Very low-volume interval training improves nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score and cardiometabolic health in adults with obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiometabolic disorders are highly prevalent in obese individuals. Physical exercise is an important element in obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) treatment. However, the vast majority of individuals with obesity do not meet the general physical activity recommendations (i.e. 150 min of moderate activity per week). The present study aimed to investigate the impact of a highly time-saving high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol (28 min time requirement per week) on NAFLD fibrosis (NFS) and cardiometabolic risk scores in obese patients with MetS and elevated NFS values. Twenty-nine patients performed HIIT on cycle ergometers (5 x 1 min at an intensity of 80 - 95% maximal heart rate) twice weekly for 12 weeks and were compared to a control group without exercise (CON, n = 17). Nutritional counseling for weight loss was provided to both groups. NFS, cardiometabolic risk indices, MetS z-score, cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) and body composition were assessed before and after intervention. The HIIT (-4.3 kg, P < 0.001) and CON (-2.3 kg, P = 0.003) group significantly reduced body weight. There were no significant group differences in relative weight reduction (HIIT: -3.5%, CON: -2.4%). However, only the HIIT group improved NFS (-0.52 units, P = 0.003), MetS z-score (-2.0 units, P < 0.001), glycemic control (HbA1c: -0.20%, P = 0.014) and VO2max (+3.1 mL/kg/min, P < 0.001). Decreases in NFS (-0.50 units, P = 0.025) and MetS z-score (-1.4 units, P = 0.007) and the increment in VO2max (3.3 mL/kg/min, P < 0.001) were significantly larger in the HIIT than in the CON group. In conclusion, only 28 min of HIIT per week can elicit significant improvements in NFS and a several cardiometabolic health indices in obese MetS patients with increased NFS grades. Our results underscore the importance of exercise in NAFLD and MetS treatment and suggest that our low-volume HIIT protocol can be regarded as viable alternative to more time-consuming exercise programs.

Phase angle and vector analysis from multifrequency segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis: new reference data for older adults.

Phase angle (PA) and bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) have been recommended as useful prognostic markers in various clinical settings. However, reference data for older adults measured by the novel segmental multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (SMF-BIA) technique are currently lacking. This study examined 567 (286 men, 281 women) healthy older adults (65 - 97 years) and new SMF-BIA-based PA and BIVA reference values were generated stratified according to gender and 3 age groups (65 - 75 years, 76 - 85 years, > 85 years). Mean PA-values (women: 4.30 ± 0.6°, men: 4.77 ± 0.7°) were significantly lower than those previously reported for a younger reference population. Age and gender were significant determinants of PA and BIVA. PA showed a significant decrease with increasing age in both genders. The greatest changes occurred in the age group > 85 years. Men had higher Pas compared to women (except for the oldest age group), but showed a substantially steeper decline in PA, possibly due to a more pronounced reduction of muscle mass. Compared to published reference data for younger adults, there was a clear downward migration of the BIVA vector points in older adults, indicating an age-related reduction of body cell mass. Accordingly, the equation for the BIVA chart generation was modified by adding the factor age. In conclusion, this is the first study to present SMF-BIA-determined PA and BIVA reference data for healthy subjects aged ≥ 65 years. These data can be used for clinical purposes to identify individuals at increased risk for adverse health events or to monitor treatment responses.

Effects of whole-body electromyostimulation exercise and caloric restriction on cardiometabolic risk profile and muscle strength in obese women with the metabolic syndrome: a pilot study.

Obesity, particularly in conjunction with further cardiometabolic risk factors, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Increased physical activity and dietary modifications are cornerstones of therapeutic interventions to treat obesity and related risk factors. Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) has emerged as an innovative, time-efficient type of exercise that can provide positive effects on body composition and muscle strength. However, the impact of WB-EMS on cardiometabolic health in obese individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS) has yet to be determined. The aim of this pilot study was, therefore, to investigate the feasibility and effects of WB-EMS on cardiometabolic risk markers and muscle strength in obese women diagnosed with MetS. Twenty-nine obese women (56.0 ± 10.9 years, BMI: 36.7 ± 4.6 kg/m2) with the clinical diagnosis of MetS were randomized to either 12 weeks of WB-EMS (n = 15) or an inactive control group (CON, n = 14). Both groups received nutritional counseling (aim: -500 kcal energy deficit/day). WB-EMS was performed 2x/week (20 min/session). Body composition, maximum strength (Fmax) of major muscle groups, selected cardiometabolic risk indices and the metabolic syndrome Z-score (MetS-Z) were determined baseline and after the intervention. WB-EMS was well tolerated and no adverse events occurred. Body weight was significantly reduced in both groups by an average of ~3 kg (P < 0.01). The body fat percentage was only decreased in the WB-EMS group (P = 0.018). Total cholesterol concentrations decreased in the WB-EMS group (P = 0.018) and in CON (P = 0.027). Only the WB-EMS group increased Fmax significantly in all major muscle groups (P < 0.05) and improved the overall cardiometabolic risk score (MetS-Z, P = 0.029). This pilot study indicates that WB-EMS can be considered as a feasible and time-efficient exercise option for improving body composition, muscle strength and cardiometabolic health in obese women with MetS. Moreover, these findings underpin the crucial role of exercise during weight loss interventions in improving health outcomes.

Rapid body mass loss affects erythropoiesis and hemolysis but does not impair aerobic performance in combat athletes.

Rapid body mass loss (RBML) before competition was found to decrease hemoglobin mass (Hbmass ) in elite boxers. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of this observation. Fourteen well-trained combat athletes who reduced body mass before competitions (weight loss group, WLG) and 14 combat athletes who did not practice RBML (control group, CON) were tested during an ordinary training period (t-1), 1-2 days before an official competition (after 5-7 days RBML in WLG, t-2), and after a post-competition period (t-3). In WLG, body mass (-5.5%, range: 2.9-6.8 kg) and Hbmass (-4.1%) were significantly (P < 0.001) reduced after RBML and were still decreased by 1.6% (P < 0.05) and 2.6% (P < 0.001) at t-3 compared with t-1. After RBML, erythropoietin, reticulocytes, haptoglobin, triiodothyronine (FT3 ), and free androgen index (FAI) were decreased compared with t-1 and t-3. An increase occurred in ferritin and bilirubin. Peak treadmill-running performance and VO2peak did not change significantly, but performance at 4-mmol lactate threshold was higher after RBML (P < 0.05). In CON, no significant changes were found in any parameter. Apparently, the significant decrease in Hbmass after RBML in combat athletes was caused by impaired erythropoiesis and increased hemolysis without significant impact on aerobic performance capacity.

Effect of endurance training on dental erosion, caries, and saliva.

The aim of this investigation was to give insights into the impact of endurance training on oral health, with regard to tooth erosion, caries, and salivary parameters. The study included 35 triathletes and 35 non-exercising controls. The clinical investigation comprised oral examination, assessment of oral status with special regard to caries and erosion, saliva testing during inactivity, and a self-administered questionnaire about eating, drinking, and oral hygiene behavior. In addition, athletes were asked about their training habits and intake of beverages and sports nutrition. For saliva assessment during exercise, a subsample of n = 15 athletes volunteered in an incremental running field test (IRFT). Athletes showed an increased risk for dental erosion (P = 0.001). No differences were observed with regard to caries prevalence and salivary parameters measured during inactivity between athletes and controls. Among athletes, a significant correlation was found between caries prevalence and the cumulative weekly training time (r = 0.347, P = 0.04). In athletes after IRFT and at maximum workload, saliva flow rates decreased (P = 0.001 stimulated; P = 0.01 unstimulated) and saliva pH increased significantly (P = 0.003). Higher risk for dental erosions, exercise-dependent caries risk, and load-dependent changes in saliva parameters point out the need for risk-adapted preventive dental concepts in the field of sports dentistry.

5-Methoxypsoralen plus ultraviolet (UV) A is superior to medium-dose UVA1 in the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis: a randomized crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet (UV) A1 and psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) are effective treatment options for severe atopic dermatitis (AD); however, their relative efficacy has not yet been determined in a head-to-head study. OBJECTIVES: To compare UVA1 and oral 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP) plus UVA with respect to efficacy, tolerability and duration of response in patients with severe generalized AD. METHODS: Forty patients were included in this randomized observer-blinded crossover trial. The patients received either 15 exposures to medium-dose UVA1 as the first treatment and, in cases of relapse, another 15 exposures to 5-MOP plus UVA as the second treatment, or vice versa. All patients were followed until 12 months after discontinuation of the last treatment. The SCORAD score was determined by a blinded investigator at baseline, after 10 and 15 treatments each and during the follow-up period. In addition, all adverse events were recorded during the whole study period. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients completed the crossover treatment. Both phototherapies resulted in clinical improvement; however, PUVA reduced the baseline SCORAD score to a significantly greater extent than UVA1 (mean +/- SD 54.3 +/- 25.7% vs. 37.7 +/- 22.8%; P = 0.041). The median length of remission was 4 weeks (interquartile range 4-12) after UVA1 and 12 weeks (interquartile range 4-26) after PUVA therapy (P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: PUVA provides a better short- and long-term response than medium-dose UVA1 in patients with severe AD.