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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 February 2023) | Viewed by 31590

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Adrian Midgley

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk L39 4QP, UK
Interests: exercise physiology; cardiopulmonary exercise testing; determination and enhancement of vo2max; exercise tolerance; verbal encouragement during maximal exercise testing

Prof. Dr. Felipe Da Cunha

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Guest Editor

Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro 22775, Brazil
Interests: clinical exercise physiology; cardiopulmonary exercise testing; exercise prescription; health and exercise

Dr. Andrew Levy

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Guest Editor

Department of Psychology, Ege Hill University, Ormskirk L39 4QP, UK
Interests: behavior change; exercise adherence; exercise psychology; health and exercise

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The concept that exercise is medicine is now well established. Exercise exerts concurrent beneficial effects on multiple organ systems that result in improvements in physical and mental health, and that are associated with a decreased risk of many chronic diseases, improved management of established disease, and decreased mortality. There are many approaches to exercise for improving health-related fitness to increase the health, quality of life, and longevity of various populations in both primary and secondary prevention.

Papers addressing exercise for improving health are invited for this Special Issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Prof. Dr. Adrian Midgley
Prof. Dr. Felipe Da Cunha
Dr. Andrew Levy
Guest Editors

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Keywords

exercise prescription
exercise program
exercise training
fitness
health
physical activity

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1564 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Different Intensities of Aerobic Exercise Combined with Resistance Exercise on Body Fat, Lipid Profiles, and Adipokines in Middle-Aged Women with Obesity

by Du-Hwan Oh and Jang-Kyu Lee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 3991; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20053991 - 23 Feb 2023

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3962

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the effect of different intensities of aerobic exercise (VO₂max: 50% vs. 80%) on body weight, body fat percentage, lipid profiles, and adipokines in obese middle-aged women after 8 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance exercise. The participants included 16 women aged >40 years with a body fat percentage of ≥30%; they were randomly assigned to the resistance and either moderate (RME, 50% VO₂max, 200 kcal [n = 8]) or vigorous aerobic exercise groups (RVE, 80% VO₂max, 200 kcal [n = 8]), respectively. After 8 weeks of exercise, we observed that body weight and body fat percentage decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.01). The total cholesterol (p < 0.01) and LDL (p < 0.05) levels decreased significantly in the RME group, while triglyceride levels decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.01). The HDL levels tended to increase only slightly in both groups. The adiponectin levels decreased significantly in the RVE group (p < 0.05), and the leptin levels decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.05). To prevent and treat obesity in middle-aged women, combined exercise (aerobic and resistance) is deemed effective; additionally, aerobic exercise of moderate intensity during combined exercise could be more effective than that of vigorous intensity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise for Health)

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13 pages, 885 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Mediating Role of Perceived Stress and Academic Procrastination between Physical Activity and Depressive Symptoms among Chinese College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Leshui Yang, Zongyu Liu, Shengnan Shi, Ye Dong, Huijun Cheng and Tuojian Li

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 773; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010773 - 31 Dec 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5417

Abstract

Depressive symptoms, a prevalent mood illness, significantly harm college students’ physical and mental health. Individuals have experienced some degree of psychological harm as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking this into account, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical activity (PA) and depressive symptoms among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the mediating roles of perceived stress and academic procrastination. A total of 586 college students were subjected to the Physical Activity Scale (PARS-3), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Procrastination Assessment Scale-Students (PASS), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Findings from this research demonstrated that there was a significant positive correlation between perceived stress, academic procrastination, and depressive symptoms, while PA was significantly negatively correlated with perceived stress, academic procrastination, and depressive symptoms. The results of the chain mediation analysis showed that PA had a significant direct effect on depressive symptoms. Perceived stress, academic procrastination, and perceived stress-academic procrastination had significant mediating and chain mediating effects on the relationship between PA and depressive symptoms. In conclusion, PA among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic affects their depressive symptoms directly and indirectly through the independent mediating effect of perceived stress and academic procrastination, as well as the chain mediating effect of perceived stress and academic procrastination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise for Health)

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19 pages, 675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison of the Effects of Short-Term Physical and Combined Multi-Modal Training on Cognitive Functions

by Claudia Kardys, Kristina Küper, Stephan Getzmann, Michael Falkenstein and Claudia Voelcker-Rehage

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7506; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127506 - 19 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2735

Abstract

Physical training has beneficial effects not only on physical fitness, but also on cognitive functions. The most effective way to improve cognitive functions via physical training as well as the degree to which training effects transfer to untrained cognitive functions is still unclear, however. Here, we investigated the effects of adaptive and multi-modal short-term training interventions on cognitive training gains and transfer effects. Over a period of 12 weeks, 102 employees of a car manufacturing company (age range 20 to 61 years) received trainer-guided exercises, consisting of either two adaptive training interventions, physical (strength) training and multi-modal (motor–cognitive) training, or non-adaptive strength training (active control group). For the multi-modal intervention, the “Agility Board” was employed, a novel, multi-modal training device. Pre- and post-training, psychometric tests were conducted to measure cognitive abilities, such as perceptual speed, attention, short-term memory, working memory, inhibition, and mental rotation. In addition, motor–cognitive performance was assessed. Compared with the active control group, both training groups showed enhanced performance at posttest. While multi-modal training yielded performance improvements only in trained tasks, physical training was associated with improvements in untrained working memory updating and immediate recall tasks, suggesting transfer effects to short-term and working memory functioning. In summary, the results demonstrate the importance of adaptive difficulty settings for short-term physical training interventions, at least for the enhancement of working memory. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise for Health)

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11 pages, 867 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Short-Term High-Intensity Circuit Training Does Not Modify Resting Heart Rate Variability in Adults during the COVID-19 Confinement

by Patricia C. García-Suárez, Jorge A. Aburto-Corona, Iván Rentería, Luis M. Gómez-Miranda, José Moncada-Jiménez, Fábio Santos Lira, Barbara Moura Antunes and Alberto Jiménez-Maldonado

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7367; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127367 - 16 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2579

Abstract

Background/Objective: The quarantine caused by the COVID-19 pandemic increased sedentary behavior, psychological stress, and sleep disturbances in the population favoring the installation of alterations in the cardiovascular system. In this sense, physical exercise has widely been suggested as an efficient treatment to improve health. The current study determined the impact of short-term high-intensity circuit training (HICT) on resting heart rate variability (HRV) in adults. Methods: Nine healthy participants (age: 31.9 ± 4.4 yr.) performed 36 HICT sessions (3 times per day; 3 days per week) and four participants (age: 29.5 ± 1.7 yr.) were assigned to a control group. The HICT consisted of 12 min of whole-body exercises performed during a workout. Twenty-four hours before and after the exercise program, HRV parameters were recorded. Results: The heart rate exercise during the last session trended to be lower when compared with the first HICT session (p = 0.07, d = 0.39, 95% CI = −13.50, 0.72). The interval training did not modify the HRV time (Mean NN, SDNN, RMSSD, NN50, pNN50) and frequency (LF, HF, LF/HF ratio, total power) domain parameters. Conclusion: Thirty-six HICT sessions did not provide enough stimuli to modify the resting HRV in adults during social isolation elicited by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the data suggested that exercise protocol did not induce cardio-vagal adaptations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise for Health)

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9 pages, 711 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal Changes of Metabolic Indicators and Quality of Life by a Two-Day Patient Education Program for Metabolic Syndrome Patients

by Jeong Suk Jeon, Sang Yeoup Lee, Soon Cheol Ahn, Yun Jin Kim, Jeong Gyu Lee and Yu Hyeon Yi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3351; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063351 - 12 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2111

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a disease with a high prevalence that threatens the health of modern people. Patient education is essential to control MetS. This prospective study aimed to evaluate 6-month changes in health indicators following a two-day education program for patients with MetS aged 45 or older. Education about MetS, lifestyle modification, nutrition, and physical activity was provided. At 3 and 6 months after the program, participants visited for follow-up. Twenty-two patients completed the 6-month study. Waist circumference was reduced, and life quality and depression index improved in 3 and 6 months compared to pre-education. Blood pressure decreased, and anxiety index improved at three months. Nutritional knowledge was well maintained for 3 and 6 months. High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels increased at six months. Three out of twenty-two patients did not satisfy MetS criteria at the end of the study due to improved indicators. A two-day multidisciplinary education program positively affected health indicators in MetS patients. Participation in the program also help with life satisfaction and positive emotional condition. However, some indicators improved in 3 months, but the effect disappeared 6 months after the program. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise for Health)

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11 pages, 549 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Effect of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Resistance Training on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

by Jae Ho Park, Nam-Kyoo Lim and Hyun-Young Park

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2350; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042350 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2663

Abstract

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of chronic liver disease. The present study aimed to investigate the association of NAFLD with leisure-time physical activity (PA) levels and resistance training (RT). Methods: We used data from large nationwide cohorts in Korea. NAFLD was defined based on the Framingham steatosis index. Participants were categorized into four groups based on RT frequency and adherence to PA guidelines (≥150 min/week of moderate-intensity PA): Low-PA, Low-PA+RT, High-PA, and High-PA+RT. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the risk of NAFLD according to leisure-time PA levels and regularity of RT. Results: When compared with Low-PA, High-PA decreased the risk of NAFLD by 17%, and High-PA+RT further decreased the risk by 30%. However, the additional reduction in risk associated with the addition of RT was observed in men (19%), but not in women. In the High-PA group, men had a significantly higher training frequency and period for RT than women. Conclusions: Following the PA guideline may confer protective effects against NAFLD, while adding RT to High-PA can further decrease the risk of NAFLD. Sex-based differences in NAFLD risk in the High-PA+RT group may be due to the differences in the frequency and period of RT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise for Health)

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13 pages, 1520 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Game-Based Approach to Lower Blood Pressure? Comparing Acute Hemodynamic Responses to Endurance Exercise and Exergaming: A Randomized Crossover Trial

by Eva Kircher, Sascha Ketelhut, Kerstin Ketelhut, Lisa Röglin, Kuno Hottenrott, Anna Lisa Martin-Niedecken and Reinhard G. Ketelhut

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1349; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031349 - 26 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3750

Abstract

The present randomized crossover study aimed to determine whether an exergaming session in an innovative, functional fitness game could be an effective exercise approach that elicits favorable blood pressure (BP) responses, such as a typical moderate endurance exercise (ET). Therefore, acute hemodynamic responses after a training session in the ExerCube and an ET on a treadmill were assessed and compared. Twenty-eight healthy recreational active participants (13 women; aged 24.8 ± 3.9 years) completed an exergaming session (EX) and an ET in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Before and throughout the 45 min after the training, the peripheral and central BP were measured. After the ET, there was a moderate decrease in both peripheral systolic (−1.8 mmHg; p = 0.14) and diastolic (−0.8 mmHg; p = 0.003), as well as central diastolic (−1.5 mmHg; p = 0.006) pressure compared to the resting value before the exercise. After the EX, there was a significant decrease in peripheral systolic (−6.3 mmHg; p < 0.001) and diastolic (−4.8 mmHg; p < 0.001), as well as central systolic (−5.8 mmHg; p < 0.001) and diastolic (−5.3 mmHg; p < 0.001) pressure compared to baseline. The interaction effects showed significant differences in peripheral and central systolic BP as well as in peripheral diastolic BP (p = 0.05). The EX seems to be an effective training approach that triggers relevant peripheral and central BP-responses, which are more pronounced than after a typical ET. Therefore, the ExerCube can be a time-efficient training tool to improve cardiovascular health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise for Health)

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Review

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11 pages, 459 KiB

Open AccessReview

Physical Activity Counseling in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review of Content, Outcomes, and Barriers

by Mezna A. AlMarzooqi and Franziska Saller

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 16350; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192316350 - 6 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2552

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to map the characteristics and the predominant components of clinical physical activity (PA) counseling in Saudi Arabia for adult patients and outline evidence of outcomes and prevalent barriers to its implementation. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search of four online databases: Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and The Cochrane Library. Each study was assessed and evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) for methodological quality. Results: A total of 120 studies were screened, and 47 studies were sought for retrieval. In total, 25 articles were eligible and were subjected to extensive review. After a detailed evaluation, only nine studies met the inclusion criteria. All included were quantitative studies that compiled descriptive and numerical data on physical activity counseling. Four studies described PA counseling information in Saudi Arabia or prescription as lifestyle modification and program structure. The programs used various techniques to motivate patients to adhere to PA protocols. In general, practitioners indicated a high perceived competence in helping patients meet PA guidelines. The most frequently stated barrier was a lack of time for PA discussions with patients, followed by a lack of training in PA counseling, and a lack of patient compliance. Significant improvements in clinical parameters and smoking, food, and exercise habits were detected in experimental trials with respective intervention programs. Conclusion: This review provides preliminary insights into the delivered intervention and standard care content, its outcomes, and clinicians’ perceived competence and barriers regarding current PA counseling approaches in Saudi Arabia. Despite the small number of studies included, this review contributes to the limited understanding of current PA counseling practices in Saudi Arabia and serves as an informational source for clinicians and policymakers and a starting point for further research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise for Health)

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Other

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13 pages, 553 KiB

Open AccessConcept Paper

Physical Activity, Climate Change and Health—A Conceptual Model for Planning Public Health Action at the Organizational Level

by Sven Schneider, Alexandra von Winning, Fiona Grüger, Stefan Anderer, Robert Hoffner and Lilian Anderson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4664; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084664 - 12 Apr 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4233

Abstract

Climate change is linked to health risks for both professional and amateur athletes. Sports organisations will need to react to these developments. The starting point for this concept paper is a summary of the sport-specific health risks currently under discussion: increasing heatwaves, growing numbers of extreme weather events, rising UV, ozone and allergen levels and the spread of infectious diseases. Based on the current state of research, a conceptual model is developed to reduce these climate-related health risks in sports at organisational level. Given the wide variety of predicted direct and indirect health risks linked to climate change, the “sports, clubs and climate change model” (SC³ model) presented here follows a stepwise risk-specific approach using technical, organisational and person-related measures. The SC³ model also includes cross-cutting measures that have an overarching effect comprising training, warning systems, coordination and evaluation measures. The SC³ model makes it possible to develop prevention plans, both at national level for central associations and at the regional level of local organisations and clubs. It can be applied to typical settings (e.g., training or competition at elite or amateur levels) and target groups (e.g., athletes, spectators, referees and club officials). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise for Health)

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