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Journal of Anxiety Disorders Dec 2017Evidence supports exercise as an intervention for many mental health concerns; however, randomized controlled investigations of the efficacy of different exercise... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Evidence supports exercise as an intervention for many mental health concerns; however, randomized controlled investigations of the efficacy of different exercise modalities and predictors of change are lacking. The purposes of the current trial were to: (1) quantify the effects of aerobic exercise and resistance training on anxiety-related disorder (including anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder) status, symptoms, and constructs, (2) evaluate whether both modalities of exercise were equivalent, and (3) to determine whether exercise enjoyment and physical fitness are associated with symptom reduction. A total of 48 individuals with anxiety-related disorders were randomized to aerobic exercise, resistance training, or a waitlist. Symptoms of anxiety-related disorders, related constructs, and exercise enjoyment were assessed at pre-intervention and weekly during the 4-week intervention. Participants were further assessed 1-week and 1-month post-intervention. Both exercise modalities were efficacious in improving disorder status. As well, aerobic exercise improved general psychological distress and anxiety, while resistance training improved disorder-specific symptoms, anxiety sensitivity, distress tolerance, and intolerance of uncertainty. Physical fitness predicted reductions in general psychological distress for both types of exercise and reductions in stress for aerobic exercise. Results highlight the efficacy of different exercise modalities in uniquely addressing anxiety-related disorder symptoms and constructs.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anxiety Disorders; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Male; Mental Health; Middle Aged; Resistance Training; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Treatment Outcome; Uncertainty; Young Adult
PubMed: 29049901
DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2017.09.005 -
Comprehensive Physiology Dec 2015Aerobic exercise training leads to cardiovascular changes that markedly increase aerobic power and lead to improved endurance performance. The functionally most... (Review)
Review
Aerobic exercise training leads to cardiovascular changes that markedly increase aerobic power and lead to improved endurance performance. The functionally most important adaptation is the improvement in maximal cardiac output which is the result of an enlargement in cardiac dimension, improved contractility, and an increase in blood volume, allowing for greater filling of the ventricles and a consequent larger stroke volume. In parallel with the greater maximal cardiac output, the perfusion capacity of the muscle is increased, permitting for greater oxygen delivery. To accommodate the higher aerobic demands and perfusion levels, arteries, arterioles, and capillaries adapt in structure and number. The diameters of the larger conduit and resistance arteries are increased minimizing resistance to flow as the cardiac output is distributed in the body and the wall thickness of the conduit and resistance arteries is reduced, a factor contributing to increased arterial compliance. Endurance training may also induce alterations in the vasodilator capacity, although such adaptations are more pronounced in individuals with reduced vascular function. The microvascular net increases in size within the muscle allowing for an improved capacity for oxygen extraction by the muscle through a greater area for diffusion, a shorter diffusion distance, and a longer mean transit time for the erythrocyte to pass through the smallest blood vessels. The present article addresses the effect of endurance training on systemic and peripheral cardiovascular adaptations with a focus on humans, but also covers animal data.
Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Animals; Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; Exercise; Humans; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Resistance Training; Vascular Remodeling
PubMed: 26756625
DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c140080 -
Journal of Parkinson's Disease 2020Over the past two decades, aerobic exercise has emerged as a mainstream recommendation to aid in treating Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite the acknowledgement of the... (Review)
Review
Over the past two decades, aerobic exercise has emerged as a mainstream recommendation to aid in treating Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite the acknowledgement of the benefits of exercise for people with PD (PwPD), frequently, exercise recommendations lack specificity in terms of frequency, intensity and duration. Additionally, conflating physical activity with exercise has contributed to providing vague exercise recommendations to PwPD. Therefore, the beneficial effects of exercise may not be fully realized in PwPD. Data provided by animal studies and select human trials indicate aerobic exercise may facilitate structural and functional changes in the brain. Recently, several large human clinical trials have been completed and collectively support the use of aerobic exercise, specifically high-intensity aerobic exercise, in improving PD motor symptoms. Data from these and other studies provide the basis to include aerobic exercise as an integral component in treating PD. Based on positive clinical findings and trials, it is advised that PwPD perform aerobic exercise in the following dose: 3x/week, 30-40-minute main exercise set, 60-80% of heart rate reserve or 70-85% of heart rate max. In lieu of heart rate, individuals can achieve an intensity of 14-17 on a 20-point RPE scale. Ongoing clinical trials, SPARX3 and CYCLE-II, have potential to further develop patient-specific exercise recommendations through prognostic modeling.
Topics: Animals; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Parkinson Disease; Prescriptions
PubMed: 32925109
DOI: 10.3233/JPD-202100 -
International Journal of Environmental... Oct 2021Impairment of vascular function, in particular endothelial dysfunction and large elastic artery stiffening, represents a major link between ageing and cardiovascular... (Review)
Review
Impairment of vascular function, in particular endothelial dysfunction and large elastic artery stiffening, represents a major link between ageing and cardiovascular risk. Clinical and experimental studies identified numerous mechanisms responsible for age-related decline of endothelial function and arterial compliance. Since most of these mechanisms are related to oxidative stress or low-grade inflammation, strategies that suppress oxidative stress and inflammation could be effective for preventing age-related changes in arterial function. Indeed, aerobic physical activity, which has been shown to improve intracellular redox balance and mitochondrial health and reduce levels of systemic inflammatory markers, also improves endothelial function and arterial distensibility and reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases. The present paper provides a brief overview of processes underlying age-related changes in arterial function, as well as the mechanisms through which aerobic exercise might prevent or interrupt these processes, and thus attenuate vascular ageing.
Topics: Arteries; Endothelium, Vascular; Exercise; Vascular Stiffness
PubMed: 34682413
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010666 -
Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and... Jan 2023Concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury which results in symptoms within the physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep domains. Historically, guidelines... (Review)
Review
Concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury which results in symptoms within the physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep domains. Historically, guidelines established by expert opinion have recommended rest during the initial stages of recovery following a concussion until symptom resolution. However, recent recommendations have shifted to advise an initial period of 24-48 h of rest immediately following concussion with the gradual introduction of light-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise thereafter. Given the relatively recent transition in recommendations, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current literature on the efficacy of aerobic exercise following concussion. The current literature is limited to studies assessing the impact of standardized aerobic exercise following concussion. Upon review, literature suggests participating in aerobic exercise below the point of symptom exacerbation is safe in both the acute and chronic post-concussion symptom stages of recovery and does not delay time to medical clearance. Future large-scale randomized controlled trials assessing the impact of aerobic exercise and differences between males and females would help support the current evidence suggesting aerobic exercise could improve time to recovery following concussion and identify any sex differences in response. As well, future studies with the purpose of identifying optimal aerobic exercise volume and intensity in the treatment of concussion could improve the specificity of the current guidelines.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Brain Concussion; Post-Concussion Syndrome; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Rest
PubMed: 36423352
DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2022-0139 -
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine &... Dec 2013Recently, several studies have examined whether low-volume sprint interval training (SIT) may improve aerobic and metabolic function. The objective of this study was to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Recently, several studies have examined whether low-volume sprint interval training (SIT) may improve aerobic and metabolic function. The objective of this study was to systematically review the existing literature regarding the aerobic and metabolic effects of SIT in healthy sedentary or recreationally active adults. A systematic literature search was performed (Bibliotek.dk, SPORTDiscus, Embase, PEDro, SveMed+, and Pubmed). Meta-analytical procedures were applied evaluating effects on maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). Nineteen unique studies [four randomized controlled trials (RCTs), nine matched-controlled trials and six noncontrolled studies] were identified, evaluating SIT interventions lasting 2-8 weeks. Strong evidence support improvements of aerobic exercise performance and VO2max following SIT. A meta-analysis across 13 studies evaluating effects of SIT on VO2max showed a weighted mean effects size of g = 0.63 95% CI (0.39; 0.87) and VO2max increases of 4.2-13.4%. Solid evidence support peripheral adaptations known to increase the oxidative potential of the muscle following SIT, whereas evidence regarding central adaptations was limited and equivocal. Some evidence indicated changes in substrate oxidation at rest and during exercise as well as improved glycemic control and insulin sensitivity following SIT. In conclusion, strong evidence support improvement of aerobic exercise performance and VO2max following SIT, which coincides with peripheral muscular adaptations. Future RCTs on long-term SIT and underlying mechanisms are warranted.
Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Anaerobic Threshold; Exercise; Exercise Test; Humans; Muscle, Skeletal; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Endurance; Physical Fitness; Running
PubMed: 23889316
DOI: 10.1111/sms.12092 -
Journal of Human Hypertension Mar 2017One bout of aerobic exercise and regular participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to result in a lowering of office and ambulatory blood pressure of hypertensive... (Review)
Review
One bout of aerobic exercise and regular participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to result in a lowering of office and ambulatory blood pressure of hypertensive individuals. Higher-intensity aerobic exercise, up to 70% of maximal oxygen consumption, does not produce a greater hypotensive effect, compared with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. Intermittent aerobic and anaerobic exercise, however, performed at an intensity >70% of maximal oxygen uptake has been shown to significantly reduce office and ambulatory blood pressure of hypertensive individuals. Thus, faster, more intense forms of exercise can also bring about blood pressure reduction in the hypertensive population. Compared with continuous moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, high-intensity intermittent exercise typically results in a greater aerobic fitness increase in less time and produces greater changes in arterial stiffness, endothelial function, insulin resistance and mitochondrial biogenesis. One of the characteristics of high-intensity intermittent training is that it typically involves markedly lower training volume compared with traditional aerobic and resistance exercise programmes making it a time-efficient strategy to accrue adaptations and blood pressure benefits. This review briefly summarizes the results of studies that have examined the effects of single and repeated bouts of aerobic and resistance exercise on office and ambulatory blood pressure of hypertensive individuals. Then a more detailed summary of studies examining the effect of high-intensity intermittent exercise and training on hypertension is provided.
Topics: Blood Pressure; Exercise; Humans; Hypertension; Resistance Training
PubMed: 27604656
DOI: 10.1038/jhh.2016.62 -
Psycho-oncology Apr 2018To examine the dose-response effects of aerobic exercise on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among colon cancer survivors. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
To examine the dose-response effects of aerobic exercise on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among colon cancer survivors.
METHODS
Thirty-nine stage I to III colon cancer survivors were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: usual-care control, 150 min·wk of aerobic exercise (low-dose) and 300 min·wk of aerobic exercise (high-dose) for 6 months. HRQoL outcomes included the Short Form (SF)-36 physical and mental component summary, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory, Fatigue Symptom Inventory, and North Central Cancer Treatment Group bowel function questionnaire, assessed at baseline and post intervention. The primary hypothesis was that exercise would improve HRQoL outcomes in a dose-response fashion, such that high-dose aerobic exercise would yield the largest improvements in HRQoL outcomes.
RESULTS
Over 6 months, the low-dose group completed 141 ± 10 min·wk of aerobic exercise, and the high-dose group completed 247 ± 11 min·wk of aerobic exercise. Over 6 months, exercise improved the physical component summary score of the SF-36 (P = 0.002), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal (P = 0.025), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (P = 0.049), and the Fatigue Symptom Inventory (P = 0.045) in a dose-response fashion. Between-group standardized mean difference effects sizes for the above-described findings were small to moderate in magnitude (0.35-0.75). No dose-response effects were observed for the mental component summary score of the SF-36, the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory, or bowel function.
CONCLUSION
Higher doses of aerobic exercise, up to 300 min·wk , improve multiple HRQoL outcomes among stage I to III colon cancer survivors. These findings provide evidence that aerobic exercise may provide multiple health benefits for colon cancer survivors.
Topics: Cancer Survivors; Colonic Neoplasms; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Fatigue; Female; Health Status; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Quality of Life
PubMed: 29388275
DOI: 10.1002/pon.4655 -
Nature Reviews. Neuroscience Jan 2008An emerging body of multidisciplinary literature has documented the beneficial influence of physical activity engendered through aerobic exercise on selective aspects of... (Review)
Review
An emerging body of multidisciplinary literature has documented the beneficial influence of physical activity engendered through aerobic exercise on selective aspects of brain function. Human and non-human animal studies have shown that aerobic exercise can improve a number of aspects of cognition and performance. Lack of physical activity, particularly among children in the developed world, is one of the major causes of obesity. Exercise might not only help to improve their physical health, but might also improve their academic performance. This article examines the positive effects of aerobic physical activity on cognition and brain function, at the molecular, cellular, systems and behavioural levels. A growing number of studies support the idea that physical exercise is a lifestyle factor that might lead to increased physical and mental health throughout life.
Topics: Aging; Animals; Brain; Cognition; Educational Status; Exercise; Heart; Humans
PubMed: 18094706
DOI: 10.1038/nrn2298 -
Neurochemistry International Dec 2020Aerobic exercise facilitates optimal neurological function and exerts beneficial effects in neurologic injuries. Both animal and clinical studies have shown that aerobic... (Review)
Review
Aerobic exercise facilitates optimal neurological function and exerts beneficial effects in neurologic injuries. Both animal and clinical studies have shown that aerobic exercise reduces brain lesion volume and improves multiple aspects of cognition and motor function after stroke. Studies using animal models have proposed a wide range of potential molecular mechanisms that underlie the neurological benefits of aerobic exercise. Furthermore, additional exercise parameters, including time of initiation, exercise dosage (exercise duration and intensity), and treatment modality are also critical for clinical application, as identifying the optimal combination of parameters will afford patients with maximal functional gains. To clarify these issues, the current review summarizes the known neurological benefits of aerobic exercise under both physiological and pathological conditions and then considers the molecular mechanisms underlying these benefits in the contexts of stroke-like focal cerebral ischemia and cardiac arrest-induced global cerebral ischemia. In addition, we explore the key roles of exercise parameters on the extent of aerobic exercise-induced neurological benefits to elucidate the optimal combination for aerobic exercise intervention. Finally, the current challenges for aerobic exercise implementation after stroke are discussed.
Topics: Animals; Exercise; Humans; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Neurological Rehabilitation; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Recovery of Function; Stroke Rehabilitation
PubMed: 33031857
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104862