Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours of Adolescents and Young Adult Population on the Use of E-Cigarettes or Personal Vaporizer.

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cig) or personal vaporizers (PV) has increased in recent years, especially among adolescents and adults, increasing risk factors for their health or being a starting point for other risk behaviours. The aim of our study is to learn the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of the adolescent and young adult population on the use of e-cigarettes or PVs. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 375 subjects. The use of e-cigs or PVs was measured using a self-administered questionnaire. Overall, 13.33% of the respondents used e-cigarettes or PVs. A correlation could be established between vape use and age, with 14-18-year-olds being the highest users (25.9%). Additionally, 90.13% of the respondents answered that e-cig or PV use was harmful to health. Other behaviours, such as consumption of energy drinks (ED), increases the probability of vaping by 3.08 times (CI = 1.55-6.29; p = 0.001). Subjects aged 23-26 years and 27-34 years are less likely to vape than subjects aged 14-18 years (OR = 0.31: CI = 0.09-0.96; p = 0.044; OR = 0.07: CI = 0.00-0.63; p = 0.037). The same applies to subjects with secondary education (OR = 0.17: CI = 0.04-0.66; p = 0.011) and postgraduate education (OR = 0.07: CI = 0.06-1.19; p = 0.043), than subjects with primary education. The use of e-cigs and PVs starts at an early age, despite the known harmful effects of e-cigs and PVs. Their use may occur mainly in recreational situations and in association with other substances such as ED.

Health literacy and prognosis of heart failure: a prospective propensity-matched study in the community.

AIMS: Health literacy (HL), the ability to obtain and understand health information, is critical to self-care in chronic disorders. A low HL is common among these patients and has been associated with a worse prognosis. Nevertheless, the relationship between HL and the prognosis of heart failure (HF) with reduced (HFrEF) vs. preserved (HFpEF) ejection fraction remains unsettled. To analyse the relationship between HL and the prognosis of patients with incident HFrEF and HFpEF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Prospective study over 10 years (2010-19) on 6444 patients diagnosed with incident HF. The main outcomes were mortality, hospitalizations, and visits to emergency services. The independent relationship between HL and the prognosis, stratifying patients for cardiovascular comorbidity after propensity score-matching was analysed.After matching 5355 HF patients, 1785 with low HL (874 with HFrEF and 911 with HFpEF) vs. 3570 with adequate HL (1748 with HFrEF and 1822 with HFpEF), during a median follow-up of 5.41 years, 3874 patients died (72.3%) and 3699 patients were hospitalized (69.1%). After adjustment for potential confounders, an adequate HL was associated with a lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, less hospitalizations, and less 30-day readmissions [relative risk (RR) for HF <0.72 (0.66-0.86), RR for HFrEF <0.69 (0.63-0.95), and RR for HFpEF <0.62 (0.55-0.88), P < 0.001 in all cases], both for patients with HFrEF and HFpEF. Analyses of recurrent hospitalizations gave larger HL effects than time-to-first-event analyses. CONCLUSIONS: In this propensity-matched study, a low HL is associated with a worse prognosis of patients with incident HFrEF and HFpEF.

Impact of Probiotics on the Performance of Endurance Athletes: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Probiotic supplements contain different strains of living microorganisms that promote the health of the host. These dietary supplements are increasingly being used by athletes to improve different aspects such as athletic performance, upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), the immune system, oxidative stress, gastrointestinal (GI) problems, etc. This study aimed to identify the current evidence on the management of probiotics in endurance athletes and their relationship with sports performance. METHODS: A systematic review of the last five years was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Web of science, Sportdiscus and Embase databases. RESULTS: Nine articles met the quality criteria. Of these, three reported direct benefits on sports performance. The remaining six articles found improvements in the reduction of oxidative stress, increased immune response and decreased incidence of URTIs. There is little scientific evidence on the direct relationship between the administration of probiotics in endurance athletes and sports performance. CONCLUSIONS: Benefits were found that probiotics could indirectly influence sports performance by improving other parameters such as the immune system, response to URTIs and decreased oxidative stress, as well as the monitoring of scheduled workouts.

Effects of Resistance Training in Muscle Mass and Markers of Muscle Damage in Adults with Down Syndrome.

Recent studies have emphasized that regular exercise should be encouraged as a key part of care and support for people with Down syndrome (DS). However, muscle hypotonia has traditionally been considered a major barrier to resistance training (RT) in people with DS. The main objective of this study was to analyze the impact of circuit RT on markers of muscle damage. The secondary objective was to assess the influence of a RT program on body composition and work task performance. Thirty-six men with DS were recruited and randomly assigned to perform a circuit RT program with six stations 3 days/week for 12 weeks (n = 18) or to a control group (n = 18). Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Serum markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase, myoglobin, and lactate dehydrogenase) were determined at baseline and at the end of training weeks 1, 6, and 12. Work task performance was assessed using the weighted pail-carry test. RT did not induce significant changes in markers of muscle damage during the intervention. Furthermore, muscle mass and work task performance were significantly improved in the exercise group. These findings suggest that circuit RT can be used safely to increase muscle mass and work task performance in young adults with DS. Muscle hypotonia should not be considered a major barrier to exercise in people with DS, provided that qualified staff design and supervise all training sessions.

Perceived Stress and Increased Food Consumption during the 'Third Wave' of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health of people worldwide. An increase in perceived stress can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as increased food consumption. The aim of this study was to find the level of perceived stress and its relationship with increased food consumption during the "third wave" of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. This was a cross-sectional study that employed anonline self-reported frequency of consumption questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale-10. A total of 637 subjects participated and 83.6% of respondents had moderate or high stress-more prevalent in the female and young respondents. Moreover, 36.1% of respondents reported that they had increased the frequency of consumption of some foods, mainly nuts, snacks, and jellybeans, along with coffee, tea, cocoa, and soft drinks. Eating between meals was more pronounced in those with high stress (65.1%) than in those with moderate stress (40.4%) and low stress (20.2%). Furthermore, the respondents with high stress reported greater weight gain. Thus, the results show that the level of perceived stress during the 'third wave' of this pandemic increased food consumption.

Consumption of over-the-Counter Drugs: Prevalence and Type of Drugs.

Recently, there has been an increase in the use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. The consumption of these medicines can be unsafe, as incorrect self-diagnosis or the ingestion of inappropriate doses can lead to side effects and the occurrence of adverse reactions and drug-drug interactions. A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out, targeting the entire Spanish population by using an online questionnaire. The results showed that 78.9% of the subjects had previously taken or were currently taking OTC drugs. This consumption decreased as the age of the subjects increased, with a prevalence of 36.4% of subjects aged ≥ 71 taking OTC drugs. Analgesics were the most consumed OTC drugs (49.1%) especially in women, youngsters with non-formal educational qualifications, and individuals of a low-medium socioeconomic level residing in urban areas. Measures should be implemented to optimize the safe use of OTC drugs in order to avoid the occurrence of secondary events associated with the lack of knowledge related to their the usage.

Proposed cut-off points for anthropometric and bioelectrical measures based on overweight and obesity criteria in Spanish institutionalised elderly people.

The increasing prevalence of obesity among the institutionalised elderly population and its severe consequences on health requires an early and accurate diagnosis that can be easily achieved in any clinical setting. This study aimed to determine new cut-off values for anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance measures that are superior to body mass index criteria for overweight and obesity status in a sample of Spanish institutionalised elderly population. A total of 211 institutionalised older adults (132 women, aged 84.3±7.3 years; 79 men, aged 81.5±7.3 years) were enrolled in the current cross-sectional study. Anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance measures included the body mass index, waist circumference, gluteal circumference, waist-hip ratio, sagittal-abdominal diameter, trunk fat, and visceral-fat ratio. In women, the waist circumference, gluteal circumference, sagittal-abdominal diameter, trunk fat, and visceral-fat index presented strongly significant specificity and sensitivity (area under the curve [AUC], p<0.0001) and elevated discriminative values (receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curves: 0.827 to 0.867) for overweight and obesity status. In men, the waist-hip ratio, waist circumference, gluteal circumference, sagittal-abdominal diameter, trunk fat, and visceral-fat ratio were strongly significant AUC (p<0.0001), with moderate-to-high values (ROC curves: 0.757-0.871). In conclusion, our findings suggest that gluteal circumference, waist circumference, and sagittal-abdominal diameter in women and trunk fat, visceral-fat ratio, and waist circumference in men may represent more suitable cut-off values superior to body mass index criteria for overweight and obesity in the Spanish institutionalised elderly population.

Sex differences for predicting metabolic syndrome by adipose dysfunction markers in institutionalized elderly.

AIMS: Recent studies have emphasized that metabolic syndrome (MetS) was the most important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in the institutionalized elderly. In addition, the occurrence of MetS was higher in those with longer age-adjusted institutionalization time. The present study was conducted to assess predictive value of markers of adipose tissue dysfunction for the early screening of MetS in this population. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two hundred and eleven institutionalized older adults (132 women, aged 74.3 ± 7.3 years; 79 men, aged 71.5 ± 7.3 years) were enrolled in the current cross-sectional study. Lipid accumulation product (LAP), visceral adiposity index (VAI), body adiposity index (BAI), and triglycerides (TG)/high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol ratio were determined. The receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated to compare the area under the curve of each index. The total prevalence of MetS was 23.8%. In female group, VAI and TG/HDL ratio presented moderate-high sensitivity (77.78% and 78.38%, respectively) and specificity (77.62% and 73.49%, respectively). In males group, LAP presented moderate-high sensitivity (75%) and specificity (76.9%). CONCLUSION: Gender played a key role on the prediction of MetS by adipose dysfunction markers in institutionalized elderly. Accordingly, VAI and TG/HDL-cholesterol ratio showed the highest predictive value for MetS in female elderly. LAP was the strongest predictor of MetS in male elderly.

The Predictive Role of Raw Bioelectrical Impedance Variables in Disordered Eating Attitudes in Female Ballet Dance Students.

The present study used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to investigate the accuracy of body composition and raw bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in correctly classifying disordered eating attitudes (DEA) in dance students. Participants were 81 female dancers assigned in two groups: beginner training (BT; age (mean ± SD) = 10.09 ± 1.2 years, n = 32) and advanced training (AT; age = 15.37 ± 2.1 years, n = 49). Fat mass (FM) was estimated by Slaughter's equation and skeletal muscle with Poortman's equation. Impedance (Z), resistance (R), reactance (Xc) and phase angle (PhA) were obtained through multifrequency BIA at a frequency of 50 kHz. Fat-free mass (FFM) was assessed using Sun's equation. For evaluation of DEA, the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) questionnaire was performed. We defined an EAT-26 score ≥ 20 as positive for DEA. Comparisons between groups were performed by a one-way ANOVA test or Kruskall-Wallis test. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were performed to assess associations between variables. ROC curve analysis was utilized to test the accuracy of body composition and BIA variables in predicting DEA. In the BT group, Xc and PhA demonstrated high accuracy in predicting DEA with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.976 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85-1.00) and 0.957 (95% CI: 0.82-0.99), respectively, (both p < 0.0001). FFM Sun had an AUC of 0.836 (95% CI: 0.66-0.94) (p < 0.0001) in the BT group and FFM Slaughter was 0.797 (95% CI: 0.66-0.90) (p < 0.001) in the AT group. Reactance and Phase angle were excellent and useful predictors of DEA in the BT group.

Exercise improved semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in sedentary obese adults

INTRODUCTION: From the previously published literature on the relationship between obesity and infertility, it is clear that male obesity negatively impacts semen quality. Accordingly, this study was conducted to determine whether regular exercise may improve semen quality in sedentary obese adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety obese adults were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 45) or control group (n = 45). Participants in the intervention group performed a 16-week aerobic training program in a treadmill, three sessions per week, consisting of a warm-up (10-15 minutes), 35-50 minutes treadmill exercise (increasing five minutes per four weeks) at a work intensity of 50-65% of peak heart rate (increasing a 5% per four weeks) and cooling-down (5-10 minutes). Semen quality assessment included semen volume, sperm concentration and the percentages of progressive motility and normal morphology. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and estradiol were determined by ELISA. Body composition and physical fitness were also assessed. RESULTS: After the completion of the training program, sperm count, motility and normal morphology were significantly increased. A second key finding was that exercise improved reproductive hormone levels by increasing serum testosterone. Lastly, significant correlations were found between seminal outcomes and abdominal obesity. CONCLUSION: A short-term intervention program based on aerobic training improved semen quality in sedentary obese adults. This finding may be explained, at least in part, by an improvement of the reproductive hormone profile.

Exercise improved semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in sedentary obese adults / Mejora de calidad seminal y perfil hormonal en adultos obesos sedentarios mediante ejercicio

Introduction: From the previously published literature on the relationship between obesity and infertility, it is clear that male obesity negatively impacts semen quality. Accordingly, this study was conducted to determine whether regular exercise may improve semen quality in sedentary obese adults. Material and methods: Ninety obese adults were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 45) or control group (n = 45). Participants in the intervention group performed a 16-week aerobic training program in a treadmill, three sessions per week, consisting of a warm-up (10-15 minutes), 35-50 minutes treadmill exercise (increasing five minutes per four weeks) at a work intensity of 50-65% of peak heart rate (increasing a 5% per four weeks) and cooling-down (5-10 minutes). Semen quality assessment included semen volume, sperm concentration and the percentages of progressive motility and normal morphology. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and estradiol were determined by ELISA. Body composition and physical fitness were also assessed. Results: After the completion of the training program, sperm count, motility and normal morphology were significantly increased. A second key finding was that exercise improved reproductive hormone levels by increasing serum testosterone. Lastly, significant correlations were found between seminal outcomes and abdominal obesity. Conclusion: A short-term intervention program based on aerobic training improved semen quality in sedentary obese adults. This finding may be explained, at least in part, by an improvement of the reproductive hormone profile (AU)

Introducción: cada vez existe un mayor nivel de evidencia sobre el impacto negativo de la obesidad en la calidad seminal. Sin embargo, la utilidad del ejercicio en este grupo de pacientes ha recibido escasa atención. El presente estudio pretende determinar la influencia de un programa de entrenamiento aeróbico en la calidad seminal de adultos obesos. Material y métodos: noventa adultos varones se asignaron aleatoriamente al grupo experimental (n = 45) o control (n = 45). El grupo experimental desarrolló un programa de entrenamiento aeróbico en tapiz rodante de 16 semanas con tres sesiones/semana. Cada sesión se estructuró en calentamiento (10-15 minutos), 35-50 minutos en tapiz rodante (incrementando cinco minutos/cuatro semanas) a una intensidad del 50-65% de su frecuencia cardiaca máxima (incrementando 5%/cuatro semanas) y vuelta a la calma (5-10 minutos). La calidad seminal se evaluó mediante determinación de volumen seminal, concentración espermática, así como porcentajes de motilidad y morfología normal según criterios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Los niveles séricos de las hormonas folículo estimulante (FSH), luteinizante (LH) y testosterona se determinaron mediante ELISA. También se evaluó la composición corporal y condición física de los participantes. Resultados: tras finalizar el entrenamiento, la concentración, la motilidad y la normal morfología se incrementaron significativamente. Asimismo, se observó una mejoría de los niveles de testosterona. Finalmente, se observaron correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre parámetros seminales y marcadores de masa grasa abdominal. Conclusión: el ejercicio aeróbico mejoró la calidad seminal de adultos obesos sedentarios. Estos resultados podrían explicarse, al menos en parte, por la mejora del perfil hormonal de los participantes (AU)

[Circuit resistance training improved endothelial dysfunction in obese aged women].

INTRODUCTION: It is widely accepted that obesity is associated with endothelial dysfunction. In a recent paper, we have also found circuit resistance training may reduce visceral fat in obese aged women. Accordingly, the current study was conducted to ascertain the effects of circuit resistance training on markers of endothelial dysfunction in this population group. METHODS: In the present interventional study, a total of 48 obese aged women were recruited from the community. Twenty-four of them were randomly assigned to perform a 12-week resistance circuit training programme, 3-days per week. This training was circularly performed in 6 stations: arm curl, leg extension, seated row, leg curl, triceps extension and leg press. The Jamar handgrip electronic dynamometer was used to assess maximal handgrip strength of the dominant hand. Lastly, serum samples were analysed using an immunoassay (ELISA) for endothelin-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). RESULTS: When compared to baseline, resistance training significantly reduced serum levels of endothelin-1 (2.28 ± 0.7 vs. 1.98 ± 1.1 pg/ml; p = 0.019; d = 0.67) and ICAM-1 (290 ± 69 vs. 255 ± 76 ng/ml; p = 0.004; d = 0.92) in the experimental group. No significant changes in any of the tested outcomes were found in the control group. CONCLUSION: A short-term circuit resistance program improved endothelial dysfunction in aged obese women. Further studies on this topic are still required to consolidate this approach in clinical application.

Circuit resistance training improved endothelial dysfunction in obese aged women / Mejora de la disfunción endotelial en mujeres mayores obesas mediante entrenamiento de fuerza

Introduction: It is widely accepted that obesity is associated with endothelial dysfunction. In a recent paper, we have also found circuit resistance training may reduce visceral fat in obese aged women. Accordingly, the current study was conducted to ascertain the effects of circuit resistance training on markers of endothelial dysfunction in this population group. Methods: In the present interventional study, a total of 48 obese aged women were recruited from the community. Twenty-four of them were randomly assigned to perform a 12-week resistance circuit training programme, 3-days per week. This training was circularly performed in 6 stations: arm curl, leg extension, seated row, leg curl, triceps extension and leg press. The Jamar handgrip electronic dynamometer was used to assess maximal handgrip strength of the dominant hand. Lastly, serum samples were analysed using an immunoassay (ELISA) for endothelin-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Results: When compared to baseline, resistance training significantly reduced serum levels of endothelin-1 (2.28 ± 0.7 vs. 1.98 ± 1.1 pg/ml; p = 0.019; d = 0.67) and ICAM-1 (290 ± 69 vs. 255 ± 76 ng/ml; p = 0.004; d = 0.92) in the experimental group. No significant changes in any of the tested outcomes were found in the control group. Conclusion: A short-term circuit resistance program improved endothelial dysfunction in aged obese women. Further studies on this topic are still required to consolidate this approach in clinical application (AU)

Introducción: recientes estudios han confirmado que el entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito podría reducir la masa grasa visceral en mujeres mayores obesas. Para seguir avanzando en esta línea de trabajo, nos propusimos determinar su impacto en marcadores de disfunción endotelial. Material y método: participaron voluntariamente 48 mujeres (70-75 años) con obesidad procedentes de la comunidad. De ellas, 24 fueron asignadas aleatoriamente al grupo experimental para desarrollar un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito de 6 estaciones durante 12 semanas con 3 sesiones/semana. Los marcadores de disfunción endotelial ensayados fueron: endotelina-1, molécula de adhesión intercelular-1 (ICAM-1) y molécula de citoadhesión vascular-1 (VCAM-1). Asimismo se evaluó su influencia en un test funcional para población mayor como el de sentarse-levantarse en 30 segundos. Este protocolo fue aprobado por un comité de ética institucional. Resultados: tras completar el programa de intervención se observó un descenso significativo de los niveles plasmáticos de entotelina-1 (2,28 ± 0,7 vs. 1,98 ± 1,1 pg/ml; p = 0,019; d = 0,67) e ICAM-1 (290 ± 69 vs. 255 ± 76 ng/ml; p = 0,004; d = 0,92). También mejoró significativamente la puntuación del test funcional (18,7 ± 3,1 vs. 23,0 ± 3,6 repeticiones; p = 0,019; d = 0,98). Por el contrario, no se observaron cambios en el grupo control. Conclusión: el entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito mejora la disfunción endotelial presente en mujeres mayores obesas. Futuros estudios siguen siendo necesarios para consolidar su aplicación en clínica (AU)

A SHORT-TERM CIRCUIT RESISTANCE PROGRAMME REDUCED EPICARDIAL FAT IN OBESE AGED WOMEN.

INTRODUCTION: this study was conducted to ascertain the effects of resistance circuit training on epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in obese aged women. A secondary objective was to assess muscle damage induced by supervised resistance training to confirm the intervention program was effective and safe. METHODS: in the present interventional study, a total of 48 obese aged women were recruited from the community. Twenty-four of them were randomly assigned to perform a 12-week resistance circuit training programme, 3-days per week. This training was circularly performed in 6 stations: arm curl, leg extension, seated row, leg curl, triceps extension and leg press. The Jamar handgrip electronic dynamometer was used to assess maximal handgrip strength of the dominant hand. Two experienced observers assessed EAT by transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography. Lastly, serum samples were analysed using one-step sandwich assays for creatine kinase activity (CK) and myoglobin (MB) concentration. RESULTS: as was hypothesized, resistance training significantly reduced EAT thickness (8.4 ± 1.0 vs. 7.3 ± 1.3 mm; p = 0.014; d = 0.76) in the experimental group. Resistance training induced no significant changes in markers of muscle damage such as CK (181.6 ± 36.9 vs. 194.2 ± 37.8 U/l; p = 0.31) and MB (62.4 ± 7.1 vs. 67.3 ± 7.7 ng/ml; p = 0.26). No significant changes in any of the tested outcomes were found in the control group. CONCLUSION: resistance training reduced EAT in aged obese women. A secondary finding was that the training program was effective and safe. While current results are promising, future studies are still required to consolidate this approach in clinical application.

Introducción: en la actualidad se acepta la asociación entre masa grasa epicárdica y patología cardiovascular. Recientes estudios sugieren que el ejercicio aeróbico podría reducir la masa grasa epicárdica. La originalidad de este trabajo reside en determinar la utilidad para tal fin de un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza en mujeres adultas mayores obesas. Como segundo objetivo nos propusimos que el programa fuese seguro para las participantes. Material y método: participaron voluntariamente 48 mujeres (70-75 años) con obesidad procedentes de la comunidad. De ellas, 24 fueron asignadas aleatoriamente al grupo experimental para desarrollar un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito de seis estaciones durante doce semanas con tres sesiones/semana. La masa grasa epicárdica se determinó mediante ecografía transtorácica bidimensional por personal entrenado. También se evaluaron los niveles plasmáticos de creatina cinasa y mioglobina. Este protocolo fue aprobado por un comité de ética institucional. Resultados: el grosor de la masa grasa epicárdica se redujo significativamente tras completar el programa de intervención (8,4 ± 1,0 vs. 7,3 ± 1,3 mm; p = 0,014; d = 0,76). Además, las participantes no mostraron cambios en marcadores de daño muscular como creatin kinasa (181,6 ± 36,9 vs. 194,2 ± 37,8 U/l; p = 0,31) y mioglobina (62,4 ± 7,1 vs. 67,3 ± 7,7 ng/ml; p = 0,26). Conclusión: el entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito reduce la masa grasa epicárdica de forma segura en mujeres mayores obesas. Aunque estos resultados son prometedores, aún son necesarios futuros estudios para consolidar su aplicación en clínica.

A short-term circuit resistance programme reduced epicardial fat in obese aged women / Reducción de masa grasa epicárdica mediante entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito en adultos mayores obesos

Introduction: this study was conducted to ascertain the effects of resistance circuit training on epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in obese aged women. A secondary objective was to assess muscle damage induced by supervised resistance training to confirm the intervention program was effective and safe. Methods: in the present interventional study, a total of 48 obese aged women were recruited from the community. Twenty-four of them were randomly assigned to perform a 12-week resistance circuit training programme, 3-days per week. This training was circularly performed in 6 stations: arm curl, leg extension, seated row, leg curl, triceps extension and leg press. The Jamar handgrip electronic dynamometer was used to assess maximal handgrip strength of the dominant hand. Two experienced observers assessed EAT by transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography. Lastly, serum samples were analysed using one-step sandwich assays for creatine kinase activity (CK) and myoglobin (MB) concentration. Results: as was hypothesized, resistance training significantly reduced EAT thickness (8.4 ± 1.0 vs. 7.3 ± 1.3 mm; p = 0.014; d = 0.76) in the experimental group. Resistance training induced no significant changes in markers of muscle damage such as CK (181.6 ± 36.9 vs. 194.2 ± 37.8 U/l; p = 0.31) and MB (62.4 ± 7.1 vs. 67.3 ± 7.7 ng/ml; p = 0.26). No significant changes in any of the tested outcomes were found in the control group. Conclusion: resistance training reduced EAT in aged obese women. A secondary finding was that the training program was effective and safe. While current results are promising, future studies are still required to consolidate this approach in clinical application (AU)

Introducción: en la actualidad se acepta la asociación entre masa grasa epicárdica y patología cardiovascular. Recientes estudios sugieren que el ejercicio aeróbico podría reducir la masa grasa epicárdica. La originalidad de este trabajo reside en determinar la utilidad para tal fin de un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza en mujeres adultas mayores obesas. Como segundo objetivo nos propusimos que el programa fuese seguro para las participantes. Material y método: participaron voluntariamente 48 mujeres (70-75 años) con obesidad procedentes de la comunidad. De ellas, 24 fueron asignadas aleatoriamente al grupo experimental para desarrollar un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito de seis estaciones durante doce semanas con tres sesiones/semana. La masa grasa epicárdica se determinó mediante ecografía transtorácica bidimensional por personal entrenado. También se evaluaron los niveles plasmáticos de creatina cinasa y mioglobina. Este protocolo fue aprobado por un comité de ética institucional. Resultados: el grosor de la masa grasa epicárdica se redujo significativamente tras completar el programa de intervención (8,4 ± 1,0 vs. 7,3 ± 1,3 mm; p = 0,014; d = 0,76). Además, las participantes no mostraron cambios en marcadores de daño muscular como creatin kinasa (181,6 ± 36,9 vs. 194,2 ± 37,8 U/l; p = 0,31) y mioglobina (62,4 ± 7,1 vs. 67,3 ± 7,7 ng/ml; p = 0,26). Conclusión: el entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito reduce la masa grasa epicárdica de forma segura en mujeres mayores obesas. Aunque estos resultados son prometedores, aún son necesarios futuros estudios para consolidar su aplicación en clínica (AU)

Reducción de marcadores de disfunción endotelial mediante ejercicio en adultos sedentarios con lesión medular crónica / Reduction of exercise-mediated endothelial dysfunction markers in sedentary adults with chronic spinal cord injury

Fundamento y objetivo: La morbimortalidad cardiovascular se ha incrementado entre las personas con lesión medular crónica (LMC). Se planteó como objetivo determinar el efecto del ejercicio sobre marcadores de disfunción endotelial en adultos sedentarios con LMC. Método: Estudio prospectivo aleatorizado en 17 adultos varones con LMC a nivel o debajo de T5. Nueve de ellos realizaron un programa supervisado de ejercicios en ergómetro de manivela a intensidad moderada (12 semanas, 3 sesiones/semana). Se determinaron mediante enzimoinmunoanálisis los valores plasmáticos de endotelina-1, fracción soluble de la molécula de adhesión celular vascular tipo-1, y fracción soluble de la molécula de adhesión intercelular tipo-1 (sICAM-1), antes y después del programa de ejercicio. La capacidad aeróbica y el porcentaje de masa grasa también fueron evaluados. Resultados: Tras completar el programa de entrenamiento, tanto en el estudio comparativo como en el estudio antes-después, se observó una disminución significativa de los valores de endotelina-1 y fracción soluble de la molécula de adhesión intercelular tipo-1. Asimismo, se observó una mejora estadísticamente significativa de la capacidad aeróbica y la composición corporal. Conclusión: El ejercicio mejoró la disfunción endotelial en varones adultos con LMC (AU)

Background and objective: Recent studies have found increased markers of endothelial activation in men with chronic spinal cord injury. This study was conducted to determine the effects of arm-cranking exercise on endothelial dysfunction in male adults with chronic SCI. Method: A prospective randomized study of 17 sedentary adult males with chronic SCI at or under T5 level. Nine performed a supervised exercise program at a moderate intensity (arm-cranking: 12 weeks, 3 sessions/week). Plasma levels of endothelin-1, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule type 1 (sICAM-1), and soluble vascular adhesion molecule type 1 (sVCAM-1) were assessed by ELISA. Outcome measurements also included physical fitness and total body fat mass percentage. Results: We observed both in the randomized and in the before-after studies a significant reduction of the levels of endothelin-1 and sICAM-1. Furthermore, significant improvements of both physical fitness and body composition were also found. Conclusion: Arm-cranking exercise improved endothelial dysfunction in adult males with chronic SCI. Long-term studies are still required to determine whether the correction of endothelial dysfunction improves the clinical outcomes of adults with chronic SCI (AU)

[Reduction of exercise-mediated endothelial dysfunction markers in sedentary adults with chronic spinal cord injury]. / Reducción de marcadores de disfunción endotelial mediante ejercicio en adultos sedentarios con lesión medular crónica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have found increased markers of endothelial activation in men with chronic spinal cord injury. This study was conducted to determine the effects of arm-cranking exercise on endothelial dysfunction in male adults with chronic SCI. METHOD: A prospective randomized study of 17 sedentary adult males with chronic SCI at or under T5 level. Nine performed a supervised exercise program at a moderate intensity (arm-cranking: 12 weeks, 3 sessions/week). Plasma levels of endothelin-1, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule type 1 (sICAM-1), and soluble vascular adhesion molecule type 1 (sVCAM-1) were assessed by ELISA. Outcome measurements also included physical fitness and total body fat mass percentage. RESULTS: We observed both in the randomized and in the before-after studies a significant reduction of the levels of endothelin-1 and sICAM-1. Furthermore, significant improvements of both physical fitness and body composition were also found. CONCLUSION: Arm-cranking exercise improved endothelial dysfunction in adult males with chronic SCI. Long-term studies are still required to determine whether the correction of endothelial dysfunction improves the clinical outcomes of adults with chronic SCI.

[Association between abdominal obesity and seminal oxidative damage in adults with metabolic syndrome]. / Asociación entre obesidad abdominal y daño oxidativo seminal en pacientes con síndrome metabólico.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome (MS) and oxidative stress may impair seminal quality leading to derangements in fertility. AIM: To identify an association between abdominal obesity and markers of seminal oxidative damage in adults with MS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy males aged 25 to 40 years, with MS according to ATP-III criteria volunteered for this cross-sectional study. The control group included 70 healthy and normal weight adults. Semen analysis included volume, sperm concentration, motility and normal morphologic features. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured, fat mass was determined by bioelectrical impedance. RESULTS: Sperm concentration and the percentage of sperms with normal motility and morphology were significantly lower in adults with MS, when compared to their healthy normal weight counterparts. Seminal levels of malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine were significantly higher among participants with MS. Significant correlations were found between WC and seminal markers of oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with MS had an impaired seminal quality that may be explained, at least in part, by increased seminal oxidative damage.

A home-based treadmill training reduced epicardial and abdominal fat in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: The current study was designed to determine the effect of home-based treadmill training on epicardial and abdominal adipose tissue in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome (MS). A secondary objective was to identify significant correlations between imaging and conventional anthropometric parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty postmenopausal women with MS volunteered for the current trial. Thirty were randomly assigned to perform a supervised home-based 16-week treadmill training program, 3 sessions/week, consisting of a warm-up, 30-40 min treadmill exercise (increasing 5-minutes each 4-weeks) at a work intensity of 60-75% of peak heart rate (increasing 5% each 4-weeks) and cooling-down. Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) was assessed by echocardiography. Abdominal fat mass in the lumbar regions L1-L4 and L4-L5 was determined by dual X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Epicardial fat thickness and abdominal fat percentages were significantly improved after the completion of the training program. Another striking feature of the current study was the moderate correlation that was found between EFT and waist circumference (WC). CONCLUSION: Home-based treadmill training reduced epicardial and abdominal fat in postmenopausal women with MS. A secondary finding was that a moderate correlation was found between EFT and WC. While current investigations are promising, future studies are still required to consolidate this approach in clinical application.

Introducción: El presente estudio se diseñó para conocer la influencia de un programa de entrenamiento aeróbico domiciliario en la masa grasa epicárdica y abdominal de mujeres postmenopausicas con síndrome metabólico (SM). Un segundo objetivo fue identificar correlaciones significativas entre las variables antropométricas ensayadas. Material y Método: Participaron voluntariamente un total de 60 mujeres postmenopausicas con diagnóstico de SM que se distribuyeron aleatoriamente en el grupo de intervención (n=30) o control (n=30). El programa de intervención, desarrollado en el domicilio, consistió en un entrenamiento en tapiz rodante de 16 semanas, 3 sesiones/ semana. La parte principal se realizó a una intensidad del 60-75%FCmax (incrementando 5% cada 4 semanas) durante 30-40 minutos (incrementando 5-minutos cada 4-semanas). La masa grasa epicárdica se determinó mediante ecocardiografía. La masa grasa abdominal de las regiones de interés L1-L4 y L4-L5 se determinó mediante densitometría. Resultados: Se observó un descenso significativo tanto de la masa grasa epicárdica como abdominal tras completar el entrenamiento. Se identificó una correlación moderada entre la masa grasa epicárdica y el perímetro de la cintura de las participantes que podría facilitar su seguimiento clínico. Conclusión: Un programa de entrenamiento de resistencia redujo la masa grasa epicárdica y abdominal. Futuros estudios en esta línea son aún necesarios.

A short-term arm-crank exercise program improved testosterone deficiency in adults with chronic spinal cord injury.

PURPOSE: To determine the influence of arm-crank exercise in reproductive hormone levels in adults with chronic SCI. Further objectives were to assess the influence of arm-crank exercise on muscle strength and body composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen male adults with complete SCI at or below the 5th thoracic level (T5) volunteered for this study. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 9) or control group (n = 8) using a concealed method. The participants in the intervention group performed a 12-week arm-crank exercise program, 3 sessions/week, consisting of warming-up (10-15 min) followed by a main part in arm-crank (20-30 min [increasing 2 min and 30 seconds each three weeks]) at a moderate work intensity of 50-65% of heart rate reserve (HRR) (starting at 50% and increasing 5% each three weeks) and by a cooling-down period (5-10 min). Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and estradiol were determined by ELISA. Muscle strength (handgrip) and body composition (waist circumference [WC]) were assessed. RESULTS: After the completion of the training program, testosterone level was significantly increased (p = 0.0166;d = 1.14). Furthermore, maximal handgrip and WC were significantly improved. Lastly, a significant inverse correlation was found between WC and testosterone (r =- 0.35; p = 0.0377). CONCLUSION: The arm-crank exercise improved reproductive hormone profile by increasing testosterone levels in adults with chronic SCI. A secondary finding was that it also significantly improved muscle strength and body composition in this group.