Comparative overview of the effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on anxiety-like behavior, cognitive flexibility, and hippocampal synaptic plasticity parameters in healthy rats

Clinical studies show that physical exercise has anxiolytic and pro-cognitive properties for both healthy individuals and psychiatric patients. Most of these data refer to the effects of aerobic exercise. However, other modalities such as resistance exercise deserve more attention because they may also modulate brain function. This study aimed to compare the effects of an aerobic exercise protocol on a treadmill and a resistance exercise protocol on a ladder apparatus on anxiety-like behavior, cognitive flexibility, and neuroplasticity parameters in healthy animals. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: sedentary control, aerobic training, and resistance training. Subsequently, they were evaluated in the elevated plus-maze (EPM), light-dark box, and modified hole board (mHB) tests. The expressions of synaptophysin and postsynaptic plasticity protein 95 in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus were analyzed by immunofluorescence. The results demonstrated an anxiolytic effect promoted by exercise in the EPM, particularly in the animals submitted to aerobic training, and a mild pro-learning effect of both exercise modalities was observed in the mHB test. All groups showed similar outcomes in the other evaluations. Therefore, the exercise modalities investigated in the present study did not provide considerable modifications to such aspects of the emotional/cognitive functions and neuroplasticity under physiological contexts. Perhaps the two types of exercise acted in neurobiological pathways not analyzed in this study, or the effects may emerge under pathological contexts. These hypotheses should be tested in future studies.

Subacute effects of the number of Pilates exercise series on cardiovascular responses in hypertensive women

Abstract Aim: To evaluate the subacute effects of the number of Pilates exercise series (one and three) on the cardiovascular responses of medicated hypertensive women. Methods: Eight hypertensive and nine normotensive women underwent a Pilates session with low and high volume, and cardiovascular responses were measured. Aged sample of 50-65 years old underwent to anthropometrical measurements previously to the experimental procedures. The cardiovascular assessment was performed before and after every experimental session. The experimental procedures consisted of two familiarization sessions, load determination, and two experimental sessions (one or three series) for each group. Results: In the intragroup analysis, HR was found to be reduced in the normotensive group. In the hypertensive group, a reduction in the double product was observed after both Pilates sessions, and in the normotensive group only after the session with one series. The volume of exercises of the Pilates method did not interfere in the responses of systolic and diastolic BP after exercise. However, a more prominent area under the curve was seen in the systolic BP of hypertensive subjects who performed three series. Conclusion: The present study shows that performing one or three series of the Pilates exercise does not induce hypotension post-exercise and did not interfere in the cardiovascular responses of medicated hypertensive women.

Revisión bibliográfica: Efectos del ejercicio en la presión intraocular / Literature Review: Effects of Exercise on Intraocular Pressure / Revisão da literatura: efeitos do exercício na pressão intra-ocular

Resumen Introducción: La relación entre la presión intraocular (PIO) y el ejercicio agudo se ha venido estudiando en los últimos años. Se ha encontrado que el ejercicio agudo tiene un efecto positivo en la PIO; sin embargo, el ejercicio aeróbico y el ejercicio contra resistencia presentan resultados diferentes. En cuanto al ejercicio aeróbico agudo, brinda un efecto positivo en la PIO, ya que esta disminuye. Mientras que el ejercicio contra resistencia presenta una variabilidad en los resultados obtenidos de acuerdo con las investigaciones consultadas. Propósito: Mostrar los resultados obtenidos de las investigaciones relacionadas con el ejercicio aeróbico y el ejercicio contra resistencia de forma aguda en la presión intraocular, para así poder brindar recomendaciones a poblaciones sanas y con glaucoma. Método: Revisión de bibliografía, búsqueda de artículos científicos en las siguientes bases de datos: SportDiscus con texto completo, psycINFO, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Source, Google Académico, Research Gate, PubMed. Resultados: El ejercicio aeróbico agudo pareciera tener un efecto significativo sobre la presión intraocular, pues la disminuye. Este resultado se presenta en personas sedentarias y con glaucoma. Para personas físicamente activas o atletas, para lograr reducir la PIO es necesario realizar ejercicio a intensidades más altas, comparado con personas sedentarias. Con respecto a la duración de ejercicio aeróbico agudo, parece que con solo cinco minutos se produce una disminución sobre la PIO. Al finalizar el ejercicio, el efecto agudo del ejercicio aeróbico se mantiene por un corto tiempo sobre la PIO. Son necesarias más investigaciones de efecto crónico. Igualmente, se necesitan más estudios que involucren variables como sexo y edad dentro de los análisis y no como estadística descriptiva, para así conocer el efecto del ejercicio sobre estas mismas. Con respecto a los ejercicios de contra resistencia, la parte superior del cuerpo aumenta más la PIO, al compararlos con ejercicios de laparte inferior. Los ejercicios de contra resistencia de alta intensidad aumentan la PIO. Conclusiones: Los resultados demuestran que las personas con condición visual normal y con glaucoma pueden realizar ejercicio aeróbico y logran un efecto positivo en su salud visual. Por otro lado, debido a la falta de investigación en ejercicio de contra resistencia, se recomienda que se realicen estudios con intensidades bajas, según los datos obtenidos en esta revisión. Con respecto a la calidad de los estudios encontrados podrían mejorarse los diseños en las investigaciones: la mayoría no contó con grupos controles,tampoco especificaron la intensidad del ejercicio e incluso les faltó incluir aspectos descriptivos necesarios para poder contar con información más clara.

Abstract Introduction: The relationship between intraocular pressure (IOP) and acute exercise has been studied in recent years. It has been found that acute exercise has a positive effect on IOP; however, aerobic exercise and strength exercise present different results.As for acute aerobic exercise, it can be mentioned that it provides a positive effect on the intraocular pressure since it decreases, while the strength exercise gives variability in the results obtained according to the research studies consulted. Purpose: Show the results obtained from the investigation related to the aerobic exercise and strength exercise and intraocular pressure in order to provide recommendations to healthy populations with glaucoma. Methods: The literature review searched for articles in the following databases: SportDiscus with complete text, PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Source, Google academics, Research Gate, PubMed. Results: Acute aerobic exercise seems to have a significant effect on intraocular pressure: it decreases it.This result occurs in sedentary people with glaucoma. For physically active people or athletes, in order to reduce IOP, it is necessary to exercise at higher intensities compared to sedentary people.Regarding the length of acute aerobic exercise, it seems that, with only 5 minutes, there is a decrease in IOP. At the end of the exercise, the acute effect of aerobic exercise seems to be maintained for a short time in the IOP; more research on the chronic effect is necessary. Also, more research is needed and should involve variables, such as sex and age, within the study analyses and not as descriptive statistics, in order to know the effect of exercise on them.Regarding the strength exercises, the IOPincreasesin the upper part of the body when compared with exercises in the lower part. High-intensity strength exercises increase the IOP. Conclusions: The results show that people with normal visual condition and glaucoma can perform aerobic exercise, achieving a positive effect on their visual health. On the other hand, there is a lack of research in strength exercise; it is recommended that these studies be conductedat low intensities, according to the data obtained in this review.Regarding the quality of the studies found, the designs could be improved in the investigations.Most of these studies did not have control groups, nor did they specify the intensity; besides, they missed including descriptive aspects needed to be able to have more accurate information.

Resumo Introdução A relação entre a pressão intraocular (PIO) e o exercício agudo foi estudada nos últimos anos. Descobrindo que o exercício agudo tem um efeito positivo na PIO, no entanto, o exercício aeróbico e o exercício de resistência têm resultados diferentes. No que diz respeito ao exercício aeróbico agudo, pode mencionar-se que tem um efeito positivo na PIO, uma vez que esta diminui. Enquanto o exercício de resistência dá uma variabilidade nos resultados obtidos de acordo com as pesquisas consultadas. Objetivo: Mostrar os resultados obtidos em pesquisas relacionadas ao exercício aeróbio e ao exercício de resistência aguda na pressão intraocular, a fim de fornecer recomendações para populações saudáveis e com glaucoma. Métodos: revisão de literatura, busca de artigos científicos nas seguintes bases de dados: SportDiscus com texto completo, psycINFO, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Source, Google Academic, Research Gate, PubMed. Resultados: O exercício aeróbio agudo parece ter um efeito significativo em diminuir a pressão intraocular, este resultado ocorre em pessoas sedentárias com glaucoma. Para pessoas fisicamente ativas ou atletas parece que, para reduzir a PIO é necessário se exercitar em maiores intensidades, em comparação com pessoas sedentárias. Com relação à duração do exercício aeróbico agudo, parece que, com apenas cinco minutos, há uma diminuição da PIO. No final do exercício, o efeito agudo do exercício aeróbico parece ser mantido por um curto período de tempo na PIO, sendo necessária mais pesquisa de efeitos crônicos. Da mesma forma, são necessárias mais pesquisas envolvendo variáveis como sexo e idade dentro da análise do estudo e não como estatística descritiva, com o fim de conhecer o efeito do exercício sobre essas variáveis. Com relação aos exercícios de resistência, a parte superior do corpo aumenta mais a PIO comparada aos exercícios da parte inferior do corpo. Exercícios de resistência de alta intensidade aumentam a PIO. Conclusões: Os resultados mostram que pessoas com visão normal e glaucoma podem realizar exercícios aeróbicos, obtendo um efeito positivo na sua saúde visual. Por outro lado, há uma falta de pesquisas sobre o exercício de resistência, sendo recomendável que esses estudos sejam realizados com baixas intensidades, de acordo com os dados obtidos nesta revisão. Com relação à qualidade dos estudos encontrados, os desenhos de pesquisa puderam ser melhorados, a maioria não possuía grupos controle, nem especificavam a intensidade do exercício, e ainda faltavam os aspectos descritivos necessários para poder ter informações mais claras.

Effects of resistance exercise training and stretching on chronic insomnia

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of resistance exercise and stretching on sleep, mood, and quality of life in chronic insomnia patients. Methods: Three 4-month treatments included: resistance exercise (n=10), stretching (n=10), and control (n=8). Sleep was evaluated with polysomnography, actigraphy, and questionnaires. Mood and quality of life were assessed with the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36), respectively. Results: There were no significant treatment differences between resistance exercise and stretching. However, compared with the control treatment, resistance exercise and stretching led to significantly greater improvements in Insomnia Severity Index scores (-10.5±2.3, -8.1±2.0 vs. 2.3±1.8, respectively), and actigraphic measures of sleep latency (-7.1±4.6, -5.2±1.9 vs. 2.2±2.1 min), wake after sleep onset (-9.3±2.8, -7.1±3.0 vs. 3.6±4.2 min), and sleep efficiency (4.4±1.8, 5.0±0.8 vs. -2.3±2%). Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) global scores (-5.3±0.8, -3.9±1.5 vs. -0.1±0.8) and sleep duration (1.2±0.3, 1.6±0.6 vs. -0.1±0.2 h) also improved following both experimental treatments compared with control. PSQI-Sleep efficiency increased after resistance exercise compared with control (19.5±3.9 vs. 2.1±4.3%). No significant differences were observed in polysomnography or quality of life measures. Tension-anxiety was lower in the stretching group than the control group. Conclusion: Moderate-intensity resistance exercise and stretching led to similar improvements in objective and subjective sleep in patients with chronic insomnia. Clinical trial registration: NCT01571115

Rehabilitation effect of isokinetic muscle training combined with semiconductor laser on acute knee osteoarthritis / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of isokinetic muscle training combined with semiconductor laser on acute knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods Ninety-eight KOA patients were randomly divided into 4 groups. All patients were treated with conventional rehabilitation treatment and nursing. Based on that treatment, the group 1 received semiconductor laser irradiation, the group 2 received isokinetic muscle training, and the group 3 received laser irradiation combined with isokinetic muscle training. All patients were assessed with WOMAC osteoarthritis rating scale and affected knee extensor and flexor muscles strength measurement including peak torque, peak work, average power, average work and flex/extend before and 4 weeks after the treatment. Results All of the four treatments can significantly alleviate the condition of acute KOA patients and improve the muscle condition around the ipsilateral knee joint. The isokinetic muscle training improves the knee function of KOA patients better than the laser irradiation treatment. Isokinetic strength training combined with laser irradiation can get the most significant improvement of knee joint pain, stiffness, dysfunction, muscle strength of flexors and extensors in KOA patients. Conclusions The combination of isokinetic muscle training and semiconductor laser irradiation has a significant effect on relieving pain, reducing the stiffness, improving the function of knee of the patients with KOA in the acute phase and improving the muscle strength of the affected lower extremities. That methad is superior to drug therapy, physical therapy, or exercise alone, and is better to solve the problem of relieving symptoms and enhancing function simultaneously.

Exercício de força combinado à restrição de fluxo sanguíneo induz aumentos agudos na pressão arterial sistólica / Strength exercise combined to blood flow restriction induces acute increases in systolic blood pressure

Recentemente cresceu o número de pesquisas sobre o exercício de força (EF) de baixa intensidade (20-50% de 1RM) combinado à restrição do fluxo sanguíneo (RFS), mostrando adaptações semelhantes ao EF de alta intensidade. Entretanto, muitas questões sobre essa metodologia necessitam ser investigadas. O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar a resposta aguda da pressão arterial em repouso e durante o EF combinado à RFS. Dezesseis jovens (22±2 anos de idade), ativos e de ambos os sexos, realizaram o EF em duas diferentes condições, separadas por um intervalo de 48h: 1) Exercício isolado (EF) e 2) Exercício combinado à RFS (EF+RFS, 100 mmHg, porção proximal da coxa, mantida durante o exercício). Ambos realizaram 3 séries no exercício leg press com o membro dominante, à 30% de 1RM, 1 minuto de descanso, duração de 90 segundos cada série e cadência de 2 segundos, totalizando 22 repetições para a fase concêntrica e 23 para a fase excêntrica do movimento. Foram avaliadas a pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), diastólica (PAD), frequência cardíaca (FC), duplo produto (DP) e lactato sanguíneo nos momentos: repouso e imediatamente após o exercício. Foi observado apenas aumento significativo da PAS e do DP em repouso e da PAS durante o EF+RFS. O lactato sanguíneo não se alterou em nenhuma condição avaliada. Concluindo que o exercício de força com restrição de fluxo sanguíneo apresentou maiores respostas de pressão arterial sistólica em repouso e durante o exercício em sujeitos jovens ativos...(AU)

Recently, the number of researches about the strength exercise (SE) of low intensity (20- 50% of 1RM) combined to the blood flow restriction (BFR) increased, showing similar adaptations to the high-intensity SE. However, many questions about this methodology need be investigated. The purpose of this study was to analyze the acute response of blood pressure at rest and during SE combined with BFR. Sixteen young subjects (22 ± 2 years old), actives and of both sexs, underwent SE in two different conditions, separated by an interval of 48h: 1) isolated strength exercise (SE) and 2) strength exercise combined to BFR (SE+BFR, 100 mmHg, proximal portion of the thigh, maintained throughout the exercise session). Both conditions performed 3 sets on the leg press exercise with the dominant leg, with 30% of 1RM, 1 minute of rest, each series with 90 seconds of the duration and movement cadence of the 2 seconds, totaling 22 repetitions in the concentric phase and 23 in the eccentric phase of movement. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), double product (DP) and blood lactate were evaluated on rest and immediately after exercise moments. It was observed only significant increase in SBP and DP at rest and SBP during SE+BFR condition. Blood lactate did not change in any condition evaluated. Concluding that strength exercise with blood flow restriction showed higher responses of systolic blood pressure at rest and during exercise in active young subjects...(AU)

The impact of aerobic combined strength and balance exercise on cognitive function in patients with cognitive impairment no dementia / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To evaluate the effects of aerobic combined strength and balance exercise on cognitive function and satisfaction in patients with cognitive impairment no dementia. Methods Four hundred and twenty patients with cognitive impairment no dementia were divided into control group (200 cases) and experimental group (220 cases) by random digits table method. The control group received general health education and rehabilitation training. The experimental group received aerobic combined strength and balance exercise. The patients were assessed with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to evaluate their cognition before training, as well as after training. And the patients′satisfaction with the questionnaire was evaluated. Results The total scores of MoCA, scores of name, attention, language, memory and directionafter training were (23.47 ±2.38), (2.77 ±0.42), (5.09 ±0.86), (2.50 ±0.65), (3.42 ±0.68), (5.03 ± 0.10) points in the experimental group, and (21.20±2.55), (2.31±0.76), (4.71±1.10), (2.35±0.70), (2.23±0.81), (4.48±0.96) points in the control group, and there were significant differences, P0.05. The scores of satisfaction in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group:(49.33 ±1.57) points vs. ( 48.20 ±2.14) points, P<0.01. Conclusion The application of aerobic combined strength and balance exercise could improve the cognitive function and patients′satisfaction.

The acute effects of strength, endurance and concurrent exercises on the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K1 and AMPK signaling pathway responses in rat skeletal muscle

The activation of competing intracellular pathways has been proposed to explain the reduced training adaptations after concurrent strength and endurance exercises (CE). The present study investigated the acute effects of CE, strength exercises (SE), and endurance exercises (EE) on phosphorylated/total ratios of selected AMPK and Akt/mTOR/p70S6K1 pathway proteins in rats. Six animals per exercise group were killed immediately (0 h) and 2 h after each exercise mode. In addition, 6 animals in a non-exercised condition (NE) were killed on the same day and under the same conditions. The levels of AMPK, phospho-Thr172AMPK (p-AMPK), Akt, phospho-Ser473Akt (p-Akt), p70S6K1, phospho-Thr389-p70S6K1 (p-p70S6K1), mTOR, phospho-Ser2448mTOR (p-mTOR), and phospho-Thr1462-TSC2 (p-TSC2) expression were evaluated by immunoblotting in total plantaris muscle extracts. The only significant difference detected was an increase (i.e., 87%) in Akt phosphorylated/total ratio in the CE group 2 h after exercise compared to the NE group (P = 0.002). There were no changes in AMPK, TSC2, mTOR, or p70S6K1 ratios when the exercise modes were compared to the NE condition (P ≥ 0.05). In conclusion, our data suggest that low-intensity and low-volume CE might not blunt the training-induced adaptations, since it did not activate competing intracellular pathways in an acute bout of strength and endurance exercises in rat skeletal muscle.

Corrida em esteira e exercícios de força: efeitos agudos da ordem de realização sobre a hipotensão pós-exercício / Concurrent treadmill running and strength exercise: acute effects of execution order on post-exercise hypotension

Este estudo analisou as respostas de pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e pressão arterial diastólica (PAD) após duas sessões de exercício concorrente realizado em diferentes ordens [aeróbio-força (AF), e força-aeróbio (FA)]. Quinze indivíduos normotensos foram submetidos a duas sessões de exercício realizadas em dias distintos na seguinte sequência AF e FA. A PAS e PAD foram medidas antes e a cada 15 min durante 60 min de recuperação pós-exercício. Houve hipotensão pós-exercício (HPE) para PAS, aos 30 min (-7,4 mmHg), 45 min (-12,14 mmHg) e 60 min (-15,14 mmHg) de recuperação na sessão AF. Já na FA houve HPE apenas aos 60 min (-8,34 mmHg) de recuperação. A variação da PAS e PAD entre as sessões revelou HPE maior aos 15 min, 45 min e 60 min na PAS; e aos 45 min na PAD comparando-se AF a FA. A realização de exercício aeróbio antes do de força resultou em maior HPE para adultos jovens.

The study analyzed systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure after two exercise bouts of concurrent exercise performed in a different order [aerobic-strength (AS), and strength-aerobic (SA)]. Fifteen normotensive subjects were submitted to two exercise bouts performed in different days in the following order: AS and SA. SBP and DBP were measured before and at each 15 min over a 60 min period of post-exercise recovery. Post-exercise hypotension (PEH) was found in SBP at the 30th (-7.4 mmHg), 45th (-12.14 mmHg) and 60th min (-15.14 mmHg) after AS when compared to rest. On SA, PEH was only observed at the 60th min (-8.34 mmHg) of recovery. The analysis of differences for SBP and DBP between both sessions showed greater PEH at the 15th, 45th, and 60th min in SBP; and at the 45th min in DBP after AS when compared to SA. Thus, performing aerobic before strength exercise elicited a higher PEH in young adults.

Exercício de força ativa a via AKT/mTor pelo receptor de angiotensina II tipo I no músculo cardíaco de ratos / Activation of AKT-mTor signaling pathways by angiotensin II receptor type 1 after a session of strength exercise in cardiac muscle of rats

O receptor de angiotensina II tipo I (AT1) tem uma importante participação no desenvolvimento da hipertrofia cardíaca. Em um trabalho publicado anteriormente, por nosso grupo, demonstramos que o bloqueio do receptor AT1 durante o treinamento de força inibiu a hipertrofia cardíaca em ratos. Por isso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a participação do receptor AT1 na ativação de vias de sinalização intracelular relacionadas com o aumento da síntese de proteína em ratos submetidos a uma sessão de exercício de força. Para isso, realizamos um experimento com seis grupos de animais (n = 6; cada): controle (Con), exercitado e sacrificado cinco minutos após o exercício (Exe 5), exercitado e sacrificado 30 minutos após o exercício (Exe 30), controle tratado com losartan (Con Los), tratado com losartan, exercitado e sacrificado cinco minutos após o exercício (Exe 5 Los), tratado com losartan, exercitado e sacrificado 30 minutos após o exercício (Exe 30 Los). Os resultados mostram que no grupo Exe 5 e Exe 30 ocorreu um aumento de 63 por cento (P < 0,05) e 62 por cento (P < 0,05), respectivamente, na fosforilação da proteína AKT comparado com o grupo controle. Enquanto a fosforilação da mTor foi aumentada 65 por cento (P < 0,05) somente no grupo Exe 30 comparado com o grupo controle, sendo estes efeitos bloqueados pelo uso do losartan nos grupos Exe 5 Los e Exe 30 Los. Portanto, esses resultados, juntamente com nossos resultados prévios, demonstram que o receptor AT1 tem participação na ativação da AKT e mTOR após uma sessão de exercício de força.

The angiotensin II type I (AT1) receptor has an important participation in the development of cardiac hypertrophy. Previously, we have shown that AT1 receptor participates in the cardiac hypertrophy induced by resistance training in rats. Here, we studied the involvement of AT1 receptor in the activation of intracellular signaling pathways related to the concentric HC in rats submitted to a session of strength exercise. Male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (n= 6 each): control (Con); exercised and killed 5 minutes after exercise (Exe 5); exercised and killed 30 minutes after exercise (Exe 30); control treated with Losartan (Con Los); treated with Losartan, exercised and killed 5 minutes after the exercise (Exe Los 5); treated with Losartan, exercised and killed 30 minutes after training (Exe Los 30). The results show that phosphorylation activity of AKT in group Exe 5 and Exe 30 increased 63 percent (P < 0.05) and 62 percent (P < 0.05), respectively, compared with Con. Whereas the phosphorylation of mTOR was increased 65 percent (P < 0.05), compared to Con, only in the group Exe 30. Furthermore, these effects were blocked by losartan treatment in groups Exe Los 5 and Exe Los 30. These results, together with ours previous data shows that the AT1 receptor has an role in the activation of AKT and mTOR pathway after a session of strength exercise.

Post-resistance exercise hypotension in patients with intermittent claudication

OBJECTIVE: To verify the acute effects of resistance exercise on post-exercise blood pressure in patients with intermittent claudication. METHODS: Eight patients randomly underwent two experimental sessions: a session of resistance exercise (R: 6 exercises, 3 sets of 12, 10 and 8 reps with a perceived exertion of 11 to 13 on the 15-grade Borg scale) and a control session (C: resting on exercise machines). RESULTS: Before and for 60 min following an intervention, auscultatory blood pressure was measured while subjects rested in a sitting position. After the C session, systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures did not change from the pre-intervention values, while these values decreased significantly after the R session throughout the entire recovery period (greatest decreases = -14 ± 5, -6±5, and -9 ± 4 mmHg, respectively, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: After a single bout of resistance exercise patients with intermittent claudication exhibited reduced systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures, suggesting that acute resistance exercise may decrease cardiovascular load in these patients.

Intra-arterial blood pressure response in hypertensive subjects during low- and high-intensity resistance exercise

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe blood pressure responses during resistance exercise in hypertensive subjects and to determine whether an exercise protocol alters these responses. INTRODUCTION: Resistance exercise has been recommended as a complement for aerobic exercise for hypertensive patients. However, blood pressure changes during this kind of exercise have been poorly investigated in hypertensives, despite multiple studies of normotensives demonstrating significant increases in blood pressure. METHODS: Ten hypertensive and ten normotensive subjects performed, in random order, two different exercise protocols, composed by three sets of the knee extension exercise conducted to exhaustion: 40 percent of the 1-repetition maximum (1RM) with a 45-s rest between sets, and 80 percent of 1RM with a 90-s rest between sets. Radial intra-arterial blood pressure was measured before and throughout each protocol. RESULTS: Compared with normotensives, hypertensives displayed greater increases in systolic BP during exercise at 80 percent (+80±3 vs. +62±2 mmHg, P<0.05) and at 40 percent of 1RM (+75±3 vs. +67±3 mmHg, P<0.05). In both exercise protocols, systolic blood pressure returned to baseline during the rest periods between sets in the normotensives; however, in the hypertensives, BP remained slightly elevated at 40 percent of 1RM. During rest periods, diastolic blood pressure returned to baseline in hypertensives and dropped below baseline in normotensives. CONCLUSION: Resistance exercise increased systolic blood pressure considerably more in hypertensives than in normotensives, and this increase was greater when lower-intensity exercise was performed to the point of exhaustion.

Acute strength exercise and the involvement of small or large muscle mass on plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels

OBJECTIVE: Blood neurotrophins, such as the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, are considered to be of great importance in mediating the benefits of physical exercise. In this study, the effect of acute strength exercise and the involvement of small versus large muscle mass on the levels of plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor were evaluated in healthy individuals. METHODS: The concentric strengths of knee (large) and elbow (small) flexor and extensor muscles were measured on two separate days. Venous blood samples were obtained from 16 healthy subjects before and after exercise. RESULTS: The levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the plasma did not significantly increase after both arm and leg exercise. There was no significant difference in the plasma levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the arms and legs. CONCLUSION: The present results demonstrate that acute strength exercise does not induce significant alterations in the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor plasma concentrations in healthy individuals. Considering that its levels may be affected by various factors, such as exercise, these findings suggest that the type of exercise program may be a decisive factor in altering peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

The Effect of the Combined Stretching and Strengthening Exercise on the Clinical Symptoms in Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction Patient / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The isolated exercise therapy and its effect for the treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is not well known. The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical effect of stretching and strengthening exercise program on the patients' muscle function and range of motion, pain and gait in the management of the early stage PTTD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2006 to March 2007, 14 patients with early stage PTTD (stage I or IIa) without surgical intervention were randomly assigned into two groups and we analyzed their clinical results. All patients were female and one who have sprained the same ankle during the program and one who withdrew from the program due to her private reason were excluded. At the last, the exercise group (EG) was seven and the control group (CG) was five. Mann-Whitney U test was used for the comparison of pain, ROM, muscle power, AOFAS score and 5 minute walking test of both groups. Wilcoxon-signed rank test was used for the comparison between the pre and post exercise program in EG. RESULTS: The pain was significantly reduced in EG compare to CG and only the dorsiflexion was significantly increased in EG in the analysis of ROM. The dorsi flexion and plantar flexion power were significantly increased in EG. CONCLUSION: Our 6 weeks stretching and strengthening exercise program showed noticeably improved clinical result, and therefore it is recommended as one of the useful treatment option in the management of early stage PTTD.