Sedentary Females Research Articles

Anthropometric, muscle and serum myokine levels effects of physical exercise with an online platform in female patients with obesity

IntroductionUnder physical exercise conditions, muscles can synthetise and release myokines and these molecules can exert paracrine and endocrine actions. Females with obesity have a sedentary lifestyle with alterations in myokine levels. ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of physical exercise on myokine levels, anthropometric parameters, clinical data, impedance parameters, and muscle ultrasound data in sedentary females with obesity. Material and methodsAnthropometric data, muscle mass by ultrasound at the quadriceps level, myokine determination, and blood pressure were collected at baseline and after 12 weeks in 25 females with obesity. For 12 weeks, the physical exercise programme was prescribed through an online platform. ResultsAfter the physical exercise programme, there was a significant improvement in body mass index (−1.49±0.1kg/m2; p=0.02), weight (−3.9±0.7kg; p=0.01), waist circumference (−7.2±0.2cm; p=0.01), skeletal muscle mass (5.4±1.2kg; p=0.01), appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (0.5±0.1kg; p=0.02) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (1.4±0.1kg; p=0.03), and a decrease in fat mass (−4.1±0.2kg; p=0.01) and blood pressure. The ultrasound parameters of the anterior rectus quadriceps muscle improved significantly. The following biochemical parameters decreased; insulin levels (−66.3±10.2pg/ml; p=0.04), HOMA-IR (−0.4±0.1 units; p=0.03), apelin (−3.5±0.2IU/l; p=0.04), FABP3 (−143.6±38.1pg/ml; p=0.03), IL6 (−4.1±0.02pg/ml; p=0.02), myostatin (−81.6±18.1pg/ml; p=0.04), and FGF21 (−9.5±1.1pg/ml; p=0.03). ConclusionThe prescription of physical exercise with an online platform for females with obesity decreases weight, body fat mass and increases muscle mass, producing a decrease in insulin resistance and some myokine levels.

Engagement in a structured physical activity program and its effects upon health-related quality of life in elderly women: An observational study.

Aging is a complex process associated with an impairment in functional capacity and low health-related quality of life (HRQoL) due to a high frequency of chronic diseases in the elderly population. Regular physical activity (PA) may limit some physiological effects of sedentary lifestyle and increase life expectancy. An observational was conducted to measure the HRQoL among older adults living in the community, by comparing a convenience sample of elderly females practicing a structured program of PA from 2 to 3 times per week in 60-min sessions (i.e., active females, AFs) to a sample of participants adopting lifestyle behaviors expending little energy (i.e., sedentary females, SFs). A validated questionnaire (the RAND 36-item) was used as outcome measure. All participants were assessed in terms of cognitive status (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA) to exclude mild cognitive impairment, divided attention/executive functioning (Trail Making Test, Stroop Test) and psychopathological dimensions of anxiety (Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, GAI), and depression (Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS). Non-parametric analysis revealed that AFs and SFs differed significantly in the RAND Energy/Fatigue (E/F), Emotional Wellbeing (EW), and Social Functioning (SoF), that was however influenced by education level. Moreover, E/F and EW were negatively associated to anxiety and depression, while SoF was influenced by divided attention. PA results in a healthful behavior for combating feelings of fatigue and low energy as well as emotional distress that can affect health status perception in older women.

Implementation of automated behavior metrics to evaluate voluntary wheel running effects on inflammatory-erosive arthritis and interstitial lung disease in TNF-Tg mice

BackgroundAlthough treatment options and algorithms for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have improved remarkably in recent decades, there continues to be no definitive cure or pharmacologic intervention with reliable long-term efficacy. For this reason, the combination of medications and healthy lifestyle modifications are essential for controlling joint disease, and extra-articular manifestations of RA, such as interstitial lung disease (ILD) and other lung pathologies, which greatly impact morbidity and mortality. Generally, exercise has been deemed beneficial in RA patients, and both patients and clinicians are motivated to incorporate effective non-pharmacologic interventions. However, there are limited evidence-based and specific exercise regimens available to support engagement in such activities for RA patients. Here, we provided the continuous opportunity for exercise to mice and implemented automated recording and quantification of wheel running behavior. This allowed us to describe the associated effects on the progression of inflammatory-erosive arthritis and ILD in the tumor necrosis factor transgenic (TNF-Tg) mouse model of RA.MethodsWild-type (WT; males, n=9; females, n=9) and TNF-Tg (males, n=12; females, n=14) mice were singly housed with free access to a running wheel starting at 2 months until 5 to 5.5 months of age. Measures of running included distance, rate, length, and number of run bouts, which were derived from continuously recorded data streams collected automatically and in real-time. In vivo lung, ankle, and knee micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), along with terminal micro-CT and histology were performed to examine the association of running behaviors and disease progression relative to sedentary controls.ResultsTNF-Tg males and females exhibited significantly reduced running distance, rate, length, and number of run bouts compared to WT counterparts by 5 months of age (p<0.0001). Compared to sedentary controls, running males and females showed increased aerated lung volumes (p<0.05) that were positively correlated with running distance and rate in female mice (WT: Distance, ρ=0.705/rate, ρ=0.693 (p<0.01); TNF-Tg: ρ=0.380 (p=0.06)/ρ=0.403 (p<0.05)). Talus bone volumes were significantly reduced in running versus sedentary males and negatively correlated with running distance and rate in TNF-Tg mice (male: ρ=−903/ρ=−0.865; female: ρ=−0.614/ρ=−0.594 (p<0.001)). Histopathology validated the lung and ankle micro-CT findings.ConclusionsImplementation of automated wheel running behavior metrics allows for evaluation of longitudinal activity modifications hands-off and in real-time to relate with biomarkers of disease severity. Through such analysis, we determined that wheel running activity increases aerated lung volumes, but exacerbates inflammatory-erosive arthritis in TNF-Tg mice. To the end of a clinically relevant model, additional functional assessment of these outcomes and studies of pain behavior are warranted.

Physical and psychological effects of neuromuscular integrative activity vs Pilates on sedentary females

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Neuromuscular Integrative Action (NIA) and Pilates exercises on physical fitness and psychological effects in sedentary women.The groups were randomly divided into Pilates (n = 22) and NIA (n = 21) groups using the closed envelope method. 43 sedentary women aged 20–45 years were included in the study. The 6 Minute Walking Test (6MWT), the Sit and Reach Test, and the Static Plank Test durations were used for the physical fitness level assessment at baseline and at the end of trainings. In addition, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the SF-36 were used to evaluate the psycho-somatic symptoms and health-related quality of life of the participants. Both groups received 60-min exercise sessions 2 days a week for 8 weeks. After treatment, within comparisons revealed that there was a significant improvement in BMI (P = 0.008), 6MWT (P = 0.0001), Sit and Reach Test (P = 0.016), Static Plank Test (p = 0.000), and SF-36 (p = 0.017) values in the NIA group. Additionally, BMI (P = 0.038), 6-min Walk Test (p = 0.0001), Sit and Reach test (p = 0.001), Static Plank test (0.000), Functional Reach distance (p = 0.06), Beck Depression Scale, and SF-36 (p = 0.006) scores improved in comparisons made within the Pilates group after treatment. Between group comparisons showed similar result for all variables in both Pilates and NIA groups. Based on the results of this study, NIA may be an alternative to Pilates for improving the physical fitness level and psychological effects in healthy women.

A noninvasive test for estimating myosin heavy chain of the vastus lateralis in females with mechanomyography.

This study examined relationships between percent myosin heavy chain (%MHC) expression and mechanomyographic amplitude (MMGRMS). Fifteen females (age ± SD=21.3±5.3 yrs) completed isometric trapezoidal contractions at 30% and 70% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). MMG was recorded from the vastus lateralis (VL). Participants gave a muscle biopsy of the VL post-testing. MMGRMS-torque relationships during the linearly varying segments were log-transformed and linear regressions were applied to calculate b terms (slopes). For the steady torque segment, MMGRMS was averaged. Correlations were performed for type I%MHC with the MMG variables. Multiple regression was utilized to examine prediction equations for type I%MHC. Type I%MHC was significantly correlated with the b terms during the increasing segment of the 70% MVC (p=0.003; r = -0.718), and MMGRMS during steady torque at 30% (p=0.008; r = -0.652) and 70% MVC (p=0.040; r = -0.535). Type I%MHC reduced the linearity of the MMGRMS-torque relationship during the high-intensity linearly increasing segment, and MMGRMS at a low- and high-intensity steady torque. A combination of MMG variables estimated type I%MHC expression with 81.2% accuracy. MMG recorded during a low- and high-intensity isometric trapezoidal contraction may offer a simple, noninvasive test for estimating type I%MHC expression of the VL in sedentary females.

Protective and Educational Effects of Physical Activity Practice on Mental Health in Young Age during COVID-19 Lockdown

Background: The restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have modified the lifestyle of young people, worsening their mental health. Although some countries were allowed to practice outdoor physical activity (PA) in cases of lockdown, the PA level in the general population decreased. The current study aims to assess the differences in fear of COVID-19, anxiety, neuroticism, and general self-efficacy between university students who practiced PA during the second wave of lockdown and those who did not practice any PA. Methods: The sample consisted of 276 university students (176 females, 63.8%; mean age: 22.13, SD: ±3.94) who answered an online questionnaire detecting life habits (e.g., PA practice) during COVID-19 restrictions, fear of COVID-19, anxiety, neuroticism, and general self-efficacy. In addition, a 2 (gender) × 2 (physical activity) MANCOVA model was used to compare the variables’ differences. Finally, a path analysis model was performed to assess the protective effect of physical activity. Results: The students engaging in PA during lockdown showed lower fear of COVID-19, state and trait anxiety, neuroticism, and higher levels of general self-efficacy. Gender differences concerning fear of COVID-19 and a significant interaction with physical activity emerged: physically active females displayed the highest fear of COVID-19 compared to sedentary females and active males. Gender differences also emerged concerning state and trait anxiety and neuroticism. The path analysis model confirmed a light protective effect of sport/PA practice on mitigating neuroticism and anxiety, which, in turn, affect general self-efficacy. Conclusions: According to the results, it emerged that physical activity could represent a protective and educational factor for male students’ mental health during the COVID-19 restriction and partially for female ones.

Breaking up sitting with short frequent or long infrequent physical activity breaks does not lead to compensatory changes in appetite, appetite-regulating hormones or energy intake

The aim of this study was to determine the appetite-related responses to breaking up prolonged sitting with physical activity bouts differing in frequency and duration among adult females. Fourteen sedentary females aged 34 ± 13 years with a body mass index of 27.1 ± 6.3 kg/m2 (mean ± SD) took part in a randomised crossover trial with three, 7.5 h conditions: (1) uninterrupted sitting (SIT), (2) sitting with short frequent 2-min moderate-intensity walking breaks every 30 min (SHORT-BREAKS), and (3) sitting with longer duration, less frequent 10-min moderate-intensity walking breaks every 170–180 min (LONG-BREAKS). The intensity and total duration of physical activity was matched between the SHORT-BREAKS and LONG-BREAKS conditions. Linear mixed models were used to compare the outcomes between conditions with significance being accepted as p ≤ 0.05. There were no significant between-condition differences in hunger, satisfaction, prospective food consumption or overall appetite area under the curve (AUC) (all p ≥ 0.801). Absolute ad libitum energy intake and relative energy intake (REI) did not differ significantly between conditions (all p ≥ 0.420). Acylated ghrelin and total peptide YY incremental and total AUC did not differ significantly between conditions (all p ≥ 0.388). Yet, there was a medium effect size for the higher acylated ghrelin incremental AUC in SHORT-BREAKS versus SIT (d = 0.61); the reverse was seen for total AUC, which was lower in SHORT-BREAKS versus SIT (d = 0.69). These findings suggest that breaking up sitting does not lead to compensatory changes in appetite, appetite hormones or energy intake regardless of physical activity bout duration and frequency among adult females.

Training and retention effects of paced and music-synchronised walking exercises on pre-older females: an interventional study

BackgroundPhysical activity at pre-older ages (55–64 years) can greatly affect one’s physical fitness, health, physical-activity behaviour, and quality of life at older ages. The objective of this study was to conduct a 24-week walking-exercise programme among sedentary pre-older females and investigate the influence of different walking cadences on cardiorespiratory fitness and associated biomarkers.MethodsA total of 78 pre-older sedentary female participants were recruited and randomly assigned to normal (n = 36), paced (n = 15), music-synchronised (n = 15) walking, and no-exercise control (n = 12) groups, respectively. The normal, paced, and music-synchronised walking groups walked at a cadence of 120 steps/min, 125 steps/min, and 120–128 steps/min, respectively, under supervised conditions. Anthropometric characteristics, step length, nutrient intake, blood pressure and composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness were measured at baseline, the 12th week of the programme, the 24th week of the programme (completion), and after a 12-week retention period, which began immediately upon completion of the programme and did not feature any supervised exercises.ResultsAll walking conditions improved high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, step length, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), and oxidative capacity at anaerobic threshold (all P < 0.001); however, after the 12-week retention period only the training effects of HDL-C (P < 0.05) and VO2max (P < 0.05) remained robust. Additionally, music-synchronised walking was found to reduce the fat ratio (P = 0.031), while paced walking was found to reduce body mass (P = 0.049).ConclusionsThe significant pre–post changes in health-related outcomes across the 24-week walking intervention, including improved blood composition, longer step length, and better cardiorespiratory capacity, show that this intervention is promising for improving health and fitness. When, during the retention period, the participants resumed their usual lifestyles without supervised exercise, most physiological biomarkers deteriorated. Thus, for sedentary middle-aged females, persistent behavioural change is necessary to retain the health benefits of physical exercise.

The color of artificial light affects mate attraction in the common glow-worm

Artificial light at night, often referred to as ‘light pollution’, is a global environmental problem that threatens many nocturnal organisms. One such species is the European common glow-worm (Lampyris noctiluca), in which reproduction relies on the ability of sedentary bioluminescent females to attract flying males to mate. Previous studies show that broad-spectrum white artificial light interferes with mate attraction in this beetle. However, much less is known about wavelength-specific effects. In this study, we experimentally investigate how the peak wavelength (color) of artificial light affects glow-worm mate attraction success in the field by using dummy females that trap males landing to mate. Each dummy was illuminated from above by either a blue (peak wavelength: 452 nm), white (449 nm), yellow (575 nm), or red (625 nm) LED lighting, or light switched off in the control. We estimated mate attraction success as both the probability of attracting at least one male and the number of males attracted. In both cases, mate attraction success depended on the peak wavelength of the artificial light, with short wavelengths (blue and white) decreasing it more than long wavelengths (yellow and red). Hence, adjusting the spectrum of artificial light can be an effective measure for mitigating the negative effects of light pollution on glow-worm reproduction.

Effect Of Exercise Environment On Monthly Load Reduction In Individuals With Chronic Migraine

Thirty-six million individuals in the U.S. are affected by migraines. Pharmacological treatments are most used, but adverse side effects cause most (~70%) to delay or avoid taking medication. Exercise is a non-pharmacological treatment that is effective, but the effect of environment in reducing overall migraine burden is unknown. PURPOSE: to determine if exercise in a natural environment affects the monthly migraine load. METHODS: Six sedentary females who experienced migraines 8+ times per month (age = 36 ± 8 yrs, 165 ± 4 cm, 77 ± 26 kg) participated. Participants completed one month of exercise (3 x week, 30-min, 60-70% estimated HRmax) indoors as well as in a natural outdoor environment in a randomized counterbalanced order, with a two-week washout period. Migraine load was determined using the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) and Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) at the beginning and end of each month. The MIDAS questionnaire also includes number of migraine days, and pain intensity. Data were analyzed using a 2 (location: inside, natural environment) x 2 (test: pre, post) repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: No location x test interaction was evident for HIT-6 questionnaire responses (p = 0.82, effect size [ES] = 0.01), nor main effect for test observed (p = 0.33, ES = 0.16). The main effect for location was not different, but approached significance (p = 0.06, ES = 0.48; Inside = 58 ± 7, Outside = 54 ± 10). No interaction was noted for MIDAS questionnaire responses (p = 0.48, ES = 0.11), main effect for test (p = 0.73, ES = 0.26), or location (p = 0.27, ES = 0.24). No interaction was observed for migraine days (p = 0.40, ES = 0.14), nor main effect for test (p = 0.79, ES = 0.02), nor location (p = 0.38, ES = 0.15). No interaction was noted for pain intensity (p = 0.67, ES = 0.04), main effect for test (p = 0.61, ES = 0.06), or location (p = 0.61, ES = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Exercise environment did not appear to have an impact on MIDAS questionnaire results, number of migraine days, or pain intensity. A trend was noted with respect to the HIT-6 questionnaire responses, such that exercise in a natural environment tended to reduce overall score when compared to indoors. While this trend may be promising, insufficient evidence exists to conclude that exercise environment has an effect on monthly migraine load in individuals who suffer from chronic migraines.

The Effects Of 10-weeks Of Continuous Cycling On Pennation Angle Of The Vastus Lateralis

PURPOSE: To examine if 10 weeks of continuous cycling training altered pennation angle (PA) of the vastus lateralis (VL) in sedentary males and females. METHODS: Nine untrained males (mean ± SD; age: 20.11 ± 1.97 yrs, height: 179.89 ± 5.09 cm, body mass: 76.26 ± 8.18 kg) and eight untrained females (age: 20.50 ± 1.77, height: 164.13 ± 4.76 cm; body mass: 59.90 ± 8.33 kg) participated in this study. Fascicle PA (θ) of the VL was measured for each participant via real-time brightness mode (B-mode) ultrasonography at baseline (PRE) and after 10-weeks of continuous cycling training (POST). In addition, participants completed a VO2MAX test on an electronically braked cycle ergometer before (PRE) and after training (POST) to examine the efficacy of the exercise program on relative VO2MAX. Training consisted of 10-weeks of continuous cycling four times a week for a total of forty cycling sessions. Weeks 1-3 consisted of 30 min of cycling at 70-75% of heart rate reserve (HRR), whereas weeks 4-6 and 7-10 were 40 min at 75-80% and 80-90% of HRR, respectively. Three separate 2-way mixed factorial repeated measures ANOVAs (sex [male vs. female] x time [PRE vs. POST]) were used to examine potential differences in PA, VO2MAX, and body mass (BM). RESULTS: For PA, there were no two-way interactions (p = 0.189) or main effects for time (p = 0.635) or sex (p = 0.527). For VO2MAX, there was no two-way interaction (p = 0.904); however, VO2MAX for POST (45.45 ± 7.37 ml/kg/min) was significantly greater than PRE (39.22 ± 8.13 ml/kg/min; p < 0.001) when collapsed across sex, and was greater for males (47.59 ± 6.38 ml/kg/min) than females (36.54 ± 6.01 ml/kg/min; p = 0.001) when collapsed across time. For BM, there was no 2-way interactions (p = 0.400) or a main effect for time (p = 0.942); however, there was a main effect for sex. Males (76.46 ± 8.40 kg) had a greater BM than females (59.73 ± 8.20 kg; p = 0.001) collapsed across time. CONCLUSION: As expected, VO2MAX increased following ten weeks of continuous cycling training. Although alterations in PA of the VL have previously been reported for chronic long distance runners compared to untrained controls, there was no change following 10 weeks of training for the current study. Thus, it is possible more total training time is necessary to induce changes in the PA of the VL, or adaptations to PA are exercise mode specific.

Correlation Between Body Mass Index Waist Hip Ratio and Body Fat Percentage with Blood Pressure in Sedentary Females Sedentary Lifestyle and Body Mass Index Alter Blood Pressure

Introduction: The adoption of a sedentary lifestyle is a major contributor to the development of disease as well as to morbidity and mortality rates. People who have high blood pressure can benefit from regular physical activity since it lowers their blood pressure. A lower body fat percentage is connected with a lower risk of developing high blood pressure when engaging in physical activity. There is a clear correlation between the body mass index (BMI) and the percentage of body fat (BF%) in terms of the resting rate of sympathetic nerve discharge to skeletal muscle. A greater proportion of fat stored in the abdomen, as opposed to the gluteal region, is associated with an increased risk of a variety of health problems, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. As a result, the waist-to-hip ratio should be determined in order to conduct an analysis of fat distribution that is separate from an assessment of total obesity. The materials and procedures: Random selection was used to choose from the general population one hundred healthy sedentary volunteers and one hundred healthy non-sedentary subjects. Subjects in the age group (22-55 years) who had a BMI that was greater than 30 (kg/m2) were considered to be obese. Non-obese subjects were defined as having a body mass index (BMI) between 17.50 and 25.20 kg/m2 and an age range of 22 to 55 years. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between healthy sedentary and non-sedentary individuals in terms of parameters such as body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and body fat percentage (BF%). The participants ranged in age from 22 to 55 years old, and the correlation between these parameters and blood pressure was determined. Results: The findings showed that sedentary subjects had higher levels of body mass index, waist circumference, and body fat percentage than non-sedentary subjects did, and there was a positive link between these parameters and blood pressure. Conclusion: The conclusion is that a sedentary lifestyle is linked to an increase in Body Mass Index, Waist Hip Ratio, Blood Pressure, as well as Body fat percentage and fat mass. There was a link between BMI, WHR, BF%, and FM and blood pressure that was in the positive. Keywords: Body fat; body mass index; sedentary lifestyle; waist-hip ratio

Efficacy of interval exercise training to improve vascular health in sedentary postmenopausal females.

BackgroundMenopause represents a turning point where vascular damage begins to outweigh reparative processes, leading to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Exercise training reduces CVD risk in postmenopausal females via improvements in traditional risk factors and direct changes to the vasculature. We assessed the effect of moderate (MODERATE‐IT) versus heavy (HEAVY‐IT) intensity interval exercise training upon markers of cardiovascular health and vascular repair in postmenopausal females.MethodsTwenty‐seven healthy postmenopausal females (56 ± 4 yr) were assigned to 12 weeks of either MODERATE‐IT or HEAVY‐IT, twice per week. MODERATE‐IT consisted of 10s work, and 10s active recovery repeated for 30 min. HEAVY‐IT comprised 30s work, and 30s active recovery repeated for 21 ± 2 min. Endothelial function (flow‐mediated dilation), arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity), and V̇O2peak were assessed pre‐training and post‐training. Blood samples were obtained pre‐training and post‐training for enumeration of circulating angiogenic cells (CACs), culture of CACs, and lipoprotein profile.ResultsV̇O2peak increased 2.4 ± 2.8 ml/kg/min following HEAVY‐IT only (p < 0.05). Brachial blood pressure and endothelial function were unchanged with exercise training (p > 0.05). Peripheral pulse wave velocity reduced 8% with exercise training, irrespective of intensity (p < 0.05). Exercise training had no effect on lipoprotein profile or endothelin‐1 (p > 0.05). CAC adhesion to vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) increased 30 min post plating following MODERATE‐IT only (p < 0.05).ConclusionsHEAVY‐IT was more effective at increasing V̇O2peak in postmenopausal females. The ability of CACs to adhere to VSMC improved following MODERATE‐IT but not HEAVY‐IT. Interval training had the same effect on endothelial function (no change) and arterial stiffness (reduced), regardless of exercise intensity.

Effectiveness of App-Based Intervention to Improve Health Status of Sedentary Middle-Aged Males and Females.

Background: Adherence to a nutritional program and physical activity are the fundamental aspects of treatment for weight loss and associated problems. Previous research has shown that self-monitoring using a mobile device improves self-management. Methods: A total of 35 subjects (40.6 ± 9.24 years) participated in the study. During the control period (3 months), they received physical exercise guidelines and a personalized nutritional program, with the aim of promoting health status. In the experimental period (3 months), there was also a connection between the physical world (health care processes) and the digital world (app). All participants had their body composition and cardiovascular variables measured. They also underwent calcaneal densitometry to determine bone quality. Descriptive statistics, correlations and analysis of variance were performed (by a researcher who was not involved in the data collection) to study the changes between before and after interventions, as well as to make a comparison between treatments. Results: The use of an app, in which there exist a prediction of the evolution, messages of results and advice, among others, mediated by the assistance of dietitians/nutritionists and sports scientists, had a positive impact on the improvement of health parameters, showing significant differences in all variables except troponin. Conclusions: The combination of healthy habits with the use of the app provided benefits, improving health.

Multi-modal locomotor costs favor smaller males in a sexually dimorphic leaf-mimicking insect

BackgroundIn most arthropods, adult females are larger than males, and male competition is a race to quickly locate and mate with scattered females (scramble competition polygyny). Variation in body size among males may confer advantages that depend on context. Smaller males may be favored due to more efficient locomotion leading to higher mobility during mate searching. Alternatively, larger males may benefit from increased speed and higher survivorship. While the relationship between male body size and mobility has been investigated in several systems, how different aspects of male body morphology specifically affect their locomotor performance in different contexts is often unclear.ResultsUsing a combination of empirical measures of flight performance and modelling of body aerodynamics, we show that large body size impairs flight performance in male leaf insects (Phyllium philippinicum), a species where relatively small and skinny males fly through the canopy in search of large sedentary females. Smaller males were more agile in the air and ascended more rapidly during flight. Our models further predicted that variation in body shape would affect body lift and drag but suggested that flight costs may not explain the evolution of strong sexual dimorphism in body shape in this species. Finally, empirical measurements of substrate adhesion and subsequent modelling of landing impact forces suggested that smaller males had a lower risk of detaching from the substrates on which they walk and land.ConclusionsBy showing that male body size impairs their flight and substrate adhesion performance, we provide support to the hypothesis that smaller scrambling males benefit from an increased locomotor performance and shed light on the evolution of sexual dimorphism in scramble competition mating systems.

Protective role of intergenerational paternal resistance training on fibrosis, inflammatory profile, and redox status in the adipose tissue of rat offspring fed with a high-fat diet

AimsWe evaluated the role of intergenerational paternal exercise on fibrosis, inflammatory profile, and redox status in the adipose tissue of male rat offspring fed with high-fat diet (HFD) and explored to what extent programming affects the systemic metabolic profile. Main methodsAdult wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: sedentary fathers and trained fathers (8 weeks of resistance training (RT), three times per week). The offspring were obtained by mating with sedentary females. Upon weaning, male offspring were divided into four groups (7 animals per group): offspring of sedentary fathers exposed to either a control diet (SFO-C) or a high-fat diet (SFO-HF); offspring of trained fathers exposed to a control diet (TFO-C) or a high-fat diet (TFO-HF). Key findingsPaternal RT was effective in attenuating body weight gain, adipocyte size, collagen deposition, as well as downregulating genes (CTGF, VEGF, C/EBPα SREBP1, MCP-1, and NF-kB), pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha and Interleukin-1-beta), matrix metalloproteinase −2 activity, and ROS production in the epididymal adipose tissue of offspring fed with HFD (TFO-HF vs. SFO-HF; P < 0.05). Moreover, paternal RT increased adiponectin and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the tissue. These beneficial effects were accompanied by the increase of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and α-Klotho), while decreasing pro-oxidant agents (F2-isoprostanes, protein carbonyls levels), and metabolic markers (insulin and leptin, HOMA-β, and HOMA-IR) in the offspring blood circulation. SignificanceOur findings reveal protective effects of intergenerational paternal RT on adipose tissue remodeling and metabolic health of offspring fed with HFD.

Effects of continuous cycling training on motor unit firing rates, input excitation, and myosin heavy chain of the vastus lateralis in sedentary females.

This study examined the effects of continuous endurance training on motor unit (MU) mean firing rates (MFR), percent myosin heavy chain (%MHC) isoforms, and muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA) of the vastus lateralis (VL). Twelve females completed 5-weeks of continuous cycling-training (CYC), while 8 females were controls (CON). Participants performed maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) and 40% MVCs of the knee extensors before (PRE) and after the 5-week treatment period at the same absolute pre-treatment submaximal torque (POSTABS) and relative to post-treatment MVCs (POSTREL). Surface electromyographic (EMG) signals were decomposed with the Precision Decomposition III algorithm. MU firing times and waveforms were validated with reconstruct-and-test and spike trigger average procedures. MFRs at steady torque, recruitment thresholds (RT), and normalized EMG amplitude (N-EMGRMS) were analyzed. Y-intercepts and slopes were calculated for the MFR vs. RT relationships. MHC isoforms and mCSA were determined with muscle biopsies and ultrasonography. CYC decreased MVCs and type IIX %MHC isoform without changes in mCSA. The slopes for the MFR vs. RT relationships decreased for CYC during POSTREL and POSTABS while N-EMGRMS increased for POSTABS with no differences between PRE and POSTREL. Type I %MHC isoform was correlated with the slope for the MFR vs. RT relationship during POSTABS and POSTREL for CYC. This study provides evidence that decreases in the MFRs of higher threshold MUs post-CYC is likely a function of changes in input excitation (POSTABS) and the firing frequency-excitation relationships (POSTREL). Evidence is provided that MHC isoforms influence the firing rate scheme of the muscle following short-term training.

Effects of 8-week high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on bone metabolism in sedentary young females

Background/ObjectivesHigh-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) have been reported as effective exercise modes on bone metabolism. However, very few studies focused on young women with sedentary behavior. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 8-week HIIT on bone metabolism in sedentary young women. Methods26 healthy, sedentary female participants were randomly assigned to either the HIIT (n = 13, age 23.2 ± 2.9 yr, weight 59.2 ± 7.2 kg, height 162.9 ± 3.3 cm, body mass index 22.3 ± 2.7 kg/m2) or MICT (n = 13, age 21.9 ± 1.7 yr, weight 59.3 ± 6.6 kg, height 160.9 ± 4.4 cm, body mass index 21.6 ± 2.4 kg/m2) group. Both groups completed 8 weeks (3 sessions/week) of training on the treadmill, where the HIIT group were asked to complete 6 × 3-min bouts of running at the intensity of 80–90% maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) separated by 2-min active recovery at 30–40% VO2max and the MICT group completed 30-min continuous running at the intensity of 60–70% VO2max. The body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), calcaneus quantitative ultrasound, bone turnover markers, and lower limb muscle strength were measured pre and post interventions. ResultsAfter 8-week interventions, 1) The total body BMD (HIIT, +8.5%; MICT, +5.5%) significantly increased (p < 0.05) without difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). The calcaneus broadband ultrasound attenuation (CBUA) (HIIT, +16.0%; MICT, +4.6%) and calcaneus stiffness index (CSI) (HIIT, +16.7%; MICT, +2.5%) significantly increased in HIIT group (p < 0.05), but not in MICT group (p > 0.05). 2) The 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) (HIIT, +42.8%; MICT, +24.9%) level increased in both groups with significantly higher changes in HIIT (p < 0.05). 3) The score of standing long jump (HIIT, +10.3%; MICT, +3.8%) and vertical jump (HIIT, +5.3%; MICT, +2.0%) increased in both groups with significantly higher changes in HIIT (p < 0.05). ConclusionsIt suggested that 8-week HIIT and MICT interventions could improve bone metabolism. Compared with a similar workload of MICT, HIIT elicited superior benefits on bone metabolism.

First report of Meloidogyne javanica pathogenic on hybrid lavender (Lavandula ×intermedia) in the United States.

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs), Meloidogyne spp., are some of the most economically important pathogens of cultivated plants. Meloidogyne javanica is one of the most destructive RKN species and is well known for its broad host range and the severe damage it causes to plant roots (Perry et al. 2009). In Feb 2018, four mature dead and dying hybrid lavender plants (Lavandula ×intermedia 'Phenomenal') were collected in Edgefield County, South Carolina, and suspected of having Phytophthora root and crown rot (Dlugos and Jeffers 2018). Greenhouse-grown plants had been transplanted in Dec 2016 and Jan 2017 into a sandy loam soil on a site that had been fallow or in pasture for over 30 years. Some plants began to turn gray and die in summer 2017, and approximately 40% of 1230 plants were symptomatic or dead by Feb 2018. Phytophthora spp. were not isolated from the collected plants but were isolated from plants collected on subsequent visits. Instead, all four plants had small, smooth galls on the roots. Lavender roots were examined microscopically (30-70×), and egg masses of RKNs were observed on the galls. Mature, sedentary RKN females were handpicked from galled roots, and perineal patterns of 10 specimens were examined and identified as M. javanica. Juveniles and eggs were extracted from lavender roots by the method of Coolen and D'herde (1972). To confirm species identification, DNA was extracted from 10 individual juveniles, and a PCR assay was conducted using species-specific primers for M. javanica, Fjav/Rjav (Zijlstra et al. 2000). A single amplicon was produced with the expected size of approximately 720 bp, which confirmed identity as M. javanica. To determine pathogenicity, M. javanica from lavender roots were inoculated onto susceptible tomato plants for multiplication, and severe gall symptoms occurred on tomato roots 60 days later. Nematodes were extracted from tomato roots and inoculated onto healthy, rooted cuttings of 'Phenomenal' lavender plants growing in pots of soilless medium in a greenhouse. Plants were inoculated with 0, 1000, 2000, 5000, or 10000 eggs and juveniles of M. javanica. Five single-plant replicates were used for each treatment, and plants were randomized on a greenhouse bench. Plants were assessed 60 days after inoculation, and nematodes were extracted from roots and counted. The reproduction factor was 0, 43.8, 40.9, 9.1, 7.7, and 2.6 for initial nematode populations 0, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10000, respectively, which confirmed pathogenicity (Hussey and Janssen 2002). Meloidogyne javanica also was recovered in Mar 2018 from galled roots on a 'Munstead' (L. angustifolia) lavender plant from Kentucky (provided by the Univ. of Kentucky Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratories), and an unidentified species of Meloidogyne was isolated in Aug 2020 from a 'Phenomenal' plant grown in Florida. COI mtDNA sequences from the SC (MZ542457) and KY (MZ542458) populations were submitted to Genbank. M. javanica previously was found associated with field-grown lavender (hybrid and L. angustifolia) in Brazil, but pathogenicity was not studied (Pauletti and Echeverrigaray 2002). To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. javanica pathogenic to L. ×intermedia in the USA, and the first time RKNs have been proven to be pathogenic to Lavandula spp. following Koch's Postulates. Further studies are needed to investigate the geographic distribution of M. javanica on lavender and the potential threat this nematode poses to lavender production in the USA.

Exercise and the Female Heart

Female participation in sport has increased sharply during the last few decades, and for the third straight Olympic Games, there were more women than men on the US roster for the 2020 Tokyo Games. Given this, an understanding of the differences between men and women with respect to exercise-induced cardiac remodeling is critical for those caring for female athletes. Recent studies have provided insight into female-specific cardiac remodeling and have enhanced our understanding on the upper limits of cardiac remodeling in female athletes and how these adaptations compare with sedentary females, male athletes, and cardiomyopathies. Female athletes display fewer signs of adaptive remodeling on ECG compared with male athletes. Structurally, male athletes have larger absolute cardiac dimensions, but female athletes have similar or larger chamber size when adjusted for body size. Female athletes have a lower incidence of sudden cardiac arrest or death compared with male athletes in the early competitive years (high school, college, and professional) and in the masters athlete years. In addition, female athletes are less likely to have coronary disease and atrial fibrillation compared with male athletes. Data on longevity indicate that female athletes live longer than their sedentary counterparts. Unlike men, there has been no convincing association of extreme exercise and cardiovascular disease in longer-term endurance female athletes. The underlying mechanisms of these sex-based differences are not very well understood, and future studies are warranted to better understand the mechanisms of cardiac adaptation in female athletes.