Search PubMedSearch

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Exercise oncology”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

279 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Effect of Motor-Control Exercises on Scapulohumeral and Scapulothoracic Muscle Activations in Athletes With Secondary Subacromial Impingement Syndrome.

CONTEXT: Unbalanced or uncoordinated activity across either the scapulohumeral or the scapulothoracic muscle may impair scapulohumeral rhythm during arm elevation. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of progressive resistance exercises (PREs), integrated with and without facilitatory motor-control exercises (MCEs), on scapulohumeral and scapulothoracic myoelectric activities in overhead athletes diagnosed with secondary subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS). DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Research Center. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Overhead athletes diagnosed with secondary SAIS were assigned randomly to 3 parallel groups: 2 intervention groups and 1 control group. INTERVENTIONS: All groups received contemporary physical therapy modalities every other day for 8 weeks. Intervention groups I and II also completed scapulohumeral and scapulothoracic PREs, integrated, respectively, with and without facilitatory MCEs targeting infraspinatus and lower trapezius muscles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Scapulohumeral and scapulothoracic myoelectric activities were recorded during scapular arm abduction between 80° and 110° before and after the prescribed treatment protocols. RESULTS: Scapulohumeral and scapulothoracic PREs reduced the corresponding myoelectric activities during scapular arm abduction within the groups (P ≤ .02, partial η2 ≥ 0.127). Facilitatory biofeedback-guided exercises integrated into PREs preserved scapulohumeral and scapulothoracic myoelectric activities (P ≤ .03), excluding teres minor myoelectric activity (P > .99). CONCLUSIONS: Scapulohumeral and scapulothoracic PREs reduced the corresponding muscle activations during scapular arm abduction in overhead athletes with secondary SAIS. Facilitatory MCEs targeting infraspinatus and lower trapezius muscles, integrated into PREs, preserved scapulohumeral and scapulothoracic muscle activations.

Humans

Exploring the dose-response relationship between prenatal exercise and postpartum depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

IMPORTANCE: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a hidden and widespread global public health crisis affecting millions of mothers and infants annually. Prenatal exercise is a potentially accessible nonpharmacological strategy for PPD prevention, but its optimal dose remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To explore the dose-response relationship between prenatal exercise and the incidence of PPD through meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). DATA SOURCES: Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library using MeSH terms and keywords related to "pregnant women," "prenatal exercise," and "postpartum depression," up to June 23, 2025. STUDY SELECTION: RCTs included examined prenatal exercise interventions in pregnant women without a history of depression, with PPD incidence reported using validated depression scales (such as EPDS, CES-D). Non-RCT studies, duplicate publications, and studies with insufficient data were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two researchers independently extracted data according to the PRISMA guidelines. A random-effects model was used to pool odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Linear and nonlinear dose-response models were employed to analyze and evaluate the relationship between exercise dose (measured in METs-min/week) and the incidence of PPD. MAIN OUTCOME(S) AND MEASURE(S): The primary outcome is the incidence of PPD, analyzing its relationship with prenatal exercise dose. RESULTS: Eight RCTs involving 2231 pregnant women were included. The pooled analysis showed that prenatal exercise was associated with a potential reduction in PPD incidence, although the overall effect did not reach statistical significance (OR=0.58, 95% CI [0.33, 1.02]). In dose-stratified analysis, exercise doses ≥500 METs-min/week were associated with significantly lower PPD incidence (OR=0.44, 95% CI [0.24, 0.78]). Subgroup analyses suggested trends toward greater benefits among women aged ≥30 years and those initiating exercise between 14 and 28 weeks of gestation; however, subgroup differences did not reach statistical significance. The linear dose-response trend did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.0533), and neither the overall spline association (p = 0.1704) nor the test for nonlinearity (p = 0.6361) was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Prenatal exercise may be associated with a lower risk of PPD, but the overall pooled effect did not reach statistical significance. Findings concerning ≥500 METs-min/week and the apparent flattening of the dose-response curve should be considered exploratory and require confirmation in larger trials.

Humans

Time to subsequent therapy (TTST) as an endpoint in clinical studies: development of standardized documentation of subsequent therapy through systematic literature review, expert interviews, and Delphi survey.

BACKGROUND: The endpoint Time to Subsequent Therapy (TTST) is an intermediate endpoint used in research and regulatory assessments. TTST denotes initiation of subsequent therapy and is a clearly definable, clinically relevant event for healthcare professionals. However, it has not been systematically established to which extent TTST is subjectively meaningful to patients. The objective of this study was to define TTST as a patient-relevant intermediate endpoint. METHODS: The study examined five oncological indications (breast cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, multiple myeloma, and non-small cell lung cancer) using a systematic literature review, analysis of case report forms used in international randomized controlled trials, review of German Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) documents, semi-structured interviews and a two-stage Delphi survey with healthcare professionals, patients, and relatives. RESULTS: A total of 35 individuals participated in qualitative interviews. Most of them rated TTST as particularly significant. The Delphi Survey included 264 interviewees in round one, and 117 in round two. Patient-relevance of TTST was confirmed by 81% of respondents (95% confidence interval 76%, 85%). Nine treatment scenarios that justify TTST were identified. To capture patient-relevance, prospective collection of reasons for and consequences of therapy change are required. A checklist with standardized response formats plus free-text fields was developed: a comprehensive master checklist for flexible, complete documentation and a short version focused on therapy change-specific items. CONCLUSIONS: TTST is an intermediate endpoint whose systematic documentation of characteristics demonstrating patient-relevance can be standardized in research and clinical practice using the developed checklists.

Humans

Effects of acute resistance exercise on prefrontal oxygenation and task-switching performance: Considerations of loading strategies and blood flow restriction.

Although acute resistance exercise (RE) has been proposed to influence cognitive flexibility and underlying neural mechanisms, it remains unclear whether these effects vary across loading strategies and whether exercise-induced prefrontal hemodynamic responses translate into cognitive outcomes. The present study examined (1) prefrontal cortex (PFC) oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb) responses across exercise sets and conditions, (2) the effects of low-load (LL), LL with blood flow restriction (BFR), and high-load (HL) RE on task-switching performance, and (3) whether exercise-related PFC O2Hb responses were associated with pre- to post-exercise changes in task-switching performance. Thirty physically active adults completed three randomized, counterbalanced RE conditions consisting of four sets of barbell squats. LL was performed at 30% one-repetition maximum (1RM) with and without BFR, whereas HL was performed at 70% 1RM. Cognitive flexibility was assessed pre- and post-exercise using a modified Stroop task, indexed by switch-cost reaction time (RT) and accuracy. PFC O2Hb was assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy during exercise and expressed as changes from the resting baseline for each set (Sets 1-4). PFC O2Hb increased across sets, rising from Set 1 to Set 3 before plateauing, with no differences observed across conditions. Switch cost RT and accuracy did not improve from pre- to post-exercise, and no differences across conditions were detected. PFC O2Hb during the final set was not associated with changes in switch cost. These findings suggest that although acute RE elicits robust increases in prefrontal hemodynamic activity, such responses may not translate into acute improvements in cognitive flexibility.

Humans

Exercise Snacks Are Feasible to Perform in the Real World and Improve Physical Capacity for Adults Living With Non-Insulin Treated Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomised Trial.

AIMS: To investigate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week remotely-delivered exercise snacks (ES) intervention in adults with type 2 diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Insufficiently active adults with type 2 diabetes (N&#x2009;=&#x2009;69; 46 females; mean age&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;SD: 58&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;11&#x2009;years) were randomised to an ES or mobility/stretching comparator group (CON), which involved 4&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;1-min bouts of either vigorous or low intensity exercise, respectively, on &#x2265;&#x2009;5&#x2009;days/week. The primary outcome was feasibility based on adherence. Secondary outcomes included exercise enjoyment (1-7 scale), rating of perceived exertion (RPE; 0-10 scale), heart rate (HR), haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood biomarkers of cardiometabolic health, 30-s sit-to-stand capacity, grip strength, estimated maximal oxygen uptake, and anthropometrics. RESULTS: Weekly adherence (estimated marginal mean [95% confidence interval]: 18 bouts [16-21] for both groups; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.99) and total enjoyment (ES: 4.5 [4.1-4.8] vs. CON: 4.3 [4.0-4.7]; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.64) were high and not different between groups. Despite higher RPE (5.7 [5.4-6.1]) and peak HR (73 [70-77] % of age-predicted HR maximum) in ES versus CON (2.0 [1.7-2.4] and 61 [58-64] % of age-predicted HR maximum, respectively) (all p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), there were no between-group differences in the change in any secondary outcome (all p&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.05) except for greater sit-to-stand capacity in ES after training (between-group effect estimate [95% confidence interval]: 1.9 repetitions [0.3-3.4]; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise snacks were feasible to perform in the real world and improved sit-to-stand capacity to a greater extent than CON in adults living with type 2 diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06407245.

Aged

The impact of acute sleep fragmentation on muscle blood flow responses to handgrip exercise.

Sleep fragmentation is reported to impair resting vascular function. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that acute sleep fragmentation would impair muscle blood flow during exercise. Twenty adults (10 females and 10 males) participated in a randomized crossover study that included one night of habitual sleep and one night of fragmented sleep. Sleep was assessed at home using wrist actigraphy. Arousals from sleep were increased by an audio alarm sounding every 30 min. The morning following each sleep condition, participants performed single handgrip contractions and rhythmic handgrip exercise at 15%, 30%, and 45% MVC. Forearm blood flow (FBF) was measured using Doppler ultrasound. Nightly awakenings and wake after sleep onset significantly increased by 18% and 43%, respectively, after fragmented sleep, leading to lower sleep duration (P < 0.001). Peak FBF and total hyperemic responses following single contractions were similar between sleep conditions (all P > 0.05). During rhythmic handgrip exercise, brachial artery dilation was reduced after fragmented sleep (main effect: 5.5 &#xb1; 4.8 vs. 3.3 &#xb1; 3.7%; P = 0.01), leading to a lower FBF response to rhythmic exercise (main effect: 122 &#xb1; 58 vs. 110 &#xb1; 56 mL/min; P = 0.04). Endothelial sensitivity to shear rate was similar between sleep conditions (habitual vs. fragmented: 0.039 &#xb1; 0.024 vs. 0.042 &#xb1; 0.031%/s-1; P = 0.77). In summary, acute sleep fragmentation decreases skeletal muscle blood flow during exercise. This finding suggests that blunted oxygen delivery may be a contributing factor for exercise performance deficits after disturbed sleep.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate that one night of fragmented sleep decreases steady-state blood flow and vascular conductance during low- to moderate-intensity handgrip exercise. This impairment was not due to an impaired rapid vasodilation to single contractions nor altered endothelial sensitivity to shear rate as these variables were unchanged after acute sleep fragmentation. These results reveal a negative impact of disrupted sleep on the steady-state muscle vasodilatory response to rhythmic contractions.

Humans

Effectiveness of Yoga and Combined Exercise in Female With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Although exercise is beneficial for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), the comparative efficacy of different modalities for patients in clinical remission remains unclear. This study compared the short- and long-term effects of yoga versus a combined exercise programme on pain, balance, mobility, fatigue, depression, and quality of life in females with RA in remission. METHODS: In this single-blind, randomized controlled trial, 74 female participants were allocated to yoga (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;25), combined exercise (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;25), or a usual care control group (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;24). The intervention groups underwent an 8-week supervised programme. Clinical assessments, including the Visual Analogue Scale (pain), Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, Beck Depression Inventory, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Short Form-36, were conducted at baseline, post-intervention (8&#xa0;weeks), and follow-up (20&#xa0;weeks). RESULTS: Both intervention groups demonstrated significant improvements in all outcome measures compared with the control group at post-treatment and follow-up (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05). Notably, the yoga group exhibited superior outcomes compared to the combined exercise group in reducing pain intensity (median reduction of 4.00 vs. 2.00 points; p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001, &#x3b7;2&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.724), as well as in physical function, balance, fatigue, depression, and quality of life at the 20-week follow-up. These benefits may be partly attributed to the incorporation of breathing and relaxation techniques inherent to yoga practice. CONCLUSIONS: Both 8-week yoga and combined exercise programs are effective in managing residual symptoms in females with RA in clinical remission. However, yoga appears to provide superior benefits in pain management and psychosocial well-being, supporting its integration into multidisciplinary RA management protocols, particularly for addressing psychosocial burden in patients achieving remission. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was retrospectively registered at NCT07072754 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Humans

Therapeutic Exercise Protocol During Hospitalization in Pediatric Oncohematological Patients: Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Leukemias, lymphomas, and central nervous system tumors are among the most common pediatric cancers and may lead to motor deficits, impaired balance, reduced muscle strength, fatigue, and decreased functional capacity. Early physiotherapy during hospitalization may help prevent inactivity and support functional preservation in this population. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a therapeutic exercise program on quality of life, muscle strength, fatigue, and functional capacity in hospitalized pediatric oncohematological patients. METHODS: Thirty participants aged 8-17&#xa0;years with oncohematological diseases were randomized to an intervention group (IG) or a minimal active physiotherapy comparator group (CG). Assessments included the 6-min walk test, handgrip dynamometry, the PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale, and the PedsQL Cancer Module at admission and discharge. The IG performed daily 25-min supervised sessions including aerobic, resistance, and breathing exercises with ambulation guidance, whereas the CG received breathing exercises and ambulation guidance. RESULTS: No significant group&#xa0;&#xd7;&#xa0;time interactions were observed for total fatigue or its domains, overall quality of life or its assessed domains, handgrip strength, or six-minute walk test distance. Time-related changes were observed for some outcomes, but these occurred without evidence of differential change between groups and were not interpreted as effects of the structured exercise protocol. No intervention-related adverse events requiring permanent protocol discontinuation were recorded. CONCLUSION: The structured in-hospital therapeutic exercise protocol could be delivered under close clinical supervision without recorded intervention-related adverse events requiring permanent discontinuation. However, the structured protocol did not demonstrate superiority over the minimal active physiotherapy comparator for fatigue, quality of life, muscle strength, or functional capacity. These findings should be interpreted cautiously because of the small sample size, clinical heterogeneity, variable intervention exposure, and limited intervention-fidelity data. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC), RBR-8sxnfyd.

Humans

Optimising Exercise Prescription: A Meta-Analysis Examining the Dose Response of Exercise Duration on Cardiorespiratory Fitness Following HIIT and MICT.

BACKGROUND: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is often promoted as a time-efficient alternative to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) for improving cardiorespiratory fitness, yet the duration of HIIT sessions varies considerably across studies. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to characterise the dose-response relationship between exercise session duration and the improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness for HIIT and MICT. METHODS: A dose-response meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials comparing exercise duration in HIIT and MICT, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022335590). Effect sizes were calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis. The primary outcome was maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Secondary outcomes included blood pressure, lipid profiles, glucose metabolism markers and body composition measures. A one-stage random-effects dose-response meta-analysis was performed to examine the relationship between exercise duration and adaptations. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar; eligibility criteria for selecting studies were randomised controlled trials in humans, published in English and exercise interventions lasting at least 4&#xa0;weeks. RESULTS: We identified 69 randomised controlled trials (2387 participants). High-intensity interval training elicited greater improvements in VO2max than MICT (d = 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.27-0.49, p < 0.001). High-intensity interval training demonstrated a non-linear dose-response relationship between exercise session duration and VO2max, with 80% of maximal effect (changes in VO2max = 3.45&#xa0;mL/kg/min) achieved with only ~11&#xa0;min/session (95% confidence interval 9.5-40.2). Moderate-intensity interval training showed a linear dose-response relationship between exercise session duration and VO2max, requiring ~52&#xa0;min/session to achieve 80% of the&#xa0;maximal observed&#xa0;effect (95% confidence interval 30.4-55.8). The dose-response relationship was consistent across populations. High-intensity interval training and MICT had comparable effects in improving cardiometabolic risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: High-intensity interval training demonstrated a non-linear dose response, with 80% of maximal effect on VO2max in ~11&#xa0;min/session, whilst MICT required four to five times longer to reach similar responses. The different types of training had comparable effects on cardiometabolic risk factors.

Journal Article

Effects of exercise snacking on neuromuscular performance in insufficiently active adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of exercise snacking (ES) on neuromuscular performance in insufficiently active adults. METHODS: Six databases were searched from inception to July 17, 2026. Randomized controlled trials and non-randomized studies of interventions involving insufficiently active adults undertaking ES interventions were included. Outcomes were functional performance, muscular strength, and muscular power. A three-level random-effects meta-analysis was performed. Risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2 or ROBINS-I, and certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE. RESULTS: Nine studies (13 reports) involving 313 participants were included. In the primary three-level model, ES showed a small positive overall effect on neuromuscular performance (g = 0.37, 95% CI 0.16-0.58, p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.001), which remained supported under trial-clustered robust inference with small-sample adjustment. Domain-specific estimates for muscular power/velocity, functional performance, and muscular strength were positive but imprecise and were not statistically supported after small-sample robust adjustment. Robust moderator tests provided no evidence of between-subgroup differences, and the certainty of evidence was low for all outcomes. CONCLUSION: Current low-certainty evidence suggests that ES may produce a small improvement in overall neuromuscular performance. However, domain-specific effects remain uncertain because of the limited number of independent trials, and the overall prediction interval crossed zero, indicating uncertainty across future populations and settings. Larger, preregistered randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Adult

Isometric Exercises for Tendinopathies: A Systematic Literature Review.

PURPOSE: Musculoskeletal disorders are among the most common reasons for medical consultation, with tendinopathies accounting for up to 30% of such presentations. Although exercise remains the cornerstone of management, the most effective modality continues to be debated. Eccentric exercise has long been the mainstay, but the role of isometric exercise in pain modulation and functional recovery remains unclear. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current evidence on the efficacy of isometric exercises in the management of tendinopathies across various anatomic sites. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to August 1, 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and prospective or retrospective cohort studies assessing isometric exercise interventions for tendinopathy, with or without comparator groups. Case series and case reports were excluded. Data extracted included participant demographic characteristics, site of tendinopathy, symptom duration, treatment duration, adherence, and outcome measures such as Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment (A, P, or G), visual analog scale, Patient-Specific Functional Scale, 36 item short form health survey (SF-36), and EuroQol 5-Dimension questionnaires. Imaging outcomes (ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging) were recorded where available. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. FINDINGS: The search identified 304 articles, of which 13 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 336 participants (40% female). Tendinopathy sites included the patellar (n = 4), Achilles (n = 3), lateral elbow (n = 2), rotator cuff (n = 2), wrist extensor (n = 1), and gluteal (n = 1) tendons. Median symptom duration was 23 months (interquartile range, 3-51 months). Intervention periods ranged from a single 45-minute session to 4-month exercise programs. Treatment adherence was high initially (nearly 100%) but declined over time, with 70% of participants in the isometric and 58% in the control (isotonic) groups completing &#x2265;80% of sessions. Pain reduction and functional improvement were statistically significant in only 3 studies. Imaging-based outcomes were inconsistently reported, and study heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. Overall methodological quality was rated as good in 3 studies and poor in 10. IMPLICATIONS: Current evidence provides limited support for the superiority of isometric exercise in tendinopathy management. Although isometric regimens appear tolerable and may confer short-term analgesic benefits, their long-term efficacy relative to eccentric or isotonic protocols remains uncertain. Future research should prioritize standardized outcome measures, longer follow-up, and uniform diagnostic criteria to strengthen the evidence base for exercise prescription in tendinopathies.

Humans

Virtual reality physical education and adolescents' exercise interest and physical fitness: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods randomized trial with exploratory pathway analysis.

Traditional physical education (PE) faces declining student interest and limited fitness gains. Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive, gamified experiences, but evidence regarding its effectiveness and explanatory pathways remains limited. This explanatory sequential mixed-methods randomized trial assigned 360 adolescents (aged 13-16) from three middle schools to either VR-supported PE (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;180) or conventional PE (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;180) for 12&#xa0;weeks, with a 4-week follow-up. Outcomes included exercise interest (validated scale), physical fitness (coordination via MABC-2, cardiorespiratory endurance via the 20-m shuttle run, explosive power via the standing long jump, and speed via the 10-m sprint), and accelerometer-measured physical activity. The qualitative component involved 38 unique students: 32 completed individual semi-structured interviews, and six additional students participated only in focus groups. Three-level linear mixed-effects models and exploratory structural equation modeling were used. The VR group showed significantly greater improvements in exercise interest (d&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.78), coordination (d&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.62), cardiorespiratory endurance (d&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.55), and speed (d&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.48) than the control group (all p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001), but not in explosive power (d&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.12, p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.148). Effects were partially retained at follow-up (interest d&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.65, coordination d&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.48, endurance d&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.42, and speed d&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.30), a pattern not fully consistent with a purely novelty-driven explanation. Exploratory mediation identified exercise interest as a statistically compatible explanatory pathway (indirect effect&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.34, 95% CI [0.22, 0.46]), although the timing of measurement precludes causal interpretation. Qualitative findings contextualized these results by highlighting immersion, feedback, self-efficacy, and perceived transfer. VR-supported PE may enhance adolescents' exercise interest and selected fitness dimensions, but its limited effect on explosive power and possible novelty contribution indicate that it should complement, rather than replace, conventional PE. Longer-term studies are needed.

Humans

Effects of cinnamon supplementation combined with exercise training on anthropometric indices and reproductive hormones in overweight and obese women.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity and increased fat in the chest and abdomen in women and hormonal changes, can affect female fertility. The present study aims to investigate the effect of exercise training combined with cinnamon supplementation on chest and abdominal circumference, as well as sex hormones, in overweight and obese women. METHODS: Twenty-six inactive overweight and obese women were randomly allocated to an exercise (E; n = 13) and exercise plus cinnamon supplementation (E+S; n = 13) group. Both groups completed a 4-week exercise program three times weekly, while the E+S group additionally received cinnamon supplementation three times weekly. Chest and abdominal circumferences and serum concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Significant pre-to-post reductions in chest and abdominal circumference were observed in both groups (all p &#x2264; 0.005). Estradiol, progesterone, and FSH concentrations increased, whereas LH concentrations decreased significantly in both groups (all p &#x2264; 0.005). However, between-group comparisons revealed a significant difference only for chest circumference (p = 0.003), with no significant group differences in abdominal circumference or any reproductive hormone concentration (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both groups showed favorable changes in anthropometric and reproductive hormone measures following the 4-week study period. However, the significant between-group difference was limited to chest circumference, providing no clear evidence that cinnamon supplementation conferred additional benefits for abdominal circumference or reproductive hormone profiles beyond those observed with exercise. These findings highlight the potential relevance of exercise-based interventions while warranting confirmation in larger, adequately powered trials.

Humans

Effects of passive blood flow restriction on muscle function following exercise-induced muscle damage in recreationally active males.

This investigation examined the effects of passive blood flow restriction (pBFR) on indices of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in recreationally active males. Fifteen males completed six consecutive visits (&#xb1;2&#x2009;hours). Participants completed 3&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;25 maximal, unilateral, isokinetic (60&#xb0;&#xb7;s-1), concentric-eccentric leg extensions on both legs. Each leg was randomly assigned to receive pBFR (80% arterial occlusion pressure) or sham (20&#x2009;mmHg) at 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96&#x2009;hours post-EIMD. Perceived muscle soreness, range of motion (ROM), pain pressure threshold (PPT), concentric peak torque (CPT), and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) torque were assessed and analyzed using separate linear mixed-effects models. Perceived muscle soreness increased at 24&#x2009;hours (mean difference [meandiff] = 4.9 au; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001) and recovered by 96&#x2009;hours (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.482), with no differences between conditions (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.450). ROM (meandiff&#x2009;=&#x2009;-3.1&#xb0;; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.040), PPT (meandiff&#x2009;=&#x2009;-1.63 kgf; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), CPT (meandiff&#x2009;=&#x2009;-27.7&#x2009;Nm; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), and MVIC torque (meandiff&#x2009;=&#x2009;-30.8&#x2009;Nm; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001) decreased at 24&#x2009;hours, with recovery occurring between 48-96&#x2009;hours. Condition-specific differences were observed for ROM (meandiff&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.5&#xb0;; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), PPT (meandiff&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.49 kgf; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.005), CPT (meandiff&#x2009;=&#x2009;6.2&#x2009;Nm; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.020), and MVIC torque (meandiff&#x2009;=&#x2009;7.1&#x2009;Nm; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.044), which were greater in pBFR than sham. These findings suggested that pBFR may reduce impairments in ROM, PPT, CPT, and MVIC torque following EIMD, despite a similar recovery trajectory between conditions.

Humans

A combined stimulus of acute fasting and exercise modulates hippocampal mitochondrial quality control in healthy mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Exercise and fasting are recognized for their ability to improve brain health and mitigate neurodegeneration. However, little is known about how these interventions acutely impact mitochondrial quality control mechanisms including mitophagy. METHODS: We examined the effects of a single bout of fasting and exercise (FEx) on hippocampal mitochondrial function and proteomic remodeling in male and female mice. To assess in vivo autophagy dynamics, we combined proteomics with chloroquine (CQ) inhibition of autophagic flux. Mice were assigned to sedentary (Sed), fasting (F), exercise (Ex), or combined FEx groups and received unilateral intrahippocampal injections of CQ or PBS following treatments. Four hours later, hippocampi were collected for analysis. RESULTS: LC3-II levels significantly increased in the FEx group only following CQ treatment, indicating enhanced autophagic flux. Proteomic profiling showed sedentary males failed to mount a robust response to FEx however females exhibited upregulation of proteins involved in the TCA cycle, glutathione metabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation, suggesting greater mitochondrial adaptability. Functional assays supported these findings, females showed increased complex IV activity post-FEx. The mitochondrial DNA / nuclear DNA ratio increased after FEx regardless of sex, and upstream regulator analysis predicted activation of mitochondrial biogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these data reveal sex-specific mitochondrial remodeling in response to acute fasting and exercise. Defining these normative responses is critical for understanding how mitochondrial adaptability shapes resilience or vulnerability to neurological challenges.

Animals

Effectiveness of psychologically informed physical therapy, tendon-specific exercise program and routine physical therapy in prolonged unilateral shoulder pain and symptom correlations with imaging: a single-center, randomized, parallel-group, three-arm study (RESPECT).

BACKGROUND: Shoulder complaints are one of the most common musculoskeletal ailments. Patient-specific characteristics such as obesity, depression and physical labor are established risk factors, whereas imaging findings are common and associations between specific imaging findings and symptomatology is limited. General exercises are considered useful in treatment whereas evidence for specific tendon exercises is lacking. Biopsychosocial model is also recommended, but has not been extensively studied concerning shoulder symptoms. This article describes the study protocol designed to evaluate the effectiveness and the cost-effectiveness of routine and specific physical therapy (PT) interventions. Imaging is performed for descriptive, longitudinal and imaging-symptom correlation studies. METHODS: The Rehabilitation of Shoulder Pain: Evaluation and Clinical Trial (RESPECT) is a randomized three-arm parallel-group study involving 300 participants aged 20 to 60&#xa0;years with prolonged unilateral shoulder pain. Participants will receive either routine PT, physiotherapist-guided tendon-specific exercise program or psychologically informed PT. Bilateral shoulder radiographs, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging will be done at the baseline and at 12 and 36&#xa0;months. Electronic surveys will be completed at the baseline and at 3, 6, 12 and 36&#xa0;months. The primary outcome will be patient-specific functional scale (PSFS) at 12&#xa0;months, analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), adjusted for baseline PSFS. DISCUSSION: RESPECT will provide systematic and controlled data regarding different PT interventions in prolonged shoulder symptoms, which is currently limited. Being one of the most common sources of musculoskeletal pain, improved management could reduce symptom-related burden and prolonged functional impairment at individual and population level. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Registration number NCT07235969; Registered November 18th, 2025; Version: 1.0.

Humans

A multicenter randomized phase II/III trial of salvage treatment for refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma using tirabrutinib: JCOG2314 (ReSTART).

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an aggressive malignancy. Patients refractory to high-dose methotrexate-based induction therapy have an extremely poor prognosis. Although whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is the standard salvage treatment and provides potent tumor control, early functional deterioration and late neurocognitive toxicity remain major concerns. A phase I/II trial on relapsed or refractory PCNSL demonstrated favorable efficacy and tolerability of tirabrutinib, a second-generation selective Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Tirabrutinib's oral administration has enabled outpatient management. However, its clinical value for induction-refractory PCNSL remains uncertain. We designed a multicenter, randomized phase II/III trial (JCOG2314) to assess the non-inferiority of tirabrutinib to WBRT in overall survival and its potential to reduce functional deterioration and cognitive impairment. A total of 94 patients from 49 institutions will be enrolled over 4 years. The trial has been registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (study number: jRCT1031250645).

Humans

Exercise-associated epigenetic remodeling and TCR repertoire dynamics in Lynch syndrome carriers.

Lynch syndrome (LS) carriers are at elevated cancer risk. Emerging evidence suggests that exercise may serve as a non-pharmacologic preventive strategy, yet the epigenetic and immunological mechanisms underlying its protective effects in this population remain unclear. Here, we perform integrative multi-omics profiling of DNA methylation, gene expression, and the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire in LS carriers undergoing a 52-week aerobic cycling intervention. We identify compartment-specific DNA methylation changes, including innate immune activation in cfDNA and oncogenic pathway repression in tissue. Integrative transcriptomic analysis highlights ISL1 as a key exercise-repressed, epigenetically regulated gene, and identifies FLCN as a colorectal cancer (CRC)-associated methylation target. TCR analysis reveals an exercise-associated increase in systemic repertoire diversity and tissue-specific clonal convergence, thus suggesting antigen-driven recruitment. Collectively, these findings uncover epigenetic and immune remodeling as potential mechanisms of exercise-mediated protection in LS.

Lynch syndrome