Search Results (352)

Hypertension contributes to brain dysfunction through apoptosis, oxidative stress, reduced neuronal connectivity, and neurotransmitter imbalance. Exercise training is a non-pharmacological strategy known to modulate these molecular alterations. This study investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on transcriptomic changes in the cerebral cortex of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Rats were assigned to either a HIIT intervention group (HIIT-HFD-SHR) or a sedentary control group (HFD-SHR). Cortical RNA was extracted, sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform, and analyzed with DESeq2. Functional enrichment was conducted using Metascape. RNA-seq identified 1223 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (adjusted p < 0.05), with 51 remaining significant under stringent criteria (adjusted p < 0.001, |log₂FC| > 0.5). Among these, eight key genes were closely associated with the regulation of apoptosis and autophagy, including seven downregulated (Egr1, Atf3, Tgm2, Lgals1, Nr4a1, Plekhf1, Nupr1) and one upregulated (Trim39). This transcriptomic analysis following HIIT also modulated circadian rhythm, long-term memory processes, and hypoxia response in the hypertensive brain. These findings indicate that HIIT decreases apoptosis and autophagy and improves circadian rhythm, long-term memory, and hypoxia in hypertensive rats’ brains. Full article

Acute kidney injury (AKI), a common complication of renal and cardiovascular procedures, induces systemic inflammation that can lead to secondary cardiac injury. This study examined whether prior high-intensity interval training (HIIT) could modulate biochemical and histological markers of cardiac injury following renal ischemia–reperfusion (I/R). Thirty male Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to Sham, Renal I/R, and HIIT groups; one rat in the I/R group and two in the HIIT group did not survive. Serum analyses included creatinine, CK, troponin I, LDH, and inflammatory cytokines. Renal injury was assessed using tubular and glomerular injury scores, and cardiac injury was evaluated by myocardial injury scoring, TUNEL staining, and expression of caspase-3, TNF-α, and Bax. Renal I/R induced renal dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and myocardial damage. Prior HIIT significantly reduced creatinine, CK, troponin I, LDH, inflammatory cytokines, and cardiac caspase-3 and TNF-α expression. Overall, HIIT provided partial protection against renal I/R-induced systemic and cardiac alterations, primarily by attenuating inflammation, and should be considered a potential—rather than definitive—preconditioning strategy requiring further investigation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patient preoperative cardiorespiratory physical fitness measured by maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) is highly relevant to postoperative outcomes, with low VO2max associated with a greater symptom burden and a greater prevalence of long-term treatment-related cardiovascular disease risk factors in patients undergoing surgery. A network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted to determine the effects of different components of prehabilitation, including exercise, nutrition, psychological intervention, and different combinations of the aforementioned interventions, on oxygen consumption in people undergoing major abdominal or cardiothoracic surgery. Methods: A literature search was conducted from inception to December 2025. Randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness of prehabilitation programmes on pre-surgery VO2max were included. The risk of bias was assessed via the Cochrane risk of bias (RoB 2.0) tool, and the quality of evidence was assessed via the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. Pairwise meta-analyses and NMAs were conducted for direct and indirect evidence. Results: Fourteen studies were included in this NMA. The highest effect (ES) for VO2max scores was for the exercise group versus the control group (ES: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.78). When exercise was categorized according to intensity, the highest effect was for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus the control (ES: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.97). Conclusions: Exercise HIIT should be considered the most effective strategy for improving exercise capacity in patients undergoing major abdominal or cardiothoracic surgery. Given the importance of VO2 as a predictor of morbidity, mortality, and the potential occurrence of adverse events after the procedure in surgical patients, it is essential to include its measurement in future studies to estimate both the risk of procedures and the effect of prehabilitation programmes. Full article

Background: Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a key biomarker of innate immunity and inflammation, associated with muscle mass, metabolic syndrome, and obesity-related indicators. However, its role in training adaptations remains unclear, with studies reporting inconsistent PTX3 responses to acute and chronic exercise. This study aimed to compare the effects of aerobic exercise, resistance training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and acute exercise on PTX3 levels. Methods: A systematic search using Boolean logic was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar to identify randomized controlled trials examining the effects of exercise training and acute exercise on PTX3 levels. Results: Out of 3434 records published from 1992 to July 2025, 19 studies met the eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis revealed that aerobic training significantly increased PTX3 levels (SMD = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.173 to 1.252; p = 0.01; I² = 83.14%), whereas resistance training significantly reduced them (SMD = −0.69; 95% CI, −1.025 to −0.370; p = 0.0001; I² = 17.52%). HIIT did not elicit a significant change (SMD = 0.086; 95% CI, −0.364 to 0.535; p = 0.70; I² = 0.00%). Notably, exercise training significantly elevated PTX3 in individuals over 50 years old (SMD = 1.124; 95% CI, 0.231 to 2.017; p = 0.014; I² = 87.97%) but not in younger participants (SMD = −0.156; 95% CI, −0.640 to 0.327; p = 0.526; I² = 78.80%). Conclusion: Aerobic and resistance exercise exert opposing effects on PTX3, suggesting distinct mechanisms through which different training modalities modulate inflammatory pathways relevant to muscle metabolism and repair. Acute exercise may also transiently elevate PTX3 to manage exercise-induced inflammation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) involves dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics. This review systematically integrates the specific mechanisms by which exercise modulates mitochondrial fusion, fission, and mass control in the liver within MASLD and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) models. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed and Web of Science identified 11 animal studies investigating exercise and mitochondrial dynamics markers. Results: MASLD generally exhibited a “pro-fission” phenotype. Exercise, particularly moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), reversed these alterations via “pro-fusion, anti-fission” effects and restored biogenesis and mitophagy. Crucially, effects appeared to be “modality-specific” and “intensity-dependent.” Current evidence suggests that reversing severe fission and restoring inner-membrane may require a specific “intensity threshold,” with voluntary wheel running showing limited efficacy in steatohepatitis. Notably, resistance exercise seemed to display a distinct profile, effectively curbing fission but diverging in fusion/biogenesis regulation. Conclusions: Synthesizing preclinical evidence, this review suggests that exercise ameliorates hepatic mitochondrial dysregulation in MASLD and appears to exhibit characteristics of “modality specificity” and “intensity dependence.” Specifically, an “intensity threshold” may be critical for profound structural remodeling, while resistance exercise exhibits a distinct regulatory profile. Future long-term clinical trials are warranted to validate these animal-derived findings and develop stage-specific “precision exercise prescriptions” for patients. Full article

The validity and accuracy of photoplethysmography (PPG)-based wearable heart rate (HR) monitors remain debatable. This study aimed to determine the concurrent validity of HR records from a wide range of contemporary PPG monitors across the full spectrum of exercise intensities and running conditions. Ten well-trained male endurance athletes performed several incremental maximal aerobic (IMA) tests and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions while wearing a Polar H9 chest strap, as the reference criterion; 16 PPG-based heart rate monitors were tested (Amazfit Fit5; Apple Ultra and SE; Garmin 35, 45, 235, and 935; Polar M200, M430, OH1, Vantage M, Vantage V, Vantage V3, and Verity Sense; Galaxy Watch 5, Suunto 3 Fitness). The results showed excellent ICC (>0.90) versus the reference device across IMA and HIIT tests. Overall, the ICC decreased, and magnitudes of error increased (BIAS, SEM, and CV) as the intensity increased. Moreover, lower ICC values and greater BIAS, SEM, and CV were observed during the HIIT compared to the IMA test. Nevertheless, notable differences between devices were observed in magnitude of errors, accuracy, data loss, and read failures. In conclusion, PPG-based HR monitor validity is device-dependent and therefore exercise data from running training and competitions should be interpreted with caution. Full article

Objectives: This study investigated whether CoQ10 supplementation enhances physical adaptations to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in muscular strength, power, and physical function in older adults. Method: In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 38 adults aged 65–75 were assigned to either a CoQ10 (Females: 8; Males: 11) or placebo (Females: 8; Males: 11) group and completed an 8-week supervised HIIT program. Lower- and upper-body strength (30s 5-repetition chair stand [5XSST], chair standing [30CST], handgrip strength [HGR/L]), balance (single-leg stand [SLS], timed up and go [TUG]), mobility (25-foot walk [25FW]), and aerobic endurance (6-minute walk [6MWT]) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results: The CoQ10 group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in 5XSST and 30CST compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Both groups showed significant within-group improvements in right and left handgrip strength, SLS, 6MWT, and TUG (all p < 0.001), with no significant between-group differences observed for these outcomes (p > 0.05). No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: While CoQ10 supplementation enhanced improvements in lower-body strength and power, as indicated by the greater gains in 5XSST and 30CST performance compared to the placebo, no between-group differences were observed in TUG, grip strength, or other functional outcomes. This suggests that the performance-related effects of CoQ10 may be more specific to muscular power output and fatigue resistance, rather than general mobility or balance-related tasks. These findings highlight the potential of CoQ10 as a targeted adjunct in exercise for supporting lower-body function and physical performance in older adults. Full article

Excess adiposity is associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation, which contribute to metabolic dysregulation. Both exercise training and bioactive plant-derived compounds have been explored as therapeutic strategies to mitigate these effects. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) root extract, rich in ecdysteroids such as 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This randomized controlled trial investigated the combined effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and asparagus root extract (ARE) supplementation on metabolic parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers, and white blood cell counts in overweight and obese adults. Seventy-two participants aged 18–30 years with a body mass index ≥ 23 kg/m² were randomly assigned to one of four groups: control (CON), ARE supplementation only (ARE), HIIT only (HIIT), and combined intervention (COM). The HIIT protocol comprised a modified Tabata regimen of progressive bodyweight intervals at 80–90% and 40–50% of maximal perceived exertion, performed three times per week for 12 weeks. Participants in the ARE and COM groups received a daily oral dose of ARE providing 1.71 ± 0.24 mg/kg/day of 20E. Compared with the CON group, the HIIT group showed significant reductions in total cholesterol (TC), the TC/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) ratio, and blood glucose levels, alongside significant increases in HDLC and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (all p < 0.05). The COM group demonstrated significant decreases in protein carbonyls and interleukin-6 levels and in the TC/HDLC ratio (all p < 0.05) as well as a significant increase in SOD activity (p = 0.002). The ARE group, meanwhile, exhibited significant increases in both SOD activity (p < 0.001) and malondialdehyde levels (p = 0.017). These findings suggest that combining HIIT with ARE supplementation produces synergistic improvements in oxidative and inflammatory status, whereas HIIT alone primarily enhances metabolic regulation in overweight and obese individuals. Full article

Purpose: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as a time-efficient alternative to traditional endurance training. This study investigated the molecular, systemic, and physiological adaptations induced by an 8-week HIIT program in national-level flatwater kayak athletes. Methods: Six trained male kayakers completed an 8-week HIIT intervention. Skeletal muscle biopsies and venous blood samples were collected before and after training to assess markers related to endocrine function, growth and remodeling, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Physiological and performance measures were evaluated using a maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) test and kayak ergometer trials. Results: HIIT elicited significant improvements across molecular, systemic, and performance parameters. Post-training analyses showed increased expression of IGF-1R, MMP-4, MMP-9, and TNF-α (p < 0.05), along with elevated serum testosterone concentrations (p < 0.05). Notable performance gains were observed in paddling speed at the second ventilatory threshold (PSVT2; p < 0.05) and in 1000 m (p < 0.01) and 200 m (p < 0.001) time-trial performances. Conclusions: An 8-week HIIT program effectively enhanced molecular signaling, systemic adaptation, and sport-specific performance in elite flatwater kayak athletes. The concurrent upregulation of anabolic, remodeling, and inflammatory pathways suggests that HIIT facilitates coordinated muscular and systemic adaptations beneficial for kayak performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Exercise supports physical and cognitive health through neurotrophin-mediated pathways, with irisin playing a key role in neuroprotection and synaptic plasticity. As adolescence represents a period of heightened neuroplasticity and metabolic adaptation, determining how different exercise modalities influence neurotrophic and cognitive responses is critical for health promotion in youth. This study aimed to compare the acute effects of low-intensity continuous training (LICT), short-interval high-intensity interval training (SI-HIIT), and long-interval HIIT (LI-HIIT) on circulating irisin levels and executive function in healthy late adolescent males. Methods: Eleven participants completed all conditions in a randomized crossover design with a 7-day washout. Venous blood samples and the Trail-Making Test, Parts A and B (TMT-A, TMT-B) were assessed pre- and postexercise, with continuous heart rate monitoring. Results: Post-exercise irisin levels were significantly greater in both HIIT protocols (SI-HIIT, p < 0.001; LI-HIIT, p < 0.038) than in the LICT protocol. Only the SI-HIIT group presented significantly shorter TMT-A (vs. LICT, p < 0.001; vs. LI-HIIT, p = 0.016) and TMT-B (vs. LICT, p < 0.001; vs. LI-HIIT, p < 0.001) completion times post-exercise. Conclusions: A single HIIT session elicited greater increases in circulating irisin and executive function compared with LICT. These findings highlight exercise intensity and interval structure as key factors for enhancing neurocognitive health, offering valuable insight for developing early-life training strategies to promote brain health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Relative age differences within the same school year may influence adolescents’ physiological adaptations to physical activity programs. While biological maturity (maturity offset, MO) is often considered a more relevant indicator than chronological age (CA), empirical evidence from school-based interventions remains limited. This study aimed to compare the predictive value of CA and MO in explaining health-related adaptations to an eight-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program delivered during physical education classes. Methods: A total of 256 adolescents (112 boys and 144 girls) participated in HIIT protocols integrated into regular lessons. Health-related outcomes included maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), body fat percentage (BFP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. Maturity offset (MO) was estimated using Moore’s method. Statistical analyses included MANOVA/ANOVA, linear regression, and dominance analysis, all stratified by sex. Results: Chronological age explained more variance in the studied outcomes than MO, particularly for BFP and VO₂max among girls. In boys, a significant CA × MO interaction predicted SBP, indicating interdependence between both age indicators. Dominance analysis confirmed the overall predominance of CA as a predictor across most outcomes. Conclusions: Chronological age proved to be a stronger predictor of adaptation to school-based HIIT than biological maturity, suggesting that calendar age better reflects cumulative behavioral and environmental influences. These findings highlight the need for age-sensitive and personalized approaches when designing physical education interventions to optimize health-related outcomes in adolescents. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of non-cancer mortality in cancer survivors. Exercise interventions are widely used to enhance cardiorespiratory fitness, typically assessed by VO₂peak, which predicts postoperative complications and poorer clinical outcomes. Prehabilitation provides an opportunity to optimize health. Given time constraints, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may represent a time-efficient strategy to improve fitness during prehabilitation. This meta-analysis examines the effects of HIIT-based prehabilitation versus usual care on VO₂peak in cancer patients. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in Cinahl, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from database inception to August 1, 2024 using terms related to cancer, prehabilitation, and HIIT. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed on studies assessing the effects of HIIT versus usual care on VO₂peak in adults with cancer undergoing prehabilitation. Seven studies comprising 352 participants (aged 56–73 years) with mixed cancer types were analyzed. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (v2) and the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT). The primary outcome was VO₂peak, analyzed using standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The meta-analysis demonstrated a small but statistically significant effect in favor of HIIT over UC (SMD = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.09–0.52, p < 0.01), with low between-study heterogeneity (I² = 10%). Conclusions: This meta-analysis shows that HIIT-based prehabilitation can improve cardiorespiratory fitness in cancer patients and may provide a clinically relevant, time-efficient strategy to optimize functional capacity before treatment. However, the included studies exhibited substantial clinical heterogeneity, and although all interventions were labeled as HIIT, exercise intensity was not assessed consistently across studies, underscoring the need for cancer-specific randomized controlled trials with standardized HIIT protocols and objective intensity verification. Full article

Objectives: We examined how opposing running slopes can modulate interval training effects on aerobic performance and reduction–oxidation (REDOX) determinants. Methods: Fourteen physically active volunteers, assigned to either the Uphill group (UG) or the Downhill group (DG), completed 16 workouts of ten 30-s runs, at either +10% or −10% grade, with a work-to-rest ratio of 1:2 at 90% of their Maximum Aerobic Speed (MAS) over 8 weeks. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max), MAS, Running Economy (RE), time to exhaustion at MAS (Tmax), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and blood lactate at rest, 5th, and 10th runs were evaluated pre-, mid-, and post-training. Also, REDOX markers [Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Protein Carbonyls (PCs) were assessed in blood samples taken at rest and 3 min post-exercise of the first and last workouts. Results: VO_2max was unchanged in both groups; in the DG, MAS increased (from 14.2 ± 1.7 to 15.0 ± 1.5 km/h, d = 0.43), and post-training RER significantly increased (from 1.06 ± 0.07 to 1.12 ± 0.03). In the last training session, blood lactate levels increased in the UG (from 9.30 ± 2.69 mmοl/L to 13.34 ± 4.64 mmοl/L) but remained low and unchanged in DG (<2 mmοl/L). Post-training, resting TAC decreased in both groups, and the exercise-induced rise in PC levels was attenuated. Conclusions: Despite the brief intervention, VO₂max levels were maintained in both groups, with divergent changes in metabolic, REDOX, and performance indicators; uphill HIIT may serve for enhancing lactate tolerance, while downhill intermittent running may improve running economy. Full article

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has gained attention for its potential to improve health outcomes across various conditions. Thus, the aim of the study was to summarize studies on HIIT to understand its effects on various health outcomes. We conducted an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched for relevant articles. The experimental group was subjected to HIIT with or without treatment, while the control group comprised individuals who underwent alternative forms of training or were non-exercisers. Included studies were systematically analyzed for effects of HIIT and cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, neurological, gastrointestinal, immunological, and survival-related outcomes. Of 336 identified systematic reviews, 133 were included in the final analysis. HIIT was found to confer significant physiological benefits, including improvements in body composition, cardiovascular and metabolic parameters, and mental health outcomes. Studies demonstrated the efficacy of HIIT across diverse patient populations, with comparable or superior effects to moderate-intensity continuous training in conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurological, oncologic, and pain-related disorders. Our review highlights the potential of HIIT as a time-efficient intervention for improving health outcomes and managing chronic diseases. However, interpretation of the results should be performed cautiously due to the heterogeneity observed. High-intensity interval training shows promise as an effective strategy for managing chronic diseases among diverse patient populations. Future research should focus on refining HIIT protocols and elucidating their long-term effects and sustainability. Full article

Background: Cancer treatments often reduce quality of life (QoL), and non-pharmacological options are limited. Supervised exercise shows promise, but its effectiveness across exercise types and patient subgroups is unclear. Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of supervised exercise on QoL in breast and prostate cancer patients, considering exercise type, duration, and patient characteristics. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis including 26 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and approximately 3500 participants was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, PEDro, SciELO, Cochrane, and Scopus were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2014 and 2024. Eligible studies involved adults with breast or prostate cancer undergoing supervised exercise versus usual care or unsupervised activity. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool, methodological quality with the PEDro scale, and certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach. Results: Supervised exercise was associated with significant improvements in QoL (SMD = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.22–0.70; p < 0.001), with considerable heterogeneity (I² = 91.5%). Combined programs had the greatest effect (SMD = 0.77), followed by high-intensity interval training (HIIT) (SMD = 0.30). Shorter interventions (≤12 weeks) yielded larger improvements. Effects were more consistent in women with breast cancer. Overall, the certainty of the evidence was low. Conclusions: Supervised therapeutic exercise is associated with significant improvements in QoL in breast and prostate cancer patients. Combined and well-structured programs, particularly of short duration, appear especially beneficial. These findings support the integration of supervised exercise into standard oncological care. Further research should explore long-term sustainability and optimize interventions for specific patient profiles. Full article