Search Results (133)

Long-term physical training is known to induce brain plasticity, yet how these neural adaptations evolve across different stages of training remains underexplored. This two-year longitudinal study investigated the stage-dependent effects of endurance running on brain structure and resting-state function in healthy college students. Thirty participants were recruited into three groups based on their endurance training level: high-level runners, moderate-level runners, and sedentary controls. All participants underwent baseline and two-year follow-up MRI scans, including T1-weighted structural imaging and resting-state fMRI. The results revealed that the high-level runners exhibited a significant increase in degree centrality (DC) in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). In the moderate-level group, more widespread changes were observed, including increased gray matter volume (GMV) in bilateral prefrontal cortices, medial frontal regions, the right insula, the right putamen, and the right temporo-parieto-occipital junction, along with decreased GMV in the posterior cerebellum. Additionally, DC decreased in the left thalamus and increased in the right temporal lobe and bilateral DLPFC; the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) in the right precentral gyrus was also elevated. These brain regions are involved in executive control, sensorimotor integration, and motor coordination, which may suggest potential functional implications for cognitive and motor performance; however, such interpretations should be viewed cautiously given the modest sample size and study duration. No significant changes were found in the control group. These findings demonstrate that long-term endurance training induces distinct patterns of brain plasticity at different training stages, with more prominent and widespread changes occurring during earlier phases of training. Full article

Background/Objectives: Multifactorial prevention of falls in persons with dementia has minimal or non-significant effects. Personalised prevention is recommended. We have previously shown that gait speed, basic activities of daily living (ADL), and depression (high Cornell scores) were independent predictors of falls in persons with mild and moderate cognitive impairment. This study explored person-specific risks of falls related to physical, mental, and cognitive functions and types of dementia: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VD), mixed Alzheimer’s disease/vascular dementia (MixADVD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Methods: The study used data from “The Norwegian Registry of Persons Assessed for Cognitive Symptoms” (NorCog). Differences between the dementia groups and predictors of falls, gait speed, ADL, and Cornell scores were analysed. Results: Among study participants, 537/1321 (40.7%) reported a fall in the past year, with significant variations between dementia diagnoses. Fall incidence increased with age, comorbidity/polypharmacy, depression, and MAYO fluctuation score and with reduced physical activity, gait speed, and ADL. Persons with VD and MixADVD had high fall incidences and impaired gait speed and ADL. Training of physical fitness, endurance, muscular strength, coordination, and balance and optimising treatment of comorbidities and medication enhance gait speed. Improving ADL necessitates, in addition, relief of cognitive impairment and fluctuations. Relief of depression and fluctuations by psychological and pharmacological interventions is necessary to reduce the high fall risk in persons with DLB. Conclusions: The fall incidence and fall predictors varied significantly. Personalised interventions presuppose knowledge of each individual’s fall risk factors. Full article

This pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—provided in a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine:isoleucine:valine—combined with exercise on fatigue, physical performance, and quality of life in older adults. Twenty participants (63% female; BMI: 35 ± 2 kg/m²; age: 70.5 ± 1.2 years) were randomized to 8 weeks of either exercise + BCAAs (100 mg/kg body weight/d) or exercise + placebo. The program included moderate aerobic and resistance training three times weekly. Physical function was assessed using handgrip strength, chair stands, gait speed, VO₂ max, and a 400 m walk. Psychological health was evaluated using the CES-D, Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and global pain, fatigue, and quality of life using a visual analog scale (VAS). Significant group x time interactions were found for handgrip strength (p = 0.03), chair stands (p < 0.01), and 400 m walk time (p < 0.01). Compared to exercise + placebo, exercise + BCAAs showed greater improvements in strength, mobility, and endurance, along with reductions in fatigue (−45% vs. +92%) and depressive symptoms (−29% vs. +5%). Time effects were also observed for ISI (−30%), FAS (−21%), and VAS quality of life (16%) following exercise + BCAA supplementation. These preliminary results suggest that BCAAs combined with exercise may be an effective way to improve physical performance and reduce fatigue and depressive symptoms in older adults. 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

Breathing reserve (BR) is the remaining proportion of achievable minute ventilation that remains unutilized at total exhaustion during exercise. Previous studies have found a smaller BR in endurance-trained athletes compared to untrained controls. However, most of these studies have examined men. Given that women have a greater ventilatory limitation than stature-matched men, the present cross-sectional study aimed to investigate how this sex difference influences BR and lung function tests in endurance-trained females compared to matched, untrained females. To obtain further insight, we also aimed to investigate whether VO₂max serves as a predictor of BR. We examined 15 female elite runners and 15 healthy, matched female controls aged 24–33 years with regard to pulmonary function, MVV, V_Emax, BR, and VO₂max. The elite runner group had a median BR of 5%, while that of the controls was 21%, representing a significant difference. Lung function tests showed no differences between the two groups. A moderate association was found between VO₂max and BR. The female elite runners demonstrated a lower BR than the group of matched, untrained controls, which was lower than that found for male elite athletes in previous studies. This may indicate a greater ventilatory demand in female relative to male endurance athletes. Full article

While the interest and participation in general endurance training and recreational sports competitions have continuously increased in recent decades, the number of recreational master-level endurance athletes has additionally multiplied. Athletes, active men and women older than 40 years of age, who participate in competitive athletics are usually referred to by the term master athletes (MAs). Previous research revealed the significant benefits of regular moderate physical activity, i.e., its positive influence on cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular health; however, recent data have raised concerns that long-term endurance exercise participation is associated with cardiac remodeling and potential adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Previous research also indicated potential structural, functional, and electrical remodeling in MAs due to prolonged and repeated exposure to high-intensity endurance exercise—a condition known as athlete’s heart. In this review, we focus on the association between extreme levels of endurance exercise and potential cardiovascular controversies, such as arrhythmogenesis due to new-onset atrial fibrillation, accelerated coronary artery atherosclerosis, and exercise-induced cardiac remodeling. Additionally, the exercise-dependent modulation of immunological response, such as proteomic response and cytokine alterations, is discussed. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of nutritional supplements in MAs and their potential benefits and harmful interactions. We aim to provide sports medicine practitioners with knowledge of these contemporary longevity controversies in sports cardiology and to highlight the importance of shared decision making in situations of clinical uncertainty. 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

Background and Objective: Fatigue represents a hallmark symptom in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but its diagnosis and clinical evaluation is difficult because it is described as a subjective feeling of exhausted physical and mental sensation. Studies have also shown that approaches based on assisted therapies and robotics, as well as the use of vibration, which are used to improve sensory integration, reduce fatigue. The primary outcome in this study is to evaluate the effects of the application of focal vibrations on the reduction in fatigue, muscle strength, and endurance in MS patients with moderate disability. The secondary outcome is to assess the effects on quality of life, cognitive status, and mood. Methods: We enrolled 40 MS patients. The study was designed as a parallel randomized controlled trial: 20 patients were assigned to the experimental group (EG), who received vibration training, and 20 to the control group (CG), who received traditional physical exercise. Results: We found significant differences in the EG in fatigue, motor, and cognitive outcome and improvement of some aspects of quality of life (QoL). There are correlations between perceived multidimensional fatigue and cadence, step length, and health quality of life composite. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated the potential effectiveness of vibration training in balance, walking endurance, and reduction in the risk of falls in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. In addition, we added evidence about fatigue, non-motor outcomes, in particular promoting mental and physical QoL and individual life satisfaction. The name of the registry is clinicaltrial.gov; the number of registration id NCT05783999; and the date of registration is 14 March 2023. Full article

Background: Physical activity, including its organized form, is of key importance in the motor development of children and adolescents. Among the increasingly popular physical activities in this age group are martial arts, particularly judo. In addition to its educational and social values, this discipline, in its assumptions, gives practitioners the opportunity for motor development. This study aims to assess the development of motor competence in children and adolescents up to 15 years of age practicing judo. Methods: The study was conducted using seven databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, OVID, CINHAL Ultimate and SPOLIT) across 15 years (from January 2009 to May 2024). The PRISMA methodology was used to include studies, and the CASP protocol was applied to assess the quality of these studies. Inclusion criteria were developed based on PICOS. Finally, 22 studies that met the established criteria were included. Results: Most of the studies (21) were observational, and only one was a randomized controlled trial. The review indicated that regular judo training significantly improved muscle strength, endurance, speed, coordination, flexibility, balance and body posture compared to control groups. In contrast to some other sports, judo demonstrated comparable benefits in the development of motor abilities. Conclusions: Judo is a sport discipline that significantly affects the motor development of children and adolescents. Furthermore, regular participation in training helps to achieve the daily dose of moderate-to-vigorous activity recommended by the World Health Organization in this age group. Full article

Mitochondria are considered as “the plant of power” with cells for a long time. However, recent researches suggest that mitochondria also take part in innate immune response to a great extent. Remarkably, mtDNA was reported to have immunnostimulatory potential in 2004. Since then, there has been rapid growth in understanding the role of mtDNA in innate immune. The mtDNA is released into cytosol, extracellular environment, or circulating blood through BAK/BAX pore, mPTP, and GSDMD pore upon mitochondrial damage, where it is recognized by PRRs including TLR9, cGAS, and NLRP3, thereby triggering innate immune response. On the other hand, regular exercise has been recognized as an effective intervention strategy for innate immune response. Some studies show that chronic moderate-intensity endurance exercise, resistance training, HIIT, and moderate-intensity acute exercise enhance mitochondrial function by promoting mtDNA transcription and replication, thus blunting the abnormal release of mtDNA and excessive innate immune response. On the contrary, high-intensity acute exercise elicits the opposite effect. Nevertheless, only a very small body of research by far has been performed to illustrate the impact of exercise on mtDNA-driven innate immune response, and an overall review is lacking. In light of these, we summarize the current knowledge on the mechanism mediating the release of mtDNA, the role of mtDNA in innate immune response and the influence of exercise on mtDNA leakage, hoping to pave the way to investigate new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for immunopathies. Full article

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis on the effects of virtual reality (VR) and traditional (TR) physical activity programs, analyzing their impact on the physical, health, and cognitive aspects of participants. The study sought to identify the advantages and limitations of both methods, taking into account previous research and potential areas for future studies. (2) Methods: The study protocol for this systematic review was registered at the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY202530015). The review followed PRISMA guidelines, and studies were selected based on their relevance to the research objectives using the PICOS model criteria. The authors applied a meta-analysis in addition to a systematic review to further ensure the accuracy of the results. Primary outcomes included physical and cognitive performance, while secondary outcomes encompassed participant perceptions and psychological effects. (3) Results: The findings indicate that VR training significantly enhances flexibility, motivation, and cognitive abilities, particularly in populations with limited access to traditional exercise methods. The most pronounced effects were observed in programs lasting 8 to 12 weeks with a moderate to high intensity. In contrast, TR showed superiority in developing strength, endurance, and cardiorespiratory functions. (4) Conclusions: VR offers significant benefits as an adjunct or alternative to TR, especially for individuals with limited resources or physical accessibility. However, variations in methodological approaches, short program durations, and sample heterogeneity highlight the need for further longitudinal research. Standardizing VR training duration and intensity is essential to ensure consistent and reliable outcomes. Full article

This study aimed to examine the effects of different intensities of endurance training combined with standard neurorehabilitation on selected blood biomarkers and physical outcomes of post-stroke individuals. We randomised patients with first-episode ischaemic stroke to an experimental group that received 4 × 45 min sessions of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) each week and 2 × 45 min of standard rehabilitation each day or to a control group that received 4 × 45 min sessions of low-intensity continuous training (LICT) each week and 2 × 45 min of standard rehabilitation each day. We measured the following outcomes at baseline and 3 weeks after the intervention: aerobic capacity; cognitive and motor function; and blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and irisin. We included 52 patients with a mean age of 66.1 ± 8.0 years. After 3 weeks of rehabilitation, there was a clinically significant improvement in the Rivermead Motor Assessment—arm score in the MICT group. The study showed that after 3 weeks, an intervention combining MICT with standard neurorehabilitation was significantly more beneficial in improving aerobic capacity and arm motor function than an intervention combining LICT and standard neurorehabilitation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Our studies have provided evidence for the alteration of exercise-induced metabolic responses by the intake of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract. In this secondary analysis of 10 studies, we examined the relationship between the pre-intervention exercise-induced respiratory exchange ratio and the blackcurrant-induced respiratory exchange ratio and substrate utilisation during exercise. Methods: Metabolic data of seven cohort and three case studies with females (n = 46) and males (n = 71), from recreationally active to ultra-endurance trained individuals that were dosed with different intake durations (acute to two-week intake) and dosages (105 to 420 mg of anthocyanins) of NZBC extract for walking-, running-, and cycling-induced effects, were included in the secondary analysis. Results: There was a strong positive correlation between the pre-intervention and blackcurrant-induced respiratory exchange ratio for females (Pearson r: 0.7972, p < 0.0001) and males (Pearson r: 0.8674, p < 0.0001). A moderate positive correlation was obtained for the relationship between the pre-intervention respiratory exchange ratio and changes in fat oxidation for females (Pearson r: 0.5311, p = 0.0001) and males (Pearson r: 0.3136, p = 0.002). In addition, a moderate negative correlation was obtained for the relationship between the pre-intervention respiratory exchange ratio and changes in carbohydrate oxidation for females (Pearson r: −0.3017, p = 0.0393) and males (Pearson r: −0.3327, p < 0.001). There were no differences between females and males in the changes of the exercise-induced metabolic responses to the intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract. Conclusions: Our secondary analysis of the data in studies on the effects of New Zealand blackcurrant extract suggests that the metabolic response of individuals to the intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract depends partly on the pre-intervention respiratory exchange ratio, with the majority of individuals showing enhanced exercise-induced fat oxidation and lower exercise-induced carbohydrate oxidation. However, a divergent metabolic response seems possible such that individuals with a very low intrinsic respiratory exchange ratio may more likely experience lower fat oxidation and higher carbohydrate oxidation with the intake of New Zealand blackcurrant. Individuals with a high intrinsic respiratory exchange will more likely experience higher fat oxidation and lower carbohydrate oxidation with the intake of New Zealand blackcurrant. Future work is required to examine the factors and mechanisms for the individual variation of the response of exercise-induced substrate utilisation relative to the intake of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant extracts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at increased risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases. Although physical exercise (PE) has emerged in the literature as an important modulator for reducing such risk, evidence remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effects of PE on cardiometabolic health in individuals with ASD. Methods: A systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines, from their inception until 18 July 2023, in the following electronic databases: Scopus, Medline, and Web of Science. Studies were included if they focused on ASD patients undergoing physical exercise, assessing cardiometabolic risk, exercise tolerance, and QoL. The following were excluded: non-exercise interventions, additional therapies, non-English studies, and reviews. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed through the Downs and Black scale. Results: A total of four studies (149 participants) were included in this review, with the average methodological quality being rated as “fair”. Interventions had mixed effects on cardiometabolic health. The BMI (↓2.8 kg/m²), waist circumference (↓1.86 cm), and lipid profiles improved in some cases. VO₂max and HR_baseline showed moderate gains. Secondary outcomes included enhanced endurance, strength, and calorie expenditure, especially in mild ASD. Autistic traits and quality of life improved post-intervention, with better results in the experimental groups. Conclusions: This review indicates that aerobic and functional training improves cardiometabolic health, autistic traits, and QoL in individuals with ASD, particularly in mild cases. Further research is needed to explore the impact of ASD severity on these outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced electrocardiogram (ECG) screening protocol for improved accuracy, efficiency, and risk stratification across six sports: handball, football, athletics, weightlifting, judo, and karate. Methods: For each of the six sports, resting 12-lead ECGs from healthy children and junior athletes were analyzed using AI algorithms trained on annotated datasets. Parameters included the QTc intervals, PR intervals, and QRS duration. Statistical methods were used to examine each sport’s specific cardiovascular adaptations and classify cardiovascular risk predictions as low, moderate, or high risk. Results: The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and precision of the AI system were 97.87%, 75%, 98.3%, and 98%, respectively. Among the athletes, 94.54% were classified as low risk and 5.46% as moderate risk with AI because of borderline abnormalities like QTc prolongation or mild T-wave inversions. Sport-specific trends included increased QRS duration in weightlifters and low QTc intervals in endurance athletes. Conclusions: The statistical analyses and the AI-ECG screening protocol showed high precision and scalability for the proposed athlete cardiovascular health risk status stratification. Additional early detection research should be conducted further for diverse cohorts of individuals engaged in sports and explore other diagnostic methods that can help increase the effectiveness of screening. Full article