Doses Of Aerobic Exercise Research Articles

The impact of aerobic exercise dose based on ACSM recommendations on patients with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

To explore the effects of different dose of aerobic exercise on motor function, balance, mobility, and quality of life in Parkinson's disease patients, aiming to provide insights into determining the optimal aerobic exercise dose for treating PD. Searching was conducted in four databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane. The dose of aerobic exercise intervention was evaluated based on the recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine regarding the development and maintenance of cardiorespiratory health, muscle strength, and functional mobility in patients with PD. The exercise intervention dose of the included studies were first classified into high ACSM compliance and low ACSM compliance based on meeting 4/6 of the ACSM recommendations. The reliability of the results was then validated using the criterion of meeting 5/6 of the ACSM recommendations. Comparisons of the effects of aerobic exercise dose on Motor function, Balance, Mobility, and QOL in PD patients using standardized mean difference with 95% confidence intervals. When using the 4/6 ACSM compliance criterion, 17 studies were categorized as high ACSM compliance and 12 as low ACSM compliance. The SMD ratios for high versus low ACSM compliance were: UPDRS-III (-0.79: -0.18), BBS (0.60: 0.05), TUG (-0.60: -0.60), and QOL (-1.05: -0.15). When using the 5/6 ACSM compliance criterion, 11 studies were categorized as high ACSM compliance and 19 as low ACSM compliance. The SMD ratios for high versus low ACSM compliance were: UPDRS-III (-0.95: -0.38), BBS (0.48: 0.37), TUG (-0.71: -0.55), and QOL (-0.7: 0.04). This study provides preliminary support for the potential of aerobic exercise to improve certain clinical symptoms in patients with PD. Furthermore, the results indicate that compliance to higher doses of aerobic exercise, as per ACSM standards, may contribute to improvements in motor function, balance, mobility, and quality of life for patients with PD. However, due to the heterogeneity in the studies and the influence of factors that have not yet been fully explored, these conclusions should be interpreted with caution. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed in the future to further verify and clarify the effects of aerobic exercise. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier PROSPERO: CRD42024517548.

EFEITO DO EXERCÍCIO AERÓBICO SOBRE A MICROCIRCULAÇÃO EM ESTUDANTES UNIVERSITÁRIOS SEDENTÁRIOS

ABSTRACT Introduction Due to economic development and technological progress, more attention has been given to intellectual education in detriment of physical conditioning, a phenomenon that has corroborated to raise obesity to a contemporary concern in public health. In this sense, studies that can provide reference to guide the scientific sport intervention behavior of college students are the focus of the current research. Objective Explore the effect of different doses of aerobic exercise on microcirculation function in sedentary college students. Methods 69 students from Minzu University were recruited and randomly divided into exercise groups A, B and control. The exercise group received 12 weeks of aerobic exercise intervention. Among them, group A practiced 1-2 times per week, group B practiced ≥ 3 times per week. The control group did not practice any sport. Results After testing, microvascular reactivity showed an interaction to group and time (p<0.01). Among them, exercise group B was higher than control group and exercise group A (p<0.01), with no significant differences between exercise group A and control group (p>0.05). Conclusion Aerobic exercise affects body microvascular response and endogenous NO level. Aerobic exercise lasting 12 weeks with frequency equal to or greater than three times per week can improve the microvascular response of sedentary college students by promoting endogenous NO production. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Exercise Dose and Aerobic Fitness Response in Alzheimer's Dementia: Findings from the FIT-AD Trial.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 6-month cycling aerobic exercise intervention on cardiorespiratory fitness and the dose-response relationship in community-dwelling older adults with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's dementia. The FIT-AD trial was a single blind, 2-parallel group, pilot randomized controlled trial. The aerobic exercise group participated in a 6-month, thrice weekly, moderate-vigorous intensity cycling intervention while control group performed stretching. Cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated by peak oxygen consumption from cardiopulmonary exercise test and peak walking distance from the shuttle walk test and 6-minute walk test. Aerobic exercise dose was calculated using the novel heart rate physical activity score. The aerobic exercise group significantly increased peak oxygen consumption (1.28 ml/kg/min; p=0.03) in subgroup who achieved maximal criteria on cardiopulmonary exercise test. Changes in peak oxygen consumption and peak walking distance on the shuttle walk and 6-minute walk tests did not significantly differ between aerobic exercise and stretching groups. Notably, the aerobic exercise dose was strongly and significantly correlated to change in peak oxygen consumption (r=0.60; n=16; p=0.01), in subset who met maximal test criteria. Emphasis on exercise dose is needed in aerobic exercise programs to maximize cardiorespiratory fitness gains in persons with mild-moderate Alzheimer's dementia.

IL-1β and BDNF are associated with improvement in hypersomnia but not insomnia following exercise in major depressive disorder.

Given the role of sleep in the development and treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), it is becoming increasingly clear that elucidation of the biological mechanisms underlying sleep disturbances in MDD is crucial to improve treatment outcomes. Sleep disturbances are varied and can present as insomnia and/or hypersomnia. Though research has examined the biological underpinnings of insomnia in MDD, little is known about the role of biomarkers in hypersomnia associated with MDD. This paper examines biomarkers associated with changes in hypersomnia and insomnia and as predictors of improvements in sleep quality following exercise augmentation in persons with MDD. Subjects with non-remitted MDD were randomized to augmentation with one of two doses of aerobic exercise: 16 kilocalories per kilogram of body weight per week (KKW) or 4 KKW for 12 weeks. The four sleep-related items on the clinician-rated Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (sleep onset insomnia, mid-nocturnal insomnia, early morning insomnia and hypersomnia) assessed self-reported sleep quality. Inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were assessed in blood samples collected before and following the 12-week intervention. Reduction in hypersomnia was correlated with reductions in BDNF (ρ=0.26, P=0.029) and IL-1β (ρ=0.37, P=0.002). Changes in these biomarkers were not associated with changes in insomnia; however, lower baseline levels of IL-1β were predictive of greater improvements in insomnia (F=3.87, P=0.050). In conclusion, improvement in hypersomnia is related to reductions in inflammatory markers and BDNF in persons with non-remitted MDD. Distinct biological mechanisms may explain reductions in insomnia.

Circulating inflammatory miRNA signature in response to different doses of aerobic exercise.

While moderate acute exercise has been associated with strong anti-inflammatory mechanisms, strenuous exercise has been linked to deleterious inflammatory perturbations. It is therefore fundamental to elucidate the mechanisms that regulate the exercise-induced inflammatory cascade. Information on novel regulators such as circulating inflammatory microRNAs (c-inflammamiRs) is incomplete. In this study, we evaluated the response of a panel of c-inflammamiRs to different doses of acute aerobic exercise. We first studied the exercise-induced inflammatory cascade in serum samples of nine active middle-aged males immediately before and after (0 h, 24 h, 72 h) 10-km, half-marathon, and marathon races. Next, we analyzed the circulating profile of 106 specific c-inflammamiRs immediately before) and after (0 h, 24 h) 10-km (low inflammatory response) and marathon (high inflammatory response) races. Analysis of classical inflammatory parameters revealed a dose-dependent effect of aerobic exercise on systemic inflammation, with higher levels detected after marathon. We observed an increase in miR-150-5p immediately after the 10-km race. Levels of 12 c-inflammamiRs were increased immediately after the marathon (let-7d-3p, let-7f-2-3p, miR-125b-5p, miR-132-3p, miR-143-3p, miR-148a-3p, miR-223-3p, miR-223-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-34a-5p, miR-424-3p, and miR-424-5p). c-inflammamiRs returned to basal levels after 24 h. Correlation and in silico analyses supported a close association between the observed c-inflammamiR pattern and regulation of the inflammatory process. In conclusion, we found that different doses of acute aerobic exercise induced a distinct and specific c-inflammamiR response, which may be associated with control of the exercise-induced inflammatory cascade. Our findings point to c-inflammamiRs as potential biomarkers of exercise-induced inflammation, and hence, exercise dose.

Effects of Yoga in a Behavioral Weight Loss Program on Body Composition and Fitness

Yoga is currently a popular form of exercise; however, little is known as to its impact within the context of a weight loss intervention. PURPOSE: To compare a behavioral weight loss program with a prescription of aerobic exercise only (AR) or yoga plus aerobic exercise (YOGA) on changes in muscular endurance, flexibility, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness at 6 and 12 months. METHODS: Thirty-seven women (age=46.8±6.0 years; BMI=30.6±2.9 kg/m2) were randomized to AR (n=19) or YOGA (n=18). Both groups received a reduced calorie diet. AR was prescribed aerobic exercise that progressed to 40 min/day, 5 days/wk. YOGA was prescribed the same dose of aerobic exercise plus yoga for 3 days/wk. Participants attended weekly intervention meetings for 6 months and then received monthly telephone contact for 6 months. Muscular endurance (1 minute sit-up test), flexibility (sit and reach test), body composition (bioelectrical impedance), weight, and cardiorespiratory fitness (graded exercise test) were measured at baseline, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: Chi-square analysis of retention rates revealed 94.7% YOGA vs. 72.2% AR (p=.063) at month 6 and 94.7% YOGA vs. 61.1% AR (p=.013) at month 12. Analyses were conducted with baseline values carried forward for missing data and results are presented below.Table: No title available.CONCLUSIONS: YOGA vs. AR resulted in a significant improvement in weight loss, percent body fat, and fitness at 6 and 12 months. There was an improvement in muscular endurance and flexibility for both groups at 6 and 12 months; however, this difference was not significant between the groups at either time point. Retention was significantly better for YOGA vs. AR. Thus, the addition of yoga to a behavioral weight loss program appears to be a promising option that warrants further investigation.

Effect of aerobic exercise training dose on liver fat and visceral adiposity

Aerobic exercise reduces liver fat and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). However, there is limited data from randomized trials to inform exercise programming recommendations. This study examined the efficacy of commonly prescribed exercise doses for reducing liver fat and VAT using a randomized placebo-controlled design. Inactive and overweight/obese adults received 8 weeks of either; i) low to moderate intensity, high volume aerobic exercise (LO:HI, 50% VO 2peak, 60 min, 4d/week); ii) high intensity, low volume aerobic exercise (HI:LO, 70% VO 2peak, 45 min, 3d/week); iii) low to moderate intensity, low volume aerobic exercise (LO:LO, 50% VO 2peak, 45 min, 3d/week); or iv) placebo (PLA). Liver fat (spectroscopy) and VAT (magnetic resonance imaging) were measured before and after intervention. Forty-seven of the 48 (n = 12 in each group) participants completed the trial. There were no serious adverse events. There was a significant change in group × time interaction in liver fat, which reduced in HI:LO by 2.38 ± 0.73%, in LO:HI by 2.62 ± 1.00%, and in LO:LO by 0.84 ± 0.47% but not in PLA (increase of 1.10 ± 0.62%) (p = 0.04). There was a significant reduction in VAT in HI:LO (-258.38 ± 87.78 cm(3)), in LO:HI (-386.80 ± 119.5 cm(3)), and in LO:LO (-212.96 ± 105.54 cm(3)), but not in PLA (92.64 ± 83.46 cm(3)) (p = 0.03). There were no significant differences between the dose or intensity of the exercise regimen and reductions in liver fat or VAT (p > 0.05). The study found no difference in efficacy of liver fat reduction by either aerobic exercise dose or intensity. All of the aerobic exercise regimens employed reduced liver fat and VAT by a small amount without clinically significant weight loss.

Abstract PD2-6: Exercise dose and type effects in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: A randomized trial

Abstract Background: Aerobic and resistance exercise, either separately or in combination, have been shown to improve physical functioning and manage some symptoms in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Few exercise trials, however, have compared different doses or types of exercise in breast cancer patients to identify the optimal exercise prescription. Here, we report the primary results of the Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise (CARE) Trial which compared two different doses and types of exercise for improving physical functioning and symptom management in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods: A multicenter trial in Canada randomized 301 breast cancer patients between 2008 and 2011 to thrice weekly, supervised exercise during chemotherapy consisting of either a standard dose of 25-30 minutes of aerobic exercise (STAN; n = 96), a higher dose of 50-60 minutes of aerobic exercise (HIGH; n = 101), or a combined dose of 50-60 minutes of aerobic and resistance exercise (COMB; n = 104). The primary endpoint was patient-reported physical functioning assessed by the Medical Outcomes Survey-Short Form (SF)-36. Secondary endpoints were other physical functioning scales, symptoms, physical fitness, and chemotherapy completion. Results: Between April 2008 and September 2011, we randomized 301 of 728 (41%) eligible patients. STAN, HIGH and COMB completed 88% (43/49), 82% (40/49), and 78% (39/50) of their prescribed aerobic exercise sessions. We obtained patient-reported outcome data from questionnaires on 99% of patients at each point during and after chemotherapy. Adjusted linear mixed-model analyses showed that neither HIGH (+0.8; 95% CI [-0.8 to 2.4]; p = 0.30) nor COMB (+0.5; 95% CI [-1.1 to 2.1]; p = 0.52) were statistically superior to STAN for the primary outcome. For important secondary outcomes, HIGH was superior to STAN for the SF-36 physical component summary (p = 0.041), SF-36 bodily pain (p = 0.015), and endocrine symptoms (p = 0.019). COMB was superior to STAN for endocrine symptoms (p = 0.009) and superior to STAN (p<.001) and HIGH (p<.001) for muscular strength. HIGH was superior to COMB for the SF-36 bodily pain (p = 0.035) and aerobic fitness (p = 0.030). No differences resulted for body composition or chemotherapy completion. Relative dose intensity was 93.9% in STAN compared to 92.7% in COMB and 91.6% in HIGH (p = 0.34). No serious adverse events were related to exercise. Conclusions: A higher dose of aerobic or combined exercise compared to a standard dose of aerobic exercise did not improve patient-reported physical functioning as assessed by the SF-36 physical functioning subscale. The CARE Trial did demonstrate that higher doses of aerobic or combined exercise of up to 50-60 minutes/session are safe and feasible and do not interfere with chemotherapy completion or exacerbate any symptoms. Moreover, a higher dose of aerobic exercise was shown to provide modest improvements in aerobic fitness, patient-reported physical functioning, bodily pain, fatigue, and endocrine symptoms whereas combined exercise improved muscular fitness and endocrine symptoms. Cancer care professionals can safely recommend higher doses of exercise during breast cancer chemotherapy in appropriately supervised settings. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr PD2-6.

Body fat loss and compensatory mechanisms in response to different doses of aerobic exercise—a randomized controlled trial in overweight sedentary males

The amount of weight loss induced by exercise is often disappointing. A diet-induced negative energy balance triggers compensatory mechanisms, e.g., lower metabolic rate and increased appetite. However, knowledge about potential compensatory mechanisms triggered by increased aerobic exercise is limited. A randomized controlled trial was performed in healthy, sedentary, moderately overweight young men to examine the effects of increasing doses of aerobic exercise on body composition, accumulated energy balance, and the degree of compensation. Eighteen participants were randomized to a continuous sedentary control group, 21 to a moderate-exercise (MOD; 300 kcal/day), and 22 to a high-exercise (HIGH; 600 kcal/day) group for 13 wk, corresponding to ∼30 and 60 min of daily aerobic exercise, respectively. Body weight (MOD: -3.6 kg, P < 0.001; HIGH: -2.7 kg, P = 0.01) and fat mass (MOD: -4.0 kg, P < 0.001 and HIGH: -3.8 kg, P < 0.001) decreased similarly in both exercise groups. Although the exercise-induced energy expenditure in HIGH was twice that of MOD, the resulting accumulated energy balance, calculated from changes in body composition, was not different (MOD: -39.6 Mcal, HIGH: -34.3 Mcal, not significant). Energy balance was 83% more negative than expected in MOD, while it was 20% less negative than expected in HIGH. No statistically significant changes were found in energy intake or nonexercise physical activity that could explain the different compensatory responses associated with 30 vs. 60 min of daily aerobic exercise. In conclusion, a similar body fat loss was obtained regardless of exercise dose. A moderate dose of exercise induced a markedly greater than expected negative energy balance, while a higher dose induced a small but quantifiable degree of compensation.

Effect of Different Doses of Aerobic Exercise on Total White Blood Cell (WBC) and WBC Subfraction Number in Postmenopausal Women: Results from DREW

BackgroundElevated total white blood cell (WBC) count is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and death. Aerobic exercise is associated with lower total WBC, neutrophil, and monocyte counts. However, no studies have evaluated the effect of the amount of aerobic exercise (dose) on total WBC and WBC subfraction counts.PurposeTo examine the effects of 3 different doses of aerobic exercise on changes in total WBC and WBC subfraction counts and independent effects of changes in fitness, adiposity, markers of inflammation (IL-6, TNF-α, C-reactive protein), fasting glucose metabolism, and adiponectin.MethodsData from 390 sedentary, overweight/obese postmenopausal women from the DREW study were used in these analyses. Women were randomized to a non-exercise control group or one of 3 exercise groups: energy expenditure of 4, 8, or 12 kcal kg−1⋅week−1 (KKW) for 6 months at an intensity of 50% VO2peak.ResultsA dose-dependent decrease in total WBC counts (trend P = 0.002) was observed with a significant decrease in the 12KKW group (−163.1±140.0 cells/µL; mean±95%CI) compared with the control (138.6±144.7 cells/µL). A similar response was seen in the neutrophil subfraction (trend P = 0.001) with a significant decrease in the 12KKW group (−152.6±115.1 cells/µL) compared with both the control and 4KKW groups (96.4±119.0 and 21.9±95.3 cells/µL, respectively) and in the 8KKW group (−102.4±125.0 cells/µL) compared with the control. When divided into high/low baseline WBC categories (median split), a dose-dependent decrease in both total WBCs (P = 0.003) and neutrophils (P<0.001) was observed in women with high baseline WBC counts. The effects of exercise dose on total WBC and neutrophil counts persisted after accounting for significant independent effects of change in waist circumference and IL-6.ConclusionAerobic exercise training reduces total WBC and neutrophil counts, in a dose-dependent manner, in overweight/obese postmenopausal women and is especially beneficial for those with systemic low grade inflammation.Clinical Trials Identifier: NCT00011193

The Effect of Aerobic Training on C-Reactive Protein in Postmenopausal Women

C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, has been reported to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease in both women and men. Though a number of epidemiology studies suggest that individuals who exercise regularly have lower CRP than sedentary individuals, there is a paucity of intervention studies that have examined the role of exercise in reducing CRP. PURPOSE: To examine changes in CRP across different doses of aerobic exercise in sedentary post-menopausal women. METHODS: Of the 464 randomized overweight/obese sedentary postmenopausal women (DREW study), 421 participants (91%) completed the study and had available plasma for baseline and follow-up CRP measurement. This sub-set of participants were randomly assigned to a non-exercise control group (n = 96), or 1 of 3 exercise groups; energy expenditure of 4 kcal/kg/min (n = 143), 8 kcal/kg/min (n = 87) or 12 kcal/kg/ min (n = 95). The intervention period was six months in duration. RESULTS: The mean participant age was 57 ± 6 years, 45% of the participants were using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and 64% of the participants were Caucasian. As a group CRP was elevated as demonstrated by the mean group baseline CRP of 5.6 ± 5.5 mg/dL, median CRP of 4.0 mg/dL (IQR: 1.8, 7.6) and 72% of the participants with a CRP > 2.0 mg/dL. Baseline mean CRP values were similar across randomization groups at 6.0 ± 5.8, 5.3 ± 5.3, 6.5 ± 6.1 and 5.0 ± 4.8 mg/dL for control group, 4, 8& 12 Kcal/ kg/min groups, respectively. Using general linear modeling adjusted for age, baseline value, ethnicity and HRT use, there was no difference in follow-up CRP values across groups for either the mean or geometric mean values. Non-parametric analyses showed similar results as there were no group differences at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that 6-months of aerobic exercise training did not reduce CRP in this population of sedentary postmenopausal woman. It needs to be noted that this study was not specifically designed to examine CRP and exercise. Supported by NIH grants HL66262 and HL071900, and Life Fitness for equipment.

Subgroup Interactions and Changes in Cardiorespiratory Fitness among Postmenopausal Women

Approximately 38% of women in the U.S. are postmenopausal and the majority of these 25 million women obtain less than optimal amounts of physical activity. Physical inactivity, coupled with atherogenic risk factors associated with menopause, places them at elevated risk for CVD and all-cause mortality. In order to provide this group with targeted public health messages, it is beneficial to examine whether subsets of this population significantly differ in their physiological response to the exercise treatments. PURPOSE: To examine changes in fitness across different doses of aerobic exercise in subgroups of post-menopausal women in the DREW study. METHODS: We obtained baseline and 6-month follow-up fitness measures for 424 postmenopausal women randomly assigned to a non-exercise control group (n = 94), or 1 of 3 exercise treatments of 4 kcal/kg/wk (n = 145), 8 kcal/kg/wk (n = 89) or 12 kcal/kg/wk (n = 96). The intervention period was six months in duration. Subgroups analyzed included age (≤55y vs >55y), BMI (<30 vs BMI ≥30), baseline fitness (<1.3 L/min vs ≥1.3 L/min), self-identified race (Caucasian vs. non-Caucasian) and self-reported HRT usage. We used the least squares mean change by sub-group and treatment condition versus controls adjusted for baseline VO2, age, ethnicity, weight, and peak heart rates to examine treatment effects. P-values are for treatment-by-subgroup interactions. RESULTS: A significant increase in mean VO2 max was seen in all exercise groups compared to the control group with a significant trend across increasing exercise doses (p <0.0001). In subgroup analyses, similar results were observed with a greater change in VO2 max with increasing weekly energy expenditure. Subgroup interactions for age (p=0.10), BMI (p=0.23), baseline fitness (p=0.79), ethnicity (p=0.23) and HRT use (p=0.70) did not reach statistical significance indicating that in this population, the benefits of improved fitness were similar for all subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Among post-menopausal women in the DREW study, changes in VO2 max were positively associated with increasing weekly energy expenditure. The benefits of increased fitness did not significantly differ by age, BMI, baseline fitness, ethnicity or HRT use.

The Effect of Aerobic Training on Body Weight and Waist Circumference in Postmenopausal Women

Obesity and central adiposity are associated with elevated risk for type 2-diabetes and cardiovascular disease in women. Regular physical activity is associated with reduced risk of unhealthy weight gain. However, the dose-response relation between aerobic exercise on weight and fat pattern PMong postmenopausal women is not well established. PURPOSE: To examine changes in weight and waist circumference (WC) across different doses of aerobic exercise in sedentary post-menopausal women. METHODS: A total of 394 overweight or obese (mean BMI 32 ± 4 kg/m2) sedentary postmenopausal women (mean age 57 ± 6 years) volunteered to participate in the dose-response to exercise in women (DREW) study. All participants were randomly assigned to a non-exercise control group (group A, n = 88), or 1 of 3 exercise groups; 4 kcal/kg/wk (group B, n = 127), 8 kcal/kg/wk (group C, n = 77) or 12 kcal/kg/wk (group D, n = 86). The intervention period was 6 months in duration. Total body weight and WC were measured at baseline and 6-months follow-up in all groups. RESULTS: We evaluated changes in weight in kilograms (kg) and WC in centimeters (cm) for all groups by analysis of variance adjusted for age and baseline values. All groups significantly decreased weight, while WC was not changed in the A group. The mean changes within groups (± standard error) for A, B, C, and D were −0.97±0.37, −1.33±0.30, −2.01±0.39, and −1.38±0.37 kg, (p<0.05 all) for weight respectively, and −3.46±0.70, −3.02±0.90, and −2.95±0.85 cm (p<0.01 all) for WC in groups B, C, and D, respectively. Compared to group A, only group C had a significant decrease in weight (p<0.05), while WC was significantly decreased in all exercise groups compared to the control group (p<0.01 all). No significant differences in any of the anthropometric measures were observed between groups B, C, or D. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that 6-months of aerobic exercise training decreases central adiposity in sedentary postmenopausal women. Similar reductions in WC across exercise groups suggest a threshold effect rather than a dose response relationship between dose of exercise and waist circumference.

Aerobic Exercise Training in Stroke Survivors

Functional aerobic capacity among persons with stroke is severely compromised and may limit their full participation in community living. Even though aerobic conditioning can be potentially valuable to persons with stroke in reducing the risk of recurrent morbid events and improving overall quality of life, there is limited information on the specific dose of aerobic exercise (i.e., frequency, intensity, duration, and modality) that may achieve the most desirable health outcomes under the safest conditions in this population. Because of the many comorbidities associated with stroke (i.e., hypertension, heart disease, obesity, depression), specific recommendations for prescribing aerobic exercise must become more precise and be subsequently added to the treatment regimen for this large and diverse population. Future research must address optimal aerobic training programs necessary for reductions in cardiovascular risk factors and gains in functional status in stroke patients.