Moderate-intensity Group Research Articles

Intensity of statin therapy and new hospitalizations for heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes

ObjectiveTo examine a relationship between statin intensity and heart failure (HF) incidence in diabetes.Research design and methodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with type 2 diabetes (n=600; age,...

The relationship of aerobic exercises and body weight reduction among regular physical fitness participants

This study was aimed to examine the relationship of aerobic exercises and body weight reduction among regular physical fitness participants. The researcher used longitudinal experimental research design because participants were tested more than once test and trained for 12 weeks. Twenty subjects were purposively selected as a subject and randomly assigned in high intensity and moderate intensity group; whose age is in between twenty up to fifty years old and their body mass index (BMI) is 25kg/m2 and above. Both groups participated in high intensity and moderate intensity aerobics exercise in their respective groups three days per week for three consecutive months. Pre, during and post tests were taken accordingly to examine the improvements in each variables such as body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference and waist hip ratio. Paired sample T-tests indicated a significant reduction of BWt and BMI in both groups of female and male participants at p-value (p < 0.01). Based on the results, it was concluded that both moderate intensity and high intensity aerobics exercise group had a positive effect on body weight reduction. It showed that aerobic exercise has a positive relationship on body weight reduction. Finally, the researcher recommends that regular aerobic exercise is a better means to reduce body weight.

Effect Of 12 Weeks Aerobic Exercise With Different Intensity On Cardiorespiratory Fitness In Rats

PURPOSE: To investigate the effectiveness of 12 weeks aerobic exercise with different intensities on Cardiorespiratory fitness(CRF). METHODS: 36 male Wistar rats(4 weeks) were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., low intensity-50%VO2max, moderate intensity-65%VO2max, high intensity-80%VO2max and sedentary group. All animals repeated the VO2max test per two weeks on a non training day and the load of the next two weeks was adjusted according to the test result. The treadmill speed maintained corresponding intensity of each group in the training period. This program lasted 12weeks, the rats trained 5days per week and 60 min per day. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of aerobic exercise, the body weight of 80% VO2max group(422. 7±45.8g) was lowest compared with other three groups(sedentary: 492.8±30.4, low:446.2±38.8, moderate:459.5±35.2g). After 6 weeks, 80% VO2max group(348.0±29.9g) was highly significantly lower in body weight than sedentary group(379.1±22.5g). VO2max of all three exercise group(low:64.2±4.0ml/kg/min, moderate: 65.0 ±6.4ml/kg/min, high: 63.2 ±6.7ml/kg/min) were significantly higher than that of sedentary group(492.8±30.4ml/kg/min).Since the second week, VO2max of the moderate(57.2±5.6ml/kg/min) and high intensity group(57.2±7.6ml/kg/min) began to significantly higher than sedentary group(49.8±5.7ml/kg/min). Different from other 2 exercise groups, VO2max of low intensity group increased gradually. At the beginning, it was no significant difference compared with sedentary group. But with the exercise prolonged, the level of VO2max was up to the moderate and high intensity group, and high significantly greater than sedentary (64.2±4.04 ml/kg/min versus1.9 ±5.7ml/kg/min). CONCLUSION: After 12 weeks of aerobic exercise, the high intensity exercise group(80%VO2max) is the most effective one to control the weight. All of the three exercise intensities can significantly improve the CRF, however, the low intensity exercise(40%VO2max) exercise requires a longer time to get the significant effects than the other two groups. *Funded by The Ministry of Science and Technology of China, NO.2012BAK21B02.

Statin adherence and LDL cholesterol levels. Should we assess adherence prior to statin upgrade?

BackgroundAdherence to statin therapy has been shown to be suboptimal. In statin-treated patients with residual elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels the physician must decide whether to switch to a more potent statin or try and achieve better adherence. We examined the association between adherence and LDL-C within low, moderate and high intensity statin groups in a “real world” setting. MethodsWe assessed annual adherence by the mean MPR (Medication Possession Ratio = number of purchased/prescribed daily doses) in unselected patient group. Statins were stratified (ACC/AHA Guideline) into low, moderate and high intensity groups. The impact of adherence on LDL levels was assessed by LOESS (locally weighted scatter plot smoothing). ResultsOut of 1183 patients 173 (14.6%) were treated with low, 923 (78.0%) with moderate and 87 (7.4%) with high intensity statins. Statin intensity was inversely associated with adherence (MPR 77±21, 73±22 and 69±21% for low, moderate and high intensity respectively, p=0.018). Non-adjusted LDL levels decreased with higher adherence: a 10% adherence increase resulted in LDL decrease of 3.5, 5.8 and 7.1mg/dL in low, moderate and high intensity groups. Analysis of the adherence effect on LDL levels adjusted for age, DM and ischemic heart disease showed that MPR above 80% was associated with an additional decrease in LDL levels only in the high intensity group. ConclusionsIncreased adherence to statins beyond an MPR of 80% improves LDL levels only among patients given high intensity therapy. Switching from lower to higher intensity therapy may be more effective than further efforts to increase adherence.

Training primary care clinicians in motivational interviewing: A comparison of two models

ObjectivesTo evaluate implementing two training models for motivational interviewing (MI) to address tobacco use with primary care clinicians. MethodsClinicians were randomized to moderate or high intensity. Both training modalities included a single ½ day workshop facilitated by MI expert trainers. The high intensity (HI) training provided six booster sessions including telephone interactions with simulated patients and peer coaching by MI champions over 3 months. To assess performance of clinicians to deliver MI, an objective structured clinical evaluation (OSCE) was conducted before and 12 weeks after the workshop training. ResultsThirty-four clinicians were enrolled; 18 were randomly assigned to HI. Compared to the moderate intensity group, the HI group scored significantly higher during the OSCE for three of six global Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity scale scores. There was also significant improvement for three of the four measures of MI counseling knowledge, skills and confidence. ConclusionsUsing champions and telephone interactions with simulated patients as enhancement strategies for MI training programs is feasible in the primary care setting and results in greater gains in MI proficiency. Practice implicationsResults confirm and expand evidence for use of booster sessions to improve the proficiency of MI training programs for primary care clinicians.

Economic costs associated with an MS relapse

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) commonly affects young adults and can be associated with significant disability resulting in considerable socioeconomic burden for both patient and society. AimsThe aim was to determine the direct and indirect cost of an MS relapse. MethodsThis was a prospective audit composed of medical chart review and patient questionnaire. Relapses were stratified into 3 groups: low, moderate and high intensity. Age, gender, MS subtype, disease duration, expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score, disease modifying therapy (DMT) use and employment status were recorded. Direct costs included GP visits, investigations, clinic visit, consultations with medical staff, medication and admission costs. Indirect costs assessed loss of earnings, partner׳s loss of earnings, childcare, meals and travel costs. ResultsFifty-three patients had a clinically confirmed relapse. Thirteen were of low intensity; 23 moderate intensity and 17 high intensity with mean costs of €503, €1395 and €8862, respectively. Those with high intensity episodes tended to be older with higher baseline EDSS (p<0.003) and change in EDSS (p<0.002). Direct costs were consistent in both low and moderate intensity groups but varied with length of hospital stay in the high intensity group. Loss of earnings was the biggest contributor to indirect costs. A decision to change therapy as a result of the relapse was made in 23% of cases, further adding to annual MS related costs. ConclusionsThe cost of an MS relapse is dependent on severity of the episode but even low intensity episodes can have a significant financial impact for the patient in terms of loss of earnings and for society with higher annual MS related costs.

Executive function and endocrinological responses to acute resistance exercise.

This study had the following two aims: First, to explore the effects of acute resistance exercise (RE, i.e., using exercise machines to contract and stretch muscles) on behavioral and electrophysiological performance when performing a cognitive task involving executive functioning in young male adults; Second, to investigate the potential biochemical mechanisms of such facilitative effects using two neurotrophic factors [i.e., growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)] and the cortisol levels elicited by such an exercise intervention mode with two different exercise intensities. Sixty young male adults were recruited and randomly assigned to a high-intensity (HI) exercise group, moderate-intensity (MI) exercise group, and non-exercise-intervention (NEI) group. Blood samples were taken, and the behavioral and electrophysiological indices were simultaneously measured when individuals performed a Go/No-Go task combined with the Erikson Flanker paradigm at baseline and after either an acute bout of 30 min of moderate- or high-intensity RE or a control period. The results showed that the acute RE could not only benefit the subjects' behavioral (i.e., RTs and accuracy) performance, as found in previous studies, but also increase the P3 amplitude. Although the serum GH and IGF-1 levels were significantly increased via moderate or high intensity RE in both the MI and HI groups, the increased serum levels of neurotrophic factors were significantly decreased about 20 min after exercise. In addition, such changes were not correlated with the changes in cognitive (i.e., behavioral and electrophysiological) performance. In contrast, the serum levels of cortisol in the HI and MI groups were significantly lower after acute RE, and the changes in cortisol levels were significantly associated with the changes in electrophysiological (i.e., P3 amplitude) performance. The findings suggest the beneficial effects of acute RE on executive functioning could be due to changes in arousal, possibly modulated by the serum cortisol levels.

Effects of iron supplement and exercise intensities on the levels of blood hemoglobin among Jimma University male soccer players

This study was aimed to examine the effects of Iron Supplement and Exercise Intensities on the Levels of Blood Hemoglobin among Jimma University Male Soccer Players. The subjects of this study were twenty male soccer players (ten players in each group) and they were purposively selected and randomly assigned in each group. Anthropometric (age, height, weight and body mass index), physiological (resting heart rate and blood pressure), endurance performance (12 min run and Bruce incremental test) and hematological (hemoglobin and red blood cell tests) variables were tested by digital scale in meter, digital balanced beam scale in kilogram, and body mass index was calculated, Sphygmomanometer, stop watch and humacount hematology analyzer. The analyses were carried out by the descriptive statistical analysis included mean and standard deviation, using SPSS version 16.0 software with a p-value <0.05. 5ml of blood sample were collected before, during and after supplying iron with folic acid in the 12 weeks of the study period. Therefore, both in high and moderate intensity training statistically significant mean difference were observed in RHR, SBP, DBP, Cooper test, HB and RBC at (p<0.05) The mean RBC difference of high and moderate intensity group was 0.98 ml/cm3 (22.99%) and 0.75 ml/cm3 (17.94%) respectively before and after supplementation and endurance training. The mean HB difference of high and moderate intensity group was 3.35 g/dl (23.29%) and by 2.05 g/dl (14.36%) respectively before and after supplementation and endurance training. This study showed that iron supplementation increased hemoglobin level of soccer players in high intensity and moderate intensity endurance training

Anti-hypertensive medications and cardiovascular events in older adults with multiple chronic conditions.

ImportanceRandomized trials of anti-hypertensive treatment demonstrating reduced risk of cardiovascular events in older adults included participants with less comorbidity than clinical populations. Whether these results generalize to all older adults, most of whom have multiple chronic conditions, is uncertain.ObjectiveTo determine the association between anti-hypertensive medications and CV events and mortality in a nationally representative population of older adults.DesignCompeting risk analysis with propensity score adjustment and matching in the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey cohort over three-year follow-up through 2010.Participants and Setting4,961 community-living participants with hypertension.ExposureAnti-hypertensive medication intensity, based on standardized daily dose for each anti-hypertensive medication class participants used.Main Outcomes and MeasuresCardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, unstable angina, cardiac revascularization, stroke, and hospitalizations for heart failure) and mortality.ResultsOf 4,961 participants, 14.1% received no anti-hypertensives; 54.6% received moderate, and 31.3% received high, anti-hypertensive intensity. During follow-up, 1,247 participants (25.1%) experienced cardiovascular events; 837 participants (16.9%) died. Of deaths, 430 (51.4%) occurred in participants who experienced cardiovascular events during follow-up. In the propensity score adjusted cohort, after adjusting for propensity score and other covariates, neither moderate (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.89–1.32]) nor high (1.16 [0.94–1.43]) anti-hypertensive intensity was associated with experiencing cardiovascular events. The hazard ratio for death among all participants was 0.79 [0.65–0.97] in the moderate, and 0.72 [0.58–0.91] in the high intensity groups compared with those receiving no anti-hypertensives. Among participants who experienced cardiovascular events, the hazard ratio for death was 0.65 [0.48–0.87] and 0.58 [0.42–0.80] in the moderate and high intensity groups, respectively. Results were similar in the propensity score-matched subcohort.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this nationally representative cohort of older adults, anti-hypertensive treatment was associated with reduced mortality but not cardiovascular events. Whether RCT results generalize to older adults with multiple chronic conditions remains uncertain.

Effect of Endurance Training on the Autonomic Nervous System Function of Young Male

In this study, healthy young males were randomized into groups with moderate intensity training (n = 24), high intensity training (n = 24) and utmost intensity training (n = 24). At the end of 8-week training period, HRV measurements demonstrated a marked increase of RMSSD (P = 0.003), PNN50 (P = 0.002), HF (P = 0.002), SDNN (P = 0.002) and LF (P = 0.003) in the moderate intensity group and a decreasing tendency in LFn and LF/HF; however, in the utmost intensity group HFn (P = 0.012) decreased prominently while its LF (P = 0.032), LFn (P = 0.039) and LF/HF (P = 0.015) increased significantly. Nevertheless marked changes were not found in the above indexes of the high intensity group. While resting HR of the three groups declined significantly at the end of 8 weeks (P was 0.001, 0.0001 and 0.001 respectively); RMSSD, PNN50, HF, LF and SDNN were significantly higher in the moderate intensity group than in the other two groups (P P = 0.012) was significantly lower but its LFn and LF/HF were markedly higher (P was 0.025 and 0.015 respectively); LF/HF of both the high and utmost intensity group was significantly higher (P was 0.033 and 0.037 respectively). Despite a significant reduction of plasma NE in all the three groups at the end of 8-week training period (P was 0.016, 0, 0.031 respectively), plasma NE level of moderate and high intensity group was much lower than that of the utmost intensity group (P was 0.001, 0 respectively). Utmost and moderate endurance training results in altered sympathetic and parasympathetic balance towards sympathetic dominance and parasympathetic dominance respectively; whereas high intensity endurance training almost has no effect on ANS function. CPT and HUTT reveal the potential danger posed by utmost intensity endurance training.

Effect of Eight Weeks of Walking on High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

Background and Objectives : Increasing HDL-C has been proven to reduce the risk of CHD. Several trials have demonstrated that exercise training can increase HDL-C. The objective of this study was to investigate a dose response relationship between exercise intensity and HDL-C in sedentary Indians who are otherwise healthy. Method : 94 Participants were randomized to one of the four groups. Group A served as the control group with no exercise and group B (Low intensity), C (Moderate intensity) and D (High intensity) were administered exercise at 50 - 60%, 60 - 70% and 70 - 80% of Heart Rate Reserve (HRR) respectively. Supervised exercise training was administered for five days per week for eight weeks. HDL-C was measured using direct homogenous method and all other plasma lipid measurement was performed before and after eight weeks of intervention. Results : We found that there was no significant change in HDL-C between (p = 0.17) and within groups. HDL-C increased by 1.75 mg/dl in the high intensity exercise group, decreased by 1.78 mg/ dl in the moderate intensity group, reduced by 0.13 mg/dl in the low intensity group, and. increased by 0.83 mg/dl in the control group. Interpretation and Conclusion : Improvement of 1 mg/dl has been associated with significant CHD risk reduction. There is lack of evidence for a dose response relationship between exercise intensity and HDL-C. Even though there was no statistically significant increase in HDL-C the present investigation suggests that aerobic exercise administered at 70 - 80% HRR appears to improve HDLC in short term as there was a clinically significant improvement of 1.75 mg/dl.

Effects of Exercise Intensity in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Background: Research on muscle contractile properties and disease progression following experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and physical exercise remains conflicting. Objective: To investigate the effect of different exercise intensities on muscle contractile properties and hindquarter paralysis during EAE in Lewis rats. Methods: A control and EAE group were divided in sedentary, light, moderate and high intensity running subgroups. During EAE course, hind limb paralysis, body weight and food intake were registered. Following EAE recovery isokinetic foot extensor strength was measured during 115 maximal contractions and fiber characteristics of m. tibialis anterior (TA) and m. extensor digitorum longus (EDL) were analysed. Results: EAE reduced CSA of type IIb+x fibers of TA and EDL, while type I and IIa fibers CSA were not affected by EAE. Exercise did not change CSA of type I, IIa and IIb+x fibers of EDL nor TA, except for TA type IIa fibers CSA, which increased in EAE moderate and EAE high intensity groups. Muscle work peak was absent in all EAE animals during isokinetic muscle contractions. Intense exercise delayed onset of hindquarter paralysis in EAE, while disease peak and remission were not affected by exercise. Conclusion: This study suggests that EAE reduces CSA of type IIb+x fibers of TA and EDL. This possibly explains the absence of peak muscle work during the first of a series of isokinetic muscle contractions. Furthermore, exercise was not able to reduce muscle fiber atrophy, whereas high intensity exercise delayed onset of hindquarter paralysis.

Executive Function During Acute Exercise: The Role of Exercise Intensity

This study was designed to examine the modulation of executive functions during acute exercise and to determine whether exercise intensity moderates this relationship. Eighty college-aged adults were recruited and randomly assigned into one of the four following groups: control, 30%, 50%, and 80% heart rate reserve. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) was administered during each intervention. The results indicated that the majority of the WCST performances were impaired in the high exercise intensity group relative to those of the other three groups, whereas similar performance rates were maintained in the low- and moderate-intensity groups. These findings suggest that transient hypofrontality occurs during high-intensity exercise, but not during low- and moderate-intensity exercises. Future research aimed at employing the dual-mode theory, and applying the reticular-activating hypofrontality model is recommended to further the current knowledge.

Effects of Different Intensity Walking on Serum Nitric Oxide for the Elderly Men

Objective: In order to study the effect of different intensity exercise on serum nitric oxide and nitric oxide synthase of elderly men, and look for the most appropriate exercise intensity for them which can prevent cardiovascular disease. Methods: 36 men who are 55 to 62 years old, were randomly divided into the low intensity group(L group,n=12), the moderate-intensity group(M group,n=12) and the high-intensity group(H group,n=12). During the period for testing, they walked for 12 weeks, 4 times per week, 45 minutes for each time,target heart rate is 100 ~110 beats/min(L group), 110 ~120 beats/min(M group), 120~ 130 beats/min(H group). With an over-night fast, all the subject venous blood samples were drawn by 4ml before and after the exercise. The blood samples were centrifuged and separated immediately, then serum nitric oxide content, TNOS activity, cNOS activity, iNOS activity were measured.Results:In low-intensity group, serum NO content, TNOS activity, cNOS activity were significantly increased than pre-exercise (P&lt;0.05); in moderate-intensity group,serum NO content,TNOS activity,cNOS activity were very significantly increased than pre-exercise (P &lt;0.01);the indicators of high-intensity exercise group did not change significantly. Conclusion: we recommend that a more appropriate exercise intensity is 100-120 beats /min for elderly during fitness exercise, and especially 110-120 beats/min. Such intensity exercise can increase NO content in vivo, thus effectively prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular disease.

Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise improves sleep quality in men older adults

The purpose of present research was to investigate the effect of low and moderate intensity aerobic exercises on sleep quality in older adults. The statistical sample included 45 volunteer elderly men with age range of 60-70 years old that divided randomly in two experimental groups (aerobic exercise with low and moderate intensity) and one control group. The maximum heart rate (MaxHR) of subjects was obtained by subtracting one's age from 220. Furthermore, based on aerobic exercise type (40-50% MaxHR for low intensity group and 60-70% MaxHR for moderate intensity group) the target MaxHR was calculated for each subject. The exercise protocol consisted of 8 weeks aerobic exercises (2 sessions in per-week) based on Rockport one-mile walking/running test and the control group continued their daily activities. All subjects in per-test and post-test stages were completed the Petersburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results in post-test stage showed that there were significant differences between control and experimental groups in sleep quality and its components (P<0.05). Also, the Tukey Post Hoc showed that the moderate intensity group scores in sleep quality and its components were better than other groups (P<0.05). Finally, the low intensity group scores were better than control group (P<0.05). Generally, the present research showed that the aerobic exercises with moderate intensity have a positive and significant effect on sleep quality and its components. Thus, based on these findings, the moderate intensity aerobic exercises as a useful and medical method for improve the sleep quality among community older adults was recommended.

The effects of aerobic exercise on low-and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol

Objective To observe the effects of aerobic exercise on low-and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,and to investigate the relationship between exercise intensities and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) changes.Methods Sixty patients with low HDL-C were randomly allocated into a high intensity exercise group,a moderate intensity group or a low intensity group with 20 in each group.According to each patient's maximal heart rate in a restrictive electrocardiogram exercise test,the different aerobic exercise intensities were formulated as follows.The target heart rate of the high-intensity training group was 90％ of each subject's maximum heart rate; in the moderate-intensity group it was 70％ ; in the low-intensity group it was 50％.All 3 groups jogged on a medical treadmill for 20 minutes every other day with their heart rates monitored at all times.They maintained the target heart rate for 20 minutes.The experiment lasted 2 months.Results In the high intensity group HDL-C increased from 0.81 ± 0.22 to 1.04 ± 0.33 mmol/L after training; in the moderate intensity group it increased from 0.82±0.20 to 1.03 ±0.37 mmol/L; in the low intensity group it increased from 0.79 ±0.25 to 0.82 ± 0.27 mmol/L.That increase in the low intensity group was not statistically significant.After high intensity or moderate intensity training the HDL-C increases were statistically significant,but the difference between the groups was not.After training,in 15 cases among the high intensity group,13 cases from moderate intensity group and in 1 case from the low intensity group the HDL-C level achieved a normal value (≥ 1.04 mmol/L).Comparing the high intensity group to the low intensity group or the moderate intensity group to the low intensity group,there were significant differences in the number of patients who achieved normal HDL-C readings,but there was no significant difference between high intensity group and the moderate intensity group.Conclusion Low intensity aerobic exercise has no obvious effect on low HDL-C levels.High or moderate intensity aerobic exercise can effectively raise the HDL-C level,but there is no significant difference in the fraction of patients reaching normal values between high and moderate intensity aerobic exercise.So moderate intensity is recommended for improving low levels of HDL cholesterol. Key words: Aerobic exercise; Exercise intensity; High-density lipoprotein cholesterol

Effect of exercise training intensity on adipose tissue hormone sensitive lipase gene expression in obese women under weight loss

BackgroundHormone sensitive lipase (HSL) is an enzyme that regulates adipose tissue lipolysis and plays an important role in chronic exercise-induced changes in adipose tissue metabolism. The purpose of this study was to determine whether aerobic exercise intensity influences abdominal adipose tissue HSL gene expression in obese women under weight loss. MethodsThirty women (body mass index (BMI) = 33.0 ± 0.7 kg/m2, age = 58 ± 1 years) completed one of three 20-week interventions: caloric restriction alone (CR only, n = 8), CR plus moderate-intensity exercise (CR + moderate-intensity, 45%–50% heart rate reserve (HRR), 3 day/week, n = 9), or CR plus vigorous-intensity exercise (CR + vigorous-intensity, 70%–75% HRR, 3 day/week, n = 13). Each group had a similar prescribed energy deficit comprised of underfeeding alone (2800 kcal/week for CR only) or underfeeding (2400 kcal/week) plus exercise (400 kcal/week). Body composition and maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) were measured, and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue samples were collected before and after the interventions. Adipose tissue HSL gene expression was measured by real time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. ResultsAll three interventions reduced body weight, fat mass, percent fat, and waist to a similar degree (all p < 0.01). In addition, all interventions did not change absolute VO2max, but increased relative VO2max (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). Compared to pre-intervention, neither CR only nor CR + moderate-intensity changed adipose tissue HSL gene expression, but CR + vigorous-intensity significantly increased adipose tissue HSL gene expression (p < 0.01). The changes of HSL gene expression levels in the CR + vigorous-intensity group were significantly different from those in the CR only (p < 0.05) and CR + moderate-intensity (p < 0.01) groups. In the whole cohort, changes in adipose tissue HSL gene expression correlated positively to changes in absolute (r = 0.55, p < 0.01) and relative (r = 0.32, p = 0.09) VO2max. ConclusionThese results support a potential effect of aerobic exercise training intensity on hormone sensitive lipase pathway in adipose tissue metabolism in obese women under weight loss.

Effect of different types of lower body resistance training on arterial compliance and calf blood flow

Low-intensity resistance exercise combined with blood flow restriction has been shown to produce comparable increases in muscle strength and hypertrophy as traditional high-intensity (HI) resistance training. However, the vascular effects of low-intensity blood flow-restricted (LI-BFR) exercise training are not well characterized. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the vascular effects of LI-BFR, moderate-intensity (MI), and HI resistance exercise training. Forty-six young men were divided into four groups: a HI, MI or LI-BFR lower body resistance training group or a non-exercise control group (C). Blood pressure, arterial compliance and calf vascular conductance (CVC) were assessed before and after the 6-week intervention. After the intervention, CVC was significantly increased in the three exercise groups combined compared with C (47·5 ± 3·1 versus 35·0 ± 4·5 flow per mmHg) without any changes in arterial compliance in any group. These results suggest HI, MI and LI-BFR lower body resistance exercises increase CVC, but do not affect arterial compliance. LI-BFR resistance exercise may be an effective alternative to HI resistance exercise for improving vascular conductance for individuals unable to perform HI resistance exercise. As more evidence concerning the safety and efficacy of LI-BFR resistance exercise continues to mount, this may provide a research base for prescribing this type of exercise if and/or when this type of exercise becomes more available worldwide.

Moderate intensity physical training accelerates healing of full-thickness wounds in mice

Physical training influences the cells and mediators involved in skin wound healing. The objective of this study was to determine the changes induced by different intensities of physical training in mouse skin wound healing. Ninety male C57BL6 mice (8 weeks old, 20-25 g) were randomized into three physical training groups: moderate (70% VO2max), high (80% VO2max), and strenuous intensity (90% VO2max). Animals trained on a motorized treadmill for 8 weeks (E lesion: physical training until the day of excisional lesion, N = 10) or 10 weeks (E euthan: physical training for 2 additional weeks after excisional lesion until euthanasia, N = 10), five times/week, for 45 min. Control groups (CG) trained on the treadmill three times/week only for 5 min (N = 10). In the 8th week, mice were anesthetized, submitted to a dorsal full-thickness excisional wound of 1 cm², and sacrificed 14 days after wounding. Wound areas were measured 4, 7, and 14 days after wounding to evaluate contraction (d4, d7 and d14) and re-epithelialization (d14). Fragments of lesion and adjacent skin were processed and submitted to routine histological staining. Immunohistochemistry against alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was performed. Moderate-intensity training (M) until lesion (M/E lesion) led to better wound closure 7 days after wounding compared to controls and M/E euthan (P < 0.05), and both moderate-intensity groups showed better re-epithelialization rates than controls (M/E lesion = 85.9%, M/E euthan = 96.4% and M/CG = 79.9%; P < 0.05). Sections of M/E lesion and M/E euthan groups stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Picrosirius red and α-SMA showed the most mature granulation tissues among all trained groups and controls. Thus, moderate-intensity physical training improves skin wound healing.

Postpartum Exercise Regardless of Intensity Improves Chronic Disease Risk Factors

Women who are unable to return to a healthy weight by 6 months postpartum increase their risk factors for the development of chronic disease (CD; including metabolic syndrome, obesity, and cardiovascular disease). In a prospective randomized intervention study, we examined the effect of exercise intensity on risk factors for CD in the postpartum. We hypothesized that women receiving an intervention targeting healthy weight loss would have improved CD risk factors compared with women not receiving the intervention. Further, we hypothesized that nutrition control and moderate-intensity exercise would have the greatest improvement in CD risk factors versus low-intensity exercise. Women were randomly assigned to a nutrition plus low-intensity (30% HR reserve; n = 20) or moderate-intensity (70% HR reserve; n = 20) exercise intervention group. The program consisted of supervised walking for 45 min, three to four times per week for 16 wk. All women were screened for CD at the beginning (7-8 wk postpartum) and at the end (23-25 wk postpartum) of the study. A historical control group of 20 sedentary postpartum women was matched by body mass index, age, and parity. The low- and moderate-intensity groups lost more body mass (-4.2 ± 4.0 and -5.0 ± 2.9 kg, respectively) compared with the control group (-0.1 ± 3.3 kg, P < 0.01). Plasma low-density lipoprotein was reduced for the low- and moderate-intensity groups (-0.29 ± 0.21 and -0.28 ± 0.17 mmol · L) compared with the control group (0.03 ± 0.18 mmol · L, P = 0.015). In addition, glucose concentrations were reduced and adiponectin concentrations increased (P = 0.037), regardless of exercise intensity, although the sedentary controls remained unchanged or at increased risk for CD. Women receiving a postpartum intervention targeting healthy weight loss, regardless of exercise intensity, improved CD risk factors compared with women not receiving the intervention.