The Mediation Effect of Self–Report Physical Activity Patterns in the Relationship between Educational Level and Cognitive Impairment in Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Chilean Health National Survey 2016–2017

The aims of this cross-sectional study were (i) to determine the association of educational level attained with cognitive impairment and (ii) to investigate the mediating effect of different self-report physical activity (PA) patterns in a large sample of older Chileans. A sample of 1571 older adults from the National Chilean Survey (2016–2017) was included. The educational level attained, PA levels, mode of commuting, sedentary time, and leisure-time PA were self-reported through validated questionnaires. Cognitive impairment was determined by Mini-Mental State Examination (modified version). Association between educational level attained and cognitive impairment was examined using logistic regression models. Counterfactual mediation models were used to test the mediating effect of self-reported PA patterns. A lower educational level was consistently associated with higher odds of cognitive impairment (OR range 2.846 to 2.266, all p < 0.001), while leisure-time PA was the only PA pattern that partially mediated this association (proportion mediated 8.0%). In conclusion, leisure-time PA was the solely PA pattern that partially mediated the association between the educational level and cognitive impairment. The rest self-reported PA patterns did not modify this association.P.S.-U. was supported by a grant from ANID/BECAS Chile/72180543. J.P.-D. is part of the University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigación 2016, Excellence actions: Units of Excellence; Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES). We thank the Research Results Transfer Office (OTRI) of the University of Granada for its publication support (C-4393 to F.A.-M.). We thank all participants for their cooperation and the Chilean Health Ministry and Department of Public Health, The Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile for designing and conducting the third National Health Survey 2016–2017

A single bout of whole-body vibration improves hamstring flexibility in university athletes: A randomized controlled trial

Hamstring muscle injuries are one of most frequent injuries in team sports. Whole-body vibration (WBV) has an important effect on flexibility that could prevent shortening of the hamstrings. To investigate both acute and residual effect of a single bout of WBV on hamstring flexibility in a group of university athletes from team sports 70 athletes (81% men, age 21 ± 1.9 years old) were separated into three groups; control group (CG; n=24), hamstring flexibility group without vibration (-V; n=23), and hamstring flexibility group with vibration (+V; n=23). Both -V and +V groups performed the same experimental protocol, composed of 6 sets of 30 seconds of passive hamstring flexibility over a vibration platform with both legs alternately (full-length 6 minutes; 3 minutes per leg). A high-magnitude vibration loading was applied only in +V group (40 Hz and 4 mm). Hamstring flexibility was evaluated through the Modified Sit and Reach (MSR) and Passive Straight Leg Raise (PSLR) test before (baseline), immediately after (acute effect), and after 72 h (residual effect) intervention. Both experimental groups showed a significant improvement in flexibility compared to CG in all measures (p<0.05). No statistical differences were found between +V and –V, however, MSR, right PSLR, and left PSLR residual effect size (Cohen's d) were greater in +V. In conclusion, adding a WBV stimulus to flexibility training improves acute and residual hamstring flexibility in university athletes from team sports

The Mediation Effect of Self-Report Physical Activity Patterns in the Relationship between Educational Level and Cognitive Impairment in Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Chilean Health National Survey 2016-2017

The aims of this cross-sectional study were (i) to determine the association of educational level attained with cognitive impairment and (ii) to investigate the mediating effect of different self-report physical activity (PA) patterns in a large sample of older Chileans. A sample of 1571 older adults from the National Chilean Survey (2016-2017) was included. The educational level attained, PA levels, mode of commuting, sedentary time, and leisure-time PA were self-reported through validated questionnaires. Cognitive impairment was determined by Mini-Mental State Examination (modified version). Association between educational level attained and cognitive impairment was examined using logistic regression models. Counterfactual mediation models were used to test the mediating effect of self-reported PA patterns. A lower educational level was consistently associated with higher odds of cognitive impairment (OR range 2.846 to 2.266, all p < 0.001), while leisure-time PA was the only PA pattern that partially mediated this association (proportion mediated 8.0%). In conclusion, leisure-time PA was the solely PA pattern that partially mediated the association between the educational level and cognitive impairment. The rest self-reported PA patterns did not modify this association.P.S.-U. was supported by a grant from ANID/BECAS Chile/72180543. J.P.-D. is part of the University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigación 2016, Excellence actions: Units of Excellence; Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES).Ye

Study protocol and rationale of the “Cogniaction project” a cross-sectional and randomized controlled trial about physical activity, brain health, cognition, and educational achievement in schoolchildren

Background: Education and health are crucial topics for public policies as both largely determine the future wellbeing of the society. Currently, several studies recognize that physical activity (PA) benefits brain health in children. However, most of these studies have not been carried out in developing countries or lack the transference into the education field. The Cogni-Action Project is divided into two stages, a cross-sectional study and a crossover-randomized trial. The aim of the first part is to establish the associations of PA, sedentarism, and physical fitness with brain structure and function, cognitive performance and academic achievement in Chilean schoolchildren (10–13 years-old). The aim of the second part is to determinate the acute effects of three PA protocols on neuroelectric indices during a working memory and a reading task. Methods: PA and sedentarism will be self-reported and objectively-assessed with accelerometers in a representative subsample, whilst physical fitness will be evaluated through the ALPHA fitness test battery. Brain structure and function will be assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a randomized subsample. Cognitive performance will be assessed through the NeuroCognitive Performance Test, and academic achievement by school grades. In the second part 32 adolescents (12–13 year-old) will be cross-over randomized to these condition (i) “Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training” (MICT), (ii) “Cooperative High-Intensity Interval Training” (C-HIIT), and (iii) Sedentary condition. Neuroelectric indices will be measures by electroencephalogram (EEG) and eye-tracking, working memory by n-back task and reading comprehension by a reading task

Efecto de dos programas de entrenamiento con diferente distribución deintensidad (polarizada vs umbral) en el rendimiento aeróbico en ciclistas entrenados

Currently there are two most used training models that condition the work methodology in endurance athletes: ThresholdTraining (UMB) and polarized training (POL). The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of both programs on theaerobic performance of trained cyclists. The research included 18 athletes who were randomly distributed in the BMU group (n= 9; age38 ± 7 years; height 171.8 ± 6.9 cm; body weight 74.10 ± 10.94) and the POL group (n= 9; age 31.4 ± 12.2 years; height 167.5 ± 6.7 cm;weight 63.88 ± 5.37) who completed 4 weeks of training. Both methodologies were executed under similar characteristics in terms of totaltraining time (BMU; 1085 min / wk; POL; 1024 min/wk) but with different intensity distribution (BMU= 70% in zone 1; 30% in zone2; 0% in zone 3; POL= 88% in zone 1; 0% in zone 2; 12% in zone 3). Body weight (kg) and functional threshold power (PUF) weremeasured before and after each programming. Only group with POL load reduced their body weight after the program (POL= -1.38%;p = 0.003). Also, group POL improved their PUF (5.48%; p= 0.012) and by default the watt values per kilogram of weight (V/kg) theywere increased (7.17%; p= 0.015). Compared to UMB intensity distribution, 4 weeks of POL training improves aerobic performance intrained cyclists.En la actualidad son dos los modelos de entrenamiento más utilizados que condicionan la metodología de trabajo en atletas deresistencia: i) Entrenamiento al umbral (UMB) y ii) Entrenamiento polarizado (POL). El objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar elefecto de dos programaciones de entrenamiento con diferente distribución de intensidad (polarizada vs umbral) en el rendimiento aeróbicode ciclistas entrenados en un período de 4 semanas. En la investigación participaron 18 ciclistas entrenados que fueron distribuidosaleatoriamente en grupo UMB (n= 9; edad 38 ± 7 años; altura 171,8 ± 6,9 cm; peso corporal 74,10 ± 10,94) y grupo POL (n= 9; edad31,4 ± 12,2 años; altura 167,5 ± 6,7 cm; peso corporal 63,88 ± 5,37) quienes realizaron 4 semanas de entrenamiento. Ambas metodologíasse ejecutaron bajo similares características en cuanto al tiempo total de entrenamiento (UMB: 1085 min/sem; POL: 1024 min/sem) perocon diferente distribución de intensidad (UMB= 70% en zona 1; 30%en zona 2; 0% en zona 3; POL= 88% en zona 1; 0% en zona 2; 12%en zona 3). Peso corporal (kg) y potencia al umbral funcional (PUF) fueron medidos antes y después de cada programación. Sólo grupocon carga POL redujo su peso corporal después del programa (POL= -1,38%; p= 0,003). También, grupo POL mejoró su PUF (5,48%;p= 0,012) y por defecto los valores de vatios por kilogramo de peso (V/kg) se vieron incrementados (7,17%; p= 0,015). En comparacióna distribución de intensidad UMB, cuatro semanas de entrenamiento POL mejora el rendimiento aeróbico en ciclistas entrenados

Impact of Exercise on Gut Microbiota in Obesity

Julio Plaza-Diaz is part of the “UGR Plan Propio de Investigación 2016” and the “Excellence actions: Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES), University of Granada”. Patricio Solis-Urra was supported by a fellowship from the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) BECAS Chile/72180543. Julio Plaza-Diaz is supported by a fellowship awarded to postdoctoral researchers at foreign universities and research centers from the “Fundación Ramón Areces”, Madrid, Spain. Jerónimo Aragón-Vela was funded by a Postdoctoral fellowship from the ‘Fundación Alfonso Martín Escudero’ (Spain). Francisco Javier Ruiz-Ojeda is supported by a fellowship from Spanish Government “Agencia Estatal de Investigación-Juan de la Cierva-Incorporación” program (IJC2020-042739-I). We are grateful to Belén Vázquez-González for her assistance with the illustration service.Physical activity, exercise, or physical fitness are being studied as helpful nonpharmacological therapies to reduce signaling pathways related to inflammation. Studies describing changes in intestinal microbiota have stated that physical activity could increase the microbial variance and enhance the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, and both actions could neutralize the obesity progression and diminish body weight. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the literature describing the relationship between physical activity profiles and gut microbiota and in obesity and some associated comorbidities. Promoting physical activity could support as a treatment to maintain the gut microbiota composition or to restore the balance toward an improvement of dysbiosis in obesity; however, these mechanisms need to be studied in more detail. The opportunity to control the microbiota by physical activity to improve health results and decrease obesity and related comorbidities is very attractive. Nevertheless, several incompletely answered questions need to be addressed before this strategy can be implemented.ANID BECAS Chile/72180543Agencia Estatal de Investigación-Juan de la Cierva-IncorporaciónNational Agency for Research and DevelopmentUniversity of GranadaFundación Alfonso Martín EscuderoFundación Ramón ArecesAgencia Estatal de Investigación IJC2020-042739-

Insights into the Impact of Microbiota in the Treatment of NAFLD/NASH and Its Potential as a Biomarker for Prognosis and Diagnosis.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasing cause of chronic liver illness associated with obesity and metabolic disorders, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, or type 2 diabetes mellitus. A more severe type of NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is considered an ongoing global health threat and dramatically increases the risks of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Several reports have demonstrated that liver steatosis is associated with the elevation of certain clinical and biochemical markers but with low predictive potential. In addition, current imaging methods are inaccurate and inadequate for quantification of liver steatosis and do not distinguish clearly between the microvesicular and the macrovesicular types. On the other hand, an unhealthy status usually presents an altered gut microbiota, associated with the loss of its functions. Indeed, NAFLD pathophysiology has been linked to lower microbial diversity and a weakened intestinal barrier, exposing the host to bacterial components and stimulating pathways of immune defense and inflammation via toll-like receptor signaling. Moreover, this activation of inflammation in hepatocytes induces progression from simple steatosis to NASH. In the present review, we aim to: (a) summarize studies on both human and animals addressed to determine the impact of alterations in gut microbiota in NASH; (b) evaluate the potential role of such alterations as biomarkers for prognosis and diagnosis of this disorder; and (c) discuss the involvement of microbiota in the current treatment for NAFLD/NASH (i.e., bariatric surgery, physical exercise and lifestyle, diet, probiotics and prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation)

Effect of High-Intensity whole body vibration on blood lactate removal and heart rate after an allout test in active young men

Speed up recovery is fundamental in sport disciplines in which competitors must perform repeated trials within the samecompetition. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of high-frequency whole body vibration (WBV) on blood [Lac]removal and heart rate (HR) after an all-out test. The participants performed a 4 x 100 m all-out test every 48 h in a random cross-overfashion, and a blood [Lac] removal protocol was applied after each test: a) 20 min seated (REST); b) squatting on a vibrating platform(S+V); and c) squatting on a non-vibrating platform (S-V). Blood [Lac] and HR were measured at rest, immediately after the 4 x 100 mall-out test (min 0), and at 10 and 20 min during the removal protocols. The results showed that the 3 protocols displayed significantlydecreased blood [Lac] after 20 min (REST, S+V, and S-V removed Δ 6.6; Δ 10.5; and Δ 11.1 mmol•L-1, respectively). However, there wereno significant differences in the blood [Lac] removal level between the S+V and S-V conditions. Interestingly, the S-V participantsshowed increased HR levels during the active recovery compared with the REST and S+V conditions. The effect of high-frequency WBVis not an additional stimulus to increase the blood [Lac] removal capacity in active young men, although WBV appeared to elicit lesscardiovascular stress during recoveryAcelerar la recuperación es fundamental en las disciplinas deportivas en las que los competidores deben realizar pruebas repetidas dentro de la misma competencia. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue determinar el efecto de la vibración de alta frecuencia de cuerpo completo (WBV) en la extracción de sangre [Lac] y la frecuencia cardíaca (FC) después de una prueba completa. Los participantes realizaron una prueba total de 4 x 100 m cada 48 h de forma aleatoria cruzada, y se aplicó un protocolo de extracción de sangre [Lac] después de cada prueba: a) 20 minutos sentado (REST); b) ponerse en cuclillas sobre una plataforma vibratoria (S+V); y c) ponerse en cuclillas en una plataforma no vibratoria (S-V). La sangre [Lac] y la FC se midieron en reposo, inmediatamente después de la prueba total de 4 x 100 m (min 0), y a los 10 y 20 min durante los protocolos de extracción. Los resultados mostraron que los 3 protocolos mostraron una disminución significativa de la sangre [Lac] después de 20 minutos (REST, S+V y S-V eliminaron Δ 6.6; Δ 10.5; y Δ 11.1 mmol•L-1, respectivamente). Sin embargo, no hubo diferencias significativas en el nivel de eliminación de sangre [Lac] entre las condiciones S+V y S-V. Curiosamente, los participantes S-V mostraron mayores niveles de FC durante la recuperación activa en comparación con las condiciones REST y S+V. El efecto del WBV de alta frecuencia no es un estímulo adicional para aumentar la capacidad de eliminación de sangre [Lac] en hombres jóvenes activos, aunque el WBV parece provocar menos estrés cardiovascular durante la recuperación

Cardiac autonomic response during recovery using whole-body vibration after maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test

  In the last years the nervous and cardiovascular response to exercise has taken on an important relevance, both in sport and health field. In this line, accelerating cardiovascular appears to play a key role in various sports fields. The study aims to examine and compare the acute effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) on cardiac autonomic response after maximal exercise in university runners and physical education student. Twenty men participated in a cross-over study, 10 university runners team (UR) and 10 physical education student (PES) with ages around 18 to 24 years. In each condition, was perform an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test followed (i) active recovery time using WBV (25 Hz and peak displacement of four mm) and (ii) passive recovery period (no WBV; 0 Hz—0 mm), separated by seven days. Active recovery consisted in one minute seated using WBV and one minute no WBV by six times (12 minutes) more five minutes of passive recovery, and passive recovery consisted in 17 min seated on platform without vibration. Active recovery had significant differences compare to passive recovery (P<0.05). Furthermore, in active recovery, PES had better heart rate response than UR group, however results were not significative. There was not a clear relation between the lineal components of heart rate variability (HRV) in our results. WBV has positive effect in participant’s recovery, however, is necessary establish protocols about the intensities and time adequate for allow accelerate recovery the parasympathetic reactivity, for that reason yet can’t conclude clearly respect to the more effectivity intensity WBV depending to characteristic of subject.  Resumen. En los últimos años la respuesta nerviosa y cardiovascular al ejercicio ha adquirido una relevancia importante, tanto en el ámbito del deporte como de la salud. Por tanto, la aceleración de la recuperación cardiovascular parece desempeñar un papel clave en varios campos. El objetivo del estudio es analizar y comparar el efecto agudo de la vibración de cuerpo completo (VCC), en la respuesta cardíaca autónoma después del ejercicio máximo en corredores universitarios (CU) y estudiantes de educación física (EEF). Veinte hombres participaron en un estudio cruzado, 10 CU y 10 EEF con edades entre 18 y 24 años. En cada evaluación, se realizó una prueba cardiopulmonar incremental seguida de (i) tiempo de recuperación activa usando VCC (25 Hz y desplazamiento máx. de cuatro mm) y (ii) período de recuperación pasiva (sin VCC; 0 Hz — 0 mm), separados por siete días. La recuperación activa consistió en un minuto sentado usando WBV y un minuto sin WBV seis veces (12 min), más cinco minutos de recuperación pasiva; la recuperación pasiva y esta consistió en 17 minutos sentado en plataforma sin vibración. La recuperación activa tuvo diferencias significativas en comparación con recuperación pasiva (p <0.05). Además, en recuperación activa, EEF tuvo una mejor respuesta de frecuencia cardíaca que el grupo CU, sin embargo, los resultados no fueron significativos. Por último, no se logró establecer una relación clara entre los componentes lineales de la variabilidad del ritmo cardiaco (VRC) en nuestros resultados. La VCC tiene un efecto positivo en la recuperación de los sujetos, sin embargo, es necesario establecer protocolos sobre las intensidades y tiempo adecuado para permitir acelerar la recuperación de la reactividad parasimpática, por esa razón aún no se puede concluir claramente respecto al mejor protocolo VVC dependiendo de la característica del sujeto.Nos últimos anos, a resposta nervosa e cardiovascular ao exercício tem assumido uma importância importante, tanto no campo do esporte quanto da saúde. Nessa linha, a aceleração cardiovascular parece ter um papel fundamental em vários campos esportivos. O estudo tem como objetivo examinar e comparar o efeito agudo da vibração de corpo inteiro (VCI) na resposta autonômica cardíaca após exercício máximo em corredores universitários e estudantes de educação física. Vinte homens participaram de um estudo cruzado, 10 equipes de corredores universitários (UR) e 10 estudantes de educação física (PES) com idades em torno de 18 a 24 anos. Em cada condição, foi realizado um teste de exercício cardiopulmonar incremental seguido (i) tempo de recuperação ativa usando WBV (25 Hz e deslocamento de pico de quatro mm) e (ii) período de recuperação passiva (sem WBV; 0 Hz - 0 mm), separados por sete dias. A recuperação ativa consistiu em um minuto sentado usando WBV e um minuto sem WBV por seis vezes (12 minutos) mais cinco minutos de recuperação passiva, e a recuperação passiva consistiu em 17 min sentado na plataforma sem vibração. A recuperação ativa teve diferenças significativas em comparação com a recuperação passiva (P <0,05). Além disso, na recuperação ativa, PES teve melhor resposta da frequência cardíaca do que o grupo UR, no entanto, os resultados não foram significativos. Não houve uma relação clara entre os componentes lineares da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) em nossos resultados. A WBV tem efeito positivo na recuperação do participante, porém, é necessário estabelecer protocolos sobre as intensidades e tempos adequados para permitir a recuperação acelerada da reatividade parassimpática, por isso ainda não se pode concluir claramente a respeito da intensidade de maior efetividade da WBV dependendo da característica de tema.En los últimos años la respuesta nerviosa y cardiovascular al ejercicio ha adquirido una relevancia importante, tanto en el ámbito del deporte como de la salud. Por tanto, la aceleración de la recuperación cardiovascular parece desempeñar un papel clave en varios campos. El objetivo del estudio es analizar y comparar el efecto agudo de la vibración de cuerpo completo (VCC), en la respuesta cardíaca autónoma después del ejercicio máximo en corredores universitarios (CU) y estudiantes de educación física (EEF). Veinte hombres participaron en un estudio cruzado, 10 CU y 10 EEF con edades entre 18 y 24 años. En cada evaluación, se realizó una prueba cardiopulmonar incremental seguida de (i) tiempo de recuperación activa usando VCC (25 Hz y desplazamiento máx. de cuatro mm) y (ii) período de recuperación pasiva (sin VCC; 0 Hz — 0 mm), separados por siete días. La recuperación activa consistió en un minuto sentado usando WBV y un minuto sin WBV seis veces (12 min), más cinco minutos de recuperación pasiva; la recuperación pasiva y esta consistió en 17 minutos sentado en plataforma sin vibración. La recuperación activa tuvo diferencias significativas en comparación con recuperación pasiva (p <0.05). Además, en recuperación activa, EEF tuvo una mejor respuesta de frecuencia cardíaca que el grupo CU, sin embargo, los resultados no fueron significativos. Por último, no se logró establecer una relación clara entre los componentes lineales de la variabilidad del ritmo cardiaco (VRC) en nuestros resultados. La VCC tiene un efecto positivo en la recuperación de los sujetos, sin embargo, es necesario establecer protocolos sobre las intensidades y tiempo adecuado para permitir acelerar la recuperación de la reactividad parasimpática, por esa razón aún no se puede concluir claramente respecto al mejor protocolo VVC dependiendo de la característica del sujeto