The effect of concurrent training order on hormonal responses and body composition in obese men

Long-term effects of different exercise training modes on cytokines and adipokines in individuals with overweight/obesity and cardiometabolic diseases: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials

The present study aimed to investigate the evidence on the effects of different long-term training interventions (aerobic [AeT], resistance [RT], and combined [COMB]) and spontaneous physical activity (PA) in modifying cytokines and adipokines in individuals with overweight or obesity with or without cardiometabolic diseases while considering potential confounders. Although exercise interventions have become a potentially effective tool for preventing and treating metabolic diseases, the evidence provided by previous systematic reviews is inconclusive since several potential confounders have yet to be addressed. Therefore, we conducted a systematic literature search in Medline, Cochrane, and Embase databases from January 2000 to July 2022 and performed a meta-analysis. Inclusion criteria retrieved 106 full texts comprising 8,642 individuals with a range BMI of 25.1-43.8 kg m^-2 . We found that independently of the training mode, exercise had a beneficial effect on diminishing Adiponectin, C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, IL-18, IL-20, Leptin, sICAM, and TNF-α levels circulating levels. Furthermore, by subsequent analysis, we detected differential effects of AeT, RT, and COMB, with sex, age, body composition, and trial length acting as moderators. The comparison of training modes revealed a difference favoring COMB over AeT for regulating the increase in CRP with no differences in the remaining biomarkers. Meta-regression analysis revealed an effect of change in maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max ) on CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α, while IL-10 was influenced by the change in body fat. The results suggest that all interventions, except PA, are effective in lessening this population's inflammatory status, provided that exercise results in an increase of VO_2max .

Resistance training effectiveness on body composition and body weight outcomes in individuals with overweight and obesity across the lifespan: A systematic review and meta-analysis

To systematically review and analyze the effects of resistance-based exercise programs on body composition, regional adiposity, and body weight in individuals with overweight/obesity across the lifespan. Using PRISMA guidelines, randomized controlled trials were searched in nine electronic databases up to December 2020. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects model. One-hundred sixteen articles describing 114 trials (n = 4184 participants) were included. Interventions involving resistance training and caloric restriction were the most effective for reducing body fat percentage (ES = -3.8%, 95% CI: -4.7 to -2.9%, p < 0.001) and whole-body fat mass (ES = -5.3 kg, 95% CI: -7.2 to -3.5 kg, p < 0.001) compared with groups without intervention. Significant results were also observed following combined resistance and aerobic exercise (ES = -2.3% and -1.4 kg, p < 0.001) and resistance training alone (ES = -1.6% and -1.0 kg, p < 0.001) compared with no training controls. Resistance training alone was the most effective for increasing lean mass compared with no training controls (ES = 0.8 kg, 95% CI: 0.6 to 1.0 kg, p < 0.001), whereas lean mass was maintained following interventions involving resistance training and caloric restriction (ES = ~ - 0.3 kg, p = 0.550-0.727). Results were consistently observed across age and sex groups (p = 0.001-0.011). Reductions in regional adiposity and body weight measures were also observed following combined resistance and aerobic exercise and programs including caloric restriction (p < 0.001). In conclusion, this study provides evidence that resistance-based exercise programs are effective and should be considered within any multicomponent therapy program when caloric restriction is utilized in individuals with overweight or obesity.

The Effects of 32 Weeks of Multicomponent Training with Different Exercises Order in Elderly Women’s Functional Fitness and Body Composition

Background and objectives: Starting the multicomponent training sessions with aerobic-based exercises or resistance-based exercises may have different effects on functional fitness and body composition. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of the order of exercises in elderly women’s physical fitness and body composition by multicomponent training. Materials and Methods: A sample of 91 elderly females, aged between 60 and 81, were randomly divided into three groups (A, B, C). Each group performed the following order of exercises: Group A consisted of warm-up followed by aerobic training, strength training, stretching and cool down; Group B consisted of warm-up followed by strength training, aerobic training, stretching and cool down; while the control group (C) did not perform any exercise. Functional fitness and body composition were assessed at 3 moments of the 32 weeks (baseline and after each 16-week) intervention. One-way ANOVA for comparison between groups, ANOVA for repeated measures and multiple linear regression were used for statistical analysis. Results: The results showed that the functional fitness and body composition varied over the 32 weeks of multicomponent training. However, group A seems to show higher improvements in more variables. Conclusion: In the current study, group A obtained better results in most of the evaluated parameters. Thus, to improve functional fitness, warm-up, followed by aerobic training, strength training and relaxation may be the most suitable training for elderly women.

Effects of Exercise Training on Resting Testosterone Concentrations in Insufficiently Active Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT

Potter, NJ, Tomkinson, GR, Dufner, TJ, Walch, TJ, Roemmich, JN, Wilson, PB, and Fitzgerald, JS. Effects of exercise training on resting testosterone concentrations in insufficiently active men: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3521-3528, 2021-The anabolic hormone testosterone plays a pivotal role in the healthy aging of men and tends to decline with age. The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were 2-fold: (a) to evaluate the effect of exercise training on resting total testosterone concentration in insufficiently active, apparently healthy men and (b) to determine whether the effects of exercise training differed by training mode, age, body mass status, or testosterone measure. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus) were systematically searched (up to and including October 22, 2020) for peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the following criteria: population (insufficiently active, apparently healthy men aged ≥18 years), intervention (exercise training [any modality at intensity of ≥4 metabolic equivalents] lasting a minimum of 4 weeks), control (insufficiently active men), and outcome (resting total testosterone concentration). Intervention effects, weighted by the inverse of the pooled variance, were calculated relative to the control group as standardized mean differences (SMDs). Eleven RCTs, representing 421 insufficiently active, apparently healthy men aged 19-75 years across 16 intervention groups who participated in aerobic, resistance, or combined training lasting a median of 12 weeks, were included in the analysis. Overall, exercise training had a negligible effect on resting total testosterone concentration (mean SMD [95% CI]: 0.00 [-0.20 to 0.20]). Subgroup analyses indicated that the effect of exercise training was not significantly affected by training mode, age, body mass status, or testosterone measure. Exercise training does not seem to affect resting total or free testosterone concentration in insufficiently active, eugonadal men.

What exercise prescription is optimal to improve body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness in adults living with obesity? A network meta-analysis

Current international guidelines recommend people living with obesity should be prescribed a minimum of 300 min of moderately intense activity per week for weight loss. However, the most efficacious exercise prescription to improve anthropometry, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and metabolic health in this population remains unknown. Thus, this network meta-analysis was conducted to assess and rank comparative efficacy of different exercise interventions on anthropometry, CRF and other metabolic risk factors. Five electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared different exercise modalities to improve anthropometry, CRF and/or metabolic health in adults living with obesity. RCTs were evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. A random effects network meta-analysis was performed within a frequentist framework. Of the 6663 articles retrieved, 45 studies with a total 3566 participants were included. Results reveal that while any type of exercise intervention is more effective than control, weight loss induced is modest. Interventions that combine high-intensity aerobic and high-load resistance training exert beneficial effects that are superior to any other exercise modality at decreasing abdominal adiposity, improving lean body mass and increasing CRF. Clinicians should consider this evidence when prescribing exercise for adults living with obesity, to ensure optimal effectiveness.

Exercise associated or not to the intake of Eurycoma longifolia improves strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in men with androgen deficiency

This study aims to analyze the effects of a concurrent training (CT) associated with Eurycoma longifolia (EL) supplementation on the muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and symptomatology score of men with the androgen deficiency of aging male (ADAM). Forty-five subjects (47.6 ± 5.2 years) were included in the study. The randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial lasted for 6 months. Participants were randomized into four groups, control (C; n = 12); EL (n = 11); CT (n = 11); and CT + EL (n = 11). Along this period, the isokinetic peak torque of the knee extensors increased in the CT (14%) and CT + EL (17%) groups (p = 0.040; p = 0.006, respectively), while the isokinetic peak torque of knee flexion increased in the CT + EL group only (p < 0.05). For all participants, testosterone levels were correlated with isokinetic peak torque of knee extension (r = 0.517, p = 0.001) and flexion (r = 0.362, p = 0.028). Subjects of the CT (27.3%) and CT + EL (36.1%) groups decreased the symptomatology of ADAM (p = 0.005). This study demonstrated the benefits of CT and EL consumption as a non-pharmacological treatment for ADAM.

The effects of physical activity on adipokines in individuals with overweight/obesity across the lifespan: A narrative review

This narrative review summarizes current knowledge on the effects of physical activity (PA) on adipokine levels in individuals with overweight and obesity. Approximately 90 investigations including randomized control, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies that reported on the effects of a single session of PA (acute) or long-term PA (chronic) on adipokine levels in individuals with overweight/obesity were reviewed. The findings support the notion that there is consensus on the benefits of chronic exercise training-regardless of the mode (resistance vs. aerobic), intensity and cohort (healthy vs. diabetes)-on adipokine levels (such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, adiponectin, visfatin, omentin-1 and leptin). However, several confounding factors (frequency, intensity, time and type of exercise) can alter the magnitude of the effects of an acute exercise session. Available evidence suggests that PA, as a part of routine lifestyle behaviour, improves obesity complications by modulating adipokine levels. However, additional research is needed to help identify the most effective interventions to elicit the most beneficial changes in adipokine levels in individuals with overweight/obesity.

The Effects of Concurrent Training Order on Satellite Cell-Related Markers, Body Composition, Muscular and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Older Men with Sarcopenia

OBJECTIVES

Concurrent Training (CT) is described as a combination of resistance training (RT) and endurance training (ET) in a periodized program to maximize all aspects of physical performance. To date, effects of CT order on muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness adaptations are controversial. Owing to the age-related decrement in satellite cells (SC) which are critical for fiber repair, conservation, muscle hypertrophy as well as cardiorespiratory fitness, the present study examined the response of SC related markers to CT order in older sarcopenic men.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty older men (age= 64.3 ± 3.5 years) were randomly assigned into one of 3 groups, ET followed by RT (E+R; n=10), RT followed by ET (R+E; n= 10) or a control (C; n=10).

INTERVENTION

The training protocol consisted of 3 exercise sessions per week for 8 weeks. Blood samples were obtained at baseline and 48 hours after the final training session.

RESULTS

Weight, skeletal muscle mass, lower and upper body power, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), Paired Box 7 (Pax7), and Myogenic factor 5 (Myf5) significantly increased, while were percent body fat significantly decreased following E+R and R+E compared to C. Importantly, the improvement in skeletal muscle mass, lower and upper body power, Myf5 and Pax7 in the E+R was significantly greater than the R+E group. Myogenin (Myog) and Paired Box 3 (Pax3) significantly increased (P < 0.01) in both training groups compared to no changes in C.

CONCLUSION

An 8-week CT intervention improves SC related markers, body composition and enhances power and VO2max in older sarcopenic participants, regardless of the order of RT and ET. However, performing ET before RT may be more effective at enhancing skeletal muscle mass, Myf5 and Pax7, in addition to both lower and upper body power. While both CT programs produced notable physiological and performance benefits, performing ET before RT during CT may provide the greatest therapeutic benefits for aging individuals.

Supervised exercise following bariatric surgery in morbid obese adults: CERT-based exercise study protocol of the EFIBAR randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence of weight regain in patients after bariatric surgery (BS), generally occurring from 12 to 24 months postoperatively. Postoperative exercise has been suggested to ad long-term weight maintenance and to improve physical function in BS patients. However, there are a limited number of intervention studies investigating the possible benefits of exercise in this population. The aim of the current report is to provide a comprehensive CERT (Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template)-based description of the rationale and details of the exercise programme implemented in the EFIBAR Study (Ejercicio FÍsico tras cirugía BARiátrica), a randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of a 16-week supervised concurrent (aerobic and strength) exercise intervention program on weight loss (primary outcome), body composition, cardiometabolic risk, physical fitness, physical activity and quality of life (secondary outcomes) in patients with severe/morbid obesity following bariatric surgery.

METHODS

A total of 80 BS patients [60-80% expected women, aged 18 to 60 years, body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2 or ≥ 35 kg/m2 with comorbid conditions)] will be enrolled in the EFIBAR Randomized Control Trial (RCT). Participants allocated in the exercise group (n = 40) will undertake a 16-week supervised concurrent (strength and aerobic) exercise programme (three sessions/week, 60 min/session), starting 7 to 14 days after surgery. The rationale of the exercise programme will be described following the CERT criteria detailing the 16 key items. The study has been reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Torrecárdenas University Hospital (Almería, Spain) (ref. N° 76/2016).

DISCUSSION

The present study details the exercise programme of the EFIBAR RCT, which may serve: 1) exercise professionals who would like to implement an evidence-based exercise programme for BS patients, and 2) as an example of the application of the CERT criteria.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was prospectively registered at Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03497546 on April 13, 2018.

The Effect of Chronic Exercise Training on Leptin: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Leptin is a hormone associated with satiety, lipid oxidation, energy expenditure, and energy homeostasis. To date, the current body of research examining the effect of chronic exercise training on leptin has yielded inconsistent results.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to provide a quantitative estimate of the magnitude of change in leptin levels following participation in exercise interventions lasting ≥ 2 weeks.

METHODS

All studies included were peer-reviewed and published in English. To be included, studies randomized human participants to an exercise training group or non-exercise comparison group for an exercise training intervention. Leptin levels were measured at baseline, during, and/or after completion of the exercise training program. Random-effects models were used to aggregate a mean effect size (ES) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and identify potential moderators.

RESULTS

Seventy-two randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and resulted in 107 effects (n = 3826). The mean ES of 0.24 (95% CI 0.16-0.32, p < 0.0001) indicated a decrease in leptin following an exercise training program. A decrease in %Fat (β = - 0.07, p < 0.01) was associated with a decrease in leptin after accounting for the type of control group (β = - 0.38, p < 0.0001) used in each study.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that engaging in chronic exercise training (≥ 2 weeks) is associated with a decrease in leptin levels for individuals regardless of age and sex. However, a greater decrease in leptin occurred with a decreased percentage of body fat.

Comparison of performing 12 weeks' resistance training before, after and/or in between aerobic exercise on the hormonal status of aged women: a randomized controlled trial

Background Physiological aging can now be considered as a multi-factorial process that is associated with anatomical and signaling changes associated with endocrine function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the comparison of performing 12 weeks' resistance training before, after and/or in between aerobic exercise on the hormonal status of aged women. Materials and methods Forty healthy aged women (age: 67.35 ± 1.40 years) were randomly divided into three training groups and a control group: resistance followed by endurance training (ER, n = 12), endurance training followed by resistance training (RE, n = 12, interval resistance-endurance (RE) training (INT, n = 12) and a control (Con, n = 12) groups. The training program was done over 12 weeks, 3 times per week. Endurance training was performed on a cycle ergometer (intensity: 60-90% maximum heart rate) and resistance training involved selected resistance exercises (intensity: 40-75 one-repetition maximum, 8-18 repeats). All participants were evaluated before and after the training period. Results and conclusion The data showed that performing resistance training before, after and/or in between aerobic exercise did not influence the adaptive response of insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) (p = 0.07), growth hormone (p = 0.35), cortisol (p = 0.20), insulin (p = 0.72), epinephrine (p = 0.83) and norepinephrine (p = 0.86) levels throughout the study. However, when comparing pre and post, no significant differences were shown following combined training within the SE, ES and INT groups for all variables (p < 0.05), except of IGF-1 within ES (p = 0.04) and SE (p = 0.02), and testosterone within ES (p = 0.007). In conclusion, combined training with RE order may be more effective than other orders for increasing anabolic status in aged women.