Inactive Men Research Articles

Love in Crisis? How Young Women’s Ideas and Experiences of Intimate Relationships are Reshaped by Conditions of Economic Austerity in Greece

This study seeks to examine intimate relationships and attitudes towards such ties, among Greek young women (n = 36). In the wake of challenging structural situations surrounding the effects of economic austerity in Greece, the accounts of these young women are understood with reference to their options on finding and sustaining intimate relationships. It is argued that these accounts are filtered by the conditions of austerity, leading some women to question traditional ideas of patriarchy, gender norms and the desirability of maintaining ties with economically inactive men. However, the language through which the young women articulated experiences and attitudes towards intimate relations is highly individualising. These issues are assessed in the context of research on emerging adulthood focusing on how attitudes and practices relating to intimacy can be re-shaped through economic contexts.

Cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in physically active and inactive Portuguese middle-aged adults: A cross-sectional study

This study aims to assess cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in Portuguese middle-aged adults according to gender and level of PA. This cross-sectional study evaluated cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in 275 Portuguese adults (33.0 ± 7.3 years old) according to gender and level of physical activity. Subjects’ body weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose were assessed. Body mass index was subsequently calculated and body fat was assessed by bioelectrical impedance. The majority of inactive men was obese (69.7%) and 21.7% was overweight; 71.2% of the inactive women were obese (33.3 ± 4.2 kg/m 2 ) and 28.8% was overweight. There were no inactive women presenting normal BMI. Although there were no significantly differences in age ( P ≥ 0.05) between active and inactive participants, there were significant differences ( P < 0.05) among other cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors. In inactive participants of both sexes, high levels of body fat, waist circumference and fasting blood glucose, and hypertension were risk factors for developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, with the fasting blood glucose ≥ 100 mg/dl being the most significant (OR = 4.21). Inactive women were more likely to be at greater cardiovascular and metabolic risk than inactive men, which emphasizes the need for greater awareness about primary prevention of cardio-metabolic diseases in early ages, especially in women. Cette étude vise à évaluer les facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire et métabolique chez les adultes portugais d’âge moyen en fonction du sexe et du niveau d’AP. Cette étude transversale a évalué les facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire et métabolique chez 275 adultes portugais (âgés de 33,0 ± 7,3 ans) en fonction du sexe et du niveau d’activité physique. Le poids corporel, la taille, le tour de taille, la pression artérielle et la glycémie à jeun des sujets ont été évalués. L’indice de masse corporelle a ensuite été calculé et la graisse corporelle a été évaluée par impédance bioélectrique. La majorité des hommes inactifs étaient obèses (69,7%) et 21,7% étaient en surpoids; 71,2% des femmes inactives étaient obèses (33,3 ± 4,2 kg/m 2 ) et 28,8% étaient en surpoids. Aucune femme inactive ne présentait un IMC normal. Bien qu’il n’y ait pas de différence significative d’âge ( p ≥ 0,05) entre les participants actifs et inactifs, il existait des différences significatives ( p < 0,05) entre les autres facteurs de risque cardiovasculaires et métaboliques. Chez les participants inactifs des deux sexes, les taux élevés de graisse corporelle, le tour de taille et la glycémie à jeun, ainsi que l’hypertension, étaient des facteurs de risque de survenue de maladies cardiovasculaires et métaboliques, la glycémie à jeun étant la plus importante (100 = 4,21). Les femmes inactives étaient plus susceptibles que les hommes inactifs d’avoir un risque cardiovasculaire et métabolique plus élevé, ce qui souligne la nécessité de sensibiliser davantage à la prévention primaire des maladies cardio-métaboliques chez les jeunes enfants, en particulier chez les femmes.

Effects of one period of moderate exercise (MI) on serum levels of leptin, Blood Lactate, lipid profiles and lung function in obese sedentary men

Background: Adipose tissue has an important role in inducing lung dysfunction through production and secretion of adipokins such as leptin. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of moderate intensity exercise training on Lung function, serum leptin levels and lipid profile in inactive obese men. Methods: This research was conducted with a semi- experimental methodology with pre-test and post-test. Twenty-two inactive obese men (18 to 30 years old) voluntarily participated in this study and randomly divided into two exercise (n = 11) and control (n = 11) groups. Subjects performed moderate intensity aerobic exercise training for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected after overnight fasting, before and after the 12-week of exercise training program. Serum leptin levels, Lipid profile and pulmonary function were measured before and after of 12 week moderate intensity exercise training. All statistical tests (paired sample T-test, Independent T-test, Pearson correlation coefficient) were performed and considered significant at a p≤0.05. Results: The results of this study showed that after 12 weeks of moderate intensity exercise levels of triglyceride (P=0.001), cholesterol (P=0.001), leptin (P=0.001), LDL (P=0.001), and VLDL (P=0.01) decreased and HDL (P=0.001) increased after 12 weeks of aerobic exercise compared to baseline in exercise group. Also FVC (P=0.022) and MVV (P=0.02) significantly increased. Conclusion: Twelve week of moderate intensity exercise training caused favorable changes in lipid profile, obesity-related metabolic biomarkers and Pulmonary function in inactive obese men.

Effects of testosterone suppression, hindlimb immobilization, and recovery on [3H]ouabain binding site content and Na+, K+-ATPase isoforms in rat soleus muscle.

We investigated the effects of testosterone suppression, hindlimb immobilization, and recovery on skeletal muscle Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA), measured via [3H]ouabain binding site content (OB) and NKA isoform abundances (α1-3, β1-2). Male rats underwent castration or sham surgery plus 7 days of rest, 10 days of unilateral immobilization (cast), and 14 days of recovery, with soleus muscles obtained at each time from cast and noncast legs. Testosterone reduction did not modify OB or NKA isoforms in nonimmobilized control muscles. With sham surgery, OB was lower after immobilization in the cast leg than in both the noncast leg (-26%, P = 0.023) and the nonimmobilized control (-34%, P = 0.001), but OB subsequently recovered. With castration, OB was lower after immobilization in the cast leg than in the nonimmobilized control (-34%, P = 0.001), and remained depressed at recovery (-34%, P = 0.001). NKA isoforms did not differ after immobilization or recovery in the sham group. After castration, α2 in the cast leg was ~60% lower than in the noncast leg (P = 0.004) and nonimmobilized control (P = 0.004) and after recovery remained lower than the nonimmobilized control (-42%, P = 0.039). After immobilization, β1 was lower in the cast than the noncast leg (-26%, P = 0.018), with β2 lower in the cast leg than in the noncast leg (-71%, P = 0.004) and nonimmobilized control (-65%, P = 0.012). No differences existed for α1 or α3. Thus, both OB and α2 decreased after immobilization and recovery in the castration group, with α2, β1, and β2 isoform abundances decreased with immobilization compared with the sham group. Therefore, testosterone suppression in rats impaired restoration of immobilization-induced lowered number of functional NKA and α2 isoforms in soleus muscle.NEW & NOTEWORTHY: The Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA) is vital in muscle excitability and function. In rats, immobilization depressed soleus muscle NKA, with declines in [3H]ouabain binding, which was restored after 14 days recovery. After testosterone suppression by castration, immobilization depressed [3H]ouabain binding, depressed α2, β1, and β2 isoforms, and abolished subsequent recovery in [3H]ouabain binding and α2 isoforms. This may have implications for functional recovery for inactive men with lowered testosterone levels, such as in prostate cancer or aging.

Social inequality in lifestyle, motivation to change lifestyle and received health advice in individuals with diabetes: A nationwide study.

Aims: The aim was to investigate the association between socioeconomic position (SEP) and physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking, motivation to change lifestyle and health advices from general practitioners (GPs) in individuals with diabetes. Methods: Data were provided by the Danish National Health Survey 2013 and 7504 adults (⩾ 40 years) with diabetes were included. Educational level was used as SEP indicator and categorized into low, middle and high SEP. Dependent variables included physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking, motivation to change lifestyle and GP lifestyle advices. Multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, body mass index and ethnic background were performed. Results: Higher SEP were associated with reduced odds of being physically inactive (middle SEP odds ratio (OR) men 0.58 (95% confidence intervals 0.47-0.72) and women 0.59 (0.47-0.75)) and non-smoking (middle SEP OR men 0.74 (0.59-0.93) and high SEP OR women 0.54 (0.38-0.77)) compared to participants with a low SEP. Alcohol consumption above the recommended maximum was associated with high SEP in men, OR 1.83 (1.30-2.61). Elevated SEP was associated with a motivation to increase physical activity levels (middle SEP OR men 1.45 (1.19-1.76) and women 1.35 (1.09-1.67)), high SEP was associated with none advice from GPs regarding smoking cessation among women, OR 0.47 (0.25-0.89). Conclusions: Socioeconomic position was strongly associated with lifestyle in individuals with diabetes. The most pronounced inequalities were found in physical activity levels, smoking status and the motivation to become more physically active. Municipalities and GPs may need a greater focus on SEP in interventions to change lifestyle in individuals with diabetes.

Comparing the effect of 10 weeks High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Moderate Intensity Aerobic Training (MIAT) on C-reactive protein level and lipid profiles in overweight inactive men

Background: The cardio-vascular diseases have an inflammatory background and systemic inflammation has the key role in the development of atherosclerosis and this factor may specially increase cardiovascular problems in overweight and obese people. The aim of this study was compares the effects of ten weeks High Intensity Interval (HIIT) training and moderate intensity aerobic training (MIAT) on some cardiovascular risk factors in overweight inactive men. Methods: Nineteen overweight men (with an average age of 24.12 ± 1.42 and body mass index 27.27 ± 0.94 kg / m2) voluntarily participated in this study and were randomly divided to 2 Groups: Group A (HIIT) and Group B (MIAT). Subjects performed training programs for 10 weeks, 3 sessions per week. The levels of C-reactive protein and lipid profile were measured before and after 10 weeks of training programs. For statistical data analysis, independent and paired t tests were used and considered significant at a p≤0.05. Results: After 12 weeks of High Intensity Interval training, levels of cholesterol (P=0.001), LDL (P=0.002) and CRP (P=0.001) were significantly reduced and HDL level increased significantly (P=0.001), In MIAT training group, only a significant reduction in cholesterol was found (P=0.006). Conclusion: The ten weeks HIIT training can cause favorable changes in body fat percentage, lipid profile and CRP level in overweight students.

Effect of Exercise with Mental Stress on Cortisol and Alpha-Amylase Changes in Young Men

Background: Physiological stress due to physical activity associated with mental stress can affect the responses of the sympathoadrenal axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise with mental stress on cortisol and alpha-amylase changes in young men. Methods: In a quasi-experimental study, 20 inactive healthy men were randomly selected and divided into two groups of exercise and exercise with mental stress. The exercise group pedaled on a fixed bike at an intensity of 60% of maximal aerobic power for 37 minutes and the exercise group with mental stress received 20 minutes of mental stress (from 12th minutes to 32nd minutes) during the 37 minutes of pedaling. Salivary samples were collected before and immediately after the end of the exercise. Results: The exercise had a significant effect on increasing salivary cortisol (P = 0.007) and alpha-amylase (P = 0.01). Exercise with mental stress had a significant effect on salivary cortisol (P = 0.004) and alpha-amylase (P = 0.04). The exercise and exercise with mental stress had the same effects on increasing salivary cortisol (P = 0.42) and alpha-amylase (P = 0.83). Conclusions: It seems that exercise and exercise with mental stress have the same effects on increasing salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase levels.

Acute and Chronic Effects of Physical Activity on Emerging Risk Factors of Heart Attack in Overweight Men

Background: Homocysteine, fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP) are three independent factors that independently and strongly predict the cardiovascular risks. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute and chronic responses of these cardiovascular risk factors following physical activity in overweight healthy inactive middle-aged men. Methods: The subjects included 21 healthy inactive men that were assigned into two groups of experimental (N = 11) and control (N = 10). The exercise protocol consisted of circuit resistance exercise (one session protocol) with intensity of 35% of 1RM; endurance training protocol lasting for 12 weeks (three sessions a week) and running exercise with intensity of 75% to 85% of maximum heart rate. Blood samplings were taken in pretest and posttest. The data was used using paired and independent samples t-test were used for statistical analysis of data. Results: The results indicated that there was a significant increase in homocysteine and CRP following circuit resistance exercise (P ≤ 0.05) while no significant change was found in fibrinogen in experimental group after exercise (P > 0.05). Additionally, the levels of CRP and homocysteine were significantly decreased after three months of aerobic exercises, (P ≤ 0.05) however no significant change of fibrinogen was observed (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Although it seems that atherogenic inflammatory processes are more sensitive to exercise than coagulatory processes in inactive middle-aged men, more researches are needed for crucial decisions.

Timing of high-intensity intermittent exercise affects ad libitum energy intake in overweight inactive men

The present study sought to clarify the impact of exercise intensity and timing on energy intake and appetite-related blood variables. Fourteen inactive overweight men were included in the study. Firstly, maximal aerobic power (MAP) was measured. Then, participants randomly performed 5 experimental sessions consisting of 30 min of steady-state exercise (SSE) at 50% of MAP, high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) with 30s repetitions at MAP and 30s of passive recovery or no exercise (CTRL). Sessions were performed 1h (SSE1h and HIIE1h) or 2.5h (SSE2.5h and HIIE2.5h) after the consumption of a standardized breakfast. An ad libitum buffet was offered 3.5h after the completion of the breakfast. Absolute energy intake (EI) and relative energy intake (REI) (relative energy intake = energy intake - energy expenditure from exercise) were measured. Appetite (hunger, fullness and desire for specific foods) scores and circulating concentration of insulin and IL-6 were determined at 1h, 1.75h, 2.5h and 3.25h after breakfast while lactate was measured post-exercise. EI was greater after the CTRL session compared to HIIE2.5h (5045.9 ± 1873.5 kJ vs. 3716.1 ± 1688.7 kJ). REI was greater for the CTRL session (5045.9 ± 1873.5 kJ) than HIIE1h (3386.5 ± 1660.1 kJ), HIIE2.5h (2508.5 ± 1709.3 kJ) and SSE2.5h (3426.6 ± 1788.0 kJ). Higher hunger scores were observed following the CRTL session with respect to those of HIIE2.5h. Insulin and IL-6 concentrations were greater after HIIE1h and SSE1h with respect to those obtained after HIIE2.5h, SSE2.5h and CTRL. Lactate concentrations were higher in HIIE1h and HIIE2.5h compared to those of SSE1h and SSE2.5h. These results show that HIIE performed 2.5h after a breakfast reduced appetite (hunger scores) and EI through mechanism that need to be characterized. This approach can be applied to individuals aiming to create an energetic deficit.

Comparison of the Cardiovascular Benefits of Resistance, Aerobic, and Combined Exercise (CardioRACE): Rationale, design, and methods

The benefits of aerobic exercise (AE) for cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been well documented. Resistance exercise (RE) has been traditionally examined for its effects on bone density, physical function, or metabolic health, yet few data exist regarding the benefits of RE, independent of and combined with AE, for CVD prevention. This randomized controlled trial, "Comparison of the Cardiovascular Benefits of Resistance, Aerobic, and Combined Exercise (CardioRACE)," is designed to determine the relative benefits of RE, AE, or combined RE plus AE training on CVD risk factors. Participants are 406 inactive men and women (35-70 years) with a body mass index of 25-40 kg/m2 and blood pressure (BP) of 120-139/80-89 mm Hg without taking antihypertensive medications. Participants are randomly assigned to RE only, AE only, combined RE and AE (CE), or a no exercise control group. Participants perform supervised exercise at 50%-80% of their relative maximum intensity for both AE and RE, 3 times a week for 60 minutes per session, for 1 year (all 3 groups are time matched). The primary outcome is a composite z score including resting BP, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting glucose, and percent body fat, which is assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Diet and outside physical activity are measured throughout the intervention for 1 year. CardioRACE (ClinicalTrials.govNCT03069092) will fill an important knowledge gap regarding the effects of RE, alone or in addition to the well-documented effects of AE. CardioRACE will help generate more comprehensive and synergistic clinical and public health strategies to prevent CVD.

Years of life lost due to diseases of the digestive system in Poland according to socioeconomic factors: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo analyse years of life lost (YLLs) due to digestive diseases in Poland according to: marital status, education, working status and place of residence.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingThe study was based on...

Low-Frequency HIIT Improves Body Composition and Aerobic Capacity in Overweight Men.

The relationship between the frequency of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and the resultant adaptations is largely unclear. This study compared the effects of different frequencies of HIIT with those of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on body composition in overweight or obese adults. Fifty-six overweight or obese (body mass index = 26.4 ± 2.9) men between 18 and 30 yr old (age = 22.8 ± 3.1 yr) were randomly assigned to the following groups: no-intervention control (CON; n = 14), MICT performed thrice weekly (MICT×3/wk; n = 9), HIIT performed thrice weekly (HIIT×3/wk; n = 14), HIIT performed twice weekly (HIIT×2/wk; n = 10), and HIIT performed once weekly (HIIT×1/wk; n = 9). Each HIIT session consisted of 12 × 1-min bouts at 90% heart rate reserve, interspersed with 11 × 1-min bouts at 70% heart rate reserve. Aerobic capacity, body composition, resting heart rate, vascular function, insulin resistance, and biomarkers of metabolic syndrome risk factor were examined at baseline, after 4 wk, and after 8 wk of intervention. Aerobic capacity and percent fat-free mass significantly increased in all exercise groups compared with those in the CON group (CON vs all exercise groups, P < 0.05), whereas body fat mass and systolic blood pressure significantly decreased after 8 wk of intervention in all exercise groups compared with those in the CON group (CON vs all exercise groups, P < 0.05). Body fat mass significantly decreased after 4 wk in all HIIT groups compared with those in the CON group (CON vs all HIIT groups, P < 0.05) but not in the MICT×3/wk group. These novel results demonstrated that performing HIIT once weekly, even with a lower weekly volume of exercise, improved cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and blood pressure in overweight/obese adults. Low-frequency HIIT might be a feasible and effective strategy for the prescription of an initial exercise program for inactive, overweight, or obese young men.

Reversal of Upward Trends in Mortality During the Great Recession by Employment Status at Baseline in a National Longitudinal Study.

Because of the healthy worker effect, mortality rates increased in individuals who were employed and those who were unemployed, and decreased in those economically inactive at baseline in reported studies. To determine if such trends continue during economic recessions, we analyzed mortality rates in Spain before and during the Great Recession in these subgroups. We included 21,933,351 individuals who were employed, unemployed, or inactive in November 2001 and aged 30-64 years in each calendar-year of follow-up (2002-2011). Annual age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated in each group. The annual percentage change in mortality rates adjusted for age and educational level in employed and unemployed persons were also calculated for 2002-2007 and 2008-2011. In employed and unemployed men, mortality rates increased until 2007 and then declined, whereas in employed and unemployed women, mortality rates increased and then stabilized during 2008-2011. The mortality rate among inactive men and women decreased throughout the follow-up. In the employed and the unemployed, the annual percentage change was reversed during 2008-2011 compared with 2002-2007 (-1.2 vs. 3.2 in employed men; -0.3 vs. 4.1 in employed women; -0.8 vs. 2.9 in unemployed men; and -0.6 vs. 1.3 in unemployed women). The upward trends in mortality rates among individuals who were employed or unemployed in 2001 were reversed during the Great Recession (2008-2011).

Effect of high-intensity interval training and omega-3 supplementation on liver enzymes and lipid profile of young men

Summary Objectives It has always been of great importance to measure hepatic enzymes following exercise in order to prevent liver disease. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 6 weeks of severe periodic exercise with omega-3 supplementation on serum liver enzymes and lipid profile of inactive men. Patients and methods In this quasi-experimental study, 32 young men aged between 20 and 30 years were selected via selective and targeted sampling method and were randomly assigned into four equal groups (n = 8 per group) including omega-3, training-placebo, training-omega-3, and control. Training groups performed severe periodic exercises at 90% max heart rate for 6 weeks, and supplemental groups consumed two 1000 mg tablets of omega-3 on a daily basis. Blood samples were taken from the participants 24 hours before and 48 hours after the intervention in fasting state. Data were analyzed by means of Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Two-ways ANOVA, and LSD post hoc test. The significance level was considered at P Results After 6 weeks of exercise and omega-3 supplementation, there were significant differences between the groups in terms of TG (P = 0.02), ALT (P = 0.02), AST (P = 0.01), weight (P = 0.01), and fat percentage (P = 0.01), while there was no significant difference in the TC, ALP, and WC levels (P > 0.05). Also, HDL (P = 0.01) and LDL (P = 0.04) showed significantly increased and decreased levels in the excercise-omega-3 group. Conclusion It seems that omega-3 consumption along with severe interval exercise is an effective factor in preventing from and improving cardiovascular risk factors and fatty liver in young inactive men since the regimen increases lipid metabolism due to the desirable effects on liver enzymes, lipid profile, and body composition.

Sprint interval exercise versus continuous moderate intensity exercise: acute effects on tissue oxygenation, blood pressure and enjoyment in 18-30 year old inactive men.

BackgroundSprint interval training (SIT) can be as effective, or more effective, than continuous moderate intensity exercise (CMIE) for improving a primary risk factor for cardiometabolic disease, low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). However, there has been no direct comparison in inactive individuals, of the acute effects of a session of SIT with a work-matched session of CMIE on local oxygen utilisation, which is a primary stimulus for increasing CRF. Furthermore, post-exercise blood pressure (BP) and enjoyment, if symptomatic and low, respectively, have implications for safety and adherence to exercise and have not been compared between these specific conditions. It was hypothesised that in young inactive men, local oxygen utilisation would be higher, while post-exercise BP and enjoyment would be lower for SIT, when compared to CMIE.MethodsA total of 11 inactive men (mean ± SD; age 23 ± 4 years) completed a maximal ramp-incremental exercise test followed by two experiment conditions: (1) SIT and (2) work-matched CMIE on a cycle ergometer on separate days. Deoxygenated haemoglobin (∆HHb) in the pre-frontal cortex (FH), gastrocnemius (GN), left vastus lateralis (LVL) and the right vastus lateralis (RVL) muscles, systemic oxygen utilisation (VO2), systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure and physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES) were measured during the experiment conditions.ResultsDuring SIT, compared to CMIE, ∆HHb in FH (p = 0.016) and GN (p = 0.001) was higher, while PACES (p = 0.032) and DBP (p = 0.043) were lower. No differences in SBP and ∆HHb in LVL and RVL were found between conditions.ConclusionsIn young inactive men, higher levels of physiological stress occurred during SIT, which potentially contributed to lower levels of post-exercise DBP and enjoyment, when compared to CMIE.

Comparison of Regional and Global Bone Mineral Densities in Male and Female College Athletes

The advent of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) has prompted an increase in research concerning the response of bone to exercise training. Previous investigations have focused mainly on female athletes and their susceptibility to stress fractures and low bone mineral density (BMD). Recent information suggests that male athletes may also suffer from relative energy deficiency in sports which could affect their bone health. However, direct comparisons of sport-specific differences and sex-differences in BMD within specific sports have not been fully explored. PURPOSE: To compare regional and total BMD between men and women athletes in comparable sports. METHODS: NCAA Division-II men (n = 115) and women athletes (n = 95) in four sports [soccer (SOC), basketball (BB), cross-country (XC), swimming (SW), and baseball/softball (BS)] were measured for regional and total BMD and lean mass (LM) using (DEXA). Inactive men (n = 23) and women (n = 27) served as a control group (CON). RESULTS: Men were taller and heavier and had greater regional and LM than women. A sex x sport multivariate ANOVA, with the influence of height and weight removed by covariance, revealed that men had significantly greater regional BMD (p<0.005) than women in the arms, legs, pelvis, and total body. XC and SW had significantly lower BMD than CON which were lower than SOC, BS, and BB with no significant difference among the latter groups. The sex x sport interaction was not significant (p = 0.15), except for leg BMD where women swimmers (1.153 ± 0.081 g/cc) had a significantly lower value than other groups( 1.405 ± 0.151 gm/cc). BMD had a nonsignificantly higher correlation with LM (r = 0.61) than with body mass (r = 0.58) when sex was held constant. CONCLUSIONS: Regional BMD appears to be uniquely dependent on sport participation and sport-specific training, but the pattern of bone development appears independent of sex. Men and women athletes in sports that require more intense ground contact and perhaps more resistance training have greater regional and total BMD, suggesting varying levels of bone stress are associated with training for different sports. The degree of stress on bones of the arms does not seem sufficient to differentiate between these sports or inactive individuals.

Personalized Moderate-Intensity Exercise Training Combined with High-Intensity Interval Training Enhances Training Responsiveness.

This study sought to determine if personalized moderate-intensity continuous exercise training (MICT) combined with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) was more effective at improving comprehensive training responsiveness than MICT alone. Apparently healthy, but physically inactive men and women (n = 54) were randomized to a non-exercise control group or one of two 13-week exercise training groups: (1) a personalized MICT + HIIT aerobic and resistance training program based on the American Council on Exercise guidelines, or (2) a standardized MICT aerobic and resistance training program designed according to current American College of Sports Medicine guidelines. Mean changes in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and Metabolic (MetS) z-score in the personalized MICT + HIIT group were more favorable (p < 0.05) when compared to both the standardized MICT and control groups. Additionally, on the individual level, there were positive improvements in VO2max (Δ > 4.9%) and MetS z-score (Δ ≤ −0.48) in 100% (16/16) of participants in the personalized MICT + HIIT group. In the present study, a personalized exercise prescription combining MICT + HIIT in conjunction with resistance training elicited greater improvements in VO2max, MetS z-score reductions, and diminished inter-individual variation in VO2max and cardiometabolic training responses when compared to standardized MICT.

High- or moderate-intensity training promotes change in cardiorespiratory fitness, but not visceral fat, in obese men: A randomised trial of equal energy expenditure exercise

This study compared the effects of two exercise programs performed in different intensities, but equal overall energy expenditure (EE). Adult men with obesity (29.6 ± 4.9 years; BMI = 35.1 ± 3.3 kg/m2) were randomised to one of three groups: High-intensity interval training (HIIT- 10 × 1:1 min 100% VO2max; n = 13); Moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT - ˜35 min 65% VO2max; n = 13) or Control (no training; n = 6). The session EE (HIIT = 278.0 ± 37.1; MICT = 299.4 ± 17.8 kcal) was calculated by adding the aerobic contribution (VO2 of the session minus VO2 at rest) and anaerobic (difference between the VO2 estimated and VO2 measured in session). The anaerobic contribution in HIIT was 30%, showing that a substantial portion of the energy for 10 x 1 min HIIT comes from non-oxidative metabolism. VO2max improved in both trained groups (p = 0.006), while systolic blood pressure decreased (p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure was not altered. Visceral and subcutaneous fat stores did not change after the intervention, indicating a longer intervention may be necessary for changes in adiposity. Six weeks of HIIT or MICT were effective in improving cardiorespiratory fitness and blood pressure in previously inactive obese men.

Consecutive days of exercise decrease insulin response more than a single exercise session in healthy, inactive men.

It is reported that a single bout of exercise can lower insulin responses 12-24h post-exercise; however, the insulin responses to alternate or consecutive bouts of exercise is unknown. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of exercise pattern on post-exercise insulin and glucose responses following a glucose challenge. Ten male participants (n = 10, mean ± SD, Age 29.5 ± 7.7years; BMI 25.7 ± 3.0kg/m2) completed three exercise trials of walking for 60min at ~ 70% of VO2max. The trials consisted of: three consecutive exercise days (3CON), three alternate exercise days (3ALT), a single bout of exercise (SB), and a no exercise control (R). Twelve to fourteen hours after the last bout of exercise or R, participants completed a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and blood was collected at 30min intervals for the measurement of glucose, insulin, and C-peptide. Calculated incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for glucose and C-peptide was not different between the four trials. Insulin iAUC decreased 34.9% for 3CON compared to R (p < 0.01). Three consecutive days of walking at ~ 70% VO2max improved insulin response following an OGTT compared to no exercise. It is possible, that for healthy males, the effect of a single bout of exercise or exercise bouts separated by more than 24h may not be enough stimulus to lower insulin responses to a glucose challenge.

PPARG Pro12Ala Ala carriers exhibit greater improvements in peripheral insulin sensitivity in response to 12 weeks of aerobic exercise training.

The Ala allele of PPARG Pro12Ala ( rs1801282 ) is associated with greater improvements to the glucose metabolism in exercise studies, but whether this extends to peripheral insulin sensitivity is unknown. Our objective was to investigate the effect of PPARG Pro12Ala on exercise-induced changes in peripheral insulin sensitivity. A total of 124 (91 Pro homozygotes and 33 Ala carriers) previously physically inactive healthy young men and women with overweight or class 1 obesity who completed a 12 wk aerobic exercise intervention were included in the analysis. All participants underwent a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp before and after the 12 wk intervention. The prescribed exercise frequency was 5-7 days/wk, and the exercise energy expenditure was 2,100 4,200 kcal/wk for men and 1,600 kcal/wk for women. Insulin sensitivity improved significantly in both genotype groups. However, Ala carriers had a 1.13-fold (95% confidence interval 1.01; 1.26, P = 0.032) greater improvement in insulin sensitivity from baseline compared with Pro homozygotes. Our data support that PPARG Pro12Ala modifies the effect of aerobic exercise on peripheral insulin sensitivity.