Search

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a single bench press (BP) vs. leg press (LP) resistance training sessions on testosterone, cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP) interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations, and creatine kinase (CK) activity in strength-trained males. Eleven strength-trained males participated in a cross-over randomized trial, undergoing two experimental sessions each consisting of five sets of the BP or the LP exercise to volitional failure with a load corresponding to 50% of one-repetition maximum. Blood samples were taken at baseline (BA), immediately post (POST), and 1 h after the cessation of exercise (POST-1). A significant increase in IL-6 concentration from BA to POST-1 was observed during the LP condition (p = 0.004; effect size [ES] = 0.64). Additionally, a significant main effect of time was found for increasing testosterone concentrations from BA to POST exercise (p = 0.014; ES = 0.25). A significantly lower cortisol concentration at POST-1 compared to POST (p = 0.001; ES = 1.02) was noted in the BP condition. Furthermore, a significantly lower cortisol concentration was found at POST-1 in the BP compared to the LP condition (p = 0.022; ES = 1.3). A significant increase in CK activity was reported from BA to POST (p = 0.024; ES = 0.69) and POST-1 (p = 0.045; ES = 0.55) during the LP condition, and from BA to POST-1 (p = 0.014; ES = 0.96) during the BP condition. No significant differences were found in the CRP (p = 0.659) and TNF-α concentrations (p = 0.487). These results suggest that the amount of muscle mass engaged during the resistance exercise may influence the changes in IL-6 and cortisol concentrations. Larger muscle groups, as engaged in the LP, more likely lead to elevated concentrations of IL-6 myokine.

Abstract Background Given a lack of studies precisely indicating how many steps elderly people should take daily for their antioxidant defence, bone metabolism, and cognitive abilities to improve, our study set out to compare the selected antioxidant, prooxidant, bone turnover, and BDNF indicators between elderly women differing in physical activity (PA) measured by the daily number of steps. Methods The PA levels of 62 women aged 72.1 ± 5.4 years were assessed based on their daily number of steps and then were used to allocate the participants to three groups: group I (n = 18;

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a series of 20 whole-body cryotherapy sessions and 20 winter swimming sessions on the level of catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. The experimental group consisted of 60 people (30 people received cryotherapy and 30 people swam in cold water). The control group—without intervention: 30 people. Each of the three groups was tested twice. Analyzing the changes in the examined indicators, a statistical increase of CAT was observed in men after the use of WBC, as well as an increase of SOD in women and a decrease of SOD in men after the winter swimming season. Regular WS does not seem to place an excessive burden on the body in terms of intensifying oxidative processes. WS sessions once a week can be recommended as an effective method of improving health by causing positive adaptive changes and strengthening the body’s antioxidant barrier. WBC may be used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of diseases caused by oxidative stress, as it improves the body’s antioxidant capacity. Further research is needed to elucidate antioxidant mechanisms in humans and to determine the short- and long-term effects of exposure to WS and WBC.

Background The study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of 6-week supplementation with a daily dose of 2g of curcumin on VO2max and prooxidant/antioxidant homeostasis in middle-aged amateur long-distance runners during the preparatory period of the macrocycle.Methods Thirty runners were randomly assigned to a placebo group (PL) and a curcumin-supplemented group (CU). Their VO2max was assessed before supplementation and after 6 weeks of supplementation. Venous blood samples were collected from the participants at rest, immediately after exercise, and after 1h of recovery to evaluate the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx), non-enzymatic antioxidants (GSH, UA) and sirtuin 3 level (SIRT 3), as well as the levels of oxidative stress markers (TOS/TOC, MDA, and 8-OHdG) and muscle damage markers (CK, LDH, and Mb).Results VO2max, the activity of enzymatic antioxidants, the concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidants, the levels of oxidative stress markers, and the levels of muscle damage markers did not change significantly in the CU group over 6 weeks of supplementation with curcumin. However, the resting concentration of SIRT 3 was found to be significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) compared with pre-supplementation.Conclusion Curcumin supplementation does not have a significant effect on VO2max and prooxidant/antioxidant homeostasis in runners.

Objectives This study evaluates the effect of a 3-month calorie restriction (CR) without snacking on the anthropometric parameters, Homeostatic Model Assesment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and lipid profiles of female office workers with overweight or obesity, whose physical activity was limited during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Material and Methods Forty-eight women aged 20–38 years (28.9±5.24) with low physical activity levels were divided into a non-snacking (NS) group (N = 21) and a snacking (S) group (N = 27) prior to the dietary intervention. Their daily energy intake during the intervention was lowered by 30% compared with the baseline level, and the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids and fiber in their diet was increased (to >30 g/day). The proportion of saturated fatty acids and simple carbohydrates was also reduced. The study participants were assessed at the baseline and post-intervention for anthropometric variables (body weight, body fat percentage BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio) and the concentrations of insulin, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Moreover, the values for HOMA-IR, the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and the ratios of TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C were calculated. Results All anthropometric parameter values obtained post-intervention were lower than the baseline in both groups. The serum insulin concentration and HOMA-IR decreased respectively by an average of 6% and 25% in the NS group and 37% and 45% in the S group. The lipid profiles of all participants improved significantly, with the LDL-C concentration showing a more promising trend in the S group (decrease by 27%) than in the NS group (17%). Conclusions The study showed that CR improved the anthropometric parameters, HOMA-IR index, and lipid profiles of all participants. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(6):693–706

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a six-week time-restricted eating (TRE) intervention in reducing body weight, fat loss, and visceral fat in overweight, older adult men and women (age range = 65–74 years). Another objective was to determine the feasibility of widespread use of TRE in older women and men. The study randomly assigned 116 healthy, non-smoking participants to one of two conditions: TRE or educational control participants. Participants in the TRE group were instructed to not consume calorie containing beverages or food for 16 h per day, from 8:00 pm to 12:00 pm. Participants in the control group were instructed to follow a meal plan based on their previous habits. The changes in body weight and body composition were determined using a SECA mBCA 515 analyzer. The six-week TRE intervention resulted in a significant decrease in body weight in both men and women (−1.8 kg and−1.3 kg, respectively; p = 0.03). In men, a significant decrease in visceral fat mass (−0.54 l; p ≤ 0.001) and waist circumference (−2.9 cm; p ≤ 0.015) was observed. No significant changes in either visceral fat or waist circumference were observed in women. Additionally, no change in skeletal muscle mass was observed in either the control or TRE group. More than 99 % of female and 98 % of male participants were able to adhere to the prescribed time-restricted eating (16/8) plan, suggesting that this dietary approach could have beneficial effects on the body composition of overweight older men and may also reduce body weight in overweight, older women.

Abstract The main aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of time-restricted eating (TRE) in reducing body fat and lowering body mass index in early elderly men with overweight (65–74 years). An additional goal was to determine the feasibility of applying TRE for extensive use in elderly men. This study included a group of 46 healthy men (EXP = 23 persons, CON = 23 persons). The six-week intervention in the experimental group involved complete abstinence from food intake for 16 h per day, from 08:00 to 12:00 p.m. After the intervention, the body weight decreased in the EXP group (− 1.92 kg) with a 95% CI (1.14–2.70) compared to the CON group. There was also a decrease in the Visceral fat mass (− 0.64 l) with 95% CI (0.46–0.82) and in the waist circumference (− 3.11 cm) with 95% CI (1.89–4.33) in the EXP group compared to the CON group. The skeletal muscle mass did not change significantly. There was no significant change in the control group, either. The application of TRE in early elderly overweight men resulted in positive changes in body composition and visceral fat. All participants succeed in the prescribed diet plan, which shows that TRE is easy to maintain for early elderly overweight men and may become an essential obesity treatment tool in these age groups.

Objectives Physical activity (PA) is important for the prevention and management of numerous diseases and may have a positive effect on ability to work. The study aimed to assess the level of occupational and leisure time PA of soldiers during the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore whether there was a relationship between PA and perceived work ability. Material and Methods The study involved 305 men and 68 women who were territorial army soldiers aged 18–55 (M±SD 32.9±9.01). The Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall (SDPAR) and the Work Ability Index (WAI) were used. Results The level of self-reported PA for the studied soldiers was relatively high; 80% of them met the recommendations of the WHO and were characterized by having a good (60%) or excellent (20%) WAI status. The level of occupational PA of male soldiers was higher than the level of leisure time PA, and they indicated higher levels of occupational PA and leisure time PA during the workweek than the weekend. Conclusions Current work ability in comparison to the best in life and work ability related to the physical requirements of the work were positively correlated with leisure time PA. Work ability related to physical requirements was also positively correlated with occupational and total PA, and work ability related to mental requirements was positively correlated with total PA. The study supports the relationship between PA and several aspects of work ability. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(3):327–37

Background: Athletes in combat sports, such as judo, often experience muscle cell damage due to physical and metabolic stress. This study investigates the impact of anaerobic interval exercises involving both upper and lower limbs at different temperatures on physiological indicators. Methods: Fifteen judokas, with an average age of 20.7 ± 2.0 years, participated in the study. They had an average body height of 178 ± 6.3 cm, body mass of 76.3 ± 12.6 kg, VO2max of 43.2 ± 7.8 mL·kg−1, and peak power of 12.1 W·kg−1. The main experiment involved performing five sequences of pulsating exercise on a cycle ergometer for both upper and lower limbs. This was conducted in a thermoclimatic chamber set at temperatures of 21 ± 0.5 °C and 31 ± 0.5 °C with a relative humidity of 50 ± 5%. The sequences alternated pulsations of varying durations and loads between the upper and lower limbs, with a 15 min break following each sequence. Within each sequence, participants underwent four anaerobic limb tests. Biochemical markers, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method before and after exercise, and again at 1, 24, and 48 h post-exercise. Muscle cell damage was evaluated based on lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and myoglobin (Mb) concentration. Results: Both temperature conditions elicited physiological and biochemical responses. Positive correlations were observed between white blood cell count (WBC) and LDH concentration at 21 °C, as well as between WBC and IL-6 at 21 °C. At 31 °C, correlations were seen between WBC and myoglobin, and WBC and LDH. Conclusions: Muscle cell damage was evident under both conditions, as indicated by increased myoglobin levels. These findings offer insights into training strategies and underscore the physiological responses observed in combat sports athletes.

Background: The effectiveness of sport training programs should be assessed regularly against biochemical indices. This study assesses changes in the antioxidant status indices in American football players (AF) and soccer players (SP) over a training macrocycle. Methods: The study was carried out with Poland's American Football League players (AF, n = 11, age 24.0 ± 3.7 years) and first-league soccer players (SP, n = 11, age 26.5 ± 3.8 years). Resting venous blood samples were collected from the players at the beginning of the three periods (preparatory, competition, and transition) making up the training macrocycle to determine the activity levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), as well as the concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidants (uric acid-UA and glutathione-GSH) and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). Results: The period effect on SOD (p

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of self-reported musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among Polish territorial army soldiers during the COVID-19 pandemic and to investigate whether there was a relationship between occupational physical activity (OPA), leisure time physical activity (LTPA), and MSD. Methods The study used a cross-sectional design with a sample of 373 territorial army soldiers ages 18–55 who had not previously suffered from COVID-19 and were not convalescents. The symptoms prevalence data was collected using the standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. OPA and LTPA data was collected using the Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall (SDPAR). Results The OPA, LTPA, and total physical activity (PA) among the studied soldiers was very diverse and the mean level of PA was relatively high. A total of 56 and 40% of territorial army soldiers had experienced pain or other discomfort in one or more of nine body regions during the past 12 months and during the past 7 days, respectively. The most common MSD among Polish territorial army soldiers were low back pain, followed by pain in the neck and knees. Conclusions The study revealed that the OPA of the studied soldiers, especially vigorous-intensity and high vigorous-intensity OPA, was associated with a higher prevalence of MSD in several regions of the body, i.e. the lower back, elbows, wrists or hands, hips or thighs, and ankles or feet. Along with the increase in energy expenditure on total PA, a greater percentage of respondents experienced low back pain. Vigorous and high vigorous-intensity PA may contribute to the occurrence of MSD.

Abstract Background The associations between physical activity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) have been mainly found in cross-sectional studies. The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine the relationship between meeting step-based guidelines and changes in the risk of metabolic syndrome. Methods This study included data from older women (baseline age 62.9 ± 4.3 years) from a 7-year longitudinal study in Central Europe. At baseline and follow-up, physical activity was measured by an accelerometer, and the risk for MetS was assessed according to the NCEP-ATP III criteria. In 59 women, multivariate repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare differences in changes in the risk of MetS in groups based on meeting step-based guidelines (10,000 steps/day and 9000 steps/day for women aged

Objectives: In obesity, there is a shift in the pro-oxidative-antioxidant balance towards the oxidationreactions. However, it has been shown that in people with normal body composition, after a series of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC), the balance shifts in the opposite direction. Design: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of 20 WBC treatments on blood pro-oxidative-antioxidant balance. Interventions: Study included 14 obese (BMI > 35) and 10 non-obese volunteers. Methods: The total antioxidative (TAS/TAC) and pro-oxidative status (TOS/TOC) in serum and activity of antioxidant enzymes in erythrocytes were determined before the first and 2 hours after the last cryostimulation. Results: In the obese group, a significantly higher level of TOS/TOC, and its significant decrease after the WBC series, was observed. Cryotherapy had no influence on TAS/TAC level which was similar in both groups. Changes in activity of antioxidant enzymes were multidirectional. An increase in CAT activity in the obese group was observed. OSI, both before and after a series of treatments, was significantly higher in obese subjects. Conclusions: A beneficial effect on the level of TOS/TOC and CAT activity was indicated, but the proposed number of treatments for patients with class II obesity turned out to be insufficient. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry identifier: ACTRN12619000524190.

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: Overweight and obesity after retirement are likely to be caused by unhealthy eating habits and the energy intake exceeding the energy expenditure. Objectives: This study was designed to assess the effects of two 12-week interventions involving, respectively, either regular physical activity or a modified lower-calorie diet on the anthropometric parameters and blood lipid profiles in overweight and obese retired miners with lipid disorders. Design: The study participants (n = 30, aged 58.7 ± 4.1 years, body height 174.8 ± 7.3 cm, body weight 96.6 ± 13.9 kg) were randomly assigned to 2 intervention groups: the Nordic walking group (NW), which exercised with intensity from 60 to 70% of participants’ maximal heart rates for 1 h 3 times a week, and the modified diet group (MD). Modification of the diet consisted of reducing the daily energy intake by 30%, increasing the dietary content of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids and dietary fiber, and reducing the proportion of saturated fatty acids. The variables assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks were: anthropometric parameters (body weight, fat mass content [FM], fat percentage [BF], BMI, waist circumference [WC], hip circumference [HC], and waist-to-hip ratio [WHR]) and blood lipid indicators (total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], and high density lip­oprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]). Results: The body weight of the participants in the NW was lower at week 12 by an average of 5 kg, BMI by 6%, FB by 19%, FM by 15%, WC by 8%, HC by 6%, and WHR by 3%. In the MD, the respective decreases were 8 kg and 8, 25, 20, 6, 2, and 7%. In the MD, the postintervention concentrations of TC and TG were within the reference range. Conclusion: Both 12-week interventions improved the anthropometric parameters and blood lipid profiles of retired heavy manual workers, with the improvements being more pronounced in the dieting group.

Vitamin C supplementation and exercise influence pro/antioxidative status and the cellular stress response. We tested the effects of exercise training for 6 weeks, supported by 1000 mg of vitamin C supplementation in elderly women. Thirty-six women were divided into two groups: a control group (CON) (n = 18, age 69.4 ± 6.4 years, 70.4 ±10.4 kg body mass) and a supplemented group (SUPP) (n = 18, aged 67.7 ± 5.6 years, body mass 71.46 ± 5.39 kg). Blood samples were taken twice (at baseline and 24 h after the whole period of training), in order to determine vitamin C concentration, the total oxidative status/capacity (TOS/TOC), total antioxidant status/capacity (TAS/TAC), and gene expression associated with cellular stress response: encoding heat shock factor (HSF1), heat shock protein 70 (HSPA1A), heat shock protein 27 (HSPB1), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). We observed a significant increase in TOS/TOC, TAS/TAC, and prooxidant/antioxidant balance in the SUPP group. There was a significant decrease in HSPA1A in the CON group and a different tendency in the expression of HSF1 and TNF-α between groups. In conclusion, vitamin C supplementation enhanced the pro-oxidation in elderly women with a normal plasma vitamin C concentration and influenced minor changes in training adaptation gene expression.

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.

In some countries, anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse is rampant among adolescent boys and young men, including some of those seeking physical fitness and/or pleasing appearance through various exercise types. This tactic carries the risk of severe harmful health effects, including liver injury. Most anabolic-androgenic steroid stacking protocols employed are based on the use of the ‘prototypic’ anabolic-androgenic steroid testosterone and/or its esters. There is a vast body of data on the effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids’ abuse combined with physical exercise training on the liver antioxidant barrier in adult subjects, whereas those concerning adolescents are scant. This study aimed to assess, in adolescent male Wistar rats undergoing a 6-week moderate-intensity endurance training (treadmill running), the influence of concurrent weekly supplementation with intramuscular testosterone enanthate (TE, 8 or 80 mg/kg body weight/week) on selected indices of liver status and oxidative stress. The rats were sacrificed, and their livers and blood samples were harvested two days after the last training session. High-dose TE treatment significantly reduced body and liver weight gains. Neither low-dose nor high-dose TE treatment affected liver α-tocopherol or γ-tocopherol content, whereas low-dose TE treatment significantly lowered hepatic reduced glutathione content. TE treatment significantly elevated liver thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances content and blood activities of alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyltransferase, but not of aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase. Liver catalase activity was lowered by >50% in both TE-treated groups, while superoxide dismutase activity was significantly but slightly affected (−15%) only by the high-dose TE treatment. Glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities were not significantly altered. TE treatment significantly increased liver thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances content and lowered blood HDL-cholesterol, but did not significantly affect LDL-cholesterol or triglycerides level. In conclusion, high-dose TE treatment significantly disturbed liver antioxidant barrier and prooxidative-antioxidative balance and hence counteracted favorable effects of concurrent moderate-intensity endurance training in adolescent male rats.

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

Prolonged exercise can lead to muscle damage, with soreness, swelling, and ultimately reduced strength as a consequence. It has been shown that whole-body vibration (WBV) improves recovery by reducing the levels of stress hormones and the activities of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The aim of the study was to demonstrate the effect of local vibration treatment applied after exercise on the level of selected markers of muscle fiber damage. The study involved 12 untrained men, aged 21.7 ± 1.05 years, with a VO2peak of 46.12 ± 3.67 mL·kg−1·min−1. A maximal intensity test to volitional exhaustion was performed to determine VO2peak and individual exercise loads for prolonged exercise. The subjects were to perform 180 min of physical effort with an intensity of 50 ± 2% VO2peak. After exercise, they underwent a 60 min vibration treatment or placebo therapy using a mattress. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after the recovery procedure, and 24 h after the end of the exercise test. Myoglobin (Mb) levels as well as the activities of CK and LDH were recorded. Immediately after the hour-long recovery procedure (vibration or placebo), the mean concentrations of the determined indices were significantly different from baseline values. In the vibration group, significantly lower values of Mb (p = 0.005), CK (p = 0.030), and LDH (p = 0.005) were seen. Differences were also present 24 h after the end of the exercise test. The results of the vibration group compared to the control group differed in respect to Mb (p = 0.002), CK (p = 0.029), and LDH (p = 0.014). After prolonged physical effort, topical vibration improved post-workout recovery manifested by lower CK and LDH activity and lower Mb concentration compared to a control group.

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

Studies on muscle activation time in sport after caffeine supplementation confirmed the effectiveness of caffeine. The novel approach was to determine whether a dose of 9 mg/kg/ body mass (b.m.) of caffeine affects the changes of contraction time and the displacement of electrically stimulated muscle (gastrocnemius medialis) in professional athletes who regularly consume products rich in caffeine and do not comply with the caffeine discontinuation period requirements. The study included 40 professional male handball players (age = 23.13 ± 3.51, b.m. = 93.51 ± 15.70 kg, height 191 ± 7.72, BMI = 25.89 ± 3.10). The analysis showed that in the experimental group the values of examined parameters were significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.001) (contraction time: before = 20.60 ± 2.58 ms/ after = 18.43 ± 3.05 ms; maximal displacement: before = 2.32 ± 0.80 mm/after = 1.69 ± 0.51 mm). No significant changes were found in the placebo group. The main achievement of this research was to demonstrate that caffeine at a dose of 9 mg/kg in professional athletes who regularly consume products rich in caffeine has a direct positive effect on the mechanical activity of skeletal muscle stimulated by an electric pulse.

Background: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 3-week ω-3 PUFA supplementation on serum adipocytokines (i.e., adiponectin, leptin), neuregulin-4 (NRG4) and erythrocyte omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acid content, as well as the blood antioxidant defense capacity in non-elite endurance runners. Methods: Twenty-four runners were randomized into two groups: the supplemented group, who received omega free fatty acids extract containing 142 mg of EPA, 267 mg of DHA, 12 mg of vitamin E and 5 µg of vitamin D, each administrated at a dose of six capsules twice a day for three weeks, or the placebo group. Venous blood samples were withdrawn at the start and at the end of the study protocols to estimate serum biochemical variables. Results: A significantly higher ω-3 index and lower AA/EPA ratio was observed after ω-3 PUFA compared to pre-supplementation levels (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). An increase in baseline adiponectin and NRG4 levels, as well as a decrease of leptin concentration and lipid profile improvement, were observed in subjects after a ω-3 PUFA diet. The increased ω-3 index had a significant effect on TNFα levels and a serum marker of antioxidant defense. Conclusions: The ω-3 PUFA extract with added vitamin E and D supplementation may have a positive effect on the function of the adipocyte tissue, as well as the ability to prevent cardiovascular complications in athletes.

This study was designed to determine the influence of 6 weeks’ MonaVie juice supplementation on body composition and hydration status in young elderly physically active women. Sixteen women, students of University of Third Age, were recruited for this study. All women were physically active (daily energy expenditure 1681.8 ± 297.6 kcal/d). Women were divided into 2 groups: 8 of them applied a supplement MonaVie juice (100 ml/d) (S) for 6 weeks, while the eight other women were allocated to the control group (C). There were measured: BW, Fat%, TBW, Hb, HCT and erythrocyte indices: RBC, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Based on Hb and HCT were calculated changes: blood (del BV%), plasma (del PV%) and cell (del CV%) volumes in C and S group. Before experiment all body components and hematologic indices were similar in C and S group. After 6 weeks of MonaVie supplementation no significant changes in body composition but significant decrease: (MCH), (MCHC) and an increase cell volume CV% + 2.89 ± 1.24% were found. In control group after 6 weeks period there were no significant changes in body components and hematological indices. These observations suggest that MonaVie supplementation does not induce significant changes in body composition and hydration status in young elderly women, however causes an increase of cells volume and a decrease of mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration.

The main goal of this study was to assess the appropriateness of both ergometric and modified hurdles tests for an annual cycle of hurdlers who were working on mastering the 400 m distance. Nine Polish hurdlers (personal best: 54.46±2.16 s, age: 20.67±1.87 years) were chosen as the research participants. In each of two mastering periods in the research, an ergometric test and a specific test were implemented during a hurdle run. In February, an interval ergometric test (5×6 s) and an interval hurdle test (IHT) were performed. Additionally, in May, a classic Wingate test and a 200 m hurdle run were introduced. With regard to the ergometric tests, we assessed the following measurements: maximum power (Pmax) and mean power (P×) reached in five repetitions as well as total work (Wtotal) performed in five attempts. The Mann-Whitney test was used to distinguish between the athletic test results obtained in the preparation period outlined above and those obtained in the first period. Lactate (LA) concentrations were assessed with the Chisquare test. Moreover, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were used in the analysis. The achieved study results indicate the lack of significant differentiation of the ergometric test parameters (p≥ 0.05). The spatial structure of both specific tests (5×2 H v. 200 m H) was similar given that the first and the second parts of both hurdle races and the number of steps taken were similar. The basic parameters of the ergometric tests did not exhibit any relationship with the recommended record time achieved for the 400 m hurdle run

Extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves, a natural source of flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds, are commonly used as therapeutic agents for the improvement of both cognitive and physiological performance. The present study was aimed to test the effects of a six-week supplementation with 160 mg/day of a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba or a matching placebo on aerobic performance, blood antioxidant capacity, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level in healthy, physically active young men, randomly allocated to two groups (n = 9 each). At baseline, as well as on the day following the treatment, the participants performed an incremental cycling test for the assessment of maximal oxygen uptake. Venous blood samples taken at rest, then immediately post-test and following 1 h of recovery, were analyzed for activities of antioxidant enzymes and plasma concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidants, total phenolics, uric acid, lipid peroxidation products, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Our results show that six weeks’ supplementation with Ginkgo biloba extract in physically active young men may provide some marginal improvements in their endurance performance expressed as VO2max and blood antioxidant capacity, as evidenced by specific biomarkers, and elicit somewhat better neuroprotection through increased exercise-induced production of BDNF.