Polarized running training adapted to versus contrary to the menstrual cycle phases has similar effects on endurance performance and cardiovascular parameters.

PURPOSE: This study compared the effects of polarized running training adapted to the menstrual cycle (MC) phases versus polarized training adapted contrary to the MC on endurance performance and cardiovascular parameters. METHODS: Thirty-three naturally menstruating, moderately trained females (age: 26 ± 4 years; BMI: 22.3 ± 3.2 kg/m2; V ˙ O2max/rel: 40.35 ± 4.61 ml/min/kg) were randomly assigned to a control (CON) and intervention (INT) group. Both groups participated in a load-matched eight-week running training intervention. In the INT, high-intensity sessions were aligned with the mid and late follicular phase, low-intensity sessions with the early and mid-luteal phase, and recovery with the late luteal and early follicular phase. In the CON, high-intensity sessions were matched to the late luteal and early follicular phase, and recovery to the mid and late follicular phase. Endurance performance and cardiovascular parameters were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. RESULTS: Twenty-six females completed the intervention. A repeated measures ANOVA determined no time × group interaction effect for any parameter. A significant time effect was found for maximal oxygen uptake (F(1,12) = 18.753, p = 0.005, ηp2 = 0.630), the velocity at the ventilatory threshold one (F(1,12) = 10.704, p = 0.007, ηp2 = 0.493) and two (F(1,12) = 7.746, p = .018, ηp2 = .413). CONCLUSION: The training intervention improved endurance performance in both groups, with no further benefit observed from the MC-adapted polarized training in a group-based analysis. Replications with an extended intervention period, a larger sample size, and a more reliable MC determination are warranted.

Heartbeats and high scores: esports triggers cardiovascular and autonomic stress response.

Introduction: Gaming is often labeled as sedentary behavior. However, competitive gaming, also known as esports, involves significant cognitive demands and may induce stress. This study aims to investigate whether the psychophysical demands during esports elicit a physiological stress response. Methods: Fourteen FIFA 21 and thirteen League of Legends players (23.3 ± 2.8 years) were recruited for the study. Heart rate (HR), root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD), peripheral and central blood pressure (BP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and energy expenditure (EE) were assessed during supine rest, seated rest, and competitive FIFA or League of Legends matches. Results: No significant group × condition interactions were observed for any of the outcomes. However, there were significant increases in mean HR (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.383), RMSSD (p = 0.019, ηp2 = 0.226), peripheral systolic BP (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.588), peripheral diastolic BP (p = 0.005, ηp2 = 0.272), central systolic BP (p = 0.005; ηp2 = 0.369), central diastolic BP (p = 0.016, ηp2 = 0.313), PWV (p = 0.004, ηp2 = 0.333), and EE (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.721) during both games compared to the seated rest condition. Conclusion: Despite the sedentary nature of esports, the psychophysical demands appear to elicit physiological responses. Interestingly, no significant differences were found between the different game genres.

Comparative Analysis of Physical Activity, Performance-Related Health, and Academic Achievements in 11-to-13-Year-Old Schoolchildren in Qatar.

Age-related differences in physical activity (PA), maturity status (PHV), physical performance (PP), and academic achievement (AA) among schoolchildren in Qatar were examined. Sixty-nine students from a school in Doha were categorized into three equal (n = 23) groups: 11-year-old students (U11; male: n = 14), 12-year-old students (U12: male: n = 7), and 13-year-old students (U13: male: n = 11). The testing process comprised a medicine ball throw, Stork balance test, hand grip strength test, the T-half test (PP), GPA in Arabic, mathematics, science (AA), International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (PA), and Moore's equations (PHV). Relevant age-related differences (p < 0.001) were identified in mathematics, science, the T-half test, maturity, and arm span. Notably, differences between adjacent age groups were evident between U11 and U12, concerning arm span, maturity, mathematics, and science, and between U12 and U13 (the T-half test, mathematics, science). Concerning AP, the performance maxima were calculated for U12 (mathematics, science) and U11 (Arabic). Regarding PP, performance maxima were only observed for U13. Except for the moderate level, the highest levels of PA were detected in U13. Maturity status and anthropometric parameters did not differ significantly between age groups. However, AA demonstrated the most notable age-related differences. Specifically, mathematics showed substantial differences between adjacent age groups.

Effects of School-Based High-Intensity Interval Training on Hemodynamic Parameters and Heart Rate Variability: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT: Ketelhut, S, Ketelhut, K, Ketelhut, SR, and Ketelhut, RG. Effects of school-based high-intensity interval training on hemodynamic parameters and heart rate variability: A randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1033-1040, 2024-The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a child-specific school-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) implemented into physical education (PE) classes on various hemodynamic parameters and heart rate variability indices. Forty-six students (age 11 ± 1 year) were randomized into an intervention (INT n = 22) and a control group (CON n = 24). During a 12-week period, the INT and CON groups participated in regular PE twice weekly (45-90 minutes). The INT group received HIIT during the first 20 minutes of the 2 PE classes. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total peripheral resistance, aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV), heart rate, SD of normal to normal heartbeat intervals, the root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD), the proportion of differences between adjacent normal to normal heartbeat intervals of more than 50 ms, low-frequency power, high-frequency power, and the LF/HF ratio were assessed before and after the experimental period. A p value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Forty students (20 INT; 20 CON) were included in the analysis. A significant time × group interaction was detected for aPWV ( p = 0.05, η2 = 0.099), RMSSD ( p = 0.010, η2 = 0.161), low-frequency power ( p = 0.009, η2 = 0.165), high-frequency power ( p < 0.001, η2 = 0.272), and the LF/HF ratio ( p < 0.001, η2 = 0.354). The INT group revealed significant improvements for the respective parameters. School-based HIIT can induce improvements in cardiovascular parameters. These results highlight the potential of embedding HIIT within the school setting, offering a time-efficient exercise intervention.

Differences in Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Health-Related Physical Performance Indices and Academic Achievement: A Comparative Study of Normal-Weight and Obese Children in Qatar.

Background: The relationship between physical activity (PA), health-related physical performance (PP), and academic achievement (AA) plays an important role in childhood. This study examined the differences in PA, sedentary behavior, health-related PP, maturity status, and AA between normal-weight and obese school children in Qatar. Methods: Eighty schoolchildren were recruited (age: 12.1 ± 0.6 years). Based on age-specific BMI percentiles, the children were classified as normal weight (n = 40) or obese (n = 40). Moore's equations were used to estimate their maturity status (PHV). The measurements encompassed anthropometric data as well as PP tests (medicine ball throw, postural stability, handgrip strength). AA was assessed by reviewing school records for grade point average in Mathematics, Science, and Arabic courses. The total amount of time spent participating in PA each week was calculated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form. Results: Handgrip strength was the only parameter that showed a relevant group difference (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.15; normal weight: 19.7 ± 3.46 N; obese: 21.7 ± 2.80 N). We found only one moderate correlation between PHV and handgrip strength (r = 0.59). Conclusions: The findings suggest that obesity status alone might not serve as a sufficient predictor of AA in school or PA levels.

Effects of a training intervention tailored to the menstrual cycle on endurance performance and hemodynamics.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the effects of block periodized training and training adapted to the menstrual cycle (MC) phases on endurance performance, cardiovascular parameters, recovery, and MC-related symptoms in active females. METHODS: Fourteen naturally menstruating, moderately trained females (age: 24±3 years; BMI: 22.3±2.7) were randomized into an intervention (INT) and a control (CON) group. Throughout an 8-week intervention period, both groups participated in a polarized training program. In the INT, the training sessions were adapted to the MC with higher training loads within the mid and late follicular phase. Before and after the intervention maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), velocity and heart rate at ventilatory thresholds one and two (vVT1, vVT2, hrVT1, hrVT2), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (sBP, dBP), root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD), standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and the premenstrual assessment form (PAF) were assessed. RESULTS: There were no significant time × group interaction effects in all physiological parameters (VO2max: P=0.890; vVT1: P=1.000; hrVT1: P=0.464; vVT2: P=0.356; hrVT2: P=0.762 sBP: P=0.948; dBP: P=0.203; RMSSD: P=0.257; SDNN: P=0.241; PWV: P=0.818), or psychological parameters (PAF: P=0.745). CONCLUSIONS: Tailoring a polarized training program to the MC did not augment training responses compared to a regular training program in active females. However, a substantial portion of the training intervention in the CON was coincidentally matched to the MC.

Acute self-myofascial release modulates cardiac autonomic function and hemodynamic parameters at rest and reduces cardiovascular stress reaction.

PURPOSE: Self-myofascial release (SMR) is a form of self-massage aiming to release tension, improve blood flow, and alleviate muscle soreness. This study aimed to determine whether a single session of SMR could impact cardiovascular parameters at rest and during a cold pressor test (CPT). METHODS: Twenty male participants (aged 26 ± 2 years) underwent a 20-min SMR and a 20-min seated control condition (CON) on two separate test days in a randomized order. Peripheral and central blood pressure (BP), total peripheral resistance (TPR), pulse wave velocity (PWV), heart rate (HR), root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD), and the quotient of low-frequency power and high-frequency power (LF/HF) were measured both at rest and during a CPT before (t0), 2 min (t1), and 20 min (t2) after the SMR and CON. RESULTS: Time × condition interactions could be detected for peripheral and central diastolic BP, TPR, HR, and RMSSD. Following the SMR, peripheral diastolic BP, central diastolic BP, TPR, and RMSSD were reduced, while HR was increased compared to the CON. Regarding the CPT time × condition interactions could be detected for peripheral, and central diastolic BP, with lower values after SMR. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that a single bout of SMR confers favorable cardiovascular benefits in healthy normotensive individuals. Furthermore, SMR can attenuate the hemodynamic reactivity to a stress test. Future research should address whether regular SMR leads to chronic adaptations similar to regular, moderate aerobic exercise, massage therapy, and static stretching.

The effectiveness of the Wim Hof method on cardiac autonomic function, blood pressure, arterial compliance, and different psychological parameters.

The Wim Hof method (WHM) is a multi-disciplinary approach to physical and mental well-being combining cold exposure, breathing exercises, and meditation. This study evaluated the effects of a 15 days WHM intervention on cardiovascular parameters at rest and during a cold pressor test (CPT), as well as on various psychological parameters. Forty two participants were randomized into an intervention (IG) and a control group. Throughout the 15 days intervention, the IG performed the WHM daily. Before and after the intervention, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), heart rate (HR), root mean sum of squared distance (RMSSD), and standard deviation of RR-intervals (SDNN) were assessed at rest and during a CPT. Furthermore, perceived stress (PSS), positive affect (PANAS+), negative affect (PANAS-), and subjective vitality (trait (SVSt) and state (SVSs)) was determined. No significant time × group interactions could be detected in HR (p = 0.709); RMSSD (p = 0.820), SDNN (p = 0.186), SBP (p = 0.839), DBP (p = 0.318), PWV (p = 0.983), PANAS+ (p = 0.427), PANAS- (p = 0.614), SVSt (p = 0.760), SVSs (p = 0.366), and PSS (p = 0.364). No significant time × group effects could be detected during the CPT (ΔHR: p = 0.596; ΔSBP: p = 0.366; ΔDBP: p = 0.999; ΔPWV: p = 0.635; perceived pain: p = 0.231). Performing the WHM daily did not exert positive effects on cardiovascular and psychological parameters.

Challenging the Portrait of the Unhealthy Gamer-The Fitness and Health Status of Esports Players and Their Peers: Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Esports players are often referred to as sedentary athletes, as gaming requires prolonged sedentary screen exposure. As sedentary behavior and physical inactivity are major causes of noncommunicable diseases and premature death, esports players may be at an increased risk for health implications. Prior research has established esports players as having higher levels of body fat and lower levels of lean body mass versus age-matched controls, suggesting the need to assess further health and fitness outcomes of this demographic. However, while research interest is undoubtedly increasing, the majority of studies has focused on subjective self-report data and has lacked relevant objective health and fitness measurements. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the health and fitness status of a group of competitive esports players in relation to an age- and sex-matched comparison group. METHODS: In total, 51 competitive esports players (mean 23, SD 3 years, 2 female) and 51 nonesports players (mean 24, SD 3 years, 2 female) were enrolled in this cross-sectional laboratory study. The esports players and the nonesports players completed a questionnaire assessing demographic data and self-reported physical activity levels. Furthermore, physical parameters including BMI, waist-to-height ratio, body fat percentage, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, maximal grip strength, and maximal oxygen consumption were assessed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in BMI (t100=1.54; P=.13; d=0.30), waist-to-height ratio (t100=1.44; P=.16; d=0.28), body fat percentage (t100=-0.48; P=.63; d=-0.09), systolic blood pressure (t100=-0.06; P=.93; d=-0.01), diastolic blood pressure (t100=0.37; P=.71; d=0.07), pulse wave velocity (t93=-2.08; P=.15; d=-0.43), maximal grip strength (t100=-.08; P=.94; d=-0.02), maximal oxygen consumption (t100=-0.11; P=.92; d=-0.02), and physical activity (PA) levels (t86=2.17; P=.08; d=0.46) between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: While the health narrative directed toward esports players has been mainly negative, this laboratory-based study indicated that esports players are not less healthy or fit compared to their peers. However, it seems that esports players are very heterogeneous and seem to span across the whole range of the fitness and health spectrum. Thus, the generalized statements of the esports athlete as an obese and unhealthy individual may need to be reconsidered.

Assessment of 24-hour physical behaviour in adults via wearables: a systematic review of validation studies under laboratory conditions.

BACKGROUND: Wearable technology is used by consumers and researchers worldwide for continuous activity monitoring in daily life. Results of high-quality laboratory-based validation studies enable us to make a guided decision on which study to rely on and which device to use. However, reviews in adults that focus on the quality of existing laboratory studies are missing. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of wearable validation studies with adults. Eligibility criteria were: (i) study under laboratory conditions with humans (age ≥ 18 years); (ii) validated device outcome must belong to one dimension of the 24-hour physical behavior construct (i.e., intensity, posture/activity type, and biological state); (iii) study protocol must include a criterion measure; (iv) study had to be published in a peer-reviewed English language journal. Studies were identified via a systematic search in five electronic databases as well as back- and forward citation searches. The risk of bias was assessed based on the QUADAS-2 tool with eight signaling questions. RESULTS: Out of 13,285 unique search results, 545 published articles between 1994 and 2022 were included. Most studies (73.8% (N = 420)) validated an intensity measure outcome such as energy expenditure; only 14% (N = 80) and 12.2% (N = 70) of studies validated biological state or posture/activity type outcomes, respectively. Most protocols validated wearables in healthy adults between 18 and 65 years. Most wearables were only validated once. Further, we identified six wearables (i.e., ActiGraph GT3X+, ActiGraph GT9X, Apple Watch 2, Axivity AX3, Fitbit Charge 2, Fitbit, and GENEActiv) that had been used to validate outcomes from all three dimensions, but none of them were consistently ranked with moderate to high validity. Risk of bias assessment resulted in 4.4% (N = 24) of all studies being classified as "low risk", while 16.5% (N = 90) were classified as "some concerns" and 79.1% (N = 431) as "high risk". CONCLUSION: Laboratory validation studies of wearables assessing physical behaviour in adults are characterized by low methodological quality, large variability in design, and a focus on intensity. Future research should more strongly aim at all components of the 24-hour physical behaviour construct, and strive for standardized protocols embedded in a validation framework.

Comparing Post-Exercise Hypotension after Different Sprint Interval Training Protocols in a Matched Sample of Younger and Older Adults.

This study assessed the post-exercise hypotension (PEH) effect in a sample of matched young and older adults after different sprint interval training (SIT) protocols. From forty-three participants enrolled in this study, twelve younger (24 ± 3 years) and 12 older (50 ± 7 years) participants, matched for the body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and VO2max-percentiles, were selected. The participants completed two SIT protocols consisting of 4 × 30 s exercise bouts interspersed by either one (SIT1) or three minutes (SIT3) of active rest. The peripheral systolic (pSBP) and diastolic (pDBP) blood pressure, central systolic (cSBP) and diastolic (cDBP) blood pressure, pulse wave velocity (PWV), and heart rate (HR) were obtained before and at different measurement time points (t5, t15, t30, t45) after the exercise. No significant time × group interactions were detected in pSBP (p = 0.242, η² = 0.060), pDBP (p = 0.379, η² = 0.046), cSBP (p = 0.091, η² = 0.861), cDBP (p = 0.625, η² = 0.033), PWV (p = 0.133, η² = 0.076), and HR (p = 0.190, η² = 0.123) after SIT1. For SIT3 no significant time × group interactions could be detected for pSBP (p = 0.773, η² = 0.020), pDBP (p = 0.972, η² = 0.006), cSBP (p = 0.239, η² = 0.060), cDBP (p = 0.535, η² = 0.036), PWV (p = 0.402, η² = 0.044), and HR (p = 0.933, η² = 0.009). Matched samples of young and older adults reveal similar PEH effects after HIIT. Accordingly, age does not seem to affect PEH after SIT. These results show that rest interval length and age modulate the PEH effect after SIT.

Evaluating Changes in Perceived Enjoyment throughout a 12-Week School-Based Exergaming Intervention.

This study assessed whether a high-intensity exergame represents an enjoyable training tool for children in the elementary school setting. Furthermore, it evaluated whether gender, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), fitness level, weekly physical activity level, and general interest in sports moderate perceived enjoyment during the 12-week intervention. Thirty fifth- and sixth-grade students (10.5 ± 0.7 years; 50% girls) participated in this study. During baseline assessments, anthropometric measurements and a shuttle run test were conducted. Throughout the intervention period, the students participated in 15−20-min exergaming sessions (ES) in the ExerCube twice a week during school hours. Enjoyment was assessed after an ES in weeks 2 and 12. Additionally, enjoyment was evaluated after a physical education (PE) class in week 2. The results reveal no significant changes in enjoyment (p = 0.164) over time. The modest changes over time were significantly affected by BMI (p = 0.027), WHtR (p = 0.007), and weekly activity level (p = 0.016). Compared to the PE class, enjoyment was significantly higher during the ES (p < 0.001). None of the covariates showed a significant effect. Mean HR during the ES reached 87.1 ± 1.9% of students' individual maximum HR. In conclusion, the ExerCube provides a promising tool for schools to promote enjoyable moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Optimizing sprint interval exercise for post-exercise hypotension: A randomized crossover trial.

This study aimed to examine the effects of manipulating the rest intervals during sprint interval training (SIT) on post-exercise hypotension and within-session oxygen consumption.Thirty healthy, trained adults (aged 30.9 ± 8.7 years; 14 males, 16 females; BMI 22.1 ± 2.3 kg/m2; VO2max 50.7 ± 7.8 ml/kg/min) completed two different SIT protocols (4x 30-seconds all-out cycling sprints) with a one-week washout period. Sprint bouts were separated by either 1 (R1) or 3 (R3) minutes of active recovery. Both before and throughout the 45 min after the training, peripheral systolic (pSBP) and diastolic (pDBP) blood pressure, central systolic (cSBP) and diastolic (cDBP) blood pressure, aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV), stroke volume (SV), and heart rate (HR) were assessed. Throughout the SIT protocols, oxygen consumption (VO2) was monitored.There were no significant differences in time spent at 75%, 85%, 95%, and 100% of maximal VO2 between R1 and R3. After R3, there was a significant reduction in pSBP, pDBP, cSBP, cDBP, and aPWV. After R1, there were no changes in the respective parameters. There were significant interaction effects in pSBD (p < 0.001), pDBP (p < 0.001), cSBP (p < 0.001), cDBP (p = 0.001), and aPWV (p = 0.033). HR significantly increased after both conditions. Only R1 resulted in a significant reduction in SV.Longer resting intervals during SIT bouts seem to result in more substantial post-exercise hypotension effects. Time spent at a high percentage of maximal VO2 was not affected by rest interval manipulation.

Interval Training in Sports Medicine: Current Thoughts on an Old Idea.

In light of the global physical inactivity pandemic, the increasing prevalence of non-committable diseases, and mounting healthcare costs, effective and feasible prevention and treatment approaches are urgently needed [...].

Influence of Initial Severity of Depression on the Effectiveness of a Multimodal Therapy on Depressive Score, Heart Rate Variability, and Hemodynamic Parameters.

Depression is a major cause of disability among populations worldwide. Apart from primary symptoms, depressed patients often have a higher cardiovascular risk profile. Multimodal therapy concepts, including exercise, have emerged as promising approaches that not only improve depressive symptoms but also have a positive impact on cardiovascular risk profile. However, controversies have arisen concerning the influence of baseline severity on the effects of therapy concepts for this demographic. This study assessed whether pretreatment severity moderates psychological and physiological treatment outcomes of a multimodal therapy. A total of 16 patients diagnosed with mild depression (MD) and 14 patients diagnosed with severe depression (SD) took part in a 3-month outpatient multimodal treatment therapy. Before and after the treatment, depression score (Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)), peripheral systolic (pSBP) and diastolic (pDBP) blood pressure, central systolic (cSBP) and diastolic (cDBP) blood pressure, pulse wave velocity (PWV), heart rate (HR), and parasympathetic parameters of heart rate variability (RMSSD) were assessed. Significant time effects were detected for BDI (−20.0 ± 11.6, p > 0.001, η2 = 0.871), pSBP (−4.7 ± 6.8 mmHg, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.322), pDBP (−3.5 ± 6.9 mmHg, p = 0.01, η2 = 0.209), cSBP (−4.8 ± 6.5 mmHg, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.355), cDBP (−3.6 ± 6.8 mmHg, p = 0.008, η2 = 0.226), PWV (−0.13 ± 0.23 m/s, p = 0.008, η2 = 0.229), HR (4.3 ± 8.8 min−1, p = 0.015, η2 = 0.193), RMSSD (−12.2 ± 23.9 ms, p = 0.017, η2 = 0.251), and and SDNN (10.5 ± 17.8 ms, p = 0.005, η2 = 0.330). Significant time × group interaction could be revealed for BDI (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.543), with patients suffering from SD showing stronger reductions. Pretreatment severity of depression has an impact on the effectiveness of a multimodal therapy regarding psychological but not physiological outcomes.

Integrating Regular Exergaming Sessions in the ExerCube into a School Setting Increases Physical Fitness in Elementary School Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a school-based exergame intervention on anthropometric parameters and physical fitness. Fifty-eight students (10.4 ± 0.8 years; 48% girls) were randomized into an intervention (IG) and a control (CG) group. Both groups participated in regular physical education classes during the three-month intervention period. The IG additionally received a 20-minute exergame intervention twice per week. At baseline and following the intervention period, body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were assessed. Furthermore, a sprint test (ST), a countermovement jump test (CMJ), and a shuttle run test (SRT) were performed. Due to prescribed quarantine measures, only 34 students (18 IG; 16 CG) were included in the final analysis. A significant group−time interaction was determined in CMJ performance (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.403), with a significant increase (+2.6 ± 2.4 cm; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.315) in the IG and a significant decrease (−2.0 ± 3.1 cm; p = 0.009; η2 = 0.190) in the CG. Furthermore, ST performance significantly improved in the IG (−0.03 ± 0.08 s; p = 0.012; η2 = 0.180) but not in the CG (0.13 ± 0.16 s; p = 0.460; η2 = 0.017), revealing significant interaction effects (p = 0.02; η2 = 0.157). Significant group−time interaction was observed for the SRT (p = 0.046; η2 = 0.122), with a significant increase (+87.8 ± 98.9 m; p = 0.028; η2 = 0.147) in the IG and no changes (−29.4 ± 219.7 m; p = 0.485; η2 = 0.016) in the CG. Concerning BMI (p = 0.157; η2 = 0.063) and WHtR (p = 0.063; η2 = 0.114), no significant interaction effects were detected. School-based exergaming is a suitable tool to influence students' physical fitness positively.

Gaming Instead of Training? Exergaming Induces High-Intensity Exercise Stimulus and Reduces Cardiovascular Reactivity to Cold Pressor Test.

INTRODUCTION: The present study assessed if an exercise session in an innovative exergame can modulate hemodynamic reactivity to a cold pressor test (CPT) to a similar extent as a typical moderate endurance training (ET). Furthermore, cardiorespiratory, and affective responses of an exergame session and an ET were compared. METHODS: Twenty-seven healthy participants aged 25 ± 4 years (48% female; BMI 23.0 ± 2.1 kg/m2) participated in this cross-sectional study. All participants completed both an ET on a treadmill and training in the ExerCube (ECT). HR and oxygen consumption were recorded during both training sessions. Before and after both exercise sessions, the hemodynamic reactivity to a CPT was determined. RESULTS: During ECT, HR, oxygen consumption, energy expenditure, and the metabolic equivalent of the task were significantly higher than those obtained during ET (p < 0.001). With regard to the CPT, the participants showed significantly lower responses in peripheral systolic (p = 0.004) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.009) as well as central systolic (p = 0.002) and diastolic BP (P = 0.01) after ECT compared to ET. The same was true for pulse wave velocity (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: The ECT induced a significantly higher exercise stimulus compared to the ET. At the same time, it attenuated hemodynamic stress reactivity. The ECT presents a relevant training stimulus that modulates cardiovascular reactivity to stress, which has been proven as a predictor for the development of hypertension. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN43067716, 14 April 2020, Trial number: 38154.

A Game-Based Approach to Lower Blood Pressure? Comparing Acute Hemodynamic Responses to Endurance Exercise and Exergaming: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

The present randomized crossover study aimed to determine whether an exergaming session in an innovative, functional fitness game could be an effective exercise approach that elicits favorable blood pressure (BP) responses, such as a typical moderate endurance exercise (ET). Therefore, acute hemodynamic responses after a training session in the ExerCube and an ET on a treadmill were assessed and compared. Twenty-eight healthy recreational active participants (13 women; aged 24.8 ± 3.9 years) completed an exergaming session (EX) and an ET in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Before and throughout the 45 min after the training, the peripheral and central BP were measured. After the ET, there was a moderate decrease in both peripheral systolic (-1.8 mmHg; p = 0.14) and diastolic (-0.8 mmHg; p = 0.003), as well as central diastolic (-1.5 mmHg; p = 0.006) pressure compared to the resting value before the exercise. After the EX, there was a significant decrease in peripheral systolic (-6.3 mmHg; p < 0.001) and diastolic (-4.8 mmHg; p < 0.001), as well as central systolic (-5.8 mmHg; p < 0.001) and diastolic (-5.3 mmHg; p < 0.001) pressure compared to baseline. The interaction effects showed significant differences in peripheral and central systolic BP as well as in peripheral diastolic BP (p = 0.05). The EX seems to be an effective training approach that triggers relevant peripheral and central BP-responses, which are more pronounced than after a typical ET. Therefore, the ExerCube can be a time-efficient training tool to improve cardiovascular health.

Performance and Recovery of Well-Trained Younger and Older Athletes during Different HIIT Protocols.

Due to physiological and morphological differences, younger and older athletes may recover differently from training loads. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols are useful for studying the progression of recovery. It was the objective of this study to determine age differences in performance and recovery following different HIIT protocols. METHODS: 12 younger (24.5 ± 3.7 years) and 12 older (47.3 ± 8.6 years) well-trained cyclists and triathletes took part in this study. Between the age groups there were no significant differences in relative peak power to fat-free mass, maximal heart rate (HR), training volume, and VO2max-percentiles (%). Participants performed different HIIT protocols consisting of 4 × 30 s Wingate tests with different active rest intervals (1, 3, or 10 min). Peak and average power, lactate, HR, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), subjective rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and recovery (Total Quality Recovery scale, TQR) were assessed. RESULTS: During the different HIIT protocols, metabolic, cardiovascular, and subjective recovery were similar between the two groups. No significant differences were found in average lactate concentration, peak and average power, fatigue (%), %HRmax, RER, RPE, and TQR values between the groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that recovery following HIIT does not differ between the two age groups. Furthermore, older and younger participants displayed similar lactate kinetics after the intermittent exercise protocols.

Acute Effects of Heart Rate-Controlled Exergaming on Vascular Function in Young Adults.

Objective: Acute and regular moderate-intensity endurance exercise (MIEE) is known to positively affect vascular function. The present study assessed if an exercise session in an innovative exergame called the ExerCube can induce similar vascular reactions as an MIEE session. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight healthy recreationally active participants (13 females and 15 males; aged 24.8 ± 3.9 years; with body mass index 23.2 ± 2.3 kg/m2) completed an exergaming session (EGS) in the ExerCube (25 minutes) and an MIEE session on a treadmill (35 minutes, 65%-70% of maximal heart rate [HR]) in a randomized order. Both before and throughout the 45 minutes after the training sessions, pulse wave velocity (PWV), total peripheral resistance (TPR), stroke volume (SV), and HR were recorded. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Board of the Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg (Medical Faculty of the Martin-Luther-Universität 2019-177). Results: There were different hemodynamic responses to both types of exercises. PWV was significantly decreased 45 minutes after the EGS (P < 0.001). No significant changes were detected after MIEE (P = 0.109). TPR was significantly lower after both exercise sessions (P < 0.01). Only the EGS resulted in a significant decrease in SV 15 minutes after exercise (P < 0.001). The HR was significantly (P < 0.05) higher after both exercise sessions. After the EGS, the increase in HR was still significantly higher (P = 0.011) 45 minutes after the session. The interaction effects revealed significant differences in PWV (15 minutes, P = 0.035; 30 minutes, P = 0.004; and 45 minutes, P < 0.001), favoring the EGS. Conclusion: The EGS seems to induce a relevant exercise stimulus that can modulate vascular function. Therefore, this exergame may present an effective tool for prevention of cardiovascular diseases.