Resistance Training Research Articles

Research progress on the mechanism of exercise against depression

The substantial global health burden of depression encourages the development of innovative and broadly effective interventions. This paper aimed to examine recent advancements by which exercise works as an antidepressant and recommends optimal types and quantity of exercise as supplemental therapies in treating depression. Sedentary behavior and low physical activity significantly influence the onset of depression. Being an effective treatment option, exercise can significantly reduce depression risk. Exercise exerts antidepressant effects as it modulates neurotransmitters, neuroplasticity, the immune system, and hormone levels. Effective exercise forms include yoga, strength training, and walking/jogging. Tailored exercise regimens that consider individual preferences and tolerability can improve outcomes. Regular exercise enhances general well-being and reduces depressive symptoms. Additional research is needed to understand the complex basis of exercise's effects on depression. Exercise is a cost-effective and accessible intervention for depression management that needs additional exploration. Thus, customized exercise programs, as per each patient’s needs, are essential for their successful implementation clinically.

Core Components of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs: 2024 Update: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

The science of cardiac rehabilitation and the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease has progressed substantially since the most recent American Heart Association and American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation update on the core components of cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs was published in 2007. In addition, the advent of new care models, including virtual and remote delivery of cardiac rehabilitation services, has expanded the ways that cardiac rehabilitation programs can reach patients. In this scientific statement, we update the scientific basis of the core components of patient assessment, nutritional counseling, weight management and body composition, cardiovascular disease and risk factor management, psychosocial management, aerobic exercise training, strength training, and physical activity counseling. In addition, in recognition that high-quality cardiac rehabilitation programs regularly monitor their processes and outcomes and engage in an ongoing process of quality improvement, we introduce a new core component of program quality. High-quality program performance will be essential to improve widely documented low enrollment and adherence rates and reduce health disparities in cardiac rehabilitation access.

Effects of resistance training vs high intensity interval training on body composition, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and quality of life in survivors of breast cancer: a randomized trial

Effects of resistance training vs high intensity interval training on body composition, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and quality of life in survivors of breast cancer: a randomized trial

Evaluating the effects of exercise protocols in hospitalized onco-hematological patients: a systematic review.

Physical activity is associated with improved functionality, independence and quality of life in cancer patients undergoing active treatment. Exercises can be prescribed to improve patient outcomes. Evaluate the effects of applied exercise protocols on functional capacity, quality of life, fatigue and muscle strength in hospitalized onco-hematological patients compared to conventional treatment. Systematic literature review carried out in PUBMED, EMBASE and Scopus databases with the following descriptors: Hematological neoplasms AND Exercise Therapy AND Hospitalization, in November 2023. Studies with adult inpatients with hematological neoplasms who performed an exercise protocol in the intervention group were included. After applying the eligibility criteria, 9 articles were included in the review, 7 of which were randomized clinical trials and 6 were carried out on transplant patients. The most commonly assessed outcome was functional capacity, followed by muscle strength and quality of life, and ending with an assessment of fatigue. Studies have shown positive results for patients, especially those that combine resistance and aerobic exercise protocols. An exercise protocol for patients with onco-hematological diseases can improve the outcomes analyzed. Aerobic and resistance exercises should be performed, but more studies are needed to assess the time and doses required for each activity.

Effect of different training modalities on lipid metabolism in patients with type ii diabetes mellitus: a network meta-analysis.

This study to evaluate the effects of different training modalities on blood lipids in type II diabetic patients by Network Meta-analysis, and provide a relevant basis for patients to develop exercise prescriptions to regulate blood lipids. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were retrieved from Zhiwang, Wanfang, Wipu, PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science that were published from the establishment to February 2023. Relevant statistical analyses were performed using Stata 17.0 software and Revman 5.4. A total of 35 randomized controlled trials with 2771 patients with type II diabetes were finally included. The results of Network Meta-analysis showed that, compared with the control group, Chinese traditional fitness exercise (CTF), resistance training (RT), and aerobic training (AT) could reduce total cholesterol (TC) levels; CTF, RT, whole body vibration training (WBV), and AT could reduce triacylglycerol (TG) levels; CTF, WBV and AT could increase High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) levels; CTF, RT and AT could reduce Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels. SUCRA probability ranking results showed that CTF was the most effective in reducing TC[SMD= -0.57, 95% CI (-0.83, -0.31), p < 0.001], TG[SMD= -0.24, 95% CI (-0.36, -0.12), p < 0.001], LDL[SMD= -0.52, 95% CI (-0.70, -0.35), p < 0.001]; RT was the most effective in increasing HDL[SMD = 0.14, 95% CI (0.03, 0.26), p < 0.05]. CTF is more effective in improving TC, TG and LDL levels, while RT is most effective in improving HDL levels.

Comparative effectiveness of exercise interventions for primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Exercise is increasingly being promoted as an effective treatment for primary dysmenorrhea (PD). This study aims to conduct a comprehensive network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials to identify the optimal types and dosages of exercise for managing PD in women. Adhering to PRISMA-NMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed RCTs from the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase databases up to May 23, 2024. Data analysis was performed using 'GEMTC' and 'BUGSnet' packages within a Bayesian framework in R and a hierarchy of exercise treatments was also calculated using surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values. Subgroup analyses were conducted to identify the most effective exercise regimens, including duration, frequency, and volume of the exercise interventions. Forty-nine studies representing 3,129 participants (1,640 exercises and 1,489 controls) were included. The results showed that all exercise interventions significantly reduced menstrual pain of the PD patients. Of six exercise intervention modalities based on the study ranked effectiveness, statistically significant reductions in pain intensity were found for resistance exercise and multi-component exercise. Multi-component exercise and stretching exercise were ranked best for menstrual symptoms, while core-strengthening exercise and multi-component exercise had the greatest impact on reducing pain duration. Significant and clinically important reductions or reliefs in pain occurred with 4 to 8 weeks of exercise training from all exercises, with resistance exercise showing the best efficacy when the duration exceeded 8 weeks, followed by multi-component exercise and mind-body exercise. Multi-component exercise and aerobic exercise with 1 to 3 sessions per week induced greater benefit in performance improvements, while resistance exercise with increased frequency showed the enhanced performance. Resistance exercise could elicit better efficacy within` 30-minute training duration, and multi-component exercise was ranked the best if such a training over 30min. This study provided quantitative insight into efficacy and effectiveness of exercise interventions on PD treatments. All six different exercises are associated with positive influence on PD management. Our study indicates that this exercise training induced adaptation may have therapeutic benefits for PD patients; however, such alterations and improvements are affected by exercise regiments.

Can Perceived Exertion and Velocity Loss Serve as Indirect Indicators of Muscle Fatigue During Explosive Back Squat Exercise?

Background: Muscle fatigue is inevitable during resistance exercises, making its monitoring essential for maintaining athletic performance and reducing the risk of injury. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and velocity loss have been reported as reliable indicators of muscle fatigue during explosive resistance exercises. However, their validity has been assessed only indirectly. This study aimed to directly examine the validity of RPE and velocity loss as markers of muscle fatigue during explosive back squat (BS) exercises. Methods: Seventeen trained men performed three BS tasks with varying volumes (low, medium, high) at 65% of their one-repetition maximum. RPE, spectral fatigue index (SFI), and velocity loss were measured throughout the tasks. Results: Significant effects were observed across conditions for overall RPE (p &lt; 0.001) and velocity loss (p &lt; 0.001), while no significant effect was found for SFI. RPE and SFI increased significantly as the tasks progressed (p &lt; 0.001), while velocity did not significantly decrease. Significant but weak correlations were found between RPE and SFI (r = 0.325, p &lt; 0.001) and between velocity loss and SFI (r = 0.224, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: These findings suggest that RPE and muscle fatigue levels increase correspondingly, indicating that RPE could serve as a practical, indirect fatigue marker for explosive BS exercises. However, velocity loss may not fully reflect muscle fatigue during lower-body explosive training and should not be used as the sole indicator. Additionally, caution is warranted when applying velocity-related parameters as indirect physiological markers for resistance exercises. The significant but weak correlations between RPE, velocity loss, and SFI suggest that assessing muscle fatigue in lower-body exercises remains challenging.

Machine-Based Resistance Training Improves Functional Capacity in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background/Objectives: Resistance training (RT) can improve the functional performance of older adults, maintaining independence and quality of life. It has been proposed that training interventions should implement exercises associated with the movements needed in everyday life. However, this strength training philosophy presents challenges, specifically to older adults, and the use of resistance machines might present an efficacious alternative. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the impact of machine-based RT on strength and functional capacity in older adults. Methods: The inclusion criteria were for strength training interventions to be a minimum of 6 weeks, using only resistance machines, with pre- and post-intervention measurements of functional capacity of either a timed up-and-go and/or a sit-to-stand test, and including healthy older adults (&gt;60 years). Results: Following the screening, 17 articles met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, 15 of which were included in the meta-analysis for functional outcomes (n = 614 participants), and 11 of which were included in the meta-analysis for strength outcomes (n = 511 participants). Analyses revealed significant standardized mean change in favor of machine-based RT for functional outcomes (0.72, 95% CIs 0.39 to 1.07) and strength outcomes (0.71, 95% CIs 0.34 to 1.08) compared to control conditions (functional = 0.09, 95% CIs − 0.1 to 0.28, strength = 0.1, 95% CIs − 0.05 to 0.24). Substantial heterogeneity was noted in the manipulation of RT variables and the magnitude of effects between studies. Conclusions: The data presented support the idea that significant strength and functional performance outcomes are attainable using uncomplicated, machine-based RT.

Time-series transcriptomics reveals distinctive mRNA expression dynamics associated with gene ontology specificity and protein expression in skeletal muscle after electrical stimulation-induced resistance exercise.

Resistance exercise upregulates and downregulates the expression of a wide range of genes in skeletal muscle. However, detailed analysis of mRNA dynamics such as response rates and temporal patterns of the transcriptome after resistance exercise has not been performed. We aimed to clarify the dynamics of time-series transcriptomics after resistance exercise. We used electrical stimulation-induced muscle contraction as a resistance exercise model (5 sets × 10 times of 3 s of 100-Hz electrical stimulation) on the tibialis anterior muscle of rats and measured the transcriptome in the muscle before and at 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 h after muscle contractions by RNA sequencing. We also examined the relationship between the parameters of mRNA dynamics and the increase in protein expression at 12 h after muscle contractions. We found that the function of the upregulated genes differed after muscle contractions depending on their response rate. Genes related to muscle differentiation and response to mechanical stimulus were enriched in the sustainedly upregulated genes. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the magnitude of upregulated mRNA expression and the corresponding protein expression level at 12 h after muscle contractions. Although it has been theoretically suggested, this study experimentally demonstrated that the magnitude of the mRNA response after electrical stimulation-induced resistance exercise contributes to skeletal muscle adaptation via increases in protein expression. These findings suggest that mRNA expression dynamics such as response rate, a sustained upregulated expression pattern, and the magnitude of the response contribute to mechanisms underlying adaptation to resistance exercise.

Provision of online information and resources for resistance training in Australian youth sports: A scoping review

Objectives This study aimed to identify and synthesize online information/resources related to resistance training provided by governing bodies of the ten most popular youth sports in Australia. Design A scoping review. Methods The top 10 organised out-of-school sports were eligible for the review. A systematic search of national sporting organisation and associated websites was conducted, using key search terms. Data were extracted regarding information and/or resources aligning with current international youth muscle-and-bone strengthening activity guidelines (i.e., 5–17 years, three days per week). Results For all ten sports, information/resources on resistance training were provided for athletes or coaches, however the type of information and level of detail varied. There was lack of consistency between guidelines and information provided by sports. Age of commencement recommendations ranged from four years (athletics) to 14 years (Australian football), whilst others suggested resistance training for all ages (gymnastics) or did not provide an explicit age range (tennis and cricket). Regarding frequency, few sports organisations provided a recommendation for how many days per week resistance training should be performed. Some sports alluded to the need for youth to develop muscular fitness to enhance fitness and performance, whilst others focused primarily on the need for resistance training as an injury prevention tool. Conclusions Our findings highlight the gap that exists in the provision of information in relation to resistance training in Australian sports. It is important that national sporting organisations look to educate athletes and coaches (and parents) from grassroots levels on the need for muscular fitness.

Downhill running does not alter blood C1q availability or complement-dependent cytotoxicity of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies against haematological cancer cell lines in vitro.

Complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) is a primary mechanism-of-action of monoclonal antibody (mAb) immunotherapies used to treat haematological cancers, including rituximab and daratumumab. However, mAb efficacy may be limited by reduced bioavailability of complement C1q - which activates the complement classical pathway following interactions with mAb-opsonised target cells. C1q is secreted by phagocytes upon recruitment to sites of muscle damage to facilitate muscular repair, hence we hypothesised that muscle damaging exercise may increase C1q 'spill-over' into blood. Additionally, other complement proteins (e.g., C1s) have been reported to increase following ultra-endurance and resistance exercise. Taken together, we hypothesised that muscle damaging exercise could be harnessed to enhance mAb-mediated CDC. In this study, n = 8 healthy males (28 ± 5-years) completed two 45-minute treadmill running protocols: (1) a flat running protocol at a speed 15% above anaerobic threshold, and (2) a downhill running protocol (- 10% slope) at the same speed. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and 1-hour, 24-hours, 2-days, and 4-days after exercise. Isolated serum was assessed for C1q by ELISA, and used to measure mAb (rituximab, daratumumab) mediated CDC against two haematological cancer cell lines (Raji, RPMI-8226) in vitro. Isolated plasma was assessed for markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP]), and muscle damage (creatine kinase [CK]) by turbidimetry. C1q and CDC activity were not different between running protocols and did not change over time (p > 0.05). Significantly greater perceived muscle soreness (p < 0.001) and fluctuations observed from baseline to 24-hours post-exercise in the downhill running trial in CK (+ 171%) and CRP (+ 66%) suggests some degree of muscle damage was present. It is possible that any increase in C1q post-exercise may have been masked by the increase and subsequent interaction with CRP, which utilises C1q to facilitate muscular repair. This is the first study to investigate whether exercise can increase circulating C1q and improve mAb-mediated CDC and our findings show that downhill running exercise does not increase circulating C1q nor improve CDC in vitro.

Does Higher Compliance With American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Prescription Guidelines Influence Exercise Outcomes in Knee Osteoarthritis? A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

We wanted to determine if higher compliance with American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) exercise prescription guidelines influences exercise outcomes in knee osteoarthritis (OA). We conducted a systematic review. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and Embase up to January 4, 2024, for randomized controlled trials evaluating resistance and/or aerobic exercise for knee OA. Interventions were classified as higher compliance (meeting ≥60% of ACSM guideline recommendations for frequency, intensity, and duration) or lower compliance (meeting <60% of recommendations). Effects on pain and function were evaluated via meta-analysis, stratified by compliance. Twenty-five trials (3,290 participants) evaluated combined resistance and aerobic programs, with no differences in outcomes between those with higher and lower compliance (standardized mean difference [SMD] pain: -0.38 [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.59 to -0.17] vs -0.31 [95% CI -0.45 to -0.16], respectively; SMD function: -0.43 [95% CI -0.64 to -0.21] vs -0.36 [95% CI -0.58 to -0.14]). Sixty-six trials (5,231 participants) evaluated resistance exercise, with no differences between interventions with higher and lower compliance (SMD pain: -0.60 [95% CI -0.81 to -0.39] vs -0.93 [95% CI -1.27 to -0.59]; SMD function: -0.64 [95% CI -0.83 to -0.44] vs -0.85 [95% CI -1.20 to -0.49]). Twelve trials (958 participants) evaluated aerobic exercise, with no differences between interventions with higher and lower compliance (SMD pain: -0.79 [95% CI -1.20 to -0.38] vs -1.00 [95% CI -2.52 to 0.53]; SMD function: -0.83 [95% CI -1.27 to -0.38] vs -0.76 [95% CI -2.02 to 0.50]). Higher or lower compliance with ACSM exercise prescription guidelines did not influence exercise outcomes. Given there was substantial heterogeneity and many publications were at risk of bias, our results should be interpreted with caution.

The Safety, Feasibility, and Efficacy of a Structured Individual Exercise Program for Community-Dwelling Stroke Patients

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, often resulting in low levels of physical activity post-discharge. A comprehensive exercise program could be a safe method to increase stroke patients’ physical activity and exercise volume. This pilot study examines the effectiveness, safety, and feasibility of a comprehensive exercise regimen for stroke patients residing in the community after discharge. Methods: This single-group pilot study included patients who received inpatient rehabilitation for motor impairment following a stroke. Community-dwelling participants engaged in a comprehensive exercise program, which was structured and individualized, consisting of stretching, aerobic exercise, strength training, and balance exercises, conducted under the supervision of a health exercise specialist in a dedicated living lab within the hospital. The program involved 20 sessions, each lasting 50 min, conducted three to five times weekly. The pre- and post-intervention evaluations were comprehensive, including safety and validity assessments, along with physical function tests such as cardiopulmonary exercise testing and various fitness tests (6 min walk test, timed up and go test, chair stand test, figure-of-8 walk test, grip strength test, and sit-and-reach test). Depression levels were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results: A total of 22 subjects were recruited, with 21 completing the study after one dropout due to fatigue and visiting distance. Among the 21 completers, one subject experienced a mild adverse event (hypoglycemia), which was not serious, confirming the program’s safety. The exercise participation rate was 95.5%, and the adherence rate averaged 95.2%, with all completers achieving over 80% adherence. Significant improvements were observed in VO2 peak (p = 0.000), 6 min walk test (p = 0.000), timed up and go test (p = 0.000), chair stand test (p = 0.000), figure-of-8 walk test (p = 0.000), and grip strength (p = 0.001). However, changes in the peak respiratory exchange ratio (p = 0.078), sit-and-reach test (p = 0.228) and GDS scores (p = 0.275) were not significant. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the comprehensive exercise program is sufficiently safe and valid for stroke rehabilitation patients. The program significantly enhances cardiopulmonary endurance, walking ability, balance, muscle strength, muscle endurance, and coordination. Further research with larger sample sizes and control groups is needed to confirm these findings and explore additional benefits.

Differences in 6-Minute Walk Distance Across Heart Disease Recurrence Risk Levels in Cardiac Rehab Patients

Background/Objectives: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are multi-component interventions comprising structured strength and cardiovascular exercise training, psychological support, education, and therapies to promote positive lifestyle changes. This study aimed to determine if there are differences in the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) across risk groups for recurrent heart disease. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used existing data collected from electronic medical records. The 6-minute walk distance was measured at baseline (pre-6MWD) and upon the completion of the CR program (post-6MWD). Short-term cardiac event recurrence risk was determined using a two-year recurrent coronary heart disease (2yRCHD) risk percentage, calculated according to the Framingham 2yRCHD calculator. Risk was then stratified into (1) low, (2) moderate, and (3) high-risk groups. Demographic variables (e.g., age, sex, racial/ethnic group) and clinical variables (e.g., BMI, lipid panels, fasting glucose levels, comorbidities) were collected to describe the study participants and identify potential confounders. An ANOVA and ANCOVA were performed to examine the differences in 6MWD across the 2yRCHD risk groups. Results: A total of 394 CR participants’ data were included in this analysis. Ninety-nine percent of the female participants were classified as low risk for recurrent heart disease, resulting in an extremely small sample size in the moderate-risk (n = 1) and no representation (n = 0) in the high-risk group. This lack of representation made it impossible to conduct comparative analyses across all the participants or to analyze female participants separately by risk category. Consequently, only male participant data were included in the final analysis. The study showed that pre- and post-6MWD measurements were significantly different across the three 2yRCHD risk groups (p = 0.006 for pre-6MWD; p = 0.002 for post-6MWD). The ANCOVA indicated that these differences were independent of the selected covariates. Post hoc analyses revealed significant differences in 6MWDs between the low- and high-risk groups and between the moderate- and high-risk groups, but not between the low- and moderate-risk groups, for both pre- and post-6MWD measurements. Compared to the CR participants in the high-risk group, those in the low- and moderate-risk groups achieved significantly longer distances in the 6-minute walk tests. Conclusions: The observed differences in the 6MWD across short-term cardiac recurrence risk levels suggest its potential as a simple, accessible tool for assessing cardiac recurrence risk levels in community settings. Further research is needed to generalize these findings to more diverse populations and to support aging in place for older adults living with heart disease.

Similar adaptive responses in the upper body physical performance of table tennis players following the traditional and cluster set resistance and plyometric training.

Numerous studies have investigated the impact of resistance training (RT) and plyometric training (PT) set configurations (cluster sets [CS] and traditional sets [TS]) on lower body performance adaptations. However, the effects of these training modalities on upper body physical performance, particularly among Table Tennis (TT) players, remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of an 8-week RT and PT using CS and TS configurations on the physical performance attributes of male TT players. Forty young male players were recruited from a local academy and after determining their dominant hand, divided into CS-PT, TS-PT, CS-RT, TS-RT, and active control (CON) groups, each of eight. Pre- and post-interventions, the upper body muscular power (medicine ball throw), maximal strength (bench press), reaction time, and arm crank anaerobic power test were measured. Following the intervention, the CON group exhibited no changes; however, the CS-PT, TS-PT, CS-RT, and TS-RT groups displayed significant (p = 0.001) improvements in muscular power (effect size [ES] = 1.21 [large], 1.02 [medium], 0.81 [medium], 0.64 [medium]), strength (ES = 0.40 [small], 0.43 [small], 0.62 [medium], 0.63 [medium]), reaction time (ES = - 0.71 [medium], - 0.68 [medium], - 0.83 [medium], - 0.61 [medium]), peak power (ES = 1.83 [large], 1.66 [large], 0.90 [medium], 0.67 [medium]), and mean power (ES = 0.89 [medium], 0.89 [medium], 0.57 [small], 0.59 [small]), respectively. The PT groups indicated significantly greater changes than the RT groups in both muscular (CS, p = 0.021; TS, p = 0.018) and anaerobic power (peak power: CS, p = 0.017; TS, p = 0.011; mean power: CS, p = 0.024; TS, p = 0.042) performance, while the RT groups showed greater adaptive responses than the PT groups in maximal strength (CS, p = 0.033; TS, p = 0.048). In conclusion, PT is recommended for enhancing power performance, while RT is preferred for increasing strength. When various set configurations were incorporated, no further effects were noted.

Acute resistance exercise and training reduce desmin phosphorylation at serine 31 in human skeletal muscle, making the protein less prone to cleavage.

Desmin intermediate filaments play a crucial role in stress transmission and mechano-protection. The loss of its integrity triggers myofibril breakdown and muscle atrophy for which desmin phosphorylation (pDes) is a priming factor. We investigated whether eccentric accentuated resistance exercise (RE) influences the regulation of pDes, effecting its susceptibility to cleavage. Ten healthy persons performed 14 RE-sessions (2 per week). Muscle biopsies were collected in both untrained and trained conditions at rest (pre 1, pre 14) and one hour after RE (post 1, post 14). Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were utilized to assess desmin content, phosphorylation at several sites and susceptibility to cleavage. In untrained condition (pre 1, post 1), RE induced dephosphorylation of serin 31 and 60. Trained muscle exhibited more pronounced dephosphorylation at Serin 31 post-RE. Dephosphorylation was accompanied by reduced susceptibility of desmin to cleavage. Additionally, training increased total desmin content, upregulated baseline serine 31 phosphorylation and attenuated pDes at serine 60 and threonine 17. Our findings suggest that acute and repeated RE changes the phosphorylation pattern of desmin and its susceptibility to cleavage, highlighting pDes as an adaptive mechanism in skeletal muscle, contributing to the proteostatic regulation in response to recurring stress.

Effect of diet combined with exercise intervention on tumor necrosis factor α in overweight or obese groups: Based on the exercise dose-response relationship

Background: Chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, often linked to obesity or being overweight, is associated with various complications and an increased risk of disease development. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is a key inflammatory factor that significantly impacts various body functions. Objective: 1) To assess whether combined interventions are more effective than single interventions in combining diet and exercise. 2) To assess the effectiveness of exercise dose in different interventions on tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels in obese or overweight patients. Methods: A thorough search was conducted across four electronic databases of randomized controlled trials that focus on exercise or dietary interventions for patients with obesity or overweight. This comprehensive review encompasses data collected up to August 2024. Two independent researchers conducted a thorough evaluation of the literature's quality. Network and dose-response analyses were performed using random effects models to examine the impact of diverse interventions on TNF-α. Results: A total of 19 randomized controlled trials with 1479 patients with obesity or overweight were included. The meta-analysis showed that the hypocaloric diet combined with aerobic training (HDAT) possessed the highest ranking (SMD= -1.00,95%CI -1.51 to -0.49), followed by the hypocaloric diet (HD) (SMD= -0.40,95%CI -0.89 to 0.09), hypocaloric diet combined with resistance training (HDRT) (SMD= -0.48,95%CI- 1.43 to 0.48), and aerobic training combined with resistance training (ART) (SMD= -0.18,95%CI -0.92 to 0.57). Additionally, a notable improvement in TNF-α levels was observed in individuals adhering to a hypocaloric diet in conjunction with exercise when the cumulative exercise volume reached 150 metabolic equivalent of task minutes per week. Conclusion: Based on the GRADE rating guidelines, moderate-quality research evidence indicates that a hypocaloric diet combined with aerobic training (HDAT) is the most effective intervention for enhancing tumor TNF-α levels in individuals with obesity or overweight. Additionally, the dose-response relationship was observed between the total exercise dose and TNF-α levels. Future research should investigate the specific effects of various aerobic exercise modalities on TNF-α levels in obese or overweight patients to develop a more personalized approach to exercise prescription.

"Surviving the dip" after subacromial balloon spacer implantation for massive rotator cuff tear treatment: a retrospective case series.

Subacromial balloon spacer implantation (SBSI) attempts to decrease glenohumeral joint (GHJ) pain and improve function in patients with an irreparable rotator cuff tear (RCT) and minimal osteoarthritis. Between 12 and 26 weeks post-SBSI, gradual implant resorption may create a "balloon dip" that decreases GHJ function and increases pain. This retrospective cohort study attempted to delineate shoulder function, active mobility, strength, pain, and functional task impairment during the "balloon dip" period. Sixty-five consecutive patients (55.9 ± 7years of age, 42 men) with an irreparable RCT treated by the same fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon participated in this study. Outcome measurements pre-SBSI, during Phase I (early pain control ≤ 3weeks post-SBSI), Phase II (early rehabilitation > 3-11weeks post-SBSI), Phase III (advanced rehabilitation-early balloon resorption > 11-16weeks post-SBSI), Phase IV (early strength training > 16-24weeks post-SBSI), and Phase V (advanced strength training > 24weeks post-SBSI) included the American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score for perceived bilateral shoulder function, visual analog scale (VAS) surgical shoulder pain score, active mobility, and shoulder manual muscle strength testing (p ≤ 0.05). The mean final follow-up time was 40weeks (range = 24.1-89.7weeks). The surgical shoulder had higher ASES scores at Phase V than pre-SBSI. Surgical shoulder pain was less during Phase V than pre-SBSI. The surgical shoulder had greater flexion during Phase V than at Phase II or pre-SBSI, and greater external rotation (adducted) during Phases V-III than pre-SBSI. Peak shoulder internal rotation to level 12 (thoracic spinous process #10) occurred during Phase V. Peak shoulder flexor, external rotator, and internal rotator strength occurred during Phase V. During Phase I, most subjects were unable to sleep on their surgical shoulder, wash their back/do up their bra, reach a high shelf, or lift 10-lbs overhead. Tasks that were impaired during the "balloon dip" (between Phase III and V) were lifting 10-lbs overhead, reaching a high shelf, and doing normal work. By the end of Phase V, however, most subjects could perform each task with minimal or no difficulty. Surgical shoulder function improved and pain decreased, however, specific perceived functional task impairments remained. During the "balloon dip" phase, the perceived ability to lift 10 lbs above shoulder level, to reach a high shelf, and to do usual work activities were the most impaired tasks.

Is physical fitness associated with leucocyte telomere length in youth with type 1 diabetes?

In type 1 diabetes, telomere length (TL) may predict complications and could be influenced by glycaemic control and physical activity, but its relationship with physical fitness in youths remains unexplored. The aim of the study was to assess the association between physical fitness and TL in youth with type 1 diabetes, both at baseline and one year later. Eighty-three children and adolescents (aged 6-18 years; 44.6% girls) with type 1 diabetes from the Diactive-1 Cohort Study were involved in this study. Physical fitness was assessed using spirometry on a cycloergometer (i.e., peak oxygen consumption), dynamometry, and maximal isometric strength (one-repetition maximum [1RM]), and muscle power. Leucocyte TL was assessed using multiplex monochrome real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Positive cross-sectional associations were identified between 1RM (unstandardized beta coefficient [B]= 0.042, 95% bias corrected and accelerated [BCa] confidence interval [CI] 0.012-0.069), muscle power (B = 0.056, 95% BCa CI 0.02-0.250), and overall physical fitness (B = 0.043, 95% BCa CI 0.015-0.071) with TL independent of maturation, glycated haemoglobin, and diabetes duration. However, no associations were observed one year later. Higher levels of fitness, particularly musclestrength, may play a role in telomere dynamics in youth with type 1 diabetes, suggesting that strength training exercise could be beneficial. This is the first study to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal perspectives on the correlation among muscle strength, peak oxygen consumption [VO2peak] and telomere length in youths with type 1 diabetes. Higher physicalfitness levels, as assessed by measures such as one-repetition maximum, muscle power, and overall physical fitness, are positively associated with telomere length in youths with type 1 diabetes. Understanding this link could improve management strategies, prioritizing muscle strength training for better long-term health in type 1 diabetes.

Stiffness of elastic cuffs affects physiological and perceptual responses but not motor performance fatigue during low external load resistance exercise with practical blood flow restriction

ABSTRACT Practical blood flow restriction (pBFR), using non-pneumatic elastic cuffs, is a feasible and cost-effective alternative to pneumatic systems. There is evidence that cuff stiffness influences haemodynamic and perceptual responses in the upper body during rest. However, the impact of cuff stiffness during exercise is still unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of cuff stiffness on physiological, perceptual, and performance changes during exercise. In a randomized and counterbalanced order, ten recreationally active males performed four sets of unilateral elbow flexions at 20% of individuals’ one-repetition-maximum with two elastic cuffs of different stiffness (low stiffness cuff [LS] and high stiffness cuff [HS]) each applied with two different overlaps (10% and 20% overlap in relation to the limb circumference) as well as a control condition without pBFR. Before and after exercise, maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque was measured to assess motor performance fatigue. During exercise, muscle oxygen saturation of the biceps brachii as well as effort and exercise-induced muscle pain perception were recorded. Statistical analysis revealed that motor performance fatigue was not different between conditions (BF10 = 0.289). The decline in muscle oxygen saturation (BF10 = 8.508 and BF10 = 1039.543) as well as effort (BF10 = 2646.104 and BF10 = 2.773∙106) and exercise-induced muscle pain perception (BF10 = 14087.983 and BF10 = 7.306∙109) were higher when using the stiffer cuff at 10% and 20% overlap, respectively. Conclusively, physiological and perceptual responses but not motor performance fatigue were affected by cuff stiffness when equal relative overlaps were applied.