Reduction In Body Fat Percentage Research Articles

The Effects of Time-Restricted Eating on Fat Loss in Adults with Overweight and Obese Depend upon the Eating Window and Intervention Strategies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Time-restricted eating (TRE) is a circadian rhythm-based intermittent fasting intervention that has been used to treat obesity. However, the efficacy and safety of TRE for fat loss have not been comprehensively examined and the influences of TRE characteristics on such effects are unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis comprehensively characterized the efficacy and safety of TRE for fat loss in adults with overweight and obese, and it explored the influence of TRE characteristics on this effect. Methods: A search strategy based on the PICOS principle was used to find relevant publications in seven databases. The outcomes were body composition, anthropometric indicators, and blood lipid metrics. Twenty publications (20 studies) with 1288 participants, covering the period from 2020 to 2024, were included. Results: Compared to the control group, TRE safely and significantly reduced body fat percentage, fat mass, lean mass, body mass, BMI, and waist circumference (MDpooled = −2.14 cm, 95% CI = −2.88~−1.40, p < 0.001), and increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (MDpooled = 2.70, 95% CI = 0.17~5.22, p = 0.037), but it did not alter the total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides (MDpooled = −1.09~1.20 mg/dL, 95% CI −4.31~5.47, p > 0.05). Subgroup analyses showed that TRE only or TRE-caloric restriction with an eating window of 6 to 8 h may be appropriate for losing body fat and overall weight. Conclusions: This work provides moderate to high evidence that TRE is a promising dietary strategy for fat loss. Although it may potentially reduce lean mass and increase LDL, these effects do not pose significant safety concerns. This trial was registered with PROSPERO as CRD42023406329.

The Effects of the LiiNK Intervention on Physical Activity and Obesity Rates among Children

Background: Obesity and inactivity among children are at an all-time high and have been steadily increasing in prevalence over the last thirty years. The school environment provides the ideal setting for reaching a large number of children across diverse populations in order to reverse these trends. However, there are many inconsistent results yielded by school-based physical activity interventions due to implementation length, time for activities, and the use of structured physical activities. The LiiNK Project® is a whole-child intervention addressing these gaps by providing children 45–60 min of recess (unstructured, outdoor play) in their schools daily, while the control children are allowed to engage in recess for 30 min daily. The purpose of this study was to compare the physical activity intensity and obesity rates of third- and fourth-grade children participating in the LiiNK intervention, which provides 60 min of recess for third graders and 45 min for fourth graders, to those in a control group allowed 30 min of daily recess. Methods: The children were 8–10 years old (M = 9.2; 52% females and 48% males). The intervention children comprised 90 third graders and 100 fourth graders, and the control children comprised 101 third graders and 92 fourth graders. Physical activity levels were monitored using accelerometers to assess sedentary, light, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Obesity rates were evaluated using bio-electrical impedance analysis (BIA), in which body fat percentage is calculated based on normative values using age and sex in the equation. Results: The third-grade intervention children engaged in 13 more MVPA minutes and took 900 more steps daily than their control counterparts, and also presented a greater proportion of overweight children transitioning to a healthy weight status from the fall to the spring semester. Conversely, the fourth-grade control children increased their activity by 500 steps and 15 more MVPA minutes daily. Despite this, the intervention children overall demonstrated a reduction in body fat percentage, while the control children demonstrated an increase in body fat percentage. Conclusions: Ultimately, 60 min of unstructured, outdoor play in schools provides children the best opportunity to engage in MVPA, which may positively impact body fat percentages, offering a potential strategy for combatting childhood obesity in school settings.

Exploring the Impact of Swimming on Body Mass Index and Body Fat in Individuals with Down Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis

The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of swimming training in reducing body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage among individuals with Down syndrome (DS), utilizing a meta-analysis approach. We conducted a systematic search for studies examining the clinical impact of swimming training on individuals with DS. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies involving DS patients who underwent swimming training for a minimum duration of 4 weeks. The primary focus was to compare changes in BMI and body fat percentage from baseline to post-training. Our analysis incorporated four studies comprising a total of 48 participants. The results demonstrated that swimming training lasting from 8 to 36 weeks did not significantly decrease BMI among DS patients, with a weighted mean difference (WMD) post-training of −0.428 (95% confidence interval (CI): −1.721–0.865) and an I2 of 0%. Subgroup analysis based on age or duration (≥33 weeks or 8 weeks) also showed no notable decrease in BMI. Conversely, the analysis of body fat percentage demonstrated a significant decrease, with a WMD of −2.946 (95% CI: −5.056–−0.837). Subgroup analysis indicated a consistent reduction in body fat percentage across all duration groups. Swimming training does not lead to a significant reduction in BMI among individuals with DS. This outcome may be attributed to concurrent muscle gain alongside decreased body fat, resulting in a notable decrease in body fat percentage.

Chronic Intake of Water Supplemented with Deep-Sea Water Extract Reduces Body Fat Percentage and Increases Basal Metabolic Rate and Muscle Mass in Humans

Modern humans are mineral deficient; thus, considerable attention has been focused on vitamins and polyphenols taken in supplements. However, in the case of minerals, only a few are known, such as calcium, zinc, and iron. As minerals are essential for proper physiologic function, mineral deficiencies are a risk factor for various serious diseases. For a variety of reasons, it has become difficult in recent years for humans to ingest the required amounts of minerals through diet alone, creating the need for a means of easy mineral replenishment. In this study, we measured changes in various physiologic parameters when 36 healthy individuals drank one bottle (550 mL) of water per day for one month containing minerals extracted from deep-sea water and adjusted to a hardness of 300. Although there were no changes in body weight or body mass index, body fat percentage decreased significantly, and basal metabolic rate and muscle mass increased significantly. Although the mechanism behind these changes is unknown, continuous intake of water amended with minerals extracted from deep-sea water may be an excellent approach to replenishing essential minerals.

Body fat percentage vs body mass index in estimating basal cell carcinoma

BackgroundThe role of body mass index (BMI) in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) risk remains controversial, and limited information is available regarding the relationship between other physical measurements and BCC. Several recent studies have found a positive effect of adiposity on improved survival when obesity was determined solely by BMI (the "obesity paradox"). We hypothesize that body fat percentage (BFP) may serve as a more sensitive risk factor for BCC than BMI. MethodsThe study conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from two distinct centers in China. Individual patient-level data were obtained from medical record reviews spanning January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2022. Associations with outcomes were analyzed using univariate and stratified analyses and assessed using multiple logistic regression with adjustment for confounding factors. Additionally, we performed a meta-analysis to further test the observations in our study. ResultsA total of 337 patients, ranging in age from 50 to 91 years, with a mean age of 66.88 (standard deviation 10.16), were included. We observed no significant association between BMI and BCC after adjusting for confounders (OR: 0.71, 95 % CI: 0.36–1.40, P = 0.3186). There was also no convincing effect in a meta-analysis (n = 158,741) (OR: 0.99, 95 % CI: 0.93–1.06, P = 0.8). Furthermore, BFP was found to be associated with BCC (OR: 2.64, 95 % CI: 1.17–5.97, P = 0.0196), supported by strong clinical evidence. ConclusionsOur study supports the hypothesis that BFP is superior to BMI in assessing BCC risk. Multiple logistic regression analyses, coupled with meta-analysis, provided robust evidence that BFP is a sensitive risk factor for BCC, while BMI appears unrelated to risk. According to these findings, routine healthcare practices could benefit from utilizing BFP measurements. The reduction of body fat percentage in low-fat diets may be beneficial for adjuvant treatment of BCC.

The efficiency of Ram Thai with Nine Square dance on physical performance and cognitive functions: a model for elderly school

Age-related declines in health-related physical fitness and cognitive function can be mitigated by a multi-movement exercise program. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of Ram Thai with nine square dances on physical performance and cognitive functions in the elderly. Participants were randomly assigned into an experimental or control group. The Montreal cognitive assessment-basic (MoCA-B, Thai version) were chosen from screened volunteers and randomly assigned into 2 groups; Ram Thai with nine square dances (RTND:33) and brisk walking exercise (BWE:34) aged 65.3±2.4 years old, body mass index (BMI) 25.5±11.9 kg/m2. The physical performance parameters assessed were as follows: Back-scratch test (BST), Chair sit and reach test (CSRT), Chair stand test (CST), 30-second arm curl test (ACT), 6-minute walk test (6-WT) and timed up and go test (TUG) were conducted respectively. Our results showed the physiological revealed a reduction in body fat percentage, while significant increase in VO2max test scores observed in both groups (p≤.05). Additionally, there was an improved lower limb strength, as evidenced by statistically significant increases in scores for the CST, 6-WT, and TUG compared to pretest values (p≤.05). In terms of BST performance, the RTND group showed significantly better results compared to the BWE group (p≤.001). Moreover, we discovered that significantly superior results indicate increased variability in MoCA-B scores (24.11≈26.37) among elderly participants in the RTND group (p≤.001). The data indicates that RTND effectively enhances physiological aspects, physical performance control, and overall cognitive function in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Keywords: physical performance, cognitive function, mild cognitive impairment, elderly

Ramadan Intermittent Fasting and Plasma Volume Variations in Individuals with Different Body Weights.

Background: There is increasing awareness of the physiological effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) in obese subjects. However, there are no data on the effects of RIF on plasma volume changes (ΔPV) in individuals with different body weights. Background and Objectives: This study investigated the effects of RIF on ΔPV in normal-weight (NW) and overweight (OW) adult men, and adult men with obesity (OB) and severe obesity (SO). Materials and Methods: Thirty-two male subjects (32) were divided into four groups (n = 8 per group) according to their body mass index (BMI): normal weight (NW) (BMI < 25 kg/m2; age = 27.4 ± 3.8), overweight (OW) (BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2; age = 26.8 ± 3.7), obese subjects (OB) (BMI between 30 and 34.9 kg/m2; age = 25.6 ± 2.9), and severely obesity (SO) (BMI between 35 and 40 kg/m2; age = 24.0 ± 4.1). Blood samples were collected for 24 h on 4 different occasions, at T0 before the start of the Ramadan month, at T1 15 days after the start of Ramadan, at T2 one day after the end of Ramadan, and at T3 on the 21st day after the end of Ramadan to determine ΔPV. All groups completed their fasting rituals for the 30 days of Ramadan. Results: A significant group × time effect occurred for body mass (p = 0.001; ES = 0.53), BMI (p = 0.001; ES = 0.53), and body fat percentage (p = 0.001; ES = 0.52). Post hoc tests indicated reductions in body mass in OB and SO at T1 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.21 and p = 0.002; ES = 0.12) and T2 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.31 and p = 0.02; ES = 0.23), reductions in BMI in OB and SO at T1 (p = 0.04; ES = 0.35 and p = 0.03; ES = 0.42) and T2 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.52 and p = 0.005; ES = 0.48), and reductions in body fat percentage only in OB AT T1 (p = 0.002; ES = 0.31) and T2 (p = 0.001; ES = 0.17). A significant group × time effect occurred for hematocrit (p = 0.02; ES = 0.34), hemoglobin (p = 0.01; ES = 0.35), and ΔPV (p = 0.02; ES = 0.18). Post hoc tests indicated increases in hematocrit in OB at T2 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.36) and hemoglobin in OB and SO at T1 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.35 and p = 0.002; ES = 0.32) and T2 (p = 0.003; ES = 0.21 and p = 0.002; ES = 0.33). There were also increases in ΔPV in OB at T1 and T2 (p = 0.002; ES = 0.25 and p = 0.003; ES = 0.22) and in SO only at T2 (p = 0.02; ES = 0.37). Contrast analysis indicated that NW was significantly lower than the grand mean of OW, Ob, and SO for all anthropometric and PVV variables (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: The effects of RIF on ΔPV and anthropometric characters was greater in obese individuals compared to normal-weight and overweight participants, suggesting that the improvements in body composition and ΔPV produced by RIF could positively influence obesity.

The Effects of Almond Consumption on Cardiovascular Health and Gut Microbiome: A Comprehensive Review.

The consumption of almonds has been associated with several health benefits, particularly concerning cardiovascular and intestinal health. In this comprehensive review, we compile and deliberate studies investigating the effects of almond consumption on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and gut health. Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols, which contribute to their health-promoting properties. Regular intake of almonds has been shown to improve lipid profiles by reducing LDL cholesterol and enhancing HDL functionality. Additionally, almonds aid in glycemic control, blood pressure reduction, and chronic inflammation amelioration, which are critical for cardiovascular health. The antioxidant properties of almonds, primarily due to their high vitamin E content, help in reducing oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, almonds positively influence body composition by reducing body fat percentage and central adiposity and enhancing satiety, thus aiding in weight management. Herein, we also contemplate the emerging concept of the gut-heart axis, where almond consumption appears to modulate the gut microbiome, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and increasing short-chain fatty acid production, particularly butyrate. These effects collectively contribute to the anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective benefits of almonds. By encompassing these diverse aspects, we eventually provide a systematic and updated perspective on the multifaceted benefits of almond consumption for cardiovascular health and gut microbiome, corroborating their broader consideration in dietary guidelines and public health recommendations for CVD risk reduction.

Efficacy of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis LY-66 and Lactobacillus plantarum PL-02 in Enhancing Explosive Strength and Endurance: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial.

Probiotics are posited to enhance exercise performance by influencing muscle protein synthesis, augmenting glycogen storage, and reducing inflammation. This double-blind study randomized 88 participants to receive a six-week intervention with either a placebo, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis LY-66, Lactobacillus plantarum PL-02, or a combination of both strains, combined with a structured exercise training program. We assessed changes in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), exercise performance, and gut microbiota composition before and after the intervention. Further analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of probiotics on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), muscle integrity, and inflammatory markers in the blood, 24 and 48 h post-intervention. The results demonstrated that all probiotic groups exhibited significant enhancements in exercise performance and attenuation of muscle strength decline post-exercise exhaustion (p < 0.05). Notably, PL-02 intake significantly increased muscle mass, whereas LY-66 and the combination therapy significantly reduced body fat percentage (p < 0.05). Analysis of intestinal microbiota revealed an increase in beneficial bacteria, especially a significant rise in Akkermansia muciniphila following supplementation with PL-02 and LY-66 (p < 0.05). Overall, the combination of exercise training and supplementation with PL-02, LY-66, and their combination improved muscle strength, explosiveness, and endurance performance, and had beneficial effects on body composition and gastrointestinal health, as evidenced by data obtained from non-athlete participants.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAdvancements in medical facilities have led to an increase in global life expectancy, emphasizing the need to address age-related health issues. Sarcopenia, characterized by muscle mass loss, poses significant challenges for older adults. Despite a higher prevalence in Asian populations, there is a remarkable absence of studies addressing sarcopenia among the older adults in Pakistan. This research aims to determine sarcopenia prevalence, identify risk factors, and explore gender- and age-specific patterns among older adults in Pakistan.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 142 participants (65 males, 77 females) aged 60 and above was conducted using DEXA scans. Over a six-month period from January to June 2023, data were collected from the Islamabad Diagnostic Centre. This comprehensive dataset covered anthropometric measurements, body composition details, and health parameters. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were employed to examine the associations between sarcopenia and various factors.ResultsSarcopenia manifested in 47.18% of the older adult population (n = 142), with a distribution of 39 males (60%) and 28 females (36.36%). The investigation unveiled a compelling correlation between underweight status and sarcopenia across genders. Indeed, males exhibited a significant negative correlation between skeletal muscle mass index and age, whereas females did not show a statistically significant association. Males presented higher odds of sarcopenia in comparison to females (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.63, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.33–5.18, p = 0.005). Age (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02–1.22, p = 0.014), lower BMI (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.20–0.60, p < 0.001), and reduced body fat percentage (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.31–2.33, p < 0.001) emerged as significant contributors to sarcopenia. These detailed gender-specific findings emphasize the importance of customizing intervention strategies to address gender disparities in sarcopenia risk factors.ConclusionThis study highlights the significant prevalence of sarcopenia among older adults in Pakistan, with distinct gender and age-related patterns observed. The overall prevalence of sarcopenia was found to be 47.18%, with higher rates among males compared to females. Age emerged as a significant risk factor, with each additional year increasing the odds of sarcopenia. Furthermore, weight, BMI, lean mass, and total body fat demonstrated important associations with sarcopenia prevalence, highlighting the multifaceted nature of this condition. The practical implications of this study emphasize the need for targeted screening programs and personalized interventions to mitigate sarcopenia’s impact, informing healthcare policies and public health strategies in Pakistan.

Unlocking Strength: The Powerful Impact of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Supplementation on Resistance Training

Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha, has gained popularity in recent years among individuals interested in healthy lifestyles, natural medicine, and sports. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding the effects of ashwagandha supplementation on various aspects of physical performance, particularly in the context of resistance training. Studies have shown that ashwagandha can positively impact muscle strength, with significant increase of muscle force and power output. Additionally, it has demonstrated potential in modulating body composition, with reduction of body fat percentage noted in certain populations. However, results of studies on ashwagandha’s effect on muscle size remain inconclusive and may depend on various factors such as training status and individual responses. In terms of endurance, ashwagandha supplementation has been associated with improvement in maximal oxygen uptake, indicating enhanced aerobic capacity and delayed exhaustion during endurance activities. Furthermore, ashwagandha was shown to aid muscle recovery by reducing exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammatory response, potentially accelerating the muscle regeneration process. Ashwagandha may also influence hormone levels, such as testosterone and cortisol, with potential implications for muscle growth and recovery. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these effects. Overall, ashwagandha supplementation appears to hold promise for enhancing physical performance and overall well-being. Further research is needed to elucidate optimal dosages, long-term safety, and potential interactions with other supplements or medications.

Supplementation with Lactiplantibacillus brevis GKEX Combined with Resistance Exercise Training Improves Muscle Mass, Strength Performance, and Body Fat Condition in Healthy Humans.

In addition to maintaining good exercise and dietary habits, recent studies have shown that probiotics may have potential benefits for muscle mass and strength. It is worth noting that the effects may vary depending on the specific strains used. To date, no studies have analyzed the effects of Lactiplantibacillus brevis in this context. Here, we combine the L. brevis strain GKEX with resistance training to further understand its effects on muscle mass, thickness, performance, and fat loss. In a six-week intervention for a double-blind randomized trial, 52 healthy subjects were divided into two groups (10 male and 16 female participants in each group): a placebo group (two capsules/day, containing 0 CFU of GKEX per capsule) and a GKEX group (two capsules/day, containing 1 × 1010 CFU of GKEX per capsule). Before the intervention, no differences were observed between the two groups in any of the tests (body composition, muscle thickness, exercise performance, and blood parameters). However, supplementation with GKEX significantly improved muscle mass and thickness, as well as grip strength, muscle strength, and explosive performance, when compared to the associated parameters before the intervention. Additionally, GKEX supplementation promoted a reduction in the body fat percentage (p < 0.05). Through analysis of the change amount, we observed that GKEX supplementation yielded significantly improved benefits when compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). In summary, our findings support the notion that a six-week resistance exercise training program combined with L. brevis GKEX supplementation has superior additive effects that enhance muscle mass and strength performance, while also reducing body fat percentage. This intervention can promote muscle gain and fat loss.

The Analysis of the Effects of Interval Training Program on Aerobic and Anaerobic Performance in Slalom and Giant Slalom Athletes

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of interval training on the aerobic and anaerobic performance of elite-level athletes in slalom and giant slalom disciplines. The study consisted of thirteen male athletes in the alpine skiing discipline (slalom-giant slalom). The heights of the athletes were measured with a stadiometer with a precision of ±1mm (Holtain, UK). Weight measurements were conducted using a Tanita brand body composition analyzer (BC, 418 Tanita, Japan) with a precision of 100 grams. For aerobic power and capacity testing, a breath-by-breath measurement method was employed using the Cosmed K5 portable gas analysis system (Italy). The MaxVO2 protocol was performed on a cycle ergometer, and the anaerobic power and capacity test were conducted using the Wingate method. Aerobic/anaerobic power values of athletes were measured twice, before and after a 4-week interval training program. An Independent Samples T-Test was used to identify differences between pre-test and post-test values of athletes. Significant relationships were found between pre-test and post-test values of MaxVO2, peak power, average power, and power drop percentage for slalom and giant slalom athletes subjected to interval training (p0.05). In conclusion, interval training was observed to increase body muscle mass, reduce body fat percentage, and enhance aerobic and anaerobic capacity in slalom and giant slalom athletes. Including interval training in the content of athletes' training programs when creating annual training plans is considered to positively influence aerobic and anaerobic performance using the interval training method.

Role of social support in culturally sensitive diabetes self-management education among an ethnic minority population in Denmark.

CUSTOM is a culturally sensitive diabetes self-management education and support programme tailored to Urdu, Turkish and Arabic-speaking people in Denmark. The aim of this study was twofold: first, to examine the functional social support perceived by CUSTOM participants before and after the intervention; and, second, to explore how participants' structural social support affected the physical and mental health benefits of the intervention. The participants were people with type 2 diabetes whose primary language was Urdu, Arabic or Turkish (n = 73). Outcomes included A1C, body fat percentage, diabetes distress, well-being and functional social support. Changes were observed between baseline and six months after participation in a single-group pre-test/post-test design. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to assess pre-post differences in functional social support. The role of structural social support was assessed using moderation regression analysis. Participants reported higher availability of functional social support after the programme (p < 0.05), although the change in loneliness was not significant. In addition, cohabitating with adult children increased the average body fat percentage reduction achieved following the programme, while living with a partner lowered the average body fat percentage reduction achieved. The intervention was particularly successful in improving diabetes distress among those with weak structural social support. Culturally sensitive diabetes self-management education and support can improve social support among people with an ethnic minority background. The structure of social relations may influence the benefit of culturally sensitive diabetes self-management education and support. Future programmes should include family members and other social relations more actively, drawing attention to both positive and negative aspects of social relations.

Study protocol for clinical trial of the FIT Families multicomponent obesity intervention for African American adolescents and their caregivers: Next step from the ORBIT initiative

IntroductionThis study will test the effectiveness of FIT Families (FIT), a multicomponent family-based behavioural intervention, against a credible attention control condition, Home-Based Family Support (HBFS). This protocol paper describes the...

The Impact of Structured Aerobic Exercise Programs on Health-Related Physical Fitness Parameters in High School Students

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of structured aerobic exercise programs on health-related physical fitness parameters in high school students. A sample of 300 students participated in a 12-week intervention, engaging in supervised aerobic activities three times a week. Pre- and post-assessment measurements included cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition. Results revealed significant improvements across multiple fitness parameters. Cardiovascular endurance, assessed through a timed mile run, showed an average increase of 15%. Muscular strength, measured by the number of push-ups and sit-ups, exhibited improvements of 20% and 18%, respectively. Flexibility, assessed through the sit-and-reach test, saw an average enhancement of 12%. Additionally, there was a positive trend in body composition, with a collective reduction in body fat percentage by 3%. Structured aerobic exercise programs proved effective in enhancing health-related physical fitness among high school students. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating regular aerobic activities into school curricula to promote overall fitness and well-being in adolescent populations. Integrating such programs may contribute to establishing lifelong habits of physical activity, positively impacting long-term health outcomes.

Effects of blood flow restriction training on muscle fitness and cardiovascular risk of obese college students.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of blood flow restriction (BFR) combined with low-intensity resistance training (RT) on cardiovascular risk factors in obese individuals. Methods: Twenty-six male obese college students were recruited and randomly assigned to a control group (CON, n = 8), a low-intensity RT group (RT, n = 9), and a combined BFR training and low-intensity RT group (BFRT, n = 9). Results: The subjects in BFRT group showed significant reductions in body fat percentage and waist-to-hip ratio and a significant increase in lean mass and muscle mass; the peak torque, peak power, and endurance ratio of knee extensors and elbow flexors were significantly upregulated; the root mean square (RMS) for the medial femoral muscle, lateral femoral muscle and biceps significantly increased; the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) showed a significant decrease. The BFRT group also showed significant up-regulations in RMS of the difference between the adjacent R-R intervals (RMSSD), high-frequency power (HF) of parasympathetic modulatory capacity, the standard deviation of R-R intervals (SDNN) of overall heart rate variability (HRV) changes and low-frequency power (LF) of predominantly sympathetic activity. In addition, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were all significantly downregulated in BFRT group. In parallel, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) significantly reduced while high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) significantly increased in BFRT group. Conclusion: BFR combined with low-intensity RT training effectively improved body composition index, increased muscle mass, improved neuromuscular activation, enhanced muscle strength and endurance, which in turn improved abnormal glucolipid metabolism and enhanced cardiac autonomic regulation.

Effect of eight-week high-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training programme on body composition, cardiometabolic risk factors in sedentary adolescents.

This study aimed to assess and compare the effect of an 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) programme on body composition and cardiovascular metabolic outcomes of sedentary adolescents in China. Eighteen sedentary normal-weight adolescents (age: 18.5 ± 0.3years, 11 females) were randomized into three groups. HIIT group protocol consisted of three sessions/week for 8-week of "all out" sprints to reach 85%-95% of HRmax, and MICT group protocol undertook three sessions/week for 8-week of continuous running to reach 65%-75% of HRmax. The control group resumed normal daily activities without any intervention. Blood pressure and body composition were measured, and fasting blood samples were obtained at baseline and 48h post-trial. Mixed-design ANOVA analysis was employed followed by post hoc t-tests and Bonferroni alpha-correction was used to evaluate interaction, between-group, and within-group differences, respectively. Results indicated that HIIT and MICT similarly affected body fat mass (p = 0.021, ES = 0.19; p = 0.016, ES = 0.30, respectively), body fat percentage (p = 0.037, ES = 0.17; p = 0.041, ES = 0.28, respectively), visceral fat area (p = 0.001, ES = 0.35; p = 0.003, ES = 0.49, respectively) of body composition. A positive outcome was observed for waist/hip ratio (p = 0.033, ES = 0.43) in HIIT, but not MICT (p = 0.163, ES = 0.33). No significant differences were found between groups for any clinical biomarkers. However, pairwise comparison within the group showed a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.018, ES = 0.84), diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.008, ES = 1.76), and triglyceride (p = 0.004, ES = 1.33) in HIIT, but no significant differences were found in the MICT and Control group. Both 8-week HIIT and MICT programmes have similar positive effects on reducing body fat mass, fat percentage, and visceral fat area. However, sedentary adolescents may have limited scope to decrease insulin resistance after these 8-week interventions. Notably, the 8-week HIIT intervention was highly effective in increasing cardiometabolic health compared to the MICT. The exercise intensity threshold value and metabolic outcomes of high-intensity interval sprints should be explored further to extend the long-term benefit in this cohort.

Fasting reduces satiety and increases hunger but does not affect the performance in resistance training.

Intermittent fasting (IF) has been suggested to reduce body fat percentage and improve non-communicable chronic diseases. However, little is known about resistance training (RT) and the subjective perception of hunger under fasted conditions. This study aimed to examine the effects of overnight fasting (12 h or 16 h fasting) on the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance in resistance-trained young male adults. In RT sessions, the maximum number of repetitions (MNR) and the total volume load (TVL) were evaluated in the back squat and leg press 45°. The volunteers performed all tests and the RT session in 3 different conditions: fed state, 12 and 16 hours of IF. The subjective perception of hunger was applied through an adapted visual analogue scale (adVAS). The results showed that strength and power variables did not change significantly: MVIC (p = 0.960), CMJ (p = 0.986), MNR back squat (p = 0.856), MNR leg press 45° (p = 0.998), TVL (p = 0.954). However, hunger was significantly greater after the 16-hour fasting (p = 0.001) compared to 12 hours of fasting and the fed state. Also, the desire to eat was greater after 16 hours (p = 0.001) compared to 12 hours of fasting and the fed state. This study indicates that IF for 12 or 16 hours does not significantly impair strength and power, but the longer the fasting duration, the greater are the hunger and desire to eat.

Helpful to Live Healthier? Intermittent Hypoxic/Ischemic Training Benefits Vascular Homeostasis and Lipid Metabolism with Activating SIRT1 Pathways in Overweight/Obese Individuals

Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate whether and how normobaric intermittent hypoxic training (IHT) or remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) plus normoxic training (RNT) has a synergistic protective effect on lipid metabolism and vascular function compared with normoxic training (NT) in overweight or obese adults. Methods: A total of 37 overweight or obese adults (36.03 ± 10.48 years) were randomly assigned to 3 groups: NT group (exercise intervention in normoxia), IHT group (exercise intervention in normobaric hypoxic chamber), and RNT group (exercise intervention in normoxia + RIPC twice daily). All participants carried out the same 1-h exercise intervention for a total of 4 weeks, 5 days per week. Physical fitness parameters were evaluated at pre- and postexercise intervention. Results: After training, all three groups had a significantly decreased body mass index (p < 0.05). The IHT group had reduced body fat percentage, visceral fat mass (p < 0.05), blood pressure (p < 0.01), left ankle-brachial index (ABI), maximal heart rate (HRmax) (p < 0.05), expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) (p < 0.01) and increased expression of SIRT1 (p < 0.05), VEGF (p < 0.01). The RNT group had lowered waist-to-hip ratio, visceral fat mass, blood pressure (p < 0.05), and HRmax (p < 0.01). Conclusion: IHT could effectively reduce visceral fat mass and improve vascular elasticity in overweight or obese individuals than pure NT with the activation of SIRT1-related pathways. And RNT also produced similar benefits on body composition and vascular function, which were weaker than those of IHT but stronger than NT. Given the convenience and economy of RNT, both intermittent hypoxic and ischemic training have the potential to be successful health promotion strategies for the overweight/obese population.