Exercise Training Program Research Articles

Role of Ginseng and L-Carnitine in Modulating Exercise Endurance and Oxidative Stress in Rats

Ginseng and L-carnitine are natural compounds often used as dietary supplements to enhance athletic performance. However, their combined effects on exercise endurance remain unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of ginseng extract and L-carnitine supplementation on exercise endurance in a rat model. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into 10 groups (n = 5 per group): control, ginseng extract (250 and 500 mg/kg/day), L-carnitine (250 and 500 mg/kg/day), and combined treatment. Half of the groups underwent a 16-day exercise training program of swimming without loading. Exercise endurance was assessed using a tail-suspended forced swimming test. Relative organ weight, glycogen content, blood biochemistry, and gene expression were analyzed. Results: Both ginseng extract and L-carnitine supplementation significantly increased exercise endurance, particularly in the exercise group. Ginseng extract and L-carnitine also increased liver glycogen content and upregulated the expression of AMPKα1 and PGC-1α genes in the liver and muscle. In addition, both supplements reduced oxidative stress by decreasing MDA levels and increasing SOD activity. Conclusions: Ginseng extract and L-carnitine supplementation may enhance exercise endurance by improving energy metabolism, reducing oxidative stress, and upregulating key genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis.

Increased muscle satellite cell content and preserved telomere length in response to combined exercise training in patients with FSHD.

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an inherited muscle disease characterized by weakness and muscle wasting. In the absence of available treatments, exercise training has emerged as a potential strategy to attenuate muscle tissue deterioration. However, little is known about the impact of chronic exercise on degenerative events and regenerative capacity in FSHD muscle. Muscle biopsies were obtained from 16 FSHD patients before and after a 24week training program combining aerobic-, strength- and high-intensity exercise (Control; n = 8, Training; n = 8). Histochemical and immunohistochemical approaches were applied to assess histopathological signs, markers of regeneration, inflammatory infiltrates and satellite cell content. Muscle telomere length was measured as an indicator of the remaining regenerative capacity. The proportion of muscle fibres expressing developmental myosins and centralized myonuclei was not exacerbated after the intervention. Similarly, no alterations were observed in the number of inflammatory infiltrates (CD68+ cells). Alongside muscle hypertrophy in slow (P=0.022) and fast fibres (P=0.022 and P=0.008), satellite cell content increased specifically in fast fibres (+75 %, P=0.015), indicating a functional satellite cell pool in FSHD muscle. Importantly, exercise training was not associated with a shortening of muscle telomere length, suggesting that muscle cell turnover was not accelerated despite an expansion of the satellite cell pool. Our findings suggest that combined exercise training elicits beneficial muscular adaptations without impairing important indicators of skeletal muscle regenerative capacity in patients with FSHD. KEY POINTS: A 24week combined exercise training program is a safe and well-tolerated strategy to attenuate skeletal muscle deterioration in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) patients. Markers of histopathology, muscle fibre regeneration and inflammatory infiltrates were not exacerbated following exercise training in FSHD muscle. Here, we show novel data that exercise training in FSHD patients induced muscle fibre hypertrophy and triggered an expansion of the satellite cell pool specifically in fast fibres. Exercise training in these patients is not associated with a shortening of muscle telomere length thereby indicating a preserved capacity for muscle regeneration.

Comparing two corrective exercise approaches for body image and upper-quadrant posture in schoolgirls with hyperkyphosis

Proper posture is essential for healthy living. Maintaining an ideal upright posture is one of the most critical indicators of the health of the musculoskeletal and movement systems. The current study compared the effectiveness of 6 weeks of NASM-based exercise training and eccentric-based exercise programs on body image and upper-quarter posture in schoolgirls with hyperkyphosis. In this randomized, controlled study, two intervention groups that received 6 weeks of NASM and eccentric-based exercise were compared with a control group that did nothing but continue their daily activities. For the purpose of conducting the experiment, 14 subjects were assigned to two groups (eccentric-based and control), and 12 subjects were assigned to the NASM group by using a simple blocked randomization method. The body esteem scale questionnaire was used to assess participants’ body image in the groups. Likewise, the photogrammetric technique and Kyphometer were used to gather data from all groups before and after six weeks of targeted corrective exercises. Differences in responses to workouts across groups were investigated using analysis of variance-covariance (ANCOVA) followed by post hoc Bonferroni tests. The results from the ANCOVA analysis indicated significant differences between the experimental and control groups regarding the effects of time*group on kyphosis (P < 0.001), shoulder angle (P < 0.001), and forward head posture (P < 0.001). Nonetheless, there was no significant difference between the considered groups regarding body image (P = 0.617). Based on the Bonferroni test, we found a significant difference between the control and eccentric-based groups for postural parameters measured during the study (P < 0.001). Similarly, both the control and NASM groups demonstrated significant differences for all variables(P < 0.001), except the body image. However, we could not find any statistical difference between the NASM training group and the eccentric-based exercise group concerning the upper quarter postural variables that were mentioned before. This study demonstrates that compared with a control group, schoolgirls with hyper-kyphosis who received a six-week intervention of eccentric-based and NASM- based exercises had significantly improved postural parameters but not body image. Despite these advantages, the improved kyphosis, shoulder angle, and forward head posture did not differ significantly between the NASM-based and eccentric-based exercise groups.

Efficacy of Army Combat Fitness Test 12-Week Exercise Program Among Females.

The dearth of research investigating the efficacy of virtual Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) training programs among female populations necessitates further exploration. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week ACFT virtual exercise program among female participants. Nine female participants (age = 19.7 ± 1.3 years, height = 165.9 ± 4.9 cm, and body mass = 62.7 ± 5.9 kg) volunteered to complete 2 assessment sessions and the 12-week ACFT virtual exercise training program. In session 1, baseline height, body mass, body composition, and ACFT scores were collected. Upon completion of session 1, under supervisory guidance, all participants were scheduled to complete the 12-week exercise training program in-person. The ACFT exercise training program required participants to complete a warmup/cool down and exercise with suspension training straps 4 days per week, 60 minutes for 12 weeks. In session 2, post-assessments of body mass, body composition, and ACFT scores were collected. Statistical analyses were conducted utilizing paired sample t-tests to assess differences between pre- and post-intervention ACFT scores with P ≤ .05. Cohen's d was calculated to quantify the magnitude of the observed effect. Overall mean ACFT pre-intervention scores (487.2 ± 66.5) increased significantly when compared to mean ACFT post-intervention scores (521.6 ± 44.0) (Cohen's d = 0.86, P = .03). No statistical differences were displayed among the individual mean ACFT pre- versus post-intervention scores. A consistent decline in adherence of 3.9% per week ensued from week 1 through week 12. Following the intervention, female participants experienced a significant increase of approximately 7% in their overall ACFT scores, with upward trends observed across all 6 individual ACFT events. These findings suggest that 12-week virtual suspension training can be a valuable tool for enhancing physical fitness and performance among female participants, particularly within the context of military readiness.

Cardiac myosin binding protein C correlate with cardiac troponin I during an exercise training program in patients with HFrEF.

Cardiac myosin binding protein C (cMyC) is an emerging new biomarker of myocardial injury rising earlier and cleared faster than cardiac troponins. It has discriminatory power similar to high-sensitive troponins in diagnosing myocardial infarction in patients presenting with chest pain. It is also associated with outcome in patients with acute heart failure. It is currently unclear how it relates to cardiac troponins in patients with chronic heart failure undergoing exercise training. This is a post hoc analysis of symptomatic heart failure patients in the multicentre randomized SMARTEX trial. Patients were randomized to one of three arms: high-intensity interval training, moderate continuous training and recommendation of regular exercise serving as control group (CG) for 12weeks. As the training load in the two intervention arms was similar, these patients were merged and constituted the intervention group (IG). Clinical data and measurements were obtained at baseline and at 12weeks. In 205 patients, serum was available for cMyC testing and in 196 patients, serum was available for hs-cTni testing. Due to non-normal distribution, cMyC and hs-cTnI measurements were log-transformed. A Bland-Altman plot was employed to evaluate the agreement of cMyC with hs-cTnI measurements. Lastly, a linear regression model was applied. No significant differences were observed in the change of cMyC levels between the groups throughout the intervention period (∆ cMyC IG: -0.5 [IQR: -3.4; 2.1] vs. ∆ cMyC CG: -0.7 [IQR: -2.7; 2.6]). The change in log hs-cTnI was significantly correlated with the change in log cMyC during the 12-week intervention period, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of R=0.52 (95% CI 0.37-0.66, P<0.001). For every 10% increase in cMyC levels, hs-cTnI levels rose by approximately 5%. Changes in levels of the novel biomarker cMyC were significantly associated with hs-cTnI serum levels in patients with symptomatic chronic HFrEF during a structured 12-week exercise training programme. This may indicate that cMyC has a role as a future marker of subclinical myocardial damage.

Experiences of a Humanoid Robot-Led Physical Training Program for Home-Living Older Persons - A Qualitative Pilot Study

Abstract Maintaining good physical condition throughout life might reduce the risk of disease and improve older persons’ physical and mental health. Several positive outcomes in the care of home-living older persons have been linked to technological solutions such as humanoid robots. The aim of this study was to develop a humanoid robot-led physical exercise training program for home-living older persons and to explore eleven home-living older persons’ experiences of the program. Semi-structured interviews was held with the home-living older persons after their testing the program and transcribed interviews were analyzed by thematic analysis. The home-living older persons experienced the program as easy to follow and that the program might improve their mental well-being and social interactions. To positively influence older persons’ physical condition, more person-centered exercises and a more suitable robot should be included. Further development of humanoid robot-led physical exercise training programs is needed to ensure the usability of a similar programs in the context of older persons.

Impact of 24-week supervised concurrent exercise on S-Klotho and vitamin D levels: A randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the effects 24 weeks of supervised exercise training at different intensities on S-Klotho and 25-hydroxyvitamin D plasma levels in young adults. This report was based on a secondary analysis from the ACTIBATE single-center unblinded randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02365129). A total of 144 young adults (~34% men and ~66% women) aged between 18 and 25 years took part in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to 3 different groups: (i) concurrent exercise training program based on the international physical activity recommendations at vigorous intensity (Ex-Vigorous group), (ii) at moderate intensity (Ex-Moderate group), and (iii) control group (no exercise). S-Klotho and 25-hydroxyvitamin D plasma levels were determined before and after the 24-week intervention programme. A significant decrease of 25-hydroxyvitamin D plasma levels were identified across time in all groups (p < 0.001), whereas no significant differences across time were observed in S-Klotho plasma levels (p = 0.497). There was no time x group interaction neither in S-Klotho nor in 25-hydroxyvitamin D plasma levels (all p > 0.7). In summary, our results showed that 24 weeks of supervised concurrent exercise training does not induce significant changes on S-Klotho and 25-hydroxyvitamin D independently of the exercise intensity in young adults.

Effect of water- and land-based exercise on lung function in children with post COVID-19 condition: secondary results from a randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the effect of water- and land-based exercise on lung function in children with post COVID-19 condition.MethodsThis was a randomized controlled trial with multigroup pretest-posttest design. Children with post COVID-19 condition aged 10–12 years were randomly assigned to water-based exercise (AQUA), land-based exercise (LAND), or control group with no exercise (CONTROL). The outcomes were the changes in lung function (Lungtest Handy) from baseline to immediately after the 8-week intervention. Parameters measured included forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and vital capacity (VC).ResultsAfter the intervention, there was a significant difference (p&lt;0.01) between the AQUA and LAND groups compared to the CONTROL group for FEV1values (F(2,64)=6.80; p=0.91; p&lt;0.01, η2=0.18), and significant differences between CONTROL and AQUA groups (p&lt;0.01) and CONTROL and LAND groups (p&lt;0.05) for FEV1(F(2,64)=6.96; p=0.91; p&lt;0.01, η2=0.18). Repetitions-Groups interactions for FEV1/%FVC (F(2,64)=0.71, p=0.162, p&gt;0.05,η2=0.030) showed that the changes that occurred varied from group to group and the reason for this was an upward trend in LAND and AQUA and a downward trend in CONTROL.ConclusionThe study found that a supervised twice weekly 8-week exercise training program in water and on land improved lung function in children with post COVID-19 condition.

Evidence-based exercise recommendations to improve functional mobility in older adults - A study protocol for living systematic review and meta-analysis.

This is a protocol for a living systematic review and meta-analysis.This review will assess the effects of state-of-the-art exercise interventions designed to promote functional mobility. Therefore, after identifying all potential interventions, we will use the F.I.T.T. principles (frequency, intensity, time, type) as well as the physical and health status of the participants as moderators to analyse the mechanisms for the positive benefits of exercise interventions.The main research questions are:Which exercise types are most beneficial for improving functional mobility in various populations of older adults?Which physical exercise characteristics in terms of frequency, intensity, time and duration will achieve the greatest benefit in terms of the defined outcomes, i.e, the functional mobility of older adults? The systematic literature research according to PRISMA guidelines will search databases like MEDLINE, APA Psych-Info and Web of Science.Inclusion criteria are: healthy older people ≥ 50 years, randomized-controlled trials including exercise intervention and a walking or mobility assessments (eg., TUG, SPPB) as an outcome measure. A preliminary search revealed more than 33,000 hits that will be screened by pairs of independent reviewers. The results will be summarized according to the effects regarding functional mobility and potential dose-response relations via respective meta-analysis. The systematic review will comprise the knowledge of the existing literature with regards to the effects of the physical activity interventions compared to an active or inactive control group.We will summarize the effects with respect to the F.I.T.T.. They provide a foundation for structuring an optimal exercise training program. If possible, we will also compare interventions from the different categories (eg. cardiovascular, resistance, motor-coordinative, multicomponent or mind-body exercise) as a network analysis and report the influence of moderator variables. Based on the results evidence-based guidelines following GRADE for physical exercise interventions to improve functional mobility in older adults will be provided.

Effect of respiratory rehabilitation on quality of life in individuals with post-COVID-19 symptoms: A randomised controlled trial.

Inspiratory and expiratory muscle training (RMT) has been shown to have beneficial effects in individuals with long-term post-COVID-19 symptoms. To assess the effects of adding RMT to an aerobic exercise (AE) training program for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and exercise tolerance in individuals with long-term post-COVID-19 symptoms, and to evaluate the effects on physical and lung function, and psychological status. 64 individuals with long-term post-COVID-19 symptoms of fatigue and dyspnoea were randomly assigned to AE+RMT or AE+RMTsham groups for an 8-wk intervention (AE: 50min/day, 2 times/wk; RMT: 40min/day, 3 times/wk). Primary outcomes were HRQoL (EuroQol-5D questionnaire) and exercise tolerance (cardiopulmonary exercise test). Secondary outcomes were physical function: respiratory muscle function (inspiratory/expiratory muscle strength and inspiratory muscle endurance), lower and upper limb strength (1-min Sit-to-Stand and handgrip force); lung function: spirometry testing and lung diffusing capacity; and psychological status (anxiety/depressive levels). Postintervention, there were no statistically significant improvements in HRQoL or exercise tolerance in the AE+RMT compared with the AE+RMTsham group. In the AE+RMT group, large improvements in respiratory muscle function (d = 0.7 to 1.3) and low-moderate improvements in peak expiratory flow (d = 0.4) occurred compared with the AE+RMTsham group. Lung function outcomes, lower and upper limb strength and psychological status did not increase more in the AE+RMT group than in the AE+RMTsham group. For individuals with long-term post-COVID-19 symptoms, combining RMT with an AE training program resulted in improvements in respiratory muscle strength, inspiratory muscle endurance and peak expiratory flow; however, the differences between groups were not statistically significant for HRQoL, exercise tolerance, psychological distress, and lung diffusing capacity. United States Clinical Trials Registry (NCT05597774).

Effects of a combined aerobic and core stabilization exercise training program on functional capacity, pain, and health-related quality of life in hemodialysis and kidney transplant patients

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a significant public health challenge globally while impacting patients’ physical function and quality of life. Addressing the issues of physical inactivity and pain management is essential during treatment to improve health-related quality of life. The present study investigated the effect of an aerobic training program with core stabilization exercises for hemodialysis (HD) patients on a transplant waiting list and renal transplant (RTx) patients. Methods A total of 45 patients with CKD were included in the 12-week study: 25 patients receiving HD (12 HD treatment group, 13 HD control group) and 20 patients with RTx (9 RTx treatment group, 11 RTx control group). Functional capacity was measured using the 6-min walk test, pain was measured using the visual analog scale, and health-related quality of life was measured using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life–Short Form 12 questionnaire. Nonparametric statistical tests were performed at a significance level of 0.05. Results Both the HD and RTx treatment groups showed significantly reduced times for the 6-min walking test (p = 0.002 and p = 0.008, respectively), significantly reduced pain severity (p = 0.002 and p = 0.008, respectively), and significantly improved quality of life scores (p = 0.006 and p = 0.041, respectively) by the end of the study compared with control groups. Conclusion Based on the results, structured exercise programs could be effective therapies in CKD management. Therefore, health providers should promote their integration into routine care practices to enhance patient outcomes and well-being.

Treatment with combined exercise in patients with resistant major depression (TRACE-RMD): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundAround 40% of people with major depressive disorder (MDD) experience moderate remission, with the remainder meeting the criteria for resistant major depression (RMD). It has been shown that exercise has a low-to-moderate effect on MDD, but there is a lack of evidence on exercise interventions in RMD patients. The primary purpose of the proposed study will be to investigate the effect of a 12-week supervised combined exercise program on depressive symptoms in people with RMD compared to a treatment-as-usual (TAU) group.MethodThis randomised, single-blind, controlled experimental trial will include 70 adults (≥ 18 years old) with RMD. Participants randomised to an exercise intervention, or a TAU group will be assessed at baseline and after a three-month intervention period. The primary variable will be participants’ depressive symptoms measured with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Secondary outcome variables will include cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake through peak cardiopulmonary exercise test), body composition (bioimpedance and anthropometric variables), physical activity level (the International Physical Activity Questionnaire), health-related quality of life (the Short Form-36 Health Survey), functional outcome (the Sheehan Disability Scale and Quality of Life in Depression Scale), overall disease severity (the Clinical Global Impression Scale-Severity of Illness), and biochemical variables (a fasting blood sample).DiscussionThis study will try to answer whether a supervised co-adjuvant combined (aerobic and resistance training) exercise program will help the prognosis of this population with RMD.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05136027. Last public release on 12/13/2023.

A PubMed search filter for efficiently retrieving exercise training studies

BackgroundA barrier to evidence-informed exercise programming is locating studies of exercise training programs. The purpose of this study was to create a search filter for studies of exercise training programs for the PubMed electronic bibliographic database.MethodsCandidate search terms were identified from three sources: exercise-relevant MeSH terms and their corresponding Entry terms, word frequency analysis of articles in a gold-standard reference set curated from systematic reviews focused on exercise training, and retrospective searching of articles retrieved in the search filter development and testing steps. These terms were assembled into an exercise training search filter, and its performance was assessed against a basic search string applied to six case studies. Search string performance was measured as sensitivity (relative recall), precision, and number needed to read (NNR). We aimed to achieve relative recall ≥ 85%, and a NNR ≥ 2.ResultsThe reference set consisted of 71 articles drawn from six systematic reviews. Sixty-one candidate search terms were evaluated for inclusion, 21 of which were included in the finalized exercise-training search filter. The relative recall of the search filter was 96% for the reference set and the precision mean ± SD was 54 ± 16% across the case studies, with the corresponding NNR = ~ 2. The exercise training search filter consistently outperformed the basic search string.ConclusionThe exercise training search filter fosters more efficient searches for studies of exercise training programs in the PubMed electronic bibliographic database. This search string may therefore support evidence-informed practice in exercise programming.

A 16-week progressive exercise training intervention in treatment-naïve chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a randomised-controlled pilot study.

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) typically presents with asymptomatic, early-stage disease that is monitored until disease progression ('treatment-naïve' CLL). The objective of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and preliminary safety of an exercise program in treatment-naïve CLL. We also sought to preliminarily assess the impact of the exercise program on disease activity, as it has been proposed that exercise training may reduce disease outgrowth in treatment-naïve CLL. A total of 40 treatment-naïve CLL patients were recruited into this randomised-controlled pilot study, and after screening, n = 28 were randomised into a 16-week, home-based, partially supervised, personalised, progressive exercise intervention (n = 14: mean ± SD: age = 62 ± 12 years) or 16 weeks of usual care, control group (n = 14: mean ± SD: age = 61 ± 10 years). The primary outcome measures were safety (number and severity of adverse events) and feasibility (uptake, retention, and adherence to the trial). Disease activity (CD5+/CD19+ CLL cells clonally restricted to kappa or lambda) and other immune cell phenotypes, with a principal focus on T cells, were measured by flow cytometry. Other secondary outcomes included DEXA-derived body composition, cardiorespiratory and functional fitness, resting cardiovascular measures. Trial uptake was 40%, and the overall retention rate was 86%, with 79% of the exercise group and 93% of the control group completing the trial. Adherence to the exercise intervention was 92 ± 8%. One serious adverse event was reported unrelated to the trial, and one adverse event related to the trial was reported. The exercise intervention elicited a 2% increase in DEXA-derived lean mass in the exercise group compared with a 0.4% decrease in the control group (p = 0.01). No between-group differences were observed over time for whole-body mass, BMI, bone mineral density, body fat, blood pressure resting heart rate, or measures of cardiorespiratory or functional fitness (all p > 0.05). No between-group differences were observed over time for clonal CLL cells and CD4+ or CD8+ T-cell subsets (all p > 0.05). The exercise training program used in this study was feasible in people with treatment-naïve CLL who passed pre-trial screening, and we preliminarily conclude that the exercise training program was safe and also resulted in an increase in lean mass. https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN55166064, identifier ISRCTN 55166064.

Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Adaptations Following Aerobic Exercise Training Programs: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The influence of aerobic exercise training on cardiovascular adaptations in healthy males vs females is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarized sex-based differences in cardiac adaptations following aerobic exercise training interventions in healthy adults. Five electronic databases were searched from inception to June 2024. Cardiac adaptation data included peak oxygen uptake, heart rate, arteriovenous oxygen difference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, stroke volume, cardiac output, left ventricular (LV) mass, LV end diastolic volume (LVEDV), LV end systolic volume (LVESV), and LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Meta-analyses were conducted in RevMan 5.4. Meta-analyses were conducted on 4 outcomes: LV mass, LVEDV, LVESV, and LVEF. The meta-analysis revealed no sex differences in LV mass (standardized mean difference= -0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.29, 0.27, P= 0.97), LVESV (mean difference [MD]= 1.85, 95% CI: -3.45, 7.10, P= 0.5), or LVEF (MD= -0.9, 95% CI: -3.26, 1.46, P= 0.45) following aerobic exercise interventions. Meta-analyses revealed a sex difference in LVEDV: males show a greater improvement in LVEDV (MD= 7.67, 95% CI: 2.75, 12.59, P= 0.002) than females after aerobic exercise training. No other sex differences were observed in any of the other outcomes. The overall risk of bias was low, and the quality of evidence was moderate. Aerobic exercise interventions were associated with a larger increase in LVEDV in men relative to women, yet no sex differences were found in cardiac morphology (LV mass) or functional indices (LVEF).

Physical exercise upregulates Irisin in extracellular vesicles

AbstractBackgroundPhysical exercise improves overall brain health, cognition, and stimulates the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in humans. Exercise upregulates irisin, a myokine derived from fibronectin type III domain‐containing protein 5 (FNDC5) previously shown to mediate the beneficial actions of exercise on memory in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we investigated if physical exercise upregulates EVs. We further studied if EV’s cargo includes irisin and tested whether physical exercise protocols modulate its content in EVs.MethodIndividuals underwent a high intensity interval training exercise program. HIIT sessions were performed 3 times a week, over 6 weeks. Serum was collected before and the day after the last exercise session. Mice were submitted to a daily swimming exercise protocol, 5 times per week, over 5 weeks. Mice were terminated 1 hour after the last bout of exercise and plasma was collected. EVs concentration and number in humans and mice. EVs obtained from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from cynomolgus and Rhesus monkeys at rest obtained by lumbar punctures were also studied. We further investigated if EV’s cargo includes irisin and tested whether physical exercise protocols modulate irisin content in EVs un mice and humans. FNDC5/Irisin in EVs was detected by Western blotting, Mass spectometry and ELISA.ResultOur results indicate that irisin is associated with serum, plasma and CSF EVs from humans, mice and monkeys. Exercise upregulated EV‐associated FNDC5/Irisin in mice and humans, but did not alter circulating EV concentration. EV‐associated FNDC5/Irisin correlated positively with BDNF levels in serum obtained from humans post‐exercise.ConclusionThese findings indicate a potential physiological role of exercise‐induced upregulation of EV‐associated irisin.

Timing of Return to Pre-Pregnancy Training for Postpartum Elite Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE: Female athletes often face challenges in returning to exercise training programs after pregnancy and parturition. This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to investigate the optimal duration for elite female athletes to resume their pre-pregnancy training programs.METHODS: Nine studies were included in this meta-analysis with a total of 1,466 women, comprising 567 nonathletes and 899 athletes. The effect sizes were calculated as differences in health-related indicators, athletic performance, and training volume during five periods: early, mid, and late pregnancy; within 6 months postpartum; and between 7 and 12 months postpartum, compared with prepregnancy levels.RESULTS: Female athletes included in the study did not return to their pre-pregnancy physical condition even one year postpartum. Health indicators decreased substantially during pregnancy and remained lower than pre-pregnancy levels for up to one year postpartum. During pregnancy, there was a considerable reduction in training volume, which persisted throughout one year postpartum. However, athletic performance within the first year postpartum was not significantly different from pre-pregnancy levels; this finding is based on a single study, indicating a limitation due to the insufficient number of studies included in the analysis.CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that female athletes did not fully recover their physical condition or function within one year postpartum. Nevertheless, this finding does not imply that female athletes are unprepared or unable to resume exercise training within one year postpartum. Sufficient return to training can be achieved within this timeframe, but it is crucial to progressively and safely increase training volume and intensity in accordance with individual physiological recoveries.

Combined exercise hinders the progression of pulmonary and right heart harmful remodeling in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension.

The aim of this study was to test whether combined physical exercise training of moderate intensity executed during the development of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) hinders the progression of pulmonary and right heart harmful functional and structural remodeling in rats. Wistar rats were injected with MCT (60 mg/kg) and after 24 hours were exposed to a combined exercise training program: aerobic exercise (Treadmill running - 60 min/day; 60% of maximum running speed); and resistance exercise (Vertical ladder climbing - 15 climbs; 60% of maximum carrying load), on alternate days, 5 days/week, for approximately 3 weeks. After euthanasia, lung, and right ventricle (RV) were excised and processed for histological, single myocyte and biochemical analyses. Combined exercise increased the tolerance to physical effort (time until fatigue and relative maximum load), and prevented increases in pulmonary artery resistance (TA/TE) and reductions in RV function (TAPSE). Moreover, in myocytes isolated from the RV, combined exercise preserved contraction amplitude, as well as contraction and relaxation velocities, and inhibited reductions in the amplitude and maximum speeds to peak and to decay of the intracellular Ca2+ transient. Furthermore, combined exercise avoided RV (RV weight, cardiomyocyte, extracellular matrix, collagen, inflammatory infiltrate, and extracellular matrix) and lung (pulmonary alveoli and alveolar septum) harmful structural remodeling. Additionally, combined exercise restricted RV (NO and CP) and lung (CAT, GST, and NO) oxidative stress. In conclusion, the applied combined exercise regime hinders the progression of pulmonary and right heart functional and structural harmful remodeling in rats with MCT-induced PAH.

The effect of home exercises with kinesiotaping on pain, functionality, and work performance in bus drivers with non-specific neck pain.

Clinical research on the management and rehabilitation of work-related upper spinal pain in bus drivers is sparse, indicating a gap in knowledge and treatment strategies. This highlights the growing need for innovative approaches to rehabilitation programs in this area. To examine the effects of kinesio taping (KT) on pain, functionality, and work performance in bus drivers experiencing neck pain. The study involved 44 participants who were randomised into two different groups: the exercise group (n= 22) and the kinesio tape group (n= 22), with participants in both groups undertaking exercise interventions. Evaluations were made before and after 6 weeks of treatment. At the end of the 6-week, the participants' ROM, pain evaluations and functional scales were evaluated with disability, and work functionality. Neck pain severity decreased in both groups (p< 0.001 for each value), but there was no difference between the groups (p: 0.071). When disability scores were evaluated, improvement was noted in both groups (p: 0.001 for each value), but no statistically significant difference was found (p: 0.754). When the improvements in ROM values before and after the treatment were examined, the difference between the groups was recorded only in the neck extension ROM value (p: 0.011). Significant improvement was noted in all sub-steps of job performance in both groups (p< 0.05). KT added to ergonomic training and home exercise programmes is effective in controlling work-related musculoskeletal pain in drivers with neck pain. However, the addition of KT to exercise therapy was found to be no more effective than exercise therapy alone in improving pain control, functionality and work performance.

Exercise Training in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Without Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without left ventricular outflow tract obstruction commonly experience reduced exercise capacity. Physical training improves exercise capacity in these patients, but whether the underlying effects of exercise are a result of central hemodynamic or peripheral improvement is unclear. This study assessed whether exercise training reduces left ventricular filling pressure measured during exercise in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Between March 2019 and June 2022, patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without left ventricular outflow tract obstruction were randomly assigned (1:1) to a 12-week (3 h/wk) supervised, moderate-intensity exercise training program or continued usual activity. The primary outcome was the change in invasively measured pulmonary capillary wedge pressure during mild exercise (25 W) from baseline to week 12. Pressure tracings were analyzed offline by a blinded investigator. Secondary outcomes included changes in peak oxygen consumption, cardiac index, quality of life, echocardiographic indices of diastolic function, and natriuretic peptides. Of 59 patients randomized (mean age, 58.1±12.2 years; 27% women), 51 (86%) completed all follow-up assessments. At week 12, the change in 25-W pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was -2.8±6.8 mm Hg in the exercise group, compared with +1.2±4.9 mm Hg in the usual-activity group (between-group difference, 4.0 mm Hg [95% CI, 0.7-7.3]; P=0.018). Peak oxygen consumption improved by +1.8±2.0 mL/kg/min in the exercise group versus -0.3±3.1 mL/kg/min in the usual-activity group (P=0.005). Exercise training improved the ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2) slope compared with usual activity (between-group difference, 2.0 [95% CI, 0.6-3.5]; P=0.006). Peak cardiac index improved by +0.38±1.38 L/min/m2 in exercise versus -0.85±1.20 L/min/m2 in the usual-activity group (P=0.002). Change in overall Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score was similar between groups. However, the change in physical limitation scores (+8.4±12.0 points in exercise versus +0.7±6.8 points in usual-activity group; P=0.034) and quality-of-life scores (+8.7±18.0 points in exercise versus 0.7±4.0 points in usual-activity group; P=0.01) differed significantly. There were no significant changes in diastolic function assessed by echocardiography or in natriuretic peptides. In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, a 12-week moderate-intensity exercise training program resulted in reduced left ventricular filling pressures at mild exertion and improved exercise performance. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03537183.