Impact of a short-term nitrate and citrulline co-supplementation on sport performance in elite rowers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial.

PURPOSE: Citrulline (CIT) and beetroot extract (BR) have separately shown benefits in rowing performance-related outcomes. However, effects of combined supplementation remain to be elucidated. The main purpose of this research was to study the effects of 1 week of daily co-supplementation of 3.5 g BR (500 mg NO3-) plus 6 g CIT on aerobic performance, maximal strength, and high-intensity power and peak stroke in elite male rowers compared to a placebo and to a BR supplementation. METHODS: 20 elite rowers participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial completing 1 week of supplementation in each group of study: Placebo group (PLAG); BR group (BRG); and BR + CIT group (BR-CITG). 3 main physical tests were performed: aerobic performance, Wingate test and CMJ jump, and metabolic biomarkers and physiological outcomes were collected. RESULTS: The Wingate all-out test showed no between-condition differences in peak power, mean power, relative power, or fatigue index (P > 0.05), but clearance of lactate was better in BR-CITG (P < 0.05). In the performance test, peak power differed only between PLAG and BR-CITG (P = 0.036), while VO2peak and maximum heart rate remained similar. CMJ jumping test results showed no between-condition differences, and blood samples were consistent (P > 0.200). CONCLUSION: Supplementation with 3.5 g of BR extract plus 6 g of CIT for 7 days improved lactate clearance after Wingate test and peak power in a performance test. No further improvements were found, suggesting longer period of supplementation might be needed to show greater benefits.

Effects of HMB on Endurance Performance in a Healthy Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Fernández-Landa, J, Todorovic, N, Santibañez-Gutierrez, A, Ostojic, SM, Calleja-González, J, Sekulic, D, and Mielgo-Ayuso, J. Effects of HMB on endurance performance in a healthy population: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): e202-e210, 2024-ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (HMB) has been used extensively as a dietary supplement for athletes and physically active people. However, the ergogenic effect of HMB supplementation on endurance performance is still unclear. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) aimed to assess HMB supplementation on endurance performance and V̇O 2 max . This SRMA followed PRISMA guidelines. Three electronic databases were searched (PubMed/Medline, Web of Science [WOS], and Scopus) from inception until April 3, 2023. In this SRMA, human experimental trials, controlled with a placebo group, assessing the effect of HMB supplementation on endurance performance in a healthy population were included. The quality of the studies was assessed by the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The study protocol was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO): CRD42022341790. Eleven studies involving 279 participants met the inclusion criteria. The results displayed a significant improvement on endurance performance (pooled standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.58 [0.28-0.87]) and V̇O 2 max (pooled SMD = 0.58 [0.21-0.95]) after HMB ingestion. Moreover, after the exclusion of the studies not evenly distributed around the base of the funnel plot, the results continued to be significantly positive in endurance performance (pooled SMD = 0.38 [0.22-0.53]) and V̇O 2 max (pooled SMD = 0.25 [0.09-0.42]). In conclusion, HMB (3 g·d -1 ) ingestion during 2-12 weeks significantly improves endurance performance and V̇O 2 max .

25-Hydroxyvitamin D Serum Levels Linked to Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs2228570, rs2282679, rs10741657) in Skeletal Muscle Aging in Institutionalized Elderly Men Not Supplemented with Vitamin D.

Sarcopenia (Sp) is the loss of skeletal muscle mass associated with aging that results in an involution of muscle function and strength. Vitamin D deficiency is a common health problem worldwide, especially among the elderly, and hypovitaminosis D leads to musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact and presence of a possible linkage between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) CYP2R1 (rs10741657), GC (rs2282679), and VDR (rs2228570), serum 25-OH/D concentrations and the link with the degree of sarcopenia in 19 institutionalized elderly men not supplemented with vitamin D. Levels of 25-OH vitamin D were quantified with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit and 3 SNPs were genotyped with KASPar assays. Significant differences in 25-OH/D concentration were determined between the bi-allelic combinations of rs228679 and rs228570. We detected statistically significant weak positive correlations between the AA (rs10741657 and rs228570) and TT (rs228679) and alleles and 25-OH/D and the probability of having higher 25-OH/D concentrations was 2- to 3-fold higher. However, the GG alleles of the 3 SNPs showed that the probability of having optimal 25-0H/D concentrations decreases by 32% for rs10741657, 38% for rs228679, and 74% for rs228570, showing a strong negative correlation between the degree of sarcopenia and 25-OH/D levels. Allelic variations in CYP2R1 (rs10741657), GC (rs2282679), and VDR (rs10741657) affect vitamin D levels and decisively influence the degree of sarcopenia in institutionalized elderly people.

Inflammation in COVID-19 and the Effects of Non-Pharmacological Interventions during the Pandemic: A Review.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that hit the health systems worldwide hard, causing a collapse of healthcare systems. One of the main problems of this new virus is the high inflammatory response it provokes, which is the cause of much of the symptoms. Different pharmacological approaches tried to stop the advance of the pandemic, but it seems that only vaccines are the solution. In this line, different nonpharmacological approaches have been made in order to improve symptomatology, contagion, and spread of COVID-19, the principal factors being the physical activity, nutrition, physiotherapy, psychology, and life patterns. The SARS-CoV-2 virus produces a disproportionate inflammatory response in the organism of the guest and causes complications in this that can end the life of the patient. It has been possible to see how different nonpharmacological interventions based on physical activity, nutritional, psychological, and physical therapy, and lifestyle changes can be functional tools to treat this inflammation. Thus, in the present review, we aim to provide an overview of the role of inflammation in COVID-19 and the nonpharmacological interventions related to it.

Cold Water Immersion as a Strategy for Muscle Recovery in Professional Basketball Players During the Competitive Season.

CONTEXT: Despite prior studies that have addressed the recovery effects of cold-water immersion (CWI) in different sports, there is a lack of knowledge about longitudinal studies across a full season of competition assessing these effects. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the CWI effects, as a muscle recovery strategy, in professional basketball players throughout a competitive season. DESIGN: A prospective cohort design. SETTING: Elite basketball teams. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 28 professional male basketball players divided into 2 groups: CWI (n = 12) and control (n = 16) groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Muscle metabolism serum markers were measured during the season in September-T1, November-T2, March-T3, and April-T4. Isokinetic peak torque strength and ratings of perceived exertion were measured at the beginning and at the end of the season. CWI was applied immediately after every match and after every training session before matches. RESULTS: All serum muscular markers, except myoglobin, were higher in the CWI group than the control group (P < .05). The time course of changes in muscle markers over the season also differed between the groups (P < .05). In the CWI group, ratings of perceived exertion decreased significantly from the beginning (T1-T2) to the end (T3-T4). Isokinetic torque differed between groups at the end of the season (60°/s peak torque: P < .001 and ηp2=.884; and 180°/s peak torque: P < .001 and ηp2=.898) and had changed significantly over the season in the CWI group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: CWI may improve recovery from muscle damage in professional basketball players during a regular season.

Adherence to treatment and related factors among patients with chronic conditions in primary care: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Adherence to treatment, a public health issue, is of particular importance in chronic disease therapies. Primary care practices offer ideal venues for the effective care and management of these conditions. The aim of this study is to assess adherence to treatment and related-factors among patients with chronic conditions in primary care settings. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 299 adult patients with ≥1 chronic condition(s) and prescribed medication in primary healthcare centers of Spain. The Morisky-Green-Levine questionnaire was used to assess medication adherence via face-to-face interviews. Crude and adjusted multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze factors associated with adherence using the Multidimensional Model proposed by the World Health Organization - social and economic, healthcare team and system-related, condition-related, therapy-related, and patient-related factors. RESULTS: The proportion of adherent patients to treatment was 55.5%. Older age (adjusted odds ratio 1.31 per 10-year increment, 95% CI 1.01-1.70), lower number of pharmacies used for medication refills (0.65, 95% CI 0.47-0.90), having received complete treatment information (3.89, 95% CI 2.09-7.21), having adequate knowledge about medication regimen (4.17, 95% CI 2.23-7.80), and self-perception of a good quality of life (2.17, 95% CI 1.18-4.02) were independent factors associated with adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to treatment for chronic conditions remained low in primary care. Optimal achievement of appropriate levels of adherence through tailored multifaceted interventions will require attention to the multidimensional factors found in this study, particularly those related to patients' education and their information needs.

Regular breakfast consumption is associated with higher blood vitamin status in adolescents: the HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) Study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to examine the association between different breakfast consumption patterns and vitamin intakes and blood vitamin concentrations in European adolescents. DESIGN: Breakfast consumption was assessed by a questionnaire. Vitamin intake was calculated from two 24 h recalls. Blood vitamin and total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations were analysed from fasting blood samples. SETTING: The European Commission-funded HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) Study. SUBJECTS: Participants were 1058 (52·8 % females) European adolescents (aged 12·5-17·5 years) from ten cities. RESULTS: Lower vitamin D and vitamin C concentrations were observed in male and female breakfast skippers than in consumers (P<0·05). Female breakfast consumers presented higher holo-transcobalamin and lower tHcy (P<0·05), while males had higher cobalamin concentrations, compared with skippers (P<0·05). Higher vitamin D and total folate intakes were observed in adolescents who consumed breakfast compared with skippers (P<0·05). Likewise, female consumers had higher intakes of vitamin B6 and vitamin E than occasional consumers (P<0·05). CONCLUSIONS: Regular breakfast consumption is associated with higher blood vitamin D and cobalamin concentrations in males and with higher vitamin D and holo-transcobalamin and lower tHcy concentrations in females. Moreover, breakfast consumption is associated with high intakes of vitamin D and total folate in both sexes, and with high intakes of vitamin B6 and vitamin E in females.

Sedentary behavior among Spanish children and adolescents: findings from the ANIBES study.

BACKGROUND: An increase of sedentary behaviors far from the Mediterranean lifestyle is happening in spite of the impact on health. The aims of this study were to describe sedentary behaviors in children and adolescents. METHODS: A representative sample of 424 Spanish children and adolescents (38% females) involved in the ANIBES study was analyzed regarding their sedentary behaviors, together with the availability of televisions, computers, and consoles by means of the HELENA sedentary behavior questionnaire. RESULTS: For the total sample of children, 49.3% during weekdays and 84% during weekends did not meet the recommendation of less than 2 hours of screen viewing per day. The use of TV was higher during weekdays (p < 0.05) and there were significant differences between adolescents and children (16.9 vs. 25.1%, p < 0.05). The use of computer, console games and of internet for non-study reasons was higher during weekends (p < 0.001). Adolescents played more computer games and used more internet for non-study reasons than children during both weekdays and weekends (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). The use of internet for academic reasons was lower in children (p < 0.001) than adolescents during weekends; however, no significant differences were found between sexes. In addition, more than 30% of the children and adolescents had at least one electronic device in their bedrooms. CONCLUSIONS: Spanish children and adolescents are not meeting the recommendations regarding the maximum of screen viewing (<2 h/day), especially during the weekend, for all of sedentary behaviors. Urgent strategies and intervention studies are needed to reduce sedentary behavior in young people.

Effects of dietary supplementation with epigallocatechin-3-gallate on weight loss, energy homeostasis, cardiometabolic risk factors and liver function in obese women: randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on changes in body composition, energy and substrate metabolism, cardiometabolic risk factors and liver function enzymes after an energy-restricted diet intervention in obese women. In the present randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, eighty-three obese (30 kg/m² > BMI < 40 kg/m²) pre-menopausal women consumed 300 mg/d of EGCG or placebo (lactose). We measured body weight and adiposity (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), energy expenditure and fat oxidation rates (indirect calorimetry), blood lipid levels (TAG, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol), insulin resistance, C-reactive protein and liver function markers (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyltransferase, urea, bilirubin and 2-keto[1-¹³C]isocaproate oxidation) before and after the intervention in the EGCG and control groups. We did not find any significant difference in the changes in body weight (-0.3 kg, 95% CI -5.0, 4.3), fat mass (-0.7 kg, 95% CI -3.5, 2.1), energy (0.3 kJ/kg per d, 95% CI -3.1, 2.7) and fat (-0.1 g/min, 95% CI -0.03, 0.01) metabolism, homeostasis assessment model for insulin resistance (0.2, 95% CI -0.2, 0.7), total cholesterol (-0.21 mmol/l, 95% CI -0.55, 0.13), LDL-cholesterol (-0.15 mmol/l, 95% CI -0.50, 0.20), TAG (-0.4 mmol/l, 95% CI -0.56, 0.29) and liver function markers between the EGCG and control groups. In conclusion, the present results suggest that dietary supplementation with 300 mg/d of EGCG for 12 weeks did not enhance energy-restricted diet-induced adiposity reductions, and did not improve weight-loss-induced changes in cardiometabolic risk factors in obese Caucasian women. The intake of 300 mg/d of EGCG for 12 weeks did not cause any adverse effect on liver function biomarkers.

Resistance and endurance training in intermittent hypoxia reduce body fat mass and blood pressure.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia is an environmental condition that occurs in sports performed at high altitude. Adaptation to hypoxia is accompanied by changes in body composition and cardiac function that could impair sport performance in altitude. These changes concern mainly to a reduction in muscle mass and an increased heart rate. In this context, a resistance training protocol in a normobaric hypoxia chamber has been implemented. Therefore, the aim of this study was to study the changes in body composition and cardiovascular variables after a training period in intermittent hypoxia. METHODS: A single-blind experimental study was carried out for 3 weeks. Thirty-two participants were distributed in a control group resistance training in normoxia (N) at sea level and an experimental group resistance training in intermittent hypoxia (IH) between a simulated 5100-5800m during 15 sessions with a controlled diet. Anthropometry according to ISAK was used to determine body composition. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures and other cardiovascular parameters were monitored. RESULTS: IH showed a reduction in body fat (from 8.9±1.9% to 8.2±1.7%) compared to N (from 8.4±1.5% to 8.1±1.4%) (P<0.001). In addition, significant changes in blood pressure were observed at the end compared to the beginning of the intervention in the IH (from 124.7±10.2 to 116.9±8.3 mmHg and 68.3±8.8 to 62.4±5.7 mmHg in systolic a diastolic blood pressure respectively). In addition, resting heart rate was significantly reduced in IH. However, partial oxygen saturation displayed no changes in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, the training protocol in intermittent hypoxia performed in the present report allowed to adjust body weight through fat mass reduction but maintaining muscle mass. In addition, a decrease in blood pressure and basal heart rate was observed.

Perceptions and use of recovery strategies in water polo players and coaches: a worldwide survey.

The objective of this study was to assess the perceived usefulness, actual use and limitations for the application of recovery strategies among water polo (WP) players and their coaches around the world. A total of 231 WP players and 76 coaches representing all continents, both genders and all levels of competition, completed a freely accessible online survey. This was divided into three sections: sociodemographic data (8 questions), importance of perceived usefulness of recovery strategies (3 questions), and actual use of recovery methods (6 questions). The majority of players and coaches considered recovery strategies as very important (52.4% and 59.2%, respectively) and posttraining session (28.1% and 26.5%) were the most frequently used times. The most selected reasons to justify their use were to reduce the injury risk (30.4% and 26.9%) and the most limitation to the use of recovery strategies were that they are too time-consuming (34.9% and 29%). In the case of the players, stretching were the strategies perceived as most useful and used (12.7% and 18.1%); and in the case of the coaches, it was active recovery (11.2% and 15%). The present study suggests a degree of discrepancy between the scientific literature and the research participants' perceptions and usages of recovery methods. This information may be of interest for coaches and technical staff of WP teams to look for appropriate recovery strategies for the improvement of their players' performance.

Acute Antioxidant Response to Two Types of Exercises: 2000 M Run vs. Burpee Test.

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.

Impact of Melatonin Supplementation on Sports Performance and Circulating Biomarkers in Highly Trained Athletes: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5 methoxytryptamine) is an indolic neurohormone that modulates a variety of physiological functions due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory properties. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to critically review the effects of melatonin supplementation in sports performance and circulating biomarkers related to the health status of highly trained athletes. Data were obtained by performing searches in the following three bibliography databases: Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. The terms used were "Highly Trained Athletes", "Melatonin", and "Sports Performance", "Health Biomarkers" using "Humans" as a filter. The search update was carried out in February 2024 from original articles published with a controlled trial design. The PRISMA rules, the modified McMaster critical review form for quantitative studies, the PEDro scale, and the Cochrane risk of bias were applied. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 articles were selected out of 294 references. The dose of melatonin supplemented in the trials ranged between 5 mg to 100 mg administered before or after exercise. The outcomes showed improvements in antioxidant status and inflammatory response and reversed liver damage and muscle damage. Moderate effects on modulating glycemia, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatinine were reported. Promising data were found regarding the potential benefits of melatonin in hematological biomarkers, hormonal responses, and sports performance. Therefore, the true efficiency of melatonin to directly improve sports performance remains to be assessed. Nevertheless, an indirect effect of melatonin supplementation in sports performance could be evaluated through improvements in health biomarkers.

Effectiveness of Eccentric Overload Training in Basketball Players: A Systematic Review.

Several studies have confirmed the efficacy of flywheel eccentric overload training in order to improve or increase muscle volume and strength, as well as several performance-related fitness attributes, but to date, there are no studies that have reviewed the effects of these training methods in basketball. Therefore, the present systematic review aimed to collect the updated information about the influence of flywheel training on performance of basketball players. A search in four electronic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) was conducted up to November 20, 2022. Articles were selected as valid for review if: (i) they were an experimental trial published in English; (ii) participants were basketball players without illnesses or injuries, and (iii) a rotational inertial overload method was used as a performance-dependent variable. A total of 93 articles were found. After filtering procedures, only seven studies were considered in this systematic review. In the selected studies, 203 participants were included, 58 females and 145 males. Focusing on basketball related performance variables, all the studies included the countermovement jump (CMJ), while five included sprinting and a change of direction test (COD). The results showed an improvement in performance-related variables associated with basketball (sprint, CMJ, and COD) through the use of inertial methods. Improvements were reported in professional, semi-professional and amateur players as well as both male and female players. However, given the low number of studies, additional investigations on this topic are warranted before a "clear picture" can be drawn concerning the effects of flywheel eccentric overload training in basketball players.

Effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention to reduce social isolation and loneliness in community-dwelling elders: A randomized clinical trial.

AIMS: To assess the effect of a multicomponent intervention on reducing social isolation and loneliness and improving the quality of life in community-dwelling older adults. DESIGN: A cluster-randomized controlled clinical trial. METHODS: A total of 56 older adults participated in the control group and 63 older adults in the experimental group. The intervention consisted of 6 home-based face-to-face sessions, intercalated with 5 telephone calls and was conducted by nursing students and volunteer staff with experience in the subject. The study was conducted between April 2018 and December 2019. In terms of statistical analysis, several procedures were carried out: a statistical analysis per protocol and intention to treat, considering isolation, loneliness and quality of life as endpoints; a comparison of paired means, to analyse the behaviour of the outcome variables at baseline and the end of the study; and finally, a binary logistic regression analysis, considering social support as a dependent variable. RESULTS: The study results do not show the effectiveness of the modified CARELINK programme, analysed as a whole, on the decrease in social isolation or loneliness or the improvement in HRQL. However, a detailed analysis of the behaviour of some of the variables during the study indicates some results that deserve to be commented on. Comparing the mean confidential support scores between the experimental and control group at the initial and final stages shows significant differences in the analysis by protocol, and close to statistical significance in the analysis by intention to treat. Comparing the paired means obtained in the experimental group, an improvement in emotional loneliness scores was found. Finally, the variables associated with the social support of the subjects at the end of the follow-up period were as follows: having people who help them and mobility. CONCLUSION: Although the results obtained do not allow us to affirm that the intervention programme is effective, these same results point to improved confidential support and emotional loneliness in older adults participating in the intervention. Having people to help them and a greater degree of mobility are factors favouring the decrease in social isolation. IMPACT: This study suggested that modified CARELINK, a multicomponent intervention performed by trained volunteers, could improve confidential support in community-dwelling older adults. It also reports the importance of considering the level of mobility and support networks as determinants of the improvement caused by the intervention.

Antioxidants and Sports Performance.

The role of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant response in training adaptations and sports performance has been a large issue investigated in the last few years. The present review aims to analyze the role of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant response in sports performance. For this aim, the production of reactive oxygen species in physical activities, the effect of reactive oxygen species on sports performance, the relationship between reactive oxygen species and training adaptations, inflammation, and the microbiota, the effect of antioxidants on recovery and sports performance, and strategies to use antioxidants supplementations will be discussed. Finally, practical applications derived from this information are discussed. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during physical activity greatly influences sports performance. This review concludes that ROS play a critical role in the processes of training adaptation induced by resistance training through a reduction in inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress, as well as appropriate molecular signaling. Additionally, it has been established that micronutrients play an important role in counteracting free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species, which cause oxidative stress, and the effects of antioxidants on recovery, sports performance, and strategies for using antioxidant supplements, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol, coenzyme Q10, selenium, and curcumin to enhance physical and mental well-being.

ß-Alanine Supplementation in Combat Sports: Evaluation of Sports Performance, Perception, and Anthropometric Parameters and Biochemical Markers-A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.

ß-alanine does not have an ergogenic effect by itself, but it does as a precursor for the synthesis of carnosine in human skeletal muscle. ß-alanine and carnosine together help improve the muscles' functionality, especially in high-intensity exercises such as combat sports. Therefore, ß-alanine could be considered a nutritional ergogenic aid to improve sports performance in combat athletes. We aimed to critically review clinical trial evidence on the impact of ß-alanine supplementation on sports performance, perception, and anthropometric parameters, as well as circulating biochemical markers in combat athletes. This systematic review was conducted following the specific methodological guidelines of the Preferred Report Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA), the PICOS question model, the Critical Review Form of McMaster, and the PEDro scale. Furthermore, the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool was used. The search was carried out in the SCOPUS, Web of Science (WOS), and Medline (PubMed) databases for studies published from the beginning of the database until July 31, 2023. Of the 41 registers identified, only 7 met the established criteria and were included in this systematic review. Overall, performance parameters related to strength, power, total exercise work capacity, and combat-specific parameters were significantly improved (p < 0.05). Perception parameters increased non-significantly (p > 0.05). Regarding biochemical parameters, carnosine increased significantly (p < 0.05), pH decreased non-significantly (p > 0.05), and the results for blood bicarbonate and blood lactate were heterogeneous. Finally, there was a non-significant (p > 0.05) improvement in the anthropometric parameters of lean mass and fat mass. ß-alanine supplementation appears to be safe and could be a suitable nutritional ergogenic aid for combat athletes.

Effect of Foam Roll recovery method on performance in water polo players: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This intervention study aimed to evaluate how the use of Foam Roller (FR) as a recovery strategy affects water polo performance after a seven-week (28-session) program. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Thirty water polo players (14 male amateur players and 16 female sub-elite players) were assigned by means of sealed opaque envelopes to the control group (CG) or Foam Roller Group (FRG) and performed the same total number and intensity of training sessions. Test protocols were performed before (pretest), in-test (week 5), and after the intervention period (posttest). These included water polo-specific performance tests such as in-water boost, throwing speed, and 20 m sprint swimming tests. In addition, during the intervention, heart rate (HR), the scale of perceived exertion of the session (sRPE), and total quality recovery scale (TQR) data were recorded. RESULTS: There were no differences in the baseline values in any of the variables analyzed between CG and FRG. A small decrease in in-water boost was observed in CG (-2%, ES = -0.35 [-0.95: 0.26], p = 0.016, very likely small) and in FRG (-2%, ES = -0.33 [-0.93: 0.27], p = 0.021, likely small). No significant changes were found in either the 20 m swim test or the throwing test in CG and FRG. No clear differences among groups and weeks were found in sRPE, TQR and HR. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that the use of FR as a recovery tool after training and matches is not useful in water polo players.

Influence of N-Acetylcysteine Supplementation on Physical Performance and Laboratory Biomarkers in Adult Males: A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is used as a sports supplement for its ability to modulate exercise-induced oxidative damage through its antioxidant actions and maintenance of glutathione homeostasis, positioning NAC as a strategy to improve physical performance. We aimed to evaluate the current evidence on the benefits of NAC supplementation on physical performance and laboratory biomarkers in adult men. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically reviewed studies indexed in the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed to assess the effects of NAC on physical performance, laboratory biomarkers, and adverse effects in adult men. Original articles published up to 30 April 2023 with a controlled trial design comparing NAC supplementation with a control group were included. The modified McMaster Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies was used as an assessment tool and the Cochrane Risk of Bias was applied. Of the 777 records identified in the search, 16 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, most of the trials reported beneficial effects of NAC supplementation and no serious adverse events were reported. Participants supplemented with NAC showed significant improvements in exercise performance, antioxidant capacity, and glutathione homeostasis. However, there was no clear evidence of beneficial effects of NAC supplementation on haematological markers, inflammatory response, and muscle behaviour. NAC supplementation appears to be safe and may regulate glutathione homeostasis, have antioxidant effects, and improve exercise performance. However, further studies are needed to clarify the relevance of its use.

Related Factors with Depression and Anxiety in Mastectomized Women Breast Cancer Survivors.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer diagnosis with the highest mortality rate worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify factors related to depression and anxiety in mastectomized women BC survivors. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 198 women diagnosed with BC aged 30-80 years in Mexico. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the 14-item Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The results showed that 94.44% and 69.18% of the women scored more than eight points on HADS in the anxiety and depression subscales, respectively; 70.20% and 10.60% were identified as pathological. The following variables were analyzed: age, time elapsed since the start of treatment, received treatment at the time of the evaluation, type of surgery, family history, marital status and employment status. Time elapsed since surgery, having a partner, and employment showed significant results as factors associated to levels of depression and anxiety in these patients. In conclusion, it has been shown that BCSs under 50 years of age receiving some kind of treatment, without family history, without a partner, with a job, with more than secondary education and with more than 5 years since diagnosis could have higher rates of clinical depression. On the other hand, BCSs older than 50 years receiving some kind of treatment, without family history, without a partner, with a job, with more than secondary education and with more than 5 years since diagnosis, could have higher rates of clinical anxiety. In conclusion, the variables studied provide valuable information for the implementation of psychotherapy plans in healthcare systems to reduce the risk of depression and/or anxiety in women with BC who have undergone mastectomy.