Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Annual Physical Training Plan for Masters +45 Women Half Marathon Athletes: A Guideline Model for Good Practices for Programming Effort Volume and Intensity.

This study presents the implementation and results of the Annual Physical Training Program for Masters +45 Half Marathoners (PASm-12), focused on optimizing athletic performance through rigorous planning of training volume and intensity. PASm-12, structured over 12 mesocycles and 52 microcycles, was applied to 6 female runners with over 10 years of experience. The results indicate that the total running volume achieved (2347 km) was 90.2% of the volume proposed by PASm-12 (2603.2 km), with statistically significant differences in most mesocycles (Cohen's f2 = 6.24, t = -5.997, p = 0.002, indicating a large effect size). The training intensity was achieved at an average of 94.8% of what was proposed by PASm-12, with significant differences in several mesocycles (Cohen's f2 = 0.45, t = -1.972 to -3.984, p < 0.05, indicating a moderate to large effect size). The female runners' performances in field tests generally showed faster times than the maximum and average values proposed in PASm-12, with the exception of the final competition, where performance was slightly lower due to external competitive factors (Cohen's d = -0.53, t = -1.192, p = 0.3). This plan, demonstrating good practice, could serve as a guideline model for amateur runners who do not have specialist counseling. PASm-12 can reduce the risk of injury, prevent excessive fatigue, and support ongoing participation in sports activities. Additionally, the implementation of this plan could provide amateur runners with a safe and effective training structure, contributing to improved health and athletic performance.

Progression of total training volume in resistance training studies and its application to skeletal muscle growth.

Progressive overload describes the gradual increase of stress placed on the body during exercise training, and is often quantified (i.e. in resistance training studies) through increases in total training volume (i.e. sets × repetitions × load) from the first to final week of the exercise training intervention. Within the literature, it has become increasingly common for authors to discuss skeletal muscle growth adaptations in the context of increases in total training volume (i.e. the magnitude progression in total training volume). The present manuscript discusses a physiological rationale for progressive overload and then explains why, in our opinion, quantifying the progression of total training volume within research investigations tells very little about muscle growth adaptations to resistance training. Our opinion is based on the following research findings: (1) a noncausal connection between increases in total training volume (i.e. progressively overloading the resistance exercise stimulus) and increases in skeletal muscle size; (2) similar changes in total training volume may not always produce similar increases in muscle size; and (3) the ability to exercise more and consequently amass larger increases in total training volume may not inherently produce more skeletal muscle growth. The methodology of quantifying changes in total training volume may therefore provide a means through which researchers can mathematically determine the total amount of external 'work' performed within a resistance training study. It may not, however, always explain muscle growth adaptations.

The Effect of Combining Blood Flow Restriction with the Nordic Hamstring Exercise on Hamstring Strength: Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: It is a matter of curiosity what effect the blood flow restriction (BFR) method, which is usually combined with low-intensity resistance exercises, will have when used with high-intensity eccentric exercises. (2) Methods: The present study examined the effects of combining BFR with nordic hamstring exercises (NHEs) on hamstring muscle strength, bilateral deficit (BLD), and training volume. Thirty young female volleyball players, who trained three times a week, participated voluntarily in the study. These players were stratified into three groups, each comprising ten individuals: a control group (CG), an NHE group, and an NHE + BFR group. Hamstring muscle strength and BLD values were determined using an H-BORD device, while training volume was measured in terms of sets and repetitions. (3) Results: Statistical analysis revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in non-dominant and dominant leg peak torque parameters in the exercise groups (F = 2.65; p = 0.097; ηp2 = 0.17; F = 1.15; p = 0.0334; ηp2 = 0.084), while the total training volume was lower in the NHE + BFR group. (4) Conclusions: As a result, it was seen that adding the BFR method to NHE did not provide additional gains. However, due to the low training volume of BFR + NHE, it may be recommended to apply BFR together with NHE to athlete groups.

Prevalence and associated factors of non-traumatic knee pain in high school volleyball players: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of knee pain among high school volleyball attackers, identify associated factors, and explore the relationship between knee pain and lower back pain (LBP). METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 82 high school volleyball attackers (15-17 years) used questionnaires, interviews, and field-based assessments to collect data on demographics, volleyball-specific factors, flexibility, and jumping ability. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with knee pain. RESULTS: The prevalence of knee pain was 19.5%. Factors significantly associated with knee pain were a history of LBP (OR, 4.64; 95% CI, 1.28 to 16.8; p = 0.019) and flexibility determined by the absolute difference in heel-buttock distance (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.83; p = 0.037). Participants with knee pain had more volleyball experience and a higher proportion of players who competed as starters in the previous year. Both groups reported approximately 18 hours of practice per week during the school year and around 27 hours during school holidays, with no significant difference observed. CONCLUSION: Factors associated with knee pain include a history of LBP and reduced flexibility on the heel-buttock distance test. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach, considering the coexistence of LBP and focusing on improving anterior thigh flexibility.

Effects of Exercise Training Response on Quality of Life and Cardiovascular Risk Factor Profiles in People With Coronary Artery Disease: Insights From the HIIT or MISS UK Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the characteristics of responders and nonresponders to 8 weeks of exercise training to determine differences in key cardiovascular disease outcomes in people with coronary artery disease (CAD). DESIGN: Secondary analysis of data from the HIIT or MISS UK trial. SETTING: Six outpatient National Health Service cardiac rehabilitation (CR) centers in the UK. In people with CAD attending CR, the HIIT or MISS UK trial reported that short-term, low-volume, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) was more effective than moderate-intensity steady state (MISS) exercise training for improving peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak). PARTICIPANTS: 382 participants with CAD (N=382) (mean age: 58.8±9.6y; mean body mass index: 29.0±4.3 kg/m2). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We identified responders and nonresponders based on a meaningful change in V̇o2peak, using 2 established methods. Key clinical, quality of life (QoL), and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET)-derived outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS: Responders were more likely to be younger (P<.05), and demonstrate greater improvement in CPET-related outcomes, for example, oxygen uptake efficiency slope, ventilatory efficiency, and peak power output (all comparisons, P<.001). Responders were more likely to observe improvements in QoL (EQ-5D-5L; mean Δ 13.6 vs mean Δ 9.4; P=.045), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) (mean Δ 0.09 mmol/L vs mean Δ 0.04 mmol/L; P=.004), compared to nonresponders. CONCLUSIONS: In people with CAD attending CR, responders to exercise training were more likely to be younger and demonstrate greater improvements in health-related QoL and HDL-c.

Physiological and muscle histochemical assessment of men and women 10 km runners matched for race performance or training volume.

Women have a disadvantage for performance in long-distance running compared with men. To elaborate on inherent characteristics, 12 subelite women were matched with 12 men for training volume (M-Tm) (56.6 ± 18 vs. 55.7 ± 17 km/wk). The women were also matched to other men for a 10 km staged outdoor time trial (M-Pm) (42:36 min:s) to determine which factors could explain equal running performance. Anthropometry and treadmill tests were done. Fiber type (% Type I and Type IIA) and citrate synthase activities were analyzed in muscle biopsy samples. Consistent sex differences for both comparisons included height, weight, % body fat (P < 0.01), and hematocrit (P < 0.05). Women had lower V̇o2max and peak treadmill speed (PTS) compared with both M-Tm and M-Pm (P < 0.01). Training matched pairs had no sex difference in % PTS at race pace but compared with M-Pm women ran at a higher % PTS (P < 0.05) and %HRmax (P < 0.01) at race pace. On average, the women trained 22.9 km/wk more than M-Pm (+67.5%, P < 0.01). This training was not associated with higher V̇o2max or better running economy. Muscle morphology and oxidative capacity did not differ between groups. Percentage body fat remained significantly higher in women. In conclusion, women matched to men for training volume had slower 10 km performance (-10.5% P < 0.05). Higher training volume, more high-intensity sessions/wk, and time spent training in the 95%-100% HRmax zone may explain the higher % PTS and %HRmax at race pace in women compared with performance-matched men.NEW & NOTEWORTHY When subelite women 10 km runners were matched with male counterparts for 10 km race performance, inherent differences in % body fat, V̇o2max, Hct, and peak treadmill speed were counteracted by significantly higher training volume, more time training at higher %HRmax and consequently, higher %HRmax and %PTS at race pace. Citrate synthase activity and muscle fiber types did not differ. When women and men matched for training, 10 km performance of men was 10.5% faster.

Comparison of 10% vs. 30% Velocity Loss during Squat Training with Low Loads on Strength and Sport-Specific Performance in Young Soccer Players.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two velocity-based resistance training (RT) programs using moderate loads (45-60% 1RM) but different magnitudes of velocity loss (VL) limits (10% vs. 30%) on the changes in physical performance in young soccer players. Twenty young soccer players were randomly allocated into two groups: VL10% (n = 10) and VL30% (n = 10). All participants were assessed before and after the 8-week RT program (twice a week) involving the following tests: 20 m running sprint (T20), countermovement jump (CMJ), kicking a ball (KB), and progressive loading test in the full squat (SQ) exercise. The RT program was conducted using only the SQ exercise and movement velocity was monitored in all repetitions. Significant 'time × group' interaction (p < 0.05) was observed for sprint performance, KB and 1RM in the SQ exercise in favor of VL10%. No significant changes between groups at post-test were observed. The VL10% resulted in significant (p < 0.05-0.001) intra-group changes in all variables analyzed, except for KB, whereas VL30% only showed significant (p < 0.05) performance increments in a sprint test and 1RM in the SQ exercise. The percentage of change and the intra-group's effect size were of greater magnitude for VL10% in all variables analyzed compared to VL30%. In conclusion, our results suggest that, for non-trained young soccer players, squat training with low to moderate relative loads and 10%VL is sufficient to elicit significant increases in muscle strength and sport-specific actions compared to 30%VL in the set.

Sports-related factors predicting maintained participation and dropout in organized sports in emerging adulthood: A four-year follow-up study.

This study explored sports-related factors predicting organized sports participation in emerging adulthood. In the Finnish Health Promoting Sports Club (FHPSC) study, 354 sports club participants aged 15 at baseline reported their main sport, onset age, training volume, current competitive level, and future competitive orientation and participated in the follow-up study at age 19. There were differences in the proportions of maintainers and dropouts in a few sports: football (maintainers 58.6%), and among females, skating (maintainers 60.7%), and swimming (dropouts 80.0%). A binary logistic regression analysis showed that those who had started their main sport by school age (females OR 3.05/95% CI 1.34, 6.98; males OR 3.97/95% CI 1.48, 10.64) and had competed at national top level plus had aimed at success at the adult level competitions in future (females OR 3.42/95% CI 1.16, 10.09; males OR 3.58/95% CI 1.12, 11.41; among females, also had competed at national top level plus had aimed at success at junior level competitions [OR 3.42/95% CI 1.20, 9.78]) were more likely maintainers than dropouts. Early onset in the main sport and competitiveness were related to maintained sports participation while the opposites were related to dropouts in the current organized sports system.

Importance of training volume through the use of step trackers apps promoted from the subject of physical education to change body composition, physical fitness and physical activity in adolescents and the influence of gender✰,✰✰.

The aim of the present study was to determine the changes in physical activity level (PA), kinanthropometric and derived variables, and physical fitness in adolescents, as a result of an out-of-school intervention with mobile step tracker apps promoted from the field of physical education, according to the volume of training completed and gender. A randomized controlled trial was carried out with 400 adolescents (210 males and 190 females) aged 12 to 16 years old (mean age: 13.96 ± 1.21 years-old). Adolescents were divided into experimental group (EG) (n = 240) and control group (CG) (n = 160). Two measurements were carried out, separated by a 10-week intervention, and PA, kinanthropometric variables and physical condition were measured. During the intervention, EG must use Strava (n = 74); Pokémon Go (n = 59); Pacer (n = 60); and MapMyWalk (n = 47) a minimum of 3 times per week, covering an incremental distance from 7,000 steps per day (week 1) to 12,500 steps per day (week 10). After that, EG were divided in quartile according to the volume of training completed. The results obtained showed a significant increase between pre-and post in PA (p = 0.009-0.044) and curl-up (p < 0.001-0.040) in EG regardless the quartile of compliance, and a reduction in fat variables (p < 0.001) and an increase in CMJ in 75-100 % compliance group (p = 0.005). The introduction of the covariate gender did not introduce changes in the intra-group evolution. On inter-group differences, differences were only found for the post-test values between 0-25 % Vs 25-50 % and between 50-75 % Vs 75-100 % with the group that completed a longer distance being the one that showed the lowest values in the post-test in both cases. When including the covariate gender, no significant differences were found for either the pre-test or the post-test on either variable. To conclude, a higher training volume with mobile apps seems to be relevant in the increase PA and strength and decrease of fat mass. The gender factor is not influential in the intra-group changes, but it is influential in the inter-group differences.

Mind-over-body beliefs in sport and exercise: A driving force for training volume and performance, but with risks for exercise addiction.

We assume that athletic success is associated with certain beliefs that on the one hand promote performance-enhancing behavior (training volume), but on the other hand can also be detrimental to health (sports addiction). These beliefs are succinctly characterized by the title of the 9-item "Mind-over-Body" scale presented here. They are the three beliefs that 1) athletic performance requires a high level of effort, 2) that willpower plays an important role in athletic success, and 3) that athletic success requires pain tolerance. A total of six web-survey-based studies with a total of 1121 participants (approximately gender parity), including individuals with different levels of athletic performance (no competition; amateur sport; regional, national, or international competition), examined the psychometric network and construct and criterion validity of the MoB scale. Exploratory graph analyses, which included the studies with the largest sample sizes, showed that the three belief components (effort, willpower, pain) form separable communities within the MoB network and that the MoB items form communities distinct from self-control and self-efficacy. Meta-analyzed correlations across all six studies showed low positive correlations with self-control and self-efficacy. In terms of criterion validity, MoB beliefs were positively correlated with training volume and exercise addiction. We discuss MoBs as "on the edge of unhealthy" and place MOBs within a framework of related but distinct concepts.

Effects of Drop Sets on Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: One of the most popular time-efficient training methods when training for muscle hypertrophy is drop sets, which is performed by taking sets to concentric muscle failure at a given load, then making a drop by reducing the load and immediately taking the next set to concentric or voluntary muscle failure. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the effects of drop sets over traditional sets on skeletal muscle hypertrophy. METHODS: This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The SPORTDiscus and MEDLINE/PubMed databases were searched on April 9, 2022, for all studies investigating the effects of the drop set training method on muscle hypertrophy that meets the predefined inclusion criteria. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 3 (Biostat Inc., Englewood Cliffs, NJ, USA) was used to run the statistical analysis. Publication bias was assessed through visual inspection of the funnel plots for asymmetry and statistically by Egger's regression test with an alpha level of 0.10. RESULTS: Six studies met the predefined inclusion criteria. The number of participants in the studies was 142 (28 women and 114 men) with an age range of 19.2-27 years. The average sample size was 23.6 ± 10.9 (range 9-41). Five studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. Meta-analysis showed that both the drop set and traditional training groups increased significantly from pre- to post-test regarding muscle hypertrophy (drop set standardized mean difference: 0.555, 95% CI 0.357-0.921, p < 0.0001; traditional set standardized mean difference: 0.437, 95% CI 0.266-0.608, p < 0.0001). No significant between-group difference was found (standardized mean difference: 0.155, 95% CI - 0.199 to - 0.509, p = 0.392). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that drop sets present an efficient strategy for maximizing hypertrophy in those with limited time for training. There was no significant difference in hypertrophy measurements between the drop set and traditional training groups, but some of the drop set modalities took half to one-third of the time compared with traditional training.

Repeated-sprint training in hypoxia boosts up team-sport-specific repeated-sprint ability: 2-week vs 5-week training regimen.

PURPOSE: To investigate (1) the boosting effects immediately and 4 weeks following 2-week, 6-session repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH2-wk, n = 10) on the ability of team-sport players in performing repeated sprints (RSA) during a team-sport-specific intermittent exercise protocol (RSAIEP) by comparing with normoxic counterpart (CON2-wk, n = 12), and (2) the dose effects of the RSH by comparing the RSA alterations in RSH2-wk with those resulting from a 5-week, 15-session regimen (RSH5-wk, n = 10). METHODS: Repeated-sprint training protocol consisted of 3 sets, 5 × 5-s all-out sprints on non-motorized treadmill interspersed with 25-s passive recovery under the hypoxia of 13.5% and normoxia, respectively. The within- (pre-, post-, 4-week post-intervention) and between- (RSH2-wk, RSH5-wk, CON2-wk) group differences in the performance of four sets of RSA tests held during the RSAIEP on the same treadmill were assessed. RESULTS: In comparison with pre-intervention, RSA variables, particularly the mean velocity, horizontal force, and power output during the RSAIEP enhanced significantly immediate post RSH in RSH2-wk (5.1-13.7%), while trivially in CON2-wk (2.1-6.2%). Nevertheless, the enhanced RSA in RSH2-wk diminished 4 weeks after the RSH (- 3.17-0.37%). For the RSH5-wk, the enhancement of RSA immediately following the 5-week RSH (4.2-16.3%) did not differ from that of RSH2-wk, yet the enhanced RSA was well-maintained 4-week post-RSH (0.12-1.14%). CONCLUSIONS: Two-week and five-week RSH regimens could comparably boost up the effects of repeated-sprint training in normoxia, while dose effect detected on the RSA enhancement was minimal. Nevertheless, superior residual effects of the RSH on RSA appear to be associated with prolonged regimen.

College Soccer Student-Athletes Demonstrate Differences in Self-Reported Athlete Health When Grouped by Match Volume.

CONTEXT: Physical changes following activity are well documented, but there is limited information about self-reported outcomes around competitive matches. High training volumes and poor recovery could predispose athletes to overuse injury. The purpose of this study was to identify the changes in daily athlete health measures before, during, and after the day of each match in high- and low-volume groups. DESIGN: Prospective cohort. METHODS: Fifty-five soccer athletes (age: 19.8 [1.2] y, 26 males, 29 females) provided daily measures of readiness, physical fatigue, mental stress, sleep quality, and soreness intensity match days, days 1 (D01) and 2 (D02) following matches, and standard practice days. Participants were grouped into high volume and low volume, based off the minutes played during the season. RESULTS: Soreness increased, readiness decreased, and fatigue increased on D01 compared with match days (P < .008) in the high-volume group. Between groups, the high-volume group demonstrated higher soreness on D01 and D02, lower readiness on D01 and D02, and lower fatigue on D01, compared with the low-volume group (P < .008). CONCLUSIONS: Soccer athletes demonstrate significant changes in self-reported athlete health variables around competitive matches. These changes are similar to physical outcomes, potentially indicating that the athlete health variables may be used to track athlete recovery from competition, potentially limiting the impact of overuse injuries.

Can muscle typology explain the inter-individual variability in resistance training adaptations?

Considerable inter-individual heterogeneity exists in the muscular adaptations to resistance training. It has been proposed that fast-twitch fibres are more sensitive to hypertrophic stimuli and thus that variation in muscle fibre type composition is a contributing factor to the magnitude of training response. This study investigated if the inter-individual variability in resistance training adaptations is determined by muscle typology and if the most appropriate weekly training frequency depends on muscle typology. In strength-training novices, 11 slow (ST) and 10 fast typology (FT) individuals were selected by measuring muscle carnosine with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Participants trained both upper arm and leg muscles to failure at 60% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) for 10 weeks, whereby one arm and leg trained 3×/week and the contralateral arm and leg 2×/week. Muscle volume (MRI-based 3D segmentation), maximal dynamic strength (1RM) and fibre type-specific cross-sectional area (vastus lateralis biopsies) were evaluated. The training response for total muscle volume (+3 to +14%), fibre size (-19 to +22%) and strength (+17 to +47%) showed considerable inter-individual variability, but these could not be attributed to differences in muscle typology. However, ST individuals performed a significantly higher training volume to gain these similar adaptations than FT individuals. The limb that trained 3×/week had generally more pronounced hypertrophy than the limb that trained 2×/week, and there was no interaction with muscle typology. In conclusion, muscle typology cannot explain the high variability in resistance training adaptations when training is performed to failure at 60% of 1RM. KEY POINTS: This study investigated the influence of muscle typology (muscle fibre type composition) on the variability in resistance training adaptations and on its role in the individualization of resistance training frequency. We demonstrate that an individual's muscle typology cannot explain the inter-individual variability in resistance training-induced increases in muscle volume, maximal dynamic strength and fibre cross-sectional area when repetitions are performed to failure. Importantly, slow typology individuals performed a significantly higher training volume to obtain similar adaptations compared to fast typology individuals. Muscle typology does not determine the most appropriate resistance training frequency. However, regardless of muscle typology, an additional weekly training (3×/week vs. 2×/week) increases muscle hypertrophy but not maximal dynamic strength. These findings expand on our understanding of the underlying mechanisms for the large inter-individual variability in resistance training adaptations.

Mental Health Disorders in Ultra Endurance Athletes per ICD-11 Classifications: A Review of an Overlooked Community in Sports Psychiatry.

INTRODUCTION: Although research suggests that exercise benefits mental health, psychiatric disorders have been acknowledged in the ultra-endurance-athlete population. At present, the mental-health consequences of high-volume training associated with ultra-endurance sports are not well understood. METHODS: We conducted a narrative review summarizing primary observations about mental disorders per ICD-11 criteria in ultra-endurance athletes using a keyword search in Scopus and PubMed. RESULTS: We identified 25 papers discussing ICD-11-classified psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia in ultra-endurance athletes. DISCUSSION: Although evidence is limited, available papers indicate that there is a sizable incidence of mental-health issues and composite psychopathological vulnerabilities in this community. We contend that ultra-endurance athletes may represent a different, though similar, demographic than elite and/or professional athletes, as they often engage in high-volume training with similarly high motivation. This can have regulatory implications, which we also highlight. CONCLUSION: Mental illness in ultra-endurance athletes is an underrepresented topic in sports medicine, though psychiatric disorders may be especially prevalent in this population. Further inquiry is necessary to inform athletes and healthcare practitioners about the possible mental-health implications associated with participation in ultra-endurance sports.

Skeletal Muscle DNA Methylation and mRNA Responses to a Bout of Higher versus Lower Load Resistance Exercise in Previously Trained Men.

We sought to determine the skeletal muscle genome-wide DNA methylation and mRNA responses to one bout of lower load (LL) versus higher load (HL) resistance exercise. Trained college-aged males (n = 11, 23 ± 4 years old, 4 ± 3 years self-reported training) performed LL or HL bouts to failure separated by one week. The HL bout (i.e., 80 Fail) consisted of four sets of back squats and four sets of leg extensions to failure using 80% of participants estimated one-repetition maximum (i.e., est. 1-RM). The LL bout (i.e., 30 Fail) implemented the same paradigm with 30% of est. 1-RM. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were collected before, 3 h, and 6 h after each bout. Muscle DNA and RNA were batch-isolated and analyzed using the 850k Illumina MethylationEPIC array and Clariom S mRNA microarray, respectively. Performed repetitions were significantly greater during the 30 Fail versus 80 Fail (p < 0.001), although total training volume (sets × reps × load) was not significantly different between bouts (p = 0.571). Regardless of bout, more CpG site methylation changes were observed at 3 h versus 6 h post exercise (239,951 versus 12,419, respectively; p < 0.01), and nuclear global ten-eleven translocation (TET) activity, but not global DNA methyltransferase activity, increased 3 h and 6 h following exercise regardless of bout. The percentage of genes significantly altered at the mRNA level that demonstrated opposite DNA methylation patterns was greater 3 h versus 6 h following exercise (~75% versus ~15%, respectively). Moreover, high percentages of genes that were up- or downregulated 6 h following exercise also demonstrated significantly inversed DNA methylation patterns across one or more CpG sites 3 h following exercise (65% and 82%, respectively). While 30 Fail decreased DNA methylation across various promoter regions versus 80 Fail, transcriptome-wide mRNA and bioinformatics indicated that gene expression signatures were largely similar between bouts. Bioinformatics overlay of DNA methylation and mRNA expression data indicated that genes related to "Focal adhesion," "MAPK signaling," and "PI3K-Akt signaling" were significantly affected at the 3 h and 6 h time points, and again this was regardless of bout. In conclusion, extensive molecular profiling suggests that post-exercise alterations in the skeletal muscle DNA methylome and mRNA transcriptome elicited by LL and HL training bouts to failure are largely similar, and this could be related to equal volumes performed between bouts.

Effects of Mental Fatigue on Strength Endurance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The purpose of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the effects of mental fatigue on upper and lower body strength endurance. Searches for studies were performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science databases. We included studies that compared the effects of a demanding cognitive task (set to induce mental fatigue) with a control condition on strength endurance in dynamic resistance exercise (i.e., expressed as the number of performed repetitions at a given load). The data reported in the included studies were pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis of standardized mean differences. Seven studies were included in the review. We found that mental fatigue significantly reduced the number of performed repetitions for upper body exercises (standardized mean difference: -0.41; 95% confidence interval [-0.70, -0.12]; p = .006; I2 = 0%). Mental fatigue also significantly reduced the number of performed repetitions in the analysis for lower body exercises (standardized mean difference: -0.39; 95% confidence interval [-0.75, -0.04]; p = .03; I2 = 0%). Our results showed that performing a demanding cognitive task-which induces mental fatigue-impairs strength endurance performance. Collectively, our findings suggest that exposure to cognitive tasks that may induce mental fatigue should be minimized before strength endurance-based resistance exercise sessions.

Role of progression of training volume on intramuscular adaptations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Introduction: Quadriceps dysfunction is a common systemic manifestation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), for which treatment using resistance training is highly recommended. Even though training volume is suggested to be a key explanatory factor for intramuscular adaptation to resistance training in healthy older adults, knowledge is scarce on the role of progression of training volume for intramuscular adaptations in COPD. Methods: This study was a sub-analysis of a parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Thirteen patients with severe to very severe COPD (median 66 yrs, forced expiratory volume in 1 s 44% predicted) performed 8 weeks of low-load resistance training. In a post hoc analysis, they were divided into two groups according to their training volume progression. Those in whom training volume continued to increase after the first 4 weeks of training outlined the continued progression group (n = 9), while those with limited increase (<5%) or even reduction in training volume after the initial 4 weeks composed the discontinued progression group (n = 4). Fiber-type distribution and oxidative muscle protein levels, i.e., citrate synthase (CS), hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase (HADH), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TfAM) as well as quadriceps endurance measures (total work from elastic band and isokinetic knee extension tests), were assessed before and after the intervention period. Results: The continued progression group sustained their training volume progression during weeks 5-8 compared to weeks 1-4 (median +25%), while the discontinued progression group did not (median -2%) (p = 0.007 between groups). Compared with baseline values, significant between-group differences in fiber type distribution and TfAM muscle protein levels (range ± 17-62%, p < 0.05) and in individual responses to change in Type I and Type IIa fiber type proportion, CS, HADH, and TfAM muscle protein levels outcomes (median 89 vs. 50%, p = 0.001) were seen in favor of the continued progression group. Moreover, only the continued progression group had a significant increase in HADH muscle protein levels (+24%, p = 0.004), elastic band (+56%, p = 0.004) and isokinetic (+7%, p = 0.004) quadriceps endurance, but the between-group differences did not reach statistical significance (range 14-29%, p = 0.330-1.000). Discussion: The novel findings of the current study were that patients with COPD who had a continued progression of training volume across the 8-weeks intervention had an increased proportion of Type I fibers, and TfAM muscle protein levels and decreased proportion of Type II fibers compared to those that did not continue to progress their training volume after the initial weeks. Additionally, HADH muscle protein levels and quadriceps endurance measurements only improved in the continued progression group, although no significant between-group differences were seen. These findings highlight the importance of continued progression of training volume during resistive training to counteract quadriceps dysfunction within the COPD population. Still, considering the small sample size and the post hoc nature of our analyses, these results should be interpreted cautiously, and further research is necessary.

Aerobic Capacity and Restitution Efficiency Level in Relation to the Training Experience and Weekly Training Volume of Male and Female Judo National Team Members in the Cadet Age Group (U18) during the Preparatory Period.

This study aims to analyze the relationship between the level of aerobic capacity and post-exercise restitution during the preparation period, with training experience and weekly training volume. All (12) athletes (six women; six men) participating in the training camp of the Polish national judo team in the cadet age group were tested. The Maximal Multistage 20-m Shuttle Run Test was used to investigate the level of aerobic capacity, and the Klonowicz coefficient of restitution (COR) 3 min after exercise (COR 3') and 5 min after exercise (COR 5') was used to determine the level of post-exercise restitution efficiency. The results showed that higher training experience significantly affected the deterioration of COR 3' in female athletes and improved the results in the capacity test of male athletes. Female and male athletes with a higher weekly training volume had a higher HR at the end of the performance test. Considering the demonstrated correlations, special attention should be paid to matching the loads in training programs to the age of the athletes, introducing into training programs the teaching of body management during fatigue. Failing to adjust this may make participation impossible in competitions at the international level for older age groups.

Resistance exercise with different workloads have distinct effects on cellular respiration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Little is known how acute exercise-induced inflammation and metabolic stress affect immune cell bioenergetics and the portion of its components. Therefore, we investigated acute effects of eccentric-only (E), concentric-only (C) and combined eccentric-concentric resistance exercise (E + C) bouts on cellular respiration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Twelve strength-trained young men performed bench press resistance exercises in randomized order. Venous blood samples were drawn at pre-, 5 min post- and 24 h post-exercise. Several PBMC respiration states were measured using high-resolution respirometry. Levels of leukocytes, interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), creatine kinase (CK), blood lactate and maximum voluntary isometric force were measured from the same time points. Effects of blood lactate and pH change on bioenergetics of PBMCs were investigated ex vivo. PBMC routine respiration (p = 0.017), free routine capacity (p = 0.025) and ET-capacity (p = 0.038) decreased immediately after E + C. E responded in opposite manner 5 min post-exercise compared to E + C (p = 0.013) and C (p = 0.032) in routine respiration, and to E + C in free routine activity (p = 0.013). E + C > C > E was observed for increased lactate levels and decreased isometric force that correlated with routine respiration (R = -0.369, p = 0.035; R = 0.352, p = 0.048). Lactate and pH change did not affect bioenergetics of PBMCs. Acute resistance exercise affected cellular respiration of PBMCs, with training volume and the amount of metabolic stress appear influential. Results suggest that acute inflammation response does not contribute to changes seen in cellular respiration, but the level of peripheral muscle fatigue and metabolic stress could be explaining factors.