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1.
Is a vegan diet detrimental to endurance and muscle strength?
Boutros, GH, Landry-Duval, MA, Garzon, M, Karelis, AD
European journal of clinical nutrition. 2020;74(11):1550-1555
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Plain language summary
There is a common belief amongst the general population that a vegan diet leads to lower exercise performance due to the potential lack of dietary protein and nutrients. However, previous research that compared aerobic capacity and muscle strength between different diet groups only showed marginal variance, if any at all. But it is criticized that these studies did not always distinguish between the multiple subtypes of vegetarian or veganism. Hence this study sought to focus specifically on the comparison of strict plant-based eaters with omnivores. The participants involved were 56 active women, around their mid-twenties, with an average Body Mass Index of 22. Assessed were estimated VO2 max (an indicator of aerobic fitness), submaximal endurance performance and upper and lower body muscle strength. The 3-day food diaries of each participant was analysed and showed a similar intake of energy and fats in both groups. Vegans had higher carbohydrate, fibre, vitamin C, iron, and magnesium consumption and lower intake of protein, leucine, alanine, saturated fat, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, when compared to omnivores. Whilst upper body strength appeared to be marginally lower in the vegan group, higher levels of estimated VO2 max and significantly higher submaximal endurance levels were observed. The results contradict the common belief, demonstrating that a vegan diet appears to have no detrimental impact on endurance and muscle strength in healthy, young and lean women. In fact, the findings suggest that a vegan diet can be advantageous on endurance performance compared to omnivores. The authors propose that the higher intake of carbohydrates amongst vegans could be linked to better endurance performance and that such a plant-based diet can have favourable effects on oxidative stress and inflammatory profiles. The outcomes of this study may be of interest to those supporting the sports performance of strict plant-based eaters.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES In the general population, there is a popular belief that a vegan diet may be associated with a lower exercise performance due to the lack of certain nutrients in vegan individuals. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to examine endurance and muscle strength differences between vegan and omnivore participants. SUBJECTS/METHODS We studied 56 healthy young lean physically active women (age: 25.6 ± 4.1 years; body mass index: 22 ± 1.9 kg/m2). Participants were classified as vegan (n = 28) or omnivore (n = 28) based on their eating habits. All volunteers followed either a vegan or an omnivore diet for at least 2 years. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), a submaximal endurance test (70% of VO2 max), muscle strength (leg and chest press), and dietary factors were measured. RESULTS Both groups were comparable for physical activity levels, body mass index, percent body fat, lean body mass, and muscle strength. However, vegans had a significantly higher estimated VO2 max (44.5 ± 5.2 vs. 41.6 ± 4.6 ml/kg/min; p = 0.03, respectively) and submaximal endurance time to exhaustion (12.2 ± 5.7 vs. 8.8 ± 3.0 min; p = 0.007, respectively) compared with omnivores. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that a vegan diet does not seem to be detrimental to endurance and muscle strength in healthy young lean women. In fact, our study showed that submaximal endurance might be better in vegans compared with omnivores. Therefore, these findings contradict the popular belief of the general population.
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2.
Association between daily level of objective physical activity and C-Reactive protein in a representative national sample of adults with self-reported diagnosed arthritis or fibromyalgia.
Kingsbury, C, Karelis, AD, Hains-Monfette, G, Bernard, P
Rheumatology international. 2020;(9):1463-1471
Abstract
PURPOSE Examine the association between physical activity and sedentary time with high sensitivity C-Reactive protein levels in adults with arthritis and fibromyalgia. We also investigated the dose of physical activity that was associated with lower clinical levels of high sensitivity C-Reactive protein (< 3 mg/L). MATERIALS AND METHODS Observational design was used to evaluate the variables of interest-based on the Canadian Health Measures Survey cycle 1-3 (2007-2012). Generalized adjusted additive models were used to explore the shape of the association between high sensitivity C-Reactive protein, daily physical activity, step count and sedentary time. High sensitivity C-Reactive protein was measured with blood samples. Physical activity, number of steps and sedentary time were objectively assessed using an Actical accelerometer. RESULTS Daily moderate to vigorous physical activity and step count were significantly associated with lower high sensitivity C-Reactive protein levels, but daily light physical activity and sedentary time were not associated with high sensitivity C-Reactive protein levels, even after controlling for age, sex, daily smoking, body mass index, household income, level of education levels, marital status, work year and accelerometer wear time and season of accelerometer. Non-linear dose-response patterns were observed between daily moderate to vigorous physical activity as well as step count with high sensitivity C-Reactive protein levels. Lower high sensitivity C-Reactive protein levels were associated with 1-150 min of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity and with daily step count starting at 4000 in people with arthritis. Adults with fibromyalgia had lower levels of high sensitivity C-Reactive protein when engaging in 10-35 min of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity and in 5000-9000 daily steps. Optimal and specific doses of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity and steps were independently related to lower high sensitivity C-Reactive protein levels in adults with arthritis and fibromyalgia. CONCLUSIONS Daily moderate to vigorous physical activity and step count were associated with high sensitivity C-Reactive protein levels that were below the clinical threshold. Given the positive outcomes of physical activity on health, adults with arthritis and fibromyalgia may benefit from these specific recommendations.
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3.
Motivational theory-based interventions on health of people with several mental illness: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Romain, AJ, Bernard, P, Akrass, Z, St-Amour, S, Lachance, JP, Hains-Monfette, G, Atoui, S, Kingsbury, C, Dubois, E, Karelis, AD, et al
Schizophrenia research. 2020;:31-41
Abstract
Motivational theory-based interventions are known to be effective for increasing physical activity (PA) in the general population but their effects in people with severe mental illness are poorly understood. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis on the effect of these interventions on PA and cardiometabolic risk factors. A systematic search of randomized controlled trials through 6 databases was carried out from inception to March 2019. Analyses were conducted using random-effect models. Weighted mean difference (WMD) were used as effect size when outcomes had the same units, otherwise Hedge's g was used. Fourteen articles including 2128 participants were identified. Motivational theory-based interventions were effective in increasing PA (g = 0.27, 95%CI[0.03; 0.51], p = .003), reducing weight (WMD = -1.87 kg, 95%CI[-2.98; -0.76], p = .001), body mass index (WMD = -0.82 kg/m2, 95%CI[-1.23; -0.41], p = .009), waist circumference (WMD = -1.91 cm, 95%CI[-3.63; -0.18], p = .03) and fasting glucose (g = -0.17, 95%CI[-0.34; -0.001], p = .04). Larger effect sizes were found in interventions based on only one theoretical model of motivation. In conclusion, interventions using motivational theories are effective to improve PA levels and the cardiometabolic health profile of people with severe mental illness. Systematic review registration: CRD42018104445.
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4.
High Intensity Exercise: Can It Protect You from A Fast Food Diet?
Duval, C, Rouillier, MA, Rabasa-Lhoret, R, Karelis, AD
Nutrients. 2017;(9)
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of high intensity exercise to counteract the deleterious effects of a fast food diet on the cardiometabolic profile of young healthy men. Fifteen men were subjected to an exclusive fast food diet from a popular fast food restaurant chain (three extra value meals/day + optional snack) for 14 consecutive days. Simultaneously, participants were asked to perform each day high intensity interval training (HIIT) (15 × 60 sec sprint intervals (~90% of maximal heart rate)) on a treadmill. Fast food diet and energy expenditure profiles of the participants during the intervention were assessed as well as body composition (DXA), cardiometabolic profile (lipid, hepatic enzymes, glycated hemoglobin, glucose, insulin, hsC-reactive protein (hsCRP) and blood pressure) and estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) pre- and post-experiment. We found significant improvements for fat mass, lean body mass, estimated VO₂ max, fasting glucose, serum lipoprotein(a) and hsCRP after the intervention (p < 0.05). HDL-cholesterol significantly decreased (p < 0.002), but the triglycerides/HDL-cholesterol ratio did not change. All other cardiometabolic variables measured remained stable, which includes the primary outcome: the HOMA index (pre: 1.83 ± 1.2 vs. post: 1.54 ± 0.7 values; p = 0.35). In conclusion, in large part, insulin resistance and the cardiometabolic profile of young healthy individuals seems to be protected by HIIT from a fast food diet.
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Validation and reliability of two activity monitors for energy expenditure assessment.
Brazeau, AS, Beaudoin, N, Bélisle, V, Messier, V, Karelis, AD, Rabasa-Lhoret, R
Journal of science and medicine in sport. 2016;(1):46-50
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study explores the reliability and validity of the SenseWear Armband (SWA) and Actical (ACT) for free-living total energy expenditure, and energy expenditure during rest and light-to-moderate exercises (walking, ergocycling). DESIGN Participants wore the 2 devices during 7 days (free-living) and then participated to 3 days of testing in our laboratory. METHODS SWA and ACT estimates of total energy expenditure was compared to the doubly labeled water technique (7 days), and energy expenditure during rest (60min), treadmill (45min; intensities ∼22% to ∼41% VO2peak) and ergocycling (45min; ∼50% VO2peak) were compared to indirect calorimetry over the following 3 days. Paired T-tests and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence interval (CI95) were computed. RESULTS Twenty adults were recruited (BMI 23.1±2.3kg/m(2)). Compared to doubly labelled water, SWA overestimated energy expenditure by 94kcal/d (±319; P=0.2) and ACT underestimated by -244kcal/d (±258; P=0.001). Energy expenditure during rest (SWA 210±116, ACT 124±133kcal/d; p<0.05) and treadmill (according on intensity: SWA 54±46 to 67±38, ACT 68±25 to 84±40kcal; p<0.05) were overestimated and underestimated during ergocycling (SWA -93±65, ACT -269±111kcal; p<0.05) compared to indirect calorimetry. High ICC were observed at rest (SWA 0.994 CI95 0.987-0.997; ACT 0.998 CI95 0.996-0.999) and during ergocycling (SWA 0.941 CI95 0.873-0.975; ACT 0.854 CI95 0.687-0.939). CONCLUSION Acceptable estimation of total energy expenditure was observed with the SWA. Both devices were reliable but not accurate for energy expenditure's estimations during rest and for specific exercises.
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6.
Running for your life: A review of physical activity and cardiovascular disease risk reduction in individuals with schizophrenia.
Chalfoun, C, Karelis, AD, Stip, E, Abdel-Baki, A
Journal of sports sciences. 2016;(16):1500-15
Abstract
Individuals with schizophrenia have a greater risk for cardiometabolic risk factors (e.g. central obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidaemia), cardiovascular diseases and mortality. This risky profile may be explained by the adverse effects of antipsychotic medications and an unhealthy lifestyle (e.g. smoking, poor nutrition and low physical activity). In the general population, physical activity has been shown to be the optimal strategy to improve both cardiometabolic parameters and cardiorespiratory fitness levels. Accordingly, an emerging literature of non-pharmacological interventions (e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy, diet and physical activity) has been studied in individuals with schizophrenia. Therefore, the purpose of this review was 1) to conduct a critical literature review of non-pharmacological interventions that included some kind of physical activity (including supervised and unsupervised exercise training) and target cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with schizophrenia. 2) To describe the contribution of physical activity alone by reviewing trials of supervised exercise training programmes only. A literature review via systematic keyword search for publications in Medline, PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO was performed. Many non-pharmacological interventions are efficient in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors when combined with physical activity. Supervised physical activity has been successful in decreasing cardiovascular disease risk, and aerobic interval training appears to provide more benefits by specifically targeting cardiorespiratory fitness levels. In conclusion, physical activity is an effective strategy for addressing cardiovascular disease risk in individuals with schizophrenia. Long-term studies are needed to evaluate the feasibility and impact of exercise training programmes in individuals with schizophrenia.
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Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Health: The Potential Beneficial Effects of a Medium Chain Triglyceride Diet in Obese Individuals.
Rial, SA, Karelis, AD, Bergeron, KF, Mounier, C
Nutrients. 2016;(5)
Abstract
Obesity and associated metabolic complications, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), are in constant increase around the world. While most obese patients show several metabolic and biometric abnormalities and comorbidities, a subgroup of patients representing 3% to 57% of obese adults, depending on the diagnosis criteria, remains metabolically healthy. Among many other factors, the gut microbiota is now identified as a determining factor in the pathogenesis of metabolically unhealthy obese (MUHO) individuals and in obesity-related diseases such as endotoxemia, intestinal and systemic inflammation, as well as insulin resistance. Interestingly, recent studies suggest that an optimal healthy-like gut microbiota structure may contribute to the metabolically healthy obese (MHO) phenotype. Here, we describe how dietary medium chain triglycerides (MCT), previously found to promote lipid catabolism, energy expenditure and weight loss, can ameliorate metabolic health via their capacity to improve both intestinal ecosystem and permeability. MCT-enriched diets could therefore be used to manage metabolic diseases through modification of gut microbiota.
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Effect of Elliptical High Intensity Interval Training on Metabolic Risk Factor in Pre- and Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Pilot Study.
Fex, A, Leduc-Gaudet, JP, Filion, ME, Karelis, AD, Aubertin-Leheudre, M
Journal of physical activity & health. 2015;(7):942-6
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the current study was to examine the impact of 12 weeks of elliptical high intensity interval training (HIIT) on metabolic risk factors and body composition in pre- and type 2 diabetes patients. METHODS Sixteen pre- (n = 8) and type 2 diabetes (n = 8) participants completed this study. Fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, anthropometric measurements, body composition (DXA), blood pressure, resting heart rate, VO2max, and dietary factors, as well as total and physical activity energy expenditure, were measured. The HIIT program on the elliptical was performed 3 times a week for 12 weeks. RESULTS After the intervention, we observed a significant improvement for fasting blood glucose, waist and hip circumference, appendicular fat mass, leg lean body mass and appendicular lean body mass, systolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, and VO2max (P < .05). In addition, we noted a lower tendency for leg fat mass (P = .06) and diastolic blood pressure (P = .05) as well as a higher tendency for total energy expenditure (P = .06) after the intervention. CONCLUSION The current study indicates that elliptical HIIT seems to improve metabolic risk factors and body composition in pre- and type 2 diabetes patients.
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Effect of cysteine-rich whey protein (immunocal®) supplementation in combination with resistance training on muscle strength and lean body mass in non-frail elderly subjects: a randomized, double-blind controlled study.
Karelis, AD, Messier, V, Suppère, C, Briand, P, Rabasa-Lhoret, R
The journal of nutrition, health & aging. 2015;(5):531-6
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of a cysteine-rich whey protein (Immunocal®) supplementation in combination with resistance training on muscle strength and lean body mass (LBM) in elderly individuals. We hypothesized that the cysteine-rich whey protein (Immunocal®) group would experience a greater increase in muscle strength and lean body mass versus the control group (casein). DESIGN Randomized double-blind controlled intervention study. SETTING Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal in Montreal, Canada. PARTICIPANTS Ninety-nine non-frail elderly subjects were recruited. INTERVENTION Participants were randomly assigned into two groups. The experimental group received a cysteine-rich whey protein isolate (Immunocal®) (20 g/day) and the control group received casein (20 g/day) during a 135-day period. In addition, both groups performed the same resistance training program (3 times per week). MEASUREMENTS Body composition (DXA) and muscle strength (leg press) were measured. RESULTS Of the 99 recruited participants, 84 completed the 135-day study period. Of these, 67 subjects (33 in the casein group and 34 in the Immunocal® group) complied and used at least 80 % of the study product and completed at least 80 % of their training sessions. Results in this selected group show an increase in all three muscle strength variables (absolute, normalized by BW and by LBM) by 31.0 %, 30.9 % and 30.0 %, respectively in the casein group as well as 39.3 %, 39.9 % and 43.3 %, respectively in the Immunocal® group after the intervention (p < 0.05). The increases in muscle strength favored Immunocal® versus casein by approximately 10 % when expressed in kg per kg BW and in kg per kg LBM (p < 0.05). No significant changes were found between pre-and-post intervention in both groups for total LBM. CONCLUSIONS Our findings showed increases in muscle strength in both groups after resistance training, however, significant additional increases were observed in muscle strength with the addition of a cysteine-rich whey protein (Immunocal®) versus casein.
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Relationship between the body adiposity index and cardiometabolic risk factors in obese postmenopausal women.
Elisha, B, Rabasa-Lhoret, R, Messier, V, Abdulnour, J, Karelis, AD
European journal of nutrition. 2013;(1):145-51
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present secondary analysis study was to investigate the ability of the body adiposity index (BAI) to detect changes in % body fat levels before and after a weight loss intervention when compared to % body fat levels measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and to examine the relationship between the BAI with cardiometabolic risk factors. METHODS The study population for this secondary analysis included 132 non-diabetic obese sedentary postmenopausal women (age: 57.2 ± 4.7 years, BMI: 35.0 ± 3.7 kg/m(2)) participating in a weight loss intervention that consisted of a calorie-restricted diet with or without resistance training. We measured: (1) visceral fat using CT-scan, (2) body composition using DXA, (3) hip circumference and height from which the BAI was calculated, and (4) cardiometabolic risk factors such as insulin sensitivity (using the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp), blood pressure as well as fasting plasma lipids, hsC-reactive protein (CRP), leptin, and glucose. RESULTS Percent body fat levels for both methods significantly decreased after the weight loss intervention. In addition, the percent change in % body fat levels after the weight loss intervention was significantly different between % body fat measured using the DXA and the BAI (-4.5 ± 6.6 vs. -5.8 ± 5.9%; p = 0.03, respectively). However, we observed a good overall agreement between the two methods, as shown by the Bland-Altman analysis, for percent change in % body fat. Furthermore, similar correlations were observed between both measures of % body fat with cardiometabolic risk factors. However, results from the multiple linear regression analysis showed that % body fat using the BAI appeared to predict cardiometabolic risk factors differently than % body fat using the DXA in our cohort. CONCLUSIONS Estimating % body fat using the BAI seems to accurately trace variations of % body fat after weight loss. However, this index showed differences in predicting cardiometabolic risk factors when compared to % body fat measured using DXA.