Normobaric Hypoxia Exposure on Substrate Oxidation Pattern: Sex Differences.

CONTEXT: Hypoxic exposure has been associated with a metabolic perturbation that might affect basal energy expenditure (BEE). OBJECTIVE: The aim was to examine the metabolic response during hypoxic exposure of men and women adults. DESIGN: Crossover design with two experimental trials: normoxic and hypoxic exposure. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine healthy subjects (14 women) participated in (1) control study (NOR), subjected first to normoxic exposure (FiO2 = 20.9%) and (2) after that, to passive normobaric hypoxic exposure study (HYP) (FiO2 = 15%). Respiratory gases and blood glucose samples were recorded every hour in hypoxia chamber (8 points in total), and blood lactate samples were collected at baseline, at 4 and 7 h to exposure. RESULTS: In females, basal energy expenditure was significantly higher at 2h, 4h, 6h and 7h compared with NOR group. Also, BEE was lower in females compared with men from 2h of hypoxia exposure. In the HYP group the blood lactate concentration increased significantly at 4h and 7 h relative to NOR group (P < 0.05) in males. CONCLUSION: An exposure to moderate normobaric hypoxia did not alter metabolic response, but induced a different response on substrate oxidation in adults men and women.

Effects of a respiratory functional training program on pain and sleep quality in patients with fibromyalgia: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of 8-week respiratory functional training program on pain tolerance, sleep, and urinary antioxidant and cortisol levels in 18 patients with fibromyalgia. METHODS: Participants underwent a 12-week intervention: 4 weeks as control and 8 weeks of breathing exercises. Pain tolerance assay was done by using an algometer, whereas sleep quality was evaluated by actigraphy and by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Cortisol and antioxidant levels were determined using commercial assay kits. RESULTS: Increases in the pain tolerance threshold were detected in the occiput point after one month of intervention as well as in the low cervical and second rib points after one and two months. Actigraphy revealed a decrease in sleep latency, whereas sleep questionnaire showed improvements in sleep quality, sleep duration and sleep efficiency. No changes in cortisol and antioxidant levels were detected. CONCLUSION: The 8-week breathing exercise intervention reduced pain and improved sleep quality.

[Relationships between widespread pain and thresholds pain tolerance on tender points in Portuguese women with fibromyalgia: impact on daily life]. / Relação entre a dor generalizada e o limiar de tolerância à dor nos pontos sensíveis em mulheres portuguesas com fibromialgia: impacto sobre a vida diária.

OBJECTIVES: to establish a relationship between widespread pain subjectively perceived and threshold pain tolerance on tender points, and to determine whether there are differences in threshold pain tolerance on tender points between the upper and lower body, as well as between the dominant and non-dominant side, and whether these differences have an impact on the daily life of Portuguese women with fibromyalgia (FM). MATERIAL & METHODS: thirty-one women with FM aged between 34 and 67 years volunteered for the study. Threshold pain tolerance was assessed at critical points using a digital algometer pressure; the widespread pain index (WPI) was constructed by the addition of 19 painful body regions; and the impact on the daily life assessed by the Portuguese version of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), with individual interviews. RESULTS: significant differences between the percentage of threshold pain tolerance of the whole body and the scales of widespread pain subjectively perceived were observed, showing that the widespread pain subjectively perceived by patients was between +25.9% and +27.5%. Also, significant differences between threshold pain tolerance of tender points located on the upper and lower body (1.9 ± 0.5 kg/cm2 vs. 2.6 ± 0.7 kg/cm2; respectively) were observed. However, no significant differences were found between threshold pain tolerance of tender points located on dominant and non-dominant sides (2.1 ± 0.5 kg/cm2 e 2.1 ± 0.6 kg/cm2; respectively). Additionally, the analysis showed significant correlations between pain and patient`s daily life in: FIQ total score, physical function, feel good, job ability and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: the women with FM show higher widespread pain subjectively perceived than threshold pain tolerance on tender points. Furthermore, the pain suffered by the patients with FM, especially that located on the upper body, either on the dominant or on the non-dominant side, has a negative influence on physical function, job ability, fatigue and feel good, affecting daily life.

A randomized controlled trial on the effects of combined aerobic-resistance exercise on muscle strength and fatigue, glycemic control and health-related quality of life of type 2 diabetes patients.

AIM: to evaluate the effects of a 12--weeks combined aerobic--resistance exercise therapy on fatigue and isokinetic muscle strength, glycemic control and health--related quality of life (HRQoL) in moderately affected type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients. METHODS: a randomized controlled trial design was employed. Forty--three T2DM patients were assigned to an exercise group (n = 22), performing 3 weekly sessions of 60 minutes of combined aerobic--resistance exercise for 12--weeks; or a no exercise control group (n = 21). Both groups were evaluated at a baseline and after 12--weeks of exercise therapy for: 1) muscle strength and fatigue by isokinetic dynamometry; 2) plasma glycated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C); and 3) HRQoL utilizing the SF--36 questionnaire. RESULTS: the exercise therapy led to improvements in muscle fatigue in knee extensors (--55%) and increased muscle strength in knee flexors and extensors (+15 to +30%), while HbA1C decreased (--18%). In addition, the exercising patients showed sizeable improvements in HRQoL: physical function (+53%), vitality (+21%) and mental health (+40%). CONCLUSION: 12--weeks of combined aerobic--resistance exercise was highly effective to improve muscle strength and fatigue, glycemic control and several aspects of HRQoL in T2DM patients. These data encourage the use of aerobic and resistance exercise in the good clinical care of T2DM.

Urinary steroid profile after the completion of concentric and concentric/eccentric trials with the same total workload.

High intensity strength training causes changes in steroid hormone concentrations. This could be altered by the muscular contraction type: eccentric or concentric. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the completion of a short concentric (CON) and concentric/eccentric (CON/ECC) trial on the urinary steroid profile, both with the same total work. 18 males performed the trials on an isokinetic dynamometer (BIODEX III) exercising quadriceps muscles, right and left, on different days. Trial 1 (CON): 4 x 10 Concentric knee extension + relax knee flexion, speed 600/second; rest 90 seconds between each series and 4 minutes between each leg exercise. Trial 2 (CON/ECC): 4 x 5 concentric knee extension + Eccentric knee flexion under similar conditions. Urine samples were taken before the exercise and one hour after finishing it. Androsterone, Etiocholanolone, DHEA, Androstenedione, Testosterone, Epitestosterone, Dehydrotestosterone, Estrone, B-Estradiol, Tetrahydrocortisone, Tetrahydrocortisol, Cortisone and Cortisol (free, glucoconjugated and sulfoconjugated) urinary values were determined using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques. No significant differences were noted in Total Work and Average Peak Torque, although Maximum Peak Torque in the CON/ECC trial was higher than in the CON trial. These results demonstrate no changes in the steroid profile before and after trials, or when comparing CON to CON/ECC trials. The data suggest that eccentric contractions do not cause hormonal changes different to the ones produced by concentric contractions, when they are performed in strength short trials with the same total workload.

Perfil esteroideo urinario tras la realización de una sesión de ejercicio concéntrico y otra concéntrico/excéntrico con similar carga de trabajo total / Urinary steroid profile after the completion of concentric and concentric/eccentric trials with the same total workload

High intensity strength training causes changes in steroid hormone concentrations.This could be altered by the muscular contraction type: eccentric or concentric.The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the completion of a short concentric(CON) and concentric/eccentric (CON/ECC) trial on the urinary steroidprofile, both with the same total work. 18 males performed the trials on an isokineticdynamometer (BIODEX III) exercising quadriceps muscles, right and left, on differentdays. Trial 1(CON): 4x10 Concentric knee extension + relax knee flexion,speed 60º/second; rest 90 seconds between each series and 4 minutes between each legexercise. Trial 2(CON/ECC): 4x5 concentric knee extension + Eccentric knee flexionunder similar conditions. Urine samples were taken before the exercise and onehour after finishing it. Androsterone, Etiocholanolone, DHEA, Androstenedione,Testosterone, Epitestosterone, Dehydrotestosterone, Estrone, B-Estradiol, Tetrahydrocortisone,Tetrahydrocortisol, Cortisone and Cortisol (free, glucoconjugated andsulfoconjugated) urinary values were determined using gas chromatography/massspectrometry techniques. No significant differences were noted in Total Work andAverage Peak Torque, although Maximum Peak Torque in the CON/ECC trial washigher than in the CON trial. These results demonstrate no changes in the steroidprofile before and after trials, or when comparing CON to CON/ECC trials. Thedata suggest that eccentric contractions do not cause hormonal changes different tothe ones produced by concentric contractions, when they are performed in strengthshort trials with the same total workload(AU)

El entrenamiento de fuerza de alta intensidad provoca variaciones en la concentración de esteroides. El tipo de contracción muscular, excéntrica o concéntrica, podría ser un factor que la alterase. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el efecto de la realización de una sesión corta de ejercicio concéntrico (CON) y otra concéntrica/excéntrica (CON/EXC), con la misma carga de trabajo total, sobre el perfil esteroideo urinario. 18 hombres realizaron dos sesiones de ejercicio de corta duración utilizando una máquina isocinética (BIODEX III) en días diferentes y trabajando los músculos cuádriceps de ambas piernas. La sesión de ejercicio 1 (CON) fue un 4 x 10 rep de extensión concéntrica de rodilla más relajación en el movimiento de flexión, a una velocidad de 60º/segundo y con una recuperación de 90 seg. entre cada serie y 4 minutos entre cada una de las piernas. La sesión de ejercicio 2 (CON/EXC) fue un 4x 5 rep. de extensión concéntrica de rodilla más flexión excéntrica de rodilla, con las mismas condiciones de velocidad y recuperación. Muestras de orina fueron se tomaron antes del ejercicio y una hora después de finalizarlo. Los niveles urinarios (fracción libre, glucoconjugada y sulfoconjugada) de Androsterona, Etiocolanolona, DHEA, Androstenodiona, Testosterona, Epitestosterona, Dehidrotestosterona, Estrona, β-estradiol, Tetrahidrocortisona, Tetrahidrocortisol, Cortisona y Cortisol, se determinaron usando técnicas de cromatografía de gases espectrometría de masas. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los valores de Trabajo Total y de Pico Torque Medio, aunque los valores de Pico Torque Máximo fueron más alto en el CON/EXC ejercicio que en el CON(AU)

Tampoco se observó ningún cambio en el perfil esteroideo urinario entre antes y después de las sesiones de ejercicio, o comparando las sesiones CON/EXC con la CON. Por tanto, los datos sugieren que las contracciones excéntricas no producen alteraciones hormonales diferentes a las producidas por las contracciones concéntricas, cuando se trata de sesiones de ejercicio de fuerza de corta duración con similar carga de trabajo total(AU)

El ejercicio físico en agua caliente reduce el dolor pero no el número de puntos sensibles de mujeres con fibromialgia: un ensayo clínico randomizado / Exercise in warm water decreases pain but no the number of tender points in women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial

Introducción: el propósito de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos de 8 meses de ejercicio físico en agua caliente sobre el dolor de mujeres con fibromialgia (FM). Métodos: treinta y tres pacientes fueron distribuidas aleatoriamente en dos grupos: un grupo de ejercicio (n=17), que realizó 3 sesiones semanales de 60 minutos de ejercicio físico; y un grupo de control (n=16), que continuó realizando sus actividades habituales de la vida diaria. El dolor fue evaluado usando las dimensiones de dolor del Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnarie (FIQ) y Short Form 36 (SF-36). También se evaluó el número de puntos gatillo. Resultados: después de 8 meses de ejercicio físico fueron observadas mejoras significativas en el grupo experimental respecto al grupo de control en las dimensiones de “dolor” del FIQ (9%; p=0.040) y “dolor corporal” del SF-36 (58%; p=0.001). El número de puntos sensibles no mostró ningún cambio significativo. Conclusión: ocho meses de ejercicio físico en agua caliente fue un tratamiento efectivo para reducir el dolor en mujeres con FM. Sin embargo, el programa de ejercicio físico no tuvo efectos positivos en la reducción del número de puntos sensibles (AU)

Introduction: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 8 months of physical exercise in warm water on pain in female with fibromialgia (FM). Methods: thirty three patients with FM were randomly assigned into two groups: an exercise group (n = 17), who performed 3 weekly sessions for 60 minutes of physical exercise; and a control group (n=16), who continued their habitual daily activities without exercising. The pain was assessed by means of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnarie (FIQ) and the Short Form 36 (SF-36). The number of tender points were also assessed. Results: after 8 months of physical exercise significant improvements in the exercise group were observed compared to the control group in the dimensions of “pain” (FIQ) (9%; p=0.040) and “body pain” (SF-36) (58%; p=0.001). The number tender points did not show any significant change. Conclusion: eight months of physical exercise in warm water was an effective treatment to decrease the pain in women with FM. However, the physical exercise program was not effective in decreasing the number of tender points (AU)

Exercise in waist-high warm water decreases pain and improves health-related quality of life and strength in the lower extremities in women with fibromyalgia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short- and long-term efficacy of exercise therapy in a warm, waist-high pool in women with fibromyalgia. METHODS: Thirty-four women (mean +/- SD tender points 17 +/- 1) were randomly assigned to either an exercise group (n = 17) to perform 3 weekly sessions of training including aerobic, proprioceptive, and strengthening exercises during 12 weeks, or to a control group (n = 17). Maximal unilateral isokinetic strength was measured in the knee extensors and flexors in concentric and eccentric actions at 60 degrees /second and 210 degrees /second, and in the shoulder abductors and adductors in concentric contractions. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was assessed using the EQ-5D questionnaire; pain was assessed on a visual analog scale. All were measured at baseline, posttreatment, and after 6 months. RESULTS: The strength of the knee extensors in concentric actions increased by 20% in both limbs after the training period, and these improvements were maintained after the de-training period in the exercise group. The strength of other muscle actions measured did not change. HRQOL improved by 93% (P = 0.007) and pain was reduced by 29% (P = 0.012) in the exercise group during the training, but pain returned close to the pretraining level during the subsequent de-training. However, there were no changes in the control group during the entire period. CONCLUSION: The therapy relieved pain and improved HRQOL and muscle strength in the lower limbs at low velocity in patients with initial low muscle strength and high number of tender points. Most of these improvements were maintained long term.