Aerobic Function Research Articles

The Physiology and Biomechanics of the Master Runner.

The Master runner (age 35 y and above) represents a unique athletic patient. Lifelong participation in endurance running slows the inevitable age-related decline in aerobic function and muscular strength. Still, the Master runner does not escape the inevitable effects of aging. Master runners experience a steady decline in running performance, that is, typical and maximal running speeds, after the age of 50 years of age. Age-related declines in running performance are driven by a host of factors, including declining cardiovascular function, reduced muscular capacity, altered biomechanics, and greater susceptibility to running-related injury. This review discusses age-related changes in physiology, biomechanics, and running injury susceptibility and practical strategies to maximize running participation in the Master runner.

Exercise intolerance in comorbid COPD and heart failure: the role of impairedaerobic function.

Impaired aerobic function is a potential mechanism of exercise intolerance in patients with combined cardiorespiratory disease. We investigated the pathophysiological and sensory consequences of a low change in oxygen uptake (ΔV'O2 )/change in work rate (ΔWR) relationship during incremental exercise in patients with coexisting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and systolic heart failure (HF).After clinical stabilisation, 51 COPD-HF patients performed an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test to symptom limitation. Cardiac output was non-invasively measured (impedance cardiography) in a subset of patients (n=18).27 patients presented with ΔV'O2 /ΔWR below the lower limit of normal. Despite similar forced expiratory volume in 1 s and ejection fraction, the low ΔV'O2 /ΔWR group showed higher end-diastolic volume, lower inspiratory capacity and lower transfer factor compared to their counterparts (p<0.05). Peak WR and peak V'O2 were ∼15% and ∼30% lower, respectively, in the former group: those findings were associated with greater symptom burden in daily life and at a given exercise intensity (leg discomfort and dyspnoea). The low ΔV'O2 /ΔWR group presented with other evidences of impaired aerobic function (sluggish V'O2 kinetics, earlier anaerobic threshold) and cardiocirculatory performance (lower oxygen pulse, lower stroke volume and cardiac output) (p<0.05). Despite similar exertional hypoxaemia, they showed worse ventilatory inefficiency and higher operating lung volumes, which led to greater mechanical inspiratory constraints (p<0.05).Impaired aerobic function due to negative cardiopulmonary-muscular interactions is an important determinant of exercise intolerance in patients with COPD-HF. Treatment strategies to improve oxygen delivery to and/or utilisation by the peripheral muscles might prove particularly beneficial to these patients.

BHBA Treatment Improves Cognitive Function by Targeting Pleiotropic Mechanisms in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Background: Accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) peptide, inflammation, and oxidative stress contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and trigger complex pathogenesis. The ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) is an endogenous metabolic intermediate that protects against stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The present study aims to elucidate the protective effects of BHBA in the early stage of AD model and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: 3.5-month old double-transgenic mice (5XFAD) overexpressing β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin-1 (PS1) were used as the AD model. The 5XFAD mice received 1.5 mmol/kg/d BHBA subcutaneously for 28 days. Morris water maze test, nest construction, and passive avoidance experiments were performed to assess the therapeutic effects on AD prevention in vivo, and brain pathology of 5XFAD mice including amyloid plaque deposition and microglia activation were assessed. Gene expression profiles in the cortexes of 5XFAD and BHBA-treated 5XFAD mice were performed with high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Mouse HT22 cells were treated with 2 mM BHBA to explore its in vitro protective effects of BHBA on hippocampal neurons against Aβ oligomer toxicity, ATP production, ROS generation, and mitochondrial aerobic respiratory function. APP, BACE1, and neprilysin (NEP) expression levels were evaluated in HT22 cells following treatment with BHBA by measuring the presence or absence of G protein-coupled receptor 109A(GPR109A). Findings: BHBA improved cognitive function of 5XFAD mice in Morris water maze test, nesting construction, and passive avoidance experiments, and attenuated Aβ accumulation and microglia overactivation in the brain. BHBA also enhanced mitochondrial respiratory function and histone butyrylation of hippocampal neurons and protected them from Aβ toxicity. The enzymes, APP and NEP were regulated by BHBA via G protein-coupled receptor 109A (GPR109A). Furthermore, RNA sequencing revealed that BHBA regulated genes mainly annotated in aging, immune system, nervous system, and neurodegenerative diseases. Interpretation: Our data suggested that BHBA confers protection against the AD-like pathological events in the AD mouse model by targeting multiple aspects of AD and it may become a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of AD. Funding Statement: This work was funded by the National Nature Science Foundation of China (31572479, 31872442) and Program for JLU Science and Technology Innovative Research Team (2017TD-30). Declaration of Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: All animal experiments in this study have been approved by the Jilin University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (Permit number: 201704005).

Facile access to evodiakine enabled by aerobic copper-catalyzed oxidative rearrangement.

Oxidation as a fundamentally important method for the synthesis of complex structures is difficult to achieve in a selective manner. Evodiakine, a complex natural product possessing an unprecedented ring system (6/5/5/7/6), has a high oxidation state without a practical solution. Herein, we report the first synthesis of evodiakine via aerobic copper-catalyzed late-stage functionalization of evodiamine.

Effects of hypoxia-reoxygenation stress on mitochondrial proteome and bioenergetics of the hypoxia-tolerant marine bivalve Crassostrea gigas

Mitochondria are key intracellular targets of hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) stress due to their central role in generation of ATP and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Intertidal oysters Crassostrea gigas are adapted to frequent H/R cycles and maintain aerobic function despite frequent oxygen fluctuations. To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms of H/R tolerance, we assessed changes in mitochondrial respiration and (phospho)proteome of C. gigas during hypoxia and recovery. Oyster mitochondria maintained OXPHOS capacity despite a decline in cytochrome c oxidase activity during H/R stress. Rearrangements of the mitochondrial proteome during H/R stress involved upregulation of mitochondrial electron transport system and iron-binding proteins, and suppression of the pathways that channel electrons to ubiquinone, possibly as a mechanism to limit ROS production. H/R stress led to upregulation of a mitophagic activator PGAM5 and dephosphorylation of metalloendopeptidase OMA1, indicating stimulation of mitochondrial quality control mechanisms. Changes in abundance and phosphorylation levels of key proteins involved in mitochondrial protein homeostasis indicate suppression of protein synthesis during hypoxia, likely as an energy-saving mechanism, and its subsequent reactivation during reoxygenation. Thus, shifts in the mitochondrial (phospho-)proteome might play an important role in H/R stress resistance of oysters ensuring mitochondrial integrity and function during oxygen fluctuations. SignificanceHypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) stress elicits shifts in proteome and phosphoproteome of mitochondria in a hypoxia-tolerant model bivalve, oyster Crassostrea gigas, upregulating electron transport system, limiting electron flow to ubiquinone and activating mitochondrial quality control and protein homeostasis mechanisms. These findings provide insights into the potential role of proteomic shifts in adaptive response to H/R stress and serve as an important benchmark to understand the mechanisms of mitochondrial sensitivity to hypoxia and reoxygenation.

THE EFFECT OF MUSCLE STRENGTH AND AEROBIC FUNCTION IN THE ELDERLY ACCORDING TO EXERCISE LOAD PATTERN USING INDOOR SMALL CYCLING SYSTEM

We were investigating the muscle strength and aerobic function effect on the aged according to active and passive load using compact cycle system. We recruited twenty old participants and they performed shoulder rotating, upper cycling and lower cycling exercise. We measured the muscular activity, respiratory gas analysis and body heat. The result of muscular activity showed that the passive load could cause muscular activity at 15.4–65.9% compared to active load. We thought that the passive exercise could provide the prevention of spasticity and maintain effect of remaining muscle function in the elderly by caused muscular activity over 50%. The result of oxygen consumption showed that it is the active exercise that used the bigger oxygen consumption at 42.4% during lower cycling. We thought that the active exercise used the big muscles of lower limbs including trunk muscles during lower cycling. The result of body temperature showed that it rises with increase in oxygen consumption and heart rate, and it increased the bigger for lower cycling. The foundation of this study could apply to fundamental research for developing exercise load of indoor rehabilitation exercise system with convenience and easy use to the elderly.

Muscle deoxygenation during moderate- and severe-intensity cycling in youth elite-cyclists

Background: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a well-established technique to measure tissue oxygenation and haemodynamics during exercise. While muscle oxygen consumption is derived by measuring concentration changes of oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin and myoglobin (O 2 Hb and HHb), total haemoglobin (tHb = O 2 Hb + HHb) reflect blood volume and perfusion. In particular, the change in HHb is considered a proxy for oxygen extraction at the muscle level during exercise and arterial occlusion, where the rate of reoxygenation has been used as a measure of mitochondrial function (Ryan et al, 2012: Journal of Applied Physiology, 113, 175-183). NIRS-derived signals therefore reflect the dynamic balance between oxygen delivery and utilisation and may be important measures to monitor training induced adaptations of aerobic function in skeletal muscle. However, current literature is scarce regarding reliability measures, especially in young athletes, which needs to be established to interpret changes with confidence. Purpose: To assess the test-retest reliability of HHb-changes during moderate- and severe- intensity cycling, and during arterial occlusion in youth elite-cyclists. Methods: Fifteen cyclist (mean ± SD: age 13.5 ± 1.8 y; stature 163.2 ± 12.2 cm; body mass 51.3 ± 12.4 kg; O 2max 62.1 ± 4.2 mL . min -1. kg -1 ) completed two 6-min rest-to-work transitions (T) from baseline (BL: 60 W) to moderate- (90% of the first ventilatory threshold [VT1]: 120 ± 26 W) and to severe- (50% between VT and maximum power [Delta50]: 204 ± 43 W) intensity cycling. The transitions were interspersed by 8 min BL cycling. After Delta50 cycling, an occlusion was applied on the proximal thigh at a pressure of 300 mmHG until a levelling-off of the HHb signal was observed (3-5 min). The protocol was repeated after a passive rest of 1 h. Changes in HHb were measured on the belly of the right vastus lateralis muscle with a portable continuous-wave NIRS device at a sampling rate of 5 Hz (PortaMon, Artinis). Second-per-second data, were corrected for blood volume changes and normalised to the full functional range measured during the occlusion (0-100%). HHb changes (%) were calculated from BL to the maximum of VT1 (I”BL-VT1) and from BL to the maximum of Delta50 (I”BL-Delta50). In addition, the reoxygenation after occlusion was assessed with the slope of linear regression analysis (% . s -1 ). A typical example of the HHb signal is shown in Figure 1. Absolute and relative reliability was calculated with Bland-Altman statistics ± 95% limits of agreement and the coefficient of variation (CV; %), respectively. Paired t-tests were used for comparisons. Results: The I”BL-VT1 was 20.5 ± 11.7 and 21.6 ± 12.3% during T1 and T2, respectively (p = 0.079). The bias was 1.1 ± 2.3 % (95% LoA: -5.6 – 3.3) and the CV 10.1% (7.3 – 16.4). The I”BL-Delta50 were 58.1 ± 9.6 (T1) and 56.5 ± 9.3% (T2) (p = 0.133) and the bias and CV were 1.6 ± 3.9% (-6.0 – 9.3) and 5.4% (3.9 – 8.6), respectively. The reoxygenation slopes were 7.2 ± 2.0 (T1) and 7.6 ± 2.1 % . s -1 (T2) (p = 0.053) with a bias and CV of 0.4 ± 0.7 % . s -1 (-1.8 – 1.0) and 7.0% (5.1 – 11.2), respectively. Discussion: The present study quantified reliability for NIRS-derived changes in HHb during cycling at moderate and severe intensity as well as for reoxygenation after occlusion. The provided levels of 5.4% for severe-intensity cycling and 7.0% for the reoxygenation slope, are well below the level of 10% considered as acceptable for a measurement, and the level of 10.1% for moderate-intensity cycling is only marginally higher. The reliability data established, provide limits within which training induced adaptations may be interpreted with confidence. Longitudinal studies in young athletes could potentially benefit from these findings since the magnitude of changes in NIRS variables is probably greater than the reported measurement error.

Thermal tolerance and aerobic scope of tetra hybrid tilapia Pargo UNAM

Fish actively select an adequate environment that fits their optimum culture/preferred temperature, this mechanism is called thermoregulatory behavior. However, what exactly is this mechanism, how does it work and what can we learn from it? Helped by their thermal limits, fish avoid temperature variations not favorable for their maximum growth. They find a thermal window where optimal temperature culture is located and use it in the best way possible for all activities. The present study is based on thermal biology studies, and its purpose is to learn the aerobic scope functions on Pargo-UNAM juveniles. The importance of this study is related to the fact that Pargo-UNAM fish, being a hybrid, has five different genetic backgrounds. We found that acclimation temperature influenced the preferred temperature of Pargo-UNAM, having a metabolic adjustment in the 20-32oC range; the Final preferendum obtained was 29.5oC. The maximum and minimum range of critical thermal limits was between 39.2-43.5oC and 8-14.9oC, respectively. The thermal window had an area of 355.2oC2 . The acclimation response ratio had a 0.40-0.35 interval for CTMax, and 0.52-0.69 for CTmin. Chase method used in Pargo-UNAM caused a maximum aerobic scope at 29oC. Blood lactate concentration was the highest in fish acclimated at 20oC; these values decreased while acclimation temperature increased. Results from Pargo-UNAM juveniles showed that these can be grown successfully in a 26-32oC temperature range, with their greater performance at 29oC, where the aerobic scope was at its maximum capacity

Effects of ischemic preconditioning on economy, VO2 kinetics and cycling performance in endurance athletes.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on several measures of aerobic function and 4-km cycling time-trial performance. An acute cross-over design was adopted involving eight well-trained cyclists (age 27.0 ± 7.0years) who completed incremental and square-wave exercise tests for determination of peak O2 uptake (VO2peak), ventilatory threshold (VT) and moderate- and heavy-intensity domain VO2 kinetics, as well as 4-km time trials. All were preceded by IPC, or sham-IPC, involving repeated bouts of thigh blood flow occlusion, interspersed with reperfusion. There was no significant difference between IPC and sham-IPC with respect to VO2peak (4.4 ± 0.6Lmin-1 vs 4.4 ± 0.5Lmin-1, effect size - 0.01 ± 0.09), VT (3.4 ± 0.6Lmin-1 vs 3.5 ± 0.5Lmin-1, effect size 0.07 ± 0.28), cycling economy (4.9 ± 4.9%, ES 0.24 ± - 0.24, P > 0.05) or any moderate-domain VO2 kinetic parameter. During heavy-intensity exercise, a reduced end-exercise VO2, slow component amplitude and overall gain was observed following IPC compared to sham-IPC. Though not statistically significant, there was a possibly beneficial effect of IPC on 4-km time-trial mean power output (2.2 ± 2.0%; effect size: 0.18 ± 0.15, P > 0.05). The observed reduction in VO2 slow component and tendency for improved economy and 4-km time-trial performance, albeit small, suggests that acute IPC shows some potential as a performance-enhancing priming strategy for well-trained cyclists prior to high-intensity exercise.

OR-025 Association study between Chinese excellent long-distance female athletes’ PGC-1β genetic polymorphism and aerobic capacity

Objective Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1β (PGC-1β) is mainly expressed in mitochondria-rich tissues, which involved in skeletal muscle mitochondrial biosynthesis and energy metabolism processes such as fatty acid transport and oxidation, hepatic gluconeogenesis. PGC-1β is Previous studies have shown that this genetic polymorphism is associated with the athletic ability of elite endurance athletes. Therefore, based on the previous research, the relationship between PGC-1β gene polymorphism and aerobic exercise ability of elite female long-distance runners was discussed to provide new effective indicators for athletes' selection of materials, and improve the accuracy and advancement of athletes' selection of materials.&#x0D; Methods 56 Chinese elite female long-distance runners were selected, and venous blood was extracted to analyze the gene polymorphism of specific gene locus. The subjects were tested for aerobic endurance index and lung function index, wherein the aerobic endurance index included maximum oxygen uptake, relative maximal oxygen uptake relative value, anaerobic threshold and anaerobic threshold relative value, and lung function indicators including vital capacity, Time lung capacity, minute ventilation and maximum ventilation . Subsequently, the cross-sectional association study method was used to analyze the association between four genotypes locus of PGC-1β including rs32579, rs2161257, rs1544744 and rs10783180 in 56 subjects.&#x0D; Results 1) All four polymorphic locus were tested by H-W balance, indicating that the subjects were representative of the population. 2) rs32579 locus: There were no significant differences in lung function indicators and aerobic exercise capacity between different genotype athletes. 3) rs2161257 locus: There were no significant differences in lung function indicators and aerobic exercise capacity between different genotype athletes. 4) rs1544744 locus: There were no significant differences in lung function indicators and aerobic exercise capacity between different genotype athletes. 5) rs10783180 locus: There is a significant difference in the relative values of anaerobic threshold and anaerobic threshold between different genotype athletes. The anaerobic threshold of AG genotype athletes was 2156.35±227.69 ml/min and the anaerobic threshold of athletes with GG genotype was 2143.41±217.30 ml/min. So the anaerobic threshold of AG genotype athletes was significantly greater than the anaerobic threshold of GG genotype athletes. The Anaerobic threshold relative value for AG genotype athletes was 50.99±3.99 ml/kg/min, while the anaerobic threshold relative value for athletes with GG genotype was 48.12±4.25 ml/kg/min. The anaerobic threshold relative value of AG genotype athletes was significantly greater than that of GG genotype athletes&#x0D; Other indicators showed no significant difference.&#x0D; Conclusions The rs10783180 polymorphism is associated with the athletic ability of elite endurance athletes. The population carrying AG genotype may have higher anaerobic threshold value and relative value of anaerobic threshold, which may become more excellent endurance athletes. Rs10783180 polymorphic locus AG genotype can be used as a molecular genetic marker to predict the relative value of anaerobic threshold and anaerobic threshold of Chinese Han women's long-distance runners in northern China.

Effects of group exercise on functional abilities: Differences between physically active and physically inactive women.

Aerobic exercises to music can have a positive effect on functional and motor skills of an exerciser, their health, as well as an aesthetic and socio-psychological component. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of reactive exercising in a group on functional capabilities in physically active and physically inactive women. A prospective study included 64 healthy women aged 40-60 years. The sample was divided into the experimental group (N= 36), i.e. physically active women who have been engaged in recreational group exercises at the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Serbia, and the control group (N= 28), which consisted of physically inactive women. All the participants were monitored using the same protocol before and after the implementation of the research. All women had their height, weight and body mass index measured as well as their spiroergometric parameters determined according to the Bruce protocol. A univariate analysis of variance has shown that there is a statistically significant difference between the experimental group and the control group in maximum speed, the total duration of the test, relative oxygen consumption, absolute oxygen consumption and ventilation during the final measurement. After the training intervention, the experimental group showed improvements in all the parameters analyzed compared with pretest values. The recreational group exercise model significantly improves aerobic capacity and functioning of the cardiovascular system. Therefore, it is essential for women to be involved more in any form of recreational group exercising in order to improve functional capacity and health.

Exercise Training Mitigates Multisystem Deconditioning during Bed Rest.

This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of a new integrated aerobic and resistance exercise training prescription (SPRINT) using two different sets of exercise equipment: a suite of large International Space Station-like exercise equipment similar to what is found on the International Space Station and a single device with aerobic and resistance exercise capability in the spaceflight analog of bed rest (BR). Subjects (n = 34) completed 70 d of 6° head down tilt BR: 9 were randomized to remain sedentary (CONT), 9 to exercise training using traditional equipment (EX), 8 to exercise using traditional equipment and low-dose testosterone supplementation (ExT), and 8 to exercise using a combined resistance and aerobic flywheel device. Peak aerobic capacity, ventilatory threshold, cardiac morphology and function (echocardiography), muscle mass (magnetic resonance imaging) and strength/power (isokinetic, leg press, and vertical jump), and bone health (bone mineral density, blood and urine bone markers) were assessed before and after BR. The SPRINT protocol mitigated BR-induced muscle and cardiac deconditioning regardless of the exercise device used. Molecular markers of bone did not change in the CONT or EX groups. Peak aerobic capacity was maintained from pre- to post-BR in all exercise groups similarly, whereas significant declines were observed in the CONT group (~10%). Significant interaction effects between the CONT group and all EX groups were observed for muscle performance including leg press total work, isokinetic upper and lower leg strength, vertical jump power, and maximal jump height as well as muscle size. This is the first trial to evaluate multisystem deconditioning and the role of an integrated exercise countermeasure. These findings have important implications for the design and implementation of exercise-based countermeasures on future long-duration spaceflight missions.

Critical power is positively related to skeletal muscle capillarity and type I muscle fibers in endurance-trained individuals.

The asymptote [critical power (CP)] and curvature constant ( W') of the hyperbolic power-duration relationship can predict performance within the severe-intensity exercise domain. However, the extent to which these parameters relate to skeletal muscle morphology is less clear, particularly in endurance-trained individuals, who, relative to their lesser-trained counterparts, possess skeletal muscles that can support high levels of oxygen transport and oxidative capacity, i.e., elevated type I fiber proportion and cross-sectional area (CSA) and capillarity. Fourteen endurance-trained men performed a maximal incremental test to determine peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak; 63.2 ± 4.1 ml·min-1·kg-1, mean ± SD) and maximal aerobic power (406 ± 63 W) and three to five constant-load tests to task failure for the determination of CP (303 ± 52 W) and W' (17.0 ± 3.0 kJ). Skeletal muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis and analyzed for percent proportion of fiber types, CSA, and indexes of capillarity. CP was positively correlated with the percent proportion ( r = 0.79; P = 0.001) and CSA ( r = 0.73; P = 0.003) of type I fibers, capillary-to-fiber ratio ( r = 0.88; P < 0.001), and capillary contacts around type I fibers ( r = 0.94; P < 0.001) and type II fibers ( r = 0.68; P = 0.008). W' was not correlated with any morphological variables. These data reveal a strong positive association between CP and skeletal muscle capillarity. Our findings support the assertion that CP is an important parameter of aerobic function and offer novel insights into the physiological bases of CP. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This investigation demonstrated very strong positive correlations between critical power and skeletal muscle capillarity, particularly around type I fibers, and type I fiber composition. These correlations were demonstrated in endurance-trained individuals expected to possess well-adapted skeletal muscles, such as high levels of oxygen transport structures and high oxidative capacities, supporting the view that critical power is an important parameter of aerobic function. In contrast, the curvature constant W' was not associated with fiber type composition or capillarity.

Anaerobic end-products and mitochondrial parameters as physiological biomarkers to assess the impact of urban pollutants on a key bioturbator.

The impact of long-term exposure (6months) to highly or slightly polluted sediments on the energy metabolism of an ecosystem engineer (the oligochaete Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri) was investigated in laboratory conditions. We evaluated some mitochondrial parameters (respiratory chain activity and ATP production rate) and the accumulation of anaerobic end-products (lactate, alanine, succinate, and propionate). The sediments were collected from stormwater infiltration basins and presented high levels of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These compounds had been drained by the runoff water on impervious surfaces of urban areas during rainfall events. A decrease in the activity of the mitochondrial electron transport chain was observed in worms exposed to the most polluted sediment. Urban contaminants disrupted both aerobic metabolism and mitochondrial functioning, forcing organisms to shift from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism (which is characteristic of a situation of functional hypoxia). Although L. hoffmeisteri is very tolerant to urban pollutants, long-term exposure to high concentrations can cause disruption in mitochondrial activity and therefore energy production. Finally, this study demonstrated that anaerobic end-products could be used as biomarkers to evaluate the impact of a mixture of urban pollutants on invertebrates.

Results of a randomized trial comparing aerobic exercise and tai chi on cardiovascular function, cytokines and metabolic markers in survivors of solid tumors

There is a high incidence of hyperlipidemia, increased body fat, decreased aerobic performance, function and psychological distress in long-term survivors of cancer. This study compares the efficacy of Tai Chi (TC) vs. aerobic exercise (AE) in impacting some of these factors in adult survivors of solid tumors. We performed an unblinded randomized, repeated measures trial in adult cancer survivors who were free of metastatic disease and had not received chemotherapy for 24 months. Participants were randomized to standard 12 week instructor-led TC program, 12 week supervised AE, or waitlist (WL). WL patients were randomized to TC or AE after 12 weeks and were included in respective group analyses. Clinical variables and serum analytes were compared at baseline (T 0 ), 6 (T 1 ) and 13 (T 2 ) weeks. We measured inflammatory cytokines and growth factors: IL1b, IL6, IL8, IL10, eotaxin, GCSF, INF-g, MCP-1, PDGF-bb, and TNF-a; hormones: cortisol, insulin; and kynurenine using Elisa or Bio-plex assays. Paired group tests were performed along with analysis of unpaired analyte levels between groups for several analytes when repeated measures were not attainable. Forty-one participants completed all phases of the study. Intervention assignments are presented in Table 1. In (T 2— T 0 ) cardiovascular comparisons, the only near significant difference that was detected, was a drop in post-exercise systolic blood pressure in the TC group ( P = 0.06). There was a significant decrease in insulin ( P > 0.05) and IL10 ( P = 0.01) and a greater drop in TNFa ( P = 0.02) in the AE treated group. There was a trend for decrease of PDGF ( P = 0.06) in the TC group (Table 2). AE and TC interventions lead to different shifts in serum analyte levels. AE may offer therapeutic benefit in reducing metabolic and inflammatory markers, IL10, TNF-a and insulin. TC does not.

Ten weeks of high-intensity interval walk training is associated with reduced disease activity and improved innate immune function in older adults with rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease in which adults have significant joint issues leading to poor health. Poor health is compounded by many factors, including exercise avoidance and increased risk of opportunistic infection. Exercise training can improve the health of patients with RA and potentially improve immune function; however, information on the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in RA is limited. We sought to determine whether 10 weeks of a walking-based HIIT program would be associated with health improvements as measured by disease activity and aerobic fitness. Further, we assessed whether HIIT was associated with improved immune function, specifically antimicrobial/bacterial functions of neutrophils and monocytes.MethodsTwelve physically inactive adults aged 64 ± 7 years with either seropositive or radiographically proven (bone erosions) RA completed 10 weeks of high-intensity interval walking. Training consisted of 3 × 30-minute sessions/week of ten ≥ 60-second intervals of high intensity (80–90% VO2reserve) separated by similar bouts of lower-intensity intervals (50–60% VO2reserve). Pre- and postintervention assessments included aerobic and physical function; disease activity as measured by Disease Activity score in 28 joints (DAS28), self-perceived health, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR); plasma interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL)-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentrations; and neutrophil and monocyte phenotypes and functions.ResultsDespite minimal body composition change, cardiorespiratory fitness increased by 9% (change in both relative and absolute aerobic capacity; p < 0.001), and resting blood pressure and heart rate were both reduced (both p < 0.05). Postintervention disease activity was reduced by 38% (DAS28; p = 0.001) with significant reductions in ESR and swollen joints as well as improved self-perceived health. Neutrophil migration toward CXCL-8 (p = 0.003), phagocytosis of Escherichia coli (p = 0.03), and ROS production (p < 0.001) all increased following training. The frequency of cluster of differentiation 14-positive (CD14+)/CD16+ monocytes was reduced (p = 0.002), with both nonclassical (CD14dim/CD16bright) and intermediate (CD14bright/CD16positive) monocytes being reduced (both p < 0.05). Following training, the cell surface expression of intermediate monocyte Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), TLR4, and HLA-DR was reduced (all p < 0.05), and monocyte phagocytosis of E. coli increased (p = 0.02). No changes were observed for inflammatory markers IL-1β, IL-6, CXCL-8, IL-10, CRP, or TNF-α.ConclusionsWe report for the first time, to our knowledge, that a high-intensity interval walking protocol in older adults with stable RA is associated with reduced disease activity, improved cardiovascular fitness, and improved innate immune functions, indicative of reduced infection risk and inflammatory potential. Importantly, the exercise program was well tolerated by these patients.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02528344. Registered on 19 August 2015.

Modern research, inheritance and protection of Shaolin Neigong of tuina exercise

Shaolin Neigong (internal Qigong) of tuina exercise is a distinctive part of Neigong tuina. Since the 1980s, domestic basic study on Shaolin Neigong has mainly focused on its physiologic effects, and has preliminarily proved that Shaolin Neigong can enhance the aerobic capacity, cardio-pulmonary function, and muscle strength of human body. By summarizing the literatures studying the effects of Shaolin Neigong on respiratory, circulatory, locomotor and nervous systems, this article was to understand the modern research, inheritance and protection of Shaolin Neigong. The results indicate that the modern research on Shaolin Neigong is relatively slow. Continuous development, continuity and innovation in basic research, teaching and clinical practices are required, to enhance the general and therapeutic level of tuina exercises and tuina science of traditional Chinese medicine.

Heightened Sensory Signaling Does Not Alter Critical Torque

Peripheral metabolic perturbations have been shown to activate group III and IV sensory afferents and lead to a decrease in central motor drive and an earlier onset of fatigue. Critical power or its isometric analog, critical torque (CT), is an important parameter of aerobic metabolic function and a strong predictor of endurance performance. PURPOSE: This study sought to examine the effects of heightened afferent signaling on voluntary CT and electrically stimulated CT. METHODS: Eleven participants performed a voluntary (VOL) 5-min all-out and a 5-min stimulated (STIM) isometric knee extension test with contralateral blood flow occlusion (CBFO) following fatiguing exercise and without occlusion (CONTROL). Stimulated CT was also assessed with occlusion applied to the ipsilateral leg (IBFO). Both the VOL and STIM protocols were performed at a 3-sec to 2-sec work to rest cycle. Stimulated contractions were performed at 50 Hz at a current eliciting 25% of MVC. RESULTS: There was a significant effect of time (p < 0.001) for VOL in both the CBFO and CONTROL conditions with torque declining to a critical level. VOL CT did not differ between the two conditions (360 ± 119 vs. 343 ± 108 Nm; p = 0.28). A significant condition x time interaction (p = 0.009) was found for STIM. Initial torque did not differ among the conditions (p = 0.876), but CT values were lower (p < 0.001) in IBFO (19.2 ± 15.8 Nm) compared to CONTROL (57.7 ± 15.6 Nm) and CBFO (62.1 ± 17.7 Nm). The CONTROL and CBFO conditions did not differ (p = 0.347). CONCLUSIONS: Heightened group III and IV afferent signaling has been shown to increase central fatigue and reduce endurance capacity. Our findings indicate the reduced endurance capacity is not due to reductions in CT—suggesting participants were able to maintain central drive to skeletal muscle. Our findings that stimulated CT fell with IBFO provides further evidence validating our stimulated CT test and it demonstrates its sensitivity to oxygen delivery.

Low-tech 전자공학 기술을 활용한 기능성 융합 패션 프로토타입 개발 연구 : 의상과 동력 기술의 융합을 중심으로

This study aimed to develop convergence-functional-fashion-prototypes using low-tech electric power technology in which the structure and operating principle could be easily comprehended by beginners. For this, a 15-week R&D program composed of four stages (‘prototype development concept ideation’, ‘concept configuration and design’, ‘prototype development’, and ‘evaluation and refinement of usability’) was designed, and the convergence R&D workshop was performed by two designers and one engineer. As the result, in the 1st stage, five ideas of prototypes’ functional concepts were generated. Then, their effectiveness was assessed, yielding two prototype development concepts(‘aroma therapy-wear providing aroma therapy function for depressed people’s stress relief’ and ‘self-EMS vest providing aerobic respiration function for people with respiratory problem’) in 2<SUP>nd</SUP> stage. In the 3rd stage, the fashion platform and digital system were developed for both prototypes. Subsequently, in the 4<SUP>th</SUP> stage, the efficient usability of both of two prototypes was evaluated, and several points needed to be refined to enhance the usability. In addition, the prototypes’ structures and systems were then refined by precise adjustment of locations of each devices and more precise 3D modeling and printing according to the result of the test for final completion of the development.

Effects of a Physical Exercise Program (PEP-Aut) on Autistic Children's Stereotyped Behavior, Metabolic and Physical Activity Profiles, Physical Fitness, and Health-Related Quality of Life: A Study Protocol.

Physical exercise has shown positive effects on symptomatology and on the reduction of comorbidities in population with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, there is still no consensus about the most appropriate exercise intervention model for children with ASD. The physical exercise program for children with autism (PEP-Aut) protocol designed allow us to (i) examine the multivariate associations between ASD symptoms, metabolic profile, physical activity level, physical fitness, and health-related quality of life of children with ASD; (ii) assess the effects of a 40-week exercise program on all these aspects of children with ASD. The impact of the exercise program will be assessed based on the sequence of the two phases. Phase 1 is a 12-week cross-sectional study assessing the symptomatology, metabolic profile, physical fitness and physical activity levels, socioeconomic status profile, and health-related quality of life of participants. This phase is the baseline of the following phase. Phase 2 is a 48-week intervention study with a 40-week intervention with exercise that will take place in a specialized center for children with ASD in the city of Maceió-Alagoas, Brazil. The primary outcomes will be change in the symptomatic profile and the level of physical activity of children. Secondary outcomes will be anthropometric and metabolic profiles, aerobic function, grip strength, socioeconomic status, and health-related quality of life. The study will provide critical information on the efficacy of exercise for children with ASD and help guide design and delivery of future programs.