Effect of combined physical-cognitive training on the functional and cognitive capacity of older people with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The increase in population aging highlights the growing prevalence of mild cognitive impairment, prompting the adoption of interventions that combine physical exercise and cognitive training to improve health and cognitive performance in older adults. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of a combined program on physical and cognitive health in older people with cognitive impairment. METHODS: A 12-week randomized controlled clinical trial involving 95 participants (aged 72.12 ± 4.25 years), 47 individuals participated in a control group (CG) that only underwent cognitive stimulation, while 48 individuals were in an experimental group (EG) that participated in a combined program. Balance was measured using the Tinetti scale, upper body strength was assessed with the arm curl test, lower body strength was evaluated with the 30-s chair stand test, flexibility was tested using the back scratch test and chair sit-and-reach test, physical function was measured with the Timed Up and Go test, cognitive function was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination, cognitive impairment was evaluated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, verbal fluency was tested with the Isaac test, and executive functions were assessed using the Trail Making Test. RESULTS: The results of the study show significant improvements in both physical and cognitive aspects, such as balance, gait, upper and lower body strength, flexibility, physical function, cognitive function, cognitive impairment, verbal fluency, and executive functions in the group that carried out the intervention compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: A combined program for older individuals with mild cognitive impairment leads to enhancements in physical and cognitive health. These improvements underscore the importance of integrating physical exercise with cognitive training as an effective strategy for enhancing overall health and quality of life in older adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05503641.

Combinations of physical and cognitive training for subcortical neurodegenerative diseases with physical, cognitive and behavioral symptoms: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The onset of the symptoms of subcortical NDs is due to a unique part of the brain which strengthens the idea of reciprocal influence of physical activity and cognitive training in improving clinical symptoms. Consequently, protocols combining the two stimulations are becoming increasingly popular in NDs. Our threefold aim was to (A) describe the different combinations of physical and cognitive training used to alleviate the motor and cognitive symptoms of patients with subcortical neurodegenerative disorders, (B) compare the effects of these different combinations (sequential, dual tasking, synergical) on symptoms, and (C) recommend approaches for further studies. METHODS: We conducted literature searches of PubMed, BASE and ACM, to carry out a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and controlled trials of combined physical and cognitive training among patients with Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Lewy body dementia, spinocerebellar ataxia, Friedreich's ataxia, and progressive supranuclear palsy. Physical, neuropsychological, behavioral outcomes were considered. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to verify the critical appraisal. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies focused on Parkinson's disease with 940 participants were included. Despites promising benefits on cognitive and physical function, our results revealed discrepant findings for research on combined training. DISCUSSION: Inconsistencies were linked to the choice of tests, the functions that were targeted, disease progression, and trainings. There was a dearth of follow-up data. CONCLUSIONS: Differences between combined training are unclear, particularly regarding the role of cognitive load. Future studies should focus on comparing the feasibility, tolerability, and effectiveness of different combinations of motor-cognitive training.

Effect of a Multicomponent Exercise Intervention on Recovery of Walking Ability in Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether multicomponent exercise (MCE) is more effective than single exercise in improving walking ability in patients with stroke. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL from the establishment of each database to February 2024 was performed. A combination of medical subject headings and free-text terms relating to stroke and exercise were searched. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials treating stroke survivors with MCE were included. The control groups received conventional treatments such as conventional treatment or no intervention or sham training; the experimental groups received MCE. The outcome measures were walking endurance, gait speed, and balance ability. DATA EXTRACTION: The data extraction form was completed by 2 independent reviewers. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized controlled trials. Review manager 5.4 software was used for data analysis. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were used to supplement the results with higher heterogeneity. The preferred reporting project for systematic reviews and meta-analyses 2020 guidelines were followed. DATA SYNTHESIS: Twelve studies were included. Meta-analyses found that compared with the control group, the MCE significantly affected gait speed (mean difference=0.11; 95% CI, 0.06-0.16; I2=0%), but the effect on balance ability was not statistically significant. Subgroup analysis showed that MCE (≥60min) was effective in improving walking endurance. These results suggest that MCE improves walking endurance and walking speed in patients with stroke. CONCLUSIONS: MCE helps improve the gait speed of stroke survivors. Prolonging the MCE time may have a better effect on improving the walking endurance of patients with stroke.

As We Were and As We Should Be, Combined Exercise Training in Adults With Schizophrenia: CORTEX-SP Study Part II.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and sleep quality following a supervised combined exercise (EX) program compared to a Treatment-As-Usual (TAU) and to analyze the relationship between the differences in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and HRQoL domains in people with schizophrenia (SZ). METHODS: The SZ (n = 112, 41.3 ± 10.4 year) was randomly assigned into a TAU control group (n = 53) or EX-group (n = 59, 3 days/week). The 36-item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire assessed HRQoL and the sleep quality analysis (accelerometry). RESULTS: After the intervention (20 weeks), physical functioning (∆ = 12.9%), general health (∆ = 15.3%), mental health (∆ = 8.3%), physical component summary (PCS) (∆ = 5.1%), and sleep efficiency (∆ = 1.9%) increased (p < 0.05) in the EX, with no significant changes in the TAU for any domains studied. There were significant differences between groups whose EX showed improvements (p < 0.05) compared to TAU in physical functioning, general health, PCS, and sleep efficiency. A greater CRF was associated with better values in physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, and PCS after the exercise program in SZ. CONCLUSIONS: A 20-week supervised combined exercise intervention program for SZ increased sleep efficiency and physical functioning, general and mental health, and PCS scores. This could lead to a critical HRQoL change from how they were to how they should be. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03509597.

Changes in cardiovascular health and white matter integrity with aerobic exercise, cognitive and combined training in physically inactive healthy late-middle-aged adults: the "Projecte Moviment" randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: This is a 12-weeks randomized controlled trial examining the effects of aerobic exercise (AE), computerized cognitive training (CCT) and their combination (COMB). We aim to investigate their impact on cardiovascular health and white matter (WM) integrity and how they contribute to the cognitive benefits. METHODS: 109 participants were recruited and 82 (62% female; age = 58.38 ± 5.47) finished the intervention with > 80% adherence. We report changes in cardiovascular risk factors and WM integrity (fractional anisotropy (FA); mean diffusivity (MD)), how they might be related to changes in physical activity, age and sex, and their potential role as mediators in cognitive improvements. RESULTS: A decrease in BMI (SMD = - 0.32, p = 0.039), waist circumference (SMD = - 0.42, p = 0.003) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (SMD = - 0.42, p = 0.006) in the AE group and a decrease in BMI (SMD = - 0.34, p = 0.031) and DBP (SMD = - 0.32, p = 0.034) in the COMB group compared to the waitlist control group was observed. We also found decreased global MD in the CCT group (SMD = - 0.34; p = 0.032) and significant intervention-related changes in FA and MD in the frontal and temporal lobes in the COMB group. CONCLUSIONS: We found changes in anthropometric measures that suggest initial benefits on cardiovascular health after only 12 weeks of AE and changes in WM microstructure in the CCT and COMB groups. These results add evidence of the clinical relevance of lifestyle interventions and the potential benefits when combining them. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT031123900.

Concurrent training associated with moderate walnut consumption improved isokinetic strength, subjective sleep quality, cognitive performance and postural balance in elderly active men: a randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: To investigate the effects of concurrent training (resistance and endurance) associated with moderate walnut consumption on isokinetic strength, subjective sleep quality, cognitive performance and postural balance in physically active elderly men. METHODS: Twenty healthy elderly men were divided into two matched groups, in a randomized controlled experiment. They have participated in three training sessions per week: concurrent (strength and endurance) training + ad libitum diet with walnuts (15 g/day for 6 weeks, CTW: n = 10) and concurrent training + ad libitum diet (CT: n = 10). Isokinetic strength, Spiegel questionnaire, Montreal cognitive assessment and postural balance parameters were assessed 48 h pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: Absolute peak torque of knee extensors and knee flexors significantly increased compared to pre-training in CTW (15.2% ± 6.7; 13.2% ± 2.3, p < 0.05, respectively) and CT (10.6% ± 6.8; 7.4% ± 2.9, p < 0.05, respectively). Subjective sleep quality increased compared to pre-training for CTW and CT (24% ± 14.4; 10.5% ± 9.4, p < 0.05, respectively) with a significantly greater increase in CTW (p < 0.05). Cognitive performance measured by Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) increased only in CTW compared to baseline (7.7% ± 2.5, p < 0.05). Postural balance parameters with dual task decreased only in CTW compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The present study clearly revealed that concurrent training alone or associated with daily walnut (15 g) consumption for 6 weeks significantly increased knee isokinetic strength, support leg standing parameters and sleep quality. Meanwhile, cognitive performance evaluated by MoCA test and postural balance with dual task were improved for CTW group only.

Impact of neuromuscular training including balance, strength and plyometric exercises on static and dynamic balance in high-level male runners with mild intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the impact of neuromuscular training (NMT) on static and dynamic postural balance (PB) among high-level male runners with intellectual disability. METHOD: Twenty-seven runners were randomly assigned to a NMT group and a control group who maintained their conventional training. Static and dynamic PB were assessed using the centre of pressure (CoP) excursions (in bipedal and unipedal stances under open eyes (OE) and closed eyes (CE) conditions) and the star excursion balance test (SEBT), respectively, at pre-training and post-training. RESULTS: The NMT group showed significantly (p < 0.05) decreased CoP values and increased SEBT scores at post-training compared to pre-training. The switch from OE to CE did not affect static PB in the bipedal stance, only in the NMT group. CONCLUSIONS: The NMT was effective in improving static and dynamic PB in runners with intellectual disability. The NMT could reduce visual dependency.

Impact of exercise training on pulse wave velocity in healthy and clinical populations: a systematic review of systematic reviews.

Elevated pulse wave velocity (PWV) determined arterial stiffness is a prominent marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Exercise training delays the progression of CVD, but existing reviews on the impact of training on PWV are conflicting. We synthesized the evidence on the effects of exercise training interventions on PWV. We searched Scopus, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, and Academic Search Premier databases for systematic reviews including PWV, and examined the effects of exercise training on PWV. We screened 842 citations that resulted in 44 systematic reviews, including 22 meta-analyses [unique participants, n = 6,719 (3,390 females)]. Studies were conducted in general adults with/without disease(s) (n = 19, 8 meta-analyses), kidney disease (n = 9, 6 meta-analyses), increased CVD risk or CVD (n = 7, 5 meta-analyses), type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 3, 2 meta-analyses), and other conditions (n = 6, 2 meta-analyses). In general adults, PWV was reduced by aerobic exercise (ß, -0.75 to -0.52 m/s) and low-to-moderate intensity resistance exercise training (ß, -0.34 m/s). Exercise training was beneficial for patients with kidney disease (ß, -1.13 to -0.56 m/s). Aerobic exercise improved PWV in adults with CVD or high CVD risk (ß, -0.70 to -0.42 m/s). Combined aerobic and resistance exercise training decreased carotid-femoral (CF) PWV in patients with CVD (ß, -1.15 m/s) and decreased brachial-ankle (BA) PWV in postmenopausal females (ß, -1.18 m/s). Neither aerobic nor combined training improved PWV in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The potential physiological mechanisms involved are discussed. Overall, the included systematic reviews and meta-analyses documented that exercise training was an effective strategy to improve PWV, but the optimal type of training varied between populations.

Effects of the order of endurance and high-intensity interval exercise in combined training on mouse skeletal muscle metabolism.

Endurance exercise (EE) mainly improves oxidative capacity, whereas high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) also improves glycolytic capacity. There is growing evidence that suggests that combining EE with HIIE can lead to improved athletic performance and fitness outcomes compared with either form of exercise alone. This study aimed to elucidate whether the order in which EE and HIIE are performed in combined training affects oxidative metabolism and glycolysis in mouse skeletal muscle. Male ICR mice at 7 wk of age were divided into three groups: control (CON), EE-HIIE, and HIIE-EE. The total training period was 3 wk (3 times/week). Mice performed running on a treadmill as endurance exercise and swimming with a weight load of 10% of body weight as high-intensity interval exercise. EE before HIIE (EE-HIIE) improved running performance in the maximal EE capacity test (all-out test) and partly enhanced the expression levels of molecular signals involved in glycolysis compared with HIIE before EE (HIIE-EE). The order of exercise did not, however, impact the expression of proteins related to mitochondrial dynamics, including those involved in the morphological changes of mitochondria through repeated fusion and fission, as well as oxidative energy metabolism. The findings suggest that the order of exercise has no significant impact on the expression of proteins associated with glycolytic and oxidative energy metabolism. Nevertheless, our results indicate that the order of EE-HIIE may enhance running performance.

Action recognition for sports combined training based on wearable sensor technology and SVM prediction.

In the field of sports, coaches have mainly relied on observing the performance of athletes on the spot to formulate suitable training plans for athletes, which has extremely high requirements for the professionalism of coaches. Based on the above requirements, this paper designs a sports action recognition system for sports enthusiasts based on the SVM algorithm optimization model, and for the purpose of verifying the applicability of the system to different sports fields, experiments are carried out on basketball actions and race walking actions. The system uses wearable sensors to capture the motion data of the user, and then analyzes and identifies the user's actions through the SVM algorithm optimization model. By standardizing the user's sports combination training under the system algorithm, the user can improve their training efficiency and reduce the risk of injury. To establish the human body motion model, this paper divides the human skeleton model into five motion branches. The rotation freedom constraints and joint rotation angle range limits are added to the model to ensure the accuracy of the motion analysis. Combining the forward kinematics of the robot and the homogeneous coordinate transformation, the human body joint rotation motion model and the human bone position and posture model are established. In the end, the user can standardize the sports combination training under the system algorithm. In this paper, through the research of wearable sensor technology and sports combined training action recognition, and apply it to practical life, it aims to promote its development and application.

Effects of 12-week combined training versus high intensity interval training on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition and fat metabolism in obese male adults.

Background: /Objectives: A weekly combination of a high volume of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) with a low volume of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) provides important improvements in body composition and physical capacities in individuals with obesity. However, previous studies did not determine the weekly proportions of HIIT and MICT a priori. This study aimed to investigate changes in body composition, physical capacities and the fat oxidation rate in obese male adults by comparing a combination of MICT and HIIT, called combined training (COMB), with HIIT for a 12-week period. Methods: Thirty-four obese male adults (mean age: 39.4 ± 7.0 y; mean body mass index [BMI] 34.0 ± 4.2 kg m-2) participated in this study (n = 18 for COMB, n = 16 HIIT), attending âˆ¼ 36 training sessions. The COMB group performed 3 repetitions of 2 min at 95% of peak oxygen uptake (V'O2 peak) (e.g., HIIT ≤20%), followed by 30 min at 60% of VO2 peak (e.g., MICT ≥80%). The HIIT group performed 5-7 repetitions of 2 min at 95% of VO2 peak. At baseline (PRE) and at the end of the training period (POST), body composition, VO2 peak, and the fat oxidation rate were measured. The two training programs were equivalent in caloric expenditure. Results: At POST, body mass (BM) and fat mass (FM) decreased by a mean of 3.09 ± 3.21 kg and 3.90 ± 2.40 kg, respectively (P < 0.05), in both groups and V'O2 peak increased in both groups by a mean of 0.47 ± 0.34 L min-1 (P < 0.05). The maximal fat oxidation rate increased similarly in both groups from 0.32 ± 0.05 to 0.36 ± 0.06 g min-1 (P < 0.05). Conclusion: COMB training represents a viable alternative to HIIT to improve anthropometric characteristics, physical capacities and fat oxidation in obese male adults.

The effect of combining HIIT and dry-land training on strength, technique, and 100-m butterfly swimming performance in age-group swimmers: a randomized controlled trial.

Combined interventions of pool-based and dry-land workouts are a common practice in swimming training. However, the effects on strength, technique and swimming performance are still not clear. Through a randomized controlled trial study, we investigated the effect of combining high intensity interval training (HIIT) and maximum strength training (MST) on strength, technique and 100-m butterfly swimming performance. Competitive age-group swimmers (N = 22, males) were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group (EG: 14.1 ± 0.3 years old) performed 8 weeks of combined short-moderate HIIT and MST. The control group (CG: 14.5 ± 0.3 years old) subjects performed their usual training. Muscular strength, technique and swimming performance were evaluated before and after 8 weeks. Substantial improvements were observed in maximum muscle strength (mean diff: 22-28%; p < 0.001; d = 3.25-3.61), technique (p < 0.05; d = 0.98-1.96) and 100-m butterfly swimming performance (3.5%; p = 0.001; d = 1.81) when combining HIIT and MST during 8 weeks. Combining short-moderate HIIT and MST during 8 weeks can enhance maximum muscular strength, technique, and 100-m butterfly swimming performance. Coaches should adjust training programmes accordingly since it could yield important differences in swimming performance during competitions.

Combined training prescriptions for improving cardiorespiratory fitness, physical fitness, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk factors in older adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials.

Background: Improved physical fitness is important for preventing COVID-19-related mortality. So, combined training can effectively increase peak oxygen consumption, physical fitness, body composition, blood pressure, and the healthrelated characteristics of adults; however, its impact in the elderly remains unclear. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of combined training on older adults. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Web of Science) were searched (until April 2021) for randomized trials comparing the effect of combined training on cardiorespiratory fitness, physical fitness, body composition, blood pressure, and cardiometabolic risk factors in older adults. Results: Combined training significantly improved peak oxygen consumption compared to no exercise (WMD = 3.10, 95% CI: 2.83 to 3.37). Combined resistance and aerobic training induced favorable changes in physical fitness (timed up-and-go = -1.06, 30-s chair stand = 3.85, sit and reach = 4.43, 6-minute walking test = 39.22, arm curl = 4.60, grip strength = 3.65, 10-m walk = -0.47, maximum walking speed = 0.15, one-leg balance = 2.71), body composition (fat mass = -2.91, body fat% = -2.31, body mass index = -0.87, waist circumference = -2.91), blood pressure (systolic blood pressure = -8.11, diastolic blood pressure = -4.55), and cardiometabolic risk factors (glucose = -0.53, HOMA-IR = -0.14, high-density lipoprotein = 2.32, total cholesterol = -5.32) in older individuals. Finally, the optimal exercise prescription was ≥ 30 min/session × 50-80% VO2peak, ≥ 3 times/week for ≥ 12 weeks and resistance intensity 70-75% one-repetition maximum, 8-12 repetitions × 3 sets. Conclusions: Combined training improved VO2peak and some cardiometabolic risk factors in older populations. The dose-effect relationship varied between different parameters. Exercise prescriptions must be formulated considering individual needs during exercise.

Contexte: L'amélioration de la condition physique est importante pour prévenir la mortalité liée au COVID-19. Ainsi, l'entraînement combiné peut augmenter efficacement la consommation maximale d'oxygène, la forme physique, la composition corporelle, la tension artérielle et les caractéristiques liées à la santé des adultes; cependant, son impact chez les personnes âgées reste incertain. Méthodes: Cette revue systématique et cette méta-analyse visaient à évaluer les effets de l'entraînement combiné chez les personnes âgées. Quatre bases de données électroniques (PubMed, Scopus, Medline et Web of Science) ont été consultées (jusqu'en avril 2021) pour trouver des essais randomisés comparant l'effet d'un entraînement combiné sur l'aptitude cardiorespiratoire, la forme physique, la composition corporelle, la tension artérielle et les facteurs de risque cardiométabolique chez les personnes âgées. Résultats: Au total, 37 publications ont été incluses dans cette étude. L'entraînement combiné a considérablement amélioré la consommation maximale d'oxygène par rapport à l'absence d'exercice (DMP = 3,10, IC95 % : 2,83 à 3,37). La combinaison résistance + entraînement aérobie a entraîné des changements favorables dans la forme physique (démarrage chronométré = −1,06, position assise pendant 30 s = 3,85, position assise et lever = 4,43, test de marche de 6 minutes = 39,22, flexion des bras = 4,60, adhérence force = 3,65, marche de 10 m = −0,47, vitesse de marche maximale = 0,15, équilibre sur une jambe = 2,71), composition corporelle (masse grasse = −2,91, pourcentage de graisse corporelle = −2,31, indice de masse corporelle = −0,87, taille circonférence = −2,91), tension artérielle (pression artérielle systolique = −8,11, pression artérielle diastolique = −4,55) et facteurs de risque cardiométabolique (glucose = −0,53, HOMA-IR = −0,14, lipoprotéines de haute densité = 2,32, cholestérol total = −5,32) chez les personnes âgées. Enfin, la prescription d'exercice optimale était ≥ 30 min/séance × 50­80 % VO2pic, ≥ 3 fois/semaine pendant ≥ 12 semaines et résistance à une intensité de 70­75 % une répétition maximale, 8­12 répétitions × 3 séries. Conclusions: L'entraînement combiné a amélioré la VO2pic et certains facteurs de risque cardiométabolique chez les populations âgées. La relation dose-effet variait entre les différents paramètres. Les prescriptions d'exercice doivent être formulées en tenant compte des besoins individuels pendant l'exercice.

Effects of functional task exercise on everyday problem-solving ability and functional status in older adults with mild cognitive impairment-a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of functional task exercise on everyday problem-solving ability and functional status in older adults with mild cognitive impairment compared to single exercise or cognitive training and no treatment control. DESIGN: A single-blind, four-arm randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Out-patient clinic and community centre. PARTICIPANTS: Older adults with mild cognitive impairment aged ≥60 living in community. METHODS: Participants (N = 145) were randomised to 8-week functional task exercise (N = 34), cognitive training (N = 38), exercise training (N = 37), or wait-list control (N = 36) group. Outcomes measures: Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination, Category Verbal Fluency Test, Trail Making Test, Problems in Everyday Living Test, Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale; Chair stand test, Berg Balance Scale, and Short Form-12 Health Survey were conducted at baseline, post-intervention and 5-months follow-up. RESULTS: Post-intervention results of ANCOVA revealed cognitive training improved everyday problem-solving (P = 0.012) and exercise training improved functional status (P = 0.003) compared to wait-list control. Functional task exercise group demonstrated highest improvement compared to cognitive training, exercise training and wait-list control groups in executive function (P range = 0.003-0.018); everyday problem-solving (P < 0.001); functional status (P range = <.001-0.002); and physical performance (P = 0.008) at post-intervention, with all remained significant at 5-month follow-up, and further significant improvement in mental well-being (P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Functional task exercise could be an effective intervention to improve everyday problem-solving ability and functional status in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The findings support combining cognitive and exercise intervention may give additive and even synergistic effects.

Different types of combined training programs to improve postural balance in single and dual tasks in children with intellectual disability.

The study explored the effects of two combined training (Strength-Proprioceptive versus Cognitive-Balance) programs on postural balance during single-task and dual-task conditions in children with intellectual disability. The postural balance and the second cognitive-task performances were evaluated before and after 8-week of training in two groups: Strength-Proprioceptive Group (n = 12) and Cognitive-Balance Group (n = 10). Results showed that, in both groups and regardless of the training effect, the postural balance performance was significantly (p < 0.05) altered in the dual-task condition compared to the single-task one. After-training session, postural balance performance was improved significantly (p < 0.001) for all task conditions. After training session, the second cognitive-task performance was improved in the Strength-Proprioceptive Group (p < 0.001) and Cognitive-Balance Groupe (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the combined training programs, Strength-Proprioceptive and Cognitive-Balance, improved postural balance performance in single-task and dual-task conditions in children with intellectual disability.

Effects of aerobic exercise combined with resistance training on health-related physical fitness in adolescents: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: /Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of two combined training methods on health-related physical fitness components in adolescents. Methods: Seventy-six adolescents (16.1 ± 1.1 years, n = 44 female) were randomized into groups of moderate-intensity continuous training combined with resistance training (MICT + RT), high-intensity interval training combined with resistance training (HIIT + RT), or Control. The training sessions were performed twice weekly for 12 weeks. The health-related physical fitness components evaluated were: body composition, muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness. Results: The intervention groups had a significant reduction in body fat percentage and improvement in abdominal repetitions and VO2peak after 12 weeks of combined exercise program (p < 0.001). Intervention effects were found to significantly reduce body fat percentage for the MICT + RT and HIIT + RT groups compared to the control group (mean difference: -3.8; 95% CI: -6.2; -1 0.3; mean difference: -4.7; 95%CI: -7.1; -2.3, respectively). For muscle fitness, significant effects of the intervention were found in increasing the number of abdominal repetitions favoring the MICT + RT group compared to the control group (mean difference: 9.5; 95% CI: 4.4; 14.7) and HIIT + RT compared to the control group (mean difference: 14.1; 95% CI 9; 19.3). For cardiorespiratory fitness, significant effects of the intervention on improving VO2peak were found in the experimental groups (MICT + RT vs Control group: mean difference: 4.4; 95% CI: 2.2; 6.6; and HIIT + RT vs. Control group: mean difference: 5.5, 95% CI: 3.3; 7.7). Conclusion: The results suggest that 12 weeks of training using MCIT + RT or HIIT + RT showed a similar effect for health-related physical fitness components in adolescents.

Combined training is not superior to strength and aerobic training to mitigate cardiovascular risk in adult healthy men.

Although the beneficial effects of aerobic training on cardiovascular risk factors are evident, the potential beneficial effect of strength and combined training on these risk factors is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aerobic and strength training programmes, performed alone or in combination, on cardiovascular risk factors in sedentary, apparently healthy and non-obese adult men. The study was conducted with 37 subjects who were randomly divided into the following groups: aerobic (AG), combined (ASG), strength (SG) and control (CG). The exercise programmes were performed three times a week and lasted approximately 50 minutes. Dietary intake, anthropometry, blood pressure, muscular strength, aerobic capacity, lipid profile and glycaemic control were assessed before and after 12 weeks of the intervention. One-way analysis of variation (ANOVA) for baseline, and ANOVA for repeated measures were used to assess differences between the initial and final time points of the four groups. Changes in blood pressure and glycaemic control were not significant in any of the groups. No differences were observed in LDL-C between training groups. HDL-C increased significantly only in the AG. In conclusion, if minimal changes in the lipid profile are needed, an aerobic training programme can provide possible benefits for HDL-C in apparently healthy and non-obese adult men.

Combination of resistance and aerobic exercise for six months improves bone mass and physical function in HIV infected individuals: A randomized controlled trial.

To evaluate the effect of combined resistance and aerobic training (RT+AT) on regional bone mineral density (BMD) and physical performance in people living with HIV (PLWH). Forty PLWH (20 men and 20 women) were randomized into RT+AT group (n = 20; age = 38.3 ± 4.9) or non-exercise control group (n = 20; age = 37.9 ± 5.1). The RT+AT group was required to perform a nonlinear periodized resistance training program targeting large muscle groups followed by 20 min aerobic exercise at 65-80% of maximal heart rate. Participants in RT+AT performed three supervised sessions per week for 6-months, whereas participants in the control group were instructed to continue with their current lifestyle habits. The primary outcome was bone mineral density (lumbar spine (L2-L4), femoral neck, and distal 1/3 radius). Secondary outcomes included physical function, anthropometry, inflammatory markers, and growth factors. The RT+AT group demonstrated a significant increase in BMD at follow-up for the Lumbar spine (L2-L4), femoral neck, and 1/3 radius (all, P < .05), and There were no gender differences in the training response between men and women for any of the BMD regions. Similar findings were also observed for lean body mass, IGF1and Adiponectin (P < .001). We observed a decrease in percent body fat, fat mass, IL-6, TNF-α, and myostatin in the RT+AT group (P < .001). Finally, there was a significant increase in handgrip strength and gait speed for both women and men in the RT+AT group (P < .001). A combination of resistance and aerobic training appears to be a feasible and effective means for counteracting bone loss and improving various inflammatory markers, physical function, and growth hormones in PLWH.

Effects of a dynamic combined training on impulse response for middle-aged and elderly patients with osteoporosis and knee osteoarthritis: a randomized control trial.

Dynamic combined training is a crucial component in treating musculoskeletal conditions to increase muscle strength and improve functional ability. This randomized control trial aimed to examine the effect of dynamic combined training on muscle strength and contractile rate of force development (RFD) in patients with osteoporosis (OP) and knee osteoarthritis (KOA). 58 participants with OP or KOA were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) (CGOP, n = 12; CGKOA, n = 15) or training group (TG) (TGOP, n = 14; TGKOA, n = 17). The training group participated in a 12-week, three-days-per-week supervised program consisting of stretching and warm-up exercises (10 min), hydraulic resistance training (40 min), and cool-down and relaxation exercises (10 min). All participants were evaluated at baseline and post-training. The maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and contractile RFD at 0-200 ms increased significantly in middle-aged and older patients with OP. As for KOA, the dynamic combined training program was effective in improving the muscle strength. The maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and contractile RFD at 0-200 ms increased significantly (by 29.22%, P = .000 and 27.25%, P = .019, respectively) in middle-aged and older patients with OP. In the KOA group, MVC and contractile RFD improved but did not reach statistical significance. The dynamic combined training program is effective for health promotion in older adults with OP or KOA.

Moderate walnut consumption improved lipid profile, steroid hormones and inflammation in trained elderly men: a pilot study with a randomized controlled trial.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of walnut consumption on lipid profile, steroid hormones and inflammation in trained elderly men performing concurrent (resistance and endurance) training. Twenty healthy elderly males were divided into two matched groups, in a randomized controlled trial, that trained three sessions per week: concurrent training + dietary walnut consumption (15 g/day for six weeks, CTW: n = 10); concurrent training + control diet (CT: n = 10). Fasting blood samples were taken 48 hours before and after intervention for biochemical assessments. levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased only in CTW compared to baseline (19.8%, p < 0.01). Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride (TG) levels significantly decreased only for CTW (i.e., 13%, 18%, and 18.5% at p < 0.01 for all). Testosterone (T) increased after the training compared to pre-training for CTW and CT (10.3%, p < 0.01, 4.27% p < 0.05, respectively), but the increase was significantly higher in CTW (p < 0.05). Serum cortisol (C) was lower for CTW compared to CT (p < 0.01). C-reactive protein (CRP) decreased in CTW in comparison with CT. The present study revealed that 6-week moderate walnut supplementation (15 g/day) improved lipid profile, steroid hormones and systematic inflammation in aged men performing concurrent training. These findings could be attributable to the potential effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) contained in walnut (linoleic acid, n-6; linolenic acid, n-3).