Muscle enzyme and fiber type-specific sarcomere protein increases in serum after inertial concentric-eccentric exercise.

Muscle damage induced by inertial exercise performed on a flywheel device was assessed through the serum evolution of muscle enzymes, interleukin 6, and fiber type-specific sarcomere proteins such as fast myosin (FM) and slow myosin (SM). We hypothesized that a model of muscle damage could be constructed by measuring the evolution of serum concentration of muscle proteins following inertial exercise, according to their molecular weight and the fiber compartment in which they are located. Moreover, by measuring FM and SM, the type of fibers that are affected could be assessed. Serum profiles were registered before and 24, 48, and 144 h after exercise in 10 healthy and recreationally active young men. Creatine kinase (CK) and CK-myocardial band isoenzyme increased in serum early (24 h) and returned to baseline values after 48 h. FM increased in serum late (48 h) and remained elevated 144 h post-exercise. The increase in serum muscle enzymes suggests increased membrane permeability of both fast and slow fibers, and the increase in FM reveals sarcomere disruption as well as increased membrane permeability of fast fibers. Consequently, FM could be adopted as a fiber type-specific biomarker of muscle damage.

A comparative study between serve mode and speed and its effectiveness in a high-level volleyball tournament.

AIM: This study carries out a comparative analysis between serve mode and speed and its effectiveness at the 2004 Men's Olympic Qualification Tournament. METHODS: A total of 377 serves were analysed, 124 of which belonged to Cuba vs Holland, 63 to Spain vs Cameroon, 100 to Spain vs Cuba, and 91 to Holland vs Cameroon. Serve were recorded using a tripod mounted radar gun. RESULTS: The analysis has shown the predominance of jump serve (JUMP, 84.9%) compared with float serve with jump (FLOAT JUMP, 5.6%) and float serve (FLOAT, 9.5%). Only 25.3% of the total jump serves analysed was successfully stricken back making the first tempo attack possible. The respective percentages for FLOAT JUMP and FLOAT were 42.9% and 55.6%. Ball speed in JUMP (23.03+/-3.94 m.s(-1)) was markedly higher compared with FLOAT JUMP and FLOAT (12.05+/-3.44 m.s(-1) and 11.47+/-4.22 m.s(-1)). While negative outcomes (66.7%) in FLOAT stand out, a better balance between negative and positive outcomes were found in both JUMP (50%) and FLOAT JUMP (42.9%). However, no relationship was found between serve speed and its effectiveness outcome (R2=0 in the overall sample and R2=0.005, when pooling the five serve effectiveness categories into negative and positive outcomes. In fact, JUMP was mainly performed in the span of velocities between 23.06 and 28.06 m.s(-1) in both error and direct point categories. CONCLUSION: We found no significant relationship between serve velocity and a better outcome related to effectiveness. In addition, JUMP and FLOAT JUMP present a better balance between negative and positive outcomes compared with FLOAT.

Master Amino acid Pattern as sole and total substitute for dietary proteins during a weight-loss diet to achieve the body's nitrogen balance equilibrium.

Results of this multicentric study have shown that by giving Master Amino acid Pattern (MAP) as a sole and total substitute of dietary proteins to 500 overweight participants undergoing the American Nutrition Clinics/Overweight Management Program (ANC/OMP), the participants' body nitrogen balance could be maintained in equilibrium with essentially no calories (MAP 1 g=0.04 kcal), thereby preserving the body's structural and functional proteins, eliminating excessive water retention from the interstitial compartment, and preventing the sudden weight increase after study conclusion commonly known as the yo-yo effect. Study results have shown that the use of MAP, in conjunction with the ANC/OMP regimen, has proven to be safe and effective by preventing those adverse effects associated with a negative nitrogen balance, such as oversized or flabby tissue, stretch marks, the sagging of breast tissue, increased hair loss, faded hair color, and fragile or brittle nails. Also prevented were those anomalies commonly associated with weight-loss diets, such as hunger, weakness, headache caused by ketosis, constipation, and decreased libido. The use of MAP in conjunction with the ANC/OMP also allowed for mean weight loss of 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) per week, achieved through reduction of excessive fat tissue and elimination of excessive water retention from the interstitial compartment.