Pro-Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), but Not Mature BDNF, Is Expressed in Human Skeletal Muscle: Implications for Exercise-Induced Neuroplasticity.

Exercise promotes brain plasticity partly by stimulating increases in mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF), but the role of the pro-BDNF isoform in the regulation of BDNF metabolism in humans is unknown. We quantified the expression of pro-BDNF and mBDNF in human skeletal muscle and plasma at rest, after acute exercise (+/- lactate infusion), and after fasting. Pro-BDNF and mBDNF were analyzed with immunoblotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Pro-BDNF was consistently and clearly detected in skeletal muscle (40-250 pg mg-1 dry muscle), whereas mBDNF was not. All methods showed a 4-fold greater pro-BDNF expression in type I muscle fibers compared to type II fibers. Exercise resulted in elevated plasma levels of mBDNF (55%) and pro-BDNF (20%), as well as muscle levels of pro-BDNF (∼10%, all P < 0.05). Lactate infusion during exercise induced a significantly greater increase in plasma mBDNF (115%, P < 0.05) compared to control (saline infusion), with no effect on pro-BDNF levels in plasma or muscle. A 3-day fast resulted in a small increase in plasma pro-BDNF (∼10%, P < 0.05), with no effect on mBDNF. Pro-BDNF is highly expressed in human skeletal muscle, particularly in type I fibers, and is increased after exercise. While exercising with higher lactate augmented levels of plasma mBDNF, exercise-mediated increases in circulating mBDNF likely derive partly from release and cleavage of pro-BDNF from skeletal muscle, and partly from neural and other tissues. These findings have implications for preclinical and clinical work related to a wide range of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, clinical depression, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Aerobic exercise improves verbal working memory sub-processes in adolescents: behavioral evidence from an N-back task.

Background: Studies on the effects of aerobic exercise on working memory (WM) have mainly concentrated on the overall effects, yet there is little knowledge on how moderate intensity aerobic exercise impacts the sub-processes of verbal WM (VWM) in adolescents. To address this gap, two experiments were conducted to explore the influence of aerobic exercise on the maintenance and updating sub-processes of VWM. Methods: In Experiment 1, a mixed experimental design of 2 (exercise habit: high vs. low) × 3 (memory load: 0-back vs. 1-back vs. 2-back) was used to compare VWM and its sub-processes in 40 adolescents. In Experiment 2, a 2 (group: intervention vs. control) × 3 (time point: pretest vs. 1st post-test vs. 18th post-test) × 3 (memory load: 0-back vs. 1-back vs. 2-back) mixed experimental design was used to investigate the acute and long-term effects of moderate intensity aerobic exercise on VWM and its sub-processes in 24 adolescents with low exercise habits. Results: The results of Experiment 1 showed that VWM performance and its sub-processes in the high exercise habit group were better than those in the low exercise habit group. The results of Experiment 2 showed that the effects of the long-term exercise intervention were superior to those of the acute exercise intervention, and both were superior to the pretest. Meanwhile, it was found that aerobic exercise intervention had a greater effect size on the updating sub-process of VWM. Conclusion: In conclusion, the results indicated that moderate intensity aerobic exercise could enhance the performance of VWM and its sub-processes in adolescents, and long-term intervention showed greater improvement effects compared to acute intervention, especially in the updating sub-process of VWM.

The 24-h movement behaviours composition is associated with parasympathetic modulation in preschoolers.

AIM: To investigate the associations between 24-h movement behaviours and heart rate variability (HRV) in preschool children. METHODS: A total of 123 preschoolers (4.52 ± 0.25 years old; 62 girls) were assessed for physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) using an accelerometer (Actigraph WGT3x). Sleep duration (SD) was parent-reported. Children were laid down in a supine position for 10 min to assess HRV data. The R-R intervals recorded during the last 5 min of this period were analysed. We conducted compositional analysis in R studio, and the significance level was 95%. All ethical procedures were followed, and the study had the approval of the local ethical board. RESULTS: When considered as a composition, adjusted for age, body mass index and sex, the 24-h movement composition (PA, SB and SD) significantly predicted better parasympathetic modulation (Root mean square of the successive differences [RMSSD] [p = 0.04; r2 = 0.13]), but not high frequency (HF) (nu) (p = 0.51, r2 = 0.01), low frequency (nu) (p = 0.52, r2 = 0.02),or standard deviation (standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals) (p = 0.55, r2 = 0.02), respectively. CONCLUSION: These results suggest the 24-h movement composition predicted the RMSSD time-domain index related to parasympathetic activity.

Are incremental exercise relationships between rating of perceived exertion and oxygen uptake or heart rate reserve valid during steady-state exercises?

Background: Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is considered a valid method for prescribing prolonged aerobic steady-state exercise (SSE) intensity due to its association with physiological indicators of exercise intensity, such as oxygen uptake (V̇O2) or heart rate (HR). However, these associations between psychological and physiological indicators of exercise intensity were found during graded exercise tests (GXT) but are currently used to prescribe SSE intensity even though the transferability and validity of the relationships found during GXT to SSE were not investigated. The present study aims to verify whether (a) RPE-HR or RPE-V̇O2 relations found during GXTs are valid during SSEs, and (b) the duration and intensity of SSE affect these relations. Methods: Eight healthy and physically active males (age 22.6 ± 1.2 years) were enrolled. On the first visit, pre-exercise (during 20 min standing) and maximal (during a GXT) HR and V̇O2 values were measured. Then, on separate days, participants performed 4 SSEs on the treadmill by running at 60% and 80% of the HR reserve (HRR) for 15 and 45 min (random order). Individual linear regressions between GXTs' RPE (dependent variable) and HRR and V̇O2 reserve (V̇O2R) values (computed as the difference between maximal and pre-exercise values) were used to predict the RPE associated with %HRR (RPEHRR) and %V̇O2R (RPEV̇O2R) during the SSEs. For each relation (RPE-%HRR and RPE-%V̇O2R), a three-way factorial repeated measures ANOVA (α = 0.05) was used to assess if RPE (dependent variable) was affected by exercise modality (i.e., RPE recorded during SSE [RPESSE] or GXT-predicted), duration (i.e., 15 or 45 min), and intensity (i.e., 60% or 80% of HRR). Results: The differences between RPESSE and GXT-predicted RPE, which were assessed by evaluating the effect of modality and its interactions with SSE intensity and duration, showed no significant differences between RPESSE and RPEHRR. However, when RPESSE was compared with RPEV̇O2R, although modality or its interactions with intensity were not significant, there was a significant (p = 0.020) interaction effect of modality and duration yielding a dissociation between changes of RPESSE and RPEV̇O2R over time. Indeed, RPESSE did not change significantly (p = 0.054) from SSE of 15 min (12.1 ± 2.0) to SSE of 45 min (13.5 ± 2.1), with a mean change of 1.4 ± 1.8, whereas RPEV̇O2R decreased significantly (p = 0.022) from SSE of 15 min (13.7 ± 3.2) to SSE of 45 min (12.4 ± 2.8), with a mean change of -1.3 ± 1.5. Conclusion: The transferability of the individual relationships between RPE and physiological parameters found during GXT to SSE should not be assumed as shown by the results of this study. Therefore, future studies modelling how the exercise prescription method used (e.g., RPE, HR, or V̇O2) and SSE characteristics (e.g., exercise intensity, duration, or modality) affect the relationships between RPE and physiological parameters are warranted.

Re-evaluating the Need for Routine Maximal Aerobic Capacity Testing within Fighter Pilots.

INTRODUCTION: There is a current belief in aviation suggesting that aerobic training may reduce G-tolerance due to potential negative impacts on arterial pressure response. Studies indicate that increasing maximal aerobic capacity (V˙o2 max) through aerobic training does not hinder G-tolerance. Moreover, sustained centrifuge training programs revealed no instances where excessive aerobic exercise compromised a trainee's ability to complete target profiles. The purpose of this review article is to examine the current research in the hope of establishing the need for routine V˙o2-max testing in air force pilot protocols.METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, the Aerospace Medical Association, and Military Medicine was conducted. Keywords related to "human performance," "Air Force fighter pilots," "aerobic function," and "maximal aerobic capacity" were used in various combinations. Articles addressing exercise physiology, G-tolerance, physical training, and fighter pilot maneuvers related to human performance were considered. No primary data collection involving human subjects was conducted; therefore, ethical approval was not required.RESULTS: The V˙o2-max test provides essential information regarding a pilot's ability to handle increased Gz-load. It assists in predicting G-induced loss of consciousness by assessing anti-G straining maneuver performance and heart rate variables during increased G-load.DISCUSSION: V˙o2-max testing guides tailored exercise plans, optimizes cardiovascular health, and disproves the notion that aerobic training hampers G-tolerance. Its inclusion in air force protocols could boost readiness, reduce health risks, and refine training for fighter pilots' safety and performance. This evidence-backed approach supports integrating V˙o2-max testing for insights into fitness, risks, and tailored exercise.Zeigler Z, Acevedo AM. Re-evaluating the need for routine maximal aerobic capacity testing within fighter pilots. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(5):273-277.

Association between physical activity and allostatic load among pregnant women.

Allostatic load (AL) in pregnant women is associated with maternal and infant health outcomes. Whether physical activity (PA) is a modifiable factor associated with AL during pregnancy is unknown. In this cross-sectional study, including 725 pregnant women in 3 different trimesters, 8 biomarkers were included, and the high-risk quartile approach based on sample distribution was used to construct AL index (ALI). ALI <2 was defined as a low level and ≥2 as a high level. Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test and chi-squared test or Fisher exact test were used to compare differences in AL with different demographic characteristics among pregnant women. The relationship between PA and AL in pregnant women was analyzed using a binary logistic regression model. The results show that the detection rate of high-risk AL during pregnancy was 47.3%. In the adjusted model, sufficient PA was related to a lower AL than insufficient PA (OR = .693, 95%CI:.494,.971; p = .033). Compared with low- and high-intensity PAs, moderate-intensity PA was associated with lower AL (OR = .645, 95%CI:.447,.930; p = .019). The results suggest that PA is a modifiable factor related to AL, and intervention is recommended to be carried out in the first trimester to prevent the increased likelihood of high AL as pregnancy progresses. In addition, health care personnel should encourage pregnant women to participate in PA, especially moderate-intensity PA, in order to obtain lower AL and promote maternal and child health.

Associations of body composition with physical activity, nutritional intake status, and chronotype among female university students in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Having higher muscle mass in early adulthood is an important factor in preventing sarcopenia. However, university students undergo lifestyle changes compared to their high school years, which may lead to changes in body composition, such as an increase in body fat and a decrease in muscle mass. The study aimed to investigate the association between body composition and lifestyle behaviors, including chronotype, among Japanese female university students, due to the prevalence of underweight among young females in the country. METHODS: The physical activity level (PAL), daily dietary intake status, morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ) score, and body composition of 230 students were assessed in this cross-sectional study. Body composition was measured using a multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer, and body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (%BF), and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) were determined. RESULTS: Individuals who were evening type (ET) had a higher %BF and lower SMI than those who were non-ET, but no differences in body weight or BMI were found. Although ET individuals had lower total energy intake, protein intake, and PALs than non-ETs, the differences were small. However, multiple regression analyses showed that SMI was significantly positively associated with MEQ and PAL, and %BF was significantly negatively associated with MEQ and PAL. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that female university students with lateness of chronotype and low physical activity have a body composition imbalance resulting in higher body fat and lower muscle mass. Therefore, young females may need to take chronotype-specific measures (especially ET individuals) to help them maintain an appropriate body composition.

More People, More Active, More Often for Heart Health - Taking Action on Physical Activity.

Physical inactivity is a leading contributor to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Almost 500 million new cases of preventable noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) will occur globally between 2020 and 2030 due to physical inactivity, costing just over US$300 billion, or around US$ 27 billion annually (WHO 2022). Active adults can achieve a reduction of up to 35% in risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Physical activity also helps in moderating cardiovascular disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, unhealthy weight and type 2 diabetes. For people with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and many cancers, physical activity is an established and evidence-based part of treatment and management. For children and young people, physical activity affords important health benefits. Physical activity can also achieve important cross-sector goals. Increased walking and cycling can reduce journeys by vehicles, air pollution, and traffic congestion and contribute to increased safety and liveability in cities.

Effects of static exercises on hip muscle fatigue and knee wobble assessed by surface electromyography and inertial measurement unit data.

Hip muscle weakness can be a precursor to or a result of lower limb injuries. Assessment of hip muscle strength and muscle motor fatigue in the clinic is important for diagnosing and treating hip-related impairments. Muscle motor fatigue can be assessed with surface electromyography (sEMG), however sEMG requires specialized equipment and training. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are wearable devices used to measure human motion, yet it remains unclear if they can be used as a low-cost alternative method to measure hip muscle fatigue. The goals of this work were to (1) identify which of five pre-selected exercises most consistently and effectively elicited muscle fatigue in the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and rectus femoris muscles and (2) determine the relationship between muscle fatigue using sEMG sensors and knee wobble using an IMU device. This work suggests that a wall sit and single leg knee raise activity fatigue the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, and rectus femoris muscles most reliably (p < 0.05) and that the gluteus medius and gluteus maximus muscles were fatigued to a greater extent than the rectus femoris (p = 0.031 and p = 0.0023, respectively). Additionally, while acceleration data from a single IMU placed on the knee suggested that more knee wobble may be an indicator of muscle fatigue, this single IMU is not capable of reliably assessing fatigue level. These results suggest the wall sit activity could be used as simple, static exercise to elicit hip muscle fatigue in the clinic, and that assessment of knee wobble in addition to other IMU measures could potentially be used to infer muscle fatigue under controlled conditions. Future work examining the relationship between IMU data, muscle fatigue, and multi-limb dynamics should be explored to develop an accessible, low-cost, fast and standardized method to measure fatiguability of the hip muscles in the clinic.

Effect of an eight-week high-intensity interval training programme on circulating sphingolipid levels in middle-aged adults at elevated cardiometabolic risk (SphingoFIT)-Protocol for a randomised controlled exercise trial.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence indicates that sphingolipid accumulation drives complex molecular alterations promoting cardiometabolic diseases. Clinically, it was shown that sphingolipids predict cardiometabolic risk independently of and beyond traditional biomarkers such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. To date, little is known about therapeutic modalities to lower sphingolipid levels. Exercise, a powerful means to prevent and treat cardiometabolic diseases, is a promising modality to mitigate sphingolipid levels in a cost-effective, safe, and patient-empowering manner. METHODS: This randomised controlled trial will explore whether and to what extent an 8-week fitness-enhancing training programme can lower serum sphingolipid levels of middle-aged adults at elevated cardiometabolic risk (n = 98, 50% females). The exercise intervention will consist of supervised high-intensity interval training (three sessions weekly), while the control group will receive physical activity counselling based on current guidelines. Blood will be sampled early in the morning in a fasted state before and after the 8-week programme. Participants will be provided with individualised, pre-packaged meals for the two days preceding blood sampling to minimise potential confounding. An 'omic-scale sphingolipid profiling, using high-coverage reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, will be applied to capture the circulating sphingolipidome. Maximal cardiopulmonary exercise tests will be performed before and after the 8-week programme to assess patient fitness changes. Cholesterol, triglycerides, glycated haemoglobin, the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, static retinal vessel analysis, flow-mediated dilatation, and strain analysis of the heart cavities will also be assessed pre- and post-intervention. This study shall inform whether and to what extent exercise can be used as an evidence-based treatment to lower circulating sphingolipid levels. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06024291) on August 28, 2023.

Association between intensity of physical activity and cognitive function in hypertensive patients: a case-control study.

Previous studies have shown that a higher intensity of physical activity (PA) is associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment (CI), whereas hypertension is associated with higher CI. However, there are few studies on the association between PA intensity and cognitive function in hypertensive patients. This study investigated the association between PA intensity and cognitive function in hypertensive patients. A total of 2035 hypertensive patients were included in this study, including 407 hypertensive patients with CI and 1628 hypertensive patients with normal cognitive function matched 1:4 by age and sex. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form and the Mini-mental State Examination were used to evaluate PA intensity, total metabolic equivalents, and cognitive function in patients with hypertension. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between PA intensity and CI in hypertensive patients. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between PA intensity and the total score of each component of the MMSE and the correlation between PA total metabolic equivalents and cardiac structure in hypertensive patients. After adjusting for all confounding factors, PA intensity was negatively associated with CI in hypertensive patients (OR = 0.608, 95% CI: 0.447-0.776, P < 0.001), and this association was also observed in hypertensive patients with education level of primary school and below and junior high school and above (OR = 0.732, 95% CI: 0.539-0.995, P = 0.047; OR = 0.412, 95% CI: 0.272-0.626, P < 0.001). The intensity of PA in hypertensive patients was positively correlated with orientation (r = 0.125, P < 0.001), memory (r = 0.052, P = 0.020), attention and numeracy (r = 0.151, P < 0.001), recall ability (r = 0.110, P < 0.001), and language ability (r = 0.144, P < 0.001). PA total metabolic equivalents in hypertensive patients were negatively correlated with RVEDD and LAD (r = - 0.048, P = 0.030; r = - 0.051, P = 0.020) and uncorrelated with LVEDD (r = 0.026, P = 0.233). Higher PA intensity reduced the incidence of CI in hypertensive patients. Therefore, hypertensive patients were advised to moderate their PA according to their circumstances.

Exploring exercise-driven exerkines: unraveling the regulation of metabolism and inflammation.

Exercise has many beneficial effects that provide health and metabolic benefits. Signaling molecules are released from organs and tissues in response to exercise stimuli and are widely termed exerkines, which exert influence on a multitude of intricate multi-tissue processes, such as muscle, adipose tissue, pancreas, liver, cardiovascular tissue, kidney, and bone. For the metabolic effect, exerkines regulate the metabolic homeostasis of organisms by increasing glucose uptake and improving fat synthesis. For the anti-inflammatory effect, exerkines positively influence various chronic inflammation-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis. This review highlights the prospective contribution of exerkines in regulating metabolism, augmenting the anti-inflammatory effects, and providing additional advantages associated with exercise. Moreover, a comprehensive overview and analysis of recent advancements are provided in this review, in addition to predicting future applications used as a potential biomarker or therapeutic target to benefit patients with chronic diseases.

Exercise Across the Phases of Cancer Survivorship: A Narrative Review.

Exercise has long been recognized as an important component of treatment for various diseases. However, the benefits and risks of exercise interventions must be carefully evaluated to ensure the former outweighs the latter. As cancer patients undergo diverse treatment modalities with distinct objectives, a systematic approach partitioning the cancer journey into distinct phases is necessary to inform tailored exercise prescriptions. This narrative review summarizes exercise benefits and mechanisms for cancer patients and survivors across four distinct survivorship periods-before surgery, after surgery and before adjuvant treatment, during nonsurgical treatment (adjuvant and neoadjuvant), and during extended survival. In summary, exercise reduces the risks of complications and declines in physical functioning while improving fatigue, quality of life, and the ability to manage treatment effects. Although additional research is warranted, existing evidence is sufficient to integrate exercise into clinical oncology practice and cancer survivorship programs.

Sagittal spinal curvatures of young adults in the context of their self-reported physical activity and somatic parameters.

The objective of this study was to assess the thoracic kyphosis (ThKA) and lumbar lordosis (LLA) in healthy young adults and to investigate potential relationships between spinal curvatures, self-reported physical activity (PA), and somatic parameters. The study included 380 female students and 211 male students aged 20.7 ± 1.5 years. The ThKA and LLA were measured using a Plurimeter-V gravity inclinometer. The level of PA was estimated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. ThKA was lower in women compared to men, while LLA was higher in women than in men (p < 0.0001). Female students reported lower PA than male students (p < 0.001). Female students with ThKA within normal values reported a significantly higher amount of low-intensity PA compared to those with ThKA below or above the norm. A correlation was found between ThKA and body mass index (BMI), body adiposity index (BAI), WC, and fat percentage (rho < 0.2), whereas LLA showed correlations with BMI, BAI, waist circumference, and fat percentage (rho < 0.2). Among male students, a correlation was found between LLA and BMI as well as WC (rho < 0.2). Maintaining a healthy body composition may be instrumental in mitigating the risk of developing spinal curvature abnormalities.

Exploring the Educational Social and Physical Activities Among Health Care Undergraduates - a Cross-Sectional Study Among Saudi Students.

BACKGROUND The time spent on diverse social, physical, and educational activities among healthcare undergraduates (HCUs) tremendously impacts their academic and personal lives. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the social, physical, and educational activities among HCUs at King Saud University (KSU) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (SA). MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional, self-prepared, and pre-tested e-questionnaire (electronic questionnaire) based study using a convenience sampling design in a university in SA from August 21 to November 21, 2023 was conducted to assess their various activities outside of classes, using a 16-item e-questionnaire to investigate time spent on social (4 items), physical (3 items), and educational activities (3 items). RESULTS A total of 452 HCUs completed the e-questionnaires, giving a response rate of 92.62%. Of them, 50.45% were females, the median age was 23 years, and 32.08% (n=145) were medical undergraduates. About 57% of the HCUs spent 1-2 h per day on educational activities during the day, while 32.7% of the HCUs spent 2 h per day on social media, and 62.6% spent 3-4 h per day with family. The findings revealed that the 140 females spent significantly more time (1-2 h) reading and writing compared to the 117 male HCUs (P=0.001). Age was found to be associated with time spent on education by HCUs (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings among HCUs show that most spend a significant amount of time on educational activities during the day. Undergraduates also spend time with their families and participate in other social activities.

Effects of multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation on everyday life physical activity and gait in patients with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis is a progressive neurological disease that affects the central nervous system, resulting in various symptoms. Among these, impaired mobility and fatigue stand out as the most prevalent. The progressive worsening of symptoms adversely alters quality of life, social interactions and participation in activities of daily living. The main objective of this study is to bring new insights into the impact of a multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation on supervised walking tests, physical activity (PA) behavior and everyday gait patterns. METHODS: A total of 52 patients, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, were evaluated before and after 3 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation. Each measurement period consisted of clinical assessments and 7 days home monitoring using foot-mounted sensors. In addition, we considered two subgroups based on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores: 'mild' (EDSS < 5) and 'severe' (EDSS ≥ 5) disability levels. RESULTS: Significant improvements in fatigue, quality of life and perceived mobility were reported. In addition, walking capacity, as assessed by the 10-m walking test, two-minute walk test and timed-up-and-go test, improved significantly after rehabilitation. Regarding the home assessment, mildly disabled patients significantly increased their locomotion per day and complexity of daily PA pattern after rehabilitation, while severely disabled patients did not significantly change. There were distinct and significant differences in gait metrics (i.e., gait speed, stride length, cadence) between mildly and severely disabled patients, but the statistical models did not show a significant overall rehabilitation effect on these gait metrics. CONCLUSION: Inpatient rehabilitation showed beneficial effects on self-reported mobility, self-rated health questionnaires, and walking capacity in both mildly and severely disabled patients. However, these improvements do not necessarily translate to home performance in severely disabled patients, or only marginally in mildly disabled patients. Motivational and behavioral factors should also be considered and incorporated into treatment strategies.

Effect of low versus high balance training complexity on balance performance in male adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to determine the effects of low (i.e., balance task only) versus high (i.e., balance task combined with an additional motor task like dribbling a basketball) balance training complexity (6 weeks of training consisting of 2 × 30 min balance exercises per week) on measures of static and dynamic balance in 44 healthy male adolescents (mean age: 13.3 ± 1.6 years). RESULTS: Irrespective of balance training complexity, significant medium- to large-sized pretest to posttest improvements were detected for static (i.e., One-Legged Stance test, stance time [s], 0.001 < p ≤ 0.008) and dynamic (i.e., 3-m Beam Walking Backward test, steps [n], 0.001 < p ≤ 0.002; Y-Balance-Test-Lower-Quarter, reach distance [cm], 0.001 < p ≤ 0.003) balance performance. Further, in all but one comparison (i.e., stance time with eyes opened on foam ground) no group × test interactions were found. These results imply that balance training is effective to improve static and dynamic measures of balance in healthy male adolescents, but the effectiveness seems unaffected by the applied level of balance training complexity.

The relationship between workload and exercise-induced cardiac troponin elevations is influenced by non-obstructive coronary atherosclerosis.

The relationship between exercise-induced troponin elevation and non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) is unclear. This observational study assessed non-obstructive CAD's impact on exercise-induced cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) elevation in middle-aged recreational athletes. cTnI levels of 40 well-trained recreational athletes (73% males, 50 ± 9 years old) were assessed by a high-sensitive cTnI assay 24 h before, and at 3 and 24 h following two high-intensity exercises of different durations; a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), and a 91-km mountain bike race. Workload was measured with power meters. Coronary computed tomography angiography was used to determine the presence or absence of non-obstructive (<50% obstruction) CAD. A total of 15 individuals had non-obstructive CAD (Atherosclerotic group), whereas 25 had no atherosclerosis (normal). There were higher post-exercise cTnI levels following the race compared with CPET, both at 3 h (77.0 (35.3-112.4) ng/L vs. 11.6 (6.4-22.5) ng/L, p < 0.001) and at 24 h (14.7 (6.7-16.3) vs. 5.0 (2.6-8.9) ng/L, p < 0.001). Absolute cTnI values did not differ among groups. Still, the association of cTnI response to power output was significantly stronger in the CAD versus Normal group both at 3 h post-exercise (Rho = 0.80, p < 0.001 vs. Rho = -0.20, p = 0.33) and 24-h post-exercise (Rho = 0.87, p < 0.001 vs. Rho = -0.13, p = 0.55). Exercise-induced cTnI elevation was strongly correlated with exercise workload in middle-aged athletes with non-obstructive CAD but not in individuals without CAD. This finding suggests that CAD influences the relationship between exercise workload and the cTnI response even without coronary artery obstruction.

Physical activity components associated with gait parameters in community-dwelling older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between components of physical activity and spatiotemporal gait parameters in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 134 independent community-dwelling older adults. A questionnaire was applied to obtain information related to the components of physical activity (frequency, duration, modality, and history of physical activity in the life course) and the GAITRite System was used to quantify gait parameters. Three MANOVA models adjusted for potential confounders were conducted to identify associations between components of physical activity (predictors) and gait performance (outcome). RESULTS: Higher weekly frequency but not daily hours of physical activity and sports practice (tennis, boxing, football, volleyball, and tai chi) were significantly associated with better gait performance, specifically gait speed and stride length. CONCLUSION: Understanding the most effective components of physical activity to maintain functional capacity and independence in community-dwelling older adults, allowing for active aging, is essential for formulating more effective strategies.