Are flexibility and muscle-strengthening activities associated with functional limitation?

This retrospective cohort study examined the relationship between self-reported participation in flexibility and muscular strengthening activities and the development of functional limitation(i.e.,once an individual has difficulty with or becomes unable to perform activities of daily living).Data were obtained from 1318 adults(mean age 49.59.7 years;98.7%Caucasian;14.9%female)enrolled in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study from 1979 to 2004 and free of functional limitation at baseline.Mail-back health surveys were used to prospectively determine incident functional limitation.Participation in muscle-strengthening and flexibility activities was assessed via self-report.Adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to determine the odds ratios(OR)and corresponding 95%confidence intervals for developing functional limitation during follow-up based on participation in general and specific categories of flexibility(‘Stretching’,‘Calisthenics’,or‘Exercise Class’)and musclestrengthening activities(‘Calisthenics’,‘Free Weights’,‘Weight Training Machines’,or‘Other’).Overall,42.6%of the sample reported incident functional limitation.After adjusting for potential confounders(e.g.,age,sex,cardiometabolic risk factors),those who reported performing muscle-strengthening activities in general(n=685)were at lower risk of developing functional limitation[OR=0.79(0.63–1.00)].In addition,the specific flexibility activities of stretching(n=491)and calisthenics(n=122)were associated with 24%and 38%decreased odds of incident functional limitation,respectively.General muscle-strengthening,stretching,and calisthenics activities are prospectively associated with decreased risk of incident functional limitation in generally healthy,middleaged and older adults.Thus,both public health and rehabilitation programs should highlight the importance of flexibility and muscle-strengthening activities during adulthood to help preserve functional capacity.

A 24 hour naproxen dose on gastrointestinal distress and performance during cycling in the heat

Using a double-blind,randomized and counterbalanced,cross-over design,we assessed naproxen's effects on gastrointestinal(GI)distress and performance in eleven volunteers(6 male,5 female).Participants completed 4 trials:1)placebo and ambient);2)placebo and heat;3)naproxen and ambient;and 4)naproxen and heat.Independent variables were one placebo or 220 mg naproxen pill every 8 h(h)for 24 h and ambient(22.7±1.8℃)or thermal environment(35.7±1.3℃).Participants cycled 80 min at a steady heart rate then 10 min for maximum distance.Perceived exertion was measured throughout cycling.Gastrointestinal distress was assessed pre-,during,post-,3 h post-,and 24 h post-cycling using a GI index for upper,lower,and systemic symptoms.No statistically significant differences occurred between conditions at any time for GI symptoms or perceived exertion,distance,or heart rate during maximum effort.A 24 h naproxen dose did not significantly affect performance or cause more frequent or serious GI distress when participants were euhydrated and cycling at moderate intensity in a thermal environment.

An acute naproxen dose does not affect core temperature or Interleukin-6 during cycling in a hot environment

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs’anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory effects has led some individuals to theorize these medications may blunt core body temperature(Tc)increases during exercise.We utilized a double-blind,randomized,and counterbalanced cross-over design to examine the effects of a 24-h naproxen dose(3–220 mg naproxen pills)and placebo(0 mg naproxen)on Tc and plasma interleukin-6(IL-6)concentrations during cycling in a hot or ambient environment.Participants(n=11;6 male,5 female;age=27.8±6.5 years,weight=79.1±17.9 kg,height=177±9.5 cm)completed 4 conditions:1)placebo and ambient(Control);2)placebo and heat(Heat);3)naproxen and ambient(Npx);and 4)naproxen and heat(NpxHeat).Dependent measures were taken before,during,and immediately after 90 min of cycling and then 3 h after cycling.Overall,Tc significantly increased pre-(37.1±0.4℃)to post-cycling(38.2±0.3℃,F_(1.7,67.3)=150.5,p<0.001)and decreased during rest(37.0±0.3℃,F_(2.0,81.5)=201.6,p<0.001).Rate of change or maximum Tc were not significantly different between conditions.IL-6 increased pre-(0.54±0.06 pg/ml)to post-exercise(2.46±0.28 pg/ml,p<0.001)and remained significantly higher than pre-at 3 h post-(1.17±0.14 pg/ml,95%CI=-1.01 to-0.23,p=0.001).No significant IL-6 differences occurred between conditions.A 24-h,over-the-counter naproxen dose did not significantly affect Tc or IL-6 among males and females cycling in hot or ambient environments.