Incidence of myocardial injury in patients submitted to carotid endarterectomy.

Myocardial injury following noncardiac surgery (MINS) is associated with higher mortality and major adverse cardiovascular event rates in the short- and long-term in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). However, its incidence is still unclear in this subset of patients. Therefore, this systematic review with meta-analysis aims to determine the incidence of MINS in patients undergoing CEA. Three electronic databases MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were used to search for studies assessing the occurrence of MINS in the postoperative setting of patients undergoing CEA. The incidence of MINS was pooled by random-effects meta-analysis, with sources of heterogeneity being explored by meta-regression and subgroup analysis (general anesthesia vs. regional anesthesia). Assessment of studies' quality was performed using National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Study Quality Assessment Tool, and Risk of Bias 2 tools. Twenty studies were included, with a total of 117,933 participants. Four of them were RCTs, while the remaining were cohort studies. All observational cohorts had an overall high risk of bias, except for Pereira Macedo et al. Three of them had repeated population, thus only data from the most recent one was considered. On the other hand, all RCT had an overall low risk of bias. In patients under regional anesthesia, the incidence of MINS in primary studies ranged between 2% and 15.3%, compared to 0-42.5% for general anesthesia. The meta-analytical incidence of MINS after CEA was of 6.3% [95% CI 2.0-10.6%], but severe heterogeneity was observed (I2=99.1%). MINS appears to be relatively common among patients undergoing CEA. The observed severe heterogeneity points to the need for further larger studies adopting consistent definitions of MINS and equivalent cut-off values.

Testing variations between starters and substitute players in terms of total distance, high-speed running, and sprinting distance: a descriptive study on professional male soccer players.

The purpose of this study was three-fold: (i) to compare total distance, high-speed running (HSR) distance, and sprint distance covered per 5-minute epoch by players acting as both starters and substitutes; (ii) to compare the locomotor demands between the moments the players entered the match (45-60, 60-75 and 75-90 minutes); and (iii) to compare the locomotor demands of the players between the variations of the within- and between-playing positions. Twenty-one male professional soccer players competing in the Professional Premier League of one of the European countries were observed over sixteen official matches. The players were monitored during all matches using a Global Navigation Satellite System. The measures collected were total distance (TD; m), distance in HSR, sprint distance, HSR, and sprint counts. Considering the comparisons between the splits over the second half of match play, a significant difference between the starters and the substitutes was observed only for sprint distance in the 90-95 minute split (Z = -2.023; p = 0.043). Moreover, no substantial differences were found between the moment the substitute player entered the match regarding total distance (H = 2.650; p = 0.266), HSR distance (H = 1.738; p = 0.419), and sprint distance (H = 0.048; p = 0.976). However, the comparison of between-playing positions revealed considerable differences in total distance (H = 29.246; p < 0.001), and HSR distance (H = 12.153; p = 0.002) covered by the players acting as starters. In contrast, for substitute players, such differences were reported in HSR distance (H = 27.892; p < 0.001) and sprint distance (H = 15.879; p < 0.001). In conclusion, this study suggests that acting as a starter or a substitute does not significantly affect the intensity of effort except during the last periods of match play. However, the contextual factor of performing in a specific playing position plays a significant role both for starters and substitutes.

Relationship between cognitive functioning and physical fitness in regard to age and sex.

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships among physical cognitive ability, academic performance, and physical fitness regarding age and sex in a group of 187 students (53.48% male, 46.52% female) from one town of Norwest of Jaén, Andalusia (Spain), aged between 9 and 15 years old (M = 11.97, SD = 1.99). The D2 attention test was used in order to analyze selective attention and concentration. Physical fitness, reflected on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), was evaluated using the 6 min Walking Test (6MWT). The analysis taken indicated a significant relationship between physical fitness level, attention, and concentration, as in the general sample looking at sex (finding differences between boys and girls in some DA score in almost all age categories [p < 0.05]) and at age category (finding some differences between the younger age category groups and the older age category groups in some DA scores (p < 0.05), not finding any significant interaction between sex and age category (p > 0.05). In sum, the present study revealed that students with better aerobic fitness can present better-processed elements and smaller omission errors. Moreover, girls and older students seem to present better cognitive functioning scores than boys and younger. Our findings suggest that more research is necessary to elucidate the cognitive function between ages, sexes, and physical fitness and anthropometry levels of students.

Azorean Black Tea (Camellia sinensis) Antidermatophytic and Fungicidal Properties.

The treatment of dermatophytoses, the most common human fungal infections, requires new alternatives. The aim of this study was to determine the antidermatophytic activity of the aqueous Azorean Black Tea extract (ABT), together with an approach to the mechanisms of action. The phytochemical analysis of ABT extract was performed by HPLC. The dermatophytes susceptibility was assessed using a broth microdilution assay; potential synergies with terbinafine and griseofulvin were evaluated by the checkerboard assay. The mechanism of action was appraised by the quantification of the fungal cell wall chitin and ß-1,3-glucan, and by membrane ergosterol. The presence of ultrastructural modifications was studied by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The ABT extract contained organic and phenolic acids, flavonoids, theaflavins and alkaloids. It showed an antidermatophytic effect, with MIC values of 250 µg/mL for Trichophyton mentagrophytes, 125 µg/mL for Trichophyton rubrum and 500 µg/mL for Microsporum canis; at these concentrations, the extract was fungicidal. An additive effect of ABT in association to terbinafine on these three dermatophytes was observed. The ABT extract caused a significant reduction in ß-1,3-glucan content, indicating the synthesis of this cell wall component as a possible target. The present study identifies the antidermatophytic activity of the ABT and highlights its potential to improve the effectiveness of conventional topical treatment currently used for the management of skin or mucosal fungal infections.

Variability of peak speed and sprinting actions during the same small-sided games: within- and between-player variations inspected over four consecutive weeks.

This study aimed to analyze within- and between-player variations of peak speed and sprinting actions occurring in small-sided games (SSGs: 1 v 1 and 5 v 5). The study followed a cohort study design. Twenty male youth soccer players (age: 17 years old) from the same team were observed over four consecutive weeks. Each week, the players participated in two sessions (day one and day two) during which SSGs were applied. The 1 vs. 1 format was employed with four repetitions of thirty seconds interspaced with two-minute rest intervals, while the 5 vs. 5 format with four repetitions of four minutes and two-minute rest intervals between them. The players were monitored during all training sessions with the Polar Team Pro. The peak speed attained in each game, and the number of sprints were extracted as the primary outcomes. The between-player variability revealed a lower coefficient of variations for peak speed in the 1 vs. 1 (13.9%) and 5 vs. 5 (10.9%) formats than for sprints (1 v 1: 64.7%; 5 v 5: 65.5%). Considering the within-player variability, it was observed that sprints were more variable (1 vs. 1: 62.1%; 5 v 5: 65.7%) than peak speed (1 vs. 1: 16.4%; 5 v 5: 14.0%). The between-session analysis revealed that during week 1 (day 1), peak speed was significantly higher than during week 3 (day 1) in the 1 vs. 1 format (+3.0 km/h; p = 0.031; d = 1.296). Moreover, peak speed during week 3 (day 2) was considerably lower than during week 1 (-5.9 km/h; p < 0.001; d = 1.686) and week 2 (-5.0 km/h; p = 0.001; d = 1.639). The between-session analysis showed no significant differences in the sprint between the sessions on day 1 (p > 0.05). However, on day two, the sprint was substantially higher during week one than during week four in the 5 vs. 5 format (+5.40 n; p = 0.002; d = 2.571). In conclusion, this study revealed that peak speed presents lower within- and between-player variability than the number of sprints. Considering these two measures, there are no considerable variations between the weeks. Coaches should consider identifying strategies to stabilize the stimulus regarding the number of sprints if this represents one of the targets for employing SSGs.

Effects of pitch size on soccer players' physiological, physical, technical, and tactical responses during small-sided games: a meta-analytical comparison.

One of the most often-used task constraints in designing small-sided games (SSGs) is the manipulation of pitch size to promote increases or decreases in the relative area per player. Such adjustments cause changes in the acute responses during SSGs. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of smaller vs. larger pitch sizes on soccer players' physiological, physical, technical, and tactical responses during SSGs. Comparisons between smaller and larger pitches were not considered based on a specific size, but also between using at least two dimensions in the same comparative study, aiming to understand differences between using smaller and larger (independently of the specific dimensions). The data sources utilized were PubMed, PsycINFO, Scielo, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. The database search initially yielded 249 titles. From those, 41 articles were eligible for the systematic review and meta-analysis. Results revealed that, compared to smaller pitches, SSGs played on larger pitches induced greater values for heart rate (p < 0.001; ES = 0.50), rate of perceived exertion (p < 0.001; ES = 0.70), total distance (p < 0.001; ES = 1.95), high-speed running (p < 0.001; ES = 1.20), stretch index (p < 0.001; ES = 1.02) and surface area (p < 0.001; ES = 1.54). No significant differences were found between pitch size regarding the numbers of accelerations (p = 0.232; ES = 0.45), decelerations (p = 0.111; ES = 0.85), passes (p = 0.897; ES = 0.02), dribbles (p = 0.823; ES = -0.05), or positional centroid (p = 0.053; ES = 0.56). Larger pitch sizes can be implemented as a meaningful task constraint to increase the internal and external load experienced by soccer players during SSGs, as well as to increase the dispersion of players while acting together. These results were found independent of format and age group.

Associations between match participation, maturation, physical fitness, and hormonal levels in elite male soccer player U15: a prospective study with observational cohort.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to analyze the relationships between minutes of play (MP) and maturity status, fitness, and hormonal levels and to explain how those measures influence the time of play. METHODS: Twenty-six youth soccer players U15 participated in this study over a full-season period. Anthropometric measures, maturity status, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor and physical levels such as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), fatigue index, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance were collected. At the end-season, players were assessed in 6 different tests over four days. RESULTS: VO2max largely correlated with GH (r = 0.57) and CMJ (r = 0.51). Also, GH largely correlated with CMJ (r = 0.55). MP had moderate correlations with VO2max (r = 0.44) and CMJ (r = 0.42). Multiple linear regression with maturation, physical fitness and hormonal levels explained R2 of 0.62 of the MP (F (8, 17) = 3.47, p = 0.015). Although each independent variable alone was not able to determine the playing time, when using the interactions, the model significantly explained the MP. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of maturity status, physical fitness, and hormonal levels seem to play a determinant role in explaining the match participation in youth soccer players.

Reliability levels of motor competence in youth athletes.

This study aimed to analyze the reliability of the tests included in the motor competence assessment (MCA) battery and compare the effects of the number of trials per test. Thirty female volleyball players (14.6 ± 1.3 years of age) were tested. The participants performed two or three trials of each test. Intra-class correlation (ICC) was calculated, and a paired sample t-test analyzed the variations between trials (1st vs. 2nd vs. 3rd). Results revealed a significant difference between the first and the second trials for jumping sideways [t(29) = -4.108, p < 0.01], standing long jump [t(29) = -3.643, p < 0.01], and shuttle run [t(29) = -3.139, p < 0.01]. No significant result was registered in the shifting platforms, ball throwing and kicking between the first and second trials. Hence, any difference was recorded between the second and third trial. High ICC values were registered in lateral jumps, among the three repetitions of ball kicking and ball throwing, and between the last two repetitions of shuttle run. Almost perfect values were recorded for the shifting platforms and standing long jump. Nevertheless, there seems to be a learning effect between the first and the second repetition-no differences were registered only considering the two manipulative tests. In conclusion, except for jumping sideways, the MCA tests are reliable and only need to be performed two times instead of three.

Variability of internal and external loads and technical/tactical outcomes during small-sided soccer games: a systematic review.

Small-sided games (SSGs) are widely used in soccer training. However, some of the typical outcomes related to human responses during these games (namely internal and external load) may vary between sessions for similar practice conditions. Thus, the study of intra- and inter-bout variability in response to SSGs is progressively growing. This systematic review aimed to (1) identify studies that have examined the intra- and inter-session bouts' variability levels regarding the internal and external load and technical/tactical outcomes during SSGs and (2) summarize the main evidence. A systematic review of PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. From the 486 studies initially identified, 24 were fully reviewed, and their outcome measures were extracted and analyzed. Sixteen studies analyzed internal load, 13 studies analyzed external load variables, six studies analyzed technical execution, and two studies analyzed tactical behavior. All studies included SSGs with a range number of players between 2 to 14 (1 vs. 1 to 7 vs. 7 SSGs). Internal load and low-speed external load variables presented a low variability, while high variations were reported regarding the technical execution and high-speed external loads.

Effects of chronic moderate alcohol consumption on right ventricle and pulmonary remodelling.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Does the consumption of a moderate amount of alcohol differentially impact the heart ventricles and pulmonary vasculature. What is the main finding and its importance? Moderate alcohol consumption for a short period of time impaired pulmonary vascular cellular renewal through an apoptosis resistance pattern that ultimately affected the right ventricular function and structure. These findings support the need for a deeper understanding of effects of moderate alcohol consumption on the overall cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. ABSTRACT: Over the past decades, observational studies have supported an association between moderate alcohol consumption and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. However, recent and more robust meta-analyses have raised concerns around the robustness of the evidence for the cardioprotective effects of alcohol. Also, studies of the functional, structural and molecular changes promoted by alcohol have focused primarily on the left ventricle, ignoring the fact that the right ventricle could adapt differently. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bi-ventricular impact of daily moderate alcohol intake, during a 4-week period, in a rodent model. Male Wistar rats were allowed to drink water (Control) or a 5.2% ethanol mixture (ETOH) for 4 weeks. At the end of the protocol bi-ventricular haemodynamic recordings were performed and samples collected for further histological and molecular analysis. ETOH ingestion did not impact cardiac function. However, it caused right ventricle hypertrophy, paralleled by an activation of molecular pathways responsible for cell growth (ERK1/2, AKT), proteolysis (MURF-1) and oxidative stress (NOX4, SOD2). Furthermore, ETOH animals also presented remodelling of the pulmonary vasculature with an increase in pulmonary arteries' medial thickness, which was characterized by increased expression of apoptosis-related proteins expression (BCL-XL, BAX and caspases). Moderate alcohol consumption for a short period of time impaired the lungs and the right ventricle early, before any change could be detected on the left ventricle. Right ventricular changes might be secondary to alcohol-induced pulmonary vasculature remodelling.

Effects of detraining in age-group swimmers performance, energetics and kinematics.

Changes in performance, energetics and kinematics during age-group swimmers off-season inform the prescription of training for the following season. Age-group swimmers (n = 15, age 14.3 ± 0.7 years) of equal maturational stage performed a 400-m front crawl (T400) before and after a four-weeks training cessation period. Performance-related energetic and kinematic variables were obtained controlling for anthropometric changes and non-swimming specific physical activities during off-season. T400 time decreased 3.8% (95%CI 1.4 to 6.1%; p < 0.01; d = 0.90) with non-specific physical activities (1814 ± 1989 MET-min·wk-1) accounting for ~40% of the underlying variance (p = 0.01; η2 = 0.40). Stroke rate and stroke index decreased despite similar stroke length and index of coordination values. Although mean response time, amplitude, maximal oxygen uptake, heart rate, total energy expenditure, metabolic power and energy cost were similar, aerobic contribution decreased by ~1.8% (-2.7 to -0.9%; p < 0.01; d = -1.19) and anaerobic lactic contribution increased by ~1.6% (0.8 to 2.5%; p < 0.01; d = 1.08) over the off-season. Impaired performance was mainly associated with a decreased stroke rate (r = -0.85 to -0.61; p ≤ 0.02), increased peak blood lactate (r = -0.52; p = 0.05) and fewer non-swimming specific physical activities performed during the off-season (r = -0.58; p = 0.03). The end-of-season cessation of training yielded moderate impairments in age-group swimmers performance-related energetic and kinematic factors, however non-specific physical activities can minimise fitness losses.

HMGB1 down-regulation mediates terameprocol vascular anti-proliferative effect in experimental pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease with a poor prognosis. Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) play a crucial role in PAH pathophysiology, displaying a hyperproliferative, and apoptotic-resistant phenotype. In the present study, we evaluated the potential therapeutic role of terameprocol (TMP), an inhibitor of cellular proliferation and promoter of apoptosis, in a well-established pre-clinical model of PAH induced by monocrotaline (MCT) and studied the biological pathways modulated by TMP in PASMCs. Wistar rats injected with MCT or saline (SHAM group) were treated with TMP or vehicle. On day 21 after injection, we assessed bi-ventricular hemodynamics and cardiac and pulmonary morphometry. The effects of TMP on PASMCs were studied in a primary culture isolated from SHAM and MCT-treated rats, using an iTRAQ-based proteomic approach to investigate the molecular pathways modulated by this drug. In vivo, TMP significantly reduced pulmonary and cardiac remodeling and improved cardiac function in PAH. In vitro, TMP inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of PASMCs. A total of 65 proteins were differentially expressed in PASMCs from MCT rats treated with TMP, some of which involved in the modulation of transforming growth factor beta pathway and DNA transcription. Anti-proliferative effect of TMP seems to be explained, at least in part, by the down-regulation of the transcription factor HMGB1. Our findings support the beneficial role of TMP in PAH and suggest that it may be an effective therapeutic option to be considered in the clinical management of PAH.

Exercise Training in Pulmonary Hypertension and Right Heart Failure: Insights from Pre-clinical Studies.

Exercise training (ExT) is widely used for the prevention and treatment of several chronic cardiovascular diseases. However, only recently it started to be recognized as safe and beneficial in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Despite the consistency of its favorable effects on exercise tolerance and quality of life, the mechanisms underlying these meaningful clinical improvements remain unclear. Current studies emphasize the exercise-induced changes on skeletal muscle but the impact of ExT at the level of the pulmonary circulation and right ventricle should not be overlooked. In this chapter, we summarize the main findings from pre-clinical studies analyzing the impact of exercise in pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure.

Early cardiac changes induced by a hypercaloric Western-type diet in "subclinical" obesity.

"Obesity cardiomyopathy" effects have been widely described; however, the specific contribution of metabolic changes and altered adipokine secretion are still uncharacterized. Moreover, a diagnosis based on body mass index might not be the most accurate to identify increased adiposity and its outcomes. In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of a Western-type diet [hypercaloric diet (HCD)] ingestion on biventricular structure and function, as well as the metabolic and endocrine changes that occur before the establishment of overt obesity. Wistar rats were fed for 6 wk with a regular diet or HCD. At the end of the protocol, metabolic tests, cardiac structure, and functional evaluation were performed, and blood and tissue samples collected to perform histological, molecular biology, and functional studies. The animals that ingested the HCD presented increased adiposity and larger adipocyte cross-sectional area, but similar body weight compared with the regular diet group. At the cardiac level, HCD induced biventricular cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis, increased stiffness, and impaired relaxation. Galectin-3 plasma expression was likewise elevated in the same animals. The nutritional modulation also altered the secretory pattern of the adipose tissue, originating a proinflammatory systemic environment. In this study, we observed that before "clinical" overweight or frank obesity is established, the ingestion of a HCD-induced cardiac remodeling manifests by increased biventricular stiffness and diastolic dysfunction. The mechanism triggering the cardiac alterations appears to be the proinflammatory environment promoted by the adipose tissue dysfunction. Furthermore, galectin-3, a profibrotic molecule, might be a potential biomarker for the myocardial alterations promoted by the HCD before overweight or obesity.

Intermittent cardiac overload results in adaptive hypertrophy and provides protection against left ventricular acute pressure overload insult.

The present study aimed to test whether a chronic intermittent workload could induce an adaptive cardiac phenotype Chronic intermittent workload induced features of adaptive hypertrophy This was paralleled by protection against acute pressure overload insult The heart may adapt favourably to balanced demands, regardless of the nature of the stimuli. The present study aimed to test whether submitting the healthy heart to intermittent and tolerable amounts of workload, independently of its nature, could result in an adaptive cardiac phenotype. Male Wistar rats were subjected to treadmill running (Ex) (n = 20), intermittent cardiac overload with dobutamine (ITO) (2 mg kg(-1) , s.c.; n = 20) or placebo administration (Cont) (n = 20) for 5 days week(-1) for 8 weeks. Animals were then killed for histological and biochemical analysis or subjected to left ventricular haemodynamic evaluation under baseline conditions, in response to isovolumetric contractions and to sustained LV acute pressure overload (35% increase in peak systolic pressure maintained for 2 h). Baseline cardiac function was enhanced only in Ex, whereas the response to isovolumetric heartbeats was improved in both ITO and Ex. By contrast to the Cont group, in which rats developed diastolic dysfunction with sustained acute pressure overload, ITO and Ex showed increased tolerance to this stress test. Both ITO and Ex developed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy without fibrosis, no overexpression of osteopontin-1 or ß-myosin heavy chain, and increased expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) protein. Regarding hypertrophic pathways, ITO and Ex showed activation of the protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway but not calcineurin. Mitochondrial complex IV and V activities were also increased in ITO and Ex. Chronic submission to controlled intermittent cardiac overload, independently of its nature, results in an adaptive cardiac phenotype. Features of the cardiac overload, such as the duration and magnitude of the stimuli, may play a role in the development of an adaptive or maladaptive phenotype.

Cardioprotective effects of early and late aerobic exercise training in experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Clinical studies suggest that aerobic exercise can exert beneficial effects in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. We compared the impact of early or late aerobic exercise training on right ventricular function, remodeling and survival in experimental PAH. Male Wistar rats were submitted to normal cage activity (SED), exercise training in early (EarlyEX) and in late stage (LateEX) of PAH induced by monocrotaline (MCT, 60 mg/kg). Both exercise interventions resulted in improved cardiac function despite persistent right pressure-overload, increased exercise tolerance and survival, with greater benefits in EarlyEX+MCT. This was accompanied by improvements in the markers of cardiac remodeling (SERCA2a), neurohumoral activation (lower endothelin-1, brain natriuretic peptide and preserved vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA), metabolism and mitochondrial oxidative stress in both exercise interventions. EarlyEX+MCT provided additional improvements in fibrosis, tumor necrosis factor-alpha/interleukin-10 and brain natriuretic peptide mRNA, and beta/alpha myosin heavy chain protein expression. The present study demonstrates important cardioprotective effects of aerobic exercise in experimental PAH, with greater benefits obtained when exercise training is initiated at an early stage of the disease.

Exploring the Effect of Acute and Regular Physical Exercise on Circulating Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Individuals with Obesity: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Obesity is a major global health concern linked to cognitive impairment and neurological disorders. Circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein crucial for neuronal growth and survival, plays a vital role in brain function and plasticity. Notably, obese individuals tend to exhibit lower BDNF levels, potentially contributing to cognitive decline. Physical exercise offers health benefits, including improved circulating BDNF levels and cognitive function, but the specific impacts of acute versus regular exercise on circulating BDNF levels in obesity are unclear. Understanding this can guide interventions to enhance brain health and counter potential cognitive decline in obese individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the impact of acute and regular physical exercise on circulating BDNF in individuals with obesity. The target population comprised individuals classified as overweight or obese, encompassing both acute and chronic protocols involving all training methods. A comprehensive search was conducted across computerized databases, including PubMed, Academic Search Complete, and Web of Science, in August 2022, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Initially, 98 studies were identified, from which 16 studies, comprising 23 trials, met the selection criteria. Substantial heterogeneity was observed for both acute (I2 = 80.4%) and long-term effects (I2 = 88.7%), but low risk of bias for the included studies. A single session of exercise increased circulating BDNF levels among obese patients compared to the control group (ES = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.19 to 2.30, p = 0.021). However, with extended periods of physical exercise, there was no significant increase in circulating BDNF levels when compared to the control group (ES = 0.49, 95% CI = -0.08 to 1.06, p = 0.089). These findings highlight the need to consider exercise duration and type when studying neurobiological responses in obesity and exercise research. The study's results have implications for exercise prescription in obesity management and highlight the need for tailored interventions to optimize neurotrophic responses. Future research should focus on elucidating the adaptive mechanisms and exploring novel strategies to enhance BDNF modulation through exercise in this population. However, further research is needed considering limitations such as the potential age-related confounding effects due to diverse participant ages, lack of sex-specific analyses, and insufficient exploration of how specific exercise parameters (e.g., duration, intensity, type) impact circulating BDNF.

Effects of 8 weeks pre-season training on physical fitness, heart rate variability and cognition in women soccer players.

The aim of this study was to explore the variations (pre-post) of (i) Anthropometric measures: weight, body mass index, lean and muscle mass, (ii) Physical fitness: countermovement jump (CMJ) and VO2max, (iii) heart rate variability (HRV) (recumbent and sitting): mean RR, RMSSD, NN50 and NN50 %, (iv) Psychomotor Vigilance Task, and v) SART: ACC Go, ACC NoGo and reaction times in semi-professional women soccer players from the second division of the Spanish League. The analysis indicated that lean mass improved after the observation period (p = .05, d = -0.38), while no other significant changes in anthropometric measures were observed. Additionally, CMJ and aerobic power were also improved (p<.01, d>0.50). The RMSSD [recumbent (d = -0.73) and sitting (d = -0.52)] and NN50 [recumbent (d = -0.69) and sitting (d = -0.70)] increased after the period of observation (p < .05). Reaction time also significantly improved after the period of observation [PVT (d = 0.42) and SART (d = -0.89)]. Correlations performed between measures revealed that smaller body mass and body mass index were largely associated with greater NN50 (r < 0.83, p = .001). Additionally, greater CMJ and aerobic fitness were associated with greater HRV [recumbent (r = -51, p = .001) and sitting (r = -0.60, p = .01). The main findings of this study were that there was no relationship between cognitive performance and physical fitness, but HRV was related to body composition and physical fitness during the pre-season in women soccer players.

Manual traction is effective in alleviating lumbosacral spine pain: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Manual traction, a therapeutic technique frequently employed in healthcare, involves applying controlled pulling force by hand, usually to the spine, to stretch muscles and decompress joints, thereby alleviating pain. This method can be particularly beneficial for addressing lumbosacral spine pain exacerbated by radicular symptoms, characterized by pain radiating from the lower back due to compression or irritation of spinal nerves. Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of manual traction against control group in alleviating the lumbosacral spine pain caused by radicular symptoms. Methods: A randomized controlled study design was utilized with a sample of 60 patients experiencing lumbosacral spine pain, evenly distributed between an experimental group (n = 30; receiving manual traction) and a control group (n = 30). Patients underwent assessments before and after six treatment sessions, which included the Straight Leg Raise test, modified Bragard's test, Kernig's test, and the visual analogue scale for pain perception. Results: Between-group significant differences were found at post-intervention, favoring the experimental group on SLR - Left (°) (p = 0.004; medium effect size), SLR - Right (°) (p = 0.004; medium effect size), Modified Bragard test - Left (°) (p = 0.024; small effect size), Modified Bragard test - Right (°) (p = 0.003; medium effect size), Kernig's Test - Left (°) (p = 0.013; medium effect size) and Kernig's Test - Right (°) (p = 0.010; medium effect size). Additionally, between-group significant differences were found at post-intervention, favoring the experimental group on VAS scores at SLR left (p < 0.001; medium effect size), and right (p < 0.001); medium effect size, Modified Bragard test left (p < 0.001; medium effect size) and right (p < 0.001; medium effect size) and at Kernig's Test left (p < 0.001; medium effect size) and right (p < 0.001; medium effect size). Conclusions: In conclusion, manual traction is recommended as an effective approach for alleviating lumbosacral spine pain in patients experiencing symptoms resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve root.

Mastering movement: A Cross-sectional investigation of motor competence in children and adolescents engaged in sports.

INTRODUCTION: Motor Competence (MC) is related to the development of healthy lifestyles in children and adolescents, and many studies have compared it with different variables, including sports participation. This investigation aimed to characterize the components and total scores of MC regarding different physical activity practices, such as physical education (PE) classes, futsal, volleyball, and ballet, and to compare MC regarding sports, sex, and age-groups. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study, 398 Portuguese children and adolescents (398 participants: 200 boys and 198 girls; 12.649±3.46 years) were conveniently chosen between 2022 and 2023. Four groups of different sports were created: PE classes (n = 187), futsal (n = 80), volleyball (n = 101) and ballet (n = 30), and four different age groups: 7 to 9 years old (n = 117); 10 to 12 years old (n = 65), 13 to 15 years old (n = 96) and, 16 to 19 years old (n = 120). All participants reported to participate in at least two training sessions per week (1 hour each) for at least two years. MC was assessed with Motor Competence Assessment (MCA) comprising three components with six tests (two tests for each component). Participants' total MC was calculated as the average of the three components of the MCA. Data were analyzed by applying ANOVA one-way with LSD post-hoc. RESULTS: Differences were found in MC among groups, where futsal participants showed better scores in general. Sex comparison showed that boys have a higher MC when practicing futsal, especially compared to volleyball players. Age-group analysis showed that younger participants had better MC levels compared to older ones. CONCLUSION: The whole group showed the 50th percentile of MC, but volleyball adolescents showed results below this reference. MC is intrinsically linked to an individual's motor experiences and motivations rather than depending directly on the specific practice of the sport.