November

The noble art of boxing—or, the ignoble art of scrambling the human brain

One-third of people older than 65 and one-half of people older than 80 fall at least once per year.[1-4] Research indicates that the decrease in functional fitness caused by reduced sensation and vestibular dysfunction[5] is a risk factor for falls and fall-related injuries,[6] as is possible age-related decline in the quality and speed of integration of the balance system and unconscious processes.[7] The increase in body sway related to poor tactile sensitivity and poor joint sense on a firm surface, along with reduced re

Running is one of the oldest and simplest types of aerobic activity. Unfortunately, running also has very high injury rates. For example, Macera and colleagues[1] reported that 24% to 65% of runners can expect to experience a running-related injury in a typical training year. Running imposes a ground reaction force of 2 to 2.5 times body weight with each step,[2] meaning the likelihood of injury through overuse in the lower limb and pelvis is very high.

The increased popularity of running among members of the general population is not surprising, given the ease and economy of participating in a running program. All that anyone needs is a stretch of road and a pair of running shoes. Within a few weeks of beginning such a program, an individual may experience the physiological and psychological benefits of aerobic training.