Effects Of Chronic Physical Activity Research Articles

Effects of Physical Activity on Cognition, Behavior, and Motor Skills in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies.

The aim of this paper was to analyze the acute and chronic effects of physical activity (PA) on cognition, behavior, and motor skill in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), taking into account potential confounders. In addition, it was intended to elaborate a guide of educational applications with strategies for PA use. Studies were identified in four databases from January 2010 to June 2023. A total of 19 interventional studies met the inclusion criteria. PA programs ranged from two weeks to one year in duration, with a frequency of one to five sessions per week. More than 58% of the studies showed positive effects of PA on cognition, and 45.5% on behavior and motor skill. Moderate-vigorous PA for 15-30 min has shown acute effects on cognition, general behavior, and stereotypic/repetitive behaviors in youth with ASD. A total of 9 out of 14 studies showed chronic effects on general behavior and stereotypic behaviors, and only 6 on motor skills.

Impact of chronic physical activity on individuals' creativity.

There is growing evidence to suggest that physical activity positively influences cognitive processes. A similar trend is seen in the literature examining the relationship between acute physical activity and creativity. Nevertheless, certain questions persist: Does engaging in physical activity over an extended period (chronic) influence creativity? If it does, what is the duration of this impact? The present study uses Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) to examine whether chronic physical activity for 6weeks can improve individual creativity vis-à-vis a control group that performs regular class activity without any physical activity. It also assesses whether the effect of chronic physical activity on creativity endures after 2weeks of ceasing the interventions. The study involves 49 school students who were randomly assigned to either the experimental or the control conditions. Their creativity, operationalized as divergent thinking is measured using the Alternate Uses Task. The measurements are taken before the intervention, again 6weeks later, and once more, after 2weeks of cessation of interventions. The results indicate that after 6weeks of engaging in physical activity, the participants showed improvements in both the fluency and originality components of divergent thinking when compared to the control group. Furthermore, the results demonstrate a lingering effect of physical activity on the originality component of divergent thinking. The findings lend some support to the strength model of self-control. The implications for research and practice are further discussed in the study.

Physical Activity in Control of Diabetes Mellitus: An Underrated Entity

Glycaemic control and reduction in mortality among diabetes can be easily achieved by a cost-effective intervention, Physical activity. Moderate to vigorous intensity activities are usually recommended for diabetics. Structured engagement of diabetes by combining physical activity and modest weight loss activities their risk can be reduced by 58%. But most of the diabetics prefer to remain inactive. Hence this article highlights the importance of physical activity, acute and chronic effects of physical activity on diabetics, recommended level of activity, recommended type of activity and ways to adhere and maintain those activities.

Physical Activity Alters Functional Connectivity of Orbitofrontal Cortex Subdivisions in Healthy Young Adults: A Longitudinal fMRI Study.

Physical activity (PA) plays an important role in affect processing. Studies describe the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) as a major hub for emotion processing and the pathophysiology of affective disorders. Subregions of the OFC show diverse functional connectivity (FC) topographies, but the effect of chronic PA on subregional OFC FC still lacks scientific understanding. Therefore, we aimed at investigating the effects of regular PA on the FC topographies of OFC subregions in healthy individuals within a longitudinal randomized controlled exercise study. Participants (age: 18-35 years) were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (IG; N = 18) or a control group (CG; N = 10). Fitness assessments, mood questionnaires, and resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) were performed four times over the duration of 6 months. Using a detailed parcellation of the OFC, we created subregional FC topography maps at each time point and applied a linear mixed model to assess the effects of regular PA. The posterior-lateral right OFC showed a group and time interaction, revealing decreased FC with the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the IG, while FC in the CG increased. Group and time interaction in the anterior-lateral right OFC with the right middle frontal gyrus was driven by increased FC in the IG. The posterior-lateral left OFC showed a group and time interaction based on differential change in FC to the left postcentral gyrus and the right occipital gyrus. This study emphasized regionally distinctive FC changes induced by PA within the lateral OFC territory, while providing aspects for further research.

Chronic effects of school physical activity on cognitive performance in youngs: a systematic review protocol

Recent systematic reviews point out the positive acute effects of physical activity on executive functions in children and adolescents, but the chronic effects in this age group are still uncertain. This study aims to describe a systematic review with meta-analysis protocol to elucidate the chronic effects of physical activity at school on the executive functions and attention of children and adolescents, considering the effect moderators and examining different interventions in the school environment. A systematic search will be carried out for studies published in the PUBMED, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases. Studies that meet the following predefined criteria (PICOS criteria) will be included: 1) studies conducted with healthy children and adolescents (6-18 years-old), 2) studies with physical activity interventions in school, 3) studies conducted with a control group, and 4) studies with cognitive flexibility, working memory, inhibitory control and attention outcomes. Target outcomes will be extracted as pre-and post-test values. Intervention time, frequencies, intensity, volume, session time, and intervention type will be extracted for meta regression analysis. For methodological quality will be using the tool for the assessment of study quality and reporting in exercise training studies. Pooled effect estimates will be calculated from the scores of changes between baseline and end of interventions. The effect size will be expressed as Cohens’ and presented as standardized mean differences and calculations will be performed using random-effects models. Statistical heterogeneity will be evaluated by Cochran’s Q statistic and the I² inconsistency test. The meta-analyses will be performed using OpenMeta[Analyst].

Effects of chronic physical activity on cognition across the lifespan: a systematic meta-review of randomized controlled trials and realist synthesis of contextualized mechanisms

ABSTRACT In the surging field of chronic physical activity (PA) and cognition research, problems arise that prevent us from ‘seeing the forest for the trees’. The first aim was to identify them and propose solutions. Moreover, inconsistencies in conclusions of a rising amount of systematic reviews render necessary ‘an umbrella for a rain of evidence’. The second aim was to obtain a differentiated picture of moderators that may explain inconsistencies using the wide-angle lens of a systematic meta-review. We especially addressed the role of the PA context in causation mechanisms, complementing the meta-review with a realist approach that is best suited to identify context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) configurations. Main review outcomes are: (1) inconsistent grading of methodological quality and low consideration of external validity; (2) role of multiple moderators at participant-, intervention-, study-level but relative neglect of context-level moderators; (3) explanatory potential of CMO configurations, in which specific conditions of the context may trigger different mechanisms that generate PA effects on cognition. The majority of the proposed mechanisms converge on the concept of enrichment. Conclusions highlight the need for future research, in which PA interventions and their contexts are designed to mobilize the different mechanisms underpinning their individual and joint effects on cognition.

The Association Between Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Resting-State Prefrontal Cortex Oxygenation Is Modified by Self-Reported Physical Activity: Results From The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing.

Individuals with anxiety disorders exhibit lower intrinsic functional connectivity between prefrontal cortical areas and subcortical regions. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is sensitive to the acute and chronic effects of physical activity (PA), while the anxiolytic effects of PA are well known. The current study examined the association of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and its interaction with PA, with resting-state, left PFC oxygenation. This cross-sectional study used data from participants (N = 2444) from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, a nationally representative prospective study of community-living adults aged 50 and older in Ireland. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview Short-Form determined fulfillment of criteria for GAD. The short-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire determined adherence to the World Health Organization PA guidelines. Resting-state, left PFC oxygenation was continuously measured via a Portalite. Tissue saturation index (TSI) was calculated as the ratio of oxygenated hemoglobin to total tissue hemoglobin (expressed as a percentage) for the final minute of a 5-minute supine-rest period. Multivariable linear regression quantified associations of GAD with TSI in the total population and population stratified by PA status. Participants with GAD had lower TSI (b = -1.416, p = .008) compared to those without GAD. However, this association was modified by PA. Among participants who met the PA guidelines, TSI did not differ according to GAD status (b = -0.800, p = .398). For participants who did not meet the guidelines, TSI was significantly lower among those with GAD (b = -1.758, p = .004). These findings suggest that PA may help to protect brain health among older adults with GAD.

Effects of Exercise on Cognitive Performance in Older Adults: A Narrative Review of the Evidence, Possible Biological Mechanisms, and Recommendations for Exercise Prescription.

Physical activity and exercise have emerged as potential methods to improve brain health among older adults. However, there are currently no physical activity guidelines aimed at improving cognitive function, and the mechanisms underlying these cognitive benefits are poorly understood. The purpose of this narrative review is to present the current evidence regarding the effects of physical activity and exercise on cognition in older adults without cognitive impairment, identify potential mechanisms underlying these effects, and make recommendations for exercise prescription to enhance cognitive performance. The review begins with a summary of evidence of the effect of chronic physical activity and exercise on cognition. Attention then turns to four main biological mechanisms that appear to underlie exercise-induced cognitive improvement, including the upregulation of growth factors and neuroplasticity, inhibition of inflammatory biomarker production, improved vascular function, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation. The last section provides an overview of exercise parameters known to optimize cognition in older adults, such as exercise type, frequency, intensity, session duration, and exercise program duration.

Exercise training: thinking ahead to counteract systemic manifestations of spinal muscular atrophy.

Exercise training: thinking ahead to counteract systemic manifestations of spinal muscular atrophy.

Acute and Chronic Effects of Physical Activity on Emerging Risk Factors of Heart Attack in Overweight Men

Background: Homocysteine, fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP) are three independent factors that independently and strongly predict the cardiovascular risks. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute and chronic responses of these cardiovascular risk factors following physical activity in overweight healthy inactive middle-aged men. Methods: The subjects included 21 healthy inactive men that were assigned into two groups of experimental (N = 11) and control (N = 10). The exercise protocol consisted of circuit resistance exercise (one session protocol) with intensity of 35% of 1RM; endurance training protocol lasting for 12 weeks (three sessions a week) and running exercise with intensity of 75% to 85% of maximum heart rate. Blood samplings were taken in pretest and posttest. The data was used using paired and independent samples t-test were used for statistical analysis of data. Results: The results indicated that there was a significant increase in homocysteine and CRP following circuit resistance exercise (P ≤ 0.05) while no significant change was found in fibrinogen in experimental group after exercise (P > 0.05). Additionally, the levels of CRP and homocysteine were significantly decreased after three months of aerobic exercises, (P ≤ 0.05) however no significant change of fibrinogen was observed (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Although it seems that atherogenic inflammatory processes are more sensitive to exercise than coagulatory processes in inactive middle-aged men, more researches are needed for crucial decisions.

Acute and Chronic Effects of Physical Activity on Emerging Risk Factors of Heart Attack in Overweight Men

Background: Homocysteine, fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP) are three independent factors that independently and strongly predict the cardiovascular risks. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute and chronic responses of these cardiovascular risk factors following physical activity in overweight healthy inactive middle-aged men. Methods: The subjects included 21 healthy inactive men that were assigned into two groups of experimental (N = 11) and control (N = 10). The exercise protocol consisted of circuit resistance exercise (one session protocol) with intensity of 35% of 1RM; endurance training protocol lasting for 12 weeks (three sessions a week) and running exercise with intensity of 75% to 85% of maximum heart rate. Blood samplings were taken in pretest and posttest. The data was used using paired and independent samples t-test were used for statistical analysis of data. Results: The results indicated that there was a significant increase in homocysteine and CRP following circuit resistance exercise (P ≤ 0.05) while no significant change was found in fibrinogen in experimental group after exercise (P > 0.05). Additionally, the levels of CRP and homocysteine were significantly decreased after three months of aerobic exercises, (P ≤ 0.05) however no significant change of fibrinogen was observed (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Although it seems that atherogenic inflammatory processes are more sensitive to exercise than coagulatory processes in inactive middle-aged men, more researches are needed for crucial decisions.

Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, Key Targets of Atherosclerotic Plaque Progression and Vulnerability: Potential Impact of Physical Activity

Atherosclerosis, a complex cardiovascular disease, is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation are both involved in the development of atherosclerotic plaque as they increase the biological processes associated with this pathology, such as endothelial dysfunction and macrophage recruitment and adhesion. Atherosclerotic plaque rupture leading to major ischemic events is the result of vulnerable plaque progression, which is a result of the detrimental effect of oxidative stress and inflammation on risk factors for atherosclerotic plaque rupture, such as intraplaque hemorrhage, neovascularization, and fibrous cap thickness. Thus, both are key targets for primary and secondary interventions. It is well recognized that chronic physical activity attenuates oxidative stress in healthy subjects via the improvement of antioxidant enzyme capacities and inflammation via the enhancement of anti-inflammatory molecules. Moreover, it was recently shown that chronic physical activity could decrease oxidative stress and inflammation in atherosclerotic patients. The aim of this review is to summarize the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in atherosclerosis and the results of therapeutic interventions targeting them in both preclinical and clinical studies. The effects of chronic physical activity on these two key processes are then reviewed in vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques in both coronary and carotid arteries.

Effects of Chronic Physical Activity on Glomerular Filtration Rate, Creatinine, and the Markers of Anemia of Kidney Transplantation Patients

BackgroundThe incidence of anemia in kidney transplantation patients (KTPs) is very common and seems to be associated with the reduction in both renal function and physical exercise tolerance. The purpose of the present study was to compare biochemical markers of anemia and renal function of physically active and sedentary KTPs. MethodSerum hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and serum creatinine (used to derive estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]) were obtained from the medical records of 18 KTPs assisted at the Center for Prevention of Kidney Diseases of the Federal University of Maranhao Hospital. The physically active transplant patients (group 1) included 7 men and 2 women, aged 49 ± 14 years who participated for at least 6 months on a supervised physical exercise program (SPEP) (2 to 3 times a week, 90-minute sessions) and the sedentary counterparts (group 2) of 2 men and 7 women, aged 37 ± 15 years. ResultsGroup 1 presented higher values of Hb (14.2 ± 2.6 vs 10.7 ± 0.6 g/dL; P = .003), Hct (41.6% ± 7.0% vs 32.3% ± 1.4%; P = .004), and eGFR (64.4 ± 19.4 vs 39.3 ± 19.7 mL/min/1.73 m2; P = .015) when compared with group 2. There was a positive and significant correlation between Hb and eGFR (r = 0.528; P = .024), and between Hct and eGFR (r = .509; P = .031). ConclusionsOur results suggest that regular physical activity seems to improve the biochemical markers of anemia and also the renal function of KTPs, and these patients should be advised to participate in SPEP.

A path towards brain rejuvenation: the effect of chronic physical activity on EEG slow-wave activity in mice

A path towards brain rejuvenation: the effect of chronic physical activity on EEG slow-wave activity in mice

Anaerobic Strength and Power in Master Athletes

AbstractThe study compared anaerobic capacity and power in master athletes of different ages, and correlated 2 different anaerobic tests. The study was conducted on 60 male athletes: group I 30–35 years (n1=35, age 32.23±1.53 y), group II 35–45 years (n2=15, age 39.17±3.60 y), group III above 46 years (n3=10, age 52.13±4.50 y). The Wingate anaerobic test and ergometry of elbow flexors, elbow extensors, and knee extensors were performed. Average peak anaerobic power (PP) in group I was 692.94±216.53 W, in group II 593.40±185.91 W, non-significantly lower by 14.4% (p>0.05). In group III, PP was 381.50±117.62 W, significantly lower by 44.9% when compared with group I (p≤0.001). Ergometry parameter of muscle strength and power showed greater decline with age (up to 32.3%) in comparison with contraction velocity (up to 14.1%). Significant correlation was registered between PP and ergometric parameter power for knee extensors (KE) (PP/KE power: r was 0.59 in group I, 0.85 in group II, and 0.90 in group III, p≤0.05). Master athletes represent an interesting population for studying the chronic effects of physical activity on functional capacity changes during ageing. Strength parameters “age” in different fashion, because the contraction velocity parameter is less influenced than strength by the muscle alterations with increasing age.

The effect of physical activity on mediators of inflammation

Being physically active and undertaking exercise on a regular basis are critical lifestyle behaviours which protect against the development of numerous chronic metabolic conditions. One of the key mechanisms by which physical activity exerts favourable health effects appears to be due to its capacity to reduce chronic low-grade inflammation. Single bouts of exercise have a potent anti-inflammatory influence with recent advances describing important effects of acute exercise on inflammatory mediators produced within skeletal muscle (myokines), adipose tissue (adipokines) and leucocytes. The accumulated effects of physical activity or exercise training on systemic inflammation have been studied widely within epidemiological research; however, information from intervention trials is still emerging. Current data suggest that the most marked improvements in the inflammatory profile are conferred with exercise performed at higher intensities, with combined aerobic and resistance exercise training potentially providing the greatest benefit. The purpose of this review is to describe recent advances in our understanding surrounding the acute and chronic effects of physical activity on key mediators of inflammation. Within this, particular attention is given to the interleukin-6 system owing to its apparent centrality in mediating the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise.

The Effect of a Single Bout Circuit Resistance Exercise on Homocysteine, hs-CRP and Fibrinogen in Sedentary Middle Aged Men.

Homocysteine, hs-CRP and fibrinogen are three novel cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a single bout of circuit resistance exercise on homocysteine, hs-CRP and fibrinogen levels in healthy and inactive men. The subjects were randomly divided into the experimental group (n= 14) and the control group (n= 9). Circuit training comprised ten exercises with 35% of one repetition maximum intensity. Blood samples were collected thirty minutes before and immediately after training. The data were analyzed using Kolmogorov Smirnov and independent samples T test in SPSS15.0 Software (P< 0.05 was regarded significant). Analysis of data showed the significant elevation of serum homocysteine and hs-CRP levels after training in the experimental group but not in the control group. No significant changes of fibrinogen levels were observed in both groups. During the exercise, the elevation of creatine synthesis for ATP production increases homocysteine levels. Moreover, muscle-derived interleukin-6 (a stimulator of glycogenolysis in the liver) induces hepatic production of CRP. Pathological or beneficial consequences of these changes are not clearly specified. Furthermore, more research is needed to show the acute and chronic effects of physical activity on novel cardiovascular risk factors.

Poster presentations

Poster presentations

Changes in VO2max, physical activity, and body fat with chronic exercise: effects on plasma lipids.

The effect of changes in physical activity levels during chronic exercise on plasma lipids and lipoproteins has not been reported. We examine the relationships between changes in VO2max, leisure time physical activity (LTPA), and percent body fat on changes in plasma lipids and lipoproteins in 137 men without coronary artery disease (CAD) and/or dyslipidemia, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus who participated in an employee exercise program. Measurements obtained at entry and 1- and 4-yr follow-up include VO2max, LTPA in kcal.wk-1, percent body fat, and plasma lipids and lipoproteins. The relationship between changes in the measurements between 1 and 4 yr of follow-up (N = 34) revealed the following significant (P < 0.05) correlations: i) changes in VO2max with changes in percent body fat (r = -0.289) and changes in plasma triglycerides (r = -0.354), ii) changes in LTPA with changes in percent body fat (-0.361), and iii) changes in percent body fat with changes in the total/high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol ratio (0.358), HDL-cholesterol (-0.212), and triglycerides (0.289). Multiple regression analysis revealed that changes in percent body fat affected changes in plasma triglycerides (P < 0.05). The effects of chronic physical activity on plasma triglycerides appear to result from exercise-related effects on body adiposity. These findings support the role of regular physical activity as mandated by Healthy People 2000 for CAD risk reduction.

Blood leukocyte and spleen lymphocyte immune responses in chronically physically active and sedentary hamsters

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of chronic physical activity on the immune response of spleen lymphocytes and whole blood leukocytes of hamsters. Animals were kept sedentary or allowed to exercise spontaneously on running wheels for eight weeks. Physically active animals averaged 12 kilometers per day. The immune response of spleen lymphocytes and whole blood leukocytes was evaluated by 3H-thymidine incorporation in response to Concanavalin A or lipopolysaccharide. There was no treatment effect between physically active and sedentary hamsters in the response of spleen lymphocytes. The immune response of whole blood leukocytes to these mitogens was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in physically active vs. sedentary hamsters. These results demonstrate that chronic physical activity has the capacity to modulate immunoresponses.