An acute bout of cycling does not induce compensatory responses in pre-menopausal women not using hormonal contraceptives

There is a clear need to improve understanding of the effects of physical activity and exercise on appetite control. Therefore, the acute and short-term effects (three days) of a single bout of cycling on energy intake and energy expenditure were examined in women not using hormonal contraceptives. Sixteen active (n = 8) and inactive (n = 8) healthy pre-menopausal women completed a randomised crossover design study with two conditions (exercise and control). The exercise day involved cycling for 1 h (50% of maximum oxygen uptake) and resting for 2 h, whilst the control day comprised 3 h of rest. On each experimental day participants arrived at the laboratory fasted, consumed a standardised breakfast and an ad libitum pasta lunch. Food diaries and combined heart rate-accelerometer monitors were used to assess free-living food intake and energy expenditure, respectively, over the subsequent three days. There were no main effects or condition (exercise vs control) by group (active vs inactive) interaction for absolute energy intake (P > 0.05) at the ad libitum laboratory lunch meal, but there was a condition effect for relative energy intake (P = 0.004, ηp2 = 0.46) that was lower in the exercise condition (1417 ± 926 kJ vs. 2120 ± 923 kJ). Furthermore, post-breakfast satiety was higher in the active than in the inactive group (P = 0.005, ηp2 = 0.44). There were no main effects or interactions (P > 0.05) for mean daily energy intake, but both active and inactive groups consumed less energy from protein (14 ± 3% vs. 16 ± 4%, P = 0.016, ηp2 = 0.37) and more from carbohydrate (53 ± 5% vs. 49 ± 7%, P = 0.031, ηp2 = 0.31) following the exercise condition. This study suggests that an acute bout of cycling does not induce compensatory responses in active and inactive women not using hormonal contraceptives, while the stronger satiety response to the standardised breakfast meal in active individuals adds to the growing literature that physical activity helps improve the sensitivity of short-term appetite control

Eating with a smaller spoon decreases bite size, eating rate and ad libitum food intake in healthy young males

There is a paucity of data examining the effect of cutlery size on the microstructure of within-meal eating behaviour or food intake. Therefore, the present studies examined how manipulation of spoon size influenced these eating behaviour measures in lean young men. In study one, subjects ate a semi-solid porridge breakfast ad libitum, until satiation. In study two, subjects ate a standardised amount of porridge, with mean bite size and mean eating rate covertly measured by observation through a one-way mirror. Both studies involved subjects completing a familiarisation visit and two experimental visits, where they ate with a teaspoon (SMALL) or dessert spoon (LARGE), in randomised order. Subjective appetite measures (hunger, fullness, desire to eat and satisfaction) were made before and after meals. In study one, subjects ate 8 % less food when they ate with the SMALL spoon (SMALL 532 (SD 189) g; LARGE 575 (SD 227) g; P=0·006). In study two, mean bite size (SMALL 10·5 (SD 1·3) g; LARGE 13·7 (SD 2·6) g; P<0·001) and eating rate (SMALL 92 (SD 25) g/min; LARGE 108 (SD 29) g/min; P<0·001) were reduced in the SMALL condition. There were no condition or interaction effects for subjective appetite measures. These results suggest that eating with a small spoon decreases ad libitum food intake, possibly via a cascade of effects on within-meal eating microstructure. A small spoon might be a practical strategy for decreasing bite size and eating rate, likely increasing oral processing, and subsequently decreasing food intake, at least in lean young men.

Influence of brisk walking on appetite, energy intake, and plasma acylated ghrelin

Purpose: This study examined the effect of an acute bout of brisk walking on appetite, energy intake, and the appetite-stimulating hormone-acylated ghrelin. Methods: Fourteen healthy young males (age 21.9 +/- 0.5 yr, body mass index 23.4 +/- 0.6 kg.m(-2), (V) over dotO(2max) 55.9 +/- 1.8 mL.kg(-1).min(-1); mean +/- SEM) completed two 8-h trials (brisk walking and control) in a randomized counterbalanced fashion. The brisk walking trial commenced with 60 min of subjectively paced brisk walking on a level-motorized treadmill after which participants rested for 7 h. Participants rested for the duration of the control trial. Ad libitum buffet meals were offered twice during main trials (1.5-2 and 5-5.5 h). Appetite (hunger, fullness, satisfaction, and prospective food consumption) was assessed at 30-min intervals throughout. Levels of acylated ghrelin, glucose, insulin, and triacylglycerol were determined from plasma. Results: Sixty minutes of brisk walking (7.0 +/- 0.1 km.h(-1)) yielded a net (exercise minus resting) energy expenditure of 2008 +/- 134 kJ, yet it did not significantly influence appetite, energy/macronutrient intake, or the plasma concentration of acylated ghrelin either during or after exercise (P > 0.05). Participants did not compensate for energy expended during walking, therefore a deficit in energy was induced (1836 kJ, 439 kcal) relative to control. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that, despite inducing a moderate energy deficit, an acute bout of subjectively paced brisk walking does not elicit compensatory responses in acylated ghrelin, appetite, or energy intake. This finding lends support for a role of brisk walking in weight management

Breaking up prolonged sitting time with walking does not affect appetite or gut hormone concentrations but does induce an energy deficit and suppresses postprandial glycaemia in sedentary adults

Breaking up periods of prolonged sitting can negate harmful metabolic effects but the influence on appetite and gut hormones is not understood and is investigated in this study. Thirteen sedentary (7 female) participants undertook three 5-h trials in random order: (i) uninterrupted sitting (SIT), (ii) seated with 2-min bouts of light-intensity walking every 20 min (SIT + LA), and (iii) seated with 2-min bouts of moderate-intensity walking every 20 min (SIT + MA). A standardised test drink was provided at the start of each trial and an ad libitum pasta test meal provided at the end of each trial. Subjective appetite ratings and plasma acylated ghrelin, peptide YY, insulin, and glucose were measured at regular intervals. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated for each variable. AUC values for appetite and gut hormone concentrations were unaffected in the activity breaks conditions compared with uninterrupted sitting (linear mixed modelling: p > 0.05). Glucose AUC was lower in SIT + MA than in SIT + LA (p = 0.004) and SIT (p = 0.055). There was no difference in absolute ad libitum energy intake between conditions (p > 0.05); however, relative energy intake was lower in SIT + LA (39%; p = 0.011) and SIT + MA (120%; p < 0.001) than in SIT. In conclusion, breaking up prolonged sitting does not alter appetite and gut hormone responses to a meal over a 5-h period. Increased energy expenditure from activity breaks could promote an energy deficit that is not compensated for in a subsequent meal

A single session of treadmill running has no effect on plasma total ghrelin concentrations

Ghrelin is a hormone stimulating hunger. Intense exercise has been shown to temporarily suppress hunger post-exercise. The present study investigated whether post-exercise hunger suppression is mediated by reduced plasma total ghrelin concentrations

Three and Twelve Month Body Mass Outcomes After Attendance at a Community-Based Weight Management Intervention in the North West of England

© 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.Research suggests that commercial weight management services are efficacious in helping people manage their body mass, but they typically only include education and advice on physical activity. The objective of this analysis was to assess 3- and 12-month body mass after attendance at a community-based weight management programme delivered by a commercial slimming group, which included the provision of tailored physical activity sessions by a local leisure trust between January 2009 and November 2014. Methods: After institutional ethical approval and participants giving informed consent, a retrospective analysis of a 12-week multi-component intervention, tier 2 community weight management service for adults in Wigan, North West England, United Kingdom, was undertaken. Participants’ (n = 8514) mean ± SD age was 47.4 ± 14.3 years and starting body mass was 86.7 ± 14.3 kg. The main outcome measure was body mass (kg) at 0 months (baseline), 3 months (immediately post intervention) and 12 months. Significant differences in body mass were ascertained if p < 0.05 using repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc test, with effect sizes calculated using partial eta squared. To confirm and account for missing data, the Last Observation Carried Forward (LOCF) approach was used. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant effect of time (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.36). Post hoc tests revealed there was a significant reduction in body mass from baseline to 3 months (86.7 ± 14.3 kg vs. 81.2 ± 13.6 kg) and baseline to 12 months (79.7 ± 14.0 kg). The difference between 3 months and 12 months was also significant. LOCF confirmed a significant effect of time (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.42), with all previously highlighted significant differences remaining. Conclusions: Significant reductions in body mass were reported at 3 and 12 months, providing evidence for the efficacy of the community weight management programme that included tailored physical activity opportunities for participants. Whilst comparisons to a resting control group cannot be made, partnerships between commercial slimming groups and local leisure providers should be encouraged and explored nationally.Unfunde

Eating with a smaller spoon decreases bite size, eating rate and ad libitum food intake in healthy young males

There is a paucity of data examining the effect of cutlery size on the microstructure of within-meal eating behaviour or food intake. Therefore, the present studies examined how manipulation of spoon size influenced these eating behaviour measures in lean young men. In study one, subjects ate a semi-solid porridge breakfast ad libitum, until satiation. In study two, subjects ate a standardised amount of porridge, with mean bite size and mean eating rate covertly measured by observation through a one-way mirror. Both studies involved subjects completing a familiarisation visit and two experimental visits, where they ate with a teaspoon (SMALL) or dessert spoon (LARGE), in randomised order. Subjective appetite measures (hunger, fullness, desire to eat and satisfaction) were made before and after meals. In study one, subjects ate 8 % less food when they ate with the SMALL spoon (SMALL 532 (SD 189) g; LARGE 575 (SD 227) g; P=0·006). In study two, mean bite size (SMALL 10·5 (SD 1·3) g; LARGE 13·7 (SD 2·6) g; P<0·001) and eating rate (SMALL 92 (SD 25) g/min; LARGE 108 (SD 29) g/min; P<0·001) were reduced in the SMALL condition. There were no condition or interaction effects for subjective appetite measures. These results suggest that eating with a small spoon decreases ad libitum food intake, possibly via a cascade of effects on within-meal eating microstructure. A small spoon might be a practical strategy for decreasing bite size and eating rate, likely increasing oral processing, and subsequently decreasing food intake, at least in lean young men

Safety of home-based exercise for people with intermittent claudication:A systematic review

Intermittent claudication (IC) is a classic symptom of peripheral artery disease, with first line treatment being supervised exercise therapy (SET). Despite this, SET is frequently underutilised, and adherence is often poor. An alternative option are home-based exercise programmes (HBEP). Although HBEPs are well tolerated, to the authors’ knowledge, no research has assessed their safety. The aim of this review was to assess the safety of HBEPs in people living with IC. We performed an electronic search of the MEDLINE, CINHAL and Cochrane Library databases. The main parameter of interest was complication rate, calculated as the number of related adverse events per patient-hours. Sub-analysis was undertaken to determine differences in safety for studies that did and did not include pre-exercise cardiac screening, and for studies with exercise at low, moderate and high levels of claudication pain. Our search strategy identified 8693 results, of which 27 studies were included for full review. Studies included 1642 participants completing 147,810 patient-hours of home-based exercise. Four related adverse events were reported, three of which were cardiac in origin, giving an all cause complication rate of one event per 36,953 patient-hours. Three of these events occurred following exercise to high levels of claudication pain, and one occurred with pain-free exercise. All four events occurred in studies without cardiac screening. Based on the low number of related adverse events, HBEPs appear to be a safe method of exercise prescription for people with IC. Our results strengthen the rationale for providing alternative exercise options for this population. PROSPERO registration: CRD4202125458

Home-based Circuit Training and Community Walking for Intermittent Claudication

Background: Supervised exercise training is recommended for people with peripheral artery disease (PAD), yet it remains underutilized. Home-based exercise programs (HBEPs) are a potential alternative. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of conducting a full scale trial of a 12-week HBEP for people living with symptomatic PAD. Methods: In a randomized feasibility trial, patients with intermittent claudication were allocated to either an HBEP or a nonexercise control. The HBEP group was given a Fitbit to use during a 12-week exercise program comprising of personalized step goals and a resistance-based circuit to be undertaken at home twice weekly. The primary outcome was feasibility, assessed via eligibility, recruitment, attrition, tolerability, and adherence. Acceptability was assessed via semistructured interviews. Secondary analysis was undertaken to determine the feasibility of collecting clinical outcome data. Results: 188 people were screened, 133 were eligible (70.7%), 30 were recruited (22.6%) and one withdrew (3.33%). Mean adherence to the daily step goal was 53.5% (range = 29.8–90.5%), and 58.6% of prescribed circuits were completed of which 56.4% were at the desired intensity. Six adverse events were recorded, 3 of which were related to study involvement. No significant differences were observed in exploratory outcomes. Small clinically important differences were seen in walking speed and pain-free treadmill walking distance which should be confirmed or refuted in a larger trial. Conclusions: The HBEP was feasible and well tolerated, with successful recruitment and minimal attrition. The intervention was acceptable, with walking seen as more enjoyable than circuit exercise. The WALKSTRONG program may be suitable for those who will not, or cannot, take part in supervised exercise outside of the home.</p

“It's put a routine and regimen in my life” – Participant experiences with a programme of community walking and home-based circuit training for intermittent claudication

Introduction: The WALKSTRONG trial includes a programme of community walking and home-based circuit training which has been developed for people with intermittent claudication (IC). The aim of the present study was to determine the acceptability of the programme for those who took part, by gleaning their opinions and experiences. Methods: All participants eligible for the WALKSTRONG trial were approached regarding completing a semi-structured interview, selected from three groups: A) programme completers, B) programme withdrawers and C) programme decliners. Interviewers were interested in participants’ views on the programme structure, willingness to participate, and the experiences of those who did take part. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was undertaken. Results: Five of the 14 participants in the intervention group and four of the 20 programme decliners agreed to an interview. The one who withdrew from the exercise programme did not consent to be interviewed. The three themes that emerged from the interviews were: 1) ‘overall positive experiences with the programme, 2) ‘importance of guidance and pain management’, and 3) ‘barriers are both similar to supervised exercise and unique to home-based programmes’. The programme was well received by programme completers, with some aspects preferred over others. Some participants reported improvements in both physical activity behaviour and IC symptoms, and would recommend the programme to others. Conclusion: The home-based circuit programme received several recommendations for further improvement. Along with the feasibility findings, a fully powered, randomised controlled trial of this intervention is warranted. Trial registration: NCT05059899.</p