Phase-dependent modulation of corticospinal excitability during the observation of the initial phase of gait.

This study was undertaken to identify the temporal characteristics of corticospinal excitability of tibialis anterior muscle during the observation of the initial phase of gait. For this purpose, using transcranial magnetic stimulation, we recorded motor evoked potentials (MEPs) during the observation of the second step of an actor's first three steps of gait initiation with (complex gait) or without (normal gait) an obstacle and unstable surface. The results demonstrate that (1) MEPs during the observation of the initial phase of normal gait were significantly increased only at early swing phase, but not other phases (mid-swing, heel contact, mid-stance, and heel off) and (2) MEPs during the observation of the initial phase of complex gait were significantly increased at early swing and also at mid-swing and heel contact phases.

Plasma oxidative stress is induced by single-sprint anaerobic exercise in young cigarette smokers.

Cigarette smoking increases oxidative stress, which is a risk factor for several diseases. Smoking has also been reported to enhance plasma oxidative stress during strenuous exercise. However, no prior study has examined the changes in plasma oxidative stress after single-sprint anaerobic exercise in cigarette smokers.

Cigarette smoking decreases dynamic inspiratory capacity during maximal exercise in patients with type 2 diabetes.

To investigate the influence of cigarette smoking on exercise capacity, respiratory responses and dynamic changes in lung volume during exercise in patients with type 2 diabetes. Forty-one men with type, 2 diabetes without cardiopulmonary disease were recruited and divided into 28 non-current smokers and 13 current smokers. All subjects received lung function tests and cardiopulmonary exercise testing using tracings of the flow-volume loop.

Pulmonary oxidative stress is induced by maximal exercise in young cigarette smokers.

Introduction: Oxidative stress is induced by both cigarette smoking and acute exercise. It has also been reported that exercise can induce plasma oxidative stress in young cigarette smokers. However, no previous report has demonstrated that exercise induces pulmonary oxidative stress in cigarette smokers.

The neural influence on the occurrence of locomotor-respiratory coordination.

This study focused on the neurogenic mechanisms of coordination between locomotor and respiratory rhythms. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of peripheral neurogenic drive from moving limbs, and the level of consciousness, on locomotor-respiratory coordination. Subjects performed movement for 20 min in a supine position using a bicycle ergometer.

The influence of lung function on exercise capacity in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Patients with type 2 diabetes have impaired exercise capacity. While numerous factors are known to contribute to impaired exercise capacity, the role of lung function remains unclear. We conducted the present study to investigate the influence of lung function on exercise capacity in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Determinants of the daily rhythm of blood fluidity.

Background: Numerous processes in the living body exhibit daily rhythmicity. In this study, we characterized a daily rhythm of blood fluidity and identified its determinants.

Methods: The subjects were nine young males.

Effect of aerobic exercise training on oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether moderate-intensity exercise training reduces oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus over 12 months. The patients were divided into 3 groups: aerobic training combined with the use of a fitness center (group A, n = 43), aerobic training only (group B, n = 44), or controls (group C, n = 16). The subjects in groups A and B were instructed to exercise at 50% of peak oxygen uptake for more than 30 minutes on at least 3 days per week over a 12 month period.

Vastus lateralis oxygenation during prolonged cycling in healthy males.

This study examined the relationship between acute cardiorespiratory and muscle oxygenation and blood volume changes during prolonged exercise. Eight healthy male volunteers (mean maximum oxygen uptake VO(2max) = 41.6 +/- 2.