Endurance Research Articles

Changes in H-reflex, V-wave, and contractile properties of the plantar flexors following concurrent exercise sessions-the acute interference effect.

The interaction between muscle strength and endurance impacts athletic performance. Integrating both modalities into concurrent exercise (CE) is challenging due to the interference effect. This study explored the acute effects of resistance-only (R), endurance-only (E), and CE sessions on voluntary muscle strength, evoked neurophysiological parameters, and contractile properties of the plantar flexors. We also explored whether the sequence of CE (E-R vs. R-E) affects these parameters. Ten males (23.5 ± 2.4 yr) experienced in resistance and endurance training underwent neuromuscular baseline assessments, including plantarflexion maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and soleus evoked responses (M-wave, H-wave, V-wave, evoked octet, and twitch contractile properties). Then, participants completed four different exercise sessions in a randomized manner (e.g., E, R, E-R, and R-E), separated by 72 h. Exercise sessions were immediately followed by the same assessments completed at baseline. MVIC and the rate of torque development (RTD) were reduced after all sessions. The E session induced a greater decrease in RTD compared with R. Although the V-wave amplitude decreased after all sessions, the electromyographic activity of the soleus muscle remained unchanged during MVIC. The normalized amplitude of the H-reflex was reduced after E and both CE sessions. The gain of the H-reflex ascending limb (Hslope) exhibited a larger decrease after CE, irrespectively of exercise sequence. The twitch contractile properties were similarly impaired after all sessions. The E session induced a larger reduction of the evoked octet response. These findings provide new insights into the neuromuscular etiology of the acute interference effect resulting from CE.NEW & NOTEWORTHY All exercise modalities reduced maximal isometric strength; however, endurance exercise led to greater decreases in the rate of torque development. Resistance exercise negatively impacted supraspinal central neural drive, whereas both endurance and concurrent exercise significantly impaired spinal motoneuron responsiveness. Endurance and concurrent exercise also significantly reduced twitch contractile properties and evoked octet responses, with the most pronounced impairments observed following endurance-only exercise.

Mechanistic Insights Into the Exercise-Induced Changes in Muscle Lipids and Insulin Sensitivity-Expanding on the "Athlete's Paradox": Revisiting a 2011 Diabetes Classic by Amati etal.

Endurance exercise is widely recognized for its role in mitigating insulin resistance, yet the precise mechanisms remain unclear. In this Classics in Diabetes article, we revisit the article by Amati etal., "Skeletal Muscle Triglycerides, Diacylglycerols, and Ceramides in Insulin Resistance: Another Paradox in Endurance-Trained Athletes?" Published in the October 2011 issue ofDiabetes, this article was among the first to highlight the nuanced roles of exercise-induced changes in bioactive lipids such as ceramide and diacylglycerol (DAG) in insulin signaling. The authors' groundbreaking work challenged some existing paradigms, revealing a more complex relationship between DAGs and insulin resistance than previously thought. Their findings helped lay the foundation for further exploration to unravel the intricate biochemical pathways through which exercise influences insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.

Sarcopenic obesity is attenuated by E-syt1 inhibition via improving skeletal muscle mitochondrial function.

In aging and metabolic disease, sarcopenic obesity (SO) correlates with intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT). Using bioinformatics analysis, we found a potential target protein Extended Synaptotagmin 1 (E-syt1) in SO. To investigate the regulatory role of E-syt1 in muscle metabolism, we performed in vivo and in vitro experiments through E-syt1 loss- and gain-of-function on muscle physiology. When E-syt1 is overexpressed in vitro, myoblast proliferation, differentiation, mitochondrial respiration, biogenesis, and mitochondrial dynamics are impaired, which were alleviated by the silence of E-syt1. Furthermore, overexpression of E-syt1 inhibited mitophagic flux. Mechanistically, E-syt1 overexpression leads to mitochondrial calcium overload and mitochondrial ROS burst, inhibits the fusion of mitophagosomes with lysosomes, and impedes the acidification of lysosomes. Animal experiments demonstrated the inhibition of E-syt1 increased the capacity of endurance exercise, muscle mass, mitochondrial function, and oxidative capacity of the muscle fibers in OVX mice. These findings establish E-syt1 as a novel contributor to the pathogenesis of skeletal muscle metabolic disorders in SO. Consequently, targeting E-syt1-induced dysfunction may serve as a viable strategy for attenuating SO.

Quantification of training-induced alterations in body composition via automated machine learning analysis of MRI images in the thigh region: A pilot study in young females.

The maintenance of an appropriate ratio of body fat to muscle mass is essential for the preservation of health and performance, as excessive body fat is associated with an increased risk of various diseases. Accurate body composition assessment requires precise segmentation of structures. In this study we developed a novel automatic machine learning approach for volumetric segmentation and quantitative assessment of MRI volumes and investigated the efficacy of using a machine learning algorithm to assess muscle, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and bone volume of the thigh before and after a strength training. Eighteen healthy, young, female volunteers were randomly allocated to two groups: intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). The IG group followed an 8-week strength endurance training plan that was conducted two times per week. Before and after the training, the subjects of both groups underwent MRI scanning. The evaluation of the image data was performed by a machine learning system which is based on a 3D U-Net-based Convolutional Neural Network. The volumes of muscle, bone, and SAT were each examined using a 2 (GROUP [IG vs. CG]) × 2 (TIME [pre-intervention vs. post-intervention]) analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures for the factor TIME. The results of the ANOVA demonstrate significant TIME × GROUP interaction effects for the muscle volume (F1,16 = 12.80, p = 0.003, ηP 2 = 0.44) with an increase of 2.93% in the IG group and no change in the CG (-0.62%, p = 0.893). There were no significant changes in bone or SAT volume between the groups. This study supports the use of artificial intelligence systems to analyze MRI images as a reliable tool for monitoring training responses on body composition.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor drives muscle adaptation similar to aerobic training in mice.

This study, invivo and invitro, investigated the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in skeletal muscle adaptations to aerobic exercise. BDNF is a contraction-induced protein that may play a role in muscle adaptations to aerobic exercise. BDNF is involved in muscle repair, increased fat oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis, all of which are adaptations observed with aerobic training. The purpose of this study was two-pronged and investigated the skeletal muscle BDNF response to (1) acute and (2) chronic exercise in male C57BL/6J mice. It also examined if chronic BDNF treatment resulted in similar adaptations to chronic exercise. In aim 1, mice underwent a 2 hr. treadmill exercise bout. In aim 2, mice were assigned to one of four groups: (1) control (CON); (2) endurance training (ET; treadmill running 1 h/day, 5 days/wk); (3) BDNF (BDNF; 0.5 mg/kg·bw, 5 days/wk); (4) endurance training and BDNF (ET + BDNF) for 8 weeks. Results demonstrated that the soleus (SOL) had higher BDNF content compared with the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and that SOL BDNF increased with acute exercise. After chronic exercise and BDNF treatment, treadmill testing to exhaustion demonstrated a main effect of BDNF and ET on increasing exercise capacity. Invitro contractile assessment of the EDL revealed BDNF treatment resulted in similar increases in the max rate of relaxation as ET. EDL force-frequency analysis showed ET + BDNF produced higher force than CON and BDNF, indicating an additive effect. BDNF increased EDL mitochondrial proteins, COXIV, and CS. These results demonstrate that BDNF contributes to muscle adaptations observed with ET.

Cardiac dilation, energy stress and ventricular remodeling: insights from prolonged voluntary exercise in male mice with TAC-induced HFpEF.

Exercise in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains a hot topic, although current treatment strategies have not been shown to improve the long-term prognosis of HFpEF. Previous studies have mostly focused on the roles of endurance training, the mechanisms underlying long-term voluntary exercise have not been elucidated. The purpose of the present analysis was to evaluate alterations in cardiac function in HFpEF mice (HFpEF-Sed) after 6 weeks of voluntary running (HFpEF-Ex), investigate mechanisms, and compare the effects with fluoxetine (HFpEF-FLX). We found that voluntary exercise, instead of fluoxetine intervention, significantly improved left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter (LVIDd) and the rate of change in anterior wall thickness (ATW) in HFpEF mice. The exercise capacity of HFpEF-Sed mice was significantly reduced, but prolonged voluntary running significantly reversed the expression of myocardial BNP, TNF-α, and IL-6, α-MHC, and β-MHC in HFpEF-Sed mice, along with myocardial fiber disorders accompanied by massive inflammatory cell infiltrates. Importantly, myocardial Complex III and Complex V, Mfn2, Drp1, p62, and LC3 II/I expression in HFpEF-Sed mice were all significantly different from those of normal mice, whereas voluntary exercise significantly reversed these expressions. These findings strongly suggest that long-term voluntary exercise is effective in avoiding acute and chronic energy stress in HFpEF-Sed mice, which is consistent with the mechanism of current first-line treatment for HFpEF. This notion was further supported by electron microscopy results, which showed no pathological features in cardiomyocyte mitochondrial morphology after prolonged voluntary exercise. Additionally, fluoxetine was found to inhibit depressive-like behavior in HFpEF mice.

Multi-omics analysis reveals the anti-fatigue mechanism of BCAA-enriched egg white peptides: the role of the gut-muscle axis.

Bioactive peptides rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are an effective way to alleviate fatigue conditions, but the deep mechanism remains unclear. This study investigated the anti-fatigue effect of branched-chain amino acid-enriched egg white peptides (BEWPs) through the gut-muscle axis by gut bacteria and untargeted metabolomic analyses. The results demonstrated that BEWPs enhanced exercise endurance and strength by also promoting gastrocnemius development in mice. Furthermore, there was a reduction in oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and the accumulation of unexpected metabolites generated under fatigue conditions. The intake of BEWPs increased the abundances of Lactobacillus, Akkermansia, and unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, while decreasing the abundance of Bacteroides. BEWPs also regulated the levels of key metabolites in mouse muscles, including L-glutamic acid by arginine biosynthesis and bile secretion pathways. Notably, Spearman's correlation analysis indicated that there was a significant correlation between these altered metabolites, microbial populations, and indicators of fatigue. In summary, our research demonstrated that BEWPs alleviated fatigue through the gut-muscle axis, which provided new insights into fatigue management and prevention.

Relationship between psychological empowerment, physical activity enjoyment, and response to a HIIT Program in physically inactive young women: a prospective multicentre study

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the relationship of psychological empowerment and enjoyment of physical activity with changes in physical activity levels, sleep quality, and muscular endurance following a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program in physically inactive young women.MethodsA total of 61 physically inactive young women (age: 20.1 ± 2.7 y) were recruited to participate in a six-month HIIT intervention delivered via a smartphone app. Outcome measures included physical activity levels (MET-min/week), muscular endurance (plank test), and sleep quality through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The Healthy Lifestyle and Personal Control Questionnaire (HLPCQ) and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) were used to assess psychological empowerment and enjoyment, respectively. Repeated measures ANOVA and covariate analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of the intervention and the role of psychological empowerment and enjoyment.ResultsAt 6 months, significant improvements in physical activity (p < 0.001; ηp²=0.336) and muscular endurance (p = 0.005; ηp²=0.085) were observed, with large and moderate effect sizes, respectively. The PACES showed a significant interaction with time for MET-min/week (F = 11.67, p = 0.001, ηp²=0.129), suggesting that enjoyment influenced the increase in physical activity. No significant differences in sleep quality were observed (p > 0.05).ConclusionEnjoyment plays a crucial role in the response to HIIT programs among physically inactive young women, particularly in improving weekly physical activity levels. Psychological training showed no significant relationship with the outcomes studied.

Acute effect of endurance exercise on human milk insulin concentrations: a randomised cross-over study

IntroductionInsulin is present in human milk and its concentration correlates with maternal circulating levels. Studies on the association between human milk insulin concentrations and infant weight or growth show conflicting results, but some studies indicate that higher insulin concentrations in the milk can promote infant weight gain. Circulating levels of insulin decrease acutely after exercise, but no prior study has investigated the acute effect of exercise on human milk insulin concentrations. Our aim was to determine the acute effects of two endurance exercise protocols on human milk insulin concentration in exclusively breastfeeding individuals.MethodsIn a randomised cross-over trial, 20 exclusively breastfeeding participants who were 6–12 weeks postpartum completed three conditions on separate days: (1) moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), (2) high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and (3) no activity (REST). Milk was collected before exercise/rest (at 07:00 h), immediately after exercise/rest (11:00 h), 1 h after exercise/rest (12:00 h), and 4 h after exercise/rest (15:00 h). We determined insulin concentrations in the milk using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared insulin concentrations after MICT and HIIT with REST using a linear mixed model with time-points and the interaction between time and condition as fixed factors.ResultsWe detected insulin in all 240 samples, with an average concentration of 12.3 (SD 8.8) μIU/mL (range 3.2–57.2 μIU/mL). There was no statistically significant effect of exercise on insulin concentration, but a tendency of reduced concentrations 4 h after HIIT (p = 0.093). There was an overall effect of time at 11:00 h and 15:00 h. In the fasted sample obtained at 07:00 h, the concentration was 9.9 (SD 7.2) μIU/mL, whereas the concentration was 12.7 (SD 9.0) μIU/mL at 11:00 h (p = 0.009), and 15.0 (SD 11.7) μIU/mL at 15:00 h (p &amp;lt; 0.001).ConclusionOne session of endurance exercise, either at moderate- or high intensity, had no statistically significant effect on human milk insulin concentration. Future research should determine the effect of regular exercise on insulin in human milk and potential impact for infant health outcomes.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05042414.

Physiology mechanisms of exercise for PTSD: a narrative review

In at-risk societies, the population of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) incidence is gradually expanding from veterans to the general public. In the face of the high incidence of PTSD, exercise therapy, as an economical and maneuverable treatment, has not received the attention it deserves. In this paper, the literature on PTSD symptom improvement through comb-climbing exercise interventions found that performing long-term exercise can achieve significant improvement in PTSD symptoms by modulating the central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, and immune system at the physiological level. Aerobic exercise (running, walking) is beneficial to the central nervous system and immune system; anaerobic exercise positively affects the autonomic nervous system, including resistance or strength endurance training; yoga, which focuses on flexibility and balance training, has a positive effect on the immune system. Future research should explore the neutral and negative effects and mechanisms of exercise on PTSD interventions. Expand more empirical studies in special occupational populations. And implement longitudinal intervention studies with PTSD patients to gain an in-depth understanding of PTSD intervention effects.

Effects of Physical Exercise on MuRF-1/TRIM63 mRNA Expression in Humans: A Systematic Review

Background/Objectives: Muscle-specific RING finger protein 1 (MuRF-1) is a pivotal regulator of muscle protein breakdown, an essential process for post-exercise muscle adaptation. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of physical exercise on MuRF-1 mRNA expression in humans. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Web of Science following the PRISMA guidelines. The search was limited to studies published from 1 January 2001 to 1 December 2024. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined using the PICOS strategy. Two investigators independently performed the study selection, data extraction, and assessment of methodological quality, with any disagreements resolved by a third investigator. The PEDro scale was used to evaluate the risk of bias. Results: Forty-six studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. The findings evidenced that physical exercise significantly modulates MuRF-1 mRNA expression in humans. Resistance exercise induces transient increases, typically peaking between 1 and 4 h, whereas endurance exercise elicits similar responses within 40 min to 4 h post-exercise. Combined exercise protocols that include resistance and endurance exercises significantly increased MuRF-1 mRNA expression at 3 h post-exercise. The effects of physical exercise on MuRF-1 mRNA expression are influenced by factors such as exercise order, intensity, contraction mode, age, sex, and fitness level. Conclusions: This systematic review shows that MuRF-1 mRNA expression is significantly modulated by physical exercise in humans and is sensitive to different exercise modalities. These findings suggest that this key protein involved in muscle protein breakdown and turnover is essential for exercise-induced adaptations, contributing to skeletal muscle recovery and remodeling after exercise.

The Role of Adaptogenic Herbs in Combating Stress: A Review of Scientific Evidence

Adaptogens are bioactive compounds which allow the body to cope with stress, to be on homeostasis again. Its history dates back thousands of years, when Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine developed knowledge on adaptogenic compounds and functions, specifically on modulatory aspects of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and of cortisol regulatory pathways. The present review explores the history and classification of adaptogens as well as the underlying mechanisms, including hormone modulation, neurobiological pathways, and antioxidant activity. Botanical examples are Withaniasomnifera and Rhodiolarosea, as well as some non-botanical adaptogens including fungi and nutraceuticals. Preclinical and clinical evidence is presented as proof of the efficacy of the substances in diminishing stress, augmenting cognitive ability, and promoting physical endurance. Discussions on modern trends of formulations like teas, capsules, and functional foods in relation to practical uses regarding stress management and maintenance of psychological well-being and avoidance of burnout will be covered. Although generally safe, adaptogen risks include high dose toxicity and inter-medication interactions. Current challenges include variability in standardization of preparations and limitations in understanding long-term effects and associated molecular mechanisms. This review draws attention to the potential therapeutic role of adaptogens in modern life, provides insights into their safe and effective use, and points out areas for further work. Specific practical recommendations are given for how to select and combine adaptogens tailored to individual stress profiles, thus paving the way for their further integration into health care and wellness practice.

Effectiveness of Adaptive Physical Education Programs for Students with Disabilities in Canada

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effectiveness of adaptive physical education programs for students with disabilities in Canada Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Adaptive Physical Education (APE) programs in Canada aim to enhance the physical fitness and overall well-being of students with disabilities by tailoring physical activities to their unique needs. Research indicates that such programs can lead to improvements in various fitness components, including muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility. For instance, a three-year study involving adolescents with intellectual disabilities demonstrated significant positive outcomes in body composition, muscular endurance, explosive strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness over time. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Self-determination theory, ecological systems theory &amp; social cognitive theory may be used to anchor future studies on the effectiveness of adaptive physical education programs for students with disabilities in Canada. Teachers should undergo specialized training in adaptive methods, rapport-building, and the use of assistive technologies, such as virtual reality and motion-capture tools, to enhance student engagement. Policies should encourage collaborations between educational institutions, healthcare providers, and community organizations to create sustainable, multi-sectoral APE programs.

The Influence of Dietary Supplements on Exercise-Induced Gut Damage and Gastrointestinal Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Endurance exercise, especially under heat stress, temporarily compromises the integrity of the intestinal barrier in healthy individuals. Consequently, there is growing interest in developing effective dietary strategies to alleviate exercise-induced gastrointestinal symptoms and gut damage. This meta-analysis investigated the effects of dietary supplements on mitigating these challenges. The search was performed in November 2024 following PRISMA guidelines, and 26 peer-reviewed studies were included across three meta-analyses: (1) gastrointestinal symptoms, (2) circulating intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (i-FABP), and (3) exercise performance. The moderating effect of variables was assessed via sub-group analysis and meta-regression. Overall, there was no pooled effect of supplement interventions on gastrointestinal symptoms (Hedges’ g = 0.42, 95% CI −0.17: 1.02, p = 0.15), and probiotics had a moderate significant effect for gastrointestinal symptoms (Hedges’ g = −0.62, 95% CI −1.01; 1.01, p = 0.05). There was a significant increase in i-FABP concentrations pre- to post exercise (∆ 106%; Hedges’ g = 1.01, 95% CI 0.63; 1.38, p = 0.01). There were no pooled or sub-group differences for exercise performance for any supplements (p = 0.53). Moderate-to-large heterogeneity was observed across studies (I2 ≥ 58.6%), and candidate moderators (exercise duration, modality, and environmental temperature) had no significant effect on any outcomes (p &gt; 0.05). A significant increase in circulating i-FABP during exercise was observed. However, when examining the effects of different supplement categories, although significance was observed for a select few supplements, the changes in i-FABP, gastrointestinal symptoms, and exercise performance were outside of clinical relevance. Although probiotics showed a moderate significant effect for gastrointestinal symptoms, the conflicting findings across studies may have been due to inadequate control of confounding variables across studies. Further research is required to assess the alternative dietary supplements’ effects on gastrointestinal health and exercise performance, particularly under varied environmental conditions, where more rigorous control for cofounding factors is implemented.

Modulation of mitochondrial dynamics in skeletal muscle during endurance training: early activation of fission and late induction of fusion protein expression

Modulation of mitochondrial dynamics in skeletal muscle during endurance training: early activation of fission and late induction of fusion protein expression

The effect of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization technique combined with Kinesio Taping on neuromuscular function and pain self-efficacy in individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain: A randomized trial.

This study investigates the therapeutic efficacy of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) technology paired with Kinesio Taping in patients with persistent nonspecific low back pain, as well as the effect on neuromuscular function and pain self-efficacy. A randomized controlled clinical study was conducted to collect clinical data on DNS combined with KT for the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain from November 2023 to April 2024. The inclusion criteria were patients with chronic nonspecific lower back pain, aged between 18 and 30 years old, and without serious underlying medical conditions, such as cardiac disease, hypertension, and diabetes. The control group received Kinesio Tape therapy, and the experimental group received a combination of Kinesio Tape therapy and DNS technology. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks, 3 times a week. Patients were examined before and after treatment using the Visual Analog Rating Scale, Oswestry Dysfunction Score, and Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. Multifidus and transversus abdominis muscle strength was tested using surface electromyography signals, and the patient's joint mobility, maximal isometric muscle strength, and muscular endurance were tested using the Davy Spine Rehabilitation System. Internal lumbar and abdominal pressures were assessed using stabilizer pressure biofeedback. A total of 32 subjects (17 males and 15 females) were enrolled, of which 16 were in the experimental group and 16 in the control group. After the treatment, the patients in both groups showed significant improvements in the visual analogue scale, Oswestry disability index, Chinese version of Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), joint mobility, maximum isometric strength, muscle endurance, abdominal pressure, transverse abdominal muscle and multifidus muscle scales compared with the pretreatment results. (Chinese version of Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire) scales were significantly improved compared with the pretreatment; joint mobility, maximal isometric muscle strength, muscular endurance, intra-abdominal pressure, transversus abdominis and multifidus AEMG (average electromyography) were more significantly improved, and the differences were statistically significant (P < .05). The experimental group showed more significant improvement than the control group (P < .05). DNS technology paired with Kinesio Taping can considerably improve neuromuscular function and enhance pain self-efficacy in chronic nonspecific low back pain patients, reducing discomfort and improving dysfunction.

The impact of calisthenics on muscular endurance, balance, and agility in young females with and without flexible flatfeet: a comparative study

The impact of calisthenics on muscular endurance, balance, and agility in young females with and without flexible flatfeet: a comparative study

Acute Effects of a Single Bout of Strength and Endurance Exercise on Vitamin D Metabolites in Young Adults.

The effect of exercise on serum concentration of vitamin D metabolites remains inconclusive, with studies reporting deviating results. This study evaluated the acute effect of a single session of two specific exercise forms; strength training (ST) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), on circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), free25(OH)D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), and skeletal muscle vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene expression, in healthy adults. Thirty-nine participants (19 women and 20 men, age 21-30 years) completed a single bout of ST and HIIT exercise, separated by two weeks. Serum concentration of total 25(OH)D, free25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D were assessed before exercise, immediately after, and 3 hours and 24 hours after each session. Muscle biopsies were obtained at rest (1st visit), and at 3 hours and 24 hours post ST and HIIT, and analyzed for VDR gene expression. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess serum concentration across time, while paired samples t-test was used for muscle VDR gene expression analyses. Serum concentration of 25(OH)D or free 25(OH)D did not change after either exercise mode when correcting for plasma volume alterations. 1,25(OH)2D was reduced by 13.1 ± 18.3 pmol/L and 7.1 ± 9.6 pmol/L immediately after ST and HIIT, respectively (P < 0.001). Muscle VDR mRNA expression increased after ST by 3.1 ± 1.8 (3 hr) and 2.2 ± 1.7 (24 hr) fold change (P < 0.05). One single session of ST or HIIT did not alter serum concentration of 25(OH)D and free 25(OH)D when correcting for plasma volume changes. Both exercise modes caused a transient reduction in 1,25(OH)2D suggesting utilization of 1,25(OH)2D by muscle cells following exercise. Elevated VDR gene expression following ST suggests a functional role of VDR in fast-twitch muscle fibers.

Effects of exercise intensity on nutritional status, body composition, and energy balance in patients with COPD: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHigh-intensity exercise is recommended for the pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, it can cause an energy imbalance due to increased energy expenditure. Here, we aimed to explore the effect of reducing exercise intensity on energy balance in patients with COPD experiencing high-intensity training-induced weight loss.MethodsAll participants underwent high-intensity endurance and resistance training for a 2-week preliminary period. Those who lost more than 1% of their weight were then randomized to either continue high-intensity exercise (AA group) or switch to low-intensity exercise (AB group) for another 2 weeks (experimental period).ResultsThe analysis included 30 participants (AA, n = 15; AB, n = 15). The AA group showed significant increases in body composition, dietary intake, nutritional status, muscle strength, and exercise capacity at week 4 than at week 2, with no significant changes in the AB group. After the experimental period, a greater proportion of the AA group had energy intake exceeding expenditure than did the AB group (80% vs. 40%).ConclusionsIn patients with COPD who lost body weight during pulmonary rehabilitation with high-intensity exercise, continuing this exercise had a more positive effect on body composition, nutritional status, physical function, and energy balance than did reducing exercise intensity. These results suggest the importance of continuing high-intensity exercise, while taking into consideration energy intake and nutritional therapy, even when body weight loss occurs during pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD.Trial registrationThis study was retrospectively registered on the UMIN-CTR as UMIN000050976 on May 5, 2023.

Effects of Physical Exercise on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to systematically collect, evaluate, and critically synthesize research findings on the effects of physical exercise on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for systematic reviews was adopted for this study. We searched the Medline®, CINAHL, SportDiscus, and Scopus databases to identify relevant articles published from inception to March 2024. This review was reported in accordance with the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, totaling 928 participants. Interventions ranged from aerobic and resistance exercises to balance and strength training. A range of physical exercise interventions was explored, including brisk walking, endurance training, weight exercises, and resistance bands, as well as combined programs of aerobics, resistance, and balance training, all tailored to improve symptoms and quality of life in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The meta-analysis focused on five studies that used the FACT/GOG-Ntx scale indicated a standardized mean difference of 0.50 (95% CI: 0.26, 0.74), favoring exercise, reflecting significant improvements in neuropathy symptoms. The heterogeneity among the studies was low (I² = 2%), suggesting consistency in the beneficial effects of exercise. From the results analyzed, the descriptive analysis of the 12 included studies shows promising outcomes not only related to individuals' perceptions of CIPN severity but also in terms of physical functioning, balance, ADL (Activities of Daily Living) performance, pain, and quality of life. The findings support the integration of structured exercise programs into oncological treatment plans.