@article{BrandNosratSpaethetal.2022, author = {Brand, Ralf and Nosrat, Sanaz and Sp{\"a}th, Constantin and Timme, Sinika}, title = {Using COVID-19 Pandemic as a Prism: A Systematic Review of Methodological Approaches and the Quality of Empirical Studies on Physical Activity Behavior Change}, series = {Frontiers in Sports and Active Living}, volume = {4}, journal = {Frontiers in Sports and Active Living}, publisher = {Frontiers}, address = {Lausanne, Schweiz}, issn = {2624-9367}, doi = {10.3389/fspor.2022.864468}, pages = {1 -- 17}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of scientific endeavors. The goal of this systematic review is to evaluate the quality of the research on physical activity (PA) behavior change and its potential to contribute to policy-making processes in the early days of COVID-19 related restrictions. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of methodological quality of current research according to PRISMA guidelines using Pubmed and Web of Science, of articles on PA behavior change that were published within 365 days after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Items from the JBI checklist and the AXIS tool were used for additional risk of bias assessment. Evidence mapping is used for better visualization of the main results. Conclusions about the significance of published articles are based on hypotheses on PA behavior change in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Among the 1,903 identified articles, there were 36\% opinion pieces, 53\% empirical studies, and 9\% reviews. Of the 332 studies included in the systematic review, 213 used self-report measures to recollect prepandemic behavior in often small convenience samples. Most focused changes in PA volume, whereas changes in PA types were rarely measured. The majority had methodological reporting flaws. Few had very large samples with objective measures using repeated measure design (pre and during the pandemic). In addition to the expected decline in PA duration, these studies show that many of those who were active prepandemic, continued to be active during the pandemic. Conclusions: Research responded quickly at the onset of the pandemic. However, most of the studies lacked robust methodology, and PA behavior change data lacked the accuracy needed to guide policy makers. To improve the field, we propose the implementation of longitudinal cohort studies by larger organizations such as WHO to ease access to data on PA behavior, and suggest those institutions set clear standards for this research. Researchers need to ensure a better fit between the measurement method and the construct being measured, and use both objective and subjective measures where appropriate to complement each other and provide a comprehensive picture of PA behavior.}, language = {en} } @article{PerezChaparroKangasZechetal.2022, author = {P{\´e}rez Chaparro, Camilo Germ{\´a}n Alberto and Kangas, Maria and Zech, Philipp and Schuch, Felipe B. and Rapp, Michael A. and Heißel, Andreas}, title = {Recreational exercise is associated with lower prevalence of depression and anxiety and better quality of life in German people living with HIV}, series = {AIDS care : psychological and socio-medical aspects of AIDS/HIV}, volume = {34}, journal = {AIDS care : psychological and socio-medical aspects of AIDS/HIV}, number = {2}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis Group}, address = {London [u.a.]}, issn = {1360-0451}, doi = {10.1080/09540121.2021.1889951}, pages = {182 -- 187}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Sedentarism is a risk factor for depression and anxiety. People living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) have a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression compared to HIV-negative individuals. This cross-sectional study (n = 450, median age 44 (19-75), 7.3\% females) evaluates the prevalence rates and prevalence ratio (PR) of anxiety and/or depression in PLWH associated with recreational exercise. A decreased likelihood of having anxiety (PR=0.57; 0.36-0.91; p = 0.01), depression (PR=0.41; 0.36-0.94; p=0.01), and comorbid anxiety and depression (PR = 0,43; 0.24-0.75; p=0.002) was found in exercising compared to non-exercising PLWH. Recreational exercise is associated with a lower risk for anxiety and/or depression. Further prospective studies are needed to provide insights on the direction of this association.}, language = {en} } @article{SinghKushwahSinghetal.2022, author = {Singh, Gaurav and Kushwah, Gaurav Singh and Singh, Tanvi and Thapa, Rohit Kumar and Granacher, Urs and Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo}, title = {Effects of sand-based plyometric-jump training in combination with endurance running on outdoor or treadmill surface on physical fitness in young adult males}, series = {Journal of sports science \& medicine}, volume = {21}, journal = {Journal of sports science \& medicine}, number = {2}, publisher = {Department of Sports Medicine, Medical Faculty of Uludag University}, address = {Bursa}, issn = {1303-2968}, doi = {10.52082/jssm.2022.277}, pages = {277 -- 286}, year = {2022}, abstract = {This study aimed at examining the effects of nine weeks of sand-based plyometric jump training (PJT) combined with endurance running on either outdoor or treadmill surface on measures of physical fitness. Male participants (age, 20.1 +/- 1.7 years) were randomly assigned to a sand-based PJT combined with endurance running on outdoor surface (OT, n = 25) or treadmill surface (TT, n = 25). The endurance miming intervention comprised a mixed training method, i.e., long slow distance, tempo, and interval running drills. A control group was additionally included in this study (CG, n = 25). Participants in CG followed their regular physical activity as OT and TT but did not receive any specific intervention. Individuals were assessed for their 50-m linear sprint time, standing long jump (SLJ) distance, cardiorespiratory fitness (i.e., Cooper test), forced vital capacity (FVC), calf girth, and resting heart rate (RHR). A three (groups: OT, TT, CG) by two (time: pre, post) ANOVA for repeated measures was used to analyze the exercise-specific effects. In case of significant group-by-time interactions, Bonferroni adjusted paired (within-group) and independent (between-group comparisons at post) t-tests were used for post-hoc analyses. Significant group-by-time interactions were found for all dependent variables (p < 0.001 - 0.002, eta(2)(p) = 0.16 - 0.78). Group-specific post-hoc tests showed improvements for all variables after OT (p < 0.001, Hedges'g effect size [g] = 0.05 - 1.94) and TT (p < 0.001, g = 0.04 - 2.73), but not in the CG (p = 0.058 - 1.000, g = 0.00 - 0.34). Compared to CG, OT showed larger SLJ (p = 0.001), cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.004), FVC (p = 0.008), and RHR (p < 0.001) improvements. TT showed larger improvements in SLJ (p = 0.036), cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001), and RHR (p < 0.001) compared with CG. Compared to OT, TT showed larger improvements for SLJ (p = 0.018). In conclusion, sand-based PJT combined with either OT or TT similarly improved most measures of physical fitness, with greater SLJ improvement after TT. Coaches may use both concurrent exercise regimes based on preferences and logistical constrains (e.g., weather; access to treadmill equipment).}, language = {en} } @article{RamirezCampilloMoranOliveretal.2022, author = {Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo and Moran, Jason and Oliver, Jonathan L. and Pedley, Jason S. and Lloyd, Rhodri S. and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Programming Plyometric-Jump Training in Soccer: A Review}, series = {Sports}, volume = {10}, journal = {Sports}, edition = {6}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel, Schweiz}, issn = {2075-4663}, doi = {10.3390/sports10060094}, pages = {1 -- 20}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The aim of this review was to describe and summarize the scientific literature on programming parameters related to jump or plyometric training in male and female soccer players of different ages and fitness levels. A literature search was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus using keywords related to the main topic of this study (e.g., "ballistic" and "plyometric"). According to the PICOS framework, the population for the review was restricted to soccer players, involved in jump or plyometric training. Among 7556 identified studies, 90 were eligible for inclusion. Only 12 studies were found for females. Most studies (n = 52) were conducted with youth male players. Moreover, only 35 studies determined the effectiveness of a given jump training programming factor. Based on the limited available research, it seems that a dose of 7 weeks (1-2 sessions per week), with ~80 jumps (specific of combined types) per session, using near-maximal or maximal intensity, with adequate recovery between repetitions (<15 s), sets (≥30 s) and sessions (≥24-48 h), using progressive overload and taper strategies, using appropriate surfaces (e.g., grass), and applied in a well-rested state, when combined with other training methods, would increase the outcome of effective and safe plyometric-jump training interventions aimed at improving soccer players physical fitness. In conclusion, jump training is an effective and easy-to-administer training approach for youth, adult, male and female soccer players. However, optimal programming for plyometric-jump training in soccer is yet to be determined in future research.}, language = {en} } @article{DelfanJuybariGorganiFiruzjaeeetal.2022, author = {Delfan, Maryam and Juybari, Raheleh Amadeh and Gorgani-Firuzjaee, Sattar and Nielsen, Jens H{\o}iriis and Delfan, Neda and Laher, Ismail and Saeidi, Ayoub and Granacher, Urs and Zouhal, Hassane}, title = {High-Intensity Interval Training Improves Cardiac Function by miR-206 Dependent HSP60 Induction in Diabetic Rats}, series = {Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine}, publisher = {Frontiers}, address = {Lausanne, Schweiz}, issn = {2297-055X}, doi = {10.3389/fcvm.2022.927956}, pages = {1 -- 11}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Objective: A role for microRNAs is implicated in several biological and pathological processes. We investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on molecular markers of diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats. Methods: Eighteen male Wistar rats (260 ± 10 g; aged 8 weeks) with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (55 mg/kg, IP) were randomly allocated to three groups: control, MICT, and HIIT. The two different training protocols were performed 5 days each week for 5 weeks. Cardiac performance (end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions, ejection fraction), the expression of miR-206, HSP60, and markers of apoptosis (cleaved PARP and cytochrome C) were determined at the end of the exercise interventions. Results: Both exercise interventions (HIIT and MICT) decreased blood glucose levels and improved cardiac performance, with greater changes in the HIIT group (p < 0.001, η2: 0.909). While the expressions of miR-206 and apoptotic markers decreased in both training protocols (p < 0.001, η2: 0.967), HIIT caused greater reductions in apoptotic markers and produced a 20\% greater reduction in miR-206 compared with the MICT protocol (p < 0.001). Furthermore, both training protocols enhanced the expression of HSP60 (p < 0.001, η2: 0.976), with a nearly 50\% greater increase in the HIIT group compared with MICT. Conclusions: Our results indicate that both exercise protocols, HIIT and MICT, have the potential to reduce diabetic cardiomyopathy by modifying the expression of miR-206 and its downstream targets of apoptosis. It seems however that HIIT is even more effective than MICT to modulate these molecular markers.}, language = {en} } @article{DelfanJuybariGorganiFiruzjaeeetal.2022, author = {Delfan, Maryam and Juybari, Raheleh Amadeh and Gorgani-Firuzjaee, Sattar and H{\o}iriis Nielsen, Jens and Delfan, Neda and Laher, Ismail and Saeidi, Ayoub and Granacher, Urs and Zouhal, Hassane}, title = {High-intensity interval training improves cardiac function by miR-206 dependent HSP60 induction in diabetic rats}, series = {Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {2297-055X}, doi = {10.3389/fcvm.2022.927956}, pages = {11}, year = {2022}, abstract = {ObjectiveA role for microRNAs is implicated in several biological and pathological processes. We investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on molecular markers of diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats. MethodsEighteen male Wistar rats (260 +/- 10 g; aged 8 weeks) with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (55 mg/kg, IP) were randomly allocated to three groups: control, MICT, and HIIT. The two different training protocols were performed 5 days each week for 5 weeks. Cardiac performance (end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions, ejection fraction), the expression of miR-206, HSP60, and markers of apoptosis (cleaved PARP and cytochrome C) were determined at the end of the exercise interventions. ResultsBoth exercise interventions (HIIT and MICT) decreased blood glucose levels and improved cardiac performance, with greater changes in the HIIT group (p < 0.001, eta(2): 0.909). While the expressions of miR-206 and apoptotic markers decreased in both training protocols (p < 0.001, eta(2): 0.967), HIIT caused greater reductions in apoptotic markers and produced a 20\% greater reduction in miR-206 compared with the MICT protocol (p < 0.001). Furthermore, both training protocols enhanced the expression of HSP60 (p < 0.001, eta(2): 0.976), with a nearly 50\% greater increase in the HIIT group compared with MICT. ConclusionsOur results indicate that both exercise protocols, HIIT and MICT, have the potential to reduce diabetic cardiomyopathy by modifying the expression of miR-206 and its downstream targets of apoptosis. It seems however that HIIT is even more effective than MICT to modulate these molecular markers.}, language = {en} } @article{MuellerMuellerStolletal.2022, author = {Mueller, Steffen and Mueller, Juliane and Stoll, Josefine and Mayer, Frank}, title = {Effect of six-week resistance and sensorimotor training on trunk strength and stability in elite adolescent athletes}, series = {Frontiers in physiology}, volume = {13}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2022.802315}, pages = {10}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Intervention in the form of core-specific stability exercises is evident to improve trunk stability. The purpose was to assess the effect of an additional 6 weeks sensorimotor or resistance training on maximum isokinetic trunk strength and response to sudden dynamic trunk loading (STL) in highly trained adolescent athletes. The study was conducted as a single-blind, 3-armed randomized controlled trial. Twenty-four adolescent athletes (14f/10 m, 16 +/- 1 yrs.;178 +/- 10 cm; 67 +/- 11 kg; training sessions/week 15 +/- 5; training h/week 22 +/- 8) were randomized into resistance training (RT; n = 7), sensorimotor training (SMT; n = 10), and control group (CG; n = 7). Athletes were instructed to perform standardized, center-based training for 6 weeks, two times per week, with a duration of 1 h each session. SMT consisted of four different core-specific sensorimotor exercises using instable surfaces. RT consisted of four trunk strength exercises using strength training machines, as well as an isokinetic dynamometer. All participants in the CG received an unspecific heart frequency controlled, ergometer-based endurance training (50 min at max. heart frequency of 130HF). For each athlete, each training session was documented in an individual training diary (e.g., level of SMT exercise; 1RM for strength exercise, pain). At baseline (M1) and after 6 weeks of intervention (M2), participants' maximum strength in trunk rotation (ROM:63 degrees) and flexion/extension (ROM:55 degrees) was tested on an isokinetic dynamometer (concentric/eccentric 30 degrees/s). STL was assessed in eccentric (30 degrees/s) mode with additional dynamometer-induced perturbation as a marker of core stability. Peak torque [Nm] was calculated as the main outcome. The primary outcome measurements (trunk rotation/extension peak torque: con, ecc, STL) were statistically analyzed by means of the two-factor repeated measures analysis of variance (alpha = 0.05). Out of 12 possible sessions, athletes participated between 8 and 9 sessions (SMT: 9 +/- 3; RT: 8 +/- 3; CG: 8 +/- 4). Regarding main outcomes of trunk performance, experimental groups showed no significant pre-post difference for maximum trunk strength testing as well as for perturbation compensation (p > 0.05). It is concluded, that future interventions should exceed 6 weeks duration with at least 2 sessions per week to induce enhanced trunk strength or compensatory response to sudden, high-intensity trunk loading in already highly trained adolescent athletes, regardless of training regime.}, language = {en} } @article{RamachandranSinghRamirezCampilloetal.2021, author = {Ramachandran, Akhilesh Kumar and Singh, Utkarsh and Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo and Clemente, Filipe Manuel and Afonso, Jos{\´e} and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Effects of Plyometric Jump Training on Balance Performance in Healthy Participants: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis / Effects of plyometric-jump training on balance performance in healthy individuals across the lifespan: A systematic review with meta-analysisist}, series = {Frontiers in Physiology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in Physiology}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-042X}, pages = {22}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Postural balance represents a fundamental movement skill for the successful performance of everyday and sport-related activities. There is ample evidence on the effectiveness of balance training on balance performance in athletic and non-athletic population. However, less is known on potential transfer effects of other training types, such as plyometric jump training (PJT) on measures of balance. Given that PJT is a highly dynamic exercise mode with various forms of jump-landing tasks, high levels of postural control are needed to successfully perform PJT exercises. Accordingly, PJT has the potential to not only improve measures of muscle strength and power but also balance. To systematically review and synthetize evidence from randomized and non-randomized controlled trials regarding the effects of PJT on measures of balance in apparently healthy participants. Systematic literature searches were performed in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS. A PICOS approach was applied to define inclusion criteria, (i) apparently healthy participants, with no restrictions on their fitness level, sex, or age, (ii) a PJT program, (iii) active controls (any sport-related activity) or specific active controls (a specific exercise type such as balance training), (iv) assessment of dynamic, static balance pre- and post-PJT, (v) randomized controlled trials and controlled trials. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. This meta-analysis was computed using the inverse variance random-effects model. The significance level was set at p <0.05. The initial search retrieved 8,251 plus 23 records identified through other sources. Forty-two articles met our inclusion criteria for qualitative and 38 for quantitative analysis (1,806 participants [990 males, 816 females], age range 9-63 years). PJT interventions lasted between 4 and 36 weeks. The median PEDro score was 6 and no study had low methodological quality (≤3). The analysis revealed significant small effects of PJT on overall (dynamic and static) balance (ES = 0.46; 95\% CI = 0.32-0.61; p < 0.001), dynamic (e.g., Y-balance test) balance (ES = 0.50; 95\% CI = 0.30-0.71; p < 0.001), and static (e.g., flamingo balance test) balance (ES = 0.49; 95\% CI = 0.31-0.67; p < 0.001). The moderator analyses revealed that sex and/or age did not moderate balance performance outcomes. When PJT was compared to specific active controls (i.e., participants undergoing balance training, whole body vibration training, resistance training), both PJT and alternative training methods showed similar effects on overall (dynamic and static) balance (p = 0.534). Specifically, when PJT was compared to balance training, both training types showed similar effects on overall (dynamic and static) balance (p = 0.514). Conclusion: Compared to active controls, PJT showed small effects on overall balance, dynamic and static balance. Additionally, PJT produced similar balance improvements compared to other training types (i.e., balance training). Although PJT is widely used in athletic and recreational sport settings to improve athletes' physical fitness (e.g., jumping; sprinting), our systematic review with meta-analysis is novel in as much as it indicates that PJT also improves balance performance. The observed PJT-related balance enhancements were irrespective of sex and participants' age. Therefore, PJT appears to be an adequate training regime to improve balance in both, athletic and recreational settings.}, language = {en} } @article{JohannKleinertKlaus2021, author = {Johann, Kornelia and Kleinert, Maximilian and Klaus, Susanne}, title = {The role of GDF15 as a myomitokine}, series = {Cells}, volume = {10}, journal = {Cells}, number = {11}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2073-4409}, doi = {10.3390/cells10112990}, pages = {16}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a cytokine best known for affecting systemic energy metabolism through its anorectic action. GDF15 expression and secretion from various organs and tissues is induced in different physiological and pathophysiological states, often linked to mitochondrial stress, leading to highly variable circulating GDF15 levels. In skeletal muscle and the heart, the basal expression of GDF15 is very low compared to other organs, but GDF15 expression and secretion can be induced in various stress conditions, such as intense exercise and acute myocardial infarction, respectively. GDF15 is thus considered as a myokine and cardiokine. GFRAL, the exclusive receptor for GDF15, is expressed in hindbrain neurons and activation of the GDF15-GFRAL pathway is linked to an increased sympathetic outflow and possibly an activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) stress axis. There is also evidence for peripheral, direct effects of GDF15 on adipose tissue lipolysis and possible autocrine cardiac effects. Metabolic and behavioral outcomes of GDF15 signaling can be beneficial or detrimental, likely depending on the magnitude and duration of the GDF15 signal. This is especially apparent for GDF15 production in muscle, which can be induced both by exercise and by muscle disease states such as sarcopenia and mitochondrial myopathy.}, language = {en} } @article{HortobagyiDeakFarkasetal.2021, author = {Hortobagyi, Tibor and Deak, Dorina and Farkas, Dora and Blenyesi, Eszter and Torok, Katalin and Granacher, Urs and Tollar, Jozsef}, title = {Effects of exercise dose and detraining duration on mobility at late midlife}, series = {Gerontology}, volume = {67}, journal = {Gerontology}, number = {4}, publisher = {Karger}, address = {Basel}, issn = {0304-324X}, doi = {10.1159/000513505}, pages = {403 -- 414}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background: Office workers near retirement tend to be sedentary and can be prone to mobility limitations and diseases. We examined the dose effects of exergaming volume and duration of detraining on motor and cognitive function in office workers at late midlife to reduce sedentariness and mobility limitations. Methods: In an assessor-blinded randomized trial, 160 workers aged 55-65 years performed physically active video games in a nonimmersive form of virtual reality (exergaming) in small, supervised groups for 1 h, 1x, 2x, or 3x/week for 8 weeks followed by detraining for 8 and 16 weeks. Exergaming comprises high-intensity, full-body sensorimotor coordination, balance, endurance, and strengthening exercises. The primary outcome was the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and secondary outcomes were body mass, self-reported physical activity, sleep quality, Berg Balance Scale, Short Physical Performance Battery, fast gait speed, dynamic balance, heart rate recovery after step test, and 6 cognitive tests. Results: The 3 groups were not different in any of the outcomes at baseline (all p > 0.05). The outcomes were stable and had acceptable reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients >= 0.334) over an 8-week control period. Training produced an inverted U-shaped dose response of no (1x), most (2x), and medium (3x/week) effects of exergaming volume in most motor and selected cognitive outcomes. The distance walked in the 6MWT (primary outcome) increased most (94 m, 19\%, p < 0.05), medium (57 m, 12\%, p < 0.05), and least (4 m, 1\%) after exergaming 2x, 3x, or 0x (control) (all different p < 0.05). The highest responders tended to retain the exercise effects over 8 weeks of detraining, independent of training volume. This maintenance effect was less consistent after 16 weeks of detraining. Conclusion: Less was more during training and lasted longer after detraining. A medium dose volume of exergaming produced the largest clinically meaningful improvements in mobility and selected cognitive tests in 60-year-old office workers with mild mobility limitations and intact cognition.}, language = {en} }