The present research was carried out to determine the best selection criteria for yield improvement in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). Nine genotypes of Brassica napus were sown at Oilseeds Research Institute, Faisalabad, during the years 2011- 2012, to evaluate the means and components of variability (genotypic and phenotypic), heritability (h2 B.S), correlation (genotypic and phenotypic) and path analysis for yield and various yield components. At phenotypic and genotypic level, seed yield/plant had significant positive correlation with plant height, seeds/plant and siliqua/plant. A positive and highly significant genetic relationship was found between plant height and seeds/plant, siliqua length and seeds/siliqua, days to maturity and 1000 seed weight, days to flowering and seeds/plant, days to maturity and seeds/plant. Path coefficient revealed that the seeds/siliqua, 1000 seed weight, days to flowering, days to maturity and seeds/plant had direct positive contribution towards seed yield per plant. For rapeseed breeding seed per plant was the variable with maximum potential of selection for seed yield improvement because this trait possessed high h2 B.S, highly significant positive correlation and maximum positive direct effects with yield

Background: To test the efficacy of a documented 5-week karate training intervention for rehabilitation and neuroprotection in older adults. Methods: Sixteen older adults (8 male, 8 female, age 59-90y), with or without chronic conditions, participated a 5-week karate training intervention. Dynamic balance, hand grip, ankle plantarflexion force, Timed Up and Go (TUG), and spinal cord excitability (via the soleus H-reflex) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results: Participants completed 2437 steps, 1762 turns, 3585 stance changes, 2047 punches, 2757 blocks, and 1253 strikes. Karate training improved dynamic postural performance. The group average time for dynamic postural reaction was reduced (time to target (-13.6%, p = 0.020) and time to center (-8.3%, p =0.010)). TUG was unchanged when considering the entire group (p=0.779), but reductions were found in 5 neurologically intact older adults (-4.5 to -8.6%; p<0.05) and increased for 1 Parkinson’s Disease participant (3.8%, p<0.05). Strength increased in left arm (7.9%, p=0.037), right leg (28.8%, p=0.045), and left leg (13.3%, p=0.024) for the group. Spinal cord excitability remained unchanged across the group but 3 neurologically intact older adults (215.4%, 47.9%, -35.9%; p<0.05) and 2 Parkinson’s Disease participants (152.4%, 195.3%; p<0.05) had modulated H-reflex amplitudes. Conclusion: 5-weeks of karate training delivered in a fashion to mimic community-level programs provided an effective therapeutic “dose” to improve balance and strength in older adults. Whole-body training embodied in martial arts enhanced neuromuscular function and postural integration. Further quantitative work should explore threshold dose and development of martial arts interventions as functional fitness for older adults.