High-Intensity Interval Training v/s Steady-State Cardio in Rehabilitation of Neurological Patients

Neuropathy is nerve damage that can cause chronic neuropathic pain, which is challenging to cure and has a significant financial burden. Exercise therapies, including High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and steady-state cardio, are being explored as potential treatments for neuropathic pain. This systematic review compares the effectiveness of HIIT and steady-state cardio for improving function in neurological patients. This article provides an overview of the systematic review conducted on the effects of exercise on neuropathic patients, with a focus on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and steady-state cardio. The authors conducted a comprehensive search of various databases, identified relevant studies based on predetermined inclusion criteria, and used the EPPI automation application to process the data. The final selection of studies was based on validity and relevance, with redundant articles removed. The article reviews four studies that compare high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on various health outcomes. The studies found that HIIT can improve aerobic fitness, cerebral blood flow, and brain function in stroke patients;lower diastolic blood pressure more than MICT and improve insulin sensitivity and skeletal muscle mitochondrial content in obese individuals, potentially helping with the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. In people with multiple sclerosis, acute exercise can decrease the plasma neurofilament light chain while increasing the flow of the kynurenine pathway. The available clinical and preclinical data suggest that further study on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and its potential to alleviate neuropathic pain is justified. Randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate the type, intensity, frequency, and duration of exercise, which could lead to consensus and specific HIIT-based advice for patients with neuropathies.

Impact of a single bout of high-intensity interval exercise and short-term interval training on interleukin-6, FNDC5, and METRNL mRNA expression in human skeletal muscle

Background: Exercise promotes numerous phenotypic adaptations in skeletal muscle that contribute to improved function and metabolic capacity. An emerging body of evidence suggests that skeletal muscle also releases a myriad of factors during exercise, termed "myokines". The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of high-intensity interval training(HIIT) on the acute regulation of the mRNA expression of several myokines, including the prototypical myokine interleukin-6(IL-6), and recently identified myokines fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5(FNDC5)(irisin) and meteorin-like protein(METRNL).Methods: Both before and after a 20-day period of twice-daily high-volume HIIT, 9 healthy males(20.5 ± 1.5 years performed a standardized bout of high-intensity interval exercise(HIIE; 5 × 4 min at ~80% pretraining peak power output) with skeletal muscle biopsy samples(vastus lateralis) obtained at rest, immediately following exercise, and at 3 h recovery.Results: Before training, a single bout of HIIE increased IL-6(p < 0.05) and METRNL(p < 0.05) mRNA expression measured at 3 h recovery when compared to rest. Following 20 days of HIIT, IL-6 and FNDC5 mRNA were increased at 3 h recovery from the standardized HIIE bout when compared to rest(both p < 0.05). Resting METRNL and FNDC5 mRNA expression were higher following training(p < 0.05), and there was an overall increase in FNDC5 mRNA post-training(main effect of training, p < 0.05).Conclusion: In human skeletal muscle(1) an acute bout of HIIE can induce upregulation of skeletal muscle IL-6 mRNA both before and after a period of intensified HIIT;(2) Resting and overall FNDC5 mRNA expression is increased by 20 days of HIIT; and(3) METRNL mRNA expression is responsive to both acute HIIE and short-term intense HIIT. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings at the protein and secretion level in humans.

High-intensity interval training for health benefits and care of cardiac diseases——The key to an efficient exercise protocol

Aerobic capacity, which is expressed as peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), is well-known to be an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular prognosis. This is true even for people with various coronary risk factors and cardiovascular diseases. Although exercise training is the best method to improve VO2peak, the guidelines of most academic societies recommend 150 or 75 min of moderate- or vigorous- intensity physical activities, respectively, every week to gain health benefits. For general health and primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been recognized as an efficient exercise protocol with short exercise sessions. Given the availability of the numerous HIIT protocols, which can be classified into aerobic HIIT and anaerobic HIIT [usually called sprint interval training (SIT)], professionals in health-related fields, including primary physicians and cardiologists, may find it confusing when trying to select an appropriate protocol for their patients. This review describes the classifications of aerobic HIIT and SIT, and their differences in terms of effects, target subjects, adaptability, working mechanisms, and safety. Understanding the HIIT protocols and adopting the correct type for each subject would lead to better improvements in VO2peak with higher adherence and less risk.

Health Promotion in Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients through the Use of a High-Intensity Interval Training Protocol

According to the American Heart Association’s (AHA) recent statistical update, over 2150 Americans die each day from cardiovascular disease (CVD), which equals approximately 1 death every 40 seconds;many of which were under the age of 65 years old [1]. In 2009, 386,324 people, 1 in 6 Americans, died as a result of coronary artery disease (CAD) alone [1]. They also estimate 150,000 people have “silent” heart attacks each year [1]. Even though the number of cardiovascular disease deaths has declined in the last 10 years, they still accounted for 32.3% of American deaths [1]. As a result, the AHA updated their 2020 goals to improve the nation’s cardiovascular health by 20% [1]. One of these methods is through the use of cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a health promotion strategy to help return cardiac patients to their previous level of functioning, increase health, decrease comorbidities and promote education and lifestyle change. For select patients, another alternative exercise plan may exist to gain even better results. High intensity interval training (HIIT) has shown positive training results for athletes and many studies show that it may also be an effective exercise modality for many cardiac patients instead of the traditional circuit training method. This article will review current literature on the effects of HIIT on CR patients as well as a sample HIIT protocol for instituting this treatment with appropriate patients.

Extremely low-volume, high-intensity interval training improves exercise capacity and increases mitochondrial protein content in human skeletal muscle

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whole-muscle content of several proteins involved in the regulation of skeletal muscle mitochondrial protein content and anaerobic capacity following 4 weeks of extremely low-volume high-intensity interval training (HIT). Methods: Young, healthy, recreationally active adult males (n = 8) trained 4 times a week for 4 weeks on a cycle ergometer. Each session involved 4 min of total exercise comprised of eight 20 s intervals at ~170% of peak aerobic power separated by 10 s rest. Muscle biopsies were taken prior to (pre) and ~72 hrs post-training (post). Par- ticipants completed an incremental peak oxygen up- take (VO2peak) test and a Wingate test pre-, mid-, and post-training. Results: VO2peak was elevated (p p < 0.05) and post-training (pre: 40.5 ± 3.8 ml·kg-1·min-1, mid: 43.4 ± 2.5 ml·kg-1·min-1, post-: 47.2 ± 2.9 ml·kg-1·min-1). Wingate mean power also increased with training (pre-: 701.0 ± 73.0 W, mid-: 745.5 ± 73.3 W, post-: 786.8 ± 80.0 W). While maximal citrate synthase activity was unchanged, protein expression of the mitochondrial protein cytochrome c oxidase (COX) subunit I (+27%;p p p = 0.08) increased. Increases (p α (+19%), and nuclear PGC-1α (+46%) were also observed after 4 weeks of HIT. No changes were observed in the whole-muscle contents of PDHe1a, PDK4, SIRT1, mTOR, S6K1, MCT1, or PFK protein. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that several mitochondrial protein (but not citrate synthase activity), PGC-1α protein content, and exercise capacity can be improved in only 4 min of total training time per day, 4 days per wk using HIT cycle training.

Running slow or running fast;that is the question:The merits of high-intensity interval training

In a recent issue of the Journal of Sport and Health Science,García-Pinillos et al.~1 reviewed evidence on the effects of highintensity intermittent training(interval training)(HIIT)on muscular and performance adaptations in recreational runners.

High-Intensity Interval Training and Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Diabetes mellitus often develops on the background of insulin resistance. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is included in the treatment of diabetes mellitus since it increases the sensitivity of tissues to insulin. Objective: This paper aimed to review published articles on the effects of HIIT on insulin resistance in diabetic patients. Method: A narrative literature review was undertaken. This review provides evidence from human studies, which highlights the beneficial effects of HIIT in both T1DM and T2DM patients. Conclusion: HIIT is generally safe and effective for people with diabetes mellitus and warrants further exploration.

Effect of high-intensity interval training on blood glucose control, adipocytokine secretion and oxidative stress response in patients with T2DM

Objective:To investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training on blood glucose control, adipocytokine secretion and oxidative stress response in patients with T2DM.Methods: A total of 92 patients with newly diagnosed T2DM who were treated in this hospital between July 2016 and July 2017 were divided into the control group (n=46) and HIIT group (n=46) by random number table method. Control group received conventional hypoglycemic therapy, HIIT group received hypoglycemic combined with high-intensity interval training therapy, and the intervention lasted for 3 months. The differences in blood glucose control, adipocytokine secretion and oxidative stress response were compared between the two groups before and after intervention.Results: Before intervention, the differences in blood glucose index levels in peripheral blood as well as the contents of adipocytokines and oxidative stress indexes in serum were not statistically significant between the two groups of patients. After 3 months of intervention, blood glucose indexes FPG, FINS and 2hPBG levels in peripheral blood of HIIT group were lower than those of control group;adipocytokine APN content in serum was higher than that of control group whereas LEP, Resistin and CHEM contents were lower than those of control group;oxidative stress indexes MDA and ROS contents in serum were lower than those of control group whereas T-AOC content was higher than that of control group. Conclusion: Routine hypoglycemic therapy combined with high-intensity interval training can further control the blood glucose levels, regulate the secretion of adipocytokines and reduce the systemic oxidative stress response.

How does high-intensity intermittent training affect recreational endurance runners? Acute and chronic adaptations: A systematic review

Objective: This systematic review aimed to critically analyze the literature to determine how high-intensity intermittent training(HIIT) affects recreational endurance runners in the short-and long-term.Methods: Electronic databases were searched for literature dating from January 2000 to October 2015. The search was conducted using the key words "high-intensity intermittent training" or "high-intensity interval exercise" or "interval running" or "sprint interval training" and "endurance runners" or "long distance runners". A systematic approach was used to evaluate the 783 articles identified for initial review. Studies were included if they investigated HIIT in recreational endurance runners. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database(PEDro) scale(for intervention studies) and the modified Downs and Black Quality Index(for cross-sectional studies).Results: Twenty-three studies met the inclusionary criteria for review. The results are presented in 2 parts: cross-sectional(n = 15) and intervention studies(n = 8). In the 15 cross-sectional studies selected, endurance runners performed at least 1 HIIT protocol, and the acute impact on physiological, neuromuscular, metabolic and/or biomechanical variables was assessed. Intervention studies lasted a minimum of 4 weeks, with 10 weeks being the longest intervention period, and included 2 to 4 HIIT sessions per week. Most of these studies combined HIIT sessions with continuous run(CR) sessions; 2 studies' subjects performed HIIT exclusively.Conclusion: HIIT-based running plans(2 to 3 HIIT sessions per week, combining HIIT and CR runs) show athletic performance improvements in endurance runners by improving maximal oxygen uptake and running economy along with muscular and metabolic adaptations. To maximize the adaptations to training, both HIIT and CR must be part of training programs for endurance runners.

Exercise interventions for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus:A narrative review with practical recommendations

Type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM)is a chronic endocrine disease that results from autoimmune destruction of pancreatic insulin-producingβcells,which can lead to microvascular(e.g.,retinopathy,neuropathy,and nephropathy)and macrovascular complications(e.g.,coronary arterial disease,peripheral artery disease,stroke,and heart failure)as a consequence of chronic hyperglycemia.Despite the widely available and compelling evidence that regular exercise is an efficient strategy to prevent cardiovascular disease and to improve functional capacity and psychological well-being in people with T1DM,over 60%of individuals with T1DM do not exercise regularly.It is,therefore,crucial to devise approaches to motivate patients with T1DM to exercise,to adhere to a training program,and to inform them of its specific characteristics(e.g.,exercise mode,intensity,volume,and frequency).Moreover,given the metabolic alterations that occur during acute bouts of exercise in T1DM patients,exercise prescription in this population should be carefully analyzed to maximize its benefits and to reduce its potential risks.

Exercised blood plasma promotes hippocampal neurogenesis in the Alzheimer's disease rat brain

Background:Exercise training promotes brain plasticity and is associated with protection against cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease(AD).These beneficial effects may be partly mediated by blood-borne factors.Here we used an in vitro model of AD to investigate effects of blood plasma from exercise-trained donors on neuronal viability,and an in vivo rat model of AD to test whether such plasma impacts cognitive function,amyloid pathology,and neurogenesis.Methods:Mouse hippocampal neuronal cells were exposed to AD-like stress using amyloid-βand treated with plasma collected from human male donors 3 h after a single bout of high-intensity exercise.For in vivo studies,blood was collected from exercise-trained young male Wistar rats(high-intensity intervals 5 days/week for 6 weeks).Transgenic AD rats(McGill-R-Thyl-APP)were inj ected 5 times/fortnight for 6 weeks at2 months or 5 months of age with either(a)plasma from the exercise-trained rats,(b)plasma from sedentary rats,or(c)saline.Cognitive function,amyloid plaque pathology,and neurogenesis were assessed.The plasma used for the treatment was analyzed for 23 cytokines.Results:Plasma from exercised donors enhanced cell viability by 44.1%(p=0.032)and reduced atrophy by 50.0%(p<0.001)in amyloid-β-treated cells.In vivo exercised plasma treatment did not alter cognitive function or amyloid plaque pathology but did increase hippocampal neurogenesis by~3 fold,regardless of pathological stage,when compared to saline-treated rats.Concentrations of 7 cytokines were significantly reduced in exercised plasma compared to sedentary plasma.Conclusion:Our proof-of-concept study demonstrates that plasma from exercise-trained donors can protect neuronal cells in culture and promote adult hippocampal neurogenesis in the AD rat brain.This effect may be partly due to reduced pro-inflammatory signaling molecules in exercised plasma.

Impact of a 12-wk physical conditioning program on the aerobic capacity of aviation cadets

BACKGROUND Flight cadets need to have good physical fitness to cope with the challenges of flying missions.The continuous development of science and technology has led to the constant upgrading of fighter jets and the improvement of their performance,which has resulted in new and higher requirements for the physical fitness of flight personnel.The traditional physical training mode,method,and assessment have been used for many years and do not meet current fitness needs.AIM To investigate the impact of a 12-wk comprehensive anti-G fitness training program on the aerobic capacity of aviation cadets and to evaluate its effectiveness.METHODS Fifty-five cadets were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups using a randomized,single-blind design.The control group maintained their existing training regimen,while the experimental group participated in a 12-wk comprehensive training intervention.The training program comprised strength training twice per week,high-intensity interval training three times per week,and supplemental nutritional and psychological support.Maximal oxygen uptake(VO2max),lower limb strength,and hemoglobin levels were measured at baseline,at 6 wk and 12 wk post-intervention.RESULTS Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significant differences of both VO2max and relative VO2 in both groups across time points(P<0.05).However,no significant time-group interaction was observed(P>0.05).Paired t-tests comparing baseline and 12-wk results showed that VO2max and relative VO2 were significantly higher in the experimental group than the control group(P<0.05).This suggests that the training program effectively enhanced the aerobic capacity of the experimental group.Key indicators of aerobic capacity,bilateral lower limb strength and hemoglobin levels,were also significantly different over time and between groups(P<0.05).No significant differences were noted in heart-rate metrics(P>0.05).CONCLUSION A 12-wk comprehensive anti-G fitness training program significantly improved the aerobic capacity of aviation cadets,thereby enhancing their overall capacity and laying a physiological foundation for enduring high-G flights.

Exercise as a modality to improve heart transplantation-related functional impairments: An article review

Heart transplantation(HT),the treatment choice of advanced heart failure pa-tients,is proven effective in increasing the survival and functional status of the recipients.However,compared to normal controls,functional status is lower in HT recipients.Exercise given in cardiac rehabilitation has been shown to improve exercise capacity as measured with peak oxygen uptake(VO2 peak)and muscle strength after completion of the program and cessation of exercise results in loss of exercise benefits.Several factors related to cardiac denervation and the use of immunosuppressive agents in HT recipients result in functional impairments including cardiovascular,pulmonary,exercise capacity,psychological,and qua-lity of life(QoL)problems.High-intensity interval training(HIIT)is the most common type of exercise used in HT recipients and given as a hospital-based program.Improvement of functional impairments was found to have occurred due to primarily musculoskeletal adaptations through improvement of muscle structure and aerobic capacity and cardiovascular adaptations.In general,exercise given after transplantation improved VO2 peak significantly and improvement was better in the HIIT group compared to moderate intensity continuous training or no-exercise groups.Improvement of QoL was ascribed to improve-ment of exercise capacity,symptoms,pulmonary function,physical capacity improve-ment,anxiety,and depression.

12周HIIT对男性强制隔离戒毒人员免疫细胞应答及平衡能力的影响研究

目的:探究12周高强度间歇训练(High-Intensity Interval Training, HIIT)对男性强制隔离戒毒人员免疫细胞应答及平衡能力的影响,以期为男性强制隔离戒毒人员的身体康复及相关领域研究提供理论及实践参考。方法:采用文献资料法、实验法、数理统计法等研究方法,对××省××强制隔离戒毒所的60名正处于戒毒康复期内男性强制戒毒人员进行12周的HIIT干预。结果:12周的HIIT干预可以提高男性强制隔离戒毒人员的嗜中性粒细胞、单核细胞、NK细胞、淋巴细胞及CD3+、CD8+计数(P<0.05);12周的HIIT干预对男性强制隔离戒毒人员的静态平衡能力的提高有一定的效果;可有效提高男性强制隔离戒毒人员的左腿支撑及右腿支撑的前侧距离及后外侧距离,且差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05),但对动态平衡能力中各项指标的提高效果不同。结论:12周的HIIT干预可提高男性强制隔离戒毒人员的免疫细胞计数及平衡能力。

Effects of a remote,YouTube-delivered exercise intervention on young adults’physical activity,sedentary behavior,and sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic:Randomized controlled trial

Background:Public health guidelines have called for innovative and flexible physical activity(PA)intervention strategies to promote PA and health amid the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic.Therefore,this study’s purpose was to examine the effects of a home-based,YouTube-delivered PA intervention grounded in self-determination theory on young adults’free-living PA,sedentary behavior,and sleep quality(NCT04499547).Methods:Sixty-four young adults(48 females;age=22.8±3.4 years,mean±SD;body mass index=23.1±2.6 kg/m^(2))were randomized(1:1)into the intervention group,which received weekly aerobic and muscle-strengthening PA videos,or control group,which received weekly general health education videos,for 12 weeks.Our primary outcome was free-living moderate-to-vigorous PA(MVPA)and our secondary outcomes were sedentary behavior,light PA,and sleep quality(measured using ActiGraph accelerometers)along with muscle-strengthening PA frequency,self-determination theory-related motivation(non-regulation,external regulation,introjected regulation,identified regulation,integrated regulation,and intrinsic regulation),and perceived PA barriers(assessed using validated questionnaires).Repeated measures analysis of variances(ANOVAs)examined between-group differences at an adjusted significance level of 0.004 and effect sizes as partial eta-squared(η;).Results:We observed statistically significant interaction effects for MVPA,sleep efficiency,muscle-strengthening PA frequency,non-regulation,integrated regulation,intrinsic regulation,and perceived PA barriers(F(1,62)=10.75-77.67,p<0.001-0.002,η_(p)^(2)=0.15-0.56)with all outcomes favoring the intervention group.We observed no statistically significant differences in either group for sedentary behavior,light PA,sleep duration,or external,introjected,and identified regulations after 12 weeks(F(1,62)=1.11-3.64,p=0.06-0.61).Conclusion:With national COVID-19 restrictions still in place and uncertainty regarding post-pandemic PA environments and behaviors,a remote,YouTube-delivered PA intervention may help foster clinically meaningful improvements in young adults’free-living MVPA,musclestrengthening PA frequency,sleep efficiency,PA-related intrinsic motivation,and perceived PA barriers.

Effect of acupuncture on heart rate variability during prolonged high-intensity training in soccer players

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of acupuncture therapy compared with sham acupuncture on heart rate variability(HRV) in 24 elite soccer players during 4-week, high-intensity training sessions.METHODS: The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: acupuncture group(AG) and sham acupuncture group(SG). In addition, AG had been implemented two times/week to stimulate Zusanli(ST 36), Hegu(LI 4), Shenshu(BL 23), and Chize(LU5). While SG, had been applied to utilize a special "placebo-needle" technique on the same sites.What's more, the HRV parameters were calculated before and after interventions, respectively.RESULTS: First, stress index(SI) had a significantly increased in SG(P = 0.031) compare pre-test with post-test, however, no significantly difference in AG(P = 0.102). Secondly, standard deviation of N-N intervals(SNDD) have enormously significantly high-er in AG when comparing baseline with post therapy(P = 0.001), while, declined in SG(P = 0.827).Meanwhile, the root mean square of successive differences(RMSSD) were significant differences in AG(P = 0.023). What's more, when the high-frequency(HF) were significantly higher in AG(P = 0.047) after receiving the acupuncture therapy, the lowe-frequency(LF) power were decreased but no significant in AG and SG. Comparing with pre-experiment, the ratio of LF/HF was lower in AG, but higher in SG. Furthermore, it was significant difference when compare the post-experiment parameters of AG with SG(P = 0.015). And HF parameters have significance(P = 0.005) compare between two groups during the post-experiment.CONCLUSION: Based on evidence, acupuncture therapy on special acupoints could strengthen the parasympathetic nervous activity and modulates the balance between parasympathetic and sympathetic activity in soccer players while they engage in high-intensity training.

高强度间歇运动对女大学生抑郁情绪的作用研究

抑郁情绪是女大学生中存在较多的负性心理问题,为了改善这一状况.我们采用了高强度间歇运动法(HIT)对筛选出的轻、中度抑郁情绪状态的高校女生进行专项训练,以观察HIT对抑郁情绪的改善作用.方法:将48名经宗氏抑郁自评量表(SDS)量表筛选处于抑郁情绪状态的女生随机分为3组,HIT组进行为期4周的专项高强度间歇运动,持续运动组采用相同运动量的跑步或快走运动,对照组保持日常状态.对训练前后SDS和体育活动愉悦感量表(PACES)的分值进行比较,观察3组情绪的改变情况.结果:HIT组女生经过4周高强度间歇运动训练后,其抑郁情绪状态有明显改善,运动后的愉悦感增加,与对照组和持续运动组比较都有显著性差异(p值均<0.05).结论:高强度间歇运动能有效地改善高校女生的抑郁情绪状态.

Importance of physical capacity and the effects of exercise in heart transplant recipients

One of the most important prognostic factors in heart failure patients is physical capacity. Patients with very poor physical performance and otherwise eligible, may be listed as candidates for heart transplantation(HTx). After such surgery, life-long immunosuppression therapy is needed to prevent rejection of the new heart. The dark side of immunosuppression is the increased risk of infections, kidney failure, cancer and advanced atherosclerosis(cardiac allograft vasculopathy), with the two latter conditions as the main causes of later mortality. In a worldwide perspective, 50% of the HTx patients survive past 10 years. Poor aerobic capacity prior to graft deterioration is not only limited to the failing heart, but also caused by peripheral factors, such as limited function in the skeletal muscles and in the blood vessels walls. Exercise rehabilitation after HTx is of major importance in order to improve physical capacity and prognosis. Effects of high-intensity interval training(HIT) in HTx recipients is a growing field of research attracting worldwide focus and interest. Accumulating evidence has shown that HIT is safe and efficient in maintenance HTx recipients; with superior effects on physical capacity compared to conventional moderate exercise. This article generates further evidence to the field by summarizing results from a decade of research performed at our center supported by a broad, but not strict formal, literature review. In short, this article demonstrates a strong association between physical capacity measured after HTx and long-term survival. It describes the possible "HITeffect" with increased levels of inflammatory mediators of angiogenesis. It also describes long-term effects of HIT; showing a positive effect in development of anxiety symptoms despite that the improved physical capacity was not sustained, due to downregulation ofexercise and intensity. Finally, our results are linked to the ongoing HITTS study, which investigates safety and efficiency of HIT in de novo HTx recipients. Together with previous results, this study may have the potential to change existing guidelines and contribute to a better prognosis for the HTx population as a whole.

Effect of different intensities of physical activity on cardiometabolic markers and vascular and cardiac function in adult rats fed with a high-fat high-carbohydrate diet

Background: Physical activity(PA) and diet are 2 lifestyle factors that affect cardiometabolic risk. However, data on how a high-fat highcarbohydrate(HFHC) diet influences the effect of different intensities of PA on cardiometabolic health and cardiovascular function in a controlled setting are yet to be fully established. This study investigated the effect of sedentary behavior, light-intensity training(LIT), and high-intensity interval training(HIIT) on cardiometabolic markers and vascular and cardiac function in HFHC-fed adult rats.Methods: Twelve-week-old Wistar rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups(12 rats/group): control(CTL), sedentary(SED), LIT, and HIIT.Biometric indices, glucose and lipid control, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, vascular reactivity, and cardiac electrophysiology of the experimental groups were examined after 12 weeks of HFHC-diet feeding and PA interventions.Results: The SED group had slower cardiac conduction(p = 0.0426) and greater thoracic aortic contractile responses(p < 0.05) compared with the CTL group. The LIT group showed improved cardiac conduction compared with the SED group(p = 0.0003), and the HIIT group showed decreased mesenteric artery contractile responses compared with all other groups and improved endothelium-dependent mesenteric artery relaxation compared with the LIT group(both p < 0.05). The LIT and HIIT groups had lower visceral(p = 0.0057 for LIT, p = 0.0120 for HIIT)and epididymal fat(p < 0.0001 for LIT, p = 0.0002 for HIIT) compared with the CTL group.Conclusion: LIT induced positive adaptations on fat accumulation and cardiac conduction, and HIIT induced a positive effect on fat accumulation,mesenteric artery contraction, and endothelium-dependent relaxation. No other differences were observed between groups. These findings suggest that few positive health effects can be achieved through LIT and HIIT when consuming a chronic and sustained HFHC diet.

Effects of Different Mode Exercise on Depression-like Behaviors and Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Rats with Post-stroke Depression

[Objectives]To explore the effects of high-intensity intermittent training(HIIT)on the degree of depression,neuronal morphology,and the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)in the hippocampal dentate gyrus(DG)of ischemic hemisphere in rats with post-stroke depression(PSD),and to investigate the potential mechanisms.[Methods]40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group,sham-operation group(Sham),PSD model group,moderate intensity aerobic training group(MIAT)and HIIT group(n=8 for each group).Except the control and Sham group,all other groups were given the middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)using the intraluminal thread method,and chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)was applied.After successful modeling,training programs of different intensity were performed in the MIAT and the HIIT group.Rats in the five groups were subjected to behavioral tests(open field test and tail suspension test)before and 28 d after training.Nissl staining was used to observe the morphological changes of neurons in the left hippocampal DG area.The expressions of BDNF protein were detected by western blotting and immunohistochemistry.[Results]After 28 d of training,compared with the other groups,the PSD group's pause time of the central lattice was prolonged;the immobility time increased in tail suspension test;the expression of BDNF decreased in the left hippocampal DG area.The difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).Neurons of hippocampal DG neurons were loosely arranged;cells were missing.Nissl body was lightly stained and even dissolved;the ethological findings in MIAT and HIIT rats were reversed;the expression of BDNF was elevated.Nissl staining showed that the cells were arranged neatly;the layers were dense,and the Nissl body was deeply stained.The changes in HIIT group were more significant than that in MIAT group(P<0.05).[Conclusions]Compared with the traditional medium-intensity aerobic training,high-intensity interval training can improve the depression-like behavior in rats with post-stroke depression.The potential mechanism might be that HIIT increase the neuroplasticity and expression of BDNF in hippocampal DG area.