Cortisol and insulin behaviors during an ultramarathon event: are they real markers of extreme exertion?

BACKGROUND: The current work aimed to describe and compare the cortisol and insulin concentrations behavior and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) during a 115 km ultramarathon race. METHODS: Nine ultrarunners (eight males) were evaluated six times (0, 37, 60, 76, 89 and 115 km). At each moment, saliva samples (for cortisol and insulin assessment) and RPE (CR10 scale) were collected. Statistical analysis included correlation, one-way repeated measure ANOVA, and Statistical Parametric Mapping to define discrete and continues changes and compare cortisol, insulin and RPE profiles. RESULTS: Our main findings revealed an early peak in cortisol and RPE, accompanied by a decline in insulin responses (402±49 min of the race, P<0.05). Cortisol and insulin only showed magnitude differences with inverse behaviors until ~6% (7 km) of the ultramarathon duration. Cortisol and RPE presented similar behaviors, rising from the beginning of the race and remaining elevated throughout the race (η2=0.91 and η2=1.0, P<0.001). Insulin levels decreased when the race started, remaining below 60% of baseline values from the midpoint to the end of the race (P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed an imbalance in the catabolic/anabolic hormone profile during an ultramarathon race, with a prominence in catabolic state. It should be considered in the ultramarathon races preparation and participation due to its possible detrimental effect on the athlete's health.

Are there differences in the kinetic parameters of the vertical jump performed by beach volleyball players on different types of sand?

Beach volleyball (BV) is an intermittent sport characterised by short-duration and highly demanding activities with low intensity periods. Establishing if players' jump ability is influenced by sand granulometry is a useful information for sport scientists, coaches and players. This study aimed to assess the possible differences in the kinetics parameters of the vertical jump on different types of sand performed by BV players. Twelve elite female players performed six countermovement jumps (CMJs) in three different surface conditions (fine sand, reference, coarse sand) in a random counterbalanced order (216 jumps). A generalised mixed model approach detected differences for CMJ model in total duration (p: 0.016), eccentric phase duration (p: 0.007), concentric phase duration (p: 0.011), time to peak power (p: < 0.001), time to peak force (p: 0.014), maximum rate force development concentric phase (p: 0.004), maximum velocity (p: 0.028) and peak power eccentric (p: 0.018). Coarse sand decreases the time spent jumping compared to fine sand, without a penalty to jump height. Coaches and athletes should take this information into account to enhance their understanding of practice strategies and game conditions. One might anticipate a faster pace in games played on coarse sand and a slower pace on fine sand.

Swimming Velocity Analysis Using Wearable Inertial Sensors and Speedometer: A Comparative Study.

The speedometer is widely used to evaluate swimming velocity but has some constraints. With the constant development of inertial units (IMUs), it is expected that they will become a good alternative to the speedometer. This study aimed to compare the data retrieved by an IMU and a speedometer when breaststroke is performed at maximum speed. Sixteen swimmers, nine males and seven females (20.3 ± 3.3 vs. 18.7 ± 1.1 years old, 65.8 ± 11.2 vs. 57.7 ± 9.1 kg of body mass and 1.75 ± 0.07 vs. 1.61 ± 0.10 m of height, respectively), performed 4 × 25 m of breaststroke sprint. They were equipped with an IMU fixed to the sacrum and with the line of an electromechanical speedometer (acquisition frequency of 50 Hz) fixed at the central point in the lumbar region. Statistical parametric mapping was used to compare the velocity curves, IBM SPSS was used for descriptive statistics and Bland-Altman plots were used for agreement of measurements. The results show that the IMU and speedometer do not show similar patterns, and the velocity values measured by the IMU are lower (p < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots presented a larger bias in terms of coefficient of variation and intracycle velocity variation. It can be concluded that IMUs and speedometers are not substitutes for each other as methods for evaluating intracycle velocity variations.

The Effect of the TiO2 Anodization Layer in Pedicle Screw Conductivity: An Analytical, Numerical, and Experimental Approach.

The electrical stimulation of pedicle screws is a technique used to ensure its correct placement within the vertebrae pedicle. Several authors have studied these screws' electrical properties with the objective of understanding if they are a potential source of false negatives. As titanium screws are anodized with different thicknesses of a high electrical resistance oxide (TiO2), this study investigated, using analytical, numerical, and experimental methods, how its thickness may affect pedicle screw's resistance and conductivity. Analytical results have demonstrated that the thickness of the TiO2 layer does result in a significant radial resistance increase (44.21 mΩ/nm, for Ø 4.5 mm), and a decrease of conductivity with layers thicker than 150 nm. The numerical approach denotes that the geometry of the screw further results in a decrease in the pedicle screw conductivity, especially after 125 nm. Additionally, the experimental results demonstrate that there is indeed an effective decrease in conductivity with an increase in the TiO2 layer thickness, which is also reflected in the screw's total resistance. While the magnitude of the resistance associated with each TiO2 layer thickness may not be enough to compromise the ability to use anodized pedicle screws with a high-voltage electrical stimulator, pedicle screws should be the subject of more frequent electrical characterisation studies.

Effect of experimentally induced muscle pain on neuromuscular control of force production.

PURPOSE: Neural and peripheral effects of induced muscle pain on explosive force production were investigated. METHODS: Nine participants performed two maximal, six explosive, and six electrical stimulations induced (twitches and octets) isometric knee extensions before and after (15 min of rest) receiving an intramuscular injection of hypertonic saline (pain inducer) or isotonic (placebo) infusions in two laboratory visits separated by 7 days. RESULTS: It was observed a reduction of peak torque production in maximal voluntary contraction in both conditions (9.3 and 3.3% for pain and placebo, respectively) and in the rate of torque development in placebo (7%). There was an increase in the rate of torque development for twitch and octets (10.5 and 15.8%, respectively) in the pain condition and peak torque for twitch (12%) in both conditions (as did the total rate of torque development for octets). CONCLUSION: Force production decreases and increases during voluntary and involuntary contractions, respectively, suggesting that acute pain impairs force production via central mechanisms.

Effect of Randall foils on the rowing propulsive cycle.

Rowing performance depends on the design and building materials used for competition. Recently, attempting to improve rowing performance, the Randall foil has been attached to the top edge of a rowing Big blade, making it spoon shaped. The current study aimed to analyse the differences between Big blades with and without Randall foils in force-related variables. Nineteen rowers performed two bouts of 90 s at maximal effort tethered rowing and differences were found in cycle average peak force (4.33 ± 1.46 vs. 5.26 ± 1.57 N/kg), propulsive cycle average time (1.79 ± 0.38 vs. 1.52 ± 0.24 N/kg.s) and rate of force development (8.79 ± 4.75 vs. 12.07 ± 4.60 N/kg/s) for Big blades with and without foils (respectively). Differences were also observed between the middle (4.79 ± 1.21 vs. 4.08 ± 1.48 N/kg) and final phases (4.86 ± 1.45 vs. 4.04 ± 1.47 N/kg) of the rowing effort for the cycle average peak force of Big blades with and without Randall foils. Data suggest a positive effect of these foils on the force-time curve profile. Future studies should focus on testing its influence on free on-water rowing.

Acute Recovery after a Fatigue Protocol Using a Recovery Sports Legging: An Experimental Study.

Enhancing recovery is a fundamental component of high-performance sports training since it enables practitioners to potentiate physical performance and minimise the risk of injuries. Using a new sports legging embedded with an intelligent system for electrostimulation, localised heating and compression (completely embodied into the textile structures), we aimed to analyse acute recovery following a fatigue protocol. Surface electromyography- and torque-related variables were recorded on eight recreational athletes. A fatigue protocol conducted in an isokinetic dynamometer allowed us to examine isometric torque and consequent post-exercise acute recovery after using the sports legging. Regarding peak torque, no differences were found between post-fatigue and post-recovery assessments in any variable; however, pre-fatigue registered a 16% greater peak torque when compared with post-fatigue for localised heating and compression recovery methods. Our data are supported by recent meta-analyses indicating that individual recovery methods, such as localised heating, electrostimulation and compression, are not effective to recover from a fatiguing exercise. In fact, none of the recovery methods available through the sports legging tested was effective in acutely recovering the torque values produced isometrically.

Breaking Barriers: Artificial Intelligence Interpreting the Interplay between Mental Illness and Pain as Defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain.

Low back pain is one of the main causes of motor disabilities and psychological stress, with the painful process encompassing sensory and affective components. Noxious stimuli originate on the periphery; however, the stimuli are recombined in the brain and therefore processed differently due to the emotional environment. To better understand this process, our objective was to develop a mathematical representation of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) model of pain, covering the multidimensional representation of this phenomenon. Data from the Oswestry disability index; the short form of the depression, anxiety, and stress scale; and pain catastrophizing daily questionnaires were collected through online completion, available from 8 June 2022, to 8 April 2023 (1021 cases). Using the information collected, an artificial neural network structure was trained (based on anomaly detection methods) to identify the patterns that emerge from the relationship between the variables. The developed model proved to be robust and able to show the patterns and the relationship between the variables, and it allowed for differentiating the groups with altered patterns in the context of low back pain. The distinct groups all behave according to the main finding that psychological and pain events are directly associated. We conclude that our proposal is effective as it is able to test and confirm the definition of the IASP for the study of pain. Here we show that the fiscal and mental dimensions of pain are directly associated, meaning that mental illness can be an enhancer of pain episodes and functionality.

The impact of visual display of human motion on observers' perception of music performance.

In investigating the influence of body movement in multimodal perception, human motion displays are frequently used as a means of visual standardization and control of external confounders. However, no principle is established regarding the selection of an adequate display for specific study purposes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of adopting 4 visual displays (point-light, stick figure, body mass, skeleton) on the observers' perception of music performances in 2 expressive conditions (immobile, projected expressiveness). Two hundred eleven participants rated 8 audio-visual samples in expressiveness, match between movement and music, and overall evaluation. The results revealed significant isolated main effects of visual display and expressive condition on the observers' ratings (in both, p < 0.001), and interaction effects between the two factors (p < 0.001). Displays closer to a human form (mostly skeleton, sometimes body mass) exponentiated the evaluations of expressiveness and music-movement match in the projected expressiveness condition, and of overall evaluation in the immobile condition; the opposite trend occurred with the simplified motion display (stick figure). Projected expressiveness performances were higher rated than immobile performances. Although the expressive conditions remained distinguishable across displays, the more complex ones potentiated the attribution of subjective qualities. We underline the importance of considering the variable display as an influencing factor in perceptual studies.

Ice Massage on the Calf Improves 4-km Running Time Trial Performance in a Normothermic Environment.

Purpose: Local cooling with ice massage is a practical and inexpensive technique to decrease perceptual stress and improve motor performance in hot environments. However, it is unknown whether local cooling with ice massage reduces perceptual responses to exercise and improves performance in a normothermic environment. Thus, we investigated whether ice massage on the calf muscles before a 4 km running time trial (TT4km) reduced the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and perceived muscle pain, thereby improving exercise performance in a normothermic environment. Methods: After familiarizations, fourteen recreationally endurance-trained men (age = 21.3 ± 1.2 years; body weight = 67.5 ± 9.2 kg; height = 173.0 ± 5.0 cm) underwent two TT4km on a 400 m track in normothermic conditions with or without ice massage before the trial. The time of running, RPE, and pain perception were recorded every 400 m throughout the TT4km. Results: The local cooling with ice massage increased the mean speed (~ 5.2%, p = 0.03) and decreased the time to complete the TT4km (~ 5.5%, p = 0.03). Accordingly, ice massage also reduced the exercise-derived pain perception (p = 0.028), although no effect has been found in the RPE during the TT4km (p = 0.32). Conclusion: Together, these results showed that local cooling with ice massage before the exercise reduced the exercise-derived pain perception, enabling runners to increase the speed for a comparable RPE during exercise, thereby improving the TT4km performance in a normothermic environment.

The Strategy of the Brain to Maintain the Force Production in Painful Contractions-A Motor Units Pool Reorganization.

A common symptom in neuromuscular diseases is pain, which changes human movement in many ways. Using the decomposed electromyographic signal, we investigate the strategy of the brain in recruiting different pools of motor units (MUs) to produce torque during induced muscle pain in terms of firing rate (FR), recruitment threshold (RT) and action potential amplitude (MUAPAMP). These properties were used to define two groups (G1/G2) based on a K-means clusterization method. A 2.0 mL intramuscular hypertonic (6%) or isotonic (0.9%) saline solution was injected to induce pain or act as a placebo during isometric and isokinetic knee extension contractions. While isometric torque decreases after pain induction with hypertonic solution, this does not occur in isokinetic torque. This occurs because the MUs re-organized after the injection of both solutions. This is supported by an increase in RT, in both G1 and G2 MUs. However, when inducing pain with the hypertonic solution, RT increase is exacerbated. In this condition, FR also decreases, while MUAPAMP increases only for G1 MUs. Therefore, this study proposes that the strategy for maintaining force production during pain is to recruit MUs with higher RT and MUAPAMP.

Velocity Variability and Performance in Backstroke in Elite and Good-Level Swimmers.

Backstroke swimming, a cyclic and continuous movement, displays a repeating structure due to the repeated action of the limb, presenting similar (but not identical) cycles. Some variability is generated by instabilities, but this may play a functional role in the human performance, allowing individual adaptations to constraints. The current study examined the role of velocity variability in backstroke performance, hypothesizing that this variable is associated with swimmers' performance. Sixteen elite and fifteen good-level swimmers were video recorded in the sagittal plane when performing 25 m backstroke at maximal intensity in order to determine hip velocity and mean velocity, stroke rate, stroke length and indexes of coordination/synchronization. Lyapunov maximal exponent and sample entropy were also calculated for successive cycles. The elite swimmers' performances were more unstable (0.1742 ± 0.1131 versus 0.0831 ± 0.0042, p < 0.001) and complex (0.9222 ± 0.4559 versus 0.3821 ± 0.3096, p < 0.001) than their good-level counterparts, but intracycle velocity variation did not differ (11.98 ± 3.47 versus 12.03 ± 3.16%, p > 0.05). Direct relationships were observed between mean velocity and stability (r = 0.40, p = 0.03), as well as with complexity (r = 0.53, p = 0.002), with intracycle velocity variation and complexity also being related (r = 0.38, p = 0.04). Backstroke performance is associated with velocity variability, with elite swimmers being able to control it through several adaptations, overcoming the high drag and inertia.

Consistency of pacing profile according to performance level in three different editions of the Chicago, London, and Tokyo marathons.

Running pacing has become a focus of interest over recent years due to its relationship with performance, however, it is still unknown the consistency of each race in different editions. The aim of this study is to analyze the consistency of pacing profile in three consecutive editions of three marathon races. A database of 282,808 runners, compiled from three different races (Chicago, London, and Tokyo Marathon) and three editions (2017, 2018, and 2019) was analyzed. Participants were categorized according to their time performance in the marathon, every 30 min from 2:30 h to sub-6 h. The relative speed of each section for each runner was calculated as a percentage of the average speed for the entire race. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of relative speed at the different pacing section, taking into account the runner time categories, was excellent over the three marathon editions (ICC > 0.93). The artificial intelligence model showed an accuracy of 86.8% to classify the runners' data in three marathons, suggesting a consistency between editions with identifiable differences between races. In conclusion, although some differences have been observed between editions in certain sections and marathon runner categories, excellent consistency of the pacing profile was observed. The study of pacing profile in a specific marathon can, therefore, be helpful for runners, coaches and marathon organizers for planning the race and improving its organization.

A systematic review with meta-analysis of the diagnostic test accuracy of pedicle screw electrical stimulation.

PURPOSE: To provide a systematic review with meta-analysis providing evidence of the current diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) of pedicle screw electrical stimulation. METHODS: A systematic database search on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science was performed according to the PRISMA-DTA guidelines, and eligibility criteria applied to reduce the results to: (1) only journal articles reporting electrical stimulation of the pedicle screw head, (2) screw position confirmation by imaging techniques, and (3) enough information allowing the calculation of a 2 × 2 contingency table. Sample characteristics, image confirmation method, electrical current threshold and stimulation results were retrieved and analyzed using according to appropriate DTA analysis methods, and allowing the calculation of specificity, sensitivity for pedicle screws insertion at the lumbar and thoracic levels. RESULTS: Lumbar screw stimulation presents a higher sensitivity (0.586 [0.336, 0.798] and specificity (0.984 [0.958, 0.994]) than thoracic screws (sensitivity: 0.270 [0.096; 0.562]; specificity: 0.958 [0.931, 0.975]). The same is observed in terms of the diagnostic odds ratio for lumbar (88.32 [32.136, 242.962]) and thoracic (8.460 [2.139, 33.469]) levels. When performing a sub-group analysis, it is possible to divide the lumbar stimulation threshold as 8 and 10-12 mA, and the thoracic threshold as 6 and 9-12 mA. A threshold of 8 mA at the lumbar level provides higher sensitivity and specificity. Increasing the threshold results in higher specificity but not sensitivity. In fact, at the range of 10-12 mA, the diagnostic validity is too low to confer this technique any robust diagnostic validity. Similarly, at the thoracic level, lower threshold currents are associated with increased sensitivity, but their diagnostic validity is very low. CONCLUSION: Electrical stimulation of the pedicle screw can be used as an adequate diagnostic capability at the lumbar level with a threshold of 8 mA. However, thoracic stimulation is currently not reliable, with very low sensitivity and diagnostic validity at 6 mA or higher.

How to Work with Electromyography Decomposition in Practical Classes of Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics.

Concepts about motor unit recruitment are important learning contents in exercise physiology and biomechanics classes that are usually taught theoretically. In the last few years, great advances have occurred in the decomposition of surface electromyography, allowing the learning of theoretical contents in an experimental way. In this tutorial paper, we have described the decomposition of surface electromyography methodological aspects and examples to teach motor unit recruitment concepts in exercise physiology and biomechanics practical lessons. This work has the aim to facilitate physiology and biomechanics academics to introduce this technique in practical classes.

Proof-of-Concept and Test-Retest Reliability Study of Psychological and Physiological Variables of the Mental Fatigue Paradigm.

This study provided a proof-of-concept and test-retest reliability of measures frequently used to assess a mental fatigue paradigm. After familiarization, 28 healthy men performed (40-min) the Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVP) test in a test-retest design, having mental fatigue sensation, motivation, emotional arousal, total mood disturbance, and electroencephalography (EEG) in the prefrontal cortex measured before and after the test. EEG was recorded during a 3-min rest so that the power spectral density of theta (3-7 Hz) and alpha (8-13 Hz) bands was calculated. Pre-to-post RVP test changes in psychological and physiological domains were compared (paired-T tests), and absolute (standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal difference (MD)) and relative reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)) were calculated. The RVP test induced an increase (p < 0.05) in mental fatigue sensation (120.9% (109.4; 132.4)) and total mood disturbance (3.5% (-6.3; 13.3)), and a decrease in motivation (-7.1% (-9.2; -5.1)) and emotional arousal (-16.2% (-19.1; -13.2)). Likewise, EEG theta (59.1% (33.2; 85.0); p < 0.05), but not alpha band, increased due to RVP test. All psychophysiological responses showed poor-to-moderate relative reliability. Changes in mental fatigue sensation and motivation were higher than SEM and MD, but changes in EEG theta band were higher only than SEM. Mental fatigue sensation, motivation, and EEG theta band were sensitive to distinguish a mental fatigue paradigm despite true mental fatigue effects on theta activity may be trivial.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring in Spine Surgery.

Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) techniques are usually implemented during spine surgery to avoid nefarious abuse of the nervous system, which can cause postoperative problems. A lack of bibliometric analysis on the topic of IONM in spine surgery has been identified. Therefore, the aims of this study are to provide information about the main contributors to this field and their publication dynamics, as well as conceptual and cooperative networks. Results have shown that a steady publication increase has been occurring since 1991, with high levels of citations in the first decade, but irregular publication rates have been recorded more recently. Research production by country seems to be in line with what is observed in other surgical fields, but research funding for IONM in spine surgery seems to be lower, even with the clear interest of private funding agencies. The conceptual networks have shown the importance of motor-evoked potential, electromyography, and the effect of anesthesia, particularly in scoliosis surgery.

Are isokinetic leg torques and kick velocity reliable predictors of competitive level in taekwondo athletes?

The aim of this study is to analyze how isokinetic knee and hip peak torques and roundhouse kick velocities are related to expertise level (elite vs. sub-elite) in taekwondo athletes. Seven elite and seven sub-elite athletes were tested for kick-specific variables (KSV, composed of kinematic variables and power of impact) and for concentric isokinetic peak torque (PT) at 60°/s and 240°/s. First, KSVs and PTs were compared between groups, then PTs were correlated with KSVs. Parametric variables with larger effect sizes (Cohen's d) were entered in a stepwise linear discriminant analysis (LDA), generating an equation to estimate competitive level. Between-group differences were found in hip flexors (p = 0.04, d = 0.92) and extensors (p = 0.04, d = 0.96) with PT at 240°/s. Hip flexion PT at 60°/s and 240°/s correlated negatively with kick time (R = -0.46, p = 0.0499 and R = -0.62, p = 0.01 respectively). Hip flexion torque at 60°/s correlated positively (R = 0.52, p = 0.03) with peak linear velocity of the foot (LVF) and power of impact (R = 0.51, p = 0.03). Peak torque of hip extension at 60°/s and hip abduction at 240°/s also correlated with LVF (R = 0.56, p = 0.02 and R = 0.46, p = 0.0499). Hip extension at 60°/s correlated positively with peak linear velocity of the knee (R = 0.48, p = 0.04). The LDA showed an accuracy of 85.7% (p = 0.003) in predicting expertise level based on hip flexion and extension torques at 240°/s and on knee extension velocity during the kick. The study demonstrates that hip muscle strength is probably the dominant muscular factor for determining kick performance. Knee angular velocity combined with hip torques is the best discriminator for competitive level in taekwondo athletes.

Effects of experimentally induced muscle pain on endurance performance: A proof-of-concept study assessing neurophysiological and perceptual responses.

Pain arising from exercise potentiates fatigue and impairs the performance of endurance exercise. We assessed neurophysiological and perceptual responses to endurance exercise performed under experimentally induced muscle pain by a model that separates muscle pain from muscle fatigue. After a series of pilot studies investigating different hypertonic saline volumes, 17 healthy males performed a preliminary VO2PEAK test before performing a familiarization of the cycling time-to-exhaustion exercise (80% of the peak power output in the VO2PEAK test). Participants, performed a baseline exercise session before the sessions with hypertonic and isotonic saline injections in the vastus lateralis of both legs, in a crossover and counterbalanced design. Neurophysiological and perceptual responses such as electroencephalography (EEG) in frontal, prefrontal, parietal, and motor cortex, electromyography (EMG) of the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris muscles, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), pain sensation, and affective valence were measured at rest and during exercise. The hypertonic injection reduced the resting EEG alpha-beta ratio in the frontal and prefrontal cortex. When compared to exercise performed after the isotonic injection (430.5 ± 152.6 s), hypertonic injection shortened the time-to-exhaustion (357.5 ± 173.0 s), reduced the EMG of the assessed muscles, and increased the muscle co-contraction during exercise. The hypertonic injection also reduced the EEG alpha-beta ratio in the prefrontal and parietal cortex, increased RPE and pain sensation, and reduced affective valence during exercise. This proof-of-concept study showed that hypertonic injection-induced muscle pain reduced endurance performance, promoting centrally mediated alterations in motor command and cortical activation, as well as an interplay of perceptual responses.

Aerobic exercise ameliorates survival, clinical score, lung inflammation, DNA and protein damage in septic mice.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Sepsis is a potentially deadly organic dysfunction, and one of the main causes of mortality in intensive care units (ICU). Aerobic exercise (AE) is a preventive intervention in the establishment of inflammatory conditions, such as chronic lung diseases, but its effects on sepsis remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of AE on health condition, mortality, inflammation, and oxidative damage in an experimental model of pneumosepsis induced by Klebsiella pneumoniae (K.p). METHODS: Animals were randomly allocated to Control; Exercise (EXE); Pneumosepsis (PS) or Exercise + Pneumosepsis (EPS) groups. Exercised animals were submitted to treadmill exercise for 2 weeks, 30 min/day, prior to pneumosepsis induced by K.p tracheal instillation. RESULTS: PS produced a striking decrease in the health condition leading to massive death (85%). AE protected mice, as evidenced by better clinical scores and increased survival (70%). AE alleviated sickness behavior in EPS mice as evaluated in the open field test, and inflammation (nitrite + nitrate, TNF-α and IL-1ß levels) in broncoalveolar fluid. Catalase activity, oxidative damage to proteins and DNA was increased by sepsis and prevented by exercise. CONCLUSION: Overall, the beneficial effects of exercise in septic animals encompassed a markedly improved clinical score and decreased mortality, along with lower inflammation markers, less DNA and protein damage, as well as preserved antioxidant enzyme activity. Neural network risk analysis revealed exercise had a considerable effect on the overall health condition of septic mice.