-
Nutrients Aug 2021Adaptogens are synthetic compounds (bromantane, levamisole, aphobazole, bemethyl, etc.) or plant extracts that have the ability to enhance the body's stability against... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Adaptogens are synthetic compounds (bromantane, levamisole, aphobazole, bemethyl, etc.) or plant extracts that have the ability to enhance the body's stability against physical loads without increasing oxygen consumption. Extracts from , , , , and are considered to be naturally occurring adaptogens and, in particular, plant adaptogens. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of plant adaptogens in the past and now, as well as to outline the prospects of their future applications. The use of natural adaptogens by humans has a rich history-they are used in recovery from illness, physical weakness, memory impairment, and other conditions. About 50 years ago, plant adaptogens were first used in professional sports due to their high potential to increase the body's resistance to stress and to improve physical endurance. Although now many people take plant adaptogens, the clinical trials on human are limited. The data from the meta-analysis showed that plant adaptogens could provide a number of benefits in the treatment of chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, and immune protection. In the future, there is great potential to register medicinal products that contain plant adaptogens for therapeutic purposes.
Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Female; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Stress, Physiological; Young Adult
PubMed: 34445021
DOI: 10.3390/nu13082861 -
Cardiovascular Therapeutics 2022The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on exercise capacity... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on exercise capacity and several prognostic markers in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF).
METHODS
This systematic review is registered on the INPLASY website (number: INPLASY202080112). We conducted a comprehensive search in eight databases of literature before September 13, 2019. Trials comparing HIIT and MICT in participants with CAD or HF aged 52-78 years were included. Exercise capacity (peak oxygen consumption (peak VO)) and prognostic markers, such as the anaerobic threshold (AT), minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO) slope, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and prognostic value of the predicted VO max per cent (the predicted VO peak (%)) were examined.
RESULTS
A total of 15 studies were included comprising 664 patients, 50% of which were male, with an average age of 60.3 ± 13.2 years. For patients with CAD, HIIT significantly improved peak VO values (95% CI 0.7 to 2.11) compared with MICT, but peak VO values in patients with HF did not seem to change. For training lasting less than eight weeks, HIIT significantly improved peak VO values (95% CI 0.70 to 2.10), while HIIT lasting 12 weeks or longer resulted in a modestly increased peak VO value (95% CI 0.31 to 5.31). High-intensity interval training significantly increased the AT when compared with MICT (95% CI 0.50 to 1.48). High-intensity interval training also caused a moderate increase in LVEF (95% CI 0.55 to 5.71) but did not have a significant effect on the VE/VCO slope (95% CI -2.32 to 0.98) or the predicted VO peak (95% CI -2.54 to 9.59) compared with MICT.
CONCLUSIONS
High-intensity interval training is an effective therapy for improving peak VO values in patients with CAD. High-intensity interval training in the early stage (eight weeks or fewer) is superior to MICT. Finally, HIIT significantly improved prognostic markers, including the AT and LVEF in patients with CAD and HF.
Topics: Aged; Coronary Artery Disease; Exercise Tolerance; Female; Heart Failure; High-Intensity Interval Training; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Oxygen Consumption; Prognosis; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left
PubMed: 35801132
DOI: 10.1155/2022/4273809 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Oct 2015Enhancing cardiovascular fitness can lead to substantial health benefits. High-intensity interval training (HIT) is an efficient way to develop cardiovascular fitness,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effectiveness of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIT) and Continuous Endurance Training for VO2max Improvements: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials.
BACKGROUND
Enhancing cardiovascular fitness can lead to substantial health benefits. High-intensity interval training (HIT) is an efficient way to develop cardiovascular fitness, yet comparisons between this type of training and traditional endurance training are equivocal.
OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to meta-analyse the effects of endurance training and HIT on the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) of healthy, young to middle-aged adults.
METHODS
Six electronic databases were searched (MEDLINE, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, CINAHL and Google Scholar) for original research articles. A search was conducted and search terms included 'high intensity', 'HIT', 'sprint interval training', 'endurance training', 'peak oxygen uptake', and 'VO2max'. Inclusion criteria were controlled trials, healthy adults aged 18-45 years, training duration ≥2 weeks, VO2max assessed pre- and post-training. Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. This resulted in 723 participants with a mean ± standard deviation (SD) age and initial fitness of 25.1 ± 5 years and 40.8 ± 7.9 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1), respectively. We made probabilistic magnitude-based inferences for meta-analysed effects based on standardised thresholds for small, moderate and large changes (0.2, 0.6 and 1.2, respectively) derived from between-subject SDs for baseline VO2max.
RESULTS
The meta-analysed effect of endurance training on VO2max was a possibly large beneficial effect (4.9 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); 95 % confidence limits ±1.4 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)), when compared with no-exercise controls. A possibly moderate additional increase was observed for typically younger subjects (2.4 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±2.1 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)) and interventions of longer duration (2.2 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±3.0 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)), and a small additional improvement for subjects with lower baseline fitness (1.4 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±2.0 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)). When compared with no-exercise controls, there was likely a large beneficial effect of HIT (5.5 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±1.2 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)), with a likely moderate greater additional increase for subjects with lower baseline fitness (3.2 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±1.9 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)) and interventions of longer duration (3.0 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±1.9 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)), and a small lesser effect for typically longer HIT repetitions (-1.8 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±2.7 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)). The modifying effects of age (0.8 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±2.1 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)) and work/rest ratio (0.5 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±1.6 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)) were unclear. When compared with endurance training, there was a possibly small beneficial effect for HIT (1.2 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±0.9 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)) with small additional improvements for typically longer HIT repetitions (2.2 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±2.1 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)), older subjects (1.8 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±1.7 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)), interventions of longer duration (1.7 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±1.7 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)), greater work/rest ratio (1.6 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±1.5 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)) and lower baseline fitness (0.8 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±1.3 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)).
CONCLUSION
Endurance training and HIT both elicit large improvements in the VO2max of healthy, young to middle-aged adults, with the gains in VO2max being greater following HIT when compared with endurance training.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Humans; Middle Aged; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Education and Training; Physical Endurance; Physical Fitness; Young Adult
PubMed: 26243014
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-015-0365-0 -
Critical Reviews in Food Science and... 2021Beetroot juice (BRJ) has become increasingly popular amongst athletes aiming to improve sport performances. BRJ contains high concentrations of nitrate, which can be...
Beetroot juice (BRJ) has become increasingly popular amongst athletes aiming to improve sport performances. BRJ contains high concentrations of nitrate, which can be converted into nitric oxide (NO) after consumption. NO has various functions in the human body, including a vasodilatory effect, which reduces blood pressure and increases oxygen- and nutrient delivery to various organs. These effects indicate that BRJ may have relevant applications in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the consumption of BRJ also has an impact on oxygen delivery to skeletal muscles, muscle efficiency, tolerance and endurance and may thus have a positive impact on sports performances. Aside from the beneficial aspects of BRJ consumption, there may also be potential health risks. Drinking BRJ may easily increase nitrate intake above the acceptable daily intake, which is known to stimulate the endogenous formation of nitroso compounds (NOC's), a class of compounds that is known to be carcinogenic and that may also induce several other adverse effects. Compared to studies on the beneficial effects, the amount of data and literature on the negative effects of BRJ is rather limited, and should be increased in order to perform a balanced risk assessment.
Topics: Antioxidants; Beta vulgaris; Dietary Supplements; Fruit and Vegetable Juices; Humans; Nitrates; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 32292042
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1746629 -
Nefrologia 2020Physical exercise may offer multiple benefits to patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it was not traditionally recommended because of the possibility of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Physical exercise may offer multiple benefits to patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it was not traditionally recommended because of the possibility of impairing renal function and increasing proteinuria. The objective of this study is to review the clinical trials on physical exercise in patients with CKD and describe its effect on the progression of kidney disease and other factors associated. Randomized clinical trials (RCT) comparing an intervention that included an exercise component with a control group without physical exercise in non-dialysis patients with CKD from 2007 to 2018 in English and Spanish were included. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Ovid (Medline) and PEDro databases were used for the search. Effects of physical exercise were summarized by the standardized mean difference (SMD). No differences were found in glomerular filtration rate or proteinuria between the intervention group and the control group: SMD -0.3 (P=.81); SMD 26.6 (P=.82). Positive effects were obtained on peak oxygen consumption: SMD 2.5 (P<.001), functional capacity: SMD 56.6 (P<.001), upper limb strength: SMD 6.8 (P<.001) and hemoglobin: SMD 0.3 (P=.003). An improvement on the quality of life was also evident using the KDQOL-36 survey: SMD 3.56 (P=.02) and the SF-36 survey: SMD 6.66 (P=.02). In conclusion, the practice of low-intensity physical exercise routinely has no negative impact on renal function. On the contrary, it improves aerobic and functional capacity, impacting positively on the quality of life.
Topics: Cardiovascular System; Combined Modality Therapy; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Humans; Kidney; Male; Oxygen Consumption; Proteinuria; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Renal Replacement Therapy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32305232
DOI: 10.1016/j.nefro.2020.01.002 -
International Journal of Sports... Jun 2022This review aimed to determine (1) performance and training characteristics such as training intensity distribution (TID), volume, periodization, and methods in highly...
PURPOSE
This review aimed to determine (1) performance and training characteristics such as training intensity distribution (TID), volume, periodization, and methods in highly trained/elite distance runners and (2) differences in training volume and TID between event distances in highly trained/elite distance runners.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was carried out using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.
RESULTS
Ten articles met the inclusion criteria. Highly trained/elite distance runners typically follow a pyramidal TID approach, characterized by a decreasing training volume from zone 1 (at or below speed at first ventilatory/lactate threshold [LT]) to zone 2 (between speeds associated with either both ventilatory thresholds or 2 and 4 mmol·L-1 LTs [vLT1 and vLT2, respectively]) and zone 3 (speed above vVT2/vLT2). Continuous-tempo runs or interval training sessions at vLT2 in zone 2 (ie, medium and long aerobic intervals) and those in zone 3 (ie, anaerobic or short-interval training) were both used at least once per week each in elite runners, and they were used to increase the number of either vLT2 or z3 sessions to adopt either a pyramidal or a polarized approach, respectively. More pyramidal- and polarized-oriented approaches were used by marathoners and 1500-m runners, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Highly trained and elite middle- and long-distance runners are encouraged to adopt a traditional periodization pattern with a hard day-easy day basis, consisting in a shift from a pyramidal TID used during the preparatory and precompetitive periods toward a polarized TID during the competitive period.
Topics: Humans; Lactic Acid; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Endurance; Running
PubMed: 35418513
DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2021-0435 -
Obesity Reviews : An Official Journal... Jun 2017The objective of this study is to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) for improvements in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The effects of high-intensity interval training vs. moderate-intensity continuous training on body composition in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) for improvements in body composition in overweight and obese adults.
METHODS
Trials comparing HIIT and MICT in overweight or obese participants aged 18-45 years were included. Direct measures (e.g. whole-body fat mass) and indirect measures (e.g. waist circumference) were examined.
RESULTS
From 1,334 articles initially screened, 13 were included. Studies averaged 10 weeks × 3 sessions per week training. Both HIIT and MICT elicited significant (p < 0.05) reductions in whole-body fat mass and waist circumference. There were no significant differences between HIIT and MICT for any body composition measure, but HIIT required ~40% less training time commitment. Running training displayed large effects on whole-body fat mass for both HIIT and MICT (standardized mean difference -0.82 and -0.85, respectively), but cycling training did not induce fat loss.
CONCLUSIONS
Short-term moderate-intensity to high-intensity exercise training can induce modest body composition improvements in overweight and obese individuals without accompanying body-weight changes. HIIT and MICT show similar effectiveness across all body composition measures suggesting that HIIT may be a time-efficient component of weight management programs.
Topics: Adult; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Energy Metabolism; Heart Rate; High-Intensity Interval Training; Humans; Obesity; Overweight; Oxygen Consumption
PubMed: 28401638
DOI: 10.1111/obr.12532 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Aug 2016To quantify the dose-response associations between total physical activity and risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and ischemic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Physical activity and risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and ischemic stroke events: systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify the dose-response associations between total physical activity and risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and ischemic stroke events.
DESIGN
Systematic review and Bayesian dose-response meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed and Embase from 1980 to 27 February 2016, and references from relevant systematic reviews. Data from the Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health conducted in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa from 2007 to 2010 and the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 1999 to 2011 were used to map domain specific physical activity (reported in included studies) to total activity.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
Prospective cohort studies examining the associations between physical activity (any domain) and at least one of the five diseases studied.
RESULTS
174 articles were identified: 35 for breast cancer, 19 for colon cancer, 55 for diabetes, 43 for ischemic heart disease, and 26 for ischemic stroke (some articles included multiple outcomes). Although higher levels of total physical activity were significantly associated with lower risk for all outcomes, major gains occurred at lower levels of activity (up to 3000-4000 metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes/week). For example, individuals with a total activity level of 600 MET minutes/week (the minimum recommended level) had a 2% lower risk of diabetes compared with those reporting no physical activity. An increase from 600 to 3600 MET minutes/week reduced the risk by an additional 19%. The same amount of increase yielded much smaller returns at higher levels of activity: an increase of total activity from 9000 to 12 000 MET minutes/week reduced the risk of diabetes by only 0.6%. Compared with insufficiently active individuals (total activity <600 MET minutes/week), the risk reduction for those in the highly active category (≥8000 MET minutes/week) was 14% (relative risk 0.863, 95% uncertainty interval 0.829 to 0.900) for breast cancer; 21% (0.789, 0.735 to 0.850) for colon cancer; 28% (0.722, 0.678 to 0.768) for diabetes; 25% (0.754, 0.704 to 0.809) for ischemic heart disease; and 26% (0.736, 0.659 to 0.811) for ischemic stroke.
CONCLUSIONS
People who achieve total physical activity levels several times higher than the current recommended minimum level have a significant reduction in the risk of the five diseases studied. More studies with detailed quantification of total physical activity will help to find more precise relative risk estimates for different levels of activity.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; China; Colonic Neoplasms; Diabetes Mellitus; Exercise; Ghana; Global Burden of Disease; Humans; India; Metabolic Equivalent; Mexico; Myocardial Ischemia; Risk Factors; Russia; South Africa; Stroke; Time Factors
PubMed: 27510511
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.i3857 -
Nutrients Aug 2021A low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet has been proposed to enhance the fat utilization of muscle and the aerobic capacity of endurance athletes, thereby improving... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
A low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet has been proposed to enhance the fat utilization of muscle and the aerobic capacity of endurance athletes, thereby improving their exercise performance. However, it remains uncertain how the macronutrient intake shift from carbohydrate to fat affects endurance exercise training and performance. This study performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effects of a ketogenic low-carbohydrate, high-fat (K-LCHF) diet on aerobic capacity and exercise performance among endurance athletes. Searches were carried out in five electronic databases, and we followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search included studies using an LCHF diet as an intervention protocol and compared data on factors such as maximum oxygen uptake (VOmax) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) from the graded exercise test. In this case, 10 studies met the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. We did not find a significant effect of K-LCHF diet interventions on VOmax, time to exhaustion, HRmax or RPE. However, a significant overall effect in the substrate oxidation response to respiratory exchange rate was observed. The meta-analysis showed that K-LCHF diets did not affect aerobic capacity and exercise performance. Therefore, high-quality interventions of a K-LCHF diet are needed to illustrate its effect on various endurance training programs.
Topics: Adult; Athletes; Diet, Ketogenic; Exercise Tolerance; Female; Hemodynamics; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutritive Value; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Conditioning, Human; Physical Endurance; Respiratory Mechanics; Young Adult
PubMed: 34445057
DOI: 10.3390/nu13082896 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2020Levels of physical activity and physical fitness are low after stroke. Interventions to increase physical fitness could reduce mortality and reduce disability through... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Levels of physical activity and physical fitness are low after stroke. Interventions to increase physical fitness could reduce mortality and reduce disability through increased function.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objectives of this updated review were to determine whether fitness training after stroke reduces death, death or dependence, and disability. The secondary objectives were to determine the effects of training on adverse events, risk factors, physical fitness, mobility, physical function, health status and quality of life, mood, and cognitive function.
SEARCH METHODS
In July 2018 we searched the Cochrane Stroke Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, and four additional databases. We also searched ongoing trials registers and conference proceedings, screened reference lists, and contacted experts in the field.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised trials comparing either cardiorespiratory training or resistance training, or both (mixed training), with usual care, no intervention, or a non-exercise intervention in stroke survivors.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently selected studies, assessed quality and risk of bias, and extracted data. We analysed data using random-effects meta-analyses and assessed the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. Diverse outcome measures limited the intended analyses.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 75 studies, involving 3017 mostly ambulatory participants, which comprised cardiorespiratory (32 studies, 1631 participants), resistance (20 studies, 779 participants), and mixed training interventions (23 studies, 1207 participants). Death was not influenced by any intervention; risk differences were all 0.00 (low-certainty evidence). There were few deaths overall (19/3017 at end of intervention and 19/1469 at end of follow-up). None of the studies assessed death or dependence as a composite outcome. Disability scores were improved at end of intervention by cardiorespiratory training (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.52, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.84; 8 studies, 462 participants; P = 0.002; moderate-certainty evidence) and mixed training (SMD 0.23, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.42; 9 studies, 604 participants; P = 0.02; low-certainty evidence). There were too few data to assess the effects of resistance training on disability. Secondary outcomes showed multiple benefits for physical fitness (VO peak and strength), mobility (walking speed) and physical function (balance). These physical effects tended to be intervention-specific with the evidence mostly low or moderate certainty. Risk factor data were limited or showed no effects apart from cardiorespiratory fitness (VO peak), which increased after cardiorespiratory training (mean difference (MD) 3.40 mL/kg/min, 95% CI 2.98 to 3.83; 9 studies, 438 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). There was no evidence of any serious adverse events. Lack of data prevents conclusions about effects of training on mood, quality of life, and cognition. Lack of data also meant benefits at follow-up (i.e. after training had stopped) were unclear but some mobility benefits did persist. Risk of bias varied across studies but imbalanced amounts of exposure in control and intervention groups was a common issue affecting many comparisons.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Few deaths overall suggest exercise is a safe intervention but means we cannot determine whether exercise reduces mortality or the chance of death or dependency. Cardiorespiratory training and, to a lesser extent mixed training, reduce disability during or after usual stroke care; this could be mediated by improved mobility and balance. There is sufficient evidence to incorporate cardiorespiratory and mixed training, involving walking, within post-stroke rehabilitation programmes to improve fitness, balance and the speed and capacity of walking. The magnitude of VO peak increase after cardiorespiratory training has been suggested to reduce risk of stroke hospitalisation by ˜7%. Cognitive function is under-investigated despite being a key outcome of interest for patients. Further well-designed randomised trials are needed to determine the optimal exercise prescription, the range of benefits and any long-term benefits.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Middle Aged; Muscle Strength; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Fitness; Physical Functional Performance; Postural Balance; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Resistance Training; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Survivors; Walking; Walking Speed
PubMed: 32196635
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003316.pub7