Acute exercise induces distinct quantitative and phenotypical T cell profiles in men with prostate cancer.

Background: Reduced testosterone levels can influence immune system function, particularly T cells. Exercise during cancer reduces treatment-related side effects and provide a stimulus to mobilize and redistribute immune cells. However, it is unclear how conventional and unconventional T cells (UTC) respond to acute exercise in prostate cancer survivors compared to healthy controls. Methods: Age-matched prostate cancer survivors on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and those without ADT (PCa) along with non-cancer controls (CON) completed ∼45 min of intermittent cycling with 3 min at 60% of peak power interspersed by 1.5 min of rest. Fresh, unstimulated immune cell populations and intracellular perforin were assessed before (baseline), immediately following (0 h), 2 h, and 24 h post-exercise. Results: At 0 h, conventional T cell counts increased by 45%-64% with no differences between groups. T cell frequency decreased by -3.5% for CD3+ and -4.5% for CD4+ cells relative to base at 0 h with CD8+ cells experiencing a delayed decrease of -4.5% at 2 h with no group differences. Compared to CON, the frequency of CD8+CD57+ cells was -18.1% lower in ADT. Despite a potential decrease in maturity, ADT increased CD8+perforin+ GMFI. CD3+Vα7.2+CD161+ counts, but not frequencies, increased by 69% post-exercise while CD3+CD56+ cell counts increased by 127% and were preferentially mobilized (+1.7%) immediately following the acute cycling bout. There were no UTC group differences. Cell counts and frequencies returned to baseline by 24 h. Conclusion: Following acute exercise, prostate cancer survivors demonstrate normal T cell and UTC responses that were comparable to CON. Independent of exercise, ADT is associated with lower CD8+ cell maturity (CD57) and perforin frequency that suggests a less mature phenotype. However, higher perforin GMFI may attenuate these changes, with the functional implications of this yet to be determined.

Feasibility of home-based exercise training in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Home-based training increases accessibility to exercise and mitigates the side effects of hormone therapy for prostate cancer (PC). However, it is unknown if men with more advanced disease are willing to partake in such interventions. PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility of a home-based exercise intervention in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). METHODS: mCRPC patients on androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSI) were prescribed a 12-week, home-based exercise intervention using resistance bands and walking. Feasibility was assessed using recruitment, retention, adherence, and outcome capture. Physiological changes and patient reported outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Of the 62 referrals, 47 were eligible with 22 men performing baseline testing (47% recruitment rate) and 16 completing the intervention (73% retention). Task completion was >86% for all physiological tests. Walking adherence was 80% and resistance training was 63%, the latter falling short of the study target (75%). Training increased thigh muscle cross-sectional area by 22%, time to exhaustion by 19% (both p < 0.05) and peak oxygen uptake by 6% (p = 0.057). Improvements in short physical performance battery scores and 400 m walk demonstrated moderate effect sizes that did not reach significance. CONCLUSIONS: Home-based exercise is feasible during ARSI treatment for mCRPC. Greater endurance capacity and localized hypertrophy appear as the primary improvements following training. These preliminary findings suggest home-based training may increase exercise accessibility, with important lessons that will inform subsequent trials investigating the efficacy of home-based exercise interventions during mCRPC.

Impact of community-based exercise on fatigue in early breast cancer survivors: identifying potential determinants of change.

BACKGROUND: Exercise has been shown to reduce fatigue in early breast cancer survivors (EBCS), though it is unclear if these results translate to community-based exercise settings. Mechanisms that influence changes in fatigue seen after exercise are also poorly understood. This study sought to evaluate the impact of community-based exercise and identify associations of fatigue in EBCS. METHODS: Twenty-nine EBCS and 13 non-cancer controls (CON) enrolled. Pre/post-intervention measurements included measures of fitness/function, balance, and adherence/compliance as well as self-reported measures of fatigue, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), well-being, self-efficacy, and physical activity. Both groups participated in a supervised 16-week aerobic + resistance exercise intervention. A mixed model ANOVA and Cohen's D effect size assessed fatigue changes, and univariable linear regressions identified fatigue associations. RESULTS: Fatigue improved for EBCS (- 2.6, Cohen's D = 0.51) but not CON (0.0, Cohen's D = 0.02); no interaction effect was observed. Post-intervention fatigue in EBCS was associated with better QOL (R2 = 0.387; p < 0.01), depression (R2 = 0.251; p < 0.01), self-efficacy, (R2 = 0.453; p < 0.01), outcome expectations from exercise (R2 = 0.254; p < 0.01), balance (R2 = 0.167; p < 0.05), and the 6-minute walk test (R2 = 0.193; p < 0.05). EBCS improvements in fatigue were associated with improvements in self-reported physical health (R2 = 0.425; p < 0.01), depression (R2 = 0.233; p < 0.01), pain (R2 = 0.157; p < 0.05), outcome expectations from exercise (R2 = 0.420; p < 0.01), and the 6-minute walk test (R2 = 0.172; p < 0.05). Less fatigue in the CON group was shown be associated with better sleep quality (R2 = 0.309; p < 0.05) and pain (R2 = 0.259; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Community-based exercise appears beneficial for alleviating fatigue in EBCS. These improvements may be driven by parallel improvements in psychosocial outcomes and objectively measured functional outcomes.

Baseline fatigue in early breast cancer survivors: understanding its prevalence in community-based exercise.

PURPOSE: Examine baseline fatigue levels in early-breast cancer survivors (EBCS) compared to inactive controls (CON) and identify associated physical and psychosocial factors with fatigue prior to community-based exercise. METHODS: A total of 33 EBCS (53.9 ± 11.4 years) and 21 CON (54.0 ± 8.0 years) were recruited. Participants completed questionnaires for demographics and patient-reported outcome measures pertaining to fatigue, quality of life, mental health, and physical activity, and completed a 6-min walk test, balance assessment, cardiopulmonary exercise test (VO2peak), and muscular strength test. A Mann-Whitney U test compared fatigue between groups and unadjusted univariable linear regressions were used to explore relationships with fatigue. RESULTS: Fatigue in EBCS was not statistically different from CON (EBCS: 16.9 ± 5.75; CON: 14.2 ± 3.4, p = 0.121). Univariable analyses showed lower fatigue in EBCS was associated with better Physical and Mental Health (both R2 = 0.435; p < 0.01), better outcome expectations for exercise (R2 = 0.237; p < 0.01), better self-efficacy (R2 = 0.407; p < 0.01), lower depression (R2 = 0.383; p < 0.001), lower anxiety (R2 = 0.104; p < 0.05), and better balance (R2 = 0.265; p < 0.01). Lower fatigue in the CON group was associated with better sleep quality (R2 = 0.263; p < 0.05) and self-efficacy (R2 = 0.417; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mild fatigue was prevalent in EBCS, whereas moderate/severe fatigue was not. This discrepancy should be explored provided the benefits of exercise for fatigue management. Further, fatigue in EBCS was associated with multiple psychosocial and functional outcomes, which emphasized both its multi-factorial nature and uniqueness to the EBCS population. CLINICALTRIALS: gov Number: NCT03760536.

Physical Activity Can Enhance Life (PACE-Life): results from a 10-week walking intervention for individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

BACKGROUND: Premature mortality in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) is largely due to high rates of chronic health conditions. Although exercise has been shown to improve health in this population, scalable and accessible interventions are limited. AIM: To examine the impact of Physical Activity Can Enhance Life (PACE-Life), a novel walking intervention, on physical activity, and on secondary outcomes of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), physical health, autonomous motivation, social support, and quality of life. METHOD: Sixteen individuals with SSDs were enrolled in a 10-week open trial. The intervention included walking groups, home-based walks, Fitbit use, and goal-setting and if-then plans. Within-group effect sizes were calculated to represent changes from baseline to post-test and 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: Participants increased self-reported weekly walking minutes and decreased daily hours spent sitting; however, Fitbit-recorded exercise behavior changed only minimally. There were also improvements in secondary outcomes including autonomous motivation and hip circumference. CRF improved only minimally, and findings were relatively unchanged with outliers removed from the full sample. CONCLUSIONS: This open trial demonstrates modest improvements in key parameters of exercise behavior and physical health from participating in PACE-Life. Future research should assess the efficacy of this intervention in a randomized controlled trial.

The Effects of 16 Weeks of Exercise Training on Neutrophil Functions in Breast Cancer Survivors.

Following therapy, breast cancer survivors (BCS) have an increased risk of infections because of age and cancer dysregulation of inflammation and neutrophil functions. Neutrophil functions may be improved by exercise training, although limited data exist on exercise and neutrophil functions in BCS.Sixteen BCS [mean age: 56 (SD 11) years old] completed 16 weeks of community-based exercise training and a 45-minute acute bout of cycling before (Base) and after (Final) the exercise training program. Exercise training consisted of 3 x 40 - 60 minute mixed mode aerobic exercises, comprising 10 - 30 minutes aerobic and 30 minutes resistance training. At Base and Final, we took BCS blood samples before (PRE), immediately after (POST), and 1 hour after (1Hr) acute exercise to determine neutrophil counts, phenotype, bacterial killing, IL-6, and IL-8 levels. Eleven healthy, age- and physical activity levels-matched women (Control) completed the acute bout of exercise once as a healthy response reference. Resting Responses. BCS and Controls had similar Base PRE absolute neutrophil counts [mean (SD): 3.3 (1.9) v 3.1 (1.2) x 109/L, p=0.801], but BCS had lower bacterial phagocytosis [3991 (1233) v 4881 (417) MFI, p=0.035] and higher oxidative killing [6254 (1434) v 4709 (1220) MFI, p=0.005], lower CD16 [4159 (1785) v 7018 (1240) MFI, p<0.001], lower CXCR2 [4878 (1796) v 6330 (1299) MFI, p=0.032] and higher TLR2 [98 (32) v 72 (17) MFI, p=0.022] expression, while IL-6 [7.4 (5.4) v 4.0 (2.7) pg/mL, p=0.079] levels were marginally higher and IL-8 [6.0 (4.7) v 7.9 (5.0) pg/mL, p=0.316] levels similar. After 16 weeks of training, compared to Controls, BCS Final PRE phagocytosis [4510 (738) v 4881 (417) MFI, p=0.146] and TLR2 expression [114 (92) v 72 (17) MFI, p=0.148] were no longer different. Acute Exercise Responses. As compared to Controls, at Base, BCS phagocytic Pre-Post response was lower [mean difference, % (SD): 12% (26%), p=0.042], CD16 Pre-Post response was lower [12% (21%), p=0.016] while CD16 Pre-1Hr response was higher [13% (25%), p=0.022], TLR2 Pre-Post response was higher [15% (4%) p=0.002], while IL-8 Pre-Post response was higher [99% (48%), p=0.049]. As compared to Controls, following 16 weeks of training BCS phagocytic Pre-Post response [5% (5%), p=0.418], CD16 Pre-1Hr response [7% (7%), p=0.294], TLR2 Pre-Post response [6% (4%), p=0.092], and IL-8 Pre-Post response [1% (9%), p=0.087] were no longer different. Following cancer therapy, BCS may have impaired neutrophil functions in response to an acute bout of exercise that are partially restored by 16 weeks of exercise training. The improved phagocytosis of bacteria in BCS may represent an exercise-induced intrinsic improvement in neutrophil functions consistent with a reduced risk of infectious disease. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03760536.

Exercise-induced modulation of monocytes in breast cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: Exercise training reduces inflammation in breast cancer survivors; however, the mechanism is not fully understood. OBJECTIVES: The effects of acute and chronic exercise on monocyte toll-like receptor (TLR2 and 4) expression and intracellular cytokine production were examined in sedentary breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Eleven women with stage I, II, or III breast cancer within one year of treatment completion performed an acute, intermittent aerobic exercise trial. Blood samples were obtained before, immediately, and 1 h after a 45-min acute exercise trial that was performed before and after 16 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance. LPS-stimulated intracellular IL-1ß, TNF, and IL-6 production, and TLR2 and TLR4 expression were evaluated in CD14+CD16- and CD14+CD16+ monocytes using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Exercise training decreased IL-1ß+CD14+CD16- proportion (24.6%, p=0.016), IL-1ß+CD14+CD16- mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) (-9989, p=0.014), IL-1ß+CD14+CD16+ MFI (-11101, p=0.02), and IL-6+CD14+CD16- proportion (16.9%, P=0.04). TLR2 and TLR4 expression did not change following exercise training but decreased 1 h after acute exercise in CD14+CD16- (-63, p=0.002) and CD14+CD16+ (-18, p=0.006) monocytes, respectively. Immediately after the acute exercise, both monocyte subgroup cell concentration increased, with CD14+CD16+ concentrations being decreased at 1 h post without changes in intracellular cytokine production. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise training reduced monocyte intracellular pro-inflammatory cytokine production, especially IL-1ß, although these markers did not change acutely. While acute exercise downregulated the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 on monocytes, this was not sustained over the course of training. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of combined aerobic and resistance exercise training in breast cancer survivors may be, in part, due to reducing resting monocyte pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

Impact of community-based exercise program participation on aerobic capacity in women with and without breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Evidence for exercise as an efficacious strategy to improve aerobic capacity of breast cancer survivors (BCS) has come largely from intervention studies conducted in laboratory settings. There is an increasing need to translate to community-type settings, but the efficacy of those interventions using gold standard evaluation is not well-established. AIM: To investigate whether similar improvement in aerobic capacity (maximal oxygen consumption [VO2]) measured with gold standard testing can be achieved through a community-based setting in BCS. METHODS: A peak cardiopulmonary exercise test (VO2peak), 6-min walk test (6MWT), and timed up and go test (TUG) were assessed pre- and post-16 wk of progressive intensity aerobic and strength training exercise at a community center. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 31 early BCS (< 1 year since treatment completion) and 15 controls (CTLs). Both groups significantly improved VO2peak (+1.2 mL/kg/min; P = 0.030), 6MWT (+35 meters; P < 0.001), and TUG (-0.44 s; P < 0.01) following training. Both groups improved peak cycling power during the cardiopulmonary exercise test with BCS improving by +10 watts more than the CTLs (P = 0.020). Average exercise attendance was 71% (34 of 48 possible days), but compliant days averaged only 60% of total days for aerobic, and < 40% for strength in both groups. CONCLUSION: Community-based exercise programs can be an effective strategy to improve aerobic capacity and physical function for early-stage BCS but potentially not to the same extent observed in laboratory-based randomized controlled trials. Further research is needed to explore barriers and facilitators of exercise engagement in community-based centers to maximize training benefits for adults with cancer.

Exercise training partially rescues impaired mucosal associated invariant t-cell mobilization in breast cancer survivors compared to healthy older women.

Exercise may attenuate immunosenescence with aging that appears to be accelerated following breast cancer treatment, although limited data on specific cell types exists and acute and chronic exercise have been investigated independently in older adults. PURPOSE: To determine the mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cell response to acute exercise before (PRE) and after (POST) 16 weeks of exercise training in breast cancer survivors (BCS) and healthy older women (CON). METHODS: Age-matched BCS and CON performed 45 min of intermittent cycling at 60% peak power output wattage. Blood samples were obtained at rest, immediately (0 h) and 1 h after exercise to determine MAIT cell counts, frequency, and intracellular cytokine expression. RESULTS: At PRE, MAIT cell counts were greater in CON (137%) than BCS at 0 h (46%, p < 0.001), with increased MAIT cell frequency in CON but not BCS. TNFα+ and IFNγ+ MAIT cell counts increased at 0 h by ~120% in CON (p < 0.001), while BCS counts and frequencies were unchanged. Similar deficits were observed in CD3+ and CD3+ CD8+ cells. At POST, exercise-induced mobilization and egress of MAIT cell counts and frequency showed trends towards improvement in BCS that approached levels in CON. Independent of group, TNFα frequency trended to improve (p = 0.053). CONCLUSIONS: MAIT mobilization in older BCS following acute exercise was attenuated; however, exercise training may partially rescue these initial deficits, including greater sensitivity to mitogenic stimulation. Using acute exercise before and after interventions provides a unique approach to identify age- and cancer-related immuno-dysfunction that is less apparent at rest.

Community-based exercise programs and cancer-related fatigue: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To explore the prevalence of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) within community-based exercise programs and to determine the overall impact that participation in community-based exercise programs have on CRF. METHODS: Literature searches were performed in March and updated in April of 2020. Studies that were community-based in adult cancer populations and reported CRF outcomes were included. Mean and standard deviations for CRF from 12 studies were extracted in order to compute a pooled effect size via a random effects model. An overall percentage was computed to discern how many community-based exercise programs reported CRF. RESULTS: Sample sizes varied among studies with most patients being middle-aged with breast cancer in the post-treatment setting. Most programs implemented aerobic + resistance exercise training interventions (~77%). Only ~42% of programs identified in the review reported CRF outcomes. The random effects model produced a pooled effect size of 0.30 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Fewer than half of the identified community-based exercise programs reported CRF outcomes (~42%). Of those that did, the random effects model revealed a small yet significant impact on improving CRF after exercise participation, though more research is certainly needed in this area. This review produced promising preliminary evidence for the impact of community-based exercise programs on CRF. As exercise interventions transition to community-based facilities, patients should feel confident that these programs will continue to assist in managing CRF that is commonly experienced across the cancer continuum.

Body composition, physical function and quality of life in healthy men and across different stages of prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PC) has detrimental effects on physical function and quality of life (QoL), but the addition of androgen receptor signalling inhibitors (ARSI) on these outcomes is unclear. PURPOSE: To compare body composition, physical function, and QoL across progressive stages of PC and non-cancer controls (CON). METHODS: In men with hormone sensitive PC (HSPC, n = 43) or metastatic castration-resistant PC (mCRPC, n = 22) or CON (n = 37), relative and absolute lean and fat mass, physical function (6 m walk, chair stands, timed up and go [TUG], stair climb), and QoL were determined. RESULTS: Relative body composition differed amongst all groups, along with ~39% greater absolute fat mass in mCRPC vs. CON. TUG and chair stands were ~71% and ~33% slower in mCRPC compared to both CON and HSPC, whereas stair climb was ~29% and 6 m walk was ~18% slower in mCRPC vs. CON. Relative body composition was correlated with physical function (r = 0.259-0.385). Clinically relevant differences for mCRPC were observed for overall QoL and several subscales vs. CON, although body composition and physical function did not influence QoL. CONCLUSIONS: PC progression is associated with deteriorations in body composition and physical function. As ADT length was similar between groups, ARSI use for mCRPC likely contributed in part to these changes. Given the difficulties of improving lean mass during ADT, interventions that reduce adiposity may lessen the side effects of hormone therapy.

Natural killer cell mobilization and egress following acute exercise in men with prostate cancer.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? What are the characteristics of the NK cell response following acute moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in prostate cancer survivors and is there a relationship between stress hormones and NK cell mobilization? What is the main finding and its importance? NK cell numbers and proportions changed similarly between prostate cancer survivors and controls following acute exercise. Consecutive training sessions can likely be used without adverse effects on the immune system during prostate cancer treatment. ABSTRACT: Prostate cancer treatment affects multiple physiological systems, although the immune response during exercise has been minimally investigated. The objective was to characterize the natural killer (NK) cell response following acute exercise in prostate cancer survivors. Prostate cancer survivors on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and those without (PCa) along with non-cancer controls (CON) completed a moderate intensity cycling bout. NK cells were phenotyped before and 0, 2 and 24 h after acute exercise using flow cytometry. CD56 total NK cell frequency increased by 6.2% at 0 h (P < 0.001) and decreased by 2.5% at 2 h (P < 0.01) with similar findings in CD56dim cells. NK cell counts also exhibited a biphasic response. Independent of exercise, ADT had intracellular interferon γ (IFNγ) expression that was nearly twofold higher than CON (P < 0.01). PCa perforin expression was reduced by 11.4% (P < 0.05), suggesting these cells may be more prone to degranulation. CD57- NK cells demonstrated increased perforin and IFNγ frequencies after exercise with no change within the CD57+ populations. All NK and leukocyte populations returned to baseline by 24 h. NK cell mobilization and egress with acute exercise appear normal, as cell counts and frequencies in prostate cancer survivors change similarly to CON. However, lower perforin proportions (PCa) and higher IFNγ expression (ADT) may alter NK cytotoxicity and require further investigation. The return of NK cell proportions to resting levels overnight suggests that consecutive training sessions can be used without adverse effects on the immune system during prostate cancer treatment.

Effect of strength training and antioxidant supplementation on perceived and performance fatigability in breast cancer survivors: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study aimed to investigate the effect of strength training (ST) combined with vitamin C and E supplementation on perceived and performance fatigability in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Twenty-five BCS were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: vitamins (VIT; n = 12; 51.0 ± 9.0 years) or placebo (PLA; n = 13; 48.2 ± 8.3 years). Both groups performed a 10-week ST protocol, twice a week. The VIT group was supplemented with vitamins C (500 mg/day) and E (180 mg/day) and the PLA group with polydextrose (1 g/day), once a day after breakfast. At the beginning and at the end of the training period, perceived fatigability was assessed using Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI)-20 (general fatigue and physical fatigue). Performance fatigability was assessed during 30 maximal isokinetic knee extensions at 120°/s. General fatigue decreased similarly in the VIT (p = 0.004) and PLA (p = 0.011) groups. Physical fatigue decreased similarly in the VIT (p = 0.011) and PLA (p = 0.001) groups. Performance fatigability also decreased similarly in the VIT (p = 0.026) and PLA (p < 0.001) groups. There was no difference between groups at any moment (p > 0.05). In summary, antioxidant supplementation does not add any positive synergistic effect to ST in terms of improving perceived or performance fatigability in BCS. This clinical trial is registered in the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry, number RBR-843pth (UTN no.: U1111-1222-6511). Novelty ST with maximal repetitions reduces perceived and performance fatigability of BCS. Vitamins C and E supplementation does not add any positive synergistic effect to ST in terms of reducing fatigability in BCS.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for the Assessment of Sarcopenia in Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The loss of muscle mass, known as sarcopenia, is a natural process of aging that is associated with adverse health outcomes regardless of age. Because cancer is a disease of aging, interest in sarcopenia and its potential impact in multiple cancer populations has increased significantly. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a guideline-accepted method for sarcopenia detection. This systematic review assesses the literature pertaining to BIA use in the detection of sarcopenia in adults with cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this systematic review, a search of the literature for randomized controlled trials and observational studies was conducted using MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and EMBASE, through July 15, 2019. The study is registered at Prospero (CRD 42019130707). For study inclusion, patients had to be aged 18 years or older and diagnosed with solid or hematological neoplasia, and BIA had to be used to detect sarcopenia. RESULTS: Through our search strategy, 5,045 articles were identified, of which 24 studies were selected for inclusion in the review (total number of 3,607 patients). In five studies, BIA was rated comparable to axial computed tomography (CT) scan, calf circumference, or grip strength for sarcopenia screening. In 14 studies, BIA-identified sarcopenia was associated with adverse clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: BIA is an accurate method for detecting sarcopenia in adults with cancer prior to treatment and is a viable alternative to CT, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and magnetic resonance imaging in oncology clinical practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is an attractive method for identifying sarcopenic patients in clinical practice because it provides an affordable, noninvasive test that can be completed within a few minutes during a clinic visit. BIA does not require highly skilled personnel, and results are immediately available. This systematic review summarizes the literature pertaining to BIA assessment of sarcopenia in adults with cancer, with a focus on its use in diverse cancer populations.

Two weeks of lower body resistance training enhances cycling tolerability to improve precision of maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing in sedentary middle-aged females.

It is not uncommon for sedentary individuals to cite leg fatigue as the primary factor for test termination during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a cycle ergometer. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 2 weeks of lower body resistance training (RT) on cardiopulmonary capacity in sedentary middle-aged females. Additionally, the impact of RT on muscle strength was evaluated. Following familiarization, 28 women (18 exercise group, 10 control group) completed a maximal CPET on a cycle ergometer to determine peak oxygen uptake and leg extensor strength assessed using isokinetic dynamometry. Participants in the exercise group performed 2 weeks (6 sessions) of lower body RT, which comprised leg press, leg curl, and leg extension exercises. A 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to evaluate the difference in changes of peak oxygen uptake and peak torque (PT). Peak oxygen uptake significantly improved from 22.2 ± 4.5 mL·kg-1·min-1 to 24.3 ± 4.4 mL·kg-1·min-1 (10.8%, p < 0.05) as well as PT from 83.1 ± 25.4 Nm to 89.0 ± 29.7 Nm (6.1%, p < 0.05) in the exercise group with no change in the control group. These findings provide initial evidence that 2 weeks of lower body RT prior to a CPET may be a helpful preconditioning strategy to achieve a more accurate peak oxygen uptake during testing, enhancing tolerability to a CPET by improving lower body strength.

Exercise Increases Mucosal-associated Invariant T Cell Cytokine Expression but Not Activation or Homing Markers.

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells have properties of both the innate and adaptive immune systems but are an understudied population within exercise immunology. These lymphocytes aggregate at the mucous membranes, but it is unknown if submaximal exercise alters their circulating numbers or function. PURPOSE: To determine the MAIT cell response to submaximal exercise on activation and homing marker expression and stimulated cytokine production. METHODS: Twenty healthy, young, recreationally active males cycled for 40 min at 86% of VT after an overnight fast. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and labeled to identify specific MAIT cell populations using flow cytometry. Cytokine production after stimulation was also determined. RESULTS: Mucosal-associated invariant T cells were 2.9% of T cells and increased to 3.9% after exercise and with recovery whereas cell numbers significantly increased by 91.5% after exercise before returning to resting levels. Chemokine and activation marker absolute cell number significantly increased while expression levels remained constant but the high levels of CCR5 may help direct MAIT cells to sites of inflammation. After stimulation, TNFα expression significantly increased after exercise before returning to baseline with a similar trend for IFNγ. CONCLUSIONS: The MAIT cell numbers undergo a partial biphasic response after submaximal exercise and appear to be preferentially mobilized within T cells; however, the magnitude of the submaximal response was attenuated relative to maximal exercise. Stimulated MAIT cells increase TNFα expression, indicating greater responsiveness to pathogens after acute exercise.

Movement profile influences systemic stress and biomechanical resilience to high training load exposure.

OBJECTIVES: Determine the influence of movement profile on systemic stress and mechanical loading before and after high training load exposure. DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study. METHODS: 43 physically active, college-aged field or court sport female athletes participated in this study. Participants were assigned to a "excellent" (n=22; age=20.5±1.9yrs, height=1.67±0.67m, mass=64.5±7.8kg) or "poor" (n=21; age=20.4±1.3yrs, height=1.69±0.67m, mass=60.9±6.1kg) movement group defined by The Landing Error Scoring System. Participants completed five cycles of high training load exercise of 5-min treadmill-running at a speed coincident with 100-120% ventilatory threshold and 10 jump-landings from a 30-cm box. Jump-landing vertical ground reaction force and serum cortisol were evaluated prior to and following exercise. Vertical ground reaction force ensemble averages and 95% confidence interval waveforms were generated for pre-exercise, post-exercise, and pre-post exercise changes. A two-way mixed model ANOVA was used to evaluate the effect of movement profile on systemic stress before and after exercise. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in changes in serum cortisol between the poor and excellent groups (p=0.69) in response to exercise. Overall, individuals in the poor group exhibited a higher serum cortisol level (p<0.05, d=0.85 [0.19,1.48]). The poor group exhibited higher magnitude vertical ground reaction force prior to (d=1.02-1.26) and after exercise (d=1.15) during a majority of the stance phase. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with poor movement profiles experience greater mechanical loads compared to individuals with excellent movement profiles. A poor movement profile is associated with greater overall concentrations of circulating cortisol, representative of greater systemic stress.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Feasibility and Adherence to an Aerobic Training Program in Healthy Individuals.

CONTEXT: Concussion management is moving from passive rest strategies to active interventions, including aerobic exercise therapy. Little information is available regarding the feasibility and adherence of these programs. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether an aerobic exercise training program intended for rehabilitation in people with concussion is feasible. Healthy, nonconcussed subjects were studied in this phase 1 trial. DESIGN: Phase 1 parallel-group, randomized controlled trial in a sample of healthy (nonconcussed), recreationally active university students. SETTING: Laboratory. PATIENTS: 40 healthy university students. METHODS: Participants were equally randomized to acute concussion therapy intervention (ACTIVE) training or nontraining groups. All participants completed maximal cardiopulmonary exercise tests on a stationary cycle ergometer at 2 test sessions approximately 14 days apart. During this 2-week study period, ACTIVE training participants completed six 30-minute cycling sessions, progressing from 60% to 80% of the participant's individualized maximal oxygen consumption. A subset of participants (NACTIVE = 12, Nnontraining = 11) wore physical activity monitors throughout the 2-week study period. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Study protocol and randomization effectiveness, exercise safety and adherence, and progressive intensity of the ACTIVE training procedures. RESULTS: No adverse events occurred during any exercise sessions. Twelve ACTIVE training participants (60%) completed all training sessions, and every participant completed at least 4 sessions. Heart rate increased throughout the training period (P < .001), but symptom changes and training adherence remained stable despite the progressively increasing workload. ACTIVE training participants completed approximately 30 additional minutes of physical activity on training sessions days, although that was not statistically significant (P = .20). CONCLUSIONS: University-aged students were adherent to the ACTIVE training protocol. Future research should investigate the safety and feasibility of aerobic training programs in acutely concussed individuals to determine their appropriateness as a clinical rehabilitation strategy.

Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Aerobic Training and Common Sport-Related Concussion Outcomes in Healthy Participants.

CONTEXT: Aerobic exercise interventions are increasingly being prescribed for concussion rehabilitation, but whether aerobic training protocols influence clinical concussion diagnosis and management assessments is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of a brief aerobic exercise intervention on clinical concussion outcomes in healthy, active participants. DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Healthy (uninjured) participants (n = 40) who exercised ≥3 times/week. INTERVENTION(S): Participants were randomized into the acute concussion therapy intervention (ACTIVE) training or nontraining group. All participants completed symptom, cognitive, balance, and vision assessments during 2 test sessions approximately 14 days apart. Participants randomized to ACTIVE training completed six 30-minute exercise sessions that progressed from 60% to 80% of individualized maximal oxygen consumption (V˙o2max) across test sessions, while the nontraining group received no intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The CNS Vital Signs standardized scores, Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening near-point convergence distance (cm), and Graded Symptom Checklist, Balance Error Scoring System, and Standardized Assessment of Concussion total scores. RESULTS: An interaction effect was found for total symptom score ( P = .01); the intervention group had improved symptom scores between sessions (session 1: 5.1 ± 5.8; session 2: 1.9 ± 3.6). Cognitive flexibility, executive functioning, reasoning, and total symptom score outcomes were better but composite memory, verbal memory, and near-point convergence distance scores were worse at the second session (all P values < .05). However, few changes exceeded the 80% reliable change indices calculated for this study, and effect sizes were generally small to negligible. CONCLUSIONS: A brief aerobic training protocol had few meaningful effects on clinical concussion assessment in healthy participants, suggesting that current concussion-diagnostic and -assessment tools remain clinically stable in response to aerobic exercise training. This provides normative data for future researchers, who should further evaluate the effect of ACTIVE training on clinical outcomes among concussed populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT02872480.

Relationship between sleep and exercise as colorectal cancer survivors transition off treatment.

PURPOSE: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between exercise and sleep disturbance in a sample of individuals diagnosed with stage I, II, and III colorectal cancer (CRC) as patients transitioned off first-line treatment. We also sought to identify heterogeneity in the relationship between sleep disturbance and exercise. METHODS: Data were obtained from the MY-Health study, a community-based observational study of adults diagnosed with cancer. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS) measures (e.g., PROMIS Sleep) were administered, and participants self-reported demographics, comorbidities, cancer treatment, and exercise. Regression mixture and multiple regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between sleep disturbance and exercise cross-sectionally at an average of 10 months after diagnosis, and the change in sleep disturbance over a 7-month period, from approximately 10 to 17 months post-diagnosis. RESULTS: Patients whose exercise was categorized as likely at or above American College of Sports Medicine's guidelines did not report statistically better sleep quality compared to patients who were classified as not active. However, retirement (B = - 2.4), anxiety (B = 0.21), and fatigue (B = 0.24) had statistically significant relationships with sleep disturbance (p < 0.05). Increase in exercise was not significantly associated with a decrease in sleep disturbance. No statistical heterogeneity was revealed in the relationship between sleep and exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Further prospective research using an objective measure of exercise is warranted to confirm or refute the nature of the relationship between exercise and sleep disturbance in individuals diagnosed with CRC transitioning off first-line treatment.