Deep vein thrombosis in a jogger

Deep vein thrombosis is rare in young and healthy athletes. A case of venous thrombosis is reported in a young, physically fit jogger.

Sudden cardiac death at exertion

In order to investigate sudden cardiac death at exertion (sports, and light work in daily life), 226 cases of sudden death during sports and 1,729 autopsy cases of sudden death were studied, and exercise tests were performed on 138 patients with various cardiac diseases. Among sports, marathon or jogging caused sudden death most frequently (52.7%). It occurred often immediately after goal (41.3%) or before goal (28.0%), but cases with a history of heart disease died at the beginning of the race. Severe heat, overwork and other factors may precipitate the sudden death. In autopsy cases of sudden cardiac death which occurred at exertion, coronary arteriosclerosis (C) was found in 67.0%, cardiac hypertrophy of unknown etiology (H) in 7.8% and valvular heart diseases (V) in 7.1%. Sudden death in patients with C or H were more frequent at exertion than at rest. Patients with C were older and died at light work. Those with H of a high degree also died at light work, but the younger ones with a mild H died at sports activity. At exercise test, in patients with arrhythmia or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, abnormalities may occur after exercise. Sudden death at exertion may depend on the predisposing heart disease. Care should be taken especially at the end of the race.

The characteristics of EEG power spectra changes after ACL rupture

Background

Reestablishing knee stability is the core of the treatment of ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injury. Some patients still have a feeling of instability of the knee after ACL injury treatment. This unstable feeling may be caused by central nervous system changes after ACL rupture.

Methods

To identify the central changes after ACL rupture, EEG spectra were recorded to compare ACL patients and healthy controls when they were walking, jogging, and landing.

Results

There was a significant increase in delta, theta, alpha and beta band power during walking, jogging and landing in ACL patients. We also found an asymmetry phenomenon of EEG only in the ACL patients, mainly in the frontal area and central-parietal area. The asymmetry of beta band power extended to the frontal and the central area during jogging and landing task.

Conclusions

There were significant differences in EEG power spectra between the ACL patients and healthy people. ACL patients showed high EEG band power activities and an asymmetry phenomenon. EEG power changes were affected by movements, the asymmetry extended when performing more complicated movements.

Effect of atenolol or prazosin on maximal exercise performance in hypertensive joggers

We evaluated maximal performance during cycle ergometry and treadmill exercise in 14 hypertensive male joggers treated with prazosin or atenolol in an unblinded, placebo-controlled, crossover design. Maximal oxygen uptake was measured during both exercise modalities; cardiac output was measured only during cycle ergometry using the acetylene rebreathing technique. Both drugs reduced resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Prazosin reduced total peripheral resistance during submaximal exercise but had little effect on maximal cycle and treadmill performance. Atenolol, in contrast, reduced treadmill duration, maximal oxygen uptake, and heart rate compared with placebo. Atenolol also increased stroke volume and the arterial venous oxygen difference and reduced cardiac output during cycle exercise. Both drugs produced similar reductions in exercise diastolic pressure, but exercise systolic pressure was lower only during atenolol treatment. Prazosin was better tolerated by the subjects and was preferred by 10 of the men. We conclude that both drugs effectively reduced resting blood pressure, but that atenolol decreased exercise cardiac output and may impede exercise performance in physically active hypertensive subjects.

Relations of moderate physical exercise to scores on hostility, aggression, and aggression, and trait-anxiety

100 male subjects were selected from a midwestern university and categorized into 5 jogging groups, advanced, intermediate, beginning, drop-out joggers and nonexercisers, who were administered the Commitment to Running Scale, the Buss-Durkee inventory measuring hostility and aggression, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Analysis of covariance with age as a covariate was performed using a 5 x 2 design with the 5 levels of jogging and status of the jogger (student/nonstudent) as independent variables. Fisher's LSD was used for multiple comparisons. Joggers scored higher than drop-outs or nonexercisers on the Commitment to Running Scale. Nonexercisers had higher mean scores on trait anxiety than advanced, intermediate, and drop-out joggers; advanced joggers had a lower mean trait-anxiety score than any other group. Nonexercisers had higher mean aggression and hostility scores than drop-out or advanced joggers; drop-out and advanced joggers did not differ significantly but their scores were significantly lower than those of other groups of joggers. These findings confirm that jogging affects trait anxiety, hostility, and aggression positively, which supports use of exercise preventively.

Jogging causes a significant increase in platelet sensitivity to prostacyclin

Platelet function and platelet sensitivity to PGI2 was studied before and after jogging in seven males and four females in good health. The ADP-induced (1 microM) aggregation, being always increased after physical activity, showed during the entire follow-up period of 12 months a significant decrease at rest and after exercise compared with baseline values. The change in the aggregation response was significant for t alpha at month 1 and for delta tmax at month 2 after starting the jogging. The platelet sensitivity to PGI2, being always diminished after exercise, also increased significantly during the entire follow-up period compared with baseline levels. In contrast to the ADP-induced changes, the changes in platelet sensitivity were significant already at week 2. Our findings indicate that daily physical activity causes a significant improvement in platelet function and reduces platelet activation.

Neuropsychological and Functional Impact of COVID-19 on Mild Cognitive Impairment

We present a case report to showcase that behavioral, cognitive, and functional decline may be associated with COVID-19 stay-home guidance among older adults with pre-existent cognitive impairment. In a functionally independent and physically active older adult with Mild Cognitive Impairment, there was worsening in depression and anxiety symptoms associated with the restrictions of COVID-19. Functional decline was also noted as assessed by Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. We discuss solutions to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 restrictions in this vulnerable population.

Serum concentrations of thyrotropin, thyroxine, triiodothyronine and thyroxine binding globulin in female endurance runners and joggers

The effects of endurance training and season on the function of the anterior pituitary-thyroid axis were studied in 18 female runners and their 12 controls, and in 13 joggers and their 11 controls in Northern Finland, with a large seasonal difference in environmental factors. The serum concentrations of thyrotropin (TSH), thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine (fT4), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine binding globulin (TBG) and oestradiol (E2) were measured during one menstrual cycle in the light training season (autumn) and in the hard training season (spring). The responses of TSH to intravenous TRH stimulation were also measured in the luteal phase of the cycle during the hard training season. Endurance running did not affect the basal or TRH-stimulated serum TSH concentrations, while those of T4 and fT4 in runners were lowered in both seasons and that of T3 in the light training season in relation to control subjects. The serum concentrations of TBG were also significantly lower in runners than their controls in the luteal phase in both seasons. The effect of jogging on thyroid hormones was less pronounced. Serum concentrations of TSH, T4, fT4, T3 and TBG were generally slightly higher in spring than in autumn. Strenuous endurance training seems to have minor changes on the function of the thyroid gland. Depressed T4 levels in runners may rather be due to lowered TBG levels than due to direct effect of training. In spring the function of anterior pituitary-thyroid axis is more active than in autumn.

[Knee endoprosthesis: sports orthopedics possibilities and limitations]

Many patients would like to resume some sport activities after total knee replacement; however, most recommendations are based on subjective opinion rather than scientific evidence. The following paper presents a literature review of sports after total knee replacement and includes recommendations which are based on biomechanical laws. Most total knee designs show increased conformity near full extension. Beyond a certain knee flexion angle, the conformity ratio decreases due to a reduced femoral radius. Therefore, these designs accept higher loads near full extension than in flexion. In order to recommend suitable physical activities after total knee replacement, both the load and the knee flexion angle of the peak load must be considered. It has been shown that power walking and cycling produce the lowest polyethylene inlay stress of a total knee replacement and seem to be the least demanding endurance activities. Jogging and downhill walking show high inlay stress levels and should be avoided. Hence, for mountain hiking, patients are advised to avoid descents or at least use skipoles and walk slowly downhill to reduce the load on the knee joint. It must also be mentioned that any activity represents additional wear, which may affect the long-term results of total knee replacements. Further clinical studies are necessary to validate the biomechanical investigations.

The comparative efficacy of antecedent exercise and methylphenidate: a single-case randomized trial

This study evaluated the comparative efficacy of antecedent exercise, methylphenidate (Ritalin), and placebo in the reduction of hyperactive behaviour in a pre-school boy. A single-case alternating treatments experimental design was employed for a total of 82 days. The dependent variable was the Conners' Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire. Antecedent exercise failed to reduce hyperactive behaviour. Methylphenidate produced significantly less hyperactive behaviour than both placebo and antecedent exercise (P = 0.0238). Neither methylphenidate nor antecedent exercise produced notable side-effects as measured by the Monitoring of Side-Effects Scale. These data add to a sparse literature on the effects of antecedent exercise and methylphenidate amongst pre-school children.

[Estimation of energy expenditure during walking and jogging by using an electro-pedometer]

Using an electro-pedometer which is commercially available, energy expenditure during walking and/or jogging was assessed, and was compared with that obtained by oxygen uptake (VO2). Thirteen male students and 12 female students exercised on 6 minutes duration treadmill tests which velocities were 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120m/min for walking and 100, 120, 140, 160, and 180m/min for jogging, respectively. During exercise, energy expenditure was calculated by VO2 value and respiratory exchange ratio, and was estimated by an electro-pedometer. There was a significant linear relationship between energy expenditures estimated by the pedometer and calculated by VO2 during walking and jogging. To predict energy expenditure more precisely by the electro-pedometer, it is suggested that more precise value of stride should be inputted into the pedometer. In conclusion, the present study showed that commercially available electro-pedometer is able to use for the estimation of energy expenditure with precise validity during walking and/or jogging.

Stiffness Effects in Rocker-Soled Shoes: Biomechanical Implications

Rocker-soled shoes provide a way to reduce the possible concentration of stress, as well as change movement patterns, during gait. This study attempts to examine how plantar force and spatio-temporal variables are affected by two rocker designs, one with softer and one with denser sole materials, by comparing them with the barefoot condition and with flat-soled shoes. Eleven subjects' gait parameters during walking and jogging were recorded. Our results showed that compared with barefoot walking, plantar forces were higher for flat shoes while lower for both types of rocker shoes, the softer-material rocker being the lowest. The plantar force of flat shoes is greater than the vertical ground reaction force, while that of both rocker shoes is much less, 13.87-30.55% body weight. However, as locomotion speed increased to jogging, for all shoe types, except at the second peak plantar force of the denser sole material rocker shoes, plantar forces were greater than for bare feet. More interestingly, because the transmission of force was faster while jogging, greater plantar force was seen in the rocker-soled shoes with softer material than with denser material; results for higher-speed shock absorption in rocker-soled shoes with softer material were thus not as good. In general, the rolling phenomena along the bottom surface of the rocker shoes, as well as an increase in the duration of simultaneous curve rolling and ankle rotation, could contribute to the reduction of plantar force for both rocker designs. The possible mechanism is the conversion of vertical kinetic energy into rotational kinetic energy. To conclude, since plantar force is related to foot-ground interface and deceleration methods, rocker-design shoes could achieve desired plantar force reduction through certain rolling phenomena, shoe-sole stiffness levels, and locomotion speeds.

The effect of exercise on non-restricted caloric intake in male joggers

This study examined the effects of both increasing and decreasing normal energy expenditure over periods of one week on the self-reported caloric intake of seven male joggers (22-27 years). The three levels of energy expenditure were: no exercise, regular exercise and double exercise. Despite significant difference in energy expenditure across conditions, self-reported caloric intake did not differ significantly, suggesting that energy intake was not affected by short-term changes in energy expenditure.

Acute periostitis in early acquired syphilis simulating shin splints in a jogger

Acute periostitis affecting the long bones is a characteristic but uncommon manifestation of syphilis in the adult with an early acquired infection. This report describes the history of a jogger who developed acute localized periostitis of the shaft of both tibiae during the early stage of acquired syphilis. Symptomatology was initially attributed to the medial tibial stress syndrome.

Ventricular arrhythmias during exercise testing, jogging, and sedentary life: a comparative study of healthy physically active men, healthy sedentary men, and men with previous myocardial infarction

The occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias during exercise testing, jogging, and sedentary life with and without preceding exercise was studied with the aid of ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring in healthy physically active men, healthy sedentary men, and men with previous myocardial infarction (15 men in each group). Ventricular premature beats of the same grade were found during exercise testing and jogging in ten of the 15 healthy physically active men, in ten of the 15 healthy sedentary men, and in eight of the 15 men with previous myocardial infarction. When unifocal ventricular premature beats were omitted, the corresponding figures were 14/15, 11/15, and 15/15, respectively. Healthy physically active men had less ventricular arrhythmias in all of the tested situations. The greatest number and also the highest grades of ventricular arrhythmias during the exercises were found in healthy sedentary men, whereas the men with previous myocardial infarction had ventricular arrhythmias more during sedentary life.

Further evaluation of physical fitness age versus physiological age in women

The present study was conducted to examine further whether adult women who are in a state of high physical fitness possess high physiological functions, and also to investigate whether those who exercise regularly are able to maintain a high quality of various physiological functions. The subjects of this study were 249 healthy Japanese adult women (aged 20-70 years). Of these subjects 30 had jogged or walked regularly for more than 3 years. The physiological ages (PA) and physical fitness ages (FA) of the individuals were estimated from 17 physiological function tests and 5 physical fitness tests, respectively, by principal components analyses. The results indicated that there was a significant correlation between PA and FA (r = 0.76, P < 0.01). To examine this relationship in more detail, the subjects were classified into three physical fitness groups (high, normal and low) based on the deviation from the regression line of FA. Comparison of the mean PA among three physical fitness groups revealed that the high physical fitness groups demonstrated a much lower PA (physiologically younger), while the low physical fitness groups showed a relatively higher PA (physiologically older) in spite of their equivalent chronological ages. From this series of studies, a new concept is proposed where different individuals have different peak physiological capacities, but that these capacities change with age at similar rates. It is suggested that interventions such as exercise and a proper diet for promoting health could increase peak functional capacity but have little effect on the rate of decline.

Beta-endorphin and components of emotionality discriminate between physically active and sedentary men

Differences between physically active and sedentary men were tested by profile comparison. The study identifies the relative importance of circulating beta-endorphin (BE), atherosclerotic disease risk (ADR) index, and selected components of emotionality in discriminating between physically active and sedentary men. The subjects were psychologically normal and medically healthy middle-aged men. Jogging activity was the subject classification criterion. The data were collected on selected physiological (treadmill), biochemical (blood collected from resting subjects), and psychological (Eysenck and MMPI) variables. The physical fitness score (PFS) was used as an index of fitness. Physically active men with a high PFS (n = 21), when compared to the sedentary men with a low PFS (n = 15), exhibited lower basal plasma BE, lower ADR, lower anxiety index (AI), and lower MMPI depression score (D). Canonical correlation analysis showed that PFS and BE in one set were correlated with D and neuroticism (NS) in another set of variables. Discriminant function analysis showed that the AI was the most powerful discriminator between the physically active and sedentary men, followed by BE and NS. Interestingly, BE and NS exhibited the same magnitude of discrimination power. The ADR exhibited less discrimination power, relative to AI, BE, and NS. In conclusion, the physically active men, compared to the sedentary men in this study, exhibited lower basal plasma BE, which appeared to be associated with less atherosclerotic disease risk, less neuroticism, less anxiety, and less depression.

Beta-endorphin and components of depression as powerful discriminators between joggers and sedentary middle-aged men

This study identifies the relative importance of resting plasma beta-endorphin, used as a marker of perceived stress, and components of non-clinical depression that discriminate between physically active joggers and sedentary men. The profiles of joggers (n = 10) and sedentary (n = 10) middle-aged men (40-60 yr) were compared. The jogger group had been running about 20 miles per week for at least 3 yr.

RESULTS

as expected, the joggers exhibited greater physical fitness, but lower circulating beta-endorphin (measured with the subjects at rest). The joggers also exhibited greater emotional stability (Eysenck scores), and lower depression (MMPI Scale 2 scores). In addition, the joggers had lower scores on MMPI subscales of depression: subjective depression, physical malfunctioning, mental dullness, and brooding. Multivariate discriminant function analyses showed that subjective depression, beta-endorphin, and physical malfunctioning were powerful discriminators between the jogger and sedentary groups.

IN CONCLUSION

(1) subjective depression appeared to be the MMPI component of depression that most powerfully discriminated between joggers and sedentary middle-aged men in this study. (2) Lower beta-endorphin may be an adaptation to exercise training and was related to greater emotional stability and lower depression, especially lower subjective depression. (3) The lower beta-endorphin in the jogger group may be related to lower perceived stress in the joggers, relative to the sedentary group.