Improvements In Aerobic Fitness Research Articles

Combined Exercise and Mindset Training During a Pediatric Cardiac Fitness and Rehabilitation Program Benefits Youth with a Range of Congenital Heart Disease.

Pediatric cardiac fitness and rehabilitation programs vary widely in structure and content. The Cardiac Fitness Program (CFP) is built on traditional training pillars of aerobic, strength, and flexibility, and adds a fourth, training a positive mindset. This study assesses whether the systematic and comprehensive framework of the CFP results in broad benefits for a range of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Data from participants between 01/2017 and 12/2022 were analyzed. Pre- and post-CFP cardiopulmonary exercise test parameters, strength and flexibility metrics, and mindset survey results were compared overall, and by sex, age, diagnosis, and hemodynamic level. Of 62 participants (median age 15.5years, range 8 to 23, 50% female), 3% had simple, 37% complex, 24% single ventricle CHD, and 35% arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, or transplant. Significant improvements were noted in aerobic fitness (mean 9 ± 15% increase in % predicted peak oxygen consumption, p < 0.001). Strength metrics significantly improved (each p < 0.001), as did flexibility (p < 0.001). Patient-reported positive mindset scores did not improve significantly (mean increase 1.8 ± 5.1, p = 0.10, n = 25), whereas parents reported significant improvements (5.9 ± 10.4, p = 0.02, n = 20). Improvements were not significantly different by sex, age, diagnosis, or hemodynamic level. Comprehensive training across four pillars of fitness yields significant improvements in aerobic fitness, strength, flexibility, and parent-reported mindset scores for pediatric CHD patients, regardless of patient characteristics, diagnosis type, or severity of hemodynamic limitation. Further study is warranted into optimal standardization of training and whether a comprehensive approach amplifies individual pillars to create more than the sum of its parts.

Feasibility of remotely supervised home-based high intensity interval training and effects on aerobic fitness and body composition in healthy older adults

Aging is associated with declines in aerobic fitness and increases in adiposity, both of which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in older adults. High intensity interval training is an effective strategy for cardiovascular disease risk reduction; however, this promising exercise regimen may be inaccessible to older adults due to weight-bearing limitations or inability to travel to a fitness center. To address these barriers, we have developed a remotely supervised, home-based exercise intervention using high intensity interval training on an all-extremity non-weight-bearing ergometer (HIIT-ANE). The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypotheses that remotely supervised home-based HIIT-ANE would be feasible and lead to improvements in aerobic fitness and body composition in healthy older adults. Twenty sedentary older adults free of major clinical disease (66±1 yrs, mean ± SE) participated in this study. HIIT-ANE was remotely delivered at home under supervision via video conferencing (Zoom) and live heart rate monitoring (Zephyr OmniSense, Medtronic). HIIT-ANE consisted of a 10-min warm-up, 4 × 4-min intervals at 90% HRmax interspersed by 3 × 3-min bouts of active recovery at 70% HRmax, and a 5-min cool down and was performed on 4 days/week. Feasibility was assessed throughout the 8 weeks of HIIT-ANE. Aerobic fitness (maximal oxygen consumption) and body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) were assessed at baseline and following an 8-week control period of normal lifestyle and an 8-week HIIT-ANE period. We found that exercise compliance to HIIT-ANE — the number of completed sessions relative to the number of scheduled sessions — was 96±1% and there were no adverse events related to the exercise intervention. Aerobic fitness increased in response to HIIT-ANE (baseline vs. post-HIIT-ANE: 23.7±1.2 vs. 27.0±1.1 ml/kg/min, P=0.001; pre- and post-HIIT-ANE: 22.5±1.2 vs. 27.0±1.1 ml/kg/min, P&lt;0.001), but decreased following the control period (23.7±1.2 vs. 22.5±1.2 ml/kg/min, P=0.04). Body fat % (36±2 vs. 35±2%, P=0.001) and fat mass (28.4±2.0 vs. 27.0±2.0 kg, P=0.003) decreased following HIIT-ANE, but fat free mass did not significantly change ( P=0.05 for time effect; 48.5±1.7 vs. 49.3±1.7 kg). Body weight and body mass index did not change throughout the study duration ( P≥0.8 for time effect). In conclusion, remotely supervised home-based HIIT-ANE was feasible and safe and was associated with improved aerobic fitness and body composition in healthy older adults. This work was supported by the National Institute of Aging grant AG063143. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Combining Heat and Altitude Training to Enhance Temperate, Sea-Level Performance.

Repeated exposure to heat (ie,plasma volume expansion) or altitude (ie,increase in total hemoglobin mass), in conjunction with exercise, induces hematological adaptations that enhance endurance performance in each respective environment. Recently, combining heat and altitude training has become increasingly common for athletes preparing to compete in temperate, sea-level conditions. To review the physiological adaptations to training interventions combining thermal and hypoxic stimuli and summarize the implications for temperate, sea-level performance. Current Evidence: To date, research on combining heat and hypoxia has employed 2 main approaches: simultaneously combining the stressors during training or concurrently training in the heat and sleeping at altitude, sometimes with additional training in hypoxia. When environmental stimuli are combined in a training session, improvements in aerobic fitness and time-trial performance in temperate, sea-level conditions are generally similar in magnitude to those observed with heat, or altitude, training alone. Similarly, training in the heat and sleeping at altitude does not appear to provide any additional hematological or nonhematological benefits for temperate; sea-level performance relative to training in hot, hypoxic, or control conditions. Current research regarding combined heat and altitude interventions does not seem to indicate that it enhances temperate, sea-level performance to a greater extent than "traditional" (heat or hypoxia alone) training approaches. A major challenge in implementing combined-stressor approaches lies in the uncertainty surrounding the prescription of dosing regimens (ie,exercise and environmental stress). The potential benefits of conducting heat and altitude exposure sequentially (ie,one after the other) warrants further investigation.

The Effect of Pilates on Quality of Sleep, Aerobic Capacity and Anaerobic Power in Premenopausal Women.

Pilates is a holistic exercise focused on respiration, body control, and accuracy of movements, and it improves respiratory muscle strength, balance, quality of life, and overall physical performance. However, little is known about the effect of Pilates on sleep quality. The purpose of the present prospective observational study was to evaluate the effect of four months of Pilates training on the quality of sleep, aerobic capacity, and anaerobic power in premenopausal women. The sample consisted of 53 premenopausal women: one experimental group ( n = 40) and one control group ( n = 13). Participants in the experimental group received at least three one-hour sessions of Pilates exercise per week for 16 weeks. The two groups were similar at baseline. After 4 months of Pilates, the intervention group had significantly lower scores on the Athens Insomnia Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and autonomic arousal index compared to the baseline scores. The intervention group presented significant improvement in aerobic fitness, muscle strength, flexibility, balance, abdominal muscle endurance, as well as in the general health and social functioning subscales of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Pilates workouts appeared to improve sleep quality in premenopausal women, as well as the basic parameters of fitness and quality of life.

Effects of recreational small-sided games from different team sports on the improvement of aerobic fitness in youth sedentary populations: A systematic review

Aerobic fitness is a critical aspect of overall health and well-being, essential for maintaining a high quality of life. Unfortunately, sedentary behavior has been on the rise among young adults, and this has had a negative impact on their aerobic fitness levels. Therefore, it is crucial to identify enjoyable physical exercise training programs that can play a pivotal role in improving aerobic fitness. The objective of this study was to systematically review the experimental studies concerning the impact of small-sided games (SSGs) training programs, implemented across various team sports, on the enhancement of aerobic fitness in a youth sedentary population. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science on August 01, 2023. Our eligibility criteria focused on studies involving sedentary youth populations (aged <18 years) as the target population. These studies needed to incorporate interventions based on SSGs as the intervention of interest, comparing them to passive or control groups as the comparator. The primary outcomes of interest were related to maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), assessed either directly or indirectly, or the results of field-based cardiorespiratory tests. We specifically considered two- or multi-arm randomized controlled studies as the study design of interest. Out of the initial pool of 1980 studies, we reviewed 38 full-text articles, ultimately selecting and analyzing 13 studies for inclusion in our review. Among the studies included, a total of 1281 participants were enrolled in SSG-based interventions, while 744 participants acted as part of the control groups. Regarding the impact on VO2max, the six studies that investigated this outcome showed varying improvements, ranging from 2.2 % to 31.3 % when participants were exposed to SSGs. In terms of the outcome related to endurance performance in field-based tests, the eight studies that examined this aspect found that participants exposed to SSGs showed improvements ranging from 0.1 % to 79.8 %. In conclusion, this systematic review suggests that SSG-based interventions conducted among sedentary youth populations can play a positive role in improving their aerobic fitness. This improvement in aerobic fitness can have potential positive impacts on their overall health and quality of life.

Semi-supervised exercise training program more effective for individuals with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in randomized controlled trial

PurposeExercise like any medication requires the correct dose; to be effective the appropriate frequency, duration, and intensity are necessary. This study aimed to assess if a semi-supervised exercise training (ET) program would be more effective at improving aerobic fitness (VO2PEAK), exercise tolerance, and symptoms in individuals with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) compared to the standard of care (SOC).MethodsSubjects were randomized to either the ET or SOC groups (n 26 vs. 23; age 33 ± 11 vs. 37 ± 10 years; VO2PEAK 66 ± 15 vs. 62 ± 15% predicted, ET vs. SOC respectively, p > 0.05). Composite Autonomic Symptom Score (COMPASS 31), 10 min stand test, and cardiopulmonary exercise test were performed at baseline and following 12 weeks. The ET group received an exercise consultation and eight semi-supervised in-person or virtual exercise sessions.ResultsThe ET group demonstrated a greater improvement in VO2PEAK, higher or longer tolerance for baseline peak workload, and more often had a delayed symptom onset with exercise than the SOC group (ΔVO2PEAK 3.4 vs. − 0.2 mL/min/kg, p < 0.0001, ΔWorkload 19 ± 17 vs. 0 ± 10 W; Workload time 63 ± 29 vs. 22 ± 30 s; onset-delay 80% vs. 30%, p < 0.05). Individuals in the ET group reported a significant improvement in orthostatic intolerance domain score (p = 0.02), but there was not a significant difference in the improvement in total COMPASS score (− 11.38 vs. − 6.49, p = 0.09).ConclusionExercise training was more effective with greater improvements in aerobic fitness, orthostatic symptoms, and exercise tolerance for individuals with POTS when intensity and progression were personalized and delivered with minimal supervision compared to the SOC.

Impact of upper-body ergometer rowing exercise on aerobic fitness and cardiometabolic disease risk in individuals with spinal cord injury: A 6-month follow-up study

Objective We recently demonstrated that upper-body rowing exercise (UBROW) improved aerobic fitness in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), with no effect on traditional cardiometabolic risk factors. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the exercise-induced increase in aerobic fitness was maintained at 6-month (6M) follow-up. Design Six-month follow-up. Setting University/hospital. Participants Seventeen wheelchair-dependent participants with SCI. Interventions 12-week of exercise training (UBROW) or control (CON). Outcome Measures Aerobic fitness (POpeak and V̇O2peak), body composition, blood pressure, and blood biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk were assessed at 6M follow-up and compared to baseline (BL) and immediately post-intervention (12-week). Minutes of mild, moderate, and heavy intensity leisure time physical activity (LTPA) were assessed by self-report. Results Fourteen participants returned at 6M follow-up (CON, n = 6; UBROW, n = 8). In UBROW, POpeak (median (Q1-Q3)) increased from BL (70 W (37–84)) to 12-week (77 W (58–109), P = 0.01) and 6M follow-up (81 W (51–96), P = 0.01), with no difference between 12-week and 6M follow-up (P = 0.21). Similarly, V̇O2peak increased from BL (15.4 ml/kg/min (10.5–19.4)) to 12-week (16.6 ml/kg/min (12.8–21.3), P = 0.01) with no difference between 12-week and 6M follow-up (16.3 ml/kg/min (12.9–19.7), P = 0.74). No differences were found in CON for either POpeak (P = 0.22) or V̇O2peak (P = 0.27). There were no changes over time in traditional cardiometabolic risk factors or for minutes of different LTPA intensities. Conclusion We demonstrate that improvements in aerobic fitness are maintained for at least six months after completion of a 12-week exercise intervention, supporting the use of periodic exercise interventions to boost aerobic fitness level in individuals with SCI. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04390087..

Effects of Concurrent High-Intensity and Strength Training on Muscle Power and Aerobic Performance in Young Soccer Players during the Pre-Season.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate two different intervention programs applied during a 4-week pre-season period. Twenty-nine players participated in this study and were divided into two groups. One group (BallTrain, n = 12, age: 17.8 ± 0.4 years, body mass: 73.9 ± 7.6 kg, height: 178 ± 0.1 cm, body fat: 9.6 ± 5.3%) performed a higher percentage of aerobic training with ball and strength training using plyometrics and exercises with body weight. The other group (HIITTrain, n = 17, age: 17.8 ± 0.7 years, body mass: 73.3 ± 5.0 kg, height: 179 ± 0.1 cm, body fat: 8.0 ± 2.3%) trained with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) without the ball and performed resistance training with weights in the same session. Both groups trained for strength (two times/week) and performed aerobic-anaerobic fitness without the ball, passing games, and tactical and small-sided games. Lower limb power (CMJ) and aerobic fitness (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1-IR1) were evaluated before and after the four-week training program. Yo-Yo IR1 performance was improved in both groups, but the improvement was greater for the HIITTrain than BallTrain group (468 ± 180 vs. 183 ± 177 m, p = 0.07). CMJ showed a non-significant improvement in the BallTrain group (5.8 ± 8.8%, p = 0.16), but it decreased by 8.1 ± 9% (p = 0.001), in the HIITTrain group. In conclusion, we have shown that a short pre-season period of training results in improvements in aerobic fitness in both groups, with high-intensity interval training showing superior adaptations than training with the ball. However, CMJ performance was reduced in this group, possibly suggesting higher fatigue levels and overload, and/or showing the effects of concurrent HIITTrain and strength training in soccer.

Cardiac autonomic responses to high-intensity kettlebell training in untrained young women: A pilot study

Backgroundand purpose: The autonomic recovery after exercise provides information about the cardiovascular overload employed during the training session. The autonomic response over a training course is unclear in exercises performed at high intensities, such as kettlebell training. The study aimed to characterize the cardiac autonomic modulation after exercise in three distinct phases of a high-intensity kettlebell training program in young women. MethodsTen women (25.0 ± 2.9 years; 23.4 ± 3.0 kg/m2) were submitted to 10 weeks of training divided into three phases (three times a week). The autonomic response was measured in the pre-exercise and at 10, 20, and 30 min. of recovery and evaluated temporal and linear analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) indices. Resultsvigorous intensity was performed in the sessions (75–86% HRmax). There was a significant reduction of HRV measured during post-exercise recovery (p < 0.05). In the initial two phases, the parasympathetic activity did not rebound to pre-exercise values (p < 0.05), and sympathetic was increased significantly until the end of the recovery period (p < 0.05). The third phase demonstrated the resumption of almost all the HRV indices at pre-exercise values at 20 min of recovery (p > 0.05). ConclusionThe high-intensity kettlebell training program reduces HRV to 30 min of recovery (phases I and II). In the last phase (III), HRV components returned in 20 min. In addition, the program promoted improvement in aerobic fitness.

Habitual sedentary time and stationary time are inversely related to aerobic fitness

A one metabolic-equivalent-of-task increase in peak aerobic fitness (peak MET) is associated with a clinically relevant improvement in survival risk and all-cause mortality. The co-dependent impact of free-living physical behaviours on aerobic fitness are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of theoretically re-allocating time spent in physical behaviours on aerobic fitness. We hypothesized that substituting sedentary time with any physical activity (at any intensity) would be associated with a predicted improvement in aerobic fitness. Peak volume rate of oxygen uptake (V˙O2peak) was assessed via indirect calorimetry during a progressive, maximal cycle ergometer protocol in 103 adults (52 females; [38 ± 21] years; [25.0 ± 3.8] kg/m2; V˙O2peak: [35.4 ± 11.5] ml·kg−1·min−1). Habitual sedentary time, standing time, light- (LPA), moderate- (MPA), and vigorous-physical activity (VPA) were assessed 24-h/day via thigh-worn inclinometry for up to one week (average: [6.3 ± 0.9] days). Isotemporal substitution modelling examined the impact of replacing one physical behaviour with another. Sedentary time (β = −0.8, 95% CI: [-1.3, −0.2]) and standing time (β = −0.9, 95%CI: [−1.6, −0.2]) were negatively associated with V˙O2peak, whereas VPA was positively associated with relative V˙O2peak (β = 9.2, 95%CI: [0.9, 17.6]). Substituting 30-min/day of VPA with any other behaviour was associated with a 2.4–3.4 higher peak MET. Higher standing time was associated with a lower aerobic fitness. As little as 10-min/day of VPA predicted a clinically relevant 0.8–1.1 peak MET increase. Theoretically, replacing any time with relatively small amounts of VPA is associated with improvements in aerobic fitness.

3.24 Exergaming Using Obie® and its Effect in Improving Executive Function Deficits in Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Comorbid ADHD: An Exploratory Study

We conducted an exploratory study aimed to investigate if repeated exercise sessions (12 sessions; twice a week for 6 weeks) using the OBIE® Interactive Exergaming Platform would improve executive functions and aerobic fitness (VO2max) in children and adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and comorbid ADHD. Through this novel, innovative “gamified” exercise, it was hypothesized that the participants would demonstrate improvements in aerobic fitness and executive functions.

Effects of Different Types of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Endurance and Strength Parameters in Children and Adolescents.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) promises high training effects on aerobic fitness in children, adolescents and adults in a relatively short time. It is therefore well-established in professional training settings. HIIT methods could also be suited to Physical Education (P.E.) lessons and contribute to students’ health and fitness. Since HIIT sessions need little time and equipment, they can be efficiently implemented in P.E. However, there are few studies which have examined non-running-based HIIT programs in the school sport setting. We therefore conducted an intervention study including 121 students aged 11–15 attending a secondary school in Baden Württemberg, Germany. The effects of three different forms of HIIT training varying in duration and content (4 × 4 HIIT, 12 × 1 HIIT, CIRCUIT) were analyzed. The training was conducted twice a week over 6 weeks (10–12 sessions). Strength and endurance performances were determined in pre- and posttests prior to and after the intervention. Results verified that all three HIIT programs led to significant improvements in aerobic fitness (p < 0.001; part ŋ2 = 0.549) with no significant interaction between time x group. In contrast to the running-based HIIT sessions, CIRCUIT training also led to significant improvements in all of the measured strength parameters. Retrospectively, students were asked to assess their perception of the training intervention. The HIIT sessions were well-suited to students who considered themselves as “athletic”. Less athletic students found it difficult to reach the necessary intensity levels. The evaluation showed that endurance training conducted in P.E. lessons needs a variety of different contents in order to sufficiently motivate students. Students perceiving themselves as “unathletic” may need additional support to reach the required intensities of HIIT. Circuit training sessions using whole-body drills can be efficiently implemented in the P.E. setting and contribute to students’ health and fitness.

Constant-Load Exercise Versus High-Intensity Interval Training on Aerobic Fitness in Moderate-to-Severe Asthma: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on dyspnea and aerobic fitness in adults with asthma are poorly understood. To compare constant-load exercise (CLE) versus HIIT for improvements in dyspnea symptoms and clinical control in adults with moderate-to-severe asthma. Participants were randomized into 2 groups: CLE (n= 27; started with 70% of maximal watts [Wmax] obtained during cardiopulmonary exercise testing [CPET]) and HIIT (n= 28; started with 80% and increased until 140% Wmax). Exercise training lasted 12 weeks (twice/week, 40 minutes/session on a cycle ergometer), and the intensity was based on CPET. Clinical asthma control (Asthma Control Questionnaire), aerobic fitness (the peak of oxygen uptake), health-related quality of life (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire), physical activity levels (PAL; accelerometer), symptoms of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire), and dyspnea were evaluated before and after the intervention. Systemic and airway inflammation were also assessed. Two-way analysis of variance and χ2 tests were used for comparisons. Sixteen participants dropped out during the interventions and returned for the final evaluations. The CLE and HIIT groups showed similar improvements in aerobic fitness. The HIIT group had lower dyspnea and fatigue perception scores and higher PAL than the CLE group (P < .05) and clinical improvements in the psychosocial distress. In addition, only the HIIT group achieved a minimal clinically important difference in asthma symptoms. There was no change in the systemic and airway inflammation (P > .05). Both interventions promoted similar improvements in aerobic fitness; however, HIIT induced a greater reduction in dyspnea and fatigue perception. Similar responses were observed for other variables.

The Impact of Aerobic Exercise on Mood Symptoms in Trauma-Exposed Young Adults: A Pilot Study.

IntroductionPhysical activity has beneficial effects on mood in both healthy and clinical populations. Emerging literature suggests that physical activity may benefit psychological symptoms, such as depressive mood, in those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is estimated that 76% of Canadians have experienced a traumatic event during their lifetime (Van Ameringen et al., 2008). Thus, there is a large proportion of the population that does not meet criteria for PTSD but may still suffer from trauma-related symptoms such as depression and require support for their mental health. The current pilot study aimed to evaluate the impact of an aerobic exercise intervention on mood symptoms in trauma-exposed young adults.MethodsTwenty-five low active young adults with subclinical trauma symptoms but no current or past diagnosis of PTSD were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned to participate in an 8-week exercise intervention group or a waitlist control group. Mood symptoms were assessed before and after the intervention. In addition, measures of aerobic fitness, trauma symptoms, emotion regulation, and trait mindfulness were assessed at both time points.ResultsThe exercise intervention was effective at inducing the expected improvements in aerobic fitness. Overall, the exercise group had a significantly greater decrease in mood symptoms across the intervention compared to the waitlist control group.ConclusionThe current pilot study is the first to evaluate the impact of aerobic exercise on mood in trauma-exposed young adults. An 8-week intervention significantly reduced mood symptoms in exercisers relative to waitlist controls. Our results are consistent with previous research indicating that physical activity reduced depressive symptoms in those with PTSD (Rosenbaum et al., 2015b). Importantly, we extend these findings to individuals with subclinical or undiagnosed PTSD symptoms, where exercise may be an effective intervention to improve mood and manage or prevent further decline in mental health in those at risk of developing PTSD.

Association between aerobic fitness and the functional connectome in patients with schizophrenia

BackgroundSchizophrenia is accompanied by widespread alterations in static functional connectivity associated with symptom severity and cognitive deficits. Improvements in aerobic fitness have been demonstrated to ameliorate symptomatology and cognition in people with schizophrenia, but the intermediary role of macroscale connectivity patterns remains unknown.ObjectiveTherefore, we aim to explore the relation between aerobic fitness and the functional connectome in individuals with schizophrenia. Further, we investigate clinical and cognitive relevance of the identified fitness-connectivity links.MethodsPatients diagnosed with schizophrenia were included in this cross-sectional resting-state fMRI analysis. Multilevel Bayesian partial correlations between aerobic fitness and functional connections across the whole brain as well as between static functional connectivity patterns and clinical and cognitive outcome were performed. Preliminary causal inferences were enabled based on mediation analyses.ResultsStatic functional connectivity between the subcortical nuclei and the cerebellum as well as between temporal seeds mediated the attenuating relation between aerobic fitness and total symptom severity. Functional connections between cerebellar seeds affected the positive link between aerobic fitness and global cognition, while the functional interplay between central and limbic seeds drove the beneficial association between aerobic fitness and emotion recognition.ConclusionThe current study provides first insights into the interactions between aerobic fitness, the functional connectome and clinical and cognitive outcome in people with schizophrenia, but causal interpretations are preliminary. Further interventional aerobic exercise studies are needed to replicate the current findings and to enable conclusive causal inferences.Trial registrationThe study which the manuscript is based on is registered in the International Clinical Trials Database (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier [NCT number]: NCT03466112) and in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS-ID: DRKS00009804).

The Effect of Incorporating an Exergame Application in a Multidisciplinary Weight Management Program on Physical Activity and Fitness Indices in Children with Overweight and Obesity.

Children with overweight/obese (OW/OB) have low physical activity (PA) levels and excessive daily screen times. Although access to personal smartphones may complicate restricting sedentary screen time, these devices may be used to promote PA and improve fitness. Therefore, we aim to examine the impact of incorporating an exergame application (APP) into an existing weight management program on BMI, physical activity, fitness levels, and attitude toward PA among OW/OB children. Seventy-nine children (51% girls), median age 10 years, completed an established 5-month weight management program. The intervention included structured PA sessions (2/week), nutritional, and behavioral counseling. An exergame app was installed on the smartphones of the intervention group (APP, n = 32). BMI, physical fitness, PA level, and attitudes toward PA were assessed before and after the intervention. BMI decreased (p < 0.0001) in both groups by 0.67 kg/m2 (Q1, Q3: −1.36–0.12). There were improvements in more fitness components in the APP group than controls, with significantly greater improvements in aerobic fitness (p = 0.038), speed and agility (p = 0.01), and leg strength endurance (p = 0.05) compared to controls. PA levels increased similarly in both groups during the intervention period. The incorporation of an exergame application leads to more significant improvements in fitness components. These findings support the use of exergame apps to improve fitness in OW/OB children.

Deterioration of Lipid Metabolism Despite Fitness Improvements in Wildland Firefighters.

Determine serum lipid and general health/fitness alterations following a 5-month wildfire suppression season. We recruited 100 wildland firefighters (WLFFs) to a 5-month pre- to post-season observational study. Nude body mass, blood pressure (BP), grip strength, and steptest heart rate (HR) were recorded. Blood samples were collected for lipid panel analysis (total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins (HDL)-cholesterol, low density lipoproteins-cholesterol, very low density lipoproteinscholesterol, triglycerides, triglyceride:HDL-cholesterol ratio). Two-tailed dependent t tests determined statistical significance (P < 0.05). There were pre- to post-season changes in nude body mass (+2 ± 4%, P = 0.001), systolic BP (-2 ± 10%, P = 0.01), step-test HR (-5 ± 10%, P < 0.001), and all serum lipids (total cholesterol: +5 ± 14%, P = 0.02, HDL-cholesterol: = 1 ± 17%, P = 0.04, low density lipoproteins-cholesterol: +8 ± 22%, P = 0.02, very low density lipoproteins-cholesterol: +31 ± 49%, P < 0.001, triglycerides: +30 ± 49%, P < 0.001, triglyceride:HDL-cholesterol ratio: +37 ± 58%, P < 0.001). Pre- to post-season diastolic BP (P = 0.12) and grip strength (P = 0.60) remained stable. WLFFs demonstrate maladaptive serum lipids and body mass alterations despite subtle aerobic fitness improvements.

The Effects of a Science-Based Community Intervention on Health Outcomes in Minority Children: The Translational Health in Nutrition and Kinesiology Program.

This study evaluated the effects of a novel nutrition and movement science after-school program integrating laboratory experiences for minority children. Laboratory experiences demonstrated how the body moves, functions, and performs in response to exercise and healthy nutrition. A total of 76 children from 4 after-school programs that were primarily Latino and black were randomly assigned to either an experimental translational health in nutrition and kinesiology (THINK; n = 46) or standard curriculum that served as the control group (CON; n = 30). An analysis of covariance controlling for baseline values was used to compare differences between THINK and CON after the 4-month intervention. Following the program, THINK participants evidenced lower triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness (P < .01 and <.05, respectively). THINK students showed greater improvements in aerobic fitness, grip strength, and agility than CON (P < .01, <.01, and <.05, respectively). Participants in THINK also demonstrated higher scores on their nutrition habits/behaviors questionnaire (P < .01), nutrition science (P < .05), and exercise fitness tests (P < .001) than CON. An innovative curriculum featuring nutrition and kinesiology education interfaced with hands-on laboratory experiences and physical activities can improve physical outcomes and health-related behaviors in after-school programs serving minority children.

Influence of Aerobic Fitness on White Matter Integrity and Inhibitory Control in Early Adulthood: A 9-Week Exercise Intervention.

Previous cross-sectional studies have related aerobic fitness to inhibitory control and white matter (WM) microstructure in young adults, but there is no longitudinal study to confirm whether these relationships exist. We carried out a longitudinal study comparing aerobic fitness, inhibitory control, and WM integrity across time points, before versus after completing an exercise intervention in young adults (18–20 years old) relative to a control group. The exercise group (n = 35) participated in a 9-week exercise protocol, while the control group (n = 24) did not receive any regular exercise training. Behavioral data and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data were collected prior to and following the intervention. After the exercise intervention, aerobic fitness and inhibitory control performance were significantly improved for the exercise group, but not for the control group. Analyses of variance (ANOVA) of the DTI data demonstrated significantly increased fractional anisotropy (FA) in the right corticospinal tract and significantly decreased FA in the left superior fronto-occipital fasciculus in the exercise group after the intervention versus before. The enhanced aerobic fitness induced by exercise was associated with better inhibitory control performance in the incongruent condition and lower FA in the Left superior fronto-occipital fasciculus (SFOF). Regression analysis of a mediation model did not support Left SFOF FA as a mediator of the relationship between improvements in aerobic fitness and inhibitory control. The present data provide new evidence of the relationship between exercise-induced changes in aerobic fitness, WM integrity, and inhibitory control in early adulthood. Longer-duration intervention studies with larger study cohorts are needed to confirm and further explore the findings obtained in this study.

Moderate-intensity exercise versus high-intensity interval training to recover walking post-stroke: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundStroke results in neurologic impairments and aerobic deconditioning that contribute to limited walking capacity which is a major barrier post-stroke. Current exercise recommendations and stroke rehabilitation guidelines recommend moderate-intensity aerobic training post-stroke. Locomotor high-intensity interval training is a promising new strategy that has shown significantly greater improvements in aerobic fitness and motor performance than moderate-intensity aerobic training in other populations. However, the relative benefits and risks of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity aerobic training remain poorly understood following stroke. In this study, we hypothesize that locomotor high-intensity interval training will result in greater improvements in walking capacity than moderate-intensity aerobic training.MethodsUsing a single-blind, 3-site randomized controlled trial, 50 chronic (> 6 months) stroke survivors are randomly assigned to complete 36 locomotor training sessions of either high-intensity interval training or moderate-intensity aerobic training. Main eligibility criteria are age 40–80 years, single stroke for which the participant received treatment (experienced 6 months to 5 years prior to consent), walking speed ≤ 1.0 m/s, able to walk at least 3 min on the treadmill at ≥ 0.13 m/s (0.3 mph), stable cardiovascular condition (American Heart Association class B), and the ability to walk 10 m overground without continuous physical assistance. The primary outcome (walking capacity) and secondary outcomes (self-selected and fast gait speed, aerobic fitness, and fatigue) are assessed prior to initiating training and after 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks of training.DiscussionThis study will provide fundamental new knowledge to inform the selection of intensity and duration dosing parameters for gait recovery and optimization of aerobic training interventions in chronic stroke. Data needed to justify and design a subsequent definitive trial will also be obtained. Thus, the results of this study will inform future stroke rehabilitation guidelines on how to optimally improve walking capacity following stroke.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT03760016. Registered on November 30, 2018.