Effects of constant-load exercise and high-intensity interval training on reliever medication consumption and peak expiratory flow in individuals with asthma: a randomised controlled trial.

Introduction: The effect of aerobic training on reliever medication consumption (short-acting ß2-agonist (SABA)) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) in participants with asthma is poorly known. The comparison between constant-load exercise (CLE) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in these outcomes has never been tested. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of CLE or HIIT in SABA consumption and PEF improvement during an exercise programme in subjects with asthma. Methods: Clinically stable participants were randomised into CLE (n=27; 70-85% of the maximal load (Wmax)) or HIIT (n=28; 80-140% Wmax). The programme lasted 12 weeks (two sessions per week, 40 min per session), and the intensity was based on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). PEF was assessed before and after each exercise session. SABA was used if PEF was <70%. Clinical control (Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ)-6), CPET and aerobic fitness were also assessed before and after the intervention. Results: Both groups were similar at baseline. CLE and HIIT reduced SABA consumption throughout the intervention (p<0.05). Before training, 14 patients required SABA before exercising, but only one needed it after the intervention. Changes in post-exercise PEF were lower in the CLE group than in the HIIT group (1.6±25.3 versus 10.3±13.7%). Both groups improved aerobic fitness (10.1±12.8% versus 5.7±15.6%) and clinical asthma control; however, only the HIIT group achieved a minimal clinically important difference in the ACQ-6 post-intervention (-0.23±1.06 versus -0.52±0.73 Δ score). Conclusion: CLE and HIIT reduced SABA consumption; however, only HIIT increased PEF and asthma clinical control after the intervention. These results reinforce the importance of exercise training in moderate-to-severe asthma.

PREVALENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN IN MARATHON RUNNERS WHO COMPETE AT THE ELITE LEVEL.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal pain can be an important sign of overuse injury in elite athletes. However, its prevalence and whether it is associated with aspects of training in marathon runners who compete at the elite level is still not clear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this research was to assess the prevalence, location and intensity of running-related musculoskeletal pain over the previous 12 months in marathon runners who compete at the elite level and to verify whether certain training characteristics are associated with musculoskeletal pain. DESIGN: Cross sectional study. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-nine elite marathon runners were verbally interviewed regarding their personal demographics, training routines, and the presence, location and intensity of musculoskeletal pain. RESULTS: The prevalence of any running-related musculoskeletal pain in elite distance runners was 75%, and the most frequently reported location was the lower leg (19.1%). The presence of pain was independent of age, experience, and volume of training. CONCLUSIONS: Running-related musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent in marathon runners who compete at the elite level. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Studies about prevalence and location of musculoskeletal pain and factors-related in this population are important to contribute to the development of educational and preventive strategies. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 2.

Comparison of the effects of aerobic conditioning before and after pulmonary allergic inflammation.

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of aerobic conditioning (AC) before (ACBS) and after (ACAS) allergic sensitization. BALB/c mice were divided into two main groups: ACBS and ACAS. Each groups was divided into subgroups: control (nonsensitized/nontrained), AC (nonsensitized/trained), ovalbumin (OVA) (sensitized/nontrained), AC+OVA (trained/sensitized), and OVA+AC (sensitized/trained). Sensitization was induced using OVA and AC performed in treadmill (moderate intensity). We examined IgE and IgG1 levels, eosinophil counting, expression of Th1 (interleukin (IL)-2, IFN-α) and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), IL-10, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and airway remodeling. IgE and IgG1 were decreased only when exercise was performed before sensitization (ACBS); however, there was a decrease of eosinophils, Th2 cytokines, VEGF, and airway remodeling and increase in IL-10 in either ACBS or ACAS groups. Our results demonstrate that aerobic conditioning reduces Th2 response before and after sensitization by increasing IL-10 while the production of anaphylactic antibodies is reduced only when exercise is performed before sensitization.