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Physical activity (PA) is a key strategy for improving symptoms in people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). The aim of this study was to investigate and rank the importance of known barriers and facilitators for engaging in PA, from the perspective of people living with RMD. Five hundred thirty-three people with RMD responded to a survey (nine questions) disseminated by the People with Arthritis and Rheumatism (PARE) network of the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR). The survey required participants to rank — based on their perceived importance — known PA barriers and facilitators from the literature, and specifically RMD symptoms as well as healthcare and community factors that may affect PA participation. Of the participants, 58% reported rheumatoid arthritis as their primary diagnosis, 89% were female, and 59% were between 51 and 70 years of age. Overall, participants reported fatigue (61.4%), pain (53.6%) and painful/swollen joints (50.6%) as the highest ranked barriers for engaging in PA. Conversely, less fatigue (66.8%) and pain (63.6%), and being able to do daily activities more easy (56.3%) were identified as the most important facilitators to PA. Three literature identified PA barriers, i.e., general health (78.8%), fitness (75.3%) and mental health (68.1%), were also ranked as being the most important for PA engagement. Symptoms of RMDs, such as pain and fatigue, seem to be considered the predominant barriers to PA by people with RMD; the same barriers are also the ones that they want to improve through increasing PA, suggesting a bi-directional relationship between these factors.Key Points• Symptoms of rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease (RMD) are the predominant barriers for lack of physical activity engagement.• RMD symptoms are the factors that people with RMDs want to improve when engaging in PA.• The barriers that stop people living with RMDs to do more PA are the ones that can be significantly improved through PA engagement.

Objectives: This study compared physiological, perceptual, and affective responses to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) between two work-matched programs with different bout durations in obese males. Methods: Sixteen low-to-moderately active obese men completed an eight-week cycling program of supervised HIIT (3 days/week) using either short bouts [48 × 10 s at 100% of peak power output (PPO) with 15 s of recovery (HIIT10)] or long bouts [8 × 60 s at 100% PPO with 90 s of recovery (HIIT60)]. Workload was progressively adjusted, to maintain high intensity (100% PPO), throughout training. Blood lactate (BLa), heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and feeling scale ratings (pleasure/displeasure) were measured in each HIIT session. Results: Average HR decreased in the last 2 weeks of training in both groups by 2.2 ± 1.8% of peak HR (p < 0.001). Training resulted in a reduction in BLa during exercise by 28 ± 19% (p < 0.001) from the 10th min onward only in HIIT10. Similarly, during the last weeks of training, RPE decreased (by 1.0 ± 1.1 units, p < 0.05) and feeling scale ratings were improved only in HIIT10, while RPE remained unchanged and feeling scale ratings deteriorated in HIIT60 (from 3.0 ± 1.1 to 2.1 ± 0.9 units, p < 0.001). No differences in post-exercise enjoyment were found. Conclusion: Both HIIT formats induced similar HR adaptations, but improvement of BLa, perceptual and affective responses occurred only when bout duration was shorter. Our findings suggest that, in low-to-moderately active obese men, HIIT may be more effective in improving metabolic, perceptual, and affective responses when shorter, rather than longer, bouts of exercise are used. © 2022 The Society of Chinese Scholars on Exercise Physiology and Fitness

La osteoporosis inducida por glucocorticoides es una de las formas secundarias más comunes de osteoporosis, debida en parte a la apoptosis de osteoblastos y osteocitos. En el presente trabajo, se han investigado los efectos de un calostro bovino en un modelo celular de osteoporosis obtenido a partir de la exposición de células osteoblásticas MC3T3-E1 a la DEX, en un rango de concentración (0-700 μM). El co-tratamiento de las células con el calostro bovino se realizó a una concentración de 0,1-5,0 mg/mL. Se determinó la activación de la caspasa-3 para evaluar el grado de apoptosis de los osteoblastos bajo la exposición a DEX y su posible prevención mediante el co-tratamiento con calostro. Se midieron los niveles de glutation reducido (GSH) para determinar si la apoptosis mediada por el estrés oxidativo de la DEX se veía disminuida por el co-tratamiento con calostro. Finalmente, mediante Western blot, se determinaron los niveles de las proteínas p-ERK1/2, Bcl-XL, Bax y Hsp70 tras la exposición a DEX o DEX más calostro. El calostro evitó la disminución de la viabilidad celular y el aumento de la activación de la caspasa-3 y el estrés oxidativo, causados por la exposición a la DEX. Las células sometidas a un tratamiento conjunto de calostro y DEX mostraron mayores niveles de p-ERK1/2 y menores niveles de Bcl-XL, Bax y Hsp70. Estos resultados prueban que el calostro posee capacidad de reducir la apoptosis inducida por DEX posiblemente a través de la activación de la vía ERK y la modulación del sistema Hsp70.

We examined changes in selected muscle performance parameters after 8 weeks of interval training using two opposite running inclinations. We hypothesized that the uphill training will affect endurance muscle performance outcomes, whereas the downhill training will affect power muscle performance outcomes. Fourteen physically active volunteers were randomly assigned into either the Uphill group (UG; n = 7; uphill interval running at +10% incline) or the Downhill group (DG; n = 7; downhill interval running at -10% incline) and completed 16 training sessions. Each session consisted of ten 30 s treadmill runs at 90% of maximum aerobic speed (MAS) with a work to rest ratio of 1:2. Vertical jump performance, isometric (MVC) and isokinetic torque of knee extensors and flexors, and fatigue of knee extensors were evaluated pre and post-training. Moreover, body composition (via bioimpedance) and vastus lateralis muscle architecture (via ultrasonography) were assessed pre and post-training. Relative lean tissue mass, relative fat mass, and squat jump (cm) significantly (p

We examined changes in selected muscle performance parameters after 8 weeks of interval training using two opposite running inclinations. We hypothesized that the uphill training will affect endurance muscle performance outcomes, whereas the downhill training will affect power muscle performance outcomes. Fourteen physically active volunteers were randomly assigned into either the Uphill group (UG; n = 7; uphill interval running at +10% incline) or the Downhill group (DG; n = 7; downhill interval running at −10% incline) and completed 16 training sessions. Each session consisted of ten 30 s treadmill runs at 90% of maximum aerobic speed (MAS) with a work to rest ratio of 1:2. Vertical jump performance, isometric (MVC) and isokinetic torque of knee extensors and flexors, and fatigue of knee extensors were evaluated pre and post-training. Moreover, body composition (via bioimpedance) and vastus lateralis muscle architecture (via ultrasonography) were assessed pre and post-training. Relative lean tissue mass, relative fat mass, and squat jump (cm) significantly (p

Physical exercise has been proposed as an adjunct in addiction treatment, including tobacco cigarette smoking. The physiological and biochemical mechanisms that could be affected by physical exercise in smokers and that could help quit smoking have not been investigated yet. Objective: To investigate whether the effects of acute exercise on smoking behavior and HPA axis activation in smokers are intensity-dependent. Methods: Healthy, non-systematically exercising individuals [25 smokers (age: 33±1.4 years) and 10 non-smokers (age: 34±2.1 years)] underwent three trials [moderate intensity (MI), high intensity (HI) exercise, control (C)] in a counterbalanced order, after an overnight fast and smoking abstinence, separated by at least six days. MI involved cycling at 50–60% of Heart Rate Reserve (HRR) for 30 min, HI involved cycling at 65–75% HRR for 30 min, while in C participants rested for 30 min. Time till the first cigarette following each trial was recorded. Smoking urge was evaluated and blood samples, [analyzed for β-endorphin (β-E), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol and catecholamines], were obtained prior to and immediately after each trial. Results: β-E, ACTH, catecholamines and cortisol responses to exercise were intensity-dependent and differed in smokers and non-smokers. Resting β-E levels were 2–2.5 times lower in smokers compared to non-smokers. HI resulted in increased β-E levels in both groups, with smokers exhibiting similar levels to that observed in non-smokers. Although smoking urge did not change post-exercise in smokers, time till first cigarette increased following both MI (64.6%) and HI (77.9%) compared to C. Conclusions: HPA axis activation in response to exercise may differ between smokers and non-smokers. Smokers have lower resting levels of β-E compared to non-smokers and, since HI exercise increases β-E to similar levels to those of non-smokers and delays smoking, this may be used as an adjunct in smoking cessation. © 2020 Elsevier Inc.

The effects of two high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols on regional body composition and fat oxidation in men with obesity were compared using a parallel randomized design. Sixteen inactive males (age, 38.9 ± 7.3 years; body fat, 31.8 ± 3.9%; peak oxygen uptake, VO2peak, 30.9 ± 4.1 mL/kg/min; all mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to either HIIT10 (48 × 10 s bouts at 100% of peak power [Wpeak ] with 15 s of recovery) or HIIT60 group (8 × 60 s bouts at 100% Wpeak with 90 s of recovery), and subsequently completed eight weeks of training, while maintaining the same diet. Analyses of variance (ANOVA) showed only a main effect of time (p < 0.01) and no group or interaction effects (p > 0.05) in the examined parameters. Total and trunk fat mass decreased by 1.81 kg (90%CI: −2.63 to −0.99 kg; p = 0.002) and 1.45 kg (90%CI: −1.95 to −0.94 kg; p < 0.001), respectively, while leg lean mass increased by 0.86 kg (90%CI: 0.63 to 1.08 kg; p < 0.001), following both HIIT protocols. HIIT increased peak fat oxidation (PFO) (from 0.20 ± 0.05 to 0.33 ± 0.08 g/min, p = 0.001), as well as fat oxidation over a wide range of submaximal exercise intensities, and shifted PFO to higher intensity (from 33.6 ± 4.6 to 37.6 ± 6.7% VO2peak, p = 0.039). HIIT, irrespective of protocol, improved VO2peak by 20.0 ± 7.2% (p < 0.001), while blood lactate at various submaximal intensities decreased by 20.6% (p = 0.001). In conclusion, both HIIT protocols were equally effective in improving regional body composition and fat oxidation during exercise in obese men. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Το αγελαδινό πρωτόγαλα ενισχύει τον αναβολισμό των οστών, ωστόσο ο ακριβής μηχανισμός δεν είναι γνωστός. Σκοπός μελέτης: Η εκτίμηση της επίδρασης διαφορετικών δόσεων πρωτογάλακτος σε αρουραίους με ωοθηκεκτομή και ορχεκτομή και ο προσδιορισμός του μηχανισμού επίδρασής του στα οστά. Αγελαδινό πρωτόγαλα χορηγήθηκε σε θηλυκούς (n=32) και αρσενικούς (n=32) αρουραίους που τυχαιοποιήθηκαν στις α) ομάδα ελέγχου (ΟΕ), β) ομάδα 1 (Ο1) (θηλυκοί=0.5 gr/μέρα, αρσενικοί=1.0 gr/μέρα), γ) ομάδα 2 (Ο2) (θηλυκοί=1 gr/μέρα, αρσενικοί= 1.5 gr/μέρα) και δ) ομάδα 3 (Ο3) (θηλυκοί=1.5 gr/μέρα, αρσενικοί= 2.0 gr/μέρα). Η οστική μικροαρχιτεκτονική και η γονιδιακή έκφραση του παράγοντα VEGF-A, μετρήθηκαν πριν και μετά από 4μηνη χορήγηση. Στους αρσενικούς αρουραίους της Ο1, η πορώδης σύσταση του φλοιού και το μέγεθος των πόρων μειώθηκαν (41.9% και 25.7% αντίστοιχα, p

Τα συμπληρώματα διατροφής αποτελούν αναπόσπαστο κομμάτι του σύγχρονου τρόπου ζωής. Ωστόσο υπάρχουν λίγες επιλογές διατροφικών συμπληρωμάτων για την αντιμετώπιση της οστεοπόρωσης. Η παρούσα μελέτη επιχείρησε να διαπιστώσει εάν και κατά πόσο το αγελαδινό πρωτόγαλα δύναται να βελτιώσει την υγεία των οστών στον άνθρωπο. Το σύνολο των 65 ενηλίκων ανδρών (n=10) και γυναικών (n=55) συμμετείχε στην μελέτη διάρκειας 4 μηνών. Το δείγμα αποτελούνταν από 3 ομάδες: 1) υγιείς γυναίκες σε εμμηνόπαυση (n=23), 2) άτομα με οστεοπενία (n=24), 3) άτομα με οστεοπόρωση (n=18). Η κάθε μία από τις τρεις ομάδες συμμετείχε στην δημιουργία 2 υπο-ομάδων: α) την ομάδα ελέγχου, και β) την πειραματική ομάδα (κατανάλωση 300 ml/ημέρα αγελαδινού πρωτογάλατος ως ρόφημα). Πριν και μετά την 4μηνη περίοδο, έγινε εξέταση της απορροφησιομετρίας διπλής δέσμης ακτινών Χ (DXA) σε τρία διαφορετικά σημεία και πάρθηκε δείγμα αίματος προς ανάλυση των οστικών δεικτών, η οποία πραγματοποιήθηκε με την μέθοδο ELISA. Όσον αφορά την οστική πυκνότητα δε σημειώθηκαν σημαντικές διαφορές μεταξύ της ομάδας ελέγχου και της πειραματικής. Αναλύοντας όμως την αλκαλική φωσφατάση και την οστεοκαλσίνη βρέθηκαν μικρές διαφορές. Το καρβοξυτελικό τελοπεπτίδιο του κολλαγόνου τύπου 1 και η δεοξυπυριδινολίνη παρουσίασαν παρόμοιες τιμές πριν και μετά τη μελέτη. Κανείς από τους συμμετέχοντες στη μελέτη δεν εμφάνισε αλλεργία στο πρωτόγαλα. Το αγελαδινό πρωτόγαλα, όπως φάνηκε στην τετράμηνη μελέτη μας, δεν επηρεάζει την υγεία των οστών στον άνθρωπο. Συνεπώς, το συγκεκριμένο συμπλήρωμα διατροφής χρήζει επιπλέον έρευνας με έμφαση στην αύξηση του χρόνου χορήγησης ή/και αύξηση της ημερήσιας δόσης.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is accompanied by a disturbed redox homeostasis, especially in end-stage patients, which is associated with pathological complications such as anemia, atherosclerosis, and muscle atrophy. However, limited evidence exists about redox disturbances before the end stage of CKD. Moreover, the available redox literature has not yet provided clear associations between circulating and tissue-specific (muscle) oxidative stress levels. The aim of the study was to evaluate commonly used redox status indices in the blood and in two different types of skeletal muscle (psoas, soleus) in the predialysis stages of CKD, using an animal model of renal insufficiency, and to investigate whether blood redox status indices could be reflecting the skeletal muscle redox status. Indices evaluated included reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), protein carbonyls (PC), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Results showed that blood GSH was higher in the uremic group compared to the control (17 50 ± 1 73 vs. 12 43 ± 1 01, p = 0 033). In both muscle types, PC levels were higher in the uremic group compared to the control (psoas: 1 086 ± 0 294 vs. 0 596 ± 0 372, soleus: 2 52 ± 0 29 vs. 0 929 ± 0 41, p < 0 05). The soleus had higher levels of TBARS, PC, GSH, CAT, and GR and lower TAC compared to the psoas in both groups. No significant correlations in redox status indices between the blood and skeletal muscles were found. However, in the uremic group, significant correlations between the psoas and soleus muscles in PC, GSSG, and CAT levels emerged, not present in the control. Even in the early stages of CKD, a disturbance in redox homeostasis was observed, which seemed to be muscle type-specific, while blood levels of redox indices did not seem to reflect the intramuscular condition. The above results highlight the need for further research in order to identify the key mechanisms driving the onset and progression of oxidative stress and its detrimental effects on CKD patients. © 2019 Konstantina P. Poulianiti et al.

Regular exercise with the appropriate intensity and duration may improve an athlete’s physical capacities by targeting different performance determinants across the endurance–strength spectrum aiming to delay fatigue. The mechanisms of muscle fatigue depend on exercise intensity and duration and may range from substrate depletion to acidosis and product inhibition of adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) and glycolysis. Fatigue mechanisms have been studied in isolated muscles; single muscle fibers (intact or skinned) or at the level of filamentous or isolated motor proteins; with each approach contributing to our understanding of the fatigue phenomenon. In vivo methods for monitoring fatigue include the assessment of various functional indices supported by the use of biochemical markers including blood lactate levels and more recently redox markers. Blood lactate measurements; as an accompaniment of functional assessment; are extensively used for estimating the contribution of the anaerobic metabolism to energy expenditure and to help interpret an athlete’s resistance to fatigue during high intensity exercise. Monitoring of redox indices is gaining popularity in the applied sports performance setting; as oxidative stress is not only a fatigue agent which may play a role in the pathophysiology of overtraining syndrome; but also constitutes an important signaling pathway for training adaptations; thus reflecting training status. Careful planning of sampling and interpretation of blood biomarkers should be applied; especially given that their levels can fluctuate according to an athlete’s lifestyle and training histories. © 2018 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

The development of chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation in the elderly (inflammaging) has been associated with increased incidence of chronic diseases, geriatric syndromes, and functional impairments. The aim of this study was to examine differences in habitual physical activity (PA), dietary intake patterns, and musculoskeletal performance among community-dwelling elderly men with low and elevated systemic inflammation. Nonsarcopenic older men free of chronic diseases were grouped as ‘low’ (LSI: n = 17; 68.2 ± 2.6 years; hs-CRP: 1 mg/L) systemic inflammation according to their serum levels of high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP). All participants were assessed for body composition via Dual Emission X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), physical performance using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and handgrip strength, daily PA using accelerometry, and daily macro- and micronutrient intake. ESI was characterized by a 2-fold greater hs-CRP value than LSI (p < 0.01). The two groups were comparable in terms of body composition, but LSI displayed higher physical performance (p < 0.05), daily PA (step count/day and time at moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were greater by 30% and 42%, respectively, p < 0.05), and daily intake of the antioxidant vitamins A (6590.7 vs. 4701.8 IU/day, p < 0.05), C (120.0 vs. 77.3 mg/day, p < 0.05), and E (10.0 vs. 7.5 mg/day, p < 0.05) compared to ESI. Moreover, daily intake of vitamin A was inversely correlated with levels of hs-CRP (r = −0.39, p = 0.035). These results provide evidence that elderly men characterized by low levels of systemic inflammation are more physically active, spend more time in MVPA, and receive higher amounts of antioxidant vitamins compared to those with increased systemic inflammation. © 2018 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Background It has been suggested that physical exercise could have potential beneficial effects in substance abusers, which are based on both physiological and psychological theories. Although a few studies have examined the effect of exercise on alcohol intake and fitness in individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs), there is a gap in the literature concerning the physiological and biochemical mechanisms that could be affected by physical exercise in this population. Purpose The purpose of the present study was to examine physiological and biochemical responses to exercise after an 8-week supervised exercise training (ET) intervention in heavy drinkers. The investigation was mainly focused on the relationship among exercise, opioids, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) activity and heavy alcohol drinking. Methods Eleven (Age: 30.3 ± 3.5 yrs; Body Mass Index: 28.4 ± 0.86 kg/m2) male heavy drinkers volunteered to participated in an 8-week supervised intervention of moderate intensity exercise (50–60% of Heart Rate Reserve). All participants were exhibiting low physical activity and used to drink heavily. Before intervention, the participants were asked to record their daily alcohol intake without changing their physical activity levels for 4 weeks (control condition). During the 8-week supervised ET intervention, participants were recording their daily alcohol intake and were motivated to increase gradually the duration and frequency of ET. Blood samples were collected prior to and after 4 weeks of the control condition, the day before the beginning of the ET intervention, and at the end of the 4th and 8th week of ET intervention. Blood samples were analyzed for β-E, epinephrine, norepinephrine, adrenocorticotropin, cortisol, gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase. Physiological and alcohol-related indices were also examined. Results The 8-week supervised ET intervention resulted in reduced alcohol consumption, reduced γ-GT levels, and fitness improvement in heavy drinker. ET intervention did not significantly change the hormonal responses. Conclusion The results indicate that physical exercise could act as a healthy habit that can help individuals with AUDs reduce alcohol intake and improve health status; however, this is not related with changes in hormones associated with the HPA-axis. © 2017 Elsevier Inc.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience imbalance between oxygen reactive species (ROS) production and antioxidant defenses leading to cell and tissue damage. However, it remains unclear at which stage of renal insufficiency the redox imbalance becomes more profound. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an update on recent advances in our understanding of how the redox status changes in the progression of renal disease from predialysis stages 1 to 4 to end stage 5 and whether the various treatments and dialysis modalities influence the redox balance. A systematic review was conducted searching PubMed and Scopus by using the Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines. In total, thirty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Even from an early stage, imbalance in redox status is evident and as the kidney function worsens it becomes more profound. Hemodialysis therapy per se seems to negatively influence the redox status by the elevation of lipid peroxidation markers, protein carbonylation, and impairing erythrocyte antioxidant defense. However, other dialysis modalities do not so far appear to confer advantages. Supplementation with antioxidants might assist and should be considered as an early intervention to halt premature atherogenesis development at an early stage of CKD. © 2016 Konstantina P. Poulianiti et al.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease thatcauses joint pain, swelling and stiffness with eventual structural damage leadingto physical dysfunction. People with RA tend to experience fatigue, psychologicaldistress, and are at risk for CVD. Regular physical activity (PA) can attenuatesuch disease-related symptoms and improve function and QOL in RA patients.Self-determination theory is a contemporary theory of motivation that has beensuccesfully applied to behavour change interventions seeking to promote theadoption and maintenance of health behaviours (e.g., exercise on prescription,smoking cessation) (1,2).Objectives: To examine whether an intervention grounded in SDT fosters basicneed satisfaction, autonomous motivation towards PA engagement and levels ofobjectively assessed PA engagement in patients with RA following a 3 monthexercise programme.

Both exercise training and treatment with dopamine agonists (DA) have been used with success for the amelioration of uremic restless legs syndrome (RLS) symptoms. However, no data are available combining those two approaches. The aim of the current randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to investigate the effects of a 6 month intradialytic exercise training in combination with a low dose of DA in patients suffering from uremic RLS symptoms. Fourteen stable patients with RLS on hemodialysis were randomly assigned to the exercise training plus DA group and the exercise training plus placebo group. Both combinations were found to equally reduce uremic RLS symptoms by approximately 60%. The combination of low dose of DA with aerobic exercise training could be considered an alternative approach to high DA dosage regimes in reducing RLS symptoms' severity. © 2015 by the American Society for Artificial Internal Organs.