Impact of lengthening velocity on the generation of eccentric force by slow-twitch muscle fibers in long stretches.

After an initial increase, isovelocity elongation of a muscle fiber can lead to diminishing (referred to as Give in the literature) and subsequently increasing force. How the stretch velocity affects this behavior in slow-twitch fibers remains largely unexplored. Here, we stretched fully activated individual rat soleus muscle fibers from 0.

Detection of thyroid hormones in urine by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.

Recently, the trend of thyroid hormones (TH) consumption in the sports community has been published. It is known the capacity of the exogenously administered TH to enhance metabolism, being an attractive feature for athletes, who search for weight control and increased caloric expenditure. This paper aimed the validation of a method to measure TH and related compounds in urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Accuracy of a continuous glucose monitoring system applied before, during, and after an intense leg-squat session with low- and high-carbohydrate availability in young adults without diabetes.

Purpose: The aim was to assess the accuracy of a continuous blood glucose monitoring (CGM) device (Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3) against capillary blood glucose measurement (BGM) before, during, and after an intense lower body strength training session in connection with high- versus low-carbohydrate breakfasts.

Methods: Nine adults (22 ± 2 years) completed a strength training session (10 × 10 at 60% 1RM) twice after high-carbohydrate and twice after low-carbohydrate breakfasts. CGM accuracy versus BGM was assessed across four phases: post-breakfast, pre-exercise, exercise, and post-exercise.

SARS-CoV-2 infection decreases cardiorespiratory fitness and time-trial performance even two months after returning to regular training - Insights from a longitudinal case series of well-trained kayak athletes.

Objective: The aims of this study were to examine the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and time-trial performance in vaccinated well-trained young kayak athletes.

Methods: This is a longitudinal observational study. Sixteen (7 male, 9 female) vaccinated kayakers underwent body composition assessment, maximal graded exercise test, and 1000-m time-trial tests 21.

Exploring person-specific associations of situational motivation and readiness with leisure-time physical activity effort and experience.

Identifying determinants of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) often relies on population-level (nomothetic) averages, potentially overlooking person-specific (idiographic) associations. This study uses an idiographic perspective to explore how subjective readiness and motives for LTPA relate to volitional effort (duration, intensity) and affective experience (pleasure, displeasure). We also highlight the potential for different interpretations when data are averaged within individuals and assessed using a variable-centered approach.

Machine Learning for Movement Pattern Changes during Kinect-Based Mixed Reality Exercise Programs in Women with Possible Sarcopenia: Pilot Study.

Background: Sarcopenia is a muscle-wasting condition that affects older individuals. It can lead to changes in movement patterns, which can increase the risk of falls and other injuries.

Methods: Older women participants aged ≥65 years who could walk independently were recruited and classified into two groups based on knee extension strength (KES).

Stroke-induced excess in capillarization relative to oxidative capacity in rats is muscle specific.

Stroke is not only associated with muscle weakness, but also associated with reduced muscle fatigue resistance and reduced desaturation during exercise that may be caused by a reduced oxidative capacity and/or microvasculature. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the effects of stroke on muscle mass, fiber size and shape, capillarization and oxidative capacity of the rat m. extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and m.

The effects of Nirvana fitness and functional training on the body appreciation of young women: non-randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Exercise is an important intervention used to improve body image. The present non-randomized controlled trial aimed to examine the effects of Nirvana Fitness (NF) and functional training (FT) on body appreciation and its correlates in young women.

Methods: Twenty-two students participated in FT, 21 in NF, and 47 in the control (CN) group.

Bidirectional regulation mechanism of TRPM2 channel: role in oxidative stress, inflammation and ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) is a non-selective cation channel that exhibits Ca permeability. The TRPM2 channel is expressed in various tissues and cells and can be activated by multiple factors, including endogenous ligands, Ca, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and temperature. This article reviews the multiple roles of the TRPM2 channel in physiological and pathological processes, particularly on oxidative stress, inflammation and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Do the effects last? A comparison between internal and external focus of attention instructions on golf putting accuracy over multiple days.

Background: The role of attentional focus is a well-explored topic in exercise sciences. Studies generally indicate that external focus (EF) enhances motor performance and learning compared with internal focus (IF). However, most studies only included one or two experimental days which limits participants' exposure to the focus conditions.

Differences in anthropometric and vertical jump force-time characteristics between U16 and U18 female basketball players.

Considering the importance of body composition and lower-body strength and power for basketball players' on-court performance, as well as a lack of sports science research focused on female athletes, the purpose of the present investigation was to record the anthropometric and countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) characteristics of top-tier U16 and U18 female basketball players and examine between-group differences in the aforementioned tests. Thirty-two athletes who were a part of the national basketball academy volunteered to participate in the present investigation. Following the body composition assessment conducted via a segmental multifrequency bioimpedance analyzer, athletes performed three CMJs while standing on a force plate system sampling at 1000 Hz.

Effects of different parameters of Tai Chi on the intervention of chronic low back pain: A meta-analysis.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Tai Chi in the treatment of patients with chronic low back pain by Meta-analysis and to investigate its influencing factors.

Methods: The study searched eight databases (PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China Knowledge Network, Wanfang, VIP, and CBM) from inception to October 2023. Two investigators independently selected 10 eligible randomized controlled trials (RCT) against inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by data extraction and study quality assessment by ROB 2.

Machine Learning-Based Identification of Diagnostic Biomarkers for Korean Male Sarcopenia Through Integrative DNA Methylation and Methylation Risk Score: From the Korean Genomic Epidemiology Study (KoGES).

Background: Sarcopenia, characterized by a progressive decline in muscle mass, strength, and function, is primarily attributable to aging. DNA methylation, influenced by both genetic predispositions and environmental exposures, plays a significant role in sarcopenia occurrence. This study employed machine learning (ML) methods to identify differentially methylated probes (DMPs) capable of diagnosing sarcopenia in middle-aged individuals.

Green strength: The role of micronutrients in plant-based diets for athletic performance enhancement.

This review examines the correlation between plant-based diets and athletic performance, with a specific emphasis on the vital aspect of optimizing micronutrients for athletes. In light of the increasing prevalence of plant-based nutrition among athletes due to its perceived advantages in terms of health, ethics, and the environment, this study investigates the ability of these diets to satisfy the demanding nutritional requirements essential for achieving optimal performance and facilitating recovery. The article emphasizes the significance of essential micronutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids and also addressing the challenges with their absorption and bioavailability from plant sources.

A Fullerton Functional Fitness Test-based exercise intervention for older adults yields quick physical and psychological benefits.

Objectives: Functional fitness is essential for healthy living in older adults. Specially targeted fitness programs might be the most beneficial. This intervention study aimed to assess the efficacy of a specific 16-week exercise program in improving functions as measured by the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test (FFFT), also known as the Senior Test, in older adults.

Impact of Taekwondo training on cognitive and physical function in elderly individuals: A comprehensive review of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Researchers have investigated the physical and psychosocial advantages of Taekwondo for older adults. However, prior studies of Taekwondo's impact on physical function and psychological well-being in this demographic have produced inconsistent findings. Thus, this systematic review aimed to assess how Taekwondo practice affects the physical function and psychological well-being of older adults.

Napping and heart rate variability in elite athletes.

Sleep and autonomic nervous system (ANS) influence each other in a bidirectional fashion. Importantly, it has been proposed that sleep has a beneficial regulatory influence over cardiovascular activity, which is mostly controlled by autonomic regulation through the activity of sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways of the ANS. A well-established method to non-invasively assess cardiac autonomic activity is heart rate variability (HRV) analysis.

Motivation of Marathon and Ultra-Marathon Runners. A Narrative Review.

This narrative review study seeks to consolidate the existing knowledge on motivational factors that influence marathon and ultramarathon runners. The primary aim is to collect and summarize the understanding of the factors that drive both marathon and ultramarathon runners. Furthermore the review seeks to explore how variables like gender, age and experience impact motivational drivers within these running communities to highlight the intricate nature of factors, in endurance running and stress the significance of tailored training approaches and community backing to enhance participation and achievement.

Nightmares in Swiss elite athletes: Associated factors.

Nightmares, defined as extremely dysphoric dreams, can cause significant distress in everyday life if they occur frequently. Their aetiology is based on a disposition-stress model. As elite athletes often experience high stress levels, the present study investigated factors that might be associated with nightmare frequency in a large cohort of 2297 Swiss elite athletes (1066 women, 1231 men) with a mean age of 22.

Relationship of peak capillary blood lactate accumulation and body composition in determining the mechanical energy equivalent of lactate during sprint cycling.

Aim: A 15-s all-out sprint cycle test (i.e., νLa-test) and the post-exercise change in capillary blood lactate concentration is an emerging diagnostic tool that is used to quantify the maximal glycolytic rate.