Effect of circuit training on body composition, physical fitness, and metabolic syndrome risk factors in obese female college students

Effect of treadmill walking on cardiometabolic risk factors and liver function markers in older adults with MASLD: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Regular walking has been reported to improve metabolically-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by altering the metabolic environment. However, no studies to date have focused on older individuals in both conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week walking intervention on metabolic syndrome risk factors, liver function indicators, and liver ultrasound findings in older adults with both metabolic syndrome and MASLD.

METHODS

A total of 66 participants aged 65-85 years had average ages, heights, and weights of 75.3 ± 5.8 years, 159.3 ± 9.3 cm, and 68.6 ± 6.8 kg, respectively. The participants resided in four senior living communities, and their diets were uniform. The participants from two facilities were assigned to the control group (CON, n = 33), whereas those from the other two facilities were allocated to the treadmill walking program group (WPG, n = 33). Each group comprised 13 males and 20 females. The intervention consisted of a low- to moderate-intensity walking program, conducted for 30 min per day, 6 days per week, totaling 180 min per week. The total daily calorie expenditure was recorded based on the values calculated from the treadmill. The walking intensity was adjusted by modifying the treadmill incline according to each participant's heart rate corresponding to their maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max). The exercise intensity was set at 50% on Mondays and Fridays, 60% on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 70% on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Sundays were designated as rest days.

RESULTS

Although there were no significant differences in caloric intake between the groups, the WPG exhibited a 52.5% increase in physical activity levels (p < 0.001), resulting in significant reductions in body weight (-10.2%), fat mass (-17.2%), and abdominal fat (-4.8%). The WPG showed a 16.1% increase in VO₂max, along with significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (-9.6%) and blood glucose (-16.9%), as well as notable improvements in lipid profiles (p < 0.001). The WPG also demonstrated significant reductions in aspartate aminotransferase (-40%), alanine aminotransferase (-23.5%), total protein (-14.4%), albumin (-8.1%), bilirubin (-17.6%), and liver ultrasound scores (-31.8%), with all changes showing significant intergroup differences (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Along with a consistent diet, a 12-week walk has been shown to induce significant changes in the body composition and cardiometabolic factors of older adults, as well as notable improvements in liver function markers and imaging findings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under Clinical Trials KCT0010079 on 26/12/2024.

Weighted vest intervention during whole-body circuit training improves serum resistin, insulin resistance, and cardiometabolic risk factors in normal-weight obese women

Background and objectives

Obesity is a well-known cause of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. Normal-weight obesity, where the body mass index(BMI) is within the normal range but the body fat percentage is high, also adversely impacts cardiovascular and metabolic health. This study explored the effects of whole-body circuit training using a weighted vest on serum resistin, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease risk factors in normal-weight obese women.

Methods

Thirty-six normal-weight obese women were divided into three groups: Weighted Vest Circuit Training(WVCT)(n = 12), Body Weight Circuit Training(BWCT)(n = 12), and a Control group(CON)(n = 12). Participants in the WVCT and BWCT groups engaged in whole-body circuit training three times per week for eight weeks. Serum resistin, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and insulin resistance were measured before and after the intervention.

Results

The study revealed significant and impactful findings. There were substantial improvements in body composition(Skeletal Muscle Mass: +7.5 %, p = 0.042, d = 0.80), Serum Resistin(-38.2 %, p = 0.001, d = 0.85), insulin resistance(HOMA-IR: 27.1 %, p < 0.001, d = 0.88), and a reduction in IL-6 levels(-25.4 %, p = 0.082, d = 0.60) in the WVCT group compared to the BWCT and CON groups. The WVCT group outperformed the other groups, demonstrating greater effectiveness in reducing cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusion

These findings have significant implications for healthcare. Whole-body circuit training with weighted vests has effectively improved body composition, reduced serum resistin, and lowered insulin resistance, reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors in normal-weight obese women. These results could inform and enhance the treatment and management of obesity-related cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.

Association of Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity With College Student Success and Retention

BACKGROUND

This study examined the relationship between physical activity (PA) and academic performance and retention among college students using accelerometer data while controlling for sex and socioeconomic background.

METHODS

Data were collected from 4643 first-year college students at a private university in the south-central United States who began their studies in the Fall semesters between 2015 and 2022. Daily step counts were collected using accelerometers worn as part of the institutions PA requirements. The expected family contribution was calculated based on information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Grade point average (GPA) and retention data were collected directly from official university databases.

RESULTS

Female students generally had lower median age and steps count and a higher median GPA than males. The retention rates from fall to spring and fall to fall were 95.9% and 83.8%, respectively, with no significant difference in retention rates between males and females. GPA was significantly positively correlated with steps, expected family contribution, and age, and negatively correlated with being male and having an expected family contribution of zero. The fall to spring retention rate was significantly positively correlated with steps and GPA.

CONCLUSIONS

The study's findings suggest that increasing levels of PA, as measured by daily step counts, may be effective in promoting academic performance and retention, even when controlling for sex and socioeconomic background. The use of device-based measures of PA in this study contributes to the literature on this topic, and policymakers and educational institutions should consider interventions focused on academic performance and physical activity to help students persist.

Development of a Digital Healthcare Management System for Lower-Extremity Amputees: A Pilot Study

The research, which was designed as a "pre- and post-single group" study, included patients with lower-limb amputation and aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of self-directed physical-strength training and cardiovascular exercise using a novel digital healthcare management service three times a week for 12 weeks. Muscle strength, thigh circumference, lipid profile and glycated hemoglobin levels, pulmonary function, quality of life, and physical activity level were evaluated before and after the intervention, while satisfaction was measured after the study. Among the 14 included patients, the proportion of adherence to the physical-strength training and physical-strengthening activity were 85.2% and 75.8%, respectively. The level of satisfaction with the digital healthcare management system was high. Significant changes were observed in the muscle-strength tests (dominant grip power and muscle strength of knee flexion and extension of the intact side), thigh circumference, and glycated hemoglobin levels. Further, the quality-of-life score showed improvement, although without significant differences. Individualized exercise management using the novel digital healthcare management system for lower-limb amputees could induce interest in self-care and promote physical activity and healthy behavior. Through this effect, we can expect a reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and severe injuries from falling.

Untargeted lipidomic analysis of plasma from obese women submitted to combined physical exercise

This study aimed to determine the changes of lipidome in obese women undergoing combined physical exercise training. Fourteen adult women with obesity (mean BMI and age, 33 kg/m² and 34 ± 5 years), were submitted to combined physical training (aerobic and strength exercises, alternately, 55 min at 75–90% of the maximum heart rate, 3 times a week) for 8 weeks. All participants were evaluated before and after the training intervention for lipidome, anthropometric measurements, muscle strength, and maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂max). Untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses allowed the identification of 1252 variables, of which 160 were significant (p < 0.05), and 61 were identified as molecular species of lipids. Volcano plot analysis revealed LPC(16:0p), LPC(18:0p), LPC(20:2), and arachidonic acid upregulated and PC(38:1p), PC(40:4), PC(40:4p) downregulated after combined physical exercise. From the results of the overall Principal component analysis (PCA), the major finding was SM(d18:1/20:0), arachidonic acid, and PC(40:6) species. Other changes included a reduction in waist circumference (Δ = − 2 cm) (p < 0.05), with no weight loss. In conclusion, 8-week of combined exercise training in obese women brought changes in different classes of lipids. This study provides further information to understand the effect of combined physical exercise on lipids related to obesity.

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.

Effects of aerobic exercise combined with resistance training on health-related physical fitness in adolescents: A randomized controlled trial

Background

/Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of two combined training methods on health-related physical fitness components in adolescents.

Methods

Seventy-six adolescents (16.1 ± 1.1 years, n = 44 female) were randomized into groups of moderate-intensity continuous training combined with resistance training (MICT + RT), high-intensity interval training combined with resistance training (HIIT + RT), or Control. The training sessions were performed twice weekly for 12 weeks. The health-related physical fitness components evaluated were: body composition, muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness.

Results

The intervention groups had a significant reduction in body fat percentage and improvement in abdominal repetitions and VO_2peak after 12 weeks of combined exercise program (p < 0.001). Intervention effects were found to significantly reduce body fat percentage for the MICT + RT and HIIT + RT groups compared to the control group (mean difference: −3.8; 95% CI: −6.2; −1 0.3; mean difference: −4.7; 95%CI: −7.1; −2.3, respectively). For muscle fitness, significant effects of the intervention were found in increasing the number of abdominal repetitions favoring the MICT + RT group compared to the control group (mean difference: 9.5; 95% CI: 4.4; 14.7) and HIIT + RT compared to the control group (mean difference: 14.1; 95% CI 9; 19.3). For cardiorespiratory fitness, significant effects of the intervention on improving VO_2peak were found in the experimental groups (MICT + RT vs Control group: mean difference: 4.4; 95% CI: 2.2; 6.6; and HIIT + RT vs. Control group: mean difference: 5.5, 95% CI: 3.3; 7.7).

Conclusion

The results suggest that 12 weeks of training using MCIT + RT or HIIT + RT showed a similar effect for health-related physical fitness components in adolescents.

Taurine supplementation in conjunction with exercise modulated cytokines and improved subcutaneous white adipose tissue plasticity in obese women

Interventions that can modulate subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) function, such as exercise training and nutritional components, like taurine, modulate the inflammatory process, therefore, may represent strategies for obesity treatment. We investigated the effects of taurine supplementation in conjunction with exercise on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in plasma and scWAT of obese women. Sixteen obese women were randomized into two groups: Taurine supplementation group (Tau, n = 8) and Taurine supplementation + exercise group (Tau + Exe, n = 8). The intervention was composed of daily taurine supplementation (3 g) and exercise training for 8 weeks. Anthropometry, body fat composition, and markers of inflammatory and oxidative stress were determined in plasma and scWAT biopsy samples before and after the intervention. We found that, although taurine supplementation increased taurine plasma levels, no changes were observed for the anthropometric characteristics. However, Tau alone decreased interleukin-6 (IL-6), and in conjunction with exercise (Tau + Exe), increased anti-inflammatory interleukins (IL-15 and IL10), followed by reduced IL1β gene expression in the scWAT of obese women. Tau and Tau + Exe groups presented reduced adipocyte size and increased connective tissue and multilocular droplets. In conclusion, taurine supplementation in conjunction with exercise modulated levels of inflammatory markers in plasma and scWAT, and improved scWAT plasticity in obese women, promoting protection against obesity-induced inflammation. TRN NCT04279600 retrospectively registered on August 18, 2019.

Exercising for Insulin Sensitivity - Is There a Mechanistic Relationship With Quantitative Changes in Skeletal Muscle Mass?

Skeletal muscle (SM) tissue has been repetitively shown to play a major role in whole-body glucose homeostasis and overall metabolic health. Hence, SM hypertrophy through resistance training (RT) has been suggested to be favorable to glucose homeostasis in different populations, from young healthy to type 2 diabetic (T2D) individuals. While RT has been shown to contribute to improved metabolic health, including insulin sensitivity surrogates, in multiple studies, a universal understanding of a mechanistic explanation is currently lacking. Furthermore, exercised-improved glucose homeostasis and quantitative changes of SM mass have been hypothesized to be concurrent but not necessarily causally associated. With a straightforward focus on exercise interventions, this narrative review aims to highlight the current level of evidence of the impact of SM hypertrophy on glucose homeostasis, as well various mechanisms that are likely to explain those effects. These mechanistic insights could provide a strengthened rationale for future research assessing alternative RT strategies to the current classical modalities, such as low-load, high repetition RT or high-volume circuit-style RT, in metabolically impaired populations.

The association between fitness and obesity in diverse multi-ethnic college students

OBJECTIVE

We examined differences and associations between physical fitness and behavioral factors with obesity in a multi-ethnic student population. Participants: Study population included non-Hispanic whites (NHW, n = 1,454); Hispanics (n = 1,436) and Asians (n = 1,016) at a metropolitan university from Fall 2006 to Fall 2013. Methods: Analyses of Variance and regression analyses, utilizing cross-sectional data, measured the association between fitness, and behavior with obesity. Results: BMI differences (p < .05) were observed between NHW (23.17 ± 3.67), Hispanics (24.32 ± 3.67), and Asians (22.92 ± 4.12). Fitness parameters, relative VO2 max, % body fat, and total fitness score were significantly (p < .0001) associated with obesity. Stress was strongly significantly associated with obesity in Hispanics (p < .001) and somewhat in NHW. Conclusions: Obesity disparities persist in college. Physical fitness and stress management interventions should be targeted towards Hispanic and NHW college students, which may curb current and/or adult-onset obesity.

Taurine supplementation associated with exercise increases mitochondrial activity and fatty acid oxidation gene expression in the subcutaneous white adipose tissue of obese women

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of taurine supplementation associated or not with chronic exercise on body composition, mitochondrial function, and expression of genes related to mitochondrial activity and lipid oxidation in the subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) of obese women.

METHODS

A randomized and double-blind trial was developed with 24 obese women (BMI 33.1 ± 2.9 kg/m², 32.9 ± 6.3 y) randomized into three groups: Taurine supplementation group (Tau, n = 8); Exercise group (Ex, n = 8); Taurine supplementation + exercise group (TauEx, n = 8). The intervention was composed of 3 g of taurine or placebo supplementation and exercise training for eight weeks. Anthropometry, body fat composition, indirect calorimetry, scWAT biopsy for mitochondrial respiration, and gene expression related to mitochondrial activity and lipid oxidation were assessed before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

No changes were observed for the anthropometric characteristics. The Ex group presented an increased resting energy expenditure rate, and the TauEx and Ex groups presented increased lipid oxidation and a decreased respiratory quotient. Both trained groups (TauEx and Ex) demonstrated improved scWAT mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Regarding mitochondrial markers, no changes were observed for the Tau group. The TauEx group had higher expression of CIDEA, PGC1a, PRDM16, UCP1, and UCP2. The genes related to fat oxidation (ACO2 and ACOX1) were increased in the Tau and Ex groups, while only the TauEx group presented increased expression of CPT1, PPARa, PPARγ, LPL, ACO1, ACO2, HSL, ACOX1, and CD36 genes.

CONCLUSION

Taurine supplementation associated with exercise improved lipid metabolism through the modulation of genes related to mitochondrial activity and fatty acid oxidation, suggesting a browning effect in the scWAT of obese women.

The effects of circuit resistance training on plasma progranulin level, insulin resistance and body composition in obese men

Background Progranulin (PGRN) is implicated in obesity and insulin resistance (IR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 8 weeks of circuit resistance training (CRT) on plasma PGRN, IR and body composition in obese men. Materials and methods Twenty-eight healthy obese men [age: 36 ± 7.7 years, body weight (BW): 96.4 ± 15.6 kg, body mass index (BMI): 32.4 ± 4.5 kg/m2] completed the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups of control and training. Subjects in the training group underwent training for 8 weeks, 3 times a week. Blood samples and anthropometric characteristics were taken before the commencement of the exercise protocol and 72 h after the last training session. The homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used to measure IR. Results BW, BF%, BMI, waist-hip ratio (WHR), HOMA-IR and plasma PGRN levels except lean body mass (LBM) were significantly reduced in the training group (p < 0.05). Additionally, except for LBM, subjects in the training group had significantly decreased BW, BF%, BMI, WHR, HOMA-IR and plasma PGRN levels compared to changes in those in the control group (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between the changes in plasma PGRN and the changes in insulin, HOMA-IR and BMI (p < 0.05). Conclusions The findings showed that 8 weeks of CRT improved body composition and IR which were accompanied by reduced plasma PGRN levels. This study suggests that CRT has the potential for obese individuals to counteract obesity-associated health impairments.