Conventional Aerobic Exercise Research Articles

Effects of Conventional versus Virtual Reality-simulated Treadmill Exercise on Fatigue, Cognitive Function, and Participant Satisfaction in Post-COVID-19 Subjects. A Randomized Trial

Background/ObjectivePost-COVID-19 subjects typically experience symptoms of fatigue, cognitive impairment, and sleep difficulty, which can be relieved by conventional aerobic exercise. Virtual Reality (VR) technology to support conventional exercise has recently gained much attention. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of traditional treadmill exercise compared to virtual reality-simulated treadmill exercise on fatigue, cognitive function, sleep quality, and participant satisfaction with the exercise program in post-COVID-19 subjects. MethodsThis single-centered, randomized, parallel-group intervention study was conducted between December 2021 and March 2022. Sixteen of twenty post-COVID-19 subjects completed this study (n1=8, n2=8). Inclusion criteria were persistent dyspnea/fatigue, mild cognitive problems, and age 30–60 years. Exclusion criteria were previous severe COVID-19 infection and ICU admission, concomitant respiratory or cardiovascular disease, and musculoskeletal or neurological disease. Eligible subjects were assigned randomly to two groups: a non-VR group that received traditional treadmill aerobic exercise only and a VR group that received treadmill exercise with non-immersive VR. Both groups received moderate-intensity exercise on a treadmill at [50–60% (peak HR－resting HR) + resting HR] for 30–45 min, three times per week, and for four weeks. The outcome measures were the Chalder Fatigue Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and participant satisfaction with the exercise program rated on a 5-point Likert scale. ResultsBoth groups showed significant improvements in the Chalder Fatigue Scale, the MoCA questionnaire, and the PSQI scores after training compared to baseline (p<0.05), without significant differences between them (p>0.05). However, participant satisfaction with the exercise program was significantly higher in the VR group than in the non-VR group (p=0.037). ConclusionA moderate-intensity 4-week treadmill exercise program with and without non-immersive VR may improve fatigue, cognitive function, and sleep quality to the same extent in COVID-19 survivors. However, participant satisfaction with the exercise program could be greater after conventional treadmill training assisted by non-immersive VR than after conventional treadmill training alone in this cohort. Trial registrationPan African Clinical Trials Registry, PACTR202311561948428, retrospectively registered

Aerobic Exercise Versus Plyometrics in Reducing Anxiety Levels in College Students With Mild Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Background Generalized anxiety disorder is one of the most prevalentmental disorders, characterized byexcessive anxiety and worry that affectboth mental and physical health. These pervasive illnesses have a crippling effect on people's everyday lives, quality of life, and wellness and are also highly linked with cardiovascular risk factors. Physical activity-based therapies have shown promising effects in treating a range of mental disorders, from psychosis to dementia. Out of many conventional therapies, aerobic exercise and plyometrics have been found to be effective in reducing anxiety levels. Aim This study aims to compare the effectiveness of aerobic exercise and plyometrics in reducing anxiety levels in college students with mild generalized anxiety disorder. Materials and methods A total of 96 subjects were selected for the studyusing a stratified sampling technique;48 subjects were assigned to the aerobic exercise group (Group A) and 48 to the plyometric group (Group P). Randomization was done using the sealed envelope method. This study includes students aged 18-25 years, both genders, with a body mass index of <30, a Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) score of 8-15, and at least six months without practicing any kind of physical activity. The exclusion criteria are subjects with other psychotic disorders, a history of cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, inflammatory disease, malignant conditions, neurological disorders, anemia, with comorbid conditions, who were involved in supportive therapy for anxiety such as cognitive behavioral therapy, use of anxiolytic drugs, females with menstrual disorders, and subjects with recent trauma or injuries (fracture, ligament sprain, or muscle strain). The treatment duration for both groups was three days per week for a total of four weeks. Group A consists of five minutes of warm-up, 30 minutes of walking, and five minutes of cool-down, for a total of 40 minutes. Group P consists of warm-up of five minutes, high knees, single leg hop and jump squats of two sets and 10 repetitions for 30 minutes, and a cool-down of five minutes, for a total of 40 minutes. Conclusion The anxiety levels were analyzed using the BAI, revealing that bothgroups have shown improvements in Beck anxiety scores; however,Group A has shown a comparatively more significant improvement than Group P.

Socioeconomic status as a potential mediator of arterial aging in marginalized ethnic and racial groups: current understandings and future directions.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in the United States. However, disparities in CVD-related morbidity and mortality exist as marginalized racial and ethnic groups are generally at higher risk for CVDs (Black Americans, Indigenous People, South and Southeast Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders) and/or development of traditional CVD risk factors (groups above plus Hispanics/Latinos) relative to non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). In this comprehensive review, we outline emerging evidence suggesting these groups experience accelerated arterial dysfunction, including vascular endothelial dysfunction and large elastic artery stiffening, a nontraditional CVD risk factor that may predict risk of CVDs in these groups with advancing age. Adverse exposures to social determinants of health (SDOH), specifically lower socioeconomic status (SES), are exacerbated in most of these groups (except South Asians-higher SES) and may be a potential mediator of accelerated arterial aging. SES negatively influences the ability of marginalized racial and ethnic groups to meet aerobic exercise guidelines, the first-line strategy to improve arterial function, due to increased barriers, such as time and financial constraints, lack of motivation, facility access, and health education, to performing conventional aerobic exercise. Thus, identifying alternative interventions to conventional aerobic exercise that 1) overcome these common barriers and 2) target the biological mechanisms of aging to improve arterial function may be an effective, alternative method to aerobic exercise to ameliorate accelerated arterial aging and reduce CVD risk. Importantly, dedicated efforts are needed to assess these strategies in randomized-controlled clinical trials in these marginalized racial and ethnic groups.

Effects of different aerobic exercises on the global cognitive function of the elderly with mild cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis

ObjectivesTo summarise the effects of various types of aerobic exercise on the global cognitive function of the elderly with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).DesignA meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).Data sourcesPubMed,...

Effect of Traditional Chinese Exercises on Patients with Chronic Heart Failure (TCE-HF): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is safe and effective for chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of traditional Chinese exercise (TCE) on patients with CHF and the impact of exercise types and duration. Evaluation of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCE in patients with CHF published since 1997 from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Chongqing VIP, Wanfang Databases, and the China National Knowledge was performed. A total of 41 RCTs, including 3209 patients with CHF, were included. It showed that TCE significantly increased 6-min walk distance (6MWD) [mean difference (MD) = 72.82 m, p < 0.001] and left ventricular ejection fraction (MD = 5.09%, p < 0.001), whereas reduced B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (MD = -56.80 pg/mL, p < 0.001), N-terminal pro-BNP (MD = -174.94 pg/mL, p < 0.05), and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire scores (MD = -11.31, p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was found in the effects of TCE on peak oxygen consumption. The increase in TCE weekly duration and program duration significantly improved 6MWD (MD = 71.91 m, p < 0.001; MD = 74.11 m, p < 0.001). The combination of TCE and conventional aerobic exercise significantly improved 6MWD (MD = 19.86 m, p < 0.005). TCE improves exercise capacity, cardiac function, and quality of life in patients with CHF, which might be an optimal and available pattern of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation.

Managing fibromyalgia with complementary and alternative medical exercise: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic medical condition of unclear etiopathology that diminished patients' quality of life; chronic pain is the main symptom, yet patients with fibromyalgia struggle also with depression, anxiety, and insomnia. For many years, pharmaceutical management of pain was the mainstay of treatment. In the latest decade, conventional low-impact aerobic exercise and complementary and alternative medical (CAM) exercise have become important when structuring a personalized therapeutic plan, since side effects are practically inexistent. Heterogenous studies with different methodological approaches have failed to display a clear clinical effect. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis of clinical trials putting emphasis on standardized measurable outcomes (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, FIQ) in our effort to draw a safe conclusion on CAM exercise's effect. After analyzing 14 studies, including 886 patients, meta analysis showed CAM exercise had a beneficial effect on patients' FIQ score reports: standardized mean difference (SMD) 1.330 (95% CI 0.733-1.928). Among them, dance and Tai chi, had a more profound effect: SMD 1.969 (95% CI 0.575-3.364) and SMD 1.852 (95% CI 0.119-3.584), respectively. However, the risk of bias was overall medium to high and statistical heterogeneity was very high. Our meta-regression analysis failed to identify any variable that could account for high heterogeneity. Even though more experimental studies should be done on this subject, CAM exercise seems beneficial for patients with Fibromyalgia.

Analysis of Application Effect of Conventional Drugs Combined with Aerobic Exercise in the Treatment of Patients with Heart Failure

To retrospectively analyze the efficacy of polypharmacy conventional drugs and aerobic exercise diagnosed in the treatment of chronic heart failure is the objective of the study. From January 2021 to June 2022, 106 patients with chronic heart failure were hospitalized in cardiovascular department of Zhejiang hospital. The control group was taken conventional anti-heart failure drug treatment. On the basis of the control group, the research group implemented 12 w of scientific aerobic exercise and monitored the patient’s exercise status and treatment effect on the mobile phone exercise applications. After receiving medication and 12 w of aerobic exercise training, left ventricular systolic dysfunction and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in the study were lower than those in the control group and the left ventricular ejection fraction increased significantly compared to the study group and differences between the two groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). The red blood cell distribution width and the opposite association were seen in the subjects studied using New York heart association grade and left ventricular ejection fraction in cardiac function was determined. Manifestations of red blood cells were negatively associated with the maximal oxygen consumption in exercise capacity. Maximum power and time of exhaustion were negatively correlated. The two different groups have marked differences in the left ventricular ejection fraction and New York heart association classification, improvement of maximal oxygen consumption and time of exhaustion (p<0.05). Failure in the application of anti-heart failure drug therapy combined with moderate aerobic exercise application in long-term heart failure patients can effectively reduce the red blood cell distribution width and improve the patient’s health. Cardiac function and exercise capacity, and aerobic exercise can effectively reduce the degree of myocardial damage, improve exercise tolerance, and promote medical recovery of heart failure patients.

Game on: a cycling exergame can elicit moderate-to-vigorous intensity. A pilot study

ObjectivesThe aims of this pilot study were to investigate oxygen uptake (V̇O2) while playing a cycling exergame to assess exercise intensity to determine its potential as a feasible exercise alternative...

Time-efficient physical training for enhancing cardiovascular function in midlife and older adults: promise and current research gaps.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of death in developed societies, and "midlife" (50-64 yr) and older (65+) men and women bear the great majority of the burden of CVD. Much of the increased risk of CVD in this population is attributable to CV dysfunction, including adverse changes in the structure and function of the heart, increased systolic blood pressure, and arterial dysfunction. The latter is characterized by increased arterial stiffness and vascular endothelial dysfunction. Conventional aerobic exercise training, as generally recommended in public health guidelines, is an effective strategy to preserve or improve CV function with aging. However, <40% of midlife and older adults meet aerobic exercise guidelines, due in part to time availability-related barriers. As such, there is a need to develop evidence-based time-efficient exercise interventions that promote adherence and optimize CV function in these groups. Two promising interventions that may meet these criteria are interval training and inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST). Limited research suggests these modes of training may improve CV function with time commitments of ≤60 min/wk. This review will summarize the current evidence for interval training and IMST to improve CV function in midlife/older adults and identify key research gaps and future directions.

Randomized Controlled Trial of the Lateral Push-Off Skater Exercise for High-Intensity Interval Training vs Conventional Treadmill Training

ObjectiveTo examine the therapeutic effects of the lateral push-off skater exercise vs conventional treadmill training on health-related quality of life, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and balance. DesignSingle-blinded, randomized controlled trial. SettingOutpatient clinic at a tertiary hospital. ParticipantsPatients after minor stroke (N=36) with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores≤3 between 20 and 65 years of age were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=18) or the control group (n=18). InterventionsThirty-minute sessions of the skater exercise were performed 3 times weekly for 12 weeks in the intervention group. Conventional treadmill aerobic exercise was conducted in the control group at the same frequency and duration as the experimental group exercise. Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome was measured using the European Quality of Life–5 Dimension (EQ-5D). Secondary outcomes included CRF and balance indicators. Assessments were performed at baseline (T0), 12 weeks from T0 (T1), and 16 weeks from T0 (T2). ResultsSignificant improvements in EQ-5D, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), peak oxygen pulse, peak minute ventilation (VE), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were found in the intervention group after performing the skater exercise (P<.05, all), and these improvements were sustained at T2 (P<.05, all). Between-group comparisons demonstrated greater improvements in EQ-5D, VO2peak, peak oxygen pulse, peak VE, DGI, and BBS in the intervention group than those in the control group at both T1 (P<.05, all) and T2 (P<0.05, all). Correlation analysis showed significant relationships between EQ-5D and VO2peak, peak VE, DGI, and BBS (P<.05, all). ConclusionsThe skater exercise improved health-related quality of life, CRF, and balance in patients after minor stroke more effectively than conventional treadmill-based aerobic exercise. We recommend the skater exercise as a high-intensity interval training program for patients after minor stroke.

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Middle‐Aged to Older Adults

BackgroundCardiorespiratory fitness declines with aging and is a strong independent risk factor for future morbidity and mortality. Conventional aerobic exercise improves cardiorespiratory fitness in middle‐aged and older (MA/O) adults, but is associated with relatively low adherence, due, in part, to significant time requirements (150 min/week). High‐resistance, short‐duration inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) requires only 30 min/week and is associated with excellent adherence, but effects on cardiorespiratory fitness are unknown. We assessed whether high‐resistance, short‐duration IMST improves cardiorespiratory fitness assessed under maximal exercise (VO2max, exercise tolerance) and standardized submaximal exercise conditions.MethodsHealthy, recreationally active MA/O adults (50–79 years) were recruited. Subjects were randomly assigned to perform 6‐weeks of IMST (30 breaths/day; 6 days/week; 75% maximum inspiratory pressure [PIMAX]) (n=7 age: 68 ± 2 years) or sham (15% PIMAX) training (n=7; age: 67 ± 3 years) in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. Oxygen uptake (VO2) and other responses were measured throughout incremental treadmill exercise to exhaustion using a modified Balke Protocol pre‐ and post‐intervention.ResultsAdherence, defined as percentage of prescribed training sessions completed, was high in both the IMST (100%) and sham (98%) groups. PIMAX increased in the IMST group (pre: 57 ± 5, post: 70 ± 4 mmHg; p=0.048) but not sham group (pre: 54 ± 2, post: 60 ± 1 mmHg; p=0.5). VO2max did not change with training in either group (p&gt;0.05), but exercise time to exhaustion increased by 15% in the IMST group (pre: 629 ± 64, post: 726 ± 50 seconds; p=0.009) and decreased in the sham group (pre: 583 ± 74, post: 500 ± 77 seconds; p=0.02). At maximal exercise, most markers of voluntary effort (minute ventilation, VE, heart rate, HR, and rating of perceived exertion, RPE) were unchanged pre vs. post training in both groups (all p&gt;0.05), but peak respiratory exchange ratio, a measure of hyperventilation, was higher in the IMST group after training (pre: 1.08 ± 0.03, post: 1.14 ± 0.03; p=0.05; sham group: pre: 1.06 ± 0.02, post: 1.05 ± 0.04; p=0.96). At a fixed submaximal workload (~80% of initial VO2max), VO2 (pre: 23.3 ± 1.8, post: 21.3 ± 1.5 ml/kg/min; p=0.01) and HR (pre: 131 ± 7, post: 127 ± 7; p=0.07) were lower after vs. before IMST, but unchanged with sham training. VE and RPE during submaximal exercise were unchanged with training in both groups (all p&gt;0.05).ConclusionHigh‐resistance short‐duration IMST increases exercise time to exhaustion (exercise tolerance), improves submaximal exercise economy, and lowers HR during submaximal exercise in healthy, recreationally active, MA/O adults. Thus, high resistance, short‐duration IMST improves exercise performance in healthy MA/O adults, and may hold even greater promise for older adults with functional limitations and/or chronic disease.Support or Funding InformationAHA 18POST33990034, T32 DK007135, UL1 TR002535This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

A pilot study of short-term toe resistance training in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of short-term toe resistance training on toe pinch force and toe muscle quality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 12 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were hospitalized to improve glycemic control (8 men and 4 women, duration of diabetes 12.2±9.5years) were enrolled in this pilot study. Exercise therapy was performed with conventional aerobic exercise and four newly developed toe resistance training exercises for 2weeks. Changes in anthropometric parameters, blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and muscle parameters, i.e. muscle mass, toe pinch force and toe muscle quality were evaluated after the exercise program. There were no significant differences of body weight, body mass index, BP, heart rate, and upper/lower muscle mass after exercise performance. However, toe pinch force was significantly increased (pre: 2.92±1.19kg, post: 3.65±1.58kg, p=0.007). Toe muscle quality (toe pinch force/lower leg muscle mass) were also significantly increased (pre: 2.15±0.86kg/kg, post: 2.72±1.26kg/kg, p=0.009). Two weeks of toe resistance training significantly increased toe pinch force and toe muscle quality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Toe resistance training is might be essential for treating patients with diabetes mellitus in clinical practice.

Functional electrical stimulation of lower limb muscles as an alternative mode of exercise training in chronic heart failure: practical considerations and proposed algorithm.

Functional electrical stimulation of lower limb muscles as an alternative mode of exercise training in chronic heart failure: practical considerations and proposed algorithm.

High-Intensity Interval Training in Stroke Rehabilitation

After stroke, people with weakness enter a vicious cycle of limited activity and deconditioning that limits functional recovery and exacerbates cardiovascular risk factors. Conventional aerobic exercise improves aerobic capacity, function, and overall cardiometabolic health after stroke. Recently, a new exercise strategy has shown greater effectiveness than conventional aerobic exercise for improving aerobic capacity and other outcomes among healthy adults and people with heart disease. This strategy, called high-intensity interval training (HIT), uses bursts of concentrated effort alternated with recovery periods to maximize exercise intensity. Three poststroke HIT studies have shown preliminary effectiveness for improving functional recovery. However, these studies were varied in approach and the safety of poststroke HIT has received little attention. The objectives of this narrative review are to (1) propose a framework for categorizing HIT protocols; (2) summarize the safety and effectiveness evidence of HIT among healthy adults and people with heart disease and stroke; (3) discuss theoretical mechanisms, protocol selection, and safety considerations for poststroke HIT; and (4) provide directions for future research.

Oxygen Uptake during Aerobic Cycling Exercise Simultaneously Combined with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation of Antagonists

The purpose of this study was to evaluate oxygen uptake 2 (VO )  during aerobic exercise with a Hybrid Training System (HTS) at a moderate intensity. Recently it is said that the combined application of electrical stimulation (ES) and Volitional Contractions (VC) is effective. A Hybrid Training System (HTS) has been developed as a resistance exercise method combining ES with VC, and using electrically stimulated eccentric antagonist muscle contractions as a resistance to voluntary agonist muscle contractions. The benefits of combining aerobic exercise and resistance exercise have also been reported. Therefore, we devised an exercise method that combines the resistance exercise of HTS with aerobic cycling exercise. However, the influence of HTS on aerobic exercise has not been confirmed. Outcome measurements of expired gas were compared during conventional ergometer exercise with and without HTS. 11 healthy young men exercised on a cycle ergometer starting at 20 Watts and increasing by 20 Watts every 3 minutes to 100 Watts, with volitional contractions alone (VER) and with HTS (HER). During each VER and HER test, 2 VO  , carbon dioxide output 2 (VCO )  , expired ventilation (VE) and heart rate (HR) was measured. HR, 22 VO ,VCO  and VE  showed a linear relation with workload during both VER and HER. 2 VO  during HER was significantly higher than during VER at an average of about 21.1% (p<0.001). HER at moderate intensity seems to result in a linear relationship between 2 VO  and the work rate in the same way as conventional aerobic exercise. Furthermore HER resulted in stronger exercise intensity than VER with the same workload. HTS may be a novel exercise technique that could combine resistance exercise with aerobic exercise.

Aerobic exercise improves cardiopulmonary function of elderly patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction

A total of 89 elderly patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction were randomly divided into 2 groups:patients in control group received conventional medication,those in exercise group receive conventional medication plus aerobic exercise training,which was lasted for 6 weeks.The changes in VO2max,maximum heart rate (HRmax),VO2max/HRmax,exercise time,6-minute walk and quality of life (QOL) were evaluated after 16 weeks.The VO2max,HRmax,VO2max/HRmax,exercise time,6-minute walk and QOL had increased significantly in exercise group,compared with the control group.The results indicate that aerobic exercise can improve cardiopulmonary function of elderly patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction. Key words: Heart failure,congestive; Exercise

Is vibration exercise a useful addition to a weight management program?

Vibration exercise (VbX) has received a lot of attention as an exercise modality, which evokes muscular work and elevates metabolic rate that could be a potential method for weight reduction. Popular press has purported that VbX is quick and convenient, and 10 min of VbX is equivalent to 1 h of traditional exercise, where it has been marketed as the new weight-loss and body toning workout. However, research studies have shown that muscle activation occurs but the energy demand in response to VbX is quite low, where exhaustive VbX reported a metabolic demand of 23 mL/kg/min compared with 44 mL/kg/min from an exhaustive cycle test. Different vibration frequencies with varying amplitudes and loads have been tested, but only small increases in metabolic rate have been reported. Based on these findings, it has been indirectly calculated that a VbX session of 26 Hz for three continuous minutes would only incur a loss of ≈ 10.7 g fat/h. Following a 24-week program of VbX, no observed differences were found in body composition, and following 12 months of VbX, the time to reach peak V ˙O2 was significantly higher in conventional exercise compared with VbX. However, one study has reported that percentage body fat decreased by 3.2% after 8 months after VbX in comparison with resistance and control groups that performed no aerobic conditioning. The evidence to date suggests that VbX can increase whole and local oxygen uptake; however, with additional load, high vibration frequency, and/or amplitude, it cannot match the demands of conventional aerobic exercise. Therefore, caution is required when VbX programs are solely used for the purpose of reducing body fat without considering dietary and aerobic conditioning guidelines.

Shaking weight loss away - Can vibration exercise reduce body fat?

An exercise modality that requires little time and physical exertion whilst providing the benefits of increased force, power, balance, flexibility, and weight loss would appeal to most people that may be at risk from an imbalanced lifestyle. One such exercise modality that has received a lot of attention has been vibration exercise (VbX), which evokes muscular work and elevates metabolic rate could be a potential method for weight reduction. Popular press has purported that VbX is quick, convenient, and 10 minutes of VbX is equivalent to one hour of traditional exercise, where it has been marketed as the new weight-loss and body toning workout. However, research studies have shown that muscle activation is elicited but the energy demand in response to VbX is quite low. Exhaustive VbX has been reported to produce a metabolic demand of 23 ml/kg/min compared to 44 ml/kg/min from an exhaustive cycle test. Different vibration frequencies have been tested with varying amplitudes and loads, but only small increases in metabolic rate have been reported. Based on these findings it has been indirectly calculated that a VbX session of 26Hz for 3 continuous minutes would only incur a loss of ~ 10.7g fat/hr. Following a 24-week programme of VbX, no observed differences were found in body composition and following 12 months of VbX the time to reach peak O 2 was significantly higher in conventional exercise compared to VbX. However, one study has reported that percentage body fat decreased by 3.2% after eight months after VbX in comparison to resistance and control groups that performed no aerobic conditioning. The evidence to date, suggests that VbX can increase whole and local oxygen uptake; however, with additional load, high vibration frequency and/or amplitude it cannot match the demands of conventional aerobic exercise. Therefore, caution is required when VbX programmes are solely used for the purpose of reducing body fat without considering dietary and aerobic conditioning guidelines.

Vibration Exercise: The Potential Benefits

The aim of this review was to examine the physiological effects of vibration exercise (VbX), including the cardiovascular indices and to elucidate its potential use for those with compromised health. VbX has long been acknowledged as a potential modality in sport, exercise, and health sectors. Muscle force and power have been shown to increase after VbX for athletes, the aged and those with diseases, where neural factors are thought to be the main contributor. Further, similarities to the tonic vibration reflex have been used to propose that the muscle spindle plays a role in activating the muscle which could benefit those with compromised health. There is strong evidence that acute VbX can enhance upper and lower-body muscle power, and there is some indication that longer-term VbX can augment muscle power of upper and lower body extremities, although this is less convincing. It is not conclusive whether VbX increases force attributes. This has been fraught by the type and parameters used for various muscle contractions, and the different sample populations that have varied in chronological age, experience and training status. VbX provides an insufficient stimulus to enhance cardiovascular indices, where VbX cannot increase heart rate to the same extent as conventional aerobic exercise. But when conventional aerobic exercise is not possible, for example, in aged, cardiovascular compromised persons, VbX could be implemented at an early stage because it could provide a safe induction of a slight elevation of cardiovascular function indices while providing neural and myogenic benefits. In conclusion, VbX is a safe modality to increase physiological responses of reflex and muscle activity, and muscle function, for athletes, the aged and compromised health. However, further research should focus on the optimum dose relationship of frequency, amplitude and duration for the various populations.

Functional electrical stimulation in the treatment of patients with chronic heart failure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) produces beneficial effects in the treatment of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), but studies carried out in these patients show small sample sizes and conflicting results. The aim of this meta-analysis was to systematically review the effect of treatment with FES compared with conventional aerobic exercise training (CA) or control group in patients with CHF. The search strategy included MEDLINE, LILACS, Physiotherapy Evidence Database and Cochrane Library. Randomized trials comparing FES versus CA or control group in the treatment of patients with CHF were included. Two reviewers independently extracted the data. Main analysis used a fixed-effects model. The search retrieved 794 articles, from which seven studies were included. Treatment with FES provided a smaller gain in peak VO2 compared with CA {-0.74 ml/kg per min [95% confidence interval (CI): -1.38 to -0.10]}. There was no difference in the muscle strength [-0.33 Nm (95% CI: -4.56 to 3.90)] and in the distance of the 6-min walk test [2.73 m (95% CI: -15.39 to 20.85)] on comparing FES with CA. An increase in peak VO2 of 2.78 ml/kg per min (95% CI: 1.44-4.13) was observed in FES versus the control group. Treatment with FES provides a similar gain in the distance of the 6-min walk test and in the muscle strength when compared with CA, but a small gain in the peak VO2. An increase in the peak VO2 can be obtained with FES as compared with the control group. Thus, FES may be an alternative in relation with CA for patients with CHF and with those who are unable to perform this kind of exercise.