Predicting the 1000 m rowing ergometer performance in 12–13-year-old rowers: The basis for selection process?

Performance-predictive parameters have been established for rowers representing different quality levels, sexes, weight categories and classifications, but none have been designed for very young rowers (age <14). The objective of this study was to predict 1000-m rowing ergometer performance based on 12 anthropometric and six physiological variables in 48 male rowers (age range 12.0-13.9 year; mean+/-S.D. 12.94+/-0.61) and to determine the key parameters that would perhaps provide a scientific basis for talent identification and the selection process in rowing. The subjects completed an incremental maximal treadmill test. Their body height (r=-0.79), body mass (r=-0.60), lean body mass (r=-0.82), leg length (r=-0.72), arm length (r=-0.71), bicristal diameter (r=-0.63), biacromial diameter (r=-0.73), upper arm girth (r=-0.34), forearm girth (r=-0.63), thigh girth (r=-0.29), calf girth (r=-0.54), maximal oxygen uptake (in L/min, r=-0.89; and in mL/kg/min, r=-0.36), maximal ventilation (r=-0.77), and oxygen uptake at ventilatory anaerobic threshold (r=-0.87) correlated with 1000-m time (p<0.05), while percent body fat, percent of maximal oxygen uptake at ventilatory anaerobic threshold and maximal lactate did not. Performance correlated significantly with age (r=-0.46; p<0.01), so it was important to consider this effect in the resulting regression models. Multiple regression procedures indicated that the model comprising anthropometric and physiological variables combined best predicts performance (R(2)=0.85), followed by models that comprised physiological (R(2)=0.80) and anthropometric (R(2)=0.76) variables alone. In conclusion, in rowers aged 12-13 year a higher aerobic capacity (as measured by maximal oxygen uptake in L/min), and a larger body size are beneficial for performance over 1000-m rowing ergometer distance.     

Anthropometric estimation of muscle mass in men

Twelve male cadavers (aged 50-94 yr) were subjected to comprehensive anthropometry, dissection, and weighing of all skeletal muscle. Correlation coefficients of limb girths with total skeletal muscle mass (MM) were high: forearm r = 0.96, mid-thigh r = 0.94, calf r = 0.84, and midarm r = 0.82. These increased when limb girths were corrected (by subtracting pi times the skinfold thickness) to estimate muscle girth. For dimensional consistency, variables in the regression analyses included the product of stature and the square of each corrected girth. For the six unembalmed cadavers, this yielded a three-girth equation for MM (r2 = 0.93; SEE = 1.56 kg), which was then validated using data from the embalmed cadavers. It predicted MM with an SEE of 1.58 kg and r2 = 0.93. Because the values of these SEEs were similar, we pooled the subjects from the two groups to generate the final estimation equation: MM = STAT (0.0553CTG2 + 0.0987FG2 + 0.0331CCG2) - 2445 (SEE = 1.53 kg, r2 = 0.97), where STAT is stature (cm), CTG is thigh circumference corrected for the front thigh skinfold thickness (cm), FG is the uncorrected forearm circumference (cm), and CCG is the calf circumference corrected for the medial calf skinfold thickness (cm). Despite the limitations of the cadaver sample, the proposed equation appears to provide the best estimate of skeletal muscle mass to date, in that it is the only cadaver-validated equation and it gives values that are consistent with all known dissection data.     

Swimming and cycling overloaded training in triathlon has no effect on running kinematics and economy

The aim of the study was to verify whether an overloaded training (OT) in triathlon deteriorates running kinematics (RK) and running economy (RE). Thirteen well-trained male long-distance triathletes (age: 28.1 +/- 4.3 yrs; V.O (2max): 65.0 +/- 3.1 ml O (2) . min (-1) . kg (-1)) were divided into two groups: completed an individualized OT program (OG; n = 7) or maintained a normal level of training (NT) (CG; n = 6) for a duration of 3 weeks. Every week, each triathlete completed a standardized questionnaire to quantify the influence of training loads on mood state. To reach OT, total training load (h . 3 wk (-1)) was increased by 24 %; swimming and cycling total volumes were increased by 46 and 57 %, respectively, but the distance run was not modified in order to limit the risk of injuries. RK and RE were determined on treadmill test at 12 km . h (-1) before and after the 3 weeks. The 3-week swimming and cycling OT in triathlon was sufficiently stressful to alter mood state but not to deteriorate the running kinematics and economy parameters in our previously well-trained male long-distance triathletes.     

Improving golf performance with a warm up conditioning programme

Objectives: To determine whether a golf specific warm up programme (both immediately prior to play and after performing it five times a week for 5 weeks) improved performance in 10 male golfers compared with 10 controls matched for age, sex, and handicap.

Methods: Twenty male golfers were matched for age (±2 years) and handicap (±1 stroke). Club head speed was assessed by two dimensional video analysis in a laboratory setting. In week 1, all golfers performed 10 strokes. In weeks 2 and 7, the controls underwent the same procedure as in week 1. The exercise group performed the golf specific warm up followed by their 10 strokes. Between weeks 2 and 7, the exercise group performed the specially designed warm up five times a week for 5 weeks.

Results: The mean club head speeds of the exercise group improved at each testing week. Between weeks 1 and 2, golfers in the exercise group improved their club head speed on average by 3–6 m/s (12.8%), and between weeks 1 and 7, they increased their club head speeds by 7–10 m/s (24.0%). With the exception of one golfer whose club head speed varied by 1.7 m/s, the mean club head speeds of the golfers in the control group hardly varied over the testing period (range: 0.3–0.8 m/s). A significant difference (p = 0.029) was found between the mean club head speeds of the exercise and control groups over the duration of the study, and a significant interaction over time (p<0.001) was also found.

Conclusions: This study has shown that golfers' performances will be significantly improved by undertaking a golf specific warm up programme compared with not performing the warm up.

     

Risk factors associated with exertional medial tibial pain: a 12 month prospective clinical study

Objective: To investigate in a military setting the potential role of intrinsic biomechanical and anthropometric risk factors for, and the incidence of, exertional medial tibial pain (EMTP).

Methods: A prospective clinical outcome study in a cohort of 122 men and 36 women at the Australian Defence Force Academy. Each cadet underwent measurements of seven intrinsic variables: hip range of motion, leg length discrepancy, lean calf girth, maximum ankle dorsiflexion range, foot type, rear foot alignment, and tibial alignment. Test–retest reliability was undertaken on each variable. A physician recorded any cadet presenting with diagnostic criteria of EMTP. Records were analysed at 12 months for EMTP presentation and for military fitness test results.

Results: 23 cadets (12 men, 11 women) met the criteria for EMTP after 12 months, with a cross gender (F/M) odds ratio of 3.1. In men, both internal and external range of hip motion was greater in those with EMTP: left internal (12°, p = 0.000), right internal (8°, p = 0.014), left external (8°, p = 0.042), right external (9°, p = 0.026). Lean calf girth was lower by 4.2% for the right leg (p = 0.040) but by only 2.9% for the left leg (p = 0.141). No intrinsic risk factor was associated with EMTP in women. EMTP was the major cause for non-completion of the run component of the ADFA fitness test in both men and women.

Conclusions: Greater internal and external hip range of motion and lower lean calf girth were associated with EMTP in male military cadets. Women had high rates of injury, although no intrinsic factor was identified. Reasons for this sex difference need to be identified.

     

Physical characteristics that predict vertical jump performance in recreational male athletes

Objectives. To determine the relationship between vertical jump performance and anthropometric and physical characteristics in recreational male athletes. Design. A prospective regression analysis. Participants. Twenty-three male recreational athletes, between the ages of 20 and 37 years. Outcome measures. Anthropometric and performance measurements were recorded: age, height, body weight, body fat composition, thigh and leg girth, balance, lower extremity flexibility, quadriceps isokinetic average force, quadriceps average power, vertical jump displacement, knee flexion angle prior to vertical jump, and anaerobic power. Results. The ‘best’ linear regression model included the following regressor variables: percent body fat (p<0.0001), Margaria–Kalamen test time (p=0.004), stork balance test (p=0.007), age (p=0.01), right calf girth (p=0.04), and left eccentric quadriceps average force production (p=0.23). This prediction model was found to have a R² of 0.87, with 62% of the variability explained by body fat and the Margaria–Kalamen anaerobic power test time. Conclusion. This study suggests that body fat and the Margaria–Kalamen anaerobic power test are strong predictors of vertical jump performance in recreational male athletes. Age, eccentric quadriceps force production, calf girth, and standing balance also contributed to the prediction of vertical jump in this population.     

Case report: reduction of low back pain in a professional golfer

Previous research agrees that the majority of injuries that affect male golfers are located in the lower back and that they are related to improper swing mechanics and/or the repetitive nature of the swing. This study describes the trunk motion and paraspinal muscle activity during the swing of a golfer with related low back pain (LBP) and assesses the effect of a 3-month period of muscle conditioning and coaching on these variables. Motion of the trunk was measured using three-dimensional video analysis and electromyograms (EMGs) were recorded from the same six sites of the erector spinae at the start and end of the 3-month period. At the end of the period, the golfer was able to play and practice without LBP. Coaching resulted in an increase in the range of hip turn and a decrease in the amount of shoulder turn, which occurred during the swing. In addition, a reduction in the amount of trunk flexion/lateral flexion during the downswing occurred in conjunction with less activity in the left erector spinae. These changes may serve to reduce the torsional and compressive loads acting on the thoracic and lumbar spine, which in turn may have contributed to the cessation of the LBP and would reduce the risk of reoccurrence in the future. In conclusion, further research with more subjects would now be warranted in order to test the findings of this program for the prevention of low back in golfers as piloted in this case report.     

The influence of somatotype on anthropometric prediction of body composition in young women

The influence of somatotype on the validity of anthropometric prediction of body density (Db) in young women (N = 92) was investigated. Three groups of predominantly endomorph (N = 27), mesomorph (N = 35), and ectomorph (N = 30) women were identified by the Heath-Carter and Sheldon somatotyping methods. Discriminant analysis revealed a 100% accuracy in somatotype group determination. Thirteen diameters, 26 girths, and 8 skinfolds were measured and used in a STEPWISE regression analysis to derive somatotype-specific regression equations to predict body density. Combining all the measures provided very good prediction accuracy in all three groups with multiple correlation coefficients (R) of 0.98, 0.90, and 0.90, and the standard error of estimate (SEE) of 0.003, 0.005, and 0.005 for Db (gm X cc-1) in the endomorphs, mesomorphs, and ectomorphs, respectively. A cross-validation study confirmed the accuracy of the somatotype-specific regression equations and demonstrated an inherent weakness in using some generalized equations on specific somatotypes. The use of non-somatotype-specific equations resulted in mean Db prediction errors ranging from -0.018 to +0.023 gm X cc-1 (8.5 to -10.7% Fat). Although all equations tested demonstrated specific weaknesses in one or more of the somatotype groups when predicting Db, the Jackson et al. (1980) equation performed better than most of the non-somatotype-specific prediction equations. These findings suggest that the anthropometric estimation of Db may not be sample specific in the same manner as had been previously thought and that greater accuracy may be achieved by using regression equations which have been generated on a previously somatotyped population sample.     

Sexual dimorphism of anthropometrical measurements in judoists vs untrained subject

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the sexual dimorphism in the body composition and somatotype of Polish elite judoists and comparison with untrained subjects.

Subjects and methods

Twenty-two males and 12 female judoists have participated in this study. Their ages and judo experiences are respectively 23 vs. 22 years old and 12 vs. 11 years. Ten required measurements were taken to establish the individual's somatotypes (SiberHegner Machines SA, Zurich, Switzerland instruments). To compare the 165 males and 153 females untrained, abdominal skinfold thickness was measured with Skinfold Caliper. Mean height and weight, somatotype and body mass index, fat free mass index, fat mass index, and fat percentage were calculated. The two-step ratio of sexual dimorphism index (SDI) was used.

Results

Sixteen out of the 21 measurements and anthropometric indices showed a reduction of sexual dimorphism in judoists compared with the untrained subjects. Highest differences were found in the fat mass and fat percentage. Conversely, a very low difference of SDI was observed for height-weight ratio, ectomorphy, fat free mass percentage and calf girth. Average SDI in untrained subjects was higher than in judoists.     

Effect of electrical stimulation of high and low frequency on maximum isometric force and some morphological characteristics in men

The effects of two methods of electrical stimulation on maximum isometric force, calf girth, and skinfold thickness of stimulated and nonstimulated (contralateral) legs were studied. Thirty-six male volunteers, divided into three groups, participated in the experiment. Groups I and II were subjected to the procedure of electrical stimulation of m. triceps surae daily for a period of 21 days. Group I was stimulated by an alternating current of low frequency (50 Hz); group II was also stimulated by an alternating current but of higher frequency (2000 Hz). Group III served as control group. In groups I and II significant increases of the maximum isometric force (as measured on an electronic dynamometer) of the stimulated (50.3% and 58.8%) and also of the nonstimulated (contralateral) muscles (39.7% and 32.2%) were found. In group III no significant increase of the maximum isometric force was registered. After the period of stimulation, the skinfold thickness was notably reduced by 21.6% in group II, and calf girth was enlarged in both experimental groups. Relatively large changes were realized in the calf girth and the skin-fold thickness of the nonstimulated legs. The changes in group III were insignificant. It is concluded that electrical stimulation with low as well as high frequencies exerts great effects on muscle force.     

The effects of contrast bathing and compression therapy on muscular performance

Contrast bathing (CB) and compression garments (CG) are widely used to promote recovery. PURPOSE: To evaluate CB and CG as regeneration strategies after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). METHODS: Baseline values of muscle soreness, serum creatine kinase (CK) and myoglobin (Mb), joint range of motion, limb girth, 10- or 30-m sprint, countermovement jump (CMJ), and five repetition maximum squat were completed by 26 young men who then undertook a resistance exercise challenge (REC) to induce EIMD: 6 x 10 parallel squats at 100% body weight with 5-s one repetition maximum eccentric squat superimposed onto each set. After the REC, subjects were separated into three intervention groups: CB, CG, and control (CONT). Forty-eight hours after REC, the subjects exercise performance was reassessed. CK and Mb were also measured +1, +24, and +48 h post-REC. RESULTS: CK was elevated at +24 h ( upward arrow140%; upward arrow161%; upward arrow270%), and Mb was elevated at +1 h ( upward arrow523%; upward arrow458%; upward arrow682%) in CB, CG, and CONT. Within-group large effect sizes for loge[CK] were found for CB at +24 h (0.80) and +48 h (0.84). Area under the [Mb] curve was lower in CB compared with CG and CONT (P < or = 0.05). At +48 h, significant differences from baseline were found in all groups for CMJ (CG, downward arrow5.1%; CB, downward arrow4.4%; CONT, downward arrow8.5%) and soreness ( upward arrow213%; upward arrow284%; upward arrow284%). Soreness transiently fell at +1 h compared with post-REC in the CB group. At +48 h, midthigh girth increased in CB ( upward arrow1.4%) and CONT ( upward arrow1.6%), whereas 30-m sprint time increased in CG ( upward arrow2%). CONCLUSION: No hierarchy of recovery effects was found. Neither contrast bathing nor compression acted to promote acute recovery from EIMD any more effectively than passive conditions, although contrast bathing may transiently attenuate postexercise soreness.     

Kinematic analysis of swing in pro and amateur golfers

As golf grows in popularity, golf related injuries have increased. The purpose of this study was to calculate and compare upper body kinematics of healthy male golfers from different skill levels. Kinematic data were obtained from 18 professional, 18 low handicap, 18 mid handicap and 18 high handicap golfers with an optoelectronic system at 240 frames per second. Ten displacement parameters were calculated at address, peak of back swing and ball contact. Angular velocity parameters and respective temporal data were calculated during the downswing phase. Most parameters were significantly different between the higher skilled golfers (professional, low handicap) and the least skilled golfers (high handicap). At the peak of the swing, professionals produced the largest magnitudes for left shoulder horizontal adduction (125 +/- 6 degrees ), right shoulder external rotation (66 +/- 11 degrees ), and trunk rotation (60 +/- 7 degrees ). During the downswing, the professionals produced the largest angular velocities for the club shaft (2413 +/- 442 degrees /s), right elbow extension (854 +/- 150 degrees /s), right wrist (1183 +/- 299 degrees /s) and left wrist (1085 +/- 338 degrees /s). The results of this study show that improper mechanics of golf swing existed in middle and high handicap groups. These improper mechanics may contribute to golf related injuries.     

Effects of long-term anabolic androgenic steroid administration on respiratory function

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance training and long-term anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) administration on respiratory function. Subject groups consisted of AAS users (n = 9) who were still using AAS at time of testing (SU); AAS users (n = 6) who had been abstinent for > 3 months (SA), bodybuilding controls (n = 8) (BC), and (n = 8) sedentary male controls (SC). FEV(1), FVC, and PEF were measured. The results found that all subjects were within normal range, and there were no differences between groups. Maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and grip strength were both significantly greater in SU (P < 0.05) compared with SC; no significant difference was found between the other groups. Their MIP and grip strength was significantly correlated (r = 0.57; P < 0.05). The data from this study suggest that the combination of resistance training and AAS administration produce a significant increase in MIP in a cohort of long-term AAS users.     

Salivary cortisol, testosterone, and T/C ratio responses during a 36-hole golf competition

The purpose of this investigation was to study the effects of 36 continuous holes of competitive golf on salivary testosterone, cortisol, and testosterone-to-cortisol ratio and their relation to performance in eight elite male collegiate golfers (age 20.3 [+/- 1.5] years). Thirty-six holes of a 54-hole NCAA golf tournament were played on the first day of the competition. A saliva sample was taken 45 minutes prior to the round and immediately following each hole for a total of 37 samples per subject. Time matched baseline samples were collected on a different day to account for circadian variation. Six-hole areas under the curve (AUC) values were calculated for endocrine measures. Significant (p < 0.05) increases were noted for cortisol during competition, however, testosterone did not change during competition compared to baseline. Testosterone-to-cortisol (T/C) ratio was significantly lower throughout the competition compared to baseline measures. Thirty-six-hole AUC testosterone-to-cortisol ratio response was correlated (r = 0.82) to 36-hole score. There was a high correlation between pre-round testosterone (r = 0.71), T/C ratio response (r = 0.82), and 36-hole score. CSAI-2 somatic anxiety was correlated to pre-round cortisol (r = 0.81) and testosterone (r = - 0.80) response. These results indicate a significant hormonal response during 10 hours of competitive golf. Good golf performance (low golf scores) in this competition was related to low T/C ratio (r = .82). Additionally, results from this investigation validated CSAI-2 somatic anxiety with physiological measures of anxiety.     

Exercise intensities during a ballet lesson in female adolescents with different technical ability

To investigate the exercise intensity during a typical grade five ballet lesson, thirty-nine dancers (13 - 16 yrs) were divided into three different technical proficiency groups: low level (n = 13), intermediate level (n = 14), and high level (n = 12). A progressively incremented treadmill test was administered to determine VO(2max), individual ventilatory threshold (IVT), and the individual anaerobic threshold (IAT). Oxygen uptake (VO(2)), heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (La) were then evaluated during a grade five ballet lesson. Oxygen uptake at IVT, IAT and maximal oxygen uptake were greater (p < 0.05) in the high-level dancers indicating a higher level of fitness. HR and %VO(2max) obtained during the various exercises of the ballet lesson were similar among groups. During the ballet lesson, low technical level dancers had more V.O (2) and La values above (p < 0.05) the IAT than the other groups. Correlation analysis revealed that the number of exercises performed above IAT was positively related to anthropometric characteristics (BMI, %FM; r = 0.36, p < 0.05; r = 0.46, p < 0.01), negatively related to fitness parameters (VO(2IVT), VO(2IAT), VO(2max); r between - 0.43 and - 0.69; p < 0.001) and to technical level (r = - 0.70; p < 0.001). The subjects classified as having low technical abilities had lower fitness levels and performed more exercises above IAT than the more skilled dancers.     

Resistive exercise blunts LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha and Il-1 beta

To examine the influence of acute resistive exercise and "hormone status" on cytokine profile, 35 postmenopausal women (72 +/- 6.2 yr) underwent a moderate-high-intensity resistive exercise bout or rested. There were 4 groups: no hormone replacement (NHR, n = 9), hormone replacement (HRT, n = 12), selective estrogen receptor modulator (SER, n = 7), or resting control (no hormone replacement, CON, n = 7). NHR, HRT, and SER exercised (3 sets, 10 exercises @ 80 % 1RM). Blood was collected pre-exercise (PR), postexercise (PO), and two hours (2H) postexercise (same times for CON). Blood was diluted 1 : 10 in culture medium and incubated (37 degrees C, 5 % CO2, 24 h) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 25 microg . ml (-1)). Serum and supernatant from LPS-stimulated blood were analyzed for IL-6, IL-1 beta, and TNF-alpha using ELISA. Resistive exercise increased PO serum IL-6, and PO LPS-stimulated IL-6 and IL-1 beta in the exercise groups (HRT, NHR, SER collapsed; EX, n = 28). LPS-stimulated IL-1 beta remained elevated at 2H in EX and was significantly higher than PR in CON at 2H. Expressed per monocyte, EX had significantly lower IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha LPS-stimulated production at PO and 2H compared to CON, indicating an exercise-induced blunting of an apparent diurnal response on cytokine production. In postmenopausal women, acute resistive exercise increased circulating IL-6, but reversed an apparent diurnal increase in LPS-stimulated IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha production with no influence of hormone replacement or raloxifene.     

鼻饲饮食患者反流性食管炎内镜所见及临床特征分析

 

目的 探讨鼻饲饮食患者反流性食管炎(reflux esophagitis,RE)的内镜所见及临床特征。方法 收集2005-01至2015-06经胃镜检查确诊的RE患者231例,分为两组:鼻饲饮食组156例,高龄老年组75例(≥80岁),按照洛杉矶标准分级,同时填写临床症状记录表。分析比较两组患者RE检出率、严重程度、胃镜下伴随上消化道疾病及临床症状等指标的差异。结果 鼻饲饮食组RE内镜检出率67.2%,高龄老年组为24.4%,组间差异有统计学意义(χ2=21.23,P<0.05);其中鼻饲饮食组中重度RE所占比例44.3%,高龄老年组为30.6%,组间差异有统计学意义(Z=2.43,P<0.05)。鼻饲饮食组典型症状烧心反酸的发生率为20.5%,高龄老年组为26.7%,组间差异无统计学意义(χ2=3.84,P>0.05);而其呕血黑便发生率为37.1%,高龄老年组为12.0%,鼻饲饮食组显著高于高龄老年组,组间差异有统计学意义(χ2=16.61,P<0.05)。鼻饲饮食组患者合并胃溃疡的发生率28.8%,高龄老年组为10.6%,鼻饲饮食组高于高龄老年组,组间差异有统计学意义(χ2=9.47,P<0.05)。结论 鼻饲患者中RE具有较高的内镜检出率,且食管炎性反应程度重,黏膜损害严重;并发胃溃疡的发生率高;典型症状烧心反酸发生率低,非典型症状呕血黑便发生率高。

     

Dynamic ultrasound for the golfer shoulder

Although golf is a popular sport amongst different age groups, it can result in injury, usually from overuse and from poor technique. The shoulder is a commonly affected site, with the lead shoulder (e.g., the left shoulder in the right-handed golfer) most vulnerable to injury. In our present study, we used ultrasound to analyze if a hyperlaxity of the lead shoulder was present. In total, 33 asymptomatic golf-players were investigated by questionnaire, clinical examination and static, as well as dynamic ultrasonography. Neither clinically nor through ultrasound hyperlaxity of the shoulder was found. However, in golfers with shoulder pain, hyperlaxity followed by secondary impingement should be considered as a possible cause.     

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging: a potential non-invasive marker of tumour aggressiveness in localized prostate cancer

AIM: To evaluate diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) as a marker for disease aggressiveness by comparing tumour apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) between patients with low- versus higher-risk localized prostate cancer. METHOD: Forty-four consecutive patients classified as low- [n = 26, stageT1/T2a, Gleason score < or = 6, prostate-specific antigen (PSA)< 10 (group 1)] or intermediate/high- [n = 18, stage > or = T2b and/or Gleason score > or = 7, and/or PSA > 10 (group 2)] risk, who subsequently were monitored with active surveillance or started neoadjuvant hormone and radiotherapy, respectively, underwent endorectal MRI. T2-weighted (T2W) and DW images (5 b values, 0-800 s/mm(2)) were acquired and isotropic ADC maps generated. Regions of interest (ROIs) on T2W axial images [around whole prostate, central gland (CG), and tumour] were transferred to ADC maps. Tumour, CG, and peripheral zone (PZ = whole prostate minus CG and tumour) ADCs (fast component from b = 0-100 s/mm(2), slow component from b = 100-800 s/mm(2)) were compared. RESULTS: T2W-defined tumour volume medians, and quartiles were 1.2 cm(3), 0.7 and 3.3 cm(3) (group 1); and 6 cm(3), 1.3 and 16.5 cm(3) (group 2). There were significant differences in both ADC(fast) (1778 +/- 264 x 10(-6) versus 1583 +/- 283 x 10(-6) mm(2)/s, p = 0.03) and ADC(slow) (1379 +/- 321 x 10(-6) versus 1196 +/- 158 x 10(-6) mm(2)/s, p = 0.001) between groups. Tumour volume (p = 0.002) and ADC(slow) (p = 0.005) were significant differentiators of risk group. CONCLUSION: Significant differences in tumour ADCs exist between patients with low-risk, and those with higher-risk localized prostate cancer. DW-MRI merits further study with respect to clinical outcomes.     

Peripheral and systemic circulation after local dynamic exercise and recovery using passive foot movement and electrostimulation

AIM: This study analyzed the effect of additional means of recovery (passive foot movements [PFM] and electrical stimulation [ES]), on peripheral and systemic circulation. METHODS: The subjects were 16 endurance athletes. A period of passive rest (PR), ES and PFM were applied in 3 trials during which arterial blood flow in calf muscles, stroke volume (SV), heart rate (HR) and cardiac output (CO) were recorded. Repetitive exercise loading at 75% of maximum voluntary contraction to exhaustion was performed. RESULTS: A 15-min period of PR did not appreciably decrease residual fatigue of the exercised muscles, and working capacity during the second physical loading decreased by 84.9+/-28.3 Nm (P<0.05). After ES and PFM, muscle working capacity decreased insignificantly versus the values after the first loadings. After PR, SV (78+/-4.5 mL, P<0.05) and CO (5+/-0.3 L/min, P<0.05) decreased versus baseline values (95+/-6.6 mL and 5.8+/-0.3 L/min, respectively). After additional ES and PFM, SV and CO decreased insignificantly versus baseline values. CONCLUSION: ES and PFM improve blood return to the heart. After dynamic exercise, ES and PFM, applied as additional means of recovery, can enhance recovery and restore muscle working capacity.