Exercise Physiology
alireza babaei mazreno; farzane taghian; esmaeil babaei
Abstract
Purpose: With the aging population facing an increased risk of ocular conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy, finding non-invasive methods to support eye health is essential. This meta-analysis aims to compare the effects of aerobic, isometric, and ...
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Purpose: With the aging population facing an increased risk of ocular conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy, finding non-invasive methods to support eye health is essential. This meta-analysis aims to compare the effects of aerobic, isometric, and resistance exercises on visual acuity and overall eye health in the elderly, seeking to identify which type of exercise may be most beneficial for maintaining or improving eye health. Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following standard guidelines. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched for relevant studies published between 2000 and 2023. The search included terms related to aerobic, isometric, and resistance exercises, visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), retinal health, and elderly populations. Studies were screened and selected based on predefined inclusion criteria, focusing on research involving elderly participants and outcomes related to eye health. Results: A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 1,200 participants with a mean age of 68 years. The meta-analysis revealed that aerobic exercise significantly reduced intraocular pressure (mean difference = -2.5 mmHg, 95% CI: -3.2 to -1.8, p < 0.001) and improved retinal health markers (effect size = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.50, p < 0.01). Resistance exercise was associated with enhanced visual acuity (effect size = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.41, p < 0.01) and a reduction in the progression of AMD (relative risk = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.50 to 0.90, p < 0.05). Isometric exercises showed minimal impact on eye health compared to the other exercise types (effect size = 0.05, 95% CI: -0.10 to 0.20, p = 0.40). Conclusion: This meta-analysis supports the idea that aerobic and resistance exercises can protect visual acuity and overall eye health in the elderly, likely due to improved blood circulation, reduced oxidative stress, and enhanced retinal function. In contrast, isometric exercises showed minimal benefits, potentially due to their limited impact on systemic circulation. These findings suggest the importance of specific physical activities for mitigating age-related ocular disease risks, with implications for clinical and public health guidelines aimed at preventing visual decline in aging populations.
Exercise Physiology
hasan Naghizade Ghezel Ahmad; Hamidreza Fallah Yakhdani; solaleh hoseinzade; alireza babaei mazreno
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the present research was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of progressive resistance exercise and a subsequent detraining period on the indicators of muscle fiber shortening (FS%) and the relative wall thickness (RWT) of the left ventricle in low-mobility women. Method: ...
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Purpose: The purpose of the present research was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of progressive resistance exercise and a subsequent detraining period on the indicators of muscle fiber shortening (FS%) and the relative wall thickness (RWT) of the left ventricle in low-mobility women. Method: This semi-experimental study was conducted in a field-laboratory setting. A total of 32 sedentary women, who met the criteria for participation and were able to engage in the exercise protocol, were randomly assigned to two groups: 1) Resistance training group (16 participants), and 2) Control group (16 participants). Anthropometric characteristics, body composition, and structural indices such as left ventricular muscle fiber shortening percentage (FS%) and relative wall thickness (RWT) were measured using an echocardiography device at three intervals: before the start of training, at the end of 8 weeks of training, and after a 4-week detraining period. The training protocol was implemented over 12 weeks, consisting of 8 weeks of training with three sessions per week, followed by 4 weeks of detraining. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of p < 0.05, using SPSS version 21. Results: The results showed a significant difference in FS% between pre-test and post-test measurements for both the experimental and control groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant decrease in FS% was observed in the training group during the detraining period (p < 0.05). Similarly, a significant change in RWT was found between pre-test and post-test measurements in both groups (p < 0.05), and significant changes in RWT were also observed during the detraining period in the training group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Based on these findings, it can be concluded that 8 weeks of resistance training led to beneficial changes in the structure and function of the heart in sedentary women. However, the 4-week detraining period resulted in negative effects on these adaptations. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals engage in regular and structured resistance training to maintain these positive adaptations.
