Influence of living settings on physical activity levels and volition in exercise in male and female university students.

This study explored the influence of living settings on physical activity (PA) levels and volition in exercise and their correlation, considering sex differences. Five hundred and sixty-six university students (261 rural and 305 urban) from Calabria region (Italy) attending universities courses filled an online survey where Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and Volition in Exercise Questionnaire were administered. Rural females (RF) showed lower PA levels and self-confidence than rural males (RM) (p<0.01). Postponing training and unrelated thoughts were higher in RF than RM (p<0.01 and p<0.05 respectively). PA levels, self-confidence and coping with failure were lower in urban females (UF) than urban males (UM) (p<0.01), Postponing training and unrelated thoughts were higher in UF than UM (p<0.01 and p<0.05). In RF and UF, PA levels positively correlated with self-confidence (Rho = 0.397) and coping with failure (Rho = 0.330), whereas negatively correlated with postponing training (Rho = -0.487) and unrelated thoughts (Rho = -0.283). In RM and UM, PA levels positively correlated with self-confidence (Rho = 0.270) and coping with failure (Rho = 0.258), whereas it negatively correlated with postponing training (Rho = -0.285). PA levels positively correlated with reasons (Rho = 0.260) only in UM. We showed for the first time the relationship between PA and volition factors considering the living setting in university students. Sex differences were observed in some volition facilitators and PA levels independently by the living context.

Effects of magnesium supplementation on muscle soreness in different type of physical activities: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Magnesium is a micronutrient and an intracellular cation responsible for different biochemical reactions involved in energy production and storage, control of neuronal and vasomotor activity, cardiac excitability, and muscle contraction. Magnesium deficiency may result in impaired physical performance. Moreover, magnesium plays an important role on delayed onset muscle soreness after training. Thus, physically active individuals and sport specialists have to pay attention to magnesium supplementation (MgS). However, the type, timing and dosage of magnesium intake are not well elucidated yet. Hence, we aimed to systematically review the literature regarding the effects of MgS on muscle soreness in physically active individuals. We focused exclusively on MgS, excluding those studies in which magnesium was administered together with other substances. METHODS: Three electronic databases and literature sources (PUBMED, SCOPUS and Web of Sciences-Core Collection) were searched, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. After the database search, 1254 articles were identified, and after excluding duplicates, 960 articles remained. Among these, 955 were excluded following the title and abstract screening. The remaining 5 articles were screened in full text and 4 study met the eligibility criteria. RESULTS: These studies showed that MgS reduced muscle soreness, improved performance, recovery and induced a protective effect on muscle damage. CONCLUSION: To reach these positive effects, individuals engaged in intense exercise should have a Mg requirement 10-20% higher than sedentary people, to be taken in capsules and 2 h before training. Moreover, it is suggested to maintain magnesium levels in the recommended range during the off-season. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024501822.