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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Understanding the effects of beetroot juice intake on CrossFit performance by assessing hormonal, metabolic and mechanical response: a randomized, double-blind, crossover design.

BACKGROUND: Acute beetroot juice (BJ) intake has shown to enhance aerobic and anaerobic performance. However, no studies have evaluated the effects of BJ intake on CrossFit (CF) performance by linking hormonal, metabolic, and mechanical responses. The purpose of this study was to determine the causal physiological association between hormonal, metabolic and mechanical responses, and CF workouts performance after acute BJ intake. METHODS: Twelve well-trained male practitioners undertook a CF workout after drinking 140 mL of BJ (~ 12.8 mmol NO3-) or placebo. The two experimental conditions (BJ or placebo) were administered using a randomized, double-blind, crossover design. The CF workout consisted of repeating the same exercise routine twice: Wall ball (WB) shots plus full back squat (FBS) with 3-min rest (1st routine) or without rest (2nd routine) between the two exercises. A 3-min rest was established between the two exercise routines. RESULTS: An interaction effect was observed in the number of repetitions performed (p = 0.04). The Bonferroni test determined a higher number of repetitions after BJ than placebo intake when a 3-min rest between WB and FBS (1st routine) was established (p = 0.007). An interaction effect was detected in cortisol response (p = 0.04). Cortisol showed a higher increase after BJ compared to placebo intake (76% vs. 36%, respectively). No interaction effect was observed in the testosterone and testosterone/cortisol ratio (p > 0.05). A significant interaction effect was found in oxygen saturation (p = 0.01). A greater oxygen saturation drop was observed in BJ compared to placebo (p <  0.05). An interaction effect was verified in muscular fatigue (p = 0.03) with a higher muscular fatigue being observed with BJ than placebo (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: BJ intake improved anaerobic performance only after the recovery time between exercises. This increase in performance in the first routine probably generated greater hypoxia in the muscle mass involved, possibly conditioning post-exercise performance. This was observed with a fall in oxygen saturation and in muscle fatigue measured at the end of the CF workout. The greatest perceived changes in cortisol levels after BJ intake could be attributed to the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway.

Effects of passive heating intervention on muscle hypertrophy and neuromuscular function: A preliminary systematic review with meta-analysis.

Passive heating has been therapeutically used to treat a range of health conditions. Further, this intervention presents as a potential exercise mimetic strategy showing acute and chronic effects on skeletal muscle adaptation and neuromuscular systems. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesise the existing evidence on the effects of passive heating on muscle hypertrophy and neuromuscular function. Seven databases were searched (i.e., PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane, and SPORTDiscus) from 1937 to October 2019. Eligible studies included original papers using healthy animals or human samples (≥18 years; both sexes) that have used a control group or condition. Ten original articles were included in this review and four in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis detected an increase in muscle mass in animal samples seven days after passive heating (I2 = 65%, P < 0.01). The systematic review showed preliminary evidence that repeated passive heating exposures may promote muscle hypertrophy in animals and humans. Moreover, augmented muscle strength (involuntary and voluntary) may be observed after long-term passive heating (animals and humans) and increases in corticospinal excitability in humans after a single passive heating session. Passive heating has shown some potential benefits for skeletal muscle mass gain and muscle force improvement. Therefore, it is plausible to suggest that passive heating might be a worthwhile alternative to be recommended as an exercise mimetic for those people who lack or are unable to complete sufficient exercise.

Effectiveness of skin-heating using a water-perfused suit as passive and post-exercise heat acclimation strategies.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of passive and post-exercise heat acclimation strategies through directly heating the skin with a water-perfused suit. Nineteen young males participated in the heat acclimation (HA) protocols for 10 days, which were conducted at an air temperature of 33oC with 60%RH. The exercise-only condition (N = 6) conducted 1-h treadmill walking (6 km·h-1) followed by 1-h rest. The post-exercise passive-heating condition (N = 6) wore the suit (inflow water temperature 44.2oC) for 1-h after 1-h walking. The passive-heating condition (N = 7) donned the suit for 2 h. Heat tolerance tests (leg immersion in 42oC water for 60 min) were conducted before and after the training to evaluate changes due to the 10-day intervention. Reflecting that suit-wearing for 10 days as both passive and post-exercise HA strategies can effectively induce adaptive changes, significant interaction effects appeared in: increase or decrease in mean skin temperature (P < 0.05) and elevation in whole-body sweat rate (P < 0.05). Reduction in rectal temperature (P < 0.05) and blood pressure (P < 0.05) were found most prominently in the passive-heating condition. These results indicate that this new method of heat acclimation training, donning a skin-heating water-perfused suit, can generate thermoregulatory benefits. The passive HA intervention could be applied to individuals for whom doing exercise regularly are not feasible.

Effects of exercise in hot and humid conditions and bovine colostrum on salivary immune markers.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise in a hot and humid environment on salivary lactoferrin and lysozyme. A secondary aim was to quantify the effects of 14-day bovine colostrum (BC) supplementation on salivary lactoferrin and lysozyme at rest and following exercise in hot and humid conditions. Using a randomized, double-blind, and counterbalanced design, ten males (20 ± 2 years, VO2max 55.8 ± 3.7 mL kg-1 min-1, 11.8 ± 2.7% body fat) ran for 46 ± 7.7 min at 95% of ventilatory threshold in a 40 °C and 50% RH environment after 14-days of supplementation with either BC or placebo. Saliva was collected pre, post, 1-h, and 4-h post exercise, and was analyzed for lactoferrin and lysozyme using ELISA. There was an immediate increase in the concentration and secretion rate of lactoferrin and lysozyme (p < 0.05) with exercise, but BC had no effect (p > 0.05). Saliva flow rate was not different between conditions [(PLA: pre: 0.54 ± 0.3, post: 0.44 ± 0.3, 1-h: 0.67 ± 0.3, 4-h: 1.0 ± 0.4 mL min-1); (BC: pre: 0.58 ± 0.2, post: 0.37 ± 0.1, 1-h: 0.63 ± 0.2, 4-h: 0.83 ± 0.4 mL min-1)]. There were no differences in thermoregulatory markers (core temperature or physiological strain index) between BC and placebo trials. Interestingly, exercise-induced heat stress did not impair mucosal immune parameters, instead participants showed a transient increase in salivary lactoferrin and lysozyme. Further, 14-day BC supplementation had no effect on mucosal immunity at any time point.

Supplement with whey protein hydrolysate in contrast to carbohydrate supports mitochondrial adaptations in trained runners.

BACKGROUND: Protein supplementation has been suggested to augment endurance training adaptations by increasing mixed muscle and myofibrillar protein synthesis and lean body mass. However, a potential beneficial effect on mitochondrial adaptations is yet to be clarified. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of consuming whey protein hydrolysate before and whey protein hydrolysate plus carbohydrate (PRO-CHO) after each exercise session during a six-week training period compared to similarly timed intake of isocaloric CHO supplements on biomarkers of mitochondrial biogenesis, VO2max and performance in trained runners. METHODS: Twenty-four trained runners (VO2max 60.7 ± 3.7 ml O2 kg- 1 min1) completed a six-week block randomized controlled intervention period, consisting of progressive running training. Subjects were randomly assigned to either PRO-CHO or CHO and matched in pairs for gender, age, VO2max, training and performance status. The PRO-CHO group ingested a protein beverage (0.3 g kg- 1) before and protein-carbohydrate beverage (0.3 g protein kg- 1 and 1 g carbohydrate kg- 1) after each exercise session. The CHO group ingested an energy matched carbohydrate beverage. Resting muscle biopsies obtained pre and post intervention were analyzed for mitochondrial specific enzyme activity and mitochondrial protein content. Subjects completed a 6 K time trial (6 K TT) and a VO2max test pre, midway (only 6 K TT) and post intervention. RESULTS: Following six weeks of endurance training Cytochrome C (Cyt C) protein content was significantly higher in the PRO-CHO group compared to the CHO group (p < 0.05), with several other mitochondrial proteins (Succinate dehydrogenase (SDHA), Cytochrome C oxidase (COX-IV), Voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), and Prohibitin (PHB1)) following a similar, but non-significant pattern (p = 0.07-0.14). ß-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HAD) activity was significantly lower after training in the CHO group (p < 0.01), but not in the PRO-CHO group (p = 0.24). VO2max and 6 K TT was significantly improved after training with no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSION: Intake of whey PRO hydrolysate before and whey PRO hydrolysate plus CHO after each exercise session during a six-week endurance training period may augment training effects on specific mitochondrial proteins compared to intake of iso-caloric CHO but does not alter VO2max or 6 K TT performance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov , NCT03561337 . Registered 6 June 2018 - Retrospectively registered.

The physical demands of mixed martial arts: A narrative review using the ARMSS model to provide a hierarchy of evidence.

The physical demands of mixed martial arts (MMA) training and competition is not yet well quantified. The Applied Research Model for the Sport Sciences (ARMSS) provides a framework through which to conduct sport science, determining pertinent questions to test research findings in real-world settings. The aim of this review was to evaluate MMA research within the context of ARMSS to critically analyse our understanding of the physical requirements of MMA training and competition. Research databases were searched, with 70 peer-reviewed articles being discussed in relation to the specific stage of the ARMSS in which their results best fit. MMA research was found to be mostly foundational and descriptive in nature and has generally not developed along systematic lines. The internal and external loads and responses to training and competition have not been adequately identified. Therefore, it is not currently possible to state which variables are key predictors of success, or how coaches can optimally manipulate these variables. We propose that MMA research be refocused to be conducted within ARMSS. Specifically, stage 2 studies describing the physical, physiological and technical demands of MMA training and competition, and stage 3 studies determining the physiological predictors of performance should be initially prioritised.

Hemodynamic and Pressor Responses to Combination of Yoga and Blood Flow Restriction.

A combination of yoga and blood flow restriction, each of which elicits marked pressor responses, may further increase blood pressure and myocardial oxygen demand. To determine the impact of a combination of yoga and blood flow restriction on hemodynamic responses, twenty young healthy participants performed 20 yoga poses with/without blood flow restriction bands placed on both legs. At baseline, there were no significant differences in any of the variables between the blood flow restriction and non-blood flow restriction conditions. Blood pressure and heart rate increased in response to the various yoga poses (p<0.01) but were not different between the blood flow restriction and non-blood flow restriction conditions. Rate-pressure products, an index of myocardial oxygen demand, increased significantly during yoga exercises with no significant differences between the two conditions. Rating of perceived exertion was not different between the conditions. Blood lactate concentration was significantly greater after performing yoga with blood flow restriction bands (p=0.007). Cardio-ankle vascular index, an index of arterial stiffness, decreased similarly after yoga exercise in both conditions while flow-mediated dilation remained unchanged. In conclusion, the use of lower body blood flow restriction bands in combination with yoga did not result in additive or synergistic hemodynamic and pressor responses.

Acute Hemodynamic Responses to Combined Exercise and Sauna.

This study investigated acute hemodynamic, plasma volume and immunological responses to four loading protocols: sauna only, and sauna after endurance, strength or combined endurance and strength exercise. Twenty-seven healthy, slightly prehypertensive men (age 32.7±6.9 years) were measured at PRE, MID (after exercise), POST, POST30min and POST24h. The measurements consisted systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and concentrations of high-sensitive C-reactive protein, white blood cells and plasma volume measurements. Endurance+sauna showed significant decreases in systolic blood pressure at POST (-8.9 mmHg), POST30min (-11.0 mmHg) and POST24h (-4.6 mmHg). At POST30min, significant decreases were also observed in sauna (-4.3 mmHg) and combined+sauna (-7.5 mmHg). Diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly from -5.4 to -3.9 mmHg at POST in all loadings. Plasma volume decreased significantly at MID in all exercise loadings and at POST in endurance+sauna and strength+sauna. Plasma volume increased significantly (p < 0.01) in endurance+sauna and combined+sauna at POST24h. White blood cells increased following all exercise+sauna loadings at MID, POST and POST30min, whereas high sensitive C-reactive protein showed no changes at any measurement point. The combination of endurance exercise and sauna showed the greatest positive effects on blood pressure. Both loadings including endurance exercise increased plasma volume on the next day.

Repeated hyperthermia exposure increases circulating Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor levels which is associated with improved quality of life, and reduced anxiety: A randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT: Hyperthermia is known to be beneficial to patients affected by various diseases. Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a marker of neuroplasticity usually increased as response to acute exposure to human body stressors. Little is known about BDNF changes after repeated exposure to hyperthermia. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a repeated hyperthermia exposure programme (HTC) on serum BDNF in healthy humans. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: Randomized, single-blind, controlled trial in healthy humans conducted at Sechenov University Physiology Laboratory between December 2016 and November 2018. The treatment period was 10 weeks. Researchers analysing serum BDNF and questionnaires data were blinded to participants allocation. PARTICIPANTS: Were 34 healthy male (age 20.2 ± 1.6 years). INTERVENTION: Repeated Hyperthermia exposure programme, HTC, versus Light Intermittent Exercise, LIE, programme as control (10 weeks). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Change in BDNF from baseline to final visit three days after treatment completion. RESULTS: 25 participants were analyzed. One participant withdrew before signing the informed consent and 8 participants (n = 3 in HTC and n = 5 in LIE) could not undertake the first assessment and were excluded. Mean change in BDNF was higher in HTC group vs LIE after both time points (after 12 and after 24 sessions). After 24 sessions BDNF was 30170 (SD 5268) pg/ml in HTC group a value that was significantly higher than 24104 (SD 2876) pg/ml measured in LIE group. BDNF concentrations were significantly higher than baseline values in HTC group only, 30170 (SD 5268) vs 26710 (SD 5437) pg/ml. CONCLUSION: A 10-week programme consisting of repeated exposure to hyperthermia resulted in a significantly higher increase of circulating BDNF compared to a programme consisting of intermittent light intensity exercise.

The Impact of Eye-closed and Weighted Multi-ball Training on the Improvement of the Stroke Effect of Adolescent Table Tennis Players.

This paper investigated the impact of eye-closed and weighted training (EWMT) on the stroke effect of adolescent table tennis players. Forty-eight adolescent table tennis players were randomly selected from the China Table Tennis College and were divided into two groups as 1) the experimental group (EG, n = 24) in which they engaged in multi-ball exercise with eye-closed and weighted swing for 10 weeks, and 2) the control group (CG, n = 24) in which they received a normal training without eye-closed and weighted swing intervention. The stroke effect was assessed by three outcome measures: accuracy, stability, and ball speed. Results showed that 1) both the traditional training method and EWMT can improve the stroke effect of adolescent table tennis players. 2) In terms of accuracy, the number of stroke in the corner area was significantly different between EG and CG after the experiment (p = 0.022, p < 0.001, respectively). 3) In terms of stroke stability, there was a significant difference in the number of net ball strokes between EG and CG after the experiment (p = 0.014). 4) In terms of ball speed, there was no significant difference between EG and CG after the experiment (p = 0.871). 5) After EWMT, the stroke stability of backspin had more significant improvement than that of topspin. Thus, compared with the traditional training method, the EWMT method can improve the stroke effect of adolescent table tennis players in terms of accuracy and stability more significantly; the EWMT method can improve the stroke effect of backspin more significantly than that of topspin in terms of stability.

Effect of Calanus Oil Supplementation and 16 Week Exercise Program on Selected Fitness Parameters in Older Women.

We investigated changes in functional fitness after an exercise program in combination with Calanus oil supplementation, a novel source of bioactive lipids rich in wax esters with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA). Fifty-five healthy sedentary women aged 65-80 (mean age 70.9 ± 3.9 years, BMI 27.24 ± 3.9 kg m-2, VO2peak 19.46 ± 3.7 ml kg-1 min-1) were enrolled in the study. The participants were divided into two groups: exercise training plus Calanus Oil supplementation (n = 28) or exercise plus placebo (sunflower oil) supplementation (n = 27). The exercise intervention program was completed by 53 participants and contained functional circuit training (twice a week, 45 min plus 15 min of stretching and balance training) and Nordic walking (once a week, 60 min) for 16 weeks. Senior fitness test, exercise stress test on bicycle ergometer, hand-grip, and body composition were evaluated before and after the program. Our results show that functional fitness and body composition improved following the interventional exercise program, but for most of the parameters there was no synergic effect of supplementing n-3 PUFA-rich Calanus oil. In comparison to the placebo group, the group with Calanus supplementation experienced significantly higher improvement of functional strength of lower body which was evaluated by the chair stand test. Supplementation with Calanus may have a synergic effect with exercise on functional strength of the lower body in the elderly.

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training With Progressive Loading on Respiratory Muscle Function and Sports Performance in High-Performance Wheelchair Basketball Athletes: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of inspiratory muscle training associated with interval training on respiratory muscle strength and fatigue and aerobic physical performance (PP) in high-performance wheelchair basketball athletes. METHODS: Blinded, randomized clinical trial with 17 male wheelchair basketball players, randomized into control group (CG; n = 8) and training group (TG; n = 9). Respiratory muscle strength was evaluated by measuring maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP), aerobic PP by the Yo-Yo test for wheelchair, and recovery of inspiratory muscle fatigue was assessed at 1, 5, 10, and 15 minutes after exercise test. TG performed inspiratory muscle training protocol with incremental loading for 12 weeks with 50%, 60%, and 70% of MIP, while CG performed with load 15% of MIP. RESULTS: After training period, CG presented a significant increase in MIP and MEP (P ≤ .05), with no change in aerobic PP (P ≥ .05). TG showed a significant increase for all variables (≤.05). MIP showed a large effect size for CG (1.00) and TG (1.35), while MEP showed a moderate effect for CG (0.61) and TG (0.73); distance covered had a moderate effect size for TG (0.70). For recovery of inspiratory muscle strength, CG did not present differences, while TG recovered in 10 minutes (≤.05), representing 87% of the pretest value. Positive and significant correlation between MIP and distance (.54; P ≤ .05) was observed. CONCLUSION: Inspiratory muscle training protocol with progressive loading was more effective for increasing aerobic PP and maximal inspiratory strength recovery.