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Mixed-gender studies predominate in the current literature exploring the interaction between physical activity and dementia risk. Considering that menopause appears to contribute to females' increased risk of cognitive decline when compared to males, further clarity is required on the impact of physical activity in reducing late-life dementia risk, specifically in perimenopausal females. A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS and CINAHL databases yielded fourteen studies for review. A significant inverse relationship between perimenopausal leisure time physical activity, or physical fitness, and future all-cause dementia risk was found in most studies exploring this interaction. Higher levels of perimenopausal household physical activity and combined non-leisure time physical activity also displayed a favorable impact in lowering dementia risk. A dose-response effect was demonstrated, with approximately 10 MET-hour/week of leisure time physical activity required for significant dementia risk reduction. Three of four papers exploring causality provided analyses proposed to counter the reverse causation argument, suggesting that physical activity may indeed have a protective role in reducing dementia risk post-menopause. The current systematic review provides promising results regarding the impact of pre- and perimenopausal physical activity on reducing late-life dementia risk, suggesting that promoting perimenopausal physical activity may serve as a crucial tool in mitigating the risk of post-menopausal cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in skeletal muscle development, suggesting that thyroid function may influence muscle mass and muscle strength, which are both fundamental health-related indicators of several age-related consequences. However, whether there is a relationship between thyroid hormones, muscle mass, and muscle strength in individuals without thyroid dysfunctions is still unknown. Therefore, this systematic review aims to investigate whether thyroid hormones are related to muscle mass and strength parameters in euthyroid individuals. Three databases were searched (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) up to February 14, 2022, for peer-reviewed papers published in English. The search results were conducted independently by two different reviewers. The review included 13 studies with a total of 241,044 participants. All studies were observational: twelve studies measured thyroid stimulating hormone, ten and thirteen studies measured free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine, four studies analyzed the thyroid hormone ratio. The assessment methods for muscle mass were computed tomography, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and bioimpedance analysis, whereas hand dynamometer for muscle strength. Low levels within the normal range of free triiodothyronine, high levels within the normal range of free thyroxine, and lower thyroid hormone ratio may contribute to a reduced muscle function, which seems more evident in older males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to numerous studies, rowing performance is influenced by several factors including rower's biomechanics, rower's physiology, the force generated and stroke style. However, there is a missing gap linking such factors with rowing performance in the available literature. This paper aims to investigate the rowing mechanism in terms of rower anthropometry and physiology, which can impact its biomechanics and performance. The corresponding hydrodynamic force generated by the oar blade to accelerate the boat is also considered in the current study. To test the objectives, systematical online searching was conducted in search of the inclusion literature criteria. All included studies used Preferred Reporting item for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to obtain the final collection of articles for this review. In order to rate the quality of the articles, risk bias assessment was performed. A total of 35 studies were included in the assessment. The studies discussed the aspects of anthropometry and physiological of the rower, the biomechanics of the rower, corresponding hydrodynamic force on the oar blade and the rowing mechanism concerning boat performance. Based on the information obtained, an understanding of the important aspects of the rowing mechanism was achieved to provide an update for comprehensive improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Returning to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) can be a challenging and complex process for the athlete, with the rate of return to the pre-injury level of sport observed to be less than athlete expectations. Of the athletes that do return to sport (RTS), knee re-injury rates remain high, and multiple studies have observed impaired athletic performance upon RTS after ACLR as well as reduced playing time, productivity, and career lengths. To mitigate re-injury and improve RTS outcomes, multiple RTS after ACLR consensus statements/clinical practice guidelines have recommended objective RTS testing criteria to be met prior to medical clearance for unrestricted sports participation. While the achievement of RTS testing criteria can improve RTS rates after ACLR, current criteria do not appear valid for predicting safe RTS. Therefore, there is a need to review the various factors related to the successful return to the pre-injury level of sport after ACLR, clarify the utility of objective performance testing and RTS criteria, further discuss safe RTS decision-making as well as present strategies to reduce the risk of ACL injury/re-injury upon RTS. This article provides a practical review of the current RTS after ACLR literature, as well as makes medical recommendations for rehabilitation and RTS decision-making after ACLR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether Olympic weightlifting (OW) exercises would improve sprint performance when compared to a control intervention, (no training, standard sport-specific training, traditional resistance training, or plyometric training). Medline, Web of Science, SportDiscus, CINAHL, and Biological Science from inception to September 2022 was searched. Two authors independently selected the included studies, extracted data, and appraised the risk of bias. Certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology. The primary meta-analysis combined the results of the sprint performance over the full length of each sprint test. The secondary meta-analyses combined the results of the sprint performance at 5, 10, and 20 m distance to capture information about the acceleration phase of the sprint tests. Eight studies with 206 athletes (female n=10, age range: 18.9–24.2 years) were identified. Sprint performance did not differ significantly comparing OW to the control intervention, nor at the full length (standardized mean difference=–0.07, 95% CI=–0.47 to 0.34, p =0.75, I2 =46%) or during the acceleration phase (p ≥0.26) of the sprint test. OW training does not improve sprint performance to a greater extent than comparator interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to conduct a systematic review of para powerlifting strength performance. The searches were conducted in three electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus. Intervention studies related to para powerlifting performance were included. The main information was extracted systematically, based on criteria established by the authors. The data on study design, sample size, participant's characteristics (e. g. type of disability, sex, age, body weight, and height), training experience, assessment tools, physical performance criteria, and force-related outcomes were extracted and analyzed. The studies (n=9) describe factors related to biomechanics and performance. Outcomes revealed that the one-repetition maximum test is used as load prescription and that para powerlifting should work at high speeds and higher loads. Regarding technique, grip width with 1.5 biacromial distance provides a good lift and partial amplitude training as an alternative to training. There are no differences in total load and movement quality in the lumbar arched technique compared with the flat technique. As a monitoring method, repetitions in reserve scale was used for submaximal loads. Finally, our outcomes and discussion indicated strategies and techniques that can be used by para powerlifting coaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to elucidate the myocarditis incidence in SARS-CoV-2-positive athletes and to evaluate different screening approaches to derive sports cardiological recommendations after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The overall incidence of athletes (age span 17–35 years, 70% male) with myocarditis after SARS-CoV-2 infection was 1.2%, with a high variation between studies (which contrasts an incidence of 4.2% in 40 studies within the general population). Studies that used conventional screening based on symptoms, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and cardiac troponin – only followed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in case of abnormal findings – reported lower myocarditis incidences (0.5%, 20/3978). On the other hand, advanced screening that included cardiac magnetic resonance imaging within the primary screening reported higher incidences (2.4%, 52/2160). The sensitivity of advanced screening seems to be 4.8 times higher in comparison to conventional screening. However, we recommend prioritization of conventional screening, as the economical load of advanced screening for all athletes is high and the incidence of myocarditis in SARS-CoV-2-positive athletes and the risk of adverse outcomes seems low. Future research will be important to analyze the long-term effects of myocarditis after infection with SARS-CoV-2 in athletes for risk stratification to optimally guide a safe return to sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional continuous training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can increase maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max). However, there is conflicting evidence regarding which form of training demonstrates the greatest improvements to V̇O2max , and data in women is sparse. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses to assess whether moderate to vigorous-intensity continuous training (MVICT) or HIIT was superior at improving V̇O2max in women. Randomised controlled and parallel studies examined the influence of MVICT and/or HIIT on V̇O2max in women. There was no statistical difference in V̇O2max improvements after training between women in the MVICT and HIIT cohorts (mean difference [MD]: −0.42, 95%CI: −1.43 to 0.60, p>0.05). Both MVICT and HIIT increased V̇O2max from baseline (MD: 3.20, 95% CI: 2.73 to 3.67 and MD: 3.16, 95% CI 2.09 to 4.24, respectively, p<0.001). Greater improvements in V̇O2max were observed in women who participated in more training sessions in both training formats. Long-HIIT was superior to short-HIIT protocols at increasing V̇O2max. Although MVICT and long-HIIT sessions elicited greater increases in V̇O2max in younger women compared to short-HIIT protocols, these differences were negligible in older women. Our findings suggest MVICT and HIIT are equally effective strategies for improving V̇O2max and indicate an effect of age on its response to training in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to review the impact of training on muscle power in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of exercise-based interventions on limbs muscle power and rate of force development in COPD patients were investigated. Five international databases were searched until October 2022. Meta-analyses were performed calculating the mean difference or standardized mean difference. Risk of bias in studies was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0. A total of nine studies were included in the analysis. There were concerns about risk of bias in seven out of nine studies. Comparison of exercising and non-exercising groups showed a significant effect of exercise in improving muscle power (P=0.0004) and rate of force development (P<0.001), in five and three trials, respectively. Four studies comparing different trainings showed no significant results on muscle power (P=0.45). Eight to 16 weeks of exercise-based intervention versus no intervention might be beneficial to enhance upper and lower limbs muscle power and rate of force development in people with COPD. In contrast, muscle power did not improve when different training modalities were compared. Future studies performing power training in COPD patients are encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the evidence on the acute and long-term effects of exercise training on PV, in both trained and untrained individuals and to examine associations between changes in %PVV and change in physical/physiological performance. Despite the status of participants and the exercise duration or intensity, all the acute studies reported a significant decrease of PV (effect size: 0.85

Minimalist shoes are proposed to prevent injury and enhance performance by strengthening intrinsic foot muscles, yet there is little consensus on the effectiveness of minimalist shoes in increasing muscle strength or size. This systematic review assesses using minimalist shoes as an intervention on changes in plantar intrinsic foot muscle size and strength. PubMed, CINHAL, Scopus, and SPORT Discus were systematically searched for articles from January 2000 to March 2022. Studies were included if they had an intervention of at least 2 weeks with a control group and examined the effect of minimalist shoes on plantar intrinsic foot strength or size (either volume, cross-sectional area, or thickness). Nine studies were included. There were significant increases and percent changes in foot muscle strength, volume, cross-sectional area, and thickness. Strength increased between 9–57%, and size increased between 7.05–10.6%. Minimalist shoes may effectively increase intrinsic foot muscle size and strength in healthy individuals, and they may also be more convenient than implementing time-intensive physical therapy programs. Future research is needed to explore using minimalist shoes as an intervention in clinical populations who would benefit from increased IFM strength and function. It will also be vital to improve upon IFM assessment methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greater levels of physical fitness have been linked to improved dance performance and decreased injury incidence. The aim was to review the efficacy of physical fitness training on dance injury. The electronic databases CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure were used to search peer-reviewed published articles in English or Chinese. Studies were scored using Strength of the Evidence for a Conclusion and a risk bias checklist. 10 studies met the inclusion criteria from an initial 2450 publications. These studies offered physical fitness training for professional (n=3) and pre-professional dancers (n=7), participant sample size ranged between 5 to 62, ages from 11 to 27 years, and most participants were females. Assessment scores were classified as Fair (n=1), Limited (n=7), and Expert Opinion Only (n=2) and risk of bias scores ranged from 22.7–68.2%. After physical fitness training, 80% of studies reported significant benefits in injury rate, the time between injuries, pain intensity, pain severity, missed dance activities and injury count. This review suggests that physical fitness training could have a beneficial effect on injury incidence in dance. The evidence is limited by the current study methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify which preseason factors had strong evidence of risks for physical injury during the season of collision sports including rugby, American football, and Australian rules football using qualitative synthesis. Pubmed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were reviewed. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies were: studies involving the collision sports; prospective cohort studies; and studies with outcomes of relative risks, odds ratios, and correlations between players' preseason conditions and injury during the season. The risk of bias based on the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network quality checklists for cohort studies was assessed in 57 studies. The current study identified strong evidence that 1) anthropometric characteristics (body mass index and estimated mass moment of inertia of the body around a horizontal axis through the ankle), which are calculated with weight and height; 2) physical function, in particular for the trunk and lower limb (trunk-flexion hold and wall-sit hold); and 3) Oswestry Disability Index disability, which is a patient-reported outcome measure for disability due to low back pain, were positive prognostic factors for injury during the collision sports season, regardless of playing experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review aimed to identify sports injury surveillance systems (ISSs) and injury surveillance guidelines (ISGs) developed and currently used in Japan. Additionally, the extent to which ISSs and ISGs developed overseas are employed in Japan was also examined. A systematic search of electronic databases was performed in March 2021. Prospective studies that investigated sports injuries and targeted Japanese athletes or sports in Japan were included to identify the following: (1) details of the ISSs or ISGs developed among sports in Japan, and (2) characteristics of studies focusing on sports in Japan employing ISSs or ISGs developed overseas and the method of use. A total of five ISSs developed among sports in Japan were included, most of which were based on insurance benefits or condolence payment systems. In total, 23 studies used ISSs or ISGs developed overseas, more than half of which were used as a resource for the development of other data collection tools or methods, indicating that the definition of injury and/or classification of items are modified based on the needs among sports in Japan. This review highlights the necessity of establishing club-based or organisational ISSs and ISGs that are appropriate for sports in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aim to compare the curative effect of primary repair for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury with reconstruction and provide the reliable evidence for its clinical application. The literatures were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, Springer, and other medical literature databases published between January 1970 and June 2021. Basic characteristics, surgery technique, clinical outcome scores and physical examination results were recorded and evaluated. Seven randomized controlled trials (RCT) were eligible for inclusion. The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences between arthroscopic ACL repair and ACL reconstruction for Tegner, Lysholm, Lachman, KT-1000, range of motion (ROM), functional outcomes and reoperation rate (P>0.05), even the result of IKDC scores showed that arthroscopic repair was better than reconstruction (P=0.04). However, through the subgroup analysis, it was found that the short-term follow-up results of arthroscopic ACL repair were indeed better than those of open ACL repair. Therefore, we can assume that the arthroscopic ACL repair technique is an optional and promising surgical method to treat ACL injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose was to analyze the effects of exercise training (ET) on arterial stiffness in all-age overweight or obese individuals. Sixty-one trials were included with ET improving flow-mediated dilation (FMD), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and intima-media thickness (IMT). In the subgroup analysis: (i) ET improved FMD in overweight or obese children and adolescents with a large effect size (SMD=0.83, 95% CI 0.42–1.25). PWV was decreased after ET regardless of age. IMT was decreased by ET in participants younger than 60, (ii) ET improved FMD, PWV, and IMT in participants whose BMI were smaller than 30 kg/m2 , but ET only improved PWV of participants whose BMI were larger than 30 kg/m2. (iii) AE improved FMD, PWV, and IMT. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) decreased IMT. (iv) The increase of FMD only happened when training duration was longer than eight weeks. However, ET decreased PWV when the training duration was no longer than 12 weeks. IMT was decreased when the training duration was longer than eight weeks. ET instigated an improvement in endothelial function and arterial stiffness in overweight or obese populations, but depending on the different characteristics of exercise intervention and participants' demographics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review was conducted to identify the incidence, nature and mechanisms of head, neck and facial (HNF) injuries in cricket and the reported use of helmets. Five databases were searched up to 30th November 2020. From peer-reviewed cricket injury studies published in English, studies reporting on HNF cricket injuries as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were selected. Twenty-nine studies were included. HNF injuries had a cumulative total of 794/5,886 injuries equating to 13% of all injuries. Non- specified HNF injuries (n=210, 26%) were the most prevalent type of injury followed by non-specified head injuries (n=130, 16%), other non-specified fractures (n=119, 15%) and concussions (n=60, 8%).The impact of the ball was reported as the most common mechanism for sustaining HNF injuries in cricket. The use of helmet was reported in only three studies (10%). From studies reporting on HNF cricket injuries, facial fractures, and concussions were the most common specified-types of injury. There is little evidence on reporting of HNF cricket injuries as per the international cricket consensus injury definitions, as well as the use of helmets at the time of injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progressive resistance training (PRT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improve cardiometabolic health in older adults. Whether combination PRT+HIIT (COMB) provides similar or additional benefit is less clear. This systematic review with meta-analysis of controlled trials examined effects of PRT, HIIT and COMB compared to non-exercise control in older adults with high cardiometabolic risk. Databases were searched until January 2021, with study quality assessed using the PEDro scale. Risk factor data was extracted and analysed using RevMan V.5.3. We analysed 422 participants from nine studies (7 PRT, n=149, 1 HIIT, n=10, 1 COMB, n=60; control n=203; mean age 68.1±1.4 years). Compared to control, exercise improved body mass index (mean difference (MD) −0.33 [−0.47, −0.20], p≤0.0001), body fat% (standardised mean difference (SMD) −0.71 [−1.34, −0.08], p=0.03), aerobic capacity (SMD 0.41 [0.05, 0.78], p=0.03), low-density lipoprotein (SMD −0.27 [−0.52, −0.01], p=0.04), and blood glucose (SMD −0.31 [−0.58, −0.05], p=0.02). Therefore, PRT, HIIT and COMB can improve cardiometabolic health in older adults with cardiometabolic risk. Further research is warranted, particularly in HIIT and COMB, to identify the optimal exercise prescription, if any, for improving older adults cardiometabolic health. (PROSPERO: CRD42019128527). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proven beneficial effects of low-load blood flow restriction training on strength gain has led to further exploration into its application during rehabilitation, where the traditional use of heavy loads may not be feasible. With current evidence showing that low-load blood flow restriction training may be less well tolerated than heavy-load resistance training, this review was conducted to decipher whether intermittently deflating the pressure cuff during rest intervals of a training session improves tolerance to exercise, without compromising strength. Four databases were searched for randomized controlled trials that compared the effect of intermittent versus continuous blood flow restriction training on outcomes of exercise tolerance or strength in adults. Nine studies were identified, with six included in the meta-analysis. No significant difference in rate of perceived exertion was found (SMD-0.06, 95% CI-0.41 to 0.29, p =0.73, I 2 =80%). Subgroup analysis excluding studies that introduced bias showed a shift towards favoring the use of intermittent blood flow restriction training (SMD-0.42, 95% CI-0.87 to 0.03, p =0.07, I 2 =0%). There was no significant difference in strength gain. Intermittent cuff deflations during training intervals does not improve tolerance to exercise during blood flow restriction training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wealth of evidence supports an association between physical exercise, decreased tumor growth rate, and reduced risk of cancer mortality. In this context, the tumor vascular microenvironment may play a key role in modulating tumor biologic behavior. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the evidence regarding the effects of physical exercise on tumor vasculature in pre-clinical studies. We performed a computerized research on the PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO databases to identify pre-clinical studies that evaluated the effect of physical exercise on tumor vascular outcomes. Mean differences were calculated through a random effects model. The present systematic review included 13 studies involving 373 animals. From these, 11 studies evaluated chronic intratumoral vascular adaptations and 2 studies assessed the acute intratumoral vascular adaptations to physical exercise. The chronic intratumoral vascular adaptations resulted in higher tumor microvessel density in 4 studies, increased tumor perfusion in 2 studies, and reduced intratumoral hypoxia in 3 studies. Quantitatively, regular physical exercise induced an increased tumor vascularization of 2.13 [1.07, 3.20] (p<0.0001). The acute intratumoral vascular adaptations included increased vascular conductance and reduced vascular resistance, which improved tumor perfusion and attenuated intratumoral hypoxia. In pre-clinical studies, physical exercise seems to improve tumor vascularization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have directly compared the effects of different exercise therapies on reducing fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis. Thus, we conducted a Frequentist network meta-analysis to analyze and compare the effectiveness of different types of exercise on reducing multiple sclerosis-related fatigue. Relevant randomized controlled trials were searched in PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases from the date of their inception up to April 1, 2021. In total, 27 articles involving 1470 participants and 10 types of interventions met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated that aquatic exercise ranked as the most effective among these interventions, and aerobic exercise had small-to-moderate effect sizes. Most of the interventions were shown to be better than the control group, except for climbing. Climbing was the only intervention that ranked worse than the controls. All of these findings merit further investigation in future clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]