Weeks Of Aerobic Exercise Research Articles

The Effect of Exercise on Spexin and Follistatin in Elderly Individuals.

In adipose tissue-muscle crosstalk mechanisms, the interaction of adipokines and myokines is known to be critical for maintaining the body's metabolic balance in age-related metabolic disorders. The aim of the study investigate the effects of 12 weeks of aerobic and resistance exercise training on spexin and follistatin and their relationship with each other. This study was a multicentre, randomized controlled study conducted at two assisted living facilities with participants aged ≥ 65. Among the 66 subjects, 33 were allocated to the exercise group (E) and 33 to the control group (C). The exercise group was administered 50 min of exercise by expert physiotherapists 1 day a week for 12 weeks. Participants in the intervention groups performed exercise assignments two extra days a week, tailored to their specific circumstances and supervised by the institution's physiotherapists. Spexin, follistatin and measurements of metabolic syndrome parameters were performed at the beginning and after 12 weeks. The mean age of the 62 participants who completed the study (E n = 31, C n = 31) was 73.25 ± 6.44 years, and 62.9% were female. While spexin (E = 1090.94 ± 533.66, C = 1142.91 ± 550.68 pg/mL, p > 0.05) and follistatin (E = 50.52 ± 24.35, C = 50.00 ± 23.52 ng/mL, p > 0.05) values were similar in the two groups at baseline, the values of spexin (E = 1311.32 ± 513.66, C = 1033.27 ± 486.48, p < 0.0001; η2 = 0.387) and follistatin (E = 64.79 ± 32.35, C = 48.16 ± 26.27, p < 0.0001; η2 = 0.267) in the exercise group were higher than in the control group at week 12. At the 12th week, neck circumference (38.32 ± 3.41, 37.16 ± 3.15, p = 0.002), waist circumference (102.64 ± 13.38, 98.54 ± 14.47, p < 0.0001), hip circumference (105.70 ± 15.43, 102.93 ± 13.48, p < 0.0001), body fat mass (22.69 ± 7.39, 20.45 ± 6.22, p < 0.0001) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (137.19 ± 13.80, 124.9 ± 15.18, p = 0.0001, 77.38 ± 12.10, 72.61 ± 9.26, p = 0.043) decreased, and body muscle mass (46.32 ± 8.43, 49.03 ± 8.58, p < 0.0001) increased in the exercise group compared to baseline. A correlation was observed between the change in follistatin level and the change in spexin level (r = 0.438, p = 0.001). A negative correlation was found between the amount of decrease in body fat mass and the decrease in spexin level (r = -0.380, p = 0.005). A positive correlation was found between the increase in body muscle mass and the increase in spexin and follistatin (r = 0.431, p = 0.001; r = 0.490, p < 0.0001, respectively). It was found that spexin, which provides metabolic homeostasis, and follistatin, which expresses the increase in muscle mass, increased with the implementation of a 12-week aerobic and resistance exercise program in elderly individuals, and these increases were found to be associated with each other. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05251597.

Aerobic exercise prevents renal osteodystrophy via irisin-activated osteoblasts.

Renal osteodystrophy is commonly seen in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to disrupted mineral homeostasis. Given the impaired renal function in these patients, common anti-resorptive agents, including bisphosphonates, must be used with caution or even contraindicated. Therefore, an alternative therapy without renal burden to combat renal osteodystrophy is urgently needed. Here, we report that clinically relevant aerobic exercise significantly prevents high-turnover renal osteodystrophy in CKD mouse and patients without compromising renal function. Mechanistically, 4-week aerobic exercise in CKD mice increased expression of skeletal muscle PPARγ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and circulating irisin. Both exercise and irisin administration significantly activated osteoblasts, but not osteoclasts, via integrin αvβ5, thereby conferring bone quality benefits. Removal of irisin-influenced thermogenic adipose tissues or genetic ablation of uncoupling protein 1 did not alter the irisin-conferred anti-osteodystrophy effect. Importantly, in a pilot clinical study, 12-week aerobic exercise in patients with high-grade CKD significantly increased circulating irisin and prevented osteodystrophy progression, without detectable renal burden. The combination of irisin and current anti-resorptive agents effectively rescued renal osteodystrophy in mice. Our work provides mechanistic insights into the role of exercise and irisin in renal osteodystrophy, and highlights a clinically relevant, low-cost, kidney-friendly therapy for patients with this devastating disease.

The effect of exercise on GDF-15 levels in individuals with prediabetes: A randomized controlled trial.

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is an inflammatory cytokine that increases in prediabetes and is known for its anorexigenic effects. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a 12-week exercise program on GDF-15 in individuals with prediabetes. In this multicenter, parallel-group, randomized-controlled trial, 64 patients aged 18-60 diagnosed with prediabetes were randomized in a 1:1 ratio into the exercise group (E) and the control group (C). Additionally, 32 patients who were planned to start metformin were included in the metformin group (M). Participants in the exercise group engaged in aerobic exercise at 50-70% of their maximum heart rate for 60 min, 3 days a week. Serum GDF-15 levels were evaluated at the beginning and the end of the 12th week. The mean age of the 91 participants who completed the study was 46.13 ± 8.52 years, and 23.1% were male. Basal GDF-15 levels were similar among the groups (E = 668.6 ± 415.1, C = 651.8 ± 352.5, M = 603.6 ± 387.2, P = 0.47). At the 12th week, GDF-15 levels were lower in the E compared to the C, while higher in the M compared to the C (E = 383.1 ± 215.6, C = 556.4 ± 285.6, M = 810.8 ± 498.0, P < 0.001). In inter-group comparisons, no significant change was observed in the C between the 0th and 12th weeks, while GDF-15 decreased in the E (P < 0.001) and increased in the M (P < 0.001). It was determined that in individuals with prediabetes, GDF-15, which serves both as a biomarker of metabolic disorder and has a negative regulatory effect on appetite, decreased with 12 weeks of aerobic exercise and increased with metformin administration.

Examining the influence of aerobic exercise on middle school students’ academic engagement: exploring the role of academic buoyancy

ABSTRACT To examine the time course efficiency of aerobic exercise interventions on middle school students' academic engagement behaviours and academic buoyancy as a potential mediator. A random cluster sample of 447 middle school students (238 first-year, 209 second-year) in Yangzhou, screened for average academic achievement and physical fitness, was divided into an experimental group (N = 216, 109 males, 107 females) and a control group (N = 225, 117 males, 108 females). The experimental group participated in a 12-week aerobic exercise programme after school (three 45–60 minute sessions per week), while the control group engaged in regular school activities without the intervention. Academic buoyancy and engagement were assessed at four points: pre-experiment, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and post-experiment. (1) Aerobic exercise positively affected vitality (F = 166.773, η p 2 = 0.275), dedication (F = 240.165, η p 2 = 0.354), concentration (F = 11.303, η p 2 = 0.025), and overall academic engagement (F = 225.593, η p 2 = 0.339), as well as enhancing academic buoyancy (F = 301.593, η p 2 = 0.407). (2) Mediating effects of aerobic exercise intervention varied over time: 3.59%, 32.41%, and 29.09% at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and post-test, respectively. Aerobic exercise intervention effectively promotes middle school students' academic engagement, both directly and indirectly through increased academic buoyancy.

Eight weeks of aerobic exercise, but not four, improves insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular performance in young women

Regular aerobic exercise has a significant impact on glucose metabolism and lipid profiles, contributing to overall health improvement. However, evidence for optimal exercise duration to achieve these effects is limited. This study aims to explore the effects of 4 and 8 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on glucose metabolism, lipid profiles, and associated metabolic changes in young female students with insulin resistance and varying body mass, seeking to determine the optimal duration for physiological adaptations. Twenty-eight physically semi-active female students were randomly assigned to 4-week (G4, n = 13, age = 23.31 ± 5.19, BMI = 24.78 ± 5.87) and 8-week (G8, n = 15, age = 21.8 ± 2.56, BMI = 24.95 ± 4.81) training groups. The aerobic intervention maintained an intensity of 40–70% of maximum heart rate (HRmax). 6-min-walk test (6MWT), handgrip strength tests, insulin, HOMA-IR, lipid profiles, and metabolic profiles were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Following the intervention, G8, but not G4, exhibited a significant decrease in HOMA-IR (-14.59%, p = 0.047). The improvement in HOMA-IR was accompanied by notable improvements in 6-MWT (+ 38.18%, p < 0.001) and handgrip strength (+ 11.62, p = 0.027 and + 17.59%, p = 0.013), and increased levels of bilirubin degradation products, ribose, and glutarate. The elevated levels of bilirubin degradation products, known for their antioxidant properties, suggested a potential antioxidative response triggered by prolonged aerobic exercise. Additionally, an increase in ribose and glutarate indicated improved metabolic flexibility and enhanced utilization of alternative energy substrates. The 8-week aerobic exercise regimen demonstrated enhanced insulin sensitivity, upper body strength, and cardiovascular performance in young females compared to a 4-week regimen by triggering specific metabolic adaptations. These findings emphasize the complex relationship between exercise duration, metabolic adaptations, and overall well-being in young women, providing valuable insights for optimizing exercise prescriptions in promoting metabolic health.

Aerobic exercise improves energy and glucose homeostasis through hypothalamic Mitofusion 2-rescued endoplasmic reticulum stress in diet-induced obese mice.

Hypothalamic endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and mitochondrial dysfunction are two important mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of obesity, which can be reversed by aerobic exercise to improve organ function. Mitofusion 2 (Mfn2), a mitochondrial membrane protein, affects both mitochondrial dynamics and ER morphology. This study explored the contribution of hypothalamic Mfn2 to exercise-induced improvements in energy homeostasis and peripheral metabolism and the underlying mechanisms involved. We determined the effects of aerobic exercise on energy metabolism and the expression of Mfn2 and α-MSH in the hypothalamus of diet-induced obesity (DIO) model mice. In addition, hypothalamic ER signalling and insulin signalling in both the hypothalamus and the liver were evaluated following 4 weeks of aerobic exercise. By using an adenovirus carrying shRNA-Mfn2, we further explored the effects of hypothalamic Mfn2 on exercise-induced improvements in energy metabolism, ER signalling and insulin signalling. Energy metabolism was obviously improved following 4 weeks of aerobic exercise in DIO model mice. However, after hypothalamic Mfn2 knockdown, the effects of exercise on food intake and peripheral metabolism were significantly suppressed. Hypothalamic ER signalling was attenuated significantly, whereas both hypothalamic and hepatic insulin signalling were obviously activated following aerobic exercise. Nevertheless, exercise-induced improvements in ER signalling and insulin signalling were attenuated significantly after Mfn2 knockdown. These data indicate that aerobic exercise improves whole-body metabolism in DIO mice, probably via increased hypothalamic Mfn2, which could be further mediated by attenuated HFD-induced ER stress in the hypothalamus.

Evaluating a 12-week aerobic exercise intervention in adults with persisting post-concussive symptoms.

Although guidelines support aerobic exercise in sub-acute mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), evidence for adults with persisting post-concussive symptoms (PPCS) after mTBI is lacking. The objective was to evaluate the impact of a sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise intervention on overall symptom burden and quality of life in adults with PPCS. This prospective cohort study was nested within the ACTBI Trial (Aerobic Exercise for treatment of Chronic symptoms following mild Traumatic Brain Injury). A total of 50 adults with a diagnosis of mTBI, PPCS and exercise intolerance completed a 12-week sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise intervention either immediately after enrollment (i-AEP group; n = 27) or following 6-weeks of stretching (d-AEP group; n = 23). Data from all participants (n = 50) were included in the combined AEP (c-AEP) group. The primary outcome was symptom burden on the Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ). Secondary outcomes included measures of quality of life and specific post-concussive symptoms (depressive and anxiety symptoms, functional impact of headache, fatigue, sleep, dizziness and exercise tolerance). Heart rate, blood pressure and heart rate variability were also assessed to understand autonomic function response to intervention. Participants were a mean (SD) of 42.6 (10.9) years old (74% female) and 25.1 (14.1) months post-mTBI. Following 12-weeks of intervention participants had a significant improvement in symptom burden on the RPQ (i-AEP: mean change = -9.415, p < 0.001; d-AEP: mean change = -3.478, p = 0.034; c-AEP: mean change = -6.446, p < 0.001). Participants also had significant improvement in quality of life (i-AEP: mean change = 9.879, p < 0.001; d-AEP: mean change = 7.994, p < 0.001, c-AEP: mean change = 8.937, p < 0.001), dizziness (i-AEP: mean change = -11.159, p = 0.001; d-AEP: mean change = -6.516, p = 0.019; c-AEP: -8.837, p < 0.001) and exercise tolerance (i-AEP: mean change = 5.987, p < 0.001; d-AEP: mean change = 3.421, p < 0.001; c-AEP: mean change = 4.703, p < 0.001). Headache (mean change = -5.522, p < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (mean change = -3.032, p = 0.001) improved in the i-AEP group. There was no change in measures of autonomic function. A 12-week aerobic exercise intervention improves overall symptom burden, quality of life and specific symptom domains in adults with PPCS. Clinicians should consider prescription of progressive, individualized, sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise for adults with PPCS even if presenting with exercise intolerance and months-to-years of symptoms.

Long-Term Aerobic Exercise Enhances Hepatoprotection in MAFLD by Modulating Exosomal miR-324 via ROCK1.

Insulin resistance (IR) is central to the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (MAFLD). While aerobic exercise reduces hepatic fat and enhances insulin sensitivity, the specific mechanisms-particularly those involving exosomal pathways-are not fully elucidated. Exosomes were isolated from 15 MAFLD patients' plasma following the final session of a 12-week aerobic exercise intervention. Liver fat content was measured using MRI-PDFF, and metabolic parameters were assessed via OGTT, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, and VO2 max. Co-culture experiments evaluated the effects of exercise-derived exosomes on IR signaling pathways. miRNA microarray analysis identified miR-324, which was quantified in high-fat diet (HFD) mice with and without exercise and compared between athletes and sedentary controls. Functional assays assessed miR-324's role in glucose and lipid metabolism, while luciferase reporter and Western blot assays confirmed ROCK1 as its direct target. Aerobic exercise significantly reduced liver fat and improved insulin sensitivity in both MAFLD patients and HFD mice. Notably, exosomal miR-324 levels were lower in athletes than sedentary controls, indicating an inverse association with insulin sensitivity. Post-exercise, precursor and mature miR-324 increased in adipose tissue and decreased in muscle, suggesting its adipose origin and inverse regulation. Functional assays demonstrated that miR-324 modulates insulin resistance by targeting ROCK1. Exercise-induced exosomal miR-324 from adipose tissue targets ROCK1, revealing a novel mechanism by which aerobic exercise confers hepatoprotection against insulin resistance in MAFLD. These findings enhance our understanding of how exercise influences metabolic health and may inform future therapeutic strategies for managing MAFLD and related conditions.

A134: The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Obese Adolescents with High Executive Function

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of 4 weeks of aerobic exercise on the cardiorespiratory fitness of adolescents with obesity and varying levels of executive function. Methods: We recruited 80 adolescents with obesity to participate in a summer camp in China in 2022, and select 57 as research subjects based on the 2018 "Screening for Overweight and Obesity in School-Age Children and Adolescents" standard. The participants underwent morphological and 20-meter shuttle run tests to assess their VO2max. A comprehensive assessment of executive function was conducted using the Stroop task, the Wechsler Memory Scale, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. The participants were divided into low and high executive function groups based on the median score of their EFz (Executive Function z-scores). The participants received six days per week, two sessions per day, and two hours per session of aerobic exercise under the guidance of professional coaches. The exercises included fat-burning exercises, such as calisthenics, and sports like badminton. The exercise intensity was controlled at 60-70% HRmax, and the participants wore heart rate monitors throughout the exercise session. During the camp, the participants' diets were managed by professional nutritionists, and any additional energy intake was strictly prohibited. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0. Data were checked for normality using the S-W test. VO2max(mL·kg-1·min-1) values were expressed as means and SD. ΔVO2max=W4 (VO2max)-W0(VO2max), VO2max%=ΔVO2max/W0(VO2max)×100%, Independent sample t-tests were used to compare groups, and paired sample t-tests were used to compare W0 and W4 values within groups. P &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: After 4 weeks of aerobic exercise, there was a significant improvement in VO2max in both the low (41.69±3.88 vs. 43.94±4.36mL·kg-1·min-1, P &lt; 0.001) and high (41.10±3.71 vs. 44.84±3.71mL·kg-1·min-1, P &lt; 0.001) executive function groups. There was no significant difference in VO2max between the two groups before or after the exercise (P = 0.536 and P = 0.407, respectively). However, there was a significant difference in ΔVO2max (2.25±1.87vs.3.77±2.99mL·kg-1·min-1, P = 0.007) and ΔVO2max% (5.43±4.67% vs. 9.45±5.77%, P = 0.006) between the low and high executive function groups, with the high executive function group showing a significantly greater improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness compared to the low executive function group. Conclusion: Four weeks of aerobic exercise can improve the cardiorespiratory fitness of adolescents with obesity, with a greater improvement was observed in those with high executive function compared to those with low executive function.

A057: Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Glutamate Homeostasis in NAC During Withdrawal Period of Nicotine Addiction

Background/Purpose: The disturbed glutamate homeostasis in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays a key role in the induction of relapse during nicotine withdrawal. The uptake of excessive extracellular glutamate relies on astrocytic glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) and transporter for cysteine (x-CT). Nicotine abuse leads to decreases in expressions of GLT-1 and xCT in NAc. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of exercise on the expressions of GLT-1 and x-CT during nicotine withdrawal. Method: (1) 2-month-old male C57BL/6J mice were used in this experiment. Mice were randomly divided into four groups: saline sedentary (SS) group, saline exercise (SE) group, nicotine sedentary (NS) group, and nicotine exercise (NE) group. After the establishment of nicotine addiction model with conditioned place preference (CPP) behavioral paradigm, SE and NE group mice were subjected to moderate intensity treadmill exercise. SS and NS group mice were not given exercise intervention. (2) Exercise program: the first 10min running speed is 12m/min, the last 50min is 15m/min, the slope is 0,60 min/day, 5 days/week, 2 weeks. (3) The nicotine dependence during withdrawal was tested using CPP. (4) The expression of GLT-1 and x-CT in NAc were detected by western blot. (5) The results were expressed as mean ± standard error. Two-way analysis of variance was performed. P &lt; 0.05 was statistically significant. Results: (1) After the establishment of nicotine addiction, CPP scores of NS and NE groups were higher than those in SS group (P &lt; 0.001). After two weeks of aerobic exercise, CPP score of NE group was lower than that in NS group (P &lt; 0.05). (2) GLT-1 expression in NS group was lower compared with SS group (P &lt; 0.05). GLT-1 expression in NE group was higher compared with NS group (P &lt; 0.05). (3) x-CT expression in NS group was lower compared with SS group (P &lt; 0.05). x-CT expression in NE group was higher compared with NS group (P &lt; 0.01). Conclusion/Discussion: The expressions of GLT-1 and x-CT in the NAc are lower, which might be one of the mechanisms of nicotine relapse during withdrawal. Aerobic exercise increases the expression of GLT-1 and x-CT in the NAc from nicotine withdrawal mice, which might be one of the mechanisms of exercise-induced reduction of nicotine relapse during withdrawal.

Aerobic exercise attenuates insulin resistance via restoring branched chain amino acids homeostasis in obese mice.

Emerging evidences suggests that the disrupted branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) homeostasis and elevated BCAAs promote obesity-related insulin resistance (IR). Exercise improves insulin sensitivity. However, whether BCAAs plays a role in the exercise-attenuated IR remains to be fully investigated. In this study, male C57BL/6J mice were induced to become diet-induced obese (DIO) and served as subjects. The initial investigation focused on the impact of exercise on IR and BCAAs. The DIO mice were randomly assigned to either a sedentary group (CON, n = 16) or an exercise group (EX, n = 16). The EX group underwent a 12-week aerobic exercise regimen on a treadmill. After 12-week, plasma BCAAs and branched-chain keto acids (BCKAs) were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were performed, and the expression and phosphorylation of BCAAs catabolic proteins, as well as AKT T308 in gastrocnemius muscle and liver tissues, were evaluated using western blotting. Subsequently, the study explored the role of BCAAs in enhancing IR through exercise. Mice were randomly allocated into 4 groups: sedentary group (CON, n = 8), sedentary with BCAAs supplementation group (CON+BCAA, n = 8), exercise group (EX, n = 16), and exercise with BCAAs supplementation group (EX+BCAA, n = 16). The exercise protocol was as above. Mice in the BCAAs supplemented groups received drinking water containing 2% BCAAs. After 12-week, plasma BCAAs and BCKAs were measured, GTT and ITT tests were performed, and the phosphorylation of AKT T308, as well as p70S6K T389 in gastrocnemius muscle and liver, were compared between the EX group and the EX+BCAA group. Additionally, the phosphorylation of AMPKα T172 in both tissues was measured across all four groups. 12-week aerobic exercise improved insulin sensitivity in DIO mice while inducing BCAAs catabolic protein expression in skeletal muscle and liver, and reducing the plasma BCAAs level. Importantly, BCAAs supplementation elevated the plasma level of BCAAs and counteracted the exercise-attenuated IR. In skeletal muscle and liver tissues, BCAAs supplementation impaired the exercise-improved insulin signaling without enhancing mammalian target of rapamycin activity. AMPK activity was enhanced by aerobic exercise, which was abolished by BCAAs supplementation. Aerobic exercise attenuated insulin resistance via restoring BCAAs homeostasis and AMPK activity. The impacts of BCAAs intake on the metabolic effects of exercise sheds light on the combined exercise and nutrition intervention strategy for diabetes management.

The Effects of Obesity, Six Weeks of Aerobic Training, and Cold Water Exposure on the Expression of FNDC5 and UCP1 Genes in Male Wistar Rats

Background: Obesity is a complex disease that has become increasingly prevalent. While obesity itself is not new, its widespread occurrence is a more recent concern. Stimulating brown adipose tissue (BAT) and promoting the browning of white adipose tissue (bWAT) have shown promise as therapeutic targets to increase energy expenditure and counteract weight gain. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate two main aspects. First, we examined how obesity affects the expression of the fibronectin type-III domain containing 5 (FNDC5) and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) genes in male Wistar rats. Second, we assessed the effects of six weeks of aerobic exercise, exposure to cold water, and the combination of both on the expression of the FNDC5 and UCP1 genes in obese male Wistar rats. Methods: In this experiment, 25 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups (5 rats per group) after inducing obesity. The groups included: A control group (C), an obesity group (O), an obesity group exposed to cold water (OC), an obesity group engaged in aerobic exercise (OE), and an obesity group exposed to both cold water and aerobic exercise (OCE). The aerobic exercise sessions lasted 30 - 60 minutes, with a speed of 15 - 25 meters per minute. The cold water exposure protocol involved shallow water (2 - 4 cm) with a temperature of 14 - 18°C. The OCE group performed both aerobic and cold water exercises in each session. The expression of the FNDC5 gene in the soleus muscle and the FNDC5 and UCP1 genes in subcutaneous fat was evaluated using Real-Time PCR. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software version 16, with a significance level set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: Obesity significantly increased the expression of the FNDC5 gene (P = 0.008). After six weeks of aerobic exercise (P = 0.016) or cold water exposure (P = 0.016), there was a significant decrease in FNDC5 gene expression. Surprisingly, the combination of both interventions did not result in a significant effect (P = 0.75). On the other hand, none of the interventions—whether aerobic exercise, cold water exposure, or their combination—had a significant effect on the expression of the UCP1 gene (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: The increase in FNDC5 gene expression caused by obesity may serve as a compensatory mechanism to cope with the condition. However, both cold water exposure and aerobic exercise appear to mitigate this increase in FNDC5 gene expression through enhanced thermogenesis.

Evaluating Biomarkers of Bone Health After an 8-Week Walking Program in Non-Ambulatory Stroke Survivors: A Pilot Study.

Background/Objectives: Stroke survivors have a significantly increased likelihood of developing osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones as well as an elevated risk of bone fractures. However, previous studies on exercise intervention have mostly been on stroke survivors who are able to walk. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of walking exercise on bone health in non-ambulatory stroke survivors. Methods: This pre- and post-test study enrolled a group of chronic non-ambulatory stroke survivors. They were instructed to complete an 8-week aerobic walking exercise program, three sessions per week. Serum concentrations of osteocalcin (OC) and carboxy-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (ICTP) were evaluated at baseline and after completing the walking exercise program. In addition, we assessed the ambulation capacity and balance control using the functional ambulation category (FAC) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS), respectively. Results: A total of 9 out of 10 non-ambulatory stroke survivors who were recruited completed the intervention. The serum concentration of OC significantly increased from 8.51 ± 2.28 ng/mL to 9.39 ± 2.97 ng/mL (p < 0.10). The serum concentration of ICTP significantly increased from 4.45 ± 2.58 ng/mL to 5.31 ± 2.92 ng/mL (p < 0.10). Both FAC and BBS scores significantly improved from 1.0 ± 0 to 1.33 ± 0.5 (p < 0.1) and from 7.22 ± 10.02 to 15.78 ± 14.81 (p < 0.01), respectively. Conclusions: The findings of this pilot study suggest that walking exercise may improve bone health by initiating a bone remodeling process in chronic non-ambulatory stroke survivors.

Improvement in cardiac function but not structure in adults born preterm following a prescribed moderate to high intensity exercise intervention: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background People born preterm (&amp;lt;37 weeks’ gestation) have a potentially adverse cardiac phenotype that progresses with blood pressure elevation and may explain their increased risk of early heart failure and cardiovascular-related mortality. It remains unknown whether lifestyle or pharmacological interventions lead to beneficial left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) structural and/or functional changes in preterm-born adults. Purpose To determine whether preterm-born adults with elevated and stage 1 hypertension exhibit similar cardiac remodelling following a 16-week aerobic exercise intervention as their term-born peers with comparable blood pressures. Methods We conducted an open, parallel, two-arm superiority randomised controlled (1:1) trial in n=203 adults aged 18-35 years old with elevated or stage 1 hypertension. Participants were randomised to a 16-week aerobic exercise intervention targeting three, 60-minute supervised sessions per week at 60-80% peak heart rate (exercise intervention) or sign-posted to educational materials (controls). In a pre-specified cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) sub-study in n=100 individuals, CMR was performed before and after the 16-week intervention. Group differences in outcome variables after the intervention were examined using ANCOVA adjusting for baseline outcome variables, sex, and age. Interactions between birth category and intervention effect were investigated by including an interaction term in the intervention ANCOVA analyses. Results One hundred participants completed CMR scans at baseline and after the 16-week intervention, with n=47 in the exercise intervention group (n=26 term-born; n=21 preterm-born) and n=53 controls (n=32 term-born; n=21 preterm-born). Cardiac structural measures in preterm-born adults did not change following the intervention. However, term-born adults in the exercise intervention group decreased LV mass to end-diastolic volume ratio (adjusted mean difference: -0.03, 95% CI: -0.06,-0.01, interaction term p=0.027) and increased RV stroke volume (adjusted mean difference: 5.53mL/m2, 95% CI: 2.60,8.47, interaction term p=0.076) versus controls. Preterm-born adults in the exercise intervention group increased LV basal- and mid-ventricular circumferential strain versus controls (adjusted mean difference: -1.33%, 95% CI: -2.07,-0.60, interaction term p=0.057 and adjusted mean difference: -1.54%, 95% CI: -2.46,-0.63, interaction term p=0.046, respectively), which was not observed in term-born adults. Similarly, preterm-born adults improved RV longitudinal strain versus controls (adjusted mean difference: -0.51%, 95% CI: -1.49,0.46, interaction term p=0.053), which was also not observed in term-born adults. Conclusions Aerobic exercise training improves myocardial function but not cardiac structure in preterm-born adults. Modified exercise protocols or combination with pharmacological intervention may lead to additional cardiac remodelling benefits.

Photobiomodulation and Physical Exercise Modulate of Cell Survival Proteins in the Skeletal Muscle of Rats with Heart Failure and Diabetes Mellitus.

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) are global health problems that often lead to muscle atrophy. These conditions are associated with increased autophagy and apoptosis in the muscle cells, resulting in decreased muscle mass. Physical exercise associated with photobiomodulation (PBM) seems promising to attenuate the skeletal muscle changes caused by HF and DM2, due to its direct effects on mitochondria, which may result in an increase in antioxidant capacity. Objective: To verify the influence of physical exercise and the association with PBM on autophagy, apoptosis, and cell survival signaling pathways in myocytes from rats with HF and DM2. Materials and Methods: Male rats were assigned to one of four groups: control (CT), HF+DM (disease model), exercise+HF+DM (EX+HF+DM), and EX+HF+DM+PBM (EX+HF+DM+PBM). To induce DM2, we administered streptozotocin (STZ) (0.25 mL/kg, intraperitoneally). HF was induced by coronary ligation. One week post-induction, an 8-week aerobic exercise and PBM protocol was initiated. Western blot analysis was used to measure the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and autophagy. Results: The EX+HF+DM+PBM group showed a substantial increase in Nrf2, p-AKT, and LC3-I levels compared to the HF+DM group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that physical exercise combined with PBM can upregulate proteins that promote myocyte survival in rats with HF and DM2.

8주간 유산소운동이 여고생의 신체구성과 정신건강에 미치는 영향

Objectives This study aims to investigate the effects of an 8-week aerobic exercise program on the body composition and mental health of high school girls. Methods To achieve the purpose of the study, a total of 35 high school girls participated, with 17 assigned to the exercise group and 18 to the control group through random allocation. The exercise group performed aerobic exercise three times a week for 60 minutes each session over an 8-week period, while the control group maintained their usual daily activities during the same period. Repeated measures ANOVA was conducted using the SPSS 23 statistical program to examine the differences between the groups, and the significance level was set at .05. Results The exercise group showed a statistically significant decrease in body fat percentage (p=.001) and a statistically significant improvement in mental health (p=.016). Conclusions Aerobic exercise positively impacts the body composition and mental health of high school girls, enhancing their overall well-being. It not only brings about physical changes but also helps to improve emotional stability. Therefore, in order to improve the health and quality of life of high school girls, various aerobic exercise programs are developed, and customized designs are needed considering interest and persistence. Such programs comprehensively support the physical and mental health of adolescents and contribute to building a healthier society in the long term.

Physical Activity and Executive Functioning in Children and Adolescents with Congenital Heart Defects: A Scoping Review.

Children and adolescents (C&As) with congenital heart defects (CHDs) have decreased functional capacity and executive functioning (EF) due to brain abnormalities and decreased cerebral perfusion. Exercise may improve EF via increased cognitive demands and cerebral blood supply. The purpose of this review was to identify evidence describing the impact of physical activity (PA) interventions on EF in C&As with CHDs. The following databases were searched from 2000 to 2024: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, CENTRAL, and PsycInfo. The inclusion criteria consisted of participants aged from birth to 18 years with CHD, interventions related to PA, and EF as an outcome measure. Articles were excluded if adults were included, translation to English was impossible, and full access was unavailable. Of 613 initial articles, 3 were analyzed, with only 1 meeting all inclusion criteria. The included study found significant improvements in self-reported cognitive functioning and parent-reported social functioning after 12 weeks of aerobic exercise in children aged 10-15 years with CHDs. Common themes among the reviewed articles indicated that EF remains impaired throughout the lifespan, children have unique interventional and developmental needs, and research remains limited despite theoretical benefits. Further investigation of the effect of PA on EF in C&As with CHDs is needed.

Effects of aerobic training on cardiopulmonary fitness in patients with long COVID-19: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLong COVID-19 is characterized by systemic deterioration of the entire body, leading to significant physical and mental disorders. Exercise training has the potential to improve persistent symptoms and cardiopulmonary functions.MethodThis was a single-center, randomized, controlled trial. Twenty-four patients aged 18 to 75 years who had a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID symptoms. Patients were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive either a 4-week exercise training program or an attention control group. The training group participated in 12 supervised aerobic sessions on a cycling ergometer over 4 weeks. The outcomes were to assess the impact of a 4-week aerobic exercise on the persistent symptoms and cardiopulmonary fitness, the surrogate endpoints of COVID-19 recovery and cardiopulmonary health.ResultsAfter the 4-week intervention, significant reductions were observed in the total number of symptoms in the training group. Specifically, 67.8% of patients in the training group exhibited reduced or completely resolved symptoms, in comparison to 16.7% in the control group (P = 0.013). After adjusting for gender, significant improvements in the training group were observed for exercise time (Pgroup*time = 0.028), maximum load (Pgroup*time = 0.01), and peak VO2 (Pgroup*time = 0.001), as well as O2 pulse (Pgroup*time = 0.042) and maximum heart rate (Pgroup*time = 0.007). The score of Short Form-12, depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and insomnia did not show significant changes between groups (Pgroup*time > 0.05).ConclusionA supervised aerobic training program has the potential to alleviate persistent symptoms and improve exercise tolerance in patients with long COVID-19. Further research is necessary to confirm these effects in a large population. This intervention could be easily implemented in non-hospital settings, potentially benefiting a broader range of individuals.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov NCT05961462. Registered on July 25, 2023.

Effect of Four Weeks of Aerobic Exercise and Berberine Supplementation on the Expression of Dopamine 5 Receptor and Poly (Adenosin Diphosphat [ADP]-Ribose) Polymerase Genes in the Heart Tissue of Methamphetamine-Exposed Rats

Effect of Four Weeks of Aerobic Exercise and Berberine Supplementation on the Expression of Dopamine 5 Receptor and Poly (Adenosin Diphosphat [ADP]-Ribose) Polymerase Genes in the Heart Tissue of Methamphetamine-Exposed Rats

Aerobic exercise effects on systolic blood pressure and endothelial inflammation in obese and non-obese elderly women with isolated systolic hypertension.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 16-week aerobic exercise program on systolic blood pressure, intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein of obese and nonobese elderly women with isolated systolic hypertension. Elderly women aged 70-85 years were recruited and grouped into the normal isolated systolic hypertension ( n = 12) and obese isolated systolic hypertension groups ( n = 13). The participants followed an aerobic exercise program, using a wireless heart rate monitor to maintain an appropriate heart rate reserve based on the American College of Sports Medicine exercise guidelines. The two-way repeated measures analysis of variance tested group × time interaction. Pearson's correlation and simple regression assessed the influence of each variable, which showed significant differences. An interaction effect for systolic blood pressure, intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 ( P < 0.05) and a main time effect for oxidized low-density lipoprotein ( P < 0.05) were observed. A correlation between the rates of change in systolic blood pressure and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 ( P < 0.05) with a 42.8% influence ( P < 0.001) and in intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 ( P < 0.05) with a 21.6% influence ( P < 0.05) was observed. These findings collectively showed that the 16-week aerobic exercise program effectively lowered blood pressure in patients with isolated systolic hypertension, particularly in the normal group compared to the obese group. Thus, regular aerobic exercise for 16 weeks or more enhances vascular health, potentially improving the healthy life expectancy of elderly women.