The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 12 week program of low impact aerobic dance conditioning on VO2max, submaximal heart rates and body composition of college-aged women. Sixteen women exercised three times per week for approximately 45 minutes per session at 75-85% of their heart rate reserve. VO2max was measured by indirect calorimetry using a treadmill protocol. Submaximal heart rates were measured by electrocardiography, and body fat was assessed by hydrostatic weight. All testing was conducted within one week pre- and posttraining. Training sessions consisted of a 5-10 minute warm up, 30-35 minute low impact aerobic dance segment and a 5 minute cool down. Posttest results revealed a small (7%), but significant increase in VO2max (pre: 38.3 ml/kg/min; post: 41.3 ml/kg/min, X +/- SD, p less than 0.05). Submaximal heart rates at minutes 2-3, 3-4 and 4-5 of the graded exercise test decreased significantly. Body fat decreased from 25 +/- 6.8% to 21 +/- 6.3% (p less than 0.01) with no posttraining change in body weight. It was concluded that low impact aerobic dance is as effective as other endurance training regimens in improving cardiovascular fitness and decreasing body fat.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed1989

The tethered spinal cord: an overview.

The growing child with a tethered spinal cord experiences serious neurological deficits as a result of traction on the conus medullaris. Children with tethered cords most commonly present with pain in the lower back, with motor or sensory loss in the lower limbs, with bowel or bladder dysfunction, or with scoliosis. Often, the neurological basis of these symptoms is overlooked. Surgical release of tethering arrests neurological deterioration. Without surgical intervention symptoms will progressively worsen and may become irreversible. Preoperatively the nurse must prepare the child and his family for neurological investigations and for surgery. Postoperatively the nurse must be skilled in assessing spinal cord function, providing pain management, and assisting in ambulation. This presentation will review the pathophysiology of the tethered spinal cord, the preparation of the school-aged child for surgery, and the postoperative nursing care of the pediatric laminectomy patient.

Child↗

PubMed1988

Thermic effect of food at rest and following swim exercise in trained college men and women.

The calorigenic effect of a liquid meal was studied in 8 (5 male, 3 female) lean, trained swimmers to assess the effect of swim exercise on dietary-induced thermogenesis. Metabolic rate was measured by indirect calorimetry under 3 conditions: (A) 4 h postexercise in the postabsorptive state; (B) 4 h of rest in the postprandial state, and (C) 4 h postexercise in the postprandial state. At 20 min postexercise metabolic rate had increased 22% over RMR; however, by 40 min postexercise it had returned to the preexercise level. Following both conditions B and C oxygen consumption (VO2) remained significantly elevated for 3 h. The mean rise in caloric expenditure was 24.8 kcal/h when exercise preceded the meal, compared to 20.2 kcal/h when exercise was not performed. This difference of approximately 18 kcal/4 h, although of negligible importance in short-term energy balance, could be significant in long-term energy regulation, and thus contribute to body weight control.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed1988

Nurse managers advocate nursing priorities in OR design.

This is the last in a series about OR renovation. Strategic planning was discussed in September, equipment planning in October, and functional programming in November.

Administrative Personnel↗