Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of different intensities of functional training in elderly type 2 diabetes patients with cognitive impairment: a pilot randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Aging and type-2 diabetes (T2D) are the most important risk factors for cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Exercise training is an effective, safe, and practical intervention in improving glucose metabolism, physical function, and cognitive disorders. This pilot study investigated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of high-intensity low-volume (HIFT) vs. low-intensity high-volume (LIFT) functional training in elderly T2D patients with cognitive impairment. METHODS: Forty-eight elderly T2D patients (31 female, 17 male, age 67.5 ± 5.8 years, MMSE score 18.8 ± 2.6, FBG 209.5 ± 37.9) were randomly assigned to HIFT, LIFT and control groups. Cognitive impairment was diagnosed with MMSE ≤ 23 based Iranian society. The SDMT, CVLT-II, BVMT-R, and Stroop tests were used to evaluated processing speed, learning, memory and attention respectively. Physical fitness tests include: tandem stance and walk test; TUG; 6MWT, 10MWT; SSST; 5TSTS; and hand grip was used to evaluated static and dynamic balance, agility, walking endurance, gait speed, lower limb function and lower and upper body strength respectively. As well as, Biochemical (FBG, insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c) and physiological outcomes (SBP, and DBP) were assessed. The HIFT group performed six weeks of functional training (three sessions per week) with 120-125% of the lactate threshold. The LIFT group performed six weeks of functional training (five sessions per week) with a 70-75% lactate threshold. Feasibility, safety, and acceptability of exercise programs were assessed at the end of the study. RESULT: HIFT showed a higher adherence rate (91% vs. 87.5%), safety, and acceptability compared to LIFT. MMSE and Stroop scores, 6MWT, FBG, insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, SBP, and DBP significantly improved in HIFT (all, P ≤ 0.004) and LIFT (all, P ≤ 0.023). Changes in 6MWT, FBG, insulin, HOMA-IR, and HbA1c in HIFT (all, P ≤ 0.001) and LIFT (all, P ≤ 0.008) were significant compared to the control group. Changes in Stroop scores were significant only in the HIFT group compared to the control group (P = 0.013). SDMT, CVLT-II, BVMT-R, balance test, 10MWT, SSST, TUG and hang grip significantly improved only in HIFT (all, P ≤ 0.038). CONCLUSION: HIFT vs. LIFT is a safe, feasible, and effective approach for improving some aspects of physical, biochemical, and cognitive function in elderly T2D patients with cognitive impairment. This pilot study provides initial proof-of-concept data for the design and implementation of an appropriately powered randomised controlled trial (RCT) of HIFT vs. LIFT in a larger sample of elderly T2D patients with cognitive impairment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Randomized controlled trial (RCT) (Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, trial registration number: IRCT20230502058055N1. Date of registration: 11/06/2023.

Effects of different cluster-set rest intervals during plyometric-jump training on measures of physical fitness: A randomized trial.

The optimal intra-set rest for cluster sets (CLS) during plyometric-jump training (PJT) to improve physical fitness remains unclear. The objective of this quasi-experimental study was to compare the effects of PJT with traditional (TRS) vs. CLS structures, using different intra-set rests, on the physical fitness of healthy participants. Forty-seven recreationally active young men performed 3-5 sets of 10-12 repetitions of upper- and lower-body PJT exercises twice a week for six weeks using different set configurations: TRS group (no intra-set rest), and the CLS10, CLS20 and CLS30 groups with 10, 20 and 30 s of intra-set rest, respectively, while the total rest period was equated. Pretest-posttest measurements were carried out 48 h before and after the intervention and the rating of fatigue (ROF) was also assessed using a numerical scale (0-10 points) 20 min after the first and last (i.e., 12th) session. There was no significant difference in the mean energy intake between groups (p > 0.05). The repeated measures ANOVA revealed that all groups showed similar improvements (p < 0.05) in body mass, body mass index, fat-free mass, one repetition maximum (dynamic strength) and repetitions to failure (muscular endurance) in back squat and chest press, handgrip strength, standing long jump, 20 m sprint, 9-m shuttle run (change of direction speed), and ROF. Of note, the ROF was lower for the CLS20 and CLS30 groups, independent from the training effect. The physical fitness of recreationally active young men improved after 6 weeks of PJT involving intra-set rest intervals of 0 s, 10 s, 20 s, or 30 s. However, an intra-set rest of 20 s and 30 s seems to induce lower exercise-induced fatigue perception.

The Resistance Training Effects on Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells in Older Adult: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine the effects of resistance exercise training on muscle stem cells in older adults. A database search was performed (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar) to identify controlled clinical trials in English language. The mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and overall effect size were calculated for all comparisons. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality. Nineteen studies were included in the review. The meta-analysis found a significant effect of resistance training (RT) on muscle stem cells in the elderly (difference in means=-0.008, Z=-3.415, P=0.001). Also, muscle stem cells changes were similar in men and women (difference in means=-0.004, Z=-1.558, P=0.119) and significant changes occur in type II muscle fibers (difference in means=-0.017, Z=-7.048, P=0.000). Resistance-type exercise training significantly increased muscle stem cells content in intervention group that this result is similar in men and womenthis increase occurred more in type II muscle fibers.

PAX7 and MyoD Proteins Expression in Response to Eccentric and Concentric Resistance Exercise in Active Young Men.

OBJECTIVE: Satellite cells play an important role in muscle regeneration, which this process can be affected by different genes including PAX7 and MyoD. Exercise training known as an important strategy for mediating the satellite cell's function. Therefore, the main purpose of the present study is to investigate the changes in PAX7 and MyoD protein expression in response to eccentric and concentric resistance exercise in healthy young men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this semi-experimental and cross-sectional study, 10 healthy men (age range 18-30 years old) participated. They were randomly divided into two equal groups (n=5) to perform one of two high-intensity eccentric or concentric knee extensions muscle contraction protocols. The contractions included a maximum of 12 sets of 10 repetitions, with a 30 second rest time interval between sets. PAX7 and MyoD protein expression was assessed using Immunohistochemistry analysis from the Vastus Lateralis muscle needle biopsy samples that have been taken 24 hours before and 3 to 4 hours after the end of the exercise protocol. RESULTS: We observed that the PAX7 protein expression level increased significantly after eccentric (47.75%) and concentric (39.21%) (P=0.01) intervention. While, the MyoD protein expression level reduced (38.14%) significantly following acute eccentric resistance exercise (P=0.01). CONCLUSION: It seems that eccentric or concentric muscular contraction modulates the expression of PAX7 and MyoD protein expression in the skeletal muscle, with further effects observed in eccentric resistance exercise.

Physical activity and psychological adjustment among retirees: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Health-related behaviors may change after retirement and induce changes in the mental health. This systematic review aimed to investigate the nature of changes in physical activity and leisure activities, as well as the relationship between physical activity, leisure, and psychological adjustment among retirees. METHODS: Search of papers was done in three electronic databases of PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus without constraints on time, geographical regions, or languages in February 2022. The papers that had examined the relationship between physical activity and adjustment among retirees using observational design (cross-sectional or longitudinal) were included in the present study. To evaluate the methodological quality of cross-sectional studies, Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist, and for longitudinal studies, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) were used. RESULTS: The search results identified 1458 records. Twenty-six papers were included in this review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings of most of these studies indicated a significant positive correlation between physical activity, leisure, and psychological adjustment in retirees. Retirees were mostly engaged in passive leisure activities such as reading, watching TV and movies, and less engaged in physical activities, sport, or physical exercise. General organized assessment of the total physical activity among retirees was not possible. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the study findings, it can be stated that there is a positive correlation between physical activity, leisure, and the retirees' adjustment. Usage of the same and valid measurement method specific to old age and retirement period can be useful in more precise assessment of physical activity and its association with adjustment among retirees.

Is cognitive control of perception and action via attentional focus moderated by motor imagery?

Motor imagery (MI) has emerged as an individual factor that may modulate the effects of attentional focus on motor skill performance. In this study, we investigated whether global MI, as well as its components (i.e., kinesthetic MI, internal visual MI, and external visual MI) moderate the effect of attentional focus on performance in a group of ninety-two young adult novice air-pistol shooters (age: M = 21.87, SD = 2.54). After completing the movement imagery questionnaire-3 (MIQ-3), participants were asked to complete a pistol shooting experiment in three different attentional focus conditions: (1) No focus instruction condition (control condition with no verbal instruction) (2) an internal focus instruction condition, and (3) an external focus condition. Shot accuracy, performance time, and aiming trace speed (i.e., stability of hold or weapon stability) were measured as the performance variables. Results revealed that shot accuracy was significantly poorer during internal relative to control focus condition. In addition, performance time was significantly higher during external relative to both control and internal condition. However, neither global MI, nor its subscales, moderated the effects of attentional focus on performance. This study supports the importance of attentional focus for perceptual and motor performance, yet global MI and its modalities/perspectives did not moderate pistol shooting performance. This study suggests that perception and action are cognitively controlled by attentional mechanisms, but not motor imagery. Future research with complementary assessment modalities is warranted to extend the present findings.

Investigation of expression of myocardial miR-126, miR-29a and miR-222 as a potential marker in STZ- induced diabetic rats following interval and continuous exercise training.

Purpose: Cardiac miRNAs are the recently discovered key modulators of gene expression in the heart which have been shown to contribute to both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation in diabetic cardiomyopathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of interval and continuous aerobic training on diabetic hearts by examining the expression of myocardial miR-126, miR-222 and miR-29a genes. Methods: Thirty male wistar rats (200 ± 20 g) were randomly divided into six groups of healthy control (HC), diabetes control (DC), continuous training (CT), interval training (IT), continuous training with diabetes (CTD), and interval training with diabetes (ITD). Nicotinamide and Streptozotocin (STZ) were injected to induce type 2 diabetes. CT was performed with a speed of 10 to 22 m/min and 20 to 30 min and IT was performed with 10 to 39 m/min and total time of 15 min, five sessions per week for 6 weeks. Muscle expression of miR-126, miR-29a and miR-222 was determined by the RT-PCR method. Results: The results show that gene expression of miR-126 was higher in IT (p < 0.01) compare to other groups. Also expression of miR-126 was higher in the CT compare to DC (p < 0.05) group. Gene expression of miR-222 was higher in aerobic groups than other groups (p < 0.01). Also expression of miR-222 was higher in ITD compare to the DC and CTD (p < 0.01) groups. Expression of miR-29a gene was higher in the aerobic groups compare to other groups. Also miR-29a was higher in the IT compare to CT (p < 0.01) group. Conclusion: Diabetes decreased the expression of genes associated with the development of cardiac function. It seems that IT played a more effective role in cardiac protection than CT through higher miR-126, miR-222 and miR-29a gene expression.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Consumption Reduces Oxidative Stress and Markers of Muscle Damage after Combat Readiness Tests in Soldiers.

Military activities often involve high-intensity exercise that can disrupt antioxidant capacity. We investigated the effects of oregano supplementation on muscle damage, oxidative stress, and plasma antioxidant markers of soldiers performing the army combat readiness test (ACRT). Twenty-four healthy male soldiers (age: 24 ± 3 years, height: 167 ± 14 cm, mass: 66 ± 3 kg) were randomized into a placebo group (n = 12) or an oregano supplementation group (n = 12). The participants consumed a capsule containing 500 mg Origanum vulgare immediately after completing the ACRT. Blood sampling was taken before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 60 and 120 min after oregano consumption. Plasma levels of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were measured at the four time points. The time × group interactions were found for CK (p < 0.0001, d = 3.64), LDH (p < 0.0001, d = 1.64), MDA (p < 0.0001, d = 9.94), SOD (p < 0.0001, d = 1.88), TAC (p < 0.0001, d = 5.68) and GPX (p < 0.0001, d = 2.38). In all variables, the difference between placebo and oregano groups were significant at 60 (p < 0.0001) and 120 (p < 0.0001) minutes after ACRT test. The main effect of time was also significant for all the variables (p < 0.0001). Our results suggest that oregano supplementation has the potential to reduce muscle damage and increase oxidative capacity following ACRT. Supplementation with oregano may serve as a dietary strategy to increase preparedness and promote recovery in military recruits.

Effect of a session of intensive exercise with ginseng supplementation on histone H3 protein methylation of skeletal muscle of nonathlete men.

PURPOSE: The pressure and stress caused by some intense exercises cause changes in histone proteins and gene expression. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of one session of intensive exercise with supplementation of ginseng, on the methylation of H3K-36 histone protein in skeletal muscle of young nonathlete men. METHODS: After the approval by the ethics committee, 12 untrained male subjects were randomly assigned to either exercise group (six subjects) or exercise and supplement group. First, from both groups, the muscular sample was taken from the broad-lateral muscle of the subjects. Immediately after the muscle biopsy, exercise and exercise + supplement groups completed the exercise protocol. During this period, the exercise + supplement group consumed ginseng supplementation and took placebo group. Immediately after exercise, all subjects were retested. RESULTS: There was no significant increase in histone H3-k36 protein methylation in the intergroup between exercise + supplementation and exercise. There was a significant difference within the training group but there was no difference in the exercise + supplementation group. CONCLUSION: The methylation caused by intense physical pressure, can be reduced by ginseng extract.

The data on the aerobic training with or without calorie restriction and muscular levels of Irisin and muscular FNDC5 concentration in obese male Wistar rats.

The present data article aims at investigating the muscular levels of Irisin, FNDC5, and UCP1 in male Wistar rats during the aerobic exercise with or without calorie restriction (CR). Twenty four, 8-week-old male Wistar rats (190±16 g) were selected and purchased for the research. After obesity induction by high-fat diet, the animals were randomly divided into three groups: exercise EX (n = 8), EX-CR (n = 8) and CO as control (n = 8). EX exercised 6 sessions per week and EXCR exercise 3 sessions + 3 days caloric restriction per week. The Irisin (Cat.No:CK-E91266 & Intra-Assay: CV<10%), FNDC5 (Cat.No:CK-E91393 & Intra-Assay: CV<10%) levels were assessed by the special Rat ELISA Kit (EASTBIOPHARM, China, under licensed by the United States). Muscular Irisin concentrations in EX group were higher than other groups. In addition, FNDC5 concentrations in EX group was higher than those in other groups.

Oxytocin mediates the beneficial effects of the exercise training on breast cancer.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? We hypothesized that potential anti-tumour effects of exercise training might be mediated by oxytocin and explored the underlying mechanisms in a mouse model of breast cancer. What is the main finding and its importance? Interval exercise training, by inducing oxytocin secretion, may reduce the activity of the PI3K/Akt and ERK pathways, and consequently, results in a smaller tumour volume in a mouse model of breast cancer. Exercise training can affect the growth of breast tumours. We hypothesized that exercise training might reduce breast tumour growth by inducing oxytocin (OT) secretion and its related signalling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt and ERK. Therefore, 56 BALB/c mice were equally divided into seven groups to study the effects of OT and atosiban (an oxytocin receptor antagonist) together with interval exercise training on mammary tumour growth, as well as tumour-related signalling pathways, including PI3K/Akt and ERK. Animal weight, OT plasma concentration, tumour weight and volume were measured at the end of the study. PI3K/Akt and ERK were evaluated by Western blot and qPCR assays. The results showed that OT plasma concentration was significantly increased in trained animals. The volume and weight of tumours were decreased significantly after both exercise training and OT administration. The expression of genes involved in tumour cell proliferation, such as PI3KR2, Akt and mTOR, was notably lower in the exercise-trained and OT-treated groups. Furthermore, the expression of genes involved in cell apoptosis, such as caspase-3 and Bax, was significantly increased in the tumour tissues. In addition, Western blot results showed that phosphorylated Akt and ERK were significantly decreased in the exercise training and OT groups compared with the tumour group. Interestingly, atosiban reversed these effects. These results indicated that interval exercise training, acting via OT secretion, may reduce PI3K/Akt and ERK axis activities, and consequently, decrease tumour volume and weight in a mouse model of breast cancer.

Satellite Cells Contribution to Exercise Mediated Muscle Hypertrophy and Repair.

Satellite cells (SCs) are the most abundant skeletal muscle stem cells. They are widely recognized for their contributions to maintenance of muscle mass, regeneration and hypertrophy during the human life span. These cells are good candidates for cell therapy due to their self-renewal capabilities and presence in an undifferentiated form. Presently, a significant gap exists between our knowledge of SCs behavior and their application as a means for human skeletal muscle tissue repair and regeneration. Both physiological and pathological stimuli potentially affect SCs activation, proliferation, and terminal differentiation the former category being the focus of this article. Activation of SCs occurs following exercise, post-training micro-injuries, and electrical stimulation. Exercise, as a potent and natural stimulus, is at the center of numerous studies on SC activation and relevant fields. According to research, different exercise modalities end with various effects. This review article attempts to picture the state of the art of the SCs life span and their engagement in muscle regeneration and hypertrophy in exercise.

Acute Cardiovascular and Hemodynamic Responses to Low Intensity Eccentric Resistance Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction.

BACKGROUND: Recently it has been suggested that low intensity (LI) resistance exercise (RE) alone or in combination with blood flow restriction (BFR) can be applied for cardiovascular function improvement or rehabilitation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the acute effects of LI eccentric RE with and without BFR on heart rate (HR), rate pressure product (RPP), blood pressure (BP) parameters [systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure (MAP)], oxygen saturation (SpO2) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE). METHODS: In a semi-experimental study 16 young adults (26.18 ± 3.67 years) volunteered and performed LI (30% maximum voluntary contraction) eccentric RE alone or combined with BFR. RESULTS: The results indicated that HR, RPP, and RPE increased significantly within both groups (P < 0.05); SBP and DBP increased significantly only with BFR (P < 0.05); MAP increased significantly during exercise without BFR (P < 0.05); and no change was observed in SpO2 in either groups (P > 0.05). Furthermore, studied parameters did not vary amongst different groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that LI eccentric RE with BFR positively regulated the hemodynamic and cardiovascular responses. Therefore, the eccentric RE combined with BFR seems to be a good option for future studies with the aim of time efficacy, since it alters these parameters within normal values.

Effects of Eccentric and Concentric Emphasized Resistance Exercise on IL-15 Serum Levels and Its Relation to Inflammatory Markers in Athletes and Non-Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Cytokines play an important role in modulating the muscle's metabolic and immunological responses to exercise. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we investigated changes in the serum levels of Interleukin (IL)-15 as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), as markers of inflammation, in athlete and non-athlete young men following eccentric (ECC) and concentric (CON) emphasized resistance exercise (RE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study recruited 28 young males, 14 athletes and 14 non-athletes. Subjects completed two bouts of ECC and CON emphasized RE five days apart. Each bout included seven exercises that emphasized all major muscle groups with weight loads of 70% - 80% of one repetition maximum (1RM) for CON RE and 90% - 100% of 1RM for ECC RE. We analyzed subjects' blood samples before and immediately after each bout of exercise to determine cytokine and hs-CRP serum levels according to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between IL-15 serum levels before and after ECC and CON RE in non-athletes (P = 0.03). In athletes, IL-15 serum level only increased after ECC RE (P = 0.01), which was noted to be the highest degree of change in IL-15 levels in all subjects. For athletes, the hs-CRP levels significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The serum levels of both TNF-α and hs-CRP were also significantly down-regulated after ECC RE in non-athletes. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that fitness level and RE could modulate circulating levels of IL-15 and suggest the potential anti-inflammatory effects of IL-15 during RE.

The effect of high intensity interval training on cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury in wistar rats.

The aims of the present study were to determine whether short term high intensity interval training (HIIT) could protect the heart against ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury; and if so, to evaluate how long the exercise-associated protection can be lasted. Sixty-three rats were randomly assigned into sedentary (n = 15), sham (n = 7), and exercise groups (n = 41). Rats in the exercise groups performed 5 consecutive days of HIIT on treadmill: 5 min warm up with 50 % VO2max, 6×2 min with 95-105 % VO2max (about 40 to 45 m/min), 5×2 min recovery with 65-75 % VO2max (about 28 to 32 m/min), and 3 min cool down with 50 % VO2max, all at 0 % grade. Animals exposed to an in vivo cardiac IR surgery, performed at days 1, 7, and 14 following the final exercise session. Ischemia-induced arrhythmias, myocardial infarct size (IS), plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) activities were measured in all animals. Compared to sedentary rats, exercised animals sustained less IR injury as evidenced by a lower size of infarction and lower levels of LDH and CK at day one and day 7 post exercise. In comparison of sedentary group, IS significantly decreased in EX-IR1 and EX-IR7 groups (50 and 35 %, respectively), but not in EX-IR14 group (19 %). The exercise-induced cardioprotection disappeared 14 days following exercise cessation. There were no significant changes in ischemia-induced arrhythmia between exercised and sedentary rats. The results clearly demonstrate that HIIT protects the heart against myocardial IR injury. This protective effect can be sustained for at least one week following the cessation of the training.

Effect of aerobic exercise and fish oil supplements on plasma levels of inflammatory indexes in mice.

BACKGROUND: Exercise has positive and negative effects on immune system. Herein, we would like to investigate the effects of incremental aerobic training and fish oil supplementation on the plasma levels of CRP, CPK and IL-17 in trained mice. One of the major roles of immune system is to produce soluble or cellular components that provide the immunity against inflammatory agent. The purpose of this study is to investigate distinct and combine effects of incremental aerobic training and fish oil supplement on plasma levels of IL-17, CPK and CRP in trained male mice. METHODS: Totally, 54 healthy male mice (2 months old, weight= 34±1 grams) were selected. At first 10 mice were killed to determine base line values, the rest of them were randomly divided into four groups, control group (C, n=11), supplement group (S, n=11), training group (T, n=11) and supplement-training group (ST, n=11).The supplement and supplement-training groups were fed with 0.2cc/day fish oil for 8 weeks. Training and supplement-training groups underwent exercise for 5 sessions per week for a period of 8 weeks on animal treadmill. SPSS 16.0 software and multivariate analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis of data RESULTS: Exercise and fish oil supplement lead to a decrease in CRP levels and subsequently causing a reduction in plasma levels of IL-17 and CK in mice (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Combination of exercise and fish oil can reduce regulate inflammatory response caused by incremental exercise.