Combined Training Research Articles

Efficacy of combined exercise training during different menstrual phases in young students with primary dysmenorrhoea

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of combined exercise training during different menstrual phases on pain, quality of life and menstrual symptoms.MethodsA total of 72 participants for the study were randomly assigned into three groups: Group 1 (N = 24), Group 2 (N = 24) and Group 3 (N = 24) which had undergone combined exercise training during the follicular, luteal and bleeding phases of their menstrual cycle, respectively. The treatment programme included combined exercise training involving deep breathing exercises, Kegel exercises, core strengthening exercises and stretching exercises. Exercises were repeated 5 times with hold duration of 15 s with total of 30–40 min session with 5–10 min of warm‐up and cooldown sessions. Demographic data and outcome measures (Visual Analogue Scale [VAS], Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire [MSQ], and Working ability, Location, Intensity, Days, Duration [WaLIDD]) were assessed at baseline and assessed again during the first menstrual cycle after the completion of the treatment programme. One‐way ANOVA was used for between‐group comparisons of the normally distributed data.ResultsWithin‐group comparison of the outcome variables except VAS in group 3 showed a statistically significant difference in all groups. Comparison of post‐intervention results of the outcome measures of all the groups revealed a statistically significant difference for the VAS, while there was no statistically significant difference for in between the comparison of the WaLIDD and MSQ scoring.ConclusionCombined exercise training is effective in reducing pain only when performed during follicular and luteal phases and significantly improve quality of life and menstrual symptoms in all phases of the menstrual cycle.

Influence of combined high-intensity interval training and green tea extract on cardiac stress markers and insulin resistance in obese men with type 2 diabetes: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Influence of combined high-intensity interval training and green tea extract on cardiac stress markers and insulin resistance in obese men with type 2 diabetes: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

A 24-Week Combined Resistance and Balance Training Program Improves Physical Function in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Jiang, G, Tan, X, Zou, J, and Wu, X. A 24-week combined resistance and balance training program improves physical function in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2024—This randomized controlled trial assessed the feasibility of older adults performing combined resistance and balance training (RBT) and compared the effects of RBT on physical function with those of resistance training (RT) alone and with no exercise training in older adults. In total, 65 community-dwelling adults aged 60–74 years were randomly assigned to an RT (n = 22), RBT (n = 22), or control (n = 21) group. The exercise intervention consisted of RT or RBT for 45 minutes, 3 times per week for 24 weeks. The control group engaged in no exercise training. The compliance rates were 93% in the RT group and 92% in the RBT group. No training-related adverse effect was observed. In the RT and RBT groups, dynamic balance (p = 0.017; p < 0.001, respectively), maximum walking speed (p = 0.014; p < 0.001), upper extremity (p = 0.013; p = 0.009) and lower extremity (p = 0.009; p < 0.001) muscle strength, and spirometry (p = 0.043; p = 0.018) were significantly improved at 24 weeks compared with the control group. Only the RBT group showed significant improvement in normal walking speed (p = 0.002). Compared with the RT group, the RBT group showed additional significant improvements in dynamic balance (p = 0.001) and lower limb muscle strength (p = 0.027). The findings of this randomized controlled trial indicated that RBT was safe and feasible for older adults. Long-term RBT had better effects than either no exercise training or RT alone on improving physical function in older adults. Compared with RT, RBT additionally benefited dynamic balance and lower limb muscle function, which are clinically important factors in preventing falls, frailty, disability, and other geriatric syndromes.

Effects of Lower Limb Heat Therapy, Exercise Training, or a Combined Intervention on Vascular Function: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To compare the effects of 8 weeks of no intervention (CON), lower limb heat therapy (HEAT), moderate-intensity exercise training (EX), or combined training and therapy (HEATEX) in young, healthy recreationally active adults. Sixty participants (23 ± 3 years, 30 females) were randomly allocated into either CON (n = 15), HEAT (n = 15), EX (n = 14), or HEATEX (n = 16). The primary outcome was vascular function, assessed through brachial artery flow-mediated dilation tests (BA FMD). Secondary measures included arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity, PWV); cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak); body composition; and quadriceps muscle strength. There were no differences in BA FMD between the groups before and after the interventions (all p > 0.05). Both interventions with a heating component were associated with within-group reductions in carotid-femoral PWV, and increases in absolute and relative VO2peak after 8 weeks (HEAT: ∆-0.27 [-0.53, -0.02] m/s, ∆0.18 [0.06, 0.29] L/min, ∆2.18 [0.60, 3.76] ml/kg/min, respectively; HEATEX: ∆-0.33 [-0.58, -0.09], ∆0.21 [0.11, 0.32] L/min, ∆2.59 [1.06, 4.12] ml/kg/min, respectively), but no between-group differences were observed (p = 0.25, p = 0.21, and p = 0.55, respectively). There was also a within-group decrease in body fat percentage with EX (∆-1.37 [-2.45, -0.29] %), but no changes in leg strength in any of the groups (p = 0.79). This randomized controlled trial is the first to examine the efficacy of lower limb heating against traditionally prescribed exercise training. In our young cohort, 8 weeks of training and/or therapy was insufficient to improve vascular function. More intense protocols and longer interventions involving lower limb heating may be required to elicit improvements in health outcomes.

The effect of arm muscle discrete relaxation training and fine-coordination training on proprioceptive control

Proprioception makes an important contribution to the regulation of speed, strength and spatial parameters of movements, determining the level of proficiency in motor skills. However, the effectiveness of various training approaches in relation to voluntary proprioceptive control of target muscles has not been sufficiently studied. In this paper, we investigated the effectiveness of three types of manipulative training: 1) fine coordination, 2) discrete muscle relaxation and 3) their combinations in relation to the accuracy of reproducing:а) the angular deviation of the joystick from the vertical and b) static muscle efforts during the pronation and supination of the joystick. The study involved 40 young (18-35 years old), physically active volunteers who randomly made up 4 groups of 10 people: “Control” (lack of training), “Coordination” (training of passing an analog of a slit maze with a thin probe), “Discrete relaxation” (training of discrete muscle relaxation of pronators and supinators of the forearm), “Combined” (combined training of maze passing and discrete relaxation). Before and after training (n = 10) we evaluated: 1) the accuracy of reproduction of the deviation of the wrist joystick from the vertical by 20, 50, 80 degrees and 2) the accuracy of reproduction of isometric contraction (0, 20, 50 and 80% of the maximum effort) in the descending, ascending directions as well as discrete achievement of any effort level by pronation /supination of the wrist joystick. It was found that coordination training increased the length of the traversed path in 3 minutes with a reduced number of errors, and increased the proprioceptive accuracy of reproducing the angle of deviation of the joystick by 20 degrees also. In the “Discrete Relaxation” group the average modulus of errors in reproducing descending, ascending and discrete forces during supination, as well as the average modulus of errors in reproducing descending, ascending and discrete forces during forearm pronation decreased after course training. At the same time, no changes in the accuracy of reproducing the angular positions of the joystick were found in this group. In the “Combined” group, training led to an increase in the accuracy of reproducing ascending and descending efforts during pronation, as well as the accuracy of descending efforts during supination of the forearm. In addition, in this group, a decrease in the error modulus during reproducing the tilt of the joystick by 50 degrees by supination was revealed. Correlation analysis did not reveal positive links between training changes in proprioceptive control of different modality. Thus, the training effects used on the target muscles of the forearm have a specific effect on the proprioceptive control of muscle effort and spatial position in the hand joints. The high efficiency of discrete relaxation training regarding the accuracy of voluntary efforts allows us to recommend its use in order to increase the level of mastery of the motor skills of the hand.

Effects of aerobic, resistance, and combined exercise training on body fat and glucolipid metabolism in inactive middle-aged adults with overweight or obesity: a randomized trial

MethodTwenty inactive males (BMI 27.67 ± 0.88 kg/m2, age 49.15 ± 2.58 years) participated in an eight-week were randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups (combined (CT), resistance (RT), and aerobic (AT)) exercise modalities to assess within-subject and between group changes in glycolipid profile. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANCOVA.ResultPre-post mean values of body fat percentage (%BF), area under the curve (AUC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and total cholesterol (TC) decreased in all three groups. The main effect of exercise modality on the AUC (F (2, 26) = 10.577, P = 0.001, η2 = 0.569) was significant. Post-hoc analyses revealed that the RT group (-30.653 ± 6.766, p = 0.001) with 11.53% and the CT group (M = -0.896, SE = 3.347, P = 0.015) with 3.79% exhibited significantly greater reductions in AUC compared to the AT group. LDL levels showed significant different between groups (F (2, 26) = 6.33, p = 0.009, η2 = 0.442), specially significantly 3.7% lowered in AT (MD = 4.783, SE = 1.563, P = 0.002) and 3.79% lower in CT (MD = 4.57, SE = 1.284, P = 0.008) groups compared to the RT group. AT significantly reduced TC by 17.716 ± 5.705 mg/dL (p = 0.02) compared to RT, representing a 7.97% decrease.ConclusionExercise type significantly influences lipid profiles and glycemic control. Notably, both aerobic and combined training demonstrated a superior ability to modulate the lipid profile, and resistance training and combined training were more effective in reducing the AUC.Trial registrationMay, 31st 2024. Registration no: PACTR202405463745521 “Retrospectively registered”.

Comparative Efficacy of Cognitive Training for Post-Stroke Aphasia: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Although cognitive training has shown potential for treating post-stroke aphasia (PSA), its efficacy varies across studies, and the optimal training approaches remain unclear. To evaluate and compare the effects of distinct cognitive training interventions, either combined with or independent of speech and language therapy (SLT), on language function in individuals with PSA. A systematic search encompassing PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP, and Chinese Biomedical Databases was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A network meta-analysis evaluated interventions, including computer-assisted cognitive training (CCT), conventional cognitive training (CT), virtual reality (VR)-based cognitive training (vrCT), telerehabilitation computer-assisted cognitive training (tCCT), working memory (WM) training, and attention training (AT). Eleven RCTs comprising 501 participants were included. Individuals with PSA who underwent combined WM training with SLT led to significantly enhanced Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) Aphasia Quotient (AQ), as well as in spontaneous speech, auditory comprehension, repetition, and naming, compared to those receiving SLT alone. This combination was more effective than both CCT with SLT and tCCT with SLT in improving WAB AQ. Similarly, it outperformed both CCT with SLT and vrCT with SLT in enhancing WAB spontaneous speech. Additionally, both AT and CT combined with SLT were more effective than SLT alone in enhancing WAB spontaneous speech. Specifically, AT combined with SLT proved more effective than vrCT with SLT in this area. Moreover, vrCT combined with SLT significantly improved auditory comprehension compared with SLT alone. Combining WM training and SLT and integrating vrCT with SLT both significantly enhance language function in individuals with PSA, compared with SLT alone. Our findings advocate for the use of these cognitive training approaches as promising strategies for language rehabilitation in this population. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023462361.

Improved heart rate variability in postmenopausal women following short-term combined exercise training

Imbalances in cardiac autonomic nervous systems are associated with cardiovascular risk factors and poor cardiac outcomes. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a practical and reproducible measure of cardiac autonomic nervous system function. Exercise training promotes positive adjustments in HRV. However, previous studies have reported mixed results. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of short-term combined exercise training on heart rate variability in post-menopausal women. Thirty-four women aged 50-80 years, at least 12 months post-menopause, were divided into a control (CON) group and an exercise (EX) training group. The participants in the exercise group underwent a 2-week of combined exercise program consisting of aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises. HRV was recorded using an Actiheart device, before and after the final exercise intervention in a sitting position. The significant main effects of time and group were found in the parameter of SDNN (p time = 0.039; p group = 0.026). Post-hoc analysis showed a borderline increase in SDNN in the EX group (POST: 48.79 ± 17.88 VS 44.54 ± 17.39, p = 0.055). No significant change was observed in the CON group (POST: 35.55 ± 13.51 VS 33.17 ± 8.74, p = 0.288). Statistical analysis of other HRV components revealed no significant results (all P > 0.05). In conclusion, a 2-week of combined exercise training program, including aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility exercises improves global cardiac autonomic function in post-menopausal women. Keywords: combined exercise training, heart rate variability, blood pressure, menopause, and women

The Effectiveness of Exercise in Reducing Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the major causes of sickness and death in the world. However, lifestyle modifications, such as exercise, can significantly reduce the risk of this disease. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of various forms of physical activity in reducing CVD risk factors among adults. A comprehensive search of the databases PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE) databases was conducted between January 1, 2014, and May 31, 2024, as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and observational studies on the impact of aerobic, resistance, or combined training on cardiovascular risk factors in adults (≥18 years) were considered for inclusion. Data relating to primary outcomes, including stroke and myocardial infarction rates, BP, cholesterol levels, and BMIwere collected. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) checklist were used for quality and bias assessment. Meta-analyses were performed using the RevMan software, with heterogeneity evaluated by I² statistics; 17 studies, including 11 RCTs and six cohort studies, met the inclusion criteria. There was a significant reduction in the mean systolic BP (SBP) by 3.32 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85-5.78 mmHg; p<0.0001] and mean diastolic BP (DBP) by 2.99 mmHg (95% CI: 2.34-3.64 mmHg; p < 0.00001) after exercise interventions. Moreover, cholesterol levels and BMI values improved with exercise. Those who exercised had a lower risk of stroke or heart attack compared with the controls [odds ratio (OR): 0.57; 95% CI: 0.28-1.14; p >0.0001], although there was substantial heterogeneity in effect size across the studies (I² = 98%). Different types of physical activity (i.e., aerobic, resistance, or combined exercise) can effectively reduce key cardiovascular risk factors, including BP, cholesterol levels, and BMI values. Regular physical activity is still regarded as the most effective preventive measure against CVD, despite inconsistencies in research findings. Future studies should aim to identify optimal exercise programs and their long-term effects on diverse populations.

The Role of Chemokines in Obesity and Exercise-Induced Weight Loss.

Obesity is a global health crisis that is closely interrelated to many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This review provides an in-depth analysis of specific chemokines involved in the development of obesity, including C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), CCL3, CCL5, CCL7, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL14, and XCL1 (lymphotactin). These chemokines exacerbate the symptoms of obesity by either promoting the inflammatory response or by influencing metabolic pathways and recruiting immune cells. Additionally, the research highlights the positive effect of exercise on modulating chemokine expression in the obese state. Notably, it explores the potential effects of both aerobic exercises and combined aerobic and resistance training in lowering levels of inflammatory mediators, reducing insulin resistance, and improving metabolic health. These findings suggest new strategies for obesity intervention through the modulation of chemokine levels by exercise, providing fresh perspectives and directions for the treatment of obesity and future research.

The Impact of Exercise on C-reactive Protein Levels in Hypertensive Patients: A Systematic Review.

Hypertension, defined as persistently elevated blood pressure, is a prevalent chronic condition and a significant global health issue, closely linked to cardiovascular complications, with inflammation being one of the underlying mechanisms. In hypertensive patients, C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker, is often elevated and associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Alongside pharmacotherapy, exercise is recommended as a non-pharmacological approach to managing hypertension, with evidence suggesting that exercise can also reduce inflammation. This study examines the impact of exercise on CRP levels in hypertensive patients. Fourteen studies focusing on exercise interventions and physical fitness related to CRP in individuals with high blood pressure were identified through an extensive search of PubMed, PubMed Central, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The findings indicated that most studies involving aerobic exercise consistently demonstrated reductions in CRP levels among hypertensive patients, with significant effects observed under supervised conditions, and additional benefits seen when combined with dietary control. Resistance training showed mixed results, with significant reductions in CRP observed primarily in longer-term interventions. Combined exercise training, incorporating both aerobic and resistance elements, effectively reduced CRP levels and improved cardiovascular health markers. Physical fitness assessments, such as a bicycle exercise test to exhaustion, revealed a relationship between physical fitness and decreased CRP levels. Therefore, regular, consistent aerobic and combined training, as well as prolonged resistance exercise, significantly reduce CRP levels in hypertensive patients, highlighting exercise's role as a non-pharmacological strategy for managing hypertension through the reduction of inflammation. Further research is essential to validate these findings and investigate the underlying mechanisms and differential effects of various exercise modalities.

High-intensity intermittent inspiratory and abdominal muscle combined training in respiratory, swallowing and systemic muscles of healthy adults.

Low-intensity continuous inspiratory muscle training improves its strength. The abdominal muscles are the main expiratory muscles, and their training may improve expiratory muscle strength. Respiratory muscle strength regulates coughing effectiveness, which is critical for pneumonia management. In older people, risk factors for the development of pneumonia were respiratory muscle weakness and swallowing impairment. Currently, the impact of high-intensity intermittent inspiratory and abdominal muscle combined training on the respiratory, swallowing, and systemic muscles is unclear. We aimed to explore the effects of high-intensity inspiratory muscle training combined with or without abdominal muscle training on respiratory muscle strength as well as the strength, mass, and performance of swallowing and systemic muscles. Twenty-eight healthy adults were divided into two groups. Participants performed high-intensity intermittent inspiratory muscle single or its combination with abdominal muscle training for 4 weeks. Respiratory muscle strength, swallowing muscle strength and mass, systemic muscle strength, mass and performance were measured at baseline, Week 2 and Week 4. Both groups showed greater maximal respiratory pressures at Week 2 and Week 4 than baseline. Both groups showed improved tongue pressure and geniohyoid muscle thickness at Week 4. In addition, the combined training group improved body trunk muscle mass, handgrip strength and five-time chair stand test, whereas the single training group did not. This study revealed that high-intensity inspiratory muscle training improved inspiratory muscle strength and swallowing muscle strength and mass. Moreover, inspiratory and abdominal muscle combined training showed an additional benefit of improving systemic muscle strength, mass and performance. UMIN000046724; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/index.cgi?ctrno=UMIN000046724.

Integrating academic medical education into vocational general practitioner training: how do these combined training posts impact on subsequent career paths?

ABSTRACT Background In the UK, to encourage academic careers, extended education posts (EEPs) exist, where standard three-year, general practice vocational training is extended, offering trainees dedicated time to spend in another specialty such as medical education (Med Ed). Little is known about whether this impacts positively on their subsequent careers. Aims To explore general practitioners’ (GPs’) experiences and career trajectories after undertaking Med Ed EEPs. Method Twenty-eight GPs who completed a Med Ed EEP between 2013 and 2021 were invited to participate. Semi-structured interviews were held virtually. Transcripts were coded with NVivo software and underwent thematic analysis using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework to ensure a reiterative process of internal validation. Results Eight GPs took part. All were working as NHS GPs, alongside other roles. Four themes emerged: ‘growing as an academic educator’, ‘research can be interesting’, ‘the academic environment’ and ‘juggling multiple roles is stressful’. Most were still teaching, involved in research and had undertaken formal Med Ed training. Role models and immersion in academic teams were influential. Significant tensions and stresses were experienced when balancing multiple roles. The absence of ongoing academic training tracks contributed to this. Conclusion EEPs impact positively on academic career development and the acquisition of appropriate skills. However, managing multiple roles is challenging and stressful. Short-term university contracts, difficulties obtaining flexible working and resultant lack of partnership or salaried clinical work highlight an urgent need to explore fixed academic training pathways after vocational training, if sustainable recruitment into primary care academia is to be achieved.

Study on effects of combined training on selected physiological parameters

Study on effects of combined training on selected physiological parameters

Effects of muscle strength training combined with aerobic training versus aerobic training alone on cardiovascular disease risk indicators in patients with coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of aerobic training combined with muscle strength training (hereafter referred to as combined training) to aerobic training alone on cardiovascular disease risk indicators in patients with...

Effectiveness of Exercise on Fatigue for Patients With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Exercise is the standard treatment for fatigue in heart failure (HF) patients. However, no study has investigated the effect of exercise on improving fatigue and HR-QoL in HF patients. Our study adhered to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and followed the PRISMA statement. The date of the last search was October 31, 2021. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using exercise to improve fatigue and HR-QoL. The combined exercise training studies showed improvement in fatigue (SMD = -.51, 95% CI = -.89 to -.12, p = .001, I2 = 48%). The IMT studies showed significantly improved fatigue (MD = -11.36, 95%CI = -15.30 to -7.41, p < .00001, I2 = 54%). However, three studies, with moderate heterogeneity (p = .10, I2 = 56%), showed non-significant changes in HR-QoL (SMD = -0.04, 95% CI = -.45 to .37, p = .83).

Moderating Effects of Information Literacy Ability in The Relationship Between Resilience and Nursing Management Competency of Nurse Managers in Small and Medium-Sized Hospitals

This study aimed to explore ways to improve the nursing management competency of nurse managers in small and medium-sized hospitals and examine the relationship between variables based on information literacy ability in the structural model linking the resilience of nurse managers and nursing management competency. The data was collected from November 6, 2023, to December 6, 2023, using cluster sampling in four cities with similar urban settings, and surveys were conducted with the consent of nurse managers working in small to medium-sized hospitals with 100 to 300 beds. A total of 207 collected data points were analyzed using the moderating effect technique of structural equation modeling. The hypothesis testing results revealed that nurse managers in small and medium-sized hospitals partially affect on nursing management competency. Furthermore, it was observed that the impact of nurse managers' resilience on nursing management competency varies based on their level of information literacy ability. Therefore, it is recommended that combined training in interpersonal skills and information literacy is offered to develop a competency improvement program for nurse managers in small and medium-sized hospitals.

Action observation perspective influences the effectiveness of combined action observation and motor imagery training for novices learning an Osoto Gari judo throw

Combined action observation and motor imagery (AOMI) training improves motor skill performance, but limited research has investigated possible moderating factors for this intervention. This study examined the influence of action observation (AO) perspective on the effectiveness of AOMI training for novices learning a ‘shadow’ Osoto Gari judo throw. Thirty novice participants were randomly assigned to AOMI training that displayed egocentric footage (AOMIEGO) or allocentric footage (AOMIALLO) of the Osoto Gari, or Control training. A motor learning design incorporating pre-test (Day 1), acquisition (Days 2–6), post-test (Day 7), and retention-test (Day 14) was adopted. Motor skill performance, self-efficacy, and mental representation structures were recorded as measures of learning. There were mixed effects for motor skill performance across the three training conditions utilized in this study, with AOMIALLO training significantly reducing error scores for final right hip flexion angle and peak right ankle velocity compared to AOMIEGO training. Self-efficacy increased for all training conditions over time. Both AOMIEGO and AOMIALLO training led to improved functional changes in mental representation structures over time compared to Control training. The findings suggest AOMI training led to improved perceptual-cognitive scaffolding, irrespective of AO perspective, and offer some support for the use of AOMIALLO training to facilitate novice learning of complex, serial motor skills in sport.

Exploring the Impact of Astaxanthin Supplementation in Conjunction with a 12-Week CrossFit Training Regimen on Selected Adipo-Myokines Levels in Obese Males.

Obesity is associated with an exacerbated metabolic condition that is mediated through impairing balance in the secretion of some adipo-myokines. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to explore the impact of astaxanthin supplementation in conjunction with a 12-week CrossFit training regimen on some selected adipo-myokines, insulin insensitivity, and serum lipid levels in obese males. This study is a randomized control trial design; 60 obese males were randomly divided into four groups of 15, including the control group (CG), supplement group (SG), training group (TG), and combined training and supplement group (TSG). The participants were subjected to 12 weeks of astaxanthin (AST) supplementation [20 mg/d capsule, once/d] or CrossFit training or a combination of both interventions. The training regimen comprised 36 sessions of CrossFit, each lasting 60 min, conducted three times per week. The metabolic indices, body composition, anthropometrical, cardio-respiratory, and also some plasma adipo-myokine factors, including decorin (DCN), activin A, myostatin (MST), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and follistatin (FST), were examined 12 and 72 h before the initiation of the main interventional protocols, and then 72 h after the final session of the training protocol. There was no significant difference in the baseline data between the groups (p > 0.05). There were significant interactions between group x time for DCN (η2 = 0.82), activin A (η2 = 0.50), FST (η2 = 0.92), MST (η2 = 0.75), and TGFB-1 (η2 = 0.67) (p < 0.001 for all the variables). Significantly changes showed for DCN in TSG compared to TG and SG and also TG compared to SG (p = 0.0001); for activin A in SG compared to TG (p = 0.01) and TSG (p = 0.002); for FST in SG compared to TG and TSG (p = 0.0001), also in TSG compared to TG (p = 0.0001); for MST in SG, TG, and TSG compared to CG (p = 0.0001) and also in TSG compared to SG (p = 0.0001) and TG (p = 0.001); for TGFB-1 in SG, TG, and TSG compared to CG (p = 0.0001) and also TSG compared to SG (p = 0.0001) and TG (p = 0.001). The 12-week CrossFit training concurrent with AST supplementation reduced anthropometric and metabolic factors and also serum lipid levels while producing positive changes in body composition and cardiovascular factors. Increased FST and DCN and reduced activin A, MST, and TGF-β1 were other affirmative responses to both interventions.

Recreational ball games are effective in improving social communication impairments among preschoolers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: a multi-arm controlled study

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the effects of two 12-week training intervention experimental ball games combined with standard behavioral rehabilitation against a control group solely utilizing standard behavioral rehabilitation on social communication impairments (SCI) in preschool children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).MethodsA multi-arm controlled study design was implemented, involving 41 children diagnosed with ASD (mean age: 4.99 ± 0.76 years). 41 participants were randomized assigned to two experimental groups and a control group, The experimental group carried out ball combination training program group (BCTP) and mini-basketball training program group (MBTP) on the basis of routine behavioral rehabilitation, which underwent 12-week training interventions 5 times a week. The control group (n = 14) received only standard behavioral rehabilitation. Evaluations were conducted before and after interventions using the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2).ResultsThe results suggest that both 12-week interventions, BCTP, and MBTP, led to significant improvements in social communication impairment among children with ASD (p < 0.05). Despite enhancing the overall scores on the SRS-2, these interventions displayed varying impacts across different sub-dimensions. BCTP primarily exhibited significant enhancements in social awareness and behavior pattern (p < 0.05), whereas MBTP significantly improved social cognition and social communication (p < 0.05). Both interventions showed slight improvements in social motivation.ConclusionsThe utilization of recreational ball games has showed to be effective in decreasing the impairment levels of children with ASD, while the control group experienced a worsening of outcomes. This suggests that irrespective of the specific ball game strategy employed, both can be employed on a weekly basis to complement standard behavioral rehabilitation and enhance the ability to improve the quality of life for children diagnosed with ASD.Trial registrationThe trial is retrospectively registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900024973;August 5, 2019).