Hypolipidemic Effect of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima Supplementation and a Systematic Physical Exercise Program in Overweight and Obese Men: A Double-Blind, Randomized, and Crossover Controlled Trial.

Low-fat diets, lipid-modifying nutraceuticals and a higher level of physical activity are often recommended to reduce dyslipidemia. A double-blind, randomized, crossover, controlled trial was designed to evaluate the independent and synergistic effects of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima supplementation (4.5 g·day-1) with or without performing a physical exercise program (PEP: aerobic exercise (3 days·week-1) + high-intensity interval training (2 days·week-1)) on blood lipids and BMI of 52 sedentary men with excess body weight. During six weeks, all participants were assigned to four intervention treatments (Spirulina maxima with PEP (SE), placebo with PEP (Ex), Spirulina maxima without PEP (Sm), placebo without PEP (C; control)) and plasma lipids were evaluated spectrophotometrically pre- vs. post intervention in stratified subgroups (overweight, obese and dyslipidemic subjects). Pre/post comparisons showed significant reductions in all plasma lipids in the SE group, particularly in those with dyslipidemia (p ≤ 0.043). Comparing the final vs. the initial values, BMI, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were decreased. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased in all treatment groups compared to C. Changes were observed mostly in SE interventions, particularly in dyslipidemic subjects (p < 0.05). Spirulina maxima supplementation enhances the hypolipidemic effect of a systematic PEP in men with excess body weight and dyslipidemia.

Effect of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima Supplementation and a Systematic Physical Exercise Program on the Body Composition and Cardiorespiratory Fitness of Overweight or Obese Subjects: A Double-Blind, Randomized, and Crossover Controlled Trial.

Excess weight and obesity are major risk factors for many chronic diseases, and weight-loss interventions often include systematic exercise and nutritional supplements. The purpose of this study was to determine the independent/synergistic effects of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima supplementation (six weeks, 4.5 g·day-1) and a systematic physical exercise program (six weeks, twice weekly) on the body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness of overweight and obese subjects. To achieve this, 27 overweight and 25 obese sedentary male subjects were assigned to four interventions through a randomized double-blind, crossover controlled trial: A physical exercise program, with (SE) or without (Ex) Spirulina maxima; or no-exercise program, with (Sm) and without (C) Spirulina maxima. The body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness parameters were taken during a maximum intensity test. As compared to the C group, the body fat percentage of the SE, Sm and Ex groups was reduced (p < 0.05), while their maximal oxygen uptake improved (r = -0.40), and obese subjects benefited more significantly. Weight loss, the time to reach fatigue and the onset of blood lactate accumulation were improved in both of the Spirulina maxima supplemented groups, regardless of the subjects' body weight. Spirulina maxima supplementation synergistically improves the effects of systematic exercise on body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness parameters in overweight, but mostly in individuals with obesity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials, NCT02837666. Registered 19 July 2016.

Migration and nutritional status of Tarahumara schoolchildren from Chihuahua State (México).

OBJECTIVE: The Tarahumara ethnic group is composed of indigenous people from the Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico. Conditions of isolation and poverty compel them to migrate to the city in search of better opportunities. This work aims to explore the influence of migration on the growth and nutritional status of Tarahumara schoolchildren. METHODS: One hundred Tarahumara students were analyzed (50 rural with a mean age of 9.78 ± 1.25 years; 50 urban aged 10.0 ± 1.04 years), comparing anthropometric indicators and body composition (T-Student, U-Mann-Whitney Tests). RESULTS: Twenty percent of rural girls and 35% of rural boys showed stunted growth compared to only 9% of the urban girls (no stunted growth among urban boys). Migrants showed greater body size, skinfold thickness, and fat percentage. Weight excess, understood as an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity, was detected in 17.8% of urban boys and 13.6% of urban girls compared to 10.0% of boys and 3.3% of girls of the rural series. CONCLUSION: Migration reduces stunting and increases adiposity.

Enhanced Stature in the Elderly: The Immediate Impact of Acute Postural Exercises.

This study investigates the immediate effects of acute postural exercises on the stature of seniors, focusing on changes in both upright and supine stature measurements. A within-subject design with repeated measures was applied, involving seniors participating in continuous exercises aimed at enhancing core musculature strength and promoting muscle relaxation. Stature measurements were recorded pre- and post-exercise in both upright and supine positions, alongside assessments of body mass index (BMI) category classifications. The results revealed a post-exercise increase in stature ranging from 0.9 to 6.0 cm and from 0.2 to 7.2 cm in upright and supine positions, respectively, with an average increase of approximately 3.5 cm in both upright and supine positions. Statistically significant and clinically relevant changes were observed (p < 0.05), including a modification of BMI by approximately two units, reclassifying 55% of participants from overweight or obese to normal weight or overweight. Furthermore, the similarity between post-exercise upright stature and pre-exercise supine stature suggested that the supine position might provide a more accurate measure of stature in seniors. Conclusively, acute postural exercises have an immediate positive impact on the stature of seniors, suggesting their potential utility in clinical settings for accurate stature measurement. However, BMI results should be interpreted with caution because they are only related to the acute change in stature and therefore may lead to the misinterpretation of the study findings, so future studies focused on evaluating the chronic effect of postural exercises integration on the health outcomes of older adults are needed to demonstrate their potential utility in clinical settings to improve postural health and general well-being.

[Physical activity programs that include self-efficacy in school children with obesity: a systematic review]. / Programas de actividad física que incluyen la autoeficacia en escolares con obesidad: revisión sistemática.

Introduction: Introduction: this research aims to carry out a systematic review of physical activity programs that improve self-efficacy in children and adolescents with obesity, to realize their characteristics and thus design a more comprehensive and effective program for this population. Objective: to analyze the characteristics of physical activity programs that improve self-efficacy in children and adolescents with obesity, through a systematic review. Methodology: systematic review of observational-descriptive design; the search was realized in databases of the health area: PubMed, ERIC, Cochrane, Redalyc, and Google academic. Free access articles in English and Spanish from the last 10 years were selected. The temporality was from March 2012 to May 2022. The descriptors used were; "physical activity program", "training program", "self-efficacy", "children", "adolescents", and "obesity". Results: six studies were included (n = 10). Different types of interventions that improved self-efficacy in the participant were identified, such as recreational activities, traditional games, sports, and structured activities for health care. The methodology implemented and the timing and duration were key variables to show positive changes in childhood overweight and obesity (6 a 19 years). Conclusions: it is crucial to identify the principal health care characteristics included in programs focused on increasing self-efficacy in childhood. These features lay the foundation for designing comprehensive programs.

Introducción: Introducción: se pretende realizar una revisión sistemática de los programas de actividad física que incluyan y mejoren la autoeficacia en niños y adolescentes con obesidad con la finalidad de analizar sus características y diseñar un programa integral y efectivo en esta población. Objetivo: analizar las características de los programas de actividad física que mejoran la autoeficacia en niños y adolescentes con obesidad a través de una revisión sistemática. Metodología: revisión sistemática de diseño observacional-descriptiva; se realizó la búsqueda en bases de datos del área de la Salud: PubMed, ERIC, Cochrane, Redalyc y Google académico. Se seleccionaron artículos originales de libre acceso en inglés y español de los últimos 10 años. La temporalidad fue de marzo 2012 a mayo de 2022. Los descriptores utilizados fueron: "physical activity program", "training program", "auto efficacy", "children", "teenagers" y "obesity". Resultados: seis estudios fueron incluidos (n = 10). Se identificaron diferentes tipos de intervenciones tales como actividades recreativas, de juegos tradicionales, deportivos y actividades estructuradas para el cuidado de la salud, mismas que mejoraron la autoeficacia en el participante. La metodología implementada y la temporalidad y duración fueron variables clave para evidenciar cambios positivos en el sobrepeso y obesidad infantil (6 a 19 años). Conclusiones: es importante identificar las características de los programas orientados a la mejora de la autoeficacia en la etapa de la infancia y adolescencia. Sus características principales pueden utilizarse para diseñar programas integrales.

Systematic Physical Exercise and Spirulina maxima Supplementation Improve Body Composition, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Blood Lipid Profile: Correlations of a Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

Cardiovascular diseases are part of the highly preventable chronic diseases associated with changes in lifestyle. Within them, physical activity, low-fat and high-fiber diets are distinguished as the main support for prevention, even when supplementation with nutraceuticals has become a very common practice. Fifty-two young sedentary men with excess body weight (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg·m-2) were enrolled in a randomized-crossover controlled trial [six weeks of a systematic physical exercise with Spirulina maxima or placebo supplementation (4.5 g·day-1)]. Body composition, blood lipid profile, and maximal oxygen uptake were determined pre/post intervention. Pairwise comparisons showed a significant improvement (p < 0.01) on blood lipid profile in the group of exercise plus Spirulina maxima. Moreover, correlations of absolute changes of BMI, body fat percentage, blood lipids and maximal oxygen uptake were statistically significant (p < 0.01). These results indicate that the Spirulina maxima supplementation could be acting in a synergistic way with exercise due to the enhanced effects on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and blood lipid profile. This phenomenon should be considered to reduce risk of cardiovascular disorders. Trial registration: Clinical Trials, NCT02837666 (July 19, 2016).

Double-blind randomised controlled trial of the independent and synergistic effect of Spirulina maxima with exercise (ISESE) on general fitness, lipid profile and redox status in overweight and obese subjects: study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: In order to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors, a healthy diet must include dietary antioxidants from different sources (eg, Spirulina maxima) and regular practice of exercise should be promoted. There is some evidence from animal studies that S. maxima and exercise decrease cardiovascular disease risks factors. However, very few studies have proved the independent or synergistic effect of S. maxima plus exercise in humans. This study attempts to address the independent and synergistic effects in overweight and obese subjects participating in a systematic physical exercise programme at moderate intensity on general fitness, plasma lipid profile and antioxidant capacity. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Using a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced crossover study design, 80 healthy overweight and obese subjects will be evaluated during a 12-week isoenergetic diet accompanied by 4.5 g/day S. maxima intake and/or a physical systematic exercise programme at moderate intensity. Body composition, oxygen uptake, heart rate, capillary blood lactate, plasma concentrations of triacylglycerols, total, low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, antioxidant status, lipid oxidation, protein carbonyls, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and paraoxonase will be assessed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study and all the procedures have been approved by the Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez Bioethics Committee. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02837666.

Uso del mindfulness sobre indicadores de estrés en deportistas durante la etapa competitiva: revisión sistemática / Use of mindfulness on indicators of stress in athletes during the competitive stage: systematic review

El mindfulness es una práctica meditativa que ha probado disminuir el estrés psicofisiológico. Propósito: analizar, si el mindfulness es efectivo para disminuir el estrés psicofisiológico, en deportistas de alto rendimiento en temporada competitiva. Se realizó una búsqueda de estudios clínicos que incluyeran diferentes técnicas meditativas para la reducción del estrés en deportistas durante la fase competitiva. En PubMed, Scopus y Web of Science (1985 al 10 de agosto del 2019), se buscaron las combinaciones de palabras mindfulness, meditation, yoga, sport, athlete, intervention, stress, cortisol. Se localizaron sólo siete trabajos, tres de ellos con información cuantitativa, un cuantitativo y tres de metodología mixta. En los siete estudios encontrados (153 sujetos; 134 hombres y 19 mujeres) sus autores mencionan que el mindfulness fue efectivo para la reducción del estrés en los atletas durante la etapa competitiva.

Mindfulness is a meditative practice that has proven to reduce psycho-physiological stress. Purpose: Analyze if mindfulness is effective to reduce psycho-physiological stress in athletes during their competitive season. Clinical studies that included different meditative techniques for stress reduction in athletes during the competitive phase was searched for in databases such as PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (1985 to August 10, 2019), using the combinations of the words mindfulness, meditation, yoga, sport, athlete, intervention, stress, and cortisol. Only seven papers were located, three of them with a quantitative design, one as quantitative and three with mixed methodology. In the seven studies found (153 subjects; 134 men and 19 women) their authors mention that mindfulness was effective for reducing stress in athletes during the competitive season.

Metabolomic (anthropometric and biochemical) indexes and metabolic syndrome in adolescents and young adults with intellectual disabilities.

The aim of the present study was to describe the use of combination of international standardized anthropometric parameters, along with biochemical parameters (metabolomic indexes) to identify metabolic syndrome (MetS), in persons with intellectual disabilities. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 42 adolescents and young adults with intellectual disabilities (aged 13-30years) who attend special schools in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México. The study included anthropometric (using the International Society for the Advancement of Kineanthropometry recommendations) and biochemical measures, and their combinations as metabolomic-indexes, that can significantly predict MetS occurrence in this vulnerable population. Waist circumference (WC) and relaxed arm circumference, both adjusted for height, have the highest correlation with MetS (R2=0.23-0.47, p<0.01). Besides body mass index (BMI) and WC we propose other indicators such as, skinfolds, hip circumference and relaxed arm circumference, all of them adjusted by height in order to better define the presence of MetS in persons with intellectual disabilities.

Gender- and hydration- associated differences in the physiological response to spinning.

INTRODUCTION: There is scarce and inconsistent information about gender-related differences in the hydration of sports persons, as well as about the effects of hydration on performance, especially during indoor sports. OBJECTIVE: To determine the physiological differences between genders during in indoor physical exercise, with and without hydration. METHODS: 21 spinning sportspeople (12 men and 9 women) participated in three controlled, randomly assigned and non-sequential hydration protocols, including no fluid intake and hydration with plain water or a sports drink (volume adjusted to each individual every 15 min), during 90 min of spinning exercise. The response variables included body mass, body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure. RESULTS: During exercise without hydration, men and women lost ~2% of body mass, and showed higher body temperature (~0.2°C), blood pressure (~4 mmHg) and heart rate (~7 beats/min) compared to exercises with hydration. Body temperature and blood pressure were higher for men than for women during exercise without hydration, differences not observed during exercise with hydration. Between 42-99% of variance in body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate could be explained by the physical characteristics of subjects and the work done. CONCLUSIONS: During exercise with hydration (either with water or sport drink), the physiological response was similar for both genders. Exercise without hydration produced physical stress, which could be prevented with either of the fluids (plain water was sufficient). Gender differences in the physiological response to spinning (body temperature, mean blood pressure and heart rate) can be explained in part by the distinct physical characteristics of each individual.

Introducción: La información sobre las diferencias relacionadas con el sexo en cuanto a la hidratación de las personas deportistas, así como sobre los efectos de la hidratación sobre el rendimiento, especialmente en deportes de interior, es escasa e inconsistente. Objetivo: Determinar las diferencias fisiológicas entre sexos durante el ejercicio físico en el interior con y sin hidratación. Métodos: Veintiuna personas deportistas (12 hombres y 9 mujeres) participaron en tres protocolos de hidra tación, no secuenciales, controlados y distribuidos al azar, que incluían falta de hidratación, hidratación con agua corriente e hidratación con una bebida para deportistas (ajustando el volumen a cada individuo cada 15 minutos), durante 90 minutos de ejercicio spinning. Las variables de respuesta incluían masa corporal, temperatura corporal, frecuencia cardíaca y presión sanguínea. Resultados: Durante el ejercicio sin hidratación los hombres y mujeres perdieron cerca de un 2 % de la masa corporal y mostraron una temperatura corporal (~0,2° C), presión sanguínea (~4 mm Hg) y frecuencia cardíaca (~7 latidos/min) superiores en comparación con los ejercicios sin hidratación. La temperatura corporal y la presión sanguínea fueron superiores en hombres que en mujeres durante el ejercicio sin hidratación, diferencias que no se observaron durante el ejercicio con hidratación. Entre el 42 y el 99 % de la varianza de la temperatura corporal, la presión sanguínea y la frecuencia cardíaca pudo explicarse por las características físicas de los individuos y el trabajo realizado. Conclusiones: Durante el ejercicio con hidratación (ya fuese con agua o una bebida para deportistas), la respuesta fisiológica fue similar en ambos sexos. El ejercicio sin hidratación produjo estrés físico que pudo ser evitado con cualquiera de los dos tipos de líquidos (el agua corriente fue suficiente). Las diferencias en la respuesta fisiológica al spinning (temperatura corporal, presión sanguínea media y la frecuencia cardíaca) pudieron explicarse en parte por características físicas individuales diferenciales.

Effect of Spirulina maxima on postprandial lipemia in young runners: a preliminary report.

Trained people exhibit low plasma concentrations of triacylglcyerols in both fasting and postprandial states. Exercise practice is commonly believed to improve postprandial lipemia. In addition, elevated postprandial lipemia is an indicator of poor lipid clearance, and it has been associated with atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and obesity. Spirulina maxima is an edible microorganism with a high nutritional value. When it is consumed, beneficial properties to health have been demonstrated, such as hypolipemic and antihypertensive properties in human beings. This work evaluates the effects of orally administrated S. maxima on postprandial lipemia in a young Mexican sporting population after 15 days of consumption, as a possible alternative treatment to improve their lipid clearance. Forty-one runners (10-26 years old; 21 men and 20 women) volunteered to participate in the study. All of them were physically active for at least 1 year before the study and were not undergoing training during the study. The subjects consumed 5 g of Spirulina during 15 days. Before and after the treatment with Spirulina, they consumed (12 h fasting) a standardized meal with high fat content (53.2% total calories). Postprandial lipemia was measured at 1.5, 3, and 4.5 h after the fatty meal. Fasting plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations were lower after Spirulina treatment than before treatment. In addition, the postprandial area under the curve of TAG concentrations was lower after the treatment with Spirulina. Sixty-two percent of the youngest runners (10-16 years) studied exhibited the best response to the treatment. Orally administered S. maxima decreased postprandial lipemia in sporting teenagers. The youngest people were the most responsive to the beneficial effects of Spirulina on postprandial lipemia.

Protective effect of Spirulina platensis on fatty liver induced by a single sublethal dose of carbon tetrachloride in wistar rats / Efecto protector de la Spirulina platensis sobre el hígado graso inducido con tetracloruro de carbono, a una dosis subletal, en ratas Wistar

It has been reported that Spirulina maxima and other natural products are effective in attenuating hepatic damage. In this study were analyzed the effects of five days dietary Spirulina platensis (5 percent) in rats with fatty liver induced by CCl4 (2 mL/kg b.w.). Animals were sacrificed at 24 and 48 h post-treatment. In the liver were evaluated total lipids by gravimetry and lipid profile by enzymatic-colorimetric methods, the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and nitric oxide by chemical methods. In serum, alanine aminotransferase (kinetic method) and lipid profile were evaluated. The most important effects on the liver were: attenuation in lipid peroxidation, minimal variations on the total fatty acid methyl esters profile, and nitric oxide. These results suggest that Spirulina platensis could be used for fatty liver treatment as an alimentary supplement.

Se ha reportado que la Spirulina maxima y otros productos naturales son efectivos para atenuar el daño hepático. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar los efectos de la Spirulina platensis dietaria (5 por ciento) durante cinco días en ratas con hígado graso inducido por CCl4 (2 mL/kg p.c.). Los animales fueron sacrificados a las 24 y 48 h postratamiento. En el hígado se evaluaron los lípidos totales por gravimetría y el perfil de lípidos por métodos enzimático-colorimétricos, la concentración de sustancias reactivas al ácido tiobarbitúrico y óxido nítrico por métodos químicos. En suero fueron evaluados alanina aminotransferasa (método cinético) y perfil de lípidos. Los principales efectos sobre el hígado fueron: la atenuación de la lipoperoxidación, variaciones mínimas en el perfil de metil ésteres de ácidos grasos totales y del óxido nítrico. Estos resultados sugieren que la Spirulina platensis podría ser utilizada como suplemento alimenticio en el tratamiento de hígado graso.