Functional training reduces body fat and improves functional fitness and cholesterol levels in postmenopausal women: a randomized clinical trial

Effect of non-pharmacological interventions on the prevention of sarcopenia in menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is a chronic disease marked by gradual muscle system and functional decline. Prior research indicates its prevalence in those under 60 varies from 8 to 36%. There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for sarcopenia prevention in menopausal women aged 40-60. This study examines the influence of such interventions for sarcopenia prevention on these women.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PEDro, and Airiti Library were searched from inception until May 5, 2023. Randomized controlled trials that examined exercise, vitamin D and protein supplementation effects on muscle mass, strength, and physical function. Quality assessment used the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and analysis employed Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.0.

RESULTS

A total of 27 randomized controlled trials, involving 1,989 participants were identified. Meta-analysis results showed exercise improved lean body mass (SMD = 0.232, 95% CI: 0.097, 0.366), handgrip strength (SMD = 0.901, 95% CI: 0.362, 1.441), knee extension strength (SMD = 0.698, 95% CI: 0.384, 1.013). Resistance training had a small effect on lean body mass, longer exercise duration (> 12 weeks) and higher frequency (60-90 min, 3 sessions/week) showed small to moderate effects on lean body mass. Vitamin D supplementation improved handgrip strength (SMD = 0.303, 95% CI: 0.130, 0.476), but not knee extension strength. There was insufficient data to assess the impact of protein supplementation on muscle strength.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise effectively improves muscle mass, and strength in menopausal women. Resistance training with 3 sessions per week, lasting 20-90 min for at least 6 weeks, is most effective. Vitamin D supplementation enhances small muscle group strength. Further trials are needed to assess the effects of vitamin D and protein supplementation on sarcopenia prevention.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

This review was registered on PROSPERO CRD42022329273.

Combined Aerobic and Strength Training Improves Dynamic Stability and can Prevent against Static Stability Decline in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

 To analyze the effect of combined training (CT) in postural control and gait parameters in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

 A parallel-group, randomized, control study was conducted with 16 weeks of combined training (n = 16) versus a non-training control group (n = 12) in postmenopausal women (aged 59.3 ± 8.0). Pre and postintervention assessments included postural control (using an AMTI force platform - Advanced Mechanical Technology, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA) and gait impairments (using baropodometry). In addition, the upper limb strength and abdominal tests, as well as aerobic capacity, assessed functional indicators.

RESULTS

 The CT intervention in postmenopausal women resulted in improved gait (stride length (p = 0.006); speed (p = 0.013); double support time (p = 0.045); and improved postural control (displacement area of postural sway in a normal base of support with eyes open (p = 0.006). Combined training increased functional indicators (abdominal - p = 0.031; aerobic capacity - p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

 In conclusion, combined aerobic plus strength training effectively improved gait and balance control in older women. The postmenopausal women from the CT group walked faster and with bigger steps after the intervention than the control group. In addition, they presented decreased postural sway in standing and decreased the percentage of double support time while walking, which means improved static and dynamic balance control and functional indicators.

Football players' strength training method using image processing based on machine learning

This work addresses the declining physical fitness levels observed in both football players and the general population. The objective is to investigate the impact of functional strength training on the physical capabilities of football players and to develop a machine learning-based approach for posture recognition. A total of 116 adolescents aged 8 to 13 participating in football training are randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 60) or a control group (n = 56). Both groups underwent 24 training sessions, with the experimental group engaging in 15-20 minutes of functional strength training after each session. Machine learning techniques, specifically the backpropagation neural network (BPNN) in deep learning, are utilized to analyze the kicking actions of football players. Movement speed, sensitivity, and strength are employed as input vectors for the BPNN to compare the images of players' movements, while the similarity between the kicking actions and standard movements served as the output result to enhance training efficiency. The experimental group's kicking scores are compared to their pre-experiment scores, demonstrating a statistically significant improvement. Moreover, statistically significant differences are observed in the 5*25m shuttle running, throwing, and set kicking between the control and experimental groups. These findings highlight the significant enhancement in strength and sensitivity achieved through functional strength training in football players. The results contribute to the development of training programs for football players and the overall improvement of training efficiency.

The effect of functional training on level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and functional performance in women with obesity

Obesity is the underlying cause of various health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. It is associated with low self-confidence, emotional disorder, anxiety, depression, social isolation, and suicide. In the present study, we investigated the effect of functional training on obese women's brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and executive functioning. To this end, 25 obese women were randomly assigned to 3 different groups labelled as active obese women-functional training, inactive obese women-functional training, and control group. The subjects performed 24 one-hour-long sessions of functional training three times a week. The intensity of activity for the research groups was moderate, which was equivalent to a level of 6-7 on the Borg scale. The analysis of intragroup results indicated that functional training increased serum BDNF significantly in both active and inactive obese women. It was also observed to improve executive functioning in both groups of the obese women via decreasing the number of errors, increasing the number of true responses, and reducing reaction time. The analysis of intergroup results, on the other hand, revealed that there were no significant differences between active and inactive obese women in terms of serum BDNF and executive functioning after functional training. Training promotes cognitive health, and this study adds that functional training may be important for improvement and maintenance of brain health and functional performance. Therefore, by increasing BDNF level through functional exercises, it is possible to help improve the cognitive functions of obese women.

Psychological, Physiological, and Physical Effects of Resistance Training and Personalized Diet in Celiac Women

Background

Gluten intolerance is a systemic process of autoimmune nature; it develops in genetically predisposed subjects with gluten ingestion. The only treatment for celiac disease (CD) is a lifelong strict gluten-free diet (GFD). This study was designed to evaluate adherence to a GFD, risk of an eating disorder, and nutritional status in adult CD patients undergoing different interventions.

Methods

A total of 28 Spanish women, aged 40 years or more, took part in a randomized controlled trial. Each group received a different intervention: group 1, gluten-free nutrition plan + exercise (GFD + E); group 2, gluten-free nutrition plan (GFD); group 3, celiac controls (NO-GFD); and group 4, non-celiac controls (CONTROL). The training was prescribed by a sport scientist. It was based on resistance training with elastic bands; beforehand a warm-up was performed and the resistance was increased progressively. The variables studied were adherence to the GFD, risk of eating disorders, blood values, and body composition.

Results

Celiac women with personalized nutritional planning presented greater adherence to a gluten-free diet (p < 0.001). Regarding leukocytes, significant differences were observed between the GFD and control groups (p = 0.004). Perimeters and folds did not decrease significantly.

Conclusion

Women with celiac disease who follow an adapted and personalized diet have a better adherence to a GFD compared to those who follow a non-professional diet, and therefore have a better immune system status (blood leukocytes).

Comparative Efficacy of 5 Exercise Types on Cardiometabolic Health in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of 81 Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Although regular exercise is recommended for preventing and treating overweight/obesity, the most effective exercise type for improving cardiometabolic health in individuals with overweight/obesity remains largely undecided. This network meta-analysis aimed to evaluate and rank the comparative efficacy of 5 exercise modalities on cardiometabolic health measures in individuals with overweight/obesity.

METHODS

A database search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception up to September 2020. The review focused on randomized controlled trials involving exercise interventions consisting of continuous endurance training, interval training, resistance training, combined aerobic and resistance training (combined training), and hybrid-type training. Exercise interventions aimed to improve somatometric variables, body composition, lipid metabolism, glucose control, blood pressure, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular strength. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to evaluate eligible studies. A random-effects network meta-analysis was performed within a frequentist framework. The intervention ranking was carried out using a Bayesian model where mean and SD were equal to the respective frequentist estimates.

RESULTS

A total of 4331 participants (59% female; mean age: 38.7±12.3 years) from 81 studies were included. Combined training was the most effective modality and hybrid-type training the second most effective in improving cardiometabolic health-related outcomes in these populations suggesting a higher efficacy for multicomponent exercise interventions compared to single-component modalities, that is, continuous endurance training, interval training, and resistance training. A subgroup analysis revealed that the effects from different exercise types were mediated by gender.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings corroborate the latest guidelines on exercise for individuals with overweight/obesity highlighting the importance of a multicomponent exercise approach to improve cardiometabolic health. Physicians and healthcare professionals should consider prescribing multicomponent exercise interventions to adults with overweight/obesity to maximize clinical outcomes.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/; Unique identifier: CRD42020202647.

The Effects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Body Composition, Health Fitness, Functional Movement Screening in non-Elite Healthy Young Adults

OBJECTIVES Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has grown massively in recent years, but its positive effects in non-elite population has not been analyzed. The purpose of current study was to exam the effects of BJJ on body composition, health fitness components, and functional movement screening (FMS) in healthy young adults.METHODS Combined exercise program was composed of aerobic and resistance exercises. All participants were randomly assigned either into BJJ exercise group (BJEG, n=10, 28.10±2.64 years) or combined exercise group (CEG, n=10, 28.20±3.43 years). Exercise intervention was conducted for ninety minutes per session, three times per week for twelve weeks.RESULTS Body fat (%) and muscle mass (kg) were significantly improved in both groups. Muscle strength in upper and lower extremity, muscle endurance, flexibility, power were significantly improved in both groups. Cardiorespiratory fitness in BJEG was significantly improved. Also, FMS total score and deep squat score showed significant improvement in both groups.CONCLUSIONS BJJ is an effective exercise for health and fitness management purpose in non-elite healthy young adults.

A cross-sectional analysis of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in older females: association between body fat distribution and physical fitness

This study aimed to determine whether body fat distribution and physical fitness would be associated with risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in post-menopausal females. Android fat distribution were more likely to have altered total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), glycemic levels (GL) body fat percentage (%BF), and body mass index (BMI), and those with inadequate physical fitness showed clear alterations in TC, HDL-C, and TG. Gynoid fat distribution group fared better regarding CVD risk. In conclusion, adequate physical fitness demonstrates a protective factor against CVDs, with the greatest benefit to those with gynoid fat distribution.

Relationship of different intensities of physical activity and quality of life in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND

It is known that the elderly population remains most of the time in light activity. Physical activity plays a key role in the primary prevention of chronic diseases to mitigate various deleterious effects of aging and improve quality of life. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether the time that postmenopausal women remain in light activities during the day are related to better quality of life and compare these results with the quality of life of those who remain longer in moderate intensity and vigorous activity.

METHODS

This is a cross sectional study there were evaluated 102 women, aged 50 to 79 years, all postmenopausal. Physical activity was measured by triaxial accelerometers. The quality of life was assessed using a Brazilian validated version of the SF-36 questionnaire. The sample was divided in three groups (G1, G2 and G3) according to tercile of time spent per week on light, moderate and moderate+vigorous physical activity. The comparisons between groups were made by ANOVA One Way, and the relationship between variables were made through the Spearman's correlation coefficient, and the significance was set at 5%.

RESULTS

We found that the amount of time of light physical activity shows a higher correlation values compared to the moderate and moderate+vigorous physical activity (p < 0,05) and presented significant correlation in all domains of quality of life. Vigorous physical activity did not presented significant correlation in all domains of quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggests that light intensity physical activity presented influence on the quality of life of postmenopausal women.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

(NCT02804308). Registered on 17 june 2016 (retrospectively registred).

Effects of functional training and 2 interdisciplinary interventions on maximal oxygen uptake and weight loss of women with obesity: a randomized clinical trial

Our aim was to analyze and compare functional training, interdisciplinary therapy, and interdisciplinary education on cardiorespiratory fitness (CF) and anthropometric characteristics of women with obesity. Forty-four women (age = 39.7 ± 5.9 years, body mass index (BMI) = 35.5 ± 2.8 kg/m²) completed 30 weeks of intervention randomly assigned to 3 groups: functional training (FT) (n = 14), interdisciplinary therapy (IT) (n = 19), and interdisciplinary education (IE) (n = 11). The FT group participated in the training program (3/week), the IT group received the same training intervention plus nutrition (1/week) and psychology advice (1/week) and physical therapy (1/week). The IE group participated in interdisciplinary lectures on topics related to health promotion (1/month). CF (ergospirometry), anthropometry, and body composition (electrical bioimpedance) were measured pre-intervention (Pre) and post-intervention (Post). CF increased (p ≤ 0.05) significantly (Pre vs. Post) in the FT (7.5%) and IT (10.8%) groups, but not in the IE group (1.8%). Body mass (BM), BMI, relative fat mass, and waist circumference significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased (Pre vs. Post) in IT (-4.4%, -4.4%, -2.3%, and -5.1%, respectively). The IE group showed a significant decrease in BM (-3.7%), BMI (-3.7%), and waist circumference (-3.5%), whereas the FT group promoted significant decrease in waist circumference (-3.4%). In conclusion, functional training increased CF but only interdisciplinary interventions improved the anthropometric profile of women with obesity. Novelty Interdisciplinary therapy provided more comprehensive adaptations in women with obesity, including morphological variables and CF. Functional training increased CF but reduced only abdominal obesity. Interdisciplinary education provided benefits on morphological variables, but it does not increase CF.

Balance performance and related soft tissue components across three age groups

With the aging process, falls and related injuries are common and unwanted events among older women. Lost balance is the last step before the frequent experience of falls. After menopause, women's bone conditions regarding health and balance performance steeply decline often resulting in serious injury. Our purpose in the study is to identify balance performance and its associations with soft tissue components among Korean-American (KA) women with three menopausal conditions. Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study with 63 KA women divided into three age groups: 25-35 years (young), 45-55 years old (middle), and 65+ years (old). Lean and fat mass on the entire body, appendicular and gynoid areas were measured by using the dual X-ray absorptiometry. Static and dynamic balance and physical performance (floor sit to stand) were tested. We found that with increased aging, lean mass, fat and body mass index were changed; balance and physical performance decreased significantly. In regression models, age and fat ratio of android/gynoid changes explain static balance and physical performance; appendicular lean mass predicted dynamic balance. With advancing age, maintaining lean mass and proportion of fat accumulation is critical for stable balance.

Efectos agudos del ejercicio resistido en la lipemia postprandial de mujeres postmenopáusicas con sobrepeso

Introducción. La magnitud de la lipemia postprandial es un indicador de riesgo cardiovascular, en especial en mujeres con actividad hormonal reducida. Los ejercicios resistidos (ER) podrían ser un factor que influencie las concentraciones de lípidos después de consumir alimentos.Objetivo. Determinar los efectos agudos sobre la lipemia postprandial de mujeres postmenopáusicas que tiene la realización de sesiones de ER de alto y bajo volumen, en comparación a un grupo control.Materiales y métodos. Después de una evaluación inicial (antropometría, perfil lipídico y fitness muscular), 32 mujeres fueron divididas aleatoriamente en tres grupos: uno con ER de alto volumen (n=11), otro con ER de bajo volumen (n=11) y un grupo control sin ER (n=10). 12 horas después de los ejercicios se suministró un compuesto nutricional hiperlipídico y se analizó la lipemia postprandial cada hora durante 5 horas.Resultados. Los diferentes volúmenes de ER no redujeron de manera importante los marcadores lipémicos (colesterol total, triglicéridos, LDL y VLDL) (p>0.05) ni aumentaron las concentraciones plasmáticas de HDL (p>0.05).Conclusiones. Las sesiones de ER no afectaron los marcadores lipémicos postprandiales, aunque sí mostraron resultados clínicos relevantes en los grupos experimentales (reducción de LDL-VLDL y aumento de HDL en momentos específicos).

Inflammatory and Metabolic Responses to Different Resistance Training on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized Control Trial

Background: Low-grade inflammation can be present in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which may affect the regulation of muscle protein and body metabolism. Regular exercise show improvement in muscle strength and dyspnea in patients with COPD, however, the response to training on inflammatory and metabolic disorders is unclear. In this study, we compared the effects of resistance training using weight machines and elastic resistance (bands and tubes) on the inflammatory and metabolic responses in patients with COPD.

Methods: Patients with COPD were randomized into three groups: elastic band group (EBG), elastic tube group (ETG), and weight machines equipment group (MG). EBG and ETG were analyzed together [elastic group (EG)]. The participants were evaluated for pulmonary function (spirometry), peripheral muscle strength (digital dynamometry), IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-15 (Immunoassay), glucose, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, HDL-c, and albumin levels (Enzymatic colorimetric). Blood samples were collected to assess the acute and chronic exercise responses after 12 weeks of training protocol.

Results: The patient's mean age was 71.53 ± 6.97 years old. FEV₁ (percent predicted) was 50.69 ± 16.67 and 45.40 ± 15.15% for EG and MG, respectively (p = 0.28). All groups increased muscle strength (p < 0.05) with no differences between groups. The acute response to exercise after 12 weeks of training showed improvement of inflammation when compared to baseline. Regarding the chronic effects, it was observed a decrease of all cytokines, except IL-10 (p < 0.05). After 12 weeks of training, the analysis of the metabolic profile presented a reduction in glucose concentration (p < 0.01), with no differences between groups (p = 0.30) and a decrease in triacylglycerol for the EG (p > 0.01).

Conclusions: Training with elastic resistances or conventional weight machines showed improvement of inflammation response after 12 weeks of training. Chronically, both training groups showed anti-inflammatory effects, with the EG showing a strong tendency to improve IL-10/TNF-α ratio and IL-10 levels.

Trial registration : RBR-6V9SJJ.

Understanding the Capacity for Exercise in Post-Bariatric Patients

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to conduct a pilot randomized trial testing an exercise program specifically adapted for post-bariatric patients.

METHODS

A total of 51 post-bariatric patients, 6-24 months post-surgery, were randomly assigned to usual care control (n = 25) or the exercise intervention (n = 26). The intervention included twice weekly 60-min group exercise classes with functional strength, flexibility, and aerobic activities; at least 3 days per week of self-directed exercise; daily pedometer; recording of steps and activities; and weekly telephone counseling. There was also a 6-month maintenance period.

RESULTS

Patients were 49 ± 12 years old, 84 % female, 59 % non-Hispanic white, with a BMI of 32.9 ± 5.7 kg/m² and percent excess BMI loss since surgery of 56 ± 35 %. Patients were 14 ± 5 months post-surgery. A total of 44 patients (86 %) completed both phases of the program and all assessments. The following measures improved significantly for intervention participants with no significant change in control participants: yards walked in 6 min, seconds for 8-foot up-and-go, number of arm curls, and distance in inches for chair sit-and-reach. Intervention changes remained after 6 months of maintenance.

CONCLUSIONS

When compared to patients in usual care, a specially adapted exercise program for post-bariatric patients resulted in significant improvements in objectively monitored health outcomes. This program was delivered in a clinical setting and could be implemented in a variety of settings to improve health outcomes for post-bariatric patients.

Combined training (strength plus aerobic) potentiates a reduction in body fat but only functional training reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in postmenopausal women with a similar training load

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of combined (CT; strength plus aerobic) and functional training (FT) on the body composition and metabolic profile with a similar training load in postmenopausal women. The participants were divided into three groups: CT (n=20), FT (n=17), and control group (CG, n=15). The trunk FM, fat mass (FM), percentage of FM (FM%), and fat-free mass were estimated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The metabolic profile, glucose, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) were assessed. There were main effects of time in trunk fat, FM, and FM% (P<0.05). There were statistically significant interaction for FM (P=0.015), FM% (P=0.017) with lower values for CT group. For LDL-c, there was significant interaction (P=0.002) with greater values for FT group in relation to CG and CT. Furthermore, when performed the post hoc test on the “mean absolute differences” (Δ), it can observed statistically significant difference between FT, CT, and CG (−13.0±16.5 mg/dL vs. 4.8±18.4 mg/dL vs. 9.2±18.8 mg/dL, P<0.05). In conclusion, when training loads are equivalent CT potentiated a reduction in FM and FM%, however, only FT reduced LDL-c in postmenopausal women.

Functional High-Intensity Circuit Training Improves Body Composition, Peak Oxygen Uptake, Strength, and Alters Certain Dimensions of Quality of Life in Overweight Women

The effects of circuit-like functional high-intensity training (Circuit_HIIT) alone or in combination with high-volume low-intensity exercise (Circuit_combined) on selected cardio-respiratory and metabolic parameters, body composition, functional strength and the quality of life of overweight women were compared. In this single-center, two-armed randomized, controlled study, overweight women performed 9-weeks (3 sessions·wk⁻¹) of either Circuit_HIIT (n = 11), or Circuit_combined (n = 8). Peak oxygen uptake and perception of physical pain were increased to a greater extent (p < 0.05) by Circuit_HIIT, whereas Circuit_combined improved perception of general health more (p < 0.05). Both interventions lowered body mass, body-mass-index, waist-to-hip ratio, fat mass, and enhanced fat-free mass; decreased ratings of perceived exertion during submaximal treadmill running; improved the numbers of push-ups, burpees, one-legged squats, and 30-s skipping performed, as well as the height of counter-movement jumps; and improved physical and social functioning, role of physical limitations, vitality, role of emotional limitations, and mental health to a similar extent (all p < 0.05). Either forms of these multi-stimulating, circuit-like, multiple-joint training can be employed to improve body composition, selected variables of functional strength, and certain dimensions of quality of life in overweight women. However, Circuit_HIIT improves peak oxygen uptake to a greater extent, but with more perception of pain, whereas Circuit_combined results in better perception of general health.