The Additive Benefits of Aerobic Exercise and Cognitive Training Postconcussion: Current Clinical Concepts.

Concussion induces the rapid onset of a short-lived neurophysiological disturbance that often results in autonomic nervous system dysfunction. This dysfunction affects both cardiovascular functioning and higher cognitive processing, inducing postconcussion clinical symptoms (somatic, cognitive, or emotional or a combination) and functional disturbances (impaired balance, cognition, and visual-vestibular performance). Current concussion rehabilitation paradigms using aerobic exercise may improve concussion symptoms. Additionally, cognitive training-focused rehabilitation interventions may enhance cognitive function postinjury. Though aerobic exercise and cognitive training-based concussion rehabilitation are successful independently, the multifaceted nature of concussion suggests the potential benefit of integrating both to improve concussion outcomes and clinician implementation. To support this clinical recommendation, we critiqued the existing research in which authors investigated aerobic exercise and cognitive training as postconcussion rehabilitation modalities, identified keys gaps in the literature, and proposed a practical clinical recommendation to integrate both modalities during concussion rehabilitation.

Aerobic exercise, mindfulness meditation, and stress-reduction in high-stress, college-based young adults: A pilot study.

This pilot study assessed the feasibility and combined effect of aerobic exercise (AE) and mindfulness meditation (MM), compared with MM alone and a control (CON) condition, on stress, anxiety, and depression in high-stress college-based young adults. Thirty-two participants (84.4% F, 20.5 ± 2.7 years, 23.9 ± 5.0 kg/m2) were randomized to a four-week, AE + MM (n = 16), MM (n = 10), or control intervention (n = 6). ANOVA revealed non-significant, but noteworthy group x time interactions (perceived stress: p = 0.09; anxiety/depression: p = 0.07). Both AE + MM and MM seem to be feasible strategies to reduce levels of stress, anxiety and depression in college-based young adults.

Marathon Running and Sexual Libido in Adult Men: Exercise Training and Racing Effects.

We examined whether endurance training for a standard marathon (42.2 km) had a greater influence on male libido than more generalized endurance exercise training. We surveyed adult men (>1000) who regularly engaged in endurance running to evaluate exercise training histories-patterns and libido characteristics. Our participants were primarily recruited from North America and Europe. Results indicate men conducting marathon training had lower libido scores (p<0.05; ~20%, d=0.44) than those not doing such specific training. Factors most related to libido were: 1) the number of years of training, and 2) the proportion of high-intensity effort conducted in training (inverse relationships); regardless of whether marathon training was performed or not. Our survey approach did not allow us to determine the cause of the reduced libido, but we speculate it could relate to: 1) chronic physical fatigue from high volumes of exercise training, 2) behavioral accommodations in energy expenditure, or else 'Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport' (RED-S) syndrome, and/or 3) endocrinological adaptations as a result of the exercise training (i.e., low testosterone). From a practical perspective, we recommend couples attempting conception should inform their healthcare providers of the male partner's exercise habits concerning endurance running as this may be a factor relative to potential infertility.

Cardiovascular Consequences of Skeletal Muscle Impairments in Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer survivors suffer from disproportionate cardiovascular disease risk compared to age-matched controls. Beyond direct cardiotoxic effects due to treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, breast-cancer-related reductions in skeletal muscle mass, quality and oxidative capacity may further contribute to cardiovascular disease risk in this population by limiting the ability to engage in aerobic exercise-a known promoter of cardiovascular health. Indeed, 20%-30% decreases in peak oxygen consumption are commonly observed in breast cancer survivors, which are indicative of exercise intolerance. Thus, breast-cancer-related skeletal muscle damage may reduce exercise-based opportunities for cardiovascular disease risk reduction. Resistance training is a potential strategy to improve skeletal muscle health in this population, which in turn may enhance the capacity to engage in aerobic exercise and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

The pressure-dependency of local measures of arterial stiffness.

OBJECTIVE: To determine which ultrasound-based, single-point arterial stiffness estimate is least dependent on blood pressure (BP) to improve assessment of local vascular function. METHODS: Ultrasound was used to assess blood flow and diameters at the left brachial artery of 20 healthy adults [55% female, 27.9 years (5.2), 24.2 (2.8) kg/m]. BP of both arms was measured simultaneously. Experimental (left) arm BP was then systematically manipulated by adjusting its position ABOVE (+30°) and BELOW (-30°) heart level in a randomized order following measurement at heart level (0°). The control (right) arm remained at heart level. Six stiffness measurements were calculated: compliance, distensibility, beta-stiffness, and three estimates of pulse wave velocity (PWV) (Bramwell Hill, blood flow, and beta-stiffness). We considered the measurement technique with the least significant change across positions to be the least pressure-dependent. RESULTS: There was a large effect change in mean arterial pressure (np = 0.75, P < 0.001) in the experimental arm when it was ABOVE (Δ-4.4 mmHg) and BELOW (Δ10.4 mmHg) heart level. There was a main effect (P < 0.05) of arm position on all arterial stiffness measures. From least to most pressure-dependent, the arterial stiffness measurements were: PWV (blood flow method), compliance coefficient, beta-stiffness, distensibility coefficient, PWV (Bramwell-Hill method), and PWV (beta-stiffness index method). CONCLUSION: All single-point measures assessed are pressure-dependent. The PWV (blood flow method) may be the least pressure-dependent single-point measure, and may be the most suitable single-point measure to assess local vascular function.