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The purpose of the study was to examine the sport-specific performance of wheelchair rugby players with regard to their classification. A group of 30 male athletes from the Polish Wheelchair Rugby League participated in the study. The seven International Wheelchair Rugby Federation classes were collapsed into four groups. Standardized measures of aerobic, anaerobic, and skill performance were examined to identify performance differences among the four groups. Major findings were that most differences were between Group I players and all others and that anaerobic performance was the most sensitive to classification differences. Another important finding was that for all other groups, with one exception, adjacent groups did not differ in anaerobic, aerobic, and sport-specific skill performance. The results of this study demonstrate the need to investigate other performance measures that will help in evaluating the current wheelchair rugby classification system. (Contains 4 tables.)

Wheelchair basketball athletes are classified using the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) functional classification system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between upper extremity anaerobic performance (AnP) and all functional classification levels in wheelchair basketball. Ninety-seven male athletes from the Polish and Lithuanian national wheelchair basketball leagues took part in this study. The Wingate Anaerobic Test was used to assess four AnP indexes with an arm crank ergometer. The level of AnP in wheelchair basketball athletes depends to some degree on classification level. No significant differences were found for the AnP indexes across levels 1.0-2.5 and 3.0-4.5. However, the AnP level for those in classes 1.0-2.5 was significantly lower than those in classes 3.0-4.5. The findings from this study provided some evidence that the IWBF functional classification system should be reexamined and that a consolidation of the current eight levels might be in order. (Contains 3 tables.)

Arm crank ergometry and adaptive rowing are existing exercise options for wheelchairs users, but not commonly available. This study was conducted to explore exercise participation of wheelchair users, as well as the usability of the adaptive rowing ergometer (aROW) and arm crank ergometer (ACE). This mixed-methods study used a concurrent triangulation design. Following completion of both exercise sessions (5 min each), participants (n = 14) with spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D) completed the System Usability Scale (SUS), and a semi-structured interview. Participants were asked about the use of both exercise modalities, and general exercise participation. SUS data were analyzed using a paired sample t-test and qualitative data were analyzed through conventional content analysis. Wheelchair users exercised for improved physical and mental health, as well as for functional independence, and community participation; however, lack of accessible equipment was a prominent barrier. Both the aROW and ACE have high usability, but the aROW was perceived as more enjoyable and effective for cardiovascular exercise. The implementation of the aROW into community gyms has the potential to help close the existing gap in inclusive equipment and may help people with disabilities to be more fully included in their community and lead healthier lives. Wheelchair users perceive exercise as a meaningful activity that enhances physical health and risk of disease, functional independence, community participation, and overall social and emotional health. The adapted rowing machine was perceived as highly usable and was felt to be more enjoyable and effective for cardiovascular exercise compared to traditional arm crank ergometers. The adaptive rower provides an additional accessible equipment option for wheelchair users to obtain effective cardiovascular exercise. More available equipment may increase community participation and promote inclusion for wheelchair users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slow-deep breathing exercise (SDBE) while using a volume-oriented type of incentive spirometry (VIS) device (SDBE/VIS) is one of the techniques in chest physical therapy designed to improve lung volume and oxygenation. However, the immediate effect of SDBE/VIS paired with a sustained maximal inspiration (SMI) on diffusing lung capacity (DLC), has not been documented. This preliminary study aimed to evaluate the immediate effect of SDBE/VIS paired with the SMI technique on DLC in healthy participants. Twenty healthy sedentary adults (11 males and 9 females) aged 20 to 23 years were recruited into this cross-over study and randomly assigned to one of 2 ordered groups; SDBE/VIS paired with SMI followed by SDBE/VIS alone or SDBE/VIS alone followed by SDBE/VIS with SMI. During each of the 2-testing sessions, the participants performed 3 sets of 5 SDBE/VIS trials which were controlled by ensuring that each participant reached their maximal vital capacity; derived from their pulmonary function test. The DLC for carbon monoxide (DLCO), alveolar volume (VA), and total lung capacity (TLC) was assessed prior to (baseline) and after each of the 5 experimental trials. A 3-min rest period was given between each set of 5 trials and 1 week between testing sessions. The results demonstrated that SDBE/VIS paired with the SMI technique significantly increased both the DLCO (mL/min/mmHg and %) and VA (L and %) when compared to the baseline values. Whereas, SDBE/VIS without using the SMI technique did not alter the DLCO, VA or the DLCO/VA. However, both SDBE/VIS with and without the SMI technique showed a significant increase the TLC (L and %), with the TLC from SDBE/VIS paired with SMI was significantly higher than when the SDBE/VIS was performed without using the SMI technique. Thus, it appears that performing SDBE/VIS exercised paired with the SMI technique has a significant and positive effect on DLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Kinesio taping facilitating technique on Vastus medialis oblique and gracilis muscles regarding gait parameters in osteoarthritic (OA) knee patients. Method: Twenty-six OA knee patients randomly assigned into two groups; Kinesio taping group (50% tension facilitating technique applied on vastus medialis oblique and gracilis muscles) and placebo groups. Subjects were assessed gait parameters with the modified six-minute walk test by self-adjusted speed on the force distribution measurement systems (FDM-T) for three occasions: before, immediately and 48 hours after taping. Two-way repeated ANOVA was used to analyze the data. Results: Significant increases of step length, stride length and cadence were found immediately after Kinesio taping with p-value 0.008, 0.015, 0.042 respectively. As well as after 48 hours the Kinesio taping group had significant improvement (p-value < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that the Kinesio taping for osteoarthritic knee can improve walking pattern as shown in gait parameters and speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectiveMethodsImpact\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe study examines the effects of the air-bladder offloading mode of a smart pressure redistribution wheelchair cushion on tissue oxygenation in the gluteal tissue of non-disabled participants. The hypothesis is that the cushion’s offloading mode, which involves sequentially deflating its five air-bladders one at a time for a specific duration, would improve tissue oxygenation during sitting.Two procedures were conducted. The first compared the cushion’s offloads to a loaded control (LC) with the cushion on static mode, and the second compared the cushion’s offloading mode to a standard manual offload performed by the participant. Three trials of each procedure were performed in randomized order. Tissue oxygenation was continuously monitored with three oxygenation parameters analysed: oxygen saturation (SO2), oxygenated haemoglobin (OxyHb), and deoxygenated haemoglobin (DeoxyHb). Data recordings were segmented in each step of the offloading sequence for analysis. A paired t-test was performed for comparisons with significance considered at α = 0.05. Ten healthy adults participated in the study.Results showed that as the air bladders deflated over time, the three evaluated parameters changed, affecting oxygenation even when other tissue areas were offloaded. The results indicated that the cushion’s sacral offload had the greatest impact on improving tissue oxygenation among the five air-bladders in all ten subjects (p < 0.05). Furthermore, SO2 during the cushion’s offload in the sacral region was similar to a manual offload. The study results suggest that the cushion could benefit tissue oxygenation, especially for individuals unable to change positions independently. Further research is needed to determine its effectiveness for wheelchair users.The cushion’s offloads, which involved deflating its five air-cell bladders one at a time for a specific duration, improved tissue oxygenation in the gluteal region of non-disabled individuals while seated.The cushion’s offload in the sacral region had the greatest impact on improving tissue oxygenation among the five air-bladders in all ten subjects.This cushion could be an alternative for users who have limitations in performing pressure relief manoeuvres for the prevention of pressure injuries.A cushion that enhances tissue oxygenation while the user remains seated allows longer sitting periods, improving their quality of life, regardless of their ability to perform pressure relief manoeuvres.The cushion’s offloads, which involved deflating its five air-cell bladders one at a time for a specific duration, improved tissue oxygenation in the gluteal region of non-disabled individuals while seated.The cushion’s offload in the sacral region had the greatest impact on improving tissue oxygenation among the five air-bladders in all ten subjects.This cushion could be an alternative for users who have limitations in performing pressure relief manoeuvres for the prevention of pressure injuries.A cushion that enhances tissue oxygenation while the user remains seated allows longer sitting periods, improving their quality of life, regardless of their ability to perform pressure relief manoeuvres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obesity is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases. An increasing of physical activity can prevent the obesity and improve the daily life quality in older adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of modified Thai Yoga on metabolic intensity and energy expenditure in obese older adult Thai women. Material and methods: Twenty-six participants, aged 56-75 years old, were divided into two groups: non-obese group (NB) and obese group (OB) defined by their body mass index. After 12 sessions of familiarization, the participants performed the modified Thai Yoga exercise program for 60 minutes. Energy expenditure and metabolic variables were measured via open circuit calorimetry. Results: At the exercise phase, the mean percentage of maximum heart rate for the OB and NB groups were OB: 57.43±6.32% and 59.89±7.94%, respectively. The mean oxygen consumption for the OB group was 7.52±1.09 ml/min/kg as compared to the NB group which was 8.44±0.90 ml/min/kg. The mean metabolic equivalent (MET) for the OB group was 2.15±0.31 MET as compared to 2.41±0.26 MET for the NB group. Total energy expenditure for the OB and NB groups were 3531.32±483.47 kcal/day and 3090.82±387.99 kcal/day, respectively. The mean of activity energy expenditure for the OB group was 1509.65±498.72 kcal/day and 1393.39±367.41 kcal/day for the NB group. The difference between all parameters measured from OB and NB groups were significant (p<0.05). Conclusions: These results demonstrated that this modified Thai Yoga program provides a well-tolerated light intensity exercise stimulus and could be prescribed as an exercise program for obese older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aims of this preliminary study were to evaluate the antioxidant and lipid status before and after star fruit juice consumption in healthy elderly subjects, and the vitamins in star fruit extracts. Methods: A preliminary designated protocol was performed in 27 elderly individuals with a mean (±SD) age of 69.5±5.3 years, by planning a 2-week control period before 4 weeks of consumption of star fruit twice daily. Oxidative stress parameters such as total antioxidant capacity, glutathione, malondialdehyde, protein hydroperoxide, multivitamins such as l-ascorbic acid (Vit C), retinoic acid (Vit A), and tocopherol (Vit E), and the lipid profile parameters such as cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were analyzed. Moreover, Vit C, Vit A, and Vit E levels were evaluated in the star fruit extracts during the 4-week period. Results: In the 2-week control period, all parameters showed no statistically significant difference; after 4 weeks of consumption, significant improvement in the antioxidant status was observed with increased total antioxidant capacity and reduced malondialdehyde and protein hydroperoxide levels, as well as significantly increased levels of Vit C and Vit A, when compared to the two-time evaluation during the baseline periods. However, glutathione and Vit E showed no statistical difference. In addition, the HDL-C level was higher and the LDL-C level was significantly lower when compared to both baseline periods. But the levels of triglyceride and cholesterol showed no difference. Vit C and Vit A were identified in small quantities in the star fruit extract. Conclusion: This preliminary study suggested that consumption of star fruit juice twice daily for 1 month improved the elderly people's antioxidant status and vitamins, as well as improved the lipoproteins related to Vit C and Vit A in the star fruit extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-four elite wheelchair basketball athletes were recruited to assess the feasibility and concurrent validity of a cadence based sub-maximal field test. Sub-maximal trials consisted of two, five-minute workloads at 60 and 80 pushes per minute (pushes/min). The field test was performed by wheeling around an indoor basketball court to the beep of a metronome. Peak oxygen consumption, while arm cranking, was determined using an automated metabolic measurement system. Stepwise forward linear regression was used to develop prediction equations for peak VO2 (VO2 peak) for both cadences, resulting in the following equations; 60 pushes/min VO2 peak (L/min) = 0.74 + 0.31(classification) + 0.003(distance covered) - 0.15(RPE), r² = 0.73, SEE = 0.48 L/min; 80 pushes/min VO2 peak (L/min) = 1.50 + 0.0029(distance covered) - 0.16(RPE) + 0.235(classification), r² = 0.74, SEE = 0.45 L/min. There were no significant differences between the actual and the estimated VO2 peak values at either cadence. In addition the estimated VO2 peak from both cadence equations were linearly correlated (r = 0.87). Bland-Altman plots revealed no cases where the difference between the actual and predicted VO2 peak was greater than two standard deviations beyond the mean of the differences, demonstrating good agreement. Due to the homogeneity of the sample, the test-retest reliability (interclass correlation coefficients) was moderate to poor for select variables; HR = 0.42, RPE = 0.63, distance covered = 0.50 and HR = 0.65, RPE = 0.70, distance covered = 0.62 for 60 and 80 pushes/min, respectively. The results of this preliminary study indicate that this sub-maximal field test is efficient, simple to perform, and predicts VO2 peak in competitive wheelchair basketball athletes with similar accuracy to prediction equations designed for able-bodied individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPurposeMaterials and MethodsResults and Conclusions\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONWheelchair users experience many barriers to physical activity as affordable and accessible exercise equipment options are limited. Thus, the home-based adapted rower (aROW) and gym-based aROW were developed. The objectives were to determine: 1) wheelchair users’ preferences, perspectives, facilitators, and barriers to using the home-based versus the gym-based aROW, 2) perceived usability of the home and gym aROWs, and 3) recommendations to adapt the aROW further for home and community use.In this two-phase exploratory mixed-methods study, participants completed one month of using a home aROW, followed by one month of using a community gym aROW. After each phase, participants completed a semi-structured interview and the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire. Interview data were analyzed using conventional content analysis and effect size comparing SUS data was calculated.Four categories were identified: what worked well, barriers to using the aROWs, what could be improved and important considerations. There was a large effect size in perceived usability between the aROWs with participants preferring the home aROW. Overall, rowing was enjoyable, and participants achieved positive physical outcomes. As preferences are individual, the home aROW provides wheelchair users with a potential choice between home or gym exercise.Rowing is an enjoyable and effective form of aerobic exercise for wheelchair usersWheelchair users experience social, environment and financial barriers to engaging in exerciseThe home aROW provides a low-cost and accessible option for wheelchair-adapted aerobic exerciseRowing is an enjoyable and effective form of aerobic exercise for wheelchair usersWheelchair users experience social, environment and financial barriers to engaging in exerciseThe home aROW provides a low-cost and accessible option for wheelchair-adapted aerobic exercise [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The programming of training protocols within a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) framework with appropriate analysis of total training load could deliver optimal training adaptations. This study aims to compare the efficiency of two low-volume HIIT protocols integrated with the regular training regime in professional soccer players., Methods: Twenty-five participants aged 18.4-29.7 years were randomly assigned to one of two interventions involving straight-line sprint interval training (SIT, N.=13) or small-sided games (SSG, N.=12). Periodization was divided into two 3-week phases concluded by a 7-day taper. SIT first involved two-session·week -1 of one set of 10·45-s sprints (at maximal intensity) and then three-session·week -1 of two sets of 10·30-s sprints with a 0.75:1 and 1:1 recovery interval (slow running and stretching exercises), respectively. SSG in the first phase involved 5·3-min games of 4 vs. 4 and in the second phase 4·4-min games of 2 vs. 2 with 3-min recovery (practice drills at 60-70% HRmax). Training load was controlled via session-RPE and HR-based methods. Pre- and postintervention testing included: countermovement jump height, 5-m and 30-m sprints performance, anaerobic power by the 10-s Wingate Anaerobic Test, maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and blood lactate concentration (BLa - ) determined by incremental exhaustive running test., Results: Two-way ANOVA showed group×time interaction effects for the 30-m sprint time (F(1,23)=3.023; P=0.049; η 2 P=0.116), BLa - (F(1,23)=5.250; P=0.031; η 2 P=0.185), and V̇O2max (F(1,23)=4.648, P=0.044; η 2 P=0.157). SIT elicited greater enhancements in anaerobic performance (30-m sprint time and BLa - ), while SSG induced larger improvements in V̇O2max., Conclusions: Comparable effects of SIT and SSG protocols were noted, however the aerobic capacity benefits provided by SSG warrant this HIIT protocol as a highly recommended training modality in the professional soccer.