Telomere Length Is Correlated with Resting Metabolic Rate and Aerobic Capacity in Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study investigated the associations between relative telomere length (RTL) and resting metabolic rate (RMR), resting fat oxidation (RFO), and aerobic capacity and whether oxidative stress and inflammation are the underlying mechanisms in sedentary women. We also aimed to determine whether the correlations depend on age and obesity. Sixty-eight normal weight and 66 obese women participated in this study. After adjustment for age, energy expenditure, energy intake, and education level, the RTL of all participants was negatively correlated with absolute RMR (RMRAB) and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentration, and positively correlated with maximum oxygen consumption (V˙O2max) (all p < 0.05). After additional adjustment for adiposity indices and fat-free mass (FFM), RTL was positively correlated with plasma vitamin C concentration (p < 0.05). Furthermore, after adjustment for fasting blood glucose concentration, RTL was negatively correlated with age and positively correlated with V˙O2max (mL/kg FFM/min). We found that normal weight women had longer RTL than obese women (p < 0.001). We suggest that RTL is negatively correlated with RMRAB and positively correlated with aerobic capacity, possibly via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Furthermore, age and obesity influenced the associations. We provide useful information for the management of promotion strategies for health-related physical fitness in women.

Does Gotu kola supplementation improve cognitive function, inflammation, and oxidative stress more than multicomponent exercise alone? - a randomized controlled study.

A randomized control trial was conducted to investigate the synergistic effects of Gotu kola supplementation and multicomponent exercise on cognitive function, inflammation, and oxidative stress in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Sixty participants aged 74.6±7.3 years with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores of 20.7±2.6 were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a multicomponent exercise training group (EXE, n=20), a multicomponent exercise training with Gotu kola supplementation group (EXE+GK, n=20), or a placebo-controlled group (CON, n=20). Each participant received one capsule of placebo or 500 mg twice a day of Gotu kola extract. The multicomponent exercise program comprised of supervised resistance, aerobic, balance and dual-task training: three 80-min sessions/week for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes, such as cognitive function, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress, were measured before and after the 12-week intervention. Following the interventions, the EXE and EXE+GK had significantly higher MMSE (P<0.01), Digit Span Forward test (DSF) (P<0.01), Digit Span Backward test (P<0.01) scores, and lower Trail Making Test parts A (P<0.01) and B (P<0.01) and lower 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (P<0.01) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (P<0.01) than the CON. The change in DSF and TNF-α in the EXE+GK had a negative correlation (r=-0.504, P<0.05). In conclusion, multicomponent exercise training with or without the supplement Gotu kola improves cognitive function, inflammation, and oxidative stress in older adults with MCI. Although supplementing with Gotu kola had no additional effects on cognitive function, it may improve the effects of multicomponent exercise on executive function by decreasing TNF-α levels.

Effects of Irvingia gabonensis Extract on Metabolism, Antioxidants, Adipocytokines, Telomere Length, and Aerobic Capacity in Overweight/Obese Individuals.

We investigated the effects of Irvingia gabonensis (IG) kernel extract on the metabolism, adiposity indices, redox status, inflammation, adipocytokines, blood leukocyte relative telomere length (RTL), and aerobic capacity of overweight/obese individuals. All participants used the first 12-week phase to monitor body weight. They were then randomly divided into two groups: (1) 300 mg IG or (2) placebo (PLA). Both groups took one tablet per day for 12 weeks. The variables were measured before supplementation and after 3, 6, and 12 weeks of supplementation. RTL and aerobic capacity were measured before and after 12 weeks. Compared with the PLA, the IG increased plasma vitamin C after supplementation at 6 (p < 0.01) and 12 weeks (p < 0.05) and serum adiponectin after 3 weeks (p < 0.05). Compared with before supplementation, plasma malondialdehyde in the IG and serum leptin in the PLA were decreased after 12-week supplementation, without any differences between the groups. There were no differences between groups with respect to metabolism, inflammation, RTL, and aerobic capacity after the supplementation. We suggest that 12-week daily IG supplementation improved plasma vitamin C and adiponectin. The findings show the possible mechanism contributing to the effect of IG supplementation on a reduction in obesity-related complications.

Intervention Effect of Rehabilitation Robotic Bed Under Machine Learning Combined With Intensive Motor Training on Stroke Patients With Hemiplegia.

It was aimed to discuss the effect of bed-type rehabilitation robots under machine learning combined with intensive motor training on the motor function of lower limbs of stroke patients with hemiplegia. A total of 80 patients with stroke hemiplegia were taken as the subjects, who all had a course of treatment for less than 6 months in the Rehabilitation Medicine Department of Ganzhou Hospital. These patients were divided into the experimental group (40 cases) and the control group (40 cases) by random number method. For patients in the control group, conventional intensive motor training was adopted, whereas the conventional intensive motor training combined with the bed-type rehabilitation robot under machine learning was applied for patients in the experimental group. Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity (FMA-LE), Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were used to evaluate the motor function and mobility of patients. The human-machine collaboration experiment system was constructed, and the software and hardware of the control system were designed. Then, the experimental platform for lower limb rehabilitation training robots was built, and the rehabilitation training methods for stroke patients with hemiplegia were determined by completing the contact force experiment. The results showed that the prediction effect of back-propagation neural network (BPNN) was better than that of the radial basis neural network (RBNN). The bed-type rehabilitation robot under machine learning combined with intensive motor training could significantly improve the motor function and mobility of the lower limbs of stroke patients with hemiplegia.

Vitamin C supplementation improves blood pressure and oxidative stress after acute exercise in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study.

This study aimed to assess the effect of Vitamin C on blood pressure (BP), and subsequently on oxidative stress and nitric oxide (NO) release, following the low-intensity exercise in the patients. This study included 24 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) (age, 53 ± 7 years; hemoglobin A1c, 10.1% ± 0.9%) randomized into two 6-week daily arms based on the consumption of either placebo or 1000 mg Vitamin C. The crossover trial occurred after a 6-week washout. Before and after both supplementation arms, all patients performed cycling exercise at 33% of peak oxygen consumption for 20 min. BP was measured before, immediately, and 60 min after the exercise. Blood samples were drawn immediately before and after the exercise to determine plasma ascorbate, malondialdehyde (MDA), F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs), and NO concentrations. Data showed significant lower BP in the Vitamin C arm when compared with the placebo arm (systolic BP [SBP] P < 0.001 at every time point, diastolic BP [DBP] P < 0.001 except at immediately after exercise, P < 0.05). Plasma ascorbate concentration (P < 0.05 at every time point) and plasma NO (at resting P < 0.001, immediately after exercise P < 0.05) were significantly increased in the Vitamin C arm than in the placebo arm. Plasma MDA (P < 0.05 at every time point) and F2-IsoPs (P < 0.05 at every time point) concentrations were significantly lower in the Vitamin C arm than in the placebo arm. In addition, data showed significantly lower SBP (P < 0.001 at every time point), DBP (P < 0.001 except at immediately after exercise P < 0.05), plasma MDA (P < 0.001 at every time point), and F2-IsoPs (P < 0.05 at every time point) at post-supplementation than at pre-supplementation. Besides, there were significantly higher plasma ascorbate (P < 0.05 at every time point) and NO (at rest P < 0.01, immediately after exercise P < 0.05) concentrations at post-supplementation than at pre-supplementation. This is in contrast to the placebo treatment arm which demonstrated no statistical difference in all outcomes throughout the experiment. This study suggests that 6-week Vitamin C supplementation decreased preexercise and postexercise BPs, possibly due to improved oxidative stress and NO release. However, exercise had no effect on any outcome measures.

Vitamin C supplementation reduces expression of circulating miR-451a in subjects with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus and high oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin C is an essential element required for normal metabolic function. We investigated the effect of vitamin C supplementation on circulating miRNA (miR) expression in subjects with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Changes in miR expression were also correlated with clinical measures of disease. METHODS: Pre- and post-vitamin C supplementation samples from five participants who had increased vitamin C levels, improved oxidative status and polymorphonuclear (PMN) function after receiving 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily for six weeks were screened for miRNA expression using the NanoString miRNA assay. Differences in miRNA expression identified from the miRNA screen were validated by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: Four miRNAs showed significantly different expression post-vitamin C supplementation relative to baseline, including the down-regulation of miR-451a (-1.72 fold change (FC), p = 0.036) and up-regulation of miR-1253 (0.62 FC, p = 0.027), miR-1290 (0.53 FC, p = 0.036) and miR-644a (0.5 FC, p = 0.042). The validation study showed only miR-451a expression was significantly different from baseline with vitamin C supplementation. MiR-451a expression was negatively correlated with vitamin C levels (r =  - 0.497, p = 0.049) but positively correlated with levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) (r = 0.584, p = 0.017), cholesterol (r = 0.564, p = 0.022) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) (r = 0.522, p = 0.037). Bioinformatics analysis of the putative target genes of miR-451a indicated gene functions related to signaling pathways involved in cellular processes, such as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin C supplementation altered circulating miR-451a expression. The results from this pilot study suggest that miRNAs could be used as biomarkers to indicate oxidative status in subjects with T2DM and with poor glycemic control and could lead to a novel molecular strategy to reduce oxidative stress in T2DM.

Wand Stretching Exercise Decreases Abdominal Obesity Among Adults With High Body Mass Index Without Altering Fat Oxidation.

RATIONALE: We designed a wand-based muscle stretching (WE) exercise program, which has become increasingly popular in physical therapy and has been used for elderly patients with adhesive capsulitis. However, studies regarding the effects of WE training on abdominal obesity and measures of cardiovascular risk factors among overweight/obese adults aged ≥55 years are rare. PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of a 15-week wand stretching exercise program on waist circumference and cardiovascular risk factors in sedentary adults aged 55-70 years. METHODS: A total of 124 participants were randomly assigned to either participate in wand stretching exercise (WE) over a 15-week period or a control group (n = 62 each). Sixty participants in the WE group (26 overweight and 34 obese) and 51 in the control group (29 overweight and 22 obese) completed the study. The WE program included wand-assisted muscle stretching exercise on both the upper body and lower body for 40 min per day, 5 days per week, whereas the control group maintained their sedentary lifestyle. RESULTS: No significant improvements were observed in plasma glucose, insulin, and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) after exercise training. Compared with the control group, the WE group had more significant reductions in waist circumference among participants with a body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2 (-2.6 cm, 95% CI: -4.19 to -0.97 cm, d = 0.48) and BMI > 25 kg/m2 (-2.5 cm, 95% CI: -4.1 to -0.9 cm, d = 0.59) (both P < 0.01). Furthermore, within groups, a significant increase in % fat free mass was observed after WE training. The basal metabolic rate was slightly increased, but the fat oxidation rate remained unaltered in the WE group. Improvements in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were minimal after WE. Significant reductions in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were observed after WE only for participants with a BMI <25 kg/m2. CONCLUSION: The results suggest redistribution of a carbon source from the abdominal region to challenged skeletal muscle, following prolonged WE training. This abdominal fat reducing outcome of the WE is unlikely to be associated with fatty acid oxidation.

Oral vitamin C treatment increases polymorphonuclear cell functions in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with poor glycemic control.

This study investigated the effect of vitamin C on polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell functions in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with poor glycemic control. We hypothesized that oral vitamin C treatment improves PMN cell functions. Patients (14) received either a vitamin C (1000 mg/d) or placebo (anhydrous calcium hydrogen phosphate) tablet for 6 weeks and were subjected to a 6-week washout period followed by a 6-week treatment crossover period. Blood samples were collected at pretreatment and posttreatment for PMN cell functions (by flow cytometry) and plasma vitamin C concentration. Phagocytosis was examined by incubating whole blood samples with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled Staphylococcus aureus, and oxidative burst was simultaneously evaluated by adding hydroethidine. In comparison with placebo, vitamin C increased both PMN cell phagocytosis (pretreatment: placebo, 17.8% ± 1.6% and vitamin C, 19.0% ± 3.4%, P = .70; posttreatment: placebo, 16.6% ± 1.7% and vitamin C, 27.1% ± 2.9%, P = .005) and oxidative burst (pretreatment: placebo, 6.4% ± 0.8% and vitamin C, 7.1% ± 1.2%, P = .60; posttreatment: placebo, 6.9% ± 1.3% and vitamin C, 12.1% ± 1.6%, P = .02). The plasma vitamin C concentration was elevated after vitamin C treatment as compared with that before treatment (P < .001) and was higher than that observed in the placebo treatment group (P < .01). Plasma vitamin C concentration and PMN cell functions were not significantly different before both treatments. We conclude that the 6-week 1000-mg/d vitamin C increased PMN phagocytosis and oxidative burst in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with poor glycemic control.

Contrasting actions of ginsenosides Rb1 and Rg1 on glucose tolerance in rats.

Ginsenoside profile of Panax ginseng is changing with season and cultivated soil. Yet, dose-response relationship of main ginsenosides on metabolic measures has not been documented in vivo. Here, we examined glucose and insulin responses after an oral glucose challenge (0.5 g/kg body weight) at various doses (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg of body weight) under acute and chronic Rb1 and Rg1 supplemented conditions. The results show that Rb1 (0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg body weight) increased, whereas Rg1 (0.01 mg/kg body weight) decreased postprandial glucose levels compared with the Vehicle group (P < 0.05). This contrasting effect reduced as dose increased. Both Rb1 and Rg1 decreased the mitochondrial enzyme citrate synthase activity (P < 0.05) together with decreases in glycogen content in red gastrocnemius muscle and body temperature at low doses (P < 0.05), compared with the Vehicle group. These differences also diminished as dosage increases. For reliable ginseng research, dose standardization on Rg1 and Rb1 is essential based on their opposing action and peculiar dose-response relationship. Both major ginsenosides may influence dynamics of mitochondria turnover and alter muscle metabolism.

Cashew apple juice supplementation enhances leukocyte count by reducing oxidative stress after high-intensity exercise in trained and untrained men.

BACKGROUND: Cashew apple juice (CAJ) was shown to improve immunological mechanisms by regulating a balance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant concentrations. However, no study exploring the effects of the CAJ and training status on the immune system and oxidative stress induced by exercise. Therefore, we investigated the effects of CAJ supplementation primarily on leukocyte counts and secondary on oxidative stress and cortisol changes after high-intensity exercise in trained and untrained men. METHODS: Ten moderately (endurance) trained (Age = 21.5 ± 0.97 yr., VO2max = 45.6 ± 4.12 mL/kgBM/min) and ten sedentary men (Age = 20.4 ± 2.72 yr., VO2peak = 32.2 ± 7.26 mL/kgBM/min) were randomized to ingest either daily CAJ or a placebo at 3.5 mL/kgBM/day for 4 weeks, with a four-week washout period. Before and after each period, they performed 20-min, high-intensity cycling (85% VO2max), with blood samples collected immediately preceding and the following exercise. Samples were analyzed to determine leukocyte counts, malondialdehyde, 8-isoprostane, and cortisol concentrations. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to examine the effects of supplement and training status over time with an alpha level of 0.05. RESULTS: There was no interaction between supplement and training status on those variables before and after exercise. However, CAJ raised resting neutrophil counts and exercise-induced leukocyte counts in the trained group (all p < 0.05). Besides, CAJ significantly reduced plasma malondialdehyde concentrations at rest and after exercise and reduced the post-exercise plasma 8-isoprostane concentration in both groups of subjects (p < 0.05). Moreover, CAJ reduced plasma cortisol after exercise in the untrained subjects. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that 4-week CAJ supplementation can enhance exercise-induced leukocyte and resting neutrophil counts in trained men. The possible mechanism is a reduction in oxidative stress. However, the supplementation did not change the immune responses of untrained men, but it did reduce stress hormone concentrations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: TCTR20181127002 Registered 26 November 2018 "retrospectively registered".

Heart rate variability responses to a combined exercise training program: correlation with adiposity and cardiorespiratory fitness changes in obese young men.

Although the influence of adiposity indices and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on heart rate variability (HRV) has been demonstrated extensively, the causal link between the changes in adiposity as well as in CRF and the alterations in cardiac autonomic function is unclear. Thus, this study aimed to assess the correlation between the changes in adiposity and CRF and the alterations in HRV after 12-week exercise training. Twenty obese sedentary men aged 20.5±1.2 years were randomly assigned into 2 groups (n=10 each): the control (CG) and the exercise group (EG). The EG trained 60 min of combined aerobic, anaerobic and strengthening exercise, 4 sessions/wk for 12 weeks, whilst the CG remained relatively inactive. Measurements of resting HRV, body composition, and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) were obtained at baseline and after the 12-week training program. Compared with CG, the exercise training significantly reduced adiposity indices and improved vagal-related HRV variables and VO2peak. Significant correlations were observed between changes in HRV variables and adiposity indices and VO2peak changes. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that changes in a Poincaré plot index (SD1/SD2 ratio) predicted 32.4% of the variance in the relative VO2peak changes. These findings suggest that obese sedentary young men achieved significant improvements in vagal activity, adiposity indices and aerobic fitness after the exercise training. The higher reduction in fat mass, especially central obesity, the greater alteration of vagal modulation. Moreover, the alteration in resting HRV is a possible predictor for adaptations to exercise training in obese sedentary young men.

IL-17 production by NKG2D-expressing CD56+ T cells in type 2 diabetes.

T cells expressing CD56 (identified as CD3+CD56+) play a potential role in activation or regulation of other immune cells by secreting various cytokines. We hypothesized that these cells expressing the natural group 2, member D (NKG2D) could produce high levels of interleukin (IL)-17 in type 2 diabetes (T2D). CD56 + T cells expressing NKG2D of T2D patients, particularly in poor glycemic control (PC) predominantly produced higher IL-17 compared to the NKG2D negative population. IL-17 production of CD56 + T cells with NKG2D + was positively correlated with the level of HbA1c (N = 22, R2 = 0.120 and P = 0.044). Interestingly, CD56+ T cells with NKG2DHi of T2D patients had significantly higher IL-17 production than those of CD56 + T cells with NKG2DLow (P = 0.027) and showed statistically significant with P-value < 0.001 compared to CD56 + T cells with NKG2DHi of non-diabetic individuals (ND). In summary, CD56 + T cells expressing NKG2D, especially in the NKG2DHi population may be involved in pathogenesis and severity of T2D via IL-17.

Living and Training at 825 m for 8 Weeks Supplemented With Intermittent Hypoxic Training at 3,000 m Improves Blood Parameters and Running Performance.

Wonnabussapawich, P, Hamlin, MJ, Lizamore, CA, Manimmanakorn, N, Leelayuwat, N, Tunkamnerdthai, O, Thuwakum, W, and Manimmanakorn, A. Living and training at 825 m for 8 weeks supplemented with intermittent hypoxic training at 3,000 m improves blood parameters and running performance. J Strength Cond Res 31(12): 3287-3294, 2017-We aimed to investigate the effect of an 8-week low-altitude training block supplemented with intermittent hypoxic training, on blood and performance parameters in soccer players. Forty university-level male soccer players were separated into altitude (n = 20, 825 m) or sea-level (n = 20, 125 m) groups. Before (1-2 days ago) and after (1 and 14 days later) training, players were asked to give a resting venous blood sample and complete a series of performance tests. Compared with sea level, the altitude group increased erythropoietin, red blood cell (RBC) count, and hematocrit 1 day after training (42.6 ± 24.0%, 1.8 ± 1.3%, 1.4 ± 1.1%, mean ± 95% confidence limits (CL), respectively). By 14 days after training, only RBC count and hemoglobin were substantially higher in the altitude compared with the sea-level group (3.2 ± 1.8%, 2.9 ± 2.1% respectively). Compared with sea level, the altitude group 1-2 days after training improved their 50-m (-2.9 ± 1.4%) and 2,800-m (-2.9 ± 4.4%) run times and demonstrated a higher maximal aerobic speed (4.7 ± 7.4%). These performance changes remained at 14 days after training with the addition of a likely higher estimated V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in the altitude compared with the sea-level group (3.2 ± 3.0%). Eight weeks of low-altitude training, supplemented with regular bouts of intermittent hypoxic training at higher altitude, produced beneficial performance improvements in team-sport athletes, which may increase the viability of such training to coaches and players that cannot access more traditional high altitude venues.

Aberrant NKG2D expression with IL-17 production of CD4+ T subsets in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a systemic inflammatory disease. Although the natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) receptor, was not expressed normally on CD4+ T cells, the aberrant expression was found in pathological conditions such as in auto-immune diseases. However, the involvement of NKG2D in pathogenesis of T2D is unclear. We hypothesize that there is an inflammatory CD4+ T cell subpopulation expressing NKG2D and producing interleukin (IL)-17 in T2D. NKG2D expression on CD4+ T cells and their subsets were analyzed by multi-color staining using flow cytometry. Lymphocytes were activated by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin, and were stained for intracellular IL-17. To investigate the mechanism of IL-17 production, patients' lymphocytes were stimulated using specific anti-T cell receptor (TCR) alone, anti-NKG2D alone or a combination of the two antibodies. CD4+ T cells and particularly, CD4+CD28nullT subset of T2D patients were highly expressed NKG2D and more prevalent compared to non-diabetic individuals (ND) (P=0.039 and P=0.022, respectively). Significantly higher percentages of CD4+CD28nullNKG2D+T cells of patients produced IL-17 when compared to those of ND (P=0.024) and were positively correlated with the level of glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (R2=0.386, P=0.041). Additionally, this cell population could be stimulated by specific monoclonal anti-NKG2D to produce IL-17. In conclusion, CD4+CD28nullNKG2D+T cells were expanded in T2D, especially in patients with poor glycemic control. NKG2D may be one of the surrogate co-stimulatory receptors leading to irregular inflammatory function producing IL-17. An IL-17 producing CD4+CD28nullNKG2D+T cells may potentially be involved in pathogenesis and drive severity of the disease with the glycemic dependence. This particular cell type could be targeted for prognostic or therapeutic purposes.

Exercise Intensity and Substrate Utilization in Healthy Sedentary Females Using the Life-Build-Line Device.

Background: Life-Build-Line (LBL) is a new exercise device that is convenient, and not so expensive. Together with the style of movement, it may boost one to adhere to the exercise regimen and thereby promote better health. However, no study has proved its exercise intensity and effect on substrate utilization. Objective: To investigate exercise intensity in healthy sedentary women using LBL and measure their substrate utilization during exercise. The former session was determined by measuring absolute [i.e., energy expenditure (EE)] and relative [i.e., percentage of rate of peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2 peak), maximal heart rate (HRmax ), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and rating of perceived dyspnea (RPD)] indicators, whereas the latter was determined by measuring oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production (V̇CO2). Material and Method: Ten female subjects randomly performed two visits of exercise at least seven days apart. The first was a peak exercise test, and the second consisted of three 30-minute sessions of rest, exercise with LBL, and recovery. The V̇O2, V̇CO2, and EE were determined based on the expired air at the last five minutes of resting and exercise, whereas electrocardiograms were recorded to measure HR throughout the three sessions. Subjects were asked to provide RPE and RPD at the end of the exercise session. Results: During exercise with LBL, average %V̇O2 peak and %HRmax were 43.5%±2.32% and 52.8%±1.81%, respectively, while EE, RPE, and RPD were 3.01±0.53 metabolic equivalents, 12.2±1.8, and 3.0±1.41, respectively. In addition, fat and especially CHO utilization were increased by the exercise. Conclusion: These findings indicate that LBL offers a means of low-intensity exercise in healthy females while still providing physiological and metabolic benefits

Autonomic and cardio-respiratory responses to exercise in Brugada Syndrome patients.

BACKGROUND: Imbalances of the autonomic nervous (ANS), the cardiovascular system, and ionics might contribute to the manifestation of The Brugada Syndrome (BrS). Thus, this study has aimed to investigate the cardio-respiratory fitness and the responses of the ANS both at rest and during a sub-maximal exercise stress test, in BrS patients and in gender-matched and age-matched healthy sedentary controls. METHODS: Eleven BrS patients and 23 healthy controls were recruited in Khon Kaen, Thailand. They performed an exercise test on a cycle ergometer, and during the exercise, expired gas samples and electrocardiograms were collected. Blood glucose and electrolyte concentrations were analyzed before and after exercise. Then the heart rate variability (HRV) and the heart rate recovery (HRR) were analyzed from the electrocardiograms. RESULTS: The BrS patients showed a higher parasympathetic activation during exercise recovery than baseline. They had a smaller level of sympathetic activation during the period of exercise recovery than the controls did. They also showed a significantly lower peak HR, HRR, and peak oxygen consumption than the controls (p<0.05). All subjects had a significantly lower percentage of peak oxygen consumption and respiratory exchange ratio during low-intensity (p<0.01) and moderate-intensity (p<0.05) exercise than during high-intensity exercise. The BrS patients had mild hyperkalemia which is reduced according to the exercise. CONCLUSION: Thai BrS patients had a more rapid rate of restoration of the parasympathetic and smaller level of sympathetic activation after exercise. They had mild hyperkalemia which is reduced according to the exercise. Furthermore, they exhibited impaired cardio-respiratory fitness.

Relationship between aerobic capacity and cardiovascular disease risk factors in Thai men and women with normolipidemia and dyslipidemia.

[Purpose] This research aimed to investigate the relationship between aerobic capacity (VO2,peak) and cardiovascular risk factors in normolipidemic and dyslipidemic Thai men and women. [Subjects and Methods] We recruited 104 dyslipidemic and 100 healthy participants. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for lipid and blood glucose levels. Anthropometry, blood pressure, and body composition were measured before exercise. Each subject underwent exercise testing to determine VO2, peak. Heart rate (HR) was recorded throughout the exercise test. [Results] Dyslipidemic participants had a lower VO2, peak than normolipidemic participants (p<0.01). In normolipidemic male participants, VO2, peak was positively correlated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and negatively correlated with low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratios; in females, VO2, peak was negatively correlated with age, total cholesterol, and LDL-C. In dyslipidemic males, VO2, peak was positively correlated with HDL-C levels and negatively correlated with age, LDL-C and TG levels, and percent body fat; in females, VO2, peak was positively correlated with resting HR and heart rate recovery and negatively correlated with age, TG/HDL-C, and waist circumference. [Conclusion] There was a relationship between aerobic capacity and cardiovascular disease risk factors in both normolipidemic and dyslipidemic participants. This relationship was affected by gender.

Antioxidant effect of Phyllanthus amarus after moderate-intensity exercise in sedentary males: a randomized crossover (double-blind) study.

[Purpose] We aimed to evaluate the effects of Phyllanthus amarus (PA) on oxidative stress and damage, inflammation, and soreness in muscle after a single session of moderate-intensity exercise. [Subjects and Methods] Twelve men randomly participated in 2, three-day phases with a one-week washout period. On the first day, participants consumed two capsules of PA or placebo control (CTL) before 20 min of cycling. They then consumed four capsules on the same day after exercise and six capsules/day for the next two days. Blood samples were obtained before, immediately after exercise and 24 h and 48 h after exercise. The pain tolerance was measured at both legs. [Results] Plasma vitamin C levels in the PA group were higher than those in the CTL group after exercise. At 48 h after exercise, vitamin C levels were higher in the PA group, but those in the CTL group were lower than the pre-exercise levels. However, plasma levels of creatine kinase were increased in both groups after exercise compared with the pre-exercise levels. The neutrophil count was higher immediately after exercise than the pre-exercise levels in the CTL group. [Conclusion] Acute supplementation with PA improves antioxidant status after a single session of moderate-intensity exercise.

Improvement of pulmonary function with arm swing exercise in patients with type 2 diabetes.

[Purpose] Obesity and hyperglycemia play roles in the impairment of pulmonary function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Low-intensity exercise is known to reduce body fat and improve hyperglycemia. The arm swing exercise (ASE), a low-intensity exercise, is easy and convenient to perform without any equipment and is suitable for daily practice. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of ASE on lung function and obesity in overweight T2DM patients. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-four subjects continued their daily life routines for 8 weeks (control period), and then performed ASE for 8 weeks (30 minutes per day, 3 days per week) (ASE period). Pulmonary function tests were performed, and fasting blood glucose, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), lipid profiles, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (HSCRP), insulin concentration, and anthropometric parameters were measured before and after each period. [Results] After the ASE period, the forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration, and maximal voluntary ventilation were increased when compared with after the control period. HbA1c, a low-density lipoprotein, malondialdehyde, oxidized glutathione, and the percent body fat were significantly decreased when compared with after the control period. However, other parameters, such as lung volume, anthropometric parameters, and fasting blood glucose, insulin, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, total cholesterol and glutathione concentrations, showed no differences between the two periods. [Conclusion] These data suggest that there is improvement of pulmonary functions in T2DM patients after ASE training.

Antioxidant and anti-nociceptive effects of Phyllanthus amarus on improving exercise recovery in sedentary men: a randomized crossover (double-blind) design.

BACKGROUND: Phyllanthus amarus (PA) is a herbal plant containing antioxidant compounds that scavenge free radicals. The reduced oxidative stress may decrease muscle damage leading to early recovery from muscle soreness. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PA powder on oxidative stress, muscle damage, leukocyte counts, inflammation, and muscle soreness after a single bout of high-intensity exercise. METHODS: Twelve men participated in two 3-day phases separated by a 1-week washout in a randomized double-blinded, crossover design. On day 1, randomly divided participants ingested two capsules of either PA (PA group) or placebo (PLA group) 20 min before a single bout of cycling at high intensity for 20 min followed by four capsules (two capsules after lunch and dinner), and six capsules/day for the next 2 days. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and 24 and 48 h after the exercise. Pain threshold was measured at the mid-thigh on both legs. RESULTS: Malondialdehyde concentration in the PA group was lower than that in the PLA group (p < 0.05) 48 h after high-intensity exercise. Vitamin C concentration was greater in the PA than in the PLA group (p < 0.05) immediately after high-intensity exercise. Pain threshold in both legs in the PA group was higher than in the PLA group 24 and 48 h after high-intensity exercise. There were no significant differences in creatine kinase, leukocyte counts or inflammation between groups. CONCLUSION: Acute PA supplementation reduced oxidative stress and muscle soreness induced by high-intensity exercise.