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Individuals with spinal cord injury are characterised by reduced physical capacity as compared to able-bodied persons, and are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The study aimed to evaluate the differences in physiological responses to an exercise test in handcycling-trained vs. able-bodied-trained and non-trained men. Eight males with spinal cord injury who were trained in handcycling, eighteen able-bodied males who were trained in powerlifting, and fourteen physically active non-athletes performed a graded arm crank ergometer test. The following physiological indices were measured before and during the test: heart rate, oxygen uptake, and blood lactate concentrations. Aerobic capacity was significantly higher in athletes with spinal cord injury compared to able-bodied athletes (pmax) during the graded arm exercise in comparison with powerlifters, and significantly higher post exercise blood lactate concentration (p

The knowledge of physiological reactions enabling a diver increasing the functional reserve in a life-threatening situation is not yet complete. It is suggested that the ability to adapt to prolonged stress experienced by divers maintaining an upright position on the water surface is associated with the diver’s individual characteristics and the type of the buoyancy control device. The purpose of this study was to perform a preliminary evaluation of physiological variables in divers wearing two different types of buoyancy control device and floating upright at the surface to determine the level of safety offered by each of them. The physiological variables were measured while participants wearing a classical dive vest and a wing dive vest. The oxygen uptake and heart rate measured after 30 minutes of experiment were significantly greater in participants using wing dive vest than classical dive vest. The results confirm the possibility of using physiological indicators to compare the fatigue and rescue function in divers depending on the buoyancy control device type.

Ultra-marathon running has enjoyed increasing popularity, with the number of master ultra-marathon runners growing annually. This study presents a case of a 51-year-old highly experienced long-distance runner (body mass: 65.1 kg, body height: 168 cm), who took part in a 48-h ultra-marathon race held in 2010, but dropped out of the competition due to acute cardiac problems manifested after 16 h of running and having completed a distance of 129 km. Two weeks following the race, intense cardiac examination was performed to explain the drop-out due to chest pain. A 12‑lead electrocardiogram, a 2D transthoracic echocardiography in 3 apical projections of the left ventricle, a computed tomography of the chest, an invasive coronary angiography and a maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max ) test were performed. The 12-lead ECG revealed a negative T wave in III and aVF without morphological abnormalities. The echocardiographic examinations presented a normal size and function of the heart chambers, and a normal valvar structure and function (only trivial mitral and tricuspid regurgitation was observed). The invasive coronary arteriography – due to an increased calcium score in the CT scan – showed only a non-significant systolic dynamic narrowing in the eighth segment of the left anterior descending artery due to a muscle bridge. The physical performance characteristics of the athlete and a follow-up history of his athletic activity showed that the cardiac problems he had experienced during the ultra-marathon race did not prevent him from being active in sport. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(4):523–34

Background: Thoracic surgery is a recommended treatment option for non-small cell lung cancer patients. An important part of a patient’s therapy, which helps to prevent postoperative complications and improve quality of life, is pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). The aim of this study was to assess whether the implementation of physical activity has an influence on forced oscillation technique (FOT) values in patients after thoracic surgery due to lung cancer. Methods: In this observational study, we enrolled 54 patients after thoracic surgery due to lung cancer, 49 patients with idiopathic interstitial fibrosis (IPF), and 54 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma–COPD overlap (COPD/ACO). All patients were subjected to three weeks of in-hospital PR and assessed at the baseline as well as after completing PR by FOT, spirometry, grip strength measurement, and the 6-min walk test (6MWT). Results: We observed differences between FOT values under the influence of physical activity in studied groups, mostly between patients after thoracic surgery and COPD/ACO patients; however, no significant improvement after completing PR among FOT parameters was noticed in any group of patients. Improvements in the 6MWT distance, left hand strength, and right hand strength after PR were noticed (p < 0.001, 0.002, and 0.012, respectively). Conclusions: Three weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation had no impact on FOT values in patients after thoracic surgery due to lung cancer. Instead, we observed improvements in the 6MWT distance and the strength of both hands. Similarly, no FOT changes were observed in IPF and COPD/ACO patients after completing PR.

Given the previous evidence that breath-hold diving is a cause of physiological stress, this study aimed to determine whether a combination static and dynamic apnea would affect total oxidant status, nitric oxide, heat shock proteins and cardiovascular parameters in elite freedivers. Thirteen finalists of the World and European championships in swimming pool breath-hold diving participated in the study. Whole-body plethysmography and electrocardiography was performed to determine the cardiorespiratory variables at baseline and during the simulation static apnea. An assessment of the heart rate, blood oxygen saturation and biochemical variables was performed before and in response to a combination of a static followed by a dynamic apnea. Static and dynamic breath-holding had a significant effect on oxidative stress, as evidenced by an increase in the total oxidant status/capacity (p < 0.001). The post apnea concentrations of heat shock proteins 27 (HSP27) were significantly elevated (p < 0.03, but total antioxidant status (TAS), HSP90, HSP70, and nitric oxide (NO) changes were not significant. levels under the influence of the static and dynamic breath-hold protocol. A significant positive correlation between HSPs and TAS (r = 0.63; p < 0.05) as well as NO levels was associated with beneficial cardiovascular adaptation. An increase in serum HSP27 levels mediated in nitric oxide levels could explain its important role in improving cardiovascular functions in elite freedivers. Further studies are necessary to explain the exact mechanisms of breath holds training of cardiovascular adaptation responsible for maintaining adequate oxygen supply in elite divers.

Aims. The study investigated the effect of high-intensity interval training in hypoxia and normoxia on serum concentrations of proangiogenic factors, nitric oxide, and inflammatory responses in healthy male volunteers. Methods. Twelve physically active male subjects completed a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in normoxia (NorTr) and in normobaric hypoxia (HypTr) (FiO2 = 15.2%). The effects of HIIT in hypoxia and normoxia on maximal oxygen uptake, hypoxia-inducible factor-1-alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor, nitric oxide, and cytokines were analyzed. Results. HIIT in hypoxia significantly increases maximal oxygen uptake (p=0.01) levels compared to pretraining levels. Serum hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (p=0.01) and nitric oxide levels (p=0.05), vascular endothelial growth factor (p=0.04), and transforming growth factor-β (p=0.01) levels were increased in response to exercise test after hypoxic training. There was no effect of training conditions for serum baseline angiogenic factors and cytokines (p>0.05) with higher HIF-1α and NO levels after hypoxic training compared to normoxic training (F = 9.1; p<0.01 and F = 5.7; p<0.05, respectively). Conclusions. High-intensity interval training in hypoxia seems to induce beneficial adaptations to exercise mediated via a significant increase in the serum concentrations of proangiogenic factors and serum nitric oxide levels compared to the same training regimen in normoxia.

Aims Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an important risk factor for cognitive decline and motor dysfunction due to progressive muscular atrophy. Chronic hyperglycemia may be responsible for impaired vascular function, loss of muscle mass, and morphological abnormalities in the myocytes. For the proper functioning of the neuromuscular system, two crucial growth factors are necessary: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), whose reduced expressions have been implicated in progressive neuropathy and muscle atrophy in patients with T1DM. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of two different exercise regimes (continuous and intermittent) on BDNF, IGF-1, blood glucose and inflammatory cytokine responses in young adults with and without Type 1 diabetes. Methods Fourteen patients (aged: 26.9 years) with T1DM and age-matched adults without diabetes participated in a 40 min continuous exercise (ExC, 50% of lactate threshold) and a high intensity intermittent exercise (ExInt, 120% of lactate threshold). During the study the patients performed self-monitoring of blood glucose levels (SMBG) under glycemic control. The effects of ExC and ExInt on BDNF, IGF-1, insulin like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP-3), insulin (INS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were analyzed. Results BDNF and IGF-1 baseline serum levels were significantly lower in the T1DM patients compared to the healthy controls, but we found that ExInt and ExC significantly increase the secretion of BDNF and IGF-1 levels. Significant increases in BDNF and TGF-β levels, higher blood glucose decline, and a lower incidence of hypoglycaemia in ExInt compared to ExC were observed. Lower IGFBP-3 concentrations were revealed in T1DM patients in response to ExInt compared to ExC, suggesting a positive effect on IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio and the bioavailability of IGF-1. Conclusions According to our results physical exercise has beneficial effects on serum BDNF and IGF-1 levels. A high-intensity intermittent exercise may be more effective at reducing the risk of exercise-induced glycaemic disorders in the T1DM patients as compared to continuous exercise.

Background The BMI index cannot always be used in people with intellectual disabilities due to neuromuscular coordination disorders and psychological barriers that may hinder conventional body weight measurement. The study aimed to assess the usefulness of BMI and BAI in estimating obesity and body fat in people with intellectual disabilities. Methods The first stage of the research involved 161 people with profound intellectual disabilities. Somatic parameters (BM, BH, WC, HC) were measured and BMI, BAI, WHR were calculated. Fifty seven persons with above-normal BMI and BAI were included in the second stage of the study and biochemical parameters were determined (TC, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, TG, GL). Results According to both BMI and BAI classifications, most people were overweight or obese. A high correlation of %BF with BMI and BAI indices was observed (r = 0.78). The sensitivity of both indices was 95.65%. In groups with above-normal BMI and BAI, an upward trend was found for mean values of TC, LDL, TG, and GL, with a simultaneous downward trend for HDL. Statistically significant intergroup differences were recorded for TG and GL (p Conclusions Our research demonstrated that BAI is complementary to BMI and can be recommended for the estimation of body fat and cardiometabolic risks in people with intellectual disabilities. Due to the ease of measurement, BAI has high utility value.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of incremental and continuous exercise on the concentration of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), growth hormone (GH), testosterone (T), and cortisol (C), as well as to investigate whether increased cardiac dimensions in cyclists were related to changes in these hormones and cardiac biomarkers. The study included 30 elite cyclists divided into two groups, i.e., athletes with left ventricle hypertrophy (a LVH group), and a control group (CG) without LVH. The study protocol included performance of a standard incremental exercise (IncEx) test to measure athletes’ maximum power (Pmax), maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), and lactate threshold (LAT). The IncEx test results were then used to determine the intensity of the continuous exercise (ConEx) test which was performed after the 1-week washout period. Cyclists with LVH and without LVH did not differ in resting hormone concentrations and cardiac biomarkers levels. There was a significant effect of exercise on serum IGF-1 levels (p < 0.05) in the LVH group and a combined effect of the type of exercise and LVH on IGF-1 (p < 0.05). Cyclists with LVH demonstrated higher post exercise T levels recorded in response to exercise compared to the CG (p < 0.01). Significantly higher serum T levels were observed in response to ConEx compared to IncEx in the LVH group and the CG (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively). In the LVH group, a significant positive correlation between the post-exercise T/C ratio and left ventricular mass index was observed (r = 0.98, p < 0.01). There were no effects of heart hypertrophy on cardiac standard biomarkers. Incremental and continuous exercise caused a marked increase in steroid hormone concentrations and moderate strengthening of insulin growth factors effects. Regular incremental exercise seems to induce beneficial cardiac adaptations via significant increases in the concentration of anabolic factors compared to the same training mode yet with constant exercise intensity.

Background The beneficial adaptation of skeletal muscle function to strenuous exercise is partially attributable to the improvement of vitamin D status. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 3-week vitamin D supplementation on serum 25(OH)D levels and skeletal muscle biomarkers (i.e. troponin, myoglobin, creatine kinase and lactic dehydrogenase) of endurance runners. Methods A double-blind placebo-controlled study design was used and vitamin D supplementation was compared to a non-treatment control group. Twenty-four runners, competitors of the ultra-marathons held during the National Running Championships, were randomly assigned into two groups supplemented with the dose of 2000 IU vitamin D or placebo for three weeks. All subjects participated in three exercise protocols: (a) incremental exercise test (to determine the maximum oxygen uptake and the intensity of eccentric exercise), (b) eccentric exercise before and (c) after two dietary protocols. Venous blood samples were drawn at rest, immediately after the exercise and after 1 h and 24 h of recovery in order to estimate serum 25(OH)D levels, skeletal muscle biomarkers, proinflammatory cytokines and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels. A two-way ANOVA was used to test main effects and their interactions and Pearson correlation coefficients were analyzed to determine the effects of inter-variable relationships. Results Significant differences between pre- and post-intervention in baseline 25(OH)D levels were observed (34.9 ± 4.7 versus 40.3 ± 4.9 ng/ml, p = 0.02) in supplemented group. A higher post intervention 25(OH)D level was observed after vitamin D diet compared to placebo (40.3 ± 4.9 versus 31.8 ± 4.2 ng/mL, respectively; p

It is known that the development and maintenance of posture control are a prerequisite for qualified movement (motor adaptation, differentiation of movements, orientation). They are therefore necessary for the development of motor skills. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of selected factors differentiating human development on the level of coordination abilities of children and adolescents with hearing impairments. It was hypothesize that proportions, composition and body mass influence on the coordination motor abilities of children and adolescents with hearing impairment. A semi-longitudinal method was used and the study was conducted in three groups of participants aged 10, 13 and 16 years three times in consecutive three years (at one-year intervals). The examinations were repeated each time for the same participants. Consequently, the study examined 56 participants aged between 10 and 18 years. Data from the study were obtained through direct observation, questionnaires, analysis of medical and pedagogical records as well as measurements of somatic growth ingredients and coordination of motor abilities. Analysis of somatic parameters revealed a progressive trend typical for this period of ontogeny in girls and boys. The body height and mass of the body, especially the increments of these parameters, will undoubtedly affect the motor coordination (changes in body proportions), while the fat mass, lean mass and overweight will strongly affect physical fitness. We observed statistical significance between parameters of somatic and plate tapping (F2,153= 14.87; p

BACKGROUND: An integral part of the treatment of diabetes is physical activity. Scientific reports have shown the beneficial effects of hypoxia and exercise on cardiovascular and metabolic variables in patients with diabetes.OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of normobaric hypoxia and exercise on the serum concentrations of proangiogenic factors and glycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes.MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 28 adults (aged 30.4 years ±9.7 years), suffering from diabetes for 12.1 years ±6.0 years and healthy individuals, participated in the following trials: normoxic (Nor) and hypoxic (Hy) rest and Nor and Hy incremental exercise test (Ex) (FIO2 = 15.2%). The Altitude Trainer Hypoxico System (HYP-123 Hypoxic Generator, LOWOXYGEN Technology GmbH, Berlin, Germany) corresponding to a height of about 2500 m above sea level was used in the study. Exercise tests were performed on a cycle ergometer Excalibur Sport (Lode B.V., Groningen, The Netherlands). Cardiorespiratory variables, glycemia, angiogenic and hematological indices were measured at rest and in response to both exercise protocols.RESULTS: The present data confirmed that the patients with type 1 diabetes demonstrated a good level of aerobic capacity and fitness. NorEx and HyEx resulted in a significant decrease in serum glucose concentration (p < 0.05 vs p < 0.01). Patients with diabetes had higher baseline hypoxia induced factor-1alpha levels compared to healthy adults (p < 0.05), which increased after exposure to hypoxia and hypoxia with exercise (p < 0.001). Hypoxia significantly decreased baseline transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) (p < 0.05) and had a significant effect on tumor necrosis factor-α level (TNF-α) (F = 4.9; p < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that hypoxia combined with exercise reduces glycemia and may induce significant benefits in the prevention of diabetes cardiovascular complications.

Given the solid evidence that prolonged strenuous exercise is a cause of metabolic stress, this study sought to determine whether a 12-h run would affect total oxidant status (TOS), total oxidant capacity (TOC), total antioxidant status (TAS), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and the biomarkers of intestinal permeability (protein fatty acid-binding proteins (I-FABP) and zonulin) in middle-aged male subjects. Ten amateur long-distance runners (aged 52.0 ± 6.2 years, body height 176.9 ± 4.9 cm, body mass 73.9 ± 6.0 kg) were enrolled in the study. The venous blood samples were collected 1 hour before and right after the run and were analyzed for the levels of TAS, TOS/TOC, hs-CRP, I-FABP and zonulin. The post-run concentrations of TOS/TOC were significantly elevated (p < 0.001), but TAS changes were not significant. Pearson’s correlation coefficients calculated for the post run values of TAS and TOS/TOC were statistically significant and negative (r = -0.750, p < 0.05). Significant increases in the concentrations of hs-CRP (p < 0.001), I-FABP (p < 0.05) and zonulin (p < 0.01) were noted. The results indicate that a strenuous 12-h run disturbs the prooxidant-antioxidant balance in middle-aged men, as well as promoting inflammation and impairing intestinal permeability.

BACKGROUND Regular and moderate exercise is beneficial for improving the efficiency of the heart, but high-intensity physical activity may result in cardiac changes. OBJECTIVES This study focuses on the identification of the differences in echocardiography and blood variables before exercise, as well as the genes associated with cardiac hypertrophy at rest and in response to graded exercise test. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group was made up of 28 road cyclists. Echocardiographic parameters and blood pressure were measured before exercise tests (N = 28). Blood samples were collected at rest, at maximal exercise intensity in a graded bicycle test and after 15 min of recovery; afterwards, blood morphology was estimated and RNA was isolated. Analysis of the expression profile of genes was performed for randomly selected road cyclists using the microarray method. RESULTS Echocardiographic results and blood parameters divided cyclists into two groups: with and without left ventricular hypertrophy (N = 14). Differences in the structure and function of the left ventricle cyclists with a similar level of training were observed (p < 0.05). Diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate were significantly lower in subjects with left ventricular hypertrophy (p < 0.05). The myosin light chain 9 and interleukin-6 signal transducer gene expression were differentially regulated in cyclists with left ventricular hypertrophy compared to athletes with normal heart dimensions in response to intensive exercise. CONCLUSIONS We have found differences in echocardiography parameters, blood pressure, stroke volume and maximal power in the cyclists examined. These studies indicate the benefits of the recommended echocardiography measurements for professional endurance-athletes. The graded exercise altered the myosin light chain 9 and interleukin-6 signal transducer gene expression in the peripheral blood of road cyclists has also been found.

Introduction Life satisfaction is a notion often combined with mental wellbeing, happiness, and contentment. This type of satisfaction directly influences the quality of life. Aim The aim of the study was to assess life satisfaction of men with the cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI), wheelchair rugby players (WR) against a control group. Material and methods The study was conducted among 36 men after CSCI. The research tool was a questionnaire of life satisfaction LiSat-9 evaluator life as a whole and some of its components. Results Significantly higher average life satisfaction component was identified among ‘high point’ (HP) players (4.7) compared to the value of the average result among ‘low point’ (LP) players (3.9) and among the inactive in sports (4.0). Discussion The results concerning self-reported life satisfaction obtained in our study are at substantially lower level compared to other studies of European populations. Low incomes represent a significant barrier to social life, contributing to the reduction in the level of self-reported life satisfaction of SCI men. Conclusions The age and athletic activity of the study participants is a key factor of live satisfaction.

This study aimed to assess the impact of exercise training in patients with lung cancer on several outcomes compared to a control group. Results suggest that exercise programs in patients with lung cancer are a practical and beneficial intervention for enhancing mobility and physical fitness., Purpose: The aim of this study was to perform a randomized trial to assess the impact of exercise training in patients with non–small cell lung cancer during chemotherapy on several outcomes in comparison to a control group (CG). Methods: The exercise training group (ETG) consisted of 20 patients and the CG consisted of 10 patients. In the ETG, a 4-wk in-hospital exercise training program was performed in 2-wk cycles interspersed with consecutive rounds of chemotherapy with cytostatic drugs. The exercise training program was individualized and included warm-up, respiratory muscle exercise, training on a cycle ergometer or treadmill, and Nordic walking. CG participants were assessed before and after 6 wk of chemotherapy alone. Results: Comparing pre- and post-intervention values, the ETG demonstrated an increase in 6-min walk distance (486 ± 92 vs 531 ± 103 m, P = .01). In a battery of physical performance tests: Up and Go Test (6.3 ± 1.0 vs 6.0 ± 1.1 sec, P = .01); chair stand (13.3 ± 2.8 vs 14.3 ± 3.4 repetitions, P = .001); and arm curl (18.4 ± 3.1 vs 20.4 ± 3.5 repetitions, P = .001) all improved significantly. Spirometry values also improved: FEV1 % predicted (76 ± 16 vs 84 ± 15, P = .01), FVC % predicted (87 ± 14 vs 95 ± 13, P = .01), and FEV1/FVC (73 ± 13% vs 76 ± 12%, P = .04). The exercise training was well tolerated, without any adverse events due to exercise. There were no significant improvements in the CG. Conclusions: This study suggests that planned, individualized, and supervised exercise programs in patients with advanced lung cancer during chemotherapy are a practical and beneficial intervention for enhancing mobility and physical fitness.

The aim of this study was to evaluate selected parameters of strain and rotation of the left ventricle (the basal rotation (BR) index, the basal circumferential strain (BCS) index, and the global longitudinal strain (GLS) of the left ventricle) in male athletes with physiological cardiac hypertrophy (LVH group), and athletes (non-LVH group) and non-athletes without hypertrophy (control group, CG). They were evaluated using transthoracic echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography before and after an incremental exercise test. The LVH group demonstrated lower BR at rest than the non-LVH group (p &lt, 0.05) and the CG (p &lt, 0.05). Physical effort had no effect on BR, nor was this effect different between groups (p &gt, 0.05). There was a combined influence of LVH and physical effort on BR (F = 5.70, p &lt, 0.05) and BCS (F = 4.97, 0.05), but no significant differences in BCS and GLS at rest between the groups. A higher BCS and lower GLS after exercise in the LVH group were demonstrated in comparison with the CG (p &lt, 0.05). Left ventricular basal rotation as well as longitudinal and circumferential strains showed less of a difference between rest and after physical effort in subjects with significant myocardial hypertrophy. In conclusion, the obtained results may suggest that echocardiographic assessment of basal rotation and circumferential strain of the left ventricular can be important in predicting cardiac disorders caused by physical effort in individuals with physiological and pathological heart hypertrophy.

The purpose of this study was to determine how global effort affects the rhythm of multi-joint coordination in the global task. We wanted to examine how this specific kind of fatigue impacts sense of rhythm.In this study, fourteen non-professsional runners performed two effort trials of different intensity, where speed was set individually according to the speed of running when par- ticipants reached lactate threshold. Before and after each effort trial they had to perform the rhythm test.Two-way analysis of variance ANOVA did not reveal significant differences among the variables of pre- and post-effort rhythm test. It is suggested that these results are supported by the application of different movement strategies to compensate for fatigue, and possible motor learning effect of simple timing performance.In our opinion the training workout routine should include cyclic technical exercises after fatigue. Not only to develop and improve energetics of movement, but also to learn and perfect different movement patterns and develop novel movement strategies.

Background Potential health benefits are attributed to the antioxidant properties of green tea polyphenolic compounds. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a six-week green tea extract (GTE) supplementation combined with CrossFit workout on blood antioxidant status and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in men. Methods Sixteen young males involved in CrossFit training were randomized into two groups supplemented with GTE or placebo for six weeks. Each participant performed an exercise test for the evaluation of maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) twice, i.e., before starting (1st trial) and after completing the supplementation combined with CrosFit workout (2nd trial). Venous blood samples were drawn at rest, immediately post-test and after one hour of recovery in order to estimate activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], reduced glutathione [GR]), non-enzymatic antioxidants (reduced glutathione [GSH], uric acid [UA], total phenolics), total antioxidant capacity (FRAP), lipid peroxidation products (TBARS), and BDNF. Results Except for a significantly higher SOD activity and FRAP level recorded at rest and post-exercise in the 2nd trial compared to the corresponding values in the 1st trial, no significant differences were recorded among other assayed measures such as CAT, GPx, GR, GSH and BDNF. Moreover, a percentage increase in FRAP level was twice as high after six weeks’ GTE consumption than after placebo. Regardless of the trial, an increase in plasma UA concentration and a decrease in plasma total phenolics level were observed after exercise test. Plasma TBARS concentrations were significantly higher in PLA group after six weeks’ CrossFit training, while in GTE group they were slightly lower compared to the corresponding values in the 1st trial. Moreover, there was a significant inverse correlation between FRAP and TBARS in the GTE-supplemented group (r = − 0.40, p

The ongoing development of the modern society may also be easily noticed in sports. Currently, to be able to compete at the highest level at major sporting events, it is essential to conduct scientific research to estimate the individual potential and skill level of an athlete. The aim of this study was to assess the anaerobic endurance in men competing in the running events of 400 m/400 m hurdles based on the estimation of maximum power, as well as selected biochemical and physiological parameters measured in a cardiac stress test at a supramaximal intensity. Seven athletes participated in the study and were subjected to a modified version of the Wingate test (Bar-Or, Dotan, Inbar, 1997; Bar-Or, Inbar, Skinder, 1996) which involved performing three runs of a 12‑second endurance test on a cycloergometer at short intervals. This modification of the test allowed a more precise observation and a better understanding of the physiological and biochemical changes that decrease the efficiency as a result of repeated physical effort, which may significantly affect the assessment of the preparation of an athlete, and thus the assessment of the training process. The most significant changes in the course of the conducted study were observed in the values of the following biochemical parameters: glucose levels, acid–base balance of the blood and lactate levels.

The aim of this study was to evaluate adrenergic responses in the peripheral blood of trained road cyclists at rest, at maximal intensity of incremental bicycle exercise test, and during 15 minutes of recovery, as well as the relationship between them. Competitive male road cyclists, in the pre-competitive phase of a season, mean age 21.7 ± 6.4 years, and BMI 20.7 ± 0.8 kg·m-2, performed an incremental test on a bicycle ergometer with unloaded cycling for 5 min, then increased the load to 40 W every 3 min, up to maximal exercise intensity. The plasma catecholamine concentrations (epinephrine, norepinephrine) and oxygen uptake were estimated. The expression of 132 genes related to the adrenergic system in leukocytes was measured. A statistically significant increase in plasma epinephrine concentration (p < 0.01) was observed in response to exercise. The mean of maximal oxygen uptake was 65.7 ± 5.5 ml·kg-1·min-1. The RGS2 gene expression was highest regardless of the test phase for all athletes. The effort had a statistically significant influence on ADRB2 and RAB2A expression. In addition, the RAB2A, ADM and HSPB1 expression level increased during recovery. We can conclude that plasma epinephrine concentration and genes related to the adrenergic system such as ADM, ADRB2, CCL3, GPRASP1, HSPB1, RAB2A, RGS2 and ROCK1 seem to have an influence on the response to high-intensity exercise in trained cyclists.

When investigating development potential, one should always take into consideration possible interactions among a variety of factors. Investigations of interactions that occur in the human body constitute a considerable contribution to further applications, which is particularly important in the case of disabled individuals and allows stimulation of the compensation processes in an oriented manner. The present study focuses on the effect of somatic growth on the level of aerobic/anaerobic capacities and their variability over time in hearing impaired children and adolescents. Correlations between somatic components and aerobic/anaerobic efficiency in hearing impaired individuals are compared to literature reports with regard to their normal-hearing peers. Our study has demonstrated that hearing loss does not modify interactions between the parameters of somatic growth and aerobic or anaerobic capacity of deaf children and adolescents. Thus, our results provide grounds for application activities based on neurophysiological growth patterns.

The physiological adaptation to training is specific to the muscle activity, dominant energy system involved,muscle groups trained, as well as intensity and volume of training. Despite increasing popularity of snowboarding onlylittle scientific data is available on the physiological characteristics of female and male competitive snowboarders.Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the aerobic capacity and maximal anaerobic power of elite Polishsnowboarders with untrained subjects. Ten snowboarders and ten aged matched students of Physical Educationperformed two exercise tests. First, a 30-second Wingate test was conducted and next, a cycle ergometer exercise testwith graded intensity. In the first test, peak anaerobic power, the total work, relative peak power and relative meanpower were measured. During the second test, relative maximal oxygen uptake and lactate threshold were evaluated.There were no significant differences in absolute and relative maximal oxygen uptake between snowboarders and thecontrol group. Mean maximal oxygen uptake and lactate threshold were significantly higher in men than in women.Significant differences were found between trained men and women regarding maximal power and relative maximalpower. The elite snowboarders demonstrated a high level of anaerobic power. The level of relative peak power in trainedwomen correlated negatively with maximal oxygen uptake. In conclusion, our results seem to indicate that thedemanding competition program of elite snowboarders provides a significant training stimulus mainly for anaerobicpower with minor changes in anaerobic performance.

The study aimed at evaluating changes in plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), testosterone, growth hormone (GH), cortisol, and insulin in resistance-trained male athletes with (n=9) and without (n=9) left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in response to eccentric (ECC) and concentric (CON) arm exercise. 10 age-matched healthy non-trained subjects served as controls. M-mode and 2D Doppler echocardiography were used to estimate LV mass.Resting IGF-1 concentration was higher in LVH athletes compared to controls (52 ± 5 nM vs. 46 ± 7 nM, p

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 3-week n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) supplementation on serum nitric oxide (NO), asymmetric dimethyloarginine (ADMA), ultrasound indices of endothelial function and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) of elite cyclists. The effects of dietary supplementation (n-3 PUFA at a dose of 1.3 g twice daily for 3 weeks) and placebo administration on flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), pulse wave velocity, serum markers (NO, ADMA), lipid profile, and ΔVO2max were analysed in 13 cyclists both before and after dietary protocols. Significant differences between pre- and post-intervention baseline NO levels were observed after n-3 PUFA dietary protocol (13.9 ± 4.2 vs. 23.5 ± 3.6 µmol·l(-1); P < 0.001). Higher post-intervention baseline NO level was observed after n-3 PUFA diet compared with placebo (23.5 ± 3.6 vs. 15.3 ± 3.0 µmol·l(-1); P < 0.01, respectively). The n-3 PUFA increased baseline NO concentration (ΔNO) by 6.7 ± 3.8 µmol·l(-1) and placebo by 1.6 ± 4.4 µmol·l(-1). The positive correlation was observed between baseline post-intervention NO concentration and maximal oxygen uptake (r = 0.72; P < 0.01) and also between ΔNO and ΔVO2max (r = 0.54; P < 0.05) in response to omega-3 fatty acids supplementation. There was an association between a 5.25% higher FMD (P < 0.05) and higherΔVO2max (P < 0.001) after n-3 PUFA diet compared with lower values of placebo (r = 0.68; P < 0.05). These findings suggest that an increase in NO release in response to n-3 PUFA supplementation may play a central role in cardiovascular adaptive mechanisms and enhanced exercise performance in cyclists.

Blood-Brain Barrier and Exercise – a Short Review Blood-brain barier (BBB) segregates central nervous system (CNS) from the circulating blood. BBB is formed by the brain capillary endothelial cells with complex tight junctions between them as well as by astrocytes and pericytes. BBB is responsible for transport of selected chemicals into and out of the CNS as well as for its protection from fluctuations in plasma composition following meals, during exercise and from circulating agents such as neurotransmitters, xenobiotics and other potentially harmful substances capable to disturb neural function. BBB may be compromised during CNS injury, infection, fever and in some nerodegenerative diseases. The increase of BBB permeability was observed also during exercise as documented by changes of plasma S-100 protein levels, used as a peripheral marker of BBB integrity. Marked change in BBB integrity during exercise may disturb normal brain function and contribute to the development of central fatigue. Moreover, serum S-100β may indicate level of injury in individuals suffering brain injuries during sports. There are also data suggesting that acute effect of physical exercise on serum S100β levels may not be related with CNS injury. Further studies to establish whether training and which type of it may modulate BBB permeability are needed.