Circuit Resistance Training Research Articles

Effect of exercise alone and in combination with time-restricted eating on cardiometabolic health in menopausal women

There is a need to investigate the effect of lifestyle modifications on cardiometabolic health-related issues that occur during menopause. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of resistance and endurance circuit training program alone (exercise group, n = 34) with the effect of time-restricted eating (16:8) combined with a training program (combination group, n = 28) on cardiometabolic health in 62 menopausal women (aged 51.3 ± 4.69 years). Testing was conducted before and after a 12-week period and included an assessment of body composition, glycemic control, lipid panel, blood pressure, and anthropometric measurements. Decreases in body mass index and systolic blood pressure were significantly greater in the combination group than in the exercise group (F(1,60) = 4.482, p = 0.038, η2 = 0.07; F(1,57) = 5.215, p = 0.026, η2 = 0.08, respectively, indicating moderate effects). There were significant decreases in fat mass (p = 0.001, r = 0.654), glucose level (p = 0.017, r = 0.459), insulin level (p = 0.013, r = 0.467), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (p = 0.009, r = 0.499), waist circumference (p = 0.002, r = 0.596), and waist-to-height ratio (p = 0.003, r = 0.588) (indicating moderate effect) in the combination group, while there were no significant changes in the exercise group. There were no changes in lipid panel indicators in either group. This is the first study to investigate the effect of time-restricted eating combined with exercise in menopausal women. The results of the study provide evidence that the combination of time-restricted eating and exercise leads to a greater body mass index reduction than exercise alone in menopausal women.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06138015 registered 18 November 2023—Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06138015.

Spirulina supplementation and circuit resistance training (CRT) reduce serum asprosin and appetite and improve energy balance in men with obesity and overweight.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 8 weeks spirulina supplementation and circuit resistance training (CRT) on asprosin, appetite, and energy balance in men with obesity and overweight. The study comprised a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Sixty men with obesity and overweight (BMI > 25) were selected and randomly divided into four equal groups (n = 15 each) of training plus spirulina, training plus placebo, spirulina, and placebo. The participants of the training groups performed 12 movements with 40-90% maximal repetition (three sessions per week) and the supplemental groups consumed 1000mg of spirulina per day for 8 weeks. Asprosin, appetite using visual analog scales, calorie intake, energy expenditure, and body composition were measured before and after the intervention. To analyze the data, the paired sample t-test, analysis of covariance, Bonferroni post-hoc, and Pearson correlation tests were employed using SPSS (version 20) at a significance level of p < 0.05. After the intervention, asprosin level (P = 0.015, P = 0.015, and P = 0.020, respectively), weight (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively), calorie intake (P = 0.015, P = 0.011, and P = 0.004, respectively), and hunger (P = 0.011, P = 0.015, and P = 0.015, respectively) declined in the training plus spirulina, training plus placebo, and spirulina groups (p < 0.05). In addition, energy expenditure (P = 0.012 and P = 0.015, respectively) and fullness (P = 0.015 and P = 0.011, respectively) increased in the training plus spirulina and training plus placebo groups. The mean changes of the research indicators in the training plus spirulina group were significantly more than those of the other groups (p < 0.001). It was shown that 8 weeks of CRT and spirulina supplementation decreases the level of asprosin and improves appetite and energy balance in men with obesity and overweight.

Comparative Analysis of Adaptations Progress in VO2max, Leg Power, and Agility among Male and Female Sports Science Students

The strength and conditioning program has emerged as a widely adopted, structured exercise intervention aimed at enhancing muscle strength, endurance, speed, power, flexibility, and physical function, all while mitigating the risk of injuries. Several studies, however, have assessed strength and conditioning interventions in general for sports science students at the university. Objectives: Therefore, this study aims to explore the differential effects of a strength and conditioning program incorporating a combination of Continuous Run (CR) and Circuit Training (CT) methods on VO2max, leg power, and agility applied to male and female sports science students. Material and Methods: Utilizing a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest setup spanning from July to October 2022, the study consisted of 8 microcycles (8 weeks) comprising 24 sessions, where each microcycle included 2 active rest days (recovery run). A total of 63 students with bachelor’s degrees in sports science who have recently enrolled as freshmen in the Faculty of Sports Science (n = 39 men; n = 24 women; aged = 18-20 years; mass (kg) man and women = 60 ± 7 and 51 ± 6, Height (cm) men and women = 172 ± 4 and 158 ± 3, and not trained athletes) were selected through purposive sampling and provided informed consent in the present study. Pre- and post-measurements were conducted using the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT), standing broad jump test, and the Illinois agility run test. Descriptive and inferential data analyses (differential pre and post-test using the Wilcoxon test) were performed using SPSS 25 software. Results: Our findings reveal significant improvements in VO2max and leg power following the implementation of a strength and conditioning program that combines circuit training with continuous running for males (from 35.76±5.94 to 41.99±5.35 and 2.175±0.23 to 2.30±0.25, respectively: P&lt;0.05). Meanwhile, for females, (25.97 ± 2.78 to 31.10 ± 3.09; 1.66±0.24 to 1.72±0.17; P&lt;0.05). However, the study does not identify a significant improvement in agility for both male and female participants (17.90±0.95 to 17.69±0.87; P&gt;0.05 and 20.13 ± 1.17 to 19.89 ± 1.19; P&gt;0.05). Conclusions: This investigation provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of an integrated strength and conditioning program using a combination of Continuous Run (CR) and Circuit Training (CT) methods on VO2max and Leg power, for both males and females. Although there were no significant improvements in agility for either males or females, there was an increase in overall averages. The results offer implications for optimizing physical performance and refining training protocols. Therefore, the combination of Continuous Run (CR), circuit training (CT), and Circuit Resistance Training (CRT) has proven to be a practical strategy for enhancing VO2max and leg power. This is particularly relevant for coaches seeking to diversify exercise variations that can be applied to sports science students in the future Keywords: Strength and Conditioning, Circuit Training, Continuous Run, VO2max, Leg Power, Agility, Sports Science Students

Circuit resistance training strategy on maximal strength, rate of force development and power: A random model meta-analysis

Circuit resistance training strategy on maximal strength, rate of force development and power: A random model meta-analysis

Effects of HIIT training and HIIT combined with circuit resistance training on measures of physical fitness, miRNA expression, and metabolic risk factors in overweight/obese middle-aged women

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 10 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and HIIT combined with circuit resistance training (HCRT) on selected measures of physical fitness, the expression of miR-9, -15a, -34a, -145, and − 155 as well as metabolic risk factors including lipid profiles and insulin resistance in middle-aged overweight/obese women.MethodsTwenty-seven overweight/obese women aged 35–50 yrs. were randomized to HIIT (n = 14) or HCRT (n = 13) groups. The HIIT group performed running exercises (5 reps x 4 min per session) with active recovery between repetitions for 10 weeks with 5 weekly sessions. The HCRT group performed 10 weeks of HIIT and resistance training with 3 weekly HIIT sessions and 2 weekly HCRT sessions. Anthropometric measures (e.g., body mass), selected components of physical fitness (cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength), levels of miRNAs (miR-9, -15a, -34a, -145, and − 155), lipid profiles (total cholesterol; TC, Triglycerides; TG, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-C and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; HDL-C), and insulin resistance; HOMA-IR index, were measured at baseline and week 10.ResultsAn ANOVA analysis indicated no significant group by time interactions (p > 0.05) for all anthropometric measures, and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max). A significant group by time interaction, however, was found for the one-repetition maximum (IRM; p < 0.001, ES= 0.751 , moderate). A post-hoc test indicated an increase in the pre-to-post mean 1RM for HCRT (p = 0.001, ES = 1.83, large). There was a significant group by time interaction for miR-155 (p = 0.05, ES = 0.014, trivial). Levels for miR-155 underwent pre-to-post HIIT increases (p = 0.045, ES = 1.232, large). Moreover, there were also significant group by time interactions for TC (p = 0.035, ES = 0.187, trivial), TG (p < 0.001, ES = 0.586, small), LDL-C (p = 0.029, ES = 0.200, small) and HDL-C (p = 0.009, ES = 0.273, small). Post-hoc tests indicated pre-post HCRT decreases for TC (p = 0.001, ES = 1.44, large) and HDL-C (p = 0.001, ES = 1.407, large). HIIT caused pre-to-post decreases in TG (p = 0.001, ES = 0.599, small), and LDL-C (p = 0.001, ES = 0.926, moderate).ConclusionsBoth training regimes did not improve cardiovascular fitness. But, HCRT improved lower/upper limb muscle strength, and HIIT resulted in an increase in miR-155 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Furthermore, HIIT and HCRT each improved selected metabolic risk factors including lipid profiles and glucose and insulin metabolism in overweight/obese middle-aged women.Trial registrationOSF, October, 4th 2023. Registration DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/UZ92E. osf.io/tc5ky. “Retrospectively registered”.

Choriocapillaris Perfusion after 8 Weeks of High-Speed Circuit Training in Older Healthy Adults

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the impact of an 8-week high-speed circuit resistance training program (HSCT) on choriocapillaris density (CCD) in healthy older adults. Methods Eighteen cognitively normal older adults were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the HSCT or the control group (CON). The HSCT group was comprised of 11 participants who trained three times a week for eight weeks, while the CON group consisted of 7 participants who did not engage in formal training. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was employed to image both eyes of each subject at baseline and at the 8-week follow-up. The choriocapillaris density (CCD) of 2.5 mm in diameter centered on the fovea was measured. Results The average age of the HSCT group was 70.3 ± 5.7 years, which was not different from the CON group (average age: 71.6 ± 5.2 years, p = 0.62). There were no significant changes in CCD between baseline and the 8-week follow-up in either the HSCT or the CON group—specifically, the baseline CCD in the HSCT group was 63.3% ± 5% (Mean ± SD), which did not differ significantly from the 8-week follow-up after HSCT training (64.7% ± 4%, p = 0.19). Likewise, there was no significant difference in CCD between baseline and the 8-week follow-up in the CON group (63.3% ± 3% and 62.7% ± 5%, respectively, p = 0.66). Conclusion CCD appeared to remain stable after 8 weeks of HSCT in healthy older individuals, possibly due to autoregulation. Further research with extended training may be necessary to verify these findings.

Effect of resistance circuit training on comprehensive health indicators in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The aging process leads to the degeneration of body structure and function. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of resistance circuit training (RCT) on comprehensive health indicators of older adults. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched until August 2023. Primary outcomes were body composition, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, blood pressure, and functional autonomy. Muscle function and exercise intensity subgroups were analyzed. RCT reduces body fat (MD = − 5.39 kg, 95% CI − 10.48 to − 0.29), BMI (MD = − 1.22, 95% CI − 2.17 to − 0.26), and body weight (MD = − 1.28 kg, 95% CI − 1.78 to − 0.78), and increases lean body mass (MD = 1.42 kg, 95% CI 0.83–2.01) in older adults. It improves upper limb strength (SMD = 2.09, 95% CI 1.7–2.48), lower limb strength (SMD = 2.03, 95% CI 1.56–2.51), cardiorespiratory endurance (MD = 94 m, 95% CI 25.69–162.67), and functional autonomy (MD = − 1.35, 95% CI − 1.73 to − 0.96). High-intensity RCT benefits BMI and body weight, while low-intensity exercise reduces blood pressure. RCT improves muscle function in push, pull, hip, and knee movements in older adults. RCT improves body composition, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, blood pressure, and functional autonomy in older adults. High-intensity training is superior for body composition, while moderate to low intensity training is more effective for lowering blood pressure.

Decreased retinal capillary density as a beneficial response to 24-week high-speed circuit resistant training in healthy older adults

PurposeTo determine the changes in retinal microvascular density after a 24-week high-speed circuit resistance training program (HSCT) in healthy older adults. MethodsThirty healthy older adults were recruited and randomly assigned to either a training group (HSCT) or a non-training (CON) group. Fifteen subjects (age 73.3 ± 7.76 yrs) in the HSCT group exercised three times per week on non-consecutive days for 24 weeks. Fifteen subjects in the CON group (age 72.2 ± 6.04 yrs) did not have formal physical training. Both eyes of each subject were imaged using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) at baseline and at the 24-week follow-up. The vessel densities of the retinal vascular network (RVN), superficial vascular plexus (SVP), and deep vascular plexus (DVP) were measured. ResultsThere were no demographic differences between the study groups. There were significant decreases in the retinal vessel densities of RVN, SVP and DVP in the HSCT group (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant changes in all three vascular measurements in the CON group (P > 0.05), although the changes showed a decreasing trend. The decreased vessel densities were doubled in the HSCT group in comparison to the CON group. However, the differences between groups did not reach a significant level (P > 0.05). ConclusionsThis is the first study to reveal the decreased retinal vessel densities as a possible imaging marker for the beneficial effects of the 24-week HSCT program in older adults.

Ab. No. 154 Effect of High Intensity Circuit Training on Central Fatigue and Cognitive Function Among Recreational Athletes: An Annotated Bibliographic Review

Introduction: Circuit training is a type of training evolved by Morgan and Anderson in 1953. This training involves “a circuit” including 6-9 exercises (aerobic exercises, resistance exercise etc). Averting fatigue is an area of discussion nowadays for recreational athletes too along with professional athletes. This concern needs comprehension about the fatigue’s understanding, its aetiology and mechanisms. Central fatigue stipulates decrease in voluntary activation during exercise. The type, duration and intensity of exercise are several factors which are responsible for the magnitude of fatigue as well as cognitive function. The aim of the present study is to find out the effect of circuit training on fatigue and cognitive function among recreational athlete. Methods: A literature search was performed using Google Scholar, PubMed and Cochrane databases. A total of more than 50 articles showed up on PubMed and 15 on Cochrane with the term “recreational athletes”. The search terms used were ‘circuit training’, ‘central fatigue’, ‘recreational athletes’, ‘cognition’, ‘beep test’, ‘GPAQ’. In order to decrease the risk of neglecting relevant articles, a detailed research plan was created. Articles were evaluated with central fatigue &amp; Stroop test and the effect of high resistance circuit provided to recreational athletes were included. Exercise interventions other than high resistance circuit training were excluded. The articles were checked thoroughly and only full text articles were included for this review. These studies were reviewed in a narrative way. Conclusion: This bibliographic study conclude that the circuit and high intensity resistance training has improved various parameters such as resistance to fatigue, cognitive function in recreational athletes.

The Eight-Week Circuit Resistance Training Decreased the Serum Levels of WISP-1 and WISP-2 in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

The Eight-Week Circuit Resistance Training Decreased the Serum Levels of WISP-1 and WISP-2 in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Circuit Resistance Training on Serum Levels of GPR119 and β-Arrestin1 in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Circuit Resistance Training on Serum Levels of GPR119 and β-Arrestin1 in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

Therapeutic Lifestyle Intervention Targeting Enhanced Cardiometabolic Health and Function for Persons with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury in Caregiver/Care-Receiver Co-Treatment: A Study Protocol of a Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial.

Chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) significantly accelerates morbidity and mortality, partly due to the increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases (CMD), including neurogenic obesity, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose metabolism. While exercise and dietary interventions have shown some transient benefits in reducing CMD risk, they often fail to improve clinically relevant disease markers and cardiovascular events. Moreover, SCI also places caregiving demands on their caregivers, who themselves experience health and functional decline. This underscores the need for more substantial interventions that incorporate appropriate physical activity, heart-healthy nutrition, and behavioral support tailored to the SCI population. This randomized clinical trial (RCT) protocol will (1) assess the health and functional effects, user acceptance, and satisfaction of a 6-month comprehensive therapeutic lifestyle intervention (TLI) adapted from the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) for individuals with chronic SCI and (2) examine the impact of a complementary caregiver program on the health and function of SCI caregivers and evaluate user acceptance and satisfaction. Caregivers (linked with their partners) will be randomized to 'behavioral support' or 'control condition'. Dyadic couples comprise individuals with SCI (18-65 years, >1-year post-injury, ASIA Impairment Scale A-C, injury levels C5-L1) and non-disabled SCI caregivers (18-65 years). Both groups undergo lock-step circuit resistance training, a calorie-restricted Mediterranean-style diet, and 16 educational sessions focused on diet/exercise goals, self-monitoring, psychological and social challenges, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. The outcome measures encompass the cardiometabolic risks, cardiorespiratory fitness, inflammatory stress, multidimensional function, pain, life quality, independence, self-efficacy, program acceptance, and life satisfaction for SCI participants. The caregiver outcomes include multidimensional function, pain, quality of life, independence, and perceived caregiver burden. This study evaluates the effects and durability of a structured, multi-modal intervention on health and function. The results and intervention material will be disseminated to professionals and consumers for broader implementation. ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02853149 Registered 2 August 2016.

Garmin Wrist Watches Heart Rate And Energy Expenditure Validity During Light Circuit Resistance Training

Garmin Wrist Watches Heart Rate And Energy Expenditure Validity During Light Circuit Resistance Training

TheEffects of Eight Weeks of Circuit Resistance Training on Serum METRNL Levels and Insulin Resistance in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes.

The effects of exercise training on meteorin-like protein (METRNL), one of the newest factors involved, is one of the treatment strategies for diabetes. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of circuit resistance training on METRNL and insulin resistance in people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Twenty eligible diabetics volunteered to participate and were randomly divided into control (n = 10, age = 51 ± 1years, BMI = 27.43 ± 0.98kg/m2) and experimental groups (n = 10, age = 51 ± 1years, BMI = 30.12 ± 0.92kg/m2). The circuit resistance training (10 exercises) used in this study was performed for eight weeks (3 non-consecutive sessions/week, 2-4 circuits, 40%-80% 1RM, 15-6 repetitions). The rest period between each exercise was 20-30s, and the rest between each circuit was 3min. Participants in the control groups were asked to maintain their daily physical activities and not to engage in any systematic training program throughout the study. METRNL did not change significantly in the control group (0.66 ± 0.06 to 0.7 ± 0.04), but it increased significantly in the experimental group (0.3 ± 0.06 to 0.71 ± 0.03, p = 0.001); In contrast, FBS increased significantly in the control group (122.8 ± 7.5 to 192.8 ± 14.9) and decreased significantly in the experimental group (197.2 ± 7.1 to 135.00 ± 14.00, p = 0.001). Insulin in control and experimental groups did not change significantly (p = 0.96); However, the IR of the control group increased significantly (6.37 ± 1.46 to 9.6 ± 1.53), but its level was significantly attenuated in the experimental group (4.89 ± 1.37 to 4.38 ± 1.44, p = 0.028). Eigth weeks of circuit resistance training with low to high intensities can increase the resting levels of METRNL in men with T2DM, which can be significantly associated with the improved fasting blood glucose levels and insulin resistance.

Effect of Resistance Circuit Training and Intensive Interval Training on Speed of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Kho-Kho Players

Effect of Resistance Circuit Training and Intensive Interval Training on Speed of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Kho-Kho Players

Impact of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation and Resistance Training Programme on Strength Parameters and Body Composition in Group of Elderly Women at Risk of Sarcopenia

Objective: The purpose of the study is to compare the effect of ten-week lasting whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) and the circuit resistance training programme (RT) on body composition and strength parameters in women at risk of sarcopenia. Methods: The WB-EMS programme was carried out once a week and included ten exercise sessions, the RT was carried out twice a week and included 20 sessions. 17 elderly women participated in the study, nine in a WB-EMS intervention group (age: 63.11±1.52 years; weight: 70.07±9.07kg; height: 165.11±6.4cm; BMI 25.81±3.96kg/m2), eight in a RT group (age: 62.13±1.69 years; weight: 73.58±3.87 kg; BMI 27.34±2.58 kg/m2). To assess body composition, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used. To determine the level of strength parameters, hand dynamometry and isokinetic dynamometry of knee flexors and knee extensors were used. Results: Body composition assessment was performed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and strength parameters were evaluated using isometric dynamometry (knee flexors and extensors strength). After completing ten weeks of intervention, significant differences were observed for lean muscle mass (RT group, Leanmasspre-test 43316.91 ± 1856.77 vs. Leanmasspost-test 43939.56 ± 1869.84, p= 0.0307). No significant differences were found between the pre-test and post-test in the WB-EMS group (Leanmasspre-test 39472.56 ± 3370.04 vs. Leanmasspost-test 38835.56 ± 3306.84, p= 0.5995). The isokinetic dynamometry analysis showed significant differences for the extensors and the peak torque on the right side in the RT group (Extensors Peak Torquepre-test 98.00 ± 13.55 vs. Extensors Peak Torquepost-test 38835.56 ± 3306.84, p= 0.0160; Flexors Peak Torquepre-test 54.25 ± 11.14 vs. Flexors Peak Torquepost-test 59.75 ± 11.13, p= 0.0059). Conclusions: The most obvious finding that emerges from this study is that resistance training has shown a greater effect than whole-body electromyostimulation.

Effect of Resistance Circuit Training and Intensive Interval Training on Vital Capacity of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Kho-Kho Players

The purpose of this research study was Effect of Resistance Circuit Training and Intensive Interval Training on Vital Capacity of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Kho-Kho Players Male players of Kho-Kho selected at school level in Veer Narmad South Gujarat University District were selected in the present study. Total 90 male players were selected as subjects for the sample of the present study, in which 30 players were included in the Resistance Circuit training group, 30 in Intensive Interval training group and 30 players were included in the control group. The male players of 13 to 17 years age group were included in the present study. In this research study vital capacity was measured by peak flow meter. Statistical technique such as analysis of covariance was applied to know the effects on Resistance Circuit training group and Intensive Interval training group. Mean difference was examined at 0.05 levels by using Least Significant Difference (Post Hoc) Test. The conclusion of which was seen as follows. Remarkable improvement was found in Vital Capacity of selected subjects by 12 weeks systematic Resistance Circuit training and Intensive Interval training programmes.

The effect of 8 weeks of circuit resistance training on serum levels of decorin and IGF-I in sedentary young men

The effect of 8 weeks of circuit resistance training on serum levels of decorin and IGF-I in sedentary young men

Effect of resistance circuit training on health-related physical fitness, plasma lipid, and adiponectin in obese college students.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of resistance circuit training on health-related physical fitness, plasma lipid and adiponectin in obese college students. Twenty male college students participated in this study and they were randomly divided into the sedentary group (SG, n=10) and the resistance circuit training group (RCG, n=10). The exercise group underwent the resistance circuit training program for 60 min 3 times a week for 12 weeks, while the sedentary group continued activities of daily living as usual. The levels of health-related fitness, blood lipid, and adiponectin were measured twice before and after the experiment. To analyze the statistically significance of collected data, Two-way repeated measure analysis of variance was used to determine the changes in the groups over the training period. A paired t-test was used to verify the difference within each group, and an independent t-test was used to verify the difference between the groups. In this study, the body composition including body fat mass, percent body fat and body mass index were significantly decreased in RCG compared to those in SG, and the health-related fitness showed a significant difference between RCG and SG. In addition, RCG positively modulated blood concentration of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, plasma adiponectin concentration did not show any significant differences between the two groups. Therefore, the present data suggested that resistance circuit training might be regulator to improve health-related physical fitness and decrease the level of plasma lipid in obese male college students.

Exploring the effects of a combined exercise programme on pain and fatigue outcomes in people with systemic sclerosis: study protocol for a large European multi-centre randomised controlled trial

BackgroundPain, related to Raynaud’s phenomenon or digital ulceration, has been identified as very prevalent and debilitating symptoms of systemic sclerosis (SSc), both significantly affecting patients’ quality of life (QoL). Pharmacological therapeutic strategies were found not to be sufficiently effective in the management of SSc-induced pain and fatigue, and evidence for exercise is scarce. As yet, the effects of a long-term, tailored exercise programme on pain and fatigue in patients with SSc have not been explored. In addition to pain and fatigue, this study aims to evaluate the effects of exercise on QoL, physical fitness, functional capacity, and vascular structure in people with SSc (PwSSc).MethodsThis will be a multicentre (n = 6) randomised controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of a previously established, supervised 12-week combined exercise programme on pain and fatigue as compared to no exercise in PwSSc. The study will recruit 180 patients with SSc that will be allocated randomly to two groups. Group A will perform the exercise programme parallel to standard usual care and group B will receive usual care alone. Patients in the exercise group will undertake two, 45-min sessions each week consisting of 30-min high-intensity interval training (HIIT) (30-s 100% peak power output/30-s passive recovery) on an arm crank ergometer and 15 min of upper body circuit resistance training. Patients will be assessed before as well as at 3 and 6 months following randomisation. Primary outcomes of the study will be pain and fatigue assessed via questionnaires. Secondary outcomes include quality of life, structure of digital microvasculature, body composition, physical fitness, and functional capacity.DiscussionData from this multi-centre research clinical trial will primarily be used to establish the effectiveness of a combined exercise protocol to improve pain and fatigue in SSc. In parallel, this study will be the first to explore the effects of long-term exercise on potential microvascular alterations assessed via NVC. Overall, this study will provide sufficient data to inform current clinical practice guidelines and may lead to an improvement of QoL for patients with SSc.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05234671. Registered on 14 January 2022