Exercise Sessions Research Articles

Effects of endurance exercise under hypoxic conditions on the gastric emptying rate and intestinal cell damage.

The present study examined the effects of gastric emptying rate and intestinal cell damage following a single session of endurance exercise under "hypoxic" or "normoxic" conditions at the same relative intensity. Eleven healthy males performed two trials on different days, consisting of a 60min run on a treadmill at 70% maximal running velocity (vMax) while inspiring hypoxic (FiO2: 14.5%; HYP) or normoxic air (FiO2: 20.9%; NOR). The average running velocity was 11.4 ± 0.7km/h in NOR and 10.8 ± 0.5km/h in HYP, respectively. Venous blood samples were collected to evaluate plasma intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) as an indicator of exercise-induced intestinal cell damage. The gastric emptying rate was determined by the 13C-sodium acetate breath test. Running velocities at 70% vMax and arterial oxygen saturation were significantly lower under HYP than NOR (p < 0.001). Peak heart rate and rating of perceived exertion during exercise did not differ significantly between the trials. Maximum 13C excretion time (an indication of the gastric emptying rate) was significantly delayed in the HYP (NOR: 38.5 ± 5.0min, HYP: 45.5 ± 9.6min; p = 0.010). Furthermore, the score of nausea increased slightly, but increased significantly after exercise only in the HYP (p = 0.04). However, exercise-induced changes in plasma I-FABP, adrenaline, and noradrenaline concentrations did not differ significantly between the two trials. These results suggest that endurance exercise under hypoxic conditions impairs digestive function in the stomach compared to exercise under normoxic conditions performed at the same relative intensity.

Strength effects of the Copenhagen adduction exercise vs an adductor squeeze exercise in male football players - A randomized controlled trial.

To examine the effect of assigning male football players to an 8-week Copenhagen Adduction (CA) and Adductor Squeeze (SQ) Pragmatic randomized controlled trial, 57 participants (16.7 ± 0.9 years, 175.9 ± 7.3height and 66 ± 8.4 weight) were individually randomized to an 8-week progressive dynamic training protocol with the CA or an isometric training protocol with the SQ twice per week. Maximal eccentric (EHAD) and isometric (IHAD) hip adductor torque was tested with a handheld dynamometer. Perceived exertion and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) were recorded throughout the intervention period. In the intention-to-treat analysis, no significant between-group difference was observed for EHAD (p = 0.478-0.833) nor IHAD (p = 0.084-0.118). There was a significant difference in DOMS between groups in the third to sixteenth exercise session, with the CA group reporting higher values (median varying between 0-3 vs 0-1, p = 0.000-0.009). Perceived exertion was greater for the CA group only in the fifteenth exercise session of the protocol (median of 4 vs 3, p = 0.031). No other significant differences between the groups were observed for DOMS nor perceived exertion. An 8-week adductor training program with either the Copenhagen Adduction or Adductor Squeeze exercise performed with two sets twice a week and adjusted for total volume did not result in significant differences in eccentric nor isometric adduction torque between the groups.

Individualized and Controlled Exercise Training Improves Fatigue and Exercise Capacity in Patients with Long-COVID

(1) Background: Long-term health effects after SARS-CoV-2 infections can manifest in a plethora of symptoms, significantly impacting the quality of life of affected individuals. (2) Aim: The present paper aimed to assess the effects of an individualized and controlled exercise intervention on fatigue and exercise capacity among Long-COVID (LC) patients in an ambulatory setting. (3) Methods: Forty-one (n = 41) LC patients performed an exercise protocol with an individualized control of the patients’ training intensity during the study period based on the individual’s ability to achieve the target criteria. The program was carried out two to three times a week, each session lasted 30 min, and the study parameters were recorded at the beginning of the program, as well as after 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. These included both patient-reported (PCFS questionnaire, FACIT–Fatigue questionnaire) and objective (one-minute sit-to-stand test (1MSTST), workload) outcomes. (4) Results: The exercise training intervention resulted in significant improvements in the FACIT–Fatigue (F(2, 80) = 18.08, p &lt; 0.001), 1MSTST (χ2(2) = 19.35, p &lt; 0.001) and workload scores (χ2(2) = 62.27, p &lt; 0.001), while the PCFS scores remained unchanged. Changes in the workload scores were dependent on the frequency of the completed exercise sessions and were higher in the LC patients with a moderate Post COVID Syndrome Score (PCS) compared to a severe PCS. (5) Conclusions: The individualized and controlled training approach demonstrated efficacy in reducing fatigue and enhancing exercise capacity among outpatient LC patients. However, for complete regeneration, a longer, possibly indefinite, treatment is required, which in practice would be feasible within the framework of legislation.

Efficacy of a combined exercise and nutrition intervention study for outpatients with possible sarcopenia in community-based primary care clinics (ENdSarC): study protocol for a multicenter single-blinded randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSarcopenia is a geriatric disease characterized by loss of muscle mass and strength. Although combined exercise and nutrition intervention are known to be effective for sarcopenia, clinical trials involving outpatients with sarcopenia in primary care are scarce. We describe a protocol for a trial to examine the effects of a 12-week combined exercise and nutrition intervention in Korean older adults with possible sarcopenia in community-based primary care.MethodsThis multicenter, randomized, controlled trial will include 94 community-dwelling older outpatients aged 65–85 years with possible sarcopenia (47 participants in the intervention and control groups each). Resistance exercises, which incorporate concentric and eccentric exercises, will consist of an introductory phase (3 weeks: twice-weekly supervised exercise sessions and once-weekly home exercises; contraction exercises), an expanded phase (3 weeks: twice-weekly supervised exercise sessions and once-weekly home exercises; eccentric exercises), and a maintenance phase (6 weeks: once-weekly supervised exercise sessions and twice-weekly home exercises; power/eccentric exercises). Nutritional supplementation will be provided according to the nutritional status of the participants using a Mini-Nutritional Assessment. Participants will be assessed at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks, and the primary outcome will be the 5-times chair stand test results.DiscussionTo the best of our knowledge, this will be the first clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of a combined exercise and nutritional supplementation intervention in older outpatients with possible sarcopenia in community-based primary care clinics. These findings will provide new insights to clinicians regarding the long-term usability for doctors and outpatients with possible sarcopenia in community-based primary care.Trial registrationThis trial was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on September 16, 2023 (registration number: NCT06049914).

Ramadan fasting and exercise combination therapy: A novel approach for osteoporosis prevention in ovariectomized rats.

Osteoporosis is a chronic bone metabolic disease that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly the elderly and postmenopausal women. It is characterized by weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures and leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The goal of the current study is to examine the reported osteo-preservative effects of exercise and/or fasting in the Ramadan fasting model (RFM) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The experimental intervention started 1month following the ovariectomy procedure and consisted of five 15-min exercise sessions per week at 18-25m/min and/or an approximately 13-h fast from sunrise to sunset (6:00 AM-19:00 PM). Serum bone metabolism biomarker levels were measured, and mineral concentrations in femoral ashed bones and digested serum were determined. Additionally, serum bone alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP), parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin, calcitonin, and vitamin D3 concentrations were measured using the competitive enzyme immunoassay technique. Calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus showed a notable decrease in mineral concentration among OVX rat femurs compared with the combination group (OVX + RFM + E) and control groups. In addition, homeostasis of serum concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus was observed to increase in the OVX + RFM + E group rather than in the OVX group without intervention when compared with a control group. Furthermore, fasting and exercise, either alone or concurrently with ovariectomy, induced a non-significant elevation in osteocalcin, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D3, whereas b-ALP and calcitonin increased significantly compared with those in control rats. The combination of the Ramadan fasting model and moderate intensity exercises among OVX rats manifested advantageous effects in bone biomarkers compared with OVX rats without intervention. This could be recommended as a lifestyle modification that is protective against osteoporosis, especially in the context of depleted estrogen hormone after menopause.

Post-exercise hypotension after different volumes of combined calisthenic and walking exercises in older adults with hypertension: a randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to analyze the acute effects of combined calisthenic and walking exercises using different volumes on blood pressure (BP) in aging adults with primary hypertension. A total of 48 participants with primary hypertension aged 50-80 years were randomly assigned into two groups that performed two experimental sessions each: a non-exercising CONTROL session and a LOW (group 1) or HIGH (group 2) volume exercise session. The order of these sessions was randomized. The exercise protocols lasted 30 min (LOW) or 60 min (HIGH) and consisted of calisthenic exercises combined with continuous walking or jogging. Exercise intensity was controlled using a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale. BP was measured at baseline and after each session for 60 min. Results showed that systolic BP was lower after the HIGH session at post 30' (p = 0.03), post 40' (p = 0.03), post 50' (p = 0.04), and post 60' (p < 0.02), and after the LOW session at post 30' (p = 0.02), post 40' (p < 0.01), post 50' (p < 0.01), and post 60' (p < 0.01) when compared to the corresponding CONTROL at the same time point. There were no significant differences in systolic and diastolic BP between the HIGH and LOW sessions. In conclusion, a pragmatic combined training session using different volumes acutely reduces BP in older adults with primary hypertension.

Changes in dual energy X-ray absorptiometry body composition scores in females following exercise-induced body fluid redistribution

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine changes in dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) body composition scores in females following exercise-induced body fluid redistribution. Methods: Thirty females completed sessions of upper-body exercise (UBE), lower-body exercise (LBE), and a seated control (NEC), and body composition was assessed before and after sessions. ANOVA computed interactions between experimental conditions and body composition measurements. Results: For the arms region, fat tissue showed mean differences for NEC (M = 0.56 ± 0.20%; p = 0.009) and UBE (M = 0.68 ± 0.18%; p = 0.001). The fat region showed mean differences for NEC (M = 0.54 ± 0.19%; p = 0.007) and UBE (M = 0.59 ± 0.17%; p = 0.002). The UBE showed mean differences for tissue (M = 0.24 ± 0.03 kg; p ≤ 0.0001), lean mass (M = 0.19 ± 0.02 kg; p ≤ 0.0001), and total mass (M = 0.24 ± 0.03 kg; p ≤ 0.0001). The legs region showed for UBE a mean difference for fat tissue (M = 0.32 ± 0.14%; p = 0.025), fat region (M = 0.31 ± 0.13%; p = 0.026), and lean mass (M = 0.17 ± 0.07 kg; p = 0.021). For the total body region, significant mean differences were found for UBE (M = 0.11 ± 0.02 kg; p ≤ 0.0001) and LBE (M = 0.20 ± 0.03 kg; p ≤ 0.0001). Total mass for UBE (M = 0.14 ± 0.03 kg; p ≤ 0.0001) and LBE (M = 0.21 ± 0.03kg; p ≤ 0.0001) showed significant mean differences. Reliability scores were high within experimental conditions (CV = 0.17% to 3.76%). Conclusion: Exercise-induced body fluid redistribution in females elicited small and reliable changes in body composition scores.

THE EFFECT OF EXERCISES OF DIFFERENT INTENSITY APPLIED AFTER TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY ON POST-OPERATIVE PAIN: RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the changes in pain following exercise sessions with different intensities in patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: This is a repeated measure and single-blinded randomized controlled study. Thirty-six patients who underwent TKA (age, 64.9 ± 7.42 years) were randomly assigned to either low-intensity exercises (LIEs) group or high-intensity exercises (HIEs) group. Exercise programs lasted for five days during the hospitalization period. Pain intensity was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were measured over quadriceps and biceps brachii and muscles immediately before and after exercise. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) subscale (pain, stiffness, and physical function) scores were recorded at two points in baseline and discharge from the hospital. Results: The pain intensity decreased in patients in both groups after TKA. PPTs increased in both groups at all tested sites following the first, third, and fifth exercise bouts. HIE program had a greater positive effect on the pain intensity after the first exercise session than LIE program on the PPTs ([Formula: see text] &lt; 0.05). HIE program was more effective in order to reduce pain severity immediately after the exercise sessions in patients ([Formula: see text]: 0.5, [Formula: see text] &lt; 0.05). WOMAC scores significantly improved in both groups during the discharge from the hospital ([Formula: see text] = 0.001). Conclusion: Our results found that both LIE and HIE programs performed during hospitalization after TKA declined pain intensity. Particularly notable were the substantial improvements observed in managing post-operative pain, especially following the second exercise session. The HIE program proved more effective in improving stiffness, and enhancing physical function.

Investigating the Role of Exercise Pattern in Acute Cardiovagal Recovery.

Research on intermittent training has mainly focused on the effects of exercise intensity while overlooking the specific impact of the modulations associated with alternating exercise and recovery. This study investigated how the frequency of modulations during moderate-intensity exercise affects post-exercise vagal reactivation. Healthy, active females and males aged 18-39 years were recruited for the study. Participants completed three treadmill running sessions on separate days. Each moderate-intensity session accumulated 30 min at 90% of the intensity associated with the second ventilatory threshold and were performed as either high-frequency intermittent (HiFi; 15 x [2 min + 2 min recovery]), low-frequency intermittent (LoFi; 5 x [6 min + 2 min recovery]), or continuous training (MICT; 1 x 30 min). Heart rate recovery (HRrec) at 1 min and heart rate variability recovery (HRVrec; lnRMSSD) were assessed in response to submaximal constant-speed tests performed prior to (CST1) and following (CST2) each of the exercise sessions. HRrec, HRVrec, blood lactate (BLa), and blood pressure were also collected during the exercise sessions. Twenty-one individuals (8 females, 13 males) participated in the study. HRrec from CST2 was faster in HiFi vs. MICT (p < 0.001), while HRVrec post-CST2 was higher following HiFi vs. both LoFi (p = 0.024) and MICT (p < 0.001). BLa increased in all conditions (p = 0.007) but remained lower during HiFi compared to LoFi and MICT (both p < 0.001). Diastolic blood pressure did not change during exercise with HiFi (p = 0.939) but decreased during LoFi (p = 0.006) and MICT (p = 0.008). Exercise pattern influences the physiologic response to exercise. Higher frequencies of modulations can preserve vagal activity and expedite post-exercise recovery, suggesting moderate-intensity intermittent exercise as a potential strategy to mitigate autonomic impact and acute physiological stress while maintaining total work performed.

Effect of Programed Walking Exercise Using Bot Fit in Younger Adults

IntroductionPhysical inactivity and sedentary behavior both increase the risk of chronic disease and mortality. Regular participation in physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior play important roles in maintaining physical health and disease prevention.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of programed walking exercise using a wearable hip exoskeleton, Bot Fit on muscle strength, muscle effort, and the kinematics of the pelvis in younger adults.MethodsWe designed three parallel experimental conditions and randomly assigned participants to one of three groups: those assigned to exercise using an interval program of Bot Fit (interval group), those who used a power program of Bot Fit (power group), and a control group who exercised without Bot Fit. A total of 45 young adults participated in 18 exercise-intervention sessions over six weeks, and all participants were assessed at two time points: before and after the 18 exercise sessions. Each assessment evaluated muscle strength, muscle effort, and the kinematics of the pelvis during walking. In addition, the number of steps, distance, energy expenditure, and heart rate for 30 min during the exercise sessions were recorded.ResultsA significant increase in the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the left biceps femoris (BF) was evident in the interval group, while significant changes in the MVC of the bilateral BF were seen in the power group after Bot Fit exercise. A significant decrease of muscle effort in the right BF in the interval group and right lumbar erector spinae and bilateral BF in the power group were also observed. In addition, the symmetry index of pelvic tilt significantly improved in the interval group, and greater exercise volume and intensity in both the interval and power groups compared with the control group were confirmed as measured by the number of steps, distance, energy expenditure, and heart rate.ConclusionsThe results of this study confirmed the beneficial effect of programed walking exercise using the Bot Fit on muscle strength of trunk and lower extremities, muscle effort, and pelvic movement symmetry in younger adults. Personalized exercise programs can be provided for younger adults using various resistance or assistance modes of robotic device with the Bot Fit.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05862077. Registered 22 March 2022, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/.

Greater Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption and Fat Use Following Calisthenics vs. Oxygen Consumption Matched Steady-State Exercise

ABSTRACT Calisthenics is a form of bodyweight exercise that involves dynamic and rhythmic exercises. The physiological responses during and after calisthenics remain unclear. This study examined whether a bout of full-body calisthenics, a form of circuit resistance exercise that involves bodyweight movements, yields greater excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) than steady-state exercise (SSE) at matched oxygen consumption. Twenty-two young adults (age = 22.1 ± 2.4 years; four females) participated in two separate, oxygen consumption ( V ˙ O2) matched exercise sessions: full-body calisthenics (nine body weight exercises, 15 reps × 4 sets) and SSE (running on a treadmill at 60–90% of V ˙ O2max). Energy expenditure, substrate utilization, and EPOC were measured during exercise and 60 min of recovery. SSE showed higher peak V ˙ O2 and heart rate during exercise than those during calisthenics. However, the post-exercise V ˙ O2 and energy expenditure above baseline level during the first 10 min of recovery were significantly higher with calisthenics than with SSE (0–5 min: 1.7 ± 0.5 vs. 1.0 ± 0.6; 6–10 min: 0.5 ± 0.4 vs. 0.1 ± 0.2 kcal/min; 31–60 min recovery: −0.1 ± 0.3 vs. −0.2 ± 0.2; all p < .05). During calisthenics, participants utilized a significantly higher proportion of energy from carbohydrates (85 vs. 73%; p < .01) but after exercise, they used a greater proportion of fat as the energy source (71 vs. 50%; p < .01) compared to SSE. Full-body calisthenics, a circuit-style bodyweight exercise, may be more effective than V ˙ O2 matched SSE in triggering greater EPOC and fat metabolism. Further efforts are warranted to demonstrate whether different amounts of skeletal muscle mass groups indeed lead to varying EPOC responses and energy use.

Feasibility of telehealth exercise and nicotinamide riboside supplementation in survivors of childhood cancer at risk for diabetes: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) have a 50% higher risk of diabetes mellitus (DM) compared with the general population. Interventions in survivors with prediabetes (fasting glucose 100-125mg/dL or hemoglobin A1c 5.7%-6.4%) may mitigate the development of DM and its attendant morbidity, but there is limited information on the feasibility of secondary prevention in this setting. This 6-week pilot feasibility 1:1 randomized controlled trial enrolled 20 CCS on a structured telehealth exercise program±nicotinamide riboside (NR), a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide precursor. Feasibility metrics were: (1)≥50% of eligible CCS enrolled onto study; (2)≥70% of participants completed baseline and end-of-study assessments; (3)≥70% compliance with exercise and NR. Secondary endpoints included changes in biomarkers associated with glucose homeostasis and muscle health. Median age (years) at cancer diagnosis was 16.5 (range, 1.5-21.5) and 35.5 (range, 18.0-67.0) at study enrollment. Enrollment rate was 87%, and 85% of participants completed baseline and end-of-study assessments. The mean percentage of exercise sessions completed was 86.6%; NR compliance was>90%. There were no severe adverse events attributable to study interventions. Secondary endpoints were not significantly different between study arms at study completion. Myostatin decrease was observed in participants who completed a higher median number of exercise sessions and was associated with decreased intramuscular adipose tissue and increased lower extremity muscle cross-sectional area. A telehealth exercise intervention±NR supplementation was feasible in CCS with prediabetes. Future studies in larger cohorts may be needed to evaluate their beneficial effects on muscle health and DM risk among CCS.

Testing Interventions for Mobility through Exercise (TIME): Study protocol for a randomized trial comparing a novel, brief home-based exercise program and a standard home-based group exercise for older adults with mobility disability

One in four older adults report difficulty walking, greatly increasing the risk of future disability and death. Though exercise improves mobility, too few older adults do it. While studies show that brief exercise sessions provide most of the benefit of longer sessions and that older adults note that “time” is a critical barrier to being active, what remains unknown is whether briefer RT sessions can improve mobility as well as, or better than, longer traditional sessions, possibly due to greater adherence. We present the design of a 12-month randomized controlled trial of 700 older adults with self-reported walking difficulty. Participants will be randomly assigned, in a 2 × 2 factorial design, to one of two home-based exercise programs: 1) Standard of Care: 45-min, three-times weekly sessions or 2) Experimental: 5-min daily sessions and to one of two doses of behavior change techniques (Standard or Enhanced) as part of their exercise program. The primary outcome measure is self-reported physical function. Secondary outcome measures include objectively measured lower extremity physical performance, walking endurance, balance, walking speed, strength and physical activity as well as self-reported falls, pain, fatigue and balance. This is one of the first studies to examine the clinical outcomes of brief exercise sessions, which may lead to a new generation of exercise programs that are optimized not only for impact, but for adherence as well.

Exercise-based telerehabilitation for the management of chronic pain in people with severe haemophilia: a mixed-methods feasibility study

BackgroundChronic pain is reported by between 30 and 71% of people with haemophilia (PWH). Exercise is shown to be effective for pain management in other arthritides, but it remains unclear if such an approach is effective or acceptable to PWH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a telerehabilitation exercise intervention for PWH living with chronic pain.MethodsThis was a multisite, non-randomised, pre-post feasibility design, with a nested qualitative study. People with severe haemophilia > 18 years, living with chronic pain, were recruited. The intervention comprised 12 low-impact/moderate intensity, individualised exercise sessions and 3 knowledge-sharing and discussion sessions. Primary objectives assessed according to predefined progression criteria were as follows: (a) recruitment rate (5 participants enrolled per site over 8 weeks), (b) adherence (≥ 75% participants would adhere to ≥ 75% of sessions), (c) follow-up rate (≥ 75% completion of self-reported measures), (d) fidelity (intervention delivered as described in protocol) and (e) safety (≤ 30% participants would report adverse events). Acceptability was evaluated from thematic analysis of post-intervention participant interviews. Preliminary evaluation of self-reported pain, function and quality of life (QoL) was a secondary objective. Results were reported using descriptive statistics integrated with qualitative findings.ResultsTen PWH were recruited and completed the intervention. Nine agreed to be interviewed post intervention. Attendance at individual sessions was 84.5% compared to 52.1% for the group sessions. Outcome measures were successfully completed for 100% at baseline, 70% at intervention end and 60% at 3-month follow-up. No serious adverse events were recorded. Group median values in outcome measures (pain, function, QoL) showed minimal change post intervention. Participant interviews highlighted high levels of enjoyment, confidence in continuing exercises independently and positive views of virtual delivery and condition-specific exercise.ConclusionsRecruitment rate and safety met the predefined progression criteria. Fidelity partially met the progression criteria, but the follow-up rate for self-reported measures did not. The study was acceptable to both participants and physiotherapists. Further intervention development is needed to review approaches to outcome measure collection and refine the usefulness of the knowledge-sharing sessions.Trial registrationThe study was prospectively registered on 9 July 2021: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN 17454597.

The association of mental health with physical activity and its dimensions in Chinese adults: A cross-sectional study.

Selecting the most efficient type of physical activity that improves mental health can assist in choosing appropriate interventions. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the associations between physical activity and its various aspects, including weekly physical activity, weekly walking and exercise sessions, and the frequency of walking and exercise per week, with the mental health of Chinese adults. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Hangzhou (2023) involving 512 adults aged 18 and 64. Each participant received a self-completed questionnaire comprising three sections. The initial section focused on gathering basic information about the participants, such as gender, age, annual income, and marital status. The second section consisted of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), which aimed to evaluate the mental health status of the participants. Lastly, the third section included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Version (IPAQ-SV), which assessed the metabolic equivalent (MET) of activities like walking, moderate-intensity exercises, and high-intensity exercises. The study found that mental health problems affected 25.74% of adults, while physical inactivity was prevalent in 49.63% of adults. The statistical model was highly significant (F = 25.143, p < 0.001), suggesting that at least one predictor has a significant impact on mental health. The model accounted for 39% of the variance in mental health, with all variables showing predictive value. Notably, the number of walking days per week emerged as the most influential predictor of mental health (β = -0.392), followed by level of weekly physical activity in MET, the number of exercise training sessions per week, weekly exercise training in MET, and weekly walking in MET (β = -0.312, -0.301, -0.212, and -0.202, respectively). Adults can allocate more days per week to walking and their usual physical activity to improve their mental health.

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.

Effect of an acute session of intermittent exercise on trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) production following choline ingestion

IntroductionTrimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a gut bacteria-dependent metabolite associated with poor cardiovascular health. Exercise is a known cardioprotective activity but the impact of an acute bout of exercise on TMAO production is unknown.Objectives/MethodsThis study assessed choline-derived production of TMAO following a single bout of intermittent exercise in a young, healthy cohort.ResultsCholine supplemented after either exercise or a time-matched resting period demonstrated a similar increase in circulating TMAO across an 8-hour period.ConclusionThis suggests that a single bout of intermittent exercise does not alter gut microbial metabolic behaviour and thus does not provide additional cardioprotective benefits related to blood levels of TMAO.

Brain endurance training improves sedentary older adults’ cognitive and physical performance when fresh and fatigued

ObjectivesCognitive and physical performance is impaired by aging and fatigue. Cognitive and exercise training may mitigate such impairments. Accordingly, we investigated the effect of Brain Endurance Training (BET) – combined cognitive and exercise training – on cognitive and physical performance when fresh and fatigued in older adults. DesignTwenty-four healthy sedentary women (65–78 years) were randomly allocated to one of three training groups: BET, exercise training, and control (no training). The BET and exercise training groups completed the same physical training protocol comprising three 45-min exercise sessions (20-min resistance exercise plus 25-min endurance exercise) per week for eight weeks. The BET group completed a 20-min cognitive task prior to exercise tasks. Cognitive (tasks: psychomotor vigilance, Stroop) and physical (tests: walk, chair-stand, arm curl) performance was tested when fresh and fatigued (before and after a 30-min cognitive task) at weeks 0 (pre-test), 4 (mid-test), 8 (post-test), and 12 (follow-up test). ResultsCognitive and physical and performance was generally superior when fresh and fatigued at mid-test and post-test for both BET and exercise training groups compared to the control group. The BET group outperformed the exercise group when fatigued at mid-test and post-test both cognitively (always) and physically (sometimes). The pre-to-post changes in cognitive performance when fresh and fatigued averaged 3.7 % and 7.8 % for BET, 3.6 % and 4.5 % for exercise, and −0.4 % and 0.3 % for control groups. The corresponding changes in physical performance averaged 16.5 % and 29.9 % for BET, 13.8 % and 22.4 % for exercise, and 10.8 % and 7.1 % for control groups. ConclusionThese findings show that BET can improve cognitive and physical performance in older adults.

Exercise intensities and metabolic health: Targeting blood glucose, insulin, and C-peptide levels in adults with prediabetes in the postprandial state

ObjectiveExercise improves postprandial glycemia and insulin sensitivity in individuals with prediabetes, but the optimal intensity for this metabolic regulation remains unclear. The current study explored the impact of various exercise intensities on blood glucose, insulin, and C-peptide levels in prediabetic individuals to identify the optimal intensity for improving these metabolic indicators. MethodsIn this crossover study, 25 individuals with prediabetes participated in exercise sessions at four different intensities 50 %, 60 %, 70 %, and 80 % of their predicted maximum heart rate using a treadmill. Each session lasted 30 min, including a 5-min warm-up and 5-min cool-down period. Blood samples were collected at four time points: during fasting, immediately before exercise, and 30 and 60 min post-exercise. These samples were analyzed for glucose, insulin, and C-peptide levels. The effects of exercise intensity on these parameters were evaluated using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), with post hoc tests conducted to determine specific differences between the intensities. ResultsThe participants had an average age of 34.88 years, mean height of 170 cm, and body mass index of 30.34 kg/m2. A significant reduction in insulin and glucose levels post-exercise was observed at 70 % intensity (p ≤ 0.001). Despite high fasting blood glucose levels (110–115 mg/dL), significant reductions were noted at 30 and 60 min post-exercise (p ≤ 0.001). Insulin levels approached near baseline at 70 % intensity, from fasting (26.74 ± 20.83) to 60 min post-exercise (28.47 ± 20.79), indicating a positive response at this intensity. C-peptide levels also showed significant changes, with 70 % intensity exercise bringing them closest to fasting levels by 60 min post-exercise. ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of exercise intensities in enhancing metabolic parameters in individuals with prediabetes. Specifically, 70 % of the predicted maximum heart rate was beneficial, optimizing insulin sensitivity and potentially reducing the risk of progressing from prediabetes to diabetes.

Individualized Versus General Exercise Therapy in People with Subacromial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of individualized exercises based on movement fault (MF) control on pain intensity and disability in subjects with chronic subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS). DesignRandomized Controlled Trial (IRCT20221126056621N1) SettingRehabilitation clinics ParticipantsThirty-eight participants with chronic SAPS (aged 52.23(8.47), 60 %woman). InterventionsThe participants were randomly allocated to one of the intervention groups (individualized exercises based on MFs control test designed to target specific movement faults) or the control group (commonly prescribed general scapular stabilization exercises). Both groups received exercise sessions twice a week for four weeks. Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome measures were pain intensity at rest (PR) and during arm raising (PAR) using a visual analog scale. Disability was assessed as a key secondary outcome, including the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). ResultsFollowing completion of all exercise sessions, PAR was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (mean [CI]: 9.17 [0.31 to 18.03], p=0.04), with a large effect size [0.68]. The reduction of PAR remained significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group after four months of follow-up (mean [CI]: 18.29 [9.09 to 27.48], p=0.00) with a large effect size [1.27]. Disability significantly decreased at two month (mean=14.58, p=0.002 on SPADI index; mean=10.26, p=0.006 on DASH index) and four month (mean=19.85, p=0.00 on SPADI index; mean=12.09, p=0.001 on DASH index) follow ups in the intervention group compared to the control group. ConclusionIndividualized exercises based on MFs control of the shoulder region was accompanied by decreased PAR and disability in subjects with SAPS.