Abstract

Some periods during the year, such as festive and summer holiday periods, have been associated with weight gain. We aimed to assess the effect of interventions for the prevention of body weight gain during festive and holiday periods in children and adults. A systematic search was conducted in six databases and supplementary sources until January 4, 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cluster-RCTs, and non-RCTs. Our primary outcome measure was the change in body weight in adults or the change in BMI z-score or BMI percentile in children and adolescents. From 4216 records, 12 primary studies (from 22 reports) met the inclusion criteria-10 from the United States, one from the United Kingdom, and one from Chile. Two studies had a low risk of bias, two moderate, seven high, and one critical risk of bias. The meta-analysis in children included four of seven studies during the summer holidays (six interventions) and showed a mean difference in BMI z-score favoring the intervention group (-0.06 [95% CI -0.10, -0.01], p = 0.01, I2 = 0%, very low certainty evidence). The meta-analysis in adults included five studies during festive periods with a mean difference in weight favoring the intervention group (-0.99 kg [95% CI -2.15, 0.18], p = 0.10, I2 = 89%, very low certainty evidence). This review has highlighted potential interventions to prevent the increase in body weight during holiday periods. More work is needed to improve the quality of the evidence and to extend it to countries outside of the United States and United Kingdom and to the adolescent population.

Abstract

(1) Background: With the aging population, effective interventions are needed to enhance the health of older adults. This study investigated the combined effects of yoga and the Mediterranean diet on various health outcomes in community-dwelling older adults; (2) Methods: The study employed a randomized controlled trial design with a total of 116 older adults randomized to an experimental group (n = 57) that underwent a combined yoga and Mediterranean diet program and a control group (n = 59) that did not receive any intervention. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment, flexibility with the Back Scratch Test and the Chair Sit-and-Reach Test, balance, gait, and fall risk with the Tinetti Scale, and muscle strength with a dynamometer and the 30 s Chair Stand Test; (3) Results: Regarding nutritional status, there were significant differences between the experimental group and the control group (Cohen's d = 0.02). The participants in the experimental group showed greater balance (11.12 ± 3.01 vs. 10.03 ± 2.35, Cohen's d = 0.41 and gait (7.63 ± 1.96 vs. 6.69 ± 2.50, Cohen's d = 0.44) with respect to the control group. In terms of flexibility, the experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in the right arm (Cohen's d = 0.43), left arm (Cohen's d = 0.64), right perineum (Cohen's d = 0.42), and left leg (Cohen's d = 0.37) Finally, in terms of strength, participants in the experimental group experienced statistically significant improvements in grip strength and lower body strength (Cohen's d = 0.39 and 0.81, respectively); (4) Conclusions: The study highlights the potential benefits of a 12-week intervention combining yoga with a Mediterranean diet to improve the health and functional capacities of community-dwelling older adults.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine the effects of a 5:2 diet (2 days per week of energy restriction by formula diet) or an exercise (2 days per week of high-intensity interval training and resistance training) intervention compared with routine lifestyle education (control) on glycemic control and cardiometabolic health among adults with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This two-center, open-label, three-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial recruited 326 participants with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes and randomized them into 12 weeks of diet intervention (n = 109), exercise intervention (n = 108), or lifestyle education (control) (n = 109). The primary outcome was the change of glycemic control measured as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) between the diet or exercise intervention groups and the control group after the 12-week intervention. RESULTS The diet intervention significantly reduced HbA1c level (%) after the 12-week intervention (-0.72, 95% CI -0.95 to -0.48) compared with the control group (-0.37, 95% CI -0.60 to -0.15) (diet vs. control -0.34, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.11, P = 0.007). The reduction in HbA1c level in the exercise intervention group (-0.46, 95% CI -0.70 to -0.23) did not significantly differ from the control group (exercise vs. control -0.09, 95% CI -0.32 to 0.15, P = 0.47). The exercise intervention group was superior in maintaining lean body mass. Both diet and exercise interventions induced improvements in adiposity and hepatic steatosis. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the medically supervised 5:2 energy-restricted diet could provide an alternative strategy for improving glycemic control and that the exercise regimen could improve body composition, although it inadequately improved glycemic control.

Abstract

PURPOSE High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can efficiently decrease total and (intra-)abdominal fat mass (FM); however, the effects of running versus cycling HIIT programs on FM reduction have not been compared yet. In addition, the link between HIIT-induced FM reduction and gut microbiota must be better investigated. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two 12-wk HIIT isoenergetic programs (cycling vs running) on body composition and fecal microbiota composition in nondieting men with overweight or obesity. METHODS Sixteen men (age, 54.2 ± 9.6 yr; body mass index, 29.9 ± 2.3 kg·m -2 ) were randomly assigned to the HIIT-BIKE (10 × 45 s at 80%-85% of maximal heart rate, 90-s active recovery) or HIIT-RUN (9 × 45 s at 80%-85% of maximal heart rate, 90-s active recovery) group (3 times per week). Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to determine body composition. Preintervention and postintervention fecal microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and diet was controlled. RESULTS Overall, body weight, and abdominal and visceral FM decreased over time ( P < 0.05). No difference was observed for weight, total body FM, and visceral FM between groups (% change). Conversely, abdominal FM loss was greater in the HIIT-RUN group (-16.1% vs -8.3%; P = 0.050). The α-diversity of gut microbiota did not vary between baseline and intervention end and between groups, but was associated with abdominal FM change ( r = -0.6; P = 0.02). The baseline microbiota profile and composition changes were correlated with total and abdominal/visceral FM losses. CONCLUSIONS Both cycling and running isoenergetic HIIT programs improved body composition in men with overweight/obesity. Baseline intestinal microbiota composition and its postintervention variations were correlated with FM reduction, strengthening the possible link between these parameters. The mechanisms underlying the greater abdominal FM loss in the HIIT-RUN group require additional investigations.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Chronic low-grade inflammatory profile (CLIP) is one of the pathways involved in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Currently, there is limited evidence for ameliorating effects of combined lifestyle interventions on CLIP in type 2 diabetes. We investigated whether a 13-week combined lifestyle intervention, using hypocaloric diet and resistance exercise plus high-intensity interval training with or without consumption of a protein drink, affected CLIP in older adults with T2D. METHODS In this post-hoc analysis of the PROBE study 114 adults (≥55 years) with obesity and type 2 (pre-)diabetes had measurements of C-reactive protein (CRP), pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, tumor-necrosis-factor (TNF)-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10, IL-1 receptor antagonist (RA), and soluble tumor-necrosis-factor receptor (sTNFR)1, adipokines leptin and adiponectin, and glycation biomarkers carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) and soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) from fasting blood samples. A linear mixed model was used to evaluate change in inflammatory biomarkers after lifestyle intervention and effect of the protein drink. Linear regression analysis was performed with parameters of body composition (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and parameters of insulin resistance (by oral glucose tolerance test). RESULTS There were no significant differences in CLIP responses between the protein and the control groups. For all participants combined, IL-1RA, leptin and adiponectin decreased after 13 weeks (p = 0.002, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001), while ratios TNF-α/IL-10 and TNF-α/IL-1RA increased (p = 0.003 and p = 0.035). CRP increased by 12 % in participants with low to average CLIP (pre 1.91 ± 0.39 mg/L, post 2.13 ± 1.16 mg/L, p = 0.006) and decreased by 36 % in those with high CLIP (pre 5.14 mg/L ± 1.20, post 3.30 ± 2.29 mg/L, p < 0.001). Change in leptin and IL-1RA was positively associated with change in fat mass (β = 0.133, p < 0.001; β = 0.017, p < 0.001) and insulin resistance (β = 0.095, p = 0.024; β = 0.020, p = 0.001). Change in lean mass was not associated with any of the biomarkers. CONCLUSION 13 weeks of combined lifestyle intervention, either with or without protein drink, reduced circulating adipokines and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-1RA, and increased inflammatory ratios TNF-α/IL-10 and TNF-α/IL-1RA in older adults with obesity and T2D. Effect on CLIP was inversely related to baseline inflammatory status.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Various nutritional strategies are increasingly used in sports to reduce oxidative stress and promote recovery. Chokeberry is rich in polyphenols and can reduce oxidative stress. Consequently, chokeberry juices and mixed juices with chokeberry content are increasingly used in sports. However, the data are very limited. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of the short-term supplementation of a red fruit juice drink with chokeberry content or a placebo on muscle damage, oxidative status, and leg strength during a six-day intense endurance protocol. METHODS Eighteen recreational endurance athletes participated in a cross-over high intensity interval training (HIIT) design, receiving either juice or a placebo. Baseline and post-exercise assessments included blood samples, anthropometric data, and leg strength measurements. RESULTS A significant increase was measured in muscle damage following the endurance protocol in all participants (∆ CK juice: 117.12 ± 191.75 U/L, ∆ CK placebo: 164.35 ± 267.00 U/L; p = 0.001, η2 = 0.17). No group effects were detected in exercise-induced muscle damage (p = 0.371, η2 = 0.010) and oxidative status (p = 0.632, η2 = 0.000). The reduction in strength was stronger in the placebo group, but group effects are missing statistical significance (∆ e1RM juice: 1.34 ± 9.26 kg, ∆ e1RM placebo: -3.33 ± 11.49 kg; p = 0.988, η2 = 0.000). CONCLUSION Although a reduction in strength can be interpreted for the placebo treatment, no statistically significant influence of chokeberry could be determined. It appears that potential effects may only occur with prolonged application and a higher content of polyphenols, but further research is needed to confirm this.

Abstract

To resolve problems in the dietary life of university athletes, education is essential to enable athletes to change their own dietary behavior. The purpose of this research was to verify the effectiveness of sports nutrition education based on self-determination theory (SDT). The participants were 36 male university rowers. A stratified randomized comparison test was conducted by student year (SDT group and control group). Sports nutrition education was held three times, via an Internet conferencing system. Furthermore, group work over social media was used for the SDT group. Four evaluations were carried out based on anthropometric measurements, a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ), sports nutrition knowledge test (SNK), and treatment self-regulation questionnaire (TSRQ). The results showed no differences between the two groups. However, for the intragroup factor, "Protein", a significant difference was evident in the self-determination theory group (50.0 ± 28.5, 78.6 ± 28.1, 81.0 ± 21.5, p < 0.000, units: %) and improved knowledge (p = 0.002, p = 0.002). And for the BDHQ, the self-determination theory group also showed significant differences and increased their intake of green and yellow vegetables, fruits, and dairy products (159.1 ± 74.2-126.7 ± 70.6, p = 0.009, 306.0 ± 196.2-195.2 ± 146.1, p = 0.020, 257.0 ± 147.0-183.3 ± 167.9, p = 0.040, units: g). In conclusion, sports nutrition education based on SDT improved dietary knowledge and increased food requirements for athletes.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Iron deficiency in athletes is initially treated with a nutritional intervention. If negative iron balance persists, oral iron supplementation (OIS) can be used. Despite the recent proposal for a refinement of treatment strategies for iron-deficient athletes, there is no general consensus regarding the actual efficiency, dosage, or optimal regimen of OIS. OBJECTIVE The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate to what extent OIS affects blood iron parameters and physical performance in healthy adult athletes. METHODS PubMed, Web of Science, PEDro, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane were searched from inception to 2 November 2022. Articles were eligible if they satisfied the following criteria: recruited subjects were healthy, adult and physically active individuals, who used exclusively OIS, irrespective of sex and sports discipline. EXCLUSION CRITERIA simultaneous supplementation with iron and any other micronutrient(s), intravenous iron supplementation or recent exposure to altitude acclimatisation. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed with the PEDro scale, the completeness of intervention reporting with the TIDieR scale, while the GRADE scale was used for quality of evidence synthesis. The present study was prospectively registered in PROSPERO online registry (ID: CRD42022330230). RESULTS From 638 articles identified through the search, 13 studies (n = 449) were included in the quantitative synthesis. When compared to the control group, the results demonstrated that OIS increases serum ferritin (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.27, 95% CI 0.44-2.10, p = 0.006), whereas blood haemoglobin (SMD = 1.31, 95% CI - 0.29 to 2.93, p = 0.099), serum transferrin receptor concentration (SMD = - 0.74, 95% CI - 1.89 to 0.41, p = 0.133), and transferrin saturation (SMD = 0.69, 95% CI - 0.84 to 2.22, p = 0.330) remained unaltered. Following OIS, a trend of small positive effect on VO2max (SMD = 0.49, 95% CI - 0.09 to 1.07, p = 0.086) was observed in young healthy athletes. The quality of evidence for all outcomes ranged from moderate to low. CONCLUSIONS Increase in serum ferritin concentration after OIS was evident in subjects with initial pre-supplementation serum ferritin concentration ≤ 12 µg/l, while only minimal, if any effect, was observed in subjects with higher pre-supplementation serum ferritin concentration. The doses of OIS, that induced a beneficial effect on hematological parameters differed from 16 to 100 mg of elementary iron daily, over the period between 6 and 8 weeks. Shorter supplementation protocols have been shown to be ineffective.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Caffeine (CAF) ingestion improves performance in a broad range of exercise tasks. Nevertheless, the CAF-induced, dose-dependent effect on discipline-specific performance and cognitive functions in CrossFit/High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) has not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acute supplementation of three different doses of CAF and placebo (PLA) on specific performance, reaction time (RTime), postural stability (PStab), heart rate (HR) and perceived exertion (RPE). METHODS In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover design, acute pre-exercise supplementation with CAF (3, 6, or 9 mg/kg body mass (BM)) and PLA in 26 moderately trained CrossFit practitioners was examined. The study protocol involved five separate testing sessions using the Fight Gone Bad test (FGB) as the exercise performance evaluation and biochemical analyses, HR and RPE monitoring, as well as the assessment of RTime and PStab, with regard to CYP1A2 (rs762551) and ADORA2A (rs5751876) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). RESULTS Supplementation of 6 mgCAF/kgBM induced clinically noticeable improvements in FGBTotal results, RTime and pre-exercise motor time. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences between any CAF doses and PLA in FGBTotal, HRmax, HRmean, RPE, pre/post-exercise RTime, PStab variables or pyruvate concentrations. Lactate concentration was higher (p < 0.05) before and after exercise in all CAF doses than in PLA. There was no effect of CYP1A2 or ADORA2A SNPs on performance. CONCLUSIONS The dose-dependent effect of CAF supplementation appears to be limited to statistically nonsignificant but clinically considered changes on specific performance, RTime, PStab, RPE or HR. However, regarding practical CAF-induced performance implications in CrossFit/HIFT, 6 mgCAF/kgBM may be supposed as the most rational supplementation strategy.

Abstract

Whey protein ingestion during recovery from exercise increases myofibrillar but not muscle connective protein synthesis rates. It has been speculated that whey protein does not provide sufficient glycine to maximize postexercise muscle connective protein synthesis rates. In the present study, we assessed the impact of coingesting different amounts of collagen with whey protein as a nutritional strategy to increase plasma glycine availability during recovery from exercise. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, 14 recreationally active men (age: 26 ± 5 years; body mass index: 23.8 ± 2.1 kg·m-2) ingested in total 30 g protein, provided as whey protein with 0 g (WHEY), 5 g (WC05); 10 g (WC10), and 15 g (WC15) of collagen protein immediately after a single bout of resistance exercise. Blood samples were collected frequently over 6 hr of postexercise recovery to assess postprandial plasma amino acid kinetics and availability. Protein ingestion strongly increased plasma amino acid concentrations (p < .001) with no differences in plasma total amino acid availability between treatments (p > .05). The postprandial rise in plasma leucine and essential amino acid availability was greater in WHEY compared with the WC10 and WC15 treatments (p < .05). Plasma glycine and nonessential amino acid concentrations declined following whey protein ingestion but increased following collagen coingestion (p < .05). Postprandial plasma glycine availability averaged -8.9 ± 5.8, 9.2 ± 3.7, 23.1 ± 6.5, and 39.8 ± 11.0 mmol·360 min/L in WHEY, WC05, WC10, and WC15, respectively (incremental area under curve values, p < .05). Coingestion of a small amount of collagen (5 g) with whey protein (25 g) is sufficient to prevent the decline in plasma glycine availability during recovery from lower body resistance-type exercise in recreationally active men.