Non-training Control Group Research Articles

Can the spirit of motivational interviewing be taught online? A comparative study in general practitioners.

ObjectiveMotivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based approach to enhance patients' motivation and is increasingly in demand in medical practice. Online teaching methods offer advantages to train health care professionals, but only very few studies examined whether MI-specific interviewing skills (""MI-skills""), and especially MIspecific attitudes (the "MI-spirit"), can be taught online and whether learning gains differ from those in face-to-face courses. This study compared the effects of 7 h of basic training for experienced general practitioners (GP) in either an online or a traditional face-to-face format with a non-trained control group. Methods"MI-skills" and "MI-spirit" were measured in a prospective analysis in 49 experienced GPs before and one week after training ResultsAn ANOVA on gain-scores demonstrated significant differences between groups in both MI-specific skills (VASE-R, p = 0.006) and "MIspirit" (MIKAT, p = 0.029; HRQ, p < 0.001) from pre- to posttest. Post-hoc comparisons revealed significant improvement only in the training groups (VASE-R, p < 0.001; MIKAT, p = 0.014 for online, p = 0.003 for face-to-face; HRQ, p < 0.001). ConclusionThe results suggest similar effects of both online and face-to-face training of "MI-skills" and "MI-spirit" to GPs. Practice Implication: Online learning opportunities should be integrated in MIT programs for general practitioners where appropriate.

Effects of high-intensity training on fatty infiltration in paraspinal muscles in elderly males with osteosarcopenia – the randomized controlled FrOST study

BackgroundOsteosarcopenia is a common geriatric syndrome with an increasing prevalence with age, leading to secondary diseases and complex consequences such as falls and fractures, as well as higher mortality and frailty rates. There is a great need for prevention and treatment strategies.MethodsIn this analysis, we used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from the randomised controlled FrOST trial, which enrolled community-dwelling osteosarcopenic men aged > 72 years randomly allocated to 16 months of twice-weekly high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) or a non-training control group. MR Dixon imaging was used to quantify the effects of HIRT on muscle fat infiltration in the paraspinal muscles, determined as changes in muscle tissue, fat faction and intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) in the erector spinae and psoas major muscles. Intention-to-treat analysis with multiple imputation was used to analyse the data set.ResultsAfter 16 months of intervention, 15 men from the HIRT and 16 men from the CG were included in the MRI analysis. In summary, no positive effects on the fat infiltration of the erector spinae and psoas major muscles were observed.ConclusionsThe previously reported positive effects on lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) suggest that mechanotransduction induces tropic effects on bone, but that fat infiltration of the erector spinae and psoas major muscles are either irreversible or, for some unknown reason, resistant to exercise. Because of the beneficial effects on spinal BMD, HIRT is still recommended in osteosarcopenic older men, but further research is needed to confirm appropriate age-specific training exercises for the paraspinal muscles. The potential of different MRI sequences to quantify degenerative and metabolic changes in various muscle groups must be better characterized.Trial registrationsFrOST was approved by the University Ethics Committee of the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (number 67_15b and 4464b) and the Federal Office for Radiation Projection (BfS, number Z 5–2,246,212 – 2017–002). Furthermore, it fully complies with the Declaration of Helsinki and is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03453463 (05/03/2018). JAMA 310:2191–2194, 2013.

Effects of low-volume functional and running high-intensity interval training on physical fitness in young adults with overweight/obesity.

Objectives: This study examined and compared the effects of functional and running high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular fitness of young adults with overweight or obesity. Methods: Forty-five participants (22.1 ± 2.1years, BMI = 25.2 ± 1.0kg/m2) were assigned to functional HIIT (HIIT-F; n = 15), running HIIT (HIIT-R; n = 15), or non-training control group (CON; n = 15). Participants in HIIT-F and HIIT-R performed functional exercise based-HIIT (four sets of all-out whole-body exercises including jumping jacks, squats, twist jumps and mountain climbers, et al.) and running HIIT (four sets of running on a treadmill) for 12weeks, respectively. Body composition, muscular fitness, and cardiorespiratory fitness were assessed pre and post intervention. Results: Both HIIT-F and HIIT-R significantly improved the body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness, with HIIT-F induced greater improvements in lean mass (+1.623 vs. -1.034kg, p < 0.001), back strength (+6.007 vs. +3.333kg, p < 0.01), and push-ups (+5.692 vs. 1.923 reps, p < 0.001) than that in HIIT-R. HIIT-R reduced more visceral fat area (VFA) (-11.416 vs. -4.338cm2, p = 0.052) and induced similar improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max, +2.192 vs. +2.885mL/kg/min, p = 0.792) with HIIT-F. Conclusion: Twelve weeks of HIIT-R or HIIT-F improved physical fitness among young adults with overweight or obesity. Despite the similar impact on cardiorespiratory fitness, HIIT-F generates a better positive effect on muscular fitness relative to HIIT-R, which could be partly explained by the greater increase in lean mass after HIIT-F intervention.

A single all-out bout of 30-s sprint-cycle performed on 5 consecutive days per week over 6weeks does not enhance cardiovascular fitness, maximal strength, and clinical health markers in physically active young adults.

This study examined the effects of a single all-out bout of 30-s sprint-cycle performed daily for 5 consecutive days per week for 6weeks, on aerobic fitness, muscle strength and metabolic-health markers in physically active young males and females. Healthy, physically active 20-28year olds, were randomly assigned to either experimental (EXP, N = 11) or non-training control (CON, N = 8) group. With supervision, the EXP group performed one bout of 30-s sprint-cycle daily, Mondays to Fridays over 6weeks, while CON group continued with their usual lifestyle. The followings were measured at pre- and post-intervention: maximal aerobic power, peak torque of knee extensors and flexors at velocities 30°s-1 and 300°s-1, resting heart rate, resting blood pressure, body fat percentage, fasting lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, and fasting insulin levels. There were no significant improvements in the EXP group for all the measured variables (all P > 0.05); except for significant interaction effects in peak torque of knee extensors at 30°s-1 (P = 0.044) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P = 0.046). Post hoc test indicate that CON group showed decline in their low-density lipo-proteins levels (P = 0.024). Six weeks of one all-out bout of 30-s sprint-cycle per day, for 5 consecutive days per week, was ineffective in improving cardiovascular fitness, maximal strength, and most health markers in physically active young adults. The present results when combined with the previous literature suggest that there is a possibility of a minimum threshold for a number of sprint-cycle bouts needed to be performed before any form of cardio-metabolic-health benefit is accrued.

Efficacy of morning versus afternoon aerobic exercise training on reducing metabolic syndrome components: A randomized controlled trial.

A supervised intense aerobic exercise program improves the health of individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, it is unclear whether the timing of training within the 24h day would influence those health benefits. The present study aimed to determine the influence of morning vs. afternoon exercise on body composition, cardiometabolic health and components of MetS. One hundred thirty-nine individuals with MetS were block randomized into morning (AMEX; n=42) or afternoon (PMEX; n=59) exercise training groups, or a non-training control group (Control; n=38). Exercise training was comprised of 48supervised high-intensity interval sessions distributed over 16weeks. Body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness (assessed by ), maximal fat oxidation (FOmax ), blood pressure and blood metabolites were assessed before and after the intervention. Compared with the non-training Control, both exercise groups improved similarly body composition (-0.7% fat loss; P=0.002), waist circumference (-2.1 cm; P<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (-3.8mmHg; P=0.004) and (3.5mLkg-1 min-1 ; P<0.001) with no differences between training groups. AMEX, in comparison with PMEX, reduced systolic blood pressure (-4% vs. -1%; P=0.019), plasma fasting insulin concentration (-12% vs. -5%; P=0.001) and insulin resistance (-14% vs. -4%; P=0.006). Furthermore, MetS Zscore was further reduced in the AMEX compared to PMEX (-52% vs. -19%; P=0.021) after training. In summary, high-intensity aerobic exercise training in the morning in comparison to training in the afternoon is somewhat more efficient at reducing cardiometabolic risk factors (i.e. systolic blood pressure and insulin sensitivity). KEY POINTS: The effect of exercise time of day on health promotion is an area that has gained interest in recent years; however, large-scale, randomized-control studies are scarce. People with metabolic syndrome (MetS) are at risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases and reductions in this risk with exercise training can be precisely gauged using a compound score sensitive to subtle evolution in each MetS component (i.e. Z score). Supervised aerobic exercise for 16weeks (morning and afternoon), without dietary restriction, improved cardiorespiratory and metabolic fitness, body composition and mean arterial pressure compared to a non-exercise control group. However, training in the morning, without changes in exercise dose or intensity, reduced systolic blood pressure and insulin resistance further compared to when training in the afternoon. Thus, high-intensity aerobic exercise training in the morning is somewhat more efficient in improving the health of individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Does early post-operative exercise influence bone healing kinetics? Preclinical evaluation of non-critical sized femur defect healing.

Physical exercise is a well-known modality for maintaining healthy locomotor mechanism. A detailed preclinical research on physical exercise effect on bone healing kinetics could help to improve the rehabilitation process after fracture treatment and bone remodeling. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of early post-operative exercise effect on bone microstructural changes in a rat model. Twenty Sprague Dawley male rats underwent bi-cortical 1.6mm hole drilling in both femur diaphysis, after which (n=10) underwent continuous treadmill training (TR) over two weeks, while the other group of rats (n=10) was assigned to non-training (NT) control group. New bone formation labeling was performed by subcutaneous fluorochrome injections at day 5, 14 and 31. In vivo micro-computed tomography (μCT) scans were performed once a week during the 6-week post-operative period. Ten animals (five from each group) were euthanized at 3rd week while remaining animals were euthanized at 6th week. Femur samples were extracted and underwent ex vivo μCT and histological evaluation, while serum was used for evaluating alkaline phosphatase (ALP). μCT data demonstrated increased volume and surface of newly formed bone in defect area of TR group. Bone volume/Tissue volume (BV/TV) ratio and number of osteocytes showed an increase in TR group after 3-week period. Fluorochrome distances were increased between day 5 and 14 within the training group. Serum ALP level increased in both groups over 3- and 6-weeks. Post-operative exercise increases the bone healing kinetics and stimulates the new bone formation during and after the training protocol has ended.

Does Stretching Training Influence Muscular Strength? A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression.

Thomas, E, Ficarra, S, Nunes, JP, Paoli, A, Bellafiore, M, Palma, A, and Bianco, A. Does stretching training influence muscular strength? A systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 1145-1156, 2023-The aim of this study was to review articles that performed stretching training and evaluated the effects on muscular strength. Literature search was performed using 3 databases. Studies were included if they compared the effects on strength following stretching training vs. a nontraining control group or stretching training combined with resistance training (RT) vs. an RT-only group, after at least 4 weeks of intervention. The meta-analyses were performed using a random-effect model with Hedges' g effect size (ES). A total of 35 studies ( n = 1,179 subjects) were included in this review. The interventions lasted for a mean period of 8 weeks (range, 4-24 weeks), 3-4 days per week, applying approximately 4 sets of stretching of approximately 1-minute duration. The meta-analysis for the stretching vs. nontraining control group showed a significant small effect on improving dynamic (k = 14; ES = 0.33; p = 0.007) but not isometric strength (k = 8; ES = 0.10; p = 0.377), following static stretching programs (k = 17; ES = 0.28; p = 0.006). When stretching was added to RT interventions, the main analysis indicated no significant effect (k = 17; ES = -0.15; p = 0.136); however, moderator analysis indicated that performing stretching before RT sessions has a small but negative effect (k = 7; ES = -0.43; p = 0.014); the meta-regression revealed a significant negative association with study length (β = -0.100; p = 0.004). Chronic static stretching programs increase dynamic muscular strength to a small magnitude. Performing stretching before RT and for a prolonged time (>8 weeks) can blunt the strength gains to a small-to-moderate magnitude. Performing stretching in sessions distant from RT sessions might be a strategy to not hinder strength development.

Resistance Training in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure, and Valvular Heart Disease: A REVIEW WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON OLD AGE, FRAILTY, AND PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS.

Current guidelines recommend individually adapted resistance training (RT) as a part of the exercise regime in patients with cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this review was to provide insights into current knowledge and understanding of how useful, feasible, safe, and effective RT is in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure (HF), and valvular heart disease (VHD), with particular emphasis on the role of RT in elderly and/or frail patients. A review based on an intensive literature search: systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in 2010 or later; recent studies not integrated into meta-analyses or systematic reviews; additional manual searches. The results highlight the evaluation of effects and safety of RT in patients with CAD and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in numerous meta-analyses. In contrast, few studies have focused on RT in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) or VHD. Furthermore, few studies have addressed the feasibility and impact of RT in elderly cardiac patients, and data on the efficacy and safety of RT in frail elderly patients are limited. The review results underscore the high prevalence of age-related sarcopenia, disease-related skeletal muscle deconditioning, physical limitations, and frailty in older patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). They underline the need for individually tailored exercise concepts, including RT, aimed at improving functional status, mobility, physical performance and muscle strength in older patients. Furthermore, the importance of the use of assessment tools to diagnose frailty, mobility/functional capacity, and physical performance in the elderly admitted to cardiac rehabilitation is emphasized.

Body composition and physical fitness improve after 8 weeks of high-intensity circuit training using body weight in obese women.

We examined the effects of an 8-week modified high-intensity circuit training using body weight as resistance (HICTBW) on health-related physical fitness in sedentary obese women. Twenty-four sedentary obese women were allocated into the HICTBW or a non-training control group (CG). The modified HICTBW was performed for eight weeks (three times per week). Training consisted of a 30-second workout and 10-second rest for 12 exercise poses per one circuit (one circuit in the first week), with an increase of one circuit every two weeks. Body weight and body composition included skeletal muscle mass (SMM), body fat mass (BFM), body fat percentage (BF%), visceral fat area (VFA), and skeletal muscle mass to visceral fat area ratio (MFR) were measured. Physical fitness included flexibility of the lower back and hamstrings (Flex<inf>LH</inf>), and leg and handgrip muscle strength (Strength<inf>Leg</inf>, Strength<inf>HG</inf>). Cardiovascular endurance included the Åstrand-Rhyming heart rate (HR<inf>Åstrand</inf>), relative maximum oxygen uptake (relative V̇O<inf>2max</inf>), and workload. All variables were obtained at baseline, week 4, and week 8. The HICTBW improved Flex<inf>LH</inf>, Strength<inf>Leg</inf>, and relative V̇O<inf>2max</inf> from baseline to week 4 (All P<0.05). Improvements from baseline to week 8 were observed for SMM, BFM, BF%, VFA and MFR, Flex<inf>LH</inf>, Strength<inf>Leg</inf>, HR<inf>Åstrand</inf>, relative V̇O<inf>2max</inf>, and workload (All P<0.05). Furthermore, the HICTBW elicited a higher change in SMM (+2.9%), BFM (-3.4%), BF% (-3.2%), MFR (+9.5%), Flex<inf>LH</inf> (+145.7%) and relative V̇O<inf>2max</inf> (+32.3%) than the CG at week-8 (All P<0.05). An eight-week modified HICTBW program thrice a week is an effective training modality to influence health-related physical fitness in sedentary obese women.

Early phonological training preceding kindergarten training: effects on reading and spelling

This study examined the effects of early phonological training on emergent phonological and reading skills. Children (N = 364) were randomly assigned in small groups to a phonological training group (n = 117), or a control group (n = 247) including both a non-phonological training group and a non-trained control group. The phonological training began three years before the formal reading instruction starts in Sweden. It was carried out in two waves during six weeks at the age of 4, and during six weeks at the age of 5. All children, including the control children, received phonological training in kindergarten at the age of 6. Fluid intelligence (Gf) and phonological awareness at age 4 predicted phonological awareness at age 6 as well as reading related skills in grades 2 and 3. There were substantial main effects of the early phonological training on phonological skills and early reading skills. For all outcomes the training was, furthermore, most beneficial for children low on Gf, who are in the risk zone of developing reading difficulties.

Short-Term Aerobic Exercise Did Not Change Telomere Length While It Reduced Testosterone Levels and Obesity Indexes in PCOS: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Study.

Metabolic and hormonal outcomes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have implications on telomere biology and physical activity may prevent telomere erosion. We sought to observe the effects of continuous (CAT) and intermittent (IAT) aerobic training on telomere length, inflammatory biomarkers, and its correlation with metabolic, hormonal, and anthropometric parameters of PCOS. This randomized controlled clinical trial study included 87 PCOS randomly stratified according to body mass index (BMI) in CAT (n = 28), IAT (n = 29) and non-training control group (CG, n = 30). The exercises were carried out on a treadmill, three times per week for 16 weeks. The participants’ anthropometric characteristics and biochemical and hormonal concentrations were measured before and after aerobic training or observation period, as the telomere length that was evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR. Four months of aerobic exercises (CAT or IAT) did not alter telomere length and inflammatory biomarkers in PCOS women. Obesity index as BMI and waist circumference (WC), and inflammatory biomarkers negatively affect telomeres. The hyper-andro-genism measured by testosterone levels was reduced after both exercises (CAT, p ≤ 0.001; IAT, p = 0.019). In particular, the CAT reduced WC (p = 0.045), hip circumference (p = 0.032), serum cholesterol (p ≤ 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein (p = 0.030). Whereas, the IAT decreased WC (p = 0.014), waist-to-hip ratio (p = 0.012), free androgen index (FAI) (p = 0.037). WC (p = 0.049) and body fat (p = 0.015) increased in the non-training group while total cholesterol was reduced (p = 0.010). Booth exercises reduced obesity indices and hyperandrogenism on PCOS women without changes in telomere length or inflammatory biomarkers.

High-Intensity Interval Training and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children: A Meta-analysis.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been widely used to prevent and treat cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents and adults; nevertheless, the available evidence in children is scarce. To synthesize evidence regarding the effectiveness of HIIT interventions on improving cardiovascular risk factors and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in children from 5 to 12 years old. We searched 5 databases, Medline, Embase, SPORTDiscus, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of HIIT interventions on cardiometabolic risk factors and CRF in children were included. Meta-analyses were conducted to determine the effect of HIIT on body composition, cardiometabolic and CRF variables in comparison with nontraining control groups. A total of 11 RCTs and 512 participants were included. The results of the meta-analysis revealed a significant improvement in peak oxygen uptake (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.28 to 1.12; P = 0.001], in total cholesterol [SMD = -1.09, 95% CI = -1.88 to -0.30; P = 0.007], in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [SMD = -1.28, 95% CI = -2.34 to -0.23; P = 0.017] and triglycerides [SMD = -0.71, 95% CI = -1.15 to -0.28; P = 0.001) levels. Because of the small number of available RCTs, it was not possible to conduct a subgroup analysis or a linear meta-regression analysis. HIIT is a feasible and time-efficient approach for improving CRF, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides levels in children.

1288-PUB: Acute Inflammatory Response of Breaking Up Prolonged Sitting with Stair Climbing Exercise Snacks

Understand the acute inflammatory disturbances is important for preventing early diabetes and obesity-related complications. This study aimed to determine whether breaking up prolonged sitting into brief several shorter bouts spread throughout the day (“exercise snacks”) associated a short-term dietary intervention (low- or high-carbohydrate) have the potential to alter the acute inflammatory response. Ten male and female healthy weight (Lean) and overweight-obese (OW) participants were randomized to non-training control group with either low-carbohydrate snack (9h sitting; LC) or matched for total energy high-carbohydrate snacks consumption (9h; sitting) and a high-carbohydrate snacks consumption plus stair-climbing intervention (8X15-30seconds; ACTIVE). The same high-glycemic index meals were consumed at 0, 3 and 6h at each condition. Blood samples were collected at baseline, 180, 360 and 540 minutes to assess Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Salivary Immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels. Mixed models for repeated measures were undertaken to examine differences according to condition x time and with Bonferroni post-hoc test. Change in TNF-α levels was not different within or between conditions from both Lean and OW group (p=0.512). For IL-6 there were a main effect of time at 540min [X2(11)=23.15; p=0.01] only in HC condition for OW group. Regarding to SIgA, Lean group showed higher level of SIgA on Active compared to LC and HC condition in all time-points (p=0.001). In addition, adults with OW showed elevated SIgA levels on LC and HC condition (p=0.001) when compared with same condition from Lean group. Our data suggests that breaking up nine hours of prolonged sitting implicated in reduction of acute inflammatory IL-6 plasma levels. In addition, acute manipulation on diet (low- and high-carbohydrate) resulted in alterations in the response of SIgA, increasing its levels in overweight/obese adults. Disclosure C. Cabral-santos: None. H. Rafiei: None. F. S. Lira: None. J. P. Little: None. Funding Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada; Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (2018/17648-7)

Partial range of motion training elicits favorable improvements in muscular adaptations when carried out at long muscle lengths

ABSTRACT The study compared changes in strength and regional muscle hypertrophy between different ranges of motion (ROM) in the knee extension exercise. Forty-five untrained women were randomized to either a control group or to perform the exercise in one of the following 4 groups (0°=extended knee): Full ROM (FULLROM: 100°−30° of knee flexion); Initial Partial ROM (INITIALROM: 100°−65°); Final Partial ROM (FINALROM: 65°−30°); Varied ROM (VARROM: daily alternation between the ROM of INITIALROM and FINALROM). Pre- and post-training assessments included one repetition maximum (1RM) testing in the ROM corresponding to the initial, final and full ROM, and measurement of cross-sectional areas of the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis muscles at 40%, 50%, 60% and 70% of femur length in regard to regional muscle hypertrophy. Results showed that the INITIALROM group presented a greater relative increase than all groups at 70%, and at 50% and 60% the increases were greater than FINALROM, FULLROM, and non-training control (CON) groups. Moreover, FINALROM group presented similar changes compared to the CON group at 60% and 70%. In regard to 1RM, FINALROM and INITIALROM groups presented greater relative increases at the ROM trained, and no group showed greater increases than VARROM or INITIALROM, regardless the ROM tested. In conclusion, partial ROM training in the initial phase of the knee extension exercise promoted greater relative hypertrophy in certain muscle regions than training in other ROM configurations, and no group promoted a greater 1RM increase than VARROM group, which showed similar 1RM increases in the different ROMs tested.

Changes in Body Composition and Cardiometabolic Health After Detraining in Older Men with Osteosarcopenia: 6-Month Follow-Up of the Randomized Controlled Franconian Osteopenia and Sarcopenia Trial (FrOST) Study.

PurposeTemporary cessation of exercise but maintenance of habitual physical activity might be a frequent situation in older people’s lives. Particularly the COVID-19 induced lockdown of exercise training facilities with individual outdoor activities still being allowed might be a blueprint for this potentially harmful scenario. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the effects of 6 months of detraining after 18 months of high-intensity resistance exercise (HIT-RT) on body composition and cardiometabolic outcomes in predominately obese older men with osteosarcopenia.Materials and MethodsCommunity-dwelling predominately obese men 72–91 years old with low muscle and bone mass (n=43) were randomly assigned to an 18-month HIT-RT (EG: n=21) or a non-training control group (CG, n=22). After the intervention, participants of the EG discontinued HIT-RT for 6 months, but increased their habitual physical activity. Study outcomes were group differences in detraining changes (“effects”) for lean body mass (LBM), total and abdominal body fat rate (determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) and the Metabolic Syndrome Z-Score (MetSZ). We applied an intention-to-treat analysis with multiple imputation to analyze the data.ResultsAfter the 18-month HIT-RT, we observed significant positive training effects for LBM, total and abdominal body fat rate and the MetSZ (all p<0.001). Abrupt cessation of HIT-RT for 6 months resulted in significantly higher unfavorable changes in the HIT-RT compared with the CG for LBM (p=0.001), total body fat (p=0.003) and the MetSZ (p=0.003), apart from abdominal body fat (p=0.059). However, significant overall effects were still present after 24 months for LBM and body fat indices but not for the MetSZ.ConclusionThe present study clearly indicates the unfavorable effects of 6 months of detraining after HIT-RT. Correspondingly, exercise protocols particularly for older people should focus on continuous exercise with short regeneration periods rather than on intermitted protocols with pronounced training breaks.

Effect of 12 Weeks of Resistance Training on Motor Coordination and Dynamic Balance of Older Woman.

Resistance training (RT) is considered a viable strategy to enhance the autonomy and functionality of older populations. We randomized 49 older women (64.2 ± 3.8) into one of two groups: an intervention group (IG) (n = 29) that performed regimented RT or a nontraining control group (CG) (n = 20). The RT protocol was carried out three times a week for both the upper and lower limbs over a 12-week study period. A 30-second arm flexion test was used to test upper limb endurance and a 30-second chair stand test was used to analyze lower limb endurance. Dynamic balance was tested by a Y balance test normalized by leg length. A Soda Pop test was employed to analyze coordination. Results showed significant improvements in IG versus CG in both upper limb (19.50 ± 1.52 vs. 11.40 ± 2.87, p = 0.001) and lower limb muscular endurance (14.90 ± 3.10 vs. 26.56 ± 3.17, p = 0.001). Moreover, the training group showed superior improvements in anterior and posterolateral balance compared to CG (63.9% ± 3.1% to 70.2 ± 2.1 and 88.1 ± 3.9 to 94.2 ± 2.7 with p = 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in coordination outcomes between groups. In conclusion, we demonstrate that RT is effective in developing muscular endurance and dynamic balance in postmenopausal women, but does not influence muscular coordination in the measures studied. Study registered in the Brazilian Registry Clinical Trials Registry (No. RBR-7MZ2KR).

Detraining effects after 18months of high intensity resistance training on osteosarcopenia in older men-Six-month follow-up of the randomized controlled Franconian Osteopenia and Sarcopenia Trial (FrOST).

Detraining after dedicated exercise programs might be a frequent situation in older people's exercise patterns. The aim of the present study was thus to determine the effects of 6months of detraining after 18months of high intensity resistance exercise (HIT-RT) on musculoskeletal outcomes in older men with sarcopenia. Community-dwelling men aged 72years and older with osteosarcopenia (n=43) were randomly assigned to an 18-month HIT-RT (EG: n=21) or a non-training control group (CG, n=22). After the intervention, participants of the EG stopped HIT-RT for 6months, but continued their habitual physical activity. Study outcomes were skeletal muscle mass index, bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar-spine and total-hip, maximum hip/leg-extensor strength, handgrip strength and gait velocity. We applied an intention-to-treat analysis with multiple imputation. Changes in the HIT-RT were much more pronounced during the detraining period compared with the CG, although this effect was only significant for skeletal muscle mass index and hip-/leg-extensor strength (p=.002 and p=.013), but not for lumbar-spine BMD (p=.068), total-hip BMD (p=.069), handgrip strength (p=.066) or gait velocity (p=.067). Apart from total-hip BMD (p=.055), handgrip strength (p=.069) and gait velocity (p=.881) values of the HIT-RT group decreased significantly during detraining. However, after 24months, overall effects (p<.001) were still observed for skeletal muscle mass index and hip-/leg-extensor strength. Although unable to state from which point in time relevant detraining effects emerge, we conclude that health care providers should focus on continuous rather than intermitted exercise programs for older people. Clinical trial number: clinicalTrials.gov: NCT03453463; NCT04444661.

Effects of High Intensity Dynamic Resistance Exercise and Whey Protein Supplements on Osteosarcopenia in Older Men with Low Bone and Muscle Mass. Final Results of the Randomized Controlled FrOST Study.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of high intensity dynamic resistance exercise (HIT-DRT) and whey protein supplementation (WPS) on bone mineral density (BMD) and sarcopenia parameters in osteosarcopenic men. Men ≥ 72 years with osteosarcopenia (n = 43) were randomly assigned to a HIT-RT (HIT-RT: n = 21) or a non-training control group (n = 22). Supervised HIT-RT twice/week was applied for 18 months, while the control group maintained their habitual lifestyle. Supplying WPS, total protein intake amounted to 1.5–1.6 (HIT-RT) and 1.2 g/kg/body mass/d (control). Both groups were supplied with calcium and vitamin D. Primary study outcomes were BMD and the sarcopenia Z-score. After adjusting for multiplicity, we observed significant positive effects for sarcopenia Z-score (standardized mean difference (SMD): 1.40), BMD at lumbar spine (SMD: 0.72) and total hip (SMD: 0.72). In detail, effect sizes for skeletal muscle mass changes were very pronounced (1.97, p < 0.001), while effects for functional sarcopenia parameters were moderate (0.87, p = 0.008; handgrip strength) or low (0.39, p = 0.209; gait velocity). Apart from one man who reported short periods of temporary worsening of existing joint pain, no HIT-RT/WPS-related adverse effects or injuries were reported. We consider HIT-RT supported by whey protein supplementation as a feasible, attractive, safe and highly effective option to fight osteosarcopenia in older men.

Low Volume Bodyweight Interval Training Improves Cardiorespiratory Fitness: A Contemporary Application Of The 5BX Approach

Brief vigorous exercise training can improve cardiorespiratory fitness. Few studies, however, have examined the efficacy of basic bodyweight exercises that can be performed in a small space, without the need for specialized equipment. Practical, time-efficient approaches of this sort have been advocated for decades, including the 11-minute “Five Basic Exercises” (5BX) program developed by the Canadian government in the 1960s. PURPOSE: We determined the effect of a 5BX-style program on peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in inactive but healthy young men and women (20±1 y; body mass index: 20±5 kg/m2; mean±SD). METHODS: Participants were randomized to a training group that performed 18 sessions over six weeks (n=9), or a non-training control group (n=10). Each session involved a 1-minute warm-up (jumping jacks), followed by 1-minute bouts of five exercises (burpees, high knees, split squat jumps, high knees, squat jumps), each interspersed with 1-minute of active recovery (walking around the room). Participants were instructed to complete as many repetitions per bout as possible, at a self-determined “challenging” pace. All sessions were supervised and compliance was 100%. RESULTS: Mean intensity during training was 82±5% of maximal heart rate. Borg Scale ratings of perceived exertion for the five exercises ranged from 12±2 to 15±3 out of 20. ANCOVA revealed a significant difference between groups after the intervention, such that VO2peak was higher in the training group compared to control (34.2±6.4 vs 30.3±11.1 ml/kg/min; P=0.03). Peak power output during the VO2peak test was also higher after training compared to control (211±43 vs 191±50 W, p=0.004). There were no changes in leg muscular endurance, handgrip strength or vertical jump height in either group. CONCLUSIONS: A simple bodyweight interval training program, requiring 11 minutes per session, increased cardiorespiratory fitness in previously sedentary young adults when performed three times per week for six weeks. Supported by NSERC.

Effect of 12 Weeks of Endurance Training Combined with Creatine Supplement, Photobiomodulation Therapy, or Both on Performance and Muscle Damage in Rats.

Background: Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and creatine (Cr) intake have been used in conjunction with heavy training, but little is known about their possible effects during a long-term training program. Objective: We assessed long-term use of PBMT and Cr in an exercise training program. Methods: Twenty-five male Wistar rats weighing ∼300 g were randomly allocated to one of five groups: a nontraining control group, a training group, a training group receiving Cr, a training group receiving PBMT, and a training group receiving both PBMT and Cr. The training program consisted of 12 weeks of daily swimming training. PBMT was delivered in six points with a laser device (808 nm, 100 mW, 30 sec per point of irradiation, 3 J, 75 J/cm2). Results: All training groups showed significantly higher peak force and longer time to 50% decay of force, and lower creatine kinase (CK) levels than the nontraining control group, thus confirming the benefit of the training program. In all outcomes related to muscle performance, the groups receiving PBMT with or without Cr supplement performed significantly better (p < 0.05) peak force and time of force decay during an electrical stimulation protocol than all the other groups. In addition, CK levels were also significantly lower for the PBMT groups than for the other groups. Conclusions: We conclude that PBMT alone or in conjunction with Cr supplement during a 12-week training program resulted in significantly better muscle performance and lower levels of CK, a biochemical marker of muscle damage.