Effects of exercise on carotid arterial wall thickness in obese pediatric populations: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: In pediatric populations, the use of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) as a marker of cardiovascular risk has increased. However, previous studies examining the effects of exercise training on arterial structure and function in obese children and adolescents have shown inconsistent findings. The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to expand on the current body of literature by providing a quantitative estimate of the change in carotid IMT following exercise training as well as to provide an exploratory analysis of potential moderators associated with the variation in response to an exercise training intervention in overweight and obese youth. Materials and Methods: A computerized search was made using three databases. The analysis was restricted to studies that examined the effect of exercise interventions on carotid IMT in pediatric obesity (6-18-year-olds). Hedges' g and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: Six randomized controlled trials (303 youths) were included. Exercise was associated with a small-to-moderate but significant reduction in carotid IMT (g = -0.306; 95% CI -0.540 to -0.072; p = 0.011). Likewise, exercise program duration per week significantly influenced the effect of exercise on carotid IMT (? = -0.060; p = 0.015). Conclusions: Exercise seems to reduce carotid IMT in childhood obesity. Therefore, encouraging obese pediatric individuals to become physically active can lead to favorable changes in the arterial wall. © Copyright 2017, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc

Effects of exercise on carotid arterial wall thickness in obese pediatric populations: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: In pediatric populations, the use of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) as a marker of cardiovascular risk has increased. However, previous studies examining the effects of exercise training on arterial structure and function in obese children and adolescents have shown inconsistent findings. The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to expand on the current body of literature by providing a quantitative estimate of the change in carotid IMT following exercise training as well as to provide an exploratory analysis of potential moderators associated with the variation in response to an exercise training intervention in overweight and obese youth. Materials and Methods: A computerized search was made using three databases. The analysis was restricted to studies that examined the effect of exercise interventions on carotid IMT in pediatric obesity (6-18-year-olds). Hedges' g and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: Six randomized controlled trials (303 youths) were included. Exercise was associated with a small-to-moderate but significant reduction in carotid IMT (g = -0.306; 95% CI -0.540 to -0.072; p = 0.011). Likewise, exercise program duration per week significantly influenced the effect of exercise on carotid IMT (? = -0.060; p = 0.015). Conclusions: Exercise seems to reduce carotid IMT in childhood obesity. Therefore, encouraging obese pediatric individuals to become physically active can lead to favorable changes in the arterial wall. © Copyright 2017, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc

Acute effects of high-intensity interval, resistance or combined exercise protocols on testosterone – cortisol responses in inactive overweight individuals

The purpose of this study was to compare the hormonal responses to one session of high-intensity interval training (HIIT, 4 × 4 min intervals at 85–95% maximum heart rate [HRmax], interspersed with 4 min of recovery at 75–85% HRmax), resistance training (RT at 50–70% of one repetition maximum 12–15 repetitions per set with 60s of recovery) or both (HIIT+RT) exercise protocol in a cohort of physical inactivity, overweight adults (age 18–30 years old). Randomized, parallel-group clinical trial among fifty-one men (23.6 ± 3.5 yr; 83.5 ± 7.8 kg; 28.0 ± 1.9 kg/m2), physical inactivity (i.e., and lt;150 min of moderate-intensity exercise per week for and gt;6 months), with abdominal obesity (waist circumference ?90 cm) or body mass index ?25 and ?30 kg/m 2 were randomized to the following 4 groups: high-intensity interval training (HIIT, n = 14), resistance training (RT, n = 12), combined high-intensity interval and resistance training (HIIT+RT, n = 13), or non-exercising control (CON, n = 12). Cortisol, total- and free-testosterone and total-testosterone/cortisol-ratio (T/C) assessments (all in serum) were determined before (pre) and 1-min post-exercise for each protocol session. Decreases in cortisol levels were ?57.08 (95%CI, ?75.58 to ?38.58; P = 0.001; ? 2 = 0.61) and ? 37.65 (95%CI, ?54.36 to ?20.93; P = 0.001; ? 2 = 0.51) in the HIIT and control group, respectively. Increases in T/C ratio were 0.022 (95%CI, 0.012 to 0.031; P = 0.001; ? 2 = 0.49) and 0.015 (95%CI, 0.004 to 0.025; P = 0.007; ? 2 = 0.29) in the HIIT and control group, respectively. In per-protocol analyses revealed a significant change in cortisol levels [interaction effect F( 7.777 ), ? 2 = 0.33] and T/C ratio [interaction effect F( 5.298 ), ? 2 = 0.25] between groups over time. Additionally, we showed that in both the intention-to-treat (ITT) and per protocol analyses, HIIT+RT did not change serum cortisol, total or free testosterone. The present data indicate a HIIT reduced cortisol and increased total-testosterone/cortisol-ratio levels significantly in physically inactive adults. Further study is required to determine the biological importance of these changes in hormonal responses in overweight men. © 2018 Elsevier Inc

Acute effects of high-intensity interval, resistance or combined exercise protocols on testosterone – cortisol responses in inactive overweight individuals

The purpose of this study was to compare the hormonal responses to one session of high-intensity interval training (HIIT, 4 × 4 min intervals at 85–95% maximum heart rate [HRmax], interspersed with 4 min of recovery at 75–85% HRmax), resistance training (RT at 50–70% of one repetition maximum 12–15 repetitions per set with 60s of recovery) or both (HIIT+RT) exercise protocol in a cohort of physical inactivity, overweight adults (age 18–30 years old). Randomized, parallel-group clinical trial among fifty-one men (23.6 ± 3.5 yr; 83.5 ± 7.8 kg; 28.0 ± 1.9 kg/m2), physical inactivity (i.e., and lt;150 min of moderate-intensity exercise per week for and gt;6 months), with abdominal obesity (waist circumference ?90 cm) or body mass index ?25 and ?30 kg/m 2 were randomized to the following 4 groups: high-intensity interval training (HIIT, n = 14), resistance training (RT, n = 12), combined high-intensity interval and resistance training (HIIT+RT, n = 13), or non-exercising control (CON, n = 12). Cortisol, total- and free-testosterone and total-testosterone/cortisol-ratio (T/C) assessments (all in serum) were determined before (pre) and 1-min post-exercise for each protocol session. Decreases in cortisol levels were ?57.08 (95%CI, ?75.58 to ?38.58; P = 0.001; ? 2 = 0.61) and ? 37.65 (95%CI, ?54.36 to ?20.93; P = 0.001; ? 2 = 0.51) in the HIIT and control group, respectively. Increases in T/C ratio were 0.022 (95%CI, 0.012 to 0.031; P = 0.001; ? 2 = 0.49) and 0.015 (95%CI, 0.004 to 0.025; P = 0.007; ? 2 = 0.29) in the HIIT and control group, respectively. In per-protocol analyses revealed a significant change in cortisol levels [interaction effect F( 7.777 ), ? 2 = 0.33] and T/C ratio [interaction effect F( 5.298 ), ? 2 = 0.25] between groups over time. Additionally, we showed that in both the intention-to-treat (ITT) and per protocol analyses, HIIT+RT did not change serum cortisol, total or free testosterone. The present data indicate a HIIT reduced cortisol and increased total-testosterone/cortisol-ratio levels significantly in physically inactive adults. Further study is required to determine the biological importance of these changes in hormonal responses in overweight men. © 2018 Elsevier Inc

Acute effect of three different exercise training modalities on executive function in overweight inactive men: A secondary analysis of the BrainFit study

There is currently a consensus about the positive effects of physical exercise on cognition. However, the exercise intensity-dependent effect on executive function remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of high-intensity aerobic interval training (HIIT), progressive resistance training (PRT), or combined training (PRT + HIIT) on executive function indicators in overweight inactive adult men (aged 18–30 years old). The participants were screened and excluded for medical conditions known to impact cognitive functioning, which was measured with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) screening cognitive test. A randomised, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted among 36 adults who were randomly assigned to a HIIT (n = 12), PRT (n = 7), PRT + HIIT (n = 7), or control group (n = 10) until the energy expenditure of 400–500 kcal. Cognitive inhibition and attention capacity were examined using the Stroop test and d2 test of attention, respectively, and were obtained pre-exercise for baseline measurement and 1 min post-exercise for each exercise training modality. Cognitive inhibition measured by the Stroop test was improved after the HIIT protocol for the domains of reading by +5.89 (?2 = 0.33), colour naming +9.0 (?2 = 0.60), interference +10.1 (?2 = 0.39), and index interference +6.0 (?2 = 0.20). Additionally, the PRT + HIIT group had an increase for the reading condition of +7.1 (?2 = 0.40), colour naming +7.5 (?2 = 0.80), and interference +5.8 (?2 = 0.39). In regard to attentional capacity, the HIIT group elicited small to medium improvements in the concentration level domain of +21.7 (?2 = 0.44), total performance domain +56.6 (?2 = 0.50), and consistency domain ?3.0 (?2 = 0.27). These results were similar in the PRT and PRT + HIIT groups in the concentration level and items-processed domains (P and lt; 0.05). In conclusion, acute HIIT and PRT + HIIT sessions reported important effect sizes than PRT alone for cognitive inhibition and attention capacity. Taken together, the results suggest that even short-term exercise interventions can enhance overweight adults' executive functions. © 2018 Elsevier Inc

Acute effect of three different exercise training modalities on executive function in overweight inactive men: A secondary analysis of the BrainFit study

There is currently a consensus about the positive effects of physical exercise on cognition. However, the exercise intensity-dependent effect on executive function remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of high-intensity aerobic interval training (HIIT), progressive resistance training (PRT), or combined training (PRT + HIIT) on executive function indicators in overweight inactive adult men (aged 18–30 years old). The participants were screened and excluded for medical conditions known to impact cognitive functioning, which was measured with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) screening cognitive test. A randomised, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted among 36 adults who were randomly assigned to a HIIT (n = 12), PRT (n = 7), PRT + HIIT (n = 7), or control group (n = 10) until the energy expenditure of 400–500 kcal. Cognitive inhibition and attention capacity were examined using the Stroop test and d2 test of attention, respectively, and were obtained pre-exercise for baseline measurement and 1 min post-exercise for each exercise training modality. Cognitive inhibition measured by the Stroop test was improved after the HIIT protocol for the domains of reading by +5.89 (?2 = 0.33), colour naming +9.0 (?2 = 0.60), interference +10.1 (?2 = 0.39), and index interference +6.0 (?2 = 0.20). Additionally, the PRT + HIIT group had an increase for the reading condition of +7.1 (?2 = 0.40), colour naming +7.5 (?2 = 0.80), and interference +5.8 (?2 = 0.39). In regard to attentional capacity, the HIIT group elicited small to medium improvements in the concentration level domain of +21.7 (?2 = 0.44), total performance domain +56.6 (?2 = 0.50), and consistency domain ?3.0 (?2 = 0.27). These results were similar in the PRT and PRT + HIIT groups in the concentration level and items-processed domains (P and lt; 0.05). In conclusion, acute HIIT and PRT + HIIT sessions reported important effect sizes than PRT alone for cognitive inhibition and attention capacity. Taken together, the results suggest that even short-term exercise interventions can enhance overweight adults' executive functions. © 2018 Elsevier Inc

Comparison of Three Adiposity Indexes and Cutoff Values to Predict Metabolic Syndrome among University Students

Purpose: Obesity and high body fat are related to diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in all ethnic groups. Based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition of MetS, the aim of the present study was to compare body adiposity indexes (BAIs) and to assess their various cutoff values for the prediction of MetS in university students from Colombia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 886 volunteers (51.9% woman; age mean 21.4 years). Anthropometric characteristics (height, weight, waist circumference [WC], and hip circumference [HC]) were measured, and body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. MetS was defined as including ?3 of the metabolic abnormalities (WC, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], triglycerides, fasting glucose, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure [BP]) in the definition provided by the IDF. The BAIs (i.e., BAI-HC [BAI], BAI-WC [BAI-w], and [BAI-p]) were calculated from formulas taking into account, height, weight, and WC, and for the visceral adiposity indexes, a formula, including WC, HDL-C, and triglycerides, was used. Results: The overall prevalence of MetS was 5.9%, higher in men than in women. The most prevalent components were low HDL-C, high triglyceride levels, WC, and BP levels. The receiver operating characteristic curves analysis showed that BAI, BAI-w, and BAI-p could be useful tools to predict MetS in this population. Conclusion: For women, the optimal MetS threshold was found to be 30.34 (area under curve [AUC] = 0.720-0.863), 19.10 (AUC = 0.799-0.925), and 29.68 (AUC = 0.779-0.901), for BAI, BAI-w, and BAI-p, respectively. For men, the optimal MetS threshold was found to be 27.83 (AUC = 0.726-0.873), 21.48 (AUC = 0.755-0.906), and 26.18 (AUC = 0.766-0.894), for BAI, BAI-w, and BAI-p, respectively. The three indexes can be useful tools to predict MetS according to the IDF criteria in university students from Colombia. Data on larger samples are needed. © Copyright 2017, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2017

Comparison of Three Adiposity Indexes and Cutoff Values to Predict Metabolic Syndrome among University Students

Purpose: Obesity and high body fat are related to diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in all ethnic groups. Based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition of MetS, the aim of the present study was to compare body adiposity indexes (BAIs) and to assess their various cutoff values for the prediction of MetS in university students from Colombia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 886 volunteers (51.9% woman; age mean 21.4 years). Anthropometric characteristics (height, weight, waist circumference [WC], and hip circumference [HC]) were measured, and body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. MetS was defined as including ?3 of the metabolic abnormalities (WC, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], triglycerides, fasting glucose, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure [BP]) in the definition provided by the IDF. The BAIs (i.e., BAI-HC [BAI], BAI-WC [BAI-w], and [BAI-p]) were calculated from formulas taking into account, height, weight, and WC, and for the visceral adiposity indexes, a formula, including WC, HDL-C, and triglycerides, was used. Results: The overall prevalence of MetS was 5.9%, higher in men than in women. The most prevalent components were low HDL-C, high triglyceride levels, WC, and BP levels. The receiver operating characteristic curves analysis showed that BAI, BAI-w, and BAI-p could be useful tools to predict MetS in this population. Conclusion: For women, the optimal MetS threshold was found to be 30.34 (area under curve [AUC] = 0.720-0.863), 19.10 (AUC = 0.799-0.925), and 29.68 (AUC = 0.779-0.901), for BAI, BAI-w, and BAI-p, respectively. For men, the optimal MetS threshold was found to be 27.83 (AUC = 0.726-0.873), 21.48 (AUC = 0.755-0.906), and 26.18 (AUC = 0.766-0.894), for BAI, BAI-w, and BAI-p, respectively. The three indexes can be useful tools to predict MetS according to the IDF criteria in university students from Colombia. Data on larger samples are needed. © Copyright 2017, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2017