Intermittent hypoxia training does not change erythrocyte aggregation indicators in young, healthy men.

Background: The increasing popularity of hypoxic training as a training method to improve physical performance indicates the need to study the effects of this type of intervention on blood morphological and rheological indices, since the adaptive changes that follow such training mainly affect blood indices. In this study, the effects of a 4 weeks of intermittent hypoxic training on blood morphological and rheological indicators in physically active men were assessed. Methods: Forty-eight young, physically active men, participated in the study. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: two training groups and a control group without intervention (CTRL). Each group consisted of 16 participants. Training groups performed interval training (three times per week, 4 weeks, 12 workouts) under different conditions: in hypoxia (IHT; fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) = 14.4%) or in normoxia (NT; FiO2 = 20.9%). The control group performed only two workouts 4 weeks apart. Blood was taken during the first and last training session at rest, and 3 minutes after training. Results: After the last training session, there was a significant increase in mean corpuscular volume and a decrease in mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration measured at rest only in the IHT group. There was also a significant decrease in resting aggregation amplitude for the IHT and CTRL groups. There was no difference in change of post-exercise plasma volume between first and last training session. Conclusion: The applied intermittent interval training in conditions of normoxia and hypoxia had no significant impact on resting aggregation parameters. This suggest that training under hypoxic conditions does not cause adverse rheological changes.

Acute effects of multi-ingredient pre-workout dietary supplement on anaerobic performance in untrained men: a randomized, crossover, single blind study.

BACKGROUND: Multi-ingredient pre-workout dietary supplements (MIPS), which are combinations of different ingredients acting on different physiological mechanisms, can have a synergistic effect and improve performance. The aim of the study was to determine the acute effects of a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement containing: beta-alanine, taurine, caffeine, L-tyrosine, and cayenne pepper (capsaicin) on anaerobic performance. METHODS: A randomized, crossover, single-blind study was designed. Twelve young, healthy, untrained men aged 22.4 ± 1.44 years participated in the study. The participants performed a supramaximal all-out test (20 s Wingate test) twice, day by day, in random order: test after placebo or MIPS consumption. In both trials, the following variables were measured in the exercise test: total work performed, peak power, mean power, time to reach peak power, and power decrease. RESULTS: MIPS was found to be effective in improving peak power (p = 0.009, ES = 0.77) and mean power (p = 0.04, ES = 0.62) in the Wingate test. However, the supplement consumption did not affect the amount of total work done (p = 0.10, ES = 0.48) in the test or power decrease (p = 0.07, ES = 0.53). The data indicate, that the improvement in anaerobic power was due to a significant improvement in pedaling speed, which was manifested in a significant improvement (i.e. shortening) in time to peak power (p = 0.003, ES = 0.88). CONCLUSION: A multi-ingredient pre-workout dietary supplement was found to be effective in improving Wingate (anaerobic) performance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06363669, retrospectively registered on 11.04.2024 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

No effects of post-activation performance enhancement in elite male volleyball players under complex training.

The aim of this study was to establish reliability of post-activation performance enhancement in three manners: (1) interday morning and afternoon reliability; (2) intraday morning and afternoon reliability; (3) intraday set-to-set reliability. Twelve elite male volleyball players experienced in resistance training performed four identical experimental sessions-two in the morning and two in the afternoon. During each session participants performed a mini complex training session-three sets of a conditioning activity (CA) (3 repetitions of a trap bar deadlift at 80% 1RM with 15% of accommodating resistance) and 90 s after a CA performed squat jump (SJ) with 4 min intra-set rest interval. The ANOVA with repeated measures was used to assess significance of the effect of a CA and ICC to assess reliability of measurements. The PAPE protocol was found to be ineffective to subsequently enhance JH on various occasions. Also, the results of this study suggest that the practitioners may effectively implement appropriately organized complex training as both intraday set-to-set (0.87 and 0.82 for morning sessions; 0.83 and 0.58 for afternoon sessions) and interday morning (0.67) and afternoon (0.8) reliabilities seem to be acceptable. However, introducing two CT sessions within one day is highly questionable as at the moment intraday morning and afternoon reliability is vague (0.88 and 0.48).

Effect of regular winter swimming on blood morphological, rheological, and biochemical indicators and activity of antioxidant enzymes in males.

BACKGROUND: Exposure of the human body to cold water triggers numerous beneficial physiological changes. The study aimed to assess the impact of regular winter swimming on blood morphological, rheological, and biochemical indicators and activity of antioxidant enzymes in males. METHODS: The study involved 10 male winter swimmers (the same participants examined before the season and after the season) and 13 males (not winter swimming, leading a sedentary lifestyle) in the control group. Fasting blood was collected twice: in November and in March of the following year. Basic blood morphological indicators, red cell elongation index (EI) and aggregation index (AI), concentrations of testosterone, cortisol, urea, and creatinine, as well as plasma activity of antioxidant enzymes of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined. RESULTS: The data were collected from the same winter swimmers at the beginning and end of the season. Winter swimming resulted in a significant increase of EI values at a shear stress of 0.30 (p = 0.40), 0.58 (p < 0.001), 4.24 (p = 0.021), 8.23 (p = 0.001), 15.59 (p = 0.001), 30.94 (p = 0.004), and 60.00 Pa (p = 0.043); haemoglobin was lower than before the season (p < 0.027). No significant changes were observed in AI, AMP, T1/2, the levels of urea, creatinine, eGFR, testosterone, cortisol, or the activity of CAT or SOD. There was a statistically significant increase in GPx activity (p = 0.014) and increase in testosterone concentration (p = 0.035) in the group of winter swimmers examined before the season as compared with the control group. No statistically significant differences were found for the mean values of blood morphological indicators and other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Winter swimming can prove to be a health-promoting factor in males, as indicated by a rise in the deformability of red blood cells in the blood vessel system after a full season of winter swimming, leading to better body oxygenation, and improves the antioxidant defence and testosterone concentration (within standard limits) in the group of winter swimmers examined before the season as compared with the control group. Winter swimming helps maintain appropriate levels of blood rheological indicators, urea, creatinine, eGFR, cortisol, testosterone, and activity of antioxidant enzymes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT06223087, 15.01.2024.

Blood Morphological and Biochemical Indicator Characteristics in Men Performing Different Physical Activities in the Cold-A Preliminary Report.

This descriptive study determined whether winter swimming (WS) and outdoor amateur running (RUN) affect blood morphological and biochemical indicators in men during midseason winter swimming from November to April. There were three groups of participants, with 10 male amateurs each: RUN + WS, WS, and control. The research was performed in the middle of the winter swimming season of 2020/2021. This time period was chosen in consideration of the respondents' adaptation to winter conditions. The study involved only 10 male amateurs in each study group owing to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, which confined people to their homes. In the RUN + WS group compared with the WS group, significant decreases in the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (within standard limits) (p = 0.04) and platelet distribution width (p = 0.006) were observed, with a significant increase in the red blood cell distribution width (p = 0.008) (within standard limits). The renal function, as expressed by the estimated glomerular filtration rate, was higher in the RUN + WS group (p = 0.02) (within standard limits) compared with the WS group, and the uric acid concentration was reduced (p = 0.01). In the RUN + WS group compared with the control group, significant decreases in the leukocyte count (p = 0.02) (within standard limits), monocyte count (p = 0.04) (within standard limits), and platelet distribution width (p = 0.005) were reported. The remaining indicators presented a p-value > 0.05. The two investigated forms of physical activity had no negative effect on blood morphological or biochemical indicators in male amateurs during the winter swimming midseason.

Accommodating resistance is more effective than free weight resistance to induce post-activation performance enhancement in squat jump performance after a short rest interval.

Background/objectives: Prior work regarding post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) has shown that various resistance training methods and conditioning activities may induce a PAPE effect such as free weight resistance, accommodating resistance or isoinertial resistance. However, the accommodating resistance and other types of resistance have rarely been directly compared. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of two different conditioning activities (CA) - a trap bar deadlift with (FW + AR condition) or without (FW condition) accommodating resistance - on subsequent squat jump (SJ) performance after a short rest interval of 90s. Methods: The study had a cross-over design and fifteen strength trained males (mean age: 22.9 ± 2.1 years; mean relative strength level 2.01 ± 0.27 kg/body mass) participated in one familiarization, two experimental and one control session (CNTR condition). Two CAs were implemented throughout the study - a single set of 3 repetitions of a trap bar deadlift at 80 % of 1RM using solely free weight resistance or with the addition of approximately 15 % of 1RM elastic band tension. The SJ measurements were performed at the baseline and 90s after CAs. Results: The FW + AR condition significantly improved subsequent SJ performance (p < 0.05, effect size 0.34) whereas the FW and CNTR conditions were found to be ineffective to acutely enhance performance. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the addition of accommodating resistance is superior to free weight resistance in order to acutely improve jump performance after a 90s rest interval. To observe the performance enhancement effect with solely free weight resistance it should be considered to introduce alteration in loading strategies or possibly lengthening the rest interval.

Exercise-induced effects on asprosin and indices of atherogenicity and insulin resistance in males with metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) development is associated with insulin resistance and obesity, with the progression of visceral adipose tissue playing a crucial role. Excessive adipose tissue is accompanied by an increase in the asprosin (ASP), which is responsible for carbohydrate metabolism and the regulation of hunger and satiety. Exercise affects the release of ASP, which may regulate metabolism accordingly. Due to the inconclusive results of the effect of exercise on ASP concentration in men with MetS, 12-week interventions were carried out in the following groups: EG1-aerobic training (n = 21, age: 34.21 ± 6.06, WC; waist circumference: 114.7 ± 10.93) and EG2-a combination of aerobic and resistance training (n = 21, age: 37.37 ± 7.08, WC: 114.8 ± 11.64) and compared with a control group (CG) of men with MetS without any intervention (n = 20, age: 38.26 ± 7.43, WC: 115.3 ± 10.54). Body composition, indicators of carbohydrate-lipid metabolism, and ASP were assessed four times: before the intervention, at 6 and 12 weeks of training, and 4 weeks after the training sessions. A comparison of the intervention influence on changes in the analyzed variables between the groups was performed using ANOVA test for dependent groups with post-hoc comparison. The effect size (ES) was also assessed using squared eta (η2). The implementation of aerobic training resulted in a decrease in ASP concentration (p = 0.03) within 6 weeks of the intervention, while in the CG a gradual increase in ASP was confirmed (p < 0.001). Aerobic-resistance training did not induce significant changes in ASP concentration but resulted in an increase in fat-free mass/fat mass (FFM/FM) ratio (p < 0.001), and a decrease (p = 0.04) in Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Changes in the visceral adipose tissue level indicate a gradual decrease in both the EG1 (p = 0.01) and EG2 (p = 0.04) groups. Both aerobic and aerobic-resistance exercises may have a regulatory effect, mainly by reducing visceral adipose tissue, on the improvement of metabolic disorders.

The Impact of Intermittent Hypoxic Training on Aerobic Capacity and Biometric-Structural Indicators among Obese Women-A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity, a common lifestyle-related condition, is correlated with factors like inadequate physical activity. Its connection to diverse health issues presents a significant challenge to healthcare. This pilot study investigated the effects of hypoxic training on aerobic capacity and biometric-structural indicators in obese women. The secondary objective was to determine the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of the planned research procedures and their potential for larger-scale implementation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-one non-trained women with first-degree obesity were randomly assigned to even normobaric hypoxic training (H + E), normoxic training (E), passive exposure to hypoxia (H), and a control group (C). Training sessions were conducted three times a week for four weeks (12 training sessions). Body composition parameters were assessed, metabolic thresholds were determined, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) was measured before and after interventions. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that training in hypoxic conditions significantly affected somatic parameters, with the H + E group achieving the best outcomes in terms of weight reduction and improvements in body composition indicators (p < 0.001). Normoxic training also induced a positive impact on body weight and body composition, although the results were less significant compared to the H + E group (p < 0.001). Additionally, training in hypoxic conditions significantly improved the aerobic capacity among the participants (p < 0.001). The H + E group achieved the best results in enhancing respiratory endurance and oxygen consumption (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this pilot study suggest, that hypoxic training can be effective for weight reduction and improving the aerobic capacity in obese women. Despite study limitations, these findings indicate that hypoxic training could be an innovative approach to address obesity and related conditions. Caution is advised in interpreting the results, considering both the strengths and limitations of the pilot study. Before proceeding to a larger-scale study, the main study should be expanded, including aspects such as dietary control, monitoring physical activity, and biochemical blood analysis.

Resting metabolic rate is increased after a series of whole body vibration in young men.

Resting metabolic rate (RMR) is the largest component of total energy expenditure and increasing it can be of great importance in reducing excess body fatness. Whole body vibration (WBV) can affect energy expenditure during single session of WBV, but the effects of repeated WBV on resting metabolic rate have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a series of WBV would increase resting metabolism in young men. Thirty-two healthy men aged of 21-23 were recruited and randomly assigned to two 16-member groups: a group participating in the WBV intervention and a group without the intervention. The intervention lasted 2 weeks and WBV was performed 5 times a week. Diet, physical activity, body composition and resting metabolic rate were analyzed in the participants. In WBV group significantly increased resting oxygen uptake (p = 0.049) and consequently RMR (p = 0.035) after the intervention. Similar changes were not observed in the control group. This indicates that applied type of vibration in this study can be an addition to obesity therapy, in which, WBV can, among other beneficial metabolic effects, increase RMR and thus total energy expenditure.

Oxygen uptake kinetics and biological age in relation to pulling force and 400-m front crawl performance in young swimmers.

Background: The study aimed to assess differences in the biological age (BA) of 13-year-old swimmers and show their ability, as biologically younger-late mature or older-early mature, to develop fast 60-s oxygen uptake (V˙O2) kinetics and tethered swimming strength. Furthermore, the interplay between swimming strength, V˙O2, and 400-m front crawl race performance was examined. Methods: The study involved 36 competitive young male swimmers (metrical age: 12.9 ± 0.56 years). Depending on BA examination, the group was divided into early-mature (BA: 15.8 ± 1.18 years, n = 13) and late-mature (BA: 12.9 ± 0.60 years, n = 23) participants, especially for the purpose of comparing tethered swimming indices, i.e., average values of force (F ave) and V˙O2 (breath-by-breath analysis) kinetic indices, measured simultaneously in 1-min tethered front crawl swimming. From the 400-m racing stroke rate, stroke length kinematics was retrieved. Results: In the 1-min tethered front crawl test, early-mature swimmers obtained higher results of absolute values of V˙O2 and F ave. Conversely, when V˙O2 was present relatively to body mass and pulling force (in ml∙min-1∙kg-1∙N-1), late-mature swimmers showed higher O2 relative usage. Late-mature swimmers generally exhibited a slower increase in V˙O2 during the first 30 s of 60 s. V˙O2, F ave, BA, and basic swimming kinematic stroke length were significantly interrelated and influenced 400-m swimming performance. Conclusion: The 1-min tethered swimming test revealed significant differences in the homogeneous calendar age/heterogeneous BA group of swimmers. These were distinguished by the higher level of V˙O2 kinetics and pulling force in early-mature individuals and lower efficiency per unit of body mass per unit of force aerobic system in late-mature peers. The higher V˙O2 kinetics and tethered swimming force were further translated into 400-m front crawl speed and stroke length kinematics.

Effects of Vibrotherapy with Different Characteristics and Body Position on Post-Exercise Recovery after Anaerobic Exercise.

The aim of this project was to indicate the optimal parameters such as frequency, duration of a single vibrotherapy, and body position, which will be used as a form of recovery modality after physical exercise. Sixteen healthy male volunteers were involved in this study. The aerobic and anaerobic capacity of participants was assessed. Each of the subjects performed a set of intensive physical exercises and then underwent vibrotherapy treatment. In random order, each of the men tested the effectiveness of eight of the combinations of frequency, duration, and body position. The effect of the procedure accelerating recovery was assessed 24 h after physical exercise with the Wingate test. Changes in oxygen saturation and biochemical markers (interleukins: Il-1ß, Il-6, and creatine kinase: CK), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) were assessed 1 h and 24 h after the physical effort. Lactate concentrations were measured 3, 15, 30, and 60 min after the end of the vibration. It was indicated that the optimal treatment should be based on lower ranges of frequency values (2-52 Hz). The procedure with raised feet is also more beneficial than the flat, supine position. To improve the overall work, and a number of biochemical markers (CK and Il-1ß), a 45 min treatment will be more efficient, because significantly lower CK activity was indicated for the 45 min treatment. For this duration, higher values of Il-1ß were indicated in the measurement carried out for samples collected 60 min after the treatment and lower in the measurement carried out 24 h after the treatment.

The effect of sulfur baths on hemorheological properties of blood in patients with osteoarthritis.

Balneotherapy is an effective treatment method in various diseases and commonly used treatment modality among patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Sulfur baths are known for healing properties however effect on rheological properties is unstudied. Thus the aim of our study was to determine the effect of sulfur balneotherapy on hemorheological blood indices. A total of 48 patients with osteoarthritis were enrolled to the study. Blood samples were collected twice, before and after 3-week time period. We evaluated complete blood count, fibrinogen, hs-CRP and blood rheology parameters such as elongation index (EI), half-time of total aggregation (T1/2) and aggregation index (AI) analyzed with the Lorrca Maxis. Mean age of studied cohort was 67 ± 5 years. After sulfur baths WBC count was significantly decreased is studied group (p = 0.021) as well as neutrophile count (p = 0.036). Red blood cell EIs were statistically higher after sulfur baths in shear stress ranging from 8.24 to 60.30 Pa. T1/2 was significantly higher (p = 0.031) and AI lower (p = 0.003) compared to baseline. No significant changes in fibrinogen and hs-CRP were observed. It is the first study that evaluate effect of sulfur balneotherapy on rheologic properties of blood. Sulfur water baths may improve erythrocyte deformability and aggregation parameters.

Exercise-Induced Alternations of Adiponectin, Interleukin-8 and Indicators of Carbohydrate Metabolism in Males with Metabolic Syndrome.

Adiponectin (ADIPO) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) are proteins that play a significant, albeit opposing, role in metabolic syndrome (MetS). The reported data on the effect of physical activity on the levels of these hormones in the population of people with MetS are conflicting. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in hormone concentrations, insulin-resistance indices and body composition after two types of training. The study included 62 men with MetS (age 36.6 ± 6.9 years, body fat [BF] = 37.53 ± 4.5%), randomly assigned to: an experimental group EG1 (n = 21) with aerobic exercise intervention, an experimental group EG2 (n = 21) with combined aerobic and resistance exercise intervention, both for 12 weeks, and a control group CG (n = 20) without interventions. Anthropometric measurements and body composition (fat-free mass [FFM], gynoid body fat [GYNOID]), as well as a biochemical blood analysis (adiponectin [ADIPO], interleukin-8 [IL-8], homeostatic model assessment-adiponectin (HOMA-AD) and homeostatic model assessment-triglycerides (HOMA-TG) were performed at baseline, and at 6 and 12 weeks of intervention and 4 weeks after the intervention (follow-up). Intergroup (between groups) and intragroup (within each group) changes were statistically evaluated. In the experimental groups EG1 and EG2, no significant changes were observed in the ADIPO concentration, but a decrease of GYNOID and insulin-resistance indices was confirmed. The aerobic training led to favorable changes in IL-8 concentration. The use of combined resistance and aerobic training led to improved body composition, decreased waist circumference and better insulin-resistance indices in men with MetS.

Impact of Two Types of Exercise Interventions on Leptin and Omentin Concentrations and Indicators of Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Males with Metabolic Syndrome.

Leptin (LEP) and omentin (OMEN) are proteins whose concentrations change with the development of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). There are few intervention studies using various forms of physical activity in people with MetS that aim to determine the impact of physical exercise on the fluctuations of the presented hormones, and their results are contradictory. The present study aimed to examine the effect of two types of exercise intervention on LEP and OMEN concentrations and indicators of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in males with MetS. The study included 62 males with MetS (age 36.6 ± 6.9 years, body mass 110.31 ± 17.37 kg), randomly allocated to EG1, the examined group with aerobic training (n = 21); EG2, the examined group with combined aerobic and resistance training (n = 21), both for 12 weeks, and the control group (CG) without interventions (n = 20). Anthropometric measurements, body composition (body fat [BF], android body fat [ANDR]), as well as a biochemical blood analysis (omentin [OMEN], leptin [LEP], quantitative insulin sensitivity check index [QUICKI], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] and nonHDL-C) were performed at baseline, and at 6 and 12 weeks of interventions and after 4 weeks after ending intervention (follow-up). Intergroup and intragroup comparisons were performed. In the intervention groups EG1 and EG2, a decrease in BF was observed as well as an improvement in carbohydrate metabolism parameters. In the EG1 group, the level of ANDR was reduced. In EG2 a decrease in LEP concentration between measurements was confirmed. However, no significant changes were found in the concentration of OMEN in any groups. Combined aerobic and resistance exercises led to a higher reduction of LEP concentration than applying only aerobic training in males with MetS.

Do Highly Trained Mountain Runners Differ from Recreational Active Non-Runners on Range of Motion and Strength in the Hip and Ankle as Well as Postural Control?

The rules governing mountain running force athletes to implement into their training programmes uphill and downhill running on unstable surfaces, which are demanding for hip and ankle as well as for the postural control system. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to compare highly trained mountain runners (MR) and recreational active non-runners (NR) on range of motion (ROM) and strength in the hip and ankle, as well as dynamic postural control. Thirty MR and thirty-two NR were included in the study. ROM was assessed using a digital inclinometer. Strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Postural control was evaluated using the lower quarter Y-balance test (YBT-LQ). The results showed that MR, in relation to NR, had statistically significant smaller hip external rotation ROM (p = 0.007), lower hip external rotator (p = 0.006) and extensor (p = 0.023) strength and greater normalised anterior reach in the YBT-LQ (p = 0.028). Mountain running training may reduce hip external rotation ROM as well as hip external rotator and extensor strength. Moreover, such training may improve postural control. MR should implement exercises targeted at developing hip ROM and strength. Furthermore, it seems that mountain running training may be a good way to improve postural control.

Post-activation effects of accommodating resistance and different rest intervals on vertical jump performance in strength trained males.

BACKGROUND: Post-activation potentiation performance (PAPE) is a physiological phenomenon that has been studied numerously but the researchers are still seeking for the optimal application methods. The accommodating resistance was found to be an effective training method to acutely enhance subsequent explosive performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of performing a trap bar deadlift with accommodating resistance on squat jump (SJ) performance with different rest intervals (90, 120, 150s). METHODS: The study had a cross-over design and fifteen strength-trained males (age 22.9 ± 2.1 years; body height 182 ± 6.5 cm; body mass: 80.4 ± 9.8 kg; body fat 15.8 ± 7.0%; BMI 24.1 ± 2.8; lean body mass 67.5 ± 8.8 kg) participated in one familiarization, three experimental and three control sessions within three weeks. The conditioning activity (CA) used in the study was a single set of 3 repetitions of a trap bar deadlift at 80% 1RM with approximately 15% 1RM of an elastic band. The SJ measurements were performed at the baseline and post-CA after 90 or 120 or 150s. RESULTS: The 90s experimental protocol significantly improved (p < 0.05, effect size 0.34) acute SJ performance whereas 120 and 150 s experimental protocols did not significantly improve performance. The following tendency was observed - the longer the rest interval, the smaller the potentiation effect; p value for 90s (0.046), 120s (0.166), 150s (0.745). CONCLUSIONS: A trap bar deadlift with accommodating resistance and 90s rest interval can be used to acutely enhance jump performance. A 90s rest interval was found to be optimal to enhance subsequent SJ performance, but the potential rest interval extension to 120s could also be taken by strength and conditioning coaches as the PAPE effect is highly individual. However, exceeding the rest interval to more than 120s may not be effective in optimising the PAPE effect.

Effect of Exercise Interventions on Irisin and Interleukin-6 Concentrations and Indicators of Carbohydrate Metabolism in Males with Metabolic Syndrome.

Irisin (IR) is a biomarker that is associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the available evidence on the association of IR, physical activity, and MetS status are contradictory. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise intervention on IR and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and indicators of carbohydrate metabolism in males with MetS. The study included 62 males with MetS (age 36.6 ± 6.9 years, BMI 33.6 ± 4.4 kg/m2) randomly assigned to: examined group 1 (EG1, n = 21) with aerobic exercise intervention, examined group 2 (EG2, n = 21) with combined aerobic and resistance exercise intervention, both for 12 weeks, and the control group (CG, n = 20) without intervention. Anthropometric measurements, body composition (body fat [BF], fat free mass [FFM]) as well as a biochemical blood analysis (irisin [IR], interleukin-6 [IL-6], insulin [INS] and glucose [GL]) were performed at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks of intervention, and 4 weeks after ending the intervention (follow-up). Intergroup and intragroup comparisons were performed. In EG1, an increase in IR level was observed as well as decreases in IL-6, BF, and GL levels in relation to the initial measurement. In EG2, decreases in IL-6, BF, and INS levels were observed as well as an increase in FFM level. In CG, no changes were found. Aerobic-resistance exercise led to a greater reduction in the concentrations of IL-6 and INS and more favorable changes in body composition (BF and FFM) than the use of aerobic training alone in males with MetS.

The effects of a single aerobic exercise session on mood and neural emotional reactivity in depressed and healthy young adults: A late positive potential study.

Depression has been characterized by lowered mood and unfavorable changes in neural emotional reactivity (altered brain responses to emotional stimuli). Physical exercise is a well-established strategy to improve the mood of healthy and depressed individuals. Increasing evidence suggests that exercise might also improve emotional reactivity in healthy adults by increasing or decreasing brain responses to positive or negative stimuli, respectively. It is unknown, however, if exercise could also benefit emotional reactivity in depressed individuals. We investigated the effects of a single aerobic exercise session on mood and emotional reactivity in 24 depressed and 24 matched healthy young adults. Self-reported mood and neural reactivity to emotional pictures (indexed by the EEG late positive potential, LPP) were assessed before and after two experimental protocols: exercise (36 min of moderate-intensity exercise at 75% of maximal heart rate) and seated rest condition (36 min). In the healthy control group, exercise improved self-reported mood and neural emotional reactivity (increasing LPP to positive pictures). In the depressed group, exercise improved self-reported mood; however, it did not affect neural emotional reactivity. Additional analyses performed on both groups revealed that exercise-induced changes in emotional reactivity are associated with the severity of depressive symptoms: the effectiveness of exercise in improving emotional reactivity decreases with the severity of depressive symptoms. Overall, the study further strengthens the claim of a beneficial role of exercise on mood and emotional reactivity. It also suggests that a single aerobic exercise session might have a limited influence on neural emotional reactivity in depressed individuals.

Modeling Physiological Predictors of Running Velocity for Endurance Athletes.

Background: Properly performed training is a matter of importance for endurance athletes (EA). It allows for achieving better results and safer participation. Recently, the development of machine learning methods has been observed in sports diagnostics. Velocity at anaerobic threshold (VAT), respiratory compensation point (VRCP), and maximal velocity (Vmax) are the variables closely corresponding to endurance performance. The primary aims of this study were to find the strongest predictors of VAT, VRCP, Vmax, to derive and internally validate prediction models for males (1) and females (2) under TRIPOD guidelines, and to assess their machine learning accuracy. Materials and Methods: A total of 4001 EA (nmales = 3300, nfemales = 671; age = 35.56 ± 8.12 years; BMI = 23.66 ± 2.58 kg·m-2; VO2max = 53.20 ± 7.17 mL·min-1·kg-1) underwent treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and bioimpedance body composition analysis. XGBoost was used to select running performance predictors. Multivariable linear regression was applied to build prediction models. Ten-fold cross-validation was incorporated for accuracy evaluation during internal validation. Results: Oxygen uptake, blood lactate, pulmonary ventilation, and somatic parameters (BMI, age, and body fat percentage) showed the highest impact on velocity. For VAT R2 = 0.57 (1) and 0.62 (2), derivation RMSE = 0.909 (1); 0.828 (2), validation RMSE = 0.913 (1); 0.838 (2), derivation MAE = 0.708 (1); 0.657 (2), and validation MAE = 0.710 (1); 0.665 (2). For VRCP R2 = 0.62 (1) and 0.67 (2), derivation RMSE = 1.066 (1) and 0.964 (2), validation RMSE = 1.070 (1) and 0.978 (2), derivation MAE = 0.832 (1) and 0.752 (2), validation MAE = 0.060 (1) and 0.763 (2). For Vmax R2 = 0.57 (1) and 0.65 (2), derivation RMSE = 1.202 (1) and 1.095 (2), validation RMSE = 1.205 (1) and 1.111 (2), derivation MAE = 0.943 (1) and 0.861 (2), and validation MAE = 0.944 (1) and 0.881 (2). Conclusions: The use of machine-learning methods allows for the precise determination of predictors of both submaximal and maximal running performance. Prediction models based on selected variables are characterized by high precision and high repeatability. The results can be used to personalize training and adjust the optimal therapeutic protocol in clinical settings, with a target population of EA.