High-intensity interval training improves inflammatory and adipokine profiles in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome

Effect of Exercise Training on Some Anti-Inflammatory Adipokines, High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, and Clinical Outcomes in Sedentary Adults With Metabolic Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic interval training and resistance training on anti-inflammatory adipokines, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and clinical outcomes in sedentary men with metabolic syndrome.

METHODS

A total of 33 sedentary men with metabolic syndrome (age: 46.2 ± 4.6 years; body mass index: 35.4 ± 1.9 kg.m2) were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: aerobic interval training (n = 12), resistance training (n = 10), or control (n = 11). Participants in the exercise groups completed a 12-week training program, 3 sessions per week, while those in the control group maintained their sedentary lifestyle. The levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), omentin-1, adiponectin, lipid profiles, blood pressure, glucose metabolism, body composition, and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) were measured at baseline and after the intervention.

RESULTS

Both aerobic interval training and resistance training significantly improved the levels of omentin-1 and adiponectin, as well as reduced inflammation, as indicated by a decrease in hs-CRP levels. Exercise training also led to significant improvements in lipid profiles, blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and body composition. Specifically, the aerobic interval training group had significantly greater increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and VO2peak, as well as greater reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol compared to the resistance training group.

CONCLUSION

Exercise training, particularly aerobic interval training and resistance training, can be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for managing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health in metabolic syndrome patients.

Supplementation with spinach-derived thylakoid augments the benefits of high intensity training on adipokines, insulin resistance and lipid profiles in males with obesity

Introduction

This study investigated the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) combined with spinach-derived thylakoid supplementation on some selected Adipokines and insulin resistance in males with obesity.

Method

Sixty-eight participants (mean age: 27.6 ± 8.4 yrs.; mean height: 168.4 ± 2.6 cm; mean weight: 95.7 ± 3.8 kg, mean BMI: 32.6 ± 2.6 kg/m2) were randomly divided into four groups of 17 per group: Control group (CG), Supplement group (SG), Training group (TG), and Training + supplement group (TSG). Following baseline measurements, the two training groups (TG and TSG) started the 12 weeks of exercise training program (3 sessions per week). A total of 36 sessions lasting up to 60 min were included in the HIFT program using the CrossFit program. The eligible participants received 5 g/day of thylakoid-rich spinach extract or matching placebo as 5 g/day of raw corn starch (one sachet, 30 min before lunch) for 12 weeks. Baseline assessments were obtained 48 hours before the start of the training protocols and 48 hours after the last training session in all groups.

Results

There were significant interactions (p<0.001 for all) between exercise and time for adiponectin (ES:0.48), leptin (ES:0.46), resistin (ES:0.3), omentin (ES:0.65), vaspin (ES:0.46), visfatin (ES:0.62), apelin (ES:0.42), RBP4 (ES:0.63), chemrin (0.36) and semaphorin3c (ES: 0.5). Plasma levels of semaphorin3c were significantly correlated (p<0.05) with body weight (r= 0.57), BMI (r= 0.43), FFM (r= -0.612), FAT (r= 0.768), VO2peak (r=-0.53), insulin (r= 0.756), glucose (r= 0.623), and HOMA-IR (r= 0.727). There were also significant group differences in insulin (ES: 0.77), glucose (ES: 0.21), and HOM-IR (ES: 0.44) (p<0.05).

Discussion

Our findings indicate that 12 weeks of HIFT supplemented with spinach-derived thylakoid reduced levels of leptin, resistin, vaspin, visfatin, apelin, RBP4, chemrin, semaphorin3c and insulin resistance while increasing adiponectin and omentin levels in men with obesity.

Dynamic alteration of plasma levels of betatrophin in younger female onset obesity post acute moderate-intensity exercise training

Obesity is a global metabolic disease anchored by a lack of physical activity lipid disturbances. Hitherto, betatrophin is a potential liver-derived hormone that regulates lipid metabolism. A total of 26 selected onset obese individuals (BMI range ± 28-31) were enrolled in this study and given moderate-intensity exercise. Importantly, our data show that acute moderate-intensity interval exercise (MIIE) and acute moderate-intensity continue to exercise (MICE) for 40 min significantly decrease the plasma level of full-length betatrophin respectively (174.18 ± 48.19 ng/mL; 182.31 ± 52.69 ng/mL), compared to the placebo (283.97 ± 32.23 ng/mL) post 10 min and 6 h exercise treatment (p ≤ 0.05). The plasma level of betatrophin was significantly and negatively correlated with BMI (r = - 0.412, p = 0.037), fasting blood glucose (r = - 0.390, p = 0.049), and positively correlated with VO_2max (r = 0.456, p = 0.019). In addition, the linear and ordinal logistic regression analysis shows that betatrophin, is a potential predictor for BMI [estimate value = 0.995, p = 0.037 and OR (95 % CI) = 0.992 (0.0984-1.00), p = 0,048]. In summary, our data demonstrate that the circulating levels of betatrophin were decreased after acute moderate-intensity exercise training.

Adipocyte Metabolism and Health after the Menopause: The Role of Exercise

Postmenopausal women represent an important target population in need of preventative cardiometabolic approaches. The loss of estrogen following the menopause eliminates protections against metabolic dysfunction, largely due to its role in the health and function of adipose tissue. In addition, some studies associate the menopause with reduced physical activity, which could potentially exacerbate the deleterious cardiometabolic risk profile accompanying the menopause. Meanwhile, exercise has adipocyte-specific effects that may alleviate the adverse impact of estrogen loss through the menopausal transition period and beyond. Exercise thus remains the best therapeutic agent available to mitigate menopause-associated metabolic dysfunction and represents a vital behavioral strategy to prevent and alleviate health decline in this population.

The Sprint-Interval Exercise Using a Spinning Bike Improves Physical Fitness and Ameliorates Primary Dysmenorrhea Symptoms Through Hormone and Inflammation Modulations: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Dysmenorrhea with high prevalence has been categorized as primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and secondary dysmenorrhea due to differences in pathogenesis. A significant number of reproductive females suffering from monthly menstruation have to deal with negative impacts on their quality of life, work/study productivity, activities, and social relationships. In addition to medical treatment, exercise has been recognized as a complementary and alternative strategy for disease prevention, alleviation, and rehabilitation. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of exercise on the severity of primary dysmenorrhea, physiological modulation, and physical fitness. Participants consisted of university students who were enrolled in the study and divided into a non-PD (Control) and a PD group based on recruiting criteria, the latter being randomly assigned to either an untreated dysmenorrhea group or a dysmenorrhea group that underwent 10 weeks of high intensity interval training (HIIT) exercise (Dysmen and DysmenHIIT, respectively). The DysmenHIIT group used spinning bikes and the training intensity was validated by heart rate monitors and BORG rating of perceived exertion. Forms containing participant information (premenstrual symptoms, menstrual distress, and a Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire) as well as physical fitness, biochemical variables, hormone and prostaglandin (PGE2 and PGF2α) levels were assessed before and after the exercise intervention. After intervention, premenstrual symptoms (anger, anxiety, depression, activity level, fatigue, etc.), menstrual distress symptoms (cramps, aches, swelling, etc.), and pain severity were shown to be significantly mitigated, possibly through hormone (estradiol, prolactin, progesterone, and cortisol) modulation. Furthermore, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP), PGE2 and PGF2α levels were also down-regulated, resulting in the amelioration of uterine contraction and inflammation. Participants' physical fitness, including cardiovascular endurance and explosive force, was significantly improved after HIIT. The 10-week HIIT spinning bike exercise used in this study could be employed as a potential and complementary treatment for PD symptoms alleviation and considered as part of an educational health plan for promoting women's health. However, the effects of HIIT utilizing different exercise methods and accounting for different age populations and secondary PD warrant further investigation.

Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Patients with Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with a Meta-Regression and Mapping Report

The aim was to assess the impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on patients with musculoskeletal disorders. We conducted a search of Medline, Embase, PEDro, and Google Scholar. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of HIIT on pain intensity, maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂ max), disability, and quality of life (QoL). We employed the GRADE and PEDro scales to rate the quality, certainty, and applicability of the evidence. Results showed significant differences in pain intensity, with a moderate clinical-effect (SMD = −0.73; 95% CI: −1.40–−0.06), and in VO₂ max, with a moderate clinical-effect (SMD = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.42–0.97). However, the meta-analysis showed no statistically significant results for disability (SMD = −0.34; 95% CI: −0.92–0.24) and QoL (SMD = 0.40; 95% CI: −0.80–1.60). We compared HIIT against other exercise models for reducing pain intensity and increasing VO₂ max. The meta-analysis showed no significant differences in favour of HIIT. Meta-regression analysis revealed that pain intensity scores were negatively associated with VO₂ max (R² = 82.99%, p = 0.003). There is low-moderate evidence that the HIIT intervention for patients with musculoskeletal disorders can reduce pain intensity and increase VO₂ max but has no effect on disability and QoL. Results also showed that HIIT was not superior to other exercise models in reducing pain intensity and increasing VO₂ max.

Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Selected Adipokines and Cardiometabolic Risk Markers in Normal-Weight and Overweight/Obese Young Males-A Pre-Post Test Trial

The study aimed to assess effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on plasma adipokines and cardiometabolic markers in normal and excess weight youth. Eighteen healthy young males (18.2 ± 1.06 yrs.) were divided in normal-weight group (NWG; body mass index (BMI), 20.5 ± 1.51 kg/m2; n = 9) and excess-weight group (EWG; BMI, 30.8 ± 4.56 kg/m2; n = 9). Participants performed an eight-week HIIT program without caloric restriction. Body composition, plasma leptin, adiponectin, chemerin, omentin-1, lipids, C-reactive protein (CRP), and the homeostasis model assessment index for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were assessed before and after the HIIT program. The program resulted in significant increases in omentin levels (p < 0.01) in EWG (27%) and NWG (22%), but no changes in leptin, adiponectin, and chemerin in both groups. BMI (−1.62%; p = 0.015), body fat (−1.59%; p = 0.021), total cholesterol (−11.8%; p = 0.026), triglycerides (−21.3%; p = 0.023), and HOMA-IR (−31.5%; p = 0.043) decreased in EWG only. Repeated measures detected significant interaction “Time x Group” for body mass and BMI only. Eight-week HIIT program improved body composition, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in excess-weight individuals. It resulted in an increase in omentin levels in both normal- and excess-weight groups, but no changes in leptin, adiponectin, and chemerin. Body composition has not influenced the response of the four adipokines to HIIT.

Impact of Intermittent Fasting Combined With High-Intensity Interval Training on Body Composition, Metabolic Biomarkers, and Physical Fitness in Women With Obesity

Background

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary approach that is widely popular due to its effects on weight and body fat loss, but it does not appear to ensure muscle mass preservation. Incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into an individual’s routine could be an attractive and viable therapeutic option for improving body composition, lifestyle and health promotion. Problematizing the emerging situation of fighting obesity, led us to clarify gaps about IF and hypothesize that IF and HIIT in conjunction may protect against muscle mass decline without impairing nitrogen balance (NB), in addition to improving the physical fitness of women with obesity.

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of IF alone and combined with HIIT on body composition, NB and strength and physical fitness in women with obesity.

Methods

Thirty-six women (BMI 34.0 ± 3.2; 32.2 ± 4.4 years) participated and were randomly distributed into three groups: (1) Intermittent fasting combined with exercise group (IF + EX); (2) Exercise group (EX); and (3) Intermittent fasting group (IF). The interventions took place over 8 weeks and all evaluations were performed pre and post-intervention. The HIIT circuit was performed 3x/week, for 25 mins/session, at 70–85% of the maximum heart rate. The intermittent fasting protocol was a 5:2 diet with two meals within 6 h on fasting days, being 25% of total energy intake, plus 18 h of complete fasting. The protocol was performed 2x/week and 5 days of ad libitum ingestion. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured by indirect calorimetry, body composition by BodPod®, NB from urinary nitrogen, food consumption by food records and physical and strength performance were measured by physical tests. ANOVA two-way repeated measures mixed model was performed followed by Sidak post hoc (p &lt; 0.05). This project was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05237154.

Results

There were a reduction in body weight (P = 0.012) and BMI (P = 0.031) only in the IF + EX group. There was body fat loss in the IF + EX group (−4%, P &lt; 0.001) and in the EX group (−2.3%, P = 0.043), an increase in fat-free mass in the IF + EX group (+3.3%, P &lt; 0.001) and also in the EX group (+2%, P = 0.043), without differences between groups and the IF group showed no changes. The NB was equilibrium in all groups. All parameters of aerobic capacity and strength improved.

Conclusion

Combining IF with HIIT can promote increments in fat-free mass, NB equilibrium and improve physical fitness and strength.

Type and Intensity as Key Variable of Exercise in Metainflammation diseases: A Review

Monocyte and lymphocyte subpopulations exhibit functions that vary between the anti- and pro-inflammatory spectrum, such as classic CD16- and non-classical CD16+ monocytes, as well as T helper 2 lymphocytes (Th2), the Th1/Th17 lymphocytes ratio, and T regulatory lymphocytes (Treg). Metabolic disease-associated inflammation is accompanied by an imbalance in monocyte and lymphocyte phenotypes and functionality, as well as a stronger proportion of inflammatory subpopulations. These changes appear to be important for the development and progression of diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, the regular practice of physical exercise is an important tool to restore the functionality of monocytes and lymphocytes, and to balance the subtypes ratio. However, key variables regarding exercise prescription, such as the type of exercise, intensity, and volume differentially impact on the acute and chronic immune response in individuals diagnosed with meta inflammation diseases. Here, we discuss the impact of different physical exercise protocols, acutely and chronically, on monocytes and lymphocytes of individuals with metabolic disease-associated inflammation. In this review, we focus on the best effects of different exercise protocols to dose the "exercise pill" in different inflammatory status.

Physical activity is important for cardiovascular health and cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with psoriasis

Background

Patients with psoriasis have a level of physical activity below that recommended for cardiovascular health, which is significantly limited by disease severity and other psoriasis‐specific barriers. We hypothesized that physical activity is important for cardiovascular health in patients with psoriasis and that its objective measurement could have clinical utility.

Aim

To explore whether physical activity influences the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with psoriasis.

Methods

In total, 242 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were recruited. History, examination and physical activity were assessed and arteriography, the noninvasive measurement of arterial function, was performed for each participant.

Results

We observed a significant relationship between volume of physical activity and the likelihood of future CVD as measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV; P < 0.02). We identified a significant relationship between the diastolic reflection area (DRA) and health‐promoting levels of physical activity (P < 0.001), in addition to a significant correlation between DRA and the likelihood of future CVD (P < 0.001). The DRA is a complex, dimensionless variable that describes the intensity of diastolic wave reflection and the duration of diastole, which are key determinants of the blood supply to the left ventricle. Our data suggest that DRA may represent a surrogate marker for cardiorespiratory fitness.

Conclusion

Our study describes a significant relationship between exercise, cardiorespiratory fitness and PWV, a preclinical indicator of future CVD risk, in patients with psoriasis. The DRA offers a noninvasive, objective measurement of exercise adherence, which could have clinical utility in the future.

Bibliometric Review to Explore Emerging High-Intensity Interval Training in Health Promotion: A New Century Picture

Background: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an emerging exercise strategy and is considered to be a recipe for health promotion. This study aimed to systematically identify collaboration networks, track research trends, highlight current hotspots, and predict future frontiers in HIIT and its applications in health promotion since the start of the new century.

Methods: Relevant original publications were obtained from the Science Citation Index Expanded of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database between 2001 and 2020. CiteSpace and VOSviewer software were used to perform bibliometric visualization and comparative analysis of involved indexes that included countries, institutions, journals, authors, references, and keywords.

Results: A total of 572 papers were included, and the trend of annual publications showed a remarkable growth. The United States and the University of Exeter were the most productive country and institutions, respectively, with 107 and 18 publications, respectively. European Journal of Applied Physiology took the lead in the number of published articles, and Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise ranked first in the cocitation counts. Barker AR and Gibala MJ were considered as the most productive and the most highly-cited authors.

Conclusions: “Health risks,” “adolescent,” and “aging” are the three noteworthy topics during the evolution of HIIT-health promotion (HIIT-HP) research. The current research hotspots of HIIT and its practices in the health promotion domain lies in “metabolic diseases,” “cardiovascular diseases,” “neurological diseases,” and “musculoskeletal diseases.” The authors summarize that “prevention and rehabilitation,” “micro and molecular level,” and “cognition and mental health” are becoming frontiers and focus on the health topics related to HIIT in the upcoming years, which are worthy of further exploration.

Meta-inflammatory state and insulin resistance can improve after 10 weeks of combined all-extremity high-intensity interval training in sedentary overweight/obese females: a quasi-experimental study

OBJECTIVE

The effects of exercise training on suppression of inflammation have been proposed as a therapeutic approach in recent years to modify the obesity-induced inflammatory status and immunometabolic disorders. The present study aimed to assess the impacts of an all-extremity combined high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on inflammatory state and glycolipid metabolism in young sedentary overweight and obese females.

METHOD

This was an quasi-experimental study which was applied by comparing two groups. The participants were allocated to two active (AG, n = 15) and inactive (IG, n = 15) groups. The serum level of adiponectin, interleukin (IL)-10, pentraxin 3 (PTX3), and tumor-necrosis factor α (TNFα) was measured in all subjects. Also, glycolipid metabolism was assessed by measuring the fasting lipid profile parameters, glucose, and insulin levels and calculating the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR).

RESULTS

Following a 10-week combined all-extremity HIIT in the active subjects, the TNFα, PTX3/IL-10, and TNFα/adiponectin were significantly reduced. However, the absolute levels of adiponectin, IL-10, and PTX3 remained unchanged. Additionally, a significant decrease was found in insulin, LDL, and HOMA2-IR, while insulin sensitivity and HDL levels showed a significant increase in the active group compared to the inactive group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our 10-week time-efficient combined all-extremity HIIT promoted an anti-inflammatory state and glycolipid metabolism improvement, suggesting this protocol as a practical therapeutic approach in sedentary obese females.

Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training or High-Intensity Interval Training with or without Resistance Training for Altering Body Composition in Postmenopausal Women

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare body composition changes induced by moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or HIIT + resistance training (RT) programs (3 d·wk, 12 wk) in overweight/obese postmenopausal women, and to determine whether fat mass reduction is related to greater fat oxidation (FatOx).

METHODS

Participants (n = 27) were randomized in three groups: MICT (40 min at 55%-60% of peak power output), HIIT (60 × 8 s at 80%-90% of peak HR, 12 s active recovery), and HIIT + RT (HIIT + 8 whole-body exercises: 1 set of 8-12 repetitions). Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to measure whole-body and abdominal/visceral fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass. FatOx was determined at rest, during a moderate-intensity exercise (40 min at 50% of peak power output), and for 20 min postexercise, before and after training.

RESULTS

Overall, energy intake and physical activity levels did not vary from the beginning to the end of the intervention. Body weight and total FM decreased in all groups over time, but significant abdominal/visceral FM losses were observed only in HIIT and HIIT + RT groups. When expressed in percentage, total FM, fat-free mass, and muscle mass were significantly modified only by HIIT + RT training. FatOx did not change at rest but increased similarly in the three groups during and after exercise. Therefore, the HIIT-induced greater FM loss was not related to higher FatOx during or after exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

MICT or HIIT ± RT could be proposed to nondieting postmenopausal women who are overweight/obese to decrease weight and whole-body FM. The HIIT programs were more effective than MICT in reducing abdominal/visceral FM. RT addition did not potentiate this effect but increased the percentage of muscle mass.

A Preventive Role of Exercise Across the Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Pandemic

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed a significant threat to human health around the world. A severe risk of infection has been observed in elderly populations. In addition, individuals with obesity and obesity-related comorbidities have also been identified to be at a higher risk of infection for COVID-19. We have attempted here to provide evidence in support of exercise management as a prevention strategy for improving health and minimizing the effects of COVID-19. Therefore, exercise duration, frequency, and intensity benefits are summarized in an attempt to provide guidelines for the general population. In terms of exercise effects, there are multiple benefits of exercise related to human health. These include, decreases in adipose tissue, improvements in cardio-respiratory fitness, enhanced metabolic homeostasis, and suppress inflammation active. With respect to the amount of exercise performed individuals should exercise at a moderate intensity for at least 150 min/wk as an initial target. Increases in intensity and duration of exercise training are necessary for significant fitness benefits, weight loss, and prevention of weight regain. In relation to walking, 10,000 steps/day at a rate of 64-170 steps/minute for at least 10 min duration is reasonable for healthy adults. For exercise intensity, a combination of resistance training (RT), aerobic training (AT) as well as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) incorporated with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) can be recognized as an optimal exercise mode for health benefits. Aerobic training and MICT should be viewed as a basis for exercise in combination with appropriate volumes and types of RT and HIIT. Activities should be performed according to professional guidelines and advice. If implemented, these measures may reduce infection rates, underlying pathologies, and assist in decreasing mortality associated with COVID-19 pandemic.

Land vs. water HIIE effects on muscle oxygenation and physiological parameter responses in postmenopausal women

Muscle oxygenation (MO) status is the dynamic balance between O₂ utilization and O₂ delivery. Low-impact high-intensity interval exercise MO responses in the exercise and recovery stage are still unclear. We compared the differences in MO and physiological parameters between high-intensity interval water-based exercise (WHIIE) and high-intensity interval land bike ergonomic exercise (LBEHIIE) in postmenopausal women. Eleven postmenopausal women completed WHIIE or LBEHIIE in counter-balanced order. Eight sets were performed and each exercise set included high intensity with 80% heart rate reserve (HRR) in 30 s and dynamic recovery with 50% HRR in 90 s. Muscle tissue oxygen saturation index (TSI), total hemoglobin (tHb), oxy-hemoglobin (O₂Hb), and deoxy-hemoglobin (HHb) were recorded. Blood lactate, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured at pre and post-exercise. Under similar exercise intensity, RPE in WHIIE was lower than that in LBEHIIE. The heart rate in WHIIE was lower than that in LBEHIIE at 1 and 2 min post-exercise. During the dynamic recovery, TSI, tHb, and O2Hb in water were higher than on land. A negative correlation was found between the change in TSI and lactate concentration (r = − 0.664). WHIIE produced greater muscle oxygenation during dynamic recovery. Muscle TSI% was inversely related to blood lactate concentration during exercise in water.

Effect of high intensity interval training on body composition in women before and after menopause: a meta-analysis

NEW FINDINGS

What is the topic of this review? A meta-analysis of the efficacy of high intensity interval training (HIIT) in reducing weight, total fat mass (FM) and (intra)-abdominal FM in normal-weight and overweight/obese women before and after menopause. What advances does it highlight? HIIT programmes in women significantly decrease body weight and total and abdominal FM. Their effects are more evident in pre- than in postmenopausal women. Cycling HIIT seems more effective than running, especially in postmenopausal women, and training interventions longer than 8 weeks comprising three sessions a week should be promoted.

ABSTRACT

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a stimulating modality for reducing body weight and adipose tissue. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of HIIT in reducing weight, total fat mass (FM) and (intra)-abdominal FM in normal-weight and overweight/obese women before and after menopause. A structured electronic search was performed to find all publications relevant to our review. Stratified analyses were made of hormonal status (pre- vs. postmenopausal state), weight, HIIT modalities (cycling vs. running), programme duration (< or ≥8 weeks) and the methods used to measure body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry vs. computed tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and others). A total of 38 studies involving 959 subjects were included. Our meta-analysis showed that overall HIIT programmes significantly decrease weight, total and abdominal FM in women. Both normal weight and overweight/obese women lost total FM after HIIT protocols whereas HIIT was only effective in decreasing abdominal FM in women with excess adiposity. When pre- and postmenopausal women were considered separately, the effect of HIIT on weight, total and abdominal FM were only significant before menopause. Cycling HIIT seemed more effective than running, especially in postmenopausal women, and training interventions longer than 8 weeks comprising three sessions were more efficient. HIIT is a successful strategy to lose weight and FM in normal weight and overweight/obese women. However, further studies are still needed to draw meaningful conclusions about the real effectiveness of HIIT protocols in postmenopausal women.

Moderate-Intensity Exercise and Musical Co-Treatment Decreased the Circulating Level of Betatrophin

Introduction. In general, the significant contribution of lack of physical activity is strongly correlated with lipid metabolism and metabolic disorder. Hitherto, betatrophin is a potential hormone that regulates the lipid profile in the body circulation-associated triglyceride level. This study was designed to evaluate the alteration of betatrophin levels in subject-onset hypertriglyceridemia with exercise intervention co-treated with music. Materials and Methods. A total of 60 nonprofessional athletes were enrolled in this study and given moderate-intensity exercise (MIE) combined with middle rhythm musical co-treatment. The ELISA method was applied to quantify the serum level of betatrophin in all samples. The statistical analysis was performed by applying the Kolmogorov–Smirnov normality test, one-way ANOVA, and parametric linear correlation and regression. Results. Interestingly, our data show that MIE decreased the circulating level of betatrophin combined with music (12.47 ± 0.40 ng/mL) compared with that without musical co-treatment (20.81 ± 1.16 ng/mL) and high-intensity exercise (26.91 ± 2.23 ng/mL). The plasma level of betatrophin was positively correlated with triglycerides (r = 0.316, p≤0.05), systolic blood pressure (r = 0.428, p≤0.01), HDL (r = 0.366, p≤0.05), energy expenditure (r = 0.586, p≤0.001), PGC-1α (r = 0.573, p≤0.001), and irisin (r = 0.863, p≤0.001). By contrast, the plasma level of betatrophin was negatively associated with age (r = −0.298, p≤0.05) and LDL cholesterol (r = −0.372, p≤0.05). Importantly, betatrophin is a significant predictor for energy expenditure (p≤0.001) and plasma triglyceride levels (p≤0.05). Conclusions. Our data demonstrate that betatrophin levels decreased the post-MIE and musical therapeutical combination. Therefore, betatrophin may provide a benefit as the potential biomarker of physiological performance-associated physical training.