Physical fitness

Aerobic dance intensity can be affected by subtle changes in muscular involvement. To test this hypothesis, two variations (i.e. foot articulation vs. non-articulation) of a simulated aerobic dance movement (i.e. marching in place) were performed by college students enrolled in fitness classes at FAU. Following a separate day to determine VO2 max, all subjects participated in two randomized test sessions (24-48 hrs apart). One session required the subjects to march (non-articulation) to music, taught via videotape, while their heart rate and oxygen consumption were measured. In another session, a foot articulation method was taught to all subjects, using the same marching task originally performed under the non-articulation condition. Articulation HR (114 $\pm$.7 bpm) and VO2 (11.11 $\pm$.142 ml/kg/min) were significantly (p $<$.05) higher than the non-articulation HR (108 $\pm$.7 bpm) and VO2 (9.98 $\pm$.132 ml/kg/min). The results show that articulated marching produced a greater exercise intensity than non-articulated marching.

The purpose of this study was (1) to get a sense of how many dietitians have formal training in exercise prescription or a "certification" in fitness, and (2) to determine if having formal training and/or a fitness certification influenced the dietitians to recommend exercise as part of a nutritional intervention. The names and addresses of 2,000 registered dietitians were purchased from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). The survey contained 20 questions with a cover letter explaining the purpose of the study and an Internet address to access the survey on line. Chi square analysis revealed that dietitians without an exercise/fitness certification were still likely to recommend exercise to their clients. In fact, although 3% of the sample was certified, 81% of the sample were likely to recommend exercise to their clients. The addition of exercise prescription to the dietetics education would benefit both the client and the dietitian.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the benefits of a Pilates-based mat exercise program (PME) on low back pain (LBP). Twenty-two volunteers who had LBP were recruited from local commercial and community fitness centers in Delray Beach, Florida and completed the study. All subjects performed pre- and post-assessments of range of motion, flexibility, body composition, surface electromyography (EMG) and Oswestry questionnaire for pain perception. The subjects were randomly divided into Pilates-based mat exercise (PME, n = 15) and control group (CG, n = 7). The PME group completed a 12-week, twice a week, 60-minute per session Pilates-based exercise program. Between group differences were seen in EMG results at L3R, L5R and S1 L. These results indicate Pilates may be an effective method for reducing muscle activity in paraspinal muscles in those who experience chronic lower back pain.

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of compression socks worn post exercise on the perceived rating of muscle soreness. Methods: In a randomly cross over design, 16 subjects performed a soreness inducing protocol. Below knee CG (Compression garments) were worn for the next 6 hours post exercise. HR (Heart Rate), RPE (rate of perceived exhaustion) and time to complete one cycle was measured throughout the intervention. PS (Perceived Soreness) was assessed prior, immediate post, 6h, and 24h post exercise. Results: There was no significant difference in perception of soreness between compression and no compression at 6h post exercise (p=.136) and at 24h post exercise (p=286). Conclusion: Compression socks worn post exercise did not significantly alter ratings of perceived soreness after a soreness inducing protocol.