Intensive Training Group Research Articles

Effects of high intensity interval training on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor in individuals with PTSD

BackgroundBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein important for synaptic plasticity and formation of memory. It is suggested to play an important role in the development of psychiatric disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals with PTSD usually show decreased BDNF levels in serum. Physical exercise has shown to be effective in increasing serum BDNF levels. ObjectiveAs the most beneficial form of exercise to raise serum BDNF levels in individuals with PTSD is yet to be determined, we compared two training protocols and their effects on BDNF release. We expected that a training with higher intensity increases BDNF serum levels more than a low intensity training (LIT). Method40 participants (80% female) diagnosed with PTSD were randomized to either high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or a low intensity training group (LIT). They underwent a 12-day training period. We measured serum BDNF levels pre- and post-exercise on first and last intervention day. BDNF was controlled for platelet counts. ResultsIn the HIIT group there was a significant increase in serum BDNF post-exercise on both days measured, respectively when controlled for platelets. The increase was transient. Both groups did not show an increase in serum BDNF over the course of the 12-day training period. ConclusionA single session of HIIT raised serum BDNF levels in individuals with PTSD transiently. Neither HIIT nor LIT raised serum BDNF levels over the course of 12 days.

The effect of different types of swimming intensity on increasing serum bone specific-alkaline phosphatase levels of obese male mice (Mus Musculus)

Obesity can interfere with the bone remodeling process, training is one solution to protect bone density. However, training and its intensity on bone remodeling through the biomarker Bone Specific-Alkaline Phosphatase (BALP) with obesity is still not widely studied so it is still unclear its effectiveness. The experimental study involved 24 mice (Mus musculus) that were induced with 30% fructose once a day for 60 days. Mice were grouped into 4 groups according to the intensity of training, namely the control group without training (K1), low intensity with a load of 3% body weight (K2), moderate intensity with a load of 5% body weight (K3), while high intensity was carried out with a load of 7% body weight for 70% (K4) of the maximum duration. All training sessions with a frequency of 3 times/week, and then a post-test comparison examination of BALP levels was carried out. The average number of BALP levels (ng/mL) in each group post-test, the control group had a result of 15.77±3.10, for the provision of low-intensity training with a value of 13.92±2.23, while for the moderate intensity training group of 13.11±1.67, for the highest increase was in high-intensity training with a value of 21.10±3.70. Based on the Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) test, the post hoc high-intensity training group was significantly different from other groups (p ≤ 0.05). All types of training intensity analyzed in this study increased BALP levels, especially in the high-intensity training group which had a very significant increase in BALP levels. Therefore, training and its intensity affect bone metabolism increase. Keywords: Aerobic Training, BALP, Obesity, Swimming, Training intensity.

Effect of 12-week Intensive Training on More Downward Limb Explosive Power of Adolescent Taekwondo Athletes

Objective: To explore the influence of enhanced training on the explosive force of more downward limbs of young taekwondo athletes, and to provide a reference for scientific training of young taekwondo athletes. Methods: Twenty-four young male taekwondo athletes were randomly divided into two groups:the intensive training group (12 people) and the control group (12 people). The subjects in the intensive training group received 60 minutes of intensive physical training three times a week. In contrast, the issues in the control group did not receive extra physical training except regular training. Results: Before and after intervention, it was found that the standing long jump and standing triple jump in the intensive training group were significantly higher than those before intervention (P < 0.05), and the standing triple jump in the intensive training group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: After 12 weeks of intensive training intervention, the more downward limb explosive force quality of athletes have been significantly improved, so 12 weeks of intensive training can be used as a training means for more downward limb explosive force quality of young Taekwondo athletes.

Interval Versus Continuous Intradialytic Training on Muscle Quality Index and Functional Capacity in Hemodialysis Patients: a Prospective Randomized Clinical Study

INTRODUCTION. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important health well-being problem globally, with increasing incidence. That tends to create an “epidemic”. Generalized muscle weakness in hemodialysis patients typically affects the lower limbs and proximal muscles. Patients experience impaired endurance and quality of life. Exercise is prescribed for these individuals to improve their physical health and prevent disease consequences. AIM. To find out the effect of interval versus continuous intradialytic training on muscle quality index and functional capacity in Hemodialysis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Sixty men with chronic renal insufficiency grade 5 on hemodialysis aged from 45 to 55 years were divided into two groups using computerized block randomization: Groups (A) and (B) each containing 30 patients. They underwent 8-week program of high intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) intradialytic pedaling exercise plus hemodialysis three times per week. Pre-test and post-test evaluations have been carried out for 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and muscle quality index (MQI) of all patients. RESULTS. Both groups had a significant positive improvement in MQI and 6MWT with different proportions, patients received high intensity interval intradialytic pedaling exercise had a slightly significant improvement in MQI compared to moderate intensity continuous training group. While, moderate intensity training group had a more significant improvement in 6MWT compared to high intensity training group. CONCLUSION. Both HIIT and MICT are realistic and good options for individuals with CKD and have parallel profits on functional capability and, skeletal muscle quality and overall quality of life.

Effects of Exercise Intensities on Changes in Pro-/Anti-inflammatory Cytokines following 8-weeks of Aerobic Exercise Training

Inflammatory cytokines are useful biomarkers in predicting the development of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and may be positively affected by physical activity and weight loss. Despite much interest in chronic low-level inflammation in the obese population, effects of aerobic training intensity on inflammatory cytokines remain elusive. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of 8-week aerobic exercise training at high and low intensities on changes in pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines. Methods: Fifty three inactive obese Hispanic females (mean BMI = 34.5 kg/m2, aged 34-46 years) were divided into one of three groups: low intensity training group (LT: walking at 55% VO2max, n=16), high intensity training group (HT: running at 70% VO2max, n=18), and control group (CON: no intervention, n=19). LT and HT performed aerobic exercises three times per week at the given intensities. Exercise volume for two exercise groups was equated relative to kilograms of body weight by adjusting duration of exercise session (approximately 60 minutes for LT and 40 minutes for HT per session). Blood samples were collected before and after 8 weeks of intervention to measure levels of adiponectin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests were used for data analysis. Results: Level of adiponectin showed no significant change in any groups after 8 weeks of aerobic exercise intervention. A significant decrease in CRP was observed in the HT group only (4.12 ±.26mg/L mean±SE → 3.89±.37, P=.041), but levels of TNF-a were significantly decreased in both LT (4.57±.24pg/mL → 4.14±.31, P=.019) and HT (4.54±.25 → 4.02±.41, P=.011). No changes were observed in CON. CONCLUSIONS: Significant decreases in CRP and TNF-a were found following high intensity aerobic exercise training while low intensity training reduced TNF-a only. The greater changes of pro-inflammatory cytokines in HT indicates high intensity aerobic exercise training may be more beneficial than low intensity training. Specifically, for controlling low-grade inflammation and immune function in obese Hispanic females. This study confirmed results of previous studies suggesting that longer period of exercise training with distinct fat loss may be required to induce significant changes in adiponectin in obese adults. TAMIU university research grant. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

GROUP RESIDENTIAL TRAINING OF BLIND OLDER ADULTS OFFERED BY VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND SIGHTED PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS

Abstract VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired piloted a 6-day residential group training for 6 legally blind older adults ages 57-80, self identified as Caucasian or African-American. Assessments occurred in five core areas: personal, home, financial and meal management and communication skills. Mobility and family care skills were also assessed. One legally blind and one sighted professional instructor offered the training along with adaptive equipment and training on how to use it. Each participant received follow up visits in their home to measure how well they retained the skills taught and how well they were safely using them. Referrals were made to VISIONS occupational therapists to address other chronic health conditions, social workers for adjustment to blindness counseling or low vision optometrists for additional follow up. Offering intensive residential group training with peers resulted in documented improvement in ADL/IADL skills and increased social connections. Group training, even when participants had varied skill levels, education, age of onset of vision loss, and eye diseases, proved successful. One participant framed his completion certificate and hung it in his living room. The value of learning new skills with a peer group was confirmed as well as the willingness for older adults with legal blindness to attend a 6-day residential program. Providing group training helps to address the long waitlist for services with a national personnel shortage of nationally certified vision rehabilitation therapists to serve the growing older blind. population. Group training also effectively utilizes the limited government funding for training older blind adults.

#5764 STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON THE FUNCTION OF EXTERNAL RESPIRATION IN PATIENTS WITH CKD IN THE PROCESS OF REHABILITATION

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic kidney disease is a global health problem in which patients performance decreases as renal dysfunction progresses. The aim was to study of the function of external respiration in patients with CKD in the dynamics of a 12-week rehabilitation program. Method The study included 130 patients with CKD stages 2-3, aged 45 to 65 years, whose average age was 58.7 ± 0.73 years, and the proportion of women in the sample was 47.7%. All patients were examined of urea, serum creatinine, hemoglobin level. To determine exercise tolerance, a cardiorespiratory exercise test and spirogram were performed. Patients of the main group, depending on the initial CRET parameters, were divided into 2 subgroups: 1 subgroup - 67 patients who performed light intensity exercises; 2 subgroups - 33 patients who performed medium-intensity exercises for 12 weeks 3 times a week. The choice of training intensity was made according to the level of individual or subjective perception of the load and was calculated using the approximate heart rate. The control group consisted of patients with CKD stages 2-3 who did not perform physical training. Results An analysis of the spinographic parameters of patients with CKD revealed that the FEV1 and FVC indicators are of great importance in assessing the results of rehabilitation measures. There were positive results of 12 weeks of physical training with a more pronounced increase in FEV1. Patients in the light intensity training group achieved 35-45% of maximum heart rate or 40% of peakO2 consumption, and in the moderate intensity training group, 45-55% of maximum heart rate and 50-60% of peakO2 were achieved. The index (FEV1/FVC, in %) showed significant differences both in the initial indicators and in the dynamics. Conclusion In patients with pre-dialysis stages of CKD, a significant effect was revealed with the combined use of standard therapy and physical activity of light and moderate intensity, which ensures the preservation of positive dynamics in terms of the degree of increase in diastolic blood pressure at the time of exercise and respiratory parameters (FEV-1 and FVC, p<0.05).

Development of Hand Use with and Without Intensive Training Among Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy in Scandinavia

ABSTRACT Aim To describe hand use development in children with unilateral cerebral palsy who did/did not participate in constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) before 7 years of age. Method The study included 334 participants (18 months–12 years) who were assessed with 1,565 Assisting Hand Assessments (AHAs) and categorized into no intensive training (NIT), CIMT (18 months–7 years), and Baby-CIMT (<18 months) groups. Results AHA performance at 18 months (AHA-18) was positively associated with development regardless of training. The CIMT group had lower AHA-18 performance than the NIT group (p = .028), but higher stable limit (p = .076). The age when 90% of development was reached was highest in the CIMT group (p = .014). Although non-significant, the Baby-CIMT group had higher mean curve than NIT and CIMT combined (AHA-18 p = .459, limit p = .477). Conclusion The CIMT group improved more over time than the NIT group. Intensive training extended the window of development, and Baby-CIMT might promote early development.

Effect of Resistance Circuit Training and Intensive Interval Training on Vital Capacity of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Kho-Kho Players

The purpose of this research study was Effect of Resistance Circuit Training and Intensive Interval Training on Vital Capacity of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Kho-Kho Players Male players of Kho-Kho selected at school level in Veer Narmad South Gujarat University District were selected in the present study. Total 90 male players were selected as subjects for the sample of the present study, in which 30 players were included in the Resistance Circuit training group, 30 in Intensive Interval training group and 30 players were included in the control group. The male players of 13 to 17 years age group were included in the present study. In this research study vital capacity was measured by peak flow meter. Statistical technique such as analysis of covariance was applied to know the effects on Resistance Circuit training group and Intensive Interval training group. Mean difference was examined at 0.05 levels by using Least Significant Difference (Post Hoc) Test. The conclusion of which was seen as follows. Remarkable improvement was found in Vital Capacity of selected subjects by 12 weeks systematic Resistance Circuit training and Intensive Interval training programmes.

Intensive and Extensive Interval Training; Which is Better Against Vo2max Football Athletes?

This study aimed to determine the difference between intensive and extensive interval training on the VO2Max of football athletes. This type of research is an experiment. The sample used was football athletes at LPSB Mutiara Purwokerto, totalling 14 athletes with an age range of 13-15 years. Samples were divided into two groups based on pretest scores using ordinal pairing. The instrument for measuring VO2Max uses the intermittent Yo-Yo test. Data analysis techniques include descriptive analysis, prerequisite tests (normality and homogeneity tests), and hypothesis testing using paired sample tests and independent sample tests. The analysis used SPSS 23 software. The results showed (1) a significant effect of intensive interval training on the VO2Max of football athletes. The magnitude of the increase in VO2Max in soccer athletes after being given intensive interval training was 5.07%. (2) There is a significant effect of intensive interval training on the VO2Max of soccer athletes. The magnitude of the increase in VO2Max in soccer athletes after being given extensive interval training was 12.54%. (3) There is a significant difference between intensive and extensive interval training on the VO2Max of football athletes. The mean difference in the increase in VO2Max of the intensive and extensive interval group soccer athletes was 2.02, so the extensive interval training group was better than the intensive interval training group on the VO2Max of soccer athletes.

Effects of High and Low-To-Moderate Intensity Exercise During (Neo-) Adjuvant Chemotherapy on Muscle Cells, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Muscle Function in Women With Breast Cancer: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

(Neo-)adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer is effective but has deleterious side effects on muscle tissue, resulting in reduced skeletal muscle mass, muscle function, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Various exercise regimens during cancer treatment have been shown to counteract some of these side effects. However, no study has compared the effect of high-intensity training versus low-to-moderate intensity training on muscle tissue cellular outcomes and physical function in patients with breast cancer during chemotherapy. The aim of this substudy within the Physical Training in Cancer (Phys-Can) consortium is to evaluate and compare the effects of high and low-to-moderate intensity exercise on muscle cellular outcomes, muscle function, and cardiorespiratory fitness in women with breast cancer undergoing (neo-)adjuvant chemotherapy. We further aim to investigate if the effects of chemotherapy including taxanes on muscles will be different from those of taxane-free chemotherapy. Eighty women recently diagnosed with breast cancer scheduled to start (neo-)adjuvant chemotherapy will be randomized to a combination of strength and endurance training, either at high intensity or at low-to-moderate intensity. Testing of muscle function and cardiorespiratory fitness and collection of muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle will be performed before the first cycle of chemotherapy (or after 1 week, when not possible) (T0), halfway through chemotherapy (T1), and after completion of chemotherapy (T2). It is estimated that approximately 50% of the participants will be willing to undergo muscle biopsies. To separate the effect of the treatment itself, a usual care group with no supervised training will also be included, and in this group, testing and collection of muscle biopsies will be performed at T0 and T2 only. This study is funded by Active Against Cancer (Aktiv mot kreft) (May 2013) and the Norwegian Cancer Society (December 2018). Inclusion started in December 2016 and the last participant is expected to be recruited in December 2022. As of June 2022, we enrolled 38 (19 with biopsies) participants to the high-intensity training group, 36 (19 with biopsies) participants to the low-to-moderate intensity training group, and 17 (16 with biopsies) participants to the usual care group. Data analyses will start in fall 2022. The first results are expected to be published in spring 2024. This study will generate new knowledge about the effects of different training intensities for women with breast cancer during chemotherapy treatment. It will give further insight into how chemotherapy affects the muscle tissue and how physical training at different intensities may counteract the treatment side effects in muscles. The results of this study will inform the development and refinement of exercise programs that are effective and compatible with the multidisciplinary management of breast cancer. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05218876; https://tinyurl.com/ysaj9dhm. DERR1-10.2196/40811.

A prospective randomized study to compare standard versus intensive training strategies on long-term improvement in critical care ultrasonography proficiency

BackgroundCritical care ultrasonography (CCUS) has become a daily diagnostic tool for intensivists. While the effective training measures for ultrasound novices are discussed widely, the best curriculum for the novices to retain a long-term proficiency is yet to be determined.MethodsCritical care medicine fellows who underwent an introductory CCUS workshop were randomly allocated into the standard training (ST) or the intensive training (IT) group. The IT group received an 8-h training besides the standardized fellowship education that the ST group received. Participant improvement in CCUS proficiency tests (maximum score, 200) after a 6-month training intervention was compared between the groups. CCUS examinations performed in patient care were observed over 2 years.ResultsTwenty-one fellows were allocated into the ST (n = 10) or the IT (n = 11) group. No statistically significant difference was observed in the median (interquartile range [IQR]) improvement in CCUS proficiency tests between the ST group and the IT group: 18 (3.8–38) versus 31 (21–46) (P = .09). Median (IQR) test scores were significantly higher in postintervention than preintervention for both groups: ST, 103 (87–116) versus 124 (111–143) (P = .02), and IT, 100 (87–113) versus 143 (121–149) (P < .01). Participating fellows performed 226 examinations over the 2 years of observation.ConclusionsFellows improved their CCUS proficiency significantly after 6-month training intervention. However, an additional 8-h training did not provide further benefits.

The role of primary physician training in improving regional standardized management of diabetes: a pre-post intervention study

BackgroundHierarchical diagnosis and treatment has been gradually implemented throughout the China. Primary physicians are the main force in primary-level medical and health services, which means that standardized training of primary-level doctors is indispensable.ObjectivesEvaluation of the effect of primary physician training on standardized management of diabetes, and comparison of the effects of different training models.MethodThe study selected 24 community health service centers from 4 cities in Liaoning Province, and consisted of two groups: primary physicians (n = 2083) who received training; and patients with diabetes (n = 585) in community health service centers. Short-term training effects on primary physicians were assessed through diabetes knowledge tests at baseline and at the end of training; the long-term effects of training on patients with diabetes were assessed by questionnaires at baseline and 1 year after training. The differences in training effects between different training models were compared. Complication screening results were also assessed.ResultsAfter training, the primary physicians’ knowledge of diabetes diagnosis and treatment improved (p < 0.05). The complication screening rate of local diabetes patients increased from 22.2% before training to 27.7% 1 year after training (p = 0.033). There were significant differences in the training effect between different training models (p = 0.038). The short-term intensive training group demonstrated the greatest training effect, primary physicians under this training model are more likely to conduct standardized screenings for patients (OR = 1.806, 95%CI 1.008–3.233), and the complication screening rate was the highest (37.6%).ConclusionThis study shows that training of primary physicians is an effective way to improve the standardized management of diabetes, by improving the ability of primary physicians to manage diabetes in a standardized manner, so that patients in primary hospitals receive more comprehensive diagnosis and treatment services. Compared with scattered training throughout the year, short-term intensive training was found to be more effective.

An Exploratory Study of Strengthening Non-Dominant Side of Exercises on ADHD Children in Primary Schools

Empirical studies indicate that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) benefited significantly from exercise interventions. Further investigation shows that strength training of non-dominant limbs improves children's athletic ability and cognitive development. This study tested the effectiveness of a strength training intervention on non-dominant limbs for primary school children with ADHD, evaluating its impacts on children’s motor skills. In this experiment, 15 children with ADHD aged 6-10 years were recruited, including 12 boys and 3 girls. All meet the diagnostic criteria of the American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) for ADHD. Randomly divided into age-matched experimental and control groups, children in the experimental group received intensive training intervention on non-dominant side limbs, and the control group had ADHD Children are not involved in the intervention. Before the experiment, the children and their parents were interviewed on the basic situation of ADHD children. Before and after the experiment, these children of both groups were tested on the TGMD basic motor skills development test and the SNAP-IV scale test, and the parents and children signed the informed consent. The results showed that (1) After the experiment, the experimental group had significantly better overall level of manipulative motor skills and fundamental movement skills than the control group; (2) For the results of SNAP-IV scale, the experimental group (the non-dominant side limb intensive training group) made significantly better progress than the control group (Again, you need to insert t statistics, degree of freedom along with p value here). At the same time, the attention deficit factor of the experimental group and the control group was significantly different before and after the experiment (p &lt; 0.05). More details are needed on the pre- and post-change for both conditions. The results suggest that intensified training on non-dominant limbs can not only improve the motor skills of ADHD children, especially the control ability, but also improve the attention level compared with conventional exercise intervention. It is recommended that strengthening training of non-dominant limbs can be used as more effective exercise intervention for children with ADHD.

The effect of eight weeks of moderate and high intensity aerobic training on the gene expression of Mir-145, Wnt3a and Dab2 in the heart tissue of type 2 diabetic rats.

Pathological hypertrophy of heart tissue has been attributed to changes in some microRNAs and their target genes in heart tissue. This study intended to study the effects of eight weeks of moderate and high intensity aerobic training (MIT&HIT) on the mRNA of Mir-145, Wnt3a, and Dab2 in heart tissue of type 2 diabetic rats. To implement this experimental research, 60 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, including Healthy-control (HC), Diabetic-control (DC), Moderate intensity training (MIT), Diabetes-MIT (DMIT), high intensity training (HIT) and Diabetes-HIT (DHIT). The aerobic training was conducted with moderate (50-60% VO2max) and high (85-90% VO2max) intensity, 5days a week, for 8weeks. The Mir-145, Wnt3a and Dab2 gene expression in the heart tissue samples was measured by Real Time PCR. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test at the P < 0.05. Moderate and high intensity aerobic training was associated with non-significant increase in Mir-145 mRNA of Heart tissue in type 2 diabetic rats than the diabetic control group(P < 0.05). Moderate and high intensity aerobic training was associated with significant increase in Wnt3a mRNA (P = 0.001) and significant decrease in Dab-2 mRNA (P = 0.001) of Heart tissue in type 2 diabetic rats than the diabetic control group. The Dab-2 mRNA was significantly lower of heart tissue in the diabetes- high intensity training group than the diabetes- moderate intensity training group (P = 0.001). It seems that moderate and high intensity aerobic exercise can help regulate the genes of the physiological hypertrophy pathway of the heart tissue in diabetes.

Efficacy and Safety of Different Aerobic Exercise Intensities in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: Design of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (HF-EI Trial).

Background: Heart failure (HF) is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide, representing the terminal stage of several cardiovascular diseases. Exercise-based rehabilitation is a beneficial therapy for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, there is a lack of specific guidance on clinical decision-making regarding optimal exercise intensity. It is necessary to optimize the clinical recommendations for HF exercises. We will evaluate the efficacy and safety of different aerobic exercise intensities in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF): the HF-EI trial. This trial aims to assess the appropriate exercise intensity for patients with HFrEF.Methods: After a baseline assessment to determine the safety of exercise, 180 patients will be randomly assigned to supervised high-intensity exercise training (ET) group, supervised moderate intensity training (MIT) group, and control group at a ratio of 1:1:1. Patients randomly receiving high intensity training (HIT) undergo supervised ET (3 times/week, 30 min) for aerobic endurance at 70% peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) intensity for 12 weeks. The MIT patients will perform supervised aerobic ET (3 times/week, 35–42 min) at the anaerobic threshold (AT) intensity for 12 weeks. The control group will continue to maintain their daily activities and will not receive ET. During the baseline and follow-up period, physical examination, laboratory tests, cardiology diagnostic tests, cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET), 6-min walk distance (6MWD), scale scores, exercise steps, medications, and clinical events will be monitored. Throughout the research, sport bracelets and patient diaries will be used to monitor and record overall physical activity, training courses, and compliance.Discussion: The HF-EI trial will evaluate the effects of different aerobic exercise intensities on peak VO2, quality of life (QoL), and clinical events among patients with HFrEF. The findings of this trial will provide a basis for formulating exercise prescriptions for patients with HFrEF.Clinical Trial Registration:http://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier: ChiCTR2000036381.

The Experiences of Trans and Gender Diverse Clients in an Intensive Voice Training Program: A Mixed-Methodological Study

Intensive schedules in behavioral voice therapy and training have been proposed to have a range of positive benefits including enhanced outcomes, high client and clinician satisfaction, and reduced client attrition. In the sub-field of behavioral voice training for trans and gender diverse clients, intensive schedules may also present a means of increasing service access opportunities for a vulnerable population. Despite the proposed benefits there has been limited research investigating client experiences in intensive voice training programs. The current study utilized a mixed-methodological approach to compare participant experiences in an intensively scheduled (three 45-minute sessions per week, over 4 weeks) versus a traditionally scheduled (one 45-minute session per week, over 12 weeks) voice training program for trans and gender diverse participants aiming to develop a perceptually feminine-sounding voice. Participant experiences were compared using a satisfaction questionnaire delivered to both training groups as well as thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with participants in the intensive group. Results suggested that individuals in the intensive training program had both positive and negative experiences related to the intensive schedule, but all viewed the program favorably and expressed a preference for intensive training based on their experiences. However, it was also found that overall satisfaction and attrition did not differ significantly between the intensive and traditional training groups and that many factors contributing to participant satisfaction in the intensive program were unrelated to the intensive schedule. Results from the current study also suggest that experiences in intensive programs may be highly variable and mediated by factors such as clients' individual personalities and preferences. The current study concludes that intensive schedules present a viable alternative to traditional schedules in practice, with additional considerations and directions for future research also discussed.

Patients' and Health Professionals' Experiences of Group Training to Increase Intensity of Training after Acquired Brain Injury: A Focus Group Study.

Background Increased intensity of training in the subacute phase after acquired brain injury facilitates plasticity and enhances better function. Group training can be a motivating factor and an effective means of increasing intensity. Reports on patients' and health care professionals' experiences on increasing the amount of active practice through group training during in-patient rehabilitation after acquired brain injury have been limited. Methods Two focus groups, patients and health care professionals, participated each in two interviews, before and after implementation of the Activity block, i.e., 2-hour daily intensive group training. The data from the interviews were analyzed from a phenomenological perspective. Results Three categories emerged from the data analyzes (i) training intensity, (ii) motivation and meaningfulness, and (iii) expectations and concerns. Both groups experienced that the training after implementation of the Activity block had become more intense and that motivation was increased induced by the group setting. Also, both groups found self-management enhanced. Some challenges were also reported. Patients expressed concerns to finding a balance between rest and activity, while the health professionals mentioned practical challenges, i.e., planning the content of the day and finding their role in the Activity block. Conclusion Activity block benefitted a heterogeneous group of patients with acquired brain injury and was perceived as an overall positive experience by patients and health personnel. Matching the training to the individuals' need for support, finding a balance between rest and activity and using tasks that support patients' motivation, appeared important.

Influence of Hesperidin on Systemic Immunity of Rats Following an Intensive Training and Exhausting Exercise.

Intensive training and exhausting exercise can disrupt innate and acquired immunity. The flavanone hesperidin has shown immunomodulatory properties in physiological and some pathological conditions, and positive effects on exercise-induced oxidative stress. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether it also prevents exhausting exercise-induced immune alterations. The aim of this study was to establish the effect of oral hesperidin supplementation on the systemic immune system in rats following an intensive training and exhausting exercise. For this purpose, female Wistar rats were randomized into an intensive training group or a sedentary group. Intensive training was induced by running in a treadmill 5 days per week (including two exhausting tests) for five weeks. Throughout the training period, 200 mg/kg of hesperidin or vehicle was administered by oral gavage three times per week. At the end, blood, thymus, spleen and macrophages were collected before, immediately after and 24 h after an additional final exhaustion test. Hesperidin supplementation enhanced natural killer cell cytotoxicity and the proportion of phagocytic monocytes, attenuated the secretion of cytokines by stimulated macrophages, prevented the leukocytosis induced by exhaustion and increased the proportion of T helper cells in the thymus, blood and spleen. These results suggest that hesperidin can prevent exhausting exercise-induced immune alterations.

Effects of moderate and high intensity isocaloric aerobic training upon microvascular reactivity and myocardial oxidative stress in rats.

Systemic and central cardiovascular adaptations may vary in response to chronic exercise performed with different intensities and volumes. This study compared the effects of aerobic training with different intensities but equivalent volume upon microvascular reactivity in cremaster muscle and myocardial biomarkers of oxidative stress in Wistar rats. After peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) assessment, rats (n = 24) were assigned into three groups: moderate-intensity exercise training (MI); high-intensity exercise training (HI); sedentary control (SC). Treadmill training occurred during 4 weeks, with exercise bouts matched by the energy expenditure (3.0-3.5 Kcal). Microvascular reactivity was assessed in vivo by intravital microscopy in cremaster muscle arterioles, while biomarkers of oxidative stress and eNOS expression were quantified at left ventricle and at aorta, respectively. Similar increasing vs. sedentary control group (SC) occurred in moderate intensity training group (MI) and high-intensity training group (HI) for endothelium-dependent vasodilation (10-4M: MI: 168.7%, HI: 164.6% vs. SC: 146.6%, P = 0.0004). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (HI: 0.13 U/mg vs. MI: 0.09 U/mg and SC: 0.06 U/mg; P = 0.02), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) (HI: 0.00038 U/mg vs. MI: 0.00034 U/mg and SC: 0.00024 U/mg; P = 0.04), and carbonyl protein content (HI: 0.04 U/mg vs. MI: 0.03 U/mg and SC: 0.01 U/mg; P = 0.003) increased only in HI. No difference across groups was detected for catalase (CAT) (P = 0.12), Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (P = 0.38) or eNOS expression in aorta (P = 0.44). In conclusion, higher exercise intensity induced greater improvements in myocardium antioxidant defenses, while gains in microvascular reactivity appeared to rely more on exercise volume than intensity.