Inactive Men Research Articles

Dose-response effect of a recreational team handball-based exercise programme on cardiometabolic health and physical fitness in inactive middle-aged-to-elderly males − a randomised controlled trial

ABSTRACT This study aimed at examining the dose-response of a recreational team handball (TH) exercise-based programme on cardiometabolic health and physical fitness in inactive middle-aged-to-elderly males without TH experience. Fifty-four inactive middle-aged-to-elderly men (67.5 ± 4.2 years; stature 168.8 ± 6.2 cm; body mass 78.4 ± 10.7 kg; fat mass 27.1 ± 5.3%; BMI 27.4 ± 2.9 kg/m2; VO2peak 27.3 ± 4.8 mL/min/kg) were randomised into three intervention groups performing 1 (TH1, n = 13), 2 (TH2, n = 15), or 3 (TH3, n = 12) 60-min weekly recreational TH-based training sessions, for 16 weeks, and a control group (CG, n = 14). A time x group interaction was observed for VO2peak, aerobic performance, fasting plasma insulin and body and fat mass (p ≤ 0.043) with TH3 showing the greatest overall effects. Post-intervention differences were observed in aerobic performance (TH3>CG, TH1 and TH2; TH2>CG), body mass (TH3>CG and TH1), fat mass (TH3>CG), VO2peak (TH3>CG) and plasma insulin (TH3>CG) (p ≤ 0.040). In conclusion, recreational TH performed for 60-min thrice and twice per week results in improved aerobic performance for middle-aged-to-elderly men. Moreover, it was observed that three weekly sessions were more effective in providing overall cardiometabolic benefits compared to training with a lower weekly frequency. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05295511. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05295511. Highlights: We observed high intensities and fun levels during recreational TH, organised as formal and small-sided games, for middle-aged-to-elderly men during a 16-week period, independently of the number of weekly training sessions. Marked positive effects on aerobic performance and cardiometabolic health were observed in the intervention group that performed 3 weekly sessions. The study results indicate that recreational TH training with low frequency and volume results in some beneficial effects on cardiometabolic fitness and health for middle-aged-to-elderly men, but future studies with more participants or longer intervention periods are warranted to explore this possibility.

The Effects of a 1-Year Recreational Kung Fu Protocol on Bone Health Parameters in a Group of Healthy Inactive Young Men

The main aim of the current study was to explore the effects of a 1-year recreational Kung Fu protocol on bone health parameters (bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), femoral neck geometry and composite indices of femoral neck strength) in a group of healthy inactive young men. 54 young inactive men voluntarily participated in this study, but only 51 of them completed it. The participants were assigned to 2 different groups: control group (n=31) and Kung Fu group (n=20). The Kung Fu group performed two sessions of recreational Kung Fu per week; the duration of each session was 45 minutes. The current study has demonstrated that whole body (WB) BMC, ultra-distal (UD) radius BMD, 1/3 radius BMD, total radius BMD, total forearm BMD, maximal strength, maximum oxygen consumption and jumping performance increased in the Kung Fu group but not in the control group. The percentages of variations in WB BMC, forearm BMD and physical performance parameters were significantly different between the two groups. In conclusion, this study suggests that recreational Kung Fu is an effective method to improve WB BMC, forearm BMD and physical performance parameters in young inactive men.

Intensity-Dependent Influence of Interoceptive Accuracy on Psychophysiological Responses During Aerobic Exercise in Physically Inactive Men.

We aimed to investigate the influence of interoceptive accuracy on affective valence, arousal, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during 20minutes of aerobic exercise at both moderate and heavy intensity among physically inactive men. We divided our participant sample into men with poor heartbeat perception (PHP, n = 13) and good heartbeat perception (GHP, n = 15), based on their cardioceptive accuracy. We measured their heart rate reserve (%HRreserve), perceived affective valence (Feeling Scale; +5/-5), perceived arousal (Felt Arousal Scale, 0-6), and ratings of perceived effort (RPE; Borg scale 6-20) every fiveminutes during an exercise session on a bicycle ergometer. During moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, the GHP group presented a greater decline in affective valence (p = 0.010; d = 1.06) and a greater increase in RPE (p = 0.004; d = 1.20) compared to the PHP group, with no group differences in %HRreserve (p = 0.590) and arousal (p = 0.629). Psychophysiological and physiological responses to the heavy-intensity aerobic exercise were not different between groups. We concluded that the influence of interoceptive accuracy on psychophysiological responses during submaximal fixed-intensity aerobic exercise was intensity-dependent in these physically inactive men.

Excess adiposity contributes to higher ambulatory central blood pressure and arterial stiffness in physically inactive young adults.

It remains unknown if physical inactivity and excess adiposity increases 24-h central blood pressure and arterial stiffness in young adults. This study examined 24-h central blood pressure and indirect measures of arterial stiffness (e.g., central pulse pressure) in physically inactive young adults with and without excess adiposity. Body fat and ambulatory 24-h blood pressure were measured in 31 young adults (men: 22±4 years, N.=15; women: 22±5 years, N=16). Multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance measured body fat. Normal adiposity was defined as <20% body fat in men and <32% body fat in women, whereas excess adiposity was defined as ≥20% and ≥32% in men and women, respectively. Ambulatory 24-h central blood pressure was calculated based on brachial blood pressure and volumetric displacement waveforms. By design, the normal adiposity group had a lower body fat percentage (men: 15.5±4.6%; women: 20.8±2.5%) compared to the physically inactive excess adiposity group (men: 29.8±5.4%; women: 34.3±7.5%). Men and women with excess adiposity group had elevated central blood pressure (central systolic, P<0.05 vs. normal adiposity groups). Central pulse pressure was elevated in the excess adiposity group (men: 45±5 mmHg; women: 41±9 mmHg) compared to normal adiposity groups (men: 36±4 mmHg; women: 32±3 mmHg, P<0.05 for both), while other arterial stiffness (augmentation index and ambulatory arterial stiffness index) measures trended toward significance only in men with excess adiposity. Physically inactive men and women with excess adiposity have increased 24h central blood pressure and pulse pressure compared to physically inactive young adults with normal adiposity.

The Effects of a 1-Year Recreational Football Protocol on Bone Health Parameters in a Group of Healthy Inactive 50-Year-Old Men

The main aim of the current study was to explore the effects of a 1-year recreational football protocol on bone health parameters (bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), femoral neck geometry and composite indices of femoral neck strength) in a group of healthy inactive 50-year-old men. 51 middle-aged men voluntarily participated in this study, but only 41 of them completed it. Thus, the study population included 11 former football (FF) players and 30 inactive men. Inactive men were assigned to 3 different groups: controls (n=10), recreational football 30 (RF30; n=10) and recreational football 60 (RF60; n=10). The RF30 group performed two sessions of recreational football per week; the duration of each session was 30 minutes. The RF60 group performed two sessions of recreational football per week; the duration of each session was 60 minutes. The current study has demonstrated that whole body (WB) BMC, femoral neck BMD, cross-sectional moment of inertia, compression strength index, bending strength index and impact strength index increased in both experimental groups (RF30 and RF60) but not in the control group. The percentages of variations in bone health parameters were not significantly different between RF30 and RF60. In conclusion, this study suggests that recreational football is an effective method to improve bone health parameters in middle-aged men. In the studied population, most of the bone health benefits occurred after a low volume training protocol (2 * 30 minutes of recreational football per week).

The effect of a selected home-based exercise program by consuming coffee on blood lipid profile of inactive middle-aged men in COVID-19 pandemic condition

The effect of a selected home-based exercise program by consuming coffee on blood lipid profile of inactive middle-aged men in COVID-19 pandemic condition

Physically active men present a healthier cardiometabolic profile in response to a balanced meal compared to inactive men.

Post-meal cardiometabolic responses are critical for health, and may be influenced by physical activity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of habitual physical activity level on the metabolic, autonomic nervous system and cardiovascular responses to a balanced meal in healthy men. 12 active and 12 inactive healthy males, matched for age and body composition, attended the laboratory in fasting condition. Participants were asked to sit quietly and comfortably in an armchair for the whole duration of the experiment (~ 2h30). Metabolic, autonomic nervous system and cardiovascular measurements were performed in fasting conditions, and at regular intervals until one hour after the end of a balanced breakfast. No significant difference was observed between groups in glycaemia or energy expenditure throughout the experiment. Fat oxidation rate was significantly higher one-hour post-meal in active vs inactive men (Respiratory Quotient: 0.78 ± 0.04 vs 0.88 ± 0.03; p < 0.01). Heart rate was significantly lower in active compared to inactive individuals (p < 0.001) throughout the experiment and active participants displayed significantly enhanced vagal tone one-hour post-meal (square root of the sum of successive differences between adjacent normal R-R intervals squared: 72.4 ± 27.9 vs 46.4 ± 14.1ms; p < 0.05). In healthy men, habitual physical activity level seems discriminant to decipher specific profiles in terms of cardiometabolic responses to a meal. Overall, it may suggest pre-signal cardiometabolic impairments in healthy inactive individuals and highlight the need to consider primary prevention in inactive subjects as a key factor for health management.

Acute physiological response to different recreational team handball game formats in over 60-year-old inactive men.

This study described the physical and physiological demands, activity profile and fun levels of recreational team handball (TH) game formats in over 60-year-old men with no previous experience with this sport (n = 17, 67.4±3.3 years). The participants performed 5v5, 6v6 and 7v7 matches (3x15-min periods) with fixed pitch size (40x20 m). In all testing sessions, heart rate (HR), differential ratings of perceived exertion and blood lactate were evaluated to measure internal load. Locomotor profile, game actions and accelerometer data were used to access external load. Also, fun levels were registered at the end of all testing sessions. Mean (76–77%HRmax) and peak HR (84–86%HRmax) decreased from the first to the third match period, in 6v6 and 7v7 (p≤0.034, d = 0.730). Blood lactate increased from baseline to the first period and decreased from the first to the third period in all game formats (p<0.001, d = 1.646). The participants covered longer total distances in 6v6 vs 5v5 (p≤0.005, d = 0.927) and spent more time in fast running in 6v6 vs 5v5 and 7v7 (p<0.001, d = 1.725) and in 5v5 vs 7v7 (p = 0.007, d = 0.912). A higher number of throws was performed in 5v5 vs 6v6 and 7v7 (p<0.001, d = 1.547), and in 6v6 vs 7v7 (p = 0.031, d = 0.779). The number of stops and total actions in 7v7 was significantly lower vs 5v5 and 6v6 (p≤0.003, d = 1.025). Recreational TH is a high-intensity and motivating exercise mode for middle-aged and older men, regardless the game format. However, higher high-intensity demands were observed during 5v5 and 6v6 game formats. Therefore, it is suggested a multiple game format (5v5, 6v6 and 7v7) training plan, with more use of 5v5 and 6v6 game formats, with training sessions lasting up to 15-min of warm-up and 3x15-min periods of match-play, when prescribing recreational TH to improve cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health in this population.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness and the Risk of All-Cause, Cardiovascular and Cancer Mortality in Men with Hypercholesterolemia.

Background: Whether higher cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) confers protection against cardiovascular disease (CVD) in individuals with manifest hypercholesterolemia is poorly understood. Methods: Participants were 8920 men aged 20–82 years with hypercholesterolemia but no history of CVD and/or cancer and who received a preventive examination at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, TX, USA, during 1974–2001. CRF was quantified as maximal treadmill test duration and was grouped for analysis as low, moderate, or high based on the traditional Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study cutpoints. Using Cox regression analyses, we computed hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for risk of mortality based on CRF. Results: During an average of 17 years of follow-up, 329 CVD and 290 cancer deaths occurred. After control for baseline age, examination year, body mass index, total cholesterol, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, hypertension, diabetes, and parental history of CVD, hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for CVD deaths across moderate and high categories of CRF (with low fit as referent) were: 0.66 (0.50–0.87) and 0.55 (0.39–0.79), respectively. There was an inverse association between CRF and CVD death among normal-weight (trend p < 0.0001), younger (<60 y, trend p = 0.01), and inactive men (trend p = 0.002). However, no significant association was found between CRF and cancer mortality. Conclusions: Among men with hypercholesterolemia, higher CRF was associated with a lower risk of dying from CVD independent of other clinical risk factors. Our findings underscored the importance of promoting CRF in the primary prevention of CVD in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

How does the COVID-19 Outbreak in Saudi Arabian Affect PA Behavior and Psychological Health of Females Compared to the Men Population?

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers and scientists in different domains have tried to study the various aspects of this virus to identify a future solution and strategy for managing similar crises. Physical activity and psychological health were the most important subjects. Our research aimed to explore the change in physical activity behavior in Saudi citizens during the COVID-19 outbreak and its relationship with psychological health in the three most affected regions of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was designed by multidisciplinary academic specialists in physical activity and psychology and shared in the Arabic language through an electronic form. The participant were 2980 voluntaries, including 1508 women and 1472 men participate in this study. Results show a significant relationship between PA groups, gender variables and psychological health. The percentage of active females increased from 40% to 50% during the COVID-19 outbreak compared to before. Active women seem less affected in psychological health by confinement than inactive women and men. We found a significant difference between active and inactive women, in depression level, Anxiety and somatic symptoms. In conclusion, this study highlighted the importance of physical activity during the COVID-19 outbreak in KSA specially for women. It also suggests that physical activity can be a solution to fight the negative effect of future similar pandemics on psychological health.

0153 Bright light exposition potentiates the vasodilation promoted by dynamic handgrip exercise

Abstract Introduction Bright light (~5000 lux) directed at human skin increases plasma nitric oxide concentration promoting vasodilation, with increased skeletal muscle blood flow (BF) and decreased blood pressure (BP). The same stimulus directed at the eyes increases sympathetic activity, promoting vasoconstriction and increased BP. If bright light potentiates or mitigates the vasodilation promoted during exercise is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effect of different intensities of lights on vasodilation of the active skeletal muscle during dynamic handgrip exercise. Methods Eleven healthy and physically inactive adult men (29±6 years) participated of the current study. All experiments were conducted between June and July 2021, beginning at 5 PM and under constant environmental conditions. Subjects performed dynamic handgrip exercise using the dominant arm at a 90º angle in the supine position with 2 s cycles of contraction and relaxation for 6 min at 40% of maximal voluntary contraction during the three experimental condition in a randomized order: (BL) 5000 lux, Control light (CL) 500 lux, and Dim light (DL) ≤8 lux. In each condition, (BL, CL or DL), subjects remained in a rested state for 20 min before 1 min of baseline assessment followed by exercise. Conditions were always separated by 20 min of washout (under CL). Assessments comprised BF, vascular conductance (VC), and diameter of brachial artery of exercising arm (Ultrasound); BP measured in the rest arm (Photoplethysmography) and heart rate (ECG). Two-way ANOVA for repeated measures, p≤0.05. Results Baseline were not different (p&amp;gt;0.05). During exercise, BF and VC increased in the three conditions, however it was potentiated by BL (p &amp;lt; 0.0001 and p &amp;lt; 0.0001, respectively) compared with CL (+19% and +15%, respectively) and with DL (+12% and +11%, respectively). Arterial diameter increased similarly in the three conditions. Mean BP increased in the three conditions, however it was attenuated in the BL compared with DL (-23%) and similar to CL (&amp;lt;0.0001). Conclusion Bright light can potentiate skeletal muscle vasodilation during a small-mass muscle exercise attenuating the increase of BP. Support (If Any) The São Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP 2020/11588-2.

Acute effects of physical activity patterns on plasma cortisol and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in relation to corticospinal excitability

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cortisol are both capable of modulating synaptic plasticity, but it is unknown how physical activity-induced changes in their plasma levels relate to corticospinal plasticity in humans. Sixteen inactive middle-aged men and women participated in three separate interventions consisting of 3 h prolonged sitting (SIT); 3 h sitting interrupted every 30 min with frequent short physical activity breaks (FPA); and 2.5 h prolonged sitting followed by 25 min of moderate intensity exercise (EXE). These 3 h sessions were each followed by a 30 min period of paired associative stimulation over the primary motor cortex (PAS). Blood samples were taken and corticospinal excitability measured at baseline, pre PAS, 5 min and 30 min post PAS. Here we report levels of plasma BDNF and cortisol over three activity conditions and relate these levels to previously published changes in corticospinal excitability of a non-activated thumb muscle. There was no interaction between time and condition in BDNF, but cortisol levels were significantly higher after EXE compared to after SIT and FPA. Higher cortisol levels at pre PAS predicted larger increases in corticospinal excitability from baseline to all subsequent time points in the FPA condition only, while levels of BDNF at pre PAS did not predict such changes in any of the conditions. Neither BDNF nor cortisol modified changes from pre PAS to the subsequent time points, suggesting that the increased corticospinal excitability was not mediated though an augmented effect of the PAS protocol. The relationship between cortisol and plasticity has been suggested to be inverted U-shaped. This is possibly why the moderately high levels of cortisol seen in the FPA condition were positively associated with changes AURC, while the higher cortisol levels seen after EXE were not. A better understanding of the mechanisms for how feasible physical activity breaks affect neuroplasticity can inform the theoretical framework for how work environments and schedules should be designed.

Mitochondrial Mass of Naïve T Cells Is Associated with Aerobic Fitness and Energy Expenditure of Active and Inactive Adults.

Chronic exercise training is known to induce metabolic changes, but whether these adaptations extend to lymphocytes and how this may affect immune function remains largely unknown. This study was conducted to determine the extent to which mitochondrial characteristics of naïve T cells differ according to fitness status and to further examine the energy production pathways of cells from aerobically trained and inactive participants. Blood was collected from 30 aerobically active (>6 h·wk -1 ) or inactive (<90 min·wk -1 ) men and women. Naïve T cell mitochondrial mass, membrane potential, and biogenesis were assessed with flow cytometry. Participants completed a treadmill maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O 2peak ) test and wore a physical activity monitor for 1 wk. In a subset of participants, naïve CD8 + T cell activation-induced glycolytic and mitochondrial ATP production was measured. Active participants exhibited 16.7% more naïve CD8 + T cell mitochondrial mass ( P = 0.046), 34% greater daily energy expenditure ( P < 0.001), and 39.6% higher relative V̇O 2peak ( P < 0.001), along with 33.9% lower relative body fatness ( P < 0.001). Among all participants, naïve CD8 + T cell mitochondrial mass was correlated with estimated energy expenditure ( r = 0.36, P = 0.048) and V̇O 2peak ( r = 0.47, P = 0.009). There were no significant differences in ATP production, mitochondrial biogenesis, or mitochondrial membrane potential between active and inactive groups. This is the first study to examine the effects of aerobic exercise training status on metabolic parameters within human naïve T cells. Findings suggest that mitochondrial adaptations in certain immune cell types are positively associated with aerobic fitness and energy expenditure. This study provides a foundation for future development of prophylactic and therapeutic interventions targeting specific immune cell subsets to improve the immune response and overall health.

Randomized Clinical Trial Effect of Sesame and Training on Heat Shock Protein 70 Gene Expression and Light Chain 3-I Proteins of Inactive Middle-Aged Men

Background: Clinical studies have indicated that exercise activity and supplementation may have different effects on the immune system and health. The present study aimed to determine the effect of sesame and interval training on heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene expression and light chain 3-I (LC3-I) proteins among inactive, middle-aged men. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial and quasi-experimental study which was conducted in fall, 2019, 60 middle-aged inactive men who had the habit of going to the parks in Karaj, Iran were selected as the study’s statistical subject and, then, were randomly divided into four groups (i.e., sesame supplement, interval training, sesame supplement+interval training, control). Sesame, and sesame supplement+interval training groups received sesame. The training protocol lasted for 12 weeks. HSP70 gene expression and LC3-I were measured before and after study using the enzymatic method. As for the homogeneity of variances, the Levene’s test and the Shapiro–Wilk test were used to investigate the natural distribution. Analysis of variance was used to investigate differences in four groups. Results: Significant differences were found regarding LC3-I (P&lt;0.001) and HSP70 (P&lt;0.001). According to the results of the Tukey post hoc test, there was a significant difference between the training+sesame group and controls (P≤0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that high interval intensity training with sesame reduced HSP70 gene expression and LC3-I. The novelty of this study lay in the fact that it found consuming supplementation and training capable of synergistically reducing chaperone protein and autophagy indicator.

Physiological Response to Thermal Stress in Obese vs. Non-Obese Physically Inactive Men.

Simple SummaryIt is important to determine the effects of thermal stress on the physiological parameters of obese persons. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of sauna bathing on obese and non-obese physically inactive men. Sixty volunteers aged 18–24 years were divided into two groups (group I—normal body mass, group II—class 1 obesity). Their physiological parameters were monitored before and during the sauna session. The average values of body mass, body mass index, body surface area, and weight-to-height ratio were significantly higher in obese men than in the normal weight group. The values of physiological parameters were also significantly higher in obese individuals. However, the observed changes remained within the norm, which indicates that a 10 min sauna session is safe for young men regardless of their body fat levels.The effects of thermal stress on the physiological parameters of obese subjects remain insufficiently researched. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of sauna bathing on the physiological parameters of obese and non-obese physically inactive men. Sixty volunteers aged 18–24 years (20.85 ± 1.46) were divided into two groups (group I—normal body mass, group II—class 1 obesity) for a comparative analysis. Somatic features and body composition were determined before sauna, and blood pressure was measured before and after sauna. Physiological parameters were monitored before and during the sauna session. The average values of body mass, body mass index, body surface area, and weight-to-height ratio were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in obese men (by 28.39 kg, 8.7 kg/m2, 0.34 m2, and 0.13, respectively) than in the normal weight group. Similar observations were made in an analysis of the remaining body composition parameters. The values of physiological parameters (heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, energy expenditure, oxygen uptake, excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, respiratory rate) were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in obese subjects. However, the observed physiological changes were within the expected norm; therefore, a 10 min sauna session is safe for young men regardless of their body fat levels.

EFFECTS OF PROBIOTICS CONSUMPTION AND RESISTANCE EXERCISE ON BONE METABOLISM MARKERS IN PHYSICALLY INACTIVE YOUNG MALES

This study aims to investigate the effects of probiotics supplementation and resistance exercise on bone metabolism markers and parathyroid hormones in physically inactive young men. Fourty-one healthy participants completed the study. They were randomized into sedentary placebo control (C: n=10), probiotics (P: n=10), resistance exercise with placebo (E: n=12), and probiotics consumption with resistance exercise (PE: n=9) groups. Participants in the P and PE consumed multi-strain probiotics containing 3x1010 CFU of L. acidophilus BCMC® 12130, L. casei BCMC® 12313, L. lactis BCMC® 12451, B. bifidum BCMC® 02290, B. infantis BCMC® 02129 and B. longum BCMC® 02120 twice daily for 12 weeks. Participants in the E and PbE performed circuit training comprised of 10 resistance exercises 3 times/week. Body height and weight, blood pressure, resting heart rate and blood samples were collected at pre and post-tests. Blood samples were analysed for the concentration of bone formation markers [alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OC)], bone resorption marker [cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (1CTP)] and parathyroid hormones (PTH). There were no significant differences (p&gt;0.05) in all measured parameters between groups and within each group (p&gt;0.05). Nevertheless, ALP and OC concentration exhibited increasing trends in PE group. There was a decreasing trend in PTH concentration in P and PE groups. As a conclusion, probiotics consumption with resistance exercise resulted in increased trends of bone formation markers and a small reduction in the bone resorption marker implying that this combination may elicit beneficial effects in improving bone formation in young physically inactive males.

The Relationship between Physical Activity Level and Functional Status of Subjects with High Spinal Cord Injury.

Background. Spinal cord injuries are one of disability in Poland and in the world. Methods: 80 subjects with a transverse injury of the cervical spinal cord were enrolled in the study. The study group included men aged 20–50, 33.1 ± 7.5. A total of 40 (50%) of the subjects comprised the physically active group (AG)—subjects doing wheelchair sport twice a week for 90 min a day. The physically inactive group (IG) comprised 40 (50%) subjects who had not participated in any sports activities. Statistical analyses were carried out using Shapiro-Wilk W-test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results. Significant differences were found between the physically active and inactive men with regard to their functionality status. The biggest differences were found for turning over (p < 0.001) and in adopting a sitting position (p < 0.001). Persons in the AG group had better results in all assessed activities. The biggest differences were observed in the field of toilet and dressing up: tooth-brushing p < 0.007 and washing the top part of the body p < 0.002. Conclusions. People participating in regular physical activity–wheelchair rugby–after spinal cord injury have a better relationship with better fitness, greater independence and a better functional status.

Association of physical activity status with dietary energy density and nutritional adequacy

This study evaluated the association of physical activity status with dietary energy density and nutritional adequacy. 205 individuals between the ages of 19-35 years (102 active, 103 inactive) (50% women) participated in the study. The individuals were grouped according to their physical activity status by gender. When the nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) of the individuals' diets was evaluated, there was a significant difference between active and inactive men only in vitamin A and E adequacy (p < 0.05). On the other hand, energy, protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, niacin, vitamin E and folate intake adequacy were found to be lower in active women compared to inactive women (p < 0.05). While the mean adequacy ratio (MAR) of the diet did not differ among men, it was significantly higher in inactive women compared to active women (p < 0.05). Dietary energy density was found to be lower in all active individuals compared to inactive individuals (p < 0.05). A positive association was found between nutritional adequacy and body weight (p < 0.05), body mass index (p < 0.05), body fat percentage (p < 0.05) and fat free mass (p < 0.05) in inactive men. As a result, physical activity status can affect nutritional adequacy and dietary energy density, and this effect differs between genders.

The effect of two-month concurrent training and caloric restriction on P65 amount in Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of inactive middle-aged men

The effect of two-month concurrent training and caloric restriction on P65 amount in Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of inactive middle-aged men

Association between added sugar intake and overall diet quality in the Finnish adult population.

Added sugar intake has been associated with several health issues, but few studies have examined its association with overall diet quality. We aimed at examining the association between added sugar intake and overall diet quality in Finnish adults. Associations between added sugar intake and sociodemographic factors, lifestyle factors, and BMI were also explored. Our data comprised 5094 adults residing in Finland who participated in the National FinHealth 2017 Study. Dietary intake was assessed by a validated FFQ. Food consumption and nutrient intakes were calculated using the Finnish national food composition database. Added sugar intake was estimated based on food categorisation and identifying naturally occurring sugar sources. Overall diet quality was assessed by the modified Baltic Sea Diet Score. The average added sugar intake was 7·6 E % in women and 8·3 E % in men in this study population. Added sugar intake was inversely associated with education (P = 0·03 women; P = 0·001 men), physical activity (P < 0·0001), and BMI in men (P = 0·003), and directly with smoking (P = 0·002 women; P < 0·0001 men). Added sugar intake was inversely associated with overall diet quality in both sexes (P < 0·0001). No interactions were found except for men's physical activity subgroups, the inverse association being stronger among active men than moderately active or inactive men (Pfor interaction = 0·005). Our findings suggest that high added sugar intake is associated with several unhealthy dietary and lifestyle habits, including poor-quality diets, smoking and leisure-time inactivity in Finnish adults. Efforts to improve diet quality should consider added sugar intake equally in the whole population.