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Purpose: Albeit being a major determinant of exercise-related energy expenditure (EE), there is a lack of research on the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) after different exercise modalities in older adults. This study compared the EPOC after isocaloric bouts of resistance (RE) and aerobic (AE) exercise. Methods: The EE during exercise was determined through telemetric indirect calorimetry in ten physically active participants aged 63 to 82 years (5 women, 73 ± 6 years, 70.5 ± 9.9 kg, 161 ± 8 cm). The target EE in AE corresponded to values achieved during RE, and the EPOC was assessed for 30 min in the supine position. Results: The EE during AE and RE were 126.0 ± 30.7 kcal and 123.9 ± 30.6 kcal, respectively. The time to achieve the target EE was 2.3 times shorter in AE vs . RE. The EPOC magnitude was greater after AE (7.9 ± 2.4 L, 40.1 ± 11.1 kcal) than RE (5.9 ± 1.8 L, 26.9 ± 11.5 kcal). Conclusion: Older adults showed greater EPOC after isocaloric sessions of AE vs . RE. Additionally, AE had better temporal efficiency than RE to elicit a given EE.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of heat stress on postexercise hypotension., Methods: Seven untrained men, aged 21-33 years, performed two cycling bouts at 60% of oxygen uptake reserve expending 300 kcal in environmental temperatures of 21 °C (TEMP) and 35 °C (HOT) in a randomized, counter-balanced order. Physiological responses were monitored for 10-min before and 60-min after each exercise bout, and after a non-exercise control session (CON). Blood pressure (BP) also was measured during the subsequent 21-h recovery period., Results: Compared to CON, systolic, and diastolic BPs were significantly reduced in HOT (Δ = - 8.3 ± 1.6 and - 9.7 ± 1.4 mmHg, P < 0.01) and TEMP (Δ = - 4.9 ± 2.1 and - 4.5 ± 0.9 mmHg, P < 0.05) during the first 60 min of postexercise recovery. Compared to TEMP, rectal temperature was 0.6 °C higher (P = 0.001), mean skin temperature was 1.8 °C higher (P = 0.013), and plasma volume (PV) was 2.6 percentage points lower (P = 0.005) in HOT. During the subsequent 21-h recovery period systolic BP was 4.2 mmHg lower in HOT compared to CON (P = 0.016) and 2.5 mmHg lower in HOT compared to TEMP (P = 0.039)., Conclusion: Exercise in the heat increases the hypotensive effects of exercise for at least 22 h in untrained men with elevated blood pressure. Our findings indicate that augmented core and skin temperatures and decreased PV are the main hemodynamic mechanisms underlying a reduction in BP after exercise performed under heat stress.

de Paula, T, Neves, MF, da Silva Itaborahy, A, Monteiro, W, Farinatti, P, and Cunha, FA. Recovery pattern of cardiac autonomic control after aerobic and strength exercises in overweight prehypertensive men. J Strength Cond Res 33(10): 2743-2752, 2019-The extent to which postexercise cardiac autonomic control depends on exercise modality remains unclear, particularly among individuals with autonomic dysfunction (cardiac autonomic dysfunction [CADysf]). This study compared heart rate variability (HRV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) responses to acute aerobic exercise (AE) and strength exercise (SE) in men with CADysf. Twenty men were assigned into control (n = 10: 33.8 ± 3.0 years; 23.7 ± 1.5 kg·m) and CADysf (n = 10: 36.2 ± 9.8 years; 28.4 ± 2.6 kg·m) groups. Cardiac autonomic dysfunction underwent AE, SE, and a nonexercise control day (control session [CTL]) in a randomized, counter-balanced order. Heart rate variability and BRS were assessed in a supine position during 25 minutes of recovery after AE, SE, and CTL. Both HRV indices (p ≤ 0.05; effect size [Cohen's d]: >1.4) and BRS at rest were significantly lower in CADysf than those in controls (p < 0.01; effect size [Cohen's d]: ≥1.36). In CADysf, postexercise increases in heart rate, sympathetic activity (low-frequency [LF] band), and sympathovagal balance (LF:high-frequency [HF] ratio), as well as decreases in R-R interval, parasympathetic activity (HF band), and BRS were observed in AE (p ≤ 0.05; effect size [Cohen's d]: ≥1.31) and SE (p ≤ 0.05; effect size [Cohen's d]: ≥0.79) vs. CTL, but changes were larger after AE than SE (p ≤ 0.05; effect size [Cohen's d]: ≥0.73). In conclusion, both AE and SE elicited postexercise changes in HRV and BRS among CADysf men, primarily reflected by lowered vagal modulation, increased sympathovagal balance, and a delayed BRS recovery pattern. However, those changes seem to be more likely to occur after AE than SE.

Cordeiro, R, Monteiro, W, Cunha, F, Pescatello, LS, and Farinatti, P. Influence of acute concurrent exercise performed in public fitness facilities on ambulatory blood pressure among older adults in Rio de Janeiro city. J Strength Cond Res 32(10): 2962-2970, 2018-The project "Third-Age Academies'" (TAAs) is a public policy providing supervised physical activities to over 40,000 seniors at open-access facilities (squares etc.) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We investigated whether TAA concurrent exercise circuit induced postexercise hypotension (PEH) in individuals older than 60 years. Blood pressure (BP) was measured by 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) after counterbalanced CEX and nonexercise (CONT) sessions (n = 16; 66.8 ± 1.4 years; systolic/diastolic BP (SBP/DBP): 132.5 ± 4.3/78.0 ± 2.8 mm Hg). For statistical analyses purposes, groups were divided as exhibiting normal SBP (≤120 mm Hg) or high SBP (>120 mm Hg), based on 24-hour ABPM after CONT. The CEX included 2 aerobic and 9 resistance exercises performed alternately in circuit order (40 minutes at 60-70% heart rate reserve using body mass or fixed loads). 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring lowered in individuals with high BP (n = 11; medicated = 5) (SBP: -6.5 ± 1.9 mm Hg; mean arterial pressure [MAP]: -4.3 ± 1.5 mm Hg; p < 0.015), particularly within the first 5-6 hours after exercise (SBP: -13.5 ± 2.6 mm Hg; DBP: -9.4 ± 2.2 mm Hg; and MAP: -11.4 ± 1.6 mm Hg, p < 0.05). Significant BP lowering was not detected among participants with normal BP (n = 5; medicated = 4). In conclusion, CEX provoked PEH in older adults with prehypertension to established hypertension. Because of the potential of TAAs to reach large numbers of older adults, our findings are encouraging and should be confirmed in subsequent studies.

This study investigated cardiorespiratory responses and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during prolonged walking and running exercise performed at the walk-run transition speed (WRTS) in untrained healthy elderly men. 20 volunteers (mean±SE, age: 68.4±1.2 yrs; height: 170.0±0.02 cm; body mass: 74.7±2.3 kg) performed the following bouts of exercise: a) maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET); b) specific protocol to detect WRTS; and c) two 30-min walking and running bouts at WRTS. Expired gases were collected during exercise bouts via the Ultima CardiO 2 metabolic analyzer. Compared to walking, running at the WRTS resulted in higher oxygen uptake (>0.27 L·min -1 ), pulmonary ventilation (>7.7 L·min -1 ), carbon dioxide output (>0.23 L·min -1 ), heart rate (>15 beats·min -1 ), oxygen pulse (>0.88 15 mL·beats -1 ), energy expenditure (>27 kcal) and cost of oxygen transport (>43 mL·kg -1 ·km -1 ·bout -1 ). The increase of overall and local RPEs with exercise duration was similar across locomotion modes (P<0.001). In all participants, %HRR and %VO 2 R throughout walking and running bouts were around or above the gas exchange threshold. In conclusion, elderly men exhibited higher cardiorespiratory responses during 30-min bouts of running than walking at WRTS. Nevertheless, walking corresponded to relative metabolic intensities compatible with preservation or improvement of cardiorespiratory fitness and should be preferable over running at WRTS in the untrained elderly characterized by poor fitness and reduced exercise tolerance., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this paper., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

This study investigated postexercise hypotension (PEH) after maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) performed using different exercise modalities. Twenty healthy men (aged 23 ± 3 years) performed 3 maximal CPETs (cycling, walking, and running), separated by 72 h in a randomized, counter-balanced order. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate, cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance (SVR), autonomic function (spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and heart rate variability (HRV)), and energy expenditure (EE) were assessed during a 60-min nonexercise control session and for 60 min immediately after each CPET. Total exercise volume (EE during CPET plus 60 min recovery) was significantly higher in running versus cycling and walking CPETs (P ≤ 0.001). Compared with control, only SBP after running CPET was significantly reduced (Δ = -6 ± 8 mm Hg; P < 0.001). Heart rate and cardiac output were significantly increased (P < 0.001) and SVR significantly decreased (P < 0.001) postexercise. BRS and HRV decreased after all CPETs (P < 0.001), whereas sympatho-vagal balance (low- and high-frequency (LF:HF) ratio) increased significantly after all exercise conditions, especially after running CPET (P < 0.001). Changes in SVR, BRS, sympathetic activity (low-frequency component of HRV), and LF:HF ratio were negatively correlated to variations in SBP (range -0.69 to -0.91; P < 0.001) and DBP (range -0.58 to -0.93; P ≤ 0.002). These findings suggest that exercise mode or the total exercise volume are major determinants of PEH magnitude in healthy men. Because of the running CPET, the PEH was primarily related to a decrease in SVR and to an increase in sympatho-vagal balance, which might be a reflex response to peripheral vasodilatation after exercise.

This study investigated whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) isolated or combined with aerobic exercise influenced the desire to eat, hunger, and satiety in overweight subjects. Nine volunteers underwent anodal or sham tDCS (2 mA; 20 min) over DLPFC and isocaloric exercise bouts (70%VO(2)R; ~200 kcal). The appetite sensations were evaluated by visual analogue scales at four moments: I - Baseline; II - After tDCS; III - Post-Exercise and IV - 30-min Post-Exercise. The tDCS on left DLPFC decreased the desire to eat at baseline (tDCS -26% vs. -14% Sham). The tDCS associated with exercise had greater suppressing effect in desire to eat compared to either tDCS or exercise alone (tDCS -39% vs. -27% Sham). Moreover, the tDCS associated with exercise decreased hunger (tDCS -48% vs. 36% Sham) and increased satiety (tDCS 28% vs. 7% Sham) immediately after exercise. The post-exercise 30-min recovery elicited an overall increase in appetite. However the increase in desire to eat and hunger after recovery was lower after tDCS (29% and 13%, respectively) compared to sham stimulation (77% and 113%, respectively). These findings in overweight subjects indicate that the combination of tDCS over DLPFC and aerobic exercise induced greater decrease in appetite sensations compared to anodal tDCS or exercise alone., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Exercise intensity is an important aspect of enhancing health-related fitness. Relationships between the percentages of heart rate reserve (%HRR), maximal oxygen uptake (%VO(2max)) and oxygen uptake reserve (%VO₂R) have been proposed as being effective for exercise intensity prescription. The present paper reviewed experimental studies published between 1966 and 2010, which investigated the relationships between the %HRR, %VO(2max) and %VO₂R. The following aspects were focused upon: (a) comparisons of the relationships between %HRR, %VO(2max) and %VO₂R at different exercise intensities; (b) methodological differences in determining resting VO₂ and VO(2max) and associated effects on the above relationships; (c) applicability of the %HRR-%VO(2max) and %HRR-%VO₂R relationships for exercise prescription. Fifteen studies published between 1997 and 2010 met inclusion criteria. Five studies observed the %HRR-%VO₂R relationship, while the others also investigated the %HRR-%VO(2max) relationship. Six studies found that the %HRR was closer to the %VO₂R than the %VO(2max). Most studies did not satisfy the recommended methodological criteria for assessing the resting VO₂, or used incremental test protocols which may have underestimated VO(2max). None investigated the stability of the %HRR-%VO₂R relationship in training conditions, such as during prolonged submaximal exercise. In conclusion, many of the reviewed studies presented methodological limitations that compromised their results in relation to the application of the %HRR-%VO₂R relationship for prescribing aerobic training., (Copyright © 2010 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

To investigate whether mixed circuit training (MCT) elicits the recommended exercise intensity and energy expenditure in people after stroke, and to establish the between-day reproducibility for the percentages of heart rate reserve (%HRR), oxygen uptake reserve (%VO2R), and energy expenditure elicited during two bouts of MCT. Seven people aged 58 (12) yr, who previously had a stroke, performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test, a non-exercise control session, and two bouts of MCT. The MCT included 3 circuits of 10 resistance exercises at 15-repetition maximum intensity, with each set of resistance exercise interspersed with 45-s of walking. Expired gases were collected during the MCT and control session and for 40 min afterward. Control session was necessary to calculate the net energy expenditure associated with each bout of MCT. Mean %VO2R (1st MCT: 51.1%, P =.037; 2nd MCT: 54.0%, P =.009) and %HRR (1st MCT: 66.4%, P =.007; 2nd MCT: 67.9%, P =.010) exceeded the recommended minimum intensity of 40%. Both %VO2R (P =.586 and 0.987, respectively) and %HRR (P =.681 and 0.237, respectively) during the 1st and 2nd bouts of MCT were not significantly different to their corresponding gas exchange threshold values derived from cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Mean net total energy expenditure significantly exceeded the minimum recommend energy expenditure in the 1st (P =.048) and 2nd (P =.023) bouts of MCT. Between-day reproducibility for %HRR, %VO2R, and energy expenditure was excellent (ICC: 0.92–0.97). MCT elicited physiological strain recommended for improving health-related fitness in people after stroke and these responses demonstrated excellent between-day reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) seems to be a potential tool to optimize the long-term effects of multimodal physical training (MPT) on fitness components in post-stroke patients. We investigated the effects of cortical tDCS combined with MPT on motor function reflected by strength, motor performance, and cardiorespiratory capacity in chronic stroke patients. This double-blind randomized controlled trial included 18 volunteers (55 ± 10 y, 72 ± 13 kg), who underwent MPT preceded by either sham stimulation (SHAM) or 2 mA bi-hemispheric tDCS. MPT consisted of 24 sessions of 60–70 min performed 2 d/wk within 12–16 weeks, with individualized intensity. Outcomes were Fugl-Meyer scores for lower limbs (FM-LL), and total (FM-Total); speed in the 10-m walk test (10MWT); oxygen uptake and work output at maximal effort (VO2max and Wmax), and gas exchange threshold (VO2-GET and W-GET); peak torque of isokinetic knee extension (PT-EXT) and flexion (PT-FLEX) of paretic and non-paretic limbs; bilateral strength deficit during knee extension (DS-EXT) and flexion (DS-FLEX). Pre- vs. post-intervention improvements were detected in tDCS vs. SHAM (p < 0.05) for FM-total (29.6% vs. 15.9%; effect size [ES] = 0.78), FM-LL (35.9% vs. 9.0%; ES = 1.23), 10MWT (10.6% vs. 3.8%; ES = 0.67), Wmax (75.0% vs. 4.3%; ES = 1.68), W-GET (91.6% vs. 12.4%; ES = 1.62), PT-EXT (25.6% vs. −6.5%; ES = 1.94) and PT-FLEX (26.3% vs. 9.8%; ES = 0.65) of the paretic limb, and DS-EXT (−13.7% vs. 2.5; ES = 1.43). Bi-hemispheric cortical tDCS optimized the effects of MPT performed with moderate volume and intensity upon muscle strength, motor function, and cardiorespiratory performance in stroke hemiparetic survivors. (Registration number RBR-22rh3p). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study assessed the reproducibility of postexercise hypotension (PEH) detection after two bouts of mixed circuit training (MCT) using three approaches that accounts the pre‐exercise values and/or a control session (CTL) to calculate PEH [i.e., (A1=post‐exercise−pre‐exercise ${A}_{1}=\text{post}{\rm{ \mbox{-} }}\text{exercise}-\text{pre}{\rm{ \mbox{-} }}\text{exercise}$); (A2=post‐exercise−post‐CTL) $({A}_{2}=\text{post}{\rm{ \mbox{-} }}\text{exercise}-\text{post}{\rm{ \mbox{-} }}\text{CTL})$; A3=(post‐exercise−pre‐exercise)−(post‐CTL−pre‐CTL)] ${A}_{3}=(\text{post}{\rm{ \mbox{-} }}\text{exercise}-\text{pre}{\rm{ \mbox{-} }}\text{exercise})-(\text{post}{\rm{ \mbox{-} }}\text{CTL}-\text{pre}{\rm{ \mbox{-} }}\text{CTL})]$ in chronic stroke (i.e., ≥6 months poststroke). The proportion of PEH responders determined using different cut‐off values for PEH was also compared (4 mmHg vs. minimal detectable difference). Methods: Seven participants (age: 56 ± 12 years; time post‐stroke: 91 ± 55 months) performed two bouts of MCT and a CTL. The MCT involved 10 exercises with 3 sets of 15‐repetition maximum, with each set interspersed with 45 s of walking. The systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures were assessed 10‐min before and every 10‐min along 40‐min after CTL and MCT. Results: The two‐way random intraclass correlation coefficient for single measurements (ICC2,1) ranges for SBP were: A1: 0.580−0.829, A2: 0.937−0.994, A3: 0.278−0.774; for DBP: A1: 0.497−0.916, A2: 0.133−0.969, A3: 0.175−0.930. The proportion of PEH responders detected using 4 mmHg or the minimal detectable difference as cut‐off values was not different in 97% of analyses (p > 0.05), and higher when using 4 mmHg in 3% of analyses (p = 0.031). The standard error of measurement was ≥4 mmHg in 47% of analyses for SBP, and 40% for DBP. Conclusions: The most reliable approach for determining PEH in chronic stroke was to subtract the postexercise from the post‐CTL values. The proportion of PEH responders was not affected by the cut‐off values applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have highlighted the importance of executive functions (EFs) in physical activities and sports contexts. However, most EFs assessments have been conducted with individuals at rest. The present study aimed to investigate whether EFs performance at rest predicts EFs performance while exercising. Sixty healthy males participated in three experimental sessions. Initially, a cardiopulmonary exercise test was used to determine their maximal oxygen uptake. In the second and third sessions, participants completed different versions of the Flanker/Reverse Flanker Test in a counterbalanced crossover design once at rest and once while exercising on a cycle ergometer. Our results showed small to moderate (r=0.23 to r=0.44) correlations in EFs measures between conditions. Although EFs assessment at rest predicted EFs during acute physical exercise, it is noteworthy mentioning that it explained little of the variance while exercising (5.3% to 29.8%). Moreover, the confusion matrix generated to compare the classification resulting from performance in both conditions showed low agreement that varied from 25.0% to 31.7%, indicating that the classification of EFs measures at rest is not the same as the classification made during acute physical exercise. In conclusion, the present study revealed that EFs performance at rest weakly predicts EFs performance while exercising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate whether a single bout of mixed circuit training (MCT) can elicit acute blood pressure (BP) reduction in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients, a phenomenon also known as post-exercise hypotension (PEH). Methods: Seven participants (58 ± 12 years) performed a non-exercise control session (CTL) and a single bout of MCT on separate days and in a randomized counterbalanced order. The MCT included 10 exercises with 3 sets of 15- repetition maximum per exercise, with each set interspersed with 45 s of walking. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (Q), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and heart rate variability (HRV) were assessed 10 min before and 40 min after CTL and MCT. BP and HRV were also measured during an ambulatory 24-h recovery period. Results: Compared to CTL, SBP (Δ-22%), DBP (Δ-28%), SVR (Δ-43%), BRS (Δ-63%), and parasympathetic activity (HF; high-frequency component: Δ-63%) were reduced during 40 min post-MCT (p < 0.05), while Q (Δ35%), sympathetic activity (LF; low-frequency component: Δ139%) and sympathovagal balance (LF:HF ratio: Δ145%) were higher (p < 0.001). In the first 10 h of ambulatory assessment, SBP (Δ-7%), MAP (Δ-6%), and HF (Δ-26%) remained lowered, and LF (Δ11%) and LF:HF ratio (Δ13%) remained elevated post-MCT vs. CTL (p < 0.05). Conclusion: A single bout of MCT elicited prolonged PEH in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients. This occurred concurrently with increased sympathovagal balance and lowered SVR, suggesting vasodilation capacity is a major determinant of PEH in these patients. This clinical trial was registered in [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cardiac autonomic dysfunction (CADysf) in children is often associated to obesity and may be attenuated by physical activity. In this study, we investigated the effects of resistance training (RT) upon CADysf assessed by heart rate variability (HRV) in obese adolescents. Method: Volunteers were assigned into groups according to standard deviation scores for body mass index (z-BMI) and percentile for age and sex: obese (OB; z-BMI from 2 to 3 and ≥ 95th percentile, n = 24) and normal weight controls (CG; z-BMI from -2-1 and < 85th percentile, n = 20). OB performed isolated RT during 12 weeks [3 sets of 6-10reps with 70-85% 10RM]. Waist circumference, systolic/diastolic blood pressures (SBP/DBP), lipids, and HRV were assessed at baseline. Only OB underwent postintervention assessments. Results: At baseline, SBP (122.4 ± 9.1 vs. 109.7 ±11.5 mmHg, p < .001) and DBP (76.1 ± 7.1 vs. 65.3 ± 5.9 mmHg, p < .001) were higher, while parasympathetic HRV indexes were lower (p < .05) in OB compared with CG. After RT, waist circumference (3%, p < .001) and SBP (10%, p < .001) reduced in OB. Parasympathetic indexes of HRV increased in OB (SDNN: 25%, p = .03; rMSSD: 48%, p = .0006; pNN50: 67%, p = .001; total power: 54%, p = .01; HF: 101 %, p = .001) and baseline differences between groups for sympathetic and parasympathetic activities were no longer observed after RT. Conclusion: RT attenuated CAdyfs and BP in obese adolescents, by increasing parasympathetic activity and decreasing sympatho-vagal balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We investigated the blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability (HRV) responses to a single session of Pilates among adults with hypertension. Thirteen participants (7 women), aged 44-66 years, underwent Pilates and nonexercise control sessions separated by 48-72 hours in a randomized counterbalanced order. Blood pressure and HRV indices were simultaneously assessed 10 minutes before and 60 minutes after all sessions in the supine position: root mean square of successive differences (rMSSD), percentage of successive normal sinus RR intervals >50 ms (pNN50), SD of all normal sinus RR intervals over 24 hours (SDNN), and low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) bands. After an acute session of Pilates, the mean values for area under the curve for systolic BP (p = 0.004, corresponding to -7.4 ± 8.2 mm Hg) and mean arterial pressure (p = 0.023, corresponding to -5.3 ± 5.4 mm Hg) were significantly lower compared to the control session. No significant difference was detected for diastolic BP (-4.2 ± 4.7 mm Hg, p = 0.106). Concomitant to BP reduction, significant lowering of parasympathetic HRV indices occurred: RR intervals (-64.1 ± 69.9 ms·min, p = 0.043), rMSSD (-8.3 ± 15.4 ms·min, p = 0.013), pNN50 (-3.6 ± 13%·min, p = 0.028), and total power (-3,089.4 ± 5,938 m·min, p = 0.037). No difference was found for sympathetic markers: SDNN (-17.7 ± 34.6 ms·min, p = 0.100), LF (-5.2 ± 21,6 n.u.·min, p = 0.417), and LF:HF ratio (-0.3 ± 5.2 ratio·min, p = 0.422). In conclusion, a single session of Pilates reduced BP by ∼5-8 mm Hg in adults with hypertension during the first 60 minutes of post-exercise recovery. Acute BP reduction was concomitant to lowered cardiac parasympathetic activity. Our findings are promising for the use of Pilates as an alternative exercise modality to lower BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated differences in postexercise hypotension (PEH) after continuous versus accumulated isocaloric bouts of cycling. Ten pre-hypertensive men, aged 23 to 34 yrs, performed two bouts of cycling at 75% oxygen uptake reserve, with total energy expenditures of 400 kcal per bout. One exercise bout was performed continuously (CONTIN) and the other as two smaller bouts each expending 200 kcal (INTER1 and INTER2). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and cardiac autonomic control were monitored in a supine position for 10 min before and 60 min after each exercise bout, and during a control session. Compared to control, blood pressure was significantly reduced after CONTIN (SBP: Δ-3.4 mmHg, P < 0.001; MAP: Δ-2.5 mmHg, P = 0.001), INTER1 (SBP: Δ-2.2 mmHg, P = 0.045) and INTER2 (SBP: Δ-4.4 mmHg, P < 0.001; DBP: Δ-2.7 mmHg, P = 0.045; MAP: Δ-3.3 mmHg, P = 0.001). The PEH was similar in CONTIN and INTER2, while INTER2 elicited greater PEH than INTER1 (SBP and MAP: Δ-2.0 and Δ-1.8 mmHg, respectively, P < 0.05). Increases in sympathovagal balance from baseline were inversely related to changes in SBP and DBP after CONTIN and INTER2 (r = -0.64 to -0.71; P = 0.021 to P = 0.047). These findings indicate similar amounts of PEH are observed when exercise is performed as a single 400 kcal exercise bout or 2 x 200 kcal bouts and that the exercise recovery pattern of cardiac autonomic activity may be important in eliciting PEH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated cardiorespiratory responses and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during prolonged walking and running exercise performed at the walk-run transition speed (WRTS) in untrained healthy elderly men. 20 volunteers (mean ± SE, age: 68.4 ± 1.2 yrs; height: 170.0 ± 0.02 cm; body mass: 74.7 ± 2.3 kg) performed the following bouts of exercise: a) maximal cardiopulmonar y exercise test (CPE T); b) specific protocol to detect WRTS; and c) two 30-min walking and running bouts at WRTS. Expired gases were collected during exercise bouts via the Ultima CardiO2 metabolic analyzer. Compared to walking, running at the WRTS resulted in higher oxygen uptake (> 0.27 L ⋅ min-1), pulmonary ventilation (> 7.7 L ⋅ min-1), carbon dioxide output (> 0.23 L ⋅ min-1), heart rate (> 15 beats ⋅ min-1), oxygen pulse (> 0.88 15 mL ⋅ beats-1), energy expenditure (> 27 kcal) and cost of oxygen transport ( > 43 mL ⋅ kg-1 ⋅ km-1 ⋅ bout-1). The increase of overall and local RPEs with exercise duration was similar across locomotion modes (P < 0.001). In all participants, %HRR and %VO2R throughout walking and running bouts were around or above the gas exchange threshold. In conclusion, elderly men exhibited higher cardiorespiratory responses during 30-min bouts of running than walking at WRTS. Nevertheless, walking corresponded to relative metabolic intensities compatible with preservation or improvement of cardiorespiratory fitness and should be preferable over running at WRTS in the untrained elderly characterized by poor fitness and reduced exercise tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of a recreational soccer program (RSP) upon body composition, heart rate variability (HRV), biochemical markers, cardio-respiratory fitness, and endothelial function in obese adolescents were investigated. A randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted with 30 adolescents aged 12–17 years and body mass index (BMI) >2 standard deviations of WHO reference values, which were assigned to RSP (n = 10, 2 girls) and obese control (n = 10, 4 girls) groups. The 12-week RSP included 60-min sessions performed 3 times/week. BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, lipid profile, insulin, C-reactive protein, HRV, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2peak) were evaluated following standardised procedures. Body composition was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and endothelial function by venous occlusion plethysmography. After intervention, RSP exhibited significant reductions in BMI (−0.7 ± 0.2 kg · m–2), waist circumference (−8.2 ± 1.4 cm), %body fat (−2.2 ± 0.4%), systolic blood pressure (−5.0 ± 2.3 mmHg), total cholesterol (−16.2 ± 5.8 mg · dL−1), triglycerides (−20.5 ± 12.9 mg · dL−1), C-reactive protein (−0.06 ± 0.01 mg · dL−1), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, −1.4 ± 0.6), and sympathetic activity (LF, −13.9 ± 6.6 un)vs. controls (P< 0.05). Significant increase was observed in parasympathetic activity (HF, 13.9 ± 6.6 un), VO2peak (7.9 ± 2.8 ml · kg−1· min−1), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (11.0 ± 6.3 mg · dL−1) (P< 0.05). Vascular conductance (19.5 ± 8.1 ml · min−1· 100 ml,P= 0.005) increased and vascular resistance (−5.9 ± 2.4 ml · min−1· 100 ml,P= 0.041) decreased in RSP, but not in controls. A 12-week recreational soccer intervention was effective to improve biochemical, cardiovascular, and fitness health markers in obese adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The time necessary to obtain a steady state for an accurate and reliable assessment of resting $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$ remains unclear and was the purpose of this study. Thirty healthy men, aged 17-28 years, visited the laboratory twice for the assessment of resting $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$, which was assessed as follows: (a) 24 h abstention from physical exercise, alcohol, soft drinks and caffeine, (b) fasting for at least 8 h, (c) an acclimation period of 10 min, and (d) 60 min assessment in a supine position. Resting $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$ significantly changed during the 60 min ( F = 37.4, P < 0.001), exhibiting a monoexponential decrease before reaching an asymptote. Post hoc pairwise comparisons showed that significant differences existed between consecutive means until the 30 min time point, after which there were no significant differences. The $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$ response across trials exhibited high test-retest reliability, with within-subject coefficients of variations at each time point ranging from 2.8 to 7.0 % and intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.90 to 0.99. The reliability was higher from the 25 min time point onwards. Based on these findings, the following recommendations are made to promote accurate assessment of resting $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$: (a) initiate the resting $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$ measurement with 10 min of acclimation to the assessment apparatus, (b) determine resting $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$ for a minimum of 30 min, until an apparent $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$ steady state has been achieved; and (c) determine resting $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$ for a further 5 min, with the average of this last 5 min of data being regarding as the resting $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accuracy of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) equations for producing predicted values of heart rate reserve (HRR) and oxygen uptake reserve $$ (\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} {\text{R}}), $$ and consequently, target energy expenditure (EE) during exercise are yet to be established. This study investigated whether speeds defined by the ACSM metabolic equation for running correctly estimate the EEs during isocaloric exercise bouts. Twenty-eight men performed a ramp-incremental maximal exercise test to determine HR and $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\max } . $$ Two continuous exercise bouts at 60 and 80% $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} {\text{R}} $$ and target EE of 400 kcal were then performed. In the 60% $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} {\text{R}} $$ exercise the observed $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$ and EE were lower than predicted only during the first time quartile of the bout ( t = 6.5, p < 0.001), whereas at 80% $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} {\text{R}} $$ it was lower during the first ( t = 15.3, p < 0.001), second ( t = 5.4, p < 0.001) and third ( t = 3.1, p = 0.025) quartiles. The observed HR was lower than predicted in the first time quartile of the 60% $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} {\text{R}} $$ ( t = 5.6, p < 0.001) and 80% $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} {\text{R}} $$ bouts ( t = 10.7, p < 0.001), whereas no significant differences occurred for any other time quartiles ( p ≥ 0.23). In conclusion, the running speed defined by the ACSM metabolic equation overestimated $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$ and EE within exercise performed at 60 and 80% $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} {\text{R,}} $$ especially in higher intensities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]