Comparison of High-Intensity Interval Training to Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training for Functioning and Quality of Life in Survivors of COVID-19 (COVIDEX): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) for feasibility, safety, adherence, and short- and long-term efficacy in improving functioning and health-related quality of life in survivors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: COVIDEX is a two-pronged, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial with an 8-week training intervention. The study participants will be 94 patients aged >18 years, admitted to a specialized post-COVID center. Participants will be randomized to HIIT (4 × 4 minutes of high-intensity work periods at 85% to 90% of peak heart rate) and MICT (47 minutes at 70% to 75% peak heart rate) groups for biweekly sessions for 8 weeks. The participants will undergo 2 phases of supervised training (phases 1 and 2) of 4 weeks each, in a public, specialized, post-COVID center. In phase 1, we will assess and compare the feasibility, acceptability, and short-term efficacy of HIIT and MICT intervention. In phase 2, the long-term efficacy of HIIT and MICT will be assessed and compared regarding function and health-related quality of life. To prevent any expectation bias, all study participants and assessors will be blinded to the study hypotheses. Group allocation will be masked during the analysis. All statistical analyses will be conducted following intention-to-treat principles. IMPACT: This study is the first randomized controlled trial that will compare the feasibility, safety, adherence, and efficacy of the HIIT and MICT intervention programs in this population. The findings will potentially provide important information and assist in clinical decision making on exercise to optimize the benefits of clinical health care in survivors of COVID-19.

Abstracts from the 6th International Symposium of Advanced Topics in Exercise Physiology: Interval Training as an Efficient Strategy to Overcome the 21st Century Diseases with Emphasis in the Mental Brain Diseases

The proceedings contain 14 papers. The topics discussed include: lifestyles and their relationship with the psychological status of postgraduate students in the area of physical activity;impact of a remote supervised moderate interval training on cognitive functions in Mexican older adults. a preliminary study;bone diameters and their association with causes of health risk in college athletes;an online home exercise program changes lower body strength, nutritional status but not depression scores during the COVID-19 in Mexican elderly;anxiety symptoms in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Intervention of physical exercise through social networks;leger test as a specific protocol to estimate the maximum oxygen consumption in the urban search and rescue division of the fire department of Tijuana, Mexico;effect of physical exercise on natural killer cells;effects of a 16-session high intensity interval training program on body composition in sedentary subjects;and resistance training using time under tension improves the muscle quality and muscle mass in healthy-young women. a preliminary study.

Working Group for Myositis within the Swedish Rheumatism Association

The Swedish Rheumatism Association, our umbrella Organization: In Sweden, there are approximately one million people with different rheumatic diseases, and about 1400 of them have a myositis diagnosis. In addition to several local associations, there are 3 nationwide diagnostic groups for systemic inflammatory diseases: Working group for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Working group for Systemic Sclerosis and Working group for Myositis. Goals and vision: We form opinion and influence politicians and decision-makers at all levels in issues that are important to us, such as access to rapid care and opportunities for rehabilitation. Knowledge and Education: We educate: * Representatives who can share knowledge based on their own experience and to provide support and help for people living with rheumatic disease. * Volunteers for patient schools. * Patient Research Partners since 2008. Research and fundings: : * We are the single largest private funder of Swedish rheumatology research. * Patient Research Partners should become obvious members in research projects. Working group for Myositis was established in 2020 and most of our activities have been on-line. The number of members is growing as we spread out the information. We will continue with our on-line events and together with our experts arrange our first patient conference in 2022. We are a member of the Swedish Rare Disease Association and European Network ERN ReCONNET. We have now three Patient Research Partners with myositis and we will continue to participate in international research projects, such as IMACS, Rehabilitation & exercise SIG. Our mission is to give support to myositis patients and their families, share knowledge of their disease, facilitate meeting with others with the same diagnosis for an exchange of experiences or just for fun. Our goals are to: * Inform through newsletters, patient meetings, website and webcasts. * Arrange lectures by myositis experts. * Arrange annual patient conference. * Raise awareness for the disease in society and inform healthcare professionals within primary care units. * Contribute to that all patients receives equally good care all over the country. * Inform about research results, ongoing studies and update information on new treatments and drugs. * Contribute to that all newly diagnosed patients have access to patient education and written information material about myositis. * Contribute for opportunities for rehabilitation, such as training in warm water pools and access to rehabilitation facilities in warm climate. * Collaborate with the Youth organization of the Swedish Rheumatism Association for Juvenile Dermatomyositis and provide support for parents, children and adolescents. * Collaborate with the myositis organizations in other countries. Our Webinars: The experts who have shared their knowledge on our webinars are: Ingrid Lundberg, Professor;Maryam Dastmalchi, MD, Rheumatologist;Helene Alexanderson, PhD, Associate professor, PT;Malin Regardt, PhD, OT;Balsam Hanna, Specialist Rheumatology;Dag Leonard, MD, Rheumatologist;Antonella Notarnicola, MD, Rheumatologist;Fabricio Espinosa, Rheumatologist, PhD candidate;Kristofer Andreasson, PT, PhD candidate;Jonatan Sjogren, OT;Lars Nordelv, CBT Therapist, also a patient;Helena Andersson, MD, Rheumatologist;Hanna Brauner, PhD, Dermatologist. Among the topics our webinars have covered so far are: Diagnostic criteria of myositis, new research findings, existing treatments and ongoing studies, Physical activity and its effects on depression, safety of high-intensity interval training, Occupational therapy, Patient Reported Outcomes, Myositis Associated Antibodies and how to deal with anxiety, cardiac involvement and osteoporosis in myositis, clinical findings and treatments for Antisynthetase syndrome skin involvement in Dermatomyositis, Covid-19 and vaccination.

Response and Adaptation of the Cardiac Autonomic System to Functional High-intensity Interval Training with Respiratory Facemasks: Impacts of the Training Period and Facemask Modality During a COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Following the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in 2019, medical face masks were widely recommended for large numbers of people and for long periods of time. The effect of wearing surgical and N95 face masks during long-term high-intensity interval training on the cardiac autonomic system has not been reported. Methods: Eighteen healthy men were randomly divided into three groups (surgical mask, N95 mask, and no mask) and performed high-intensity interval training with (80-90%-heart rate max) intensity three times a week, three repetitions in a session for four weeks. Heart rate variability parameters were evaluated with an electrocardiogram device and Kubius software. The R-R interval was recorded for 5 minutes in a sitting position in the pre-and post-modified Bruce test before and after four weeks of interval training to extract parasympathetic (RMSSD, HF, SD1), sympathetic indices (LF, LF/HF) and RR mean. We used the two-way ANOVA test and the Bonferroni post hoc test. Results: In all groups, four-week functional HIIT exercises increased the resting parasympathetic indices (RMSSD, SD1) compared to baseline levels. This increase was more evident in the N95 mask group than in the surgical mask group. In addition, the five-minute recovery of the cardiac autonomic system after a modified Bruce test following functional HIIT exercise increased parasympathetic tone (RMSSD, HFn.u) in all groups compared to baseline levels. Therefore, a four-week adaptation to HIIT exercises leads to faster recovery of sympathetic indices (LFn.u, LF/HF) in the Nomask group, as compared to the surgical and N95 groups. Despite the above, there was no significant difference in the recovery and resting values of cardiac autonomic system indices between the two types of surgical masks and N95 compared to the control group (No mask). Conclusions: Four weeks of high-intensity interval training using surgical and N95 face masks improved the cardiac autonomic nervous system. This data is important for recommending the use of face masks during physical activity. © 2023, Author(s).

Eosinophilic fasciitis triggered by intensive exercise

A 59-year-old white female who was previously fit and well, developed gradual tightening and thickening of the skin on her forearms progressing to the abdomen, chest and lower legs associated with restricted movement. She also noticed bruise-like patches on her trunk. There were no systemic symptoms and no history of Raynaud syndrome. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown, the patient had engaged in increasing amounts of exercise compared with normal;this included yoga once weekly for 75 min, high-intensity interval training for 20 min on alternate days, running three times weekly for 45 min, lifting 2.5 kg weights for the arms every day and regular long walks. Examination showed a 'groove' sign on her forearms and a peau d'orange appearance of the skin with a woody induration and hardness on palpation. Symmetrical and circumferential involvement on the forearms and lower legs and bruise-like indurated patches on the abdomen were noted. Differential diagnoses included eosinophilic fasciitis (EF), morphoea, EF/morphoea overlap, scleroderma, scleromyxoedema and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. Blood investigations showed an eosinophilia of 1.2 x 109 cells L-1, erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 31 mm h-1, a C-reactive protein of 20 mg L-1 and negative autoimmune and viral serology. She underwent two incisional biopsies down to fascia. The first was taken from the back, which showed an interstitial inflammatory cell infiltrate composed of lymphocytes, plasma cells and very occasional eosinophils. The subcutaneous septa were minimally thickened. The second biopsy taken from the left forearm showed striking thickening of the subcutaneous septa, with an associated inflammatory cell infiltrate, composed predominantly of lymphocytes and plasma cells. This process was deeper and more established than that seen in the biopsy from the trunk. The appearances were clearly those of a sclerosing process of the dermis and subcutis and consistent with eosinophilic fasciitis. Our diagnosis was EF with morphoea overlap and she was treated with oral methotrexate 15 mg weekly and oral prednisolone 50 mg once daily (weight 60 kg), reducing the dose by 5 mg every 2 weeks. An 80% improvement was seen in functionality within 3 months, but the skin remained tight and thickened and therefore the patient was referred for phototherapy [ultraviolet A 1 (UVA1)] as combination therapy. We present a rare case of EF, which appears to have been triggered by intensive exercise. Other causes include insect bites, radiation, infections (Mycoplasma and Borrelia) and paraneoplastic. Haematological associations have been seen, including aplastic anaemia and lymphoma. Treatment options for EF include prednisolone, UVA1/psoralen + UVA, immunosuppressive systemic agents (including ciclosporin and methotrexate), biological agents (including infliximab and rituximab) and physiotherapy.

Tolerability and safety of high-intensity continuous and intermittent exercise in COVID-19

Aim: We assessed safety of high-intensity [IV1] constant-load exercise (CLE) and intermittent exercise (HIIT) in 14 post-severe-COVID-19 patients (63+/-13 years;78.6% male;BMI: 28+/-5, without comorbidities) between July 2020 and April 2021 after 55+/-22 days of COVID-induced acute respiratory failure. Method(s): The crossover study balanced exercise intensity between CLE at 70% of peak work rate (WRpeak) to the limit of tolerance (Tlim) and HIIT including 1 min exercise at 100% WRpeak, alternated with 1 min at 40% WRpeak to Tlim. Gas exchange, ventilation, electrocardiography and symptoms were assessed. Result(s): Exercise endurance time and total work output were not different between HITT and CLE (Table 1). At Tlim, none of the ventilatory or cardiovascular responses differed between HITT and CLE and there was no difference in the intensity of symptoms (Table 1). Conclusion(s): Individuals with ongoing symptomatic COVID-19 could safely undertake high intensity exercise performed continuously or intermittently.

Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2023

The annual ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal® worldwide survey to determine industry trends by health and fitness professionals is now in its 17th consecutive year. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly made an impact on the 2021 survey and continued for 2022, but for 2023, some current trends are emerging whereas others are weakening because of the world's recovery from the isolation caused by COVID-19. The #1 trend for 2023, as it was for 2022, is wearable technology. Home exercise gyms was #2 for 2022 but has dropped to #13 for 2023. Fitness programs for older adults will make a comeback in 2023, breaking the top 10 at #4. Functional fitness training, a popular form of exercise for the older adult, is the #5 trend for 2023. Apply It!: From this article, the reader should understand the following concepts: • Explain the differences between a fitness fad and a fitness trend • Use the worldwide fitness trends in the commercial, corporate, clinical (including medical fitness), and community health and fitness industry to further promote physical activity • Study expert opinions about identified fitness trends for 2023

The effect of a high-intensity interval training program on combat soldiers fitness

Running helps maintain aerobic and anaerobic fitness and normal body weight in combat fighters. However, alternative training methods are necessary to maintain combat fitness when conditions do not allow running, be it service-related or, recently, coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic-related limitations. This prospective interventional, unblinded, nonrandomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a high-intensity interval training program that excluded prolonged running in maintaining physical fitness and bodyweight. The study included 60 compulsory service male soldiers, aged 20.45 ± 0.48 years, divided into equal matched intervention and control groups. The three weekly workouts in the control group comprised 5–8 km running. The intervention group underwent three weekly workouts that included agility and strength training at short, intense intervals with brief recovery times between sets. The groups were compared before and after six weeks of training. At the start and end of the six-week program, the groups were similar at a significance level of P < 0.05 for bodyweight, body fat and muscle percent, background characteristics, Army Fitness Test (3-km running, pull-ups, squats, dips), agility, and maximal oxygen consumption. Our findings showed that the intervention training program was as effective as the standard running program in maintaining the participants aerobic and anaerobic fitness and normal bodyweight. The suggested high-intensity interval training program could be a viable fitness strategy when running is not possible in combat soldiers and civilians alike. (English) [ FROM AUTHOR]

Home-based high-intensity interval training can improve physical performance in young female athletes during a quarantine

Abstract Aim: To verify the effects of a 2-week of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on physical performance in young female athletes. Methods: female rugby players (n = 13; 15.92 ± 0.76 years old) participated in an 8-session of HIIT supervised through online video calls for two weeks. They were evaluated pre- and post-HIIT for 3-min of burpees, 1-min of sit-ups, maximum push-ups, and 1-min of squats. Perceptions related to training protocols were collected through the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) post-intervention. Results: Significant improvements in burpees (pre:54.15 ± 18.03 and after: 63.15 ± 15.18), sit-ups (pre:24.38 ± 13.38 and after: 31.15 ± 13.15), push-ups (pre: 9.46 ± 6.59 and after: 13.85 ± 7.33) and squats (pre: 48.00 ± 8.37 and after: 54.85 ± 8.79) were observed. PACES revealed positive perceptions related to the enjoyment of participating in this HIIT. Conclusion: Virtually supervised HIIT improved physical performance in young female athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and maybe an efficient strategy for the quarantine period.

Can we hit prenatal depression and anxiety through HIIT? The effectiveness of online high intensity interval training in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In recent years high intensity interval training (HIIT) has grown in popularity. However, it rarely represents training interventions in experimental studies in pregnant populations. Therefore, in this study we aimed to assess changes in depressive symptoms, fear of childbirth, fear of Covid-19 and quality of life after an 8-week supervised online HIIT program, compared to an educational (self-performed physical activity) program. METHODS: We conducted a randomized control trial among 54 Caucasian women in uncomplicated, singleton pregnancy (age 32 ± 4 years, 22 ± 4 week of gestation; mean ± SD). There were 34 women in the experimental group, who participated in an 8-week high intensity interval training program (HIIT group). The comparative group was constituted of 20 pregnant women who attended 8-week educational program (EDU group). RESULTS: The most important finding was that mental health improved somewhat in both groups after the intervention, but only the HIIT group improved statistically significantly. The positive trends in lowering the severity of depressive symptoms, fear of childbirth, and fear of Covid-19 were observed in both groups. However, the positive response to the intervention was stronger in the EDU group. As a secondary outcome, there was a significant decrease in cardiorespiratory fitness level in the EDU group, while the HIIT group maintained unchanged level of maximal oxygen uptake. CONCLUSIONS: HIIT seems to be beneficial for women with uncomplicated pregnancies to maintain adequate quality of life and mental health. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of prenatal HIIT in pregnant women in various psychological conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: We conducted this study in Poland, in 2021. It was approved by the Bioethics Commission at the District Medical Chamber in Gdansk (KB-8/21). The full study protocol was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05009433).

Effect of adding high-intensity interval training to diet and carboxytherapy on metabolic cardiovascular risk factors in women with metabolic syndrome.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome has traditionally been associated with cardiovascular diseases and has recently been linked to increased susceptibility to COVID-19 infection, thus highlighting the need for multimodal interventions to optimize management of this condition. Aim: To assess the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) alongside a low-fat diet and carboxytherapy on metabolic syndrome features. Material and methods: Sixty women (50-60 years old) diagnosed with metabolic syndrome were assigned to a 4-week intervention of either HIIT in combination with a low-fat diet and carboxytherapy (experimental group: n1 = 30, age = 54.17 ±2.82 years, body mass index (BMI) = 32.10 ±0.91), or a low-fat diet and carboxytherapy only (active control group: n2 = 30, age = 54.10 ±2.64 years, BMI = 32.12 ±1.19). Exclusion criteria were uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, smoking, contraindications to carboxytherapy, and contraindications to exercise testing/training. Outcome measures were waist circumference (WC), BMI, serum triglycerides (TG), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and fasting blood glucose (FBG). Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in all outcome measures compared to baseline values (p < 0.05). The experimental group showed significantly greater improvements in mean values of WC, BMI, TG, SBP, DBP, and FBG (p < 0.05), as well as a tendency for a significant difference in HDL (p = 0.075) compared to the control group. Conclusions: The addition of HIIT to a low-fat diet and carboxytherapy could lead to greater improvements in metabolic cardiovascular risk factors in women with metabolic syndrome than a low-fat diet and carboxytherapy alone. This could suggest a good rationale for the inclusion of HIIT in the multimodal interventions rendered to women with metabolic syndrome.

Virtual High-Intensity Interval Training on Physical Condition of Military Personnel in Pandemic

The measures adopted worldwide by COVID-19 were mainly focused on social distancing. However, these measures affected the physical preparation of the members of the Ecuadorian Army. This research aimed to analyze the incidence of high intensity intervallic training in military personnel who were in confinement through a quasi-experimental study applying a virtual training plan to improve physical condition. For this purpose, VO2 max (maximum oxygen consumption that the organism can absorb), CORE resistance strength (abdominal, lumbar, pelvic and gluteal muscles) and upper body resistance strength were evaluated. The results were statistically analyzed through the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, obtaining significant differences that allowed concluding that the virtual training plan had a positive impact on the physical condition of the military personnel and that it constitutes an effective alternative for the physical preparation of members of the Army in the context that is currently being experienced due to the pandemic. Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.

The Social Distance Impacts from COVID-19 Pandemic on the Development of Two Orders of a Concurrent Training Programme for Morbidly Obese Patients.

BACKGROUND: Although there is relevant information regarding the consequences of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), little is known about the impact of the imposed social confinement (at home) on the development of exercise training programmes in populations with morbid obesity. AIM: To describe the effects of the imposed COVID-19 confinement on the cardiometabolic health benefits acquired through a concurrent training programme that started before the pandemic in populations with morbid obesity. METHODS: This was an experimental randomized clinical study, in which sedentary morbidly obese women were assigned 1:1 to a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) plus resistance training (RT) group (HIIT + RT; n = 11; BMI 42.1 ± 6.6) or to the same exercise dose, but in different order group of RT plus HIIT group (RT + HIIT; n = 7; BMI 47.5 ± 8.4). Both groups undertook two sessions/week. When COVID-19 confinement at home started, a post-test was applied in January 2020 (Post1) and after 20 months (Post2). The main outcomes were waist circumference (WC), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), high-density lipids (HDL-c), triglycerides (Tg), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). RESULTS: In the HIIT + RT group, the WC showed significant increases from Post1 to Post2 (Δ + 3.1 cm, p = 0.035); in the RT + HIIT group, it decreased from Post1 to Post2 (Δ - 4.8 cm, p = 0.028). In the HIIT + RT group, SBP showed significant increases from Post1 to Post2 (Δ + 6.2 mmHg, p = 0.041); the RT + HIIT group decreased SBP from Pre0 to Post1 (Δ - 7.2 mmHg, p = 0.026) and increased DBP from Pre0 to Post1 (Δ + 8.1 mmHg, p = 0.015). Tg in the HIIT + RT group decreased from Pre0 to Post1 (Δ - 40.1 mg/dL, p = 0.023) but increased from Post1 to Post2 (Δ + 86.3 mg/dL, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 social confinement worsened metabolic syndrome (MetS) outcomes that had improved from 20 weeks' RT + HIIT during the training period, such as WC, SBP, and Tg from HIIT + RT, when, worryingly, SBP increased to another more serious clinical classification in both groups.

Could High-intensity Interval Training be Inappropriate in Pulmonary Rehabilitation of COVID-19 Recovered Patients? Opinion Article

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary intervention recommended by international guidelines in managing COVID-19 patients and/or post-COVID-19 conditions with mid-and long-term complications of the initial illness. Physiotherapy-based pulmonary rehabilitation has received considerable attention since the COVID-19 pandemic, with supervised exercise training probably the most important component. Current guidelines clearly encourage low-to moderate-intensity exercises for COVID-19 recovered patients and discourage high-intensity/vigorous exercises. However, the ongoing interest in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has extended to post-COVID-19 rehabilitation based on its efficacy and safety in other patient populations. In this perspective, several reasons behind the possibility of the inappropriateness of the HIIT in post-COVID-19 conditions will be discussed and supported by evidence. In addition, the key points for safe exercise after COVID-19 illness will be listed.

MedXFit-Effects of 6 months CrossFit® in sedentary and inactive employees: A prospective, controlled, longitudinal, intervention study.

Background and Aims: Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity are associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Muscle and mobility enhancing training is recommended to promote musculoskeletal fitness and prevent MSD. A functional fitness program emphasizing the importance of musculoskeletal fitness is provided by CrossFit®. However, data from long-term CrossFit® interventions assessing measures of musculoskeletal fitness in sedentary and inactive individuals does not exist. Methods: This prospective, controlled study investigates the effects of 6 months CrossFit® training (2×60 min/week) in inactive adults (in terms of <2 muscle or mobility enhancing training sessions per week) with predominantly sitting or standing occupations. 91 participants were initially assessed, 2 were excluded, 55 self-selected for intervention (IG), and 34 for the control group (CG). Primary endpoint was a change in mobility (Functional Movement Screen score). Secondary endpoints were changed in strength (maximum isometric strength in kg; Dr. Wolff BackCheck®), and well-being (WHO-5 score). Key exploratory endpoints were changes in back-issue measures (pain intensity, limitation, and frequency). Results: 39 participants of IG and 31 of CG completed the evaluation after 6 months. The IG improved significantly more (p < 0.001) compared with the CG in the FMS (η² = 0.58), trunk extension (η² = 0.46), trunk flexion (η² = 0.47), trunk lateral flexion left (η² = 0.41), trunk lateral flexion right (η² = 0.42), upper body push (η² = 0.4), upper body pull (η² = 0.25), hip extension left (η² = 0.18), and hip extension right (η² = 0.4). Change of WHO-5 scores did not significantly differ between groups (p = 0.55; η² = 0.01). Exploratory analysis of back-issue data showed a higher decrease for pain intensity, limitation, and frequency in the IG compared with the CG. Conclusion: This study proves for the first time within the scope of a prospective, controlled study the broad benefits of CrossFit® in inactive adults doing predominantly sedentary work.

The effect of a high-intensity interval training program on combat soldiers fitness

Summary Introduction Running helps maintain aerobic and anaerobic fitness and normal body weight in combat fighters. However, alternative training methods are necessary to maintain combat fitness when conditions do not allow running, be it service-related or, recently, coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic-related limitations. This prospective interventional, unblinded, nonrandomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a high-intensity interval training program that excluded prolonged running in maintaining physical fitness and bodyweight. Summary of facts and results The study included 60 compulsory service male soldiers, aged 20.45±0.48 years, divided into equal matched intervention and control groups. The three weekly workouts in the control group comprised 5–8km running. The intervention group underwent three weekly workouts that included agility and strength training at short, intense intervals with brief recovery times between sets. The groups were compared before and after six weeks of training. At the start and end of the six-week program, the groups were similar at a significance level of P<0.05 for bodyweight, body fat and muscle percent, background characteristics, Army Fitness Test (3-km running, pull-ups, squats, dips), agility, and maximal oxygen consumption. Conclusion Our findings showed that the intervention training program was as effective as the standard running program in maintaining the participants aerobic and anaerobic fitness and normal bodyweight. The suggested high-intensity interval training program could be a viable fitness strategy when running is not possible in combat soldiers and civilians alike. Résumé Introduction La course à pied aide à maintenir la forme aérobie et anaérobie et un poids corporel normal chez les combattants. Cependant, des méthodes d’entraînement alternatives sont nécessaires pour maintenir l’aptitude au combat lorsque les conditions ne permettent pas de courir, que ce soit des limitations liées au service ou, récemment, liées à la pandémie de coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Cette étude prospective interventionnelle, sans insu et non randomisée visait à évaluer l’efficacité d’un programme d’entraînement par intervalles à haute intensité qui exclurait la course prolongée pour maintenir la forme physique et le poids corporel. Résumé des faits et des résultats L’étude a été portée sur 60 soldats (Homme) en service obligatoire, âgés de 20,45±0,48 ans, répartis en groupes recherche et de contrôle appariés égaux. Les trois entraînements hebdomadaires du groupe témoin comprenaient 5 à 8km de course. Le groupe recherche a également subi trois séances d’entraînement hebdomadaires comprenant de l’agilité et de la musculation à intervalles courts et intenses avec de brefs temps de récupération entre les séries. Les groupes ont été comparés avant et après six semaines d’entraînement. Au début et à la fin du programme de six semaines, les groupes étaient similaires à un niveau de signification de p<0,05 pour le poids corporel, le pourcentage de graisse corporelle et de muscle, les caractéristiques de base, le test de condition physique de l’armée (course de 3km, tractions, squats, dips), agilité et consommation maximale d’oxygène. Conclusion Nos résultats ont montré que le programme d’entraînement utilisé était aussi efficace que le programme de course standard pour maintenir la forme aérobie et anaérobie des participants et un poids corporel normal. Le programme d’entraînement par intervalles à haute intensité suggéré pourrait être une stratégie de remise en forme viable lorsque la course n’est pas possible chez les soldats de combat et les civils.

Effects of Wearing N95 Respirators and Surgical Masks during Progressive Running Exercise and High-Intensity Interval Training on Time- and Frequency-Domain Indicators of Heart Rate Variability.

Background and purpose: Wearing face masks has become popular during the COVID-19 pandemic as a measure to prevent the spread of the virus. Some studies have pointed out the intervening role of these masks in the effect of exercise on the cardiovascular system. This study aimed at examining and comparing the effects of masking (N95 respirators and surgical masks) and not wearing a mask during exercise on heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. Materials and methods: In this semi-experimental design, 15 healthy women were randomly placed into three groups: surgical mask, N95 respirators and no mask. The participants took part in a progressive running session and then two weeks of HIIT program (2-4 sets, 20-60 seconds with 15-60 seconds of rest between repetitions and 3-5 minutes between the sets) with 80-90% of HRmax. The time and frequency-domain parameters of HRV were recorded during rest and recovery after exercises using electrocardiogram and then analyzed in Kubios HRV software. Results: Progressive running session before two weeks of HIIT training caused a significant decrease in parasympathetic time-domain parameter (RMSSD) and average RR in all groups in the fifth minute of recovery compared with rest values (P≤0.05). In addition, after HIIT training, sympathetic time domain (SDNN) parameter and average RR significantly increased (P=0.01 and P=0.02, respectively) while a significant decrease was seen in the sympathetic frequency-domain (LF) parameter in rest and recovery compared with baseline values (P=0.01). No significant differences were observed between the two masked groups in parameters studied (P=0.43). Conclusion: Increase in parasympathetic parameters and decrease in sympathetic parameters improved HRV. Wearing surgical masks or N95 respirators during exercise did not have an intervening effect on the positive results of exercise, including improving the autonomic function of the heart and maintaining sympathovagal balance in healthy women. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (JMUMS) is the property of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

SY02-3 Expectations of home-based exercise research for enhancing cancer survivorship care

Exercise guidelines for cancer survivors issued by multiple international organizations (Campbell KL et al, 2019) updated the recommendations that aerobic, combined aerobic plus resistance training, and/or resistance training could improve common cancer-related health outcomes (eg, anxiety, depression, fatigue, physical function, and health-related quality of life). Despite these guidelines, the majority of cancer survivors are not regularly physically active. A lack of awareness regarding available effective program to help facilitate exercise in cancer survivors was suggested to be a one of barriers to clinicians referring them to exercise. Furthermore, given that the COVID-19 pandemic has made getting sufficient exercise difficult, there is an urgent need for developing a home-based exercise program and its effectiveness among cancer survivors. Systematic review revealed that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a time-efficient method for increasing cardiovascular function in breast cancer survivors (Tsuji K et al, 2021), while all previous HIIT studies were lab-based supervised intervention. Recently, we originally developed 12-week home-based smartphone-supported HIIT program (habit-B program) and examined its effect on cardiorespiratory fitness among breast cancer survivors in Japan. Our single-blind single-center randomized controlled trial involved 50 sedentary women with stage I-IIa breast cancer. The results showed that home-based HIIT intervention can lead to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength (Ochi E et al, 2021). Based on the pilot study, we are proceeding a multi-center RCT in stage I-III breast cancer survivors. Mobile health such as habit-B might become a solution, but we need more collaboration and care coordination with appropriate professionals as well as change in the behaviors of clinicians, cancer survivors, and those who deliver the rehabilitation and exercise program.

Feasibility of Online High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Psychological Symptoms in Students in Lockdown During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an online High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) program on clinical psychological symptoms in higher education students in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Materials and Methods: During the lockdown, 30 students aged 18-25 years, who had been screened previously with a cut-off score ≥5 in the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire, were randomly assigned to either the 4-week HIIT program with three sessions per week conducted through online videos, or a no-intervention control group. The primary outcome was the feasibility assessment. The secondary outcome was a psychological self-report with the 21-items Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Assessment and intervention were performed in compliance with social distancing rules. Results: Two participants in the HIIT were lost to follow-up, leaving 13 participants vs. 15 in the control group. We observed high adherence (87%) and complete safety for mental and physical status with the HIIT intervention delivered by online videos. The Mann-Whitney test demonstrated a significant (group × time, P-Value = 0.046) reduction of clinical stress symptoms and a trend (group × time, P-Value = 0.08) toward reduction of clinical depression symptoms, both favoring the HIIT group. No significant (group × time, P-Value = 0.118) interaction was found for anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: The online HIIT program was found to be feasible and safe in a clinical sample of young adults, who were experiencing social and physical restrictions due to COVID-19. HIIT reduced stress and depressive symptoms and thus these preliminary results show promise for broader application among higher education students during the present lockdown necessitated by the global COVID-19 health crisis.

CACPR 2022 Annual Meeting

The proceedings contain 4 papers. The topics discussed include: daily steps and all-cause mortality: a meta-analysis of 15 international cohorts;1 year HIIT and Omega-3 fatty acids to improve cardiometabolic risk in stage-a heart failure;outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with long COVID improves exercise capacity, functional status, dyspnea, fatigue, and quality of life;and pulmonary rehabilitation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and COPD: a propensity-matched real-world study.