Aerobic Cycling Research Articles

Stretching, Isometrics, and Aerobic Exercise for Decreasing Blood Pressure Post-Exercise: A Randomized Cross-Over Study.

We compared stretching, isometrics, and aerobic exercise for effectiveness in decreasing blood pressure post-exercise. Using a randomized crossover design, 5 males and 4 females (21.3y; normotensive) participated in four 30-minute sessions on separate days: static stretching (30s stretches, major muscle groups), isometric exercise, aerobic cycling (75% VO2peak), and control (rest), with blood pressure and heart rate measured before exercise (or rest) and for 60 minutes post-exercise (or rest). Aerobic exercise and stretching decreased post-exercise systolic blood pressure (~10 mmHg each) (p<0.05) whereas isometric exercise and the control condition did not significantly decrease post-exercise blood pressure. Stretching is similar to aerobic exercise for reducing blood pressure post-exercise. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06628635.

Effect of Aerobic Exercises on Lung Function in Women With Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Aerobic exercises (AEs) have gained much interest in managing fibromyalgia (FM). This trial aimed to find out how AEs affect women with FM in terms of lung function, chest expansion, dyspnea, exercise capacity, and quality of life. Eighty FM-diagnosed women were allocated randomly into 2 equal-sized groups. For 12weeks, the AEs group did moderate-intensity aerobic cycling and diaphragmatic breathing exercises while the control group did just diaphragmatic breathing exercises. Outcome measures included forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second, and total lung capacity for lung function; upper and lower chest expansions; Medical Research Council dyspnea scale for dyspnea; maximal oxygen consumption for exercise capacity; and physical component score and mental component score components of the 12-item Short Form Health Survey for quality of life. By study completion, all outcomes improved significantly in the AEs and control groups (P < .05). Compared with the group of control, the AEs group revealed more substantial increases in forced vital capacity (9.51% vs 4.95%, P = .04), forced expiratory volume in the first second (8.72% vs 4.54%, P = .03), total lung capacity (11.02% vs 5.39%, P = .001), upper chest expansion (21.22% vs 10.03%, P = .02), lower chest expansion (31.35% vs 11.2%, P = .01), maximal oxygen consumption (55.89% vs 36.94%, P = .03), physical component score (18.8% vs 10.9%, P = .001), and mental component score (25.67% vs 15.26%, P = .02) accompanied with greater declines in Medical Research Council dyspnea scale scores (37.71% vs 19.45%, P = .03). In FM women, moderate AEs could improve lung function, chest expansion, dyspnea, exercise capacity, and quality of life.

Impact of Aerobic Cycling on Affective Symptoms and Quality of Life in Persons Experiencing Subjective Cognitive Decline

Impact of Aerobic Cycling on Affective Symptoms and Quality of Life in Persons Experiencing Subjective Cognitive Decline

Effectiveness of various lower extremity rehabilitation techniques to improve quality of life in post-stroke patients

The ability to move the lower extremities in individuals who have suffered from a stroke presents significant challenges to daily mobility and function. We conducted a systematic evaluation to compare the effectiveness of physical rehabilitation following a stroke. We searched six databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Springer, Portal Garuda, and Nature Portfolio) for publications published before November 2023. The researchers recruited stroke patients and used a validated scale to assess lower extremity strength and walking capacity in post-stroke patients. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist to evaluate the quality of the papers that met the inclusion criteria. The PRISMA checklist was used to report the study. We identified nine relevant articles that discussed various rehabilitation methods for stroke patients with lower extremity impairment. We examined the specificity of these results using a statistical parameter. The findings were as follow: Biofeedback cycling (P &lt; 0.001); Pelvic Stability Training (P &lt; 0.05); Exoskeleton for post-stroke recovery of ambulation (ExStRA) (P &lt; 0.05); Aerobic Cycling (P &lt; 0.001); Somatosensory Training (P &lt; 0.001), Lower-extremity constraint-induced movement therapy (P &lt; 0.001), Motor imagery with circuit class therapy (P &lt; 0.001), Robotic gait training (P &lt; 0.05), and Early and Intensive (P &lt; 0.001). Various rehabilitation methods discussed in the article demonstrate high effectiveness in improving lower extremity function. These methods include biofeedback cycling, aerobic cycling, somatosensory training, movement therapy, motor imagery combined with structured progressive circuit therapy classes, and early and intensive rehabilitation after ischemic stroke.

Effect of aerobic cycling on resistance-induced changes in arterial reflection/stiffness

Effect of aerobic cycling on resistance-induced changes in arterial reflection/stiffness

Effect of low-intensity aerobic cycling ergometer on ability to perform activity of daily living of patients with myasthenia gravis in RSUD Dr. Soetomo Surabaya

Background and objectives. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction causing fluctuating skeletal muscle weakness and fatigue that result in increased restrictions on physical activity, affecting the patient's ability to perform daily activities in the family, social, and work environment. The MG-ADL scale is an assessment of the ability of the daily activities of MG patients that does not require equipment or special skills for the examiner and can be done in a short time. This study analyzes the effect of low intensity aerobic exercise cycle ergometer on the ability to perform daily activities of MG patients. Materials and methods. Twenty-two MG patients, MGFA class IIa and IIb, aged 18–59, participated in this study. The subjects were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group received aerobic cycle ergometer exercise for 30 minutes, three times per week, for eight weeks. Both groups were educated to continue medication from neurology, perform physical activity as usual, and breathing exercises. Assessment of MG-ADL performed before and after intervention. Results. There was an improvement in scores on breathing and lower limb function in the treatment group. There was significant decrease in MG-ADL scores at the intervention group (p = 0.000) with large effect size (1.09). The comparison of MG-ADL scores between groups showed a significant value (p = 0.009) with a large effect size (1.24). Conclusion. Low intensity aerobic exercise cycle ergometer for 8 weeks improves the ability to perform ADL in MG patient.

Low-intensity aerobic cycle ergometer effects on lung function of myasthenia gravis patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) often show restrictive spirometry results. Although regular exercise and physical fitness are linked to better respiratory function, there is limited research assessing the effects of aerobic exercise on lung function in MG patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of low-intensity aerobic exercise using a cycle ergometer on lung function parameters in MG patients. A randomized controlled trial with pre- and post-test was conducted at the Medical Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic of Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia, in 2023. MG patients classified as I-IIb based on the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification were recruited and randomly divided into treatment and control groups. The treatment group was given low-intensity aerobic exercise using a cycle ergometer, education on lifestyle changes, and breathing exercises (deep and pursed lip breathing). Lung function parameters, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and forced expiratory volume ratio (FEVR), were then measured. Measurements were conducted before and after eight weeks of low-intensity aerobic cycle ergometer exercise and compared with those of a control group. A total of 17 MG patients were included in this study. The results showed a significant increase in FVC in the treatment group (p=0.003), whereas no significant change in the control group (p=0.068). A significant increase in FEV1 was observed both in the treatment (p=0.029) and the control group (p=0.016). There was no improvement in FEVR in either group. After the intervention, significant differences were observed in FVC (p=0.009) and FEV1 (p=0.029) between the treatment and control groups. There was no significant difference in FEVR values after the intervention between both groups (p=0.491). In conclusion, eight weeks of low-intensity aerobic cycle ergometer exercise led to significant improvements in FVC and FEV1 among MG patients.

Degradation of Azo-dye (Disperse Red) Using Rhizosphere Bacterial Consortium

This study investigates the degradation of the azo dye (Disperse Red) using a rhizosphere bacterial consortium. Standard microbiological and molecular techniques were employed to isolate and identify organisms from rhizosphere soil. Degradation of azodye was carried out in a fabricated anoxic and oxic chambers with hydraulic retention time of 40hrs. Initial identification of the bacterial isolates through Gram’s reaction and biochemical tests revealed the presence of organisms belonging to the genera Pseudomonas, Lysinibacillus, and Citrobacter. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses confirmed the isolates as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Lysinibacillus sphaericus, Pseudomonas chengduensis, and Citrobacter freundii. During the preliminary testing, the degradation efficiency was assessed under varying glucose concentrations. Higher decolorization rate of 56.17% was observed in the medium with 10% glucose after 72 hours, while the medium with 5% glucose achieved a 44.17% colour reduction. Notably, lower degradation rates recorded were 11.96% and 12.85% for the 5% and 10% dye enhance glucose mineral salt media, respectively. However, During the actual degradation testing in a double-chamber system enhanced with biochar, the first anaerobic cycle achieved a maximum decolorization of 71.95% after 94 hours, with the first aerobic cycle further enhancing degradation to 90.51%. The second anaerobic cycle increased degradation to 94.78%, and the final aerobic cycle achieved a decolorization of 98.47%. These results show that the rate of Disperse Red degradation is highly dependent on glucose levels and alternating anaerobic-aerobic conditions. This study demonstrates the potential of using rhizosphere bacterial consortia to bioremediate wastewater contaminated with azo dyes, offering an efficient and sustainable method of environmental management. The results underline the need of optimizing ambient conditions to increase microbial degradation processes.

Rationale and methodology for examining the combination of aerobic exercise and cognitive rehabilitation on new learning and memory in persons with multiple sclerosis and mobility disability: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis paper describes the protocol for a Phase I/II, parallel-group, single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT). The RCT investigates the combined effects of 12-weeks of aerobic exercise training (AET) integrated with virtual reality (VR) and cognitive rehabilitation (CR) on new learning and memory in 78 persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have mobility disability and objective impairments in learning and memory. MethodsParticipants will undergo baseline assessments consisting of neuropsychological testing, neuroimaging, self-report questionnaires, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Participants will then be randomized into one of two conditions using concealed allocation: aerobic cycling exercise that incorporates VR combined with CR or stretching and toning (i.e., active control; S/T) combined with CR. Participants will be masked regarding the intent of the conditions. After 7-weeks of exercise alone, the 5-week Kessler Foundation modified Story Memory Technique (KF-mSMT®) will be integrated into the training. After the 12-week training period, participants will complete the same measures as at baseline administered by treatment-blinded assessors. Primary study outcomes include new learning and memory (NLM) measured by a small battery of neuropsychological assessments that assess list learning (California Verbal Learning Test-II), prose memory (Memory Assessment Scale), visuospatial memory (Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised), and everyday memory (Ecological Memory Simulations). Secondary study outcomes include neuroimaging outcomes of hippocampal structure, function, and connectivity. ConclusionIf successful, this trial will provide the first Class I evidence supporting the unique combination of aerobic cycling exercise with VR and CR for treating MS-related learning and memory impairments in persons with mobility disability.

The Influence of Separate and Combined Exercise and Foreign Language Acquisition on Learning and Cognition.

Aging contributes significantly to cognitive decline. Aerobic exercise (AE) has been shown to induce substantial neuroplasticity changes, enhancing cognitive and brain health. Likewise, recent research underscores the cognitive benefits of foreign language learning (FLL), indicating improvements in brain structure and function across age groups. However, the lack of a comprehensive paradigm integrating language learning with exercise limits research on combined effects in older adults. In order to address this gap, we devised a novel approach using a virtual world tourism scenario for auditory-based language learning combined with aerobic cycling. Our study examines the impact of simultaneous AE and FLL integration on cognitive and language learning outcomes compared to FLL alone. A total of 20 older adults were randomly assigned to AE + FLL and FLL-only groups. The results revealed significantly improved Spanish language learning outcomes in both combined and language learning-only groups. Additionally, significant cognitive function improvement was observed in the FLL group following short-term language learning.

Intensive Aerobic Cycling Is Feasible and Elicits Improvements in Gait Velocity in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Preliminary Study.

Aerobic exercise (AEx) has many potential benefits; however, it is unknown whether individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) can attain the optimal intensity and duration to harness its effects. Forced-rate exercise (FE) is a novel paradigm in which the voluntary pedaling rate during cycling is supplemented to achieve a higher exercise intensity. The aim of this pilot trial was to investigate the feasibility and initial efficacy of a 12-week FE or voluntary exercise (VE) cycling intervention for individuals with MS. Twenty-two participants with MS (Expanded Disability Severity Scale [EDSS] 2.0-6.5) were randomly assigned to FE (n = 12) or VE (n = 10), each with twice weekly 45-minute sessions at a prescribed intensity of 60% to 80% of maximum heart rate (HR). Eighteen individuals (FE = 11; VE = 7) completed the intervention, however, adaptations were required in both groups to overcome barriers to cycling. Overall, participants exercised for an average of 42.2 ± 2.3 minutes at an aerobic intensity of 65% ± 7% of maximum HR and a pedaling cadence of 67.3 ± 13.3 RPM. Cycling led to improved treadmill walking speed (0.61 to 0.68 m/sec, P = .010), with somewhat greater improvement with FE compared to VE (increase of 0.09 vs 0.03 m/s, respectively, P = .17) post intervention. Notably, the participant with the highest disability level (EDSS 6.5) tolerated FE but not VE. Aerobic exercise is feasible for individuals with MS, although those with increased disability may require novel paradigms such as FE to achieve targeted intensity. Further trials are warranted to investigate the effects of FE across the MS disability spectrum.

The difference of affect improvement effect of music intervention in aerobic exercise at different time periods.

Objectives: A randomized controlled experimental design that combines exercise and music intervention was adopted in this study to verify whether this approach could help improve human affect. The differences in the effect of music listening on affective improvement were compared in four different periods: before, during, and after aerobic power cycling exercise and the whole exercise course. Method: A total of 140 subjects aged 19-30 years (average age: 23.6 years) were recruited and randomly divided into four music intervention groups, namely, the pre-exercise, during-exercise, post-exercise, and the whole-course groups. The subjects' demographic and sociological variables and daily physical activities were collected using questionnaires. Individual factors, such as the subjects' noise sensitivity, personality traits, and degree of learning burnout, were collected via scale scoring. A laboratory in Zhejiang Normal University was selected as the experimental site. The testing procedure can be summarized as follows. In a quiet environment, the subjects were asked to sit quietly for 5min after completing a preparation work, and then they were informed to take a pre-test. The four subject groups wore headphones and completed 20min of aerobic cycling (i.e., 7min of moderate-intensity cycling [50%*HRR + RHR] + 6min of low-intensity interval cycling [30%*HRR + RHR] + 7min of moderate-intensity cycling [50%*HRR + RHR] after returning to a calm state (no less than 20min) for post-testing. The affect improvement indicators (dependent variables) collected in the field included blood pressure (BP), positive/negative affect, and heart rate variability indicators (RMSSD, SDNN, and LF/HF). Results: 1) Significant differences were found in the participants' systolic BP (SBP) indices and the effect of improvement of the positive affect during the exercise-music intervention among the four groups at different durations for the same exercise intensity (F = 2.379, p = 0.030, ɳp 2 = 0.058; F = 2.451, p = 0.043, ɳp 2 = 0.091). 2) Music intervention for individuals during exercise contribute more to the reduction of SBP than the other three time periods (F = 3.170, p = 0.047, ɳp 2 = 0.068). Improvement in the participants' negativity affective score was also better during exercise, and it was significantly different than the other three time periods (F = 5.516, p = 0.006, ɳp 2 = 0.113). No significant differences were found in the improvement effects of the other effective indicators for the four periods. Conclusion: Exercise combined with music intervention has a facilitative effect on human affect improvement, and listening to music during exercise has a better impact on affective improvement than music interventions at the other periods. When people perform physical activities, listening to music during exercise positively affects the progress effect among them.

Effect of Physical Exercise on Executive Functions Using the Emotional Stroop Task in Perimenopausal Women: A Pilot Study.

A quasi-experimental pilot study was conducted involving 14 perimenopausal women (Peri-MG) and 13 healthy young women (YG) who completed an EST before and after an aerobic cycling exercise. Mixed-effects models for repeated measures were used to analyze reaction times (RTs) and error rates (ERs) during emotional word processing (positive, negative, and neutral) for both groups. Compared with the YG, the Peri-MG showed significantly shortened RTs for positive and negative emotions (p < 0.05) post-exercise, but not for neutral words. In addition, the Peri-MG exhibited significantly increased ERs for negative words at baseline compared with the YG (p < 0.05), but this difference was not observed during the post-exercise test. The findings suggest that aerobic exercise can enhance executive control performance in perimenopausal women. The Peri-MG exhibited marked behavioral plasticity in the form of reduced bias to salient cues that were significantly more sensitive to alterations due to exercise. This new evidence enhances the understanding of emotional vulnerability and beneficial susceptibility to exercise in perimenopausal women.

Effect of low-intensity aerobic cycling ergometer on disease severity and depression of patients with myasthenia gravis in “Dr. Soetomo” General Hospital, Surabaya

Background and objectives. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by muscle weakness. Muscle weakness leads to impairment of daily activities and leads to psychiatric symptoms, including depression. The lack of exercise methods in MG patients is a problem in rehabilitation. This study evaluates the effect of an 8-week low-intensity aerobic exercise program on Myasthenia Gravis Composite (MGC) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores in MG patients. Materials and methods. This is a randomized controlled trial conducted from May to June 2023. Twenty subjects were randomly divided into treatment group and control group. The treatment group received low-intensity aerobic exercise with cycle ergometer 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks. Both groups were informed about lifestyle changes and effective breathing exercises. MGC and BDI scores were measured and compared before and after intervention. Results. In the treatment group, MGC and BDI scores was significantly decreased with strong effect size after 8 weeks (5.4 ± 2.32 to 2.4 ± 1.84, p = 0.001, Cohen’s D = 1.57; and 10.4 ± 2.88 to 5.9 ± 2.77, p = 0.001, Cohen’s D = 1.86). In the control group, MGC and BDI scores were not significantly different (5.4 ± 2.68 to 6.0 ± 2.49, p = 0.193, Cohen’s D = 0.44; and 10.4 ± 1.71 to 9.6 ± 1.65, p = 0.247, Cohen’s D = 0.39). The MGC score strongly correlated with the BDI score (r = 0.50). Conclusion. 8 weeks of low-intensity aerobic exercise with cycling ergometer reduces disease severity and depression severity in myasthenia gravis.

Effect of low intensity aerobic cycle ergometer on maximal walking speed and cadence of myasthenia gravis patients

Background and objectives. MG is associated with muscle weakness which induces fatigue. This condi­tion interferes with patients’ ability to pursue activities of daily living and could cause many complications such as decrement in walking and depression. Though rehabilitation has been proved to reduce symptoms, the optimal dosage of the rehabilitation program is still debatable due to lack of high-quality evidence. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of aerobic cycle ergometer on maximal walking speed, cadence and fatigue of MG patients. Materials and methods. This randomized control group study was conducted to 20 Myasthenia Gravis patients with MGFA classification I until IIb. 10 meter walking test was used to assess maximal walking speed, 1 minute walking test was used to assess cadence, while Fatigue Severity Scale was used to measure fatigue. Measurement was done before and after 8 weeks of exercise. Paired t-test is used to analyze within group variables, and independent t test to evaluate between-group analysis. Results. There was improvement on maximal walking speed, cadence and fatigue at intervention group with large effect size (CI 95%, p = 0,05), even though the results didn’t differ statistically between groups. Conclusion. There is improvement of maximal walking speed, cadence and fatigue of Myasthenia Gravis patients after exercising using low intensity aerobic cycle ergometer.

An 8-week Forced-rate Aerobic Cycling Program Improves Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Persons With Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo examine the cardiorespiratory effects of a forced-rate aerobic exercise (FE) intervention among individuals with chronic stroke compared with an upper extremity repetitive task practice (UE RTP) control group. DesignSecondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial. SettingResearch laboratory. ParticipantsIndividuals with chronic stroke (N=60). InterventionsParticipants completed 24 sessions of FE followed by RTP (FE+RTP, N=30) or time matched RTP alone (N=30). The FE+RTP group was prescribed exercise at 60%-80% of heart rate reserve on a motorized stationary cycle ergometer for 45 minutes followed by 45 minutes of RTP. The control group completed 90 minutes of RTP. Main Outcome MeasuresMetabolic exercise stress tests on a cycle ergometer were conducted at baseline and post-intervention. Outcomes included peak oxygen consumption (peak V̇o2) and anaerobic threshold (AT). ResultsFifty participants completed the study intervention and pre/post stress tests. The FE+RTP group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in peak V̇o2 from 16.4±5.7 to 18.3±6.4 mL/min/kg compared with the RTP group (17.0±5.6 to 17.2±5.6 mL/min/kg, P=.020) and significantly greater improvements in AT from 10.3±2.8 to 11.5±3.6 mL/min/kg compared with the RTP group (10.8±3.9 to 10.4±3.2 mL/min/kg, P=.020). In analyzing predictors of post-intervention peak V̇o2, the multivariable linear regression model did not reveal a significant effect of age, sex, body mass index, or beta blocker usage. Similarly, bivariate linear regression models for the FE group only did not find any exercise variables (aerobic intensity, power, or cycling cadence) to be significant predictors of peak V̇o2. ConclusionsWhile the aerobic exercise intervention was integrated into rehabilitation to improve UE motor recovery, it was also effective in eliciting significant and meaningful improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness. This novel rehabilitation model may be an effective approach to improve motor and cardiorespiratory function in persons recovering from stroke.

Abstract 121: Improvements in Cardiovascular Fitness Following Forced-Rate Aerobic Cycling in Individuals With Chronic Stroke

Introduction: Declines in cardiovascular function in individuals following stroke result in increased energy costs of movement, restrictions in participation, and increased risk for recurrent stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. We have developed a rehabilitation model that incorporates aerobic exercise training to harness its potential neuroplastic effects. Our aim is to identify the cardiovascular benefits from a forced-rate aerobic exercise (FE) intervention among individuals with chronic stroke compared to an upper extremity repetitive task practice (UE RTP) control group. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that FE would elicit greater improvements in cardiovascular fitness compared to the UE RTP intervention. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted in which participants (N=60) completed 24 sessions over 8 weeks of FE followed by RTP (FE+RTP) or time-matched RTP alone. The FE+RTP group exercised at 60-80% of heart rate reserve on a motorized stationary semi-recumbent cycle ergometer for 45 minutes followed by 45 minutes of RTP. The control group completed 90 minutes of RTP. Metabolic exercise stress tests were conducted at baseline and post-intervention. Outcomes included peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) and anaerobic threshold (AT). Results: Fifty participants completed the study intervention and pre/post stress tests. The FE+RTP group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in peak VO2 from 16.4±5.7 to 18.3±6.4 mL/min/kg compared to the RTP group (17.0±5.6 to 17.2±5.6 mL/min/kg, p=0.020) and significantly greater improvements in AT from 10.3±2.8 to 11.5±3.6 mL/min/kg compared to the RTP group (10.8±3.9 to 10.4±3.2 mL/min/kg, p=0.020). Conclusions: An aerobic exercise intervention integrated into rehabilitation was effective in eliciting significant and meaningful improvements in cardiovascular fitness. This novel rehabilitation model may be an effective approach to improve motor and cardiovascular function.

Brain-Derived neurotrophic factor and inflammatory biomarkers are unaffected by acute and chronic intermittent hypoxic-hyperoxic exposure in geriatric patients: a randomized controlled trial

Background Animal and human studies have shown that exposure to hypoxia can increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein transcription and reduce systematic inflammatory cytokine response. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the acute and chronic effects of intermittent hypoxic-hyperoxic exposure (IHHE) prior to aerobic exercise on BDNF, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) blood levels in geriatric patients. Patients and Methods Twenty-five geriatric patients (83.1 ± 5.0 yrs, 71.1 ± 10.0 kg, 1.8 ± 0.9 m) participated in a placebo-controlled, single-blinded trial and were randomly assigned to either an intervention (IG) or control group (CG) performing an aerobic cycling training (17 sessions, 20 min·session−1, 3 sessions·week−1). Prior to aerobic cycling exercise, the IG was additionally exposed to IHHE for 30 min, whereas the CG received continuous normoxic air. Blood samples were taken immediately before (pre-exercise) and 10 min (post-exercise) after the first session as well as 48 h (post-training) after the last session to determine serum (BDNFS) and plasma BDNF (BDNFP), IL-6, and CRP levels. Intervention effects were analyzed using a 2 x 2 analysis of covariance with repeated measures. Results were interpreted based on effect sizes with a medium effect considered as meaningful (ηp 2 ≥ 0.06, d ≥ 0.5). Results CRP was moderately higher (d = 0.51) in the CG compared to the IG at baseline. IHHE had no acute effect on BDNFS (ηp 2 = 0.01), BDNFP (ηp 2 < 0.01), BDNF serum/plasma-ratio (ηp 2 < 0.01), IL-6 (ηp 2 < 0.01), or CRP (ηp 2 = 0.04). After the 6-week intervention, an interaction was found for BDNF serum/plasma-ratio (ηp 2 = 0.06) but not for BDNFS (ηp 2 = 0.04), BDNFP (ηp 2 < 0.01), IL-6 (ηp 2 < 0.01), or CRP (ηp 2 < 0.01). BDNF serum/plasma-ratio increased from pre-exercise to post-training (d = 0.67) in the CG compared to the IG (d = 0.51). A main effect of time was found for BDNFP (ηp 2 = 0.09) but not for BDNFS (ηp 2 = 0.02). Within-group post-hoc analyses revealed a training-related reduction in BDNFP in the IG and CG by 46.1% (d = 0.73) and 24.7% (d = 0.57), respectively. Conclusion The addition of 30 min IHHE prior to 20 min aerobic cycling seems not to be effective to increase BDNFS and BDNFP or to reduce IL-6 and CRP levels in geriatric patients after a 6-week intervention. The study was retrospectively registered at drks.de (DRKS-ID: DRKS00025130).

Biosensor for Rapid Measurement of Lactate in Exhaled Breath Condensate

Lactate concentration plays an important role in disease diagnostics. Higher lactate concentrations are associated with sepsis and septic shock [2], trauma [3], tissue hypoxia due to acute lung injury [4], and respiratory diseases [5]. Lactate level is also widely used in monitoring athletes’ training and fitness as long-term exhausting exercise leads to a rapid increase in lactate level and result in muscle weakening and fatigue [6]. Compared with the traditional blood sample media which is invasive and capillary blood monitoring is not suitable for routine clinical use, the exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is simple and non-invasive method with no potential for adverse effects for lactate analysis.In this presentation, a point-of-care electrochemical biosensor is introduced for the EBC lactate analysis. This disposable and low-cost sensor is aimed to be inserted in an EBC collection device developed by our team that enables real-time monitoring and rapid measurements of EBC lactate level. The sensor measurement is done directly after EBC sample collection, that minimizes the risk of sample degradation and is cheaper than the traditional laboratory techniques such as fluorometry or mass spectrometry.The sensor is modified with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), Prussian blue (PB) and lactate oxidase (LOD) enzyme. Lactate concentration is measured from amperometric current response generated by the redox reactions on sensor surface. The enzyme gel formulation is optimized based on rotating disk electrode (RDE) experiments and kinetics analysis, investigating the effect of LOD concentration and gel thickness, and was then applied to disposable sensors.Finally, human EBC analysis is conducted on healthy subjects at rest and after 30 min of intense aerobic cycling exercise. Sensor’s results in real EBC lactate measurements demonstrate a good correlation with fluorometry and mass spectrometry calibrations and exhibit high stability and sensitivity in both short-term and long-term use. Mass production of the sensor is done by robotic gel dispensing using a Biodot aspirate dispensing machine.Note: This presentation is based on the corresponding author's recent publication ‘Rapid Measurement of Lactate in the Exhaled Breath Condensate: Biosensor Optimization and In-Human Proof of Concept’ in ACS Sensors (doi.10.1021/acssensors.2c01739) [1]

The microbiome of two strategies for ammonia removal with the sequencing batch moving bed biofilm reactor treating cheese production wastewater.

Cheese production facilities must abide by sewage discharge bylaws that prevent overloading municipal water resource recovery facilities, eutrophication, and toxicity to aquatic life. Compact treatment systems can permit on-site treatment of cheese production wastewater; however, competition between heterotrophs and nitrifiers impedes the implementation of the sequencing batch moving bed biofilm reactor (SB-MBBR) for nitrification from high-carbon wastewaters. This study demonstrates that a single SB-MBBR is not feasible for nitrification when operated with anerobic and aerobic cycling for carbon and phosphorous removal from cheese production wastewater, as nitrification does not occur in a single reactor. Thus, two reactors in series are recommended to achieve nitrification from cheese production wastewater in SB-MBBRs. These findings can be applied to pilot and full-scale SB-MBBR operations. By demonstrating the potential to implement partial nitrification in the SB-MBBR system, this study presents the possibility of implementing partial nitrification in the SB-MBBR, resulting in the potential for more sustainable treatment of nitrogen from cheese production wastewater.