37 research outputs found
Traditional vs non-motorized curve treadmill: differences in energetic requirements
Previous studies suggest that exercise performed on curve surface treadmill (CT) can increase energy expenditure more than exercise performed on a traditional motorized treadmill (MT). However, to date, there are no data about energy cost that confirm this hypothesis. Thus, the purpose of the study is to analyze the physiological requirements of walking and running on a CT as compared to a traditional MT.
26 subjects (11M + 15W) (24.1±3.4yy; 64.7±11.2kg; 171.1±8.6cm) performed preferred walking speed test and running ramp test to exhaustion on both treadmill in two separated sessions.
The gross energy cost of walking (Cw) is greater (p<.05) in CT than in MT (3.79±0.35 j/m/kg, 2.43±0.38 j/m/kg, respectively). The gross energy cost of running (Cr) is greater (p<.05) in CT than in MT (5.05±1.67 j/m/kg, 4.09±0.70 j/m/kg, respectively). Moreover, MT allows to reach higher speeds than CT (MT:15.5±1.7 km/h, CT:13.9±1.4 km/h, p<.05) with lower peak blood lactate concentrations (MT: 8.98±2.43 mmol/L, CT: 10.75±2.76 mmol/L, p<.05).
Our data confirm that i) the Cw, matched for speed, is greater in CT than MT; ii) the Cr, analyzed during incremental ramp test, is greater in CT than MT; iii) during the ramp test, for the same metabolic load, the mechanical load is lower in the CT compared to MT. The increased physical effort is due to the greater frictional characteristics and force generation requirements inherent with the use of a CT
Benefits of 8 weeks of High Intensity Training in healthy women: the Trion project
Aim
High-intensity training (HIT) has recently been shown to be a suitable alternative time-saving strategy to improve athletic performance, cardiovascular fitness and muscle metabolism1. Nevertheless, women have rarely participated in studies investigating the efficacy of HIT2. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate in moderately active women the effectiveness of an HIT intervention performed on a new device called Trion.
Methods
Before and after 8 weeks of HIT (3 time/week, 7reps x 30sec all-out interspersed with 2 min of active rest), in 35 healthy women volunteers (22.5±3.7 yy; BMI: 21.2±2.6), we measured maximal oxygen uptake (VâO2max), ventilatory threshold (VT), anaerobic performance, muscle structure, body composition, hematochemical (CHOLtot) and blood pressure profile at rest. The HIT workout was performed running on non-motorized curve treadmill and cycling on an competition bike mounted on an electromagnetic roller.
Results
Absolute and relative VâO2max significantly increased by 10% (p<.05); maximal power and power@VT increased by 7.2% and 6.3 % (p<.05), respectively; peak anaerobic performance significantly increased by 10% (p<.05). Large significant differences (p<.05) were identified for vastus lateralis thickness and pennation angle, +4.9% and +10.1%, respectively. Fat mass and CHOLtot decreased by 3.9% and 5.7% (p<.05), respectively.
Conclusions
Our results confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of HIT to improve exercise performance and health related parameters: HIT performed on Trion device was absolutely safe and well tolerated by the subjects. As confirmed in previous studies, our findings shows that exercise intensity, rather than duration, is the key factor in determining functional benefits.
References
1Weston M, Effects of Low-Volume High-Intensity-Interval-Training (HIT) on Fitness in Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Controlled and Non-Controlled Trials Sports Med. 2014; 44(7): 1005â1017.
2Batacan, RB Jr. Effects of high-intensity-interval-training on cardiometabolic health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies. Br J Sports Med. 2017 Mar;51(6):494-503
Effects of nicotine on microvascular responsiveness after nicotine satiety versus overnight nicotine abstinence
[no abstract available
EFFECT OF HIGH INTENSITY TRAINING AND ISOINERTIAL TRAINING ON MUSCLE FUNCTIONS IN OLDER ADULTS
Introduction Maximal muscle strength is a strong predictor of functional skills and ability to maintain independent living in elderly. Muscle
contraction properties has been shown to decline to a greater extent than muscle strength with aging and it has been considered the
main responsible of the observed decline in functional status (Izquierdo et al., 1999). Endurance high intensity interval training (HIT), by
involving large muscle groups, and eccentric strength exercise (IRT), by producing high mechanical loads, could be used in elderly to
improve muscle function and quality of life (Milanovi et al., 2015). Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the changes in muscle
properties in elderly after 8 wk of HIT and IRT. Methods 12 moderately active older adults (age: 69.4±4.3 yy; BMI: 22.9±2.7 kg/m2;
VâO2max: 29.5±4.1 mL/kg/min) have completed 8 wk of: i) HIT, 7 two-minute cycling repetitions at 90% of VâO2max, 3 times/wk, and,
after 4 months, ii) IRT performed with an isoinertial leg press (YoYo TechnologyAB) comprised 4Ă7 maximal concentric-eccentric knee
extensions, 3 times/wk. Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) was measured using a cell load in a custom-made setup (90° knee
flexion). Electrically evoked muscle single twitch was superimposed onto MVC: neuromuscular activation (NA) was calculated as the ratio
between the amplitudes of the superimposed and resting twitches. Muscle volume of the quadriceps (Qvol) was obtained by MRI scans.
Results MVC at 90° knee flexion, increase significantly only after IRT (P < 0.01). Both training modalities affected significantly NA (P < 0.05):
+12.4% after HIT and +14.2 after IRT. Similarly, Qvol increase by 5.1% (P < 0.05) after HIT intervention and by 4.9% (P < 0.05) after IRT.
Discussion Our results confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of HIT and IRT to improve muscle qualities: 8 wk of specific training are
able to modify muscle mass, MVC and neuromuscular activation in elderly subjects. This stresses the importance of using effective approaches
such as exercise treatment with high loads and high intensities in the prevention of disuse in elderly individuals who are concurrently
exposed to the deleterious effects of aging on muscle contractile function and mass (Behrens et al., 2016). We can therefore
speculate that the two proposed training modalities may be helpful in improving functional status and prevent frailty in elderly subjects.
References Izquierdo M, Aguado X, Gonzalez R, Lopez JL, Hakkinen K. (1999). Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol, 79, 260-7. Milanovi Z,
SporiĆĄ G, Weston M. (2015). Sports Med, 45(10), 1469-81. Behrens M, Brown N, Bollinger R, Bubeck D, Mau-Moeller A, Weippert M, Zschorlich
V, Bruhn S, Alt W. (2016). Appl Physiol Nutr Metab, 41(1), 110-3
SPEEDING OF VâO2 KINETICS IN RESPONSE TO HIGH-INTENSITY-INTERVAL TRAINING IN OLDER, HEALTHY MEN
Introduction Experimental evidence suggests that High Intensity Interval Training (HIT, high intensity - low volume exercise) may be effective
in accelerating the dynamic response pulmonary O2 uptake (VâO2) in older subjects through an improvement of the matching between
local O2 delivery and uptake (Williams et al., 2013). This study explores the effect of HIT on VâO2 kinetics and muscle deoxygenating
during step transitions of moderate intensity, cycling exercise in older, healthy men. Methods 12 moderately active older adults (68-yy ± 4)
were exposed to 8 weeks of HIT training with 7 two-minute repetitions at 40 and 90% of V ÌO2max, 3 times a week. Before and after
training we measured: i) VâO2 peak (VâO2p), gas exchange threshold (GET) and respiratory compensation point (RCP) during an incremental
test up to exhaustion; ii) breath-by-breath VâO2 and change of fractional muscle O2 extraction (ÎHHb) of vastus lateralis by quantitative
NIRS during three step-exercise transitions performed at a workload corresponding to 90% of GET. VâO2 kinetics was modeled, after
synchronization and overlapping of the three series, by means of a double - exponential function so that we estimated the time constant
(Tau) of the primary component of VO2 kinetics. Finally, the normalized ÎHHb to ÎVâO2 ratio was obtained as index of the matching
between muscular O2 delivery and uptake (De Roia et al., 2012; Murias et al., 2011). Results VâO2max increased by 9% (29.9 mL min-1 kg-1
±4.3 - 32.6 mL min-1 kg-1± 6.0, p<0.01, ES 0.51) after 8 weeks of HIT. RCP (respiratory compensation point, per cent of VâO2max) significantly
improved by 10% (76.4 % ± 8.3 - 82.9 % ± 4.9, p<0.05, ES 0.97); Tau decreased by about 26% (26.97 s ± 5.54 - 19.63 s ± 4.31,
p<0.001, ES 1.48), suggesting a substantial acceleration of VâO2 kinetics; peak value of ÎHHb to ÎVâO2 ratio was smaller after HIT (⌠29%)
(1.83 ± 0.63 - 1.23 ± 0.37, p<0.01, ES 1.17). Discussion This study shows that 8 weeks of HIT were sufficient to induce a significant acceleration
of VâO2 kinetics during moderate intensity exercise and to improve the matching between muscular O2 delivery and uptake in older,
healthy men. These results suggest that the acceleration of the dynamic response of aerobic metabolism was due to an improved
matching of O2 utilization to microvascular delivery. References Williams AM, Paterson DH, Kowalchuk JM. (2013) J Appl Physiol 114,
1550â1562. De Roia G, Pogliaghi S, Adami A, Papadopoulou C, Capelli C. (2012) Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 302, R1158-
R1166. Murias JM, Spencer MD, DeLorey DS, Gurd BJ, Kowalchuk JM, Paterson DH. (2011) J Appl Physiol 111, 1410â1415
EFFECT OF HIGH INTENSITY TRAINING AND ISOINERTIAL TRAINING ON INTERMUSCULAR ADIPOSE TISSUE IN OLDER ADULTS
Introduction
Recent findings suggest that, in elderly, Intermuscular Adipose Tissue (IMAT) may be associated with inactivity and that exercise training may be able to mitigate the content of IMAT (Murphy et al., 2012; Santanasto et al., 2011). The purpose was to determine how IMAT can be influenced by exercise and if a greater reduction in IMAT occurs with concurrent aerobic High Intensity Training (HIT) and Isoinertial Resistance Training (IRT).
Methods
12 moderately active older adults (age: 69.4±4.3 yy; weight: 78.5±10.5 kg; height: 171.2±5.3 cm; BMI: 22.9±2.7 kg/m2; V'O2max: 29.5±4.1 mL/kg/min) were exposed to 8 weeks of: i) HIT training with 7 two-minute cycling repetitions at 90% of V'O2max, 3 times/week and, after 4 months, ii) IRT performed with an isoinertial leg press (YoYo Technology AB) comprised 4Ă7 maximal concentric-eccentric knee extensions, 3 times/week. MRI of the mid-thigh was examined to determine changes in muscle composition (Cross Sectional Area (CSA) and IMAT) after exercise intervention using SliceOmatic image analysis software (Rossi et al., 2010). IMAT was defined as adipose tissue area visible between quadriceps muscle groups.
Results
Quadriceps CSA increased significantly after HIT and after IRT by 6% (P<0.05) and 7% (P<0.05) respectively. IMAT decreased after HIT and IRT by 31% (P<0.05) and 41% (P<0.05) respectively. Net thigh lean mass increased significantly after both training by 10% (P<0.05).
Discussion
Our data, in contrast with Jacobs (2014) and Goodpaster (2008) but in agreement with other previous studies (Murphy et al., 2012; Santanasto et al., 2011), show that IMAT decrease after a 8 weeks exercise intervention in older adults both after HIT and IRT. Preliminary data show that exercise training performed at high intensity in older adults may contrast skeletal muscle fat inïŹltration. Our study is non-randomized, not-counterbalanced and limited by small sample size: additional studies are needed to determine the most effective exercise (type, intensity, modalities) able to decrease IMAT and how this decrease may positively affect health in elderly
LIFESTYLE ASSESSMENT AND IMPROVEMENT WITH FOCUS ON LEISURE TIME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: THE #STUDIOXLAVITA PROJECT
INTRODUCTION: Sedentariness, smoking, alcohol abuse and unbalanced feeding are harmful for health, leading to chronic diseases and
increasing mortality rate. For young adults, University is a new social and cultural context: parentsâ imprinting could be easily altered, new
lifestyles take shape and personal choices emerge. Intervention programmes to advance awareness on harmful lifestyle and promote
healthy habits are essential. The #studioxlavita project, launched in 2016 by the University of Brescia with these purposes, investigated
studentsâ lifestyle, with special emphasis on physical activity .
METHODS: We developed two consecutive facultative surveys, of 15 <1st level> and 52 items <2nd level>, addressed to all the Universityâs
students. Questions were about leisure time physical activity , use of fitness technology, relationship with friends, classmates and parents,
feed, physical appearance, body self-perception, physical and mental health, use of certain substances or products , night-time rest and
beliefs concerning healthy behaviours. In the 2nd level survey we also adopted the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and the short
form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to estimate the amount of PA carried out in the last 7 days. Students who filled in
both questionnaires received a personal report including the aggregate data analysis, a comparison with other investigations and indications
about healthy habits, according to recommendations and guidelines.
RESULTS: 3,436 out of 15,688 students filled in the1st level survey. Of them, 778 accepted to participate in the 2nd level survey, and 456
completed it. 1st level survey revealed that 72% of the students practised LTPA <45% regularly and 27% occasionally>. LTPA is largely
performed <44% of the student> in non-competitive form, with recreational and/or health purposes. According to IPAQ-SF categorical
score, 24%, 34% and 42% of the students performed low, moderate and high levels of PA, respectively. In 2st level survey, 76% of the
students wished to practise more PA; 42% would participate in practical sport courses.
CONCLUSION: University is an ideal setting for promoting lifestyle change among a captive audience. Intervention programs to increment
PA are acclaimed by students. The students from University of Brescia reported higher LTPA practice than the national average people
between 18 and 34 years <47%, data from Italian National Institute of Statistics, 2015>, although this parameter was assessed with
different methods
EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROMOTION AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: THE #STUDIOXLAVITA PROJECT
INTRODUCTION: Sedentariness is a major health problem in our time and physical activity promotion is an imperative commitment for
healthcare systems. Recommendations from WHO indicate a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise as weekly
standard for adults. Strategies to increment PA practice are implemented in different settings, such as house care, school, University and
workplace. The project #studioxlavita <#SXLV> was launched by the University of Brescia in 2016 with the aim of collecting data about
undergraduates lifestyle and encourage healthy behaviours. In particular we focused on PA assessment and promotion in a Universitybased
setting.
METHODS: Two consecutive surveys were sent to all students . Q0 included the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire
, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and additional questions on several lifestyle aspects. Among responders, we selected 40
students who agreed to take part in one of the following 15-week practical sport courses: ultimate frisbee, muscle strengthening and
dance fitness. Before and after being engaged in practical sport courses, students underwent cardiopulmonary exercise test and skinfold
thickness measurements, in order to assess peak oxygen consumption and percent body fat . Finally, to assess possible lifestyle changes,
we sent them additional surveys at the end of the practical sport courses and 30 days after . Paired t-test was used to analyse significant
differences.
RESULTS: 27 students <16 female, 11 male; age: 22.7±3.7> concluded sport activity courses and filled in Q1. Of them, 20 completed also
Q2. Overall courses attendance was 57%. At T1 , normalized QÌO2peak increased with respect to T0 <37.0±6.9 vs 35.2±7.4 ml/min/Kg,
p=0.03>. Conversely, percent body fat decreased <16.5±6.4 vs 18.3±7.5, p=0.01>. In Q1, 20 students declared to have a more active
lifestyle since the beginning of the courses. In Q2, IPAQ-SF-derived total weekly energy expenditure was higher than in Q0, although not
significant <5,839 ±7,035 MET*min vs 2,770±2,457 MET*min, p=0.1>. Q2 showed a reduced K6 scale score with respect to Q0 <13.8±4.6
vs 15.8±4.9, p=0.03>.
CONCLUSION: With the sport activity courses established in #SXLV we gave students the opportunity to comply with WHO recommendations.
After courses, they appeared to practice more PA, have a higher maximal aerobic capacity, a lower percent body fat and a lower
grade of psychological distress than before courses. Simple activities as those proposed by #SXLV are sufficient to reduce sedentariness
and improve the quality of life of student