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Purpose: We aimed at investigating the acute effects of lower-body high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on upper- and lower-body explosive strength assessed by mean propulsive velocity (MPV) in naturally menstruating women. In addition, we assessed the combination of lower-body HIIT and squat, as well as lower-body HIIT and bench press, on bench press and squat MPV. Methods: Thirteen women (age: 23 [2] y, menstrual cycle length: 28.4 [2.0] d) completed 2 training modalities on separate days (separated by 30 [4.2] d) consisting of HIIT followed by lower-body (HIIT + LBS) or upper-body (HIIT + UBS) strength loading. Squat and bench press MPV were assessed before HIIT (T0), after HIIT (T1), after the strength loading (T2), and 24 hours postloading (T3). Results: Mixed factorial analysis of variance indicated a significant effect for time in bench press and squat (P P = 1.000) at T1 but was reduced at T2 compared with T0 (HIIT + LBS: −8.2% [3.9%], HIIT + UBS: −13.8% [12.1%], P P P = .009) and was found to be decreased at T2 compared with T0 in both conditions (HIIT + LBS: −6.9% [3.3%], HIIT + UBS: −7.4% [6.1%], P P = 1.000). Bench press and squat MPV returned to baseline at T3 compared with T0 (P > .050). Conclusion: Lower- but not upper-body explosive strength was reduced by HIIT. HIIT combined with upper- or lower-body strength loading resulted in a reduction of squat and bench press explosive strength.

Seipp, D, Feuerbacher, JF, Jacobs, MW, Dragutinovic, B, and Schumann, M. Acute effects of high-intensity interval running on lower-body and upper-body explosive strength and throwing velocity in handball players. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3167-3172, 2022-The purpose of this study was to determine the acute effects of handball-specific high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on explosive strength and throwing velocity, after varying periods of recovery. Fourteen highly trained male handball players (age: 25.4 (26.2 ± 4.2) performed HIIT consisting of repeated 15-second shuttle runs at 90% of final running speed (V IFT ) to exhaustion . Upper-body and lower-body explosive strength and throwing velocities were measured before and immediately after HIIT, as well as after 6 hours. These tests included 3 repetitions of both bench press and squat exercise at 60% of the 1 repetition maximum (1RM) as well as 3 repetitions of the set shot without run up and jump shot, respectively. Explosive squat performance was significantly reduced at post (-5.48%, p = 0.026) but not at 6 h (-0.24%, p = 1.000). Explosive bench press performance remained statistically unaltered at post (0.32%, p = 1.000) and at 6 hour (1.96%, p = 1.000). This was also observed in the subsequent throws both immediately after (-0.60%, p = 1.000) (-0.31%, p = 1.000) and at 6 h (-1.58%, p = 1.000) (1.51%, p = 0.647). Our data show a reduction in explosive strength of the lower but not upper extremities when preceded by running HIIT. Since throwing velocity was not affected by intense lower-body exercise, combining lower-body HIIT and throwing practice may be of no concern in highly trained handball players.

Background Whole muscle hypertrophy does not appear to be negatively affected by concurrent aerobic and strength training compared to strength training alone. However, there are contradictions in the literature regarding the effects of concurrent training on hypertrophy at the myofiber level. Objective The current study aimed to systematically examine the extent to which concurrent aerobic and strength training, compared with strength training alone, influences type I and type II muscle fiber size adaptations. We also conducted subgroup analyses to examine the effects of the type of aerobic training, training modality, exercise order, training frequency, age, and training status. Design A systematic literature search was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) [PROSPERO: CRD42020203777]. The registered protocol was modified to include only muscle fiber hypertrophy as an outcome. Data Sources PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus were systematically searched on 12 August, 2020, and updated on 15 March, 2021. Eligibility Criteria Population: healthy adults of any sex and age; intervention: supervised, concurrent aerobic and strength training of at least 4 weeks; comparison: identical strength training prescription, with no aerobic training; and outcome: muscle fiber hypertrophy. Results A total of 15 studies were included. The estimated standardized mean difference based on the random-effects model was − 0.23 (95% confidence interval [CI] − 0.46 to − 0.00, p = 0.050) for overall muscle fiber hypertrophy. The standardized mean differences were − 0.34 (95% CI − 0.72 to 0.04, p = 0.078) and − 0.13 (95% CI − 0.39 to 0.12, p = 0.315) for type I and type II fiber hypertrophy, respectively. A negative effect of concurrent training was observed for type I fibers when aerobic training was performed by running but not cycling (standardized mean difference − 0.81, 95% CI − 1.26 to − 0.36). None of the other subgroup analyses (i.e., based on concurrent training frequency, training status, training modality, and training order of same-session training) revealed any differences between groups. Conclusions In contrast to previous findings on whole muscle hypertrophy, the present results suggest that concurrent aerobic and strength training may have a small negative effect on fiber hypertrophy compared with strength training alone. Preliminary evidence suggests that this interference effect may be more pronounced when aerobic training is performed by running compared with cycling, at least for type I fibers.

The effects of short sprint interval training (sSIT) with efforts of ≤10 s on maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O

This research was partly funded by Huawei Technologies Oy (Finland) Co. Ltd. A limited liability company headquartered in Helsinki, Finland., Background Technological advances have recently made possible the estimation of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) by consumer wearables. However, the validity of such estimations has not been systematically summarized using metaanalytic methods and there are no standards guiding the validation protocols. Objective The aim was to (1) quantitatively summarize previous studies investigating the validity of the VO2max estimated by consumer wearables and (2) provide best-practice recommendations for future validation studies. Methods First, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies validating the estimation of VO2max by wearables. Second, based on the state of knowledge (derived from the systematic review) combined with the expert discussion between the members of the Towards Intelligent Health and Well-Being Network of Physical Activity Assessment (INTERLIVE) consortium, we provided a set of best-practice recommendations for validation protocols. Results Fourteen validation studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Meta-analysis results revealed that wearables using resting condition information in their algorithms significantly overestimated VO2max (bias 2.17 ml·kg−1·min−1; limits of agreement − 13.07 to 17.41 ml·kg−1·min−1), while devices using exercise-based information in their algorithms showed a lower systematic and random error (bias − 0.09 ml·kg−1·min−1; limits of agreement − 9.92 to 9.74 ml·kg−1·min−1). The INTERLIVE consortium proposed six key domains to be considered for validating wearable devices estimating VO2max, concerning the following: the target population, reference standard, index measure, testing conditions, data processing, and statistical analysis. Conclusions Our meta-analysis suggests that the estimations of VO2max by wearables that use exercise-based algorithms provide higher accuracy than those based on resting conditions. The exercise-based estimation seems to be optimal for measuring VO2max at the population level, yet the estimation error at the individual level is large, and, therefore, for sport/ clinical purposes these methods still need improvement. The INTERLIVE network hereby provides best-practice recommendations to be used in future protocols to move towards a more accurate, transparent and comparable validation of VO2max derived from wearables., Huawei Technologies

Background Both athletes and recreational exercisers often perform relatively high volumes of aerobic and strength training simultaneously. However, the compatibility of these two distinct training modes remains unclear. Objective This systematic review assessed the compatibility of concurrent aerobic and strength training compared with strength training alone, in terms of adaptations in muscle function (maximal and explosive strength) and muscle mass. Subgroup analyses were conducted to examine the influence of training modality, training type, exercise order, training frequency, age, and training status. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus were systematically searched (12 August 2020, updated on 15 March 2021). Eligibility criteria were as follows. Population: healthy adults of any sex and age; Intervention: supervised concurrent aerobic and strength training for at least 4 weeks; Comparison: identical strength training prescription, with no aerobic training; Outcome: maximal strength, explosive strength, and muscle hypertrophy. Results A total of 43 studies were included. The estimated standardised mean differences (SMD) based on the random-effects model were − 0.06 (95% confidence interval [CI] − 0.20 to 0.09; p = 0.446), − 0.28 (95% CI − 0.48 to − 0.08; p = 0.007), and − 0.01 (95% CI − 0.16 to 0.18; p = 0.919) for maximal strength, explosive strength, and muscle hypertrophy, respectively. Attenuation of explosive strength was more pronounced when concurrent training was performed within the same session (p = 0.043) than when sessions were separated by at least 3 h (p > 0.05). No significant effects were found for the other moderators, i.e. type of aerobic training (cycling vs. running), frequency of concurrent training (> 5 vs. 40 years). Conclusion Concurrent aerobic and strength training does not compromise muscle hypertrophy and maximal strength development. However, explosive strength gains may be attenuated, especially when aerobic and strength training are performed in the same session. These results appeared to be independent of the type of aerobic training, frequency of concurrent training, training status, and age. PROSPERO: CRD42020203777.

Background Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has adverse effects on body composition, including muscle wasting and body fat accumulation, which may be attenuated by nutrition therapy. This systematic review summarises available evidence on the effects of dietary interventions on lean mass, fat mass and body mass index (BMI) in men treated with ADT for prostate cancer. Methods MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and ClinicalTrials.org were searched from inception through December 2020. We included all controlled trials evaluating effects of supplementation or dietary interventions on body composition in men with prostate cancer receiving continuous ADT. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model to calculate standardised mean differences between intervention and comparator groups. (PROSPERO; CRD42020185777). Results Eleven studies (n = 536 participants) were included. Seven studies investigated the effects of dietary advice interventions, e.g. individual or group counselling, and four studies included a nutritional supplement. Eight studies combined the dietary intervention with exercise. Nine studies reported sufficient data for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Dietary advice and supplementation interventions combined were not associated with significant changes in lean mass (0.05 kg; 95% CI: −0.17, 0.26; p = 0.674; n = 355), fat mass (−0.22 kg; 95% CI: −0.45, 0.01; p = 0.064; n = 336) or BMI (−0.16 kg*m−2; 95% CI: −0.37, 0.04; p = 0.121; n = 399). Dietary advice interventions alone were associated with a significant fat mass reduction (−0.29 kg; 95% CI: −0.54, −0.03; p = 0.028; n = 266). Conclusions Most studies were dietary advice interventions targeting caloric restriction, which showed the potential to reduce fat mass but did not increase lean mass in men treated with ADT. Future interventions should investigate whether a combination of dietary advice and protein supplementation with concomitant resistance exercise could counteract ADT-induced muscle wasting.

Translational Medicine and Exercise Prescription (TMEP): Advancing the Era of Exercise Medicine Sulin Cheng1,2,3,4, Moritz Schumann()2,4 and Wilhelm Bloch4 1Exercise, Health and Technology Center, Department of Physical Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China 2Exercise Translational Medicine Center, Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China 3Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland 4Department of Molecular and Cellular Sport Medicine, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany © The Authors "Exercise is medicine" has gained popularity worldwide after the American Medical Association and the American College of Sports Medicine co-launched their ground-breaking health initiative in 20071 . This initiative was aimed at improving population health and well-being, mainly by raising the awareness of healthcare providers to regard performing physical activity (PA) as one of the vital signs. Ever since, this concept has spread worldwide and PA has been proposed as an essential part of treatment for chronic diseases2 . In their pioneering work, Pedersen and Saltin provided compelling evidence for the role of exercise as the first- or second-line therapy for at least 26 diseases2 . These findings are further corroborated by meta-epidemiological data, indicating exercise interventions to be as effective as drug interventions, such as during rehabilitation after stroke and for the treatment of heart failure3 . However, the overall effect appears to be strongly correlated with important determinants of the exercise program performed (i.e. dose of training [frequency, volume, intensity], type of exercise and adherence to the training program) and disease-related specifics4 , thus requiring not only clinical expertise but also an in-depth understanding of exercise physiology and biology. In this new journal-Translational Medicine and Exercise Prescription (TMEP), we are aiming to bring together the fields of exercise physiology and biology, sports medicine and the science of physical training and testing to bridge the gap between mechanistic research and clinical practice. The journal covers nine sections, including obesity, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurological and psychiatric diseases, pulmonary diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, endocrine disorders as well as advanced exercise prescription and health maintenance. In this first issue of TMEP, we are delighted to present seven papers from different areas of translational research performed in humans on specific themes related to the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases. Appropriate selection of primary and secondary endpoints is critical for successfully designing translational studies. In the first paper of this issue, TMEP Section Editor, Jörn Rittweger provides his thoughts on "What Are Good Muscle Endpoints for Translational Studies?". In his important work, he highlights the importance of muscles for our health because of their size, their involvement in energy metabolism and their relevance for locomotion. He further suggests that at least eight different muscle functions are important to health. Well accepted methods exist for three relevant muscular endpoints, namely for power, strength and muscle mass, and these endpoints are utilized in clinical studies. However, such validated methods lack a number of additional muscle functions that are not yet fully scientifically explored. This applies foremost to not only the metabolic functions of muscles, but also to their role in storage and dissipation of mechanical energy. His work concludes by emphasizing how physiological knowledge can be an important base for the guidance of clinical diagnostics. Following this important message, the group of TMEP Section Editor Pieter de Lange shares their work entitled "Exercise with Energy Restriction as a Means of Losing Body Mass While Preserving Muscle Quality and Ameliorating Comorbidities: Towards A Therapy for Obesity?". Obesity and related comorbidities have reached pandemic proportions worldwide, particularly during the past decade. Therefore, finding effective intervention strategies not only requires scientific focus but these strategies are also of public interest. Based on both human and animal studies, this narrative review summarizes the effects of dietary and exercise-based programs on loss of different body mass components. Furthermore, both the gain and lack of loss of lean mass in view of muscle quality maintenance are discussed and data related to the mechanisms underlying the conservation of functional muscle mass provided. They also provide evidence of the interaction between energy restriction by diet and exercise-induced metabolic demands at the molecular level. This insight into the mechanisms underlines the relevance of translational considerations for personalized exercise prescription. Obesity and an unhealthy lifestyle are also known to be among the risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The research group of TMEP Section Editor Thomas Yates highlights research opportunities and challenges for combining exercise and medical therapies by means of a narrative review entitled "Exercise, Pharmaceutical Therapies and Type 2 Diabetes: Looking beyond Glycemic Control to Whole Body Health and Function". The authors provide evidence on newer generations of glucose-lowering therapies that also induce concomitant weight loss, particularly on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is). Based on current knowledge, they stress the importance of investigating the interaction or synergy between exercise and other glucose-lowering or weight loss therapies, to make exercise a tailored therapy rather than a generic treatment in the management of T2DM. This review, therefore, clearly highlights the need of precise exercise prescription, originating from an in-depth mechanistic understanding of the effects of exercise. Cancer is another important metabolic and chronic inflammatory disease that may also be associated with obesity. TMEP Section Editor Jesper F Christensen and Associate Editor Ciaran M Fairman provide a very interesting viewpoint in their article,"Targeted Exercise Training for Cancer Patients: Moving beyond Generic Exercise Guidelines in Clinical Oncology". This paper aims to update the current knowledge and the clinical rationale for targeted exercise interventions in exercise oncology. Moreover, a framework for systematic guidance of the design and execution of targeted exercise interventions in oncology is presented. The authors hope that their framework can encourage further research into targeted exercise interventions in oncology and may also be used as a guideline for the design of future trials to increase quality and impact. The group of TMEP Section Editor Helen Dawes, shares their original data in the context of neurological and psychiatric diseases in the article entitled "Physical Activity and Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis: Secondary Outcomes from a Double-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial of Cocoa Flavonoid Drinks". In this study, they performed intensive phenotyping of the inter-relationships of the time of day, physical activity levels and fatigue to determine exercise prescription in a group of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) participating in a six-week randomized controlled trial of morning flavonoid intake. It was found that fatigue levels increased during the day and higher levels of fatigue reduced physical activity; yet physical activity itself did not lead to increased fatigue. Additionally, morning cocoa intake reduced daytime fatigue and fatigue related to subsequent physical activity. Therefore, combined prescription of morning exercise and dietary flavonoids may optimize the exercise and physical activity potential in people with MS. This study nicely demonstrates the importance of understanding and considering possible covariants such as nutrition and chronobiology to determine an optimal exercise prescription model. TMEP Section Editor Jonathan Myers and colleague Baruch Vainshelboim present a narrative review on "Resistance Training for Rehabilitation of Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis". In this paper, the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) are summarized with an emphasis on the numerous health and clinical benefits of resistance training among older adults and patients with this respiratory disease. This article effectively explores the potential mechanisms by which systematic resistance training may help overcome exercise limitations in IPF, providing a therapeutic opportunity for rehabilitation. Furthermore, the authors provide important recommendations for pulmonary rehabilitation programs that are based on resistance training for patients with IPF. With this paper, the authors highlight that disease-adapted exercise prescription requires a pathophysiological understanding to justify the inclusion of specific exercise regimens. In the final paper of this special issue, the research group of Section Editor Anthony C Hackney shares their original data on the "Energy Availability and RED-S Risk Factors in Competitive, Non-elite Male Endurance Athletes". This paper particularly emphasizes the entire spectrum of TMEP, that is more than just the most common types of non-communicable diseases, but also includes chronic conditions that may be for example induced by athletic training. In this study, the authors assessed the associations of energy availability and risk factors of relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) in 60 competitive, recreationally trained male endurance athletes. They found that hormonal and bone biomarkers were within normal clinical ranges, even when the energy availability was low. The authors further state that athletes are considered at a high risk for RED-S if their energy availability is low (

The scientific interest of exercise medicine for the treatment of cancer is ever expanding. Recently published and updated guidelines for exercise training in cancer patients by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) or the Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) are leading the way towards an individualized approach for exercise prescription. These guidelines provide physicians and therapists with a comprehensive and detailed overview about the beneficial effects of exercise training and, more so, summarize the evidence on potential dose–response mechanisms, including pathways of exercise-induced stimuli to counteract tumour microenvironmental pathologies. However, the most optimal types and doses of exercise training across the cancer disease and treatment continuum are yet to be determined. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review was to illustrate the current implications but also limitations of exercise training during the different stages of cancer therapy, as well as to discuss necessary future directions. As a second purpose, special attention will be given to the current role of exercise in the treatment of cancer in Germany.

Purpose Due to distinct immuno- and neuro-modulatory properties, growing research interest focuses on exercise-induced alterations of the kynurenine (KYN) pathway in healthy and clinical populations. To date, knowledge about the impact of different acute strength exercise modalities on the KYN pathway is scarce. Therefore, we investigated the acute effects of hypertrophic (HYP) compared to maximal (MAX) strength loadings on the KYN pathway regulation. Methods Blood samples of twelve healthy males (mean age and weight: 23.5 ± 3.2 years; 77.5 ± 7.5 kg) were collected before (T0), immediately after (T1), and 1 h after completion (T2) of HYP (5 sets with 10 repetitions at 80% of 1RM) and MAX (15 sets with 1RM) loadings performed in a randomized cross-over design. Serum concentrations of tryptophan (TRP), KYN, kynurenic acid (KA), and quinolinic acid (QA) were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results The KA/KYN ratio increased from T0 to T1 (p = 0.01) and decreased from T1 to T2 (p = 0.011) in HYP, while it was maintained within MAX. Compared to MAX, serum concentrations of KA were greater in HYP at T1 (p = 0.014). Moreover, the QA/KA ratio was significantly lower in HYP than in MAX at T1 (p = 0.002). Conclusion Acute HYP loading led to increases in the metabolic flux yielding KA, thereby possibly promoting immunosuppression and neuroprotection. Our findings emphasize the potential of acute HYP exercise as short-term modulator of KYN pathway downstream to KA in healthy males and need to be proven in other samples., Eur J Appl Physiol;120

Heilbronn, BE, Doma, K, Gormann, D, Schumann, M, and Sinclair, WH. Effects of periodized vs. nonperiodized resistance training on army-specific fitness and skills performance. J Strength Cond Res 34(3): 738-753, 2020-This study investigated the effects of periodized resistance training (PRD) and nonperiodized resistance training (NPRD) on army-specific fitness and skills performance measures. Forty-nine serving members of the Australian Army were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 training groups: PRD, NPRD, or no-resistance training (NRT). Resistance training (RT) was performed during PRD and NPRD twice a week for 9 weeks, over a 15-week period, as part of a structured strength and conditioning program. Baseline, mid- and post-testing measures included anthropometric, strength, and army-specific outcome measures. Results indicated that participants who undertook RT significantly improved in 3 repetition maximum (3RM) squat, deadlift, and floor press for both RT groups, at mid- and post-testing (p0.05), when compared with NRT. Significant improvements were also observed in 5-km weight load marching postintervention similarly for PRD (p0.05) and NPRD (p0.01) and simulated fire and movement for both RT groups at both time points (p0.01), compared with the NRT group (p0.05). Although little difference was observed between periodization models, the current findings suggest greater advantage in developing army-specific performances if a structured RT protocol is included in a generic physical training program compared with a NRT protocol. Therefore, a structured RT program should be considered for military personnel aiming to optimize army-specific fitness and skills performance.

Feuerbacher, JF, Jacobs, MW, Dragutinovic, B, Goldmann, J-P, Cheng, S, and Schumann, M. Validity and test-retest reliability of the Vmaxpro sensor for evaluation of movement velocity in the deep squat. J Strength Cond Res 37(1): 35-40, 2023-We aimed at assessing the validity and test-retest reliability of the inertial measurement unit-based Vmaxpro sensor compared with a Vicon 3D motion capture system and the T-Force sensor during an incremental 1-repetition maximum (1RM) test and at submaximal loads. Nineteen subjects reported to the laboratory for the 1RM test sessions, whereas 15 subjects carried out another 3 sessions consisting of 3 repetitions with 4 different intensities (30, 50, 70, and 90% of 1RM) to determine the intra- and interday reliability. The Vmaxpro sensor showed high validity (Vicon: R2 = 0.935; T-Force: R2 = 0.968) but an overestimation of the mean velocities (MVs) of 0.06 ± 0.08 m·s-1 and 0.06 ± 0.06 m·s-1 compared with Vicon and T-Force, respectively. Regression analysis indicated a systematic bias that is increasing with higher MVs. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for Vmaxpro were moderate to high for intraday (ICC: 0.662-0.938; p ≤ 0.05) and for interday (ICC: 0.568-0.837; p ≤ 0.05) reliability, respectively. The Vmaxpro is a valid and reliable measurement device that can be used to monitor movement velocities within a training session. However, practitioners should be cautious when assessing movement velocities on separate days because of the moderate interday reliability.

Open Access funding provided by the IReL Consortium. This research was partly funded by Huawei Technologies, Finland. RA and BC are partly funded by Science Foundation Ireland (12/RC/2289_P2). PMG and FBO are supported by grants from the MINECO/FEDER (DEP2016-79512-R) and from the University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigacion 2016, Excellence actions: Units of Excellence; Scientific Excellence Unit on Exercise and Health (UCEES); Junta de Andalucia, Consejeria de Conocimiento, Investigacion y Universidades and European Regional Development Funds (ref. SOMM17/6107/UGR). JT and JS are partly funded by the Research Council of Norway (249932/F20). AG is supported by a European Research Council Grant (grant number 716657)., Background Consumer wearables and smartphone devices commonly offer an estimate of energy expenditure (EE) to assist in the objective monitoring of physical activity to the general population. Alongside consumers, healthcare professionals and researchers are seeking to utilise these devices for the monitoring of training and improving human health. However, the methods of validation and reporting of EE estimation in these devices lacks rigour, negatively impacting on the ability to make comparisons between devices and provide transparent accuracy. Objectives The Towards Intelligent Health and Well-Being Network of Physical Activity Assessment (INTERLIVE) is a joint European initiative of six universities and one industrial partner. The network was founded in 2019 and strives towards developing best-practice recommendations for evaluating the validity of consumer wearables and smartphones. This expert statement presents a best-practice validation protocol for consumer wearables and smartphones in the estimation of EE. Methods The recommendations were developed through (1) a systematic literature review; (2) an unstructured review of the wider literature discussing the potential factors that may introduce bias during validation studies; and (3) evidence-informed expert opinions from members of the INTERLIVE network. Results The systematic literature review process identified 1645 potential articles, of which 62 were deemed eligible for the final dataset. Based on these studies and the wider literature search, a validation framework is proposed encompassing six key domains for validation: the target population, criterion measure, index measure, testing conditions, data processing and the statistical analysis. Conclusions The INTERLIVE network recommends that the proposed protocol, and checklists provided, are used to standardise the testing and reporting of the validation of any consumer wearable or smartphone device to estimate EE. This in turn will maximise the potential utility of these technologies for clinicians, researchers, consumers, and manufacturers/ developers, while ensuring transparency, comparability, and replicability in validation., IReL Consortium, Huawei Technologies, Science Foundation Ireland, European Commission 12/RC/2289_P2, Spanish Government DEP2016-79512-R, University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigacion 2016, Excellence actions: Units of Excellence; Scientific Excellence Unit on Exercise and Health (UCEES), Junta de Andalucia, European Commission SOMM17/6107/UGR, Research Council of Norway 249932/F20, European Research Council (ERC) 716657

PBJ is supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (SFRH/BPD/115977/2016). WJ is partly funded by Science Foundation Ireland (12/RC/2289_P2). PMG and FBO are supported by grants from the MINECO/FEDER (DEP2016-79512-R) and from the University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigacion 2016, Excellence actions: Units of Excellence; Scientific Excellence Unit on Exercise and Health (UCEES); Junta de Andalucia, Consejeria de Conocimiento, Investigacion y Universidades and European Regional Development Funds (ref. SOMM17/6107/UGR). JMM is partly funded by Private Stiftung Ewald Marquardt fur Wissenschaft und Technik, Kunst und Kultur. UE and JS are partly funded by the Research Council of Norway (249932/F20). AG is supported a European Research Council Grant (grant number 716657). ELS is supported by TrygFonden (grant number 310081). This research was partly funded by Huawei Technologies, Finland., Consumer wearable and smartphone devices provide an accessible means to objectively measure physical activity (PA) through step counts. With the increasing proliferation of this technology, consumers, practitioners and researchers are interested in leveraging these devices as a means to track and facilitate PA behavioural change. However, while the acceptance of these devices is increasing, the validity of many consumer devices have not been rigorously and transparently evaluated. The Towards Intelligent Health and Well-Being Network of Physical Activity Assessment (INTERLIVE) is a joint European initiative of six universities and one industrial partner. The consortium was founded in 2019 and strives to develop best-practice recommendations for evaluating the validity of consumer wearables and smartphones. This expert statement presents a best-practice consumer wearable and smartphone step counter validation protocol. A two-step process was used to aggregate data and form a scientific foundation for the development of an optimal and feasible validation protocol: (1) a systematic literature review and (2) additional searches of the wider literature pertaining to factors that may introduce bias during the validation of these devices. The systematic literature review process identified 2897 potential articles, with 85 articles deemed eligible for the final dataset. From the synthesised data, we identified a set of six key domains to be considered during design and reporting of validation studies: target population, criterion measure, index measure, validation conditions, data processing and statistical analysis. Based on these six domains, a set of key variables of interest were identified and a 'basic' and 'advanced' multistage protocol for the validation of consumer wearable and smartphone step counters was developed. The INTERLIVE consortium recommends that the proposed protocol is used when considering the validation of any consumer wearable or smartphone step counter. Checklists have been provided to guide validation protocol development and reporting. The network also provide guidance for future research activities, highlighting the imminent need for the development of feasible alternative 'gold-standard' criterion measures for free-living validation. Adherence to these validation and reporting standards will help ensure methodological and reporting consistency, facilitating comparison between consumer devices. Ultimately, this will ensure that as these devices are integrated into standard medical care, consumers, practitioners, industry and researchers can use this technology safely and to its full potential., Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology SFRH/BPD/115977/2016, Science Foundation Ireland, European Commission 12/RC/2289_P2, MINECO/FEDER DEP2016-79512-R, University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigacion 2016, Excellence actions: Units of Excellence, Scientific Excellence Unit on Exercise and Health (UCEES), European Commission SOMM17/6107/UGR, Private Stiftung Ewald Marquardt fur Wissenschaft und Technik, Kunst und Kultur, Research Council of Norway 249932/F20, European Research Council (ERC) European Commission 716657, TrygFonden 310081, Huawei Technologies, Junta de Andalucia

Background: To the authors’ knowledge, there have been no studies comparing the acute responses to “all out” efforts in concentric (isoinertial) vs. eccentric (isovelocity) cycling. Methods: After two familiarization sessions, 12 physically active men underwent the experimental protocols consisting of a 2-min warm-up and 8 maximal efforts of 5 s, separated by 55 s of active recovery at 80 rpm, in concentric vs. eccentric cycling. Comparisons between protocols were conducted during, immediately after, and 24-h post-sessions. Results: Mechanical (Work: 82,824 ± 6350 vs. 60,602 ± 8904 J) and cardiometabolic responses (mean HR: 68.8 ± 6.6 vs. 51.3 ± 5.7% HRmax, lactate: 4.9 ± 2.1 vs. 1.8 ± 0.6 mmol/L) were larger in concentric cycling (p &lt, 0.001). The perceptual responses to both protocols were similarly low. Immediately after concentric cycling, vertical jump was potentiated (p = 0.028). Muscle soreness (VAS, p = 0.016) and thigh circumference (p = 0.045) were slightly increased only 24-h after eccentric cycling. Serum concentrations of CK, BAG3, and MMP-13 did not change significantly post-exercise. Conclusions: These results suggest the appropriateness of the eccentric cycling protocol used as a time-efficient (i.e., ~60 kJ in 10 min) and safe (i.e., without exercise-induced muscle damage) alternative to be used with different populations in future longitudinal interventions.

Was ist neu? Altersassoziierte Veränderungen der Skelettmuskulatur Biologisches Altern geht mit einer stetigen Atrophie von bis zu 40 % der Muskelmasse einher. Induziert wird dies maßgeblich durch das Absterben von Motoneuronen und einer damit einhergehenden verringerten Anzahl an Muskelfasern. Altersassoziierte Veränderungen des ZNS Neben Veränderungen der Skelettmuskulatur geht der Altersgang auch mit Einschränkungen der Struktur und Funktion des zentralen Nervensystems einher. Dabei geht man insbesondere von einem durch Botenstoffe gesteuerten „Crosstalk“ zwischen der Skelettmuskulatur und dem Gehirn aus, welcher maßgeblich für den Erhalt beider „Organe“ unabdingbar ist. Empfehlung für sportliche Belastungen zur funktionalen Erhaltung der Skelettmuskulatur und des ZNS Der altersassoziierten Degeneration des Bewegungsapparats und des ZNS kann effektiv durch regelmäßiges Kraft- und Ausdauertraining entgegengewirkt werden. Grundsätzlich müssen Empfehlungen zur sportlichen Aktivität der individuellen Situation des Patienten angepasst werden.

Background The directional influences between serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), adiposity and insulin resistance during pubertal growth remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate bidirectional associations between SHBG and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and adiposity from childhood to early adulthood. Methods Participants were 396 healthy girls measured at baseline (age 11.2 years) and at 1, 2, 4 and 7.5 years. Serum concentrations of estradiol, testosterone and SHBG were determined by ELISA, glucose and insulin by enzymatic photometry, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) by time-resolved fluoroimmunoassays, whole-body fat mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and HOMA-IR were determined by homeostatic model assessment. The associations were examined using cross-lagged path models. Results In a cross-lagged path model, SHBG predicted HOMA-IR before menarche β = −0.320 (95% CI: −0.552 to −0.089), P = 0.007, independent of adiposity and IGF-1. After menarche, no directional effect was found between SHBG and insulin resistance or adiposity. Conclusions Our results suggest that in early puberty, decline in SHBG predicts development of insulin resistance, independent of adiposity. However, after menarche, no directional influences between SHBG, adiposity and insulin resistance were found, suggesting that observational associations between SHBG, adiposity and insulin resistance in pubertal children may be subject to confounding. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms of the associations between SHBG and cardiometabolic risk markers in peripubertal children.

Background The primary aim of this study was to examine the associations of normal weight obesity (NWO) with physical fitness in Chinese university students. As a secondary aim, we assessed whether possible differences in physical fitness between students classified as NWO and normal weight non-obese (NWNO) were mediated by skeletal muscles mass. Methods A total of 383 students (205 males and 178 females, aged 18–24 years) from two universities volunteered to participate in this study. Body height and weight were measured by standard procedures and body composition was assessed by bio-impedance analysis (InBody 720). NWO was defined by a BMI of 18.5–23.9 kg/m2 and a body fat percentage of > 20% or > 30% in male and female students, respectively. Physical fitness was measured using a 10-min intermittent endurance running test (Andersen test), countermovement jumps (CMJ) and a 5 × 5 m shuttle run test (5mSR). The level of leisure time physical activity (PA) was assessed by a questionnaire. Results 13.7% of male and 27.5% of female students were classified as NWO. Compared to NWNO, students classified as NWO showed a significantly poorer performance in the Andersen test (males: 1146 ± 70 m vs. 1046 ± 95 m, females: 968 ± 61 m vs. 907 ± 67 m, p

BackgroundBoth athletes and recreational exercisers often perform relatively high volumes of aerobic and strength training simultaneously. However, the compatibility of these two distinct training modes remains unclear. ObjectiveThis systematic review assessed the compatibility of concurrent aerobic and strength training compared with strength training alone, in terms of adaptations in muscle function (maximal and explosive strength) and muscle mass. Subgroup analyses were conducted to examine the influence of training modality, training type, exercise order, training frequency, age, and training status.DesignA systematic literature search was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). PROSPERO: CRD42020203777.Data sourcesPubMed/MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and Scopus were systematically searched (12th of August 2020, updated on the 15th of March 2021).Eligibility criteriaPopulation: Healthy adults of any sex and age; Intervention: supervised, concurrent aerobic and strength training of at least 4 weeks; Comparison: identical strength training prescription, with no aerobic training; Outcome: maximal strength, explosive strength, and muscle hypertrophy. ResultsA total of 43 studies were included. The estimated standardised mean differences (SMD) based on the random-effects model were -0.06 (95% CI: -0.20, 0.09, p=0.446), -0.28 (95% CI: -0.48, - 0.08, p=0.007) and -0.01 (95% CI: -0.16, 0.18, p=0.919) for maximal strength, explosive strength, and muscle hypertrophy, respectively. Attenuation of explosive strength was more pronounced when concurrent training was performed within the same session (p=0.043) compared to when sessions were separated by at least 3 h (p>0.05). No significant effects were found for the other moderators, i.e. type of aerobic training (cycling vs. running), frequency of concurrent training (> 5 weekly sessions vs. < 5 weekly sessions), training status (untrained vs. active) and mean age (< 40 years vs. > 40 years). Summary/ConclusionConcurrent aerobic and strength training does not compromise muscle hypertrophy and maximal strength development. However, explosive strength gains may be attenuated, especially when aerobic and strength training are performed in the same session. These results appeared to be independent of the type of aerobic training, frequency of concurrent training, training status, and age.

This study assessed the associations of maximal isometric strength and movement economy in 126 recreationally active men and women. Oxygen consumption was assessed through a graded treadmill test with 4-minute increments (4-12 km∙h

Purpose It remains unknown how different training intensities and volumes chronically impact circulating lymphocytes and cellular adhesion molecules. First, we aimed to monitor changes in NK and T cells over a training season and relate these to training load. Second, we analyzed effects of training differences between swimmers on these cells. Finally, we examined if changes in lymphocytes were associated with sICAM-1 concentrations. Methods We analyzed weekly training volume, training intensity, proportions of T and NK cells and serum sICAM-1 in eight sprint (SS) and seven middle-distance swimmers (MID) at three points over a 16-week training period: at the start (t0), after 7 weeks of increased training load (t7) and after 16 weeks, including 5-day taper (t16). Results Training volume of all swimmers was statistically higher and training intensity lower from t0–t7 compared to t7–t16 (p = 0.001). Secondly, training intensity was statistically higher in SS from t0–t7 (p = 0.004) and t7–t16 (p = 0.015), while MID had a statistically higher training volume from t7–t16 (p = 0.04). From t0–t7, NK (p = 0.06) and CD45RA+CD45RO+CD4+ cells (p −CD45RO+CD4+ cells (p = 0.024) statistically increased. In a subgroup analysis, SS showed statistically larger increases in NK cells from t7–t16 than MID (p = 0.012). Lastly, sICAM-1 concentrations were associated with changes in CD45RA−CDRO+CD4+ cells (r = − 0.656, p = 0.08). Conclusion These results indicate that intensified training in swimmers resulted in transient changes in T and NK cells. Further, NK cells are sensitive to high training volumes. Lastly, sICAM-1 concentrations may be associated with the migration and maturation of CD4+ cells in athletes.

Umlauff, L, Weil, P, Zimmer, P, Hackney, AC, Bloch, W, and Schumann, M. Oral contraceptives do not affect physiological responses to strength exercise. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 894-901, 2021-This study investigated the effect of oral contraceptive (OC) use on acute changes in steroid hormone concentrations and tryptophan (TRP) metabolites in response to strength exercise. Twenty-one women (age: 23 ± 3 years), 8 combined OC users (OC group) and 13 naturally cycling women (menstrual cycle [MC] group), participated. Testing was performed during the pill-free interval for the OC group and the follicular phase for the MC group. Subjects completed an intense strength exercise protocol (4 × 10 repetitions back squat). Blood samples were taken at baseline (T0), post-exercise (T1), and after 24 hours (T2) to determine serum concentrations of cortisol, estradiol, testosterone, TRP, and kynurenine (KYN). Statistical significance was defined as p ≤ 0.05. At T0, the OC group showed higher cortisol (OC: 493.7 ± 47.1 ng·mL-1, MC: 299.1 ± 62.7 ng·mL-1, p0.001) and blood lactate (OC: 1.81 ± 0.61 mmol·L-1, MC: 1.06 ± 0.30 mmol·L-1, p = 0.001) and lower estradiol (OC: 31.12 ± 4.24 pg·mL-1, MC: 38.34 ± 7.50 pg·mL-1, p = 0.023) and KYN (OC: 1.15 ± 0.23 µmol·L-1, MC: 1.75 ± 0.50 µmol·L-1, p = 0.005). No significant interactions (group × time, p0.05) were found for the hormones and TRP metabolites assessed. Oral contraceptive use did not affect the physiological response of steroid hormones and TRP metabolites to acute strength exercise during the low hormone phase of the contraceptive or MC in healthy young women, even when some baseline concentrations differed between groups. Consequently, these findings provide important implications for practitioners testing heterogeneous groups of female athletes.