Effect of resistance circuit training on comprehensive health indicators in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aging process leads to the degeneration of body structure and function. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of resistance circuit training (RCT) on comprehensive health indicators of older adults. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched until August 2023. Primary outcomes were body composition, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, blood pressure, and functional autonomy. Muscle function and exercise intensity subgroups were analyzed. RCT reduces body fat (MD = - 5.39 kg, 95% CI - 10.48 to - 0.29), BMI (MD = - 1.22, 95% CI - 2.17 to - 0.26), and body weight (MD = - 1.28 kg, 95% CI - 1.78 to - 0.78), and increases lean body mass (MD = 1.42 kg, 95% CI 0.83-2.01) in older adults. It improves upper limb strength (SMD = 2.09, 95% CI 1.7-2.48), lower limb strength (SMD = 2.03, 95% CI 1.56-2.51), cardiorespiratory endurance (MD = 94 m, 95% CI 25.69-162.67), and functional autonomy (MD = - 1.35, 95% CI - 1.73 to - 0.96). High-intensity RCT benefits BMI and body weight, while low-intensity exercise reduces blood pressure. RCT improves muscle function in push, pull, hip, and knee movements in older adults. RCT improves body composition, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, blood pressure, and functional autonomy in older adults. High-intensity training is superior for body composition, while moderate to low intensity training is more effective for lowering blood pressure.

Effect of high intensity circuit training on muscle mass, muscular strength, and blood parameters in sedentary workers.

Background: The study aim was to investigate the effect of high intensity circuit training on body composition, muscular performance, and blood parameters in sedentary workers. Methods: A total of 36 middle-aged sedentary female workers were randomly divided into high intensity circuit training (HICT) group, aerobic training (AT) group, and control (CON) group. The exercise training groups performed exercise three times per week for 8 weeks. In HICT, each session was 20-35 min with 2-3 rounds. Rounds were 8 min; the interval between rounds was 4-5 min. In AT, each exercise session comprised 20-35 min of aerobic dance training. Physiological parameters were measured 1 week before and after the interventions. The resulting data were analyzed using two-way mixed design ANOVA, the differences in body composition, muscular performance and blood parameters before and after training were compared. Results: The muscle mass (pre-test: 21.19 ± 2.47 kg; post-test: 21.69 ± 2.46 kg, p < 0.05) and knee extension 60°/s (pre-test: 82.10 ± 22.26 Nm/kg; post-test: 83.47 ± 12.83 Nm/kg, p < 0.05) of HICT group were significantly improved, with knee extension 60°/s significantly higher than that of the CON group (HICT: 83.47 ± 12.83 Nm/kg; CON: 71.09 ± 26.53 Nm/kg). In the AT group, body weight (BW) decreased significantly (Pre-test: 59.37 ± 8.24 kg; Post-test: 58.94 ± 7.98 kg); no significant change was observed in CON group. The groups exhibited no significant change in blood parameters (hs-CRP, TC, and LDL-C) or IGF-1. Conclusions: Sedentary worker's muscle mass and lower-limb muscular performance were effectively improved by performing 8-week HICT with the benefits of short duration, no spatial constraints, and using one's BW, whereas AT caused a significant decrease in BW. However, the AT induced decrease in BW was probably an effect of muscle loss rather than exercise-induced weight loss.

Online Circuit Training Increases Adherence to Physical Activity: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Men with Obesity.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine adherence to the weekly physical activity guidelines (≥150 min of aerobic activities at moderate-to-vigorous intensity and two or more sessions of strength training (yes or no)) and health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic for men living with obesity, 46 wk after being offered an online muscle-strengthening circuit program for 12 wk. METHODS: Sixty men (age ≥19 yr) living with obesity (body fat percentage ≥25%) were randomly assigned to the intervention group ( n = 30) or the control condition ( n = 30) for 12 wk. The intervention group was offered an online circuit training, three sessions per week, whereas the control group received a website helping them to reach the physical activity guidelines. Adherence to the weekly physical activity guidelines was evaluated 46 wk after enrolling in the program using a heart rate tracker (Fitbit Charge 3) and an exercise log. Health outcomes (e.g., anthropometrics, body composition) were measured at baseline and after 12, 24, and 46 wk. RESULTS: The intervention group had higher adherence to physical activity guidelines at 46 wk (36.8%) than the control group (5.3%; P = 0.02). However, no difference in health outcomes was observed between participants in the intervention group compared with the control group after 12, 24, and 46 wk. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing adherence to exercise in men living with obesity is challenging. The proposed program increased adherence to the physical activity guidelines after about a year for men living with obesity; however, more studies are needed to understand how to improve health outcomes when following an online delivery exercise program in this population.

Comparing Acute Responses Between Single Session Circuit Training and Fireground Suppression Tasks.

ABSTRACT: Loewen, B, Melton, B, Maupin, D, and Ryan, G. Comparing acute responses between single session circuit training and fireground suppression tasks. J Strength Cond Res 37(8): 1667-1678, 2023-The purpose of this study was to compare the cardio-metabolic and perceived demands of task-specific circuit training to fireground suppression tasks (FST). Twenty-three career, structural firefighters performed three separate testing days (i.e., FST, CT, and CTW). FST consisted of performing seven common occupational tasks in full gear (∼22.5kg). The weighted (CTW: 18.9kg vest) and unweighted (CT) circuit utilized seven exercises designed to mimic the FST's. Measurements included relative heart rate (%HRmax), post-training blood lactate (Lapost), change in countermovement jump height (▵CMJ), change in dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength (▵DHG and ▵NDHG), total training time, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and job-specific rating of relevance. A repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA), with Bonferroni post-hoc, was performed for each variable, excluding RPE and rating of relevance. Friedman's ANOVA was used to assess differences in RPE and rating of relevance, with Wilcoxen Signed Rank tests follow-up. Significant mean differences were found in %HRmax between CT and FST (∼8.6%, p < 0.01, d = 1.12) and CTW and FST (∼5.3%, p < 0.01, d = 0.75), ▵CMJ between CT and FST (p < 0.01, d = 1.35) and CTW and FST (p < 0.01, d = 1.09), ▵NDHG between CTW and FST (p = 0.01, d = 0.79), training time between CT and FST (p < 0.01, d = 1.00) and CTW and FST (p < 0.01, d = 1.81), and rating of relevance between CT and FST (PSdep = 0.67). In conclusion, CT and CTW were able to elicit similar metabolic and perceived demands as FST, while producing a lower cardiovascular response. Therefore, while circuit training may be a beneficial training tool for firefighters, it cannot replicate FST.

Group-based circuit training to improve mobility after stroke: a cross-sectional survey of German and Austrian physical therapists in outpatient settings.

BACKGROUND: A contextual transferability analysis identified group-based circuit training (GCT) as an optimal intervention in German and Austrian outpatient physical therapy to improve mobility post-stroke. GCT incorporates task-oriented, high-repetitive, balance, aerobic and strength training and allows for increased therapy time without increasing personnel. OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent to which German and Austrian physical therapists (PTs) use GCT and its components in the outpatient treatment of stroke-related mobility deficits and to identify factors associated with using GCT components. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted. Data were analyzed descriptively and using ordinal regression. RESULTS: Ninety-three PTs participated. None reported using GCT moderately to frequently (4-10/10 patients). The percentage of PTs reporting frequent use (7-10/10 patients) of task-oriented, balance, strength, aerobic, and high-repetitive training was 45.2%, 43.0%, 26.9%, 19.4%, and 8.6%, respectively. Teaching or supervising students, time for evidence-based practice activities at work, and working in Austria was associated with using GCT components frequently. CONCLUSION: German and Austrian PTs do not yet use GCT in outpatient physical therapy for stroke. Almost half of PTs, however, employ task-oriented training as recommended across guidelines. A detailed, theory-driven and country-specific evaluation of barriers to GCT uptake is necessary to inform implementation.

The effect of task-oriented circuit training-based telerehabilitation on upper extremity motor functions in patients with Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Upper extremity functions are impaired in patients with Parkinson's disease (PwPD), which leads to difficulties in activities of daily living (ADL), such as reaching or handwriting. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of task-oriented circuit training-based telerehabilitation (TOCT-TR) on the upper extremity motor function in PwPD. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial (RCT) 30 PwPD (aged 45-70 years, Hoehn & Yahr stage I-III) were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups. The TOCT-TR group received home training through video sessions three days/week for six weeks. Additionally, both the TOCT-TR group and the control group (CG) underwent home exercises aimed at improving balance, gait, and mobility three days/week for six weeks. The primary outcome measure was upper extremity motor functions measured with the Nine Hole Peg test (9-HPT), the Jebsen Hand Function Test (JHFT), grip strengths, pinch strengths, and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-III (UPDRS-III). Secondary outcome measures included the UPDRS-II and the quality of life (QoL, PDQ-8). RESULTS: This study showed significant group-by-time interactions on the 9-HPT (p < 0.001), the JHFT (p < 0.001), grip strengths (p < 0.001), pinch strengths (p ≤ 0.015), and the UPDRS-III (p = 0.007) in favor of the TOCT-TR. Additionally, the UPDRS-II (p < 0.001), and the PDQ-8 (p = 0.005) improved in both groups. CONCLUSION: This is the first RCT showing that the TOCT-TR improved upper extremity motor functions, ADL, and QoL in PwPD. The TOCT-TR may help improve the upper extremities of PwPD who have difficulties reaching rehabilitation clinics.

Can mixed circuit training elicit the recommended exercise intensity and energy expenditure in people after stroke?

PURPOSE: To investigate whether mixed circuit training (MCT) elicits the recommended exercise intensity and energy expenditure in people after stroke, and to establish the between-day reproducibility for the percentages of heart rate reserve (%HRR), oxygen uptake reserve (%VO2R), and energy expenditure elicited during two bouts of MCT. METHODS: Seven people aged 58 (12) yr, who previously had a stroke, performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test, a non-exercise control session, and two bouts of MCT. The MCT included 3 circuits of 10 resistance exercises at 15-repetition maximum intensity, with each set of resistance exercise interspersed with 45-s of walking. Expired gases were collected during the MCT and control session and for 40 min afterward. Control session was necessary to calculate the net energy expenditure associated with each bout of MCT. RESULTS: Mean %VO2R (1st MCT: 51.1%, P = .037; 2nd MCT: 54.0%, P = .009) and %HRR (1st MCT: 66.4%, P = .007; 2nd MCT: 67.9%, P = .010) exceeded the recommended minimum intensity of 40%. Both %VO2R (P = .586 and 0.987, respectively) and %HRR (P = .681 and 0.237, respectively) during the 1st and 2nd bouts of MCT were not significantly different to their corresponding gas exchange threshold values derived from cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Mean net total energy expenditure significantly exceeded the minimum recommend energy expenditure in the 1st (P = .048) and 2nd (P = .023) bouts of MCT. Between-day reproducibility for %HRR, %VO2R, and energy expenditure was excellent (ICC: 0.92-0.97). CONCLUSIONS: MCT elicited physiological strain recommended for improving health-related fitness in people after stroke and these responses demonstrated excellent between-day reproducibility.

Effect of a High-Intensity Circuit Training Program on the Physical Fitness of Wildland Firefighters.

Wildland firefighting implies high physical and psychological demands for the personnel involved. Therefore, good physical fitness can help increase the work efficiency of wildland firefighters (WFFs) and safeguard their health. High-intensity circuit training (HICT) could be a good alternative to improve the physical condition of WFFs since it stands out for its functionality and economy. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the effects of HICT on the WFFs' physical fitness. The study involved 9 WFFs (8 males and 1 female; 29.8 ± 2.8 years; 175.6 ± 6.7 cm) who completed a training program and 9 WFF candidates (8 males and 1 female; 24.7 ± 6.6 yr, 176.5 ± 7.0 cm) as a control group. WFFs performed an 8-week HICT program (two weekly training sessions). The training sessions lasted approximately 45 min and were performed at an intensity >80% of maximal heart rate and RPE values >7.5. At the beginning and the end of the intervention, subjects' physical fitness (i.e., aerobic capacity, cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular resistance and explosive strength) was assessed through different tests. After completing the training program, WFFs had significantly increased (p < 0.05) the speed at which the ventilatory thresholds were determined (12.4 ± 13.9 and 5.7 ± 7.3% for the ventilatory and respiratory compensation thresholds, respectively) and also their abdominal (31.2 ± 17.2%), lumbar (34.1 ± 13.5%) and upper limb (13.3 ± 16.0%) strength. Moreover, improvements (p < 0.05) in the explosive strength of legs (7.1 ± 5.8%) and performance in a specific physical employment test (12.2 ± 6.1%) were observed. In conclusion, the results of this study show that an 8-week high-intensity circuit training program could be an effective and safe method to improve WFFs' physical fitness and performance.

Body composition and physical fitness improve after 8 weeks of high-intensity circuit training using body weight in obese women.

BACKGROUND: We examined the effects of an 8-week modified high-intensity circuit training using body weight as resistance (HICTBW) on health-related physical fitness in sedentary obese women. METHODS: Twenty-four sedentary obese women were allocated into the HICTBW or a non-training control group (CG). The modified HICTBW was performed for eight weeks (three times per week). Training consisted of a 30-second workout and 10-second rest for 12 exercise poses per one circuit (one circuit in the first week), with an increase of one circuit every two weeks. Body weight and body composition included skeletal muscle mass (SMM), body fat mass (BFM), body fat percentage (BF%), visceral fat area (VFA), and skeletal muscle mass to visceral fat area ratio (MFR) were measured. Physical fitness included flexibility of the lower back and hamstrings (FlexLH), and leg and handgrip muscle strength (StrengthLeg, StrengthHG). Cardiovascular endurance included the Åstrand-Rhyming heart rate (HRÅstrand), relative maximum oxygen uptake (relative V̇O2max), and workload. RESULTS: All variables were obtained at baseline, week 4, and week 8. The HICTBW improved FlexLH, StrengthLeg, and relative V̇O2max from baseline to week 4 (All P<0.05). Improvements from baseline to week 8 were observed for SMM, BFM, BF%, VFA and MFR, FlexLH, StrengthLeg, HRÅstrand, relative V̇O2max, and workload (All P<0.05). Furthermore, the HICTBW elicited a higher change in SMM (+2.9%), BFM (-3.4%), BF% (-3.2%), MFR (+9.5%), FlexLH (+145.7%) and relative V̇O2max (+32.3%) than the CG at week-8 (All P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: An eight-week modified HICTBW program thrice a week is an effective training modality to influence health-related physical fitness in sedentary obese women.

Mixed circuit training acutely reduces arterial stiffness in patients with chronic stroke: a crossover randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Investigate whether a single bout of mixed circuit training (MCT) can elicit changes in arterial stiffness in patients with chronic stroke. Second, to assess the between-day reproducibility of post-MCT arterial stiffness measurements. METHODS: Seven participants (58 ± 12 years) performed a non-exercise control session (CTL) and two bouts of MCT on separate days in a randomized counterbalanced order. The MCT involved 3 sets of 15 repetition maximum for 10 exercises, with each set separated by 45-s of walking. Brachial-radial pulse wave velocity (br-PWV), radial artery compliance (AC) and reflection index (RI1,2) were assessed 10 min before and 60 min after CTL and MCT. Ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) was calculated from 24-h recovery ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. RESULTS: Compared to CTL, after 60 min of recovery from the 1st and 2nd bouts of MCT, lower values were observed for br-PWV (mean diff = - 3.9 and - 3.7 m/s, respectively, P < 0.01; ICC2,1 = 0.75) and RI1,2 (mean diff = - 16.1 and - 16.0%, respectively, P < 0.05; ICC2,1 = 0.83) concomitant with higher AC (mean diff = 1.2 and 1.0 × 10-6 cm5/dyna, respectively, P < 0.01; ICC2,1 = 0.40). The 24-h AASI was reduced after bouts of MCT vs. CTL (1st and 2nd bouts of MCT vs. CTL: mean diff = - 0.32 and - 0.29 units, respectively, P < 0.001; ICC2,1 = 0.64). CONCLUSION: A single bout of MCT reduces arterial stiffness during laboratory (60 min) and ambulatory (24 h) recovery phases in patients with chronic stroke with moderate-to-high reproducibility. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Ensaiosclinicos.gov.br identifier RBR-5dn5zd.

High-intensity circuit training for improving anthropometric parameters for women from low socioeconomic communities of Sikandarabad: A clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: An alarming trend of sustained physical inactivity has been observed among women in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, mainly due to the lack of time and high cost of gym facilities. Although physical activity essentially contributes to disease prevention, evidence supporting time-efficient exercise on anthropometric measures is limited. This study aimed to identify the effectiveness of interval-based high-intensity circuit training (HICT) on anthropometric measures and the nature of the relationship between these measures. METHODS: A single-group, quasi-experimental study was conducted in the community park of Ziauddin Hospital at Sikandarabad. Sixty women who were overweight and had sedentary lifestyles were recruited for a six-week HICT-based program conducted at 85%-95% maximum heart rate (MHR) on every alternate day. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and at 6-weeks including anthropometric parameters (body mass index [BMI], body fat percentage [BF%], and waist-to-hip ratio [WHR]). RESULTS: The six-week HICT-based program demonstrated a significant reduction in BMI (p<0.001), BF% (p<0.001), and WHR (p<0.001). Reductions in the BMI mean from 27.3±1.3 to 25.1±1.4 and BF% mean from 31.9±2.3 to 27.6±2.4 were observed following 18 sessions of HICT. The effect of age on BF% and WHR was linearly significant (p<0.001) with increasing age (BF%) and WHR. CONCLUSION: Interval-based HICT was an effective exercise regimen for improving BMI, BF%, and WHR. Furthermore, the exercise protocol was feasible and well tolerated, with no reported adverse events, and it could be easily implemented in real-world community settings. BF% and WHR were significantly influenced by increasing age; therefore, our findings support the importance of exercise implementation, especially with increasing age, for the maintenance of a disease-free healthy lifestyle.

Resistance circuit training combined with hypoxia stimulates bone system of older adults: A randomized trial.

PURPOSE: Aging leads to gradual irreversible decline in bone mass. As adherence to pharmacological treatment is poor, hypoxia combined with strength training has been suggested for therapeutic benefit for clinical populations. The present study investigated the effects of normobaric cyclic hypoxic exposure combined with resistance circuit training on bone of older adults. METHODS: Healthy older adults (n = 50) were randomly assigned to a (1) control group (CON; n = 20), who were instructed to continue with their normal daily activities, (2) a group that performed resistance training in normoxia (RTN; n = 17) and (3) a group that performed resistance training in hypoxia (RTH; n = 13). During 24 weeks, RTH group performed resistance training with elastic bands under normobaric hypoxic conditions (16.1 % FiO2). A session of both exercise groups included nine exercises of several body areas with a structure of 3 sets × 12-15 repetitions per exercise, with a 1-minute rest between sets. Bone mineral density (g·cm-2) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bone turnover markers of formation (N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen; PINP) and resorption (C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen; bCTX) were analysed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) microplate reader. RESULTS: Values of bCTX and bCTX/PINP significant decreased in RTN (bCTX: 47.79 %; p = 0.002; bCTX/PINP: 61.43 %; p = 0.007) and RTH (bCTX: 59.09 %; p = 0.001; bCTX/PINP: 62.61 %; p = 0.003) groups compared with CON group. Change in bone mineral density was not significantly different between groups. Based on clinically significant change, 23 % of the participants in the RTH group reached this value for femoral neck and trochanter bone mineral density (vs 0 % and 6 % of the RTN group, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: 24-Weeks of normobaric cyclic hypoxic exposure combined with resistance circuit training has potential to generate positive effects on bone in older adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04281264 (date of registration: February 24, 2020).

Exercise intensity and energy expenditure of a multicomponent home-based training program: Xiangya hospital circuit training (X-CircuiT).

Introduction: Our previous studies showed that Xiangya Hospital Circuit Training (X-CircuiT) effectively improved physical fitness and reversed pre-frailty in community-dwelling older adults. This study aimed to explore the generalizability and applicability of X-CircuiT in different aged populations in the context of exercise intensity and energy expenditure. Methods: We prospectively recruited 72 community-dwelling sedentary adults, twelve adults divided into 6 age groups ranging from 20 to 80 years old and separated by decades. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed to determine peak heart rate (HRpeak). An individual HR-oxygen consumption regression equation was fit for each participant, and then a session of remote heart rate monitored X-CircuiT was performed. Exercise intensity (%HRpeak) and energy expenditure of X-CircuiT among the six age groups were assessed. Further sub-analysis was conducted by dividing the participants by peak metabolic equivalent (MET) values, <5 METs, 5-7 METs, and more than 7METs to explore the relationship between maximum exercise capacity and exercise intensity of X-CircuiT. Results: The average %HRpeak of X-CircuiT for subjects in the 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70-80 age groups were 54 ± 6, 59 ± 8, 60 ± 8, 62 ± 5, 66 ± 10, and 67 ± 13, respectively (p = 0.008); and the average energy expenditure was 121.9 ± 26.5, 123.3 ± 33.8, 129.2 ± 40.9, 130.9 ± 31.8, 146.8 ± 29.0, and 125.0 ± 28.4 kcal, respectively. The average %HRpeak for the warm-up, aerobic, acupoint patting, resistance, and stretching stages in overall subjects was 61 ± 9, 70 ± 10, 70 ± 10, 63 ± 9, and 57 ± 9, respectively. Furthermore, when subjects were divided by peak METs, it was found that the lower the peak METs, the greater the value of the relative exercise intensity indicators. The aerobic and acupoint stages of X-CircuiT could illicit a response of high intensity for those with peak METs <5, moderate intensity in those with peak METs of 5-7, and low-intensity for those with peak METs of more than 7. Conclusion: Xiangya Hospital Circuit Training followed the principle of low-intensity warm-up and medium-intensity training with multicomponent exercise training. It is classified as a moderate-intensity exercise for sedentary middle-aged and older adults, or those with a maximum exercise capacity of 5-7 METs, and is classified as a low-intensity exercise for young people.

Effect of circuit training with low-carbohydrate diet on body composition, cardiometabolic indices, and exercise capacity in adults with mild to moderate obesity in Saudi Arabia: A randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Circuit training that combines aerobic and resisted training is reported to reduce body fat, weight, and improve exercise capacity than performing either type of exercise independently. There is no study evaluating the combined effect of circuit training exercise (CTE) and dietary intervention (low-carbohydrate [LC] diet) among young males with obesity. METHODS: A randomized control trial was conducted to explore the effects of a combined program of CTE and a LC diet for adults with mild or moderate obesity. Seventy adults with obesity were allocated randomly into 2 groups. The experimental group (group 1) received circuit training with LC diet intervention, whereas the control (group 2) received only circuit training. The study variables such as exercise capacity, body composition, and cardiometabolic indices were measured at the baseline and the end of 60 days of intervention. RESULTS: The participants of group 1 showed significant improvements in body composition (body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, waist hip circumference, and body fat percentage), exercise capacity (maximal oxygen consumption), and cardiometabolic indices (high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and total cholesterol) with a P < .05 for all the variables, when compared with group 2. CONCLUSIONS: The combined structured CTE with controlled LC diet intervention in obese adults caused significant reduction in body composition and cardiometabolic indices variables and an increase in exercise capacity.

Resistance Circuit Training or Walking Training: Which Program Improves Muscle Strength and Functional Autonomy More in Older Women?

To evaluate the effects of two programs (resistance and walking training) on the functional autonomy and muscle strength (isometric and dynamic) of older women, 67 subjects were divided randomly into three groups: resistance training (RTG; Mean = 64.70 ± 6.74 years), walking (WG, Mean = 65.56 ± 7.82 years), and control (CG; Mean = 64.81 ± 4.34). The experimental groups underwent a 16-week intervention. Muscle strength (isometric and dynamic) and functional autonomy were assessed. The subjects participating in the RTG showed improvements in the comparison pre to post-test in the maximal forces of upper limb (MULS) (Δ% = 49.48%; p = 0.001) and lower limb (MLLS) (Δ% = 56.70%; p = 0.001), isometric biceps forces (BIS) (Δ% = 30.13%; p = 0.001) and quadriceps forces (QIS) (Δ% = 65.92%; p = 0.001), and in the general index (GI) of functional autonomy (Δ% = −18.32%; p = 0.002). The WG improved in all functional autonomy tests, except for the standing up from prone position test (SVDP). In strength tests, the WG obtained improvements only in the QIS (Δ% = 41.80%; p = 0.001) and MLLS (Δ% = 49.13%; p = 0.001) tests. The RTG obtained better results (p < 0.05) when compared to the WG and CG. The results allow us to infer that resistance exercise programs are more effective in increasing strength and functional autonomy, a fact that may mitigate the deleterious effects on health of aging.

Short-Term High-Intensity Circuit Training Does Not Modify Resting Heart Rate Variability in Adults during the COVID-19 Confinement.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The quarantine caused by the COVID-19 pandemic increased sedentary behavior, psychological stress, and sleep disturbances in the population favoring the installation of alterations in the cardiovascular system. In this sense, physical exercise has widely been suggested as an efficient treatment to improve health. The current study determined the impact of short-term high-intensity circuit training (HICT) on resting heart rate variability (HRV) in adults. METHODS: Nine healthy participants (age: 31.9 ± 4.4 yr.) performed 36 HICT sessions (3 times per day; 3 days per week) and four participants (age: 29.5 ± 1.7 yr.) were assigned to a control group. The HICT consisted of 12 min of whole-body exercises performed during a workout. Twenty-four hours before and after the exercise program, HRV parameters were recorded. RESULTS: The heart rate exercise during the last session trended to be lower when compared with the first HICT session (p = 0.07, d = 0.39, 95% CI = -13.50, 0.72). The interval training did not modify the HRV time (Mean NN, SDNN, RMSSD, NN50, pNN50) and frequency (LF, HF, LF/HF ratio, total power) domain parameters. CONCLUSION: Thirty-six HICT sessions did not provide enough stimuli to modify the resting HRV in adults during social isolation elicited by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the data suggested that exercise protocol did not induce cardio-vagal adaptations.

Rehabilitation effects of circuit resistance training in coronary heart disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: The rehabilitation effect of circuit resistance training in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients remains unclear. We perform this review to examine the rehabilitation effect of circuit resistance training in CHD patients and to provide a basis for the formulation of reasonable individual exercise prescriptions for CHD patients. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched on PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Clinical Trials, and CNKI. About 1232 studies were identified. Nine RCTs were finally used for the present meta-analysis to determine the rehabilitation effect of circuit resistance training in CHD patients, compared to aerobic training. Individuals enrolled for the studies were at a mean age of 60.5 years old and were all CHD patients. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we extracted basic information about the study and patient characteristics, as well as measurements (e.g., the peak oxygen uptake, the body mass index [BMI], the body fat percentage, the systolic blood pressure, the total cholesterol, and triglycerides). Subsequently, this meta-analysis determined the overall effect by using standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Compared with aerobic training, circuit resistance training significantly decrease the BMI and the body fat percentage. CONCLUSIONS: As suggested from the present meta-analysis of RCTs, circuit resistance training is effective in improving the BMI and the body fat percentage in CHD patients and may help delay the progression of CHD. CRT has the advantage of lower load in most cases with a similar effect.

Intermittent aerobic-resistance interval training versus continues aerobic training: Improvement in cardiac electrophysiologic and anthropometric measures in male patients post myocadiac infarction, a randomized control trial.

PURPOSE: Exercise is a valuable intervention modality for patients post-myocardial infarction (MI). Aerobic and resistance training are both commonly used separately in cardiac rehabilitation. However, the effect of aerobic interval exercise combined with alternating sets of resistance training (super-circuit training, SCT) on cardiac electrophysiologic and anthropometric measures had not been thoroughly investigated. AIM: The primary objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of moderate-intensity continuous-aerobic training (CAT) vs. SCT on cardiac electrical measures (resting electrocardiographic, ECG; a nd heart rate variability, HRV) in patients' post-MI presenting reduced left ventricular function. Second, to examine its effect on anthropometric measures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-nine men post-MI with reduced left ventricular function were assigned randomly to either 12 weeks of CAT (n = 15) or SCT (n = 14). CAT group performed moderate-intensity activity. SCT group performed high-intensity exercise, alternating between resistance and aerobic training. Differences between CAT and SCT groups were done using independent t-tests, paired t-tests and effect size (ES). RESULTS: Participants in both groups improved their HRV measures (increase in HFnu; p < 0.05; ES > 0.51) and ECG (reduction in QT-dispersion; p < 0.05; ES > 0.51). Only the SCT group had significant improvements in waist circumference (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Exercise improves cardiac electrical measures post-MI. However, in comparison to CAT, SCT may yield greater anthropometric changes. In order to have improvements in cardiac electrical stability, clinicians working with post-MI patients may use both CAT and SCT. However, SCT might result in greater improvements.

Combined effects of cerebellar tDCS and task-oriented circuit training in people with multiple sclerosis: A pilot randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Balance and mobility impairments are frequent in people with multiple sclerosis, partly due to cerebellar dysfunctions. Task-oriented behavioural approaches were previously shown to promote physical function. The possibility exists that cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (ctDCS) applied during training, known to increase the excitability of the brain, can boost rehabilitation effects through modulation of cerebellum-brain inhibition. OBJECTIVE: To test the efficacy of cerebellar ctDCS stimulation combined with motor training on mobility and balance in people with multiple sclerosis. METHODS: 16 subjects were randomly assigned to receive real- or sham-ctDCS and task-oriented training daily over two weeks in a double-blind, randomised clinical pilot trial. Functional mobility, balance, walking performance and quality of life were tested before and after treatment and at two-week follow-up. Effects of cerebellar stimulation on psychological and executive functions were also recorded. RESULTS: Walking performance, balance and quality of life improved for both groups at post-treatment assessment which was maintained at 2-weeks follow up. A two-way ANOVA revealed a significant time effect for balance and walking performance. A significant interaction effect of time-treatment (F = 3.12, df = 2,26; p = 0.03) was found for motor aspects of quality of life assessment in patients who received real-ctDCS. CONCLUSIONS: Task-oriented training improves balance and mobility in people with multiple sclerosis, but ctDCS does not boost motor training effects.

Combining a supervised and home-based task-oriented circuit training improves walking endurance in patients with multiple sclerosis. The MS_TOCT randomized-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Balance and mobility impairments are widespread in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS), even at an early stage. They can contribute to disability, physical deconditioning and reduced quality of life. Task-oriented is a training modality that may promote walking abilities and conditioning. However, the effects usually are short-lasting and exercising at home can have several barriers. This randomized controlled trial aimed to test the effectiveness of the combination of a 2-weeks in-person, supervised task-oriented circuit training (TOCT), followed by a 12-weeks home-based task-oriented program with monthly in-person visits. METHODS: 36 PwMS with EDSS 4-5.5 and unassisted walking have been randomly assigned to 10 supervised TOCT sessions over two weeks (Phase 1) followed by a 12-weeks home-based task-oriented program (Phase 2) or a delayed-treatment group. At the end of Phase 2, the delayed-treatment group (usual care) received the same TOCT protocol. Phase 1 was composed of six gait-based workstations and treadmill training, whereas Phase 2 was based on progressive task-oriented tasks practice at home with monthly visits to adjust activities levels. Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Timed 25-foot walk test (T25FW), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale - 12 (MSWS-12), Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29) and resting muscle oxygen consumption (rmVO2) were assessed as outcome measures at baseline, after Phase 1 and after Phase 2. Retention was tested on the whole sample at a 12-weeks follow-up. RESULTS: The entire sample completed the 2-weeks TOCT, whereas adherence was good for the 12-weeks home-based task-oriented program (6.2/10). The mean repetitions and level of difficulty of each task significantly increased after every timepoint. A superiority of task-oriented program was verified for 6MWT (F, 2,88 = 7.80; p<0.001) on usual care after the 12-weeks home-based program. Moreover, between-group differences were highlighted at the same point, even for T25FW, TUG and MSWS-12. RmVO2 and fatigue were significantly improved only in the experimental group. Positive effects on 6MWT were retained 12 weeks after the end of the protocol (p<0.001) in the whole sample. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of a supervised and self-managed task-oriented program enhances walking endurance with positive effects on walking ability, fatigue and resting muscle oxygen consumption in PwMS with unassisted walking. These preliminary results reflected how this intervention was effective for impairment and activity improvements; moreover, it was cardiorespiratory stressful and possibly reduced deconditioning.