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Effects of dietary inorganic nitrate on blood pressure during and post-exercise recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials.
Benjamim, CJR, Lopes da Silva, LS, Valenti, VE, Gonçalves, LS, Porto, AA, Tasinafo Júnior, MF, Walhin, JP, Garner, DM, Gualano, B, Bueno Júnior, CR
Free radical biology & medicine. 2024;:25-36
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A systematic review with meta-analysis was completed to study the effects of dietary inorganic nitrate (NO3-) oral ingestion from vegetables and salts on blood pressure responses during and following exercise. BACKGROUND NO3- is a hypotensive agent with the potential to reduce blood pressure peaks during exercise and amplify exercise-induced hypotensive effects. Several randomized and controlled trials have investigated the effects of NO3- on hemodynamic responses to physical exercise, however this still has yet to be studied systematically. METHODS The searches were conducted on EMBASE, Medline, and SPORTSDiscus databases. The study included masked randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with participants ≥18 years old. The NO3-intervention group received at least 50 mg NO3-/day with similar sources amid NO3- and placebo conditions. Included studies reported systolic blood pressure (SBP) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values during or following exercise performance. RESULTS 1903 studies were identified, and twenty-six achieved the inclusion criteria. NO3- daily dosages ranged from 90 to 800 mg/day. Throughout exercise, SBP had smaller increases in the NO3- group (-2.81 mmHg (95%CI: -5.20 to -0.41), p=0.02. DBP demonstrated lower values in the NO3- group (-2.41 mmHg (95%CI: -4.02 to -0.79), p=0.003. In the post-exercise group, the NO3- group presented lower SBP values (-3.53 mmHg (95%CI: -5.65 to 1.41), p=0.001, while no changes were identified in DBP values between NO3- and placebo groups (p=0.31). Subgroup meta-analysis revealed that SBP baseline values, exercise type, duration of NO3- ingestion, and its dosages mediated blood pressure responses during and following exercise. CONCLUSIONS NO3- ingestion prior to exercise attenuated the increases in SBP and DBP during exercise, and increased the decline in SBP after exercise. These results are dependent on factors that moderate the blood pressure responses (e.g., health status, type of exercise, resting blood pressure values).
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Effects of a lifestyle intervention on cardiovascular risk factors in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: The study "Living well with lupus".
Sieczkowska, SM, Mazzolani, BC, Smaira, FI, Romero, M, Pasoto, SG, de Sá Pinto, AL, Lima, FR, De Oliveira, VR, Ueda, S, Benatti, FB, et al
Clinical rheumatology. 2024;(3):1003-1013
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a lifestyle intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus with a high cardiovascular risk profile. METHODS This trial was conducted in Sao Paulo, Brazil between August 2020 and March 2023. The patients were randomly assigned to lifestyle intervention or control. The intervention was a 6-month multifaced program focused on behavioral changes through personalized recommendations for increasing physical activity (structured and non-structured) and improving eating aspects. Cardiometabolic risk score (primary outcome), anthropometry and visceral fat, aerobic capacity, blood pressure, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, and blood flow and endothelial function were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS A total of 80 patients were randomized. Twelve and 6 patients dropped out due to personal reasons in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Average adherence rate for the intervention was 56.9%. Intention-to-treat analysis showed no significant difference between groups in the cardiometabolic risk score (intervention group - Pre: 1.7 ± 3.6; Post: -1.6 ± 4.0; control group - Pre: -1.9 ± 3.6; Post: -2.0 ± 3.8; estimated mean difference between groups at post: -0.4; 95% confidence intervals: -2.7; 1.9; p = 0.96). This finding was confirmed by exploratory, per-protocol analysis. No significant differences were observed between adherents vs. non-adherent participants. Secondary outcomes did not change between groups. CONCLUSION This 6-month, individualized, lifestyle intervention did not improve cardiovascular risk factors in SLE patients with a high cardiovascular risk profile. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04431167).
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Corrigendum to "Effects of dietary inorganic nitrate on blood pressure during and post-exercise recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials" [Free Radic. Biol. Med. (2024) 215 25-36].
Benjamim, CJR, Lopes da Silva, LS, Valenti, VE, Gonçalves, LS, Porto, AA, Tasinafo Júnior, MF, Walhin, JP, Garner, DM, Gualano, B, Bueno Júnior, CR
Free radical biology & medicine. 2024;:23
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Acute and short-term beetroot juice nitrate-rich ingestion enhances cardiovascular responses following aerobic exercise in postmenopausal women with arterial hypertension: A triple-blinded randomized controlled trial.
Benjamim, CJR, da Silva, LSL, Sousa, YBA, Rodrigues, GDS, Pontes, YMM, Rebelo, MA, Gonçalves, LDS, Tavares, SS, Guimarães, CS, da Silva Sobrinho, AC, et al
Free radical biology & medicine. 2024;:12-23
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increase in blood pressure (BP) levels in the postmenopausal period can be partly explained by the decrease in nitric oxide synthases (NOS). OBJECTIVE To investigate the acute and one-week effects of beetroot juice nitrate-rich (BRJ-NO3-rich) ingestion on cardiovascular and autonomic performance in response to submaximal aerobic exercise in postmenopausal women with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) who are physically inactive. METHODS Fourteen postmenopausal women with SAH [mean (SD) age: 59(4) y; BMI (kg/m2): 29.2(3.1)] completed submaximal aerobic exercise bouts after an acute and a one-week intervention with BRJ in a placebo-controlled, randomized, triple-blind, crossover design. Participants ingested either BRJ (800 mg of NO3-) or placebo acutely and drank either BRJ (400 mg of NO3-) or placebo every day for the next six days. After two and ½ hours, they performed a session of aerobic submaximal aerobic exercise, and their systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), flow-mediated dilation (FMD), heart rate (HR) recovery, and HR variability were measured. RESULTS In the post-exercise recovery period, SBP dropped significantly in the BRJ-NO3-rich group (-9.28 mmHg [95%CI: -1.68 to -16.88] ES: -0.65, p = 0.019) compared to placebo after acute ingestion. The FMD values increased after acute BRJ-NO3-rich on post-exercise (3.18 % [0.36 to 5.99] ES: 0.87, p = 0.031). After the one-week intervention, FMD values were higher in the BRJ-NO3-rich group before (4.5 % [1.62 to 7.37] ES: 1.21, p = 0.005) and post-exercise measurements (4.2 % [1.52 to 6.87] ES: 1.22, p = 0.004) vs. placebo. HRV indices with remarkable parasympathetic modulation to heart recovered faster on the BRJ-NO3-rich group than placebo group. No between-group differences were identified in values of HR post-exercise recovery in the 30s, 60s, 120s, 180s, and 300s. CONCLUSIONS Acute and short-term BRJ-NO3-rich ingestion may enhance cardiovascular and autonomic behavior in response to aerobic exercise in postmenopausal women diagnosed with SAH. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05384340.
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A single session of aerobic exercise reduces systolic blood pressure at rest and in response to stress in women with rheumatoid arthritis and hypertension.
de Luna, TA, Rezende, DAN, de Brito, LC, Fecchio, RY, Lima, FR, de Sá Pinto, AL, de Medeiros Ribeiro, AC, Bonfiglioli, KR, Gualano, B, Roschel, H, et al
Journal of human hypertension. 2024;(2):168-176
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Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by increased risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension (HT). A single session of aerobic exercise may reduce blood pressure (BP) in different clinical groups; however, little is known about the acute effects of exercise on BP in RA patients. This is a randomized controlled crossover study that assessed the effects of a single session of aerobic exercise on resting BP, on BP responses to stressful stimuli, and on 24-h BP in women with RA and HT. Twenty women with RA and HT (53 ± 10 years) undertook sessions of 30-min treadmill exercise (50% VO2max) or control (no exercise) in a crossover fashion. Before and after the sessions, BP was measured at rest, and in response to the Stroop-Color Word Test (SCWT), the Cold Pressor Test (CPT), and an isometric handgrip test. After the sessions, participants were also fitted with an ambulatory BP monitor for the assessment of 24-h BP. A single session of exercise reduced resting systolic BP (SBP) (-5 ± 9 mmHg; p < 0.05), and reduced SBP response to the SCWT (-7 ± 14 mmHg; p < 0.05), and to the CPT (-5 ± 11 mmHg; p < 0.05). Exercise did not reduce resting diastolic BP (DBP), BP responses to the isometric handgrip test or 24-h BP. In conclusion, a single session of aerobic exercise reduced SBP at rest and in response to stressful stimuli in hypertensive women with RA. These results support the use of exercise as a strategy for controlling HT and, hence, reducing cardiovascular risk in women with RA.Clinical Trial Registration: This study registered at the Brazilian Clinical Trials ( https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-867k9g ) at 12/13/2019.
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Role of the exercise professional in metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Stults-Kolehmainen, MA, Bond, DS, Richardson, LA, Herring, LY, Mulone, B, Garber, CE, Morton, J, Ghiassi, S, Duffy, AJ, Balk, E, et al
Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. 2024;(1):98-108
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity (PA) is important for the long-term health and weight management of patients who undergo metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). However, the roles of exercise professionals in MBS settings have not been systematically determined. OBJECTIVES To investigate: (1) who are the professionals implementing PA programming in MBS clinical settings; and (2) what patient-centric tasks do they perform? SETTING Clinical and academic exercise settings worldwide. METHODS This multimethod study included a scoping review of PA programs in MBS described in the research literature. Data about job tasks were extracted and provided to 10 experts to sort into categories. Cluster analysis was utilized to find the hierarchical structure of tasks. A Delphi process was used to agree on a final model. RESULTS The majority of PA professionals were exercise physiologists in the USA and physiotherapists or other types of exercise professionals elsewhere. Forty-three tasks were identified, the most reported being supervision of exercise, fitness testing, and exercise prescription. Seven higher-order categories were determined: (1) Exercise-related health assessment, (2) Body composition and physical fitness assessment, (3) Lifestyle physical activity and sedentary behavior assessment, (4) Education, instruction, and prescription, (5) Exercise monitoring, (6) Behavioral counseling and psychosocial support, and (7) Dietary support. The following statements were rated an average of 9.0, classifying them as "imperative": 1) "Pre- and postoperative PA/exercise guidelines for MBS patients are needed", 2) "MBS programs need to include PA/exercise as part of multidisciplinary care". CONCLUSIONS The expert group reached a consensus on 7 major classifications of job tasks for the exercise professional. It is important for governing medical associations across the world to formally recognize experienced exercise professionals as playing pivotal roles in continuing, multidisciplinary care for MBS patients. These findings also provide evidence-based information in the effort to solidify these positions within the greater context of healthcare.
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Trehalose Improved 20-min Cycling Time-Trial Performance After 100-min Cycling in Amateur Cyclists.
de Oliveira, NG, de Oliveira, LF, da Silva, RP, Oliveira, TN, Möller, GB, Murasaki, J, Ramires, MA, Azevedo, RA, Artioli, GG, Roschel, H, et al
International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism. 2024;:1-8
Abstract
Carbohydrate (CHO) supplementation during endurance exercise can improve performance. However, it is unclear whether low glycemic index (GI) CHO leads to differential ergogenic and metabolic effects compared with a standard high GI CHO. This study investigated the ergogenic and metabolic effects of CHO supplementation with distinct GIs, namely, (a) trehalose (30 g/hr), (b) isomaltulose (30 g/hr), (c) maltodextrin (60 g/hr), and (d) placebo (water). In this double-blind, crossover, counterbalanced, placebo-controlled study, 13 male cyclists cycled a total of 100 min at varied exercise intensity (i.e., 10-min stages at 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 W/kg; repeated three times plus two 5-min stages at 1.0 W/kg before and after the protocol), followed by a 20-min time trial on four separated occasions. Blood glucose and lactate (every 20 min), heart rate, and ratings of perceived exertion were collected throughout, and muscle biopsies were taken before and immediately after exercise. The results showed that trehalose improved time-trial performance compared with placebo (total work done 302 ± 39 vs. 287 ± 48 kJ; p = .01), with no other differences between sessions (all p ≥ .07). Throughout the 100-min protocol, blood glucose was higher with maltodextrin compared with the other supplements at all time points (all p < .05). Heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion, muscle glycogen content, blood glucose, and lactate were not different between conditions when considering the 20-min time trial (all p > .05). Trehalose supplementation throughout endurance exercise improved cycling performance and appears to be an appropriate CHO source for exercise tasks up to 2 hr. No ergogenic superiority between the different types of CHO was established.
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Home-Based Exercise Training in the Recovery of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children: A Case Series Study.
Astley, C, Leal, GN, Gil, S, Suguita, P, Fink, T, Bain, V, Pereira, MFB, Marques, HH, Sieczkowska, S, Prado, D, et al
Children (Basel, Switzerland). 2023;(5)
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the potential therapeutic role of exercise on health-related quality of life, assessed by the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI), coronary flow reserve (CFR), cardiac function, cardiorespiratory fitness, and inflammatory and cardiac blood markers in multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) patients. METHODS This is a case series study of a 12-wk, home-based exercise intervention in children and adolescents after MIS-C diagnosis. From 16 MIS-C patients followed at our clinic, 6 were included (age: 7-16 years; 3 females). Three of them withdrew before the intervention and served as controls. The primary outcome was health-related quality of life, assessed PODCI. Secondary outcomes were CFR assessed by 13N-ammonia PET-CT imaging, cardiac function by echocardiography, cardiorespiratory fitness, and inflammatory and cardiac blood markers. RESULTS In general, patients showed poor health-related quality of life, which seemed to be improved with exercise. Additionally, exercised patients showed improvements in coronary flow reserve, cardiac function, and aerobic conditioning. Non-exercised patients exhibited a slower pattern of recovery, particularly in relation to health-related quality of life and aerobic conditioning. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that exercise may play a therapeutic role in the treatment of post-discharge MIS-C patients. As our design does not allow inferring causality, randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these preliminary findings.
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Exercise training and DNA methylation profile in post-bariatric women: Results from an exploratory study.
Nicoletti, CF, Roschel, H, Merege-Filho, C, Lima, AP, Gil, S, Pinhel, MAS, Noronha, NY, Santo, MA, Jacome, A, Crujeiras, AB, et al
Frontiers in sports and active living. 2023;:1092050
Abstract
Exercise training and bariatric surgery have been shown to independently modulate DNA methylation profile in clusters of genes related to metabolic and inflammatory pathways. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 6-month exercise training program on DNA methylation profile in women who underwent bariatric surgery. In this exploratory, quasi-experimental study, we analyzed DNA methylation levels by array technology in eleven women who underwent Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and a 6-month, three-times-a-week, supervised exercise training program. Epigenome Wide Association Analysis showed 722 CpG sites with different methylation level equal to or greater than 5% (P < 0.01) after exercise training. Some of these CpGs sites were related to pathophysiological mechanisms of inflammation, specially Th17 cell differentiation (FDR value < 0.05 and P < 0.001). Our data showed epigenetic modification in specific CpG sites related to Th17 cell differentiation pathway in post-bariatric women following a 6-months exercise training program.
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Effects of a 16-week home-based exercise training programme on health-related quality of life, functional capacity, and persistent symptoms in survivors of severe/critical COVID-19: a randomised controlled trial.
Longobardi, I, Goessler, K, de Oliveira Júnior, GN, Prado, DMLD, Santos, JVP, Meletti, MM, de Andrade, DCO, Gil, S, Boza, JASO, Lima, FR, et al
British journal of sports medicine. 2023;(20):1295-1303
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-lasting effects of COVID-19 may include cardiovascular, respiratory, skeletal muscle, metabolic, psychological disorders and persistent symptoms that can impair health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We investigated the effects of a home-based exercise training (HBET) programme on HRQoL and health-related outcomes in survivors of severe/critical COVID-19. METHODS This was a single-centre, single-blinded, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial. Fifty survivors of severe/critical COVID-19 (5±1 months after intensive care unit discharge) were randomly allocated (1:1) to either a 3 times a week (~60-80 min/session), semi-supervised, individualised, HBET programme or standard of care (CONTROL). Changes in HRQoL were evaluated through the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and physical component summary was predetermined as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included cardiorespiratory fitness, pulmonary function, functional capacity, body composition and persistent symptoms. Assessments were performed at baseline and after 16 weeks of intervention. Statistical analysis followed intention-to-treat principles. RESULTS After the intervention, HBET showed greater HRQoL score than CONTROL in the physical component summary (estimated mean difference, EMD: 16.8 points; 95% CI 5.8 to 27.9; effect size, ES: 0.74), physical functioning (EMD: 22.5 points, 95% CI 6.1 to 42.9, ES: 0.83), general health (EMD: 17.4 points, 95% CI 1.8 to 33.1, ES: 0.73) and vitality (EMD: 15.1 points, 95% CI 0.2 to 30.1, ES: 0.49) domains. 30-second sit-to-stand (EMD: 2.38 reps, 95% CI 0.01 to 4.76, ES: 0.86), and muscle weakness and myalgia were also improved in HBET compared with CONTROL (p<0.05). No significant differences were seen in the remaining variables. There were no adverse events. CONCLUSION HBET is an effective and safe intervention to improve physical domains of HRQoL, functional capacity and persistent symptoms in survivors of severe/critical COVID-19. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04615052.