Complex training, a combination of resistance training and plyometrics is growing in popularity, despite limited support for its efficacy. In pre- and early pubertal children, the study of complex training has been limited, and to our knowledge an examination of its effect on anaerobic performance characteristics of the upper and lower body has not been undertaken. Furthermore, the effect of detraining after complex training requires clarification. The physical characteristics (mean+/-s) of the 54 male participants in the present study were as follows: age 12.3 +/- 0.3 years, height 1.57 +/- 0.07 m, body mass 50.3 +/- 11.0 kg. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental (n = 33) or control group (n = 21). The training, which was performed three times a week for 12 weeks, included a combination of dynamic constant external resistance and plyometrics. After training, participants completed 12 weeks of detraining. At baseline, after training and after detraining, peak and mean anaerobic power, dynamic strength and athletic performance were assessed. Twenty-six participants completed the training and none reported any training-related injury. Complex training was associated with small increases (< or =5.5%) in peak and mean power during training, followed by decreases of a similar magnitude (< or = -5.9%) during detraining (P < 0.05). No changes or minor, progressive increases (< or =1.5%) were evident in the control group (P > 0.05). In the experimental group, dynamic strength was increased by 24.3 - 71.4% (dependent on muscle group; P < 0.01), whereas growth-related changes in the control group varied from 0 to 4.4% (P > 0.05). For 40-m sprint running, basketball chest pass and vertical jump test performance, the experimental group saw a small improvement (< or =4.0%) after training followed by a decline (< or = -4.4%) towards baseline during detraining (P < 0.05), whereas the control group experienced no change (P > 0.05). In conclusion, in pre- and early pubertal boys, upper and lower body complex training is a time-effective and safe training modality that confers small improvements in anaerobic power and jumping, throwing and sprinting performance, and marked improvements in dynamic strength. However, after detraining, the benefits of complex training are lost at similar rates to other training modalities.

Aquatic exercise training improved functional capacity, balance, and perceptions of fatigue in women with MS.

Objective The main objective of this study was to explore patients' perceptions of general practitioner (GP) exercise referral (ER) schemes with a view to providing a better service for future patients. Design A qualitative focus group methodology. Setting Meeting rooms or communal areas in leisure centres across North Yorkshire. Method Thirty participants took part in six focus groups. Data were analysed using a content analysis technique based on the 'framework' approach. Results Participants were generally very positive about the ER schemes and reported numerous benefits including: improved self-confidence, wellbeing and quality of life; increased physical activity behaviour and awareness; and improved physical health and fitness. Access to the ER scheme appeared to be restricted due to a lack of awareness amongst primary health care staff. Participants were content with the activities provided by the leisure centres, but felt that there should be more group activities and opportunities to meet other people. Conclusion Findings from this study provide support for the use of ER schemes for promoting physical activity and improving health. Despite existing evidence supporting a move towards promoting informal, unstructured, unsupervised physical activity, ER schemes provide participants with support, supervision, structure and opportunities for social contact, which act as powerful motivators for some people. In terms of a population approach, however, the ER scheme must be considered as just one method for promoting physical activity, and must be part of a broader strategy encompassing a wide range of initiatives in a number of settings.

In elderly patients with CHF, the 6-MWT shows satisfactory agreement when repeated 1 year later. Change in 6-MWT distance is sensitive to change in self-perceived symptoms of heart failure.

Background: The health benefits of an active lifestyle have been extensively documented and generally accepted. In the UK, declining physical activity levels are a major contributing factor to a number of public health concerns such as obesity and coronary heart disease. Clearly, there is an urgent need to support people in developing sustainable active lifestyles. In 2003, a new lifestylebased physical activity service called Active Lifestyles (AL) was set up in Kingston-upon-Hull to help local residents to become more active and develop healthier lifestyles. The service targeted the most deprived communities in the city. The aim of the study was to explore participants' perceptions of the operation and effectiveness of the AL service.