Pro- and Anti-inflammatory Biomarkers Responses after Aerobic Training in Heart Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise (PE) may improve plasma concentration of interleukin- 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and adiponectin (adpN) in heart transplant (HT) patients. However, no consistent data is available on this population. AIM: Thus, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of PE over these pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers in HT patients. METHODS: Following the guidelines established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement, we conducted a systematic literature search in the PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus databases. Outcomes included IL-6, TNF-alpha, and adpN. Effect size (ES) was calculated using the standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The PE group (aerobic modality) was associated with reduced IL-6 compared to the control group (ES: -0.53; 95% CI: -0.99 to -0.06 pg/mL; P = 0.026). However, the PE group did not show a significant effect on TNF-alpha and adpN levels (ES: -0.33; 95% CI: -0.79 to 0.13; P = 0.16 and ES: -0.20; 95% CI: -0.70 to 0.30 pg/mL; P = 0.444, respectively). CONCLUSION: PE is associated with IL-6 reductions, although TNF alpha and adpN did not change after this intervention in HT patients. Therefore, PE is an effective intervention to downregulate IL-6 in post-HT patients.

Efectos de la danza sobre el equilibrio de personas con la enfermedad de Parkinson: una revisión sistemática con metaanálisis / Effects of dance on balance in people with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review with meta-analysis

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar si clases de danza son efectivas para mejorar el equilibrio en personas con enfermedad de Parkinson (EP), en comparación con otros grupos con o sin intervenciones, en Ensayos Clínicos Aleatorizados (ECAs), mediante una revisión sistemática con metaanálisis. Una búsqueda fue realizada en MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane, PEDro, PsycINFO y Google Scholar en abril de 2020. Fueron seleccionados ECAs que analizaban los efectos de la danza en el equilibrio de personas con EP comparados a otros tipos de entrenamiento físico o sin intervención. Dos revisores independientes seleccionaron los estudios, extrajeron los datos y realizaron la evaluación del riesgo de sesgo. Se incluyeron tres estudios, totalizando 126 participantes. El Tango demostró mejora en el equilibrio en comparación con no intervención, mientras que, la danza irlandesa no demostró mejora. Este estudio indica que la danza, más específicamente tango, mejora el equilibrio dinámico de las personas con EP. (AU)

Avaliação Cardiodinâmica Não Invasiva por Cardiografia de Impedância durante o Teste de Caminhada de Seis Minutos em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca / Non-Invasive Assessment of Cardiodynamics by Impedance Cardiography during the Six-Minute Walk Test in Patients with Heart Failure

Resumo Fundamento O Teste de Caminhada de seis Minutos (TC6M) é comumente usado para avaliar pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca. No entanto, vários fatores clínicos podem influenciar a distância percorrida pelos pacientes no teste. A cardiografia de impedância (CI) na avaliação morfológica é uma ferramenta útil para avaliar a hemodinâmica cardíaca de maneira não invasiva. Objetivo Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar as respostas de aceleração e desaceleração do Débito Cardíaco (DC), da Frequência Cardíaca (FC), e do Volume Sistólico (VS) ao TC6M de indivíduos com insuficiência cardíaca e fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFEr) com as de controles sadios. Métodos Este é um estudo transversal observacional. O DC, a FC, o VS e o Índice Cardíaco (IC) foram avaliados antes, durante e após o TC6M por CI. O nível de significância adotado na análise estatística foi 5%. Resultados Foram incluídos 27 participantes (13 com ICFEr e 14 controles sadios). A aceleração do DC e da FC foi significativamente diferente entre os grupos (p<0,01 e p=0,039, respectivamente). Encontramos diferenças significativas no VS, no DC e no IC entre os grupos (p<0,01). A regressão linear mostrou uma contribuição deficiente do VS à mudança no DC no grupo com ICFEr (22,9% versus 57,4%). Conclusão O principal resultado deste estudo foi o fato de que indivíduos com ICFEr apresentaram valores mais baixos de aceleração do DC e da FC durante o teste de exercício submáximo em comparação a controles sadios. Isso pode indicar um desequilíbrio na resposta autonômica ao exercício nessa condição.

Abstract Background The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is commonly used to evaluate heart failure (HF) patients. However, several clinical factors can influence the distance walked in the test. Signal-morphology impedance cardiography (SM-ICG) is a useful tool to noninvasively assess hemodynamics. Objective This study aimed to compare cardiac output (CO), heart rate (HR), and stroke volume (SV) acceleration and deceleration responses to 6MWT in individuals with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and healthy controls. Methods This is a cross-sectional observational study. CO, HR, SV and cardiac index (CI) were evaluated before, during, and after the 6MWT assessed by SM-ICG. The level of significance adopted in the statistical analysis was 5%. Results Twenty-seven participants were included (13 HFrEF and 14 healthy controls). CO and HR acceleration significantly differed between groups (p<0.01; p=0.039, respectively). We found significant differences in SV, CO and CI between groups (p<0.01). Linear regression showed an impaired SV contribution to CO change in HFrEF group (22.9% versus 57.4%). Conclusion The main finding of the study was that individuals with HFrEF showed lower CO and HR acceleration values during the submaximal exercise test compared to healthy controls. This may indicate an imbalance in the autonomic response to exercise in this condition.

Are dose-response relationships of resistance training reliable to improve functional performance in frail and pre-frail older adults? A systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials.

This systematic review with meta-analyses investigates the impact of resistance training (RT), using meta-regressions, on functional performance in frail and pre-frail adults aged ≥ 65 years to determine the key variables of RT. Ten randomized controlled trials involving 1303 participants were analyzed. Five studies assessed habitual walking speed (HWS), three studies evaluated performance in the timed-up-and-go test (TUG), three studies evaluated performance in the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and three studies assessed performance in the sit-to-stand test (STS). RT alone improved STS time and SPPB scores in frail and pre-frail older adults. RT improved STS performance (Effect Size (ES):- 0.536; 95% CI - 0.874 to - 0.199; p = .002) and led to a 2.261-point increase in SPPB performance (ES:1.682; 95% CI 0.579-2.786; p = .003). At least two weekly training sessions are required to increase SPPB scores, and three sessions seem to optimize the improvements. Higher training volume per exercise and volume per session reduce the gains in SPPB performance. We did not observe any association between different doses of RT and STS time improvements. RT alone positively influenced TUG performance only in community-dwelling older frail and pre-frail adults but not in institutionalized older individuals. RT alone did not improve the HWS compared to the non-active control group.

External Loads of Elite Soccer Referees: A Systematic Review with meta-analysis.

The objective of the present study was to describe the total and fragmented external loads, at different intensities, of soccer referees in European and South American competitions during official matches through a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies. A systematic review was conducted in April, 2020. In all, 32 studies were included, incorporating 578 referees evaluated in 3170 games through video analysis or a global positioning system. Regarding external loads, it was observed that the total average distance covered by the referees was 10,461.74 m, with running speeds predominantly below 13 km.h-1. The total distance covered by the referees in the European competitions was higher and more intense than that of the referees in the South American tournaments, being 11,187.02 m and 9319.61 m, respectively. We suggest that referees' training can be organized according to the distances found at different intensities, in which low-intensity races can be performed below 13 km.h-1 with distances of approximately 4500 m, while high-intensity training can be developed with speeds from 18 to 24 km.h-1 for approximately 800 m. In addition, planning must consider the competition characteristics.

Quantifying physiological and biomechanical responses of shallow water walking: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Detecting the physiological and biomechanical alterations in shallow water walking (SWW) due to water depth and speed is important for health professionals to perform accurate exercise prescription. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to investigate the acute physiological and biomechanical responses of SWW at different immersion depths in comparison to dry land walking. The main result (initial search: 1960 studies; systematic review: 42 studies; meta-analysis: 22 studies) indicated that metabolic power was higher in the immersion depth levels of xiphoid process (standardized mean differences (SMD) = 0.90; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.26 to 1.54) and waist (SMD = 3.35; 95% CI: -0.18 to 6.87) in comparison to dry land. SWW at xiphoid and waist depths seems to be an adequate exercise if the objective is to increase the energy expenditure and cardiovascular demand while the lower limb impact forces are reduced in comparison to dry land walking. PROSPERO registration: CRD42018113040.

Non-Invasive Assessment of Cardiodynamics by Impedance Cardiography during the Six-Minute Walk Test in Patients with Heart Failure. / Avaliação Cardiodinâmica Não Invasiva por Cardiografia de Impedância durante o Teste de Caminhada de Seis Minutos em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca.

BACKGROUND: Central Illustration: Non-Invasive Assessment of Cardiodynamics by Impedance Cardiography during the Six-Minute Walk Test in Patients with Heart Failure. The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is commonly used to evaluate heart failure (HF) patients. However, several clinical factors can influence the distance walked in the test. Signal-morphology impedance cardiography (SM-ICG) is a useful tool to noninvasively assess hemodynamics. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare cardiac output (CO), heart rate (HR), and stroke volume (SV) acceleration and deceleration responses to 6MWT in individuals with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and healthy controls. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional observational study. CO, HR, SV and cardiac index (CI) were evaluated before, during, and after the 6MWT assessed by SM-ICG. The level of significance adopted in the statistical analysis was 5%. RESULTS: Twenty-seven participants were included (13 HFrEF and 14 healthy controls). CO and HR acceleration significantly differed between groups (p<0.01; p=0.039, respectively). We found significant differences in SV, CO and CI between groups (p<0.01). Linear regression showed an impaired SV contribution to CO change in HFrEF group (22.9% versus 57.4%). CONCLUSION: The main finding of the study was that individuals with HFrEF showed lower CO and HR acceleration values during the submaximal exercise test compared to healthy controls. This may indicate an imbalance in the autonomic response to exercise in this condition.

FUNDAMENTO: Figura Central: Avaliação Cardiodinâmica Não Invasiva por Cardiografia de Impedância durante o Teste de Caminhada de Seis Minutos em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca. O Teste de Caminhada de seis Minutos (TC6M) é comumente usado para avaliar pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca. No entanto, vários fatores clínicos podem influenciar a distância percorrida pelos pacientes no teste. A cardiografia de impedância (CI) na avaliação morfológica é uma ferramenta útil para avaliar a hemodinâmica cardíaca de maneira não invasiva. OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar as respostas de aceleração e desaceleração do Débito Cardíaco (DC), da Frequência Cardíaca (FC), e do Volume Sistólico (VS) ao TC6M de indivíduos com insuficiência cardíaca e fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFEr) com as de controles sadios. MÉTODOS: Este é um estudo transversal observacional. O DC, a FC, o VS e o Índice Cardíaco (IC) foram avaliados antes, durante e após o TC6M por CI. O nível de significância adotado na análise estatística foi 5%. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 27 participantes (13 com ICFEr e 14 controles sadios). A aceleração do DC e da FC foi significativamente diferente entre os grupos (p<0,01 e p=0,039, respectivamente). Encontramos diferenças significativas no VS, no DC e no IC entre os grupos (p<0,01). A regressão linear mostrou uma contribuição deficiente do VS à mudança no DC no grupo com ICFEr (22,9% versus 57,4%). CONCLUSÃO: O principal resultado deste estudo foi o fato de que indivíduos com ICFEr apresentaram valores mais baixos de aceleração do DC e da FC durante o teste de exercício submáximo em comparação a controles sadios. Isso pode indicar um desequilíbrio na resposta autonômica ao exercício nessa condição.

Effects of Postactivation Performance Enhancement on The Vertical Jump in High-Level Volleyball Athletes.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a training session with and without an intervention of postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) on countermovement jump (CMJ) height, perceived recovery status (PRS), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs), followed by a specific volleyball training session. The sample consisted of sixteen professional male volleyball players, with an average age of 26.8±6.1 years and average height of 195.9±6.7 cm, randomly divided into a group with PAPE intervention (GPAPE) (n=8), and a control group (CTRL) without PAPE intervention (n=8). The control group carried out the training session with plyometric exercises, and the GPAPE added conditioning protocols for PAPE to plyometric training, followed by a technical tactical volleyball session. At the end of the training session, there was an increase of 16.3% in the height of the CMJ in the GPAPE, while the CTRL showed a decrease of 5% in the height of the CMJ. PRS and RPE variables did not differ between the groups. It was concluded that PAPE had a positive effect on the height of the vertical jump after plyometric training, which was maintained until the end of the technical and tactical volleyball session.

Aquatic Aerobic and Combined Training in Management of Type 2 Diabetes: The Diabetes and Aquatic Training Study (DATS): A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: To compare the effects of aquatic aerobic and combined (aerobic more resistance) training on glycemic control and other cardiometabolic outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Patients were randomized to an aquatic aerobic training (AERO, n = 19; 57.5 [7.4] y; 9 [47%] women), or an aquatic combined training (COMBI, n = 19; 60.9 [7.4] y; 10 [53%] women), or an aquatic active procedure control (n = 19; 58.6 [9.7] y; 10 [53%] women) in 3 weekly sessions (50 min each), during 15 weeks. Glycated hemoglobin was the primary outcome, whereas insulin resistance markers, lipid profile, systemic inflammation, renin concentration, blood pressure, physical activity levels, and sitting time were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Glycated hemoglobin was reduced in all groups (P = .021), although changes were more marked in AERO (-0.36%) and COMBI (-0.44%) than in active control (-0.26%) group. Lipid profile was similarly modified in all groups. Diastolic blood pressure and renin concentration were also reduced in all groups; however, renin showed more marked reductions in AERO (-17.7 uIU/mL) and COMBI (-15.1 uIU/mL) than in active control (0.2 uIU/mL) group. Fasting insulin, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, systolic blood pressure, walking time, and sitting time on weekends were not modified. CONCLUSION: AERO and COMBI presented similar effect to improve glycemic control and some cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Mathematical models to identify high-performance players for the Brazilian under-19 men's volleyball team.

The objective of this study was to identify parameters that best discriminate between selected and non-selected players for the Brazilian under-19 men's volleyball team and propose mathematical models to identify high-performance players. To this end, 18 selected (16.89±0.96 years) and 138 non-selected (16.91±0.74 years) players for the under-19 team were assessed for the training profile, anthropometric profile, and physical performance level. The discriminant function analysis was used to build the models, with a significance of α<0.05. The spike jump reach showed a greater correlation with the discriminant scores obtained in the two models (r=0.701; r=0.782). The 10 variables included in Model 1 helped identify 88.9% of the players selected in their group of origin; Model 2 - obtained by the spike jump reach and duration of playing experience - identified 83.3% of the players selected. Therefore, coaches should be aware that differences between the selected and non-selected players are multi-factorial, with the spike jump reach being the most relevant assessment factor. Furthermore, good players for the selection can be identified using the two models: Model 1 promises greater success with ten assessments, whereas Model 2 allows the identification of suitable players for the under-19 men's volleyball team with only two simple assessments.

Effects of Protein Supplementation Associated with Resistance Training on Body Composition and Muscle Strength in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews with Meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND: There are some controversial findings regarding the benefits of combining protein supplementation with resistance training in order to optimize adaptations to training in older adults. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to summarize the evidence from meta-analyses assessing the effects of protein supplementation combined with resistance training on body composition and muscle strength in the older population. METHODS: We included systematic reviews with meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials that examined the effects of protein and/or amino acid supplementation associated with resistance training compared with resistance training alone on lean body mass, muscle mass, and muscle strength in older people. The search was performed using the MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Google Scholar, and OpenGrey databases. Methodological quality was assessed using the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2 checklist, and the quality of evidence was determined using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. The pooled effect estimates were computed from the standardized mean difference and the 95% confidence interval achieved by each meta-analysis, using random effects models. RESULTS: Five reviews were included, all of moderate methodological quality. In the analyses, protein supplementation combined with resistance training was associated with greater increases in lean body mass and muscle mass when compared with resistance training alone. However, no differences were observed between the interventions on muscle strength increases. The quality of evidence ranged from moderate to very low. CONCLUSION: Protein supplementation associated with resistance training induces greater increases in lean body mass compared with resistance training alone. In addition, it is suggested that the use of protein supplementation enhances gains in muscle mass but does not promote greater increases in muscle strength.

Does Complex Training Enhance Vertical Jump Performance and Muscle Power in Elite Male Volleyball Players?

PURPOSE: The authors aimed to compare the effects of 4 weeks jump versus complex training methods on lower limb muscle power and maximal isokinetic torque of knee extensors and flexors in elite male volleyball players. METHODS: Sixteen male volleyball players were allocated into 2 groups, jump training (n = 8; 27.0 [5.7] y, 94.3 [7.6] kg) and complex training (with induction of postactivation performance enhancement, n = 8; 26.6 [3.6] y, 94.2 [6.3] kg). All individuals performed jump training 2 sessions/wk, and the complex group received induction training with postactivation performance enhancement and jump training. RESULTS: After 4 weeks, an increase in countermovement jump height (jump: 49.0 [1.2] to 52.7 [2.1] cm and complex: 49.2 [1.1] to 53.3 [1.9] cm; P = .009) and power (jump: 29.5 [1.1] to 34.3 [1.4] W and complex: 30.4 [0.9] to 34.4 [1.08] W; P = .001) was observed without significant differences between groups and without significant group × time interaction (P > .05). Also, no significant difference was observed between and within groups for the isokinetic peak torque at low speeds (60 and 180°s), although total muscle work and knee extensor/flexor ratio increased from pretraining to posttraining at 300° seconds similarly in both groups. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that jump performance and power, knee extensor/flexor ratio, and total muscle work increased after 4 weeks of jump and complex training. However, the inclusion of heavy resistance stimulus did not elicit any additional improvements in the vertical jump performance and isokinetic strength of elite volleyball players.

Chronic effects of school physical activity on cognitive performance in youngs: a systematic review protocol / Efeitos crônicos da atividade física escolar no desempenho cognitivo de jovens: um protocolo de revisão sistemática

Recent systematic reviews point out the positive acute effects of physical activity on executive func-tions in children and adolescents, but the chronic effects in this age group are still uncertain. This study aims to describe a systematic review with meta-analysis protocol to elucidate the chronic effects of physical activity at school on the executive functions and attention of children and ad-olescents, considering the effect-moderators and examining different interventions in the school environment. A systematic search will be carried out for studies published in the PUBMED, Em-base, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases. Studies that meet the following predefined criteria (PICOS criteria) will be included: 1) studies conducted with healthy children and adolescents (6-18 years-old), 2) studies with physical activity interventions in school, 3) studies conducted with a control group, and 4) studies with cognitive flexibility, working memory, inhibitory control and attention outcomes. Target outcomes will be extracted as pre-and post-test values. Intervention time, frequencies, intensity, volume, session time, and intervention type will be extracted for meta-regres-sion analysis. For methodological quality will be using the tool for the assessment of study quality and reporting in exercise training studies. Pooled effect estimates will be calculated from the scores of changes between baseline and end of interventions. The effect size will be expressed as Cohens' and presented as standardized mean differences and calculations will be performed using random-effects models. Statistical heterogeneity will be evaluated by Cochran's Q statistic and the I² inconsistency test. The meta-analyses will be performed using OpenMeta[Analyst]

Revisões sistemáticas recentes apontam os efeitos agudos positivos da atividade física nas funções executivas em crianças e adolescentes, mas os efeitos crônicos nessa faixa etária ainda são incertos. Este artigo tem como objetivo descrever o protocolo de revisão sistemática e meta-análise que busca elucidar os efeitos crônicos da atividade física no ambiente escolar sobre as funções executivas e atenção de crianças e adolescentes, conside-rando os efeitos-moderadores e examinando diferentes tipos de intervenções no ambiente escolar. Será reali-zada uma busca sistemática de estudos publicados nas bases de dados PUBMED, Embase, Scopus e Cochrane Library. Serão incluídos estudos que atendam aos seguintes critérios pré-definidos (critérios PICOS): 1) estudos realizados com crianças e adolescentes saudáveis (6-18 anos), 2) estudos com intervenções de ativi-dade física na escola, 3) estudos de intervenção, randomizados ou não, realizados com grupo controle e 4) estudos com flexibilidade, memória de trabalho, controle inibitório e resultados de atenção. Os resultados alvo serão extraídos como valores pré e pós-teste. Tempo de intervenção, frequências, intensidade, volume, tempo de sessão e tipo de intervenção serão extraídos para análise de meta-regressão. Para a qualidade metodológica será utilizado o instrumento para avaliação da qualidade do estudo e relato em estudos de treinamento físico. As estimativas de efeito agrupadas serão calculadas a partir das pontuações das mudanças entre a linha de base e o final das intervenções. O tamanho do efeito será expresso em Cohens e apresentado como diferenças médias padronizadas e os cálculos serão realizados utilizando modelos de efeitos aleatórios. A heterogeneida-de estatística será avaliada pela estatística Q de Cochran e pelo teste de inconsistência I². As meta-análises serão realizadas usando OpenMeta[Analyst]

Cardiometabolic health profile of young girls with aesthetic professions.

BACKGROUND: In the literature, professions that impose body standards for daily performance are designated as non-conventional professions (i.e. models, athletes, ballet dancers), with great emphasis on the female population. More than a job, it becomes a lifestyle to those inserted in this environment, thus, thousands of children and adolescents seek inclusion and success in these professions due to financial and media gains. Such professions are associated with several health-related risk factors. The purpose of this study was to identify and compare among physical fitness levels, cardiometabolic health markers, mental health and dietary habits in non-conventional professions. METHODS: The sample consisted of 41 female individuals aged between 14 and 24 years, allocated into four groups, control group composed by university students (UG = 11), models (MG = 11), ballet dancers (BG = 11), and athletes' group (AG = 8). Physical fitness outcomes (cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, maximal dynamic strength, muscular endurance and body composition); biochemical outcomes (high-density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], total cholesterol [TC], fasting glucose [FG], fasting insulin [FI], C-reactive protein [CRP]), diet quality and mental health were evaluated. RESULTS: No impairments were observed in the health markers evaluated among groups, both for health-related physical fitness and biochemical outcomes. However, low levels of bone mineral density (BMD) were observed. Even with statistically significant differences between the groups for chronological age (p = 0.002), menarche (p = 0.004), career length (p = 0.001), height (p = 0.001), body mass index (p = 0.018), waist-to-height ratio (p < 0.001), %Fat (p = 0.020), VO2peak (p = 0.020), maximal dynamic strength of knee extensors (p = 0.031) and elbow flexors (p = 0,001) and flexibility (p < 0.001), all these values are within the normal range for health. CONCLUSION: The professions analyzed do not seem to interfere in the physical fitness and cardiometabolic health of the girls assessed. However, we identified that exposure to these profession can impair mental health (depressive symptoms in 100% of participants) and body composition (BMD 63% of participants).

A comparison of the internal and external load demands imposed on professional soccer referees in FIFA's current model of physical test in relation to games.

BACKGROUND: Based on the need to investigate the demands imposed on referees in the current model of physical evaluation and during professional games, this study's objective was to compare these demands in the physical test versus the games. METHODS: Thus, it evaluated the heart rate, distance covered, time, and speed of all 14 referees in the physical test and during Brazil's first division state championship games using a Global Positioning System enabled heart rate monitor. RESULTS: The maximum heart rate (HRmax) and maximum speed were higher in the physical test (183.86±12.79 bpm) and (26.80±0.96 km/h), respectively, than in the games (170.25±17.71 bpm) (P=0.008) and (24.27±1.68 km/h) (P=0.001), respectively. In the HRmax zone ≥90 and ≤100%, the time and percentage distance were greater in the physical test (47.87±16.60% and 58.57±22.78%), respectively, than in the games (17.82±18.29% and 18.84±18.92%, respectively; P<0.001). However, in the speed zone <13 km/h, the time and the percentage distance were longer in the game (93.73±1.26% and 86.13±2.31%), respectively, than in the physical test (68.73±12.31% and 39.65±9.74%, respectively; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, it is concluded that the professional referees perform at greater intensities during the physical test than in the games. In contrast, the demands for intensities corresponding to aerobic metabolism are greater in games or equal to those in physical testing, depending on the intensity reference.

Chronic aerobic exercise prevents high-fructose diet-induced impairment in blood pressure in healthy young adults: a double-blind, randomised clinical trial.

The purpose of the study was to verify the effect of 4 weeks of a high-fructose diet (HFD) associated with aerobic training on the risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. Twenty-one young adults were randomised into three groups: HFD (HFD: 1 g/kg body weight of fructose/day), high-glucose diet (HGD: 1 g/kg body weight of glucose/day) and high-fructose diet and exercise (HFDE: 1 g/kg body weight of fructose/day + 3 weekly 60-minute sessions of aerobic exercise). Before and after the 4 weeks of the intervention, blood samples were taken and flow-mediated dilatation, insulin resistance index, pancreatic beta cell functional capacity index, insulin sensitivity index and 24-h blood pressure were evaluated. HFD showed an increase in uric acid concentrations (P = 0·040), and HGD and HFDE groups showed no changes in this outcome between pre- and post-intervention; however, the HFDE group showed increased uric acid concentrations from the middle to the end of the intervention (P = 0·013). In addition, the HFD group showed increases in nocturnal systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P = 0·022) and nocturnal diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P = 0·009). The HGD group exhibited decreases in nocturnal SBP (P = 0·028) and nocturnal DBP (P = 0·031), and the HFDE group showed a decrease in 24-h SBP (P = 0·018). The consumption of 1 g/kg of fructose per day may increase uric acid concentrations and blood pressure in adults. Additionally, aerobic exercises along with fructose consumption attenuate changes in uric acid concentrations and prevent impairment in nocturnal blood pressure.

High-intensity interval training reduces blood pressure in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The current systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on blood pressure (BP) in older adults and compared the efficacy of HIIT versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). METHODS: Search was conducted using the databases at PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and EMBASE, for randomized trials comparing the chronic effects (≥4 weeks) of HIIT versus MICT or control group (non-exercise) on BP in older adults (≥60 years) with or without hypertension. RESULTS: A total of 10 articles (n = 266 participants) were included in this meta-analysis. HIIT were associated with reductions in systolic BP (MD -7.36; 95%CI -11.80 to -2.92; P < 0.01; I2 = 24%) and diastolic BP (MD -5.48; 95%CI -8.71 to -2.25; P < 0.01; I2 = 40%) versus control group. No differences were found between HIIT and MICT in systolic BP (MD -2.09; 95%CI -9.76 to 5.58; P = 0.59; I2 = 0%) and diastolic BP (MD -1.00; 95%CI -6.01 to 4.01; P = 0.69; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: HIIT reduces BP in older adults. Additionally, HIIT and MICT provided comparable reductions on BP in this population.

Heart rate profile and heart rate variability in volleyball athletes: a systematic review with meta-analyses

Abstract Background: Physiological parameters can be objectively measured for controlling and quantifying physical activity levels. Aims: This study aimed to systematically review the literature on volleyball athletes' profile regarding heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV). Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Embase and SportDiscus databases were searched to find studies presenting resting HR, maximal HR, mean HR and time domain HRV during training sessions and matches. Results: Volleyball athletes' profile was HRrest 66 ± 2.5 bpm (minimum 41 ± 10 bpm; maximum 82.4 ± 2.1 bpm), HRmax was 184 ± 1.3 bpm (minimum 170 ± 8.0 bpm; maximum 192 ± 3.0 bpm), HRtraining data was in average 150 ± 12 bpm (minimum 124.8 ± 6.2 bpm; maximum 171.5 ± 11.0 bpm) and mean HRmatch was 154 ± 5.5 bpm (minimum 105.3 ± 12.8 bpm; maximum 182.3 ± 5.2 bpm). The RR interval data resulting in a mean value of 1096 ± 4 ms (minimum 1027.6 ± 168.9 ms; maximum 1097.0 ± 59.5 ms) and the rMSSD index presented a mean value of 44 ± 14 ms (minimum 42.2 ± 19.8 ms; maximum 93.2 ± 65.8 ms). SDNN data were extracted, however, no meta-analysis was performed. Conclusion: Resting HR were high for the athletes' fitness level, maximal HR and RR intervals were very similar to athletes from other sports. Mean HR data do not seem to represent the real physical demand in matches and training. HRV time domain index showed low values and could be related to training loads or fatigue situations.

Loss of YhcB results in dysregulation of coordinated peptidoglycan, LPS and phospholipid synthesis during Escherichia coli cell growth.

The cell envelope is essential for viability in all domains of life. It retains enzymes and substrates within a confined space while providing a protective barrier to the external environment. Destabilising the envelope of bacterial pathogens is a common strategy employed by antimicrobial treatment. However, even in one of the best studied organisms, Escherichia coli, there remain gaps in our understanding of how the synthesis of the successive layers of the cell envelope are coordinated during growth and cell division. Here, we used a whole-genome phenotypic screen to identify mutants with a defective cell envelope. We report that loss of yhcB, a conserved gene of unknown function, results in loss of envelope stability, increased cell permeability and dysregulated control of cell size. Using whole genome transposon mutagenesis strategies, we report the comprehensive genetic interaction network of yhcB, revealing all genes with a synthetic negative and a synthetic positive relationship. These genes include those previously reported to have a role in cell envelope biogenesis. Surprisingly, we identified genes previously annotated as essential that became non-essential in a ΔyhcB background. Subsequent analyses suggest that YhcB functions at the junction of several envelope biosynthetic pathways coordinating the spatiotemporal growth of the cell, highlighting YhcB as an as yet unexplored antimicrobial target.

Statin Use Improves Cardiometabolic Protection Promoted By Physical Training in an Aquatic Environment: A Randomized Clinical Trial. / Uso de Estatinas Melhora a Proteção Cardiometabólica Promovida pelo Treinamento Físico em Ambiente Aquático: Um Ensaio Clínico Randomizado.

BACKGROUND: Statin use is highlighted as the most commonly utilized therapy for the treatment of dyslipidemias and can be considered as the most efficient pharmacological intervention for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) reduction. On the other hand, physical training can be considered an efficient and safe non-pharmacological strategy to promote improvements in lipid profile. However, the influence of statins on lipid adaptations arising from water-based training in populations with dyslipidemia is not known. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the influence of simvastatin use on lipid adaptations arising from water-based aerobics and resistance training in elderly women with dyslipidemia. METHODS: Sixty-nine elderly (66.13 ± 5.13 years), sedentary, and dyslipidemic women, both non-users and users of simvastatin (20 mg and 40 mg), were randomized into the following 3 groups: water-based aerobic training (WA), water-based resistance training (WR), and control group (CG). Total duration of interventions, for all experimental groups consisted of 10 weeks, with 2 weekly sessions. Biochemical analyses were performed before the beginning of the interventions and repeated after the end of the trial. Generalized estimating equations were used to compare these data, setting α = 0.05. RESULTS: In intention-to-treat analysis, the medicated participants obtained a greater magnitude of decrease in total cholesterol (TC) (-3.41 to -25.89 mg.dl-1; p = 0.038), LDL (-5.58 to -25.18 mg.dl-1; p = 0.007) and TC/HDL ratio (-0.37 to -0.61; p = 0.022) when compared to the non-medicated participants, and this decrease was statistically significant only in the WR group. CONCLUSIONS: Statin use enhances the adaptations promoted by water-based physical training in CT, LDL levels, and CT/HDL ratio, and it is more pronounced after WR.

FUNDAMENTO: O uso de estatinas destaca-se como a terapia mais frequentemente utilizada para o tratamento de dislipidemias e pode ser considerado a intervenção farmacológica mais eficiente para a redução da lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL). Por outro lado, o treinamento físico pode ser considerado uma estratégia não farmacológica eficiente e segura para promover melhorias no perfil lipídico. No entanto, não se sabe qual seria a influência das estatinas nas adaptações lipídicas decorrentes do treinamento aquático em populações com dislipidemia. OBJETIVOS: Analisar a influência do uso de sinvastatina nas adaptações lipídicas decorrentes do treinamento aeróbico em meio aquático e de resistência em mulheres idosas com dislipidemia. MÉTODOS: Sessenta e nove mulheres idosas (66,13 ± 5,13 anos), sedentárias e dislipidêmicas, tanto não usuárias quanto usuárias de sinvastatina (20 mg e 40 mg), foram randomizadas nos 3 grupos seguintes: treinamento aeróbico em meio aquático (WA), treinamento de força em meio aquático (WR) e grupo controle (GC). A duração total das intervenções, para todos os grupos experimentais, foi de 10 semanas, com 2 sessões semanais. As análises bioquímicas foram realizadas antes do início das intervenções e repetidas após o final do ensaio. Foram utilizadas equações de estimativa generalizada para comparar esses dados, estabelecendo α = 0,05. RESULTADOS: Na análise por intenção de tratar, as participantes medicadas demonstraram uma redução de magnitude maior do colesterol total (CT) (−3,41 a −25,89 mg.dl−1; p = 0,038), LDL (−5,58 a −25,18 mg.dl−1; p = 0,007) e da relação CT/HDL (−0,37 a −0,61; p = 0,022) quando comparadas às participantes não medicadas, essa redução sendo estatisticamente significativa apenas no grupo WR. CONCLUSÕES: O uso de estatina incrementa as adaptações promovidas pelo treinamento físico aquático no CT, nos níveis de LDL e na relação CT/HDL, sendo mais pronunciado após WR.