Effects of the Ketogenic Diet on Strength Performance in Trained Men and Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Ketogenic diets (KDs) are an alternative to improve strength performance and body composition in resistance training participants. The objective of this review and meta-analysis is to verify whether a ketogenic diet produces an increase in the strength of resistance-trained participants. We have evaluated the effect of the ketogenic diet in conjunction with resistance training on the strength levels in trained participants. Boolean algorithms from various databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were used. Meta-analyses were carried out, one on the 1-RM squat (SQ), with 106 trained participants or athletes, and another on the 1-RM on the bench press (BP), evaluating 119 participants. We did not find significant differences between the groups in the variables of SQ or BP, although the size of the effect was slightly higher in the ketogenic group. Conclusions: KDs do not appear to impair 1-RM performance; however, this test does not appear to be the most optimal tool for assessing hypertrophy-based strength session performance in resistance-trained participants.

Validity of Rating of Perceived Exertion Scales in Relation to Movement Velocity and Exercise Intensity During Resistance-Exercise: A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: Movement velocity (MV) may be a valid tool to evaluate and control the load in resistance training (RT). The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) also enables practical load management. The relationship between RPE and MV may be used to monitor RT intensity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the validity and practicality of RPE scales related to MV and training intensity in resistance exercise. We hypothesize a positive correlation among RPE, MV, and load intensity in RT. Therefore, RPE may serve as a supplementary indicator in monitoring RT load. DATA SOURCES: Boolean algorithms were used to search several databases (SPORTDiscus, EBSCO, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar). STUDY SELECTION: Studies published from 2009 to 2023 included clinical trials (randomized or not) in healthy female and male subjects that analyzed the relationship between different RPE scales and MV in basic RT exercises. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. RESULTS: A total of 18 studies were selected using different RPE scales with reported MV training loads. Participants included RT and untrained male and female subjects (15-31 years old). Two RPE scales (OMNI-RES and repetitions in reserve) were used. The selected studies showed moderate positive correlations among these RPE scales, MV, and training load (eg, percentage of 1-repetition maximum [%1-RM]). In addition, equations have been developed to estimate %1-RM and MV loss based on the OMNI-RES scale. CONCLUSION: Studies show that RPE scales and MV constitute a valid, economic, and practical tool for assessing RT load progression and complementing other training monitoring variables. Exercise professionals should consider familiarizing participants with RPE scales and factors that might influence the perception of exertion (eg, level of training, motivation, and environmental conditions).

Effects of a Nonlinear Program on Different Health Parameters in the Elderly.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of a nonlinear training program on visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, as well as the response of biochemical parameters such as fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG). HYPOTHESIS: The nonlinear periodized program would produce greater improvements in outcomes than the linear periodized training program. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized cross-sectional design. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Older adults with no previous training experience (10 male and 8 female [age, 64 ± 2.1 years; height, 165.12 ± 7.5 cm; body mass, 72.5 ± 11.4 kg; body max index, 26.5 ± 3.2 kg/m2]) were randomized to linear (n = 9, TT) or undulating (n = 9, UT) periodization. After a 3-week familiarization period, all participants performed 3 sessions of resistance training per week; 8 weeks of training were conducted for each group. Dual x-ray absorptiometry was used to measure VAT, and SBP and DBP were measured using an OMRON M3 digital automatic blood pressure monitor. Blood samples were collected between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. after 12-hour overnight fasting. RESULTS: Both interventions significantly (P < 0.05) decreased FPG, TC, LDL-C, and TG. A significant decrease in SBP and DBP was observed only in the UT group (P < 0.05). No significant between-group differences in outcomes were observed (P > 0.5). However, the effect size was marginally more pronounced for all outcomes in the UT group. CONCLUSION: An undulating periodization program was effective in improving VAT, TC, LDL-C, FPG, HDL-C, TG, and blood glucose levels in older adults. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Resistance training can be programmed in an undulating or traditional way in older adults based on improvements in health parameters, considering adherence and individual preferences.

The effect of the ketogenic diet on resistance training load management: a repeated-measures clinical trial in trained participants.

BACKGROUND: The effect of low-carbohydrate high-fat dietary manipulation, such as the ketogenic diet (KD), on muscle strength assessment in resistance-training (RT) participants has focused on the one-repetition maximum test (1-RM). However, a pre-specified 1-RM value during an exercise training program disregards several confounding factors (i.e. sleep, diet, and training-induced fatigue) that affect the exerciser's "true" load and daily preparedness. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a 6-week RT program on load control-related variables in trained subjects following a KD intervention. METHODS: Fourteen resistance-trained individuals (3F, 11 M; 30.1 [6.2] years; 174.2 [7.6] cm; 75.7 [10.8] kg; BMI 24.8 [2.1] kg·m-2) completed this single-arm repeated-measures clinical trial. Load management variables included volume load, number of repetitions, perceived exertion (RPE), movement velocity loss, and exertion index. These primary outcomes were assessed weekly before, during, and at the end of a 6-week RT program that included traditional RT exercises (bench press, femoral lying down, lat pulldown, leg extension, and back squat). RESULTS: There was a significant difference in RPE between weeks (p = 0.015, W = 0.19) with a slight trend in decreasing RPE. We found differences in the volume load per week (p < 0.001; W = 0.73 and p < 0.001, W = 0.81, respectively), with an increase in the last weeks. In the control of the load based on movement velocity, we did not find significant differences between weeks (p = 0.591, W = 0.06), although significant differences were found in the effort index (p = 0.026, W = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: A KD diet in recreational strength participants does not appear to lead to performance losses during a RT program aimed at improving body composition. However, the lack of adherence and familiarity with the ketogenic diet must be considered specially during first weeks.

Acute Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Movement Velocity and Neuromuscular Signal during the Back Squat Exercise.

The aim of this study was to verify the effects of blood flow restriction on movement velocity and muscle activity during the back squat exercise. METHODS: Twenty-four university students participated in this study. In two randomized sessions 72 h apart, participants performed a 4-set protocol consisting of 30-15-15-15 repetitions performed at 30% of their one-repetition maximum in the back squat exercise. In both sessions, neuromuscular function was monitored by surface electromyography (EMG) and movement velocity (mean propulsive velocity (MPV), peak concentric velocity (Vmax), and the effort index (EI)). Blood flow restriction (BFR) was applied during exercise in one of the experimental sessions with 80% of full arterial occlusion pressure over lower limbs. RESULTS: The BFR condition showed higher (p < 0.05) EI, peak, and rooted mean square normalized EMG in Set 1 compared to Set 2. Similar MPV and Vmax were observed in each set for both the BFR and control conditions. No significant differences were observed between conditions in any set. CONCLUSIONS: BFR did not imply changes in neuromuscular performance during low-intensity resistance training, but it might induce greater intra-series velocity loss and less excitation of the muscles involved.

The Role of Anesthetic Drugs and Statins in Prostate Cancer Recurrence: Starting at the Actual Knowledge and Walking through a New Paradigm.

Prostate cancer has become a major health problem in men. Its incidence is increasing as the average age of the affected population tends to be higher. Of all the possible treatments, surgery is the gold standard in its treatment. Surgery produces a deregulation in the immune system that can favour the development of distant metastases. Different anesthetic techniques have raised the hypothesis that different anesthetic drugs influence tumor recurrence and prognosis. Some mechanisms are beginning to be understood by which halogenated agents in cancer patients and the use of opioids may negatively affect patients. In this document, we group together all the available evidence on how the different anesthetic drugs affect tumor recurrence in prostate cancer.

Effectiveness of real-time classroom interactive competition on academic performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

In recent years, different tools have been introduced into the educational landscape to promote active participation and interaction between students and teachers through personal response systems. The evolution of this methodology has allowed students to participate in real-time by answering questions posed. Previous reviews on the effectiveness of real-time classroom interactive competition (RCIC) on academic performance have been performed; however, this research was based only on Kahoot, without considering other RCIC tools or programs. In addition, the RCIC effectiveness at different educational levels and its effect according to the duration of the intervention has not been meta-analytically analyzed until to date. The aim of this meta-analysis was to analyze the RCIC effectiveness in improving academic performance. A search focused on studies from the educational field published from 2010 until September 2022 was performed. Experimental studies with objective and valid data (scores based on tests or exams) were included. From a total of 397 studies considered potentially eligible, 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. The sample was n = 1,877 for the experimental group and n = 1,765 for the control group with an academic improvement in favor to experimental group (MD 7.34; CI [5.31-9.43]; p < 0.001). There was also significant improvement in academic performance when analyzing different educational levels and different tools. In addition, both short-term interventions (two weeks or less in duration) and long-term (from two weeks to one year in duration) were effective. Therefore, RCIC interventions seem to be an effective strategy to improve academic performance.

Parental awareness of the implications of myopia and strategies to control its progression: A survey-based study.

PURPOSE: Myopia has emerged as a significant public health concern. Effective methods have now been developed to delay its onset and progression. However, this information may not be reaching parents, and they are key players in terms of implementing the necessary preventive measures. This study investigated parental awareness of myopia, its implications and the strategies available for controlling it. METHODS: A self-administered online survey was distributed to parents of children 6-16 years of age. To be eligible to respond, their child had to be myopic or at risk of developing myopia due to family history. RESULTS: A total of 330 parents completed the survey, of which 321 were included for analysis. Sixty-seven percent of respondents had at least one myopic son/daughter, and most were between -1.00 and -1.75 D. Among parents of myopic children, 20.9% thought that their child's myopia progressed moderately. Sixty-seven percent of parents had a significant level of concern about the progression of the myopia and felt that it was caused mainly by the use of electronic devices and genetics. A generalised linear model showed that parental concern was significantly predicted by the perception of evolution (p < 0.001) and the number of known health-related consequences (p < 0.001). Almost 40% of parents were unaware of the existence of myopia control strategies. Relatives and eye care practitioners are the main sources of information. The most well-known myopia control strategy was myopia control soft contact lenses (29.2%), although the option that most parents would opt for was spectacles with peripheral defocus lenses (47.1%). The selection of a contact-lens-based myopia control method correlated significantly with the age of the children (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Society in general and parents in particular need more information about myopia, its consequences and the options available for its control. Eye care practitioners play an important role in this issue.

Insights into Non-Exercise Physical Activity on Control of Body Mass: A Review with Practical Recommendations.

Non-exercise physical activity (NEPA), also called unstructured or informal physical activity, refers to those daily activities that require movement of the human body without planning or strict control of the physical effort made. Due to new technologies and motorized transportation devices, the general population has significantly decreased its NEPA. This increase in sedentary lifestyles, physical inactivity, and excessive energy intake is considered a risk factor for obesity, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and all-cause mortality. Searching in PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science databases, a narrative review of NEPA was carried out to address its conceptualization, promotion strategies for the general population, and monitoring through wearable devices. It is strongly recommended that governmental entities, health practitioners, and the construction industry adhere to "The Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030: More Active People for a Healthier World" and implement different salutogenic urban strategies. These strategies aim to generate environments that motivate increases in NEPA, such as cycling and walking transportation (between 5000-12,500 steps per day), and the progression to physical exercise. There is a wide variety of electronic devices for personal use, such as accelerometers, smartphone apps, or "smart clothes", that allow for the monitoring of NEPA, some with a wide range of analysis variables contributing to the estimation of total daily energy expenditure and the promotion of healthy habits. In general, the further promotion and monitoring of NEPA is required as part of a strategy to promote healthy habits sustainable over time for the prevention and control of obesity and NCDs.

Anesthesia and Cancer: Something More than Avoiding Stress Response.

Currently, an increasing prevalence has been reported in incidences of tumor pathologies. The influence of anesthetics drugs has been the subject of numerous studies. It has been reported that the use of certain drugs may have an impact on prognosis and survival. By investigating the action of these drugs on different metabolic pathways and their mechanisms of action, we can better understand how they influence various hallmarks of carcinogenesis and determine their potential impact on cancer progression. Some of the action pathways are widely known within oncology, being targets of specific treatments, such as PI3k/AKT/mTOR, EGFR, and Wnt/ ß-catenin. This review performs a thorough dissection of the interaction between anesthetic drugs and oncological cell lines through cell signaling pathways and genetic, immune, and transcriptomic pathways. Through these underlying mechanisms, it aims to clarify the effect of the choice of anesthetic drug and its potential influence on the prognosis of oncological surgery.

Efficacy of progressive versus severe energy restriction on body composition and strength in concurrent trained women.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the concurrent training (CT) effect in combination with either progressive energy restriction (PER) or severe energy restriction (SER) on body composition and strength-related variables in resistance-trained women. METHODS: Fourteen women (29.5 ± 3.8 years; 23.8 ± 2.8 kg·m-2) were randomly assigned to a PER (n = 7) or SER (n = 7) group. Participants performed an 8-week CT program. Pre- and post-intervention measures of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and strength-related variables were assessed through 1-repetition maximum (in the squat and bench press) and countermovement jump. RESULTS: Significant reductions in FM were observed in PER and SER (Δ = - 1.7 ± 0.4 kg; P = < 0.001; ES = - 0.39 and Δ = - 1.2 ± 0.6 kg; P = 0.002; ES = - 0.20, respectively). After correcting FFM for fat-free adipose tissue (FFAT), no significant differences for this variable were found either in PER (Δ = - 0.3 ± 0.1; P = 0.071; ES = - 0.06) or in SER (Δ = - 0.2 ± 0.1; P = 0.578; ES = - 0.04). There were no significant changes in the strength-related variables. No between-group differences were found in any of the variables. CONCLUSION: A PER has similar effects to a SER on body composition and strength in resistance-trained women performing a CT program. Given that PER is more flexible and thus may enhance dietary adherence, it might be a better alternative for FM reduction compared to SER.

Opioid-Free Anaesthesia Improves Anaesthesia Recovery when Compared with that of Opioid-Based Anaesthesia. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.

INTRODUCTION: Opioid Free Anesthesia (OFA) is a relatively new technique that has been questioned due to the lack of evidence regarding its benefit-risk balance. METHODS: Four international databases were searched for clinical trials comparing OFA with opioid based anesthesia. The primary outcome was pain control and the secondary included postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), gastrointestinal recovery, respiratory depression, urinary retention, length of hospital stay, surgical complications, number of patients with cessation of the intervention and other side effects. RESULTS: Pain was better controlled in the OFA group in all the measurements made (VAS 1h: Md = -0.81, CI95% = -0.48- -1.14, VAS 24h: Md = -1.25, CI95% =-2.41- -0.1, VAS >24h: Md = -1.36, CI95% = -1.73- -1). In the opioid group there was an increase in the risk of nausea (RR=2.69, CI95% = 2-3.61) and vomiting (RR = 3.99, CI95% = 2.06-7.74), whilst in the OFA group, there was an increased risk of bradycardia (RR= 1.62, CI95% = 1.02-2.57). The rest of the variables showed no differences between groups or could not be analyzed. CONCLUSION: There is a clear benefit of OFA in pain control and PONV, but there is also a higher risk of bradycardia. This technique should be considered in patients with a special risk of difficult postoperative pain control or PONV. However, the best drug combination to perform OFA is still unknown, as well as the type of patient that benefits more with less risk.

Is the Relationship between Acute and Chronic Workload a Valid Predictive Injury Tool? A Bayesian Analysis.

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between injury risk, acute load (AL), acute chronic workload ratio (ACWR) and a new proposed ACWR. DESIGN: a retrospective cohort study of the year 2018 was conducted on Argentine first-division soccer players. PARTICIPANTS: Data from 35 players (age = 26.7 ± 4.71 years; height = 176.28 ± 6.09 cm; mass = 74.2 ± 5.27 kg) were recorded; 12 players' data were analyzed for 1 year, and 23 players' data were analyzed for 6 months. INTERVENTIONS: The mean difference of ACWR (MD = 0.22), high-density interval (HDI 95% = (0.07, 0.36)) and AL (MD = 449.23, HDI 95% = (146.41, 751.2)) between groups turned out to be statistically significant. The effect size between groups comparing ACWR and AL was identical (ES = 0.64). RESULTS: The probability of suffering an injury conditioned by ACWR or random ACWR was similar for all estimated quantiles, and the differences between them were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The ACWR ratio, using internal load monitoring, is no better than a synthetic ACWR created from a random denominator to predict the probability of injury. ACWR should not be used in isolation to analyze the causality between load and injury.

Effects of the Ketogenic Diet on Muscle Hypertrophy in Resistance-Trained Men and Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Reviews focused on the ketogenic diet (KD) based on the increase in fat-free mass (FFM) have been carried out with pathological populations or, failing that, without population differentiation. The aim of this review and meta-analysis was to verify whether a ketogenic diet without programmed energy restriction generates increases in fat-free mass (FFM) in resistance-trained participants. We evaluated the effect of the ketogenic diet, in conjunction with resistance training, on fat-free mass in trained participants. Boolean algorithms from various databases (PubMed, Scopus. and Web of Science) were used, and a total of five studies were located that related to both ketogenic diets and resistance-trained participants. In all, 111 athletes or resistance-trained participants (87 male and 24 female) were evaluated in the studies analyzed. We found no significant differences between groups in the FFM variables, and more research is needed to perform studies with similar ketogenic diets and control diet interventions. Ketogenic diets, taking into account the possible side effects, can be an alternative for increasing muscle mass as long as energy surplus is generated; however, their application for eight weeks or more without interruption does not seem to be the best option due to the satiety and lack of adherence generated.

Exercise Selection and Common Injuries in Fitness Centers: A Systematic Integrative Review and Practical Recommendations.

Weight resistance training (RT) is an essential component of physical conditioning programs to improve the quality of life and physical fitness in different ages and populations. This integrative review aimed to analyze the scientific evidence on the relationship between exercise selection and the appearance of musculoskeletal injuries in physical fitness centers (PFC). The PubMed or Medline, EMBASE or Science Direct, Google Scholar and PEDro databases were selected to examine the available literature using a Boolean algorithm with search terms. The review process was performed using the five-stage approach for an integrative review and it was reported according to the PRISMA in Exercise, Rehabilitation, Sport Medicine and Sports Science (PERSiST) guidelines. A total of 39 peer-reviewed articles (Price index = 71.7%) met the inclusion criteria and evaluated the link between exercise selection and the incidence of injuries in exercisers who regularly attend PFC. Most injuries occur to the shoulders, elbows, vertebrae of the spine, and knees. Although the injury etiologies are multifactorial, the findings of the reviewed articles include the impacts of overuse, short post-exercise recovery periods, poor conditioning in the exercised body areas, frequent use of heavy loads, improper technique in certain exercises, and the abuse of performance- and image-enhancing drugs. Practical recommendations addressed to clinical exercise physiologists, exercise professionals, and health professionals are given in this paper. The exercise selection in RT programs requires professional supervision and adhering to proper lifting techniques and training habits that consider the anatomical and biomechanical patterns of the musculoskeletal structures, as well as genetic, pedagogical, and methodological aspects directly related to the stimulus-response process to mitigate the occurrence of RT-related injuries in PFC.

Effects of Preceding Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Movement Velocity and EMG Signal during the Back Squat Exercise.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of preceding anodal transcranial direct stimulation (a-tDCS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during the back squat exercise on movement velocity and surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity. Thirteen healthy, well-trained, male firefighters (34.72 ± 3.33 years; 178 ± 7.61 cm; 76.85 ± 11.21 kg; 26.8 ± 4.2 kg·m−2; back squat 1-repetition maximum 141.5 ± 16.3 kg) completed this randomised double-blinded sham-controlled crossover study. After familiarisation and basal measurements, participants attended the laboratory on two occasions separated by 72 h to receive either Sham or a-tDCS (current intensity of 2 mA for 20 min). Immediately after stimulation, participants completed three sets of 12 repetitions (70% of 1-RM) with three minutes of recovery between sets monitored with a linear position transducer. The sEMG of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) of both legs were recorded. No significant differences were observed between a-tDCS and Sham interventions on mean concentric velocity at any set (p > 0.05). Velocity loss and effort index were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in set 3 compared to set 1 only in the a-tDCS group. The right-leg RM and right-leg VL elicited the greatest muscle activation during set 1 after a-tDCS and Sham, respectively (p < 0.05). Our results revealed that a-tDCS over the DLPFC might impact movement velocity or fatigue tolerance in well-trained individuals. Notwithstanding, significant differences in dominant-leg muscle activity were found both in a-tDCS and Sham.

A randomized open-labeled study to examine the effects of creatine monohydrate and combined training on jump and scoring performance in young basketball players.

Background: Creatine monohydrate (CrM) supplementation has been shown to be an effective and safe nutritional supplement to improve performance; however, the impact of CrM supplementation in young basketball players is less clear. This study evaluated the effects of CrM supplementation during a strength and conditioning training (SCT) program on lower-limb strength parameters and performance in under-16 (U16) basketball players. Methods: Twenty-three male U16 basketball players participated in this study (14.3 ± 0.4 years; BMI: 20.7 ± 2.2 kg∙m-2). The players were randomly assigned to either a CrM group (n = 12) that ingested 0.1 g·kg-1·day-1 of CrM or to a non-supplemented control group (n = 11, CON). The athletes participated in an 8-week SCT program consisting of two lower-limb resistance-training sessions and two plyometric sessions per week. Squat jump (SJ), drop jump (DP), countermovement jump (CMJ), and Abalakov (ABK) jump power tests as well as basketball performance (points and minutes per game) were measured before, during and/or after the intervention. Data were analyzed using a general linear model with repeated measures with independent Student's t-test pairwise comparisons. Results: The results (95% confidence interval for mean change from baseline) show that there were significant differences for all variables for CrM and CON, respectively: SJ (cm): 2.6 - 6.4, P < 0.01 and 2.2-5.1 P < 0.01; DJ (cm): 2.5-5.6, P < 0.01, and 1.8-4.4, P < 0.01; CMJ (cm): 0.3-0.8, P < 0.01, and 0.2-0.5, P < 0.01; ABK (cm): 2.8-5.5, P < 0.01 and 0.7-2.6, P = 0.003. A significant group x time interaction (p = 0.003, ηp 2 = 0.342) was observed in ABK performance. No significant group x time effects were seen in squat jump (p = 0.449, ηp 2 = 0.028), drop jump (p = 0.143, ηp 2 = 0.099), or counter movement jump (p = 0.304, ηp 2 = 0.05). A significant interaction effect was also observed in points per game (p = 0.049, ηp 2 = 0.149), while a non-significant but medium effect was seen in minutes per game (p = 0.166, ηp 2 = 0.094). Conclusions: CrM supplementation in conjunction with resistance and plyometric training increased the lower-limb ABK power and scoring performance in U16 basketball players.

Traditional and Undulating Periodization on Body Composition, Strength Levels and Physical Fitness in Older Adults.

INTRODUCTION: Undulating training has been investigated in sedentary and trained adults, but less is known about the influence of undulating training in older adults. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate body composition, strength levels, and physical fitness in response to traditional or undulating training in older adults. METHODS: A controlled, double-arm trial was conducted in eighteen older adults (10 males, 8 females; 64 ± 2.1 years; 165.12 ± 7.5 cm; 72.5 ± 11.4 kg; 26.5 ± 3.2 k·gm-2) who were randomly assigned to traditional (n = 9, TT) or undulating training (n = 9, UT) for eight weeks. Dual X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and bone mineral density (BMD). Strength levels were evaluated by the handgrip strength and the one-repetition maximum in vertical chest press, rowing machine, squat, monopodal horizontal leg press, and leg extension. In addition, functional capacity was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Statistical analysis included mean/median comparisons to establish the difference after the intervention (paired Student's t-test or Wilcoxon test), and effect size calculations based on estimates. RESULTS: After correction for fat-free adipose tissue, a significant increase in FFM was observed in both groups, while no significant changes were found in FM and BMD. Upper- and lower-limbs strength showed significant increases in both groups, although clinical significance varied among exercises. Favorable results were seen on the cardiorespiratory fitness and strength components of the SFT in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The 8-week UT and TT protocols are valid options for improving FFM and increasing strength and functional capacity in women and men over 60 years of age.

A Bioinformatics-Assisted Review on Iron Metabolism and Immune System to Identify Potential Biomarkers of Exercise Stress-Induced Immunosuppression.

The immune function is closely related to iron (Fe) homeostasis and allostasis. The aim of this bioinformatics-assisted review was twofold; (i) to update the current knowledge of Fe metabolism and its relationship to the immune system, and (ii) to perform a prediction analysis of regulatory network hubs that might serve as potential biomarkers during stress-induced immunosuppression. Several literature and bioinformatics databases/repositories were utilized to review Fe metabolism and complement the molecular description of prioritized proteins. The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) was used to build a protein-protein interactions network for subsequent network topology analysis. Importantly, Fe is a sensitive double-edged sword where two extremes of its nutritional status may have harmful effects on innate and adaptive immunity. We identified clearly connected important hubs that belong to two clusters: (i) presentation of peptide antigens to the immune system with the involvement of redox reactions of Fe, heme, and Fe trafficking/transport; and (ii) ubiquitination, endocytosis, and degradation processes of proteins related to Fe metabolism in immune cells (e.g., macrophages). The identified potential biomarkers were in agreement with the current experimental evidence, are included in several immunological/biomarkers databases, and/or are emerging genetic markers for different stressful conditions. Although further validation is warranted, this hybrid method (human-machine collaboration) to extract meaningful biological applications using available data in literature and bioinformatics tools should be highlighted.

Simple anthropometry-based calculations to monitor body composition in athletes: Scoping review and reference values.

BACKGROUND: Kinanthropometry offers to exercise and health professionals a standardized procedure of acquiring surface anatomical measurements that might be used to track changes in body composition. AIM: To describe simple anthropometric indices to monitor body composition changes in amateur and elite athletes, and to provide reference values during the competition phase. METHODS: A search of articles indexed in PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and SciELO databases using the string body composition AND (anthropometric OR skinfolds OR circumferences OR girth OR estimation equation) AND "body fat". Inclusion criteria were: quantitative and/or qualitative research published between 2009 and 2020, written in English or Spanish, reporting simple anthropometric indices that included skinfolds, girths, or basic measures in amateur and elite athletes. RESULTS: A total of 51 studies (Price's index = 66.4%) met all the inclusion criteria and were included in this scoping review. Contrary to the frequent practice, the use of a regression equation might not be accurate to evaluate body composition. To avoid this, anthropometrists should base their analysis on the absolute values of the sum of skinfolds (∑S) and related variables, such as skinfold-corrected girths and lean mass index. While not definitive, because further research is required, the practical recommendations and updated reference values in competition phase provided by this review would contribute to the accurate identification of body composition changes. CONCLUSIONS: ∑S and lean mass index have been shown to be valid for monitoring changes in fat mass and fat-free mass, respectively. More research is needed to derive the lean mass index-specific coefficient for each sports population.