Social support and physical activity participation among healthy adults: a systematic review of prospective studies

The objective of this review was to determine the direction and strength of the prospective relationship between social support and PA among healthy adults. A systematic review was conducted; including studies up until December 2015, in the following databases: Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus. Published English and French written studies were included if the reported study used a longitudinal design; examined the relationship between social support and PA over at least two intervals; and assessed a sample of healthy adults between 18–65 years of age. Two reviewers independently extracted study information and independently assessed the risk of bias in each study. The initial search yielded a total of 2892 citations, and 20 studies were included in the review. Follow-up period ranged from 2 weeks to 10 years. Irrespective of the type and source of support, the strength and direction of the association between social support and PA was inconsistent across studies, with effect sizes ranging from small to large and from negative to positive. Based on meta-analysis, there was a small positive association between support for PA from friends and future PA. Researchers are encouraged to continue to conduct longitudinal studies to better understand the relationship between social support and PA.     

Health benefits of hard martial arts in adults: a systematic review

Participation in organized sports is promoted as a means of increasing physical activity levels and reducing chronic disease risk in adults. Hard martial arts practice (i.e. using body contact techniques), has gained in popularity over time. This review explores the evidence for health benefits of “hard” martial arts practice within the adult population. A systematic electronic database search was conducted, and quality assessments applied the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool. Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria, examining balance, cognitive function, muscular skeletal status, psychological, cardiovascular fitness, and metabolic effects. The majority of studies reported positive effects resulting from hard martial arts practice, showing some improvement and maintenance of balance, cognitive function and psychological health. Benefits may be obtained regardless of the age of practice commencement. However, quality of the evidence is affected by methodological weaknesses across the studies. “Hard” martial arts seem to have potential to improve balance and cognitive functions that decline with age, which can lead to poorer health outcomes among the elderly (e.g. cognitive decline, falls and fractures). Benefits should be further investigated with improved intervention studies, representative samples and longer follow-up periods in order to establish associations with morbidity and mortality in the long term.     

The effect of exercise interventions on resting metabolic rate: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

The systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effect of aerobic, resistance and combined exercise on RMR (kCal·day^-1) and performed a methodological assessment of indirect calorimetry protocols within the included studies. Subgroup analyses included energy/diet restriction and body composition changes. Randomized control trials (RCTs), quasi – RCTs and cohort trials featuring a physical activity intervention of any form and duration excluding single exercise bouts were included. Participant exclusions included medical conditions impacting upon RMR, the elderly (≥65 years of age) or pregnant, lactating or post-menopausal women. The review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD 42,017,058,503). 1669 articles were identified; 22 were included in the qualitative analysis and 18 were meta-analysed. Exercise interventions (aerobic and resistance exercise combined) did not increase resting metabolic rate (mean difference (MD): 74.6 kCal·day^-1[95% CI: ?13.01, 161.33], P = 0.10). While there was no effect of aerobic exercise on RMR (MD: 81.65 kCal·day^-1[95% CI: ?57.81, 221.10], P = 0.25), resistance exercise increased RMR compared to controls (MD: 96.17 kCal·day^-1[95% CI: 45.17, 147.16], P = 0.0002). This systematic review effectively synthesises the effect of exercise interventions on RMR in comparison to controls; despite heterogenous methodologies and high risk of bias within included studies.     

Psychosocial wellbeing in active older adults: A systematic review of qualitative literature

Physical activity and wellbeing in older adults is a global priority in combating negative economic consequences associated with population aging. Quantitative research using a medicalized model clearly associates physical activity with physiological health benefits. However, it is argued that a review of qualitative literature exploring individual experiences of active older adults can provide important insights into physical activity, aging, and wellbeing – specifically, how discourses of ageing and self-identity may interact with physical activity levels. A literature search on electronic databases PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, and ProQuest was used to identify qualitative studies of older adults who exercise or engage in competitive sport. Findings reveal that both groups tend to resist dominant negative stereotypes of ageing and view physical activity as central to self- identity. Yet approaches to ageing varied with the competitive sport group adopting a more negative view of the ageing process. Whilst results suggest that different levels of physical activity may impact on the psychosocial wellbeing of older adults, inconsistent definitions of exercise and competitive sport make it impossible to group these differences according to specific physical activity levels. More precise definitions of physical activity constructs in future research may provide a better understanding of these differences.     

Sex differences in exercise and drug addiction: A mini review of animal studies

Growing literature has demonstrated that exercise may be an effective prevention and treatment option for drug addiction. In the past few years, many studies have suggested that there were sex differences in all phases of drug addiction. However, very limited research has investigated sex differences in the effectiveness of exercise intervention in drug addiction and rehabilitation. In this mini review, we summarize the effect of sex on the results of using exercise to prevent and treat drug addiction. The studies we consider span various animal models and use multiple types of exercise to examine the effectiveness of exercise on the neurobiological mechanism of exercise rehabilitation. We believe that exercise as an adjuvant intervention strategy can be applied better in drug addiction prevention and recovery.     

Immediate effect of high-intensity exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy young adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundAlthough brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been identified as a molecular biomarker of the neurophysiological effects induced by exercise, the acute effects of high-intensity exercise (HIE) on BDNF levels are inconclusive. This study aims to estimate the immediate effects of HIE on BDNF levels in healthy young adults.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in the MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, and SPORTDiscuss databases up to December 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs reporting pre–post changes in serum or plasma BDNF after an acute intervention of HIE compared to a control condition were included. Pooled effect sizes (p-ESs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated for RCTs using a random effects model with Stata/SE (Version 15.0; StataCorp., College Station, TX, USA). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. PROPERO registration number: CRD42020221047.ResultsA total of 22 studies with 552 individuals (age range: 20–31 years; 59.1% male) were included. The meta-analysis included 10 RCTs that reported valid outcome data. Higher BDNF levels were observed when HIE interventions were compared with non-exercise (p-ES = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.12–0.98; I² = 25.7%; n = 4 studies) and light-intensity exercise (p-ES = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.15–1.40; I² = 52.4%; n = 3 studies) but not moderate-intensity exercise (p-ES = 0.93, 95%CI: –0.16 to 2.02; I² = 88.5%; n = 4 studies) conditions.ConclusionIn comparison to non-exercise or light-intensity exercises, an immediate increase in BDNF levels may occur when young adults perform HIE. Given the benefits obtained maximizing circulating BDNF when performing HIE and its potential effects on brain health, our findings suggest that HIE could be recommended by clinicians as a useful exercise strategy to healthy adults.     

Acute and chronic effect of sodium bicarbonate ingestion on Wingate test performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the acute and chronic effects of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) ingestion on Wingate performance. Following a search through PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, 9 studies were found meeting inclusion criteria (6 acute and 3 chronic). Random-effects meta-analysis of standardized mean difference (SMD) for peak and mean power was performed. Study quality was assessed using the QualSyst. Results of the meta-analysis showed that acute ingestion of NaHCO₃ did not improve Wingate test peak (weighted average effect size Hedges’s g = 0.02, 95%CI: – 0.19 to 0.23, P = 0.87) or mean power (weighted average effect size Hedges’s g = 0.15, 95%CI: ?0.06 to 0.36, P = 0.92). However, chronic ingestion of NaHCO₃ improved Wingate test peak (weighted average effect size Hedges’s g = 1.21, 95%CI: 0.83 to 1.42, P = 0.001) and mean power (weighted average effect size Hedges’s g = 1.26, 95%CI: 0.96 to 1.56, P = 0.001). Quality assessment of selected articles was classified as strong. This meta-analysis provides evidence that chronic, but not acute, ingestion of NaHCO₃ increases both Wingate test peak and mean power.     

一次性耐力运动对大鼠间脑单胺类神经递质变化及代谢能力的影响

为运动性中枢疲劳的研究提供理论依据,建立持续游泳的动物模型,探讨一次性耐力运动对大鼠间脑单胺类神经递质变化及代谢能力的影响。结果为①3h游泳后即刻,间脑5-HT增加23.15%,至少可通过神经-内分泌调节、体温调节、情绪变化等因素影响机体的运动能力;②一次性耐力运动期间,间脑5-HT合成过程占优势,分解过程变化不明显,而恢复期分解代谢过程占优势;③一次性耐力运动可显著降低间脑DA水平,5-HT与DA比率亦显著性升高(P<0.05),20h恢复期间脑DA浓度增高,5-HT与DA比值降低(-27.51%)。     

The influence of exercise and physical fitness status on attention: a systematic review

ABSTRACT

Background: Exercise helps many aspects of cognition, but at this time no review has summarized the literature on the association of exercise and physical fitness with attention. Method: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Scopus databases. After inclusion criteria assessment, a final pool of 44 articles was included. A number of behavioral and neurophysiological indices of attention were examined. Results: The majority of studies showed an increase in performance of attention. Acute exercise results in greater enhancement of attention in those who are active. There was an association of aerobic fitness and attention in the young and old, but not in young adults. Aerobic exercise training interventions generally resulted in positive changes, while some resistance training studies detected no evidence of an effect. Not all forms of exercise were effective. Shorter interventions were inferior with respect to longer ones. Most studies were rated with a moderate methodological quality. Conclusion: There is an association of aerobic exercise (acute and chronic) and aerobic fitness with attention. Future research should determine the dose and mechanisms by which different forms of physical activity and exercise may influence the development of different components of attention along the lifespan.     

Effects of strengthening and stretching exercise programmes on kinematics and kinetics of running in older adults: a randomised controlled trial

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of strengthening and stretching exercises on running kinematics and kinetics in older runners. One hundred and five runners (55–75 years) were randomly assigned to either a strengthening (n = 36), flexibility (n = 34) or control (n = 35) group. Running kinematics and kinetics were obtained using an eight-camera system and an instrumented treadmill before and after the eight-week exercise protocol. Measures of strength and flexibility were also obtained using a dynamometer and inclinometer/goniometer. A time effect was observed for the excursion angles of the ankle sagittal (P = 0.004, d = 0.17) and thorax/pelvis transverse (P < 0.001, d = 0.20) plane. Similarly, a time effect was observed for knee transverse plane impulse (P = 0.013, d = 0.26) and ground reaction force propulsion (P = 0.042, d = ?0.15). A time effect for hip adduction (P = 0.006, d = 0.69), ankle dorsiflexion (P = 0.002, d = 0.47) and hip internal rotation (P = 0.048, d = 0.30) flexibility, and hip extensor (P = 0.001, d = ?0.48) and ankle plantar flexor (P = 0.01, d = 0.39) strength were also observed. However, these changes were irrespective of exercise group. The results of the present study indicate that an eight-week stretching or strengthening protocol, compared to controls, was not effective in altering age-related running biomechanics despite changes in ankle and trunk kinematics, knee kinetics and ground reaction forces along with alterations in muscle strength and flexibility were observed over time.     

Effects of movement velocity and training frequency of resistance exercise on functional performance in older adults: a randomised controlled trial

Objectives: To investigate the effects that high-velocity, low-load (HVLL) and low-velocity, high-load (LVHL) resistance exercise, performed once or twice-weekly, have on indices of functional performance (primary outcome), maximal strength, and body composition (secondary outcomes) in older adults.

Methods: In a randomised, controlled, multi-armed, parallel design, 54 moderately-highly active, but resistance exercise naïve older adults (aged 60–79 years), attended baseline and post-10-week intervention assessment sessions. Physical and functional assessments were completed, and predicted one-repetition maximums (1-RM) were obtained for eight exercises. Participants were then randomised into one of five conditions: HVLL once-weekly (HVLL1: n?=?11) or twice-weekly (HVLL2: n?=?11), LVHL once-weekly (LVHL1: n?=?10) or twice-weekly (LVHL2: n?=?11), no-exercise control condition (CON: n?=?11). The HVLL conditions completed 3 sets of 14 repetitions at 40% 1-RM and the LVHL conditions, 3 sets of 7 repetitions at 80% 1-RM. In total, 50 participants completed all testing and were included in analyses.

Results: Only LVHL2 improved 30-sec chair stand performance (p?=?.035; g?=?0.89), arm curls (p?=?.011; g?=?1.65) and grip-strength (p?=?.015; g?=?0.34) compared to CON. LVHL2 improved maximal strength compared to CON for 7/8 exercises (p?p?Conclusion: Possibly due to the lower intensity nature of the HVLL conditions, LVHL, twice-weekly was most beneficial for improving functional performance and strength in moderately-highly active older adults. Therefore, we recommend that exercise professionals ensure resistance exercise sessions have sufficient intensity of effort and volume, in order to maximise functional performance and strength gains in older adults.     

Comparison of vibration rolling,nonvibration rolling,and static stretching as a warm-up exercise on flexibility,joint proprioception,muscle strength,and balance in young adults

Warm-up is an essential component for optimizing performance before an exercise session. This study investigated that the immediate effects of vibration rolling (VR), nonvibration rolling (NVR), and static stretching as a part of a warm-up regimen on the flexibility, knee joint proprioception, muscle strength, and dynamic balance of the lower extremity in young adults. Compared with the preintervention, VR induced the range of motion of knee flexion and extension significantly increased by 2.5% and 6%, respectively, and isokinetic peak torque and dynamic balance for muscle strength and dynamic balance increased by 33%–35% and 1.5%, respectively. In the three conditions, most outcomes between VR and NVR were comparable; however, the participants had a significantly higher knee joint reposition error after NVR than after VR, indicating that NVR would have a hampering knee joint proprioception effect. In particular, compared with static stretching, VR significantly increased the quadriceps muscle strength by 2-fold and dynamic balance by 1.8-fold. These findings suggest that athletic professionals may take VR into account for designing more efficient and effective preperformance routine to improve exercise performances. VR has high potential to translate into an on-field practical application.     

The use of behaviour change theories and techniques in research-informed coach development programmes: a systematic review

Coaches are often targeted in interventions to enhance athlete outcomes. While coach development programmes (CDPs) may change coach behaviour, little is known about theories and techniques used to design and implement effective programmes. Examining the use of behaviour change theories and techniques (BCTs) can aid in understanding and improving CDPs. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, the purpose of this research was to conduct a systematic review examining the use of behaviour change theories and BCTs in CDPs. In total, 29 CDPs met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using the Theory Coding Scheme and Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy (v1). Only six CDPs were explicitly based on behaviour change theory, and no single theory or combination of theories was used more than once. The number of BCTs used per CDP ranged between one and nine. There was no significant difference between theory-based and non-theory-based CDPs concerning the number of BCTs used per CDP. Theoretical frameworks and techniques that have the potential to effectively change coach behaviours are not being used frequently or consistently in the design and implementation of CDPs. To design CDPs that change coach behaviours and facilitate positive outcomes, further research examining theoretical influences on coach behaviours is needed.     

The effect of acute aerobic exercise on central arterial stiffness,wave reflections,and hemodynamics in adults with diabetes: A randomized cross-over design

BackgroundIndividuals with diabetes have greater central arterial stiffness, wave reflections, and hemodynamics, all of which promote the accelerated cardiovascular pathology seen in this population. Acute aerobic exercise has been shown to be an effective strategy for reducing central arterial stiffness, wave reflections, and hemodynamics in healthy individuals; however, the effects of acute aerobic exercise in reducing these outcomes is not well established in people with diabetes. Recently, implementation of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) has shown superior improvements in cardiovascular health outcomes when compared to traditional aerobic exercise. Yet, the effect of HIIE on the aforementioned outcomes in people with diabetes is not known. The purpose of this study was to (i) describe the central arterial stiffness, wave reflections, and hemodynamic responses to a bout of HIIE and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) in adults with diabetes; and (ii) compare the effects of HIIE and MICE on the aforementioned outcomes.MethodsA total of 24 adult men and women (aged 29–59 years old) with type 1 (n = 12) and type 2 (n = 12) diabetes participated in a randomized cross-over study. All participants completed the following protocols: (i) HIIE: cycling for 4 × 4 min at 85%–95% of heart rate peak (HR_peak), interspersed with 3 min of active recovery at 60%–70%HR_peak; (ii) MICE: 33 min of continuous cycling at 60%–70%HR_peak; and (iii) control (CON): lying quietly in a supine position for 30 min.ResultsA significant group × time effect was found for changes in central systolic blood pressure (F = 3.20, p = 0.01) with a transient reduction for the HIIE group but not for the MICE or CON groups. There was a significant group × time effect for changes in augmentation index at a heart rate of 75 beats/min (F = 2.32, p = 0.04) with a decrease following for HIIE and MICE but not for CON. For all other measures of central arterial stiffness and hemodynamics, no significant changes were observed (p > 0.05).ConclusionA bout of HIIE appears to lead to a greater transient reduction in central systolic blood pressure than the reduction observed following MICE; however, both HIIE and MICE improved augmentation index at a heart rate of 75 beats/min in people with diabetes. There was no significant difference in response to HIIE and MICE in all outcomes. This provides preliminary evidence on the role of HIIE on such outcomes in people with diabetes.     

Animal exercise studies in cardiovascular research: Current knowledge and optimal design—A position paper of the Committee on Cardiac Rehabilitation,Chinese Medical Doctors’ Association

Growing evidence has demonstrated exercise as an effective way to promote cardiovascular health and protect against cardiovascular diseases However, the underlying mechanisms of the beneficial effects of exercise have yet to be elucidated. Animal exercise studies are widely used to investigate the key mechanisms of exercise-induced cardiovascular protection. However, standardized procedures and well-established evaluation indicators for animal exercise models are needed to guide researchers in carrying out effective, high-quality animal studies using exercise to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases. In our review, we present the commonly used animal exercise models in cardiovascular research and propose a set of standard procedures for exercise training, emphasizing the appropriate measurements and analysis in these chronic exercise models. We also provide recommendations for optimal design of animal exercise studies in cardiovascular research, including the choice of exercise models, control of exercise protocols, exercise at different stages of disease, and other considerations, such as age, sex, and genetic background. We hope that this position paper will promote basic research on exercise-induced cardiovascular protection and pave the way for successful translation of exercise studies from bench to bedside in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.     

Physiological and biomechanical responses to walking underwater on a non-motorised treadmill: effects of different exercise intensities and depths in middle-aged healthy women

Abstract

Non-motorised underwater treadmills are commonly used in fitness activities. However, no studies have examined physiological and biomechanical responses of walking on non-motorised treadmills at different intensities and depths. Fifteen middle-aged healthy women underwent two underwater walking tests at two different depths, immersed either up to the xiphoid process (deep water) or the iliac crest (shallow water), at 100, 110, 120, 130 step-per-minute (spm). Oxygen consumption (VO₂), heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration, perceived exertion and step length were determined. Compared to deep water, walking in shallow water exhibited, at all intensities, significantly higher VO₂ (+13.5%, on average) and HR (+8.1%, on average) responses. Water depth did not influence lactate concentration, whereas perceived exertion was higher in shallow compared to deep water, solely at 120 (+40%) and 130 (+39.4%) spm. Average step length was reduced as the intensity increased (from 100 to 130 spm), irrespective of water depth. Expressed as a percentage of maximum, average VO₂ and HR were: 64–76% of peak VO₂ and 71–90% of maximum HR, respectively at both water depths. Accordingly, this form of exercise can be included in the “vigorous” range of exercise intensity, at any of the step frequencies used in this study.     

Effects of medium- and long-distance running on cardiac damage markers in amateur runners: a systematic review,meta-analysis,and metaregression

BackgroundTo finish an endurance race, athletes perform a vigorous effort that induces the release of cardiac damage markers. There are several factors that can affect the total number of these markers, so the aim of this review was to analyze the effect of endurance running races on cardiac damage markers and to identify the factors that modify the levels of segregation of these cardiac damage markers.MethodsA systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases was performed. This analysis included studies where the acute effects of running races on cardiac damage markers (troponin I and troponin T) were analyzed, assessing the levels of these markers before and after the races.ResultsThe effects of running races on troponin I (mean difference = 0.0381 ng/mL) and troponin T (mean difference = 0.0256 ng/mL) levels were significant. The ages (R² = 14.4%, p = 0.033) and body mass indexes (R² = 14.5%, p = 0.045) of the athletes had a significant interaction with troponin I. In addition, gender, mean speed, time to finish the race, and type of race can affect the level of cardiac damage markers.ConclusionEndurance running races induce the release of cardiac-damage markers that remain elevated for at least 24 h after the races. In addition, young male athletes with high body mass indexes who perform races combining long duration and moderate intensity (i.e., marathons) release the highest levels of cardiac damage markers. Physicians should take into consideration these results in the diagnosis and treatment of patients admitted to the hospital days after finishing endurance running races.