Effectiveness of regular proactive massage therapy for novice recreational runners.

Objectives: To assess effects of a regular massage program on novice runners over a longer-term training period.

Participants: Twelve control and sixteen massage subjects took part in the study.

Setting: Both groups participated in 10-week running preparation clinics.

Evaluation of work place group and internet based physical activity interventions on psychological variables associated with exercise behavior change.

The purpose of this research was to compare group-based and internet-based physical activity interventions in terms of desirability, participant characteristics, exercise self-efficacy, and barrier self-efficacy. Pretest questionnaires were completed prior to voluntary enrollment into either of the ten-week physical activity interventions. Both interventions were based on Social Cognitive Theory and the Transtheoretical Model.

Examining gender differences in the health behaviors of Canadian university students.

Unlabelled: The relationship between lifestyle choices and health outcomes has been an area of interest for many health professionals. Gender differences in these choices have also been an area of scrutiny.

Aims: The purpose of the present investigation was to examine gender differences in the health and lifestyle behavioral choices of Canadian university students.

Understanding the role of behavior and cognitions in a group exercise setting.

The first purpose of the present study examined whether individuals with different exercise behaviors (classified by attendance) experienced different or similar cognitive patterns. It was hypothesized that different behavior would lead to different cognitive appraisals. It was predicted that there would be a difference between the three behavioral frequency groups with regard to self-efficacy measures and goal measures.

Evaluating the influence of massage on leg strength, swelling, and pain following a half-marathon.

Massage therapy is commonly used following endurance running races with the expectation that it will enhance post-run recovery of muscle function and reduce soreness. A limited number of studies have reported little or no influence of massage therapy on post-exercise muscle recovery. However, no studies have been conducted in a field setting to assess the potential for massage to influence muscle recovery following an actual endurance running race.

Complementary and alternative medicine. Use in an older population.

The aging North American population validates increased research of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine older adults' attitudes and motivations toward CAM use in an attempt to explain its limited usage. Senior citizens (66 to 100 years) were qualitatively surveyed and interviewed to analyze trends in CAM use.

Influence of moderate training on gait and work capacity of fibromyalgia patients: a preliminary field study.

This field study examined the influence of moderate intensity training on gait patterns and work capacity of individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome (FS). FS is a chronic condition of unknown etiology, characterized by muscle tenderness, pain and stiffness and often accompanied by depression and fatigue which seems to occur primarily in middle aged females. There is no known cure for FS but treatment often includes a prescription of mild exercise.