Alejandro Martinez-Rodriguez

The impact of aerobic exercise training on arterial stiffness in pre- and hypertensive subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Debate concerning aerobic exercise decreasing arterial stiffness in pre- and hypertensive individuals still exists. We sought to systematically review and quantify the effect of aerobic exercise training on arterial stiffness in pre- and hypertensive subjects. METHODS MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus and Web of Science were searched up until August 2013 for trials assessing the effect of aerobic exercise interventions lasting 4 or more weeks on arterial stiffness in (pre)hypertensive subjects. Standardized mean difference (SMD) in arterial stiffness parameters (PWV, B-stiffness, Compliance, AIx) was calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were used to study potential moderating factors. RESULTS Fourteen trials comprising a total of 472 (pre)hypertensive subjects met the inclusion criteria. Arterial stiffness was not significantly reduced by aerobic training in (pre)hypertensive subjects (14 trials, SMD=-0.19; P=.06). Likewise, post-intervention arterial stiffness was similar between the aerobic exercise-trained and control (pre)hypertensive subjects (8 trials, SMD=-0.10; P=.43). Neither heterogeneity nor publication bias was detected in either of these analyses. In the subgroup analyses, arterial stiffness was significantly reduced in aerobic exercise-trained (pre)hypertensive subgroups below the median value in post minus pre-intervention systolic blood pressure (SBP) (SMD=-0.38, P=.04) and in subgroups above the median value in the duration of the intervention (SMD=-0.28, P=.03). Similar results were obtained in the meta-regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS Arterial stiffness is not reduced in (pre)hypertensive subjects in response to aerobic training unless associated with a substantial reduction in SBP and/or prolonged duration.

Dependencia al ejercicio físico e indicadores del estado de ánimo en deportistas universitarios

prevalencia Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine exercise dependence prevalence in college athletes; analyze differences by gender, kind of sport and training time. In addition, to analyze its relationship with sensitivity and moods. Involved 255 students (212 men and 43 women) aged between 18 and 43 years (M = 21.25, SD = 4.28). Spanish version of the Exercise Dependence Scale -Revised (EDS- R; Sicilia and Gonzalez, 2011) and Pro- file of Mood States (POMS, McNair, Lorr and Droppleman, 1971) were administered. The results showed a dependence on exercise represented 6% of the study participants, no statistically significant differences by gender or sport. Regarding the training time differences did appear, being those with high dedication which had higher symptoms of exercise depend- ence, compared to those with a healthy dedication. Exercise dependence was associated with a profile mood of tension, depression, anger, fatigue and weakness. The results have identified characteristics of the process of exercise and psychological dependence indicators for signs of the disorder through psychological evaluation during training periods to prevent the full development of the problem.

Bone mass in girls according to their BMI, VO2 max, hours and years of practice

Abstract The accumulation of bone mass during puberty is related with bone health in adulthood. This accumulation is influenced by diverse factors such as body mass index (BMI), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), hours of training and years of sport practice. For this reason, the objective of this study is to analyse the influence of these variables on bone mass in young female athletes. The sample is formed of 120 healthy girls with ages between 9 and 13 (11.32 ± 1.6 years old), divided into two groups depending on their BMI, VO2 max, hours of training and years of sport practice. The participants completed a series of tests to evaluate level of sexual development, body composition (fat mass, lean mass and bone mass) and physical condition. The results show higher values of total lean mass, total fat mass and percentage of body fat in the groups with higher BMI in prepubertal girls and pubertal girls (p < .05). In relation to VO2 max, in the prepubertal group, girls with lower VO2 max had higher values of total fat mass (p < .05) and percentage of body fat (p < .05). In the pubertal group, girls with lower VO2 max also showed a higher total fat mass (p < .05). The studied variables account for a 85% and 75.4% of the variance of total bone mineral content and bone mineral density (BMD), respectively. In conclusion, the content and BMD are closely related with muscle mass and sports practice in young females. The amount of fat mass showed no association with bone mass and physical condition has an indirect relationship with bone development.

Body composition assessment of paddle and tennis adult male players

INTRODUCTION Racket sports require athletes to constantly improve and progress in their physical qualities in order to maintain competitive standards. This includes achieving and maintaining an optimal body composition. However, few studies have been published addressing this topic. OBJECTIVE This study tries to provide a complete anthropometric profile, including somatotype and body composition, of paddle and tennis male adult players. METHODS Anthropometric parameters including weight, height, skinfolds, girths and breadths were measured in 21 paddle and 26 tennis players, and the results were compared between the two groups as well as a control group, who did not play racket-based sports. RESULTS No significant differences in any body composition variable were found comparing tennis vs paddle players, with both groups showing a meso-endomorphic somatotype. The athletes presented lower muscle mass, and therefore less mesomorphic component, compared to the control group. CONCLUSION Since body composition is a major determinant in racket sport performance, it is instrumental to control fat and muscle body mass by using adequate dietetic and nutritional tools as well as optimal training programs.