Music Timing Differentiates Fatigue Perception and Performance during Isometric Strength Exercises: A Crossover Randomised Trial.

Music is well-known to elicit ergogenic effects on exercise performance; however, the moderating role of application timing remains unclear. This study examined the effects of the timing of music on fatigue perception and performance during isometric strength exercises. Using a within-subject, randomised crossover design, twelve recreationally active young adults performed two isometric strength tasks (plank-hold and wall-sit) in three separate conditions (MEE: music played during the entire exercise task; MDF: music played during fatigue alone; CON: no music). The total time to volitional exhaustion (TTE), time to the onset of fatigue perception (TFP), heart rate, and blood lactate responses were assessed during each trial. MEE resulted in a significantly longer TTE than CON in both the plank-hold (p < 0.05, d = 0.76) and wall-sit exercises (p < 0.05, d = 0.72), whereas MDF led to a significantly longer TTE than CON in wall-sit exercises alone (p < 0.05, d = 0.60). TFP was significantly longer in MEE than in CON in both the plank-hold (p < 0.05, d = 0.54) and wall-sit exercises (p < 0.05, d = 0.64). The music condition did not influence the heart rate or blood lactate changes in any of the trials. Our results suggest that listening to music during the entire exercise can delay the onset of fatigue perception in isometric strength tasks, whereas listening to music during fatigue has only a modest effect. Athletes and exercisers should consider extending music exposure throughout the entire exercise task to maximise performance benefits.

Effectiveness of tele-exercise training on physical fitness, functional capacity, and health-related quality of life in non-hospitalized individuals with COVID-19: The COFIT-HK study.

Background: The use of tele-exercise programs as an option for post-COVID-19 rehabilitation has been suggested, but its effectiveness in non-hospitalized individuals is not well understood. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of an 8-week tele-exercise training program (COFIT-HK) on physical fitness, functional capacity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in non-hospitalized post-COVID-19 individuals. Methods: Forty-one non-hospitalized individuals (age:47.4 ± 7.8 yrs) who had COVID-19 history were divided into two groups: the tele-exercise training group (TELE; n = 21) and the non-intervention control group (CON; n = 20). TELE engaged in online supervised multicomponent low-to-moderate intensity exercise training (including respiratory muscle, aerobic, and resistance training) three times per week, whereas CON received standardized educational leaflets based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for post-COVID-19-related illness rehabilitation only. Various components of physical fitness, functional capacity, and HRQoL were assessed at baseline and after the 8-week intervention. Results: TELE showed significant improvements in handgrip strength, arm flexibility, functional lower extremity endurance, and HRQoL after the 8-week intervention (all p < 0.05, ES = 0.50-1.10). When comparing the groups, TELE demonstrated significantly greater improvements in both the physical and mental component summary scores of HRQoL compared to CON (both p < 0.05). Other outcomes did not reveal significant group differences. Conclusion: Our tele-exercise intervention was effective in improving physical fitness, functional capacity and HRQoL among non-hospitalized post-COVID-19 individuals. Further research is needed to explore the utility and limitations of tele-exercise programs for post-COVID-19 rehabilitation and beyond.

Effects of intermittent dieting with break periods on body composition and metabolic adaptation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Intermittent dieting incorporated with break periods (INT-B) has recently been promoted as an alternative dietary approach for optimal weight management. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the effectiveness of INT-B compared with that of conventional continuous energy restriction (CER) for improving body composition and attenuating metabolic adaptation. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was conducted on 6 databases using all available records until July 2023. DATA EXTRACTION: The extracted data included the lead author, year of publication, population characteristics, intervention protocols, duration, and adherence. DATA ANALYSIS: Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for within-group and between-group comparisons of anthropometric and metabolic outcomes. Subgroup moderator analysis was performed for the types of INT-B, intervention duration, and population characteristics. RESULTS: Of the 1469 records, 12 randomized trials (with 881 participants) were included. Within-group analyses demonstrated significant improvements in body mass, fat mass, body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist circumference following both INT-B and CER, with no significant group differences. However, resting metabolic rate (RMR) was significantly reduced following CER only. The compensatory reduction in RMR was significantly smaller following INT-B compared with CER, suggesting a lesser degree of metabolic adaptation. INT-B had a more significant effect on RMR retention in individuals with overweight/obesity compared with resistance-trained individuals. CONCLUSION: This review provides up-to-date evidence for INT-B as a viable dietary strategy to improve body composition and attenuate metabolic adaptation. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023448959.

Structured physical exercise interventions and children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of structured physical exercise (SPE) has been examined in empirical studies to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This review aimed (i) to systematically review and quantify the effects of SPE on ADHD symptomology and executive function (primary outcomes) and on physical health, physical fitness and mental health issues (secondary outcomes) in children/adolescents with ADHD; (ii) to evaluate the study quality and explore moderation of the effects of SPE; and (iii) to summarize the design of SPE interventions. METHODS: An extensive literature search in the databases of PubMed, Web of Science and EBSCOhost was conducted to identify eligible intervention studies for meta-analysis. A descriptive account of the features of the studies is provided, including assessment of risk/quality (ROB-2/ROBINS-I). Standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with random effects models to compare post-intervention effects. RESULTS: A total of 18 studies were included in the review. The majority of the studies examined the effects of SPE lasting for 3-12 weeks. Assessment of bias/quality indicated half of the included studies as high quality. The meta-analysis (pooled n = 627) revealed that SPE had a positive effect on primary and secondary outcomes, that is, inattention (SMD = -1.79), executive function (SMD = 2.19), physical fitness (SMD = 1.39) and mental health issues (SMD = -0.89). Subgroup analysis showed that long-term practice of SPE, featured/tailored SPE, non-Chinese participants, taking methylphenidate and study with low quality had larger effects. CONCLUSIONS: There is emerging evidence that SPE is a promising option to enhance symptom management and physical/mental health in children/adolescents with ADHD.

A scoping review of physical activity-based interventions for obesity management in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overweight and obesity have emerged as global health issues among children and adolescents. Restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic have aggravated the threat of paediatric obesity due to the prevalent reduction in physical activity (PA) in children and adolescents. However, this has also created an opportunity for healthcare professionals to explore new strategies to address this persistent problem. A systematically conducted scoping review was performed on 15 online databases to summarise and analyse the design, efficacy, and feasibility of PA-based weight management interventions for children and adolescents during the pandemic. Finally, we reviewed 23 eligible studies that were published between 2021 and 2023. The included interventions were presented to 1938 children and adolescents and 355 parents using a virtual or virtually blended face-to-face approach during the pandemic. The intervention design included a basic PA programme with three optional components (nutritional education, sociopsychological counselling, and medication consultations). Implementation generally resulted in favourable changes in body mass index (BMI) and/or body size or composition (primary outcomes), as well as health behaviours, physical health or fitness, and individual well-being (secondary outcomes). A longer duration of exposure to the intervention, female sex, and older age were associated with a higher efficacy of the included interventions. Moreover, the interventions showed high feasibility, with medium-high participant attendance, high acceptance/satisfaction in both children and adolescents and their parents and teachers, and strong participant engagement. This may be related to the high accessibility of health information, timely social support, and enhanced self-efficacy. In conclusion, both the virtual and blended delivery of well-planned weight management interventions during the pandemic show promise for the treatment and control of paediatric obesity. The lessons learned from the pandemic may help improve the design of future interventions and inform the proper integration of new technologies that have emerged in the post-pandemic world.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Physical Exercise Intervention and Melatonin Supplement in Improving Sleep Quality in Children with ASD.

PURPOSE: Previous studies have demonstrated that physical exercise can modulate the endogenous melatonin level in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and improve their sleep quality. However, it remains unclear whether physical exercise or melatonin supplement, or a combination of both, is more effective in improving sleep quality in this population. The purpose of this study is to answer this research question by comparing the effectiveness of three types of interventions (physical exercise vs. melatonin supplement or a combination of both) in improving sleep quality in children with ASD. METHODS: Sixty-two (62) children diagnosed with ASD were randomly assigned to one of four groups: cycling (n = 18), melatonin supplement (n = 14), a combination of both (n = 12), and placebo control group (n = 18). Four (4) sleep parameters (sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency, sleep duration, and wake after sleep onset) were assessed. RESULTS: The results revealed a significant improvement in sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency, and sleep duration in all of the interventions, but not in the placebo control group. However, no significant group differences were found among the interventions (ps > .05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest similar effectiveness of physical exercise and melatonin supplementation in improving sleep quality in children with ASD.

Temporal trends in the physical fitness of Hong Kong children aged 6-12 years between 2003-04 and 2015-16.

Low physical fitness in childhood is linked with poor health now and in later life. This study estimated temporal trends in physical fitness for Hong Kong children aged 6-12 years from 2003-04 to 2015-16. Objectively measured body size and physical fitness data for 27,513 children were obtained from four population-representative surveys of Hong Kong primary school students. Temporal trends in means were estimated by population-weighted linear regression. Trends in distributional characteristics were visually described. Overall, there was a small increase in mean height (effect size (ES) = 0.20 (95%CI: 0.13, 0.28)), with a negligible increase (ES < 0.2) in mean body mass. When adjusted for trends in age, gender, and body size, there was a small decline in sit-and-reach performance (ES = -0.43 (95%CI: -0.43, -0.42)), a small improvement in 9-min run/walk performance (9-to-12-year-olds, ES = 0.26 (95%CI: 0.26, 0.27)), with negligible declines in handgrip strength, 6-min run/walk (6-to 8-year-olds), and sit-ups performance. Temporal trends were not always uniform across the population distribution, with declines in run/walk, sit-ups, and sit-and-reach performance generally largest in children with low fitness. Increased national health promotion strategies that address culturally specific factors are encouraged to further improve the existing trends, especially for children with low fitness.

Acute Physiological and Perceptual Responses to Whole-Body High-Intensity Interval Training Compared with Equipment-Based Interval and Continuous Training.

Low-volume, time-efficient high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which involves whole-body (WB) callisthenics exercises, has gained worldwide popularity in recent years. However, the physiological and perceptual impact of WB-HIIT in comparison to specialised, equipment-based training is relatively less studied. This study compared the acute physiological and perceptual responses to a single session of WB-HIIT, ergometer-based HIIT (ERG-HIIT) and conventional moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). Fourteen physically inactive adults (age: 28.4 ± 6.5 years, VO2peak: 31.0 ± 6.2 mL· kg-1· min-1) underwent three main trials (WB-HIIT: 12 x 30-s high-intensity callisthenics workout; ERG: HIIT: 12 x 30-s high-intensity cycling bouts; MICT: 30-min cycling at 50% peak power output) in a randomized cross-over order 3-7 days apart. The mean session heart rate (HR) and perceived exertion were comparable across all three protocols (p > 0.05). WB-HIIT attained a similar peak HR (87.4 ± 9.4 %HRmax) as that of ERG-HIIT (83.0 ± 8.6 %HRmax), and significantly greater than that of MICT (78.7 ± 5.5 %HRmax, p = 0.001). However, WB-HIIT induced significantly higher blood lactate levels (7.2 ± 1.8 mmol/L) compared to both ERG-HIIT (5.1 ± 1.3 mmol/L, p < 0.05) and MICT (3.1 ± 1.5 mmol/L, p < 0.001). The participants reported higher self-efficacy and greater enjoyment with WB-HIIT compared to MICT (p < 0.05). The mean HR and perceived exertion responses to WB-HIIT are comparable to those of equipment-based HIIT and MICT; however, WB-HIIT results in greater metabolic strain than both other modalities. Despite this, the overall perceptual responses to WB-HIIT are positive, suggesting that it could be a viable exercise alternative, especially for individuals with limited exercise time and restricted access to facilities and equipment.

Post-activation performance enhancement of flywheel training on lower limb explosive power performance.

The study aimed to investigate the post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) of flywheel training (FT) on lower limb explosive power performance. Using a randomized crossover design, 20 trained men (age = 21.5 ± 1.4 years; training experience 5.5 ± 1.2 years) completed seven main conditions after three familiarization sessions. The first three conditions tested the PAPE of the FT on the counter movement jump (CMJ) under three different inertial loads (0.041 kg·m2 as L; 0.057 kg·m2 as ML; and 0.122 kg·m2 as P), whereas the following four conditions tested the PAPE of FT on the 30 m sprint, which consisted of three inertial loads (L, ML, and P) and a control condition. Participants were required to perform the CMJ or 30 m sprint at baseline (Tb) and immediately (T0), 4 min (T4), 8 min (T8), 12 min (T12), and 16 min (T16) after exercise, respectively. The results of the CMJ conditions showed that PAPE peaked at T4 (p < 0.01) and almost subsided at T12 (p > 0.05) in ML and P conditions. Meanwhile, PAPE appeared earlier in the P condition, and the effect was more significant (P:ES = 1.09; ML:ES = 0.79). 30 m sprint results showed significant improvement only in the ML condition. The PAPE peaked at T4 (p < 0.05, ES = -0.47) and almost subsided at T8 (p > 0.05). It was mainly due to the significant enhancement of the 10-30 m segmental timing performance at T4 (p < 0.05, ES = -0.49). This study indicates that the size of the inertial load could influence the magnitude of the PAPE produced by the explosive force of the lower limb. The PAPE of the vertical explosive force increased with increasing inertial load, but the PAPE of the horizontal explosive force did not appear at the maximum inertial load. The most effective elicitation of the PAPE was at 4-8 min after the FT.

High-intensity interval training in children and adolescents with special educational needs: a systematic review and narrative synthesis.

BACKGROUND: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been promoted as a time-efficient exercise strategy to improve health and fitness in children and adolescents. However, there remains little consensus in the literature regarding its efficacy in children and adolescents with special educational needs (SEN). This study aimed to examine HIIT as a means of improving key health and fitness parameters in children and adolescents with SEN. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted on eight databases (MEDLINE, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library). Studies were eligible if they 1) included an HIIT protocol, 2) examined parameters related to both physical and mental aspects of health and fitness, and 3) examined children and adolescents with SEN aged 5-17 years. RESULTS: Of the 1727 studies yielded by the database search, 13 (453 participants) were included and reviewed. We found that HIIT generally improved body composition, physical fitness, and cardiometabolic risk biomarkers across a spectrum of SEN (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cerebral palsy, developmental coordination disorder, and mental illness). Improvements in mental health and cognitive performance following HIIT have also been observed. CONCLUSION: This review provides up-to-date evidence for HIIT as a viable exercise strategy for children and adolescents with SEN. Further research investigating the benefits of HIIT in a wider range of SEN populations is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO; registration number CRD42022352696).

From parental issues of job and finance to child well-being and maltreatment: A systematic review of the pandemic-related spillover effect.

BACKGROUND: Covid-19 pandemic jeopardized family well-being at the population level internationally. Pandemic-related job/financial difficulties in parents have a spillover effect on their child's well-being and issues of child maltreatment. OBJECTIVE: The current review sought to systematically summarize and analyze this pandemic-related spillover effect. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS: In the home setting, participants involved 11,100 adolescents, 9144 parents/caregivers, and another 7927 parent-children dyads. METHODS: An extensive literature search in 13 electronic databases was conducted. A total 21 eligible papers published from 2020 to 2022 were included for further thematic analysis. RESULTS: A significant positive relationship between the pandemic-related spillover effect from parental job or financial issues to child maltreatment and child's mental/behavioral issues was established. The internal mechanisms demonstrated that this relationship was intermediated or moderated by the interactions of parental mental health issues, parenting practice, and family relationships. Families with particular factors may be more vulnerable and sensitive to the spillover effect during the pandemic. The work-from-home arrangement was found as positively related to enhanced parenting warmth and parent-child relationship in some cases who had relatively high familial social-economic status. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of current review provided the evidences from empirical data. During the Covid-19 pandemic, spillover effect from parental job/financial issues significantly influenced the child well-being and family functioning. Future efforts for intervention/service design should be made to enhance familial protective factors and support those families with vulnerable factors.

Temporal Trends in the Physical Fitness of Hong Kong Adolescents Between 1998 and 2015.

Low physical fitness in adolescence is linked with increased cardiometabolic risk and early all-cause mortality. This study aimed to estimate temporal trends in the physical fitness of Hong Kong adolescents aged 12-17 years between 1998 and 2015. Physical fitness (9-min run/walk, sit-ups, push-ups, and sit-and-reach) and body size data in a total of 28,059 adolescents tested across five population-representative surveys of Hong Kong secondary school pupils, were reported. Temporal trends in means were estimated at the gender-age level by best-fitting sample-weighted linear regression, with national trends estimated by a post-stratified population-weighting procedure. Overall, there were small declines in 9-min run/walk (effect size (ES)=-0.29 (95%CI: -0.32, -0.26)) and sit-ups performance (ES=-0.24 (95%CI: -0.27, -0.21)), with negligible changes in push-ups and sit-and-reach performance. There were small concurrent increases in both mean height and body mass, with a negligible increase in sum of skinfolds. Trends in mean physical fitness and body size/were not always uniform across the population distribution. The small declines in mean 9-min run/walk and sit-ups performance for Hong Kong adolescents are suggestive of corresponding declines in cardiorespiratory fitness and abdominal/core endurance, respectively. Increased national health promotion strategies are required to improve existing trends.

Effects of Wearing a Mask During Exercise on Physiological and Psychological Outcomes in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Wearing face masks in public is an effective strategy for preventing the spread of viruses; however, it may negatively affect exercise responses. Therefore, this review aimed to explore the effects of wearing different types of face masks during exercise on various physiological and psychological outcomes in healthy individuals. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using relevant electronic databases, including Medline, PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials on April 05, 2022. Studies examining the effect of mask wearing (surgical mask, cloth mask, and FFP2/N95 respirator) during exercise on various physiological and psychological parameters in apparently healthy individuals were included. For meta-analysis, a random effects model was used. Mean difference (MD) or standardized MD (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to analyze the total effect and the effect in subgroups classified based on face mask and exercise types. The quality of included studies was examined using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. RESULTS: Forty-five studies with 1264 participants (708 men) were included in the systematic review. Face masks had significant effects on gas exchange when worn during exercise; this included differences in oxygen uptake (SMD - 0.66, 95% CI - 0.87 to - 0.45), end-tidal partial pressure of oxygen (MD - 3.79 mmHg, 95% CI - 5.46 to - 2.12), carbon dioxide production (SMD - 0.77, 95% CI - 1.15 to - 0.39), and end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (MD 2.93 mmHg, 95% CI 2.01-3.86). While oxygen saturation (MD - 0.48%, 95% CI - 0.71 to - 0.26) decreased slightly, heart rate was not affected. Mask wearing led to higher degrees of rating of perceived exertion, dyspnea, fatigue, and thermal sensation. Moreover, a small effect on exercise performance was observed in individuals wearing FFP2/N95 respirators (SMD - 0.42, 95% CI - 0.76 to - 0.08) and total effect (SMD - 0.23, 95% CI - 0.41 to - 0.04). CONCLUSION: Wearing face masks during exercise modestly affected both physiological and psychological parameters, including gas exchange, pulmonary function, and subjective discomfort in healthy individuals, although the overall effect on exercise performance appeared to be small. This review provides updated information on optimizing exercise recommendations for the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO) database (registration number: CRD42021287278).

Alternating high-intensity interval training and continuous training is efficacious in improving cardiometabolic health in obese middle-aged men.

BACKGROUND: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) alone has been shown to improve metabolic health, but the effects of alternating the two training approaches as often practiced in real life remained unclear. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of HIIT or MICT alone or alternating HIIT-MICT on cardiometabolic responses in inactive obese middle-aged men. METHODS: Forty-two participants (age: 42 ± 5 y; BMI: 26.3 ± 2.1 kg m-2) were randomly assigned to four groups: HIIT (12 x 1-min running bouts at 80-90% HRmax interspersed with 1-min active recovery at 50% HRmax), MICT (40-min brisk walk at 65-70% HRmax), alternating HIIT-MICT or a non-exercise control group (CON). Exercise sessions were conducted three times per week for 16 weeks. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), body composition (by bioelectrical impedance analysis), blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and lipid profile were assessed at baseline and after the 16-week intervention. Enjoyment and self-efficacy were also assessed at the end of intervention. RESULTS: All exercise groups showed a similar VO2max increase of ∼15% (HIIT: 34.3 ± 4.4 vs 39.1 ± 5.4; MICT: 34.9 ± 5.0 vs 39.4 ± 7.2; and alternating HIIT-MICT: 34.4 ± 5.0 vs 40.3 ± 4.6 mL kg-1min-1) compared to baseline and CON (all p < 0.05). Weight, BMI, % fat and waist circumference also showed similar reductions in all exercise groups compared to baseline and CON (all p < 0.05). No significant group difference was observed for all blood markers. Compared to baseline, total cholesterol decreased after HIIT-MICT, while HIIT significantly decreased fasting insulin level and improved insulin resistance (p < 0.05). Enjoyment, self-efficacy and adherence were similar among all exercise groups. CONCLUSION: HIIT or MICT alone or alternating HIIT-MICT similarly improve cardiovascular fitness and body composition in obese middle-aged men despite differences in total training volume and time commitment.

Effect of Wearing Surgical Face Masks During Exercise: Does Intensity Matter?

Face masks are widely recommended as means of controlling the coronavirus disease outbreak. This study aimed to examine the physiological and perceptual responses of wearing surgical face masks while exercising at different intensities. Thirteen healthy young adults (mean age, 21.9 ± 1.4 years) conducted randomized crossover trials with or without a surgical face mask. In each trial, participants completed an incremental treadmill protocol, with three 6-min stages (light, moderate, and vigorous at 25, 50, and 75% maximal oxygen uptake, respectively). Physiological outcomes (heart rate, blood lactate, and oxygen saturation level), perceived exertion and discomfort feeling were assessed. No significant differences were observed in physiological outcomes with or without masks at different exercise intensities (p > 0.05). However, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was significantly higher when exercising vigorously (mask: 15.5 ± 1.5 vs. no-mask: 14.2 ± 2.1, p < 0.05). Participants wearing masks reported marked discomfort, such as feeling hot, humid, and breathing resistance. Although face mask-wearing during exercise may not have detrimental effects on major physiological parameters, it can increase perceived exertion level and discomfort when the exercise intensity exceeds a certain threshold. Therefore, healthcare professionals should cautiously evaluate each person's ability to exercise while wearing a mask and tailor their prescription accordingly.

Interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training for cardiorespiratory fitness improvements in middle-aged and older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Interval training has been promoted as a superior, time-efficient exercise strategy for enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness in the ageing population. This study assessed the effectiveness of interval training compared with that of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) for improving cardiorespiratory fitness in middle-aged and older adults. Six databases were systematically searched for studies with exercise interventions (minimum 2-week duration). Meta-analyses were conducted for within-group and between-group comparisons of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Sub-group analysis was performed using the nature of interval training (high-intensity interval training [HIIT] and sprint interval training [SIT]). Of 3,257 studies, 14 were included (429 participants). Within-group analyses demonstrated significant VO2max improvements (mL/kg/min) following interval training (mean difference: MD = 2.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.50-3.02) and MICT (MD = 1.34; 95% CI = 0.45-2.23]. When comparing the modes of training, the gain in VO2max was significantly greater following interval training (MD = 1.10; CI = 0.55-1.64). Sub-group analysis showed that HIIT (MD = 1.04; CI = 0.21-1.88) and SIT (MD = 1.18; CI = 0.60-1.76) resulted in superior VO2max gain than MICT. This study provides evidence synthesis for interval training as a viable exercise strategy to improve cardiorespiratory function in healthy ageing.

The effect of low-volume high-intensity interval training on cardiometabolic health and psychological responses in overweight/obese middle-aged men.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been proposed as a time-efficient exercise protocol to improve metabolic health, but direct comparisons with higher-volume moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) under unsupervised settings are limited. This study compared low-volume HIIT and higher-volume MICT interventions on cardiometabolic and psychological responses in overweight/obese middle-aged men. Twenty-four participants (age: 48.1±5.2yr; BMI: 25.8±2.3kg·m-2) were randomly assigned to undertake either HIIT (10 X 1-min bouts of running at 80-90% HRmax separated by 1-min active recovery) or MICT (50-min continuous jogging/brisk walking at 65-70% HRmax) for 3 sessions/week for 8 weeks (2-week supervised + 6-week unsupervised training). Both groups showed similar cardiovascular fitness (VO2max) improvement (HIIT: 32.5±5.6 to 36.0±6.2; MICT: 34.3±6.0 to 38.2±5.1mL kg-1 min-1, p < 0.05) and %fat loss (HIIT: 24.5±3.4 to 23.2±3.5%; MICT: 23.0±4.3 to 21.5±4.1%, p< 0.05) over the 8-week intervention. Compared to baseline, MICT significantly decreased weight and waist circumference. No significant group differences were observed for blood pressure and cardiometabolic blood markers such as lipid profiles, fasting glucose and glycated haemoglobin. Both groups showed similar enjoyment levels and high unsupervised adherence rates (>90%). Our findings suggest that low-volume HIIT can elicit a similar improvement of cardiovascular fitness as traditional higher-volume MICT in overweight/obese middle-aged men.

Post-Exercise Appetite and Ad Libitum Energy Intake in Response to High-Intensity Interval Training versus Moderate- or Vigorous-Intensity Continuous Training among Physically Inactive Middle-Aged Adults.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is considered a time-efficient exercise strategy for weight management. However, data regarding the acute appetite and energy intake responses to HIIT versus continuous training remain inconclusive. This study investigated the ad libitum energy intake and appetite responses to a single session of HIIT versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and vigorous-intensity continuous training (VICT). Using a randomized crossover design, 11 middle-aged physically inactive men (45.7 ± 7.4 years, 23.5 ± 2.1 kg m-2) participated in three treadmill trials at 7-day intervals. HIIT comprised 10 1-min periods at 100% VO2max interspersed with 1-min periods of active recovery. MICT comprised a 40-min session at 65% VO2max, while VICT comprised a 20-min session at 80% VO2max. After each trial, the participants consumed an ad libitum buffet meal for which the energy intake was recorded. The participants' perceived appetite was assessed before and after exercise sessions using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). No significant differences in post-exercise ad libitum energy intake were observed between trials (HIIT: 645 ± 262.9 kcal; MICT: 614.7 ± 271.2 kcal; VICT: 623.1 ± 249.0 kcal, p > 0.05). Although the perceived appetite responses exhibited a significant main effect of time (p < 0.01), no group differences were observed (p > 0.05). In summary, these findings suggest that the interval or continuous nature of exercise has no significant effect on appetite responses in physically inactive middle-aged adults, at least during the short-term post-exercise period.

Markers of Bone Health, Bone-Specific Physical Activities, Nutritional Intake, and Quality of Life of Professional Jockeys in Hong Kong.

Weight-making practices, regularly engaged in by horse racing jockeys, have been suggested to impair both physiological and mental health. This study aimed to assess bone health markers, nutritional intake, bone-specific physical activity (PA) habits, and quality of life of professional jockeys in Hong Kong (n = 14), with gender-, age-, and body mass index-matched controls (n = 14). Anthropometric measurements, serum hormonal biomarkers, bone mineral density, bone-specific PA habits, nutritional intake, and quality of life were assessed in all participants. The jockey group displayed significantly lower bone mineral density at both calcanei than the control group (left: 0.50 ± 0.06 vs. 0.63 ± 0.07 g/cm2; right: 0.51 ± 0.07 vs. 0.64 ± 0.10 g/cm2, both ps < .01). Thirteen of the 14 jockeys (93%) showed either osteopenia or osteoporosis in at least one of their calcanei. No significant difference in bone mineral density was detected for either forearm between the groups. The current bone-specific PA questionnaire score was lower in the jockey group than the control group (5.61 ± 1.82 vs. 8.27 ± 2.91, p < .05). Daily energy intake was lower in the jockeys than the controls (1,360 ± 515 vs. 1,985 ± 1,046 kcal/day, p < .01). No significant group difference was found for micronutrient intake assessed by the bone-specific food frequency questionnaire, blood hormonal markers, and quality of life scores. Our results revealed suboptimal bone conditions at calcanei and insufficient energy intake and bone-loading PAs among professional jockeys in Hong Kong compared with healthy age-, gender-, and body mass index-matched controls. Further research is warranted to examine the effect of improved bone-loading PAs and nutritional habits on the musculoskeletal health of professional jockeys.

Age-specific affective responses and self-efficacy to acute high-intensity interval training and continuous exercise in insufficiently active young and middle-aged men.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been recognized as an emerging trend in public health promotion, but its age-specific differences in psycho-perceptual responses have yet to be investigated. This study compared the psycho-perceptual responses after a single session of HIIT versus moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) and vigorous-intensity continuous exercise (VICE) in twelve young and twelve middle-aged insufficiently active males respectively. METHODS: Using a randomized cross-over design, participants undertook three main trials consisting of: HIIT (10 x 1-min run at 100% VO2max interspersed with 1-min active recovery), MICE (40-min run at 65% VO2max) and VICE (20-min run at 80% VO2max). Affective responses, self-efficacy and exercise preference were assessed for each trial. RESULTS: Both HIIT and VICE showed more positive in-task affective responses than MICE in young adults, while middle-aged adults reported more positive responses in both HIIT and MICE than in VICE. However, middle-aged adults displayed significantly lower exercise task self-efficacy scores towards HIIT (42.7 ±â€¯25.3) and VICE (49.2 ±â€¯23.9) than MICE (63.4 ±â€¯18.3, both P < 0.01). Additionally, only 17% of participants in the middle-aged group reported a preference to engage in HIIT as opposed to either MICE (50%) and VICE (33%). CONCLUSION: Our finding revealed distinct affective and self-efficacy responses to acute HIIT versus both MICE and VICE in the two age groups which assists in our understanding of how individuals in various age populations perceive HIIT. This information will assist in the design and implementation of effective exercise programs for public health, especially for insufficiently active individuals.