An evaluation of temporal and club angle parameters during golf swings using low cost video analyses packages
- Hunter, Henry, Ugbolue, Ukadike, Sorbie, Graeme, Lam, Wing-Kai, Grace, Fergal, Dello Iacono, Antonio, Liang, Minjun, Dutheil, Frederic, Gu, Yaodong, Baker, Julien
- Authors: Hunter, Henry , Ugbolue, Ukadike , Sorbie, Graeme , Lam, Wing-Kai , Grace, Fergal , Dello Iacono, Antonio , Liang, Minjun , Dutheil, Frederic , Gu, Yaodong , Baker, Julien
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Scientific Reports Vol. 12, no. 1 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The purpose of this study was to compare swing time and golf club angle parameters during golf swings using three, two dimensional (2D) low cost, Augmented-Video-based-Portable-Systems (AVPS) (Kinovea, SiliconCoach Pro, SiliconCoach Live). Twelve right-handed golfers performed three golf swings whilst being recorded by a high-speed 2D video camera. Footage was then analysed using AVPS-software and the results compared using both descriptive and inferential statistics. There were no significant differences for swing time and the golf phase measurements between the 2D and 3D software comparisons. In general, the results showed a high Intra class Correlation Coefficient (ICC > 0.929) and Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha (CCA > 0.924) reliability for both the kinematic and temporal parameters. The inter-rater reliability test for the swing time and kinematic golf phase measurements on average were strong. Irrespective of the AVPS software investigated, the cost effective AVPS can produce reliable output measures that benefit golf analyses. © 2022, Crown.
- Authors: Hunter, Henry , Ugbolue, Ukadike , Sorbie, Graeme , Lam, Wing-Kai , Grace, Fergal , Dello Iacono, Antonio , Liang, Minjun , Dutheil, Frederic , Gu, Yaodong , Baker, Julien
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Scientific Reports Vol. 12, no. 1 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The purpose of this study was to compare swing time and golf club angle parameters during golf swings using three, two dimensional (2D) low cost, Augmented-Video-based-Portable-Systems (AVPS) (Kinovea, SiliconCoach Pro, SiliconCoach Live). Twelve right-handed golfers performed three golf swings whilst being recorded by a high-speed 2D video camera. Footage was then analysed using AVPS-software and the results compared using both descriptive and inferential statistics. There were no significant differences for swing time and the golf phase measurements between the 2D and 3D software comparisons. In general, the results showed a high Intra class Correlation Coefficient (ICC > 0.929) and Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha (CCA > 0.924) reliability for both the kinematic and temporal parameters. The inter-rater reliability test for the swing time and kinematic golf phase measurements on average were strong. Irrespective of the AVPS software investigated, the cost effective AVPS can produce reliable output measures that benefit golf analyses. © 2022, Crown.
Short-term and lifelong exercise training lowers inflammatory mediators in older men
- Hayes, Lawrence, Herbert, Peter, Sculthorpe, Nicholas, Grace, Fergal
- Authors: Hayes, Lawrence , Herbert, Peter , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Physiology Vol. 12, no. (2021), p.
- Full Text:
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- Description: Increased basal low-grade inflammation is observed with advancing age, which is augmented by physical inactivity. However, data regarding the influence of lifelong exercise training and particularly high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on inflammatory mediators in older men are scarce. Therefore, we examined effects of 6weeks of aerobic preconditioning followed by 6weeks of HIIT on inflammatory mediators [interleukin (IL)-6, homocysteine, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)] in previously sedentary older men (SED) and masters athletes (LEX). Further, we investigated whether SED exhibited greater basal inflammatory biomarkers compared to LEX. Twenty-two men (aged 62±2years) participated in the SED group, while 17 age-matched LEX men (aged 60±5years) also participated as a positive comparison group. In SED, preconditioning (P=0.030, d=0.34) and HIIT (P=0.030, d=0.48) caused a reduction in IL-6 compared to enrollment. SED homocysteine did not change throughout (P>0.57; d<0.26), while the decrease in hsCRP after preconditioning (P=0.486, d=0.25) and after HIIT (P=0.781, d=0.23) compared to enrollment was small. HIIT did not influence IL-6 or hsCRP in LEX (all P>0.42; d<0.3). Homocysteine increased from enrollment to post-HIIT in LEX (P=0.144, d=0.83), but all other perturbations were trivial. IL-6 and hsCRP were greater in SED than LEX throughout the investigation (all P<0.029; d>0.72), but homocysteine was not different (all P >0.131; d<0.41). Results of this study suggest moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and HIIT lowers IL-6 (and possible hsCRP) in previously sedentary older men. Moreover, lifelong exercise is associated with reduced concentrations of some inflammatory biomarkers in older males, and therefore, physical activity, rather than age per se, is implicated in chronic low-grade inflammation. Moreover, physical inactivity-induced inflammation may be partly salvaged by short-term exercise training. © Copyright © 2021 Hayes, Herbert, Sculthorpe and Grace.
- Authors: Hayes, Lawrence , Herbert, Peter , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Physiology Vol. 12, no. (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Increased basal low-grade inflammation is observed with advancing age, which is augmented by physical inactivity. However, data regarding the influence of lifelong exercise training and particularly high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on inflammatory mediators in older men are scarce. Therefore, we examined effects of 6weeks of aerobic preconditioning followed by 6weeks of HIIT on inflammatory mediators [interleukin (IL)-6, homocysteine, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)] in previously sedentary older men (SED) and masters athletes (LEX). Further, we investigated whether SED exhibited greater basal inflammatory biomarkers compared to LEX. Twenty-two men (aged 62±2years) participated in the SED group, while 17 age-matched LEX men (aged 60±5years) also participated as a positive comparison group. In SED, preconditioning (P=0.030, d=0.34) and HIIT (P=0.030, d=0.48) caused a reduction in IL-6 compared to enrollment. SED homocysteine did not change throughout (P>0.57; d<0.26), while the decrease in hsCRP after preconditioning (P=0.486, d=0.25) and after HIIT (P=0.781, d=0.23) compared to enrollment was small. HIIT did not influence IL-6 or hsCRP in LEX (all P>0.42; d<0.3). Homocysteine increased from enrollment to post-HIIT in LEX (P=0.144, d=0.83), but all other perturbations were trivial. IL-6 and hsCRP were greater in SED than LEX throughout the investigation (all P<0.029; d>0.72), but homocysteine was not different (all P >0.131; d<0.41). Results of this study suggest moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and HIIT lowers IL-6 (and possible hsCRP) in previously sedentary older men. Moreover, lifelong exercise is associated with reduced concentrations of some inflammatory biomarkers in older males, and therefore, physical activity, rather than age per se, is implicated in chronic low-grade inflammation. Moreover, physical inactivity-induced inflammation may be partly salvaged by short-term exercise training. © Copyright © 2021 Hayes, Herbert, Sculthorpe and Grace.
Aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercise are equivalent to mitigate symptoms of depression in older adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
- Miller, Kyle, Areerob, Pinyadapat, Hennessy, Declan, Gonçalves-Bradley, Daniela, Mesagno, Christopher, Grace, Fergal
- Authors: Miller, Kyle , Areerob, Pinyadapat , Hennessy, Declan , Gonçalves-Bradley, Daniela , Mesagno, Christopher , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: F1000Research Vol. 9, no. (2020), p. 1-51
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Exercise has been identified as an allied health strategy that can support the management of depression in older adults, yet the relative effectiveness for different exercise modalities is unknown. To meet this gap in knowledge, we present a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the head-to-head effectiveness of aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercise to mitigate depressive symptoms in adults aged ≥ 65 years. Methods: A PRISMA-NMA compliant review was undertaken on RCTs from inception to September 12 th, 2019. PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus were systematically searched for eligible RCTs enrolling adults with a mean age ≥ 65 years, comparing one or more exercise intervention arms, and which used valid measures of depressive symptomology. Comparative effectiveness was evaluated using network meta-analysis to combine direct and indirect evidence, controlling for inherent variation in trial control groups. Results: The systematic review included 81 RCTs, with 69 meeting eligibility for the network meta-analysis ( n = 5,379 participants). Pooled analysis found each exercise type to be effective compared with controls (Hedges' g = -0.27 to -0.51). Relative head-to-head comparisons were statistically comparable between exercise types: resistance versus aerobic (Hedges' g = -0.06, PrI = -0.91, 0.79), mind-body versus aerobic (Hedges' g = -0.12, PrI = -0.95, 0.72), mind-body versus resistance (Hedges' g = -0.06, PrI = -0.90, 0.79). High levels of compliance were demonstrated for each exercise treatment. Conclusions: Aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercise demonstrate equivalence to mitigate symptoms of depression in older adults aged ≥ 65 years, with comparably encouraging levels of compliance to exercise treatment. These findings coalesce with previous findings in clinically depressed older adults to encourage personal preference when prescribing exercise for depressive symptoms in older adults, irrespective of severity. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42018115866 (23/11/2018). © 2020 Miller KJ et al.
- Authors: Miller, Kyle , Areerob, Pinyadapat , Hennessy, Declan , Gonçalves-Bradley, Daniela , Mesagno, Christopher , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: F1000Research Vol. 9, no. (2020), p. 1-51
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Exercise has been identified as an allied health strategy that can support the management of depression in older adults, yet the relative effectiveness for different exercise modalities is unknown. To meet this gap in knowledge, we present a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the head-to-head effectiveness of aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercise to mitigate depressive symptoms in adults aged ≥ 65 years. Methods: A PRISMA-NMA compliant review was undertaken on RCTs from inception to September 12 th, 2019. PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus were systematically searched for eligible RCTs enrolling adults with a mean age ≥ 65 years, comparing one or more exercise intervention arms, and which used valid measures of depressive symptomology. Comparative effectiveness was evaluated using network meta-analysis to combine direct and indirect evidence, controlling for inherent variation in trial control groups. Results: The systematic review included 81 RCTs, with 69 meeting eligibility for the network meta-analysis ( n = 5,379 participants). Pooled analysis found each exercise type to be effective compared with controls (Hedges' g = -0.27 to -0.51). Relative head-to-head comparisons were statistically comparable between exercise types: resistance versus aerobic (Hedges' g = -0.06, PrI = -0.91, 0.79), mind-body versus aerobic (Hedges' g = -0.12, PrI = -0.95, 0.72), mind-body versus resistance (Hedges' g = -0.06, PrI = -0.90, 0.79). High levels of compliance were demonstrated for each exercise treatment. Conclusions: Aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercise demonstrate equivalence to mitigate symptoms of depression in older adults aged ≥ 65 years, with comparably encouraging levels of compliance to exercise treatment. These findings coalesce with previous findings in clinically depressed older adults to encourage personal preference when prescribing exercise for depressive symptoms in older adults, irrespective of severity. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42018115866 (23/11/2018). © 2020 Miller KJ et al.
Comparative effectiveness of three exercise types to treat clinical depression in older adults : a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
- Miller, Kyle, Gonçalves-Bradley, Daniela, Areerob, Pinyadapat, Hennessy, Declan, Mesagno, Christopher, Grace, Fergal
- Authors: Miller, Kyle , Gonçalves-Bradley, Daniela , Areerob, Pinyadapat , Hennessy, Declan , Mesagno, Christopher , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Ageing Research Reviews Vol. 58 (2020).
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Few studies have directly compared the effects of different exercise therapies on clinical depression in older adults. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of current evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the effectiveness of three major exercise types (aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercise) in clinically depressed older adults. Methods: We followed PRISMA-NMA guidelines and searched databases for eligible RCTs (inception – September 12th, 2019). RCTs were eligible if they included clinically depressed adults aged >65 years, implemented one or more exercise therapy arms using aerobic, resistance, or mind-body exercise, and assessed depressive symptoms at baseline and follow-up using a validated clinical questionnaire. Results: A network meta-analysis was performed on 15 eligible RCTs comprising 596 participants (321 treatment and 275 controls), including aerobic (n = 6), resistance (n = 5), and mind-body (n = 4) exercise trials. Compared with controls, mind-body exercise showed the largest improvement on depressive symptoms (g = −0.87 to −1.38), followed by aerobic exercise (g = −0.51 to −1.02), and resistance exercise (g = −0.41 to −0.92). Notably, there were no statistically significant differences between exercise types: aerobic versus resistance (g = −0.10, PrI = −2.23, 2.03), mind-body versus aerobic (g = −0.36, PrI = −2.69, 1.97), or mind-body versus resistance (g = −0.46, PrI = −2.75, 1.83). Conclusions: These findings should guide optimal exercise prescription for allied health professionals and stakeholders in clinical geriatrics. Notably, clinically depressed older adults may be encouraged to self-select their preferred exercise type in order to achieve therapeutic benefit on symptoms of depression. In coalition with high levels of compliance, these data provide encouraging evidence for the antidepressant effect of either aerobic, resistance, or mind-body exercise as effective treatment adjucts for older adults presenting with clinical depression. © 2019
- Authors: Miller, Kyle , Gonçalves-Bradley, Daniela , Areerob, Pinyadapat , Hennessy, Declan , Mesagno, Christopher , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Ageing Research Reviews Vol. 58 (2020).
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Few studies have directly compared the effects of different exercise therapies on clinical depression in older adults. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of current evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the effectiveness of three major exercise types (aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercise) in clinically depressed older adults. Methods: We followed PRISMA-NMA guidelines and searched databases for eligible RCTs (inception – September 12th, 2019). RCTs were eligible if they included clinically depressed adults aged >65 years, implemented one or more exercise therapy arms using aerobic, resistance, or mind-body exercise, and assessed depressive symptoms at baseline and follow-up using a validated clinical questionnaire. Results: A network meta-analysis was performed on 15 eligible RCTs comprising 596 participants (321 treatment and 275 controls), including aerobic (n = 6), resistance (n = 5), and mind-body (n = 4) exercise trials. Compared with controls, mind-body exercise showed the largest improvement on depressive symptoms (g = −0.87 to −1.38), followed by aerobic exercise (g = −0.51 to −1.02), and resistance exercise (g = −0.41 to −0.92). Notably, there were no statistically significant differences between exercise types: aerobic versus resistance (g = −0.10, PrI = −2.23, 2.03), mind-body versus aerobic (g = −0.36, PrI = −2.69, 1.97), or mind-body versus resistance (g = −0.46, PrI = −2.75, 1.83). Conclusions: These findings should guide optimal exercise prescription for allied health professionals and stakeholders in clinical geriatrics. Notably, clinically depressed older adults may be encouraged to self-select their preferred exercise type in order to achieve therapeutic benefit on symptoms of depression. In coalition with high levels of compliance, these data provide encouraging evidence for the antidepressant effect of either aerobic, resistance, or mind-body exercise as effective treatment adjucts for older adults presenting with clinical depression. © 2019
High intensity interval training (HIIT) improves cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in healthy, overweight and obese adolescents : a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled studies
- Martin-Smith, Rhona, Cox, Ashley, Buchan, Duncan, Baker, Julien, Grace, Fergal, Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Authors: Martin-Smith, Rhona , Cox, Ashley , Buchan, Duncan , Baker, Julien , Grace, Fergal , Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 17, no. 8 (2020), p.
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- Description: Background: High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a sustainable and effective method for improving Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF) in adolescents. HIIT is proven to produce equal or greater improvements in CRF when compared to moderate intensity continuous exercise (MICE) in adolescents. Methods: The studies included were considered eligible if: (1) Participants were adolescents (11–18 years old); (2) Examined changes in CRF measured either directly or indirectly; (3) Included a non-exercising control group or MICE comparison group; (4) Participants were matched at enrolment; (5) Reported HIIT protocol information; (6) Provided HIIT intensity. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effect of HIIT on CRF. Meta-regression and moderator analyses were performed out to quantitatively examine moderators of protocol design on CRF improvements. Results: HIIT displays a moderate effect to improve CRF (g = 0.86, 95% CI 0.518–1.106, p < 0.001). Neither study duration (weeks), nor total or weekly accumulated HIIT volume (min) displayed any significant moderation effect on pooled improvement on CRF (p > 0.05). Conclusions: HIIT is an effective method to improve CRF in adolescents, irrespective of body composition. Notably, meta regression analysis identified that prolonged high volume HIIT programs are similarly effective to short term low volume HIIT programs. This becomes of particular interest for those involved in school curricula, where short HIIT exercise may provide a pragmatic adjunct to the health benefits of Physical Education (PE) lessons. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: Martin-Smith, Rhona , Cox, Ashley , Buchan, Duncan , Baker, Julien , Grace, Fergal , Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 17, no. 8 (2020), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a sustainable and effective method for improving Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF) in adolescents. HIIT is proven to produce equal or greater improvements in CRF when compared to moderate intensity continuous exercise (MICE) in adolescents. Methods: The studies included were considered eligible if: (1) Participants were adolescents (11–18 years old); (2) Examined changes in CRF measured either directly or indirectly; (3) Included a non-exercising control group or MICE comparison group; (4) Participants were matched at enrolment; (5) Reported HIIT protocol information; (6) Provided HIIT intensity. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effect of HIIT on CRF. Meta-regression and moderator analyses were performed out to quantitatively examine moderators of protocol design on CRF improvements. Results: HIIT displays a moderate effect to improve CRF (g = 0.86, 95% CI 0.518–1.106, p < 0.001). Neither study duration (weeks), nor total or weekly accumulated HIIT volume (min) displayed any significant moderation effect on pooled improvement on CRF (p > 0.05). Conclusions: HIIT is an effective method to improve CRF in adolescents, irrespective of body composition. Notably, meta regression analysis identified that prolonged high volume HIIT programs are similarly effective to short term low volume HIIT programs. This becomes of particular interest for those involved in school curricula, where short HIIT exercise may provide a pragmatic adjunct to the health benefits of Physical Education (PE) lessons. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Long-term athletic training does not alter age-associated reductions of left-ventricular mid-diastolic lengthening or expansion at rest
- Beaumont, Alexander, Campbell, Amy, Unnithan, Viswanath, Grace, Fergal, Knox, Allan, Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Authors: Beaumont, Alexander , Campbell, Amy , Unnithan, Viswanath , Grace, Fergal , Knox, Allan , Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: European Journal of Applied Physiology Vol. 120, no. 9 (2020), p. 2059-2073
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose: The interaction of ageing and exercise training status on left-ventricular (LV) peak strain is unclear. Additionally, strain analysis across the entire cardiac cycle facilitates a more detailed assessment of deformation, yet this has not been implemented to characterize the ageing LV and in association with training status. This study investigated healthy ageing and training status on LV systolic and diastolic strain utilizing novel echocardiographic applications. Methods: Forty healthy males were included and allocated into four groups; young recreationally active (YRA,n = 9; 28 ± 5 years), old recreationally active (ORA, n = 10; 68 ± 6), young trained (YT,n = 10; 27 ± 6 years), and old trained (OT, n = 11, 64 ± 4 years) groups. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography was performed to ascertain peak LV longitudinal and circumferential strain (base and apex) strain within each myocardial layer and at 5% increments across the cardiac cycle. Results: Older groups had lower diastolic longitudinal lengthening and circumferential expansion between 40–85% mid-diastole, regardless of training status (P < 0.05). Whereas, strain throughout systole was similar between groups (P > 0.05). Longitudinal and circumferential (base and apex) peak and layer-specific strain did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Novel applications of diastolic strain revealed lower age-associated LV longitudinal lengthening and circumferential expansion in older age. Yet, diastolic strain profiles did not differ based on chronic habits of exercise training and, thus, older trained men did not demonstrate an attenuation of age-associated differences in mid-diastolic LV strain. © 2020, The Author(s).
- Authors: Beaumont, Alexander , Campbell, Amy , Unnithan, Viswanath , Grace, Fergal , Knox, Allan , Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: European Journal of Applied Physiology Vol. 120, no. 9 (2020), p. 2059-2073
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose: The interaction of ageing and exercise training status on left-ventricular (LV) peak strain is unclear. Additionally, strain analysis across the entire cardiac cycle facilitates a more detailed assessment of deformation, yet this has not been implemented to characterize the ageing LV and in association with training status. This study investigated healthy ageing and training status on LV systolic and diastolic strain utilizing novel echocardiographic applications. Methods: Forty healthy males were included and allocated into four groups; young recreationally active (YRA,n = 9; 28 ± 5 years), old recreationally active (ORA, n = 10; 68 ± 6), young trained (YT,n = 10; 27 ± 6 years), and old trained (OT, n = 11, 64 ± 4 years) groups. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography was performed to ascertain peak LV longitudinal and circumferential strain (base and apex) strain within each myocardial layer and at 5% increments across the cardiac cycle. Results: Older groups had lower diastolic longitudinal lengthening and circumferential expansion between 40–85% mid-diastole, regardless of training status (P < 0.05). Whereas, strain throughout systole was similar between groups (P > 0.05). Longitudinal and circumferential (base and apex) peak and layer-specific strain did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Novel applications of diastolic strain revealed lower age-associated LV longitudinal lengthening and circumferential expansion in older age. Yet, diastolic strain profiles did not differ based on chronic habits of exercise training and, thus, older trained men did not demonstrate an attenuation of age-associated differences in mid-diastolic LV strain. © 2020, The Author(s).
Aerobic training protects cardiac function during advancing age : A meta-analysis of four decades of controlled studies
- Beaumont, Alexander, Grace, Fergal, Richards, Joanna, Campbell, Amy, Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Authors: Beaumont, Alexander , Grace, Fergal , Richards, Joanna , Campbell, Amy , Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 49, no. 2 (2019), p. 199-219
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: In contrast to younger athletes, there is comparatively less literature examining cardiac structure and function in older athletes. However, a progressive accumulation of studies during the past four decades offers a body of literature worthy of systematic scrutiny. Objectives: We conducted a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of controlled echocardiography studies comparing left ventricular (LV) structure and function in aerobically trained older athletes (> 45 years) with age-matched untrained controls, in addition to investigating the influence of chronological age. Methods: Electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2018 before conducting a random-effects meta-analysis to calculate pooled differences in means, effect size and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Study heterogeneity was reported using Cochran’s Q and I2 statistic. Results: Overall, 32 studies (644 athletes; 582 controls) were included. Athletes had greater LV end-diastolic diameter (3.65 mm, 95% CI 2.66–4.64), interventricular septal thickness (1.23 mm, 95% CI 0.85–1.60), posterior wall thickness (1.20 mm, 95% CI 0.83–1.56), LV mass (72 g, 95% CI 46–98), LV mass index (28.17 g·m2, 95% CI 19.84–36.49) and stroke volume (13.59 mL, 95% CI 7.20–19.98) (all p < 0.01). Athletes had superior global diastolic function [ratio of early (E) to late (A) mitral inflow velocity (E/A) 0.18, 95% CI 0.13–0.24, p < 0.01; ratio of early (e′) to late (a′) diastolic annular tissue velocity (e′/a′) 0.23, 95% CI 0.06–0.40, p = 0.01], lower A (−8.20 cm·s−1, 95% CI −11.90 to −4.51, p < 0.01) and a′ (−0.72 cm·s−1, 95% CI −1.31 to −0.12, p = 0.02), and more rapid e′ (0.96 cm·s−1, 95% CI 0.05–1.86, p = 0.04). Meta-regression for chronological age identified that athlete–control differences, in the main, are maintained during advancing age. Conclusions: Athletic older men have larger cardiac dimensions and enjoy more favourable cardiac function than healthy, non-athletic counterparts. Notably, the athlete groups maintain these effects during chronological ageing. © 2018, The Author(s).
- Authors: Beaumont, Alexander , Grace, Fergal , Richards, Joanna , Campbell, Amy , Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 49, no. 2 (2019), p. 199-219
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: In contrast to younger athletes, there is comparatively less literature examining cardiac structure and function in older athletes. However, a progressive accumulation of studies during the past four decades offers a body of literature worthy of systematic scrutiny. Objectives: We conducted a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of controlled echocardiography studies comparing left ventricular (LV) structure and function in aerobically trained older athletes (> 45 years) with age-matched untrained controls, in addition to investigating the influence of chronological age. Methods: Electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2018 before conducting a random-effects meta-analysis to calculate pooled differences in means, effect size and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Study heterogeneity was reported using Cochran’s Q and I2 statistic. Results: Overall, 32 studies (644 athletes; 582 controls) were included. Athletes had greater LV end-diastolic diameter (3.65 mm, 95% CI 2.66–4.64), interventricular septal thickness (1.23 mm, 95% CI 0.85–1.60), posterior wall thickness (1.20 mm, 95% CI 0.83–1.56), LV mass (72 g, 95% CI 46–98), LV mass index (28.17 g·m2, 95% CI 19.84–36.49) and stroke volume (13.59 mL, 95% CI 7.20–19.98) (all p < 0.01). Athletes had superior global diastolic function [ratio of early (E) to late (A) mitral inflow velocity (E/A) 0.18, 95% CI 0.13–0.24, p < 0.01; ratio of early (e′) to late (a′) diastolic annular tissue velocity (e′/a′) 0.23, 95% CI 0.06–0.40, p = 0.01], lower A (−8.20 cm·s−1, 95% CI −11.90 to −4.51, p < 0.01) and a′ (−0.72 cm·s−1, 95% CI −1.31 to −0.12, p = 0.02), and more rapid e′ (0.96 cm·s−1, 95% CI 0.05–1.86, p = 0.04). Meta-regression for chronological age identified that athlete–control differences, in the main, are maintained during advancing age. Conclusions: Athletic older men have larger cardiac dimensions and enjoy more favourable cardiac function than healthy, non-athletic counterparts. Notably, the athlete groups maintain these effects during chronological ageing. © 2018, The Author(s).
Exercise, mood, self-efficacy, and social support as predictors of depressive symptoms in older adults : Direct and interaction effects
- Miller, Kyle, Mesagno, Christopher, McLaren, Suzanne, Grace, Fergal, Yates, Mark, Gomez, Rapson
- Authors: Miller, Kyle , Mesagno, Christopher , McLaren, Suzanne , Grace, Fergal , Yates, Mark , Gomez, Rapson
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Psychology Vol. 10, no. (2019), p. 1-11
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Depression is a chronic condition that affects up to 15% of older adults. The healthogenic effects of regular exercise are well established, but it is still unclear which exercise-related variables characterise the antidepressant effects of exercise. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which exercise-related variables (exercise behaviour, exercise-induced mood, exercise self-efficacy, and social support) can predict depressive symptoms in a cohort of community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional analysis of questionnaire data from a sample of 586 community-dwelling older Australians aged 65 to 96 years old. Participants completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, modified CHAMPS Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Adults, Four-Dimension Mood Scale, Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale, and Social Provisions Scale - Short Form. Bivariate correlations were performed, and hierarchical multiple regression was subsequently used to test the regression model. Results: Exercise behaviour, exercise-induced mood, exercise self-efficacy, and social support were all negatively associated with depressive symptoms (r = -0.20 to -0.56). When the variables were entered as predictors into the hierarchical multiple regression model, social support was the strongest predictor of depressive symptoms (beta = -0.42), followed by exercise-induced mood (beta = -0.23), and exercise self-efficacy (beta = -0.07). Exercise behaviour did not explain any additional variance in depressive symptoms. A modest interaction effect was also observed between exercise-induced mood and social support. Conclusion: These findings indicate that social support is the strongest predictor of depressive symptomology in community-dwelling older adults, particularly when combined with positive exercise-induced mood states. When addressing the needs of older adults at risk of depression, healthcare professionals should consider the implementation of exercise programmes that are likely to benefit older adults by improving mood, enhancing self-efficacy, and building social support.
- Authors: Miller, Kyle , Mesagno, Christopher , McLaren, Suzanne , Grace, Fergal , Yates, Mark , Gomez, Rapson
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Psychology Vol. 10, no. (2019), p. 1-11
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Depression is a chronic condition that affects up to 15% of older adults. The healthogenic effects of regular exercise are well established, but it is still unclear which exercise-related variables characterise the antidepressant effects of exercise. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which exercise-related variables (exercise behaviour, exercise-induced mood, exercise self-efficacy, and social support) can predict depressive symptoms in a cohort of community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional analysis of questionnaire data from a sample of 586 community-dwelling older Australians aged 65 to 96 years old. Participants completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, modified CHAMPS Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Adults, Four-Dimension Mood Scale, Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale, and Social Provisions Scale - Short Form. Bivariate correlations were performed, and hierarchical multiple regression was subsequently used to test the regression model. Results: Exercise behaviour, exercise-induced mood, exercise self-efficacy, and social support were all negatively associated with depressive symptoms (r = -0.20 to -0.56). When the variables were entered as predictors into the hierarchical multiple regression model, social support was the strongest predictor of depressive symptoms (beta = -0.42), followed by exercise-induced mood (beta = -0.23), and exercise self-efficacy (beta = -0.07). Exercise behaviour did not explain any additional variance in depressive symptoms. A modest interaction effect was also observed between exercise-induced mood and social support. Conclusion: These findings indicate that social support is the strongest predictor of depressive symptomology in community-dwelling older adults, particularly when combined with positive exercise-induced mood states. When addressing the needs of older adults at risk of depression, healthcare professionals should consider the implementation of exercise programmes that are likely to benefit older adults by improving mood, enhancing self-efficacy, and building social support.
Long-term aerobic exercise improves vascular function into old age : A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta regression of observational and interventional studies
- Campbell, Amy, Grace, Fergal, Ritchie, Louise, Beaumont, Alexander, Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Authors: Campbell, Amy , Grace, Fergal , Ritchie, Louise , Beaumont, Alexander , Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Frontiers in Physiology Vol. 10, no. FEB (2019), p. 1-16
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: There is an emerging body of literature relating to the effectiveness of frequent aerobic exercise as a prophylactic for age-associated dysfunction of large arteries, yet systematic evaluation and precise estimate of this effect is unknown. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled studies examining flow mediated dilatation (FMD) of athletic older persons and otherwise healthy sedentary counterparts to (i) compare FMD as a determinant of endothelial function between athletes and sedentary individuals and, (ii) summarize the effect of exercise training on FMD in studies of sedentary aging persons. Studies were identified from systematic search of major electronic databases from inception to January 2018. Study quality was assessed before conducting a random effects meta-analysis to calculate a pooled ES (mean difference) with 95% CI's. Thirteen studies [4 interventional (n = 125); 10 cross-sectional [including one study from the interventional analysis; (n = 485)] with age ranges from 62 to 75 years underwent quantitative pooling of data. The majority of study participants were male. Older athletes had more favorable FMD compared with sedentary controls (2.1%; CI: 1.4, 2.8%; P < 0.001). There was no significant improvement in the vascular function of sedentary cohorts following a period of exercise training (0.7%; CI: −0.675, 2.09%; P = 0.316). However, there was a significant increase in baseline diameter from pre to post intervention (0.1 mm; CI: 0.07, 0.13 mm; P < 0.001). In addition, there was no significant difference in endothelial independent vasodilation between the trained and sedentary older adults (1.57%; CI: −0.13, 3.27%; P = 0.07), or from pre to post exercise intervention (1.48%; CI: −1.34, 4.3%; P = 0.3). In conclusion, long-term aerobic exercise appears to attenuate the decline in endothelial vascular function, a benefit which is maintained during chronological aging. However, currently there is not enough evidence to suggest that exercise interventions improve vascular function in previously sedentary healthy older adults.
- Authors: Campbell, Amy , Grace, Fergal , Ritchie, Louise , Beaumont, Alexander , Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Frontiers in Physiology Vol. 10, no. FEB (2019), p. 1-16
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: There is an emerging body of literature relating to the effectiveness of frequent aerobic exercise as a prophylactic for age-associated dysfunction of large arteries, yet systematic evaluation and precise estimate of this effect is unknown. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled studies examining flow mediated dilatation (FMD) of athletic older persons and otherwise healthy sedentary counterparts to (i) compare FMD as a determinant of endothelial function between athletes and sedentary individuals and, (ii) summarize the effect of exercise training on FMD in studies of sedentary aging persons. Studies were identified from systematic search of major electronic databases from inception to January 2018. Study quality was assessed before conducting a random effects meta-analysis to calculate a pooled ES (mean difference) with 95% CI's. Thirteen studies [4 interventional (n = 125); 10 cross-sectional [including one study from the interventional analysis; (n = 485)] with age ranges from 62 to 75 years underwent quantitative pooling of data. The majority of study participants were male. Older athletes had more favorable FMD compared with sedentary controls (2.1%; CI: 1.4, 2.8%; P < 0.001). There was no significant improvement in the vascular function of sedentary cohorts following a period of exercise training (0.7%; CI: −0.675, 2.09%; P = 0.316). However, there was a significant increase in baseline diameter from pre to post intervention (0.1 mm; CI: 0.07, 0.13 mm; P < 0.001). In addition, there was no significant difference in endothelial independent vasodilation between the trained and sedentary older adults (1.57%; CI: −0.13, 3.27%; P = 0.07), or from pre to post exercise intervention (1.48%; CI: −1.34, 4.3%; P = 0.3). In conclusion, long-term aerobic exercise appears to attenuate the decline in endothelial vascular function, a benefit which is maintained during chronological aging. However, currently there is not enough evidence to suggest that exercise interventions improve vascular function in previously sedentary healthy older adults.
Sprint interval training and the school curriculum : Benefits upon cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity profiles, and cardiometabolic risk profiles of healthy adolescents
- Martin-Smith, Rhona, Buchan, Duncan, Baker, Julien, Macdonald, Mhairi, Sculthorpe, Nicholas, Easton, Chris, Knox, Allan, Grace, Fergal
- Authors: Martin-Smith, Rhona , Buchan, Duncan , Baker, Julien , Macdonald, Mhairi , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Easton, Chris , Knox, Allan , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Pediatric Exercise Science Vol. 31, no. 3 (2019), p. 296-305
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: This study examined the impact of a 4-week school-based sprint interval training program on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), daily physical activity (PA) behavior, and cardiometabolic risk (CMR) outcomes in adolescents. Methods: A total of 56 adolescents (22 females) were allocated to either an intervention (n = 22; 17.0 [0.3] y) or control group (n = 30; 16.8 [0.5] y). Intervention group performed 5 to 6, 30 second "all out" running sprints, interspersed with 30-second rest intervals, 3 times per week, for 4 consecutive weeks, whereas control group performed their normal physical education lessons. CRF was estimated from the 20-m multistage fitness test and PA behavior was determined using accelerometry. Fasting blood samples were obtained to measure biochemical markers of CMR. Results: Significant group x time interactions were observed for CRF (5.03 [1.66 to 8.40]; P < .001; d = 0.95), sedentary time (136.15 [91.91 to 180.39]; P = .004; d = 1.8), moderate PA (57.20 [32.17 to 82.23]; P < .001; d = 1.5), vigorous PA (5.40 [4.22 to 6.57]; P < .001; d = 1.2), fasting insulin (0.37 [-0.48 to 1.21]; P = .01; d = 1.0), homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (0.26 [0.15 to 0.42]; P < .001; d = 0.9), and clustered CMR score (0.22 [-0.05 to 0.68]; P < .001; d = 10.63). Conclusion: Findings of this study indicate that 4 weeks of school-based sprint interval training improves CRF, improves PA profiles, and maintains CMR in adolescents during the school term.
- Authors: Martin-Smith, Rhona , Buchan, Duncan , Baker, Julien , Macdonald, Mhairi , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Easton, Chris , Knox, Allan , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Pediatric Exercise Science Vol. 31, no. 3 (2019), p. 296-305
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: This study examined the impact of a 4-week school-based sprint interval training program on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), daily physical activity (PA) behavior, and cardiometabolic risk (CMR) outcomes in adolescents. Methods: A total of 56 adolescents (22 females) were allocated to either an intervention (n = 22; 17.0 [0.3] y) or control group (n = 30; 16.8 [0.5] y). Intervention group performed 5 to 6, 30 second "all out" running sprints, interspersed with 30-second rest intervals, 3 times per week, for 4 consecutive weeks, whereas control group performed their normal physical education lessons. CRF was estimated from the 20-m multistage fitness test and PA behavior was determined using accelerometry. Fasting blood samples were obtained to measure biochemical markers of CMR. Results: Significant group x time interactions were observed for CRF (5.03 [1.66 to 8.40]; P < .001; d = 0.95), sedentary time (136.15 [91.91 to 180.39]; P = .004; d = 1.8), moderate PA (57.20 [32.17 to 82.23]; P < .001; d = 1.5), vigorous PA (5.40 [4.22 to 6.57]; P < .001; d = 1.2), fasting insulin (0.37 [-0.48 to 1.21]; P = .01; d = 1.0), homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (0.26 [0.15 to 0.42]; P < .001; d = 0.9), and clustered CMR score (0.22 [-0.05 to 0.68]; P < .001; d = 10.63). Conclusion: Findings of this study indicate that 4 weeks of school-based sprint interval training improves CRF, improves PA profiles, and maintains CMR in adolescents during the school term.
Cardiac response to exercise in normal ageing : What can we learn from masters athletes?
- Beaumont, Alexander, Campbell, Amy, Grace, Fergal, Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Authors: Beaumont, Alexander , Campbell, Amy , Grace, Fergal , Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Current Cardiology Reviews Vol. 14, no. 4 (2018), p. 245-253
- Full Text:
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- Description: Background: Ageing is associated with an inexorable decline in cardiac and vascular function, resulting in an increased risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Lifestyle factors such as exercise have emerged as a primary therapeutic target in the prevention of CVD, yet older individuals are frequently reported as being the least active, with few meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines. In contrast, well trained older individuals (Masters athletes) have superior functional capacity than their sedentary peers and are often comparable with young non-athletes. Therefore, the 'masters' athlete may be viewed as a unique non-pharmacological model which may allow researchers to disentangle the inexorable from the preventable and the magnitude of the unavoidable 'true' reduction in cardiac function due to ageing. Conclusion: This review examines evidence from studies which have compared cardiac structure and function in well trained older athletes, with age-matched controls but otherwise healthy. © 2018 Bentham Science Publishers.
- Authors: Beaumont, Alexander , Campbell, Amy , Grace, Fergal , Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Current Cardiology Reviews Vol. 14, no. 4 (2018), p. 245-253
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Ageing is associated with an inexorable decline in cardiac and vascular function, resulting in an increased risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Lifestyle factors such as exercise have emerged as a primary therapeutic target in the prevention of CVD, yet older individuals are frequently reported as being the least active, with few meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines. In contrast, well trained older individuals (Masters athletes) have superior functional capacity than their sedentary peers and are often comparable with young non-athletes. Therefore, the 'masters' athlete may be viewed as a unique non-pharmacological model which may allow researchers to disentangle the inexorable from the preventable and the magnitude of the unavoidable 'true' reduction in cardiac function due to ageing. Conclusion: This review examines evidence from studies which have compared cardiac structure and function in well trained older athletes, with age-matched controls but otherwise healthy. © 2018 Bentham Science Publishers.
Caucasian and south Asian men show equivalent improvements in surrogate biomarkers of cardiovascular and metabolic health following 6-weeks of supervised resistance training
- Knox, Allan, Sculthorpe, Nicholas, Grace, Fergal
- Authors: Knox, Allan , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: F1000Research Vol. 7, no. (2018), p. 1-16
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- Description: Background: The South Asian population have greater cardiovascular risk than their age-matched Caucasian counterparts, characterized by unfavorable biomarkers. South Asians may also be partially resistant to the pleiotropic benefits of physical activity on cardiovascular health. There is a current absence of studies that compare markers of cardio-metabolic health between Caucasians and South Asians employing resistance exercise. This study set out to compare the response in biomarkers of cardio-metabolic health in Caucasians and South Asians in response to resistance exercise. Methods: Caucasian (n=15, 25.5 ± 4.8 yrs) and South Asian (n=13, 25.4 ± 7.0 yrs) males completed a 6-week progressive resistance exercise protocol. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, and their product insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides (TRIGS), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (TC), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), asymmetric dimythylarginine (ADMA), L-arginine (L-ARG) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were established at baseline and following resistance exercise. Results: There were significant improvements in fasting glucose, TC, LDL, HDL and VEGF in both groups following resistance exercise ( p<0.05, for all). No change was observed in insulin, HOMA-IR, TRIGS, ADMA, L-ARG following resistance exercise ( p>0.05, in both groups). CRP increased in the South Asian group ( p<0.05) but not the Caucasian group ( p>0.05) Conclusions: The cardio-metabolic response to resistance exercise is comparable in young Caucasian and South Asian males though inflammatory response to exercise may be prolonged in South Asians.
- Authors: Knox, Allan , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: F1000Research Vol. 7, no. (2018), p. 1-16
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The South Asian population have greater cardiovascular risk than their age-matched Caucasian counterparts, characterized by unfavorable biomarkers. South Asians may also be partially resistant to the pleiotropic benefits of physical activity on cardiovascular health. There is a current absence of studies that compare markers of cardio-metabolic health between Caucasians and South Asians employing resistance exercise. This study set out to compare the response in biomarkers of cardio-metabolic health in Caucasians and South Asians in response to resistance exercise. Methods: Caucasian (n=15, 25.5 ± 4.8 yrs) and South Asian (n=13, 25.4 ± 7.0 yrs) males completed a 6-week progressive resistance exercise protocol. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, and their product insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides (TRIGS), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (TC), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), asymmetric dimythylarginine (ADMA), L-arginine (L-ARG) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were established at baseline and following resistance exercise. Results: There were significant improvements in fasting glucose, TC, LDL, HDL and VEGF in both groups following resistance exercise ( p<0.05, for all). No change was observed in insulin, HOMA-IR, TRIGS, ADMA, L-ARG following resistance exercise ( p>0.05, in both groups). CRP increased in the South Asian group ( p<0.05) but not the Caucasian group ( p>0.05) Conclusions: The cardio-metabolic response to resistance exercise is comparable in young Caucasian and South Asian males though inflammatory response to exercise may be prolonged in South Asians.
Evidence of direct cardiac damage following high-intensity exercise in chronic energy restriction : A case report and literature review
- Baird, Marianne, Grace, Fergal, Sculthorpe, Nicholas, Graham, Scott, Fleming, Audrey, Baker, Julien
- Authors: Baird, Marianne , Grace, Fergal , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Graham, Scott , Fleming, Audrey , Baker, Julien
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medicine Vol. 96, no. 27 (2017), p. 1-7
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- Description: Rationale: Following prolonged endurance events such as marathons, elevated levels of cardiospecific biomarkers are commonly reported. Although transiently raised levels are generally not considered to indicate clinical myocardial damage, comprehension of this phenomenon remains incomplete. The popularity of high-intensity interval training highlights a paucity of research measuring cardiac biomarker response to this type of exercise. This a posteriori case report discusses the elevation of cardiac troponins (cTn) associated with short interval, high-intensity exercise. Patient concerns: In this case report, an apparently healthy 29-year-old recreationally active female presented clinically raised cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels (>0.04 ng/mL), after performing high-intensity cycle ergometer sprints. As creatine kinase (CK) is expressed by multiple organs (e.g., skeletal muscle, brain, and myocardium), cTnI assays were performed to determine any changes in total serum CK levels not originating from skeletal muscle damage. Diagnosis: A posteriori the individual's daily energy expenditure indicated chronically low-energy availability. Psychometric testing suggested that the individual scored positive for disordered eating, highly for fatigue levels, and low in mental health components. Outcomes: The current case report provides novel evidence of elevated cTnI occurring as a result of performing short duration, high intensity, cycle ergometer exercise in an individual with self-reported chronically depleted energy balance. A schematic to identify potentially “at risk” individuals is presented. Lessons: Considering this as a case report, results cannot be generalized; however, the main findings suggest that individuals who habitually restrict their calorie intake below their bodies’ daily energy requirements, may have elevated biomarkers of exercise induced myocardial stress from performing high-intensity exercise.
- Authors: Baird, Marianne , Grace, Fergal , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Graham, Scott , Fleming, Audrey , Baker, Julien
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medicine Vol. 96, no. 27 (2017), p. 1-7
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Rationale: Following prolonged endurance events such as marathons, elevated levels of cardiospecific biomarkers are commonly reported. Although transiently raised levels are generally not considered to indicate clinical myocardial damage, comprehension of this phenomenon remains incomplete. The popularity of high-intensity interval training highlights a paucity of research measuring cardiac biomarker response to this type of exercise. This a posteriori case report discusses the elevation of cardiac troponins (cTn) associated with short interval, high-intensity exercise. Patient concerns: In this case report, an apparently healthy 29-year-old recreationally active female presented clinically raised cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels (>0.04 ng/mL), after performing high-intensity cycle ergometer sprints. As creatine kinase (CK) is expressed by multiple organs (e.g., skeletal muscle, brain, and myocardium), cTnI assays were performed to determine any changes in total serum CK levels not originating from skeletal muscle damage. Diagnosis: A posteriori the individual's daily energy expenditure indicated chronically low-energy availability. Psychometric testing suggested that the individual scored positive for disordered eating, highly for fatigue levels, and low in mental health components. Outcomes: The current case report provides novel evidence of elevated cTnI occurring as a result of performing short duration, high intensity, cycle ergometer exercise in an individual with self-reported chronically depleted energy balance. A schematic to identify potentially “at risk” individuals is presented. Lessons: Considering this as a case report, results cannot be generalized; however, the main findings suggest that individuals who habitually restrict their calorie intake below their bodies’ daily energy requirements, may have elevated biomarkers of exercise induced myocardial stress from performing high-intensity exercise.
Exercise training improves free testosterone in lifelong sedentary aging men
- Hayes, Lawrence, Herbert, Peter, Sculthorpe, Nicholas, Grace, Fergal
- Authors: Hayes, Lawrence , Herbert, Peter , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Endocrine Connections Vol.6 , no.5 (2017), p.306-310
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- Description: As the impact of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on systemic hormones in aging men is unstudied to date, we investigated whether total testosterone (TT), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), free testosterone (free-T), and cortisol (all in serum) were altered following HIIT in a cohort of 22 lifelong sedentary (62 +/- 2 years) older men. As HIIT requires preconditioning exercise in sedentary cohorts, participants were tested at three phases, each separated by six weeks' training; baseline (phase A), following conditioning exercise (phase B), and post-HIIT (phase C). Each measurement phase used identical methods. TT was significantly increased following HIIT (~17%; P<0.001) with most increase occurring during preconditioning (~10%; P=0.007). Free-T was unaffected by conditioning exercise (P=0.102) but was significantly higher following HIIT compared to baseline (~4.5%; P=0.023). Cortisol remained unchanged from A to C (P=0.138). The present data indicate a combination of preconditioning and HIIT increases TT and SHBG in sedentary older males, with the HIIT stimulus accounting for a small but statistically significant increase in free-T. Further study is required to determine the biological importance of small improvements in free-T in aging men.
- Authors: Hayes, Lawrence , Herbert, Peter , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Endocrine Connections Vol.6 , no.5 (2017), p.306-310
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: As the impact of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on systemic hormones in aging men is unstudied to date, we investigated whether total testosterone (TT), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), free testosterone (free-T), and cortisol (all in serum) were altered following HIIT in a cohort of 22 lifelong sedentary (62 +/- 2 years) older men. As HIIT requires preconditioning exercise in sedentary cohorts, participants were tested at three phases, each separated by six weeks' training; baseline (phase A), following conditioning exercise (phase B), and post-HIIT (phase C). Each measurement phase used identical methods. TT was significantly increased following HIIT (~17%; P<0.001) with most increase occurring during preconditioning (~10%; P=0.007). Free-T was unaffected by conditioning exercise (P=0.102) but was significantly higher following HIIT compared to baseline (~4.5%; P=0.023). Cortisol remained unchanged from A to C (P=0.138). The present data indicate a combination of preconditioning and HIIT increases TT and SHBG in sedentary older males, with the HIIT stimulus accounting for a small but statistically significant increase in free-T. Further study is required to determine the biological importance of small improvements in free-T in aging men.
High intensity interval training (HIIT) improves resting blood pressure, metabolic (MET) capacity and heart rate reserve without compromising resting myocardial function in sedentary aging men
- Grace, Fergal, Herbert, Peter, Elliott, Adrian, Beaumont, Alexander, Richards, Jo, Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Authors: Grace, Fergal , Herbert, Peter , Elliott, Adrian , Beaumont, Alexander , Richards, Jo , Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Experimental Gerontology Vol.109, no. (2018), p.75-81
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background This study examined a programme of pre-conditioning exercise with subsequent high intensity interval training (HIIT) on blood pressure, echocardiography, cardiac strain mechanics and maximal metabolic (MET) capacity in sedentary (SED) aging men compared with age matched masters athletes (LEX). Methods Using a STROBE compliant observational design, 39 aging male participants (SED; n = 22, aged 62.7 ± 5.2 yrs) (LEX; n = 17, aged = 61.1 ± 5.4 yrs) were recruited to a study that necessitated three distinct assessment phases; enrolment (Phase A), following pre-conditioning exercise in SED (Phase B), then following 6 weeks of HIIT performed once every five days by both groups before reassessment (Phase C). Hemodynamic, echocardiographic and cardiac strain mechanics were obtained at rest and maximal cardiorespiratory and chronotropic responses were obtained at each measurement phase. Results The training intervention improved systolic, mean arterial blood pressure, rate pressure product and heart rate reserve (each P < 0.05) in SED and increased MET capacity in both SED and LEX (P < 0.01) which was amplified by HIIT. Echocardiography and cardiac strain measures were unremarkable apart from trivial increase to intra-ventricular septum diastole (IVSd) (P < 0.05) and decrease to left ventricular internal dimension diastole (LVId) (P < 0.05) in LEX following HIIT. Conclusions A programme of preconditioning exercise with HIIT induces clinically relevant improvements in blood pressure, rate pressure product and encourages recovery of heart rate reserve in SED, while improving maximal MET capacity in both SED and LEX without inducing any pathological cardiovascular remodeling. These data add to the emerging repute of HIIT as a safe and promising exercise prescription to improve cardiovascular function and metabolic capacity in sedentary aging.
- Authors: Grace, Fergal , Herbert, Peter , Elliott, Adrian , Beaumont, Alexander , Richards, Jo , Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Experimental Gerontology Vol.109, no. (2018), p.75-81
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background This study examined a programme of pre-conditioning exercise with subsequent high intensity interval training (HIIT) on blood pressure, echocardiography, cardiac strain mechanics and maximal metabolic (MET) capacity in sedentary (SED) aging men compared with age matched masters athletes (LEX). Methods Using a STROBE compliant observational design, 39 aging male participants (SED; n = 22, aged 62.7 ± 5.2 yrs) (LEX; n = 17, aged = 61.1 ± 5.4 yrs) were recruited to a study that necessitated three distinct assessment phases; enrolment (Phase A), following pre-conditioning exercise in SED (Phase B), then following 6 weeks of HIIT performed once every five days by both groups before reassessment (Phase C). Hemodynamic, echocardiographic and cardiac strain mechanics were obtained at rest and maximal cardiorespiratory and chronotropic responses were obtained at each measurement phase. Results The training intervention improved systolic, mean arterial blood pressure, rate pressure product and heart rate reserve (each P < 0.05) in SED and increased MET capacity in both SED and LEX (P < 0.01) which was amplified by HIIT. Echocardiography and cardiac strain measures were unremarkable apart from trivial increase to intra-ventricular septum diastole (IVSd) (P < 0.05) and decrease to left ventricular internal dimension diastole (LVId) (P < 0.05) in LEX following HIIT. Conclusions A programme of preconditioning exercise with HIIT induces clinically relevant improvements in blood pressure, rate pressure product and encourages recovery of heart rate reserve in SED, while improving maximal MET capacity in both SED and LEX without inducing any pathological cardiovascular remodeling. These data add to the emerging repute of HIIT as a safe and promising exercise prescription to improve cardiovascular function and metabolic capacity in sedentary aging.
One session of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) every 5 days, improves muscle power but not static balance in lifelong sedentary ageing men : A randomized controlled trial
- Sculthorpe, Nicholas, Herbert, Peter, Grace, Fergal
- Authors: Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Herbert, Peter , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medicine (United States) Vol. 96, no. 6 (2017), p. 1-8
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Declining muscle power during advancing age predicts falls and loss of independence. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) may improve muscle power, but remains largely unstudied in ageing participants. Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated the efficacy of a low-frequency HIIT (LfHIIT) intervention on peak muscle power (peak power output [PPO]), body composition, and balance in lifelong sedentary but otherwise healthy males. Methods: Thirty-Three lifelong sedentary ageing men were randomly assigned to either intervention (INT; n=22, age 62.3±4.1 years) or control (n=11, age 61.6±5.0 years) who were both assessed at 3 distinct measurement points (phase A), after 6 weeks of conditioning exercise (phase B), and after 6 weeks of HIIT once every 5 days in INT (phase C), where control remained inactive throughout the study. Results: Static balance remained unaffected, and both absolute and relative PPO were not different between groups at phases A or B, but increased significantly in INT after LfHIIT (P<0.01). Lean body mass displayed a significant interaction (P<0.01) due to an increase in INT between phases B and C (P<0.05). Conclusions: 6 weeks of LfHIIT exercise feasible and effective method to induce clinically relevant improvements in absolute and relative PPO, but does not improve static balance in sedentary ageing men. Abbreviations: ACSM = American College of Sports Medicine, CON = control group, GP = general medical practitioner, HIIT = high-intensity interval training, HRR = heart rate reserve, INT = intervention group, LfHIIT = low-frequency high-intensity interval training, PAR-Q = Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, PPO = peak power output, rPPO = relative peak power output, rPPOFFM = rPPO relative to fat free mass, VO2 max = maximal oxygen uptake. © 2017 the Author(s).
- Authors: Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Herbert, Peter , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medicine (United States) Vol. 96, no. 6 (2017), p. 1-8
- Full Text:
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- Description: Background: Declining muscle power during advancing age predicts falls and loss of independence. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) may improve muscle power, but remains largely unstudied in ageing participants. Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated the efficacy of a low-frequency HIIT (LfHIIT) intervention on peak muscle power (peak power output [PPO]), body composition, and balance in lifelong sedentary but otherwise healthy males. Methods: Thirty-Three lifelong sedentary ageing men were randomly assigned to either intervention (INT; n=22, age 62.3±4.1 years) or control (n=11, age 61.6±5.0 years) who were both assessed at 3 distinct measurement points (phase A), after 6 weeks of conditioning exercise (phase B), and after 6 weeks of HIIT once every 5 days in INT (phase C), where control remained inactive throughout the study. Results: Static balance remained unaffected, and both absolute and relative PPO were not different between groups at phases A or B, but increased significantly in INT after LfHIIT (P<0.01). Lean body mass displayed a significant interaction (P<0.01) due to an increase in INT between phases B and C (P<0.05). Conclusions: 6 weeks of LfHIIT exercise feasible and effective method to induce clinically relevant improvements in absolute and relative PPO, but does not improve static balance in sedentary ageing men. Abbreviations: ACSM = American College of Sports Medicine, CON = control group, GP = general medical practitioner, HIIT = high-intensity interval training, HRR = heart rate reserve, INT = intervention group, LfHIIT = low-frequency high-intensity interval training, PAR-Q = Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, PPO = peak power output, rPPO = relative peak power output, rPPOFFM = rPPO relative to fat free mass, VO2 max = maximal oxygen uptake. © 2017 the Author(s).
Evidence from randomised controlled trials does not support current dietary fat guidelines : A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Harcombe, Zoe, Baker, Julien, DiNicolantonio, James, Grace, Fergal, Davies, Bruce
- Authors: Harcombe, Zoe , Baker, Julien , DiNicolantonio, James , Grace, Fergal , Davies, Bruce
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Open Heart Vol. 3, no. 2 (2016), p. e000409
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- Description: OBJECTIVES: National dietary guidelines were introduced in 1977 and 1983, by the USA and UK governments, respectively, with the ambition of reducing coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality by reducing dietary fat intake. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis by the present authors, examining the randomised controlled trial (RCT) evidence available to the dietary committees during those time periods, found no support for the recommendations to restrict dietary fat. The present investigation extends our work by re-examining the totality of RCT evidence relating to the current dietary fat guidelines. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs currently available, which examined the relationship between dietary fat, serum cholesterol and the development of CHD, was undertaken. RESULTS: The systematic review included 62 421 participants in 10 dietary trials: 7 secondary prevention studies, 1 primary prevention and 2 combined. The death rates for all-cause mortality were 6.45% and 6.06% in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The risk ratio (RR) from meta-analysis was 0.991 (95% CI 0.935 to 1.051). The death rates for CHD mortality were 2.16% and 1.80% in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The RR was 0.976 (95% CI 0.878 to 1.084). Mean serum cholesterol levels decreased in all intervention groups and all but one control group. The reductions in mean serum cholesterol levels were significantly greater in the intervention groups; this did not result in significant differences in CHD or all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The current available evidence found no significant difference in all-cause mortality or CHD mortality, resulting from the dietary fat interventions. RCT evidence currently available does not support the current dietary fat guidelines. The evidence per se lacks generalisability for population-wide guidelines.
- Authors: Harcombe, Zoe , Baker, Julien , DiNicolantonio, James , Grace, Fergal , Davies, Bruce
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Open Heart Vol. 3, no. 2 (2016), p. e000409
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: OBJECTIVES: National dietary guidelines were introduced in 1977 and 1983, by the USA and UK governments, respectively, with the ambition of reducing coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality by reducing dietary fat intake. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis by the present authors, examining the randomised controlled trial (RCT) evidence available to the dietary committees during those time periods, found no support for the recommendations to restrict dietary fat. The present investigation extends our work by re-examining the totality of RCT evidence relating to the current dietary fat guidelines. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs currently available, which examined the relationship between dietary fat, serum cholesterol and the development of CHD, was undertaken. RESULTS: The systematic review included 62 421 participants in 10 dietary trials: 7 secondary prevention studies, 1 primary prevention and 2 combined. The death rates for all-cause mortality were 6.45% and 6.06% in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The risk ratio (RR) from meta-analysis was 0.991 (95% CI 0.935 to 1.051). The death rates for CHD mortality were 2.16% and 1.80% in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The RR was 0.976 (95% CI 0.878 to 1.084). Mean serum cholesterol levels decreased in all intervention groups and all but one control group. The reductions in mean serum cholesterol levels were significantly greater in the intervention groups; this did not result in significant differences in CHD or all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The current available evidence found no significant difference in all-cause mortality or CHD mortality, resulting from the dietary fat interventions. RCT evidence currently available does not support the current dietary fat guidelines. The evidence per se lacks generalisability for population-wide guidelines.
Acute whole body UVA irradiation combined with nitrate ingestion enhances time trial performance in trained cyclists
- Muggeridge, David, Sculthorpe, Nicholas, Grace, Fergal, Willis, Gareth, Thornhill, Laurence, Weller, Richard, James, Philip, Easton, Chris
- Authors: Muggeridge, David , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Grace, Fergal , Willis, Gareth , Thornhill, Laurence , Weller, Richard , James, Philip , Easton, Chris
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nitric Oxide : Biology and Chemistry Vol. 48, no. (2015), p. 3-9
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- Description: Dietary nitrate supplementation has been shown to increase nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, reduce blood pressure (BP) and enhance exercise performance. Acute exposure to ultraviolet (UV)-A light also increases NO bioavailability and reduces BP. We conducted a randomized, counterbalanced placebo-controlled trial to determine the effects of UV-A light alone and in combination with nitrate on the responses to sub-maximal steady-state exercise and time trial (TT) performance. Nine cyclists (VO2max 53.1 +/- 4.4 ml/kg/min) completed five performance trials comprising 10 min submaximal steady-state cycling followed by a 16.1 km TT. Following a familiarization the final four trials were preceded, in random order, by either (1) Nitrate gels (NIT) + UV-A, (2) Placebo (PLA) + UV-A, (3) NIT + Sham light (SHAM) and (4) PLA + SHAM (control). The NIT gels (2 x 60 ml gels, ~8.1 mmol nitrate) or a low-nitrate PLA were ingested 2.5 h prior to the trial. The light exposure consisted of 20 J/cm(2) whole body irradiation with either UV-A or SHAM light. Plasma nitrite was measured pre- and post-irradiation and VO2 was measured continuously during steady-state exercise. Plasma nitrite was higher for NIT + SHAM (geometric mean (95% CI), 332 (292-377) nM; P = 0.029) and NIT + UV-A (456 (312-666) nM; P = 0.014) compared to PLA + SHAM (215 (167-277) nM). Differences between PLA + SHAM and PLA + UV-A (282 (248-356) nM) were small and non-significant. During steady-state exercise VO2 was reduced following NIT + UVA (P = 0.034) and tended to be lower in NIT + SHAM (P = 0.086) but not PLA + UV-A (P = 0.381) compared to PLA + SHAM. Performance in the TT was significantly faster following NIT + UV-A (mean +/- SD 1447 +/- 41 s P = 0.005; d = 0.47), but not PLA + UV-A (1450 +/- 40 s; d = 0.41) or NIT + SHAM (1455 +/- 47 s; d = 0.28) compared to PLA + SHAM (1469 +/- 52 s). These findings demonstrate that exposure to UV-A light alone does not alter the physiological responses to exercise or improve performance in a laboratory setting. A combination of UV-A and NIT, however, does improve cycling TT performance in this environment, which may be due to a larger increase in NO availability.
- Authors: Muggeridge, David , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Grace, Fergal , Willis, Gareth , Thornhill, Laurence , Weller, Richard , James, Philip , Easton, Chris
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nitric Oxide : Biology and Chemistry Vol. 48, no. (2015), p. 3-9
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Dietary nitrate supplementation has been shown to increase nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, reduce blood pressure (BP) and enhance exercise performance. Acute exposure to ultraviolet (UV)-A light also increases NO bioavailability and reduces BP. We conducted a randomized, counterbalanced placebo-controlled trial to determine the effects of UV-A light alone and in combination with nitrate on the responses to sub-maximal steady-state exercise and time trial (TT) performance. Nine cyclists (VO2max 53.1 +/- 4.4 ml/kg/min) completed five performance trials comprising 10 min submaximal steady-state cycling followed by a 16.1 km TT. Following a familiarization the final four trials were preceded, in random order, by either (1) Nitrate gels (NIT) + UV-A, (2) Placebo (PLA) + UV-A, (3) NIT + Sham light (SHAM) and (4) PLA + SHAM (control). The NIT gels (2 x 60 ml gels, ~8.1 mmol nitrate) or a low-nitrate PLA were ingested 2.5 h prior to the trial. The light exposure consisted of 20 J/cm(2) whole body irradiation with either UV-A or SHAM light. Plasma nitrite was measured pre- and post-irradiation and VO2 was measured continuously during steady-state exercise. Plasma nitrite was higher for NIT + SHAM (geometric mean (95% CI), 332 (292-377) nM; P = 0.029) and NIT + UV-A (456 (312-666) nM; P = 0.014) compared to PLA + SHAM (215 (167-277) nM). Differences between PLA + SHAM and PLA + UV-A (282 (248-356) nM) were small and non-significant. During steady-state exercise VO2 was reduced following NIT + UVA (P = 0.034) and tended to be lower in NIT + SHAM (P = 0.086) but not PLA + UV-A (P = 0.381) compared to PLA + SHAM. Performance in the TT was significantly faster following NIT + UV-A (mean +/- SD 1447 +/- 41 s P = 0.005; d = 0.47), but not PLA + UV-A (1450 +/- 40 s; d = 0.41) or NIT + SHAM (1455 +/- 47 s; d = 0.28) compared to PLA + SHAM (1469 +/- 52 s). These findings demonstrate that exposure to UV-A light alone does not alter the physiological responses to exercise or improve performance in a laboratory setting. A combination of UV-A and NIT, however, does improve cycling TT performance in this environment, which may be due to a larger increase in NO availability.
Age related vascular endothelial function following lifelong sedentariness: positive impact of cardiovascular conditioning without further improvement following low frequency high intensity interval training
- Grace, Fergal, Herbert, Peter, Ratcliffe, John, New, Karl, Baker, Julien, Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Authors: Grace, Fergal , Herbert, Peter , Ratcliffe, John , New, Karl , Baker, Julien , Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Physiological Reports Vol. 3, no. 1 (2015), p.
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- Description: Aging is associated with diffuse impairments in vascular endothelial function and traditional aerobic exercise is known to ameliorate these changes. High intensity interval training (HIIT) is effective at improving vascular function in aging men with existing disease, but its effectiveness remains to be demonstrated in otherwise healthy sedentary aging. However, the frequency of commonly used HIIT protocols may be poorly tolerated in older cohorts. Therefore, the present study investigated the effectiveness of lower frequency HIIT (LfHIIT) on vascular function in a cohort of lifelong sedentary (SED; n = 22, age 62.7 +/- 5.2 years) men compared with a positive control group of lifelong exercisers (LEX; n = 17, age 61.1 +/- 5.4 years). The study consisted of three assessment phases; enrolment to the study (Phase A), following 6 weeks of conditioning exercise in SED (Phase B) and following 6 weeks of low frequency HIIT in both SED and LEX (LfHIIT; Phase C). Conditioning exercise improved FMD in SED (3.4 +/- 1.5% to 4.9 +/- 1.1%; P < 0.01) such that the difference between groups on enrolment (3.4 +/- 1.5% vs. 5.3 +/- 1.4%; P < 0.01) was abrogated. This was maintained but not further improved following LfHIIT in SED whilst FMD remained unaffected by LfHIIT in LEX. In conclusion, LfHIIT is effective at maintaining improvements in vascular function achieved during conditioning exercise in SED. LfHIIT is a well-tolerated and effective exercise mode for reducing cardiovascular risk and maintaining but does not improve vascular function beyond that achieved by conditioning exercise in aging men, irrespective of fitness level.
- Authors: Grace, Fergal , Herbert, Peter , Ratcliffe, John , New, Karl , Baker, Julien , Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Physiological Reports Vol. 3, no. 1 (2015), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aging is associated with diffuse impairments in vascular endothelial function and traditional aerobic exercise is known to ameliorate these changes. High intensity interval training (HIIT) is effective at improving vascular function in aging men with existing disease, but its effectiveness remains to be demonstrated in otherwise healthy sedentary aging. However, the frequency of commonly used HIIT protocols may be poorly tolerated in older cohorts. Therefore, the present study investigated the effectiveness of lower frequency HIIT (LfHIIT) on vascular function in a cohort of lifelong sedentary (SED; n = 22, age 62.7 +/- 5.2 years) men compared with a positive control group of lifelong exercisers (LEX; n = 17, age 61.1 +/- 5.4 years). The study consisted of three assessment phases; enrolment to the study (Phase A), following 6 weeks of conditioning exercise in SED (Phase B) and following 6 weeks of low frequency HIIT in both SED and LEX (LfHIIT; Phase C). Conditioning exercise improved FMD in SED (3.4 +/- 1.5% to 4.9 +/- 1.1%; P < 0.01) such that the difference between groups on enrolment (3.4 +/- 1.5% vs. 5.3 +/- 1.4%; P < 0.01) was abrogated. This was maintained but not further improved following LfHIIT in SED whilst FMD remained unaffected by LfHIIT in LEX. In conclusion, LfHIIT is effective at maintaining improvements in vascular function achieved during conditioning exercise in SED. LfHIIT is a well-tolerated and effective exercise mode for reducing cardiovascular risk and maintaining but does not improve vascular function beyond that achieved by conditioning exercise in aging men, irrespective of fitness level.
Evidence from randomised controlled trials did not support the introduction of dietary fat guidelines in 1977 and 1983 : A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Harcombe, Zoe, Baker, Julien, Cooper, Stephen, Davies, Bruce, Sculthorpe, Nicholas, DiNicolantonio, James, Grace, Fergal
- Authors: Harcombe, Zoe , Baker, Julien , Cooper, Stephen , Davies, Bruce , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , DiNicolantonio, James , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Open Heart Vol. 2, no. 1 (2015), p. 1-9
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: OBJECTIVES: National dietary guidelines were introduced in 1977 and 1983, by the US and UK governments, respectively, with the ambition of reducing coronary heart disease (CHD) by reducing fat intake. To date, no analysis of the evidence base for these recommendations has been undertaken. The present study examines the evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) available to the US and UK regulatory committees at their respective points of implementation. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken of RCTs, published prior to 1983, which examined the relationship between dietary fat, serum cholesterol and the development of CHD. RESULTS: 2467 males participated in six dietary trials: five secondary prevention studies and one including healthy participants. There were 370 deaths from all-cause mortality in the intervention and control groups. The risk ratio (RR) from meta-analysis was 0.996 (95% CI 0.865 to 1.147). There were 207 and 216 deaths from CHD in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The RR was 0.989 (95% CI 0.784 to 1.247). There were no differences in all-cause mortality and non-significant differences in CHD mortality, resulting from the dietary interventions. The reductions in mean serum cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the intervention groups; this did not result in significant differences in CHD or all-cause mortality. Government dietary fat recommendations were untested in any trial prior to being introduced. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary recommendations were introduced for 220 million US and 56 million UK citizens by 1983, in the absence of supporting evidence from RCTs.
- Authors: Harcombe, Zoe , Baker, Julien , Cooper, Stephen , Davies, Bruce , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , DiNicolantonio, James , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Open Heart Vol. 2, no. 1 (2015), p. 1-9
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: OBJECTIVES: National dietary guidelines were introduced in 1977 and 1983, by the US and UK governments, respectively, with the ambition of reducing coronary heart disease (CHD) by reducing fat intake. To date, no analysis of the evidence base for these recommendations has been undertaken. The present study examines the evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) available to the US and UK regulatory committees at their respective points of implementation. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken of RCTs, published prior to 1983, which examined the relationship between dietary fat, serum cholesterol and the development of CHD. RESULTS: 2467 males participated in six dietary trials: five secondary prevention studies and one including healthy participants. There were 370 deaths from all-cause mortality in the intervention and control groups. The risk ratio (RR) from meta-analysis was 0.996 (95% CI 0.865 to 1.147). There were 207 and 216 deaths from CHD in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The RR was 0.989 (95% CI 0.784 to 1.247). There were no differences in all-cause mortality and non-significant differences in CHD mortality, resulting from the dietary interventions. The reductions in mean serum cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the intervention groups; this did not result in significant differences in CHD or all-cause mortality. Government dietary fat recommendations were untested in any trial prior to being introduced. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary recommendations were introduced for 220 million US and 56 million UK citizens by 1983, in the absence of supporting evidence from RCTs.