Heart rate variability (HRV) provides information of cardiac autonomic control which indicates the interaction of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of eight weeks traditional archery training on heart rate variability among sedentary lifestyle youth. Thirty-four inactive male (performed <150 minutes moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA)/week) were randomly assigned into two groups; traditional archery (n = 17) and control (n = 17) groups. An intervention group involved in three days weekly of traditional archery programme for eight weeks. In contrast, a control group requested to continue their regular physical activities. Measurement of HRV were assessed using baroreflex testing (15 seconds blow activities against 40mmHg sphygmomanometer followed by 15 seconds rest). Paired T-test was employed to investigate the effects of eight weeks intervention programme. Through eight weeks, the LF/HF ratio for the intervention group showed significant improvement (p < 0.05). No significant difference was reported for control group (p > 0.05). In other hand, both groups showed non-significant difference on SDNN value after eight weeks of intervention (p > 0.05). However, the traditional archery group has showed an improvement of SDNN value meanwhile control group was declined. Eight weeks of traditional archery training programme was effective improving heart rate variability among sedentary lifestyle youth. Therefore, traditional archery could be proposed as one of the possible methods to combat poor cardiac autonomic function following sedentary lifestyle. � 2019 Author(s).

Background and Objectives: Nutrition and physical activity interventions is beneficial in reversing obesity. However far too little attention has been paid to the effect of these interventions on breast tissues. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the effect of a home-based dietary and physical activity intervention (the Her Shape Program) on metabolic parameters, blood biomarkers and adiposity at the breast. Methods and Study Design: A randomized controlled study was conducted on obese women with high breast adiposity ( < 0.1 Sm-1), aged 40-60 years in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Subjects were assigned to intervention (n = 16) and control group (n = 15). Intervention group received a home based health education package with close monitoring weekly, personal diet consultation and physical training in group. Assessment was ascertained at three time points; baseline, weeks 8 and 16. Outcome measures were the energy intake, physical activity, body composition, blood tests, blood biomarkers and electrical impedance tomography (EIT) quantitative values. Analyses were done using 2-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results and Conclusions: All subjects completed the program without any drop-out. The HSI group had 100% compliance towards the intervention program; their energy intake was reduced for approximately 35% and their activity score was increased for approximately 11%. A significant interaction effect was found in body weight, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol/HDL, vitamin C intake and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) (p < 0.05). Interestingly, their EIT extremum values were also significantly increased indicating a reduction of breast adiposity. The intervention program was successful in improving body composition, physical activities, MMP9 and breast adipose tissue composition.

Studies assessing the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the general population are still insufficient in literature. This study aimed to assess the baseline levels of knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of the adult population in Malaysian urban area towards NCDs. A thoroughly designed and validated KAP questionnaire was administered, and the responses were coded and analysed. The survey involved 207 respondents from the urban area of Ampangan, Negeri Sembilan with an average age of respondents is 53.52 ± 17.86 years. Seventy-six (36.7%) were male and 131 (63.3%) were female. Majority of the respondents had good knowledge (81.2%) and attitude (53.1%) towards NCDs. However, only 8.7% of the respondents possess good practice while the majority had moderate (56.5%) practice score towards NCDs. Older age category of more than 40 years old had better knowledge scores compared to those below 40 years [median=25 (IqR=4) vs 23 (5), p=0.001]. Female respondents had higher attitude [25(7) vs 56 (6), p=0.025] and practice [5(2) vs 5(3), p=0.007] scores compared to male. Respondents with hypertension [25(4) vs 24(5), p=0.002] and diabetes mellitus [25(4) vs 24(4), p=0.014] had higher knowledge scores compared to non-disease respondents. The findings of this study depicted that respondents in the studied urban area had good knowledge and attitude towards NCDs. However, the practice was moderate. To overcome this problem, repeated reinforcement with health education will bring about a positive change in urban general population knowledge towards NCDs, especially in younger and non-disease population. 2018 Pharmascope Publications. All rights reserved.