The Effects of a 12-Week Combined Exercise Training Program on Arterial Stiffness, Vasoactive Substances, Inflammatory Markers, Metabolic Profile, and Body Composition in Obese Adolescent Girls

Effects of exercise training on glucose metabolism indicators and inflammatory markers in obese children and adolescents: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Obesity in children and adolescents is a serious problem, and the efficacy of exercise therapy for these patients is controversial.

AIM

To assess the efficacy of exercise training on overweight and obese children based on glucose metabolism indicators and inflammatory markers.

METHODS

The PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched for ran-domized controlled trials related to exercise training and obese children until October 2023. The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software to evaluate the efficacy of exercise therapy on glucose metabolism indicators and inflammatory markers in obese children.

RESULTS

In total, 1010 patients from 28 studies were included. Exercise therapy reduced the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) [standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.24 to -0.32, P = 0.0008], fasting insulin (FINS) (SMD: -1.55; 95%CI: -2.12 to -0.98, P < 0.00001), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (SMD: -1.58; 95%CI: -2.20 to -0.97, P < 0.00001), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (SMD: -1.31; 95%CI: -2.07 to -0.55, P = 0.0007), C-reactive protein (CRP) (SMD: -0.64; 95%CI: -1.21 to -0.08, P = 0.03), and leptin (SMD: -3.43; 95%CI: -5.82 to -1.05, P = 0.005) in overweight and obese children. Exercise training increased adiponectin levels (SMD: 1.24; 95%CI: 0.30 to 2.18, P = 0.01) but did not improve tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels (SMD: -0.80; 95%CI: -1.77 to 0.18, P = 0.11).

CONCLUSION

In summary, exercise therapy improves glucose metabolism by reducing levels of FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, as well as improves inflammatory status by reducing levels of IL-6, CRP, leptin, and increasing levels of adiponectin in overweight and obese children. There was no statistically significant effect between exercise training and levels of TNF-α. Additional long-term trials should be conducted to explore this therapeutic perspective and confirm these results.

The effects of exercise training on inflammatory markers in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Exercise training is effective for improving cardiometabolic health in children and adolescents, but less is known about its impact on inflammatory markers. We therefore, undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the role of exercise training on pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in children and adolescents.

METHOD

A comprehensive search was conducted in three electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, from inception to December 2023 to identify exercise trials with and without control groups, involving participants with mean ages ranging from ≥ 6 to < 18 years, of age with measurements of at least one of the following pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, or CRP. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95 % confidence interval (ICs) were calculated using random effects models.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight studies involving 2043 children and adolescents were included. The results show that exercise training resulted in significant reductions in IL-6 [SMD: -0.44; 95 % CI: -0.68, -0.21; P = 0.001] and CRP [SMD: -0.28; 95 % CI: -0.41, -0.16; P = 0.001], but not TNF-α [SMD: -0.15; 95 % CI: -0.38, -0.07; P = 0.19]. Subgroup analyses showed that IL-6 and CRP were reduced with aerobic training in adolescents, as was CRP with high-intensity interval training.

CONCLUSION

These results provide evidence that exercise training is effective for reducing IL-6 and CRP in adolescents, but not in children, and any benefits may be modulated by the type of exercise performed.

Exercise and Insulin Resistance Markers in Children and Adolescents With Excess Weight: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Importance

Although benefits have been reported for most exercise modalities, the most effective exercise approaches for reducing insulin resistance in children and adolescents with excess weight and the optimal exercise dose remain unknown.

Objective

To compare exercise training modalities and their association with changes in insulin resistance markers among children and adolescents with excess weight and to establish the optimal exercise dose.

Data Sources

For this systematic review and network meta-analysis, 6 electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL) were searched for studies from inception to April 1, 2023.

Study Selection

Randomized clinical trials (ie, randomized controlled trials and randomized trials without a control group) were included if they reported outcomes associated with aerobic training, resistance training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or a combination of these interventions.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data extraction for this systematic review was conducted following a network meta-analysis extension of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guideline. Effect sizes were calculated as the mean difference (MD) with 95% CI using random-effects inverse-variance models with the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method. The hierarchy of competing interventions was defined using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve. The Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool, version 2 (RoB2), was used to independently assess the risk of bias of the included studies. The certainty of evidence in consistent networks was assessed using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. The study protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO. Data analyses were conducted between May and June 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were fasting glucose, insulin, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

Results

This analysis included 55 studies with a total of 3051 children and adolescents (mean [SD] age, 13.5 [2.3] years; 1537 girls [50.4%] and 1514 boys [49.6%]). Exercise was associated with reductions in fasting insulin (MD, -4.38 μU/mL [95% CI, -5.94 to -2.82 μU/mL]) and HOMA-IR (MD, -0.87 [95% CI, -1.20 to -0.53]). A nonlinear association in both markers was observed, with a required minimal exercise dosage of approximately 900 to 1200 metabolic equivalent of task minutes per week, especially in children and adolescents with insulin resistance at baseline. Combination HIIT and resistance training and concurrent training were the most effective approaches for reducing insulin resistance markers. On average, the certainty of evidence varied from low to moderate.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings underscore the role of exercise interventions in enhancing insulin resistance markers among children and adolescents with overweight and obesity. It is advisable to include resistance exercises alongside aerobic and HIIT programs for a minimum of two to three 60-minute sessions per week.

Childhood and Adolescent Obesity with Somatic Indicators of Stress, Inflammation, and Dysmetabolism before and after Intervention: A Meta-Analysis

There have been numerous attempts to establish a correlation between obesity and stress, inflammatory, and dysmetabolism biomarkers in children and adolescents. Here, we performed a meta-analysis of existing studies to shed light on the elusive correlations of childhood and adolescent obesity with physiological indicators of stress, inflammation, and metabolism before and after lifestyle interventions. Observational studies, meta-analyses, narrative and systematic reviews were excluded. From a total of 53 articles, 11 were selected according to specific criteria. The biomarkers examined were circulating glucose, insulin, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, adiponectin, leptin, CRP, TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and HOMA-IR. All analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 28.0.1.0 (142). The current meta-analysis provides evidence of a beneficial effect of a lifestyle intervention and/or drugs in children and adolescents living with obesity or overweight, consistent with a significant reduction in body fat-but not in BMI or waist circumference-an increase in circulating adiponectin and/or a reduction in serum insulin levels and diastolic blood pressure, and a trend towards a reduction of circulating leptin and glucose levels, as well as of the HOMA-IR. This meta-analysis indicates that lifestyle interventions could reduce overweight-/obesity-associated systemic inflammation and dysmetabolism even without an apparent decrease in BMI.

The effects of exercise training on insulin resistance in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim

The aim of present meta-analysis was to determine the effects of exercise training (Exe) on insulin resistance (IR) and body weight in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for original articles, published through October 2022 that included exercise versus control interventions on fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and body weight outcomes in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity. Standardized mean differences (SMD) for fasting insulin, and weighted mean differences (WMD) for fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, body weight (BW), and 95% confidence intervals were determined using random effects models.

Results

Thirty-five studies comprising 1,550 children and adolescents with overweight and obesity were included in the present meta-analysis. Exercise training reduced fasting glucose (WMD=-2.52 mg/dL, p=0.001), fasting insulin (SMD=-0.77, p=0.001), HOMA-IR (WMD=-0.82, p=0.001), and BW (WMD=-1.51 kg, p=0.001), as compared to a control. Subgroup analyses showed that biological sex, intervention duration, type of exercise training, BMI percentile, and health status (with or without diagnosed condition), were sources of heterogeneity.

Conclusion

Exercise training is effective for lowering fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and BW in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity and could provide an important strategy for controlling IR and related factors. With clear evidence for the effectiveness of exercise interventions in this vulnerable population, it is important to determine effective approaches for increasing exercise training in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity.

Preventative interventions that target cardiovascular dysfunction in children and young people: a systematic review of their effectiveness and an investigation of sexual dimorphism

Given that cardiovascular diseases remain a primary cause of mortality and morbidity, there is a need to consider preventative strategies to improve vascular function from early in life. The aims of this study were therefore to investigate which interventions may improve endothelial function, intima media thickness and arterial stiffness in children and young people and to assess whether these interventions differ in boys and girls. A systematic literature search of Science Direct, Pubmed, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library by two independent reviewers was performed to source articles. Inclusion criteria were any studies including any child ≤18 years of age receiving an intervention, which measured vascular function other than blood pressure. Exclusion criteria were studies assessing children with chronic medical conditions. A total of 72 studies were identified, which met the inclusion criteria. A measurable change in outcome was more likely to be reported in studies investigating endothelial function (p = 0.03). Interventions which improved vascular function included physical activity and dietary programmes. Under 10% of studies considered sex differences. In conclusion, school-based physical activity interventions are most likely to result in improvements in vascular function. Endothelial function may be the first variable of vascular function to change secondary to an intervention. Standardisation of reporting of differences between the sexes is essential to be able to ensure interventions are equally effective for boys and girls.

Effects of different exercise modalities and intensities on body composition in overweight and obese children and adolescents: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Introduction: Childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity are global public health issues. Previous studies on exercise and overweight and obese children have produced inconsistent findings and lacked comparisons between different exercise modalities and intensities. Therefore, a network meta-analysis is necessary to provide evidence-based intervention programs. This study aims to identify the effects of different exercise modalities and intensities on changes in body composition in overweight and obese children and adolescents. Methods: A search for randomized controlled trials was conducted on Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase involving exercise interventions aimed at improving body composition (body fat percentage, BMI, fat mass, fat-free mass, body weight) in overweight and obese children and adolescents. A random effects network meta-analysis was performed using STATA 14.0 software within a frequentist framework. The literature quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. Results: Thirty-two papers involving 1,452 participants were included. There were six types of intervention involved in the study, including moderate intensity aerobic exercise, high-intensity aerobic exercise, moderate intensity resistance exercise, high-intensity resistance exercise, moderate intensity combined exercise, and high-intensity combined exercise. The network meta-analysis results revealed that high-intensity combined exercise was the best exercise mode for improving BMI [mean difference in kg/m² = -1.65, 95% CI (-3.27, -0.02)] and reducing fat mass [mean difference in kg = -2.87, 95% CI (-4.84, -0.91)]. Moderate intensity combined exercise was the best mode for weight loss [mean difference in kg = -4.58, 95% CI (-5.94, -3.22)] and improvement in body fat percentage [mean difference in% = -2.52, 95% CI (-3.83, -1.20)]. High-intensity resistance exercise had the optimal effect in increasing fat-free mass [mean difference in kg = 1.10, 95% CI (0.22, 1.99)]. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study found that combined exercise, whether moderate or high intensity, was more effective than any other exercise modality in improving body fat percentage and BMI, reducing fat mass and weight. Resistance exercise was the most effective in increasing fat-free mass.

Comparative effectiveness of different types of exercise in reducing arterial stiffness in children and adolescents: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Arterial stiffness is an early and detectable marker of vascular changes leading to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD). Our objective was to compare the effectiveness of different types of exercise in reducing arterial stiffness in children and adolescents.

DESIGN

A systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted including experimental studies reporting the effects of exercise interventions on pulse wave velocity (PWV) in children and adolescents.

DATA SOURCES

Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE (via Scopus), PubMed (via Medline) and Web of Science from database inception to 25 March 2022.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Experimental studies reporting the effects of exercise interventions on PWV in children and adolescents.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies were included in the NMA, all of them were randomised controlled trials except one quasi-experimental study, with an overall risk of bias of some concern. Regarding PWV reduction, all exercise modalities were more effective than control, with standardised mean difference ranging from -1.93 (95% CI: -2.84 to -1.02) and -1.11 (95% CI: -2.01 to -0.21) for aerobic exercise and high intensity interval training (HIIT), respectively, to -0.59 (95% CI: -1.39 to 0.22) for combined exercise. Only sensorimotor training was not superior to the control group 0.11 (95% CI: -1.10 to 1.32).

CONCLUSION

Our results support that exercise interventions, especially aerobic exercise or HIIT, can improve arterial stiffness at early ages. The potential to address ACVD early and mitigate long-term consequences via exercise interventions in children and adolescents with higher arterial stiffness requires further investigation.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022322536.

A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Different Training Modalities on the Inflammatory Response in Adolescents with Obesity

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different training modalities on improving the inflammatory response in adolescents with obesity. For the study methodology, the databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, Pubmed, Web of Science, and EBSCO were selected for searching. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (ROB) tool, and statistical analysis was performed by applying RevMan 5.4.1 analysis software. A total of 14 studies with 682 subjects were included. The results of this meta-analysis showed that aerobic training (AT) and aerobic plus resistance training (AT + RT) reduced the levels of IL-6 and CRP in adolescents with obesity. Among them, AT + RT was more effective than other training modalities in reducing IL-6 and CRP in adolescents with obesity. Different training modalities have no effect on the TNF-α level in adolescents with obesity. However, regarding the increase in IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α in adolescents with obesity, resistance training (RT) did not lead to significant differences. In conclusion, long-term regular AT, AT + RT, and HIIT are all helpful in improving the inflammatory state of adolescents with obesity, with AT + RT being the best training modality to combat inflammation in adolescents with obesity.

Effects and dose-response relationships of exercise intervention on weight loss in overweight and obese children: a meta-regression and system review

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different exercise doses on weight loss in obese/overweight children. PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and the Cochrane library were searched from inception to November 2020 for randomized controlled trials. Fourty six trials involving 2,599 obese/overweight children were finally included. Different exercise dose interventions had different impacts. Exercise intervention reduce body weight (BW) by 1.46 kg (95% CI, -2.35 to -0.56, p=0.001), body fat percentage (BF%) by 2.24 (95% CI, -2.63 to -1.84, p<0.001) and body mass index (BMI) by 1.09 kg/m² (95% CI, -1.45 to -0.73, p<0.001). Each MET-h/week was association with 0.147 kg (95% CI, -0.287 to -0.007, p=0.039) decrease in BW, 0.060 (95% CI, -0.118 to -0.002, p=0.042) decrease in BF%, and 0.069 kg/m² (95% CI, -0.125 to -0.014, p=0.015) decrease in BMI. The findings suggest that there is a positive liner between exercise dose and weight loss, each MET-h/week associated with 0.147 kg, 0.060 and 0.069 kg/m² decrease in body weight, BF%, BMI, respectively.

Arterial Stiffness Assessment by Pulse Wave Velocity in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components: Is It a Useful Tool in Clinical Practice?

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is not a single disease but a cluster of metabolic disorders associated with increased risk for development of diabetes mellitus and its complications. Currently, the definition of MS published in 2009 is widely used, but there are more versions of the diagnostic criteria, making it difficult to conduct scientific discourse in this area. Increased arterial stiffness (AS) can predict the development of cardiovascular disease both in the general population and in patients with MS. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), as a standard method to assess AS, may point out subclinical organ damage in patients with hypertension. The decrease in PWV level during antihypertensive therapy can identify a group of patients with better outcomes independently of their reduction in blood pressure. The adverse effect of metabolic disturbances on arterial function can be offset by an adequate program of exercises, which includes mainly aerobic physical training. Non-insulin-based insulin resistance index can predict AS due to a strong positive correlation with PWV. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of the review of the literature concerning the relationship between MS and its components, and AS assessed by PWV, including clinical usefulness of PWV measurement in patients with MS and its components.

Exercise and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Children and Adolescents With Obesity: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in children and adolescents with obesity. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of exercise ≥4 weeks in children and adolescents with obesity were included if one or more CVD risk factors were included as an outcome. Studies were retrieved by searching 7 electronic databases, cross-referencing, and expert review. Data were pooled using the inverse-variance heterogeneity (IVhet) model and strength of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) instrument. Thirty-nine studies representing 1548 participants (847 exercise, 701 control) met the inclusion criteria. Aerobic exercise improved 10 of 12 (83.3%) outcomes (P < .05 for all) while combined aerobic and strength training improved 5 of 8 (62.5%) outcomes (P < .05 for all). The strength of evidence ranged from "very low" to "moderate." It was concluded that aerobic exercise, as well as combined aerobic and strength training, is associated with improvements in multiple CVD risk factors among children and adolescents with obesity. However, the generally low strength of evidence suggests a need for future well-designed and conducted RCTs on the effects of exercise, especially strength training, in children and adolescents with obesity.

Effect of Exercise Training on Arterial Stiffness in Overweight or Obese Populations

The purpose was to analyze the effects of exercise training (ET) on arterial stiffness in all-age overweight or obese individuals. Sixty-one trials were included with ET improving flow-mediated dilation (FMD), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and intima-media thickness (IMT). In the subgroup analysis: (i) ET improved FMD in overweight or obese children and adolescents with a large effect size (SMD=0.83, 95% CI 0.42–1.25). PWV was decreased after ET regardless of age. IMT was decreased by ET in participants younger than 60, (ii) ET improved FMD, PWV, and IMT in participants whose BMI were smaller than 30 kg/m ² , but ET only improved PWV of participants whose BMI were larger than 30 kg/m ² . (iii) AE improved FMD, PWV, and IMT. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) decreased IMT. (iv) The increase of FMD only happened when training duration was longer than eight weeks. However, ET decreased PWV when the training duration was no longer than 12 weeks. IMT was decreased when the training duration was longer than eight weeks. ET instigated an improvement in endothelial function and arterial stiffness in overweight or obese populations, but depending on the different characteristics of exercise intervention and participants’ demographics.

The Association of Physical Activity with Arterial Stiffness and Inflammation: Insight from the "Corinthia" Study

Diminished physical activity is a frequent phenomenon leading to a higher incidence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Our study aimed to assess the impact of physical activity on arterial stiffness and inflammation. Classification of physical activity was performed in 1945 individuals of the cross-sectional "Corinthia" study using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained via a standardized questionnaire. Arterial stiffness was estimated via carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity evaluation, and the inflammatory burden was assessed via high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) measurement. Participants with low physical activity had the most impaired carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity values while abnormally increased measurements-adjusted for age and blood pressure-were more frequently encountered in individuals with low physical activity. Participants characterized as having vigorous physical activity had the lowest inflammatory burden, as estimated by hsCRP levels. The results remained unaffected even after adjustment for confounders. In a subgroup analysis according to sex, increased arterial stiffness and inflammatory burden were noted similarly in female and male subjects within the lowest percentile of physical activity. In conclusion, a significant association between physical activity, arterial stiffness, and inflammation was observed, even after adjusting for known cardiovascular risk factors.

Low-to-Moderate-Intensity Resistance Exercise Effectively Improves Arterial Stiffness in Adults: Evidence From Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression Analysis

Background/Purpose: Resistance exercise (RE) is known to improve cardiovascular health, but the role of RE variables on arterial stiffness is inconclusive. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigated the influence of RE and its intensities on arterial stiffness measured as pulse wave velocity (PWV) in young and middle-aged adults. Methods: Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant studies. RE trials that reported PWV data, and compared with respective controls were included. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Results: Data were synthesized from a total of 20 studies, involving 981 participants from control (n = 462) and exercise (n = 519) trials. The test for overall effect (pooled outcome) showed RE intervention had no effect on arterial stiffness (SMD = -0.09; 95% CI: -0.32, 0.13; P = 0.42), but risk of heterogeneity (I 2) was 64%. Meta-regression results revealed a significant correlation (P = 0.042) between RE intensity and PWV changes. Consequently, the trials were subgrouped into high-intensity and low-to-moderate-intensity to identify the effective RE intensity. Subgroup analysis showed that low-to-moderate-intensity significantly decreased PWV (SMD = -0.34; 95% CI: -0.51, -0.17; P < 0.0001), while high-intensity had no effect (SMD = 0.24; 95% CI: -0.18, 0.67; P = 0.26). When trials separated into young and middle-aged, low-to-moderate-intensity notably decreased PWV in young (SMD = -0.41; 95% CI: -0.77, -0.04; P = 0.03) and middle-aged adults (SMD = -0.32; 95% CI: -0.51, -0.14; P = 0.0007), whereas high-intensity had no effect in both age groups. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that RE intensity is the key variable in improving arterial stiffness. Low-to-moderate-intensity can prescribe as an effective non-pharmacological strategy to treat cardiovascular complications in young and middle-aged adults.

Cardiovascular Effects of Aerobic Exercise With Self-Selected or Predetermined Intensity in Adolescents With Obesity

This study compared the effects of self-selected exercise intensity (SEI) versus predetermined exercise intensity (PEI) on blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness in adolescents with obesity. A total of 37 adolescents, 14.7 (1.6) years old, body mass index ≥95th percentile were randomly allocated into SEI (n = 18; 12 boys) or PEI (n = 19; 13 boys). Both groups exercised for 35 minutes on a treadmill, 3 times per week, for 12 weeks. The SEI could set the speed at the beginning of the sessions and make changes every 5 minutes. The PEI adolescents were trained at an intensity set at 60% to 70% of heart rate reserve. Brachial and central BP, pulse pressure, augmentation index, and carotid-femoral pulse wave were determined at baseline and after 12 weeks. Both groups reduced brachial systolic BP (SEI, Δ = -9 mm Hg; PEI, Δ = -4 mm Hg; P < .01), central systolic BP (SEI, Δ = -4 mm Hg; PEI, Δ = -4 mm Hg; P = .01), and central pulse pressure (SEI, Δ = -4 mm Hg; PEI, Δ = -3 mm Hg; P = .02) without differences between groups. No changes in the augmentation index and carotid-femoral pulse wave were observed in either group. The SEI induced similar changes in various cardiovascular outcomes compared with PEI in adolescents with obesity.

The impacts of exercise on pediatric obesity

Over the last few decades, the rates of pediatric obesity have more than doubled regardless of sociodemographic categorization, and despite these rates plateauing in recent years there continues to be an increase in the severity of obesity in children and adolescents. This review will discuss the pediatric obesity mediated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors such as attenuated levels of satiety and energy metabolism hormones, insulin resistance, vascular endothelial dysfunction, and arterial stiffness. Additionally, early intervention to combat pediatric obesity is critical as obesity has been suggested to track into adulthood, and these obese children and adolescents are at an increased risk of early mortality. Current suggested strategies to combat pediatric obesity are modifying diet, limiting sedentary behavior, and increasing physical activity. The effects of exercise intervention on metabolic hormones such as leptin and adiponectin, insulin sensitivity/resistance, and body fat in obese children and adolescents will be discussed along with the exercise modality, intensity, and duration. Specifically, this review will focus on the differential effects of aerobic exercise, resistance training, and combined exercise on the cardiovascular risks in pediatric obesity. This review outlines the evidence that exercise intervention is a beneficial therapeutic strategy to reduce the risk factors for CVD and the ideal exercise prescription to combat pediatric obesity should contain both muscle strengthening and aerobic components with an emphasis on fat mass reduction and long-term adherence.

Exercise for slowing the progression of atherosclerotic process: effects on inflammatory markers

Atherosclerosis is a dynamic process driven by all cardiovascular risk factors that can be briefly divided into an early and a late phase. Inflammation is one of the fundamental substrates that initiates the atherosclerotic process in the early stages and promotes and maintains it in the final stages. In the last decades, clinical and experimental data have shown that inflammation is supported by mediators that respond to physical activity. The present review aimed at investigating the effect of physical exercise on inflammatory mediators, both the positive ones that have a proinflammatory effect (interleukin 6, c-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor α, interferon γ, high-mobility group box-1), and the negative ones which have an anti-inflammatory effect (interleukin 10). Pooled data support the evidence that physical exercise can directly modulate the activity of inflammatory cytokines slowing down or preventing the formation of the atherosclerotic stage.

Increased dairy product consumption as part of a diet and exercise weight management program improves body composition in adolescent females with overweight and obesity-A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Exercise can improve body composition in adolescents and adults with overweight/obesity. Consumption of dairy foods, as part of a healthy lifestyle program, can also promote favourable body composition changes in adults with overweight/obesity. However, the few studies examining these combined effects on body composition in adolescents are inconclusive.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether increased dairy product consumption, as part of a lifestyle modification program featuring exercise training and dietary guidance promotes favourable body composition changes in adolescent females with overweight/obesity.

METHODS

Fifty-four participants (age: 14.8 ± 2.2y; BMI percentile: 95th ± 6) assigned to three groups completed the study. There were two experimental groups: recommended dairy (RDa; n = 24) and low dairy (LDa; n = 22), and a no-intervention control group (Con; n = 8). RDa and LDa participated in a 12-week, eucaloric, lifestyle modification intervention consisting of mixed-mode exercise (3x/week), and nutritional counselling. RDa was provided 4 servings/day of dairy foods, while LDa and Con maintained habitually low intakes (0-2 servings/day). Body weight/composition, waist/hip circumference, cardiovascular fitness and food intake were assessed at weeks 0 and 12.

RESULTS

Weight did not significantly change in any group. RDa significantly decreased fat mass (FM) and increased lean mass (LM) more than LDa and Con (FM: -1.3 ± 2.1 kg, -1.1 ± 2.0 kg, 0.8 ± 1.8 kg; LM: 1.5 ± 1.9 kg, 0.7 ± 1.6 kg, 0.5 ± 1.4 kg, respectively). LDa also significantly decreased FM and increased LM more than Con (P < .005; all interactions).

CONCLUSION

The inclusion of dairy foods in the diet of adolescent females with overweight/obesity, as part of a diet and exercise intervention, favourably improves body composition in the absence of weight loss.

Multicomponent Exercise Training Combined with Nutritional Counselling Improves Physical Function, Biochemical and Anthropometric Profiles in Obese Children: A Pilot Study

Aerobics or strength exercise plus diet interventions have been shown to counteract childhood obesity. However, little is known with regard to periodized multicomponent exercise interventions combined with nutritional counselling, which might be less demanding but more enjoyable and respectful of children and adolescents’ nature. In order to analyze the impact of such a multimodal approach, 18 obese children (10.8 ± 1.6 years; 63% females; z Body Mass Index 3 ± 0.4) trained for 60 min, twice weekly and were measured for body composition, biochemical parameters and physical function. We found that 16 weeks of multimodal intervention (14 of training), based on fun-type skill-learning physical activities and physical conditioning with challenging circuits and games, together with nutritional counselling, led to an attendance > 80%, with significant overall health improvement. Body composition was enhanced (p < 0.01 for z BMI, mid-upper-arm-circumference, waist-to-height ratio, tricipital and subscapular skinfolds, body-fat % by Slaughter equation and Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry body fat% and trunk fat%), as well as metabolic profile (LDL cholesterol, gamma-glutamyl transferase , alanine aminotransferase ; p < 0.05), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; p < 0.05) and inflammatory response (C-Reactive Protein; p < 0.05). Physical fitness was also improved (p < 0.01) through better cardiovascular test scores and fundamental movement patterns (Functional Movement Screen-7, FMS-4). Tailoring multimodal supervised strategies ensured attendance, active participation and enjoyment, compensating for the lack of strict caloric restrictions and the low volume and training frequency compared to the exercise prescription guidelines for obesity. Nutritional counselling reinforced exercise benefits and turned the intervention into a powerful educational strategy. Teamwork and professionals’ specificity may also be key factors.

The effects of exercise on vascular markers and C-reactive protein among obese children and adolescents: An evidence-based review

Numerous studies have evaluated the effects of exercise training on obese children and adolescents. However, the impact of aerobic and/or resistance exercise alone, without any other interventions, on vascular markers and C-reactive protein (CRP) in obese children and adolescents is still not clear. We performed a literature search in Ovid Medline, PubMed, and SCOPUS databases to identify articles on the effects of exercise on vascular markers and CRP among obese children and adolescents, published between January 2009 and May 2019. Only full-text articles in English that reported on the effect of aerobic and/or resistance exercise on the vascular markers pulse wave velocity (PWV), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), augmentation index (AIx), or CRP in obese children and adolescents (5-19 years old) were included. The literature search identified 36 relevant articles; 9 articles that fulfilled all the inclusion criteria were selected by two independent reviewers. Aerobic exercise or a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise training significantly improved CIMT and PWV in obese children and adolescents in all studies in which they were measured (2 studies for PWV and 4 studies for CIMT). However, the effects of exercise on FMD and CRP levels were inconclusive, as only half of the studies demonstrated significant improvements (1/2 studies for FMD and 4/8 studies for CRP). The results of our review support the ability of exercise to improve vascular markers such as PWV and CIMT in obese children and adolescents. This finding is important as obesity is a modifiable risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and exercise may help in reducing the future occurrence of CVD in this population.

Vascular Structure and Function in Children and Adolescents: What Impact Do Physical Activity, Health-Related Physical Fitness, and Exercise Have?

A physically active lifestyle can prevent cardiovascular disease. Exercise intervention studies in children and adolescents that aim to increase physical activity have resulted in reduced vascular wall thickening and improve cardiovascular function. Here we review the literature that explores the correlations between physical activity, health-related physical fitness, and exercise interventions with various measures of vascular structure and function in children and adolescents. While several of these studies identified improvements in vascular structure in response to physical activity, these associations were limited to studies that relied on questionnaires. Of concern, these findings were not replicated in studies featuring quantitative assessment of physical activity with accelerometers. Half of the studies reviewed reported improved vascular function with increased physical activity, with the type of vascular measurement and the way physical activity was assessed having an influence on the reported relationships. Similary, most of the studies identified in the literature report a beneficial association of health-related physical fitness with vascular structure and function. Overall, it was difficult to compare the results of these studies to one another as different methodologies were used to measure both, health-related physical fitness and vascular function. Likewise, exercise interventions may reduce both arterial wall thickness and increased vascular stiffness in pediatric populations at risk, but the impact clearly depends on the duration of the intervention and varies depending on the target groups. We identified only one study that examined vascular structure and function in young athletes, a group of particular interest with respect to understanding of cardiovascular adaptation to exercise. In conclusion, future studies will be needed that address the use of wall:diameter or wall:lumen-ratio as part of the evaluation of arterial wall thickness. Furthermore, it will be critical to introduce specific and quantitative measurements of physical activity, as intensity and duration of participation likely influence the effectiveness of exercise interventions.

Combined aerobic and low-intensity resistance exercise training increases basal nitric oxide production and decreases arterial stiffness in healthy older adults

Meta-analyses have concluded that combined aerobic and high-intensity or moderate-intensity resistance exercise training has no effects on arterial stiffness. However, a recent study demonstrated that combined aerobic training and resistance training using rubber bands increases basal nitric oxide (NO) production and decreases arterial stiffness with marked reduction of body weight in obese adolescent girls. To investigate whether combined aerobic and low-intensity resistance training increases basal NO production and decreases arterial stiffness without body weight reduction in older adults, 27 healthy older individuals participated in a 6-week program as a part of the training group (mean body mass index, 21 kg/m²; walking and resistance training using one’s body weight) or the control group (22 kg/m², asked not to modify their lifestyle). The exercise intervention increased aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and plasma concentrations of nitrite/nitrate (end products of NO) and decreased pulse wave velocity (an index of arterial stiffness) without changes in body weight. In the control group, there were no differences in these measures before and after the study period. These results suggest that combined aerobic and low-intensity resistance exercise training increases basal NO production and decreases arterial stiffness in healthy older adults.