Intensive Physical Training Research Articles

The impact of physical training on neutrophil extracellular traps in young male athletes - a pilot study.

Neutrophils are an important component of the innate immune response against various pathogens. However, there is a lack of research concerning the effects of short intensive training on neutrophil functions, especially neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) formation. The study aim was to determine the effects of a 19-day training cycle on innate immunity among young male athletes. Six male ice hockey players (< 20 years old) from the Polish national team were monitored across a five-day training camp and after a return to normal club training. The first blood collection took place before training (T1), the second after the training camp (T2) and the third 14 days later (T3). The counts/concentrations of blood biochemical, immune and endocrine markers were compared across each training period. Creatine kinase activity tended to increase at T2 (546 ± 216 U·L-1) when compared to T1 (191 ± 111 U·L-1; p=0.063). Neutrophil extracellular traps formation and neutrophil counts also differed between training periods (p=0.042 and p=0.042, respectively). Neutrophil counts tended to decrease, in contrast to NET formation which tended to rise, at T2 in comparison to T1 (2.51 ± 0.45 vs 3.04 ± 0.47 109·L-1; 24 ± 13 vs 8 ± 15%, respectively). No significant differences in other leucocyte counts were observed. A short period of intensive training was accompanied by some muscle damage and inflammation, as evidenced by CK and NET up-regulation, whilst neutrophil counts were diminished in the blood. Thus, neutrophils and NET could be involved in muscle damage and local inflammatory processes following intensive physical training in young male athletes.

CHANGES IN CARDIOVASCULAR AND RESPIRATORY SYSTEMS IN YOUNG ATHLETES

Changes in cardiorespiratory complex of adult athletes are the subject of scientific researches. However, there is a lack of researches that would assess such changes in children and adolescents involved in intensive physical training. The purpose of the study was to evaluate functional and morphological changes of cardiovascular and respiratory systems in boys of primary school age engaged in football. Materials and methods. 109 male children aged 10-11 years were enrolled in the study, among which 81 children have been attending sports football schools, 28 children didn’t have regular physical activity. The study design included a general clinical examination, a spirometry, the condition of cardiovascular system was assessed with echocardiography, and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Results. The boys 10-11 years of age who play sports have higher values of minute respiratory volume and cardiac indices, which may support the hypothesis of the myocardial hypertrophy development, although they correspond to normal Z-score values. According to ABPM results the duration of physical activity may influence on transition from vasodilation to vasoconstriction. Conclusions. We obtained statistically significant quantitative differences in the functional state of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in children-athletes. The changes found in young athletes may result to further supervision of a pediatric cardiologist, but decision should be made individually.

High plasma soluble levels of the immune checkpoint HLA-G molecule among bodybuilders.

IntroductionStudies report that intense physical activity influences the down-regulation of immune function in athletes as well as the interaction between adipose tissue and the immune system.AimThis study aimed to compare the plasma soluble levels of the immune checkpoint HLA-G (sHLA-G) molecule with the fat mass and muscle mass index among 77 bodybuilders and 64 controls.ResultsThe comparisons of the percentage of body fat (%BF) revealed that the groups of male and female bodybuilders showed a statistically significant reduction in the percentage of body fat when compared to their control group, (P <0.0001, for both comparisons). Regarding sHLA-G levels, the comparisons showed that the group of male bodybuilders had significantly higher sHLA-G levels compared to the group of female bodybuilders (P = 0.0011).ConclusionOur results showed that in bodybuilders with less body fat, the systemic levels of soluble HLA-G, an immunological molecule with recognized immunosuppressive function, are significantly higher and suggest that this immune mechanism may corroborate the immunosuppressive state in athletes undergoing intense and prolonged physical training.

Centro de força corporal e voz de cantores populares: ensaio clínico randomizado

Objetivo: investigar o efeito do treinamento fisioterapêutico intensivo do centro de força corporal sobre medidas vocais acústicas de cantores populares. Métodos: Quinze cantores populares profissionais adultos, divididos em grupo de estudo e grupo de controle, realizaram avaliação vocal acústica antes e após o treinamento fisioterapêutico intensivo do centro de força corporal. Os resultados foram comparados estatisticamente. Resultados: O grupo de estudo apresentou aumento significativo do quociente de perturbação da amplitude suavizado e do coeficiente de variação da amplitude após o treinamento. Conclusão: No grupo de cantores populares profissionais adultos que recebeu treinamento fisioterapêutico intensivo do centro de força corporal, houve aumento de duas medidas de perturbação de amplitude ou shimmer que indicam instabilidade da pressão sonora e irregularidade da amplitude vocal ciclo-a-ciclo, evidenciando que o treinamento proposto não apresentou efeitos positivos sobre as medidas de fonte glótica dos cantores analisados.

Microbiological Air Quality in a Highschool Gym Located in an Urban Area of Southern Poland—Preliminary Research

The benefits of regular exercise include improved physical and mental health. The school gym is a particular micro-environment where students perform intensive physical training. The question is if there is an increased risk of microbiological contamination. This preliminary work studied the exposure of students to bacterial aerosol (BA) in a highschool gym located in an urban area of Southern Poland. A sampling of BA was undertaken with an Andersen six-stage impactor (ANDI). BA was identified using API (analytical profile index) tests. The BA concentrations were expressed as Colony Forming Units (CFU) per cubic metre of air. The results showed that before gym classes (BGC), the concentration of BA was 4.20 × 102 ± 49.19 CFU/m3, while during gym classes (DGC), the level of BA more than doubled (8.75 × 102 ± 121.39 CFU/m3). There was also an increase in the respirable fraction of BA (particles less than 3.3 µm). Before the start of the sports activities, respirable fraction accounted for 30% of the BA, while during physical education classes, this share increased to over 80%. Identification of BA species showed that the dominant group of bacteria in the indoor air of the gym BGC was Gram-positive rods (61%) and for DGC it was Gram-positive cocci (81%). We detected that one bacteria strain (Corynebacterium striatum) was classified into risk group 2 (RG2) according to Directive 2000/54/EC. Additionally, multi-antibiotic resistance (MAR) showed that among the isolated airborne bacteria, the highest antibiotic resistance was demonstrated by Staphylococcus epidermis (isolated DGC) and Pseudomonas sp. (isolated BGC). The quantitative and qualitative information on microbiological air quality (MIAQ) in the school gym indicates that the actions to improve indoor physical activity spaces are recommended.

MRI spectroscopic and tractography studies indicate consequences of long-term ketogenic diet

To maintain its functional abilities, the mature brain obtains energy from glucose produced in carbohydrate metabolism. When carbohydrates are eliminated from the diet, the energy comes from the oxidation of fatty acids. In this metabolic state called ketosis, ketone bodies are formed: β-hydroxybutyric acid (bHb), acetone, and acetoacetate as alternative source of energy passing through the blood–brain barrier easily. The ketosis state can be achieved through various strategies like caloric restriction, supplementation with medium-chain triglycerides, intense physical training, or ketogenic diet (KD). Using KD, drug-resistant epilepsy has been successfully treated in children and adults. It can also exert neuroprotective influences in cases of brain damage, glioblastoma multiforme, and Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases. Although many possible mechanisms of KD activity have been proposed, newer hypotheses appear with the research progress, mostly characterizing the brain under pathological but not normal conditions. Since different pathological conditions may affect the mechanism of KD action differently, additional research on the normal brain appears reasonable. For this purpose, young adult rats were treated with 4-month-lasting KD. Then, MRI structural measurements, spectroscopy, and tractography were performed. The procedures revealed significant increases in the concentration of glutamine, glutamate, glutathione and NAA, accompanied by changes in the pattern of neuronal connections of the striatum and hippocampal formation. This implies a possible involvement of these structures in the functional changes occurring in the brain after KD application. Thus, the investigations on the normal brain add important details concerning mechanisms underlying KD effects without their possible modification by a pathological status.

Biomarkers, Creatine Kinase, and Kidney Function of Special Operation Candidates During Intense Physiological Training.

The purpose of this pilot study was to assess for biomarkers indicative of passing intense physical training and establishing normative values within the tactical athlete population. Unfortunately, none of the biomarkers assessed were indicative of passing training, however, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, and creatine kinase (CK) levels stood out as abnormal. CK levels are commonly used in conjunction with muscle pain and/or myoglobinurea to diagnose exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER) in athletes and the military population. However, research shows that high CK levels may not correlate with acute kidney failure in ER. After IRB approval and informed consent, blood samples were obtained from 21 volunteers during two phases of the combat control training pipeline: the first phase (12 participants) was 2hours of daily physical training followed by 8hours of academics, and the second phase (nine volunteers) a grueling, 72hour, intense training cycle (stress inoculation training, SIT) with a historic pass rate of only 50%. Biomarkers were also tracked 48hours after cessation of SIT. None of the biomarkers assessed showed a correlation with passing SIT, but high CK levels were well above the diagnostic threshold for ER-as high as 28,000 u/L. At a single point in time, a significant correlation did not exist between CK and others markers associated with rhabdomyolysis. Across time, partial correlations controlling for subject did exist between CK and other markers. In our low-powered case control study (pilot study), a nonpathologic elevation of CK is prevalent in high-intensity military training, but not shown to correlate with values associated with acute kidney injury. We assume that real-time collection of these markers could be used once sensors are capable of real-time collection and have the potential for diagnostic affordance. When measured in a between subjects design, our study showed a lack of significance when correlating markers of acute renal injury and elevation of CK. However, when utilized for tracking purposes (within subjects design), the results do show a positive correlation between CK and renal failure biomarkers-specifically only at high physiological stress points.

Fatigue behavior of subchondral bone under simulated physiological loads of equine athletic training

Fatigue-induced subchondral bone (SCB) injuries are prevalent among athletes due to the repetitive application of high magnitude loads on joints during intense physical training. Existing fatigue studies on bone utilize a standard fatigue test approach by applying loads of a constant magnitude and frequency even though physiological/realistic loading is a combination of various load magnitudes and frequencies. Metal materials in implant and aerospace applications have been studied for fatigue behavior under physiological or realistic loading, however, no such study has been conducted on biological materials like bones. In this study, we investigated fatigue behavior of SCB under the range of loads likely to occur during a fast-workout of an equine athlete in training.A loading protocol was developed by simulating physiological loads occurring during a fast-workout of a racehorse in training, which consisted of a sequence of compression-compression load cycles, including a warm-up (32, 54, 61 MPa) and cool-down (61, 54, 32 MPa) before and after the slow/fast/slow gallop phase of training, also referred to as a training loop. This loading protocol/training loop was applied at room temperature in load-control mode to cylindrical SCB specimens (n = 12) harvested from third metacarpal medial condyles (MCIII) of twelve thoroughbred racehorses and repeated until fatigue failure. The mean ± standard deviation for total time-to-failure (TTF) was 76,393 ± 64,243 s (equivalent to 18.3 ± 15.7 training workouts) for n = 12 specimens. We observed the highest relative energy loss (REL, hysteresis loss normalized to energy absorbed in a load cycle) under loads equivalent to gallop speeds and all specimens failed under these gallop loads. This demonstrates the importance of the gallop speeds in the development of SCB injury, consistent with observations made in live racehorses. Moreover, specimens with higher mean REL and lower mean stiffness during the first loop had a shorter fatigue life which further confirms the detrimental effect of high energy loss in SCB. Further studies are required to reconcile our results with fatigue injuries among equine athletes and understand the influence of different training programs on the fatigue behavior of subchondral bone.

Effects and follow-up of a multimodal treatment program including intensive physical training for low back pain patients

The results of a comprehensive 4-week treatment program including intensive physical training were evaluated in 65 chronic low back pain patients. Marked increases in measures of spinal mobility, trunk muscle strength and lifting capacity were found during the treatment, but no average increase in pain ratings. At 3-week and 12-month follow-ups a statistically significant decrease in subjective disability and pain was found, but the percentage of patients who were working was unchanged. This points to a need for more work-oriented rehabilitation efforts in the treatment.

Treinamento fisioterapêutico intensivo do centro de força corporal: estudo de uma profissional da voz

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar e comparar as medidas vocais, respiratórias e da ativação do músculo transverso do abdome, antes e após um protocolo fisioterapêutico de treinamento intensivo da musculatura do centro de força corporal em uma profissional da voz. Participou uma jornalista, do sexo feminino, 21 anos de idade, sem queixa vocal. Relato de caso original, retrospectivo, aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa (nº 40680614.7.0000.5346). Foi realizada coleta: da emissão sustentada de /a/, /i/, /u/, /s/, /z/, /e/ e da contagem de números em pitch e loudness habituais, do /e/ áfono, do Nível de Pressão Sonora modal, da extensão dinâmica e cantada, das pressões respiratórias máximas, da capacidade vital forçada e da ativação do músculo transverso do abdome, por meio do esfigmomanômetro com unidade de biofeedback pressórico. Após, foi aplicado um protocolo fisioterapêutico de treinamento intensivo do centro de força corporal e reavaliação. Houve aumento da sustentação das emissões, do Nível de Pressão Sonora modal e mínimo, da extensão cantada, das pressões respiratórias máximas e da ativação do transverso do abdome; e houve redução do Nível de Pressão Sonora máximo e da diferença entre a média das vogais e a contagem de números. Assim, o treinamento fisioterapêutico intensivo do centro de força corporal promoveu melhora do controle respiratório e da coordenação pneumofonoarticulatória.

Active and Fit Communities. Associations between Neighborhood Walkability and Health-Related Fitness in Adults.

There are many health benefits of regular physical activity and improving physical fitness levels can reduce the risk of chronic disease. Accumulating evidence suggests the neighborhood built environment is important for supporting physical activity; however, few studies have investigated the contribution of the neighborhood built environment to fitness levels. We examined the associations between objectively-determined and self-reported neighborhood walkability and overall and specific components of perceived health-related fitness (cardiorespiratory, muscular strength, and flexibility) in a random sample of 592 adults from two areas of Calgary (Canada). Participants provided complete data to an online questionnaire capturing perceived cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular strength (MST), flexibility, moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), resistance training, and sociodemographic characteristics. The questionnaire also captured participant’s perceptions of their neighborhood’s walkability (Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale; PANES) and the physical activity supportiveness of neighborhood parks (Park Perceptions Index; PPI). Objectively-measured neighborhood walkability was estimated using Walk Score®. The average (SD) age of participants was 46.6 (14.8) years and 67.2% were female. Participants, on average, participated in at least 30-minutes of MVPA on 3.4 (2.1) days/week and undertook resistance training 2.0 (1.8) days/week. Adjusting for covariates, Walk Score® was not associated with any fitness outcomes. Adjusting for covariates, the PANES index was positively associated (p < 0.05) with CRF, MST, flexibility, and overall fitness and the PPI was positively associated (p < 0.05) with all fitness outcomes except MST. Our findings provide novel preliminary evidence suggesting the neighborhood built environment may be important for supporting higher health-related fitness levels in adults.

Рівень експресії довгих некодуючих РНК при тривалій та довготривалій адаптації у відповідь на фізичне навантаження

Рівень експресії довгих некодуючих РНК при тривалій та довготривалій адаптації у відповідь на фізичне навантаження

Building resilience to athletes from Indian Special forces

Performing under pressure or dealing with setbacks, you are on the right lines. Essentially, it is using personal qualities in order to withstand ‘pressure’ ‘Robust’ resilience is probably what most of people are thinking of; holding off an opponent by not letting negative thoughts, emotions or events affect performance. Not too dissimilar is ‘rebound’ resilience, which is the term given to an ability to bounce back from a setback an athlete getting injured right before an Olympics who goes on to win gold at the following Olympics four years later. Simply, those who lack resilience are likely to crumble under pressure and suffer a subsequent rapid deterioration in performance. Conversely, high levels of resilience will protect an individual from the negative effects of pressure, helping to facilitate optimum Performance. A theatre of war is very different to a competitive sporting arena, but there are more similarities than you realise. Both usually involve a battle between opposing teams or individuals; both can have disastrous consequences should one lose this battle; and both require individuals to overcome numerous challenges and set-backs along the way. For this reason, it would appear that the resilience training received by soldiers could also be utilised by athletes and teams. It seems then, that sport can learn plenty about resilience from the military. Military-style training camps are one way sports teams are beginning to improve a number of attributes in order to achieve success. Resilience, teamwork, cooperation, problem solving, and decision making all important attributes that the military teach that sport stars undoubtedly need. Think about it, how many times have you seen a football team race into a 2-0 lead in the first-half, only to lose the game 3-2? A resilient team would be likely to make correct decisions under pressure and see the game out to win. The Indian defence forces both three Army, Navy, Air force, have elite commandos respectively PARA SF, MARCOSE, GARUD COMMANDOS Are able to provide Resilience training. Because Getting selected to be trained as a MARCO it is difficult. And it gets worse. A five-week-long ‘hell’s week’ follows this, which includes sleep deprivation and intense physical training. Those that make it through, or don’t quit on their own, actually proceed to the actual training. The Few the Fearless.

THE DUALISM OF VIEWS ON THE SAFETY OF CROSSFIT AS A FITNESS SYSTEM IN THE CONTEXT OF A STUDENT'S PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Crossfit is today in the field of view of the theorists and practitioners of physical education because of the youth of this kind of training. The article deals with the approaches of scientists to understanding the effectiveness of crossfit as a system of intensive physical training. Consideration and generalization of multi-vector approaches to understanding the effectiveness of this training system and the possible negative consequences for the physical condition of its followers, which has not been done before, will help to understand more deeply the nature of crossfit, its impact on the human body. The article describes the research on the potential benefits and possible negative consequences for the health of athletes in the crossfit training system. The apologists of this training system speak of the comprehensive development of the athlete's body through the use of force and aerobic exercise; diversification of the training process due to variability of exercises; attractiveness to the masses due to its quick results and combinations of physical activity from different fields and sports. Crossfit critics emphasize aspects such as: risk of injury; extreme load (force combined with speed); the risk of rhabdomyolysis and problems in the cardiovascular system; lack of professional crossfit trainers, as the discipline is young and diverse; the presence of technically complex exercises that can not be performed by an unprepared person; inability to follow the technique of performing many athletes at the same time by one trainer). The article provides recommendations for reducing the risk of negative impact on the physical condition of the individual: systematicity, variability and individualization, cyclicality, etc. Ukrainian trainers are gradually applying the methodological workings of their American founding colleagues, as well as forming a culture of conducting classes. Applied research on the effects of crossfit as a form of exercise on human health is still to come. The problem of «introductory testing» and the methodological component remain urgent.

Evaluation of left ventricular remodelling in young Afro-Caribbean athletes

BackgroundCardiac adaptation to intense physical training is determined by many factors including age, gender, body size, load training and ethnicity. Despite the wide availability of ECG analysis, with a higher presence of abnormalities in different races, echocardiographic studies on young Afro-Caribean (AA) and Caucasian athletes (CA) are lacking in literature. We aimed to assess the effect in the secondary LV remodelling of load training in young AA players compared to matched CA players.MethodSeventy-seven AA and 53 CA matched soccer players (mean age 17.35 ± 0.50 and 18.25 ± 0.77 y) were enrolled. They were evaluated with echocardiography. A subgroup of 30 AA and 27 CA were followed up for a period of 4 years. The myocardial contractile function was evaluated by speckle-tracking echocardiographic global longitudinal strain (GLS).ResultsNo significant differences were found in weight and height and in blood pressure response to maximal ergometer test in either group. In AA a higher level of LV remodelling, consisting in higher LV wall thickness, higher interventricular septum (IVS) and posterior wall (PW) thickness were found (IVS: 10.04 ± 0.14 and 9.35 ± 0.10 in AA and CA respectively, p < 0.001. PW: 9.70 ± 0.20 and 9.19 ± 0.10 mm in AA and CA respectively, p < 0.05). Strain data showed no significant differences between the two groups (22.35 ± 0.48 and 23.38 ± 0.69 in AA (n = 27) and CA (n = 25), respectively). At the beginning of the follow-up study AA showed a significantly higher left ventricular remodelling (IVS = 9.29 ± 0.3 and 8.53 ± 0.12 mm in AA and CA respectively, p < 0.002. PW = 9.01 ± 0.2 and 8.40 ± 0.20 in AA and CA respectively, p = 0.1). During the next four years of follow-up we observed a regular parallel increase in LV wall thickness and chamber diameters in both groups, proportionally to the increase in body size and LV mass. (IVS = 10.52 ± 0.17 and 9.03 ± 0.22 mm in AA and CA respectively, p < 0.001. PW: 10.06 ± 0.17 and 8.26 ± 0.19 mm in AA and CA respectively, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe study shows that the ventricular remodelling observed in AA appears to be a specific phenotype already present in pre-adolescence. These data also suggest that genetic/ethnic factors play a central role in left ventricular remodelling during the first years of life in elite athletes.

Cognitive Neuroscience: No Gain, Much Pain.

What do hard intellectual work and intense physical training have in common? New research suggests that both types of effort exhaust the brain's executive control system, leading to reduced excitability of the lateral prefrontal cortex and stronger preference for immediate rewards in economic decision-making.

Prerequisites to the development of vitauct processes of women in the involutional period in consequence of prolonged and intensive muscle training

Th e purpose of the study was to identify prerequisites to the development of vitauct processes of professional female athletes in the involutional period in consequence of prolonged and intensive physical training. Th e study involved female athletes aged 37-45 and 16-26 years, untrained women 37-45 years. Research methods: anthropometric, spirometric, dynamometric, immunological, biochemical, hematological, rheographic, gasometric, ergometric, and statistical methods. Th e study has revealed that some functional parameters of female athletes in the involutional period correspond to the level of female athletes aged 16-26 in consequence of long intensive physical training. At the same time, there is a tendency to relative reduction of functional reserves. Сompensatory-adaptive mechanisms provide maintenance of a high level of functional state, which is especially evident during intensive training. Aerobic performance is maintained by reducing the intensity of the formation of metabolic fatigue factors (lactate level), as well as by optimizing the mechanics of breathing, reducing the energy cost of adaptation. Maintenance of optimal hormonal and vegetative balance occurs with participation of self-regulation mechanisms aimed at stabilizing the estrogen background, activation of autonomous nervous mechanisms (strengthening of parasympathetic eff ects), mobilization of circulatory link of the cardiovascular system.

Taurine supplementation increases irisin levels after high intensity physical training in obese women

BackgroundIrisin is a myokine/adipokine that under stimulus of physical exercise is able to improve thermogenic capacity in adipose tissue. Likewise, taurine supplementation has demonstrated similar effects on energy metabolism. Therefore, we hypothesized that taurine supplementation combined with physical training may induce an increase in irisin concentrations, optimizing energy metabolism in obese individuals. Objective: To evaluate if taurine supplementation associated with a high intensity physical training program increases irisin levels in obese women. Methods: double-blind study with 22 obese women (BMI 32.4 ± 2.0 kg/m2, 36.6 ± 6.4 years and sedentary) who were randomly divided into two groups, control group (GC, n = 14), exercised and supplemented with placebo (3 g of starch), and taurine group (GTAU, n = 8), exercised and supplemented with taurine (3 g). The subjects performed high intensity physical training, Deep Water Running (DWR), for 8 weeks, 3 times/week, for 50 min per training session, at 70–85% maximum heart rate. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was evaluated by indirect calorimetry, body composition by deuterium oxide, plasma taurine by HPLC, plasma irisin by Multiplex Kit, and food consumption by food records. The results were analyzed by an ANOVA two way repeated measures mixed model, with the Sidak post hoc (p < 0.05). Results: No changes were observed in body composition. DWR increased RMR independent of supplementation (p < 0.001) and irisin levels (pg/mL) showed a significant difference only in the GTAU in 1 h after exercise (p < 0.001). Conclusion: DWR associated with taurine supplementation resulted in increased plasma irisin concentrations after physical training in obese adult women.

Molecular Pathways Mediating Immunosuppression in Response to Prolonged Intensive Physical Training, Low-Energy Availability, and Intensive Weight Loss.

Exercise and exercise-induced weight loss have a beneficial effect on overall health, including positive effects on molecular pathways associated with immune function, especially in overweight individuals. The main aim of our study was to assess how energy deprivation (i.e., “semi-starvation”) leading to substantial fat mass loss affects the immune system and immunosuppression in previously normal weight individuals. Thus, to address this hypothesis, we applied a high-throughput systems biology approach to better characterize potential key pathways associated with immune system modulation during intensive weight loss and subsequent weight regain. We examined 42 healthy female physique athletes (age 27.5 ± 4.0 years, body mass index 23.4 ± 1.7 kg/m2) volunteered into either a diet group (n = 25) or a control group (n = 17). For the diet group, the energy intake was reduced and exercise levels were increased to induce loss of fat mass that was subsequently regained during a recovery period. The control group was instructed to maintain their typical lifestyle, exercise levels, and energy intake at a constant level. For quantification of systems biology markers, fasting blood samples were drawn at three time points: baseline (PRE), at the end of the weight loss period (MID 21.1 ± 3.1 weeks after PRE), and at the end of the weight regain period (POST 18.4 ± 2.9 weeks after MID). In contrast to the control group, the diet group showed significant (false discovery rate <0.05) alteration of all measured immune function parameters—white blood cells (WBCs), immunoglobulin G glycome, leukocyte transcriptome, and cytokine profile. Integrative omics suggested effects on multiple levels of immune system as dysregulated hematopoiesis, suppressed immune cell proliferation, attenuated systemic inflammation, and loss of immune cell function by reduced antibody and chemokine secretion was implied after intense weight loss. During the weight regain period, the majority of the measured immune system parameters returned back to the baseline. In summary, this study elucidated a number of molecular pathways presumably explaining immunosuppression in individuals going through prolonged periods of intense training with low-energy availability. Our findings also reinforce the perception that the way in which weight loss is achieved (i.e., dietary restriction, exercise, or both) has a distinct effect on how the immune system is modulated.

Robot-Assisted Therapy in Upper Extremity Hemiparesis: Overview of an Evidence-Based Approach.

Robot-mediated therapy is an innovative form of rehabilitation that enables highly repetitive, intensive, adaptive, and quantifiable physical training. It has been increasingly used to restore loss of motor function, mainly in stroke survivors suffering from an upper limb paresis. Multiple studies collated in a growing number of review articles showed the positive effects on motor impairment, less clearly on functional limitations. After describing the current status of robotic therapy after upper limb paresis due to stroke, this overview addresses basic principles related to robotic therapy applied to upper limb paresis. We demonstrate how this innovation is an evidence-based approach in that it meets both the improved clinical and more fundamental knowledge-base about regaining effective motor function after stroke and the need of more objective, flexible and controlled therapeutic paradigms.