Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts

Saturday, 17 May 2025

Welcome home to Selangor FC - RGMC!

 A big welcome back to all readers of 'old-school' blogging! I've reclaimed this blog after more than a decade and decided to provide some lasting input on sports and musculoskeletal injuries.  


From my 13 year journey to the west (Doha, Qatar), I've decided to return home. You will see more about professional football, runners, swimmers, cyclists, musculoskeletal pain syndrome, and my favourite topic, shockwave therapy. Many thanks to Aspetar HospitalNational Sports InstituteNational Sports CouncilMASMISMSTAMSSM, and AFC for providing a platform of development for me. 

A big thank you for the management of Selangor Football Club for providing this avenue to continue to allow me to serve the footballers and members of the public. 

I am now available at RGMC in Section 5, Shah Alam, Selangor. Call us at 016-6251936 for appointments. The set up here has access for diagnostic, focal shockwave, injections, dietician, physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, etc. 

 

Monday, 16 August 2010

Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games


The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games will be held on the 14 August 2010 - 26 August 2010 in 17 competition venues in Singapore.

Participants: 3,600 young athletes between 14 - 18 years of age, 5,000 young athletes and officials.

The organisational aspect: 205 National Olympic Committees, 1,200 media representatives, 20,000 local and international volunteers and 370,000 spectators.

Highlights: 26 sports and culture & education programmes. You can find out who the athletes are here and keep updated with the results. Also join in the Celebration at Marina Bay.

If you are interested to get some exciting and fun-filled moments, get your tickets and be there early!

Thursday, 4 September 2008

2008 Volkswagen Women's World Cup


The Table Tennis Association of Malaysia (TTAM) will be hosting the prestigious 2008 Volkswagen Women's World Cup from the 6-8th September 2008 at the Cheras Badminton Stadium, Kuala Lumpur.

Guo Yue (China, 2nd in world ranking), Li XiaoXia (China, 3rd in world ranking), Li JiaWei (Singapore, 6th in world ranking), Wang Yue Gu (Singapore, 7th in world ranking), Jiang HuaJun (Hongkong, 8th in world ranking) are expected to feature in the competition.

Those of you who fancy a tongue biting excitement, get your tickets (priced at RM30 for 3 days) at the TTAM office in Taman Maluri, Cheras. Call 03-92811497 for further enquiries.

Useful links:-
Schedule
Live Scoring
Qualification matches
Main Draw
News
Getting there

Friday, 15 August 2008

Lee Chong Wei - Qualifies for Badminton Olympic Finals

Congratulations to Lee Chong Wei and coach Misbun Sidek for achieving the feat of qualifying for the Men's singles for the Beijing 2008 Olympics. He defeated South Korean Lee Hyun-il 21-18, 13-21, 21-13 in the semi-finals Friday at the Beijing University of Technology Gymnasium. Looking forward to see you play again on Sunday, Chong Wei. Malaysia will cheer on for you!

Tuesday, 5 August 2008

Beijing Olympics 2008 - One World One Dream

As the world braces itself against economical socio-political turmoils and environmental challenges, the focus of 6 billion people will be on the greatest sporting event of all times, the Beijing Olympic 2008. The games starts on the 6th August 2008 with soccer and closes on the 24th August 2008. The highlights for most would be the Opening Ceremony on the 8th August 2008. Beijing will play host to the 28 summer sports and 10,500 athletes are expected to demonstrate the Olympic Motto, "Citius, Altius, Fortius".

Athletes will compete in 31 venues in Beijing, Qingdao(sailing), HongKong (Equestrian), Tianjin, Shanghai, Shenyang and Qinhuangdao to determine the worthy recipients of the Olympic medal.

Malaysia is proud of the 33 athletes from 10 sports who have fought hard for their place in the Olympics.
The Malaysian Contingent:
1) Archery: Cheng Chu Sian, Muhammad Marbawi Sulaiman, Wan Mohd Khalmizan Wan Ab Aziz
2) Athletics: Roslinda Samsu, Yuan Yu Fang, Lee Hup Wei
3) Badminton: Lee Chong Wei, Wong Choong Hann, Koo Kien Keat , Tan Boon Heong , Lee Wan Wah , Choong Tan Fook , Wong Mew Choo , Wong Pei Tty, Chin Ee Hui
4) Cycling: Azizul Hasni Awang, Josiah Ng, Mohd Edrus Yunus, Rizal Tisin
5) Diving: Bryan Nickson anak Lomas, Leong Mun Yee, Elizabeth anak Jimie, Pandelela Rinong anak Pamg
6) Sailing: Dr. Kevin Lim
7) Shooting: Hasli Izwan Amir Hasan
8) Swimming: Daniel William Henry Bego , Siow Yi Ting, Khoo Cai Lin, Lew Yih Wey, Leung Chii Lin
9) Taekwondo: Elaine Teo Shueh Fhern, Che Chew Chan
10) Weightlifting: Amirul Hamizan Ibrahim

Good luck and all the best to all of you!


Monday, 21 July 2008

Port Dickson International Triathlon 19-20th July 2008

The Port Dickson International Triathlon is one of the major triathlon events held in Admiral Cove, Port Dickson yearly. This year I had the opportunity to be an unofficial observer as some of my patients were enrolled for the event! I wanted to compare it with the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002 where I was assigned to accompany the triathletes of the Malaysian team. The swim start has always been a scramble comparable with a stampede where a competitor needs to be fend off the flailing limbs of other triathletes. After surviving the 1.5km swim by the beach, the able bodied triathletes change to their cycling gear while getting onto their bicycles. The 40 km ride would often be interspersed with hills and valleys (and a beautiful scenery of Port-Dickson). By the time they return their bicycles and start running, they would be bathing in the morning sun for another 10km.

They had a full team of ambulances, Civil Defence forces, Police and paramedics to attend to emergencies. There were a few who sustained minor bruising and muscle cramps during the event.

I had these photos to tell about the event.





















Monday, 28 April 2008

14th Paralympiad Malaysia Kuala Lumpur 2008

The 14th Paralympiad Malaysia Kuala Lumpur 2008 will be held at National Sports Complex and University Putra Malaysia (UPM) from the 3-9 May 2008. More than 1500 athletes from the 15 states will be competing in this games. The official opening ceremony will be held at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur at 7.45pm 3rd May 2008 and the closing ceremony will be held at 7.45pm on the 9th May 2008 at Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. Entrance is free!

Doctors and physiotherapists will be involved in medical coverage and Classification of athletes according to the various disabilities. Classification will be held from 1-2 May 2008 at the Engineering College, UPM just adjacent to the Games Village. The athletes who do not have valid classification would need to be classified. However, athletes who are unsure of their status should get their classification status confirmed at the classification station before 3pm of 2nd May 2008.




Athletes are reminded that there would be doping control testing during the competition. Hence, caution should be taken to avoid medication which are on the WADA Prohibited list 2008.

Enjoy the games!

Monday, 3 March 2008

Yonex 2008 All England Badminton Championships



The 98th All England Open Badminton Championships(also known as the 2008 Yonex All England Badminton Championships) will be held between the 4th and 9th March 2008. The prestigious tournament will be held in the the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham. It will be sponsored by Yonex for the 25th consecutive year.

I had the opportunity of joining the Malaysian team in 2000 as their Team Physician for the exciting tournament. Don't forget to catch Live action on Sky Sports or just go there to watch the tournament!

Useful links:
About All England Badminton Championships
Official All England Badminton Competition Website
Time-table
Visitor Information and Weather; Getting there and Maps
Booking online & Discounts
Badminton England website

Wednesday, 6 February 2008

Le Tour de Langkawi 2008


25 teams (5 Pro Tour outfits and 10 from Asia) will race in the 13th edition of the UCI sanctioned prestigious Le Tour de Langkawi from 9th to 17th February 2008. The 1377.4km race has been re-routed and shortened to only nine stages and the Genting route would be replaced by a more challenging Fraser's Hill climb.

RACE ROUTE

STAGE ONE (9th February 2008) – Alor Star to Kepala Batas (182.9km)

STAGE TWO (10th February 2008) – Butterworth to Sitiawan (159.7km)

STAGE THREE (11th February 2008) – Sitiawan to Banting (209.4km)

STAGE FOUR (12th February 2008) – Port Dickson to Batu Pahat (175.5km)

STAGE FIVE (13th February 2008) – Johor Bharu to Bandar Penawar (143.1km)

STAGE SIX (14th February 2008) – Bandar Penawar to Kuala Rompin (182.0km)

STAGE SEVEN (15th February 2008) – Kuala Rompin to Kuantan (127.6km)

STAGE EIGHT (16th February 2008) – Temerloh to Fraser's Hill (127.0km)

STAGE NINE (17th February 2008) – KL Criterium (80.4km)

Let's join in with the excitement and find out who will wear the varying colour of jerseys:
1) Yellow Jersey: the overall leader and final winner

2) White with Red Polka Dot Jersey: the King of the Mountains

3) Blue Jersey: the leader in the sprints

4) Blue and White: the Best Asian Rider

Important links:
Official Website
Race Schedule
Participating Teams and Team Profiles
Photo Gallery and News
Results
CyclingNews.com

Thursday, 17 January 2008

PROTON MALAYSIA OPEN SUPER SERIES 2008


The Proton Malaysia Open Super Series 2008 will be held from the 15th January to 20th January 2008 featuring the top world ranked players (e.g. Lee Chong Wei, Bao Chunlai, Peter Gade and Taufik Hidayat). Once again the prestigious event will be held in the Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian Open offers a total purse of US$250,000. For the first tine, winners of the men's and women's singles will get an equal prize money of USD15,000 while the men's and women's doubles champions will get US$13,800 each.

The qualifying rounds started on the 15th January 2008 and Championship events started a day later. It would be interesting to see who will feature in the Semifinals (19th January 2008) and Finals(20th January 2008).

It was upsetting for the Chinese that women's singles top seed Xie Xingfang pulled out of the competition due to an elbow injury. Anita Kaur shocked 2005 Sea Games champion Adriyanti Firdasari of Indonesia by defeating her 16-21, 25-23, 21-19. There will be more surprises as the championship progresses.

All the best to the players for this tournament!

Important links:
Seeded Entries
Badminton Association of Malaysia Website: News Updates
Match Schedule and Results
Tickets
Players
BWF Rankings

Friday, 30 November 2007

Samsung Champions Trophy 2007


Kuala Lumpur is hosting the 29th Champion's Trophy featuring 8 world class national teams from 29th November 2007 to 9th December 2007 at the National Hockey Stadium, Bukit Jalil. Entrance will be free to promote the exciting and highly tactical sport in the country.


The teams participating in the championships are:-
1. Australia
2. Germany
3. Great Britain
4. Korea
5. Malaysia
6. Netherlands
7. Pakistan
8. Spain

Although the host Malaysia is fielding young players, the team promised to surprise their stronger opponents with fine skills and courage. I will be watching the team from the stands (instead of the bench) and cheering them on. You may also find a live commentary (with live feeds every 30 seconds) on the official website. All the best to the participating teams!

Find out more here:-
Official Website
The fixtures (schedule) and results
Points Table
Players and Officials
Photo gallery
News Updates
Samsung Official website

Thursday, 29 November 2007

SEA Games Korat 2007

The 24th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) will be held in 3 different venues i.e. Korat, Bangkok and Chonburi (Pattaya), Thailand from 6th December to 16th December 2007 in conjunction with the commemoration of 80th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The sports featured at the games are:-

* Category I - Athletics and Aquatics including Diving and Water Polo.
* Category II - Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Baseball, Billiards & Snooker, Tenpin Bowling, Boxing, Canoeing, Rowing, Cycling, Equestrian & Polo, Fencing, Football & Futsal, Golf, Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Karate, Rugby 7’s, Sailing & Windsurfing, Sepaktakraw, Shooting & Skeet & Trap, Softball, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon & Duathlon, Volleyball & Beach Volleyball, Weightlifting and Wushu.
* Category III - Dance Sport, Lawn Bowls, Mauy, Pentanque, Pencak Silat and Traditional Boat Race.

Find out the location of sports here:-
1. Korat: Venues and maps
2. Bangkok: Venues and maps
3. Chonburi (Pattaya): Venues and maps

Find out more about SEA Games 2007 here:-
Official Website for Sea Games Korat 2007
Competition Schedule
Events
Results
News Updates and more news
Sports and logos

Thursday, 8 November 2007

Intraarticular treatment of osteoarthritis using autologous interleukine-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) conditioned serum













Intra-articular injections of an autologous conditioned serum relieved pain and improved quality of life in osteoarthritis patients better than hyaluronic acid or saline injections in a recent trial reported in the ORTHOPAEDICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL 2007.

The German researchers found that injecting patients with their own blood after conditioning it elevated the levels of endogenous anti-inflammatory cytokines — relieved pain and inflammation, and is beneficial in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). They presented results with the procedure and serum [Orthokine; Orthogen] at the 8th European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology Congress.

In the procedure, the blood is withdrawn from the patient using a specialized Orthokine syringe. The white blood cells contained in the blood immediately begin to produce IL-1Ra and other anti-inflammatory and regenerative proteins. The concentration of the lead substance IL-1Ra increases up to 140-fold compared to normal basal levels, said lead investigator Carsten Moser, MD.

Moser and his colleagues performed a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial which included 376 patients with knee OA with an intent-to-treat analysis. Patients received treatment from October 2003 to February 2005, and were randomized to receive injections of one of the following:

* 2 ml of autologous conditioned serum (ACS) six times, twice a week, for 3 consecutive weeks (134);
* hyaluronan (HA) in a series of three injections given once a week (135); or
* saline, given as three injections in 3 weeks (107).

Follow-up exams were conducted at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and 2 years.

According to the study abstract, patients with knee OA treated by ACS injection showed significant clinical improvements during the 26-week study compared to HA and saline injections on all scales.

The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) of pain was lowest in the ACS group associated with the largest reduction in VAS. The pain on weight-bearing decreased after the ACS injections from mean scores of 70.2 mm to 30.3 mm at week 13, and 30.4 mm at week 26.
The mean decrease for patients treated with HA and placebo was less than half in the ACS group. For example at week 26, the treatment difference between ACS and HA was 21.8 mm, and the difference between ACS and placebo was 22.5 mm.

The differences between the ACS group and the HA and placebo groups were highly statistically significant, favoring the ACS treatment (P<0.001) at weeks 7, 13 and 26.

Researchers found no significant difference between the HA and saline groups. The mean reduction of pain intensity in the HA and saline groups on the WOMAC scale were less than half that of the ACS group. However, reductions in pain intensity in the targeted knees in the HA and placebo groups were similar (P>0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference between the HA group and placebo group at all time points (P>0.05).

Two-year results were available for 89.9% of participants. The investigators excluded patients who had received subsequent pharmacologic or surgical treatment for their OA. According to the abstract, there were still statistically significant differences at 2-year follow-up between the ACS group and the HA and saline groups.
(adapted from Ortho Supersite).


The use of Orthokine has been approved in EU and Australia. It should be a useful treatment for athletes who suffer from early Osteoarthritis due to repetitive loading of their joints or trauma. Find out more from your doctor about this treatment option.

Reference:

* Moser C, Baltzer AW, Wehling P, et al. Treatment of knee osteoarthritis with autologous conditioned serum (ACS): A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, patient- and observer-blind, parallel-design trial. #F802. Presented at the 8th European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology Congress. May 11-15, 2007. Florence.

Useful links:
Orthogen Website
International Society for Molecular Orthopaedics

FEI 5* KL Grand Prix 2007


For the very first time, riders in Asia will be able to compete in the FEI Nations Cup CSIO event to be held in conjunction with the FEI 5* KL Grand Prix 2007 from the 23rd - 25th November 2007. Aside from the FEI Nations Cup CSIO, other highlights at the FEI 5* KL Grand Prix 2007 include the Future Champion Search, designed to provide an opportunity for young riders aged 21 and below, who would be Malaysia’s future gold medallists and Olympians to compete in an international event. These riders will also have the chance to observe, interact and learn from Olympians, world champions and gold medallists and be inspired. The event was first conceptualised in 1998 to bring the very first top international equestrian event to Asia, in Malaysia, in fulfilment of the objective of the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), to spread the sport in Asia.

An estimated 30,000 visitors are estimated at Stadium Putra to be thrilled by 30 of the world’s top riders and their prized horses, 40 riders from the Asian region and 30 Malaysian riders.

Come and be entertained by the world's best athletes and their beautiful and dedicated horses. See you there!

Find out more from these links:-
Official Website
Venue
Competition Schedule
Ticketing
Getting There
Who are the riders?

Tuesday, 16 October 2007

4x4 Borneo Safari


28 October - 04 November 2007

The Borneo Safari involves 4WD vehicles and their fearless drivers who will be challenged in the world’s most beautiful jungle terrains in Sabah.

It is a unique adventure where all participants, whether men or women enthusiasts or professional, have an equal chance of winning. It is unique too, in that, the Borneo Safari offers no monetary award to the winners.

Participating teams will compete for awards, which are presented in recognition of driving skill, innovation in vehicle recovery, obstacle clearing, and of utmost importance, cooperation and team spirit. Points will be allocated for many special stages set during the event. Tasks include deep-driver crossing, map reading, bridge building and mud side clearing. Points are deducted for over-speeding, dangerous driving and vehicle equipment abuse.


Don't forget to visit Crocker Range Park and Tamu Keningau when you arrive.

Organiser : Kinabalu Four Wheel Drive Club
Contact Person : Thomas Chin
Telephone : +6013 8647737
Fax : +6088 611388
Email Contact : thomas@glob.com.my
Link to photo gallery

Thursday, 11 October 2007

The first Astronaut for Malaysia: Looking at space travel


Malaysia's first 'angkasawan' (astronaut) Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, lifted off at 9.21pm Malaysian time yesterday in the Soyuz-TMA-11 spacecraft in the Expedition 16 led by Commander Peggy Whitson and assisted by Flight Engineer Yuri Malenchenko. They will dock to the Earth-facing port of the International Space Station’s Zarya module on Friday about 10:52 a.m.With all the excitement about adventure in space research, I looked at some interesting articles about space travel and the human body.

Space flight is associated with the loss of skeletal muscle, principally from muscles with anti-gravity functions. Examination of data across different missions can permit a distinction to be made between true microgravity responses and what are mission-specific responses. Protein metabolism has been investigated on six missions, four short-term [Shuttle missions Space Life Sciences 1 (1991, SLSI), Space Life Sciences 2 (1993, SLS2), Deutsche-2 (1993, D2) and the Life and Microgravity Sciences (1996, LMS)] and two long-term missions (Skylab 1993 and NASA/MIR, 1996-1998). Measurements made include dietary intake (six missions), nitrogen balance (four missions), whole-body protein kinetics with [15N]glycine as the tracer (four missions) and cortisol excretion (three missions). Also available for comparison are bed rest studies with and without exercise. The purpose of this paper is to see what can be learnt about the muscle loss problem by comparing metabolic results across the six missions for which data are available and against bed rest. The analysis suggests that there is a linkage between the inability to maintain energy balance and exercise, and the connection is the decreased efficiency of removal of the metabolic by-products of exercise (heat, CO2) during space flight (Stein, 2000).

While resistance exercise should be a logical choice for prevention of strength loss during unloading, the principle of training specificity cannot be overlooked. Our purpose was to explore training specificity in describing the effect of our constant load exercise countermeasure on isokinetic strength performance. Twelve healthy men (mean +/- SD: 28.0 +/- 5.2 years, 179.4 +/- 3.9 cm, 77.5 +/- 13.6 kg) were randomly assigned to no exercise or resistance exercise (REX) during 14 days of bed rest. REX performed five sets of leg press exercise to volitional fatigue (6-10 repetitions) every other day. Unilateral isokinetic concentric-eccentric knee extension testing performed before and on day 15 prior to reambulation included torque-velocity and power-velocity relationships at four velocities (0.52, 1.75, 2.97, and 4.19 rad s-1), torque-position relationship, and contractile work capacity (10 repetitions at 1.05 rad s-1). Two (group) x 2 (time) ANOVA revealed no group x time interactions; thus, groups were combined. Across velocities, angle-specific torque fell 18% and average power fell 20% (p < 0.05). No velocity x time or mode (concentric/eccentric) x time interactions were noted. Torque x position decreased on average 24% (p < 0.05). Total contractile work dropped 27% (p < 0.05). Results indicate bed rest induces rapid and marked reductions in strength and our constant load resistance training protocol did not prevent isokinetic strength losses. Differences between closed-chain training and open-chain testing may explain the lack of protection (Bamman et al, 2000).

Space flight exerts substantial effects on fluid volume control in humans. Cardiac distension occurs during the first 1-2 days of space flight relative to supine and especially upright 1g conditions. Plasma volume contraction occurs quickly in microgravity, probably as a result of transcapillary fluid filtration into upper-body interstitial spaces. No natriuresis or diuresis has been observed in microgravity, such that diuresis cannot explain microgravity-induced hypovolemia. Reduction of fluid intake occurs irrespective of space motion sickness and leads to hypovolemia. The fourfold elevation of urinary antidiuretic hormone (ADH) levels on flight day 1 probably results from acceleration exposures and other stresses of launch. Nevertheless, it is fascinating that elevated ADH levels and reduced fluid intake occur simultaneously early in flight. Extracellular fluid volume decreases by 10-15% in microgravity, and intracellular fluid volume appears to increase. Total red blood cell mass decreases by approximately 10% within 1 week in space. Inflight Na(+) and volume excretory responses to saline infusion are approximately half those seen in pre-flight supine conditions. Fluid volume acclimation to microgravity sets the central circulation to homeostatic conditions similar to those found in an upright sitting posture on Earth. Fluid loss in space contributes to reduced exercise performance upon return to 1g, although not necessarily in flight. In-flight exercise training may help prevent microgravity-induced losses of fluid and, therefore, preserve the capacity for upright exercise post-flight. Protection of orthostatic tolerance during space flight probably requires stimulation of orthostatic blood pressure control systems in addition to fluid maintenance or replacement (Wautenpaugh, 2001).

The efficacy of a resistance exercise paradigm, using a gravity-independent flywheel principle, was examined in four men subjected to 110 days of confinement (simulation of flight of international crew on space station; SFINCSS-99). Subjects performed six upper- and lower-body exercises (calf raise, squat, back extension, seated row, lateral shoulder raise, biceps curl) 2-3 times weekly during the confinement. The exercise regimen consisted of four sets of ten repetitions of each exercise at estimated 80-100% of maximal effort.Overall, the training load (work) increased in all subjects (range 16-108%) over the course of the intervention. Maximal voluntary isometric force was unchanged following confinement. Although the perceived level of strain and comfort varied between exercises and among individuals, the results of the present study suggest this resistance exercise regimen is effective in maintaining or even increasing performance and maximal force output during long-term confinement. (Alkner et al, 2003)

Bone loss in the lower extremities and lumbar spine is an established consequence of long-duration human space flight. Astronauts typically lose as much bone mass in the proximal femur in 1 month as postmenopausal women on Earth lose in 1 year. Pharmacological interventions have not been routinely used in space, and countermeasure programs have depended solely upon exercise. However, it is clear that the osteogenic stimulus from exercise has been inadequate to maintain bone mass, due to insufficient load or duration. Attention has therefore been focused on several pharmacological interventions that have been successful in preventing or attenuating osteoporosis on Earth.(Cavanagh et al, 2005).

The objectives of this project were to investigate exercise load and body weight related to long-duration confinement in a closed environment simulating ISS flight conditions, and to evaluate subjects' motivation to continue the experiment and their adaptation to isolation. METHODS: Four Russian male subjects participated in a 240-d experiment (Group I), and four subjects (three male subjects and one female subject) from Austria, Canada, Japan, and Russia participated in a 110-d experiment (Group II). Exercise load was estimated during confinement using a modified Rating of Perceived Exertion scale. Free reports were used to determine subjects' motivation. Body weight was measured before, during, and after confinement. RESULTS: Group I achieved their lowest exercise loads during their first month of isolation; problems with adaptation to the isolation environment were also reported during this first month. Group II exercise load was significantly lower in the second month due to crewmember problems; loss of motivation could be noted from their free reports. The subject with the lowest exercise load retired from the isolation experiment earlier than scheduled. Exercise load was not correlated with prior exercise habits. Significant differences in body weight was observed between group I and II and between Russian and non-Russian subjects. One subject in Group I experienced a significant increase in his body weight. CONCLUSION: Exercise load may be a good indicator for adaptation problems and motivation changes in closed environments. Immobility, lack of space, and smoking cessation in general did not induce significant body weight changes (Kraft et al, 2003).

The system of countermeasures used by Russian cosmonauts in space flights on board of International Space Station (ISS) was based on the developed and tested in flights on board of Russian space stations. It included as primary components: physical methods aimed to maintain the distribution of fluids at levels close to those experienced on Earth; physical exercises and loading suits aimed to load the musculoskeletal and the cardiovascular systems; measures that prevent the loss of fluids, mainly, water-salt additives which aid to maintain orthostatic tolerance and endurance to gravitational overloads during the return to Earth; well-balanced diet and medications directed to correct possible negative reactions of the body to weightlessness. Fulfillment of countermeasure's protocols inflight was thoroughly controlled. Efficacy of countermeasures used were assessed both in- and postflight. The results of studies showed that degrees of alterations recorded in different physiological systems after ISS space flights in Russian cosmonauts were significantly higher than those recorded after flights on the Russian space stations. This phenomenon was caused by the failure of the ISS crews to execute fully the prescribed countermeasures' protocols which was as a rule excused by technical imperfectness of exercise facilities, treadmill TVIS particularly (Kozlovskaya et al, 2004).

The efficacy of countermeasure exercise for diminishing disturbances induced by microgravity in motor system and its visceral supply during different stages of long-duration flight was evaluated. The results of both bicycle and locomotor testing indicate that physical fitness of cosmonaut does not become worse in the course of the long-duration flight. On the contrary, the lowest fitness was recorded at the first stage of mission, just after one month of flight. The "dead period" at the beginning of space flight seems to be a manifestation of the acute decrease in physical condition on transition from 1 G to microgravity, when none of the regular countermeasure regimes is sufficiently effective and acute increase of volume and intensity of training is impossible under the conditions of space flight (Popov et al, 2004).

Find out more in the links:-
Malaysian Astronaut Programme
NASA website
Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre
International Space Station
ISS Research
Location of ISS
NASA-TV Schedule

Saturday, 6 October 2007

WADA 2008 Prohibited List is Out!



WADA’s Executive Committee has approved the 2008 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods on September 22, 2007. This List will go into effect January 1, 2008.

You are advised to check out the 2008 Monitoring Program and a summary of modifications to the list. You may download the details from the following websites:-
2008 Prohibited list
2008 Monitoring Programme
2008 Summary of Modifications

Wednesday, 3 October 2007

Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury


Course Description

The conference agenda is designed to promote multi-level, integrative, and translational research, and to encourage both new and established investigators to undertake research consistent with this goal. The conference program will highlight the need to investigate factors across a range of levels (i.e., biological, medical, psychological, social) that account for variations in outcomes following pediatric TBI and to translate the results of research into effective treatments and interventions.

Target Audience


Neuroscientists, Neuropsychologists, Neurologists, Neurosurgeons, Intensive Care Physicians, Physiatrists, Rehabilitation Professionals, Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Fellows.

Objectives


Assemble the world’s leading basic scientists, clinical scientists, and clinicians to advance integrative and translational research on pediatric traumatic brain injury
Present the latest research and practice regarding pediatric traumatic brain injury from speakers who are actively advancing the field with new discoveries
Engender collaborative relationships amongst basic scientists, clinical scientists, and clinicians, to further advance the field
Encourage participation by graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and new investigators, to promote the further growth of the field
Accreditation

This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

Links you need to know:-
Official Website

Saturday, 29 September 2007

Saturday, 8 September 2007

Rugby World Cup 2007 (France 7th Sept - 20th Oct 2007)


20 world class teams will be engaging in a sport which requires agility, power and strategy in the IRB Rugby World Cup 2007 from the 7th September 2007 to 20th October 2007. 3 teams (USA, Canada, Argentina) represent the Americas, 9 teams (England, France, Georgia,Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Wales)represent Europe, 2 teams (Namibia, South Africa) represent Africa and 6 teams (Australia, Japan, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga)represent Asia-Oceania divided into 4 pools (A-D).

The Pool Stages will be held from 7th September 2007 to 30th September 2007 and the Knockout Stages will be held from the 6th October 2007 to 20th October 2007 after a 5 day break. Matches will be played in 12 different venues in France (Bordeaux, Lens, Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Nantes, Paris, St Denis, St Etienne and Toulouse) and UK (Cardiff, Edinburg).

Which team will make it to the finals on the 20th October 2007 in St-Denis?

Find out more at the links below:-
World Rugby Cup 2007 Official Website
Fixtures
Destination France
Ticketing
Player Statistics
FanZone
RWC Video
Official Store
Total Rugby Radio