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Abstract Background Strength training (ST) primarily enhances physical fitness (e.g., muscle strength, power, speed) and bone density in female soccer players. Less information is available on the injury preventive effects of ST in female athletes. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week in-season ST on measures of physical fitness and injury occurrence in young elite female soccer players. Methods Thirty elite female soccer players (15.4 ± 1.9 years; maturity offset + 2.3 ± 1.1 years) participated in this study, and were randomly assigned to a strength training group (STG, n = 14) or an active control (CG, n = 16) group. ST lasted twelve weeks and included full body muscle strengthening exercises using primarily weight machines at progressive intensities ranging between 40 and 85% of the one-repetition-maximum (1-RM). The CG practiced a traditional soccer training program. Overall, training volumes of the two groups were similar with a training load (rating of perceived exertion × time) of 1158.4 ± 67.7 arbitrary unity (AU) for the STG and 1188.8 ± 44.1 AU for the CG. Pre and post training, the following physical fitness tests were applied: dynamic muscle strength (relative [to body mass] and absolute 1-RM bench/leg press, lat-pull down), jump performance (countermovement jump [CMJ], squat jump [SJ], five-jump-test [5JT]), linear-sprint speed (5-m, 10-m, 30-m), change-of-direction speed (T-test with and without ball), sport-specific performance (Yo-Yo Intermittent Level1 [YYIRTL1], and repeated shuttle sprint ability [RSSA]). The injury rate per 1000-h exposure was monitored throughout the soccer season. Results No significant baseline differences were observed between groups. Statistically significant group-by-time interactions were found for absolute (p

This study investigated the impact of intensive endurance exercise on circulating androgenic steroid hormones in women. Fifteen normally menstruating athletic women participated. They completed intensive endurance exercise (treadmill running) until volitional fatigue in their follicular phase, with blood samples collected at pre-exercise, volitional fatigue, 90 min and 24 h into recovery. The steroid hormones (total, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA], and DHEA-sulfate [DHEA-S], cortisol) were analyzed in blood sera. Non-parametric statistics were used to assess changes across exercise and recovery. At volitional fatigue, all hormones, except free testosterone, were significantly (p < 0.05) increased compared to pre-exercise levels. Most hormones remained elevated through 90 min of recovery, with DHEA, DHEA-S, and total testosterone changes being significant (p < 0.05). At 24 h of recovery, hormonal levels were reduced; specifically, DHEA, DHEA-S, and total testosterone compared to baseline (p < 0.01 to 0.06). Increases in cortisol levels at volitional fatigue and 90 min of recovery were correlated with reductions in total testosterone, DHEA, and DHEA-S observed at 24 h of recovery (rho > −0.62, p < 0.05). In conclusion, in menstruating women performing intensive endurance exercise during their follicular phase, their androgenic steroid hormones remain elevated during early recovery but are suppressed at 24 h of recovery. The latter finding indicates that establishing a resting endocrine equilibrium requires a longer recovery period than 24 h.

Abstract Background The pre-season preparatory period is considered key for optimizing the physical fitness levels needed to withstand congested match periods and preventing injuries during the regular soccer season. This study contrasted the effects s of neuromuscular training (NMT) versus an endurance-dominated training (ET) program conducted during the preseason on measures of physical fitness and injury occurrence in female soccer players. Methods Twenty-four female soccer players aged 17.0 ± 1.3 years from a professional soccer club participated in this study. Players were randomly assigned to NMT (n = 12) or ET (n = 12) groups according to their playing position. The preseason intervention program lasted six weeks, with three weekly sessions with a duration of 45–60 min per session. Exercises in the NMT group included muscle strengthening exercises, plyometrics, agility and dynamic stability exercises, while the ET group practiced a traditional pre-season training program consisting of running and sprinting exercises, fartlek, and high-intensity interval training. The training volumes were similar in the two study groups. Anthropometric measurements, physical fitness tests (i.e., linear and change-of-direction speed, muscle strength and power tests) and the overall injury rate per 1000 h of exposure (training, match) were recorded throughout the season. Results No between group differences were found at pre (T1). Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for the 5, 10, and 30-m linear sprint speed tests (p d > 2.77). The injury rate across the season was significantly lower in the NMT (5.1/1000 h exposure) compared to ET (11.8/1000 h exposure) (p = 0.014). Conclusions The findings support that six-weeks of preseason NMT versus ET induced larger performance improvements, and significantly reduced injury occurrence in elite female soccer players.

ObjectivesWe investigated the timing of resistance training (RT) during Ramadan fasting (RF) on muscle strength, hormonal adaptations, and sleep quality.MethodsForty healthy and physically active male Muslims (age = 25.7 ± 5.6 years, body mass = 85.1 ± 17.5 kg, height = 175 ± 9 cm, BMI = 28.3 ± 5.7 kg/m2) were enrolled in this study and 37 completed pre and post-tests. Subjects were randomly allocated into two experimental groups. Group 1 (FAST, n = 20) completed an 8-week whole-body RT in the late afternoon (between 16 h and 18 h) while fasting. Group 2 (FED, n = 20) completed the similar RT protocol compared with FAST at night (between 20 h and 22 h). The following parameters were analyzed at various time-points: 2 weeks before the start of RF (T0), on the 15th day of Ramadan (T1), on the 29th day of Ramadan (T2), and 21 days after the last day of RF (T3) where both groups were in a fed state. One-repetition maximum tests (1-RM) were conducted for the squats (1-RMSQ), the deadlift (1-RMDL) and the bench press (1-RMBP). Sleep quality was assessed using the full Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Blood samples were taken to determine cortisol, testosterone and IGF-1 levels. Additionally, acute hormonal responses were evaluated before (BF), immediately after (AF), and 30 min after a RT session (AF-30 min) at T0, T1, T2, and T3.ResultsSignificant group-by-time interactions were identified for 1-RMSQ (p = 0.001; effect size [ES] = 0.43) and 1-RMDL (p = 0.001; ES = 0.36). Post-hoc tests indicated significant 1-RMSQ (p = 0.03; ES = 0.12) and 1-RMDL (p = 0.04; ES = 0.21) improvements from T0-T2 for FED. Additionally, significant group-by-time interactions were observed for the chronic effects on cortisol (p = 0.03; ES = 0.27) and testosterone levels (p = 0.01; ES = 0.32). Post-hoc tests indicated significant increases of cortisol levels among FAST at T1 and T2 compared to T0 (p = 0.05; ES = 0.41, p = 0.03; ES = 0.34) and a significant increase in cortisol levels in FED at T1 (p = 0.05; ES = 0.29) and T2 (p = 0.04; ES = 0.25). However, the observed increase was lower compared to FAST. Post-hoc tests also indicated significant increases of testosterone only among FED at T2 (p = 0.04; ES = 0.31). A significant group-by-time interaction was found for the acute effect of exercise on cortisol level (p = 0.04; ES = 0.34). The cortisol level immediately after RT was higher in FAST only at T1 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.39) and T2 (p = 0.05; ES = 0.22) compared with T0. No significant group-by-time interactions were identified for sleep quality (p = 0.07; ES = 0.43).ConclusionMuslims can safely practice RT during RF. However, training in a fed state during Ramadan might be more effective than during fasted state for the enhancement of maximal strength with better hormonal responses observed.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 10 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and HIIT combined with circuit resistance training (HCRT) on selected measures of physical fitness, the expression of miR-9, -15a, -34a, -145, and − 155 as well as metabolic risk factors including lipid profiles and insulin resistance in middle-aged overweight/obese women. Methods Twenty-seven overweight/obese women aged 35–50 yrs. were randomized to HIIT (n = 14) or HCRT (n = 13) groups. The HIIT group performed running exercises (5 reps x 4 min per session) with active recovery between repetitions for 10 weeks with 5 weekly sessions. The HCRT group performed 10 weeks of HIIT and resistance training with 3 weekly HIIT sessions and 2 weekly HCRT sessions. Anthropometric measures (e.g., body mass), selected components of physical fitness (cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength), levels of miRNAs (miR-9, -15a, -34a, -145, and − 155), lipid profiles (total cholesterol; TC, Triglycerides; TG, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-C and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; HDL-C), and insulin resistance; HOMA-IR index, were measured at baseline and week 10. Results An ANOVA analysis indicated no significant group by time interactions (p > 0.05) for all anthropometric measures, and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max). A significant group by time interaction, however, was found for the one-repetition maximum (IRM; p

Abstract Background Previous studies reported differences in genotype frequency of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms (rs1815739; RR, RX and XX) in athletes and non-athletic populations. This systematic review with meta-analysis assessed ACTN3 R577X genotype frequencies in power versus endurance athletes and non-athletes. Methods Five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, SPORTDiscus) were searched for research articles published until December 31st, 2022. Studies were included if they reported the frequency of the ACTN3 R577X genotypes in power athletes (e.g., weightlifters) and if they included a comparison with endurance athletes (e.g., long-distance runners) or non-athletic controls. A meta-analysis was then performed using either fixed or random-effects models. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were determined. Heterogeneity was detected using I2 and Cochran's Q tests. Publication bias and sensitivity analysis tests were computed. Results After screening 476 initial registrations, 25 studies were included in the final analysis (13 different countries; 14,541 participants). In power athletes, the RX genotype was predominant over the two other genotypes: RR versus RX (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.57–0.85, p = 0.0005), RR versus XX (OR 4.26; 95% CI 3.19–5.69, p RR > XX. However, the RR genotype and R allele were overrepresented in power athletes compared to non-athletes and endurance athletes. These data suggest that the RR genotype and R allele, which is associated with a normal expression of α-actinin-3 in fast-twitch muscle fibers, may offer some benefit in improving performance development in muscle strength and power.

Abstract Background Intermittent exercise programs characterized through intensive exercise bouts alternated with passive or active recovery (i.e., interval training), have been proven to enhance measures of cardiorespiratory fitness. However, it is unresolved which recovery type (active or passive) applied during interval training results in larger performance improvements. Objectives This systematic review aimed to summarize recent evidence on the effects of passive or active recovery following long-term interval exercise training on measures of physical fitness and physiological adaptations in healthy trained and untrained individuals. The study protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF) platform ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/9BUEY ). Methods We searched nine databases including the grey literature (Academic Search Elite, CINAHL, ERIC, Open Access Theses and Dissertations, Open Dissertations, PsycINFO, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus) from inception until February 2023. Key terms as high-intensity interval training, recovery mode, passive or active recover were used. A systematic review rather than a meta-analysis was performed, as a large number of outcome parameters would have produced substantial heterogeneity. Results After screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, 24 studies were eligible for inclusion in our final analysis. Thirteen studies examined the effects of interval training interspersed with passive recovery regimes on physical fitness and physiological responses in trained (6 studies) and untrained (7 studies) individuals. Eleven out of 13 studies reported significant improvements in physical fitness (e.g., maximal aerobic velocity (MAV), Yo-Yo running test, jump performance) and physiological parameters (e.g., maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max], lactate threshold, blood pressure) in trained (effect sizes from single studies: 0.13

Aims: To evaluate the effects of 12-week chlorella vulgaris (CV) combined with interval resistance training (IRT) on plasma levels of leptin, adiponectin and neuregulin-4 (Nrg-4) in obese men. Methods: Obese men (n = 44, BMI of 32.1 ± 1.5 kg/m2) were randomly allocated to the following groups of 11 participants per group: Control Placebo group (CP), CV supplement group (CV), Interval Resistance Training group plus Placebo (IRT + P), and Interval Resistance Training plus CV supplement group (IRT + CV). IRT was performed three times a week for 12 weeks using three sets of 10 repetitions at 60 % 1RM, and integrating an active rest interval with 15 repetitions at 20 % 1RM. Participants consumed either CV (1800 mg daily) or a placebo. Pre- and post-intervention blood samples were obtained to assess adipokines which were measured by ELISA. Results: While CV or IRT separately did not alter plasma levels of leptin (p > 0.05), their combination reduced leptin levels (p = 0.007). IRT and IRT plus CV increased the plasma levels of adiponectin and Nrg-4 (p

Purpose: The aim of this study was to review, systematically, evidence concerning the link between the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and the rates and severity of non-contact injuries and exercise-induced muscle damage in athletes and individuals enrolled in exercise training programs. Methods: A computerized literature search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus, from inception until November 2020. All included studies compared the epidemiological characteristics of non-contact injury between the different genotypes of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism. Results: Our search identified 492 records. After the screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts, 13 studies examining the association between the ACTN3 genotypes and the rate and severity of non-contact injury were included in the analysis. These studies were performed in 6 different countries (Spain, Japan, Brazil, China, the Republic of Korea, and Italy) and involved a total participant pool of 1093 participants. Of the studies, 2 studies involved only women, 5 studies involved only men, and 6 studies involved both men and women. All the studies included were classified as high-quality studies (≥6 points in the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale score). Overall, evidence suggests there is an association between the ACTN3 R577X genotype and non-contact injury in 12 investigations. Six studies observed a significant association between ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and exercise induced muscle damage: 2 with non-contact ankle injury, 3 with non-contact muscle injury, and 1 with overall non-contact injury. Conclusion: The present findings support the premise that possessing the ACTN3 XX genotype may predispose athletes to a higher probability of some non-contact injuries, such as muscle injury, ankle sprains, and higher levels of exercise-induced muscle damage.

Fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) is a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the scavenger class B receptor family and is encoded by the cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) gene. This receptor has a high affinity for fatty acids and is involved in lipid metabolism. An abundance of FAT/CD36 during exercise occurs in mitochondria and solitary muscles. As such, we aimed to systematically review the evidence for the relationship FAT/CD36 and adipose tissue lipolysis during exercise training. Five electronic databases were selected for literature searches until June 2022: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, science direct, and Google Scholar. We combined the different synonyms and used the operators (“AND”, “OR”, “NOT”): (CD36 gene) OR (CD36 polymorphism) OR (cluster of differentiation 36) OR (FAT/CD36) OR (fatty acid translocase) OR (platelet glycoprotein IV) OR (platelet glycoprotein IIIb) AND (adipose tissue lipolysis) OR (fatty acids) OR (metabolism lipid) OR (adipocytes) AND (physical effort) OR (endurance exercise) OR (high-intensity training). All published cross-sectional, cohort, case-control, and randomized clinical trials investigating CD36 polymorphisms and adipose tissue lipolysis during exercise in subjects (elite and sub-elite athletes, non-athletes, sedentary individuals and diabetics), and using valid methods to measure FAT/CD36 expression and other biomarkers, were considered for inclusion in this review. We initially identified 476 publications according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and included 21 studies investigating FAT/CD36 and adipose tissue lipolysis during exercise in our systematic review after examination of titles, abstracts, full texts, and quality assessments using the PEDro scale. There were nine studies with male-only participants, three with female-only participants, and nine studies included both female and male participants. There were 859 participants in the 21 selected studies. Studies were classified as either low quality (n = 3), medium quality (n = 13), and high quality (n = 5). In general, the data suggests an association between FAT/CD36 and adipose tissue lipolysis during exercise training. Improvements in FAT/CD36 were reported during or after exercise in 6 studies, while there were no changes reported in FAT/CD36 in 4 studies. An association between fat oxidation and FAT/CD36 expression during exercise was reported in 7 studies. No agreement was reached in 5 studies on FAT/CD36 content after dietary changes and physical interventions. One study reported that FAT/CD36 protein expression in muscle was higher in women than in men, another reported that training decreased FAT/CD36 protein in insulin-resistant participants, while another study reported no differences in FAT/CD36 in young, trained individuals with type 2 diabetes. Our analysis shows an association between FAT/CD36 expression and exercise. Furthermore, an association between whole-body peak fat oxidation and FAT/CD36 expression during exercise training was demonstrated.Systematic Review Registration: [PROSPERO], identifier [CRD42022342455]

Abstract This study aimed to examine the effects of two high-intensity interval training programs (HIIT) on maximal aerobic velocity (MAV), hematological variations and muscle damage markers in young healthy adults. Twenty-nine male physical education students, aged 20.3 ± 3.3 years, volunteered to participate in this study, and were randomly assigned to a control group (CG, n = 9) or two intervention groups (group 1 or 2). Intervention group 1 (n = 10) exercised at 100% of their MAV (EG100) while group 2 (n = 10) exercised at 110% MAV (EG110). Before and after the eight week training program, blood samples were drawn at rest, before, and after an intermittent exercise. Aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), C reactive protein (CRP), creatine kinase (CK) concentrations and hematological parameters (white blood cells [WBC], monocytes [MO], lymphocytes [LY], neutrophil [NE]) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured. Post-hoc tests showed that MAV was significantly higher in EG110 compared to EG100 after HIIT (p

Creatine supplementation improves anaerobic performance and recovery; however, to date, these outcomes have not been well explored in females. This study evaluated the effect of creatine monohydrate loading on exercise recovery, measured by heart rate variability (HRV) and repeated sprint performance, in women across the menstrual cycle. In this randomized, double-blind, cross-over study, 39 women (mean ± standard deviation: age: 24.6 ± 5.9 years, height: 172.5 ± 42.3 cm, weight: 65.1 ± 8.1 kg, BF: 27.4 ± 5.8%) were randomized to a creatine monohydrate (n = 19; 20 g per day in 4 × 5 g doses) or non-caloric PL group (n = 20). HRV was measured at rest and after participants completed a repeated sprint cycling test (10 × 6 s maximal sprints). Measurements were conducted before and after supplementation in the follicular/low hormone and luteal/high hormone phases. Creatine monohydrate supplementation did not influence HRV values, as no significant differences were seen in HRV values at rest or postexercise. For repeated sprint outcomes, there was a significant phase × supplement interaction (p = 0.048) for fatigue index, with the greatest improvement seen in high hormone in the creatine monohydrate group (−5.8 ± 19.0%) compared to changes in the PL group (0.1 ± 8.1%). Sprint performance and recovery were reduced by the high hormone for both groups. Though not statistically significant, the data suggests that creatine monohydrate could help counteract performance decrements caused by the high hormone. This data can help inform creatine monohydrate loading strategies for females, demonstrating potential benefits in the high hormone phase.

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of different intensities of interval resistance training (IRT) protocols on the levels of select myokines (decorin, follistatin, myostatin, activin A, transforming growth factor beta-1 [TGF-β1]), and cardiometabolic and anthropometric measures in males with obesity.MethodsForty-four obese males (age: 27.5 ± 9.4 yr.; height: 165.4 ± 2.8 cm; weight: 97.9 ± 2.6 kg and BMI: 35.7 ± 4.3 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n=11 per group): low-intensity interval resistance training (LIIRT), moderate-intensity interval resistance training (MIIRT), high-intensity interval resistance training (HIIRT) or control (C). The LIIRT group performed 10 exercises in 3 sets of 40% (20 repetitions), the MIIRT group performed 10 exercises in three sets of 60% (13 repetitions), and the HIIRT group performed 10 exercises in three sets of 80% (10 repetitions) of one maximum repetition (1RM), which were followed with active rest of 20% of 1RM and 15 repetitions. The resistance training groups exercised ~70 min per session, 3 days per week, for 12 weeks. Measurements were taken at baseline and after 12 weeks of exercise training.ResultsBaseline levels of myokines, cardiovascular risk factors, anthropometry, body composition, and cardio-respiratory fitness were not different between the four groups (p>0.05). The group x time interactions for decorin, activin A, follistatin, myostatin, and TGF-β1, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density cholesterol (HDL), low-density cholesterol (LDL), anthropometry, body composition, and cardio-respiratory fitness were statistically significant (p

BackgroundOsteoporosis causes bone fragility, increasing the risk of fractures. Evidence suggests a strong correlation between obesity and fracture risk. Physical training is known to enhance bone resistance and protect from fracture; however, its osteogenic effect in the presence of obesity remains unknown.ObjectiveWe sought to evaluate the influence of exercise training on bone health indices in individuals with obesity.MethodsThis systematic literature search was conducted using common electronic databases from inception - December 2019. The following key terms (and synonyms searched for by the MeSH database) were included and combined using the operators “AND,” “OR,” “NOT”: [(“body mass index” OR obesity OR obese OR overweight OR fat mass) AND (“bone mineral density” OR “bone mineral content” OR “peak bone mass” OR “mechanical loading” OR “Osteoporosis” OR “bone geometry” OR “bone resistance”) AND (“exercise training” OR “physical training” OR “strength training,” OR “resistance training” OR “aerobic training” OR “combined training”)].ResultsAfter screening, 10 studies (889 initial records) were included in the final analysis (8 different countries, 263 participants). Two studies investigated males, six females, and two, both sexes. The training duration was at least eight weeks with 2–3 sessions/week. Physical training displayed a significant trivial impact on the whole body (WB) BMD (0.13 SMD; 95% CI [0.00, 0.26], p = 0.046). Subgroup analyses indicated a significant small increase in the WB BMD (0.27 SMD; 95% CI [0.00, 0.53], p = 0.048) in the endurance training group, a non-significant trivial increase in the WB BMD (0.11 SMD; 95% CI [−0.06, 0.29], p = 0.203) in the resistance group, and a non-significant trivial increase in the WB BMD (0.03 SMD; 95% CI [−0.26, 0.32], p = 0.86) in the combined training group. In addition, a significant small decrease was found in the weight of trained subjects (−0.24 SMD; 95% CI [−0.42, −0.05], p = 0.011).ConclusionPhysical training has little to no effect on the WB BMD in subjects with overweight/obesity. Currently, insufficient evidence to advocate for any specific type of exercise for enhancing bone health exists for overweight/obese individuals. Investigations examining the impact of varying types of physical exercise on WB BMD of obese individuals are needed.

This study examined the effects of creatine (Cr) loading on body mass (BM) and fluid markers of total body water (TBW), extra-cellular fluid (ECF), and intra-cellular fluid (ICF) across the menstrual cycle (MC). Thirty moderately active females, either naturally-menstruating (NM) or using hormonal contraceptives (HC), were randomized to Cr (Cr; 4 × 5 g/day of creatine monohydrate for 5 days; n = 15) or a non-caloric placebo (PL; n = 15) using a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, with a menstrual phase crossover. BM, TBW, ECF, and ICF were measured at pre- and post-supplementation in randomized order of follicular phase (FP; NM: MC days 0–8, HC: inactive pill days) or luteal phase (LP; NM: ≤15 days from next projected cycle start date, HC: active pill days) using bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy. Acute hydration status and salivary estrogen were used as covariates. Change in BM was not different between groups across MC ([PL-Cr] Δ 0.40 ± 0.50 kg; p = 0.427) or between MC phase across groups ([FP-LP] Δ 0.31 ± 0.48 kg; p = 0.528). TBW (p = 0.802), ECF (p = 0.373), and ICF (p = 0.795) were not different between supplement groups at pre-supplementation/FP time points. There were no significant differences between the NM and HC subjects at any time point, for any outcome (p > 0.05). Following LP supplementation, significant changes were observed in TBW (Cr: Δ 0.83 ± 0.38 L, PL: Δ −0.62 ± 0.38 L; p = 0.021), ECF (Cr: Δ 0.46 ± 0.15 L, PL: Δ −0.19 ± 0.15 L; p = 0.013), and ICF (Cr: Δ 0.74 ± 0.23 L, PL: Δ −0.02 ± 0.23 L; p = 0.041). These data demonstrate an increase in all fluid compartments in the LP following Cr loading, without observed alterations in body weight for females.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity training with astaxanthin supplementation on adipokine levels, insulin resistance and lipid profiles in males with obesity. Sixty-eight males with obesity were randomly stratified into four groups of seventeen subjects each: control group (CG), supplement group (SG), training group (TG), and training plus supplement group (TSG). Participants underwent 12 weeks of treatment with astaxanthin or placebo (20 mg/d capsule daily). The training protocol consisted of 36 sessions of high-intensity functional training (HIFT), 60 min/sessions, and three sessions/week. Metabolic profiles, body composition, anthropometrical measurements, cardio-respiratory indices and adipokine [Cq1/TNF-related protein 9 and 2 (CTRP9 and CTRP2) levels, and growth differentiation factors 8 and 15 (GDF8 and GDF15)] were measured. There were significant differences for all indicators between the groups (p < 0.05). Post-hoc analysis indicated that the levels of CTRP9, CTRP2, and GDF8 were different from CG (p < 0.05), although levels of GDF15 were similar to CG (p > 0.05). Levels of GDF8 were similar in the SG and TG groups (p > 0.05), with reductions of GDF15 levels in both training groups (p < 0.05). A total of 12 weeks of astaxanthin supplementation and exercise training decreased adipokines levels, body composition (weight, %fat), anthropometrical factors (BMI), and improved lipid and metabolic profiles. These benefits were greater for men with obesity in the TSG group.

Purpose: To examine the influence of menstrual cycle (MC) and hormonal contraceptive (HC) cycle phases on physiological variables monitored during incremental treadmill testing in physically active women (eumenorrheic, EUM = 16 and monophasic HC-users, CHC = 12).Methods: Four running tests to exhaustion were performed at bleeding, mid follicular (mid FOL)/active 1, ovulation/active 2, and mid luteal (mid LUT)/inactive. HC and MC phases were confirmed from serum hormones. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate (Bla), and V˙O2 were monitored, while aerobic (AerT) and anaerobic (AnaT) thresholds were determined. V˙O2peak, maximal running speed (RUNpeak), and total running time (RUNtotal) were recorded.Results: No significant changes were observed in V˙O2 or Bla at AerT or AnaT across phases in either group. At maximal effort, absolute and relative V˙O2peak, RUNpeak, and RUNtotal remained stable across phases in both groups. No significant fluctuations in HRmax were observed across phases, but HR at both AerT and AnaT tended to be lower in EUM than in CHC across phases.Conclusion: Hormonal fluctuations over the MC and HC do not systematically influence physiological variables monitored during incremental treadmill testing. Between group differences in HR at AerT and AnaT underline why HR-based training should be prescribed individually, while recording of MC or HC use when testing should be encouraged as phase may explain minor, but possibly meaningful, changes in, e.g., Bla concentrations or differences in HR response.

It has been brought to our attention that the Ethics Committee and approval code were missing in the Materials and Methods Section of our published paper [...]

This pilot study assessed the feasibility and combined effect of aerobic exercise (AE) and mindfulness meditation (MM), compared with MM alone and a control (CON) condition, on stress, anxiety, and depression in high-stress college-based young adults. Thirty-two participants (84.4% F, 20.5 ± 2.7 years, 23.9 ± 5.0 kg/m[superscript 2]) were randomized to a four-week, AE + MM (n = 16), MM (n = 10), or control intervention (n = 6). ANOVA revealed non-significant, but noteworthy group x time interactions (perceived stress: p = 0.09; anxiety/depression: p = 0.07). Both AE + MM and MM seem to be feasible strategies to reduce levels of stress, anxiety and depression in college-based young adults.