Short-term Exercise Intervention Research Articles

Home-Based Preoperative Exercise Training for Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgery: A Feasibility Trial.

Clinical guidelines recommend prehabilitation with exercise training to optimize recovery after lung cancer surgery. However, the lack of access to facility-based exercise programs is a major barrier to routine participation. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a home-based exercise intervention before lung cancer resection. We conducted a prospective, two-site feasibility study, including patients scheduled for lung cancer surgery. Exercise prescription involved aerobic and resistance training with telephone-based supervision. The primary endpoint was overall feasibility (recruitment rate, retention rate, intervention adherence and acceptability). Secondary endpoints included safety and effects on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and physical performance, evaluated at baseline, after the exercise intervention and 4-5 weeks after surgery. Over three months, 15 patients were eligible, and all agreed to participate (recruitment rate: 100%). A total of 14 patients completed the exercise intervention, and 12 patients were evaluated postoperatively (retention rate: 80%). The median length of the exercise intervention was 3 weeks. Patients performed an aerobic and resistance training volume higher than prescribed (median adherence rates of 104% and 111%, respectively). A total of nine adverse events occurred during the intervention (Grade 1, n = 8; Grade 2, n = 1), the most common being shoulder pain. After the exercise intervention, significant improvements were observed in the HRQOL summary score (mean difference, 2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], from 0.9 to 4.8; p = 0.049) and the five-times sit-to-stand test score (median difference, -1.5; 95% CI, from -2.1 to -0.9; p = 0.001). After surgery, no significant effects on HRQOL and physical performance were observed. A short-term preoperative home-based exercise intervention is feasible before lung cancer resection and may enhance accessibility to prehabilitation. Clinical effectiveness should be investigated in future studies.

The Effects of a Single Bout of High- or Moderate-Intensity Yoga Exercise on Circulating Inflammatory Mediators: A Pilot Feasibility Study.

There is a knowledge gap in the physiological effects of short-term yoga exercise interventions. To evaluate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing the acute effects of a yoga exercise protocol practiced at 2 intensities (high or moderate) on temporal responses of a battery of systemic circulatory cytokines in healthy yoga-naïve adults. This study was a three-arm, pre-post pilot-RCT employing a single bout of yoga exercise intervention. Groups were high-intensity yoga (HY, n = 10), moderate-intensity yoga (MY, n = 10), and a sedentary, no-intervention control group (CON, n = 10). Blood samples were collected at baseline and post-intervention at 6 timepoints (0-, 30-, 60-, 120-, 180-minutes, and 24-hours post-intervention) and were processed with a pre-defined inflammatory panel of 13 cytokines. Heart rate (HR) was assessed with a Polar H10® device. The PROMIS Pain intensity Questionnaire was used to assess body soreness. We demonstrate feasibility of recruitment, randomization, and retention of participants based upon predetermined metrics, including: proportion of eligible to enrolled participants (55%); recruitment period (11-months); participant retention (97%); completion rate for questionnaires (99%); completion of physiological measures (98%); and adherence to the yoga exercise protocol (88%). Cytokine levels over time were heterogeneous within and between groups. Responses of a subset of cytokines were positively correlated with 1 another in high- and moderate-intensity yoga exercise groups but not in the control group. Median values for HR were 91 (IQR: 71-95) in the HY, 95 (IQR: 88-100) in the MY, and 73 (IQR: 72-75) in the CON. Pre-post changes in body soreness after the yoga exercise intervention were most evident in the HY group. Along with observed trends in select cytokines, findings encourage a more definitive trial aimed at understanding the short-term effects of yoga exercise on inflammatory immune markers and pain in sedentary healthy adults. Clinicaltrials.gov ID# NCT04444102.

Effect Of Exercise On Bone Health In Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of weight-bearing and jump training on bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) and bone metabolism in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP), to compare the differences in the effects of the two interventions on femoral and lumbar spine bone health, and to evaluate the implications of a community-based public health program against PMOP. METHODS:Sixty-one community-based PMOP women were studied for 12 weeks of exercise training using both weight bearing and jumping; BMD and BMC of the lumbar spine and hip femur were measured before and after the intervention using GE dual-energy X-ray bone densitometry; and the expression levels of serum bone metabolism indicators PINP and S-CTX were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS:After 12 weeks of intervention, the BMD and BMC of the hip femur and lumbar spine in the weight-bearing and jumping groups showed an overall increasing trend(P < 0.05), whereas BMD and BMC of the control group decreased at all sites (P < 0.05). Relative to baseline levels, the rate of change (Δ%) in BMD and BMC for both the weight-bearing and jump groups showed a lower hip femur than lumbar L2-4, while the opposite was true for the control group. The Δ% of BMD and BMC of the femur of the weight-bearing group were higher than those of the jumping group, the situation of lumbar spine L2-4 is just the opposite. The PINP and S-CTX levels in the exercise group decreased after the intervention, while the S-CTX in the control group increased, and the S-CTX/PINP value was much smaller than that in the control group, but none of the changes were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Short term exercise intervention can also effectively alleviate bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, and have a positive impact on bone metabolism. The lumbar spine can respond better to stress stimulation than the hip femur. The osteogenesis effect of weight training on the femur is better than that of jumping training, but the effect on lumbar bone tissue is lower than that of jumping training. This Study was suppoted by the National Science and Technology Key Project 2018YFC2000600

Late-afternoon endurance exercise is more effective than morning endurance exercise at improving 24-h glucose and blood lipid levels.

BackgroundGlucose and lipid tolerance reportedly exhibit diurnal variations, being lower in the evening than in the morning. Therefore, the effects of exercise on glucose and blood lipid levels at different times of the day may differ. This study aimed to investigate the effects of short-term endurance exercise intervention in the morning versus late afternoon on 24-h blood glucose variability and blood lipid levels.MethodsTwelve healthy young men participated in a randomized crossover trial. The participants were assigned to morning (09:00–11:00) or late afternoon (16:00–18:00) endurance exercise for a week, consisting of supervised exercise sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. In the morning and evening trials, the participants walked for 60 min on a treadmill at approximately 60% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Following a 2-week wash-out period, the participants performed the exercise training regimen at another time point. Continuous glucose monitoring was used to evaluate blood glucose fluctuations during each 24-h trial period. Blood samples were collected before and after each intervention to examine blood lipid and hormonal responses.ResultsExamination of the area under the curve (AUC) of the glucose level changes for 24 h after the late afternoon versus morning exercise intervention revealed significantly lower values for the former versus the latter (P < 0.01). The AUC of glucose level changes after each meal was also lower after the late afternoon versus morning intervention, and significantly lower values were observed in the late afternoon versus morning trial for breakfast and dinner (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). In addition, a significant decrease in triglycerides (TG) and TG/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was noted after versus before the late afternoon intervention (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese results suggest that late afternoon endurance exercise is more effective than morning endurance exercise at improving 24-h glucose and triglyceride levels.

Beneficial Effects of Exercise on Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment with Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is exposed to cognitive impairments that interfere with their daily lives after a complete recovery. Exercise is one of the effective non-pharmacological treatments to prevent or improve cognitive function decline. This study evaluated the effects of exercise interventions on cognitive function improvement in CRCI breast cancer patients and searched the association of various aspects in which exercise affects cognitive function improvement.METHODS: PubMed, ScienceDirect, ACS journal, and Google scholar databases from 1 January 2014 to 31 May 2021 were utilized for searching articles related to research purpose. Meta-analysis was conducted with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 2.0 using the random-effect model.RESULTS: A meta-analysis of seven studies showed that walking (ES=0.59, p=.000) was the most effective in improving cognitive function, and moderate-intensity (ES=0.60, p=.000) was more effective than moderate-to-high intensity (ES=0.27, p=.007) exercise in CRCI patients with breast cancer. Cognitive function improvement was observed in short-term exercise intervention for four weeks (ES=0.46, p=.038), and after that, it was found that the cognition improvement effect was maintained or improved through long-term (12 or 24 weeks) exercise. Moreover, the cognitive function of CRCI patients with breast cancer improved without supervision during exercise interventions (ES=0.39, p=.001).CONCLUSIONS: Walking and moderate-intensity exercise can suppress cognitive impairment in CRCI patients with breast cancer. Personalized exercise prescription through short-term and long-term exercise periods can alleviate cognitive decline and improve the cognitive function of CRCI breast cancer patients. Exercise interventions without supervision also show a positive influence on cognitive function improvement.

24-Months Cluster-Randomized Intervention Trial of a Targeted Fall Prevention Program in a Primary Care Setting.

Falls and fall-related injuries are common in community-dwelling older persons. Longitudinal data on effective fall prevention programs are rare. Therefore, we evaluated a 4-months multi-component exercise fall prevention program in a primary care setting on long-term effects over 24months on falls and concomitant injuries in older community-dwelling persons with high risk of falling. In the Prevention of Falls (PreFalls) study, forty general practitioners in Germany were cluster-randomized (1:1) into an intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). Three hundred seventy-eight independently living people with high risk of falling (78.1 ± 5.9years, 75% women) were assigned to IG (n = 222) or CG (n = 156). Patients in IG took part in a 4-months multi-component exercise program comprising strength and balance exercises (28 sessions); patients in CG received no intervention. Primary outcome measure was number of falls over 24months, analyzed by a patient-level, linear mixed Poisson model. Secondary endpoints were number of fall-related injuries, changes in physical function, fear of falling, and mortality. After 24months, the IG demonstrated significantly fewer falls (IRR = 0.63, p = 0.021), injurious falls (IRR = 0.69, p = 0.034), and less fear of falling (p = 0.005). The mortality rate was 5.0% in IG and 10.3% in CG (HR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.24 to 1.12; p = 0.094). In older community-dwelling persons with high risk of falling, a short-term multi-component exercise intervention reduced falls and injurious falls, as well as fear of falling over 24months.

Six weeks of high intensity interval training (HIIT) facilitates a four year preservation of aerobic capacity in sedentary older males: A reunion study.

Long-term implications of acutely increased cardiorespiratory fitness following short-term exercise interventions in older adults are unknown. In this study, we examined peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) after 4-years of 'free-living' after a high intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention. Seventeen lifelong exercisers (LEX) and 17 previously sedentary (SED) males (55-74years of age in 2012) were tested four years (phase D) after our previous experiment which included 6-weeks of aerobic moderate intensity exercise (phase B), followed by 6-weeks of HIIT (phase C). At all stages, a standard incremental exercise protocol on a cycle ergometer was completed to determine VO2peak. SED (P=1.000, Cohen's d=0.01) and LEX (P=1.000, Cohen's d=0.11) VO2peak at phase D was not different from phase A (enrolment). SED experienced a large decrease in VO2peak from phase C to phase D (32±6ml·kg·min-1 to 27±6ml·kg·min-1 [P<0.001, Cohen's d=0.81]). LEX experienced a small decrease in VO2peak from phase C to phase D (42±7ml·kg·min-1 to 39±9ml·kg·min-1 [P<0.001, Cohen's d=0.46]). At phase D, LEX had greater VO2peak than SED (P<0.001, Cohen's d=1.73). The proportion of subjects who reported discontinuing training, maintaining moderate training, and maintaining HIIT differed between groups (P=0.023), with LEX self-reporting more HIIT, and SED self-reporting more discontinuation from exercise. Those who continued exercising experienced a reduction in VO2peak over the four years from 39±7ml·kg·min-1 to 36±9ml·kg·min-1 (N=25, P<0.001, Cohen's d=0.37), and those who discontinued exercising also experienced a reduction in VO2peak from 30±7ml·kg·min-1 to 25±9ml·kg·min-1 (N=9, P=0.003, Cohen's d=0.62). Four years after completing a brief period of aerobic exercise and HIIT, older males demonstrated a preservation of VO2peak, irrespective of training status (LEX or SED). However, LEX exhibited greater VO2peak than SED after 4-years of unsupervised 'free-living'. Notably, participants who discontinued exercising experienced a greater reduction in VO2peak. These data suggest that a 6weeks of supervised HIIT can facilitate the long term.

A Short-Term Intervention of High-Intensity Exercise and Anodal-tDCS on Motor Learning in Middle-Aged Adults: An RCT.

High-intensity exercise has enhanced motor learning in healthy young adults. Anodal-transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) may optimize these effects. This study aimed to determine the effects of a short-term high-intensity interval exercise intervention either with or without a-tDCS on the learning and retention of a novel motor task in middle-aged adults. Forty-two healthy middle-aged adults (age = 44.6 ± 6.3, female = 76%) were randomized into three groups: exercise and active a-tDCS, exercise and sham a-tDCS, and a non-exercise and sham a-tDCS control. Participants completed a baseline testing session, followed by three intervention sessions 48-h apart. The exercise groups completed 20-min of high-intensity exercise followed by a novel sequential visual isometric pinch task (SVIPT) while receiving 20-min of 1.5 mA a-tDCS, or sham tDCS. The control group completed 20-min of reading before receiving sham a-tDCS during the SVIPT. Learning was assessed by skill change within and between intervention sessions. Participants returned 5–7 days after the final intervention session and performed the SVIPT task to assess retention. All three groups showed evidence of learning on the SVIPT task. Neither group displayed enhanced overall learning or retention when compared to the control group. High-intensity exercise with or without a-tDCS did not improve learning or retention of a novel motor task in middle-aged adults. The methodological framework provides direction for future research to investigate the potential of differing exercise intensity effects on learning and retention.

Effect of Combined Interval and Continuous Exercise Training on Gastric Emptying, Appetite, and Adaptive Responses in Men With Overweight and Obesity.

Background/Objectives: Characterizing compensatory and adaptive responses to exercise assists in understanding changes in energy balance and health outcomes with exercise interventions. This study investigated the effects of a short-term exercise intervention (combining high intensity interval (HII) and continuous exercise) on (1) gastric emptying, appetite and energy intake; and (2) other adaptive responses including cardiorespiratory fitness, in inactive men with overweight/obesity.Methods: Fifteen men (BMI: 29.7 ± 3.3 kg/m−2) completed a 4-wk supervised exercise intervention, consisting of 5 exercise sessions per week alternating between HII (30 s at 100% VO2max followed by 30 s recovery) and continuous (at 50% VO2max) training on a cycle ergometer, progressing from 30 to 45 min session duration. Gastric emptying (13C-octanoic acid breath test), appetite (visual analog scale), energy intake (ad libitum lunch meal), body composition (air displacement plethysmography), non-exercise activity (accelerometery) VO2max, blood pressure, and fasting concentrations of glucose, insulin, and ghrelin were measured before and after (≥48 h) the intervention.Results: Gastric emptying, glucose, insulin and ghrelin were unchanged, but energy intake at the ad libitum lunch test meal significantly increased at post-intervention (+171 ± 116 kcal, p < 0.01). Body weight (−0.9 ± 1.1 kg), waist circumference (−2.3 ± 3.5 cm) and percent body fat (−0.9 ± 1.1%) were modestly reduced (P < 0.05). VO2max increased (+4.4 ± 2.1 ml.kg.min−1) by 13% and systolic (−6.2 ± 8.4 mmHg) and diastolic (−5.8 ± 2.2 mmHg) blood pressure were significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.01 for all).Conclusions: Four weeks of exercise training did not alter gastric emptying, indicating gastric emptying may only adapt to a higher volume/longer duration of exercise or changes in other characteristics associated with regular exercise. The combination of HII and continuous exercise training had beneficial effects on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and blood pressure and warrants further investigation in larger randomized controlled trials.

Prefrontal Plasticity after a 3-Month Exercise Intervention in Older Adults Relates to Enhanced Cognitive Performance.

This study examined exercise intervention effects on older adults' brain structures and function. Brain data were analyzed from 47 healthy adults between 61 and 82years of age who, in a previous study, showed cognitive improvement following a 3-month intervention. The participants were assigned to a motor exercise intervention group (n = 24), performing exercise training programs for a 12-week period, or a waiting control group (n = 23), abstaining from any exercise program. Structural analysis of the frontal cortex and hippocampus revealed increased gray matter volume and/or thickness in several prefrontal areas in the intervention group and reduced hippocampal gray matter volume in the control group. Importantly, the volume increase in the middle frontal sulcus in the intervention group was associated with a general cognitive improvement after the intervention. Functional analysis showed that the prefrontal functional connectivity during a working memory task differently changed in response to the intervention or waiting in the two groups. The functional connectivity decreased in the intervention group, whereas the corresponding connectivity increased in the control group, which was associated with maintaining cognitive performance. The current longitudinal findings indicate that short-term exercise intervention can induce prefrontal plasticity associated with cognitive performance in older adults.

Effects of Short-Term Unsupervised Exercise, Based on Smart Bracelet Monitoring, on Body Composition in Patients Recovering from Breast Cancer.

Objective:We aimed to investigate the effects of exercise, monitored and managed using smart bracelets, on body composition, and quality of life in breast cancer survivors.Methods:A before-and-after study was conducted in 109 patients who were in the recovery phase of breast cancer and attended the Breast Surgery Department of the Cancer Hospital of Fudan University up to December 2017. Patients were advised to adhere to at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, and a smart bracelet was issued to each participant to record their daily exercise data for 3 months. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to observe the effects of short-term unsupervised exercise intervention on body composition in patients recovering from breast cancer. Patients completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast to assess health-related quality of life.Results:Weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat mass (BFM), fat mass index (FMI), percent body fat (PBF), arm circumference (AC), arm muscle circumference (AMC), and visceral fat area (VFA) were lower than baseline after exercising for 3 months based on data from the wearable devices (P < .05). The only significant improvement was found in the “additional concerns about breast cancer” category among the quality-of-life assessments (P < .05). The average walking time was negatively associated with BFM, PBF, and FMI, while the average calorie consumption due to running was positively associated with fat free mass (FFM).Conclusion:In this study, we demonstrated that short-term exercise may be beneficial for postoperative breast cancer survivors. A wearable device could help patients track physical data easily and promote a healthier and more positive life.

Long-Term Efficacy of Treatment Effects After a Kyphosis Exercise and Posture Training Intervention in Older Community-Dwelling Adults: A Cohort Study.

Treatments that prevent worsening kyphosis are important due to the progressive nature of kyphosis with aging. We assessed long-term efficacy of treatment effects after a short-term kyphosis exercise and posture training intervention in a cohort study among older adults with hyperkyphosis, and investigated whether long-term treatment effects differ among males and females. In the original kyphosis intervention, 112 older adults enrolled in a waitlist design randomized controlled trial. One hundred three participants, mean age 70.0 (5.7) years and kyphosis 52.0° (7.4°), completed a twice weekly, 3-month, group exercise and posture training intervention, and were eligible to enroll in the follow-up study. We compared (1) change in outcomes pre-/postintervention to change postintervention over the follow-up period, (2) change in outcomes pre-/postintervention and postintervention to follow-up, stratified by sex, and (3) long-term change postintervention to follow-up in males and females. Primary outcome was change in kyphometer-measured thoracic kyphosis. Secondary outcomes were change in lumbar lordosis, objective measures of physical function, self-reported measures of physical activity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Forty-three participants, 42% of the eligible cohort, returned for follow-up, a mean 3.0 (0.7) years after completing the original intervention. Participants (27 females and 16 males) were 73.8 (6.1) years old, with mean kyphosis 48.9° (11.9°) at follow-up. Kyphosis declined -1.5° (95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.9° to 1.0°) postintervention to follow-up and this was no different than change pre-/postintervention, P = .173. Lordosis improved 8.9° (95% CI: 6.2° to 11.6°), more than change pre-/postintervention, P < .001. Gait speed measure of physical function increased 0.08 (95% CI: 0.02 to 0.14) m/s, Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) measure of physical activity increased 4 (95% CI: -16 to 24) points, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) mental health T-score measure of HRQoL increased 1.1 (95% CI: -1.0 to 3.1) points, but these improvements were not significantly more than change pre-/postintervention, P > .050. Other measures of physical function (modified Physical Performance Test [PPT], Timed Up and Go, and 6-minute walk) and HRQoL (Scoliosis Research Society [SRS-30] self-image and PROMIS physical function and physical health) declined at follow-up, significantly more than change pre/postintervention, P ≤ .050. Comparing change in outcomes pre-/postintervention and postintervention to follow-up, stratified by sex, both males and females increased lordosis, and decreased modified PPT and 6-minute walk measures of physical function, P < .050. Males and females differed in long-term change postintervention to follow-up. Time loaded standing and PASE improved in females compared with males, P = .008 and P = .092, respectively, and PROMIS mental health, physical health, and physical function declined in females compared with males, P = .073, P = .025, and P = .005, respectively. In our follow-up study, a mean of 3.0 (0.07) years after a 3-month kyphosis exercise and posture training intervention, kyphosis maintained and did not progress as expected with age. There was long-term improvement in lordosis. Compared with treatment effects from the short-term intervention, gait speed maintained equally well in males and females, while trunk endurance improved in females. Further investigation of long-term benefits of a short-term kyphosis exercise and posture training intervention is warranted.

Acute and Chronic Effects of Exercise on Continuous Glucose Monitoring Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis.

Objective: To examine the acute and chronic effects of structured exercise on glucose outcomes assessed by continuous glucose monitors in adults with type 2 diabetes.Methods: PubMed, Medline, EMBASE were searched up to January 2020 to identify studies prescribing structured exercise interventions with continuous glucose monitoring outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes. Randomized controlled trials, crossover trials, and studies with pre- and post-designs were eligible. Short-term studies were defined as having exercise interventions lasting ≤2 weeks. Longer-term studies were defined as >2 weeks.Results: A total of 28 studies were included. Of these, 23 studies were short-term exercise interventions. For all short-term studies, the same participants completed a control condition as well as at least one exercise condition. Compared to the control condition, exercise decreased the primary outcome of mean 24-h glucose concentrations in short-term studies (−0.5 mmol/L, [−0.7, −0.3]; p < 0.001). In longer-term studies, mean 24-h glucose was not significantly reduced compared to control (−0.9 mmol/L [−2.2, 0.3], p = 0.14) but was reduced compared to pre-exercise values (−0.5 mmol/L, [−0.7 to −0.2] p < 0.001). The amount of time spent in hyperglycemia and indices of glycemic variability, but not fasting glucose, also improved following short-term exercise. Among the shorter-term studies, subgroup, and regression analyses suggested that the timing of exercise and sex of participants explained some of the heterogeneity among trials.Conclusion: Both acute and chronic exercise can improve 24-h glucose profiles in adults with type 2 diabetes. The timing of exercise and sex of participants are among the factors that may explain part of the heterogeneity in acute glycemic improvements following exercise.

Regular Physical Activity, Short-Term Exercise, Mental Health, and Well-Being Among University Students: The Results of an Online and a Laboratory Study.

The health benefits of regular physical activity and aerobic exercise are undisputed in the literature. The present series of pilot studies had two major objectives: (a) examine mental health, well-being, and regular physical activity of university students and (b) explore the potential health benefits of short-term aerobic exercise on university students in an online and a laboratory study. Mental health and well-being were measured before (Time 1, T1) and after (Time 2, T2) a 6 week (online study) and 2 week (laboratory study) low- to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise intervention. Mental health and well-being were assessed using standardized self-report measures of depression, anxiety, positive and negative affect, perceived stress and coping strategies, body dissatisfaction, and quality of life. The effects of the aerobic exercise were compared to a cognitive non-exercise control condition (online study), motor coordination exercise (laboratory study), and a waiting list (online and laboratory). A total of 185 university students were recruited from German universities at T1. Further, 74 (women: n = 67) students completed the 6-week intervention. Similarly, 32 (women: n = 30) participants completed the 2 week intervention (laboratory study). At T1, 36.6% of the students (women and men) reported experiencing depressive symptoms. 41.83% of them (women and men) had high levels of state anxiety. All the students reported experiencing stress (e.g., due to uncertainty related to factors such as their finances, job, and social relationships). At T1, regular physical activity was negatively correlated with self-reported depression, anxiety, and perceived psychosomatic stress and positively correlated with quality of life and positive affect. Among women, cardiovascular fitness (operationalized as resting heart rate variability) was negatively correlated with self-reported anxiety (state) and depression at T1 (laboratory study). The 6 week aerobic exercise intervention resulted in significant improvements in self-reported depression, overall perceived stress, and perceived stress due to uncertainty. The present results confirm that there is a relationship between regular physical activity, cardiovascular fitness, mental health, and well-being among university students. They support the hypothesis that short-term aerobic exercise interventions can act as buffer against depression and perceived stress in university students after 6 weeks of aerobic exercise of low to moderate intensity.

EFFECTS OF COMBINED EXERCISE ON PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL VARIABLES IN CANCER PATIENTS: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a short-term combined exercise intervention program on perceived self-efficacy, fatigue, lower back flexibility, balance and task specific functional mobility in cancer patients. Fifteen patients met all the eligibility criteria and were assigned to a single training group (range age, 22-75 years) that performed an 8-week intervention program (~60min, 2d·wk -1 ). Each session included a progressive training of cardiorespiratory, resistance, flexibility and postural education exercises. Measures pre-intervention and post-intervention included psychological and physiological measurements. Adherence to training was high (92.3±5.2%) and no major health problem were noted in the participants over the 8 weeks. Measures of fatigue have significantly decreased ( p <0.001; -27.7%) and perceived capability to regulate negative affect ( p < 0.001; +18.2%) and to express positive emotions ( p = 0.003; +11.8%) improved between the pre- and post-study measurements. Highly significant increases were observed in the trunk lateral flexibility test (L: p <0.001; -13.2%; R: p <0.001; -12.8%), stork balance stand test (L: p <0.001, +30.1%; R: p <0.001, +66.7%), and in the number of standing up and sitting down from a chair within 30 seconds ( p <0.001; +20.4%). Results suggest that a short-term combined exercise program may improve the physical fitness, functional capacity, capability to manage emotional life and reduce levels of perceived fatigue in cancer patients providing an important support to deal with the physiological and psychological side effects. Article visualizations:

Influence of Exercise on the Human Gut Microbiota of Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES:To summarize the literature on the influence of exercise on the gut microbiota of healthy adults.METHODS:A systematic and comprehensive search in electronic database, including SciELO, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science up to July 5, 2019. Eligibility criterion was original studies conducted on healthy humans including exercise interventions or interventions involving any type of physical activity.RESULTS:The initial search retrieved 619 articles of which 18 met the inclusion criteria, 9 were observational, 4 reported very short-term exercise interventions, and 5 reported medium/long-term exercise interventions. Higher levels of physical activity or cardiorespiratory fitness were positively associated with fecal bacterial alpha diversity. Contrasting associations were detected between both the level of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness and fecal counts for the phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria. Higher levels of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness were positively associated with the fecal concentration of short-chain fatty acids. Reports on the effects of very short-term and medium/long-term exercise interventions on the composition of the gut microbiota were inconsistent.DISCUSSION:Higher levels of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with higher fecal bacterial alpha diversity and with the increased representation of some phyla and certain short-chain fatty acids in the feces of healthy adults. Very short-term and medium/long-term exercise interventions seem to influence the fecal counts of some phyla. However, the heterogeneity between studies hampers any strong conclusions from being drawn. Better-designed studies are needed to unravel the possible mechanisms through which exercise might influence the composition and activity of the human gut microbiota.

Interval Exercise Lowers Circulating CD105 Extracellular Vesicles in Prediabetes.

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are purported to mediate type 2 diabetes and CVD risk and development. Physical activity and a balanced diet reduce disease risk, but no study has tested the hypothesis that short-term interval (INT) training would reduce EV compared with continuous (CONT) exercise in adults with prediabetes. Eighteen obese adults (age, 63.8 ± 1.5 yr; body mass index, 31.0 ± 1.3 kg·m) were screened for prediabetes using American Diabetes Association criteria (75 g oral glucose tolerance test). Subjects were randomized to INT (n = 10, alternating 3-min intervals at 90% and 50% HRpeak, respectively) or CONT (n = 8, 70% HRpeak) training for 12 supervised sessions over 13 d for 60 min·d. Cardiorespiratory fitness (V˙ O2peak), weight (kg), as well as ad libitum dietary intake were assessed and arterial stiffness (augmentation index via applanation tonometry) was calculated using total AUC during a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test performed 24 h after the last exercise bout. Total EV, platelet EV (CD31/CD41), endothelial EV (CD105; CD31/ CD41), platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM) (CD31), and leukocyte EV (CD45; CD45/CD41) were analyzed via imaging flow cytometry preintervention/postintervention. The INT exercise increased V˙O2peak (P = 0.04) compared with CONT training. Although training had no effect on platelet or leukocyte EV, INT decreased Annexin V- endothelial EV CD105 compared with CONT (P = 0.04). However, after accounting for dietary sugar intake, the intensity effect was lost (P = 0.18). Increased ad libitum dietary sugar intake after training was linked to elevated AV+ CD105 (r = 0.49, P = 0.06) and AV- CD45 (r = 0.59, P = 0.01). Nonetheless, increased V˙O2peak correlated with decreased AV+ CD105 (r = -0.60, P = 0.01). Interval exercise training decreases endothelial-derived EV in adults with prediabetes. Although increased sugar consumption may alter EV after a short-term exercise intervention, fitness modifies EV count.

Exercise and Arterial Stiffness in the Elderly: A Combined Cross-Sectional and Randomized Controlled Trial (EXAMIN AGE).

Introduction:Arterial stiffness (AST) is a main determinant of cardiovascular (CV) mortality. Long-term physical activity (PA) is considered to decrease age-related progression of AST but effects of short-term exercise interventions on AST remain unclear.Methods:In a combined cross-sectional and interventional study approach, we investigated the effects of long-term PA and short-term high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on AST in an older population. 147 older individuals (mean age 59 ± 7 years) were assigned to three groups according to their PA and CV risk profile and compared: healthy active (HA, n = 35), healthy sedentary (HS, n = 33) and sedentary at risk (SR, n = 79). In addition, SR were randomized to either 12 weeks of HIIT or standard recommendations. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured by applanation tonometry. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was performed by symptom-limited spiroergometry to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max).Results:Higher CRF was associated with lower PWV (p < 0.001) and VO2max explained 18% of PWV variance. PWV was higher in SR (8.2 ± 1.4 m/s) compared to HS (7.5 ± 1.6 m/s) and HA (7.0 ± 1.1 m/s; p < 0.001). 12 weeks of HIIT did not change PWV in SR. HIIT-induced reduction in systolic BP was associated with a reduction in PWV (p < 0.05).Discussion:SR show higher PWV compared to HS and long-term PA is associated with lower PWV. Reduction of AST following short-term HIIT seems to depend on a concomitant decrease in blood pressure. Our study puts into perspective the effects of long- and short-term exercise on arterial wall integrity as treatment options for CV prevention in an older population.Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02796976 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02796976).

Effects of an eight-week exercise program on parameters of the lipid profile of female students.

Increased lipid levels are one of the major risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of short-term (8 weeks) aerobic exercise of moderate to vigorous intensity on lipid profile in young healthy females. 27 female students (mean age 20.5 ± 1 year) completed 8 weeks of aerobic training that included two exercise sessions of continuous aerobic activity of moderate intensity (running 35-60 min) and one exercise session with interval training of vigorous intensity. Intervention aerobic capacity and lipid profile were examined before and after the exercise. Exercise intervention has caused a decrease of low density lipoprotein levels per 9.8% (from 2.52 ± 0.47 to 2.27 ± 0.53 mmol/L; p < 0.001) and significant improvement of high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels per 22.7% (from 1.29 ± 0.24 to 1.59 ± 0.24 mmol/L; p < 0.001), total cholesterol/HDL ratio per 17.2 % and aerobic capacity (VO2max) per 3.8 % (43.9 ± 3.7 to 45.56 ± 3.63 mLO2/kg/min). The results support the hypothesis that a short-term aerobic exercise intervention of moderate to vigorous intensity may have significant effects on blood lipid profile in young healthy females.

Acute effect of three different exercise training modalities on executive function in overweight inactive men: A secondary analysis of the BrainFit study

There is currently a consensus about the positive effects of physical exercise on cognition. However, the exercise intensity-dependent effect on executive function remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of high-intensity aerobic interval training (HIIT), progressive resistance training (PRT), or combined training (PRT + HIIT) on executive function indicators in overweight inactive adult men (aged 18–30 years old). The participants were screened and excluded for medical conditions known to impact cognitive functioning, which was measured with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) screening cognitive test. A randomised, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted among 36 adults who were randomly assigned to a HIIT (n = 12), PRT (n = 7), PRT + HIIT (n = 7), or control group (n = 10) until the energy expenditure of 400–500 kcal. Cognitive inhibition and attention capacity were examined using the Stroop test and d2 test of attention, respectively, and were obtained pre-exercise for baseline measurement and 1 min post-exercise for each exercise training modality. Cognitive inhibition measured by the Stroop test was improved after the HIIT protocol for the domains of reading by +5.89 (η2 = 0.33), colour naming +9.0 (η2 = 0.60), interference +10.1 (η2 = 0.39), and index interference +6.0 (η2 = 0.20). Additionally, the PRT + HIIT group had an increase for the reading condition of +7.1 (η2 = 0.40), colour naming +7.5 (η2 = 0.80), and interference +5.8 (η2 = 0.39). In regard to attentional capacity, the HIIT group elicited small to medium improvements in the concentration level domain of +21.7 (η2 = 0.44), total performance domain +56.6 (η2 = 0.50), and consistency domain −3.0 (η2 = 0.27). These results were similar in the PRT and PRT + HIIT groups in the concentration level and items-processed domains (P < 0.05). In conclusion, acute HIIT and PRT + HIIT sessions reported important effect sizes than PRT alone for cognitive inhibition and attention capacity. Taken together, the results suggest that even short-term exercise interventions can enhance overweight adults' executive functions.