The effect of aquatic training and vitamin D3 supplementation on bone metabolism in postmenopausal obese women

Purpose

Despite prevalence of studies indicating the positive effect of land-based exercise on bone metabolism, there are limited findings regarding the effect of aquatic exercise. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of aquatic training and vitamin D3 supplementation on femur bone mineral density (BMD), serum 25(OH)D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in postmenopausal obese women with vitamin D insufficiency.

Methods

40 postmenopausal obese women were randomly divided into four groups of aquatic training + vitamin D3 intake group; (ATD), aquatic training with placebo intake group (AT), vitamin D3 intake group (D), and control group with placebo intake (CON). AT groups performed aerobic aquatic exercises for 8 weeks. Vitamin D3 supplementation groups consumed oral dose of 4000 IU/d for 8 weeks.

Results

The femur BMD was significantly higher in the ATD than the AT and D and CON groups; in AT it was higher than the D and CON groups. Serum 25(OH)D level in the ATD was more than AT and CON, and in the D was more than the CON and AT. PTH in the ATD group was lower compared to AT, D, and CON groups. PTH was lower in the AT and D compared to the CON.

Conclusion

In postmenopausal obese women with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, combining vitamin D supplementation and aquatic training was the most effective method for improving bone metabolism; Vitamin D supplementation (alone) was not sufficient to affect some of bone metabolism indices; Aquatic training could not improve serum vitamin D. By priority, ATD, AT, and D indicated better bone related metabolism indices.

Efficacy of exercise training-based cardiac rehabilitation programmes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The beneficial effects of exercise training-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in different cardiac conditions have been previously studied. In this meta-analysis, we focused on the potential impact of CR on patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods

Multiple databases were searched in a systematic approach to find the eligible studies. All the studies investigating the potential impact of exercise training-based CR programmes on exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in patients undergoing TAVI were retrieved. The primary endpoint of interest was 6-min walk test (6MWT). The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) were measured to compare the improvement or worsening the endpoints using a random- or fixed-effects model, as appropriate.

Results

A total of eleven studies (685 patients) were considered eligible for quantitative synthesis. The results showed that performing exercise training-based CR after TAVI is associated with significant improvement in 6MWT (SMD 0.59, 95 % CI (0.48; 0.71), p < 0.01), Barthel index (SMD 0.73, 95 % CI (0.57; 0.89), p < 0.01), 12-item Short Form (SF-12) physical (SMD 0.30, 95 % CI (0.08; 0.52), p < 0.01) and mental (SMD 0.27, 95 % CI (0.05; 0.49), p = 0.02) survey scores, and hospital anxiety and depression scale - depression (HADS-D) score (SMD -0.26, 95 % CI (-0.42; -0.10), p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Performing exercise training-based CR following TAVI has significant benefits regarding physical capacity and health-related quality of life irrespective of the programme duration.

The effect of pentoxifylline and different types of exercise training on coagulation factors in a rat endometriosis model

Objectives

This study evaluated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), and pentoxifylline (PTX) on coagulation factors, including the amount and percentage of lymphocytes, PLC, PLR, aPTT, PT, PT.I.N. R in a model of rats with endometriosis.

Methods

Endometriosis was surgically induced in female Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats with confirmed endometrial implants were divided into control, MICT, pentoxifylline (D), HIIT+D, and MICT+D, HIIT groups. D and exercise interventions were performed for eight weeks. Then, the macroscopic size of endometriosis lesions was measured, and inflammatory factors (count and percentage of lymphocytes) and coagulation factors, including PLC, PLR, aPTT, PT, PT.I.N. R, and PLR in blood samples were evaluated.

Results

D significantly decreased the volume of lesions and significantly increased PT and PT.I.N. R in blood. HIIT decreased the volume of lesions and significantly increased PT. MICT did not cause significant effects on the target variables. MICT+D decreased the volume of lesions. HIIT+D significantly decreased the volume of lesions and PLC and increased aPTT as well as the count and percentage of lymphocytes, PT, and PT.I.N. R, and decreased PLR.

Conclusions

All interventions(except for MICT) especially HIIT+D and D by priority, induced a significant effect on reducing some indices of inflammation and coagulation.

Repeated mouth rinsing of coffee improves the specific-endurance performance and jump performance of young male futsal players

BACKGROUND

Mouth-rinsing with ergogenic solutions such as carbohydrate and caffeinated drinks has been considered among athletes as a practical nutritional strategy. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of repeated coffee mouth-rinsing (CMR) doses on specific performances of futsal players.

METHOD

Twenty-four male futsal players randomly participated in this randomized, double-blind, and crossover design study. During the intervention, participants were randomly placed in four different conditions including 1. low-dose CMR (LDC, n = 6, ~60 mg caffeine); 2. high-dose CMR (HDC, n = 6, ~125 mg caffeine); 3. decaffeinated CMR (PLA, n = 6, ~10 mg caffeine); and 4. no CMR (CON, n = 6). Vertical jump height was measured at baseline, baseline after CMR (baseline-CMR), immediately after the intermittent futsal endurance test (FIET) (IA-FIET), 5 min after the FIET (5"A-FIET) and 10 min after the FIET (10"A-FIET). Perceived fatigue was also measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) at baseline, IA-FIET, 5"A-FIET, and 10"A-FIET. CMR was also performed at baseline, during FIET (Repeated between levels), and 10'A-FIET. The collected data were analyzed (with SPSS software) by one- and two-way repeated measure ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test at P < 0.05 level.

RESULTS

The findings of the present study illustrated that the perceived fatigue in IA-FIET increased significantly compared to the baseline which was accompanied by a significant decrease in 5"A-FIET and 10"A-FIET compared to IA-FIET (P < 0.05), and no significant difference was observed between conditions in the baseline, IA-FIET, 5"A-FIET, and 10"A-FIET (P > 0.05). However, HDC and LDC rose significantly the distance covered in FIET compared to CON and PLA (P < 0.05). In addition, HDC increased the FIET performance more than LDC (P < 0.05). Although there was no difference between any of the conditions at baseline (P > 0.05), baseline-CMR increased significantly the vertical jump height (P < 0.05). At IA-FIET, vertical jump height decreased to baseline levels in CMR conditions but increased in 5"A-FIET, which remained constant until 10"A-FIET (P < 0.05). In addition, vertical jump height in HDC and LDC conditions was significantly higher than CON in IA-FIET, 5"A-FIET, and 10"A-FIET.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that repeated CMR with low and high doses is a useful strategy to improve specific futsal performance. However, higher dose CMR appears to have more profound effects on performance improvement than lower doses.

Immunoinflammatory Response to Acute Noise Stress in Male Rats Adapted with Different Exercise Training

Objective

Noise pollution is a kind of stress that impairs various physiological functions. This study evaluated the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MCT) on corticosterone, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and monocyte responses to acute noise stress in male rats.

Design

Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups, including control which was assessed at the beginning, control time which was assessed simultaneously with experimental groups (CT), HIIT, MCT, HIIT followed by noise stress (HIIT+S), MCT followed by noise stress (MCT+S), and noise stress. HIIT and MCT were performed for 8 weeks. Noise stress was induced for one session. Blood samples were taken 48 hours after the last exercise session in training and CT groups and immediately after acute noise stress in stress groups of HIIT+S, MCT+S, and noise stress.

Results

In response to acute noise stress, MCT and HIIT adaptations increased corticosterone, while reduced monocytes compared to CT. MCT increased basal corticosterone and IL-6 and decreased monocytes; however, in response to acute noise stress, corticosterone was higher and monocyte count was lower in the HIIT+S group. Regarding the effect of training, corticosterone and monocytes in MCT were higher than in HIIT. The serum level of IL-6 was lower in MCT than CT group, while it was not significantly different between stress groups.

Conclusion

In response to noise stress, previous exercise, especially HIIT, increased stress while did not increase inflammatory and innate immune response.

Effect of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Muscle Soreness and Performance Recovery after Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Female Volleyball Players

BACKGROUND

Beetroot juice (BRJ) contains various bioactive compounds suggested to be effective in improving athlete recovery. However, the number of studies evaluating the effects of BRJ on recovery and muscle soreness (MS) indicators in female athletes is limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effects of BRJ consumption on the performance recovery indicators and MS after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in female volleyball players.

METHODS

Twelve young female volleyball players were evaluated in this study. We utilized a randomized, cross-over, and double-blind design during two phases with a 30-day interval (wash-out). During each phase, EIMD was performed first, followed by BRJ or placebo (PLA) supplementation for two days (eight servings of 50 mL). Recovery monitoring of performance indicators and MS was performed after EIMD. The results of wall-sit, V sit and reach (VSFT), vertical jump height (VJH), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and thigh swelling (Sw-T) tests were recorded 48 h after EIMD. Also, the Perceived Muscle Soreness was recorded using the visual analog scale (VAS) 12 (MS-12 h), 24 (MS-24 h), and 48 (MS-48 h) hours after EIMD.

RESULTS

The data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures of ANOVA at p < 0.05. Compared to PLA, BRJ supplementation improves wall-sit performance after EIMD (p < 0.05), while reducing Sw-T and perceived muscle soreness (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between PLA and BRJ in VJH and VSFT performance after EIMD (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that the consumption of BRJ in female volleyball players can be useful for improving some recovery indicators, such as muscle endurance, perceived muscle soreness, and tissue edema, after EIMD.

High intensity interval training is superior to moderate intensity continuous training in enhancing the anti-inflammatory and apoptotic effect of pentoxifylline in the rat model of endometriosis

This study investigated the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX), high intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) separately and in combination, on inflammatory and apoptotic pathways in the rat model of induced endometriosis. Endometriosis was induced through surgery on female Sprague-Dawley rats. Six weeks after the first surgery, the second look laparotomy was performed. After induction of endometriosis in rats, they were divided into control, MICT, PTX, MICT+ PTX, HIIT, HIIT+PTX groups. Two weeks after the second look laparotomy, PTX and exercise training interventions were performed for eight weeks. Endometriosis lesions were assessed histologically. Proteins content of the NF-κB, PCNA and Bcl-2 were measured by immunoblotting and genes expression of the TNF-α and VEGF were measured by Real-time PCR methods. Findings of the study indicated that, PTX significantly decreased volume and histological grading of lesions, proteins of NF-κB and Bcl-2; and genes expression of the TNF-α, and VEGF in lesions. HIIT significantly decreased volume and histological grading of lesions, NF-κB, TNF-α and VEGF in lesions. MICT did not induce any significant effect on the study variables. Although, MICT+PTX decreased significantly volume and histological grading of lesions, as well as NF-κB, and Bcl-2 in lesions, however, these factors were not significantly different with the PTX group. HIIT+PTX decreased significantly all of the study variables compared to other interventions, except for VEGF when compared to PTX. In summary, combination of PTX and HIIT can induce enhancing effect on suppression of endometriosis through suppressing inflammation, angiogenesis, and proliferation and enhancing apoptosis.

Additive beneficial effects of aerobic training and royal jelly on hippocampal inflammation and function in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis rats

BACKGROUND

Although the beneficial role of training and the use of some antioxidants in physiological and psychological disorders in autoimmune diseases has been reported, the simultaneous effect of aerobic training (AT) and royal jelly (RJ) with different doses is not well understood. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of AT and RJ on inflammatory factors in the hippocampus, as well as depression and anxiety in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats with EAE were assigned to seven groups: (1) EAE without any other intervention (EAE); (2) sham, receiving normal saline (Sh); (3) 50 mg/kg RJ (RJ50); (4) 100 mg/kg RJ (RJ100); (5) AT; (6) AT + RJ50; and (7) AT + RJ100. In addition, a healthy control group was assessed.

RESULTS

EAE significantly increased interleukin 17 (IL-17), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) gene expression and immobilization time as well as anxiety and depression indices, and significantly decreased interleukin 10 (IL-10), compared to the control group. AT decreased significantly IL-17, TGF-β gene expression and immobilization time as well as anxiety and depression indices, while it significantly increased IL-10, compared to the EAE group. RJ50 and RJ100 decreased significantly IL-17, IL-23 gene expression, anxiety and depression indices, and significantly increased IL-10 compared to the EAE group. AT + RJ50 and AT + RJ100 significantly decreased IL-17, IL-23, and TGF-β and as well as anxiety and depression indices while significantly increasing IL-10 compared to the EAE group. The effects of AT + RJ100 on significant decreasing IL-17, IL-23, anxiety and depression and increasing TGF-β, IL-10 were more favorable than RJ50.

CONCLUSION

AT and RJ improved inflammatory and regulatory factors of autoimmunity and reduced anxiety and depression. The RJ combined with AT induced additive effects while using RJ100 was more favorable than RJ50.

Interactive Effects of Swimming High-Intensity Interval Training and Resveratrol Supplementation Improve Mitochondrial Protein Levels in the Hippocampus of Aged Rats

Mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress cause damage to cells which can lead to the aging process and age-related diseases. Antioxidants such as resveratrol and high-intensity exercise can benefit oxidative damage prevention. This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of swimming high-intensity interval training and resveratrol on mitochondrial metabolism key proteins, SIRT5, SOD1, and PDH-E1α, and the level of NAD+ as a cofactor in the deacetylation process in aged rat hippocampus. Forty-five male Wistar rats, aged 20 months, were randomly divided into five groups: control (C), Swimming High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) (S-HIIT), Swimming HIIT with resveratrol supplementation (S-HIIT-R), resveratrol supplementation (R), and solvent of resveratrol supplementation (SR). S-HIIT and resveratrol groups performed the exercise and received resveratrol (10 mg/kg/day, gavage) for six weeks. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein level in the hippocampus. The amount of SIRT5 and SOD1 proteins in the hippocampus increased. S-HIIT with resveratrol or resveratrol alone increased the PDH-E1α level significantly. The amount of NAD+ was analyzed by assay kit that was reduced in S-HIIT, S-HIIT-R, and SR groups compared to controls. The results showed that resveratrol and S-HIIT attenuated the age-related brain changes by increasing the expression of SOD1 and SIRT5 and reducing the level of NAD+ in the hippocampus. Considering these findings, S-HIIT and resveratrol supplementation could be proposed as strategies to attenuate age-related brain changes. Resveratrol alone and exercise through the regulation of crucial proteins and cofactors can influence mitochondrial metabolism and oxidative stress in the hippocampus of aged rats.

High-intensity interval and moderate-intensity continuous training ameliorate the deteriorating acute effect of noise stress on corticosterone and testosterone in rats

PURPOSE

Noise has become an integral part of human life. Noise stress affect various physiological indices. In the present study, the effects of acute noise stress on corticosterone and testosterone and testosterone to cortisol ratio (T/C) in male rats, trained with two types of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MCT) were evaluated.

METHODS

42 male Wistar rats were divided randomly into seven groups, including the control group (C), control time (CT), exposure to acute noise stress (S), HIIT, MCT, HIIT with noise stress (HIIT + S), and MCT with noise stress (MCT + S). Exercise groups performed eight weeks of exercise training. One session of stress was induced in stress groups following the intervention (exercise or rest) period. Serum levels of corticosterone and T/C were measured through blood samples, taken 48 hours following the last session of exercise in the four exercise groups without noise stress and time control. Immediately after noise stress, blood samples were taken in 3 stress groups.

RESULTS

Serum level of corticosterone in the MCT group was significantly higher than CT and HIIT groups (P = 0.001). Considering the effect of acute noise stress, corticosterone was significantly higher in HIIT + S and MCT + S, respectively, compared to the noise stress group (P < 0.001). Testosterone level of the noise stress group was significantly lower than CT group (P < 0.001). Testosterone level in the S group was significantly lower than other stress groups (MCT + S and HIIT + S) (P < 0.001). T/C in HIIT + S group was significantly higher compared to S and MCT + S groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

HIIT and MCT, by priority, ameliorated the deteriorating effect of noise stress on testosterone and T/C; and it appears that the intensity and mode of previous exercise training affect the hormonal response to noise stress.

Effect of performing high-intensity interval training and resistance training on the same day vs. different days in women with type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with chronic inflammation as a critical factor for muscle atrophy and disease progression. Although the combination of aerobic and resistance training leads to more significant improvements in health-related indices for T2D patients, the interference effect in concurrent training can decrease positive adaptations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiological adaptations in performing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and resistance training on the same day vs. different days in T2D patients. Twenty-four non-athletic 45-65-year-old women with T2D participated in an 8-week intervention. They were randomly divided into three groups: same days (SD), different days (DD), and treatment as usual (control). SD group had resistance training followed by HIIT on Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday. In contrast, the DD group had the same volume of resistance training on Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday and HIIT on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, with Friday as a resting day. Blood samples were collected 24 h before the first and 48 h after the last session in each group to measure glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, IGF1, IL1β, CRP, lipid profile, miR-146a, and miR-29b. Three subjects dropped out during the study, and 21 participants (SD = 7, DD = 6, Control = 8) completed the 8-week intervention. MiR-146a changed significantly (P = 0.006) in both SD and DD groups compared to the control group. IGF1 (P = 0.001) and fat-free mass (P = 0.001) changed significantly in SD and DD groups compared to the control group, and also DD led to more significant increases in IGF1 and fat-free mass in comparison with SD. MiR-29 (P = 0.001) changed significantly in the DD group compared to the control group. The reduction of IL-1β, fat mass and insulin resistance was significant in SD and DD compared to the control group; DD showed more potent effects than the SD group on the fat mass (P = 0.001) and insulin resistance (P = 0.001). This study demonstrated that a combination of HIIT and resistance training could be practical for improving health-related outcomes in T2D. Our study indicated for the first time that training strength and HIIT on separate days appeared to be more effective to combat muscle atrophy and insulin resistance.

Effects of exercise training on immunological factors in kidney transplant recipients; a randomized controlled trial

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12 week exercise training on the immune system of kidney transplant recipients. 23 kidney transplant recipients were randomly divided into two groups including control (n = 10) and training (n =13) groups. The training groups participated in the training for 10 weeks (three days a week; each day 60-90 minutes). The control group performed no regular exercise during this time. The blood samples were taken before and after 12 weeks. ELISA and Real-time PCR were used to evaluate cytokine profiles, including TNF-a, IL-6, IL-4, IL-31 and IL-35 as well as T-bet, GATA-3, RORYt and FOXP3, respectively. Finally, the data were analyzed, using paired T-test. ELISA results showed decreased levels of TNF- α, increased levels of IL-6 and no significant differences in the IL-35, IL-31 and IL-4 levels in the training group in comparison to the control group. Gene expression profiles showed significantly increased expression of T-bet and no changes in the GATA-3, RORYt and FOXP3 levels. According to these results, a moderate exercise including aerobic and resistance training could inhibit inflammatory cytokines and have beneficial effects on the immune system, but this issue needs further research.

The effect of pilates training on hormonal and psychophysical function in older women

BACKGROUND

DHEA-S and cortisol and their ratio are important determinants of some physiological and psychological function during aging. The present study aimed to determine the effect of eight weeks of pilates training on diurnal salivary cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and cortisol to DHEA-S ratio, cardiorespiratory fitness (CF), and psychological function in older women.

METHODS

Twenty-seven healthy older women (aged 60-65 years) participated in the study voluntarily and were divided into two groups of pilates training (N.=15) and control (N.=12), randomly. Before and after the experiment, salivary samples (at wake up and 30-min postawakening, midday, 5 p.m., and 9 p.m.) were taken and the participants completed the questionnaires. Cognitive function was assessed by the MMSE questionnaire. Pilates training was performed three times weekly, in non-consecutive days.

RESULTS

Pilates training increased V̇O2<inf>max</inf> (48%, P<0.001) and cognitive function (73%, P<0.001) and decreased BMI (16%, P=0.042), anxiety (53%, P<0.001) and depression (67%, P<0.001) compared to the control group. Also, in pilates training group, mean cortisol (16%, P=0.039), CAR (24%, P=0.010), fall after peak of cortisol (15%, P=0.50), morning DHEA-S (43%, P<0.001) and mean DHEA-S (34%, P=0.002) increased compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that pilates training could improve mental and physical function which was accompanied by changes of diurnal cortisol and DHEA as one of the possible effective factors.

Probiotic Supplementation and High-Intensity Interval Training Modify Anxiety-Like Behaviors and Corticosterone in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity Mice

Evidence supports the role of exercise training and probiotics on reducing obesity. Considering the relationship between obesity and high-fat diet with anxiety indices, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of probiotic supplementation and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on anxiety-like behaviors, corticosterone and obesity indices in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mice. Thirty male adult C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups: (1) Control with normal diet (CON), (2) High-fat diet (HFD), (3) HFD + exercise training (HT), (4) HFD + probiotics supplement (HP) and (5) HFD + exercise training +probiotics (HTP). Exercise training consisted of 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programs. Probiotics supplement included 0.2 mL Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Anxiety-like behaviors were measured by open field (OF) and Elevated plus maze (EPM). OF and EPM tests, visceral fat mass (VFM) measurement, and blood sampling for corticosterone were performed after the intervention. Bodyweight was measured at different stages during the intervention. HFD regime in C57BL/6 mice increased bodyweight, VFM, and serum corticosterone levels and anxiety-like behaviors (p < 0.05). HIIT, probiotic and their combination, decreased bodyweight, VFM, and serum corticosterone levels and improved anxiety-like behavior in the HFD mice (p < 0.05). The effect of a combination of HIIT and probiotic on most of the anxiety indices was more than each one separately (p < 0.5). HIIT and probiotic supplements separately or above all in combination, may have beneficial effects in reducing obesity and anxiety indices.

The Effects of Exercise on Cerebellar Growth-Associated Protein 43 and Adenylyl Cyclase- Associated Protein 1 Gene Expression and Proteins in Diabetic-Induced Neuropathy and Healthy Male Wistar Rats

BACKGROUND

The effect of exercise on the cerebellum cells in diabetic-induced neuropathy and healthy situations is not clear yet. Growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) and adenylyl cyclase-associated protein 1 (CAP-1) proteins can restore nerve cells. This study aimed to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise on GAP-43 and CAP-1 and their mRNA in the cerebellar tissue of diabetic-induced neuropathy and healthy Wistar rats.

METHODS

Around 40 healthy male Wistar rats with a mean weight of 271 ± 11.2 g were divided randomly into four groups; healthy aerobic exercise, diabetic-aerobic exercise, healthy-control, and diabetic-control. The exercise group performed aerobic exercise 5 days per week for 6 weeks.

RESULTS

Exercise increased CAP1 protein in the cerebellum tissue of healthy (P = 0.002) and diabetic (P = 0.002) groups compared with matched control groups. The effect of exercise on CAP1 was greater in diabetic compared with the healthy group (P = 0.002). The expression of CAP1 mRNA in the cerebellum was higher in the healthy exercise compared with the healthy control group (P = 0.002) and in the healthy exercise compared with the diabetic exercise group (P = 0.026). GAP43 protein was lower in the healthy exercise compared with the healthy control group (P = 0.002) while it was higher in diabetic exercise compared to the healthy exercise group (P = 0.002). Expression of GAP43 mRNA in the cerebellum was higher in the healthy (P = 0.002) and diabetic (P = 0.002) exercise groups compared to non-exercise matched groups and in the diabetic control group compared with the healthy control group (P = 0.002). Exercise improved latency in diabetic (P = 0.001) and healthy exercise groups (P = 0.02). No significant difference was found in blood glucose between exercise and control groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Exercise improved cerebellar functions in healthy and diabetic rats, probably mediating by CAP1 protein, even without changing blood glucose.

The Effect of Swimming on Anxiety-Like Behaviors and Corticosterone in Stressed and Unstressed Rats

This study assessed the effect of swimming training on anxiety-like behaviors and corticosterone. Thirty adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five study conditions: swimming training (ST); exposure to chronic mild stress (CS); exposure to chronic mild stress followed by swimming training (CS + ST); exposure to chronic mild stress followed by a recovery period (CS + recovery); control. The exercise training consisted of 60 min of swimming exercise per day, for five days a week, and four consecutive weeks. A chronic mild stress program (CMS) was applied for a period of four weeks. Anxiety-like behaviors were measured by open field test (OFT). The number of excrements and blood corticosterone were used as physiological parameters of anxiety. To assess corticosterone, blood samples were taken 48 h after the last session of experiments. Compared to other study conditions, the lowest anxiety-like behaviors and corticosterone concentrations were observed in the ST condition in unstressed rats. In stressed rats, as in the ST + CS group, swimming training probably reduced some anxiety behaviors, but the results showed increased corticosterone compared to control and CS + Recovery. Anxiety parameters and corticosterone concentrations were greatest in the CS condition. In the ST group, anxiety parameters were less than for the ST + CS group. In the CS + Recovery group, anxiety parameters were less than for the CS group. In summary, self-paced swimming training could attenuate some anxiety parameters in both stressed and non-stressed rats. The effect of swimming training in unstressed rats was more prominent than in stressed rats. In stressed rats, a period of recovery was more effective than swimming training in reducing corticosterone. Mechanisms of anxiety reduction other than cortisol should be investigated in future research.

Association between physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition with menopausal symptoms in early postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between daily physical activity (daily activities, exercise, and sitting time), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and body composition (body mass index [BMI], waist to hip ratio [WHR)] with menopausal symptoms and to determine the strongest predictor(s) of menopausal symptoms.

METHODS

The Menopause Rating Scale questionnaire was used to examine somatic, psychological, urogenital, and total symptoms of menopause. The energy expenditure of daily physical activity, exercise, and sitting time was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and CRF was measured by estimating the maximal oxygen intake (VO2max) through the Rockport test. Statistical methods of the Pearson correlation coefficient and hierarchical multiple linear regression were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Fifty-six women, aged 50 to 65 years, voluntarily participated in the study. Exercise energy expenditure was inversely correlated with total (r = -0.403, P = 0.002), somatic (r = -0.293, P = 0.023), and urogenital (r = -0.343, P = 0.009) symptoms of menopause. VO2max was inversely correlated with urogenital symptoms of menopause (r = -0.414, P = 0.002). WHR was positively correlated with somatic symptoms of menopause (r = 0.286, P = 0.032); sitting was correlated with total (r = 0.40, P = 0.002), somatic (r = 0.325, P = 0.015), and psychological (r = 0.274, P = 0.015) symptoms of menopause. Among the study variables, sitting (β=0.365, P = 0.004) and VO2max (β=-0.286, P = 0.030) were the most important predictors of total symptoms of menopause; sitting was the predictor of somatic symptoms (β=0.265, P = 0.045), and VO2max was the predictor of urogenital symptoms of menopause (β=-0.332, P = 0.014). The inclusion of age, BMI, WHR, and duration of menopause as confounding variables in regression analysis did not change the findings related to the predictions of menopausal symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Reducing sitting time, improving VO2max, decreasing WHR, and exercise can be recommended by priority to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Considering the small number of participants in this investigation, future studies are, however, recommended.

The Effect of Exercise and Psychological Stress on Anti- and Proinflammatory Cytokines

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Research evidence regarding immune system responses and adaptations to psychological or physical stresses is controversial. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 8-week psychological stress and exercise activity (chronic adaptation) and the acute response of possibly adapted rats to psychological stress and exercise considering IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-4/IFN-γ.

METHODS

Thirty-two rats were divided into 4 groups of 8 animals including control, exercise, psychological stress, and combination of exercise with psychological stress. IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokines were measured pre-experiment (preEX), immediately postexercise (IpostEX), and 72-h postexperiment protocol (72hpostEX).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the study groups regarding IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-4/IFN-γ in preEX (p > 0.05), IpostEX (p > 0.05), and 72hpostEX (p > 0.05). However, IL-4 increased significantly in IpostEX compared with preEX in exercise (p = 0.012) and combination of exercise with psychological stress (p = 0.03) groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise and combination of exercise and psychological stress induce similar acute response to IL-4 in chronic trained and stressed rats. Also, exercise may induce an acute synergistic effect with psychological stress on IL-4.

Swimming modifies the effect of noise stress on the HPG axis of male rats

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined the effect of noise pollution on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. In this study, the effects of noise pollution and swimming on the HPG hormone axis of male rats were investigated.

METHODS

Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to four groups of equal size, including control (C), swimming (S), noise (N), and noise with swimming (NS). Serum levels of GnRH, LH, FSH, and testosterone were measured through blood samples taken 48 h following the last session of treatment. The main treatment programs of voluntary swimming and noise stress were performed 5 days per week over 7 weeks.

RESULTS

Serum levels of GnRH, LH, FSH, and testosterone decreased after exposure to the noise compared with the S and C groups, while in the S group, all hormone levels were higher than those in the C and N groups. Hormone levels of the SN group were higher than those in the N group but lower than those in the C group.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term exposure to noise is known to have a negative impact on male sex hormones, while submaximal swimming exercise is likely to reduce these effects and improve HPG axis hormones.

THE EFFECT OF EXERCISE ON INTERFERON GAMMA, BODY FAT AND BMI OF KIDNEY TRANSPLANT PATIENTS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Poor physical function and obesity are well documented in kidney transplant patients. Significant health benefits result from regular physical activity, many of which are important for kidney transplant patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 10-week combined exercises on Interferon Gamma (IFNγ), body fat percentage (BF%) and body mass index (BMI) in kidney transplant patients. Method: In a randomized controlled experimental design, 44 kidney transplant patients aged 20-50 years were randomly divided into two groups of exercise (n=23) and control (n=21). The exercise group participated in a cumulative training program for 10 weeks, three days a week, 60–90 minutes per day at 40-65% of predicted maximal heart rate reserve. A 5 ml venous blood sample and anthropometric parameters were taken from the subjects at baseline and after 10 weeks. Results: The exercise group showed an improvement in BF% (from 31.80±5.64 to 28.86 ± 5.82, p =0.001) and BMI (from 26.23 ± 1.81 to 25.45 ± 2.11, p = 0.001), but there was no significant change in the IFNγ level (from 0.06 ± 0.02 to 0.06 ± 0.02, p = 0.829). There was a significant difference between the control and exercise groups for BF% (p = 0.001) and BMI (p = 0.001). Conclusion: As a take-home message, it should be mentioned that combined exercise intervention is inexpensive and portable and can be performed at home or health centers for kidney transplant patients to reduce their weight and BF%. Evidence Level I; High quality randomized trial with or without statistically significant difference, but with narrow confidence intervals.

Relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness, habitual physical activity, body mass index and premenstrual symptoms in collegiate students

AIM

Several factors may be related to premenstrual symptoms (PMS) including physical and psychological symptoms and the aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), habitual physical activity including exercise and non exercise activity, body mass index (BMI) and physical and psychological symptoms of PMS.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional survey 86 young girls (age:18-25 years) who met the study criteria voluntary participated in this study. Participants completed Moos Menstrual Distress and life style habit questionnaires. CRF was calculated using the Bruce treadmill test. Weight and height of participants were recorded for estimating body mass index. The Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis were used for analysis of the data.

RESULTS

CRF was significantly negatively correlated with physical and psychological symptoms of PMS (P<0.05); exercise activity was significantly and negatively correlated with physical and psychological symptoms (P<0.05). BMI was significantly and positively correlated with physical and psychological symptoms (P<0.05), but non-exercise activity was not associated with physical or psychological symptoms of PMS (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The higher level of CRF and exercise activity was related to lower but higher BMI was related to higher PMS symptoms. CRF was the strongest predictor of physical and psychological symptoms of PMS.

Influence of a physical fitness course on menstrual cycle characteristics

AIM

Exercise is commonly cited as a remedy for menstrual symptoms. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a period of exercise on physical and psychological symptoms of menstruation, dysmenorrhea, oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea.

METHODS

Participants of the study were 250 students of Shiraz University who enrolled in a fitness course. The study design was semi-experimental with one group. Prior and after 12 weeks of a physical fitness program, our subjects completed questionnaires on menstrual distress. The physical fitness training program included physical fitness exercises (cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, agility, speed, strength; duration: 90 min, frequency: twice weekly, intensity: 50 to 70% of maximum heart rate). The t test was used for analysis of the data.

RESULTS

Physical premenstrual symptoms (p = 0.005), psychological premenstrual symptoms (p = 0.019), dysmenorrhea (p = 0.0001) and oligomenorrhea (p = 0.034) were significantly reduced after the training program. There was no difference in the incidence of amenorrhea before and after the training program (p = 0.162).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that selected physical fitness exercises positively influenced menstrual symptoms.