Effects of Pilates Training on Cardiorespiratory Functions in Medical Conditions - Comprehensive Approach: A Narrative Review

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is established as a clinical vital sign in therapeutic strategy to restoring health of patients in medical conditions inclusive of age-related diseases. The beneficial effects of Pilates training (PT) are recognized for various aspects of health and fitness, but limited data present an impact on cardiorespiratory fitness. Thus, the current narrative review discusses the impact of the PT interventions on indicators of cardiorespiratory function among different patient groups to identify the mechanisms linking CRF with PT. The authors searched systematically databases: PubMed, Web of Science from inception to March 2023 and analyzed available data including finally 20 papers. In description of the findings PEDro Scale and final score was used. Analyzed data indicated: a) pleiotropic input of PT on improving physical performance in medical conditions; b) specific parameters characterizing effectiveness of PT in each group of patients according of disease; c) different range of static significance and effect size especially for such following indicators as: VO2 at VT (ml•kg-1•min-1), VO2 peak/max (ml•kg-1•min-1), HR at VT (beats•min-1), HRmax (beats•min-1), VE (L•min-1). We also formulate and discuss potential physiological mechanisms of PT affecting CRF. This paper showed PT: a) has positive impact on broad spectrum of indicators of cardiorespiratory function by pleiotropic action among different patients' groups; b) significant ameliorates quality of life that may contribute to long-standing behavior change of patients related with overall physical activity.

No dynamic changes in the expression of genes related to the epigenetic mechanism during acute exercise

Physical exercise results in structural remodeling in tissues and modifies cellular metabolism. Changes in gene expression lie at the root of these adaptations. Epigenetic changes are one of the factors responsible for such exercise-related alterations. One-hour acute exercise will change DNMT1, HDAC1, and JHDM1D transcriptions in PBMC. This study examined changes in the expression of genes responsible for epigenetic modifications (HDAC1, DNMT1, and JHDM1D) during and after an incremental exercise test on a treadmill and a 30-min recovery. Blood samples from 9 highly trained triathletes were tested. Examination of the transcripts showed no significant changes. Correlations between transcript results and biochemical indices revealed a significant (p = 0.007) relationship between JHDM1D mRNA and the number of monocytes at peak exercise intensity (exhaustion), while there was no significant (p = 0.053) correlation at rest. There are no rapid changes in the mRNA levels of the genes studied in blood cells in competitive athletes during acute exercise and recovery. Due to the small group of subjects studied, more extensive research is needed to verify correlations between transcription and biochemical variables.

Protective Effects of Exercise Become Especially Important for the Aging Immune System in The Covid-19 Era

Aging is a complex, multietiological process and a major risk factor for most non-genetic, chronic diseases including geriatric syndromes that negatively affect healthspan and longevity. In the scenario of "healthy or good aging", especially during the COVID-19 era, the proper implementation of exercise as "adjuvant" or "polypill" to improve disease-related symptoms and comorbidities in the general population is a top priority. However, there is still a gap concerning studies analyzing influence of exercise training to immune system in older people. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide a brief summary of well-established findings in exercise immunology and immunogerontology, but with a focus on the main exercise-induced mechanisms associated with aging of the immune system (immunosenescence). The scientific data strongly supports the notion that regular exercise as a low-cost and non-pharmacological treatment approach, when adjusted on an individual basis in elderly, induce multiple rejuvenating mechanisms: (1) affects the telomere-length dynamics (a "telo-protective" effect), (2) promote short- and long-term anti-inflammatory effects (via e.g., triggering the anti-inflammatory phenotype), 3) stimulates the adaptive immune system (e.g., helps to offset diminished adaptive responses) and in parallel inhibits the accelerated immunosenescence process, (4) increases post-vaccination immune responses, and (5) possibly extends both healthspan and lifespan.

Combined Analysis of Blood Ammonia and Lactate Levels as a Practical Tool to Assess the Metabolic Response to Training Sessions in Male and Female Sprinters

ABSTRACT

Kantanista, A, Kusy, K, Pospieszna, B, Korman, P, Wieliński, D, and Zieliński, J. Combined analysis of blood ammonia and lactate levels as a practical tool to assess the metabolic response to training sessions in male and female sprinters. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2591-2598, 2021-Previous research has mainly focused on blood ammonia and lactate concentration changes in response to exercise in laboratory settings. The aim of this study was to present a combined analysis of blood ammonia and lactate levels obtained during various training sessions performed under real training conditions. Differences between the sexes were also analyzed. The study subjects included 9 male and 8 female sprinters competing at the international level. The two-way analyses of variance, with repeated measures (time × sex), for lactate and blood ammonia concentrations during strength, speed (only lactate), speed with baton exchange, and speed endurance training sessions were significant. Blood ammonia and lactate levels obtained during repeated sprints were higher in male than female athletes. Peak lactate concentrations obtained from different training sessions were different in the female (F(3, 18) = 49.82, p ≤ 0.001, η2 = 0.893) and male (F(3, 21) = 312.26, p ≤ 0.001, η2 = 0.978) athletes; post hoc analyses of the men and women showed differences in maximum lactate concentration between training sessions, except in the speed and strength sessions. Peak ammonia concentrations obtained in the different training sessions were also different in the female (F(3, 18) = 121.06, p ≤ 0.001, η2 = 0.953) and male (F(3, 21) = 196.04, p ≤ 0.001, η2 = 0.965) athletes; in both the men and women, significant differences in maximum blood ammonia concentrations were found between the training sessions, except for the speed and speed with baton exchange training sessions. The results of this study indicate that the combined analysis of lactate and blood ammonia concentration provides the coach with valuable additional information about the level of adenosine triphosphate breakdown, the energy system contribution involved in muscle energy coverage during very short, repeated maximal sprints, and, most importantly, allows the coach to check whether preworkout goals were actually met.

Exercise in Aging: Be Balanced

The beneficial effects of exercise are recognized for preventing physical and cognitive decline during the aging process. However, there is still a gap concerning recommended intensity, volume, frequency and mode of exercise especially for older people. The aim of this study was to investigate an appropriate type of physical activity (PA) model for healthy aging. A commentary of the influence of PA and exercise on healthy aging through an online search of the databases Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar. Two living groups can be considered as potential references: modern hunter-gatherer small-scale population and master athletes. Greater physical activity is proposed for healthy aging than that recommended by WHO. Additionally, mindfulness meditation techniques during exercise are recommended especially for persons practicing long-duration exercises. Complex and compound exercise and workouts should include challenging exercises adjusted and balanced to provide clients, especially older people, with noticeable changes and progress.

Pro-Healthy Diet Properties and Its Determinants among Aging Masters Athletes

Qualitative dietary assessments are not common in aging athletes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate diet quality and its determinants among aging masters athletes. Eighty-six participants of the 8th World Masters Indoor Athletics Championships were enrolled in the study (age range 36-65 years). Three subgroups were distinguished to represent countries with different eating habits. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance. Eating habits and diet quality were assessed using the Dietary Habits and Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire (KomPAN®, Warszawa, Poland), and the Pro-healthy Diet Index (pHDI-10). Dietary quality determinants were identified by a multiple regression model conducted for each subgroup separately (Great Britain, France, and Poland). The results showed that none of the subgroups adhered to the reference intake of products with beneficial health outcomes. This was particularly noticeable in the insufficient consumption of whole grain products, dairy, and fish. The fish and vegetables consumption frequency significantly differentiated the eating habits of the studied groups. Diet quality determinants varied depending on the group. However, in each of them, fruit consumption was one of the components of a good-quality diet. The obtained results can be used by institutions providing health education among the elderly to develop an appropriate strategy aimed at changing inappropriate eating habits.

Morphological and Motor Fitness Determinants of Shotokan Karate Performance

The achievement of high performance levels in a complex structured sport such as karate is determined by the competitor’s physical fitness, fighting technique, tactics and mental state. This study aimed to identify the most important determinants of top-level performance in karate. Methods: The participants were 32 karate competitors (12 women and 20 men) aged 18–25 years. A series of tests measuring 11 anthropometric features was undertaken twice during a year, separated by a 6-week interval during a training camp at the Olympic Preparation Center in Walcz, Poland. Motor skills were measured with strength, speed, endurance, flexibility and reaction time tests. Special motor fitness was assessed with tests of karate technical skills. The results were subject to statistical analysis using multiple stepwise regression of the Polish Karate Federation ranking points as the dependent variable. Results: The multiple regression analysis revealed two main determinants of high scores in female and male karate competitors. In women, these were thigh circumference and the speed of the mawashi-geri-kick roundhouse technique (i.e., the maximum number of delivered kicks in 30 s), whilst for men they were the extent of the sideway leg swing to the highest possible height (yoko-geri) and general endurance assessed with the bent arm hang test. Conclusion: Karate training should account for the determinants of high-level competitive karate performance identified in this study. Strengthening the lower limbs, exercises increasing hip joint mobility, low position movements, performing leg techniques in various planes and applying external loads undoubtedly increase a karate athlete’s strength and lead to the development of a more extensive repertoire of karate leg techniques, especially at the highest-scoring head level (jodan).

The Effect of Exercise on the Skin Content of the Reduced Form of NAD and Its Response to Transient Ischemia and Reperfusion in Highly Trained Athletes

Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) is synthesized in the cellular nucleus, cytoplasm and mitochondria but oxidized into NAD+ almost exclusively in mitochondria. Activation of human skin by the 340 nm ultraviolet light triggers natural fluorescence at the light length of 460 nm, which intensity is proportional to the skin NADH content. This phenomenon is used by the Flow Mediated Skin Fluorescence (FMSF) which measures changes in the skin NADH content during transient ischemia and reperfusion. We examined the effects of exercise to exhaustion on the skin changes of NADH in response to 200 s forearm ischemia and reperfusion in 121 highly trained athletes (94 men and 27 women, long-distance running, triathlon, taekwondo, rowing, futsal, sprint running, fencing, and tennis). We found that exercise until exhaustion changes the skin content of NADH, modifies NADH turnover at rest, during ischemia and reperfusion in the most superficial living skin cells. Compared to the pre-exercise, there were significant increases in: mean fluorescence recorded during rest as the baseline value (B mean) (p < 0.001), the maximal fluorescence that increased above the baseline during controlled forearm ischemia (FImax) (p < 0.001, only in men), the minimal fluorescence after decreasing below the baseline during reperfusion (FRmin) (p < 0.001 men; p < 0.01 women) and the difference between B mean and FRmin (R min) (p < 0.01), and reductions in the difference between FImax and B mean (I max) (p < 0.001) and I max/IRampl ratio (CImax) (p < 0.001) after the incremental exercise test. There was no statistical difference between pre- and post-exercise the maximal range of the fluorescence change during ischemia and reperfusion (IRampl). In conclusion, exercise to exhaustion modifies the skin NADH content at rest, during ischemia and reperfusion as well as the magnitude of changes in the NADH caused by ischemia and reperfusion. Our findings suggest that metabolic changes in the skin NADH accompanying exercise extend beyond muscles and affect other cells and organs.

Genetic and non-genetic determinants of aggression in combat sports

Human aggression/impulsivity-related traits are influenced by complex genetic and non-genetic factors. The aggression/anxiety relationship is controlled by highly conserved brain regions including the amygdala, hypothalamus and periaqueductal gray of the midbrain, which is responsible for neural circuits triggering defensive, aggressive, or avoidant behavioral models. The social behavior network consists of the medial amygdala, medial hypothalamus and periaqueductal gray, and it positively modulates reactive aggression. An important role in the incidence of aggressive behavior is played by secreted factors such as testosterone, glucocorticoids, pheromones, as well as by expression of genes such as neuroligin-2, monoamine oxidase A, serotonin transporters, etc. The authors deliberate whether aggression in sport is advantageous (or even indispensable), or to what extent it can hamper attainment of sport success. Methods of reducing and inhibiting expression of aggression in athletes are indicated.

Maximal oxygen uptake is associated with allele -202 A of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) promoter polymorphism and (CA)n tandem repeats of insulin-like growth factor IGF1 in Caucasians from Poland

Physical fitness is a trait determined by multiple genes, and its genetic basis is modified by numerous environmental factors. The present study examines the effects of the (CA)n tandem repeats polymorphism in IGFI gene and SNP Alw21I restriction site -202 A>C polymorphism in IGF1BP3 on VO2max--a physiological index of aerobic capacity of high heritability. The study sample consisted of 239 (154 male and 85 female) students of the University School of Physical Education in Poznań and athletes practicing various sports, including members of the Polish national team. An association was found between -202 A/C polymorphism of IGFBP3 gene with VO2max in men. Higher VO2max values were attained by men with CC genotype, especially male athletes practicing endurance sports and sports featuring energy metabolism of aerobic/anaerobic character. A statistically significant influence of allele 188 and genotype 188/188 of tandem repeats (CA)n polymorphism of IGF1 gene on VO2max was found in women. Also, lower values of maximal oxygen uptake were noted in individuals with allele 186 or genotype 186/186, and higher VO2max values in athletes with allele 194.

Maximal oxygen uptake is associated with allele -202 A of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) promoter polymorphism and (CA)n tandem repeats of insulin-like growth factor IGF1 in Caucasians from Poland

Physical fitness is a trait determined by multiple genes, and its genetic basis is modified by numerous environmental factors. The present study examines the effects of the (CA)n tandem repeats polymorphism in IGFI gene and SNP Alw21I restriction site -202 A>C polymorphism in IGF1BP3 on VO2max--a physiological index of aerobic capacity of high heritability. The study sample consisted of 239 (154 male and 85 female) students of the University School of Physical Education in Poznań and athletes practicing various sports, including members of the Polish national team. An association was found between -202 A/C polymorphism of IGFBP3 gene with VO2max in men. Higher VO2max values were attained by men with CC genotype, especially male athletes practicing endurance sports and sports featuring energy metabolism of aerobic/anaerobic character. A statistically significant influence of allele 188 and genotype 188/188 of tandem repeats (CA)n polymorphism of IGF1 gene on VO2max was found in women. Also, lower values of maximal oxygen uptake were noted in individuals with allele 186 or genotype 186/186, and higher VO2max values in athletes with allele 194.