Browsing by Author "Hodges L"

Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
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    Editorial: Fatigue: physiology and pathology
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2024-02-02) Kujawski S; Zalewski P; Hodges L; Nijs J; Newton JL; Bornstein JC
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    Effects of Post-Exertional Malaise on Markers of Arterial Stiffness in Individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-03) Bond J; Nielsen T; Hodges L
    Background: Evidence is emerging that individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) may suffer from chronic vascular dysfunction as a result of illness-related oxidative stress and vascular inflammation. The study aimed to examine the impact of maximal-intensity aerobic exercise on vascular function 48 and 72 h into recovery. Methods: ME/CFS (n = 11) with gender and age-matched controls (n = 11) were randomly assigned to either a 48 h or 72 h protocol. Each participant had measures of brachial blood pressure, augmentation index (AIx75, standardized to 75 bpm) and carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (crPWV) taken. This was followed by a maximal incremental cycle exercise test. Resting measures were repeated 48 or 72 h later (depending on group allocation). Results: No significant differences were found when ME/CFS were directly compared to controls at baseline. During recovery, the 48 h control group experienced a significant 7.2% reduction in AIx75 from baseline measures (p < 0.05), while the matched ME/CFS experienced no change in AIx75. The 72 h ME/CFS group experienced a non-significant increase of 1.4% from baseline measures. The 48 h and 72 h ME/CFS groups both experienced non-significant improvements in crPWV (0.56 ms−1 and 1.55 ms−1, respectively). Conclusions: The findings suggest that those with ME/CFS may not experience exercise-induced vasodilation due to chronic vascular damage, which may be a contributor to the onset of post-exertional malaise (PEM).
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    Evidence-Based Aerobic Exercise Training in Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021) Słomko J; Zalewska M; Niemiro W; Kujawski S; Słupski M; Januszko-Giergielewicz B; Zawadka-Kunikowska M; Newton J; Hodges L; Kubica J; Zalewski P
    Background: This meta-analysis evaluates the overall effect of the non-pharmacological intervention, aerobic exercise, upon serum liver enzymes levels, glucose metabolism and anthropometric measures amongst patients with metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). It also examines whether the effects on these outcomes are moderated by the aerobic training protocol when considered according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommended FITT (frequency, intensity, time, type) principles. Approach and Results: Fifteen randomized control trials were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with usual care, continuous and interval training showed significant efficacy in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level improvement (MD = −2.4, 95% CI: −4.34 to −0.46 p = 0.015, I2 = 9.1%). Interventions based on all types of aerobic exercise protocols showed significant improvement of intrahepatic triglycerides (MD = −4.0557, 95% CI: −5.3711 to −2.7403, p < 0.0001, I2 = 0%) and BMI (MD = −0.9774, 95% CI: −1.4086 to −0.5462, p < 0.0001, I2 = 0). Meta-regression analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between total intervention time and ALT level (for all aerobic protocols: 6.0056, se = 2.6896, z = 2.2329, p = 0.02; as well as for continuous and interval aerobic protocols: 5.5069, se = 2.7315, z = 2.016, p = 0.04). Conclusions: All types of aerobic exercise protocols are effective at improving intrahepatic triglycerides and lead to a reduction in body mass index. In addition, continuous and interval aerobic exercise may be more effective at improving ALT ≤12 weeks intervention time benefits the management of MAFLD.
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    Post-Exertional Malaise May Be Related to Central Blood Pressure, Sympathetic Activity and Mental Fatigue in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-06) Kujawski S; Słomko J; Hodges L; Pheby DFH; Murovska M; Newton JL; Zalewski P
    Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is regarded as the hallmark symptom in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The aim of the current study is to explore differences in CFS patients with and without PEM in indicators of aortic stiffness, autonomic nervous system function, and severity of fatigue. One-hundred and one patients met the Fukuda criteria. A Chronic Fatigue Questionnaire (CFQ) and Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS) were used to assess the level of mental and physical fatigue. Aortic systolic blood pressure (sBPaortic) and the autonomic nervous system were measured with the arteriograph and Task Force Monitor, respectively. Eighty-two patients suffered prolonged PEM according to the Fukuda criteria, while 19 did not. Patients with PEM had higher FIS scores (p = 0.02), lower central systolic blood pressure (p = 0.02) and higher mental fatigue (p = 0.03). For a one-point increase in the mental fatigue component of the CFQ scale, the risk of PEM increases by 34%. For an sBPaortic increase of 1 mmHg, the risk of PEM decreases by 5%. For a one unit increase in sympathovagal balance, the risk of PEM increases by 330%. Higher mental fatigue and sympathetic activity in rest are related to an increased risk of PEM, while higher central systolic blood pressure is related to a reduced risk of PEM. However, none of the between group differences were significant after FDR correction, and therefore conclusions should be treated with caution and replicated in further studies.
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    Prediction of Discontinuation of Structured Exercise Programme in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 26/10/2020) Kujawski S; Cossington J; Słomko J; Dawes H; Strong JWL; Estevez-Lopez F; Murovska M; Newton JL; Hodges L; Zalewski P
    PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess differences in the physiological profiles of completers vs. non-completers following a structured exercise programme (SEP) and the ability to predict non-completers, which is currently unknown in this group. METHODS: Sixty-nine patients met the Fukuda criteria. Patients completed baseline measures assessing fatigue, autonomic nervous system (ANS), cognitive, and cardiovascular function. Thirty-four patients completed a home-based SEP consisting of 10-40 min per day at between 30 and 80% actual HR max. Exercise intensity and time was increased gradually across the 16 weeks and baseline measures were repeated following the SEP. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients discontinued, while 34 completed SEP. For every increase in sympathetic drive for blood pressure control as measured by the taskforce, completion of SEP decreased by a multiple of 0.1. For a 1 millisecond increase in reaction time for the simple reaction time (SRT), the probability for completion of SEP also decreases by a multiple of 0.01. For a one beat HRmax increase, there is a 4% increase in the odds of completing SEP. CONCLUSION: The more sympathetic drive in the control of blood vessels, the longer the reaction time on simple visual stimuli and the lower the HRmax during physical exercise, then the lower the chance of SEP completion in ME/CFS.
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    Relationship between Cardiopulmonary, Mitochondrial and Autonomic Nervous System Function Improvement after an Individualised Activity Programme upon Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-04) Kujawski S; Cossington J; Słomko J; Zawadka-Kunikowska M; Tafil-Klawe M; Klawe JJ; Buszko K; Jakovljevic DG; Kozakiewicz M; Morten KJ; Dawes H; Strong JWL; Murovska M; Van Oosterwijck J; Estevez-Lopez F; Newton JL; Hodges L; Zalewski P; On Behalf Of The European Network On Me/Cfs Euromene
    Background: The therapeutic effects of exercise from structured activity programmes have recently been questioned; as a result, this study examines the impact of an Individualised Activity Program (IAP) on the relationship with cardiovascular, mitochondrial and fatigue parameters. Methods: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients were assessed using Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (CFQ), Fatigue Severity Score (FSS) and the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS). VO2peak, VO2submax and heart rate (HR) were assessed using cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Mfn1 and Mfn2 levels in plasma were assessed. A Task Force Monitor was used to assess ANS functioning in supine rest and in response to the Head-Up Tilt Test (HUTT). Results: Thirty-four patients completed 16 weeks of the IAP. The CFQ, FSS and FIS scores decreased significantly along with a significant increase in Mfn1 and Mfn2 levels (p = 0.002 and p = 0.00005, respectively). The relationships between VO2 peak and Mfn1 increase in response to IAP (p = 0.03) and between VO2 at anaerobic threshold and ANS response to the HUTT (p = 0.03) were noted. Conclusions: It is concluded that IAP reduces fatigue and improves functional performance along with changes in autonomic and mitochondrial function. However, caution must be applied as exercise was not well tolerated by 51% of patients.