Effects of Gluteal Muscle Strengthening Exercise-Based Core Stabilization Training on Pain and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain.

Background: The World Health Organization reports that back pain is a major cause of disorder worldwide. It is the most common musculoskeletal disorder with limited pain, muscle tension, and stiffness, and 70-80% of all individuals experience it once in their lifetime, with higher prevalence in women than in men. This study aimed to investigate the effects of gluteal muscle strengthening exercise- based core stabilization training (GSE-based CST) on pain, function, fear-avoidance patterns, and quality of life in patients with chronic back pain. Methods: This study included 34 patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. Seventeen individuals each were included in GSE-based CST and control groups. The GSE-based CST group performed GSE and CST for 15 min, three times a week for four weeks, and the control group performed CST for 30 min a day, three times a week for four weeks. The numeric pain rating scale was used to evaluate pain before and after treatment, Roland-Morris disability questionnaire was used to evaluate function, fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire was used to evaluate fear-avoidance patterns, and quality of life was measured using the short form-36. Results: In this study, pain, function, and fear-avoidance pattern decreased significantly in both groups (All p < 0.05). During the evaluation of quality of life, both groups showed significant increase in physical and mental factors (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in pain and quality of life (p < 0.05) between the GSE-based CST and control groups. Conclusions: Therefore, GSE-based CST can be used as a basis for effective intervention to enhance pain, function, fear-avoidance patterns, and quality of life, emphasizing the need for gluteal muscle strengthening exercises in patients with non-specific chronic back pain in the future.

The Effects of Resistance Training on Sport-Specific Performance of Elite Athletes: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review examines the influence of resistance training (RT) on the performance outcomes of elite athletes. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search across PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases was conducted, considering studies up to November 19, 2023. The inclusion criteria were elite athletes involved in high-level competitions. Studies were categorized by the competitive level among elite athletes, athlete's sex, performance outcomes, and a training modality with subgroup analyses based on these factors. Thirty-five studies involving 777 elite athletes were included. The results of the meta-analysis revealed a large and significant overall effect of RT on sport-specific performance (standardized mean difference, SMD = 1.16, 95% CI: 0.65, 1.66), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 84%). Subgroup analyses revealed differential effects based on the competitive level, the type of sport-specific outcomes, and sex. National elite athletes showed more pronounced (large SMD) benefits from RT compared to international elite athletes (small SMD). Global outcomes revealed a medium but non-significant (p > 0.05) SMD, while local outcomes showed a large SMD. Notably, female athletes exhibited a large SMD, though not reaching statistical significance (p > 0.05), probably due to limited study participants. No significant (p > 0.05) differences were found between heavy and light load RT. Resistance training is effective in improving sport-specific performance in elite athletes, with its effectiveness modulated by the competitive level, the type of the performance outcome, and athlete's sex. The findings underscore the need for personalized RT regimens and further research, particularly in female elite athletes, as well as advanced RT methods for international elite athletes.

Why don't women engage in muscle strength exercise? An integrative review.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Women are 'at-risk' population for failing to meet muscle strengthening guidelines. Health benefits specific to this exercise mode include maintenance of muscle mass, which is associated with reduced risk of chronic disease and falls. Of significance is the progressive decline in muscle strength exercise participation in women aged 35-54 in Australia. This period is critical for maintaining muscle strength as it establishes foundations for older women's engagement. This integrative review examined available evidence regarding factors influencing muscle strength exercise participation, specifically in women aged 35-54. METHODS: Seven databases were searched. Study inclusion criteria were: (1) peer reviewed, (2) English language, (3) sample populations of healthy female adults or general adult sample population differentiating females from males, (4) mean age between 35 and 54 years, (5) focused on muscle strength exercise and measured as the primary outcome factors of participation in muscle strength exercise. FINDINGS: Five of 1895 studies met inclusion criteria. Five key factors were associated with participation in muscle strength exercise of women aged 35-54 years: perceived time constraints; knowledge and education; modality and intensity; social support and behavioural strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Focused education on strength exercise and guidelines, plus initiatives and strategies that suit the needs of this cohort, are necessary to achieve health and wellbeing benefits. Responsive approaches by health professionals to these women's circumstances can potentially address current low participation levels. SO WHAT?: Creating conditions where health professionals respect a woman's exercise preferences can positively impact these women's musculoskeletal health into older age.

Music Timing Differentiates Fatigue Perception and Performance during Isometric Strength Exercises: A Crossover Randomised Trial.

Music is well-known to elicit ergogenic effects on exercise performance; however, the moderating role of application timing remains unclear. This study examined the effects of the timing of music on fatigue perception and performance during isometric strength exercises. Using a within-subject, randomised crossover design, twelve recreationally active young adults performed two isometric strength tasks (plank-hold and wall-sit) in three separate conditions (MEE: music played during the entire exercise task; MDF: music played during fatigue alone; CON: no music). The total time to volitional exhaustion (TTE), time to the onset of fatigue perception (TFP), heart rate, and blood lactate responses were assessed during each trial. MEE resulted in a significantly longer TTE than CON in both the plank-hold (p < 0.05, d = 0.76) and wall-sit exercises (p < 0.05, d = 0.72), whereas MDF led to a significantly longer TTE than CON in wall-sit exercises alone (p < 0.05, d = 0.60). TFP was significantly longer in MEE than in CON in both the plank-hold (p < 0.05, d = 0.54) and wall-sit exercises (p < 0.05, d = 0.64). The music condition did not influence the heart rate or blood lactate changes in any of the trials. Our results suggest that listening to music during the entire exercise can delay the onset of fatigue perception in isometric strength tasks, whereas listening to music during fatigue has only a modest effect. Athletes and exercisers should consider extending music exposure throughout the entire exercise task to maximise performance benefits.

Multicomponent Exercise Intervention for Preventing Falls and Improving Physical Functioning in Older Nursing Home Residents: A Single-Blinded Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial.

Background: Older nursing home residents are at a greater risk of falling due to frailty. Exercise is effective at hampering frailty and related adverse events, including falls. Objectives: Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of a 12-week moderate-intensity multicomponent exercise programme on the number of falls and physical functioning among older nursing home residents. Also, we examined the association between the number of falls and demographics as well as physical and cognitive baseline data. Methods: The study protocol was registered on clinicaltrials.gov with the following identifier: NCT05835297. Older adults aged 65 years and over were recruited from a nursing home, and eligible and consenting residents were randomly allocated to two parallel groups: the intervention group, which performed a multicomponent exercise programme composed of strength, balance, and aerobic training (n = 12), and the control group, which received usual care (n = 12). Outcomes included falls, and measures of strength, balance, and mobility. Results: We had high adherence to exercise sessions, and no adverse events were recorded. We observed a non-significant reduction in falls (p = 0.34) and a significant improvement in Short Physical Performance Battery (p = 0.003) after the exercise programme. Falls were associated with being female and having diminished physical or cognitive function. Conclusions: Multicomponent exercise programmes should be implemented regularly in nursing homes for their effectiveness. Future studies with bigger samples, including participants with worse physical and cognitive impairments, as well as follow-up periods are required.

Differences in risk of generalized anxiety disorder according to physical activity type in Korea adolescents: The Korea youth risk behavior web-based survey, 2020-2021.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the association between the types of physical activity (PA) and the level of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in Korean adolescents. Methods: This study analyzed data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS) for, 2020-2021. The dependent variable was the level of generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7). The GAD-7 scores were divided into four levels: normal, mild, moderate, and severe. The independent variables were moderate PA, vigorous PA, and strength exercises. Sex, school grade, body mass index, stress, depression, suicidal thoughts, violent victimization, drinking, smoking, substance abuse, sleep satisfaction, and sedentary time were selected as confounding variables. Results: The independent variable and all confounding variables showed significant differences with the level of GAD-7 (all p < .001). After adjusting for all confounding variables, we observed a 1.062 elevation in mild anxiety disorders, a 1.147 increase in moderate anxiety disorders, and a 1.218 increased incidence of severe anxiety disorders in the absence of vigorous PA. In the absence of strength exercises, there was a 1.057 elevation in mild anxiety disorders, a 1.110 increase in moderate anxiety disorders, and a 1.351 increased incidence of severe anxiety disorders. However, in the case of moderate PA, after adjusting for confounding variables, there was no significant association with GAD-7 levels. Conclusion: To prevent anxiety disorders among Korean adolescents, the type of PA should be considered. Vigorous PA or strength exercises may help prevent GAD in Korean adolescents.

Differential modulation of corticomotor excitability in older compared to young adults following a single bout of strength -exercise.

Evidence shows corticomotor plasticity diminishes with age. Nevertheless, whether strength-training, a proven intervention that induces corticomotor plasticity in younger adults, also takes effect in older adults, remains untested. This study examined the effect of a single-session of strength-exercise on corticomotor plasticity in older and younger adults. Thirteen older adults (72.3 ± 6.5 years) and eleven younger adults (29.9 ± 6.9 years), novice to strength-exercise, participated. Strength-exercise involved four sets of 6-8 repetitions of a dumbbell biceps curl at 70-75% of their one-repetition maximum (1-RM). Muscle strength, cortical, corticomotor and spinal excitability, before and up to 60-minutes after the strength-exercise session were assessed. We observed significant changes over time (p < 0.05) and an interaction between time and age group (p < 0.05) indicating a decrease in corticomotor excitability (18% p < 0.05) for older adults at 30- and 60-minutes post strength-exercise and an increase (26% and 40%, all p < 0.05) in younger adults at the same time points. Voluntary activation (VA) declined in older adults immediately post and 60-minutes post strength-exercise (36% and 25%, all p < 0.05). Exercise had no effect on the cortical silent period (cSP) in older adults however, in young adults cSP durations were shorter at both 30- and 60- minute time points (17% 30-minute post and 9% 60-minute post, p < 0.05). There were no differences in short-interval cortical inhibition (SICI) or intracortical facilitation (ICF) between groups. Although the corticomotor responses to strength-exercise were different within groups, overall, the neural responses seem to be independent of age.

Proprioceptive and Strength Exercise Guidelines to Prevent Falls in the Elderly Related to Biomechanical Movement Characteristics.

Falls are a major concern in the elderly and walking is an important daily activity in which falls occur, with tripping and slipping being the most frequent causes. Gait biomechanical parameters have been related to the occurrence of falls in the elderly. Moreover, there is evidence that falls can be prevented through exercise programs, which have been shown to be also effective in improving gait biomechanical parameters. However, a question remains: "What types of exercises must be included in exercise programs to prevent falls?". The purpose of this manuscript was to present guidelines for a fall prevention exercise program for the elderly, which was created with the aim of improving the gait biomechanical parameters related to falls. The critical review performed during the preparation of this manuscript collected important evidence and knowledge in order to create a structural basis for the development of a fall prevention exercise program. This type of program should last 6 or more weeks and be prescribed based on four movement pillars (locomotion, level changes, pulling and pushing, and rotations); however, the locomotion pillar must be the focus of the program. Proprioceptive and functional strength exercises should be included in this program. Based on the theoretical rationale, a proposal for a fall prevention exercise program is presented.

Leg-focused high-weight resistance training improves ventricular stroke volume, exercise capacity and strength in young patients with a Fontan circulation.

AIMS: Effective therapy to improve exercise capacity in Fontan patients is lacking. Leg-focused high-weight resistance training might augment the peripheral muscle pump and thereby improve exercise capacity. METHODS AND RESULTS: This randomized semi-cross-over controlled trial investigated the effects of a 12-week leg-focused high-weight resistance training plus high-protein diet, on (sub)maximal exercise capacity, cardiac function (assessed with cardiovascular magnetic resonance), muscle strength, and quality of life in paediatric Fontan patients. Twenty-eight paediatric Fontan patients were included, 27 patients, (median age 12.9 [10.5-15.7]), and successfully completed the programme. Peak oxygen uptake (PeakVO2) at baseline was reduced [33.3 mL/kg/min (27.1-37.4), 73% (62-79) of predicted]. After training PeakVO2/kg and Peak workload improved significantly with +6.2 mL/kg/min (95%CI: 3.4-9.0) (+18%) P < 0.001 and +22 Watts (95%CI: 12-32) (+18%) P < 0.001, respectively, compared to the control period. Indexed single ventricle stroke volume increased significantly [43 mL/beat/m2 (40-49) vs. 46 (41-53), P = 0.014], as did inferior vena cava flow [21 mL/beat/m2 (18-24) vs. 23 (20-28), P = 0.015], while superior vena cava flow remained unchanged. The strength of all measured leg-muscles increased significantly compared to the control period. Self-reported quality of life improved on the physical functioning and change in health domains of the child health questionnaire, parent-reported quality of life improved the bodily pain, general health perception, and change in health domains compared to the control period. CONCLUSION: In a relatively large group of 27 older Fontan children, 12-weeks of leg-focused high-weight resistance training improved exercise capacity, stroke volume, (sub)maximal exercise capacity, muscle strength, and domains of quality of life. REGISTRATION: International Clinical Trials: Trial NL8181.

Is leg-focused high-weight resistance training an effective therapy to improve reduced exercise capacity in patients with a Fontan circulation? Key Finding: Twelve weeks of leg-focused high-weight resistance training in children with a Fontan circulation improved exercise capacity, single ventricular stroke volume, (sub)maximal exercise capacity, muscle strength, and physical domains of quality of life. Take-home Message: Leg-focused high-weight resistance training results in improved exercise capacity, cardiac function, and quality of life patients with a Fontan circulation. Patients with a Fontan circulation should be motivated to perform lower limb strengthening exercises.

Obesity blunts insulin sensitivity improvements and attenuates strength gains following resistance training in nondiabetic men.

PURPOSE: Impaired insulin sensitivity is central in the etiology of type 2 diabetes in people with obesity. The effectiveness of resistance training (RE) alone in improving insulin sensitivity in people with obesity is undetermined. This study aimed to determine the influence of obesity on insulin sensitivity responses to RE. METHODS: Nineteen sedentary men were allocated to Lean (BMI 22.7 ± 2.5 kg m-2; n = 10) or Obese group (BMI 33.2 ± 3.2 kg m-2; n = 9). Participants were evaluated before and after a 10-week supervised progressive RE (3 sets of 10 repetition maximum (RM), 3 d/wk) for insulin sensitivity indexes using an oral glucose tolerance test, body composition using anthropometrics, and strength using 1RM. RESULTS: Groups were matched at baseline for all variables except for body composition and absolute strength. Body fat was not changed in both groups. Matsuda insulin sensitivity index, hepatic insulin resistance, and insulin area under the curve improved by 64.3 ± 61.9 unit, - 58.2 ± 102.9 unit, 2.3 ± 4.1 unit, and - 721.6 ± 858.2 µU/ml, respectively, only in the Lean group. The increased 1RM% for leg press was greater in the Lean (49.5 ± 18.7%) than in the Obese (31.5 ± 13.9), but not different for bench press (18.0 ± 9.1% vs. 16.4 ± 6.0%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Sustained obesity precludes insulin sensitivity improvements and attenuates strength gains in response to progressive RE. Additional strategies such as caloric restriction might be necessary for RE to improve insulin sensitivity, particularly at high levels of obesity.

Asian Female Athlete's Heart: The CHIEF Heart Study.

Background: The cardiac characteristics of Asian female endurance athletes and strength athletes have rarely been investigated. Methods: This study included 177 Taiwanese young women undergoing military training. Cardiac features were assessed by electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography. Then, all participants completed a 3000-meter run to assess endurance capacity, and 89 participants completed a 2-minute push-up test to assess muscular strength. Athletes were those whose exercise performance fell one standard deviation above the mean, and the remaining participants were defined as controls. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of the cardiac characteristics of female athletes. Results: Compared to the female controls, female endurance athletes had a greater QRS duration (ms) (92.12 ± 10.35 vs. 87.26 ± 9.89, p = 0.01) and a higher prevalence of right axis deviation (RAD) (34.9% vs. 11.1%, p < 0.001). There were no differences in any echocardiographic parameters. Greater QRS duration and RAD and lower systolic blood pressure were independent predictors of female endurance athletes [odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals: 1.05 (1.01-1.09), 2.91 (1.12-7.59) and 0.93 (0.88-0.98), respectively]. Female strength athletes had a greater right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) (mm) (28.06 ± 3.57 vs. 25.38 ± 3.61, p = 0.007) but revealed no differences in ECG variables. Greater RVOT was the only predictor of female strength athletes [OR: 1.26 (1.05-1.50)]. Conclusions: In Asian military women, a wider QRS duration and the presence of RAD in ECG rather than heart structure and function were found to characterize endurance athletes, whereas a wider RVOT but no ECG features were found to characterize strength athletes.

Efficacy of a strength-based exercise program in patients with chronic tension type headache: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Strength-based exercise is widely used to treat tension-type headache, but the evidence of its benefit is unclear. This study aims to analyze the efficacy of a strength-based exercise program in patients with chronic tension-type headaches. Methods: A randomized controlled trial with a 12-week strength-based exercise program, with chronic tension-type headache. The headache characteristics (which were the primary outcomes: frequency, duration, and intensity), cervical muscle thickness at rest or contraction of multifidus and longus-colli muscle, cervical range of motion, pain pressure threshold of temporalis, upper trapezius, masseter, tibialis muscle and median nerve, and cervical craniocervical flexion test were assessed at baseline and 12-weeks of follow-up in the intervention group (n = 20) and the control group (n = 20) was performed on 40 patients (85% women, aged 37.0 ± 13.3 years). Results: Between baseline and week-12 of follow-up the intervention group showed statistically significant differences compared to control group in the following primary outcomes: duration and intensity of headaches. In addition, the intervention group improved the thickness of deep cervical muscles, reduced the peripheral sensitization, and improved the strength of deep cervical flexors. Conclusion: A 12-week strength training of neck and shoulder region induced changes in pain intensity and duration, and physical-related factors in patients with TTH. Future interventions are needed to investigate if normalization of pain characteristics and physical factors can lead to an increase of headache-related impact.

Acute Effects of Selective Strength Exercise on the Peroneus Longus and Brevis.

The peroneus muscles are muscles that mainly act in ankle eversion and can be divided into PL and PB, which have different but important roles in foot and ankle functions. Therefore, PL and PB dysfunction can lead to foot and ankle issues, making. selective strength exercise necessary. This study aimed to identify the effect of two different exercise techniques on PL and PB morphologies. Two interventions were performed on separate days: the PL intervention, in which a Thera-Band® was placed on the ball of the foot and pushed out from the contact point, and the PB intervention, in which the Thera-Band® was pulled from the base of the fifth metatarsal. Cross-sectional area (CSA) and thickness of the peroneus muscles at 25% (showing the PL morphology) and 75% (showing the PB morphology) proximal to the line connecting the fibular head and lateral malleolus, as well as ankle strength was measured before and immediately after the interventions and at 10, 20, and 30 min later. A repeated-measures two-way analysis of variance was conducted to identify differences in the effects of the interventions on the PL and PB. Main and interaction effects on CSA, thickness, and ankle strength, with a significant increase in CSA and thickness in the proximal 25% in the PL intervention and the distal 75% in the PB intervention immediately after implementation, were observed (p < 0.05). The transient increase in muscle volume due to edema immediately after exercise indicates the acute effect of exercise. The CSA and thickness of the proximal 25% in the PL intervention and the distal 75% in the PB intervention increased immediately after the intervention, indicating that these interventions can be used to selectively exercise the PL and PB.

Efectos de un programa de rehabilitación cardíaca fase iii en la capacidad funcional y composición corporal en pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica / Effects of a Phase III cardiac rehabilitation program on functional capacity and body composition for coronary heart disease

Introducción y objetivos: Los programas de rehabilitación cardíaca (PRC) fase III han sido poco investigados tanto por los métodos de entrenamiento como por las modalidades de administración. Estudiamos los efectos en capacidad funcional, composición corporal y adherencia a la actividad física de un PRC interdisciplinar basado en ejercicio terapéutico aeróbico combinado con fuerza muscular tras síndrome coronario agudo. Diseño del estudio: Ensayo clínico aleatorizado. Métodos: Ochenta pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica estable y función sistólica preservada fueron incluidos posteriormente a un PRC fase II. Se distribuyeron en grupo control (GC), con ejercicio autónomo y grupo experimental (GE), con ejercicio aeróbico combinado con fuerza muscular comunitaria, además de estrategia educativa de mensajería telefónica instantánea. Ambos grupos realizaron terapia grupal hospitalaria. Se compararon los resultados de capacidad funcional, composición corporal y nivel de actividad física tras 12 meses. Resultados: La capacidad funcional presentó niveles más altos en el GE en la prueba de marcha de 6min, 26,03m (DE: 27,4; p<0,001), y en la ergometría incremental convencional, 0,6METs (DE: 2,2; p=0,021). El nivel de actividad física domiciliaria medido con el cuestionario IPAQ en el GE incrementó 90,38min/semana (DE: 79,7; (p=0,047), y disminuyó el tiempo sedentario entresemana −50,3min/día (DE: 94,5; p=0,001). Ambos grupos aumentaron el tejido adiposo, sobre todo el GC 1,4% (DE: 3,1; p=0,039). Conclusiones: Los pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo que realizaron un PRC fase III comunitario durante 12 meses, mediante ejercicio terapéutico aeróbico combinado con fuerza muscular y estrategias educativas de mensajería telefónica instantánea, presentaron niveles más altos en capacidad funcional y actividad física reportada.(AU)

Introduction and objectives: The effects of a phase III cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) have been insufficiently studied in terms of training methods and administration. We studied the impact on functional capacity, body composition and physical activity engagement of interdisciplinary program based on aerobic and community strength therapeutic exercise after an acute coronary syndrome. Trial design: Randomised clinical trial. Methods: Eighty consecutive patients with stable ischemic heart disease and preserved systolic function before phase II CRP were included. They were distributed into a control group (CG), with autonomous exercise, and an experimental group (EG), that follows supervised community program based on aerobic exercise and overload dynamic muscle strength, and an educational strategy through short messaging. Both groups underwent monthly inpatient group therapy. Results were compared after 12 months. Results: Functional capacity presented higher levels in the EG and measured by the 6-min walk test (26.0±27.4m; P<.001), and maximal exercise test (0.6±2.2METs; P=.021). Home physical activity measured in minutes by IPAQ questionnaire increased more in the EG (90±78min/week) (P=.047), and the sitting time during the week decreased (−50.25±94.48min/day) (P=.001). There were no differences in body mass index, although we found a higher percentage of adipose tissue in CG after 12 months (P=.039). Conclusions: A multidisciplinary community phase III CRP based on aerobic and dynamic muscle strength therapeutic exercise combined with a short message service educational strategy was feasible. After 12 months, patients in the EG presented higher levels on functional capacity, reported higher physical activity engagement compared to the CG.(AU)

Short-term strength exercise reduces the macrophage M1/M2 ratio in white adipose tissue of obese animals.

Obesity can exacerbate the systemic inflammatory process, leading to increased infiltration of monocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) and polarization of these cells into pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages, while reducing the population of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. Aerobic exercise has been shown to be effective in reducing the pro-inflammatory profile. However, the impact of strength training and the duration of training on macrophage polarization in the WAT of obese individuals have not been widely studied. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the effects of resistance exercise on macrophage infiltration and polarization in the epididymal and subcutaneous adipose tissue of obese mice. We compared the following groups: Control (CT), Obese (OB), Obese 7-day strength training (STO7d), and Obese 15-day strength training (STO15d). Macrophage populations were evaluated by flow cytometry: total macrophages (F4/80+), M1 (CD11c), and M2 (CD206) macrophages. Our results demonstrated that both training protocols improved peripheral insulin sensitivity by increasing AKT phosphorylation (Ser473). Specifically, the 7-day training regimen reduced total macrophage infiltration and M2 macrophage levels without altering M1 levels. In the STO15d group, significant differences were observed in total macrophage levels, M1 macrophages, and the M1/M2 ratio compared to the OB group. In the epididymal tissue, a reduction in the M1/M2 ratio was observed in the STO7d group. Overall, our data demonstrate that 15 days of strength exercise can reduce the M1/M2 ratio of macrophages in white adipose tissue.

Effect of a 24-Week Concurrent Exercise Intervention on Neck Adiposity and Its Distribution in Young Adults: The ACTIBATE Randomized Controlled Trial.

Neck adipose tissue (NAT) accumulation and neck circumference are independent predictors of cardiometabolic risk (CMR) and low-grade chronic inflammation in young adults. The present study examines whether a 24-week concurrent exercise intervention can reduce NAT volume and neck circumference in young adults, and whether any changes in these variables are related to changes in body composition, CMR, and the inflammatory profile. Seventy-four participants (51 women, age 22 ± 2 years) were included in the main analyses, after being randomly assigned to either a (a) control (n = 34), (b) moderate-intensity exercise (n = 19), or (c) vigorous-intensity exercise (n = 21) group. Participants in the exercise groups trained 3-4 days/week (endurance + resistance exercise training). NAT volume and NAT distribution across different depots were estimated using computed tomography before and after the intervention. Anthropometric variables, body composition (determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), and CMR/inflammatory markers were also recorded. The exercise intervention did not reduce the total NAT volume, nor was NAT distribution affected (p > .05). However, it did reduce neck circumference in the vigorous-intensity exercise group compared with the moderate-intensity exercise and control groups (by 0.8 and 1 cm, respectively, p ≤ .05). Changes in total NAT and neck circumference were positively, albeit weakly, related (adj. R2: .05-.21, all p ≤ .05) to changes in body weight and adiposity, leptin (only total NAT), and CMR (only neck circumference). Altogether 24 weeks of concurrent exercise does not appear to reduce NAT accumulation in young adults, but may slightly reduce neck circumference in those who partake in vigorous exercise.

Effect of resistance exercise training on plasma neurofilaments in multiple sclerosis: a proof of concept for future designs.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a dysimmune and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system that continues to be one of the main causes of non-traumatic disability in young people despite the recent availability of highly effective drugs. Exercise-based interventions seem to have a positive impact on the course of the disease although pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for this benefit remain unclear. This is a longitudinal study to examine the effects of a short-term training program on neurofilament plasma levels, a biomarker of axonal destruction, measured using the ultrasensitive single molecule array (SiMoA). Eleven patients completed a 6-week supervised resistance-training program of 18 sessions that consisted of 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions of 7 exercises. Median plasma neurofilament levels significantly decreased from baseline (6.61 pg/ml) to 1 week after training intervention (4.44 pg/ml), and this effect was maintained after 4 weeks of detraining (4.38 pg/ml). These results suggest a neuroprotective effect of resistance training in this population and encourage us to investigate further the beneficial impact of physical exercise and to emphasize the importance of lifestyle in MS.

Exercise-based interventions on sleep quality in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: An umbrella and mapping review with meta-analysis.

The main aim of this umbrella review was to assess the impact of exercise-based interventions (EBIs) on sleep quality in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). We searched systematically in PubMed, PEDro, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar. Methodological quality was analyzed using AMSTAR and ROBIS scale, and the strength of evidence was established according to GRADE. Nine systematic reviews were included. Meta-analysis (MA) of primary studies (n = 42) were performed with a random-effects model. The MA revealed a moderate statistically significant effect of EBIs (SMD=-0.46 [-0.69 to -0.23]). Subgroup analyses by type of exercise showed significant effect of body-mind exercises (SMD=-0.55 [-0.86 to -0.23]) and combined exercises (SMD=-1.11 [-2.12 to -0.11]) but not for aerobic (SMD=-0.04 [-0.15 to 0.07]) or strength (SMD=-0.52 [-1.14 to 0.1]) exercises in isolation. The results obtained showed that EBIs were effective in improving sleep quality compared to minimal intervention, no intervention or usual care, with a low certainty of evidence. Subgroup analyses showed that mind-body and combined exercises elicited the strongest effect, while aerobic and strength exercise in isolation did not show significant effects.

Acute changes in serum and skeletal muscle steroids in resistance-trained men.

Introduction: Resistance exercise can significantly increase serum steroid concentrations after an exercise bout. Steroid hormones are involved in the regulation of several important bodily functions (e.g., muscle growth) through both systemic delivery and local production. Thus, we aimed to determine whether resistance exercise-induced increases in serum steroid hormone concentrations are accompanied by enhanced skeletal muscle steroid concentrations, or whether muscle contractions per se induced by resistance exercise can increase intramuscular steroid concentrations. Methods: A counterbalanced, within-subject, crossover design was applied. Six resistance-trained men (26 ± 5 years; 79 ± 8 kg; 179 ± 10 cm) performed a single-arm lateral raise exercise (10 sets of 8 to 12 RM - 3 min rest between sets) targeting the deltoid muscle followed by either squat exercise (10 sets of 8 to 12 RM - 1 min rest) to induce a hormonal response (high hormone [HH] condition) or rest (low hormone [LH] condition). Blood samples were obtained pre-exercise and 15 min and 30 min post-exercise; muscle specimens were harvested pre-exercise and 45 min post-exercise. Immunoassays were used to measure serum and muscle steroids (total and free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, dihydrotestosterone, and cortisol; free testosterone measured only in serum and dehydroepiandrosterone only in muscle) at these time points. Results: In the serum, only cortisol significantly increased after the HH protocol. There were no significant changes in muscle steroid concentrations after the protocols. Discussion: Our study provides evidence that serum steroid concentration increases (cortisol only) seem not to be aligned with muscle steroid concentrations. The lack of change in muscle steroid after protocols suggests that resistance-trained individuals were desensitized to the exercise stimuli. It is also possible that the single postexercise timepoint investigated in this study might be too early or too late to observe changes. Thus, additional timepoints should be examined to determine if RE can indeed change muscle steroid concentrations either by skeletal muscle uptake of these hormones or the intramuscular steroidogenesis process.

Effects of Resistance Exercise on Cognitive Performance and Depressive Symptoms in Community-Dwelling Older Chinese Americans: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Previous literature has suggested physical exercise may improve cognitive impairments and mitigate depressive symptoms. However, few studies examined the impact of resistance exercise intervention on cognition and depression in older Chinese Americans. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the effects of resistance exercise training on cognitive performance and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older Chinese Americans. The study was a two-arm randomized controlled trial with pre-test/post-test design. Thirty older adults were randomly assigned into the resistance exercise intervention group or the wait-list control group. Participants' cognitive performance and depressive symptoms were evaluated at baseline (pre-test) and at 12 weeks (post-test). The results showed that there were significant differences between the intervention and control groups on changes in symptoms of depression, global cognitive function, visuospatial/executive functions, attention, language, and orientation. However, there were no significant differences between both groups on changes in naming, abstraction, and delayed recall domains. The findings of this study suggest that resistance exercise training has a positive impact on improving cognitive performance and depressive symptoms in older adults.