Characterization of the Sideritis scardica Extract SidTea+TM and Its Effect on Physiological Profile, Metabolic Health and Redox Biomarkers in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

This study aimed to characterize a Sideritis scardica extract (SidTea+TM) and investigate its effect on the physiological profile, metabolic health and redox status in healthy individuals. The chemical profile and antioxidant potential of the SidTea+TM extract were evaluated by UPLC-HRMS analysis and in vitro cell-free methods. Twenty-eight healthy adults participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Participants consumed 1500 mg/day of SidTea+TM or a placebo for 4 weeks. At baseline and post-supplementation, participants were assessed for their anthropometric and physiological profile and provided a resting blood sample. SidTea+TM decreased (p < 0.05) systolic blood pressure (-10.8 mmHg), mean arterial pressure (-4.5 mmHg), resting heart rate (-3.1 bpm) and handgrip strength of the non-dominant limb (-0.8 kg) whereas the placebo decreased (p < 0.05) handgrip strength of the dominant (-5.8 kg) and non-dominant (-3.2 kg) limb. SidTea+TM also resulted in an increase (p < 0.05) in estimated VO2max (+1.1 mL/kg/min) and a reduction (p < 0.05) in γ-GT and SGPT enzymatic activity in serum (-3.7 and -3.3 U/L, respectively). Finally, SidTea+TM increased (p < 0.001) total antioxidant capacity and decreased (p < 0.05) lipid peroxidation levels in plasma. These results indicate that SidTea+TM is a potent and safe to use antioxidant that can elicit positive changes in indices of blood pressure, cardiorespiratory capacity, liver metabolism, and redox status in healthy adults over a 4-week supplementation period.

Recovery During Successive 120-min Football Games: Results from the 120-min Placebo/Carbohydrate Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: To examine the recovery kinetics (i.e. time-dependent changes) of performance-related variables between two 120-min male football games performed three days apart with and without carbohydrate (CHO) supplementation. METHODS: 20 male players (20 ± 1 years; body fat: 14.9 ± 5.1%; VO2max: 59.4 ± 3.7 mL•kg-1•min-1) participated in two 120-min football games (G1, G2) according to a randomized, two-trial, repeated measures, cross-over, double-blind design. Participants received carbohydrate/Placebo supplements during recovery between games. Field activity was monitored during the games. Performance testing and blood sampling were performed before, at 90- and 120-min of each game. Muscle biopsies were collected at baseline, 90- and 120-min of G1 and pre-G2. RESULTS: Compared to G1, G2 was associated with reduced total distance (10,870 vs. 10,685 m during 90-min and 3,327 vs. 3,089 m during extra 30-min; p = 0.007-0.038), average (6.7 vs. 6.2 m•s-1 during extra 30-min match-play; p = 0.007) and maximal speed (32.2 vs. 30.2 m•s-1 during 90-min and 29.0 vs. 27.9 m•s-1 during extra 30-min; p < 0.05), accelerations/decelerations (p < 0.05) and mean HR (p < 0.05). Repeated sprint ability (p < 0.001), jumping (p < 0.05) and strength (p < 0.001) performance were compromised before and during G2. Muscle glycogen was not restored at G2-baseline (p = 0.005). Extended game-play reduced lymphocyte, erythrocyte counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin, reduced glutathione (p < 0.05) and increased DOMS, creatine kinase activity, blood glycerol and ammonia (p < 0.05) and protein carbonyls (p < 0.05) before and during G2. Pax7+ (p = 0.004) and MyoD+ cells (p = 0.019) increased at baseline-G2. Carbohydrate supplementation restored performance and glycogen, reduced glycerol and DOMS responses, and increased leukocyte counts and Pax7+ and MyoD+ cells. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that extended football games induce a prolonged recovery of performance which may be facilitated by carbohydrate supplementation during a congested game fixture.

Recovery kinetics following sprint training: resisted versus unresisted sprints.

PURPOSE: To determine the recovery kinetics of performance and exercise-induced muscle damage following different sprint-training protocols. METHODS: In a crossover design, ten male and female athletes (20.6 ± 2.4 years) performed 2 × (3 × 20 m: 2 min rest) and 1× (3 × 30 m: 3 min rest) of: (a) unresisted sprints (UST), (b) resisted sprints with 10% of body mass (BM) load (RST10), (c) resisted sprints with 20% BM load (RST20), against a control trial (no-training). RESULTS: Blood lactate (mmol/L) increased post-training versus pre-training in all sprint-training trials (6.7 ± 2.4 vs 1.2 ± 0.2, 5.6 ± 2.4 vs 1.3 ± 0.3, 7.3 ± 2.7 vs 1.2 ± 0.3, in UST, RST10, RST20, respectively), as did creatine kinase (U/L) 24 h, 48 h and 72 h post-training (UST: 251 ± 173, 238 ± 154, 209 ± 115 vs 155 ± 9, RST10: 252 ± 134, 240 ± 83, 218 ± 103 vs 164 ± 106; RST20: 237 ± 133, 323 ± 303, 262 ± 184 vs 179 ± 106, respectively). DOMS of knee-extensors (KE) and knee-flexors (KF) increased post-training up to 72 h in all sprint-training trials versus pre-training (ranging from 1.6 ± 1.3 to 3.8 ± 2.8 vs 1.0 ± 0, respectively). Eccentric torque (N m) of the KE of the non-dominant limb, decreased 24 h post-training versus pre-training in all sprint-training trials (UST: 249 ± 49 vs 266 ± 54; RST10: 229 ± 52 vs 273 ± 72; RST20: 253 ± 6 vs 262 ± 56), as did that of the KF of the dominant limb (UST: 135 ± 29 vs 144 ± 26; RST10: 130 ± 29 vs 140 ± 25; RST20: 139 ± 33 vs 142 ± 26). 10-m sprint-time (s) increased 48 h post-training versus pre-training (1.81 ± 0.15 vs 1.77 ± 0.11), and 30-m sprint-time increased 24 h, 48 h, 72 h post-training versus pre-training (4.35 ± 0.36, 4.40 ± 0.44, 4.33 ± 0.41 vs 4.21 ± 0.34, respectively), only in RST20. CONCLUSIONS: Unresisted and resisted sprint-training induces prolonged reduction of muscle strength (24 h), and sprinting performance (72 h), associated with prolonged increase of DOMS and CK (72 h).

Recovery kinetics following eccentric exercise is volume-dependent.

The present study compared the effect of 75 vs 150 vs 300 intensity-matched eccentric contractions on muscle damage and performance recovery kinetics. Ten healthy males participated in a randomized, cross-over study consisted of 4 experimental trials (ECC75, ECC150, ECC300 and Control - no exercise) with a 4-week washout period in-between. Performance and muscle damage, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were evaluated at baseline, post-exercise, 24, 48 and 192 hours following each exercise protocol. Concentric and eccentric peak torque decreased similarly in ECC150 and ECC300 during the first 48 h of recovery (p < 0.05) but remained unaffected in ECC75. Countermovement jump indices decreased post-exercise and at 24 h in ECC150 and ECC300, with ECC300 inducing a more pronounced reduction (p < 0.05). Creatine kinase increased until 48 h of recovery in all trials and remained elevated up to 192 h only in ECC300 (p < 0.05). Delayed onset of muscle soreness increased, and knee-joint range of motion decreased in a volume-dependent manner during the first 48 h (p < 0.05). Likewise, a volume-dependent decline of glutathione and a rise of protein carbonyls was observed during the first 48 h of recovery (p < 0.05). Collectively, our results indicate that muscle damage and performance recovery following eccentric exercise is volume dependent, at least in lower limbs.

Functional and Morphological Adaptations in the Heart of Children Aged 12-14 Years following Two Different Endurance Training Protocols.

This study investigated the cardiac functional and the morphological adaptations because of two endurance training protocols. Untrained children (N = 30, age: 12-14 years) were divided into three groups (N = 10/group). The first group did not perform any session (CONTROL), the second performed ventilatory threshold endurance training (VTT) for 12 weeks (2 sessions/week) at an intensity corresponding to the ventilatory threshold (VT) and the third (IT) performed two sessions per week at 120% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Two other sessions (30 min running at 55-65% of VO2max) per week were performed in VVT and IT. Echocardiograms (Left Ventricular end Diastolic Diameter, LVEDd; Left Ventricular end Diastolic Volume, LVEDV; Stroke Volume, SV; Ejection Fraction, EF; Posterior Wall Thickness of the Left Ventricle, PWTLV) and cardiopulmonary ergospirometry (VO2max, VT, velocity at VO2max (vVO2max), time in vVO2max until exhaustion (Tlim) was conducted before and after protocols. Significant increases were observed in both training groups in LVEDd (VTT = 5%; IT = 3.64%), in LVEDV (VTT = 23.7%; ITT = 13.6%), in SV (VTT = 25%; IT = 16.9%) but not in PWTLV and EF, after protocols. No differences were noted in the CONTROL group. VO2max and VT increased significantly in both training groups by approximately 9% after training. Our results indicate that intensity endurance training does not induce meaningful functional and morphological perturbations in the hearts of children.

Skeletal muscle and erythrocyte redox status is associated with dietary cysteine intake and physical fitness in healthy young physically active men.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between redox status in erythrocytes and skeletal muscle with dietary nutrient intake and markers of physical fitness and habitual physical activity (PA). METHODS: Forty-five young physically active men were assessed for body composition, dietary nutrient intake, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory capacity and habitual PA. Blood and muscle samples were collected to estimate selected redox biomarkers. Partial correlation analysis was used to evaluate the independent relationship of each factor with redox biomarkers. RESULTS: Dietary cysteine intake was positively correlated (p < 0.001) with both erythrocyte (r = 0.697) and muscle GSH (0.654, p < 0.001), erythrocyte reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG) (r = 0.530, p = 0.001) and glutathione reductase (GR) activity (r = 0.352, p = 0.030) and inversely correlated with erythrocyte protein carbonyls (PC) levels (r = - 0.325; p = 0.046). Knee extensors eccentric peak torque was positively correlated with GR activity (r = 0.355; p = 0.031) while, one-repetition maximum in back squat exercise was positively correlated with erythrocyte GSH/GSSG ratio (r = 0.401; p = 0.014) and inversely correlated with erythrocyte GSSG and PC (r = - 0.441, p = 0.006; r = - 0.413, p = 0.011 respectively). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was positively correlated with step count (r = 0.520; p < 0.001), light (r = 0.406; p = 0.008), moderate (r = 0.417; p = 0.006), moderate-to-vigorous (r = 0.475; p = 0.001), vigorous (r = 0.352; p = 0.022) and very vigorous (r = 0.326; p = 0.035) PA. Muscle GSSG inversely correlated with light PA (r = - 0.353; p = 0.022). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that dietary cysteine intake may be a critical element for the regulation of glutathione metabolism and redox status in two different tissues pinpointing the independent significance of cysteine for optimal redox regulation. Musculoskeletal fitness and PA levels may be predictors of skeletal muscle, but not erythrocyte, antioxidant capacity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03711838, date of registration: October 19, 2018.

The Effects of Greek Orthodox Christian Fasting during Holy Week on Body Composition and Cardiometabolic Parameters in Overweight Adults.

This study investigated whether Greek Orthodox Christian fasting during Holy Week can change body composition and cardiometabolic parameters in overweight individuals, and whether these changes are maintained one week after fasting cessation (FC). Body composition and physiological and biochemical parameters were measured before, immediately after (n = 23) and one week after FC (subgroup of n = 10). Fasting resulted in decreased body weight, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index and total body fat, as well as blood glucose, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Nutrition analysis showed a decreased protein and saturated fat intake during fasting. FC (n = 10) resulted in a decreased carbohydrate intake and increased protein and cholesterol intake compared to fasting. Fasting resulted in decreased blood glucose, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels but returned to pre-fasting levels after FC. Greek Orthodox Christian fasting during Holy Week is beneficial for body composition and some aspects of cardiometabolic health. However, these favourable changes are not maintained one week following fasting.

HPA-Axis Activity and Nutritional Status Correlation in Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder.

Impaired activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-axis) is evident in alcohol use disorder (AUD), and may be implicated in various nutritional and metabolic alterations often seen in individuals with this disorder. The present study examined a possible correlation between HPA-axis activity and nutritional status components in individuals with AUD. Fourteen AUD and fourteen non-AUD males participated; anthropometric and body composition measurements were made, and fasting blood samples were analysed for plasma adrenal corticotropic hormone (ACTH), catecholamines, cortisol and beta-endorphin. Nutrient intake was estimated via a three-day diet record. Waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio were increased in the AUD group. Thiamine and folic intake were lower in AUD group, although only folic acid intake was insufficient in both AUD and non-AUD groups. Increased epinephrine and norepinephrine were also observed in AUD group compared to non-AUD group. No clear correlation between HPA-axis activity and nutritional status components was found. This study showed that nutrient intake, body composition, and HPA-axis activity were different among AUD and non-AUD individuals. More research on the correlation between nutritional status and HPA-axis activity in AUD individuals should be conducted.

The Effect of Physical Exercise on Oxidation Capacity and Utero-Placental Circulation in Pregnancies with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Uncomplicated Pregnancies, a Pilot Study.

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with aggravated oxidation capacity and utero-placental circulation, while aerobic exercise could improve both. The study aims to assess oxidation capacity and utero-placental circulation before and after a bout of aerobic exercise in GDM and uncomplicated pregnancies.; Methods: In this cross-sectional study, women with GDM (GDMs) and women with uncomplicated pregnancies(controls), underwent 30 min of moderate intensity cycling. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase activity (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), Uterine Arteries (UtA PI) and Umbilical Artery (UmA PI) pulsatility indexes were estimated prior-to, immediately after and one hour after exercise; Results: In each group, 25 pregnant women were included. In both groups, between prior-to and immediately after exercise, TAC and CAT increased, while GSH decreased, (p < 0.001). In GDMs, CAT was lower than controls at any time point (p < 0.05), while in GDMs delta(Δ) CAT (prior-to and immediately after exercise) was lower than controls (p = 0.003). In GDMs, UtA PI centiles decreased between prior-to and either immediately or one hour after exercise, while they did not change in controls. In GDMs, pre-conceptional BMI and weight gain predicted negatively ΔTAC (prior-to to one hour after exercise); Conclusions: Moderate intensity exercise bout improves oxidation capacity in GDM and uncomplicated pregnancies, although at a lesser extent in the former. Exercise leads to decreased UtA arteries resistance in women with GDM.

Low-Grade Systemic Inflammation Interferes with Anabolic and Catabolic Characteristics of the Aged Human Skeletal Muscle.

Aging is associated with the development of chronic low-grade systemic inflammation (LGSI) characterized by increased circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins such as C-reactive protein (CRP). Collective evidence suggests that elevated levels of inflammatory mediators such as CRP, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) are correlated with deteriorated skeletal muscle mass and function, though the molecular footprint of this observation in the aged human skeletal muscle remains obscure. Based on animal models showing impaired protein synthesis and enhanced degradation in response to LGSI, we compared here the response of proteolysis- and protein synthesis-related signaling proteins as well as the satellite cell and amino acid transporter protein content between healthy older adults with increased versus physiological blood hs-CRP levels in the fasted (basal) state and after an anabolic stimulus comprised of acute resistance exercise (RE) and protein feeding. Our main findings indicate that older adults with increased hs-CRP levels demonstrate (i) increased proteasome activity, accompanied by increased protein carbonylation and IKKα/ß phosphorylation; (ii) reduced Pax7+ satellite cells; (iii) increased insulin resistance, at the basal state; and (iv) impaired S6 ribosomal protein phosphorylation accompanied by hyperinsulinemia following an acute RE bout combined with protein ingestion. Collectively, these data provide support to the concept that age-related chronic LGSI may upregulate proteasome activity via induction of the NF-κB signaling and protein oxidation and impair the insulin-dependent anabolic potential of human skeletal muscle.

Hybrid Neuromuscular Training Improves Cardiometabolic Health and Alters Redox Status in Inactive Overweight and Obese Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a 5-month high-intensity hybrid-type neuromuscular training program with nontraditional implements on cardiometabolic health, redox status, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in inactive overweight and obese women. Forty-nine inactive female participants with overweight and obesity (age: 36.4 ± 4.4 years; BMI: 29.1 ± 2.9 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to either a control (C, n = 21) or a training group (TR, n = 28). TR followed a 20-week supervised, progressive, time-efficient (3 days/week; 6-15 min net exercise time) program implementing loaded fundamental movement patterns with prescribed work-to-rest time intervals (20-40 s, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1) in a circuit fashion (2-3 rounds). Cardiometabolic risk factors were measured at baseline and post-training as secondary outcomes of a larger randomized controlled trial. At post-intervention, TR demonstrated favorable changes in resting heart rate (-7%, p = 0.043), high-density lipoprotein (+18.1%, p = 0.029), atherogenic index (-17%, p = 0.045), mean arterial pressure (-4.5%, p = 0.03), waist circumference (-6.2%, p = 0.005), waist-to-hip ratio (-4.6%; p = 0.015), metabolic syndrome severity score (-222%, p = 0.024), full 30-year CVD risk (-15.8%, p = 0.002) and hard 30-year CVD risk (-17.6%, p = 0.01), vascular age (-7.8%, p = 0.002), protein carbonyls (-45.7%, p = 0.001), catalase activity (+15.2%, p = 0.023), and total antioxidant capacity (+11.4%, p = 0.002) relative to C. Additionally, TR induced beneficial changes in fasting glucose (-3.4%, p = 0.002), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (-15.7%, p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (-5.6%, p < 0.001), reduced glutathione (+39.8%, p < 0.001), 10-year CVD risk (-17.4%, p = 0.011), and total bilirubin (-21.7%, p < 0.001) compared to baseline. These results suggest that hybrid-type neuromuscular training may improve aspects of cardiometabolic health and antioxidant status in inactive overweight and obese women providing a time-efficient (~100 min/week) exercise approach in a real-world gym setting.

Effects of Cardiovascular, Resistance and Combined Exercise Training on Cardiovascular, Performance and Blood Redox Parameters in Coronary Artery Disease Patients: An 8-Month Training-Detraining Randomized Intervention.

It is well-documented that chronic/regular exercise improves the cardiovascular function, decreases oxidative stress and enhances the antioxidant capacity in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the chronic effects of different types of training and detraining on cardiovascular function and the levels of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in these patients. Therefore, the present study aimed at investigating the effects of cardiovascular, resistance and combined exercise training followed by a three-month detraining period, on cardiovascular function, physical performance and blood redox status parameters in CAD patients. Sixty coronary artery disease patients were randomly assigned to either a cardiovascular training (CVT, N = 15), resistance training (RT, N = 11), combined cardiovascular and resistance training (CT, N = 16) or a control (C, N = 15) group. The training groups participated in an 8-month supervised training program (training three days/week) followed by a 3-month detraining period, while the control group participated only in measurements. Body composition, blood pressure, performance-related variables (aerobic capacity (VO2max), muscle strength, flexibility) and blood redox status-related parameters (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), catalase activity (CAT), protein carbonyls (PC)) were assessed at the beginning of the study, after 4 and 8 months of training as well as following 1, 2 and 3 months of detraining (DT). CVT induced the most remarkable and pronounced alterations in blood pressure (~9% reduction in systolic blood pressure and ~5% in diastolic blood pressure) and redox status since it had a positive effect on all redox-related variables (ranging from 16 to 137%). RT and CT training affected positively some of the assessed (TAC, CAT and PC) redox-related variables. Performance-related variables retained the positive response of the training, whereas most of the redox status parameters, for all training groups, restored near to the pre-exercise values at the end of the DT period. These results indicate that exercise training has a significant effect on redox status of CAD. Three months of detraining is enough to abolish the exercise-induced beneficial effects on redox status, indicating that for a better antioxidant status, exercise must be a lifetime commitment.

Effect of whey vs. soy protein supplementation on recovery kinetics following speed endurance training in competitive male soccer players: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Soccer-specific speed-endurance training induces short-term neuromuscular fatigue and performance deterioration over a 72-h recovery period, associated with elevated markers of exercise-induced muscle damage. We compared the effects of whey vs. soy protein supplementation on field activity, performance, muscle damage and redox responses following speed-endurance training in soccer players. METHODS: Ten well-trained, male soccer players completed three speed-endurance training trials, receiving whey protein (WP), soy protein (SP) or an isoenergetic placebo (PL; maltodextrin) according to a randomized, double-blind, crossover, repeated-measures design. A pre-loading period was applied in each trial during which protein supplementation was individually adjusted to reach a total protein intake of 1.5 g/kg/day, whereas in PL protein intake was adjusted at 0.8-1 g/kg/day. Following pre-loading, two speed-endurance training sessions (1 and 2) were performed 1 day apart, over a 3-day experimental period. During each session, field activity and heart rate were continuously monitored using global positioning system and heart rate monitors, respectively. Performance (isokinetic strength of knee extensors and flexors, maximal voluntary isometric contraction, speed, repeated sprint ability, countermovement jump), muscle damage (delayed-onset of muscle soreness, creatine kinase activity) and redox status (glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, protein carbonyls) were evaluated at baseline (pre), following pre-loading (post-load), and during recovery from speed-endurance training. RESULTS: High-intensity and high-speed running decreased (P ≤ 0.05) during speed-endurance training in all trials, but WP and SP mitigated this response. Isokinetic strength, maximal voluntary isometric contraction, 30-m speed, repeated sprint ability and countermovement jump performance were similarly deteriorated during recovery following speed-endurance training in all trials (P ≤ 0.05). 10 m speed was impaired at 24 h only in PL. Delayed-onset of muscle soreness, creatine kinase, total antioxidant capacity and protein carbonyls increased and glutathione decreased equally among trials following speed-endurance training (P ≤ 0.05), with SP inducing a faster recovery of protein carbonyls only at 48 h (P ≤ 0.05) compared to WP and PL. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, increasing daily protein intake to 1.5 g/kg through ingestion of either whey or soy protein supplements mitigates field performance deterioration during successive speed-endurance training sessions without affecting exercise-induced muscle damage and redox status markers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Name of the registry: clinicaltrials.gov. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03753321 . Date of registration: 12/10/2018.

Recovery Kinetics Following Small-Sided Games in Competitive Soccer Players: Does Player Density Size Matter?

PURPOSE: To examine the recovery kinetics of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), neuromuscular fatigue, and performance following small-sided games (SSGs) of different densities in soccer. METHODS: Ten male players randomly completed 3 trials: a control trial (no SSGs), 4v4 SSGs (62.5 m2/player), and 8v8 SSGs (284.4 m2/player). External and internal load were monitored using GPS technology, heart-rate monitors, and rating of perceived exertion. Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), creatine kinase (CK), isokinetic strength, countermovement jump (CMJ), and sprint were determined at baseline, as well as at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-SSGs. Neuromuscular fatigue was assessed at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 hours post-SSGs. RESULTS: DOMS increased (P < .05) in 4v4 for 72 hours and in 8v8 for 24 hours with that of knee flexors being more pronounced than that of extensors. CK increased (P < .05) in 4v4 for 72 hours and in 8v8 for 24 hours. Neuromuscular fatigue increased (P < .05) in 4v4 for 2 hours and in 8v8 for 3 hours. Strength declined (P < .05) in 4v4 for 48 hours and in 8v8 for 72 hours. CMJ decreased (P < .05) in 4v4 for 24 hours and in 8v8 for 48 hours. Sprint decreased (P < .05) for 48 hours in 4v4 and for 72 hours in 8v8. CONCLUSIONS: SSGs are associated with a prolonged rise of EIMD and induce short-term neuromuscular fatigue and slow recovery kinetics of strength, jump, and sprinting performance. The time for complete recovery is longer for SSGs of lower density.

Hybrid neuromuscular training promotes musculoskeletal adaptations in inactive overweight and obese women: A training-detraining randomized controlled trial.

This study investigated the effects of a 10-month high-intensity interval-type neuromuscular training programme on musculoskeletal fitness in overweight and obese women. Forty-nine inactive females (36.4 ± 4.4 yrs) were randomly assigned to either a control (N = 21), a training (N = 14, 10 months) or a training-detraining group (N = 14, 5 months training followed by 5 months detraining). Training used progressive loaded fundamental movement patterns with prescribed work-to-rest intervals (1:2, 1:1, 2:1) in a circuit fashion (2-3 rounds). Muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, passive range of motion (PRoM), static balance, functional movement screen (FMS) and bone mass density (BMD) and content (BMC) were measured at pre-, mid-, and post-intervention. Ten months of training induced greater changes than the controls in (i) BMD (+1.9%, p < 0.001) and BMC (+1.5%, p = 0.023) ii) muscular strength (25%-53%, p = 0.001-0.005); iii) muscular endurance (103%-195%, p < 0.001); and iv) mobility (flexibility: 40%, p < 0.001; PRoM [24%-53%, p = 0.001-0.05;]; balance: 175%, p = 0.058; FMS: +58%, p < 0.001). The response rate to training was exceptionally high (86-100%). Five months of detraining reduced but not abolished training-induced adaptations. These results suggest that a hybrid-type exercise approach integrating endurance-based bodyweight drills with resistance-based alternative modes into a real-world gym setting may promote musculoskeletal fitness in overweight and obese women.

HPA axis responses to acute exercise differ in smokers and non-smokers.

Physical exercise has been proposed as an adjunct in addiction treatment, including tobacco cigarette smoking. The physiological and biochemical mechanisms that could be affected by physical exercise in smokers and that could help quit smoking have not been investigated yet. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the effects of acute exercise on smoking behavior and HPA axis activation in smokers are intensity-dependent. METHODS: Healthy, non-systematically exercising individuals [25 smokers (age: 33±1.4 years) and 10 non-smokers (age: 34±2.1 years)] underwent three trials [moderate intensity (MI), high intensity (HI) exercise, control (C)] in a counterbalanced order, after an overnight fast and smoking abstinence, separated by at least six days. MI involved cycling at 50-60% of Heart Rate Reserve (HRR) for 30 min, HI involved cycling at 65-75% HRR for 30 min, while in C participants rested for 30 min. Time till the first cigarette following each trial was recorded. Smoking urge was evaluated and blood samples, [analyzed for ß-endorphin (ß-E), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol and catecholamines], were obtained prior to and immediately after each trial. RESULTS: ß-E, ACTH, catecholamines and cortisol responses to exercise were intensity-dependent and differed in smokers and non-smokers. Resting ß-E levels were 2-2.5 times lower in smokers compared to non-smokers. HI resulted in increased ß-E levels in both groups, with smokers exhibiting similar levels to that observed in non-smokers. Although smoking urge did not change post-exercise in smokers, time till first cigarette increased following both MI (64.6%) and HI (77.9%) compared to C. CONCLUSIONS: HPA axis activation in response to exercise may differ between smokers and non-smokers. Smokers have lower resting levels of ß-E compared to non-smokers and, since HI exercise increases ß-E to similar levels to those of non-smokers and delays smoking, this may be used as an adjunct in smoking cessation.

Correction: High intensity, circuit-type integrated neuromuscular training alters energy balance and reduces body mass and fat in obese women: A 10-month training-detraining randomized controlled trial.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202390.].

Redox-dependent regulation of satellite cells following aseptic muscle trauma: Implications for sports performance and nutrition.

Skeletal muscle satellite cells (SCs) are indispensable for tissue regeneration, remodeling and growth. Following myotrauma, SCs are activated, and assist in tissue repair. Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is characterized by a pronounced inflammatory response and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Experimental evidence suggests that SCs kinetics (the propagation from a quiescent to an activated/proliferative state) following EIMD is redox-dependent and interconnected with changes in the SCs microenvironment (niche). Animal studies have shown that following aseptic myotrauma, antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory supplementation leads to an improved recovery and skeletal muscle regeneration through enhanced SCs kinetics, suggesting a redox-dependent molecular mechanism. Although evidence suggests that antioxidant/anti-inflammatory compounds may prevent performance deterioration and enhance recovery, there is lack of information regarding the redox-dependent regulation of SCs responses following EIMD in humans. In this review, SCs kinetics following aseptic myotrauma, as well as the intrinsic redox-sensitive molecular mechanisms responsible for SCs responses are discussed. The role of redox status on SCs function should be further investigated in the future with human clinical trials in an attempt to elucidate the molecular pathways responsible for muscle recovery and provide information for potential nutritional strategies aiming at performance recovery.

The Effects of Postprandial Resistance Exercise on Blood Glucose and Lipids in Prediabetic, Beta-Thalassemia Major Patients.

Insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus are common consequences of iron overload in the pancreas of beta-thalassemia major (BTM) patients. Moreover, postprandial blood glucose elevations are linked to major vascular complications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a bout of acute resistance exercise following breakfast consumption of glucose and fat on the metabolism in prediabetic, BTM patients. Six patients underwent two trials (exercise and control) following breakfast consumption (consisting of approximately 50% carbohydrates, 15% proteins, 35% fat), in a counterbalanced order, separated by at least three days. In an exercise trial, patients performed chest and leg presses (3 sets of 10 repetitions maximum/exercise), while in the control trial they rested. Blood samples were obtained in both trials at: pre-meal, 45 min post-meal (pre-exercise/control), post-exercise/control, 1 h post-exercise/control, 2 h post-exercise/control and 24 h post-exercise/control. Blood was analysed for glucose and lipids (total cholesterol, High Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol, Low Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides). Blood glucose levels increased significantly 45 min following breakfast consumption. Blood glucose and lipids did not differ between trials at the same time points. It seems that a single bout of resistance training is not sufficient to improve blood glucose and fat levels for the subsequent 24-h post-exercise period in prediabetic, BTM patients.

High-intensity interval neuromuscular training promotes exercise behavioral regulation, adherence and weight loss in inactive obese women.

It is unclear how high-intensity, interval-type nontraditional exercise training programmes can be feasible and effective options for inactive obese individuals. This randomized controlled trial investigated the hypothesis that a 10-month high-intensity, interval-type neuromuscular training programme (DoIT) with adjunct portable modalities, performed in a small-group setting, induces improvements in psychological well-being, subjective vitality and exercise behavioural regulations in obese women. Associations between adherence, psychological and physiological indicators were also investigated. Forty-nine previously inactive obese females (36.4 ± 4.4 yrs) were randomly assigned to three groups (control; N = 21, 10-month training; N = 14, or 5-month training plus 5 month-detraining; N = 14). DoIT was a supervised, progressive, and time-efficient (<30 min) programme that used 10-12 functional/neuromotor exercises and prescribed work and rest time intervals (20-40 sec) in a circuit fashion (1-3 rounds) for 10 months. Questionnaires were used to measure psychological distress, subjective vitality, and behavioural regulations in exercise at pre-, mid-, and post-intervention. The 10-month training reduced psychological distress (72%, p = 0.001), external regulation (75%, p = 0.011) and increased vitality (53%, p = 0.001), introjected regulation (63%, p = 0.001), intrinsic regulation (33%, p = 0.004), and identified regulation (88%, p = 0.001). A moderate to strong positive relationship was found between adherence rate and identified regulation scores (r = 0.59, p = 0.001) and between VO2peak and identified regulation scores (r = 0.59, p = 0.001). A mild dissociation between exercise intensity and perceived exertion was also observed. Our novel findings suggest that a 10-month implementation of a high-intensity interval neuromuscular training programme promotes positive psychological adaptations provoking exercise behavioural regulation and adherence while inducing weight loss in inactive obese women.