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The effectiveness of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) supplementation on enhancing exercise performance in both young and older adults remains a topic of debate. Recent research suggests that BCAAs combined with regular exercise might have an impact on human erythropoiesis, blood dynamics, and iron homeostasis. Given the increasing longevity of the global population, it is crucial to investigate the potential benefits of BCAA supplementation and regular exercise as non-pharmacological interventions for improving the overall health of frail older adults. To assess the influence of a 40-week multicomponent exercise intervention (MEP) combined BCCA supplementation on the haematological indicators of frail older adults (83-93 years old) residing in nursing homes. A prospective, naturalistic, controlled clinical trial employing an intervention-washout-intervention was conducted for this purpose. The study included four experimental groups: MEP plus BCAA supplementation (MEP + BCAA, n = 8), MEP only (n = 7), BCAA supplementation only (n = 7), and control group non exercising (CG, n = 13). Fried's physical frailty (PF) protocol was employed to stratify the participants. Additionally, the assessment included the evaluation of nutritional status, comorbidities, and anthropometric measurements. Among the several haematological markers examined, only mean cellular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCH) [F = 4.09; p < 0.03] and Mean Cell haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) [F = 10, 323; p < 0,0001] showed significant effects of time group. Our findings demonstrate that a long-term intervention with BCAA plus MEP did not lead to significant alterations in the haematological profile. An 8-week withdrawal from interventions did not affect the frailty status in the MEP and MEP + BCAA groups, whereas the control group exhibited an increase in PF status. The findings, demonstrating the potential pro-immune effect and maintenance of MCH and MCHC levels, highlight the relevance of incorporating exercise and nutritional strategies to promote healthy aging. This study contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 (good health and well-being) and 10 (reduced Inequalities) for all.
RESUMO
The prevalence of age-related non-communicable chronic diseases has increased worldwide, being the leading causes of morbidity and death in many world regions, including in Europe. Innovative models and strategies focused on preventive care, including early identification of risk factors underlying disease onset and progression, and proper modification of lifestyle habits and behaviors, might contribute to promote quality of life, healthy living and active aging. Healthy Lifestyle Innovative Quarters for Cities and Citizens (HeaLIQs4cities) is an EIT Health-funded project aiming to engage, empower and educate citizens toward healthy lifestyles. One of the major objectives of this project was to develop a toolkit for a rapid and informal assessment of healthy lifestyles, to be used at different levels of care pathways, including in informal public environments. In this paper, we describe the methodology underlying the development of the toolkit, which resulted from the collaboration of an interdisciplinary focus group of academic experts, from medicine, sport sciences, psychology, health economics, and innovative technologies applied to health. The following eight components were included in the toolkit: (1) anthropometric assessment and cardiometabolic parameters; (2) physical activity and exercise; (3) well-being, social cohesion, and functional independence; (4) nutrition; (5) mental health; (6) smoking, drinking, and use of illicit substances; (7) sleep habits and quality; and (8) health and disease. A traffic light rating system indicating the risk score was used (low: green; moderate: yellow; and relevant: orange) for each of the 8 components, together with recommendations for the toolkit users. After completing the reduced version of the toolkit, individuals showing moderate or relevant risk in one or more of the 8 dimensions, were invited to participate in a more detailed assessment (toolkit long version), based on deeper and scientifically validated tools. The toolkit was incorporated in eVida, a web-based platform that focuses on delivering services to personalized health and well-being. The validation of the current toolkit has been applied in wide-ranging public events in three different European Regions. Large scale deployment of the toolkit is expected to profit from the Reference Site Collaborative Network of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Aging (EIP on AHA).
RESUMO
ABSTRACT Introduction: The popularity of ultra-endurance events is increasing worldwide. However, information about hematological parameters during repeated bouts of long-duration running, such as stages during a multi-stage ultramarathon (MSUM) is scarce. Objective: The purpose of the study was to monitor daily hematologic assessment in a 230-km multistage ultramarathon (MSUM) in hot environmental conditions. Methods: Eleven male and three female (n = 14) ultra-endurance runners entered this MSUM, which was conducted over five stages, covering a total distance of 230 km in hot ambient conditions. Peripheral blood samples were collected before and after each stage to determine leukocyte and erythrocytes parameters. Results: Multilevel modelling considering all measurement points showed an increase for whole blood leukocyte and granulocyte counts at five stages of the MSUM and for monocytes until Stage 3 of the race. For erythrocyte parameters, decreases across stages were observed in hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit responses when computing/considering all measurement points. Conclusions: The results indicate that MSUM in a hot environment leads to a greater impact on leukocyte population responses and platelet variation in the initial stages of the race. We suggest that athletes may have a decrease in immune function in the early stages of the MSUM, probably with some transient risk of infectious. Nevertheless, a physiological adaptation to physical exertion and heat mitigates these changes in the subsequent stages of MSUM. Level of Evidence III; Case-control study.
RESUMO Introdução: A popularidade dos eventos de ultra-resistência está aumentando em todo o mundo. Entretanto, faltam informações sobre os parâmetros hematológicos durante episódios repetidos de corridas de longa duração, como, por exemplo, os estágios durante uma ultramaratona de múltiplos estágios (MSUM). Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo foi monitorar a avaliação hematológica diária em uma ultramaratona de múltiplos estágios (MSUM) de 230 km sob condições climáticas quentes. Métodos: Onze corredores e três corredoras de -ultra-resistência (n = 14) participaram dessa MSUM, em cinco estágios, totalizando uma distância de 230 km sob condições climáticas quentes. As amostras de sangue periférico foram coletadas antes e após cada estágio para determinação dos parâmetros de leucócitos e eritrócitos. Resultados: O modelo multinível considerando todos os pontos de medição apresentou um aumento na contagem de leucócitos e granulócitos do sangue total nos cinco estágios da MSUM e para os monócitos até o estágio três da competição. Para os parâmetros dos eritrócitos, foram observadas reduções através dos estágios na concentração de hemoglobina e nas respostas do hematócrito ao se contabilizar/considerar todos os pontos de medição. Conclusões: Os resultados indicam que a MSUM em condições climáticas quentes exerce um maior impacto nas respostas da população de leucócitos e na variação plaquetária nos estágios iniciais da competição. Sugerimos que os atletas podem ter uma diminuição na função imune nos estágios iniciais da MSUM, provavelmente, com algum risco transitório de infecção. No entanto, uma adaptação fisiológica para o esforço físico e calor minimiza essas alterações nos estágios seguintes da MSUM. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo caso-controle.
RESUMEN Introducción: La popularidad de los eventos de ultra resistencia está aumentando en todo el mundo. Entretanto, faltan informaciones sobre los parámetros hematológicos durante episodios repetidos de carreras de larga duración, como por ejemplo, las etapas de una ultramaratón de múltiples etapas (MSUM). Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio fue monitorizar la evaluación hematológica diaria en una ultramaratón de múltiples etapas (MSUM) de 230 km bajo condiciones climáticas cálidas. Métodos: Once corredores y tres corredoras de ultra resistencia (n = 14) participaron en esa MSUM, en cinco etapas, totalizando una distancia de 230 km bajo condiciones climáticas cálidas. Las muestras de sangre periférica fueron colectadas antes y después de cada etapa para determinación de los parámetros de leucocitos y eritrocitos. Resultados: El modelo multinivel considerando todos los puntos de medición presentó un aumento en el conteo de leucocitos y granulocitos de la sangre total en las cinco etapas de la MSUM y para los monocitos hasta la etapa 3 de la competencia. Para los parámetros de eritrocitos, fueron observadas reducciones a través de las etapas en la concentración de hemoglobina y en las respuestas de hematocrito al contabilizar/considerar todos los puntos de medición. Conclusiones: Los resultados indican que la MSUM en condiciones climáticas cálidas ejerce un mayor impacto en las respuestas de la población de leucocitos y en la variación plaquetaria en las etapas iniciales de la competencia. Sugerimos que los atletas pueden tener una disminución en la función inmune en las etapas iniciales de la MSUM probablemente con algún riesgo transitorio de infección. Sin embargo, una adaptación fisiológica para el esfuerzo físico y el calor, minimiza esas alteraciones en las etapas siguientes de la MSUM. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudio de caso-control.
