Effect of Exercise Training on Lipoprotein Subclass Particle Concentrations and Sizes in Older Women: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that lipoprotein subclass particles are critical markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Older women have increased CVD risk related to age. The purpose of this study was to determine whether low and moderate doses of exercise influence lipoprotein subclasses. METHODS: Women (60-75 years) were randomized into groups for 16 weeks of moderate-intensity exercise training at a low or moderate dose (33.6 and 58.8 kJ/kg body weight weekly, respectively). Lipoprotein subclasses were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy before and after the training. RESULTS: The average weekly exercise duration was 109 and 164 min, for low- and moderate-dose groups, respectively. In the low-dose group, high-density lipoprotein particle (HDL-P) concentration decreased (Δ = -1.9 ± 3.1 µmol/L, mean ± SD, p = 0.002) and mean HDL-P size increased (Δ = 0.1 ± 0.3 nm, p = 0.028). In the moderate-dose group, mean HDL-P size (Δ = 0.1 ± 0.2 nm; p = 0.024) and low-density lipoprotein particle size increased (Δ = 0.4 ± 3.9 nm; p = 0.007). Baseline body mass index, peak oxygen consumption and age were associated with changes in a few lipoprotein subclasses. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of inactive older women, moderate-intensity exercise training at a dose equivalent to or even lower than the minimally recommended level by public health agencies induced changes in lipoprotein subclasses in line with reduced CVD risk. However, higher doses are encouraged for greater health benefits.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on physical activity, insomnia, and loneliness among Spanish women and men.

During COVID-19 pandemic, quality of living was impacted by social isolation, loneliness, and altered sleep habits. The aims of this study were (1) to examine the relationship between physical activity (PA) levels with insomnia and loneliness among adults during Spain's first COVID-19 wave of lockdown and its impact on women and (2) to examine the digital technologic resources used to support both PA and other recreational activities in women. A cross-sectional design was used. An anonymous 15-min online survey was conducted in Spain to adults (≥ 18 years old) during the first COVID-19 lockdown, a 40-day period. A snowball distribution method was employed using personal email and social networks (Facebook, Whatsapp, Linkedin, Twitter). Variables studied included: socio-demographic items, insomnia, loneliness, PA, and digital technologic resources. A total of 996 adults (females = 663, 66.6%) completed the survey. Higher education levels were associated with greater PA levels (p-value < 0.001). Women presented with higher insomnia risk than men with low PA levels (OR = 1.9, CI = 1.25; 2.95). Living with family members or other individuals was related to lower insomnia risk. A strong correlation between medium-high PA levels was found with greater digital technology resources (DTS) than individuals with low PA levels. Females used significantly more DTS than males (p-value < 0.001). No significant associations between DTS were found with age or academic education level. PA levels, sex, and loneliness were related to insomnia risk. A strong correlation between PA and DTS use was observed. Participants with medium-high PA levels and females use them more than those with low PA levels and males. We recommend promoting the PA through digital technologies for women. This recommendation would also improve sleep disorders in women who present higher insomnia risks than men.

Psychometric Properties of the Chinese-Language Attitude toward Physical Activity Scale: A Confirmatory Study on Chinese Children.

Background: This study examined the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Attitude toward Physical Activity Scale (APAS) using a cross-sectional design. Methods: The sample consisted of 692 primary students in China (boy 52.6%, girl 47.4%). The mean age of the participants was 9.4 years (SD = 0.92). Psychometric properties of the 57-item APAS was examined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results: The hypothesized seven factors model was supported by CFA (CFI = 0.912, TLI = 0.901, SRMR = 0.041, RMSEA = 0.029) after 22 items were removed and the inclusion of seven residual covariance for items loaded on the same factor. Cronbach's alphas of the scales ranged between 0.50 and 0.76. The composite reliability (CR) was between 0.50 and 0.75. All inter-factor correlation coefficient was less than 0.85. Conclusions: Findings provided empirical evidence that the Chinese version of the APAS has adequate psychometric properties for assessing attitudes of primary school children in China toward physical activity.

Physical Activity among Adults Residing in 11 Countries during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown.

During the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, physical activity (PA) behaviors were altered worldwide due to public health measures such as "lockdown." This study described PA among adults residing in 11 countries during COVID-19 lockdown and examined factors associated with PA engagement. We conducted a cross-sectional anonymous survey among adults (≥18 years old) in 11 countries (Brazil, Bulgaria, China, India, Ireland, Malaysia, North Macedonia, Singapore, Spain, Turkey, United States). Of 11,775 participants, 63.7% were female and 52.8% were 18-34 years old. More than 40% of participants were insufficiently active (43.9%) and reported a decrease in their PA during lockdown (44.8%). Statistically significant differences were observed in (1) proportions of participants being insufficiently active, (2) level of PA, and (3) decrease in PA across the 11 countries. More stringent governmental policy responses were associated with greater likelihood of being insufficiently active during lockdown (adjusted odds ratio = 1.22, 95% confidence interval = 1.03, 1.45). Higher depression or anxiety scores were associated with greater likelihood of decreased level of PA during lockdown.We found substantial reductions in PA levels during COVID-19 lockdown across countries. Country-specific PA promotion interventions are needed during this and similar global emergencies.

Using Brain-Breaks® as a Technology Tool to Increase Attitude towards Physical Activity among Students in Singapore.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of classroom-based Brain Breaks® Physical Activity Solution in Southeast Asia Singaporean primary school students and their attitude towards physical activity (PA) over a ten-week intervention. A total of 113 participants (8-11 years old) were randomly assigned to either an experimental (EG) or a control group (CG), with six classes to each group; the Brain Breaks® group (EG: six classes) and the Control group (CG: six classes). All EG members participated in a Brain Breaks® video intervention (three-five min) during academic classes and the CG continued their lessons as per normal. The student's attitudes towards PA in both research conditions were evaluated using the self-reported Attitudes toward Physical Activity Scale (APAS), applied before and after intervention. The effects of the intervention on APAS scores were analysed using a mixed model analysis of variance with Time as within-subject and Group as between-subject factors. The analysis revealed evidence in support of the positive effect of classroom video interventions such as Brain Breaks® on student's attitudes toward benefits, importance, learning, self-efficacy, fun, fitness, and trying to do their personal best in PA. The Brain Breaks® intervention provided a positive significant impact on students in Singapore. This study also revealed that interactive technology tools implemented into the school curriculum benefit students in terms of health and education.

Implementation of Brain Breaks® in the Classroom and Its Effects on Attitudes towards Physical Activity in a Chinese School Setting.

This study aimed to examine the effects of three-months of classroom-based Brain Breaks Physical Activity Solution (Brain Breaks®) on attitudes toward physical activity levels of primary school children in Henan Province, China. The participants were 704 children enrolled in grades 3-5 who were randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The experimental group participated in Brain Breaks® video intervention for 3-5 min daily, at low-to-moderate intensity for three consecutive months. The control group resumed their normal routine. The children's attitudes in both groups towards physical activity (PA) were evaluated using the self-reported Attitudes toward Physical Activity Scale (APAS), before and after the intervention. The effects of the intervention on APAS scores were analyzed using mixed model analysis of variance with Time as within-subject, and Group as between-subject factors. The analysis revealed evidence in support of the positive effect of classroom video interventions such as Brain Break on children's attitudes toward importance, fun, and trying to do their personal best in physical activity. Also revealed was the important role the teacher plays in this process.

Glycemic variability: Importance, relationship with physical activity, and the influence of exercise.

Glycemic variability is a more sensitive assessment of glycemic health as opposed to traditional clinical measurements. It considers all blood glucose concentrations over a given period to better account for glucose oscillations that occur and provides clinicians with insight into how individuals regulate and/or maintain their glycemic health. The advancement of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) allows for the measurement of free-living glucose concentrations while providing a more reliable assessment of treatment of dysregulated glycemic. CGM coupled with management of lifestyle behavioral factors, such as reduced sedentary behavior and increased physical activity and regular exercise, potentially offers a previously untapped method for promoting improved glycemic health through greater regulation of glucose concentrations. The aim of this review is to critically evaluate the evidence regarding the measurement of glycemic variability and summarize the current understanding of the relationship between glycemic variability, sedentary behavior, physical activity, the influence of a single exercise session or repeated exercise sessions, and exercise training. This review considers information pertaining to the strengths and limitations for measuring glycemic variability and provides insight into future study designs aimed at evaluating the relationship between sedentary behavior and physical activity with, as well as the influence of exercise on, glycemic variability as a primary outcome.

Brain Breaks® Physical Activity Solutions in the Classroom and on Attitudes toward Physical Activity: A Randomized Controlled Trial among Primary Students from Eight Countries.

Classroom-based physical activity (PA) interventions have received considerable attention due to improvements seen in academic achievement, classroom behaviors, and attitude toward PA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Brain Breaks® Physical Activity Solutions in changing children's attitudes toward PA. Students (N = 3036) aged 8-11 years from schools in Croatia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, South Africa, and Turkey were randomly assigned to either a control or an experimental group. The experimental group received Brain Breaks® videos during classroom sessions throughout the four months of intervention. Student attitudes toward PA were measured using the Attitudes toward Physical Activity Scale (APAS) before and after the intervention. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated a time interaction effect for all APAS variables except fitness. Time-by-group interaction effects with different effect sizes were found for most APAS variables, with the greatest gain effect noted in the experimental group for self-efficacy, followed by learning from the videos concerning PA benefits, exercise importance, and enjoyment from engaging in PA. This study provides evidence supporting Brain Breaks® in terms of learning experience, attitudes towards PA, and personal motivation. Using exercise videos is recommended as an interactive, technology-based PA solution that can be easily integrated into the school setting.

The COVID-19 pandemic and physical activity.

The SARS-CoV-2-caused COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a devastating threat to human society in terms of health, economy, and lifestyle. Although the virus usually first invades and infects the lung and respiratory track tissue, in extreme cases, almost all major organs in the body are now known to be negatively impacted often leading to severe systemic failure in some people. Unfortunately, there is currently no effective treatment for this disease. Pre-existing pathological conditions or comorbidities such as age are a major reason for premature death and increased morbidity and mortality. The immobilization due to hospitalization and bed rest and the physical inactivity due to sustained quarantine and social distancing can downregulate the ability of organs systems to resist to viral infection and increase the risk of damage to the immune, respiratory, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal systems and the brain. The cellular mechanisms and danger of this "second wave" effect of COVID-19 to the human body, along with the effects of aging, proper nutrition, and regular physical activity, are reviewed in this article.

Effects of moderate sleep restriction during 8-week calorie restriction on lipoprotein particles and glucose metabolism.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: This study examined how glucose, glucose regulatory hormones, insulin sensitivity, and lipoprotein subclass particle concentrations and sizes change with sleep restriction during weight loss elicited by calorie restriction. METHODS: Overweight or obese adults were randomized into an 8-week calorie restriction intervention alone (CR, n = 12; 75% female; body mass index = 31.4 ± 2.9 kg/m2) or combined with sleep restriction (CR+SR, n = 16; 75% female; body mass index = 34.5 ± 3.1 kg/m2). Participants in both groups were given the same instructions to reduce calorie intake. Those in the CR+SR group were instructed to reduce their habitual time-in-bed by 30-90 minutes 5 days each week with 2 ad libitum sleep days. Fasting venous blood samples were collected at pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: Differential changes were found between the two groups (p = 0.028 for group × time interaction) in glucagon concentration, which decreased in the CR group (p = 0.016) but did not change in CR+SR group. Although changes in mean HDL particle (HDL-P) size and visfatin concentration were not statistically different between groups (p = 0.066 and 0.066 for group×time interaction, respectively), mean HDL-P size decreased only in the CR+SR group (Cohen's d = 0.50, p = 0.022); visfatin concentrations did not change significantly in either group but appeared to decrease in the CR group (Cohen's d = 0.67, p = 0.170) but not in the CR+SR group (Cohen's d = 0.43, p = 0.225). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that moderate sleep restriction, despite the presence of periodic ad libitum sleep, influences lipoprotein subclass particles and glucose regulation in individuals undergoing calorie restriction.Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02413866, Weight Outlooks by Restriction of Diet and Sleep).

Inflammation, physical activity, and chronic disease: An evolutionary perspective.

Low-grade inflammation is emerging as a common feature of contemporary metabolic, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative diseases. Both physical inactivity and abdominal adiposity are associated with persistent systemic low-grade inflammation. Thus, the behavioral, biological, and physiological changes that cause a predisposition to obesity and other co-morbidities could have epigenetic underpinnings in addition to various evolutionary scenarios. A key assumption involves the potential for a mismatch between the human genome molded over generations, and the issue of adapting to the modern high calorie diet and common built environments promoting inactivity. This biological mismatch appears to have dire health consequences. Therefore, the goal of this article is to provide a brief overview on the importance of inflammation as part of human survival and how physical activity (PA) and physical inactivity are critical regulators of systemic inflammation. The review will highlight anti-inflammatory effects of PA and exercise training from a metabolic and systemic signaling perspective, which includes skeletal muscle to utilization of fatty acids, TLR4 signaling, and myokine/adipokine effects. The available evidence suggests that PA, regular exercise, and weight loss offer both protection against and treatment for a wide variety of chronic diseases associated with low-grade inflammation through an improved inflammatory profile.

Anxiety disorders in patients with cardiopulmonary diseases: A brief review.

This manuscript reviews the current literature involving clinical anxiety and cardiopulmonary disease, considers the hypothesized physiological mechanisms for anxiety, and discusses the use of exercise as a treatment for both anxiety and cardiopulmonary diseases. The literature summary consists of original investigations, meta-analysis, commentaries, and review publications in order to better understand the biological and psychological mechanisms for using exercise as treatment and to provide details specific to cardiopulmonary disease and anxiety management. A gap in the literature exists concerning the anxiolytic effects of exercise as a psychological and physical treatment in cardiopulmonary populations. The findings from this review support further investigation into the use of exercise to ameliorate the burden of anxiety in cardiopulmonary disease patients. This review evaluates the current literature surrounding cardiopulmonary disease and anxiety. A systematic literature search identified articles discussing the prevalence, association, and risk of anxiety in cardiopulmonary patients. Though depression is often studied in this population, recent investigation supports a need for further research regarding anxiety in cardiopulmonary patients. Treatment to manage patients' psychological profile can reduce exacerbations of known disease, reduce hospital readmission, and improve functional capacity, and overall quality of life.

BRICS to BRICSCESS-A perspective for practical action in the promotion of healthy lifestyles to improve public health in five countries.

•A brief historical summary of BRICS countries and the BRICS Council of Exercise and Sport Science (BRICSCESS) is presented.•BRICSCESS functions to facilitate the accomplishment of the various tasks such as to establish links between institutions and organizations; establish an active and sustainable future leader/volunteer program; promote collaboration in research, teaching, and mentoring between international scientists; develop, organize, and promote conferences, seminars, workshops, symposiums, round-table discussions and training courses; and publish new scientific information related to exercise, physical activity, sports science, lifestyle management, and nutrition.•A central task of BRICSCESS is to establish an active and sustainable future leader/volunteer program for mentoring junior scholars within the exercise science and lifestyle management fields.

Physical activity, exercise, and chronic diseases: A brief review.

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide with increasing prevalence in all age groups, genders, and ethnicities. Most chronic disease deaths occur in middle-to low-income countries but are also a significant health problem in developed nations. Multiple chronic diseases now affect children and adolescents as well as adults. Being physically inactive is associated with increased chronic disease risk. Global societies are being negatively impacted by the increasing prevalence of chronic disease which is directly related to rising healthcare expenditures, workforce complications regarding attendance and productivity, military personnel recruitment, and academic success. However, increased physical activity (PA) and exercise are associated with reduced chronic disease risk. Most physiologic systems in the body benefit positively from PA and exercise by primary disease prevention and secondary disease prevention/treatment. The purpose of this brief review is to describe the significant global problem of chronic diseases for adults and children, and how PA and exercise can provide a non-invasive means for added prevention and treatment.

The BRICS Council for Exercise and Sport Science (BRICSCESS) - A new era has dawned.

•BRICS is the acronym for an international association of 5 major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.•The BRICS Council of Exercise and Sports Science was founded to address the specific concerns of these countries in respect to the health and wellness of the people in BRICS countries.•One recognized overwhelming need is the development of future leaders/volunteers.•BRICSCESS in conjunction with the FLV program are in part assembled to foster the development and evolution of junior professionals in respect to the health and wellness of people.

Acute myotube protein synthesis regulation by IL-6-related cytokines.

IL-6 and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), members of the IL-6 family of cytokines, play recognized paradoxical roles in skeletal muscle mass regulation, being associated with both growth and atrophy. Overload or muscle contractions can induce a transient increase in muscle IL-6 and LIF expression, which has a regulatory role in muscle hypertrophy. However, the cellular mechanisms involved in this regulation have not been completely identified. The induction of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)-dependent myofiber protein synthesis is an established regulator of muscle hypertrophy, but the involvement of the IL-6 family of cytokines in this process is poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the acute effects of IL-6 and LIF administration on mTORC1 signaling and protein synthesis in C2C12 myotubes. The role of glycoprotein 130 (gp130) receptor and downstream signaling pathways, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-mTORC1 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), was investigated by administration of specific siRNA or pharmaceutical inhibitors. Acute administration of IL-6 and LIF induced protein synthesis, which was accompanied by STAT3 activation, Akt-mTORC1 activation, and increased SOCS3 expression. This induction of protein synthesis was blocked by both gp130 siRNA knockdown and Akt inhibition. Interestingly, STAT3 inhibition or Akt downstream mTORC1 signaling inhibition did not fully block the IL-6 or LIF induction of protein synthesis. SOCS3 siRNA knockdown increased basal protein synthesis and extended the duration of the protein synthesis induction by IL-6 and LIF. These results demonstrate that either IL-6 or LIF can activate gp130-Akt signaling axis, which induces protein synthesis via mTORC1-independent mechanisms in cultured myotubes. However, IL-6- or LIF-induced SOCS3 negatively regulates the activation of myotube protein synthesis.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) for patients with chronic diseases.

Exercise training provides physiological benefits for both improving athletic performance and maintaining good health. Different exercise training modalities and strategies exist. Two common exercise strategies are high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous exercise training (MCT). HIIT was first used early in the 20th century and popularized later that century for improving performance of Olympic athletes. The primary premise underlying HIIT is that, compared to energy expenditure-matched MCT, a greater amount of work is performed at a higher intensity during a single exercise session which is achieved by alternating high-intensity exercise intervals with low-intensity exercise or rest intervals. Emerging research suggests that this same training method can provide beneficial effects for patients with a chronic disease and should be included in the comprehensive medical management plan. Accordingly, a major consideration in developing an individual exercise prescription for a patient with a chronic disease is the selection of an appropriate exercise strategy. In order to maximize exercise training benefits, this strategy should be tailored to the individual's need. The focus of this paper is to provide a brief summary of the current literature regarding the use of HIIT to enhance the functional capacity of individuals with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and diabetes diseases.

Liver inflammation and metabolic signaling in ApcMin/+ mice: the role of cachexia progression.

The ApcMin/+ mouse exhibits an intestinal tumor associated loss of muscle and fat that is accompanied by chronic inflammation, insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia. Since the liver governs systemic energy demands through regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, it is likely that the liver is a pathological target of cachexia progression in the ApcMin/+ mouse. The purpose of this study was to determine if cancer and the progression of cachexia affected liver endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress, inflammation, metabolism, and protein synthesis signaling. The effect of cancer (without cachexia) was examined in wild-type and weight-stable ApcMin/+ mice. Cachexia progression was examined in weight-stable, pre-cachectic, and severely-cachectic ApcMin/+ mice. Livers were analyzed for morphology, glycogen content, ER-stress, inflammation, and metabolic changes. Cancer induced hepatic expression of ER-stress markers BiP (binding immunoglobulin protein), IRE-1α (endoplasmic reticulum to nucleus signaling 1), and inflammatory intermediate STAT-3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3). While gluconeogenic enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) mRNA expression was suppressed by cancer, glycogen content or protein synthesis signaling remained unaffected. Cachexia progression depleted liver glycogen content and increased mRNA expression of glycolytic enzyme PFK (phosphofrucktokinase) and gluconeogenic enzyme PEPCK. Cachexia progression further increased pSTAT-3 but suppressed p-65 and JNK (c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase) activation. Interestingly, progression of cachexia suppressed upstream ER-stress markers BiP and IRE-1α, while inducing its downstream target CHOP (DNA-damage inducible transcript 3). Cachectic mice exhibited a dysregulation of protein synthesis signaling, with an induction of p-mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin), despite a suppression of Akt (thymoma viral proto-oncogene 1) and S6 (ribosomal protein S6) phosphorylation. Thus, cancer induced ER-stress markers in the liver, however cachexia progression further deteriorated liver ER-stress, disrupted protein synthesis regulation and caused a differential inflammatory response related to STAT-3 and NF-κB (Nuclear factor-κB) signaling.