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In the pursuit of optimal recovery, the significance of sleep cannot be overstated for elite cyclists, including high-level cyclists within the junior category. This study aims to assess the sleep quality of elite athletes of different categories and disciplines, including junior. The sleep quality of 112 high-level cyclists (males n = 80; females n = 32) participating in endurance and sprint disciplines was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A noteworthy 41% of both elite and junior cyclists displayed poor sleep quality. No significant differences were observed between elite and junior cyclists in terms of sleep quality, but there was a medium effect size, indicating greater sleep efficiency in junior cyclists [0.36 (0.16, 0.53)]. Gender differences were found, with females exhibiting worse PSQI scores (males = 4.00 [2.25]; females 5.00 [3.00]; p = 0.035). Endurance cyclists spent more time in bed compared to cyclists from sprinting disciplines (8:30 [1.00] and 8:00 [1:03], respectively; p = 0.019). These findings reveal poor sleep habits, even among individuals classified as good sleepers by the PSQI, emphasizing the importance of preventing sleep disorders in cyclists. This study provides valuable insights into athlete sleep quality, encompassing various categories, genders, and cycling disciplines. In conclusion, elite cyclists demonstrate suboptimal sleep quality, suggesting the potential for interventions utilizing the PSQI. These findings advocate for the incorporation of sleep quality assessments into routine evaluations for athletes.
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BACKGROUND: Substance use disorders pose unique challenges, affecting individuals physiologically and socially. This study addresses the fundamental question of how adherence to exercise programs impacts those with substance use disorders, examining both in-person and online interventions. METHODS: A 12-week analysis involving 26 participants assessed physical fitness, strength, and quality of life. Participants were categorized into in-person and online exercise groups, with their adherence tracked through attendance and a dedicated app. RESULTS: The in-person group exhibited higher adherence rates and significant improvements, in contrast to the challenges encountered by the online groups, particularly in substance use disorder cohorts. Statistical analyses highlighted these differences, emphasizing the pivotal role of the exercise program delivery format. CONCLUSIONS: This research advocates for hybrid models, blending professional supervision with online flexibility, recognizing the distinct challenges of substance use disorders. Insights from this study will contribute to shaping more effective, personalized interventions in the complex landscape of substance use disorders, offering guidance for advancing treatment strategies.
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Most of the previous studies on the genetic variability in Spanish "Berrenda" breeds have been carried out using DNA microsatellites. The present work aimed to estimate the genetic diversity, population structure, and potential genetic differences among individuals of both Berrenda breeds and groups based on the presence of the Robertsonian chromosomal translocation, rob (1;29). A total of 373 samples from animals belonging to the two breeds, including 169 cases diagnosed as rob (1;29)-positive, were genotyped using an SNP50K chip. The genetic diversity at the breed level did not show significant differences, but it was significantly lower in those subpopulations containing the rob (1;29). Runs of homozygosity identified a region of homozygosity on chromosome 6, where the KIT (KIT proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase) gene, which determines the typical spotted coat pattern in both breeds, is located. The four subpopulations considered showed minor genetic differences. The regions of the genome that most determined the differences between the breeds were observed on chromosomes 4, 6, 18, and 22. The presence of this Robertsonian translocation did not result in sub-structuring within each of the breeds considered. To improve the reproductive performance of Berrenda breeds, it would be necessary to implement strategies considering the involvement of potential breeding stock carrying rob (1;29).
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Physical activity results in oxidative stress, as evidenced by the increased production of reactive oxygen, nitrogen species, and inflammatory mediators. The management of these components is instrumental for antioxidant adaptation to exercise and post-exercise recovery. Therefore, the present report aims to study the antioxidant response to two types of exercise (a 2000 m run and a burpee test) in healthy volunteers after a long period of inactivity (1-2 months). Antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative stress markers (protein carbonyls and malondialdehyde content) were measured in neutrophils, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and plasma. These parameters were determined under basal conditions and immediately post-exercise. Compared to those in basal state, neutrophil superoxide dismutase (28.3 vs. 22.9 pkat/109 cells), glutathione peroxidase (147.5 vs. 120.1 nkat/109 cells), and catalase (106.3 vs. 57.9 k/109 cells) were activated significantly (p < 0.05) after the burpee test. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells exhibited only significant (p < 0.05) catalase activation (113.6 vs. 89.4 k/109 cells) after the burpee test. Other enzymes, such as glutathione reductase and myeloperoxidase, tended to increase post-exercise, although the differences from baseline were not significant. Finally, compared to basal conditions, the protein carbonyl (24.5 vs. 14.5 mmol/L) and malondialdehyde (39.6 vs. 18.3 mmol/L) contents increased significantly (p < 0.05) in neutrophils and in plasma (115.1 vs. 97.8 and 130.2 vs. 123.4 µmol/L, respectively) after the burpee test. In conclusion, high-intensity exercise seems to induce immediate oxidative stress in inactive individuals, and the acute antioxidant response was slightly greater after the burpee test than after the 2000 m run. Glutathione-dependent antioxidant systems are activated immediately as protective mechanisms.
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Exercise intensity distribution is crucial for exercise individualization, prescription, and monitoring. As traditional methods to determine intensity thresholds present limitations, heart rate variability (HRV) using DFA a1 has been proposed as a biomarker for exercise intensity distribution. This index has been associated with ventilatory and lactate thresholds in previous literature. This study aims to assess DFA a1's reliability and validity in determining intensity thresholds during an incremental cycling test in untrained healthy adults. Sixteen volunteers (13 males and 3 females) performed two identical incremental cycling stage tests at least 1 week apart. First and second ventilatory thresholds, lactate thresholds, and HRV thresholds (DFA a1 values of 0.75 and 0.5 for HRVT1 and HRVT2, respectively) were determined in heart rate (HR), relative oxygen uptake (VO2rel), and power output (PO) values for both tests. We used intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), change in mean, and typical error for the reliability analysis, and paired t-tests, correlation coefficients, ICC, and Bland-Altman analysis to assess the agreement between methods. Regarding reliability, HRV thresholds showed the best ICCs when measured in PO (HRVT1: ICC = .87; HRVT2: ICC = .97), comparable to ventilatory and lactate methods. HRVT1 showed the strongest agreement with LA 2.5 in PO (p = 0.09, r = .93, ICC = .93, bias = 9.9 ± 21.1), while HRVT2 reported it with VT2 in PO (p = 0.367, r = .92, ICC = .92, bias = 5.3 ± 21.9). DFA a1 method using 0.75 and 0.5 values is reliable and valid to determine HRV thresholds in this population, especially in PO values.
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We aimed to identify common mCRC profiles associated with a discordant mutational status of RAS between the standard of care (SoC) tumour tissue tests and ctDNA tests to understand ctDNA detection and improve treatment responses. This was a multicentre, retrospective and prospective study. A total of 366 Spanish mCRC patients were independently recruited. BEAMing ddPCR technology was employed to detect ctDNA RAS mutations, and logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate clinicopathological factors associated with discordance. The highest concordance ratios were observed in profiles with multiple metastatic sites when the liver was present (89.7%; 95% CI 84.8-93.2), profiles with synchronous disease without primary tumour resection (90.2%; 95% CI 83.6-94.3) and profiles with mCRC originating in the left colon (91.3%; 95% CI 85.0-95.0). Metachronous disease originating in the right colon (OR = 6.1; 95% CI 1.7-26.5; p-value = 0.006) or rectum (OR = 5.0; 95% CI 1.5-17.8; p-value = 0.009) showed the highest probability of discrepancies. Primary tumour resection and a higher frequency of single metastases in the peritoneum or lungs in these patients were associated with reduced plasmatic mutation allele fractions (MAFs) and an increased probability of showing false-negative genotypes. Additional testing of patients with mCRC originating in the right colon or rectum with a single non-mutated ctDNA test is advised before the choice of therapy.
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PURPOSE: To conduct a review of the literature in order to identify the potential association between physical activity or exercise and the objective signs and/or subjective symptoms of dry-eye disease. METHODS: A review of PubMed and Web of Science databases was performed, according to the PRISMA guidelines. The papers included in the review addressed the relationship of physical activity or exercise with dry-eye associated signs (changes in tear volume, osmolarity or biochemical composition) and/or subjective symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 16 papers were included. In eight, the changes in tear film volume, osmolarity and/or biochemical composition were studied after a single, acute bout of aerobic exercise. In another eight, changes in dry-eye associated symptoms were studied in relation to the habitual practice of physical activity or to prescribed exercise programmes. Acute responses of the tear film to exercise included: a) an increase of tear volume, without an increase of the tear break-up time; b) a trend to increase tear osmolarity, although within its physiological range; and c) a reduced concentration of several cytokines, and other molecular markers of inflammation or oxidative stress. Long-term exposure to physical activity or exercise programmes was associated with relief of dry-eye associated symptoms and a trend to increased tear break-up time. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high heterogeneity in the studied population, study designs and methods, the current body of evidence suggests a potential role for physical activity as a modulatory stimulus for the proper functioning of the tear film and/or the relief of dry-eye symptoms.
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Síndromes de Ojo Seco , Humanos , Síndromes de Ojo Seco/diagnóstico , Síndromes de Ojo Seco/etiología , Síndromes de Ojo Seco/terapia , Lágrimas/química , Concentración Osmolar , BiomarcadoresRESUMEN
To examine the prospective dose-response association between handgrip strength and the incidence of hypertension in a representative sample of older European adults. We retrieved data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) waves 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Handgrip strength was measured and participants reported whether they had a medical diagnosis of hypertension. We assessed the longitudinal dose-response associations of handgrip strength with hypertension using restricted cubic splines. During the follow-up, 27,149 (35.5%) were diagnosed with incident hypertension. At the fully adjusted model, the minimum and optimal dose of handgrip strength for a significant reduction in the risk of hypertension was 28 Kg (HR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.89-0.96) and 54 Kg (HR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.78-0.89), respectively. There exists an association between increased handgrip strength and reduced risk of developing hypertension in older European adults.
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Fuerza de la Mano , Hipertensión , Humanos , Anciano , Fuerza de la Mano/fisiología , Estudios Longitudinales , Estudios Prospectivos , Envejecimiento/fisiología , Hipertensión/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Introduction: The low pregnancy rate by artificial insemination in sheep represents a fundamental challenge for breeding programs. In this species, oestrus synchronization is carried out by manipulating hormonal regimens through the insertion of progestogen intravaginal devices. This reproductive strategy may alter the vaginal microbiota affecting the artificial insemination outcome. Methods: In this study, we analyzed the vaginal microbiome of 94 vaginal swabs collected from 47 ewes with alternative treatments applied to the progesterone-releasing intravaginal devices (probiotic, maltodextrin, antibiotic and control), in two sample periods (before placing and after removing the devices). To our knowledge, this is the first study using nanopore-based metagenome sequencing for vaginal microbiome characterization in livestock. Results: Our results revealed a significant lower abundance of the genera Oenococcus (Firmicutes) and Neisseria (Proteobacteria) in pregnant compared to non-pregnant ewes. We also detected a significant lower abundance of Campylobacter in the group of samples treated with the probiotic. Discussion: Although the use of probiotics represents a promising practice to improve insemination results, the election of the suitable species and concentration requires further investigation. In addition, the use of progestogen in the synchronization devices seemed to increase the alpha-diversity and decrease the abundance of harmful microorganisms belonging to Gammaproteobacteria and Fusobacteriia classes, suggesting a beneficial effect of their use.
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PURPOSE: Force production is crucial in football, and it is the main limitation of people with cerebral palsy (CP). This study aimed to describe the changes in sprint force-velocity (Fv) profile after a period of 25 weeks of regular training in international football players with CP. METHODS: The sprint Fv profile and other physical performance variables (ie, linear sprint, vertical jump, change of direction, and intermittent endurance) of 14 international players from the Spanish national team were assessed during 2 consecutive training camps. Pretesting and posttesting sessions were carried out 1 week before and after the 25-week intervention period. The intervention consisted of 2 strength sessions per week added to the usual football training. RESULTS: The repeated-measures analysis of variance showed changes in players' physical performance (linear sprint: F = 18.05, P < .01; change of direction: F = 16.71, P < .01; and endurance: F = 31.45, P < .01) and in some variables of the sprint Fv profile (maximal horizontal force, maximal power, slope, maximal ratio of force, and decrease of ratio of force; F = 14.28-37.81; P < .01), whereas players' maximal velocity (theoretical and actual) did not change (F = 0.13 and 0.01; P = .72 and .98, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the implementation of 2 strength-training sessions per week, for 25 weeks, is effective to improve CP football players' physical performance. The main finding of this study is the improvement of force application in the acceleration phase (sprint Fv profile), which is the main attribute in many physical performance tests and is the main limitation of the CP population.
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Rendimiento Atlético , Parálisis Cerebral , Fútbol Americano , Entrenamiento de Fuerza , Carrera , Fútbol , HumanosRESUMEN
The analysis of the genomic landscape of inbreeding using runs of homozygosity (ROH) patterns is becoming an interesting tool to partially understand phenotypic differences among individuals. In this study, we analysed genome-wide ROH patterns in two groups of Florida goats. We first determined the inbreeding levels of each individual by calculating ROH-based inbreeding coefficients (FROH ). Then, the individuals were divided into two groups based on FROH : high inbreeding (HI, FROH >0.1) and low inbreeding (LI, FROH <0.03). Finally, we performed an extensive in-depth analysis of ROH distribution in each group separately. We found a higher abundance of short ROH in LI, whereas long ROH was more frequent in HI. Furthermore, ROH abundance was not evenly distributed among chromosomes within groups, with some chromosomes showing larger numbers of ROH, like CHI6, CHI7 and CHI27. A different landscape was observed in recent inbreeding (ROH >8 Mb), with significant increases in CHI6, CHI11 and CHI28. Determination of genomic regions with significantly increased ROH (ROH islands-ROHi) showed 13 ROHi related to whole inbreeding and five ROHi associated with recent inbreeding analysis. Within these genomic regions, 123 and 101 genes were identified in HI and LI, respectively, including 10 and seven candidate genes previously related to production, fertility and heat resistance in goats and livestock species.
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Cabras , Endogamia , Animales , Cabras/genética , Florida , Polimorfismo de Nucleótido Simple , Genómica , Homocigoto , GenotipoRESUMEN
The analysis of mismatch repair proteins in solid tissue is the standard of care (SoC) for the microsatellite instability (MSI) characterization in endometrial cancer (EC). Uterine aspirates (UAs) or circulating-DNA (cfDNA) samples capture the intratumor heterogeneity and provide a more comprehensive and dynamic molecular diagnosis. Thus, MSI analysis by droplet-digital PCR (ddPCR) in UAs and cfDNA can provide a reliable tool to characterize and follow-up the disease. The UAs, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue (FFPE) and longitudinal plasma samples from a cohort of 90 EC patients were analyzed using ddPCR panel and compared to the SoC. A high concordance (96.67%) was obtained between the analysis of MSI markers in UAs and the SoC. Three discordant cases were validated as unstable by ddPCR on FFPE samples. Besides, a good overall concordance (70.27%) was obtained when comparing the performance of the ddPCR assay on UAs and cfDNA in high-risk tumors. Importantly, our results also evidenced the value of MSI analysis to monitor the disease evolution. MSI evaluation in minimally invasive samples shows great accuracy and sensitivity and provides a valuable tool for the molecular characterization and follow-up of endometrial tumors, opening new opportunities for personalized management of EC.
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Ácidos Nucleicos Libres de Células , Neoplasias Endometriales , Femenino , Humanos , Inestabilidad de Microsatélites , Neoplasias Endometriales/genética , Repeticiones de Microsatélite , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/métodosRESUMEN
Heart rate variability (HRV) has allowed the implementation of a methodology for daily decision making called day-to-day training, which allows data to be recorded by anyone with a smartphone. The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the validity and reliability of HRV measurements with a new mobile app (Selftraining UMH) in two resting conditions. Twenty healthy people (10 male and 10 female) were measured at rest in supine and seated positions with an electrocardiogram and an application for smartphones at the same time (Selftraining UMH) using recordings obtained through an already validated chest-worn heart rate monitor (Polar H10). The Selftraining UMH app showed no significant differences compared to an electrocardiogram, neither in supine nor in sitting position (p > 0.05) and they presented almost perfect correlation levels (r ≥ 0.99). Furthermore, no significant differences were found between ultra-short (1-min) and short (5-min) length measurements. The intraclass correlation coefficient showed excellent reliability (>0.90) and the standard error of measurement remained below 5%. The Selftraining UMH smartphone app connected via Bluetooth to the Polar H10 chest strap can be used to register daily HRV recordings in healthy sedentary people.
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Aplicaciones Móviles , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Teléfono Inteligente , Ejercicio Físico , Frecuencia Cardíaca/fisiología , AlgoritmosRESUMEN
Background: The evaluation of performance in endurance athletes and the subsequent individualisation of training is based on the determination of individual physiological thresholds during incremental tests. Gas exchange or blood lactate analysis are usually implemented for this purpose, but these methodologies are expensive and invasive. The short-term scaling exponent alpha 1 of detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA-α1) of the Heart Rate Variability (HRV) has been proposed as a non-invasive methodology to detect intensity thresholds. Purpose: The aim of this study is to analyse the validity of DFA-α1 HRV analysis to determine the individual training thresholds in elite cyclists and to compare them against the lactate thresholds. Methodology: 38 male elite cyclists performed a graded exercise test to determine their individual thresholds. HRV and blood lactate were monitored during the test. The first (LT1 and DFA-α1-0.75, for lactate and HRV, respectively) and second (LT2 and DFA-α1-0.5, for lactate and HRV, respectively) training intensity thresholds were calculated. Then, these points were matched to their respective power output (PO) and heart rate (HR). Results: There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the DFA-α1-0.75 and LT1 with significant positive correlations in PO (r = 0.85) and HR (r = 0.66). The DFA-α1-0.5 was different against LT2 in PO (p = 0.04) and HR (p = 0.02), but it showed significant positive correlation in PO (r = 0.93) and HR (r = 0.71). Conclusions: The DFA1-a-0.75 can be used to estimate LT1 non-invasively in elite cyclists. Further research should explore the validity of DFA-α1-0.5.HighlightsThe power and heart rate values derived from the DFA-α1-0.75 threshold showed high levels of validity and agreement when they were compared against the first lactate threshold.The second lactate threshold and the DFA-α1-0.5 were different (p < 0.05) but showed high levels of correlation.The detrended fluctuation analysis is a valid method to estimate the first lactate threshold and more studies are needed to verify its validity with the second lactate threshold.
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Prueba de Esfuerzo , Ácido Láctico , Humanos , Masculino , Frecuencia Cardíaca/fisiología , AtletasRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe coping strategies used by parents of children with cleft palate with or without a cleft (CP ± L) during the early development of their children in El Salvador. DESIGN: Qualitative interviews were completed with 16 parents of children born with CP ± L who were 6 months to 6 years old. Parents were questioned about their emotions and coping during eight time periods: prenatal, birth, social interaction before the first surgery, the beginning of surgeries, social interaction after the first surgery, early childhood education (ECE), speech-language therapy, and formal education. Thematic analysis (TA) was used to identify coping strategies as conceptualized by Lazarus and Folkman (1984). RESULTS: Four major themes emerged: (a) experienced emotions related to diagnosis, (b) interpretations related to the birth of a child with a cleft, (c) seeking and experiencing cleft treatment, and (d) social interaction of the children. During prenatal and birth stages, parents used emotion-focused strategies. A few hours to a week after birth, they used problem-focused strategies, which led them in search of treatment. Some parents used avoidance strategies during periods of social interaction before surgery, ECE, and formal education. Socioeconomic challenges impacted access to speech-language therapy. Sociocultural factors, such as discrimination, religion, and folk beliefs, appeared to influence some of the coping strategies used by parents. CONCLUSIONS: Problem-focused strategies appear to be helpful in seeking surgical treatments. The emotion-focused strategy of avoidance seemed to have adverse effects in minimizing opportunities for social interaction prior to surgery and early education.
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Labio Leporino , Fisura del Paladar , Niño , Preescolar , Humanos , Labio Leporino/cirugía , Labio Leporino/psicología , Fisura del Paladar/cirugía , Fisura del Paladar/psicología , El Salvador , Adaptación Psicológica , Padres/psicologíaRESUMEN
In Bicycle Motocross (BMX) performance is determined by the riders' sprint ability and power output. Therefore, descriptive and predictive performance assessments through laboratory and field tests are of interest. Twelve members of the Spanish BMX National Team performed 4 laboratory tests, including 1RM in squat, a Wingate test, a 5x6-s repeated sprint test (RST) and a force-velocity profile test. These tests were compared with the riders' field performance using the best lap of a simulated BMX competition consisting of 6 all-out laps on a standard BMX track. Pearson's correlation and linear regression analysis showed a significant association (p < 0.05) between the riders' field performance and the 1RM (r = 0.84; R2 = 0.65), the peak power output in the RST (r = 0.87; R2 = 0.78) and the peak power, the mean power and the lactate production in the Wingate test (r = 0.68-0.77; R2 = 0.14-0.65), as well as maximal power from the force-velocity profile (r = 0.71; R2 = 0.53). The laboratory tests included in this study can show information about BMX riders' performance, with the highest values for the peak power obtained in the repeated sprint test (78% of the variance in common).
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Rendimiento Atlético , Ciclismo , Humanos , Postura , Ácido Láctico , Gravitación , Proteínas Tirosina QuinasasRESUMEN
The aim of this study was to investigate the training-induced effect on cardiac parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity, assessed by resting heart rate variability (HRV) and post-exercise heart rate recovery (HRR), in sedentary healthy people. Electronic searches were carried out in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Random-effects models of between-group standardised mean difference (SMD) were estimated. Heterogeneity analyses were performed by means of the chi-square test and I2 index. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed to investigate the influence of potential moderator variables on the training-induced effect. The results showed a small increase in RMSSD (SMD+ = 0.57 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.23, 0.91]) and high frequency (HF) (SMD+ = 0.21 [95% CI = 0.01, 0.42]) in favour of the intervention group. Heterogeneity tests reached statistical significance for RMSSD and HF (p ≤ 0.001), and the inconsistency was moderate (I2 = 68% and 60%, respectively). We found higher training-induced effects on HF in studies that performed a shorter intervention or lower number of exercise sessions (p ≤ 0.001). Data were insufficient to investigate the effect of exercise training on HRR. Exercise training increases cardiac PNS modulation in sedentary people, while its effect on PNS tone requires future study.
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Ejercicio Físico , Sistema Nervioso Parasimpático , Humanos , Frecuencia Cardíaca/fisiología , Ejercicio Físico/fisiología , CorazónRESUMEN
This study assessed and described the Sprint Force-velocity (SFv) profile, and its validity and reliability in international cerebral palsy (CP) football players. Twenty international male CP football players (age: 26.9±7.4) performed a 30-m sprint, a vertical jump (CMJ), a change of direction (MAT), a dribbling and an intermittent endurance (Yo-YoIR1) test. The SFv profile and physical performance variables were shown according to the players' sport class with the estimation of the effect sizes between classes. The SFv showed high reliability (ICC=0.77 to 0.99; SEM=0.89 to 8.66%). Validity for the SFv was provided by its positive correlation with the players' sport class (r=0.53 to 0.75; p=.02 to <.01) and the rest of the physical performance tests (r=0.45 to 0.99; p=.04 to <.01). The RFmax was the main SFv profile variable that explained players' performance in the rest of the tests (ß=0.77 to 1.0; p<.05; R2=0.59 to 0.99). The SFv profile seems to be an efficient test to assess international CP football players' physical performance. This provides information about the players' individual sprint mechanical characteristics and their sprint strengths and weaknesses, allowing coaches and conditioning trainers to individualize their training interventions to optimize sprint performance.
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The objective of this research was to investigate whether heart rate variability (HRV)-guided training improves mortality predictors to a greater extent than predefined training in coronary artery disease patients. Twenty-one patients were randomly allocated to the HRV-guided training group (HRV-G) or the predefined training group (PRED-G). They measured their HRV at home daily and trained three times a week for six weeks. Resting heart rate, isolated vagal-related HRV indices (i.e., RMSSD, HF, and SD1), weekly averaged RMSSD, heart rate recovery, and maximum oxygen uptake were assessed before and after the training period. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.034) in the change in weekly averaged RMSSD in favor of the HRV-G, while no differences were found in the remaining analyzed variables (p > 0.050). Regardless of the training prescription method, exercise training decreased resting heart rate (p = 0.001; -4.10 [95% CI = -6.37--1.82] beats per minute (bpm)), and increased heart rate recovery at 2 min (p = 0.010; 4.33 [95% CI = 1.15-7.52] bpm) and maximum oxygen uptake (p < 0.001; 3.04 [95% CI = 1.70-4.37] mL·kg-1·min-1). HRV-guided training is superior to predefined training in improving vagal-related HRV when methodological factors are accounted for.