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Background and Purpose: Aerobic exercise can elicit positive effects on neuroplasticity and cognitive executive function but is poorly understood after stroke. We tested the effect of 4 weeks of aerobic exercise training on inhibitory and facilitatory elements of cognitive executive function and electroencephalography markers of cortical inhibition and facilitation. We investigated relationships between stimulus-evoked cortical responses, blood lactate levels during training, and aerobic fitness postintervention. Methods: Twelve individuals with chronic (>6 months) stroke completed an aerobic exercise intervention (40 minutes, 3×/wk). Electroencephalography and motor response times were assessed during congruent (response facilitation) and incongruent (response inhibition) stimuli of a Flanker task. Aerobic fitness capacity was assessed as V ˙ o 2peak during a treadmill test pre- and postintervention. Blood lactate was assessed acutely (<1 minute) after exercise each week. Cortical inhibition (N2) and facilitation (frontal P3) were quantified as peak amplitudes and latencies of stimulus-evoked electroencephalographic activity over the frontal cortical region. Results: Following exercise training, the response inhibition speed increased while response facilitation remained unchanged. A relationship between earlier cortical N2 response and faster response inhibition emerged postintervention. Individuals who produced higher lactate during exercise training achieved faster response inhibition and tended to show earlier cortical N2 responses postintervention. There were no associations between V ˙ o 2peak and metrics of behavioral or neurophysiologic function. Discussion and Conclusions: These preliminary findings provide novel evidence for selective benefits of aerobic exercise on inhibitory control during the initial 4-week period after initiation of exercise training and implicate a potential therapeutic effect of lactate on poststroke inhibitory control. Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the video, Supplemental Digital Content 1 available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A450). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Exercise is associated with improvements in asthma; however, the mechanisms responsible are not clear. Exercise induces changes in systemic inflammation, and it is possible that these inflammatory effects extend to the airways of people with asthma. Studies in healthy adults suggest inflammatory responses are dependent on exercise intensity: Although acute moderate exercise is antiinflammatory, acute vigorous exercise appears to be neutral or proinflammatory. The effect of exercise intensity on inflammation has not been investigated in people with asthma. Objectives: To compare acute changes in airway and systemic inflammation after a bout of moderate or vigorous exercise in physically inactive adults with asthma and to establish whether these effects differ according to asthma phenotype. Methods: Participants were randomized to either 1) control (no intervention), 2) 45 minutes of moderate exercise, or 3) 30 minutes of vigorous exercise. Induced sputum and blood samples were collected at baseline and 4 hours after intervention. Results: Fifty-six participants (75% female; mean age, 33.4 [9.9] yr) completed the trial. Moderate exercise induced a significant reduction in sputum eosinophil count (-173 [-337 to -10]; P = 0.032) and sputum percentage eosinophils (-2.2 [-4.9 to 0.5]; P = 0.049) relative to control. Vigorous exercise had no effect on airway inflammation. The antiinflammatory effects of moderate exercise were greatest in participants with eosinophilic asthma, with larger reductions in sputum eosinophils and larger increases in plasma interleukin (IL)-1ra than seen in participants with noneosinophilic asthma. Vigorous exercise induced a systemic proinflammatory response in participants with eosinophilic asthma, indicated by an increase in serum IL-5 and IL-1β; however, this had no effect on airway inflammation. Conclusions: Exercise intensity modifies the acute inflammatory response to exercise in adults with asthma. Although a bout of moderate exercise is associated with a reduction in eosinophilic airway inflammation, vigorous exercise has no effect on airway inflammation. Interestingly, the effects of moderate exercise vary by asthma phenotype, with greater antiinflammatory effects in participants with eosinophilic asthma. Future studies should examine the impact of exercise training at different intensities on inflammation and clinical asthma outcomes. Clinical trial registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN 12615000294550). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caffeine has beneficial effects on firefighter job performance reducing fatigue and improving psychomotor vigilance. However, excessive caffeine intake may raise blood pressure (BP) following a bout of acute exercise among adults with elevated BP. The influence of caffeine intake on the ambulatory BP (ABP) response to vigorous physical exertion among firefighters has not been studied. In this sub-study we conducted secondary statistical analyses from a larger clinical trial (NCT04514354) that included examining the influence of habitual caffeine intake, and cardiometabolic biomarkers shown to influence BP, on the ABP response following a bout of sudden vigorous exertion over 19 h among firefighters. Previously, we found high amounts of calcium and sodium intake raised BP following a bout of acute exercise among adults with elevated BP. Thus, other secondary aims were to examine the influence of habitual calcium and sodium intake, and cardiometabolic biomarkers have shown to influence BP, on the ABP response following sudden vigorous exertion over 19 h among firefighters. Firefighters (n = 15) completed a Food-Frequency Questionnaire assessing habitual dietary intake over the past year. They randomly completed a maximal graded exercise stress test (GEST) and non-exercise CONTROL on separate non-workdays leaving the laboratory wearing an ABP monitor for 19 h. Prior to and immediately after the GEST, fasting venous blood was collected to measure lipid-lipoproteins, c-reactive protein, and blood glucose. Height and weight were taken to calculate body mass index. Repeated measures ANCOVA tested if the ABP response differed after GEST vs. CONTROL. Linear mixed models examined the relationships among caffeine, calcium, sodium, cardiometabolic biomarkers, and the ABP response following GEST vs. CONTROL. Firefighters were middle-aged (40.2 ± 9.5 year), overweight (29.0 ± 3.9 kg/m2) men with elevated BP (124.1 ± 10.3/79.6 ± 11.5 mmHg) who consumed 542.0 ± 348.9 mg of caffeine/day, about ~50% more than the dietary reference intake. Unexpectedly, systolic ABP was higher by 18.0 ± 6.7 mmHg and diastolic ABP by 9.1 ± 5.4 mmHg (ps < 0.01) over 19 h following GEST vs. CONTROL. We found 24% of the variance in the adverse ABP response to maximal physical exertion was explained by caffeine intake, and when combined with c-reactive protein, non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, body mass index, blood glucose, and resting heart rate, up to 74% of the variability in the ABP response was explained. Additionally, we found calcium (ps < 0.001) and sodium (p < 0.0001) intake each explained up to 24% of the ABP response. Further investigation is needed in a larger, more diverse sample of firefighters to better establish how caffeine contributes to the adverse BP response to strenuous physical exertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examined the effects of a five-week intervention combining vigorous interval training (VIT) with diet among twenty-four obese adolescents. Fourteen girls and ten boys (aged 14-15) schooled in a pediatric rehabilitation center participated. Methods: The VIT intensity was targeted and remained above 80% of maximal heart rate (HR) and over six kilocalories per minute. Pre- and postintervention measures were body composition (BMI, weight, body fat percentage), physical self-perceptions (PSP), physical fitness (6-min walking distance and work) and its associated physiological responses (HRpeak and blood lactate concentration). A series of two-way analyses of variance or covariance controlling for weight loss were used to examine the changes. Results: Significant improvements were found in body composition, physical fitness and PSP (endurance, activity level, sport competence, global physical self-concept and appearance). In addition, boys presented higher levels of perceived strength and global physical self-concept than girls. Finally, there was a significant increase in perceived endurance, sport competence, and global physical self-concept in girls only. Conclusion: This five-week VIT program combined with diet represents an effective means for improving body composition, physical fitness, and PSP in obese adolescents, the effects on PSP being larger among girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim was to investigate the association between distant green space and physical activity modified by local green space. Methods: Information about physical activity, demographic and socioeconomic background at the individual level was extracted from the New South Wales Population Health Survey. The proportion of a postcode that was parkland was used as a proxy measure for access to parklands and was calculated for each individual. Results: There was a significant relationship between distant green space and engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at least once a week. No significant relationship was found between adequate physical activity and distant green space. No significant relationships were found between adequate physical activity, engaging in MVPA, and local green space. However, if respondents lived in greater local green space (=25%), there was a significant relationship between engaging in MVPA at least once a week and distance green space of =20%. Conclusion: This study highlights the important effect of distant green space on physical activity. Our findings also suggest that moderate size of local green space together with moderate size of distant green space are important levers for participation of physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eosinophilic fasciitis presents as painful symmetrical stiffness and limb sclerosis with deep fascia inflammation. Unilateral conflict has been rarely reported. In this paper, a young man with unilateral thigh and leg involvement is presented who developed symptoms following strenuous exercise. Clinical, laboratory, imaging, and pathology findings are discussed. Treatment with prednisolone and methotrexate was started. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The neurobiology of persistent pain shares common underlying psychobiology with that of traumatic stress. Modern treatments for traumatic stress often involve bottom-up sensorimotor retraining/exposure therapies, where breath, movement, balance and mindfulness, are used to target underlying psychobiology. Vigorous exercise, in particular Bikram yoga, combines many of these sensorimotor/exposure therapeutic features. However, there is very little research investigating the feasibility and efficacy of such treatments for targeting the underlying psychobiology of persistent pain. Methods This study was a randomized controlled trail (RCT) comparing the efficacy of Bikram yoga versus high intensity interval training (HIIT), for improving persistent pain in women aged 20 to 50 years. The participants were 1:1 randomized to attend their assigned intervention, 3 times per week, for 8 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and further pain related biopsychosocial secondary outcomes, including SF-36 Medical Outcomes and heart rate variability (HRV), were also explored. Data was collected pre (t0) and post (t1) intervention via an online questionnaire and physiological testing. Results A total of 34 women were recruited from the community. Analyses using ANCOVA demonstrated no significant difference in BPI (severity plus interference) scores between the Bikram yoga (n = 17) and the HIIT (n = 15). Women in the Bikram yoga group demonstrated significantly improved SF-36 subscale physical functioning: [ANCOVA: F(1, 29) = 6.17, p = .019, partial eta-squared effect size (ηp 2) = .175 and mental health: F(1, 29) = 9.09, p = .005, ηp 2 = .239; and increased heart rate variability (SDNN): F(1, 29) = 5.12, p = .013, ηp 2 = .150, scores compared to the HIIT group. Across both groups, pain was shown to decrease, no injuries were experienced and retention rates were 94% for Bikram yoga and 75% for HIIT . Conclusions Bikram yoga does not appear a superior exercise compared to HIIT for persistent pain. However, imporvements in quality of life measures and indicator of better health were seen in the Bikram yoga group. The outcomes of the present study suggest vigorous exercise interventions in persistent pain cohorts are feasible. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12617001507370, 26/10/2017).

Many studies have reported that exercise can influence cognitive performance. But advancing our understanding of the interrelations between psychology and physiology in sports neuroscience requires the study of real-time brain dynamics during exercise in the field. Electroencephalography (EEG) is one of the most powerful brain imaging technologies. However, the limited portability and long preparation time of traditional wet-sensor systems largely limits their use to laboratory settings. Wireless dry-sensor systems are emerging with much greater potential for practical application in sports. Hence, in this paper, we use the BR8 wireless dry-sensor EEG system to measure P300 brain dynamics while cycling at various intensities. The preparation time was mostly less than 2 min as BR8 system’s dry sensors were able to attain the required skin-sensor interface impedance, enabling its operation without any skin preparation or application of conductive gel. Ten participants performed four sessions of a 3 min rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) task while resting and while cycling. These four sessions were pre-CE (RSVP only), low-CE (RSVP in 40–50% of max heart rate), vigorous-CE (RSVP in 71–85% of max heart rate) and post-CE (RSVP only). The recorded brain signals demonstrate that the P300 amplitudes, observed at the Pz channel, for the target and non-target responses were significantly different in all four sessions. The results also show decreased reaction times to the visual attention task during vigorous exercise, enriching our understanding of the ways in which exercise can enhance cognitive performance. Even though only a single channel was evaluated in this study, the quality and reliability of the measurement using these dry sensor-based EEG systems is clearly demonstrated by our results. Further, the smooth implementation of the experiment with a dry system and the success of the data analysis demonstrate that wireless dry EEG devices can open avenues for real-time measurement of cognitive functions in athletes outside the laboratory.

Twin studies of physical exercise for Asian twins are sparse. This study aimed to examine genetic and environmental influences on frequency of vigorous exercise (FVE) in South Korean twins, with a special emphasis on sex effects. Telephone interviews on FVE were administered to 1757 twins (mean age = 19.05 years, SD = 3.01 years). Tetrachoric correlations were significantly different between monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins in males (.40 vs. .12), but they were similar in females (.44 vs. .45), suggesting the importance of genetic factors in FVE in males and that of common environmental factors in females. A scalar sex-limitation model incorporating age as a modifier was applied to data. The results revealed that genetic, common and individual environmental influences did not vary significantly with age, but differed across two sexes, confirming twin correlational analyses. In the best-fitting model, additive genetic and individual environmental influences on FVE were, respectively, .35 (95% CI [.26, .39]) and .65 (95% CI [.61, .74]) in males, and common and individual environmental influences were, respectively, .45 (95% CI [.35, .53]) and .55 (95% CI [.47, .65]) in females. These results contrasted starkly with recent findings from a large sample of Chinese adult twins (age >18 years), in which most variance (≥95%) of vigorous physical activity was attributable to common environmental influences in both sexes. Replications in other Asian samples are clearly needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have reported that exercise can influence cognitive performance. But advancing our understanding of the interrelations between psychology and physiology in sports neuroscience requires the study of real-time brain dynamics during exercise in the field. Electroencephalography (EEG) is one of the most powerful brain imaging technologies. However, the limited portability and long preparation time of traditional wet-sensor systems largely limits their use to laboratory settings. Wireless dry-sensor systems are emerging with much greater potential for practical application in sports. Hence, in this paper, we use the BR8 wireless dry-sensor EEG system to measure P300 brain dynamics while cycling at various intensities. The preparation time was mostly less than 2 min as BR8 system's dry sensors were able to attain the required skin-sensor interface impedance, enabling its operation without any skin preparation or application of conductive gel. Ten participants performed four sessions of a 3 min rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) task while resting and while cycling. These four sessions were pre-CE (RSVP only), low-CE (RSVP in 40–50% of max heart rate), vigorous-CE (RSVP in 71–85% of max heart rate) and post-CE (RSVP only). The recorded brain signals demonstrate that the P300 amplitudes, observed at the Pz channel, for the target and non-target responses were significantly different in all four sessions. The results also show decreased reaction times to the visual attention task during vigorous exercise, enriching our understanding of the ways in which exercise can enhance cognitive performance. Even though only a single channel was evaluated in this study, the quality and reliability of the measurement using these dry sensor-based EEG systems is clearly demonstrated by our results. Further, the smooth implementation of the experiment with a dry system and the success of the data analysis demonstrate that wireless dry EEG devices can open avenues for real-time measurement of cognitive functions in athletes outside the laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is well known that vigorous physical activity induces functional changes in cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity that is sustained several hours after exercise. However, data related to ANS recovery after more extreme endurance events, such as skyrunning marathons, are still lacking. Objective: The aims of this prospective cohort study were firstly, to determine the ANS response to a SkyMarathon, and secondly, to examine correlates of run performance. Methods: Ten male skyrunners aged 37.2 ± 9.2 years were recruited. The race was performed at a mean intensity 85.4 ± 3.7% of heart rate reserve, and lasted for 338 ± 38 min. Morning supine heart rate variability was measured at 10, 2 and 1 days before race, on the race day, at 5 min intervals for 30 min immediately post-race and then at 5 h and 30 h post. High-frequency power (HF, 0.15-0.50 Hz), low-frequency power (LF, 0.05-0.15 Hz), and square root of the mean of the squares of the successive differences (RMSSD) were calculated and transformed by natural logarithm (Ln). Results: Sympathovagal balance (Ln LF/HF) was most likely increased above baseline during the 30 min post-race and returned to baseline by 5 h. Vagal activity (Ln RMSSD and Ln HF) was most likely decreased below baseline during the 30 min post-race and 5 h of post-race, and recovered to baseline by 30 h. Race time correlated with resting heart rate (r = .81), body mass index (r = .73), maximal power output (r = -.70), and maximal oxygen uptake (r = -.61). Conclusions: The SkyMarathon elicited disturbances in ANS activity, with relative sympathetic activity increased up to 5 h post-race and vagal activity recovering by 30 h. Resting heart rate, body mass index, maximal power output, and maximal oxygen uptake were associated with SkyMarathon performance prediction.

Introduction: Diabetes Healthcare Providers (DHPs) are notable advocates of increased Physical Activity (PA) as a veritable means of preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus and related noncommunicable diseases. However, the extent to which the DHPs themselves comply with this important lifestyle habit is not known. Aim: To evaluate PA and sedentary living among DHPs in Nigeria and identify some determinants of PA in this population. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, PA was assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). Besides socio-demographic and anthropometric indices, participants were asked about frequency and duration of engagements in vigorous PA, moderate PA, walking and average sitting time, in the past 7 days. Data were analysed using Chi-square, t-test, Spearman’s test of correlation and logistic regression statistics on SPSS version 23. Results: One hundred and eight subjects (63% males), with a mean age of 42.1±7.7 years, participated in the study. Although 86% of the participants were adjudged physically active, the intensity of PA was low in 52.8% and 74.1% did not meet the World Health Organisation recommended target for adequate PA. A significant negative correlation was observed between intensity of PA and Body Mass Index (BMI) while sitting time positively correlated with BMI. BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and higher professional cadre were significant independent predictors of low PA. Conclusion: Nearly three-quarter of DHPs in Nigeria do not engage in sufficient PA. This observation calls to question their ascribed status as role models of healthy lifestyles and may portend increased health risks among this important group of healthcare workforce. There is a significant inverse relationship between PA and BMI as well as professional cadre.

Introduction: Diabetes Healthcare Providers (DHPs) are notable advocates of increased Physical Activity (PA) as a veritable means of preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus and related non-communicable diseases. However, the extent to which the DHPs themselves comply with this important lifestyle habit is not known. Aim: To evaluate PA and sedentary living among DHPs in Nigeria and identify some determinants of PA in this population. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, PA was assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). Besides socio-demographic and anthropometric indices, participants were asked about frequency and duration of engagements in vigorous PA, moderate PA, walking and average sitting time, in the past 7 days. Data were analysed using Chi-square, t-test, Spearman’s test of correlation and logistic regression statistics on SPSS version 23. Results: One hundred and eight subjects (63% males), with a mean age of 42.1±7.7 years, participated in the study. Although 86% of the participants were adjudged physically active, the intensity of PA was low in 52.8% and 74.1% did not meet the World Health Organisation recommended target for adequate PA. A significant negative correlation was observed between intensity of PA and Body Mass Index (BMI) while sitting time positively correlated with BMI. BMI ≥25 kg/m² and higher professional cadre were significant independent predictors of low PA. Conclusion: Nearly three-quarter of DHPs in Nigeria do not engage in sufficient PA. This observation calls to question their ascribed status as role models of healthy lifestyles and may portend increased health risks among this important group of healthcare workforce. There is a significant inverse relationship between PA and BMI as well as professional cadre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Findings: What is the central question of this study?What are the interactions between sleep and appetite following early evening high‐intensity interval exercise (HIIE)?What is the main finding and its importance?HIIE can be performed in the early evening without subsequent sleep disruptions and may favourably alter appetite‐related hormone concentrations. Nonetheless, perceived appetite and energy intake do not change with acute HIIE regardless of time of day. Despite exercise benefits for sleep and appetite, due to increased time restraints, many adults remain inactive. Methods to improve exercise compliance include preferential time‐of‐day or engaging in short‐duration, high‐intensity interval exercise (HIIE). Hence, this study aimed to compare effects of HIIE time‐of‐day on sleep and appetite. Eleven inactive men undertook sleep monitoring to determine baseline (BASE) sleep stages and exclude sleep disorders. On separate days, participants completed 30 min HIIE (60 s work at 100% V̇O2 peak , 240 s rest at 50% V̇O2 peak) in (1) the morning (MORN; 06.00–07.00 h), (2) the afternoon (AFT; 14.00–16.00 h) and (3) the early evening (EVEN: 19.00–20.00 h). Measures included appetite‐related hormones (acylated ghrelin, leptin, peptide tyrosine tyrosine) and glucose pre‐exercise, 30 min post‐exercise and the next morning; overnight polysomnography (PSG; sleep stages); and actigraphy, self‐reported sleep and food diaries for 48 h post‐exercise. There were no between‐trial differences for total sleep time (P = 0.46). Greater stage N3 sleep was recorded for MORN (23 ± 7%) compared to BASE (18 ± 7%; P = 0.02); however, no between‐trial differences existed (P > 0.05). Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was lower and non‐REM sleep was higher for EVEN compared to BASE (P ≤ 0.05). At 30 min post‐exercise, ghrelin was higher for AFT compared to MORN and EVEN (P = 0.01), while glucose was higher for MORN compared to AFT and EVEN (P ≤ 0.02). No between‐trial differences were observed for perceived appetite (P ≥ 0.21) or energy intake (P = 0.57). Early evening HIIE can be performed without subsequent sleep disruptions and reduces acylated ghrelin. However, perceived appetite and energy intake appear to be unaffected by HIIE time of day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objective: Wintertime thermal inversions in narrow mountain valleys create a ceiling effect, increasing concentration of small particulate matter (PM2.5). Despite potential health risks, many people continue to exercise outdoors in thermal inversions. This study measured the effects of ambient PM2.5 exposure associated with a typical thermal inversion on exercise performance, pulmonary function, and biological markers of inflammation. Methods: Healthy, active adults (5 males, 11 females) performed two cycle ergometer time trials outdoors in a counterbalanced design: 1) low ambient PM2.5 concentrations (<12 mg/m³), and 2) an air quality index (AQI) ranking of "yellow." Variables of interest were exercise performance, exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), c-reactive protein (CRP), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). Results: Despite a significant difference in mean PM2.5 concentration of 9.3 ± 3.0 mg/m³ between trials (p < .001), there was no significant difference (p = .424) in the distance covered during low PM2.5 conditions (9.9 ± 1.7 km) compared to high PM2.5 conditions (10.1 ± 1.5 km). There were no clinically significant differences across time or between trials for eNO, CRP, FVC, or FEV1. Additionally, there were no dose-response relationships (p > .05) for PM2.5 concentration and the measured variables. Conclusion: An acute bout of vigorous exercise during an AQI of "yellow" did not diminish exercise performance in healthy adults, nor did it have a negative effect on pulmonary function or biological health markers. These variables might not be sensitive to small changes from acute, mild PM2.5 exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is well known that vigorous physical activity induces functional changes in cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity that is sustained several hours after exercise. However, data related to ANS recovery after more extreme endurance events, such as skyrunning marathons, are still lacking. Objective: The aims of this prospective cohort study were firstly, to determine the ANS response to a SkyMarathon, and secondly, to examine correlates of run performance. Methods: Ten male skyrunners aged 37.2 ± 9.2 years were recruited. The race was performed at a mean intensity 85.4 ± 3.7% of heart rate reserve, and lasted for 338 ± 38 min. Morning supine heart rate variability was measured at 10, 2 and 1 days before race, on the race day, at 5 min intervals for 30 min immediately post-race and then at 5 h and 30 h post. High-frequency power (HF, 0.15-0.50 Hz), low-frequency power (LF, 0.05-0.15 Hz), and square root of the mean of the squares of the successive differences (RMSSD) were calculated and transformed by natural logarithm (Ln). Results: Sympathovagal balance (Ln LF/HF) was most likely increased above baseline during the 30 min post-race and returned to baseline by 5 h. Vagal activity (Ln RMSSD and Ln HF) was most likely decreased below baseline during the 30 min post-race and 5 h of post-race, and recovered to baseline by 30 h. Race time correlated with resting heart rate (r = .81), body mass index (r = .73), maximal power output (r = -.70), and maximal oxygen uptake (r = -.61). Conclusions: The SkyMarathon elicited disturbances in ANS activity, with relative sympathetic activity increased up to 5 h post-race and vagal activity recovering by 30 h. Resting heart rate, body mass index, maximal power output, and maximal oxygen uptake were associated with SkyMarathon performance prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lipocalin-2 (Lcn2) a newer adipocyte-secreted acute phase protein was recently reported to be correlated with potential effects in obesity and inflammation. The reactions of this protein in progressive exercise have not yet been evaluated. Purpose: This study was designed to compare of plasma Lcn2 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels after participating in a short-term treadmill protocol (STP) in obese and normal-weight men. Materials and methodology: In a STP, 9 obese (aged: 43.13±4.6 yrs and BMI: 31.36±1.6 kg/m2) and 9 normal-weight (aged: 42.88±4.4 yrs and BMI: 23.03±1.7 kg/m2; mean ± SD) sedentary men that have been selected randomly through volunteers, performed a stepwise maximal aerobic endurance with a treadmill Bruce protocol. Results: In prior to STP, Lcn2 level was higher in obese than normal-weight individuals (p

The present study aimed to conduct a literature review of the available research evidence to provide an overview of high intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols as well as primary and secondary outcomes being investigated in research studies, predominantly in the middle aged and older adult population. Research studies published in the last 5 years that evaluated the effects of HIIT on health-related outcomes in middle aged and older adults individuals (aged 50 years and over) were searched in two academic databases (Academic Search Complete and PubMed) in conjunction with cross referencing of the selected articles. HIIT protocols implemented by the included studies were predominantly of chronic duration, though HIIT-intervention of acute duration was also presented. In terms of outcomes, studies using HIIT among individuals aged 50 years and above have primarily investigated its effects on physical/physiological with only two studies focusing on brain-health variables. HIIT protocols as well as health-related outcomes significantly varied among studies, suggesting no restricted or standard protocol within middle aged and older adult population. The studies have largely demonstrated that HIIT is a safe and efficacious behavioral health intervention, with substantive implications in the reduction of factors associated with increased morbidity and mortality risk, in these populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of studies have been conducted to examine the influence of physical activity on psychological well-being in young people; however, few studies have discussed the relationship between exercise and mental health. The purpose of this article was to investigate the influence of exercise on mental health in adolescents by performing a brief review. Although the studies included in this review are cross-sectional, relatively small scale and lack measurement consistency, the results show that participating in exercise and/or sports is likely to significantly improve mood. Organized sport activities contribute to the reduction of chronic stress response. On the other hand, higher levels of sedentary behavior are associated with worse mental health. These findings suggest that physical activity may enhance psychological well-being, and chronic vigorous exercise and sport activities are effective in promoting improvement of mental health in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review investigated the effects of high-intensity exercise (HIE) on lower limb (LL) function in acute and subacute stroke patients. A systematic electronic search was performed in PubMed, CINAHL and the Web of Science from inception to 30 June 2022. Outcomes examined included LL function and measures of activities of daily living such as the Barthel index, 6 min walk test (6MWT), gait speed and Berg balance scale (BBS), adverse events and safety outcomes. The methodological quality and the quality of evidence for each study was assessed using the PEDro scale and the Risk of Bias 2 tool (RoB 2). HIE was defined as achieving at least 60% of the heart rate reserve (HRR) or VO 2 peak, 70% of maximal heart rate (HR max ), or attaining a score of 14 or more on the rate of perceived exertion Borg scale (6-20 rating scale). This study included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared an intervention group of HIE to a control group of lower intensity exercise, or no intervention. All participants were in the acute (0-3 months) and subacute (3-6 months) stages of stroke recovery. Studies were excluded if they were not RCTs, included participants from a different stage of stroke recovery, or if the intervention did not meet the pre-defined HIE criteria. Overall, seven studies were included that used either high-intensity treadmill walking, stepping, cycling or overground walking exercises compared to either a low-intensity exercise ( n = 4) or passive control condition ( n = 3). Three studies reported significant improvements in 6MWT and gait speed performance, while only one showed improved BBS scores. No major adverse events were reported, although minor incidents were reported in only one study. This systematic review showed that HIE improved LL functional task performance, namely the 6MWT and gait speed. Previously, there was limited research demonstrating the efficacy of HIE early after stroke. This systematic review provides evidence that HIE may improve LL function with no significant adverse events report for stroke patients in their acute and subacute rehabilitation stages. Hence, HIE should be considered for implementation in this population, taking into account the possible benefits in terms of functional outcomes, as compared to lower intensity interventions.

Purpose: Self-reported health status in cancer patients is an independent predictor of medical outcomes. This study investigated the association between changes in recreational physical activity in colon cancer survivors and quality of life (QoL) across a 24-month follow-up beginning at diagnosis. Methods: Patients ( n = 453) diagnosed with stage II colon cancer were recruited from the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry from 2009 to 2011. Patients were interviewed annually about health behaviors (e.g., dietary intake, physical activity, alcohol and tobacco use), socioeconomic variables, and treatment. To index QoL, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal (FACT-C) and Short Form-12 (SF-12) were utilized. Results: Baseline vigorous exercise showed a positive correlation with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) Colorectal Cancer Scale (CCS) ( β = 0.15, 95 % CI 0.07-0.23), FACT-C ( β = 0.39, 95 % CI 0.06-0.72), and Trial Outcome Index (TOI) ( β = 0.28, 95 % CI 0.01-0.55). Race modified the association between vigorous activity and the FACT-G ( P = 0.010), FACT-C ( P = 0.020), TOI ( P < 0.010), and the PCS ( P < 0.010). As compared to no change, increasing physical activity over a 24-month period following diagnosis significantly improved scores from the FACT-G ( β = 3.13, 95 % CI 0.48-5.77, P = 0.054), FACT-C ( β = 3.51, 95 % CI 0.35-6.68, P = 0.08) TOI ( β = 2.46, 95 % CI 0.16-4.75, P = 0.04), and PCS of the SF-12 ( β = 3.28, 95 % CI 0.93-5.63, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Vigorous exercise is a significant predictor of higher QoL in stage II colon cancer patients. Patients with increased recreational physical activity have significantly improved QoL over 24 months following diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to test prospectively whether exercise is associated with lower brain cancer mortality in 111,266 runners and 42,136 walkers from the National Runners' and Walkers' Health Studies. Methods: Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) from Cox proportional hazards analyses of mortality versus metabolic equivalent hours per day of exercise (MET-hours per day, where 1 MET = 3.5 mL O2 -kg-1 min-1 , or approximately 1-km run). Results: The National Death Index identified 110 brain cancer deaths during an 11.7-yr average follow-up. Runners and walkers were combined because the brain cancer risk reduction did not differ significantly between MET-hours per day run and MET-hours per day walked (P = 0.66). When adjusted for sex, age, race, education, and cohort effects, the risk for brain cancer mortality was 43.2% lower for those who exercised 1.8 to 3.5 MET-h-d-1 (95% CI = 2.6%-66.8% lower, P = 0.04) and 39.8% lower for those who exercised ≥3.6 MET-h-d-1 (95% CI = 0.0%-64.0% lower, P = 0.05) compared with <1.8 MET-h-d ' at baseline. Pooling the runners and walkers who expended >1.8 MET-h-d-1 showed a 42.5% lower risk of brain cancer mortality for the entire sample (95% CI: 8.0 to 64.1, P = 0.02) and 40.0% lower risk when three deaths that occurred within 1 yr of the baseline survey were excluded (95% CI = 1.3%-62.4%, P = 0.04). Conclusions: The risk for fatal brain cancer decreased in association with running and walking energy expenditure. Our ability to detect an exercise-brain cancer relationship may relate to the use of cohorts specifically designed to detect exercise-health associations, and the calculation of exercise energy expenditure from kilometers per day walked and run rather than time spent exercising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep is crucial for psychological functioning and daily performance. Both lay and scientific opinion hold that physical activity encourages restorative sleep. However, research on this in adolescence is limited. The aim of the present study was to compare sleep-EEG patterns of vigorous exercisers and controls. Twelve adolescent male football players (14 h of vigorous exercise per week) and 12 controls (1.5 h of vigorous exercise per week) matched for gender, age (about 16 years), and educational level, took part in the study. Sleep-EEG registration was performed following a day without exercise. Sleep-EEG analyses revealed that, compared to controls, the football players showed greater sleep efficiency, shortened sleep onset latency, less awakenings after sleep onset, more stage 4, and less REM sleep. Importantly, this pattern of results emerged following a day without exercise. Moreover, vigorous football players reported better daily performance and displayed less weeknight (Sunday to Thursday) to weekend night (Friday and Saturday nights) variation. Findings suggest that for the football players, vigorous exercise seemed to lead to longer-lasting electrophysiological change in brain activity irrespective of acute bouts of exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine African American toddlers' cortisol response to acute physical play activity within a full-time subsidized day care environment. Saliva samples were taken from participants (N = 22, ages 26-45.5 months) before and after physical play and control play conditions at the same time of day. Actiheart™ monitors were used to estimate the intensity of the play conditions. Although heart rate and other indicators were significantly higher during physical play, no change in cortisol levels was seen pre- to postphysical play. Further research is needed to better understand the cortisol response observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes aerobic exercise and walking for exercise behaviors among the Korean American population, a rapidly growing minority. Data for this study were drawn from a representative survey of Californians of Korean descent ( N = 2,830) conducted by telephone; 86% of eligible participants completed interviews in either Korean or English. Sample characteristics closely approximated those for Koreans in the 2000 United States Census for California. The data show that 32.8% of Koreans vigorously exercise or walk for exercise, but walking regimens and more vigorous modes of exercise are employed by different subgroups. Women, less acculturated, married persons, and less well educated are particularly low in vigorous exercise. Korean Americans walk for exercise much less than majority groups, although they engage in vigorous physical activity on a roughly equivalent basis. Interventions to promote physical activity should be adapted not only for the Korean culture but also for specific subgroups defined demographically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Vitamin D deficiency may be associated with osteoporosis and fractures in the elderly. In Australia where there is a sizeable Vietnamese population, research has not yet clarified the roles of diet, exercise and sun exposure in determining vitamin D status. Plasma samples for 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D); dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium; muscle strength and sun exposure were measured and weekly dairy intake, exercise levels and smoking habits were surveyed in free-living elderly of Vietnamese and Australian/British origin. There was marginal vitamin D deficiency (<37nmol/L 25(OH)D) in 63% of Vietnamese but only in 37% of Australian/British born. Low dairy intake and no vigorous exercise were best predictors of vitamin D deficiency in Vietnamese, taking into account age, gender, dietary intake and sun exposure. Since these migrant elderly may not get adequate sun exposure due to either clothing customs or cultural norms that encourage fair (untanned) skin, it is important to encourage increased exercise and dairy intake. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction Prediabetes is an intermediate stage with hyperglycaemia below the threshold of diabetes mellitus. Insulin resistance is a significant factor in its pathogenesis. Lifestyle modifications are suggested and found to be more beneficial in this stage. Moderate-intensity exercise for 30 to 45 minutes a day is routinely recommended but has low compliance, and lack of time is a significant deterrent. Sprint interval training (SIT) is an alternate exercise regimen with higher intensity and less time requirement. The present study compares the effect of a three-month intervention of traditional aerobic exercise and sprint interval training on insulin resistance in prediabetic men. Methods The study subjects were males aged 25 to 40 years with prediabetes as per the American Diabetes Association criteria of fasting and two-hour plasma glucose levels. The study is a parallel-group randomised trial with one arm (AE group) involved in the traditional aerobic exercise (brisk walking) for 30 minutes, five days a week. The other arm was the sprint interval training (SIT) group performing an 'all-out' run effort for one minute followed by a recovery rest period of one and a half minutes, completing one cycle of two and half minutes. Four such cycles were completed in each session. Thus, the exercise sessions were just 10 minutes daily, three days a week. The duration of the intervention was three months. One hundred and sixty participants were recruited after screening and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the two groups. The primary outcome measure was insulin resistance estimated by homeostasis model assessment -estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The secondary outcome measures were fasting plasma glucose and serum insulin, glycated haemoglobin, body mass index and waist-hip ratio. Results The mean age of the AE group was 30.7 ± 3.3 years, and the SIT group was 31 ± 3.4 years. Seventy-two men from the AE group and 74 from the SIT group completed the study. After the three-month AE and SIT exercise, the per-protocol analysis reflected a significant reduction in insulin resistance, i.e., HOMA-IR (3.6 ± 1.1 to 3 ± 1.2, p<0.0001) after traditional aerobic exercise. Similarly, the HOMA-IR was significantly reduced after sprint interval training (3.3 ± 1.2 to 2.5 ± 1, p<0.0001). The intention-to-treat analysis also found that the reductions in HOMA-IR after both exercise protocols were statistically significant. The change in insulin resistance compared for the SIT vs AE group was not statistically significant. Secondary outcome measures HbA1c, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, BMI, and waist-hip ratio showed significant improvement with AE and SIT.  Conclusions The sprint interval training similarly improved insulin resistance and other parameters compared to the traditional exercise group. SIT can be a time-efficient exercise protocol suggested as a part of lifestyle modification for men with prediabetes., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2021, Badaam et al.)

The Making Effective Nutritional Choices Generation Y (MENU GenY) study is a web‐based intervention trial aimed at improving food choices in those aged 21‐30 years. We report baseline levels of the 5‐2‐1‐0 healthy lifestyle patterns to predict a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 vs <30 kg m−2. Overall, 1674 young adults (69% female) from two large health systems enroled and completed an online survey asking questions about lifestyle habits. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was utilized to predict a BMI ≥30 while controlling for known predictors of obesity. Consuming >3 daily servings of fruits/vegetables (odds ratio, OR = 0.90, 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.81, 0.99), and reporting >2.5 hours/week of vigorous physical activity (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.89‐0.96, P < 0.001) was associated with a BMI <30. Conversely, time sitting (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.11) and consuming sugar‐sweetened beverages (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.00, 1.15) were related to a BMI ≥30. In this cohort of 20‐30‐year‐olds, we observed a consistent relationship between obesity and the 5‐2‐1‐0 healthy lifestyle patterns previously reported among children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]