The Relationships Between External and Internal Training Loads in Mixed Martial Arts.

PURPOSE: As a multidisciplined combat sport, relationships between external and internal training loads and intensities of mixed martial arts (MMA) have not been described. The aim of this study was to determine the external loads and intensities of MMA training categories and their relationship to internal loads and intensities. METHODS: Twenty MMA athletes (age = 23.3 [5.3] y, mass = 72.1 [7.2] kg, stature = 171.5 [8.4] cm) were observed for 2 consecutive weeks. Internal load and intensity (session rating of perceived exertion [sRPE]) were calculated using the Foster RPE for the session overall (sRPE-training load [TL]) and segmented RPE (segRPE-TL) for each training category: warm-up, striking drills, wrestling drills, Brazilian jiujitsu (BJJ) drills, striking sparring, wrestling sparring, BJJ sparring, and MMA sparring. External load and intensity were measured via Catapult OptimEye S5 for the full duration of each session using accumulated Playerload (PLdACC) and PLdACC per minute (PLdACC·min-1). Differences in loads between categories and days were assessed via Bayesian analysis of variance (BF10 ≥ 3). Predictive relationships between internal and external variables were calculated using Bayesian regression. RESULTS: Session overall sRPE-TL = 448.6 (191.1) arbitrary units (AU); PLdACC = 310.6 (112) AU. Category segRPE-TL range = 33.8 (22.6) AU (warm-up) to 122.8 (54.6) AU (BJJ drills). Category PLdACC range = 44 (36.3) AU (warm-up) to 125 (58.8) AU (MMA sparring). Neither sRPE-TL nor PLdACC changed between days. PLdACC was different between categories. Evidence for regressions was strong-decisive except for BJJ drills (BF10 = 7, moderate). R2 range = .50 to .77, except for warm-up (R2 = .17), BJJ drills (R2 = .27), BJJ sparring (R2 = .49), and session overall (R2 = .13). CONCLUSIONS: While MMA training categories may be differentiated in terms of external load, overall session external load does not change within or between weeks. Resultant regression equations may be used to appropriately plan MMA technical/tactical training loads.

Movement retraining programme in young soccer and rugby football players: A feasibility and proof of concept study.

INTRODUCTION: Movement screening to identify abnormal movement patterns can inform development of effective interventions. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using a movement screening tool in combination with a tailored movement control retraining programme in young soccer and rugby football players. A secondary objective was to investigate changes in movement control patterns post-intervention, to provide proof of concept (PoC) for movement retraining. METHODS: 52 male amateur players, including 34 soccer players (mean age 15 ± 2 years) and 18 rugby players (mean age 15 ± 1 years) participated. They were screened for movement control ability using a shortened version of the Hip and Lower Limb Movement Screening (Short-HLLMS) and completed an eight-week movement control retraining programme. Evaluation of feasibility included consent from players invited, adherence, attendance at the exercise sessions, drop-out and adverse events. Short-HLLMS total score and The Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) were analysed to provide PoC for retraining movement control. RESULTS: feasibility outcomes were favourable. Significant statistical changes occurred post-intervention in the Short-HLLMS total score (paired-samples t-test) and in three HAGOS subscales (symptoms, physical function in daily living and in sport and recreation) (Wilcoxon-Signed Rank Test) in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Feasibility of using the Short-HLLMS in combination with a movement control retraining programme in soccer and rugby players was promising. The data provided PoC for the potential application of a shortened version of the HLLMS to evaluate changes in movement control and to inform targeted motor control programmes.

Slackline training and postural control in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Exercise can reduce the negative effects of aging on postural control. The slackline training could potentially be an activity to improve postural control in older adults. However, the effects of slackline on postural control in older adults are not clear. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effects of slackline on postural control in older adults. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials were retrieved from ISI Web Knowledge, PubMed and Scopus using the descriptors "Slackline", "Slacklining", "Aged", "Aging", "Elderly", "Older adults", "Balance", "Postural Balance" and "Postural Control". Randomized controlled trials were selected. Postural control was evaluated through center of pressure (CoP), and slackline standing time during single leg stance. RESULTS: Four studies with 118 participants were included. The studies found that slackline improves slackline standing time in the tandem, and the single-legged postures, without differences in CoP displacement in single-leg position, results that were confirmed by the meta-analyses. CONCLUSION: Although slackline training improves task-specific performance, this improvement is not transferable to other tasks. This conclusion should be interpreted with caution considering the small number of studies, inconsistent designs, and general study limitations. Further studies are required before recommending slackline training to optimize the postural control of older adults.

Effects of chronic betaine supplementation on performance in professional young soccer players during a competitive season: a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Various nutritional strategies are adopted for athletes to maintain and to improve performance during the competition season. Betaine may enhance performance during a competitive season by increasing the testosterone to cortisol ratio and reducing systemic inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of betaine supplementation on the bio-motor abilities in young professional soccer players. METHODS: Twenty-nine young professional soccer players (age, 15.5±0.3 years) were matched by position and randomly assigned to one of two groups for 14 weeks: betaine (BG, 2 g/day; n=14) or placebo (PG n=15). Diet was standardized by a nutritionist, and measures of muscular power (countermovement jump: CMJ), change of direction: modified 5-0-5), acceleration (10 m sprint), sprint performance (30 m sprint time: SpT), muscular strength (leg press and bench press one repetition maximum: 1-RM), repeated sprint ability (running-based anaerobic sprint test: RAST), and aerobic capacity (30-15 intermittent fitness test) were assessed in the pre (P1), mid (P2) and post (P3) season over the course of 5 days. All subjects participated in one soccer match and five training sessions per week. RESULTS: Significant (p < 0.05) group x time interactions were found for maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), anaerobic peak power, and muscular strength favoring BG at P2 and P3 compared to P1. There were meaningful (p < 0.05) group x time interactions for CMJ, SpT, and peak power during the RAST that favored the BG. CONCLUSIONS: 14-week of betaine supplementation increased predicted 1-RM, VO2max, and repeated sprint ability performance in youth professional soccer players. Betaine supplementation seems to be a useful nutritional strategy to improve and to maintain performance during a competitive soccer season.

3-Week passive acclimation to extreme environmental heat (100± 3 °C) in dry sauna increases physical and physiological performance among young semi-professional football players.

This manuscript aims to evaluate the influence of a novel passive heat acclimation program among human participants in the physical performance, as well as in several physiological parameters. 36 male football players were acclimated using a dry sauna bath to extreme hot (100 ± 3 °C), performing a total of nine sauna sessions with a weekly frequency of three sessions. The players were randomly into the sauna group (SG; n = 18; age: 20.69 ± 2.09 years) and the control group (CG; n = 18; age: 20.23 ± 1.98 years). All participants performed maximal effort test until exhaustion as well as hamstring flexibility test before and after the acclimation program. Anthropometric, respiratory, circulatory, hematological and physiological variables were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the survey. Statistical analysis consisted of a Mann-Whitney U test to determine differences between groups at the beginning and at the end of the survey and a Wilcoxon test for paired samples to compare the differences for each group separately. Additionally, size effects of the pre-post acclimation changes were calculated. After the acclimation program SG participants experienced a diminution in body weight (p < 0.01), body mass index (p < 0.01), body fat (p < 0.05) and fat percentage (p < 0.05) decreased. Hamstring flexibility (p < 0.05) and work capacity (p < 0.05) increased. External basal temperature decreased (p < 0.05) as well as post-exercise systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p < 0.05). Finally, maximal oxygen uptake (ml Kg-1 min-1) (p < 0.05), maximal minute ventilation (p < 0.05) and maximal breath frequency (p < 0.05) increased at the end of the intervention. There were no significant changes in the CG in any variable. Favorable adaptations have been observed in this survey, suggesting a beneficial effect of extreme heat acclimation on physical performance. Several of the observed responses seem interesting for sport performance and health promotion as well. However, this is a novel, extreme protocol which requires further research.

Efeitos de um macrociclo de treinamento sobre a aptidão física em atletas de futsal feminino durante uma temporada / Effects of a training macrocycle on the physical fitness in female futsal athletes during a season

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar os efeitos de macrociclo de treinamento sobre variáveis de aptidão física em atletas semiprofissionais de futsal feminino. Foram avaliadas quatorze atletas (21,1 ± 4,8 anos) semiprofissionais durante 27 semanas de treinamento, correspondentes a: período pré-competitivo e período competitivo. Foram realizadas avaliações antropométricas (massa corporal, estatura e percentual de gordura corporal), testes de potência de membros inferiores (salto vertical e salto horizontal) e membros superiores (arremesso de medicine ball), de força de membros inferiores (1RM de agachamento e legpress) e de membros superiores (supino) e de velocidade (linear e com troca de direção) antes e após o período pré-competitivo e após a primeira fase do período competitivo. ANOVA para medidas repetidas foi utilizada para comparação das variáveis entre os três momentos de avaliação com post hoc de Bonferroni (α = 0,05). Potência de membros inferiores, velocidade linear e força de membros inferiores e superiores (1RM legpress e supino) apresentaram melhora no desempenho nos três momentos (p < 0,001). Percentual de gordura corporal, potência de membros superiores, força de membros inferiores (1RM agachamento) (p < 0,001) e velocidade com troca de direção (p = 0,002) melhoraram o desempenho do momento pré para o momento pós período pré-competitivo e mantiveram este desempenho no momento pós período competitivo. A massa corporal não apresentou diferença significativa entre os momentos. Conclui-se que, os resultados encontrados indicam que as atletas responderam positivamente quanto às variáveis de aptidão física, comprovando a eficácia do treinamento. Ainda, destaca-se a importância do planejamento dos treinos para o sucesso da equipe. (AU)

The aim of the present study was to analyze the macrocycle training effects on physical fitness variables in semiprofessional female futsal athletes. Fourteen semiprofessional athletes (21.1 ± 4.8 years) were measured during 27 weeks of training, corresponding to: precompetitive period and competitive period. The anthropometric variables (body mass, height and body fat percentage), lower limb (vertical and horizontal jump) and upper limb (medicine ball throw) muscle power, lower limb (1RM squat and legpress) and upper limb (1RM bench press) strength and speed (linear and with change of direction) tests were performed pre and post the pre-competitive period and post the first phase of the competitive period. ANOVA for repeated measures plus Bonferroni post hoc were used to compare the variables between the three evaluation moments (α = 0.05). Performance of the lower limb muscle power, linear speed and lower and upper limbs strength (1RM legpress and bench press) were improved at the three moments (p < 0.001). Body fat percentage, upper limb muscle power, lower limb strength (1RM squat) (p <0.001) and speed with change of direction (p = 0.002) improved the performance from pre to post pre-competitive period moment and kept this performance in the post competitive period. Body mass presented no significant difference between the moments. We concluded that the athletes improved physical fitness variables, proving the effectiveness of the training. Still, it is highlighted the importance of the training planning for the team success. (AU)

The Effects of a Nutrition Education Intervention on Sports Nutrition Knowledge during a Competitive Season in Highly Trained Adolescent Swimmers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a seven-week nutrition education intervention on the sports nutrition knowledge (SNK) of highly trained UK adolescent swimmers. Fifteen national and international adolescent swimmers (males = 5; females = 10, 15.5 ± 1.1 years, 170.2 ± 7.5 cm, 60.3 ± 5.7 kg) participated in the study during seven consecutive weeks of the competitive swimming season. The participants received 30 min of nutrition education once per week in a classroom-based setting after they had completed their regular swim training. An undergraduate sports nutrition student delivered all nutrition education sessions and SNK questionnaires were administered to the participants pre- and post-intervention. The mean total SNK score improved by 8.3% (SD = 8.4%, 95% CI = 4.1-12.6; p = 0.006; ES = 1.0) following the nutrition education sessions. On an individual basis, ten swimmers significantly improved their total SNK score, whereas four swimmers did not improve, and one swimmer performed significantly worse after the intervention. Moreover, the swimmers' knowledge of hydration improved by 22.2% (SD = 20.6%, 95% CI = 11.8-32.6, p = 0.004, ES = 1.1) over the seven-week timeframe, which was the only nutrition topic to have a significantly increased knowledge score. The current study therefore suggests that a nutrition education intervention can positively influence the SNK of highly trained adolescent swimmers.

Effects of multimodal prehabilitation on muscle size, myosteatosis, and dietary intake of surgical patients with lung cancer - a randomized feasibility study.

Many patients with lung cancer undergo surgery, which can increase the risk for muscle loss, leading to worsened outcomes. A multimodal prehabilitation intervention integrating dietary and muscle assessment may help clinicians better understand changes in these outcomes. This pilot assessed feasibility of multimodal prehabilitation in early-stage surgical lung cancer patients and explored relationships between body composition, muscle characteristics and dietary intake, as well as muscle changes due to prehabilitation. Patients were randomized to 1 of 2 groups: multimodal prehabilitation including nutritional supplements (fish oil with vitamin D3 + whey protein with leucine), exercise and relaxation, or standard of care. Physical function, dietary intake and muscle were evaluated at 0 and 4 weeks pre-operatively. Of 87 patients assessed for eligibility, 34 (39%) were randomized and 3 (9%) were lost to follow-up. Median age was 69 years and baseline protein intake was 1.0 g/kg/day. Adherence to exercise (86%) and supplements was high (93%); 3 patients (16%) reported side effects. Supplements significantly increased protein, omega-3 fatty acid, leucine and vitamin D intake. There were no significant changes in muscle characteristics. Multimodal prehabilitation with dietary and muscle analyses proved to be feasible. An adequately powered randomized controlled trial is warranted. ClinicalTrials.gov registration no: NCT04610606. Novelty: Multimodal prehabilitation incorporating dietary assessment and muscle analysis is feasible for early-stage surgical lung cancer patients. An adequately powered randomized controlled trial is warranted to further explore functional and post-operative outcomes.

Nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation enhances aerobic capacity in amateur runners: a randomized, double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies in rodents indicate that a combination of exercise training and supplementation with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) precursors has synergistic effects. However, there are currently no human clinical trials analyzing this. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the effects of a combination of exercise training and supplementation with nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), the immediate precursor of NAD+, on cardiovascular fitness in healthy amateur runners. METHODS: A six-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-arm clinical trial including 48 young and middle-aged recreationally trained runners of the Guangzhou Pearl River running team was conducted. The participants were randomized into four groups: the low dosage group (300 mg/day NMN), the medium dosage group (600 mg/day NMN), the high dosage group (1200 mg/day NMN), and the control group (placebo). Each group consisted of ten male participants and two female participants. Each training session was 40-60 min, and the runners trained 5-6 times each week. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed at baseline and after the intervention, at 6 weeks, to assess the aerobic capacity of the runners. RESULTS: Analysis of covariance of the change from baseline over the 6 week treatment showed that the oxygen uptake (VO2), percentages of maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), power at first ventilatory threshold, and power at second ventilatory threshold increased to a higher degree in the medium and high dosage groups compared with the control group. However, there was no difference in VO2max, O2-pulse, VO2 related to work rate, and peak power after the 6 week treatment from baseline in any of these groups. CONCLUSION: NMN increases the aerobic capacity of humans during exercise training, and the improvement is likely the result of enhanced O2 utilization of the skeletal muscle. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2000035138 .

The effects of whole-body muscle stimulation on body composition and strength parameters: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study will analyze the effect of Whole Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) in strength and body composition outcomes in adult population. METHODS: This study will search the following electronic databases up to July 21, 2020: PubMed, WOS, Scopus, SPORTDiscus y EMBASE. There will be no language limitation. Two authors will independently identify titles/abstracts and full text all potential studies, and will collect data from eligible studies. Additionally, study quality will be assessed by PEDro Scale risk of bias. We will conduct meta-analysis if enough trials are included. RESULTS: This study will explore the effects of WB-EMS in strength and body composition outcomes. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study may summarize the effectiveness of WB-EMS in increasing strength and improving body composition in adult population. INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202120050.

Off-training physical activity and training responses as determinants of sleep quality in young soccer players.

This study aimed to quantify and assess the relationship of young soccer players' off-training physical activity (PA) and training responses on sleep quality. Eleven adolescent soccer players (13 ± 0.5 years old) were monitored during weekdays for four consecutive weeks, throughout soccer practice days. Off-training PA and sleep quality were assessed using 100 Hz tri-axial accelerometers and training responses analyzed using 20 Hz global positioning measurement units. A cluster analysis classified all cases into three different dimensions, (1) off-training PA, (2) training responses and (3) sleep quality. For each dimension, the most important variables for classifying the cases into clusters were sedentary PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA; total distance covered and impacts; and sleep onset latency and sleep fragmentation index, respectively. Afterwards, a correspondence analysis was used to identify whether off-training PA and training responses affected sleep quality. Results exposed that high to medium off-training PA combined with medium to high training responses may have decreased sleep quality. Conversely, no correspondence was observed between off-training PA and training responses, with higher sleep quality. This study emphasizes the importance of sports organizations adopting a holistic approach to youth soccer players' development, that appropriately considers the inter-relationship between lifestyle, performance and health-related information.

Dietary Intake and Gastrointestinal Integrity in Runners Undertaking High-Intensity Exercise in the Heat.

Gastrointestinal disturbances are one of the most common issues for endurance athletes during training and competition in the heat. The relationship between typical dietary intake or nutritional interventions and perturbations in or maintenance of gut integrity is unclear. Twelve well-trained male endurance athletes (peak oxygen consumption = 61.4 ± 7.0 ml·kg-1·min-1) completed two trials in a randomized order in 35 °C (heat) and 21 °C (thermoneutral) conditions and kept a detailed nutritional diary for eight consecutive days between the two trials. The treadmill running trials consisted of 15 min at 60% peak oxygen consumption, 15 min at 75% peak oxygen consumption, followed by 8 × 1-min high-intensity efforts. Venous blood samples were taken at the baseline, at the end of each of the three exercise stages, and 1 hr postexercise to measure gut integrity and the permeability biomarker concentration for intestinal fatty-acid-binding protein, lipopolysaccharide, and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein. The runners self-reported gut symptoms 1 hr postexercise and 3 days postexercise. The heat condition induced large (45-370%) increases in intestinal fatty-acid-binding protein, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, and lipopolysaccharide concentrations compared with the baseline, but induced mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Carbohydrate and polyunsaturated fat intake 24 hr preexercise were associated with less lipopolysaccharide translocation. Protein, carbohydrate, total fat, and polyunsaturated fat intake (8 days) were positively associated with the percentage increase of intestinal fatty-acid-binding protein in both conditions (range of correlations, 95% confidence interval = .62-.93 [.02, .98]). Typical nutrition intake partly explained increases in biomarkers and the attenuation of symptoms induced by moderate- and high-intensity exercise under both heat and thermoneutral conditions.

The effect of probiotic supplementation on performance, inflammatory markers and gastro-intestinal symptoms in elite road cyclists.

BACKGROUND: Elite athletes may suffer from impaired immune function and gastro-intestinal (GI) symptoms, which may affect their health and may impede their performance. These symptoms may be reduced by multi-strain probiotic supplementation. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to examine the effects of probiotic supplementation on aerobic fitness characteristics, inflammatory markers and incidence and severity of GI symptoms in elite cyclists. METHODS: Twenty-seven male cyclists, ranked elite or category 1 level competitions, were randomly assigned to a multi-strain probiotic-supplemented group (E, n = 11) or placebo group (C, n = 16). All participants visited the laboratory at the beginning of the study and following 90 d of supplementation/placebo. Prior to testing, all participants completed a GI symptoms questionnaire and underwent physical and medical examination, and anthropometric measurements. Venous blood was drawn for inflammatory markers analysis. The cyclists then underwent maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) test and time-to-fatigue (TTF) test at 85 % of maximal power, 3 h following the VO2max test. All testing procedures were repeated after 90 d of probiotic / placebo treatment (double blind design). RESULTS: Lower incidence of nausea, belching, and vomiting (P < 0.05) at rest, and decreased incidence of GI symptoms during training were found in E group vs. C Group, respectively (∆GI -0.27 ± 0.47 % vs. 0.08 ± 0.29 %, P = 0.03), no significant changes were observed in the incidence of total overall GI symptoms (∆GI -5.6 ± 14.7 % vs. 2.6 ± 11.6 %, P = 0.602) Mean rate of perceived exertion (RPE) values during the TTF were lower in E group (∆RPE: -0.3 ± 0.9 vs. 0.8 ± 1.5, P = 0.04). No significant changes were measured between and within groups in VO2max and TTF values, mean levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6-and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) values following treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Probiotics supplementation may have beneficial effects on GI symptoms in elite cyclists. Future studies, using higher doses and during different training seasons, might help understanding the effects of probiotic supplementation on elite athletes' health and performance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NIH clinicaltrial.gov #NCT02756221 Registered 25 April 2016.

Rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis in 2021.

Patients with multiple sclerosis, despite advances in therapy, often suffer from locomotor impairment that limits their mobility and affect quality of life. Rehabilitation is part of the treatment of MS and has shown its beneficial effects in numerous studies. While traditional rehabilitation techniques remain in the limelight, new technologies are emerging and make it possible to improve the management of disabling symptoms. The aim of this update is to synthesize the new therapy techniques proposed in rehabilitation for patients with multiple sclerosis according to the symptoms as balance, gait, upper limb disorders, fatigue, spasticity and disease progression published over the past 5 years. With regard to balance and walking disorders, neuromotor rehabilitation, physical exercise, rhythmic auditory stimulation, gait robot training and exergaming are effective. Only physical exercise has shown a positive effect on fatigue management. Spasticity is improved by classic rehabilitation techniques however non-invasive brain stimulation are promising. The rehabilitation of upper limb dysfunctions uses various effective techniques such as the repetition of functional tasks in real or virtual situations. In case of a more severe disability, arm robots can be used to relearn the impaired movement. Action observation training in real or virtual situations is also effective. Finally, under certain conditions the constraint induced movement therapy is proposed. The effects of rehabilitation are not only positive on the pyramidal symptoms and fatigue but also increase neuroplasticity and perhaps a neuroprotective effect as shown in some studies.

Impact of baseline serum ferritin and supplemental iron on altitude-induced hemoglobin mass response in elite athletes.

The present study explored the impact of pre-altitude serum (s)-ferritin and iron supplementation on changes in hemoglobin mass (ΔHbmass) following altitude training. Measures of Hbmass and s-ferritin from 107 altitude sojourns (9-28 days at 1800-2500 m) with world-class endurance athletes (males n = 41, females n = 25) were analyzed together with iron supplementation and self-reported illness. Altitude sojourns with a hypoxic dose [median (range)] of 1169 (912) km·h increased Hbmass (mean ± SD) 36 ± 38 g (3.7 ± 3.7%, p < 0.001) and decreased s-ferritin -11 (190) µg·L-1 (p = 0.001). Iron supplements [27 (191) mg·day-1 ] were used at 45 sojourns (42%), while only 11 sojourns (10%) were commenced with s-ferritin <35 µg/L. Hbmass increased by 4.6 ± 3.7%, 3.4 ± 3.3%, 4.2 ± 4.3%, and 2.9 ± 3.4% with pre-altitude s-ferritin ≤35 µg·L-1 , 36-50 µg·L-1 , 51-100 µg·L-1 , and >100 µg·L-1 , respectively, with no group difference (p = 0.400). Hbmass increased by 4.1 ± 3.9%, 3.0 ± 3.0% and 3.7 ± 4.7% without, ≤50 mg·day-1 or >50 mg·day-1 supplemental iron, respectively (p = 0.399). Linear mixed model analysis revealed no interaction between pre-altitude s-ferritin and iron supplementation on ΔHbmass (p = 0.906). However, each 100 km·h increase in hypoxic dose augmented ΔHbmass by an additional 0.4% (95% CI: 0.1-0.7%; p = 0.012), while each 1 g·kg-1 higher pre-altitude Hbmass reduced ΔHbmass by -1% (-1.6 to -0.5; p < 0.001), and illness lowered ΔHbmass by -5.7% (-8.3 to -3.1%; p < 0.001). In conclusion, pre-altitude s-ferritin or iron supplementation were not related to the altitude-induced increase in Hbmass (3.7%) in world-class endurance athletes with clinically normal iron stores.

Copper concentration in erythrocytes, platelets, plasma, serum and urine: influence of physical training.

BACKGROUND: Physical training produces changes in the extracellular and intracellular concentrations of trace minerals elements. To our knowledge, only three compartments have been studied simultaneously. The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of physical training on extracellular (serum, plasma and urine) and intracellular (erythrocytes and platelets) concentrations of Copper (Cu). METHODS: Forty young men participated in this study. The participants were divided into a training group (TG; n = 20; 18.15 ± 0.27 years; 68.59 ± 4.18 kg; 1.76 ± 0.04 m) and a control group (CG; n = 20; 19.25 ± 0.39 years; 73.45 ± 9.04 kg; 1.79 ± 0.06 m). The TG was formed by semi-professional soccer players from a youth category with a regular training plan of 10 h/week. All of them had been participating in high level competitions and had trained for at least 5 years. Plasma, serum, urine, erythrocyte and platelet samples of Cu were obtained and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULTS: The TG showed lower concentrations of Cu in erythrocytes (p < 0.05) despite similar intakes. There were no significant differences in Cu concentrations in plasma, serum, urine and platelets although the trend was similar to that observed in erythrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of trace element concentrations should be carried out in both extracellular and intracellular compartments to obtain a proper evaluation and to identify possible deficiencies of the element. We believe that additional Cu supplementation is needed in athletes who perform physical training regularly.

Effect of six weeks 1000 mg/day vitamin C supplementation and healthy training in elderly women on genes expression associated with the immune response - a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated the effects of supplementation and exercise on the expression of genes associated with inflammation like CCL2, CRP, IL1, IL6, IL10 mRNA in elderly women. METHODS: Twenty four participants divided randomly into two groups were subjected to 6 weeks of the same health training program (three times per week). SUP group (supplemented, n = 12, mean age 72.8 ± 5.26 years and mean body mass 68.1 ± 8.3 kg) received 1000 mg of Vitamin C/day during the training period, while CON group (control, n = 12, mean age 72.4 ± 5.5 years and body mass 67.7 ± 7.5 kg) received placebo. RESULTS: No significant changes in IL-1, IL-6, IL-10 and CRP mRNA were observed within and between groups. However, there was a clear tendency of a decrease in IL-6 (two-way ANOVA, significant between investigated time points) and an increase in IL-10 mRNA noted in the supplemented group. A significant decrease in CCL2 mRNA was observed only in the CON group (from 2^0.2 to 2^0.1, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded, that 6 weeks of supplementation and exercise was too short to obtain significant changes in gene expression in leukocytes, but supplementation of 1000 mg vitamin C positively affected IL-6 and IL-10 expression - which are key changes in the adaptation to training. However, changes in body mass, IL1 and CCL2 were positive in CON group. It is possible that Vitamin C during 6 weeks of supplementation could have different effects on the expression of individual genes involved in the immune response. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered.

Training, Injury, and Lifestyle Characteristics of Recreational Triathletes.

ABSTRACT: Triathlon is a popular sport among recreational and competitive athletes. As triathletes compete in races ranging from 16 to 140.6 miles and train in three disciplines simultaneously, it is difficult to identify injury risk factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics of a group of recreational triathletes regarding their medical history, training regimen, and injuries. Thirty-four triathletes completed this survey. We found a wide range of body types, training habits, and lifestyle characteristics. As in previous studies, we found a high rate of injuries in our surveyed triathletes. Injury rates were higher in athletes who had completed a longer race and those who reported higher training times per week. Additionally, many individuals have medical problems, use a variety of supplements, and follow specific dietary restrictions, which need to be considered in addition to training when assessing injury risk and recovery from injury.

A Systematic Review of CrossFit® Workouts and Dietary and Supplementation Interventions to Guide Nutritional Strategies and Future Research in CrossFit®.

CrossFit® is a high-intensity functional training method consisting of daily workouts called "workouts of the day." No nutritional recommendations exist for CrossFit® that are supported by scientific evidence regarding the energetic demands of this type of activity or dietary and supplement interventions. This systematic review performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines aimed to identify studies that determined (a) the physiological and metabolic demands of CrossFit® and (b) the effects of nutritional strategies on CrossFit® performance to guide nutritional recommendations for optimal recovery, adaptations, and performance for CrossFit® athletes and direct future research in this emerging area. Three databases were searched for studies that investigated physiological responses to CrossFit® and dietary or supplementation interventions on CrossFit® performance. Various physiological measures revealed the intense nature of all CrossFit® workouts of the day, reflected in substantial muscle fatigue and damage. Dietary and supplementation studies provided an unclear insight into effective strategies to improve performance and enhance adaptations and recovery due to methodological shortcomings across studies. This systematic review showed that CrossFit® is a high-intensity sport with fairly homogenous anaerobic and aerobic characteristics, resulting in substantial metabolic stress, leading to metabolite accumulation (e.g., lactate and hydrogen ions) and increased markers of muscle damage and muscle fatigue. Limited interventional data exist on dietary and supplementation strategies to optimize CrossFit® performance, and most are moderate to very low quality with some critical methodological limitations, precluding solid conclusions on their efficacy. High-quality work is needed to confirm the ideal dietary and supplemental strategies for optimal performance and recovery for CrossFit® athletes and is an exciting avenue for further research.