Acute effects of a chewable beetroot-based supplement on cognitive performance: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Dietary nitrate (NO3-) has been shown to be useful as an ergogenic aid with potential applications in health and disease (e.g., blood pressure control). However, there is no consensus about the effects of dietary NO3- or beetroot (BR) juice supplementation on cognitive function. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a single dose of a chewable BR-based supplement on cognitive performance. METHODS: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled two-period crossover clinical trial was carried out based on the extension of the CONSORT guidelines for randomized crossover trials. A total of 44 participants (24 F; 20 M; 32.7 [12.5] years; 66.3 [9.0] kg; 170 [9.2] cm; 22.8 [1.4] kg/m2) were randomly allocated to receive first either four BR-based chewable tablets (BR-CT) containing 3 g of a Beta vulgaris extract (RedNite®) or four tablets of a placebo (maltodextrin). A 4-day washout period was used before crossover. Ninety minutes after ingestion of the treatments, a neuropsychological testing battery was administered in each period. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT05509075. RESULTS: Significant improvements with moderate effect size were found on memory consolidation at the short and long term only after BR-CT supplementation via the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test immediate (+ 20.69%) and delayed (+ 12.34%) recalls. Likewise, enhancement on both frontal lobe functions (+ 2.57%) and cognitive flexibility (+ 11.16%) were detected after BR-CT. There was no significant change (p < 0.05) on verbal memory of short-term digits, working memory and information processing speed. Mixed results were found on mood and anxiety through the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y1 and STAI-Y2); however, sequence and period effects were seen on STAI-Y2. CONCLUSIONS: The acute administration of a chewable BR-based supplement improves certain aspects of cognitive function in healthy females and males, particularly memory capacity and frontal skills.

Genes and Pathways Involved in the Progression of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Meta-analysis of Genome-Wide Expression Studies.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive neoplasm of the pleural tissue that lines the lungs and is mainly associated with long latency from asbestos exposure. This tumor has no effective therapeutic opportunities nowadays and has a very low five-year survival rate. In this sense, identifying molecular events that trigger the development and progression of this tumor is highly important to establish new and potentially effective treatments. We conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide expression studies publicly available at the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and ArrayExpress databases. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and we performed functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction networks (PPINs) to gain insight into the biological mechanisms underlying these genes. Additionally, we constructed survival prediction models for selected DEGs and predicted the minimum drug inhibition concentration of anticancer drugs for MPM. In total, 115 MPM tumor transcriptomes and 26 pleural tissue controls were analyzed. We identified 1046 upregulated DEGs in the MPM samples. Cellular signaling categories in tumor samples were associated with the TNF, PI3K-Akt, and AMPK pathways. The inflammatory response, regulation of cell migration, and regulation of angiogenesis were overrepresented biological processes. Expression of SOX17 and TACC1 were associated with reduced survival rates. This meta-analysis identified a list of DEGs in MPM tumors, cancer-related signaling pathways, and biological processes that were overrepresented in MPM samples. Some therapeutic targets to treat MPM are suggested, and the prognostic potential of key genes is shown.

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.

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.

Effects of a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet on health parameters in resistance-trained women.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a ketogenic diet on blood pressure, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), bone mineral content (BMC), and bone mineral density (BMD) in trained women. METHODS: Twenty-one resistance-trained women performed an 8-week resistance training program after a 3-week familiarization phase. Participants were randomly assigned to a non-ketogenic diet (n = 11, NKD) or ketogenic diet (n = 10, KD) group. Health parameters were measured before and after the nutritional intervention. Blood pressure was measured using a digital automatic monitor, while VAT, BMC, and BMD changes were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure in KD (mean ± SD [IC 95%], P value, Hedges' g; - 6.3 ± 6.0 [- 10.5, - 2.0] mmHg, P = 0.009, g = - 0.81) but not in NKD (- 0.4 ± 8.9 [- 6.8, 6.0] mmHg, P = 0.890, g = - 0.04). The results on VAT showed no changes in both groups. The KD showed a small favorable effect on BMD (0.02 ± 0.02 [0.01, 0.03] g·cm-2, P = 0.014, g = 0.19) while NKD did not show significant changes (0.00 ± 0.02 [- 0.02, 0.02] g·cm-2, P = 0.886, g = 0.01). No differences in group or in the time × group interaction were found in any of the variables. CONCLUSIONS: Consuming a low-carbohydrate high-fat KD in conjunction with a resistance training program might help to promote the improvement of health-related markers in resistance-trained women. Long-term studies are required to evaluate the superiority of a KD in comparison to a traditional diet.

Development of alternatives to estimate resting metabolic rate from anthropometric variables in paralympic swimmers.

The resting metabolic rate (RMR) is one of the most representative components of total daily energy expenditure (TDEE). Multiple equations have been developed to estimate RMR, but none have been described for Para-Athletes. This study aimed to; i) develop and validate new RMR estimation models from anthropometric variables; and ii) explore the level of agreement between the RMR determined by indirect calorimetry (IC) and the developed models, as well as a selection of existent estimation models in Para-Athletes. Fifteen young Paralympic swimmers (age, 18.7±6.5 years) underwent assessments of RMR by IC and anthropometric batteries. Four RMR estimation models (M1-M4) were developed. The anthropometric variables which explained most of the variance were biacromial breadth (M3-37%), stature (M1-45%; M2-49%), and estimated stature from half arm span (M4-24%). However, the neck girth corrected by the submandibular skinfold entered in all four models. The 95% limits of agreement between IC and M3 equation (best performance model) ranged from -142.02 to 172.39 kcal×day-1 (bias 15.19 kcal×day-1). Concerning the commonly used equations, Harris & Benedict equation was the most consistent when compared to IC. The results of this study suggest four novel RMR equations that may assist in the estimation of energy requirements in elite Para-Athletes.

Sarcopenia: Etiology, Nutritional Approaches, and miRNAs.

Sarcopenia, an age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass and function, dramatically affects the quality of life. Although there is a consensus that sarcopenia is a multifactorial syndrome, the etiology and underlying mechanisms are not yet delineated. Moreover, research about nutritional interventions to prevent the development of sarcopenia is mainly focused on the amount and quality of protein intake. The impact of several nutrition strategies that consider timing of food intake, anti-inflammatory nutrients, metabolic control, and the role of mitochondrial function on the progression of sarcopenia is not fully understood. This narrative review summarizes the metabolic background of this phenomenon and proposes an integral nutritional approach (including dietary supplements such as creatine monohydrate) to target potential molecular pathways that may affect reduce or ameliorate the adverse effects of sarcopenia. Lastly, miRNAs, in particular those produced by skeletal muscle (MyomiR), might represent a valid tool to evaluate sarcopenia progression as a potential rapid and early biomarker for diagnosis and characterization.

Effects of heavy barbell hip thrust vs back squat on subsequent sprint performance in rugby players.

The objective of this research was to compare the effect of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement (PAPE) exerted on the back squat (BS) versus the barbell hip thrust (HT) on the sprint performance (5- and 10-m). 17 male amateur rugby players participated in the study (age 22.14 ± 2.52 years; body mass 81.06 ± 9.6 kg; height 1.78 ± 0.05 m). All participants performed a dynamic maximum strength test (3RM) in BS and HT at maximum speed. Two randomized sessions were performed inducing PAPE using BS or HT trough three series with three repetitions at 85% 1RM eight minutes before the sprint tests. An ANOVA of repeated measurement, found no differences in the time for 5-m (F = 0.398, P = 0.537, η2p = 0.024) or 10-m (F = 2.589, P = 0.127, η2p = 0.139). There were no significant differences in the Protocol effect between HT and BS in 5-m or 10-m (F = 2.963, P = 0.104, η2p = 0.156 and F = 1.472, P = 0.243 η2p = 0.084, respectively). There were also no differences in the Time x Protocol interaction at 5-m (F = 0.001, P = 0.976, η2p < 0.001) or 10-m (F = 4.174, P = 0.058, η2p = 0.207). The effect size obtained in the results of the sprint tests was small in both exercises (ES < 0.2). None of the BS or HT exercises performed with heavy load induced a significant PAPE phenomenon on the ability to sprint in rugby players.

Comparison of changes in lean body mass with a strength- versus muscle endurance-based resistance training program.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of resistance training (RT) with an emphasis on either muscular strength-type RT or muscular endurance-type RT on measures of body composition. METHODS: Twenty-five resistance-trained men (age 28.4 ± 6.4 years; body mass 75.9 ± 8.4 kg; height 176.9 ± 7.5 cm) were randomly assigned to either a strength-type RT group that performed three sets of 6-8 repetition maximum (RM) with 3-min rest (n = 10), an endurance-type RT group that performed three sets of 20-25 RM with a 60-s rest interval (n = 10), or a control group (n = 5, CG). All groups completed each set until muscular failure and were supervised to follow a hyperenergetic diet (39 kcal·kg-1·day-1). Body composition changes were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: After 8 weeks, we found significant increases in total body mass (0.9 [0.3-1.5] kg; p < 0.05; ES = < 0.2) and lean body mass (LBM) (1.3 [0.5-2.2] kg; p < 0.05; ES = 0.31) only in the strength-type RT group; however, no significant interactions were noted between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although only strength-type RT showed statistically significant increases in LBM from baseline, no between-group differences were noted for any body composition outcome. These findings suggest that LBM gains in resistance trained are not significantly influenced by the type of training stimulus over an 8-week training period.

Oral Contraceptive Use does not Negatively Affect Body Composition and Strength Adaptations in Trained Women.

The purpose was to analyze the influence of oral contraceptive use on body composition and strength levels in trained women. Twenty-three resistance-trained women participated in this study (age=27.4±3.4 years; fat mass=28.0±5.0%; BMI=22.9±2.7 kg∙m-2). Subjects performed an 8-week non-linear resistance-training program. Participants were assigned to either a group that consumed oral contraceptives (n=12, OC) or to a group that did not consume (n=11, NOC). Changes in body composition were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Strength performance was assessed via the one maximum repetition (1RM) test in the squat and bench press, and muscular power was evaluated using the countermovement jump (CMJ) test. Fat free mass increased significantly in OC but no changes were seen in NOC. There were no changes in fat mass for either OC or NOC. Significant changes were found in bench press 1RM for both OC and NOC; similarly, increases in squat 1RM were reported in OC and NOC. Alternatively, no significant changes were found in CMJ in both OC and NOC. No significant between-group differences were detected in any of the studied variables. The use of oral contraceptives during resistance training did not negatively affect body composition or strength levels in trained women.

Biodiversity loss along a gradient of deforestation in Amazonian agricultural landscapes.

Assessing how much management of agricultural landscapes, in addition to protected areas, can offset biodiversity erosion in the tropics is a central issue for conservation that still requires cross-taxonomic and landscape-scale studies. We measured the effects of Amazonia deforestation and subsequent land-use intensification in 6 agricultural areas (landscape scale), where we sampled plants and 4 animal groups (birds, earthworms, fruit flies, and moths). We assessed land-use intensification with a synthetic index based on landscape metrics (total area and relative percentages of land uses, edge density, mean patch density and diversity, and fractal structures at 5 dates from 1990 to 2007). Species richness decreased consistently as agricultural intensification increased despite slight differences in the responses of sampled groups. Globally, in moderately deforested landscapes species richness was relatively stable, and there was a clear threshold in biodiversity loss midway along the intensification gradient, mainly linked to a drop in forest cover and quality. Our results suggest anthropogenic landscapes with high-quality forest covering >40 % of the surface area may prevent biodiversity loss in Amazonia.

Techniques, procedures, and applications in host genetic analysis.

This chapter overviews genetic techniques' fundamentals and methodological features, including different approaches, analyses, and applications that have contributed to advancing health and disease. The aim is to describe laboratory methodologies and analyses employed to understand the genetic landscape of different biological contexts, from conventional techniques to cutting-edge technologies. Besides describing detailed aspects of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and derived types as one of the principles for many novel techniques, we also discuss microarray analysis, next-generation sequencing, and genome editing technologies such as transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems. These techniques study several phenotypes, ranging from autoimmune disorders to viral diseases. The significance of integrating diverse genetic methodologies and tools to understand host genetics comprehensively and addressing the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) associated with using genetic information is highlighted. Overall, the methods, procedures, and applications in host genetic analysis provided in this chapter furnish researchers and practitioners with a roadmap for navigating the dynamic landscape of host-genome interactions.

An overview of key online resources for human genomics: a powerful and open toolbox for in silico research.

Recent advances in high-throughput molecular methods have led to an extraordinary volume of genomics data. Simultaneously, the progress in the computational implementation of novel algorithms has facilitated the creation of hundreds of freely available online tools for their advanced analyses. However, a general overview of the most commonly used tools for the in silico analysis of genomics data is still missing. In the current article, we present an overview of commonly used online resources for genomics research, including over 50 tools. This selection will be helpful for scientists with basic or intermediate skills in the in silico analyses of genomics data, such as researchers and students from wet labs seeking to strengthen their computational competencies. In addition, we discuss current needs and future perspectives within this field.

Validity and Reliability of a New Wearable Chest Strap to Estimate Respiratory Frequency in Elite Soccer Athletes.

Assessing respiratory frequency (fR) is practical in monitoring training progress in competitive athletes, especially during exercise. This study aimed to validate a new wearable chest strap (wCS) to estimate fR against ergospirometry as a criterion device in soccer players. A total of 26 elite professional soccer players (mean [standard deviation]: 23.6 [4.8] years; 180.6 [5.7] cm; 77.2 [5.4] kg) from three Italian Serie A League teams participated in this cross-sectional study. The sample included attackers, midfielders, and defenders. fR was assessed during a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a treadmill using (i) a breath-by-breath gas exchange analyzer (Vyntus® CPX, Vyaire Medical) and (ii) a novel wCS with sensors designed to assess breath frequency following chest expansions. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), adjusted coefficient of determination (aR2), Bland-Altman plot analysis, and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (ρc) were used for comparative analysis (correlation and concordance) among the methods. The repeated measures correlation coefficient (rrm) was used to assess the strength of the linear association between the methods. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Finn coefficient (rF) were used for inter-rater reliability. All statistical analyses were performed within the R statistical computing environment, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) reported and statistical significance set at p < 0.05. A total of 16529 comparisons were performed after collecting the CPET data. The robust time series analysis with Hodges-Lehmann estimation showed no significant differences between both methods (p > 0.05). Correlation among devices was statistically significant and very large (r [95% CI]: 0.970 [0.970, 0.971], p < 0.01; aR2 [95% CI]: 0.942 [0.942, 0.943], p < 0.01) with strong evidence supporting consistency of the new wCS (BF10 > 100). In addition, a high concordance was found (ρc [95% CI]: 0.970 [0.969, 0.971], bias correction factor: 0.999). VyntusTM CPX, as a standard criterion, showed moderate agreement with wCS after Bland-Altman analysis (bias [95% lower to the upper limit of agreement]; % agree: 0.170 [-4.582 to 4.923] breaths·min-1; 69.9%). A strong association between measurements (rrm [95% CI]: 0.960 [0.959, 0.961]), a high absolute agreement between methods (ICC [95% CI]: 0.970 [0.970, 0.971]), and high inter-rater reliability (rF: 0.947) were found. With an RMSE = 2.42 breaths·min-1, the new wCS seems to be an valid and reliable in-field method to evaluate fR compared to a breath-by-breath gas exchange analyzer. Notwithstanding, caution is advised if methods are used interchangeably while further external validation occurs.

Construction of an immune gene expression meta signature to assess the prognostic risk of colorectal cancer patients.

Despite recent advancements in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment, particularly with the introduction of immunotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors, the efficacy of these therapies remains limited to a subset of patients. To address this challenge, our study aimed to develop a prognostic biomarker based on immune-related genes to predict better outcomes in CRC patients and aid in treatment decision-making. We comprehensively analysed immune gene expression signatures associated with CRC prognosis to construct an immune meta-signature with prognostic potential. Utilising data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we employed Cox regression to identify immune-related genes with prognostic significance from multiple studies. Subsequently, we compared the expression levels of immune genes, levels of immune cell infiltration, and various immune-related molecules between high-risk and low-risk patient groups. Functional analysis using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses provided insights into the biological pathways associated with the identified prognostic genes. Finally, we validated our findings using a separate CRC cohort from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Integration of the prognostic genes revealed significant disparities in survival outcomes. Differential expression analysis identified a set of immune-associated genes, which were further refined using LASSO penalisation and Cox regression. Univariate Cox regression analyses confirmed the autonomy of the gene signature as a prognostic indicator for CRC patient survival. Our risk prediction model effectively stratified CRC patients based on their prognosis, with the high-risk group showing enrichment in pro-oncogenic terms and pathways. Immune infiltration analysis revealed an augmented presence of certain immunosuppressive subsets in the high-risk group. Finally, we validated the performance of our prognostic model by applying the risk score equation to a different CRC patient dataset, confirming its prognostic potential in this new cohort. Overall, our study presents a novel immune-related gene signature with promising implications for predicting cancer progression and prognosis, thereby enabling more personalised management strategies for CRC patients.

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.

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.

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).

Sum of Skinfold-Corrected Girths Correlates with Resting Energy Expenditure: Development of the NRGCO Equation.

Our study aimed to validate existing equations and develop the new NRGCO equation to estimate resting energy expenditure (REE) in the Colombian population with moderate-to-high physical activity levels. Upon satisfying the inclusion criteria, a total of 86 (43F, 43M) healthy adults (mean [SD]: 27.5 [7.7] years; 67.0 [13.8] kg) were evaluated for anthropometric variables and REE by indirect calorimetry using wearable gas analyzers (COSMED K4 and K5). Significant positive correlations with REE were found for body mass (r = 0.65), body mass-to-waist (r = 0.58), arm flexed and tensed girth (r = 0.66), corrected thigh girth (r = 0.56), corrected calf girth (r = 0.61), and sum of breadths (∑3D, r = 0.59). As a novelty, this is the first time a significant correlation between REE and the sum of corrected girths (∑3CG, r = 0.63) is reported. Although existing equations such as Harris-Benedict (r = 0.63), Mifflin-St. Jeor (r = 0.67), and WHO (r = 0.64) showed moderate-to-high correlations with REE, the Bland-Altman analysis revealed significant bias (p < 0.05), indicating that these equations may not be valid for the Colombian population. Thus, participants were randomly distributed into either the equation development group (EDG, n = 71) or the validation group (VG, n = 15). A new model was created using body mass, sum of skinfolds (∑8S), corrected thigh, corrected calf, and age as predictors (r = 0.755, R2 = 0.570, RMSE = 268.41 kcal). The new NRGCO equation to estimate REE (kcal) is: 386.256 + (24.309 × BM) - (2.402 × ∑8S) - (21.346 × Corrected Thigh) + (38.629 × Corrected Calf) - (7.417 × Age). Additionally, a simpler model was identified through Bayesian analysis, including only body mass and ∑8S (r = 0.724, R2 = 0.525, RMSE = 282.16 kcal). Although external validation is needed, our validation resulted in a moderate correlation and concordance (bias = 91.5 kcal) between measured and estimated REE values using the new NRGCO equation.

Advances in Nutrition, Dietary Supplements and Ergogenic Aids for Athletic Performance: Trends and Future Prospects.

Sports nutrition is a scientific discipline that explores the relationship between nutrients and physical exercise performance [...].