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Lifestyle risk behaviours among adolescents: a two-year longitudinal study of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gardner, LA, Debenham, J, Newton, NC, Chapman, C, Wylie, FE, Osman, B, Teesson, M, Champion, KE
BMJ open. 2022;12(6):e060309
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The global spread of COVID-19 and subsequent lockdown measures have presented challenges worldwide. Previous research has highlighted the importance of six key lifestyle behaviours, including diet, physical activity, sleep, sedentary behaviour (including recreational screen time), alcohol use and smoking—collectively referred to as the ‘Big 6’—for the short-term and long-term health of adolescents. The aim of this study was to examine changes in the prevalence of six key chronic disease risk factors from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic, and also to explore whether differences over time are associated with gender and lockdown status. This study is a prospective cohort study among a large and geographically diverse sample of adolescents. The sample included 983 students (girls = 54.8%) from 22 schools. Results show that: - over the 2-year period, the prevalence of excessive recreational screen time, insufficient fruit intake and alcohol and tobacco use increased. - alcohol use increased more among girls compared to boys. - the prevalence of insufficient sleep reduced in the overall sample; yet, increased among girls. - being in lockdown was associated with improvements in sugar-sweetened beverages consumption and discretionary food intake. Authors conclude that supporting young people to improve or maintain their health behaviours, regardless of the course of the pandemic, is important, alongside targeted research and intervention efforts to support groups that may be disproportionately impacted, such as adolescent girls.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine changes in the prevalence of six key chronic disease risk factors (the "Big 6"), from before (2019) to during (2021) the COVID-19 pandemic, among a large and geographically diverse sample of adolescents, and whether differences over time are associated with lockdown status and gender. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Three Australian states (New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia) spanning over 3000 km. PARTICIPANTS 983 adolescents (baseline Mage=12.6, SD=0.5, 54.8% girl) drawn from the control group of the Health4Life Study. PRIMARY OUTCOMES The prevalence of physical inactivity, poor diet (insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, high sugar-sweetened beverage intake, high discretionary food intake), poor sleep, excessive recreational screen time, alcohol use and tobacco use. RESULTS The prevalence of excessive recreational screen time (prevalence ratios (PR)=1.06, 95% CI=1.03 to 1.11), insufficient fruit intake (PR=1.50, 95% CI=1.26 to 1.79), and alcohol (PR=4.34, 95% CI=2.82 to 6.67) and tobacco use (PR=4.05 95% CI=1.86 to 8.84) increased over the 2-year period, with alcohol use increasing more among girls (PR=2.34, 95% CI=1.19 to 4.62). The prevalence of insufficient sleep declined across the full sample (PR=0.74, 95% CI=0.68 to 0.81); however, increased among girls (PR=1.24, 95% CI=1.10 to 1.41). The prevalence of high sugar-sweetened beverage (PR=0.61, 95% CI=0.64 to 0.83) and discretionary food consumption (PR=0.73, 95% CI=0.64 to 0.83) reduced among those subjected to stay-at-home orders, compared with those not in lockdown. CONCLUSION Lifestyle risk behaviours, particularly excessive recreational screen time, poor diet, physical inactivity and poor sleep, are prevalent among adolescents. Young people must be supported to find ways to improve or maintain their health, regardless of the course of the pandemic. Targeted approaches to support groups that may be disproportionately impacted, such as adolescent girls, are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619000431123).
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Yoga as a Preventive Intervention for Cardiovascular Diseases and Associated Comorbidities: Open-Label Single Arm Study.
Sharma, K, Basu-Ray, I, Sayal, N, Vora, A, Bammidi, S, Tyagi, R, Modgil, S, Bali, P, Kaur, P, Goyal, AK, et al
Frontiers in public health. 2022;10:843134
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Cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of mortality, is on the rise. Inactivity and poor dietary habits can contribute to fat accumulation, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. Yoga is a cost-effective physical activity that may reduce lipid levels. In addition, the practice of yoga may help manage stress, another contributing factor. In this open-label study, AYUSH yoga for 30 days for one hour per day was assessed to improve dyslipidaemia among healthy, comorbid, and trainer participants. The healthy-naive group's cholesterol profile improved significantly compared to the diseased group. Experienced trainers' lipid profiles differed significantly from those of yoga-naive volunteers. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were significantly lower than baseline. A significant decrease in systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and BMI was observed among yoga-naive and healthy participants. In addition, the trainer group had significantly lower LDL and TC/HDL ratios and higher HDL levels. Compared to the comorbid yoga group, the healthy yoga group showed significant differences in physiological parameters such as systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and weight after a month of practice, demonstrating that yoga was more effective in healthy participants. These results can help healthcare professionals understand yoga's preventative effects on cardiovascular disease. However, as the current evidence is limited, more robust studies are needed.
Abstract
Aim: Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) is a standardized yoga protocol authored by experts from all over the world under the aegis of the Ministry of AYUSH, Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homeopathy (AYUSH). The potential of CYP can be determined as a cost-effective lifestyle modification to prevent the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Methods: In this prospective trial, we compared the effect of CYP at baseline and after 1 month. A total of 374 yoga-naïve participants performed CYP under the supervision of experienced trainers. Physiological [body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, percent oxygen saturation], biochemical (fasting blood glucose and lipid profile), and neurocognitive parameters were measured before and after the intervention. Results: At day 30 of yoga practice, serum levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were found significantly improved as compared to the baseline levels observed at the time of enrollment. Similarly, the lipid profile was also obtained from experienced trainers and found to be significantly different from those of yoga-naïve volunteers. When the intervention was compared between the healthy yoga-naïve participants with yoga-naïve participants suffering from medical issues, it was found that cholesterol profile improved significantly in the healthy-naive group as compared to the diseased group (hypertension, diabetes, underwent surgery, and CVD). Conclusion: These results highlight the need for further research to better understand the effects of yoga on the primary prevention of CVD.
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The Dose-Effects of Caffeine on Lower Body Maximal Strength, Muscular Endurance, and Rating of Perceived Exertion in Strength-Trained Females.
Jones, L, Johnstone, I, Day, C, Le Marquer, S, Hulton, AT
Nutrients. 2021;13(10)
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Caffeine is a common ingredient in tea, coffee, chocolate, soft drinks and multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements. It is believed to elicit an ergogenic effect that enhances athletic performance. However, only very few studies have examined the effect of caffeine on women who take contraceptive pills. The aim of this double-blind, randomised, counterbalanced, crossover trial was to investigate the ergogenic effect of pre-exercise caffeine supplementation on strength performance and muscular endurance in strength-trained females taking contraceptives. Fourteen women were randomised to consume doses of 3 and 6 mg·kg−1 body mass of caffeine supplement or placebo thirty minutes prior to the exercise. Caffeine supplementation at 3 and 6 mg·kg−1 body mass significantly improved muscular endurance and total strength. No significant difference was observed between the higher and lower doses of caffeine in improving performance, indicating that the lower dose can potentially provide the same benefit without the adverse effect of the higher dose. The low dose had a similar caffeine content to that of a large coffee latte from a coffee shop, suggesting beneficial effects could be achieved through coffee/latte consumption. Caution should be applied when extrapolating the findings for eumenorrheic females with different training statuses. Healthcare practitioners can, however, use the results of this study to understand the potential benefits of caffeine for strength-trained women using hormone contraception.
Abstract
Caffeine supplementation has shown to be an effective ergogenic aid enhancing athletic performance, although limited research within female populations exists. Therefore, the aim of the investigation was to assess the effect of pre-exercise caffeine supplementation on strength performance and muscular endurance in strength-trained females. In a double-blind, randomised, counterbalanced design, fourteen strength-trained females using hormonal contraception consumed either 3 or 6 mg·kg-1 BM of caffeine or placebo (PLA). Following supplementation, participants performed a one-repetition maximum (1RM) leg press and repetitions to failure (RF) at 60% of their 1RM. During the RF test, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded every five repetitions and total volume (TV) lifted was calculated. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed that RF (p = 0.010) and TV (p = 0.012) attained significance, with pairwise comparisons indicating a significant difference between 3 mg·kg-1 BM and placebo for RF (p = 0.014), with an effect size of 0.56, and for 6 mg·kg-1 BM (p = 0.036) compared to the placebo, with an effect size of 0.65. No further significance was observed for 1RM or for RPE, and no difference was observed between caffeine trials. Although no impact on lower body muscular strength was observed, doses of 3 and 6 mg·kg-1 BM of caffeine improved lower body muscular endurance in resistance-trained females, which may have a practical application for enhancing resistance training stimuli and improving competitive performance.
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One- and Two-Year Effects of the Healthy Primary School of the Future on Children's Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviours: A Quasi-Experimental Study.
Bartelink, NHM, van Assema, P, Kremers, SPJ, Savelberg, HHCM, Oosterhoff, M, Willeboordse, M, van Schayck, OCP, Winkens, B, Jansen, MWJ
Nutrients. 2019;11(3)
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Diet and Physical Activity (PA) habits are formed at a young age, and unhealthy habits can lead to childhood obesity and lifelong health problems. Schools are globally recognised as having access to children across all socio-economic backgrounds and to play an important role in influencing healthy habits. This Dutch experimental longitudinal study looks at the impact Primary schools can have on the health of their students by implementing a dedicated Nutrition and PA Program called ‘Healthy Primary Schools for the Future (HPSF), modelled on an American initiative, piloted in 4 schools and 2 control schools. The study tests whether a fully implemented program (focused on Nutrition and PA - including free lunches & daily PA sessions) or a partial program (focused only on PA sessions) influences healthy change in children’s behaviours versus control schools (no program). The data from 1676 children aged 4-12 yrs was used and the study took place over 3 yrs (2015-2017) with a commitment to continue till 2019 where follow-up data could be obtained. The data was collected once a year using parental and child questionnaires. Additional movement data was obtained from accelerometers the children wore for 7 days during each annual measurement week. The results at year 3 show that a combined nutrition and PA program had greatest benefits on improving diet (variety of foods eaten), and reducing unhealthy snacking, and increasing PA. Neither the partial program or control schools displayed positive changes. The researchers reflect that the full program allowed greater involvement from all parties involved (schools, parents, children’s, educational and health partners) which led to changes becoming an integral part of the school routine. Focusing on nutrition and PA together seemed to encourage complementary behavioural changes compared to focusing only on PA.
Abstract
Schools can help to improve children's health. The 'Healthy Primary School of the Future' (HPSF) aims to sustainably integrate health and well-being into the school system. This study examined the effects of HPSF on children's dietary and physical activity (PA) behaviours after 1 and 2 years' follow-up. The study (n = 1676 children) has a quasi-experimental design with four intervention schools, i.e., two full HPSF (focus: nutrition and PA) and two partial HPSF (focus: PA), and four control schools. Accelerometers and child- and parent-reported questionnaires were used at baseline, after 1 (T1) and 2 (T2) years. Mixed-model analyses showed significant favourable effects for the full HPSF versus control schools for, among others, school water consumption (effect size (ES) = 1.03 (T1), 1.14 (T2)), lunch intake of vegetables (odds ratio (OR) = 3.17 (T1), 4.39 (T2)) and dairy products (OR = 4.43 (T1), 4.52 (T2)), sedentary time (ES = -0.23 (T2)) and light PA (ES = 0.22 (T2)). Almost no significant favourable effects were found for partial HPSF compared to control schools. We conclude that the full HPSF is effective in promoting children's health behaviours at T1 and T2 compared with control schools. Focusing on both nutrition and PA components seems to be more effective in promoting healthy behaviours than focusing exclusively on PA.
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Calorie restriction regime enhances physical performance of trained athletes.
Pons, V, Riera, J, Capó, X, Martorell, M, Sureda, A, Tur, JA, Drobnic, F, Pons, A
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2018;15:12
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Athletes commonly aim to reduce body weight to improve their strength-to-mass ratio. In this study caloric restriction (CR) of 33% was achieved through alternate day fasting in trained athletes, which the authors hypothesised to be more easy to adhere to than daily reduced energy intake. The macronutrient composition remained the same as prior to calorie reduction. Study participants lost an average of 4.4% in body weight over 6 weeks, most of which came from fat, 15.1%. Despite also losing some lean mass (2.9%), exercise performance of the athletes improved, as did energy efficiency, possibly due to increased mitochondrial efficiency. Nutritional record analysis revealed that athletes ingested less than the RDA for several nutrients prior to the CR intervention, and intake was even lower with CR. The authors conclude that CR may be a good way for athletes to achieve weight loss as, unlike other body weight reduction techniques, the alternate day fasting CR improved physical performance. They suggest though that to ensure adequate micronutrient intake, supplementation may be required.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caloric restriction induces mitochondrial biogenesis and improves physical fitness in rodents. We aimed to provide evidence of how caloric restriction affects the body composition and physical performance of trained athletes and to evaluate the possible impact of an every-other-day feeding diet on nutritional deficiencies of micronutrients and essential fatty acids. METHODS The study was performed with 12 healthy male athletes by carrying out a 33% caloric restriction with respect to their usual diet. Athletes performed a maximal exercise stress test both before and after the caloric restriction period. Blood samples were taken before and after the caloric restriction at basal conditions and 30 min post-exercise. Although energy intake was reduced by about 33%, the contribution of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids to total energy intake during the caloric restriction was similar to the original diet. RESULTS The caloric restriction reduced the daily specific micronutrient intake to values lower than 90% of recommended dietary allowances. No effects were observed in blood parameters related to iron metabolism and tissue damage, glucose levels, lipid profiles, or erythrocyte fatty acid composition. In addition, oxidative damage markers decreased after the nutritional intervention. The caloric restriction intervention significantly reduced body weight and trunk, arm, and leg weights; it also caused a decrease in fat and lean body mass, the energy expenditure rate when performing a maximal exercise stress test, and the energy cost to run one meter at various exercise intensities. Furthermore, the intervention ameliorated the onset of the anaerobic phase of exercise. CONCLUSION A caloric restriction improves athletes' performance and energy efficiency, but reduces the daily intake of micronutrients; so, when caloric restriction programs are implemented micronutrient supplementation should be considered. TRIAL REGISTRATION The project was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02533479).
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Effective nationwide school-based participatory extramural program on adolescent body mass index, health knowledge and behaviors.
Heo, M, Jimenez, CC, Lim, J, Isasi, CR, Blank, AE, Lounsbury, DW, Fredericks, L, Bouchard, M, Faith, MS, Wylie-Rosett, J
BMC pediatrics. 2018;18(1):7
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Adolescent obesity is a major public health concern that affects health status not only during adolescence but also during adulthood. The aim of this study was to test whether the HealthCorps program would improve weight status represented by body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) z-score and obesity class. A secondary aim was to identify knowledge and health behaviour domains that would be increased with the program. The study design was a two parallel arm quasi-experimental pre-post comparison design. A total of 2279 students from 62 schools participated in the HealthCorps program. Results indicate that HealthCorps program participation resulted in BMI z-score improvement among overweight/obese female students. Participation also resulted in increased knowledge in most domains regardless of sex and improved a few behaviour domains. However, it did not improve weight status among male students. Authors conclude that the HealthCorps was effective for BMI z-score improvements among female students in addition to significant positive effects on knowledge and a few behaviors in both sexes.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent obesity is a major public health concern. Open to all high school students regardless of weight status, HealthCorps is a nationwide program offering a comprehensive high school-based participatory educational program to indirectly address obesity. We tested a hypothesis that the HealthCorps program would decrease BMI z-scores among overweight or obese students, and reduce obesity rates, and evaluated its effects on health knowledge and behaviors. METHODS HealthCorps aimed to improve student knowledge and behaviors regarding nutrition quality, physical activity, sleep, breakfast intake, and mental resilience. Participating students received through HealthCorps coordinators weekly or bi-weekly classroom lessons either for a semester or a year in addition to various during- and after-school health-promoting activities and mentorship. Self-reported height and weight were collected along with questionnaires assessing knowledge and behaviors during 2013-2014 academic year among 14 HealthCorps-participating New York City high schools. This quasi experimental two-arm pre-post trial included 611 HealthCorps and 221 comparison arm students for the analytic sample. Sex-specific analyses stratified by weight status were adjusted for age and Hispanic ethnicity with clustering effects of schools and students taken into account. RESULTS HealthCorps female overweight/obese and obese student had a significant decrease in BMI z-scores (post-pre delta BMI z-score = -0.16 (95%CI = (-0.26, -0.05), p = 0.004 for the former; and = -0.23 (-0.44, -0.03), p = 0.028, for the latter) whereas comparison female counterparts did not. The HealthCorps students, but not the comparison students, had a significant increase for all knowledge domains except for the breakfast realm, and reported a greater number of significant behavior changes including fruit and vegetable intake and physical activities. CONCLUSIONS The HealthCorps program was associated with reduced BMI z-score in overweight/obese and obese female adolescents, with enhanced health knowledge and behavior for both sexes. With its wide reach, this may be a promising program to help combat adolescent obesity in schools. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study is registered as a clinical trial at the ClinicalTrials.gov registry with trial number NCT02277496 on September 10, 2014 (Retrospectively registered).
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Effects of Products Containing Bacillus subtilis var. natto on Healthy Subjects with Neck and Shoulder Stiffness, a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Crossover Study.
Sunagawa, Y, Okamura, N, Miyazaki, Y, Shimizu, K, Genpei, M, Funamoto, M, Shimizu, S, Katanasaka, Y, Morimoto, E, Yamakage, H, et al
Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin. 2018;41(4):504-509
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Neck and shoulder stiffness and pain are common complaints, and causative factors include muscle tension and reduced blood flow around the neck and shoulders. NKCP® is as a food supplement that contains bacillopeptidase F, a protease (enzyme) that is isolated and purified from the culture of the probiotic bacterium B. subtilis var. natto, which is used to ferment soy beans to natto, a traditional Japanese food. Various health benefits have been attributed to natto, and NKCP® has been shown to have blood thinning properties. This double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study aimed to evaluate the effects of NKCP® on healthy individuals with neck and shoulder stiffness and pain. Subjects received either NKCP® or placebo for 4 weeks, then had a 4 week washout period where they received neither test supplement, and then received the other test supplement for another 4 weeks. Shoulder and neck symptoms were assessed prior to starting the trial, and at 4, 8 and 12 weeks, through subjective reporting and a muscle hardness meter to measure muscle stiffness. Neck and shoulder stiffness and pain were improved after taking NKCP® but not significantly more than in the placebo group. Headaches improved significantly more in the NKCP® group compared to the placebo group. No significant changes were observed for lower back pain, cold hands and feet, eyestrain, and dry eye.
Abstract
Neck and shoulder stiffness is a typical subjective symptom in developed countries. This stiffness is caused by factors such as muscle tension and poor blood flow, leading to reduce work efficiency and diminish QOL. NKCP®, a natto-derived dietary food supplement whose main component is bacillopeptidase F, has antithrombotic, fibrinolytic, and blood viscosity-lowering effects. Here, we investigated the effect of NKCP® on neck and shoulder stiffness in a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized crossover study. Thirty subjects with neck and shoulder stiffness were randomly divided into 2 groups and ingested 250 mg of NKCP® or placebo daily for 4 weeks. Headache score significantly improved in the NKCP® group compared to the placebo group. Moreover, NKCP® significantly improved the score of visual analogue scale for neck and shoulder stiffness and pain, reduced muscle stiffness of the neck, and increased the skin surface temperature of neck and shoulders, compared to before ingestion. No adverse effects were observed during this study. These results suggest that NKCP® may alleviate headaches and chronic neck and shoulder stiffness and pain.
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Exercise before breakfast increases 24-h fat oxidation in female subjects.
Iwayama, K, Kawabuchi, R, Nabekura, Y, Kurihara, R, Park, I, Kobayashi, M, Ogata, H, Kayaba, M, Omi, N, Satoh, M, et al
PloS one. 2017;12(7):e0180472
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The timing of exercise in relation to food intake can affect the impact on fat reduction. The aim of this small randomised trial of 9 female subjects was to study the effect of exercise done following food intake compared to a fasting state on 24 hour fat breakdown. Measurements were taken over 24 hours using a metabolic chamber. The results showed that exercise performed in a fasted state increased 24 hour fat release in female subjects. Whilst this is a very small study, Nutrition Practitioners may want to discuss exercise timing with their clients who are engaging in a weight loss programme.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exercise performed in a postprandial state does not increase 24-h fat oxidation of male and female subjects. Conversely, it has been shown in male subjects that exercise performed in a postabsorptive state increases 24-h fat oxidation compared with that in sedentary control and that with exercise trials performed after breakfast, lunch, or dinner. There is a paucity of study evaluating the effect of exercise performed in a postabsorptive state in female subjects. METHOD Nine young female subjects participated in indirect calorimetry measurement over 24-h using a room-size metabolic chamber in which subjects remained sedentary or performed 60 min exercise before breakfast at 50% of [Formula: see text]. Exercise was accompanied by an increase in energy intake to ensure that subjects were in a similar state of energy balance over 24 h for the two trials. FINDINGS Compared with the sedentary condition, exercise performed before breakfast increased 24-h fat oxidation (519 ± 37 vs. 400 ± 41 kcal/day). Time courses of relative energy balance differed between trials with transient negative energy balance observed before breakfast. The lowest values of relative energy balance observed during the 24-h calorimetry, i.e., transient energy deficit, were greater in exercise trials than in sedentary trials. The transient deficit in carbohydrate balance was also observed before breakfast, and magnitude of the deficit was greater in exercise trial compared to that of sedentary trial. INTERPRETATION Under energy-balanced conditions, exercise performed in a post-absorptive state increases 24-h fat oxidation in female subjects. The effect of exercise performed before breakfast can be attributed to nutritional state: a transient deficit in energy and carbohydrate at the end of exercise.
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The Effect of a 12-Week Health Training Program on Selected Anthropometric and Biochemical Variables in Middle-Aged Women.
Pilch, W, Tota, Ł, Sadowska-Krępa, E, Piotrowska, A, Kępińska, M, Pałka, T, Maszczyk, A
BioMed research international. 2017;2017:9569513
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Regular physical activity is an important factor for health. This study evaluated physiological and biochemical changes induced by a 12 week regular exercise programme in healthy middle-aged women. 15 healthy women aged 42-47 participated in this programme which consisted of three 45 minutes high and low impact aerobics classes for 12 weeks. Body composition and biochemical markers were determined at baseline and after 12 weeks. The investigators observed a significant increase in lean body mass, and a decrease in total weight and fat mass. Biochemical markers showed decreased inflammation, increased antioxidant status and an improvement in lipid profiles (these had been within normal range at baseline). The authors also determined vitamin D status of the participants. Vitamin D levels were within normal range at baseline and did not change during the duration of the study. Higher vitamin D levels were correlated with better antioxidant status. The authors conclude that regular aerobic exercise had beneficial effects on body composition, antioxidant status, inflammatory markers and lipid profiles. The main limitation of this study was a lack of control group.
Abstract
Regular moderate physical activity positively affects health, fitness, and body composition; it regulates the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines levels. Vitamin D plays an important regulatory role; its adequate levels correlate with low values of inflammation markers and an increase in muscle strength and fitness in exercising people. The study's aim was to evaluate changes in somatic variables, oxidative stress, and inflammation markers, as well as blood calcidiol concentration in middle-aged healthy women after 12 weeks of aerobics classes-endurance exercises, including choreographic sequences, aiming to improve fitness and motor coordination. The training led to a significant reduction of body mass and fat tissue; it induced an increase in lean body mass. After the 12-week training program, plasma antioxidant status increased (0.65 ± 0.21, p < 0.01) and the concentration of lipid peroxidation products decreased (0.07 ± 0.02, p < 0.001). A significant increase in plasma antioxidant status associated with training could have reduced the level of proinflammatory interleukin as indicated by a positive correlation between these variables (rs = 0.64, p < 0.05). The study proved that a 12-week health training program in physically inactive middle-aged women might provide improvements in their anthropometric parameters and selected biochemical indicators.
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Effects of eight weeks of time-restricted feeding (16/8) on basal metabolism, maximal strength, body composition, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk factors in resistance-trained males.
Moro, T, Tinsley, G, Bianco, A, Marcolin, G, Pacelli, QF, Battaglia, G, Palma, A, Gentil, P, Neri, M, Paoli, A
Journal of translational medicine. 2016;14(1):290
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Time-restricted feeding (TRF) allows subjects to consume ad libitum energy intake within a defined window of time, which means a fasting window of 12–21 h per day is employed. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of an isoenergetic TRF protocol on body composition, athletic performance, and metabolic factors during resistance training in healthy resistance trained males. The study enrolled thirty-four resistance-trained males. The participants were randomly assigned to a TRF group (n = 17) or standard diet group (n = 17). Training was standardized for both groups. Results indicate that after 8 weeks, a significant decrease in fat mass was observed in the TRF group, while fat-free mass was maintained in both groups. The same trend was observed for arm and thigh muscle cross-sectional area. Leg press maximal strength increased significantly, but no difference was present between treatments. Authors conclude that TRF can maintain muscle mass, reducing body fat, and reducing inflammation markers and anabolic hormones. This kind of regimen could be adopted by athletes during maintenance phases of training in which the goal is to maintain muscle mass while reducing fat mass.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermittent fasting (IF) is an increasingly popular dietary approach used for weight loss and overall health. While there is an increasing body of evidence demonstrating beneficial effects of IF on blood lipids and other health outcomes in the overweight and obese, limited data are available about the effect of IF in athletes. Thus, the present study sought to investigate the effects of a modified IF protocol (i.e. time-restricted feeding) during resistance training in healthy resistance-trained males. METHODS Thirty-four resistance-trained males were randomly assigned to time-restricted feeding (TRF) or normal diet group (ND). TRF subjects consumed 100 % of their energy needs in an 8-h period of time each day, with their caloric intake divided into three meals consumed at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. The remaining 16 h per 24-h period made up the fasting period. Subjects in the ND group consumed 100 % of their energy needs divided into three meals consumed at 8 a.m., 1 p.m., and 8 p.m. Groups were matched for kilocalories consumed and macronutrient distribution (TRF 2826 ± 412.3 kcal/day, carbohydrates 53.2 ± 1.4 %, fat 24.7 ± 3.1 %, protein 22.1 ± 2.6 %, ND 3007 ± 444.7 kcal/day, carbohydrates 54.7 ± 2.2 %, fat 23.9 ± 3.5 %, protein 21.4 ± 1.8). Subjects were tested before and after 8 weeks of the assigned diet and standardized resistance training program. Fat mass and fat-free mass were assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and muscle area of the thigh and arm were measured using an anthropometric system. Total and free testosterone, insulin-like growth factor 1, blood glucose, insulin, adiponectin, leptin, triiodothyronine, thyroid stimulating hormone, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor α, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured. Bench press and leg press maximal strength, resting energy expenditure, and respiratory ratio were also tested. RESULTS After 8 weeks, the 2 Way ANOVA (Time * Diet interaction) showed a decrease in fat mass in TRF compared to ND (p = 0.0448), while fat-free mass, muscle area of the arm and thigh, and maximal strength were maintained in both groups. Testosterone and insulin-like growth factor 1 decreased significantly in TRF, with no changes in ND (p = 0.0476; p = 0.0397). Adiponectin increased (p = 0.0000) in TRF while total leptin decreased (p = 0.0001), although not when adjusted for fat mass. Triiodothyronine decreased in TRF, but no significant changes were detected in thyroid-stimulating hormone, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, or triglycerides. Resting energy expenditure was unchanged, but a significant decrease in respiratory ratio was observed in the TRF group. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that an intermittent fasting program in which all calories are consumed in an 8-h window each day, in conjunction with resistance training, could improve some health-related biomarkers, decrease fat mass, and maintain muscle mass in resistance-trained males.