High-intensity Aerobic Exercise Research Articles

Critically appraised paper: Three months of high-intensity aerobic exercise and strength training reduce disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis [synopsis

Critically appraised paper: Three months of high-intensity aerobic exercise and strength training reduce disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis [synopsis

Patient perspectives of vigorous intensity aerobic interval exercise prehabilitation prior to radical cystectomy: a qualitative focus group study

Purpose Preoperative cardiopulmonary fitness is increasingly being recognized as an important factor influencing postoperative recovery outcomes in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to explore patient perspectives of preoperative high intensity aerobic interval exercise before radical cystectomy. Materials and methods Focus groups involving a purposive convenience sample of patients with bladder cancer (N = 14; mean age ± SD: 72.3 ± 6.0 years) were undertaken in a hospital education department. Data were analyzed using Framework analysis. Results Participants identified physical (e.g., fitness) psychological (e.g., preparing for their operation) and social (e.g., peer support) benefits of the program. Key motivational factors for engaging in exercise prehabiliation were identified as social support, previous exercise experience and objective measures of progression. The need for clear information from healthcare providers to ensure that patients are adequately prepared for sessions was highlighted. Conclusions This qualitative study provides new insights into the perspectives and experiences of patients with bladder cancer regarding participation in preoperative vigorous intensity aerobic exercise. The study yielded novel perceptions on the physical, psychological and social health benefits accruing from the exercise program and patient views on program design features, which are important for informing future interventions and implementation strategies. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION A preoperative high intensity aerobic interval exercise program before radical cystectomy provides physical, psychological and social benefits to individuals living with bladder cancer. Supervised exercise, objective improvement, and peer and family support all contribute to motivation to engage with preoperative high intensity aerobic interval exercise. Individuals may require support post-radical cystectomy in order to continue with exercise due to the uncertainty around this.

MON-PO471: Effect of Moderate- and High-Intensity Acute Aerobic Exercise on Food Reward and Appetite in Methamphetamine Individuals

MON-PO471: Effect of Moderate- and High-Intensity Acute Aerobic Exercise on Food Reward and Appetite in Methamphetamine Individuals

Effects of moderate- and high-intensity acute aerobic exercise on food reward and appetite in individuals with methamphetamine dependence

PurposeDrug addiction is characterised by overvaluation of drug-related rewards and undervaluation of “natural”, non-drug-related rewards. Methamphetamine (MA) is the second largest illegally abused drug in the world. Studies have shown that acute aerobic exercise can reduce the incidence of MA-dependent individuals' craving for drug-related cues, but the impact of exercise on food reward in this population has yet to be established. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of moderate and high-intensity acute aerobic exercise on food reward and subjective feelings of appetite in MA-dependent populations. MethodsForty-four men, who met the DSM-V criteria for MA dependence, with BMI of 24.7 ± 3.1 kg/m2 and age of 31.9 ± 3.8 years, were randomly assigned to two exercise training groups: moderate- (n = 22; 65%~75% HRmax) or high- (n = 22; ≥ 85% HRmax) intensity. Each group performed a resting control or exercise session for 35 min, 1wk apart, in a counterbalanced order. Food reward (explicit liking, implicit wanting and relative preference) for high or low fat and sweet or savoury food images was assessed by the Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire and subjective feelings of appetite were measured by VAS. ResultsGreater relative preference (high: P = .018; moderate: P = .034) and implicit wanting (high: P = .018; moderate: P = .034) for high-fat savoury foods was noted following acute aerobic exercise compared to the control session. Exercise also increased subjective sensations of hunger (F (1,42) =8.28, P = .006). ConclusionsThe current study provides the first evidence that acute aerobic exercise can increase reward for high fat savoury foods and stimulate appetite in MA-dependent individuals. In the context of exercise as a therapeutic option for MA dependence, these changes suggest an improvement in responsiveness to natural, non-drug rewards.

High-intensity exercise to promote accelerated improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (HI-PACE): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAfrican Americans have a disproportionate prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes compared with Caucasians. Recent evidence indicates that low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) level, an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes, is also more prevalent in African Americans than Caucasians. Numerous studies in Caucasian populations suggest that vigorous exercise intensity may promote greater improvements in CRF and other type 2 diabetes risk factors (e.g., reduction of glucose/insulin levels, pulse wave velocity, and body fat) than moderate intensity. However, current evidence comparing health benefits of different aerobic exercise intensities on type 2 diabetes risk factors in African Americans is negligible. This is clinically important as African Americans have a greater risk for type 2 diabetes and are less likely to meet public health recommendations for physical activity than Caucasians. The purpose of the HI-PACE (High-Intensity exercise to Promote Accelerated improvements in CardiorEspiratory fitness) study is to evaluate whether high-intensity aerobic exercise elicits greater improvements in CRF, insulin action, and arterial stiffness than moderate-intensity exercise in African Americans.Methods/DesignA randomized controlled trial will be performed on overweight and obese (body mass index of 25–45 kg/m2) African Americans (35–65 years) (n = 60). Participants will be randomly assigned to moderate-intensity (MOD-INT) or high-intensity (HIGH-INT) aerobic exercise training or a non-exercise control group (CON) for 24 weeks. Supervised exercise will be performed at a heart rate associated with 45–55% and 70–80% of VO2 max in the MOD-INT and HIGH-INT groups, respectively, for an exercise dose of 600 metabolic equivalents of task (MET)-minutes per week (consistent with public health recommendations). The primary outcome is change in CRF. Secondary outcomes include change in insulin sensitivity (measured via an intravenous glucose tolerance test), skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity (via near-infrared spectroscopy), skeletal muscle measurements (i.e., citrate synthase, COX IV, GLUT-4, CPT-1, and PGC1-α), arterial stiffness (via carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity), body fat, C-reactive protein, and psychological outcomes (quality of life/exercise enjoyment).DiscussionThe anticipated results of the HI-PACE study will provide vital information on the health effects of high-intensity exercise in African Americans. This study will advance health disparity research and has the potential to influence future public health guidelines for physical activity.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02892331. Registered on September 8, 2016.

Effect of Endurance Exercise Along with Strawberry Supplementation on Lipid Profile and Inflammatory Markers in Overweight and Inactive Young Women

Background: Herbal supplementation with moderate- and high-intensity aerobic exercise affects obesity-related factors, especially the lipid profile and inflammatory markers. Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the effect of endurance training with strawberry extract supplementation on inflammatory markers and the lipid profile in healthy inactive women. Methods: The subjects included inactive women aged 20 - 30 years, who were randomly divided into two groups: (a) The endurance exercise + supplementation group (n = 12) and (b) The endurance exercise + placebo group (n = 12). The supplementation group received 100-mg strawberry extract supplement twice per day for two weeks. After the supplementation, the exercise protocol was carried out, which included a session of endurance exercise within 75% - 80% of the maximum heart rate on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Blood samples were taken before and after the intervention to determine the lipid profile and plasma fibrinogen concentration. Data were analyzed using the repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: The results showed a significant reduction in TC, TG and LDL-C and a significant increase in HDL-C after the supplementation, but no significant changes were observed in the placebo group. Fibrinogen concentrations decreased significantly following the supplementation. Meanwhile, no significant increase was observed in the groups after the endurance exercise (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: According to the results obtained and the benefits of dried strawberry powder on cardiovascular risk factor control, supplementation following exercise training are recommended for improving the physiological function of inactive people who are prone to dyslipidemia and inflammation.

유산소운동 강도가 비만 유·무에 따른 주관적 식욕인식과 에너지보상에 미치는 영향

The study was conducted to identify the effects of aerobic exercise intensity on subjective appetite recognition and energy compensation due to obesity.Obesity group consisted of 10 persons with body fat percentage of 25% or more and non-obesity group consisted of 10 persons with body fat percentage of 10% or less. The results of the repeated measure ANOVA were as follows. Both non-obese men and obese men showed an increase in AgRP, NPY after high intensity exercise, but for non-obese men, PYY were also shown to have increased. In addition, for non-obese men, PYY were shown to increase after one hour of meal after high-intensity aerobic exercise. However, the obese men found PYY to be low even after one hour of meals after high-intensity aerobic exercise. In the case of subjective appetite, the non-obese men had a very low perception of hunger immediately before the meal, just after aerobic exercise, and the caloric intake actually was lower when exercise was not performed. However, in the obese men, hunger perception was very low immediately after the high intensity exercise, but before the meal, the hunger was higher than when the exercise was not performed, and the calorie intake actually was higher than when the exercise was not performed. These results suggest that exercise with high intensity in obese men compared with non-obese men induces subjective hunger perception right before eating, unlike the level of appetite suppressing hormone immediately after exercise, and energy intake is higher than energy consumption.

Thermal Behavior Does not Differ Between Sexes During and Following High Intensity Aerobic Exercise

Females utilize thermal behavior more than males during low intensity aerobic exercise. Core temperature is elevated during high vs. low intensity aerobic exercise because of greater heat production. Thus, thermal behavior is greater during high intensity exercise because of the heightened stimulus to behave. It is unknown if sex modulates thermal behavior during high intensity exercise. PURPOSE: Test the hypothesis that thermal behavior differs between males and females during high intensity exercise and recovery. METHODS: 10 males (M) and 10 females (F) (23±3y) underwent 30 min of cycling exercise at a power output that elicited 80±5% (F) and 78±4% (M) of VO2peak (P=0.28) followed by 120 min seated recovery in a 27±1°C, 21±2% relative humidity environment. Subjects were instructed to maintain a thermally comfortable neck temperature throughout using a custom-made neck device. Neck device temperature provided an index of thermal behavior. Mean skin (10 site) and core (intestinal) temperatures, mean skin wettedness (8 site), neck device temperature, skin blood flow (laser Doppler) and local sweat rate (ventilated capsule) were measured continually. RESULTS: There were no sex differences in heat production during exercise (F: 399±68, M: 429±62 W/m2, P=0.39). During exercise, core and mean skin temperatures, skin wettedness, skin blood flow and local sweat rate increased, while neck device temperature decreased (all P<0.01). There were no sex differences in core (F: 37.7±0.2, M: 37.9±0.3°C, P> 0.50), mean skin (F: 32.6±0.3, M: 32.6±0.3°C, P>0.99) or neck device (F: 12.1±10.6, M: 11.9±10.2°C, P>0.25) temperatures, mean skin wettedness (at 30 min: F: 0.50±0.06, M: 0.53±0.04 au, P>0.99), skin blood flow (F: 163±50, M: 172±36 PU, P>0.99) or local sweat rate (F: 0.72±0.20, M: 0.85±0.27 mg/cm2/min, P>0.33) during exercise (data reported at 30 min). During recovery, core and mean skin temperatures, mean skin wettedness, skin blood flow and local sweat rate decreased, and neck device temperature increased back towards pre-exercise levels (all P<0.01). There were no differences in the dynamics of these changes between sexes (all P>0.16). CONCLUSIONS: Thermal behavior during and following high intensity aerobic exercise does not differ between males and females. This study was funded by lululemon athletica inc.

Acute high-intensity aerobic exercise affects brain-derived neurotrophic factor in mild cognitive impairment: a randomised controlled study

ObjectiveTo investigate the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cognitive response to a short bout of high-intensity aerobic exercise in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).MethodsParticipants were randomised to one...

Exercise Intensity Influences Prefrontal Cortex Oxygenation During Cognitive Testing

Various types of exercise therapies, including high and low intensity aerobic exercise, along with mind-body exercise (e.g., yoga) have been implemented into treatment for those suffering from psychological disorders and traumatic brain injury. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), which houses key cognitive constructs is responsive to exercise, and is commonly measured using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Evidence suggests that exercise mediates neural adaptation through increased blood flow and neurogenesis, which enhances neural activation leading to improved cognitive performance. However, the type and intensity of exercise that has the most robust impact on brain blood flow is currently unknown. PURPOSE: Therefore, the primary aim of the study is to compare PFC activation during cognitive tasks performed after low-intensity, high intensity, and yoga exercises. We also aim to determine if markers of cardiovascular and metabolic stress influence brain activity after each exercise bout. METHODS: Eight subjects (4 male, 4 female), aged 35 ± 5 years completed a control, high intensity, low intensity, and yoga exercise trial followed by administration of a cognitive task (NIH Toolbox Fluid Cognition). Left and right PFC oxygenation were measured during the post-exercise cognitive assessment using fNIRS technology. RESULTS: Oxygenation during the cognitive task was higher in the left PFC region after low intensity exercise compared to all other trials (control, high intensity, yoga). Regression model analysis showed that a 10% increase in %HRmax up to 70% intensity predicts an increase in left PFC oxygenation by 2.11 umol. No relationship was detected between PFC oxygenation and cognitive performance or the lactate response among participants in the current study, however a relationship between control levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and processing speed was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Acute exercise below 70% aerobic intensity increased brain blood flow during a post-exercise cognitive task. Therefore, it may be beneficial for those who engage in any cognitive related activity to perform a brief bout of low intensity exercise prior to the task. This may include people who participate in academic-based testing, cognitive behavioral therapy, or motor training.

Reductions in Energy Expenditure After Aerobic and Resistance Exercise in Resistance-trained Males

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise mode and intensity on energy expenditure (EE) during and after five time-matched aerobic and resistance exercise protocols in resistance-trained (RT) males. METHODS: Fourteen RT males (mean±SD; age:24.2±4.0 yrs; body mass:84.7±13.3 kg; height:181.2±8.8 cm; and body fat:15.9±4.6%) completed five separate protocols on separate days ≥48 hrs apart in random order, each lasting 40 min in duration: continuous aerobic (continuous), high intensity interval aerobic (HIIT), strength endurance (2x20), traditional resistance (3x10), and high intensity resistance (4x6). EE was measured before, during, immediately post- (0-30 min), and delayed post-exercise (60-90 min) using indirect calorimetry. RESULTS: No significant differences in exercise EE were seen between aerobic protocols. EE during both aerobic protocols was significantly greater (p<0.0001) than any of the three resistance protocols. EE during 4x6 was significantly greater than 3x10 and 2x20 by 38±10 kcal (p=0.04) and 67±8 kcal (p<0.001), respectively. From 0-30 min post- exercise, a mean increase in EE of 6.2% was seen only following the 2x20 protocol as compared to baseline pre-exercise (p<0.05). From 60-90 min post-exercise, the 3x10, 4x6, and HIIT protocols showed significant mean reductions in EE of 10.7%, 8.7%, 7.1% (p<0.05) as compared to baseline pre-exercise, respectively. The combined EE from during and after exercise resulted in the same rank order as during exercise (least to greatest: 2x20, 3x10,4x6, continuous, and HIIT). CONCLUSIONS: Significant reductions in EE were found in the 3x10, 4x6, and HIIT protocols from 60-90 min post-exercise as compared to baseline pre-exercise. Continuous and HIIT protocols had the greatest EE during exercise when compared to the resistance protocols. These results have important implications on EE during and after exercise and should be considered when designing exercise training programs. Given the reductions found in EE 60-90 min post-exercise in the 3x10, 4x6, and HIIT protocols, special consideration should be given to post-exercise nutrition to avoid energy deficits which could negatively impact recovery. Supported by an ASPIRE I Grant from the University of South Carolina.

Attendance and compliance with an exercise program during localized breast cancer treatment in a randomized controlled trial: The PACT study.

PurposeMaintaining high adherence rates (session attendance and compliance) in exercise programs during breast cancer treatment can be challenging. We aimed to identify adherence rates and predictors to an exercise program during adjuvant breast cancer treatment.MethodsNinety-two patients with localized breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy were randomly assigned to an 18-week supervised moderate-to-high intensity aerobic and resistance exercise program, including two 1-hour sessions/week. Additionally, participants were asked to be physically active for at least 30 minutes/day on at least three other days. We report median percentages for attendance, compliance with the prescribed duration and intensity of aerobic and muscle strength exercises, and the exercise advice given. Predictors included in univariate and multivariable linear regression models were demographical, tumor- and treatment-related factors, constructs of the theory of planned behavior, psychological and physical factors.ResultsPatients attended 83% (interquartile range: 69–91%) of the supervised sessions. Compliance with the duration of aerobic exercise, high-intensity aerobic exercise (cycling at the ventilatory threshold), muscle strength exercises and the exercise advice were 88%(64–97%), 50%(22–82%), 84%(65–94%) and 61%(33%–79%), respectively. Education, radiotherapy, BMI and physical fatigue were important predictors of adherence to supervised exercise. Beliefs about planned behaviors were important predictors, especially for compliance with the exercise advice.ConclusionsAttendance to and compliance with an 18-week aerobic and strength exercise program were high. The lowest compliance was found for high-intensity supervised aerobic exercise. The identified predictors should be considered when designing or adapting exercise programs for patients with localized breast cancer to increase adherence.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN43801571Dutch Trial Register NTR2138

The Effects of Acute and Chronic Aerobic Activity on the Signaling Pathway of the Inflammasome NLRP3 Complex in Young Men.

Background and Objectives: The results of the studies show that the intensity and volume of aerobic exercise activity produce different responses of the immune system. This study aims to show how the signaling pathway of the inflammatory NLRP3 complex is influenced by the acute and chronic effects of moderate and high-intensity aerobic exercises in young men. Materials and Methods: Accordingly, 60 healthy (BMI = 23.56 ± 2.67) young (24.4 ± 0.4) students volunteered to participate in the study that was randomly divided into two experimental (n = 20) groups and one control (n = 20) group. The training protocol started with two intensity levels of 50% for a moderate group and 70% of maximum heart rate for high group for 30 min and then continued until reaching 70% (moderate group) and 90% (high group) of the maximum heart rate, respectively. Using Real Time-PCR method, the expression of NLRP3 gene and ELISA- were measured by IL-1β, IL-18. Results: The results showed that acute aerobic exercise with moderate intensity had no significant effect on the expression of NLRP3 gene and serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 cytokines (p > 0.05) when acute exercise, with high intensity, begins an initiation of the activity of the inflammatory complex with elevated serum levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and NLRP3 gene expression (p < 0.05). In addition, chronic exercise with moderate intensity significantly reduced the expression of NLRP3 gene and serum levels of IL-1β, IL-18 cytokines (p < 0.05). In the case of chronic exercise with high intensity, a significant increase in expression of gene, NLRP3 and serum levels of IL-1β, IL-18 cytokines were observed (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Generally, it can be concluded that chronic exercise with moderate intensity is effective in decreasing the expression of the inflammasome and inflammation.

Efficacy of High-Intensity Progressive Aerobic Exercise on Brain Atrophy Measures in Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized, Controlled, Cross-Over, Phase-2 Trial

Background: Accelerated brain atrophy is a main determinant of the progressing disabilities clinically characterizing people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Preliminary data from animal studies and human phase 1 studies indicate a possible disease-modifying effect of physical exercise. We therefore assessed whether high-intensity progressive aerobic exercise (PAE) affects brain atrophy in MS. Methods: We conducted a 24-week randomized, controlled, cross-over, phase 2 trial, including an exercise group (24 weeks of supervised PAE followed by self-guided physical activity) and a waitlist group (24 weeks of habitual lifestyle followed by supervised PAE). Participants were recruited at four Danish hospitals. MS patients aged 18-65 years with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 0-6 willing to travel to the trial and training facility were randomly assigned (1:1) by the sealed envelope principle, stratified by sex. The primary outcome was percentage brain volume change (PBVC) after 24 weeks, analyzed using an intention-to-treat linear mixed effects model. Findings: A total of 86 participants were recruited from 28 April 2016 to 10 October 2017 (43 patients were assigned to each group). PBVC was -0·29% (SD 0·63) in the exercise group; -0·17% (0·99) in the placebo group (between-group change +0·12%, 95% CI -0·27-0·51; p=0·545). We observed higher grey matter parenchymal fraction (+1·13 percentage points, 0·00-2·26; p=0·05) and cardiorespiratory fitness (+3·5 mL O2/min/kg, 2·0-5·1; p<0·0001) and lower annualized relapse rate (p=0·0023) in the exercise group. No serious adverse events were observed. Interpretation: These findings do not support a ‘whole brain’ neuroprotective effect of PAE (i.e. total brain atrophy) in people with MS. Oppositely, improved cardiorespiratory fitness was accompanied by a ‘regional brain’ neuroprotective effect (i.e. grey matter parenchymal fraction) and a relapse rate of zero. These findings justify recommending PAE as a possible adjunct disease-modifying treatment in MS and warrant further long-term, large-scale phase 3 investigations. Trial Registration Number: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02661555. Funding Statement: Jascha Fonden, Fonden for Neurologisk Forskning, The Danish Multiple Sclerosis Society, Aase og Ejnar Danielsens Fond, Knud og Edith Eriksens Fond, Augustinus Foundation, Direktor Emil C. Hertz og Hustru Inger Hertz’ Fond, Else og Mogens Wedell-Wedellsborgs Fond, and Karen A. Tolstrups Fond. Declaration of Interests: ML-C has received teaching honoraria from Novartis. UD has received research support, travel grants, and/or teaching honoraria from Biogen Inc., Merck Serono, Novartis, and Sanofi. LGH has received research support, travel grant, and/or teaching honoraria from Biogen Inc. and Sanofi. TP has received research support from Biogen Inc., Merck, Roche, Alexion, Sanofi, and Novartis. No other authors have any disclosures. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethics approval was obtained from the ethical committee of the Central Denmark Region, Denmark (record no. 1-10-72-291-15).

The Effect of Physiotherapy in the Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Background. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common and most diffcult chronic rheumatic disease in children. Exercise helps to avoid joint deformities or corrects them, also reduces pain and disease activity, normalizes physical function, growth and development, improves the patient’s quality of life. So far, there is no consensus on what kind of exercise is appropriate for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Goal of the research. To defne the most often applied physiotherapy techniques and their impact on the treatment of children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis analysing and summarizing scientifc articles. Methods. Twelve articles have been analysed. Systemic literature overview involved the articles on clinical research which were selected in the light of the following criteria: children with juvenile’s idiopathic arthritis; classic clinical tests performed; application of different physical exercises and survey of their accessibility; Childhood Health Assessment questionnaire; language and year of publication (2000–2015). Results. Research participants in the selected articles were 525 research children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Their mean age ± SD was 11.2 ± 2.9 years (range 4–21 years). There were 348 (66%) girls and 177 (34%) boys. Aquatic therapy and Pilates workout had the strongest effect on pain relief, general physical performance and life quality, whereas balance and proprioception exercises had the best effect on balance and mobility. The results showed that regular physical exercises did not increase pain, they reduced the number of swollen joints, they were safe and effcient, also, that high-intensity aerobic exercises did not provide additional benefts, so it may suggest that low-intensity exercise program is more suitable for children with JIA because it is a slow and mild. Conclusion. Analysis of 12 articles have shown that general physical exercises (33.5%) and aquatic therapy (33.5%) are used most often, whereas balance-proprioception exercises are less frequent (17%), Pilates workout (8%) and Qigong relaxation (8%) are used very rarely. The most effcient methods for the improvement of general physical performance, quality of life, and reducing pain include aquatic therapy, Pilates workout and Qigong therapy. Balance-proprioception exercises are proved to be most effective in the improvement of mobility and balance.Keywords: juvenile idiopathic arthritis, physical exercises, training, physiotherapy, physical condition, life quality.

High-Intensity Aerobic Exercise Acutely Increases Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor.

This study examined the effects of AEx, of different intensities, on serum BDNF and cortisol in individuals with and without depression. Thirteen participants with depression (10 females; age = 27.2 ± 6.9 yr; Montgomery-Äsberg Depression Rating Scale = 21.7 ± 4.7) and 13 control participants (10 females; age 27.2 ± 7.2 yr; Montgomery-Äsberg Depression Rating Scale = 0.5 ± 0.9) participated. Experimental visits consisted of 15 min of low-intensity cycling (LO) at 35% heart rate reserve, high-intensity cycling (HI) at 70% heart rate reserve, or sitting (CON). During each visit, blood samples were obtained at baseline, immediately postexercise (IP), and then every 15 min postexercise for 1 h (15P, 30P, 45P, and 60P). Group, condition, and time differences in BDNF and cortisol were assessed. There were no group differences in cortisol and BDNF. Secondary analysis revealed that BDNF increased in an intensity-dependent nature at IP, and cortisol was significantly elevated at 15P after HI. Changes in BDNF and cortisol showed significant linear relationships with changes in HR. HI AEx can elicit acute, transient increases in BDNF and cortisol in young, healthy, and physically active, nondepressed and mild to moderately depressed individuals. This work suggests that AEx has potential to significantly affect the central nervous system function, and the magnitude of such effect may be directly driven by exercise intensity.

A randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of 8-week high-intensity interval exercise on intrahepatic triglycerides, visceral lipids, and health-related quality of life in diabetic obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background:Medications are limited for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It has been reported that aerobic exercise is effective in reducing the characteristics of NAFLD, although unclear data have ascertained the effects of high-intensity interval aerobic exercise on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in diabetic obese patients with NAFLD.Objectives:This a randomized controlled trial aimed to ascertain the effectiveness of 8-week high-intensity interval exercise on intrahepatic triglycerides (IHTG), visceral lipids and HRQoL in diabetic obese patients with NAFLD.Study design:Between August and December 2017, 32 diabetic obese patients with NAFLD aged 45 to 60 years (21 men and 11 women) were enrolled in this study. They were randomly assigned to 2 groups, 16 patients in each group, high-intensity interval (HII) exercise and control groups. The HII group received a program of HII aerobic exercise for 8 weeks with medications of NAFLD and the control group received only medications without any type of exercise intervention. The test of IHTG, visceral lipids, and HRQoL were recorded at the initial assessment and at the end of the program after 8 weeks.Results:There were significant differences between the 2 groups at the end of the study. These study findings exhibited significant improvements in IHTG, VO2peak, visceral lipids, glycohemoglobin, plasma glucose, and all dimensions of HRQoL in the HII group (P <.05), But there was non-significant improvement in any measure in the control group (P >.05) after the 8-week intervention.Conclusion:Eight-week high-intensity interval aerobic exercise has a beneficial effect on IHTG, visceral lipids, and HRQoL in diabetic obese patients with NAFLD. Effort and awareness should be dedicated to encouraging the active lifestyle among different population, especially diabetic obese patients with NAFLD.

Flight muscle protein damage during endurance flight is related to energy expenditure but not dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids in a migratory bird.

Migration poses many physiological challenges for birds, including sustaining high intensity aerobic exercise for hours or days. A consequence of endurance flight is the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS production may be influenced by dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which, although prone to oxidative damage, may limit mitochondrial ROS production and increase antioxidant capacity. We examined how flight muscles manage oxidative stress during flight, and whether dietary long-chain PUFA influence ROS management or damage. Yellow-rumped warblers were fed diets low in PUFA, or high in long-chain n-3 or n-6 PUFA. Flight muscle was sampled from birds in each diet treatment at rest or immediately after flying for up to a maximum of 360 min in a wind tunnel. Flight increased flight muscle superoxide dismutase activity but had no effect on catalase activity. The ratio of glutathione to glutathione disulphide decreased during flight. Oxidative protein damage, indicated by protein carbonyls, increased with flight duration (Pearson r=0.4). Further examination of just individuals that flew for 360 min (N=15) indicates that oxidative damage was related more to total energy expenditure (Pearson r=0.86) than to flight duration itself. This suggests that high quality individuals with higher flight efficiency have not only lower energy costs but also potentially less oxidative damage to repair after arrival at the destination. No significant effects of dietary long-chain PUFA were observed on antioxidants or damage. Overall, flight results in oxidative stress and the degree of damage is likely driven more by energy costs than fatty acid nutrition.

Impact of moderate- and high-intensity exercise on the endothelial ultrastructure and function in mesenteric arteries from hypertensive rats

Oxidative stress (OS) influences vascular function and structure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). It is also responsible for the decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability that influences endothelial vasodilation. The effects of high-intensity exercise on endothelial function and ultrastructure in hypertension remain unknown. Thus, this study investigated the effects of moderate- and high-intensity exercise on hypertension-associated endothelial dysfunction and ultrastructural remodeling. Moderate-intensity (SHR-M) and high-intensity (SHRH) aerobic exercise training groups were compared in age-matched sedentary SHRs (SHRC) and normotensive Wistar–Kyoto rats (WKY-C). The results showed that the endothelial ultrastructure was impaired in the SHR-H and SHR-C groups. Glutathione peroxidase levels were significantly increased in the SHR-M group compared to the SHR-C group. MDA content was higher in the SHR-H group than in the SHR-C group, but the levels of antioxidant enzymes did not increase accordingly. Apocynin scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) ameliorated endothelium-dependent vasodilator function in the SHR-H group. However, the SHR-M and WKY-C groups abolished the increased vasodilation induced by apocynin. L-NAME, a NO synthase inhibitor, was applied to isolated mesenteric arteries (MAs) to evaluate NO contribution. Moderate-intensity exercise reversed the decreased NO contribution to MAs in hypertension, and high-intensity exercise aggravated this change. These data suggest that moderate-intensity exercise ameliorated adverse remodeling of the endothelial ultrastructure and function in hypertension by decreasing oxidative stress and increasing NO contribution. However, high-intensity exercise exacerbated all of these changes by increasing OS and ROS contribution, and decreasing NO contribution.

Mobility improves after high intensity aerobic exercise in individuals with Parkinson's disease

Emerging literature indicates aerobic exercise improves the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the impact of aerobic exercise on functional locomotor performance has not been evaluated systematically. The aim of this project was to determine the impact of an 8-week high intensity aerobic exercise intervention on Timed Up and Go (TUG) performance in PD. Fifty-nine participants with idiopathic PD completed 24 aerobic exercise sessions over 8 weeks. Two modes of exercise were utilized: forced (FE) and voluntary (VE). A mobile application was used to gather biomechanical data for the characterization of the TUG subtasks: Sit-Stand, Gait, Turning, and Stand-Sit. Participants were assessed in an off medication state at: 1) baseline, prior to any exercise intervention, and 2) after completion of exercise treatment. At baseline, the VE group completed the TUG in 9.41 s, while the FE group completed the TUG significantly faster in 8.0 s. Following the exercise intervention, the VE group decreased TUG time to 8.9 s (p < .01). Both exercise groups demonstrated significant improvements in Turning Velocity, time of Gait phase and Stand-Sit duration. Overall mobility in participants with PD was significantly improved after high intensity aerobic exercise training. Improvements in turning and gait speed, and in Stand-Sit times indicate exercise is effective in improving functional aspects of mobility that are often associated with falls and quality of life measures. These results support the use of high intensity aerobic exercise for improvements in functional lower extremity performance in a PD population.