New Approaches in Exercise Physiology

Abstract Background: Older adults with T2DM face high risk hypertension. Exercise recommended for BP control, its effects on SBP DBP in this population, alongside moderators, remain unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to determine effect exercise training on SBP and DBP in diabetic older adults and identify moderating factors, specifically session frequency and duration.


Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library searched for RCTs and controlled interventions published from January 2010 to early 2026. Primary outcomes were SBP and DBP. Random-effects model used, effect size reported as SMD and 95% CI. Subgroup analyses based on weekly session frequency (≤2 vs. >2) and session duration (≤50 vs. >50 minutes).


Results: 34 studies (2,847 participants) analyzed. Exercise showed no significant effect on SBP (SMD = -0.132, p = 0.328). Effect on DBP was borderline non-significant (SMD = 0.223, p = 0.064). Subgroup analyses revealed significant DBP increases for ≤2 sessions/week (p = 0.003) and ≤50 minutes (p = 0.013). Heterogeneity high (I² > 74%).


Conclusion: Exercise did not significantly reduce SBP or DBP in older adults with T2DM. Paradoxical DBP rise in low frequency short duration subgroups requires investigation. Findings suggest other factors (intensity, type, medication) may be more critical than session frequency or duration alone.

Abstract Purpose: Running exercise induces a robust acute‑phase inflammatory response, yet the magnitude and moderators of C‑reactive protein (CRP) elevation remain unclear, with no prior quantitative synthesis distinguishing plasma from salivary measurements.
Method: A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was performed from inception to February 2026. Eligible studies reported CRP levels before and after running exercise of any distance in runners. Random-effects meta-analyses pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs), with subgroup analyses and meta-regression examining age, BMI, and race distance.
Results: Thirty studies (1,247 runners; 72% male) were included. Endurance running significantly increased plasma CRP (SMD=1.207, 95%CI:0.688–1.726; p=0.001) and in the single study with salivary CRP data (three distance subgroups), salivary CRP increased (SMD=1.230, 95%CI:0.136–2.324; p=0.028). Age significantly moderated the response: older runners (>48 years) showed a four‑fold greater effect (SMD=1.642) than younger runners (SMD=0.402; Q=22.873, p<0.001). Race distance was a dominant moderator: ultra‑marathons (>100 km) elicited a nine‑fold larger surge (SMD=3.577) versus standard marathons (SMD=0.404; Q=18.695, p<0.001). BMI did not significantly moderate CRP elevation (Q=1.076, p=0.584). Substantial heterogeneity (plasma: I²=91.99%; salivary: I²=73.36%) and publication bias (plasma: Egger's p=0.003) were observed.
Conclusion: Running exercise significantly elevates plasma and salivary CRP, with age and race distance as potent moderators. BMI does not influence the acute CRP response. Clinicians should avoid general population cutoffs (>3 mg/L) during acute recovery. Salivary CRP requires further validation before clinical adoption. Standardized sampling at 24‑48 hours post‑race is essential for peak detection.

Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with varying durations on white blood cell count and neutrophil function markers (myeloperoxidase, lactoferrin, and elastase) in young men. Method: Thirty-six healthy, untrained males were randomly divided into four groups: control (n = 9), 15-second (n = 9), 30-second (n = 9), and 45-second (n = 9) exercise protocols. The training program consisted of six sessions over two weeks, with 1–2 days of rest between each session. Each session consisted of four to seven "all-out" Wingate tests (15, 30, or 45 seconds) on a cycle ergometer, separated by 4-minute recovery periods. Blood samples were collected before and 48 hours after the final session to measure the mentioned variables. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and paired t-tests at a significance level of p<0.05. Results: Results showed that HIIT had no significant effect on total white blood cell or neutrophil counts compared with the control group. However, neutrophil function markers responded differently to training duration: myeloperoxidase and elastase increased significantly in all training groups, while lactoferrin decreased, especially in the 30- and 45-second protocols. Conclusion: These findings suggest that longer high-intensity exercise durations may impair neutrophil function by altering the secretion of related enzymes.