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We assessed the oral glucose tolerance test's (OGTT) ability to produce consistent results for estimating insulin sensitivity over four consecutive days. Individual coefficients of variation for OGIS and Stumvoll-ISI were 7.8% and 14.4% with no statistically significant difference between days. Thereby, indicating repeated OGTT's are reliable for estimating insulin sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is an efficacious treatment for hematologic malignancies but can be complicated by cardiac dysfunction and exercise intolerance impacting quality of life and longevity. We conducted a randomized controlled trial testing whether a multicomponent activity intervention could attenuate reductions in cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise cardiac function (co-primary end points) in adults undergoing allo-SCT., Methods: Sixty-two adults scheduled for allo-SCT were randomized to a 4-month activity program (n=30) or usual care (UC; n=32). Activity comprised multicomponent exercise training (3 days/week) and sedentary time reduction (≥30 min/day) program and was delivered throughout hospitalization (≈4 weeks) and for 12 weeks after discharge. Physiological assessments conducted before admission and at 12 weeks after discharge included cardiopulmonary exercise testing to quantify peak oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]), exercise cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for peak cardiac volume (CI peak ) and stroke volume (SVI peak ) index, echocardiography-derived left ventricular ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain, and cardiac biomarkers (cTn-I [troponin-I] and BNP [B-type natriuretic peptide])., Results: Fifty-two participants (84%) completed follow-up (25 activity and 27 UC); median (interquartile range [IQR]) adherence to the activity program was 74% (41-96%). There was a marked decline in [Formula: see text] in the UC program (-3.4 mL‧kg -1 ‧min -1 [95% CI, -4.9 to -1.8]) that was attenuated with activity (-0.9 mL‧kg -1‧ min -1 [95% CI, -2.5 to 0.8]; interaction P =0.029). Activity preserved exercise cardiac function, with preservation of CI peak (0.30 L‧min -1 ‧m - 2 [95% CI, -0.34 to 0.41]) and SVI peak (0.6 mL/m 2 [95% CI, -1.3 to 2.5]), both of which declined with UC (CI peak , -0.68 L‧min -1 ‧m - 2 [95% CI, -1.3 to -0.32]; interaction P =0.008; SVI peak , -2.7 mL/m 2 [95% CI, -4.6 to -0.9]; interaction P= 0.014). There were no treatment effects of activity on cardiac biomarkers or echocardiographic indices., Conclusions: Multicomponent activity intervention during and after allo-SCT is beneficial for preserving patient cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise cardiac function. These results may have important implications for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality after allo-SCT., Registration: URL: https://anzctr.org.au/; Unique identifier: ACTRN12619000741189.

Background: Malnutrition, sarcopenia and frailty are distinct, albeit interrelated, conditions associated with adverse outcomes in adults with cancer, but whether they relate to multimorbidity, which affects up to 90% of people with cancer, is unknown. This study investigated the relationship between multimorbidity with malnutrition, sarcopenia and frailty in adults with cancer from the UK Biobank., Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 4122 adults with cancer (mean [SD] age 59.8 [7.1] years, 50.7% female). Malnutrition was determined using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria. Probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia were defined using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 criteria. (Pre-)frailty was determined using the Fried frailty criteria. Multimorbidity was defined as ≥2 long-term conditions with and without the cancer diagnosis included. Logistic regression models were fitted to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of malnutrition, sarcopenia and frailty according to the presence of multimorbidity., Results: Genitourinary (28.9%) and breast (26.1%) cancers were the most common cancer diagnoses. The prevalence of malnutrition, (probable-)sarcopenia and (pre-)frailty was 11.1%, 6.9% and 51.2%, respectively. Of the 11.1% of participants with malnutrition, the majority (9%) also had (pre-)frailty, and 1.1% also had (probable-)sarcopenia. Of the 51.2% of participants with (pre-)frailty, 6.8% also had (probable-)sarcopenia. No participants had (probable-)sarcopenia alone, and 1.1% had malnutrition, (probable-)sarcopenia plus (pre-)frailty. In total, 33% and 65% of participants had multimorbidity, including and excluding the cancer diagnosis, respectively. The most common long-term conditions, excluding the cancer diagnosis, were hypertension (32.5%), painful conditions such as osteoarthritis or sciatica (17.6%) and asthma (10.4%). Overall, 80% of malnourished, 74% of (probable-)sarcopenia and 71.5% of (pre-)frail participants had multimorbidity. Participants with multimorbidity, including the cancer diagnosis, had higher odds of malnutrition (OR 1.72 [95% confidence interval, CI, 1.31-2.30; P < 0.0005]) and (pre-)frailty (OR 1.43 [95% CI 1.24-1.68; P < 0.0005]). The odds increased further in people with ≥2 long-term conditions in addition to their cancer diagnosis (malnutrition, OR 2.41 [95% CI 1.85-3.14; P < 0.0005]; (pre-)frailty, OR 2.03 [95% CI 1.73-2.38; P < 0.0005]). There was little evidence of an association of multimorbidity with sarcopenia., Conclusions: In adults with cancer, multimorbidity was associated with increased odds of having malnutrition and (pre-)frailty but not (probable-)sarcopenia. This highlights that multimorbidity should be considered a risk factor for these conditions and evaluated during nutrition and functional screening and assessment to support risk stratification within clinical practice., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Plants exploit phenotypic plasticity to adapt their growth and development to prevailing environmental conditions. Interpretation of light and temperature signals is aided by the circadian system, which provides a temporal context. Phenotypic plasticity provides a selective and competitive advantage in nature but is obstructive during large-scale, intensive agricultural practices since economically important traits (including vegetative growth and flowering time) can vary widely depending on local environmental conditions. This prevents accurate prediction of harvesting times and produces a variable crop. In this study, we sought to restrict phenotypic plasticity and circadian regulation by manipulating signaling systems that govern plants' responses to environmental signals. Mathematical modeling of plant growth and development predicted reduced plant responses to changing environments when circadian and light signaling pathways were manipulated. We tested this prediction by utilizing a constitutively active allele of the plant photoreceptor phytochrome B, along with disruption of the circadian system via mutation of EARLY FLOWERING3. We found that these manipulations produced plants that are less responsive to light and temperature cues and thus fail to anticipate dawn. These engineered plants have uniform vegetative growth and flowering time, demonstrating how phenotypic plasticity can be limited while maintaining plant productivity. This has significant implications for future agriculture in both open fields and controlled environments., (Copyright © 2024 The Author. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To 1) explore the experience of patients with lung cancer with low muscle mass or muscle loss during treatment and the ability to cope with treatment, complete self-care, and 2) their receptiveness and preferences for nutrition and exercise interventions to halt or treat low muscle mass/muscle loss., Methods: This was a qualitative study using individual semi-structured interviews conducted using purposive sampling in adults with a diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), treated with curative intent chemo-radiotherapy or radiotherapy. Patients who presented with computed tomography-assessed low muscle mass at treatment commencement or experienced loss of muscle mass throughout treatment were included. Data were analysed using thematic analysis., Results: Eighteen adults (mean age 73 ± SD years, 61% male) with NSCLC (76%) treated with chemo-radiotherapy (76%) were included. Three themes were identified: 1) the effect of cancer and its treatment; 2) engaging in self-management; and 3) impact and influence of extrinsic factors. Although experiences varied, substantial impact on day-to-day functioning, eating, and ability to be physically active was reported. Patients were aware of the overall importance of nutrition and exercise and engaged in self-initiated or health professional supported self-management strategies. Early provision of nutrition and exercise advice, guidance from health professionals, and support from family and friends were valued, albeit with a need for consideration of individual circumstances., Conclusion: Adults with NSCLC with or experiencing muscle loss described a diverse range of experiences regarding treatment. The types of support required were highly individual, highlighting the crucial role of personalised assessment of needs and subsequent intervention., Competing Interests: I have read the journal’s policy and the authors of this manuscript have the following competing interests: N.K. has previously received honoraria and/or paid consultancy from Abbott Nutrition. C.M.P. has previously received honoraria and/or paid consultancy from Abbott Nutrition, Nutricia, Nestlé Health Science, Pfizer, and AMRA medical. R.M.D. has previously received honoraria and/or paid consultancy from Abbott Nutrition and Fresenius Kabi. A.U., S.F.F, D.L.B., L.E., L.D., and S.S. report no competing interests., (Copyright: © 2024 Kiss et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background and Aims: Early identification of people at risk of cancer-related malnutrition, low muscle mass (LMM) and sarcopenia is crucial to mitigate the impact of adverse outcomes. This study investigated risk factors associated with LMM, malnutrition and (probable-) sarcopenia and whether these varied in people with or without a history of cancer., Methods: Participants in the UK Biobank, with or without a history of cancer, who completed the Oxford WebQ at the baseline assessment were included. LMM was estimated from fat-free mass derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis, and low muscle strength from handgrip strength, and used to identify probable or confirmed sarcopenia following the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 definition. The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria were applied to determine malnutrition. Generalised linear models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) for associations between risk factors (clinical, functional, nutritional) and study outcomes., Results: Overall, 50,592 adults with (n = 2,287, mean ± SD 59.7 ± 7.1 years) or without (n = 48,305, mean ± SD 55.8 ± 8.2 years) cancer were included. For all participants (PRs [cancer, without cancer]), slow walking pace (PR 1.85; 1.99), multimorbidity (PR 1.72; 1.51), inflammation (PR 2.91; 2.07), and low serum 25(OH)D (PR 1.85, 1.44) were associated with higher prevalence of LMM, while higher energy intake (PR 0.55; 0.49) was associated with lower prevalence. Slow walking pace (PR 1.54 [cancer], 1.51 [without cancer]) and higher protein intake (PR 0.18 [cancer]; 0.11 [without cancer]) were associated with increased or decreased prevalence of malnutrition, respectively regardless of cancer status. Multimorbidity was the only common factor associated with higher prevalence (PR 1.79 [cancer], 1.68 [without cancer]) of (probable-)sarcopenia in all participants., Conclusion: Risk factors for LMM and malnutrition were similar in adults with and without cancer, although these varied between LMM and malnutrition. These findings have implications for the future of risk stratification, screening and assessment for these conditions and the development or modification of existing screening tools., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest NK reports honoraria from Abbott Nutrition Australasia. CP reports honoraria or consulting fees from Abbott Nutrition, Nestle Health Sciences, Nutricia and Pfizer. RD reports honoraria from Abbott Nutrition Australasia and Fresenius Kabi. BB, SFF, ARC, GA, LE and LD have no conflicts of interest to report., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: Low muscle mass (MM) is a common component of cancer-related malnutrition and sarcopenia, conditions that are all independently associated with an increased risk of mortality. This study aimed to (1) compare the prevalence of low MM, malnutrition, and sarcopenia and their association with survival in adults with cancer from the UK Biobank and (2) explore the influence of different allometric scaling (height [m 2 ] or body mass index [BMI]) on low MM estimates., Methods: Participants in the UK Biobank with a cancer diagnosis within 2 years of the baseline assessment were identified. Low MM was estimated by appendicular lean soft tissue (ALST) from bioelectrical impedance analysis derived fat-free mass. Malnutrition was determined using the Global Leadership in Malnutrition criteria. Sarcopenia was defined using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria (version 2). All-cause mortality was determined from linked national mortality records. Cox-proportional hazards models were fitted to estimate the effect of low MM, malnutrition, and sarcopenia on all-cause mortality., Results: In total, 4122 adults with cancer (59.8 ± 7.1 years; 49.2% male) were included. Prevalence of low MM (8.0% vs. 1.7%), malnutrition (11.2% vs. 6.2%), and sarcopenia (1.4% vs. 0.2%) was higher when MM was adjusted using ALST/BMI compared with ALST/height 2 , respectively. Low MM using ALST/BMI identified more cases in participants with obesity (low MM 56.3% vs. 0%; malnutrition 50% vs. 18.5%; sarcopenia 50% vs. 0%). During a median 11.2 (interquartile range: 10.2, 12.0) years of follow up, 901 (21.7%) of the 4122 participants died, and of these, 744 (82.6%) deaths were cancer-specific All conditions were associated with a higher hazard of mortality using either method of MM adjustment: low MM (ALST/height 2 : HR 1.9 [95% CI 1.3, 2.8], P = 0.001; ALST/BMI: HR 1.3 [95% CI 1.1, 1.7], P = 0.005; malnutrition (ALST/height 2 : HR 2.5 [95% CI 1.1, 1.7], P = 0.005; ALST/BMI: HR 1.3 [95% CI 1.1, 1.7], P = 0.005; sarcopenia (ALST/height 2 : HR 2.9 [95% CI 1.3, 6.5], P = 0.013; ALST/BMI: HR 1.6 [95% CI 1.0, 2.4], P = 0.037)., Conclusions: In adults with cancer, malnutrition was more common than low MM or sarcopenia, although all conditions were associated with a higher mortality risk, regardless of the method of adjusting for MM. In contrast, adjustment of low MM for BMI identified more cases of low MM, malnutrition, and sarcopenia overall and in participants with obesity compared with height adjustment, suggesting it is the preferred adjustment., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society on Sarcopenia, Cachexia and Wasting Disorders.)

The purpose of this investigation was to explore the effects of dietary weight loss intervention, with and without the addition of exercise on health-related quality of life, depressive symptoms, and anxiety. As part of the EMPOWER study for women, sixty premenopausal women (BMI of 40.4 ± 6.7) were randomized to energy restriction only (ER) or to exercise plus energy restriction (EXER) for 12 months. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the SF-36, depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI), and anxiety symptoms using the Spielberger state and trait anxiety questionnaire. All measures were completed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. At 12 months, there were significant (p < 0.05) group-by-time interactions favouring the EXER group for five of the eight domains and the mental component summary score. At 12 months, a significant group-by-time interaction favouring the EXER group is reported for both state and trait anxiety (p = .005 and p = .001, respectively). At 12 months, there was a significant group-by-time interaction for depressive symptoms favouring EXER (p < 0.05). Within-group changes for BDI scores were improved at all follow-up time points in the EXER group. Exercise training confers an additional benefit to energy restriction in the absence of additional weight loss at 12 months for health-related quality of life, depressive symptoms, and state and trait anxiety scores when compared to energy restriction only. Exercise and an energy-restricted diet improve health-related quality of life and mental health. Exercise may protect mental health without further weight loss for women with severe obesity., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Context: Changes in body weight and composition (fat and lean mass) are prominent side effects of cancer treatment. Nutrition and exercise interventions are both key strategies to protect against these adverse effects, yet their impact when combined has not been comprehensively reviewed in adults with cancer., Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the effects of combined nutrition and exercise interventions on body weight and composition in adults with cancer., Data Sources: Four databases were searched until January 2021. Combined nutrition and exercise randomized controlled trials that detailed the nutrition and exercise prescription and reported body weight and composition outcomes were eligible., Data Extraction: Risk of bias was assessed through the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The number of participants, mean values, and standard deviations of the outcome variables were extracted. Mean differences (MDs) were pooled using random-effects models. Predetermined subgroup analyses included cancer type, intervention intent, exercise modality, and use of behavior change strategies., Data Analysis: Twenty-three RCTs were included. Nutrition plus exercise interventions significantly reduced body weight (MD -  2.13 kg; 95%CI, - 3.07 to - 1.19), fat mass (MD - 2.06 kg; 95%CI, - 3.02 to - 1.09), and lean mass (MD - 0.43; 95%CI, - 0.82 to - 0.04). Subgroup analyses in women with breast cancer showed that weight loss interventions and interventions incorporating behavior change strategies significantly reduced body weight and fat mass but also reduced lean mass. Interventions aiming to maintain body weight showed no changes in body weight, as intended., Conclusion: Combined nutrition and exercise interventions successfully reduce body weight and fat mass in adults with cancer but also reduce lean mass. In contrast, weight loss-focused interventions are associated mostly with reduced lean mass., Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO registration number CRD42020161805., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Life Sciences Institute. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Breast cancer survivors treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy (AC) have increased risk of functional limitation and cardiac dysfunction. We conducted a 12-month randomized controlled trial in 104 patients with early-stage breast cancer scheduled for AC to determine whether 12 months of exercise training (ExT) could attenuate functional disability (primary end point), improve cardiorespiratory fitness (VO 2 peak), and prevent cardiac dysfunction., Methods: Women 40 to 75 years of age with stage I to III breast cancer scheduled for AC were randomized to 3 to 4 days per week aerobic and resistance ExT for 12 months (n=52) or usual care (UC; n=52). Functional measures were performed at baseline, at 4 weeks after AC (4 months), and at 12 months, comprising: (1) cardiopulmonary exercise testing to quantify VO 2 peak and functional disability (VO 2 peak ≤18.0 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ); (2) cardiac reserve (response from rest to peak exercise), quantified with exercise cardiac magnetic resonance measures to determine changes in left and right ventricular ejection fraction, cardiac output, and stroke volume; (3) standard-of-care echocardiography-derived resting left ventricular ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain; and (4) biochemistry (troponin and BNP [B-type natriuretic peptide])., Results: Among 104 participants randomized, greater study attrition was observed among UC participants ( P =0.031), with 93 women assessed at 4 months (ExT, n=49; UC, n=44) and 87 women assessed at 12 months (ExT, n=49; UC, n=38). ExT attenuated functional disability at 4 months (odds ratio, 0.32 [95% CI, 0.11-0.94]; P =0.03) but not at 12 months (odds ratio, 0.27 [95% CI, 0.06-1.12]; P =0.07). In a per-protocol analysis, functional disability was prevented entirely at 12 months among participants adherent to ExT (ExT, 0% versus UC, 20%; P =0.005). Compared with UC at 12 months, ExT was associated with a net 3.5-mL·kg -1 ·min -1 improvement in VO 2 peak that coincided with greater cardiac output, stroke volume, and left and right ventricular ejection fraction reserve ( P <0.001 for all). There was no effect of ExT on resting measures of left ventricular function. Postchemotherapy troponin increased less in ExT than in UC (8-fold versus 16-fold increase; P =0.002). There were no changes in BNP in either group., Conclusions: In women with early-stage breast cancer undergoing AC, 12 months of ExT did not attenuate functional disability, but provided large, clinically meaningful benefits on VO 2 peak and cardiac reserve., Registration: URL: https://www.anzctr.org.au/; Unique identifier: ACTRN12617001408370.

Premature cardiovascular mortality is increased in long-term allogeneic stem cell transplant (allo-SCT) survivors, but little information exists regarding subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction in this population. We compared peak oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]O 2peak ), a prognostic cardiovascular marker, and its determinants between long-term allo-SCT survivors and non-cancer controls. Fourteen allo-SCT survivors (mean ± SD, 44 ± 15 years, 50% male, median time since allo-SCT: 6.5 years [range 2-20]) and 14 age- and sex-matched controls (46 ± 13 years, 50% male) underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing to quantify [Formula: see text]O 2peak . Resting echocardiography (left-ventricular ejection fraction and strain), exercise cardiac MRI (peak cardiac and stroke volume index [CI peak , SVI peak ]), biochemistry (hemoglobin, troponin-I, B-natriuretic peptide), dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (lean [LM] and fat [FM] mass, percent body fat [%BF]) and Fick-principal calculation (arteriovenous oxygen difference) were also performed. Survivors exhibited impaired [Formula: see text]O 2peak as compared with controls (25.9 ± 5.1 vs. 33.7 ± 6.5 ml kg -1  min -1 , p = 0.002), which coincided with reduced CI peak (6.6 ± 0.8 vs. 8.6 ± 1.9 L min -1  m -2 ; p = 0.001) secondary to reduced SVI peak (48 ± 4 vs. 61 ± 8 ml m -2 ; p < 0.001) rather than chronotropic impairment, and higher %BF (difference, 7.9%, p = 0.007) due to greater FM (5.8 kg; p = 0.069) and lower LM (4.3 kg, p = 0.25). All other measures were similar between groups. Despite comparable resting cardiac function and biomarker profiles, survivors exhibited reduced [Formula: see text]O 2peak and exercise cardiac function and increased %BF relative to controls. These results highlight potential therapeutic avenues and the utility of exercise-based cardiovascular assessment in unmasking cardiovascular dysfunction in allo-SCT survivors., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) offers a potential cure for high-risk hematological malignancy; however, long-term survivors experience increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It is unclear how allo-HCT impacts cardiovascular function in the short-term. Thus, this 3-month prospective study sought to evaluate the short-term cardiovascular impact of allo-HCT in hematological cancer patients, compared to an age-matched non-cancer control group., Methods: Before and ~3-months following allo-HCT, 17 hematological cancer patients (45 ± 18 years) underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing to quantify peak oxygen uptake (VO 2 peak)-a measure of integrative cardiovascular function. Then, to determine the degree to which changes in VO 2 peak are mediated by cardiac vs. non-cardiac factors, participants underwent exercise cardiac MRI (cardiac reserve), resting echocardiography (left-ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], global longitudinal strain [GLS]), dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (lean [LM] and fat mass [FM]), blood pressure (BP) assessment, hemoglobin sampling, and arteriovenous oxygen difference (a-vO 2 diff) estimation via the Fick equation. Twelve controls (43 ± 13 years) underwent identical testing at equivalent baseline and 3-month time intervals., Results: S ignificant group-by-time interactions were observed for absolute VO 2 peak ( p = 0.006), bodyweight-indexed VO 2 peak ( p = 0.015), LM ( p = 0.001) and cardiac reserve ( p = 0.019), which were driven by 26, 24, 6, and 26% reductions in the allo-HCT group (all p ≤ 0.001), respectively, as no significant changes were observed in the age-matched control group. No significant group-by-time interactions were observed for LVEF, GLS, FM, hemoglobin, BP or a-vO 2 diff, though a-vO 2 diff declined 12% in allo-HCT ( p = 0.028)., Conclusion: In summary, allo-HCT severely impairs VO 2 peak, reflecting central and peripheral dysfunction. These results indicate allo-HCT rapidly accelerates cardiovascular aging and reinforces the need for early preventive cardiovascular intervention in this high-risk group., Competing Interests: BK was employed by CSL Ltd. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Dillon, Foulkes, Horne-Okano, Kliman, Dunstan, Daly, Fraser, Avery, Kingwell, La Gerche and Howden.)

Abstract: Bigaran, A, Howden, EJ, Foulkes, S, Janssens, K, Beaudry, R, Haykowsky, MJ, La Gerche, A, Fraser, SF, and Selig, SE. Prescribing exercise in early-stage breast cancer during chemotherapy: a simple periodized approach to align with the cyclic phases of chemotherapy. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2934-2941, 2022-To evaluate whether a periodized aerobic and resistance training plan aligned to the anthracycline chemotherapy (AC) cycles would be well tolerated, feasible, and attenuate the decline in peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak) in breast cancer (BC) patients. Twenty-eight women with early-stage BC treated with AC self-selected to undertake exercise training (EX 47 ± 9 years, n = 14) or usual care (53 ± 9 years, n = 14) for 12 weeks as part of a nonrandomized controlled trial. The periodized EX was aligned to the cyclic phases of AC, including AC taper and nontaper weeks. Outcome measures included cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Attendance and adherence variables (relative dose intensity [RDI] and volume load) were calculated to quantify the dose of EX completed relative to the amount of EX prescribed. The mean session attendance was 76% (range 46-88%). The mean ± SD prescribed and completed dose of aerobic training was 332.3 ± 48.7 MET h·wk-1 and 380.6 ± 53.2 MET h·wk-1 (p = 0.02), equating to a mean RDI of 89 ± 17%. For resistance training, the prescribed and completed cumulative dose was 128,264 ± 54,578 and 77,487 ± 26,108 kg (p < 0.001), equating to an RDI of 60 ± 11%. Adherence to the AC taper week RDI (52 ± 14%) for resistance training was significantly lower than the non-AC taper week (72 ± 8%, p = 0.02). The most frequent cause for EX interruption was hospitalization (35%), whereas AC-related illness was the most common cause for missed (57%) or modified EX sessions (64%). This periodized approach was mostly well tolerated for patients with BC. We speculate that a periodized approach may be both more palatable and useful, although this requires further investigation in a randomized controlled trial., (Copyright © 2021 National Strength and Conditioning Association.)

Background: Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is a potentially lifesaving treatment for high-risk hematological malignancy, but survivors experience markedly elevated rates of cardiovascular disease and associated functional impairment. Mounting evidence suggests regular exercise, combined with a reduction in sedentary time through replacement with light exercise may be a useful therapeutic strategy for the prevention of cardiovascular comorbidities. However, this type of intervention has yet to be evaluated in patients undergoing allo-SCT. The ALLO-Active study will evaluate the efficacy of a ~ 4 month multi-faceted exercise intervention, commenced upon admission for allo-SCT, to preserve peak oxygen uptake (VO 2 peak) and peak cardiac output, compared with usual care. The study will also evaluate the effect of the intervention on functional independence, quality of life, and symptoms of fatigue., Methods: Sixty adults with hematological malignancy scheduled for allo-SCT will be randomly assigned to usual care (n = 30) or the exercise and sedentary behaviour intervention (n = 30). Participants assigned to the intervention will complete a thrice weekly aerobic and progressive resistance training program and concomitantly aim to reduce daily sedentary time by 30 min with short, frequent, light-intensity exercise bouts. Participants will undergo testing prior to, immediately after inpatient discharge, and 12 weeks after discharge. To address aim 1, VO 2 peak and peak cardiac output (multiple primary outcomes, p < 0.025) will be assessed via cardiopulmonary exercise testing and exercise cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. Secondary outcomes include functional independence (defined as VO 2 peak ≥ 18.mL.kg -1 .min -1 ), quality of life, and fatigue (assessed via validated questionnaire). Exploratory outcomes will include indices of resting cardiac, vascular, and skeletal muscle structure and function, cardiovascular biomarkers, anxiety and depression, transplant outcomes (e.g., engraftment, graft-versus-host disease), and habitual physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep., Discussion: Multi-faceted exercise programs are a promising approach for ameliorating the cardiovascular consequences of allo-SCT. If this intervention proves to be effective, it will contribute to the development of evidence-based exercise guidelines for patients undergoing allo-SCT and assist with optimising the balance between acute cancer management and long-term health., Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), ID: 12619000741189 . Registered 17 May 2019., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Objectives: The aim of this preplanned secondary analysis of a 12-month randomised controlled trial was to investigate the effects of a multicomponent exercise programme combined with daily whey protein, calcium and vitamin D supplementation on cognition in men with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)., Design: 12-month, two-arm, randomised controlled trial., Setting: University clinical exercise centre., Participants: 70 ADT-treated men were randomised to exercise-training plus supplementation (Ex+ Suppl, n=34) or usual care (control, n=36)., Intervention: Men allocated to Ex + Suppl undertook thrice weekly resistance training with weight-bearing exercise training plus daily whey protein (25 g), calcium (1200 mg) and vitamin D (2000 IU) supplementation., Primary and Secondary Outcome Measures: Cognition was assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months via a computerised battery (CogState), Trail-making test, Rey auditory-verbal learning test and Digit span. Data were analysed with linear mixed models and an intention-to-treat and prespecified per-protocol approach (exercise-training: ≥66%, nutritional supplement: ≥80%)., Results: Sixty (86%) men completed the trial (Ex + Suppl, n=31; control, n=29). Five (7.1%) men were classified as having mild cognitive impairment at baseline. Median (IQR) adherence to the exercise and supplement was 56% (37%-82%) and 91% (66%-97%), respectively. Ex + Suppl had no effect on cognition at any time., Conclusions: A 12-month multicomponent exercise training and supplementation intervention had no significant effect on cognition in men treated with ADT for prostate cancer compared with usual care. Exercise training adherence below recommended guidelines does not support cognitive health in men treated with ADT for prostate cancer., Trial Registration Number: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12614000317695, registered 25/03/2014) and acknowledged under the Therapeutic Goods Administration Clinical Trial Notification Scheme (CT-2015-CTN-03372-1 v1)., Competing Interests: Competing interests: RD has received funding from a Primary Growth Partnership grant via the Ministry of Primary Industries in New Zealand with Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd. Declan G Murphy has received honoraria for advisory board and speaker duties from Astellas, Janssen, Astra Zeneca, Bayer, Ferring and Ipsen., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Being overweight or obese may be associated with lower physical and cognitive function, but in late-adulthood (≥ 65 years) evidence is mixed. This study aimed to investigate how being overweight or obese affected interactions between muscle strength, function and cognition in Australians aged ≥ 50 years, and whether interactions varied according to age (i.e. ≥ 50-65 vs > 65 years)., Methods: This study included 2368 adults [mean (standard deviation) age: 63 (7) years; 56% female] from the 2011/2012 Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) follow-up. Physical function was assessed via timed up-and-go (TUG) and muscle strength from knee extensor strength (KES). Cognition was assessed using Mini-Mental-State Exam (MMSE), Spot-the-Word (STW), California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) and Symbol-Digit-Modalities Test (SDMT). Beta binomial regression was used to evaluate how being overweight or obese influenced strength, physical and cognitive function associations., Results: Being overweight or obese did not affect strength-cognition associations regardless of sex or age. With slower physical function; obese females showed better STW (odds ratio [OR] 95% CI]: 1.070 [1.016, 1.127], P = 0.011); obese men better MMSE (OR [95% CI]: 1.157 [1.012, 1.322], P = 0.033); and obese men aged > 65 better CVLT (OR [95% CI]: 1.122 [1.035, 1.217], P = 0.019) and MMSE (OR [95% CI]: 1.233 [1.049, 1.449], P = 0.017) compared to normal weight participants., Conclusion: Slower physical function was associated with better performance in some cognitive domains in obese, but not in non-obese adults aged ≥ 50 years. These findings suggest some benefits of obesity to aspects of cognition when physical function is slower, but longitudinal follow-up studies are needed., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Purpose: Reduced lean body mass (LBM) is common during and after treatment for breast cancer, and it is associated with increased treatment-induced toxicity, shorter time to tumor progression, and decreased survival. Exercise training is a potential intervention for maintaining or increasing LBM. We conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis to investigate the effects of exercise training on LBM in breast cancer., Methods: A comprehensive search was performed to November 2020 for randomized controlled trials reporting the effects of structured exercise training on LBM compared with control in women with breast cancer during or after cancer treatment. A random-effects meta-analysis was completed using the absolute net difference in the change in LBM between intervention and control groups as the outcome measure. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also performed., Results: Data from 17 studies involving 1743 breast cancer survivors were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, there was a significant benefit of exercise training compared with control on LBM (0.58 kg, 95% confidence interval = 0.27 to 0.88, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed positive effects for resistance training (0.59 kg) and aerobic training (0.29 kg), and for exercise training conducted during (0.47 kg) or after (0.66 kg) cancer treatment. Exercise training was beneficial in studies enrolling postmenopausal women (0.58 kg) as well as in those with participants of mixed menopausal status (1.46 kg)., Conclusions: Compared with usual care, exercise training has a beneficial effect on LBM in women with breast cancer, both during and after cancer treatment. Given the physiological and functional importance of LBM in women with breast cancer, oncologists should encourage their patients to engage in regular exercise training, with particular emphasis on resistance training., (Copyright © 2021 by the American College of Sports Medicine.)

Objectives: We investigated whether there were differences in associations between cognition with muscle strength, fitness and function in men with prostate cancer (PCa) treated with, and without androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and non-PCa controls. A secondary aim was to compare differences in the prevalence of cognitive impairment., Design: This cross-sectional study compared 70 ADT-treated men with PCa aged 50-85 years to non-ADT-treated men (n=52) and non-PCa controls (n=70)., Setting: University clinical exercise laboratory., Interventions: Nil., Primary and Secondary Outcome Measures: Standardised assessments were conducted for cognition (learning, memory, attention, processing speed and executive function), muscle strength (grip strength and leg press), fitness (400 m walk), gait speed (4 m walk) and dual-tasking mobility (timed-up-and-go with a cognitive task)., Results: ADT-treated men showed stronger associations between fitness and executive function and task switching relative to controls (both: p≤0.03). For both PCa groups (independent of ADT use), poorer dual-task mobility was more strongly associated with decreased psychomotor attention (both: p≤0.027) and global cognitive function (both: p≤0.031) compared with non-PCa controls. The overall prevalence of cognitive impairment was low (4%-13%) and did not differ between the groups., Conclusions: The presence of PCa, with or without ADT treatment, did not increase the risk of cognitive impairment relative to non-PCa controls, yet did alter the associations between physical fitness and some measures of functional performance with certain cognitive domains. This highlights the importance of men with PCa maintaining fitness and functional capacity to optimise cognitive health., Trial Registration Number: This study was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12614000317695)., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Purpose: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer has multiple adverse effects on musculoskeletal health. This 12-month randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the effects of multicomponent exercise training combined with whey protein, calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD), structure and strength, body composition, muscle strength, and physical function in ADT-treated men., Methods: Seventy ADT-treated men were randomized to exercise plus supplementation (Ex + Suppl; n = 34) or usual care (control; n = 36). Ex + Suppl involved thrice weekly progressive resistance training plus weight-bearing impact exercise with daily multinutrient supplementation. Primary outcomes were DXA hip and spine areal BMD. Secondary outcomes included the following: tibia and radius pQCT volumetric BMD, bone structure and strength, DXA body composition, pQCT muscle and fat cross-sectional area and muscle density, and muscle strength and physical function., Results: Sixty men (86%) completed the study. Mean exercise and supplement adherence were 56% and 77%, respectively. There were no effects of the intervention on bone or body composition outcomes. Ex + Suppl improved leg muscle strength (net difference, (95% confidence interval, or CI), 14.5% (-0.2 to 29.2); P = 0.007) and dynamic mobility (four-square-step test time, -9.3% (-17.3 to -1.3), P = 0.014) relative to controls. Per-protocol analysis of adherent participants (≥66% exercise, ≥80% supplement) showed Ex + Suppl preserved femoral neck aBMD (1.9% (0.1 to 3.8), P = 0.026) and improved total body lean mass (1.0 kg (-0.23 to 2.22), P = 0.044) relative to controls., Conclusions: Exercise training combined with multinutrient supplementation had a limited effect on ameliorating the adverse musculoskeletal consequences of ADT, likely related to the modest intervention adherence., (Copyright © 2021 by the American College of Sports Medicine.)

Introduction: Current knowledge of the long-term health behaviours and well-being of adolescent and yong adult (AYA) cancer survivors is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health behaviours of AYA cancer survivors compared to Australian normative data and describe their health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and levels of fatigue., Method: A cross-sectional online survey of participants aged 15-25 years at diagnosis and 2-7 years post treatment completion was conducted at a comprehensive cancer centre. Validated questionnaires assessed health behaviours and functioning including current physical activity (PA) levels, diet quality, fatigue (FACIT-F) and HR-QoL (AQoL-6D, Short Form 36v2 [SF-36v2]) were compared to Australian normative data., Results: Ninety individuals completed the survey (26% response rate) with a mean age of 25.4 years and median time post treatment of 61 months (24-85 months). Compared to normative data, a higher proportion of AYA cancer survivors was consuming the recommended daily serves of fruit and vegetables (16.7% vs. 3.9%, p < .0001), had a lower presence of overweight or obesity (46.7% vs. 57.7%, p = .04) and lower percentage of current smokers (2.2% vs. 16.7%, p < .0001). However, AYA cancer survivors reported increased fatigue (t[df = 596] = -4.1, p < .0001) and reduced HR-QoL compared to normative data (t[df = 533] = 9.2, p < .0001) along with a higher proportion suffering from one or more chronic health conditions (65% vs. 40%, p < .0001)., Conclusion: AYA cancer survivors from a single Australian institution, who were on average 5 years post treatment, exhibited better health behaviours compared to Australian normative data, but still below recommended guidelines. However, they continue to experience issues with fatigue and reduced HR-QoL, especially in those not meeting the PA guidelines., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Introduction: Low muscle mass and low muscle attenuation (radiodensity), reflecting increased muscle adiposity, are prevalent muscle abnormalities in people with lung cancer receiving curative intent chemoradiation therapy (CRT) or radiation therapy (RT). Currently, there is a limited understanding of the magnitude, determinants and clinical significance of these muscle abnormalities in the lung cancer CRT/RT population. The primary objective of this study is to identify the predictors of muscle abnormalities (low muscle mass and muscle attenuation) and their depletion over time in people with lung cancer receiving CRT/RT. Secondary objectives are to assess the magnitude of change in these parameters and their association with health-related quality of life, treatment completion, toxicities and survival., Methods and Analysis: Patients diagnosed with lung cancer and planned for treatment with CRT/RT are invited to participate in this prospective observational study, with a target of 120 participants. The impact and predictors of muscle abnormalities (assessed via CT at the third lumbar vertebra) prior to and 2 months post CRT/RT on the severity of treatment toxicities, treatment completion and survival will be assessed by examining the following variables: demographic and clinical factors, weight loss, malnutrition, muscle strength, physical performance, energy and protein intake, physical activity and sedentary time, risk of sarcopenia (Strength, Assistance in walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs, Falls history (SARC-F) score alone and with calf-circumference) and systemic inflammation. A sample of purposively selected participants with muscle abnormalities will be invited to take part in semistructured interviews to understand their ability to cope with treatment and explore preference for treatment strategies focused on nutrition and exercise., Ethics and Dissemination: The PREDICT study received ethics approval from the Human Research Ethics Committee at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (HREC/53147/PMCC-2019) and Deakin University (2019-320). Findings will be disseminated through peer review publications and conference presentations., Competing Interests: Competing interests: NKK reports grants from Victorian Cancer Agency, during the conduct of the study. AU reports grants from Victorian Cancer Agency, during the conduct of the study. RMD reports grants from World Cancer Research Fund International Regular Grant Programme, outside the submitted work. DB reports personal fees from Astra Zeneca, outside the submitted work. NH reports grants from Varian Medical Systems, outside the submitted work. SS reports personal fees from Astra Zeneca, outside the submitted work. CMP reports personal fees from Abbott Nutrition, Nutricia, Nestle Health Science, Fresenius Kabi and Pfizer, outside the submitted work. AW, GA, LD, LE and SE have nothing to disclose., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Pediatric cancer survivors are at increased risk of cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. Reduced peak oxygen consumption (peak VO 2 ) is associated with impaired cardiac reserve (defined as the increase in cardiac function from rest to peak exercise) and heart failure risk, but it is unclear whether this relationship exists in pediatric cancer survivors. This study sought to investigate the presence of reduced peak VO 2 in pediatric cancer survivors with increased risk of heart failure, and to assess its relationship with resting cardiac function and cardiac haemodynamics and systolic function during exercise., Methods: Twenty pediatric cancer survivors (8-24 years; 10 male) treated with anthracycline chemotherapy ± radiation underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing to quantify peak VO 2 , with a value < 85% of predicted defined as impaired peak VO 2 . Resting cardiac function was assessed using 2- and 3-dimensional echocardiography, with cardiac reserve quantified from resting and peak exercise heart rate, stroke volume index (SVI) and cardiac index (CI) using exercise cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)., Results: Twelve of 20 survivors (60%) had reduced peak VO 2 (70 ± 16% vs. 97 ± 14% of age and gender predicted). There were no differences in echocardiographic or CMR measurements of resting cardiac function between survivors with normal or impaired peak VO 2 . However, those with reduced peak VO 2 had diminished cardiac reserve, with a lesser increase in CI and SVI during exercise (Interaction P < 0.01 for both), whilst the heart rate response was similar (P = 0.71)., Conclusions: Whilst exercise intolerance is common among pediatric cancer survivors, it is poorly explained by resting measures of cardiac function. In contrast, impaired exercise capacity is associated with impaired haemodynamics and systolic functional reserve measured during exercise. Consequently, measures of cardiopulmonary fitness and cardiac reserve may aid in early identification of survivors with heightened risk of long-term heart failure.

This position statement describes the recommendations of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) regarding management of cancer-related malnutrition and sarcopenia. A multidisciplinary working group completed a review of the literature, focused on evidence-based guidelines, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, to develop recommendations for the position statement. National consultation of the position statement content was undertaken through COSA members. All people with cancer should be screened for malnutrition and sarcopenia in all health settings at diagnosis and as the clinical situation changes throughout treatment and recovery. People identified as "at risk" of malnutrition or with a high-risk cancer diagnosis or treatment plan should have a comprehensive nutrition assessment; people identified as "at risk" of sarcopenia should have a comprehensive evaluation of muscle status using a combination of assessments for muscle mass, muscle strength and function. All people with cancer-related malnutrition and sarcopenia should have access to the core components of treatment, including medical nutrition therapy, targeted exercise prescription and physical and psychological symptom management. Treatment for cancer-related malnutrition and sarcopenia should be individualised, in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team (MDT), and tailored to meet needs at each stage of cancer treatment. Health services should ensure a broad range of health care professionals across the MDT have the skills and confidence to recognise malnutrition and sarcopenia to facilitate timely referrals and treatment. The position statement is expected to provide guidance at a national level to improve the multidisciplinary management of cancer-related malnutrition and sarcopenia., (© 2020 The Authors. Nutrition & Dietetics published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Dietitians Australia.)

Background: Anthracycline chemotherapy (AC) is an efficacious (neo) adjuvant treatment for early-stage breast cancer (BCa), but is associated with an increased risk of cardiac dysfunction and functional disability. Observations suggest that regular exercise may be a useful therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular morbidity but it is yet to be interrogated in a large randomised trial. The primary aims of this study are to: 1) determine if 12-months of ET commenced at the onset of AC can reduce the proportion of BCa patients with functional disability (peak VO 2 , < 18 ml/kg/min), and 2) compare current standard-of-care for detecting cardiac dysfunction (resting left-ventricular ejection fraction assessed from 3-dimensional echocardiography) to measures of cardiac reserve (peak exercise cardiac output assessed from exercise cardiac magnetic resonance imaging) for predicting the development of functional disability 12-months following AC. Secondary aims are to assess the effects of ET on VO2peak, left ventricular morphology, vascular stiffness, cardiac biomarkers, body composition, bone mineral density, muscle strength, physical function, habitual physical activity, cognitive function, and multidimensional quality of life., Methods: One hundred women with early-stage BCa (40-75 years) scheduled for AC will be randomized to 12-months of structured exercise training (n = 50) or a usual care control group (n = 50). Participants will be assessed at baseline, 4-weeks following completion of AC (4-months) and at 12-months for all measures., Discussion: Women diagnosed with early-stage BCa have increased cardiac mortality. More sensitive strategies for diagnosing and preventing AC-induced cardiovascular impairment are critical for reducing cardiovascular morbidity and improving long-term health outcomes in BCa survivors., Trial Registration: Australia & New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), ID: 12617001408370 . Registered on 5th of October 2017.

Purpose of Review: The aim of this narrative review is to summarise recent literature on the effects of exercise and nutrition interventions alone or in combination on muscle and bone loss in people with cancer., Recent Findings: There is emerging evidence to support the inclusion of targeted exercise and nutrition strategies to counter loss of muscle and bone associated with cancer treatments. Although research in this field is advancing, the optimal exercise and nutrition prescription to combat cancer-related bone and muscle loss remain unknown. This review identifies specific components of nutrition and exercise interventions that are promising although require further exploration through studies designed to determine the effect on muscle and bone. A focused research effort is required to elucidate the full potential of exercise and nutrition intervention for people with cancer at risk of bone and muscle loss.

With progressive advancements in cancer detection and treatment, cancer-specific survival has improved dramatically over the past decades. Consequently, long-term health outcomes are increasingly defined by comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease. Importantly, a number of well-established and emerging cancer treatments have been associated with varying degrees of cardiovascular injury that may not emerge until years following the completion of cancer treatment. Of particular concern is the development of cancer treatment related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) which is associated with an increased risk of heart failure and high risk of morbidity and mortality. Early detection of CTRCD appears critical for preventing long-term cardiovascular morbidity in cancer survivors. However, current clinical standards for the identification of CTRCD rely on assessments of cardiac function in the resting state. This provides incomplete information about the heart's reserve capacity and may reduce the sensitivity for detecting sub-clinical myocardial injury. Advances in non-invasive imaging techniques have enabled cardiac function to be quantified during exercise thereby providing a novel means of identifying early cardiac dysfunction that has proved useful in several cardiovascular pathologies. The purpose of this narrative review is (1) to discuss the different non-invasive imaging techniques that can be used for quantifying different aspects of cardiac reserve; (2) discuss the findings from studies of cancer patients that have measured cardiac reserve as a marker of CTRCD; and (3) highlight the future directions important knowledge gaps that need to be addressed for cardiac reserve to be effectively integrated into routine monitoring for cancer patients exposed to cardiotoxic therapies., (Copyright © 2020 Foulkes, Claessen, Howden, Daly, Fraser and La Gerche.)

End-stage kidney disease is associated with reduced exercise capacity, muscle atrophy, and impaired muscle function. While these may be improved with exercise, single modalities of exercise do not traditionally elicit improvements across all required physiological domains. Blood flow-restricted exercise may improve all of these physiological domains with low intensities traditionally considered insufficient for these adaptions. Investigation of this technique appeals, but is yet to be evaluated, in patients undergoing dialysis. With the use of a progressive crossover design, 10 satellite patients undergoing hemodialysis underwent three exercise conditions over 2 wk: two bouts (10 min) of unrestricted cycling during two consecutive hemodialysis sessions ( condition 1 ), two bouts of cycling with blood flow restriction while off hemodialysis on 2 separate days ( condition 2 ), and two bouts of cycling with blood flow restriction during two hemodialysis sessions ( condition 3 ). Outcomes included hemodynamic responses (heart rate and blood pressure) throughout all sessions, participant-perceived exertion and discomfort on a Borg scale, and evaluation of ultrafiltration rates and dialysis adequacy (Kt/V) obtained post hoc. Hemodynamic responses were consistent regardless of condition. Significant increases in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and mean arterial blood pressure ( P < 0.05) were observed postexercise followed by a reduction in blood pressures during the 60-min recovery (12, 5, and 11 mmHg for systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures, respectively). Blood pressures returned to predialysis ranges following the recovery period. Blood flow restriction did not affect ultrafiltration achieved or Kt/V. Hemodynamic safety and tolerability of blood flow restriction during aerobic exercise on hemodialysis is comparable to standard aerobic exercise.

Introduction: To determine whether combined exercise training with an energy-restricted diet leads to improved physical fitness and body composition when compared to energy restriction alone in free-living premenopausal women with clinically severe obesity., Methods: Sixty premenopausal women (BMI of 40.4 ± 6.7) were randomised to energy restriction only (ER) or to exercise plus energy restriction (EXER) for 12 months. Body composition and fitness were measured at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months., Results: VO2 peak improved more for EXER compared to ER at 3 (mean difference ± SEM 2.5 ± 0.9 mL ∙ kg-1 ∙ min-1, p = 0.006) and 6 (3.1 ± 1.2 mL ∙ kg-1 ∙ min-1, p = 0.007) but not 12 months (2.3 ± 1.6 mL ∙ kg-1 ∙ min-1, p = 0.15). Muscle strength improved more for EXER compared to ER at all time points. No differences between groups for lean mass were observed at 12 months., Conclusion: Combining exercise training with an energy-restricted diet did not lead to greater aerobic power, total body mass, fat mass or limit lean body mass loss at 12 months when compared to energy restriction alone for premenopausal women with clinically severe obesity in free-living situations. Future research should aim to determine an effective lifestyle approach which can be applied in the community setting for this high-risk group., (© 2020 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa) may prospectively decrease absolute lean mass (LM) and increase absolute fat mass (FM). Given that estimates of LM by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry may be overestimated in obese people, this study examined the influence of adiposity on muscle health in men treated with ADT for PCa., Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the influence of adiposity on total and appendicular LM (ALM), muscle cross-sectional (CSA), and muscle strength in 70 men treated with ADT [mean (standard deviation) age, 71 (6) years] for PCa compared with age-matched PCa (n = 52) and healthy controls (n = 70). Total body LM, FM and ALM, and 66% tibia and radius muscle CSA were quantified by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography, respectively. ALM was further divided by height (m 2 ) or body mass index, with muscle CSA expressed as a per cent of total limb CSA. Upper and lower body and back (three-repetition maximum and dynamometry) muscle strength were expressed per kilogram of body weight., Results: On average, ADT-treated men had 4.4-6.4 kg greater FM compared with controls (P ≤ 0.014) and there were no differences in total body or ALM. Total body per cent LM and ALM BMI were 3.8-5.4% (P ≤ 0.001) and 7.8-9.4% (P ≤ 0.001) lower, respectively, in ADT-treated men compared with both controls. Percentage muscle CSA at both sites and muscle strength (except leg) were 3.0-6.0% (P ≤ 0.031) and 15-17% (P ≤ 0.010) lower, respectively, in ADT-treated men compared with both controls., Conclusions: The findings from this study indicate muscle mass, size, and strength are compromised in men treated with ADT after accounting for their increased adiposity or body size., (© 2019 The Authors Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society on Sarcopenia, Cachexia and Wasting Disorders.)

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa) can compromise muscle health. Hence, we aimed to quantify the prevalence of sarcopenia (i.e., compromised lean mass, muscle strength, and physical function) in ADT-treated (> 12 week) men (n = 70) compared to similarly aged non-ADT-treated PCa (n = 52) and healthy controls (n = 70). Lean and fat mass were quantified by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Muscle strength and function were measured using handgrip dynamometry and gait speed, respectively. Sarcopenia was defined as low adjusted appendicular lean mass [ALM; height-adjusted (ALMI), body mass index-adjusted (ALM BMI ) and height and fat mass-adjusted (ALM HFM )] with weak handgrip strength and/or slow gait speed according to the following criteria: European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People [EWGSOP; both 2010 (EWGSOP1) and 2018 (EWGSOP2)], Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) and International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS). Overall the prevalence of sarcopenia was low and did not differ between the three groups. Only two (3.2%) ADT-treated men presented with sarcopenia as per EWGSOP1 and FNIH criteria, whereas no cases were observed using EWGSOP2 and IWGS criteria. The prevalence of low ALM BMI was greater in ADT-treated men (32%) compared to PCa (15%; P = 0.037) and healthy controls (7.1%; P < 0.001). Similarly, low ALM HFM was greater in ADT-treated men (29%) compared to healthy controls only (13%; P = 0.019). There was also a low prevalence of weak muscle strength and slow gait speed (0.0-11%) in all men, with no differences between the groups. Based on these findings, an adiposity-based adjustment of ALM is recommended to quantify risk of adverse outcomes associated with ADT in these men.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) improves survival in men with advanced prostate cancer (PCa), but has been associated with compromised skeletal health and increased fracture risk. However, limited previous research has investigated determinants of bone strength beyond DXA-derived areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in this population group. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the effects of ADT in men with PCa on BMD, bone structure, estimates of whole bone strength and cortical bone distribution. A total of 70 ADT-treated men, 52 PCa controls and 70 healthy controls had DXA lumbar spine and proximal femur aBMD and pQCT distal (4%) and proximal (66%) tibia and radius cortical and trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD), bone structure, strength and cortical bone distribution assessed. Analyses included BMI and/or tibia/radius length as covariates. On average, ADT-treated men had a higher BMI than PCa (P < 0.05) but not healthy controls. ADT-treated men had 7.2-7.8% lower lumbar spine aBMD than PCa (P = 0.037) and healthy controls (P = 0.010), with a trend for a lower total hip aBMD in the ADT-treated men (P = 0.07). At the distal tibia, total bone area was 6.2-7.3% greater in ADT-treated men than both controls (P < 0.01), but total vBMD was 8.4-8.7% lower in ADT-treated men than both controls (P < 0.01). Moreover, bone strength index (BSI) was 10.8% lower relative to healthy controls only (P < 0.05). At the distal radius, ADT-treated men had lower total and trabecular vBMD (10.7-14.8%, P < 0.05) and BSI (23.6-27.5%, P < 0.001) compared to both controls. There were no other differences in bone outcomes at the proximal tibia or radius. In conclusion, ADT treatment for PCa was associated with lower BMD and estimated compressive bone strength, particularly at trabecular skeletal sites (lumbar spine, and distal tibia and radius), compared to controls, but there were no consistent differences in cortical bone structure, distribution or bending strength., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)