Search Results (859)

Cognitive frailty (CF), characterized by concurrent cognitive and motor decline, is a major challenge to healthy aging, yet effective interventions remain limited. Klotho, an anti-aging protein that declines with age, has been implicated in both hippocampal function and skeletal muscle homeostasis. In this study, we investigated whether aerobic exercise combined with multisensory stimulation training (CT) ameliorates age-related CF through systemic Klotho signaling. A 16-month-old mouse model of age-related CF was assigned to aerobic training, multisensory stimulation, or combined training, and behavioral, electrophysiological, histological, and molecular assessments were performed. To examine the mechanistic role of Klotho, dual-route shRNA delivery was used to inhibit systemic Klotho expression. CT significantly improved cognitive and motor performance compared with either intervention alone. CT also increased hippocampal dendritic spine density and long-term potentiation, reduced collagen deposition in gastrocnemius muscle, and upregulated Klotho, FGF19, and FGFR1 expression in both hippocampus and muscle, accompanied by elevated serum Klotho levels. Klotho knockdown attenuated these beneficial effects, reduced PSD95 and GluN2B expression, and increased MuRF3 and TNF-α levels. These findings suggest that CT alleviates cognitive frailty and that systemic Klotho is a key mediator linking hippocampal synaptic function and skeletal muscle homeostasis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aging is closely associated with sarcopenia, which has a significant impact on muscle mass and its function. Protein supplementation (PS) brings benefits such as lean mass and strength gains during exercise training. This paper determined the optimal regimen among the composites of variate protein sources and training modalities for older individuals. Methods: We comprehensively searched the electronic databases, namely MEDLINE Complete, PEDro, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, from its inception until December 2025. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effectiveness of any type of PS combined with one of three exercise types—resistance, aerobic, or multicomponent training—in untrained older adults. The main outcomes used to identify sarcopenia were assessed, including lean mass, handgrip and leg strength, and physical mobility measures. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed by a frequentist method using random-effects models. The estimated treatment effect was expressed as the standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Any potential factor moderating the treatment effect was determined by the meta-regression analyses, including participant characteristics and methodological factors. Certainty of evidence (CoE) was assessed by the GRADE framework. Results: In total, we included 235 RCTs (20,980 participants) for analyses. A total of 10 protein sources (whey, soy, casein, milk, and the others) were identified, corresponding to 24 monotherapy and combined regimens of PS and exercise. Among the treatment arms, whey plus resistance training was ranked as the most effective treatment for muscle mass (large SMD, 1.29; CoE, moderate) and leg strength (large SMD, 1.16; CoE, moderate); additionally, whey plus multicomponent exercise training achieved the most promising effects on such sarcopenia-related physical indicators such as chair rise (large effect, SMD = 1.09; CoE: high), timed up and go (medium SMD, 0.70; CoE, high), and global mobility score (large SMD, 1.02; CoE, high). Conclusions: The treatment efficacy appears to be moderated by the participant’s conditions, PS resource, and PS dose, particularly the outcome of muscle mass and strength. The present NMA results indicate that whey protein incorporated with resistance training is the optimal program to help combat sarcopenia in older adults. Full article

Background: Long-term methamphetamine use disrupts brain function and impairs cognition. Currently, there is a lack of effective treatments for cognitive dysfunction in this population. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different exercise interventions on cognitive function and brain activation in methamphetamine-dependent individuals and to explore the potential neural mechanisms underlying cognitive improvement. Methods: In this randomized, assessor-blind, controlled study, 162 male methamphetamine-dependent individuals in compulsory isolation were randomly assigned to one of four groups: traditional regimen training (TR, n = 41), aerobic exercise (AE, n = 40), multimodal cognitive exercise training (MC, n = 40), and a control group (MA, n = 41). All participants completed an 8-week intervention. Cognitive function was assessed before and after the intervention using the Stroop task, while fNIRS was used to measure task-related hemodynamic responses. In addition, the Memory and Executive Screening (MES) and choice reaction time tests were used to evaluate cognitive and psychomotor performance. Results: After 8 weeks, traditional regimen training (p = 0.006), aerobic exercise (p = 0.024), and multimodal cognitive exercise training (p < 0.001) all significantly improved Stroop task accuracy. Aerobic exercise significantly increased activation in L-DLPFC (p = 0.044), R-DLPFC (p = 0.036), and L-FPA (p = 0.038), improved MES-T scores (p < 0.001) and shortened choice reaction time (p < 0.001). Traditional regimen training increased L-DLPFC activation (p = 0.026), improved MES-T scores (p < 0.001), and shortened choice reaction time (p < 0.001). Multimodal cognitive exercise training increased activation in L-DLPFC (p = 0.006), R-DLPFC (p = 0.014), and L-FPA (p = 0.002), improved MES-T scores (p < 0.001) and shortened choice reaction time (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Cognitive impairment in methamphetamine-dependent individuals may be associated with reduced prefrontal functional activity. Different exercise modalities produced different patterns of cognitive improvement and brain activation, with multimodal cognitive exercise training showing the largest overall benefit. Full article

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of pathologies (obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension) that affects over one quarter of old adults. MetS is a condition that markedly increases the susceptibility of various organs to dysfunctionality and is associated with the development of oxidative stress. The existing guidelines point out that exercise is highly advantageous for patients with MetS. However, there is a need for specific guidance and clinical evidence. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a moderate aerobic exercise program on older women without and with MetS. Methods: A total of 120 women aged 60–70 years old were recruited and divided into two groups: healthy old women (HOW, N = 60) and old women with MetS (OW-MetS, N = 60). Anthropometric values, biochemical parameters and markers of oxidative damage were evaluated before and after moderate aerobic exercise. Exercise was performed five days per week for three months (64 sessions). Each exercise session consisted of 40 min and included the following: (a) five minutes of warm-up exercise; (b) ten minutes of flexibility exercise with resistance using own weight and coordination; (c) twenty minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (heart rate max between 60% and 70%); and (d) five minutes to cool down/stretching with respiratory techniques. Results: A significant decrease in anthropometric variables was generated by the exercise program [waist circumference 4.35 cm (p < 0.05) in OW-MetS, body fat −1.55, −1.39% (p < 0.05) and muscle mass 0.8, 1.1% (p < 0.05) in HOW and OW-MetS, respectively]. The exercise program resulted in beneficial changes in all biochemical parameters in both groups. Importantly, HOMA values showed a significant decline of −0.85 and −6.17 in HOW and OW-MetS, respectively. Furthermore, oxidative stress was present in the OW-MetS group, which was reduced by the exercise program, resulting in a decrease in protein damage [formazan 45% and 42% in HOW and OW-MetS respectively] and an increase in antioxidant defenses (thiol groups 36%, 99% and GPx 55%, 20% in HOW and OW-MetS, respectively). Conclusions: The data of this study show that moderate aerobic exercise may be potentially useful in treating and preventing MetS in older patients. Full article

Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by fluctuating skeletal muscle weakness and fatigue, leading to reduced functional independence and impaired quality of life (QoL). Although exercise has historically been discouraged due to concerns about symptom exacerbation, emerging evidence suggest that structured exercise programs may be safe and beneficial in clinically stable patients. This systematic review critically evaluates current evidence on exercise and physical activity interventions in MG, focusing on effectiveness, safety, and impact on functional outcomes, fatigue, and QoL. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus and ScienceDirect for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Keywords included MG, physical activity, aerobic training, resistance training, and respiratory muscle training. Methodological quality was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. Results: Eight controlled studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing aerobic, resistance, combined, and respiratory muscle training interventions. Sample sizes ranged from small pilot studies to moderate-size randomized controlled trials. Overall, exercise interventions were well tolerated, with no evidence of sustained symptoms exacerbation. Aerobic and combined programs consistently improved functional capacity, muscle strength, and activities of daily living. Respiratory muscle training demonstrated improvements in pulmonary function and inspiratory muscle strength, although findings were more heterogeneous. Study quality ranged from poor to excellent, with common limitations including small sample size, short follow-up duration, and heterogeneity in exercise programs. Conclusions: Current evidence supports the safety and potential efficacy of individualized, symptom-guided exercise interventions in clinically stable MG. Regular physical activity exercise may reduce secondary deconditioning, improve functional outcomes, and enhance QoL. However, larger, high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized programs and longer follow-up periods are required to strengthen clinical recommendations and clarify long-term effects. Full article

Objective: Seaweed and microalgae provide antioxidants, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and bioactive compounds that may enhance exercise performance and accelerate recovery. However, evidence remains inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of algae-derived supplementation on exercise performance and physiological recovery outcomes in healthy and athletic adults. Methods: This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251166723) and conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, and CNKI were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating algae supplementation in exercise contexts. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined based on the PICOS framework. Primary outcomes included VO₂max, Time to exhaustion (TTE), maximal power output (WRmax), Time-Trial (TT) performance, and creatine kinase (CK). Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses were performed. Results: Twenty-two RCTs (n = 822) investigating Spirulina, Chlorella, brown-algal polysaccharides, or astaxanthin met inclusion criteria. Algae supplementation showed a suggestive improvement in VO₂max (SMD = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.00–1.75) and significantly improved in TTE (SMD = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.16–1.96), with smaller effects on WRmax (SMD = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.03–0.55), and no significant benefit for TT performance (SMD = −0.27, 95% CI: −0.74 to 0.21). Regarding recovery, CK concentrations were significantly reduced (SMD = −0.78, 95% CI: −1.28 to −0.28). Subgroup analysis suggested greater effects for Chlorella supplementation, higher dosages, and aerobic training contexts; reductions in muscle-damage markers were more evident following resistance exercise. Sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of the main findings with minimal evidence of publication bias. Conclusions: Algae-derived supplements—particularly Spirulina and Chlorella—may modestly enhance aerobic exercise performance and attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage under certain conditions. Effects appear to depend on algae species, dosing strategies, intervention duration, and training modality. High-quality, multi-center RCTs incorporating mechanistic endpoints are needed to clarify optimal application and to develop athlete-specific recommendations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Masters athletes are adults aged ≥40 who compete in sport, exhibiting superior physical function and healthier aging than their sedentary peers. However, even highly trained masters athletes experience age-related performance declines. Women masters athletes represent a growing yet understudied population who may face unique physiological challenges. This scoping review synthesizes literature from 1984 to 2024, examining the impact of age and menopause on determinants of endurance performance in women masters athletes. Methods: Following JBI scoping review methodology, six databases were searched (Medline, Embase, Central, CINAHL, SPORTdiscus, Scopus). Studies were evaluated for population characteristics, methodological approaches, and physiological determinants of performance (i.e., aerobic capacity, lactate kinetics, and exercise economy). Results: Twenty-nine studies were included. Most (n = 28) assessed aerobic capacity, reporting declines between 0.36 and 0.84 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹·year⁻¹ (0.5–2.4%·year⁻¹). These reductions were primarily associated with decreased cardiac output followed by changes in body composition. Training volume emerged as a predictor of aerobic capacity, but the effects of menopause were unclear. Findings on lactate kinetics and exercise economy were mixed but preliminary research indicated that lactate threshold relative to VO₂max generally increased, peak lactate remained stable and energy cost increased with age. Fitness and health characteristics among women athletes differed from sedentary populations, emphasizing the need for athlete-specific data to support training and health decisions. Conclusions: Aging is associated with decreased aerobic capacity and variable changes in lactate kinetics and exercise economy. While training volume may attenuate performance decrements, the impact of menopause remains uncertain, underscoring the need for longitudinal research to better support this growing segment of the population. Full article

Background: Small-sided games (SSG) and running-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are commonly used in soccer conditioning to improve aerobic fitness and performance. Although both modalities induce high cardiovascular stress, their acute neuromuscular, perceptual, and cognitive responses remain incompletely understood when examined within the same cohort. This study compared the acute physical, psychophysiological, and cognitive responses to SSG and Tabata-type HIIT in amateur male soccer players. Methods: Thirty-two male amateur players (n = 32; age: 20.53 ± 1.65 years) completed a counterbalanced within-subject crossover design. Participants performed a 4v4 SSG protocol and a running-based Tabata-HIIT protocol (8 × 20 s, 10 s recovery) on separate days (48 h apart). Countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), 20-m sprint, agility t-test, heart rate, perceived exertion (Borg CR-10), mental effort, and cognitive performance (d2 test) were assessed pre- and post-exercise. Parametric variables were analyzed using 2 × 2 repeated-measures ANOVA (time × protocol; η²p), and non-parametric data were analyzed using Friedman and Wilcoxon tests (r) (p < 0.05). Results: Both protocols elicited similar cardiovascular responses (~90% HR_max). A significant protocol × time interaction was observed for CMJ (p < 0.001), showing a decline after Tabata-HIIT, whereas performance was maintained after SSG. No inter-protocol differences were found for SJ, sprint, or agility. Perceived exertion and mental effort during recovery were higher following Tabata-HIIT (p < 0.05). Cognitive performance improved after both protocols (p < 0.001), with no between-protocol differences. Conclusions: Despite comparable cardiovascular load, Tabata-HIIT was associated with greater acute neuromuscular and perceptual strain, whereas SSG preserved neuromuscular performance. Perceptual and mental responses may therefore differ despite similar physiological intensity, which may inform soccer training prescription. Full article

Population aging has markedly increased the burden of cancer in older adults, in whom frailty, sarcopenia, and reduced physiological reserve limit tolerance to treatment and worsen clinical outcomes. Aging is accompanied by progressive functional decline and by biological processes such as cellular senescence, characterized by irreversible cell cycle arrest, chronic low-grade inflammation, and impaired immune surveillance. The accumulation of senescent cells and the persistence of a senescence-associated secretory phenotype contribute to tissue dysfunction and generate a microenvironment that favors tumor initiation and progression. Physical exercise has been associated with attenuation of inflammation, improvements in metabolic and immune function, and with lower levels of senescence-related biomarkers. Although aerobic exercise has been extensively studied in this setting, resistance training holds relevance for older adults due to its capacity to counteract sarcopenia, preserve muscle strength and power, and sustain functional independence. Structured and periodized approaches to resistance exercise may further enhance these benefits by delivering targeted stimuli aligned with age-related physiological deficits. Block strength training (BST), a periodized model that concentrates training adaptations into sequential phases of maximal strength, power, and muscular endurance, has demonstrated consistent improvements in functional performance and reductions in frailty risk in community-dwelling older adults. BST improves physical function. It may also influence biological processes related to aging and cancer; however, mechanistic evidence specific to BST remains to be established. We hypothesized that the exercise in block as a targeted, a structured and physiologically grounded resistance training intervention highlights the potential of BST to promote functional aging and healthy. In the case of cancer biology, and the environment near to tumour, the relationship between aging mechanisms in older adults and controlled exercise effects are currently in advance, but mechanistic trials are still lacking. Finally, we propose a novel training method, structured and personalized, that could impact different clinical outcomes in older patients with cancer. Full article

Objectives: This overview of systematic reviews aimed to synthesize and critically evaluate the current evidence on the effects of exercise performed under hypoxic or altitude conditions in adults, with particular attention to studies reporting altitude-related clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: Following PRIOR and PRISMA guidelines, and with the protocol registered in PROSPERO CRD420261325746, a comprehensive search was conducted on 22 February 2026 across Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Epistemonikos, and Preprints.org, using the query “Exercise AND Hypoxic AND Altitude Sickness.” Because the search included “Altitude Sickness,” this review may miss some studies on performance or physiological adaptations under hypoxia. Eligibility was defined according to the PICOS framework, including only systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses in adults exposed to normobaric or hypobaric hypoxia. Methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR 2. Results: A total of 137 records were identified (114 from databases and 23 through citation tracking), of which 28 systematic reviews met inclusion criteria. Nineteen included quantitative meta-analyses. Structured altitude training strategies—live high–train low (LHTL), live low–train high (LLTH), and live high–train high (LHTH)—were generally associated with improvements in maximal oxygen uptake and hematological parameters, particularly in trained and athletic populations. In contrast, acute hypoxic exposure was consistently associated with reduced exercise performance and increased susceptibility to altitude-related symptoms in unacclimatized individuals. Evidence regarding effects on body composition and metabolic outcomes was heterogeneous and inconsistent. According to AMSTAR 2, most meta-analyses presented critically low or low methodological quality. Conclusions: Exercise under hypoxic conditions may enhances aerobic and hematological adaptations in trained populations, whereas acute exposure tends to impair performance and entails clinical risks. However, given the restricted search strategy, substantial heterogeneity, lack of formal overlap quantification, and the predominance of low methodological quality reviews, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Evidence on metabolic benefits remains limited, highlighting the need for further high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses to clarify optimal hypoxic training protocols and outcomes. Full article

Background: The number of people working in Antarctica has steadily increased. Identifying the characteristic functional changes in polar expeditioners can help preserve health, enhance work capacity, and improve adaptive potential in specific environments. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a short-term (30-day) expedition in Antarctica on selected physiological parameters among expedition participants, depending on their body mass index (BMI). Methods: Thirty-four expedition members, divided into 3 BMI groups, were examined before and after a one-month stay in Antarctica. The assessments included anthropometry, body composition analysis, blood pressure (BP) evaluation, and a cycle ergometer stress test, performed up to 85% of predicted maximal heart rate (PWC85%) with gas analyses and heart rate measured at the 3rd minute after exercise completion (HR3’), used as an indicator of cardiovascular recovery. Results: After the expedition, the participants with normal weight showed a modest but significant increase in body weight and BMI, and non-significant increases in fat mass (FM) and muscle mass (MM); cardiovascular recovery and physical working capacity were improved, while aerobic fitness remained unchanged. In the overweight group, post-expedition body weight and BMI did not change significantly, although small reductions in FM and improvements in MM, BP, PWC85%, and HR3’ were observed. Returning, the participants with obesity demonstrated non-significant improvements in body composition and modest declines in BP, together with a significant improvement in HR3’. Conclusions: Comparative analysis revealed significant differences in post-expedition changes in several functional parameters between the normal-weight and obese groups. Overall, the Antarctic expedition elicited beneficial cardiovascular and functional adaptations, particularly among overweight individuals, while body composition and aerobic capacity remained unchanged across all groups. Full article

Background: The impact of cigarette smoking on cardiopulmonary function in elite athletes remains poorly characterised. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of smoking and its effects on pulmonary and exercise performance parameters among top-level competitors across different sport disciplines. Methods: 1005 Olympic-level athletes participating underwent comprehensive pre-participation screening, including spirometry and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Smoking status was determined according to WHO definitions. Results: Among the 1005 athletes (53.4% males; mean age 26 ± 8.8 years), 117 (11.6%) were current smokers, predominantly males (70.9%). No smokers were identified among endurance athletes. Compared to non-smokers (n = 679), smokers were older (28 ± 5.8 vs. 25.5 ± 10.4 years, p = 0.026) and more frequently involved in mixed and skill disciplines (p = 0.043 and p = 0.006, respectively). In male smokers, spirometry revealed lower FVC (97.2 ± 10.3% vs. 101.1 ± 11.7%, p = 0.006), FEV₁ (97.3 ± 12.4% vs. 101.4 ± 10.3%, p = 0.002), and MVV (p = 0.010). CPET showed reduced functional capacity (W/kg, p < 0.0001), lower VO₂max (38.5 ± 7.8 vs. 42.2 ± 6.8 mL/min/kg, p < 0.0001), decreased O₂ pulse (p = 0.007) and lower first and second ventilatory thresholds (respectively p = 0.025; and p = 0.004), Similar but less pronounced reductions in VO₂max were found in female smokers (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Chronic smoking is associated with early spirometric and ventilatory impairments in elite athletes associated with lower aerobic capacity, despite their high levels of fitness. These effects are more marked in males, while females may exhibit partial protection. These findings highlight the importance of integrating smoking cessation and respiratory monitoring into athlete health programs. Full article

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as a time-efficient exercise strategy with potential benefits for older adults. However, evidence regarding its effects on functional fitness, body composition, and quality of life in older women remains limited. This randomized controlled trial included community-dwelling older women allocated to a HIIT group or a control group. The intervention consisted of a 65-week HIIT program (3 sessions/week), while the control group maintained usual activities. Functional fitness was assessed using standardized field-based tests, body composition was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and quality of life was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were performed under standardized conditions. Data were analyzed using mixed ANOVA models, with significance set at p < 0.05. Compared with the control group, the HIIT group significantly improved aerobic capacity (2MST: +25.4 vs. −19.6 repetitions; p < 0.001), lower-limb strength (30s CST: +4.8 vs. −2.6 repetitions; p < 0.001), and mobility (TUG: −0.3 vs. +0.4 s; p < 0.001). Body composition improved with reductions in body fat percentage (−1.8% vs. +1.9%; p < 0.001) and visceral fat index (−0.6 vs. +0.3; p < 0.001), alongside increased total body water (+2.3% vs. −1.8%; p < 0.001). Quality of life improved significantly in physical, psychological, and environmental domains (p < 0.001). HIIT was associated with improvements in functional fitness, body composition, and quality of life, with no major adverse events reported. These findings support the use of HIIT as a practical intervention to enhance health and functional independence in aging populations. Full article

Objectives/Background: Aerobic exercise serves as a fundamental component in improving metabolic health. However, because obese middle-aged women often find it difficult to maintain long-term exercise participation, more efficient alternative strategies, such as whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS), need to be explored. This study investigated the effects of aerobic exercise combined with WB-EMS on muscle and pulmonary functioning and metabolic health indicators in obese middle-aged women in South Korea, where obesity rates have been steadily increasing. Methods: Women aged 40–65 years with a body mass index ≥25 kg/m² who met at least three diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome were recruited. Of the 45 recruits, 36 completed the study. Participants were randomly assigned to a control (CON), aerobic exercise (EXG), or aerobic exercise with WB-EMS (WEG) group. The intervention consisted of a 12-week aerobic program performed three times per week for 40 min per session, with WB-EMS applied during the main exercise period. Muscle function, pulmonary function, and metabolic health indicators were assessed. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Significant group × time interaction effects were observed for muscle strength outcomes, with knee extensor and flexor peak torque at 60°/s (p < 0.001 for the right and left knee extensors; p = 0.001 for right knee flexors; p < 0.001 for left knee flexors). Post hoc comparisons indicated greater improvements in the WEG than in both the CON and EXG. Forced vital capacity (FVC) showed significant group × time interactions and time main effects (both p < 0.001), whereas forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) and the FEV₁/FVC ratio showed no significant group, time, or interaction effects (all p > 0.05). Regarding metabolic health, BMI and waist-to-hip ratio showed significant time effects, indicating overall reductions following the intervention without significant interaction effects. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.004) and fasting plasma glucose (p = 0.004) showed significant group × time interaction effects; however, post hoc analyses revealed no significant differences between the WEG and EXG. No consistent additional metabolic benefits of WB-EMS beyond aerobic exercise alone were observed. Conclusions: The 12-week aerobic exercise program improved muscle strength, pulmonary function, and selected metabolic indicators in obese middle-aged women. Aerobic exercise combined with WB-EMS provided additional benefits primarily for muscle strength compared with aerobic exercise alone, without conferring additional metabolic advantages. Full article

Background: Cancer survivors frequently experience persistent physical and psychological sequelae, including impaired physical function, fatigue, anxiety/depressive symptoms, and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Exercise is an effective non-pharmacological intervention; however, comparative evidence between multicomponent training (MCT) and aerobic training (AT) using a multidomain framework remains limited. Methods: In this randomized controlled parallel-group trial, 47 cancer survivors (mean age 63.0 ± 8.9 years) were allocated to a 24-week supervised MCT programme (n = 16), an AT programme (n = 16), or a non-exercise control group (CG; n = 15). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention including body composition (BIA), physical performance, fatigue (FSS), anxiety (STAI-Y1/Y2), depressive symptoms (BDI), and HRQoL (EORTC QLQ-C30). Results: Fat mass decreased in both MCT (p = 0.005) and AT (p = 0.034), whereas arm circumference increased only in MCT (p < 0.001). Significant Group × Time interactions were observed for major physical performance outcomes; improvements were broader in MCT, while AT showed its largest change in aerobic endurance. Between-group contrasts indicated greater gains with MCT than AT for chair-stand (p = 0.046), sit-and-reach (p = 0.048), and handgrip strength (p = 0.049). Significant interaction effects were also observed for fatigue and psychological outcomes (FSS: p = 0.003; STAI-Y1 and STAI-Y2: p < 0.001; BDI: p < 0.001) and for HRQoL global health (p = 0.003), with larger improvements in MCT than AT for fatigue, state anxiety, and depressive symptoms (all p < 0.05), but not for trait anxiety (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A 24-week supervised MCT programme produced broader benefits than AT alone across physical function and selected psychological outcomes in cancer survivors. These findings support the incorporation of multicomponent exercise into survivorship care as a feasible and effective strategy for addressing multidimensional treatment sequelae. Full article