Search Results (456)

Sport volunteering plays an important role in achieving the goals of sustainable development by supporting the social dimension of sustainability, fostering social integration, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. However, there is a lack of systematic research in Poland on the motivations of sport volunteers, particularly in the context of mass endurance events. This study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional design involving 148 sport volunteers engaged in mass endurance events in Poznan, Poland. To measure motivation, the Polish adaptation of the VMS-ISE scale was used. Data analysis was conducted using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that volunteer motivations were relatively homogeneous regardless of gender and education level, with the exception of passion for sport, which was significantly stronger among men (p = 0.037). Significant differences were found based on place of residence: residents of medium-sized cities demonstrated the highest motivation for personal development (p < 0.001), whereas individuals from rural areas exhibited stronger patriotism, a greater need for interpersonal interaction, and a higher valuation of external rewards (p < 0.05). The motivations of sport volunteers in Poland are complex and sensitive to environmental factors. Understanding these differences allows for better alignment of recruitment and volunteer management strategies, which can enhance both the effectiveness and sustainability of volunteer engagement. It is recommended to develop volunteer programs that take into account the demographic and socio-cultural characteristics of participants. Full article

Background: The differential effects of post-exercise rehydration beverages on inflammatory processes and organ protection remain incompletely characterized. This study investigated how beverages with distinct compositions influence urinary biomarkers following endurance exercise. Methods: In a randomized crossover design, eight trained male runners performed 6000 m pace running followed by consumption of 500 mL of either: water (Drink 1), hypotonic sports drink (Drink 2, 200 mOsm/L), oral rehydration solution (Drink 3, 270 mOsm/L), or modified hypotonic formulation (Drink 4, 200 mOsm/L). After 60 min, participants completed a 1000 m time trial. Urine samples were collected at baseline, post-6000 m, and post-1000 m for analysis of biochemical parameters and inflammatory cytokines. Results: No significant differences in 1000 m performance were observed between trials. Drink 3 significantly reduced creatinine and uric acid excretion compared to other beverages (p < 0.05), suggesting decreased waste product elimination. Creatinine-corrected intestinal fatty acid-binding protein values were lower with Drinks 2 and 3, indicating potential intestinal protection. Notably, Drink 4 showed modest but significant enhancement of IL-4 excretion (p < 0.05, ηp² = 0.347), demonstrating beverage-specific modulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines with moderate effect sizes. Conclusions: Different beverage formulations exert distinct effects on waste product elimination, intestinal organ damage markers, and inflammatory cytokine profiles. These findings suggest that beverage selection should be tailored to specific recovery priorities and training contexts. Full article

Background: Well-designed endurance training leads to improved cardiovascular fitness and sports performance in prolonged exercise tasks, with the adaptations depending on multiple factors, including the training modality and the population in question. It is still disputable how the type of training affects myocardial remodeling, and the information on myocardial remodeling by high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is particularly scarce. Methods: The current study investigated changes in cardiac structure after volume-progressive HIIT in running mode. As part of their conditioning program, amateur athletes (mean ± SD age of 18.2 ± 1.0 years) exclusively conducted HIIT in a volume-progressive fashion over 7 weeks (a total of 21 sessions). Peak oxygen uptake as well as 200 m and 2000 m running performance were measured, and transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography was conducted before and after the intervention. Results: Training improved running performance, increased the peak oxygen uptake and left atrium diameter (from 32.0 ± 2.5 to 33.5 ± 2.3 mm; p = 0.01), and induced ~11% thickening of the left-ventricular posterior wall (7.5 ± 0.7 to 8.2 ± 0.4 mm; p = 0.01) and interventricular septum (7.6 ± 0.7 to 8.6 ± 0.9 mm; p = 0.02), but not the dilation of left-ventricular, right-ventricular, or right atrium chambers. Conclusions: HIIT of just 127 km of running per 8.5 h during 7 weeks was sufficient to improve aerobic capacity and running performance, and induce left-ventricular wall hypertrophy and left atrium dilation, in young healthy athletes. Full article

The core objective of racehorse breeding is to enhance the speed and endurance of the horses. The Grassland-Thoroughbred is an emerging horse breed developed in northern China in recent years, characterized by excellent speed performance, enduring stamina, and strong environmental adaptability. However, research on the genetic characteristics within this breed and the genes associated with athletic performance remains relatively limited. We conducted whole-genome resequencing of Grassland-Thoroughbred F1, F2, F3, and the crossbred population (CY) and obtained a total of 4056.23 Gb of high-quality data after quality control. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were primarily distributed in intergenic regions, followed by intronic regions. Principal component analysis (PCA) and STRUCTURE revealed clear distinctions among the generations, with a notable overlap between CY and F3. Using the SNP dataset, we analyzed the number and length distribution patterns of runs of homozygosity (ROHs) in the genomes of different generational groups of Grassland-Thoroughbreds. Short ROHs ranging from 0.5 to 2 Mb were the most abundant, with the following distribution: F1 (85.15%) > F2 (82.92%) > CY (78.75%) > F3 (77.51%). Medium-length ROHs (2–8 Mb) and long ROHs (>8 Mb) together exhibited a similar but opposite trend. The average length of ROHs was 1.57 Mb. The inbreeding coefficients (F_ROH) among different generational groups of Grassland-Thoroughbreds were as follows: F1 (0.0942) < F2 (0.1197) < CY (0.1435) < F3 (0.1497). Through ROH island analysis, 10 high-frequency ROH regions were identified and annotated with 120 genes. Genomic regions and candidate genes associated with athletic traits—ACAD8, OPCML, PRDX2, NTM, NDUFB7, SCL25A15, FOXO1, and SLC4A10—were identified. These genes may play important roles in regulating muscle performance, mitochondrial energy supply, and learning and memory processes in horses and are closely associated with the athletic ability of the Grassland-Thoroughbred population. This study is the first to systematically characterize the genomic diversity and inbreeding dynamics of the Grassland-Thoroughbred during the breeding process. It identifies candidate genes that may influence athletic performance, thereby providing an important molecular foundation and theoretical basis for the genetic improvement and performance-based selection of this emerging breed. Full article

The calculation and evaluation of wave loads represent a critical component in the design process of offshore wind turbines, which is of significant value for ensuring the safety and stability of offshore wind turbines during operation. In recent years, as the offshore wind power industry has extended into deep-sea areas, wind turbines and their foundation structures have gradually increased in scale. Due to the continuously growing diameter of fixed foundation structures, the wave loads they endure can no longer be evaluated solely by traditional methods. This study simplifies the monopile foundation structure of wind turbines into an upright circular cylinder. The open-source CFD platform OpenFOAM is employed to establish a numerical wave tank, and large eddy simulation (LES) models are used to conduct numerical simulations of its force-bearing process in wave fields. Through this approach, the hydrodynamic loads experienced by the single-cylinder structure in wave fields and the surrounding wave field data are obtained, with further investigation into its hydrodynamic characteristics under different wave environments. By analyzing the wave run-up distribution around cylinders of varying diameters and their effects on incident waves, a more suitable value range for traditional theories in engineering design applications is determined. Additionally, the variation laws of horizontal wave loads on single-cylinder structures under different parameter conditions (such as cylinder diameter, wave steepness, water depth, etc.) are thoroughly studied. Corresponding hydrodynamic load coefficients are derived, and appropriate wave force calculation methods are established to address the impact of value errors in hydrodynamic load coefficients within the transition range from large-diameter to small-diameter cylinders in traditional theories on wave force evaluation. This contributes to enhancing the accuracy and practicality of engineering designs. Full article

Marathon running exerts physical stress and may lead to transient immune dysregulation, increasing susceptibility to airway inflammation and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). This study investigated systemic levels of antimicrobial peptides in athletes and their association with EIB. Serum concentrations of angiogenin, human beta-defensin 2 (hBD-2), major basic protein (MBP), S100A8, and S100A8/A9 were measured in 34 marathoners and 36 half-marathoners at baseline, immediately after a race, and seven days postrace using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and compared with 30 sedentary controls. Lung function was assessed by spirometry to identify bronchoconstriction. Levels of hBD-2 and S100A8/A9 were significantly elevated postrace in runners compared to baseline and controls, returning to baseline during recovery. During recovery, S100A8 levels remained slightly elevated in marathoners with EIB. Similarly, human beta-defensin 2 was modestly increased in runners who developed bronchoconstriction. Notably, S100A8 levels correlated negatively with lung function parameters, including forced expiratory volume and mid-expiratory flows. These findings suggest that endurance running induces systemic inflammatory responses and modulates innate immune peptides, particularly in individuals prone to bronchoconstriction. These peptides may serve as biomarkers of respiratory stress and help guide personalized strategies in endurance sports. Full article

Background: Recess provides a valuable opportunity for physical activity for students at school. However, there is no clear evidence regarding the effects of running a mile daily on schoolchildren’s physical fitness. The objective of this study was to identify and evaluate the effects of running a mile daily during recess in a school setting over a 12-week period. Methods: The study included 68 students (39 boys and 29 girls) aged 13 to 16 years (14.45 ± 1.08) from secondary education (Spain). Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Intervention Group 1 (IG1): one-mile run once per week (22 students). Intervention Group 2 (IG2): one-mile runs three times per week (21 students). Intervention Group 3 (IG3): one-mile runs five times per week (25 students). Physical fitness was assessed using the following tests: Broad jump (lower limb strength); Sit and Reach (lower limb flexibility); 4 × 10 m shuttle runs (speed, agility, and coordination); 10 × 5 m shuttle runs (displacement speed); 20 m shuttle run (Course Navette) (cardiorespiratory endurance). Results: Broad jump: No overall post-intervention differences were observed (p > 0.05), but there were pre-existing gender differences [boys outperform girls in IG2 and IG3 (p < 0.05)] that widened after the program, even appearing in IG1 (p = 0.031). Sit and Reach: No overall changes occurred (p > 0.05), but gender differences emerged in IG3 after the intervention [girls outperformed boys (p < 0.050)], and IG3 boys showed a decrease in flexibility after the program (p = 0.041). The 4 × 10 m shuttle runs: Initial differences between IG1 vs. IG3 disappeared after the intervention, with an overall increase in test time (p > 0.005). Pre-existing gender differences decreased, except in IG2 (boys remained faster; p < 0.001). The 10 × 5 m shuttle runs: Significant improvements were observed in all post-intervention groups (p = 0.003), with the greatest gains in IG3 boys (p < 0.001) and IG1 girls (p = 0.003). The 20 m shuttle run: Significant improvements occurred in IG1 and IG3 (p < 0.005), particularly in IG3 boys (p = 0.002) and IG1 girls (p = 0.019). Conclusions: Although effects varied by fitness component, intervention frequency, and gender, daily mile running was shown to be a viable strategy for improving aspects of fitness in adolescents, particularly endurance and speed, even at lower frequencies. Full article

Mongolian horses are renowned for their remarkable endurance and ability to adapt to harsh environments. To delve deeper into the molecular mechanisms that underlie these traits, researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic changes in Mongolian horses at three distinct time points: before, immediately after, and 24 h following a 20 km run. The transcriptomic analysis uncovered significant variations in gene expression patterns across these time points. Specifically, 291 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified when comparing pre-exercise to post-exercise conditions, 832 DEGs in the comparison between post-exercise and 24 h post-exercise, and 127 DEGs in the comparison of pre-exercise to 24 h post-exercise. Notably, key genes involved in metabolic activities and cellular proliferation, such as PI3K and LDHA, exhibited significant upregulation immediately after exercise but demonstrated a downward trend 24 h post-exercise. Concurrently, the proteomic analysis revealed 49 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the pre-exercise versus post-exercise comparison, 61 DEPs in the post-exercise versus 24 h post-exercise comparison, and 101 DEPs in the pre-exercise versus 24 h post-exercise comparison. Some proteins, like PDK4 and GLUL, remained upregulated at 24 h post-exercise, whereas others, such as PFKM and LDHA, showed signs of recovery or downregulation. By integrating the transcriptomic and proteomic data, we were able to pinpoint overlapping DEGs/DEPs and implicate crucial signaling pathways, including the HIF-1 signaling pathway and glycolysis, in the molecular response of Mongolian horses to exercise. These findings offer insights into the endurance adaptation mechanisms of the Mongolian horse. Full article

Ultramarathon running elicits a profound inflammatory response, characterized by significant increases in interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), with comparatively modest changes in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). We reviewed approximately 80 field studies of ultramarathon events (distances >42.2 km) that measured IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α before and after races. IL-6 typically spiked immediately post-race—often rising dozens or even thousands of times above baseline—then rapidly declined, usually returning to near baseline within 24–48 h. CRP, an acute-phase protein, exhibited a slower, sustained elevation, peaking 24–72 h after race completion and remaining above baseline for 2–3 days before gradually returning to normal. TNF-α responses were variable: some studies reported small but significant post-race increases (roughly 1.2–1.7-fold above baseline), while others found no significant change in circulating TNF-α despite the extreme effort. Longer race durations and distances generally correlated with higher peak IL-6 and CRP levels. Experienced ultramarathon runners tended to exhibit attenuated inflammatory responses compared with less-trained individuals, and anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-10) increased in tandem with IL-6 in well-trained athletes, helping to mitigate TNF-α elevations. In total, 28 studies were included in the final synthesis, and their quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Visual synthesis tools, including a PRISMA flowchart and time course plots, are provided to enhance the narrative’s interpretability. In summary, ultramarathon running elicits a robust systemic inflammatory response with distinct temporal patterns for IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α. These findings have important implications for athlete recovery, monitoring, and understanding the physiological limits of the inflammatory response to extreme endurance stress. Full article

Background and Objectives: Hyperthermia significantly limits endurance performance in hot environments. To enhance heat loss and optimize athletic performance, pre-cooling interventions can be employed to accelerate body cooling. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an internal pre-cooling intervention combined with external pre-cooling or hydrogen-rich water on endurance performance in the heat. Materials and Methods: In a double-blind crossover with counterbalanced trials, all participants underwent a shuttle run test after 30 min under the following conditions: (1) hydrogen-rich cold water ingestion (HRCW); (2) cold water ingestion and external pre-cooling (IEPC); and (3) cold-water ingestion (control). Maximal aerobic speed (MAS), number of shuttle run repetitions, dehydration, temperature, heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate, and feeling scale (FS) were measured during the 20 m shuttle run test. Results: Our results revealed a significant variation in dehydration, MAS, number of shuttle run repetitions, blood lactate, RPE, and FS (p = [0.001–0.036]); additionally, a significant group × time interaction was found for body temperature (p = 0.021). Post hoc tests revealed a significant change for MAS (HRCW: p < 0.001), number of shuttle run repetitions (HRCW: p < 0.001), dehydration (HRCW: p= 0.009; IEPC: p = 0.008), blood lactate (HRCW: p < 0.001; IEPC: p < 0.001), RPE (HRCW: p = 0.05; IEPC: p = 0.004), and FS (HRCW: p = 0.05; IEPC: p = 0.004), as well as a significant decrease in body temperature (IEPC: p < 0.001; HRCW: p = 0.028) compared to the control condition after the test. However, no significant differences were reported in HR among the different conditions. Conclusions: In conclusion, findings from this study suggest that ingesting hydrogen-rich cold water effectively mitigates the effects of heat stress, thereby improving endurance performance, enhancing mood, and reducing ratings of perceived exertion. Full article

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of biological maturation on young football players adaptations and monitor and analyse variations in external (EL) and internal load (IL) during a running-based HIIT programme, according to the players’ maturity status. A total of 41 players (13.9 ± 0.7 years) participated, divided into an experimental group (EG) (n = 19) and a control group (CG) (n = 22). Acceleration (5 m and 30 m) and intermittent endurance (vIFT via the 30-15 IFT test) were assessed before and after eight weeks of intervention. EL and IL load variables and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded. The results showed better initial performance in advanced maturity status players (post-PHV). Players from the EG had significant improvements in the 5 m and 30 m sprints and in the vIFT, whereas the CG only showed significant improvements in the 30 m sprint. Post-PHV players perceived less intensity (RPE) and thus, less IL than players with a delayed maturity status (pre-PHV). The pre-PHV group also exhibited significant improvements in the 30 m sprint and vIFT. However, no significant interaction effect (time × maturational group) was detected for any variable. These findings underscore the importance of considering maturity status in performance evaluation, training load prescription, and adaptations. Full article

Physiological characteristics such as VO_2max, running economy (RE), maximal aerobic speed (MAS), maximal sprinting speed (MSS), anaerobic speed reserve (ASR), and player profiling (based on MSS and MAS) have been proven to be important for training prescriptions in football. However, previous studies on player profiling have neglected the absolute values of MSS and MAS. The objectives of this study were to compare the aforementioned physiological variables among player roles, create benchmarks, and provide normative data to help coaches categorize players, ultimately proposing a new player profiling method. We analyzed 195 male professional football players (50 forwards, 59 midfielders, 44 full-backs, and 42 center-backs). Multivariate analysis of variance with Tukey’s post hoc tests revealed positional differences. Center-backs exhibited lower VO_2max than midfielders and full-backs. Both center-backs and forwards showed poorer RE and MAS compared to midfielders and full-backs. Full-backs achieved higher MSS than midfielders and center-backs, and forwards outperformed center-backs. Finally, midfielders demonstrated lower ASR than all other positions. Benchmarks based on T-scores for all variables were provided. Finally, in the new profiling method proposed—also based on T-scores—players were classified as “speed”, “endurance”, or “hybrid” if their MAS and/or MSS T-score exceeded 60, “in development” if both were below 45, and “average” if both scores were between 45 and 60 without any value above 60. The normative data provided can assist coaches in identifying specific areas for improvement in players’ physical conditioning—particularly valuable for youth athletes or those returning from injury. Additionally, the new profiling method offers insights into individual player characteristics, enabling more tailored and effective training interventions. Full article

Objectives: The ability to efficiently regulate body temperature is crucial during endurance activities such as trail running, especially during competitive events in hot conditions. Over the past decade, passive hyperthermia exposure has grown significantly in popularity as a means of improving acclimatization and performance in hot environments. The present study aims to compare the physiological changes that occur in a group of professional athletes due to passive sauna exposure (80–90 °C) and their own response to maximal aerobic performance. Methods: Twelve professional trail runners (eight men and four women) were tested in three conditions: (i) baseline; (ii) before; and (iii) after (a) passive dry sauna exposure and (b) a maximal endurance test. In both cases, physiological parameters such as heart rate, tympanic temperature, arterial and muscle oxygen saturation, and blood concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and hemoglobin were measured. Results: Sauna exposure produced similar trends in cardiovascular and metabolic responses to those occurring during exercise, but at a much lower physiological level. Glucose and HDL levels were both significantly elevated (or tended to be so) after sauna and exercise (p < 0.03 and p < 0.01, respectively). Athletes who mobilized the sum of substrates (glucose and HDL) performed the exercise test faster (r = −0.76; p < 0.004). The response of arterial oxygen saturation (decreased) was similar during sauna and exercise, but opposite at the muscular level (increased during sauna and decreased during exercise). Additionally, inter-individual variability in responses was noted for most of the other parameters, suggesting the existence of ‘responders’ and ‘non-responders’ to thermal stimuli. Conclusions: The physiological responses of trained endurance athletes are moderately impacted by passive sauna use. However, individual changes could be correlated with endurance performance and optimizing individualization. Heat stimuli promote different physiological responses in terms of cardiac function, oxygen kinetics and substrate mobilization, albeit to a lesser extent than exercise. Greater substrate mobilization during maximal endurance exercise was found to be correlated with better performance. Further studies are needed to explore the concepts of metabolic flexibility, as described here, and how heat exposure may improve systemic health and performance. Full article

This study examines six decades (1964–2023) of changes in motor skills and body dimensions among Japanese 13-year-old students, analyzing grip strength, handball throwing, 50 m dash, endurance running, and composite scores. National Physical Fitness and Motor Skills Survey data were analyzed alongside School Health Examination Survey measurements to identify trends and correlations between performance metrics and anthropometric variables. The results revealed distinct developmental patterns, with motor skills peaking in the 1980s for both genders, followed by decline until 2000, after which boys experienced stagnation while girls showed improvement until 2019. Both genders demonstrated marked decreases following 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, while height increased significantly over the study period, only boys’ 50 m dash performance showed strong positive correlations with height (r = 0.779) and BMI (r = 0.854). This longitudinal analysis demonstrates how interdisciplinary factors—including educational policy shifts, reduced physical education curriculum hours, changes in urban park design, diminished outdoor play opportunities, and increased sedentary behaviors—collectively impact children’s motor development. These findings hold significant implications for public health initiatives and sports education strategies aimed at reversing concerning trends in youth physical capabilities and addressing the substantial post-pandemic decline in motor performance. Full article

In order to solve the problem of obstacle avoidance and low endurance of UAV autonomous flight in column obstacle scenes such as transmission towers, this paper improves and integrates the path planning algorithm to achieve efficient and accurate path planning in unstructured and unknown dynamic environments in column scenes. An improved DWA algorithm is proposed to improve the obstacle avoidance effect by adaptively improving the evaluation function and increasing the relevant evaluation function. At the same time, a hybrid path planning method in the obstacle scene of the UAV column is proposed. Firstly, the improved A* algorithm is used for global optimal planning. The UAV moves along the global optimal path, performs local dynamic perception at the same time, and calls the improved DWA algorithm to complete real-time obstacle avoidance and local replanning. Finally, the effectiveness and applicability of the improved DWA algorithm are verified by designing simulation experiments in different scenarios. The improved DWA algorithm is superior to the traditional DWA algorithm in terms of path length, running time, minimum safe distance, and number of iterations. The path length is reduced by 23.92%, the running time is reduced by 33.23%, and the number of iterations is reduced by 22.57% in the complex environment. At the same time, the simulation experiment of unknown obstacle avoidance for a photovoltaic scene in the area of transmission tower erection and the simulation experiment of path planning for UAV column obstacle scene in ROS environment are completed, which verifies that the hybrid algorithm has good robustness and environmental adaptability. Full article