Effects of upper body resistance training on pulmonary functions in sedentary male smokers

Efficacy of Wheelchair Skills Training Program in Enhancing Sitting Balance and Pulmonary Function in Chronic Tetraplegic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a wheelchair skills training program (WSTP) in improving sitting balance and pulmonary function in patients with chronic tetraplegia resulting from cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI). Materials and Methods: Twenty-four patients were randomly divided into WSTP and control groups. The WSTP group participated in the WSTP for eight weeks, while the control group underwent conventional physical therapy for the same eight-week period. Sitting balance was evaluated using the activity-based balance level evaluation (ABLE) scale, and pulmonary function was evaluated using forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow (PEF). Results: The WSTP group showed significant improvements in both sitting balance and pulmonary function during the intervention period (p < 0.05), whereas the control group did not show any significant changes. A strong positive correlation was found between ABLE scores and all three pulmonary function parameters across all time points. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the WSTP significantly improves sitting balance and specific aspects of lung function in patients with tetraplegia.

The Association between the Respiratory System and Upper Limb Strength in Males with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A New Field for Intervention?

Progressive, irreversible muscle weakness is the leading symptom of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), often resulting in death from respiratory muscle failure. Little is known about the relationship between the functioning of the respiratory system and the hand grip-a function which remains long preserved. This study aimed to investigate the interdependence between muscle strength and the function of both hand grip and the respiratory system in patients with DMD.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

The study included cohort patients, aged 6-17, with DMD, recruited from the Rare Disease Centre, Gdansk, Poland. Clinical status (Vignos scale, Brook scale), pulmonary function (respiratory muscle strength-MIP, MEP); spirometry (FEV1; FVC), as well as upper limb function (performance of the upper limb-PUL 2.0) and hand grip strength (HGS) (hand-held dynamometer) were evaluated in all participants.

RESULTS

Finally, 53 boys (mean age 11.41 ± 3.70 years, 25 non-ambulant) were included. Each of the participants presented a lower %pv of MIP (48.11 ± 27), MEP (38.11 ± 22), PUL (75.64 ± 27), and HGS (33.28 ± 18). There were differences between the ambulatory and non-ambulatory groups in values of MIP, MEP, FVC, PUL, HGS (p < 0.001 for all), and FEV1 (p < 0.013). There were correlations between PUL, HGS, and MIP (R = 0.56; R = 0.61, p < 0.001 both), MEP (R = 0.59; R = 0.62, p < 0.001), FVC (R = 0.77; R = 0.77, p < 0.001), and FEV1 (R = 0.77; R = 0.79; p < 0.001). These correlations were found for all participants, but non-ambulatory patients presented stronger relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

1. The pulmonary and upper limb functions were within the normal range in ambulatory and low in non-ambulatory patients with DMD, but the muscle strength of both systems was low, regardless of the stage of the disease. 2. There seems to be an interdependence between the respiratory system and upper limb strength in terms of muscle strength and function in DMD patients, which is stronger in non-ambulatory patients. This may be the basis for the creation of a new personalized plan in rehabilitation-the simultaneous rehabilitation of the respiratory and upper limb muscles. Further studies on this theory should be conducted.

Resistance training prevents damage to the mitochondrial function of the skeletal muscle of rats exposed to secondary cigarette smoke

AIM

To analyze the consumption of oxygen and to quantify the mitochondrial respiratory chain proteins (OXPHOS) in the gastrocnemius muscle of rats exposed to cigarette smoke and/or RT practitioners.

MAIN METHODS

Wistar rats were divided into groups: Control (C), Smoker (S), Exercise (E) and Exercise Smoker (ES). Groups F and ES were exposed to the smoke of 4 cigarettes for 30 min, 2× a day, 5× a week, for 16 weeks. Groups E and ES performed four climbs with progressive load, 1× per day, 5× per week, for 16 weeks. The gastrocnemius muscle was collected for analysis of OXPHOS content and oxygen consumption. Groups S (vs. C) and ES (vs. C and E) showed lower body weight gain when observing the evolution curve.

KEY FINDINGS

The S rats showed a reduction in the NDUFB8 proteins of complex 1, SDHB of complex 2, MTC01 of complex 4 and ATP5A of complex 5 (ATP Synthase) compared to Group C. Additionally, S rats also showed increased consumption of O2 in Basal, Leak, Complex I and I/II combined measures compared to the other groups, suggesting that the activity of the mitochondria of these animals increased in terms of coupling and uncoupling parameters.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our data suggest that exposure to cigarette smoke for 16 weeks is capable of causing impairment of mitochondrial function with reduced expression of respiratory chain proteins in skeletal muscle. However, the RT was effective in preventing impairment of mitochondrial function in the skeletal muscle of rats exposed to secondary cigarette smoke.

Physical Exercise-Mediated Changes in Redox Profile Contribute to Muscle Remodeling After Passive Hand-Rolled Cornhusk Cigarette Smoke Exposure

Consumption of non-traditional cigarettes has increased considerably worldwide, and they can induce skeletal muscle dysfunction. Physical exercise has been demonstrated to be important for prevention and treatment of smoking-related diseases. Therfore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of combined physical exercise (aerobic plus resistance exercise) on muscle histoarchitecture and oxidative stress in the animals exposed chronically to smoke from hand-rolled cornhusk cigarette (HRCC). Male Swiss mice were exposed to ambient air or passively to the smoke of 12 cigarettes over three daily sessions (four cigarettes per session) for 30 consecutive days with or without combined physical training. 48 h after the last training session, total leukocyte count was measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and the quadriceps were removed for histological/immunohistochemical analysis and measurement of oxidative stress parameters. The effects of HRCC on the number of leukocytes in BALF, muscle fiber diameter, central nuclei, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were reverted after combined physical training. In addition, increased myogenic factor 5, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), reduced transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and nitrate levels were observed after physical training. However, the reduction in superoxide dismutase and glutathione/glutathione oxidized ratio induced by HRCC was not affected by the training program. These results suggest the important changes in the skeletal muscle brought about by HRCC-induced alteration in the muscle redox profile. In addition, combined physical exercise contributes to remodeling without disrupting muscle morphology.

Effect of breathing exercises combined with dynamic upper extremity exercises on the pulmonary function of young adults

BACKGROUND

The abdominal muscles, upper extremities, and diaphragm work in synergy to maintain trunk stability during breathing.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a breathing technique combined with dynamic upper extremity exercise on the pulmonary function of healthy adults.

METHOD

Forty male participants in their 20s were recruited and randomly divided into two groups of 20 participants each: the experimental group performed a dynamic upper extremity exercise with breathing, and the control group only performed the breathing exercise. The experimental duration was 4 weeks, and both groups performed each training three times per a week. We performed pulmonary function test.

RESULTS

Forced vital capacity increased significantly in both groups after the training period, but it was not significantly different between the two groups. Similarly, the forced expiratory volume at one second was not significantly different after training, but was significantly different between the two groups. In contrast, the peak expiratory flow did not show any significant within-group or between-group difference.

CONCLUSION

Consequently, we came up with result that breathing exercise with dynamic upper extremity exercise improves pulmonary function. Our findings indicate that the breathing and dynamic upper extremity exercise described here should be considered in patients who require breathing therapy, since it seems to have beneficial effects on pulmonary function.

Effect of Eight-Week Aerobic, Resistive, and Interval Exercise Routines on Respiratory Parameters in Non-Athlete Women

BACKGROUND

There are not many studies about the effects of physical activity on pulmonary function in normal population. However, it seems that strengthening and persevering respiratory muscles is an effective technique for improving pulmonary function.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of eight-week aerobic, resistance, and interval exercise routines on respiratory parameters in non-athlete women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six non-athlete women between 18-25 years old participated in this prospective quasi-experimental trial. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups (aerobic, resistance and interval exercise, 12 in each group). Each group exercised three times a week for a total of eight weeks (24 sessions in total). Pulmonary function tests (PFT), including tidal volume (VT), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), inspiratory capacity (IC), vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first seconds (FEV₁), the ratio of FEV₁/FVC, peak inspiratory flow (PIF), and forced expiratory flow (FEF 25-75%) were recorded before and after the implementation of the exercise program for all participants. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and one-way ANOVA.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 20.17 ± 2.13. The results of the paired T-test indicated that VC significantly increased in the group assigned to aerobic exercise (P = 0.028), while IC (P = 0.012) and PIF (P = 0.019) significantly increased in the group assigned to interval training.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that interval and aerobic exercise routines could improve pulmonary functions and aerobic and interval training can be used to increase VC, IC, PIF, in non-athlete women.

Correlation between basic physical fitness and pulmonary function in Korean children and adolescents: a cross-sectional survey

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to determine whether there was a correlation between basic physical fitness and pulmonary function in Korean school students, to present an alternative method for improving their pulmonary function. [Subjects and Methods] Two hundred forty healthy students aged 6-17 years performed physical fitness tests of hand-grip strength, sit and reach, Sargent jump, single leg stance, and pulmonary function tests of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) using a Quark PFT. [Results] Muscle strength and power of boys improved in the late period of elementary school and middle school. Muscle strength of girls improved in the late period of elementary school. Analysis of factors affecting pulmonary function revealed that height, weight, BMI, and body fat significantly correlated with spirometric parameters. Right hand-grip strength, left hand-grip strength, and Sargent jump also significantly correlated with FVC and FEV1. [Conclusion] In order to improve the pulmonary function of children and adolescents, aerobic exercise and an exercise program to increase muscle strength and power is needed, and it should start in the late period of elementary school when muscle strength and power are rapidly increasing.

A laboratory-based evaluation of exercise plus contingency management for reducing cigarette smoking

BACKGROUND

Both contingency management (CM) and exercise have shown promise as smoking cessation treatments, but their combined effects have not been evaluated. The present study evaluated whether CM (in which motivational incentives are provided for abstinence) plus exercise reduced smoking more than either component alone.

METHOD

In a within-subjects design, 20 smokers were exposed to exercise plus CM, exercise plus CM-control (non-contingent incentives), inactivity plus CM, and inactivity plus CM-control.

RESULTS

CM increased latencies to smoke and decreased total puffs (Mdns = 39.6 min and .8 puffs, respectively) relative to CM-control (Mdns = 2.5 min and 12.8 puffs). Exercise decreased craving relative to baseline for craving based on both the pleasurable consequences of smoking (D=-10.7 on a 100-point visual analog scale) and anticipated relief from withdrawal (D=-5.9), whereas inactivity increased both components of craving (Ds=7.6 and 3.5). Exercise had no effect on smoking or a measure of temporal discounting.

CONCLUSIONS

Although exercise decreased craving, it did not affect smoking behavior. Exercise plus CM was not more effective than CM alone.

Physical Activity Monitoring in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Reduced physical activity (PA) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality (e.g. exacerbations) and eventually leads to disability, depression, and social and physical isolation. Measuring PA in this population is important to accurately characterize COPD and to help clinicians during a baseline evaluation and patient follow-up. Also, it may help increase adherence to PA programs. There are reliable objective and subjective methods available to measure PA. Recently, several new monitors have been developed that have improved accuracy of such measurements. Because these devices provide real-time feedback, they may help to improve participant self-motivation strategies and reinforce daily lifestyle modifications, one of the main goals in COPD management. This review focuses on describing available instruments to measure PA, specifically in patients with COPD. The reliability, validity, advantages, limitations, and clinical applications of questionnaires, pedometers, and accelerometers are discussed. Finally, based on current published literature, we propose recommendations about which methods may be most useful in different research or clinical settings.

Efficacy of Resistance Training as an Aid to Smoking Cessation: Rationale and Design of the Strength To Quit Study

Despite recent declines in the rates of cigarette smoking, smoking remains prevalent among individuals with lower income, less education, and those with mental illness or HIV. Exercise is promoted as an aid to smoking cessation; however, the evidence for this recommendation is equivocal. To date, the majority of studies have only examined aerobic exercise; there is a poor understanding of the mechanisms of action; and there is an under-representation of male smokers. The goal of this trial is to produce new data that will help to address each of these gaps. A total of 206 male and female smokers will receive a brief smoking cessation education session prior to being randomized into a 12-week Resistance Training (RT) or Wellness Contact Control group. Both groups will have the option of using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and both will meet on-site twice per week during the 12-week program (24 total sessions). Follow-up assessments will occur at the end of the 12-weeks (3-month), and at a 6-month and 12-month (post-randomization) visit. Participants will not receive any additional smoking cessation treatment during follow-up; however, the RT group will receive a 9-month membership to a fitness center to encourage continued resistance training as a way to maintain cessation, and attendance will be tracked. The primary outcome is salivary-cotinine-verified 7-Day Point Prevalence Abstinence (PPA) at the 3-month assessment, and at the 6 and 12-month follow-ups. Secondary outcomes include effects of resistance training on nicotine withdrawal symptoms, indicators of mental health, and markers of disease risk.

Exercise-based smoking cessation interventions among women

Although smoking rates are lower among women than men, women are less likely to quit smoking in cessation trials. This is in part due to their tendency to smoke to help prevent or mitigate negative mood/affect, depression and/or postcessation weight gain. Exercise helps to alleviate women's fear of postcessation weight gain and reduces their cessation-related mood symptoms, making it a theoretically ideal smoking cessation intervention for women. In addition, short bouts of exercise decrease cigarette cravings and withdrawal symptoms among temporarily abstinent smokers. However, results from exercise-based smoking cessation interventions to date have been mostly nonsignificant. This paper describes the theoretical mechanisms (psychological, behavioral, physiological and neurobiological) and practical reasons underlying our belief that exercise-based smoking cessation interventions should not yet be abandoned despite their current paucity of supporting evidence. It also presents ideas for modifying future exercise-based smoking cessation interventions to increase adherence and, as a result, more accurately evaluate the effect of exercise on smoking cessation.

Effectiveness of the physical activity promotion programme on the quality of life and the cardiopulmonary function for inactive people: randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The purpose is to assess cardiopulmonary function outcomes and quality of life values in inactive people that participated in the Physical Activity Promotion Programme (PAPP) against the control group that did not perform this program.

METHOD

A total of 100 subjects of both genders participated in the randomized controlled trial with systematic random sampling; all were aged 55 and older, from Torremolinos, Spain. Participants either received (n = 50) the PAPP for 60 minutes, twice a week during three months or (n = 50) they received health education. The effectiveness of the intervention was measured by general state of health the Short Form 12 health survey questionnaire, and the quality of life was determined with the EuroQoL-5D questionnaire. Cardiopulmonary function was measured with a spirometry and a walking test according to the Bruce protocol.

RESULTS

This pilot study had a significant impact on the quality of life (p = 0.05) in men, which increased. However, the quality of life in women did not improve. The average changes in the lung and cardiovascular function was not significant between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in the quality of life measured with EQ-5D in the group of men who carried out the PAPP were statistically significant when comparing between groups. However changes in cardiopulmonary function were not as relevant when comparing between groups. There was a significant effect within each group in the pulmonary outcomes of values in men, within the experimental group.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Developed by the University of Málaga. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01172483.