Resistance training is a commonly used strategy for improving both athletic performance and general health. While the contribution of resistance training intensity and volume to muscle strength and hypertrophy have been extensively investigated, training frequency only recently received sufficient attention, especially in older adults. A meta-regression was conducted to compare muscle strength and hypertrophic adaptations to resistance training programmes performed with different training frequencies in adults over 60 years of age. The systematic literature search identified 14 articles for meta-regression. For each outcome, an effect size (ES) was calculated as the pre-test-post-test change, divided by the pooled pre-test standard deviation (SD). Random-effects meta-regressions for multilevel data structures, using study as the clustering variable, were performed using package metafor in R. Maximal strength shows a significant effect of frequency (p = 0.001), with an increase in effect size of 0.14 for every day increase in frequency (CI: 0.08, 0.21). For muscle hypertrophy, no significant effect of frequency was found (p = 0.67). Considering that muscle hypertrophy was not affected, while maximum strength was only slightly improved with additional training days, it seems unlikely that more than two weekly resistance training sessions would provide any further benefits for older adults.

Obesity has been associated with a multitude of metabolic disorders, often clustering with risk factors of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidaemia. Overall, obesity is a worldwide, growing health concern. However, a subgroup of obese individuals with a low burden of metabolic abnormalities have been identified and described as metabolically healthy obese (MHO). Whether the MHO phenotype is protective against obesity-related metabolic disorders in the long-term is presently unclear, and current research examining the potential transition has yielded inconsistent results. In this current narrative review, we aim to provide insights on the role of physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in MHO. Lifestyle factors such as PA and CRF may influence the MHO phenotype. Limited studies have characterised energy expenditure and CRF in MHO and metabolically unhealthy obese. However, higher levels of PA, less sedentary behaviour and higher CRF have been observed in MHO individuals. Considering the multiple benefits of PA, it is high time to advocate this lifestyle change beyond its influence on energy balance in a weight loss programme to improve cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors irrespective of body weight and fat mass changes. Improved CRF via increased PA, especially exercise participation, while avoiding weight gain is not only a realistic goal, but should be the primary intervention for MHO populations to prevent the transition to an abnormal metabolic state.

There is a lack of research using objective measures about teachers’ physical characteristics and lifestyle. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship between frequency of breakfast consumption and body size, body composition, blood pressure and lifestyle factors in teachers from Hungary. The study analyzed data collected from 99 female primary school teachers (50.6 ± 6.6 year) before the COVID-19 pandemic. Anthropometric and resting blood pressure measurements were taken for each participant. Questionnaires were used to assess lifestyle factors (i.e., physical activity level, smoking status and eating breakfast). The frequency of eating breakfast was classified as rarely or never (0–2 days), some days (3–5 days) and regularly (6–7 days). Sixty-five percent of female teachers consumed breakfast 6–7 days/week, and this regular eating habit was positively associated with a lower risk of obesity (OR 0.29; CI: 0.10–0.80). In our sample, a higher frequency of breakfast consumption was not significantly associated with smoking (OR 2.65; CI: 0.17–1.37), hypertension (OR 0.61; CI: 0.23–1.65) and inactivity (OR 2.80; CI: 0.26–1.84). A beneficial effect of eating breakfast regularly was found on body composition in female teachers. Further studies should focus on the health behaviors of teachers and their relationship with physical activity or diagnosed diseases in urban and rural areas.

Purpose: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are among leading positions in the mortality statistics, and the cardiovascular deaths are in an inverse relationship with regular physical activity. In this study two important risk factors will be discussed: the myocardial infarction and the pathological left ventricular hypertrophy. The first factor is based on data of previous publications of other authors, the second factor will be presented based on our recent echocardiographic measurements. Methods: Investigations were carried out in altogether 4,710 subjects (males: 338 non-trained, 2,536 trained, females: 392 non-trained 1,497 trained subjects). 2D-guided M-mode, Doppler and tissue Doppler echocardiography were performed. Results: The relative left ventricular muscle mass was higher in the young ages, there was no difference in the adult age (40–60 years), but the difference was reversed in the older age (>60 years). Regular physical activity seems to prevent the pathological left ventricular hypertrophy through the inhibition of the pathological connective tissue proliferation that occurs in the older age. Regular physical activity also attenuates the age-related impairment of the left ventricular relaxation ability which is indicated by E/A and E′/A′ quotients calculated from the Doppler and tissue Doppler echocardiography measurements. Conclusions: To reduce cardiovascular risk factors, consistent endurance training is advised. Regular physical activity can help improve overall cardiovascular health, reducing the likelihood of heart disease. Additionally, being engaged in endurance activities such as running, swimming, or cycling can enhance heart function and promote long-term wellness.

Nutritional practices have a significant effect on exercise performance as they determine not only acute energy availability for sport activities, but also long-term changes in body composition. This review summarizes the available evidence and explores the critical relationship between within-day energy balance and body composition, emphasizing the importance of even energy distribution for optimal athletic performance and health. Findings revealed that within-day energy balance is a significant factor in the regulation of body composition in athletes, and that negative within-day energy balance may impair muscle protein synthesis and promote fat accumulation. The available evidence suggests that athletes should have an energy intake that dynamically matches requirement (i.e., the portion of the day when energy expenditure is higher, should be matched with a higher energy intake) to avoid prolonged periods of energy restriction. The reviewed investigation emphasized the importance of hourly energy balance assessment, because reliance on 24-h energy status may be insufficient in athletes. However, due to the dearth of scientific evidence in competitive athletes, more research is needed to determine the optimal within-day energy balance, considering training goals, individual differences, and dietary preferences.

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