S.A. Golovanov
State Research Center of the State of the Order of Red Banner of Labor Research institute of chemistry and technology of Organoelement Compounds, Moscow

Key words: fitness, obesity, program “MULTI DOCTOR”, trecrezan.

Today the government of the Russian Federation considers the problem of nation’s health as a high-priority one, recognizing its particular urgency, complexity and versatility. The effective means that help to solve this problem include rationally organized physical activity, healthy lifestyle, proper usage of physical culture means in combination with the counterparts and substitutes of natural adaptogens [1, 5, 6, et al]. Trecrezan is one of original domestic preparations. It is a adaptogen with a broad spectrum of activity and antioxidant activity, affecting one of fat metabolism links. Trecrezan, when used in the complex treatment of patients with neurotic disorders, also improves the quality of their life [4]. Nonetheless, despite its appealing features trecrezan has not been used earlier in fitness practice, thus the area of our study is quite relevant.

The main principle of organization of a modern training process is trainer’s task with further, post-exercise control of respiratory and cardiovascular systems. This means that trainer’s solution lays the basis of the task and this task is often intuitive. Such an approach is practically harmless when a healthy body is subject to workouts, but persons with health deviations have a risk to overtrain and do harm to their health, or vice versa – feel no effect from training sessions and decrease their motivation to physical education classes, which significantly reduces the value of training sessions. In addition to that, the simulators designed in the recent years provide continuous automatic monitoring of the state of the ones who train, for example in a fitness club. These simulators (“MULTI DOCTOR”) limit physical load when reaching, for example, the set value of heart rate. There is a training program for these simulators, but this program is meant for healthy persons, and despite its attractiveness, the capabilities of the program have not been studied in terms of fitness and adaptive physical culture, especially at comprehensive correction of pathological conditions.

The purpose of the study was to design the methodology of classes of fitness and adaptive physical culture, aimed at comprehensive correction of the health status of men aged 25-40 years with obesity and the use of automatic (objective) monitoring of set load and the use of trecrezan in conditions of aerobic fitness. The following tasks were to be solved:

1. To determine the influence of aerobic fitness trainings with automatic load control on the health of men having the 1^st-2^nd degrees of obesity.

2. To reveal the impact of fitness trainings under automatic monitoring of aerobic loads and trecrezan use on the health of men with the 1^st-2^nd degrees of obesity.

The object of the study was the training process in the context of aerobic fitness of men aged 25-40 years.

The subject of the study: the changes in physical and emotional conditions of the subjects at automatic monitoring and control of training load in the aerobic fitness mode and the trecrezan use.

Materials and methods. The training was carried out in the “Multisport” and “Zebra” fitness centers. Men aged 25-40 years training in fitness clubs were observed (n=50). All subjects were beginners. The observations of all groups lasted 7 months, due to the features of the training cycle and the program “MULTI DOCTOR”.

Before the trainings all subjects were subjected to medical examination and received doctor’s recommendations and opinion concerning trainings. Each participant was tested before and after the experiment. The fitness test was carried out using the “MULTI DOCTOR” equipment. All training sessions were carried out under persistent control of a duty doctor responsible for all medical actions. All participants took trecrezan voluntarily. The preparation was taken in the first half of the day, starting from the first day of training. The participants were divided into the following groups: the Control-1 group (n=25) consisted of persons with the 1^st-2^nd degrees of obesity who did not take trecrezan during fitness trainings; the I main group consisted of persons with the 1^st-2^nd degrees of obesity who took trecrezan by 0.2 twice per day for 21 days in the training cycle (n=25).

The training sessions were carried out 3 times a week. The 60-min trainings consisted of 2 inseparable parts:

а) circular training at exercise simulators combined with exercises with own weight consisted of 10 stages.

The following exercises were continuously executed for up to 30 min with minor weights: a) linear leg press; b) seated leg curl; c) seated hip abduction; d) lat pull down; e) seated wide-grip rows; f) incline dumbbell press; g) cable crossovers; h) hanging leg raises; i) body twists lying; j) hyperextensions.

The workout at all stages lasted no more than 30 minutes without rest intervals. Heart rate monitors were fixed on each subject. The aerobic mode of muscular work was determined by heart rate (HR). Each age group had particular ranges of minimum and maximum HR which were followed strictly.

b) The second part of continuous aerobic training was carried out using cardio equipment. The cardio machine was chosen depending on the presence or lack of musculoskeletal disorders. This stage also lasted not more than 30 minutes, and started immediately after the previous stage. The cardio machine modes (exercises, levels and intensity) were stable for correct data acquisition.

Analysis of subjects’ health and fitness levels

“MULTI DOCTOR”. The program was developed by Cologne Institute for Preventive and Follow-up Health Care (IPN) and upgraded in cooperation with the company “UNIQA Versicherung AG”. The program contains tests designed for disease prevention and has a particular scoring system basing on scientific researches.

Health factors estimated. The program “MULTI DOCTOR” comprises the following sections: 1) proper fat-to-muscle ratio; 2) good endurance and healthy heart; 3) harmonious muscle development; 4) normal mobility; 5) optimal range of motions in joints; 6) stable spine; 7) maximum oxygen consumption (MOC); 8) stress tolerance. The results are analyzed and estimated in accordance with their preventive value. The persons who had indices in the “normal range” were considered healthy ones.

Normal range. This range was determined as one covering the indices that corresponded to a minimum health level. All indices were differentiated by age and sex.

Scoring system. A total index is determined by means of differential analysis and various test techniques, that can be used to estimate general health of a person.

Frequency of examinations. The second test was repeated at end of the cycle. The examination was carried out once in 2-3 months.

Anthropometry + Futrex 6 100. It includes measurement of height, weight, waist-hip ratio; body fat using the Futrex analyzer. The fat and water percentages were determined using the infrared radiation technique. The measurement accuracy corresponds to the medical device standards. The risk of cardiovascular disease and proportionality of physical development were estimated by the anthropometric data.

The stress test was based on variation pulsometry and includes orthostatic test and MOC measurements.

Spinal examination (Medi Mouse). Medi Mouse is an automated device for measuring spine parameters in various typical postures: upright standing (spine shape), front bend (mobility), and the Matthias posture test used to determine contraindicative exercises.

Mobility testing (Flex Check). The device is used to test agility, flexibility and elasticity of muscles and joints. It helps to determine problem areas and identify possible solutions of the problem.

Muscle strength testing (Back – Check) - an apparatus for measuring strength of major muscle groups and the balance between various muscle groups, that can be used to estimate efficiency of strength trainings.

Estimation of test results. Total health index is determined on the base of the above tests.

Psychophysiological state was estimated using the Hamilton test.

Stress disorder was diagnosed in accordance with the ICD-10.

The motivation level was determined using a 10-points system interviewing: high, average and low levels of motivation that corresponded to the ranges of 8-10, 5-7 and 0-4 points, respectively.

Statistical data processing was fulfilled using the t-test. The arithmetical mean (M) and its error (± m) were calculated.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Examination in control groups. Fitness trainings were proved to result in the following changes among 24 men with the 1^st-2^nd degrees of obesity, who did not take trecrezan during the training cycle (control group 1): flexibility increased by 27% (from 7,9±1.3 to 10,1±1,35⁰), endurance – by 17,1% (from 1,92±0,14 to 2,25±0,61 points), strength – by 4,88% (from 24,33±0,98 to 25,52±1,1 kg). Motor coordination remained in the range of 7,2±0,1 s. The changes of other anatomical and physiological parameters are listed in Table 1.

Table 1. Changes of anatomical and physiological parameters of men with the 1^st-2^nd degrees of obesity after training without trecrezan.

*Note: significant at р<0.05.

As seen from Table 1, fitness trainings using the program “MULTI DOCTOR” without trecrezan had a favorable effect on the anatomical and physiological parameters of men with obesity. The psycho-emotional changes revealed in the Hamilton test showed that only somatic symptoms varied significantly in this group: they equaled 1,60,1 and 1,30,1 points before and after the experiment, respectively. The men’s motivation in this group grew from 4,41±0,476 before up to 5,51±0,352 after the experiment, i.e. by 32,77% (р<0,05).

At the next stage of the experiment men with the 1^st-2^nd degrees of obesity taking trecrezan 0,2x1 per day during fitness training (main group 1) were examined. In this group fitness trainings resulted in the following changes in the subjects’ physical qualities: flexibility increased significantly by 33,7% (from 7,7±1,1 to 10,3±1,5⁰), endurance – by 15,9% (from 1,51±0,11 to 1,75±0,41 points), and strength - from 27,4±0,99 to 29,5±1,1 kg. Motor coordination was in the range of 7,7±0,1 s. The changes of other anatomical and physiological parameters are listed in Table 2. As seen from Table 2, fitness trainings by the program “MULTI DOCTOR” with the use of trecrezan had a positive effect on the anatomical and physiological parameters of men only with obesity.

Table 2. Changes of anatomical and physiological parameters of men with the 1^st-2^nd degrees of obesity after training with trecrezan.

*Note: significant at р<0.05.

The results of the Hamilton test for men of this group are given in Table 3; showing that 7 months long aerobic fitness trainings had a positive effect on the psycho-emotional state of men with obesity who took trecrezan during the training cycle.

Table 3. Hamilton test results for men with the 1^st-2^nd degrees of obesity who took trecrezan.

*Note: significant at р<0,05.

The motivation of men of this group increased from 4,5±0,54 before up to 6,7±0,52 after the experiment, i.e. by 48,8% (р<0,05).

Regular and moderate physical loads are known to decrease the risk of cardiovascular pathologies, diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis. And vice versa, inadequate nutrition and lack of physical activity have a joint and often additive effect, severely enhancing the mutual negative influence on health [13, 14]. There are certain indications that should be taken into account when fitness level of elderly and overweight people is estimated [8]. The ability of overweight people to do some tests, and their specific physiological response to exercises should be taken into account [11]. It is worthwhile to mention that an increase of physical activity by more than 1,000 kcal per week, or physical status increment above the level of 1 МЕТ provide a 20% mortality reduction [12]. Surely, the duration of each training session depends on a patient’s clinical status [15]. So the positive effect of the application of fitness machines and the program “MULTI DOCTOR” was confirmed in the literature.

The positive potentiating effect of adaptogens, such as elton, leveton, fitoton and adapton was described in the literature [3, 7]. The stimulating effect of combined adaptogens is much higher. While the traditional extracts or tinctures of Chinese Schizandra, Rhodeola rosea or Rhaponticum carthamoides increase physical working capacity by 135-159%, the proposed combinations of adaptogens result in an increment up to 213% [2]. Of course, there are particular recommendations and integral training programs for women [9], adult people [16] and patients with claudication caused by peripheral arterial diseases. Trainings and regular physical activity are important for improving health of patients with cardiovascular diseases. The improved physiological status after fitness is also caused by the reduction in submaximal heart rate, systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure index.

We revealed that development of physical abilities, recovery time and motivation level of 25-40 year olds taking trecrezan at varying physical loads were significantly higher compared to those who did not take the preparation, and this is a key issue of the present study. The CNS, no doubts, is a key element in the organization of disease escape. However, it should be taken into account that most of adaptogens implement their mild protective effect by normalizing disturbed body functions. This means that the positive effect of adaptogens, including trecrezan, is caused by optimization and limitation of the functions of regulating systems, economization of metabolic processes and protection of tissues from damage and disturbances caused by metabolites.

Thus, the results of the present study are rationally explained and indicate that the application of fitness machines and the program “MULTI DOCTOR”, as well as the concomitant use of trecrezan during fitness aerobics training are practical and reasonable. Therefore, the set tasks were solved and the goal of the present study was achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

1. The fitness aerobics training with automatic load control of men with the 1st-2nd degrees of obesity led to fat mass reduction (by 16±4%), better motor coordination (by 23,5 ±3,5%), and physical working capacity increment (30±5% increment of general endurance). At the same time, psychological stress (stress test results lowered by 44-46%) reduced and the training motivation increased by 40-55%. These figures correlate (r = 0,4 – 0,6) with the data of fitness exercises, indicating a positive effect of fitness aerobics for persons only with the 1st-2nd degrees of obesity. Fitness machines and the program “MULTI DOCTOR” can be used in the adaptive fitness aerobics training for men with impaired fat metabolism.
2. Fitness training under automatic control of aerobic exercises and usage of trecrezan in a training cycle improved the health of men with the 1st-2nd degrees of obesity. This training led to a significant fat mass reduction (by 21,5±3,2%), an increment in working capacity by 29,0±4,5% (general endurance) and strength increase (by 12,0±1,5%). In addition, posture improved significantly: the spine declination from the vertical axis diminished by 25,0±2,8%. At the same time, the psychological stress was reduced (stress test lowered by 45,0±3,9%), and the training motivation increased by 45,0±5,5%. These values correlate (r = 0,38 – 0,65) with fitness exercises, indicating the positive effect of the combination of fitness aerobics and trecrezan for men with the 1st-2nd degrees of obesity.
3. Trainings with an automatic control of aerobic loads and the use of trecrezan during the training cycle using the program “MULTI DOCTOR” caused a significant motivation increase. For example, the motivation of men with obesity who had and had not taken trecrezan increased by 48,8% and 32,77%, respectively. According to the Hamilton test, fitness trainings led to decreases in stress and anxiety; more adequate behavior during examinations and a decrease of the disorders of respiratory, urinogenital and gastrointestinal systems. Somatic symptoms changed significantly, better sleep and reduced phobias were registered.
4. The program “MULTI DOCTOR” optimizes and individualizes training mode. The usage of real-time automatic control of physical load in fitness aerobics enables to improve the techniques of health improving and adaptive physical culture.
5. Trecrezan is a convenient and safe dietary supplement, has good organoleptic qualities and does not have side effects. A dose of 0,2 two times per day during 21 days is effective for a complex adaptation to fitness physical loads. Trecrezan can be used as an additional means of motivation of fitness club members. The efficiency of fitness aerobics trainings intended to correct health of persons with certain deviations can be improved by using the new domestic adaptogen trecrezan, as a dietary supplement.

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Corresponding author: golovanov.77780@mail.ru