Search Results (125)

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

Background/Objectives: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can optimize recovery by complementing the low cardiovascular fitness intensities typically achieved in stroke rehabilitation programs. Skating exercise is an HIIT workout developed based on ice skating movements, and we investigated the effects of this exercise on the cardiorespiratory fitness of elderly patients with minor stroke. Methods: Participants aged 65 or older with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 3 or lower were recruited. This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial, in which the intervention group engaged in skating exercises following HIIT, while the control group underwent moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). Both groups of participants performed either HIIT or MICT for 20 min per day, four times a week, over three months. Results: A total of 34 elderly patients with minor stroke were recruited, with an average age of 70.7 years. For three months, no fall-down injuries or adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events were reported among patients undergoing HIIT or MICT. Both the intervention and control groups showed significant increases in the measures of aerobic capacity after the intervention. However, the patients in the intervention group exhibited significantly greater improvements in peak oxygen uptake, ventilatory threshold, and peak MET (p = 0.005, p = 0.002, and p = 0.024, respectively). Additionally, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores and the skeletal muscle mass index showed significantly greater enhancements in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.032 and p = 0.032). Conclusions: In conclusion, skating exercise could be a safe and effective HIIT protocol for elderly people who have experienced a minor stroke. Full article

Background: Physical activity induces a range of physiological and molecular adaptations, particularly affecting skeletal muscle and the cardiovascular system, regulating both tissue architecture and metabolic pathways. Emerging evidence suggests that PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) may serve as potential biomarkers for these adaptations. Here, we analyzed piRNA patterns in the context of exercise. Methods: This study selected eight participants of the iReAct study (DRKS00017446) for piRNA analysis. Baseline assessments included demographic profiling and fitness evaluation, particularly maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) assessment. In addition, blood samples were collected pre- and (for six of the eight participants) post- standard reference training sessions. Subsequently, subjects underwent 6-week training protocols, employing standardized high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) regimens. Next, RNA sequencing was conducted to identify differentially expressed piRNAs, and correlation analyses were performed between piRNA expression patterns and training-associated changes in V̇O2max. Finally, to identify piRNAs potentially of interest in the context of exercise, different screening procedures were applied. Results: There were unique and specific changes in individual piRNA expression levels in response to exercise. In addition, we could define correlations of piRNA expression patterns, namely of piR-32886, piR-33151, piR-12547, and piR-33074, with changes in V̇O2max. These correlations did not reach significance in the small sample size of this pilot study, but might be verified in larger, confirming studies. Conclusions: This hypothesis-generating study identifies characteristic piRNA patterns in the context of exercise. Their significance as biomarkers is yet to be determined. Full article

Background: Sleep deprivation (SD), defined as the disruption or loss of normal sleep, negatively affects energy metabolism, immune function, and gut microbiota in both humans and animals. Although SD has detrimental effects, it is often unavoidable due to work or study demands. Exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality, regulate metabolism, and enhance immune function. However, whether exercise can mitigate the adverse effects of unavoidable SD remains unclear. Methods: To explore the protective effects of exercise against SD-induced gut microbiota and metabolic dysfunction, mice were randomly assigned to four groups: control (CTR), exercise (EXE), SD, and exercise + SD (EXE + SD). Inflammatory markers and gut microbiota composition were analyzed to assess the impacts of SD and exercise interventions. Results: The inflammatory levels and energy metabolism in SD mice were significantly increased compared to those in CTR mice. Compared with SD mice, EXE + SD mice had a more stable gut microbiota structure and higher butyrate levels. Meanwhile, the inflammatory response caused by SD was also inhibited by exercise preconditioning. Both lipopolysaccharide inhibitors injection and butyrate supplementation can partially alleviate the elevation of inflammatory response and energy metabolism caused by SD. Conclusion: The inflammation and energy metabolism disorders in mice caused by SD can be inhibited by exercise preconditioning through stabilizing the structure of gut microbiota. This protective effect is highly likely related to the increase in butyric acid levels caused by exercise. Full article

Background: Nurses play a fundamental role in identifying the early symptoms of sepsis and thereby contribute to early diagnosis and prevention, which decreases complications and mortality rates and lowers the cost of care. This study aimed to evaluate nurses’ knowledge of sepsis and to analyze its relationship with attitude, self-assessment, and sociodemographic variables. Methods: A correlational, cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 293 nurses in Poland using a validated tool, the Nurses’ Attitudes and Knowledge about Sepsis Scale (NAKSeS), which assesses both knowledge and attitudes toward sepsis. The instrument included two knowledge subscales (Factor 1: knowledge of pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention; Factor 2: knowledge of nursing actions), an attitude subscale, and a self-assessment item. Sociodemographic data included age, seniority, voluntary postgraduate education, current workplace, and place of residence. Results: Nurses demonstrated moderate levels of general knowledge, Factor 1, Factor 2, attitude toward sepsis, and self-assessed knowledge. Higher scores across all domains were observed among nurses who had completed postgraduate education, cited professional experience or books as key sources of knowledge, and worked in high-acuity settings such as intensive care units, emergency departments, or pediatric wards. Nurses working in larger cities scored significantly higher in general knowledge and Factor 1 compared to those in smaller towns or rural areas. Additionally, greater age and longer work experience were positively associated with more favorable attitudes and higher self-assessed knowledge, although negatively correlated with some knowledge scores. Conclusions: Nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward sepsis were influenced by the source of education and clinical exposure, with significantly better outcomes observed among those with postgraduate training and experience in high-acuity settings. These findings underscore the need to strengthen sepsis education across all levels of nursing curricula and promote accessible, continuous professional development supported by validated assessment tools. Full article

Background: Short sessions of isometric exercise have been shown to reduce blood pressure (BP) in normotensive and hypertensive subjects. However, there are few data in hypertensive patients with underlying ischemic heart disease (IHD). In the present study, we compared post-exercise hypotension (PEH) induced by isometric versus combined, aerobic plus dynamic resistance exercise in IHD patients. Methods: Twenty-five stable patients with established IHD and with treated hypertension were enrolled. The study had a cross-over design. All patients performed in a random order and on different days: (1) isometric exercise session (IES) consisting of bilateral knee extension, performed at 20% of maximal voluntary contraction and lasting 20 min; (2) combined exercise session (CES) including moderate-intensity continuous exercise at and dynamic resistance exercise performed at 60% of one repetition maximum, and lasting 60 min and (3) control session (no exercise). BP was measured at rest, immediately after the training and then every 15 min up to 90 min. Results: The repeated measures ANOVA analysis showed that systolic BP significantly decreased after the CES session compared to the control (F = 6.2; p 0.001) and IES (F = 4.4; p 0.004). Systolic BP significantly decreased after IES compared to the control (F = 3.6; p 0.036). Diastolic BP did not show significant changes after CES and IES compared to the control (CES vs. control: F = 2.2; p 0.142; IES vs. control (F = 2.5; p 0.062). There were no significant differences in diastolic BP changes between CES and IES (CES vs. IES: F = 1.8; p 0.156). Conclusions: We observed that CES was more effective than IES in reducing systolic BP; IES was as effective as CES in inducing diastolic PEH in hypertensive patients with underlying IHD. Full article

Obesity is a significant global health issue, profoundly affecting metabolic and cardiovascular health and other related chronic conditions. In Chile, the prevalence of obesity is among the highest within the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, highlighting a critical public health challenge. This narrative review examines current evidence on the independent and potential synergistic roles of omega-3 fatty acids and exercise in managing obesity-related metabolic dysfunction. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), have been shown to lower triglyceride levels, enhance lipid metabolism, and modulate inflammation via pathways involving peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c). Exercise interventions, such as moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), provide distinct yet complementary metabolic benefits. Specifically, MICT improves body fat distribution and mitochondrial efficiency, whereas HIIT has notable effects on metabolic adaptability and insulin signaling. Additionally, emerging evidence points toward a potential role of the kinin-kallikrein system, particularly kallikrein 7 (KLK7), in obesity-associated insulin resistance. Despite these promising findings, several knowledge gaps persist regarding optimal dosing, intervention timing, population-specific effects, and the exact mechanisms behind the potential synergistic interactions between omega-3 supplementation and structured exercise. This review emphasizes the importance of conducting further research, particularly controlled clinical trials, to clarify these combined interventions’ effectiveness and establish targeted therapeutic strategies tailored to individual metabolic profiles. Full article

Background/Objectives: Master athletes in team sports represent a growing population of individuals who continue to engage in structured training and competition. Among these sports, basketball has primarily been investigated in older athletes; however, age-related effects on training load within the broader master athlete population remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to examine the age-related differences in workloads among master basketball athletes and determine whether game participation can facilitate the achievement of the recommended physical activity level. Methods: A total of 178 male athletes were divided into three age groups (35–45, 46–60, and ≥60 years) and participated in a national tournament. External load metrics, including accumulated acceleration load (AAL), mechanical load (ML), and jump load (JL), were recorded using tri-axial microsensors. Internal load (IL) was assessed via session ratings of perceived exertion (sRPE). Physical activity levels were categorized into light, moderate, and vigorous intensity using accelerometry-derived metabolic equivalents. Results: Significant age-related differences (p < 0.01) were observed in AAL, ML, and JL, with the youngest group showing the highest values. Likewise, the time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) displayed an age-dependent manner and decreased with age. Older athletes spent more time in low-intensity activities and employed energy-conserving strategies, avoiding high-speed and high-impact actions. Despite these variations, sRPE ratings were similar among groups. Conclusions: In conclusion, age is a crucial regulator of training load and physical activity and should be considered by practitioners and coaches who design training and physical activity plans for master basketball athletes. Despite the age-related differences, participation in basketball matches provides a substantial opportunity for increasing daily MVPA. Full article

Background/Objectives: Our study aimed to verify the effects of 6 weeks of concurrent training composed of resistance training (RT) and different modalities of aerobic exercise (moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) or high-intensity interval training (HIIT)) on body composition, blood pressure, vascular function, autonomic nervous system (ANS) function, blood lipid levels, cardiometabolic index (CMI), and health-related fitness in obese middle-aged women with prehypertension. Methods: We selected 26 middle-aged women with obesity and prehypertension and divided them equally into the RT + MICT (n = 13) and RT + HIIT (n = 13) groups. The concurrent training program consisted of warm-up, RT, aerobic exercise (MICT or HIIT), and cool-down, and was performed for 6 weeks, three times a week, 85–100 min per session. The measured dependent parameters were analyzed before and after training. Results: Concurrent training (RT + MICT and RT + HIIT) for 6 weeks showed significant improvements in body composition, blood pressure, vascular function, ANS function, CMI, and health-related fitness. However, the RT + HIIT group showed a relatively greater improvement in blood lipid levels compared to the RT + MICT group. Conclusions: Our study confirmed that both RT + MICT and RT + HIIT yielded similar positive effects on most health-related parameters in obese middle-aged women with prehypertension. Among them, RT + HIIT appeared to be relatively more effective in improving blood lipid profiles. Full article

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) implemented in physical education classes on adolescents’ motivation for exercise. (2) Methods: This study involved 60 male adolescents (16.23 ± 0.6 years) recruited from a local high school who were randomly assigned to either the HIIT group or the control group (CG). The Exercise Motivation Inventory-2 (EMI-2) questionnaire was used to assess how participation in a HIIT program influenced the motivation to exercise among adolescents. The experimental program consisted of a 12-week HIIT program, integrated into the preparatory part of physical education classes. Sessions were held twice weekly, with each session lasting ~10 min. The HIIT group performed the Tabata protocol, which consisted of two 4 min sequences of eight different high-intensity exercises (burpees, split jumps, jumping jacks, push-ups, wall ball, crunches, frog jumps, and Russian twists), each lasting 20 s with 10 s rest intervals, separated by a 1 min recovery period. The control group conducted the traditional moderate-intensity warm-up exercises for the same total duration. After the warm-up protocols, both groups continued with the same physical education classes, which included a variety of instructional and moderate-intensity activities. (3) Results: A significant time × group interaction was observed for social recognition (p = 0.04; partial eta squared η²_p = 0.079, medium effect), indicating that HIIT had a superior effect compared to CG. Affiliation also showed a significant improvement in the HIIT group (p = 0.02), while no significant changes were noted in the CG (p = 0.35). Similarly, competition significantly increased in the HIIT group (p = 0.02), whereas no significant differences were found in the CG (p = 0.74). For all other motivational factors, no significant effects of time or group factors were found (p > 0.05). (4) Conclusions: This study highlights the positive effects of school-based HIIT on male adolescents’ motivation, particularly in the area of social recognition. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic stroke survivors often regain walking speed but continue to exhibit heightened gait variability, increasing fall risk. This study investigated the effects of a 12-week moderate-to-high intensity muscle strengthening program on gait parameters and their variability in stroke survivors, without incorporating gait-specific training. Methods: Stroke survivors participated in a twice-weekly, 45–60 min strengthening program using Pilates equipment. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured before and after the intervention using 3D motion capture. Walking speed, cadence, step/stride length, step width, and various temporal parameters were analyzed for both paretic and non-paretic limbs, along with their coefficients of variation (CV). Correlation analyses were performed to understand the relationships between parameter changes. Results: Eleven patients (age 61 ± 7.4 years, 9 males) participated in the study. Significant improvements were observed in walking speed for both paretic (0.61 to 0.69 m/s, p = 0.032) and non-paretic limbs (0.62 to 0.69 m/s, p = 0.024). Step length significantly increased in the paretic limb (0.36 to 0.41 m, p = 0.042) with a substantial reduction in variability (CV: 19.91% to 14.99%). Cadence increased significantly in the non-paretic limb (89.24 to 92.01 steps/min, p = 0.024). Correlation analysis revealed distinct adaptation patterns between limbs, with speed improvements strongly associated with stride length in both limbs, but with step length only in the non-paretic limb. Conclusions: A moderate-to-high intensity strengthening program, even without direct gait training, can improve walking speed and reduce movement variability in chronic stroke survivors. The intervention predominantly influenced the spatial parameters, with modest changes in the temporal aspects, suggesting that enhanced force production and control primarily affect step execution while preserving temporal gait patterns. 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

Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) might be associated with increased pain sensitivity and inflammation. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been suggested to reduce pain outcomes and inflammatory markers, but its effects compared to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of HIIT on pain sensitivity and inflammatory markers in persons with CNSLBP compared to healthy controls (HCs) and to determine how these effects differ from MICT. Twenty persons with CNSLBP and twenty HCs were assessed before (PRE) and after (POST) a single HIIT and MICT protocol for pain sensitivity (cuff pressure pain threshold (cPPT), temporal summation of pain (TS), conditioned pain modulation (CPM)), and inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVAs, paired t-tests, and correlation analyses. At PRE, persons with CNSLBP exhibited lower cPPT (28.2 ± 7.1, Δ = −5.5, p = 0.040), higher TS (1.11 ± 0.89, Δ = 0.79, p = 0.042), and lower CPM (36.2 ± 11.6, Δ = −10.0, p = 0.023) compared to HCs. HIIT resulted in PRE–POST improvements in cPPT (38.9 ± 12.6, Δ = 5.2, p = 0.019) in HCs. No PRE–POST differences were observed in pain processing in those with CLBP. No PRE or PRE–POST differences were observed in the inflammatory markers in either group. The current exploratory study suggests that a single HIIT session might have a beneficial effect on pain sensitivity in HCs but does not alter acute pain sensitivity or inflammatory markers in persons with CNSLBP. Further research is needed to clarify the involved mechanisms and explore the (relation with the) long-term effects of HIIT. Full article

Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) is a molecule that serves as a coenzyme for mitochondrial enzymes, playing a fundamental role in mitochondrial bioenergetics as an electron and proton carrier in the energy production process. This study aimed to examine the modulatory effects of moderate/high-intensity exercise and CoQ₁₀ supplementation on tumstatin, lipid dynamics, and body mass in rats. This study used 42 male Wistar Albino rats in six groups: a control group (C), a moderate-intensity continuous training group (MICT), a high-intensity continuous training group (HICT), a coenzyme Q₁₀ group (Q₁₀), a moderate-intensity continuous training combined with Q₁₀ group (MICTQ₁₀), and a high-intensity continuous training combined with Q₁₀ group (HICTQ₁₀) to assess the effects of exercise and 5 mg/kg/daily CoQ₁₀ supplementation. Rats underwent treadmill training, and tumstatin levels in plasma, cardiac, and skeletal muscle tissues were measured using ELISA and immunostaining techniques. In addition to the plasma, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) levels were analyzed using enzymatic methods, with the LDL-C calculated using the Friedewald equation. The atherogenic index of plasma was determined by the TG/HDL-C ratio. As compared to group C, body mass was significantly affected by both exercise intensity and supplementation (p = 0.01, η² = 0.37), with the MICTQ₁₀ and HICTQ₁₀ groups demonstrating the greatest reductions by day 50th (p = 0.0003, d = 4.02; p = 0.0001, d = 3.99). Lipid profiles varied significantly between groups. Compared to the C group, the MICTQ₁₀ group exhibited the most substantial decreases in LDL-C (p = 0.03, d = 2.35) and TG levels (p = 0.03, d = 2.25), while the HICTQ₁₀ group showed the most pronounced reduction in TC levels (p = 0.001, d = 6.41). Regarding tumstatin levels, skeletal muscle tumstatin levels were lowest in the HICTQ₁₀ group (p = 0.01, d = 2.11). Moreover, cardiac muscle tumstatin levels were significantly lower in the MICTQ₁₀, MICT, and HICTQ₁₀ groups compared to in the C group (p = 0.004, d = 1.01). These findings suggest that both exercise intensity and CoQ₁₀ supplementation exert notable physiological effects, particularly in modulating body mass, lipid metabolism, and tumstatin levels. Full article

Background: Obesity is a growing public health issue, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Physical activity is a key factor in obesity treatment; however, the effectiveness of different exercise modalities remains unclear, especially considering age-related physiological differences. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) are two commonly recommended strategies, but their impact on fat reduction across different age groups has not been thoroughly analyzed. This study aims to determine which training modality is most effective for fat reduction in individuals with obesity, considering age as a crucial factor in exercise response. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, analyzing studies published between 2014 and 2024. The inclusion criteria focused on the studies comparing HIIT and MICT effects on body composition in obese individuals of different age groups. The data extraction included training protocols, fat mass reduction, and adherence levels. The primary outcomes measured changes in body fat percentage and muscle mass retention. Results: HIIT was found to be most effective for younger individuals (18–30 years), promoting fat oxidation and muscle retention. In middle-aged adults (31–40 years), both HIIT and MICT yielded similar benefits, with MICT preferred due to better adherence. In older adults (41–60 years), MICT provided a more sustainable strategy for fat reduction and muscle preservation. However, the variability across the studies limits definitive conclusions. Conclusions: Age influences the effectiveness of HIIT and MICT for obesity treatment, highlighting the need for age-specific exercise recommendations. Future studies should standardize training protocols and assess long-term metabolic adaptations to optimize physical activity guidelines. Full article