Non-exercise Research Articles

Effects of different exercise interventions on cardiopulmonary function in male tobacco-dependent college students

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of different exercise interventions on cardiopulmonary function in male tobacco-dependent college students. Forty-five male tobacco-dependent college students were recruited as the tobacco-dependent (TB) group, and 45 non-tobacco-dependent college students were recruited as the control group. The TB group was randomly assigned to three subgroups: non-exercise (NE), high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). The HIIT and MICT groups underwent a 10-week exercise training, while the NE group received no intervention. Cardiac parameters, including maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), heart rate max (HRmax), and heart rate reserve (HRR), and pulmonary indicators, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), vital capacity (VC), maximum ventilation volume (MVV), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were investigated. The results showed that the TB group had significantly lower cardiopulmonary function than the control group. The degree of tobacco dependence was negatively correlated with VO2max, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and MVV. Furthermore, both HIIT and MICT training improved cardiopulmonary function. HIIT training exhibited superior efficacy compared to MICT in improving HRmax, HRR, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and PEF. In conclusion, tobacco dependence adversely affects cardiopulmonary function in male college students. Both HIIT and MICT effectively improved cardiopulmonary function, with HIIT showing superior efficacy.

Effects of different types of exercise training on angiogenic responses in the left ventricular muscle of aged rats.

We evaluated angiogenic responses in the left ventricular muscle and aerobic capacity according to exercise type (aerobic, resistance, combined) in aged rats. In total, 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats (100weeks old) were used. To investigate the effect of regular training, the rats were divided into non-exercise (NE), aerobic exercise (AE), resistance exercise (RE), and combined exercise (CE) groups (six rats per group). Regular training tailored to each exercise type was performed for 8weeks (five times a week, 1h per day). After 8weeks of training, aerobic capacity was evaluated by a treadmill running test. Left ventricular muscle tissue was collected and the protein levels of angiogenesis indicators (eNOS, HIF-1α, PGC-1α, VEGF, FLK-1, Ang-1, Ang-2) were analyzed by Western blotting. Capillaries were observed by immunohistochemical staining for CD31. Body weight, heart weight, and heart/body weight ratio showed no difference among the groups. The AE and CE groups showed higher treadmill running capacity than the NE and RE groups. The eNOS, VEGF, HIF-1α, PGC-1α, and Ang-2 protein levels were significantly higher in the AE than NE group. The PGC-1α and FLK-1 protein levels were significantly higher in the RE than NE group. In addition, in the CE group, the eNOS, FLK-1, and PGC-1α protein levels were significantly higher than in the NE group. Expression of CD31 in cardiac tissue was higher in the AE and CE groups than in the other groups. Taken together, the results suggest that regular exercise training, irrespective of exercise type, might improve cardiovascular function by inducing angiogenic responses in the aged myocardium; however, AE may be the most effective.

The Effect of Outdoor Sports and Green Outdoors on Lung Inflammation

This study aimed to analyze the effect of exercise in open spaces with exposure to pollution and activity in green open areas on lung inflammation. The true experimental method and The Randomized Posttest-Only Control Group Design were used in this study. Twenty-four adult male Wistar white rats weighing 200-250 grams aged 8-9 weeks were randomly divided using simple random sampling technique into four groups, NE (Non-Exercise) as control, NE+Pol (Non Exercise + Pollution Particulate Matter 2.5 >75 ppm, and Carbon Monoxide Meter <100 ppm), Ex (Exercise 5 times/week for four weeks), Ex+Pol (Exercise + pollution). The inflammatory marker Interleukin 6 (IL-6) was analyzed using Western Blotting. To determine the significant differences between groups, one-way ANOVA analysis and Post Hoc test were used. Based on the study results, it can be concluded that there is an effect of exercise in an open space with exposure to pollution on lung inflammation. And other results show that there is no effect of exercise in green open spaces on lung inflammation.

Effect of treadmill exercise and bone marrow stromal cell engraftment on activation of BDNF-ERK-CREB signaling pathway in the crushed sciatic nerve

The effect of combined approach of exercise training and bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) engraftment on activation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2)-cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway after sciatic nerve injury (SNI) was investigated. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into the normal control, nonexercise (NEX), exercise training (EX), BMSC transplantation (TP), and exercise training+BMSC transplantation (EX+TP) groups 4 weeks after SCI. Exercise training was carried out on the treadmill device at 5–10 m/min for 20 min for 4 weeks. Single dose of 5×106 harvested BMSC was injected into the injury area of the injured sciatic nerve. In order to evaluate induction levels of BDNF-ERK1/2-CREB signaling molecules in the whole cell and nuclear cell lysates of the injured sciatic nerve, we applied Western blot analysis. BDNF was significantly increased only in EX+TP compared to NEX, EX, and TP groups. Phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 was more increased in EX, TP, and EX+TP groups than NEX group, but EX+TP group showed the most upregulation of phosphorylated protein kinase B compared to other groups. In addition, in the whole cell lysate, phosphorylated ERK1/2, but not activating transcription factor-3 (ATF-3) and phosphorylated CREB, was significantly increased in TP and EX+TP groups. In the nuclear cell lysate, ATF-3 and phosphorylated CREB were strongly activated in EX+TP group compared to EX group. Regular exercise training combined with BMSC engraftment would seem to be more effective in controlling activation of regeneration-related signaling pathway after SNI.

A 1:1 exercise-to-rest period ratio needed by animals to restore energy sources and replenish anti-oxidative status after exercise.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESSuccessful recovery of an animal from exercise is essential, especially prior to the next exercise session. This study was conducted to find an effective exercise-to-rest period ratio for the restoration of energy sources and replenishment of anti-oxidative status in tissue after exercise.MATERIALS/METHODSThirty-two rats were assigned to either non-training or training exercise groups for 5 weeks. After that period, the two groups were subdivided into four smaller groups: non-exercise (NE), exercise 0.5 hour and rest 1 hour (ER0.5:1), exercise 1 hour and rest 1 hour (ER1:1), exercise 2 hours and rest 1 hour (ER2:1).RESULTSIn the training group animals and compared to the NE group, the levels of plasma glucose after the rest period were significantly high in all ER groups but highest in the ER2:1 group. Similarly, the liver glycogen level was highest in the ER2:1 group. The plasma FFA level reached the highest level in the ER2:1 group but was similarly high in the ER0.5:1 group. Liver TG level was unchanged in the ER2:1 and ER1:1 groups but was significantly high in the ER0.5:1 group. Muscle TG levels were decreased in all three ER groups. Plasma protein levels were significantly high in the ER2:1 and ER0.5:1 groups. In both training animal and non-training animals, the liver protein levels did not change significantly between the NE and ER groups, irrespective of the exercise-to-rest ratio. In the training animal group, muscle protein level was significantly low in the ER2:1 and ER0.5:1 groups. The activity levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase, as well as the malondialdehyde concentration, were not significantly different between NE and ER groups, irrespective of the exercise-to-rest period ratio.CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate that animals provided with a 0.5:1 to 1:1 exercise-to-rest period ratio can restore their muscle energy sources and recover their anti-oxidative defense system.

Effects of 2-Year Cognitive⁻Motor Dual-Task Training on Cognitive Function and Motor Ability in Healthy Elderly People: A Pilot Study.

We aimed to examine the effect of 2-year cognitive–motor dual-task (DT) training on cognitive functions and motor ability of healthy elderly people without marked cognitive impairment. From the 25 participants of our 12-week DT trial conducted in 2014, we recruited 8 subjects who voluntarily participated in a new DT training program once a week for 2 years (exercise (EX) group). Their cognitive functions were evaluated by the Modified Mini-Mental State (3MS) examination and the Trail Making Test, and results were compared with those of the 11 subjects who discontinued the training and did not perform any types of exercise for 2 years (non-exercise (NO) group). Subjects in the NO group showed deterioration in the 3MS examination results, especially in the cognitive domain of attention. Meanwhile, participation in DT training maintained the scores in almost all domains of cognitive function, as well as the total 3MS scores. However, both groups had impaired quadriceps muscle strength and motor ability after the 2-year observation period. These results suggest that participating in exercise program comprising DT training for 2 years may be beneficial for maintaining the broad domains of cognitive function in healthy elderly people, although further verification is needed.

Voluntary Exercise Positively Affects the Recovery of Long-Nerve Gap Injury Following Tube-Bridging with Human Skeletal Muscle-Derived Stem Cell Transplantation.

The therapeutic effects of voluntary exercise on the recovery of long-gap nerve injury following the bridging of an acellular conduit filled with human skeletal muscle-derived stem cells (Sk-SCs) have been described. Human Sk-SCs were sorted as CD34+/45− (Sk-34) cells, then cultured/expanded under optimal conditions for 2 weeks. Surgery to generate a long-gap sciatic nerve injury was performed in athymic nude mice, after which the mice were divided into exercise (E) and non-exercise (NE) groups. The mice were housed in standard individual cages, and voluntary exercise wheels were introduced to the cages of the E group one week after surgery. After 8 weeks, the human Sk-34 cells were actively engrafted, and showed differentiation into Schwann cells and perineurial cells, in both groups. The recovery in the number of axons and myelin in the conduit and downstream tibial nerve branches, and the lower hindlimb muscle mass and their tension output, was consistently higher by 15–25% in the E group. Moreover, a significantly higher innervation ratio of muscle spindles, reduced pathological muscle fiber area, and acceleration of blood vessel formation in the conduit were each observed in the E group. These results showed that the combined therapy of tube-bridging, Sk-34 cell transplantation, and voluntary exercise is a potentially practical approach for recovery following long-gap nerve injury.

Acute Exercise and Academic Achievement in High School Youth

The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of Aerobic Exercise (AE), Resistance Exercise (RE), and a nonexercise (NE) control on measures of academic achievement (AA) and cognition in 10th grade males and females. This study utilized a randomized crossover design. Tenth grade males and females performed three exercise trials (AE, RE, NE) separated by 7 days each. Immediately following exercise, participants completed a 10-question mathematics test, followed by the Stroop test. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed small but insignificant differences in mean math test performance between RE and NE, F(1,86) = 2.81, p = .098, η 2 = .032, and AE and NE, F(1,86) = 2.03, p = .158, η 2 = .023. Significant differences were found between RE and NE in the Stroop dot test, F(1,86) = 4.31, p = .041, η 2 = .048, and between AE and NE in the Stroop dot test, F(1,86) = 10.402, p = .002, η 2 = .108, and Stroop color test, F(1,86) = 6.85, p = .01, η 2 = .074. In conclusion, acute RE and AE did not significantly improve scores on a test of mathematics, but did improve measures of cognition in comparison to an NE control. Subscribe to TPE

Sedentary Behavior and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Japanese Living Overseas.

This study aimed to determine differences in sitting behavior time (SBT) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) based on application of the transtheoretical model (TTM) to exercise behavior in overseas-dwelling Japanese. SBT, HRQOL, and various sociodemographic factors were measured in 108 Japanese living in Ipoh, Malaysia. Subjects were classified into the non-exercise (NE), preparation (P), and exercise (E) groups. Workday, non-workday, and total-day SBTs were identified by self-reported questionnaire. The mental component summary (MCS) score for HRQOL was also assessed with the Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (Japanese version). Differences in SBTs and HRQOL based on the TTM were calculated by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, there were differences in workday (F = 8.19, p < .001), non-workday (F = 5.96, p = .001), and total-day (F = 9.30, p < .001) SBTs and MCS scores (F = 10.29, p < .001). Non-workday (338.6 ± 210.8 vs. 510.5 ± 213.4 min, p < .05) and total-day (376.8 ± 181.1 vs. 511.8 ± 183.3 min, p < .05) SBTs were lower and the MCS score (53.9 ± 9.5 vs. 48.4 ± 9.6, p < .05) for HRQOL was higher in the E group versus P group. These differences in SBT and HRQOL in relation to exercise behavior indicate that promotion of exercise behavior may be an important public health strategy to reduce SBT and increase HRQOL in overseas-dwelling Japanese.

Exercise in the Early Stage after Stroke Enhances Hippocampal Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression and Memory Function Recovery

Exercise in the early stage after stroke onset has been shown to facilitate the recovery from physical dysfunction. However, the mechanism of recovery has not been clarified. In this study, the effect of exercise on spatial memory function recovery in the early stage was shown, and the mechanism of recovery was discussed using a rat model of brain embolism. Intra-arterial microsphere (MS) injection induced small emboli in the rat brain. Treadmill exercise was started at 24 hours (early group) or 8 days (late group) after MS injection. The non-exercise (NE) and sham-operated groups were included as controls. Memory function was evaluated by the Morris water maze test, and hippocampal levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. To further investigate the effect of BDNF on memory function, BDNF was continuously infused into the hippocampus via implantable osmotic pumps in the early or late stage after stroke. Memory function significantly improved only in the early group compared with the late and the NE groups, although hippocampal BDNF concentrations were temporarily elevated after exercise in both the early and the late groups. Rats infused with BDNF in the early stage exhibited significant memory function recovery; however, rats that received BDNF infusion in the late stage showed no improvement. Exercise elevates hippocampal BDNF levels in the early stage after cerebral embolism, and this event facilitates memory function recovery.

Acute Exercise and Academic Achievement in Middle School Youth

Research has established that when students are more physically active, their academic performance improves relative to their more sedentary peers. Aerobic exercise (AE) has consistently demonstrated positive effects on academic achievement (AA) in middle-school-aged students. Research in adult and elderly populations has shown that resistance exercise (RE) can positively influence cognition. However, there is a paucity of research examining the effects of RE on measures of academic achievement in youth. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of AE, RE, and a non-exercise (NE) control on measures of AA and cognition in 8th grade boys and girls. METHODS: This study utilized a randomized crossover design. Eighth grade boys and girls performed three separate exercise trials (AE, RE, NE) separated by seven days each. Immediately following exercise, participants completed a 10-question mathematics test, followed by the Stroop Test (Victoria version). RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant difference in mean math test performance between RE and NE (F1,62 = 4.50, p = .038, η2 = .068). AE also resulted in a mean math score increase of 0.44 points (out of 10), which may be considered practically significant (η2 = .04). Results of separate repeated measures ANOVAs revealed significant differences between RE and NE in the Stroop Dot test (F1,62 = 8.14, p = .006, η2 = .116), Stroop Word test (F1,62 = 9.90, p = .003, η2 = .138), and Stroop Color test (F1,62 = 7.57, p = .008, η2 = .109). Significant differences were also found between AE and NE in the Stroop Word test (F1,62 = 91.63, p < .001, η2 = .596) and Stroop Color test (F1,62 = 14.53, p < .001, η2 = .19). Finally, significant differences were found between RE and AE in the Stroop Dot test (F1,61 = 9.18, p = .004, η2 = .129), Stroop Word test (F1,62 = 14.73, p < .001, η2 = .192), and Stroop Color test (F1,62 = 20.14, p < .001, η2 = .245). CONCLUSION: RE and AE demonstrated improvement in mean math test performance as compared to NE. Additionally, RE significantly improved performance over AE and NE in the Stroop Dot, Word and Color tests. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first example of acute RE being utilized to enhance AA and cognitive functions in a middle-school-aged sample.

Metabolic And Corticosterone Response To Different Exercise Training In Rats With High-fat- Or Restricted-diet

PURPOSE: To investigate if different exercise training would induce different metabolic phenotype response and corticosterone (CORT) activation in rats with different combinations of restricted-fat- or high-fat-diet. METHODS: Fifty-three rats were randomly assigned into non-exercise (NE) with restricted-fat-diet (RFD), mild-intensity endurance exercise (MEE) with RFD, high-intensity interval exercise (HIE) with RFD, NE with high-fat-diet (HFD), MEE with HFD, and HIE with HFD. All exercise groups were trained for 10 weeks with matched running distances. Dietary intake, body weight, fat weight, metabolic blood chemicals, and serum CORT concentration were measured and analyzed. Histological lipid droplets in liver were observed. SPSS for Windows 18.0 was used for the statistical analyses and a significant level was set at P≤0.05. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in caloric intake was observed between RFD and HFD groups. NE rats with HFD led to high level of body weight, fat weight, blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and lipid vacuoles in hepatic histology, but low level of quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI). HIE rats with HFD improved metabolic phonotype, reduced body weight (406.7±18.9 g, P<0.001), showed lower blood glucose (8.6±0.7 mmol/L, P<0.01) and lipid profiles, but higher QUICKI (0.298±0.004, P<0.01). The levels of CORT in HFD groups were much higher compared to those in RFD groups (P<0.001), especially in NE rats. HIE training significantly reduced the CORT concentration in HFD rats (41.1±0.6 ng/ml, P<0.001). Correlations analyses revealed that CORT levels were significantly associated with fat weights (r=0.50, P<0.001), blood glucose (r=0.52, P<0.001), and triglycerides (r=0.28, P<0.05), while it inversely correlated with QUICKI (r=-0.38, P<0.01) for all groups. CONCLUSIONS: HIE training and HFD, independently and/or synergistically, have profound effects on metabolic phenotype and stress response. HFD could induce metabolic disorder and elicit the exacerbated stress response by stimulating elevated serum CORT and imbalance blood chemicals. HIE training contribute to the improvement in metabolic phenotypes and the decreases in serum CORT levels so as to reduce susceptibility to high-fat stress-associated disorders.

Data on mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle of old mice in response to different exercise intensity.

Endurance exercise is securely linked to muscle metabolic adaptations including enhanced mitochondrial function (“Effects of exercise on mitochondrial oxygen uptake and respiratory enzyme activity in skeletal muscle” [1], “Effects of exercise on mitochondrial content and function in aging human skeletal muscle” [2]). However, the link between exercise intensity and mitochondrial function in aging muscle has not been fully investigated. In order to understand how strenuous exercise affects mitochondrial function in aged mice, male C57BL/6 mice at age 24 months were randomly assigned to 3 groups: non-exercise (NE), low-intensity (LE) and high-intensity treadmill exercise group (HE). Mitochondrial complex activity and respiration were measured to evaluate mitochondrial function in mouse skeletal muscle. The data described here are related to the research article entitled “Strenuous exercise induces mitochondrial damage in skeletal muscle of old mice” [3].

Immediate Effects of Different Trunk Exercise Programs on Jump Performance.

The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of trunk stabilization exercise (SE) and conventional trunk exercise (CE) programs on jump performance. 13 adolescent male soccer players performed 2 kinds of jump testing before and immediate after 3 experimental conditions: SE, CE, and non-exercise (NE). The SE program consisted of the elbow-toe, hand-knee, and back bridge, and the CE program consisted of the sit-up, sit-up with trunk rotation and back extension. Testing of a countermovement jump (CMJ) and rebound jump (RJ) were performed to assess jump performance. Jump height of the CMJ and RJ-index, contact time, and jump height of the RJ were analyzed. The RJ index was improved significantly only after SE (p=0.017). However, contact time and jump height did not improve significantly in the SE condition. Moreover, no significant interaction or main effects of time or group were observed in the CMJ. Consequently, this study showed the different immediate effect on the RJ between the SE and CE, and suggested the possibility that the SE used in this study is useful as a warm-up program to improve the explosive movements.

Prediction Of VO2max In Children And Adolescents Using Physical Activity Questionnaires.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the use of non-exercise (N-EX) data and data gathered during a treadmill walk-jog-run protocol previously developed for use in adults to estimate VO2max in ninety-one 12-17 year old boys and girls. METHODS: Data collected included, height, weight, age, gender, and responses to the Perceived Functional Ability (PFA) and Physical Activity Rating (PA-R) questionnaires. Exercise data collected during the walk-jog-run treadmill exercise test included steady-state exercise heart rate (HR), self-selected treadmill speed, maximal treadmill grade achieved, and VO2max. RESULTS: Regression analysis was used to build a N-EX Model to predict VO2max that included the PFA and PA-R scores and self-selected treadmill speed (R2=0.73; SEE=4.59 mL/kg/min). A second maximal exercise model included self-selected treadmill speed and maximal treadmill grade (R2 = 0.83; SEE = 3.63 mL/kg/min). The cross-validation PRESS statistics for both models demonstrate minimal shrinkage in the accuracy of the regression models. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show for the first time, that N-EX data can be used to accurately predict VO2max in youth. The exercise test validated in this study can be used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness of youth having a wide range of fitness levels and interests. The exercise test protocol is practical for use in schools, athletic facilities, and community fitness centers.

The Applicability of the Activities of Daily Living Age Scale in Japanese Community-Dwelling Adults Aged 75 Years or Older

Our aim is to investigate the applicability of the activities of daily living age scale (ADLA) through the examination of the degree to which physical functionality is enhanced by habitual exercise in older Japanese aged 75 years and older. Participants comprised 598 community-dwellings older Japanese (386 women 79.0 ± 3.5 and 212 men 79.1 ± 3.8), who were divided in 2 groups of a non-exercise (NE) and an active group (A). The ADLA equation is an instrument that estimates participants’ physical functioning regarding ADL using data obtained previously from 1006 subjects. All participants completed a comprehensive battery of 3 physical performance items that formed the basis for the ADLA equation. The developed equations are as follow: ADLA for women = 0.447 (chronological age: CA) – 5.49 (ADL scoreADLS) + 44.17; and ADLA for men = 0.519CA – 4.27ADLS + 38.26. In women the mean of ADLA of NE group (78.9 ± 4.3 years) were significantly lower than their mean of CA (79.4 ± 3.5 years, p<0.05). Meanwhile there were no significant difference among the mean of ADLA of the NE group in men (80.0 ± 5.1 years) and their mean of CA (79.7 ± 4.2). The ADLA mean of A group in women (76.3 ± 3.7 years) and in men (77.3±3.4 years) were significantly lower than their mean of CA (78.6 ± 3.5 and 78.4 ± 3.3 years, p<0.01) respectively. The result indicates that ADLA scale has validity application. Through the responsiveness of the ADLA scale we conclude that exercise habituation affects overall physical function even on people over 75 years and older, possessing significantly higher level of physical fitness than those who do not exercise regularly. They showed a remarkably older ADLA.

Improvement of gait and coordinated movement by forced gait training in cerebellar ataxic B6-wob/t mice

Beppu H, Takayanagi N, Tomita Y, Mizutani K, Orand A, Tamai I, Takahashi H, Sonoda S. Improvement of gait and coordinated movement by forced gait training in cerebellar ataxic B6-wob/t mice. Jpn J Compr Rehabil Sci 2015; 6: 64-70. Objective: The effect of forced gait training was investigated in cerebellar ataxic mice (B6-wob/t) using gait analysis and a rota-rod test. Methods: B6 and B6-wob/t mice were divided into non-exercise (NEx) and exercise (Ex) groups. The Ex group received forced gait training with a running wheel at 2 m/min for 50 minutes, three times a day, six days a week, for 12 weeks. The rota-rod test was performed every 4 weeks during this period, and gait was evaluated using our pelvic axis-based gait analysis method (pelvic axis method) when a significant difference was noted between the NEx and Ex groups. The multiple comparison test was used for statistical analysis. Results: After gait training for 12 weeks, the time until falling in the rota-rod test was significantly extended to 115 seconds in the Ex group compared to that (90 seconds) in the NEx group, and the hindlimb step width measured using the pelvic axis method was significantly narrower in the EX than NEx group. Conclusion: Forced gait training may be effective for ataxic symptoms of B6-wob/t. The combination of the pelvic axis-based gait analysis and rota-rod test was useful to evaluate the improvement of ataxia.

Aerobic Fitness Levels and Validation of a Non Exercise VO2max Prediction Equation for HIV-Infected Patients on HAART

Background: Non-exercise (N-EX) questionnaires have been developed to determine maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in healthy populations. There are limited reliable and validated N-EX questionnaires for the HIV+ population that provide estimates of habitual physical activity and not VO2max. Objectives: To determine how well regression equations developed previously on healthy populations, including N-EX prediction equations for VO2max and age-predicted maximal heart rates (APMHR), worked on an HIV+ population; and to develop a specific N-EX prediction equation for VO2max and APMHR for HIV+ individuals. Methods: Sixty-six HIV+ participants on stable HAART completed 4 N-EX questionnaires and performed a maximal graded exercise test. Results: Sixty males and 6 females were included; mean (SD) age was 49.2 (8.2) years; CD4 count was 516.0 ± 253.0 cells·mm-3; and 92% had undetectable HIV PCR. Mean VO2max was 29.2 ± 7.6 (range, 14.4–49.4) mL·kg-1·min-1 Despite positive correlations with VO2max, previously published N-EX VO2max equations produced results significantly different than actual VO2 scores (P < .0001). An HIV+ specific N-EX equation was developed and produced similar mean VO2max values, R = 0.71, when compared to achieved VO2max (P = .53). Conclusion: HIV+ individuals tend to be sedentary and unfit, putting them at increased risk for the development of chronic diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Based on the level of error associated with utilizing APMHR and N-EX VO2max equations with HIV+ individuals, neither should be used in this population for exercise prescription.

Early Exercise Protects the Blood-Brain Barrier from Ischemic Brain Injury via the Regulation of MMP-9 and Occludin in Rats

Early exercise within 24 h after stroke can reduce neurological deficits after ischemic brain injury. However, the mechanisms underlying this neuroprotection remain poorly understood. Ischemic brain injury disrupts the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and then triggers a cascade of events, leading to secondary brain injury and poor long-term outcomes. This study verified the hypothesis that early exercise protected the BBB after ischemia. Adult rats were randomly assigned to sham, early exercise (EE) or non-exercise (NE) groups. The EE and NE groups were subjected to ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The EE group ran on a treadmill beginning 24 h after ischemia, 30 min per day for three days. After three-days’ exercise, EB extravasation and electron microscopy were used to evaluate the integrity of the BBB. Neurological deficits, cerebral infarct volume and the expression of MMP-9, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and occludin were determined. The data indicated that early exercise significantly inhibited the ischemia-induced reduction of occludin, and an increase in MMP-9 promoted TIMP-1 expression (p < 0.01), attenuated the BBB disruption (p < 0.05) and neurological deficits (p < 0.01) and diminished the infarct volume (p < 0.01). Our results suggest that the neuroprotection conferred by early exercise was likely achieved by improving the function of the BBB via the regulation of MMP-9 and occludin.

Evaluation and Development of Non-Exercise Prediction Models of Maximal Oxygen Consumption in Azerbaijan-Iranian Young Men

LANGUAGE NOTE | Document text in English; abstract also in Chinese.&#x0D; The purpose of this study was to develop a regression equation to predict maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) based on non-exercise (N-EX) data and to investigate the validity of these equations in healthy young men. One hundred healthy men (age: 18-26 years) were randomly separated in two equal groups (n=50). All participants, successfully completed a maximal graded exercise test (GXT) to assess VO2max (Mean = 45.56 ml × kg-1 × min-1, SD = 4.14). The N-EX data collected just before the maximal GXT including participants’ age; body mass index (BMI); perceived functional ability (PFA) to walk, jog, or run given distances; and current physical activity (PA-R) level. Methodological differences among these methods (new equation and GXT in the validation group) were analyzed with Bland-Altman (1986) method. A good correlation coefficients were observed between VO2max and body mass index (BMI) (r = -0.50), PFA (r = 0.71) and PA-R (r = 0.70) in the development group (p&lt; 0.05). Multiple linear regression generated the following N-EX prediction equation: VO2max (ml × kg-1 × min-1) = 47.718 – (0.38516 × BMI) + (0.8541 × PA-R) + (0.2539 × PFA). When new VO2max prediction equation were applied to the validation group, high agreement were also observed between measured VO2max by GXT and predicted VO2max (mean±SD: 0.58±2.53) (p&lt; 0.05). This study provided an N-EX regression model that yields relatively accurate results and it is a convenient way to predict VO2max in Azerbaijan–Iranian young men with a similar cardiorespiratory fitness level. Authors recommend further studies to elucidate generality of the new equation.&#x0D; 本研究旨在計算預測年青人最大攝氧量的公式，邀請了100位健康男士，分成兩組進行測驗。結果顯示，推算最大攝氧量的公式如下: VO2max (ml × kg-1 × min-1) = 47.718 – (0.38516 × BMI) + (0.8541 × PA-R) + (0.2539 × PFA) 。