Moxibustion for declined cardiorespiratory fitness of apparently healthy older adults: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Aging and age-related declines lead to varying degrees of decreased cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in apparently healthy older adults. Exercise training, the primary approach for enhancing CRF, encounters several constraints when used with elderly individuals. Existing evidence implies that moxibustion might enhance the CRF of older adults. However, clinical research in this area still needs to be improved. METHODS: This study will employ a randomized, assessor-blinded, controlled trial design involving 126 eligible participants. These participants will be stratified and randomly assigned to one moxibustion group, one sham moxibustion group, and one blank control group. Acupoints of bilateral Zusanli (ST36), Shenque (CV8), and Guanyuan (CV4) are selected for both real and sham moxibustion groups. The treatment will last 60 min per session, 5 sessions a week for 12 weeks. The blank control group will not receive any intervention for CRF improvement. Primary outcomes will be the mean change in peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), anaerobic threshold (AT), and serum central carbon metabolites (CCB) from the baseline to observation points. Secondary outcome measures involve the six-minute walk distance (6MWD), the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), and the Qi and Blood Status Questionnaire (QBSQ). Outcome assessments will be conducted at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 24 as part of the follow-up. Adverse events will be assessed at each visit. DISCUSSION: This trial can potentially ascertain moxibustion's effectiveness and safety in enhancing CRF among apparently healthy older adults. TRAIL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR, ChiCTR2300070303. Registered on April 08, 2023.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Exercise Interventions for Psychotic Disorders: The Impact of Exercise Intensity, Mindfulness Components, and Other Moderators on Symptoms, Functioning, and Cardiometabolic Health.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Exercise therapy has been shown to be an effective complementary treatment for patients with psychotic disorders. However, the specific impacts of different training modalities remain poorly understood. This article aims to quantitatively review the moderating influence of different exercise modalities, hypothesizing that higher exercise intensity as well as utilization of mindfulness-based exercise (MBE) components, will improve intervention outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO were searched from 2010 to March 2022 for randomized controlled trials investigating exercise interventions in patients with psychotic disorders (preregistration: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/J8QNS). Outcomes considered were positive/negative symptoms, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) General Psychopathology/Total scores, depressive symptoms, psychosocial functioning, quality of life, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body mass index. Separate meta-analyses, including moderator analyses, were performed to evaluate the moderating influence of different training modalities. STUDY RESULTS: Of 6653 studies, 40 (n = 2111 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. The effects of moderate-intensity exercise exceed low-intensity approaches for PANSS Total scores (P = .02) and depressive symptoms (P = .04). The presence of MBE components was associated with improvements in positive symptoms (P = .04) and PANSS General Psychopathology subscores (P = .04) but also with higher error and between-study heterogeneity. Our analysis also shows improved intervention effects on depression in younger patients (P = .012) and improved psychosocial functioning scores following more frequent sessions (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: A minimum of moderate intensity should be considered. More frequent training sessions per week also seem to be beneficial. While adding mindfulness elements is promising, it increases heterogeneity and requires caution in terms of generalization.

Effect of ubiquinol on electrophysiology during high-altitude acclimatization and de-acclimatization: A substudy of the Shigatse CARdiorespiratory fitness (SCARF) randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: High-altitude exposure changes the electrical conduction of the heart. However, reports on electrocardiogram (ECG) characteristics and potent prophylactic agents during high-altitude acclimatization and de-acclimatization are inadequate. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ubiquinol on electrophysiology after high-altitude hypoxia and reoxygenation. METHODS: The study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Forty-one participants were randomly divided into two groups receiving ubiquinol 200 mg daily or placebo orally 14 days before flying to high altitude (3900 m) until the end of the study. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed at baseline (300 m), on the third day after reaching high altitude, and on the seventh day after returning to baseline. RESULTS: Acute high-altitude exposure prolonged resting ventricular repolarization, represented by increased corrected QT interval (455.9 ± 23.4 vs. 427.1 ± 19.1 ms, P < 0.001) and corrected Tpeak-Tend interval (155.5 ± 27.4 vs. 125.3 ± 21.1 ms, P < 0.001), which recovered after returning to low altitude. Ubiquinol supplementation shortened the hypoxia-induced extended Tpeak-Tend interval (-7.7 ms, [95% confidence interval (CI), -13.8 to -1.6], P = 0.014), Tpeak-Tend /QT interval (-0.014 [95% CI, -0.027 to -0.002], P = 0.028), and reserved maximal heart rate (11.9 bpm [95% CI, 3.2 to 20.6], P = 0.013) during exercise at high altitude. Furthermore, the decreased resting amplitude of the ST-segment in the V3 lead was correlated with decreased peak oxygen pulse (R = 0.713, P < 0.001) and maximum oxygen consumption (R = 0.595, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results illustrated the electrophysiology changes during high-altitude acclimatization and de-acclimatization. Similarly, ubiquinol supplementation shortened the prolonged Tpeak-Tend interval and reserved maximal heart rate during exercise at high altitude. REGISTRATION: URL: www.chictr.org.cn; Unique identifier: ChiCTR2200059900.

Musculoskeletal Health Worsened from Carnitine Supplementation and Not Impacted by a Novel Individualized Treadmill Training Protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) negatively affects musculoskeletal health, leading to reduced mobility, and quality of life. In healthy populations, carnitine supplementation and aerobic exercise have been reported to improve musculoskeletal health. However, there are inconclusive results regarding their effectiveness and safety in CKD. We hypothesized that carnitine supplementation and individualized treadmill exercise would improve musculoskeletal health in CKD. METHODS: We used a spontaneously progressive CKD rat model (Cy/+ rat) (n = 11-12/gr): (1) Cy/+ (CKD-Ctrl), (2) CKD-carnitine (CKD-Carn), and (3) CKD-treadmill (CKD-TM). Carnitine (250 mg/kg) was injected daily for 10 weeks. Rats in the treadmill group ran 4 days/week on a 5° incline for 10 weeks progressing from 30 min/day for week one to 40 min/day for week two to 50 min/day for the remaining 8 weeks. At 32 weeks of age, we assessed overall cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle function, bone histology and architecture, and kidney function. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparisons tests. RESULTS: Moderate to severe CKD was confirmed by biochemistries for blood urea nitrogen (mean 43 ± 5 mg/dL CKD-Ctrl), phosphorus (mean 8 ± 1 mg/dL CKD-Ctrl), parathyroid hormone (PTH; mean 625 ± 185 pg/mL CKD-Ctrl), and serum creatinine (mean 1.1 ± 0.2 mg/mL CKD-Ctrl). Carnitine worsened phosphorous (mean 11 ± 3 mg/dL CKD-Carn; p < 0.0001), PTH (mean 1,738 ± 1,233 pg/mL CKD-Carn; p < 0.0001), creatinine (mean 1 ± 0.3 mg/dL CKD-Carn; p < 0.0001), cortical bone thickness (mean 0.5 ± 0.1 mm CKD-Ctrl, 0.4 ± 0.1 mm CKD-Carn; p < 0.05). Treadmill running significantly improves maximal aerobic capacity when compared to CKD-Ctrl (mean 14 ± 2 min CKD-TM, 10 ± 2 min CKD-Ctrl; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Carnitine supplementation worsened CKD progression, mineral metabolism biochemistries, and cortical porosity and did not have an impact on physical function. Individualized treadmill running improved maximal aerobic capacity but did not have an impact on CKD progression or bone properties. Future studies should seek to better understand carnitine doses in conditions of compromised renal function to prevent toxicity which may result from elevated carnitine levels and to optimize exercise prescriptions for musculoskeletal health.

Aerobic exercise interventions for promoting cardiovascular health and mobility after stroke: a systematic review with Bayesian network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the superiority of aerobic exercise (AE) interventions on key outcomes of stroke recovery, including cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O2peak, primary outcome), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and mobility (6 min Walk Test (6MWT) distance and 10 m Usual Gait Speed) after stroke. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, CENTRAL, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO and AMED Allied and Complementary Medicine were searched from inception to February 2023. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials were included that compared the effects of any AE interventions (low-intensity, moderate-intensity, high-intensity continuous training (HICT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT)) to no exercise, usual care or other AE interventions in individuals poststroke. ANALYSES: Systematic review with Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) methodology was employed. Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values were used to rank interventions. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation minimally contextualised framework for NMA was followed. RESULTS: There were 28 studies (n=1298) included in the NMA for V̇O2peak, 11 (n=648) for SBP, 28 (n=1494) for 6MWT and 18 (n=775) for the 10 m Usual Gait Speed. The greatest effect on V̇O2peak, 6MWT and 10 m Usual Gait Speed was observed after HIIT and HICT. No differences between interventions were found for SBP. SUCRA values identified HIIT as the superior AE intervention for all outcomes of interest. HIIT was the most effective intervention for improving V̇O2peak (2.9 mL/kg/min (95% credible interval 0.8 to 5.0) moderate certainty) compared with usual care. CONCLUSION: This NMA suggests that higher-intensity AE is superior to traditional low-intensity to moderate-intensity AE for improving outcomes after stroke.

Upper-Limb High-Intensity Interval Training or Passive Heat Therapy to Optimize Cardiorespiratory Fitness Prior to Total Hip or Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Preoperative exercise training, or prehabilitation, aims to optimize cardiorespiratory fitness before surgery to reduce the risk of adverse perioperative events and delayed recovery. However, traditional exercise such as walking and cycling can be difficult for people with degenerative joint diseases of the lower limbs, such as osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of three low-impact interventions on cardiorespiratory fitness, physical function, and subjective health before total hip or knee arthroplasty. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial involving 93 participants with severe knee or hip osteoarthritis awaiting joint replacement surgery. Participants underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (to measure peak oxygen consumption [ V ̇ $$ \dot{V} $$ O2 ]), then were randomized to heat therapy (Heat; 20-30 min immersed in 40°C water followed by ~15 min light-resistance exercise), high-intensity interval training (HIIT; 6-8 × 60 s intervals on a cross-trainer or arm ergometer at ~90%-100% peak V ̇ $$ \dot{V} $$ O2 ), or home-based exercise (Home; ~15 min light-resistance exercise); for up to 36 sessions (3 sessions per week for 12 weeks). RESULTS: Peak V ̇ $$ \dot{V} $$ O2 increased by 16% across HIIT and to a greater extent than Heat (+2.5 mL × min-1 × kg-1 [95% CI: 0.5-4.4], P = 0.009) and Home (+3.2 mL × min-1 × kg-1 [1.2-5.2], P = 0.001). The anaerobic threshold increased across HIIT (+1.5 mL × min-1 × kg-1 [0.7-2.3], P < 0.001) and Heat (+1.2 mL × min-1 × kg-1 [0.4-1.9], P = 0.004), but not Home (-0.5 mL × min-1 × kg-1 [-1.3 to 0.3], P = 0.248). Subjective severity of osteoarthritis was unchanged with any intervention (P ≥ 0.250). CONCLUSION: Heat therapy and HIIT improved indices of cardiorespiratory fitness preoperatively in patients who have difficulty performing lower-limb exercise.

Oxygen Consumption and Heart Rate Responses in Different Vinyasa Yoga Sequences.

Yoga is widely practiced for its numerous health benefits, and it can also increase energy expenditure. Vinyasa yoga, a system of hatha yoga, meets criteria for moderate-intensity physical activity. It is unclear whether the individual sequences produce different oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate responses. The purpose of the present study was therefore to evaluate potential differences in VO2 and heart rate responses across sequences of a 60-minute vinyasa session. Participants included 40 healthy male (n = 20) and female (n = 20) adults (age 30.9 ± 8.8 y) with self-reported yoga experience. The sequence implemented was based on Baron Baptiste's Journey into Power sequence. This vinyasa yoga practice included several sequences: integration, sun salutation, crescent lunges, balancing, standing, back bending, and restorative. VO2 (mL/kg/min) was measured by portable indirect calorimetry and expressed as metabolic equivalents (MET). Heart rate was measured using a Polar HR monitor and presented as a percentage of age-predicted maximal heart rate (APMHR). METs and APMHR differed significantly across sequences (each p < 0.001). METs for the integration, sun-salutation, crescent-lunges, balancing, standing, back-bending, and restorative sequences were significantly different from one another (p < 0.001); balancing and back-bending sequences, however, were similar. During the integration and restorative sequences, APMHR was similar (p = 1.00) and significantly lower compared to sun-salutation, crescent-lunge, balancing, standing, and back-bending sequences (each p < 0.001). METs and APMHR differed significantly across sequences of a vinyasa yoga practice. These data could inform an individualized yoga series based on current fitness levels to maintain or improve cardiorespiratory fitness.

Effects of Pilates exercises on cardiorespiratory fitness: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggest that Pilates improves cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). However, there is a lack of systematic review studies on this topic. Our aim was to verify the effects of Pilates exercises on CRF in healthy adults. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in: PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, LILACS, and PEDro (search on January 12, 2023). Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. A meta-analysis was performed using the standardized mean difference (SMD). The quality of evidence was rated by the GRADE system. RESULTS: In total, 12 RCTs were eligible (569 participants). Only three studies presented high methodological quality. Very low to low quality evidence showed that: a) Pilates was superior to control groups (SMD = 0.96 [CI95% 0.39 to 1.54] n = 457, studies = 12), even when only high methodological quality studies were included (SMD = 1.14 [CI95% 0.25 to 2.04] n = 129, studies = 3); b) to be effective, Pilates needed to be performed for ≥1440 min; c) the effects were significant regardless of the form of Pilates application (mat or equipment); d) Pilates was not different from other exercises regarding the effects on CRF. CONCLUSION: Pilates had a large effect on CRF, provided that it was administered for at least 1440 min (equivalent to 2x-week for three months or 3x-week for two months). However, due to the low quality of the evidence, these results should be interpreted with caution.

Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycling Combined With Arm Cranking Exercise on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in People With Central Nervous System Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the evidence regarding the potential of hybrid functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling for improving cardiorespiratory fitness for people with a mobility disability related to a central nervous system (CNS) disorder. DATA SOURCES: Nine electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycInfo, SPORTDiscus, Pedro, Cochrane, and Scopus, were searched from inception until October 2022. STUDY SELECTION: Search terms included multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury (SCI), stroke, Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, synonyms of FES cycling, arm crank ergometry (ACE) or hybrid exercise, and V̇o2. All experimental studies, including randomized controlled trials that included an outcome measure related to peak or sub-maximal V̇o2 were eligible. DATA EXTRACTION: From a total of 280 articles, 13 were studies included. The Downs and Black Checklist was used to assess study quality. Random effects (Hedges' g) meta-analyses were undertaken to determine whether there were differences in V̇o2peak during acute bouts of hybrid FES cycling vs other modes of exercise and changes resulting from longitudinal training. DATA SYNTHESIS: During acute bouts of exercise, hybrid FES cycling was moderately more effective than ACE (effect size [ES] of 0.59 (95% CI 0.15-1.02, P=.008) in increasing V̇o2peak from rest. There was a large effect on the increase of V̇o2peak from rest for hybrid FES cycling compared with FES cycling (ES of 2.36 [95% CI 0.83-3.40, P=.003]). Longitudinal training with hybrid FES cycling showed a significant improvement in V̇o2peak from pre to post intervention with a large, pooled ES of 0.83 (95% CI 0.24-1.41, P=.006). CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid FES cycling produced higher V̇o2peak compared with ACE or FES cycling during acute bouts of exercise. Hybrid FES cycling can improve cardiorespiratory fitness in people with SCI. Additionally, there is emerging evidence that hybrid FES cycling might increase aerobic fitness in people with mobility disability related to CNS disorders.

The cross-sectional relationship among omega-3 fatty acid levels, cardiorespiratory fitness, and depressive symptoms from the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study.

OBJECTIVE: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) are implicated in numerous illnesses including depression. The literature is mixed regarding the relationship between n-3 PUFA levels and depression, and studies based on self-reported dietary n-3 PUFA intake may not accurately reflect in vivo levels. METHOD: The current cross-sectional analysis examined the relationship between erythrocyte levels (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale; CESD), adjusting for health-related factors and omega-3 supplement use in 16,398 adults assessed at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas for preventative medical examinations between April 6, 2009, and September 1, 2020. A three-stage hierarchical linear regression was conducted to examine the EPA and DHA levels on CES-D before and after inclusion of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in the model. RESULTS: DHA level, but not EPA level, was significantly associated with CES-D scores. Taking omega-3 supplements was associated with lower CES-D scores even when adjusting for CRF, while hs-CRP was non-significantly associated with CES-D scores. These findings suggest that DHA levels are related to depressive symptom severity. Omega-3 PUFA supplement use was associated with lower CES-D scores when controlling for EPA and DHA levels. CONCLUSION: The findings from this cross-sectional study suggest that lifestyle and/or other contextual factors unrelated to EPA and DHA levels may also be associated with depressive symptom severity. Longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the role of health-related mediators among these relationships.

Abnormal thalamic functional connectivity correlates with cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity in progressive multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Altered thalamic volumes and resting state (RS) functional connectivity (FC) might be associated with physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in people with progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS). OBJECTIVES: To assess thalamic structural and functional alterations and investigate their correlations with PA/CRF levels in people with PMS. METHODS: Seven-day accelerometry and cardiopulmonary exercise testing were used to assess PA/CRF levels in 91 persons with PMS. They underwent 3.0 T structural and RS fMRI acquisition with 37 age/sex-matched healthy controls (HC). Between-group comparisons of MRI measures and their correlations with PA/CRF variables were assessed. RESULTS: PMS people had lower volumes compared to HC (all p < 0.001). At corrected threshold, PMS showed decreased intra- and inter-thalamic RS FC, and increased RS FC between the thalamus and the hippocampus, bilaterally. At uncorrected threshold, decreased thalamic RS FC with caudate nucleus, cerebellum and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), as well as increased thalamic RS FC with occipital regions, were also detected. Lower CRF, measured as peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), correlated with lower white matter volume (r = 0.31, p = 0.03). Moreover, lower levels of light PA correlated with increased thalamic RS FC with the right hippocampus (r = - 0.3, p = 0.05). DISCUSSION: People with PMS showed widespread brain atrophy, as well as pronounced intra-thalamic and thalamo-hippocampal RS FC abnormalities. White matter atrophy correlated with CRF, while increased thalamo-hippocampal RS FC was associated to worse PA levels. Thalamic RS FC might be used to monitor physical impairment and efficacy of rehabilitative and disease-modifying treatments in future studies.

The eight-week concurrent training effect on functional capacity in person living with unilateral transtibial amputation: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The main causes of amputation include vascular diseases, trauma, cancer, and congenital limb abnormalities. The person with transtibial amputation (TA) is affected by a greater cardiorespiratory, metabolic, and muscular load to walk and perform daily activities. The sedentary lifestyle contributes to the process of chronic non-communicable diseases. The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of eight-week concurrent training (CT) for dependent variables as muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, agility, and postural balance in persons with unilateral TA. METHODS: A eight-week, randomized, controlled trial. Thirty-one people using prostheses for three or more months were selected. They were randomly divided into two groups: Experimental Group (EG; n = 17) - concurrent training and Control group (CG; n = 14) - no training. All patients were evaluated at the baseline and after eight weeks by the functional performance, isokinetic knee evaluation, static and dynamic posturography and cardiopulmonary test. RESULTS: The patients showed improvements in all measures after training (size effect >0.80). CONCLUSION: The main limitations are the sample size, related to the socioeconomic status and availability training and no comparison to other types of training. Eight weeks of CT was effective and favorably modified the dependent variables in TA patients. Therefore, CT is a good option to improve functional performance after the regular rehabilitation program discharge and decreases the metabolic and functional deficits of these patients.

Impact of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors on Cardiac Bioenergetic Properties and Cardiorespiratory Fitness: A Special Effect of SGLT2i In Heart Failure?

Recent clinical trials have highlighted the profound benefits of sodium-glucose linked transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization for heart failure patients. Modest improvements in glycemic, lipid, or blood pressure control are unlikely to contribute to these significant beneficial outcomes, generating much interest in the relevant mechanisms leading to outcome improvements. In this review, we discuss the current evidence supporting a shift in myocardial substrate utilization from carbohydrates and fat oxidation toward energy efficient ketone bodies in the failing heart and the role of SGLT2i in this key metabolic adaptation to optimize myocardial fuel energetics. Further insights into the effect of SGLT2i on the indices of cardiorespiratory fitness are outlined and provide important clues into their mechanism of benefit. This mechanistic discussion in the context of recent trials of SGLT2i denotes a promising treatment paradigm of heart failure in individuals with and without diabetes.

A short course of high-resistance, low-volume breathing exercise extends respiratory endurance and blunts cardiovascular responsiveness to constant load respiratory testing in healthy young adults.

Our objective was to evaluate the effects of 6-weeks high-resistance, low-volume inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) on respiratory endurance, blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) responsiveness to high respiratory workloads. Ten healthy young adults completed two constant-load resistive breathing tests to exhaustion (Tlim) (target pressure =65 % maximal inspiratory pressure [PImax]; duty cycle = 0.7; breathing frequency matched to eupnea) separated by 6-weeks high-resistance (75 % maximal inspiratory pressure, PImax), low-volume (30 inspiratory efforts/day, 5 days/week) IMST. Throughout resistive breathing trials we measured beat-to-beat changes in BP and HR, mouth pressure, inspiratory muscle work and perceived exertion. POST resistive breathing tests revealed significant gains in endurance (PRE: 362.0 ± 46.6 s vs. POST: 663.8 ± 110.3 s, p = 0.003) and increases in respiratory muscle work (PRE: -9445 ± 1562 mmHg.s vs. POST: -16648 ± 3761 mmHg.s, p = 0.069). Conversely, systolic and diastolic BP responses, HR and ratings of perceived exertion all declined. Consistent with previous observations, 6 weeks high resistance, low volume IMST lowered casual resting SBP (p = 0.002), DBP (p = 0.007) and mean arterial pressure (p = 0.001) and improved static inspiratory pressure. High resistance, low volume inspiratory muscle strength training extends respiratory endurance and attenuates BP responsiveness in healthy, recreationally-active young adults. The outcomes have implications for improved athletic performance and for attaining and/or maintaining cardiorespiratory fitness.

A disciplina psicologia do esporte nos cursos de psicologia e educação física / Sports psychology in psychology and physical education courses / La materia psicología del deporte en los cursos de psicología y educación física

Este discute a representatividade da disciplina Psicologia do Esporte nos cursos de Psicologia e Educação Física em instituições de ensino superior reconhecidas pelo MEC e situadas na região Sul do país. Foi realizado um estudo documental, com base nos currículos das Instituições. Os resultados revelaram que no Sul do Brasil 21,02% dos cursos de Psicologia, 41,96% dos cursos de bacharelado em Educação Física e apenas 14,83% dos cursos de licenciatura em Educação Física apresentam a disciplina Psicologia do Esporte em sua grade curricular. Observou-se que a disciplina é ofertada mais frequentemente em regime obrigatório nos cursos de bacharelado em Educação Física. Nos cursos de Psicologia, quando ofertada, costuma ser optativa. Os resultados evidenciam uma maior oferta da disciplina para os estudantes de Educação Física, em relação aos de Psicologia, o que pode estar relacionado ao próprio contexto de surgimento da disciplina e sua popularização no meio acadêmico. Para que esse panorama possa mudar e se possa oferecer uma formação adequada no curso de Psicologia para fomentar essa opção de carreira, há necessidade de se repensar o currículo e o próprio perfil do egresso, de forma a dar mais oportunidade aos estudantes para que conheçam as bases teóricas e os campos de aplicação da Psicologia do Esporte. Tal lacuna pode acarretar a fragilização da disseminação desse conhecimento aos estudantes de graduação e a consequente ocupação do mercado de trabalho.(AU)

This study discusses the representativeness of Sports Psychology in Psychology and Physical Education courses at higher education institutions from Southern Brazil. A documentary study was conducted based on the institutions' curricula. Results show that 21.02% of the Psychology major, 41.96% of the bachelor's in Physical Education, and only 14.83% of the license in Physical Education offer Sports Psychology in their curricula. Sports Psychology is most often offered as a compulsory subject in the bachelor's program in Physical Education, whereas Psychology courses offer it mainly as an elective. Physical Education students have greater contact with the discipline when compared with Psychology students, which may be explained by its context of development and popularization in the academic environment. To change this scenario and offer adequate education in the Psychology programs to foster this career option, institutions must rethink their curriculum and the graduate profile itself. This would give students better opportunity to get to know its theoretical bases and fields of application. Such a gap can hinder the dissemination of this knowledge to undergraduate students and the consequent labor market occupation.(AU)

El objetivo de este estudio es discutir la representatividad de la materia Psicología del Deporte en los cursos de Psicología y Educación Física en instituciones de educación superior de la región Sur de Brasil, reconocidas por el Ministerio de Educación (MEC). Se realizó un estudio documental, basado en los planes de estudio de las instituciones. Los resultados revelaron que, en el Sur de Brasil, el 21,02% de los cursos de Psicología, el 41,96% de los cursos de licenciatura en Educación Física y sólo el 14,83% de los cursos de profesorado en Educación tienen la materia Psicología del Deporte en sus planes de estudio. Se observó que la materia Psicología del Deporte se ofrece con mayor frecuencia como asignatura obligatoria en los cursos de licenciatura en Educación Física. Cuando se ofrece en los cursos de Psicología, es una materia optativa. Los resultados muestran una mayor oferta para los estudiantes de Educación Física en comparación con Psicología, lo que puede estar relacionado con el contexto del surgimiento de la Psicología del Deporte como materia y su popularización en el ámbito académico. Para que este escenario cambie y sea posible ofrecer una formación adecuada en el curso de Psicología con el fin de fomentar esta opción de carrera, es necesario repensar el plan de estudios y el perfil del egresado, así los estudiantes tendrán más oportunidades de conocer sus bases teóricas y sus campos de actuación. Tal brecha puede debilitar la difusión de este conocimiento a los estudiantes de grado y la consecuente ocupación en el mercado laboral.(AU)

Processos de reflexividade dos psicólogos do esporte e coaches: um estudo fenomenológico / Reflexivity processes of sport psychologists and coaches: a phenomenological study / Procesos de reflexividad de psicólogos del deporte y coaches: un estudio fenomenológico

O objetivo desta pesquisa é identificar e compreender fenomenologicamente, por meio de relato de Psicólogos de Esporte (PE) e de Coaches, em sua vivência prática, como ocorrem os processos reflexivos em sua atuação, conforme apreendidos a partir de relatos de experiências. O método de investigação escolhido foi a fenomenologia, pois oferece os recursos necessários para tal mergulho junto à experiência reflexiva. A amostra intencional foi delineada por PE e Coaches (profissionais de Educação Física que recorrem ao Coaching) em atividade em esportes de alto rendimento, que tenham atuado ou estejam atuando em modalidades esportivas coletivas e/ou individuais. Realizaram-se nove entrevistas (cinco com PE, quatro com Coaches). O acesso ao objeto desse estudo se deu por meio de entrevistas em profundidade e semiestruturadas, orientadas pela escuta suspensiva. As questões disparadoras foram formuladas com base no Procedimento Estruturado de Reflexão adaptado. Para análise das entrevistas, realizou-se uma síntese de cada relato, seguindo-se de cruzamento intencional. Como resultados, percebeu-se que PE e Coaches trazem algumas similaridades no que se refere aos modos de refletir sobre sua prática. No entanto, as experiências que eles fazem desses processos reflexivos é que podem tomar rumos distintos. Os(as) PE amparam-se na regulamentação da profissão e resguardam-se em seus apontamentos, trazendo suas experiências e reflexões sobre os processos vividos. Os(as) Coaches trazem em suas explanações um trabalho coerente, organizado e compatível com o método do Coaching. Problematizar os processos reflexivos desses profissionais permite diferenciar qualitativa e eticamente suas atuações, possibilitando o fomento multiprofissional no esporte.(AU)

The aim of this study consists in phenomenologically identifying and understanding, by the report of Sport Psychologists (SP) and coaches, in their practical experience, how would be the reflexive processes that take place in their performance, as learned from reports of their experiences. The research method chosen was phenomenology, since it offers the necessary resources for such a dive along with the reflective experience. The intentional sample was outlined by SP and coaches (Physical Education professionals who use coaching) active in high performance sports, who have or are working in collective and/or individual sports. Nine interviews were conducted (five with SP, four with coaches). Access to the object of this study took place by in-depth and semi-structured interviews, guided by suspensive listening. The triggering questions were formulated based on the adapted Structured Reflection Procedure. For the analysis of the interviews, a synthesis of each report was carried out, followed by the intentional crossing. As results, it was noticed that SP and coaches bring some similarities regarding the ways of reflecting on their practice. However, their experiences of these reflective processes are that they can take different directions. The SP are based on the regulation of the profession and guard themselves in their notes, bringing their experiences and reflections on the processes experienced. Coaches bring in their explanations a coherent, organized, and compatible work with the coaching method. Problematizing the reflective processes of these professionals allows to differentiate their actuation qualitatively and ethically, making the multiprofessional phenomenon in sport possible.(AU)

El objetivo de este estudio consiste en identificar y comprender fenomenológicamente, a partir de la experiencia práctica de psicólogos del deporte (PD) y coaches, cómo serían los procesos reflexivos que se llevan a cabo en su rendimiento, tal y como se desprende de los informes de experiencias. El método de investigación elegido fue la fenomenología, ya que ofrece los recursos necesarios junto con la experiencia. La muestra intencional fue delineada por PD y coaches (profesionales de la educación física que utilizan el coaching) activos en deportes de alto rendimiento, que tienen o están trabajando en deportes colectivos e/o individuales. Se realizaron nueve entrevistas (cinco con PD, cuatro con coaches). El acceso al objeto de este estudio fue entrevistas en profundidad y semiestructuradas, guiadas por escuchas suspensivas. Las preguntas se formularon desde el procedimiento de reflexión estructurado adaptado. Para el análisis de las entrevistas, se hizo una síntesis de cada informe, seguida del cruce intencional. Como resultados, se notó que los PD y coaches tienen algunas similitudes con respecto a las formas de reflexionar sobre su práctica. Sin embargo, las experiencias que hacen de estos procesos pueden tomar diferentes direcciones. Los(las) PD se basan en la regulación de la profesión y se protegen en sus notas, aportando sus experiencias y reflexiones sobre los procesos vividos. Los(las) coaches plantean en sus explicaciones un trabajo coherente, organizado y compatible con el método de Coaching. Problematizar los procesos reflexivos de estos profesionales permite diferenciar sus acciones de manera cualitativa y ética, además de posibilitar la promoción multiprofesional en el deporte.(AU)

Vitamin D Supplementation Has No Impact on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, but Improves Inflammatory Status in Vitamin D Deficient Young Men Engaged in Resistance Training.

Data on the effect of vitamin D (Vit-D) supplementation on cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) are conflicting. A possible source of discrepancies in the literature is the heterogeneity in baseline Vit-D status among participants in previous studies. The main objectives of the present study were to assess the impact of Vit-D supplementation on VO2max and inflammatory status in Vit-D deficient young healthy men. Participants (n = 39, baseline serum Vit-D level < 50 nmol/L) were quasi-randomly assigned to one of the two groups, which, in a double-blind manner, supplemented their diet daily with either Vit-D (8000 IU; VD) or placebo (PLC) and concomitantly performed a 12-week supervised resistance training program. During the 12-week intervention, serum Vit-D concentrations increased 3.9-fold (p < 0.001) in the VD group while no changes occurred in the PLC group. Baseline VO2max did not differ in the two groups and remained unchanged during the intervention. Serum interleukin-10/tumour necrosis factor alpha ratio increased significantly (30%, p = 0.007; effect size 0.399) in VD but not in PLC group. In conclusion, 12-week Vit-D supplementation increases serum 25(OH)D levels and improves inflammatory status, but has no impact on VO2max in Vit-D deficient young men engaged in resistance training.

Effects of Combined Inorganic Nitrate and Nitrite Supplementation on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Skeletal Muscle Oxidative Capacity in Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Nitric oxide (NO) stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle. However, NO metabolism is disrupted in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) potentially contributing to their decreased cardiorespiratory fitness (i.e., VO2max) and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity. We used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8-week trial with beetroot juice containing nitrate (NO3−) and nitrite (NO2−) (250 mg and 20 mg/day) to test potential benefits on VO2max and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in T2DM. T2DM (N = 36, Age = 59 ± 9 years; BMI = 31.9 ± 5.0 kg/m2) and age- and BMI-matched non-diabetic controls (N = 15, Age = 60 ± 9 years; BMI = 29.5 ± 4.6 kg/m2) were studied. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity was assessed in muscle biopsies from a subgroup of T2DM and controls (N = 19 and N = 10, respectively). At baseline, T2DM had higher plasma NO3− (100%; p < 0.001) and lower plasma NO2− levels (−46.8%; p < 0.0001) than controls. VO2max was lower in T2DM (−26.4%; p < 0.001), as was maximal carbohydrate- and fatty acid-supported oxygen consumption in permeabilized muscle fibers (−26.1% and −25.5%, respectively; p < 0.05). NO3−/NO2− supplementation increased VO2max (5.3%; p < 0.01). Further, circulating NO2−, but not NO3−, positively correlated with VO2max after supplementation (R2= 0.40; p < 0.05). Within the NO3−/NO2− group, 42% of subjects presented improvements in both carbohydrate- and fatty acid-supported oxygen consumption in skeletal muscle (vs. 0% in placebo; p < 0.05). VO2max improvements in these individuals tended to be larger than in the rest of the NO3−/NO2− group (1.21 ± 0.51 mL/(kg*min) vs. 0.31 ± 0.10 mL/(kg*min); p = 0.09). NO3−/NO2− supplementation increases VO2max in T2DM individuals and improvements in skeletal muscle oxidative capacity appear to occur in those with more pronounced increases in VO2max.

Effectiveness of Deep Water Running on Improving Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Physical Function and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review.

Deep Water Running (DWR) is a form of aquatic aerobic exercise simulating the running patterns adopted on dry land. Little is known on the effectiveness of DWR despite gaining popularity. The objective of this study is to systematically review the effects of DWR on cardiorespiratory fitness, physical function, and quality of life in healthy and clinical populations. A systematic search was completed using six databases, including SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, Embase, and The Cochrane Library, up to February 2022. Eleven studies evaluating the effectiveness of DWR on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), physical function, or quality of life (QoL), compared with no interventions (or standard treatment) or land-based trainings were identified. Data relevant to the review questions were extracted by two independent reviewers when means and standard deviations were reported, and standardized mean differences were calculated. A quality assessment was conducted using selected items from the Downs and Black checklist. A total of 11 clinical trials (7 randomized controlled trials) with a total of 287 participants were included. Meta-analyses were not completed due to the high level of clinical and statistical heterogeneity between studies. Compared with land-based training, DWR showed similar effects on CRF with limited studies reporting outcomes of physical function and QoL compared with the no-exercise control group. DWR appears to be comparable to land-based training for improving CRF. The aquatic environment may provide some advantages for off-loaded exercise at high intensity in populations that are weak, injured or in pain, but more studies are required.

Prognostic Interplay Between Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring and Cardiorespiratory FItness: The CAC-FIT Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incremental prognostic role of coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and exercise capacity (EC), two independent prognostic tests in the assessment of patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS: The cohort consisted of patients who had clinically indicated exercise stress testing and CACS assessment from January 1, 2015, to September 30, 2021, with a median of 27 days between each other. Exercise capacity was defined by peak metabolic equivalents of task (METs) achieved during exercise stress test. The CACS was determined by the Agatston method. Patients were observed from the latest test date to incident major adverse cardiac events (inclusive of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, late revascularization, and admission for heart failure). RESULTS: There were a` total of 1932 patients in the study population (mean age, 56±12 years; 42% female, 48% hypertension, 21% diabetes, 48% dyslipidemia). Peak METs below 6 was achieved in 8% of patients, and the median (interquartile range) CACS was 9 (0-203). In multivariable Cox regression models, both CACS (1 unit increase in log CACS: hazard ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.34; P=.003;) and EC (1 unit increase in peak METs: hazard ratio, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81 to 0.97; P=.01) were independently associated with outcomes. Using CACS+EC added incremental prognostic value over clinical and fitness models (C index increase from 0.68 to 0.75; P=.015). Incident event rates increased across categories of CACS and EC. CONCLUSION: Our analysis found that CACS and EC have complementary risk-stratifying roles in coronary artery disease.