Endurance and high-intensity interval training improve the levels of anxiety and quality of life in overweight men

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Body mass index (BMI) values of 25 kg/m2 or more have been associated with poor cognitive outcomes, reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and mental health disorders. Participating in regular exercise may improve these negative outcomes. However, the optimal exercise prescription remains to be clarified. The purpose of the present study is to compare the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on HRQoL, depression, and anxiety levels in middle-aged overweight men. METHODS Twenty-five sedentary, overweight men participated in the 8-week training intervention. Subjects were randomized into MICT or HIIT and performed exercise sessions three times per week for 8 weeks. Participants answered the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, the Short Form-36 survey, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Statistical analysis was carried out using the GraphPad Prism 7.0, and the level of significance was set at 5% to quantitative variables. RESULTS HRQoL scores were enhanced to all domains of both the groups. MICT and HIIT did not significantly change the depression levels in middle-aged overweight men (p>0.05). Nevertheless, MICT was capable to reduce the anxiety levels in middle-aged overweight men (p<0.05). However, there was not a significant change in the anxiety levels at the HIIT group. CONCLUSIONS HIIT may be a useful treatment to improve the HRQoL, but MICT alone can positively impact the anxiety levels in middle-aged overweight men.

Physical activity and quality of life in adults and elderly individuals with lower limb amputation

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of physical activity (PA) and quality of life (QOL) in adults and elderly individuals with lower limb amputation (LLA). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study. Participants completed three surveys as follows: a demographic survey, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life. Thirty-six individuals with lower limb amputation were separated into two different groups as follows: Adults-lower limb amputation (n=12), composed of individuals with lower limb amputation who aged from 18-59 years, and Elderly-lower limb amputation (n=24), composed of individuals with lower limb amputation who aged 60 years and above. Statistical differences were determined as p<0.05. RESULTS: Age and number of individuals with a low level of functional independency were higher in the Elderly-lower limb amputation group (p<0.05). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire scores were reduced in the Elderly-lower limb amputation group (p<0.05). The Pearson's correlation test between low metabolic equivalent task (MET), time since amputation, and family income presented positive significant results in the Elderly-lower limb amputation (p<0.05). Adults-lower limb amputation just presents a positive significant correlation with the low family income (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Elderly individuals with lower limb amputation are more susceptible to present negative health outcomes than adults with lower limb amputation.