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It is unclear if cutaneous microvascular dysfunction associated with diabetes and obesity can be ameliorated with exercise. We investigated the effect of 12-weeks of exercise training on cutaneous microvascular reactivity in the foot. Thirty-three inactive adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity (55% male, 56.1 ± 7.9 years, BMI: 35.8 ± 5, diabetes duration: 7.9 ± 6.3 years) were randomly allocated to 12-weeks of either (i) moderate-intensity continuous training [50–60% peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), 30–45 min, 3 d/week], (ii) low-volume high-intensity interval training (90% VO2peak, 1–4 min, 3 d/week) or (iii) sham exercise placebo. Post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia at the hallux was determined by laser-Doppler fluxmetry. Though time to peak flux post-occlusion almost halved following moderate intensity exercise, no outcome measure reached statistical significance (p > 0.05). These secondary findings from a randomised controlled trial are the first data reporting the effect of exercise interventions on cutaneous microvascular reactivity in the foot in people with diabetes. A period of 12 weeks of moderate-intensity or low-volume high-intensity exercise may not be enough to elicit functional improvements in foot microvascular reactivity in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Larger, sufficiently powered, prospective studies are necessary to determine if additional weight loss and/or higher exercise volume is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects that have the potential to benefit athletes. This pilot study investigated the effects of acute, oral CBD treatment on physiological and psychological responses to aerobic exercise to determine its practical utility within the sporting context. Methods: On two occasions, nine endurance-trained males (mean ± SD V̇O2max: 57.4 ± 4.0 mL·min−1·kg−1) ran for 60 min at a fixed intensity (70% V̇O2max) (RUN 1) before completing an incremental run to exhaustion (RUN 2). Participants received CBD (300 mg; oral) or placebo 1.5 h before exercise in a randomised, double-blind design. Respiratory gases (V̇O2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR), blood glucose (BG) and lactate (BL) concentrations, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and pleasure–displeasure were measured at three timepoints (T1–3) during RUN 1. V̇O2max, RERmax, HRmax and time to exhaustion (TTE) were recorded during RUN 2. Venous blood was drawn at Baseline, Pre- and Post-RUN 1, Post-RUN 2 and 1 h Post-RUN 2. Data were synthesised using Cohen's dz effect sizes and 85% confidence intervals (CIs). Effects were considered worthy of further investigation if the 85% CI included ± 0.5 but not zero. Results: CBD appeared to increase V̇O2 (T2: + 38 ± 48 mL·min−1, dz: 0.25–1.35), ratings of pleasure (T1: + 0.7 ± 0.9, dz: 0.22–1.32; T2: + 0.8 ± 1.1, dz: 0.17–1.25) and BL (T2: + 3.3 ± 6.4 mmol·L−1, dz: > 0.00–1.03) during RUN 1 compared to placebo. No differences in HR, RPE, BG or RER were observed between treatments. CBD appeared to increase V̇O2max (+ 119 ± 206 mL·min−1, dz: 0.06–1.10) and RERmax (+ 0.04 ± 0.05 dz: 0.24–1.34) during RUN 2 compared to placebo. No differences in TTE or HRmax were observed between treatments. Exercise increased serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumour necrosis factor-α, lipopolysaccharide and myoglobin concentrations (i.e. Baseline vs. Post-RUN 1, Post-RUN 2 and/or 1-h Post-RUN 2, p's < 0.05). However, the changes were small, making it difficult to reliably evaluate the effect of CBD, where an effect appeared to be present. Plasma concentrations of the endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide (AEA), increased Post-RUN 1 and Post-RUN 2, relative to Baseline and Pre-RUN 1 (p's < 0.05). CBD appeared to reduce AEA concentrations Post-RUN 2, compared to placebo (− 0.95 ± 0.64 pmol·mL−1, dz: − 2.19, − 0.79). Conclusion: CBD appears to alter some key physiological and psychological responses to aerobic exercise without impairing performance. Larger studies are required to confirm and better understand these preliminary findings. Trial Registration This investigation was approved by the Sydney Local Health District's Human Research Ethics Committee (2020/ETH00226) and registered with the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620000941965). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Effects of dietary fat quality on liver fat remain to be elucidated. Inconsistent evidence may be influenced by fatty acid saturation, chain-length, and regio-specificity within triacylglycerol (TAG) molecules. Objectives We aimed to compare eucaloric diets enriched in palm olein (POo), cocoa butter (COB), and soybean oil (SBO) on liver fat concentration in healthy participants. Secondary outcomes included visceral (VAT) and abdominal subcutaneous (aSCAT) adipose tissue, plus other obesity and cardiometabolic health outcomes. Methods Eighty-three healthy participants (20–45 y, BMI 18.5–27.5 kg/m2) commenced and 64 completed a 16-wk randomized parallel intervention, preceded by a 2-wk run-in. Participants consumed identical eucaloric background diets differing in test fats [contributing 20% total energy intake (%E)], providing 33%E total fat with the following ratios for PUFAs/SFAs/MUFAs: POo, 4.2/13.5/15%E; SBO, 14.4/8.8/9.4%E; COB, 2.3/19.5/11%E. Liver fat and abdominal adiposity were measured at weeks 0 and 16 using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy/imaging; all other outcomes were measured at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 wk. Results Fat quality did not affect liver fat concentration, VAT, aSCAT, obesity indexes, blood pressure, liver enzymes, leptin, or fasting glucose. Body fat mass decreased with SBO and COB compared with POo. SBO decreased serum total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, and TC:HDL cholesterol relative to POo [estimated marginal mean (95% CI) differences: −0.57 (−0.94, −0.20) mmol/L; −0.37 (−0.68, −0.07) mmol/L; and −0.42 (−0.73, −0.11) mmol/L, respectively]. No diet differences were observed on HDL cholesterol, TAG, apoA1, apoB, apoB:apoA1, or fecal free fatty acids (FFAs), except for lower FFA pentadecanoic acid (15:0) with COB than with SBO and POo. Conclusions In healthy adults, when consumed as part of eucaloric typical Australian diets, 3 different dietary fat sources did not differentially affect liver fat concentration and amounts of adipose tissue. Effects on serum lipids were inconsistent across lipid profiles. The findings must be confirmed in metabolically impaired individuals before recommendations can be made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Beetroot juice is a naturally rich source of inorganic nitrate (NO3-), a compound hypothesized to enhance endurance performance by improving exercise efficiency. Purpose: To investigate the effect of different doses of beetroot juice on 2000-m ergometer-rowing performance in highly trained athletes. Methods: Ten highly trained male rowers volunteered to participate in a placebo-controlled, double-blinded crossover study. Two hours before undertaking a 2000-m rowing-ergometer test, subjects consumed beetroot juice containing 0 mmol (placebo), 4.2 mmol (SINGLE), or 8.4 mmol (DOUBLE) NO3-. Blood samples were taken before supplement ingestion and immediately before the rowing test for analysis of plasma [NO3-] and [nitrite (NO2-)]. Results: The SINGLE dose demonstrated a trivial effect on time to complete 2000 m compared with placebo (mean difference: 0.2 ± 2.5 s). A possibly beneficial effect was found with DOUBLE compared with SINGLE (mean difference -1.8 ± 2.1 s) and with placebo (-1.6 ± 1.6 s). Plasma [NO2-] and [NO3-] demonstrated a dose-response effect, with greater amounts of ingested nitrate leading to substantially higher concentrations (DOUBLE > SINGLE > placebo). There was a moderate but insignificant correlation (r = -.593, P = .055) between change in plasma [NO3-] and performance time. Conclusion: Compared with nitratedepleted beetroot juice, a high (8.4 mmol NO3-) but not moderate (4.2 mmol NO3-) dose of NO3- in beetroot juice, consumed 2 h before exercise, may improve 2000-m rowing performance in highly trained athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish whether sensory factors associated with cold-beverage ingestion exert an ergogenic effect on endurance performance independent of thermoregulatory or cardiovascular factors. Methods: Ten males performed three trials involving 90 min of steady state cycling (SS; 62% VO2max) in the heat (32.1 ± 0.9 °C, 40 ± 2.4% relative humidity) followed by a 4 kJ/kg body mass time trial (TT). During SS, participants consumed an identical volume (260 ± 38g) of sports beverage (7.4% carbohydrate) every 15 min as either ice slushy (–1 °C; ICE), thermoneutral liquid (37 °C; CON), or thermoneutral liquid consumption with expectorated ice slushy mouthwash (WASH). Results: Rectal temperature, hydration status, heart rate, and skin blood flow were not different between trials. Gastrointestinal (pill) temperature was lower in ICE (35.6 ± 2.7 °C) versus CON (37.4 ± 0.7 °C, p = .05). Heat storage tended to be lower with ICE during SS (14.7 ± 8.4W.m–2, p = .08) and higher during TT (68.9 ± 38.6W.m–2, p = .03) compared with CON (22.1 ± 6.6 and 31.4 ± 27.6W.m–2). ICE tended to lower the rating of perceived exertion (RPE, 12.9 ± 0.6, p = .05) and improve thermal comfort (TC, 4.5 ± 0.2; p = .01) vs. CON (13.8 ± 1.0 and 5.2 ± 0.2 respectively). WASH RPE (13.0 ± 0.8) and TC (4.8 ± 0.2) tended to be lower versus CON (p = .07 and p = .09 respectively). ICE improved performance (18:28 ± 1:03) compared with CON (20:24 ± 1:46) but not WASH (19:45 ± 1:43). Conclusion: Improved performance with ICE ingestion likely resulted from the creation of a gastrointestinal heat sink, reducing SS heat storage. Although the benefits of cold-beverage consumption are more potent when there is ingestion, improved RPE, TC, and meaningful performance improvement with WASH supports an independent sensory effect of presenting a cold stimulus to the mouth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a novel low-volume high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), or placebo (PLA) intervention on liver fat, glycemia, and cardiorespiratory fitness using a randomized placebo-controlled design.Research Design and Methods: Thirty-five inactive adults (age 54.6 ± 1.4 years, 54% male; BMI 35.9 ± 0.9 kg/m2) with obesity and type 2 diabetes were randomized to 12 weeks of supervised MICT (n = 12) at 60% VO2peak for 45 min, 3 days/week; HIIT (n = 12) at 90% VO2peak for 4 min, 3 days/week; or PLA (n = 11). Liver fat percentage was quantified through proton MRS.Results: Liver fat reduced in MICT (-0.9 ± 0.7%) and HIIT (-1.7 ± 1.1%) but increased in PLA (1.2 ± 0.5%) (P = 0.046). HbA1c improved in MICT (-0.3 ± 0.3%) and HIIT (-0.3 ± 0.3%) but not in PLA (0.5 ± 0.2%) (P = 0.014). Cardiorespiratory fitness improved in MICT (2.3 ± 1.2 mL/kg/min) and HIIT (1.1 ± 0.5 mL/kg/min) but not in PLA (-1.5 ± 0.9 mL/kg/min) (P = 0.006).Conclusions: MICT or a low-volume HIIT approach involving 12 min of weekly high-intensity aerobic exercise may improve liver fat, glycemia, and cardiorespiratory fitness in people with type 2 diabetes in the absence of weight loss. Further studies are required to elucidate the relationship between exercise-induced reductions in liver fat and improvements in glycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the effect of 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on glycemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes and overweight or obesity.Research Design and Methods: Thirty inactive adults with type 1 diabetes who had BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and HbA1c ≥7.5% were randomized to 12 weeks of either HIIT exercise intervention consisting of 4 × 4-min HIIT (85-95% peak heart rate) performed thrice weekly or usual care control. In a partial crossover design, the control group subsequently performed the 12-week HIIT intervention. The primary end point was the change in HbA1c from baseline to 12 weeks. Glycemic and cardiometabolic outcomes were measured at 0, 12, and 24 weeks.Results: Participants were aged 44 ± 10 years with diabetes duration 19 ± 11 years and BMI 30.1 ± 3.1 kg/m2. HbA1c decreased from 8.63 ± 0.66% at baseline to 8.10 ± 1.04% at 12 weeks in the HIIT intervention group (P = 0.01); however, this change was not significantly different from the control group (HIIT -0.53 ± 0.61%, control -0.14 ± 0.48%, P = 0.08). In participants who undertook at least 50% of the prescribed HIIT intervention, the HbA1c reduction was significantly greater than control (HIIT -0.64 ± 0.64% [n = 9], control -0.14 ± 0.48% [n = 15], P = 0.04). There were no differences in insulin dose, hypoglycemia on continuous glucose monitoring, blood pressure, blood lipids, body weight, or body composition between groups.Conclusions: Overall, there was no significant reduction in HbA1c with a 12-week HIIT intervention in adults with type 1 diabetes. However, glycemic control may improve for people who undertake HIIT with greater adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise intensity on visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and liver fat reduction in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) over 3 months and the maintenance of improvements over 12 months.Methods: Forty-two participants with CAD were randomized to three sessions/week of either 4 × 4-minute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or 40 minutes of usual care moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) for a 4-week supervised cardiac rehabilitation program, followed by three home-based sessions/week for 11 months. Liver fat (as intrahepatic lipid) and VAT were measured via magnetic resonance techniques. Data are mean change (95% CI).Results: HIIT and MICT significantly reduced VAT over 3 months (-350 [-548 to -153] cm3 vs. -456 [-634 to -278] cm3 ; time × group effect: P = 0.421), with further improvement over 12 months (-545 [-818 to -271] cm3 vs. -521 [-784 to -258] cm3 ; time × group effect: P = 0.577) and no differences between groups. Both groups improved liver fat over 3 months, with HIIT tending to show greater reduction than MICT (-2.8% [-4.0% to -1.6%] vs. -1.4% [-2.4% to -0.4%]; time × group effect: P = 0.077). After 12 months, improvements were maintained to a similar degree. Higher exercise intensity predicted liver fat reduction (β = -0.3 [-0.7 to 0.0]; P = 0.042).Conclusions: HIIT and MICT reduced VAT over 3 and 12 months. For liver fat, HIIT tended to provide a slightly greater reduction compared with MICT. These findings support HIIT as a beneficial adjunct or alternative to MICT for reducing visceral and liver fat in patients with CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very low energy diets (VLEDs), commonly achieved by replacing all food with meal replacement products and which result in fast weight loss, are the most effective dietary obesity treatment available. VLEDs are also cheaper to administer than conventional, food-based diets, which result in slow weight loss. Despite being effective and affordable, these diets are underutilized by healthcare professionals, possibly due to concerns about potential adverse effects on body composition and eating disorder behaviors. This paper describes the rationale and detailed protocol for the TEMPO Diet Trial (Type of Energy Manipulation for Promoting optimal metabolic health and body composition in Obesity), in a randomized controlled trial comparing the long-term (3-year) effects of fast versus slow weight loss. One hundred and one post-menopausal women aged 45-65 years with a body mass index of 30-40 kg/m2 were randomized to either: (1) 16 weeks of fast weight loss, achieved by a total meal replacement diet, followed by slow weight loss (as for the SLOW intervention) for the remaining time up until 52 weeks ("FAST" intervention), or (2) 52 weeks of slow weight loss, achieved by a conventional, food-based diet ("SLOW" intervention). Parameters of body composition, cardiometabolic health, eating disorder behaviors and psychology, and adaptive responses to energy restriction were measured throughout the 3-year trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eccentric exercise is known to cause changes to the ultrastructure of skeletal muscle and, in turn, may alter the ability of the muscle to store and utilise intracellular substrates such as intramyocellular lipid (IMCL). The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) results in IMCL accumulation. Six males (31 ± 6 years; mean ± SD, and 72.3 ± 9.7 kg body mass) performed 300 unilateral, maximal, isokinetic, eccentric contractions (Ecc) (30° s(-1)) of the quadriceps on an isokinetic dynamometer, followed immediately by an equal amount of work by the contralateral leg but with concentric action (Con). Phosphate compounds and IMCL content of the vastus lateralis of both legs were measured using (31)P and (1)H magnetic resonance spectroscopy. IMCL content was higher in Ecc than Con 24 h post but the reverse was evident 48 h post-exercise (P = 0.046). A significant time × trial interaction for resting [P(i)] (P = 0.045), showed increases in Ecc across time but no change in Con. A significant main effect of trial (P = 0.002) was apparent indicating the Ecc leg had marked metabolic dysfunction. The P(i)/PCr ratio showed a significant effect of trial (P = 0.001) with an increase evident in Ecc leg, primarily due to increases in [P(i)]. The present study highlights changes in IMCL content of skeletal muscle following EIMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effect of dietary supplementation with inorganic nitrate () on markers of contractile function in human knee extensors. In a double-blinded, randomized cross-over design, 18 (12 M) healthy participants undertook four days of supplementation with either nitrate-rich beetroot juice (NITRATE; days 1–3: 525 mg, day 4: 1050 mg) or nitrate-depleted beetroot juice (PLACEBO). On the fourth day, isometric knee extension force was assessed during a series of voluntary and electrically evoked (stimulation) tests. In addition, muscular fatigue was examined in two separate continuous-stimulation (0.8 s tetanus with a 1:1 work:rest ratio for 102.4 s) fatigue tests, one with and one without blood flow restriction. There were no differences for maximum voluntary contraction, peak twitch force, half-relaxation time and the force–frequency relationship for stimulations up to 100 Hz between the NITRATE and PLACEBO trials. No differences between trials were observed in the non-restricted fatigue test, however NITRATE was found to attenuate the decline in force during the restricted test, such that the force at the 80 s mark (PLACEBO: 66 ± 11 vs. NITRATE 74 ± 9% of initial force;P = .01) and 102 s mark (PLACEBO: 47 ± 8% vs. NITRATE 55 ± 8%;P < .01) were significantly higher. These results suggest that four days ofsupplementation elicits peripheral responses in muscle that attenuate muscular fatigue during exhaustive exercise under hypovolemic conditions. This ergogenic action is likely attributable to improved Ca2+handling in the muscle, or enhanced perfusion during ischemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study was a systematic review with meta-analysis examining the efficacy of carbohydrate (CHO) ingestion compared with placebo (PLA) on endurance exercise performance in adults. Relevant databases were searched to January 2011. Included studies were PLA-controlled, randomized, crossover designs in which CHO ingestion not exceeding 8% and between 30 and 80 g/h during exercise of ⩾1 h was evaluated via time trial (U) or exercise time to exhaustion (UE). The between-trial standardized mean differences [effect size (ES(1 and pooled estimates of the effect of CHO ingestion were calculated. Of the 41,175 studies from the initial search, 50 were included. The ES for submaximal exercise followed by IT was significant (ES = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.37-0.69; P < 0.001) as was the ES for U (ES = 0.30; 95% Cl = 0.07-0.53; P = 0.011 (. The weighted mean improvement in exercise performance favored CHO ingestion (7.5 and 2.0%, respectively(. UE (ES = 0.47; 95% Cl = 0.32-0.62; P< 0.001) and submaximal exercise followed by TIE (ES = 0.44; 95% Cl = 0.08-0.80; P = 0.017) also showed significant effects, with weighted mean improvements of 15.1 and 54.2%, respectively, with CHO Ingestion. Similar trends were evident for subanalyses of studies using only male or trained participants, for exercise of 1-3 h duration, and where CHO and PLA beverages were matched for electrolyte content. The data support that ingestion of CHO between 30 and 80 g/h enhances endurance exercise performance in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects approximately 30% of adults worldwide, with chronic low-grade inflammation being a key pathophysiological feature of progression. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is recognized for improving metabolic and hepatic outcomes in people with diabetes and NAFLD, in part, via anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an ad libitum MedDiet versus low-fat diet (LFD) on inflammatory markers in adults with NAFLD. It was hypothesized that the MedDiet, and its individual components, would improve inflammation. This multicenter, randomized controlled trial, randomized participants to a MedDiet or LFD intervention for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes included change from baseline to 12 weeks for serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, adiponectin, leptin, and resistin. Forty-two participants (60% female; age 52.3 ± 12.6 years; body mass index, 32.2 ± 6.2 kg/m²) were randomized to the MedDiet (n = 19) or low-fat diet (n = 23). At 12 weeks, the LFD showed a greater decrease in leptin compared with the MedDiet (–1.20 ± 3.9 ng/mL vs 0.64 ± 3.5 ng/mL, P =.010). Adiponectin significantly improved within the MedDiet (13.7 ± 9.2 µg/mL to 17.0 ± 12.5 µg/mL, P =.016), but not within the LFD group. No statistically significant changes were observed for other inflammatory markers following the MedDiet or LFD. Adherence to the MedDiet significantly improved in both study arms, although greater improvements were seen in the MedDiet group. Adiponectin significantly improved following a Mediterranean diet intervention, in the absence of weight loss. The low-fat diet did not elicit improvements in inflammatory markers. High-quality clinical trials appropriately powered to inflammatory markers are required in this population. [Display omitted] In a 12-week intervention of individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, participants who were randomized to the Mediterranean diet group significantly improved levels of serum adiponectin. A greater absolute reduction in leptin levels was observed in the low-fat diet group when compared with the Mediterranean diet group. No statistically significant changes were observed for other inflammatory markers following the Mediterranean or low-fat diet intervention. Abbreviations: %E, percentage of total energy intake; CHO, carbohydrate; hs-CRP, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein; IL-6, interleukin-6; kJ, kilojoules; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-alpha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regular almond consumption has been shown to improve body weight management, lipid profile and blood glucose control. We hypothesized that almond consumption would alter fecal microbiota composition, including increased abundance and activity of potentially beneficial bacterial taxa in adults who are overweight and obese with elevated fasting blood glucose. A total of 69 adults who were overweight or obese with an elevated plasma glucose (age: 60.8 ± 7.4, BMI ≥27 kg/m2, fasting plasma glucose ≥5.6 to <7.0 mmol/L) were randomized to daily consumption of either 2 servings of almonds (AS:56 g/day) or an isocaloric, high carbohydrate biscuit snack for 8 weeks. AS but not biscuit snack experienced significant changes in microbiota composition (P =.011) and increases in bacterial richness, evenness, and diversity (P <.01). Increases in both the relative and absolute abundance of operational taxonomic units in the Ruminococcaceae family, including Ruminiclostridium (false discovery rate P =.002), Ruminococcaceae NK4A214 (P =.002) and Ruminococcaceae UCG-003 (P =.002) were the principal drivers of microbiota-level changes. No changes in fecal short chain fatty acid levels, or in the carriage of the gene encoding butyryl-CoA:acetate CoA-transferase (an enzyme involved in butyrate synthesis) occurred. Almond consumption was not associated with reduced gut permeability, but fecal pH (P =.0006) and moisture content (P =.027) decreased significantly in AS when compared to BS. Regular almond consumption increased the abundance of potentially beneficial ruminococci in the fecal microbiota in individuals with elevated blood glucose. However, fecal short-chain fatty acid levels remained unaltered and the capacity for such microbiological effects to precipitate host benefit is not known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-volume high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may be a time-efficient strategy that leads to similar or superior improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors when compared with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). Our study investigated the effect of low-volume HIIT or MICT versus sham placebo-control (PLA) on central arterial stiffness, hemodynamic responses, and CVD risk factors in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Eligible participants were previously inactive adults with obesity and T2D. Individuals were randomly allocated to: i) HIIT (1 × 4 min cycling at 90% peak oxygen consumption [V̇O 2peak); ii) MICT (45 min of cycling at 60% VO 2peak); or PLA. Training groups exercised thrice weekly for 12 weeks. Central arterial stiffness, hemodynamics and CVD risk factors were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to examine changes following HIIT, MICT and PLA. Thirty-five participants (age: 55.1 ± 1.4 years, BMI: 36.1 ± 0.8 kg/m2) completed the study. A significant intervention effect was found for changes in pulse wave velocity (PWV) (p =.03), which reduced with HIIT (−0.3 ± 0.9 m/s) and MICT (−0.1 ± 1.1 m/s) but increased with PLA (0.8 ± 1.6 m/s). There was a significant intervention effect for changes in V̇O 2peak (p <.01), glycosylated hemoglobin (p =.03), systolic blood pressure (p <.01), and waist circumference (p =.03), which all improved following MICT or HIIT but not PLA; there was no difference between MICT and HIIT. Twelve minutes of low-volume HIIT per week leads to improvements in central arterial stiffness and cardiovascular health in inactive individuals with obesity and T2D. • Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in people with type 2 diabetes. • "Lack of time" is a commonly cited as a barrier to participating in exercise in such individuals. • Just 12 min of low-volume HIIT per week can significantly reduce central arterial stiffness and improve cardiovascular health outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes. • Low-volume HIIT provides a time-efficient exercise approach for reducing the cardiovascular burden in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims Aerobic exercise reduces liver fat and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). However, there is limited data from randomized trials to inform exercise programming recommendations. This study examined the efficacy of commonly prescribed exercise doses for reducing liver fat and VAT using a randomized placebo-controlled design. Methods Inactive and overweight/obese adults received 8 weeks of either; i) low to moderate intensity, high volume aerobic exercise (LO:HI, 50% VO 2peak , 60 min, 4 d/week); ii) high intensity, low volume aerobic exercise (HI:LO, 70% VO 2peak , 45 min, 3 d/week); iii) low to moderate intensity, low volume aerobic exercise (LO:LO, 50% VO 2peak, 45 min, 3 d/week); or iv) placebo (PLA). Liver fat (spectroscopy) and VAT (magnetic resonance imaging) were measured before and after intervention. Results Forty-seven of the 48 (n = 12 in each group) participants completed the trial. There were no serious adverse events. There was a significant change in group × time interaction in liver fat, which reduced in HI:LO by 2.38 ± 0.73%, in LO:HI by 2.62 ± 1.00%, and in LO:LO by 0.84 ± 0.47% but not in PLA (increase of 1.10 ± 0.62%) ( p = 0.04). There was a significant reduction in VAT in HI:LO (−258.38 ± 87.78 cm 3 ), in LO:HI (−386.80 ± 119.5 cm 3 ), and in LO:LO (−212.96 ± 105.54 cm 3 ), but not in PLA (92.64 ± 83.46 cm 3 ) ( p = 0.03). There were no significant differences between the dose or intensity of the exercise regimen and reductions in liver fat or VAT ( p >0.05). Conclusion The study found no difference in efficacy of liver fat reduction by either aerobic exercise dose or intensity. All of the aerobic exercise regimens employed reduced liver fat and VAT by a small amount without clinically significant weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumption of inorganic nitrate (NO3−) is known to enhance endurance exercise performance in recreationally trained subjects. Here we report the effect on a high-intensity performance task in national-level cyclists. The performance test consisted of 2 cycle ergometer time trials of 4 min duration with 75 min between trials. In a randomized crossover design, 26 cyclists performed the test under the following 4 conditions (each separated by a 6-day washout): consumption of 70 mL of nitrate-rich beetroot juice at 150 min or 75 min before the first time trial, addition of a 35 mL 'top-up dose' following the first time trial in the 150 min condition, and consumption of a placebo. A linear mixed model with adjustments for learning effects and athlete fitness (peak incremental power) was used to estimate effects on mean power, with probabilistic inferences based on a smallest important effect of 1.0%. Peak plasma nitrite (NO2−) concentration was greatest when nitrate was taken 75 min before the first time trial. Relative to placebo, the mean effect of all 3 nitrate treatments was unclear in the first time trial (1.3%, 90% confidence limits: ±1.7%), but possibly harmful in the second time trial (−0.3%, ±1.6%). Differences between nitrate treatments were unclear, as was the estimate of any consistent individual response to the treatments. Allowing for sampling uncertainty, the effect of nitrate on performance was less than previous studies. Under the conditions of our experiment, nitrate supplementation may be ineffective in facilitating high-intensity exercise in competitive athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) versus continuous aerobic exercise training (CONT) or placebo (PLA) on body composition by randomized controlled design. Methods. Work capacity and body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were measured before and after 12 weeks of intervention in 38 previously inactive overweight adults. Results.There was a significant group × time interaction for change in work capacity (P < 0.001), which increased significantly in CONT (23.8 ± 3.0%) and HIIT (22.3 ± 3.5%) but not PLA (3.1 ± 5.0%).There was a near-significant main effect for percentage trunk fat, with trunk fat reducing in CONT by 3.1 ± 1.6% and in PLA by 1.1 ± 0.4%, but not in HIIT (increase of 0.7 ± 1.0%) (P = 0.07). There was a significant reduction in android fat percentage in CONT (2.7 ± 1.3%) and PLA (1.4 ± 0.8%) but not HIIT (increase of 0.8 ± 0.7%) (P = 0.04). Conclusion. These data suggest that HIIT may be advocated as a time-efficient strategy for eliciting comparable fitness benefits to traditional continuous exercise in inactive, overweight adults. However, in this population HIIT does not confer the same benefit to body fat levels as continuous exercise training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]