Aerobic exercise improves verbal working memory sub-processes in adolescents: behavioral evidence from an N-back task.

Background: Studies on the effects of aerobic exercise on working memory (WM) have mainly concentrated on the overall effects, yet there is little knowledge on how moderate intensity aerobic exercise impacts the sub-processes of verbal WM (VWM) in adolescents. To address this gap, two experiments were conducted to explore the influence of aerobic exercise on the maintenance and updating sub-processes of VWM. Methods: In Experiment 1, a mixed experimental design of 2 (exercise habit: high vs. low) × 3 (memory load: 0-back vs. 1-back vs. 2-back) was used to compare VWM and its sub-processes in 40 adolescents. In Experiment 2, a 2 (group: intervention vs. control) × 3 (time point: pretest vs. 1st post-test vs. 18th post-test) × 3 (memory load: 0-back vs. 1-back vs. 2-back) mixed experimental design was used to investigate the acute and long-term effects of moderate intensity aerobic exercise on VWM and its sub-processes in 24 adolescents with low exercise habits. Results: The results of Experiment 1 showed that VWM performance and its sub-processes in the high exercise habit group were better than those in the low exercise habit group. The results of Experiment 2 showed that the effects of the long-term exercise intervention were superior to those of the acute exercise intervention, and both were superior to the pretest. Meanwhile, it was found that aerobic exercise intervention had a greater effect size on the updating sub-process of VWM. Conclusion: In conclusion, the results indicated that moderate intensity aerobic exercise could enhance the performance of VWM and its sub-processes in adolescents, and long-term intervention showed greater improvement effects compared to acute intervention, especially in the updating sub-process of VWM.

An investigation of the acute effects of aerobic exercise on executive function and cortical excitability in adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Previous studies have shown that aerobic exercise has beneficial effects on executive function in adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The underlying mechanisms could be partially due to aerobic exercise-induced cortical excitability modulation. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of acute aerobic exercise on executive functions and cortical excitability and the association between these phenomena in adolescents with ADHD. The study was conducted using a complete crossover design. Executive functions (inhibitory control, working memory, and planning) and cortical excitability were assessed in twenty-four drug-naïve adolescents with ADHD before and after acute aerobic exercise or a control intervention. Inhibitory control, working memory, and planning improved after acute aerobic exercise in adolescents with ADHD. Moreover, cortical excitability monitored by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) decreased after intervention in this population. Additionally, improvements in inhibitory control and working memory performance were associated with enhanced cortical inhibition. The findings provide indirect preliminary evidence for the assumption that changes in cortical excitability induced by aerobic exercise partially contribute to improvements in executive function in adolescents with ADHD.

Are incremental exercise relationships between rating of perceived exertion and oxygen uptake or heart rate reserve valid during steady-state exercises?

Background: Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is considered a valid method for prescribing prolonged aerobic steady-state exercise (SSE) intensity due to its association with physiological indicators of exercise intensity, such as oxygen uptake (V̇O2) or heart rate (HR). However, these associations between psychological and physiological indicators of exercise intensity were found during graded exercise tests (GXT) but are currently used to prescribe SSE intensity even though the transferability and validity of the relationships found during GXT to SSE were not investigated. The present study aims to verify whether (a) RPE-HR or RPE-V̇O2 relations found during GXTs are valid during SSEs, and (b) the duration and intensity of SSE affect these relations. Methods: Eight healthy and physically active males (age 22.6 ± 1.2 years) were enrolled. On the first visit, pre-exercise (during 20 min standing) and maximal (during a GXT) HR and V̇O2 values were measured. Then, on separate days, participants performed 4 SSEs on the treadmill by running at 60% and 80% of the HR reserve (HRR) for 15 and 45 min (random order). Individual linear regressions between GXTs' RPE (dependent variable) and HRR and V̇O2 reserve (V̇O2R) values (computed as the difference between maximal and pre-exercise values) were used to predict the RPE associated with %HRR (RPEHRR) and %V̇O2R (RPEV̇O2R) during the SSEs. For each relation (RPE-%HRR and RPE-%V̇O2R), a three-way factorial repeated measures ANOVA (α = 0.05) was used to assess if RPE (dependent variable) was affected by exercise modality (i.e., RPE recorded during SSE [RPESSE] or GXT-predicted), duration (i.e., 15 or 45 min), and intensity (i.e., 60% or 80% of HRR). Results: The differences between RPESSE and GXT-predicted RPE, which were assessed by evaluating the effect of modality and its interactions with SSE intensity and duration, showed no significant differences between RPESSE and RPEHRR. However, when RPESSE was compared with RPEV̇O2R, although modality or its interactions with intensity were not significant, there was a significant (p = 0.020) interaction effect of modality and duration yielding a dissociation between changes of RPESSE and RPEV̇O2R over time. Indeed, RPESSE did not change significantly (p = 0.054) from SSE of 15 min (12.1 ± 2.0) to SSE of 45 min (13.5 ± 2.1), with a mean change of 1.4 ± 1.8, whereas RPEV̇O2R decreased significantly (p = 0.022) from SSE of 15 min (13.7 ± 3.2) to SSE of 45 min (12.4 ± 2.8), with a mean change of -1.3 ± 1.5. Conclusion: The transferability of the individual relationships between RPE and physiological parameters found during GXT to SSE should not be assumed as shown by the results of this study. Therefore, future studies modelling how the exercise prescription method used (e.g., RPE, HR, or V̇O2) and SSE characteristics (e.g., exercise intensity, duration, or modality) affect the relationships between RPE and physiological parameters are warranted.

Effects of high-intensity interval and continuous moderate aerobic training on fitness and health markers of older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) promotes similar or superior gains in physical fitness and health compared to continuous moderate-intensity training (MICT) in young individuals. However, the effectiveness of HIIT in older adults is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis compared the effects of HIIT and MICT on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, vascular, metabolic, and hormonal variables, cognitive function, and quality of life in older adults. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, and SportDiscus databases were searched from inception until December 2023. Trials included adults ≥ 60 y. Hedge's effect sizes (g) were calculated and study quality and features of training interventions were tested as moderators. RESULTS: Twenty-nine trials including 1,227 subjects (65.4 ± 3.3 y). HIIT and MICT elicited significant (p < 0.021) and similar (p > 0.156) 'gs' for VO2max (0.722 vs. 0.490), maximal workload/peak power output ratio (0.290 vs. 0.372),% fat (-0.297 vs. -0.262), glycemia (-0.273 vs. -0.334), systolic (-0.465 vs. -0.341), and diastolic blood pressure (-0.566 vs. -2.311). HIIT (p < 0.04) but not MICT (p > 0.170) produced significant 'gs' for fat mass (-0.245 vs. -0.103), waist circumference (-0.239 vs. -0.116), testosterone (0.339 vs. 0.170), and complex Stroop test (-0.595 vs. -0.250). Increases in the VO2max occurred only in controlled trials after HIIT but not MICT (Q = 6.286, p = 0.012; HITT-g = 1.068, p < 0.0001 vs. MICT-g = 0.109, p= 0.596). CONCLUSION: HIIT and MICT produced similar changes in most of the investigated variables. In trials with greater quality (controlled vs. non-controlled trials), cardiorespiratory gains were higher in HIIT vs. MICT. These findings suggest that HIIT might be suitable for improving fitness and health in older adults.

Effects of different exercise modes and intensities on cognitive performance, adult hippocampal neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity in mice.

Exercise can induce beneficial improvements in cognition. However, the effects of different modes and intensities of exercise have yet to be explored in detail. This study aimed to identify the effects of different exercise modes (aerobic and resistance) and intensities (low and high) on cognitive performance, adult hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity in mice. A total of 40 C57BL/6J mice were randomised into 5 groups (n = 8 mice per group): control, low-intensity aerobic exercise, high-intensity aerobic exercise, low-intensity resistance exercise, and high-intensity resistance exercise. The aerobic exercise groups underwent treadmill training, while the resistance exercise groups underwent ladder climbing training. At the end of the exercise period, cognitive performance was assessed by the Y-maze and Barnes maze. In addition, adult hippocampal neurogenesis was evaluated immunohistochemically by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU)/ neuronal nuclei (NeuN) co-labeling. The levels of synaptic plasticity-related proteins in the hippocampus, including synaptophysin (SYP) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), were analyzed by western blotting. Our results showed no significant differences in cognitive performance among the groups. However, high-intensity aerobic exercise significantly increased hippocampal adult neurogenesis relative to the control. A trend towards increased adult neurogenesis was observed in the low-intensity aerobic group compared to the control group. No significant changes in synaptic plasticity were observed among all groups. Our results indicate that high-intensity aerobic exercise may be the most potent stimulator of adult hippocampal neurogenesis.

The Impact of Combination of Aerobic and Resistive Exercise on Activities of Daily Living and Risk of Fall in Osteosarcopenic Patients.

Objectives: It is aimed to explain the impact of the combination of aerobic and resistive exercise on activities of daily living and the risk of falls in osteosarcopenic patients. Methods: Female and male patients over 70 years of age followed up from the osteoporosis outpatient clinic were screened. Appropriate patients were evaluated for sarcopenia gait speed, grip strength and skeletal muscle mass. Patients with sarcopenia who did not have the exclusion criteria were included in the 3-month aerobic and resistive exercise program. Changes in skeletal muscle mass measurements, physical performance and balance tests were evaluated at 1 month and 3 months. Results: Sarcopenia was screened in 91 patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia. Sarcopenia was detected in 27 patients and 23 completed the 3-month study. The mean age of the patients was 78.4±5.7 years and the number of female patients was 16 (69.6%). There was no significant change in skeletal muscle mass measurements and Katz Activities of Daily Living Scale performed at 1 and 3 months (p>0.05). Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) and Berg Balance Test (BBT) were found to improve significantly in the first month, and it continued to develop in the third month (p<0.05). Conclusion: Although the combination of aerobic and resistive exercise in osteosarcopenic patients did not lead to a significant increase in skeletal muscle mass, It has a significant effect on physical performance and balance. It can be foreseen that this will increase the independence of the person while reducing the risk of falling.

Exercise attenuates high-fat diet-induced PVAT dysfunction through improved inflammatory response and BMP4-regulated adipose tissue browning.

Background: Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) dysfunction impairs vascular homeostasis. Impaired inflammation and bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) signaling are involved in thoracic PVAT dysfunction by regulating adipokine secretion and adipocyte phenotype transformation. We investigated whether aerobic exercise training could ameliorate high-fat diet (HFD)-induced PVAT dysfunction via improved inflammatory response and BMP4-mediated signaling pathways. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 24) were divided into three groups, namely control, high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD plus exercise (HEx). After a 6-week intervention, PVAT functional efficiency and changes in inflammatory biomarkers (circulating concentrations in blood and mRNA expressions in thoracic PVAT) were assessed. Results: Chronic HFD feeding caused obesity and dyslipidemia in rats. HFD decreased the relaxation response of PVAT-containing vascular rings and impaired PVAT-regulated vasodilatation. However, exercise training effectively reversed these diet-induced pathological changes to PVAT. This was accompanied by significantly (p < 0.05) restoring the morphological structure and the decreased lipid droplet size in PVAT. Furthermore, HFD-induced impaired inflammatory response (both in circulation and PVAT) was notably ameliorated by exercise training (p < 0.05). Specifically, exercise training substantially reversed HFD-induced WAT-like characteristics to BAT-like characteristics as evidenced by increased UCP1 and decreased FABP4 protein levels in PVAT against HFD. Exercise training promoted transcriptional activation of BMP4 and associated signaling molecules (p38/MAPK, ATF2, PGC1α, and Smad5) that are involved in browning of adipose tissue. In conjunction with gene expressions, exercise training increased BMP4 protein content and activated downstream cascades, represented by upregulated p38/MAPK and PGC1α proteins in PVAT. Conclusion: Regular exercise training can reverse HFD-induced obesity, dyslipidemia, and thoracic PVAT dysfunction in rats. The browning of adipose tissue through exercise appears to be modulated through improved inflammatory response and/or BMP4-mediated signaling cascades in obese rats.

Chemerin regulates glucose and lipid metabolism by changing mitochondrial structure and function associated with androgen/androgen receptor.

The adipokine chemerin contributes to exercise-induced improvements in glucose and lipid metabolism; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We aimed to confirm the impact of reduced chemerin expression on exercise-induced improvement in glycolipid metabolism in male diabetic (DM) mice through exogenous chemerin administration. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism of chemerin involved in changes in muscle mitochondria function mediated by androgen/androgen receptor (AR) was explored by generating adipose-specific and global chemerin knockout (adipo-chemerin-/- and chemerin-/-) mice. DM mice were categorized into the DM, exercised DM (EDM), and EDM + chemerin supplementation groups. Adipo-chemerin-/- and chemerin-/- mice were classified in the sedentary or exercised groups and fed either a normal or high-fat diet. Exercise mice underwent a 6-week aerobic exercise regimen. The serum testosterone and chemerin levels, glycolipid metabolism indices, mitochondrial function, and protein levels involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics were measured. Notably, exogenous chemerin reversed exercise-induced improvements in glycolipid metabolism, AR protein levels, mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitochondrial fusion in DM mice. Moreover, adipose-specific chemerin knockout improved glycolipid metabolism, enhanced exercise-induced increases in testosterone and AR levels in exercised mice, and alleviated the detrimental effects of a high-fat diet on mitochondrial morphology, biogenesis, and dynamics. Finally, similar improvements in glucose metabolism (but not lipid metabolism), mitochondrial function, and mitochondrial dynamics were observed in chemerin-/- mice. In conclusion, decreased chemerin levels affect exercise-induced improvements in glycolipid metabolism in male mice by increasing mitochondrial number and function, likely through changes in androgen/AR signaling.

The Effects of Simultaneous Aerobic Exercise and Video Game Training on Executive Functions and Brain Connectivity in Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The study was designed to examine the effects of simultaneous combination of aerobic exercise and video game training on executive functions (EFs) and brain functional connectivity in older adults. DESIGN: A four-armed, quasi-experimental study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling adults aged 55 years and older. METHODS: A total of 97 older adults were divided into one of four groups: aerobic exercise (AE), video game (VG), combined intervention (CI), and passive control (PC). Participants in intervention groups received 32 sessions of training over a 4-month period at a frequency of twice a week. EFs was evaluated using a composite score derived from a battery of neuropsychological tests. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was employed to evaluate overall cognitive function, while the 6-Minute Walking Test (6MWT) was utilized to gauge physical function. Additionally, the functional connectivity (FC) of the frontal-parietal networks (FPN) was examined as a neural indicator of cognitive processing and connectivity changes. RESULTS: In terms of EFs, both VG and CI groups demonstrated improvement following the intervention. This improvement was particularly pronounced in the CI group, with a large effect size (Hedge's g = 0.83), while the VG group showed a medium effect size (Hedge's g = 0.56). A significant increase in MoCA scores was also observed in both the VG and CI groups, whereas a significant increase in 6MWT scores was observed in the AE and CI groups. Although there were no group-level changes observed in FC of the FPN, we found that changes in FC was behaviorally relevant as increased FC was associated with greater improvement in EFs. CONCLUSION: The study offers preliminary evidence that both video game training and combined intervention could enhance EFs in older adults. Simultaneous combined intervention may hold greater potential for facilitating EFs gains. The initial evidence for correlated changes in brain connectivity and EFs provides new insights into understanding the neural basis underlying the training gains.

Effect of aquatic exercise versus aerobic exercise on primary dysmenorrhea and quality of life in adolescent females: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Primary dysmenorrhea leads to significant gynecological consultations, school absenteeism, disrupted daily activities, and adversely affects overall quality of life (QOL). PURPOSE: This study compared the effects of aquatic exercise versus aerobic exercise on primary dysmenorrhea and QOL in adolescent females. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty adolescent females suffering from primary dysmenorrhea with moderate to severe intensity were distributed randomly and equally into two groups was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06129708) the Registration Date, November 13, 2023; group A was treated by aquatic exercise for 12 weeks, while group B was treated by aerobic exercise for 12 weeks. Assessment of both groups before and after treatment involved evaluating dysmenorrhea severity using the WaLIDD Score, measuring pain intensity with the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), determining pressure pain threshold (PPT) with an algometry, and evaluating the QOL using EuroQol-5 Dimension-3 Level (EQ-5D-3L) and EuroQol-visual analog scale (EQ-VAS). RESULTS: Both groups, A and B, experienced significant reductions in the WaLIDD score, NPRS, and all domains of EQ-5D-3L (p < 0.05), coupled with significant increases in PPT and EQ-VAS (p < 0.05). Posttreatment comparisons between the groups showed insignificant differences in WaLIDD score, NPRS, and PPT (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant decrease in EQ-5D-3L and a significant increase in EQ-VAS, favoring group A (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both aquatic and aerobic exercises are effective methods in primary dysmenorrhea management and QOL improvement in adolescent females, with a better effect of aquatic exercise in enhancing QOL.

Comparative effect of Tai Chi and aerobic exercise on cognitive function in advanced lung cancer survivors with perceived cognitive impairment: a three-arm randomized controlled trial with mediation analysis.

PURPOSE: Cancer-related cognitive impairment is prevalent in metastatic lung cancer survivors. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of aerobic exercise and Tai Chi on perceived cognitive function and the mediating role of psychoneurological symptoms with perceived cognitive impairment. METHODS: In a subgroup of a parent randomized clinical trial, participants who reported cognitive impairment underwent a 16-week aerobic exercise (n = 49), Tai Chi (n = 48), and control (n = 54) groups. Measures included perceived cognitive function and psychoneurological symptoms (sleep disturbance, fatigue, anxiety, and depression) assessed at baseline (T0), 16-week (T1), and 1 year (T2). RESULTS: Participants in Tai Chi showed significant improvements compared to aerobic exercise and control groups in perceived cognitive function at T1 (AE: between-group difference, 6.52; P < 0.001; CG: 8.34; P < 0.001) and T2 (AE: between-group difference, 3.55; P = 0.05; CG: 5.94; P < 0.001). Sleep disturbance, fatigue, anxiety, and depression at month 12 explained 24%, 31%, 32%, and 24% of the effect of the intervention on cognitive function at month 12, respectively. Only anxiety at month 4 explained 23% of the intervention effect at month 12. CONCLUSIONS: Tai Chi demonstrated beneficial effects on cognitive function in advanced lung cancer survivors with perceived cognitive impairment. Improvement in cognitive function was mediated by reducing sleep disturbance, fatigue, anxiety, and depression, highlighting the importance of addressing these symptoms in future interventions to improve cognitive function, with anxiety playing a significant role at an earlier stage. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Tai Chi is a potentially safe complementary therapeutic option for managing cognitive impairment in this vulnerable population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04119778; retrospectively registered on 8 October 2019.

Tai Chi and Aerobic Exercise on Cancer-Related Dyspnea in Advanced Lung Cancer Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

CONTEXT: Dyspnea, a prevalent and debilitating symptom in patients with advanced lung cancer, negatively affects symptom burden and prognosis. Physical activity has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for managing dyspnea. OBJECTIVES: This study compared the effectiveness of two widely-recognized physical activity modalities, namely Tai Chi (TC) and aerobic exercise (AE) for treating dyspnea in patients with advanced lung cancer. METHODS: Patients with advanced lung cancer (n=226) were randomized into TC, AE, or control groups. There was no baseline dyspnea requirement for patients. The AE group received two 60-minute supervised sessions and home-based exercises per month, the TC group received 60-minute sessions twice weekly, and the control group received exercise guidelines for 16 weeks. The primary outcome (sleep quality) of the study has been previously reported. In this secondary analysis, we focused on dyspnea outcomes, including overall and lung cancer-specific dyspnea. Assessments were conducted at baseline (T0), 16 weeks (T1), and one year (T2). RESULTS: Compared to the control group, TC significantly improved overall dyspnea at T1 (between-group difference, -8.69; P=0.03) and T2 (between-group difference, -11.45; P=0.01), but not AE. Both AE (between-group difference, -11.04; P=0.01) and TC (between-group difference, -14.19; P<0.001) significantly alleviated lung cancer-specific dyspnea at T2 compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Both TC and AE alleviate dyspnea severity in patients with advanced lung cancer, and continuous exercise can yield substantial improvements. Due to its multi-component nature, Tai Chi has a greater effect on dyspnea.

Myokine Secretion following an Aerobic Exercise Intervention in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes with or without Exercise Resistance.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by muscle metabolic dysfunction that exercise can minimize, but some patients do not respond to an exercise intervention. Myokine secretion is intrinsically altered in patients with T2D, but the role of myokines in exercise resistance in this patient population has never been studied. We sought to determine if changes in myokine secretion were linked to the response to an exercise intervention in patients with T2D. The participants followed a 10-week aerobic exercise training intervention, and patients with T2D were grouped based on muscle mitochondrial function improvement (responders versus non-responders). We measured myokines in serum and cell-culture medium of myotubes derived from participants pre- and post-intervention and in response to an in vitro model of muscle contraction. We also quantified the expression of genes related to inflammation in the myotubes pre- and post-intervention. No significant differences were detected depending on T2D status or response to exercise in the biological markers measured, with the exception of modest differences in expression patterns for certain myokines (IL-1ß, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-15). Further investigation into the molecular mechanisms involving myokines may explain exercise resistance with T2D; however, the role in metabolic adaptations to exercise in T2D requires further investigation.

"It gave me a sense of achievement and a sense of purpose"-a qualitative study of patient experiences of a virtually supervised exercise program for adults with advanced cancer and cachexia.

People with advanced cancer and cachexia experience significant body weight loss, adversely impacting physical function and quality of life (QOL). Effective, evidence-based treatments for cancer cachexia are lacking, leaving patients with unmet needs. Exercise holds promise to improve patient QOL. However, information on patients' experiences of exercise, including their ability to cope with structured exercise, is limited. PURPOSE: To explore patient experiences completing a structured, supervised exercise program for people with cachexia due to advanced cancer. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants enrolled in a phase II feasibility, randomized controlled trial to explore their experiences of an 8-week virtually supervised exercise program delivered via videoconference technology. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Seventeen participants completed interviews (female n = 9, 53%). Main interview themes included the following: (1) Deciding to exercise involves balancing concerns and expectations, (2) the exercise program is a positive experience, and (3) moving forward after the exercise program. While some participants initially held doubts about their physical capabilities and exercise safety, most wanted to exercise to enhance their wellbeing. Participants described the exercise program as a positive experience, offering diverse benefits. Some would have preferred in-person exercise, but all agreed the virtual format increased convenience. Participants emphasized the need to recommend the program to others in similar circumstances. They underscored the necessity and desire for ongoing support to sustain their new exercise habits. CONCLUSION: Based on patient experiences, virtually supervised exercise programming appears to be feasible and meaningful to people with advanced cancer and cachexia.

Effect of Heat Acclimatization, Heat Acclimation, and Intermittent Heat Training on Maximal Oxygen Uptake.

BACKGROUND: Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is an important determinant of endurance performance. Heat acclimation/acclimatization (HA/HAz) elicits improvements in endurance performance. Upon heat exposure reduction, intermittent heat training (IHT) may alleviate HA/HAz adaptation decay; however, corresponding VO2max responses are unknown. HYPOTHESIS: VO2max is maintained after HAz/HA; IHT mitigates decrements in aerobic power after HAz/HA. STUDY DESIGN: Interventional study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: A total of 27 male endurance runners (mean ± SD; age, 36 ± 12 years; body mass, 73.03 ± 8.97 kg; height, 178.81 ± 6.39 cm) completed VO2max testing at 5 timepoints; baseline, post-HAz, post-HA, and weeks 4 and 8 of IHT (IHT4, IHT8). After baseline testing, participants completed HAz, preceded by 5 days of HA involving exercise to induce hyperthermia for 60 minutes in the heat (ambient temperature, 39.13 ± 1.37°C; relative humidity, 51.08 ± 8.42%). Participants were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 IHT groups: once-weekly, twice-weekly, or no IHT. Differences in VO2max, velocity at VO2max (vVO2), and maximal heart rate (HRmax) at all 5 timepoints were analyzed using repeated-measure analyses of variance with Bonferroni corrections post hoc. RESULTS: No significant VO2max or vVO2 differences were observed between baseline, post-HAz, or post-HA (P = 0.36 and P = 0.09, respectively). No significant group or time effects were identified for VO2max or vVO2 at post-HA, IHT4, and IHT8 (P = 0.67 and P = 0.21, respectively). Significant HRmax differences were observed between baseline and post-HA tests (P < 0.01). No significant group or time HRmax differences shown for post-HA, IHT4, and IHT8 (P = 0.59). CONCLUSION: VO2max was not reduced among endurance runners after HA/HAz and IHT potentially due to participants' similar aerobic training status and high aerobic fitness levels. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: HAz/HA and IHT maintain aerobic power in endurance runners, with HAz/HA procuring reductions in HRmax.

Supplementing Best Care with Specialized Rehabilitation Treatment in Parkinson's Disease: A Retrospective Study by Different Expert Centers.

Background: This is a retrospective longitudinal study comparing 374 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who were treated in centers offering a specialized program of enhanced rehabilitation therapy in addition to expert outpatient care to 387 patients with PD, who only received expert outpatient care at movement disorders centers in Italy. Methods: The data are from subjects recruited in the Parkinson's Outcome Project (POP) at six Italian centers that are part of a multicenter collaboration for care quality improvement (the Fresco Network). The effects were measured with a baseline and a follow-up clinical evaluation of the Timed-Up-and-Go test (TUG), Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), and Multidimensional Caregiver Strain Index (MCSI), the number of falls and hospitalizations for any cause. We used a generalized linear mixed model with the dependent variables being the response variable, which included the covariates demographics, evaluation, and treatment variables. Results: We found that the subjects who underwent specialized enhanced rehabilitation had a better motor outcome over time than those who were managed by expert neurologists but had participated in community programs for exercise and other allied health interventions. The greatest effects were seen in patients in the early stages of the disease with a high amount of vigorous exercise per week in the last six months. Similar effects were seen for PDQ39, MCSI, the number of falls, and hospitalization. Conclusions: Long-term benefits to motor function and the quality of life in patients with PD and burden reduction in their caregivers can be achieved through a systematic program of specialized enhanced rehabilitation interventions.

Selenoprotein P in a Rodent Model of Exercise; Theorizing Its Interaction with Brain Reward Dysregulation, Addictive Behavior, and Aging.

Exercise promotes health and wellness, including its operation as a protective factor against a variety of psychological, neurological, and chronic diseases. Selenium and its biomarker, selenoprotein P (SEPP1), have been implicated in health, including cancer prevention, neurological function, and dopamine signaling. SEPP1 blood serum levels were compared with a one-way ANOVA between sedentary (SED), moderately exercised (MOD) [10 m/min starting at 10 min, increasing to 60 min], and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercised rats [30 min in intervals of 2-min followed by a 1-min break, speed progressively increased from 10 to 21 m/min]. HIIT rats showed significantly higher serum SEPP1 concentrations compared to MOD and SED. More specifically, HIIT exercise showed an 84% increase in SEPP1 levels compared to sedentary controls. MOD rats had greater serum SEPP1 concentrations compared to SED, a 33% increase. The results indicated that increased exercise intensity increases SEPP1 levels. Exercise-induced increases in SEPP1 may indicate an adaptive response to the heightened oxidative stress. Previous studies found a significant increase in dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) binding in these same rats, suggesting a potential association between SEPP1 and dopamine signaling during exercise. Modulating antioxidants like SEPP1 through personalized therapies, including exercise, has broad implications for health, disease, and addiction.

Exercise Influences the Brain's Metabolic Response to Chronic Cocaine Exposure in Male Rats.

Cocaine use is associated with negative health outcomes: cocaine use disorders, speedballing, and overdose deaths. Currently, treatments for cocaine use disorders and overdose are non-existent when compared to opioid use disorders, and current standard cocaine use disorder treatments have high dropout and recidivism rates. Physical exercise has been shown to attenuate addiction behavior as well as modulate brain activity. This study examined the differential effects of chronic cocaine use between exercised and sedentary rats. The effects of exercise on brain glucose metabolism (BGluM) following chronic cocaine exposure were assessed using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and [18F]-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). Compared to sedentary animals, exercise decreased metabolism in the SIBF primary somatosensory cortex. Activation occurred in the amygdalopiriform and piriform cortex, trigeminothalamic tract, rhinal and perirhinal cortex, and visual cortex. BGluM changes may help ameliorate various aspects of cocaine abuse and reinstatement. Further investigation is needed into the underlying neuronal circuits involved in BGluM changes and their association with addiction behaviors.

Combined Aerobic Exercise with Intermittent Fasting Is Effective for Reducing mTOR and Bcl-2 Levels in Obese Females.

The integration of combined aerobic exercise and intermittent fasting (IF) has emerged as a strategy for the prevention and management of obesity, including its associated health issues such as age-related metabolic diseases. This study aimed to examine the potential of combined aerobic exercise and IF as a preventative strategy against cellular senescence by targeting mTOR and Bcl-2 levels in obese females. A total of 30 obese women, aged 23.56 ± 1.83 years, body fat percentage (FAT) 45.21 ± 3.73% (very high category), BMI 30.09 ± 3.74 kg/m2 were recruited and participated in three different types of interventions: intermittent fasting (IF), exercise (EXG), and a combination of intermittent fasting and exercise (IFEXG). The intervention program was carried out 5x/week for 2 weeks. We examined mTOR and Bcl-2 levels using ELISA kits. Statistical analysis used the one-way ANOVA test and continued with Tukey's HSD post hoc test, with a significance level of 5%. The study results showed that a combination of aerobic exercise and IF significantly decreased mTOR levels (-1.26 ± 0.79 ng/mL) compared to the control group (-0.08 ± 1.33 ng/mL; p ≤ 0.05). However, combined aerobic exercise and IF did not affect Bcl-2 levels significantly (-0.07 ± 0.09 ng/mL) compared to the control group (0.01 ± 0.17 ng/mL, p ≥ 0.05). The IF-only group, exercise-only group, and combined group all showed a significant decrease in body weight and fat mass compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.05). However, the combined aerobic exercise and IF program had a significant effect in reducing the total percentage of body fat and fat mass compared to the IF-only group (p ≤ 0.05). Therefore, it was concluded that the combined intermittent fasting and exercise group (IFEXG) undertook the most effective intervention of the three in terms of preventing cellular senescence, as demonstrated by decreases in the mTOR level, body weight, and fat mass. However, the IFEXG did not present reduced Bcl-2 levels.

Advances in Exercise in the Clinical Trials of Migraine: A Scoping Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aimed to investigate emerging evidence regarding the effectiveness of exercise for migraines, focusing on the results of recent trials. Additionally, it explored the possibility of exercise as a treatment for migraines. RECENT FINDINGS: Between 2020 and 2023, five, four, one, and two trials were conducted regarding the effect of aerobic exercise, anaerobic exercise, Tai Chi, and yoga, respectively, on migraine; all studies showed significant effects. Two trials on aerobic exercise showed that high-intensity exercise was similar to or slightly more effective than moderate-intensity exercise as a treatment for migraines. Three trials on anaerobic exercise reported its effectiveness in preventing migraines. Regarding efficacy, side effects, and health benefits, aerobic exercises and yoga are potentially beneficial strategies for the prevention of migraines. Further studies are needed to develop evidence-based exercise programs for the treatment of migraines.