Middle cerebral artery blood velocity and cognitive function after high- and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise sessions.

This crossover study explored the acute effect of a session of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on middle cerebral artery (MCA) variables such as cerebral blood velocity, pulsatility index (PI) and resistivity index (RI) through transcranial Doppler (TCD), and cognitive function (CF - verbal fluency and Digit Span) in healthy young adults. Participants (26 healthy young adults, 13 women, 24 ± 3 years) underwent two different randomized exercise sessions: (1) MICT (60 % heart rate reserve, HRR) and (2) HIIT (80 % HRR). MCA velocity, PI, RI, CF, and serum lactate were measured immediately before and after the sessions. HIIT demonstrated improved executive function/semantic fluency (20 %, p = 0.019), while both MICT and HIIT increased lactate (625 %, HIIT, p < 0.001, and 238 %, MICT, p < 0.001). Other assessments remained stable, except for reduced PI (p = 0.029) and RI (p = 0.023) after MICT, with no significant difference (pre-post for HIIT-MICT). Notably, cognition improvement correlated with lactate increase in HIIT (ρ = 0.436; p < 0.001). Executive function/semantic fluency increased after HIIT relative to MICT. The findings show that there are no systematic out-of-normal changes in the cerebrovascular circulation of clinically healthy adults undergoing HIIT and MICT.

Effects of exercise intervention on psychotic symptoms: A meta-analysis and hypothetical model of neurobiological mechanisms.

There is conflicting evidence on the efficacy of exercise as intervention for psychosis. This article aims to analyze the effect of exercise on psychotic symptoms. A database search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, EBSCO and Cochrane CENTRAL, based on a protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42022326944). Papers available by March 2023 assessing exercise interventions in psychotic patients were included. A significant improvement was found in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) positive symptoms (MD = -0.75 [-1.35, -0.15], p = 0.01), with large effect sizes for PANSS-negative and general symptoms (-2.14 [-3.36, -0.92]) and (-2.53 [-3.15, -1.91]), respectively. Heterogeneity was high among studies, 49 and 73% for PANSS-positive and negative symptoms, and low, 0%, for general symptoms. It was hypothesized that functioning of specific brain areas, such as the temporal lobe and hippocampus, may underlie the improvement seen with exercise. Based on neuroimaging/neurophysiology studies, we propose a neurobiological model accounting for the association between exercise and psychotic symptom improvement.

Web-based exercise interventions for patients with depressive and anxiety disorders: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Objective: The number of people suffering from depression and/or anxiety has increased steadily due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this context, web-based exercise interventions have emerged as a potential treatment strategy. The objective of this study was to synthetize evidence from randomized controlled trials regarding the effects of web-based exercise interventions on patients with depressive and/or anxiety disorders. Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Six databases were searched (Cochrane Library, EBSCO, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, and Web of Science), and eligible articles were identified according to a PICOS inclusion-exclusion approach (participants with depressive or anxiety disorders; web-based exercise interventions; active or passive control group; assessment of changes in depressive or anxiety disorders; randomized design). Primary outcomes were depressive and/or anxiety symptoms. The quality of evidence was assessed with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. Results: Of 7,846 search results, three studies met the inclusion criteria (172 participants between 18 and 65 years of age, 95.9% women). The web-based exercise interventions lasted 8-12 weeks and involved endurance training, yoga, or combined endurance and strength training. The comparators involved non-exercise controls or active controls. Compliance rates were low. Web-based exercise interventions were not superior to controls regarding anxiety symptoms, and only one study found benefits for depressive symptoms (p ≤ 0.05). The quality of the cumulative evidence was low. Conclusion: The available data regarding the effects of web-based exercise interventions on depression and/or anxiety symptoms is scarce, the risk of bias is high, and the quality of the cumulative results is low. Currently, no clear recommendations can be provided. Registration number: PROSPERO CRD42021225938.

Poor physical fitness is associated with impaired memory, executive function, and depression in institutionalized older adults: a cross-sectional study

Objective: To analyze the association between physical fitness, cognitive function, and depressive symptoms among older adults in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Methods: Seventy-six institutionalized male and female elderly individuals (65 years and older) living in LTCFs participated of this study. Physical fitness (aerobic capacity and strength), cognitive functions (global cognition, short-term and working and semantic memories, and executive function), and depressive symptoms were assessed. Linear regression and contingency analyses were performed. Significance was accepted at p-values ≤ 0.05. Results: Aerobic capacity predicted 32% of variance in global cognition (p < 0.01) and 25% of variance in semantic fluency/executive function (p < 0.01). Low levels of upper limb strength, lower limb strength, and aerobic capacity were associated with semantic fluency/executive function (OR = 1.38, p = 0.01, OR = 1.26, p = 0.03, and OR = 1.07, p = 0.01, respectively) and depressive symptoms (OR = 1.06, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Poor physical fitness is associated with cognition and depressive symptoms in institutionalized older adults. Low levels of strength and aerobic fitness increase the odds of presenting with impaired semantic fluency and executive function, possibly denoting an increased risk of developing dementia.

Poor physical fitness is associated with impaired memory, executive function, and depression in institutionalized older adults: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between physical fitness, cognitive function, and depressive symptoms among older adults in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). METHODS: Seventy-six institutionalized male and female elderly individuals (65 years and older) living in LTCFs participated of this study. Physical fitness (aerobic capacity and strength), cognitive functions (global cognition, short-term and working and semantic memories, and executive function), and depressive symptoms were assessed. Linear regression and contingency analyses were performed. Significance was accepted at p-values ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Aerobic capacity predicted 32% of variance in global cognition (p < 0.01) and 25% of variance in semantic fluency/executive function (p < 0.01). Low levels of upper limb strength, lower limb strength, and aerobic capacity were associated with semantic fluency/executive function (OR = 1.38, p = 0.01, OR = 1.26, p = 0.03, and OR = 1.07, p = 0.01, respectively) and depressive symptoms (OR = 1.06, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Poor physical fitness is associated with cognition and depressive symptoms in institutionalized older adults. Low levels of strength and aerobic fitness increase the odds of presenting with impaired semantic fluency and executive function, possibly denoting an increased risk of developing dementia.

Web-based exercise interventions for patients with depressive and anxiety disorders: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: The number of people suffering from depression and/or anxiety has increased steadily due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this context, web-based exercise interventions have emerged as a potential treatment strategy. The objective of this study was to synthetize evidence from randomized controlled trials regarding the effects of web-based exercise interventions on patients with depressive and/or anxiety disorders. METHODS: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Six databases were searched (Cochrane Library, EBSCO, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, and Web of Science), and eligible articles were identified according to a PICOS inclusion-exclusion approach (participants with depressive or anxiety disorders; web-based exercise interventions; active or passive control group; assessment of changes in depressive or anxiety disorders; randomized design). Primary outcomes were depressive and/or anxiety symptoms. The quality of evidence was assessed with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. RESULTS: Of 7,846 search results, three studies met the inclusion criteria (172 participants between 18 and 65 years of age, 95.9% women). The web-based exercise interventions lasted 8-12 weeks and involved endurance training, yoga, or combined endurance and strength training. The comparators involved non-exercise controls or active controls. Compliance rates were low. Web-based exercise interventions were not superior to controls regarding anxiety symptoms, and only one study found benefits for depressive symptoms (p ≤ 0.05). The quality of the cumulative evidence was low. CONCLUSION: The available data regarding the effects of web-based exercise interventions on depression and/or anxiety symptoms is scarce, the risk of bias is high, and the quality of the cumulative results is low. Currently, no clear recommendations can be provided. REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42021225938.

Sociodemographic determinants of edentulism in the elderly population: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a systematic review on the demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with edentulism among older persons. BACKGROUND: Edentulism (complete loss of the natural teeth) is one of the main problems affecting the oral health of the elderly individuals. Many unfavourable socioeconomic factors are considered important predictors of edentulism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review was performed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). The search for published studies was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO, Google and Google Scholar. Only observational epidemiological studies published in either English or Portuguese prior to June 2018 were included in our study. The bibliographic and methodological characteristics of the selected studies were evaluated. The Review Manager 5.3 software was used in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: We identified 343 articles, 24 of which met all the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Unfavourable demographic and socioeconomic conditions were associated with the highest proportion of edentulous individuals. Age, level of education, and socioeconomic status were the main factors that were found to influence edentulism among elderly individuals. The meta-analysis results showed a lower risk of edentulism in men (OR = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.90-0.96) and no significant differences in the risk of developing edentulism among different races/ethnicities or skin colours (OR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.45-1.01). CONCLUSION: Better socioeconomic conditions and male sex were identified as protective factors against edentulism among older individuals. Thus, public policies aimed at helping the most vulnerable populations must be implemented.

Effects of a Nintendo Wii exercise program versus Tai Chi Chuan on standing balance in older adults: a preliminary study.

[Purpose] This study compared the effect of the Nintendo Wii balance board (NWBB) and Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) on the standing balance (SB) of older adults. [Participants and Methods] Twelve older adults (NWBB=7 and TCC=5) completed the intervention and two testing sessions (pre-post). SB was assessed using posturographic measures with the center of pressure (CoP) in five modes: quiet eyes open (QSB-EO) and eyes closed (QSB-EC), on sponge (SBS-EO and SBS-EC), and with optokinetic field (SB-OF). [Results] Both interventions significantly decrease the area of CoP sway (CoPSway) in QSB-EO and SB-OF. The NWBB-group decreased CoPSway in SBS-EC and CoP velocity (Vmean) in QSB-EO, QSB-EC, and SBS-EC. The TCC-group decreased the Vmean in SBS-EO and conversely the Vmean in QSB-EC increased. [Conclusion] Sponge and optokinetic field were the most unstable assessments. These findings reveal the potential benefits for SB of both interventions, however the NWBB improved more variables in the postural control of older adults.

We need to move more: Neurobiological hypotheses of physical exercise as a treatment for Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases in the world. The degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and chronic inflammation impair specific brain areas, which in turn result in lesser motor control, behavioral changes and cognitive decline. Nowadays, drug-treatments are the foremost approaches in treating PD. However, exercise has been shown to have powerful effects on PD, based on several neurobiological mechanisms. These effects may decrease the risk of developing PD by 33%. However, these mechanisms are unclear and little explored. Among several mechanisms, we propose two specific hypotheses: 1. Physical exercise reduces chronic oxidative stress and stimulates mitochondria biogenesis and up-regulation of authophagy in PD patients. Moreover, antioxidant enzymes (e.g. superoxide dismutase) become more active and effective in response to physical exercise. 2. Exercise stimulates neurotransmitter (e.g. dopamine) and trophic factors (BDNF, GDNF, FGF-2, IGF-1, among others) synthesis. These neurochemical phenomena promote neuroplasticity, which, in turn, decreases neural apoptosis and may delay the neurodegeneration process, preventing or decreasing PD development and symptoms, respectively.

Hemodynamic responses of unfit healthy women at a training session with nintendo wii: a possible impact on the general well-being.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was assess the effect of a training session with Nintendo Wii® on the hemodynamic responses of healthy women not involved in regular physical exercise. METHOD: Twenty-five healthy unfit women aged 28 ± 6 years played for 10 minutes the game Free Run (Wii Fit Plus). The resting heart rate (RHR), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP), and double (rate-pressure) product (DP) were measured before and after activity. The HR during the activity (exercise heart rate, EHR) was measured every minute. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed between the RHR (75 ± 9 bpm) and the mean EHR (176 ± 15 bpm) (P < 0.001). The EHR remained in the target zone for aerobic exercise until the fifth minute of activity, which coincided with the upper limit of the aerobic zone (80% heart rate reserve (HRR) + RHR) from the sixth to tenth minute. The initial (110 ± 8 mmHg) and final (145 ± 17 mmHg) SBP (P < 0.01) were significantly different, as were the initial (71 ± 8 mmHg) and final (79 ± 9 mmHg) DBP (P < 0.01). A statistically significant difference was observed between the pre- (8.233 ± 1.141 bpm-mmHg) and post-activity (25.590 ± 4.117 bpm-mmHg) DP (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Physical exercise while playing Free Run sufficed to trigger acute hemodynamic changes in healthy women who were not engaged in regular physical exercise.