Physiologia, Volume 5, Issue 3 (September 2025) – 9 articles

Background: Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and acute respiratory failure (ARF) are leading causes of hospitalization and functional decline in Italy, posing a significant burden on the healthcare system. In 2024, new national guidelines mandated the use of Intensive Care Rehabilitation Units (ICRUs) within MDC4 to provide structured post-acute respiratory rehabilitation. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate functional outcomes in patients with AECOPD and ARF treated in a single ICRU, assessing the effectiveness of guideline-based rehabilitation protocols. Methods: A retrospective audit was conducted on patients admitted in 2024 to a dedicated ICRU. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Barthel Index, Six-Minute Walking Test (6MWT), and Rehabilitation Complexity Index (RCI-e13). Correlation analyses were performed to explore relationships between baseline status, rehabilitation progression, and discharge outcomes. Results: Thirty-six patients were included. Significant improvements were observed across all scales from admission to discharge. The Barthel Index showed a strong positive correlation between initial and final scores (r = 0.72), while the 6MWT indicated a similarly robust correlation (r = 0.73). Greater functional gains were noted among patients with lower baseline scores, especially in mobility. The RCI-e13 reflected decreased clinical complexity by discharge, with moderate correlations to baseline severity. Age moderately correlated with length of stay (r = 0.30), but not with outcome scores. Conclusions: The implementation of early, intensive rehabilitation in an ICRU setting—aligned with Italy’s 2024 national guidelines—led to measurable functional improvements in patients with AECOPD and ARF. These findings support the utility of structured outcome monitoring and reinforce the role of ICRUs in optimizing post-acute care pathways within respiratory rehabilitation services. Full article

Introduction: Women’s futsal demands strength, agility, speed, and endurance, involving sprints, dribbling, and rapid directional changes. In this context, the hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) strength ratio and bilateral muscle asymmetries are recognized as risk factors for lower limb injuries and may also impact athletic performance. Objective: This study aimed to analyze power output in two inertial flywheel resistance exercises and identify muscle imbalances in the lower limbs of female university futsal players. Methods: Twelve athletes (22.9 ± 2.3 years; 163 ± 6.8 cm; 60.9 ± 9.9 kg; 22.8 ± 3.1 kg/m²; ≥9 years of experience) participated in the study. They performed 2 sets of 8 unilateral knee flexion and extension repetitions per limb, following a warm-up of 20 bodyweight squats. Power output was assessed using a multi-joint isoinertial device (Physical Solutions, SP, Brazil). Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, with significance set at α = 0.05. Results: Eccentric power was significantly higher in both exercises and limbs (EJPD = 0.003; EJPE = 0.006; FJPD < 0.001; FJPE < 0.001). An imbalance in the H/Q ratio was observed: concentric right = 50.38% ± 14.67; left = 42.46% ± 9.24; eccentric right = 56.71% ± 15.56; left = 58.38% ± 21.06. The right limb showed a greater concentric imbalance (p = 0.016). Conclusions: Eccentric power was higher in both exercises without inter-limb differences. An H/Q imbalance was detected, with greater asymmetry in the right leg for concentric power. Coaches are encouraged to prioritize eccentric training to address these imbalances. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of isometric and plyometric combined activation prior to the endurance performance assessed with the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15 IFT) and cardiovascular parameters. Methods: In this crossover study the data of 14 elite female soccer players aged 22.1 ± 2.9 years were assessed. The conditioning activity (CA) consisted of three sets of five seconds of maximal mid-thigh pull (IMPT), and peak force was measured, and four countermovement jumps were performed. Contact time, jump height, and reactive strength index (RSI) were assessed. Ninety seconds of rest between the sets was performed. Then, 7 min after the CA, the 30-15 IFT was performed. Results: One-way repeated measures (RM) ANOVA showed that performance during the CA did not decrease; what is more, it improved in RSI (p < 0.01). Further, paired samples t-test showed that the performance in the IFT did not change, whereas training impulse (TRIMP) was increased after CA (p = 0.039, ES = 0.61), thus the Bayesian paired test yielded only anecdotal evidence in favor of the alternative hypothesis (BF₁₀ = 1.92; error = 2%). Conclusions: The improvement in CA suggests potentiation rather than fatigue. However, the unchanged performance alongside a modest TRIMP increase should be interpreted with caution, as TRIMP alone provides a limited assessment of physiological cost. Therefore, while the applied protocol did not enhance endurance performance, further research using multiple physiological markers is needed to clarify its impact on internal load and overall efficacy. Full article

Purpose: To investigate whether mild hypohydration in lightweight rowers compromises rowing performance despite a two-hour rehydration window. Methods: Experienced varsity rowers [11 male (82.3 ± 26.2 kg, age = 21.3 ± 4.0 years, height = 184.7 ± 2.4 cm) and three female (62.1 ± 11.8 kg, 2.3 ± 4.2 years, 166.4 ± 16.2 cm)] performed a 2000 m rowing ergometer time trial and visuomotor battery twice: once euhydrated and once after mild dehydration. Weight loss (−1.68 ± 0.23% body mass reduction) was achieved through a combination of 12 h (abstinence) of fluid and food restriction and sauna exposure. Results: Participants were significantly slower on the 2000 m rowing trial in the hypohydration condition than in the euhydration condition (+2.44 ± 4.5 s, p < 0.05). Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that this rowing performance decrement was explained by hypohydration achieved overnight through fluid abstinence (r² = 0.504, p < 0.01) but not by hypohydration achieved in the sauna (r² = 0.025, n.s.), corroborating our previous finding. This analysis also revealed a relationship between hypohydration-related rowing performance decrements and hypohydration-related changes in visuomotor function (r² = 0.310, p < 0.01). Conclusions: These findings suggest that rowing time trial performance can be negatively affected by relatively small changes in hydration status and that the method by which hypohydration is achieved is important. Rowing performance losses were explained by hypohydration due to prolonged fluid abstinence and by hypohydration-related changes to neural control of movement. Performance losses were not related to rapid sauna-based fluid loss. Full article

Background/Objectives: In powerlifting, velocity indicators and skin temperature have been utilized to control training loads for both conventional athletes and athletes with disabilities. Therefore, the present study evaluated maximum velocity (Vmax), mean propulsive velocity (MPV), power (POWER) output, and skin temperature (ST) following a 5 × 5 training session at 80% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) in conventional powerlifters (CP) and paralympic powerlifters (PP). Methods: A total of 24 male athletes (12 CP and 12 PP) underwent a 5 × 5 training session at 80% 1RM. Post-session, velocity indicators, power output, and ST were assessed at 45% 1RM. Results: Only the CP group exhibited significant differences in Vmax (p < 0.015), MPV (p < 0.007), and power output (p < 0.022) between time points. Regarding ST, only the PP group showed differences (p < 0.004) in the sternal portion of the pectoral major. For the long head of the triceps brachii, differences were observed between groups in the post-session measurement (p > 0.024) and for the PP group only in the post-session measurement (p < 0.002). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that in following a traditional training session (80% 1RM), assessments at 45% 1RM revealed different effects in velocity, power output, and ST measures between CP and PP groups. These findings suggest that within the same sport discipline, training variables may have distinct impacts across different categories of athletes, and further research is needed to evaluate these different responses. Full article

Background/Objectives: Executive function, which includes inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, tends to decline with aging. While traditional resistance training (TRT) has shown positive effects in mitigating these declines, limited evidence is available regarding flywheel resistance training (FRT). This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of TRT and FRT on executive function in older women. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial (clinicaltrials.gov NCT05910632), 29 older women were allocated into two groups: TRT (n = 15) and FRT (n = 14). The intervention lasted eight weeks with two weekly sessions conducted at the Federal University of Viçosa. The TRT group performed exercises using machines and free weights, while the FRT group used a multi-leg isoinertial device. Executive function was assessed using the Victoria Stroop Test (inhibitory control), Digit Span Test (working memory), and Trail Making Tests A and B (cognitive flexibility). Data were analyzed using a Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (p < 0.05). Results: No significant changes were observed in inhibitory control (p = 0.350). Working memory improved significantly within both groups in forward (p = 0.002) and backward (p = 0.002) span tasks. For cognitive flexibility, Trail Making Test A showed no significant changes (p > 0.05), but Test B showed significant within-group (p = 0.030) and between-group (p = 0.020) improvements. The B-A difference was also significant (p = 0.040). Conclusions: Both resistance training modalities enhanced working memory and cognitive flexibility. However, FRT produced greater improvements in cognitive flexibility, suggesting potential advantages in cognitive aging interventions. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cold-water immersion (CWI) on post-training recovery in Kung Fu athletes. Methods: In a 3-week crossover design, 16 Kung Fu athletes (22.00 ± 5.95 years, 76.90 ± 9.74 kg) were divided into two conditions: CWI and passive recovery as a control (CON) measure. Through the study, muscle damage markers (creatine kinase [CK], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT]), physical performance tests (upper limbs power, SJ and CMJ), skin temperature (from lower and upper limbs), and skin temperature asymmetries were measured. Results: CWI resulted in a higher reduction of CK concentration than CON 24 h after the intervention (−21.32%; p < 0.001). The SJ height 24 h after the intervention was higher in the CWI than in the CON (p < 0.001). Both CWI and CON resulted in skin temperature returning to baseline levels 24 h after intervention. Conclusions: CWI was effective in restoring muscle power, reducing muscle damage and reducing body temperature (BT) in Kung Fu athletes. Cold water recovery showed better muscle power and strength 24 and 48 h after training when compared to the passive method. CK and skin temperature were better 24 h after cold water recovery. Full article

Background/Objectives: Beetroot juice is a popular nutritional resource in sports due to its ergogenic effects, promoting vasodilation, hypotension, improved energy efficiency, and reduced oxygen cost. However, its role in modulating the autonomic nervous system during strength training remains understudied. This study assessed the effects of acute nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation on cardiovascular and hemodynamic responses to flywheel resistance exercise. Methods: Fifteen male participants (age 22 ± 3.64 years) from the Federal University of Viçosa completed a crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Each participant consumed either 400 mg of standardized nitrate or a placebo before performing 4 sets of 8–12 repetitions at 100% of their maximum concentric strength using a leg extension exercise, with 90 s recovery intervals. Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and subjective perception of effort were measured after each set. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23, employing the Shapiro–Wilk normality test, t-test for related samples, and MANOVA with time and supplement factors. Results: NO₃⁻ supplementation led to a smaller increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) during exercise compared to the placebo and reduced diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in the last set, reflecting decreased peripheral vascular resistance. However, no significant effects were observed for heart rate, rate–pressure product, oxygen saturation, time under tension, or subjective perception of effort. Conclusions: These findings suggest that NO₃⁻ supplementation can offer cardiovascular benefits by attenuating blood pressure increases during strength training, highlighting its potential as a low-risk ergogenic aid for healthy young men. Full article

Background/Objectives: The use of buoyant equipment in water fitness sessions appears to elicit a more intense physiological response in water exercises. However, it remains unknown whether the shape of the equipment influences these responses. The present study aimed to analyze and compare the physiological responses and perceived effort while older women using different buoyant dumbbells during horizontal adduction/abduction of the upper limbs (HA exercise). Methods: Ten older women (76.1 ± 5.3 years of age) attended two assessment sessions to perform HA exercise at a music cadence of 120 bpm with different buoyant dumbbells (one pair for each session): round hydro and hydro crystal. Mean heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP, respectively), double product (DPr), blood lactate concentration ([La⁻), and rate of perceived effort (RPE) were assessed according to pre-exercise (rest), warm-up and the HA exercise (five min effort). Results: The mean HR was also analyzed according to the percentage (%) of the predicted maximal theoretical HR (HRmax). Older women reached ~56 and 61% of HRmax using crystal and round dumbbells, respectively. Differences were found in mean HR, [La⁻], and RPE with the round dumbbell showing greater values than the crystal dumbbell. Although no differences were found in SBP and DBP, DPr was higher when women used the round dumbbells. Conclusions: The shape of buoyant dumbbells seems to define acute responses of older women as the round dumbbell promotes a more intense physiological response and perceived effort when compared to the crystal dumbbell. Full article