Search Results (255)

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a major public health concern among postmenopausal women, characterized by decreased bone mineral density and microarchitectural deterioration, which lead to fragility fractures, pain, functional impairment, sleep disturbances, and a reduced quality of life. Exercise, particularly strength, weight-bearing, and balance training, represents a key non-pharmacological approach to prevention and management. Pilates, a low-impact, core-centered method increasingly incorporated into rehabilitation settings, appears especially suitable for women with osteoporosis. However, high-quality randomized controlled trials concurrently evaluating its effects on pain, balance, sleep, autonomy, and health-related quality of life remain scarce. Objective: To examine the efficacy and feasibility of a Pilates-based exercise program in improving pain, balance, sleep quality, functional autonomy, and quality of life in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Methods: A single-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial will be conducted over 12 weeks at Physiocare Madrid (Spain). A total of 126 (63 per group) postmenopausal women aged 50–80 years, diagnosed with osteoporosis by densitometry or with a prior fragility fracture, will be randomly assigned (1:1; OxMaR software, version 2014) to one of two groups: (a) Experimental group: supervised Pilates mat sessions, 60 min, twice weekly for 12 weeks; or (b) Control group: ergonomics education for activities of daily living, two 60 min sessions held six weeks apart. Outcome assessors will remain blinded to group allocation. Evaluations will be conducted at baseline and post-intervention. Outcome measures will include balance and mobility (Timed Up and Go Test; Functional Reach Test), functional autonomy (Functional Independence Measure), pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), health-related quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF; QUALEFFO-41), and treatment satisfaction (CSQ-8). Feasibility parameters (recruitment, adherence, retention, and safety) will also be monitored. Data will be pseudonymized and analyzed descriptively to estimate variability and preliminary effects, informing the design of a definitive trial. Expected Results: It is hypothesized that Pilates will produce clinically meaningful improvements in balance, pain, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life compared with ergonomics education, with acceptable feasibility and safety outcomes. Conclusions: This randomized controlled trial will provide initial evidence regarding the efficacy and feasibility of Pilates as a complementary rehabilitation strategy for women with osteoporosis and provide key parameters to optimizing a future adequately powered trial. Ethics and Dissemination: This study will be conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and has been approved by the Human Ethics Committee of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. Potential risks will be minimized, and any adverse events will be systematically recorded and addressed. Full article

Reflectarray antenna design traditionally depends on computationally intensive full-wave simulations and experimental measurements, which significantly increase design time and cost. To address these limitations, we propose PhaseNet, an end-to-end deep learning framework that leverages phase maps and radiation angles as inputs to predict reflectarray antenna gain values. PhaseNet integrates spatial features extracted by a convolutional neural network (CNN) backbone with an angle-embedding module, and employs a regression head to enable efficient forward prediction. After training, the model achieves near-real-time inference with a single forward pass, facilitating rapid exploration of high-dimensional design spaces and providing immediate design feedback. In addition, we introduce two novel evaluation metrics, Half-Power Beamwidth (HPBW) and Main-Lobe Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), which allow for a multidimensional evaluation of prediction performance across the full radiation pattern and within the critical main-lobe region. These metrics provide refined criteria for reflectarray antenna design optimization beyond conventional error measures. In particular, PhaseNet achieved the best performance compared to existing models on these newly proposed evaluation metrics, recording up to 0.45 lower HPBW RMSE than existing methods, thereby validating both the relevance of the metrics and the effectiveness of the model. To further enhance practicality, we present a rapid generation of diverse bit-encoded datasets, substantially reducing the time and cost associated with data acquisition. Overall, the proposed framework effectively reduces prediction errors in reflectarray antenna design. Full article

Objectives: The present study analyzes the effects of a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program based on the Tabata method on physiological and psychological variables in contemporary dancers (n = 10) and sedentary individuals (n = 8), who performed a 10-week protocol, with sessions of self-loading exercises structured in intervals of 20 s of effort and 10 s of rest three times a week. Methods: Parameters of body composition, muscle strength, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, heart rate variability, as well as perceptions of health, anxiety, stress, sleep quality, and levels of physical activity and sedentary lifestyle were evaluated. Results: The results showed that no significant changes occurred in most body composition variables, except for visceral fat, where group differences were observed (F = 5.66, p = 0.030, η²ₚ = 0.261). In the indicators of strength and power, the dancers improved the height and relative power of the jump (F = 5.996, p = 0.026, η²ₚ = 0.273), while the sedentary ones increased the strength of the handgrip (p = 0.023). In terms of functional performance, both groups significantly increased anaerobic endurance (F = 10.374, p = 0.005, η²ₚ = 0.393), although no changes were recorded in maximal oxygen consumption or heart rate variability (p > 0.05). On a psychological level, improvements in healthy lifestyle habits and a decrease in the trait anxiety variable were evidenced in dancers (p = 0.023), while in sedentary participants no relevant effects were found. Conclusions: In conclusion, the Tabata protocol may represent an efficient and complementary strategy to enhance strength, anaerobic power, and psychological well-being, particularly among dancers. The observed improvements suggest potential benefits related to movement quality, injury prevention, and general physical conditioning. Full article

Climate change is accelerating the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, posing a critical threat to the stability, efficiency, and resilience of modern renewable energy grids. In this study, we propose a modular, AI-integrated digital twin co-simulation framework that enables climate adaptive control of distributed energy resources (DERs) and storage assets in distribution networks. The framework leverages deep reinforcement learning (DDPG) agents trained within a high-fidelity co-simulation environment that couples physical grid dynamics, weather disturbances, and cyber-physical control loops using HELICS middleware. Through real-time coordination of photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, battery storage, and demand side flexibility, the trained agent autonomously learns to minimize power losses, voltage violations, and load shedding under stochastic climate perturbations. Simulation results on the IEEE 33-bus radial test system augmented with ERA5 climate reanalysis data demonstrate improvements in voltage regulation, energy efficiency, and resilience metrics. The framework also exhibits strong generalization across unseen weather scenarios and outperforms baseline rule based controls by reducing energy loss by 14.6% and improving recovery time by 19.5%. These findings position AI-integrated digital twins as a promising paradigm for future-proof, climate-resilient smart grids. Full article

Purpose: The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the effects of commonly used dietary supplements on soccer performance and to bridge the gap between scientific evidence and their practical application by practitioners working with elite soccer players. Methods: Relevant literature involving dietary supplement use in soccer players was identified through searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Additionally, insights were gathered from a cross-sectional online questionnaire completed by practitioners (nutritionists, physicians, sport scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, and heads of performance) working with first-division men’s teams across five European leagues. Eligible respondents were over 18 years old with >2 years of experience in elite sport. The 20-question survey, designed on Qualtrics and pilot-tested for content validity, covered practitioner background, beliefs about supplementation, and real-world practices. The study was approved by the Ethical Independent Committee in Genoa, Italy (Ref. 2020/12). Results: Among performance-enhancing supplements, caffeine has been shown to improve endurance, sprint performance, power, and cognitive function, while creatine consistently enhances short-duration, high-intensity efforts. Beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate help reduce the buildup of acidity in muscles during repeated high-intensity exercise, supporting repeated sprint performance. For hydration and endurance support, dietary nitrates improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles, and glycerol enhances fluid retention in hot environments and during compressed match schedules, where players compete in multiple matches within a short recovery window. Regarding recovery aids, protein and tart cherry supplementation have been shown to accelerate recovery, reduce muscle damage, and support training adaptations. Field insights revealed that creatine and caffeine were widely adopted by practitioners (>90%), with protein powders also commonly recommended (>80%). In contrast, beta-alanine, tart cherry, and dietary nitrates were only partially integrated into daily practice (30%, 32%, and 48.5%, respectively), while sodium bicarbonate (24%) and glycerol (10.5%) were used by a minority. Conclusions: Although scientific evidence provides a strong foundation for the efficacy of dietary supplements, their translation into elite soccer practice is shaped by a range of practical factors, including cultural resistance, taste preferences, gastrointestinal side effects, established team routines, and individual player preferences. These findings highlight the importance of targeted education for players and staff, individualized supplementation plans, and close collaboration between nutritionists, coaches, and medical teams. However, our survey did not directly assess reasons for non-implementation. In addition to practical barriers reported by practitioners, unfamiliarity with current evidence likely contributes to this evidence–practice gap. Full article

Forest fires pose significant threats to ecosystems, human life, and the global climate, necessitating rapid and reliable detection systems. Traditional fire detection approaches, including sensor networks, satellite monitoring, and centralized image analysis, often suffer from delayed response, high false positives, and limited deployment in remote areas. Recent deep learning-based methods offer high classification accuracy but are typically computationally intensive and unsuitable for low-power, real-time edge devices. This study presents an autonomous, edge-based forest fire and smoke detection system using a lightweight MobileNetV2 convolutional neural network. The model is trained on a balanced dataset of fire, smoke, and non-fire images and optimized for deployment on resource-constrained edge devices. The system performs near real-time inference, achieving a test accuracy of 97.98% with an average end-to-end prediction latency of 0.77 s per frame (approximately 1.3 FPS) on the Raspberry Pi 5 edge device. Predictions include the class label, confidence score, and timestamp, all generated locally without reliance on cloud connectivity, thereby enhancing security and robustness against potential cyber threats. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed solution maintains high predictive performance comparable to state-of-the-art methods while providing efficient, offline operation suitable for real-world environmental monitoring and early wildfire mitigation. This approach enables cost-effective, scalable deployment in remote forest regions, combining accuracy, speed, and autonomous edge processing for timely fire and smoke detection. Full article

Background/Objectives: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is considered an effective way in improving aerobic capacity and selected health parameters. Ashwagandha is an herb with possible health-promoting properties that may affect metabolism and performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha supplementation (600 mg/day) during an 8-week HIIT on body composition, lipid profile and hormone levels related to energy homeostasis in healthy young men. Methods: The study was randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled (Placebo group, PL, n = 20; ashwagandha, A, n = 18). HIIT was conducted on a rowing ergometer (3 times per week, 5–7 series of 1.5 min at 85–95% of maximum power, with intervals of 1.5 min at 70 W). Body composition (BIA, Tanita TBF 300P), serum lipid profile (tChol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, TG) and serum levels of adiponectin, asprosin and irisin were analysed before (term 1) and after the8-week study (term 2). Both the lipid and hormonal profiles were measured in three time points: pre- and post-graded exercise test and after 24 h recovery period. Results: Analysis showed no effect of training or supplementation on body composition and lipid profile (p > 0.05). In turn, the 8-week HIIT decreased resting levels of adiponectin and increased irisin levels post-exercise and after 24 h (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In young, healthy men, an 8-week HIIT programme significantly affects selected hormones related to energy metabolism of adipose (adiponectin) and muscle (irisin) tissues, but ashwagandha supplementation did not significantly affect any of the hormonal parameters analysed. Full article

Background: Optimizing training load and recovery is crucial for achieving peak performance in competitive wrestling, a sport characterized by high physical, technical, and psychological demands. Methods: This study compared the effects of two different training programs—one emphasizing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions and the other based on traditional volume-oriented training—on both competitive performance and autonomic regulation measured by heart rate variability (HRV). A total of 24 elite wrestlers were divided into two equal groups, each following a different weekly training regimen over a 3-month period. HRV was recorded using a wearable 3-channel ECG Holter before training, immediately after training, and during recovery phases (up to 2 h post-exercise). HRV parameters were analyzed to assess training-induced stress and recovery status. Competitive performance was evaluated using official national championship scores and ranking positions. Results: Both training programs improved competitive performance, the HIIT-based regimen induced greater short-term suppression of parasympathetic activity (RMSSD: −32% vs. −14%; HF power: −40% vs. −18%) and increased sympathetic dominance (LF/HF: +56% vs. +22%) after training. Wrestlers in the HIIT group achieved a mean competition score of 17.92 ± 4.50 points, compared to 15.08 ± 6.26 points in the volume-oriented group. These acute autonomic shifts may provide a higher readiness for intense and explosive actions, which is advantageous in short and dynamic matches. In contrast, the volume-oriented program induced smaller acute autonomic changes but showed a slower recovery to baseline. Conclusions: These findings suggest that HRV-derived measures can serve as sensitive indicators of training load tolerance, recovery capacity, and stress susceptibility in combat sports athletes. This study highlights the value of integrating HRV monitoring into the periodization of combat training to individualize the load, prevent overtraining, and optimize performance outcomes. Full article

Basketball is a high-intensity, intermittent sport in which physical demands fluctuate depending on different contextual variables. Most studies addressed these demands in isolation without integrative approaches. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify key variables explaining players’ physical workload across game quarters and playing positions through principal component analysis (PCA). Ninety-four elite U18 male basketball players were registered during the EuroLeague Basketball ANGT Finals using WIMU PRO™ multi-sensor wearable devices that integrate local positioning systems (LPS) and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). From over 250 recorded variables, 31 were selected and analyzed by PCA for dimensionality reduction, analyzing the effects of game quarter and playing position. Five to eight principal components explained 61–73% of the variance per game quarter, while between four and seven components explained 64–69% per playing position. High-intensity variables showed strong component loadings in early quarters, with explosive distance (loading = 0.898 in total game, 0.645 in Q1) progressively declining to complete absence in Q4. Position-based analysis revealed specific workload profiles: guards required seven components to explain 69.25% of the variance, with complex movement patterns, forwards showed the highest explosive distance loading (0.810) among all positions, and centers demonstrated concentrated power demands, with PC1 explaining 34.12% of the variance, dominated by acceleration distance (loading = 0.887). These findings support situational and individualized training approaches, allowing coaches to design individual training programs, adjust rotation strategies during games, and replicate demanding scenarios in training while minimizing injury risk. Full article

Background: This study compared energy expenditure (EE), substrate metabolism, and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) during moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and high-intensity circuit training (HICT) isocaloric sessions. Methods: Twelve trained male participants completed isocaloric exercise sessions equalized for EE and average power (AP) across the three modalities. Postexercise EE, carbohydrate and lipid oxidation rates, and EPOC were measured 30 and 60 min after training. Results: Total EE and AP during exercise were similar between the protocols. However, EPOC was significantly higher for HIIT (319.0 ± 88.03 mL) and HICT (329.1 ± 27.79 mL) than for MICT (168.5 ± 21.84 mL), demonstrating greater post-exercise metabolic demand in high-intensity protocols. At 30 min post-exercise, carbohydrate oxidation remained elevated in the HIIT (3.70 ± 1.04 mg/kg/min) and HICT (4.06 ± 1.03 mg/kg/min) groups compared to that in the MICT group (1.42 ± 0.58 mg/kg/min), while lipid oxidation rates were also higher (HIIT: 1.08 ± 0.41; HICT: 1.20 ± 0.24 mg/kg/min; MICT: 0.61 ± 0.20 mg/kg/min). These effects persisted for 60 min, with HIIT and HICT maintaining significantly greater carbohydrate and lipid oxidation than MICT. Correlation analysis indicated a strong relationship between carbohydrate oxidation during exercise and lipid oxidation after 60 min of exercise. Conclusions: High-intensity protocols (HIIT and HICT) promote prolonged postexercise EE, enhance carbohydrate and lipid oxidation, and optimize metabolic recovery, making them effective strategies for maximizing energy utilization beyond the training session. Full article

Background: After a warm-up and before the start of sports competition, athletes often take a break. During this break, the effects of the warm-up (e.g., capillary vasodilation) may diminish. The aim of this study was to compare cardiorespiratory responses during high-intensity physical exercise, either preceded or not preceded by post-warm-up breathing, using an additional respiratory dead space volume mask (ARDSv). Methods: The study included 20 trained cyclists. Each participant completed two 3 min tests at an intensity of 110% of their maximal power, determined during a progressive test. A standardised warm-up preceded each 3 min test. Following the warm-up, there was an 8 min passive rest period. During this break, participants either breathed using ARDSv or breathed normally (non-ARDSv). The volume of the ARDSv mask was 1000 mL. Cardiorespiratory parameters were measured during the tests, including mean: oxygen uptake (VO₂av), respiratory exchange ratio (RERav), respiratory rate (RRav), tidal volume (TVav), stroke volume (SVav), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Results: VO₂peak was higher in participants breathing using ARDSv compared to non-ARDSv (4.22 ± 0.40 [CI: 4.03–4.41] vs. 3.98 ± 0.42 [CI: 3.79–4.18]; p = 0.002; t = 3.56; d = 0.585). Additionally, RERav (1.08 ± 0.06 [CI: 1.06–1.11] vs. 1.13 ± 0.06 [CI: 1.11–1.16]; p = 0.008; t = 2.96; d = 0.833) and RPE (18.0 ± 1.7 [CI: 17.3–18.8] vs. 18.9 ± 1.1 [CI: 18.4–19.4]; p = 0.009; Z = 2.61; r = 0.583) were lower in participants breathing using ARDSv compared to non-ARDSv. Conclusions: Breathing using ARDSv between warm-up and high-intensity exercise increases oxygen uptake and reduces perceived exertion, likely through peripheral mechanisms. These effects suggest practical applications in competitive sports and provide directions for further mechanistic research. Full article

Background: Exercise duration at maximum oxygen uptake ($\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O₂max) appears to be influenced not only by metabolic factors but also by the interplay between brain dynamics and ventilatory regulation. This study examined how cortical activity, assessed via electroencephalography (EEG), relates to performance and acute fatigue regulation during a constant-load cycling test. We hypothesized that oscillatory activity in the theta, alpha, and beta bands would be associated with ventilatory coordination and endurance capacity. Methods: Thirty trained participants performed a cycling test to exhaustion at 90% maximal aerobic power. EEG and gas exchange were continuously recorded; ratings of perceived exertion were assessed immediately after exhaustion. Results: Beta power was negatively correlated with time spent at $\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O₂max (r = −0.542, p = 0.002). Theta and Alpha power alone showed no direct associations with endurance, but EEG–metabolic ratios revealed significant correlations. Specifically, the time to reach $\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O₂max correlated with Alpha/$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O₂ (p < 0.001), Alpha/$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$CO₂ (p < 0.001), and Beta/$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$CO₂ (p = 0.002). The time spent at $\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O₂max correlated with Theta/$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O₂ (p = 0.002) and Theta/$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$CO₂ (p < 0.001). The time-to-exhaustion was correlated with Theta/$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$CO₂ (p < 0.001) and Alpha/$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$CO₂ (p < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings indicate that cortical oscillations were associated with different aspects of acute fatigue regulation. Beta activity was associated with fatigue-related neural strain, whereas Theta and Alpha bands, when normalized to metabolic load, were consistent with a role in ventilatory coordination and motor control. EEG–metabolic ratios may provide exploratory indicators of brain–metabolism interplay during high-intensity exercise and could help guide future brain-body interactions in endurance performance. Full article

This study examined the physiological and performance adaptations of association football (soccer) players during a six-week transitional (off-season) period following the competitive season through a remotely supervised, periodized training program. Fifteen male players (19.57 ± 1.14 years; training experience: 13.60 ± 1.81 years) from the Greek Super League 2 completed pre- and post-intervention laboratory assessments, including anthropometry, cardiopulmonary function, isokinetic strength, and jump performance. The program integrated high-intensity interval training, aerobic conditioning, and individualized resistance training, adjusted according to test results. Anthropometric parameters remained stable. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) increased significantly by 2.8% (56.31 ± 3.87 vs. 57.91 ± 3.02 mL/kg/min), while anaerobic threshold time and velocity declined by 6.2% (472.87 ± 35.06 vs. 443.33 ± 24.69 sec) and anaerobic threshold velocity fell by 6.1% (15.97 ± 1.17 vs. 15.00 ± 0.91 km/h), indicating a partial preservation of aerobic capacity but reductions in submaximal endurance. Isokinetic strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings was maintained across angular velocities, but squat jump height decreased significantly by 4.3% (p = 0.033), suggesting a loss of concentric-only explosive power despite stable countermovement jump performance. These findings indicate that targeted off-season training can maintain overall physical readiness, body composition, and VO₂max, but may require additional endurance and concentric power elements to preserve all performance qualities essential for the competitive season. Overall, the program effectively preserved most performance variables with only minor decrements, representing a favorable outcome for the off-season; however, if greater asymmetries, deficits, or other training targets are identified, more specific adjustments to training intensities, such as the inclusion of additional endurance and concentric-only power elements, may be required to achieve significant improvements. Full article

High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) is a training method that has garnered increasing attention due to the rise in hybrid competitions such as CrossFit or Hyrox, a race format combining strength and endurance tasks in a fixed structure. Therefore, an integrative approach is needed to help us understand which physiological capacities this training method enhances. Objectives: This scoping review aimed to map the current scientific literature related to HIFT, with a particular focus on physiological and psychobiological determinants of performance in hybrid competition contexts. Methods: Following the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Thirty-nine studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included. Results: HIFT was found to improve key physical attributes such as aerobic capacity, muscular strength, anaerobic power, and fatigue tolerance. Increases in VO₂max ranging from 8% to 15% and strength gains of 10% to 20% in major lifts were commonly reported. Improvements in local muscular endurance, power output, and recovery capacity were also observed. The physiological benefits appeared more pronounced in trained individuals, especially those with greater resistance training volume. In addition, psychobiological responses, including perceived exertion, cognitive control, and motivation, were explored in several studies, with more experienced athletes showing higher fatigue tolerance and better performance consistency under stress. Conclusions: HIFT enhances essential physical attributes applicable to hybrid events. The findings support the use of HIFT as a foundational method for training athletes involved in demanding multi-domain fitness settings, without attributing these benefits specifically to any single competitive event. Full article

Background: Mixed martial arts (MMA) requires athletes to generate repeated bursts of high-intensity effort with minimal recovery time. Despite the sport’s reliance on anaerobic power, there are minimal data assessing pre-competition physiological capacity in MMA fighters. This study aimed to evaluate anaerobic performance using the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) and Countermovement Jump (CMJ) in professional MMA athletes, and to examine relationships between performance metrics across weight classes. Methods: Twelve professional male MMA fighters (age 29.00 ± 4.80 years, weight 85.60 ± 13.90 kg) completed both CMJ and WAnT assessments using sensor-integrated devices (Just Jump mat and Wattbike Pro). CMJ height and WAnT variables (peak power, average power, and fatigue index) were measured. Pearson correlations were used to examine the relationships between CMJ and Wingate outputs. Independent t-tests compared performance between lighter (<83.9 kg) and heavier (≥83.9 kg) weight groups. Results: CMJ performance showed significant positive correlations with both average power (r = 0.71, p < 0.001) and peak power (r = 0.61, p = 0.004). Peak power was also positively correlated with fatigue index (r = 0.84, p < 0.001), suggesting greater fatigue in higher power-producing athletes. Finally, the heavier weight group of fighters produced significantly (p = 0.03) more peak power when compared to the lighter weight group. Conclusions: The findings support the use of CMJ and WAnT testing as practical tools for evaluating anaerobic performance in MMA athletes. These assessments can help guide individualized training strategies, particularly when accounting for weight group specific differences in power and fatigue dynamics. Full article