Exercise Intensity Research Articles

The Effect of 6 weeks Physical Activity on Cognitive Control and Trait Impulsivity in Multi-problem Young Adults: First Findings of an RCT-study.

This study aimed to report the effect of a 6-week light-active versus moderate-active physical activity intervention embedded in a multimodal day treatment program on selected measures of cognitive control (i.e., response inhibition, error processing, and cognitive interference) and trait impulsivity. A randomized controlled design was implemented, including male multi-problem young adults (aged 18-27) assigned to either light-active (N = 12) or moderate-active physical activity lessons (N = 11). A repeated measures design was used to examine treatment effects between the two groups over time on response inhibition, error processing, and cognitive interference (measured respectively with a Go/NoGo task, a Flanker task, and the Stroop) and trait impulsivity (measured with the Dutch Baratt Impulsiveness Scale). Cognitive control, but not trait impulsivity, improved over time. Specifically, enhancements in inhibition and reduced cognitive interference were observed after 6 weeks. Error processing did not improve, but we did observe improved performance on an error-processing task. No interaction with physical activity intensity was found, suggesting similar treatment effects regardless of intensity. Results should be interpreted with caution due to several limitations, including the small sample size. Overall, due to current limitations (i.e., physical activity embedded in a larger treatment program, small sample size at follow-up, and low intervention adherence), it is not possible to draw any definite conclusions. However, the current findings contribute to a growing body of evidence suggesting potential benefits of physical activity (embedded in a multi-modal day treatment program) in the enhancement of cognitive control deficits in at-risk populations, independent of exercise intensity.

Acute Effect of Three Aerobic Exercise Intensities on Glomerular Filtration Rate in Healthy Older Adults.

To assess the immediate effects of three aerobic exercise intensities on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in healthy, sedentary older adults. Eighteen healthy, sedentary older adults (ten men and eight women) voluntarily participated in this study. The participants underwent three standardized aerobic exercise tests (100%, 80%, and 60% of the maximal heart rate) on a bicycle ergometer. Blood samples were collected to determine cholesterol, triacylglycerols, glucose, serum creatinine (Cr), Cystatin C (CysC) concentrations, and eGFR. eGFR and serum concentrations of Cr and CysC were not modified at any exercise intensity. There was a negative correlation between blood total cholesterol vs. eGFR (R = -0.512, R = -0.582, R = -0.531; p < 0.05) at rest, 60%, and 100% of the maximal heart rate, respectively. In addition, a negative correlation existed for age vs. eGFR at 60% of the maximal heart rate (R = -0.516; p < 0.05). Short-duration aerobic exercise of low, moderate, and vigorous intensity did not significantly affect eGFR and is considered safe for kidney function in healthy, sedentary older adults. However, regular monitoring of kidney function in older people engaged in moderate- and high-intensity exercise is advised.

Machine Learning Reveals Microbial Taxa Associated with a Swim across the Pacific Ocean.

Purpose: This study aimed to characterize the association between microbial dynamics and excessive exercise. Methods: Swabbed fecal samples, body composition (percent body fat), and swimming logs were collected (n = 94) from a single individual over 107 days as he swam across the Pacific Ocean. The V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced, generating 6.2 million amplicon sequence variants. Multivariate analysis was used to analyze the microbial community structure, and machine learning (random forest) was used to model the microbial dynamics over time using R statistical programming. Results: Our findings show a significant reduction in percent fat mass (Pearson; p < 0.01, R = -0.89) and daily swim distance (Spearman; p < 0.01, R = -0.30). Furthermore, the microbial community structure became increasingly similar over time (PERMANOVA; p < 0.01, R = -0.27). Decision-based modeling (random forest) revealed the genera Alistipes, Anaerostipes, Bifidobacterium, Butyricimonas, Lachnospira, Lachnobacterium, and Ruminococcus as important microbial biomarkers of excessive exercise for explaining variations observed throughout the swim (OOB; R = 0.893). Conclusions: We show that microbial community structure and composition accurately classify outcomes of excessive exercise in relation to body composition, blood pressure, and daily swim distance. More importantly, microbial dynamics reveal the microbial taxa significantly associated with increased exercise volume, highlighting specific microbes responsive to excessive swimming.

Equine exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage: the role of high left-heart pressures secondary to exercise-induced hypervolemia, and high inspiratory pressures.

Exercise-induced hypervolemia is normal in racehorses. Stress failure of the blood-gas barrier causes EIPH and occurs when the transmural pulmonary capillary (Pcap)-alveolar pressure difference (Ptm) exceeds the barrier's stress failure threshold. Why Pcap increases is incompletely understood. We hypothesized that alterations in blood volume (BV) affect left ventricular (LV) and pulmonary arterial wedge (PAW) pressures, and Pcap, and correspondingly affect EIPH severity. Six thoroughbreds with EIPH underwent treadmill exercise at the same speed (≈11.9m/s [11.1, 12.2]; median [IQR]) before (≈119%V̇O2max; B), 2hr after 14L depletion of blood (≈132%V̇O2max; D) and 2hr after reinfusing the blood (≈111%V̇O2max; R). LV, pulmonary arterial (PAP), PAW and intrapleural (Ppl) pressures were measured throughout exercise. Pcap = (PAP+PAW)/2 and Ptm = Pcap - Ppl. EIPH severity was assessed 60min post-exercise by tracheoendoscopy (EIPHgrade) and bronchoalveolar lavage erythrocyte count (BALRBC). A mixed-effect model and Tukey post-hoc test analyzed effects of BV changes on LV, PAW, Pcap, Ppl, Ptm and EIPH. p≤0.05 was significant. EIPH severity was affected by BV (EIPHgrade: p=0.01, BALRBC: p=0.003). Peak Ptm was not different between B (146mmHg [140; 151]) and R (151mmHg [137; 160]) but was lower for D (128mmHg [127; 130]; B: p=0.005, R: p=0.02). LV end diastolic pressure (LVED) was correlated with maxPcap (r2=0.52, p=0.001). Ppl was unaffected by changes in BV. Vascular pressures and Ppl fluctuated constantly during exercise and independently influenced Ptm. Circulating BV but not exercise intensity had a major effect on LVED, Pcap and Ptm, and was correlated with EIPH severity in thoroughbred racehorses (r2=0.48, p=0.001).

From Aches to Answers: Understanding and Managing Hip Joint Issues in Kids

Introduction: Joint pain is a prevalent concern among pediatricians, orthopedists, and general practitioners, affecting up to 50% of children during childhood. The hip joint is particularly vulnerable, with degenerative diseases of the hip joints (DDHJ) being the leading cause of pediatric orthopedic visits. Various conditions, such as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD), and slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), contribute to the spectrum of hip joint disorders in children. Material and methods: We have gathered the available materials and scientific reports, analyzing and summarizing them in a single study. Aim of study: This study aims to explore the etiology, diagnosis, and management of hip joint pain in children, focusing on DDH, LCPD, SCFE, and other related conditions. By examining the risk factors, clinical presentations, and current treatment strategies, the study seeks to enhance the understanding and early detection of these disorders, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Conclusion: Hip joint pain in children encompasses a broad differential diagnosis, ranging from self-limiting conditions like transient synovitis to serious disorders such as septic arthritis and JIA. Early identification and appropriate management of conditions like DDH, LCPD, and SCFE are crucial in preventing long-term complications. While physical activity is generally safe, intense exercise may increase the risk of musculoskeletal pain. A multidisciplinary approach, supported by further research, is essential for effective pain management and treatment optimization in pediatric patients.

The impact of an organized physical activity program on the health indicators of students from differ-ent cultural groups in second chance school setting

The primary objective of this research was to assess the impact of a structured physical activity program on the health indicators of adult students attending a multicultural Second Chance School (SCS). The study encompassed a total of 62 SCS students aged 19 to 57, who were divided into two groups: experimental and control. The intervention program consisted of two sessions per week spanning 20 weeks, with each session lasting 60 minutes. The exercise intensity ranged from 65% to 85% of HRmax and included various activities such as aerobics, weight exercises, dumbbell routines, and hiking. Measurements were taken at both the commencement and conclusion of the organized physical activity program. Specialized equipment, including a wall-mounted stadiometer, precision scales, a unique tape measure, an automated sphygmomanometer, and the DXA machine, was employed for data collection. Data analysis involved ANOVA variance analyses, descriptive statistics, and T-Tests utilizing the SPSS software. The results revealed a statistically significant primary influence attributed to the 'measurement' factor (p&lt;.001) across all health indicators, except for total BMD and total BMC, when comparing the experimental and control groups. In terms of gender disparities, men exhibited higher measurements in body mass, fat-free mass, belly size, and blood pressure, while women displayed greater fat mass and total body fat. To conclude, the intervention program had a positive impact on improving the health indicators of adult SCS students. Future research endeavors should explore the implementation of Physical Activity programs in other SCSs throughout Greece. Keywords: Adult Students; Health Indicators; Organized Physical Activity; Second Chance Schools

Agreement Between Heart Rate Variability - Derived vs. Ventilatory and Lactate Thresholds: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses.

Determining thresholds by measuring blood lactate levels (lactate thresholds) or gas exchange (ventilatory thresholds) that delineate the different exercise intensity domains is crucial for training prescription. This systematic review with meta-analyses aims to assess the overall validity of the first and second heart rate variability - derived threshold (HRVT1 and HRVT2, respectively) by computing global effect sizes for agreement and correlation between HRVTs and reference - lactate and ventilatory (LT-VTs) - thresholds. Furthermore, this review aims to assess the impact of subjects' characteristics, HRV methods, and study protocols on the agreement and correlation between LT-VTs and HRVTs. Systematic computerised searches for studies determining HRVTs during incremental exercise in humans were conducted. The agreements and correlations meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effect model. Causes of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup analysis and meta-regression with subjects' characteristics, incremental exercise protocols, and HRV methods variables. The methodological quality was assessed using QUADAS-2 and STARDHRV tools. The risk of bias was assessed by funnel plots, fail-safe N test, Egger's test of the intercept, and the Begg and Mazumdar rank correlation test. Fifty included studies (1160 subjects) assessed 314 agreements (95 for HRVT1, 219 for HRVT2) and 246 correlations (82 for HRVT1, 164 for HRVT2) between LT-VTs and HRVTs. The standardized mean differences were trivial between HRVT1 and LT1-VT1 (SMD = 0.08, 95% CI -0.04-0.19, n = 22) and between HRVT2 and LT2-VT2 (SMD = -0.06, 95% CI -0.15-0.03, n = 42). The correlations were very strong between HRVT1 and LT1-VT1 (r = 0.85, 95% CI 0.75-0.91, n = 22), and between HRVT2 and LT2-VT2 (r = 0.85, 95% CI 0.80-0.89, n = 41). Moreover, subjects' characteristics, type of ergometer, or initial and incremental workload had no impact on HRVTs determination. HRVTs showed trivial differences and very strong correlations with LT-VTs and might thus serve as surrogates. These results emphasize the usefulness of HRVTs as promising, accessible, and cost-effective means for exercise and clinical prescription purposes.

The acute effect of heart rate monitor projection on exercise effort in school students

Heart rate (HR) monitoring during exercise represents a potentially useful strategy for teachers delivering physical education lessons. This study examined how projecting HR monitor data onto a screen acutely affected school students’ exercise intensity during a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session. Twenty students (12.3 ± 0.9 years, male = 8, female = 12) from one primary school volunteered to participate. Using a randomised crossover design within a 4-week period, participants completed four sessions of HIIT with HR projection and four sessions of HIIT with no ability to view HR. During the HR projection condition all participants viewed their HR on a class screen in real-time, with a changing colour according to HR level. Target intensity was 90% of age-predicted maximum HR. Peak HR and time above 90% HR (RED) were collected in all sessions. Student focus groups and teacher interviews were conducted to gain perceptions around the effects of the projection. Peak HR ( p = 0.005, η2 effect size = 0.049) and RED ( p = 0.000, η2 effect size = 0.083) were significantly greater during the projected condition. Qualitative data indicated that projection improved student motivation to reach the target, and ignited competition amongst peers to work harder. Projecting HR data onto a screen can increase the acute exercise intensity of school students during HIIT. HR projection therefore represents a useful strategy for the delivery of exercise sessions with an emphasis on intensity, within physical education classes.

Differential impacts of high and low-intensity physical exercise on brain wave activity and functional connectivity in professional athletes: a systematic review

Introduction: This systematic review explores the differential impacts of high and low-intensity physical exercise on brain wave activity and functional connectivity in professional athletes. The study aims to elucidate how varying exercise intensities influence cognitive and emotional responses, brain connectivity, and overall mental health. Additionally, it examines the potential synergistic effects of integrating neurofeedback training with physical exercise. Method: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Keywords included "high-intensity exercise," "low-intensity exercise," "brain wave activity," "functional connectivity," "professional athletes," and "cognitive performance." Inclusion criteria were studies published in peer-reviewed journals involving professional athletes and examining the impact of exercise intensity on brain wave activity and functional connectivity. Data extraction focused on study design, sample size, exercise intensity, neuroimaging techniques, brain wave activity, and functional connectivity outcomes. Results: High-intensity physical exercise was found to induce significant changes in functional connectivity within affect and reward networks, enhance mood, and improve cognitive performance through increased brain wave coherence and synchronization. Low-intensity exercise primarily enhanced cognitive and attentional processing by increasing resting-state functional connectivity in the fronto-parietal network. Neurofeedback training was shown to enhance brain wave activity, reduce stress levels, and increase self-control over physiological factors. The combined approach of neurofeedback and physical exercise demonstrated potential for optimizing both mental and physical performance in athletes. Conclusion: The findings indicate that high-intensity exercise leads to significant and prolonged changes in brain connectivity and cognitive performance, while low-intensity exercise benefits cognitive and attentional processing. The discussion introduces the Neurofeedback and Physical Fitness Synergy Theory, which posits that integrating neurofeedback with physical exercise can lead to optimal improvements in both physical fitness and mental health. This combined approach suggests a promising strategy for enhancing overall athletic performance and mental well-being. Future research should focus on standardized measures and long-term studies to further validate these findings and explore the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms. Keywords: Brain, Emotions, Physical Fitness, Cognition, Athletes, Self-Control

Hydrogen-Rich Water to Enhance Exercise Performance: A Review of Effects and Mechanisms.

Background: Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has garnered significant interest within the sports and exercise science community due to its selective antioxidant properties. Despite its potential benefits, comprehensive reviews specifically addressing its effects on athletic performance are limited. This review aims to assess the impact of HRW on sports performance and explore the underlying molecular biological mechanisms, with the goal of elucidating how HRW might enhance athletic performance. Methods: This review synthesizes research on HRW by examining articles published between 1980 and April 2024 in databases such as PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. Results: It highlights HRW's effects on various aspects of athletic performance, including endurance, strength, sprint times, lunge movements, countermovement jump height, and time to exhaustion. While the precise mechanisms by which HRW affects athletic performance remain unclear, this review investigates its general molecular biological mechanisms beyond the specific context of sports. This provides a theoretical foundation for future research aimed at understanding how HRW can enhance athletic performance. HRW targets the harmful reactive oxygen and nitrogen species produced during intense exercise, thereby reducing oxidative stress-a critical factor in muscle fatigue, inflammation, and diminished athletic performance. HRW helps to scavenge hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite, regulate antioxidant enzymes, mitigate lipid peroxidation, reduce inflammation, protect against mitochondrial dysfunction, and modulate cellular signaling pathways. Conclusions: In summary, while a few studies have indicated that HRW may not produce significant beneficial effects, the majority of research supports the conclusion that HRW may enhance athletic performance across various sports. The potential mechanisms underlying these benefits are thought to involve HRW's role as a selective antioxidant, its impact on oxidative stress, and its regulation of redox homeostasis. However, the specific molecular biological mechanisms through which HRW improves athletic performance remain to be fully elucidated.

Experiences of a controlled early exercise intervention following a sport-related concussion: A qualitative study of rugby union student-athletes

BackgroundEarly aerobic exercise is associated with improved outcomes following recovery from sport-related concussion (SRC) and is now recommended in guidance for clinicians managing athletes return-to-play. ObjectivesTo explore student-athlete experiences of a novel early aerobic exercise intervention. DesignQualitative study using semi-structured interviews. SettingLoughborough University, UK. ParticipantsTen rugby union university aged student-athletes (6 men) that had been medically diagnosed with an SRC sustained playing rugby. ResultsThree themes divided into eight supporting subthemes were generated. Main findings were: 1) Experience: despite some apprehension over the novel approach, most had a positive experience, 2) Adherence: Participants suggested reasonably good overall adherence to the prescribed exercises but intrinsic and extrinsic factors for non-adherence were identified, 3) Outcomes: the intervention was perceived to help rehabilitation, improve confidence, support retention of athletic identity and, for some, influenced more cautious attitudes toward brain health. ConclusionsThe novel early exercise intervention was reasonably well received and adhered to. Unintended benefits included supporting retainment of athletic identity and encouraging precautious health behaviours. As early exercise protocols are refined, these findings will help inform the design and delivery of future interventions, particularly in relation to intensity and diversity of exercises and supporting education.

Cross Sectional Study About Intra-Individual and Inter-Individual Variability of Subjective Effort in Submaximal Sprint Running in Collegiate Male Sprinters

Background: Although subjective exercise intensity is widely used to monitor training load in athletes, the reliability of subjective effort (SE) during high-intensity sprint running has not yet been established. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the intra-individual and inter-individual variability in sprint running performance at different SE levels. Methods: Eighteen male collegiate sprinters participated in the study. We measured 60 m sprint running performance at four SE levels (60% SE, 80% SE, 90% SE, and 100% SE) every day for 5 days. The coefficient of variation (CV) of each participant’s 5-day performance (60 m sprint time (60T) and 40 - 50 m interval average speed (SP)) was calculated to assess the intra-individual variability of SE. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare 60 T, SP, and the CVs of 60 T and SP across the different SE levels. Results: The SP ratios of each submaximal sprint (60% SE, 80% SE, 90% SE) to the maximal sprint (100% SE) were 89.72 ± 1.62%, 95.50 ± 1.08%, and 98.11 ± 0.56%, respectively. The inter-individual variation at each SE level for 60T was inversely related to the SE level (60% SE: 3.25%, 80% SE: 2.31%, 90% SE: 2.06%, and 100% SE: 1.54%). Significant differences were found in the intra-individual variability (CV) of 60 T between 60% SE (2.22 ± 0.35%) and 90% SE (1.42 ± 0.22%), 60% SE and 100% SE (1.40 ± 0.30%), 80% SE (1.95 ± 0.32%) and 90% SE, and between 80% SE and 100% SE (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Intra- and inter-individual variation at all SE levels were below 5%, indicating that SE is a reliable indicator of sprint running intensity. However, the lower the SE, the greater the variability, suggesting SE is most suitable for higher-intensity sprint running.

Differences in motivational dynamics between experienced cyclists and untrained participants during an incremental endurance exercise task

PurposeThe conflict between the desire to reduce effort during exercise and the performance goal of the exercise task contributes to explaining endurance exercise performance. However, whether the trajectories of these two motivational responses systematically differ across individuals with different characteristics is poorly understood. The present study examined whether changes in desire to reduce effort and performance goal value across moderate, heavy, and severe exercise intensity domains differed between cyclists and untrained, but active participants. MethodsFifty participants (14 cyclists and 36 untrained) completed an incremental step test on a cycle ergometer, in which work rate was increased by 25 W every 4 min until voluntary exhaustion. Desire to reduce effort, performance goal value, and blood lactate concentration (for determination of exercise intensity domains) were measured every 4 min and the data were analysed using multilevel modelling. ResultsDesire to reduce effort increased quicker for untrained participants in the moderate exercise intensity domain (b = 1.66, p < .001) and across the whole trial (b = 1.64, p < .001), compared to cyclists (b = .69, and b = 1.14, respectively, both p < .001). Untrained participants reported similar performance goal value at the beginning of the trial (b = 16.02, p < .001), compared to cyclists (b = 17.25, p < .001). Beyond moderate intensities, the performance goal value decreased significantly for the untrained participants (b = −.70, p < .001) but significantly increased for cyclists (b = .45, p = .01). This pattern was also observed when focusing solely on the severe intensity domain (cyclists: b = .90, p < .001; untrained: b = −.84, p < .001). ConclusionThere are distinct differences in the desire to reduce effort and performance goal value between cyclists and untrained athletes. Identifying these systematic differences enhances the credibility of the desire-goal conflict framework in explaining endurance performance and provides insight into the type and timing of interventions that might be successful in improving performance.

Estimating The Prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases and Adherence to Dietary Habits And Physical Activity Among Healthcare Professionals in The Middle East And North Africa Regions

The rising number of fatalities linked to food, exercise, and non-communicable illnesses has sparked interest in studying their effects. In society, Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) symbolize health and wellbeing. However, the incidence of chronic illness and healthy habits among Middle East and North Africa (MENA) HCPs remains unclear. To determine the prevalence of chronic diseases and adherence to healthy dietary habits and physical activity among HCPs in the MENA region. Algeria, Egypt, El Yemen, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Syria HCPs (physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and nutritionists) participated in multicenter cross-sectional research. April to June 2022 data on diet and exercise habits was collected using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Demographics, risk factors, medical history, and nutrition and exercise were included in the questionnaire. HCP diet and exercise were examined using multivariable regression models. A study of 7130 HCPs (mean age 28.6 ± 7.8 years, 57.5% females) was conducted. Physicians held 56.8% of the sample population, followed by pharmacists, nurses, dentists, and nutritionists. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affected 33.1% of individuals. Alcohol, pork, soda, sugar, and smoking raised the risk of non-communicable diseases. Nutritionists were the most active HCPs. About half of dietitians (45.3%) walked 150 minutes or more per week, while 14.7% and 25.9% did 150 minutes or more of moderate and 75 minutes or more of intense exercise, respectively. HCPs in MENA had high rates of CVD and risk factors such smoking, alcohol, pork, soda, sugar, and less exercise. MENA HCPs must be aware of the significant incidence of these risk factors to enhance health behavior.

An alternate to accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD) for measuring anaerobic contribution: 'AOD_alt' is valid in normoxia and hypoxia.

The gold standard measure of anaerobic contribution is accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of an alternate measure, AOD_alt. AOD_alt is the sum of the phosphocreatine and glycolytic contributions, which are estimated from post-exercise oxygen uptake and blood lactate concentration, respectively. In Study One, six women and three men performed 6-min bouts of heavy intensity cycle ergometer exercise, once in normoxia (FIO2 ~ 21%) and twice under hypoxic conditions (FIO2 ~ 15% and ~ 12%). In Study Two, four women and two men performed severe intensity tests to exhaustion, once in normoxia (~ 10min) and twice in hypoxia (FIO2 ~ 15% and ~ 10%). Physiological responses were measured during exercise and 7min of recovery. In 6min of heavy exercise, Study One, the alternate and criterion measures of anaerobic contribution (AOD_alt and AOD) were correlated, in normoxia and in hypoxia. In exhaustive severe exercise, Study Two, AOD_alt and AOD were correlated (r = 0.77) and similar, in normoxia and at FIO2 ~ 15%. However, AOD_alt and AOD values were neither correlated (r = 0.27) nor similar (57 ± 5mL·kg-1 vs 51 ± 7mL·kg-1) at FIO2 ~ 10%. These results confirm the validity of AOD_alt as a measure of anaerobic capacity in severe intensity exercise, demonstrate its validity in heavy exercise, and assert its validity in conditions of hypoxia (FIO2 ~ 12%).

Cardiorespiratory Responses to Exercise in Hypobaric versus Normobaric Hypoxia: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Crossover Study.

There is controversy whether there are meaningful physiological differences between hypobaric (HH) and normobaric hypoxia (NH). This study aimed to compare the cardiorespiratory responses to acute HH and NH under strictly controlled conditions. We hypothesized no differences at rest and during submaximal exercise, whereas during maximal exercise, a higher maximal ventilation (V̇Emax), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max) in HH than in NH. In a randomized, single-blind, crossover design, eight young healthy subjects (three females) were studied in an environmental chamber in which either the barometric pressure (HH) or the inspired oxygen fraction (NH) was reduced to the equivalent of ~4000 m altitude. Measurements were taken at rest, during submaximal (moderate and high intensity) and maximal cycling exercise. All resting parameters were similar between HH and NH, except for a lower root mean square of the successive R-R interval differences in HH (p < 0.05). SpO2 was 2% higher in HH at all exercise intensities (p < 0.05). During submaximal exercise, minute ventilation was similar between HH and NH. However, HH yielded a 7% lower tidal volume during moderate-intensity exercise (p < 0.05) and a lower respiratory exchange ratio during high-intensity exercise (p < 0.01). V̇Emax and V̇O2max were 11% and 6% higher in HH, respectively (p < 0.01 for both). SpO2 at maximal exercise was positively correlated with V̇Emax, V̇Emax/V̇O2max and V̇O2max. The higher V̇O2max found in HH than in NH can be attributed to the higher V̇Emax counteracting desaturation at maximal exercise. Conversely, submaximal SpO2 improved in HH through mechanisms other than increased ventilation. These findings are likely due to respiratory muscle unloading in HH, which operated through different mechanisms depending on exercise intensity.

Modification of SMWT for remote heart’s functional capacity determination from oxygen consumption rate

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is series of diseases affects blood circulation and heart which are fatal to human being. CVD patients recorded that every each of them must have at least one among the following behavioural risks: smoking, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and sedentary lifestyle. The diagnosis for CVD is commonly through cardiac stress test. It is a test where electrocardiogram will be used to monitor heart activity under induced stress such as walking on treadmill. However, the facilities for the cardiac stress test are very limited and increasing number of patients with potential CVD caused a long queue for an appointment. This situation makes it hard for healthy people living with behavioral risk wanting for their heart to be checked. Therefore, in this paper, we proposed to determine heart functional capacity which can be done anywhere and sufficient to access heart condition. For this proposal, despite using treadmill-test, Six-Minutes Walking Test (SMWT) is utilized. SMWT induces stress while the heart’s endurance parameters such as heart rate is extracted. This study developed an integrated sensor device which comprises of a sensor to detect step count calculate distance, and a pulse sensor that detect heart rate. Then, oxygen consumption rate during the SMWT, is computed. Metabolic equivalent of task (MET) is equal to the oxygen consumption rate during activity over resting oxygen consumption rate. Heart functional capacity classification is about exercise intensity and the MET of SMWT can be compared to the classification which allows this paper to determine heart functional capacity remotely using SMWT. Based on the results, the heart’s functional capacity classification after performing SMWT using sensor device is Class 1, the same when using manual calculation for distance and heart rate. The device sensor somehow produce error at 20.63% when calculating oxygen uptake. Nevertheless, this paper is identified that the SMWT is able to classify the heart’s functional capacity.

Effects of different intensity resistance training on fat level, energy intake, and appetite among overweight and obese female college students

This study examines how different intensity resistance exercises impact fat, energy intake, and appetite regulation in overweight and obese female college students in Jiangsu Province, China. This study used a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design that investigates resistance training intensity-target result causation. The study determines the impact of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Moderate-Intensity Resistance Training (MIRT) on body composition, fat level/body composition, and muscle mass them. In Jiangsu Province, China, 515 overweight and obese female college students aged 18–25 were sampled. Intervention groups were assigned randomly to campus recruits based on demographic and anthropometric. This study demonstrated significant correlations between resistance training intensity, body composition, diet, and appetite regulation in overweight and obese colleagues. MIRT and HIIT outperformed Control in weight loss and diet and used valid measures like DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry), blood tests and food diaries to regulate appetite hormones. Increased protein and muscle mass minimize resistance exercise intensity-metabolic consequences. The study analyzes these impacts to show how exercise intensity, food, and metabolic health are interconnected. These findings help build evidence-based obesity prevention and treatment strategies for this demographic. Healthcare providers, legislators, and university stakeholders use this study to tackle college student obesity. The results suggest that campus wellness initiatives should focus on resistance exercise and diet to combat obesity. This research promotes exercise science and health behavior change theory for cross-cultural lifestyle interventions.

Mechanical Loading Modulates AMPK and mTOR Signaling in Muscle Cells.

Skeletal muscle adaptation to exercise involves various phenotypic changes that enhance the metabolic and contractile functions. One key regulator of these adaptive responses is the activation of AMPK, which is influenced by exercise intensity. However, the mechanistic understanding of AMPK activation during exercise remains incomplete. In this study, we utilized an in vitro model to investigate the effects of mechanical loading on AMPK activation and its interaction with the mTOR signaling pathway. Proteomic analysis of muscle cells subjected to static loading (SL) revealed distinct quantitative protein alterations associated with RNA metabolism, with 10% SL inducing the most pronounced response compared to lower intensities of 5% and 2% as well as the control. Additionally, 10% SL suppressed RNA and protein synthesis while activating AMPK and inhibiting the mTOR pathway. We also found that SRSF2, necessary for pre-mRNA splicing, is regulated by AMPK and mTOR signaling, which, in turn, is regulated in an intensity-dependent manner by SL with the highest expression in 2% SL. Further examination showed that the ADP/ATP ratio was increased after 10% SL compared to the control and that SL induced changes in mitochondrial biogenesis. Furthermore, Seahorse assay results indicate that 10% SL enhances mitochondrial respiration. These findings provide novel insights into the cellular responses to mechanical loading and shed light on the intricate AMPK-mTOR regulatory network in muscle cells.

Combination of Moderate Intensity Exercise and Rose Petals Yoghurt Alters Blood Pressure and Soluble Rage Level in High Advanced Glycation End Products Diet Induced Wistar Rat

Combination of Moderate Intensity Exercise and Rose Petals Yoghurt Alters Blood Pressure and Soluble Rage Level in High Advanced Glycation End Products Diet Induced Wistar Rat