Effects of Accentuated Eccentric Training vs Plyometric Training on Performance of Young Elite Fencers.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of 6-weeks accentuated eccentric training, using a rotary inertial device, on range of motion, assessed with Inter Malleolar Distance test, anthropometry, lower limb explosive and reactive strength, assessed with Squat Jump, Countermovement Jump and 7-Repeated Hop tests, in young elite fencers. Moreover, the effects on hamstring eccentric strength and two technical fencing movements, lunge and advance-advance lunge, were evaluated with motion analysis. The second aim was to evaluate the duration of the accentuated eccentric training residual effects, 6 weeks after the end of the training. Fifty-four male fencers were randomly assigned either to the Inertial Group (IG; n = 26; aged 17.3 ± 1.9 years) such as experimental group, or to the Plyometric Group (PG; n = 28; aged 17.6 ± 2.7 years) such as control group. IG carried out four exercises using the rotary inertial device attached to their waist by a rope. PG carried out several plyometric exercises at the same time in which the IG performed the accentuated eccentric training. MANOVA showed significant improvements in the vertical jumps height post training, with no differences between IG and PG. Significant improvements for technical movements, lunge distance (p = 0.006) and advance-advance lunge distance (p = 0.00005), were found within-group and between-groups (p = 0.00001), with higher improvements in IG than in PG. The univariate analysis showed a significant improvement in lower limb range of motion with higher increase in IG than in PG. The main findings were the significant improvement in lunge and advance-advance lunge distance, maintaining with the same execution time. These results suggested that it is important to apply accentuated eccentric load on specific sport movements.

Isoinertial Eccentric-Overload Training in Young Soccer Players: Effects on Strength, Sprint, Change of Direction, Agility and Soccer Shooting Precision.

The isoinertial training method owes its efficacy to an accommodated resistance and optimal individualized eccentric overload. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a 6-week isoinertial eccentric-overload training program - using a flywheel inertial device during the execution of specific soccer exercises - on explosive and reactive strength, sprint ability, change of direction (COD) performance and soccer shooting precision. Thirty-four junior soccer players were randomly assigned to a plyometric training group (PT) (n = 16, aged 13.36 ± 0.80), which underwent a six-week traditional soccer training program, and a flywheel eccentric overload group (FEO) (n = 18, aged 13.21 ± 1.21), which received additional training consisting of two inertial eccentric-overload training sessions per week. Pre and post intervention tests were carried out to assess explosive and reactive strength, sprint ability, COD ability, agility using the Y-agility test (YT) and soccer shooting precision. The FEO showed significantly higher values than the PT in squat jump height (SJh) (p = 0.01), drop jump height (DJh) (p = 0.003), 7 repeated hop test heights (p = 0.001), the Illinois test (ILL) (p = 0.001), and the Loughborough Soccer Shooting Test (SHOT) (p = 0.02). Finally, the FEO showed significant between-group differences in DJh (p = 0.007), ILL (p = 0.0002), YT (p = 0.002), a linear sprint test (SPRINT) (p = 0.001), and SHOT (p = 0.003). These results confirmed the positive effect of isoinertial training. The use of an isoinertial device to overload multidirectional movements in specific sport conditions leads to greater performance improvements than conventional soccer training. The absence of knowledge of the eccentric overload applied by the isoinertial device, which is different in any exercise repetition, may stimulate the athlete's neural adaptations, improving their soccer skills and in particular their soccer shooting precision.

Physical exercise for prevention of dementia (EPD) study: background, design and methods.

BACKGROUND: Several observational studies have shown that exercise reduces the risk of cognitive decline; however, evidences from long-term, well-conducted, randomized controlled trials are scanty. The principal aim of this study is to verify whether a long-term program of multimodal supervised exercise improves the cognitive function and/or reduces the rate of cognitive decline in older adults at different degrees of risk for dementia. METHODS/DESIGN: EPD is a parallel group, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Community-dwelling volunteers aged 50 years or more are being recruited from different community centers and screened for eligibility. Enrolled subjects are being divided in 3 groups: a) without subjective or objective cognitive impairment, b) with subjective memory complaints, and c) with mild cognitive impairments. Participants in each group (at least 180) are being randomly assigned (1:1) to an experimental group, performing a supervised training including aerobic and resistance exercises of moderate/high intensity, or to a control group. Primary outcome will be 48-months changes in Mini Mental State Examinations. Secondary outcomes will be changes in several cognitive tests including a composite cognitive score. Time points will be at baseline, and at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months. Statistical analysis will be done as intention to treat, complete case and mixed model analysis. DISCUSSION: EPD is the first trial to examine the effects of a long exercise program (48 months) on cognitive performances. If successful, this trial may provide evidence for using long-term and multimodal exercise interventions for dementia prevention programs in the aging population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the code NCT02236416 .

Twelve-Week Exercise Influences Memory Complaint but not Memory Performance in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different types of exercise on memory performance and memory complaint after a 12-week intervention. Eighty community-dwelling volunteers, aged 66.96 ± 11.73 years, were randomly divided into four groups: resistance, cardiovascular, postural, and control groups (20 participants for each group). All participants were tested for their cognitive functions before and after their respective 12-week intervention using Rey memory words test, Prose memory test, and Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q). Statistical analysis showed that the three experimental groups significantly improved MAC-Q scores in comparison with the control group (p < .05). The variation of MAC-Q scores and the variations of Rey and Prose memory tests scores were not correlated. These results indicate that the 12-week interventions exclusively influenced memory complaint but not memory performance. Further investigations are needed to understand the relation between memory complaint and memory performance, and the factors that can influence this relationship.

Are Change of Direction Speed and Reactive Agility Useful for Determining the Optimal Field Position for Young Soccer Players?

Change Of Direction Speed (CODS) and Reactive Agility (RA) are two determining factors in the ability of young soccer players. We aimed to verify if CODS and RA could be useful in order to establish the best young soccer player field position. Ninety-two elite soccer players (15.18 ± 1.21 years, weight 59.18 ± 9.93, height 1.72 ± 0.08, BMI 19.76 ± 2.22), belonging to two youth categories from the Italian First and Second Divisions, volunteered in this study. The participants included 32 defenders (15.06 ± 0.80 years), 37 midfielders (15.11 ± 0.84 years) and 23 forwards (15.48 ± 1.16 years), and they underwent two tests, each one performed in two different ways: the Y-Agility Test, carried out in a planned and reactive mode (Y-PLAN and Y-REAC), and the Illinois for Change of Direction Test (ICODT) performed with and without the ball. REAC-INDEX, which represents the index of reactivity, was calculated as Y-REAC minus Y-PLAN. The difference between the two scores of ICODT (ICODT with the ball minus ICODT without the ball) represents the TECHN-INDEX. Multivariate Analysis of Variances (MANOVA) was used to evaluate significant differences among all position groups, for all the test scores. MANOVA showed no significant differences in test scores or in TECHN-INDEX among the groups, except for the forwards, who were significantly more reactive than the defenders (p < 0.05). The strong and significant Pearson's Correlation between ICODT with and without the ball (p < 0.01) demonstrated that physical and technical preparations have the same relevance in all positions. No significant differences were found among players in different field positions for CODS and RA performances, both with and without the ball. This study does not recommend to use RA and CODS as indicators to assign the players roles in youth soccer.

Acute effects of whole-body vibration on running gait in marathon runners.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a single bout of whole-body vibration (WBV) on running gait. The running kinematic of sixteen male marathon runners was assessed on a treadmill at iso-efficiency speed after 10 min of WBV and SHAM (i.e. no WBV) conditions. A high-speed camera (210 Hz) was used for the video analysis and heart rate (HR) was also monitored. The following parameters were investigated: step length (SL), flight time (FT), step frequency (SF), contact time (CT), HR and the internal work (WINT). Full-within one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the randomised crossover design indicated that when compared to SHAM conditions, WBV decreased the SL and the FT by ~4% (P < 0.0001) and ~7.2% (P < 0.001), respectively, and increased the SF ~4% (P < 0.0001) while the CT was not changed. This effect occurred during the first minute of running: the SL decreased ~3.5% (P < 0.001) and SF increased ~3.3% (P < 0.001). During the second minute the SL decreased ~1.2% (P = 0.017) and the SF increased ~1.1% (P = 0.02). From the third minute onwards, there was a return to the pre-vibration condition. The WINT was increased by ~4% (P < 0.0001) during the WBV condition. Ten minutes of WBV produced a significant alteration of the running kinematics during the first minutes post exposure. These results provide insights on the effects of WBV on the central components controlling muscle function.

Motor Learning as Young Gymnast's Talent Indicator.

Talent identification plans are designed to select young athletes with the ability to achieve future success in sports. The aim of the study was to verify the predictive value of coordination and precision in skill acquisition during motor learning, as indicators of talent. One hundred gymnasts, both cadets (aged 11.5 ± 0.5 yr.) and juniors (aged 13.3 ± 0.5 years), competing at the national level, were enrolled in the study. The assessment of motor coordination involved three tests of the validated Hirtz's battery (1985), and motor skill learning involved four technical tests, specific of rhythmic gymnastics. All the tests were correlated with ranking and performance scores reached by each gymnast in the 2011, 2012, and 2013 National Championships. Coordination tests were significantly correlated to 2013 Championships scores (p < 0.01) and ranking (p < 0.05) of elite cadet athletes. Precision, in skill acquisition test results, was positively and significantly associated with scores in 2013 (adj. R(2) = 0.26, p < 0.01). Gymnasts with the best results in coordination and motor learning tests went on to achieve better competition results in three- year time. Key pointsIn talent identification and selection procedures it is better to include the evaluation of coordination and motor learning ability.Motor learning assessment concerns performance improvement and the ability to develop it, rather than evaluating the athlete's current performance.In this manner talent identification processes should be focused on the future performance capabilities of athletes.

Omega-3 Index as a Sport Biomarker: Implications for Cardiovascular Health, Injury Prevention, and Athletic Performance.

The composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the cell membrane plays a crucial role in cell signaling and function. Physical activity can induce shifts in PUFA metabolism, potentially altering their membrane composition. Given the multifaceted regulatory and structural roles of PUFA, training-related fluctuations in PUFA concentrations may impact health and athletic performance in both elite and non-elite athletes, highlighting the critical role of these fatty acids' nutritional intake. The ω-3 index (O3I), a biomarker reflecting the proportion of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in red blood cell membranes, is considered a marker of cardiovascular risk, gaining increasing interest in sports medicine. Dietary interventions aimed at maintaining an optimal O3I may offer several benefits for elite and non-elite athletes, including cardiovascular health performance optimization, recovery, and injury prevention. Here, we discuss emerging evidence on the application of O3I in sports and physical exercise, highlighting its promising role as a biomarker in a wide range of sports practices.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder 4 Years after the COVID-19 Pandemic in Adolescents with Different Levels of Physical Activity Engagement: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to assess whether the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents had decreased four years after the initial assessment. This study aimed to determine if children with an active lifestyle and participation in sports activities were protected against this traumatic stress. This study included a total of 284 Italian participants assessed at two different time points: the first assessment was conducted in 2020 when the children were aged 9-12 years, and a second assessment was carried out four years later when the participants were aged 13-16. Participants completed the Impact of Event Scale-Revised questionnaire (IES-R), with the IES-8 and IES-15 versions used accordingly based on age group. In the 2020 assessment, 146 (51.4%) reported a score higher than the cut-off for significant traumatic stress, while in 2024, only 49 participants (17.2%). The chi-square analysis indicated that this decrement was statistically significant (p < 0.001). RM-ANOVA showed a significant reduction for both Intrusion Score and Avoidance Score (p < 0.001). A statistical interaction between gender and time was observed. There were weak correlations between the level of children's sport practice, and no differences between those who engage in individual or team sports. Despite this study showing that young people are overcoming the pandemic crisis and its consequences, identifying potential modifiable risk factors and empowering protective factors remains crucial, especially for those who continue to experience psychological issues. The restrictions particularly impacted active children by disrupting their routine, which may have compromised the universally recognized protective value of sports.

Regular Physical Activity Can Counteract LONG COVID Symptoms in Adults over 40.

Three years after the SARS-CoV-19 pandemic, a chronic post-COVID syndrome "LONG COVID" persists, causing fatigue and shortness of breath, along with distress, anxiety, and depression. AIM: To assess the impact of physical activity on the management and rehabilitation of LONG COVID, as well as to investigate the persistence of LONG COVID symptomatology in individuals over 40 years, beyond the pandemic. METHODS: A total of 1004 participants (aged 53.45 ± 11.35) were recruited through an online snowball sampling strategy to complete a web-based survey. The following questionnaires were administered: Physical Activity Scale for Elderly (PASE), Shortness of Breath Questionnaire (SOBQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7), and Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC). RESULTS: Significant gender differences were discovered, with women reporting higher symptoms than men (p < 0.001). Significant age differences were also found, with participants under 55 showing higher values than those over 55 (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between aerobic and mixed physical activity (p > 0.05) while significant results emerged between physical activity groups and the no activity group (p < 0.001). The low-frequency group reported higher symptoms than the high-frequency group (all ps < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Regardless of the type of physical activity performed, our survey identified the frequency of training as a crucial factor to overcome LONG COVID symptoms; the challenge lies in overcoming the difficulties due to the persistent feelings of inefficiency and fatigue typical of those who have contracted the infection.

Enhancing Behavioural Changes: A Narrative Review on the Effectiveness of a Multifactorial APP-Based Intervention Integrating Physical Activity.

The rapid evolution of technologies is a key innovation in the organisation and management of physical activities (PA) and sports. The increase in benefits and opportunities related to the adoption of technologies for both the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the management of chronic diseases is evident. In the field of telehealth, these devices provide personalised recommendations, workout monitoring and injury prevention. The study aimed to provide an overview of the landscape of technology application to PA organised to promote active lifestyles and improve chronic disease management. This review identified specific areas of focus for the selection of articles: the utilisation of mobile APPs and technological devices for enhancing weight loss, improving cardiovascular health, managing diabetes and cancer and preventing osteoporosis and cognitive decline. A multifactorial intervention delivered via mobile APPs, which integrates PA while managing diet or promoting social interaction, is unquestionably more effective than a singular intervention. The main finding related to promoting PA and a healthy lifestyle through app usage is associated with "behaviour change techniques". Even when individuals stop using the APP, they often maintain the structured or suggested lifestyle habits initially provided by the APP. Various concerns regarding the excessive use of APPs need to be addressed.

Assessing the Impact of Fencing on Postural Parameters: Observational Study Findings on Elite Athletes.

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the static stabilometric parameters among elite fencers, were affected by prolonged, asymmetric training regimen. A sample of 26 elite fencers of both genders, aged 19.15 ± 2.24 years, practising one of the three disciplines foil, épée, or sabre, was recruited for the study. Anthropometric measurements including thigh and calf circumferences and postural assessment based on the weight distribution on a stabilimeter platform were performed. Postural tone, as indicated by measures such as sway length and sway area ratio was calculated.. No notable anthropometric asymmetries were detected within the examined group The weight distribution patterns on the support quadrants in static stabilometric measurements did not suggest clinically significant issues. There were no significant differences among subgroups based on gender and lower limb dominance for both anthropometric and stabilimeter variables. However, 30.8% of participants showed anomalies in postural tone (hypertonic and hypotonic condition). Five out of eight athletes found with abnormal postural tone were foil fencers, suggesting a potential discipline-specific effect. Individual adjustments were found in foil fencers. These findings provide insights into the potential effects of fencing training on postural parameters among elite athletes.

Bridging Generations Through Movement: "How and Why" Intergenerational Programs Operate-A Systematic and Narrative Review.

Well-being and social interaction are among the primary goals to be achieved for the elderly. Intergenerational physical activity (PA) has gained increasing attention due to its potential to encourage PA and social interaction, providing both social and physical benefits to both younger and older individuals. This review aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the potential roles of PA in facilitating intergenerational interactions and provide practical insights. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, the systematic review identified specific keywords to search for articles that met the chosen inclusion and exclusion criteria (n. 5 RCT articles, selected between 2009 and 2024), conducted by three independent reviewers. Scopus, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Web of Science were consulted to identify relevant articles. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB 2. For the narrative dissertation, articles were identified across three key areas of focus: types of PA, age groups, and intended goals. Results: Few studies have specifically implemented PA protocols in intergenerational relationships, and most have planned remote activities without monitoring outcomes. The main advantages of intergenerational PA are oriented towards the social and relational sphere rather than simple PA involvement. Conclusions: For the elderly, these programs may help mitigate age-related deficits, while children and adolescents, when adapting to their older counterparts, experience greater effectiveness when provided with clear guidance during shared activities. Considering the characteristics and needs of individuals of different ages, different activities must be proposed to obtain different results. The organization of workshops and preparatory sessions will help in facilitating relationships and interactions among participants.

Prenatal diagnosis of inherited diseases: 20 years' experience of an Italian Regional Reference Centre.

BACKGROUND: The demand for molecular prenatal diagnosis (PD) of inherited diseases to help high-risk couples make informed reproductive decisions has increased in the past decade. METHODS: We provided multidisciplinary pre-test counselling to 1248 couples at high risk of having a child affected by an inherited disease. RESULTS: After multidisciplinary counselling, 1171 couples requested PD for one of 73 inherited diseases. Of these, 995 (85.0%) were performed on DNA from chorionic villi (CV) and 176 (15.0%) on samples from amniocentesis. The occurrence of pregnancy loss (0.6%) and major complications did not differ significantly between the two groups. We made a diagnosis in all cases (including 8 twin pregnancies) except in 4/995 cases of CV sampling (0.4%) and in 3/176 of amniocentesis (1.7%) due to insufficient DNA. In 15 cases, molecular analysis revealed non-paternity. CONCLUSIONS: PD by analysis of foetal DNA from CV is a reliable aid in reproduction decision-making for couples at high risk of inherited diseases. The complexity of experimental procedures and the specific expertise required for the pre- and post-test multidisciplinary counselling suggest that PD be performed in reference centres also within the framework of supranational networks.

Uphill racewalking at iso-efficiency speed.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of gradients (0, 2, and 7%) on biomechanical parameters during racewalking (RW) at iso-efficiency speed (IES). During the experiment, 12 high-level athletes performed at IES on different slopes. The parameters studied were surface muscular activity (EMG) of 5 muscles of the leg using Muscle Lab (Boscosystem); kinematic parameters were collected using a high-speed camera (210 Hz) analyzed with Dartfish 5.5 Pro; and heart rate (HR) was monitored with a Cardio Polar. The results showed step length (SL), step frequency (SF), and internal work (WINT) decreased with increased treadmill gradient: SL = ([0-2% = 3.48%, p = 0.158], [0-7% = 12.17%, p < 0.001]); SF = ([0-2% = 2.38%, p = 0.173], [0-7% = 6.07%, p < 0.01]); WINT = ([0-2% = 8.34%, p < 0.001], [0-7% = 22.81%, p < 0.0001]). Conversely, contact time (CT) and HR increased less significantly with the increased gradients: CT = ([0-2% = 2.46%, p = 0.198], [0-7% = 6.56%, p < 0.01]); HR = ([0-2% = 0.62%, p = 0.652], [0-7% = 3.25%, p < 0.05]). The knee angle (KE) increased, whereas ankle angle (AK) and hip angle (HP) decreased with the increased gradients: AK = ([0-2% = 1.69%, p < 0.001], [0-7% = 1.13%, p < 0.01]); HP = ([0-2% = 0.22%, p < 0.03], [0-7% = 0.16%, p = 0.456]); KE = ([0-2% = 1.01%, p < 0.001], [0-7% = 1.60%, p < 0.001]). Electromyography (EMG) significantly decreased with the increased gradients in the: tibialis anterior ([0-2% = 22.49%, p < 0.0001], [0-7% = 41.18%, p < 0.0001]) and rectus femoris ([0-2% = 15.35%, p < 0.0001], [0-7% = 29.13%, p< 0.0001]). In contrast, EMG activity was significantly increased in the vastus lateralis ([0-2% = 22.95%, p < 0.0001], [0-7% = 31.15%, p < 0.0001]), gastrocnemius medialis ([0-2% = 21.40%, p < 0.001], [0-7% = 48.37%, p < 0.0001]), and biceps femoris ([0-2% = 190.78%, p < 0.0001], [0-7% = 201.37%, p < 0.0001]). The results indicate that increasing the gradient to 2% did not elicit an increased HR in racewalkers; however, at a 7% gradient, greater muscle activity was required.

Time of day - effects on motor coordination and reactive strength in elite athletes and untrained adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: the issue of time-of-day effects on performance is crucial when considering the goal of reaching peak results in sport disciplines. The present study was designed to examine time-of-day effects in adolescents on motor coordination, assessed with Hirtz's battery and neuromuscular components of strength, evaluated with reactive strength tests. METHODS: forty-two elite female gymnasts, aged 13.3 ± 0.5 years (Mean ± SD), were recruited for the study. Fifty healthy female students (aged 12.8 ± 1.7 years) served as the control group. All participants underwent the testing sessions over two days at two different times of day in a randomized order. RESULTS: Oral temperature was measured at the two times of the day and a significant diurnal variation (p < 0.01) in both groups was found. MANOVA revealed significant group differences in the overall tests (p < 0.01). The gymnast group showed no significant differences in the coordination tests with respect to the time of day, but significant differences were observed for reactive strength as assessed with the vertical jump tests (p < 0.01). Gyamnasts attained better results in the evening in the reactive strength tests [flight time (F1.90 = 17.322 p < 0.01) and ground contact time (F1.90 = 8.372; p < 0.01) of the hopping test]. CONCLUSION: the temperature effect was more evident in the reactive strength tests and orientation test, especially in the gymnast group in which this effect added to their usual training time effect. The time-since-awakening influenced coordination performances in complex tasks more than reaction strength tests in simple tasks. The main outcome of the study was that we did not observe time-of-day effects on coordination skills in elite gymnasts and in untrained adolescents. The time of day in which athletes usually trained these skills could influence these results. Key pointsThe results obtained in this study suggested that the best time to perform a particular task depends specifically on the nature of the task, the precise size of the cognitive load and the level of practice of the participants.In the field of practice, it is incumbent for coaches to organise sports selection based on reactive strength, using the morning hours for untrained adolescents, when alertness and the benefits of sleeping could improve performance. Evening hours, conversely, should be used for elite gymnasts who specifically train at that time (specific "temporal training effect").These study results cannot give indications about the best time of the day to organize selection tests based on coordination skills.

A Systematic Review of Flywheel Training Effectiveness and Application on Sport Specific Performances.

The objective of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of flywheel training, which allows for the replication of specific sports movements, overloading both the concentric and eccentric phases. Inclusion criteria were injury prevention outcomes; ability in terms of strength, power, sprinting, jumping and change of direction; competitive athletes; and RCTs. Exclusion criteria were a lack of a control group and lack of baseline and/or follow-up data. The databases used were Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Sage. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the quality of the selected RCTs. The Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence was used. A PICOS (participants, intervention, comparators, study outcomes, and study design) approach was used to evaluate eligibility. A total of 21 RCTs with 8 to 54 participants in each study analyzed flywheel technology and its application in nine sports. The results showed that flywheel training is a good strategy to improve sports performance, providing variation in training methodologies and athletes' adherence. Further studies are needed to define guidelines on training modality, weekly frequency, volume, and inertia load. Only a few studies have applied the flywheel device directly to overload specific multidirectional movements at different joint angles. This method is not exempt from criticalities, such as the cost and the ability to carry out only individual training.

Long-Term Physical Activity Effectively Reduces the Consumption of Antihypertensive Drugs: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Although physical activity (PA) has been shown to enhance hypertension control, the impact of exercise on the potential decrease of the use of antihypertensive medications remains inadequately researched. AIM: The aim was to assess the impact of a two-year PA on the medication requirements of individuals with hypertension. METHODS: A clinical trial was conducted, involving 130 participants with essential hypertension who took at least one antihypertensive medication. Participants were randomly assigned to either a control group (CG n = 65) or an experimental group (EG n = 65) that underwent a 24-month supervised PA program based on a combination of aerobic and resistance training. The antihypertensive drug load for each participant was determined by adding the ratios of the prescribed daily dose (PDD) to the defined daily dose (DDD) for all antihypertensive medications taken by the participants. The outcome measures were evaluated at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. RESULTS: A total of 76 participants completed the 24-month assessment, and RM-ANOVA revealed a significantly lower antihypertensive drug load in the EG compared to the CG at 18 (p < 0.017) and 24 months (p < 0.003). CONCLUSION: A long-term PA program can decrease the antihypertensive drug load in older adults with essential hypertension. The trend of improvement regarding the EG drug load intake and the trend of CG drug load increase, although not significant over time, results in a significant difference between the groups at 18 months and an even greater difference at 24 months. This trend certifies the protective value of PA against the aging process and its related health risk factors.

Whole body-electromyostimulation effects on serum biomarkers, physical performances and fatigue in Parkinson's patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) was never previously applied to Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. This randomized controlled study aimed to find the most effective and safe WB-EMS training protocol for this population. Methods: Twenty-four subjects (age: 72.13 ± 6.20 years), were randomly assigned to three groups: a high-frequency WB-EMS strength training group (HFG) (rectangular stimulation at 85 Hz, 350 µs, 4 s stimulation/4 s rest), a low-frequency WB-EMS aerobic training group (LFG) (rectangular stimulation 7 Hz, 350 µs, with a continuous pulse duration), and an inactive control group (CG). Participants of the two experimental groups underwent 24 controlled WB-EMS training sessions, with a duration of 20 min each, during 12-week intervention. Serum growth factors (BDNF, FGF-21, NGF and proNGF), α-synuclein, physical performance and Parkinson's Disease Fatigue Scale (PFS-16) responses were analyzed to evaluate the pre-post variation and differences among groups. Results: Significant interactions of Time*Groups were detected for BDNF (Time*Groups p = 0.024; Time*CG, b = -628, IC95% = -1,082/-174, p = 0.008), FGF-21 (Time*Groups p = 0.009; Time*LFG b = 1,346, IC95% = 423/2268, p = 0.005), and α-synuclein (Time*Groups p = 0.019; Time*LFG b = -1,572, IC95% = -2,952/-192, p = 0.026). Post hoc analyses and comparisons of ΔS (post-pre), performed independently for each group, showed that LFG increased serum BDNF levels (+ 203 pg/ml) and decreased α-synuclein levels (-1,703 pg/ml), while HFG showed the opposite effects (BDNF: -500 pg/ml; α-synuclein: + 1,413 pg/ml). CG showed a significant BDNF reduction over time. Both LFG and HFG showed significant improvements in several physical performance outcomes and the LFG showed better results than HFG. Concerning PFS-16, significant differences over time (b = -0.4, IC95% = -0.8/-0.0, p = 0.046) and among groups (among all groups p < 0.001) were found, and the LFG exhibited better results than the HFG (b = -1.0, IC95% = -1.3/-0.7, p < 0.001), and CG (b = -1.7, IC95% = -2.0/-1.4, p < 0.001) with this last one that worsened over time. Conclusion: LFG training was the best choice for improving or maintaining physical performance, fatigue perception and variation in serum biomarkers. Clinical trial registration: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04878679, identifier NCT04878679.

Acute Effects of Combining Whole-Body Electromyostimulation with Resistance Training in Active Women.

Strength training elicits benefits both in performance and on a psychological level in women, such as increased muscle strength and improved self-esteem. Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) could be a training strategy for enhancing muscular strength. The aim of this study was to assess the acute effects of a single session of WB-EMS superimposed over classic resistance training on isometric strength, endurance strength and flexibility. Furthermore, the safety of the protocol was assessed by monitoring the levels of creatine kinase (CK) 48 h after the training protocol was completed. Sixteen active women (aged 22.06 ± 1.88) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) (n = 8) and a control group (CG) (n = 8). The EG performed four sets of 12 repetitions of three strength exercises with superimposed WB-EMS, while the CG performed the same protocol without WB-EMS. RM-ANOVA showed a significant time*group interaction on posterior kinetic chain extensors' mean and peak strength in the EG (F(1,14) = 10.036; p = 0.007; and F(1,14) = 20.719; p < 0.001; respectively). A significant time*group interaction was found in the sit and reach test for the EG (F(1,14) = 10.362; p = 0.006). Finally, ANOVA performed on the CK levels showed no significant difference between the groups (F(1,14) = 0.715; p = 0.412). WB-EMS training led to an immediate improvement in strength performance and flexibility, and this protocol was shown to be safe in terms of CK levels, 48 h after completing the training protocol.