Effectiveness of exercise interventions, alone or in combination with dietary modifications, on working memory in overweight and obese individuals: A systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to establish the effectiveness of exercise interventions, alone or in combination with dietary modifications, on working memory (WM) in individuals living with overweight and obesity. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the Scopus, PubMed, Springer-Link, RefSeek, and Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant publications up to January 18, 2024. Data on participants' characteristics, intervention settings, and key outcomes related to WM were extracted. The quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. A total of 15 articles met pre-established inclusion criteria, involving participants across nine countries with a range of 12-125 individuals and ages spanning from 6 to 80 years old. Among the studies analyzed, 10 exclusively investigated exercise interventions, whereas five explored the combined effects. Notably, 70% of the exercise interventions (7 out of 10) exhibited positive improvements in WM. Likewise, 60% of the combined interventions (3 out of 5) demonstrated favorable enhancements in WM. No differences were found between the two protocols. Common features between the protocols were identified and described. Both protocols showed favorable and promising effects on WM in this clinical population. Nonetheless, the limited evidence addressing the combination of exercise and diet in the same research approach reduces the generalizability of the findings. This review offers valuable insights for future clinical and research applications in people with overweight and obesity.

Substantial parallel mediation contribution by cognitive domains in the relationship between adolescents' physical fitness and academic achievements: the Cogni-Action Project.

Objective: To determine how cognitive domains mediate the link between fitness components, their global score (GFS), and adolescents' academic achievement (ACA) across various school subjects. Methods: In this study, 1,296 adolescents aged 10-14 participated. GFS was computed by three fitness components (strength, muscular, and cardiorespiratory fitness) through the ALPHA-fitness test battery. ACA was determined by five school subjects (Language, English, Mathematics, Science, and History) and two academic scores (a) "Academic Average" (five subjects) and (b) "Academic-PISA" (Language, Mathematics, and Science). A principal component analysis was performed to establish four factors (working memory [WM], cognitive flexibility [CF], inhibitory control [IC], and fluid reasoning [FR]). A parallel mediation approach was implemented with 5,000 bootstrapped samples controlled for sex, maturity, central obesity, having breakfast before cognitive tasks, schools, and school vulnerability. Total, direct, indirect effects, and mediation percentages were estimated. Results: Overall, the finding showed a full parallel mediation effect for Language (92.5%) and English (53.9%), while a partial mediation for Mathematics (43.0%), Science (43.8%), History (45.9%), "Academic Average" (50.6%), and "Academic-PISA" (51.5%). In particular, WM, IC, and FR mediated all school subjects except mathematics, where IC was not significant. CF has not mediated any relationship between GF and academic performance. Conclusion: This study underscores the pivotal role of cognitive domains, specifically WM, IC, and FR, in mediating the link between physical fitness and academic performance in adolescents. These insights have relevant implications for educational and public health policies.

Study protocol and rationale of "the UP project": evaluating the effectiveness of active breaks on health indicators in desk-based workers.

Background: Excessive sedentary time has been negatively associated with several health outcomes, and physical activity alone does not seem to fully counteract these consequences. This panorama emphasizes the essential of sedentary time interruption programs. "The Up Project" seeks to assess the effectiveness of two interventions, one incorporating active breaks led by a professional and the other utilizing a computer application (self-led), of both equivalent duration and intensity. These interventions will be compared with a control group to evaluate their impact on physical activity levels, sedentary time, stress perception, occupational pain, and cardiometabolic risk factors among office workers. Methods: This quasi-experimental study includes 60 desk-based workers from universities and educational institutes in Valparaiso, Chile, assigned to three groups: (a) booster breaks led by professionals, (b) computer prompts that are unled, and (c) a control group. The intervention protocol for both experimental groups will last 12 weeks (only weekdays). The following measurements will be performed at baseline and post-intervention: cardiometabolic risk based on body composition (fat mass, fat-free mass, and bone mass evaluated by DXA), waist circumference, blood pressure, resting heart rate, and handgrip strength. Physical activity and sedentary time will be self-reported and device-based assessed using accelerometry. Questionnaires will be used to determine the perception of stress and occupational pain. Discussion: Governments worldwide are addressing health issues associated with sedentary behavior, particularly concerning individuals highly exposed to it, such as desk-based workers. Despite implementing certain strategies, there remains a noticeable gap in comprehensive research comparing diverse protocols. For instance, studies that contrast the outcomes of interventions led by professionals with those prompted by computers are scarce. This ongoing project is expected to contribute to evidence-based interventions targeting reduced perceived stress levels and enhancing desk-based employees' mental and physical well-being. The implications of these findings could have the capacity to lay the groundwork for future public health initiatives and government-funded programs.

Adolescents with a Favorable Mediterranean-Style-Based Pattern Show Higher Cognitive and Academic Achievement: A Cluster Analysis-The Cogni-Action Project.

A Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has emerged as a crucial dietary choice, not only in attenuating various adolescents' metabolic health issues but it has also been associated with improved cognitive and academic achievement. However, few studies have established patterns of food consumption linked to both cognitive and academic achievement in adolescents living in a developing country with non-Mediterranean-based food. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1296 Chilean adolescents (50% girls) aged 10-14 years. The MedDiet Quality Index was used to assess adherence to the MedDiet in children and adolescents. Through cluster analysis, four distinct dietary patterns were identified: Western diet (WD = 4.3%); low fruit and vegetables, high-sugar diet (LFV-HSD = 28.2%); low fruit and vegetables, low-sugar diet (LFV-LSD = 42.2%); and the MedDiet (25.3%). A mixed-model analysis was conducted to compare these clusters and their relationships with cognitive and academic achievements. Principal component analysis was performed to identify four primary cognitive domains: working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and fluid reasoning. Academic achievement was determined with five school subjects (Language, English, Mathematics, Science, and History) and included the Academic-PISA score derived from the mean scores in Language, Mathematics, and Science. Results: A marked difference was observed between the four clusters, which was mainly related to the consumption of sugar, ultra-processed foods, fruits, and vegetables. According to cognitive performance, the MedDiet group showed higher performance across all domains than the LFV-HSD, LFV-LSD, and WD groups. Regarding academic achievement, the WD underperformed in all analyses compared to the other groups, while the MedDiet was the unique profile that achieved a positive difference in all academic subjects compared to the WD and LFV-HSD groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that higher adherence to Mediterranean-style-based patterns and better food quality choices are associated with improved cognitive and academic achievements.

Asociación entre condición física y fase angular en el adulto mayor: un estudio piloto / Association between physical fitness and angular phase in older adults: a pilot study / Associação entre condição física e fase angular em idosos: um estudo piloto

El diagnóstico por bioimpedancia (BIA) y el ángulo de fase (AnF), como indicador, permiten monitorear el estado físico, de salud y nutricional en adultos mayores. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer la relación entre la condición física y valores de fase angular por bioimpedancia en un grupo de adultos mayores sedentarios. Participaron voluntariamente 24 adultos mayores sedentarios (21 mujeres y 3 hombres). A cada participante se les midió bioimpedancia, fuerza de presión manual y test de 6 minutos del Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Posteriormente se analizaron los resultados, correlacionando el ángulo de fase (AnF) y condición física cardiorrespiratoria según sexo y el AnF con la fuerza de presión manual. El 71% presentó una media de AnF por debajo de la referencia (4,5º ± 0,4), específicamente, el 67% de los hombres y el 62% de las mujeres. La correlación entre AnF y capacidad física cardiorrespiratoria arrojó un valor de R2= 0,50; p<0,0001. La asociación entre AnF y fuerza de presión manual fue de R2=0,35; p=0,0023. Se encontró una relación significativa entre una prueba de condición física cardiorrespiratoria y AnF y entre la fuerza de presión manual y AnF. Es de importancia clínica incluir parámetros objetivos de valoración celular en adultos mayores como el AnF.

The diagnosis by bioimpedance (BIA) and the phase angle (PhA) are indicators, that allow monitoring of the physical health and nutritional status of older adults. The objective of this study was to establish the relationship between physical fitness and phase angle values by bioimpedance in a group of sedentary older adults. 24 elderly sedentary volunteers participated (21 women and 3 men). Each participant underwent bioimpedance, manual dynamometry, and the 6-minute Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Subsequently, the results were analyzed, making a correlation between PhA and cardiorespiratory physical condition, another between PhA and cardiorespiratory physical condition according to sex and finally an association between PhA and handgrip strength. R71% presented a PhA mean below the reference (4.5º ± 0.4), specifically 67% of men and 62% of women. The correlation between PhA and cardiorespiratory fitness showed a value of R2= 0.50; p<0.0001. The association between PhA and handgrip strength was R2=0.35; p=0.0023. A significant relationship was found between a cardiorespiratory fitness test and PhA and between handgrip strength and PhA. It is of clinical importance to include objective cellular assessment parameters in older adults such as PhA.

O diagnóstico por bioimpedância (BIA) e ângulo de fase (AnF), como indicador, permitem monitorar o estado físico, de saúde e nutricional de idosos. O objetivo deste estudo foi estabelecer a relação entre a condição física e os valores da fase angular por bioimpedância em um grupo de idosos sedentários. Participaram voluntariamente 24 idosos sedentários (21 mulheres e 3 homens). Cada participante foi medido bioimpedância, força de pressão manual e teste de 6 minutos do Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Posteriormente, os resultados foram analisados, correlacionando o ângulo de fase (AnF) e a condição física cardiorrespiratória de acordo com o sexo e o AnF com a força de pressão manual. 71% apresentaram média do LAn abaixo da referência (4,5º ± 0,4), sendo 67% dos homens e 62% das mulheres. A correlação entre o LAn e a aptidão cardiorrespiratória deu um valor de R2= 0,50; p<0,0001. A associação entre LAn e força de pressão manual foi R2=0,35; p=0,0023. Encontrou-se relação significativa entre teste de aptidão cardiorrespiratória e NF e entre força de pressão manual e NF. É de importância clínica incluir parâmetros objetivos de avaliação celular em adultos mais velhos, como AnF.

A comparative study between traditional and sports school uniforms on cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness and waist-height-to-ratio in adolescents.

Background: Improving health of children and adolescents is crucial for their overall development. Therefore, it is essential to explore factors that may influence their health at both the public health and school system levels. Objective: This study compares physical fitness components and waist-height-to-ratio (WHtR) in adolescents according to school uniforms, namely the traditional uniform (i.e., shirt and school necktie in boys and skirt and blouse in girls) and the sports uniform (i.e., polo shirts or t-shirts and sport or short trousers). Additionally, it seeks to investigate potential differences in these measures based on sex and school type (i.e., public, subsidized, and private). Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the Chilean national learning outcome assessment system (SIMCE)-2014 and involved 8,030 adolescents. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular fitness (MF) were measured. WHtR was assessed as a health cardiovascular indicator. Mixed models and ANCOVA were performed to compare uniform types, adjusting for multiple covariates. value of p and effect size (ES) was used to establish significant results. Results: Overall, sports uniforms (SU) were linked to higher CRF (p < 0.001) than the traditional uniform (TU). Boys from private schools wearing SU presented higher CRF (p = 0.016; ES = 0.37), and a positive trend was observed for MF (p = 0.645; ES = 0.21). In subsidized, a trend was found in CRF (p = 0.005; ES = 0.16). Girls wearing SU from private schools showed a positive trend in CRF (p = 0.167; ES = 0.28). Trends in WHtR were found in both sexes from private (p = 0.555; ES = 0.24; p = 0.444; ES = 0.25, respectively). Conclusion: Wearing SU seems a promissory alternative to promote healthy physical fitness and body composition at the educational level. However, the relationship between higher physical activity and CRF, MF, and lower WHtR due to SU must be verified. Finally, when deciding to implement this measure, special attention must be paid to boys from public schools and girls from all types of schools.

Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Levels during Second Period of Lockdown in Chilean's Schoolchildren: How Bad Is It?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the levels of sedentary behaviour and physical activity in relation to sociodemographic variables of Chilean schoolchildren before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This retrospective study considered a non-random sample of 83 boys and 232 girls, and their respective parents, who attended public schools (n = 119) and private schools (n = 196) in Chile. A self-report instrument was applied that included sociodemographic variables, sedentary behaviour (SB), and physical activity (PA) in the second period of the pandemic in 2021. RESULTS: The main results show that pre-pandemic SB had significant differences when compared between sexes, except for television time. During the pandemic, there was no significant difference in television time or telephone time. There were no significant differences by sex before and during the pandemic. When comparing the SB scores, video game time in boys decreased (p < 0.001), as did video game time in girls (p < 0.001), and computer time in boys (p < 0.001) and girls (p < 0.001). Telephone time increased in boys (p < 0.001) and girls (p < 0.001), as did television time (p < 0.001). Likewise, PA increased in boys (Δ + 9.51min) and girls (Δ + 3.54 min) during the pandemic (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both PA and SB underwent changes according to sex before and during the second period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Chilean schoolchildren.

Potential Therapeutic Strategies of Regenerative Medicine for Renal Failure.

BACKGROUND: Kidney diseases are a public health problem worldwide. Available therapies include function replacement by dialysis or transplant, which are associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Likewise, none of these treatments compensate all kidney functions. There is a great concern in developing more effective therapies with the ability to replace the wide range of renal functions, so that, new studies on developing therapeutic strategies have focused on regenerative medicine. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to review the new advances in regenerative medicine for renal failure treatment. RESULTS: Regenerative medicine comprises two therapeutic strategies: cell therapy and tissue engineering. Cell therapy techniques depend on cell and tissue cultures, with the aim to replace morphological structures, tissues, and functions. The main strategic strength of cell therapy in renal failure is the incorporation of additional cells in a damaged kidney, for which purpose different kind of Stem Cells (SCs) have been used such as Embryonic SCs, induced Pluripotent SCs, Multipotent SCs, Renal SCs, or drugs that increase survival and mobilization of SCs. Tissue engineering complements cell therapy combining techniques of biological sciences and engineering to create structures and devices as scaffolds, matrices or 3D biocompatible materials. CONCLUSION: Even though there is a significant advance in regenerative medicine strategies, we are far from using any of its techniques on health institutions, due to it is necessary to evaluate side effects, biodistribution, dosage, type of administration, vehicle of cell therapy, as well as the evaluation of response time and long-term studies, among other studies.