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Volleyball is a popular Olympic sport but has been little studied. Volleyball players have very distinct roles based on their playing positions. The present study aimed to investigate and compare cardiac functions and structure in elite volleyball players across different playing positions.Left ventricular structure and function were measured using echocardiography in 60 male professional volleyball players (30.6±3.6 years) across five playing positions including libero, opposite players, outside hitters, middle blockers, and setters.Significant differences in most echocardiographic variables were observed among different playing positions, including left ventricular (LV) internal dimension, posterior wall thickness, intact ventricular septum, stroke volume, cardiac output, end-diastolic volume, ejection fraction, and fractional shortening (all p0.01). End-systolic volume was not different among positions (p=0.167). The opposite players demonstrated greater LV dimension and thickness as well as systolic function than players in other positions (p0.05). Stroke volume in the setters was significantly lower than those of the opposite players and outside hitters (p0.05). Regression analysis showed that the playing position independently predicted most of the echocardiographic variables (p0.05).LV adaptations in volleyball players vary widely according to their playing positions. The opposite players had the most pronounced LV adaptations compared with player in other positions.

This study compared the effects of lower- versus higher-intensity isometric handgrip exercise on resting blood pressure (BP) and associated clinical markers in adults with hypertension. Thirty-nine males were randomly assigned to one of three groups, including isometric handgrip at 60% maximal voluntary contraction (IHG-60), isometric handgrip at 30% IHG-30, or a control group (CON) that had been instructed to continue with their current activities of daily living. The volume was equated between the exercise groups, with IHG-60 performing 8 × 30-s contractions and IHG-30 performing 4 × 2-min contractions. Training was performed three times per week for 8 weeks. Resting BP (median [IQR]), flow-mediated dilation, heart rate variability, and serum markers of inflammation and oxidative stress were measured pre- and post-intervention. Systolic BP was significantly reduced for IHG-60 (−15.5 mmHg [−18.75, −7.25]) and IHG-30 (−5.0 mmHg [−7.5, −3.5]) compared to CON (p < 0.01), but no differences were observed between both the exercise groups. A greater reduction in diastolic BP was observed for IHG-60 (−5.0 mmHg [−6.0, −4.25] compared to IHG-30 (−2.0 mmHg [−2.5, −2.0], p = 0.042), and for both exercise groups compared to CON (p < 0.05). Flow-mediated dilation increased for both exercise groups versus CON (p < 0.001). IHG-30 had greater reductions in interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α compared to the other groups (p < 0.05) and CON (p = 0.018), respectively. There was a reduction in Endothelin-1 for IHG-60 compared to CON (p = 0.018). Both the lower- and higher-intensity IHG training appear to be associated with reductions in resting BP and improvements in clinical markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Introduction: The central-governor model explains the mechanism of endurance exercise-induced central fatigue, but high-intensity exercise-induced central fatigue has not been investigated yet. This study aimed to research how central fatigue during high-intensity intermittent pedaling alters the neural response, which results in electroencephalography (EEG) recordings. Methods: We assessed neural response by measuring the alternation of brainwave spectral power during an intermittent high-intensity 60-minute exercise on an ergometer cycle. The cadences were changed every 10 minutes according to intermittent pattern altering (90-120-60-120-60-90 rpm). EEG was used to analyze altering brain function. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BL), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured after the change in cadences. Results: HR, BL, and RPE increased at a cadence of 120 rpm compared with 60 rpm on the ergometer cycle. The spectral power of EEG, according to cadence × brainwaves, significantly increased (P˂0.01) in the alpha and beta frequency ranges with a change in cadences between 60 rpm and 120 rpm. The spectral power of the EEG significantly increased (P˂0.01) over the whole frequency range from rest to warming (theta: 251%, alpha: 165%, beta: 145%) and significantly reduced in theta, alpha, and beta (theta: 176%, alpha: 142%, beta: 77%) (P≤0.01). Conclusion: High-intensity exercises (90 and 120 cadences) increased brain function, regardless of fatigue occurrence. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) led to altering the neural response. It would be required to investigate the usefulness of HIIT to treat some of the psychotic disorders.

Background: It has been assumed that during and after BFR exercises, many blood factors are activated and angiogenesis response is stimulated in the arteries. Objectives: Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the effect of two eccentric resistance training methods with and without blood flow restriction on serum IL6 and MMP9 levels in active young men. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 16 healthy men with a mean age of 27.8 ± 2.85 (years), the weight of 79.4 ± 12.4 (kg), and a body mass index of 25.5 ± 3.7 (kg/m2) were randomly assigned to either low-intensity eccentric group with BFR or the high-intensity eccentric without BFR. The high-intensity (70% - 80% maximum voluntary contraction MVC) eccentric exercise without BFR included 3 - 5 cycles of eccentric contraction of the quadriceps muscles, up to exhaustion, whereas low-intensity eccentric exercise executed similar exercise modality at intensity of 20% - 30% MVC with blood flow restriction up to exhaustion. Blood samples were taken from antecubital both before and after the exercise to measure serum IL6 and MMP9 values using the ELISA method. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and analysis of variance with repeated measure test in SPSS version 22. A P value of < 0.05 was defined as statistically significant. Results: High-intensity resistance per se and low-intensity resistance exercise with BFR similarly resulted in a non-significant reduction of IL-6 and elevated levels of MMP-9 serum levels in active young men. Conclusions: Overall, the results indicated that a low-intensity resistance exercise session with restricted blood flow and a high-intensity resistance exercise without blood flow restriction equally did not affect IL6 and MMP9 serum of active young men. Further studies are needed to clarify the exact exercise modality that sufficiently stimulates angiogenesis.

Objective: The use of non-enzymatic antioxidants in the form of dietary supplements has a positive effect on reducing oxidative stress, and preventing apoptosis as they interrupt free radicals. The aim of this study was to investigate the aerobic exercise and Lcarnitine consumption impacts on diabetes induced apoptosis, oxidative stress factors, and mitochondrial enzymes in rats. Materials and Methods: In this Clinical trial study, 45 male Wistar rats (200-300 g) were divided into six groups including sham, healthy control, diabetic control, diabetic & L-carnitine, diabetic & aerobic exercise, diabetic receiving L-carnitine & aerobic exercise . The rats attained a diabetic state with a single dose of STZ intraperitoneal injection (55 mg/kg body weight) and receiving Lcarnitine 100 mg per day. The aerobic exercise protocol including five sessions per week was administered. The heart tissues of the dependent variables were measured by ELISA 24 hours after the last session of the exercise program. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test at P -value< 0.05 were used to analyze the data. Results: result show that aerobic exercise and L-carnitine consumption have a significant effect on BAX ( P -value= 0.001), Bcl-2 ( P -value= 0.001), and SOD ( P -value= 0.001) in diabetic rats. Conclusion: The results of the present study confirm the role of aerobic exercise and L-carnitine in improving the indices of apoptosis and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic rats.

PURPOSE The present study compared the effects of 2 different high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols on arterial stiffness, lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers in hypertensive patients. METHODS Thirty hypertensive (stage 1) patients, aged 48.0 ± 3.2 yr, were randomly allocated to the short-duration HIIT (SDHIIT, n = 10), long-duration HIIT (LDHIIT, n = 10), and control (n = 10) groups. After a 2-wk preparatory phase of continuous mild training, patients in the SDHIIT group performed 8 wk of HIIT including 27 repetitions of 30-sec activity at 80% to 100% of (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2peak interspersed with 30-sec passive/active (10%-20% of (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2peak) recovery. Patients in the LDHIIT group performed 8 wk of HIIT, 32 min/session including 4 repetitions of 4-min activity at 75% to 90% of (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2peak interspersed with 4-min passive/active (15%-30% of (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2peak) recovery. Blood pressure (BP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), inflammatory markers, and lipid profiles were measured before and after training. RESULTS Significant (P < .05) reductions in systolic blood pressure and PWV were found following 2 training protocols, though, only the changes in PWV following the SDHIIT were significantly different than those in the LDHIIT and control groups. Interleukin-6 and triglycerides decreased and interleukin-10 increased significantly (P < .01) following both HIIT programs, whereas the differences between the 2 training protocols were not statistically significant. C-reactive protein and lipids did not change significantly following HIIT. CONCLUSIONS Performing HIIT improves systolic blood pressure and inflammatory markers in patients with stage 1 hypertension irrespective of the HIIT intensity and duration, and PWV improvement is intensity related.

Introduction: Myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with increased oxidative stress and reduced antioxidants. Some studies have shown that exercise training increases the serum level antioxidants. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of rehabilitation training on antioxidant status in patients with myocardial infarction. Materials and methods: In this study, 20 patients with myocardial infarction were selected and randomly assigned to training group (n=10) or control group (n=10). Training program included 3 sessions of concurrent training per week for eight consecutive weeks. To measure the values of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonylation (PC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), 10 ml of blood were taken pre- and post-training in each patient. The t-test was used to analyze the data. P

Regular exercise training has been shown to reduce systemic inflammation, but there is limited research directly comparing different types of training. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of nonlinear resistance training (NRT) and aerobic interval training (AIT) on serum interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-20, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, insulin resistance index (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance), and aerobic capacity in middle-aged men who are obese. Sedentary volunteers were assigned to NRT (n = 12), AIT (n = 12), and (CON, n = 10) control groups. The experimental groups performed 3 weekly sessions for 12 weeks, whereas the CON grouped maintained a sedentary lifestyle. Nonlinear resistance training consisted of 40-65 minutes of weight training at different intensities with flexible periodization. Aerobic interval training consisted of running on a treadmill (4 sets of 4 minutes at 80-90% of maximal heart rate, with 3-minute recovery intervals). Serum IL-10, IL-20, and TNF-α levels did not change significantly in response to training (all p > 0.05), but IL-10:TNF-α ratio increased significantly with AIT compared with CON (2.95 ± 0.84 vs. 2.52 ± 0.65; p = 0.02). After the training period, maximal oxygen uptake increased significantly in AIT and NRT compared with CON (both p < 0.001; 46.7 ± 5.9, 45.1 ± 3.2, and 41.1 ± 4.7 ml·kg·min, respectively) and in AIT than in NRT (p = 0.001). The 2 exercise programs were equally effective at reducing insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance) (both p ≤ 0.05; AIT: 0.84 ± 0.34, NRT: 0.84 ± 0.27, and CON: 1.62 ± 0.56) and fasting insulin levels (both p ≤ 0.05; AIT: 3.61 ± 1.48, NRT: 3.66 ± 0.92, and CON: 6.20 ± 2.64 μU·ml), but the AIT seems to have better anti-inflammatory effects (as indicated by the IL-10:TNF-α ratio) compared with NRT.

Background: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a time-ecient alternative to traditional prolonged training. In contrast to ample evidence describing the eects of prolonged training, there are few data describing cardiovascular adaptations arising from HIIT interventions. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the eects of HIIT on heart morphology and function in untrained male subjects. Patients and Methods: Twenty-two young men (age = 23.34 2.56 years, weight = 72.47 12.01 kg, and height = 174.10 5.75 cm) were recruited and randomly assigned into control (n = 10) and HIIT (n = 12) groups. Echocardiography was used to evaluate left ventricular mass (LVM), end-systolic volume (ESV), end-diastolic volume (EDV), interventricular septal wall thickness (IVSWT), stroke volume, and ejection fraction (EF). Also, the Bruce treadmill test was employed to estimate VO2max. Results: The HIIT subjects showed a significant increase in EDV (P = 0.001), LVM (P = 0.002), stroke volume (P = 0.003), and EF (P = 0.001). However, there was no change in ESV due to HIIT (P = 0.916). Additionally, following HIIT, IVSWT (P = 0.227), despite exhibiting a slight increase, was not significantly dierent from pre-training levels. Conclusions: HIIT in previously untrained subjects led to a significant change in left ventricle (LV) morphology, correlating with improvement in aerobic power (VO2max). Cardiac remodeling was characterized by an increased EDV and a similar increase in LVM.

Exercise training is an effective method of weight management, and knowing about its influence on the hormones involved in the regulation of food intake and inflammation could be useful for body weight management. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 6 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous exercise training (MCT) on nesfatin-1, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α).Thirty sedentary overweight men (Mean±SD; age, 25±1 years) were divided into three (n=10) body mass index-matched groups. The participants in the training groups performed either HIIT or MCT protocols 3 days per week for 6 weeks followed by a week of detraining.Plasma IL-6 and TNF-α did not significantly change after training, but nesfatin increased significantly only with HIIT compared with the control group (pBoth the HIIT and MCT groups had similar effects on inflammatory markers and insulin resistance in men who are overweight, but the HIIT seems to have better anorectic effects (as indicated by nesfatin) compared with MCT.

The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of modified Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) flexibility techniques on hip flexion in college males and to determine if local cold application enhances the effectiveness of these techniques. Male subjects (N = 120), with an average age of 21.5 +/- 2.7 years, were randomly assigned to one of four different kinds of stretching treatments with cold or no cold application (15 per group). Range of motion (ROM) in degrees was determined following four stretching techniques: three modified PNF (PCP, 3-PIECP, 3-PIFCP) and a passive stretch (P). Data were analyzed using a 2 (conditions) x 4 (treatments) ANOVA. There were no significant differences in ROM between cold and no cold conditions. Significant differences existed among ROM techniques (p less than .05). Post hoc analyses revealed that the three modified PNF techniques resulted in greater ROM than the passive stretch technique. However, we conclude that cold application does not influence the effectiveness of selected stretching techniques.

Delayed-onset muscle soreness refers to the skeletal muscle pain that is experienced following eccentric exercise. The aim of the present study was to examine the physiological effects of physical activity with or without ibuprofen on delayed onset muscle soreness. Forty-four non-athletic male volunteers (age 24.3 +/- 2.4 years) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: physical activity (n = 11), ibuprofen (n = 11), physical activity and ibuprofen (combination, n = 11), or control (n = 11). The physical activity programme comprised 5 min of walking and jogging, 10 min of static stretching of the hands and shoulder girdle, and 5 min of concentric movements with sub-maximal contractions. The total amount of ibuprofen consumed by a single individual was 2800 mg; this was taken from 1 h before the eccentric actions up to 48 h after it. Delayed onset muscle soreness was induced by performing 70 eccentric contractions of the biceps muscle of the non-dominant side on a modified arm curl machine. Perceived muscle soreness, maximal eccentric contraction, creatine kinase enzyme activity and elbow range of motion were assessed 1 h before and 1, 24 and 48 h after the eccentric actions. The results indicated that, after the eccentric actions, soreness increased (P0.001) across time in all groups, with the highest values being recorded at 24 h. At 24 and 48 h, greater soreness (P0.001) was observed in the control group than in the physical activity and combination groups. After the eccentric actions, creatine kinase increased and was elevated (P0.001) compared with baseline in all groups, with values returning to baseline in the physical activity and combination groups by 48 h. However, creatine kinase in the control and ibuprofen groups was still significantly higher than at baseline after 48 h. Creatine kinase was higher (P0.001) in the control group than in physical activity and combination groups at 24 and 48 h. There was also a reduction (P0.001) in elbow range of motion across time. This reduction in elbow range of motion was greater (P0.001) in the control and ibuprofen groups than in the physical activity and combination groups at 1, 24 and 48 h. The reduction in maximum eccentric contraction was greater (P0.001) in the control and ibuprofen groups than in the physical activity group at 24 and 48 h and the combination group at 48 h. In conclusion, the results add to our understanding of the effects of physical activity and the combination of physical activity and ibuprofen in reducing the severity of muscle soreness induced by eccentric exercise. Physical activity conducted before eccentric exercise alleviates muscle soreness. Our results indicate that physical activity with or without ibuprofen helps to prevent delayed-onset muscle soreness.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of nonlinear resistance training (NRT) and aerobic interval training (AIT), and detraining on selected inflammatory markers in men who are middle aged and obese. Subjects first were matched by aerobic capacity, age, and percentage body fat and then randomly assigned to NRT (n = 12), AIT (n = 10) and, control (CON, n = 11) groups. The experimental groups performed 3 weekly sessions for 12 weeks followed by a 4-week detraining period. Nonlinear resistance training consisted of 40-65 minutes of weight training with flexible periodization. Aerobic interval training consisted of running on a treadmill (4 x 4 minutes at 80-90% maximal heart rate, with 3-minute recovery intervals). Compared with CON, serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-[alpha]) did not significantly change after training, but adiponectin (ADPN) increased significantly only with AIT (5.09 +/- 2.29 vs. 4.36 +/- 0.84 [mu]g[middle dot]ml-1). No significant changes in CRP and TNF-[alpha] occurred in both training groups after detraining, but ADPN (NRT: 3.6 +/- 1.2 and AIT: 3.4 +/- 1.7 vs. CON: 4.7 +/- 1.2 [mu]g[middle dot]ml-1) and IL-6 (NRT: 5.8 +/- 3.3 and AIT: 5.5 +/- 2.9 vs. CON: 2.3 +/- 1.2 pg[middle dot]ml-1) worsened significantly. Both the AIT and NRT were equally effective at reducing soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 (NRT: 187.2 +/- 117.5 and AIT: 215.2 +/- 142.4 vs. CON: 416.2 +/- 205.9 ng[middle dot]ml-1) and insulin (NRT: 4.0 +/- 1.0 and AIT: 4.8 +/- 2.7 vs. CON: 7.4 +/- 3.0 [mu]U[middle dot]ml-1) levels, but these variables returned to the pretraining levels after detraining. The practical applications are that both the AIT and NRT and detraining had similar effects on most inflammatory markers in men who are obese, but the AIT seems to have better anti-inflammatory effects (as indicated by ADPN) compared with NRT.