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The Glostrup Population Studies are a collection of cohort studies conducted in Copenhagen, Denmark since 1964. These studies have explored various health aspects such as cardiovascular diseases, lifestyle, mental health, and chronic conditions. The studies have collected comprehensive datasets and collaborated with other researchers to address current and future health challenges. The studies have examined factors like alcohol and smoking and their effects on allergies, asthma, blood pressure, and heart rate. The data collected from these studies have been used to develop tools for predicting coronary heart disease risk. The studies have also conducted health examinations and follow-ups on different cohorts, collecting data on physical function, muscle strength, heart and lung function, and reaction time. They have also evaluated factors like socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and psychological factors. The studies have measured various biomarkers such as lipids, hematology, metabolism, and inflammatory markers. The studies have been conducted on different age groups and have followed up with participants over several years to track changes in health and lifestyle. The studies have utilized questionnaires, physical examinations, and the collection of various biomarkers to gather data on socioeconomic factors, health, symptoms, diseases, lifestyle, and psychological factors. The studies have measured parameters like blood pressure, pulse, ECG, lipids, hematology, metabolism, liver markers, kidney markers, and genetics. The studies have also conducted assessments such as blood pressure, anthropometry, spirometry, and skin prick tests, as well as analysis of markers for allergies and celiac disease [Extracted from the article]

Background: This study examined the effects of a single all-out bout of 30-s sprint-cycle performed daily for 5 consecutive days per week for 6 weeks, on aerobic fitness, muscle strength and metabolic-health markers in physically active young males and females. Methods: Healthy, physically active 20–28 year olds, were randomly assigned to either experimental (EXP, N = 11) or non-training control (CON, N = 8) group. With supervision, the EXP group performed one bout of 30-s sprint-cycle daily, Mondays to Fridays over 6 weeks, while CON group continued with their usual lifestyle. The followings were measured at pre- and post-intervention: maximal aerobic power, peak torque of knee extensors and flexors at velocities 30° s−1 and 300° s−1, resting heart rate, resting blood pressure, body fat percentage, fasting lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, and fasting insulin levels. Results: There were no significant improvements in the EXP group for all the measured variables (all P > 0.05); except for significant interaction effects in peak torque of knee extensors at 30° s−1 (P = 0.044) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P = 0.046). Post hoc test indicate that CON group showed decline in their low-density lipo-proteins levels (P = 0.024). Conclusion: Six weeks of one all-out bout of 30-s sprint-cycle per day, for 5 consecutive days per week, was ineffective in improving cardiovascular fitness, maximal strength, and most health markers in physically active young adults. The present results when combined with the previous literature suggest that there is a possibility of a minimum threshold for a number of sprint-cycle bouts needed to be performed before any form of cardio-metabolic-health benefit is accrued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fasting Ramadan can affect the normal circadian pattern, especially in terms of sleep times and patterns. The objective was to analyze sleep quality and habits in diseased and healthy population using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) both during and outside of Ramadan. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on 240 subjects (cardiovascular diseases [CVD], diabetes [DM]) and 120 healthy subjects. Data entry and processing were performed with R. 3.2.4 software. The significance level was 0.05. Regarding fasting, 88.33% of subjects with CVD fasted during Ramadan against 55.83% of subjects with DM (P > 0.05). PSQI results showed that subjects with CVD and DM were poor sleepers (PSQI > 5), regardless of the period during or outside Ramadan, unlike healthy subjects who had a good quality of sleep during Ramadan (PSQI ≤ 5). Sleep latency did not change for all subjects regardless of the period (P > 0.05). While the duration of sleep was always higher during Ramadan despite the population (P < 0.05). The observance of Ramadan influenced the potential duration of sleep, which was found to be longer during the holy month. However, no significant impact was observed on the quality of sleep of diseased subjects, nor on sleep latency for all subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Various forms of exercise have proven health benefits for people with Parkinson's (pwPD) yet high intensity functional training (HIFT) has yet to be studied. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility, physical and psychosocial impacts of a HIFT program for pwPD and their care partners (CPs). Design: A single group, pre-post design with assessments before, in the middle (13 weeks), and after the 25-week intervention. Setting: Community fitness facility Participants: Fourteen pwPD (10 at Hoehn Yahr Stage ≤2, 4 females) and 10 CPs (5 females) were included (mean age = 71.5 (6.1)). Intervention: A 25-week HIFT program (≤49 exercise sessions, ≤75 min long) Measures: Recruitment, retention, attendance, safety and exercise intensity (measured via session-Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)) was assessed in addition to cardiovascular endurance, lower extremity strength, walking speed, balance, exercise self-efficacy, balance confidence, social support for exercise and health-related quality of life. Analysis: Descriptive data was used to describe feasibility measures. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pre- and post-program data. Effect size, r, was calculated. Results: Recruitment rates were ≥40% for pwPD and CPs and retention rates were 80% for pwPD and 62.5% for CPs. Average session attendance was 71.2% with 15 adverse events reported, including 7 non-injurious falls. Median session-RPE was 5 (IQR = 1) out of 10. PwPD demonstrated significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance, self-selected and fast walking speeds, balance and social support for exercise. CPs demonstrated significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance and lower extremity strength. Exercise self-efficacy, balance confidence and health-related quality of life did not significantly change for pwPD or CPs. Conclusion: High intensity functional training appears feasible for pwPD and their CPs and may lead to health benefits. Healthcare providers should consider HIFT as another option to engage pwPD in community-based exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors (sleep, physical activity, and sedentary behavior) may predict obesity risk in early adolescence; a critical period during the life course. Analyzing data from 2971 participants (M = 11.94, SD = 0.64 years) wearing Fitbit Charge HR 2 devices in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, glass box machine learning models identified obesity predictors from Fitbit-derived measures of sleep, cardiovascular fitness, and sociodemographic status. Key predictors of obesity include identifying as Non-White race, low household income, later bedtime, short sleep duration, variable sleep timing, low daily step counts, and high heart rates (AUCMean = 0.726). Findings highlight the importance of inadequate sleep, physical inactivity, and socioeconomic disparities, for obesity risk. Results also show the clinical applicability of wearables for continuous monitoring of sleep and cardiovascular fitness in adolescents. Identifying the tipping points in the predictors of obesity risk can inform interventions and treatment strategies to reduce obesity rates in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exercise-induced modifications in ECG parameters among individuals with an early repolarization pattern (ERP) have not been evaluated in detail. We aimed to assess this phenomenon, with potential associations with arrhythmogenesis. Methods: Twenty-three young, healthy males with ERP (ERP+) participated in this study, alongside a control group, which consisted of nineteen healthy males without ERP (ERP−). ECGs at baseline, at peak exercise (Bruce protocol), and during the recovery phase were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results: The treadmill test demonstrated strong cardiovascular fitness, with similar chronotropic and pressor responses in both groups. In the baseline ECGs, the QRS complex and the QT interval were shorter in the ERP+ group. During exercise, the P-wave duration was significantly longer and the QRS was narrower in the ERP+ group. In the recovery phase, there was a longer P wave and a narrower QRS in the ERP+ group. During the treadmill test, the J wave disappeared or did not meet the criteria required for ERP diagnosis. Conclusions: The slowed intra-atrial conduction found during exercise could be predictive of atrial arrhythmogenesis in the setting of ERP. The disappearing of J waves during exercise, due to increased sympathetic activity, has potential clinical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Data collected from training sessions has the potential to better understand how well racehorses will perform on race-days. To date, no research has explored whether speed during and heart rate recovery after fast exercise could predict a horse winning a race. This theory was tested by analysing information from fitness trackers worn by 485 racehorses during training sessions in Australia by looking at factors like the horse's speed and heart rate recovery after exercise. The study found that certain factors, like being a colt or a 'stayer', were good indicators of future success on the racetrack. However, heart rate recovery and speed at the start or throughout the final 600 m during training were not as powerful as race predictors. Nevertheless, combining physiological data with other less tangible factors will help professionals identify which horses are more likely to perform at their best in races, aiding decision-making and potentially reducing race-day poor performance. Ultimately, this could lead to more successful outcomes for the horses, trainers and owners. In-training racehorse physiological data can be leveraged to further explore race-day performance prediction. To date, no large retrospective, observational study has analysed whether in-training speed and heart rate recovery can predict racehorse success. Speed (categorised as 'slow' to 'fast' according to the time taken to cover the last 600 m from a virtual finish line) and heart rate recovery (from gallop to 1 min after exercise) of flat racehorses (n = 485) of varying age, sex and type according to distance (e.g., sprinter, miler and stayer) were obtained using a fitness tracker from a single racing yard in Australia. Race-pace training sessions on turf comprised 'fast gallop' (n = 3418 sessions) or 'jumpout' (n = 1419). A posteriori racing information (n = 3810 races) for all 485 racehorses was extracted and combined with training data. Race performance was categorised as win/not-win or podium or not, each analysed by logistic regression. Colts (p < 0.001), stayers (p < 0.001) and being relatively fast over the last 600 m of a benchmark test in training (p < 0.008) were all predictive of race performance. Heart rate recovery after exercise (p = 0.21) and speed recorded at 600 m of a 1 km benchmark test in training (p = 0.94) were not predictive. In-training physiological data analytics used along with subjective experience may help trainers identify promising horses and improve decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Paediatric obstructive sleep disordered breathing (OSDB) has a considerable impact on cardiovascular physiology, but the consequences on children's basal metabolism and response to exercise are far from being known. The objective was to propose model estimations for paediatric OSDB metabolism at rest and during exercise. A retrospective case–control analysis of data from children submitted to otorhinolaryngology surgery was performed. The heart rate (HR) was measured, while oxygen consumption (VO2) and energy expenditure (EE) at rest and during exercise were obtained using predictive equations. The results for the patients with OSDB were compared with controls. A total of 1256 children were included. A total of 449 (35.7%) had OSDB. The patients with OSDB showed a significantly higher resting heart rate (94.55 ± 15.061 bpm in OSDB vs. 92.41 ± 15.332 bpm in no‐OSDB, p = 0.041). The children with OSDB showed a higher VO2 at rest (13.49 ± 6.02 mL min−1kg−1 in OSDB vs. 11.55 ± 6.83 mL min−1kg−1 in no‐OSDB, p = 0.004) and a higher EE at rest (67.5 ± 30.10 cal min−1kg−1 in OSDB vs. 57.8 + 34.15 cal min−1kg−1 in no‐OSDB, p = 0.004). At maximal exercise, patients with OSDB showed a lower VO2max (33.25 ± 5.82 mL min−1kg−1 in OSDB vs. 34.28 ± 6.71 in no‐OSDB, p = 0.008) and a lower EE (166.3 ± 29.11 cal min−1kg−1 in OSDB vs. 171.4 ± 33.53 cal min−1kg−1 in no‐OSDB, p = 0.008). The VO2/EE increment with exercise (Δ VO2 and Δ EE) was lower in OSDB for all exercise intensities (p = 0.009). This model unveils the effect of paediatric OSDB on resting and exercise metabolism. Our findings support the higher basal metabolic rates, poorer fitness performance, and cardiovascular impairment found in children with OSDB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with Marfan (MFS) and Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) report limitations in physical activities, sports, school, leisure, and work participation in daily life. This observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study explores associations between physical fitness and cardiovascular parameters, systemic manifestations, fatigue, and pain in children with MFS and LDS. Forty-two participants, aged 6–18 years (mean (SD) 11.5(3.7)), diagnosed with MFS (n = 36) or LDS (n = 6), were enrolled. Physical fitness was evaluated using the Fitkids Treadmill Test's time to exhaustion (TTE) outcome measure. Cardiovascular parameters (e.g., echocardiographic parameters, aortic surgery, cardiovascular medication) and systemic manifestations (systemic score of the revised Ghent criteria) were collected. Pain was obtained by visual analog scale. Fatigue was evaluated by PROMIS® Fatigue-10a-Pediatric-v2.0-short-form and PROMIS® Fatigue-10a-Parent-Proxy-v2.0-short-form. Multivariate linear regression analyses explored associations between physical fitness (dependent variable) and independent variables that emerged from the univariate linear regression analyses (criterion p <.05). The total group (MFS and LDS) and the MFS subgroup scored below norms on physical fitness TTE Z-score (mean (SD) −3.1 (2.9); −3.0 (3.0), respectively). Univariate analyses showed associations between TTE Z-score aortic surgery, fatigue, and pain (criterion p <.05). Multivariate analyses showed an association between physical fitness and pediatric self-reported fatigue that explained 48%; 49%, respectively, of TTE Z-score variance (F (1,18) = 18.6, p ≤.001, r2 =.48; F (1,15) = 16,3, p =.01, r2 =.49, respectively). Conclusions: Physical fitness is low in children with MFS or LDS and associated with self-reported fatigue. Our findings emphasize the potential of standardized and tailored exercise programs to improve physical fitness and reduce fatigue, ultimately enhancing the physical activity and sports, school, leisure, and work participation of children with MFS and LDS. What is Known: • Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndrome are heritable connective tissue disorders and share cardiovascular and systemic manifestations. • Children with Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndrome report increased levels of disability, fatigue and pain, as well as reduced levels of physical activity, overall health and health-related quality of life. What is New: • Physical fitness is low in children with Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndrome and associated with self-reported fatigue. • Our findings emphasize the potential of standardized and tailored exercise programs to improve physical fitness and reduce fatigue, ultimately enhancing the physical activity and sports, school, leisure, and work participation of children with Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the association of cardiorespiratory fitness with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in healthy adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated 17,990 asymptomatic self-referred adults free of diabetes or cardiovascular disease who were screened in a preventive healthcare setting. All subjects underwent measurement of IOP and completed a maximal exercise stress test according to the Bruce protocol. Fitness was categorized into age and sex-specific quintiles according to the treadmill time and dichotomized to low (lowest quintile) and non-low fitness groups. Elevated IOP was defined as ≥ 21 mmHg. Results: Median age was 45 (IQR 39–52) years and 12,073 (67%) were men. There were 3,351 (19%) subjects in the low fitness group. Median IOP was 14 mmHg (IQR 12–16) with elevated IOP documented in 188 (1%) subjects. Univariate binary logistic regression model demonstrated that compared with non-low fitness group, subjects in the low fitness group were 2.2 times more likely to have elevated IOP (95% CI 1.598–2.95, p<0.001). Multivariate binary logistic regression with adjustment to known cardiovascular risk factors (age, sex, hypertension, smoking, overweight, regular physical activity, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, and fasting glucose levels) successfully demonstrated that lower fitness was independently and significantly associated with a 90% increased likelihood of elevated IOP (95% CI 1.37–2.61, p<0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that the association was more pronounced among women compared with men (OR 3.8 vs. 1.6, p for interaction = 0.069). Conclusions: Low cardiorespiratory fitness is independently associated with increased IOP among apparently healthy adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity affects approximately 800 million people worldwide and may contribute to various diseases, especially cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions. Fat distribution and content represent two related yet distinct axes determining the impact of adipose tissue on health. Unlike traditional fat measurement indices, which often overlook fat distribution, the Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) is a novel metric used to assess visceral fat accumulation and associated health risks. Our objective is to evaluate its association with the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Methods: A nationwide longitudinal study spanning 9 years was conducted to investigate both the effects of baseline CVAI levels (classified as low and high) and dynamic changes in CVAI over time, including maintenance of low CVAI, transition from low to high, transition from high to low, and maintenance of high CVAI. Continuous scales (restricted cubic spline curves) and categorical scales (Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox regression analyses) were utilized to evaluate the relationship between CVAI and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Furthermore, subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate potential variations. Results: Totally 1761 individuals (22.82%) experienced primary outcomes among 7717 participants. In the fully adjusted model, for each standard deviation increase in CVAI, there was a significant increase in the risk of primary outcomes [1.20 (95%CI: 1.14–1.27)], particularly pronounced in the high CVAI group [1.38 (95%CI: 1.25–1.54)] compared to low CVAI group. Regarding transition patterns, individuals who consistently maintained high CVAI demonstrated the highest risk ratio compared to those who consistently maintained low CVAI [1.51 (95%CI: 1.31–1.74)], followed by individuals transitioning from low to high CVAI [1.22 (95% CI: 1.01–1.47)]. Analysis of restricted cubic spline curves indicated a positive dose-response relationship between CVAI and risk of primary outcomes (p for non-linear = 0.596). Subgroup analyses results suggest that middle-aged individuals with high CVAI face a notably greater risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in contrast to elderly individuals [1.75 (95% CI: 1.53–1.99)]. Conclusion: This study validates a significant association between baseline levels of CVAI and its dynamic changes with the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Vigilant monitoring and effective management of CVAI significantly contribute to early prevention and risk stratification of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Respiratory disorders are the most common cause of death in Parkinson's Disease (PD). Conflicting data exist on the aetiology of respiratory dysfunction in PD and few studies examine the effects of exercise-based interventions on respiratory measures. This study was conducted to better understand respiratory dysfunction in PD and to identify measures of dysfunction responsive to an integrative exercise programme. Objectives: The objectives were to compare baseline respiratory measures with matched, published population norms and to examine immediate and longer-term effects of a 12-week integrated exercise programme on these measures. Design: Twenty-three people with mild PD (median Hoehn & Yahr = 2) self-selected to participate in this exploratory prospective cohort study. Evaluation of participants occurred at three time points: at baseline; following the 12-week exercise programme and at 4-month follow-up. Outcome measures: Outcome measures included: Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), Inspiratory Muscle Strength (MIP), Expiratory Muscle Strength (MEP), Peak Cough Flow (PCF), and Cardiovascular Fitness measures of estimated VO2 max and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Results: Compared to published norms, participants had impaired cough, reduced respiratory muscle strength, FEV, FVC, PEF and cardiovascular fitness. Post exercise intervention, statistically significant improvements were noted in MEP, cardiovascular fitness, and PEF. However only gains in PEF were maintained at 4-month follow-up. Conclusions: Significant respiratory dysfunction exists, even in the early stages of PD. Metrics of respiratory muscle strength, peak expiratory flow and cardiovascular fitness appear responsive to an integrative exercise programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acute heart rate response (AHRR) to physical activity, which refers to the change in heart rate during and after exercise, has been associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Previous studies have shown that AHRR is significantly determined by genetics in addition to environmental and lifestyle factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic background of AHRR by analysing ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) in 620 samples from the Hungarian population. The AHRR can be characterised as the difference between post-exercise and resting heart rate, i.e., the delta heart rate (ΔHR) defined by the YMCA 3 min step test, with a lower value indicating better cardiovascular fitness. The association of SNPs with ΔHR was analysed both separately and in combination using an optimised polygenic score (oPGS). The results showed that five SNPs (rs10252228, rs459465, rs6022999, rs8097348, and rs12405556) had at least nominally significant (p < 0.05) individual associations with ΔHR. After optimizing the PGS, a cumulative effect was observed for eight SNPs (rs6022999, rs12405556, rs459465, rs10252228, rs8097348, rs10887741, rs12612420, and rs7023003) that had a strong and statistically significant association with ΔHR (B = −2.51, 95% CI: −3.46–−1.76; p = 2.99 × 10−9). Of the four main domains of physical activity, the oPGS showed a significant positive association only with LTPA (B = 84.60; 95%CI: 25.23–143.98; p = 0.005). In conclusion, our results suggest that the SNPs we investigated influence individual leisure-time physical activity, mediated by their effects on the acute heart rate response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the study is to identify and appraise current evidence for rehabilitation interventions in head and neck cancer. Design: A previously published scoping review spanning 1990 through April 2017 was updated through January 11, 2023 and narrowed to include only interventional studies (Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2019;100(12):2381–2388). Included studies had a majority head and neck cancer population and rehabilitation-specific interventions. Pairs of authors extracted data and evaluated study quality using the PEDro tool. Results were organized by intervention type. Results: Of 1338 unique citations, 83 studies with 87 citations met inclusion criteria. The median study sample size was 49 (range = 9–399). The most common interventions focused on swallow (16 studies), jaw (11), or both (6), followed by whole-body exercise (14) and voice (10). Most interventions took place in the outpatient setting (77) and were restorative in intent (65 articles). The overall study quality was fair (median PEDro score 5, range 0–8); none were of excellent quality (PEDro >9). Conclusions: Most head and neck cancer rehabilitation interventions have focused on restorative swallow and jaw exercises and whole-body exercise to address dysphagia, trismus, and deconditioning. More high-quality evidence for head and neck cancer rehabilitation interventions that address a wider range of impairments and activity and social participation limitations during various cancer care phases is urgently needed to reduce head and neck cancer-associated morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hematopoietic stem cell transplants play an important role in the treatment of cancer, particularly hematologic malignancies. These patients can encounter functional impairments unique to hematopoietic stem cell transplant, including deconditioning, cancer-related fatigue, steroid myopathy, graft versus host disease, and capillary leak syndrome. Medical fragility and increased risk of infection may make rehabilitation challenging on the acute care and postacute care settings. Patients admitted to acute inpatient rehabilitation experience a high rate of transfer to the primary acute service and high rate of mortality after transfer back. Physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians can use a number of strategies to mitigate these patients' risk of medical complications including evidence-based predictive models to assist with postacute rehabilitation triage, physiatry-led consult-based rehabilitation, and oncology hospitalist comanagement on inpatient rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the last decades we have seen an increase in sedentary behaviors and a decrease in physical activity in children when compared to past generations. This lifestyle is commonly associated with the development of clustering risk factors that define metabolic syndrome (MetS). Knowing that motor competence (MC) development can influence lifelong physical activity habits, it is reasonable to assume that children's MC will directly link to clustered cardiometabolic health outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of MC in MetS risk factors. Methods: Seventy children with a mean age of 7.49 (SD = 1.28) years were evaluated on motor competence (MCA—Motor Competence Assessment instrument), cardiovascular fitness (PACER test), upper body strength (UBS; handgrip), and the components of MetS, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, abdominal obesity, low concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high fasting blood glucose. The composite value of MetS was calculated according to Burns et al. (2017). Multiple standard regressions were performed to explore the effect of different variables on MetS. Motor competence and health-related fitness (cardiovascular fitness and relative upper body strength) were used as independent variables (predictors) and MetS as dependent variable. Results: Overall, the results showed that motor competence (β = −.072; p <.05) is a significant predictor and this model explained 7,1% of the variance in MetS. Conclusion: Although more studies are needed, our results indicate that MC seems to have a positive role in children's health markers. This study aimed to analyze the role of MC, cardiorespiratory fitness, and upper body strength in MetS risk factors. The results suggest that upper body strength is the strongest predictor for MetS (negative association), followed by MC (positive association). When the different MC components were entered independently instead of total MC, the upper body strength and locomotor MC were found to be significant predictors of the MetS behavior. Considering our results and the fact that MC levels during childhood positively influence PA levels along lifespan, this study suggests a pathway to follow in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze the effects of three off-season training programs on the aerobic capacity, countermovement jump (CMJ), and linear sprint performance of young male soccer players. The study employed a randomized multi-arm design, consisting of three experimental groups: i) a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) group; (ii) a plyometric jump training (PJT) group; and (iii) a HIIT+PJT group; and an inactive control group. Fifty-eight under-19 male soccer players (aged 17.6 ±0.6 years) were randomly assigned to participate in a 3-week offseason training program exclusively performing HIIT, PJT, or a combination of both, while the fourth group remained inactive. Players underwent assessments twice, using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test -- Level 1 (YYIRT), CMJ, and 30-meter linear sprint. Significant interactions between time and groups were found in CMJ (p<0.001), YYIRT (p<0.001), and 30-m sprint (p<0.001). Group*time interaction revealed that the control group was significantly different from HIIT (p<0.001), PJT (p<0.001), and HIIT+PJT (p<0.001) considering the CMJ. Moreover, the control group was significantly different from HIIT (p=0.037) in YYIRT. Finally, the control group was significantly different from HIIT (p=0.024), PJT (p<0.001), and HIIT+PJT (p=0.021) considering the 30-m sprint. In conclusion, off-season training programs are effective in significantly reducing declines in CMJ and sprint performance compared to maintaining training cessation. However, in the YYIRT, only HIIT seems to be significantly superior to maintaining inactivity. To mitigate aerobic performance declines, incorporating HIIT sessions twice weekly during the offseason is advisable. To enhance or maintain jump performance, integrating at least one session of PJT weekly is beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: In this study, we assessed the effects of a 12‐week combined aerobic–resistance training and subsequent detraining on Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score and mediating role of BDNF and also investigated whether exercise‐induced alterations are maintained following a short period of detraining in women with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Materials and Methods: Thirty‐four women with T2D were randomly assigned to experimental or control group (age: 60.6 ± 6.3, body mass index (BMI): 30.2 ± 1.3 kg/m2, HbA1c: 8.09 ± 0.73%). The exercise training comprised of combined aerobic–resistance programme (50%–70% heart rate reserve for aerobic exercise, and 50%–70% 1 repetition maximum for resistance exercise, respectively) performed three sessions per week over 12 weeks. The intervention period was followed by an 8‐week detraining period. Data were collected at baseline and also following exercise intervention and detraining. Data were analysed by linear mixed model at p < 0.05. Results: After 12 weeks of combined exercise training and 8 weeks of detraining, there was a significant difference in BDNF (0.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.07–0.10; p = 0.001), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (−45.41; CI = −50.83, ‐39.98; p = 0.001), insulin (−6.47; CI = −7.04, −5.9; p = 0.001), HOMA‐IR (−3.76; CI = −4.07, −3.45; p = 0.001) and BDI score (−17.17; CI = −20.29, −14.05; p = 0.001) between the experimental and control group. Multiple mediation analysis indicated that BDNF seems to have a mediating role in exercise‐induced improvement of depression (p = 0.04). After the detraining period, BDI score remained unchanged and it showed a significant increase compared to before the start of training (p = 0.001). Conclusions: It may be concluded that exercise training improves depression that is likely to be explained by increased BDNF concentration in TD2. In spite of decreased BDNF concentration following an 8‐week detraining, depression score was maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of human gut microbiota on health and disease is now commonly appreciated. Therefore, it is not surprising that microbiome research has found interest in the sports community, hoping to improve health and optimize performance. Comparative studies found new species or pathways that were more enriched in elites than sedentary controls. In addition, sport-specific and performance-level-specific microbiome features have been identified. However, the results remain inconclusive and indicate the need for further assessment. In this case-control study, we tested two athletic populations (i.e. strength athletes, endurance athletes) and a non-athletic, but physically active, control group across two acute exercise bouts, separated by a 2-week period, that measured explosive and high intensity fitness level (repeated 30-s all-out Wingate test (WT)) and cardiorespiratory fitness level (Bruce Treadmill Test). While we did not identify any group differences in alpha and beta diversity or significant differential abundance of microbiome components at baseline, one-third of the species identified were unique to each group. Longitudinal sample (pre- and post-exercise) analysis revealed an abundance of Alistipes communis in the strength group during the WT and 88 species with notable between-group differences during the Bruce Test. SparCC recognized Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium adolescentis, short-chain fatty acid producers with probiotic properties, species strongly associated with VO2max. Ultimately, we identified several taxa with different baseline abundances and longitudinal changes when comparing individuals based on their VO2max, average power, and maximal power parameters. Our results confirmed that the health status of individuals are consistent with assumptions about microbiome health. Furthermore, our findings indicate that microbiome features are associated with better performance previously identified in elite athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Recent years have seen innovation in 'mHealth' tools and health apps for the management/promotion of physical health and fitness across the general population. However, there is limited research on how this could be applied to mental healthcare. Therefore, we examined mental healthcare professionals' current uses and perceived roles of digital lifestyle interventions for promoting healthy lifestyles, physical health and fitness in youth mental healthcare. Methods: A sequential, mixed‐methods design was used, consisting of a quantitative online survey, followed by qualitative in‐depth interviews. Results: A total of 127 mental healthcare professionals participated in the online survey. Participants had limited mHealth experience, and the majority agreed that further training would be beneficial. Thirteen mental healthcare professionals were interviewed. Five themes were generated (i) digital technology's ability to enhance the physical healthcare; (ii) Conditions for the acceptability of apps; (iii) Limitations on staff capability and time; (iv) Motivation as the principal barrier; and (v) Practicalities around receiving lifestyle data. Systematic integration of data produced novel insights around: (i) staff involvement and needs; (ii) ideal focus and content of digital lifestyle interventions; and (iii) barriers towards implementation (including mental healthcare professionals own limited experience using digital lifestyle interventions, which aligned with the appeal of formal training). Conclusions: Overall, digital lifestyle interventions were positively received by mental healthcare professionals, particularly for health behaviour‐tracking and mHealth support for exercise and nutrition. Practical suggestions for facilitating their uptake/implementation to improve availability of physical health interventions in mental healthcare are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is known that psychosocial distress affects the morbidity and mortality of patients with cardiovascular disease of every age. The aim of this study was to produce novel information on how psychological distress can influence cardiovascular performance in patients after cardiac surgery undergoing multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation. Methods: Patients (n = 57) admitted after cardiac surgery for valvular or coronary disease underwent, within 5 days of admission, the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) self-report questionnaire to measure psychiatric symptoms and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) to assess the level of psychological distress. The Positive Symptom Distress Index (PSDI) was measured to indicate the amplitude of symptom distress. Cardiovascular performance was assessed by a 6 min walking test (6MWT) at admission and discharge, and oxygen consumption (VO2 max) was derived. Results: Within the SCL-90-R score, somatic symptoms (47.4%), depressive and anxiety symptoms (36.8% and 33.3%, respectively), symptoms of phobic anxiety (21.1%), and psychoticism (24.6%) were over-represented. As for the GHQ-12, 75.4% of the sample reported an abnormally negative perception of their health status. An inverse correlation was shown between the variation in 6MWT and SCL depression (p = 0.048), PSDI (p = 0.022), and the GHQ-12 (p = 0.040). Similarly, an inverse correlation was shown between the variation in the VO2 max, GHQ-12 (p = 0.041), and the PSDI (p = 0.023). Conclusions: Post-cardiac surgery cardiac rehabilitation was associated with increased symptoms of psychological discomfort, as compared with the general population. The amplitude of psychological distress, depression, and hostility are associated with limited improvement in performance. These data strengthen the need for psychological support during cardiac rehabilitation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Standardized exercise protocols have been shown to improve overall cardiovascular fitness, but direct effects on left ventricular (LV) function, particularly diastolic function and relation to post-transcriptional molecular pathways (microRNAs (miRs)) are poorly understood. This project tested the central hypothesis that adaptive LV remodeling resulting from a large animal exercise training protocol, would be directly associated with specific miRs responsible for regulating pathways relevant to LV myocardial stiffness and geometry. Methods and results: Pigs (n = 9; 25 Kg) underwent a 4 week exercise training protocol (10 degrees elevation, 2.5 mph, 10 min, 5 days/week) whereby LV chamber stiffness (KC) and regional myocardial stiffness (rKm) were measured by Doppler/speckle tracking echocardiography. Age and weight matched non-exercise pigs (n = 6) served as controls. LV KC fell by approximately 50% and rKm by 30% following exercise (both p < 0.05). Using an 84 miR array, 34 (40%) miRs changed with exercise, whereby 8 of the changed miRs (miR-19a, miR-22, miR-30e, miR-99a, miR-142, miR-144, miR-199a, and miR-497) were correlated to the change in KC (r ≥ 0.5 p < 0.05) and mapped to matrix and calcium handling processes. Additionally, miR-22 and miR-30e decreased with exercise and mapped to a localized inflammatory process, the inflammasome (NLRP-3, whereby a 2-fold decrease in NLRP-3 mRNA occurred with exercise (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Chronic exercise reduced LV chamber and myocardial stiffness and was correlated to miRs that map to myocardial relaxation processes as well as local inflammatory pathways. These unique findings set the stage for utilization of myocardial miR profiling to identify underlying mechanisms by which exercise causes changes in LV myocardial structure and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swimming and diving are popular recreational activities, representing an effective option in maintaining and improving cardiovascular fitness in healthy people. To date, only little is known about the cardiovascular adaption to submersion in children. This study was conducted to improve an understanding thereof. We used a stepwise apnea protocol with apnea at rest, apnea with facial immersion, and at last apnea during whole body submersion. Continuous measurement of heart rate, oxygen saturation, and peripheral resistance index was done. Physiologic data and analysis of influencing factors on heart rate, oxygen saturation, and peripheral vascular tone response are reported. The current study presents the first data of physiologic diving response in children. Data showed that facial or whole body submersion leads to a major drop in heart rate, and increase of peripheral resistance, while the oxygen saturation seems to be unaffected by static apnea in most children, with apnea times of up to 75 s without change in oxygen saturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The source and amount of protein intake may influence cardiovascular and inflammatory risk, especially in elders who are often more vulnerable. However, findings on elders have been contradictory. Therefore, we examined the association between dietary total, plant, and animal protein intake in relation to cardiovascular outcomes and inflammatory factors in elderly men. The present cross‐sectional study included 357 elderly men. A validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary intake. All biochemical factors including triglycerides (TG), fasting blood sugar (FBS), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), interleukin 6 (IL6), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were measured. Waist circumference (WC) and blood pressure (BP) were also assessed. A significant inverse association was found between animal protein intake and systolic blood pressure (SBP; OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.42, 0.91; ptrend =.014). There were significant inverse associations between plant protein intake and WC (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.68; ptrend <.001), FBS (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.89; ptrend =.018) and Hs‐CRP (OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.70; ptrend =.002). Moreover, significant inverse associations were also found between total protein intake and SBP (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.86; ptrend =.010) and total protein and Hs‐CRP (OR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.88; ptrend =.015). In elderly men, a high dietary intake of plant protein was associated with lower odds of having high WC, FBS, and Hs‐CRP. In addition, high dietary intake of animal protein was associated with higher odds of having a high SBP level, which was explained by higher intake of dairy products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance recovery, athletes often consume ready-to-eat foods, specialized sports foods and/or supplements that belong to the group of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which may affect their health. The aim of this study was to estimate consumption of UPFs in basketball players and to determine whether there is a difference in anthropometric characteristics, neuromuscular and cardiovascular fitness and microbiota composition between players in relation to the proportion of daily energy from processed foods. The study involved 17 elite male basketball players (>18 years) from Croatia during the competitive season. After cluster analysis of daily energy contribution from NOVA food groups, 35% of players were clustered into higher UPFs consumption group. No differences in anthropometric characteristics, neuromuscular and cardiovascular fitness were observed between players who consumed more UPFs and those who consumed less UPFs. Players with higher consumption of UPFs had lower abundance of the order Veillonellales-Selenomonadales in their respective microbiotas, more precisely, of family Veillonellaceae (p = 0.040) and the genus Agathobacter (p = 0.025). These results suggest that the consumption of UPFs did not affect athletes' performance but does impact their gut microbiota. Further studies on this issue are warranted to establish nutritional guidelines for athletes regarding the consumption of UPFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 15‐week telerehabilitation program and a detraining period on cardiorespiratory fitness and mechanical efficiency in patients with post‐COVID‐19 sequelae. Methods: 131 patients with post‐COVID‐19 sequelae were randomly assigned to one of two groups: patients who carried out the supervised telerehabilitation program (TRG, n = 66) and a control group (CG, n = 65). An incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was performed on cycle ergometer to compare cardioventilatory responses between experimental groups. Results: A significant increase in the CPET duration, peak power output, and mechanical efficiency was observed in TRG compared to CG after the telerehabilitation program (p ≤ 0.001). A significant increase in the CPET duration, peak power output, and mechanical efficiency was verified at 3 months compared to the pretest and after detraining in TRG (p < 0.001). A significant increase in peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) was identified after the intervention and in the detraining period compared to the pretest in both experimental groups (p < 0.001). A higher ventilatory efficiency was observed after the telerehabilitation program (p = 0.021) than in pretest only in TRG. Conclusions: A 15‐week supervised home telerehabilitation program improved exercise capacity, power output, and mechanical efficiency in TRG compared to a CG. The telerehabilitation program was not more effective in improving V̇O2peak than the activities of the CG. However, ventilatory efficiency was improved only after the telerehabilitation program. The reported results after the detraining period highlight the need to maintain the rehabilitation program over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Lack of adequate physical exercise is the main reason for the frequent occurrence of health problems among Chinese college students. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of control beliefs on cardiovascular fitness among college students and the mediating role of subjective exercise experience and exercise adherence in it. Methods: The Control Belief Scale, the Subjective Exercise Experience Scale (SEES), and the Exercise Adherence Scale were used to investigate 1854 freshmen and sophomores in Nantong and Suzhou, China. Cardiovascular fitness data for college students from the National Student Physical Health Standard and SPSS 23.0 statistical analysis software were used to carry out statistics and analyses on the questionnaires. Correlation analysis, regression analysis, and mediation models were used to assess control beliefs, subjective exercise experiences, exercise adherence, and cardiovascular fitness. Results: The control belief of college students was directly related to cardiovascular fitness (effect value: 0.121), the mediating effect through subjective exercise experience was not significant, indirectly related through the mediating effect of exercise adherence (effect value: 0.101), and indirectly related through the mediating effect of subjective exercise experience and exercise adherence (effect value: 0. 019). The positive prediction effect of control belief on cardiovascular fitness of college students was significant (β = 0.267, P < 0.001), and the positive prediction effect of control belief on cardiovascular fitness of college students was still significant (β = 0.121, P < 0.01) after adding the intermediary variables (subjective exercise experience and exercise adherence). Conclusions: The cardiovascular fitness of college students was not only directly affected by control beliefs but also affected by the chain mediating effect of subjective exercise experience and exercise adherence. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the control beliefs, subjective exercise experiences, and exercise adherence of college students to improve their cardiovascular fitness level and enhance their physical health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As its prevalence increases and its association with cardiovascular disease and mortality is established, there is a need to improve prevention and management strategies for hypertension. Therefore, we aimed to compare differences in cardiovascular health status between men and women with hypertension defined by systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg, and/or treatment with antihypertensive drugs. The association between cardiovascular health status and health-related quality of life was also evaluated. Additionally, a secondary analysis was performed on the cross-sectional data from 7306 adults with hypertension, ≥40 years of age between 2013 and 2018. Of this sample, 51.2% of patients were women from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The seven Cardiovascular Health Metrics were used to quantify cardiovascular health status and the 5-dimensional European Quality of Life Questionnaire (EQ-5D) was used to evaluate health-related quality of life. A higher proportion of men than that of women was observed in the poor cardiovascular health score group [total score 0–7], with a higher proportion of women in the intermediate group [total score 8–10] and ideal group [total 11–14] (p<0.0001). The proportion of women in the EQ-5D index was higher than that of men in the poor and intermediate groups (p<0.0001), with no difference in the proportion of men and women in the ideal group (p = 0.1452). Furthermore, specific cardiovascular risk factors were different between men and women: women had lower physical activity level and higher prevalence of high cholesterol (≥200 mg/dl), and men had higher body mass indices and worse diet management. These findings indicate that prevention and management strategies for hypertension and cardiovascular health might need to differ for men and women to improve outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Increased Body Mass Index (BMI) is associated with a decreased level of maximium oxygen uptake (VO2max), which indirectly affects Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF) in young adults. Therefore, it is important to assess CRF in the middleaged population, despite a high burden of cardiovascular risk factors in this age group. CRF refers to the circulatory system's ability to supply oxygen to functioning muscles during continuous physical exercise. Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) is the best measure of CRF and serves as the gold standard for quantifying an individual's aerobic capacity. Aim: To evaluate CRF in middle-aged men and women. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Physiotheraphy, NITTE Institute of Physiotheraphy included a total of 134 subjects aged between 45 and 65 years, who were selected from Justice KS Hegde Charitable Hospital in Mangaluru, Karnataka, India. The male and female groups consisted of 67 subjects each. The study was conducted over a period of 12 months, from March 2022 to March 2023. All subjects were included based on specific inclusion criteria. VO2max was estimated by following the Queens College Step Test (QCST) method. The Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between age, height, weight, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, heart rate, and VO2max. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean value of VO2max was assessed and compared between middle-aged males (65.8±3.5 mL/kg/min) and females (46.6±1.7 mL/kg/min). It was discovered that VO2max was significantly higher in middle-aged males than in middle-aged females (p<0.001), as indicated by heart rate changes from pretest to post-test. The mean value of BMI was compared between males (24.4±3.2) kg/m² and females (24.4±4.9) kg/m², and the difference was found to be statistically non significant (p-value=0.916). Similarly, the mean value of waist-to-hip ratio was compared between males (0.9±0.1) and females (0.9±0.1), and the difference was also statistically non significant (p-value=0.637). Conclusion: Middle-aged males exhibit substantially higher VO2max compared to middle-aged females (p<0.001). Consequently, middle-aged females demonstrate a considerable decrease in aerobic capacity, as indicated by VO2max, and decreased cardiovascular fitness, which serve as predictors of cardiovascular disease risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The paper underscores the growing importance of cardiac rehabilitation in contemporary healthcare due to the persistent burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) on public health. Cardiovascular diseases have wide-ranging consequences, and managing them requires a comprehensive approach involving both short-term recovery and long-term prevention. Cardiac rehabilitation is highlighted as a crucial component, offering a holistic approach to enhance recovery post-cardiac events and reduce the risk of future occurrences. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the impact of two distinct rehabilitation approaches among stroke patients. Participants aged 45-70 years diagnosed with ischemic stroke in the subacute stage were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups. Group x received a stroke-specific rehabilitation protocol, while Group y received a combined intervention of individualized cardiac rehabilitation in addition to stroke rehabilitation. The study utilized computerized random sampling for participant selection, emphasizing a systematic and unbiased approach. Various outcome measures, including cardiac autonomic function, balance, mobility, cardiovascular fitness, respiratory parameters, and exercise efficiency, were assessed through baseline and post-intervention measurements. Results: The study involved 38 participants in Group x and 37 participants in Group y. Demographic and medical factors were assessed, including age, stroke type distribution, smoking habits, hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure. Significant improvements were observed in Group y compared to Group x in post-Mean NN and post-RMSSD, indicating enhanced heart rate variability and parasympathetic nervous system activity. Group y also demonstrated improved respiratory performance, exercise efficiency, and endurance compared to Group x. Conclusions: The study concludes that individualized cardiac rehabilitation programs for stroke patients can offer significant benefits, including improvements in balance, mobility, exercise efficiency, and autonomic regulation. The findings underscore the importance of tailored rehabilitation approaches in optimizing recovery, enhancing cardiovascular health, and improving overall well-being in stroke survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sickness absence from work has a large adverse impact on both individuals and societies in Sweden and the costs for sickness absence were calculated to 64.6 billion Swedish kronor (approx. 5.6 billion in Euros) in 2020. Although high cardiorespiratory fitness may protect against potential adverse effects of high physical workload, research on the moderating effect of respiratory fitness in the relation between having an occupation with high physical workload and sickness absence is scarce. To study the moderating effect of cardiorespiratory fitness in the association between occupation and psychiatric, musculoskeletal, and cardiorespiratory diagnoses. Data was retrieved from the HPI Health Profile Institute database (1988–2020) and Included 77,366 participants (mean age 41.8 years, 52.5% women) from the Swedish workforce. The sample was chosen based on occupational groups with a generally low education level and differences in physical workload. Hurdle models were used to account for incident sickness absence and the rate of sickness absence days. There were differences in sickness absence between occupational groups for musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory diagnoses, but not for psychiatric diagnoses. In general, the association between occupation and musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory diagnoses was moderated by cardiorespiratory fitness in most occupational groups with higher physical workload, whereas no moderating effect was observed for psychiatric diagnoses. The study results encourage community and workplace interventions to both consider variation in physical workload and to maintain and/or improve cardiorespiratory fitness for a lower risk of sickness absence, especially in occupations with high physical workload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health-oriented physical activity should meet two key criteria: safety and an optimal level of exercise. The system of monitoring and rationalization of training (SMART) was designed to meet them. SMART integrates a custom-configured inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a sensor with real-time heart rate measurement (HR) using a proprietary computer application. SMART was used to evaluate the safety and exercise load with 115 study participants: 51 women (44.35%) and 64 men (55.65%) aged 19 to 65 years. The exercise test was the 6MWT test. In 35% of the participants, the mean HR exceeded the recognized safe limit of HR 75% max. Ongoing monitoring of HR allows for optimal exercise and its safety. Step count data were collected from the SMART system. The average step length was calculated by dividing the distance by the number of steps. The aim of the present study was to assess the risk of excessive cardiovascular stress during the 6MWT test using the SMART system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As a professional group, physicians are at increased risk of burnout and job stress, both of which are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease that is at least as high as that of other professionals. This study aimed to examine the association of burnout and job stress with coronary microvascular function, a predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events. Methods: Thirty male physicians with clinical burnout and 30 controls without burnout were included. Burnout was assessed with the Maslach Burnout Inventory and job stress with the effort-reward imbalance and overcommitment questionnaire. All participants underwent myocardial perfusion positron emission tomography to quantify endothelium-dependent (cold pressor test) and endothelium-independent (adenosine challenge) coronary microvascular function. Burnout and job stress were regressed on coronary flow reserve (primary outcome) and two additional measures of coronary microvascular function in the same model while adjusting for age and body mass index. Results: Burnout and job stress were significantly and independently associated with endothelium-dependent microvascular function. Burnout was positively associated with coronary flow reserve, myocardial blood flow response, and hyperemic myocardial blood flow (r partial = 0.28 to 0.35; p-value = 0.008 to 0.035). Effort-reward ratio (r partial = − 0.32 to − 0.38; p-value = 0.004 to 0.015) and overcommitment (r partial = − 0.30 to − 0.37; p-value = 0.005 to 0.022) showed inverse associations with these measures. Conclusions: In male physicians, burnout and high job stress showed opposite associations with coronary microvascular endothelial function. Longitudinal studies are needed to show potential clinical implications and temporal relationships between work-related variables and coronary microvascular function. Future studies should include burnout and job stress for a more nuanced understanding of their potential role in cardiovascular health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: Despite the importance of physical activity, there is lack of evidence measuring the level of activity performed by the stroke survivors. This study aims to determine the level of physical activity amongst ambulant stroke patients in a tertiary centre in Malaysia and to investigate the factors that may impact their physical activity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on ambulant stroke participants at one year post stroke. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to measure the level of physical activity, and 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) was recorded to assess the participants functional walking distance and endurance. The participants were categorised into low, moderate, or high physical activity levels. Age-matched healthy controls were recruited form community. Factors including presence of depression were tested in relation to physical activity. P-value of <0.05 was considered statically significant in all statistical analyses. Results: There were 45 stroke patients and 30 controls recruited in this study. Participants in the stroke group has significantly lower level of physical activity compared to the control group, especially in the high physical activity level (p<0.001); 55.6% reported having moderate, 31.1% low and 13.3% high physical activity level respectively. No significant factors were found to be associated with the physical activity. Only depression was found to have a weak negative correlation with level of physical activity (p=0.003). Conclusion: Stroke survivors have lower level of physical activity at one year post stroke despite having mild physical impairments. Rehabilitation strategies to promote physical activities should be implemented early to take advantage on the benefits of cardiovascular fitness as secondary prevention of stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscular strength represents a specific component of health-related fitness. Hand grip strength is used as a simple and dynamic marker of maximum voluntary force of the hand and to estimate overall strength. Today, little is known about the relationship between grip strength and health in forcibly displaced populations. In the present study, we examined whether grip strength is associated with various health outcomes in a sample of forcibly displaced people living in a Greek refugee camp. The present analyses are part of a larger pragmatic randomized controlled trial. In this paper, cross-sectional baseline data of 143 participants (71 men, 72 women) will be presented. In addition to grip strength, the following physical and mental health outcomes were assessed: body weight and body composition, blood pressure, total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose levels (HbA1c), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, depressive and anxiety symptoms, pain, and quality of life. Linear regression analyses were carried out to examine how grip strength is associated with the health outcomes, separately for absolute and normalized grip strength scores. Grip strength was positively and strongly associated with percentage muscle mass (normalized grip strength: Stand. B = 0.58, p <.001), whereas a negative association existed for percentage body fat (normalized grip strength: Stand. B = − 0.58, p <.001). No statistically significant associations occurred between grip strength and the other cardiovascular risk markers. In contrast, we found that participants with higher normalized grip strength reported higher levels of PTSD (normalized grip strength: Stand. B = 0.36, p <.05) and depressive symptoms (normalized grip strength: Stand. B = 0.29, p <.05). No significant association occurred between grip strength, anxiety, pain and quality of life. Measuring grip strength in forcibly displaced people can be a useful way to assess their overall muscle strength. Grip strength tests are easy to implement, and results can be used to assess the effects of specific intervention measures. Nevertheless, our results question the usefulness of grip strength as a marker of cardiovascular health and mental wellbeing in a refugee camp setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Observational studies investigating the association between accelerometer-measured physical activity and health all use absolute measures of physical activity intensity. However, intervention studies suggest that the physical activity intensity required to improve health is relative to individual fitness. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between accelerometer-measured absolute and relative physical activity intensity and cardiometabolic health, and what implications these associations may have on the interpretation of health-associated physical activity. Methods: A sample of the cross-sectional Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS) consisting of 4,234 men and women aged 55–64 years was studied. Physical activity intensity was measured by accelerometry and expressed as absolute (e.g., metabolic equivalents of task) or relative (percentage of maximal oxygen consumption). Fitness was estimated by the submaximal Ekblom-Bak test. A composite ('metabolic syndrome') score combined measures of waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and glycated hemoglobin. Associations of absolute and relative physical activity intensity with the health indicators (i.e., fitness and metabolic syndrome score) were studied by partial least squares regression. Analyses were stratified by fitness level. Results: Both absolute and relative physical activity intensity associated with the health indicators. However, the strongest associations for absolute intensity varied depending on fitness levels, whereas the associations for relative intensity were more synchronized across fitness groups. The dose–response relationship between moderate-to-vigorous intensity and the health indicators was stronger for relative than for absolute intensity. The absolute and relative moderate-to-vigorous intensity cut-offs intersected at the 5th fitness percentile, indicating that the absolute intensity cut-off is too low for 95% of individuals in this sample. While 99% of individuals fulfilled the general physical activity recommendations based on absolute intensity measures, only 21% fulfilled the recommendations based on relative intensity measures. In relation to a "sufficient" fitness level, 9% fulfilled the recommendations. Conclusions: Accelerometer-measured relative physical activity intensity represents the intensity related to health benefits regardless of fitness level. Traditional absolute moderate intensity accelerometer cut-offs are too low for most individuals and should be adapted to the fitness level in the sample studied. Absolute and relative physical activity intensity cannot be used interchangeably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting cardiorespiratory fitness levels can be useful for measuring progress in an exercise program as well as for stratifying cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic adults. This study proposes a model to predict fitness level in terms of maximal oxygen uptake using anthropometric, heart rate, and step count data. The model was trained on a diverse cohort of 3115 healthy subjects (1035 women and 2080 men) aged 42 ± 10.6 years and tested on a cohort of 779 healthy subjects (260 women and 519 men) aged 42 ± 10.18 years. The developed model is capable of making accurate and reliable predictions with the average test set error of 3.946 ml/kg/min. The maximal oxygen uptake labels were obtained using wearable devices (Apple Watch and Garmin) during recorded workout sessions. Additionally, the model was validated on a sample of 10 subjects with maximal oxygen uptake determined directly using a treadmill protocol in a laboratory setting and showed an error of 4.982 ml/kg/min. Unlike most other models, which use accelerometer readings as additional input data, the proposed model relies solely on heart rate and step counts—data readily available on the majority of fitness trackers. The proposed model provides a point estimation and a probabilistic prediction of cardiorespiratory fitness level, thus it can estimate the prediction's uncertainty and construct confidence intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, gestational diabetes mellitus complicates 1 in 6 pregnancies and increases future risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the affected women. There is a lack of consensus on the optimal follow-up of these women. eHealth is emerging as a health care tool, but its practical utility and advantages over standard care in the follow-up after pregnancy complications remains to be determined. Our aim was to systematically review the existing literature on cardiovascular follow-up after gestational diabetes, the utility of eHealth technology for this purpose, and to identify research gaps. Methods: We performed a systematic scoping review following a published protocol and the Joanna Briggs methodology for studies up until May 2022. Four databases were searched: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Maternity and Infant Care, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Primary research articles and systematic reviews were included in the final analyses. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and performed full text assessment. Data was extracted using a data charting form. In all stages of the process, if consensus was not reached, a third reviewer was consulted. The findings from the data charting process provided the basis for summarizing the findings from the included studies. Results: The search of the databases generated 2772 hits. After removing duplicates and manually adding a total of 19 studies, reviews, and guidelines, a total of 2769 titles and abstracts were screened, and 97 papers underwent full-text review. In the final analyses, 15 articles and 12 systematic reviews were included, whereas guidelines are presented as supplementary material. No studies were identified that examined follow-up regarding long-term overall cardiovascular risk after gestational diabetes. Various lifestyle interventions were tested for individual cardiovascular risk factors, with diverging effects. eHealth technologies were found acceptable by participants but had no consistent, statistically significant effect on relevant health outcomes. Conclusions: This scoping review of the existing literature revealed neither an established systematic cardiovascular follow-up strategy for women after gestational diabetes nor evidence that eHealth technologies are superior to conventional follow-up. Further research into the utility of eHealth in cardiovascular follow-up after complicated pregnancies should include longer-term follow-up and core cardiovascular outcomes. Systematic review registration: The protocol for this scoping review was published at Open Science Framework (osf.io/p5hw6) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Low cardiorespiratory fitness is an established risk predictor for chronic non-communicable diseases. We aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of fitness level on the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE, the composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or all-cause death), in a contemporary cohort of middle-aged subjects without cardiovascular disease. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients aged 40–60 years without a history of cardiovascular disease. Degree of fitness was determined according to a graded, maximal treadmill exercise stress testing (EST) time achieved, classified into age- and sex-specific quintiles (Q), and categorized as low (Q1), moderate (Q2–Q4) or high (Q5) fitness groups. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to assess the association of fitness level with the risk of MACE. Results: A total of 6836 patients were included, of which 44.5% were women, and the mean age was 52 years. Overall, 289 MACE events occurred during a median follow-up of 7 years. Level of fitness was inversely associated with the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for MACE was 1.65 (1.12–2.44) and 2.17 (1.40–3.38) in those at moderate and low fitness levels, compared to the high-fitness group (reference), respectively. For each decrease of one metabolic equivalent (MET) unit achieved at peak exercise, the relative risk for MACE increased by 18%. The association between low fitness and MACE was not modified by other risk factors (P-for-interaction non-significant). Conclusions: Low fitness level, as captured by a maximal treadmill EST, is an independent risk predictor for MACE among middle-age individuals without known cardiovascular disease. The association of low fitness with high burden of cardiometabolic risk factors highlight the importance of lifestyle intervention in this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health reflects the interplay among metabolic risk factors, chronic kidney disease, and the cardiovascular system and has profound impacts on morbidity and mortality. There are multisystem consequences of poor cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health, with the most significant clinical impact being the high associated incidence of cardiovascular disease events and cardiovascular mortality. There is a high prevalence of poor cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health in the population, with a disproportionate burden seen among those with adverse social determinants of health. However, there is also a growing number of therapeutic options that favorably affect metabolic risk factors, kidney function, or both that also have cardioprotective effects. To improve cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health and related outcomes in the population, there is a critical need for (1) more clarity on the definition of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome; (2) an approach to cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic staging that promotes prevention across the life course; (3) prediction algorithms that include the exposures and outcomes most relevant to cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health; and (4) strategies for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease in relation to cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health that reflect harmonization across major subspecialty guidelines and emerging scientific evidence. It is also critical to incorporate considerations of social determinants of health into care models for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome and to reduce care fragmentation by facilitating approaches for patient-centered interdisciplinary care. This presidential advisory provides guidance on the definition, staging, prediction paradigms, and holistic approaches to care for patients with cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome and details a multicomponent vision for effectively and equitably enhancing cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health in the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms by which physical activity affects cardiovascular function and physiology are complex and multifactorial. In the present study, cardiac output during rest or acute physical activity was simulated in isolated aortic segments of healthy C57BL/6J wild-type mice. This was performed using the Rodent Oscillatory Tension Set-up to study Arterial Compliance (ROTSAC) by applying cyclic stretch of different amplitude, duration and frequency in well-controlled and manageable experimental conditions. Our data show that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of the aorta have the intrinsic ability to "de-stiffen" or "relax" after periods of high cyclic stretch and to "re-stiffen" slowly thereafter upon return to normal distension pressures. Thereby, certain conditions have to be fulfilled: 1) VSMC contraction and repetitive stretching (loading/unloading cycles) are a prerequisite to induce post-exercise de-stiffening; 2) one bout of high cyclic stretch is enough to induce de- and re-stiffening. Aortic de-stiffening was highly dependent on cyclic stretch amplitude and on the manner and timing of contraction with probable involvement of focal adhesion phosphorylation/activation. Results of this study may have implications for the therapeutic potential of regular and acute physical activity and its role in the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular disease. Simulating high intensity exercise affects aortic compliance and stiffness in mouse aortic segments studied ex vivo, and is dependent on cyclic stretch amplitude, duration and frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical Exercise (EXR) has been shown to have numerous beneficial effects on various systems in the human body. It leads to a decrease in the risk of mortality from chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, metabolic and central nervous system disorders. EXR results in improving cardiovascular fitness, cognitive function, immune activity, endocrine action, and musculoskeletal health. These positive effects make EXR a valuable intervention for promoting overall health and well-being in individuals of all ages. These beneficial effects are partially mediated by the role of the regular EXR in the adaptation to redox homeostasis counteracting the sudden increase of ROS, the hallmark of many chronic diseases. EXR can trigger the release of numerous humoral factors, e.g. protein, microRNA (miRs), and DNA, that can be shuttled as cargo of Extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs show different cargo modification after oxidative stress stimuli as well as after EXR. In this review, we aim to highlight the main studies on the role of EVs released during EXR and oxidative stress conditions in enhancing the antioxidant enzymes pathway and in the decrease of oxidative stress environment mediated by their cargo. [Display omitted] • Physical Exercise promotes redox homeostasis through the activation of antioxidant pathways that lead to the decrease of oxidative stress markers. • EVs enriched in functional antioxidant molecules released during exercise have s hown a central role in maintaining redox homeostasis. • EVs, through the delivery of miRs and proteins, can modulate oxidative stress and protect different tissues, particularly with the activation of Nrf2-related pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective • In patients with postoperative circulatory instability, the exploration of invasive arterial blood pressure (IABP) monitoring is of great significance because it can provide real-time cardiovascular function information and help medical staff to better assess and manage the patient’s circulatory status. To explore the value of IABP monitoring for patients with postoperative circulatory instability in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Methods • From January to December 2021, 160 postoperative patients with circulatory instability were randomly divided into a control group and a study group (80 patients in each group). A random number sequence is generated through a random number table, and random numbers are distributed to different patients to achieve random grouping. SPSS was used for data processing and statistical analysis, t test was used for continuous variables, chi-square test was used for count data, and the significance level was P < .05.We compared various parameters, such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), PACU observation time, arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2 ), total hospitalization time, heart rate (HR), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2 ), re-intubation rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), adverse events, and blood oxygen saturation (SaO2 ), between the two groups. Flow cytometry was used to analyze changes in immune lymphocyte subsets in the patient’s peripheral blood. Results • During the postoperative observation period, there were no significant differences in SBP, PaCO2, HR, SaO2, MAP, and PaO2 between the two groups (P > .05)The study group showed higher SBP, SaO2, MAP, and PaO2, and lower HR and PaCO2 compared to the control group (P < .05). The study group also had shorter PACU observation time, total hospitalization time, and a lower re-intubation rate compared to the control group (P < .05). There was no significant difference in the overall incidence of adverse events between the two groups (7.50% vs 3.75%) (P > .05). The study group showed significantly higher proportions of lymphocytes, CD3+ T cells, CD3+ CD4+ T cells, and CD3+ CD4+/CD3+ CD8+ ratio compared to the control group (P < .05). This change may reflect the patients with a positive response of the immune system, help to resist disease progress and infection. Conclusion • IABP monitoring can continuously, dynamically and accurately collect arterial blood pressure data of patients with postoperative circulatory instability, contributing to the recovery of immune competence in patients to help formulate the best clinical treatment and intervention plan. The dynamic and accurate arterial blood pressure data collection provided by IABP monitoring contributes not only to immune competence recovery but also to overall patient management and treatment planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim was to gather available data published after the 2000s, on cardiovascular fitness in normal weight and obese children and adolescents. Based on the data, the secondary aims were to identify the most used outcomes and to determine the differences in cardiovascular fitness in the mentioned populations. Following PRISMA recommendations, multiple databases were searched: Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, and Research Gate, with additional inclusion criteria: original study published in English, normal weight and obese children and adolescents as participant sample, studies that have assessed cardiovascular fitness parameters, and studies with participant's nutrition state. A total of 19 studies, with a total of 4,988 included participants (both obese and normal weight) were identified, with the most common participants have presented better results in terms of BMI, BF%, VO2max, VO2peak and METs, while the HR values are inconsistently presented. Despite deficiencies the study deficiency in the last two decades, there are differences in the mentioned populations. Further studies should focus on including the technology that reaches teens and families for overweight and obesity prevention and advancements in standard measurements for juvenile overweight and obesity, as well as for the creation, adaption, and validation of measuring instruments. As good framework for future directions, there is a need for more concise and unified measurements of cardiovascular fitness parameters in normally weight and obese children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the relationship between programme attendance in a produce prescription (PRx) programme and changes in cardiovascular risk factors. Design: The Georgia Food for Health (GF4H) programme provided six monthly nutrition education sessions, six weekly cooking classes and weekly produce vouchers. Participants became programme graduates attending at least 4 of the 6 of both the weekly cooking classes and monthly education sessions. We used a longitudinal, single-arm approach to estimate the association between the number of monthly programme visits attended and changes in health indicators. Setting: GF4H was implemented in partnership with a large safety-net health system in Atlanta, GA. Participants: Three hundred thirty-one participants living with or at-risk of chronic disease and food insecurity were recruited from primary care clinics. Over three years, 282 participants graduated from the programme. Results: After adjusting for programme site, year, participant sex, age, race and ethnicity, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participation and household size, we estimated that each additional programme visit attended beyond four visits was associated with a 0·06 kg/m2 reduction in BMI (95 % CI –0·12, –0·01; P = 0·02), a 0·37 inch reduction in waist circumference (95 % CI –0·48, –0·27; P < 0·001), a 1·01 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure (95 % CI –1·45, –0·57; P < 0·001) and a 0·43 mmHg reduction in diastolic blood pressure (95 % CI –0·69, –0·17; P = 0·001). Conclusions: Each additional cooking and nutrition education visit attended beyond the graduation threshold was associated with modest but significant improvements in CVD risk factors, suggesting that increased engagement in educational components of a PRx programme improves health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction: We investigated the association of polyneuropathy (PN) with all‐cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality and with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events stratified by diabetes status. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study used the UK Biobank. Polyneuropathy was defined based on nurse‐led interviews or ICD codes for polyneuropathy. Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate the association of polyneuropathy with clinical outcomes. Results: A total of 459,127 participants were included in the analysis. Polyneuropathy was significantly associated with all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality, and with CVD events even after adjusting for CVD risk factors across all diabetes statuses. Metabolic parameters HbA1c, waist circumference, BMI and the inflammatory parameter C‐reactive protein showed significant mediation effects for the association between polyneuropathy and CVD. Adherence to a favorable lifestyle was associated with a lower risk of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality regardless of polyneuropathy status. Conclusions: Polyneuropathy was associated with all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality, and with CVD events in subjects with diabetes or prediabetes, even those having normal glucose tolerance. This study suggests the importance of polyneuropathy as a risk factor for death and highlights the necessity of early diagnosis and lifestyle intervention for those with type 2 diabetes and polyneuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate awareness about cardiovascular (CVD) risk among a racially and ethnically diverse cohort of health system employees. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Voluntary survey of health system employees during an annual CVD awareness and screening event. Subjects: 759 health system employees. Measures: We performed initial CVD screening measurements (blood pressure, body mass index) and collected patient-reported answers to questions about their own CVD risk factors (hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, overweight, smoking, physical inactivity and family history of CVD) and whether or not they believed that CVD is preventable. Subjects were offered in-depth follow-up CVD screening (lipid panel, hs-CRP, hemoglobin A1c), if interested. Analysis: Continuous measures were compared across sex and racial/ethnic subsets using a t test and analysis of variance technique. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the employee's willingness to undergo further comprehensive screening. Results: African American, Hispanic, and Asian employees were younger than white employees (P <.0001). More than one-quarter of African Americans reported a history of hypertension, a higher rate than for other subgroups (P =.001). The rate of self-reported diabetes was highest in African American and Asian employees (P =.001). African Americans had a 54% reduced odds of electing to pursue follow-up CVD screening (odds ratio:.46, 95% confidence interval =.24−.91, P =.025). Conclusion: Presence of CVD risk factors and knowledge of their importance differ among racial and ethnic groups of health system employees in our cohort as does interest in pursuing follow-up screening once risk factors are identified. Development of evidence-based customization strategies by racial and ethnic group may improve understanding of and interest in CVD risk factors and advance prevention. The data from this study will inform future research and strategies for employee health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delayed discharges have been a persistent problem in UK hospitals for the past decade. One in eight hospital beds in England is occupied by patients who are medically fit to leave, but cannot be discharged, data from NHS England show. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke is a major contributor to disability and mortality globally. It leads to physical impairments, including weakness and cardiovascular deconditioning, posing significant challenges to stroke survivors' quality of life. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation has shown promise as a rehabilitation strategy. This study aims to assess and compare the impacts of stroke-specific rehabilitation and individualized cardiac rehabilitation exercises on various health parameters in stroke patients. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted, involving 38 stroke patients aged 40–75 years. Group A received stroke-specific rehabilitation, which consisted of a combination of range of motion exercises, strength training for the paralyzed side, balance and coordination training, gait training, functional mobility exercises, neuromuscular reeducation, and breathing exercises. This program was conducted five days per week for 12 weeks. Group B received individually designed cardiac rehabilitation exercises, in addition to stroke-specific rehabilitation. They engaged in this exercise for at least 30–45 min per day, four days per week, and incorporated two days of resistive training over a 12-week period. Baseline and post-intervention assessments included measures of cardiac autonomic function, balance (Berg Balance Scale), mobility (Timed Up and Go Test), cardiovascular fitness indicators, respiratory parameters, exercise efficiency, and perceived exertion. Results: Group B receiving individualized cardio rehab showed significant improvements in balance and mobility compared to Group A receiving conventional stroke-specific rehab. Moreover, Group B exhibited enhanced cardiovascular fitness, respiratory performance, exercise efficiency, and autonomic function post-intervention. Notably, Group A displayed no significant improvements in these parameters. Conclusions: Individualized cardiac rehabilitation exercises demonstrated favorable outcomes in improving certain health parameters, highlighting the potential benefits of individualized rehabilitation strategies for stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate if home-based resistance training compared with centerbased resistance training was associated with better preservation of muscle mass and strength in older individuals, 6 months after the interventions ended. One hundred four healthy older individuals (>65 years) who had completed 1 year of either home-based lightintensity training with daily whey protein supplementation (LITW), center-based heavy resistance training with whey protein supplementation (HRTW), or daily whey protein supplementation alone (WHEY) returned for follow-up measurement 6 months after the interventions. Measures of muscle mass, strength, and power were assessed at the end of intervention as well as at follow-up. Furthermore, we compared changes in these parameters between subjects who continued resistance training (≥1 weekly training session) during follow-up (CONT) with those who stopped (STOP). Resistance training continuation during follow-up did not differ between HRTW and LITW (41 vs. 41%, P = 1.0) but was higher for both groups compared with WHEY (18%, P = 0.04-0.05). However, no between-group differences were observed between LITW/HRTW/WHEY in changes in muscle mass, strength, or power during follow-up. STOPwas associatedwith a poorer preservation of quadriceps cross-sectional area comparedwithCONT (-1.7 cm² [-0.4 to 23.0], P = 0.01, effect size: 0.79). No effect of training continuation was observed on changes in muscle strength and power. In conclusion,maintenance of muscle mass and strength is not superior after home-based resistance training comparedwith center-based training. However, training continuation seems crucial for the maintenance of muscle mass, irrespective of the training intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]