The role of supervision and motivation during exercise on physical and mental health in older adults: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (PRO-Training project).

BACKGROUND: Although supervised exercise is frequently recommended for older adults, its superiority over unsupervised exercise remains uncertain. Furthermore, whether motivational techniques could help to enhance the effectiveness of the latter remains to be elucidated. The present randomized controlled trial aims to determine the role of supervision and motivational strategies on the safety, adherence, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of different exercise programs for improving physical and mental health in older adults. METHODS: Participants (n = 120, aged 60-75 years) will be randomly allocated into five groups: 1-Control (CON), 2-Supervised exercise without motivational intervention (SUP), 3- Supervised exercise with motivational intervention (SUP +), 4- Unsupervised exercise without motivational intervention (UNSUP) and 5- Unsupervised exercise with motivational intervention (UNSUP +). Over 24 weeks, all exercise groups will participate in a multicomponent exercise program three times/week (performed in group classes at a center for SUP and SUP + , or home without supervision but with the help of a mobile app for UNSUP and UNSUP +), while the CON group will maintain their usual lifestyle. The motivational intervention (for SUP + and UNSUP + groups) will be based on the self-determination theory, including strategies such as phone calls, interactive workshops, motivational messages, informative infographics and videos. Primary outcomes will include safety, adherence, costs, and lower-body muscular function using a leg press machine. Secondary outcomes will include upper-body muscular function, physical and cardiorespiratory function, blood pressure and heart rate, body composition, health-related quality of life, cognitive performance, anxiety, depression, physical activity levels, sleep and sedentarism, biochemical markers, motivators and barriers to exercise. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, mid-intervention (i.e., week 13), at the end of the intervention (i.e., week 25), and 24 weeks later (i.e., week 49). DISCUSSION: The findings of this trial might provide valuable insights into the role of supervision and motivational strategies on the effectiveness of exercise programs for older adults. Additionally, the study could contribute to developing cost-effective interventions, supporting the design of future public policies for healthy aging. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05619250. Registered 16 November 2022.

Residual effects of 12 weeks of power-oriented resistance training plus high-intensity interval training on muscle dysfunction, systemic oxidative damage, and antioxidant capacity after 10 months of training cessation in older people with COPD.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the residual effects of a 12-week concurrent training program (power training + high-intensity interval training) in older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: A total of 21 older adults with COPD [intervention (INT), n = 8; control (CON), n = 13; 76.9 ± 6.8 years] were assessed at baseline and 10 months after the completion of the intervention by the short physical performance battery (SPPB), health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), vastus lateralis muscle thickness (MT), peak pulmonary oxygen uptake (peak VO2 ) and peak work rate (Wpeak ), early and late isometric rate of force development (RFD), leg and chest press maximum muscle power (LPmax and CPmax ), and systemic oxidative damage and antioxidant capacity. RESULTS: Compared to baseline, after 10 months of detraining, the INT group presented increased SPPB (∆ = 1.0 point), health-related quality of life (∆ = 0.07 points), early RFD (∆ = 834 N∙s-1 ), LPmax (∆ = 62.2 W), and CPmax (∆ = 16.0 W) (all p < 0.05). In addition, a positive effect was noted in INT compared to CON regarding MT and Wpeak (both p < 0.05). No between-group differences were reported in peak VO2 , late RFD, systemic oxidative damage, and antioxidant capacity from baseline to 10 months after the completion of the intervention (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Twelve weeks of concurrent training were enough to ensure improved physical function, health-related quality of life, early RFD and maximum muscle power and to preserve MT and Wpeak but not peak VO2 , late RFD, systemic oxidative damage and antioxidant capacity in the subsequent 10 months of detraining in older adults with COPD.

Early identification of metabolic syndrome risk: A review of reviews and proposal for defining pre-metabolic syndrome status.

AIMS: a) To analyze the relationship of known and emerging biomarkers/indicators for early risk identification of cardiometabolic health risk; b) to identify early risk markers to be used in both clinical and nonclinical settings; and c) to propose a definition of early risk identification in terms of pre-metabolic syndrome (PreMetSyn). DATA SYNTHESIS: Pubmed/Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane were searched for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis. Selected studies were evaluated, and relevant data were extracted and synthesized. CONCLUSIONS: Serum uric acid is a good predictive biomarker of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) and has been associated with non-alcoholic liver fat disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes. NAFLD emerges as an early risk indicator of PreMetSyn by itself. Muscle strength should also be included as an early risk marker of cardiometabolic health. High serum triglycerides and waist circumference confirm their predictive value regarding MetSyn. Indicators related to an inflammatory/pro-inflammatory status usually linked to MetSyn showed limited evidence as robust biomarkers for PreMetSyn. Authors suggest defining PreMetSyn related to cardiometabolic risk. It is also necessary to determine how close people are to the cut-off point of MetSyn components, including emerging indicators proposed by our review. Some biomarkers could be used as indicators of PreMetSyn, before any of the MetSyn components appear, allowing early health interventions to prevent its development. Defining a PreMetSyn status might consider both emerging indicators and those variables already included in the definition of MetSyn. New indicators should be considered to create a new risk score specifically meant for PreMetSyn.

Effects of concurrent exercise training on muscle dysfunction and systemic oxidative stress in older people with COPD.

Oxidative stress is associated with disease severity and limb muscle dysfunction in COPD. Our main goal was to assess the effects of exercise training on systemic oxidative stress and limb muscle dysfunction in older people with COPD. Twenty-nine outpatients with COPD (66-90 years) were randomly assigned to a 12-week exercise training (ET; high-intensity interval training (HIIT) plus power training) or a control (CT; usual care) group. We evaluated mid-thigh muscle cross-sectional area (CSA; computed tomography); vastus lateralis (VL) muscle thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length (ultrasonography); peak VO2 uptake (VO2peak ) and work rate (Wpeak ) (incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test); rate of force development (RFD); maximal muscle power (Pmax ; force-velocity testing); systemic oxidative stress (plasma protein carbonylation); and physical performance and quality of life. ET subjects experienced changes in mid-thigh muscle CSA (+4%), VL muscle thickness (+11%) and pennation angle (+19%), VO2peak (+14%), Wpeak (+37%), RFD (+32% to 65%), Pmax (+38% to 51%), sit-to-stand time (-24%), and self-reported health status (+20%) (all P < 0.05). No changes were noted in the CT group (P > 0.05). Protein carbonylation decreased among ET subjects (-27%; P < 0.05), but not in the CT group (P > 0.05). Changes in protein carbonylation were associated with changes in muscle size and pennation angle (r = -0.44 to -0.57), exercise capacity (r = -0.46), muscle strength (r = -0.45), and sit-to-stand performance (r = 0.60) (all P < 0.05). The combination of HIIT and power training improved systemic oxidative stress and limb muscle dysfunction in older people with COPD. Changes in oxidative stress were associated with exercise-induced structural and functional adaptations.

Neuromuscular and Cardiovascular Adaptations in Response to High-Intensity Interval Power Training.

Romero-Arenas, S, Ruiz, R, Vera-Ibáñez, A, Colomer-Poveda, D, Guadalupe-Grau, A, and Márquez, G. Neuromuscular and cardiovascular adaptations in response to high-intensity interval power training. J Strength Cond Res 32(1): 130-138, 2018-The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a high-intensity power training (HIPT) program, and to compare the effects of HIPT to traditional power training (TPT) on the aerobic and power performance. For this purpose, 29 healthy men (23.1 ± 2.7 years) were recruited and randomly distributed into 3 different groups. One group performed TPT (n = 10), the second group performed power training organized as a circuit (HIPT; n = 10), and the third group served as control group (CG; n = 9). Training consisted of weightlifting thrice per week for 6 weeks. The TPT subjects performed 3 to 5 sets of each exercises with interset rest of 90 seconds, and HIPT subjects executed the training in a short circuit (15 seconds of rest between exercises). To know the effects in aerobic performance, maximal aerobic speed (MAS) was measured. To identify the effects on power performance, subjects performed a Wingate test, a countermovement jump (CMJ) test, and a power-load curve in bench press. The main results showed that after both power training protocols, subjects increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) the power production during the Wingate Test, the height and power reached during the CMJ test, and the peak power produced during the power-load curve. However, only the HIPT group improved significantly MAS (p ≤ 0.05). There were no changes in any variables in CG. Hence, our results suggest that HIPT may be as effective as TPT for improving power performance in young adults. In addition, only HIPT elicited improvements in MAS.

The Force-Velocity Relationship in Older People: Reliability and Validity of a Systematic Procedure.

This study compared the reliability and validity of different protocols evaluating the force-velocity (F-V) relationship and muscle power in older adults. Thirty-one older men and women (75.8±4.7 years) underwent two F-V tests by collecting the mean and peak force and velocity data exerted against increasing loads until one repetition maximum (1RM) was achieved in the leg press exercise. Two attempts per load were performed, with a third attempt when F-V points deviated from the linear F-V regression equation. Then, the subjects performed 2×3 repetitions at 60% 1RM to compare purely concentric and eccentric-concentric repetitions. The Short Physical Performance Battery was conducted to assess the validity of the different protocols. Significant differences were found in maximal power (Pmax) between mean and peak values and between protocols differing in the number of attempts per load (p<0.01). Registering mean values, a third attempt, and multiple loads (>3), was significantly more reliable (Pmax: CV=2.6%; ICC=0.99) than the other alternatives. Mean values were also observed to be more associated with physical function than peak values (R2=0.34 and 0.15, respectively; p<0.05). No significant differences were observed between concentric and eccentric-concentric repetitions. Thus, collecting mean force and velocity values against multiple loads, while monitoring the linearity of the F-V relationship, seemed to be the more adequate procedure to assess the F-V profile and muscle power in older adults.

Short- and Long-Term Effects of Concurrent Strength and HIIT Training in Octogenarians with COPD.

To investigate the short- and long-term effects of concurrent strength and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on octogenarian COPD patients, nine males (age = 84.2 ± 2.8 years, BMI = 29.3 ± 2.3) with low to severe COPD levels (2.1 ± 1.5 BODE index) underwent a supervised 9-week strength and HIIT exercise program. Training had a significant (p < .05) impact on senior fitness test scores (23-45%), 30-m walking speed (from 1.29 ± 0.29-1.62 ± 0.33 m/s), leg and chest press 1RM (38% and 45% respectively), maximal isometric strength (30-35%), and 6-min walking test (from 286.1 ± 107.2-396.2 ± 106.5 m), and tended to increase predicted forced vital capacity by 14% (p = .07). One year after the intervention all training-induced gains returned to their preintervention values except for the chest press 1RM (p <.05). Short-term concurrent strength and HIIT training increases physical fitness in the oldest-old COPD patients, and has potential long-term benefits.

Limitations to oxygen transport and utilization during sprint exercise in humans: evidence for a functional reserve in muscle O2 diffusing capacity.

To determine the contribution of convective and diffusive limitations to V̇(O2peak) during exercise in humans, oxygen transport and haemodynamics were measured in 11 men (22 ± 2 years) during incremental (IE) and 30 s all-out cycling sprints (Wingate test, WgT), in normoxia (Nx, P(IO2): 143 mmHg) and hypoxia (Hyp, P(IO2): 73 mmHg). Carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) was increased to 6-7% before both WgTs to left-shift the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve. Leg V̇(O2) was measured by the Fick method and leg blood flow (BF) with thermodilution, and muscle O2 diffusing capacity (D(MO2)) was calculated. In the WgT mean power output, leg BF, leg O2 delivery and leg V̇(O2) were 7, 5, 28 and 23% lower in Hyp than Nx (P < 0.05); however, peak WgT D(MO2) was higher in Hyp (51.5 ± 9.7) than Nx (20.5 ± 3.0 ml min(-1) mmHg(-1), P < 0.05). Despite a similar P(aO2) (33.3 ± 2.4 and 34.1 ± 3.3 mmHg), mean capillary P(O2) (16.7 ± 1.2 and 17.1 ± 1.6 mmHg), and peak perfusion during IE and WgT in Hyp, D(MO2) and leg V̇(O2) were 12 and 14% higher, respectively, during WgT than IE in Hyp (both P < 0.05). D(MO2) was insensitive to COHb (COHb: 0.7 vs. 7%, in IE Hyp and WgT Hyp). At exhaustion, the Y equilibration index was well above 1.0 in both conditions, reflecting greater convective than diffusive limitation to the O2 transfer in both Nx and Hyp. In conclusion, muscle V̇(O2) during sprint exercise is not limited by O2 delivery, O2 offloading from haemoglobin or structure-dependent diffusion constraints in the skeletal muscle. These findings reveal a remarkable functional reserve in muscle O2 diffusing capacity.

Nonlinear relationship between waist to hip ratio, weight and strength in elders: is gender the key?

Visceral fat has a high metabolic activity with deleterious effects on health contributing to the risk for the frailty syndrome. We studied the association between waist to hip ratio (an indirect measure of visceral fat stores) on upper and lower extremities strength. 1741 individuals aged ≥65 participated in this study. The data was obtained from the Toledo Study for Healthy Aging. For each gender, we studied the relationship between the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI) and regional muscle strength (grip, shoulder, knee and hip) using multivariate linear regression and kernel regression statistical models. WHR was higher in men than in women (0.98 ± 0.07 vs. 0.91 ± 0.08, respectively, P < 0.05). In women with high WHR, we observed a decrease in strength especially in those with a normal BMI. As the WHR lowered, the strength increased regardless of the BMI. In men, lower strength was generally related to the lowest and highest WHR's. Maximum strength in men corresponded at a WHR around 1 and the highest BMI. Muscle strength depends on the joined distribution of WHR and BMI according to gender. In consequence, sex, WHR and BMI should be analyzed conjointly to study the relationship among fat distribution, weight and muscle strength.

Association of regional muscle strength with mortality and hospitalisation in older people.

BACKGROUND: the association between muscular strength, mortality and hospitalisation with ageing can change depending on sex and the body region analysed (e.g. upper and lower limb muscles). OBJECTIVE: to determine the effect of measuring lower and upper extremities muscular strength on the relationship between strength, mortality and hospitalisation risk in elder men and women. DESIGN: a population-based cohort study using data from the Toledo Study for Healthy Aging (TSHA). METHODS: a Spanish population sample of 1,755 elders aged ≥65 years participated in this study. Upper (handgrip and shoulder) and lower limbs (knee and hip) maximal voluntary isometric strength was obtained using standardised techniques and equipment. Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine mortality and hospitalisation over 5.5 and 3 years of follow-up, respectively. RESULTS: after adjustment for potential confounding factors, including co-morbidities and BMI, hazard ratio of death and hospitalisation was significantly lower in the stronger women and men, but showing regional- and sex-specific differences. That is shoulder, knee and hip muscle regions in women and handgrip and shoulder in men (all P < 0.05). There was a cumulative effect of measuring several muscle strengths over the risk of health events (P < 0.05), so that mortality hazard ratio increased by 45% in women and 25% in men per muscular strength (shoulder, grip, knee and hip) in the weaker strength quartile increase (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: regional muscle strength is a predictor of medium-term mortality and hospitalisation in elder men and women. Multiple strength measures including lower and upper body limb muscles are better predictors than a single strength measurement.

Effects of an 8-weeks erythropoietin treatment on mitochondrial and whole body fat oxidation capacity during exercise in healthy males.

The present investigation was performed to elucidate if the non-erythropoietic ergogenic effect of a recombinant erythropoietin treatment results in an impact on skeletal muscle mitochondrial and whole body fatty acid oxidation capacity during exercise, myoglobin concentration and angiogenesis. Recombinant erythropoietin was administered by subcutaneous injections (5000 IU) in six healthy male volunteers (aged 21 ± 2 years; fat mass 18.5 ± 2.3%) over 8 weeks. The participants performed two graded cycle ergometer exercise tests before and after the intervention where VO2max and maximal fat oxidation were measured. Biopsies of the vastus lateralis muscle were obtained before and after the intervention. Recombinant erythropoietin treatment increased mitochondrial O2 flux during ADP stimulated state 3 respiration in the presence of complex I and II substrates (malate, glutamate, pyruvate, succinate) with additional electron input from ß-oxidation (octanoylcarnitine) (from 60 ± 13 to 87 ± 24 pmol · s(-1) · mg(-1) P < 0.01). ß-hydroxy-acyl-CoA-dehydrogenase activity was higher after treatment (P < 0.05), whereas citrate synthase activity also tended to increase (P = 0.06). Total myoglobin increased by 16.5% (P < 0.05). Capillaries per muscle area tended to increase (P = 0.07), whereas capillaries per fibre as well as the total expression of vascular endothelial growth factor remained unchanged. Whole body maximal fat oxidation was not increased after treatment. Eight weeks of recombinant erythropoietin treatment increases mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation capacity and myoglobin concentration without any effect on whole body maximal fat oxidation.

Leptin signaling in skeletal muscle after bed rest in healthy humans.

PURPOSE: This study aimed at determining the effects of bed rest on the skeletal muscle leptin signaling system. METHODS: Deltoid and vastus lateralis muscle biopsies and blood samples were obtained from 12 healthy young men (mean ± SD, BMI 22.8 ± 2.7 kg/m(2)) before and after 7 days of bed rest. Leptin receptor isoforms (OB-Rs), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) protein expression and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation were analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS: After bed rest basal insulin concentration was increased by 53% (P < 0.05), the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) by 40% (P < 0.05), and serum leptin concentration by 35% (P < 0.05) with no changes in body fat mass. Although the soluble isoform of the leptin receptor (s-OBR) remained unchanged, the molar excess of leptin over sOB-R was increased by 1.4-fold after bed rest (P < 0.05). OB-Rs and SOCS3 protein expression, and STAT3 phosphorylation level remained unaffected in deltoid and vastus lateralis by bed rest, as PTP1B in the deltoid. PTP1B was increased by 90% with bed rest in the vastus lateralis (P < 0.05). There was a linear relationship between the increase in vastus lateralis PTP1B and the increase in both basal insulin concentrations (r = 0.66, P < 0.05) and HOMA (r = 0.68, P < 0.05) with bed rest. CONCLUSIONS: One week of bed rest is associated with increased leptin levels without augmenting STAT3 phosphorylation indicating some degree of leptin resistance in skeletal muscle, which can be explained, at least in part, by an elevation of PTP1B protein content in the vastus lateralis muscle.

Clustering Health Behaviors in Mexican Adolescents: The HELENA-MEX Study.

Purpose: The prevalence of excess weight within the adolescent population is rapidly increasing in Mexico, especially in areas with lower socioeconomic status. The present study aimed to identify lifestyle clustered patterns in adolescents and analyze the associations among these clusters and body composition. Method: A final sample of n=259 participants (13 to 17 years old, 58.7% girls), residents in rural and urban areas, were included. Hierarchical and k-means clusters analyses included moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), handgrip strength, screen time, sleep time, and diet. The associations between cluster membership and body composition were analyzed through general linear models (ANCOVA), including sex, age, place of residence, and socioeconomic status as covariates. Results: Three different clusters were identified: Cluster 1, [Unhealthy] (low values in all lifestyle patterns), Cluster 2, [Low Physical Fitness] (low values in CRF and handgrip strength) and Cluster 3, [High Physical Activity and CRF] (highest values in CRF, handgrip strength and MVPA). Clusters 2 and 3 showed high values in screen time and industrialized food consumption. There were no differences in sleep between the 3 Clusters. ANCOVA analysis revealed that participants belonging to Cluster 3 showed significantly lower adiposity and a higher Fat Free Mass compared with the other two clusters (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that a lifestyle characterized by high levels of physical activity and physical fitness and low consumption of industrialized food may be protective against the problem of obesity, which could be helpful to develop interventions to reduce excess weight in Mexican adolescents.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Interventions in Female Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Athletes are almost 3 times more at risk of experiencing urinary incontinence (UI) than sedentary women, with prevalence rates varying from 10.9% in low-impact sports such as cycling to 80% when engaging in high-impact sports such as trampoline gymnastics. To treat UI, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training (PFMT) is recommended as a first line of treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis of the available literature on the efficacy of PFMT interventions in young, nulliparous female athletes. DATA SOURCES: A literature research was conducted using PubMed, Sport Discus, and Web of Science. STUDY SELECTION: The inclusion criteria were studies with PFMT intervention in female athletes or recreationally active women. Interventions could be carried out for treatment or prevention of pelvic floor dysfunctions. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5. DATA EXTRACTION: A descriptive analysis of the articles included in the systematic review was carried out. Meta-analyses could be performed on 6 of the included articles, evaluating the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the PFMs, the amount of urinary leakage (AUL), and the vaginal resting pressure (VRP). Random-effects model and standardized mean differences (SMD) ± 95% CI were reported. RESULTS: The meta-analysis showed that PFMT produced a significant increase in MVC (SMD, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.11 to 1.08; P = 0.02) and a significant reduction of AUL (SMD, -1.13; 95% CI, -1.84 to -0.41; P < 0.01) in female athletes. No effects were shown in VRP (SMD, -0.05; 95% CI, -1.27 to 1.17; P = 0.93). CONCLUSION: PFMT is shown to be effective in increasing PFM strength and reducing urine leakage in female athletes, being a powerful tool to prevent and treat pelvic floor dysfunction in this population.

Effect of Kegel Exercises on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Young Gymnasts: A Prospective Cohort Study.

IMPORTANCE: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) have been shown to exist in young athletes. The use of pelvic floor muscle training as a preventive strategy at an early age may be useful to avoid possible pelvic floor dysfunction in the future. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to describe LUTS in underaged gymnasts. We also aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week Kegel exercise intervention for LUTS and urinary incontinence (UI) and their relationship to bother. STUDY DESIGN: A quasi-experimental (nonrandomized, noncontrolled) pre-post study was conducted. Nineteen gymnasts with a mean age of 13.21 ± 1.84 were selected from a gymnastics club in Madrid, Spain. Outcomes of LUTS and quality of life were measured using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms validated questionnaire at baseline and at the end of the 12-week intervention. RESULTS: The participants presented with certain LUTS such as urgency UI (57.7%) or stress UI (47.4%), which negatively affect their daily lives by feeling annoyed in various aspects (when practicing gymnastics, getting up during the night to urinate or feeling bladder pain among others). No significant differences in LUTS and quality of life variables were observed after the exercise intervention ( P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of LUTS was observed in a sample of underaged high-level gymnasts. The 12-week Kegel exercise intervention did not significantly reduce the presence of pelvic floor problems and even intensified some of them, probably because of an increased awareness. Pelvic floor muscle training as a preventive strategy at an early age seems to be necessary to avoid possible pelvic floor dysfunction in the future.

Circulating sestrins and force velocity profiling in older adults with type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in old age affects the musculoskeletal system causing loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical function. Stress-inducible proteins named sestrins are potential novel biomarkers of muscle function due to their ability to suppress oxidative stress and prevent muscle degeneration. Our aim was to determine the association between different force-velocity (F-V) profiles with body composition, physical performance, and glucose control in older adults with T2DM. We also intended to determine the potential utility of sestrin 1 (Sesn1) and 2 (Sesn2) as biomarkers of physical functionality. Fifty-nine participants (69-79 years) were classified in 3 groups according to their F-V profile based on the leg press exercise: nondeficit (NDEF = 40.7%), force deficit (FDEF = 28.8%), and velocity deficit (VDEF = 30.5%). Both VDEF and FDEF groups showed lower muscle power than NDEF (Cohen's d 0.87 and 0.75 for effect size, respectively). Serum Sesn2 levels, maximal dynamic strength, arms and legs fat-free mass were reduced in FDEF compared to the NDEF group (p < 0.05), whereas glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting glucose levels were similar among groups. ROC analysis revealed the distinction between the NDEF and FDEF group based on Sesn2 concentrations (<0.72 ng/mL), suggesting their potential use as functional biomarkers for early intervention through exercise. Older adults with T2DM show different F-V profiles, related to low levels of Sesn2, impaired body composition and physical performance, and may be taken into consideration to target exercise training in this specific population.Highlights The influence of different F-V deficit profiles on body composition, physical function and circulating sestrins in older adults with type 2 diabetes were studied.Both force and velocity deficits negatively affected muscle power.Force deficits are associated to low circulating sestrin 2 levels and regional fat-free mass.Basal serum sestrin 2 levels are potential biomarkers to characterise F-V profiles.

Influence of sex hormones status and type of training on regional bone mineral density in exercising females.

The primary objective of this study was to examine the influence of hormonal ovarian profile and training characteristics on spine, pelvis, and total body bone mineral density (BMD) in a group of well-trained females. Forty-two eumenorrheic females, twenty-eight monophasic oral contraceptive (OC) users and thirteen postmenopausal females participated in this study. Body composition was measured by total body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to determine BMD of the areas of interest. Endurance-trained premenopausal females showed lower spine BMD compared to resistance-trained premenopausal females (1.03 ± 0.1 vs. 1.09 ± 0.09 g/cm2; p = 0.025). Postmenopausal females reported lower BMD level in comparison to eumenorrheic females in pelvis (1.079 ± 0.082 vs 1.19 ± 0.115 g/cm2; p = 0.005), spine (0.969 ± 0.097 vs 1.069 ± 0.109 g/cm2; p = 0.012) and total (1.122 ± 0.08 vs 1.193 ± 0.077 g/cm2; p = 0.018) and OC users whose duration of OC use was less than 5 years (OC < 5) in pelvis (1.235 ± 0.068 g/cm2; p < 0.001) and spine (1.062 ± 0.069 g/cm2; p = 0.018). In addition, lower BMD values were found in OC users who had been using OC for more than 5 years (OC ≥ 5) than eumenorrheic females in pelvis (1.078 ± 0.086 g/cm2; p = 0.029) and spine (0.966 ± 0.08 g/cm2; p = 0.05). Likewise, OC ≥ 5 showed lower values than and OC < 5 in pelvis (p = 0.004) and spine (p = 0.047). We observed a lower spine BMD value in premenopausal endurance-trained females compared to premenopausal resistance-trained females. Moreover, this research observed that prolonged use of OCs may reduce bone mass acquisition in the spine and pelvis, even in well-trained females. Finally, postmenopausal showed lower BMD despite being exercising women.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04458662.Highlights Ovarian hormonal profile should be considered when assessing BMD in female athletes.The duration of oral contraceptive use influences spine and pelvis regional BMD in exercising females.Postmenopausal women show lower BMD when compared to premenopausal females despite being exercising females.

Effects of Different Rapid Weight Loss Strategies and Percentages on Performance-Related Parameters in Combat Sports: An Updated Systematic Review.

Most combat sports (CS) are structured in weight categories, and it is very common to carry out body weight adjustment strategies in order to compete in lower weight categories. For this reason, different rapid weight loss (RWL) strategies are usually performed to pass the pre-competition weigh-in test, and then a replenishment of fluids and carbohydrate-rich foods is conducted in an attempt to recover the weight and avoid a performance loss. In this context, no clear references have been found on whether these types of strategies have negative effects, impairing the athlete's combat and/or physical performance. For this reason, the aim of this study was to review the scientific literature on the effect of rapid weight reduction strategies on the performance of CS athletes. A literature search was performed through four different databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science and ScienceDirect). Four inclusion criteria were established as follows: (1) the subjects had to be competitors in the CS and carry out RWL strategies; (2) at least two measurement points, that is, normal conditions and dehydration condition; (3) measurements in a real competition or simulating the same conditions; (4) original research articles written in English or Spanish and available in full text. Finally, a total of 16 articles were finally included in this research. All subjects (n = 184) were athletes from combat disciplines, with a minimum of 3-4 years of practice, as well as with certain experience in RWL. Six of the studies reported that an RWL strategy of around 5% of body weight loss did not affect performance parameters. However, the other ten studies with RWL between 3 and 6% or even higher reported negative effects or impairments on different parameters related to performance and/or athlete's psychophysiology, such as perceived fatigue, mood states, strength and power production, as well as changes in hormonal, blood and urine parameters, body composition, or the kinematics of the technical gesture. Although there is still no clear answer to the issue approached in this research, in general terms, it seems that in order to guarantee an acceptable athletic performance of the competitor, the weight loss should not exceed 3% to ≤5% of body weight together with ≥24 h for adequate (or at least partial) recovery and rehydration processes. In addition, it is highly recommended to lose weight progressively over several weeks, especially focusing on competitions lasting several days, as well as multiple rounds or qualifying stages.

Effects of 10-Week Online Moderate- to High-Intensity Interval Training on Body Composition, and Aerobic and Anaerobic Performance during the COVID-19 Lockdown.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a 10-week online high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on body composition and aerobic and aerobic performance in physically sedentary women. A parallel, two-group, longitudinal (pre, post) design was used with physical tests performed before (preintervention) and after (postintervention) the 10-week intervention period. A total of forty-eight healthy and physically sedentary women (defined as an individual who lacks regular exercise or a structured fitness routine) were recruited to participate in this study. The participants were distributed in two groups: the experimental group (EG) with 24 women (mean ± SD: age 21.21 ± 2.15 years; weight: 61.16 ± 8.94 kg; height: 163.96 ± 4.87 cm; body mass index (BMI): 22.69 ± 2.49 kg/m2) and the control group (CG) with another 24 women (mean ± SD: age 20.50 ± 1.29 years; weight: 62.0 ± 6.65 kg; height: 163.92 ± 4.89 cm; body mass index: 23.04 ± 1.74 kg/m2). The EG performed an online HIIT program for 10 weeks, while the CG continued with their daily life routines. The repeated measures ANCOVA indicated a significant effect in the within-group analysis for weight (p = 0.001; d = -0.96) and for BMI (p = 0.001; d = 0.24), with a significant decrease in the experimental group (EG). The control group (CG) did not show any significant decrease in either body weight or BMI. Regarding the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) values, the EG exhibited a significant improvement (p = 0.001; d = -1.07), whereas the CG did not demonstrate a significant improvement (p = 0.08; d = -0.37). The EG's power output (W) (p = 0.001; d = -0.50) and power output standardized by body weight (W/kg) (p = 0.001; d = -0.96) were significantly improved. The CG did not show a significant improvement in either power output (W/kg) or power output. Lastly, the within-group analysis with load revealed that the EG significantly improved (p = 0.001; d = -0.50), while CG did not show a significant improvement in load (p = 0.10.; d = -0.10). The present study showed that 10 weeks of HIIT in an online environment during the COVID-19 lockdown significantly improved maximum oxygen consumption and caused weight loss and a significant decrease in body mass index in physically sedentary women. These results suggest that HIIT may be used as a time-efficient strategy to improve body composition and cardio-respiratory fitness in sedentary women.

Skeletal muscle signaling response to sprint exercise in men and women.

To determine if there is a sex dimorphism in the skeletal muscle signaling response to sprint exercise, 17 men and ten women performed a 30-s Wingate test. Muscle biopsies were taken before, immediately after the exercise and at 30 and 120 min during the recovery period. Thr(172)-AMPKα, Ser(221)-ACCß, Thy(705)-STAT3, Thr(202)/Thy(204)-ERK1/2 and Thr(180)/Thy(182)-p38MAPK phosphorylation responses to sprint exercise were not statistically different between men and women. AMPKα phosphorylation was enhanced fourfold 30 min after the sprint exercise in males and females (P < 0.01). ACCß phosphorylation was enhanced by about threefold just after the sprint test exercise and 30 min into the recovery period in males and females (P < 0.01). STAT3 phosphorylation was increased 2 h after the Wingate test compared to the value observed right after the end of the exercise (P < 0.05), and 30 min after the Wingate test there was a 2.5-fold increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation, compared to both the pre-exercise and to the value observed right after the Wingate test (both, P < 0.05). In conclusion, the skeletal muscle signaling response to a single bout of sprint exercise mediated by AMPK, ACC, STAT3, ERK and p38MAPK is not statistically different between men and women. Marked increases in AMPKα, ACCß, STAT3 and ERK phosphorylation were observed after a single 30-s all-out sprint (Wingate test) in the vastus lateralis.