Effects of swimming in cold water on lipolysis indicators via fibroblast growth factor-21 in male Wistar rats.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of swimming in cold water on the release of FGF21 from various tissues and its impact on fat metabolism. Twenty Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: untrained (C), trained in thermo-neutral water (TN, 30 °C) and trained in cold water (TC, 15 °C). The training groups swam intervals (2-3 min) until exhaustion, 1 min rest, three days a week for six weeks, with 3-6% bodyweight load. The mRNA expression of variables was determined in white fat tissue (WAT), and FGF21 protein was also measured in the liver, brown fat tissue (BAT), serum, and muscle. The experimental protocols resulted in lower body weight gain, associated with reduced WAT volume; the most remarkable improvement was observed in the TC group. Swimming significantly increased FGF21 protein levels in WAT, BAT, and muscle tissues compared to the C group; substantial increases were in the TC group. Changes in FGF21 were highly correlated with the activation of genes involved in fat metabolisms, such as CPT1, CD36, and HSL, and with glycerol in WAT. The findings indicate a positive correlation between swimming in cold water and the activation of genes involved in fat metabolism, possibly through FGF21 production, which was highly correlated with fat-burning genes.

Comparing the effects of traditional resistance training and functional training on the bio-motor capacities of female elite taekwondo athletes.

BACKGROUND: The capabilities of the biomotors are essential to the success of the taekwondo athlete. This study aimed to compare eight weeks of functional training and traditional resistance on the bio-motor capacities of elite female taekwondo athletes. METHODOLOGY: Seventeen elite taekwondo athletes (mean age = 21.7 years, mean height = 167.2 cm and mean weight = 60.8 kg) volunteered to participate in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups: functional training (FT) and traditional resistance training (TRT). Participants trained for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week, for 75-90 min. Aerobic power, anaerobic power, speed, reaction time, agility, muscle power, dynamic balance, flexibility, upper and lower body muscle strength, core and upper body muscle endurance, and blood lactate level were measured before and after training programs. RESULTS: Non-significant differences were observed in all indicators between the FT and TRT groups (P > 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement in time-related outcomes except for fatigue and flexibility (P > 0.05). There was significant progress in both groups in aerobic power, muscle power, speed, agility, reaction time, lower body strength, upper body strength, dynamic balance of the right leg, and dynamic balance of the left leg indices from pre to post-tests. The FT group displayed significant improvement in peak power (P = 0.006) and mean power (P = 0.015) from pre- to post-test. CONCLUSION: Both interventions improved most biomotor abilities in elite female taekwondo athletes. It should be noted that since muscle power is vital for taekwondo, therefore, it is recommended to include FT in the taekwondo workout program.

The role of the cultural environment in the development of physical literacy and physical activity of Iranian children.

BACKGROUND: The investigation of physical literacy (PL) and physical activity (PA) should be done in an ecological context because the socio-cultural situation can encourage or inhibit children's activity. The present study aimed to study the role of the cultural environment in the development of PL and PA in Iranian children. METHODS: The statistical population consisted of Iranian children aged 8 to 12, of whom 270 students were recruited by cluster sampling from six provinces. They complete the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy 2 (CAPL-2) and the International Physical Activity Survey. To examine the cultural environment, the components of geographic location (west, south, central, east, and northwest), place of residence (downtown, suburban, and village), and gender (boys and girls) were used. A multivariate ANOVA analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: From the geographic location, the findings showed that students inhabit in the west and east of Iran have significantly higher scores than their counterparts living in the central, south, and northwest at PA and PL (P < 0.001). From the place of residence, we observed a higher level of PA and PL in children living in the village than in those living in the suburbs and downtown (P < 0.001). In terms of gender, boys have higher PL and PA scores (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate that socio-cultural factors, geographic location, place of residence, and gender have different impacts on children's PL and physical activity. Therefore, we suggest using ecologically appropriate decentralized planning in a physical education curriculum.

Swimming in cold water upregulates genes involved in thermogenesis and the browning of white adipose tissues.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there is an interacting effect of six weeks of swimming in cold water on the gene expression of browning markers in adipose tissue in rodents. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control (C, 25 °C), Cold Exposure (CE, 4 °C), Swimming in tepid Water (STW, 30 °C), and Swimming in Cold Water (SCW, 15 °C). The swimming included 2-3 min intervals, 1 min rest, until exhaustion, three days a week for six weeks, with 3 to 6% of bodyweight overload. Rats from CE were exposed to cold for 2 h per day, five days per week. After the experimental protocol, interscapular brown (BAT) and inguinal subcutaneous white (WAT) fat tissues were excised, weighed, and processed for beiging and mitochondrial biogenesis markers gene expression. The experimental protocols resulted in an apparent increase in the number of brown adipocytes (per mm2) in the adipose deposits compared to the C group; substantial changes were observed in the SCW group. Compared to other groups, cold exposure alone increased significantly serum norepinephrine, and also ß2-adrenergic receptor expression was upregulated in the adipocytes compared to the C group. The STW group increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α), ß2-adrenergic receptor, and CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins-α(c/EBP-α) in WAT in comparison with the C group(p < 0.05). In both adipocytes, the SCW intervention significantly upregulated the expression of PGC-1α, PPAR-γ, and c/EBP-α genes in comparison with the C and CE groups. In addition, the expression of TFAM and UCP1 was upregulated substantially in the SCW group compared to other groups. Our data demonstrate that swim training and cold exposure present additive effects in the expression of genes involved in the beiging process and mitochondrial biogenesis markers in BAT and WAT. In addition, it seems that the upregulation of these genes is related to the activation of ß2-adrenergic receptors.

The effect of 8 weeks of child designed vs teacher designed games on physical fitness and creativity in children 8-10 years.

A healthy and active lifestyle should start from an early age, as habits learned in childhood are more likely to endure. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of child-designed games and teacher-designed games on the physical fitness and creativity of children aged 8-10 years. Thirty children participating in a sports club were randomly divided into two groups: teacher-designed games (TDG) and child-designed games (CDG). Subjects practiced two sessions per week for eight weeks, each session lasting 60 min. Fitness factors, such as strength, muscle endurance, aerobic fitness, agility, speed, and creativity were assessed by valid tests before and after the protocols. A repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data. The TDG intervention led to a significant improvement in KTK (37.1% vs. -3.2%) and agility (-3.7% vs. -0.4%) compared to CDG intervention, while CDG intervention was associated with a significant improvement in aerobic capacity (10.1% vs. 3.6%) and in the elaboration of creativity test (23.3% vs. 8.6%). Both groups demonstrated substantial improvements in handgrip strength, static balance, long jump, flexibility, core endurance, and creativity tests, with no significant difference between groups. There were no significant changes in anthropometric features following the intervention. The implementation of combined teacher-designed and child-designed approaches in children's classrooms, in addition to promoting all aspects of physical fitness, may be effective in enhancing physical fitness and creativity.

Effects of remote combine exercise-music training on physical and cognitive performance in patients with Alzheimer's disease: a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effects of combined remote music and exercise training on the cognitive, psychological, and physical function of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: Forty-one AD patients were randomly allocated to three groups, including control (C), training (T), and training with music (TM) groups. Participants were evaluated by cognitive and performance test batteries before and after the interventions. Both experimental groups performed 36 remote workouts in 3 months online via WhatsApp video call individually with the trainer. Training included simple and varied movements of all physical indicators. The number of sets began with two sets and progressively increased to one set every month, 5-10 repetitions per set. The overload was applied by reducing the break between sets every week. The TM group performed the same exercises while listening to Mozart and traditional Iranian songs. Results: We observed a significant main, group, time, and interaction effect on Romberg (ηp2:0.72), 30 s chair sit and stand (ηp2:0.75), and walking on steppe test (ηp2:0.63). Furthermore, there was a significant main time and interaction effect on push-ups (ηp2:0.43), sit and reach (ηp2:0.64), and MMSE (ηp2:0.76). In all variables, two experimental groups demonstrated substantial improvements than the C group (p < 0.01). In addition, the TM group (27.8%) showed a significant improvement compared to the C group (-6.4%) and the T group (12.2%) in MMSE. Conclusion: Combined remote training with listening to music as adjuvant treatment is an appropriate item to improve the cognitive and physical performance of Alzheimer's patients, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Repeated Curve Sprint Test Appears To Be an Appropriate Tool for Estimating Anaerobic Fitness in Young Trained Male Futsal Players.

This study aimed to determine the magnitude of correlation between the repeated curve sprint test (RCST), the running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST) and the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) in elite male futsal players to determine whether the field test can be a futsal-specific alternative assessment tool compared to the other tests. Fifteen trained futsal players (20±3 yrs) performed the RCST, RAST and WAnT in a crossover design over three weeks. Peak power (PP), average power (AP) and the fatigue index (FI) were obtained from the tests. Finger-prick blood-lactate measurements were performed before and after the tests, and heart rate loading was recorded. To assess the magnitude and direction of the relationship between variables the Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) was calculated. In respect of AP, there was a significant correlation between the RCST and both the WAnT (r=0.63, p=0.012) and the RAST (r=0.67, p=0.006). In respect of PP, the RCST only correlated with the RAST (r=0.71, p=0.003). In respect of the FI, the RCST did not correlate with either the RAST or the WAnT (p>0.05). Post-test heart rate values in the RCST correlated with those in both the WAnT (r=0.88, p=0.001) and the RAST (r=0.77, p=0.001). Also, post-test blood-lactate levels in the RCST correlated with those in both the RAST (r=0.58, p=0.025) and the WAnT (r=0.54, p=0.039). In conclusion, the RCST can be a valid and practical field test for measuring anaerobic fitness in competitive futsal players.

Effects of functional training with blood occlusion on the irisin, follistatin, and myostatin myokines in elderly men.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of functional training with and without blood flow restriction (BFR) on muscle hypertrophy indices and strength in older men. METHODS: Thirty older adults (67.7 ± 5.8 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: functional training (FT), functional training with BFR (FTBFR), and control (C). Participants in experimental groups were trained in three sessions per week for six weeks. They performed 11 whole body exercises, in 2-4 sets of 10 repetitions. FTBFR group wore pneumatic cuffs on their extremities that began with 50% of estimated arterial occlusion pressure which increased by 10% every two weeks. Blood samples were obtained, and static strength tests were evaluated at baseline and after the training program. A One-Way Analysis of Covariance was used to interpret the data. RESULTS: A significant increase in follistatin levels (p = 0.002) and reduction in myostatin levels (p = 0.001) were observed in FT and FTBFR groups; there was a considerable increase in the F:M ratio in both training groups (p = 0.001), whereas it decreased in C group. These changes were accompanied by significant improvements in handgrip (p = 0.001) and shoulder girdle (p = 0.001) strength in both experimental groups, especially in the FTBFR group. However, the levels of irisin were not statistically changed following interventions (p = 0.561). CONCLUSION: The findings showed that FT was effective in increasing circulating biomarkers involved in hypertrophy in older adults while adding BFR to FT had a slight increase in these biomarkers but had a tremendous increase in muscle strength.

Effect of different recovery modes during resistance training with blood flow restriction on hormonal levels and performance in young men: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) results in hypertrophy, and its magnitude depends on various training variables. This study aimed to compare the long-term effect of passive recovery (PR) and active recovery (AR) during low-intensity resistance training with BFR on hormonal levels and performance in young men. METHODS: In the randomized clinical trial, 20 men were randomly divided into PR and AR groups during resistance training with BFR. The intervention consisted of six upper and lower body movements with 30% of one maximum repetition (1RM), three sessions per week for six weeks. Both groups wore pneumatic cuffs on the proximal part of thighs and arms. The cuff pressure was 60% of the calculated arterial blood occlusion and increased 10% every two weeks. The AR group performed seven repetitions in 30 s break between sets by one second for concentric and eccentric phases and two seconds rest, and the other group had passive rest. The blood samples and a series of performance tests were gathered before and after the intervention. A repeated measure ANOVA was used to analyze data. RESULTS: AR and PR interventions significantly improved the C-reactive protein (CRP) (- 38% vs. - 40%), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (- 11% vs. - 3%), Sargent jump (9% vs. 10%), peak power (20% vs.18%), and average power (14% vs. 14%), upper 1RM (8% vs. 8%) and no significant differences were observed between groups. The AR intervention significantly increased growth hormone (GH) (423% vs. 151%, p = 0.03), lower body 1RM (18% vs. 11%) and muscle endurance (34% vs. 22% for the upper body, p = 0.02 and 32% vs. 24% for the lower body, p = 0.04) than the PR group. The PR intervention further increased the minimum power than the AR group (19% vs. 10%). There were no significant changes in testosterone (p = 0.79) and cortisol (p = 0.34) following interventions. CONCLUSION: The findings indicated that by increasing muscle activation and higher metabolic load, AR during resistance training with BFR might cause more remarkable improvements in serum GH, muscle strength, and endurance. Thus, to gain further benefits, AR during training with BFR is recommended. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20191207045644N1. Registration date: 14/03/2020. URL: https://www.irct.ir/search/result?query=IRCT20191207045644N1.

Serum and gene expression profile of cytokines following combination of yoga training and vitamin D supplementation in breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the effect of the combination of yoga training with high vitamin D dose supplementation on the expression and systemic levels of inflammatory cytokines and psychophysical status of breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Thirty volunteered breast cancer survivors (48 ± 8 years) were randomly allocated to a high dose (4000 IU) of vitamin D supplementation (HD) group (n = 10), yoga with a high dose of vitamin D (YHD) group (n = 10), and yoga with a low dose (2000 IU) of vitamin D (YLD) group (n = 10). Participants performed the Hatha yoga style for 12 weeks, twice a week. Blood samples, quality of life (QoL) questionnaire, and physical performance tests were taken before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Body fat percentage (ηp2 = 0.36), handgrip strength (ηp2 = 0.41) and QoL indicators include global health (ηp2 = 0.54), functional scales (ηp2 = 0.49), and symptoms scales (ηp2 = 0.50) were significantly improved in the both YHD and YLD groups compared to the HD group (p < 0.05). Also, interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were markedly increased in the Y-HVD group compared to the Y-LVD and HVD groups. Moreover, there were significant decreases in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 levels in the Y-HVD group after the intervention. The anti-inflammatory index (IL-10/TNF-α) was significantly increased in both the yoga groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Yoga promotes physical and psychological fitness and, in combination with a high dose of vitamin D, improves the cytokine profile, which can effectively manage the side effects associated with cancer. Trial registration IRCT20210726051993N2. Registration date: 2022/02/27. URL: https://www.irct.ir/trial/62079.

Effects of Three Different Modes of Resistance Training on Appetite Hormones in Males With Obesity.

Purpose: This study explored the effect of three different modes of resistance training on appetite hormones [leptin, ghrelin, cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY)], cardiometabolic and anthropometric measures in males with obesity. Methods: Forty-four males with obesity (age: 27.5 ± 9.4 yrs.; mean weight: 93.2 ± 2.2 kg, body mass index: 32.9 ± 1.2 kg/m2) were randomized to traditional resistance training (TRT, n = 11), circuit resistance training (CRT, n = 11), interval resistance training (IRT, n = 11) or control (C, n = 11) groups. All resistance training groups received 50 min of supervised training per session, three days per week, for 12 weeks. Measurements were taken at baseline and after 12 weeks of training. Results: Plasma levels of leptin, ghrelin, CCK, and PYY decreased significantly in all three different modalities of resistance training groups when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). GLP-1 increased significantly in both CRT and IRT groups compared to TRT and C groups (p < 0.05). Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide decreased significantly in CRT and IRT groups compared to the C group (p < 0.05). Adiponectin levels increased significantly in all resistance training groups compared to the C group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Overall, CRT and IRT protocols had the greatest impact on appetite hormones compared to individuals who engaged in TRT or did not exercise (C).

The high dose of vitamin D supplementation combined with yoga training improve the leukocytes cell survival-related gene expression in breast cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the effect of yoga training combined with vitamin D supplementation on the expression of survival-related genes in leukocytes and psycho-physical status in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Thirty breast cancer survivor women (age, 48 ± 8 yrs) were randomly assigned into three groups: high dose (4000 IU) of vitamin D supplementation (HD) (n = 10); yoga training with a high dose of vitamin D (Y + HD); (n  = 10); yoga training with a low dose (2000 IU) of vitamin D (Y + LD) (n = 10). Participants performed the Hatha yoga style twice a week. Blood samples and a battery of psychological and physical tests were taken before and after the completion of interventions. Expression of p53, NF-κB, Bcl2, and Bax genes was measured in leukocytes. RESULTS: Body fat percentage (ηp2 = 0.36), shoulder flexibility (ηp2 = 0.38), Rockport walk tests (ηp2 = 0.49), and anxiety (ηp2 = 0.52) were significantly improved in both the Y + HD and Y + LD groups compared to the HD group (p < 0.05). P53 was significantly over-expressed in the Y + HD group while Bcl2 upregulated in both the Y + HD and Y + LD groups. NF-κB and Bax expression downregulated in all groups but were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: yoga training combined with low and high doses of VD improved physical fitness and psychological measures while only in combination with a high dose of VD positively modified the leukocytes cell survival-related gene expression.

Effects of dual-task training with blood flow restriction on cognitive functions, muscle quality, and circulatory biomarkers in elderly women.

This study investigated the effects of an eight-week dual-task training with and without blood flow restriction (BFR) on muscle quality (MQ) biomarkers, physical and cognitive functions in older women. Twenty-four healthy volunteers (62.9 ± 3.1years) were randomly assigned into either dual-task (DT), DT with blood flow restriction (DTBFR), or control (C) group. The experimental groups performed cognitive tasks while walked on a treadmill at 45% of heart rate reserve (HRR), 20 min per session, three sessions per week for eight weeks. The cuff pressure for the DTBFR group was 50% of the calculated arterial blood occlusion and was increased by 10% every 2 weeks. Pre and post-training intervention, biomarkers of MQ and cognitive functions, body composition, maximal strength, and psychological status were measured. There was a significant interaction effect on BDNF, CAF, P3NP, body mass, BMI, fat percentage, visceral fat mass, and total fat mass (p<0.05). Furthermore, a significant interaction effect on knee extension, 30-s stand-up test, 6-min walk test, timed up&go test, and QOL was observed. There was a significant effect of time on MMSE, sleep quality, and mood score. These findings suggested that including BFR to DT training result in greater physiological and psychological responses and should be considered a training method to combat undesired changes associated with increasing age.

The effects of foam roll on perceptual and performance recovery during a futsal tournament.

The present study investigated the efficacy of recovery by foam rolling (FR) on performance, psychological, and physiological parameters of futsal players in a simulated futsal tournament. In this randomized controlled trial design, four youth teams from Iran's national premier league participated in a simulated futsal tournament (five days, three matches). Sixteen youth futsal players from two teams (age: 19.1 ± 1.3 years old) were randomly distributed into two groups: (i) passive recovery (PR); and (ii) FR recovery. The FR recovery protocol consisted of five repetitions of 40 s separated by 20 s of rest on calf, quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteus muscles 5 min after each match. The other group rested passively during the same period. The Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 2, repeated sprint ability, vertical jump, and PRO agility tests were assessed pre- and post-tournament. Also, Hooper index (HI) and blood lactate concentrations were measured throughout matchdays. Data were analyzed by a repeated measure ANOVA and ANCOVA. Substantial improvements in HI on the second (ES:0.6) and third (ES:0.4) matchdays and faster lactate removal on the third (ES:0.3) matchday were observed in the FR group when compared to the PR group (p<0.05). Although FR recovery was slightly beneficial when compared to PR attenuated decrements in aerobic (-1.6%vs-9.7%) and anaerobic performance (-4.5%vs-1.3%), vertical jump (-1.6%vs-3.0%), and change of direction (-2.1%vs-4.3%), these effects were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The finding showed using FR during compact competitions expedites physical performance recovery, increases blood lactate clearance and leads to regenerate psychological characteristics. Therefore, along with other desirable recovery strategies, the use of FR could be recommended in short-term compacted futsal tournaments.

Functional training with blood occlusion influences muscle quality indices in older adults.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine if functional training with blood flow restriction (BFR) has a greater effect on muscle quality indices and performance of older men when compared to functional training without BFR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty men (67.7 ±â€¯5.8 years) were randomly assigned to one of the following three groups: functional training (FT), functional training with blood flow restriction (FTBFR), and control (C). Participants in both experimental groups trained three sessions per week for six weeks. The training program included eleven body exercises, which were performed in 2-4 sets of 10 repetitions. FTBFR group wore pneumatic cuffs on their extremities that begun with 50 % of estimated arterial occlusion pressure and increased by 10 % every 2 weeks. Before and after the intervention period, subjects completed a series of tests to assess physical performances along with changes serum muscle quality indices. RESULTS: A significant decrease in serum C-terminal Agrin Fragment (CAF) levels were observed in FT and FTBFR groups (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, the levels of CAF in FTBFR group was significantly lower compared to control group. Moreover, the circulatory levels of N-terminal propeptide type III collagen (P3NP) were reduced significantly in FT and C groups (p ≤ 0.05) but did not statistically differ from baseline in FTBFR group (p > 0.05). These changes were accompanied by significant improvements in dynamic strength, flexibility, static, and dynamic balance in both training groups (p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The finding showed greater improvements in muscle quality indices and functional performance of older men when exercises performed with BFR.

Occlusion Training During Specific Futsal Training Improves Aspects of Physiological and Physical Performance.

This study aimed to examine the effects of lower limb blood flow restriction (BFR) performed during 3-a-side futsal game training on aerobic and anaerobic performance of futsal players. Twelve male futsal players were randomized into two groups (n = 6); both groups performed ten sessions of the 3-a-side game every other day in half of a futsal court; but one group trained under BFR conditions. Pneumatic cuffs used for the BFR group were inflated to 110% leg systolic blood pressure and increased by 10% after each two completed sessions. Before and after the training sessions subjects completed a series of tests to assess aerobic and anaerobic performances along with changes in blood lactate and anabolic and catabolic hormones. All aerobic and anaerobic performance variables improved in both group after training, however improvements in mean power (12.2%, p = 0.03), run time to fatigue (TTF), (7.1%, p = 0.02) and running economy (RE), (-22.7%, p = 0.01) were significantly greater in the BFR group. There were also significant increases in growth hormone (p = 0.01), testosterone to cortisol ratio at first session (p = 0.01) and rate of lactate removal (p = 0.01) at last session in the BFR group compared to the non-BFR group. Small-sided game (SSG) training with the addition of BFR because of accumulated metabolites and hormonal changed leads to substantially greater increases in performance than SSGs training alone.

Exercise Training and Fasting: Current Insights.

Fasting is defined as the abstinence from consuming food and/or beverages for different periods of time. Both traditional and modern healthcare systems recommend fasting as a therapeutic intervention for the management of several chronic, non-infectious diseases. Exercising during a fasting state increases lipolysis in adipose tissue while also stimulating peripheral fat oxidation, resulting in increased fat utilization and weight loss. A key focus of this review is to assess whether endurance training performed while fasting induces specific training adaptations, where increased fat oxidation improves long-term endurance levels. Fasting decreases body weight, lean body and fat content in both trained and untrained individuals. Several studies indicate a broader impact of fasting on metabolism, with effects on protein and glucose metabolism in sedentary and untrained subjects. However, there are conflicting data regarding the effects of fasting on glucose metabolism in highly trained athletes. The effects of fasting on physical performance indicators also remain unclear, with some reporting a decreased performance, while others found no significant effects. Differences in experimental design, severity of calorie restriction, duration, and participant characteristics could, at least in part, explain such discordant findings. Our review of the literature suggests that there is little evidence to support the notion of endurance training and fasting-mediated increases in fat oxidation, and we recommend that endurance athletes should avoid high intensity training while fasting.

Dual-Task Training Affect Cognitive and Physical Performances and Brain Oscillation Ratio of Patients With Alzheimer's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of dual-task training on cognitive status, physical performance, and brain oscillation of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Twenty-six AD patients were randomly assigned to two groups, the training group (TG) and control group (CG). TG executed progressive combined exercises with visual stimulation twice a week for 12 weeks. Training included muscle endurance, balance, flexibility, and aerobic exercises with eyes closed and opened. Brain oscillation on electroencephalography (EEG) and a series of physical, cognitive, and mental tests were taken before and post-intervention. There was a significant improvement after training protocol in cognitive function, particularly in short-term and working memory, attention, and executive function (p < 0.01). Besides, there were substantial improvements in depression status (GDS scale), aerobic fitness (6 min walking), flexibility (chair sit and reach) functional ability (chair stand, timed up and go test), strength (knee extensions, preacher biceps curl, handgrip) in TG compared to CG. These signs of progress were associated with a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the frequency of brain oscillation and a decrease in the theta/alpha ratio. In addition to physical performance, the regular combined training with visual stimulation improves brain health as indicated by improving cognitive function and reducing the theta/alpha ratio. Clinical Trial Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) https://www.irct.ir/, identifier IRCT20190504043468N1-August 5, 2020.