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Manual hand dexterity involves highly coordinated hand motions for completion of specific tasks, which is crucial for various military activities such as hand-to-hand combat and practical drills. This response is usually a learned behaviour and can be influenced by the body's physiological responses to external stimuli such as background music. In this study, the effect of background music tempo on manual hand dexterity was investigated. A total of 50 male subjects aged 18 to 26 years were administered a manual hand dexterity test with a Purdue Pegboard under three conditions: no background music, slow-tempo classical music and fast-tempo classical music. The order of the music conditions was determined randomly. Mean dexterity values for no music, slow-tempo classical music and fast-tempo classical music were 51.34 ± 6.26, 50.30 ± 6.34 and 52.32 ± 6.82 respectively. Repeated measures ANOVA followed by post-hoc analysis for Bonferroni correction showed no statistically significant differences between the three music conditions, indicating that manual hand dexterity is not affected by different types of background music. The main finding of this study is that listening to slow- and fast-tempo music did not have statistically significant effect on manual dexterity scores among the subjects. This indicates that other factors such as familiarisation, rhythmic auditory stimulation and sufficient time are needed concurrently for the effects to be prominent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hand dexterity a measure of hand flexibility and coordination can be affected by many factors including hand grip strength. However, there are limited studies and data about the association between hand dexterity and grip strength in Asian population. Hence, we aim to investigate the relationship between hand dexterity and hand grip strength in healthy males aged between 18 to 25 years old in Asian population. Methods: Fiftyhealthy adult male participants between 18-25 years were recruited by advertisement.Hand grip strength and hand dexterity test by using a handheld dynamometer and Purdue pegboard test, respectively was measured. Purdue pegboard test consisted of two main parts: 1. Inserting pins into the pegboard holes using left, right, and both hands in 30 seconds. 2. Assembly using pins, collars, and washers in one minute. Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis was used to study the association between hand dexterity and hand grip strength. Results: The results showed no correlation between left, right and combined hand dexterity with hand grip strength (p value = 0.481 and r = 0.099, p value = 0.181 and r value = 0.188, and p value= 0.945 and r value= 0.009) respectively. Moreover, the results also showed no statistically significant association between number of assemblies built and grip strength (p value = 0.430 and r value=0.111). Conclusion: Our results suggest that there is no statistically significant relationship between hand dexterity and hand grip strength in young males aged between 18 to 25 years old. Thus, it can be concluded that hand grip strength is not a factor that affects hand dexterity in young adult males of Asian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moderate-intensity exercise has positive health benefits, whereas extreme exercise enhances oxidant production, which contributes to elevated cardiac output in the blood and consequently causes transient damage to cardiac muscles. Functional sports drinks are a palatable and convenient way to hydrate and recover carbohydrates, electrolytes, protein and other nutrients that have been lost throughout physical activity. This paper provides a review of the effect on cardiac biomarkers following endurance exercise as well as the effectiveness of oral rehydration drinks in reducing cardiac muscle injury. Based on the review conducted, we conclude that cardiac biomarkers levels are elevated following high-intensity exercise. Besides that, oral rehydration drinks appear to have an enhancing effect on endurance performance with the lowering of cardiac biomarkers concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: High protein in the diet has been shown to have a beneficial effect in promoting weight loss through its effect on satiety. This effect is mediated in part by the release of anorexigenic hormones which decrease subsequent food intake, leading to weight loss. A high protein content enhances muscle mass, has a higher thermogenic effect. The effect of a high protein meal on weight loss and satiety has been the subject of concern as only few studies are available. Therefore, the rationale of this review was to investigate the evidence supporting a relationship between protein content on weight loss and satiety in obese subjects. Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to compare the effect of high dietary protein versus normal protein content or non protein diet on both weight loss and satiety in obesity. Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, the studies were identified by searching Ovid Medline, Scopus, PubMed, and Evidence Based Medicine (EBM)-review Cochrane database and was restricted to English language only, from the inception until 10th June 2019. Studies which were included fulfilled the following criteria: Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) duration of atleast 3 weeks; subject age =18-year-old; obese or overweight subject whose Body Mass Index (BMI) =25; composition of protein diet of 20-30%; satiety assessment by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Satiety Quotient (SQ); report on the mean difference of weight loss. Results: Total 727 studies were screened, eleven studies were selected as they fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In the overall analysis, five studies revealed a significant difference in satiety measurement while only three studies had observed significant difference in weight loss. The remaining studies showed a similar mean weight loss and satiety outcome achieved in both the control and intervention groups. Conclusion: The present systematic review demonstrated that the high protein content in the diet shows no significant effect on weight loss and satiety. However, it is important to note that though weight loss is mainly due to energy restriction, high protein in diet could influence satiety and thus both can complement each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining energy balance is one of the key aspects of good health. Personnel in the armed forces are faced with unique challenges as they may be in active duty and perform tasks that are strenuous and difficult. Physical activity ratio (PAR) values may be used to calculate energy requirements in order to provide adequate dietary intake. The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of using different basal metabolic rate (BMR) prediction equations to determine the PAR of specific physical activities taken up by cadet officers during their training. The subjects were recruited by advertisement among military personnel and cadet officers within the ages of 20 to 35 years. Volunteers who were healthy non-smokers with no history of diabetes mellitus or hypertension were included. Written informed consents were obtained from all the subjects and the research study was approved by the university research committee. The recruited subjects underwent an anthropometric assessment, including assessment of height and weight. Predicted BMR was calculated using a set of validated prediction equations. Energy expenditure was measured while performing a set of activities using indirect calorimetry. PAR values were calculated as a ratio of the predicted BMR using each of the different equations. The data was expressed as means and averages, with the different PARs obtained compared using the Friedman's test for nonparametric analyses. The PAR values calculated using the fiveprediction equation did not significantly differ from each other. Predicted BMR was used to determine the PAR for each activity. This value should be confirmed in a larger study population before it can be accepted to compute calorie requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Military training involves activities that are strenuous and requires high endurance. Strenuous activity is associated with depression of immune functions and can lead to immune function defects. This can compromise the performance of the military personnel in the field. Thus, we aimed to study the pattern of urinary cytokine levels in military personnel after a 5 km jungle trek with full battle gear for five consecutive days. Six male army physical instructors of similar age (32.7 ± 2.2 years) were recruited for the study. After collection of a baseline urine sample, the subjects completed a 5 km jungle trek with full battle gear in a tropical environment. At the end of the jungle trek, another urine sample was collected. The same protocol was repeated for five days and at the end of the jungle trek on the Day 5, another urine sample was collected. The urine samples were analysed for the cytokines (IL-1 ß, IL-6, TNF-a, IL- 1ra and IL-10). The Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the urine cytokines between the baseline, and the end of Days 1 and 5. Our study showed that pro-inflammatory cytokines 1L-1ß and IL- 6 showed a steady increase from baseline to Day 5 and remained persistently high even at the end of the five days' of the jungle trek. Anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-1ra showed an initial increase, but was decreased by Day 5, while no changes were seen in IL-10 levels. On the whole, studying cytokine secretion pattern would help us in understanding the body's response to strenuous activities conducted by military personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study documents an assessment of six soldier torso sub-system armoured vests on physiological and cognitive measures. The six systems were similar in weight (9.0 ± 1.1 kg) but differed in the material composition, ease of use and comfort. Six male army physical training instructors of similar age (32.7 ± 2.2 years) were recruited for the study. The subjects were assigned the armoured vests based on a lot system and in a cross-over study design during the experimental study period. On each of the experimental days, baseline physiological measures such as body weight, blood pressure, pulse rate, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SPO2), aural body temperature, urine osmolality and cognition status were carried out. Subjects were subsequently required to complete a military obstacle course and a jungle trek, and the physiological measures were repeated at the end of the physical exertion. Overall analysis of the data did not show any statistically significant difference between the six vests. However, looking at the data qualitatively, this study provides fundamental data on the use of protective body armour in a tropical jungle working environment. Interesting trends were observed which seemed to indicate there was some effect which could be attributed to the individual characteristics of the vests. The findings of this study also suggest that physiological and physical demands are added on by the protective body armour in a tropical jungle working environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Regular moderate-intensity exercise has beneficial health effects, whereas regular strenuous exercise increases the production of oxidants that may lead to DNA, skeletal, and cardiac muscle damages. Triathletes experience strenuous muscular activity both during competition and training, being at risk of developing these tissue damages. The objective of the present study was to estimate DNA, skeletal, and cardiac muscle damages using blood biomarkers, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), myoglobin, and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) among young triathletes. Materials and Methods: Age-matched seven male and seven female triathletes were recruited for the study. They were on a standardized training regimen and on average competed in at least one endurance event every month for the past 3-4 years. Serum biomarkers were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at the start and at end of the racing season. Results: Both male and female triathletes showed a statistically significant increase in 8-OHdG. A similar pattern of increase was seen with serum myoglobin, which was not statistically significant in both male and female triathletes. cTnI levels did not show any change in both sexes. Conclusion: Our study shows that there could be an increased evidence of DNA damage among triathletes. However similar effects were not observed with skeletal and cardiac muscle biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objective: The study of attitude and perceptions of medical students towards tobacco smoking is useful since doctors are the first line of advice to patients with smoking related problems. Our objective was to determine the perception and attitude of non-smokers towards smokers among expatriate medical students residing in Seychelles. Study Design and Methodology: A questionnaire-based survey was carried out among all medical students of a University. A validated questionnaire developed as part of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey of the Centre for Disease Control, USA was used. Results: Fifty four percent of respondents felt male smokers were unattractive and 37% felt it did not matter, while 77.2% felt female smokers were unattractive and only 14% felt it made no difference. Most non-smokers felt smoking made a smoker less attractive. Most respondents felt smoking did not affect their friendships. However, female smokers were viewed in a more negative light than male smokers. There were a few respondents who looked a female smoker in a positive light. Conclusion: This study found that though non-smokers felt less attracted towards smokers, smoking did not affect their friendship. There was a gender difference in the way male and female smokers were perceived. Future attempts at policies regarding smoking cessation should utilize this knowledge in developing successful quit programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Impaired glucose utilization is seen in chronic hyperleptinaemia associated conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is unclear if this impaired glucose utilization is due to the effect of persistent hyperleptinaemia on insulin secretion from the beta cells of pancreas. aim: To examine the effects of chronic leptin administration on plasma glucose regulation in rats. Materials and Methods: Glucose challenge curves were plotted for male Sprague-Dawley rats treated with either normal saline (Control; n=8) or subcutaneous leptin injection for 42 days (60 μg/kg body weight/day; n=8). Plasma glucose and plasma insulin levels were measured at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 minutes after glucose challenege. Skeletal muscle tissue was collected at the end of a glucose challenge for glucose transporter-4 protein content, insulin receptor and glucose transporter-4 mRNA expression. Data were analysed using repeated measures and one-way ANOVA with post-hoc analysis. Results: Chronic leptin treatment caused significantly higher fasting insulin level. Post glucose challenge, there was a significant increase in blood glucose levels and insulin level in the leptin treated rats. There was no significant difference in the skeletal muscle glucose transporter-4 content. However, leptin treated rats showed decreased mRNA expression of Insulin Receptor and glucose transporter-4 in the skeletal muscle. conclusion: Leptin administration for 42 days caused hyperinsulinaemia and decreased the expression of insulin receptors in insulin sensitive tissues leading to the development of an insulin resistance-like state in the rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) that leads to a variety of negative consequences. The prevalence of LBP was found to be high worldwide. Individuals have been forced to remote studying or working conditions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, exposing them to the risk factors of LBP to a greater extent. This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 623 adults and aimed to assess LBP intensity and prevalence among adults in Malaysia before and during the COVID-19 lockdown and to identify the association between demographic, physical and psychological factors with LBP. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire composed of 36 questions regarding demographic characteristics, physical activities and psychological aspects was distributed to the public. Pearson's Chi-square and Fisher Exact tests were performed using collected data to assess the association between LBP intensity and various risk factors. Results: The prevalence of LBP increased from 64.4% before the lockdown to 83.5% during the lockdown. LBP intensity significantly increased during the lockdown. Before lockdown, factors associated with LBP intensity included gender and stress level. While during the lockdown, age, gender, occupation, time spent on computer use, ergonomics as well as stress level affected the intensity of LBP. Conclusion: The present study showed that the COVID-19 lockdown has contributed to the increase in both the prevalence and intensity of LBP among Malaysians. The identified risk factors include age, gender, occupation, duration of sitting and computer use, adherence to ergonomic recommendations, and stress level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several equations have been used to predict lung function standard results for different populations. It is important lung function evaluations use appropriate standards for the study population. The objective of this study was to develop a prediction equation for lung function test results for the Malaysian population. Spirometry was performed among 5,708 subjects and 1,483 healthy, lifetime never smoked subjects (386 males and 1,097 females). Prediction equations were derived for both men and women for FVC and FEV1 results. The equations were validated on new subjects (n = 532, 222 males and 310 females) who met the same inclusion and exclusion criteria as the main cohort. There was a positive correlation between the measured values and the values derived from the new prediction equations (0.62 for FEV1 and between 0.66 and 0.67 for FVC; both p < 0.05) for both men and women with a smaller bias and limit of agreement compared to the published reference equations of ECCS, Knudson, Crapo and NHANES III. The reference equations derived from local spirometry data were more appropriate than generally used equations based on data from previous studies in different population.