Impact of leisure physical activity and resistance exercise on the prevalence of depressive symptoms in Korean adults: Analysis of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

BACKGROUND: Various physical activity (PA) guidelines recommend leisure PA and resistance exercise (RE). However, the impact of PA and RE on the prevalence of depressive symptoms remains unclear. We investigated whether meeting PA and RE guidelines is associated with the prevalence of depressive symptoms using nationally representative samples. METHODS: We analyzed data from 11,829 (5111 male and 6718 female) participants aged 19+ years in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016 and 2018). Those with doctor's diagnosis of depression or with a cut-off score of ≥11 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were defined as having depressive symptoms. PA and RE were measured using a validated Global PA Questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between participating in leisure PA, simultaneously meeting RE guidelines, and experiencing depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Those who participated in leisure PA and met RE guidelines had a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms than those who did not (p for trend <0.001). After adjusting for covariates, those who participated in leisure PA and met RE guideline were significantly less likely to have depressive symptoms in male (OR = 0.52, 95 % CI 0.32-0.84) and female (OR = 0.71, 95 % CI 0.48-1.06), compared with those who did not participate in leisure PA but also did not meet RE guideline. LIMITATIONS: The cross-sectional nature of the data prevented causal claims. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in leisure PA and RE was associated with a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms. This suggests both leisure PA and RE should be encouraged as effective means for preventing depression.

Perfil de atividade física no tempo livre e tempo sedentário em adultos no Brasil: inquérito nacional, 2019 / Profile of leisure-time physical activity and sedentary behavior in adults in Brazil: a nationwide survey, 2019 / Perfil de la actividad física en el tiempo libre y sedentario em adultos en Brasil: encuesta nacional, 2019

Objetivos: estimar a prevalência de atividade física no tempo livre e comportamento sedentário em adultos no Brasil. Métodos: estudo seccional, populacional, na amostra de 88.531 brasileiros da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde de 2019; a atividade física (geral e modalidades aeróbias) no tempo livre foi mensurada conforme as diretrizes da Organização Mundial da Saúde; estimaram-se as prevalências ponderadas, e respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%), de atividade física, inatividade física e tempo sedentário. Resultados: a partir da amostra selecionada, 26,4% (IC95% 25,9;27,1) dos adultos brasileiros eram fisicamente ativos, 14,0% (IC95% 13,5;14,4) eram insuficientemente ativos e 59,5% (IC95% 58,8;60,2) eram inativos; o tempo sedentário ≥ 6 horas foi relatado por 30,1% (IC95% 29,5;30,8) da população; apenas 8,6% (IC95% 8,2;8,9) atenderam às recomendações de atividade física para fortalecimento muscular. Conclusão: a maioria dos brasileiros adultos era inativa e não atendeu às recomendações internacionais de atividade física no tempo livre e restrição de tempo sedentário.

Objectives: to estimate the prevalence of leisure-time physical activity and sedentary behavior in adults in Brazil. Methods: this was a cross-sectional, population-based study carried out in a sample of 88,531 Brazilians, using data from the 2019 National Health Survey; leisure-time physical activity (overall and aerobic exercise) was measured according to the World Health Organization guidelines; the weighted prevalence and respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) of physical activity, physical inactivity and sedentary behavior were estimated. Results: according to the selected sample, 26.4% (95%CI 25.9;27.1) of Brazilian adults were physically active, 14.0% (95%CI 13.5;14.4) were insufficiently physically active and 59.5% (95%CI 58.8;60.2) were physically inactive; sedentary behavior ≥ 6 hours was reported by 30.1% (95%CI 29.5;30.8) of the population; only 8.6% (95%CI 8.2;8.9) met the recommendations for muscle-strengthening activities. Conclusion: most Brazilian adults were physically inactive and did not meet international recommendations for leisure-time physical activity and reduction in sedentary behavior.

Objetivos: estimar la prevalencia de actividad física en el tiempo libre y comportamiento sedentario de adultos en Brasil. Métodos: estudio seccional, poblacional, de la muestra de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud de 2019 a partir de lo cual, se estimó la prevalencia ponderada (porcentaje e intervalo de confianza del 95%) de actividad física (general y aeróbica), la inactividad física y el comportamiento sedentario. Resultados: según la muestra elegida, 26,4% (IC95% 25,9;27,1) son físicamente activos, 59,5% (IC95% 58,8;60,2) son inactivos, 14,0% (IC95% 13,5;14,4) son insuficientemente activos y 30,1% (IC95% 29,5;30,8) pasan ≥6 horas sedentarios en su tiempo libre; sólo el 8,6% (IC95% 8,2;8,9) de los adultos cumple con las recomendaciones de actividad física para fortalecimiento muscular. Conclusión: la mayoría de los adultos brasileños son inactivos, no cumplen con las recomendaciones internacionales de actividad física en el tiempo libre y la restricción del tiempo sedentario.

Effect of self-regulatory behaviour change techniques and predictors of physical activity maintenance in cancer survivors: a 12-month follow-up of the Phys-Can RCT.

BACKGROUND: Current knowledge about the promotion of long-term physical activity (PA) maintenance in cancer survivors is limited. The aims of this study were to 1) determine the effect of self-regulatory BCTs on long-term PA maintenance, and 2) identify predictors of long-term PA maintenance in cancer survivors 12 months after participating in a six-month exercise intervention during cancer treatment. METHODS: In a multicentre study with a 2 × 2 factorial design, the Phys-Can RCT, 577 participants with curable breast, colorectal or prostate cancer and starting their cancer treatment, were randomized to high intensity exercise with or without self-regulatory behaviour change techniques (BCTs; e.g. goal-setting and self-monitoring) or low-to-moderate intensity exercise with or without self-regulatory BCTs. Participants' level of PA was assessed at the end of the exercise intervention and 12 months later (i.e. 12-month follow-up), using a PA monitor and a PA diary. Participants were categorized as either maintainers (change in minutes/week of aerobic PA ≥ 0 and/or change in number of sessions/week of resistance training ≥0) or non-maintainers. Data on potential predictors were collected at baseline and at the end of the exercise intervention. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to answer both research questions. RESULTS: A total of 301 participants (52%) completed the data assessments. A main effect of BCTs on PA maintenance was found (OR = 1.80, 95%CI [1.05-3.08]) at 12-month follow-up. Participants reporting higher health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) (OR = 1.03, 95%CI [1.00-1.06] and higher exercise motivation (OR = 1.02, 95%CI [1.00-1.04]) at baseline were more likely to maintain PA levels at 12-month follow-up. Participants with higher exercise expectations (OR = 0.88, 95%CI [0.78-0.99]) and a history of tobacco use at baseline (OR = 0.43, 95%CI [0.21-0.86]) were less likely to maintain PA levels at 12-month follow-up. Finally, participants with greater BMI increases over the course of the exercise intervention (OR = 0.63, 95%CI [0.44-0.90]) were less likely to maintain their PA levels at 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Self-regulatory BCTs improved PA maintenance at 12-month follow-up and can be recommended to cancer survivors for long-term PA maintenance. Such support should be considered especially for patients with low HRQoL, low exercise motivation, high exercise expectations or with a history of tobacco use at the start of their cancer treatment, as well as for those gaining weight during their treatment. However, more experimental studies are needed to investigate the efficacy of individual or combinations of BCTs in broader clinical populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02473003 (10/10/2014).

Exercise training during hemodialysis in Brazil: A national survey.

To evaluate the availability and characteristics of exercise training during hemodialysis in Brazil and to identify the reported barriers to exercise program implementation and maintenance. All dialysis units were assessed for eligibility using the database of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology. Each dialysis unit was contacted by telephone and the questions were administered. In dialysis units with exercise training, questions related to personnel involved, exercise components, and program delivery were included. Additionally, the barriers to exercise program implementation and maintenance were evaluated. This study included 261 dialysis units that responded to the survey. Forty-one dialysis units reported exercise training during hemodialysis in Brazil (prevalence of 15.7%). We identified 66 physiotherapists and 10 exercise physiologists in dialysis units with exercise training. Resistance training was the most common program component (92.7%). Hypotension (90.5%) and muscle cramps (85.7%) were the most common adverse events reported. In dialysis units with exercise training, poor patients' adherence to exercise was the most commonly reported barrier. The most prevalent barrier in dialysis units that tried or never tried to implement the exercise programs was a lack of resources. The number of dialysis units that have exercise training during hemodialysis in Brazil is low, and the most common program component is resistance training. A lack of resources was the most prevalent barrier in dialysis units that tried or never tried to implement the exercise programs.

Muscle-strengthening activities and cancer incidence and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity has been associated with reduced risk of seven types of cancer. It remains unclear, however, whether muscle-strengthening activities also reduce cancer incidence and mortality. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus were searched from inception to March 2020. Summary hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using random-effects models. RESULTS: Twelve studies (11 cohorts; 1 case-control), 6 to 25 years of follow-up, including 1,297,620 participants, 32,196 cases and 31,939 deaths, met inclusion criteria. Muscle-strengthening activities were associated with a 26% lower incidence of kidney cancer (HR for high vs low levels of muscle-strengthening activities: 0.74; 95% CI 0.56 to 0.98; I2 0%; 2 studies), but not with incidence of other 12 types of cancer. Muscle-strengthening activities were associated with lower total cancer mortality: HRs for high vs low levels of muscle-strengthening activities was 0.87 (95% CI 0.73 to 1.02; I2 58%; 6 studies); and HR for ≥2 times/week vs < 2 times/week of muscle-strengthening activities was 0.81 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.87; I2 0%; 4 studies). Regarding the weekly duration of muscle-strengthening activities, HR for total cancer mortality were 0.91 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.01; I2 0%; 2 studies) for 1-59 min/week and 0.98 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.07; I2 0%) for ≥60 min/week vs none. Combined muscle-strengthening and aerobic activities (vs none) were associated with a 28% lower total cancer mortality (HR 0.72; 95% CI 0.53 to 0.98; I2 85%; 3 studies). CONCLUSIONS: Muscle-strengthening activities were associated with reduced incidence of kidney cancer and total cancer mortality. Combined muscle-strengthening and aerobic activities may provide a greater reduction in total cancer mortality.

Interventions for promoting physical activity in people with neuromuscular disease.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people of all ages take regular and adequate physical activity. If unable to meet the recommendations due to health conditions, international guidance advises being as physically active as possible. Evidence from community interventions of physical activity indicate that people living with medical conditions are sometimes excluded from participation in studies. In this review, we considered the effects of activity-promoting interventions on physical activity and well-being in studies, as well as any adverse events experienced by participants living with inherited or acquired neuromuscular diseases (NMDs).  OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of interventions designed to promote physical activity in people with NMD compared with no intervention or alternative interventions. SEARCH METHODS: On 30 April 2020, we searched Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, Embase, MEDLINE, and ClinicalTrials.Gov. WHO ICTRP was not accessible at the time. SELECTION CRITERIA: We considered randomised or quasi-randomised trials, including cross-over trials, of interventions designed to promote physical activity in people with NMD compared to no intervention or alternative interventions. We specifically included studies that reported physical activity as an outcome measure. Our main focus was studies in which promoting physical activity was a stated aim but we also included studies in which physical activity was assessed as a secondary or exploratory outcome. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane procedures. MAIN RESULTS: The review included 13 studies (795 randomised participants from 12 studies; number of participants unclear in one study) of different interventions to promote physical activity. Most studies randomised a minority of invited participants. No study involved children or adolescents and nine studies reported minimal entry criteria for walking. Participants had one of nine inherited or acquired NMDs. Types of intervention included structured physical activity support, exercise support (as a specific form of physical activity), and behaviour change support that included physical activity or exercise. Only one included study clearly reported that the aim of intervention was to increase physical activity. Other studies reported or planned to analyse the effects of intervention on physical activity as a secondary or exploratory outcome measure. Six studies did not report results for physical activity outcomes, or the data were not usable. We judged 10 of the 13 included studies at high or unclear risk of bias from incomplete physical activity outcome reporting. We did not perform a meta-analysis for any comparison because of differences in interventions and in usual care. We also found considerable variation in how studies reported physical activity as an outcome measure. The studies that reported physical activity measurement did not always clearly report intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis or whether final assessments occurred during or after intervention. Based on prespecified measures, we included three comparisons in our summary of findings. A physical activity programme (weight-bearing) compared to no physical activity programme One study involved adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and reported weekly duration of walking during and at the end of a one-year intervention using a StepWatch ankle accelerometer. Based on the point estimate and low-certainty evidence, intervention may have led to an important increase in physical activity per week; however, the 95% confidence interval (CI) included the possibility of no difference or an effect in either direction at three months (mean difference (MD) 34 minutes per week, 95% CI -92.19 to 160.19; 69 participants), six months (MD 68 minutes per week, 95% CI -55.35 to 191.35; 74 participants), and 12 months (MD 49 minutes per week, 95% CI -75.73 to 173.73; 70 participants). Study-reported effect estimates for foot lesions and full-thickness ulcers also included the possibility of no difference, a higher, or lower risk with intervention. A sensor-based, interactive exercise programme compared to no sensor-based, interactive exercise programme One study involved adults with DPN and reported duration of walking over 48 hours at the end of four weeks' intervention using a t-shirt embedded PAMSys sensor. It was not possible to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of the intervention from the very low-certainty evidence (MD -0.64 hours per 48 hours, 95% CI -2.42 to 1.13; 25 participants). We were also unable to draw conclusions about impact on the Physical Component Score (PCS) for quality of life (MD 0.24 points, 95% CI -5.98 to 6.46; 35 participants; very low-certainty evidence), although intervention may have made little or no difference to the Mental Component Score (MCS) for quality of life (MD 5.10 points, 95% CI -0.58 to 10.78; 35 participants; low-certainty evidence). A functional exercise programme compared to a stretching exercise programme One study involved adults with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy and reported a daily physical activity count at the end of 12 weeks' intervention using an Actical accelerometer. It was not possible to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of either intervention (requiring compliance) due to low-certainty evidence and unconfirmed measurement units (MD -8701, 95% CI -38,293.30 to 20,891.30; 43 participants). Functional exercise may have made little or no difference to quality of life compared to stretching (PCS: MD -1.10 points, 95% CI -5.22 to 3.02; MCS: MD -1.10 points, 95% CI -6.79 to 4.59; 49 participants; low-certainty evidence). Although studies reported adverse events incompletely, we found no evidence of supported activity increasing the risk of serious adverse events. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found a lack of evidence relating to children, adolescents, and non-ambulant people of any age. Many people living with NMD did not meet randomised controlled trial eligibility criteria. There was variation in the components of supported activity intervention and usual care, such as physical therapy provision. We identified variation among studies in how physical activity was monitored, analysed, and reported. We remain uncertain of the effectiveness of promotional intervention for physical activity and its impact on quality of life and adverse events. More information is needed on the ITT population, as well as more complete reporting of outcomes. While there may be no single objective measure of physical activity, the study of qualitative and dichotomous change in self-reported overall physical activity might offer a pragmatic approach to capturing important change at an individual and population level.

Application and side effects of blood flow restriction technique: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey of professionals.

ABSTRACT: The physiological benefits of applying blood flow restriction (BFR) in isolation or in the presence of physical exercise have been widely documented in the scientific literature. Most investigations carried out under controlled laboratory conditions have found the technique to be safe. However, few studies have analyzed the use of the technique in clinical settings.To analyze how the BFR technique has been applied by professionals working in the clinical area and the prevalence of side effects (SEs) resulting from the use of this technique.This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 136 Brazilian professionals who perform some function related to physical rehabilitation, sports science, or physical conditioning participated in this study. Participants answered a self-administered online questionnaire consisting of 21 questions related to the professional profile and methodological aspects and SEs of the BFR technique.Professionals reported applying the BFR technique on individuals from different age groups from youth (≤18 years; 3.5%) to older adults (60-80 years; 30.7%), but mainly on people within the age group of 20 to 29 years (74.6%). A total of 99.1% of the professionals coupled the BFR technique with resistance exercise. Their main goals were muscle hypertrophy and physical rehabilitation. The majority (60.9%) of interviewees reported using BFR in durations of less than 5 minutes and the pressure used was mainly determined through the values of brachial blood pressure and arterial occlusion. Moreover, 92% of professionals declared observing at least 1 SE resulting from the BFR technique. Most professionals observed tingling (71.2%) and delayed onset of muscle soreness (55.8%). Rhabdomyolysis, fainting, and subcutaneous hemorrhaging were reported less frequently (1.9%, 3.8%, and 4.8%, respectively).Our findings indicate that the prescription of blood flow restriction technique results in minimal serious side effects when it is done in a proper clinical environment and follows the proposed recommendations found in relevant scientific literature.

Stay True to Your Workout: Does Repeated Physical Testing Boost Exercise Attendance? A One-Year Follow-Up Study.

No prospective studies have investigated if repeated testing of physical performance and body composition are associated with exercise attendance or patterns in fitness club members. This study aimed to investigate if repeated physical testing was associated with exercise attendance and patterns in gym members and to report prospective data on use of the fitness club`s facilities and products. Untrained new members were recruited and divided into a test group (n = 125) and as controls (n = 125). All participants answered a survey including exercise involvement, at onset, and after 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up. The test group also measured body composition, maximal oxygen uptake, and maximal muscle strength (onset, and after 3 and 12 months). In total 73.6% answered all surveys, and in the test group, 44.8% completed all physical tests. Regular exercise attendance was defined as ≥2 sessions/week. Repeated testing showed no association with long-term regular exercise attendance (test group: 19.6%, controls: 19.8%; p = 0.638). At 3 months, a lower proportion in the test group reported engagement in resistance exercise (35.3% and 60.2%; p = 0.003) and had lower exercise frequency (2.0 and 2.6 days/week; p = 0.008) than controls. The test group had higher participation in group exercise classes (28.0% and 13.6%; p = 0.040). Exercise frequency decreased from onset to 12 months (from 2.6 to 2.2 days/week; p = 0.025) At 3, 6, and 12 months, 51.8%, 37.6%, and 37.4% reported regular exercise attendance, and 16.9% at all follow-ups. At all time-points, most common workout mode was individual resistance exercise (43.8% to 46.3%). Few attended group exercise classes (7.5% to 13.8%) or used a personal trainer (22.5% to 27.5%). Repeated physical testing did not improve exercise attendance, and we found no changes in members` use of the fitness club`s facilities and products. Only 16.9% reported regular exercise attendance throughout the first year of membership.

The association of resistance training with risk of ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence, including multiple putative inflammatory risk factors (e.g., c-reactive protein, and adiposity), supports that inflammation plays an important role in ovarian carcinogenesis. Resistance training (RT) is associated with lower levels of circulating inflammatory markers, independent of physical activity. METHODS: We evaluated the relationship between RT and risk of ovarian cancer accounting for other physical activity (e.g., walking) in two large prospective cohorts, the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and NHSII. KEY RESULTS: In total, analyses included 42,005 NHS participants (2000-2016) and 67,289 NHSII participants (2001-2017) with RT assessed every 4 years. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of RT with ovarian cancer risk overall and by tumor subtype, adjusting for known and putative ovarian cancer risk factors. We identified a total of 609 cases over 1,748,884 person-years. No association was observed with overall ovarian cancer risk (RT ≥60 vs 0 min/wk, HR = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.74-1.22) or by histotype (comparable HR = 0.86 and 0.98 for type I and II tumors, respectively). Results did not differ by body mass index (Pinteraction = 0.97), or other physical activity (Pinteraction = 0.31). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: We observed no evidence that moderate levels of RT were associated with risk of ovarian cancer. Further investigations are required to confirm these findings.

The effects of 12 weeks of functional strength training on muscle strength, volume and activity upon exposure to elevated Gz forces in high-performance aircraft personnel.

BACKGROUND: Technological advancements in modern military and acrobatic jet planes have resulted in extraordinary psychophysiological loads being exerted upon flying personnel, including inducing neck and back pain. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 12 weeks of functional strength training on 1) the volume and strength of the neck and shoulder muscles and 2) muscular activity upon exposure to helmets of different masses and elevated Gz forces in a long-arm centrifuge in high-performance aircraft personnel. METHODS: Eighteen participants underwent 12 weeks of functional strength training (n = 12) or the control protocol (n = 6) without additional strength training. Pre- and post-intervention tests included evaluations of isometric strength of the head extensor muscles, flexion, and lateral flexion and rotation, as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure the volume of the m. sternocleidomastoideus, m. trapezius, and deep neck muscles. Furthermore, during a long-arm centrifuge (+ 1.4 and + 3 Gz) protocol, the muscular activity levels of the m. sternocleidomastoideus, m. trapezius and m. erector spinae muscles were assessed without a flight helmet, with a helmet, and with a helmet and night vision goggles. Each participant's perception of muscular strain was noted immediately after the long-arm centrifuge protocol. RESULTS: The maximal isometric strength in all exercises and muscle volumes increased in the training group but not the control group (P < 0.05). Relative muscle activity (%MVC) with a helmet decreased after the intervention in the training but not the control group (P = 0.01). Relative muscle activity while wearing a helmet and night vision goggles was higher after intervention in the control group than in the training group (P < 0.01). The perceived muscular strain of the neck muscles induced by the long-arm centrifuge did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: Twelve weeks of functional strength training improves the maximal isometric strength and volume of neck and shoulder muscles and leads to lower relative muscle activation upon exposure to elevated Gz forces in a long-arm centrifuge.

Acceptability and Impact of Office-Based Resistance Exercise Breaks.

BACKGROUND: Breaking up sedentary behavior with standing or walking can decrease discomfort, fatigue, and sleepiness. However, less is known about acceptability and impact of resistance exercise breaks on these outcomes. Therefore, we evaluated the acceptability of resistance exercise breaks and their influence on discomfort, physical and mental fatigue, and sleepiness during occupational sitting. METHODS: Workers completed two 4-hour conditions in random order: prolonged sitting (SIT) and sitting with hourly resistance exercise breaks (REX). All outcomes were measured at baseline and every hour thereafter with five total breaks. Linear mixed models evaluated overall condition effects and differences at each hour. Cohen's d estimated magnitudes of effect. Acceptability was assessed via questionnaire after the REX condition and reported as percentages. FINDINGS: Fourteen adults (age: 53.4 ± 9.5 years, body mass index [BMI]: 30.9 ± 4.8 kg/m2) were enrolled. Although ratings of discomfort, fatigue, and sleepiness were typically lower during REX as compared with SIT, overall outcomes were not significantly different between conditions (p > .05). However, a significant reduction in mental fatigue at hour 4 in favor of the REX condition (ß = -0.48 log-points, p < .05, d = 0.37) was observed. Program acceptability questions revealed the majority (>50%) of participants reported a "4" or "5" on a 5-point Likert-type scale for all questions, indicating high acceptability for implementation. CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: Resistance exercise breaks had high acceptability and provided preliminary evidence of improving ratings of mental fatigue. More research is needed to better understand the role of resistance training to reduce sedentary behavior.

Dietary Supplements, Strength Training Offer no Significant Effects in Older Adults.

According to this study: A study of adults age 70 or older without major comorbidities showed that treatment with vitamin D3, omega-3 fatty acids, or a strength training exercise program didn't result in clinically significant changes in blood pressure, nonvertebral fractures, physical performance, infection rates, or cognitive function.

The epidemiology of muscle-strengthening and aerobic physical activity guideline adherence among 24,016 German adults.

Despite the 2016 German "National Recommendations for Physical Activity and Physical Activity Promotion" stating that adults (≥18 years) should engage in: [a] ≥150 minutes of aerobic moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity/week (MVPA); and [b] ≥2 days/week of muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE), there is limited research on the descriptive epidemiology on the adherence to these guidelines among German adults. This study describes the prevalence and correlates of physical activity guideline adherence among a nationally representative sample of German adults. Data were drawn from the 2014 German Health Update survey, collected via a combination of web-based and mail surveys. Self-reported physical activity levels were assessed using the previously validated European Health Interview Survey Physical Activity Questionnaire. Weighted prevalence levels of the sample meeting the aerobic MVPA (≥150 minutes/week), MSE (≥2 times/week), and combined MVPA-MSE guidelines were calculated. Poisson regressions were used to assess prevalence ratios for physical activity guideline adherence categories across sociodemographic and lifestyle-related variables. Out of 24,016 participants (response rate = 27.6%), aged ≥ 18 years, 45.3% (95% CI: 44.5%-46.0%), 29.4% (95% CI: 28.7%-30.1%), and 22.6% (95% CI: 21.9%-23.2%) met the aerobic MVPA, MSE, and combined guidelines, respectively. Population sub-groups less likely to meet the combined guidelines included those with poor self-rated health, being unemployed, low socioeconomic status, being a current smoker, and those being overweight or obese. Since ~ 80% of German adults do not meet the nationally recommended combined aerobic MVPA-MSE physical activity guidelines, there is a necessity for large-scale public health interventions promoting both aerobic MVPA and MSE.

A Netnography and a Survey on Doping Use among Competitive Doping-untested Strength-sport Athletes.

Doping-untested strength-sport athletes (powerlifters, strongmen, armlifters, etc.,) are infamous for their doping use, but their exact doping regimens are not known. The purpose of this study was to provide a reasonable portrait of doping history in this specific athlete group for medical practitioners. Seventy-five athletes were selected by netnography of the social media community around the Finnish doping-untested strength-sport federations on the basis of their activity in doping-related discussions, and the athletes were invited to answer a detailed doping-related anonymous survey. Fifty respondents completed the survey. 100% of the respondents reported use of anabolic androgenic steroids, 66% reported use of stimulants, and 80% use of non-steroidal anabolic substances. The doses of both testosterone products and human growth hormone were notably larger than reported in previous studies of gym users (mostly non-competitive athletes). The subjects reported simultaneous use of an average 5.66 illegal substances, and lifetime use of 16.78 illegal substances. The doses of illicit drugs, as well as polypharmacy, among competitive doping-untested strength-sport athletes are higher than previously reported among recreational gym users, and side effects are likely in this specific population.

Healthy lifestyles among military active duty service members, and associations with body-building and weight-loss supplement use.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to characterize health behavior profiles among active duty service members and associate these profiles with body-building and weight-loss dietary supplement (DS) use. METHODS: Based on U.S. active duty service members who completed the 2011 Health-Related Behavior Survey (n = 39,877), we used latent class analysis to place respondents into latent classes (using healthy/unhealthy food consumption, aerobic activity, strength training, and sleep) and examined associations between latent class and DS use. RESULTS: We identified seven health behavior classes that could be classified by physical activity and diet. Three classes with high activity were further characterized by healthy diet (24%); few unhealthy foods (18%); and unrestricted diet (9%). Three classes with low activity were further characterized by restricted diet (15%), healthy diet (15%), and unhealthy diet (6%). The last class (13%) reported moderate levels of all behaviors. The classes did not vary by sleep. Participant characteristics across most classes were relatively homogenous along demographics and military branch. The active classes had relatively higher usage of body-building and weight-loss DSs. CONCLUSIONS: Latent classes from health behavior indicators might be considered "market segments", which can be targeted with distinct messaging. Service members appear to consume DSs as part of an otherwise healthy lifestyle.

Resistance training attenuates circulating FGF-21 and myostatin and improves insulin resistance in elderly men with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomised controlled clinical trial.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) and myostatin have been proposed to be potential therapeutic target for insulin resistance in age-related metabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes (T2D). Moreover, despite the potential metabolic effect of resistance training on insulin resistance, aging, and T2D; the effect of this type of exercise training on FGF-21 and myostatin in elderly men with and without T2D are unknown. Forty-four elderly men were assigned to either the RT training (RT; without T2D: 12, with TD2 = 10) or the control group (C; without T2D: 12, with TD2 = 10). The RT group performed 12-wk resistance training intervention, 3 days/wk, 10 repetitions with 70% 1RM. At the baseline, the elderly men with T2D had a higher FGF-21 (p = 0.002) and myostatin (p = 0.02) concentrations and lower muscle strength (p = 0.01) than the elderly men without T2D. RT resulted in significant decrease in FGF-21 and myostatin concentration and increase in muscle strength in both elderly men with and without T2D (P = 0.001, for all) as well as decrease in HOMA-IR in only elderly men without T2D (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the RT-induced FGF-21 reduction between elderly men with and without T2D (p = 0.77, p = 0.28, respectively), but, RT caused a larger reduction in circulating myostatin in elderly men without T2D than with T2D (P = 0.007). Taken together, our results demonstrated that 12 weeks of RT induced an overall significant reduction of FGF-21 and myostatin in elderly men with and without T2D; with higher reduction of myostatin in elderly men without T2D.

Resistance Exercise Dosage in Men with Prostate Cancer: Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-regression.

PURPOSE: Resistance exercise improves an array of treatment-related adverse effects in men with prostate cancer; however, the minimal dosage required is unknown. We systematically reviewed the resistance training effects in prostate cancer patients to determine the minimal dosage regarding the exercise components (type, duration, volume, and intensity) on body composition, physical function, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, body mass index, and prostate-specific antigen. METHODS: Using PRISMA guidelines, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases were searched. Eligible randomized controlled trials examined prostate cancer patients undertaking resistance-based exercise programs during or after treatment. Meta-analysis was undertaken when more than three studies were included. Associations between mean differences and exercise components were tested by univariate and multivariate meta-regression analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-three articles describing 21 trials and involving 1748 prostate cancer patients were included. Exercise improved fat mass (-1% in body fat and -0.6 kg in fat mass), lean mass (~0.5 kg in lean and appendicular lean mass), functional capacity (i.e., chair rise, 400-m test, 6-m fast walk, and stair climb tests), and fitness outcomes (i.e., V̇O2peak and muscle strength) (P = 0.040-<0.001) with no change in body mass index or prostate-specific antigen (P = 0.440-0.735). Meta-regression indicated no association between exercise type, resistance training duration, weekly volume and intensity, and primary outcomes (P = 0.075-0.965). There was a significant association between exercise intensity and chest press muscle strength (favoring moderate intensity, P = 0.012), but not in other secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: In untrained older men with prostate cancer initiating an exercise program, lower volume at moderate to high intensity is as effective as higher volume resistance training for enhancing body composition, functional capacity, and muscle strength in the short term. A low exercise dosage may help reduce barriers to exercise and enhance adherence.

Reliability and Validity of Self-reported Muscle-strengthening Exercise in the Cancer Prevention Study-3.

PURPOSE: This study examined the 1-yr reliability and construct validity of survey items relating to time spent on muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) in a subset of a large prospective cohort. METHODS: Participants (n = 293 men, 433 women; age, 32-73 yr) were selected from the Cancer Prevention Study-3. Information was collected using a 1-yr presurvey and postsurvey and four 7-d diaries throughout the year. The presurvey and postsurveys collected time spent on MSE in two ways: one question captured MSE activities performed during a typical 24-h period (24-h survey), and another question captured leisure-time physical activities performed in hours per week and months per year (LTPA survey). Time spent on MSE using the LTPA survey was calculated for individual MSE items and summed for total MSE time. One-year reliability was assessed by comparing the responses between the presurvey and postsurvey using Spearman's correlation coefficients. Construct validity was assessed by computing Spearman's correlation coefficients between responses from the postsurvey items and the diary. Additional analyses were conducted to examine whether reliability or validity varied by sociodemographic factors. RESULTS: Reliability estimates for all MSE items were moderate (≥0.40) or strong (≥0.60) overall and across demographic strata. Reliability estimates were strongest for total MSE on the LTPA survey (Spearman ρ = 0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.71-0.78) compared with the 24-h survey (0.59; 95% CI, 0.54-0.64). In contrast, the validity estimates were similarly strong for the total MSE on the LTPA survey (Spearman ρ = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.67-0.75) and the 24-h survey (Spearman ρ = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.64-0.72). CONCLUSIONS: The CPS-3 surveys have acceptable 1-yr reliability and validity for self-reported time spent on MSE. Reliability and validity estimates are acceptable across all sociodemographic subgroups.

The efficacy of resistance training in addition to usual care for adults with acute burn injury: A randomised controlled trial.

Resistance training immediately after a burn injury has not been investigated previously. This randomised, controlled trial assessed the impact of resistance training on quality of life plus a number of physical, functional and safety outcomes in adults with a burn injury. Patients were randomly assigned to receive, in addition to standard physiotherapy, four weeks of high intensity resistance training (RTG) or sham resistance training (CG) three days per week, commenced within 72h of the burn injury. Outcome data was collected at six weeks, three and six months after burn injury. Quality of life at 6 months was the primary endpoint. Data analysis was an available cases analysis with no data imputed. Regression analyses were used for all longitudinal outcome data and between-group comparisons were used for descriptive analyses. Forty-eight patients were randomised resistance training (RTG) (n=23) or control group (CG) (n=25). The RTG demonstrated improved outcomes for the functional domain of the Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (p=0.017) and the Quick Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand (p<0.001). Between group differences were seen for C-reactive protein and retinol binding protein (p=0.001). Total quality of life scores, lower limb disability, muscle strength and volume were not seen to be different between groups (p>0.05). Resistance training in addition to usual rehabilitation therapy showed evidence of improving functional outcomes, particularly in upper limb burn injuries. Additionally, resistance training commenced acutely after a burn injury was not seen to be harmful to patients.

The epidemiology of muscle-strengthening exercise in Europe: A 28-country comparison including 280,605 adults.

OBJECTIVE: Muscle-strengthening exercise (use of weight machines, free weights, push-ups, sit-ups), has multiple independent health benefits, and is a component of the Global physical activity guidelines. However, there is currently a lack of multi-country muscle-strengthening exercise prevalence studies. This study describes the prevalence and correlates of muscle-strengthening exercise across multiple European countries. METHODS: Data were drawn from the European Health Interview Survey Wave 2 (2013-14), which included nationally representative samples (n = 3,774-24,016) from 28 European countries. Muscle-strengthening exercise was assessed using the European Health Interview Survey Physical Activity Questionnaire. Population-weighted proportions were calculated for (1) "insufficient" (0-1 days/week) or (2) "sufficient" muscle-strengthening exercise (≥2 days/week). Prevalence ratios were calculated using multivariate Poisson regression for those reporting sufficient muscle-strengthening by country and by sociodemographic/lifestyle characteristics (sex, age, education, income, self-rated health etc.). RESULTS: Data were available for 280,605 European adults aged ≥18 years. Overall, 17.3% (95% CI = 17.1%-17.5%) reported sufficient muscle-strengthening exercise (≥2 days/week). Muscle-strengthening exercise was geographically patterned with the lowest prevalence reported in South-eastern European countries (Romania, Malta and Cyprus: range: 0.7%-7.4%), and the highest prevalence in the Nordic countries (Iceland, Sweden, and Denmark: range: 34.1%-51.6%). Older age, insufficient aerobic activity, poorer self-rated health, lower income/education, being female, and being overweight/obese were significantly associated with lower likelihood of reporting sufficient muscle-strengthening exercise, independently of other characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Most European adults do not report sufficient muscle-strengthening exercise, and prevalence estimates varied considerably across countries. Low participation in muscle-strengthening exercise is widespread across Europe, and warrants public health attention.