Check
your email Friday for our
“Stock up & Save” holiday sale
FitBits
November 15, 2006
Exercise
ETC's Review of
Exercise Related Research
Compiled by Chris Marino, MS, CSCS
ACE Exam Prep Close-out Sale ... Click Here.
Barefoot walking may ease orthopedic concerns
During the 1980s and 90s researchers reported correlations between increased incidence of injury and modern footwear. The findings indicated that the support and stability provided by a sneaker altered the natural response to foot contact and produced a negative effect on gait mechanics. A few current studies may implicate modern footwear in the progression and/or development of orthopedic diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). There has also been significant innovation in footwear technology that may correct the problem.
In one study researchers at Rush Medical College in Chicago compared the dynamic loading mechanics of the hip and knee in adults with osteoarthritis. Abnormal loading mechanics are thought to be responsible for the progression of OA. Researchers hypothesized that modern shoes further alter loading mechanics and may contribute to progression of OA.
Seventy-five adults (mean age 59) participated in this study. Each underwent gait analysis while walking both barefoot and in sneakers. The results indicated that loading mechanics were significantly better under the barefoot condition with peak joint loads nearly 12% lower than in the control condition. This information should aid physicians and therapists in directing care for current patients with osteoarthritis. A conclusion could not be made with regard to the contribution of modern footwear to the development of OA. Further research is necessary to address preventive strategies.
A second study evaluated a specific advancement in footwear called Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT). The footwear was designed based on observations of the barefoot Masai people of Africa amongst who back pain and other orthopedic conditions common to the US do not exist. The MBT possesses an unstable rounded sole intended to distribute plantar pressure more evenly and ease pressure at the heel, to mimic what happens while walking barefoot.
Researchers at Marquette University Medical College of Wisconsin put the MBT to the test to determine the biomechanical implications of the shoe design. Forty healthy adults participated in gait analysis using both the MBT rocker shoe and a control sneaker.
While wearing the MBT shoe, participants’ stride frequency increased, plantar flexion at terminal stance was increased, and increases in mid-stance hip extension and knee flexion were significant. All findings confirm claims by MBT that the shoe reduces stress on the joints and lead to more favorable gait mechanics for preventing injury.
The
MBT negative-rocker shoe is different from traditional rocker shoes in
that it places increased stress on the forefoot and reduces the
stress at the heel. Thus, it might not be a good choice for some
individuals with forefoot pathologies. However, the research is
indicating a potential use with individuals who have orthopedic conditions
such as back pain, hip and knee pain, plantar fascitis or heel pain.
Shakoor,
N., and Block, J.A. (2006) Arthritis and Rheumatism. 54(9): 2923-2927.
Myers, K.A., et al (2006) Biomechanical implications of the negative heel rocker sole shoe: Gait kinematics and kinetics. Gait and Posture. 24(3): 323-330.
Reducing
the acidity of the diet may improve bone mass
Osteoporosis or reduced bone mineral density, is a growing concern in the US. Since drug therapies are only modestly effective once osteoporosis is diagnosed, the prevailing recommendation is to focus on prevention.
Although controversial, scientists have theorized that low blood pH or increased acidity inhibits bone formation, resulting in lower bone mass. If this is true, by neutralizing the acidity of the blood, bone formation may be enhanced. One cause of increased blood acidity is thought to be the modern American diet, which consists of many highly acidic protein-rich foods such as dairy, grains, and meat.
Past research has shown that simply removing excess acid is insufficient, but Swiss researchers recently put this theory to the test by measuring the effects of a common anti-acid supplement, potassium citrate, on bone mass in women with osteopenia. One hundred sixty one participants were randomly assigned to take potassium citrate, an anti-acid, or potassium chloride daily for 6 to 12 months. The women taking potassium citrate showed a 1-2% increase in BMD at the spine and hip compared with the women who were given potassium chloride and continued to show a typical decline in BMD.
The results of this study indicate that by simply reducing the acidity of the diet, bone mass may increase to an the extent virtually equal to that produced by common FDA-approved medicines. At this point, further studies are required before a recommendation can be provided regarding potassium citrate supplementation, but this research should provide more encouragement for people to eat more fruits and vegetables and watch protein intake.
Jehle, S., et al (2006) Partial Neutralization of the Acidogenic Western Diet with Potassium Citrate Increases Bone Mass in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia. Journal of American Society of Nephrology. 17. 3213-3222.
Pre-operative
exercise program
enhanced recovery from hip and knee arthroplasty
Osteoarthritis (OA) is responsible for the majority of joint replacements performed in the US. Although exercise has been used to effectively treat OA, until recently the effects of exercise on post-arthroscopy outcomes in OA patients was unclear.
Researchers in New England reported the outcomes of 108 patients who underwent hip or knee replacement, half of whom had participated in a structured pre-operative exercise program. The exercise group received an individualized exercise plan that included both water and land-based exercise three times per week for six weeks preceding the surgery. The exercise sessions, which consisted of strength, aerobic and flexibility training were supervised by a Physical Therapist.
The results were promising. The patients who participated in the exercise program were referred to inpatient rehabilitation 73% less than the controls. In addition, exercisers were capable of walking greater distances before discharge. Both exercise groups significantly increased lower-body strength.
The researchers concluded that pre-operative conditioning can be tolerable for individuals with severe OA who experience significant pain with activity. Also, post-surgical medical costs can be reduced and recovery enhanced if patients participated in a strict exercise program prior to surgery. Now, additional research must be conducted to determine the best exercise program design and ideal length of exercise participation prior to surgery.
Rooks, D.S., et al (2006) Effect of Preoperative Exercise on Measures of Functional Status in Men and Women Undergoing Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty. Arthritis Care & Research. 55 (5): 700-708.
A non-surgical way to correct tennis elbow
Overuse injuries such as tendonitis are a common occurrence for sports and fitness enthusiasts. Racquet-sports enthusiasts, baseball pitchers, and weight lifters are particularly vulnerable to elbow tendonitis, formerly called lateral epicondylitis. Because tendons have a relatively poor blood supply and the elbow is used so frequently in day-to-day acitvities, therapeutic interventions may not be effective in reducing pain. When rest, medications, braces, physical therapy and corticosteroid injections are ineffective, surgery is often considered but recent research now indicates that surgery may not be the only option.
Researchers at the Standford University Medical Center speculated that blood platelets, which contain powerful growth factors, may kickstart the repair of damaged tendons. They hypothesized that injecting concentrated platelets directly into the tendon would enhance healing regardless of poor blood supply. As a result the patients would feel less pain and function would improve more quickly.
Twenty therapy-resistant patients were selected to participate. Five participants acted as controls and received an injection of pain medication, while 15 received a one-time treatment of blood platelets. Blood was drawn from each individual and centrifuged to obtain the platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The plasma was then injected directly into the injured elbow tendon.
The 15 patients who received the injection showed a 60 percent improvement in pain symptoms after 8 weeks compared to just 16% of controls. Two years later, 93% of the patients were essentially pain-free according to the researchers.
The results of this study indicate a promising alternative to surgery for clients with elbow tendonitis as well as for many other soft tissue injuries. While treatment will not be widely available until larger clinical studies have been completed, clients should be encouraged to speak with their treating physician to outline their available options.
Mischra, A., and Pavelko, T. (2006) Treatment of Chronic Elbow Tendinosis with Buffered Platelet-Rich Plasma. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 34:1774-1778
Get
ready for our annual
“Stock up & Save”
holiday sale!
Every Friday from Thanksgiving until Christmas we will be offering incredible sales on the items you need and want.
- Fitness equipment
- Music and DVDs
- Correspondence courses
- Much more!
Check your e-mail box every Friday to see our sales, or visit our secure web site at: www.exerciseetc.com/specials.html
Our
2007 schedule is now posted
on our web site! To see what
programs will be coming to
your city next year, visit:
exerciseetc.com/schedule.html
ACE
Exam Prep
Close-out Sale:
50% off all study materials
25% off selected ACE textbooks
We’re
closing out our entire stock of ACE Exam Preparation Materials and you
can reap big savings while they last! These materials have all been designed
specifically to prepare you for the ACE examination of your choice. Supplies
are very limited, so order now and save big bucks on your exam preparation
needs! To order, visit our secure web site at:
www.exerciseetc.com/specials.html
Select from:
PERSONAL
TRAINER (PT) EXAM PREP MATERIALS
PT Home Study Guide: Regular $20, SALE:
$10
PT Case Study Guide: Regular $20, SALE:
$10
PT Application Worksheets: Regular $20, SALE:
$5
PT Practice Quiz: Regular $10, SALE: $5
PT Flashcards: Regular $20, SALE: $10
Advanced PT Flashcards: Regular $20, SALE:
$10
GROUP FITNESS (GF) EXAM PREP MATERIALS
ACE Group Fitness Manual: Regular $45, SALE:
$35
GF Home Study Guide: Regular $25, SALE:
$10
GF Practice Quiz: Regular $10, SALE: $5
GF Flashcards: Regular $20, SALE: $10
WEIGHT
MANAGEMENT (WM) EXAM PREP MATERIALS
WM Home Study Guide: Regular $25, SALE:
$10
WM Practice Quiz: Regular $10, SALE: $5
WM Flashcards: Regular $20, SALE: $10
CLINICAL
EXERCISE SPECIALIST (CES) EXAM PREP MATERIALS
ACE CES Manual: Regular $60, SALE: $48
CES Home Study Guide: Regular $25, SALE:
$10
CES Practice Quiz: Regular $10, SALE: $5
CES Flaschards: Regular $20, SALE: $10
OTHER
STUDY MATERIALS
1000 Sample Question CD-ROM: Regular $20, SALE:
$10
Intro to Kinesiology DVD: Regular $20, SALE:
$10
Intro to Fitness Training DVD: Regular $20, SALE:
$10
Sale
prices on ACE Exam Home Study Materials
are good only while supplies last.
To
order, visit our secure web site at:
www.exerciseetc.com/specials.html
To
unsubscribe or change your options,
scroll to the bottom of this newsletter
and click on the link.
©
2010 Exercise ETC Inc.
1881 NE 26 Street # 202
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33305
(p) 800-244-1344
(f) 954-566-3937
info@exerciseetc.com