Biomedical subjects

S-L Karppi

Publications and source records attributed to S-L Karppi.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Effects of external light loading in power-type strength training on muscle power of the lower extremities in middle-aged subjects.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of training either with a light load or without any load in a 16-week power-type strength training intervention in sedentary middle-aged subjects. A total of 85 subjects participated in the study. In a supervised 22-week training intervention, including 16 weeks of power-type strength training, 42 subjects (Light Load group=LL group) trained with a 1.1 kg weight on each ankle and 43 subjects (No Load group=NOL group) trained without any external load. Subjects were comparable concerning their training attendance, and anthropometric and physiological characteristics. Training effects were evaluated by measuring Vertical Squat Jump (VSJ), 20-metre Running Time (20 mRT), Maximal Anaerobic Cycling Power of leg muscles (MACP), and Maximal Oxygen Uptake (V.O (2 max)) before and after the intervention. The LL group improved VSJ and MACP significantly (p<0.05), compared with the NOL group. No difference between the groups was observed in 20 mRT or in V.O (2 max). To conclude, the external loads of 2.2 kg, in total, increased the efficiency of power-type strength training in vertical jumps and in anaerobic power in leg muscles, but not in sprint running.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Effects of a 6-month exercise program on patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: To improve walking and other aspects of physical function with a progressive 6-month exercise program in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: MS patients with mild to moderate disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale scores 1.0 to 5.5) were randomly assigned to an exercise or control group. The intervention consisted of strength and aerobic training initiated during 3-week inpatient rehabilitation and continued for 23 weeks at home. The groups were evaluated at baseline and at 6 months. The primary outcome was walking speed, measured by 7.62 m and 500 m walk tests. Secondary outcomes included lower extremity strength, upper extremity endurance and dexterity, peak oxygen uptake, and static balance. An intention-to-treat analysis was used. RESULTS: Ninety-one (96%) of the 95 patients entering the study completed it. Change between groups was significant in the 7.62 m (p = 0.04) and 500 m walk tests (p = 0.01). In the 7.62 m walk test, 22% of the exercising patients showed clinically meaningful improvements. The exercise group also showed increased upper extremity endurance as compared to controls. No other noteworthy exercise-induced changes were observed. Exercise adherence varied considerably among the exercisers. CONCLUSIONS: Walking speed improved in this randomized study. The results confirm that exercise is safe for multiple sclerosis patients and should be recommended for those with mild to moderate disability.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Feasibility of power-type strength training for middle aged men and women: self perception, musculoskeletal symptoms, and injury rates.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the feasibility of a power-type strength training programme for middle aged men and women, the impact of the training programme on perceived health and fitness and on knee and low back symptoms, and the rate of exercise induced injuries. METHODS: A total of 154 voluntary, healthy, sedentary men and women participated in a training programme lasting about four months. The explosive force of leg extensor muscles was measured by means of standing long jumps and vertical squat jumps. Perceived health, perceived fitness, and low back and knee symptoms were assessed before and after the intervention by using a questionnaire. Musculoskeletal disorders and exercise induced injuries were reported during the training programme. RESULTS: Perceived fitness improved in both men (p<0.01) and women (p<0.0001), but perceived health only in women (p<0.01). Men with increased explosive force in squat jumping also showed better perceived health (p<0.05), and women with increased explosive force in standing long jump showed better perceived fitness (p<0.05). Exercising men who had increased knee symptoms had significantly higher body mass index than the other exercising men (p<0.05). The exercise induced injury rate was 19% in men and 6% in women. CONCLUSIONS: Successful completion of the exercise programme, together with the increased physical activity and relatively low injury rate, may have contributed to the participants finding the exercise programme positive and stimulating and believing that their health and fitness had improved. The low rate of musculoskeletal injury suggests that this type of supervised exercise programme is feasible for untrained middle aged people.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Dynamic balance in former elite male athletes and in community control subjects.

Dynamic balance was studied in 105 former elite athletes (aged 45-68) and in 966 community control subjects (aged 27-67). Subjects walked barefoot along a 5-m-long test track, stepping only on two pads which they alternately put down in front of them and picked up from behind while standing on one foot. A better test result (short completion time) was associated with lower body mass index (in both groups), with jumping height and physical activity during the previous year (in former athletes), and with younger age, better general health, and better perceived physical fitness (in control subjects). Test results in former athletes were, on average, comparable to those of 24-30 years younger community control subjects.

Age Factors↗