The effects of four weeks aerobic training on saliva cortisol and testosterone in young healthy persons

Testosterone:cortisol ratio as a predictor of podium in adolescent rowing athletes

Purpose

There is a lack of data regarding the stress and motivation response in adolescent athletes during competitions. The athletic performance can be highly influenced by stress rather than appropriate training, at this age. The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the level of stress markers in adolescent rowers in different competition settings that might alter their stress status and performance.

Methods

Adolescent rowing athletes (12-18 yrs) have been tested for determining saliva content of stress biomarkers, cortisol and testosterone, before and after competitions that have been performed indoor and outdoor. Specifically, samples have been taken in the morning, before and after the race in 2 different settings: 1) an indoor rowing competition with an ergometer, 2) an outdoor rowing competition on boats.

Results

A reduction in cortisol levels has been observed in athletes right before the outdoor race, while testosterone levels increased at the same time point before either the ergometer or boat competition and kept rising at the end of the race. Significant differences have been found comparing the testosterone/cortisol ratio between indoor and outdoor data, being higher in the indoor race at all considered time-point. Furthermore, the linear regression demonstrated that the increased ratio correlated with a better podium position in the indoor race.

Conclusion

Despite the age differences among athletes might have an influence on their hormone levels, these data suggest that rowing athletes subjected to different kind of competitions show a different stress and motivation response profile that might influence their performance.

Changes in stress pathways as a possible mechanism of aerobic exercise training on brain health: a scoping review of existing studies

Physical activity (PA) in the form of aerobic exercise (AE) preserves and improves neurocognitive function across the lifespan. However, a mechanistic understanding of the pathways by which aerobic exercise impacts brain health is still lacking, particularly with respect to stress-related pathways. One mechanistic hypothesis is that AE improves neurocognitive health in part by modifying circulating levels of stress-related hormones and signaling factors associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and autonomic nervous system (ANS), as commonly measured by the biomarkers cortisol (CORT) and salivary α-amylase (sAA). Thus, this hypothesis predicts that changes in stress biomarkers, such as CORT and sAA, are possible explanatory pathways mediating the positive effects of AE on neurocognitive health. In the present review article, we provide a summary of available studies examining the possibility that exercise-induced changes to stress biomarkers could partly account for exercise-related improvements in neurocognitive health. Our review indicates that despite the intuitive appeal of this hypothesis, there is insufficient evidence available to conclude that chronic and habitual AE affects neurocognitive health by altering stress biomarker pathways. The cross-sectional nature of the majority of reviewed studies highlights the need for well-controlled studies to adequately test this hypothesis.

Summary of the clinical practice manual for late-onset hypogonadism

Testosterone plays an important role in maintaining both physical and mental function. Age-related testosterone depletion contributes to the development of angina, arteriosclerosis, obesity, metabolic syndrome, dementia, frailty, and a range of other conditions. A condition involving age-related testosterone depletion and the associated clinical symptoms is defined as late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). LOH is treated by testosterone replacement therapy. Indications for testosterone replacement therapy are determined by evaluating symptoms and signs.

Exercise habits and cortisol level among women at a local Zumba club

Introduction and Aim: Cortisol has a vital role in helping the body deal with stress. It is known as the primary stress hormone. Cortisol modulates many changes in the body in response to stress, including blood glucose metabolism, fat, protein, carbohydrate metabolism into energy (gluconeogenesis), immune and anti-inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of Zumba exercise on cortisol levels in Zumba club participants in Indonesia.  Materials and Methods: The design of the research is observational using a cross-sectional analytic study method. The samples in this study were 25 women of productive age in the I'M Z crew Zumba club in Indonesia with a purposive amplification technique.  Results: The results showed that the subjects who routinely did Zumba exercise (? 3x a week) or who did not excercie routinely (1-2x a week) to have cortisol levels within normal limits (3.09-16.66 ug/dL). The results of this study also showed that subjects who routinely did Zumba exercise (? 3x a week) have higher cortisol mean (7.82 ± 3.50) than subjects who did not regularly exercise (1-2x a week; 6.47 ± 3.46). Conclusion: There was no significant relationship between exercise habits and cortisol levels in the research subjects.

Running Training Combined With Blood Flow Restriction Increases Cardiopulmonary Function and Muscle Strength in Endurance Athletes

ABSTRACT

Chen, Y-T, Hsieh, Y-Y, Ho, J-Y, Lin, T-Y, and Lin, J-C. Running training combined with blood flow restriction increases cardiopulmonary function and muscle strength in endurance athletes . J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1228-1237, 2022-We investigated the effects of 8 weeks (3 d/wk) of running training (RT) combined with blood flow restriction (RT-BFR) on cardiopulmonary function and muscle strength in endurance athletes. Twenty endurance-trained male athletes (19-25 years; 177.6 ± 2.4 cm; 69.0 ± 2.2 kg) were pair matched and randomly assigned to RT-BFR and RT groups. The RT-BFR group performed running sessions (50% heart rate reserve; 3-minute × 5 sets; 1-minute rest interval) with pressure cuffs (1.3 × resting systolic blood pressure), whereas the RT group performed the same running sessions without pressure cuffs. V̇o2max, muscle mass, isokinetic muscle strength, and hormones were assessed at pre-, mid- and posttraining. Compared with the RT group, the RT-BFR group exhibited a significantly greater increase in V̇o2max (5.1 vs. -1.1%) and isokinetic knee extensor strength (16.5 vs. -5.9%). In addition, RT-BFR group presented higher leg muscle mass (10.3 vs. 9.7 kg) than that of RT group after 8 weeks of training. Furthermore, testosterone to cortisol (T:C) ratio at 24 hours after training session at pre-, mid-, and posttraining were maintained in the RT-BFR group, whereas significant decreases of T:C ratio at 24 hours after training session were observed in the RT group. These results suggested that RT combined with BFR may be a practical training strategy for promoting cardiopulmonary function and muscle strength in endurance runners.

The effect of pilates training on hormonal and psychophysical function in older women

BACKGROUND

DHEA-S and cortisol and their ratio are important determinants of some physiological and psychological function during aging. The present study aimed to determine the effect of eight weeks of pilates training on diurnal salivary cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and cortisol to DHEA-S ratio, cardiorespiratory fitness (CF), and psychological function in older women.

METHODS

Twenty-seven healthy older women (aged 60-65 years) participated in the study voluntarily and were divided into two groups of pilates training (N.=15) and control (N.=12), randomly. Before and after the experiment, salivary samples (at wake up and 30-min postawakening, midday, 5 p.m., and 9 p.m.) were taken and the participants completed the questionnaires. Cognitive function was assessed by the MMSE questionnaire. Pilates training was performed three times weekly, in non-consecutive days.

RESULTS

Pilates training increased V̇O2<inf>max</inf> (48%, P<0.001) and cognitive function (73%, P<0.001) and decreased BMI (16%, P=0.042), anxiety (53%, P<0.001) and depression (67%, P<0.001) compared to the control group. Also, in pilates training group, mean cortisol (16%, P=0.039), CAR (24%, P=0.010), fall after peak of cortisol (15%, P=0.50), morning DHEA-S (43%, P<0.001) and mean DHEA-S (34%, P=0.002) increased compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that pilates training could improve mental and physical function which was accompanied by changes of diurnal cortisol and DHEA as one of the possible effective factors.

The effect of different training modalities on resting hormonal level in active young males

The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in the resting level of serum cortisol, testosterone and T/C ratio in response to different training modalities and their variations. A secondary purpose was to identify if the various six weeks training programs are an effective way to improve physical fitness. 86 regularly active young males were assigned to one of six groups: Endurance constant running (ECR), Endurance interval running (EIR), Resistance training (RT), Explosive training (ET), Speed-endurance 50 m running (SER50) and Speed-endurance 150 m running (SER150) training. The resting levels of testosterone, cortisol and T/C ratio, as well as physical fitness, were measured. The ECR, EIR, and RT training program decreased COR level (P < 0.05). An increase of the T/C ratio was observed in the ECR and EIR group (P < 0.05). Except for SER50, each training program improved physical fitness. Our results suggest that endurance and resistance training modalities performed with a moderate to vigorous intensity may be a usable way to manage the resting cortisol level and enhance physical fitness in active young males.

The Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong Exercise on Psychological Status in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The purpose of this study was to systematically review the effectiveness of Tai Chi and Qigong exercise on adolescents' symptoms of depression and anxiety, and psychological status based on clinical evidences, and to calculate the pooled results using meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic search using seven English and three Chinese databases was initiated to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) and non-randomized comparison studies (NRS) assessing the effect of Tai Chi and Qigong exercise on psychological status among adolescents. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to determine the pooled effect of the intervention. Study quality was evaluated using a Checklist to Evaluate a Report of a Non-pharmacological Trial (CLEAR-NPT) designed for non-pharmacological trials. Results: Four RCTs and six NRS were identified, including 1,244 adolescents. The results suggested a potential beneficial effect of Tai chi and Qigong exercise on reducing anxiety (SMD = 0.386, 95 CI% [0.233, 0.538]) and depression (SMD = 1.937 [95 CI%, 1.392-2.546]) symptoms, and reducing cortisol level (SMD = 0.621 [95 CI%, 0.18-1.062]) in adolescents. Conversely, non-significant effects were found for stress, mood, and self-esteem. Conclusions: The findings of this review suggest Qigong appears to be an effective therapeutic modality to improve psychological well-being in adolescents. Hope future studies will have rigorously designed, well-controlled randomized trials with large sample sizes in order to confirm these findings.

Effects of Four Weeks of Concurrent Taekwondo Plus Resistance Training on Post-exercise Blood Biomarkers of Physiological Stress in Previously-Trained Individuals

Background: Various training protocols have been used in combat sports, including Taekwondo (TKD), to rapidly improve performance and to avoid injury by balancing the exercise intensity and the athletes’ metabolic tolerance and hormonal response. However, little is known about such metabolic responses in previously-trained individuals. Objectives: To investigate the effects of a concurrent TKD plus resistance (RT) training program on post-exercise blood biomarkers of physiological stress in previously-trained individuals. Methods: Twenty-eight (16 males: 12 females) previously-trained individuals aged 20 - 26 years were matched by gender and randomly divided into either moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercising group (MODG) or a high-intensity exercising group (HIG). The MODG performed TKD training at a target training intensity of 55 - 70% (weeks 1 - 2) and 70 - 85% (weeks 3 - 4) maximum heart rate (HRmax) and RT training for four sets of 10 - 15 repetitions for each of the 13 whole-body RT exercises. The HIG performed TKD training at a target training intensity of 85 - 100% (weeks 1 - 2) and 95 - 100% (weeks 3 - 4) HRmax and RT training for five sets of 10 - 15 repetitions for each of the 13 whole-body RT exercises. A structured taekwondo tasks (sTT) test was conducted before and after the training period. Results: Significant post-exercise improvements were found for total testosterone (P = 0.02), free testosterone (P = 0.01), C/T ratio (P = 0.03) and lactate (P = 0.03) in the mixed gender HIG. With regards to the specific gender effects, post-exercise improvements were found in S-CPK in the male MODG and HIG, with improvements in uric acid only in the male HIG. In turn, post-exercise improvements were found for total testosterone, testosterone binding globulin, free testosterone in the female MODG and HIG, with post-exercise improvements in S-CPK and uric acid in the female HIG only. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that even a short period of concurrent taekwondo and resistance training improves adaptation and post-exercise responses to physiological stress, and such adaptation may even be more marked in previously-trained female athletes. Thus, this mode of training may provide a novel exercise training modality to rapidly improve an individuals’ capacity to exercise, especially in situations of plateau, while avoiding overtraining and an increased concomitant chance of illness and musculoskeletal injury.

Effects of Eight-Week Combined Resistance and Endurance Training on Salivary Interleukin-12, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Cortisol, and Testosterone Levels in Patients with Breast Cancer

Background: In recent years, several studies have shown the association between exercise and decreased risk of mortality in patients with breast cancer. However, the effects of combined resistance and endurance training on salivary Interleukin-12 (IL-12), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), Cortisol, and Testosterone levels in patients with breast cancer have not been investigated. Objectives: This study aimed at determining the effect of 8 weeks of combined resistance and endurance training on salivary IL-12, TNF-α, Cortisol, and Testosterone levels in women with breast cancer. Methods: Forty-two postmenopausal women with breast cancer were randomly selected and divided into training (intervention) and control groups. The training group performed resistance training with 2 to 3 sets, 10 to 18 repetitions, 50 to 70% 1 repetition maximum (1RM), and aerobic exercise with 50 to 70% maximum heart rate (maxHR) (12-14 degrees borg scale) for 20 to 40 minutes for 8 weeks. The salivary IL-12, TNF-α, cortisol, and testosterone levels were measured, using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Two-way analysis of variance repeated measure was also used to analyze variance with the confidence interval of 95%. Results: In the training group, there was a significant decrease in salivary TNF-α levels, cortisol, TNF-α/IL-12 ratio, and variables of weight, fat percentage, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (P < 0.05). Also, the results showed a significant increase in salivary testosterone and testosterone/cortisol ratio in the intervention group (P < 0.05). However, no significant changes were observed in the interaction between-group and time in IL-12 and waist–hip ratio (WHR) values (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The results indicate that resistance and endurance training could be used as a useful method to improve salivary pro-inflammatory factors and hormonal levels in patients with breast cancer. Medical oncologists can underline a resistance and endurance training program for patients with breast cancer under their care.

A randomized controlled trial on the influence of two types of exercise training vs control on visuospatial processing and mathematical skills: The role of cortisol

While physical exercise training (PET) is undoubtedly very important for children and adolescents, there is still a lack of research dealing with the specific impact of different types of PET on cognitive and academic performance and the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of two different types of exercise training on visuospatial processing and mathematical skills in adolescents with the analysis of cortisol. We randomly assigned 135 adolescents (12-15 years of age) into three groups: coordinative exercise (CE), cardiovascular exercise (CVE), and control (CON) group. Computerized cognitive test (matching grids), mathematical skills and salivary cortisol level were evaluated before and after 10 weeks of PET (three times per week for 45 min) after school. Reaction time of the matching grids task decreased in all groups while the accuracy was better in CE comparing to control. In addition, the CE group improved the mathematical skills. The participants who improved visuospatial performance had higher mathematics scores after the intervention. However, we did't find any effect of the exercise training intervention on salivary cortisol nor on the link between cortisol and visuospatial processing. Future research should analyze the moderators that influence this link.

Regular aerobic exercise improves sexual function assessed by the Aging Males' Symptoms questionnaire in adult men

The leading cause of aging-induced male-specific disorders such as physical, mental and/or sexual symptoms is testosterone deficiency. Although aerobic exercise is suggested to improves circulating testosterone levels, physical fitness, depressive symptoms, and sexual function, the effect of regular aerobic exercise on aging-induced disorders has not yet been clarified. Here we performed cross-sectional and interventional studies to identify the effect of aerobic exercise on aging-induced disorders assessed by the Aging Males' Symptoms questionnaire (AMS). In study 1, the relationship between aerobic exercise capacity (i.e. peak oxygen consumption) and AMS scores were cross-sectionally examined in 169 adult men. In study 2, the effect of a 12-week regular aerobic exercise on AMS scores was longitudinally investigated in 18 adult men. In study 1, the AMS-total, AMS-somatic, AMS-psychological, and AMS-sexual scores were significantly correlated to aerobic exercise capacity even after considering age and testosterone levels. In study 2, 12-week aerobic exercise training significantly improved AMS-sexual and tended to improve AMS-total scores. Additionally, an increase in vigorous physical activity was correlated to improve in the AMS-sexual score. These results suggest that regular aerobic exercise is an effective strategy to improve aging-induced disorders in men.

Changes in Salivary Levels of Creatine Kinase, Lactate Dehydrogenase, and Aspartate Aminotransferase after Playing Rugby Sevens: The Influence of Gender

Rugby sevens is characterised by continuous exertion and great physical contact per unit of time, leading to muscle damage. It is important to identify markers that can quantify muscle damage in order to improve recovery strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the release dynamics of muscle damage markers creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in saliva samples when playing rugby sevens, analysing the influence of gender, during the rugby sevens university championship of Spain. The total sample included 27 athletes, divided into two teams of 14 men and 13 women between 18 and 31 years of age. CK, LDH, and AST were quantified from salivary samples collected from each athlete before and after three rugby sevens matches. The modified Borg scale of perceived exertion was also used after each match. When the results were analysed globally, there were no differences in CK and LDH before and after any match, but AST did show differences after two days of completing all matches. In terms of gender, the three enzymes showed different responses in men and women. Regarding the Borg scale, there were only significant differences between men and women after completing all mataches, with a greater perceived exertion in women. Based on our results, it can be stated that that serial matches of rugby sevens can cause changes of different magnitude in AST, CK and LDH activities in saliva, with AST showing the most significant variations and these changes are more pronounced in men than in women.

No relationship between the digit ratios (2D:4D) and salivary testosterone change: Study on men under an acute exercise

The digit ratio (2D:4D) is said to be a potential marker of exposure to prenatal sex steroids. Some studies suggest that the 2D:4D is also linked with the testosterone response to challenging situations due to organizational effect of prenatal hormonal milieu on adult endocrine functioning. However, up to date, there were only four studies (conducted on small samples) that examined the 2D:4D and the testosterone response to a challenging situation (i.e. physical exertion or aggressive context). Here, we examined the relationship between the 2D:4D and the testosterone change under an acute exercise among 97 men. We found that the digit ratios (the right 2D:4D, the left 2D:4D, and the right minus left 2D:4D) were neither predictors of pre-exercise testosterone, nor the change in testosterone level after a cycling task. Our results add a contradictory to previous studies evidence in a discussion on the links of the 2D:4D and the testosterone change.

Associations between objective measures of physical activity, sleep and stress levels among preschool children

Background

Cortisol is often used as a biological marker for stress. When measured in urine or serum, representing a short-term measurement of the hormone, it has been associated with unfavorable sleep characteristics and both low and high physical activity levels. However, cortisol in hair represents a long-term stress measure and has been suggested as a promising new marker for chronic stress. Therefore, we aimed to examine the association between objectively measured sleep, physical activity and hair cortisol levels in preschool children.

Methods

In order to obtain objective measures of physical activity and sleep habits, 54 children aged 2–6 years wore an ActiGraph for 5 consecutive days and nights. For chronic stress measurements of each child, hair was cut from the back of the head close to the scalp for analysis of cortisol levels. Associations between measured sleep quality and quantity and level of physical activity and hair cortisol levels were estimated using linear regression analysis, presented as β. Results were adjusted for sex, age and BMI z-score.

Results

We found no significant association between log-transformed cortisol (pg/mg) and sleep duration (hours) (β = − 0.0016, p = 0.99), sleep efficiency (β = − 3.1, p = 0.18), sleep latency (β = 0.015, p = 0.16) or physical activity level (100 counts per min) (β = 0.014, p = 0.22). However, sleep latency (min) was directly associated with physical activity (counts per min) levels (β = 35.2, p = 0.02), while sleep duration (hours) (β = − 142.1, p = 0.55) and sleep efficiency (%) (β = − 4087, p = 0.26) showed no significant associations.

Conclusions

In our study, a high physical activity level was associated with poorer sleep habits. Neither sleep quality nor physical activity were related to long term cortisol exposure. These results are among the first to study associations between objectively measured sleep, physical activity and chronic cortisol levels among preschool children. More and larger studies are therefore needed.

The role of exercise in brain DNA damage

Cells are constantly subjected to cytotoxic and genotoxic insults resulting in the accumulation of unrepaired damaged DNA, which leads to neuronal death. In this way, DNA damage has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, cancer, and aging. Lifestyle factors, such as physical exercise, are neuroprotective and increase brain function by improving cognition, learning, and memory, in addition to regulating the cellular redox milieu. Several mechanisms are associated with the effects of exercise in the brain, such as reduced production of oxidants, up-regulation of antioxidant capacity, and a consequent decrease in nuclear DNA damage. Furthermore, physical exercise is a potential strategy for further DNA damage repair. However, the neuroplasticity molecules that respond to different aspects of physical exercise remain unknown. In this review, we discuss the influence of exercise on DNA damage and adjacent mechanisms in the brain. We discuss the results of several studies that focus on the effects of physical exercise on brain DNA damage.

A randomised-controlled trial pilot study examining the effect of pelvic floor muscle training on steroid hormone concentrations in elderly women with stress urinary incontinence

INTRODUCTION

In this study, we attempted to examine the effect of pelvic floor muscle training on testosterone and cortisol concentrations in elderly women with stress urinary incontinence.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The number of participants included in the analysis was 59: 30 women in the experimental group (EG) and 29 women in the control group (CG). The EG underwent pelvic floor muscle training, whereas the CG did not receive any therapeutic intervention. In the present study the authors measured testosterone and cortisol concentrations as well as body mass index (BMI) in all study participants at the initial and final assessments.

RESULTS

The initial and final assessment results were compared and showed a statistically significant decrease in cortisol concentration and an increase in testosterone concentration in the EG. However, no statistically significant differences in the measured variables were observed in the CG at the initial and final assessments. The authors did not report any statistically significant correlations between testosterone and cortisol concentrations and the BMI score in the EG and CG. Also, statistically significant correlations between testosterone and cortisol concentrations in the EG were not apparent.

CONCLUSIONS

Determination of the concentration of testosterone and cortisol is a method that may help to objectify pelvic floor muscle training outcomes in elderly women with stress urinary incontinence.

Physical Activity and the Occurrence of Postnatal Depression-A Systematic Review

Background and Objectives: During pregnancy and the postnatal period many changes occur in a woman's body, both in mental and physical spheres. The birth of a child and a new role-of a mother-can sometimes be associated with numerous negative emotions, uncertainty, fear, anxiety, disgust, depression, or sadness. In the puerperium period, the development of baby blues or postpartum depression may occur. Postpartum depression develops within one month of childbirth and may last up to one year. Depressive disorders that may develop in a young mother affect both her and the newborn's health. That is why it is so important to try to search for factors that could significantly reduce the likelihood of developing depression in this period. The study aims at assessing the relationship between physical activity during pregnancy and puerperium or in the postpartum and the development of postnatal depression. Materials and Methods: A review of the literature was carried out in the Medline-PubMed database. The search terms were "pregnancy" AND "physical activity AND postpartum depression". The study included only English-language publications published in the period 2000-2018. Results: A total of 216 references were found. After establishing the inclusion and exclusion criteria based on the analysis of titles and abstracts, 173 articles were excluded from the review. A total of 43 publications were read in full. Finally, 16 articles were included in the review. It was shown that regular physical activity during pregnancy, pregnancy, and puerperium, or in the postnatal period itself as compared to inactivity, reduces the risk of developing depression in pregnant women and after the birth of a child. Conclusions: Physical activity can be an essential factor in the prevention of depressive disorders of women in the postnatal period.

Monitoring of pre-competition dehydration- induced skeletal muscle damage and inflammation levels among elite wrestlers

BACKGROUND

Weight loss practice before competitions is a common method in weight sports.

OBJECTIVE

The current study aimed to monitor Plasma Osmolarity (POsm), skeletal muscle damage and inflammation levels induced by pre-competition dehydration among elite wrestlers.

METHODS

Twenty-four male elite wrestlers participated in the study. A survey information form that assessed pre-competition weight loss practices were administered to the wrestlers. Additionally, Total Creatine Kinase (CK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), C-reactive Protein (C-RP) and POsm, analyses were evaluated by a specialist at the biochemical laboratory. POsm level for euhydration is ⩽ 290 mOsm/L. But if POsm level is > 290, then dehydration occurs. The wrestlers were divided into two groups according to POsm levels as weight loss and non-weight loss group.

RESULTS

There were differences in the pre and post-test POsm levels of weight loss group. Similarly; it was identified that there were also statistically significant differences in terms of ALT, LDH and CK levels of weight loss group between pre and post-test.

CONCLUSIONS

It was seen that POsm and levels of all indicators of skeletal muscle damage were higher than non-weight loss group. However, it was found that there were not any differences in terms of C-RP levels.

Effects of Recovery Mode during High Intensity Interval Training on Glucoregulatory Hormones and Glucose Metabolism in Response to Maximal Exercise

Catecholamines [adrenaline (A) and noradrenaline (NA)] are known to stimulate glucose metabolism at rest and in response to maximal exercise. However, training and recovery mode can alter theses hormones. Thus our study aims to examine the effects of recovery mode during High-intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on glucoregulatory hormone responses to maximal exercise in young adults. Twenty-four male enrolled in this randomized study, assigned to: control group (eg, n=6), and two HIIT groups: intermittent exercise (30 s run/30 s recovery) with active (arg, n=9) or passive (prg, n=9) recovery, arg and prg performed HIIT 3 times weekly for 7 weeks. Before and after HIIT, participants undergo a Maximal Graded Test (MGT). Plasma catecholamines, glucose, insulin, growth hormone (Gh) and cortisol were determined at rest, at the end of MGT, after 10 and 30 min of recovery. After training V0_2max and Maximal Aerobic Velocity (MAV) increased significantly (p<0.05) in arg. After HIIT and in response to MGT plasma glucose increase significantly (p=0.008) lesser in arg compared to prg whereas insulin concentrations were similar. The glucose/insulin ratio was significantly lower at MGT end (p=0.033) only in arg after training. After HIIT, in response to MGT, plasma A, NA, cortisol and Gh concentrations were significantly higher only in arg (p<0.05). HIIT using active recovery is beneficial for aerobic fitness, plasma glucose and glucoregulatory hormones better than HIIT with passive recovery. These findings suggest that HIIT with active recovery may improve some metabolic and hormonal parameters in young adults.

Testosterone, cortisol, hGH, and IGF-1 levels in an Italian female elite volleyball team

PURPOSE

To assess the transferability of the reference intervals (RI) of testosterone (T), cortisol (C), human growth hormone (hGH), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, calculated on a normal healthy population, to a population of female elite volleyball players. Secondary aim of this study is the evaluation of the T/C ratio as predictive tool of overtraining during the annual regular season.

METHODS

A retrospective, longitudinal, observational study was performed, enrolling 58 professional female volleyball players periodically evaluated during the regular sportive season, which lasts from September to May.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences between the volleyball players and reference populations for T (P = .010), C (P < .001), and IGF-1 (P < .001) were found. Three different statistical approaches to calculate the RI in the athlete group showed a high degree of concordance and pointed out a shift upwards of both lower and upper reference limits. The T/C ratio significantly changed among visits (P = .009). In particular, an overall decrease of about 30% was observed for this ratio during the season, suggesting a state of overtraining.

CONCLUSION

T, C, hGH, and IGF-1 reference values calculated on elite volleyball female players are higher than those of the reference population used in normal clinical practice, suggesting that the health status of highly trained subjects needs the definition of tailored RI for these variables. Moreover, the utility of T/C ratio in the evaluation of overtraining is confirmed.

A systematic review of physical activity and sedentary behaviour research in the oil-producing countries of the Arabian Peninsula

BACKGROUND

The dramatic rise in Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) in the oil-producing countries of the Arabian Peninsula is driven in part by insufficient physical activity, one of the five main contributors to health risk in the region. The aim of this paper is to review the available evidence on physical activity and sedentary behaviour for this region. Based on the findings, we prioritize an agenda for research that could inform policy initiatives with regional relevance.

METHODS

We reviewed regional evidence on physical activity and sedentary behaviour to identify the needs for prevention and policy-related research. A literature search of peer-reviewed publications in the English language was conducted in May 2016 using PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar. 100 studies were identified and classified using the Behavioural Epidemiology Framework.

RESULTS

Review findings demonstrate that research relevant to NCD prevention is underdeveloped in the region. A majority of the studies were epidemiological in approach with few being large-scale population-based studies using standardised measures. Correlates demonstrated expected associations with health outcomes, low levels of physical activity (particularly among young people), high levels of sedentary behaviour (particularly among men and young people) and expected associations of known correlates (e.g. gender, age, education, time, self-motivation, social support, and access). Very few studies offered recommendations for translating research findings into practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research on the determinants of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in the Arabian Peninsula using standard assessment tools is urgently needed. Priority research includes examining these behaviours across the four domains (household, work, transport and leisure). Intervention research focusing on the sectors of education, health and sports sectors is recommended. Furthermore, adapting and testing international examples to the local context would help identify culturally relevant policy and programmatic interventions for the region.

Influence of preliminary exercise training on muscle damage indices in rats after one bout of prolonged treadmill exercise

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise on muscle damage indices in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Two groups of rats were trained in either moderate- or high-intensity treadmill running for 4 weeks. Subsequently, the concentrations of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were examined following a single bout of prolonged (3-h) intensive exercise. [Subjects and Methods] The study included forty 6-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 150–180 g each. The aerobic exercise group was divided into high-intensity (28 m/min) and moderate-intensity (15 m/min) subgroups. Both subgroups were trained for 35 min daily for 6 days per week (excluding Sunday) over a 4-week period. Following training, the high- and moderate-intensity exercise groups and a non-exercise group performed one bout of prolonged (3-h) treadmill exercise for 3 hours at a speed of 15 m/min. [Results] Creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase levels differed significantly among the groups. [Conclusion] The preliminary exercise groups showed lower muscle damage and inflammatory response levels than the non-exercise group after the bout of prolonged intensive exercise.

Effect of two complex training protocols of back squats in blood indicators of muscular damage in military athletes

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the variations in the blood muscular damage indicators post application of two complex training programs for back squats. [Subjects and Methods] Seven military athletes were the subjects of this study. The study had a quasi-experimental cross-over intra-subject design. Two complex training protocols were applied, and the variables to be measured were cortisol, metabolic creatine kinase, and total creatine kinase. For the statistical analysis, Student’s t-test was used. [Results] Twenty-four hours post effort, a significant decrease in cortisol level was shown for both protocols; however, the metabolic creatine kinase and total creatine kinase levels showed a significant increase. [Conclusion] Both protocols lowered the indicator of main muscular damage in the blood supply (cortisol). This proved that the work weight did not generate significant muscular damage in the 24-hour post-exercise period.

Impact of different running distances on muscle and lymphocyte DNA damage in amateur marathon runners

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of different marathon running distances (10 km, 21 km, and 42.195 km) on muscle and lymphocyte DNA damage in amateur marathon runners. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty male amateur runners were randomly assigned to 10 km, 21 km, and 42 km groups, with 10 subjects in each group. Blood samples were collected before and after the races and on the 3rd day of recovery to examine levels of muscle damage (creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase) and lymphocyte DNA damage (DNA in the tail, tail length, and tail moment). [Results] Serum creatine kinase, serum lactate dehydrogenase, and tail moment were significantly higher after the races compared with before the races in all groups. In addition, the 42 km group showed significantly higher levels of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and tail moment than the 10 km and 21 km groups after the races. [Conclusion] Strenuous endurance exercise can cause muscle and lymphocyte DNA damage, and the extent of such damage can increase as running distance increases.

Dehydration, skeletal muscle damage and inflammation before the competitions among the elite wrestlers

[Purpose] The present study aimed to identify weight-loss and hydration levels before competitions among elite wrestlers and determine the skeletal muscle damage and inflammation levels after dehydration. [Subjects] Seventy-two elite wrestlers who participated in the Turkish Wrestling Championship. [Methods] With the help of specialists, 5 cc of blood were drawn from the forearm veins of the wrestlers. Laboratory analyses of Na(+), BUN, Glucose, CK, LDH, AST, ALT, C-RP levels were performed. Using a mathematical formula for hydration the POsm levels of the athletes were calculated. [Results] The wrestlers were divided into two groups based on hydration status. There were significant correlations between hydration indicators of Na(+), BUN and PBWL values. There were significant differences between AST, LDH, CK values and skeletal muscle damage indicators of the two groups, but there were no significant differences between the inflammation levels and C-RP values of the groups. [Conclusion] No differences existed in inflammation levels among the wrestlers, although dehydrated wrestlers suffered from higher level of skeletal muscle damage than wrestlers who were not dehydrated.