Effect of 12-week high-intensity interval training on hemodynamic variables at rest and during exercise in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on hemodynamic variables at rest and during exercise in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. Twenty-six obese adults with moderate-to-severe OSA (AHI = 42 ±â€Š22.9 e/h) were randomly assigned to HIIT or a control group. Sleep parameters, ambulatorial, aortic, and during-exercise SBP and DBP were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Generalized estimated equations assessed differences between groups over time. When compared with control group, HIIT reduced AHI (17.1 ±â€Š6.2; e/h, P  < 0.01), SBP nighttime (10.2 ±â€Š5.0 mmHg; P  = 0.034), DBP nighttime (7.9 ±â€Š4.0 mmHg; P  = 0.038), DBP aortic (5.5 ±â€Š2.9 mmHg; P  = 0.048), and SBP max (29.6 ±â€Š11.8 mmHg; P  = 0.045). In patients with OSA, 12 weeks of HIIT decreases sleep apnoea severity and blood pressure in rest and during exercise.

Effect of high-intensity interval training on obstructive sleep apnea severity: A randomized controlled trial.

Vigorous physical activity has been associated with a reduced risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) reduces OSA severity remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the impact of 12 weeks of HIIT on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and sleep parameters in participants with moderate-severe OSA. In this randomized controlled trial, 36 adults (19 males; 52.2 ± 9.8 years; body mass index = 34.2 ± 5.8) with moderate to severe OSA (AHI = 42.0 ± 22.9 e/h) were randomly assigned to HIIT [5 periods of 4 min of walking or running on a treadmill at 90-95 % of maximum heart rate (HRmax) interspersed with 3 min of walking at 50-55 % of HRmax performed three times per week for 12 weeks] or a control group (CG; stretching exercises performed two times per week for 12 weeks). Sleep parameters were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks through overnight polysomnography. Generalized estimated equations assessed differences between groups over time. There was not group × time interaction for body mass index between groups (p = 0.074). However, significant group × time interactions were observed for AHI (CG change = 8.2 ± 3.7, HIIT change = -8.6 ± 4.8; p = 0.005), SaO2 minimum (CG change = -1.6 ± 1.6 %, HIIT change = 0.4 ± 2.3 %; p = 0.030), total sleep time (CG change = -31.5 ± 19.5 min, HIIT change = 33.7 ± 19.3 min; p = 0.049), and sleep efficiency (CG change = -3.2 ± 4.4 %, HIIT change = 9.9 ± 3.5 %; p = 0.026). Moreover, there was a significant time × group interaction for maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max; CG change = -1.1 ± 1.0 mL/kg/min, HIIT change = 4.8 ± 0.9 mL/kg/min; p < 0.001)]. However, In patients with OSA, 12 weeks of HIIT decreases sleep apnea severity, improves sleep quality, and cardiorespiratory fitness. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos [ReBec]): # RBR-98jdt3.

Effects of Strength Training on Sleep Parameters of Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT: Santiago, LCS, Lyra, MJ, Germano-Soares, AH, Lins-Filho, OL, Queiroz, DR, Prazeres, TMP, Mello, MT, Pedrosa, RP, Falcão, APST, and Santos, MAM. Effects of strength training on sleep parameters of adolescents: a randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1222-1227, 2022-This study aimed to examine the effects of 12 weeks of strength training (ST) on sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in adolescents with sleep complaints. Thirty adolescents were randomly assigned to 2 groups: ST group (ST, n = 18) and control group (CG, n = 12). Anthropometric, body composition, one-repetition maximum test, and sleep parameters (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI] and Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]) were evaluated. Training consisted of 55 min·d-1 (3 times a week, for 12 weeks), 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions with a 1-minute rest interval between sets and exercises. Baseline and postintervention differences were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations and the effect size (ES) with Cohen's d coefficient. Significance was set at (p < 0.05). After 12 weeks of ST, a significant decrease in the PSQI score (7.3 ± 0.7 vs. 5.1 ± 0.6; ES = 4.10) was observed in the ST group, but not in the CG (6.3 ± 0.8 vs. 7.4 ± 0.7; ES = 1.53). A significant decrease in ESS score was found in the ST group (10.1 ± 0.7 vs. 8.2 ± 0.7; ES = 3.08), without differences in the CG (10.7 ± 0.8 vs. 11.0 ± 0.7; ES = 0.56). The ST group presented increased total sleep duration (h·min-1) (6.2 ± 0.2 vs. 6.9 ± 0.2; ES = 3.60), but not the CG (7.0 ± 0.2 vs. 6.8 ± 0.1; ES = 1.32). Individual analyses showed ≈67% of adolescents experienced a reduction in PSQI (8.3; confidence interval [CI] 95% 6.8-10.1) and ESS (8.3; CI 95% 6.7-9.9) scores after ST, whereas only ≈17% of control subjects presented reduced scores (PSQI [11.1; CI 95% 9.5-12.9] and ESS [11.0; CI 95% 9.4-12.6]). Strength training improved sleep quality and increased total sleep duration.

Cardiovascular Effects of Aerobic Exercise With Self-Selected or Predetermined Intensity in Adolescents With Obesity.

This study compared the effects of self-selected exercise intensity (SEI) versus predetermined exercise intensity (PEI) on blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness in adolescents with obesity. A total of 37 adolescents, 14.7 (1.6) years old, body mass index ≥95th percentile were randomly allocated into SEI (n = 18; 12 boys) or PEI (n = 19; 13 boys). Both groups exercised for 35 minutes on a treadmill, 3 times per week, for 12 weeks. The SEI could set the speed at the beginning of the sessions and make changes every 5 minutes. The PEI adolescents were trained at an intensity set at 60% to 70% of heart rate reserve. Brachial and central BP, pulse pressure, augmentation index, and carotid-femoral pulse wave were determined at baseline and after 12 weeks. Both groups reduced brachial systolic BP (SEI, Δ = -9 mm Hg; PEI, Δ = -4 mm Hg; P < .01), central systolic BP (SEI, Δ = -4 mm Hg; PEI, Δ = -4 mm Hg; P = .01), and central pulse pressure (SEI, Δ = -4 mm Hg; PEI, Δ = -3 mm Hg; P = .02) without differences between groups. No changes in the augmentation index and carotid-femoral pulse wave were observed in either group. The SEI induced similar changes in various cardiovascular outcomes compared with PEI in adolescents with obesity.

Functional and Cardiovascular Measurements in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: COMPARISON BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN.

PURPOSE: To compare functional and cardiovascular variables of men and women with peripheral artery disease (PAD). METHODS: This observational, cross-sectional study included 67 women and 144 men (age 66 ± 9 and 67 ± 10 yr, respectively) with PAD. Patients were submitted to a clinical evaluation, 6-min walk test (6MWT) and cardiovascular evaluation, including blood pressure, arterial stiffness variables, and heart rate variability. RESULTS: Women had lower claudication onset distance (P = .033) and 6MWT distance (P < .001), and similar percentage of the predicted 6MWT distance (P > .05). Women had higher pulse pressure (P = .002), augmentation index (P < .001), augmentation index corrected by 75 bpm (P < .001), and brachial and central systolic blood pressure (P = .041 and P = .029). Diastolic blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, and heart rate variability were similar between sexes (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Although predicted 6MWT performance was similar between sexes, women had higher blood pressure and wave reflection variables compared with men. Interventions to reduce blood pressure and wave reflection should be emphasized in women with PAD.

Acute blood pressure responses after different isometric handgrip protocols in hypertensive patients.

OBJECTIVE: The present study analyzed blood pressure responses after a single session of isometric handgrip exercise performed with different volumes and intensities by patients with hypertension. METHODS: This randomized crossover trial submitted 12 hypertensive patients (58±5 years old) to four isometric handgrip exercise sessions in a random order: 4 x 2 min at 30% of the maximal voluntary contraction (S30%); 4 x 2 min at 50% of the maximal voluntary contraction (S50%2min); 4 x 3 min at 30% of the maximal voluntary contraction (S30%3min); and a control session. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and rate-pressure product were measured pre- and post-exercise (30th min). RESULTS: No significant changes were observed in cardiovascular variables after any session (p>0.05 for all comparisons). Similarly, individual analyses revealed heterogeneity in the responses, including increases in blood pressure observed in some sessions. Patients with reduced blood pressure after an isometric handgrip exercise session exhibited a higher body mass index, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate (p<0.05). They also tended to be younger (p=0.07). CONCLUSION: Isometric handgrip exercise performed with different intensities and volumes did not reduce the blood pressure of hypertensive patients.

Calf Muscle Oxygen Saturation during 6-Minute Walk Test and Its Relationship with Walking Impairment in Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Impaired microcirculation is associated with poor walking capacity in symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients during treadmill test; however, this test does not simulate the efforts of daily walking of these patients. Thus, the aim of the study was to describe the microcirculation responses during a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and to analyze the relationship between microcirculation indicators and walking impairment in symptomatic PAD patients. METHODS: Thirty-four patients were included (mean age = 67.6 ± 11.2 years). Their clinical characteristics were collected, and they performed a 6MWT, in which the initial claudication distance (ICD) and total walking distance (TWD) were recorded. During and after the 6MWT, calf muscle oxygen saturation (StO2) parameters were monitored continuously to measure microcirculation behavior. The association between calf muscle StO2 parameters and walking impairment were analyzed by Pearson or Spearman correlations. RESULTS: Walking impairment was not associated with any StO2 parameters during exercise. In contrast, after 6MWT, recovery time of StO2 (r = -0.472, P = 0.008) and recovery time to maximal StO2 (r = -0.402, P = 0.019) were negatively correlated with ICD. Furthermore, the distance walked under claudication symptoms (ΔTWD-ICD) was positively correlated with recovery time to maximal StO2 (r = 0.347, P = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: In symptomatic PAD patients, shorter ICD values during a 6MWT are associated with a delayed recovery in calf muscle StO2 after exercise. Calf muscle StO2 parameters decrease subtly during 6MWT, suggesting that the degree of ischemia in the calf muscle during ground walking, simulating efforts of the daily walking, is relatively low.

Association between physical activity and walking capacity with cognitive function in peripheral artery disease patients.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the association between objectively measured physical activity and walking capacity with cognitive function in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease. METHODS: This was an observational, cross sectional study. One hundred and thirty patients (age 67 ± 8 years) were recruited at a tertiary centre specializing in vascular disease. Cognitive function (global, memory, executive function and attention) was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool. Physical activity levels (total, light, and moderate-vigorous) were obtained using an accelerometer. A 6 min and 4 m walk test were undertaken to assess walking capacity. Crude and covariate adjusted, linear regression analyses confirmed significant associations between physical activity levels and walking capacity with cognitive function. RESULTS: Positive and significant associations were observed between moderate to vigorous physical activity (p = .039) and walking capacity (p = .030) with memory after adjusting for covariates. No significant association was identified between light physical activity and usual gait speed with any cognitive function outcome. CONCLUSION: Greater memory performance was associated with greater moderate to vigorous physical activity levels and walking capacity in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease. Clinical interventions focused on improving moderate to vigorous physical activity levels and walking capacity may provide important therapies to potentially enhance cognitive health in patients with peripheral artery disease.

Association of time spent in physical activities and sedentary behaviors with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Increased arterial stiffness is linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Studies have reported conflicting results regarding the relationship between arterial stiffness and time spent in sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA). The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the relationship between objectively measured light PA (LPA), moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA), and SB with the gold standard measurement of arterial stiffness, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies published until November 2016. Studies reporting the correlation of objectively measured PA and SB with cfPWV in human adults >18 years old were included in this analysis. Correlation coefficients (CCs) were converted to Z scores via Fisher's z values for the analysis of summary effects, using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis showed a negative correlation between cfPWV and LPA (CC -0.16; 95% CI: -0.29 to -0.03; p=0.02) and MVPA (CC -0.16; 95% CI: -0.26 to -0.06; p<0.01), and a positive relationship between cfPWV and SB (CC 0.23; 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.35; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Time spent in light and moderate physical activities is associated with lower arterial stiffness, while time spent in SB is related to higher arterial stiffness. It suggests that PA at any intensity is favorable for arterial stiffness, whereas SB leads to increased arterial stiffness. Considering that cfPWV has an independent prognostic value, these associations may have important clinical implications.

Acute blood pressure responses after different isometric handgrip protocols in hypertensive patients

OBJECTIVE: The present study analyzed blood pressure responses after a single session of isometric handgrip exercise performed with different volumes and intensities by patients with hypertension. METHODS: This randomized crossover trial submitted 12 hypertensive patients (58±5 years old) to four isometric handgrip exercise sessions in a random order: 4 x 2 min at 30% of the maximal voluntary contraction (S30%); 4 x 2 min at 50% of the maximal voluntary contraction (S50%2min); 4 x 3 min at 30% of the maximal voluntary contraction (S30%3min); and a control session. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and rate-pressure product were measured pre- and post-exercise (30th min). RESULTS: No significant changes were observed in cardiovascular variables after any session (p>0.05 for all comparisons). Similarly, individual analyses revealed heterogeneity in the responses, including increases in blood pressure observed in some sessions. Patients with reduced blood pressure after an isometric handgrip exercise session exhibited a higher body mass index, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate (p<0.05). They also tended to be younger (p=0.07). CONCLUSION: Isometric handgrip exercise performed with different intensities and volumes did not reduce the blood pressure of hypertensive patients.

Acute and Chronic Effects of Isometric Handgrip Exercise on Cardiovascular Variables in Hypertensive Patients: A Systematic Review.

The aim of this study was to describe, through a systematic review, the acute and chronic effects of isometric handgrip exercise on cardiovascular variables in hypertensive individuals. In this systematic review, we included studies that analyzed whether a single bout or a program with isometric exercises affect cardiovascular variables in hypertensive adults. The electronic database PubMed/Medline was searched for relevant studies published until May 2017. Of the 2927 studies initially identified, 2916 were excluded based on title and abstract and five on the basis of full-text assessment, leaving six studies remaining. In addition, one further study cited in the references of the included articles was included in this review, totaling seven studies included (five studies on the chronic effects of isometric handgrip exercise on cardiovascular parameters). None of the acute studies observed post-exercise hypotension. The majority of the chronic studies found decreases in office blood pressure after isometric handgrip training, with training ranging from 6 to 10 weeks, while heart rate variability parameters were improved in one study and did not change in another. Reduction in oxidative stress was observed; however, this variable was only analyzed in one study. In hypertensives, acute responses to isometric handgrip exercise are very limited due to the small number of studies, therefore more research is required. Furthermore, chronic isometric handgrip training reduces blood pressure; however, there is still a gap in the knowledge on the effects of this modality of exercise on other cardiovascular variables-such as endothelial function, oxidative stress, and cardiac autonomic modulation-which should be addressed in future studies.