VARIA - Anale Seria Educatie fizica si Sport

43 Pages·2013·1.54 MB·English

Ovidius University Annals, Series Physical Education and Sport / SCIENCE, MOVEMENT AND HEALTH
Vol. XIII, ISSUE 2 Supplement, 2013, Romania
The journal is indexed in: Ebsco, SPORTDiscus, INDEX COPERNICUS JOURNAL MASTER LIST,
DOAJ DIRECTORY OF OPEN ACCES JOURNALS, Caby, Gale Cengace Learning, Cabell’s Directories

 VARIA

Science, Movement and Health, Vol. XIII, ISSUE 2 supplement, 2013
September 2013, 13 (2), 759-766

ANTI-AGING

ADEM CIVAN1

Abstract
In this research, a literature study was conducted on what possible positive effects of; the most talked about subject
today, the anti-aging applications have on people.
Aging is changes that the years bring on to the body. People have been trying for centuries to prolong life and searched
for an elixir to do so. Today, scientists aim to increase human life to over 100 years of age with anti-aging applications.
The purpose of this study is to try to find an answer to the question why doesn’t everyone age equally.
Key words: anti-aging, people.

Introduction Because not everyone carries the same genetic
For a long time, people have searched for an elixir heritage Moreover, everyone nourishes and lives
to prolong life (Yu et al. 1998). It is said that differently. It is known that even identical twins
Alexander the Great went to India to search for the from the same egg age at different rates from each
mythical river of immorality. Over time, this search other when they live under different geographical
continued to become a dream for the people conditions. There are three types of ages in humans:
(Yilmazturk, M.). 1. Chronological age
Immorality, not aging and eternal youth have 2. Biological age
always been the biggest dreams of people. Maybe you 3. Psychological age
know someone who looks 40 even though he/she is 60 We can divide the elderly into three periods in
years old. Some people look younger than their age. chronological order:
Physically and mentally, they are as active and strong  Age 65–74 Younger elder
as much younger people because these people have  Age 75–84 Middle age
succeeded in slowing down the aging process.  85 and above Advanced age (Yu,
Aging 1999)
Aging is changes that the years bring on to the
body. Aging is a life process that beings with birth and Changes in human body organs and systems in the
ends with death but the actual wear and tear on tissues elderly people are explained as below;
and organs start during puberty when growing and
development completes (Yu, 1999. Some certain changes are happened in aging body,
For example, fibroblasts cell which is mainly these are;
produced in human body may survive up to 150 years
under the convenient laboratory conditions. It will be Cardiovascular System: The heart begins to beat,
also possible to live such a long time for people if these blood pressure rises, rhythm disturbances occurs and
suitable circumstances are prepared (Yu, 1999). around the heart oil production begins. Moreover, oils
Nowadays, scientists who are engaged on “anti and calcium are accumulated in artery vascular, it
aging” subject, are dealing with the question of increases hardness of vascular and also causes to rise
increasing people’s life on top of the hundreds years of diastolic pressure.
age. Undoubtedly, it is aimed these people be healthier Respiratory System: Lungs capacity decreases, the
and active. In the 1960s, while the average age limit process of combining with oxygen and the blood is
was 49 in Turkey. In the 2000s, this age limit rose to reduced. Increase the risk of breathing difficulties and
69 years. On the base on these statistics, it will be bronchitis.
possible to say people’s life gone up by 20 years last 40 Sexual And Excretory System: Reduction, drying and
years. shrinking in the sexual region, sexual functions
becomes weaker. Reduced blood flow to the kidneys.
Why doesn’t everyone age equally? Increases the risk of prostate diseases in men.
1Selcuk University, Higher School of Physical Education and Sports, TURKEY
E-mail: [email protected] 759
Ovidius University Annals, Series Physical Education and Sport / SCIENCE, MOVEMENT AND HEALTH
Vol. XIII, ISSUE 2 Supplement, 2013, Romania
The journal is indexed in: Ebsco, SPORTDiscus, INDEX COPERNICUS JOURNAL MASTER LIST,
DOAJ DIRECTORY OF OPEN ACCES JOURNALS, Caby, Gale Cengace Learning, Cabell’s Directories

Digestive System: Loses in teeth, chewing function Factors that increase the formation of free
slows down, digestive functions slow down. Nutrients radicals; ultraviolet rays, excessive food consumption,
absorption gets worse. surgeries, radiation, drugs, cigarettes, inflammations,
Sense Organs: Ability to taste is disrupted and vision intensive sports, lack of antioxidants,
and hearing acuity is reduced. Tears get dry and the dietary/environmental chemicals and stress.
eye color pales. (Yılmaztürk 2005).
ANTI-AGING
Skeletal and Connective Tissue: Body bone mass The anti-aging means “against aging”. As a
decreases. The bones course towards osteoporosis medical term, we can characterize anti-aging as
starts. Muscle mass and strength decrease. The height taking active measures or preventive medicine. The
of the cartilages between the vertebrae decrease due to anti-aging is applied for the purposes of slowing
the reduction of the amount of water within the disks down the aging process as much as possible and to
and the spine gets bent gradually. The height gets enable the whole body to age proportionally and in a
shortened over time. healthy way. Renewing the skin cells and connective
Nervous System: More than 30,000 neurons (nerve tissues, balancing the hormonal imbalances in men
cells in the brain) die every day, thus the number of and women separately, increasing sexual stamina and
brain cells gradually decrease and the weight of the health, early diagnosis of diseases that may occur as a
brain decrease as well. As a result of this, weakening result of aging and taking precautions are the main
of memory occurs along with elongation of time to objectives of anti-aging applications (Kavas, 2003;
react against effects. Forget fulness and environmental Civan et al. 2010).
relationships being to decrease over time. Risk of During the anti-aging application, diseases that
developing Alzheimer’s disease double everyfive years people may catch later in life, and hormones and the
after the age of 65. substances in the body are all identified and balanced.
Skin Texture and Hair: Skin becomes dry, its The diagnosis of anti-aging is particular per person. It
flexibility and sweating capacity decrease and beings to first starts with a detailed consultation service and
wrinkle over time. Hair starts to turn gray and thin laboratory tests and then offers variety of possibilities
out. for the measurement of aging-specific parameters
Other: Breasts gets smaller and sags because the (Rabe and Strowitzki, 2001).
tissues have aged and have lost their sensitivity over There are many causes of aging but the most
time. Insomnia starts. Communication with people important three factors can be controlled to a large
around is disrupted and the person becomes extent: Free radicals, reduction of hormones and
withdrawn/introverted and becomes more and more unhealthy living. You can maintain your youth by
quarrelsome with the people around (Palozza, 1998). declaring war against these factors.
Protective measures that needs to be taken with the
elderly: Benefits of Anti-Aging Applications
 Quit smoking and alcohol and increase Benefits of anti-aging application can be
physical activity (exercise) summarized as below:
 Increases the grip function, memory and
Free Radicals concentration.
Free radicals can be considered as molecules with  Help overcome the aggression in old age,
impaired electron balance. In order to find balance sleep impairment.
again, they attack other molecules and either receives  Regulate the metabolism and increases the
or gives electrons. Thus, the attacked molecules level of energy.
become free radicals and with the chain reaction,  Make person feel energetic and fit.
hundreds of molecules in the body undergo change  Reduces the amount of fat in the body by
every second. 14.8%.
If the attacker molecules are seeking to complete
 Increasing muscle mass at rate of 8% and
the deficiency, they attack the proteins, fatty acids and
increases physical strength and condition.
even genetic agent DNA and damage them. Every cell
 Help increase sexual power again.
in our body takes a stand against approximately one-
 Raises the exercise capacity and physical
hundred thousand attacks per day. Most of the damage
activity. Improve the shape of the body.
occurred in the cells is repairable, however, some are
 Raises the status of mood and increases
impossible. Therefore the process of aging accelerates
capable of solving problems coping with
in all the tissues and prepares the base for the
complete favor swings, provide high morale.
formation of many diseases (cancer, cardiovascular
 Regulates blood flow in the body. Lowers
diseases, Alzheimer’s Parkinson’s, rheumatoid
the level of cholesterol. Reduces LDL (bad)
arthritis, diabetes).
cholesterol, increases HDL (good) cholesterol.
760
Ovidius University Annals, Series Physical Education and Sport / SCIENCE, MOVEMENT AND HEALTH
Vol. XIII, ISSUE 2 Supplement, 2013, Romania
The journal is indexed in: Ebsco, SPORTDiscus, INDEX COPERNICUS JOURNAL MASTER LIST,
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Normalize lipid levels and many conditions related to age. Using the growth
increases mineral density in bones. hormone as an anti-aging measure, in order to prevent
 Strengthening the immune system that may the loss of lean body mass and immune functions that
occur in old age and protect human body for occur with age, has created high hopes (Marcus and
illnesses. Hoffman, 1998). Other popular hormones are
 After injury or surgical interventions, estrogen, testosterone (Tenover, 1992; Morley, 1993),
reduces the risk of infection and boiling and Melatonin and DHEA.
textures rejoin more quickly.
 Corrects the skin that thin, wrinkled and Growth Hormone
dry in old age. The skin becomes thicker, The current popularity of the grown hormones
elastic and stretched. With other expression is which are agreed by the people and shared amongst the
became “Young Looking” (Klentze 2001). scientists can be found in real studies of Solomon, with
deficient subjects, related to the beneficial effects of
Essential Elements of the Anti-Aging Treatments the growth hormone supplementation on the lean body
Antioxidant Interventions mass and body composition (Salomon et al, 1989). In
The cellular mechanism of the oxidative damage a study conducted by Rudman and colleagues (1991),
caused by the free radicals have been documented with they gave growth hormones, as an anti-aging measure,
numerous experimental evidence. In addition to this, to men over the age of 60 with the expectation that the
with free radical research, it was found that, supplementation of growth hormone will repair the
biologically, many reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decline of lean body mass within the increasing
reactive nitrogen species act as important cellular adiposis that is related to age and they found a
regulators/stabilizers within the cellular metabolisms significant progress as a result of 6 months of treatment
that are based on normal redox. Dual function effects (0.03 mg/kg body weight three times a week).
of the ROS and RNS and their stabilizing roles on the Researchers have reported a 4.4% decrease in age
redox balance are much more than expected. Most of mass, 7.1% increase in skin thinness and 8.8% increase
the studies are of the same opinion with the concept in a lean body (Marcus and Hoffman, 1998).
that the age-related oxidative damage of the cellular Estrogen
DNA during aging may lead to redox imbalance which Estrogen therapy is known as one of the most
results in disruption of the cellular stabilization process successful hormonal intervention in specific women
of the proteins and the lipids. Therefore, it makes depending on aging to slow their bone loss, in addition
sense to wait for the possibility that reducing the anti- it is known much more than other hormonal
oxidants along with the cellular components that were intervention due to a long history of research. Estrogen
damaged oxdidatively may repair the age-related to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease
damage and the synergistical interaction of the life- vascular dementia or cognitive functions post
shortening pathogenesis (Yu 1996, Sack et al 1996). menopause in women in ageing-specific, the other
Due to its protective feature, feeding the various potential benefits of the new studies suggested more
antioxidants was one of the first initiative options that promises. (Birge 1998, Yaffe et al 1998).It is also
was used. According to the theory of oxidative stress known as a heart-protective estrogen, has an ability to
associated with aging (Yu, 1996), usage environment increase the plasma HDL (Sullivan 1996).
of the antioxidants is based on reducing the oxidative A powerful vasodilator which is much more widely
wounds and slowing down the aging process. available for transactions that aging can have
Unfortunately, there was no definitive conclusion about calculations for approximately 30% of heart protection
the effectiveness of the anti-biological aging movement estrogen and it shows estrogen with lipid changes with
because there was no report about biological and accounts of nitric oxide synthesis up-regulation
pathological changes in many studies and that death (Nekooeian and Panz 1998). Therefore, if studies and
was used as the end-point (Kitani et al 1993, Civan and the adverse effects with other hormonal interventions
Cakmakci 2010). are downgraded, the future of estrogen intervention
Hormonal Interventions could be promising in terms of aging studies (Barrett-
Modern approaches towards the anti-aging Corner 1998).
interventions have tied aging to the diminishing
hormone levels and based on this belief, they have DHEA Story
conducted experiments in order to re-supply the During adulthood, levels of
missing hormones. Called the ‘’brown-sequard elixir’’ dehydroephiandrosterone (DHEA) which is one of the
which are extracts prepared with sheep testicles, the highest androgenic steroids gradually decrease with
Brown-sequard experiments with self-injections claim age. Physiological roles of the DHEA still are not
these types of imaginations (Walford, 1983). well-defined.
Hormonal Intervention was one of the most Regardless of this uncertainty, it has increased
commonly used treatments in 1990s in order to weaken hope thanks to its preventive effect as a popular anti-
aging factor against many degenerative conditions
761
Ovidius University Annals, Series Physical Education and Sport / SCIENCE, MOVEMENT AND HEALTH
Vol. XIII, ISSUE 2 Supplement, 2013, Romania
The journal is indexed in: Ebsco, SPORTDiscus, INDEX COPERNICUS JOURNAL MASTER LIST,
DOAJ DIRECTORY OF OPEN ACCES JOURNALS, Caby, Gale Cengace Learning, Cabell’s Directories

related to age such as cognitive impairment, In summary, functional longevity through
osteoporosis, weakening of the immune system and hormonal intervention and successful aging are the last
cancer (Han et al 1998, Inserra et al 1998, Carney et al goals and the current goal of the effective treatment
1991, Sves and Porter 1998). When most of the approaches. Which remaining questions about the
evidence on the reinforcement effectiveness/efficiency hormonal intervention should be addressed by a future
is based on the growing studies, it should be paid study? Here are the many questions that need to be
attention that a very few of them are based on human answered: What are the potential benefits and risks of
studies, therefore direct application on humans is much hormonal interventions? Is the metabolic use
less reliable. measureable according to the total metabolic results?
All the data collected so far about the efficiency of Furthermore, its connected network along with the
the DHEA in human subjects have shown variable long-term hormonal intervention effect on all the
results. From these results, would the brain synthesize hormonal balance should be evaluated carefully. Thus,
the DHEA for example? What is the exact location or the most appropriate hormone dose level should be
locations of the DHEA movement? Does the brain determined and should be a part of the accepted aging
have DHEA receptor? Many important questions such study procedures.
as these require more systematic research on the brain. Because the casualty and course of aging is
The extensive studies using both animals and human versatile, no one should expect a single intervention in
subjects are important in terms of determining the order to significantly prevent the aging and the
validity of the DHEA before accepting it as a serious pathological processes.
anti-aging measure.
Melatonin Nutrition
Another hormone that with its popularity rapidly Free radicals are unstable and harmful chemical
increasing the public demand is melatonin. It is a substances that occur during normal metabolism
pineal gland hormone and is secreted in a circadian functioning of the body and increase when exposed to
(24-hour rotation) method. Its production gradually stress (x-rays, solar rays, excessive physical and mental
declines and becomes age-related. In a study on aging, fatigue, environmental pollution, smoking, etc.). The
melatonin was seen as little indirect because it is substances that catch the free radicals (oxidants) and
associated with a neurotransmitter which has nothing to disarm them are called antioxidants. Under normal
do with aging when compared to the circadian circumstances, they neutralize the free radicals with the
(physiological rhythms related to the 24-hour rotation natural antioxidant systems and prevent the damage the
of the earth) rhythm which is the main function of its free radicals will cause but over time this mechanism
scientific production and the other similar hormones. becomes insufficient. Two factors weaken the body’s
Therefore, a critical question must be asked, in defense power:
good faith, about a physiological structure for the  Harmful substances acquired from the
purposes of creating an anti-aging measure. For environment and food are increasing more and
example, how does the change in circadian rhythm more. Today’s generation is faced with more
cause a move that delays aging? Although there are free radicals than the older generations.
some claims about the ability of melatonin on  The activity of the enzymes increase as the
extending the life span of animals, there is no age advances.
independent verification studies conducted so far. For these reasons, our body’s own defense system
Along with this, recent melatonin studies have alone is not enough. The body needs external support
started to uncover some surprising data that melatonin and anti-oxidants to fight the free radicals. Fortunately,
is either an anti-oxidant that affects the aging process nature provides us with many nutrients with very
or works as an immune stimulator instead of powerful anti-oxidants. The anti-oxidants are certain
functioning as a hormone or a neurotransmitter. For enzymes, hormones, vitamins, minerals and herbal
example, the melatonin in an in-vitro test mixes the chemicals and the most effective anti-aging substances.
stung perxyl radicals much more effectively than With the help of these, diseases can be prevented,
vitamin E. If this fact is effective in a biological hormonal balance can be maintained and the aging
system, then the melatonin can provide a preventative process can be delayed. The best protection against
action against the oxidative damage. free radicals is to know the anti-oxidants, to be
Supporting this assumed role is a proof of the nourished and to keep the effectiveness of the support
melatonin’s functions as a cell stabilizer. If this is products at the highest level. Below are some of the
correct, then the argument for melatonin as a possible best and most effective anti-oxidants. There is no need
anti-aging intervention has a strong physiological basis. to use all of these at the same time. It will be
Along with this, the use of melatonin as a good-natured beneficial for you to get your physicians to assist you
anti-aging factor has many questions that require in choosing some of the most suitable one for you
answers. Many uncertainties that are similar to other (Kavas, 2003).
hormones have recently been evaluated as critical (Yu,
1999).
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Ovidius University Annals, Series Physical Education and Sport / SCIENCE, MOVEMENT AND HEALTH
Vol. XIII, ISSUE 2 Supplement, 2013, Romania
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Vitamin E Grape Seed Extract
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble anti-oxidant. With this Provides significant benefits against heart diseases
method, it protects the cell membrane from the and certain types of cancer, and it has been established
damages of the oxidation activities, connects to the that it is good, at the same time, for inflamed joint
oxidized fats that have gathered within the artery walls rheumatisms and in treatment of some allergies,
and minimizes them, and prevents the formation of varicose veins, hemorrhoids, blue spots on the skin and
plaque. Vitamin E reduces the heart infarction by 49%. age spots. 100mg a day is sufficient.
In addition, with its blood thinning effect, similar to Green Tea
aspirin, it prevents the formation of blood clots. As a Green tea has an effect of lowering cholesterol
powerful anti-oxidant, it prevents cataract formation level in the blood. It has been determined in the
and aging of the immune system. Major sources of studies conducted that it is also effective against many
Vitamin E include grain, eggs, hazelnuts, soybeans, cancer types. Drinking 1-2 cups a day is
vegetable oils, spinach and green leaves. recommended.
Vitamin C Lutein
Vitamin C melted into water cells by Lutein is one of crocetin and active antioxidant.
strengthening free radicals and prevents their damaging Especially, removes the free radicals formed by the
DNA. Lowers blood pressure increasing the immune Sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, it was also proved to
system reduces the risk of cataracts and cancer in old delay the macular degeneration which causes
age. Excreted in the urine. widespread blindness in advanced ages. Lutein is rich
Here are the major sources of vitamin C; citrus in green vegetables (spinach, etc.). if it is not consumed
fruits, green vegetables, potatoes. enough amount, it is recommended to take 6 to 20
Carotenoids milligram tablet once a day.
The carotenoids are nutritional elements that give N-Acetylcystein
color to fruits and vegetables. The most important Nickname of NAC is used for its abbreviation. It
carotenoids for our body, out of hundreds, are beta increases the plutathione production of the body. It is a
carotene, lutein, xanthine, cryptoxanthin and lycopene. natural anti-oxidant and is produced by the cysteine’s
Using plenty of yellow, orange, red colored fruits and in the liver, glumatic acids and glycine amino acids.
vegetables and dark green leafy vegetables that contain Prevents the damage caused by the free radicals to all
high carotenoid reduces the risk of cancer and the our organs and tissues. Glutathione protects the
occurrence of age-related diseases (cataracts, immune system and can prevent the harmful effects of
cardiovascular diseases). Carotenoids have effective radiation, cancer treatment drugs, cigarettes and
strong anti-oxidants and prevent the damage that the alcohol. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory for the
free radicals cause to the body’s cells. inflamed joints and allergies. 600mg of NAC tables are
Major sources of carotenoids are: apricots, used daily in order to increase the production of the
broccoli, carrots, peaches, spinach, pumpkin and red glutathione.
peppers. Selenium
Alphalipoic Acid Frequency of cancer in the region of Keshan,
China where there is no selenium, has revealed this
It is a strong defender against free radicals. It is a substance’s cancer protection effect. Plays and
substance, produced naturally in the body. Due to both effective role in the metabolic functions as a
resolution in oil and in water, protects the cell component of the enzymes. Selenium has a very
structures and membrance from free radicals. important place in production of the glutathione
Mitochondria within a cell energy station. Here is the peroxidase enzyme which is the most important natural
place energy generated. For this reason, mitochondria’s anti-oxidant in our body. It also disables heavy metals
oxygen stress (free radicals) is the highest fraction. In such as lead, mercury and cadmium not just free
particular, mitochondria need antioxidant protection. radicals. Strengthens the immune system and provides
Glutathione is the most important preservative for support for the tissues to remain elastic and supports in
mitochondria. Alphalipoic acid is a key ingredient for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
the formation of glutathione (Rumsey et al 1998). Shelled wheat and rice, onions, garlic, tomatoes,
Alphalipoic acid enters into mitochondria prevents the broccoli, hazelnuts, walnuts and seafood are the natural
formation of free radicals. Alphalipoic acid helps sources of selenium. Taken 50 to 100mcg tables a day
diabetes prevent its complications. Prevents skin as supplement.
wrinkles to this end, the volume is added to the skin Coenzyme Q–10
creams. Improves the functions of the brain, liver, In order for our cells to carry out their normal
cataract formation and delays aging. It is recommended function, they need energy. It is the energy producer of
to take day 1 or 2 times 50 mg tablet per day. (Rose the mitochondria cell. The energy of the body is
1996). provided by the ATP. The enzyme activator, Q-10, is
the main chemical for the production of ATP. Q-10
fights as an anti-oxidant within the army that fights
763
Ovidius University Annals, Series Physical Education and Sport / SCIENCE, MOVEMENT AND HEALTH
Vol. XIII, ISSUE 2 Supplement, 2013, Romania
The journal is indexed in: Ebsco, SPORTDiscus, INDEX COPERNICUS JOURNAL MASTER LIST,
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against the free radicals. Q-10 supports vitamin E. running they have performed for a certain period of
Coenzyme Q-10 protects the heart and lowers blood time will result in excellent weight loss but this belief
pressure. It is thought that Q-10 plays a part in fish is wrong. Of course you might see approximately half
preventing blood clots. If there is a risk of a heart kilos of difference between the before and after
disease, it is beneficial to take 30 to 50gr of coenzyme exercising but this loss is a disposal of water as a result
Q-10 and 400 IU vitamin E. Coenzyme is a substance of sweating, not a disposal of accumulated fat from the
that exist in the human body, in food (soy, spinach, body.
broccoli, sesame oil) and especially in fish It is a fact that this is temporary due to the water
(Yilmazturk, 2005). loss only. And because the body will consume the
Physical Activity (Exercise) necessary new liquids in order to prevent this loss, it is
It is possible to count the benefits of exercise inevitable to return to the old weight in later hours.
as follows: Physical Activity and Diabetes
 Reduction in blood glucose and Exercising protects the body against diabetes and
triglycerides and increase in the HDL, it increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin. With the
 Improvement in mild and moderate blood increased sensitivity to insulin, the blood sugar level
pressure, drops and insulin production is reduced. People who
 Helping with diet to lose weight, are on the move have less risk of having type-2
 Increase in cardio-vascular condition, diabetes even if they are genetically prone. Exercises
ease the blood sugar level in diabetes. In type-2
 Increase in body elasticity,
diabetes, the body begins to produce less insulin.
 Increase in quality of life.
Physical activity may prevent or delay diabetes. For
Before starting exercise, you must consult with
type-2 patients, exercises can even substitute for the
your doctor in order to determine the right exercise
anti-diabetic drug to a certain extent. Therefore,
type for your state of health. The exercises that are
exercising is a treatment method that should be carried
beneficial for health must be carried out with
out with the same importance together with losing
awareness and in a planned manner on certain days of
weight, using drugs and diabetes. It increases the
the week. Exercises that are done occasionally and in
effectiveness of the drug treatments and enables the
irregular manner have a very limited contribution to
chance to use less medication.
our health. Exercises that are last at least 30 minutes,
Compared to the people with immobile lives,
increase the pulse to a certain level and are performed 5
people who are older but exercise regularly releases
days a week can be beneficial in terms of health. The
less insulin against the sugar increases in the blood
best example for these exercises would be walking in
(Kavas, 2003).
pace, riding a bike or swimming. Muscle strengthening
Physical Activity and Hypertension
exercises are performed 3 or 4 times a week and
High blood pressure is a major risk for the heart
strengthen the muscles of our arms, legs and abdomen.
and brain blood vessels. Many researchers have
These exercises have an effect on increasing our
revealed that regular exercise lowers blood pressure in
growth hormones as well as working our
both hypertensive and normal people. While a short-
cardiovascular system (www.antiagingtr.com).
term exercise increases the systolic blood pressure in
The effects of physical therapy on memory
healthy people, there are no significant changes in the
Exercises provide more powerful memory in
diastolic blood pressure. With long-term exercises,
humans. It is known that exercising prevents the
they systolic blood pressure gradually decreases.
decrease in mental form. The ability to remember the
Exercises must be at least 3 times a week and not
events of the distant past will not deteriorate with age,
less than 35 minutes and increased slowly up to 60
however, short-term memory declines with age.
minutes. The intensity of the exercises must be
Aerobic exercises also help to increase the
suitable for the age and should not exceed the 40-60%
amount of massage transmitting agents in the body, so
of the maximum heart rate. Intensive and strenuous
that the messages reach the brain cells much more
exercises must be moved away from. If the exercises
quickly. Aging can also affect the intellectual or
are performed for a particular resistance, then high
conceptual ability. Brain needs more oxygen for this
resistance and excessive repetition must be avoided.
type of memory. Quick thinking and quick

comprehension of ideas being to decrease in adults and
Physical Activity and Heart Disease
continue until old age. Aerobic exercises slow down
It is known that aerobic exercises help reduce
this aging process.
the risk of cardiovascular diseases and reduces the
Relationship between Physical Activity and Obesity
probability of the first heart attack. While exercising,
Exercises have an important contribution in
the muscles need more fuel, i.e. oxygen. Therefore,
reducing excess weight. However, in order for the
the heart pumps more blood so it is stronger and
people with excess weight to acquire results from
more effective.
exercising, they must show great efforts. Many people
The warm up moves before exercising slowly
believe that the aerobics, swimming, walking or
increase the heart rate, body temperature and the
764
Ovidius University Annals, Series Physical Education and Sport / SCIENCE, MOVEMENT AND HEALTH
Vol. XIII, ISSUE 2 Supplement, 2013, Romania
The journal is indexed in: Ebsco, SPORTDiscus, INDEX COPERNICUS JOURNAL MASTER LIST,
DOAJ DIRECTORY OF OPEN ACCES JOURNALS, Caby, Gale Cengace Learning, Cabell’s Directories

blood flow to the muscles. Warm-up exercises Decrease in muscle strength, endurance and flexibility,
should last between five to ten minutes. increase in fat rate of the body, coordination and
There will be variety of movements that contain balance impairment, heart rate irregularities, aging,
continuous and rhythmic contractions of the leg and lungs transferring smaller amounts of oxygen,
arm muscles during aerobic exercises. The last stage of hardening of the blood vessels, thinning of the bones,
the exercise program is cooling. Cooling helps to depression and similar illnesses are reported as the first
slowly lower the heart rate to the same level before the felt symptoms of old age. Many researchers emphasize
exercise and prevents the excessive blood gathering in that at least 50% of the illnesses caused by old age are
the legs. Dizziness may occur at times during the due to inactivity.
cooling process. For this purpose, low-intensity In order to prevent the illnesses, power loss and
exercise, such as walking, should be done slowly for a hormonal imbalances that may arise as a result of aging
three to five minute period. Later on, stretching and to enable to stay younger for longer, we have to
exercises must be done in order to loosen the muscles, fight free radicals, have to be well-nourished and
to provide flexibility and prevent muscle aches, so the perform physical activities to stay young and most
cooling process should last for five to ten minutes. In importantly, have to think positively.
order to cool down the sweat and restore the muscles to
its original state, you should relax for a reasonable References
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Science, Movement and Health, Vol. XIII, ISSUE 2 supplement, 2013
September 2013, 13 (2), 766-772

FORGOTTEN HEROES OF ANCIENT GREEK OLYMPIC GAMES

JIŘÍ KOUŘIL1

Abstract
The aim. This contribution of history of sport deals with the biggest four sportsmen of Ancient Greece, the winners and
Olympic record holders (Leonidas, Ladas, Arrhachion and Milon). Each of them represented different athletic
discipline. After a brief introduction about the Olympic Games, the contribution concentrates on the sportsmen, their
lives, career and influention, and also speaks about the disciplines in which they represented their polis. Some of them
(Ladas, Arrhachion) entered into history not only because of their great performances and victories, but also because of
their own agitated fates and premature tragic death.
Objectives. The main objective of this contribution is to describe lives, career and influention of the famous ancient
Greek sportsmen.
Methods of research. Historical literature review.
Conclusions. This contribution should be revival of ancient sport and great Greek athlets, whose heritage survived in the
1Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, CZECH REPUBLIC
766
Email: [email protected]
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modern Olympic Games till nowadays. Unfortunatelly, today the agon was reemplaced by sport and we are forgetting
those, who we should thanks for the heritage of the Olympic Games and also we are forgetting those, who were often
bearers of Greek ideals of kalokagathia, arete, ekecheiria, andreia, aristeia. Today, a lot of sportsmen could learn of
their determination, honour and inmaterial approach to life.
Key words: Ancient Olympic Games, Heroes, Greek ideals.

Introduction 4615m).
This contribution of history of sport deals with - Since 18th Olympic Games (708 B. C.) the
the biggest four sportsmen of Ancient Greece, the Games were amplified with a fight (pale, the fight was
winners and olympic record holders (Leonidas, Ladas, ended after one of the rivals had touched three times
Arrhachion and Milon). Each of them represented the ground with a part of his body except for his sole)
different athletic discipline. and pentathlon (pantathlon), which was formed by a
After a brief introduction about the Olympic dromos, a long jump (sometimes it could be triple
Games, the contribution concentrates on the sportsmen, jump, the sportsmen helped themselves with so called
their lives, career and influention, and also speaks haleras - the weights from 1 to 5 kg, which had to
about the disciplines in which they represented their intensify the speed of take-off, the angle of lift-off, and
country. throwing the weights before the fall should have
Some of them (Ladas, Arrhachion) entered extended the jump), throwing the discus (probably with
into history not only because of their great a turn), throwing the javelin (the javelin as thick as
performances and victories, but also because of their fingers and as long as a man was loaded on its end and
own agitated fates and premature tragic death. had a 40 cm long leather loop for putting the index-
Leonidas of Rhodos could keep his laurels for finger and the middle-finger, which prolonged the
sprint and a triastes title (triple winner) for at least 12 throw even three times) and a fight. The pentathlon
years. took place in one day, we are not sure about the
Ladas of Sparta, a long-distance runner and original order of the disciplines.
maybe the most famous ancient sportsman of all times, - Since 23rd Olympic Games (688 B. C.) pygme
paid for his incredible victory with his life. Myron or pyx (a fist fight, boxing) was included into the
himself made his statue, maybe even more perfect than Games – it was permited everything except for the hits
Discobolos. to the genitalia and holding of the rival. The fight was
A pancratist Arrhachion of Figalia, a multiple unlimited, but if it was too long, so called klimax
winner and a winner in memoriam, had similar tragic (gradation) happened, when after a lottery the boxer
fate. In the history of the Olympic Games, Arrhachion had to accept a hit without cover and if he resisted, he
was the first sportsman who tragically died. had the right to the same retaliation. There were
The last part of the contribution is dedicated to frequent deformations of faces, broken noses and teeth,
Milon of Croton, another great sportsman who even the death.
tragically died, although not in the Olympic Games. - Since 33rd Olympic Games (648 B. C.) there
The number of Milon's victories in fight was not appeared a combination of boxing and fight called
overcome not in the ancient neither in the modern pankration (permited everythnig except fot the hits to
Olympic Games. Simonides himself made up the lines the genitalia, biting and scratching) and horse races
engraved in the Milon's statue. Milon was not only a hippos keles (later also races with a team of two and a
great athlet but also a thinker. He was a disciple of one team of four horses or mules, a team of four foals,
of the biggest ancient philosophers – Pythagoras of riding a foal, riding a not-saddled mare with a jumping
Samos. This is why we can consider him one of the down and running to the meta).
ideal representative od kalokagathia. - Since 37th Olympic Games (632 B. C.) the
Essay content Hellen youth took part in the Games.
The Olympic Games (the first documented - Since 65th Olympic Games (520 B. C.)
Games took place in 776 B. C.) belonged to the most another runner's discipline – the race of hoplites, so
famous in Greece, its organizer (although maybe not called hoplitodromos (it was a two staduim's lengths
from the start) was the Elida community. In ancient running race - diaulos - with full armour and later,
times the Games were formed only by a one whole since 450 B. C., only with a shield and a helmet). After
staduim's length running race (192,27m), called dromos the introducing of hoplitodromos , the 3rd sprint
or stadion, and religious ceremonies. The Games were discipline, there could come into existence a honorary
amplified step by step, most of all thanks to Sparta: degree triastés (triple winner), awarded to triple
- Since 15th Olympic Games (720 B. C.) there winners (dromos, diaulos, hoplitodromos) of one
was a two staduim's lengths running race, so called Games in Olympia. Altogether only six runners
diaulos (dromos with a turn, 384,5m), and dolichos , a recieved the title (the first one was Fanas of Pellena,
long-distance race (7-24 stadium's lengths, 1346 – others were for example Leonidas of Rhodos,
767
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Hermogenes of Xanthos, Nikokles of Akrios and winners and two triastes titles. The trio of the best
Hekaitomnos of Elida). sprinters is complemented by ancient Spartan Chionis
- The part of the Games were also competitions who did not have the posibility to get a degree triastes
of pipers (auletés included in 58th Games), buglers or run victory of the hoplites, at the time when he lived
(salpistés) and announcers, heralds (kérykés) - the last and raced, this discipline was not in the Games.
two competitions took part since 96th Games in Chionis managed to win four Games in Olympia in
Olympia (396 B. C.) dromos and the last three also in diaulos; probably he
Out of the religious festivals and sporting events, was a pentathlete, as we will discuss below (V. Sábl,
various lectures, art exhibitions, treasure and national 1968, p. 262-264, 270).
trophies exhibitions, musical and vocal performances Now we will pay more attention to another
and Olympic markets were organized during the great runner, the long-distance runner Ladas from
Olympic Games in Olympia. In addition to it, Olympia Sparta.
grew rich also thanks to a share of the spoils of war of
Greek communities (it was about one-tenth of the Ladas from Sparta
spoils). At the time of the Olympic games there was
proclaimed holy peace (ekecheiria). The Games Undoubtedly the greatest and most famous
initially lasted one day, later five days, maybe even long-distance runners were courier Philippides (or
seven days. Competitors had to attend at least ten Feidippides) and Ladas from Sparta. Philippides
months before the beginning of the Games in Elida, entered into history as the first marathon runner. Before
where they took part in pre-olympic training camp and the encounter of Persians, led by Darius I., and Greeks,
after it they had to march two days on the holy way to who were commanded by one of the strategists
Olympia. Foreigners and slaves were excluded from Miltiades, at Marathon, Philippides ran from Athens to
the Games, women and girls in Olympia participated in Sparta to request for assistance and then he ran back.
the so-called herae. The competitions were managed Later, after Miltiades' victory, he was sent to Athens to
by Hellanodikai, elected judges (their number proclaim the result of the battle and alert the impending
gradually stabilized at ten; they were voted about a invasion residues of Persian forces near the city.
year before the games and were preparing for them ten According to legend, he exclaimed: "Victory" and died.
months), but upper management as well as the The second named, Ladas from Sparta, who
organization of the preparations, was in charge of will be paid attention here, was the Olympic champion
Olympic Committee (búlé). Helanodikos had at hand in 76th , 80th , or 85th (according to German historian
the rhabduchos, superintendents with a stick (J. Grexa, Forster) Games in dolichos. His first start in Olympia
M. Strachová, 2011, p. 39-43; V. Sábl, 1960, p. 106; V. at the same time became his last. Ladas' great
Sábl, 1968, p. 54-63; R. Šíp et. al. 2008 p. 36). performance, his superiority over rivals and his step
lightness were the inspiration for many Greek artists.
Leonidas of Rhodos The ancient historian Solinus wrote about him, that his
racing track touch in deep sand stadium was so light
Leonidas of Rhodos was undoubtedly the and fast that he even left no trace (V. Sábl, 1968, p.
greatest ancient Greek sprinter. The number of his 271-272).
Olympic victories was never broken (taking into Ladas great performance was praised by
account the ancient and modern Olympic Games). several ancient poets, let us mention for example this
Leonidas was the winner of the 154th, 155th, anonymus poem in his honor:
156th and 157th Games in Olympia in dromos, diaulos
and hoplitodromos and each time in one day. It means
that this leadership he managed to keep for 12 years. „As you were in life, Ladas, flying before
We have no data preserved about his other victories, wind-foot Thymos,
where he could win only one or two of these events, barely touching the ground with
but we can assume that the total number of his the tips of your toes,
Olympic victories was even greater. Along with these just so did Myron cast you in bronze,
prizes he won four titles triastes. Unfortunatelly, there engraving all over your body
are no extant data on the number of victories in other expectation of the crown of Pisa.
ancient Greek games (V. Sábl, 1968, p. 269-270; S. G. He is full of hope, with the breath on
Miller, 2004, p. 205). the tips of his lips
After this outstanding sprinter of Rhodos there blowing from within his hollow ribs;
was named a hotel, located in Olympia, the Leonidaion bronze read to jump
(R. A. Mechikoff, 2010, p. 70). out for the crown – the base cannot
Similarly outstanding sprinter did not appear hold it back;
in Olympia until 250 years after Leonidas, it was art swifter than the wind.“
Hermogenes of Xanthos, in Asia Minor nicknamed (S. G. Miller, 2004, p. 231).
"Hippos" ("Horse"). He won eight olive wreaths of
768