Increase In Maximal Oxygen Uptake Research Articles

The effects of percutaneous branch pulmonary artery interventions in biventricular congenital heart disease: study protocol for a randomized controlled Dutch multicenter interventional trial

BackgroundBranch pulmonary artery (PA) stenosis is one of the most common indications for percutaneous interventions in patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA), tetralogy of Fallot (ToF), and truncus arteriosus (TA). However, the effects of percutaneous branch PA interventions on exercise capacity remains largely unknown. In addition, there is no consensus about the optimal timing of the intervention for asymptomatic patients according to international guidelines. This trial aims to identify the effects of percutaneous interventions for branch PA stenosis on exercise capacity in patients with TGA, ToF, and TA. In addition, it aims to assess the effects on RV function and to define early markers for RV adaptation and RV dysfunction to improve timing of these interventions.MethodsThis is a randomized multicenter interventional trial. TGA, ToF, and TA patients ≥ 8 years with a class IIa indication for percutaneous branch PA intervention according to international guidelines are eligible to participate. Patients will be randomized into the intervention group or the control group (conservative management for 6 months). All patients will undergo transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing at baseline, 6 months, and 2–4 years follow-up. Quality of life (QoL) questionnaires will be obtained at baseline, 2 weeks post intervention or a similar range for the control group, and 6 months follow-up. The primary outcome is exercise capacity expressed as maximum oxygen uptake (peak VO2 as percentage of predicted). A total of 56 patients (intervention group n = 28, control group n = 28) is required to demonstrate a 14% increase in maximum oxygen uptake (peak VO2 as percentage of predicted) in the interventional group compared to the control group (power 80%, overall type 1 error controlled at 5%). Secondary outcomes include various parameters for RV systolic function, RV functionality, RV remodeling, procedural success, complications, lung perfusion, and QoL.DiscussionThis trial will investigate the effects of percutaneous branch PA interventions on exercise capacity in patients with TGA, ToF, and TA and will identify early markers for RV adaptation and RV dysfunction to improve timing of the interventions.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05809310. Registered on March 15, 2023.

The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate Alcohol Consumption on Cognitive Performance-A Multidisciplinary Intervention in Young Healthy Adults.

The main purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention in the context of moderate alcohol consumption on cognitive performance in healthy young adults. We conducted a 10-week HIIT program along with four types of beverages with/without alcohol content. A total of 75 healthy adults (18-40 years old; 46% female) were allocated to either a control Non-Training group or an HIIT program group (2 days/week). Using block randomization, participants in the HIIT group were further allocated to an HIIT-Alcohol group (alcohol beer or sparkling water with vodka added, 5.4%) or an HIIT-NonAlcohol group (sparkling water or non-alcohol beer, 0.0%). The control group was instructed to maintain an active lifestyle but did not undergo any regular training. A comprehensive neuropsychological battery was used to evaluate cognitive performance (i.e., memory, working memory, processing speed, inhibitory control, and verbal fluency). Changes from baseline to week 10 were included in the main analyses. All groups improved in all neuropsychological measures (all p ≤ 0.001), independent of sex and alcohol consumption, with no statistical differences between groups (all p > 0.05). Furthermore, larger increases in maximal oxygen uptake were associated with greater improvements in processing speed, inhibitory control, and verbal fluency (all p < 0.050). Although the improvements found in cognitive performance cannot be attributed to the HIIT intervention, no significant impairments in cognitive functions were noted due to moderate alcohol intake. Furthermore, our results confirmed that exercise-induced physical fitness improvements were associated with cognitive performance enhancements in young healthy adults.

Effect of 12-week rehearsal on cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in Brazilian samba dancers.

To investigate the effect of 12 weeks of rehearsals on cardiorespiratory parameters and body composition in Brazilian samba dancers belonging to a first-league samba school. Twenty-six women were divided into a Samba Group (n=13) and a Control Group (n=13). Cardiorespiratory parameters (cardiopulmonary exercise test) and body composition (skinfold assessment) were assessed before and after the 12 weeks of rehearsals. The Samba Group rehearsed three times per week for 30-60 minutes, and the Control Group participated in no physical activity. A comparison test was performed within and between groups, with p<0.05 indicating statistical significance. Compared with the Control Group, the Samba Group showed a significant increase in maximal oxygen uptake (19%), oxygen pulse (13%), and lean body mass (3%) and a decrease in body fat percentage (11%) and fat mass (12%). Twelve weeks of samba dance rehearsals improved the cardiorespiratory and body composition parameters in women dancers compared with the Control Group. These findings suggest that dancing samba regularly can increase physical activity levels and positively affect the health parameters of samba dancers.

Change In Central Cardiovascular Function In Response To High Intensity Interval Training: A Systematic Review

One widely-reported response to chronic high intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training (SIT) is a significant increase in maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) which enhances endurance performance and overall health status. However, it is unknown if this response is due to increases in central cardiovascular function (cardiac output and blood volume) or peripheral factors. PURPOSE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to better understand central cardiovascular changes to HIIT and SIT. METHODS: We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of HIIT and SIT on changes in central cardiovascular function. We performed a systematic search of eight commonly-used databases for studies denoting increases in V̇O2max in which resting, submaximal, or maximal cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), cardiovascular volumes (blood volume, plasma volume, or end-diastolic/systolic volume), as well as hematocrit were measured. RESULTS: Forty five studies were included in this analysis, comprising a total of 946 men and women of various health status (age and V̇O2max = 20 - 76 yr and 13 - 61 mL·kg-1·min-1) who performed 6 - 96 sessions of interval training. RESULTS: Results showed an increase in V̇O2max in response to HIIT or SIT that was classified as a large effect (d = 0.83). Stroke volume (d = 0.69) and CO (d = 0.49) had moderate effect sizes in response to interval training. Of 27 studies in which CO was measured, 77 % exhibited significant increases in resting CO or that obtained during submaximal or maximal exercise. Similarly, 93 % of studies measuring SV revealed significant increases in response to HIIT or SIT. Effect sizes for these three outcomes were larger for clinical versus healthy populations. Plasma volume, blood volume, and hematocrit had small effect sizes in response to interval training (d = 0.06 = 0.14). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that the improvement in V̇O2max demonstrated with HIIT or SIT is attendant with an increase in central O2 delivery with little contribution from changes in hematocrit, blood volume, or plasma volume.

剣道における高強度・短時間・間欠的トレーニング：タバタ式掛かり稽古による最大酸素摂取量の増加

剣道における高強度・短時間・間欠的トレーニング：タバタ式掛かり稽古による最大酸素摂取量の増加

Exercising control over signs and symptoms of stress and depression

300 million people worldwide suffer from depression. A poorly understood stress‐related pathophysiology is compounded by frequent treatment‐resistance.Undertaking regular exercise has consistently shown to prevent, protect and increase resilience against the development of aberrant stress‐related responses seen in depression, whereas sedentary behaviour tends to heighten symptoms. Despite the promise shown by exercise its clinical use is undermined by poor understanding of how beneficial effects are produced.Stress exposure can dysregulate important physiological pathways such as the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system. Disruption of tryptophan metabolism, including increased metabolism along the kynurenine pathway, is a neurobiological hallmark of depressed patients. Recent studies have shown that the beneficial impact of exercise for mood and cognition may be linked to reduced kynurenine production.Aimto examine the benefits of a 12‐week exercise programme in healthy but sedentary adults across mood, stress, anxiety and depression were mediated by the regulation of tryptophan metabolism in a dose dependent manner.32 healthy sedentary participants (16 female) were analysed. To establish a baseline profile each participant undertook a battery of psychometric assessments, cognitive assessments and a cycle ergometer‐based incremental fitness assessment. Measures of oxygen uptake and capillary blood lactate levels were taken at the end of each stage during the fitness assessment.After the baseline assessment, participants were randomised into one of four groups (high, moderate, low dose exercise, or sedentary control group). Exercise was administered over 3 sessions/week based on individual fitness and group. Monthly fitness and psychometric assessments were performed throughout to monitor change across the 12‐week exercise programme. Analyses performed using SPSS.As expect, participants showed a positive increase in fitness and performance with an increase in maximal oxygen uptake (F(1,28)=14.62, p=.001, ηp2=.343) after 12‐weeks exercise training, accompanied by an increased relative peak power output (rPPO) (F(1,28)=16.93, p=.000, ηp2=.377) and an increased time to exhaustion (T2Ex) (F(1,28)=31.07, p=.000, ηp2=.526). Post hoc paired T‐tests revealed that the most pronounced effects on rPPO and T2Ex occurred in the moderate or high intensity groups There was a reduction in scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (F(1,28)=6.50, p=.017, ηp2=.189) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) (F(1,28)=4.09, p=.053, ηp2=.127) scores after 12 weeks of exercise.In sum, these results confirm that exercise training beneficially influences measures of stress and depression. Further work is required to understand the role of exercise‐induced alterations in tryptophan metabolism in mediating these effects.Support or Funding InformationAPC Microbiome Ireland is a research center funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), through the Irish Government’s National Development Plan (grant no. 12/RC/2273). GC, JFC and TD are supported by the Irish Health Research Board (Grant number ILP‐POR‐2017‐013). CEG is supported by European Foundation for the Advancement in Neurosciences, Geneva, Switzerland.

Sprinting Ability as an Important Indicator of Performance in Elite Long-Distance Runners.

Increases in maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) and running economy improve performance in long-distance runners. Nevertheless, long-distance runners require sprinting ability to win, especially in the final phase of competitions. The authors determined the relationships between performance and sprinting ability, as well as other abilities in elite long-distance runners. The subjects were 12 elite long-distance runners. Mean official seasonal best times in 5000-m (5000 m-SB) and 10,000-m (10,000 m-SB) races within 1 year before or after the examination were 13:58.5 (0:18.7) and 28:37.9 (0:25.2) (mean [SD]), respectively. The authors measured 100-m and 400-m sprint times as the index of sprinting ability. They also measured V˙O2max and running economy (V˙O2 at 300m·min-1 of running velocity). They used a single correlation analysis to assess relationships between 5000m-SB or 10,000m-SB and other elements. There were significant correlations between 5000 m-SB was significantly correlated with 100-m sprint time (13.3 [0.7]s; r = .68, P = .014), 400-m sprint time (56.6 [2.7]s; r = .69, P = .013), and running economy (55.5 [3.9]mL·kg-1·min-1; r = .59, P = .045). There were significant correlations between 10,000m-SB and 100-m sprint time (r = .72, P = .009) and 400-m sprint time (r = .85, P < .001). However, there was no significant correlation between 5000m-SB or 10,000m-SB and V˙O2max (72.0 [3.8]mL·kg-1·min-1). The authors' data suggest that sprinting ability is an important indicator of performance in elite long-distance runners.

Blood Lactate Concentration Is Not Related to the Increase in Cardiorespiratory Fitness Induced by High Intensity Interval Training.

Background: There is individual responsiveness to exercise training as not all individuals experience increases in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), which does not benefit health status considering the association between VO2max and mortality. Approximately 50% of the training response is genetic, with the other 50% accounted for by variations in dietary intake, sleep, recovery, and the metabolic stress of training. This study examined if the blood lactate (BLa) response to high intensity interval training (HIIT) as well as habitual dietary intake and sleep duration are associated with the resultant change in VO2max (ΔVO2max). Methods: Fourteen individuals (age and VO2max = 27 ± 8 years and 38 ± 4 mL/kg/min, respectively) performed nine sessions of HIIT at 130% ventilatory threshold. BLa was measured during the first and last session of training. In addition, sleep duration and energy intake were assessed. Results: Data showed that VO2max increased with HIIT (p = 0.007). No associations occurred between ΔVO2max and BLa (r = 0.44, p = 0.10), energy intake (r = 0.38, p = 0.18), or sleep duration (r = 0.14, p = 0.62). However, there was a significant association between training heart rate (HR) and ΔVO2max (r = 0.62, p = 0.02). Conclusions: When HIIT is prescribed according to a metabolic threshold, energy intake, sleep status, and BLa do not predict ΔVO2max, yet the HR response to training is associated with the ΔVO2max.

Effect of exercise on pain and functional capacity in breast cancer patients

PurposeTo assess the influence of combined training on pain, fatigue, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), body mass index (BMI), flexibility, and strength in patients with breast cancer.MethodsA controlled pilot study with 28 patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical observation in a renowned cancer treatment center; the patients were aged from 30 to 59 years old and were not engaged in physical training for three months previously. The Study Group (SG) underwent 12 weeks of training, including three 60-min sessions of aerobic exercise and resistance training, and two sessions of flexibility training per week; each flexibility exercise lasted 20 s and was performed in sets of three repetitions. The Control Group (CG) received only the standard hospital treatment. Participants were evaluated at the beginning of the study to establish a baseline and reevaluated at the end of 12 weeks.ResultsPatients in the SG showed a significant decrease in total pain points (p = 0.0047), pain intensity (p = 0.0082), and the extent to which pain interfered with their daily life (p = 0.0047). There was an increase in maximum oxygen uptake (p = 0.0001), flexibility (p = 0.0001), and strength on both sides (right p = 0.0001 and left p = 0.0008). No significant differences were observed in fatigue (p = 0.0953) or BMI (p = 0.6088).ConclusionCombined training was effective in decreasing pain and increasing VO2 max, flexibility and static strength in patients with breast cancer.Trial registrationNCT03061773. Registered on February 19, 2017, ‘retrospectively registered’.

Lifestyle Intervention Program for Amelioration of Dysmetabolism in Overweight Women.

Overweight and obesity, a cluster of multiple risk factors for atherosclerosis such as elevated blood pressure, elevated glucose level, and dyslipidemia, increase the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Physical activity and a proper diet are essential preventive measures. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a two-month intervention program consisting of a low-caloric diet (1,500kcal) and increased physical activity on the anthropometric parameters, body composition, resting metabolic rate, and maximum oxygen uptake. The study was conducted in 22 women aged 20-38 with diagnosed overweight or obesity. We found that after completing the eight-week-long intervention program, there were significant changes in body composition, consisting of a smaller proportion of body fat and increased lean body mass. Further, we observed a decrease in body weight by 4.3±2.5kg (p<0.01), a reduction in waist and hip circumference of 2.6±4.5cm (p<0.01) and 4.4±2.9cm (p<0.01), respectively, and an increase in maximum oxygen uptake by about 5.2±8.4ml/kg/min (p<0.01). We conclude that the intervention program consisting of counseling on diet and physical activity may be highly motivational for patients with excess body weight and care givers should give it a try before commencing more aggressive psychopharmacological therapies.

Será a combinação dos treinamentos intervalado e resistido mais efetiva sobre a aptidão física em adultos? Uma revisão sistemática e metanálise

Interval training (HIIT / SIT) combined with resistance training (RT) has been highlighted as a strategy for the improvement of health-related physical fitness markers (HRPF) in adults. Thus, the aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy of combined training (HIIT / SIT + RT) with other exercise protocols on HRPF markers in adults. A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE via PebMed, Cochrane-CENTRAL, SPORTDiscus, LILACS, SCIELO and Scopus databases between January and March 2017, using the following keywords in English and Portuguese: physical fitness, high-intensity interval training, sprint interval training, resistance training and adults. The quality of studies was evaluated using the PEDro scale. After applying both inclusion and exclusion criteria, nine articles were selected (n = 231). The extraction of means and standard deviations from studies was performed independently by two authors and the RevMan software was used to perform the meta-analysis. Combined training interventions lasted from 6 to 12 weeks and generated greater increase in maximal oxygen uptake than other forms of exercise. The combination of interval training and strength training may be considered more effective to improve aerobic capacity levels in adults.

Changes in fat oxidation in response to various regimes of high intensity interval training (HIIT).

Increased whole-body fat oxidation (FOx) has been consistently demonstrated in response to moderate intensity continuous exercise training. Completion of high intensity interval training (HIIT) and its more intense form, sprint interval training (SIT), has also been reported to increase FOx in different populations. An explanation for this increase in FOx is primarily peripheral adaptations via improvements in mitochondrial content and function. However, studies examining changes in FOx are less common in response to HIIT or SIT than those determining increases in maximal oxygen uptake which is concerning, considering that FOx has been identified as a predictor of weight gain and glycemic control. In this review, we explored physiological and methodological issues underpinning existing literature concerning changes in FOx in response to HIIT and SIT. Our results show that completion of interval training increases FOx in approximately 50% of studies, with the frequency of increased FOx higher in response to studies using HIIT compared to SIT. Significant increases in β-HAD, citrate synthase, fatty acid binding protein, or FAT/CD36 are likely responsible for the greater FOx seen in these studies. We encourage scientists to adopt strict methodological procedures to attenuate day-to-day variability in FOx, which is dramatic, and develop standardized procedures for assessing FOx, which may improve detection of changes in FOx in response to HIIT.

Concomitant application of sprint and high-intensity interval training on maximal oxygen uptake and work output in well-trained cyclists.

In this study, we compared the effects of two different training modalities on maximal oxygen uptake and work output. Participants included 26 well-trained mountain bike cyclists were divided into two groups. The first group trained using a conventional endurance protocol at steady-state (moderate) intensity and variable-intensity (high-moderate-low) free of maximal efforts. The second group combined endurance training with a sprint and high-intensity interval training protocol, which, respectively, were based on 30s maximal repetitions and 4min high intensity repetitions. Training duration was 8weeks. A graded exercise test was administered pre- and post-training. Work output, oxygen uptake, minute pulmonary ventilation, heart rate and stroke volume were determined during the test. While work output significantly increased post-training in both groups (P<0.05), the interval training group showed a greater magnitude of change (from 284.4±91.9 to 314.2±95.1kJ) than the endurance training group (from 271.8±73.3 to 283.4±72.3kJ). Significant increases in maximal oxygen uptake (from 57.9±6.8 to 66.6±5.3mlkg(-1)min(-1)), maximal pulmonary ventilation and stroke volume were observed only in the interval training group. An exercise protocol involving endurance and sprint and high-intensity interval training was found to induce positive effects on maximal oxygen uptake in a group of well-trained cyclists with several years athletic experience.

High and low impact aerobic exercise as a method of early prevention of hypercholesterolaemia development among young women

PurposeHypercholesterolaemia is a highly prevalent condition that has major health- and cost-related implications for the society. Aerobic-type exercise improves lipoprotein-lipid profiles, cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in healthy young women. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the impact of 9 weeks of low-high aerobic-type exercise on the lipid profile among young women.MethodsOn the basis of the lipid profile, 64 women (median age, 21.8 years; range, 19.0–24.7 years) were divided into two groups: with low (LRH) and intermediate (IRH) risk of developing hypercholesterolaemia. The participants completed a 9-week-long low-high aerobic exercise programme. Before and after the training programme, we determined the lipid profile: triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), lipoprotein cholesterol: HDL-C and LDL-C, and glucose levels. Selected cardiorespiratory fitness variables and body composition were also determined.ResultsIt was found that aerobic-type fitness exercise in the IRH group caused statistically significant decreases in TC and TG levels in comparison with baseline values. Significant increase in maximum oxygen uptake and decrease in HDL-C in the LRH group were also observed.ConclusionsAerobic fitness exercises, a combination of two alternating styles, could influence the blood lipid profile by decreasing plasma TC and TG levels. In non-athlete women, physical activity may be a good tool to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Long-term low-level laser therapy promotes an increase in maximal oxygen uptake and exercise performance in a dose-dependent manner in Wistar rats

The use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) represents a new intervention modality that has been explored to enhance exercise performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of LLLT (GaAIAs-850 nm) at different doses on VO2max and on exercise performance in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: "placebo" rats (P-LLLT, n = 10), rats at a dose of 0.315 J per treatment point of LLLT (8.7 J/cm(2)-LLLT, n = 10), and rats at a dose of 2.205 J per treatment point of LLLT (61.2 J/cm(2)-LLLT, n = 10). The LLLT was applied bilaterally at the biceps femoris, gluteus, lateral and medial gastrocnemius, iliopsoas, and adductor longus muscles. One spot in each muscle belly was applied, with a sum of 12 spots in each rat, once a day, for 10 days. All animals performed the maximal exercise test (ET) at a metabolic treadmill for rats, with simultaneous gas analysis. The distance covered was measured during ET, before and after the conclusion of the LLLT protocol. The data were compared by a repeated measures two-way ANOVA followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc tests (p < .05). The 61.2 J/cm(2)-LLLT group increased VO2basal (~40 %), VO2max (~24 %), VCO2max (~17 %), and distance covered (~34 %) after LLLT application on the skeletal muscle. No significant results were found comparing before and after conditions for the studied variables considering P-LLLT and 8.7 J/cm(2)-LLLT groups. The LLLT promoted in a dose-dependent manner an increase in oxygen consumption uptake and a performance increment of male Wistar rats.

The effect of exercise on hippocampal volume and neurotrophines in patients with major depression–A randomized clinical trial

BackgroundThe hippocampal volume is reduced in patients with major depression. Exercise leads to an increased hippocampal volume in schizophrenia and in healthy old adults. The effect of exercise on hippocampal volume is potentially mediated by brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). The aim of this trial was to assess the effect of an aerobic exercise intervention on hippocampal volume and serum BDNF, VEGF, and IGF-1 in patients with major depression. MethodsPatients were randomized to an aerobic exercise intervention (n=41) or a control condition (n=38). Both interventions consisted of three supervised sessions per week during a three months period. ResultsPost-intervention the increase in maximal oxygen uptake was 3.90ml/kg/min (SD 5.1) in the aerobic exercise group and 0.95ml/kg/min (SD 6.2) in the control group (p=0.03). The hippocampal volume, BDNF, VEGF, or IGF-1 did not differ between the two groups. Post-hoc we found a positive association between change in hippocampal volume and verbal memory (Rho=0.27; p=0.05) and change in hippocampal volume and depressive symptoms (Rho=0.30; p=0.03). LimitationsParticipation was low in both groups corresponding to an average participation of one session per week. ConclusionDespite a significant increase in maximal oxygen uptake, a pragmatic exercise intervention did not increase hippocampal volume or resting levels of neurotrophines in out-patients with mild to moderate major depression. Trial identifier: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00695552)

Supplementing exercise: translational considerations for nutraceutical and lifestyle interventions

Ageing is the primary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). With the unprecedented increase in the ageing population, the need for effective interventions and an understanding of their mechanism(s) of action is of utmost biomedical importance. Exercise elicits beneficial effects on cardiovascular health in older adults and is an important lifestyle intervention for the primary prevention of CVD. Preclinical studies suggest that the polyphenol resveratrol, a caloric restriction mimetic, potentiates the beneficial effects of exercise and may be a novel intervention for CVD prevention. Recently, Gliemann et al. (2013) conducted a translational investigation to assess the efficacy of concomitant resveratrol and exercise training for improving multiple markers of cardiovascular health including exercise capacity, functional performance and vascular function in older adults, as well as the mechanisms involved therein. Gliemann et al. (2013) randomized older (60- to 72-year-old) sedentary men into two groups matched for aerobic capacity and clinical characteristics. Both groups underwent 8 weeks of exercise training with either placebo or resveratrol supplementation (250 mg trans-resveratrol per day). Resveratrol supplementation with exercise did not provide synergistic benefits on the outcomes assessed compared with exercise alone and blunted exercise-induced improvements in some outcomes. Specifically, while percentage body fat decreased and functional performance increased in both groups, the resveratrol group failed to achieve significant reductions in mean arterial pressure and exhibited a significantly smaller increase in maximal oxygen uptake. Subjects randomized to the resveratrol and exercise group also exhibited increased muscle expression of the procoagulant and vasoconstrictor protein, thromboxane. In contrast to the authors’ hypothesis, skeletal muscle expression of the central metabolic regulator sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) did not change across the intervention period in either group. The findings by Gliemann et al. (2013) suggest that in contrast to select evidence from preclinical studies, concomitant resveratrol supplementation and exercise training do not have synergistic effects to improve markers of cardiovascular health in humans. This contradiction highlights two important issues, i.e. the importance of effective clinical translation of preclinical findings to humans and the importance of hormesis in the maintenance of human health.

Physical training for asthma.

People with asthma may show less tolerance to exercise due to worsening asthma symptoms during exercise or other reasons such as deconditioning as a consequence of inactivity. Some may restrict activities as per medical advice or family influence and this might result in reduced physical fitness. Physical training programs aim to improve physical fitness, neuromuscular coordination and self confidence. Subjectively, many people with asthma report that they are symptomatically better when fit, but results from trials have varied and have been difficult to compare because of different designs and training protocols. Also, as exercise can induce asthma, the safety of exercise programmes needs to be considered. To gain a better understanding of the effect of physical training on the respiratory and general health of people with asthma, from randomised trials. We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register of trials up to January 2013. We included randomised trials of people over eight years of age with asthma who were randomised to undertake physical training or not. Physical training had to be undertaken for at least 20 minutes, two times a week, over a minimum period of four weeks. Two review authors independently assessed eligibility for inclusion and undertook risk of bias assessment for the included studies. Twenty-one studies (772 participants) were included in this review with two additional 2012 studies identified as 'awaiting classification'. Physical training was well tolerated with no adverse effects reported. None of the studies mentioned worsening of asthma symptoms following physical training. Physical training showed marked improvement in cardiopulmonary fitness as measured by a statistically and clinically significant increase in maximum oxygen uptake (mean difference (MD) 4.92 mL/kg/min; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.98 to 5.87; P < 0.00001; 8 studies on 267 participants); however, no statistically significant effects were observed for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), minute ventilation at maximal exercise (VEmax) or peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Meta-analysis of four studies detected a statistically significant increase in maximum heart rate, and following a sensitivity analysis and removal of two studies significance was maintained (MD 3.67 bpm; 95% CI 0.90 to 3.44; P = 0.01). Although there were insufficient data to pool results due to diverse reporting tools, there was some evidence to suggest that physical training may have positive effects on health-related quality of life, with four of five studies producing a statistically and clinically significant benefit. This review demonstrated that physical training showed significant improvement in maximum oxygen uptake, though no effects were observed in other measures of pulmonary function. Physical training was well tolerated among people with asthma in the included studies and, as such, people with stable asthma should be encouraged to participate in regular exercise training, without fear of symptom exacerbation. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which physical activity impacts asthma management.

Recent data do not provide evidence that resveratrol causes ‘mainly negative’ or ‘adverse’ effects on exercise training in humans

Recent data do not provide evidence that resveratrol causes ‘mainly negative’ or ‘adverse’ effects on exercise training in humans

Physical training for asthma

People with asthma may show less tolerance to exercise due to worsening asthma symptoms during exercise or other reasons such as deconditioning as a consequence of inactivity. Some may restrict activities as per medical advice or family influence and this might result in reduced physical fitness. Physical training programs aim to improve physical fitness, neuromuscular coordination and self confidence. Subjectively, many people with asthma report that they are symptomatically better when fit, but results from trials have varied and have been difficult to compare because of different designs and training protocols. Also, as exercise can induce asthma, the safety of exercise programmes needs to be considered. To gain a better understanding of the effect of physical training on the respiratory and general health of people with asthma, from randomised trials. We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register of trials up to January 2013. We included randomised trials of people over eight years of age with asthma who were randomised to undertake physical training or not. Physical training had to be undertaken for at least 20 minutes, two times a week, over a minimum period of four weeks. Two review authors independently assessed eligibility for inclusion and undertook risk of bias assessment for the included studies. Twenty-one studies (772 participants) were included in this review with two additional 2012 studies identified as 'awaiting classification'. Physical training was well tolerated with no adverse effects reported. None of the studies mentioned worsening of asthma symptoms following physical training. Physical training showed marked improvement in cardiopulmonary fitness as measured by a statistically and clinically significant increase in maximum oxygen uptake (mean difference (MD) 4.92 mL/kg/min; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.98 to 5.87; P < 0.00001; 8 studies on 267 participants); however, no statistically significant effects were observed for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), minute ventilation at maximal exercise (VEmax) or peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Meta-analysis of four studies detected a statistically significant increase in maximum heart rate, and following a sensitivity analysis and removal of two studies significance was maintained (MD 3.67 bpm; 95% CI 0.90 to 3.44; P = 0.01). Although there were insufficient data to pool results due to diverse reporting tools, there was some evidence to suggest that physical training may have positive effects on health-related quality of life, with four of five studies producing a statistically and clinically significant benefit. This review demonstrated that physical training showed significant improvement in maximum oxygen uptake, though no effects were observed in other measures of pulmonary function. Physical training was well tolerated among people with asthma in the included studies and, as such, people with stable asthma should be encouraged to participate in regular exercise training, without fear of symptom exacerbation. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which physical activity impacts asthma management.