Search Results (195)

Background/Objectives: Melatonin (MEL) promotes sleep and recovery, while caffeine (CAF) enhances alertness and performance. Despite their common use among athletes, their potential interaction remains underexplored. This study examined the effects of MEL and CAF, administered separately or in combination, on sleep, physical performance, physiological, biochemical, and perceptual responses in trained males. Methods: In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study, fourteen trained males (22.4 ± 2.9 years) underwent four conditions, designed to isolate the effects of each substance and their interaction: (1) PLA + PLA: placebo before sleep and placebo in the morning; (2) PLA + CAF: placebo before sleep and caffeine (3 mg·kg⁻¹) in the morning; (3) MEL + PLA: melatonin (6 mg) before sleep and placebo in the morning; and (4) MEL + CAF: melatonin before sleep followed by caffeine in the morning. One hour after the morning ingestion, participants performed the 5 m shuttle run test (5mSRT). Blood samples were collected pre- and post-exercise to assess markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase) and inflammation (C-reactive protein). Peak heart rate (HR_peak) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded throughout the test. Sleep was assessed only during the night following melatonin or placebo ingestion. Results: No differences were observed in sleep parameters between conditions (p > 0.05). Total distance in the 5mSRT increased following MEL + CAF and PLA + CAF conditions compared with PLA + PLA. Moreover, MEL + CAF reduced muscle damage and inflammation markers compared with PLA + PLA, MEL + PLA, and PLA + CAF conditions (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The ingestion of nocturnal MEL and next-day CAF was associated with improvements in certain high-intensity exercise performance outcomes, along with changes in muscle damage and inflammation. Full article

Background: Physical activity (PA), physical fitness (PF), and motor skills (MS) play crucial roles in overall health and well-being, particularly in early childhood, when habits that affect future health are formed. Methods: This study, involving 299 children (150 boys, 149 girls, mean age 6.9 ± 0.96 years), explored the variance explained by external factors such as socioeconomic status (SES), body composition (BC), sex, and geographical location on motor-related physical fitness (MRPF) and health-related physical fitness (HRPF) in children. Using a variety of assessments, including demographics, anthropometric data, BIA, ActiGraphs, the 20 m shuttle run, 10 and 20 m speed tests, and test items from the Körperkoordinations test für Kinder (KTK) and the TGMD-2, a multiple stepwise regression analysis using SPSS (v 28.0) identified the associated factors. Results: The variables tested show modest explained variance for HRPF, MRPF, and MS, with the largest cumulative explained variance of 26.4%. The explained variances for MRPF and MS were lower (medium to small) than the significant, medium-to-large, explained variances for HRPF. Body fat percentage (BF%), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), parental education and income, and BMI emerged as substantial contributors to HRPF, explaining 12.1% to 26.4% of the variance. Sex, BF%, and quintile status were the most influential associated factors for MRPF, and for MS, BMI and sex emerged as the strongest contributors. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of holistic approaches that consider individual factors, such as MVPA, body composition (BC), PA levels, sex, and broader social and economic contexts, to promote children’s well-being. The study emphasises the need for comprehensive strategies to address the multifaceted associations with children’s physical development. Full article

Background: This study aimed to examine whether a physical education program based on the ecological dynamics approach, implemented through small-sided games (SSG), produces greater improvements in motor skills, daily physical activity levels, and perceived physical fitness in middle school students. Methods: Forty-eight students were assigned to an SSG group (ecological dynamics lessons including small-sided games, n = 26) or a Control group (traditional lessons based on teacher-centered instruction and analytical exercises, n = 22). The intervention lasted 12 weeks, with two sessions per week. Motor performance was assessed using the standing broad jump, 5-standing broad jump, 20 m sprint, 10 × 5 m shuttle run, 5-0-5 agility test, and sit-and-reach test. Daily physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and perceived physical fitness was assessed using the Visual Analogue Fitness Perception Scale for Adolescents (FPVASA). Results: Significant group-by-time interactions were found in all motor tests. IPAQ-SF data revealed significant group-by-time interactions for vigorous and moderate physical activity. Perceived physical fitness showed significant group-by-time interactions for all items except flexibility. Conclusions: Physical education lessons structured according to the ecological dynamics approach and implemented through SSG-based protocols led to greater improvements than traditional methods. The dynamic and variable nature of SSG likely enhances neuromuscular stimulation, motor engagement, and motivation during physical education lessons. Full article

Background/Objectives: University life is often accompanied by unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, reduced physical activity, lower fitness levels, and a high prevalence of mental health symptoms. Daily step count has emerged as a practical indicator of habitual physical activity; however, evidence on its association with cardiorespiratory fitness and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in university students remains limited. Therefore, this study examined the association of daily step count with cardiorespiratory fitness and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in university students. Methods: This cross-sectional association study included a convenience sample of 120 students aged 18 to 25 years from a single university. Daily step count was assessed over seven consecutive days using a Xiaomi Mi Band 9. Cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated with the 20 m shuttle run test, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21). Partial correlations, ANCOVA, MANCOVA, binary logistic regression, and restricted cubic spline models were performed after adjustment for sex, age, and socioeconomic status. Results: Higher daily step count was associated with greater cardiorespiratory fitness and with lower symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, although the associations with mental health symptoms were weak and not uniform across outcomes. Restricted cubic spline models showed inverse non-linear associations for mental health symptoms, with steeper inverse gradients at lower step-count levels and a tendency to level off at higher volumes, approximately around 9000 steps/day. For cardiorespiratory fitness, the association was positive across the step-count range. Step counts around 7500 steps/day were associated with lower odds of elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusions: A higher daily step count was associated with more favorable mental health symptom profiles and greater cardiorespiratory fitness in this sample of university students. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between 24-h movement behavior composition and estimate cardiorespiratory fitness in school-aged children using compositional data analysis, and to model the theoretical differences in estimated cardiorespiratory fitness associated with isotemporal reallocations of time between movement behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 222 schoolchildren aged 8 to 12 years (mean age 9.94 ± 0.69 years), with most participants aged 10 years. Twenty-four-hour movement behaviors were assessed objectively using wrist-worn accelerometers, and cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated from the 20 m shuttle run test using the Léger equation. Daily time-use composition was analyzed using isometric log-ratio coordinates and adjusted linear regression models were fitted. Estimated differences in cardiorespiratory fitness associated with 30-min isotemporal reallocations between behaviors were then modeled. Results: The 24-h movement behavior composition was significantly associated with estimated cardiorespiratory fitness. In isotemporal models, reallocating 30 min from sedentary behavior to sleep was associated with the largest modeled difference in estimated cardiorespiratory fitness, whereas other reallocations showed smaller estimated differences depending on the behavior displaced. Age was positively associated with estimated cardiorespiratory fitness, while sex showed a limited association. Bivariate analyses revealed weak or inconsistent associations, supporting the value of the compositional approach for capturing the interdependent nature of daily time use. Conclusions: Twenty-four-hour movement behavior composition was associated with estimated cardiorespiratory fitness in school-aged children. These findings support the use of compositional approaches to examine sleep, sedentary behavior, and physical activity jointly. However, given the cross-sectional design and the modeled nature of the reallocations, the estimated differences should be interpreted cautiously and not as direct causal or physiological effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: To develop and internally validate multiple linear regression models to predict estimated VO2max from anthropometric variables and easily obtainable physical fitness tests in active university students and to compare model performance when estimated VO2max was derived from the Rockport Walk Test versus the 20-m Shuttle Run (Course Navette). Methods: Anthropometric variables and physical fitness indicators, including body mass index (BMI), Ruffier index, and burpee repetitions, as well as sex and age, were evaluated. Estimated VO2max was obtained separately from the Rockport Walk Test and the 20-m Shuttle Run using their respective field test equations. For each test, a multiple linear regression model was fitted using the same set of predictors. Model performance was assessed using apparent metrics and internal validation with optimism correction based on repeated cross-validation. Results: The Rockport walk test model showed better predictive performance, explaining 55.2% of the variability in estimated VO2max (R² = 0.552; adjusted R² = 0.498) with a lower prediction error (RMSE = 3.54 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹). In contrast, the 20-m shuttle run model showed lower explanatory capacity (R² = 0.319; adjusted R² = 0.256) and a substantially higher prediction error (RMSE = 11.93 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹). Internal validation reduced performance in both models, more markedly in the 20-m shuttle run, where the corrected R² fell to 0.163 and the corrected RMSE increased to 13.18 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, compared with 0.338 and 4.37 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ in the Rockport walk test. Conclusions: Estimated VO2max can be predicted pragmatically using low-cost models based on simple variables in a university setting; however, model performance depends on the field test used. The Rockport walk test appears more suitable for prediction using general-purpose predictors, whereas the 20-m shuttle run may require more test-specific predictors and external validation before application beyond the development sample. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the associations of physiological (VO₂max), morphological (body fat percentage), and behavioral factors (physical activity levels) with life satisfaction among teacher education and preschool education students, with a particular focus on self-rated health as a potential statistical mediator. Methods: The sample consisted of 228 students (95% female; mean age = 21.96 ± 4.24 years). Life satisfaction was assessed using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), self-rated health (SRH) with a single-item measure of general health, physical activity (PA) with the IPAQ-SF questionnaire, cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂max estimate) with the 20 m shuttle run test, and body fat percentage (BF%) with a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Data were analyzed using hierarchical regression and mediation models with the PROCESS macro (Model 4). Results: SRH accounted for 17.2% of the variance in life satisfaction, emerging as the strongest correlate relative to physiological and morphological indicators. In the primary regression model, total PA accounted for an additional 2.3% of explained variance, whereas in a secondary parallel model, moderate PA accounted for 2.2%. Vigorous PA was not a significant correlate. Mediation analyses indicated that VO₂max was not directly associated with life satisfaction but showed a statistically significant indirect association through SRH. No significant indirect associations were found for BF%, individual activity intensities, or total PA. Conclusions: The results highlight the relevance of perceptual and behavioral health indicators in understanding the relationships among PA, physical fitness, and psychological well-being in this student population. The findings provide preliminary insight into how multiple health-related dimensions may relate to life satisfaction, underscoring the need for longitudinal research before more confident interpretations of practical relevance can be made. Full article

Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness is frequently impaired in survivors of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), limiting their functional performance. While aerobic exercise is recommended, evidence is needed to guide the prescription of specific training protocols in this population. Objective: This study sought to compare the efficacy of constant-load (CL-AEx) and graded aerobic exercise (G-AEx) protocols on cardiorespiratory fitness and functional capability in pediatric survivors of ALL. Methods: Seventy-two pediatric ALL survivors were allocated to CL-AEx, G-AEx, or a control group. Cardiopulmonary fitness [peak oxygen consumption (peak VO₂), peak minute ventilation (VE), ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (VE/VO₂), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), peak oxygen pulse (peak O₂P), maximum heart rate (max HR), and one-minute heart rate recovery (HHR₁)] and functional performance [six-minute walk test (6MWT), 4x10-m shuttle run test (4x10-mSRT), and timed up down stairs (TUDS)] were assessed at pre- and post-intervention. Results: The G-AEx group exhibited significantly enhanced cardiorespiratory and functional outcomes compared to both the CL-AEx and control groups (all p < 0.05). The G-AEx group demonstrated more pronounced improvements, showing significant increases in peak VO₂, VE, VE/VO₂, peak O₂P, and HHR1, alongside a more efficient RER. Functionally, the G-AEx intervention led to superior improvements in 6MWT distance, and significantly faster completion times in the 4x10-mSRT and TUDS, highlighting multi-domain functional gain. Conclusions: In pediatric survivors of ALL, G-AEx demonstrated superior improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and functional performance compared to CL-AEx over 12 weeks. These findings suggest that G-AEx is an effective modality for addressing acute physical deconditioning in this population. Incorporating G-AEx into clinical rehabilitation may enhance immediate physiological and functional recovery during the survivorship phase. Full article

Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) often exhibit reduced physical fitness, leading to early declines in the ability to perform daily activities. This study aimed to characterize and establish reference values for physical functional performance by sex and age group in school-aged children with ID. A total of 321 participants (ages 5–26 years) from special education schools were assessed. Physical functional performance was measured using the 4 × 10 m shuttle run (4 × 10 m), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Five-Repetition Sit-to-Stand Test (5R-STS), and Countermovement Jump (CMJ). Two-way ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and percentile values (5th–95th) were calculated by sex and age group. Males consistently demonstrated higher performance than females. Cross-sectional comparisons showed higher 4 × 10 m, TUG, and 5R-STS performance during adolescence in both sexes, while CMJ performance was higher in males during early adulthood. Adolescents outperformed children in 4 × 10 m, TUG, and CMJ tests (p < 0.05). Females exhibited lower 4 × 10 m and CMJ performance in early adulthood compared with adolescence (p < 0.05), whereas males showed no significant differences across these stages. Physical functional performance in individuals with ID varied according to sex and age, with males generally demonstrating better performance. Adolescence is associated with higher performance, while females experience reductions in lower-limb power in early adulthood. These findings highlight sex- and age-related differences and support the need for targeted monitoring and intervention strategies in this population. Full article

Background/Objectives: University students exhibit high levels of sedentary behavior and low adherence to physical activity recommendations, and immersive virtual reality (IVR) represents an innovative strategy to increase physical activity participation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a physical activity intervention using IVR on anthropometric variables, physical fitness, and blood pressure in university students. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 participants (30 control, 30 intervention) over 12 weeks. The intervention group performed three weekly exercise sessions using IVR, while the control group maintained their usual activity. BMI, waist and hip circumferences, handgrip strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and blood pressure were assessed. Baseline characteristics between groups were compared using Student’s t-test. The effect of the intervention was analyzed using analysis of covariance adjusted for baseline values. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess between-group changes, and subgroup analyses were conducted to determine the impact of sex. Results: The intervention produced significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂ and the 20 m shuttle run test); no significant changes were observed in anthropometric variables, strength, or blood pressure. Conclusions: A 12-week intervention with immersive virtual reality-based physical training improves cardiorespiratory fitness in university students, representing a promising tool for health promotion in this population. Full article

Background: Due to the congested competition calendar and the high physical demands of elite basketball, the selection of effective recovery strategies is essential to optimize performance and reduce exercise-induced fatigue and muscle damage. This pilot study aimed to examine the acute effects of different nutritional and physical recovery strategies on exercise performance, muscle damage, and perceived fatigue and exertion in elite basketball players. Methods: Fifteen elite male basketball players participated in this pilot randomized crossover trial and completed four recovery conditions: cold-water immersion (CWI), active recovery (ACT), protein–carbohydrate supplementation (SUP), and placebo (PLA). Following a basketball-specific fatigue protocol, creatine kinase, countermovement jump performance, isometric strength, 10 m sprint, and 4 × 10 m shuttle run tests were assessed at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and 24 h post-exercise. Perceived fatigue and rate of perceived exertion were measured at baseline, immediately post-exercise, immediately after the recovery intervention, and 24 h post-exercise. Results: The three recovery methods attenuated the 24 h exercise-induced increase in CK compared with the placebo condition (p > 0.05). CWI, SUP and ACT decreased fatigue and RPE immediately after their application (p < 0.05), while PLA kept them elevated. CWI was associated with a significant improvement in 4 × 10 m SRT performance (p = 0.027). Conclusions: Nutritional supplementation and physical recovery strategies effectively attenuated exercise-induced muscle damage and fatigue in elite basketball players. However, CWI demonstrated the most pronounced acute benefits for physical performance recovery. Full article

Objectives: Field-based testing is commonly used to evaluate key physical qualities related to soccer performance. However, limited research has examined the degree of shared variance among measures of aerobic capacity, change of direction (COD), and explosive power in youth athletes. This study investigated the relationships between the 20 m shuttle run (20MSR), T-test (TT), and vertical countermovement jump (CMJ) to determine their unique and overlapping contributions to each other’s performance in competitive youth soccer players. Methods: Twenty-five competitive male youth soccer players (13.7 ± 0.8 years) completed standardized assessments of TT, CMJ, and 20MSR during pre-season evaluations. Pearson correlations and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to examine associations and independent variance explained among the performance measures. Results: Large, significant correlations were observed between TT and CMJ (r = −0.65, p < 0.001), TT and 20MSR (r = −0.59, p < 0.001), and CMJ and 20MSR (r = 0.53, p = 0.007). CMJ explained 42.3% of TT variance, whereas adding 20MSR did not significantly improve model fit (ΔR² = 0.087, p = 0.062). Across models, aerobic capacity did not contribute significant unique variance beyond neuromuscular performance. Conclusions: COD and lower-body power share a common physiological foundation in youth soccer athletes, while aerobic capacity represents a distinct performance domain. When field tests are administered under applied conditions typical of youth soccer environments, TT and CMJ demonstrate substantial shared variance, whereas 20MSR remains largely independent. Therefore, the findings support the continued use of multi-modal testing batteries in practice. Full article

The study aimed to determine the effect of acute, one-time physical effort performed under different environmental temperature conditions on erythrocyte deformability in healthy young men. This exploratory randomized parallel-group study involved 30 men randomly assigned to an experimental group exercising at −10 °C in a climatic chamber and a control group exercising under thermoneutral outdoor conditions. Erythrocyte deformability was assessed using the elongation index (EI), reflecting erythrocyte elasticity and the ability to pass through microcirculation vessels. Participants performed an incremental 20 m shuttle run test. Venous blood samples were collected before and immediately after exercise, and erythrocyte deformability was analyzed using a Lorrca analyzer across a shear stress range of 0.30–60.00 Pa. A two-factor repeated-measures analysis of variance was applied. An increase in EI after exercise was observed in both groups, predominantly at higher shear stress values, indicating enhanced erythrocyte deformability under conditions of increased shear forces. However, the magnitude of post-exertion changes differed between groups. At lower shear stress levels (0.30 Pa and 0.58 Pa), EI tended to decrease after exercise. These findings indicate that a single bout of physical effort influences erythrocyte deformability, while the potential effects of cold exposure on this response remain uncertain and warrant further investigation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Creatine monohydrate (CrM) supplementation is well-established for enhancing physical performance and accelerating recovery in several sporting contexts. However, beyond these traditional performance benefits, its effects on sleep metrics and cognitive function have not been thoroughly investigated. This investigation aimed to determine the effect of a loading phase of CrM on sleep metrics, physical performance, psycho-cognitive aspects, and recovery in physically active men. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, 14 physically active men ingested 20 g/day of CrM or placebo (PL) for 7 days, during which their habitual exercise routines were maintained and standardized across both intervention phases. Sleep metrics were monitored throughout the interventions using wrist-worn actigraphy. On the day following the completion of each supplementation phase, participants rated their sleep quality using the Sleep Subjective Quality (SSQ) scale, and the Hooper questionnaire was used to monitor participants’ well-being status. Physical performance was assessed using the 5 m shuttle run test (5mSRT), which measured total distance (TD), best distance (BD), performance decrement (PD), fatigue index (FI), and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Affective valence was determined using the feeling scale (FS) and cognitive function was evaluated using the digit cancellation test (DCT). Recovery and muscle soreness perceptions were evaluated at multiple time points (pre-exercise, 5 min, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h post-exercise) using the perceived recovery status (PRS) and the delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) scales, respectively. Results: During the supplementation, CrM improved sleep quality compared to PL, as measured with the SSQ scale (d = 0.81, p = 0.009), and was associated with an earlier in-bed time (r = 0.60; p = 0.026). However, CrM did not affect sleep latency (t = 0.98; p = 0.35), sleep efficiency (t = 0.018; p = 0.98), or total sleep time (t = 0.25; p = 0.81). After the supplementation phase, CrM resulted in significantly lower muscle soreness scores, as measured by the Hooper questionnaire (d = −0.59; p = 0.046), improved cognitive performance on the DCT (d = 0.77; p = 0.013), and enhanced TD (r = 0.88; p < 0.001) and BD (r = 0.76; p < 0.05) during the 5mSRT. However, CrM did not significantly affect other exercise-related measures such as RPE, fatigue index (FI), or performance decrement (PD) during the 5mSRT, nor did it alter other subjective recovery scales compared to PL, up to 72 h following the end of the supplementation phase (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: A 7-day CrM loading protocol improved subjective sleep quality during the supplementation phase, enhanced cognitive performance, and increased physical output during high-intensity intermittent exercise. CrM also reduced muscle soreness, but did not significantly affect objective sleep parameters, or recovery markers up to 72 h post-exercise. These findings suggest that CrM may offer additional benefits beyond its traditional ergogenic role. Trial Registration: This trial was registered on 18 September 2023 at the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACT) (identifier: PACTR202309597156293). Full article

Background: This study examined the relationship between gamification experience, fitness performance, and physical activity patterns according to gender. Methods: A total of 622 students aged 13–14 years (52.1% boys, 47.9% girls) completed a six-week gamified PE program via the Sworkit platform, integrating progress tracking, digital rewards, and challenge-based progression into three weekly instructor-led sessions. Fitness was measured pre- and post-intervention using the Youth Fitness International Test (YFIT) battery—BMI, 20 m shuttle run, handgrip strength, and standing long jump. Gamification experience was assessed with the Gamification User Experience Scale (GAMEX), and the Y-PATHS framework was applied to classify physical activity patterns. Results: Significant improvements were observed across all physical fitness indicators following the six-week gamified intervention. The largest gains occurred in the 20 m shuttle run (Δ = +4.3; F = 48.22; p < 0.001; η² = 0.60) and handgrip strength (Δ = +2.6; F = 39.74; p < 0.001; η² = 0.51), indicating substantial improvements in aerobic and muscular fitness. Standing long jump also showed notable progress (Δ = +7.7 cm; F = 35.12; p < 0.001; η² = 0.48), while BMI decreased modestly but significantly (Δ = −0.3; F = 7.85; p < 0.001; η² = 0.55). Overall, the ANOVA confirmed significant pre–post changes across all domains (p < 0.01; η² = 0.41–0.62). Higher GAMEX scores correlated strongly with total fitness gains (r = 0.54; p < 0.001) and predicted performance improvement (R² = 0.29). Conclusions: Gamified PE can enhance both fitness performance and physical activity patterns, with clear gender-specific trends. Integrating YFIT, GAMEX, and Y-PATHS offers a comprehensive framework for designing targeted, effective PE programs for adolescents. Full article