Modulation of cortical and subcortical brain areas at low and high exercise intensities.

Introduction: The brain plays a key role in the perceptual regulation of exercise, yet neuroimaging techniques have only demonstrated superficial brain areas responses during exercise, and little is known about the modulation of the deeper brain areas at different intensities.

Objectives/methods: Using a specially designed functional MRI (fMRI) cycling ergometer, we have determined the sequence in which the cortical and subcortical brain regions are modulated at low and high ratings perceived exertion (RPE) during an incremental exercise protocol.

Results: Additional to the activation of the classical motor control regions (motor, somatosensory, premotor and supplementary motor cortices and cerebellum), we found the activation of the regions associated with autonomic regulation (ie, insular cortex) (ie, positive blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal) during exercise.

[Consumption of fruit and vegetables associated with the metabolic syndrome and its components in an adult population sample].

Metabolic Syndrome (MS) increases the risk of cardiovascular events and the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables (FV) is related to its prevention. The scope of this study is to associate the intake of FV and its relation to MS and its components in an adult population sample. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 636 adults in the period between 2004 and 2008.

Dietary variety is a protective factor for elevated systolic blood pressure.

Background: Diet directly influences systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), which is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Objective: To associate hypertension with dietary factors in adults clinically selected for a change-of-lifestyle program.

Methods: Cross-sectional study comprising 335 individuals, aged between 44 and 65 years, clinically selected for a change-of-lifestyle program.