Physical Exercise Impacts on Human Physical and Psychological Health

Objectives: Fatigue is a prominent feature of long COVID (LC) and may be related to several pathophysiologic mechanisms, including immune hyperstimulation. Aerobic endurance exercise training may be a useful therapy, with appropriate attention to preventing post-exertional malaise. Methods: Fourteen participants completed a pilot study of aerobic exercise training (twenty 1.5 h sessions of over 10 weeks). Cardiorespiratory fitness, 6 min walk distance, quality of life, symptoms, 7-day physical activity, immunophenotype, and inflammatory biomarkers were measured before and after exercise training. Results: The participant characteristics at baseline were as follows: 53.5 ± 11.6 yrs, 53% f, BMI 32.5 ± 8.4, 42% ex-smokers, 15.1 ± 8.8 months since initial COVID-19 infection, low normal pulmonary function testing, $\stackrel{.}{\mathrm{V}}$O_2peak 19.3 ± 5.1 mL/kg/min, 87 ± 17% predicted. After exercise training, participants significantly increased their peak work rate (+16 ± 20 W, p = 0.010) and $\stackrel{.}{\mathrm{V}}$O_2peak (+1.55 ± 2.4 mL/kg/min, p = 0.030). Patients reported improvements in fatigue severity (−11%), depression (−42%), anxiety (−29%), and dyspnea level (−46%). There were no changes in 6MW distance or physical activity. The circulating number of CD3+, CD4+, CD19+, CD14++CD16, and CD16++CD14+ monocytes and CD56+ cells (assessed with flow cytometry) increased with acute exercise (rest to peak) and was not diminished or augmented by exercise training. Plasma concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, INF-γ, and INF-λ were normal at study entry and not affected by training. Conclusions: Aerobic endurance exercise training in individuals with LC delivered beneficial effects on cardiorespiratory fitness, quality of life, anxiety, depression, and fatigue without detrimental effects on immunologic function. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate whether the type and degree of physical activity commitment (i.e., team sport athletes, highly active individuals, sedentary behavior) influence body image and exercise behavior. A total of 96 participants (46 women and 50 men; age: 22.7 ± 2.7 years; height: 170 ± 8.6 cm; weight: 67.6 ± 10.8 kg) were divided in six groups: female volleyball and male football players (student athletes classified as Tier 2), highly physically active women and men, with high sitting time completed the Body Image Dimensional Assessment and the 21-item Exercise Dependence Scale to evaluate body dissatisfaction and level of dependency on exercise. The Body Image Dimensional Assessment is a silhouette-based scale, where three direct indices are derived from the participants’ responses: body dissatisfaction, sexual body dissatisfaction, and comparative body dissatisfaction. The Exercise Dependence Scale is a six-point Likert scale that evaluates seven dimensions of exercise dependence (tolerance, withdrawal, intention effects, lack of control, time, reductions in other activities, and continuance) and provides an overall score. A multivariate analysis of variance was used to examine the effects of different levels of physical activity, team sport participation (volleyball and football), and sedentary behavior (i.e., high sitting time) on participants’ body image indices and dimensions of exercise dependence according to sex. Volleyball players showed significantly higher body dissatisfaction than football players (d = 0.99) and the physically active men group (d = 2.31), who had lower values than sedentary women group (d = 1.68). Football players had lower comparative body dissatisfaction values than volleyball players (d = 1.70) and sedentary women (d = 1.69), who had higher values than sedentary men (d = 1.04). Sedentary women had a significantly lower exercise dependence scale score than volleyball players (d = 1.71), football players (d = 1.12), and physically active men (d = 1.21). The findings highlight the impact of regular physical activity on body dissatisfaction and the variance in body image perceptions between the sexes. Moreover, the high exercise dependence values found in volleyball and football players and physically active men suggest an effect of intense training and maladaptive exercise behaviors, underlining the need for comprehensive strategies to address exercise dependence. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gestational hypertensive disorders (GHD) pose significant maternal and fetal health risks during pregnancy. Preconception physical exercise has been associated with a lower incidence of GHD, but insights into the cardiovascular mechanisms remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of preconception physical exercise on the complete cardiovascular functions of women at risk for GHD in a subsequent pregnancy. Methods: A non-invasive hemodynamics assessment of arteries, veins, and the heart was performed on 40 non-pregnant women at risk for developing GHD in a subsequent pregnancy. Measurements of an electrocardiogram Doppler ultrasound, impedance cardiography and bio-impedance spectrum analysis were taken before and after they engaged in physical exercise (30–50 min, 3×/week, 4–6 months). Results: After a mean physical exercise period of 29.80 weeks, the total peripheral resistance (TPR), diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure decreased in the total study population, without changing cardiac output (CO). However, in 42% (9/21) of women categorized with high or low baseline CO (>P75 or <P25 resp.), a shift in CO was observed towards the normal reference interquartile range (P25–P75). This was associated with improved hepatic venous and central arterial hemodynamic functions. Similar changes in TPR occurred in 38% (11/29) of women classified as having low or high baseline TPR. Conclusions: As in pregnancy, output- or resistance-dominant cardiovascular profiles already exist prior to conception. This study illustrates that preconception physical exercise shifts high or low CO and/or TPR towards the normal midrange, allowing women at risk for GHD to start a subsequent pregnancy with a more gestation-adaptable cardiovascular system. Full article

Normal weight obesity (NWO) refers to a condition in which the body mass index falls within the normal range, but the percent of body fat is excessive. Although there are reports of a high prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in NWO, analyses regarding physical fitness have been lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the age-related prevalence of NWO and to examine physical fitness across generations. Our study utilized a dataset comprising 119,835 participants for analysis. The prevalence of NWO across ages was examined using cross-tabulation analysis. For body composition and physical fitness, medians and group differences were assessed by generation through Kruskal–Wallis and Bonferroni post hoc tests. Additionally, univariate logistic regression was adopted to analyze the odds ratio. The prevalence of NWO in Korean women was 18.3%. The fat-free mass of the NWO group was consistently lower than that of both the group with normal body mass indexes (Normal) and obese body mass indexes (Obesity) across all generations. Additionally, the waist circumference and blood pressure were greater in the now group than in the Normal group. When considering maximal strength, muscle endurance, power, balance, and coordination, the NWO group exhibited lower levels compared to the Normal group. The NWO group showed lower muscle mass than both the Normal and Obesity groups, resulting in significantly reduced physical fitness compared to that of the Normal group, similar to the Obesity group. This condition may increase not only the risk of posing a potentially more serious health concern than obesity but also the risk of falls in elderly people. Therefore, based on this study, it is crucial to not only define obesity using BMI criteria but also to diagnose NWO. Public health policies and preventive measures must be implemented accordingly. Full article

Background: The prevalence of obesity has been increasing worldwide. It has been reported that physiological and environmental factors such as diet, culture, physical activity, and genetics are the principal factors related to obesity. The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gen variant (rs9939609: T>A) has been associated with class III obesity. The A variant has been correlated with anthropometric and metabolic alterations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the association of the FTO rs9939609: T>A variant and environmental factors with clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical variables in subjects with class III obesity. Results: The A variant frequency was higher in the class III obesity group compared with the normal weight group (44% vs. 25%, p < 0.001). Subjects with the AA genotype had a higher body mass index (BMI) than those with the AT genotype (35.46 kg/m² (31–39.8) vs. 26.91 kg/m² (23.7–30), p = 0.005). Women with the AA genotype showed higher waist circumferences than the AT group (101.07 cm (90.9–111.1) vs. 85.45 cm (77–93.8) p = 0.047). The FTO A variant increases the risk by 3.54 times and physical inactivity increases the risk by 6.37 times for class III obesity. Conclusions: Our results suggest that among the studied variables, those most related to class III obesity were the FTO risk genotype (A allele) and physical inactivity. Full article

This article explores the correlation between salivary biomarkers, such as glutathione peroxidase (GPX), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and their association with oral health for children in competitive sports. Saliva has emerged as a valuable resource for evaluating physiological and pathological conditions due to its non-invasive collection method and easy storage. This study examines the potential of GPX, TAC, and SOD as salivary biomarkers for assessing the impact of competitive sports on children’s oral health. It discusses the potential implications of increased oxidative stress due to intense physical activity and the role of antioxidant defense mechanisms in maintaining oral health. In total, 173 children aged between 6 and 17 were divided into three groups, 58 hockey players, 55 football players, and 60 in the control group, and examined to assess their oral hygiene and dental and periodontal health. Saliva was collected, centrifuged, and the supernatant was analyzed for the relevant biomarkers. The findings seem to suggest that salivary biomarkers, like GPX, TAC, and SOD, might serve as indicators of the physiological response to competitive sports in children, as well as indicators of oral health, especially dental cavities, and periodontal disease. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the groups, with better values for athletes, regardless of age, sex, or activity type. Understanding the relationship between salivary biomarkers and competitive sports in children can have significant implications for monitoring and optimizing the health and performance of young athletes. Further research is needed to establish the specific associations between these biomarkers and the effects of several types and intensities of sports activities on oral health in children. Full article

Aerobic exercise, specifically high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), and its effects on renal health and filtration (RHF) are not well understood. Several studies support incorporating contemporary biomarkers serum cystatin C (CyC) and urine epidermal growth factor (uEGF) to combat the volatility of serum creatinine (sCr). Using these biomarkers, we examined the acute influences HIIE has on RHF to determine if there is a ceiling effect in healthy populations. The purpose was to determine the influence of an acute bout of HIIE on RHF. Thirty-six participants (n = 22 males; n = 14 females; age 37.6 ± 12.4 years.; BF% 19.2 ± 7.1%; VO₂max 41.8 + 7.4 mL/kg/min) completed 30 min of HIIE on a treadmill (80% and 40% of VO₂reserve in 3:2 min ratio). Blood and urine samples were obtained under standardized conditions before, 1 h, and 24 h post-exercise. CyC, sCR, uEGF, urine creatinine (uCr), uCr/uEGF ratio, and multiple estimates of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and CKD-EPI equations were used. The analysis employed paired sample t-tests and repeated measures ANOVAs. CyC, uEGF, uCr, and uCr/uEGF ratio concentrations were not altered between timepoints. sCr increased 1 h post-exercise (p > 0.002) but not at 24 h post-exercise. eGFR decreased in the MDRD and CKD-EPI equations at 1 h (p > 0.012) with no changes at 24 h post-exercise. CyC and sCr/CyC demonstrated no significant changes. CyC and uEGF are not altered by acute HIIE. The results demonstrate a potential ceiling effect in contemporary and traditional biomarkers of RHF, indicating improvements in RHF may be isolated to populations with reduced kidney function. Full article

According to a survey conducted by the Taiwanese government, the elderly spend most of their time watching TV for their daily leisure activities, and most do not pant or sweat during exercise. Relevant studies have shown that physical activity has benefits and importance for the physical functions of the elderly. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise training on the functional fitness of elderly females in the community. The women subjects were from the community of Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. In total, 34 females were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group. The ages of the subjects ranged from 65 to 80 years old, with an average age of 75.13. The experimental group continued their physical activity intervention for 20 weeks. The control group had no training plan. The results of the study showed that after 20 weeks of intervention, participants in the intervention group experienced improvements in back grasping, right-hand grip strength, sitting to standing, right hip flexion, right knee extension, right ankle dorsiflexion, right sitting forward extension balance, and sitting back around objects. Six-minute walking distances also showed a significant difference in all cases. The results demonstrated that the 20-week physical activity program intervention used in this study can assist in improving back grasping, right-hand grip strength, sitting to standing, right-hand sitting posture, forward balance, sitting back around objects, and six-minute walking distance among older women in the community. In summary, we recommend a moderate-intensity physical activity exercise program for older women in the community. Full article

Regular physical activity (PA) and, more specifically, exercise, is associated with lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. The aim of this repeated cross-sectional pilot study was to investigate the impact of participating in PA on the mental health of young adults in Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was carried out during two quarantine periods: Survey I on 5 May 2020, and Survey II on 30 April 2021. The Hamilton Anxiety (HAM-A) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scales and the level of PA were used to assess a sample of individuals aged between 18 and 26 years old. In 2020 and 2021, a total of 268 (33.9% males) and 380 (37.1% females) subjects participated in the studies, respectively. According to the findings, the vast majority of the participants in both samples reported that they are physically active (p = 0.86), while they consider exercise as a significant health factor (p = 0.10). Moreover, anxiety levels statistically significant increased (p = 0.001), while depression levels remained relatively stable with a slight increase of approximately (p > 0.05). Additionally, in both surveys, individuals who engaged in a PA program exhibited reduced levels of depression and anxiety (p = 0.001). Also, gender appears to influence anxiety and depression levels, while a lack of exercise exacerbates these measures in both genders when compared to physically active individuals. Concludingly, it is crucial for public health strategies to include interventions that promote safe PA in the event of future lockdowns or similar emergencies. Full article

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether there is a direct correlation between the physical fitness of the general population, specifically students, and the response times to fire-emergency-related building evacuations and to identify which physical fitness factors more significantly influenced emergency movement times. (2) Methods: In this quantitative investigation, 21 students (both men and women of the same age) volunteered to participate. We first evaluated their physical fitness; then, we analyzed their reaction times and speed. (3) Results: The results of this study revealed a relationship between emergency response times and evaluations of muscular strength, muscular endurance, muscle power, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition. The physically active group demonstrated a stronger initial response (i.e., a shorter time to reach a safe location) to fictitious emergency scenarios. The reduction in the necessary response time did not, however, appear to be related to the degree of flexibility. (4) Conclusions: This study showed how physical fitness might alter initial emergency response times and lessen the effects of a disaster on the general population. Full article

Depression is a common mental disorder in which patients often experience feelings of sadness, fatigue, loss of interest, and pleasure. Exercise is a widely used intervention for managing depression, but the specific molecular mechanisms underlying its antidepressant effect are unclear. In this narrative review, we aim to synthesize current knowledge on the molecular, neural, and physiological mechanisms through which exercise exerts its antidepressant effect and discuss the various exercise interventions used for managing depression. We conducted a narrative review of the literature on the topic of exercise and depression. Our review suggests that exercise impacts peripheral tryptophan metabolism, central inflammation, and brain-derived neurotrophic factors through the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ activating factor 1α (PGC-1α) in skeletal muscles. The uncarboxylated osteocalcin facilitates “bone-brain crosstalk”, and exercise corrects atypical expression of brain-gut peptides, modulates cytokine production and neurotransmitter release, and regulates inflammatory pathways and microRNA expression. Aerobic exercise is recommended at frequencies of 3 to 5 times per week with medium to high intensity. Here we highlight the significant potential of exercise therapy in managing depression, supported by the molecular, neural, and physiological mechanisms underlying its antidepressant effect. Understanding the molecular pathways and neural mechanisms involved in exercise’s antidepressant effect opens new avenues for developing novel therapies for managing depression. Full article

Background: Personality traits, such as neuroticism, that results in vulnerability to stress, and resilience, a measure of stress coping, are closely associated with the onset of depressive symptoms, whereas regular physical activity habits have been shown to reduce depressive symptoms. In this study, the mediating effects of neuroticism and resilience between physical activity duration and depressive symptoms were investigated by a covariance structure analysis. Methods: Between April 2017 and April 2018, 526 adult volunteers were surveyed using self-administered questionnaires. Demographic information, habitual physical activity duration (PAD), neuroticism, and resilience were investigated. The effects of these factors on depressive symptoms were analyzed by a covariance structure analysis. This study was conducted with the approval of the Medical Ethics Committee of Tokyo Medical University. Results: The dose–response curves of physical activity duration and depression scores were U-shaped: the optimal physical activity duration for the lowest depression score was 25.7 h/week. We found that the greater the difference from the optimal PAD, the higher the neuroticism and the lower the resilience, and the more severe the depressive symptoms. Covariance structure analysis demonstrated that neuroticism and resilience significantly and completely mediated the effects of the difference from the optimal PAD on depressive symptoms (coefficient of determination R² = 0.349). Conclusion: Our study suggests that there is an optimal PAD that reduces depressive symptoms, and that a greater difference from the optimal PAD increases depressive symptoms through neuroticism and resilience. Full article

The purpose of this study was to undertake a randomized control trial examining the effects of a 12-week home-based physical activity program on Saudi Arabian adults with type 2 diabetes. Sixty-four patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited from the Jazan Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, located in the Jazan region of southwestern Saudi Arabia. Patients were randomly assigned to either control, i.e., usual care (males = 46.9% and females = 53.1%, age  =  45.88 ± 8.51 years, mass  =  76.30 ± 15.16 kg, stature  =  160.59 ± 8.94 cm, body mass index (BMI)  =  29.73 ± 6.24 kg/m², years since diagnosis  =  8.12 ± 6.22 years) or a home-based physical activity (males = 50% and females = 50%, age  =  42.07 ± 9.72 years, mass  =  74.58 ± 13.67 kg, stature  =  158.94 ± 9.38 cm, BMI  =  29.44 ± 4.38 kg/m², years since diagnosis  =  12.17 ± 8.38 years) trial arms. The home-based physical activity group was required to undertake aerobic training by increasing their habitual step count by 2000 steps per day and performing resistance training 3 times per week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and secondary measures of anthropometrics, blood biomarkers, physical fitness, and patient-reported quality of life outcomes pertinent to type 2 diabetes were measured at timepoints, i.e., baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks (follow-up). Intention-to-treat analyses revealed no significant alterations in the primary outcome (control: baseline = 8.71%, 12-weeks = 8.35%, and follow-up = 8.72%; home-based physical activity: baseline = 8.32%, 12-weeks = 8.06%, and follow-up = 8.39%) between trial arms. However, improvements in psychological wellbeing at follow-up measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were significantly greater in the home-based physical activity group (baseline = 6.84, 12-weeks = 5.96, and follow-up = 5.00) compared to the control (baseline = 6.81, 12-weeks = 5.73, and follow-up = 8.53). No other statistically significant observations were observed. Home-based physical activity is not effective in mediating improvements in HbA1c levels or secondary hematological, blood pressure, anthropometric, or fitness indices. However, given the link between psychological wellbeing and the etiology/progression of disease activity in type 2 diabetes, home-based physical activity may be effective for tertiary disease management. Future trials should examine the efficacy of relative exercise intensities greater than those in the current study. Full article

Background: Effects of Tai Chi on people with peripheral neuropathy (PN) are not yet apparent. This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi on postural control in people with PN. Methods: Literature was screened in seven databases for relevant randomized controlled trials. The reports and methodological quality were evaluated. A meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.4 software. Results: Ten reports were included, involving a total of 344 subjects. The meta-analysis found that Tai Chi therapy for people with PN resulted in a smaller sway area, in the double-leg stance with eyes closed test (SMD = −2.43, I² = 0%), than that observed in the control group, greater distance covered in the six-minute walking test (SMD = −0.46, I² = 49%) and faster performance in the timed-up-and-go test (SMD = 0.68, I² = 50%), than the baseline. Conclusions: Tai chi effectively enhanced dynamic postural control in people with PN. However, no better effects on postural control from Tai Chi than from other rehabilitation approaches were observed in this study. Further high-quality trials are needed to better understand Tai Chi’s effects on individuals with PN. Full article