Aerobic Interval Training Research Articles

Acute and Chronic Effects of Interval Aerobic Exercise on Hepcidin, Ferritin, and Liver Enzymes in Adolescents With Beta-Thalassemia Major.

This study aimed to determine the acute and chronic effects of interval aerobic exercise on hepcidin, ferritin, and liver enzymes in adolescents with beta-thalassemia major. Twenty-six beta-thalassemia major adolescents referred to the Thalassemia Clinic and Research Center were selected as study participants and randomly divided into control (n = 13) and training (n = 13) groups. Participants performed 3 sessions per week for 45minutes in each session for 8 weeks of aerobic interval exercise with an intensity of 50% to 65% of the heart rate reserve. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after the exercise session, and 48hours after the last training session, and liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), ferritin, and hepcidin were evaluated. The results showed a decrease in aspartate aminotransferase, ALT, ALP, ferritin, and hepcidin levels due to 8 weeks of aerobic interval training (P = .14, P = .97, P = .03, P < .001, P < .001; respectively). Intergroup changes in all variables except ALT and hepcidin were significant (P < .05). Besides, acute aerobic exercise increased levels of aspartate aminotransferase, ALT, ferritin, and hepcidin (P = .04, P = .52, P < .001, P < .001; respectively), whereas ALP levels decreased (P < .001). In addition, changes in ALP and hepcidin levels were significant between the 2 groups (P = .05, P < .001; respectively). Based on the study's results, it can be concluded that 8 weeks of aerobic interval training can decrease ferritin and hepcidin levels, but acute aerobic exercise increases them.

Health aspects of aerobic interval training in the rehabilitation of the patients with cardiovascular diseases

Purpose: The aim of this study was to review the literature analyzing the effects of aerobic interval training in the rehabilitation of cardiovascular patients. Methods: Research data was collected considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the research studies published in English. In order for the study to be included in the analysis, it had to meet the following criteria: year of publication (2004–2022), respondents were people with cardiovascular disease, and the studies included in this review must contain data on disease, training programme and outcomes. Papers without full texts available and systematic review studies were excluded. The first search identified 71 articles. In the initial assessment carried out in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 articles were found suitable and were included in the study, while 20 studies were excluded for being duplicates, 28 studies excluded for not having the full text available and eight for non-compliance. Results: The reviewed materials indicate that aerobic interval training has an impact on VO2 max, functional abilities, Vo2 peak and functional capacity in the rehabilitation of cardiovascular diseases, especially in the elderly. The duration of the programme in most studies has a similar time range from 10 to 16 weeks. The programmes that showed the best effects are related to aerobic interval training, from 2 to 3 times per week with moderate (50–60% of VO2 max) or high intensity (80–90% of VO2 max). Conclusion: Studies indicate that properly dosed physical activity contributes to a better lifestyle for people with cardiovascular diseases. All 15 studies showed positive effects of aerobic interval training in cardiovascular disease rehabilitation.

Validity, accuracy, and safety assessment of an aerobic interval training using an App-based prehabilitation program before major surgery: PROTEGO-MAXIMA-Trial. A prospective, interventional pilot study (Preprint)

Validity, accuracy, and safety assessment of an aerobic interval training using an App-based prehabilitation program before major surgery: PROTEGO-MAXIMA-Trial. A prospective, interventional pilot study (Preprint)

Treadmill exercise with nanoselenium supplementation affects the expression of Irisin/FNDC5 and semaphorin 3A in rats exposed to cigarette smoke extract.

In the current study, we investigated the impacts of 6 weeks of aerobic interval training (AIT) with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on muscle, serum, and lung irisin (FNDC5) and Sema3A in rats exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE). To this end, 49 male Wistar rats (8 weeks old) were divided into seven groups: control, SeNPs (2.5mg/kg b.w by oral gavage, 3days/week, 6weeks), AIT (49min/day, 5days/week for 6weeks, interval), SeNPs + AIT, CSE (150 µL by IP injection, 1day/week for 6weeks), CSE + AIT, and CSE + SeNPs + AIT. The CSE group showed a significant reduction in irisin and Sema3A serum levels, as well as a decrease in FNDC5 and Sema3A gene expression in lung tissue (p < 0.05). A combined treatment (AIT with SeNPs) significantly increased the serum level and the expression of muscle and lung irisin (FNDC5) and Sema3A in CSE received groups (p < 0.05). There was a positive and significant correlation between muscle FNDC5 and lung FNDC5 in the CSE + SeNPs + AIT group (r = 0.92, p = 0.025). In addition, there was a positive and significant correlation between serum Sema3A and lung Sema3A of CSE + SeNPs + AIT group (r = 0.97, p = 0.004). Seemingly, performing aerobic exercises with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplement nano-selenium in the model of lung damage (similar to COPD) can boost myokine irisin and Sema3A, especially in serum and lung tissue. These results displayed the paracrine/endocrine regulatory function of these myokines on other tissues. In other words, these interventions emphasized the creation of crosstalk between skeletal muscles and damaged lung, focusing on its recovery; however, further research is needed.

Aerobic exercise and volumetric change in the human hippocampus: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials in healthy older individuals

AbstractBackgroundThere is promising, albeit equivocal, evidence that aerobic exercise training (AET) increases human hippocampal volume. The evidence is unclear, as recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have failed to replicate AET’s previously reported favorable effects on hippocampal volume in cognitively unimpaired older individuals. We thus conducted a meta‐analysis of RCTs investigating the effects of AET on hippocampal volume and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in cognitively unimpaired, healthy older individuals.MethodA meta‐analysis of RCTs that delivered AET interventions to older individuals. Inclusion criteria were: 1) cognitively unimpaired, healthy individuals aged ≥ 50; 2) AET intervention delivered for at least four weeks; 3) at least one intervention group and one control group; 4) reported data of the effects of AET on hippocampal volume. Two authors independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, performed data extraction and methodological quality assessment of included studies. We performed meta‐analyses with random‐effects robust variance estimation models and meta‐regression analyses to test associations between changes in CRF and hippocampal volume. The primary outcome was changes in hippocampal volume, and the secondary outcome was changes in CRF.ResultEight parent trials and one secondary outcome article were eligible. The meta‐analytic summary of 17 effect sizes indicated no significant effects of AET on hippocampal volume (SMD = 0.10, 95%CI ‐0.01 to 0.21, p = 0.073). Meta‐analysis of nine studies and effect sizes showed that AET moderately improved cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD = 0.30, 95%CI 0.12 to 0.48, p = 0.005). Improvement in CRF was not statistically associated with changes in hippocampal volume (bSE = 0.05, SE = 0.51, p = 0.923). Methodological quality was poor in one, fair in three, good in four, and excellent in one trial.ConclusionAET did not show robust effects on hippocampal volume in cognitively unimpaired, healthy older individuals. Since AET significantly improved CRF, a lack of training fidelity is unlikely to explain our findings. The biologically still plausible favorable effects of AET on hippocampal volume in cognitively unimpaired older individuals might be masked by methodological weaknesses and the inclusion of only nine studies. Future studies need to address: the lack of harmonization of hippocampus quantification methods and insufficient power to detect meaningful changes in hippocampal volume across studies.

Periodized Aerobic Training between Thresholds Improves Submaximal Cardiorespiratory Parameters in Octogenarians.

The worldwide aging population is expanding, with more individuals living into their 80s. Physiological functions decline gradually with age, compounded by sedentary lifestyles. Incorporating physical activity into daily routine is crucial for maintaining independence. This study aimed to assess a periodized high-intensity aerobic training program (PEZO-BT) in octogenarians, focusing on submaximal ergospirometry effects. A total of 48 non-frail octogenarian subjects (12 females, 36 males) were randomized into control and intervention groups. All subjects underwent submaximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing with gas analysis at baseline, stopping after the respiratory compensation point (RCP). Our intervention group completed a 14-week PEZO-BT aerobic training program. The outcomes were oxygen consumption at first ventilatory threshold (VO2AT), ventilatory efficiency slope (VE/VCO2), oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), cardiorespiratory optimal point (COP), oxygen pulse change (ΔVO2/HR) from anaerobic threshold (AT) to respiratory compensation point (RCP), and power output at anaerobic threshold (POAT). Mixed ANOVA examined time and treatment effects. If significance emerged, post hoc t-tests were used to compare significances between groups. The homogeneity of variance was assessed using Levene's test. Chi-square tests compared ergospirometry criteria and ventilatory performance within groups. The mean differences at post intervention were significant in VO2AT (p < 0.001), VE/VCO2 (p < 0.001), ΔVO2/HR (p < 0.05), and POAT (p < 0.001), while OUES and COP were not significant (p > 0.05). However, clinical effects were observed in the entire intervention group. Training improved exercise capacity and workload. Overall, this periodic aerobic and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program yielded significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in previously untrained octogenarians with and without comorbidities. The findings suggest implications for promoting long-term healthy aging.

Medical Rehabilitation of Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome-A Comparison of Aerobic Interval and Continuous Training.

Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) is a multisystemic disorder marked by impaired physical performance as one lead symptom. Since it has been suggested that endurance training as part of medical rehabilitation may be effective in improving physical performance capacity in PCS, this study aimed to compare different modes of aerobic endurance training. A total of 110 PCS patients (49.3 ± 11.8 years; 38% women; time after infection = 260.2 ± 127.5 days) underwent detailed clinical screening including symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise testing at admission and after 4-6 weeks of inpatient medical rehabilitation. Questionnaires were used to assess disease perception. Patients performed controlled isocaloric cycle ergometer training (3-5 sessions/week; 18 min) as either continuous training (CT) at 50% of maximal workload or as interval training (IT; load = 60%, relief = 30%). Outcomes of PCS patients were compared to coronary artery disease patients (CAD; n = 96) to evaluate overall training effectiveness. Training participation was comparable between the groups, with no indication of training-specific exercise-induced fatigue. Overall, PCS patients improved significantly by a mean of 6.8 ± 12.1% for W at VT1; 3.1 ± 10.0% for VO2 at VT1; 5.5 ± 14.7% for O2 pulse at VT1; 7.5 ± 15.0% for W at VO2peak; 2.7 ± 11.0% for VO2peak and 4.6 ± 12.4% for O2 pulse at VO2peak (all p < 0.05) with no significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). Both groups showed reduced levels of fatigue, anxiety, and depression as well as improved quality of life and wellbeing (all p < 0.05). Compared to guideline-based cardiac rehabilitation, PCS patients showed a similar improvement in workload and oxygen uptake compared to CAD patients. PCS patients benefit from aerobic endurance training performed as moderate continuous or interval training as part of a medical rehabilitation program in terms of improved physical exercise capacity and disease perception. The results for PCS patients are comparable to the guideline-based rehabilitation of CAD patients.

Clinical effect of aerobic exercise training in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A retrospective study.

Aerobic exercise training is a kind of pulmonary rehabilitation for lung diseases. This was a retrospective study to assess the efficacy of aerobic exercise training in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at a stable stage. A total of one hundred and fifty-six stable COPD patients who had accepted self-education only or self-education combined with an aerobic exercise training between January 2017 to January 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 79 patients who had received self-education combined with an aerobic exercise training schedule comprised the aerobic exercise training group (AET group) and 77 patients who had received self-education only were regarded as the education group (EDU group). The acute incidence rate in AET group was 7.6% better than that in EDU group 20.7% (P < .05). The AET group patients expressed higher levels of 6 minutes walking distance (6MWD) (P < .05) and better evaluations of both lung function (P < .05) and T lymphocyte immune response (P < .05), as well as significantly decreased chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test (CAT) scores and modified British medical research council (mMRC) grades (P < .05). Patients in EDU group did not report any changes in any of these characteristics. The aerobic exercise training intervention contributed to an increasing in 6MWD and decrease in CAT scores and mMRC grades, as well as improving the T lymphocyte immune response in stable COPD patients.

No Changes in Body Composition and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet after a 12-Week Aerobic Training Intervention in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: The EJERCITA-LES Study.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease linked to high cardiovascular risk. To reach an adequate body composition status while maintaining proper dietary habits are effective strategies for reducing cardiovascular risk, both being potentially modified through exercise. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week aerobic training intervention on anthropometry, body composition and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in women with SLE. A total of 58 women with SLE were assigned to either an exercise group (EG; n = 26) or a comparison group (CG; n = 32) in this non-randomized controlled trial. The EG comprised 12 weeks of aerobic exercise (two sessions/week) between 40-75% of the individual's heart rate reserve (calculated as maximum heart rate - resting heart rate) and the CG received usual care. At baseline and after the intervention, the anthropometry (i.e., weight, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body mass index) and body composition (i.e., fat mass and lean mass) were assessed using a stadiometer, an anthropometric tape, and a bioimpedance device, respectively. Dietary habits were assessed with the Mediterranean Diet score. There were no between-group differences in neither anthropometric nor body composition parameters (all p > 0.05). Similarly, no between-group differences were obtained in the adherence to the Mediterranean diet after the exercise intervention (all p > 0.05). Contrary to the initial hypothesis, these results suggest that the 12-week aerobic training intervention performed in this study did not improve anthropometry, body composition or adherence to the Mediterranean diet in women with SLE.

Mediterranean diet and time-restricted eating as a cardiac rehabilitation approach for patients with coronary heart disease and pre-diabetes: the DIABEPIC-1 protocol of a feasibility trial

IntroductionDespite proven programmes, implementing lifestyle interventions for pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes is challenging. Cardiac rehabilitation, provide a valuable opportunity to promote the adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviours for patients...

Blood pressure trajectory of inpatient stroke rehabilitation patients from the Determining Optimal Post-Stroke Exercise (DOSE) trial over the first 12 months post-stroke.

High blood pressure (BP) is the primary risk factor for recurrent strokes. Despite established clinical guidelines, some stroke survivors exhibit uncontrolled BP over the first 12 months post-stroke. Furthermore, research on BP trajectories in stroke survivors admitted to inpatient rehabilitation hospitals is limited. Exercise is recommended to reduce BP after stroke. However, the effect of high repetition gait training at aerobic intensities (>40% heart rate reserve; HRR) during inpatient rehabilitation on BP is unclear. We aimed to determine the effect of an aerobic gait training intervention on BP trajectory over the first 12 months post-stroke. This is a secondary analysis of the Determining Optimal Post-Stroke Exercise (DOSE) trial. Participants with stroke admitted to inpatient rehabilitation hospitals were recruited and randomized to usual care (n = 24), DOSE1 (n = 25; >2,000 steps, 40-60% HRR for >30 min/session, 20 sessions over 4 weeks), or DOSE2 (n = 25; additional DOSE1 session/day) groups. Resting BP [systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP)] was measured at baseline (inpatient rehabilitation admission), post-intervention (near inpatient discharge), 6- and 12-month post-stroke. Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine the effects of group and time (weeks post-stroke) on SBP, DBP and hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg; ≥130/80 mmHg, if diabetic), controlling for age, stroke type, and baseline history of hypertension. No effect of intervention group on SBP, DBP, or hypertension was observed. BP increased from baseline to 12-month post-stroke for SBP (from [mean ± standard deviation] 121.8 ± 15.0 to 131.8 ± 17.8 mmHg) and for DBP (74.4 ± 9.8 to 78.5 ± 10.1 mmHg). The proportion of hypertensive participants increased from 20.8% (n = 15/72) to 32.8% (n = 19/58). These increases in BP were statistically significant: an effect [estimation (95%CI), value of p] of time was observed on SBP [0.19 (0.12-0.26) mmHg/week, p < 0.001], DBP [0.09 (0.05-0.14) mmHg/week, p < 0.001], and hypertension [OR (95%CI): 1.03 (1.01-1.05), p = 0.010]. A baseline history of hypertension was associated with higher SBP by 13.45 (8.73-18.17) mmHg, higher DBP by 5.57 (2.02-9.12) mmHg, and 42.22 (6.60-270.08) times the odds of being hypertensive at each timepoint, compared to those without. Blood pressure increased after inpatient rehabilitation over the first 12 months post-stroke, especially among those with a history of hypertension. The 4-week aerobic gait training intervention did not influence this trajectory.

O.3.2-3 ‘It helped me to disconnect from the problems’: a qualitative study exploring the subjective experiences of people with schizophrenia in a concurrent exercise program

Abstract Purpose The relationship between exercise and its role in mental health is extensively documented and has led to the inclusion of exercise into adjuvant programs for people with mental health disorders. However, considerably less attention is devoted to the experience of taking part in exercise and perceived health outcomes for people with specific mental health disorders. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the subjective experiences of a concurrent exercise program designed to improve both physical and mental health, through participation, for people with schizophrenia. Methods Participants diagnosed with schizophrenia (n = 35, 41.6±10.3 years) from two locations (a psychiatric hospital and a mental health community support group) received an intensive concurrent exercise program (i.e., aerobic interval training and resistance training within the same session) for a five-month duration, three times a week, at out-of-hospital facilities. Qualitative data was collected via individual, semi-structured interviews, organized, and analyzed with thematic analysis using NVivo software. Results A conceptual model developed from the analysis explains the participants’ subjective experiences, opinions, and perceptions of the role of exercise and their perceived outcomes from participation in the program. Six themes emerged from the analysis. The themes ‘expectations about taking part’ and ‘attitude to exercise, the program, and general lifestyle’ appeared to influence participants to take part. The act (and factors associated with it) of ‘taking part’ then led to subsequent ‘perceived outcomes’ and ‘plans’. Conclusions Findings from the study support the case for the strategic use of exercise as an adjuvant program and maintenance of holistic health for people with schizophrenia. However, this study also demonstrates the paramount importance of building a continuation plan for participation to ensure sustainable and long-term adherence to exercise. The location of the program appears important to consider (i.e., out-of-hospital), as does the constitution of the group, the type of people, and the exercise program itself. For this clinical group, the exercise intervention not only serves a physical and mental enhancement function but also appears to achieve holistic health benefits such as well-being and important opportunities for social interaction.

The Effect of Interval Training Exercise on the Serum Level of Apelin-17 and Vascular Blood Flow Improvement in Patients with Heart Failure

Background and Objectives Chronic hypertension causes structural and functional changes in the heart, ultimately leading to heart failure (HF), which further increases mortality. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of intermittent aerobic exercise on the serum level of Apelin-17 and factors related to blood pressure in patients with HF. Subjects and Methods In this quasi-experimental study, 20 men with HF were selected based on the inclusion criteria and were randomly divided into exercise and control groups. The exercise program included interval aerobic training exercise that involved three sessions per week continued for eight weeks. Fasting blood samples and physiological variables were measured 48 hours before and after the intervention. Results After eight weeks of training, there was a significant increase in the levels of Apelin-17 (P = 0.039), Ang I (P = 0.005) and FMD (P = 0.008). A significant decrease in the levels of Ang II (P &lt; 0.001) and SBP (P &lt; 0.001) was observed, but no significant difference was found in the values of ACE-2 (P = 0.234) and DBP (P = 0.363). Conclusion According to the results, it can be stated that one of the adaptations of exercise that improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure in patients with HF is increasing the level of Apelin-17 in these patients.

Home-based exercise improves subclinical atherosclerosis marker in multiple sclerosis

PurposeUsing a 12-week, randomized controlled trial coupled with social cognitive theory behavioral coaching, we aimed to assess the effect of a home-based aerobic training intervention versus an attention-control on aerobic fitness, subclinical atherosclerosis, and mobility in persons with MS. MethodsPersons with MS with an expanded disability status scale score between 0 and 4 were randomized to a 12-week aerobic exercise (EX) (n = 26; 19 females; 49 yrs; 28.8 kg/m2) or attention-control (CON) condition (stretching; n = 22; 16 females; 44 yrs; 29.2 kg/m2). Aerobic capacity was assessed via a graded cycle ergometry test with indirect calorimetry. The co-primary measures of subclinical atherosclerosis assessed included carotid intima media thickness, a test of vasodilatory reactivity, and arterial stiffness. Mobility was assessed via a timed 25-foot walk test (T25FW) and a 6 min walk test. The EX group engaged in cycle ergometry 3d/wk with gradual increases in the intensity and duration of the exercise sessions. CON participated in standardized stretching designed to provide the same contact time as EX 3d/wk. Behavioral coaching took place via weekly phone/video chats to track adherence. ResultsAerobic capacity, vasodilatory reactivity, and T25FW speed increased only in the EX group, 7%, 16%, and 13% (p<0.05), respectively; whereas the CON group did not change. ConclusionThe EX group had modest, yet significant, increases in aerobic capacity over the 12-week period, coupled with improvements in T25FW speed and vasodilatory reactivity. A home-based exercise intervention can improve outcomes of a subclinical marker of atherosclerosis, which provides a basis for examining these outcomes in persons prescreened for CVD-related comorbidities and/or mobility issues.

Erratum for One-year Aerobic Interval Training Improves Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Randomized Trial.

Erratum for One-year Aerobic Interval Training Improves Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Randomized Trial.

The Effects of Combining Aerobic and Heavy Resistance Training on Body Composition, Muscle Hypertrophy, and Exercise Satisfaction in Physically Active Adults.

This study investigated the effects of combined aerobic and heavy resistance training on the variables of body composition, muscle hypertrophy, and exercise satisfaction in physically active adults in comparison with heavy resistance training only (predominantly designed for hypertrophy). Twenty-two healthy male adults between the ages of 18 and 35, who had limited previous experience with muscle resistance training, participated in the intervention program while maintaining their physical activity level. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups: the resistance training group (control group) and the combined training group (experimental group), which involved both resistance training and aerobic training. Aerobic training consisted of 30 min aerobic interval training sessions three times a week with a total of 8 min work bouts in each at 60-70% of heart rate reserve (HRR). The intervention training program lasted for eight weeks. Resistance training consisted of a 3-day muscle group split (2-3 exercises per muscle group, 8 sets per muscle group, 6-12 repetition maximum (RM). Upon completion, body composition, muscle hypertrophy, and exercise satisfaction were analyzed using the mixed-design ANOVA. Variables selected for this study as markers of body composition responded differently to the different interventions and time; however, some trends were not statistically significant. Overall, it is not possible to state unequivocally that one training modality was superior to another in the body composition cluster, for significant improvements were observed within the groups from pre- to post-interventions, but no significant differences were observed between the resistance training and combined training groups, while, both interventions showed improvement with time in some variables of muscle hypertrophy. Compared to baseline, the exercise satisfaction post-intervention improved within the groups. From pre- to post-testing, both resistance and combined training groups improved exercise satisfaction (p < 0.05 in both groups). However, there was no significant difference in exercise satisfaction observed between the resistance training and combined training groups after the training intervention (p > 0.05).

High-intensity aerobic, but not resistance or combined, exercise training improves both cardiometabolic health and skeletal muscle mitochondrial dynamics.

This study investigated how different exercise training modalities influence skeletal muscle mitochondrial dynamics. Healthy [average body mass index (BMI): 25.8 kg/m2], sedentary younger and older participants underwent 12 wk of supervised high-intensity aerobic interval training (HIIT; n = 13), resistance training (RT; n = 14), or combined training (CT; n = 11). Mitochondrial structure was assessed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Regulators of mitochondrial fission and fusion, cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇o2peak), insulin sensitivity via a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, and muscle mitochondrial respiration were assessed. TEM showed increased mitochondrial volume, number, and perimeter following HIIT (P < 0.01), increased mitochondrial number following CT (P < 0.05), and no change in mitochondrial abundance after RT. Increased mitochondrial volume associated with increased mitochondrial respiration and insulin sensitivity following HIIT (P < 0.05). Increased mitochondrial perimeter associated with increased mitochondrial respiration, insulin sensitivity, and V̇o2peak following HIIT (P < 0.05). No such relationships were observed following CT or RT. OPA1, a regulator of fusion, was increased following HIIT (P < 0.05), whereas FIS1, a regulator of fission, was decreased following HIIT and CT (P < 0.05). HIIT also increased the ratio of OPA1/FIS1 (P < 0.01), indicative of the balance between fission and fusion, which positively correlated with improvements in respiration, insulin sensitivity, and V̇o2peak (P < 0.05). In conclusion, HIIT induces a larger, more fused mitochondrial tubular network. Changes indicative of increased fusion following HIIT associate with improvements in mitochondrial respiration, insulin sensitivity, and V̇o2peak supporting the idea that enhanced mitochondrial fusion accompanies notable health benefits of HIIT.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We assessed the effects of 12 wk of supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT), resistance training, and combined training (CT) on skeletal muscle mitochondrial abundance and markers of fission and fusion. HIIT increased mitochondrial area and size and promoted protein changes indicative of increased mitochondrial fusion, whereas lessor effects were observed after CT and no changes were observed after RT. Furthermore, increased mitochondrial area and size after HIIT associated with improved mitochondrial respiration, cardiorespiratory fitness, and insulin sensitivity.

Aerobic high-intensity intervals improve V̇O2max more than supramaximal sprint intervals in females, similar to males.

Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max ) is a pivotal factor for aerobic endurance performance. Recently, aerobic high-intensity interval training (HIIT) was documented to be superior to sprint interval training (SIT) in improving V̇O2max in well-trained males. However, as mounting evidence suggests that physiological responses to training are sex-dependent, examining the effects of HIIT versus SIT on V̇O2max , anaerobic capacity, and endurance performance in females is warranted. We randomized 81 aerobically well-trained females (22 ± 2 years, 51.8 ± 3.6 mL∙kg-1 ∙min-1 V̇O2max ), training three times weekly for 8 weeks, to well-established protocols: (1) HIIT 4 × 4 min at ~95% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS), with 3 min active recovery (2) SIT 8 × 20 s at ~150% of MAS, with 10 s passive recovery (3) SIT 10 × 30 s at ~175% of MAS, with 3.5 min active recovery. Only HIIT 4 × 4 min increased V̇O2max (7.3 ± 3.1%), different from both SIT groups (all p < 0.001). Anaerobic capacity (maximal accumulated oxygen deficit) increased following SIT 8 × 20 s (6.5 ± 10.5%, p < 0.05), SIT 10 × 30 s (14.4 ± 13.7%, p < 0.05; different from HIIT 4 × 4 min, p < 0.05). SIT 10 × 30 s resulted in eight training-induced injuries, different from no injuries following HIIT 4 × 4 min and SIT 8 × 20 s (p < 0.001). All groups improved long-distance (3000-meter) and sprint (300-meter) running performance (all p < 0.001). SIT protocols improved sprint performance more than HIIT 4 × 4 min (p < 0.05). Compared to previous male results, no increase in V̇O2max following SIT 8 × 20 s (p < 0.01), and a higher injury rate for SIT 10 × 30 s (p < 0.001), were evident. In aerobically well-trained women, HIIT is superior to SIT in increasing V̇O2max while all-out treadmill running SIT is potentially more harmful.

Individualised Exercise Training Enhances Antioxidant Buffering Capacity in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Exercise training is recommended for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF); however, the mechanism(s) underlying its physiological benefits remain unclear. We investigated the effects of an individualised aerobic interval training programme on exercise capacity and redox status in IPF patients. IPF patients were recruited prospectively to an 8-week, twice-weekly cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET)-derived structured responsive exercise training programme (SRETP). Systemic redox status was assessed pre- and post-CPET at baseline and following SRETP completion. An age- and sex-matched non-IPF control cohort was recruited for baseline comparison only. At baseline, IPF patients (n = 15) had evidence of increased oxidative stress compared with the controls as judged by; the plasma reduced/oxidised glutathione ratio (median, control 1856 vs. IPF 736 p = 0.046). Eleven IPF patients completed the SRETP (median adherence 88%). Following SRETP completion, there was a significant improvement in exercise capacity assessed via the constant work-rate endurance time (+82%, p = 0.003). This was accompanied by an improvement in post-exercise redox status (in favour of antioxidants) assessed via serum total free thiols (median increase, +0.26 μmol/g protein p = 0.005) and total glutathione concentration (+0.73 μM p = 0.03), as well as a decrease in post-exercise lipid peroxidation products (-1.20 μM p = 0.02). Following SRETP completion, post-exercise circulating nitrite concentrations were significantly lower compared with baseline (-0.39 μM p = 0.04), suggestive of exercise-induced nitrite utilisation. The SRETP increased both endurance time and systemic antioxidant capacity in IPF patients. The observed reduction in nitrite concentrations provides a mechanistic rationale to investigate nitrite/nitrate supplementation in IPF patients.

Effect of Exercise Training on Some Anti-Inflammatory Adipokines, High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, and Clinical Outcomes in Sedentary Adults With Metabolic Syndrome.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic interval training and resistance training on anti-inflammatory adipokines, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and clinical outcomes in sedentary men with metabolic syndrome. A total of 33 sedentary men with metabolic syndrome (age: 46.2 ± 4.6years; body mass index: 35.4 ± 1.9kg.m2) were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: aerobic interval training (n = 12), resistance training (n = 10), or control (n = 11). Participants in the exercise groups completed a 12-week training program, 3 sessions per week, while those in the control group maintained their sedentary lifestyle. The levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), omentin-1, adiponectin, lipid profiles, blood pressure, glucose metabolism, body composition, and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) were measured at baseline and after the intervention. Both aerobic interval training and resistance training significantly improved the levels of omentin-1 and adiponectin, as well as reduced inflammation, as indicated by a decrease in hs-CRP levels. Exercise training also led to significant improvements in lipid profiles, blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and body composition. Specifically, the aerobic interval training group had significantly greater increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and VO2peak, as well as greater reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol compared to the resistance training group. Exercise training, particularly aerobic interval training and resistance training, can be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for managing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health in metabolic syndrome patients.