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Hypoxic Pilates Intervention for Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Jung, K, Kim, J, Park, HY, Jung, WS, Lim, K
International journal of environmental research and public health. 2020;17(19)
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Pilates is a commonly used form of exercise for the treatment of obesity. Hypoxic exercise, exercise performed under lower than normal oxygen concentrations mimicking training at higher altitudes, has been suggested to offer greater benefits in terms of metabolism, cardiovascular and pulmonary function. The aim of this Korean study was to evaluate the effect of Pilates under hypoxic conditions in women with obesity. 36 women with obesity were randomised to control group (no exercise), and Pilates under either normal (normoxic, 20.9% inspired oxygen fraction) or decreased (hypoxic, 14.5%) oxygen conditions, 3 times per week for 12 weeks. There were no significant differences between groups in body weight and composition and aerobic performance. However, the hypoxic Pilates group experienced significant improvements in diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as in endothelial and blood flow functions compared to the control and normoxic groups, but not in other cardiometabolic risk factors, including blood glucose control. The authors discuss various possible biochemical mechanisms for these findings.
Abstract
This study examined the effect of Pilates training under hypoxia, a novel treatment method, for obesity. Thirty-two Korean women with obesity (age: 34-60 (47.5 ± 7.5) years) were randomly assigned to control (CON; n = 10), normoxic Pilates training (NPTG; n = 10), and hypoxic Pilates training groups (HPTG; n = 12). The NPTG and HPTG performed 50 min of Pilates training using a tubing band for 12 weeks (3 days/week) in their respective environmental conditions (NPTG: normoxic condition, inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2) = 20.9%; HPTG moderate hypoxic condition, FiO2 = 14.5%). The CON maintained their daily lifestyle without intervention. All subjects underwent body composition, blood pressure, arterial stiffness, vascular endothelial function, cardiometabolic biomarker, hemorheological function, and aerobic performance measurements before and after the intervention. The HPTG showed a significant improvement in diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, flow-mediated dilation, and erythrocyte deformability and aggregation (all p < 0.05) compared with the CON and NPTG. However, compared with the CON and NPTG, the HPTG did not show improvement in other parameters. Hypoxic Pilates intervention is a novel and successful method for promoting endothelial and hemorheological functions in women with obesity.
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Influence of acute consumption of caffeine vs. placebo over Bia-derived measurements of body composition: a randomized, double-blind, crossover design.
Williamson, CM, Nickerson, BS, Bechke, EE, McLester, CN, Kliszczewicz, BM
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2018;15:7
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Bioelectrical analysis (BIA) is a commonly used method to assess body fat percentage and water values, by running a small electrical current through the body. Prior to testing using BIA, it is necessary to avoid exercise, fasting and caffeine consumption for accurate results. Caffeine’s role as a diuretic is well understood, however, its impact on measures of body water values when consumed prior to BIA testing has not been examined. The main aim of this study was to determine if the consumption of caffeine prior to BIA testing influences the cellular fluid balance and body fat percentage. Participants in the trial were measured on three separate occasions. The first visit worked as a control whilst the second and third visit were conducted using a double blind randomised crossover method. The total number of participants included in the trial were 20 physically active males who were habitual coffee drinkers. Participants were given either 200mg of caffeine or 200mg dextrose (control). The BIA measurements were taken at seven different time points after the preliminary measurements, separated by 15-min. The authors concluded that caffeine consumption in habitual users just prior to testing produced no significant changes in the BIA measurements. Therefore, the pre-testing guidelines for caffeine consumption may not be necessary in habitual caffeine consumers.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is often used to estimate total body water (TBW), intracellular body water (ICW), extracellular body water (ECW), and body fat percentage (BF%). A common restriction for BIA analysis is abstinence from caffeine 12-h prior to testing. However, research has yet to determine whether the consumption of caffeine influences BIA testing results. The purpose of this study was to determine if the consumption of caffeine influences BIA-derived BF% and body water values in habitual caffeine users. METHODS Twenty apparently healthy males (26.6 ± 4.1 years) identified as habitual caffeine consumers (≥ one 95 mg serving per day ≥ four days per week) participated in this study. Participants came to the lab on three occasions, the first visit serving as the control (CON) with no supplementation. The remaining two visits were performed in a randomized double-blind, cross-over fashion. Participants consumed 200 mg of dextrose (PLA) or caffeine (CAF) in capsule form. During each visit, seven multi-frequency BIA measurements were conducted before (PRE) and after (15-min, 30-min, 45-min, 60-min, 75-min, 90-min) consumption. RESULTS Repeated measures ANOVA revealed BF% for CAF was lower than the CON and PLA conditions at PRE and 15-min (p < 0.001, p = 0.004), but not statistically significant for the remaining time points (i.e., 30-, 45-, 60-, 75-, and 90-min). However, the effect size (ES) of the BF% differences were trivial. The CON, PLA, and CAF conditions had higher PRE ICW values than their associated post time points (i.e., 15-, 30-, 45-, 60-, 75-, and 90-min). Similar to BF%, ES of the mean differences for ICW were trivial. No other differences were observed. CONCLUSION Caffeine consumption in habitual users produced trivial changes in TBW, ECW, ICW, or BF%. Therefore, the pre-testing guidelines for caffeine consumption may not be necessary in habitual caffeine consumers.
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Swimming pool exposure is associated with autonomic changes and increased airway reactivity to a beta-2 agonist in school aged children: A cross-sectional survey.
Cavaleiro Rufo, J, Paciência, I, Silva, D, Martins, C, Madureira, J, Oliveira Fernandes, E, Padrão, P, Moreira, P, Delgado, L, Moreira, A
PloS one. 2018;13(3):e0193848
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Studies have shown an association between swimming in chemically-treated pools and a higher risk of asthma in children, although the mechanism is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate how swimming pool attendance influences lung and nervous system function in school-aged children. Around 800 children were classified as current swimmers (CS), past swimmers (PS) or non-swimmers (NS). The children underwent several tests to determine their lung function and allergic response to common allergens. Parasympathetic nervous system function was tested by measuring the speed at which their pupils constricted in response to light. The current swimmers group had significantly lower pupil constriction speeds compared to PS and NS, suggesting a poorer functioning of the autonomic nervous system, possibly due to inflammation resulting from swimming pool chemical exposure. CS experienced greater constriction of the airways compared to NS. A non-significant trend for a higher risk of asthma, atopic eczema and rhinitis, was observed in swimmers. The authors concluded that swimming pool attendance appears to be associated with autonomic nervous system changes and increased baseline airway smooth muscle constriction even in children without asthma.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endurance swimming exercises coupled to disinfection by-products exposure has been associated with increased airways dysfunction and neurogenic inflammation in elite swimmers. However, the impact of swimming pool exposure at a recreational level on autonomic activity has never been explored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate how swimming pool attendance is influencing lung and autonomic function in school-aged children. METHODS A total of 858 children enrolled a cross sectional survey. Spirometry and airway reversibility to beta-2 agonist, skin-prick-tests and exhaled nitric oxide measurements were performed. Pupillometry was used to evaluate autonomic nervous function. Children were classified as current swimmers (CS), past swimmers (PS) and non-swimmers (NS), according to the amount of swimming practice. RESULTS Current swimmers group had significantly lower maximum and average pupil constriction velocities when compared to both PS and NS groups (3.8 and 5.1 vs 3.9 and 5.3 vs 4.0 and 5.4 mm/s, p = 0.03 and p = 0.01, respectively). Moreover, affinity to the beta-2 agonist and levels of exhaled nitric oxide were significantly higher in CS when compared to NS (70 vs 60 mL and 12 vs 10 ppb, p<0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively). A non-significant trend for a higher risk of asthma, atopic eczema and allergic rhinitis was found with more years of swimming practice, particularly in atopic individuals (β = 1.12, 1.40 and 1.31, respectively). After case-case analysis, it was possible to observe that results were not influenced by the inclusion of individuals with asthma. CONCLUSIONS Concluding, swimming pool attendance appears to be associated with autonomic changes and increased baseline airway smooth muscle constriction even in children without asthma.
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Influence of a montmorency cherry juice blend on indices of exercise-induced stress and upper respiratory tract symptoms following marathon running--a pilot investigation.
Dimitriou, L, Hill, JA, Jehnali, A, Dunbar, J, Brouner, J, McHugh, MP, Howatson, G
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2015;12:22
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Prolonged exercise, such as marathon running, is associated with upper respiratory tract (URT) symptoms and airway inflammation. Tart Montmorency cherry juice, high in phytochemicals such as anthocyanins and quercetin, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties and therefore may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress triggered by exercise. In this pilot study, twenty marathon runners were randomly assigned to receive two servings a day of either a placebo drink or cherry juice for eight days ─ prior, during and after a marathon run. Any URT symptoms were reported, and inflammatory markers were measured pre- and post-race and 24 and 48 hrs after the race, from saliva (immunoglobulins and cortisol) and serum (C-reactive protein, CRP). No differences in the effect on immunoglobulins and cortisol were found between the two groups. The increase in CRP was significantly lower in the cherry juice group compared to the placebo group. 50% of the runners in the placebo group developed URT symptoms, while none were reported in the cherry juice group. The authors conclude that Montmorency cherry juice may protect the URT from inflammatory symptoms triggered by exercise. They propose further studies with larger sample size of participants, suffering from various inflammatory respiratory conditions.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged exercise, such as marathon running, has been associated with an increase in respiratory mucosal inflammation. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the effects of Montmorency cherry juice on markers of stress, immunity and inflammation following a Marathon. METHODS Twenty recreational Marathon runners consumed either cherry juice (CJ) or placebo (PL) before and after a Marathon race. Markers of mucosal immunity secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), salivary cortisol, inflammation (CRP) and self-reported incidence and severity of upper respiratory tract symptoms (URTS) were measured before and following the race. RESULTS All variables except secretory IgA and IgG concentrations in saliva showed a significant time effect (P <0.01). Serum CRP showed a significant interaction and treatment effect (P < 0.01). The CRP increase at 24 and 48 h post-Marathon was lower (P < 0.01) in the CJ group compared to PL group. Mucosal immunity and salivary cortisol showed no interaction effect or treatment effect. The incidence and severity of URTS was significantly greater than baseline at 24 h and 48 h following the race in the PL group and was also greater than the CJ group (P < 0.05). No URTS were reported in the CJ group whereas 50 % of runners in the PL group reported URTS at 24 h and 48 h post-Marathon. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study that provides encouraging evidence of the potential role of Montmorency cherries in reducing the development of URTS post-Marathon possibly caused by exercise-induced hyperventilation trauma, and/or other infectious and non-infectious factors.