Aerobic Fitness Levels Research Articles

Effects of recreational small-sided games from different team sports on the improvement of aerobic fitness in youth sedentary populations: A systematic review

Aerobic fitness is a critical aspect of overall health and well-being, essential for maintaining a high quality of life. Unfortunately, sedentary behavior has been on the rise among young adults, and this has had a negative impact on their aerobic fitness levels. Therefore, it is crucial to identify enjoyable physical exercise training programs that can play a pivotal role in improving aerobic fitness. The objective of this study was to systematically review the experimental studies concerning the impact of small-sided games (SSGs) training programs, implemented across various team sports, on the enhancement of aerobic fitness in a youth sedentary population. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science on August 01, 2023. Our eligibility criteria focused on studies involving sedentary youth populations (aged <18 years) as the target population. These studies needed to incorporate interventions based on SSGs as the intervention of interest, comparing them to passive or control groups as the comparator. The primary outcomes of interest were related to maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), assessed either directly or indirectly, or the results of field-based cardiorespiratory tests. We specifically considered two- or multi-arm randomized controlled studies as the study design of interest. Out of the initial pool of 1980 studies, we reviewed 38 full-text articles, ultimately selecting and analyzing 13 studies for inclusion in our review. Among the studies included, a total of 1281 participants were enrolled in SSG-based interventions, while 744 participants acted as part of the control groups. Regarding the impact on VO2max, the six studies that investigated this outcome showed varying improvements, ranging from 2.2 % to 31.3 % when participants were exposed to SSGs. In terms of the outcome related to endurance performance in field-based tests, the eight studies that examined this aspect found that participants exposed to SSGs showed improvements ranging from 0.1 % to 79.8 %. In conclusion, this systematic review suggests that SSG-based interventions conducted among sedentary youth populations can play a positive role in improving their aerobic fitness. This improvement in aerobic fitness can have potential positive impacts on their overall health and quality of life.

A Pilot Study of Exercise Training for Children and Adolescents With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Evaluation of Feasibility, Safety, Satisfaction, and Efficacy.

Children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) experience extraintestinal side effects including altered body composition, impaired muscle strength, and aerobic capacity. Exercise training may remedy these issues. To assess the feasibility, safety, participant satisfaction, and efficacy of a training program for youth with IBD. Children with IBD completed 16weeks of training (2 supervised + 1 home sessions per week). Feasibility was assessed by tracking recruitment, adherence, and compliance rates. Safety was assessed by tracking symptoms and adverse events. Posttraining interviews gauged satisfaction. Circulating inflammatory markers, body composition, muscle strength, aerobic fitness, and habitual physical activity were measured at baseline, midtraining (8wk), and posttraining. Eleven youth were recruited and 10 completed the study. Participants adhered to 28 (1) of 32 prescribed supervised sessions and 8 (4) of 16 prescribed home sessions. There were no adverse events, and overall feedback on training was positive. Posttraining, we observed an increase in lean mass (+2.4 [1.1]kg), bone density (+0.0124 [0.015] g·cm-2), aerobic fitness (+2.8 [5.7] mL·kgLM-1·min-1), and vigorous physical activity levels (+13.09 [8.95]min·h-1) but no change in inflammation or muscle strength. Supervised exercise training is feasible, safe, and effective for youth with IBD and should be encouraged.

Assessing aerobic endurance in elite female cricket players

To assess and compare the aerobic endurance levels of elite female cricket players from Bangladesh and India. This study’s participants were 50 elite female cricket players (ages 18-30 years), with 25 players from each country. They were all considered elite players based on their performance and experience in national and international cricket tournaments. To measure aerobic endurance fitness, the participants underwent a Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIRT1), which is widely used to measure an individual's maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and aerobic capacity. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The test of Normality, mean, and standard deviation were calculated for each group, and a t-test was used to compare the mean scores of the two groups. A p-value of less than .05 is considered statistically significant. The data were analysed using the statistical software SPSS version 26. The study found that the Indian female cricket players had a significantly higher aerobic endurance fitness level than the Bangladeshi players. The mean VO2max of the Indian players was 46.76 ml/kg/min, while the Bangladeshi players' mean VO2max was 43.60 ml/kg/min. Additionally, the Indian players had a higher mean score in total distance covered in YYIRT1 (1233.6 m) than the Bangladeshi players (857.6). These differences were found to be statistically significant (p &lt; .05). These findings suggest that there may be a difference in the training and preparation methods between the two countries, leading to a higher aerobic endurance fitness level among Indian players.

Associations of polygenic inheritance of physical activity with aerobic fitness, cardiometabolic risk factors and diseases: the HUNT study.

Physical activity (PA), aerobic fitness, and cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) are highly heritable multifactorial phenotypes. Shared genetic factors may underlie the associations between higher levels of PA and better aerobic fitness and a lower risk for CMDs. We aimed to study how PA genotype associates with self-reported PA, aerobic fitness, cardiometabolic risk factors and diseases. PA genotype, which combined variation in over one million of gene variants, was composed using the SBayesR polygenic scoring methodology. First, we constructed a polygenic risk score for PA in the Trøndelag Health Study (N = 47,148) using UK Biobank single nucleotide polymorphism-specific weights (N = 400,124). The associations of the PA PRS and continuous variables were analysed using linear regression models and with CMD incidences using Cox proportional hazard models. The results showed that genotypes predisposing to higher amount of PA were associated with greater self-reported PA (Beta [B] = 0.282 MET-h/wk per SD of PRS for PA, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.211, 0.354) but not with aerobic fitness. These genotypes were also associated with healthier cardiometabolic profile (waist circumference [B=-0.003cm,95% CI= -0.004, -0.002], body mass index [B=-0.002kg/m2,95% CI = -0.004, -0.001], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [B = 0.004 mmol/L,95% CI= 0.002, 0.006]) and lower incidence of hypertensive diseases (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 0.97,95% CI= 0.951, 0.990), stroke (HR = 0.94,95% CI= 0.903, 0.978) and type 2 diabetes (HR = 0.94, 95 % CI =0.902, 0.970). Observed associations were independent of self-reported PA. These results support earlier findings suggesting small pleiotropic effects between PA and CMDs and provide new evidence about associations of polygenic inheritance of PA and intermediate cardiometabolic risk factors.

Abstract P2141: Effect Of Anakinra On Peak Oxygen Consumption In Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Meta-analysis

Background: Peak oxygen consumption(VO2) evaluates an individual's aerobic fitness level, and provides information on overall health and fitness. Prior studies on anakinra in heart failure have not evaluated VO2 specifically in the subgroup of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF). Our aim was to evaluate the effect of this drug in this population. Methods: We searched five databases: Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, and PubMed, for RCTs evaluating the effects of Anakinra against a placebo in HFrEF. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 and a random-effects model was used for the analysis. Three RCTs were identified Results: The analysis of the Anakinra effect on VO2 in patients with HFrEF was determined using 3 RCTs. Most studied its effect after 2 weeks. Compared to placebo/standard treatment, anakinra was associated with a greater change in peak VO2 from baseline VO2. However, the difference between Anakinra and placebo in peak VO2 changes was not statistically significant (MD 0.07, 95% CI -0.41 to 0.56; I2 = 43%) with an overall test effect of Z = 0.29 at p = 0.77. The VE/VCO2 slope determined the effect of Anakinra on ventilatory efficiency in HF patients. Among the 3 RCTs that evaluated VE/VCO2 slope, no difference was depicted between the Anakinra treatment relative to placebo. Thus, the statistical difference was insignificant between the two groups (MD 0.70, 95% CI -0.06 to 1.46; I2 = 0%) at p = 0.07. Conclusion: Anakinra was ineffective in improving VO2 in HFrEF. Future prospective studies with longer duration of treatment and measuring performance monitoring outcomes are needed to understand the effect of this drug for such outcomes.

Impact of upper-body ergometer rowing exercise on aerobic fitness and cardiometabolic disease risk in individuals with spinal cord injury: A 6-month follow-up study

Objective We recently demonstrated that upper-body rowing exercise (UBROW) improved aerobic fitness in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), with no effect on traditional cardiometabolic risk factors. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the exercise-induced increase in aerobic fitness was maintained at 6-month (6M) follow-up. Design Six-month follow-up. Setting University/hospital. Participants Seventeen wheelchair-dependent participants with SCI. Interventions 12-week of exercise training (UBROW) or control (CON). Outcome Measures Aerobic fitness (POpeak and V̇O2peak), body composition, blood pressure, and blood biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk were assessed at 6M follow-up and compared to baseline (BL) and immediately post-intervention (12-week). Minutes of mild, moderate, and heavy intensity leisure time physical activity (LTPA) were assessed by self-report. Results Fourteen participants returned at 6M follow-up (CON, n = 6; UBROW, n = 8). In UBROW, POpeak (median (Q1-Q3)) increased from BL (70 W (37–84)) to 12-week (77 W (58–109), P = 0.01) and 6M follow-up (81 W (51–96), P = 0.01), with no difference between 12-week and 6M follow-up (P = 0.21). Similarly, V̇O2peak increased from BL (15.4 ml/kg/min (10.5–19.4)) to 12-week (16.6 ml/kg/min (12.8–21.3), P = 0.01) with no difference between 12-week and 6M follow-up (16.3 ml/kg/min (12.9–19.7), P = 0.74). No differences were found in CON for either POpeak (P = 0.22) or V̇O2peak (P = 0.27). There were no changes over time in traditional cardiometabolic risk factors or for minutes of different LTPA intensities. Conclusion We demonstrate that improvements in aerobic fitness are maintained for at least six months after completion of a 12-week exercise intervention, supporting the use of periodic exercise interventions to boost aerobic fitness level in individuals with SCI. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04390087..

Examining the relationship between aerobic fitness and cognitive control processes: An SFT and ERP study

Previous studies have demonstrated a positive relationship between aerobic fitness and cognitive control, the ability to inhibit distractions (conflict control) or impulsive actions (response inhibition). However, it is unknown whether these sub-processes and their underlying information processing capacity are differentially related to aerobic fitness. To address this question, we employed a go/no-go version of the redundant-target task, which was administered concurrently with the recording of event-related potentials (ERPs) and the use of a reaction-time based diagnostic tool known as system factorial technology (SFT). Our sample consisted of 46 young male adults with varying levels of aerobic fitness: the high-fit group (n = 23; aged 21.33 ± 2.44 years; VO2max 58.83 ± 6.93 ml/kg/min) and the low-fit group (n = 23; aged 22.30 ± 1.40 years; VO2max 41.90 ± 4.01 ml/kg/min). The results showed that the high-fit group exhibited a lower false-alarm rate compared to the low-fit group. However, there was no difference in processing speed between the two groups. The SFT analysis revealed that the high-fit group had more efficient information processing for earlier responses, but not later responses, compared to the low-fit group. Analysis of the ERPs indicated that the high-fit group had larger N2d amplitudes and shorter P3d latencies during conflict control compared to the low-fit group, while there were no such effects for the process of response inhibition. These findings suggest that aerobic fitness may be differentially related to the temporal dynamics and sub-processes of cognitive control.

Use of new paediatric VO2max reference equations to evaluate aerobic fitness in overweight or obese children with congenital heart disease.

Overweight and obesity in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) represent an alarming cardiovascular risk. Promotion of physical activity and cardiac rehabilitation in this population requires assessing the level of aerobic fitness (VO2max) by a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Nevertheless, the interpretation of CPET in overweight/obese children with CHD remains challenging as VO2max is affected by both the cardiac condition and the body mass index (BMI). The new paediatric VO2max Z-score reference equations, based on a logarithmic function of VO2max, height and BMI, were applied to overweight/obese children with a CHD and compared with overweight/obese children without any other chronic condition. In this cross-sectional controlled study, 344 children with a BMI > 85th percentile underwent a CPET (54% boys; mean age 11.5 ± 3.1 years; 100 CHD; 244 controls). Using the VO2max Z-score equations, aerobic fitness was significantly lower in obese/overweight CHD children than that in matched obese/overweight control children (-0.43 ± 1.27 vs. -0.01 ± 1.09; P = 0.02, respectively), and the proportion of children with impaired aerobic fitness was significantly more important in obese/overweight CHD children than in matched controls (17% vs.6%, P = 0.02, respectively). The paediatric VO2max Z-score reference equations also identified specific complex CHD at risk of aerobic fitness impairment (univentricular heart and right outflow tract anomalies). Using Cooper's weight- and height-based linear equations, similar matched-comparisons analyses found no significant group differences. As opposed to the existing linear models, the new paediatric VO2max Z-score equations can discriminate the aerobic fitness of obese/overweight children with CHD from that of obese/overweight children without any chronic disease. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04815577.

Implementing a physiotherapy led cancer exercise programme in a National Cancer Centre: the FIXCAS study

ObjectivesTo examine the feasibility of implementing a 10-week exercise-based cancer rehabilitation programme in a national cancer centre. DesignA single-arm prospective feasibility study. SettingAn outpatient physiotherapy department. ParticipantsForty de-conditioned cancer survivors (<1 year post completion of treatment). InterventionsA 10-week programme of twice weekly group-based supervised exercise sessions. Main outcome measuresA mixed methods approach was used. The primary outcome of the study was feasibility, evaluated in terms of recruitment, adherence, attrition and stakeholder acceptance of the programme. Secondary outcomes examined the effect of the exercise intervention on physical function and quality of life measures. ResultsForty patients (age 60 (SD 10.6) years; n = 12 breast cancer, n = 11 lung cancer, n = 7 prostate cancer, n = 5 colorectal cancer, n = 5 other) participated. In total 82% (n = 33) participants completed the post-programme assessment. Deterioration of health and concerns over COVID-19 were the most common reasons for dropout (both n = 2). Adherence to both the supervised exercise classes and home exercise programme was high (78% and 94% respectively). No adverse events were recorded during the intervention or assessments. Qualitative feedback from stakeholders highlighted the acceptability of the programme as well as many perceived benefits of the exercise programme. Improvements in three quality of life sub-scales (physical function, role function and emotional function), physical activity levels and aerobic fitness levels were found post-intervention. ConclusionIt appears feasible to offer a 10-week exercise programme to patients attending a national cancer centre, with adequate recruitment, retention and adherence rates and high acceptability among stakeholders. Contribution of the Paper•It appears feasible to integrate exercise, an established and effective treatment options for various side effects of cancer treatments, into the care of patients living with cancer.•Further trials investigating the implementation of exercise programmes into real-world, standard practice settings are needed.

Longitudinal associations of movement behaviours with body composition and physical fitness from 4 to 9 years of age: structural equation and mediation analysis with compositional data

BackgroundThe associations of movement behaviours (physical activity [PA], sedentary behaviour [SB], and sleep) with body composition and physical fitness from pre-school to childhood, as well as the direction of the associations, could provide important information for healthy lifestyle promotion in children. This study investigated the longitudinal and bidirectional associations of movement behaviours with body composition and physical fitness measured at 4 and 9 years of age.MethodsThis longitudinal study included baseline (n = 315, 4.5 [SD = 0.1] years) and follow-up data (n = 231, 9.6 [SD = 0.1] years) from the MINISTOP study. Movement behaviours were measured for 7 days using wrist-worn accelerometers, body composition with air-displacement plethysmography, and physical fitness with the ALPHA health-related fitness test battery. Cross-lagged panel models and mediation analyses were performed in combination with compositional data analysis.ResultsWe did not observe direct associations of the movement behaviours at 4 years with either body composition or physical fitness at 9 years (all P > 0.05). However, fat mass index at 4 years was negatively associated with vigorous PA (VPA), relative to remaining behaviours (VPA, β = − 0.22, P = 0.002) and light PA (LPA), relative to SB and sleep (β = − 0.19, P = 0.016) at 9 years. VPA (relative to remaining), moderate PA (MPA) (relative to LPA, SB, and sleep), and SB (relative to sleep) tracked from 4 to 9 years (all β ≥ 0.17, all P < 0.002), and these behaviours shared variance with fat mass index (all|β| ≥ 0.19, all P < 0.019), and aerobic, motor, and muscular fitness (all|β| ≥ 0.19, all P < 0.014) at 9 years. Mediation analysis suggested that the tracking of VPA (relative to remaining behaviours) from 4 to 9 years was negatively associated with fat mass index (β ≥ − 0.45, P = 0.012), and positively with aerobic fitness at 9 years (β ≥ 1.64, P = 0.016).ConclusionPA and SB tracked from the pre-school years into childhood. Fat mass index at 4 years of age was negatively associated with VPA (relative to remaining behaviours) and LPA (relative to SB and sleep) at 9 years of age. The tracking of VPA was associated with lower fat mass index and higher aerobic fitness at 9 years of age. These findings suggest that higher levels of VPA in pre-school age, if maintained throughout childhood, may support the development of healthy body composition and aerobic fitness levels in later childhood.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE HEALTH OF ATHLETES

As it is widely known, that the performance in youth sport involves an interplay between anaerobic and aerobic metabolism, which depends upon the intensity and duration of the activity and the individual’s developmental physiology, modulated by training status. High levels of aerobic and/or anaerobic fitness are essential components of performance in many youth sports. The aim of our research was to evaluate the use of nutritional supplements in different type of athletes depending on their knowledge and perception. Proper nutrition is essential for adolescent athletes to gain proper growth and perform adequately in sports, but we must not forget the damage that can be done to health and also various types of side effects, as a result, of excessive use of food and sports supplements.

Evaluating the Variability Between 20-m Multistage Fitness Test Estimating Equations in Law Enforcement Recruits.

Campbell, P, Maupin, D, Lockie, RG, Dawes, JJ, Simas, V, Canetti, E, Schram, B, and Orr, R. Evaluating the variability between 20-m multistage fitness test estimating equations in law enforcement recruits. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 742-748, 2024-The 20-m multistage fitness test (20MSFT) is commonly used by law enforcement agencies to measure aerobic fitness and to estimate maximal aerobic consumption (V̇ o2 max). These measures are an important occupational variable with aerobic fitness levels linked to employment status, occupational performance, and long-term health in law enforcement officers. There are a multitude of predictive equations used to provide an estimate of V̇ o2 max, with the extent of variability in the estimated V̇ o2 max currently unknown in this population. This has consequences for comparisons between, and across, differing agencies, and in capabilities of deriving normative data. The aim of this investigation was to compare the variability in estimated V̇ o2 max scores derived from different 20MSFT predictive equations. The 20-m multistage fitness test data from 1,094 law enforcement recruits (male n = 741, 25.2 ± 6.3 years; female: n = 353, 25.6 ± 5.6 years) from a single agency were retrospectively analyzed. The 20MSFT scores were transformed into estimated V̇ o2 max scores using 6 different predictive equations. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results demonstrated significantly different V̇ o2 max scores between each predictive equation ( p < 0.001; d = 0.25-1.53) and between male and female recruits ( p < 0.001, r = 0.55). All estimated V̇ o2 max equations showed small to very strong correlations with each other ( p < 0.001; r = 0.32-0.99). The findings indicate considerable dispersion of V̇ o2 max scores when using differing equations, suggesting raw 20MSFT variables (e.g., shuttles or distance completed) should be preferred to measure and apply results from aerobic fitness tests if standardized approaches are not developed within law enforcement.

The Effect of Aerobic Fitness on Psychological, Attentional and Physiological Responses during a Tabata High-Intensity Interval Training Session in Healthy Young Women.

The current study examines the effects of a Tabata high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session on affective, cognitive and physiological indicators in women of different fitness levels. A total of 28 adult women (aged 24.2 ± 1.5 years) completed a 20 m shuttle run test and were then assigned to higher fitness and lower fitness groups (HF and LF, n = 14 each) according to their predicted aerobic power. On a separate occasion, participants completed a 30 min Tabata workout (six 4 min rounds separated by 1 min passive rest). Each round included eight exercises (20 s exercise and 10 s rest). Affective, physiological and cognitive responses were assessed prior to, during and after the protocol. Heart rate and blood lactate concentration increased similarly in both groups over time throughout the workout (p &lt; 0.001). Total Mood Disturbance was higher for LF (111.4 ± 15.7) vs. HF (102.9 ± 11.7) (p = 0.48), vigor showed a level by time interaction of p = 0.006 and Activation-Deactivation Adjective Check List factors deteriorated over time (p &lt; 0.001). The Concentration Grid Test was better overall for HF (10.5 ± 3.6) vs. LF (8.6 ± 3.6) (p = 0.05). The Feeling Scale and Rating of Perceived Exertion worsened similarly in both groups over time (p = 0.002 and p &lt; 0.001, respectively). Positive and negative affect and arousal did not differ between groups or change over time (p &gt; 0.05). These results show that, despite the different levels of aerobic fitness, physiological, metabolic, perceptual and affective responses were similar in the two groups of women during a 30 min Tabata session. This may imply that affective responses during this type of HIIT are independent of aerobic fitness.

Which anthropometric equation to predict body fat percentage is more strongly associated with maximum oxygen uptake in adolescents? A cross-sectional study.

Identifying the relationship between maximum consumption of oxygen and body fat percentage is important due to increased cardiovascular risk factors. This study aimed to verify the association between body fat percentage determined by three predictive equations using anthropometric measures (Lohman, Boileau, and Slaughter) and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max). We also aimed to estimate the capacity of these equations for explaining VO2max variations in adolescents according to sex. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in high schools in São José, Southern Brazil. This study included 879 adolescents (14-19 years) from Southern Brazil. Aerobic fitness was assessed using the modified Canadian Aerobic Fitness Test. The independent variable was body fat percentage predicted by the Lohman, Boileau, and Slaughter equations. Analyses adjusted for sociodemographic variables, physical activity level, and sexual maturation were performed with P value < 0.05. All anthropometric prediction equations used to estimate body fat percentage explained VO2max variations in adolescents. In male adolescents, both regression models based on the Boileau et al.12 and Lohman10 equations revealed higher explanatory power for VO2max (20%) compared with that based on the Slaughter et al.13 equation (19%). In female adolescents, the model based on the anthropometric equation of Slaughter et al.13 showed the greatest explanatory power for VO2max (18%). The inverse relationship between VO2max and body fat intensifies the need for effective intervention programs that prioritize maintenance of appropriate body fat and aerobic fitness levels because inadequate levels of both factors result in negative health consequences.

Continuous Thermoregulatory Responses to a Mass-Participation 89-km Ultramarathon Road Race.

To continuously measure body core temperature (Tc) throughout a mass-participation ultramarathon in subelite recreational runners to quantify Tc magnitude and the influence of aerobic fitness and body fat. Twenty-three participants (19 men and 4 women; age 45 [9]y; body mass 72.0 [9.3]kg; body fat 26% [6%]; peak oxygen uptake 50 [6]mL·kg-1·min-1) had gastrointestinal temperature measured during an 89-km ultramarathon. Prerace-to-postrace changes in body mass, plasma sodium, and fluid and food recall quantified body water balance. In maximal environmental conditions of 26.3 °C and 53% humidity, 21 of the 23 participants finished in 10:28 (01:10)h:min while replacing 49% (27%) of sweat losses, maintaining plasma sodium (140 [3]mmol·L-1), and dehydrating by 4.1% (1.3%). Mean maximum Tc was 39.0 (0.5) (range 38.2-40.1 °C) with 90% of race duration ≤39.0 °C. Mean maximum ΔTc was 1.9 (0.9) (0.9-2.7 °C) with 95% of race duration ≤2.0 °C. Over 0 to 45km, associations between ΔTc and peak oxygen uptake (positive) and body fat (negative) were observed. Over 58 to 89km, associations between Tc and peak oxygen uptake (negative) and body fat (positive) were observed. Modest Tc responses were observed in recreational ultramarathon runners. Runners with higher levels of aerobic fitness and lower levels of body fat demonstrated the greatest changes in Tc during the first half of the race. Conversely, runners with lower levels of aerobic fitness and higher levels of body fat demonstrated the greatest absolute Tc in the final third of the race.

Effects of acute exercise with different modalities on working memory in men with high and low aerobic fitness

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the effects of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) on working memory in individuals with high and low aerobic fitness. DesignThe protocol adopted a between-subjects crossover design. MethodsForty healthy male college students (mean age = 19.59 ± 1.00 years) were assigned to high fitness (n = 20) or low fitness (n = 20) groups based on their estimated maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) in the 20 m shuttle run test. All participants were instructed to engage in three acute exercise interventions (10 min HIIE, 20 min HIIE, 20 min MICE) and a reading control intervention on separate days in a randomized order. A spatial 2-back task was performed before and after each intervention to assess working memory. ResultsAnalyses of the 2-back task performance revealed that the working memory of high and low fitness participants benefited from different modalities of acute exercise. Specifically, reaction time in the 2-back task was significantly shorter after 20 min HIIE compared to pre-exercise in high fitness participants, whereas low fitness participants had significantly faster reaction time in the 2-back task after 20 min MICE and 10 min HIIE relative to pre-exercise. ConclusionsThe effects of acute aerobic exercise on working memory are modulated by a combination of exercise modality and aerobic fitness. This finding has important implications for providing experimental evidence that participants choose appropriate exercise to undertake based on their level of aerobic fitness to improve cognitive performance.

Protective effect of aerobic fitness on the detrimental influence of exhaustive exercise on information processing capacity

Although aerobic fitness has been thought to protect against the detrimental cognitive effects following exhaustive exercise, available evidence from studies using traditional mean behavioral measures remain somewhat equivocal. PurposeThis study aimed to reconcile this discrepancy by using a novel theory-driven diagnostic tool, the Systems Factorial Technology (SFT). MethodsSixty-six healthy young adults aged from 18 to 30 years old with different levels of aerobic fitness (n = 33 for the higher-fit and lower-fit groups) completed a go/nogo version of redundant-target task before and after a graded exercise test (GXT) until exhaustion. SFT was used to calculate the resilience capacity, which reflects the information processing capacity underlying inhibitory control. ResultsFollowing the GXT, both higher-fit and lower-fit groups showed faster responses while leaving accuracy unchanged as compared to the performance at the pretest. On the other hand, the resilience capacity decreased for the lower-fit group but was maintained for the higher-fit group. ConclusionThe present findings suggest that aerobic fitness may modulate the individual difference in decisional mechanism following exhaustive exercise. In sum, this study offers an alternative mechanistic explanation regarding cognitive individual differences in response to exhaustive exercise and provides novel insights into the significance of maintaining a state of high physical fitness for those who need to perform cognitively challenging tasks under physically stressful conditions (e.g., elite athletes).

Fitness is positively associated with hippocampal formation subfield volumes in schizophrenia: a multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging study

Hippocampal formation (HF) volume loss is a well-established finding in schizophrenia, with select subfields, such as the cornu ammonis and dentate gyrus, being particularly vulnerable. These morphologic alterations are related to functional abnormalities and cognitive deficits, which are at the core of the insufficient recovery frequently seen in this illness. To counteract HF volume decline, exercise to improve aerobic fitness is considered as a promising intervention. However, the effects of aerobic fitness levels on HF subfields are not yet established in individuals with schizophrenia. Therefore, our study investigated potential associations between aerobic fitness and HF subfield structure, functional connectivity, and related cognitive impact in a multiparametric research design. In this cross-sectional study, 53 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia (33 men, 20 women; mean [SD] age, 37.4 [11.8] years) underwent brain structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging and assessments of aerobic fitness and verbal memory. Multivariate multiple linear regressions were performed to determine whether aerobic fitness was associated with HF subfield volumes and functional connections. In addition, we explored whether identified associations mediated verbal memory functioning. Significant positive associations between aerobic fitness levels and volumes were demonstrated for most HF subfields, with the strongest associations for the cornu ammonis, dentate gyrus, and subiculum. No significant associations were found for HF functional connectivity or mediation effects on verbal memory. Aerobic fitness may mitigate HF volume loss, especially in the subfields most affected in schizophrenia. This finding should be further investigated in longitudinal studies.Clinical Trials Registration: The study on which the manuscript is based was registered in the International Clinical Trials Database, ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT number: NCT03466112) and in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS-ID: DRKS00009804).

O8-4 The effect of The Daily Mile on primary school children's aerobic fitness levels after 12 weeks: a controlled trial

BackgroundThe Daily Mile is a school-based physical activity intervention that aims to improve children's aerobic fitness levels. It encompasses a 15-minute run for the whole class on or around the school grounds at least three times per week. The Daily Mile is an easy and accessible intervention, but the downside is a low threshold to stop or skip a session. Therefore, we aimed to determine 1) the effects of performing The Daily Mile for 12 weeks on the aerobic fitness levels of Dutch primary school children and 2) if additional personal support for teachers impacted the effectiveness of The Daily Mile.MethodsWe conducted a controlled trial in grades 5 through 8 of nine primary schools across the Netherlands. Schools were allocated to control, intervention (12 weeks The Daily Mile) or intervention-plus (12 weeks The Daily Mile and additional support) group. Children completed the shuttle-run test (SRT) at baseline and follow-up, 12 weeks apart. We analyzed the data using multi-level linear regression models clustered within individuals and by classes and schools. All models were adjusted for sex and age.ResultsWe collected complete data sets for 536 children (mean age 10.0 years). The participation rate of classes in the intervention group was 87.8% and in the intervention-plus group 89.7%. After correcting for age and sex, the adjusted model showed a significant intervention effect on SRT-score after 12 weeks for both the intervention group (1.1 stages; 95% CI 0.75, 1.47) and the intervention-plus group (0.6 stages; 95% CI 0.32, 0.89), when compared to the control group.ConclusionPerforming The Daily Mile at least three times per week for a 12 week period can be effective in increasing the aerobic fitness levels of primary school children. Additional personal support for teachers did not improve the effectiveness of the intervention on aerobic fitness within this time frame. This may be due to the high implementation rates in both the intervention group and the intervention-plus group. Possibly additional personal support might become beneficial for maintenance on the longer term.

Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Algorithm in Aerobics Formation Transformation Route Simulation Research

Aerobics formation is a type of sport that can be performed for long periods with the aid of music. Traditional aerobic sports have influenced the development of the competitive aerobics training service project, which has racing as one of its primary goals. Transformation of aerobics training uses seven fundamental steps, diverse dynamics, and complete execution of challenging exercises to display the competitive athletics abilities of health, strength, and beauty. The challenging characteristics of aerobics formation transformation route simulation include aerobic fitness level from the beginning, the intensity of training, frequency of coaching, condition of heart disease, blood pressure, high distance running, and increasing repeated exercise, which can develop significant problems. This paper introduces an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) assisted by big data algorithm (BD) for the simulation of aerobics formation (AF) to enhance overall fitness; cardio is a sort of activity that involves physical endurance with flexibility and muscle toning. The research of AIBD-AF has many advantages like reducing the danger to your health and strengthening the heart’s muscular fibers with stamina. It is good for cardiovascular arteries since it removes clogs. The immune system is expanded, and aids in better managing long-term ailments and also keeps the body fit as you get older and weaker. In addition to improving fitness levels, aerobics also helps to teach the heart and lungs to carry oxygen to the entire body more effectively.