Weeks Of Combined Exercise Training Research Articles

Home-based cardiac rehabilitation can reduce anxiety and depression in heart failure patients

Funding AcknowledgementsType of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): This work was financially supported by the project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030011, funded by FEDER, through COMPETE2020-POCI, and by national funds, through FCT/MCTES (PTDC/MEC-CAR/30011/2017). CIAFEL, UnIC and UMIB are supported by national funds through Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, I.P. [(UIDB/00617/2020), (UIDB/00051/2020 and UIDP/00051/2020), and (UIDB/00215/2020 and UIDP/00215/2020), respectively]. CS received an individual grant from CAPES [BEX 0554/14-6].IntroductionThe current COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in physical and mental health and has become a major challenge for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. CR is an essential component in the treatment of heart failure (HF), as it improves cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life, as well as reducing hospitalization rates. COVID-19 pandemic increased social isolation, and the CR centers were closed. Center-based CR requires the patient to travel to the hospital, which increases the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in this high-risk population. In this context, home-based CR can be an excellent strategy to reduce the physical and mental consequences of the social isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.ObjectiveTo test the effectiveness of a home-based CR program on cardiorespiratory fitness and anxiety and depression levels in individuals with HF during covid-19 pandemic.MethodsForty-two individuals with HF (age: 61.3±12.0; LVEF: 37.5±11.2) were included in this study. The exercise training program consisted in 12 weeks of combined exercise training (2x/week; 60min/day, 60-80% VO2peak), with 4 supervised exercise sessions in the hospital context and the remaining at home. Patients were monitored using a heart rate monitor and weekly phone calls. The following parameters were evaluated: cardiorespiratory fitness through the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and anxiety and depression levels through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).ResultsAfter the home-based CR program, there was a significant increase in the 6MWT of 49 meters (95%IC: 38 to 60; p<0.001) and a significant decrease in anxiety levels of -1.12 points (95%CI: - 2.163 to -0.075 p=0.036). No significant changes were found in depression levels (p=0.954). Furthermore, the improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness were significantly associated with the reduction in the levels of anxiety (r= -0.281; p=0.028) and depression (r=: -0.278; p=0.030).ConclusionsThe home-based CR program was able to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and this improvement was associated with a decrease in anxiety and depression levels in individuals with HF. The results suggest that home-based CR can be an important strategy to minimize the physical and mental impact induced by social isolation imposed by COVID-19 pandemic in HF patients.

Concurrent Training Increases Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Older Adults Regardless of the Exercise Frequency.

BackgroundHuman brain function declines with aging. In this sense, exercise-based interventions has a promising effect on brain plasticity for older adults. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a positive biomarker for brain neuroplasticity in healthy older adults also modified by exercise training. Selected features of the exercise prescription for improving brain health are missing; therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of concurrent exercise training frequency on serum BDNF levels in healthy older adults.MethodsNineteen volunteers (age: 65 ± 4 year; body mass index: 28.0 ± 4.5 kg/m2) completed either a three times/week (3-t/w) (n = 8) or five times/week (5-t/w) (n = 11) concurrent exercise program. The exercise program lasted 11 weeks and all exercise sessions were performed for 50 min at moderate intensity. Serum BDNF, body composition, cardiovascular, and physical fitness variables were assessed before and after the exercise training program.ResultsRegardless of the group, the serum BDNF increased following the intervention (p < 0.001), and there were no significant group (p = 0.827) or interaction (p = 0.063) effects. The maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) increased regardless of the group (p = 0.007), with a non-significant group (p = 0.722) or interaction (p = 0.223) effects. Upper- and lower-body strength increased in both groups (p = 0.003); however, there was no effect of the training frequency (p = 0.53). For the skeletal muscle mass, there was a trend in the interaction effect (p = 0.053). Finally, the body fat percentage was unchanged.ConclusionEleven weeks of combined exercise training increased serum BDNF levels in healthy older adults, a response independent of the training frequency. The overall fitness level improved similarly in both exercise groups. These data reveal that a minimal dosage of concurrent exercise enhance functional capacity and a brain health biomarker in older adults.

Eight weeks of combined exercise training do not alter circulating microRNAs-29a, -133a, -133b, and -155 in young, healthy men.

Individuals with a family history of type 2 diabetes (FH +) have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated as biomarkers of type 2 diabetes risk. Here, we investigated if four circulating miRNAs related to glucose metabolism were altered in men with a FH + and we conducted a preliminary analysis to determine if miRNA expressions were responsive to 8 weeks of combined exercise training. Sixteen young healthy men (mean ± SD; age 22.5 ± 2.5; BMI 26.4 ± 4.0) with FH + or without a family history of type 2 diabetes (FH -) underweight 8 weeks of combined endurance and resistance exercise training (n = 8 FH -; n = 8 FH +). The expression of miR-29a, miR-133a, miR-133b, and miR-155 were measured in serum before and after exercise training. QIAGEN's Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis was used to examine miRNA target genes and their involvement in glucose metabolism signaling pathways. There were no differences in miRNA expressions between FH - and FH + . Exercise training did not alter miRNA expressions in either FH - or FH + despite improvements in insulin sensitivity, aerobic capacity, and muscular strength. miR-29a and miR-155 were inversely related to fasting glucose, and miR-133a and miR-133b were negatively correlated with glucose tolerance; however, correlations were not observed with insulin sensitivity. The circulating miRNAs- miR-29a, miR-133a, miR-133b, and miR-155 are related to measures of glucose metabolism in healthy, normoglycemic men, but do not reflect peripheral insulin sensitivity or improvements in metabolic health following 8 weeks of combined exercise training.

Effects of combined exercise on salivary oxidative stress in hypertensive and normotensive postmenopausal women

Aim: This study evaluated the effects of 10 weeks of combined exercise training on the salivary oxidative profile of hypertensive and normotensive postmenopausal women. Methods: Twenty-six non-obese postmenopausal women were divided into two groups: the hypertensive group (HT; n = 13; 58.9 ± 3.9 years; and BMI of 27.7 ± 4.6 kg/m2) or the normotensive group (NT; n = 13; 52.7 ± 5.2 years; and BMI of 26.9 ± 2.9 kg/m2). They performed 30 sessions of combined exercises over 10 weeks: 45 min per session, three times a week. Resting saliva samples were collected after an overnight fast to evaluate salivary nitrite levels and oxidative stress markers before and after training. Results: Two-way ANOVA showed that there was no difference in the responses over time between the hypertensive and normotensive groups in catalase, superoxide dismutase salivary activity, total antioxidant capacity, or lipid peroxidation. However, superoxide dismutase activity (δHT -0.87 ± 14.53 SOD/mg protein; δNT: 7.13 ± 9.39 SOD/mg protein; p < 0.01) and nitrite levels (δHT 10.32 ± 60.83 mM; δNT 101.92 ± 149.57 mM; p = 0.03) were higher overall in the hypertensive group compared to the normotensive group. Moreover, salivary nitrite levels increased over time (p = 0.04) in both groups. Conclusion: 10 weeks of combined exercise training did not change salivary oxidative stress markers in either normotensive or hypertensive postmenopausal women, although, after exercise training, nitrite levels increased in both groups, even with higher baseline salivary nitrite levels in hypertensive women. Thus, recurrent exercise seems to be a safe strategy after menopause from the standpoint of oxidative stress, regardless of the presence of hypertension.

The Effects of 8-Week Combined Exercise Training on Inflammatory Markers in Women with Multiple Sclerosis

Purpose: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of 8-week combined endurance, resistance, and balance exercise training on IL-6, CRP, and IL-10 concentrations in women with multiple sclerosis. Methods: Thirty participants with multiple sclerosis (Expanded Disability Status Scale ≤6) were randomized into either an exercise and control groups. The exercise group performed 8-weeks of endurance, resistance, and balance exercise training. Serum concentrations of IL-6, CRP, and IL-10 were measured before and after the 8-week intervention. Moreover, anthropometric measures were determined at the onset of and after the intervention. For within- and between groups comparisons of all variables, t test (independent and dependent) was used (p < 0.05). Results: The results revealed that IL-6 and CRP levels significantly decreased after exercise training (from 6.8 ± 1.52 to 3.2 ± 0.96, p < 0.001 and from 2.76 ± 0.98 to 1.55 ± 0.44, p = <0.001; respectively). Also, exercise training significantly increased IL-10 in the exercise group (from 16.4 ± 2.74 to 23.2 ± 2.11, p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between the 2 groups in all markers in the after 8-week exercise (p < 0.05). Conclusions: One of the characteristics of MS disease is inflammation. Exercise training through physiological mechanisms and without aggravating the inflammatory pathology can be effective in functional and symptom reduction of patients with MS. In confirmation of this, the present study showed that 8 weeks of combined exercise training decreased pro-inflammatory markers (IL-6 and CRP) and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10). Our findings suggested that an exercise training program can be an effective strategy for managing the immune system of women with MS at least by its significant effect on inflammatory markers.

The Effects of Combined Physical Exercise on Serum Redox Biomarkers and Leukocyte DNA Damage of Obese Women.

Obesity is usually linked to oxidative stress, which can lead to damage to biomolecules. The combination of aerobic and strength exercises seems to induce health benefits in obese individuals, but little is known about the effects of combined physical exercise on redox homeostasis and DNA damage in this population. Thus, the aim of the current study was to determine the effects of 16 weeks of combined physical exercise on biomarkers of oxidative stress and DNA damage in obese women. 17 obese women underwent 16 weeks of a combined physical training program, 3 times per week. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase activity, plasma 8-isoprostane levels, and DNA and chromosomal damage were evaluated before and after physical training. Combined physical exercise training decreased body weight (83.2 ± 9.6 vs. 80.2 ± 9.6 kg), body mass index (33.8 ± 3.6 vs. 32.6 ± 3.7 kg·m−2), body fat (40.2 ± 2.6 vs. 39.0 ± 3.2%), and waist circumference (99.3 ± 9.4 vs. 94.1 ± 8.8 cm), while the fat-free mass was augmented (59.9 ± 2.9 vs. 60.7 ± 3.1 kg). Moreover, blood glucose reduced (113.5 ± 29.6 vs. 107.3 ± 28.9 mg/dL) along with high-density lipoprotein (54.6 ± 18.1 vs. 59.0 ± 18.8 mg/dL), TSH (2.1 ± 1.1 vs. 2.6 ± 1.2 mIU/mL), and free T4 (0.9 ± 0.1 vs. 1.12 ± 0.2 ng/dL) increase after physical exercise training. Plasma 8-isoprostane levels (17.24 ± 7.9 vs. 29.11 ± 17.44 pg/mL) and DNA damage (34.16 ± 7.1 vs. 45.96 ± 5.8% DNA in tail) were also higher after physical training. No changes were observed in chromosomal damage levels. These results suggest that 16 weeks of combined exercise training 3 times per week is effective in reducing body fat but also increases oxidative stress and DNA damage in obese women.

Effect of combined exercise training on heart rate variability in normotensive and hypertensive postmenopausal women

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to verify and compare the effects of 10 weeks of combined exercise training on the heart rate variability of normotensive (NT) and hypertensive (HT) postmenopausal women. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental controlled clinical trial. Therefore, 14 HT and 12 NT postmenopausal women completed 10 weeks of combined exercise training. The exercise protocol consisted of 45 min of exercise, performed 3 times a week, consisting of 5 min of warm-up, 20 min of resistance exercise, and 20 min of aerobic exercise. Heart rate variability assessments were performed before and after the end of physical training. Results: Heart rate variability was assessed pre- and post-training periods. Mean RR (δNT = 95 ± 88; δHT = 38 ± 127), SDNN (δNT = 9 ± 13; δHT = 3 ± 14), RMSSD (δNT = 10 ± 12; δHT = 2 ± 18), SD1 (δNT = 7 ± 8; δHT = 1 ± 13), and SD2 (δNT = 10 ± 18; δHT = 4 ± 17) showed improvements after the intervention (time effects p < 0.05). No parameters presented group or interaction effects (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: In summary, 10 weeks of combined exercise training improved heart rate variability parameters similarly in both NT and HT postmenopausal women. Therefore, combined exercise training may be used to improve autonomic modulation of the heart rate of postmenopausal women, regardless of the presence of hypertension.

Effects of Combined Training on the Levels of Obestatin, Ghrelin, and Insulin Resistance in Overweight Women

Background: The present quasi-experimental and field research was conducted to evaluate the effect of combined exercises on the levels of obestatin and ghrelin in overweight women. Methods: The study subjects consisted of 34 overweight women with a Mean±SD age of 30.29±4.66 years, a Mean±SD height of 165.11±5.56 cm, a Mean±SD weight of 74.64±7.33 kg, a Mean±SD body mass index of 27.35±1.74 kg/m2, which were selected purposefully and randomly, and assigned to the experimental (n=17) and control (n=17) groups. At first, venous blood samples were taken from subjects after 12 h overnight fasting to measure the levels of ghrelin, obestatin, glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance. Then, the participants of the experimental group participated in a combined exercise program, including warming up, aerobic training, resistance training, and cooling down. All these variables were re-measured after 12 weeks and the obtained data were analyzed. The paired t test was used for intra-group comparison and independent t test was performed for inter-group comparison. Results: The findings of this study showed that body weight, BMI, waist circumference, glucose level, and ghrelin-obestatin ratio were significantly different between the experimental and the control groups (P≤0.05) after 8 weeks of combined exercise training, but differences in ghrelin, obestatin, insulin levels, and insulin resistance were not significant between the experimental and control groups (P≤0.05). Conclusion: The combined exercise training, therefore, seems to be a suitable method for weight loss, body composition, waist circumference, glucose level, and ghrelin-obestatin ratio.

The Effect of Eight-Week Combined Exercise Training Program with Sweet Almond Supplementation on Plasma Levels of Leptin and Orexin in Overweight Women

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an eight-week combined exercise training program with sweet almond supplementation on plasma levels of leptin and orexin in overweight women. Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study. The statistical population consisted of 60 overweight women with a body mass index (BMI) of 25-30 kg/m2 who were randomly divided into four groups of training, training-sweet almond supplement, supplement, and control. The participants participated in three training sessions weekly and consumed sweet almond supplementation for eight consecutive weeks. The participants' blood samples were taken 24 hours before the first session and after the last session, in a 12-hour fasting state. Liptin concentrations were measured using Pishtaz Teb Inc. kits. Orexin levels were determined through enzymatic method using the Virro Inc. kit. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to analyze the inter- and intra-group variance. The overall alpha significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05 for all the statistical analyses. Results: Eight weeks of combined exercise training with sweet almond supplementation Showed a significant reduces in serum level leptin concentration and increased the plasma orexin levels. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study It can be used from combined training and sweet almonds to reduce appetite and lose weight in overweight women.

Effect of Eight Weeks of Concurrent Training on Liver Enzymes, Lipid Profile, and Insulin Resistance Among Overweight Male Children

Aims The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of combined exercise training (aerobic-resistance) on liver enzymes, lipid profile, and insulin resistance among overweight boys. Methods &amp; Materials Thirty-two healthy overweight boys voluntarily agreed to take part in the study following the related announcement. The overweight children were randomly divided into control (n=16) and experimental groups (n=16). The latter group performed Concurrent training for eight weeks, three sessions per week, on non-consecutive days. In the same way as the experimental group, both before and after the eight weeks of training. In similar conditions, measurement were performed for both experimental and control groups in two stages (i.e. pre-test and after eight weeks of training). Findings The results of comparing pre- and post-exercise changes in the values for glucose, insulin, ALT, AST, and insulin resistance for the combined exercise training group showed a significant decrease when compared with those for the control group (p&lt;0.05); however, the LDL and HDL values did not change significantly across groups (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion In general, the results of this study showed that combined exercises (aerobic-resistance), by reducing the rest levels of liver enzymes, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, and body composition indexes among 11- to 13-year-old boys, tended to be effective in decreasing the risks of being overweight and in preventing such diseases as obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Isoflavone does not promote additional effects on heart rate variability of postmenopausal women performing combined exercise training: a clinical, controlled, randomized, double-blind study.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of ingesting isoflavones associated with combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on heart rate variability (HRV) indices in postmenopausal women. Twenty-eight healthy postmenopausal women performed 10 weeks of combined exercise training associated with isoflavone (n = 16) or placebo (n = 12) supplementation. The RR intervals (RRi) were collected for 20 min using a heart rate monitor. Analysis of HRV was performed in time (mean squared difference of successive RRi (RMSSD), standard deviation of all normal RRi (SDNN), and percentage of adjacent RRi differing by more than 50 ms (pNN50)), frequency (low-frequency percentage (LF%), high-frequency percentage (HF%), and low-/high-frequency ratio (LF/HF)), and nonlinear domains (standard deviation of the instantaneous variability of the beat-to-beat interval (SD1), long-term variability of the continuous RRi (SD2), and their ratio (SD2/SD1)). Student's t test did not show differences between groups in any general baseline characteristic variables. The results of the generalized estimating equation tests did not demonstrate interaction or group effects for any HRV indices. However, the results reported time effects for mean RR (p < 0.001), RMSSD (p = 0.044), and SD1 (p = 0.044), with increases in these indices in response to exercise training. There were no time effects for LF%, HF%, LF/HF, SDNN, pNN50, SD2, or SD2/SD1. In conclusion, isoflavone supplementation did not promote additional effects on HRV indices of postmenopausal women subjected to 10 weeks of combined exercise training. Novelty Combined training improves heart rate variability in postmenopausal women. Isoflavone supplementation did not promote additional effects on heart rate variability in postmenopausal women.

16주간의 복합운동이 제2형 당뇨병 노인 여성의 일상생활체력, 혈관탄성 및 혈액성분에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 16 weeks of combined exercise training on daily living fitness, vascular elasticity, and blood components in elderly women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Subjects in combined exercise training group (EX: n=13) participated in combined exercise training 30-40 min/session, 4 sessions/wk for 16 weeks, whereas subjects in control group (CON: n=13) were asked to maintain their normal life pattern during the same intervention period. Main results of the present study were as follows: 1) Percent body fat and fat mass decreased significantly in the EX, and there was a significant interaction between group and test in fat-free mass. 2) Arm curl, chair stand, one leg with eyes opened, functional reach, tandem test, 10m walking, and VO2max improved significantly in the EX, and there were significant interactions between group and test in chair sit-and-reach and up & go. 3) No significant changes were shown in all variables regarding vascular elasticity, and diastolic blood pressure increased significantly in the EX. 4) TG decreased significantly in the EX, and there was a significant interaction between group and test in LDL-C. 5) There were significant interactions between group and test in fasting plasma insulin and HOMA-IR. It was concluded that 16 weeks of combined exercise training would be beneficial for improvement of body composition and physical fitness as well as for preventing senile deterioration of blood lipid profiles and insulin resistance in elderly women with type 2 DM.

Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Training Reduces Acute Exercise‐Induced Platelet‐Monocyte Complex Formation in Overweight, Postmenopausal Women

Inactivity‐related diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) involve a complex interplay among endothelial cells, leukocytes and activated platelets in response to vascular injury. Activated platelets are involved in atherogenesis and can promote an inflammatory phenotype of both the vasculature and leukocytes, particularly monocytes. Platelet‐monocyte complexes (PMCs) are markers of in vivo platelet activation and may be early indicators of subclinical inflammation.PURPOSETo examine the influence of combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on platelet activation, as measured by PMCs, and to characterize the acute exercise‐induced response of PMCs in a population at risk for CVD.METHODSThirty‐eight overweight‐obese (BMI: 32.8 ± 4.6 kg×m−2, age: 64 ± 5.1 years) post‐menopausal women were randomly assigned to either an exercise (EX, n=20) or education control (ED, n=18) group. EX performed 2 sets of 8 resistance exercises and 25 minutes of treadmill walking three times a week for 12 weeks while ED attended education classes (CPR certification, invited authors, health‐related talks) twice weekly for the same duration. Before (BT) and after (AT) the intervention, EX performed a single exercise bout during which blood was obtained pre‐exercise, immediately post‐exercise, 1‐hour and 2 hours post‐exercise. Blood was obtained at the same time points in resting ED. PMCs were identified via flow cytometry and analyzed in each monocyte phenotype. Monocyte phenotypes were defined as: Mon1 (CD14++CD16−), Mon2 (CD14++CD16+), and Mon3 (CD14loCD16++). All events positive for both CD14 and CD42a (marker for platelets) were considered PMCs.RESULTSExercise training resulted in a significant increase in VO2max (BT: 21.1 ± 0.85, AT: 23.7 ± 0.90 ml×kg−1×min−1, p &lt; 0.001) and leg press strength (BT: 70 ± 4.1, AT: 99 ± 5.9 kg, p &lt; 0.001), while no changes in fitness were observed in ED. Exercise training (EX: BT = 27.6 ± 2.7, AT = 23.7 ± 2.9 %) prevented the observed increase in percent PMC in ED (ED: BT = 20.9 ± 2.9, AT = 26.4 ± 3.2 %, p = 0.029). We observed a group x training interaction where exercise training reduced mean PMC percentage across all time points (EX: BT = 27.6 ± 2.4, AT = 22.1 ± 2.8 %, p = 0.034) while ED did not change (ED: BT = 20.2 ± 2.5, AT = 23.6 ± 2.9 %). PMCs formed with Mon1 monocytes followed a similar response (p = 0.031), but no significant changes were observed with PMCs formed in Mon2 or Mon3. A single exercise bout did not influence PMCs in any phenotype.CONCLUSIONOur results indicate that 12 weeks of combined exercise training reduces PMC formation in obese, postmenopausal women; however, a single bout of exercise did not significantly change percent PMC. The increase in PMCs in ED after the intervention is difficult to explain, but may be related to the time of year of the BT and AT experimental trials. These data may provide evidence that exercise training reduces CVD risk via reductions in platelet activation.Support or Funding InformationTCU Invests in Scholarship Grant; TCU Research and Creative Activities FundThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Family History of Diabetes Does Not Affect Exercise-Induced Improvements in Insulin Sensitivity and Metabolic Flexibility

A family history of diabetes (FH+) is considered a risk factor to develop insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. However, it is not known whether exercise induced improvement in insulin sensitivity (IS) and metabolic flexibility (MF) are impacted by a FH+, compared to those without (FH-). PURPOSE: To determine if a FH+ limits exercise induced improvements in IS, MF, body composition, and strength following an 8-week combined aerobic and resistance training intervention. METHODS: 19 sedentary, normoglycemic, Mexican-American males underwent 8 weeks of combined exercise training 3 times/week (35-min aerobic & 45-min resistance training/session). A controlled diet was provided 5 days before pre/post intervention tests. IS was assessed by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. MF was assessed by change in respiratory quotient (ΔRQ) at the insulin stimulated state of the clamp compared to the fasted state. Body composition was measured using DXA. Upper/lower body strength were measured by 1 repetition maximum bench press and leg strength dynamometer. RESULTS: IS significantly improved in both groups (FH- 2.95±31 to 3.84±0.31ml/kg estimated mean body size (EMBS), p=0.03; FH+ 3.6±0.5 to 4.8±0.5ml/kg EMBS; p=0.002). MF significantly improved in both groups (FH- 0.72±0.009 to 0.78±0.008, p=0.001; FH+ 0.70±0.01 to 0.80±0.02, p=0.0001). Fat free mass significantly improved in both groups (FH- 56.6±2.1 to 58.5±2.1kg, p=0.01; FH+ 51.8±1.95 to 53.4±1.79kg, p=0.01). Upper body strength (FH- 172.78±20.95 to 200.56±20.74lb, p=0.0001; FH+ 136.5±14.06 to 168.33±15.29lb, p=0.0001) and lower body strength (FH- 368.89±31.02 to 431.11±22.58lb, p=0.007; FH+ 341.0±22.03 to 412.78±16.22lb, p=0.0001) significantly increased in both groups. Degrees of improvement in IS was not different between groups (FH- 28.3±13.6% vs. FH+ 41.66±11.9%; p>0.05). CONCLUSION: FH+ is not a limiting factor for exercise induced improvements in IS, MF, body composition, and strength in normoglycemic Mexican Americans.

Combined exercise reduces arterial stiffness, blood pressure, and blood markers for cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women with hypertension.

Postmenopausal women exhibit elevated brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), an indicator of arterial stiffness, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of combined resistance and aerobic exercise training on baPWV, blood pressure (BP), and cardiovascular fitness in postmenopausal women with stage 1 hypertension. Twenty postmenopausal women (age, 75 ± 2 y; systolic BP, 152 ± 2 mm Hg, diastolic BP, 95 ± 3 mm Hg) were randomly assigned to a "no-exercise" (CON, n = 10) or combined exercise (EX, n = 10) group. The EX group performed resistance and aerobic exercise for 12 weeks, 3 times per week. Exercise intensity was increased gradually, from 40% to 70% of heart rate reserve, every 4 weeks. BaPWV, BP, blood nitrite/nitrate, endothelin-1 (ET-1), cardiovascular fitness, and body composition were measured before and after the 12-week intervention. BP, baPWV (-1.2 ± 0.4 m/s), ET-1 (-2.7 ± 0.3 μmol/mL), nitrite/nitrate (+4.5 ± 0.5 μM), functional capacity, and body composition were significantly improved (P < 0.05) in the EX group after 12 weeks of training, but no changes were observed in the CON group. These findings indicate that 12 weeks of combined exercise training improves arterial stiffness, BP, ET-1, blood nitrite/nitrate, functional capacity, and body composition in postmenopausal women with stage 1 hypertension. Thus, this study provides evidence that combined exercise training is a useful therapeutic method to improve cardiovascular health which can reduce cardiovascular disease risk in postmenopausal women with hypertension.