Heart rate variability (HRV) is a psycho-physiological phenomenon with broad health implications. Different data analysis methods have been used to assess the autonomic nervous system activity, but ...the validation of new indexes that accurately describe its balance through non-invasive methods (i.e., HRV analysis) is of clinical interest. This study aimed: (i) to evaluate the association of the Stress Score (SS) and the Sympathetic/Parasympathetic Ratio (S/PS) with time domain and frequency domain analysis of HRV, and (ii) to set reference values of SS and S/PS in sedentary healthy adults.
A total of 156 sedentary healthy adults (38.4 ± 15.57 years old, 81 women), aged were involved in this study. HRV was measured for 15 min in a supine position at rest. SS and S/PS were calculated from the non-linear HRV analyses based on Poincare Plot.
Stress Score showed a non-linear negative power-law relationship with SDNN (β = -0.969;
= 0.963;
< 0.001), RMSSD (β = -0.867;
= 0.722;
< 0.001), high frequency (β = -0.834;
= 0.752;
=< 0.001), low frequency (β = -0.627;
= 0.330;
< 0.001), SD1 (β = -0.867;
= 0.722;
< 0.001) and SD2 (β = -1.000;
> 0.999;
< 0.001). There was observed a negative cubic relationship between SS with PNN50 (β = -1.972;
= 0.644;
< 0.001). A linear regression model was conducted between SS with Ratio Low/High Frequency (β = 0.026;
< 0.001;
= 0.750). Non-linear power-law regression models were built between S/PS and SDNN (β = -0.990;
= 0.981;
< 0.001), RMSSD (β = -0.973;
= 0.939;
< 0.001), high frequency (β = -0.928;
= 0.970;
< 0.001), low frequency (β = -2.344;
= 0.557;
< 0.001), SD1 (β = -0.973;
= 0.939;
< 0.001) and SD2 (β = -0.611;
= 0.908;
< 0.001). A non-linear negative regression model was built between S/PS and PNN50 (β = -3.412;
= 0.868;
< 0.001). A linear regression model was conducted between S/PS and SD2/SD1 (β = 0.075;
= 0.006;
< 0.001).
Our results support the use of SS as a sympathetic activity marker, and S/PS as an indicator of the sympathetic and parasympathetic activity of the autonomic nervous system in sedentary healthy adults.
Ageing is associated with sleep pattern changes and body composition changes, which are related to several diseases.
This study aimed to analyse the association between sleep quality and an extensive ...set of body composition parameters (waist-hip ratio, body mass index, bone mineral content, bone mineral density, lean mass, lean mass index, fat mass, fat mass percentage, fat mass index, visceral adipose tissue) and sleep quality in sedentary middle-aged adults. We also aimed to evaluate whether the possible associations accord between subjective and objective measurements of sleep quality.
74 (39 women) middle-aged sedentary adults (40⁻65 years old) participated in the present study. The sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scale and accelerometers. A PSQI global score more than 5 indicates poor sleep quality. Weight, height, waist and hip circumferences were measured, and body mass index and waist-hip ratio were also calculated. Body composition was assessed with a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanner.
The PSQI global score was negatively associated with bone mineral content, bone mineral density, lean mass, lean mass index and positively associated with fat mass percentage. No association was found between accelerometer parameters and body composition variables.
We showed that a subjective poor sleep quality was negatively associated with bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), lean mass and lean mass index (LMI) whereas was positively associated with fat mass percentage in middle-aged adults. We also observed that these associations did not accord with objective sleep quality measurements.
Vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide health problem that, in addition to its well-known negative effects on musculoskeletal health, has been related to a wide range of acute and chronic age-related ...diseases. However, little is known about the association of body composition with the active, hormonal form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D plasma levels (1,25(OH)
D). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association of 1,25(OH)
D with body composition including lean and fat body mass as well as bone mineral density (BMD) in middle-aged sedentary adults. A total of 73 (39 women) middle-aged sedentary adults (53.7 ± 5.1 years old) participated in the current study. We measured weight and height, and we used dual energy X-ray absorptiometry to measure lean body mass, fat body mass and BMD. Body mass index (BMI), lean mass index (LMI), and fat mass index (FMI) were calculated. 1,25(OH)
D was measured using a DiaSorin Liaison® immunochemiluminometric analyzer. The results showed a negative association of 1,25(OH)
D with BMI, LMI and BMD (β = -0.274, R
= 0.075,
= 0.019; β = -0.268, R
= 0.072,
= 0.022; and β = -0.325, R
= 0.105,
= 0.005, respectively), which persisted after controlling for age and sex. No significant differences in 1,25(OH)
D across body weight status were observed after controlling for the same covariates. In summary, our results suggest that 1,25(OH)
D could be negatively associated with BMI, LMI and BMD whereas no association was found with FMI in middle-aged sedentary adults.
The sustainability of family farms, or Family Production Units (FPUs), cultivating native maize varieties in Chiapas, Mexico, is intricately linked to economic, socio-productive, environmental, and ...cultural factors. Given their significance within the regional socio-productive framework, the objective of this study was to assess sustainability across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. The methodology employed for sustainability analysis was the Framework for Evaluation of Natural Resource Management Systems (MESMIS). Thirty FPUs were purposively selected from 14 communities spanning four municipalities and were typologically classified into three groups: Traditional, Maize Growers-Livestockers, and Diversified. In-depth interviews were conducted with individual farmers, complemented by group interviews involving entire families. The collected data underwent processing through multiple correspondence statistical analysis, analysis of variance for linear models, and multiple comparisons of means. The results indicated that the Diversified FPU group exhibited higher sustainability, covering 68% of the sustainability perimeter. Consequently, this group demonstrated better conditions for preserving native maize varieties over time and developing strategies to meet their needs concurrently. The Traditional FPU group covered 58%, while the Maize Growers-Livestockers group covered 52% of the sustainability perimeter. In conclusion, it was observed that family reproduction strategies, grounded in resource utilization (capitals), shape forms of nature appropriation that are continually reconfigured. These configurations play a pivotal role in defining the sustainability of FPUs engaged in native maize cultivation in the Frailesca region.
α-Klotho is a recently discovered gene that accelerates ageing when disrupted and extends lifespan when overexpressed. The age-related decline in DHEAS and testosterone secretion and the increase in ...cortisol are associated with a rise of frailty and mortality.
To investigate the association of DHEAS, cortisol and testosterone plasma levels with S-Klotho plasma levels in healthy sedentary middle-aged adults.
73 (39 women) healthy middle-aged sedentary adults (45–65 years old) were recruited for the present study. The blood samples were collected in the morning after fasting for 12 h.
DHEAS was positively associated with S-Klotho in men (β = 0.521, R2 = 0.248, P = 0.002), whereas no association was observed in women (P ≥ 0.201). Testosterone was positively associated with S-Klotho in both men and women (β = 0.360, R2 = 0.099, P = 0.047; β = 0.431, R2 = 0.161, P = 0.010, respectively). No association was found between cortisol and S-Klotho neither in men nor in women (all P ≥ 0.141). The association between DHEAS and testosterone with S-Klotho in men disappeared after adjusting by age (all P ≥ 0.151). Nevertheless, the association between testosterone (β = 0.397, R2 = 0.423, P = 0.011) and S-Klotho in women remained after adjusting by age.
DHEAS and testosterone were positively associated with S-Klotho in healthy sedentary middle-aged men while only testosterone was positively associated in women.
Display omitted
•DHEAS and testosterone were positively associated with S-Klotho plasma levels in men.•Testosterone was positively associated with S-Klotho plasma levels in women.•DHEAS and testosterone may up-regulate α-Klotho gene expression via androgen receptor.
This study compares the influence of different exercise training programs on basal metabolic rate (BMR) and fat oxidation, in basal conditions (BFox) and during exercise (MFO), in sedentary, ...middle-aged adults.
The study subjects of this 12 week-long, randomised controlled trial, were 71 middle-aged adults (age 53.5 ± 4.9 years; 52% women). Subjects were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: (1) no exercise, (2) concurrent training based on international physical activity recommendations (PAR group), (3) high intensity interval training (HIIT group), and (4) high intensity interval training plus whole-body electromyostimulation (HIIT + EMS group). Subject BMR, BFox and MFO were determined by indirect calorimetry before and after the intervention.
The HIIT + EMS subjects showed significant increases in BFox following the intervention compared with the control group (all P = 0.043); no such differences were seen in the PAR and HIIT compared with the control group (all P ≥ 0.1). A significant increase in post-intervention MFO was noted for the HIIT and HIIT + EMS group compared to the non-exercise control group (P < 0.05); no such difference was seen in the PAR group compared to the control group (all P ≥ 0.05).
Twelve weeks of high intensity interval training plus whole-body electromyostimulation may increase the BFox and MFO of middle-aged sedentary adults. These findings have important clinical implications; a well-designed high-intensity interval training program plus whole-body electromyostimulation might be followed to help combat the appearance of chronic metabolic diseases characterized by metabolic inflexibility in middle-aged sedentary adults, though it will be necessary to determine how long the effects last.
•Plasma S-Klotho, a longevity biomarker, is influenced by alcohol intake.•Higher alcoholic drinks consumption is associated to lower plasma S-Klotho levels.•The negative association is independent of ...body mass, lean mass or fat mass.
Alcohol consumption is related to several diseases and injuries that accelerate the ageing process and increase the mortality and morbidity risk. The soluble form of the α-Klotho gene (called S-Klotho) is widely considered as a powerful anti-ageing biomarker.
The aim of the present study was to analyze the association between alcohol consumption and S-Klotho plasma levels in sedentary middle-aged adults.
74 (39 women) middle-aged sedentary adults (40–65 years old) participated in the present study. Alcohol consumption was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire previously validated and with three non-consecutive 24-hours recall. The S-Klotho plasma levels were measured by ELISA using a soluble α-Klotho ELISA assay kit.
Total alcoholic drinks consumption was negatively associated with S-Klotho plasma levels (β=-17.031; R2 = 0.096, P = 0.013). Furthermore, we observed that higher consumption of total alcoholic drinks is associated with lower S-Klotho plasma levels in middle-aged sedentary adults controlling for BMI (β=-16.372; R2 = 0.201, P = 0.011), LMI (β=-31.854; R2 = 0.305, P = 0.010) and for FMI β=-13.337; R2 = 0.075, P = 0.049).
Conclusion: In conclusion, our study shows that total alcoholic drinks consumption is negatively associated with the S-Klotho plasma levels in middle-aged sedentary adults.
Potential interactions between sedentary behaviour, physical activity (PA), and physical fitness with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status have been previously suggested. However, data are scarce ...concerning the association between these predictors of general health and the main active metabolite of vitamin D, the 1,25-dihidroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D). This study aimed to analyse the relationship of sedentary time, PA levels, and physical fitness (i.e., maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and muscular strength) with 1,25(OH)2D in middle-aged sedentary adults.
A total of 73 (39 women) middle-aged sedentary adults (53.7 ± 5.1 years old) participated in this cross-sectional study. Sedentary time and PA intensity levels were objectively measured with triaxial accelerometers for 7 consecutive days. VO2max was determined by a maximum treadmill test. Lower and upper limb muscular strength was assessed by an isokinetic strength test and by a handgrip strength test, respectively. 1,25(OH)2D plasma levels were measured using a DiaSorin Liaison® immunochemiluminometric assay.
No significant relationships were found between objectively measured sedentary time, PA levels or physical fitness (i.e., VO2max, extension and flexion peak torque, and hand grip strength) and 1,25(OH)2D (all P > 0.05). All results persisted after controlling for age, sex, fat mass or energy, vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus intake.
In summary, our results show that vitamin D status is not affected by physical activity habits and sedentary behaviour in middle-aged sedentary adults.
•Potential interactions between physical activity (PA) and vitamin D status have suggested.•Sedentary time and PA levels are not associated with 1,25(OH)2D in healthy adults.•No association was found between physical fitness and 1,25(OH)2D.
La electroestimulación de cuerpo completo (WB-EMS) es una metodología de entrenamiento novedosa cuyo efecto sobre la composición corporal no ha sido estudiado en profundidad en población joven y ...físicamente activa. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el efecto de dos programas de entrenamiento con WB-EMS sobre la composición corporal, medida a través del Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC), masa grasa (MG), masa libre de grasa (MLG) y densidad mineral ósea (DMO) en corredores recreacionales entrenados durante un periodo de cese parcial en su entrenamiento convencional y comparar el efecto de dos programas de entrenamiento con WB-EMS, funcional y periodizado para corredores vs no funcional y no periodizado sobre el IMC, MG, MLG y DMO. Participaron un total de 18 corredores recreacionales sanos (27,1 años; IMC= 23,2 Kg/m2). Los sujetos se distribuyeron al azar en tres grupos: (i) entrenamiento WB-EMS funcional y periodizado para corredores, (ii) entrenamiento WB-EMS no funcional y no periodizado, y (iii) grupo control. La composición corporal se analizó por antropometría y bioimpedanciometría eléctrica determinándose el IMC, MG, MLG y DMO. Los resultados del estudio ponen de manifiesto que el entrenamiento con WB-EMS (independientemente de la modalidad) produjo descensos significativos en IMC y MG (P<0,05), experimentándose una tendencia en términos de mejora de MLG sólo en el grupo WB-EMS funcional (P=0,053) al comparar con el grupo control, no observándose cambios en DMO. Por lo tanto podemos concluir que un programa de entrenamiento WB-EMS produce mejoras significativas en la composición corporal en corredores recreacionales entrenados, específicamente en IMC y MG, y clínicamente relevantes en MLG únicamente en el grupo WB-EMS funcional. Abstract Whole-Body-Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) has become a new training tendency but its effect on body composition has not been thoroughly studied in young trained population. The principal aim of this study was to determine the effect of two types of WB-EMS training modalities (specific, functional and periodized for runners vs non-specific, non-functional and non-periodized on body composition variables, as body mass index (BMI) fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM) and bone mineral density (BMD) in recreational trained runners during endurance training cessation and to compare the effects of two WB-EMS training modalities, functional vs non-functional on BMI, FM, FFM and BMI. 18 healthy recreational runners (27.1 years; BMI= 23.2 Kg/m2) were randomized in three groups: (i) functional WB-EMS, (ii) non-functional WB-EMS and (iii) control group. Body composition parameters were assessed by anthropometry and bio-impedance and the variables measured were BMI, FM, FFM and BMD. Both WB-EMS modalities produced a significant decreases in BMI and FM (p<0.05) and it was shown a tendency in terms of FFM improvements only in functional WB-EMS group when compared with control group (P=0.053). No changes were observed in BMD in any cases. Therefore, 6-week-WB-EMS training program produced significant improvements on body composition in recreational trained runners, specifically on BMI and FM. Clinically but not significantly improvements were also observed on FFM only in functional WB-EMS group.
Purpose
Physical inactivity and ageing are associated with imbalances in anabolic/catabolic steroid hormones, jeopardizing health. We investigated the effects of three types of training on plasma ...steroid hormone levels in physically inactive, middle-aged adults.
Methods
A 12-week randomized controlled trial was performed with a parallel-group design. A total of 67 (36 women) middle-aged adults (45–65 years old) were randomly assigned to (1) no exercise (control), (2) concurrent training based on the international physical activity recommendations (PAR), (3) high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or (4) HIIT plus whole-body electromyostimulation (HIIT + EMS). The training volume in the PAR group was 150 min/week at 60–65% of the heart rate reserve for aerobic training and ~ 60 min/week at 40–50% of the one-repetition maximum for resistance training. The training volume in the HIIT and HIIT + EMS groups was 40–65 min/week at > 95% of the maximum oxygen uptake in long interval sessions, and > 120% of the maximum oxygen uptake in short interval sessions.
Results
Compared to the control group, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate increased in the PAR, HIIT, and HIIT + EMS groups (~ 14%, ~ 14%, and ~ 20%, respectively; all
P
< 0.01). Cortisol decreased in the PAR, HIIT, and HIIT + EMS groups (~ − 17%, ~ − 10%, and ~ − 23%, respectively; all
P
≤ 0.05). Testosterone increased in the HIIT and HIIT + EMS groups (~ 28%, and ~ 16%, respectively; all
P
≤ 0.01). Free testosterone increased in the HIIT and HIIT + EMS groups (~ 30% and ~ 18% respectively; all
P
≤ 0.01). No significant increase in sex hormone-binding globulin was observed (
P
= 0.869).
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that HIIT, with or without whole-body EMS, can significantly enhance steroid hormones status in previously physically inactive middle-aged adults. The PAR program led to slight improvements than the HIIT and HIIT + EMS groups despite the application of a higher training volume.
Clinical trial registry
NCT03334357 (ClinicalTrials.gov). November 7, 2017 retrospectively registered.
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