Objective To observe the effects of 12-week pilates exercise and trunk strength training on the scores of visual analog scale(VAS)and Roland-Morris disability questionnaire(RMDQ),trunk extension/flexion strength and dynamic balance of female college students with chronic non-specific low back pain(CNSLBP),so as to offer a practical-based evidence for the rehabilitation treatment for female college students with CNSLBP.Methods A total of 45 female college students with CNSLBP were randomly divided into pilates(n=22)and strength training groups(n=23).Then,the scores of VAS and RMDQ,trunk extension/flexion strength and dynamic balance were measured before and after the exercise.Results After the 12-week exercise program,compared with the pre-exercise period,the VAS and RMDQ scores in the pilates and strength training groups were significantly decreased;the extensor peak torque(EPT)at 30°/s and 90°/s angular velocities in both groups and the flexor peak torque(FPT)at 90°/s angular velocities in the Pilates group were significantly increased,and the ratio of flexor/extensor(F/E)at 30°/s and 90°/s angular velocities in both groups were significantly decreased.In the eyes-open condition,only the anterior/posterior stability index(APSI)significantly decreased in the Pilates group.With eyes closed,the APSI,stability index(SI),and medial/lateral stability index(MLSI)significantly decreased in the pilates group,and only the APSI significantly decreased in the strength training group.After 12-week exercise,compared with strength training group,the VAS scores and F/E at 30°/s and 90°/s angular velocities decreased significantly in the pilates group,and EPT at 30°/s and 90°/s angular velocities increased significantly.In the eyes-closed condition,the SI,APSI,and MLSI in the pilates group were significantly lower than those in strength training group.Conclusions Compared with strength training,pilates exercise can significantly increase and balance the trunk flexion/extension muscle strength of female college students with NSLBP,enhance dynamic balance ability under eyes-closed conditions,and improve the low back pain of CNSLBP female college students with CNSLBP.

Objective: To compare the effects of aerobic exercise at maximal fat oxidation (FATmax) and FATmax intensity exercise combined with resistance training (RT), and dietary restriction on the body composition, vascular endothelial function and ferroptosis in obese female university students, so as to provide a reference for exploring the mechanisms by which exercise improves vascular endothelial function. Methods: From February to May 2024, 70 obese female university students were recruited from Shanxi University and randomly divided into control group ( n =24), FATmax group ( n =24) and FATmax+RT group ( n =22). From March 4 to May 26, 2024 control group maintained their normal living habits, FATmax group performed aerobic exercise at FATmax intensity three times per week for 60 minutes per session; FATmax +RT group performed combined aerobic and resistance exercise at FATmax intensity three times per week for 60 minutes per session. The daily dietary calorie intake for all groups was determined according to resting energy expenditure. Body composition, vascular endothelial function and ferroptosis were measured before and after the intervention. Results: After 12 weeks of intervention, there were statistically significant differences in body mass, BMI, body fat, waist hip ratio and muscle mass among the three groups ( F =10.93, 5.88, 65.28, 21.14, 2.25, all P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, participants in both the FATmax group and the FATmax+RT group showed significant reductions in body weight, BMI, body fat and waist hip ratio (all P <0.05). Body fat and waist hip ratio in FATmax+RT group were lower than those in FATmax group, and muscle mass was higher than those in FATmax group and control group (both P <0.05). After 12 weeks of intervention, significant differences were observed among the three groups in serum NO, GSH, serum ferritin levels and FMD ( F = 9.14, 9.67, 4.78, 135.70, all P <0.05). Compared with the control group, the serum NO, GSH levels and FMD significantly increased, and the serum ferritin level decreased (all P <0.05) of obese female university students in FATmax group and FATmax+RT group. Serum GSH level and FMD increased and serum ferritin level decreased in FATmax +RT group when compared with FATmax group (all P <0.05). Conclusions With the same exercise training duration and frequency, FATmax intensity aerobic exercise, alone or combined with resistance and dietary restriction, can significantly improve the body composition, vascular endothelial function and inhibit ferroptosis of obese female university students. However, FATmax intensity aerobic exercise combined with resistance training has more pronounced effects.