Stress-buffering effects of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness on metabolic syndrome: A prospective study in police officers

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a worldwide health concern related to cardiovascular disease. Stress at work increases the risk for MetS, whereas physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness (CF) have been shown to be potential buffers against stress. The aim of this study was to test the stress-buffering effects of physical activity and CF on the relationship between work stress and MetS. In a prospective study, we followed 97 police officers (mean age = 39.7 years; mean body mass index = 25.74 kg/m2) over one year and assessed MetS, as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Stress at work was measured with the Job Content Questionnaire, as well as the Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire. Physical activity was assessed objectively via 7-day accelerometry. CF was assessed with the Astrand bicycle ergometer test. Hierarchical linear regression models were carried out to predict MetS at follow-up (mean overall MetS score = 1.22), after controlling for baseline levels and sociodemographic background (mean overall MetS score = 1.19). Higher CF levels were significantly associated with lower MetS risk at follow-up ( β = -.38). By contrast, no main effects were found for physical activity and work stress. However, high effort and demand were significantly correlated with increased blood pressure (effort: r = .23 for systolic blood pressure; r = .21 for diastolic blood pressure) and waist circumference (effort: r = .26; demand: r = .23). Moreover, no significant interaction effects occurred between work stress and CF/physical activity. The results emphasize the importance of high levels of CF in the prevention of MetS in police officers. Accordingly, provision of regular training opportunities and repeated CF testing should be considered as a strategy in overall corporate health promotion

The barriers to sample and data sharing between biobanks in Switzerland

Background The potential benefits of biobanks for biomedical research have received much attention in the last decade. Research using stored biosamples enables material from numerous individuals to be pooled by a research group, without the need for the various donors to be present. Hence, studies may achieve large sample sizes from multinational donor pools. However, the potential of biosample research has reportedly been limited by inefficiencies and difficulties in the sample sharing process. The aim of this thesis is to determine whether there are currently obstacles affecting the sharing and exchange of biological samples, both in general and with particular regard to Switzerland. If reports of such obstacles are made, then the degree to which these issues affect biobank stakeholders will be explored. This data will be compared with the current literature, and will form the basis of recommendations for addressing any difficulties. Methods A literature review was conducted in order to identify explicit references to obstacles in sharing biosamples. Following this, semi-structured interviews were carried out with biobank stakeholders working in Switzerland. Stakeholders included biobank managers, clinicians, pathologists, lawyers and ethicists. Participants responded to questions from an interview guide addressing their experiences with sample sharing, potential obstacles to this process, and specific difficulties at the stages of sample acquisition, storage, and use. Results 15 distinct barriers to sample sharing were identified in 27 articles. The most frequently cited issues were differences in standard operating procedures between biobanks, and legal issues concerning sample use and transfer. 36 individuals participated in the interviews. Standard operating procedures were again one of the most frequently cited explicit difficulties; in contrast with the literature review, the consent process, and networking in Switzerland, were also frequently mentioned. Finally, issues only sparsely mentioned in the literature, such as considerations of fairness, the nomenclature of biobanking, and authorship on publications, were addressed in detail. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that clarity and transparency must be a priority in all written materials regulating biosample exchange, in order to reduce confusion about storage practices, obtained consent and the existence of legal constraints and requirements. The second key message is that networking amongst biobanks and biosample researchers is still at an early stage; interdisciplinary databases and biobank conferences may help to inform a greater number of researchers about the potential for collaboration and sample exchange

The Influence of an Acute Exercise Bout on Adolescents' Stress Reactivity, Interference Control, and Brain Oxygenation Under Stress

Background:High psychosocial stress can impair executive function in adolescents,whereas acute exercise has been reported to benefit this cognitive domain. The aim ofthis study was to investigate whether an acute bout of aerobic exercise improves theinhibitory aspect of executive function and the associated dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(DLPFC) oxygenation when under stress.Methods:Sixty male high school students aged 16–20 years performed a Strooptask (baseline condition) and were randomly assigned to an exercise group (30 min onergometer at 70% of maximum heart rate) and a control group (30 min of reading).Subsequently, all participants underwent a modified Trier Social Stress Test, whichincluded a Stroop task under enhanced stress. The Stroop tasks in both conditionswere combined with functional near-infrared spectroscopy to record changes in DLPFCoxygenation in response to the tasks. Stress reactivity was measured with salivasamples (cortisol, alpha-amylase), heart rate monitoring, and anxiety scores.Results:All stress parameters indicated increases in response to the stressor(p<0.001), with higher alpha-amylase [t(58) =−3.45,p= 0.001,d= 1.93] andanxiety [t(58) =−2.04,p= 0.046,d= 0.53] reactions in the control compared to theexercise group. Controlling for these two parameters, repeated measures analyses ofcovariance targeting changes in Stroop interference scores showed no main effect ofstress [F(1,58) = 3.80,p= 0.056,ηp2= 0.063] and no stress×group interaction[F(1,58) = 0.43,p= 0.517,ηp2= 0.008]. Similarly, there was no main effect ofstress [F(1,58) = 2.38,p= 0.128,ηp2= 0.040] and no stress×group interaction[F(1,58) = 2.80,p= 0.100,ηp2= 0.047] for DLPFC oxygenation.Conclusion:Our study confirms potentially health-enhancing effects of acute exerciseon some of the physiological and psychological stress reactivity indicators. However,our data do not support the notion of an effect on interference control and DLPFCactivation under stress

Association of Exercise with Inhibitory Control and Prefrontal Brain Activity Under Acute Psychosocial Stress

Psychosocial stress has negative effects on cognition in adolescents. The aim of this study was to investigate whether physical exercise can buffer such effects on inhibitory control and associated cortical brain areas. Forty-two male high school students aged 16-20 years and with either low or high exercise levels performed a Stroop task under stress-free conditions and after the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Oxygenation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was measured with functional near-infrared spectroscopy. For inhibitory control, there was no significant primary effect of condition (; F; (1,40) = 1.09,; p; = 303.,; ηp²; = 0.027) and no significant condition × group interaction (; F; (1,40) = 2.40,; p; = 0.129,; ηp²; = 0.057). For DLPFC oxygenation, a significant primary effect of condition was observed (; F; (1,38) = 6.10,; p; = 0.018,; ηp²; = 0.138). However, the condition × group interaction (; F; (1,38) = 0.05,; p; = 0.823,; ηp²; = 0.001) remained not significant. Adolescents' exercise level was not associated with inhibitory control before and after stress. An impact of stress on a neurocognitive level was observed

Psychometric Properties and Convergent Validity of the Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure in Two German-Speaking Samples of Adult Workers and Police Officers

Burnout is considered an occupation-related psychological syndrome consisting of emotional, physical, and cognitive exhaustion. To assess dimensions of burnout, the Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure (SMB; M; ) is widely used, but its validity and reliability have rarely been examined in adult samples. The aim of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the German version of the SMB; M; in two independent samples of adults. In total, 311 adult workers and 201 police officers completed the SMB; M; , and questionnaires related to perceived stress and mental well-being. Descriptive statistics, internal consistency, convergent validity, and factorial validity were assessed for both samples, separately for male and female participants. The German SMB; M; had adequate psychometric properties and sufficient convergent validity. In confirmatory factor analyses, we found a good fit for both the first- and second-order model. Furthermore, measurement invariance across gender was observed in both samples. Although the SMB; M; is a popular instrument among burnout researchers, this study demonstrates for the first time that the SMB; M; can be considered a valid and reliable tool to assess burnout symptoms in both male and female adults and across different professional groups. Furthermore, with its 14 items, the SMB; M; is a succinct and economic self-assessment tool for symptoms of burnout

Does Cardiorespiratory Fitness Moderate the Association between Occupational Stress, Cardiovascular Risk, and Mental Health in Police Officers?

Background:; Chronic exposure to occupational stress may lead to negative health consequences. Creating less stressful work environments and making employees physically and psychologically more resilient against stress are therefore two major public health concerns. This study examined whether cardiorespiratory fitness moderated the association between occupational stress, cardiovascular risk, and mental health.; Methods:; Stress was assessed via the Effort-Reward Imbalance and Job Demand-Control models in 201 police officers (36% women, Mage = 38.6 years). Higher levels of blood pressure, blood lipids, blood sugar, and unfavorable body composition were considered as cardiovascular risk factors. Burnout, insomnia and overall psychological distress were used as mental health indicators. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed with a submaximal bicycle test.; Results:; High cardiorespiratory fitness levels were associated with a reduced cardiometabolic risk, whereas high stress levels were associated with better mental health. Among participants who perceived a high Effort-Reward Imbalance, those with high fitness levels showed lower overall cardiovascular risk scores than their colleagues with low fitness levels.; Conclusions:; Work health programs for police officers should consider the early screening of burnout, sleep disturbances, and overall mental wellbeing. To increase cardiovascular health, including fitness tests in routine health checks and promoting physical activity to further increase cardiorespiratory fitness appears worthwhile

In Individuals Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage, Hair Cortisol Concentrations Are Higher and More Strongly Associated with Psychological Functioning and Sleep Complaints than in Healthy Controls

Following an aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH), many patients report persistent deficits in psychological functioning, characterised by high levels of stress and symptoms of depression, low life satisfaction, along with poor sleep. Such deficits have been associated with altered saliva and serum cortisol levels due to a dysregulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity (HPA-AA). However, hair cortisol concentrations (HCCs) have not been assessed in this population, although this method allows a long-term insight into cortisol values. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare HCCs in aSAH patients and healthy controls and to examine how HCCs are associated with perceived stress, psychological functioning, and sleep complaints.; In this cross-sectional study, data on depressive symptoms, hypochondriacal beliefs, life satisfaction, and sleep complaints were gathered in 15 aSAH patients and 17 healthy controls. HCCs of the previous 3 months were assessed.; aSAH patients had significantly higher HCCs than healthy controls. In aSAH patients, higher HCCs were significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms, hypochondriacal beliefs, lower life satisfaction, and increased sleep complaints. Such significant associations were not found in healthy controls.; Our findings indicate that a dysregulation of HPA-AA is associated with some of the long-term impairments in psychological functioning and sleep in aSAH survivors. While the direction of association remained unclear, a dysregulated HPA-AA may be causally linked with the maintenance of poor psychological functioning and poor sleep. The overall findings should be considered in the planning of long-term treatment aimed at improving psychological functioning and sleep in aSAH patients

Does Cardiorespiratory Fitness Buffer Stress Reactivity and Stress Recovery in Police Officers? A Real-Life Study

High levels of cardiorespiratory fitness have the potential to buffer against physical and mental health impairments, which can result from exposure to occupational stress. Police officers are especially at risk of high psychosocial stress; therefore, effective intervention strategies are warranted. Given this background, the purpose of the present study was to examine whether police officers with different levels of cardiorespiratory fitness differ with regard to their (a) physiological stress reactivity during acute real life stress situations, and (b) physiological recovery related to acute and chronic work stress. In total, 201 police officers took part in this study (M = 38.6 years, SD = 10.1, 35.8% females). Officers were contacted eight times on a smartphone during their workday, and asked to report their current level of positive and negative affect, as well as feelings of stress and anger. Physiological stress responses and recovery (heart rate variability) were assessed using Movisens EcgMove3 devices. The Åstrand bicycle ergometer test was used to assess participants' cardiorespiratory fitness. Chronic work stress was assessed using the effortreward imbalance model and the job strain model. Multilevel modeling was used to test buffering effects of cardiorespiratory fitness on physiological stress reactivity. Linear regression was applied to test stress-buffering effects of cardiorespiratory fitness on physiological recovery. Results showed lowered physiological stress reactivity to acute work stress in officers with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness. However, these results were not consistent, with no effects occurring for feelings of anger, positive affect, and negative affect. Chronic work stress (effort-reward imbalance) was related to lower physiological recovery. Cardiorespiratory fitness was positively related to physiological recovery. Data did not support interactions between work stress and cardiorespiratory fitness on physiological recovery. To some extent, cardiorespiratory fitness seems to have the potential to buffer stress reactivity in police officers in acute stress situations. Therefore, we encourage promoting fitness programs which aim to enhance cardiorespiratory fitness in stressful occupations such as law enforcement.+repphzhbib2020

Anaerobic Exercise Training in the Therapy of Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review

Background: In the past 3 decades, there has been an increase in the number of studies assessing exercise as a form of treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). While a variety of substance types and outcomes have been assessed, exercise intensities have never been systematically examined. Consequently, it remains unclear whether particular forms of exercise are better suited to the treatment of these populations. Anaerobic exercise has been shown to have positive effects in populations with psychiatric disorders, but its effectiveness in the treatment of SUDs has to date not been reviewed.Methods: The aim of this systematic review is to identify and evaluate studies which have employed either an acute or chronic anaerobic exercise component as a therapy modality for SUDs. The primary outcomes are abstinence, craving, withdrawal, consumption, quality of life, and the following psychological symptoms and disorders: depression, anxiety, stress, and mood. A secondary objective is to assess whether the type of training described in the study protocol can be reliably categorized as anaerobic training.Results: Twenty-six studies are included in this review. Twelve studies addressed nicotine dependence, one addressed alcohol dependence, and 13 addressed dependence on various illicit drugs. Thirteen studies reported the intensity at which participants actually exercised, but only one employed a test to determine whether training was carried out above the anaerobic threshold (AT). The risk of bias in the included studies was generally high. Results of the studies were mixed, with the most positive effects being found for abstinence in nicotine dependence.Conclusion: The evidence for the effects of anaerobic exercise in SUDs is weak, although a tendency toward positive effects on abstinence in nicotine dependent individuals was observable. The majority of studies do not report data on exercise intensity, making a categorization of anaerobic exercise impossible in all but one case. This means that the effects of this form of exercise cannot be determined, and therefore not evaluated or compared with other forms. In order to improve the quality of evidence for exercise in SUD treatment, clearly defined and objectively assessed evaluations of anaerobic and anaerobic exercise are necessary

Does Cardiorespiratory Fitness Buffer Stress Reactivity and Stress Recovery in Police Officers? A Real-Life Study

High levels of cardiorespiratory fitness have the potential to buffer against physical and mental health impairments, which can result from exposure to occupational stress. Police officers are especially at risk of high psychosocial stress; therefore, effective intervention strategies are warranted. Given this background, the purpose of the present study was to examine whether police officers with different levels of cardiorespiratory fitness differ with regard to their (a) physiological stress reactivity during acute real-life stress situations, and (b) physiological recovery related to acute and chronic work stress. In total, 201 police officers took part in this study (M = 38.6 years, SD = 10.1, 35.8% females). Officers were contacted eight times on a smartphone during their workday, and asked to report their current level of positive and negative affect, as well as feelings of stress and anger. Physiological stress responses and recovery (heart rate variability) were assessed using Movisens EcgMove3 devices. The Åstrand bicycle ergometer test was used to assess participants' cardiorespiratory fitness. Chronic work stress was assessed using the effort-reward imbalance model and the job strain model. Multilevel modeling was used to test buffering effects of cardiorespiratory fitness on physiological stress reactivity. Linear regression was applied to test stress-buffering effects of cardiorespiratory fitness on physiological recovery. Results showed lowered physiological stress reactivity to acute work stress in officers with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness. However, these results were not consistent, with no effects occurring for feelings of anger, positive affect, and negative affect. Chronic work stress (effort-reward imbalance) was related to lower physiological recovery. Cardiorespiratory fitness was positively related to physiological recovery. Data did not support interactions between work stress and cardiorespiratory fitness on physiological recovery. To some extent, cardiorespiratory fitness seems to have the potential to buffer stress reactivity in police officers in acute stress situations. Therefore, we encourage promoting fitness programs which aim to enhance cardiorespiratory fitness in stressful occupations such as law enforcement. Improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness might further enhance physiological recovery from chronic work stress, which is thought to improve cardiovascular health