100 research outputs found

    High-intensity exercise increases breast milk adiponectin concentrations: a randomised cross-over study

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    IntroductionAdiponectin plays a role in glucose and fat metabolism and is present in human breast milk. It has been postulated that higher breast milk adiponectin concentrations may prevent rapid weight gain in infancy. Prior research indicates that circulating adiponectin increases acutely after endurance exercise, but no prior research has investigated the effect of exercise on breast milk adiponectin concentrations. The purpose of this randomised, cross-over study was to determine the acute effects of endurance exercise on adiponectin concentrations in human breast milk.MethodsParticipants who were exclusively breastfeeding a 6–12 week-old term infant (N = 20) completed three conditions in the laboratory: (1) Moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), (2) High-intensity interval training (HIIT), and (3) No activity (REST). At each condition, we collected breast milk at 07:00 h (before exercise/rest), 11:00 h (immediately after exercise/rest), 12:00 h (1 h after exercise/rest), and 15:00 h (4 h after exercise/rest) and determined adiponectin concentrations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We compared changes in adiponectin concentrations after MICT and HIIT, adjusted for the morning concentration on each test day, with those after REST, using paired t-tests.ResultsAdiponectin concentrations increased 1 h after HIIT, from 4.6 (± 2.2) μg/L in the 07:00 h sample to 5.6 (± 2.6) μg/L. This change was 0.9 μg/L (95% confidence interval 0.3 to 1.5) greater than the change between these two timepoints in the REST condition (p = 0.025). There were no other statistically significant changes in adiponectin concentrations.ConclusionHIIT may increase adiponectin concentrations in breast milk acutely after exercise. Further studies should determine the impact of exercise-induced elevations in breast milk adiponectin concentrations on growth and metabolism in infancy

    The effects of exercise during pregnancy on placental composition : A systematic review and meta-analysis

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    Introduction Morphological changes to the placenta occur as the demands of the foetus increase throughout gestation. Physical activity during pregnancy is known to benefit both the mother and infant, however the impact of antenatal exercise training on placental development is less known. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of exercise training during pregnancy on measures of placental composition. Methods Six electronic databases were searched from inception to June 2021 for studies comparing regular antenatal exercise with either usual maternal care or no exercise for its effect on measures of placental morphological composition. Meta-analyses were performed for placental weight and the placental weight to birthweight (PWBW) ratio. Results Seven randomised controlled trials and two cohort studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis (n = 9). There was no significant difference in placental weight (mean difference (MD) = -9.07g, p = 0.42) or the PWBW ratio (MD = 0.00, p = 0.32) between exercise and control groups. Parenchymal tissue volume was higher, represented by an increase in villous tissue, and non-parenchymal volume was lower in women who exercised regularly compared to those that were not exercising during pregnancy. Discussion Exercise training during pregnancy may not alter placental weight or the PWBW ratio. However, findings from this review indicate that antenatal exercise training can promote advantageous morphological changes to placental tissues

    Boundary layer convective-like activity at Dome Concordia, Antarctica

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    The paper presents the micro-meteorological field experiment carried out at the plateau station of Dome Concordia (3300 m a.s.l.) during the Antarctic summer of 1997. The experiment dealt with the study of the trends of boundary layer features and the characteristics of the surface energy and momentum exchanges. A monostatic Doppler sodar, fast-response sensors and radiometers were used for this study. The experiment was part of a program that aims to assess the role of the continental polar regions in shaping the surface circulation over Antarctica. In spite of the markedly stable conditions found throughout the investigated period, some convective-like activity was detected during the warmer hours of the day

    High-intensity interval training in polycystic ovary syndrome : A two-center, three-armed randomized

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    Purpose Exercise training is recommended to improve cardiometabolic health and fertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), yet there are few randomized controlled trials on the effects of different exercise protocols on clinical reproductive outcomes. Our aim was to determine the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIT) on menstrual frequency, as a proxy of reproductive function, in women with PCOS. Methods The IMPROV-IT study was a two-center randomized controlled trial undertaken in Norway and Australia. Women with PCOS were eligible for inclusion. After stratification for body mass index <27 or ≥27 kg·m−2 and study center, participants were randomly allocated (1:1:1) to high-volume HIT (HV-HIT), low-volume HIT (LV-HIT), or a control group. Measurements were assessed at baseline, after the 16-wk exercise intervention, and at 12-month follow-up. The primary outcome was menstrual frequency after 12 months. Secondary outcomes included markers of cardiometabolic and reproductive health, quality of life, and adherence to and enjoyment of HIT. Results We randomly allocated 64 participants to the HV-HIT (n = 20), LV-HIT (n = 21), or control group (n = 23). There were no differences in menstrual frequency at 12 months between the LV-HIT and control groups (frequency ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73–1.42), the HV-HIT and control groups (frequency ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.67–1.29), or the LV-HIT and HV-HIT groups (frequency ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.77–1.56). Menstrual frequency increased in all groups from baseline to 12 months. More participants became pregnant in the LV-HIT group (n = 5) than in the control group (n = 0, P = 0.02). Conclusions A semisupervised HIT intervention did not increase menstrual frequency in women with PCOS. Clinical Trial Registration Number:ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02419482)

    Winter peaks in heart failure: An inevitable or preventable consequence of seasonal vulnerability?

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    Climate change is a major contributor to annual winter peaks in cardiovascular events across the globe. However, given the paradoxical observation that cardiovascular seasonality is observed in relatively mild as well as cold climates, global warming may not be as positive for the syndrome of heart failure (HF) as some predict. In this article, we present our Model of Seasonal Flexibility to explain the spectrum of individual responses to climatic conditions. We have identified distinctive phenotypes of resilience and vulnerability to explain why winter peaks in HF occur. Moreover, we identify how better identification of climatic vulnerability and the use of multifaceted interventions focusing on modifiable bio-behavioural factors may improve HF outcomes

    Exercise Interventions in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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    Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and complex endocrinopathy with reproductive and metabolic manifestations. Exercise training has consistently been found to result in improved clinical outcomes in women with PCOS, but shortfalls with exercise prescription are evident. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify exercise intervention characteristics that provide favourable outcomes in women with PCOS. Methods: A systematic review of published literature was conducted using EBSCOhost and Ovid Medline up to May 2019. The review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines as per our PROSPERO protocol (CRD42018088367). Randomised controlled trials, non-randomised controlled trials, and uncontrolled trials that evaluated an exercise intervention of at least moderate intensity in women with PCOS were included. Meta-analyses were performed using general linear mixed modelling and Bayesian inferences about effect magnitudes. Results: Thirty-three articles were identified for systematic review of which 19 were meta-analysed. Intervention duration ranged from 6 to 26 weeks. A total number of 777 women were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis found that improvements in health outcomes are more dependent on exercise intensity rather than dose. Fixed effects analysis reported a moderate increase in VO2peak (24.2%; 90% CL, 18.5–30.1), and small reductions in HOMA-IR (−36.2%; 90% CL, −55.3 to −9.0), and waist circumference (−4.2%; 90% CL −6.0 to −2.3) as a result of vigorous intensity exercise. These results are confirmed in the predicted analysis which reported the greatest improvements in VO2peak, BMI, and waist circumference after vigorous intensity exercise alone or when combined with diet, particularly for women with clinically adverse baseline values. Conclusions: Exercise training in the management of PCOS is becoming more common. Results from our analysis support the use of exercise and suggest that vigorous intensity exercise may have the greatest impact on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and insulin resistance. Our results indicate that, a minimum of 120 min of vigorous intensity per week is needed to provide favourable health outcomes for women with PCOS with studies of longer duration required to evaluate outcomes with sustained exercise

    Epigenetics in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: influence of exercise and nutrition

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    Increasing evidence links changes in epigenetic systems, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA expression, to the occurrence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). These epigenetic modifications can change genetic function under influence of exogenous stimuli and can be transferred to next generations, providing a potential mechanism for inheritance of behavioural intervention effects. The benefits of exercise and nutritional interventions in the primary and secondary prevention of CVD are well established, but the mechanisms are not completely understood. In this review, we describe the acute and chronic epigenetic effects of physical activity and dietary changes. We propose exercise and nutrition as potential triggers of epigenetic signals, promoting the reshaping of transcriptional programmes with effects on CVD phenotypes. Finally, we highlight recent developments in epigenetic therapeutics with implications for primary and secondary CVD prevention

    Dietary and/or physical activity interventions in women with overweight or obesity prior to fertility treatment : protocol for a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis

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    Funding Information: This project is partly supported by the Centre for Research Excellence in Women's Health in Reproductive Life (app1171592) through a project support grant. RW is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHRMC) Investigator grant (2009767). LM is supported by a Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellowship. Funding Information: AH reports consultancy for Ferring with respect to the development of a lifestyle app. BWM is supported by an NHMRC Investigator grant (GNT1176437). BWM reports personal fees from ObsEva and Merck, and travel support from Merck, outside the submitted work. RW reports grants from the NHMRC. TM is supported by a Future Leader in Diabetes Award from the European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes/Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF19SA058975) and grants from the regional health authority in Central Norway. ATK reports personal fees from Merck for lectures. The other authors do not have competing interest to declare. Funding Information: This project is partly supported by the Centre for Research Excellence in Women’s Health in Reproductive Life (app1171592) through a project support grant. RW is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHRMC) Investigator grant (2009767). LM is supported by a Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellowship. Publisher Copyright: © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

    Exercise Training in Pregnancy for obese women (ETIP): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

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    <p/> <p>Background</p> <p>Both maternal pre-pregnancy obesity and excessive gestational weight gain are increasing in prevalence and associated with a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes for both mother and child. Observational studies regarding physical activity in pregnancy have found reduced weight gain in active mothers, as well as reduced risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. There is however a lack of high quality, randomized controlled trials on the effects of regular exercise training in pregnancy, especially those with a pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) at or above 30 kg/m<sup>2</sup>.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We are conducting a randomised, controlled trial in Norway with two parallel arms; one intervention group and one control group. We will enroll 150 previously sedentary, pregnant women with a pre-pregnancy BMI at or above 30 kg/m<sup>2</sup>. The intervention group will meet for organized exercise training three times per week, starting in gestation week 14 (range 12-16). The control group will get standard antenatal care. The main outcome measure will be weight gain from baseline to delivery. Among the secondary outcome measures are changes in exercise capacity, endothelial function, physical activity level, body composition, serum markers of cardiovascular risk, incontinence, lumbopelvic pain and cardiac function from baseline to gestation week 37 (range 36-38). Offspring outcome measures include anthropometric variables at birth, Apgar score, as well as serum markers of inflammation and metabolism in cord blood.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The results of this trial will provide knowledge about effects of regular exercise training in previously sedentary, obese pregnant women. If the program proves effective in reducing gestational weight gain and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such programs should be considered as part of routine pregnancy care for obese women.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov: <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01243554">NCT01243554</a></p
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