From surgery to functional capacity: muscle strength modifications in women post sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Severe obesity is characterized by excessive accumulation of fat generating a general health decline. Multidisciplinary treatment of obesity leads to significant weight loss in a few patients; therefore, many incur bariatric surgery. The main purpose of the study is to evaluate changes in functional capacity of people with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery and, in parallel, to correlate pre-surgery functional capacity with weight loss to improve exercise prescription during pre-operatory stage. METHODS: sixty women with diagnosed obesity were included. Maximal oxygen consumption, upper and lower limb strength and level of physical activity were recorded 1 month before and 6 months after sleeve gastrectomy. RESULTS: significant reduction on body weight (-30.1 kg) and Body Mass Index (-11.4 kg/m2) were highlighted after surgery. Absolute grip strength decreased significantly (-1.1 kg), while body weight normalized grip and lower limb strength increased significantly. The level of physical activity increased especially in leisure time (+ 593 METs/week) and active transport (+ 189.3 METs/week). Pre-surgery BMI and age predicted the amount of weight loss after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Sleeve gastrectomy induces a reduction of muscle strength despite the increase of time spent in physical activity. Further research is necessary to integrate these results with data on body composition, and objective evaluation of physical activity level to define useful information for exercise prescription in terms of surgery pre-habilitation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Padova University Hospital Board (protocol n. 2027 dated January 12, 2017).

Flexibility and Strength Effects of Adapted Nordic Walking and Myofascial Exercises Practice in Breast Cancer Survivors and Analysis of Differences.

Breast cancer treatments can elicit negative kinesiological side effects concerning both the posture and functional status of breast cancer survivors. As our body is functionally organized in myofascial meridians, physical exercise practice should favor a whole-body approach rather than a local one. The aim of the study was to investigate and compare the effects of two whole-body disciplines, i.e., adapted Nordic Walking and myofascial exercise, on the flexibility and strength performances in BCS. One hundred and sixty breast cancer survivors were trained three times per week for 12 weeks through adapted Nordic Walking or myofascial exercise. Handgrip, sit and reach, back scratch, and single leg back bridge tests and body composition were assessed at the beginning and completion of the training period. Linear mixed models showed no significant changes in body composition, whereas flexibility (p < 0.001), strength (p < 0.001), and muscle quality index (p = 0.003) changed independently from the treatment. When data modification has been analyzed according to sub-sample membership, no significant differences have been observed. Age, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy seem to have independent effects on several investigated variables. Twelve weeks of adapted myofascial exercise and Nordic Walking led to significant changes in flexibility, strength, and muscle quality in breast cancer survivors, with no apparent superiority of one approach over the other.

The Influence of Weight Loss in Postural Control in Women Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is the most effective procedure for obesity management, with a greater body weight loss and the remission of several diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between the anthropometric profile and postural control outcomes in a group of obese adult women, and the effect of bariatric surgery on postural control. METHODS: eighty-eight women candidates for bariatric surgery were recruited. Static balance was measured with the ARGO stabilometric platform under two conditions: open eyes (OE) and closed eyes (CE). RESULTS: Multiple linear regression indicated BMI as the first predictor for postural control in all parameters, except for APO in open eyes, predicted mainly by height. Changes in body weight and BMI showed no statistically significant correlations with modification of postural control parameters (OE), while they appeared to exert an influence under closed eyes conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Before surgery, obese patients with a higher BMI showed a better postural control. After surgery, the sway path and antero-posterior oscillation improved under open eyes conditions, while the magnitude of weight loss was negatively correlated with differences in postural control.

Muscle strength, aerobic capacity, and exercise tolerance are impaired in left ventricular assist devices recipients: A pilot study.

Background: Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are increasingly being used as a therapy for advanced heart failure, both as a bridge to heart transplant and, given the rapid advances in the LVAD's functionality and safety, and constant lack in availability of donor organs, as long-term destination therapy. With the diffusion of such therapy, it is crucial to assess patients' muscle strength, aerobic capacity and exercise tolerance, to improve their functional capacity. Methods: 38 LVAD recipients (33 men and five women) were included. Exercise testing including a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), handgrip, isometric and isokinetic strength testing of knee and ankle flexion/extension, and Romberg balance test in three conditions (eyes open, eyes closed, double task). Given the small and heterogeneous final sample size, a mostly descriptive statistical approach was chosen. Results: 12 participants were classified as "Obese" (BMI>29.9). The most common comorbidities were type II diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Only 12 participants were able to successfully complete all the assessments. CPET and isokinetic strength trials were the least tolerated tests, and the handgrip test the best tolerated. Mean VO2 peak was 12.38 ± 3.43 ml/kg/min, with 15 participants below 50% of predicted VO2 max, of which 6 below 30% VO2max. Mean handgrip strength was 30.05 ± 10.61 Kg; 25 participants were below the 25° percentile of their population's normative reference values for handgrip strength, 10 of which were below the 5° percentile. Issues with the management of the external pack of the LVAD and its influence on the test limited the validity of the balance tests data, therefore, no solid conclusions could be drawn from them. VO2 peak did not correlate with handgrip strength or with any of the lower limb strength measures. Conclusion: LVAD recipients show greatly reduced functional capacity and tolerance to exercise and exercise testing, with low overall strength levels. As strength variables appear to be independent from VO2 peak, different lower limbs strength tests should be explored to find a tolerable alternative in this population, which is subjected to muscle wasting due to old age, reduced tissue perfusion, side effects from the pharmacological therapies, and prolonged periods of bedrest.

Cardiovascular Risk Perception and Knowledge among Italian Women: Lessons from IGENDA Protocol.

A multicenter, cross-sectional observational study (Italian GENder Differences in Awareness of Cardiovascular risk, IGENDA study) was carried out to evaluate the perception and knowledge of cardiovascular risk among Italian women. An anonymous questionnaire was completed by 4454 women (44.3 ± 14.1 years). The 70% of respondents correctly identified cardiovascular disease (CVD) as the leading cause of death. More than half of respondents quoted cancer as the greatest current and future health problem of women of same age. Sixty percent of interviewed women considered CVD as an almost exclusively male condition. Although respondents showed a good knowledge of the major cardiovascular risk factors, the presence of cardiovascular risk factors was not associated with higher odds of identifying CVD as the biggest cause of death. Less than 10% of respondents perceived themselves as being at high CVD risk, and the increased CVD risk perception was associated with ageing, higher frequency of cardiovascular risk factors and disease, and a poorer self-rated health status. The findings of this study highlight the low perception of cardiovascular risk in Italian women and suggest an urgent need to enhance knowledge and perception of CVD risk in women as a real health problem and not just as a as a life-threatening threat.

Relationships between daily physical activity combinations and psychophysical health status of Italian breast cancer survivors.

In breast cancer survivors (BCS), the contemporaneous increase of sedentary time and reduction of physical activity (PA) requires early attention because it has negative consequences for their health. Aims of the study were to investigate: a) the correlations between PA, sedentarism, and health-related measures; b) the association between different patterns of daily activity and health-related outcomes. Two hundred and nineteen BCS (50.98 ± 6.28) were selected for this study. Psychological, anthropometric, endocrine, sleeping, and both daily sedentary time and PA variables were considered. Sedentarism and PA have opposite correlations with anthropometric variables, anxiety, depression, morning salivary cortisol, and sleeping characteristics. The first favors pathological values and the latter favors normal values. Regression tree analysis showed the impact of different daily sedentary time and PA combinations on the investigated variables and allowed the individualization of their optimal combination for health. Our results could be useful to healthcare providers and BCS.

Effects of Activity Tracker-Based Counselling and Live-Web Exercise on Breast Cancer Survivors during Italy COVID-19 Lockdown.

BACKGROUND: To prevent and fight the increase of daily sedentary time and to promote and stimulate the positive effects of physical activity and exercise on health, both traditional interventions and new strategies are important for breast cancer survivors (BCS). The research goal was to compare the effects of weekly personal feedback, based on objectively measured physical activity, on the trends of both daily sedentary time and on the physical activity of BCS (E- group) with those of an intervention also including online supervised physical exercise sessions (E+ group), during the Italy COVID-19 lockdown. METHODS: The Italian COVID-19 emergency allowed the possibility to also observe the effects of social and personal limitations. A total of 51 BCS were studied over an 18-week period and had an objective registration of day-to-day sedentary time, physical activity, and sleep. Both subsamples received weekly or fortnight personal feedback. Data were analysed considering four key periods, according to the COVID-19 emergency steps. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed an additive effect for sedentary time and a multiplicative effect both for light-to vigorous and light-intensity physical activities. The E- group had a high overall sedentary time and a different trend of light-to vigorous and light-intensity physical activities, with a reduction from the 1st to the 2nd periods (national and personal restrictions), showing a significant rise just at the end of the national restrictions. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an activity tracker and its accompanying app, with the reception of weekly tailored advice and supervised online physical exercise sessions, can elicit proper physical activity recomposition in BCS in the COVID-19 era.

Antioxidant Approach as a Cardioprotective Strategy in Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiotoxicity.

Significance: Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity (CTX) has been associated with redox signaling imbalance. In fact, redox reactions are crucial for normal heart physiology, whereas excessive oxidative stress can cause cardiomyocyte structural damage. Recent Advances: An antioxidant approach as a cardioprotective strategy in this setting has shown encouraging results in preventing anticancer drug-induced CTX. Critical Issues: In fact, traditional heart failure drugs as well as many other compounds and nonpharmacological strategies, with a partial effect in reducing oxidative stress, have been shown to counterbalance chemotherapy-induced CTX in this setting to some extent. Future Directions: Given the various pathways of toxicity involved in different chemotherapeutic schemes, interactions with redox balance need to be fine-tuned and a personalized cardioprotective approach seems to be required.

Exercise prescription and tailored physical activity intervention in onco-hematology inpatients, a personalized bedside approach to improve clinical best practice.

Therapy of hematological malignancies lasts for long periods implicating various complications. The chemotherapy induces fatigue and forces bed rest. These features strongly contribute to a general impairment of the physical efficiency. Oppositely, an increase of physical exercise can prevent or reduce this weakening. Few trials examined the efficacy of an exercise in onco-hematological inpatients, during their hospitalization. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the feasibility of an inter-hospital intervention and the beneficial role of a tailored exercise program in the maintenance of the physical function in onco-hematological inpatients. The study included 42 patients, which were allocated in two groups. In the intervention group (IG) a tailored exercise protocol during patient's hospitalization was administered. Exercise protocol was focused on development of strength, balance control, and flexibility; sessions were directly performed in the patient's hospital room everyday for 15 to 30 minutes. Exercise was supervised by an exercise specialist and driven by a multimedia support. Control group (CG) remained physically inactive for all period of hospitalization. To examine the interaction between the two situations (T0 and T1 ) and the two groups (IG and CG) for all dependent variables, a 2 × 2 within-subjects contrasts model analysis of variance was applied. Within groups analysis displayed significant differences in grip and leg strength and in static balance control (P < 0.05) with medium to very large effect size. Results from this investigation showed that a tailored exercise protocol administered to hospitalized onco-hematological patients was feasible and efficient to promote the maintenance of their physical function, improving clinical best practice including exercise to the traditional treatment. Moreover, the magnitude of the difference between the IG and the CG underlined the importance to invite and stimulate patients to workout to preserve the physical function, counteracting side effects of chemotherapy treatments with a concurrent reduction in bed rest syndrome.

Cardiac rehabilitation in women: state of the art and strategies to overcome the current barriers.

: Cardiac rehabilitation is able to reduce cardiovascular mortality, and improves functional capacity and quality of life. However, cardiac rehabilitation participation rates are low and the current evidence has demonstrated sex differences for the access to cardiac rehabilitation programs. In this review, we discuss the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation in women with a specific focus on ischemic heart disease, heart failure, cardiac rehabilitation after cardiac surgery and after transcatheter aortic valve implantation, and peripheral artery disease. We also analyse the current limitations to cardiac rehabilitation for women in terms of accessibility and indications, reporting general, sex-specific, and healthcare-related barriers. Finally, we discuss the potential solutions and areas of development for the coming years.

Effects of exercise on cancer patients suffering chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy undergoing treatment: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is the most common neurological and clinically relevant side effect of many commonly used chemotherapeutic agents. Moreover, little effort has been done to investigate the potentially beneficial effects of specific exercises to counteract the CIPN symptoms. OBJECTIVE: This document aims to summarize and analyze systematically the current body of evidence about the effects of specific exercise protocols on CIPN symptoms, balance control, physical function and quality of life in patients with CIPN. LITERATURE SURVEY: Specific terms were identified for the literature research in MEDLINE, Scopus, Bandolier, PEDro, and Web of Science. METHODOLOGY: Five manuscripts were considered eligible for this review. Quality appraisal distinguished two studies as high quality investigations while three with low quality. Results were summarized in the following domains: "CIPN symptoms", "Static balance control", "Dynamic balance control", "Quality of life and Physical function". SYNTHESIS: Significant improvements were detected on postural control. Additionally, patients' quality of life and independence were found ameliorated after exercise sessions. Combined exercise protocols including endurance, strength and sensorimotor training showed larger improvements. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review comes from a highly selected but small source of data. Nevertheless, specific exercise for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with CIPN symptoms should be recommended since these interventions appeared as feasible and have been demonstrated as useful tools to counteract some of the limitations due to chemotherapy.

Mediterranean diet impact on cardiovascular diseases: a narrative review.

: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for more than 17 million deaths per year worldwide. It has been estimated that the influence of lifestyle on CVD mortality amounts to 13.7% for smoking, 13.2% for poor diet, and 12% for inactive lifestyle. These results deeply impact both the healthy status of individuals and their skills in working. The impact of CVD on productivity loss accounts for the 24% in total costs for CVD management.Mediterranean diet (MedD) can positively impact on natural history of CVD. It is characterized by a relatively high consumption of inexpensive and genuine food such as cereals, vegetables, legumes, nuts, fish, fresh fruits, and olive oil as the principal source of fat, low meat consumption and low-to-moderate consumption of milk, dairy products, and wine.Its effects on cardiovascular health are related to the significant improvements in arterial stiffness. Peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease, and chronic heart failure are all positively influenced by the MedD. Furthermore, MedD lowers the risk of sudden cardiac death due to arrhythmias.The present narrative review aims to analyze the effects of MedD on CVD.

Physical exercises for breast cancer survivors: effects of 10 weeks of training on upper limb circumferences.

[Purpose] The aims of this study were to verify the effects on upper limb circumferences and total body extracellular water of 10 weeks of Nordic Walking (NW) and Walking (W), both alone and combined with a series of exercises created for breast cancer survivors, the ISA method. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty breast cancer survivors were randomly assigned to 4 different training groups and evaluated for upper limb circumferences, total body and extracellular water. [Results] The breast cancer survivors who performed NW, alone and combined with the ISA method, and Walking combined with the ISA method (but not alone) showed significantly reduced arm and forearm circumferences homolateral to the surgical intervention. [Conclusion] For breast cancer survivors, NW, alone and combined with the ISA method, and Walking combined with the ISA method should be prescribed to prevent the onset and to treat light forms of upper limb lymphedema because Walking training practiced alone had no significant effect on upper limb circumference reduction.

Cardiotoxicity from anthracycline and cardioprotection in paediatric cancer patients.

Notwithstanding the steady progress in survival rates of children and adolescents suffering from cancer, the benefits associated with chemotherapy do not come without risks involving multiple organs and systems, including the cardiovascular apparatus. Anthracyclines-often administered in combination with radiation therapy and/or surgery-are the most used chemotherapeutic compounds in order to treat tumours and blood malignancies even in paediatric age. Being an important side-effect of anthracyclines, carduitoxicity may limit their efficacy during the treatment and induce long-term sequelae, observed even many years after therapy completion. The purpose of this review was to perform an overview about all the possible strategies to prevent and/or limit the anthracyclines adverse side-effects for the cardiovascular system in childhood cancer survivors.

Novel insights in pathophysiology of antiblastic drugs-induced cardiotoxicity and cardioprotection.

Despite advances in supportive and protective therapy for myocardial function, heart failure caused by various clinical conditions, including cardiomyopathy due to antineoplastic therapy, remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Because of the limitations associated with current therapies, investigators have been searching for alternative treatments that can effectively repair the damaged heart and permanently restore its function. Damage to the heart can result from both traditional chemotherapeutic agents, such as anthracyclines, and new targeted therapies, such as trastuzumab. Because of this unresolved issue, investigators are searching for alternative therapeutic strategies. In this article, we present state-of-the-art technology with regard to the genomic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying cardiotoxicity and cardioprotection, the role of anticancer in influencing the redox (reduction/oxidation) balance and the function of stem cells in the repair/regeneration of the adult heart. These findings, although not immediately transferable to clinical applications, form the basis for the development of personalized medicine based on the prevention of cardiotoxicity with the use of genetic testing. Proteomics, metabolomics and investigations on reactive oxygen species-dependent pathways, particularly those that interact with the production of NO and energy metabolism, appear to be promising for the identification of early markers of cardiotoxicity and for the development of cardioprotective agents. Finally, autologous cardiac stem and progenitor cells may represent future contributions in the field of myocardial protection and recovery in the context of antiblastic therapy.

Cardiotoxicity from anthracycline and cardioprotection in paediatric cancer patients.

Notwithstanding the steady progress in survival rates of children and adolescents suffering from cancer, the benefits associated with chemotherapy do not come without risks involving multiple organs and systems, including the cardiovascular apparatus. Anthracyclines-often administered in combination with radiation therapy and/or surgery-are the most used chemotherapeutic compounds in order to treat tumours and blood malignancies even in paediatric age. Being an important side-effect of anthracyclines, carduitoxicity may limit their efficacy during the treatment and induce long-term sequelae, observed even many years after therapy completion. The purpose of this review was to perform an overview about all the possible strategies to prevent and/or limit the anthracyclines adverse side-effects for the cardiovascular system in childhood cancer survivors.

Novel insights in pathophysiology of antiblastic drugs-induced cardiotoxicity and cardioprotection.

Despite advances in supportive and protective therapy for myocardial function, heart failure caused by various clinical conditions, including cardiomyopathy due to antineoplastic therapy, remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Because of the limitations associated with current therapies, investigators have been searching for alternative treatments that can effectively repair the damaged heart and permanently restore its function. Damage to the heart can result from both traditional chemotherapeutic agents, such as anthracyclines, and new targeted therapies, such as trastuzumab. Because of this unresolved issue, investigators are searching for alternative therapeutic strategies. In this article, we present state-of-the-art technology with regard to the genomic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying cardiotoxicity and cardioprotection, the role of anticancer in influencing the redox (reduction/oxidation) balance and the function of stem cells in the repair/regeneration of the adult heart. These findings, although not immediately transferable to clinical applications, form the basis for the development of personalized medicine based on the prevention of cardiotoxicity with the use of genetic testing. Proteomics, metabolomics and investigations on reactive oxygen species-dependent pathways, particularly those that interact with the production of NO and energy metabolism, appear to be promising for the identification of early markers of cardiotoxicity and for the development of cardioprotective agents. Finally, autologous cardiac stem and progenitor cells may represent future contributions in the field of myocardial protection and recovery in the context of antiblastic therapy.

Nordic Walking and the Isa Method for Breast Cancer Survivors: Effects on Upper Limb Circumferences and Total Body Extracellular Water - a Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: The negative side effects of breast cancer treatments can include upper limb lymphoedema. The growing literature indicates that Nordic walking is an effective discipline against several disease symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine whether introduction to Nordic walking alone is effective against total body extracellular water and upper limb circumferences in breast cancer survivors compared to its combination with a series of specifically created exercises (i.e. the Isa method). METHODS: 16 breast cancer survivors (49.09 ± 2.24 years) were recruited and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 different training groups. RESULTS: 10 lessons on Nordic walking technique plus the Isa method significantly reduced both extracellular body water and the extracellular-to-total body water ratio (p = 0.01 for both), and also the circumference of the upper limb, (both relaxed arm and forearm circumferences) (p = 0.01 for all), whereas Nordic walking alone did not. CONCLUSIONS: Introduction to Nordic walking does not seem to affect lymphoedema in breast cancer survivors. This might be because novice Nordic Walkers do not adequately generate an effective muscular pump through coordination of the alternated bimanual open-close cycle. The Isa method appears to close this gap.