Pilates training improves aerobic capacity, but not lipid or lipoprotein levels in elderly women with dyslipidemia: A controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to verify the effects of a Pilates training on total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), glucose and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, as well as on functionality of postmenopausal women with dyslipidemia. METHOD: This randomized study involved 35 sedentary women with dyslipidemia, aged between 60 and 75 years. One group participated in a Pilates exercises training with two to four weekly sessions during 10 weeks (Pilates group, n = 20) and the other group did not perform any intervention (control group, n = 6). Biochemical analyses and functionality parameters were measured before and after the 10 weeks. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in TC, TG, LDL and HDL for both groups. Regarding glucose and CRP levels, significant reductions were observed in both groups after the intervention period. In functional parameters, both groups significantly increased their 30-s chair stand test values. On the other hand, only the Pilates group presented significant increments in the 6-min walk test (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pilates training did not change lipid or lipoprotein levels, but improved cardiorespiratory fitness of elderly women with dyslipidemia.

Potential therapeutic implications of ergogenic compounds on pathophysiology induced by traumatic brain injury: A narrative review.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a devastating condition that often triggers a sequel of neurological disorders that can last throughout lifespan. From a metabolic viewpoint, the compromising of the energy metabolism of the brain has produced evidence linking the severity of brain injury to the extent of disturbances in the cerebral metabolism. The cerebral metabolic crisis, however, displays that regional heterogeneity varies temporally post-injury. It is important to note that energy generation and mitochondrial function are closely related and interconnected with delayed secondary manifestations of brain injury, including early neuromotor dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE). Given the extent of post-traumatic changes in neuronal function and the possibility of amplifying secondary cascades, different therapies designed to minimize damage and retain/restore cellular function after TBI are currently being studied. One of the possible strategies may be the inclusion of ergogenic compounds, which is a class of supplements that typically includes ingredients used by athletes to enhance their performance. The combination of these compounds offers specific physiological advantages, which include enhanced energy availability/metabolism and improved buffering capacity. However, the literature on their effects in certain biological systems and neurological diseases, such as TBI, has yet to be determined. Thus, the present review aims to discuss the role of ergogenic compounds popularly used in secondary damage induced by this neurological injury. In this narrative review, we also discuss how the results from animal studies can be applied to TBI clinical settings.

Capillary glycaemia responses to strength exercises performed before or after high-intensity interval exercise in Type 1 diabetes under real-life settings.

This study investigated the influence of performing strength exercises before or after high-intensity interval exercise on glycaemia during and postexercise in T1DM patients. Nine physically active adults with T1DM executed 30 min of strength exercises (SE) (3 sets at 10 RM) before 30 min of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) (10 × 60-s bout at ∼90% HRmax interspersed with 60 s recovery) (SE + HIIE) or performed the reverse order (HIIE + SE) or rested in this period. Capillary glucose levels were measured each 15 min during and 60 min postexercise recovery. Significant lower glucose levels were observed in SE + HIIE at 60, 75 and 90 min, in comparison with REST. HIIE + SE lowered glycaemia at 30, 45 and 60 min compared with baseline concentrations, while SE + HIIE postponed this glucose decayment to 60 min, when compared with baseline levels. An increased glycaemia at 105 min compared with end-exercise levels were also observed in HIIE + SE. Carbohydrates ingested during exercise to correct hypoglycemia, insulin dosage at same day before and after protocols, and nocturnal hypoglycemia episodes were similar among the three conditions. It is concluded that the performance of HIIE before SE decreases glycaemia already at the end of first exercise modality, while the reverse order postpones it to the end of second exercise, although HIIE + SE improves glycemic stability throughout recovery. T1DM patients who tend to develop exercise-associated hypoglycemia may perform strength exercises before high-intensity interval exercise in a single session.

Effects of dance interventions on cardiovascular risk with ageing: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Exercising, including dancing, has been recommended to improve cardiovascular health of older people. Herein, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis verifying the effects of dance interventions on cardiovascular risk (CVR) in the elderly, comparing dancers to non-exercise controls and other types of exercise, in randomised (RCTs) and non-randomised control trials (nRCTs). Primary/Secondary outcomes: peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak)/anthropometric measurements (body weight, BMI), and lipid profile. METHODS: Data Sources: MEDLINE, Cochrane Wiley, Clinical Trials.gov, PEDRO and LILACS databases. STUDY SELECTION: RCTs and nRCTs comparing elderly before and after dance interventions with non-exercising controls and/or practitioners of other types of exercise. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the quality of included studies. RESULTS: A total of 937 articles were retrieved, 64 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 7 articles met the inclusion criteria. Pooled mean differences between intervention and control were calculated by random-effects model. VO2peak improved in favour of dancers (3.4mLkg-1min-1, 95%CI: 1.08, 5.78, I2=71%), compared to non-exercise controls. No differences were found between dance and other exercises. Body weight and BMI were not altered by dance interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Dance interventions may increase VO2peak compared to non-exercising controls. Results also indicate it is as effective as other types of exercise in improving aerobic capacity of the elderly. Dancing might be a potential exercise intervention for improving cardiorespiratory fitness and consequent CVR associated with ageing. Proper reporting on adverse events is needed to base the benefits of dancing for the older on both efficacy and safety of the interventions.

Efeito do acompanhamento nutricional e treinamento físico em pessoas com síndrome metabólica / Effect of a nutritional program and exercise training in people with metabolic syndrome

Introdução: A síndrome metabólica é um transtorno que reúne um conjunto de fatores de risco cardiovasculares, acometendo boa parte da população acima de 40 anos. Alimentação inadequada e falta de exercícios físicos são consideradas precursores dessa síndrome. Objetivos: Avaliar os efeitos de duas intervenções distintas, programa de acompanhamento nutricional e programa de treinamento físico, em pessoas com síndrome metabólica. Métodos: Participaram do estudo 14 adultos, de ambos os sexos, com idade de 40 a 65 anos, divididos em dois grupos: grupo 1 – acompanhamento nutricional e grupo 2 – programa de exercícios físicos. Realizaram-se coletas no início da pesquisa e após 16 semanas de intervenção. Resultados: Houve redução significativa de massa corporal, IMC, circunferência da cintura, HDL e colesterol total, nos componentes do grupo 1. No grupo 2, não houve diminuições significantes. Conclusões: O acompanhamento nutricional gerou resultados positivos no perfil antropométrico, pressão arterial e perfil lipídico dos sujeitos após 16 semanas de intervenção.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is a disorder of a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors, affecting a considerable proportion of the population over 40 years. Objective: To evaluate the effects of two isolated interventions, a nutritional program and exercise training, in people with metabolic syndrome. Methods: The study included fourteen adults, both genders, aged between 40 and 65 years, who were divided into two groups: group 1 underwent a nutritional program, and group 2, a physical exercise program. Data were collected at baseline and after 16 weeks of intervention. Results: There was a significant reduction in body mass, BMI, waist circumference, HDL and total cholesterol, in the components of group 1. In group 2 there were no significant reductions. Conclusion: The nutritional program had positive effects in the anthropometric profile, blood pressure, and lipid profile after 16 weeks of intervention.