентов функционального состояния у пожилых хоккеистов до и после участия в соревнованиях. В исследовании приняли участие 42 хоккеиста мужского пола 55-64 лет. Установлено, что показатели вегетативной регуляции сердечной деятельности являются наиболее стабильным компонентом функционального состояния у пожилых спортсменов. Вместе с этим, после участия в соревнованиях выявлено статистически значимое снижение показателей простой сенсомоторной реакции и нарастание процессов ПОЛ. Доказано, что применение терапевтических регуляторов функционального состояния (в частности, фармако-, психо-и физиотерапевтических) должно быть направлено на компоненты ЦНС и системы антиоксидантной защиты как наиболее чувствительные и подверженные страданию. Presents the results of a dynamic integrated study of the vegetative, metabolic and psycho-physiological components of the functional state of elderly hockey players before and after participating in competitions. The study involved 42 male hockey players aged 55-64 years. It has been established that the indicators of the vegetative regulation of cardiac activity are the most stable component of the functional state in the group of elderly athletes. At the same time, after participating in competitions, a statistically significant decrease in the simple sensorimotor response and an increase in lipid peroxidation processes were revealed. It is proved that the use of therapeutic regulators of the functional state (in particular, pharmaco-, psycho- and physiotherapeutic) should be directed to the components of the central nervous system and the antioxidant defense system, as the most sensitive and susceptible to suffering.

Cardiac rehabilitation in elderly athletes. Analysis of eldery participation in Wizz Air Cluj-Napoca Marathon

Cardiac rehabilitation remains an indispensable tool of the cardiologist’s arsenal for improving cardiovascular health in his patients. The range of applications of cardiac rehabilitation has increased over time. In recent years outstanding athletic performances of elderly people have been reported. In this article we present the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation for elderly population and for elderly athletes. We also make an analysis of the elderly participation in WizzAir Cluj-Napoca Marathon: number of finishers, best running time, evolution of running time over years, male-to-female ratio participation and results. Key words: cardiac rehabilitation, elderly, marathon, semimarathon, Wizz Air,

rs6295 [C]-Allele Protects Against Depressive Mood in Elderly Endurance Athletes

A single nucleotide variant within the promoter of the 5-hydroxytryptamine1A (5HT1A) receptor, rs6295, is part of a binding site for the transcription factor NUDR (nuclear-DEAF-1-related). We aimed to ascertain whether the rs6295 mediates the effect of exercise on depressive mood in elderly endurance athletes. We prospectively enrolled 55 elderly athletes (marathon runners/bicyclists) and 58 controls. In a controlled, univariate model, an interaction between the [C]-allele and physical activity indicated that only among athletes, the variant resulting in an imperfect NUDR binding site was associated with a lower depression score. Hence, athletes presented with a significantly lower relative risk of achieving a suspicious depression score among carriers of at least one [C]-allele. Our results suggest that the positive effect of physical exercise on depressive mood might be mediated by the 5HT1A receptor and the extent of this protective effect seems to be enhanced by the [C]-allele of the rs6295 variant.