Aerobic Training Program Research Articles

Effectiveness of aerobic training with blood flow restriction and ischemic preconditioning on anaerobic performance

The aim of the study was to analyze the effectiveness of aerobic training (AT) with restricted blood flow (BFR+AT) and ischemic preconditioning (PCI+AT) on the anaerobic performance of non-exercising individuals. This is a longitudinal study, with a sample of 23 sedentary men (age= 30.0 ± 5.57 years; = 1.77 ± 0.07 m; body mass= 91.10 ± 18.66 kg), who underwent specific aerobic power tests in vertical cycloergometer, step and treadmill. An aerobic training program was carried out for 4 weeks. The subjects were randomized into three groups: BFR+AT: continuous at 50% of the auscultatory pulse; PCI+AT: three cycles of 05' min of vascular occlusion/reperfusion at 220 mmHg; Control: AT without BFR. All groups performed the same training (6' min per ergometer with 45" min interval at an intensity of 50% of VO2max). Anaerobic performance was verified using the RAST TEST, analyzing the measurements of lactate (La), peak power (PP) and fatigue index (%F). There were significant differences in La Pre vs Post levels (∆ =40%) in the PCI group; an increase was noted in PP (∆=23%) compared to the other groups; there was no significant difference in any of the groups in the F variable. However, there was a greater tendency to fatigue in the Control group (∆=23%). Aerobic training with restricted blood flow and ischemic preconditioning has been shown to be effective in improving anaerobic performance, considering lactate levels, peak power. However, the fatigue index showed a greater tendency of decreasing fatigue, thus improving the anaerobic capacity of individuals without regular physical practice.

The effects of telerehabilitation in adults with complex biventricular congenital heart conditions: protocol for a multi-centre, randomised controlled trial—CH-FIT

BackgroundAccumulated evidence suggests that exercise training exerts beneficial effects on people with congenital heart conditions. These findings are predominantly derived from small, single-centre exercise trials conducted in outpatient rehabilitation facilities. In recent years, the delivery of exercise interventions remotely has increased through digital communications technology (telerehabilitation). However, very little research to date has been conducted into the efficacy of telerehabilitation in people with a congenital heart condition.AimsTo evaluate the effects of a telehealth-delivered exercise intervention in people with a history of a surgical biventricular repair due to a congenital heart condition.MethodsOne hundred eligible adolescent (≥ 16 years) and adult participants living with a complex biventricular congenital heart condition will be recruited from four Australian sites and randomised to either (1) a 16-week telehealth-delivered combined (aerobic and resistance) exercise training programme of moderate-to-vigorous intensity or (2) usual care (control group), in a 1:1 allocation, with an 8-month follow-up.Outcomes of interestThe primary outcome will be the change in aerobic capacity expressed as peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Secondary outcomes will include changes in vascular function, muscle oxygenation, metabolic profile, body composition and musculoskeletal fitness, neurohormonal activation, neurocognitive function, physical activity levels, dietary and nutritional status, and quality of life. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 16 weeks, and 12 months (to determine longer-term maintenance potential).DiscussionIf found to be efficacious, telerehabilitation may be an alternative option for delivering exercise, improving health outcomes, and increasing accessibility to exercise programmes. Efficacy data is required to quantify the clinical significance of this delivery mode of exercise.Trial registrationACTRN12622000050752Trial registration date: 17 January 2022Trial registration URL: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=382635&showOriginal=true&isReview=trueTrial registry name: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry

Recommendations for physical activity and exercise in persons living with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): consensus by an international task force

ObjectiveThis international task force aimed to provide healthcare professionals and persons living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with consensus-based recommendations for physical activity and exercise in SLE.MethodsBased on evidence from...

Feasibility of a novel exercise program for patients with breast cancer offering different modalities and based on patient preference

PurposeExercise improves quality of life and reduces the side effects of cancer therapies. Nevertheless, attendance to exercise programs remains a challenge for patients. This study explored the feasibility of an exercise program in which women with breast cancer may be allowed to choose among three exercise delivery modalities. MethodsForty-seven patients with breast cancer (stage I-IV) participated in a 12-week combined aerobic and resistance training program. The exercise modality was chosen by patients according to their preferences and needs among three options: the personal training program, the home-based program, or the group-based program. Exercise prescription was similar between the three modalities. Whereas the primary endpoint was feasibility, assessed through recruitment rate, attendance, adherence, dropout rate, tolerability, and safety, secondary endpoints included health-related skills and quality of life. ResultsOut of 47 recruited patients, 24 chose the home-based program, 19 the personal training program, and four the group-based program. Six dropouts (13%) were registered, and no severe adverse events were recorded. The median program attendance was 98% for personal training programs, 96% for home-based programs, and 100% for group-based programs, whereas compliance resulted in more than 90% in each modality. At postintervention, a significant increase in cardiorespiratory fitness, lower body flexibility, and body weight was observed. Different quality-of-life domains were improved following the intervention, including physical and social functioning, fatigue, and appetite loss. No significant changes in other parameters were detected. ConclusionsAn exercise prescription based on a patient-preferred delivery modality showed high feasibility in women with breast cancer.

Effects of a Two-Month Exercise Training Program on Concurrent Non-Opiate Substance Use in Opioid-Dependent Patients during Substitution Treatment.

This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of a two-month exercise intervention on the concurrent non-opiate substance use (alcohol, cocaine, cannabis, and benzodiazepines) in opioid users during their medication treatment. Ninety opioid users (41 females) in methadone and buprenorphine medication treatment were randomly divided into four groups: (a) buprenorphine experimental (BEX; n = 26, aged 41.9 ± 6.1 yrs); (b) buprenorphine control (BCON; n = 25, aged 41.9 ± 5.6 yrs); (c) methadone experimental (MEX; n = 20, aged 46.7 ± 6.6 yrs); and (d) methadone control (MCON; n = 19, aged 46.1 ± 7.5 yrs). The experimental groups (BEX and MEX) followed an aerobic exercise training program on a treadmill for 20 min at 70% HRmax, 3 days/week for 8 weeks. Socio-demographic, anthropometric, and clinical characteristics, as well as non-opioid drug use in days and quantity per week, were assessed before and after the intervention period. Following the exercise training, the weekly non-opioid substance consumption (days) decreased (p < 0.05) in both exercise groups and was lower in BEX compared to MEX, while no differences were observed (p > 0.05) between the control groups (BCON vs. MCON) or compared to their baseline levels. Similarly, the daily amount of non-opiate substance intake was reduced (p < 0.05) post-training in BEX and MEX, whereas it did not differ (p > 0.05) in BCON and MCON compared to the baseline. The two-month exercise intervention reduced the non-opioid drug use in both the methadone and buprenorphine substitution groups compared to the controls, suggesting that aerobic exercise training may be an effective strategy for treating patients with OUDs.

Effects of Aerobic Treadmill Training on Oxidative Stress Parameters, Metabolic Enzymes, and Histomorphometric Changes in Colon of Rats with Experimentally Induced Hyperhomocysteinemia.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aerobic treadmill training regimen of four weeks duration on oxidative stress parameters, metabolic enzymes, and histomorphometric changes in the colon of hyperhomocysteinemic rats. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (n = 10, per group): C, 0.9% NaCl 0.2 mL/day subcutaneous injection (s.c.) 2x/day; H, homocysteine 0.45 µmol/g b.w./day s.c. 2x/day; CPA, saline (0.9% NaCl 0.2 mL/day s.c. 2x/day) and an aerobic treadmill training program; and HPA, homocysteine (0.45 µmol/g b.w./day s.c. 2x/day) and an aerobic treadmill training program. The HPA group had an increased level of malondialdehyde (5.568 ± 0.872 μmol/mg protein, p = 0.0128 vs. CPA (3.080 ± 0.887 μmol/mg protein)), catalase activity (3.195 ± 0.533 U/mg protein, p < 0.0001 vs. C (1.467 ± 0.501 U/mg protein), p = 0.0012 vs. H (1.955 ± 0.293 U/mg protein), and p = 0.0003 vs. CPA (1.789 ± 0.256 U/mg protein)), and total superoxide dismutase activity (9.857 ± 1.566 U/mg protein, p < 0.0001 vs. C (6.738 ± 0.339 U/mg protein), p < 0.0001 vs. H (6.015 ± 0.424 U/mg protein), and p < 0.0001 vs. CPA (5.172 ± 0.284 U/mg protein)) were detected in the rat colon. In the HPA group, higher activities of lactate dehydrogenase (2.675 ± 1.364 mU/mg protein) were detected in comparison to the CPA group (1.198 ± 0.217 mU/mg protein, p = 0.0234) and higher activities of malate dehydrogenase (9.962 (5.752-10.220) mU/mg protein) were detected in comparison to the CPA group (4.727 (4.562-5.299) mU/mg protein, p = 0.0385). Subchronic treadmill training in the rats with hyperhomocysteinemia triggers the colon tissue antioxidant response (by increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase) and elicits an increase in metabolic enzyme activities (lactate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase). This study offers a comprehensive assessment of the effects of aerobic exercise on colonic tissues in a rat model of hyperhomocysteinemia, evaluating a range of biological indicators including antioxidant enzyme activity, metabolic enzyme activity, and morphometric parameters, which suggested that exercise may confer protective effects at both the physiological and morphological levels.

The Influence of the HIIT and Aerobic Training Programs on Body Composition.

Purpose: According to studies, the increased risk of obesity in today's general population is mainly caused by insufficient physical activity. In this study, we compared the effect of two types of endurance training. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and aerobic (continuous) load training and their impact on selected aspects of body composition. Methods: This study included women (n = 14; 32 years old; height 166.3cm; weight 62.5kg) divided into two groups of seven participants. The tested groups were selected by a deliberate selection of 7 probands, training thrice a week for ten weeks. An entrance and exit examination was conducted using non-invasive techniques (anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis – bioimpedance analysis). A paired T-test (p &lt; 0.05) was used for parameter analysis. Cohen's d was used to assess material significance. Results: Despite the small sample of tested women, better results were achieved in the group implementing the high-intensity interval training. However, these data do not allow for assessing a statistically significant difference between the two types of training methods in reducing the percentage of body fat. Changes in monitored parameters were thus evaluated as statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Despite the relevant results, better results were achieved in the HIIT intervention program. The limiting factors of the study were a small research sample with a deliberate selection and insufficient possibility to control eating habits. Furthermore, it is necessary to pay attention to the higher readiness and motivation of the participants. High-intensity interval training, thanks to its variability and low time requirement, proved to be a suitable exercise program for changing body composition not only in people with obesity but also in the adult population in general.

Reducing Anxiety and Enhancing Mindfulness in College Students during COVID-19 through WeActive and WeMindful Interventions

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate and short-term, sustained effects of two virtual interventions, WeActive, an aerobic and resistance training program, and WeMindful, a mindful exercise, in reducing anxiety and improving mindfulness among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Participants were 60 students from a large Midwestern university who were randomly assigned to either the WeActive group (n = 36) or the WeMindful group (n = 24). The WeActive group participated in two virtual 30 min aerobic and resistance training sessions per week (WeActive) and the WeMindful group participated in two virtual 30 min mindful exercise sessions per week for eight weeks. All participants completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire through Qualtrics at three time points: one week prior to (pre-test), one week after (post-test), and six weeks after (follow-up) the intervention. Results: A repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of time on anxiety (F = 7.51, η2 = 0.036, p = 0.001) in both groups. WeActive significantly decreased anxiety scores between the pre-test and follow-up (t = 2.7, p = 0.027) and post-test and follow-up (t = 3.1, p = 0.007), and WeMindful significantly decreased anxiety scores between the post-test and follow-up (t = 0.641, p = 0.028). For mindfulness, there was a significant main effect of time in both groups (F = 3.91, η2 = 0.009, p = 0.025), where only WeMindful significantly increased mindfulness from the pre-test to follow-up (t = −2.7, p = 0.025). Conclusions: Anxiety decreased significantly in both the WeActive and WeMindful groups and mindfulness increased significantly in the WeMindful group. Furthermore, the decrease in anxiety was sustained in a short-term period following the end of the intervention.

The role of long-term combination training in reducing and maintaining of body fat in obese young adult women

Reducing body weight and body fat is the primary goal for overcoming obesity. Lifestyle modifications with a non-pharmacological approach based on programmed physical exercise are recommended for increasing energy expenditure and reducing body weight and body fat. This study aims to analyze different types of exercise in reducing and maintaining body fat in obese young adult women. This study was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a true experimental design. A group of 28 sedentary overweight women were enlisted and provided with aerobic, strength, and mixed exercise regimens. Aerobic, resistance, and combined training programs were conducted with an intensity of 60-70% HRmax for aerobic, and 60-70% 1-RM for resistance. These sessions were performed 3x/week for 4 weeks. Measurement of body fat before-intervention and 24 hours after-intervention for 4 weeks using Seca mBCA 554. The one-way ANOVA test was utilized for statistical analysis, with a significance level of 5%. The findings demonstrated a significant reduction in body fat through all three forms of exercise, evident in the decrease in changes in body mass index, body weight, fat mass, and free fat mass (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, all three exercise modalities led to a significant increase in changes in skeletal muscle mass in comparison to the control group (p ≤ 0.05). Our study results concluded that the combination type of exercise performed 3x/week for 4 weeks was more beneficial in lowering body fat and increasing muscle mass compared to aerobic exercise and resistance type exercise in obese young adult women. Keyword: Body fat, combined training, obesity, sedentary, healthy lifestyle

DOP13 Effect of 8 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance exercise on quality of life, muscle strength, aerobic capacity, and disease activity in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease; a parallel group randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background Sarcopenia is prevalent in patients with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). This study aimed to assess the effects of an 8-weeks combined aerobic and resistance training program on the quality of life, disease activity, muscle strength, and aerobic capacity in patients with IBD. (Registration ID: NCT05455762) Methods This study was a single-blind parallel-group randomized clinical trial. Inclusion criteria were patients 18 to 65 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of IBD. Exclusion criteria: active malignancy, consumption of systemic corticosteroids, and patients with moderate to severe physical activity more than 150 minutes/week. Patients were allocated to each group by block randomization with a 1:1 ratio. The intervention consisted of walking sessions on even days and six resistance exercises on odd days. The primary outcome was the patients' quality of life, measured by the Persian version of the ibdq-9 questionnaire. secondary outcomes included disease severity, muscle strength, 6-minute walk test, and 30-second sit-to-stand test. We measured muscle strength by a handheld dynamometer. Results Of 72 patients screened 64 were eligible for the study. During the follow-up period, 13 patients, 8 from the exercise group and 5 from the control group, were excluded from the study. 51 patients, 28 females and 23 males, with a mean age of 34.9 ± 10.57 were analyzed. Two groups were matched in demographic and IBD-related characteristics. Unlike the control group, the exercise group showed a significant increase in overall quality of life (40.29 to 47.75, p=0.005), particularly in intestinal and systemic symptoms domains (p=0.01 and p=0.004). the inter-group analysis found no significantly higher mean difference in QOL scores between the exercise and control groups (p=0.053). The Partial Mayo score in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) significantly decreased in the intervention group but not in the control group. The Harvey-Bradshaw index in Crohn patients didn’t change in either group. There were no exercise-related serious complications. The 6-minute walk test distance significantly increased in the exercise group but not in the control group. The 30-second sit-to-stand test didn’t significantly change in either group. Of muscles examined (hand grip, shoulder abductor, hip flexor, knee extensor, and elbow flexor) only knee extension strength increased in both groups. Conclusion Combined resistance and aerobic exercise in patients with IBD is safe and can significantly improve the quality of life and aerobic capacity. This regimen also improved clinical severity in patients with UC but not in Crohn’s. Muscle strength did not significantly improve when comparing the two groups, possibly due to the short duration of the intervention.

Aerobic training effect on mental health and biological indicators in Post-COVID-19 patients

Introduction. One of the aspects of health most affected in patients infected by COVID-19 was mental health. Leading organizations worldwide have recommended physical activity as one of the main actions. Objective. To analyze the effect of a short-term aerobic training program on biological and mental health and quality of life indicators in post-Covid-19 patients. Methods. Symptomatology of depression, anxiety, stress, quality of life, vital signs, physical fitness and body composition were measured in 10 post COVID-19 patients. An aerobic physical exercise program was applied at 40-60% intensity, five days a week, 50 minutes per session for four weeks. Results. A 30% decrease in depression symptomatology, 58% in stress and 44% in anxiety was found during the intervention period (p&lt;0.001). Regarding the perception of quality of life, the psychological area was the one that presented a positive effect during the intervention (p=0.035). An increase in leg strength (p=0.018) and a decrease in body fat (p=0.005) were found during the intervention. Conclusion. A short-term physical exercise program shows benefits in mental health indicators in post-COVID-19 patients. Key Words: Physical activity; Mental health; Quality of life, COVID-19; Fitness.

Influence of cardiorespiratory training program on the intercellular adhesion molecule level in patients with postmastectomy syndrome

To evaluate the influence of 12-week aerobic dynamic training program of moderate intensity on the endothelial dysfunction laboratory markers and life quality in patients with PMS. Single-center prospective randomized trial included 40 patients with PMS divided into study (20 patients) and comparative (20 patients) groups, as well as 20 healthy female volunteers. The expression level of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) were evaluated in all participants at baseline by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, and additionally psychological and physical component of health by SF-36 questionnaire were assessed in patients with PMS. The group of patients with PMS after BC treatment had increased level of ICAM-1 in long-term period, that may indicate endothelial dysfunction. Statistically significant decrease of endothelial dysfunction laboratory markers was revealed in patients with PMS, who underwent the course of cardiorespiratory training. In the same time, the dynamics of changes in ICAM-1 was higher in the study group than in comparative group. Further, improvement of physical and psychological components of health by SF-36 questionnaire was found. The program of cardiorespiratory trainings of moderate intensity in patients, who had BC treatment a year ago, decreases intercellular adhesion molecules level that may show an improvement of endothelial dysfunction.

Association of the G&gt;A (rs6265) polymorphism in the brain derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) with post-training changes in Caucasian women

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rs6265 (G196A; Val66Met) polymorphism has been associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, with contradictory results involving either A or G as the risk allele. The main aim of this study was to examine whether the BDNF rs6265 polymorphism would influence the efficiency of a training program. An additional aim was to determine whether selected polymorphism can be used as a genetic marker for obesity-related parameters. We studied the genotype distribution in a group of 160 Caucasian females in whom body mass and composition parameters, lipid profile, and glucose levels were measured before and after the 12-week aerobic training program. The majority of obesity-related parameters significantly changed during the intervention (main effect of training); however, the training response was not modulated by genotype (non-significant genotype × training interactions). We also did not find an effect of genotype on selected parameters. Our study showed that the rs6265 polymorphism does not affect the efficiency of the applied training program and is not a good genetic marker for assessing the obesity-related parameters in the studied population. However, we confirmed that regular physical activity is associated with an improvement in obesity-related parameters, which is an important observation for public health.

EVALUATION OF ONLINE AEROBIC TRAINING AND RESISTANCE TRAINING IN OLDER ADULTS WITH MCI: A THREE-ARM RCT

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of online aerobic and resistance training programs in community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment. A total of 108 participants (60~87 years) were recruited, and equally randomized to aerobic group (3-5 times/week, 30-50min/section), resistance group (2 times/week, 5 to 6 exercises/section), or control group. Cognitive functions were evaluated at baseline, the 13rd week (T1) and 26th week (T2). Effects were evaluated by linear mixed effects model (LME) after controlling for covariates. Inter-individual differences on the cognitive effects were explored. After six-month intervention, 15 (13.89%) participants dropped out, and the median compliance rates were 80.77% for aerobic group and 96.15 for resistance group. LME revealed that ADAs-cog scores in aerobic group decreased by 2.14 at T1 and 1.68 at T2 more than the control group. And the ADAs-cog scores in resistance group decreased by1.43 more than the control group at T1. For executive function, the Stroop time interference in resistance group at T2 declined 11.12 seconds more than the control group, and 13.85 seconds more than the aerobic group. For memory performance, the RAVLT scores at T1 in aerobic group tended to increase 5.15 (p = 0.065) more than the control group. There existed true inter-individual differences in the responses to exercise. Compliance rates, social activity participation, cognitive function and physical function at baseline were the significant factors. Overall, our study confirmed the positive effects of both aerobic and resistance exercise on global cognition, while their effects on specific cognitive domains were different.

Effect of aerobic exercises on patients with chronic mechanical low back pain: A randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundChronic mechanical low back pain (CMLBP) is one of the most prevalent and costly disorders. Determining its most effective treatment approach is a priority for researchers. PurposeTo examine the effects of including aerobic exercise within a conventional therapy regimen for young adults with CMLBP. MethodsFifty CMLBP patients (22 males and 28 females) were randomly and equally assigned to one of two groups to receive the prescribed treatment for 8 weeks. The control group received the traditional program only (infrared, ultrasound, burst TENS, and exercises); for the experimental group, an aerobic training program using a stationary bicycle was added. Back pain intensity was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the Oswestry disability index, back extensor endurance measured by the Sorensen test, and physical performance indicated by the back performance scale and the 6-min walk test. A Two-way MANOVA was used for data analysis. ResultsMultivariate tests revealed statistically significant effects of group (p = 0.002, partial η2 = 0.182), time (p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.928), and group-by-time interaction (p = 0.01, partial η2 = 0.149). Univariate group-by-time interactions were significant for back disability (p = 0.043), extensor endurance (p = 0.023) and results of the 6-min walk test (p = 0.023) showing greater improvement in the experimental group. However, back pain intensity and the back performance scale revealed no significant group-by-time interactions. Within-group comparisons were significant for all measured variables in both groups (p < 0.001). ConclusionAlthough a traditional program of infrared, ultrasound, TENS, and exercises is beneficial for CMLBP treatment, adding aerobic exercises to the program leads to more beneficial outcomes.

The MN RIDE pilot: feasibility of a synchronous, remotely delivered, aerobic exercise training program for rural-dwelling adults with subjective cognitive decline

The MN RIDE pilot: feasibility of a synchronous, remotely delivered, aerobic exercise training program for rural-dwelling adults with subjective cognitive decline

Feasibility of a Synchronous, Remoted‐Delivered, Aerobic Exercise Training Program in Rural‐Dwelling Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline ‐ The MN RIDE Pilot

AbstractBackgroundSubjective cognitive decline (SCD), the subjective experience of worsening memory or cognition, is one of the earliest noticeable symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), and offers a therapeutic window where interventions have strong potential to prevent or delay the progression to the ADRD. Out of all the modifiable risk factors for ADRD, physical inactivity is the strongest; therefore, it is no surprise that exercise is linked to a 30‐40% risk reduction for ADRD, with moderate intensity being the most beneficial. Rural communities have greater barriers in participating in exercise due to lack of social support, travel/weather problems, and lack of facilities/equipment. The purpose of this pilot study was to implement and evaluate the feasibility of a synchronous, remoted‐delivered, aerobic exercise (AEx) training program in persons with SCD living in rural areas.MethodThe MN RIDE Pilot Study employed a single group, pre‐posttest design. Participants were shipped all needed equipment to complete the intervention (cycle, heart rate monitors, etc.). All AEx sessions were supervised remotely via smart devices and Zoom® by an exercise physiologist. AEx was prescribed as progressive, moderate‐intensity cycling for 20‐50 minutes, 3 times/week for 3 months (36 sessions). Intensity was evaluated using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) 6‐20 scale and heart rate max (HRmax) methods. Moderate intensity was defined as RPE 13 and HRmax 64‐76%. Feasibility was assessed by session attendance, intensity adherence, and presence of adverse events.ResultThe average age of the study sample (n = 9) was 57.44±7.16 years old (average age of SCD onset 53.44 [7.47] years old) with 14.00±5.57 years of education and 77.8% female. Out of the possible 324 sessions scheduled, 276 were attended (86% session adherence). Average intensity metrics achieved over the AEx sessions were 13.2 (0.5) and 72.0 (7.9) for RPE and HRmax respectively. No adverse events were reported.ConclusionOur study provides preliminary evidence of the feasibility of AEx telerehabilitation program designed to reduced ADRD risk in persons with SCD living in underserved rural communities. AEx telerehabilitation in rural communities should be further explored given AEx’s potential to reduce ADRD risk.

Implementation of Exergame Telehealth in Subjective Cognitive Decline

ABSTRACT Background The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a synchronous, remotely delivered, simultaneous aerobic exercise (AEx) and cognitive training program (Exergame) via BrainFitRx® in persons at risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia. Methods In this pilot study, we employed a randomized controlled trial design in which participants were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: Exergame, AEx only, or stretching control on a 2:1:1 allocation ratio, 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Sessions were supervised in a synchronous audiovisual telehealth format by a clinical exercise physiologist. Feasibility and safety outcomes were assessed as session attendance, intensity adherence, and study-related adverse events. Usability for the Exergame was assessed by the Systems Usability Survey. Results The average age of the study sample (n = 39) was 74.6 ± 7.2 years old with 17.7 ± 2.3 years of education and 69.0% female. Overall participants in the Exergame and AEx groups attended on average 83.8% of possible sessions over the course of the 12-week study (85.6% attendance overall). Attendance was significantly higher for the AEx group (P = 0.02). Of the total training sessions completed collectively, 87.7% of sessions achieved the prescribed moderate intensity rating of perceived exertion targets (84.3% and 94.9% of sessions, respectively, for the Exergame and AEx groups). Overall, there were 2 study-related adverse events, both in the Exergames group. The Systems Usability Survey score was considered acceptable for the BrainFitRx. Conclusions In this study, we provide preliminary evidence of the feasibility of a simultaneous AEx + cognitive training (Exergame) program delivered through a synchronous telehealth format.

Health outcomes of an ambulatory exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program across patient risk categories

Abstract Background Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is recommended after an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to improve prognosis, quality of life and control of cardiovascular risk factors. Ambulatory training has been proposed as an alternative if in-hospital training is unavailable. Purpose To study the health outcomes of an ambulatory exercise-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (aCRP) in STEMI patients across different patient risk profiles. Methods A Phase 2 aCRP aimed to STEMI patients was implemented in our hospital in 2022. Conventional or cardiopulmonary exercise testing (C/CPET) was performed, patient risk was stratified as low risk or intermediate/high risk, and a 3-month, individualized aerobic and strength ambulatory training program was provided. C/CPET was repeated at the end of Phase 2 and peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) was measured. Questionnaires were used to analyse quality of life (SF-36), depression (PHQ-2), anxiety (GAD-2), adherence to Mediterranean diet (PREDIMED) and weekly physical activity (IPAQ). Comparisons were performed between patients at low risk and patients at intermediate/high risk. A p&amp;lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The cohort comprised 41 patients who completed Phase 2 of aCRP (mean age 60.1±10.2 years, 82.9% male and 53.7% smokers) and were stratified as low risk (n=15, 36.6%) or intermediate/high risk (n=26, 63.4%). Reductions in systolic blood pressure (-7.9±15.7mmHg), LDL cholesterol (-59.5±35mg/dL), weight (-3±6.5kg) and body mass index (BMI, -1±2.2) were attained (all p&amp;lt;0.05). Smoking abstinence was accomplished in 90.9% of smokers and most patients achieved an LDL&amp;lt;55mg/dL target (75.6%). Quality of life improved (+8.4±23.7 points in SF-36, p=0.03) and anxiety symptoms diminished (-0.6±1.8 points in GAD2, p=0.04). A median 4.1±4.7ml/kg/min peak VO2 increase was achieved (+17.9% from baseline, p&amp;lt;0.001) and patients increased their reported weekly physical activity in 2681.1±3385.3 METS/week (+156.2% from baseline, p&amp;lt;0.001). No significant differences were noted between low risk and intermediate/high risk patients, except lower LDL&amp;lt;55mg/dL (65.4% vs. 93.3%, p=0.045) and higher weight loss and BMI reduction (-4.2±7.7 vs. -0.8±3kg, p=0.05 and -0.16±1.1 vs. -1.54±2.5, p=0.02, respectively) in intermediate/high risk patients. No readmissions for cardiovascular causes or complications of ambulatory training were registered. Conclusions In STEMI patients, a Phase 2 ambulatory Cardiac Rehabilitation Program can provide excellent control of cardiovascular risk factors, improve quality of life, and significantly increase functional capacity and reported weekly physical activity. Results are comparable in patients at low risk and intermediate/high risk of cardiac rehabilitation, which could support the inclusion of intermediate/high risk patients in ambulatory exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programs if in-hospital supervised training is unavailable.Health outcomes of aCRP.

Periodized Aerobic Training between Thresholds Improves Submaximal Cardiorespiratory Parameters in Octogenarians.

The worldwide aging population is expanding, with more individuals living into their 80s. Physiological functions decline gradually with age, compounded by sedentary lifestyles. Incorporating physical activity into daily routine is crucial for maintaining independence. This study aimed to assess a periodized high-intensity aerobic training program (PEZO-BT) in octogenarians, focusing on submaximal ergospirometry effects. A total of 48 non-frail octogenarian subjects (12 females, 36 males) were randomized into control and intervention groups. All subjects underwent submaximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing with gas analysis at baseline, stopping after the respiratory compensation point (RCP). Our intervention group completed a 14-week PEZO-BT aerobic training program. The outcomes were oxygen consumption at first ventilatory threshold (VO2AT), ventilatory efficiency slope (VE/VCO2), oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), cardiorespiratory optimal point (COP), oxygen pulse change (ΔVO2/HR) from anaerobic threshold (AT) to respiratory compensation point (RCP), and power output at anaerobic threshold (POAT). Mixed ANOVA examined time and treatment effects. If significance emerged, post hoc t-tests were used to compare significances between groups. The homogeneity of variance was assessed using Levene's test. Chi-square tests compared ergospirometry criteria and ventilatory performance within groups. The mean differences at post intervention were significant in VO2AT (p < 0.001), VE/VCO2 (p < 0.001), ΔVO2/HR (p < 0.05), and POAT (p < 0.001), while OUES and COP were not significant (p > 0.05). However, clinical effects were observed in the entire intervention group. Training improved exercise capacity and workload. Overall, this periodic aerobic and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program yielded significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in previously untrained octogenarians with and without comorbidities. The findings suggest implications for promoting long-term healthy aging.