RESUMEN
The effectiveness of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) supplementation on enhancing exercise performance in both young and older adults remains a topic of debate. Recent research suggests that BCAAs combined with regular exercise might have an impact on human erythropoiesis, blood dynamics, and iron homeostasis. Given the increasing longevity of the global population, it is crucial to investigate the potential benefits of BCAA supplementation and regular exercise as non-pharmacological interventions for improving the overall health of frail older adults. To assess the influence of a 40-week multicomponent exercise intervention (MEP) combined BCCA supplementation on the haematological indicators of frail older adults (83-93 years old) residing in nursing homes. A prospective, naturalistic, controlled clinical trial employing an intervention-washout-intervention was conducted for this purpose. The study included four experimental groups: MEP plus BCAA supplementation (MEP + BCAA, n = 8), MEP only (n = 7), BCAA supplementation only (n = 7), and control group non exercising (CG, n = 13). Fried's physical frailty (PF) protocol was employed to stratify the participants. Additionally, the assessment included the evaluation of nutritional status, comorbidities, and anthropometric measurements. Among the several haematological markers examined, only mean cellular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCH) [F = 4.09; p < 0.03] and Mean Cell haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) [F = 10, 323; p < 0,0001] showed significant effects of time group. Our findings demonstrate that a long-term intervention with BCAA plus MEP did not lead to significant alterations in the haematological profile. An 8-week withdrawal from interventions did not affect the frailty status in the MEP and MEP + BCAA groups, whereas the control group exhibited an increase in PF status. The findings, demonstrating the potential pro-immune effect and maintenance of MCH and MCHC levels, highlight the relevance of incorporating exercise and nutritional strategies to promote healthy aging. This study contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 (good health and well-being) and 10 (reduced Inequalities) for all.
RESUMEN
There is a substantial literature gap related to the vascular response to different types of exercise training in middle-aged and older populations. Thus, this scoping review aimed to examine the outcomes of controlled trials testing the long-term effects of exercise interventions on vascular function-related outcomes in middle-aged and older populations. The literature search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Data sources: five databases were used (EBSCO, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar). Eligibility criteria: controlled trials, published in the last 10 years, in English, containing well-described exercise interventions, reporting vascular quantitative effects of exercise in middle-aged and older people. A total of 62 publications were included. The studies included distinct types and intensities of exercise and were heterogeneous in volume and frequency. The assessed vascular outcomes also presented considerable variability. Overall, most studies reported positive effects of exercise on vascular function outcomes, regardless of exercise characteristics. Different exercise interventions can be applied to improve vascular function in middle-aged and older adults. Studies on combined and stretching exercises reported encouraging results in improving vascular function. Stretching exercises rise as an effective alternative in promoting vascular function among older adults, while combined exercise delivered promising vascular benefits in both populations.
RESUMEN
RESUMO Introdução: A performance no futebol depende de vários fatores, entre eles, conhecimento das alterações fisiológicas ocorridas durante o jogo. Objetivo: Identificar as alterações hematológicas, imunológicas, enzimáticas, hormonais e inflamatórias decorrentes do aumento de suas concentrações plasmáticas após um jogo de futebol. Métodos: A amostra foi constituída por 42 atletas do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 25,7 ± 4,6 anos, todos profissionais da modalidade futebol. Todos os atletas participaram de, no mínimo, 90 minutos de um jogo oficial. Foram realizadas análise sanguíneas 2 horas antes do jogo, após o jogo, e ainda, em 24, 48 e 72 horas. Foram analisadas as alterações nos biomarcadores hematológicos, imunológicos, enzimáticos (creatina quinase total - CKt, lactato desidrogenase - LDH, aspartato aminotransferase - AST), cortisol, testosterona e proteína C-reativa (PCR). Resultados: Foram verificadas alterações dos níveis de eritrócitos, Hb e Hct, no entanto, clinicamente irrelevantes e sem significado fisiológico. O número de leucócitos, neutrófilos, monócitos, eosinófilos e linfócitos apresentaram alterações significativas (p < 0,05). Foram verificados picos de elevação após os jogos para a LDH e PCR e depois de 24 horas para a CKt e AST (p < 0,05). As concentrações de cortisol aumentaram de forma significativa após os jogos enquanto os níveis de testosterona diminuíram; no período de 24 horas os padrões se reverteram (p < 0,05). Conclusão: O jogo de futebol não altera de forma aguda os parâmetros hematológicos. A função imunológica apresenta leucocitose acentuada com expressão simultânea de neutrofilia e linfopenia. O jogo de futebol é suficientemente agressivo para induzir danos musculares, gera um estado catabólico, e ainda, aumenta as reações inflamatórias.
ABSTRACT Introduction: The performance in soccer depends on several factors, including the knowledge of physiological changes during a match. Objective: To identify the hematological, immunological, enzymatic, hormonal and inflammatory changes caused by increased plasma concentrations after a soccer match. Methods: The sample consisted of 42 male athletes with a mean age of 25.7±4.6 years, all professional soccer players. All athletes participated during at least 90 minutes in an official soccer match. Blood samples were analyzed 2 hours before the match, immediately after the match, and 24, 48 and 72 hours after the match. Changes in hematological, immunological and enzymatic (total creatine kinase - CKt, lactate dehydrogenase - LDH, aspartate aminotransferase - AST), cortisol, testosterone and C-reactive protein (CRP) biomarkers were analyzed. Results: There were changes in the levels of erythrocytes, Hb and Hct, although clinically irrelevant and with no physiological significance. The number of leukocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils and lymphocytes showed significant changes (p<0.05). Rising peaks were observed 2 hours after the game for LDH and CRP and 24 hours after the game for CKt and AST (p<0.05). The cortisol concentrations increased significantly after the matches, whereas testosterone levels decreased. These patterns were reversed 24 hours after the match (p<0.05). Conclusion: The soccer match does not change acutely hematological parameters. Immune function exhibits a marked leukocytosis with simultaneous expression of neutrophilia and lymphopenia. The soccer matches are sufficiently intense to induce muscle damage, generate a catabolic state, and increase inflammatory reactions.
RESUMEN Introducción: El rendimiento en el fútbol depende de varios factores, entre ellos el conocimiento de los cambios fisiológicos durante el juego. Objetivo: Identificar las alteraciones hematológicas, inmunológicas, enzimáticas, hormonales e inflamatorias, que resultan del aumento en las concentraciones plasmáticas después de un partido de fútbol. Métodos: La muestra estuvo constituida por 42 atletas varones, con una edad media de 25,7 ± 4,6 años, todos profesionales de la modalidad fútbol. Todos los atletas participaron por lo menos en 90 minutos de un juego oficial. Los análisis de sangre se realizaron 2 horas antes del partido, al final del juego y también a 24, 48 y 72 horas después. Se analizaron los cambios en los biomarcadores hematológicos, inmunológicos, enzimáticos (creatina quinasa total - CKt, lactato deshidrogenasa - LDH, aspartato aminotransferasa - AST), cortisol, testosterona, y proteína C-reactiva (PCR). Resultados: Se observaron cambios en los niveles de eritrocitos, hemoglobina y hematocrito, aunque clínicamente irrelevantes y sin importancia fisiológica. El número de leucocitos, neutrófilos, monocitos, eosinófilos y linfocitos tuvo cambios significativos (p < 0,05). Se observaron picos de elevación de la LDH y la PCR después de los juegos y después de 24 horas hubo aumento de CKt y AST (p < 0,05). Los niveles de cortisol aumentaron significativamente después de los juegos, mientras que los niveles de testosterona disminuyeron; en un período de 24 horas los patrones se invirtieron (p < 0,05). Conclusión: El partido de fútbol no cambia de forma aguda los parámetros hematológicos. La función inmune presentó leucocitosis considerable con expresión simultánea de neutrofilia y linfopenia. El partido de fútbol es suficientemente agresivo para inducir daños musculares, lleva a un estado catabólico, y también aumenta las reacciones inflamatorias.
