The Prospective Association between Different Types of Exercise and Body Composition

Comparative effects of time-restricted feeding versus normal diet on physical performance and body composition in healthy adults with regular exercise habits: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Time-restricted feeding (TRF), a form of intermittent fasting, limits daily caloric intake to a 6-12 hour window and has been shown to effectively promote weight loss and improve overall health. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of TRF versus normal diet (ND) on physical performance and body composition in healthy adults with regular exercise habits.

Methods

MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) electronic databases were searched for relevant records. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the duration of intervention and type of exercise. Physical performance was analysed using standardised mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs, whereas body composition parameters were analysed using mean differences (MDs) and 95% CIs. The quality of the included studies was examined using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool version 2.

Results

15 randomised controlled trials with 361 participants were included in the systematic review. In comparison with the ND group, TRF significantly decreased body weight (MD=-1.76 kg, 95% CI -3.40 to -0.13, p=0.03, I2=11.0%) and fat mass (MD=-1.24 kg, 95% CI -1.87 to -0.61, p<0.001, I2=0.0%). No between-group differences in physical performance-related variables and fat-free mass were found. According to the result of the risk-of-bias assessment, one study showed a low risk of bias, 13 showed some concerns, and one showed a high risk of bias.

Conclusion

TRF may be a valuable nutritional strategy to optimise body composition and maintain physical performance in healthy adults engaged in regular exercise.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022310140.

Influence of Long-Term Soccer Training on the Fatty Acid Profile of the Platelet Membrane and Intra-Platelet Antioxidant Vitamins

This research aimed to study the long-term effects of soccer training on platelet membrane fatty acid levels and antioxidant vitamins. Forty-four subjects divided into soccer players (SP; n = 22; 20.86 ± 0.36 years) and a control group (CG; n = 22; 21.23 ± 0.49 years) participated in the study. The fatty acids of the platelet membrane, the rates of desaturation, lipid peroxidation indexes and intra-platelet levels of vitamins C and E were assessed. SP obtained lower values in polyunsaturated fatty acids 18:3:3 (alpha-linolenic acid), 20:5:3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 22:6:3 (docosahexaenoic acid) (p < 0.05). The desaturation index ∆5 was higher in SP (p < 0.05), and they had a higher lipid peroxidation index 20:4:6 (arachidonic acid)/16:0 (palmitic acid) (p < 0.05). Vitamin E and C platelet values were also higher in SP (p < 0.01). There were positive correlations in the ω6/ω3 index (p < 0.05), desaturation index ∆5 (p < 0.05), lipid peroxidation index 20:4:6/16:0 and intra-platelet vitamins E and C (p < 0.01) with the level of physical activity. In addition, there were inverse correlations in fatty acids 24:0 (lignoceric acid), 16:1 (palmitoleic acid), 20:3:6 (eicosadienoic acid) and 18:3:3 (alpha-linolenic acid) (p < 0.05) depending on the degree of physical activity. Regular long-term soccer training could modify the concentration of fatty acids such as 24:0, 16:1, 18:6, 20:3:6, 18:3:3:3, 20:5:3, 26:6:3 and ω3 PUFAs in the platelet membrane.

Prevalence and Factors Related to Physical Activity in Spanish Adults with Obesity and Overweight: Analysis of the European Health Surveys for the Years 2014 and 2020

(1) Background: To analyze the prevalence of physical activity (PA) according to the presence of overweight or obesity and other sociodemographic factors in the Spanish adult population. (2) Methods: Cross-sectional study using the European Health Interview Surveys for Spain from 2014 and 2020. (3) Results: In overweight and obese people, the percentage of those who reported not performing any type of PA remained constant between 2014 and 2020, while a statistically significant increase was observed in the percentage of people who walked for 10 min a day and exercised at least 2 days a week. The probability of being obese with respect to normal weight was higher in individuals who reported not engaging in PA during leisure time (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.31-1.53), those who did not walk 10 min a day at least 2 days a week (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.15-1.35), and those who did not exercise at least 2 days a week (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.32-1.53). The probability of being overweight was higher in individuals who reported not performing PA during leisure time (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.02-1.15) and in those who did not exercise at least 2 days per week (OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.09-1.22). (4) Conclusions: Small increases in PA have been observed in both overweight and obese individuals from 2014 to 2020.

Health and Fitness Comparisons Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Long-Term Participation in Four Different Sports

Physical activity is known to confer numerous health benefits. However, few studies have assessed the prolonged impact of participation in different sports on health and fitness. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to compare the impact of long-term participation (i.e., ≥9 years) in four different sports, including two traditional Chinese (Tai Chi; diabolo) and two modern sports (aerobics; track and field [TF]) on health and fitness measures among middle-aged and older adults. Participants (n=252, 56.6±8.5y, 66% female) completed the following measures: height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio (WHR), body fat%, resting blood pressure (BP) and heart rate, vital capacity, grip strength, reaction time, flexibility, balance. Compared to Tai Chi, aerobics was associated with lower systolic BP and fat%, and greater vital capacity, while TF was associated with lower systolic BP, shorter reaction time, greater vital capacity and better balance (p-values<0.05). Diabolo was associated with lower WHR compared to aerobics and Tai Chi, and greater vital capacity than Tai Chi (p-values<0.05). No significant differences were observed across sports in other measures. Long-term participation in four sports might have different effects on BP, vital capacity, balance, reaction time, body fat, and central adiposity. Individuals who prefer to choose traditional sports (Tai Chi, diabolo) may anticipate similar long-term effects on resting heart rate, BMI, muscle mass, and grip strength compared to those who perform modern sports (aerobics, TF). Information presented in this study may be valuable when designing population, group and individually-tailored PA recommendations in culturally diverse individuals.

Relationships of Physical Activity and Diet Quality with Body Composition and Fat Distribution in US Adults

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the relationships among physical activity (PA), diet quality, body composition, and fat distribution in a representative sample of US adults.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using publicly accessible data from the 2011 to 2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the Food Patterns Equivalents Database (n = 7,423). Variables from the data sets were analyzed for this study, including PA, two 24-hour dietary recalls, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry outputs.

RESULTS

For men, PA and diet quality were inversely associated with the percentage of body fat (β = -0.0042, 95% CI: -0.0084 to -0.0001; β = -0.28, 95% CI: -0.42 to -0.14) and fat mass index (β = -0.0125, 95% CI: -0.0209 to -0.0041; β = -0.56, 95% CI: -0.81 to -0.32); meeting the PA recommendation and having good diet quality provided an additive effect on body fat. A similar pattern was observed in women. Additionally, diet quality was inversely associated with all fat distribution measures in both sexes, whereas PA was positively associated with lean mass measures in men only.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased PA and/or better diet quality were associated with reduced body fat, a healthier fat distribution, and increased lean mass. Further research examining how changes in PA or diet quality influence body composition and fat distribution in adults is warranted.

Interplay between diet, exercise and the molecular circadian clock in orchestrating metabolic adaptations of adipose tissue

Disruption of circadian rhythmicity induced by prolonged light exposure, altered sleep patterns and shift work is associated with the development of obesity and related metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. White and brown adipose tissue activity shows circadian rhythmicity, with daily variations in the regulation of metabolic processes such as lipolysis, glucose and lipid uptake, and adipokine secretion. The role of the circadian clock in the regulation of energy homeostasis has raised interest in clock-related strategies to mitigate metabolic disturbances associated with type 2 diabetes, including 'resynchronizing' metabolism through diet or targeting a particular time of a day to potentiate the effect of a pharmacological or physiological treatment. Exercise is an effective intervention to prevent insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Beyond its effect on skeletal muscle, exercise training also has a profound effect on adipose tissue. Adipose tissue partly mediates the beneficial effect of exercise on glucose and energy homeostasis, via its metabolic and endocrine function. The interaction between zeitgeber time and diet or exercise is likely to influence the metabolic response of adipose tissue and therefore impact the whole-body phenotype. Understanding the impact of circadian clock systems on human physiology and how this is regulated by exercise in a tissue-specific manner will yield new insights for the management of metabolic disorders.

Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Total, Abdominal and Visceral Fat Mass: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is promoted as a time-efficient strategy to improve body composition.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of HIIT in reducing total, abdominal, and visceral fat mass in normal-weight and overweight/obese adults.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched to identify all related articles on HIIT and fat mass. Stratified analysis was performed using the nature of HIIT (cycling versus running, target intensity), sex and/or body weight, and the methods of measuring body composition. Heterogeneity was also determined RESULTS: A total of 39 studies involving 617 subjects were included (mean age 38.8 years ± 14.4, 52% females). HIIT significantly reduced total (p = 0.003), abdominal (p = 0.007), and visceral (p = 0.018) fat mass, with no differences between the sexes. A comparison showed that running was more effective than cycling in reducing total and visceral fat mass. High-intensity (above 90% peak heart rate) training was more successful in reducing whole body adiposity, while lower intensities had a greater effect on changes in abdominal and visceral fat mass. Our analysis also indicated that only computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging showed significant abdominal and/or visceral fat-mass loss after HIIT interventions.

CONCLUSION

HIIT is a time-efficient strategy to decrease fat-mass deposits, including those of abdominal and visceral fat mass. There was some evidence of the greater effectiveness of HIIT running versus cycling, but owing to the wide variety of protocols used and the lack of full details about cycling training, further comparisons need to be made. Large, multicenter, prospective studies are required to establish the best HIIT protocols for reducing fat mass according to subject characteristics.

Programming and supervision of resistance training leads to positive effects on strength and body composition: results from two randomised trials of community fitness programmes

Background

Many sedentary adults have high body fat along with low fitness, strength, and lean body mass (LBM) which are associated with poor health independently of body mass. Physical activity can aid in prevention, management, and treatment of numerous chronic conditions. The potential efficacy of resistance training (RT) in modifying risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic disease is clear. However, RT is under researched in public health. We report community-based studies of RT in sedentary (Study 1), and overweight and pre-diabetic (Study 2) populations.

Methods

Study 1 - A semi randomised trial design (48-weeks): Participants choosing either a fitness centre approach, and randomised to structured-exercise (STRUC, n = 107), or free/unstructured gym use (FREE, n = 110), or not, and randomised to physical-activity-counselling (PAC, n = 71) or a measurement only comparator (CONT, n = 76). Study 2 - A randomised wait list controlled trial (12-weeks): Patients were randomly assigned to; traditional-supervised-exercise (STRUC, n = 30), physical-activity-counselling (PAC, n = 23), either combined (COMB, n = 39), or a wait-list comparator (CONT, n = 54). Outcomes for both were BF mass (kg), LBM (kg), BF percentage (%), and strength.

Results

Study 1: One-way ANCOVA revealed significant between group effects for BF% and LBM, but not for BF mass or strength. Post hoc paired comparisons revealed significantly greater change in LBM for the STRUC group compared with the CONT group. Within group changes using 95%CIs revealed significant changes only in the STRUC group for both BF% (− 4.1 to − 0.9%) and LBM (0.1 to 4.5 kg), and in FREE (8.2 to 28.5 kg) and STRUC (5.9 to 26.0 kg) for strength.

Study 2: One-way ANCOVA did not reveal significant between group effects for strength, BF%, BF mass, or LBM. For strength, 95%CIs revealed significant within group changes for the STRUC (2.4 to 14.1 kg) and COMB (3.7 to 15.0 kg) groups.

Conclusion

Strength increased in both studies across all RT treatments compared to controls, yet significant improvements in both strength and body-composition occurred only in programmed and/or supervised RT. As general increases in physical activity have limited impact upon body-composition, public health practitioners should structure interventions to include progressive RT.

Trial registration

Study 1: ISRCTN13024854, retrospectively registered 20/02/2018. Study 2: ISRCTN13509468, retrospectively registered 20/02/2018).

Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Total, Abdominal and Visceral Fat Mass: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is promoted as a time-efficient strategy to improve body composition.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of HIIT in reducing total, abdominal, and visceral fat mass in normal-weight and overweight/obese adults.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched to identify all related articles on HIIT and fat mass. Stratified analysis was performed using the nature of HIIT (cycling versus running, target intensity), sex and/or body weight, and the methods of measuring body composition. Heterogeneity was also determined RESULTS: A total of 39 studies involving 617 subjects were included (mean age 38.8 years ± 14.4, 52% females). HIIT significantly reduced total (p = 0.003), abdominal (p = 0.007), and visceral (p = 0.018) fat mass, with no differences between the sexes. A comparison showed that running was more effective than cycling in reducing total and visceral fat mass. High-intensity (above 90% peak heart rate) training was more successful in reducing whole body adiposity, while lower intensities had a greater effect on changes in abdominal and visceral fat mass. Our analysis also indicated that only computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging showed significant abdominal and/or visceral fat-mass loss after HIIT interventions.

CONCLUSION

HIIT is a time-efficient strategy to decrease fat-mass deposits, including those of abdominal and visceral fat mass. There was some evidence of the greater effectiveness of HIIT running versus cycling, but owing to the wide variety of protocols used and the lack of full details about cycling training, further comparisons need to be made. Large, multicenter, prospective studies are required to establish the best HIIT protocols for reducing fat mass according to subject characteristics.

High-intensity interval training reduces abdominal fat mass in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes

AIM

This study compared the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) for 16 weeks on whole-body and abdominal fat mass (FM) in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

Seventeen women (69±1 years; BMI: 31±1kg.m^-2) were randomly assigned to either a HIIT [60×(8s at 77-85% HR_max, 12s of active recovery)] or MICT (40min at 55-60% of their individual HRR) cycling program for 16 weeks, 2 days/week. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure whole-body and regional FM content, including abdominal adiposity and visceral adipose tissue. Plasma cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, glucose and HbA_1c levels were measured. Levels of nutritional intake and physical activity were evaluated by 7-day self-reports.

RESULTS

Dietary energy (caloric) intake, physical activity level and total body mass did not vary in either group from the beginning to the end of the training intervention. Overall, total FM decreased and total fat-free mass significantly increased over time (by around 2-3%). Total FM reduction at the end of the intervention was not significantly different between groups. However, significant loss of total abdominal (-8.3±2.2%) and visceral (-24.2±7.7%) FM was observed only with HIIT. Time effects were noted for HbA_1c and total cholesterol/HDL ratio.

CONCLUSION

With no concomitant caloric restriction, an HIIT program in postmenopausal women with T2D (twice a week for 16 weeks) appeared to be more effective for reducing central obesity than MICT, and could be proposed as an alternative exercise training program for this population.

Effects of proanthocyanidin on oxidative stress biomarkers and adipokines in army cadets: a placebo-controlled, double-blind study

PURPOSE

The relatively recent advent of polyphenol supplement for exercise studies has been tested in a variety of forms and doses. However, the dose-response on adipokines and oxidative stress biomarker effect remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of intense, long-duration (48-h) exercise, and a single dose of proanthocyanidin, on plasma leptin, adiponectin, and electronegative low-density lipoprotein (LDL(-)) concentrations.

METHODS

Fifty-four healthy male army cadets (22 ± 2 years) participated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study and were distributed between control (CG; n = 27) and supplemented groups (SG; n = 27). Immediately before the start of the exercise, both CG and SG groups received a capsule containing starch (200 mg) or proanthocyanidin (dry Vitis vinifera extract, 200 mg), respectively. Following a 12-h fasting period, the plasma adiponectin, leptin, and LDL(-) concentrations were measured prior to the start of the exercise after 24 and 48 h of military training, and after 24 h of rest. The effects of the proanthocyanidin (supplement), exercise (time), and their interaction were investigated using factorial two-way ANOVA.

RESULTS

Plasma leptin concentration was only influenced by exercise (p = 0.001). Plasma adiponectin concentration was influenced by exercise (p = 0.037), and by the exercise x supplement interaction (p = 0.033). LDL(-) was influenced by the supplement (p = 0.001), exercise (p = 0.001), and their interaction (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A single dose of proanthocyanidin (200 mg) was able to reduce LDL(-) concentration and increase plasma adiponectin concentration after 24 h of rest in SG group, indicating its potential protective action.

Effect of weight loss, with or without exercise, on body composition and sex hormones in postmenopausal women: the SHAPE-2 trial

Introduction

Physical inactivity and overweight are risk factors for postmenopausal breast cancer. The effect of physical activity may be partially mediated by concordant weight loss. We studied the effect on serum sex hormones, which are known to be associated with postmenopausal breast cancer risk, that is attributable to exercise by comparing randomly obtained equivalent weight loss by following a hypocaloric diet only or mainly by exercise.

Methods

Overweight, insufficiently active women were randomised to a diet (N = 97), mainly exercise (N = 98) or control group (N = 48). The goal of both interventions was to achieve 5–6 kg of weight loss by following a calorie-restricted diet or an intensive exercise programme combined with only a small caloric restriction. Primary outcomes after 16 weeks were serum sex hormones and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Body fat and lean mass were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Results

Both the diet (−4.9 kg) and mainly exercise (−5.5 kg) groups achieved the target weight loss. Loss of body fat was significantly greater with exercise versus diet (difference −1.4 kg, P < 0.001). In the mainly exercise arm, the reduction in free testosterone was statistically significantly greater than that of the diet arm (treatment effect ratio [TER] 0.92, P = 0.043), and the results were suggestive of a difference for androstenedione (TER 0.90, P = 0.064) and SHBG (TER 1.05, P = 0.070). Compared with the control arm, beneficial effects were seen with both interventions, diet and mainly exercise, respectively, on oestradiol (TER 0.86, P = 0.025; TER 0.83, P = 0.007), free oestradiol (TER 0.80, P = 0.002; TER 0.77, P < 0.001), SHBG (TER 1.14; TER 1.21, both P < 0.001) and free testosterone (TER 0.91, P = 0.069; TER = 0.84, P = 0.001). After adjustment for changes in body fat, intervention effects attenuated or disappeared.

Conclusions

Weight loss with both interventions resulted in favourable effects on serum sex hormones, which have been shown to be associated with a decrease in postmenopausal breast cancer risk. Weight loss induced mainly by exercise additionally resulted in maintenance of lean mass, greater fitness, greater fat loss and a larger effect on (some) sex hormones. The greater fat loss likely explains the observed larger effects on sex hormones.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01511276. Registered on 12 January 2012.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13058-015-0633-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.