Increase In VO2max Research Articles

Protein Supplementation Does Not Further Augment Physiological Adaptations to Prolonged Endurance Exercise Training

PURPOSE: It has recently been speculated that protein supplementation may further augment the adaptations to prolonged endurance exercise training. We assessed the impact of protein supplementation during prolonged endurance exercise training on whole-body oxidative capacity (VO2max) and endurance exercise performance. METHODS: Sixty recreationally active males (age: 27±6 y; BMI: 23.8±2.6 kg·m-2, VO2max 47±6 mL·min-1·kg-1) were subjected to 12 weeks of triweekly endurance exercise training. After each session and each night prior to sleep, participants ingested either a protein supplement (PRO; 29 g casein protein) or an isocaloric carbohydrate placebo (PLA). Before and after the 12 weeks of training, VO2max and endurance exercise performance (~10-km time-trial) were assessed on a cycle ergometer. Muscular endurance (total workload achieved during 30 reciprocal isokinetic contractions) was assessed by isokinetic dynamometry and body composition by DXA. Dietary intake was assessed at baseline and during the intervention period. Repeated measures ANOVA was applied to assess whether training adaptations were different between groups. RESULTS: Protein intake increased in PRO (1.2±0.4 to 1.6±0.3 g·kg-1), but not in PLA (1.3±0.4 to 1.2±0.3 g·kg-1, time x treatment interaction, P<0.001). Endurance exercise training induced an 11±6% increase in VO2max (time effect, P<0.001), with no differences between groups (PRO: 48±6 to 53±7 mL·min-1·kg-1; PLA: 46±5 to 51±6 mL·min-1·kg-1; time x treatment interaction, P=0.50). Time to complete the time-trial was reduced by 14±7% (time effect, P<0.001), with no differences between groups (time x treatment interaction, P=0.15). Muscular endurance increased by 6±7% (time effect, P<0.001), with no differences between groups (time x treatment interaction, P=0.84). Whole body lean mass was unchanged over time (P=0.097). However, leg lean mass showed an increase following endurance exercise training (P<0.001), which tended to be greater in PRO (PRO: 0.5±0.7 kg; PLA: 0.2±0.6 kg; time x treatment interaction, P=0.073). CONCLUSION: Protein supplementation after exercise and before sleep does not further augment the gains in whole-body oxidative capacity and endurance exercise performance following prolonged endurance exercise training in healthy, young males.

Low-volume High-intensity Interval Training On Cardio-metabolic Health And Adherence-related Psycho-perceptual Responses In Overweight/obese Middle-aged Adults

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been proposed as a time-efficient protocol to improve metabolic health. However, its practical efficacy in terms of cardio-metabolic and adherence compared with higher-volume moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) remains unclear. PURPOSE: To compare the training effects between low-volume HIIT and higher-volume MICE on cardio-metabolic and psycho-perceptual responses in overweight/obese middle-aged men. METHODS: Twenty overweight/obese men (mean age: 48.0 ± 5.7 years) were randomly assigned to undertake either HIIT (n=10) or MICE (n=10) training for 8 weeks (3 sessions/week). HIIT sessions consisted of ten 1-minute intervals of exercise at 80-90% HRmax separated by 1-minute active recovery. MICE sessions involved 50-minute continuous exercise at 65-70% HRmax. Health-related variables including cardiovascular fitness (VO2max), body composition and cardio-metabolic blood markers were assessed before and after the intervention. Adherence-related psycho-perceptual variables including enjoyment and self-efficacy were also assessed after the intervention. Paired-sample t-tests were used to compare changes within a group before and after the intervention. Analyses of Covariance were used to compare the group difference in outcome variables after controlling for baseline values. RESULTS: Both groups showed similar VO2max increase over the 8-week intervention (HIIT: 32.5 ± 5.6 to 36.0 ± 6.2 ; MICE: 36.3 ± 6.0 to 21.5 ± 40.2 ± 5.1 mL kg-1min-1, both p < 0.05). Both groups had significant fat% loss (HIIT: 24.5 ± 3.4 to 23.2 ± 3.5; MICE: 23.0 ± 4.3 to 21.5 ± 4.1, both ps < 0.05) and there was a trend favoring MICE (p = 0.054). Compared to the baseline, MICE group significantly decreased weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and glycated hemoglobin whereas HIIT increased high-desity lipoprotiein after the intervention. However, these variables did not differ significantly upon group comparison. The self-efficacy and enjoyment responses were found similar between HIIT and MICE (both ps > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that low-volume HIIT elicits a similar improvement of cardiovascular fitness and adherence-related psycho-perceptual responses as traditional higher-volume MICE in overweight/obese middle-aged men.

Effect of Peer Influence during the Twelve Minute Run Test and the 20 M Shuttle Run Test: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the differences in peer influence on physiological and subjective responses when performing the twelve minute run test (12-MRT) and the 20 m shuttle run test (20 mSRT). Methods: Twenty-seven male university level athletes (27.2 ± 3.7 years) randomly performed four testing scenarios: the 12-MRT and 20 mSRT performed alone and performed in-group. Predicted VO2max, blood lactate concentration [BLa], heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were analyzed (ANOVA). Results: No significant differences in VO2max were observed when the tests were performed alone and in-group during the 12-MRT and the 20 mSRT (F1,52=2.38 p=0.128). There was only a slight increase of VO2max in group condition (4% for 20 m-MST vs 2.12% for 12- MRT). [Bla] was significantly higher (p<0.05) in In-Group condition for 12-MRT and 20 mMST. [Bla] increases were 10.6% and 0.9% during In-Group compared to Alone respectively for 12-MRT and 20 mSRT. HR max indicated variations of 1.64% and 0.48% for the same variants comparisons between 12-MRT and 20 mSRT. RPE was significant increase (p<0.05) during In-Group compared to Alone for 12-MRT. Conclusion: This study brings physiological and metabolic support on peer influence during the 12-MRT and the 20 mSRT. Running in-groups of three resulted in higher RPE values.

PENGARUH KONSUMSI DAUN KELOR (Moringa oleifera) TERHADAP VO2MAX DAN LACTATE THRESHOLD

This research aims to determine how the effect of combination of Moringa Leaf consumption with aerobic exercise against VO2Max and Lactate Threshold as ergogenic aids. 16 Taekwondo athletes are participated in this research. Participants are divided into 2 groups: the experimental group, which has been given the treatment of Moringa leaves and aerobic exercise, and the control group, which has been given an aerobic treatment only. The method used is experimental method with randomized pretest-posttest comparison group design. This research took 6 weeks length with aerobic exercise 4 days a week. Moringa leaves consumed at a dose of 2000mg during treatment. The data collection used a Balke Test to measure the VO2max and modified Conconi Test to measure the lactate threshold. The results of this research showed a significant increase in mean before and after treatment in both variables from each group (p &lt;0.05). However, the value of the increase in both variables between the two groups did not show significant difference (p&gt; 0.05). These results, it can be concluded that there is a significant increase of VO2Max and Lactate Threshold between pre test and post test in each group, but there is no significant difference from deviation of increase of between control and experiment group although the experimental group increase is higher than the control group.

Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Training Reduces Acute Exercise‐Induced Platelet‐Monocyte Complex Formation in Overweight, Postmenopausal Women

Inactivity‐related diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) involve a complex interplay among endothelial cells, leukocytes and activated platelets in response to vascular injury. Activated platelets are involved in atherogenesis and can promote an inflammatory phenotype of both the vasculature and leukocytes, particularly monocytes. Platelet‐monocyte complexes (PMCs) are markers of in vivo platelet activation and may be early indicators of subclinical inflammation.PURPOSETo examine the influence of combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on platelet activation, as measured by PMCs, and to characterize the acute exercise‐induced response of PMCs in a population at risk for CVD.METHODSThirty‐eight overweight‐obese (BMI: 32.8 ± 4.6 kg×m−2, age: 64 ± 5.1 years) post‐menopausal women were randomly assigned to either an exercise (EX, n=20) or education control (ED, n=18) group. EX performed 2 sets of 8 resistance exercises and 25 minutes of treadmill walking three times a week for 12 weeks while ED attended education classes (CPR certification, invited authors, health‐related talks) twice weekly for the same duration. Before (BT) and after (AT) the intervention, EX performed a single exercise bout during which blood was obtained pre‐exercise, immediately post‐exercise, 1‐hour and 2 hours post‐exercise. Blood was obtained at the same time points in resting ED. PMCs were identified via flow cytometry and analyzed in each monocyte phenotype. Monocyte phenotypes were defined as: Mon1 (CD14++CD16−), Mon2 (CD14++CD16+), and Mon3 (CD14loCD16++). All events positive for both CD14 and CD42a (marker for platelets) were considered PMCs.RESULTSExercise training resulted in a significant increase in VO2max (BT: 21.1 ± 0.85, AT: 23.7 ± 0.90 ml×kg−1×min−1, p &lt; 0.001) and leg press strength (BT: 70 ± 4.1, AT: 99 ± 5.9 kg, p &lt; 0.001), while no changes in fitness were observed in ED. Exercise training (EX: BT = 27.6 ± 2.7, AT = 23.7 ± 2.9 %) prevented the observed increase in percent PMC in ED (ED: BT = 20.9 ± 2.9, AT = 26.4 ± 3.2 %, p = 0.029). We observed a group x training interaction where exercise training reduced mean PMC percentage across all time points (EX: BT = 27.6 ± 2.4, AT = 22.1 ± 2.8 %, p = 0.034) while ED did not change (ED: BT = 20.2 ± 2.5, AT = 23.6 ± 2.9 %). PMCs formed with Mon1 monocytes followed a similar response (p = 0.031), but no significant changes were observed with PMCs formed in Mon2 or Mon3. A single exercise bout did not influence PMCs in any phenotype.CONCLUSIONOur results indicate that 12 weeks of combined exercise training reduces PMC formation in obese, postmenopausal women; however, a single bout of exercise did not significantly change percent PMC. The increase in PMCs in ED after the intervention is difficult to explain, but may be related to the time of year of the BT and AT experimental trials. These data may provide evidence that exercise training reduces CVD risk via reductions in platelet activation.Support or Funding InformationTCU Invests in Scholarship Grant; TCU Research and Creative Activities FundThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Physical exercise training for type 3 spinal muscular atrophy.

Physical exercise training might improve muscle and cardiorespiratory function in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Optimization of aerobic capacity or other resources in residual muscle tissue through exercise may counteract the muscle deterioration that occurs secondary to motor neuron loss and inactivity in SMA. There is currently no evidence synthesis available on physical exercise training in people with SMA type 3. To assess the effects of physical exercise training on functional performance in people with SMA type 3, and to identify any adverse effects. On 8 May 2018, we searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, AMED, and LILACS. On 25 April 2018 we searched NHSEED, DARE, and ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO ICTRP for ongoing trials. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs lasting at least 12 weeks that compared physical exercise training (strength training, aerobic exercise training, or both) to placebo, standard or usual care, or another type of non-physical intervention for SMA type 3. Participants were adults and children from the age of five years with a diagnosis of SMA type 3 (Kugelberg-Welander syndrome), confirmed by genetic analysis. We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. We included one RCT that studied the effects of a six-month, home-based, combined muscle strength and recumbent cycle ergometry training program versus usual care in 14 ambulatory people with SMA. The age range of the participants was between 10 years and 48 years. The study was evaluator-blinded, but personnel and participants could not be blinded to the intervention, which placed the results at a high risk of bias. Participants performed strength training as prescribed, but 50% of the participants did not achieve the intended aerobic exercise training regimen. The trial used change in walking distance on the six-minute walk test as a measure of function; a minimal detectable change is 24.0 m. The change from baseline to six months' follow-up in the training group (9.4 m) was not detectably different from the change in the usual care group (-0.14 m) (mean difference (MD) 9.54 m, 95% confidence interval (CI) -83.04 to 102.12; N = 12). Cardiopulmonary exercise capacity, assessed by the change from baseline to six months' follow-up in peak oxygen uptake (VO2max) was similar in the training group (-0.12 mL/kg/min) and the usual care group (-1.34 mL/kg/min) (MD 1.22 mL/kg/min, 95% CI -2.16 to 4.6; N = 12). A clinically meaningful increase in VO2max is 3.5 mL/kg/min.The trial assessed function on the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale - Expanded (HFMSE), which has a range of possible scores from 0 to 66, with an increase of 3 or more points indicating clinically meaningful improvement. The HFMSE score in the training group increased by 2 points from baseline to six months' follow-up, with no change in the usual care group (MD 2.00, 95% CI -2.06 to 6.06; N = 12). The training group showed a slight improvement in muscle strength, expressed as the manual muscle testing (MMT) total score, which ranges from 28 (weakest) to 280 (strongest). The change from baseline in MMT total score was 6.8 in the training group compared to -5.14 in the usual care group (MD 11.94, 95% CI -3.44 to 27.32; N = 12).The trial stated that training had no statistically significant effects on fatigue and quality of life. The certainty of evidence for all outcomes was very low because of study limitations and imprecision. The study did not assess the effects of physical exercise training on physical activity levels. No study-related serious adverse events or adverse events leading to withdrawal occurred, but we cannot draw wider conclusions from this very low-certainty evidence. It is uncertain whether combined strength and aerobic exercise training is beneficial or harmful in people with SMA type 3, as the quality of evidence is very low. We need well-designed and adequately powered studies using protocols that meet international standards for the development of training interventions, in order to improve our understanding of the exercise response in people with SMA type 3 and eventually develop exercise guidelines for this condition.

Investigation of Six-Week Beetroot Juice Ingestion on VO2max in Female Soccer Players

Background: One of the beverages improving athletic performance is beetroot juice. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate if six weeks of beetroot juice ingestion can increase VO2max and improve the performance of female soccer players. Methods: 20 female soccer players (age: 23.13 ± 0.77 years) were selected and assigned into two groups: experimental (beetroot juice, n = 10) and control (placebo, n = 10). The Bruce test was first done to assess VO2max without drinking beetroot juice. Then, the experimental group started consuming 200 mL of the juice two hours before each training session for six weeks. Finally, the second Bruce test was performed after six weeks of beetroot juice ingestion. Results: There was a significant increase in VO2max in the experimental and control groups from pretest to posttest (P < 0.001). In addition, the results of independent samples t-test showed there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in VO2max (P < 0.001, t = 12.39). Conclusions: The present study provides evidence that beetroot juice positively affects performance and increases the maximum volume of oxygen consumption in female soccer players. Therefore, we can propose this juice to female soccer players to improve their performance.

Exercise Training Does Improve Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Post-Bariatric Surgery Patients.

Although exercise is recognized as an important component of the management for patients following bariatric surgery (BS), its effectiveness on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is still unclear. To investigate this relationship between BS and CRF, a systematic review was conducted in the MEDLINE database. The literature search included studies involving exercise training in patients following BS. A total of 306 studies were identified, 7 met the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Exercise training was found to result in a moderate and significant increase in VO2max (SMD = 0.430, 95% CI 0.157; 0.704, p = 0.002) following BS. The results from this meta-analysis indicate that exercise training can significantly improve CRF. Further research is needed to determine the ideal training duration and exercise training parameters for patients following BS.

Personalized approach to working up an early motor rehabilitation program for children with vertebral column and spinal cord injury, taking into account exercise tolerance

The relevance of rehabilitation of children with vertebral column and spinal cord injury (VCSCI) is due to the steady growth in the number of such patients. The mandatory conditions for early motor rehabilitation are to size efforts, to exclude fatigue and overtraining, and to gradually increase loads. The priority tasks of drawing up an individual motor program are to determine the rehabilitation abilities of a child and his/her willingness to perform the proposed load. To investigate whether the motor rehabilitation program can be personalized for children with severe VCSCI on the basis of estimation of exercise tolerance. The investigation enrolled 25 patients with VCSCI (12 people with superior paraparesis or inferior paraplegia and 13 with inferior paraparesis or inferior paraplegia); their mean age was 12.1±5.0 years. An individual active motor rehabilitation program was worked out for all the patients according to the results of exercise tolerance testing. The latter was performed using ergospirometry to determine the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and the time to reach the anaerobic threshold. After a rehabilitation cycle, all the patients showed an increase in VO2 max and time to reach the anaerobic threshold. The obtained results about the increase in VO2 max with active exercises and the expansion of the aerobic corridor in both patient groups suggest that the exercise tolerance was enhanced due to increases in muscle strength and total body endurance. By the end of the rehabilitation cycle, all the patients displayed an increase in the motor density of exercises to 29.2±4.3 (64.9%) of the 45 min. Passive load decreased to 15.8±4.3 (35.1%) min. Assessment of the individual capabilities of a patient allows one to personalize the motor rehabilitation program. Ergospirometry is a technique to monitor the adequacy of the proposed program.

Impact of Moderate Aerobic Training on Physical Capacities of Hypertensive Obese Elderly.

The association of old age and chronic conditions, such as hypertension and obesity, can lead to larger decreases in the physical capacities of elderly, compared with their healthy counterparts. Physical exercise has been demonstrated to be efficient in postponing this phenomenon, mainly strength training. However, little is known about the effect of aerobic training on this condition. The aim of this work was to investigate the impact of 12 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic training on the physical capacities of hypertensive obese older women. Aerobic power, lower limb muscle power, upper limb muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility of 19 hypertensive obese elders were evaluated. Afterward, patients were blindly randomized into control group (CG) and exercise group (EG). EG underwent three sessions/week of 60 min of moderate-intensity aerobic training, during 12 weeks. EG showed increases in VO2max compared with CG (p = .03) and increases in flexibility compared with basal moment (+21.6%; p = .01) after 12 weeks, whereas CG did not show any significant alterations. Moderate aerobic training is capable of inducing increases in maximal aerobic power and flexibility in hypertensive obese elderly. However, other essential physical capacities associated with independence in elderly people (i.e., muscle power and strength) were not responsive to this kind of protocol.

THE EFFECT OF FREELETIC SPORT TO VO2 MAX LEVELS ON THE FREELETIC COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN MAKASSAR CITY

Introduction: VO2 max is the maximum oxygen amount of that can be consumed during intense physical activity until eventually fatigue occurs. A person with a good level of VO2 max means having good physical fitness as well. Physical fitness gives the ability to a person to do daily productive work in the absence of excessive fatigue. The low one cardiorespiratory fitness may incrase the risk of death from heart disease and hypertension. Giving freeletic exercise is one of the techniques used to improve cardiorespiratory fitness or VO2 max. Methods: This research is Pre-experimental research with one group pre-post test design. The sample of the study amounted to 20 people and freeletic exercise was given 12 times. The measuring tool used is Multistage Test of Fitness / Beep Test to know the level VO2 max of sample before and after freeletic sporting practice. Results: The results of this study indicate that 17 respondents experienced a significant increase in VO2 max and 3 other respondents did not experience improvement by giving 12 times freeletic sports exercise. Conclusion: Based on Paired T test to know whether or not there is influence, it can be concluded that there is influence of giving freeletic sport to max VO2 level on freeletic community member after given 12 times (p&lt; 0,001, p&lt;0,05) freeletic sport practice.

Metformin inhibits mitochondrial adaptations to aerobic exercise training in older adults.

Metformin and exercise independently improve insulin sensitivity and decrease the risk of diabetes. Metformin was also recently proposed as a potential therapy to slow aging. However, recent evidence indicates that adding metformin to exercise antagonizes the exercise‐induced improvement in insulin sensitivity and cardiorespiratory fitness. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that metformin diminishes the improvement in insulin sensitivity and cardiorespiratory fitness after aerobic exercise training (AET) by inhibiting skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration and protein synthesis in older adults (62 ± 1 years). In a double‐blinded fashion, participants were randomized to placebo (n = 26) or metformin (n = 27) treatment during 12 weeks of AET. Independent of treatment, AET decreased fat mass, HbA1c, fasting plasma insulin, 24‐hr ambulant mean glucose, and glycemic variability. However, metformin attenuated the increase in whole‐body insulin sensitivity and VO2max after AET. In the metformin group, there was no overall change in whole‐body insulin sensitivity after AET due to positive and negative responders. Metformin also abrogated the exercise‐mediated increase in skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration. The change in whole‐body insulin sensitivity was correlated to the change in mitochondrial respiration. Mitochondrial protein synthesis rates assessed during AET were not different between treatments. The influence of metformin on AET‐induced improvements in physiological function was highly variable and associated with the effect of metformin on the mitochondria. These data suggest that prior to prescribing metformin to slow aging, additional studies are needed to understand the mechanisms that elicit positive and negative responses to metformin with and without exercise.

Troponin-I levels as a potential prognostic biomarker of sacubitril/valsartan treatment response in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Who will benefit most?

Despite robust data on the benefits of sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), there is no evidence yet on prespecified predictive markers of its efficacy. Hypothesis The objective of this study was to identify potential prognostic factors of LCZ696 treatment response. We included 48 symptomatic patients with chronic HFrEF (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II/III: Group A (N = 23) received LCZ696 (105 ± 30 mg twice daily), whereas it was not prescribed in group B (N = 25) according to physician's judgment. Analysis of biochemical parameters, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and echocardiographic evaluation was performed at baseline and 6 months later. The baseline serum troponin-I levels (TnI) and peak oxygen uptake (VO2 max) were positively associated with the increase in VO2 max (ΔVO2 max = +14.11%, P < 0.05 vs group B) after sacubitril/valsartan treatment (r = 0.68, P = 0.001 and r = 0.57, P = 0.004, respectively). Positive correlations were reported between ΔVO2 max and the improvements in the ratio of early diastolic filling to myocardial tissue velocity (ΔE/E') and the tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (ΔSa) in group A (r = 0.58, P = 0.004 and r = 0.60, P = 0.002, respectively). In multiple regression analysis, ΔVO2 max was correlated significantly with TnI (beta = 0.35, P = 0.048), ΔE/E' (beta = 0.36, P = 0.031) and ΔSa (beta = 0.37, P = 0.035). TnI levels may be an independent predictive marker of sacubitril/valsartan efficacy in HFrEF.

Cardiovascular, muscular, and skeletal adaptations to recreational team handball training: a randomized controlled trial with young adult untrained men.

The prevalence of lifestyle diseases has escalated, and effective exercise training programmes are warranted. This study tested the hypothesis that regular participation in small-sided team handball training could provide beneficial health effects on cardiovascular, skeletal, and muscular parameters in young adult untrained men. Twenty-six untrained 20-30-year-old men were randomly allocated to either a team handball training group (HG; n = 14), which completed 1.9 ± 0.3 training sessions per week over 12 weeks, or an inactive control group (CG; n = 12). Physiological training adaptations were assessed pre- and post interventions by DXA scans, blood samples, muscle biopsies, and physical tests. The average heart rate during training was equivalent to 84 ± 4% of maximal heart rate. Compared to CG, HG displayed significant increases in VO2max (11 ± 6%), proximal femur bone mineral density (2 ± 1%), whole-body bone mineral content (2 ± 1%), intermittent endurance performance (32 ± 16%), incremental treadmill test performance (16 ± 7%) and muscle citrate synthase activity (22 ± 28%) as well as decreases in total fat mass (7 ± 7%) and total fat percentage (6 ± 7%) (all p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in muscle mass, blood pressure, resting heart rate, muscle hydroxyl-acyl-dehydrogenase activity, or blood lipids (all p > 0.05). Participation in regular recreational team handball training was associated with positive cardiovascular, skeletal, and muscular adaptations, including increased maximal oxygen uptake, increased muscle enzymatic activity, and improved bone mineralization as well as lower fat percentage. These findings suggest that recreational team handball training may be an effective health-promoting activity for young adult men.

Association between serum vitamin D levels and cardiorespiratory fitness in the adult population of the USA.

The small number of studies that have investigated the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) have reported conflicting results. We investigated the association between vitamin D levels and CRF in a representative sample of the US population using data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (2001-2004). We included participants between the ages of 20 and 49 years and excluded those with vitamin D levels at the 5% extremes of the distribution. We used survey-weighted linear regression without and with adjustment for age, sex, race, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, and glomerular filtration rate to examine the relationship between the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) (as a surrogate for CRF) and vitamin D levels. Of the 1995 participants, 45.2% were women, 49.1% were white, 13% had hypertension, and 4% had diabetes. The mean ± SD age was 33 ± 8.6 years, with a mean ± SD vitamin D level of 58 ± 5.3 nmol/L and a mean ± SD VO2 max of 40 ± 9.7 ml/kg/min. Participants in the highest quartile of vitamin D levels had a significantly higher CRF than participants in the lowest quartile (difference 4.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.0-5.5; P < 0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders, the difference between the highest and lowest vitamin D quartiles remained significant (difference 2.9, 95% CI 1.6-4.1; P < 0.001). In unadjusted and adjusted linear regression, each 10 nmol/L increase in vitamin D level was associated with a significant increase in VO2 max (β = 0.78 ml/kg/min, 95% CI 0.55-1.01; P < 0.001; β = 0.51 ml/kg/min, 95% CI 0.23-0.79; P = 0.001, respectively). We found an independent and robust association between serum vitamin D levels and CRF, but our results need to be validated with clinical trials examining the effect of vitamin D supplementation on CRF.

Acute Effects of an Ergometer-Based Dryland Alpine Skiing Specific High Intensity Interval Training.

Introduction: To establish an alpine ski racing (ASR) specific dryland high intensity training protocol (HIT), we set out to analyze cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses of three ASR specific HIT modes using a ski ergometer compared with a running HIT.Methods: Ten healthy international FIS level subjects (18 ± 1 years) performed an incremental running VO2max test, three different ASR specific HIT modes [slalom (SL), giant slalom (GS), and SL/GS mix] and a running HIT with measurements of VO2, heart rate (HR), blood lactate, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE). The HIT protocols included 15 × 1-min intervals with >90% HRmax and 30 s active rest. Furthermore, one elite alpine skier performed an 8-week, 17 session HIT block using the SL/GS mixed mode.Results: Running HIT resulted in greater VO2peak and whole-body RPE compared with the three ASR-specific HIT modes. During all four exercise modes participants were able to reach exercise intensities high enough to be classified as HIT (>90% HRmax and >89% VO2max). Legs RPE was similar between the four HIT modes, while arms RPE was higher for the ski-specific HIT. For all studied parameters, similar results for the three skiing specific HIT modes were observed. The 8-week HIT block was feasible for the athlete and resulted in an 11% increase in VO2max at unchanged peak power output.Conclusion: Across all HIT protocols high cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses were achieved. Therefore, the ASR specific HIT was shown to be feasible, thus could offer new possibilities for endurance training in elite alpine skiers. It is suggested to use the SL/GS mixed mode in terms of movement variety. The reduced VO2 in the ski-specific modifications can be attributed to the concentric and eccentric muscle activity resulting in mechanical hindrance for O2 extraction. The long-term effectiveness of ASR specific HIT in elite alpine skiers needs to be proven in a future study.

EFFECTS OF AN 8-WEEK INTERMITTENT AEROBIC EXERCISE ON THE ELECTROCARDIOGRAM AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF INSTITUTIONAL SECURITY PERSONNEL IN NIGERIA

This study determined the effects of an 8-week intermittent aerobic exercise training on the resting electrocardiogram and physiological parameters of institutional security personnel in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC). The study adopted a pretest-posttest-control group experimental design. The population for the study were male security personnel of OAUTHC, Ile-Ife. Forty middle-aged volunteers who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either of Intermittent Training Group, ITG (n = 20) or control (n = 20). A structured exercise training programme, Intermittent Exercise Training Programme was used to train the ITG for 8 weeks. Resting ECG was recorded pre and post-intervention with a 12-lead Electrocardiograph, weight and height were measured with an electronic BMI scale. Blood pressure was recorded before and after exercise sessions. Participants in ITG performed the 12-minutes run/walk test before and after the 8 weeks intervention. Borg’s rating of perceived exertion scale was used to gauge exercise intensity and a structured data sheet was used for recording data. Paired- sample t- Test statistics was used to analyse data. The results showed that intermittent aerobic exercise training neither produced significant effect on the resting ECG parameters in terms of intervals; RR- interval (t = -0.79; p > 0.05), P- wave duration (t = -0.64; p > 0.05), PR- interval (t = -0.08; p > 0.05), QRS- Complex (t = -0.99; p > 0.05) and QTC (t = -1.20; p > 0.05) nor axes P- Axis (t = -0.06; p > 0.05), QRS- Axis (t = 0.78; p > 0.05) and T- Axis (t = 0.60; p > 0.05). It however affected participants’ heart rate (t = 4.41; p < 0.05) and VO2 max (t = -11.25; p < 0.05). The study concluded that intermittent aerobic exercise training produced no significant effect on the resting ECG parameters but significantly reduced heart rate and increased VO2 max. Article visualizations:

Effect of high-intensity interval training on cardiovascular disease risk factors and body composition in psoriatic arthritis: a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundPsoriatic arthritis (PsA) is associated with an accumulation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on...

Cardiac rehabilitation and its sporty face

The prognosis of cardiac and other diseases is highly determined by the level of cardiopulmonary fitness (aerobic capacity). The main purposes of rehabilitative activities include the restoration and increase of VO2max. The "classic" method is the continuous aerobic exercise (moderate-intensity continuous exercise). The higher increase of aerobic capacity in a shorter time can be developed by interval loads: shorter or longer active periods are interspersed by low-intensity rest periods. A recent form is the high-intensity interval training: 0.5-4 minutes on 70-90% of the aerobic capacity followed by a rest or low-intensity biking/walking/jogging/any activity. The sprint interval training uses a few ten seconds of maximal intensity bursts changed with longer low-intensity activities. The advantages of the interval methods are shorter training time, less monotony, higher efficiency with not more risks. Interval training methods are applied also in other pathologies without disadvantages. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(33): 1346-1352.

Midlife Cardiorespiratory Fitness and the Long-Term Risk of Mortality: 46 Years of Follow-Up

BackgroundA high cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) level is recommended to promote healthy aging. However, the association between CRF and very-long-term prognosis is unclear, and reverse causation may bias results in studies with shorter follow-up. ObjectivesThis study investigated the association between CRF and mortality in middle-aged, employed men free of cardiovascular disease (CVD). MethodsParticipants from the Copenhagen Male Study, established in 1970 to 1971, were included and stratified into 4 age-adjusted maximal oxygen consumption (Vo2max) categories: below the lower limit of normal (lowest 5%); low normal (45%); high normal (45%); and above the upper limit of normal (top 5%). Vo2max was estimated by using a bicycle ergometer. Multivariable restricted mean survival time models were performed for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality using Danish national registers. ResultsA total of 5,107 men with a mean age of 48.8 ± 5.4 years were included in the study. During the 46 years of follow-up, 4,700 (92%) men died; 2,149 (42.1%) of the men died of CVD. Compared with below the lower limit of normal CRF, low normal CRF was associated with 2.1 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.7 to 3.4; p = 0.002), high normal with 2.9 years (95% CI: 1.5 to 4.2; p < 0.001), and above upper limit of normal with 4.9 years (95% CI: 3.1 to 6.7; p < 0.001) longer mean life expectancy. Each unit increase in Vo2max was associated with a 45-day (95% CI: 30 to 61; p < 0.001) increase in longevity. Estimates for cardiovascular mortality were similar to all-cause mortality. Results were essentially unchanged when excluding individuals who died within the first 10 years of follow-up, suggesting a minimal role of reverse causation. ConclusionsCRF was significantly related to longevity over the course of 4 decades in middle-aged, employed men free of CVD. The benefits of higher midlife CRF extend well into the later part of life.