Criteria for the determination of maximal oxygen uptake in patients newly diagnosed with cancer : Baseline data from the randomized controlled trial of physical training and cancer (Phys-Can)

IntroductionMaximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) is a measure of cardiorespiratory fitness often used to monitor changes in fitness during and after treatment in cancer patients. There is, however, limited knowledge in how criteria verifying [Formula: see text] work for patients newly diagnosed with cancer. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of fulfillment of typical criteria verifying [Formula: see text] and to investigate the associations between the criteria and the test leader's evaluation whether a test was performed "to exhaustion". An additional aim was to establish new cut-points within the associated criteria.MethodsFrom the Phys-Can randomized c…

Exercise intensity and markers of inflammation during and after (neo-) adjuvant cancer treatment.

Exercise training has been hypothesized to lower the inflammatory burden for patients with cancer, but the role of exercise intensity is unknown. To this end, we compared the effects of high-intensity (HI) and low-to-moderate intensity (LMI) exercise on markers of inflammation in patients with curable breast, prostate and colorectal cancer undergoing primary adjuvant cancer treatment in a secondary analysis of the Phys-Can randomized trial (NCT02473003). Sub-group analyses focused on patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Patients performed 6 months of combined aerobic and resistance exercise on either HI or LMI during and after primary adjuvant cancer treatment. Plasma taken …

External Load Variables Affect Recovery Markers up to 72 h After Semiprofessional Football Matches.

Background: Player tracking devices are commonly used to monitor external load from training and matches in team sports. Yet, how the derived external load variables relate to fatigue and recovery post-training or post-match is scarcely researched. The objective was, therefore, to investigate how external load variables affect recovery markers up to 72 h post-match. Methods: Semiprofessional players from six teams wore tracking devices during three experimental football matches. External load variables including individual playing duration, total distance, PlayerLoad™, high-intensity running, and high-intensity events were derived from the tracking devices, and blood samples and performance…

Type 1 Muscle Fiber Hypertrophy after Blood Flow–restricted Training in Powerlifters

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of blood flow restricted resistance exercise (BFRRE) on myofiber areas (MFA), number of myonuclei and satellite cells (SC), muscle size and strength in powerlifters. METHODS Seventeen national level powerlifters (25+/-6 yrs [mean+/-SD], 15 men) were randomly assigned to either a BFRRE group (n=9) performing two blocks (week 1 and 3) of five BFRRE front squat sessions within a 6.5-week training period, or a conventional training group (Con; n=8) performing front squats at ~70% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). The BFRRE consisted of four sets (first and last set to voluntary failure) at ~30% of 1RM. Muscle biopsies were obtained from m. vastus lateralis (VL…

Delayed myonuclear addition, myofiber hypertrophy, and increases in strength with high-frequency low-load blood flow restricted training to volitional failure

The purpose of the present study was to investigate muscle hypertrophy, strength, and myonuclear and satellite cell (SC) responses to high-frequency blood flow-restricted resistance exercise (BFRRE). Thirteen individuals [24 ± 2 yr (mean ± SD), 9 men] completed two 5-day blocks of 7 BFRRE sessions, separated by a 10-day rest period. Four sets of unilateral knee extensions to voluntary failure at 20% of one repetition maximum (1RM) were conducted with partial blood flow restriction (90–100 mmHg). Muscle samples obtained before, during, 3 days, and 10 days after training were analyzed for muscle fiber area (MFA), myonuclei, SC, and mRNA and miRNA expression. Muscle size was measured by ultra…

Autophagy is induced by resistance exercise in young men but unfolded protein response is induced regardless of age

Aim Autophagy and unfolded protein response (UPR) appear to be important for skeletal muscle homoeostasis and may be altered by exercise. Our aim was to investigate the effects of resistance exercise and training on indicators of UPR and autophagy in healthy untrained young men (n = 12, 27 ± 4 years) and older men (n = 8, 61 ± 6 years) as well as in resistance‐trained individuals (n = 15, 25 ± 5 years). Methods Indicators of autophagy and UPR were investigated from the muscle biopsies after a single resistance exercise bout and after 21 weeks of resistance training. Results Lipidated LC3II as an indicator of autophagosome content increased at 48 hours post‐resistance exercise (P < .05) and …

Effects of time of day on resistance exercise-induced anabolic signaling in skeletal muscle

This study examined the effect of morning versus afternoon exercise on acute responses in phosphorylation of proteins regulating muscle size and metabolism. Twenty-two untrained men, divided into the morning (n = 11) or afternoon (n = 11) group, performed maximal isometric leg extensions before and after resistance loading at 07:30–08:30 h and 16:00–17:00 h, respectively. Muscle pre- and postloading biopsies were analyzed for phosphorylated Akt, p70S6K, rpS6, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Erk1/2, and eukaryotic elongation factor (eEF) 2. Muscle force declined after exercise in both groups (p < 0.001). p70S6K Thr389 (p < 0.05) and Thr421/Ser424 and rpS6 (all p < 0.001) increas…

MicroRNAs in Muscle: Characterizing the Powerlifter Phenotype

Powerlifters are the epitome of muscular adaptation and are able to generate extreme forces. The molecular mechanisms underpinning the significant capacity for force generation and hypertrophy are not fully elucidated. MicroRNAs (miRs) are short non-coding RNA sequences that control gene expression via promotion of transcript breakdown and/or translational inhibition. Differences in basal miR expression may partially account for phenotypic differences in muscle mass and function between powerlifters and untrained age-matched controls. Muscle biopsies were obtained from m. vastus lateralis of 15 national level powerlifters (25.1 ± 5.8 years) and 13 untrained controls (24.1 ± 2.0 years). The …

Additional file 1 of Does inflammation markers or treatment type moderate exercise intensity effects on changes in muscle strength in cancer survivors participating in a 6-month combined resistance- and endurance exercise program? Results from the Phys-Can trial

Additional file 1. Supplementary Table 1. Baseline characteristics of participants included in the analysis vs. participants not included.

Can supplementation with vitamin C and E alter physiological adaptations to strength training?

Published version of an article from the journal: BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation. Also available from the publisher: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/2052-1847-6-28 Background: Antioxidant supplementation has recently been demonstrated to be a double-edged sword, because small to moderate doses of exogenous antioxidants are essential or beneficial, while high doses may have adverse effects. The adverse effects can be manifested in attenuated effects of exercise and training, as the antioxidants may shut down some redox-sensitive signaling in the exercised muscle fibers. However, conditions such as age may potentially modulate the need for antioxidant intake. Therefore, this paper …

Design of a randomized controlled trial of physical training and cancer ( Phys-Can) the impact of exercise intensity on cancer related fatigue, quality of life and disease outcome

Background: Cancer-related fatigue is a common problem in persons with cancer, influencing health-related quality of life and causing a considerable challenge to society. Current evidence supports the beneficial effects of physical exercise in reducing fatigue, but the results across studies are not consistent, especially in terms of exercise intensity. It is also unclear whether use of behaviour change techniques can further increase exercise adherence and maintain physical activity behaviour. This study will investigate whether exercise intensity affects fatigue and health related quality of life in persons undergoing adjuvant cancer treatment. In addition, to examine effects of exercise …

Frequent blood flow restricted training not to failure and to failure induces similar gains in myonuclei and muscle mass

The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of short-term high-frequency failure vs non-failure blood flow–restricted resistance exercise (BFRRE) on changes in satellite cells (SCs), myonuclei, muscle size, and strength. Seventeen untrained men performed four sets of BFRRE to failure (Failure) with one leg and not to failure (Non-failure; 30-15-15-15 repetitions) with the other leg using knee-extensions at 20% of one repetition maximum (1RM). Fourteen sessions were distributed over two 5-day blocks, separated by a 10-day rest period. Muscle samples obtained before, at mid-training, and 10-day post-intervention (Post10) were analyzed for muscle fiber area (MFA), myonuclei, an…

Morphological, molecular and hormonal adaptations to early morning versus afternoon resistance training

It has been clearly established that maximal force and power is lower in the morning compared to noon or afternoon hours. This morning neuromuscular deficit can be diminished by regularly training in the morning hours. However, there is limited and contradictory information upon hypertrophic adaptations to time-of-day-specific resistance training. Moreover, no cellular or molecular mechanisms related to muscle hypertrophy adaptation have been studied with this respect. Therefore, the present study examined effects of the time-of-day-specific resistance training on muscle hypertrophy, phosphorylation of selected proteins, hormonal concentrations and neuromuscular performance. Twenty five pre…

Vitamin C and E supplementation alters protein signalling after a strength training session, but not muscle growth during 10 weeks of training

This study investigated the effects of vitamin C and E supplementation on acute responses and adaptations to strength training. Thirty-two recreationally strength-trained men and women were randomly allocated to receive a vitamin C and E supplement (1000 mg day(-1) and 235 mg day(-1), respectively), or a placebo, for 10 weeks. During this period the participants' training involved heavy-load resistance exercise four times per week. Muscle biopsies from m. vastus lateralis were collected, and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and maximal isometric voluntary contraction force, body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), and muscle cross-sectional area (magnetic resonance imaging) were measu…

High-frequency blood flow-restricted resistance exercise results in acute and prolonged cellular stress more pronounced in type I than in type II fibers.

Myocellular stress with high-frequency blood flow-restricted resistance exercise (BFRRE) was investigated by measures of heat shock protein (HSP) responses, glycogen content, and inflammatory markers. Thirteen participants [age: 24 ± 2 yr (means ± SD), 9 males] completed two 5-day blocks of seven BFRRE sessions, separated by 10 days. Four sets of unilateral knee extensions to failure at 20% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) were performed. Muscle samples obtained before, 1 h after the first session in the first and second block (

Vitamin C and E supplementation blunts increases in total lean body mass in elderly men after strength training

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin C and E supplementation on changes in muscle mass (lean mass and muscle thickness) and strength during 12 weeks of strength training in elderly men. Thirty-four elderly males (60-81 years) were randomized to either an antioxidant group (500 mg of vitamin C and 117.5 mg vitamin E before and after training) or a placebo group following the same strength training program (three sessions per week). Body composition was assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and muscle thickness by ultrasound imaging. Muscle strength was measured as one-repetition maximum (1RM). Total lean mass increased by 3.9% (95% confidence intervals: 3.…

Caffeine Increases Strength and Power Performance in Resistance-trained Females During Early Follicular Phase

The effects of 4 mg·kg−1caffeine ingestion on strength and power were investigated for the first time, in resistance-trained females during the early follicular phase utilizing a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. Fifteen females (29.8 ± 4.0 years, 63.8 ± 5.5 kg [mean ± SD]) ingested caffeine or placebo 60 minutes before completing a test battery separated by 72 hours. One-repetition maximum (1RM), repetitions to failure (RTF) at 60% of 1RM, was assessed in the squat and bench press. Maximal voluntary contraction torque (MVC) and rate of force development (RFD) were measured during isometric knee extensions, while utilizing interpolated twitch technique to measu…

Which exercise prescriptions optimize V̇O2max during cancer treatment?—A systematic review and meta-analysis

Author's accepted version (post-print). This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Bjørke, A. C. H., Sweegers, M. G., Buffart, L. M., Raastad, T., Nygren, P. & Berntsen, S. (2019). Which exercise prescriptions optimize V̇O2max during cancer treatment? – A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 29(9), 1274-1287, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13442. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. Available from 30/04/2020. The aims of the present systematic review and meta‐analysis were to investigate…

Risk of Muscle Damage With Blood Flow-Restricted Exercise Should Not Be Overlooked.

Does exercise intensity matter for fatigue during (neo-)adjuvant cancer treatment? The Phys-Can randomized clinical trial

Exercise during cancer treatment improves cancer-related fatigue (CRF), but the importance of exercise intensity for CRF is unclear. We compared the effects of high- vs low-to-moderate-intensity exercise with or without additional behavior change support (BCS) on CRF in patients undergoing (neo-)adjuvant cancer treatment. This was a multicenter, 2x2 factorial design randomized controlled trial (Clinical Trials NCT02473003) in Sweden. Participants recently diagnosed with breast (n = 457), prostate (n = 97) or colorectal (n = 23) cancer undergoing (neo-)adjuvant treatment were randomized to high intensity (n = 144), low-to-moderate intensity (n = 144), high intensity with BCS (n = 144) or low…

Does inflammation markers or treatment type moderate exercise intensity effects on changes in muscle strength in cancer survivors participating in a 6-month combined resistance- and endurance exercise program? : Results from the phys-can trial

Abstract Background Resistance exercise has a beneficial impact on physical function for patients receiving oncological treatment. However, there is an inter-individual variation in the response to exercise and the tolerability to high-intensity exercise. Identifying potential moderating factors, such as inflammation and treatment type, for changes in muscle strength is important to improve the effectiveness of exercise programs. Therefore, we aimed to investigate if inflammation and type of oncological treatment moderate the effects of exercise intensity (high vs. low-moderate) on muscular strength changes in patients with breast (BRCA) or prostate cancer (PRCA). Methods Participants with …

The Phys-Can observational study: adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with a reduction whereas physical activity level before start of treatment is associated with maintenance of maximal oxygen uptake in patients with cancer

AbstractBackgroundAdjuvant therapy may cause multiple sideeffects on long term health, including reduced cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in patients with breast cancer (1, 2). However, there is currently limited knowledge regarding the effect of different types of adjuvant cancer treatment on CRF in other cancer populations. The primary objective of the present study was to assess whether previously known correlates (age, diagnosis, initial CRF, physical activity level), type of adjuvant treatment and cancer-related fatigue were associated with changes in$$ \dot{V}{O}_2\mathit{\max} $$V̇O2maxin patients with breast, prostate or colorectal cancer.MethodsProspective study with two time points…

Autophagy is induced by resistance exercise in young men, but unfolded protein response is induced regardless of age.

AIM Autophagy and unfolded protein response (UPR) appear to be important for skeletal muscle homoeostasis and may be altered by exercise. Our aim was to investigate the effects of resistance exercise and training on indicators of UPR and autophagy in healthy untrained young men (n = 12, 27 ± 4 years) and older men (n = 8, 61 ± 6 years) as well as in resistance-trained individuals (n = 15, 25 ± 5 years). METHODS Indicators of autophagy and UPR were investigated from the muscle biopsies after a single resistance exercise bout and after 21 weeks of resistance training. RESULTS Lipidated LC3II as an indicator of autophagosome content increased at 48 hours post-resistance exercise (P < .05) and …