High-intensity Exercise Research Articles

Role of high-intensity exercise interventions in the management of frailty: a short systematic review

ABSTRACT This study aimed to summarize the current evidence on the impact of high-intensity exercise training interventions on frailty and physical function in older adults. A systematic review of controlled trials involving frail and prefrail older adults was conducted, examining resistance, power, and aerobic training, as well as combinations of these methods using loads greater than 70% of maximum capacity or maximal intended movement velocity. The review included eight studies with 437 participants, averaging 78.2 yr old. Results showed that high-intensity exercise significantly improved frailty phenotype scores by 0.3 to 3.0 criteria and enhanced physical function metrics, including the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), usual gait speed, and the five-repetition sit-to-stand test. Concurrent supervised training programs involving power-oriented and aerobic exercises yielded the most substantial benefits, particularly in frailty and SPPB scores. In conclusion, high-intensity exercise, especially concurrent training, effectively improved frailty and physical function in older adults. These programs should be incorporated into routine care to reduce frailty and improve the quality of life in this population. Further research should focus on standardizing protocols and evaluating long-term benefits.

Cardiovascular Diseases, Vital Organ Fibrosis, and Chronic Inflammation Associated with High-Intensity and/or High-Volume Exercise Training: Double-Edged Sword Effects of Vigorous Physical Activity in Elderly People and/or in Middle-Age Cancer-Therapy-Treated Patients

Cardiotoxicity, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), hypertension, hepatotoxicity, and respiratory problems occurring several months to several years post-chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy are increasingly documented by scientists and clinicians. Anthracyclines, for example, were discovered in the late 1960s to be dose-dependently linked to induced cardiotoxicity, which frequently resulted in cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Most of those changes have also been associated with aging. While it is well known that exercise can slow down cellular aging processes, lessen the effects of chemotherapy, improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments, and prevent health problems in the general population, it remains unclear how exercise volume or intensity may affect the overall benefits of physical activity on health. For instance, higher rates of sudden cardiac arrest or coronary artery calcification have been found in marathon and ultra-marathon runners. Several additional pathological consequences have also been reported recently on many organs of those athletes. This review reports the most recent evidence suggesting that excessive intensity and/or volume may have deleterious effects on health. These findings are in clear contrast with the popular belief that all forms of physical activity can generally reduce the pathological changes associated with aging or cancer therapies. In conclusion, high-intensity training (HIT) and/or high-volume training (HVT) should not be recommended for middle-age and elderly people who have had cancer therapies or not in order to avoid an exacerbation of the consequences of aging or long-term cancer treatment effects on vital organ structures and functions.

Effect of fatigability on sprint time performance and force-velocity profile according to maturity status in young rugby players

Little is known about the influence of fatigue in repeated overground sprinting on force-velocity properties in children and adolescents, while this ability to repeat sprints is important for future progress in rugby union. Sprint time decline is commonly used to assess fatigability. However, it does not provide data on biomechanical aspects of sprint performance such as maximal power, force, and velocity production. As sprint time performance and force-velocity properties do not linearly change during adolescence, considering maturity status is important. This study aimed to assess the effect of fatigue on sprint time performance fatigability, force-velocity parameters, and mechanical effectiveness according to maturity status. A group of fifteen boys (12.5 ± 0.5 years) children and a group of seventeen boys (15.1 ± 0.6 years) adolescent rugby players completed seven blocks, consisting of a 30-meter sprint followed by five minutes of high-intensity exercise with one minute of passive recovery. The force-velocity parameters were calculated at each sprint, and performance decrement was assessed using a fatigue index. A main effect of block repetition was found for maximal power output, maximal force, maximal velocity, 30-meter sprint time, fatigue index and mechanical effectiveness parameters with large effect sizes (p <0.001; ηp2 = 0.19 to 0.47) and without a main effect of maturity status (p = 0.37 to 0.99; ηp2 = 0.00 to 0.05). This could be explained by the modalities (duration, intensity, recovery) of the protocol and the training level of the adolescent group. For both groups, the decrease in maximal power output was due more to a reduction in maximal velocity than force, and mechanical effectiveness was negatively impacted. Coaches could prioritize the training of horizontal force at high velocity under fatigue conditions, as this ability tends to be the most affected. They could also incorporate training on mechanical effectiveness as this is a determinant in team sports.

Effects of 6 months of endurance exercise on motor function, exercise capacity, and autonomic function based on presence of autonomic dysfunction in individuals with early Parkinson's disease

Background Endurance exercise improves aerobic capacity (VO2peak) and motor symptoms in people with early Parkinson's disease (PD). Some people with PD exhibit signs of chronotropic incompetence (CI), which may impact exercise-induced benefits. Objective We investigated whether CI in people with early PD influences the change in motor signs, VO2peak, and peak heart rate (HR) following 6 months of endurance exercise. Methods We performed secondary analyses of the Study in Parkinson's Disease of Exercise (SPARX), which randomized people with early PD into a high-intensity endurance exercise [80–85% of peak HR], moderate-intensity endurance exercise [60–65% of peak HR], or usual care group. MDS-UDPRS Part 3 score, VO2peak, and heart rate (HR) response to maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) were analyzed at baseline and following 6 months of exercise. Participants were divided into three groups: 1) normal chronotropic response at baseline, 2) CI at baseline, and 3) taking medications with a known negative chronotropic effect regardless of CI status. Results Data from 119 individuals (64.0 ± 9.0 years, 57.1% male, 0.3 years since diagnosis [median]) were analyzed. There were no differences among the groups in change in MDS-UPDRS motor score ( p = 0.953), VO2peak ( p = 0.965), or peak HR ( p = 0.388). People randomized into the high-intensity group improved VO2peak compared to usual care ( p < 0.001adj) regardless of CI status. Conclusions Baseline CI did not alter responses to endurance exercise in those with early PD, suggesting that the beneficial effects of endurance exercise on disease progression and VO2peak in people with early PD apply equally to people with CI.

Trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress symptoms: Associations with self-reported dietary and exercise changes.

Exposure to trauma and subsequent posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) increase the risk of poor physical health outcomes. Yet, the nuances of the paths from trauma to poor health are largely theoretical, and research regarding how trauma types relate to specific trauma-related changes to diet and exercise is needed. The present study examined the associations between noninterpersonal and interpersonal trauma and PTSS with several novel dietary and exercise changes (i.e., perceived trauma-related diet changes in intake of calories, comfort food, refined carbohydrates, and sugar as well as changes in exercise amount and intensity). Participants were 430 Midwestern University trauma-exposed students (Mage = 23.87, SD = 6.90, range = 18-63; 81.1% female; 56.9% White). Higher PTSS corresponded to increased perceived trauma-related changes in consumption of calories, comfort foods, carbohydrates, and sugar (Bs = 0.1-.02). Interpersonal trauma was not tied to dietary changes, and noninterpersonal traumas were linked to decreased sugar intake. For trauma-related exercise changes, higher PTSS was associated with both increased likelihood of lower intensity exercise (B = .02) and higher intensity exercise (B = .03), yet neither trauma types were related. Further, neither trauma exposure nor PTSS was associated with perceptions in trauma-related increases in exercise amount. PTSS, as opposed to types of trauma exposure, may be the primary driver of perceived trauma-related diet and exercise changes. The identification of trauma-related health modifications may help improve health outcomes of trauma survivors, and ongoing work should examine whether trauma-focused treatment reduces maladaptive changes to diet and exercise. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Exercise ECG Classification Based on Novel R-Peak Detection Using BILSTM-CNN and Multi-Feature Fusion Method

Excessive exercise is a primary cause of sports injuries and sudden death. Therefore, it is vital to develop an effective monitoring technology for exercise intensity. Based on the noninvasiveness and real-time nature of an electrocardiogram (ECG), exercise ECG classification based on ECG features could be used for detecting exercise intensity. However, current R-peak detection algorithms still have limitations, especially in high-intensity exercise scenarios and in the presence of noise interference. Additionally, the features utilized for exercise ECG classification are not comprehensive. To address these issues, the following tasks have been accomplished: (1) a hybrid time–frequency-domain model, BILSTM-CNN, is proposed for R-peak detection by utilizing BILSTM, multi-scale convolution, and an attention mechanism; (2) to enhance the robustness of the detector, a preprocessing data generator and a post-processing adaptive filter technique are proposed; (3) to improve the reliability of exercise intensity detection, the accurate heart rate variability (HRV) features derived from the proposed BILSTM-CNN and comprehensive features are constructed, which include various descriptive features (wavelets, local binary patterns (LBP), and higher-order statistics (HOS)) tested by the feasibility experiments and optimized deep learning features extracted from the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) of exercise ECG signals. The proposed system is evaluated by real ECG datasets, and it shows remarkable effectiveness in classifying five types of motion states, with an accuracy of 99.1%, a recall of 99.1%, and an F1 score of 99.1%.

Effect of Mediterranean Diet in Combination with Isokinetic Exercise Therapy on Body Composition and Cytokine Profile in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a combination of comorbidities that increase pro-inflammatory cytokines (PIC) production, with subsequent body composition (BC) abnormalities and high cardiovascular risk. Treatment with diet and exercise has been suggested as possible non-pharmacological adjuvant treatment. Objective: To determine changes in BC and PIC in patients with MS after a Mediterranean-type diet (MedDiet) and/or isokinetic exercise (IE). Methods: A controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted at a third-level hospital in Mexico City. Intervention groups: G1: MedDiet + IE; G2: IE; G3: MedDiet; G4: control. Anthropometry, BC, and PIC were collected from the baseline and at 12 weeks post-intervention. MedDiet was estimated from a 24-h recall record. IE consisted of a standard high-intensity anaerobic exercise program. Results: Forty-two patients with MS aged 18–65 years old were included. The most frequent comorbidities were obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. After 6 months of intervention, a significant reduction of resistin was observed within the IE group and MedDiet + IE, whereas the former group also showed an increase in adiponectin. Interventions of MedDiet and MedDiet + IE showed a decrease in IL-10. Regarding BC, all groups increased the resistance values in relation to the baseline but were lower than the control group. Conclusions: The results suggest that MedDiet and IE have a selective impact on pro-inflammatory mediators, while the combination of MedDiet and IE may induce only minor changes in BC.

Coronary atherosclerosis in athletes: emerging concepts and preventive strategies.

There should be no assumption that an athlete is immune to coronary artery disease (CAD), even when traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors appear well-managed. Excelling in certain aspects of health does not equate to total CV protection. Recent data from cardiac imaging studies have raised the possibility that long-term, high-volume, high-intensity endurance exercise is associated with coronary atherosclerosis. Whilst the risk of CV events has not been shown to rise with athletic activity, the potential for CAD should not be overlooked as it is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in athletes >35 years of age (i.e. 'Masters athletes'). Evaluating both traditional and non-traditional risk factors for CAD is the most important part of pre-participation evaluation in Masters athletes. When managing athletes at risk of CAD it is important to adopt a shared decision-making approach regarding lifestyle adaptation and lipid-lowering treatments. In the great majority of athletes, after excluding the presence of symptoms and inducible ischaemia, this advice should include encouragement to continue exercising as available data indicate that higher levels of fitness are associated with a markedly attenuated incidence of coronary events regardless of the severity of coronary disease. Future research is needed to establish the relationship between clinically relevant CAD outcomes and coronary artery calcification in Masters Athletes, the role of sex, as well as exploration of the mechanisms underpinning these unexpected CV adaptations.

A Comparison of Glucose and Additional Signals for Three Different Exercise Types in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Using a Hybrid Closed-Loop System.

Objective: To compare glycemic outcomes during and following moderate-intensity exercise (MIE), high-intensity interval exercise (HIE), and resistance exercise (RE) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using a hybrid closed-loop (HCL) insulin pump while measuring additional physiological signals associated with activity. Methods: Twenty-eight adolescents (average age 16.3 ± 2.1 years, 50% females, average duration of T1D 9.4 ± 4 years) using HCL (Medtronic MiniMed 670G) undertook 40 min of MIE, HIE, and RE. A temporary glucose target (8.3 mmol/L, 150 mg/dL) was set for 2 h prior and during exercise. Heart rate, accelerometer, venous glucose, lactate, ketones, and counter-regulatory hormones were measured for 280 min postexercise commencement. The primary outcome was glucose percentage time in range (TIR): 3.9-10 mmol/L (70-180 mg/dL) for 14 h from exercise onset. Results: Median (interquartile range) TIR for HIE was 88 (78, 96)%, MIE 79 (63, 88)%, and RE 86 (72, 95)% for 14 h from exercise onset. For MIE compared with HIE, TIR was lower (P = 0.012) and time above range (TAR) was greater (18 [2.4, 28] vs. 6.9 [0.0, 14]%, P = 0.041). Hypoglycemia occurred in 13 (46%), 11 (39%), and 14 (50%) of participants for HIE, MIE, and RE, respectively, the majority following the meal after exercise. There were higher levels of lactate (P = 0.001), growth hormone (P = 0.001), noradrenaline (P = 0.001), and heart rate (P = 0.01) during HIE and RE compared with MIE. Conclusions: HCL use in adolescents with T1D results in excellent TIR during different forms of exercise when a temporary target is set 2 h before. Extending the temporary target after exercise may also be needed to help minimize postexercise hypoglycemia.

Impact of Time-Restricted Eating and High-Intensity Exercise on Nutrient Intake in Women with Overweight/Obesity: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Impact of Time-Restricted Eating and High-Intensity Exercise on Nutrient Intake in Women with Overweight/Obesity: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Sex differences in exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia and pulmonary edema following high-intensity exercise in highly trained endurance athletes.

This study investigated sex differences in the development of pulmonary edema and exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia (EIAH) in well-trained endurance athletes during near-maximal exercise in a real-world setting. Twenty participants (10M vs. 10F; V̇O2peak: 69.3 (8.8) vs. 50.7 (4.1) ml∙kg-1∙min-1) underwent a maximal incremental treadmill test (visit 1) and a time trial on a steep trail (~2.5 km, ~800 m elevation gain) in North Vancouver (visit 2). Pulmonary edema was evaluated using handheld lung ultrasound ~10-15 min post-exercise and oxygen saturation (SpO2) was monitored using finger pulse oximetry. Males completed the time trial significantly faster than females (M: 31.5 (6.5) vs. F: 40.4 (7.5) min, p = 0.006), while females sustained a higher percentage of their visit 1 heart rate (M: 94 (1) vs. F: 96 (1) %max, p = 0.02). All participants developed EIAH, with no sex differences in end-exercise SpO2 (M: 89 (4) % vs. F: 90 (3) %, respectively, p = 0.35). There was no evidence of pulmonary edema, assessed through ultrasound b-line scores, with no differences between sexes (M: 0.3 (1.0) vs. F: 0.5 (1.5), respectively, p = 0.60). Pulmonary edema is an unlikely contributor to EIAH in endurance athletes performing near-maximal time trial exercise in a real-world setting.

Impact of high intensity and long duration exercise in genetic arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy

Impact of high intensity and long duration exercise in genetic arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy

Low-Intensity Resistance Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction Improves Balance in Elderly Women: A Comparative Study on the Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test

Introduction: Enhancing leg muscle strength in elderly could play a crucial role in reducing fall risk. A novel approach to enhance muscular strength involves the use of low-intensity resistance exercises in conjunction with blood flow restriction (BFR), as an alternative to high-intensity exercise. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of low-intensity strength exercise with BFR on lower quarter Y-balance test (LQ-YBT) performance, compare to moderate-intensity strength exercise in elderly female.Methods: The study employed a true experimental randomized design, assessing balance using the LQ-YBT in 26 elderly women over a six-week exercise period. Subjects were divided into two groups: one performing medium-intensity strengthening exercises (≥40-60% 1 RM (Repetition Maximum)) and another engaging in low-intensity strengthening exercises (20-30%1RM) with BFR. The BFR technique involved applying a cuff to the upper third of the thigh with a restrictive pressure of 50 mmHg or 40% Artery Occlusion Pressure, which was released during rest periods.Results: The moderate and BFR groups exhibited notable distinctions in all directions (anterior, posterolateral, posteromedial and composite) for both left and right legs (p<0.001). The disparity in LQ-YBT values between groups was notable in the right anterior (p=0.017), right posterolateral (p<0.001), right composite (p<0.001), left anterior (p=0.007), and left composite (p=0.050) directions.Conclusions: This study showed that low-intensity resistance exercise with BFR for six weeks may yield superior improvements in the LQ-YBT for elderly women compared to moderate-intensity strengthening exercises

IMPACT OF WALKING GROUP INTENSITY & TIMING ON EXERCISE ATTITUDES IN OLDER ADULTS: MIXED-EFFECTS ANALYSIS

Abstract How does physical activity intensity influence pre-frail and frail older adults’ attitudes toward physical activity? Casual-speed walking is enjoyable but more intense walking programs can stimulate greater physiologic adaptations and benefits. However, intensity might negatively impact motivation if it leads older adults to evaluate physical activity less favorably. These attitudes can be affective (involving emotional responses, such as enjoyment) or instrumental (involving perceived practical benefits, such as health improvements) and influence future physical activity through their effects on intentions. Whether high-intensity exercise alters the dynamics of attitude change is unclear. This study was a secondary analysis of the effects of 16-week casual-speed versus high-intensity walking intervention on attitudes toward walking in pre-frail and frail older adults. Participants (n = 156; M age = 79.9 years, SD = 7.0) were randomized into casual-speed or high-intensity walking groups and reported attitudes toward the intervention at four time points (baseline, 6, 12, and 16 weeks). Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) with a gamma distribution assessed attitude changes over time. Results showed instrumental attitudes initially declined (Estimate = -0.006, p <.001) but followed a quadratic pattern, stabilizing or slightly improving later (Estimate = 0.0002, p =.008). Affective attitudes remained stable, with no significant changes over time. Intensity did not affect the rate of change for either attitude type, suggesting similar changes regardless of intensity. We concluded that high intensity walking did not influence attitudinal changes toward walking, and concerns about adverse motivational impacts of high-intensity activity in older adults may be overstated.

The effect of curcumin after high-intensity exercise (HIE) on blood glucose levels

Background: After high-intensity exercise (HIE), which is widely used because it can build muscle mass more quickly, muscles use a lot of energy, leading to significant gluconeogenesis, and an increase in glucose production. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is well-known as an anti-inflammatory agent that can potentially to regulate blood glucose. This review aims to determine the impact of curcumin consumption after HIE on glucose levels. Method: This literature review use searching strategy for articles, journals, and books in research journal database. The database were taken from Pubmed and MDPI. The keyword were curcumin, HIE, and glucose. This literature review using 24 scientific articles as online data sources which were then further analyzed. Results and Discussion: Curcumin may help lower the rise in blood sugar after high-intensity exercise by blocking NF-κB, which lowers TNF-α levels. However, curcumin did not effectively manage short-term blood sugar changes in overweight or have prediabetes or metabolic syndrome populations. Conclusion: Curcumin potentially regulate blood glucose after HIE.

Acute Effect of High-Intensity Interval Exercise on Blood Pressure in Females Living with Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension.

Background: The acute effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on blood pressure (BP) may depend on the exercise protocol performed. Purpose: To compare the acute effect of high and low-volume HIIT on post-exercise and ambulatory BP in untrained older females diagnosed with both type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension (HTN). Methods: Fifteen females (69 [65 ─ 74] years) completed a crossover study with three experimental conditions: 1) REST (35 min in sitting position); 2) HIIT10 (10 × 1 min at 90% heart rate max [HRmax]), and 3) HIIT4 (4 × 4 min at 90% HRmax). After each experimental condition, BP was measured under controlled (4 hours) and in subsequent free-living conditions (20 hours). Results: In the controlled post-condition 4-hour period, no significant interaction (time × condition) was observed for all BP parameters (p ≥ 0.082). Similarly, during the subsequent 20-hour free-living ambulatory monitoring (diurnal and nocturnal), no differences between conditions were detected (p ≥ 0.094). A significant reduction in nighttime pulse pressure was observed in both HIIT4 and HIIT10 compared to REST (46 [44 ─ 50], 45 [42 ─ 53] vs. 50 [45 ─ 57] mmHg, respectively; p ≤ 0.018) with no differences between HIIT conditions (p = 0.316). Changes in nocturnal systolic BP approached but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.068). Conclusions: This study suggests that in untrained older females living with T2D and HTN, the HIIT10 and HIIT4 protocols have very limited to no acute effect on post-exercise and ambulatory BP. The fact that the vast majority of participants had well-controlled office and ambulatory BP values as well as low cardiorespiratory fitness could explain these findings.

Relationship between leisure-time physical activity and components of somatotype among university students

Background and Study Aim. Physical activity (PA) has become a critical component of social, economic, and health policy worldwide. Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) plays a particularly significant role in preventing lifestyle-related diseases. This study aimed to analyze students' LTPA and examine the relationship between LTPA levels and somatotype. Material and Methods. The study included 309 students, aged 20–24, from five Polish universities. Anthropometric measurements were taken, somatotypes were determined using the Heath-Carter method, and LTPA was assessed using the Minnesota Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (MLTPAQ). Results. Among the students studied, 22.3% had a BMI above the normal range—31% of males and 13.6% of females. Men reported higher levels of LTPA than women and engaged in more physical activity across all intensity levels. In both male and female groups, one in four students did not reach the recommended leisure-time physical activity level of 1000 kcal/week. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between endomorphy and high-intensity LTPA in both sexes. Additionally, one in four Polish students in the study did not achieve a level of leisure-time physical activity sufficient to meet health-protective energy expenditure guidelines. Conclusions. These findings underscore the essential role of high-intensity exercise in achieving beneficial levels of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). They also highlight the importance of considering individual somatotype characteristics when developing physical activity recommendations for university students. Promoting tailored, intensity-specific LTPA programs could enhance engagement and address diverse fitness needs, contributing to effective health interventions in young adult populations.

ОЦЕНКА ВЛИЯНИЯ ДЛИТЕЛЬНЫХ БЕГОВЫХ НАГРУЗОК НА ВЕРОЯТНОСТЬ ВОЗНИКНОВЕНИЯ КАРИЕСА ЗУБОВ

Recently, there has been a popularization of participation in marathons and ultramarathons: the number of amateur athletes engaged in running is increasing, and therefore the number of starts is increasing, both in the official sports segment and in the commercial sector. The development of aerobic capabilities at long and ultra-long distances requires significant physiological resources from the human body. Increased physical activity, as well as emotional stress associated with competition, are an integral part of competitions such as marathons and ultramarathons. High-intensity exercises associated with running long and ultra-long distances suppress temporary immunity, both local and general. The compensatory response to this stress is an immunosuppressive response, which has a certain reaction in all organs and systems, including the oral cavity. Poor dental health in athletes can negatively impact training, performance and well-being both in everyday life and during the training and competition phases. In this regard, dental diseases can have a negative impact on the performance of track and field athletes, as has been shown in regional studies in different countries. This study is devoted to the study of the effect of prolonged running loads on the change in the dental status of participants in marathons and ultramarathons.

Characteristics of interventions with exercise according to the adherence of adults with obesity: A systematic review.

The aim was to summarize the characteristics of exercise interventions based on the adherence of adults with obesity. Studies were identified through a systematic review of the literature conducted in databases in June 2022. The articles selected were from clinical trials involving adults with obesity. The total number of prescribed sessions and the mean or percentage of sessions attended by participants who completed the intervention were identified, along with details of the exercise prescription, including duration, attendance, and intensity control. A total of 21 studies were included in the synthesis. The adherence percentage ranged from 18% to 99% of the prescribed exercise sessions. Interventions that provided only guidance meetings for physical activities without supervising the training-allowing participants to choose the modality and loads-resulted in adherence to less than half of the prescribed sessions. The session duration and weekly attendance varied between 30-60 min and 2-3 times per week across the studies synthesized. These variables did not appear to significantly affect adherence percentages in this population. It was possible to conclude that supervised interventions, with combined training, which include moderate to high-intensity physical exercises and/or interval training and with some social support, resulted in greater adherence to sessions in adults with obesity.

Effects of weekend-focused exercise on obesity-related hormones and metabolic syndrome markers in male high school students.

To examine the changes in obesity-related hormones and metabolic syndrome markers in male high school students with obesity following a weekend-focused moderate- or high-intensity exercise program at the recommended weekly physical activity level, or a program of regular exercise 3 times a week at moderate intensity, over a 10-week period. Forty-eight male high school students who were obese with a body fat percentage of ≥25% were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a regular moderate-intensity exercise group (n=17) that freely selected and performed moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance training exercises, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, for a total of 150-300 min/wk; a weekend-focused moderate-intensity exercise group (n=15) that freely selected and performed aerobic and resistance training exercises every Saturday for 150-300 min; and a week-end-focused high-intensity exercise group (n=16) that freely selected and performed aerobic and resistance training exercises every Sunday for 75-150 min. Insulin and leptin levels significantly decreased in all the groups, with the greatest reduction in the regular exercise group. Abdominal circumference and triglyceride levels significantly decreased in all the groups. Fasting glucose decreased only in the regular exercise group. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly increased in both the regular and weekend-focused moderate-intensity exercise groups. No significant differences in adiponectin levels, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were observed between the groups. A weekend-focused exercise program has health effects similar to those of regular exercise, highlighting the importance of meeting the recommended weekly physical activity levels.