Physical exercise can significantly impact our bodies, affecting our functional capacity, structure establishment, and molecular makeup. The magnitude of these changes depends on the specific exercise protocols used. For instance, low-to-moderate-intensity exercise can activate important molecular targets in the short term, such as BDNF-mediated signaling, while high-intensity exercise can maintain these signaling molecules in the active state for a longer term. This makes it challenging to recommend specific exercises for obtaining BDNF-induced benefits. Additionally, exercise-induced molecular signaling targets can have positive and negative effects, with some exercises blunting these targets and others activating them. For example, increasing BDNF concentration through exercise can be beneficial for brain health, but it may also have a negative impact on conditions such as bipolar disorder. Therefore, a deeper understanding of a specific exercise-mediated mechanistic approach is required. This review will delve into how the sprint exercise-mediated activation of BDNF could help maintain brain health and explore potential molecular interventions.

UNASSIGNED: This study aimed to assess and compare the effect of an 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) programme on body composition and cardiovascular metabolic outcomes of sedentary adolescents in China.
UNASSIGNED: Eighteen sedentary normal-weight adolescents (age: 18.5 ± 0.3 years, 11 females) were randomized into three groups. HIIT group protocol consisted of three sessions/week for 8-week of \"all out\" sprints to reach 85%-95% of HRmax, and MICT group protocol undertook three sessions/week for 8-week of continuous running to reach 65%-75% of HRmax. The control group resumed normal daily activities without any intervention. Blood pressure and body composition were measured, and fasting blood samples were obtained at baseline and 48 h post-trial. Mixed-design ANOVA analysis was employed followed by post hoc t-tests and Bonferroni alpha-correction was used to evaluate interaction, between-group, and within-group differences, respectively.
UNASSIGNED: Results indicated that HIIT and MICT similarly affected body fat mass (p = 0.021, ES = 0.19; p = 0.016, ES = 0.30, respectively), body fat percentage (p = 0.037, ES = 0.17; p = 0.041, ES = 0.28, respectively), visceral fat area (p = 0.001, ES = 0.35; p = 0.003, ES = 0.49, respectively) of body composition. A positive outcome was observed for waist/hip ratio (p = 0.033, ES = 0.43) in HIIT, but not MICT (p = 0.163, ES = 0.33). No significant differences were found between groups for any clinical biomarkers. However, pairwise comparison within the group showed a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.018, ES = 0.84), diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.008, ES = 1.76), and triglyceride (p = 0.004, ES = 1.33) in HIIT, but no significant differences were found in the MICT and Control group.
UNASSIGNED: Both 8-week HIIT and MICT programmes have similar positive effects on reducing body fat mass, fat percentage, and visceral fat area. However, sedentary adolescents may have limited scope to decrease insulin resistance after these 8-week interventions. Notably, the 8-week HIIT intervention was highly effective in increasing cardiometabolic health compared to the MICT. The exercise intensity threshold value and metabolic outcomes of high-intensity interval sprints should be explored further to extend the long-term benefit in this cohort.

Present study aimed to compare the effects of SSIT intervention with varying rest distributions on hormonal, physiological, and performance adaptations in soccer players. Thirty-six players were randomly divided into three SSIT groups, each performing 4 sets of 6-10 repetitions of 6-second all-out running with rest intervals at ratios of 1:3, 1:6, and 1:9. Prior to and following the 7-week training period, aerobic fitness indices and anaerobic power were evaluated using a graded exercise test with a gas collection system and a lower-body Wingate test, respectively. Also, sport-specific bio-motor abilities were determined by measuring vertical jump, 20-m sprint, and T-test change of direction speed, Yo-Yo IR1 and maximal kicking distance. Hormonal status was also monitored by evaluating testosterone and cortisol levels. Following the 7-week training period, all SSIT interventions resulted in significant enhancements (p < 0.05) in soccer-related performance, physiological parameters, and hormonal adaptations, exhibiting effect sizes that ranged from small to large. Comparative analysis indicated that the 1:9 SSIT results in greater adaptive responses (p < 0.05) in the vertical jump, peak power, testosterone, and cortisol compared to the 1:3 SSIT group. By contrast, the 1:3 SSIT group induced more adaptive responses (p < 0.05) in the mean power output, maximum oxygen consumption (V̇O2max), and Yo-Yo IR1 compared to the 1:9 SSIT group. Hence, for enhancing physical performance, especially vertical jump height, anaerobic peak power, and hormonal adaptations, the 1:9 SSIT ratio is preferable. Conversely, shorter rest intervals (specifically, the 1:3 SSIT ratio) are better suited for eliciting heightened adaptive responses in mean power output, V̇O2max, and Yo-Yo IR1 over the 7-week training period among young male soccer players.

UNASSIGNED: High-intensity intermittent training has emerged as an option for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). However, short sprint training (sSIT), an efficient HIIT modality, has not been tested yet for this purpose. The sSIT has been proven to induce the same metabolic adaptations, with the advantage of promoting lower muscle fatigue than other HIIT protocols.
UNASSIGNED: Seventeen adult women diagnosed with moderate/severe MDD were randomly allocated into a sSIT group (n=9) or a control condition (n=8). The sSIT group completed, over two weeks, six 6-10-min sessions which consisted of 3-12 \"all out\" sprints of 5 s interspersed with low-intensity recovery of 30-45 s. The week before and after the intervention, both groups were evaluated with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale of 21-itens (HAM-D21), and for physical fitness and incidental physical activity.
UNASSIGNED: The sSIT group exhibited significant improvements for HAM-D21 scores (24.6±8.2 vs. 16.8±10.1), maximum aerobic power (140±15 vs. 155±15 W), countermovement jump (13.0±3.4 vs. 14.9±3.1 cm), % of body fatness (32.4±4.4 vs. 29.3±3.8%), and 4-days number of steps (13,626±11,309 vs. 16,643±15,371) after the training period when compared to the control group.
UNASSIGNED: Less than 1 hour of a sSIT protocol over two weeks have demonstrated to reduce depressive symptoms, while improving aerobic fitness and body composition, and increasing incidental physical activity in a sample of women diagnosed with MDD.

UNASSIGNED: Although aerobic exercise is the primary modality recommended for the treatment of hypertension, it remains unclear whether high-intensity all-out sprint interval training (SIT) can result in greater reductions of blood pressure (BP) and cardiorespiratory health. This systematic review aims to compare the impact of SIT versus Moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on improvements in resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) among adults.
UNASSIGNED: We conducted a systematic search of three online databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) from January 2000 to July 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials that compared the chronic effects of SIT versus MICT on BP in participants with high or normal blood pressure. We extracted information on participant characteristics, exercise protocols, BP outcomes, and intervention settings. Furthermore, the changes in VO2 max between the two groups were analyzed using a meta-analysis. The pooled results were presented as weighted means with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
UNASSIGNED: Out of the 1,874 studies initially were found, eight were included in this review, totaling 169 participants. A significant decrease in SBP (MD = -2.82 mmHg, 95% CI [-4.53 to -1.10], p = 0.08, I2 =45%) was observed in the SIT group compared to before the training, but no significant decrease in DBP (MD = -0.75 mmHg, 95% CI [-1.92 to 0.42], p = 0.16, I2 = 33%) was observed. In contrast, both SBP (MD = -3.00 mmHg, 95% CI [-5.31 to -0.69], p = 0.68, I2 = 0%) and DBP (MD = -2.11 mmHg, 95% CI [-3.63 to -0.60], p = 0.72, I2 = 0%) significantly decreased in the MICT group with low heterogeneity. No significant difference was found in resting SBP and DBP between SIT and MICT after the intervention. Both SIT and MICT significantly increased VO2 peak, with SIT resulting in a mean difference (MD) of 1.75 mL/kg/min (95% CI [0.39-3.10], p = 0.02, I2 = 61%), and MICT resulting in a mean difference of 3.10 mL/kg/min (95% CI [1.03-5.18], p = 0.007, I2 = 69%). MICT was more effective in improving VO2 peak (MD = -1.36 mL/kg/min, 95% CI [-2.31 to 0.40], p = 0.56, I2 = 0%). Subgroup analysis of duration and single sprint time showed that SIT was more effective in reducing SBP when the duration was ≥8 weeks or when the sprint time was <30 s.
UNASSIGNED: Our meta-analysis showed that SIT is an effective intervention in reducing BP and improving cardiorespiratory fitness among adults. Consequently, SIT can be used in combination with traditional MICT to increase the variety, utility, and time efficiency of exercise prescriptions for different populations.

OBJECTIVE: Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) applies gradual pressure to facilitate lymph and blood flow movement to reduce exercise-induced tissue fluid accumulation and plasma volume loss. This study aimed to evaluate the cardiovascular system response during the recovery with IPC compared with passive recovery (Sham).
METHODS: Sixteen volunteers (7 females and 9 males) executed a cycling-based exhausting sprint interval exercise (8 × 20 s all out), followed by a 30-min IPC or Sham condition. Participants performed two trials in a randomised, counterbalanced, and crossover design. Several cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure, heart function, and peripheral vascular resistance) were recorded at baseline (5\'), through the recovery protocol (30\'), and afterwards (5\').
RESULTS: The use of IPC during the recovery phase led to a faster recovery, stated in relative values to pre-exercise, in mean blood pressure (102.5 ± 19.3% vs. 92.7 ± 12.5%; P < 0.001), and cardiac output (139.8 ± 30.0% vs. 146.2 ± 40.2%; P < 0.05) in comparison to Sham condition. Furthermore, during the IPC-based recovery, there was a slower recovery in cardiac pressure change over time (92.5 ± 25.8% vs. 100.5 ± 48.9%; P < 0.05), and a faster return to pre-exercise values in the peripheral vascular resistance (75.2 ± 25.5% vs. 64.8 ± 17.4%; P < 0.001) compared to Sham.
CONCLUSIONS: The application of IPC after high-intensity exercise promotes the recovery of the cardiovascular system, reducing cardiovascular strain. Future investigations should consider the effects on the sympathetic-parasympathetic balance, such as heart rate variability, to assess further bonds between the use of IPC and autonomous control.

Motivation states for physical activity and sedentarism potentially vary from moment to moment. The CRAVE scale (Cravings for Rest and Volitional Energy Expenditure) was developed to assess transient wants and desires to move. Three studies were conducted with the aims of: (1) translating and validating the scale in Brazilian Portuguese, (2) examining changes with exercise, and (3) determining the best single-item for Move and Rest subscales for English and Portuguese. In Study 1, six bilingual speakers translated the scale into Brazilian Portuguese [named Anseios por Repouso e Gastos com Energia (ARGE)]. The ARGE had good content validity coefficients across three dimensions (0.89-0.91), as determined by three independent, bilingual referees. 1,168 participants (mean age = 30.6, SD = 12.2) from across Brazil completed an online version of the ARGE. An Exploratory Factor Analysis found two clear, oblique, and inversely related factors (Move and Rest; GFI = 1.00, RMSR = 0.03). Reliability was good (Cronbach α\'s: 0.93 and 0.92). Two models of the scale (10 vs. 13 items) were compared with Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The previously validated version using 10 scored items (GFI = 1.00, RMSEA = 0.07, RMSR = 0.02) outperformed the version scored with 13 items. State anxiety and exercise behavior had small associations with Move and Rest (-0.20 to 0.26). In Study 2, ARGE Move scores had high correspondence post-session (ICC = 0.83) for 9 women performing short Sprint Interval Training (sSIT; 6 sessions). Large, but non-significant, effects were detected for changes in motivation states with sSIT. In Study 3, IRT analyses found that for the United States sample, \"be physically active\" and \"be still\" were the most representative items for Move and Rest, respectively, while for the Brazil sample they were \"exert my muscles\" and \"be a couch potato.\" Overall, it was found that: (A) the ARGE scale demonstrated good psychometric properties, (B) the original scoring (with 10 items) resulted in the best model, (C) it had small associations with exercise behavior, and (D) the subscales were reduced to single items that varied by country, indicating potential cultural differences in the concept of motivation states for physical activity.

With rates of obesity and dyslipidemia rising among young adults, this meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and sedentary controls (CON) on low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) in nondiabetic overweight and obese young adults to determine if HIIT or MICT is more efficacious in improving dyslipidemia. Studies included in the analysis had to be randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies, comparing the effects of HIIT versus MICT or CON on at least three variables of interest: LDL, HDL, TG, and TC, in nondiabetic adults, with body mass indexes (BMIs) above 25, and average ages between 18-30. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Eight studies fulfilled the selection criteria, with a mean PEDro quality score of 5.8. Compared to CON, HIIT significantly decreased the concentrations of LDL (-12.14 mg/dL, p = < 0.00001) and TC (-9.27 mg/dL, p = 0.003), without significantly affecting HDL or TG. Compared to MICT, HIIT significantly decreased the concentrations of LDL (-6.23 mg/dL, p = 0.05) and TC (-7.85 mg/dL, p = 0.02), without significantly affecting HDL or TG concentrations. HIIT is superior to MICT and CON in improving the concentrations of LDL and TC in our target population. As early management of dyslipidemia improves long-term health, we recommend clinicians consider HIIT training protocols for their nondiabetic overweight and obese young adult patients.

High intensity interval training (HIIT) causes oxidative stress and haematological alteration. Present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks\' supplementation of vitamin C and E on HIIT induced changes in lipid profile parameters and haematological variables. Hundred six male adolescent players were randomly assigned into five age-matched groups, i.e., Control (no exercise+placebo), HIIT (placebo), HIIT ​+ ​vitamin-C (1 000 ​mg/day), HIIT ​+ ​vitamin-E 400 IU/day) and combined HIIT ​+ ​vitamin C and E. Morning and evening sessions (90 ​min) of HIIT included 4 phases (15 ​min each) with 3 sets (4 ​min each). Each 4 ​min HIIT set consisted of 2 ​min intense sprint workout (90%-95% of heart rate maximum [HRmax]) followed by 1 ​min active recovery (60%-70% HRmax) followed by 1 ​min of complete rest (1:1 work-rest ratio). Lipid profile parameters, haematological variables, endurance capacity and vertical jump were evaluated by standard protocols. Significant decrease in body weight, fat%, total cholesterol, triglyceride, Total Cholesterol/High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol and significant increase in High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol, maximal oxygen consumption, vertical jump were observed for all four intervention groups. White blood cell count, red blood cell count, haemoglobin percentage and haematocrit values were significantly decreased while platelet count and platelet-to-leukocyte ratio (PLR) ratio were increased significantly only for HIIT group. Blood level of tocopherol and ascorbic acid was significantly increased (values were within the normal range) in all the respective vitamin supplemented groups. Supplementation of vitamin C and E secures health protection with suppressed haemolysis and improved inflammatory blood variables with enhanced explosive leg strength and lipid profile parameters without any concomitant change in endurance capacity.

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of supervised cycling sprint interval training (SIT) on serum osteocalcin, lipocalin-2 and sclerostin levels, and bone mineral characteristics among obese adolescent boys. Untrained obese adolescent boys aged 13.4 ± 0.3 were assigned to either a 12-week SIT group (3 sessions/week), or a non-exercising control group who continued with their habitual everyday life. Serum osteocalcin, lipocalin-2 and sclerostin concentrations, and bone mineral values were assessed before and after intervention. After 12-week intervention, where 14 boys in both groups ended the study, there were no significant differences in serum osteokine levels between the groups after 12 weeks, while whole body bone mineral content and lower limb bone mineral density increased in the SIT group (p < 0.05). Change in body mass index was negatively correlated with the change in osteocalcin (r = -0.57; p = 0.034), and positively correlated with the change in lipocalin-2 levels (r = 0.57; p = 0.035) in the SIT group. Supervised 12-week SIT intervention improved bone mineral characteristics, but did not change osteocalcin, lipocalin-2 or sclerostin levels in adolescent boys with obesity.