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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Health Status of Live Theater Actors: A Systematic Literature Review.

OBJECTIVE: Actors constitute an at-risk population based on the physical burden demanded from their profession, different health behaviors, and poor economic and health insurance status. The purpose of this systematic literature review was to search for evidence of the health and fitness of theater actors. METHODS: Pubmed, EBSCO (CINAHL and SPORTdiscus), the database of the Performing Arts Medicine Association, the Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, and Medical Problems of Performing Artists were searched. Included studies had data extracted and were scored for methodological quality. RESULTS: The search identified 18 studies, examining actors at different career stages, including secondary school (n=2), university (n=3), and professional (n=13). Eight studies received a low methodological quality score (50% or less). Most studies reported cigarette smoking among 10-26% of their samples and regular alcohol use in 25-40%. However, among professionals, prevalence and risk of harm from levels of alcohol consumption were much higher. Marijuana consumption was reported by 11-25% of respondents, while use of other drugs ranged from 7-23%. Most respondents suffered 1-2 injuries each year, with one study indicating that 72% of injuries occurred during class or rehearsal. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic literature review highlights a large gap in the research about actors' health. The high rates of substance use and injuries among actors indicate not only a large health burden but a hindrance to their ability to perform, which may negatively impact their livelihood.

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.

The Independent Effects of Strength Training in Cancer Survivors: a Systematic Review.

Cancer treatment is associated with adverse changes in strength, body composition, physical function, and quality of life. Exercise training reduces cancer incidence and mortality rates and may offset some of the treatment-related effects. To determine the independent effects of strength training (ST) on the effects of cancer treatment, an initial search was performed in March and then updated in November 2015. Additional articles were identified by scanning references from relevant articles. Studies using traditional ST on strength, body composition, aerobic capacity, functional assessments, and psychosocial parameters were included. Excluded studies had no objective strength measurement or combined ST with additional exercise. Mean and standard deviations from 39 studies across seven cancer types were extracted for main outcomes. ST-induced change scores with 95% confidence intervals were calculated and were evaluated with paired t tests, where appropriate. Twenty to fifty percent improvements in maximal strength were observed, indicating that the ST programs were effective. Physical function was also enhanced (7-38%), although gains were less consistent. Body composition and psychosocial changes were rare, with only a few changes in selected cancer types. As such, ST appears to promote benefits that may be specific to cancer types. Strength was the only consistent outcome that improved in all cancer survivors. However, these gains in strength are still of tremendous importance, given its impact on functionality and quality of life. Several practical considerations for exercise testing, training, and data reporting are presented for consideration to improve the overall depth of the field.

Evaluation of pedometry as a patient-centered outcome in patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT): a comparison of pedometry and patient reports of symptoms, health, and quality of life.

AIMS: We evaluated pedometry as a novel patient-centered outcome because it enables passive continuous assessment of activity and may provide information about the consequences of symptomatic toxicity complementary to self-report. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) wore pedometers and completed PRO assessments during transplant hospitalization (4 weeks) and 4 weeks post-discharge. Patient reports of symptomatic treatment toxicities (single items from PRO-CTCAE, http://healthcaredelivery.cancer.gov/pro-ctcae ) and symptoms, physical health, mental health, and quality of life (PROMIS(®) Global-10, http://nih.promis.org ), assessed weekly with 7-day recall on Likert scales, were compared individually with pedometry data, summarized as average daily steps per week, using linear mixed models. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients [mean age 55 (SD = 14), 63 % male, 84 % white, 56 % autologous, 43 % allogeneic] completed a mean 4.6 (SD = 1.5, range 1-8) evaluable assessments. Regression model coefficients (ß) indicated within-person decrements in average daily steps were associated with increases in pain (ß = -852; 852 fewer steps per unit increase in pain score, p < 0.001), fatigue (ß = -886, p < 0.001), vomiting (ß = -518, p < 0.01), shaking/chills (ß = -587, p < 0.01), diarrhea (ß = -719, p < 0.001), shortness of breath (ß = -1018, p < 0.05), reduction in carrying out social activities (ß = 705, p < 0.01) or physical activities (ß = 618, p < 0.01), and global physical health (ß = 101, p < 0.001), but not global mental health or quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: In this small sample of HCT recipients, more severe symptoms, impaired physical health, and restrictions in the performance of usual daily activities were associated with statistically significant decrements in objectively measured daily steps. Pedometry may be a valuable outcome measure and validation anchor in clinical research.

Work out by Walking: A Pilot Exercise Program for Individuals With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders.

The health benefits of exercise are well documented, yet annual health care costs related to physical inactivity are well within the billions. Furthermore, individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) are more likely to lead sedentary lives, exercise less than the general population, and die prematurely from preventable causes. Previous research examining the effects of exercise on individuals with SSDs has been encouraging yet limited in creating accessible and sustainable interventions. The current pilot study developed and evaluated the impact of Work out by Walking (WOW), a multicomponent group walking intervention on the health of 16 individuals with SSDs. Results indicated improvements in indicators of physical health, activity level, social support, and mental health and a high level of program satisfaction. Future research should examine multicomponent group walking programs for individuals with SSDs in larger samples and with the inclusion of a comparison condition.

Physical Attributes and NFL Combine Performance Tests Between Italian National League and American Football Players: A Comparative Study.

Vitale, JA, Caumo, A, Roveda, E, Montaruli, A, La Torre, A, Battaglini, CL, and Carandente, F. Physical attributes and NFL Combine performance tests between Italian National League and American football players: a comparative study. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2802-2808, 2016-The purpose of this study was to examine anthropometric measurements and the results of a battery of performance tests administered during the National Football League (NFL) Combine between American football players who were declared eligible to participate in the NFL Combine and football players of a top Italian team (Rhinos Milan). Participants (N = 50) were categorized by position into 1 of 3 groups based on playing position: skill players (SP) included wide receivers, cornerbacks, free safeties, strong safeties, and running backs; big skill players (BSP) consisted of fullbacks, linebackers, tight ends, and defensive ends; lineman (LM) included centers, offensive guards, offensive tackles, and defensive tackles. A 1-way analysis of variance followed by the Tukey-Kramer post hoc test was used for comparisons between Italian players by playing position. Ninety-five percent CIs were used for comparisons between American and Italian football for the NFL Combine performance tests. Significant differences for all the variables between the 3 playing categories were observed among the Italian players; LM had higher anthropometric and body composition values than SP (p < 0.001) and BSP (p < 0.001), whereas LM performed significantly worse in the physical tests, except for the 225-lb bench press test when compared with SP (p < 0.002). American football players presented significantly higher anthropometric values and test performance scores when compared with Italian players. Administrators of professional football teams in Italy need to improve the player's physical attributes, so the gap that currently exists between American and Italian players can be reduced, which could significantly improve the quality of American football in Italy.

The Effects of a Duathlon Simulation on Ventilatory Threshold and Running Economy.

Multisport events continue to grow in popularity among recreational, amateur, and professional athletes around the world. This study aimed to determine the compounding effects of the initial run and cycling legs of an International Triathlon Union (ITU) Duathlon simulation on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), ventilatory threshold (VT) and running economy (RE) within a thermoneutral, laboratory controlled setting. Seven highly trained multisport athletes completed three trials; Trial-1 consisted of a speed only VO2max treadmill protocol (SOVO2max) to determine VO2max, VT, and RE during a single-bout run; Trial-2 consisted of a 10 km run at 98% of VT followed by an incremental VO2max test on the cycle ergometer; Trial-3 consisted of a 10 km run and 30 km cycling bout at 98% of VT followed by a speed only treadmill test to determine the compounding effects of the initial legs of a duathlon on VO2max, VT, and RE. A repeated measures ANOVA was performed to determine differences between variables across trials. No difference in VO2max, VT (%VO2max), maximal HR, or maximal RPE was observed across trials. Oxygen consumption at VT was significantly lower during Trial-3 compared to Trial-1 (p = 0.01). This decrease was coupled with a significant reduction in running speed at VT (p = 0.015). A significant interaction between trial and running speed indicate that RE was significantly altered during Trial-3 compared to Trial-1 (p < 0.001). The first two legs of a laboratory based duathlon simulation negatively impact VT and RE. Our findings may provide a useful method to evaluate multisport athletes since a single-bout incremental treadmill test fails to reveal important alterations in physiological thresholds. Key pointsDecrease in relative oxygen uptake at VT (ml·kg(-1)·min(-1)) during the final leg of a duathlon simulation, compared to a single-bout maximal run.We observed a decrease in running speed at VT during the final leg of a duathlon simulation; resulting in an increase of more than 2 minutes to complete a 5 km run.During our study, highly trained athletes were unable to complete the final 5 km run at the same intensity that they completed the initial 10 km run (in a laboratory setting).A better understanding, and determination, of training loads during multisport training may help to better periodize training programs; additional research is required.

Breast and Prostate Cancer Survivor Responses to Group Exercise and Supportive Group Psychotherapy.

This study qualitatively examined an 8-week group exercise and counseling intervention for breast and prostate cancer survivors. Groups exercised 3 days per week, 50 minutes per session, performing moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance training. Groups also underwent 90-minute supportive group psychotherapy sessions once per week. Survivors discussed their experiences in focus groups post intervention. Transcripts were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Survivors described how exercise facilitated counseling by creating mutual aid and trust, and counseling helped participants with self-identity, sexuality, and the return to normalcy. When possible, counselors and fitness professionals should create partnerships to optimally support cancer survivors.

Feasibility of frequent patient-reported outcome surveillance in patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs), including symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), provide a patient-centered description of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT)-related toxicity. These data characterize the patient experience after HCT and may have prognostic usefulness for long-term outcomes after HCT. We conducted a study of 32 patients after HCT (10 autologous HCT recipients, 11 full-intensity conditioning allogeneic HCT recipients, and 11 reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic HCT recipients) to determine the feasibility of weekly electronic PRO collection from HCT until day (D) +100. We used questions from the PRO version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events to capture symptoms, and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health scale to measure physical and mental HRQOL. The vast majority (94%) of patients used the electronic PRO system, with only 6% opting for paper-and-pencil only. The median weekly percentage of participants who completed the surveys was 100% in all cohorts through hospital discharge, and remained 100% for the autologous HCT and reduced-intensity allogeneic HCT cohorts through D+100. Patients were satisfied with the electronic system, giving high marks for readability, comfort, and questionnaire length. Symptom severity varied by absolute level and type of symptom across the 3 cohorts, with the full-intensity allogeneic HCT cohort exhibiting the greatest median overall symptom severity, peaking at D+7. Median physical health HRQOL scores decreased with time in the 3 cohorts, and HRQOL was generally correlated with overall symptom severity. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of frequent electronic PROs in the early post-HCT period. Future studies in larger populations to explore predictive models using frequent PRO data for outcomes, including long-term HRQOL and survival, are warranted.

Resting IL-6 and TNF-α level in children of different weight and fitness status.

Reports suggest children with high aerobic fitness (VO2max; mL/kg/min) have healthier profiles of TNF-α and IL-6; however, research has not accounted for differences in adiposity between high-fit and low-fit individuals. Thus, this study examined differences in inflammatory markers of obese and normal weight children of different fitness levels, using two different VO2max units: per unit of fat free mass (VO2FFM) or total body mass (VO2kg). Children (n = 124; ages 8-12) were divided into four matched groups; normal weight high-fit (NH), normal weight low- fit (NL), obese high-fit (OH), and obese low-fit (OL). Height, weight, skinfolds, body mass index (BMI), and predicted VO2max were measured and a morning, fasting blood sample taken. IL-6 was elevated in the NL and OL groups compared with the NH group, as well as the OL group compared with the OH group. No differences were found in TNF-α. The relationship between IL-6 or TNF-α and the two units of predicted VO2max did not differ suggesting that either VO2FM or VO2kg can be used to describe aerobic power when studying inflammation and exercise in youth. The relationship between IL-6 or TNF-α and predicted VO2max, whether expressed per mass or per fat-free mass was similar, suggesting that both can be used to describe aerobic power when studying inflammation and exercise in youth. Given the polar design of this study, this relationship should be confirmed including overweight subjects.

Assessing explosive power production using the backward overhead shot throw and the effects of morning resistance exercise on afternoon performance.

The purpose of this study was to determine if performing a morning total-body resistance exercise workout affects explosive power in an afternoon session. The secondary goal was to assess the usefulness of the backward overhead shot throw (BOST) as a measure of explosive power in experienced thrower in the sport of athletics. Throwers (N = 14) performed 1 control and 1 experimental trial on separate days. The control consisted of BOST and a vertical jump (VJ) testing performed in the afternoon. For the experimental trial, the participants reported for a short resistance training session in the morning then repeating the BOST and VJ testing 4-6 hours later. The BOST distance (meters) and VJ peak power (watts) were correlated in both trials (r ∼ 0.64, p < 0.05). The BOST distance improved in experimental trial over control (p < 0.05), but VJ power failed to improve. The results indicate that a morning resistance exercise bout can improve competitive throwing performance later on the same day. The results also suggest that BOST may be a useful performance testing tool for throwers in the sports of athletics.

Virtual Group-based Walking Intervention for Persons with Schizophrenia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Persons with schizophrenia have reduced cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), a predictor of all-cause mortality. Exercise is effective for improving CRF; however, motivational challenges affecting those with schizophrenia impact exercise engagement and maintenance. Virtual Physical Activity Can Enhance Life (Virtual PACE-Life), a multicomponent walking intervention guided by self-determination theory (SDT), was developed to target CRF in this population while addressing motivational difficulties. Virtual PACE-Life includes live video-delivered group walking sessions, Fitbit activity tracking, recommendations for home-based walking sessions, goal setting, and if-then plans. The present study was a 16-week pilot randomized controlled trial that evaluated the impact of Virtual PACE-Life against Fitbit Alone in a sample of 37 participants with schizophrenia on intermediate targets (competence, autonomy, and relatedness satisfaction, autonomous motivation), proximal outcomes (Fitbit-measured steps/day and minutes spent walking), and the primary outcome (CRF using the 6-minute walk test). Blinded research staff completed assessments at baseline, midpoint, posttest, and one-month follow-up. Analysis of covariance and hierarchical linear regression analyses were used to evaluate group differences at each timepoint controlling for baseline. Attendance at Virtual PACE-Life groups was 58% and Fitbit adherence was above 70% in both conditions. Intent-to-treat results indicated greater competence and autonomy satisfaction for Virtual PACE-Life but not in relatedness satisfaction or autonomous motivation. There were no group differences in proximal or primary outcomes during the intervention period. Completer analyses showed improvements in steps/day and autonomous motivation favoring Virtual PACE-Life. Future research is needed to maximize the exercise and CRF benefits of virtual group-based exercise for persons with schizophrenia.

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.