Research

10 pages, 322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Self-Efficacy and Activity Patterns in the Physical Activity Levels of Women with Fibromyalgia

by Ana Myriam Lavín-Pérez, Daniel Collado-Mateo, Alexander Gil Arias, Lorena Gutiérrez, Carmen Écija, Patricia Catalá and Cecilia Peñacoba

Biology 2023, 12(1), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12010085 - 05 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1419

Abstract

Keeping high levels of physical activity is a challenge among chronic patients. In this regard, self-efficacy has been identified as a crucial variable to reduce sedentarism and physical inactivity in women with fibromyalgia. The current study aimed to evaluate the associations among objective [...] Read more.

Keeping high levels of physical activity is a challenge among chronic patients. In this regard, self-efficacy has been identified as a crucial variable to reduce sedentarism and physical inactivity in women with fibromyalgia. The current study aimed to evaluate the associations among objective physical activity levels, self-efficacy, activity patterns, and the impact of the disease, as well as to compare those variables between women with fibromyalgia with different self-efficacy levels. For this purpose, in this cross-sectional study, the physical activity levels of 123 women with fibromyalgia were assessed by accelerometers, together with self-efficacy, the impact of the disease, and activity patterns. Results revealed that self-efficacy for light or moderate physical activity was directly related to light (p < 0.01), moderate (p < 0.01), and vigorous physical activity (p < 0.05), as well as inversely related to sedentary time (p < 0.01). Moreover, the main differences were observed between those with low self-efficacy levels and the rest of the sample, while there were no differences between the high and the medium self-efficacy groups (p > 0.05). Thus, self-efficacy for walking and light physical activity seems to be more relevant than self-efficacy for moderate and vigorous physical activity to achieve higher levels of physical activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biological Underlying Processes of Physical Exercise Benefits)

14 pages, 603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extracellular and Intracellular Concentrations of Molybdenum and Zinc in Soccer Players: Sex Differences

by Víctor Toro-Román, María Concepción Robles-Gil, Diego Muñoz, Ignacio Bartolomé, Jesús Siquier-Coll and Marcos Maynar-Mariño

Biology 2022, 11(12), 1710; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11121710 - 25 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1088

Abstract

Molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn) play important roles in the process of adaptation to physical training. The aims of the present study were: (i) to analyze the differences in extracellular (plasma and urine) and intracellular (erythrocytes and platelets) Mo and Zn concentrations between [...] Read more.

Molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn) play important roles in the process of adaptation to physical training. The aims of the present study were: (i) to analyze the differences in extracellular (plasma and urine) and intracellular (erythrocytes and platelets) Mo and Zn concentrations between sexes and (ii) to relate extracellular Zn concentrations with biomarkers of muscle damage and muscle mass. The present study involved 138 semi-professional soccer players divided according to sex: male (n = 68) and female (n = 70). Mo and Zn concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Erythrocytes, platelets, creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) values were also determined by automatic cell counter and spectrophotometric techniques. There were no sex differences in Mo and Zn intake. Male soccer players obtained higher values of erythrocytes, CK, and LDH (p < 0.05), and showed higher plasma and urinary concentrations of Mo and Zn (p < 0.05). Female soccer players showed relatively higher Zn concentrations in erythrocytes (p < 0.05). Finally, positive correlations were observed between extracellular Zn concentrations with CK, LDH and muscle mass. Extracellular concentrations of Mo and Zn were higher in male soccer players. However, the relative concentrations of Zn in relation to the number of erythrocytes were higher in female soccer players. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biological Underlying Processes of Physical Exercise Benefits)

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11 pages, 1369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acute Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Contralateral Plantar Flexor Neuromuscular Function

by Chris Donnelly, Timothée Popesco, Julie Rossé, Bengt Kayser, Nicola A. Maffiuletti and Nicolas Place

Biology 2022, 11(11), 1655; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11111655 - 12 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1642

Abstract

Contralateral facilitation, i.e., the increase in contralateral maximal voluntary strength that is observed when neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is applied to the ipsilateral homonymous muscle, has previously been reported for the knee extensors but the neurophysiological mechanisms remain to be investigated. The aim [...] Read more.

Contralateral facilitation, i.e., the increase in contralateral maximal voluntary strength that is observed when neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is applied to the ipsilateral homonymous muscle, has previously been reported for the knee extensors but the neurophysiological mechanisms remain to be investigated. The aim of this study was to compare plantar flexor contralateral facilitation between a submaximal voluntary contraction (~10% MVC torque) and two evoked contractions (conventional and wide-pulse high-frequency NMES) of the ipsilateral plantar flexors, with respect to a resting condition. Contralateral MVC torque and voluntary activation level were measured in 22 healthy participants while the ipsilateral plantar flexors were at rest, voluntarily contracted or stimulated for 15 s. Additional neurophysiological parameters (soleus H-reflex and V-wave amplitude and tibialis anterior coactivation level) were quantified in a subgroup of 12 participants. Conventional and wide-pulse high-frequency NMES of the ipsilateral plantar flexors did not induce any contralateral facilitation of maximal voluntary strength and activation with respect to the resting condition. Similarly, no alteration of neurophysiological parameters was observed in the different conditions. This absence of contralateral facilitation contrasts with some results previously obtained on the knee extensors but is consistent with the absence of neurophysiological changes on the contralateral soleus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biological Underlying Processes of Physical Exercise Benefits)

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10 pages, 472 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Muscular Activity in Different Stable and Unstable Conditions on Aquatic Platforms

by Ana Conceição, Orlando Fernandes, Miguel Baia, Jose A. Parraca, Bruno Gonçalves and Nuno Batalha

Biology 2022, 11(11), 1643; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11111643 - 10 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1314

Abstract

The present study aimed to analyse and compare the muscle activity of twelve participants (seven men and five women) (age 20.1 ± 0.9 years; height 170.5 ± 10 cm; body mass: 64.86 ± 8.3 kg) in two exercises, each with two variants: squat [...] Read more.

The present study aimed to analyse and compare the muscle activity of twelve participants (seven men and five women) (age 20.1 ± 0.9 years; height 170.5 ± 10 cm; body mass: 64.86 ± 8.3 kg) in two exercises, each with two variants: squat (dynamic and static) and plank (hands and elbows) in a stable environment on land and an unstable environment on an aquatic platform. The erector spinae, biceps femoris, rectus femoris, external oblique, and rectus abdominis muscles were evaluated using surface electromyography. The dynamic squat increases the recruitment of the biceps femoris and external oblique, while the static squat demands greater activation of the rectus femoris. The elbow plank exercise increases the recruitment of erector spinae muscles, and the hand plank exercise increases the recruitment of the erector spinae and external oblique. In conclusion, performing exercises in unstable conditions on an aquatic platform slightly increases muscle recruitment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biological Underlying Processes of Physical Exercise Benefits)

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18 pages, 339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations among Maturity, Accumulated Workload, Physiological, and Body Composition Factors in Youth Soccer Players: A Comparison between Playing Positions

by Hadi Nobari, Özgür Eken, Pablo Prieto-González, João Paulo Brito and Rafael Oliveira

Biology 2022, 11(11), 1605; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11111605 - 02 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1557

Abstract

The purposes of this study were: (i) to analyze the correlation between accumulated workload (AW)—based on season periods—with maturity, linear sprints, maximum oxygen uptake (VO_2max), maximum heart rate, and body composition; and (ii) to compare the playing positions based on the [...] Read more.

The purposes of this study were: (i) to analyze the correlation between accumulated workload (AW)—based on season periods—with maturity, linear sprints, maximum oxygen uptake (VO_2max), maximum heart rate, and body composition; and (ii) to compare the playing positions based on the mentioned parameters. Twenty-one elite soccer players under the age of 14 participated in the study. They were divided into five groups based on playing positions. The in-season weekly AW was recorded for 26 weeks into two separated periods of 13 weeks (AW-1 and AW-2). Similarly, the following parameters were assessed: body mass, standing and sitting height, body mass index, body fat percentage, maturity offset, age at peak height velocity (PHV), sprinting ability (10 m and 30 m), and VO_2max. The main significant differences between playing positions were found for weight, height, sitting height, and sprinting at 10 m and 30 m. No correlation was observed between AW (based on periods) and maturity or between VO_2max and AW-2. AW-1 denoted a large positive correlation with AW-2. AW-1 had a moderate negative correlation with VO_2max, whereas PHV and maturity presented a strong negative correlation. Young soccer players’ maturity statuses and fitness levels do not imply differences between AW-1 and AW-2. However, the higher the AW in the first half of the season, the higher the AW in the second half. The absence of significant differences between player positions could be associated with the similar training regardless of the playing position. Moreover, soccer positively influences performance in short sprints (10 m), midfielders being the fastest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biological Underlying Processes of Physical Exercise Benefits)

13 pages, 723 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variations in Accumulated-Training Load Parameters and Locomotor Demand with Consideration of Puberty in Elite Young Soccer Players

by Hadi Nobari, Hamed Kia shemshaki, Okan Kamiş, Rafael Oliveira, Pablo Prieto González and Elena Mainer-Pardos

Biology 2022, 11(11), 1594; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11111594 - 30 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1773

Abstract

The study’s purposes were to examine the associations of training load parameters with locomotor demand and puberty status in elite young soccer players and to predict the percentage of changes in their performance ability with adjustments to the training load parameters, using multivariate [...] Read more.

The study’s purposes were to examine the associations of training load parameters with locomotor demand and puberty status in elite young soccer players and to predict the percentage of changes in their performance ability with adjustments to the training load parameters, using multivariate regression analysis, while considering PHV and maturity offset. Seventeen male players (15–16 years old) participated in this study. Anthropometrics, body composition, maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max), and puberty status (for calculating PHV) and maturity offset were assessed. The results demonstrated substantial differences between the PHV, VO_2max, and load parameters (acute and chronic workload (CWL)) over a soccer season. A substantial relationship existed between the workload parameters (VO_2max, CWL, and training monotony (TM)) and maturity offset. All of the variables, except for training strain, demonstrated significant variances in relation to the differences between the first and second halves (p < 0.05). Aerobic performance can be estimated using the CWL, TM, and maturity offset values (R² = 0.46). On the contrary, aerobic power performance can be explained using the acute:chronic workload, TM, and PHV values (R² = 0.40). In conclusion, the biological maturity state of young soccer players has a substantial impact on their functional potential. Variations in accumulated load contribute significantly to aerobic resistance, whereas weight and height contribute significantly to sprint and vertical-jump performance, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biological Underlying Processes of Physical Exercise Benefits)

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11 pages, 1155 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Analyses of the Rate of Perceived Exertion as an Indicator of Intensity in Women’s Basketball during a Relegation Play-off

by Abraham Batalla-Gavalda, Jose Vicente Beltran-Garrido, Gerson Garrosa-Martín, Pau Cecilia-Gallego, Raul Montoliu-Colás and Francisco Corbi

Biology 2022, 11(11), 1592; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11111592 - 30 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1627

Abstract

Knowledge of internal load is essential to understand the effect of training and competition on athletes. The aim of this study was to analyse the validity of the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) scale as an indicator of intensity in amateur female basketball [...] Read more.

Knowledge of internal load is essential to understand the effect of training and competition on athletes. The aim of this study was to analyse the validity of the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) scale as an indicator of intensity in amateur female basketball players during a relegation play-off. The heart rate and RPE of 10 players (age: 21.30 ± 2.71 years, weight: 68.84 ± 11.21 kg, body fat: 20.74 ± 3.51%) from a Copa Catalunya team while competing over a 10-day period were analysed. The mean heart rate of each match was registered with the Suunto Team Pack™ heart rate monitors. The RPE values were obtained once the match ended, completing the original Borg scale. The mean RPE ranged from 15.20 ± 2.39 to 18.00 ± 1.07 AU, whereas the mean heart rate (MHR) ranged from 132.35 ± 12.37 to 147.33 ± 10.61 bpm. There was also an improvement in the statistical correlation between the two variables as the days progressed. Regression equations were calculated for the total number of registered matches and the last five matches, obtaining the following regression equations: MHR = 6.23 × RPE20 + 36.8 (R² = 0.56) for all games and MHR = 30.95 + 6.73 × RPE (R² = 0.73) for the last five games. The results suggest that RPE could be seen as an indicator of intensity in amateur basketball players during a relegation play-off, improving their relationship with MHR as the weeks went by, which could suggest a learning process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biological Underlying Processes of Physical Exercise Benefits)

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9 pages, 2360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neurophysiological Response of Adults with Cerebral Palsy during Inclusive Dance with Wheelchair

by Sandra Mendoza-Sánchez, Alvaro Murillo-Garcia, Juan Luis Leon-Llamas, Jesús Sánchez-Gómez, Narcis Gusi and Santos Villafaina

Biology 2022, 11(11), 1546; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11111546 - 22 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1417

Abstract

A total of 16 adults with cerebral palsy (age = 37.50 (7.78)) participated in this cross-sectional study. The electroencephalographic (EEG) data were recorded under three conditions: (1) baseline; (2) while listening to music; (3) while performing inclusive dance choreography with wheelchair. EEG data [...] Read more.

A total of 16 adults with cerebral palsy (age = 37.50 (7.78)) participated in this cross-sectional study. The electroencephalographic (EEG) data were recorded under three conditions: (1) baseline; (2) while listening to music; (3) while performing inclusive dance choreography with wheelchair. EEG data was banded into theta (4–7 Hz), alpha (8–12 Hz), and beta (13–30 Hz). Significantly higher values of theta, alpha, and beta bands were found in dance conditions than in the baseline. Significant differences between baseline and listening to music conditions were not found in any of the power spectrum bands. Differences between listening to music conditions and inclusive dance with wheelchair were observed in theta and beta power spectrum band studies in the F4 electrode. Inclusive dance with wheelchair increases theta, alpha, and beta power spectra when compared to baseline. In addition, the beta power spectrum is greater only during inclusive dance conditions, which could be modulated by emotions. However, future studies should corroborate this hypothesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biological Underlying Processes of Physical Exercise Benefits)

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21 pages, 1056 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Multistage 20-m Shuttle Run Test for Predicting VO₂Peak in 6–9-Year-Old Children: A Comparison with VO₂Peak Predictive Equations

by João Paulo Brito, Christophe Domingos, Ana Fátima Pereira, João Moutão and Rafael Oliveira

Biology 2022, 11(9), 1356; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11091356 - 16 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1617

Abstract

This study aimed (i) to verify if using and carrying a portable gas analyzer (PGA) constrained the performance of school children on the multistage 20-m shuttle run test (20mSRT), (ii) to verify which peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak) predictive equations have greater [...] Read more.

This study aimed (i) to verify if using and carrying a portable gas analyzer (PGA) constrained the performance of school children on the multistage 20-m shuttle run test (20mSRT), (ii) to verify which peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak) predictive equations have greater agreement with VO₂peak values measured by direct oximetry using the 20mSRT. The study participants were 130 children ((67 boys (age 7.76 ± 0.97 years) and 63 girls (age 7.59 ± 0.91 years)), who performed two randomized trials of the 20mSRT with and without a PGA. Twenty-two predictive equations predicted the VO₂peak values through the performance of the test with and without a PGA. Without a PGA, lower values of maximal speed (MS), total laps (TL), and total time (TT) were found for girls than for boys with a PGA. Only six equations were considered to correctly predict VO₂peak. In general, higher MS, TL, and TT values were found with the use of a PGA. The predicted VO₂peak values from the 20mSRT varied significantly among the published predictive equations. Therefore, we suggest that the six equations that presented satisfactory accuracy could be practically used to examine cardiorespiratory fitness in schools and in research with large populations when direct measurement of VO₂peak is not feasible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biological Underlying Processes of Physical Exercise Benefits)

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13 pages, 330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Surface-Type Plyometric Training on Physical Fitness in Schoolchildren of Both Sexes: A Randomized Controlled Intervention

by Hamza Marzouki, Rached Dridi, Ibrahim Ouergui, Okba Selmi, Rania Mbarki, Roudaina Klai, Ezdine Bouhlel, Katja Weiss and Beat Knechtle

Biology 2022, 11(7), 1035; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11071035 - 10 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1895

Abstract

Plyometric training (PT) has been found to be effective for children’s fitness. However, no study has examined the effects of sex on physical fitness adaptations from surface-type PT in children. This study compared the effects of short-term surface-type PT (firm vs. sand) on [...] Read more.

Plyometric training (PT) has been found to be effective for children’s fitness. However, no study has examined the effects of sex on physical fitness adaptations from surface-type PT in children. This study compared the effects of short-term surface-type PT (firm vs. sand) on the physical fitness of schoolchildren of both sexes. Sixty girls (age = 10.00 ± 1.15 years) and sixty boys (age = 10.02 ± 1.12 years) participated in a short-term (4 weeks), randomized and parallel PT design with pre-to-post measurements. Children were divided into two experimental groups (firm group: PT performed on a clay surface, 20 boys and 20 girls; sand group: PT performed on a dry surface of 20 cm deep sand, 20 boys and 20 girls) and a control group (CG, 20 boys and 20 girls). Squat jump, standing long jump, 20 m sprint, 5-10-5 shuttle, dynamic balance, and maximal aerobic velocity were measured at baseline and after intervention. Both experimental groups showed greater pre-post changes in all assessed variables than the CG (p < 0.0001). No significant differences in pre-post changes were observed relative to surface type or sex (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that a twice-weekly PT program induced physical fitness improvements, which may have transfer to health status during childhood. Additionally, surface type and sex did not affect the training-induced changes in physical fitness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biological Underlying Processes of Physical Exercise Benefits)

11 pages, 308 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison between the Impacts of Memory and Arithmetic-Based Dual Tasks on Physical Performance in Women with Fibromyalgia

by Jesús Sánchez-Gómez, Santos Villafaina, Francisco Javier Domínguez-Muñoz, Juan Luis Leon-Llamas, Alvaro Murillo-Garcia and Narcis Gusi

Biology 2022, 11(7), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11070947 - 21 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1227

Abstract

Background: Fibromyalgia symptoms have a significant impact on the ability to perform activities of daily living. These activities require the ability to perform two or more tasks at the same time, which is known as a dual task. Purpose: To analyze physical and [...] Read more.

Background: Fibromyalgia symptoms have a significant impact on the ability to perform activities of daily living. These activities require the ability to perform two or more tasks at the same time, which is known as a dual task. Purpose: To analyze physical and cognitive performance differences between memory and arithmetic dual tasks. Methods: Twenty-five women with fibromyalgia participated in this study. Participants performed three physical tests (back scratch, arm curl, and 10-step stair) as a single task and under two types of dual task (memory and arithmetic). Results: Differences between the single and dual tasks were observed in the back scratch and the 10-step stair tests using the arithmetic dual-task. Significant differences were only observed for the memory dual-task in the 10-step stair test. In addition, the performance in the back scratch and in the 10-step stair was significantly lower under the arithmetic compared to the memory-based dual task. Furthermore, a significant difference between these two types of dual task was obtained in the dual-task cost of 10-step stair. Regarding cognitive performance, a significantly lower percentage of correct responses was found in the AbDT compared to the MbDT in the 10-step stair test. Conclusions: the AbDT could have a higher impact on physical performance than the MbDT during the back scratch and the 10-step stair tests. The characteristics of the sample, environment, complexity of the motor task, and difficulty of the simultaneous cognitive task may also be relevant for understanding the differences in dual-task interference. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biological Underlying Processes of Physical Exercise Benefits)

9 pages, 1302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Mathematical Models Are Accurate for Prescribing Aerobic Exercise in Women with Fibromyalgia?

by Santos Villafaina, Clarissa Biehl-Printes, José A. Parraca, Fabiane de Oliveira Brauner and Pablo Tomas-Carus

Biology 2022, 11(5), 704; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11050704 - 04 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1913

Abstract

Objectives: This article aims to verify the agreement between the standard method to determine the heart rate achieved in the ventilatory threshold 1 in the cardiopulmonary exercise testing (VT1) and the mathematical models with exercise intensities suggested by the literature in order to [...] Read more.

Objectives: This article aims to verify the agreement between the standard method to determine the heart rate achieved in the ventilatory threshold 1 in the cardiopulmonary exercise testing (VT1) and the mathematical models with exercise intensities suggested by the literature in order to check the most precise for fibromyalgia (FM) patients. Methods: Seventeen women with FM were included in this study. The VT1 was used as the standard method to compare four mathematical models applied in the literature to calculate the exercise intensity in FM patients: the well-known “220 − age” at 76%, Tanaka predictive equation “208 − 0.7 × age” at 76%, the FM model HRMax “209 – 0.85 × age” at 76%, and Karvonen Formula at 60%. Bland–Altman analysis and correlation analyses were used to explore agreement and correlation between the standard method and the mathematical models. Results: Significant correlations between the heart rate at the VT1 and the four mathematical estimation models were observed. However, the Bland-Altman analysis only showed agreement between VT1 and “220 − age” (bias = −114.83 + 0.868 × x; 95% LOA = −114.83 + 0.868 × x + 1.96 × 7.46 to −114.83 + 0.868 × x − 1.96 × 7.46, where x is the average between the heart rate obtained in the CPET at VT1 and “220 − age”, in this case 129.15; p = 0.519) and “209 − 0.85 × age”(bias = −129.58 + 1.024 × x; 95% LOA = −129.58 + 1.024 × x + 1.96 × 6.619 to −129.58 + 1.024 × x − 1.96 × 6.619, where x is the average between the heart rate obtained in the CPET at VT1 and “209 − 0.85 × age”, in this case 127.30; p = 0.403). Conclusions: The well-known predictive equation “220 − age” and the FM model HRMax (“209 − 0.85 × age”) showed agreement with the standard method (VT1), revealing that it is a precise model to calculate the exercise intensity in sedentary FM patients. However, proportional bias has been detected in all the mathematical models, with a higher heart rate obtained in CPET than obtained in the mathematical model. The chronotropic incompetence observed in people with FM (inability to increase heart rate with increasing exercise intensities) could explain why methods that tend to underestimate the HRmax in the general population fit better in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biological Underlying Processes of Physical Exercise Benefits)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

35 pages, 1286 KiB

Open AccessReview

Associations between Objectively Determined Physical Activity and Cardiometabolic Health in Adult Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Yining Lu, Huw D. Wiltshire, Julien S. Baker, Qiaojun Wang, Shanshan Ying, Jianshe Li and Yichen Lu

Biology 2022, 11(6), 925; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11060925 - 17 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2363

Abstract

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to qualitatively synthesize and quantitatively assess the evidence of the relationship between objectively determined volumes of physical activity (PA) and cardiometabolic health in women. Four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane [...] Read more.

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to qualitatively synthesize and quantitatively assess the evidence of the relationship between objectively determined volumes of physical activity (PA) and cardiometabolic health in women. Four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane library) were searched and, finally, 24 eligible studies were included, with a total of 2105 women from eight countries. A correlational meta-analysis shows that moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) was favorably associated with high-density lipoprotein (r = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.25; p = 0.002); however, there was limited evidence for the effects of most of the other cardiometabolic biomarkers recorded from steps, total physical activity, light- and moderate-intensity physical activity and MVPA. It is most compelling and consistent that being more physically active is beneficial to the metabolic syndrome. Overall, PA levels are low in adult women, suggesting that increasing the total volume of PA is more important than emphasizing the intensity and duration of PA. The findings also indicate that, according to the confounding effects of body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness, meeting the minimal level of 150 min of moderate-intensity physical activity recommended is not enough to obtain a significant improvement in cardiometabolic indicators. Nonetheless, the high heterogeneity between studies inhibits robust conclusions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biological Underlying Processes of Physical Exercise Benefits)

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Other

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13 pages, 1090 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effects of a Single Bout of Endurance Exercise on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Zhiqiang Liang, Zheng Zhang, Shuo Qi, Jinglun Yu and Zhen Wei

Biology 2023, 12(1), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12010126 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2625

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the impact of a single bout of endurance exercise on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in humans and analyze how a single bout of endurance exercise impacts the peripheral BDNF types by age group. We performed a systematic literature [...] Read more.

We aimed to investigate the impact of a single bout of endurance exercise on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in humans and analyze how a single bout of endurance exercise impacts the peripheral BDNF types by age group. We performed a systematic literature review by searching PubMed, Elsevier, and Web of Science for studies that included a single bout of endurance exercise in the experimental group and other exercise types in the control group. Eight interventions were included in the study. Overall, a single bout of endurance exercise significantly increased BDNF expression (SMD = 0.30; 95% CI = [0.08, 0.52]; p = 0.001), which was confirmed in the serum BDNF (SMD = 0.30; 95% CI = [0.04, 0.55]; p < 0.001). A non-significant trend was observed in the plasma BDNF (SMD = 0.31; 95% CI = [−0.13, 0.76]; p = 0.017). The serum and plasma BDNF levels significantly increased regardless of age (SMD = 0.35; 95% CI = [0.11, 0.58]; p = 0.004; I² = 0%). In conclusion, a single bout of endurance exercise significantly elevates BDNF levels in humans without neurological disorders, regardless of age. The serum BDNF is a more sensitive index than the plasma BDNF in evaluating the impact of a single bout of endurance exercise on the BDNF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biological Underlying Processes of Physical Exercise Benefits)

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