By 2017 estimates, diabetes mellitus affects 425 million people globally; approximately 90–95% of these have type 2 diabetes. This narrative review highlights two domains of sex differences related ...to the burden of type 2 diabetes across the life span: sex differences in the prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes, and sex differences in the cardiovascular burden conferred by type 2 diabetes. In the presence of type 2 diabetes, the difference in the absolute rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) between men and women lessens, albeit remaining higher in men. Large-scale observational studies suggest that type 2 diabetes confers 25–50% greater excess risk of incident CVD in women compared with men. Physiological and behavioural mechanisms that may underpin both the observed sex differences in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and the associated cardiovascular burden are discussed in this review. Gender differences in social behavioural norms and disparities in provider-level treatment patterns are also highlighted, but not described in detail. We conclude by discussing research gaps in this area that are worthy of further investigation.
There is evidence from human twin and family studies as well as mouse and rat selection experiments that there are considerable interindividual differences in the response of cardiorespiratory ...fitness (CRF) and other cardiometabolic traits to a given exercise programme dose. We developed this consensus statement on exercise response variability following a symposium dedicated to this topic. There is strong evidence from both animal and human studies that exercise training doses lead to variable responses. A genetic component contributes to exercise training response variability.In this consensus statement, we (1) briefly review the literature on exercise response variability and the various sources of variations in CRF response to an exercise programme, (2) introduce the key research designs and corresponding statistical models with an emphasis on randomised controlled designs with or without multiple pretests and post-tests, crossover designs and repeated measures designs, (3) discuss advantages and disadvantages of multiple methods of categorising exercise response levels-a topic that is of particular interest for personalised exercise medicine and (4) outline approaches that may identify determinants and modifiers of CRF exercise response. We also summarise gaps in knowledge and recommend future research to better understand exercise response variability.
Adequate sleep timed appropriately during the circadian night is important for numerous biological processes and systems. New evidence suggests that both sleep timing and duration may be important ...for optimal bone health as well. This review examines the diurnal variation of bone turnover markers (BTMs) and the importance of circadian clock genes in regulating bone mass. In addition, this review explores the evidence for a link between shift work (and its associated disturbances in sleep duration/quality and circadian alignment) and alterations in bone metabolism and bone health. Finally, we review how commonly used medications and over-the-counter substances (e.g. caffeine, melatonin) complicate the relationship between sleep and circadian disorders and bone health.
Context:
The stages of the menopause transition are characterized by changes in ovarian hormones and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and vasomotor symptoms that may adversely ...affect vascular health.
Objective:
We tested the hypothesis that endothelial function, a predictor of CVD, would be reduced across the stages of the menopause transition, independent of CVD risk factors and vasomotor symptoms.
Design, Setting, and Participants:
This was a cross-sectional study of 132 healthy women from the general community aged 22–70 yr, categorized as premenopausal (n = 33, 32 ± 6 yr; mean ± sd), early perimenopausal (n = 20, 49 ± 3 yr) or late perimenopausal (n = 22, 50 ± 4 yr), or early (n = 30, 55 ± 3 yr) or late postmenopausal (n = 27, 61 ± 4 yr).
Main Outcome:
Endothelial-dependent vasodilation was measured by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) using ultrasound.
Results:
Brachial artery FMD was significantly different among the groups (P < 0.001). It was highest in premenopausal women (9.9 ± 2.1%) with progressive decrements in perimenopausal (early: 8.2 ± 2.5%; late: 6.5 ± 1.9%) and postmenopausal women (early: 5.5 ± 1.9%; late: 4.7 ± 1.7%). Adjustment for risk factors, vasomotor symptoms, and sex hormones did not alter the association (P < 0.001). In subgroup analyses of women aged 50–59 yr, brachial artery FMD was lower in late peri- and early and late postmenopausal compared with early perimenopausal women (P < 0.001) but was not different between late perimenopausal and either early or late postmenopausal women.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that a decline in endothelial function begins during the early stages of menopause (perimenopause) and worsens with the loss of ovarian function and prolonged estrogen deficiency. These data add to the accumulating evidence that the perimenopausal window is a critical time period for adverse changes in CVD risk.
Evidence points to an important role of estradiol (E2) in the regulation of body composition and bioenergetics. Basic and preclinical research shows that the disruption of E2 signaling through either ...genetic manipulation or surgical intervention accelerates fat accumulation, with a disproportionate increase in abdominal fat. Clinical evidence for the regulation of body composition and bioenergetics by E2 is less consistent. Evidence exists both for and against menopause as the mediator of changes in body composition. Thus, a need remains to better understand the metabolic actions of estrogens in women and the potential impact on health after the menopause.
Objective
To examine the safety and efficacy of a high‐intensity (HI) progressive rehabilitation protocol beginning 4 days after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared to a low‐intensity (LI) ...rehabilitation protocol.
Methods
A total of 162 participants (mean ± SD ages 63 ± 7 years; 89 women) were randomized to either the HI group or LI group after TKA. Key components of the HI intervention were the use of progressive resistance exercises and a rapid progression to weight‐bearing exercises and activities. Both groups were treated in an outpatient setting 2 to 3 times per week for 11 weeks (26 total sessions). Outcomes included the stair climbing test (SCT; primary outcome), timed‐up‐and‐go (TUG) test, 6‐minute walk (6MW) test, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), 12‐item Short Form health survey (SF‐12), knee range of motion (ROM), quadriceps and hamstring strength, and quadriceps activation. Outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 2, 3 (primary end point), 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Results
There were no significant differences between groups at 3 or 12 months in SCT, TUG, 6MW, WOMAC scores, knee ROM, quadriceps and hamstrings strength, quadriceps activation, or adverse event rates. By 12 months, outcomes on the 6MW, TUG, WOMAC, SF‐12, quadriceps and hamstring strength, and quadriceps activation had improved beyond baseline performance in both groups.
Conclusion
Both the HI and LI interventions were effective in improving strength and function after TKA. HI progressive rehabilitation is safe for individuals after TKA. However, its effectiveness may be limited by arthrogenic muscular inhibition in the early postoperative period.
Prospective cohort study.
To measure changes in muscle strength, range of motion, and function from 2 weeks before to 6 months after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and compare outcomes with data from ...a control group consisting of healthy adults.
Total knee arthroplasty successfully alleviates pain from knee osteoarthritis, but deficits in function can persist long term. How impairments and functional limitations change over the first 6 months after TKA, compared to data from healthy adults, has not been well reported in the literature.
Twenty-four patients who underwent a primary unilateral TKA were compared to healthy adults (n = 17). All patients participated in a standardized rehabilitation program following surgery. Isometric quadriceps torque was assessed using an electromechanical dynamometer. Range of motion was measured actively and passively. Functional performance was assessed using the stair-climbing test, timed up-and-go test, 6-minute walk test, and single-limb stance time. Patients underwent testing at 2 weeks preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.
Compared to healthy older adults, patients performed significantly worse at all times for all measures (P<.05), except for single-limb stance time at 6 months (P>.05). One month postoperatively, patients experienced significant losses from preoperative levels in all outcomes. Patients recovered to preoperative levels by 6 months postoperatively on all measures, except knee flexion range of motion, but still exhibited the same extent of limitation they did prior to surgery.
The persistent impairments and functional limitations 6 months after TKA with standard rehabilitation suggest that more intensive therapeutic approaches may be necessary to restore function of patients following TKA to the levels of healthy adults.
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