Exercise as a tool to mitigate metabolic disease.

Metabolic diseases, notably obesity and type 2 diabetes, have reached alarming proportions and constitute a significant global health challenge, emphasizing the urgent need for effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. In contrast, exercise training emerges as a potent intervention, exerting numerous positive effects on metabolic health through adaptations to the metabolic tissues. Here, we reviewed the major features of our current understanding with respect to the intricate interplay between metabolic diseases and key metabolic tissues, including adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver, describing some of the main underlying mechanisms driving pathogenesis, as well as the role of exercise to combat and treat obesity and metabolic disease.

Maternal exercise preserves offspring cardiovascular health via oxidative regulation of the ryanodine receptor.

OBJECTIVE: The intrauterine environment during pregnancy is a critical factor in the development of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in offspring. Maternal exercise prevents the detrimental effects of a maternal high fat diet on the metabolic health in adult offspring, but the effects of maternal exercise on offspring cardiovascular health have not been thoroughly investigated. METHODS: To determine the effects of maternal exercise on offspring cardiovascular health, female mice were fed a chow (C; 21% kcal from fat) or high-fat (H; 60% kcal from fat) diet and further subdivided into sedentary (CS, HS) or wheel exercised (CW, HW) prior to pregnancy and throughout gestation. Offspring were maintained in a sedentary state and chow-fed throughout 52 weeks of age and subjected to serial echocardiography and cardiomyocyte isolation for functional and mechanistic studies. RESULTS: High-fat fed sedentary dams (HS) produced female offspring with reduced ejection fraction (EF) compared to offspring from chow-fed dams (CS), but EF was preserved in offspring from high-fat fed exercised dams (HW) throughout 52 weeks of age. Cardiomyocytes from HW female offspring had increased kinetics, calcium cycling, and respiration compared to CS and HS offspring. HS offspring had increased oxidation of the RyR2 in cardiomyocytes coupled with increased baseline sarcomere length, resulting in RyR2 overactivity, which was negated in female HW offspring. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest a role for maternal exercise to protect against the detrimental effects of a maternal high-fat diet on female offspring cardiac health. Maternal exercise improved female offspring cardiomyocyte contraction, calcium cycling, respiration, RyR2 oxidation, and RyR2 activity. These data present an important, translatable role for maternal exercise to preserve cardiac health of female offspring and provide insight on mechanisms to prevent the transmission of cardiovascular diseases to subsequent generations.

Dual SGLT1/SGLT2 Inhibitor Phlorizin Ameliorates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Hepatic Glucose Production in Type 2 Diabetic Mice.

PURPOSE: NAFLD is a hepatic component of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), in which impaired hepatic glucose production plays an important role. Inhibitors of sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) reduce glycemia and exert beneficial effects on diabetic complications. Recently, dual SGLT1/2 inhibition has been proposed to be more effective in reducing glycemia. We hypothesized that improving hepatic glucose metabolism induced by SGLT1/2 inhibition could be accompanied by beneficial effects on NAFLD progression. METHODS: Glycemic homeostasis, hepatic glucose production and NAFLD features were investigated in obese T2D mice, treated with SGLT1/2 inhibitor phlorizin for 1 week. RESULTS: T2D increased glycemia; insulinemia; hepatic expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and glucose transporter 2 (Slc2a2 gene); hepatocyte nuclear factors 1A/4A/3B-binding activity in Slc2a2; endogenous glucose production; liver weight, plasma transaminase concentration as well as hepatic inflammation markers, and induced histological signals of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, according to NASH-CRN Pathology Committee System). Phlorizin treatment restored all these parameters (mean NASH score reduced from 5.25 to 2.75 P<0.001); however, plasma transaminase concentration was partially reverted and some hepatic inflammation markers remained unaltered. CONCLUSION: NAFLD accompanies altered hepatic glucose metabolism in T2D mice and that greatly ameliorated through short-term treatment with the dual SGLT1/2 inhibitor. This suggests that altered hepatic glucose metabolism participates in T2D-related NAFLD and highlights the pharmacological inhibition of SGLTs as a useful approach not only for controlling glycemia but also for mitigating development and/or progression of NAFLD.

Does moderate-intensity continuous training result in greater total energy expenditure compared to high-intensity interval training?

Recently in the Journal of Sports Sciences, Schaun et al. published a study on the comparison of energy expenditure between high-intensity interval training and moderate continuous training performed in water. With this Letter to the Editor, we would like to comment on the methodological aspects that should be considered to analyze the results presented, as well as the conclusions. Abbreviations: CONT, moderate-intensity continuous training; EPOC, excess post-exercise oxygen consumption; HIIT, high-intensity interval training; VO2max, maximal oxygen consumption.

MicroRNAs-Mediated Regulation of Skeletal Muscle GLUT4 Expression and Translocation in Insulin Resistance.

The solute carrier family 2 facilitated glucose transporter member 4 (GLUT4) plays a key role in the insulin-induced glucose uptake by muscle and adipose tissues. In prediabetes and diabetes, GLUT4 expression/translocation has been detected as reduced, participating in mechanisms that impair glycemic control. Recently, a class of short endogenous noncoding RNAs named microRNAs (miRNAs) has been increasingly described as involved in the posttranscriptional epigenetic regulation of gene expression. The present review focuses on miRNAs potentially involved in the expression of GLUT4 expression, and proteins related to GLUT4 and translocation in skeletal muscle, seeking to correlate them with insulin resistance and diabetes. So far, miR-21a-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-29c-3p, miR-93-5p, miR-106b-5p, miR-133a-3p, miR-133b-3p, miR-222-3p, and miR-223-3p have been reported to directly and/or indirectly regulate the GLUT4 expression; and their expression is altered under diabetes-related conditions. Besides, some miRNAs that have been linked to the expression of proteins involved in GLUT4 translocation machinery in muscle could also impact glucose uptake. That makes these miRNAs promising targets for preventive and/or therapeutic approaches, which could improve glycemic control, thus deserving future new investigations.

Dysregulation between TRIM63/FBXO32 expression and soleus muscle wasting in diabetic rats: potential role of miR-1-3p, -29a/b-3p, and -133a/b-3p.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) induces a variable degree of muscle sarcopenia, which may be related to protein degradation and to the expression of both E3 ubiquitin ligases and some specific microRNAs (miRNAs). The present study investigated the effect of diabetes and acute muscle contraction upon the TRIM63 and FBXO32 expression as well as the potential involvement of some miRNAs. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin and studied after 30 days. Soleus muscles were harvested, stimulated to contract in vitro for twitch tension analysis (0.5 Hz), 30 min later for tetanic analysis (100 Hz), and 30 min later were frozen. TRIM63 and FBXO32 proteins were quantified by western blotting; Trim63 mRNA, Fbxo32 mRNA, miR-1-3p, miR-29a-3p, miR-29b-3p, miR-133a-3p, and miR-133b-3p were quantified by qPCR. Diabetes induced sarcopenia by decreasing (P < 0.05) muscle weight/tibia length index, maximum tetanic contraction and relaxation rates, and absolute twitch and tetanic forces (P < 0.05). Diabetes decreased (P < 0.05) the Trim63 and Fbxo32 mRNAs (30%) and respective proteins (60%), and increased (P < 0.01) the miR-29b-3p (2.5-fold). In muscle from diabetic rats, acute contractile stimulus increased TRIM63 protein, miR-1-3p, miR-29a-3p, and miR-133a/b-3p, but decreased miR-29b-3p (P < 0.05). Independent of the metabolic condition, after muscle contraction, both TRIM63 and FBXO32 proteins correlated significantly with miR-1-3p, miR-29a/b-3p, and miR-133a/b-3p. All diabetes-induced regulations were reversed by insulin treatment. Concluding, the results depict that muscle wasting in long-term insulinopenic condition may not be accompanied by increased proteolysis, pointing out the protein synthesis as an important modulator of muscle sarcopenia in DM.

Efeitos da suplementação de fibras solúveis, dieta de cafeteria e exercício físico sobre aorta torácica de ratos / Effects of supplementation by soluble fibers, cafeteria diet and physical exercise on rats´ thoracic aorta

As fibras alimentares vêm despertando interesse de especialistas das áreas de nutrição e saúde. Elas contribuem para a redução do risco de desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares, além de ajudar no processo de perda de peso, principalmente quando seu consumo é associado à atividade física. Entretanto existem poucos trabalhos associando o uso de fibras solúveis à uma dieta hipercalórica e ao exercício físico. Assim, objetivo desse estudo foi investigar os efeitos das fibras solúveis sobre a aorta torácica e perfil lipídico de ratos machos wistar sedentários e treinados submetidos à dieta de cafeteria. Os parâmetros morfométrico e estereológico: espessura íntima-média e densidade de volume do músculo liso e do colágeno e o perfil lipídico foram determinados. Não foram observadas alterações na espessura da parede vascular, densidade de volume do músculo liso e colágeno. No entanto, o perfil lipídico apresentou-se alterado com o uso da dieta de cafeteria. A fibra alimentar associada ao treinamento aeróbio e a uma dieta balanceada apresentou resultado eficaz, não alterando a morfologia do vaso.

Food fibers have recently been in the limelight of nutrition and health experts. They reduce the development of cardiovascular diseases and help in the process of loss weight especially when their intake is associated with physical activity. However, few studies are extant on the use of soluble fibers associated to a hypercalorie diet and physical exercise. Current analysis deals with the effects of soluble fibers on the thoracic aorta and lipid profile of sedentary and trained male Wistar rats subjected to a cafeteria diet. Morphometric and stereological parameters comprised mid thickness and density of the volume of the smooth muscle and collagen, and lipid profile. No changes were reported on the thickness of the vascular wall, density of volume of the smooth muscle and collagen. However, lipid profile was modified due to the cafeteria diet. Food fiber associated with aerobic training and with a balanced diet provided an efficacious result with no alteration in the vase´s morphology.

The Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Post-Training Recovery in Jiu-Jitsu Athletes.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of using hyperbaric oxygen therapy during post-training recovery in jiu-jitsu athletes. METHODS: Eleven experienced Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes were investigated during and following two training sessions of 1h30min. Using a cross-over design, the athletes were randomly assigned to passive recovery for 2 hours or to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (OHB) for the same duration. After a 7-day period, the interventions were reversed. Before, immediately after, post 2 hours and post 24 hours, blood samples were collected to examine hormone concentrations (cortisol and total testosterone) and cellular damage markers [creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)]. Moreover, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and recovery (RPR) scales were applied. RESULTS: Final lactate [La] values (control: 11.9 ± 1.4 mmol/L, OHB: 10.2 ± 1.4 mmol/L) and RPE [control: 14 (13-17 a.u.), OHB: 18 (17-20 a.u.)] were not significantly different following the training sessions. Furthermore, there was no difference between any time points for blood lactate and RPE in the two experimental conditions (P>0.05). There was no effect of experimental conditions on cortisol (F1,20 = 0.1, P = 0.793, η2 = 0.00, small), total testosterone (F1,20 = 0.03, P = 0.877, η2 = 0.00, small), CK (F1,20 = 0.1, P = 0.759, η2 = 0.01, small), AST (F1,20 = 0.1, P = 0.761, η2 = 0.01, small), ALT (F1,20 = 0.0, P = 0.845, η2 = 0.00, small) or LDH (F1,20 = 0.7, P = 0.413, η2 = 0.03, small). However, there was a difference between the two experimental conditions in RPR with higher values at post 2 h and 24 h in OHB when compared to the control condition (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, it can be concluded that OHB exerts no influence on the recovery of hormonal status or cellular damage markers. Nonetheless, greater perceived recovery, potentially due to the placebo effect, was evident following the OHB condition.

Insulin acutely triggers transcription of Slc2a4 gene: participation of the AT-rich, E-box and NFKB-binding sites.

AIMS: The insulin-sensitive glucose transporter protein GLUT4 (solute carrier family 2 member 4 (Slc2a4) gene) plays a key role in glycemic homeostasis. Decreased GLUT4 expression is a current feature in insulin resistant conditions such as diabetes, and the restoration of GLUT4 content improves glycemic control. This study investigated the effect of insulin upon Slc2a4/GLUT4 expression, focusing on the AT-rich element, E-box and nuclear factor NF-kappa-B (NFKB) site. MAIN METHODS: Rat soleus muscles were incubated during 180 min with insulin, added or not with wortmannin (phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit gamma isoform (PI3K)-inhibitor), ML9 (serine/threonine protein kinase (AKT) inhibitor) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF, GLUT4 repressor), and processed for analysis of GLUT4 protein (Western blotting); Slc2a4, myocyte enhancer factor 2a/d (Mef2a/d), hypoxia inducible factor 1a (Hif1a), myogenic differentiation 1 (Myod1) and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells 1 (Nfkb1) messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) (polymerase chain reaction (PCR)); and AT-rich- (myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2 (MEF2)-binding site), E-box- (hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1A)- and myoblast determination protein 1 (MYOD1)-binding site), and NFKB-binding activity (electrophoretic mobility assay). KEY FINDINGS: Insulin increased Slc2a4 mRNA expression (140%) and nuclear proteins binding to AT-rich and E-box elements (~90%), all effects were prevented by wortmannin and ML9. Insulin also increased Mef2a/d and Myod1 mRNA expression, suggesting the participation of these transcriptional factors in the Slc2a4 enhancing effect. Conversely, insulin decreased Nfkb1 mRNA expression and protein binding to the NFKB-site (~50%). Furthermore, TNF-induced inhibition of GLUT4 expression (~40%) was prevented by insulin in an NFKB-binding repressing mechanism. GLUT4 protein paralleled the Slc2a4 mRNA regulations. SIGNIFICANCE: Insulin enhances the Slc2a4/GLUT4 expression in the skeletal muscle by activating AT-rich and E-box elements, in a PI3K/AKT-dependent mechanism, and repressing NFKB-site activity as well. These results unravel how post-prandial increase of insulin may guarantee GLUT4 expression, and how the insulin signaling impairment can participate in insulin resistance-induced repression of GLUT4.

Use of the anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate associated to strength training in Wistar rats / Uso do esteróide anabólico decanoato de nandrolona associado ao treinamento de força em ratos Wistar

Anabolic steroids have been constantly used among athletes and physically active individuals. Adverse effects of such use are reported in the literature. However, little is known about the effects of anabolic steroid use associated with strength training. Thus, this research aimed to identify possible morphophysiological alterations in Wistar rats treated with the anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate and submitted to strength training. Twenty Wistar rats were divided in four groups: sedentary control (SC), sedentary hormone (SH), trained control (TC) and trained hormone (TH). After the experimental protocol period, animals were killed and body weight, adiposity, renal and hepatic injury markers, plasmatic lipid profile, glycemia, and insulinemia were determined. The experimental conditions strength training and nandrolone decanoate (isolated or associated) were positively correlated to a reduction on visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue. The association of strength training with nandrolone decanoate was the most effective condition to increase muscle mass. Heart and kidneys weights, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration were also negatively modified. The data demonstrated effects of anabolic steroids in body composition, with better results when associated with strength training, but collateral effects were observed.

Os esteróides anabólicos são usados indiscriminadamente entre atletas e praticantes de atividades físicas sendo que os efeitos adversos desse uso constam na literatura. Contudo, pouco se sabe dos efeitos do uso de esteróides anabólicos associados ao treinamento de força. Assim, este estudo objetivou identificar possíveis alterações morfofisiológicas em ratos Wistar tratados com decanoato de nandrolona e submetidos ao treinamento de força. Para atingir tal propósito, vinte ratos Wistar foram divididos em quatro grupos: sedentário controle (SC), sedentário hormônio (SH), treinado controle (TC) e treinado hormônio (TH). Após o período experimental, foram analisados o peso corporal, a adiposidade, marcadores de lesões hepáticas e renais, o perfil lipídico, a glicemia e a insulinemia. Foram observados efeitos do treinamento de força e do uso de decanoato de nandrolona (isolados ou associados) nos tecidos adiposos viscerais e subcutâneo. A associação de treinamento de força e uso de decanoato de nandrolona foi mais efetiva para aumentar a massa muscular. Os pesos dos rins e coração, e concentrações de aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL) foram negativamente modificados. Os dados demonstram efeitos do esteróide anabólico sobre a composição corporal, com melhores resultados obtidos com a associação ao treinamento de força, contudo efeitos colaterais foram observados.

Suplementação de ácido linoleico conjugado associado ao exercício físico em parâmetros morfofuncionais de ratos submetidos à dieta de cafeteria / Supplementation of conjugated linoleic acid combined with exercise on morphofunctional parameters of rats submitted to cafeteria diet

O estudo investigou as alterações morfofuncionais da suplementação do Ácido Linoleico Congugado CLA em animais obesos treinados e sedentários alimentados com dieta de cafeteria. Foram utilizados ratos Wistar, aleatoriamente divididos em quatro grupos: sedentário controle (SCON), sedentário tratado com CLA (SCLA), treinado controle (TCON) e treinado tratado com CLA (TCLA). Todos os grupos receberam dieta de cafeteria e os grupos SCLA e TCLA foram tratados com CLA a 0,5% da dieta, cinco vezes/semana durante dois meses via gavagem. Os grupos TCLA e TCON foram submetidos a treinamento aeróbio, cinco vezes/semana, durante dois meses. A suplementação de CLA, isolada ou combinada ao treinamento físico, não resultou em diminuição da massa corporal dos animais, embora ambas as intervenções propiciassem diminuição dos coxins subcutâneos de gordura (SCLA, TCON e TCLA vs SCON, p<0,05). O grupo TCLA melhorou a resposta à insulina ainda que a glicemia em jejum não tenha apresentado diferença entre os grupos. Os níveis de triglicerídeos mostraram-se aumentados nos animais suplementados com CLA (SCLA e TCLA vs SCON e TCON, p<0,05) e as concentrações plasmáticas de colesteróis e marcadores de lesões hepática não diferiram entre os grupos. Contudo, os animais que fizeram uso de CLA apresentaram maior infiltração de lipídeos no fígado. O estudo contribui para o entendimento da ação do CLA combinado ou não ao exercício físico associado à dieta de cafeteria no controle da obesidade. No entanto, a extrapolação dos resultados para seres humanos ainda deve ser visto com cautela.

This study investigated the morphofunctional changes of CLA supplementation in trained and sedentary obese animals fed a cafeteria diet. Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: sedentary control (SCON), sedentary treated with CLA (SCLA), trained control (TCON) and trained treated with CLA (TCLA). All groups received the cafeteria diet and SCLA and TCLA groups were treated at a proportion of 0.5% from intake food, 5 times a week for 2 months via gavage. TCON and TCLA groups were subjected to an aerobic exercise training program, 5 times a week for 2 months. CLA supplementation, alone or combined with physical training did not lead to reduced body weight of animals, although both interventions have led to reduction of subcutaneous fat pads (SCLA, TCLA vs SCON and TCON, p <0.05). The TCLA group showed an enhanced insulin response even when fasting blood glucose remained unchanged between the groups. Triglyceride levels were higher in animals supplemented with CLA (SCLA and TCLA vs SCON, p <0.05) but total cholesterol and markers of liver injury were not different between the groups. However, animals that were treated with CLA showed increased lipid infiltration in the liver. The present study contributes to the understanding of CLA action combined or not to exercises associated with the cafeteria diet to control obesity. However, the extrapolations of results to human need to be confirmed in future studies.

Perfil morfológico de atletas de elite de Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu / Morphological profile of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu elite athletes

Atletas de diversas modalidades esportivas categorizadas pela massa corporal a reduzem para se enquadrarem em categorias inferiores. Essas reduções podem comprometer o desempenho e a saúde dos atletas. Para a determinação da categoria mais adequada é de suma importância o conhecimento da composição corporal, para que se evite a redução excessiva. Desta forma, o presente estudo buscou analisar o perfil morfológico de atletas de elite de Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A amostra constitui-se de 11 atletas com 25,8 ± 3,3 anos, medalhistas em competições de nível nacional e/ou internacional. Realizou-se análise antropométrica para determinação de composição corporal e somatotipo. Observou-se percentual de gordura (10,3 ± 2,6%) dentro das indicações para esta população, alto percentual de massa muscular (61,3 ± 1,5%), assim como componente mesomórfico predominante (5,5 ± 1,0). Os pontos de maior e menor acúmulo de gordura foram as regiões abdominal (15,7 ± 6,3mm) e peitoral (6,8 ± 1,5mm), respectivamente. Conclui-se que atletas desta modalidade em período preparatório apresentam peso superior ao peso competitivo (4,4 ± 2,4%), embora apresentem níveis de massa gorda dentro das recomendações, alto percentual de massa muscular e componente mesomórfico predominante.

Athletes from many sports that are categorized by body mass tend to reduce it to fit in lower categories. Such reduction can compromise the athlete's performance and health. In order to determine the most appropriate category, the body composition is highly relevant, especially to avoid excessive reduction. Thus, this study analyzed the morphological profile of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu elite athletes. The sample was composed of 11 athletes, aged 25.8 ± 3.3 years, medalists in national and/or international competitions. The analysis was performed to determine the anthropometric body composition and somatotype. Body fat score from this population was 10.3 ± 2.6 % fat, a high percentage of muscle mass (61.3 ± 1.5 %), and predominant mesomorphic component (5.5 ± 1.0) was observed. The points of highest and lowest fat accumulation were respectively abdominal (15.7 ± 6.3 mm) and chest (6.8 ± 1.5 mm) regions. It can be concluded that athletes from this sport showed higher body mass during the preparatory period than in competitive conditions (4.4 ± 2.4 %); however, they showed low body fat, high muscle mass percentage and predominant mesomorphic component.

O uso de academias da terceira idade por idosos modifica parâmetros morfofuncionais? / Does the use of third age fitness centers by the elderly modify morphofunctional parameters?

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar as características morfofuncionais de usuários de Academias da Terceira Idade (ATIs) na cidade de Maringá, Estado do Paraná. O estudo contou com 86 indivíduos (28 homens (67,8 ± 5,4 anos) e 58 mulheres (67,6 ± 6,0 anos)). Os parâmetros morfofuncionais foram divididos em antropométricos (Índice de Massa Corporal - IMC e a Relação Cintura-Quadril - RCQ) e funcionais (níveis pressóricos - PA). Foi usada a estatística descritiva para tratamento dos dados. Em relação ao estado nutricional, homens apresentaram valores maiores de IMC em comparação às mulheres. Quanto à distribuição regional de gordura, as mulheres apresentaram RCQ mais alto quando separados pelos diferentes estratos, embora em valores absolutos a média masculina tenha sido maior. Quanto a PA, homens mostraram tendência de valores mais elevados, mas ambos os gêneros tiveram reduções nos valores de PA na reavaliação, especialmente as mulheres. É possível concluir que o período de três a seis meses de prática nas ATIs não foi capaz de produzir mudanças significativas nos parâmetros morfológicos de indivíduos acima de 60 anos, independente do gênero. Modificações na função cardiovascular sinalizam importantes reduções nos níveis pressóricos, indicando que a prescrição individualizada e a regularidade de atividade física são essenciais para a obtenção de melhoras mais expressivas.

The objective of the study was to analyze the morphofunctional characteristics from users of Third Age Fitness Centers (TAFC) in the city of Maringá, Parana State. The study involved 86 individuals ­ 28 men (67.8 ± 5.4 years of age old) and 58 women (67.6 ± 6.0 years old). The morphofunctional parameters were divided into anthropometric (Body Mass Index ­ BMI and Waist-Hip Ratio ­ WHR) and functional (blood pressure ­ BP). The method used for data processing was descriptive statistics. With regard to nutritional status, men showed higher BMI values compared to women. As for regional body fat distribution, women had higher WHR when separated by different strata, although in absolute values the male average was higher. As for BP, men showed a trend for higher values, but both genders had reductions in BP values in the reassessment, especially women. We can conclude that the three to six-month period of practice at ATA was not able to produce significant changes in the morphologic parameters of individuals over 60 years of age old, regardless of gender. Changes in cardiovascular function indicate important reductions in blood pressure levels, indicating that individualized prescription and regular physical activity are essentials to achieving most significant improvements.