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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2022) | Viewed by 35919

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Olga Scudiero

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Guest Editor

Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: physical activity; antimicrobial peptides
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Giulia Frisso

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Assistant Guest Editor

Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: sport; health; cardiovascular and metabolic hereditary disorders; genetic tests

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The beneficial effects of physical activity are well known. However, there is a considerable heterogeneity in the response to regular physical activity, which varies according to both the subject’s physical condition and the type of physical activity applied, in terms of duration and intensity. In fact, regular physical activity is a powerful tool for improving health, and helps to prevent many disorders, including cardiovascular risk factors, obesity, depression, anxiety, musculoskeletal problems, and stress. Numerous epidemiological studies have shown an association between moderate aerobic exercise and decreased risk of coronary heart disease, reduced risk of ventricular fibrillation in patients affected by a first myocardial infarction, as well as a reduction of overall death and cardiovascular mortality in cardiac patients subjected to adequate training programs. Furthermore, the use of biochemical and haematological tests to evaluate risk factors in athlete is of relevance and interest at the amateur, competitive and elite levels.

In fact, physical activity can be responsible for syncopes, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, acute cardiovascular events and acute heart failure, increasing the risk of sudden death. Furthermore, intense physical activity can also be associated with other conditions, such as increased risk of thrombotic events, muscle injuries and increased sensitivity to infections.

This Special Issue aims to highlight the impact of physical activity on the onset of disorders that can endanger the health of individuals practising it. Identifying the mechanisms that underlie this relationship and defining new intervention strategies could represent a new useful tool to guarantee the performance of physical activity in conditions of maximum safety. New research papers, reviews and case reports addressing these topics are invited for this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Olga Scudiero
Prof. Dr. Frisso Giulia
Guest Editors

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Keywords

sport
health
cardiovascular disease
thrombosis
infections
muscle injuries

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

11 pages, 350 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Preferences in Undergraduate Nursing Students and Its Relationship with Food Addiction and Physical Activity

by Cristina Romero-Blanco, Antonio Hernández-Martínez, María Laura Parra-Fernández, María Dolores Onieva-Zafra, María del Carmen Prado-Laguna and Julián Rodríguez-Almagro

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3858; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073858 - 24 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2863

Abstract

The transition to college is a decisive stage for the acquisition of eating habits that continue into adulthood. The aim of this study is to assess the consumption of healthy elements of the Mediterranean diet in a group of university students and to evaluate whether the consumption pattern was related to sex, Body Mass Index (BMI), food addiction or the amount of physical activity performed. A total of 515 nursing students participated. The Mediterranean diet adherence questionnaire (PREDIMED), the food addiction scale (YFAS 2.0) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were completed. For data analysis, multivariate analysis was performed with multiple linear regression and adjusted for sex, age, and BMI. The results showed that females consumed various types of meats (white/red, processed) in a healthier proportion (p < 0.05). Students that consumed more than one per day (unhealthy) of red/processed meats (mean difference (MD) = −0.49; 95% CI: −0.83; −0.15), soft drinks (MD = −0.82; 95% CI: 82–1.36; −0.27) and pastries (MD = −0.63; 95% CI: −0.97; −0.30) displayed higher food addiction scores. In addition, students who skipped breakfast also scored higher on food addiction (MD = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.31–1.19). Higher values of physical activity were observed in those who presented a healthy consumption of vegetables (MD = 140.86; 95% CI: 72.71–209.02), fruit (MD = 145.78; 95% CI: 69.35–222.21), legumes (MD = 136.46; 95% CI: 60.43–212.50) and nuts (MD = 74.36; 95% CI: 14.23–134.49). Students who consumed more red or processed meats, more pastries and more soft drinks had higher values of food addiction, while those who consumed more vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts had more minutes of physical activity per week. These findings invite us to insist on expanding knowledge regarding the health benefits of consuming a Mediterranean-type diet as a whole. The healthy consumption of fish, fruit and legumes should also be emphasized, especially among university students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity Related Disorders)

15 pages, 3018 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detraining Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Fitness, Cytokines, C-Reactive Protein and Immunocytes in Men of Various Age Groups

by Seung-Jae Heo, Sang-Kyun Park and Yong-Seok Jee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1845; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031845 - 6 Feb 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2623

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus II, levels of physical inactivity have become more severe and widespread than ever before. Physical inactivity is known to have a negative effect on the human body, but the extent to which reduced physical fitness has effected immune function before and after the current pandemic has not yet been uncovered. The aim of this study was to investigate the detraining effects of the COVID-19 confinement period on physical fitness, immunocytes, inflammatory cytokines, and proteins in various age groups. The participants of this study included sixty-four male adults who did not exercise during the pandemic, although they had exercised regularly before. Materials and Methods: Participants were classified by age group, which included the 20s group (20s’G, n = 14), 30s group (30s’G, n = 12), 40s group (40s’G, n = 12), 50s group (50s’G, n = 12), and 60s group (60s’G, n = 14). Results: Regarding body composition, muscle mass significantly decreased, whereas fat mass, fat percentage, and waist/hip ratio significantly increased in most groups. Cardiopulmonary endurance and strength significantly decreased in all groups, while muscle endurance and flexibility decreased in some groups compared to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic. This study confirmed the immunocytopenia and enhanced inflammation due to physical inactivity during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a greater detrimental decrease mainly after the age of 50. Conclusion: This study confirmed a decrease in physical fitness after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, characterized by an increase in fat mass and a decrease in muscle mass, thereby increasing cytokines and reducing immunocytes in the body. While social distancing is important during the pandemic, maintaining physical fitness should also be a top priority. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity Related Disorders)

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13 pages, 2340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Capillaroscopic Evidence of Microvascular Damage in Volleyball Players

by Maria Maddalena Sirufo, Alessandra Catalogna, Martina Raggiunti, Francesca De Pietro, Giovanni Galeoto, Enrica Maria Bassino, Lia Ginaldi and Massimo De Martinis

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(20), 10601; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010601 - 10 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2116

Abstract

Volleyball players experience repetitive stress that involves their hands and, in particular, their fingers. Literature reports that repetitive trauma can lead to local vascular abnormalities, such as reduced capillarization and lower resting blood flow. These anomalies could be related to the presence of dysfunctional endothelium. The aim of this study is to correlate the capillaroscopic findings by nailfold video capillaroscopy (NVC) to volleyball practice in order to early detect possible anomalies and perform an adequate follow-up to avoid damages that could negatively affect sport practice and the players’ health status. In this study, 38 subjects were enrolled, 19 volleyball players and 19 healthy non-players as a comparison group. In almost all the players, we found capillaroscopic alterations of the “aspecific pattern” type without substantial gender differences. We may assume that the repeated traumas involving players’ fingers can negatively modify their microcirculation. Based on these observations, it could be a desirable clinical practice to screen professional volleyball players with NVC in order to implement preventive strategies aimed at protecting the health of athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity Related Disorders)

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11 pages, 338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Observational Study on the Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence in Female Athletes

by Jorge Velázquez-Saornil, Encarnación Méndez-Sánchez, Sonia Gómez-Sánchez, Zacarías Sánchez-Milá, Ester Cortés-Llorente, Ana Martín-Jiménez, Elena Sánchez-Jiménez and Angélica Campón-Chekroun

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5591; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115591 - 24 May 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5082

Abstract

Purpose: To study the prevalence of UI in female athletes, the category of sports with the highest number of cases, the most incident risk factors and the bio-psycho-social consequences. Methods: Preparation of a survey, based on two validated questionnaires answered by 63 participants, to carry out an analytical, transversal and observational study. All participants were European, adult, female athletes (mean age 30.78 years, standard deviation 12.16 years). Results: UI has a high prevalence (44.4%) in female athletes (compared to 10% in non-athletes), being more frequent in those who practice long-distance running. As age and years of sport practice increase, the incidence of this pathology increases. Absorbent pads are used by more than half of women with incontinence, while the rest wet their underwear. Menopause, childbirth and surgery in the region are risk factors for UI, while the presence of urinary tract infections or candidiasis is not. The results state that urine loss does not cause anxiety or depression, but it does affect sporting life. Conclusions: The prevalence of UI in this study is very high and more common in female athletes and the incidence increases with age and other risk factors. The salient consequence of this study is that urine loss affects their sporting environment, but does not induce depression or anxiety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity Related Disorders)

Review

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11 pages, 1080 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effects of Combined Resistance and Aerobic Training on Arterial Stiffness in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review

by Marko Manojlović, Branka Protić-Gava, Nebojša Maksimović, Tijana Šćepanović, Sunčica Poček, Roberto Roklicer and Patrik Drid

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9450; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189450 - 7 Sep 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3936

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of combined resistance and aerobic exercise on arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women. Two databases, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to identify relevant studies. The methodological quality was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Only seven studies met the eligibility criteria, and their outcomes were presented. Four studies demonstrated the effects of combined resistance and aerobic training, while three showed the effectiveness of exercise with both training components, aerobic and resistance. In all studies, arterial stiffness was measured by brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Participants were middle-aged or older postmenopausal women of various health statuses (hypertensive, with comorbidities or healthy). The results unequivocally show that combined training reduces arterial stiffness. The most important finding of this review paper is that the applied type of exercise decreased baPWV in the range of 0.6–2.1 m/s. Moreover, combined resistance and aerobic exercise for 12 weeks, performed three times a week for about 60 min per training session, at a moderate intensity (40–60% HRR or HRmax), may be clinically meaningful to the cardiovascular system. In conclusion, we can say that combined resistance and aerobic training, or exercise with resistance and aerobic components, have important health implications for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and the maintenance or improvement of health in middle-aged and older postmenopausal women with different health conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity Related Disorders)

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20 pages, 3378 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exercise, Immune System, Nutrition, Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases during COVID-19: A Complex Combination

by Olga Scudiero, Barbara Lombardo, Mariarita Brancaccio, Cristina Mennitti, Arturo Cesaro, Fabio Fimiani, Luca Gentile, Elisabetta Moscarella, Federica Amodio, Annaluisa Ranieri, Felice Gragnano, Sonia Laneri, Cristina Mazzaccara, Pierpaolo Di Micco, Martina Caiazza, Giovanni D’Alicandro, Giuseppe Limongelli, Paolo Calabrò, Raffaela Pero and Giulia Frisso

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(3), 904; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18030904 - 21 Jan 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 10467

Abstract

Coronaviruses (CoVs) represent a large family of RNA viruses that can infect different living species, posing a global threat to human health. CoVs can evade the immune response, replicate within the host, and cause a rapid immune compromise culminating in severe acute respiratory syndrome. In humans, the immune system functions are influenced by physical activity, nutrition, and the absence of respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. This review provides an in-depth study between the interactions of the immune system and coronaviruses in the host to defend against CoVs disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity Related Disorders)

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22 pages, 2070 KiB

Open AccessReview

Dietary Thiols: A Potential Supporting Strategy against Oxidative Stress in Heart Failure and Muscular Damage during Sports Activity

by Mariarita Brancaccio, Cristina Mennitti, Arturo Cesaro, Fabio Fimiani, Elisabetta Moscarella, Martina Caiazza, Felice Gragnano, Annaluisa Ranieri, Giovanni D’Alicandro, Nadia Tinto, Cristina Mazzaccara, Barbara Lombardo, Raffaela Pero, Giuseppe Limongelli, Giulia Frisso, Paolo Calabrò and Olga Scudiero

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(24), 9424; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17249424 - 16 Dec 2020

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4846

Abstract

Moderate exercise combined with proper nutrition are considered protective factors against cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal disorders. However, physical activity is known not only to have positive effects. In fact, the achievement of a good performance requires a very high oxygen consumption, which leads to the formation of oxygen free radicals, responsible for premature cell aging and diseases such as heart failure and muscle injury. In this scenario, a primary role is played by antioxidants, in particular by natural antioxidants that can be taken through the diet. Natural antioxidants are molecules capable of counteracting oxygen free radicals without causing cellular cytotoxicity. In recent years, therefore, research has conducted numerous studies on the identification of natural micronutrients, in order to prevent or mitigate oxidative stress induced by physical activity by helping to support conventional drug therapies against heart failure and muscle damage. The aim of this review is to have an overview of how controlled physical activity and a diet rich in antioxidants can represent a “natural cure” to prevent imbalances caused by free oxygen radicals in diseases such as heart failure and muscle damage. In particular, we will focus on sulfur-containing compounds that have the ability to protect the body from oxidative stress. We will mainly focus on six natural antioxidants: glutathione, taurine, lipoic acid, sulforaphane, garlic and methylsulfonylmethane. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity Related Disorders)

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Other

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6 pages, 983 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

When Bodybuilding Goes Wrong—Bilateral Renal Artery Thrombosis in a Long-Term Misuser of Anabolic Steroids Treated with AngioJet Rheolytic Thrombectomy

by Artur Lemiński, Markiian Kubis, Krystian Kaczmarek, Adam Gołąb, Arkadiusz Kazimierczak, Katarzyna Kotfis and Marcin Słojewski

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2122; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042122 - 14 Feb 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3035

Abstract

Bilateral renal infarction is an extremely rare condition with only few cases reported in the literature. We present a case of bilateral renal infarction affecting an otherwise healthy 34 year old bodybuilder chronically misusing testosterone and stanozolol. The patient presented with severe flank pain mimicking renal colic and biochemical features of acute kidney injury. Diagnostic workup revealed thrombosis affecting both renal arteries. Subsequently, the patient underwent a percutaneous rheolytic thrombectomy with AngioJet catheter, along with catheter-directed thrombolysis. Right-sided retroperitoneal hematoma developed as an early complication, mandating surgical exploration and nephrectomy due to kidney rupture and the unstable condition of the patient. Intensive care and continuous renal replacement therapy were instigated until a gradual improvement of the patient status and a return of kidney function was achieved. No abnormalities were found in the cardiological and hematological evaluation. We believe this is a first report of bilateral renal infarction associated with anabolic steroid misuse in an otherwise healthy individual, and a first report of AngioJet thrombectomy in bilateral thrombosis of renal arteries. It stresses the importance of a thorough diagnostic workup of colic patients and emphasizes the need for sports medicine to reach out to amateur athletes with education on the harms of doping. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity Related Disorders)

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