High-intensity Exercise Group Research Articles

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.

Effects of different intensity aerobic exercise on intestinal flora and gastrointestinal hormones in type 2 diabetic rats

To examine the impact and mechanisms of the aerobics exercise on gut flora and gastrointestinal hormones in type 2 diabetes rats. Methods Adult male SD rats aged 8 weeks were divided into 5 groups at random (n= 10): a peaceful comparison group (N), a diabetic comparison group (D), a diabetic low-intensity exercise group (LD), a diabetic middle-intensity exercise group (MD), and a diabetes highintensity exercise group. (HD). The rat groups LD, MD, and HD performed aerobic exercise five times per week for a total of 6 weeks and compared general condition, blood glucose, blood lipids, insulin, leptin, gastrin (GAS) and motilin ( MOT), gastrointestinal motility, and intestinal flora. Results The levels of insulin, leptin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, E. coli, LDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, insulin, and gastric residual rate were significantly different from group N. Conclusion: Type 2 diabetic rats have gut flora imbalance and gastrointestinal hormone changes. Aerobic exercise with different intensity can alleviate gastrointestinal hormone imbalance and intestinal flora imbalance in type 2 diabetes rats, and the impact of moderate intensity exercise is the strongest.

Aerobic exercise training engages the canonical wnt pathway to improve pulmonary function and inflammation in COPD

BackgroundWe studied whether the exercise improves cigarette smoke (CS) induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in mice through inhibition of inflammation mediated by Wnt/β-catenin-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ signaling.MethodsFirstly, we observed the effect of exercise on pulmonary inflammation, lung function, and Wnt/β-catenin-PPARγ. A total of 30 male C57BL/6J mice were divided into the control group (CG), smoke group (SG), low-intensity exercise group (LEG), moderate-intensity exercise group (MEG), and high-intensity exercise group (HEG). All the groups, except for CG, underwent whole-body progressive exposure to CS for 25 weeks. Then, we assessed the maximal exercise capacity of mice from the LEG, MEG, and HEG, and performed an 8-week treadmill exercise intervention. Then, we used LiCl (Wnt/β-catenin agonist) and XAV939 (Wnt/β-catenin antagonist) to investigate whether Wnt/β-catenin-PPARγ pathway played a role in the improvement of COPD via exercise. Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6 per group): CG, SG, LiCl group, LiCl and exercise group, XAV939 group, and XAV939 and exercise group. Mice except those in the CG were exposed to CS, and those in the exercise groups were subjected to moderate-intensity exercise training. All the mice were subjected to lung function test, lung histological assessment, and analysis of inflammatory markers in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, as well as detection of Wnt1, β-catenin and PPARγ proteins in the lung tissue.ResultsExercise of various intensities alleviated lung structural changes, pulmonary function and inflammation in COPD, with moderate-intensity exercise exhibiting significant and comprehensive effects on the alleviation of pulmonary inflammation and improvement of lung function. Low-, moderate-, and high-intensity exercise decreased β-catenin levels and increased those of PPARγ significantly, and only moderate-intensity exercise reduced the level of Wnt1 protein. Moderate-intensity exercise relieved the inflammation aggravated by Wnt agonist. Wnt antagonist combined with moderate-intensity exercise increased the levels of PPARγ, which may explain the highest improvement of pulmonary function observed in this group.ConclusionsExercise effectively decreases COPD pulmonary inflammation and improves pulmonary function. The beneficial role of exercise may be exerted through Wnt/β-catenin-PPARγ pathway.

Effects of Exercise Intensity Differences in Forest Therapy Programs on Immunoglobulin A and Dehydroepiandrosterone Levels in Older Adults

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise intensity and the duration of an exercise-based forest therapy program on physiological changes in older adults. The forest therapy program consisted of 20 sessions over 10 weeks. Forty-one older adults aged 65 years and older were divided into no treatment (daily activity group) and experimental (forest therapy) groups. The experimental group was further divided into the medium-intensity forest exercise group and the high-intensity forest exercise group to analyze physiological changes according to exercise intensity and duration. The physiological changes were analyzed by collecting saliva and measuring changes in the levels of immunoglobulin A and dehydroepiandrosterone, a hormone used to predict aging. Changes within the daily activity group and the forest therapy group after their respective exercises were analyzed using paired t-tests. Saliva testing was performed before and in weeks 5 and 10 of the program and analyzed using a repeated measures analysis of variance to assess the effects of the forest therapy on the medium-intensity forest exercise group and the high-intensity forest exercise group based on the duration of exercise. As a result of the study, a significant increase in immunoglobulin A was observed in the medium-intensity forest exercise group. The daily activity group and the high-intensity forest exercise group showed an increase, but there was very little change and no significance. Changes in dehydroepiandrosterone decreased in the daily activity group and significantly increased in the moderate-intensity forest exercise group at 5 and 10 weeks, showing that regular moderate-intensity forest exercise has an effect on dehydroepiandrosterone. The high-intensity forest exercise group improved over time, but no significant level of change was observed. This study shows that forest exercise has a beneficial effect on immunoglobulin A and dehydroepiandrosterone levels in older adults.

The meaningfulness of exploring one's own limits through interactions and enjoyment in outdoor high-intensity physiotherapy for people with multiple sclerosis: a qualitative study.

Physical activity (PA) is often reduced in people with MS (pwMS), even when disability is low. Understanding the perspectives of pwMS on interventions aiming to improve PA is important to inform the development of such services. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of pwMS participating in an outdoor, high-intensity and balance exercise group intervention. This qualitative study was nested within an RCT exploring a novel intervention integrating sensorimotor exercises with high-intensity intervals of running/walking. Individual, in-depth interviews with the intervention group (n = 15; 12 women, 3 men; age 38-66; EDSS score 0-3.5) were conducted postintervention (mean days = 14), analyzed using a phenomenological-inspired approach with systematic text condensation, and interpreted based on enactive theory. Four categories were generated: (1) Exploration of one's own physical abilities: Challenging one's own limits was perceived by all participants to improve movement performance and/or intensity level. Such bodily changes engendered strong positive feelings. Some negative consequences of high-intensity training were described, increasing a feeling of loss. (2) New insights and beliefs: Participants experienced enhanced beliefs in their own capabilities, which they integrated in activities outside the intervention. (3) An engaging environment: The group setting was perceived as supportive, and the outdoor environment was perceived as stimulating activity. (4) Professional leadership, tailoring and co-creation of enjoyment: Physiotherapist-led, individualized interactions were regarded as necessary to safely revisit prior activities, such as running. Co-creating enjoyment facilitated high-intensity training and intervention adherence. High-intensity training combined with detailed exercises in a physiotherapy outdoor group was perceived to create meaningful bodily changes and enhance PA and prospects for both PA and life. Importantly, however, some negative experiences were also reported from the high-intensity training. Enactive theory allowed for the illumination of new perspectives: the importance of embodiment for self-efficacy and of tailored physiotherapy and an outdoor-group environment for exploring one's own limits to physical capabilities. These aspects should inform future exercise interventions in pwMS with low disability.

The impact of exercise on blood-based biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in cognitively unimpaired older adults.

Physical activity is a promising preventative strategy for Alzheimer's disease: it is associated with lower dementia risk, better cognition, greater brain volume and lower brain beta-amyloid. Blood-based biomarkers have emerged as a low-cost, non-invasive strategy for detecting preclinical Alzheimer's disease, however, there is limited literature examining the effect of exercise (a structured form of physical activity) on blood-based biomarkers. The current study investigated the influence of a 6-month exercise intervention on levels of plasma beta-amyloid (Aβ42, Aβ40, Aβ42/40), phosphorylated tau (p-tau181), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament light (NfL) chain in cognitively unimpaired older adults, and as a secondary aim, whether blood-based biomarkers related to cognition. Ninety-nine community-dwelling older adults (69.1 ± 5.2) were allocated to an inactive control, or to moderate or high intensity exercise groups where they cycled twice weekly for six months. At baseline and six months (post-intervention), fasted blood was collected and analysed using single molecule array (SIMOA) assays, and cognition was assessed. Results demonstrated no change in levels of any plasma biomarker from pre- to post-intervention. At baseline, higher NfL was associated with poorer cognition (β = -0.33, SE = 0.13, adjusted p = .042). Exploratory analyses indicated higher cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with higher NfL and GFAP levels in apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 non-carriers compared to ε4 carriers (NfL, β = -0.43, SE = 0.19, p = .029; GFAP, β = -0.41, SE = 0.20, p = .044), though this association was mediated by body mass index (BMI). These results highlight the importance of considering BMI in analysis of blood-based biomarkers, especially when investigating differences between APOE ε4 carriers and non-carriers. Our results also indicate that longer follow-up periods may be required to observe exercise-induced change in blood-based biomarkers.

Analysis of Effect of Intensity of Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive and Motor Functions and Neurotrophic Factor Expression Patterns in an Alzheimer's Disease Rat Model.

The effect of aerobic exercise at different intensities on Alzheimer's disease (AD) still remains unclear. We investigated the effect of aerobic exercise at different intensities on cognitive and motor functions and neurotrophic factor expression. Thirty-two AD-induced rats were randomly assigned to control (CG), low-intensity (Group I), medium-intensity (Group II), and high-intensity (Group III) exercise groups. Each group, except for the CG, performed aerobic exercise for 20 min a day five times a week. After performing aerobic exercise for 4 weeks, their cognitive and motor functions and neurotrophic factor expression patterns were analyzed and compared between the groups. All variables of cognitive and motor functions and neurotrophic factor expression were significantly improved in Groups I, II, and III compared to those in the CG (p < 0.05). Among the neurotrophic factors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression was significantly improved in Group III compared to that in Groups I and II (p < 0.05). In the intra-group comparison of cognitive and motor functions, no significant difference was observed in CG, but the aerobic exercise groups showed improvements. Only Group III showed a significant improvement in the time it took to find eight food items accurately (p < 0.05). Aerobic exercise improved the cognitive and motor functions and neurotrophic factor expression patterns in the AD-induced rat model, with high-intensity aerobic exercise having greater effects on cognitive function and BDNF expression.

Feasibility and effect of high-intensity training on the progression of motor symptoms in adult individuals with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To determine the feasibility and effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in individuals with Parkinson's and their effect on symptom modification and progression. We conducted this systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA). All studies were searched in seven databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, Virtual Health Library (VHL) and SCOPUS in September 2020 and updated in June 2023. The risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration tool and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. We used standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and random effects models, as well as the non-parametric Cochran's Q test and I2 inconsistency test to assess heterogeneity. A total of 15 randomized clinical trials with 654 participants (mean age, 65.4 years). The majority of studies included high intensity training interventions versus moderate intensity, usual care, or control group. The meta-analysis comparing high-intensity exercise versus control group showed an improvement in the disease severity (MD = -4.80 [95%CI, -6.38; -3.21 high evidence certainty); maximum oxygen consumption (MD = 1.81 [95%CI, 0.36; 3.27] very low evidence certainty) and quality of life (MD = -0.54 [95%CI, -0.94; -0.13] moderate evidence certainty). The results showed that high-intensity exercise compared with moderate intensity exercise group showed a improve motor function and functional mobility measured by the TUG test (MD = -0.38 [95%CI, -0.91; 0.16] moderate evidence certainty) with moderate heterogeneity between studies. High-intensity exercise performed in both continuous and interval modes when compared with control groups may provide motor function benefits for individuals with Parkinson's disease. HIIT may be feasible, but the intensity of the exercise may influence individuals with Parkinson's disease. However, there was a lack of evidence comparing high intensity and moderate intensity for this population, as the results showed heterogeneity.

Effect of different intensities aerobic exercise to cardiac angiogenesis regulation on Wistar rats

The adaptation response of myocardium angiogenesis stimulated by specific exercise intensities remains unclear. The aims of this study is to explore the effect of different intensities aerobic exercise to cardiac angiogenesis regulation via HIF-1α, PGC-1α, VEGF, and CD34+ in Wistar rats. Wistar rats were divided into control and exercise groups. Exercise groups were trained on a treadmill for 12 weeks, 30 min/day for 5 days with low, moderate, and high-intensity groups. The rats were sacrificed, and the myocardium was collected and preserved at -80°C until used. Cardiac protein samples were extracted and run for Western blotting using the specific antibodies: hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and Cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34+). Results showed that protein expression of HIF-1α, PGC-1α, VEGF, and CD34+ was increased significantly by different intensities in the exercise group compared to the control. A correlation statistics test showed that there was a strong correlation effect of HIF-1α on VEGF protein expression in low (p=0.047) and high intensity exercise groups (p=0.009), but no effect was found in the moderate groups. In addition, there was a significant strong effect of PGC-1α on VEGF protein expression in the moderate groups (p=0.037), but no effect was found in other groups. In conclusion, different exercise intensities induce a different modulation pattern of proteins which might be responsible for cardiac adaptation, especially angiogenesis.

Effects of Different Intensity Exercises On Bone Structure of Young Male Wistar Rats

Many adolescents have insufficient physical activity. Regular physical activity from young age can improve health and fitness. Getting regular exercise and eating healthy diet should be encouraged among kids and teenagers to prevent various diseases in adulthood and old age, such as osteoporosis and fractures. When exercising, a prescription is needed that is tailored to each individual abilities. The intensity of exercise will be different for each individual in accordance with their age, physiological function, genetics, economic status, and previous comorbid diseases. There is no standardised exercise prescription proven to increase bone mineral density in adolescents. Based on the above description, a study was conducted on the provision of different intensity exercise and its effect on bone morphology and density. In this study, male Wistar rats, aged 15–16 weeks (body weight ± 250-350 grams; n = 20), were split into 4 groups, namely control group, low intensity exercise group, moderate intensity exercise group, and high intensity exercise group. All groups were receiving intervention for 8 weeks. Then, the rats were sacrificed and the femoral bones were isolated. Femur weight and femur length was checked. Bone density was examined using X-Ray and calculated by statistical tests. Research was conducted in the Central Laboratory, Universitas Padjadjaran. There were significant differences of femur weight between high intensity exercise group and control and low intensity exercise groups (p 0.05). Moderate and high intensity exercises significantly increased femur length as opposed to control and low intensity exercise groups (p 0.05). Bone density was higher in moderate and high intensity exercise groups (p 0.05). Moderate to high intensity exercise can increase bone health, seen from significances of bone morphology analysis and a higher density compared to low intensity exercise.

Intensity-effects of strengthening exercise on thigh muscle volume, pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines, and immunocytes in the older adults: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis study investigated the intensity-effects of strength training on thigh muscle mass, cytokines, and immunocytes in the older adults. Materials and MethodsA total of 81 participated in this study. Participants were assigned randomly to four groups: control group (CON), low- (LSE), moderate- (MSE), and high-intensity strength exercise (HSE) groups. Three exercise groups worked out for 50 min/day, 3 days/week for 12 weeks. ResultsIn the thigh volume analyzed by computed tomography, the exercise groups showed a significant increase in the muscle mass, with a clear pattern of change observed in the groups who exercised with moderate to high intensity. The lowest levels of interleukin (IL)-6 in the MSE group (-20.94%) and tumor necrosis factor-α in the HSE group (-28.75%) were observed. Notably, IL-10 showed a significant increase (35.72%) only in the MSE group. In the CON group, natural killer (NK) cells showed a decrease, while in the exercise groups, their levels increased. The highest levels of NK cells were observed in the HSE group. Similar patterns of change were observed in CD4 T cells and CD19 B cells. CD3 and CD8 T cells exhibited significant increases in the MSE and HSE groups. Conclusions: This study presents evidence that engaging in moderate to high-intensity exercise may have a positive impact on cytokines and immunocytes by increasing muscle mass in older adults who may have sarcopenia. Simple SummaryEngaging in strength training exercises is considered crucial for maintaining the health of older individuals who are susceptible to sarcopenia. When resistance exercises are performed at a moderate to strenuous intensity, it is anticipated that positive changes can occur in cytokines and immunocytes. These changes can be observed through improvements in thigh muscle volumes as measured by computed tomography.

High–intensity exercise training induces the oxidative modification of malate dehydrogenase 2 in skeletal muscles

High–intensity exercise training abrogates the aerobic metabolic system in skeletal muscles. Mitochondria play a crucial role in aerobic metabolism and regulate energy supply for muscle contraction. Although the detailed mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction remains unknown, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in response to high–intensity exercise may be involved. Herein, we examined the oxidative modification of mitochondrial proteins in mouse muscle following high–intensity exercise training. Male ICR mice (10–week–old) were divided into sedentary and high–intensity exercise groups. Mice in the exercise group received treadmill training five times per week for two weeks. The levels of oxidative protein modifications and the factors related to mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics in the gastrocnemius muscle were measured. The levels of hexanoyl lysine adduct (HEL) and 4–hydroxy–2–nonenal (HNE) modified proteins tended to be higher in the muscle mitochondrial fraction, but not whole extractions, of the exercise group than in that of the sedentary group. Specifically, HEL and HNE modifications of malate dehydrogenase 2 (MDH2), a citric acid cycle–related enzyme, were particularly higher in the exercise group mice. Although mitochondrial biogenesis factors were upregulated by exercise, higher phosphorylation of dynamin–related protein 1 (Ser637) was observed in the exercise group. These results suggest that oxidative modification of MDH2 impairs the metabolic system following high–intensity exercise training, which may be associated with attenuated adaptation.

Neuroprotective Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training through Neuroplastic Changes in a Restraint Stress-Induced Depression Model

This study aimed to analyze the neuroprotective effects of various exercise intensities in a mouse model of depressive behavior disorders. Seven-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were divided into a control group, depressive disorder group (RST), moderate-intensity sustained exercise group (RST_MICT), high-intensity sustained exercise group (RST_HICT), and high-intensity interval exercise group (RST_HIIT). The animal model was established by applying restraint stress (RST) at 2 h/day for 14 days. Behavioral function was better in all exercise groups, especially in the RST_HIIT group, than in the RST group. Factors related to brain-derived neurotrophic factor showed higher levels in the exercise groups than in the RST group. The levels of 4-hydroxynonenal, an oxidative stress index, were significantly lower in the exercise groups than in the RST group. Malondialdehyde levels were lower in the exercise groups than in the RST group, but the difference was not significant. The analysis of serotonin and corticosterone, indicators of depression, revealed positive results in the exercise groups. The neuroplasticity-related variables c-fos and glial fibrillary acidic protein were more positive in the RST_HIIT group than in the RST group. Thus, HIIT improved neuroplasticity, oxidative stress, and neurotrophic factors in the depressive disorder model, indicating its potential for preventing and treating depression.

High-intensity exercise prescription guided by heart rate variability in breast cancer patients: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundBreast cancer is a chronic disease with a large growth in its treatments, prognosis, improvements, side effects and rehabilitation therapies research. These advances have also highlighted the need to use physical exercise as a countermeasure to reduce the cardiotoxicity of pharmacological treatments, increase patients' strength and quality of life and improve body composition, physical condition and mental health. However, new investigations show the need for a closed exercise individualisation to produce higher physiological, physical and psychological benefits in remote exercise programs. To this end, the present study will use, in a novel way in this population, heart rate variability (HRV) as a measure for prescribing high-intensity training. Thus, the primary objective of this randomised clinical trial is to analyse the effects of a high-intensity exercise program daily guided by HRV, a preplanned moderate to high-intensity exercise intervention and a usual care group, in breast cancer patients after chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.MethodsFor this purpose, a 16-week intervention will be carried out with 90 breast cancer patients distributed in 3 groups (a control group, a moderate to high-intensity preplanned exercise group and a high-intensity exercise group guided by HRV). Both physical exercise interventions will be developed remotely and supervised including strength and cardiovascular exercises. Physiological variables, such as cardiotoxicity, biomarkers, lipid profile, glucose, heart rate and blood pressure; physical measures like cardiorespiratory capacity, strength, flexibility, agility, balance and body composition; and psychosocial variables, as health-related quality of life, fatigue, functionality, self-esteem, movement fear, physical exercise level, anxiety and depression will be measure before, after the intervention and 3 and 6 months follow up.DiscussionPersonalized high-intensity exercise could be a promising exercise intervention in contrast to moderate-intensity or usual care in breast cancer patients to reach higher clinical, physical and mental effects. In addition, the novelty of controlling HRV measures daily may reflect exercise effects and patients' adaptation in the preplanned exercise group and a new opportunity to adjust intensity. Moreover, findings may support the effectiveness and security of physical exercise remotely supervised, although with high-intensity exercise, to reach cardiotoxicity improvements and increase physical and psychosocial variables after breast cancer treatments.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov nº NCT05040867 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT05040867).

Cartilage tissue turnover increases with high- compared to low-intensity resistance training in patients with knee OA

ObjectivesTo investigate cartilage tissue turnover in response to a supervised 12-week exercise-related joint loading training program followed by a 6-month period of unsupervised training in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). To study the difference in cartilage tissue turnover between high- and low-resistance training.MethodPatients with knee OA were randomized into either high-intensity or low-intensity resistance supervised training (two sessions per week) for 3 months and unsupervised training for 6 months. Blood samples were collected before and after the supervised training period and after the follow-up period. Biomarkers huARGS, C2M, and PRO-C2, quantifying cartilage tissue turnover, were measured by ELISA. Changes in biomarker levels over time within and between groups were analyzed using linear mixed models with baseline values as covariates.ResultshuARGS and C2M levels increased after training and at follow-up in both low- and high-intensity exercise groups. No changes were found in PRO-C2. The huARGS level in the high-intensity resistance training group increased significantly compared to the low-intensity resistance training group after resistance training (p = 0.029) and at follow-up (p = 0.003).ConclusionCartilage tissue turnover and cartilage degradation appear to increase in response to a 3-month exercise-related joint loading training program and at 6-month follow-up, with no evident difference in type II collagen formation. Aggrecan remodeling increased more with high-intensity resistance training than with low-intensity exercise.These exploratory biomarker results, indicating more cartilage degeneration in the high-intensity group, in combination with no clinical outcome differences of the VIDEX study, may argue against high-intensity training.

Effects of Different Intensities of Treadmill Exercise on Neuroinflammation and Neurotrophic Factors in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Obesity can impair brain health and regular exercise can effectively improve brain function. However, verification of the subclinical effects of exercise in different exercise intensities is limited. This study aimed to verify the effect of different intensities of treadmill exercise on hippocampal neuroinflammatory markers and neurotrophic factors in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Forty C57/black male mice received a 4-week standard diet (control, CON; n = 10) or high-fat diet (HFD; n = 30) to induce obesity. Thereafter, the HFD group was subdivided equally into the HFD + sedentary (HFDS), HFD + moderate-intensity exercise (HFDME), and HFD + high-intensity exercise (HFDHE) groups (n = 10 each). Treadmill exercises of different intensities were conducted for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks of intervention, hippocampal interferon-gamma (IFN)-γ levels were significantly lower in the CON group than in the HFDS and HFDME groups (p 0.05), and the HFDHE group showed significantly lower IFN-γ levels than the HFDS group (p 0.05). In addition, hippocampal nerve growth factor levels were significantly higher in the HFDME and HFDHE groups than in the CON and HFDS groups (p 0.05). Collectively, these results suggest that obesity can induce neuroinflammation, and regular exercise can alleviate neuroinflammation and induce an increase in the expression of neurotrophic factors regardless of exercise intensity.

Efficacy of Different Modalities and Frequencies of Physical Exercise on Glucose Control in People with Prediabetes (GLYCEX Randomised Trial).

To assess the efficacy of different modalities and frequencies of physical exercise on glycaemic control in adults with prediabetes. A two-phase, parallel, randomised, controlled clinical trial will be carried out, in 210 participants. In phase 1, 120 participants will be randomized into four arms: (1) aerobic exercise, (2) aerobic exercise combined with resistance, (3) high-intensity intervallic exercise and (4) control group. In phase 2, 90 new participants will be randomized into three arms, using the exercise modality that showed the best glycaemic control in phase 1 in the following manner: (1) frequency of 5 days/week, (2) frequency of 3 days/week and (3) frequency of 2 days/week. The control group (n = 30) will be included in phase 1 to evaluate the effect of any type of intervention versus no intervention. Data collection will be performed at baseline and after 15 weeks of follow up. Sociodemographic data, medication, comorbidity, blood biochemical parameters, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, body composition, physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, quality of life and sleep questionnaires will be collected. Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep will be further determined with an accelerometer, and continuous glycaemia will be determined with a glycaemic monitor, both during seven days, at two time points. The main dependent variable will be the reduction in the mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions. The impact of these interventions on health will also be evaluated through gene expression analysis in peripheral blood cells. The results of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind the glucose response to physical exercise in a population with prediabetes as well as improve physical exercise prescriptions for diabetes prevention. Increasing glycaemic control in people with prediabetes through physical exercise offers an opportunity to prevent diabetes and reduce associated comorbidities and health costs.

Physical exercise training as preceding treatment to cognitive behavioral therapy in mild to moderate major depressive disorder: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMany patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) remain untreated or do not respond to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Physical exercise shows antidepressive effects and may serve as an effective augmentation treatment. However, research on combining exercise with CBT is sparse in MDD and underlying mechanisms of exercise are not well understood to date. Methods120 outpatients with MDD were randomized to either a high intensity exercise group (HEX), a low intensity exercise group (LEX), or a waiting list control group (WL). After 12 weeks of exercise training or waiting period, all patients received a manualized CBT. ResultsSeventy-five patients with MDD completed both the exercise program/ waiting period and the CBT. While physical fitness improved in HEX after the exercise program, it did not change in LEX and WL. Depressive symptoms improved in all three groups from baseline to post-CBT and the group by time interaction was not significant. Regression analyses revealed that the amount of fitness improvement during exercise predicted the subsequent CBT response. LimitationsThe dropout rate was relatively high, preparatory CBT sessions during exercise / waiting period may have influenced depressive symptoms, and no patients with severe MDD were included. ConclusionsHigh intense physical exercise did not lead to a general enhancement of CBT outcome, but higher increases in physical fitness seem to improve symptom change during CBT. Our results suggest that the implementation of more individually tailored exercise programs could be a promising approach for future research and clinical practice.

The Effect of Exercise Intensity on Affective and Repetition Priming in Middle-Aged Adults.

Previous research has shown that physical exercise improves memory. In the present study, we investigated the possible effects of the intensity of physical exercise as a function of the affective valence of words on implicit memory. In the study, 79 young adult volunteers were randomly assigned to perform moderate- (50% VO2max) or high-intensity exercise (80% VO2max) on a stationary bike. Once the required exercise intensity was achieved, participants performed an affective and repetition priming task concurrently with the physical exercise. Both groups showed similar repetition priming. The moderate-intensity exercise group showed affective priming with positive words, while affective priming was not found in the high-intensity exercise group. Facilitation occurred in both groups when a negative target word was preceded by a positive prime word. Our results suggest that the positive effect of physical exercise on memory is modulated by the affective valence of the stimuli. It seems that moderate-intensity exercise is more beneficial for implicit memory than high-intensity exercise.

Effect of high- intensity exercise on biomechanical parameters of healthy human subjects common carotid artery using a new ultrasound image processing software- based automatic method

Background and Aims : Mechanical changes include thickening of arterial wall, alteration of arterial elasticity, contraction of smooth muscle, increase in sensitivity to pharmacological stimulation and increase in arterial viscoelasticity, i.e., arteriosclerosis. There is therefore interest in the application of non-invasive clinical tools to assess arterial biomechanical parameters. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of high- intensity exercise on biomechanical parameters of healthy human subjects’arteries.Methods: In this study we used a new computerized analysis method for measurement of instantaneous changes in far and near arterial walls in sequential ultrasound images. In this method, two algorithms, i.e., maximum gradient and dynamic programming, were composed and implemented. Approximately 70 sequential ultrasound images spanning three cardiac cycles were analyzed from each examination to detect instantaneous changes in the far and near walls and lumen maximum, minimum, and mean diameters.Results: from new ultrasound image processing software- based automatic method showed a significant reduction in the mean value for shear elastic modulus and a significant increase in the mean value for radial strain, compliance and distensibility index in the treatment (high intensity exercise) group compared with the other groups (P<0.05).Conclusions: Nitric Oxide (NO) is considered the most important endothelial-derived vasodilation factor. It is concluded that the administration of high- intensity exercise, can cause to enhance the endothelial NO synthase, resulting in an increase in the arterial diameter and an improvement in the arterial biomechanical parameters. Furthermore, we concluded that our new computerized automatic method is reliable to accurate and repeated evaluation of arterial biomechanical parameters. Background and Aims : Mechanical changes include thickening of arterial wall, alteration of arterial elasticity, contraction of smooth muscle, increase in sensitivity to pharmacological stimulation and increase in arterial viscoelasticity, i.e., arteriosclerosis. There is therefore interest in the application of non-invasive clinical tools to assess arterial biomechanical parameters. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of high- intensity exercise on biomechanical parameters of healthy human subjects’arteries. Methods: In this study we used a new computerized analysis method for measurement of instantaneous changes in far and near arterial walls in sequential ultrasound images. In this method, two algorithms, i.e., maximum gradient and dynamic programming, were composed and implemented. Approximately 70 sequential ultrasound images spanning three cardiac cycles were analyzed from each examination to detect instantaneous changes in the far and near walls and lumen maximum, minimum, and mean diameters. Results: from new ultrasound image processing software- based automatic method showed a significant reduction in the mean value for shear elastic modulus and a significant increase in the mean value for radial strain, compliance and distensibility index in the treatment (high intensity exercise) group compared with the other groups (P<0.05). Conclusions: Nitric Oxide (NO) is considered the most important endothelial-derived vasodilation factor. It is concluded that the administration of high- intensity exercise, can cause to enhance the endothelial NO synthase, resulting in an increase in the arterial diameter and an improvement in the arterial biomechanical parameters. Furthermore, we concluded that our new computerized automatic method is reliable to accurate and repeated evaluation of arterial biomechanical parameters.