Effects of Passive or Active Recovery Regimes Applied During Long-Term Interval Training on Physical Fitness in Healthy Trained and Untrained Individuals: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Intermittent exercise programs characterized through intensive exercise bouts alternated with passive or active recovery (i.e., interval training), have been proven to enhance measures of cardiorespiratory fitness. However, it is unresolved which recovery type (active or passive) applied during interval training results in larger performance improvements. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to summarize recent evidence on the effects of passive or active recovery following long-term interval exercise training on measures of physical fitness and physiological adaptations in healthy trained and untrained individuals. The study protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF) platform ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/9BUEY ). METHODS: We searched nine databases including the grey literature (Academic Search Elite, CINAHL, ERIC, Open Access Theses and Dissertations, Open Dissertations, PsycINFO, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus) from inception until February 2023. Key terms as high-intensity interval training, recovery mode, passive or active recover were used. A systematic review rather than a meta-analysis was performed, as a large number of outcome parameters would have produced substantial heterogeneity. RESULTS: After screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, 24 studies were eligible for inclusion in our final analysis. Thirteen studies examined the effects of interval training interspersed with passive recovery regimes on physical fitness and physiological responses in trained (6 studies) and untrained (7 studies) individuals. Eleven out of 13 studies reported significant improvements in physical fitness (e.g., maximal aerobic velocity (MAV), Yo-Yo running test, jump performance) and physiological parameters (e.g., maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max], lactate threshold, blood pressure) in trained (effect sizes from single studies: 0.13 < Cohen's d < 3.27, small to very large) and untrained individuals (effect sizes: 0.17 < d < 4.19, small to very large) despite the type of interval training or exercise dosage (frequency, intensity, time, type). Two studies were identified that examined the effects of passive recovery applied during interval training in young female basketball (15.1 ± 1.1 years) and male soccer players (14.2 ± 0.5 years). Both studies showed positive effects of passive recovery on VO2max, countermovement jump performance, and the Yo-Yo running test. Eleven studies examined the effects of interval training interspersed with active recovery methods on physical fitness and physiological parameters in trained (6 studies) and untrained individuals (5 studies). Despite the type of interval training or exercise dosage, nine out of eleven studies reported significant increases in measures of physical fitness (e.g., MAV) and physiological parameters (e.g., VO2max, blood pressures) in trained (effect sizes from single studies: 0.13 < d < 1.29, small to very large) and untrained individuals (effect sizes: 0.19 < d < 3.29, small to very large). There was no study available that examined the effects of active recovery on physical fitness and physiological responses in youth. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this systematic review show that interval training interspersed with active or passive recovery regimes have the potential to improve measures of physical fitness and physiology outcomes in trained and untrained adults and trained youth. That is, the applied recovery type seems not to affect the outcomes. Nonetheless, more research is needed on the effects of recovery type on measures of physical fitness and physiological adaptations in youth.

Enhancing cardiometabolic health: unveiling the synergistic effects of high-intensity interval training with spirulina supplementation on selected adipokines, insulin resistance, and anthropometric indices in obese males.

This study investigated the combined effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and spirulina supplementation on adipokine levels, insulin resistance, anthropometric indices, and cardiorespiratory fitness in 44 obese males (aged 25-40 years). The participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: control (CG), supplement (SG), training (TG), or training plus supplement (TSG). The intervention involved daily administration of either spirulina or a placebo and HIIT three times a week for the training groups. Anthropometric indices, HOMA-IR, VO2peak, and circulating adipokines (asprosin and lipocalin2, omentin-1, irisin, and spexin) were measured before and after the 12-week intervention. Post-intervention analysis indicated differences between the CG and the three interventional groups for body weight, fat-free mass (FFM), percent body fat (%BF), HOMA-IR, and adipokine levels (p < 0.05). TG and SG participants had increased VO2peak (p < 0.05). Spirulina supplementation with HIIT increased VO2peak, omentin-1, irisin, and spexin, while causing decreases in lipocalin-2 and asprosin levels and improvements in body composition (weight, %fat), BMI, and HOMA-IR. Notably, the combination of spirulina and HIIT produced more significant changes in circulating adipokines and cardiometabolic health in obese males compared to either supplementation or HIIT alone (p < 0.05). These findings highlight the synergistic benefits of combining spirulina supplementation with HIIT, showcasing their potential in improving various health parameters and addressing obesity-related concerns in a comprehensive manner.

Effects of the Type of Exercise Training on Bone Health Parameters in Adolescent Girls: A Systematic Review.

Interventional studies offer strong evidence for exercise's osteogenic impact on bone particularly during growth. With rising osteoporosis rates in older women, enhancing bone strength early in life is crucial. Thus, investigating the osteogenic effects of different types of physical activities in young females is crucial. Despite varied findings, only two systematic reviews tried to explore this topic without examining how different types of exercise may affect bone health in adolescent girls. The first aim of this systematic review was to assess the impact of exercise training on bone health parameters in adolescent girls, and the second aim was to investigate whether the type of exercise training can modulate this effect. A systematic literature search was conducted using common electronic databases from inception - January 2023. Seven studies (355 participants) were eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. Two studies dealt with resistance training, 3 studies applied plyometric training, 1 study used team sports, and 1 study used dancing. Results indicate that plyometric training increases lumbar spine bone mass in adolescent girls. Well-designed randomized controlled trials with a proper training period (> 12 weeks) are needed to advocate a specific type of training which has the highest osteogenic effect.

Spirulina Supplementation with High-Intensity Interval Training Decreases Adipokines Levels and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Men with Obesity.

Adiposity, a state characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat, is closely linked to metabolic complications and the secretion of specific adipokines. This study explores the potential of exercise and Spirulina supplementation to mitigate these complications and modulate adipokine release associated with obesity. The primary objective of this investigation was to examine the impact of a 12-week regimen of high-intensity training combined with Spirulina supplementation on adipokine concentrations and lipid profiles in male individuals with obesity (N = 44). The participants were randomly distributed into four groups, each consisting of 11 participants: a control group (CG), a supplement group (SG), a training group (TG), and a training plus supplement group (TSG). The intervention comprised a 12-week treatment involving Spirulina supplementation (6 g capsule daily), a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol with three sessions per week, or a combined approach. Following the interventions, metabolic parameters, anthropometric measurements, cardiorespiratory indices, and circulating adipokines [CRP, Sema3C, TNF-α, IL-6, MCP1, IL-8] were assessed within 48 h of the before and final training session. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences across all measures among the groups (p < 0.05). Notably, post hoc analyses indicated substantial disparities between the CG and the three interventional groups regarding body weight (p < 0.05). The combined training and supplementation approach led to noteworthy reductions in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TGL) levels (all p < 0.0001), coupled with an elevation in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (p = 0.0001). Furthermore, adipokine levels significantly declined in the three intervention groups relative to the CG (p < 0.05). The findings from this 12-week study demonstrate that Spirulina supplementation in conjunction with high-intensity interval training reduced adipokine levels, improved body weight and BMI, and enhanced lipid profiles. This investigation underscores the potential of Spirulina supplementation and high-intensity interval training as a synergistic strategy to ameliorate obesity-related complications and enhance overall cardiometabolic well-being in obese males.

Lower limbs micro-loading acutely attenuates repeated change-of-direction performance in male youth during small-sided soccer games.

BACKGROUND: Soccer players often wear light-weighted wearable resistance (WR) attached to different body parts during the warm-up period with the aim to improve measures of physical fitness. However, the effect of WR on physical performance is unknown. This study evaluated the effects of WR with different micro-loadings on repeated change-of-direction (RCoD) performance while executing small-sided soccer games (SSG). METHODS: Twenty male soccer players aged 16.0 ± 1.5 years (body mass 74.0 ± 7.4 kg, body-height 175.0 ± 10.0 cm) volunteered to participate in this study. Following a within-subject study design, players performed four specific warm-up protocols in randomized order with a rest of 72 h between protocols: (1) WR micro-loadings with 0.1% of body mass (WR0.1); (2) WR micro-loadings with 0.2% of body mass (WR0.2); (3) WR micro-loadings with 0.3% of body mass (WR0.3); (4) no WR (control = CONT). After the warm-up protocols, players performed 2 sets of 20-min SSG. The RCoD was collected at the 8th min of SSG (SSG 1-8 min), the 15th min of SSG1 (SSG1-15 min), and at the 15th min of SSG2 (SSG2-15 min). Outcomes included mean and total RCoD indices (i.e., mean time and total time for each condition). RESULTS: Based on the outcomes of a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), WR0.1 and WR0.2 were more effective than control in dampening the decrease of RCoD's total time during SSG1-8 min, and SSG2-15 min (small ES: 0.24-0.35; p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between WR0.3 and control. In addition, WR0.1 and WR0.2 significantly affected the decreases in RCoD's mean best time during SSG1 and SSG2 which was observed in the unloaded condition (CONT) and consequently displayed a lower rate of RCoD performance decrease. CONCLUSION: This study reports that wearing lower extremity WRs with micro-loads of 0.1% or 0.2% of body mass attenuates physical fatigue indicated in attenuated RCoD performance while executing SSG.

Astaxanthin Supplementation Augments the Benefits of CrossFit Workouts on Semaphorin 3C and Other Adipokines in Males with Obesity.

Regular physical activity and the use of nutritional supplements, including antioxidants, are recognized as efficacious approaches for the prevention and mitigation of obesity-related complications. This study investigated the effects of 12 weeks of CrossFit training combined with astaxanthin (ASX) supplementation on some plasma adipokines in males with obesity. Sixty-eight males with obesity (BMI: 33.6 ± 1.4 kg·m-2) were randomly assigned into four groups: the control group (CG; n = 11), ASX supplementation group (SG; n = 11), CrossFit group (TG; n = 11), and training plus supplement group (TSG; n = 11). Participants underwent 12 weeks of supplementation with ASX or placebo (20 mg/day capsule daily), CrossFit training, or a combination of both interventions. Plasma levels of semaphorin 3C (SEMA3C), apelin, chemerin, omentin1, visfatin, resistin, adiponectin, leptin, vaspin, and RBP4 were measured 72 h before the first training session and after the last training session. The plasma levels of all measured adipokines were significantly altered in SG, TG, and TSG groups (p < 0.05). The reduction of resistin was significantly higher in TSG than in SG (p < 0.05). The plasma levels of omentin1 were significantly higher in both training groups of TG and TSG than SG (p < 0.05), although such a meaningful difference was not observed between both training groups (p > 0.05). Significant differences were found in the reductions of plasma levels of vaspin, visfatin, apelin, RBP4, chemerin, and SEMA3C between the SG and TSG groups (p < 0.05). The study found that a 12-week intervention using ASX supplementation and CrossFit exercises resulted in significant improvements in several adipokines among male individuals with obesity. Notably, the combined approach of supplementation and training had the most pronounced results. The findings presented in this study indicate that the supplementation of ASX and participation in CrossFit exercise have the potential to be effective therapies in mitigating complications associated with obesity and enhancing metabolic health.

Regular soccer training improves pulmonary diffusion capacity in 6 to 10 year old boys.

BACKGROUND: Soccer is one of the most attractive sports around the globe for children and adolescents, and the benefits of soccer training are often shown. Due to the intermittent character of soccer with random changes between high-intensity activity and low-intensity play, athletes' aerobic (respiratory) capacity is specifically stimulated. However, little is known about the effects of regular soccer practice on pulmonary diffusion capacity (TL) in young players, even though it is the most popular sport in the world. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effects of 28 weeks of regular soccer training versus a non-activity control period on the TL, the alveolar-capillary membrane diffusion capacity (DM) as well as the capillary blood volume (Vc) in healthy prepubertal boys aged 6 to 10 years. METHODS: For this purpose, boys were randomly assigned to a soccer training group (SG, n = 40) or a control group (CG, n = 40). Pre and post-intervention, all participants performed an all-out graded bicycle ergometer test to measure maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and maximal aerobic power (MAP). A respiratory maneuver was performed at rest and just at the end of the test to measure the TL for carbon monoxide (TLCO) and nitric oxide (TLNO), DM, as well as Vc. RESULTS: There were no significant baseline between-group differences for any of the assessed parameters (p > 0.05). Significant group-by-time interactions were found for most pulmonary parameters measured at rest (p < 0.05), with effect size (ES) values ranging from small-to-large (0.2 < ES < 4.0), except for VA (p = 0.3, ES = 0.006). Post-hoc tests indicated significant DM (p < 0.05; 0.2 < ES < 4.0), TLNO (p < 0.01; 0.22 < ES < 4.0), TLCO (p < 0,01; 0.24 < ES < 4.0) and Vc (p = 0.01; 0.404 < ES < 0.6) improvements for SG but not CG. Significant group-by-time effects were identified for HRmax and VO2max (p < 0.001; ES = 0.5 and p = 0.005; ES = 0.23 respectively). The post-hoc analyses indicated a significant decrease in HRmax and a significant increase in VO2max in the SG (p < 0.001; ES = 0.5 and p = 0.005, ES = 0.23, respectively) but not in CG. Values for TLCO increased by almost 20%; Vc of 14% DM of 8% and VA of 10% at the end of maximal exercise in SG. Furthermore, the percentage improvement was less notable in the control group (7.5% for TLCO; 2% for Vc; 5% for DM and 4% for VA). CONCLUSION: Regular soccer training significantly improves pulmonary vascular function and increases DM and Vc after exercise in prepubertal boys. The observed adaptations are most likely due to better recruitment of additional pulmonary capillary function. However, the stepwise linear regression analyses indicated that increases in pulmonary vascular function were not related to improvements in VO2max and MAP.

Supplementation with spinach-derived thylakoid augments the benefits of high intensity training on adipokines, insulin resistance and lipid profiles in males with obesity.

Introduction: This study investigated the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) combined with spinach-derived thylakoid supplementation on some selected Adipokines and insulin resistance in males with obesity. Method: Sixty-eight participants (mean age: 27.6 ± 8.4 yrs.; mean height: 168.4 ± 2.6 cm; mean weight: 95.7 ± 3.8 kg, mean BMI: 32.6 ± 2.6 kg/m2) were randomly divided into four groups of 17 per group: Control group (CG), Supplement group (SG), Training group (TG), and Training + supplement group (TSG). Following baseline measurements, the two training groups (TG and TSG) started the 12 weeks of exercise training program (3 sessions per week). A total of 36 sessions lasting up to 60 min were included in the HIFT program using the CrossFit program. The eligible participants received 5 g/day of thylakoid-rich spinach extract or matching placebo as 5 g/day of raw corn starch (one sachet, 30 min before lunch) for 12 weeks. Baseline assessments were obtained 48 hours before the start of the training protocols and 48 hours after the last training session in all groups. Results: There were significant interactions (p<0.001 for all) between exercise and time for adiponectin (ES:0.48), leptin (ES:0.46), resistin (ES:0.3), omentin (ES:0.65), vaspin (ES:0.46), visfatin (ES:0.62), apelin (ES:0.42), RBP4 (ES:0.63), chemrin (0.36) and semaphorin3c (ES: 0.5). Plasma levels of semaphorin3c were significantly correlated (p<0.05) with body weight (r= 0.57), BMI (r= 0.43), FFM (r= -0.612), FAT (r= 0.768), VO2peak (r=-0.53), insulin (r= 0.756), glucose (r= 0.623), and HOMA-IR (r= 0.727). There were also significant group differences in insulin (ES: 0.77), glucose (ES: 0.21), and HOM-IR (ES: 0.44) (p<0.05). Discussion: Our findings indicate that 12 weeks of HIFT supplemented with spinach-derived thylakoid reduced levels of leptin, resistin, vaspin, visfatin, apelin, RBP4, chemrin, semaphorin3c and insulin resistance while increasing adiponectin and omentin levels in men with obesity.

Remediation of cognitive and motor functions in Tunisian elderly patients with mild Alzheimer's disease: implications of music therapy and/or physical rehabilitation.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of music therapy (MT) and/or physical rehabilitation (PR) on cognitive and motor function in elderly Tunisian male and female patients with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD). Male patients (N: 16; age: 74.19 ± 4.27 years; weight: 76.71 ± 5.22 kg) and female patients (N: 12; age: 71.46 ± 3.36 years; weight: 67.47 ± 4.31 kg) with mild AD were randomly assigned into 4 groups including control group (Co), PR group participated in physical rehabilitation, MT group received music therapy and MT + PR received both music therapy and physical rehabilitation. Participants were required to engage in the study for four months with three 60-min sessions per week. We found all scores of cognitive (MMSE, ADAS-Cog Total and the ADAS-Cog Memory subscale) and motor functions (step length, walking speed, 6MVT and BBS score) evaluated were the greatest in MT + PR compared to the other groups. Our study also demonstrated that MT has a greater effect on cognitive function, while PR has a more pronounced effect on motor function. Changes in MMSE scores were significantly positively correlated in the PR, MT and MT + PR groups with improvements in all motor functions including step length (r = 0.77), walking speed (r = 0.73), 6MVT (r = 0.75) and BBS scores (r = 0.78) in AD patients. In conclusion, the combination of MT and PR seems to be an appropriate intervention approach that needs consideration as a treatment strategy for elderly male and female patients with mild AD.

Endometriosis and physical activity: A narrative review.

Endometriosis is a painful gynecological disorder that affects many women. Constant treatments and contraception changes affect women looking for solutions to treat and limit the problems caused by endometriosis. The current narrative review discusses the effects of physical activity on the management, pain, and quality of life in patients with endometriosis. Findings suggest that body awareness practices such as Hatha yoga, the Jacobson method, and progressive muscle relaxation reduce pain and stress and improve the quality of life associated with endometriosis. It also highlights the current knowledge gap on available evidence and future research. Moreover, care must be taken when considering patients' physical abilities and goals and avoiding intense physical activities. The forms of endometriosis and its symptoms vary from one woman to another, so it is important to perform studies with various nonmedicinal or surgical techniques. It is important to continue randomized controlled trials to obtain more data on the benefits of physical activity in women with endometriosis and also to identify what types of activities could be beneficial to combat pain symptoms and improve the daily lives of women with endometriosis.

Effectiveness of exercise interventions in animal models of multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with an impaired immune system that severely affects the spinal cord and brain, and which is marked by progressive inflammatory demyelination. Patients with MS may benefit from exercise training as a suggested course of treatment. The most commonly used animal models of studies on MS are experimental autoimmune/allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) models. The present review intends to concisely discuss the interventions using EAE models to understand the effectiveness of exercise as treatment for MS patients and thereby provide clear perspective for future research and MS management. For the present literature review, relevant published articles on EAE animal models that reported the impacts of exercise on MS, were extracted from various databases. Existing literature support the concept that an exercise regimen can reduce the severity of some of the clinical manifestations of EAE, including neurological signs, motor function, pain, and cognitive deficits. Further results demonstrate the mechanisms of EAE suppression with information relating to the immune system, demyelination, regeneration, and exercise in EAE. The role for neurotrophic factors has also been investigated. Analyzing the existing reports, this literature review infers that EAE is a suitable animal model that can help researchers develop further understanding and treatments for MS. Besides, findings from previous animal studies supports the contention that exercise assists in ameliorating MS progression.

Timing of Resistance Training During Ramadan Fasting and Its Effects on Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy.

PURPOSE: During Ramadan month, Muslims often continue training to maintain their muscle performance. However, trainers should stress the importance of the time of day chosen for practicing resistance training (RT) during Ramadan fasting to avoid health and performance alteration. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of the timing of RT during Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on muscle strength and hypertrophy in healthy male adults. METHODS: Forty men were randomly allocated to 2 matched groups: 20 practicing whole-body RT in the late afternoon in a fasted state and 20 training in the late evening in a fed state (FED). Both groups performed 4 days per week of whole-body RT (∼75%-85% 1-repetition maximum, 12 repetitions/3-4 sets) during RIF. Anthropometric measurements and 1-repetition-maximum test for the squats, deadlift, and bench press were measured. A cross-sectional area of the quadriceps and biceps brachii was examined using ultrasound scans. All measurements were taken at 4 time points: 24 hours before the start of Ramadan, on the 15th day of Ramadan, on the 29th day of Ramadan, and 21 days after Ramadan. RESULTS: Post hoc tests indicated significant preimprovement to postimprovement in FED at the 29th day of Ramadan for the 1-repetition-maximum test for the squats (P = .02; effect size = 0.21) and deadlift (P = .03; effect size = 0.24) when compared to 24 hours before the start of Ramadan. No significant changes were observed in the fasted-state group or for cross-sectional area for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Practicing RT during RIF appears not to have adverse effects on muscle hypertrophy and strength no matter whether it is practiced in FED or fasted state. However, RT had greater effects on muscle strength when applied in FED. Our findings suggest that training sessions should be scheduled after breaking the fast during Ramadan.

The effects of different rehabilitation training modalities on isokinetic muscle function and male athletes' psychological status after anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions.

BACKGROUND: Previously, researchers reported performance enhancements following long-term plyometric training in athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (LCA). However, the effects of combined eccentric and plyometric training on measures of isokinetic strength and psychological statues in male athletes have not been examined yet. Knowledge on the effects of combined eccentric and plyometric training help to better plan and program rehabilitations sessions and thus return-to-sports. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to compare the effects of three different rehabilitation training programs, eccentric training (ECC), plyometric training (PLYO), or combined eccentric and plyometric training (COMB), on psychological measures (kinesiophobia [TSK-CF], functional knee assessment, knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score [KOOS], international knee documentation committee 2000 questionnaire [IKDC], and knee flexor and extensor isokinetic muscle performance (peak torque [PT], total work, ratio [R-HQ], and ratio of total work [R-TW]) at different angular velocities post ACL surgery in male elite athletes. METHODS: Forty elite male athletes from different sports (e.g., athletics, team sports) with ACL reconstruction participated in this study. The study started after a 14-weeks post-surgery rehabilitation program, which was identical for all subjects. After this initial rehabilitation period, athletes were randomly assigned to three experimental groups, ECC (n = 10), PLYO (n = 10), and COMB (n = 10), and a control group (CON: n = 10). Testing was conducted pre- and post-the 6-weeks intervention period and included the TSK-CF, KOOS, and IKDC. Peak torque of the knee extensors/flexors was tested at 90, 180, 240 °/s, after the 6-weeks training program only. RESULTS: Participants' adherence rate was 100% across all groups and none reported any training or test-related injury. No significant between-group baseline differences (pre-6-weeks intervention) were observed for any of the reported psychological and muscle strength parameters. Significant group-by-time interactions were found for TSK-CF (p = 0.001, d = 2.85), KOOS (p = 0.001, d = 1.31), and IKDC (p = 0.001, d = 1.07). The post-hoc analyses indicated that COMB showed larger pre-post improvements for all psychological variables (p < 0.001, d = 2.95 to 13.15), compared with PLYO, ECC, and CON. Contrast analyses demonstrated that COMB yielded significantly greater improvements compared with CON, PLYO, ECC for all isokinetic parameters at all three angular velocities (all p < 0.001, d = 0.99 to 4.61). CONCLUSION: The results showed that COMB induced greater gains for measures of psychological status and isokinetic muscle strength compared with single-mode PLYO and ECC in elite male athletes during a post-surgery ACL rehabilitation period. Accordingly, it is recommended to implement COMB as an effective rehabilitation means to improve knee function in male elite athletes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study does not report results related to health care interventions using human participants and therefore it was not prospectively registered.

Effects of Malocclusion on Maximal Aerobic Capacity and Athletic Performance in Young Sub-Elite Athletes.

Oral pathologies can cause athletic underperformance. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of malocclusion on maximal aerobic capacity in young athletes with the same anthropometric data, diet, training mode, and intensity from the same athletics training center. Sub-elite track and field athletes (middle-distance runners) with malocclusion (experimental group (EG); n = 37; 21 girls; age: 15.1 ± 1.5 years) and without malocclusion (control group (CG); n = 13; 5 girls; age: 14.7 ± 1.9 years) volunteered to participate in this study. Participants received an oral diagnosis to examine malocclusion, which was defined as an overlapping of teeth that resulted in impaired contact between the teeth of the mandible and the teeth of the upper jaw. Maximal aerobic capacity was assessed using the VAMEVAL test (calculated MAS and estimated VO2max). The test consisted of baseline values that included the following parameters: maximum aerobic speed (MAS), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), heart rate frequency, systolic (SAP) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), blood lactate concentration (LBP), and post-exercise blood lactate assessment (LAP) after the performance of the VAMEVAL test. There were no statistically significant differences between the two study groups related to either anthropometric data (age: EG = 15.1 ± 1.5 vs. CC = 14.7 ± 1.9 years (p = 0.46); BMI: EG = 19.25 ± 1.9 vs. CC = 19.42 ± 1.7 kg/m2 (p = 0.76)) or for the following physical fitness parameters and biomarkers: MAS: EG = 15.5 (14.5-16.5) vs. CG = 15.5 (15-17) km/h (p = 0.47); VO2max: EG = 54.2 (52.5-58.6) vs. CG = 54.2 (53.4-59.5) mL/kg/min (p = 0.62) (IQR (Q1-Q3)); heart rate before the physical test: EG = 77.1 ± 9.9 vs. CG = 74.3 ± 14.0 bpm (p = 0.43); SAP: EG = 106.6 ± 13.4 vs. CG = 106.2 ± 14.8 mmHg (p = 0.91); DAP: EG = 66.7 ± 9.1 vs. CG = 63.9 ± 10.2 mmHg (p = 0.36); LBP: EG = 1.5 ± 0.4 vs. CG = 1.3 ± 0.4 mmol/L (p = 0.12); and LAP: EG = 4.5 ± 2.36 vs. CG = 4.06 ± 3.04 mmol/L (p = 0.60). Our study suggests that dental malocclusion does not impede maximal aerobic capacity and the athletic performance of young track and field athletes.

Listening to music during a repeated sprint test improves performance and psychophysiological responses in healthy and physically active male adults.

BACKGROUND: It is well-documented that listening to music has the potential to improve physical performance during intense physical exercise. Less information is available on the timing of music application. This study aimed to investigate the effects of listening to preferred music during the warm up of a subsequent test or during the test on performance of repeated sprint sets (RSS) in adult males. METHODS: In a randomized cross-over design, 19 healthy males (age, 22.1 ± 1.2 years; body mass, 72.7 ± 9.3 kg; height, 1.79 ± 0.06 m; BMI, 22.6 ± 2.2 kg m-2) performed a test including 2 sets of 5*20-m repeated-sprints under one of three conditions: listening to preferred music during the test; listening to preferred music during the warm-up; or not listening to music. The assessed parameters comprised RSS performance indices, blood lactate, heart rate, the pacing strategy profile, rating of perceived exertion, and a feeling scale. RESULTS: For performance indices during set 1 of the RSS test, we found a significant decrease in total sum sequence, fast time index and fatigue index in the listening to preferred music condition compared to the no music condition (total sum sequence: p = 0.006, d = 0.93; fast time index: p = 0.003, d = 0.67; fatigue index: p < 0.001; d = 1.30) and the listening to preferred music during the warm-up condition (fast time index: p = 0.002; d = 1.15; fatigue index: p = 0.006; d = 0.74). However, there was no significant effect of listening to preferred music on physical performance during set 2 of the RSS test. Compared to the no music condition, blood lactate concentrations were higher in the listening to preferred music during the test condition (p = 0.025; d = 0.92). In addition, listening to preferred music appears not to have an effect on heart rate, the pacing strategy profile, perceived exertion, and affective responses before, during and after the RSS test. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study revealed that RSS performances were better (FT and FI indices) in the PMDT compared with the PMWU condition. Moreover, in set 1 of the RSS test, better RSS indices were found in the PMDT compared to NM condition.

The Impact of Sport-discipline and Sex on Physical Fitness and Bone Markers in Athletes.

This study was performed to determine the impact of sex and sport-discipline on physical fitness and bone markers in young sub-elite track and field athletes. One hundred and forty-four track and field sub-elite athletes (78 males aged 17.8±1.6 years; 66 females aged 17.2±1.9 years) volunteered to participate in this study and were categorized according to their disciplines in endurance (EG: n=67) or power athletes (PG: n=77). A significant main effect of sex was observed for C-telopeptide type I collagen (CTx) (F=11.37; p<0.001; η2=0.10, moderate), for osteocalcin (OC) (F=8.58; p<0.004; η2=0.09, moderate) and for N-terminal propeptide of procollagen type I (PINP) (F=7.96; p<0.05; η2=0.07, moderate). The average CTx, OC and P1NP levels were significantly higher in males compared with females (0.05

Combined effects of high fat diet and exercise on autophagy in white adipose tissue of mice.

AIM: The effects of nutrition and exercise on autophagy are not well studied. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of high-fat diets (HFD) and exercise training (ET) on autophagy in white adipose tissue of mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male C57BL/6 mice were assigned into four groups of 7 mice per group: (1) Control, (2) high-fat diet-induced obesity (HFD-Ob), (3) exercise training (ET), and (4) high-fat diet with exercise training (HFD-ET). The HFD-Ob group was fed a high-fat diet for 14 weeks, while the ET group continuously ran on a treadmill for five sessions per week for seven weeks, and the HFD-ET group had both HFD and exercise training. qReal-time-PCR and western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein levels of autophagy markers in white adipose tissue. RESULTS: Mice from the HFD group showed higher levels in autophagy-related gene5 (ATG5, p = 0.04), ATG7 (p = 0.002), cathepsin B (CTSB, p = 0.0004), LC3-II (p = 0.03) than control. Mice in the ET group displayed higher levels of genes for ATG7 (p = 0.0003), microtubule-associated protein1-light chain 3 (LC3, p = 0.05), lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2, p = 0.04) and cathepsin L (CTSL, p = 0.03) than control. Mice from the HFD-ET group had higher levels of genes for ATG7 (p = 0.05) and CTSL (p = 0.043) and lower levels of genes for CTSB (p = 0.045) compared to the HFD group and lower levels of LAMP2 (p = 0.02) compared to the ET group. CONCLUSION: There were increases in autophagosome formation in the white adipose tissue from mice in the HFD and ET groups. A combination of HFD and ET enhances autophagosome formation and modulates lysosomal degradation in white adipose tissue.

Astaxanthin Supplemented with High-Intensity Functional Training Decreases Adipokines Levels and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Men with Obesity.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity training with astaxanthin supplementation on adipokine levels, insulin resistance and lipid profiles in males with obesity. Sixty-eight males with obesity were randomly stratified into four groups of seventeen subjects each: control group (CG), supplement group (SG), training group (TG), and training plus supplement group (TSG). Participants underwent 12 weeks of treatment with astaxanthin or placebo (20 mg/d capsule daily). The training protocol consisted of 36 sessions of high-intensity functional training (HIFT), 60 min/sessions, and three sessions/week. Metabolic profiles, body composition, anthropometrical measurements, cardio-respiratory indices and adipokine [Cq1/TNF-related protein 9 and 2 (CTRP9 and CTRP2) levels, and growth differentiation factors 8 and 15 (GDF8 and GDF15)] were measured. There were significant differences for all indicators between the groups (p < 0.05). Post-hoc analysis indicated that the levels of CTRP9, CTRP2, and GDF8 were different from CG (p < 0.05), although levels of GDF15 were similar to CG (p > 0.05). Levels of GDF8 were similar in the SG and TG groups (p > 0.05), with reductions of GDF15 levels in both training groups (p < 0.05). A total of 12 weeks of astaxanthin supplementation and exercise training decreased adipokines levels, body composition (weight, %fat), anthropometrical factors (BMI), and improved lipid and metabolic profiles. These benefits were greater for men with obesity in the TSG group.

Resistance training, gremlin 1 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor in obese men: a randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine how different resistance training protocols affect gremlin 1, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), cardiometabolic, and anthropometric measures in obese men. METHODS: Forty-four males with obesity (weight: 93.2 ± 2.2 kg, BMI: 32.9 ± 1.2 kg/m2, age: 27.5 ± 9.4 years) were randomly assigned to traditional resistance training (TRT, n = 11), circuit resistance training (CRT, n = 11), interval resistance training (IRT, n = 11) or control (C, n = 11) groups. TRT group performed ten exercises at 50% of 1RM with 14 repetitions for three sets and 30 seconds rest interval between exercises and 1.5 min rest between sets, the CRT protocol included three circuits of 10 exercises, at an intensity of 50% of 1-RM, 14 repetitions with a minimum rest (< 15 s) between exercises and 3 min rest between sets, and the IRT group performed two sets of the same exercises with 50% of 1 RM, and 14 repetitions were followed with active rest of 25% of 1RM and 14 repetitions. All resistance training groups performed 60 min per session resistance exercises, 3 days per week, for 12 weeks. Measurements were taken at baseline and after 12 weeks of exercise training. RESULTS: Resistance training (TRT, CRT, and IRT) significantly decreased plasma levels of gremlin (TRT from 231.0 ± 5.8 to 210.0 ± 11.6 ng/ml, CRT from 226.0 ± 7.6 to 188.0 ± 7.7 ng/ml and, IRT from 227.0 ± 6.3 to 183.0 ± 9.0 ng/ml, effect size (ES): 0.50), MIF (TRT from 251.0 ± 7.4 to 260.0 ± 6.5 ng/ml, CRT from 248.0 ± 10.9 to 214.0 ± 9.0 ng/ml and, IRT from 247.0 ± 8.9 to 196.0 ± 6.9 ng/ml, ES: 0.55) and CRP (TRT from 28.4 ± 1.7 to 23.3 ± 2.1 nmol/l, CRT from 28.5 ± 2.2 to 21.1 ± 1.8 nmol/l, IRT from 28.1 ± 1.3 to 20.8 ± 1.3 nmol/l, ES: 0.49) compared to the control group (p < .05), but these reduction were greater in the CRT and IRT groups compared to the TRT group (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The CRT and IRT protocols had more beneficial improvement in gremlin 1, MIF, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk factors compared to the beneficial changes produced by TRT protocol.

The Effects of Exercise Training on Plasma Volume Variations: A Systematic Review.

The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the evidence on the acute and long-term effects of exercise training on PV, in both trained and untrained individuals and to examine associations between changes in %PVV and change in physical/physiological performance. Despite the status of participants and the exercise duration or intensity, all the acute studies reported a significant decrease of PV (effect size: 0.85