Effects of chronic physical exercise on executive functions and episodic memory in clinical and healthy older adult populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: Executive functions (EFs) and episodic memory are fundamental components of cognition that deteriorate with age and are crucial for independent living. While numerous reviews have explored the effect of exercise on these components in old age, these reviews screened and analyzed selected older adult populations, or specific exercise modes, thus providing only limited answers to the fundamental question on the effect of exercise on cognition in old age. This article describes the protocol for a systematic review and multilevel meta-analytic study aiming at evaluating the effectiveness of different types of chronic exercise in improving and/or maintaining EFs and long-term episodic memory in older adults. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The study protocol was written in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Several databases will be searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in older adults aged ≥ 60 years providing any kind of planned, structured, and repetitive exercise interventions, and EFs and/or episodic memory measures as outcomes, published in English in peer-reviewed journals and doctoral dissertations will be included. Two independent reviewers will screen the selected articles, while a third reviewer will resolve possible conflicts. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool will be used to assess the quality of the studies. Finally, data will be extracted from the selected articles, and the formal method of combining individual data from the selected studies will be applied using a random effect multilevel meta-analysis. The data analysis will be conducted with the metafor package in R. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This review will synthesize the existing evidence and pinpoint gaps existing in the literature on the effects of exercise on EFs and episodic memory in healthy and unhealthy older adults. Findings from this meta-analysis will help to design effective exercise interventions for older adults to improve and/or maintain EFs and episodic memory. Its results will be useful for many researchers and professionals working with older adults and their families. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022367111.

Assessing the Validity of the Ergotex IMU in Joint Angle Measurement: A Comparative Study with Optical Tracking Systems.

An observational, repeated measures design was used in this study to assess the validity of the Ergotex Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) against a 3D motion capture system for measuring trunk, hip, and shoulder angles in ten healthy adult males (38.8 ± 7.3 y, bodyweight 79.2 ± 115.9 kg, body height 179.1 ± 8.1 cm). There were minimal systematic differences between the devices, with the most significant discrepancy being 1.4 degrees for the 80-degree target angle, denoting Ergotex's precision in joint angle measurements. These results were statistically significant (p < 0.001), with predominantly trivial to small effect sizes, indicating high accuracy for clinical and biomechanical applications. Bland-Altman analysis showed Limits of Agreement (LoA) approximately ±2.5 degrees across all angles and positions, with overall LoA ranging from 3.6 to -2.4 degrees, reflecting Ergotex's consistent performance. Regression analysis indicated uniform variance across measurements, with minor heteroscedastic errors producing a negligible underestimation trend of around 0.5 degrees in some instances. In conclusion, the Ergotex IMU is a reliable tool for accurate joint angle measurements. It offers a practical and cost-effective alternative to more complex systems, particularly in settings where precise measurement is essential.

Is Acute Lower Back Pain Associated with Heart Rate Variability Changes? A Protocol for Systematic Reviews.

Acute lower back pain (ALBP) is an extremely common musculoskeletal problem. ALBP consists of a sudden onset of short-duration pain in the lower back. However, repeated attacks can make the pain chronic. It can be measured through a self-report scale as well as through physical and physiological evaluations. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) has been used to evaluate the body's response to pain. However, to the best of our knowledge, no clear consensus has been reached regarding the relationship between both variables and on an optimal protocol for ALBP evaluation based on HRV. The objective of this review is to analyze the relationship and effectiveness of HRV as an instrument for measuring ALBP. Furthermore, we consider the influence of different types of interventions in this relationship. The protocol of this review was previously recorded in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (number CRD42023437160). The PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and PubMed, WOS and Scopus databases are employed. Studies with samples of adults with ALBP are included. This study sets out a systematic review protocol to help identify the relationship between HRV and ALBP. Understanding this relationship could help in designing early detection or action protocols that alleviate ALBP.

Transparency as a Means to Analyse the Impact of Inertial Sensors on Users during the Occupational Ergonomic Assessment: A Systematic Review.

The literature has yielded promising data over the past decade regarding the use of inertial sensors for the analysis of occupational ergonomics. However, despite their significant advantages (e.g., portability, lightness, low cost, etc.), their widespread implementation in the actual workplace has not yet been realized, possibly due to their discomfort or potential alteration of the worker's behaviour. This systematic review has two main objectives: (i) to synthesize and evaluate studies that have employed inertial sensors in ergonomic analysis based on the RULA method; and (ii) to propose an evaluation system for the transparency of this technology to the user as a potential factor that could influence the behaviour and/or movements of the worker. A search was conducted on the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The studies were summarized and categorized based on the type of industry, objective, type and number of sensors used, body parts analysed, combination (or not) with other technologies, real or controlled environment, and transparency. A total of 17 studies were included in this review. The Xsens MVN system was the most widely used in this review, and the majority of studies were classified with a moderate level of transparency. It is noteworthy, however, that there is a limited and worrisome number of studies conducted in uncontrolled real environments.

"To be myself again": Perceived benefits of group-based exercise for colorectal cancer patients.

PURPOSE: To explore the perceived benefits of a group-based exercise program for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) undergoing chemotherapy treatment. METHODS: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with all participants (n = 27) at the end of the exercise program (patients, relatives and healthcare professionals). The exercise instructor in charge of the exercise program with CRC patients also collected observational field notes throughout a research diary. RESULTS: Three main themes related to exercise as a coping strategy were obtained: (a) physical recovery; (b) psychosocial well-being, and (c) reconnection with their embodied selves and normal lives. Physical recovery included a perceived increase in fitness and a reduction in physical side-effects. Psychosocial well-being included perceived benefits in self-confidence, sense of control, reduced fear, feeling of being useful, sense of achievement, positive thinking and avoiding depression. All the physical and psychosocial benefits helped patients reconnect with their embodied selves, engage in activities practised before the diagnoses, improve their body image, avoid stigma, and increase their social life beyond cancer diagnoses. In this sense, some patients held on to their past selves, trying to keep or recover normality in their lives, while others acknowledged that they might not be the same person anymore, with exercise being part of this new identity. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that exercise is a coping strategy that benefitted CRC patients in several ways related to their physical and psychosocial quality of life.

On-court throwing activity of male handball players during the European Championship 2020.

The aim of this study was to investigate the on-court throwing activity in regards to playing positions, throwing zones on the court and throwing velocity category during the male European Championship 2020. A local positioning system with microsensors placed both in the shirts of the players and inside the ball itself was used. In total, 6568 throws were retrieved for analysis from the entire tournament. Results showed that first-line players (wings and line players) used their natural zone more to throw (65% left wing, 60% right wing, and 97% line player), showing higher effectiveness from there (p < 0.05). Second lines players distributed more of their throws (45% left back, 50% right back and 32% center back in their natural zones) giving priority to the throws in 6 m, where they showed higher effectiveness (p < 0.05), or between the lines. Considering all players, shots from nearby and intermediate areas corresponded to 83% of the shots showing higher efficiency (p < 0.05) than shots performed from the areas furthest from the goal (14.9%. from zones 6-7-8). Back players mainly performed the highest velocity throws (Category 4 > ~100 km/h) from these furthest areas. Throwing velocity and effectiveness by throwing zones and positions was not significantly modified over the three rounds of the tournament (p > 0.05), indicating no effect of possible fatigue. A higher team ranking was associated with higher throwing efficiency but only for wing players. The results of this research could help handball coaches to better adjust training programs for the improvement of throwing velocity and its transfer to the competition.

Boosting Student's Motivation through Gamification in Physical Education.

Students are becoming less motivated towards current education. For this reason, teachers are investigating several innovative methodologies to learn how they affect student motivation, such as gamification. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of gamification on the motivation of elementary physical education students. A total of 72 elementary school students from two different Spanish elementary schools participated (38 boys and 34 girls), separated into a gamified group (n = 35) and a control group (n = 37). Ten gamification sessions were performed using a technological app called ClassDojo. The gamified proposal was based on both a PBL model and an MDA model. A questionnaire, "Motivation Questionnaire in Physical Education" (CMEF-EP) was used to measure the motivation of the students before and after the intervention. An increase was observed in all the variables for the gamified group: intrinsic motivation (p < 0.001), identified regulation (p < 0.001), introjected regulation (p = 0.001), and external regulation (p = 0.002), except for the amotivation (p = 0.120). No changes were observed in the control group. A significant interaction effect over time was seen only for intrinsic motivation for the gamified group versus the control group (F(1) = 5.263; p = 0.025; η2 = 0.070). The results show the efficacy of gamification to increase the motivation of elementary physical education students. However, it does not decrease amotivation. This will enable the subject to contribute to achieving the United Nations' proposed Sustainable Development Goal 4, which is to 'Improve Quality Education'.

The Use of the Static Posturography to Assess Balance Performance in a Parkinson's Disease Population.

The literature has shown contradictory results so far about the use of posturography, especially static posturography, to evaluate balance performance in Parkinson's disease (PD) populations. This study aimed to investigate the use of static posturography as a valid method to evaluate balance in a PD population. Fifty-two participants diagnosed with PD (Hoehn & Yahr stage: 1−3) were included in this cross-sectional study. All participants completed the following assessments: Hoehn and Yahr scale, Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Tinetti Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale, Timed Up and Go test, and Functional Reach Test. Sway parameters were analyzed with a baropodometric platform, under eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions, in a bipodal stance. Small to large correlations were observed between clinical balance tests and static posturography parameters, although the majority of these parameters correlated moderately. Considering posturographic variables, the highest correlation values were detected for total excursion (TE), mean velocity (MV), mean (X-mean), and root-mean-square (X-RMS) displacements in the medio-lateral directions. It was observed that posturographic parameters worsened as the disease progresses, although differences were only significant between the stages 1 and 3 in the H&Y scale (p < 0.05). Regarding the test condition, the visual deprivation worsened significantly all the static posturography parameters (p < 0.05), except the antero-posterior mean displacement (Y-Mean). Comparing visual conditions, the EC presented slightly higher correlation values with the clinical balance tests. Static posturography could be used as an objective complementary tool to clinical balance tests in order to assess and control balance performance, mainly to detect postural instability problems.

Throwing performance by playing positions of male handball players during the European Championship 2020.

The aim of this study was to analyze the throwing velocity and effectiveness of elite male handball players during the European Championship 2020. A local positioning system was used for the first time in a European Championship to collect 6568 throw events from 337 players of 24 national teams during 65 matches. ANOVA (F = 80.8, p < 0.01, η2  = 0.058) revealed that back players throws were significantly faster (24.3-26.5 m/s) than the rest of the players (22.2-22.5 m/s). Similarly, throws made from the central zone showed the highest speed values of 28.0 m/s (F = 43.2, p < 0.01, η2  = 0.050). In regard to the goal hit zone, higher speeds were shown for throws in side zones (24.9-26.8 m/s) compared to central zones (23.0-23.8 m/s) (F = 49.0, p < 0.01, η2  = 0.063). Effectiveness was higher in wing players (62%-64%) than the rest (45%-56%) (F = 30.9, p < 0.01, η2  = 0.023). Interestingly, the two higher velocity categories (>22 m/s) showed similar effectiveness (~60%), which were higher than the preceding slower category of 17-22 m/s (39.7%) (F = 175.1, p < 0.01, η2  = 0.074). Regarding court zones, throws from first-line zones (48%-60%), were more effective than from second line (38%-43%) (F = 13.1, p < 0.01, η2  = 0.016). With respect to the goal hit zone, effectiveness was higher in side (72%-77%) than in central zones (58%-64%) (F = 523.2, p < 0.01, η2  = 0.418). Coaches should improve the throwing velocity of players but also train at submaximal velocities (effective velocity) to save energy and reduce the potential risk of injury. Finally, training should be specialized according to the performance shown by players from different throwing zones, rather than from playing positions.

Within-subject variation in the cognitive timed up and go test as an explanatory variable in fall risk in patients with parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the use of within-subject variation in the Cognitive Timed Up and Go test (Cognitive TUGWSV) as an explanatory variable in fall risk in the Parkinson's disease population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Fifty-three patients with Parkinson's disease completed 3 trials of the Cognitive TUGWSV. Within-subject variation was calculated using the standard deviation of an individual's repeated measurements, and compared on the basis of the fall history reported in the previous 6 months. Participants who reported < 2 falls were classified as "non-recurrent fallers" (n = 31) and those who reported ≥ 2 falls were classified as "recurrent fallers" (n = 22). Univariate and a multivariate logistic regression were used to investigate the statistical impact of the Cognitive TUGWSV as an explanatory variable in fall risk. Discriminative ability and cut-off score were determined based on receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between groups in the Cognitive TUGWSV (p = 0.002). Univariate logistic regression indicated a significant association between Cognitive TUGWSV and fall risk (χ2=12.365, p < 0.001), with an odds ratio of 2.5 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.34-4.65). Multivariate logistic regression showed that body mass index (BMI), Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), Cognitive TUGWSV, and the mean velocity of the centre of foot pressure under closed eyes condition (Velocity COP (CE)) were significant explanatory variables in fall risk. Cognitive TUGWSV was the most important independent variable. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed an acceptable discriminative power (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.757, 95% CI = 0.619-0.864, p < 0.001) and a cut-off point of 1.53 s. CONCLUSION: A higher Cognitive TUGWSV correlated significantly with higher fall risk. Thus, diagnostic tests and exercise programmes could consider Cognitive TUGWSV when assessing fall risk in the Parkinson's disease population.

Time-Motion Analysis by Playing Positions of Male Handball Players during the European Championship 2020.

The aim of this study was to analyze time-motion characteristics of elite male handball players during the last European Championship 2020. A total of 414 players from 24 national teams were analyzed during 65 matches using a local positioning system (LPS) for the first time in a European Championship. Players (n = 1865) covered significantly (p < 0.001; ES = 0.48) more total distance in offense (1217.48 ± 699.33 m) and in all locomotion categories (p < 0.001) than in defense (900.96 ± 538.95 m), with a similar average total time on court (13.40 ± 8.19 min in offense and 13.27 ± 8.59 min; p > 0.05). The running pace was significantly higher in offense 96.53 ± 22.57 m/min than in defense 82.72 ± 43.28 m/min (p < 0.001; ES = 0.47). By playing positions, the Left Wing players covered significantly (p < 0.001) higher distances (2547.14 ± 1309.52) and showed longer playing time (32.08 ± 17.01). Center Back was the playing position that showed the highest global running pace (98.34 m/min). Players with higher running pace in offense (p < 0.001) were Left Backs (105.95 ± 25.20) and the Center Backs in defense (95.76 ± 48.90). There were no significant differences between winners and losers or between top ranked and lower ranked teams in terms of time played, distance covered, and running pace. Specific physical conditioning is necessary to maximize performance and minimize fatigue when performing in long tournaments.

The Influence of Physical Condition on Mental Health and Quality of Life in Patients With Drug Dependence.

BACKGROUND: Exercise has been proposed as a good strategy to prevent use and relapse and to improve mental health and quality of life in drug-dependent people. However, it is not known if physical condition per se influences quality of life and mental health. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to analyze the relationships between physical condition, mental health, and quality of life in patients with drug dependence and to determine whether physical condition could predict levels of mental health and quality of life. METHOD: Levels of physical condition (Timed Get Up and Go test, Chair Stand Test, six-minute walk test), mental health (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales [DASS-21]), and quality of life (Short Form Health Survey) were measured in a sample of 125 patients with drug dependence. A correlation analysis and a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: The physical condition tests predicted all DASS-21 variables: stress (F = 26.30, p < .001), anxiety (F = 18.33, p < .001), depression (F = 27.63, p < .001), total DASS-21 (F = 23.91, p < .001), and all the variables of the Short Form Health Survey for quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Physical condition can predict the levels of mental health and quality of life of patients with drug dependence.

Influence of Abdominal Hollowing Maneuver on the Core Musculature Activation during the Prone Plank Exercise.

This cross-sectional study of repeated measures investigated whether integrating the abdominal hollowing maneuver (AHM) into the prone plank performance is an effective strategy for increasing both the activation of the deep and superficial core musculature. Electromyographical (EMG) responses of rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and lumbar erector spinae (LES), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) of 20 participants (13 male, 7 female; mean ± standard deviation (SD) age: 24.25 ± 3.54 years; body mass: 66.42 ± 8.40 kg; height: 1.70 ± 9.51 m) were compared across two experimental conditions: the traditional prone plank (STANDARD); and a variation including the AHM (HOLLOWING). Regarding Total Intensity, HOLLOWING resulted in significantly greater EMG response than STANDARD (p < 0.001; Effect size (ES) = 3.01). Specifically, RA showed no significant differences between STANDARD and HOLLOWING (p = 0.056; ES = 0.285). However, for the remaining analyzed muscles, HOLLOWING significantly provided higher EMG activation compared to STANDARD (LES: p = 0.004; ES = 0.619; left EO: p < 0.001; ES = 1.031; right EO: p < 0.001; ES = 1.419; left IO: p < 0.001; ES = 2.021; right IO: p < 0.001; ES = 2.269). Regarding RPE, HOLLOWING reported values significantly greater than STANDARD (p < 0.001; ES = 2.94). In conclusion, integrating the AHM into the prone plank exercise enhances overall abdominal activity, particularly in both obliques. These findings provide updated guidelines for lumbar stabilization and core strengthening in health-related physical fitness programs.

High-Performance Handball Player's Time-Motion Analysis by Playing Positions.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the on-court demands of handball players during the European Handball Federation Champions League Final Four (VELUX EHF FINAL4) 2019 to define time-motion characteristics (played time; covered distances) both in offense and defense. Furthermore; we aimed to define position-specific demands and differences among them. Forty players from three teams were analyzed during the tournament using a local positioning system (LPS) for the first time in top handball. Players covered similar distances both in offense (1388.28 ± 2627.08 m), and in defense (1305.47 ± 5059.64 m) and remained on court for a similar average time (15.69 ± 8.02 min and 15.40 ± 8.94 min respectively). When locomotion activities were normalized according to the time they spent on court; significant differences were found for defense compared to offense in walking (+20%; p < 0.000; Cohen's effect size (ES) = 1.01) and jogging (-29.6%; p = 0.000; ES = 0.90), as well as a tendency for high-intensity running (+ 25.2%; p = 0.077; ES = 0.31). Per playing position; center and left back (CB = 94.86 ± 10.98 m·min-1; LB = 96.55 ± 24.65 m·min-1) showed the highest running pace in offense and mid-left; front center defender and outside right for the defense (ML = 90.38 ± 30.16 m·min-1; FCD = 87.04 ± 14.94 m·min-1; OR = 89.64 ± 34.93 m·min-1). In conclusion; profile differences existed among players' position activity; both in offense and defense; which should be taken into account when designing specific physical training programs.

Acute Effects of ACL Injury-Prevention Warm-Up and Soccer-Specific Fatigue Protocol on Dynamic Knee Valgus in Youth Male Soccer Players.

Childhood anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries-which can pose a major risk to a child's sporting career-have been on the rise in the last few decades. Dynamic knee valgus (DKV) has been linked to an increased risk of ACL injury. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the acute effects of an ACL injury prevention protocol (ACL-IPP) and a soccer-specific fatigue protocol (SSFP) on DKV in youth male soccer players. The research hypothesis was that DKV would be reduced by the ACL-IPP and increased by the SSFP. Eighteen youth male soccer players were divided according to baseline DKV. Those with moderate or large DKV performed a neuromuscular training protocol based on activation of the abductor and external rotator hip muscles. Those with little or no DKV performed a soccer-specific fatigue protocol. DKV was assessed using the single-leg squat pre- and post-protocols in both legs. The ACL-IPP significantly decreased DKV during single-leg squat (p < 0.01, effect size = 1.39), while the SSFP significantly increased baseline DKV in the dominant leg during single-leg squat (p = 0.012; effect size = 1.74). In conclusion, the ACL-IPP appears to acutely reduce the DKV in youth male soccer players, and the SSFP seems to acutely increase the DKV in those players who showed a light or no DKV in a non-fatigue situation. By using the SSFP, it may be possible to determine which players would benefit from injury prevention programs due to increased DKV during game scenarios, while hip abductor and external rotator neuromuscular training may be beneficial for players who have moderate and severe DKV during single-leg squat under non-fatigued scenarios.

Different Time Course of Recovery in Achilles Tendon Thickness After Low-Load Resistance Training With and Without Blood Flow Restriction.

CONTEXT: Blood flow restriction research has focused on muscular strength and hypertrophy. Limited data have been reported about the blood flow restriction effect on the tendon. OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare the time course of recovery in Achilles tendon thickness after a single bout of low-intensity resistance training (LI-RT) and low-intensity blood flow restriction training (LI-BFRT). METHODS: A total of 56 healthy participants (24.60 [4.0] y; 23.65 [3.4] body mass index) were included. The dominant leg was assigned for LI-BFRT using low load (30% 1-repetition maximum) and 30% of the total occlusion pressure (52.21 [17.89] mm Hg) in plantar-flexion exercise (1 × 30 + 3 × 15 repetitions). The nondominant leg was assumed as a control condition. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Sonography images were taken before the intervention, immediately posttraining, and 24 hours after exercise (post-24) for the Achilles tendon thickness. RESULTS: Changes in Achilles tendon thickness for LI-BFRT group were significant post- (-14.5%; P < .05) and post-24 (-9.2%; P < .05). In contrast, LI-RT group showed a transient decrease after exercise (-9.67%; P < .05) followed by a recovery of thickness post-24 (-1.06%; P < .05). Thickness post-24 was different between LI-BFRT versus LI-RT (P < .01). Hedge effect size analysis showed a large effect (g = 0.90) in LI-BFRT pre-post condition and a medium effect (g = 0.57) in post- to post-24. The LI-RT obtained a medium effect (g = 0.53) in pre-post condition and a small effect (g = 0.49) in post- to post-24. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a different time course of the acute response in Achilles tendon thickness between LI-BFRT and LI-RT. This may be associated with intratendinous fluid movement in response to LI-BFRT.

Correction: Giménez-Meseguer, J., Tortosa-Martínez, J., Cortell-Tormo, J. M. The Benefits of Physical Exercise on Mental Disorders and Quality of Life in Substance Use Disorders Patients. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Environment Research and Public Health. 2020, 17, 3680.

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...].

The Benefits of Physical Exercise on Mental Disorders and Quality of Life in Substance Use Disorders Patients. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Physical exercise seems to have a promising effect on numerous variables related to the recovery of drug-dependent patients. However, some contradictions are found in the literature. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to identify the effect of physical exercise on mental disorders, quality of life, abstinence, and craving, and make a comparison of the effect of exercise depending on the type of program. A search for articles was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Studies were selected that measured the acute effects or long-term effect (≥2 weeks) of exercise in patients who met criteria for alcohol use disorders or substance use disorders. A total of 59 studies were included. An effect of exercise on quality of life and mental disorders was identified. Subgroup analysis revealed an effect of exercise on stress (SMD = 1.11 (CI: 0.31, 1.91); z = 2.73; p = 0.006), anxiety (SMD = 0.50 (CI: 0.16, 0.84); z = 2.88; p = 0.004) and depression (SMD = 0.63 (CI: 0.34, 0.92); z = 4.31; p < 0.0001), and an effect of exercise on the eight variables included in the SF36 test. The results also showed a trend towards a positive effect on craving (SMD = 0.89 (CI: −0.05, 1.82); z = 1.85, p = 0.06). Body-mind activities and programs based on improving physical conditions produced similar results in mental disorders and quality of life. Available evidence indicates that physical exercise, both body-mind and physical fitness programs, can be effective in improving mental disorders, craving, and quality of life in drug-dependent patients.

The effects of stress on cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease: Physical exercise as a counteract measure.

AD is a complicated multi-systemic neurological disorder that involves different biological pathways. Several risk factors have been identified, including chronic stress. Chronic stress produces an alteration in the activity of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) system, and the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which over time increase the risk of AD and also the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity and type 2 diabetes, associated with cognitive impairment and AD. Considering the multi-factorial etiology of AD, understanding the complex interrelationships between different risk factors is of potential interest for designing adequate strategies for preventing, delaying the onset or slowing down the progression of this devastating disease. Thus, in this review we will explore the general mechanisms and evidence linking stress, cardiovascular disease and AD, and discuss the potential benefits of physical activity for AD by counteracting the negative effects of chronic stress, CVD and risk factors.