Effects of Plyometric and Explosive Speed Training on Recreational Marathoners

BACKGROUND： Plyometric training has been shown to improve performance in distance running events up to 5-km, but little research has been done on this type of training for marathon （42.195-km） runners. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of plyometric and explosive speed training （PLYO） on recreational marathoners. METHODS： Twenty-two subjects （ages 18-23）, were randomized to either PLYO or core training （CORE） for a weekly session performed for 12 weeks, in addition to marathon training. Sprint, jump, and distance running performance variables were measured pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS： In the sprint tests, the PLYO group improved in both the 200-m run （P ≤ 0.001） and 60-m run （P = 0.004）, and trended toward improvement in the 30-m fly （P = 0.051）. The difference from CORE was significant only in the 200-m （P = 0.002）. The CORE group did not change in any of the sprint or jump variables. The PLYO group was significantly different from the CORE group in the standing long jump （P = 0.024）. There were no differences between groups in distance running performance. Both improved in 2-mile （3.219-km） time trial （p 〈 0.001）, VO2MAX （P = 0.026 for CORE; P = 0.002 for PLYO）, and running economy （P = 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Weekly PLYO training improves sprint speed and maintains jumping ability in recreational marathoners, but does not augment improvements in distance running performance.

Effect of core stability training on balance in elderly women

Objective:The study investigated the effect of core stability training on balance in elderly women.Method:Sixty female volunteers 61-70 years of age were divided into training(n=30)and control groups(n=30).Core stability training was given to patients in the training group,and walk-ing exercise was given to patients in the control group.The function of static and dynamic balance was detected before training and 30 weeks after training.Results:The time of standing on one foot with eyes closed after training in the training group was significantly longer than the control group,and the stellate balance test with stretching the lower limbs straight ahead,behind,and laterally in the training group was significantly better than the control group.The performance of two lower limbs during the training in the straight ahead di-rection,behind,and to the outer side in the training group was significantly better than the control group.Significant differences also occurred when the left leg was supported on the outer rear,and the right leg was supported on the medial front and rear.Conclusion:Core stability training is more beneficial than walking exercises in improving balance in elderly women.

Electroacupuncture assisted by squatting stances for lumbar disc herniation: 128 cases

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of lumbar disc herniation treated with electroacupuncture （EA） assisted by squatting stances. Methods One hundred and twenty-eight patients with lumbar disc herniation were randomly divided into the EA assisted by squatting stances group （group A, 64 cases） and the EA group （group B, 64 cases） in accordance with the random number table. The group B was treated with EA combined with low frequency therapeutic apparatus and massage while the group A was treated with EA, low frequency and massage assisted by squatting stances. Results Clinical curative effect in the group A was significantly better than that of the group B （93.8% vs 82.8%） and the one-year recurrence rate of the group A was significantly lower than that of the group B （10.9% vs 25.0%）. Conclusion walking ability is effectively improved by EA assisted by squatting stances, which could prevent recurrence of lumbar disc herniation.