Exercise Sessions Research Articles

Older adults exercising ON TIME: protocol for a randomized controlled cross-over study to assess the effect of physical activity timing on insomnia severity

BackgroundThere are increased indications that physical activity timing, irrespective of intensity, impacts insomnia and circadian clock function. Here, we describe the rationale and design of a randomized cross-over study, called ON TIME, to examine the effects of (changing) physical activity timing on insomnia severity and on multiple exploratory outcomes that are linked to circadian clock function.MethodsWe will conduct a randomized cross-over trial in 40 healthy older adults (aged 65 to 75 years) with subclinical or clinical insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores of ≥ 10) from the Dutch municipality of Leiden and surroundings. Participants will undergo 3 intervention periods (14 days each) consecutively: one sedentary period and two periods of increased physical activity (one period with morning activity and one period with evening activity). The intervention periods are separated by a wash-out period of 1 week. In both active intervention arms, participants will follow coached or uncoached outdoor physical exercise sessions comprising endurance, strength, and flexibility exercises for 14 days. The primary outcome is change in insomnia severity as measured by the ISI. Additional exploratory outcomes include multiple components of objective sleep quality measured with tri-axial accelerometry and subjective sleep quality assessed by questionnaires as well as dim light melatonin onset and 24-h rhythms in heart rate, heart rate variability, breathing rate, oxygen saturation, mood, and objective emotional arousal and stress. Additionally, we will collect diary data on eating patterns (timing and composition). Finally, fasting blood samples will be collected at baseline and after each intervention period for measurements of biomarkers of metabolic and physiological functioning and expression of genes involved in regulation of the biological clock.DiscussionWe anticipate that this study will make a significant contribution to the limited knowledge on the effect of physical activity timing. Optimizing physical activity timing has the potential to augment the health benefits of increased physical exercise in the aging population.Trial registrationTrial was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee Leiden, The Hague, Delft, The Netherlands (June, 2023). The trial was registered in the CCMO-register https://www.toetsingonline.nl/to/ccmo_search.nsf/Searchform?OpenForm under study ID NL82335.058.22 and named (“Ouderen op tijd in beweging” or in English “Older adults exercising on time”). At time of manuscript submission, the trial was additionally registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under study ID: NL82335.058.22 and is awaiting approval.

Acute effects of blood flow restricted aerobic exercise in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This study aimed to compare the acute effects of aerobic exercise performed with blood flow restriction (BFR), a novel method to increase exercise gains, with blood free flow (BFF) conditions in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Fifteen individuals with T2DM performed BFF and BFR (40% of arterial occlusion pressure) cycling exercises 48 hours apart, at equal intensity (45% heart rate reserve) and duration (38 minutes). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), blood glucose, heart rate, and muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) were assessed before-after and during exercise sessions. SBP, DBP, and MAP in the overload phase were higher in the BFR group than in the BFF group (P = .009, 0.031, and 0.013, respectively). Changes in blood pressure (∆SBP and ∆DBP) were similar between the BFF and BFR groups (P > .05), whereas ∆MAP differed (P = .016). Changes in blood glucose levels and heart rates were not significantly different between the groups. Although SmO2baseline was lower in the BFR group (P = .049), SmO2min and SmO2max did not differ significantly between the BFF and BFR groups. The similar decrease in blood glucose levels between the groups suggests that BFR exercise is favorable in terms of hypoglycemia. The higher blood pressure observed during the BFR exercise remained within safe limits. These results suggest that people with T2DM can safely perform BFR aerobic exercises; however, further studies are required.

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness Following Acute Resistance Exercise in Untrained Females: A Comparative Study Between Vegans and Omnivores.

This study aimed to assess the levels of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) markers in individuals adhering to vegan and omnivore diets after engaging in acute resistance exercise. A total of 54 untrained young, healthy, normal-body-weight women (age: 26.8±4.1 years; body mass index: 22.5±2.7 kg/m2) participated in the study. Participants were categorized into two groups: vegans (n=27) and omnivores (n=27) based on their dietary preferences, with all subjects having adhered to their respective diets for a minimum of 2 years. DOMS was induced by a single eccentric resistance exercise session, comprising four exercises (leg press, chest press, leg curls, and arm curls), each consisting of four sets of 10 repetitions. Various measurements, including dietary factors, state of wellness, body composition, muscle circumferences, muscle pressure point thresholds (PPTs), and muscle strength, were recorded both before and 48 hours after the exercise session. The results showed that wellness and muscle circumferences remained unchanged or displayed similar changes between the vegan and omnivore groups following acute resistance exercise. However, notable differences were observed in PPTs in favor of vegans, specifically for the right biceps (95% CI: 1.4 to 10.2; p=0.01), the left vastus medialis (95% CI: 0.5 to 6.4; p=0.02), and the right vastus lateralis (95% CI: 3.2 to 12.1; p=0.001). Furthermore, significant differences in right grip strength were found in favor of vegans after the exercise session (95% CI: 3.1 to 26.2; p=0.01). In conclusion, our findings suggest that vegans may experience more favorable changes in DOMS levels following acute resistance exercise in comparison to omnivores. This discrepancy in DOMS markers may indicate enhanced muscle recovery in vegans.

The Best of Two Worlds to Promote Healthy Cognitive Aging: Definition and Classification Approach of Hybrid Physical Training Interventions.

A healthy lifestyle can be an important prerequisite to prevent or at least delay the onset of dementia. However, the large number of physically inactive adults underscores the need for developing and evaluating intervention approaches aimed at improving adherence to a physically active lifestyle. In this regard, hybrid physical training, which usually combines center- and home-based physical exercise sessions and has proven successful in rehabilitative settings, could offer a promising approach to preserving cognitive health in the aging population. Despite its potential, research in this area is limited as hybrid physical training interventions have been underused in promoting healthy cognitive aging. Furthermore, the absence of a universally accepted definition or a classification framework for hybrid physical training interventions poses a challenge to future progress in this direction. To address this gap, this article informs the reader about hybrid physical training by providing a definition and classification approach of different types, discussing their specific advantages and disadvantages, and offering recommendations for future research. Specifically, we focus on applying digital technologies to deliver home-based exercises, as their use holds significant potential for reaching underserved and marginalized groups, such as older adults with mobility impairments living in rural areas.

Enhancing balance and mobility in incomplete spinal cord injury with an overground gait trainer.

Prospective intervention study. The study aimed to assess the effect of Andago on balance, overground walking speed, independence levels, fear of falling, and quality of life in patients with acute motor incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. The study was conducted in Ankara/Türkiye. Five participants, classified as AIS D, underwent an eight-week treatment regimen, including three days a week of Andago-assisted walking and balance exercises, supplemented by two days a week of 40-minute sessions of conventional in-bed exercises. Berg Balance Scale scores increased significantly by 129% (p = 0.043). Overground walking speed calculated from 10MWT improved by 33% (p = 0.042). WISCI II levels improved significantly compared to baseline scores (p = 0.041). In the mobility subscale of SCIM III, the total SCIM III scores increased significantly (p = 0.042, p = 0.043, respectively). However, there was no significant improvement in WHOQOL-BREF scores (p = 0.080). The use of Andago facilitated functional progress in patients with acute incomplete SCI, emphasizing the importance of challenging balance and walking activities in triggering motor learning.

Healthcare Resilience in Trinidad and Tobago: A short report on the Healthy Hospital Initiative at the Sangre Grande Hospital

Objective: To describe the establishment of the Healthy Hospital Initiative (HHI), its activities and accomplishments, challenges and future steps. Methods: The initiative was implemented at the Sangre Grande Hospital in the Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA), one of five Regional Health Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago. A review of personal records maintained by members of the Healthy Hospital Initiative was undertaken. These records included descriptions of the activities, accomplishments and obstacles that the team experienced. Results: The Healthy Hospital Initiative was launched in November 2019 with the aim of creating an environmentally sustainable health system and improving the physical and mental health of staff and patients. A senior doctor led the initiative and team members included a range of staff, including both clinical and non-clinical professionals who were all volunteers. This allowed for a multi-directional, inclusive approach and created a sense of ownership amongst the staff. In 2022, several activities were implemented: green spaces, recycling bins, a kitchen garden and staff exercise sessions. In addition, team members participated in training on Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) Smart hospitals and collaborated with a local non-governmental organisation as well as the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus engineering department to develop further projects. Conclusion: Next steps include promoting similar projects in community health facilities, developing a hydroponics system and, assessing the disaster resilience and carbon footprint of the hospital.

Predicting the occurrence of minor adverse events in cardiac rehabilitation using physical variables

The safety of exercise practice by individuals with cardiovascular disease is due to a good clinical evaluation to identify patients with a higher risk of adverse events, thus the study of simple variables capable of predicting the rate of events during exercise is relevant and may provide better screening tools to be applied in the clinical practice. The study aimed to evaluate if clinical and physical parameters can predict the rate of adverse events during exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation. This was a cohort study that followed 73 patients during 24 sessions of exercise. Were registered 217 simple adverse events, at a rate of 2.5 events per hour of exercise. We found that higher adiposity, worse pulmonary function, lower functional capacity, and reduced heart rate variability were significant and acceptable predictors of adverse events during exercise, according to the ROC curve analysis. We state that these simple physical parameters may be useful for cardiac risk stratification in cardiac rehabilitation programs with low resources, contributing to its safety.

Knee-ankle kinematics and coupling responses to SportsMetrics training programs in females athletes with dynamic knee valgus: A sport-specific approach

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the impact of SportsMetrics programs on knee and ankle kinematics, as well as knee-ankle coupling responses during double leg landings among female athletes with dynamic knee valgus (ligament dominance). MethodsEighty-four female athletes, including 30 volleyball players, 30 basketball players, and 24 soccer players, were randomly divided into two equal training (TG) and a control groups (CG). The TG underwent 18 sessions of SportsMetrics exercises, while the CG maintained their regular exercise routine. Dynamic knee valgus, lower limb kinematics, and coordination were assessed using the double leg squat and landing error scoring system tests. Main outcome measuresThe main outcome measures encompassed knee sagittal and frontal kinematics, ankle sagittal kinematics, as well as knee-ankle coordination and its variability. ResultsSignificant reduction in knee range of motion in the frontal plane was observed across all three sports during landing. The SportsMetrics program tailored for basketball players led to a specific increase in knee flexion. ConclusionThe implementation of SportsMetrics effectively modifies ACL injury risk factors, addressing dynamic knee valgus and landing techniques in female athletes. Female athletes displaying dynamic knee valgus are advised to incorporate sport-specific SportsMetrics programs into their training regimens for optimal results.

Phase angle is not influenced by hydration status after an aerobic session in recreational runners

Objective: Phase angle (PhA) has been proposed to be an indicator of muscle membrane integrity, which is useful for the evaluation of exercise-induced muscle soreness. PhA is derived from the bioimpedance analysis, which requires the participants to refrain from exercises prior to the evaluation. However, there are no studies in the literature regarding the effect of exercise-induced dehydration on the PhA analysis. This study aimed to compare the PhA after a running exercise session with and without hydration in recreational runners. Methods:14 male recreational runners (18-40 years old, VO2 max 51.08 ± 5.83 ml/min/kg) underwent a time-to-exhaustion running test in two conditions (with and without hydration). Mineral water was used in the hydration protocol. PhA and anthropometry were evaluated before and 1h after the time-to-exhaustion running tests. Results: There was no significant difference in body mass when comparing no hydration vs hydration protocols (1.4 ± 0.1 kg vs 0.7 ± 0.2 kg, respectively; p = 0.06). No significant difference between the procedures for the PhA of the right leg (7.89 ± 0.83 vs 7.82 ± 0+80; p = 0.15) and PhA of the left leg (7.86 ± 0.96 vs 8.07 ± 0.85 p = 1.00) were observed. Conclusion: The results indicated that the PhA is not influenced by exercise-induced dehydration when the water loss is approximately 2% of the body mass.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Preventive Practices Regarding Exercise-related Acute Cardiovascular Events in Gym Trainers

Abstract Exercise is a powerful tool in preventing and reducing the occurrence of lifestyle diseases. However, engaging in intense physical activity, especially activities that are unfamiliar, can increase the risk of heart complications, particularly in individuals who are not very physically active. The number of health clubs is growing, leading to a significant increase in the number of fitness trainers who provide guidance and motivation during workout sessions. As a result, it is crucial for fitness center trainers to minimize complications by prescribing personalized workout regimens and promptly addressing any incidents. A cross-sectional study was conducted on gym trainers who had a basic level certification lasting 6 months or more and at least 1 year of experience, using convenience sampling. Trainers with medical or paramedical qualifications were excluded. A questionnaire designed by the researchers was distributed among the gym trainers. Descriptive data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel to calculate the percentages. The study found that 51% (120) of the participants were knowledgeable about chest pain, while only 14% (32) were aware that light-headedness and tiredness were symptoms indicating possible cardiovascular events. This implies that the trainers surveyed had limited knowledge. In terms of attitude, when asked about their confidence in recognizing symptoms of a heart attack, only 2% were very confident, 38% were neutral, and 8% were not confident at all. Only 38% of trainers practiced risk stratification/pre-exercise screening, and only 44% followed the guidelines set by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The study suggests that certified gym trainers lack sufficient knowledge, possess a neutral attitude, and do not frequently implement preventive measures related to exercise-related acute cardiovascular arrest.

The Effect of a Short-Term Mindfulness Program on Motor Skills and on Psychological and Social Behavior in Preschool Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

We assessed the effect of a one-week mindfulness-based intervention on resilience, social behavior, and motor skills in four to five-year-old children. In this randomized controlled trial, 45 children (22 females; 23 males; M age = 4.5, SD = 0.4 years) from the same preschool were randomly assigned to three groups: (a) a mindfulness group (MG; n = 15) that participated in five 30-min mindfulness sessions; (b) a physical activity group (PAG; n = 15) that engaged in five 45-min physical exercise sessions; and a control group (CG; n = 15) that received no intervention. Training sessions were held on five consecutive days. Prior to (T0) and after the five mindfulness sessions (T1), all participants blindly completed the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (to assess their motor skills), the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (to evaluate their behavior), and the Child and Youth Resilience Measure-28 (to measure their resilience). At baseline (T0), there were no significant differences between the groups. The mindfulness group experienced the strongest positive effects after the intervention (T1), with improvements in both motor skills and social behavior, though there was no significant effect on resilience. Our results suggest that a brief mindfulness training intervention is a promising strategy for improving motor skills and social behavior in early childhood settings.

Acute natural killer cells response to a continuous moderate intensity and a work-matched high intensity interval exercise session in metastatic cancer patients treated with chemotherapy

BackgroundIt has been suggested that the acute natural killer (NK) cell response to aerobic exercise might contribute to the tumor suppressor effect of regular exercise observed in preclinical studies. Moreover, because this response is modulated by exercise intensity, high-intensity intervals exercise (HIIE) might represent an interesting therapeutic approach in cancer patients. However, this immune response remains unstudied in cancer patients currently undergoing chemotherapy. ObjectiveTo characterize the acute NK cell response following a moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise session (MOD), and a HIIE session in metastatic cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. MethodsTwelve cancer patients (45–65 years old) underwent a MOD and a duration and work-matched HIIE trial, in a block-randomized order. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated before, after and 1h after each trial. NK cell subsets were enumerated using flow cytometry and complete blood counts. The surface expression of the cytotoxic NK cell (cNK; CD56dimCD16+) subset was evaluated for its expression of the differentiation markers CD57 and CD158a, the activating receptor NKG2D, the immune checkpoints TIM-3 and PD-1, and the chemokine receptors CXCR3, CXCR4 and CCR2. ResultscNK cell blood counts increased immediately following MOD (p < 0.001) and decreased back to pre-exercise values 1 h after exercise cessation (p < 0.001). The most responsive cNK cell subsets were expressing CD57, CD158a, NKG2D, TIM-3 and CXCR3. The HIIE trial elicited a similar biphasic response, without any difference between trials (all p ≥ 0.38). However, significant changes in the MFI values of CXCR4 and NKG2D were observed in the cNK cell subset following HIIE (all p ≤ 0.038), but not MOD. ConclusionIn metastatic cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, both MOD and HIIE can elicit an acute mobilisation and egress of NK cells exhibiting phenotypic characteristics associated with high cytotoxicity and tumor homing. Future longitudinal trials are needed to determine if combining aerobic exercise training and chemotherapy will translate towards favorable immune and clinical outcomes.

Unilateral high-load resistance training induced a similar cross-education of strength between the dominant and non-dominant arm

ABSTRACT It was previously hypothesized that the cross-education of strength is asymmetrical, where a greater transfer of strength is observed from the dominant to the non-dominant limb. The purpose of this study was to examine if the magnitude of cross-education of strength differed between dominant and non-dominant limbs following unilateral high-load resistance training. One hundred and twenty-two participants were randomized to one of the three groups: 1) training on the dominant arm (D-Only), 2) training on the non-dominant arm (ND-Only) and 3) a time-matched non-exercise control (Control). The training groups completed 6 weeks (18 sessions) of unilateral elbow flexion exercise. Each training session started with one-repetition maximum (1RM) training (≤ five attempts), followed by four sets of high-load exercise (i.e. 8–12RM). Strength changes of the untrained arm were compared between groups. Changes in the strength of the untrained arm were greater in D-Only (1.5 kg) and ND-Only (1.3 kg) compared to Control (−0.2 kg), without differences between D-Only and ND-Only. Unilateral resistance training increased strength in the opposite untrained arm, and the magnitude of this effect was similar regardless of which arm was trained. However, there is still considerable uncertainty on this topic and additional research is warranted to confirm the current findings.

Do functionality, strength, vascularization, inflammatory and biopsychosocial status improve by biopsychosocial model-based exercise in SSc?

This study aimed to investigation of the effects of the Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach (Bilişsel Egzersiz Terapi Yaklaşımı-BETY), a supervised biopsychosocial model-based exercise intervention, on functionality, muscle strength, vascularization, anti-inflammatory and biopsychosocial status in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients. Thirty-seven SSc patients were included. Twenty of them were recruited into the study group (SG) undergoing BETY group exercise sessions three times a week for three months and 17 were in the control group (CG) following a home exercise program. Assessments tools were the Modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS), Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (SHAQ), Modified Hand Mobility in Scleroderma (mHAMIS), Duruoz Hand Index (DHI), Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), skeletal muscle strength measurements using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 3 Pro), Shear Wave Elastography (SWE), ELISA kits (for tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Interleukin-6, IL-10, serum irisin level), BETY-Biopsychosocial Questionnaire (BETY-BQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Short Form-36 (SF-36). The SG demonstrated improvements in SHAQ, mHAMIS, 6MWT, BETY-BQ, HADS, and SF-36 values, excluding the DHI scores (p < 0.05). In contrast, CG showed worsening in SHAQ-general scleroderma symptoms and HADS scores compared to SG (p < 0.05). IL-10 and TNF-alpha increased in both groups, also various vascular parameters were significantly different changed in SG than CG (p < 0.05). Muscle strength values improved in the SG but decreased in the CG however this was statistically not significant (p > 0.05). BETY can be recommended as a nonpharmacologic approach to the disease management of SSc patients.

Comparative effects of lifelong moderate-intensity continuous training and high-intensity interval training on blood lipid levels and mental well-being in naturally ageing mice

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the impact of lifelong exercise, including both moderate-intensity continuous training and high-intensity interval training, on blood lipid levels and mental behaviour in naturally ageing mice to identify effective exercise strategies for ageing-related health issues. MethodsSix-week-old male BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to one of four groups: young control (YC), natural ageing control (OC), lifelong moderate-intensity continuous exercise (EM), and lifelong high-intensity interval exercise (EH) groups. The EM group was trained at a speed corresponding to 70 % of the maximum running speed, while the EH group was trained at a running speed alternating between 50 % of the maximum running speed, 70 % of the maximum running speed, and 90 % of the maximum running speed. All exercise sessions were conducted three times per week, with each session lasting 50 min. Behavioural tests and blood sample collection were conducted at 72 weeks of age. ResultsAgeing in mice led to changes in muscle and fat mass. Both the EM and EH groups showed greater muscle mass and lower fat mass than did the OC group. Ageing was associated with elevated anxiety (fewer open arm entries, time spent in the central region) and depression (lower sucrose preference) indicators. However, these changes were reversed in both exercise groups, with no differences between the two exercise groups. Blood lipid levels, including total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and free fatty acid (FFA) levels, were greater in the OC group than in the YC group. Additionally, the OC group exhibited lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. However, both the EM and EH groups exhibited improved lipid profiles compared to those of the YC group. ConclusionLifelong exercise, whether moderate-intensity continuous or high-intensity interval training, can preserve body health during ageing, prevent anxiety and depression, and maintain stable blood lipid levels. Both exercise types are equally effective, suggesting that exercise intensity may not be the critical factor underlying these beneficial adaptations.

A multidisciplinary group-based survivorship intervention for those living with multiple myeloma: a feasibility study

BackgroundWhile multiple myeloma continues to be an incurable cancer, advances in its understanding and management have led to significantly improved survival rates. Survivorship interventions for those living with multiple myeloma remain scarce, despite mounting evidence for multiple unmet support needs among multiple myeloma survivors. The current study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a novel multidisciplinary group-based multiple myeloma survivorship intervention.MethodsA mixed-method, repeated measures feasibility study was conducted within a routine cancer support service. Seven participants, aged over 18, who had a multiple myeloma diagnosis and were clinically assessed as suitable for the intervention by their haemato-oncologist, attended online for six weekly group sessions of physical exercise and self-management input, completing qualitative, physical and self-report measures at baseline, post-intervention and follow-up.ResultsThe intervention was deemed overall feasible, with relatively high uptake, participants describing it as largely acceptable and appropriate and providing recommendations for feasibility-enhancing intervention refinements. Findings regarding the preliminary effectiveness of the intervention were mixed. While qualitative analyses stressed the benefits of the intervention (e.g. peer support, connectedness, improved well-being) and large effect sizes were observed for most physical outcomes, no improvements in self-reported outcomes (i.e. quality of life, fatigue) were reported.ConclusionsThis study represents the first investigation of a promising novel survivorship intervention for those living with multiple myeloma, highlighting the importance of peer support in particular, on which future clinical trials, aiming to establish the intervention’s effectiveness for routine care, will be able to build.

Examination of acute spin exercise on GABA levels in aging and stroke: The EASE study protocol.

Changes in regional levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) may indicate the potential for favorable responses to the treatment of stroke affecting the upper extremity. By selectively altering GABA levels during training, we may induce long-term potentiation and adjust excitatory/inhibitory balance (E/I balance). However, the impact of this alteration may be limited by neural damage or aging. Aerobic exercise has been shown to increase GABA levels in the sensorimotor cortex and improve motor learning by widening the dynamic range of E/I balance. The cross-sectional project, Effects of Acute Exercise on Functional Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Measures of GABA in Aging and Chronic Stroke (EASE), is designed to assess the functional relevance of changes in GABA concentration within the sensorimotor cortex before and after an acute aerobic exercise session. EASE will enroll 30 participants comprised of healthy younger adults (18-35 years; n = 10), older adults (60+ years; n = 10), and persons with chronic stroke (n = 10) affecting distal upper extremity function. We will use resting magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure all participants' GABA levels at rest before and after aerobic exercise. In addition, we will employ functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy using motor skill acquisition and recall tasks in healthy adults. We hypothesize that acute aerobic exercise will increase resting sensorimotor GABA concentration and that higher GABA resting levels will predict better motor learning performance on measures taken both inside and outside the magnet. We also hypothesize that a higher dynamic range of GABA during task-based spectroscopy in healthy adults will predict better motor skill acquisition and recall. The EASE project will evaluate the effect of acute exercise on GABA levels as a biomarker of upper extremity motor skill learning with two populations (aging adults and those with chronic stroke). We predict that acute exercise, higher sensorimotor GABA levels, and broader dynamic range will be related to better motor skill acquisition.

Effects of high-intensity interval training on cardiometabolic biomarkers in patients with prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance: a randomized controlled trial.

To report the effects of a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on cardiometabolic biomarkers in patients with prostate cancer on active surveillance (AS) from the Exercise During Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer (ERASE) Trial. Fifty-two men with prostate cancer on AS were randomized to either an exercise (HIIT; n = 26) or usual care (UC; n = 26) group. The HIIT intervention consisted of progressive, supervised, aerobic HIIT at an intensity of 85 to 95% VO2peak for 28 to 40 min per session performed three times/week for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline and postintervention to analyze cardiometabolic biomarkers. Analysis of covariance was used to examine between-group mean differences. Blood data were obtained from 49/52 (94%) participants at postintervention. Participants were aged 63.4 ± 7.1 years and 40% were obese. The HIIT group attended 96% of the planned exercise sessions. No significant between-group changes in weight were observed after the intervention. Compared to UC, HIIT significantly improved total cholesterol (-0.40 mmol/L; 95% confidence interval[CI], -0.70 to -0.10; p = 0.011), non-high-density lipoprotein-c (-0.35 mmol/L; 95% CI, -0.60 to -0.11; p = 0.006), insulin (-13.6 pmol/L; 95% CI, -25.3 to -1.8; p = 0.025), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 (-15.0 ng/mL; 95% CI, -29.9 to -0.1; p = 0.048), and IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 (152.3 ng/mL; 95% CI, 12.6 to 292.1; p = 0.033). No significant differences were observed for fasting glucose, HbA1c, other lipid markers, IGFBP-1, adiponectin, and leptin. The ERASE Trial showed that a 12-week aerobic HIIT program improved several cardiometabolic biomarkers in patients with prostate cancer on AS that may contribute to cardiovascular health benefits and potentially influence signaling pathways in the progression of prostate cancer. Further research is needed to confirm the effects of exercise on cardiometabolic markers in men with prostate cancer on AS and determine if these effects are associated with improved long-term clinical outcomes.

The Relationship Between the Anaerobic Speed Reserve and Acute Responses to High-Intensity Interval Training in Female Soccer Players.

Aspin, GL, Graham, M, Franklin, J, Hicks, KM, and Taylor, JM. The relationship between the anaerobic speed reserve and acute responses to high-intensity interval training in female soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) is a popular method of profiling soccer players, often used to individualize training prescription. This study explored the reliability of ASR profiling, and the relationship between the ASR and acute physiological responses to high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Acute physiological responses to different HIIT types were also compared. Thirteen subelite female soccer players aged 20.2 ± 4.6 years completed 6 exercise sessions. In sessions 1-2, players completed a 40-m sprint to assess maximal sprint speed (MSS) and 1600-m time-trial to estimate maximal aerobic speed (MAS), which were used to calculate ASR and assess test-retest reliability. In sessions 3-6, players completed 4 HIIT sessions (repeated-sprint training, sprint interval training, long intervals, and short intervals HIIT). Intensities for long and short intervals HIIT were individualized according to MAS. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR), and postsession blood lactates were recorded throughout. Relationships between the ASR and acute responses to HIIT, and between HIIT session comparisons in outcome measures were assessed. Anaerobic speed reserve (coefficient of variation ± 95% confidence limits; 3.1 ± 1.5%), MAS (1.8 ± 1.3%), and MSS (0.8 ± 0.6%) indicated acceptable reliability. Moderate correlations between ASR and RPE (r = 0.33), postsession blood lactate (r = 0.34), and HR (r = 0.37) were observed during long intervals HIIT. A strong correlation was observed between ASR and RPE during SIT (r = 0.50). Sprint interval training elicited higher RPE's and postsession blood lactate's than other HIIT sessions. Anaerobic speed reserve has good reliability and may influence acute physiological responses to HIIT in female soccer players.

The Impact of Different Exercise Modes in Fitness and Cognitive Indicators: Hybrid versus Tele-Exercise in Patients with Long Post-COVID-19 Syndrome.

The purpose of our study was to obtain evidence that an unsupervised tele-exercise program (TEgroup) via an online platform is a feasible alternative to a hybrid mode of supervised and unsupervised exercise (HEgroup) sessions for improving fitness indexes, respiratory and cognitive functions, and biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients recovering from COVID-19. Forty-nine patients with long post-COVID-19 were randomly divided into two groups (HEgroup: n = 24, age 60.0 ± 9.5 years versus TEgroup: n = 25, age 58.7 ± 9.5 years). For each patient, we collected data from body composition, oxidative stress, pulmonary function, physical fitness, and cognitive function before and after the 12-week exercise rehabilitation program (ERP). Our data showed differences in both groups before and after 12-week ERP on fitness indicators, body composition, and pulmonary function indicators. Our findings demonstrated differences between groups after 12-week ERP on adjustment in the domains of cognitive function (HEgroup increased the "visuospatial" domain: 3.2 ± 1.1 versus 3.5 ± 0.8 score, p = 0.008 and TEgroup increased the "memory" domain: 3.3 ± 1.0 versus 3.8 ± 0.5 score, p = 0.003; after 12-week ERP showed differences between groups in domain "attention" TEgroup: 4.8 ± 1.5 versus HEgroup: 3.6 ± 1.8 score, p = 0.014) and the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (HEgroup increased the percent of predicted values at 0.5 ± 32.3% and TEgroup at 26.0 ± 33.1%, p < 0.001). These findings may be attributed to the different ways of learning exercise programs, resulting in the recruitment of different neural circuits.