The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on selected physical, physiological parameters, exercise and nutritional behaviors in diabetic persons.

OBJECTIVE: Due to the high prevalence of diabetes in the world, it seems that one of the most important strategies to prevent and treat this disease are lifestyle changes. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on selected physical and psychological parameters, exercise, and nutritional behaviors in diabetic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of volunteers with type 2 diabetes. Patients were randomized into two groups: an intervention (n=32) and a control group (n=31). The Beck Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess physical activity in combination with the Beck Depression Inventory and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to assess the levels of depression and the quality of sleep. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) training consisted of six sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy interventions. The intervention consisted of a face-to-face individual counseling session. The patients received a special diet according to their basal metabolic rate (BMR). At all sessions, dietary advice was reviewed, and during the treatment period, they were asked to record their diet and physical activity. Body composition and blood samples were measured before and after three months of the experiment for both groups. RESULTS: Blood glucose, blood lipid profiles (except high-density lipoprotein), lifestyle, behavior patterns and body composition were significantly improved following CBT intervention (p≤0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CBT can play a key role in improving physiological and psychological parameters in diabetic patients.

The effects of daytime melatonin ingestion on arousal and vigilance vanish after sub-maximal exercise: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Daytime melatonin ingestion is known to induce sleep at rest, which may affect arousal and vigilance. Physical exercise is known to produce an increase in core temperature and circulating cortisol which can enhance arousal and vigilance. The effect of submaximal exercise on vigilance and arousal following acute melatonin ingestion has not yet been studied. The present study aimed at investigating the effect of submaximal exercise on vigilance and arousal following daytime melatonin ingestion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight physical education students undertook 45 min of submaximal exercise (at 60% of maximal aerobic speed) on a treadmill after melatonin-(6 mg) or placebo ingestion, in a randomized and counterbalanced order. RESULTS: Heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (Tre), felt arousal scale (FAS), and thermal sensations (TS) were recorded at baseline (pre-exercise), immediately after exercise (post-exercise), and after 30 min of recovery (30 min post-exercise). Blood was sampled for lactate and cortisol. At 30 min post-exercise, the Tre, HR, blood pressure, lactate, FAS, and TS were measured. The participants performed vigilance tests pre-exercise, post-exercise and 30 min post-exercise. Daytime melatonin ingestion affected arousal and vigilance in the pre-exercise period (p < 0.05) but had no effect on Tre, HR, blood pressure, lactate, TS, arousal, and vigilance measured 30 min post-exercise (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The negative effects of melatonin ingestion on vigilance and arousal vanished after a 45 min of submaximal exercise. The hypnotic effect of melatonin observed in the pre-exercise dissipated in the post-exercise period, possibly due to the significant elevation of Tre, HR, and cortisol at the end of submaximal exercise.

How physical activity behavior affected well-being, anxiety and sleep quality during COVID-19 restrictions in Iran.

OBJECTIVE: The Islamic Republic of Iran has displayed one of the highest rates of COVID-19 infection in the world and the highest rate of mortality in the Middle East. Iran has used a stringent package of preventive health measures to mitigate the spread of infection, which however has negatively affected individuals' physical and psychological health. This study aimed at examining whether physical-activity (PA) behavior, anxiety, well-being, and sleep-quality changed in response to the COVID-19-related public health restrictions enforced in Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An online questionnaire was disseminated to adults residing in Iran from November 17, 2020, to February 13, 2021 (~88 days), during Iran's strictest public health restrictions. Main outcome measures included Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire, General Anxiety Disorder-7, Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. RESULTS: A total of 3,323 adults (mean age 30±11 years, 54.3% female) participated in the survey. Firstly, the restrictions generally reduced PA behavior: (a) among inactive participants (IPs), 60.6% became less active vs. 5.1% who became more active; and (b) among active participants (APs), 49.9% became less active vs. 22.8% who became more active. Secondly, PA behavior was associated with higher well-being and sleep quality during the restrictions: (a) APs reported higher (or lower) levels of well-being and sleep quality (or anxiety) than did IPs; and (b) among IPs as well as among APs, the more active the participants, the greater (or lower) the levels of well-being and sleep quality (or anxiety). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the beneficial role of PA behavior for well-being, anxiety, and sleep quality during the COVID-19 restrictions, whereas such restrictions appeared to decrease PA participation. Active lifestyle should be then encouraged during the COVID-19 outbreak while taking precautions.