Search Results (698)

Background: This study aimed to provide reference values for estimating training intensities in long-distance runners based on progressive incremental tests, considering differences related to sex and performance level. Methods: A total of 1411 endurance-trained runners (819 men and 592 women) completed a standardized treadmill protocol with gas exchange analysis to determine ventilatory thresholds and peak oxygen consumption (VO_2peak). Heart rate (HR) and running speed at each threshold were expressed relative to their peak values. Results: HR at second ventilatory threshold (VT2) occurred at 93.5 ± 2.5% of HR peak, and HR at first ventilatory threshold at 85.1 ± 4.6%. The relative running speeds at VT2 and VT1 corresponded to 87.6 ± 3.9% and 73.9 ± 5.5% of the speed at VO_2peak, respectively. In men, beginners exhibited higher relative HR and VO₂ values at the ventilatory thresholds than elite runners. In contrast, women displayed higher and more stable relative values across performance levels. Conclusions: These findings establish precise, evidence-based reference ranges derived from a large cohort of runners and highlight the need to consider sex and performance level when estimating exercise intensities. Individualized physiological assessment remains essential for accurate training prescription and performance optimization. Full article

Background: Evidence on how physical and technical factors distinguish U-18 basketball levels is limited, yet these determinants may aid talent identification and development. This study examined differences in anthropometric, physical performance, and technical characteristics between high-level (HL; n = 38) and low-level (LL; n = 35) U-18 male basketball players and explored relationships between technical skills and key physical attributes across all participants. Methods: Participants were evaluated across anthropometry, physical performance, and basketball-specific technical skills. Statistical analyses assessed between-group differences and correlations, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Compared to LL players, HL players exhibited significantly superior physical attributes, including greater height (Cohen’s d = 0.67) and arm-span (d = 0.65), reduced body fat (d = −0.58), and advanced performance metrics (10 m-speed running (d = −0.78), 20 m-speed running (d = −0.93), flexibility (d = 1.26), counter-movement jump height (d = 1.27), intermittent endurance (d = 1.18)). Technical proficiency in tasks such as 10 m- and 20 m-speed dribbling, maneuver dribbling and defensive sliding was also significantly faster in the HL group (d = −0.96, d = −1.05, d = −1.87, and d = −1.14, respectively). Several anthropometric and performance variables were strongly correlated with technical skills, indicating their relevance for distinguishing competitive levels. Conclusions: These findings underscore the interplay of physical, technical, and performance factors in high-level youth basketball. Coaches may use this information to guide targeted training strategies that support talent identification, player development, and competitive success. Full article

Allostatic load is a physiological measure of chronic stress, and stress is implicated in disrupting appetite regulation. Individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes have higher allostatic load compared to lean counterparts. However, whether allostatic load differs across prediabetes phenotypes and relates to appetite is unknown. Purpose: Test whether prediabetes phenotypes differ in allostatic load in relation to altered appetite regulation. Methods: Individuals with obesity were recruited, and prediabetes was determined using American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria (75 g OGTT) for this cross-sectional study. After an overnight fast, appetite hormones (ghrelin and PYY), insulin, and glucose were measured every 30 min up to 120 min of the OGTT. Perception of hunger and fullness as well as desire for sweet and fatty foods were assessed using a visual analog scale. Allostatic load was calculated from physiologic markers. Aerobic fitness (VO₂max), body composition (DXA), clinical labs, and quality-of-life questionnaires were also collected. Results: Participants with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) + impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) had a higher allostatic load, obesity, and insulin resistance compared with IFG or IGT (all p < 0.05), independent of fitness. IFG + IGT also had lower fasting ghrelin (p < 0.05) and no difference in fasting PYY. Hunger, fullness, and sweet ratings were comparable across groups, but fatty food ratings tended to be higher in IFG + IGT than NGT. Conclusions: Allostatic load was associated with altered fasting ghrelin levels in individuals with IFG + IGT, along with elevated body weight and insulin resistance. These findings suggest stress is a potential mechanism underlying appetite dysregulation in different forms of prediabetes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recent preclinical studies suggest that acute exercise induces immune modulation, enhances tumor blood perfusion, and is associated with reduced tumor growth. Adding exercise to immunochemotherapy treatment (ICT) has been proposed as a strategy to increase treatment effectiveness. The ERICA trial (NCT04676009) aimed to assess the feasibility of acute aerobic exercise performed immediately before the administration of ICT in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) and to explore hypothesis-generating outcomes related to physical fitness and patient-reported outcomes. Methods: Newly diagnosed mNSCLC patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to the exercise or control group. The exercise intervention included supervised acute exercise before each of four ICT cycles plus a 3-month home-based walking program with an activity tracker and step goals. The feasibility of the exercise protocol was assessed through adherence, acceptability, tolerability, and safety. Clinical, physical, and patient-reported outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 3 months. Results: Twenty-six patients (mean age 60.6 years; SD 10.65) participated, with an 87.5% acceptance rate. In the exercise group (n = 17), 80.9% of participants completed the acute exercise sessions, with a median interval of 38 min [IQR, 20–60] between exercise and ICT. No exercise-related adverse effects were reported. After 3 months, 60% of participants in the exercise group were classified as active and maintained their step goals. Self-reported measures suggest that maintaining physical fitness is favorable for reducing fatigue and insomnia, and therefore improving quality of life. Conclusions: Acute exercise performed immediately before each ICT administration in patients with mNSCLC appears feasible and safe. Full article

Culicoides biting midges are vectors of veterinary and zoonotic pathogens, yet the bacteriome of several species remains unexplored. Culicoides reevesi, a poorly studied species in northern Mexico, represents an opportunity to investigate microbial associations that may influence vector biology. Adults of C. reevesi were analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, followed by functional prediction with PICRUSt2. Heatmaps and pathway summaries were generated to highlight dominant taxa and functions. The bacteriome was dominated by Pseudomonadota, followed by Actinomycetota, Bacillota, and Bacteroidota. Symbiotic taxa such as Asaia and Cardinium were identified alongside potentially pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium avium, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Enterococcus faecalis. Functional predictions indicated metabolic versatility, with abundant pathways related to aerobic respiration, the TCA cycle, amino acid biosynthesis, and quorum sensing. Despite all samples being collected from the same site and date, apparent differences in bacterial composition were observed across pools, suggesting microhabitat or host-related variability. This study provides the first taxonomic and functional baseline of the C. reevesi bacteriome. The detection of both symbiotic and pathogenic bacteria highlights the dual ecological role of the microbiome in host fitness and pathogen transmission potential. In conclusion, we suggest that these microbial associations influence vector physiology and competence, providing a basis for future microbiome-based control strategies. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating microbiome analyses into entomological surveillance and vector control strategies in endemic regions. Full article

Background: Blind 5-A-side football is an intermittent sport that requires the development of specific physical, physiological, and technical–tactical variables, making the identification of recovery processes such as sleep, well-being, and athletes’ perceptions key factors in performance. However, to date, no systematic review has analyzed the scientific evidence on performance variables in players with visual impairments. Objective: To identify performance variables in blind 5-A-side football through the analysis of physical fitness factors, physiological demands, technical–tactical actions, and recovery variables. Materials and Methods: The following databases were consulted: Scopus, PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. This systematic review follows the PRISMA guidelines and those for conducting systematic reviews in sports science. The PICOS strategy was used to select and include studies. The quality of the studies was assessed methodologically using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool. Results: The included studies evaluated multiple aspects of physical and physiological fitness in blind 5-A-side football, with a predominance of descriptive and observational research, although longitudinal interventions in national teams were also identified. The most studied physiological-physical variables are aerobic capacity and cardiovascular response; anthropometry and body composition; strength, power, and injury risk; external competition demands; balance; and postural control. The studies in the technical–tactical dimension focused on the effectiveness of shots on goal and on the characterization of control, dribbling, and shooting actions. The most studied recovery variable was sleep. Conclusions. The evidence suggests that training processes should integrate both improvements in physical fitness and physiological demands, as well as the refinement of decision-making and offensive actions. Despite advances, scientific output in this discipline remains limited, highlighting the need to promote studies with greater methodological rigor and sample diversity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patient preoperative cardiorespiratory physical fitness measured by maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) is highly relevant to postoperative outcomes, with low VO2max associated with a greater symptom burden and a greater prevalence of long-term treatment-related cardiovascular disease risk factors in patients undergoing surgery. A network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted to determine the effects of different components of prehabilitation, including exercise, nutrition, psychological intervention, and different combinations of the aforementioned interventions, on oxygen consumption in people undergoing major abdominal or cardiothoracic surgery. Methods: A literature search was conducted from inception to December 2025. Randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness of prehabilitation programmes on pre-surgery VO2max were included. The risk of bias was assessed via the Cochrane risk of bias (RoB 2.0) tool, and the quality of evidence was assessed via the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. Pairwise meta-analyses and NMAs were conducted for direct and indirect evidence. Results: Fourteen studies were included in this NMA. The highest effect (ES) for VO2max scores was for the exercise group versus the control group (ES: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.78). When exercise was categorized according to intensity, the highest effect was for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus the control (ES: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.97). Conclusions: Exercise HIIT should be considered the most effective strategy for improving exercise capacity in patients undergoing major abdominal or cardiothoracic surgery. Given the importance of VO2 as a predictor of morbidity, mortality, and the potential occurrence of adverse events after the procedure in surgical patients, it is essential to include its measurement in future studies to estimate both the risk of procedures and the effect of prehabilitation programmes. Full article

The validity and accuracy of photoplethysmography (PPG)-based wearable heart rate (HR) monitors remain debatable. This study aimed to determine the concurrent validity of HR records from a wide range of contemporary PPG monitors across the full spectrum of exercise intensities and running conditions. Ten well-trained male endurance athletes performed several incremental maximal aerobic (IMA) tests and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions while wearing a Polar H9 chest strap, as the reference criterion; 16 PPG-based heart rate monitors were tested (Amazfit Fit5; Apple Ultra and SE; Garmin 35, 45, 235, and 935; Polar M200, M430, OH1, Vantage M, Vantage V, Vantage V3, and Verity Sense; Galaxy Watch 5, Suunto 3 Fitness). The results showed excellent ICC (>0.90) versus the reference device across IMA and HIIT tests. Overall, the ICC decreased, and magnitudes of error increased (BIAS, SEM, and CV) as the intensity increased. Moreover, lower ICC values and greater BIAS, SEM, and CV were observed during the HIIT compared to the IMA test. Nevertheless, notable differences between devices were observed in magnitude of errors, accuracy, data loss, and read failures. In conclusion, PPG-based HR monitor validity is device-dependent and therefore exercise data from running training and competitions should be interpreted with caution. Full article

Occupational demands, such as load carriage in tactical professions, do not discriminate based on sex. The aim of this study was to explore the differences in metabolic cost of a loaded pack march between the sexes in both absolute and relative terms. Twelve Army personnel (six males and six females) volunteered to complete three identical load carriage marches (5 km at 5.5 km/h, carrying 30 kg), across flat (on road) and undulating (gravelled path) terrain as part of a larger equipment trial. Heart rate (HR) response (HR average and maximum) was monitored with a Polar Team Pro unit and oxygen consumption with VO Master Pro (VO₂ average and maximum) with the level of significance set at 0.05. There were no significant differences in age, years of experience, absolute loads carried, or completion time for each of the three events. Male soldiers were significantly taller (182.3 ± 6.2 cm vs. 167.4 ± 6.9 cm), heavier (88.2 ± 8.7 kg vs. 70.9 ± 10.6 kg), carried significantly less relative load (34.3 ± 3.4% vs. 43.2 ± 7.5%), and had significantly greater predicted VO_2max (56.7 ± 6.1 mL/kg/min vs. 45.0 ± 2.9 mL/kg/min). A linear mixed model identified a significant main effect of sex on both average HR (β = −1.10) and peak HR (β = −1.27), and on average VO₂ (β = −0.68), but not peak VO₂. While the study was not powered to detect sex differences, the large effect sizes observed suggest meaningful physiological differences warranting further investigation. Female soldiers faced significantly greater metabolic costs when carrying the same loads and moving at the same speed and across the same terrain as their male counterparts. Adequate recovery and pacing strategies should be considered for these events, especially during training. 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

Aging entails concurrent declines in physical and cognitive domains, contributing to reduced independence, higher fall risk, and lower quality of life. Understanding how motor performance relates to cognition is crucial for prevention in community-dwelling older adults. This cross-sectional study investigated associations between physical fitness—including strength, endurance, balance, and aerobic capacity—and cognitive outcomes assessed by Trail Making Tests (TMT-A, TMT-B), the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and dual-task cost in the Timed Up & Go Test (TUG_DTC). Thirty-four sedentary but cognitively healthy adults aged ≥60 years were evaluated. Quadriceps strength was significantly related to TUG_DTC and executive function (TMT-B), while upper-limb endurance correlated with both attentional and executive measures. Dynamic balance, particularly in posterior directions, was linked to DSST and TMT-B, and 6-min walk test performance was associated with executive functioning and processing speed. TUG_DTC itself showed strong correlations with cognitive outcomes, underscoring its sensitivity to motor–cognitive interference. These findings highlight selective motor–cognitive relationships and suggest that simple, field-based tests may serve as early markers of cognitive vulnerability. Targeting lower-limb strength, balance, and aerobic capacity could represent cost-effective strategies to promote mobility and cognitive resilience in aging populations. Full article

Accurate assessment of aerobic fitness is crucial in soccer; however, the validity of field-based predictive tests remains uncertain in professional players. This study examined the relationship between directly measured and estimated maximal oxygen uptake ($\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O_2max) during the Yo-Yo Endurance Test Level 1 (YYET₁) in professional soccer players and evaluated seasonal changes after six months of training and competition. Seventeen players from an Italian third-division team performed the YYET₁ in pre- and mid-season conditions, while VO_2max was continuously recorded using a portable metabolic system. VO_2max was estimated using Bangsbo’s distance-based formula. Linear regression and Bland–Altman analyses were used to assess relationships and agreement between methods. Measured VO_2max increased significantly from pre- to mid- season (+13.9%, p < 0.001), whereas estimated values showed a smaller rise (+5.2%, p < 0.001). The predictive method systematically underestimated VO_2max (bias −2.3 to −7.0 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹), and regression analyses revealed only moderate shared variance (R² = 0.18–0.20) between estimated and measured values. These findings demonstrate that Bangsbo’s equation lacks validity for estimating VO_2max in professional players and cannot accurately track aerobic adaptations across a season. For precise physiological evaluation, direct measurement using portable metabolic systems is required, while submaximal soccer-specific protocols may offer practical alternatives for longitudinal monitoring. Full article

Background: As South Korea transitions into a super-aged society, promoting sport participation among older adults is increasingly vital for physical health, emotional well-being, and social inclusion. Objective: This study examines how the interplay between gender and social stratification influence sport participation and health among South Koreans aged 60 and above. Methods: Using data from the 2024 Korea National Sports Participation Survey (n = 1779), this study employed Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), cross-tabulation, and one-way ANOVA with Scheffé’s post hoc tests to examine differences in sport participation and health by gender and social stratification such as income, education, and occupation. Results: The analysis revealed significant differences in sport participation and subjective health outcomes by gender and social stratification. Among older men, sport participation varied strongly by socioeconomic status: higher-status men participated in golf, cycling, and bodybuilding, whereas those from lower strata mainly engaged in walking and gateball. In contrast, older women’s participation types were less stratified and more influenced by gender norms, with consistent involvement in walking, aerobics, yoga, and stretching. One-way ANOVA showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) in subjective health status and physical fitness by all socioeconomic variables for both genders. Conclusions: Older adults’ sport participation and health in South Korea are constrained by both socioeconomic inequality and entrenched gender norms. Promoting equitable active aging requires policies that both reduce socioeconomic barriers and challenge restrictive gender norms. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, particularly in older adults, pharmacological therapy is effective, but side effects and limited adherence highlight the need for non-pharmacological alternatives. This study investigated the effects of a structured Bodypump (BoP) programme, a choreographed group-based resistance training intervention, on blood pressure (BP) and functional fitness in sedentary older adults with hypertension. Methods: Thirty-two participants (65.4 ± 7.7 years) diagnosed with hypertension were randomly allocated to a BoP group (n = 16) or a control group (CG) (n = 16). The intervention lasted 8-week and consisted of 3 supervised sessions per week. Resting systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were measured using a validated automated device (Omron M3 Intellisense, HEM-7051-E), functional capacity was assessed with the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) battery. Results: After the intervention, BoP exhibited significant reductions in SBP (−24.4 ± 4.7 mmHg; p < 0.001) and DBP (−6.4 ± 2.7 mmHg; p = 0.025) compared to CG. BoP improved functional fitness, lower- and upper-body strength, aerobic endurance and agility (p < 0.05), with no changes in the CG. Conclusions: 8-week of BoP programme reduced BP and enhanced physical function in sedentary hypertensive older adults. Given its accessible, motivating and socially engaging format, BoP represents a promising non-pharmacological strategy for hypertension management and functional fitness of healthy ageing. Full article

Accurate measurement of physical activity is crucial for promoting health and preventing non-communicable diseases, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the dual burden of infectious and chronic diseases presents significant public health challenges. While self-reported tools are commonly used, they are often limited by recall and social desirability biases. This study aimed to compare self-reported physical activity with objectively measured pedometer data and explore their associations with fitness and anthropometric indicators among university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 full-time students at a South African university. The study was conducted in two phases: For phase 1, participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). For phase two, participants wore pedometers for seven consecutive days to measure total and aerobic step counts. Fitness was assessed using the Harvard Step Test to calculate the Physical Efficiency Index (PEI), and anthropometric data (BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage) were recorded. Statistical analyses included Spearman’s correlations, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis H test, and multivariable linear regression. While 83.3% of participants self-reported high physical activity levels, pedometer data indicated that 61.7% accumulated fewer than 1500 aerobic steps per day and 53.3% recorded fewer than 5000 total steps. No significant association was found between self-reported activity and pedometer-measured steps (p-value = 0.748 and p-value = 0.835, respectively). Objective measures showed significant positive correlations between aerobic steps and PEI (r = 0.274, p-value = 0.034) and significant negative correlations with BMI (r = −0.489, p-value < 0.001) and body fat percentage (r = −0.255, p-value = 0.046). Older age and female gender were associated with lower step counts. This study reveals a significant overestimation of physical activity in self-reports compared to objective measures and stronger links between objectively measured steps and key health outcomes. The findings highlight the need to integrate objective monitoring tools into public health practice and youth-focused interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa. They underscore the importance of exploring context-specific factors influencing activity levels. Enhancing measurement accuracy is vital for advancing evidence-based strategies and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3. Full article