No abstract

This study examined the effects of a 6-week Nordic Walking (NW) training, at the intensity corresponding to the dominance of lipid metabolism, on the levels of selected physiological indices, the haemodynamic indices of the cardiovascular system and physical fitness in sedentary women older than 55 years of age. In addition, the physiological response of the female body to the walking effort on treadmill with poles (NW) and without poles (W) was compared and the influence of training on this response was determined. A single group study with a pre-test/post-test study design was conducted. Eighteen women performed NW controlled intensity training 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Body composition, resting blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), maximum oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) as well as circulatory and respiratory indices in two graded walking efforts on mechanical treadmill NW and W were measured before and after training period. The intensity of workouts, which considered the dominance of lipid metabolism, was determined individually, based on the dynamics of changes in the level of physiological indices during the graded intensity NW. After the course of training, body mass, fat mass, resting BP and HR decreased significantly (p < 0.05). HR and respiratory exchange ratio recorded during NW and W at 1.75 m. s-1 walking speed decreased, while the oxygen pulse increased (p < 0.05). VO 2 max increased significantly (p < 0.05). Before and after the training period HR, oxygen uptake per minute, and energy expenditure during NW were significantly higher than in W (p < 0.05). The study showed that 6-week NW training at the intensity corresponding to the dominance of lipid metabolism can provide improvement in body composition, cardiovascular function and physical performance in previously sedentary women. NW compared to the regular walk with the same speed revealed higher energy expenditure.

Within a relatively short time, the Nordic walking with the customized intensity level focused on the dominance of fat metabolism, decreased body fat and improved the blood antioxidant defense system for previously sedentary women. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(3):445-454.

Study aim. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of using of vibro-massage on specific parameters of frequency, amplitude and pulsation sequence after prolonged physical exercise on post-workout restitution among men, based on the assessment of biochemical concentrations of indicators assessing the degree of damage to muscle cells. Material and methods. A group of 20 men aged 22±2.5 years was selected for the study, with average values of: body height (BH) - 179±1.00 cm, body mass (BM) - 74.3±1.70 kg, percentage of fat content (PF) - 10.8±0.60%, and with a fairly high level of VO2max 52.6±8.0 ml.kg-1.min-1. Results. In two groups - with the use of vibration procedures (VG) and placebo (PG), statistically significant differences were found for lactate concentration (LA) in blood samples (serum) collected after 15, 30 and 60 minutes, as well as MMP-2, Mb and IL-6 1h later and 24 hours following the exercise. Conclusions. It has been shown that a single, strong physical stimulus causes large disturbances of homeostasis in the body, while the use of vibro-massage with the indicated parameters, during rest, results in an increase in the rate of the body’s restitution during the post-exercise phase.

Knowledge of the circadian rhythm of the blind person and diurnal changes in anaerobic power and hormones concentration can create the possibility of individualising physical training. The aim of the study was to examine the time-of-day effects on anaerobic performance and the concentration of selected hormones. The measurements were performed at two different times of the day (10:00 a.m., 10:00 p.m.) in blind men at the age of 20–25 years old. The experiment group was chosen by using repeated hormonal tests four times a day so that each selected patient had a sleep/wake cycle even of 24 h. Anaerobic peak power and total work were tested in an anaerobic sprint test, and the concentration of growth hormone, testosterone, cortisol, and melatonin was determined. In blind men, the hormonal response was not driven by the photoperiod as in the control group. In the blind group, at 10:00 p.m., anaerobic peak power and total work results were significantly higher than at 10:00 a.m. and negatively correlated with melatonin levels. No such correlation was found in the control group.