Vigorous Aerobic Exercise Research Articles

Actividade física e saúde pública: recomendações para a prescrição de exercício.

During the last half century scientific data have been accumulated, through epidemiological and clinical studies that clearly document the significant health benefits associated with regular physical activity. This paper will analyse the latest recommendations for prescribing exercise in all age groups in healthy subjects and to individuals with chronic non-communicable diseases such as overweight, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and cancer, that contribute to the leading causes of global mortality. A search in the Pubmed database was performed and were also searched the recommendations of the World Health Organization and scientific organizations in Portugal. Most health benefits occur with at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise of moderate intensity, accumulated over the week, which can be split into periods of at least 10 minutes. Brisk walking seems to be the preferred aerobic exercise. Vigorous intensity aerobic exercise and resistance exercises for muscle strengthening, at least two days a week are also recommended. Children, youth, older adults and people with overweight have particular needs for physical activity. Additional benefits occur with increasing quantity and quality of physical activity through the proper manipulation of the exercise density (intensity, frequency and duration). However, some physical activity is better than none. The role of health professionals in prescribing appropriate exercise to their patients is fundamental to their involvement in increasing their physical activity levels and thus contributing to their health promotion and prevention and treatment of major non-communicable chronic diseases.

Consistency of the Counting Talk Test for Exercise Prescription

The purpose of this study was to assess the consistency of the counting talk test (CTT) method for estimating exercise intensity across various modes of exercise in healthy young adults. Thirty-six individuals completed the study, which required participation in 3 separate sessions within a 2-week time period. During the first session, the individuals completed a maximal effort treadmill test from which each individual's heart rate reserve (HRR) was calculated. During the second and third sessions, the subjects participated in 2 modes of exercise in each session for a total of 4 different modes of exercise. The individuals exercised at 40% HRR, 50% HRR, 60% HRR, 75% HRR, and 85% HRR. The heart rate (HR), CTT, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded at each workload. Based on the individual's resting CTT (CTT(rest)), the %CTT for each exercise stage was then calculated. Pearson correlations demonstrated moderate to good correlations between the CTT and HRR methods and the CTT and RPE methods for estimating exercise intensity. This study found that for the individuals with CTT(rest) <25, moderate to vigorous intensity exercise as recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine HRR guidelines could be achieved by exercising at a level of 40-50% CTT(rest). Individuals with a CTT(rest) ≥25, exercising at a level of 30-40% CTT(rest) would place them in the moderate to vigorous exercise intensity range. A high degree of reliability was demonstrated using the CTT method across the various modes of aerobic exercise. As such, independent of the exercise mode, the CTT was found to be an easy and consistent method for prescribing moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise intensity.

Bewegung als Therapie bei Diabetes mellitus Typ 2

The beneficial role of physical exercise on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus has been confirmed by several controlled trials including both aerobic and resistance exercise protocols. Exercise has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels, reduce body fat and improve physical fitness. Grade A scientific evidence has been assigned to the effect of regular physical activity on glycemic control for both endurance and resistance exercise.The recommendations for endurance exercise are: aerobic physical activity of moderate intensity (40-60% of VO(2)max or 50-70% of maximum heart rate) for at least 150min/week and/or at least 90min/week of vigorous aerobic exercise (> 60% of VO(2)max or > 70% of maximum heart rate). The physical activity should be distributed over at least 3 days/week and with no more than 2 consecutive days without physical activity. The recommendations for resistance exercise are: resistance exercise should be performed at least 3 times a week, including all major muscle groups, progressing to 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions at a weight that cannot be lifted > 8-10 times.

Inflammatory Marker Changes in a Yearlong Randomized Exercise Intervention Trial among Postmenopausal Women

Chronic low-grade inflammation is a possible risk factor for cancer that may be modifiable with long-term exercise. Very few randomized controlled trials (RCT) have studied the isolated effects of exercise on low-grade inflammation exclusively in postmenopausal women. The Alberta Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Prevention Trial, a 2-armed RCT in healthy postmenopausal women, examined how 1 year of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise, compared with usual inactivity, influenced circulating inflammatory markers. Baseline, 6-month, and 12-month serum was analyzed by direct chemiluminescent immunoassays to measure high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) and ELISAs to measure interleukin 6 (IL-6) and TNF-α. Intention to treat analyses were conducted with linear mixed models. Statistically significant differences in CRP were observed over 12 months for exercisers versus controls (treatment effect ratio = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.79-0.96, P = 0.005), but not in IL-6 or TNF-α. A statistically significant trend (P(trend) = 0.021) of decreasing CRP with increasing exercise adherence and stronger intervention effects on CRP in women with higher baseline physical fitness (P(heterogeneity) = 0.040) was found. The intervention effect on CRP became statistically nonsignificant with adjustment for dietary fiber intake change and seemed to be mediated by fat loss. Low-grade inflammation may be lowered with exercise, but confounding by dietary intake occurred and should be considered in future studies. Further trials are needed to corroborate our findings about the optimal dose of exercise required to lower CRP levels and effect modification of CRP changes by levels of body fatness and fitness.

Effects of Acute Exercise on Executive Function: A Study With a Tower of London Task

The purpose of this study is to extend the literature by examining the effects of an acute bout of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise on the executive functions of planning and problem solving assessed using a Tower of London Task (TOL Task). Forty-two participants were randomly assigned into either exercise or control group, and performed the TOL Task, before and immediately following exercise or a control treatment. The exercise group performed 30 min of exercise on a stationary cycle at moderate to vigorous intensity while the control group read for the same length of time. Results indicated that the exercise group achieved improvements in TOL Task scores reflecting the quality of planning and problem solving, but not in those reflecting rule adherence and performance speed. These findings indicate that an acute bout of aerobic exercise has facilitative effects on the executive functions of planning and problem solving.

320 Training-induced improvements in arterial stiffness are not sustained over a six-month aerobic exercise intervention in older adults with type 2 diabetes

The relationship between increased arterial stiffness and cardiovascular mortality is well established in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Short-term vigorous aerobic exercise interventions has been shown to reduce arterial stiffness in older adults with T2DM. We examined whether a long-term aerobic exercise intervention (6 months) would adequately sustain improvements in arterial compliance in older adults with Type 2 diabetes complicated by comorbid hypertension and hyperlipidemia.

Short-term Aerobic Exercise Reduces Nitroglycerin-induced Orthostatic Intolerance in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Older adults are at a high risk for syncope due to orthostatic intolerance (OI), and this risk increases with comorbid type 2 diabetes and vasoactive medications. Despite many benefits, previous investigations have shown worsening OI with aerobic training. We examined whether aerobic exercise reduced OI in older adults with type 2 diabetes who were given a short-acting vasoactive agent (nitroglycerin). Forty older adults (25 males and 15 females, mean age 71.4 ± 0.7 years, ranging in age from 65 to 83 years) with type 2 diabetes were recruited. Subjects were randomized to each of 2 groups: an aerobic group (3 months of vigorous aerobic exercise) and a nonaerobic (no aerobic exercise) group. Exercise sessions were supervised by a certified exercise trainer 3 times per week. After being given 400 μg of sublingual nitroglycerin, each subject was placed in a 70° head-up tilt for 30 minutes. When the 2 groups were compared using a Cox proportional hazards model, tilt table tolerance was significantly better in the aerobic group as compared to in the nonaerobic group (χ(2)(MC) = 7.271, P = 0.007). Our findings indicate that a relatively short aerobic exercise intervention can improve postnitroglycerin orthostatic tolerance in older adults with type 2 diabetes.

Aerobic Training Restores Arterial Baroreflex Sensitivity in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, and Hypercholesterolemia

Lowered baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) predicts mortality and occurs with increasing age and diabetes. We examined whether aerobic exercise could restore arterial BRS in adults at high cardiovascular risk (diabetes, geriatric age group, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension). Randomized, controlled, single-blind study. VITALiTY (Vancouver Initiative to Add Life to Years) Research Laboratory. Thirty-nine older adults (mean age, 71.5 +/- 0.7 years) with diet-controlled or oral hypoglycemic-controlled type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Subjects were recruited to each of 2 groups: an aerobic group (3 months of vigorous aerobic exercise as defined by 80% to 85% of maximal heart rate), and a nonaerobic (no aerobic exercise) group. Exercise sessions were supervised by a certified exercise trainer 3 times per week. : Baroreflex function was assessed using the spontaneous baroreflex method. Main outcome measures included BRS, BRS(up), BRS(down), and [latin capital V with dot above]o(2)max. The aerobic group demonstrated an increase in BRS that was not demonstrated in the nonaerobic group (+60.9 +/- 23.5 vs +2.2 +/- 7.9%; P = 0.010). Our findings indicate that a relatively short aerobic exercise intervention can reverse functional impairments of the arterial baroreflex function in older adults at high cardiovascular risk.

Effects Of Acute Exercise On Opiate And Cigarrette Craving In Methadone Patients

Acute aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce craving for cigarettes in smokers. Over 80% of patients enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) programs for opiate addiction are smokers. Many MMT counselors believe that regular physical exercise helps their patients to be successful in the program; however, some MMT patients believe that they will need to increase their daily methadone dose if they initiate an exercise program. PURPOSE: To determine if acute aerobic exercise changes opiate and cigarette craving in MMT patients. METHODS: 7 MMT patients (4 men, 3 women; Age = 45±2 years; BMI=27.5±1.9) completed 3 randomly applied experimental trials immediately before receiving their daily methadone dose. Subjects abstained from smoking for 6 hours prior to experimental trials. Experimental trials consisted of 20 minutes of rest, moderate aerobic exercise (65% predicted maximal heart rate), or vigorous aerobic exercise (80% predicted maximal heart rate). Craving for opiates, cigarettes, and sweets was recorded before, immediately post exercise (IPE), and 10 minutes after exercise (10 post). Subjects also completed the Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS) before and 10 post. RESULTS: Craving for opiates was reduced (p<0.05) as a result of vigorous exercise at IPE (-26.8+6.9%) and 10 Post (-5.5+0.5%); however, craving for opiates was unchanged following moderate exercise. Craving for cigarettes was reduced (p<0.05) following both moderate (IPE=-37.9+6.1%; 10 Post=-13.1+9.1%) and vigorous (IPE=-37.1+7.1%; 10 Post=-8.8+9.2%) exercise. Craving for sweets and the SOWS was unchanged as a result of exercise. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this investigation suggest that craving for opiates and cigarettes in patients participating in a MMT program may be influenced by acute aerobic exercise.

Leukocyte telomere length is preserved with aging in endurance exercise-trained adults and related to maximal aerobic capacity

Telomere length (TL), a measure of replicative senescence, decreases with aging, but the factors involved are incompletely understood. To determine if age-associated reductions in TL are related to habitual endurance exercise and maximal aerobic exercise capacity (maximal oxygen consumption, VO 2max), we studied groups of young (18–32 years; n = 15, 7 male) and older (55–72 years; n = 15, 9 male) sedentary and young ( n = 10, 7 male) and older ( n = 17, 11 male) endurance exercise-trained healthy adults. Leukocyte TL (LTL) was shorter in the older (7059 ± 141 bp) vs. young (8407 ± 218) sedentary adults ( P < 0.01). LTL of the older endurance-trained adults (7992 ± 169 bp) was ∼900 bp greater than their sedentary peers ( P < 0.01) and was not significantly different ( P = 0.12) from young exercise-trained adults (8579 ± 413). LTL was positively related to VO 2max as a result of a significant association in older adults ( r = 0.44, P < 0.01). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that VO 2max was the only independent predictor of LTL in the overall group. Our results indicate that LTL is preserved in healthy older adults who perform vigorous aerobic exercise and is positively related to maximal aerobic exercise capacity. This may represent a novel molecular mechanism underlying the “anti-aging” effects of maintaining high aerobic fitness.

Cardiovascular disease, SCI and exercise: unique risks and focused countermeasures

Purpose. To summarise the spinal cord injury (SCI) specific profile of three cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVD): fasting dyslipidaemia, postprandial lipidaemia and vascular inflammation and to summarise exercise prescriptions that may attenuate each.Method. NA.Results. NA.Conclusions. At least three CVD risk factors have unique profiles in the SCI population. Fasting dyslipidaemia is characterised in the SCI population by depressed HDL cholesterol and normal or low total cholesterol. In the post-prandial state, persons with SCI exhibit an exaggerated triglyceride rise and delayed clearance compared to non-disabled persons. Finally, vascular inflammation, as indexed by C-reactive protein, is markedly elevated in SCI. Exercise may improve each, although the specific prescriptions differs. Fasting dyslipidaemia responds to 8 weeks of moderate intensity aerobic exercise performed 5 days weekly for 30 min daily. Post-prandial lipaemia treatment requires daily moderate or vigorous aerobic exercise, as the effect dissipates day by day. The daily exercise duration is proportional to fitness level, with total caloric expenditure emphasised rather than time. Finally, attenuating vascular inflammation in non-disabled persons requires moderate or vigorous exercise performed for ≥12 months, 5 days weekly for ≥45 min; with aerobic exercise plus resistance training more effective than aerobic exercise alone.

Lymphoma patients on chemotherapy benefit from vigorous aerobic exercise

Lymphoma patients on chemotherapy benefit from vigorous aerobic exercise

Short-Term Aerobic Exercise Reduces Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, and Hypercholesterolemia

OBJECTIVEThe relationship between increased arterial stiffness and cardiovascular mortality is well established in type 2 diabetes. We examined whether aerobic exercise could reduce arterial stiffness in older adults with type 2 diabetes complicated by comorbid hypertension and hyperlipidemia.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSA total of 36 older adults (mean age 71.4 ± 0.7 years) with diet-controlled or oral hypoglycemic–controlled type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia were recruited. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an aerobic group (3 months vigorous aerobic exercise) and a nonaerobic group (no aerobic exercise). Exercise sessions were supervised by a certified exercise trainer three times per week, and a combination of cycle ergometers and treadmills was used. Arterial stiffness was measured using the Complior device.RESULTSWhen the two groups were compared, aerobic training resulted in a decrease in measures of both radial (−20.7 ± 6.3 vs. +8.5 ± 6.6%, P = 0.005) and femoral (−13.9 ± 6.7 vs. +4.4 ± 3.3%, P = 0.015) pulse-wave velocity despite the fact that aerobic fitness as assessed by Vo2max did not demonstrate an improvement with training (P = 0.026).CONCLUSIONSOur findings indicate that a relatively short aerobic exercise intervention in older adults can reduce multifactorial arterial stiffness (type 2 diabetes, aging, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia).

Exercise for the management of type 2 diabetes: a review of the evidence

The aim is to critically review the more relevant evidence on the interrelationships between exercise and metabolic outcomes. The research questions addressed in the recent specific literature with the most relevant randomized controlled trials, meta-analysis and cohort studies are presented in three domains: aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, combined aerobic and resistance exercise. From this review appear that the effects of aerobic exercise are well established, and interventions with more vigorous aerobic exercise programs resulted in greater reductions in HbA(1c), greater increase in VO(2max) and greater increase in insulin sensitivity. Considering the available evidence, it appears that resistance training could be an effective intervention to help glycemic control, especially considering that the effects of this form of intervention are comparable with what reported with aerobic exercise. Less studies have investigated whether combined resistance and aerobic training offers a synergistic and incremental effect on glycemic control; however, from the available evidences appear that combined exercise training seems to determine additional change in HbA(1c) that can be seen significant if compared with aerobic training alone and resistance training alone.

Differences among exercisers and non‐exercisers during pregnancy

The hypothesis that mothers who exercise during pregnancy have less time than non‐exercisers for other activities was tested by having pregnant mothers complete a reliable and valid Modifiable Activity Questionnaire. Exercisers participated in moderate or vigorous aerobic exercise at least 30 minutes 3 times per week throughout the pregnancy whereas control mothers did not. Questions pertained to descriptives, daily activities, exercise, and amount of sleep. The data from 27 mothers with uncomplicated pregnancies (17 exercisers and 10 non‐exercisers) have been analyzed. Mothers who exercised during pregnancy slept more each night than non‐exercising moms. Although, all mothers were similar age, education levels, and height, there were significant differences between groups for weight and BMI. Control and exercising mothers with male fetuses were less active than moms with female fetuses and, had higher BMIs. Stay‐at‐home moms exercised less than those who worked out of the home, but stay‐at‐home control mothers were more active than control moms who worked outside of the home. We unexpectedly found differences in BMI based on fetal gender. Additionally, exercising moms do not "steal" time to exercise. These results suggest exercising during pregnancy does not require "stealing" time, but being more time efficient. These data will hopefully encourage pregnant women to evaluate their use of time each day.Grant Funding SourceIntramural

Efecto de un programa de ejercicio físico controlado-supervisado sobre el perfil lipídico en mujeres postmenopáusicas en Bogotá, Colombia, 2007

Introducción y objetivo: en la postmenopausia se generan cambios metabólicos relacionados con alteraciones en el perfil lipídico, los cuales son un factor de riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular en esta población. El ejercicio físico (EF) regular puede mejorar el perfil lipídico, aunque son pocos los estudios que han incluido a la mujer postmenopáusica. Esta investigación buscó evaluar el efecto de un programa de ejercicio físico aeróbico, sobre el perfil lipídico de mujeres postmenopáusicas con hiperlipidemia.Metodología: estudio cuasiexperimental de antes y después, en el cual participaron 40 mujeres postmenopáusicas, a quienes se les aplicó un programa de ejercicio aeróbico controlado supervisado, de intensidad moderada a vigorosa,4-5díasporsemana y con una duración de 16 semanas. Se valoraron las concentraciones de colesterol total, triglicéridos, lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL), lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL) y apolipoproteínas A-I y B.Resultados: se encontró una reducción significativa en las concentraciones séricas del colesterol total, triglicéridos y un incremento en el VO2 (p&lt;0,05).Conclusiones: los resultados sugieren que el programa de ejercicio físico mejora los perfiles de triglicéridos y colesterol total, disminuyendo el riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular en la mujer postmenopáusica, sin cambios significativos en las otras variables lipídicas.

The effects of aerobic exercises on the serum oxidized LDL and total antioxidant capacity in non-active men

Summary We investigated the effect of moderate and vigorous aerobic exercise (MAE and VAE) on serum oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) levels and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in voluntary and untrained healthy subjects. All subjects were randomly divided into three groups, including VAE (80–85% of maximal reserve heart rate) (n = 15), MAE (60–65% of maximal reserve heart rate) (n = 17), and control (n = 12). Exercise groups exercised in three sessions per week for 8 weeks. MAE and VAE did not significantly alter serum ox-LDL, total cholesterol (TC) and TAC (p > 0.05), while serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and HDL-C/TC ratio were significantly increased (p V O 2 max ) was higher and body mass index (BMI) was lower than control group (p V O 2 max and TAC and HDL-C. TAC had a significant negative correlation with TC, LDL-C and BMI. We conclude that serum ox-LDL and TAC were not affected by exercise, however, a positive correlation between V O 2 max and TAC and a negative correlation between TAC and LDL-C as well as TC suggest a correlation between physical training and an improved antioxidant defense system.

Physical Activity and Fitness in the Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease and Associated Risk Factors

Less than half of the adult population in the United States meet the minimum physical activity recommendations of the 1996 surgeon general's report: 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most if not all days of the week. There is strong evidence that following these recommendations could potentially reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease and mortality. The benefits of more vigorous exercise are less clear, especially for women. Physical fitness demonstrates an even stronger negative association with coronary heart disease and mortality with a 17% to 20% reduction in mortality for every 1 metabolic equivalent (3.5 mL/kg/min) increase in aerobic power (VO 2max). For prevention or management of diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends 150 minutes per week or more of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and/or 90 minutes per week or more of vigorous aerobic exercise. Weight loss may require 60 to 90 minutes of moderate exercise per day. Regular moderate, but not vigorous, exercise is recommended for the prevention/management of hypertension. Many studies support moderate to high-intensity exercise 3 to 5 times per week for at least 30 minutes per session to manage or improve cholesterol profiles, although changes reported vary and are modest in most cases.

Resistance Training and Type 2 Diabetes

Aerobic exercise has consistently been shown to improve glucose control (1–3), enhance insulin sensitivity (2,4,5), and improve cardiovascular risk factors such as visceral adiposity (2), lipid profile (6), arterial stiffness (7), and endothelial function (8). Consistent with this evidence, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that individuals with type 2 diabetes perform at least 150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and/or at least 90 min of vigorous aerobic exercise per week (9). Although a lifestyle modification of this nature could have substantial impact on the metabolic and cardiovascular health of this population, it is often difficult for those who have been habitually sedentary to adhere to these guidelines. Indeed, a recent population-based study found that only 28% of individuals with type 2 diabetes achieve these recommendations (10). Unfortunately, it is frequently those who would benefit the most from aerobic exercise that have the greatest difficulty performing it. For individuals with severe obesity, arthritis, physical disabilities, and/or diabetes complications, even walking for 20–30 min may be challenging, uncomfortable, and/or painful to perform. With the continued increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (11), it is evident that alternate forms of physical activity that produce similar metabolic improvements to aerobic exercise may be beneficial in the management of this disease. Resistance training has recently been recognized as a useful therapeutic tool for the treatment of a number of chronic diseases (12–19) and has been demonstrated to be safe and efficacious for the elderly (20,21) and obese (22) individuals. Similar to aerobic exercise, resistance training has been reported to enhance insulin sensitivity (23–25), daily energy expenditure (26,27), and quality of life (20,28). Furthermore, resistance training has the potential for increasing muscle strength (13,29, …

The Case of the Septic Fitness Instructor: Exercise Immunology in Action?

A 20 year old fitness instructor was admitted with abdominal pain and rapidly developed severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multi-organ dysfunction requiring ventilation and inotropic support. The cause was a histologically early appendicitis. Investigations excluded any underlying immunological or connective tissue disorder. Intense exercise is known to cause changes in the physiology and function of the immune system. Innate and adaptive immune function, both in cellular numbers and function, has been shown to be impaired. An acute phase response similar to that seen with physical stressors such as sepsis and trauma has also been observed with elevation of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. This has led to the ‘open window’ theory of transient immunosuppresion following intense exercise. In this case presented, regular vigorous aerobic exercise was being performed whilst the patient was symptomatic up until 4 hours prior to admission. We propose that exercise induced immunosuppresion and priming of the inflammatory response led to a florid systemic inflammatory response developing and contributed to the rapid progression towards multi-organ dysfunction syndrome.