Recovery markers in elite climbers after the national boulder climbing championship.

This study aimed to investigate recovery markers among elite climbers following the National Boulder Championship. We assessed maximum isometric hand grip strength (HS), forearm swelling (circumference), delayed soreness in forearm muscles, tiredness, and exercise readiness at several time points: pre-competition, immediately post-competition (within 4 min after their last effort), and 12, 24, 48, and 60 h post-competition. Maximum isometric hand grip strength decreased by 6.38 ± 1.32% (p = 0.006) post-12 h, returning to pre-competition values post-24 h (all p > 0.05). Forearm circumference (FC) increased 1.78 ± 1.77% (p < 0.001) post-competition, returning to pre-competition values post-12 h (all p > 0.05). Forearm pain (FP) increased post-competition (p = 0.002) and post-12 h (p < 0.001), returning to pre-competition values post-24 h (all p > 0.05). Tiredness increased post-competition (p < 0.001), post-12 h (p < 0.001), and post-24 h (p < 0.001), returning to pre-competition values post-48 h (all p > 0.05). Climbing readiness was reduced post-competition (p < 0.001), post-12 h (p < 0.001), post-24 h (p < 0.001), and post-48 h (p = 0.005), only returning to pre-competition values post-60 h (p = 0.189). Visual analysis of individual data pointed out a relatively small variability in the HS and FC markers, while FP, tiredness, and readiness exhibited larger individual variations. These findings indicate that different recovery patterns exist for the analyzed markers, suggesting that athletes may require up to 60 h after a competition to fully recover and regain their ability to face new competitive challenges.

Effects of Different Exercise Types on Chrna7 and Chrfam7a Expression in Healthy Normal Weight and Overweight Type 2 Diabetic Adults.

Purpose: Considering that the CHRNA7 and CHRFAM7A genes can be modulated by acute or chronic inflammation, and exercise modulates inflammatory responses, the question that arises is whether physical exercise could exert any effect on the expression of these genes. Thus, the aim of this work is to identify the effects of different types of exercises on the expression of the CHRNA7, CHRFAM7A and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in leukocytes of healthy normal weight (HNW), and overweight with type 2 diabetes (OT2D) individuals. Methods: 15 OT2D and 13 HNW participants (men and women, from 40 to 60 years old) performed in a randomized crossover design three exercise sessions: aerobic exercise (AE), resistance exercise (RE) and combined exercise (CE). Blood samples were collected at rest and post-60-min of the exercise sessions. The leukocytes were the analysis of the CHRNA7, CHRFAM7A and (TNF-α) gene expression. Results: At baseline, OT2D had higher CHRFAM7A and TNF-α expression compared to HNW. No statistical differences were observed between groups for CHRNA7; however, the HNW group presented almost twice as many subjects with the expression of this gene (24% vs. 49%). Post exercise, the CHRFAM7A increased in AE, RE and CE for HNW, and in AE and CE for OT2D. There was no significant difference for TNF-α and CHRNA7 expression between any type of exercise and group. Conclusions: Our study shows that OT2D individuals presented higher baseline expression of TNF-α and CHRFAM7A, besides evidence of decreased CHRNA7A expression in leukocytes when compared with HNW. On the other hand, acutely physical exercise induces increased CHRFAM7A expression, especially when the aerobic component is present.

Resistance Training Combined With Cognitive Training Increases Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Improves Cognitive Function in Healthy Older Adults.

Background: The present study compared the effects of a traditional resistance training (TRT) and resistance training combined with cognitive task (RT + CT) on body composition, physical performance, cognitive function, and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) levels in older adults. Methods: Thirty community-dwelling older adults were randomized into TRT (70.0 ± 8.1; 25% men) and RT + CT (66.3 ± 4.6; 31% men). Exercise groups performed a similar resistance training (RT) program, twice a week over 16 weeks. Cognitive Training involved performing verbal fluency simultaneously with RT. Exercise sessions (eight resistance exercises) were performed 2-3 sets, 8-15 repetitions at 60%-70% of 1-repetition maximum (1RM). Body composition, physical function, cognitive performance, and BDNF levels were assessed before and after intervention period. Results: The physical performance was similarly improved in response to both TRT and RT + CT (p = 0.001). However, exclusive improvements on cognitive function (p < 0.001) and BDNF levels (p = 0.001) were observed only after RT + CT. Conclusion: The RT program associated with a cognitive task, improved physical and cognitive performance in healthy older adults.

Effects of induced local ischemia during a 4-km cycling time trial on neuromuscular fatigue development.

The present study analyzed the effects of local ischemia during endurance exercise on neuromuscular fatigue (NMF). Nine cyclists performed, in a counterbalanced order, two separate 4-km cycling time trials (TT) with (ISCH) or without (CONTR) induced local ischemia. NMF was characterized by using isometric maximal voluntary contractions (IMVC), whereas central [voluntary activation (VA)] and peripheral fatigue [peak torque of potentiated twitch (TwPt)] of knee extensors were evaluated using electrically evoked contractions performed before (PRE) and 1 min after (POST) the TT. Electromyographic activity (EMG), power output (PO), oxygen uptake (V̇o2), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were also recorded. The decrease in IMVC (-15 ± 9% vs. -10 ± 8%, P = 0.66), VA (-4 ± 3% vs. -3 ± 3%, P = 0.46), and TwPt (-16 ± 7% vs. -19 ± 14%, P = 0.67) was similar in ISCH and CONTR. Endurance performance was drastically reduced in ISCH condition (512 ± 29 s) compared with CONTR (386 ± 17 s) (P < 0.001), which was accompanied by lower EMG, PO, and V̇o2 responses (all P < 0.05). RPE was greater in ISCH compared with CONTR (P < 0.05), but the rate of change was similar throughout the TT (8.19 ± 2.59 vs. 7.81 ± 2.01 RPE.% of total time-1, P > 0.05). These results indicate that similar end-exercise NMF levels were accompanied by impaired endurance performance in ISCH compared with CONTR. These novel findings suggest that the local reduced oxygen availability affected the afferent feedback signals to the central nervous system, ultimately increasing perceived effort and reducing muscle activity and exercise intensity to avoid surpassing a sensory tolerance limit before the finish line.

The effect of an airflow restriction mask (ARM) on metabolic, ventilatory, and electromyographic responses to continuous cycling exercise.

This study analyzed the physiological adjustments caused by the use of the Elevation training mask® (2.0), an airflow restriction mask (ARM) during continuous exercise. Eighteen physically active participants (12 men and 6 women) were randomized to two protocols: continuous exercise with mask (CE-ARM) and continuous exercise without mask (CE). Exercise consisted of cycling for 20 minutes at 60% of maximum power. Metabolic variables, lactate, and gas concentration were obtained from arterialized blood samples at pre and post exercise. Continuous expired gases and myoelectric activity of the quadriceps were performed at rest and during the test. We observed no reduction in oxygen saturation in CE-ARM, leading to lower pH, higher carbon dioxide, and greater hematocrit (all p <0.05). The expired gas analysis shows that the CE-ARM condition presented higher oxygen uptake and expired carbon dioxide concentrations (p <0.05). The CE-ARM condition also presented lower ventilatory volume, ventilatory frequency, and expired oxygen pressure (p <0.05). No changes in electromyography activity and lactate concentrations were identified. We conclude that using ARM does not induce hypoxia and represents an additional challenge for the control of acid-base balance, and we suggest the use of ARM as being suitable for respiratory muscle training.

Stretch-shortening cycle exercise produces acute and prolonged impairments on endurance performance: is the peripheral fatigue a single answer?

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to verify the acute and prolonged effects of stretch-shortening cycle exercise (SSC) on performance and neuromuscular function following a 4-km cycling time trial (4-km TT). METHODS: On separate days, individuals performed a 4-km TT without any previous exercise (CON), immediately (ACUTE) and 48 h after (PROL) SSC protocol (i.e., 100-drop jumps). Neuromuscular function was measured at baseline SSC (baseline), before (pre-TT) and after (post-TT) 4-km TT. Muscle soreness and inflammatory responses also were assessed. RESULTS: The endurance performance was impaired in both ACUTE (- 2.3 ± 1.8%) and PROL (- 1.8 ± 2.4%) compared with CON. The SSC protocol caused also an acute reduction in neuromuscular function, with a greater decrease in potentiated quadriceps twitch-force (Qtw.pot - 49 ± 16%) and voluntary activation (VA - 6.5 ± 7%) compared for CON and PROL at pre-TT. The neuromuscular function was fully recovered 48 h after SSC protocol. Muscle soreness and IL-10 were elevated only 48 h after SSC protocol. At post-TT, Qtw.pot remained lower in ACUTE (- 52 ± 14%) compared to CON (- 29 ± 7%) and PROL (- 31 ± 16%). CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that impairment in endurance performance induced by prior SSC protocol was mediated by two distinct mechanisms, where the acute impairment was related to an exacerbated degree of peripheral and central fatigue, and the prolonged impairment was due to elevated perceived muscle soreness.

Association of skeletal muscle and serum metabolites with maximum power output gains in response to continuous endurance or high-intensity interval training programs: The TIMES study - A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have begun to identify the molecular determinants of inter-individual variability of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in response to exercise training programs. However, we still have an incomplete picture of the molecular mechanisms underlying trainability in response to exercise training. OBJECTIVE: We investigated baseline serum and skeletal muscle metabolomics profile and its associations with maximal power output (MPO) gains in response to 8-week of continuous endurance training (ET) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programs matched for total units of exercise performed (the TIMES study). METHODS: Eighty healthy sedentary young adult males were randomized to one of three groups and 70 were defined as completers (> 90% of sessions): ET (n = 30), HIIT (n = 30) and control (CO, n = 10). For the CO, participants were asked to not exercise for 8 weeks. Serum and skeletal muscle samples were analyzed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The targeted screens yielded 43 serum and 70 muscle reproducible metabolites (intraclass > 0.75; coefficient of variation < 25%). Associations of baseline metabolites with MPO trainability were explored within each training program via three analytical strategies: (1) correlations with gains in MPO; (2) differences between high and low responders to ET and HIIT; and (3) metabolites contributions to the most significant pathways related to gains in MPO. The significance level was set at P < 0.01 or false discovery rate of 0.1. RESULTS: The exercise programs generated similar gains in MPO (ET = 21.4 ± 8.0%; HIIT = 24.3 ± 8.5%). MPO associated baseline metabolites supported by all three levels of evidence were: serum glycerol, muscle alanine, proline, threonine, creatinine, AMP and pyruvate for ET, and serum lysine, phenylalanine, creatine, and muscle glycolate for HIIT. The most common pathways suggested by the metabolite profiles were aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, and carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. CONCLUSION: We suggest that MPO gains in both programs are potentially associated with metabolites indicative of baseline amino acid and translation processes with additional evidence for carbohydrate metabolism in ET.

Parasympathetic activity delayed after self-paced exercise.

The main purpose of this study was to compare the effect of the constant load and self-paced exercise with similar total work on autonomic control after endurance exercise. Ten physically active men were submitted to (i) a maximal incremental exercise test, (ii) a 4-km cycling time trial (4-km TT), and (iii) a constant workload test with identical total external work performed at 4-km TT. Gas exchange was measured throughout the tests, while blood lactate, heart rate, and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured during the passive recovery. Power output measured at the last lap (i.e. 3600-4000 m) of 4-km TT (316 ± 89 W) was statistically higher than power output measured at the end of the constant workload exercise (211 ± 42 W). The 4-km TT produced higher values of blood lactate concentration (8.8 ± 2.1 mmol L-1) than the constant workload test (7.8 ± 2.1 mmol L-1). The heart rate recovery measured at 60 s (constant workload: 37 ± 7 bpm; 4-km TT: 30 ± 6) and 120 s (constant workload: 57 ± 9 bpm; 4-km TT: 51 ± 9 bpm) were higher in the constant workload than in the self-paced exercise. The HRV (i.e. RMSSD30s) was statistically higher in the constant load exercise measured at 120, 420, 450, 480, 540, and 570 s than the self-paced exercise. These findings suggest that the autonomic control responses were dependent of the endurance exercise modalities, with parasympathetic activity being delayed after self-paced exercise, as evidenced by post-exercise heart rate indices.

Concurrent Training with Blood Flow Restriction does not Decrease Inflammatory Markers.

The aging process is associated with several changes in the elderly such as the decrease in cardiorespiratory fitness, strength and muscle mass, in addition to chronic low-grade inflammation. Concurrent training with blood flow restriction can be an interesting alternative to improve functional capacity with low mechanical stress in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to compare the inflammatory effects in older individuals submitted to two different protocols of concurrent training. Twenty-two healthy older adults (63.7±3.8 years; 69.8±8.9 kg; 1.6±0.1 m) performed 12 weeks of concurrent training (CT) or concurrent training with blood flow restriction (CTBFR) and the effects on inflammatory markers were analyzed. We found inflammatory behavior for the CTBFR group with a significant difference in serum concentration of C-reactive protein between pre- and post-moment (0.96±0.37 to 1.71±1.45, p=0.049), with no difference between groups, and a time effect in interleukin-6 (pre=0.86±0.43; post=1.02±0.46, p=0.016). We conclude that the CTBFR showed a pro-inflammatory profile after the period of intervention whereas the CT showed the opposite.

Obese with higher FNDC5/Irisin levels have a better metabolic profile, lower lipopolysaccharide levels and type 2 diabetes risk

ABSTRACT Objective: Thus, the aim of this study was to compare if higher or smaller fibronectin type 3 domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5)/irisin levels are associated with inflammatory and metabolic markers, caloric/macronutrient intake, physical fitness and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk in obese middle-aged men, and also to correlate all variables analyzed with FNDC5/irisin. Subjects and methods: On the basis of a cluster study, middle-aged obese men (IMC: 31.01 ± 1.64 kg/m2) were divided into groups of higher and smaller levels of FNDC5/irisin. The levels of leptin, resistin, adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 6 and 10 (IL6, IL10), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin, insulin resistance and sensibility, lipid profile, risk of T2DM development, body composition, rest energy expenditure, caloric/macronutrient intake and physical fitness were measured. Results: The higher FNDC5/ irisin group presented improved insulin sensibility (homeostasis model assessment - sensibility (HOMA-S) (p = 0.01) and QUICKI index (p < 0.01)), insulin (p = 0.02) and triglyceride levels (p = 0.01), lower insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment - insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p = 0.01), triglycerides/glucose (TYG index) (p = 0.02), neck circumference (p = 0.02), risk of T2DM development (p = 0.02), tendency to decrease serum resistin (p = 0.08) and significant lower LPS levels (p = 0.02). Inverse correlations between FNDC5/irisin and body weight (r −0.46, p = 0.04), neck circumference (r −0.51, p = 0.02), free fat mass (r −0.49, p = 0.02), triglycerides (r −0.43, p = 0.05) and risk of developing T2DM (r −0.61, p = 0.04) were observed. Conclusions: These results suggest that higher FNDC5/irisin levels in obese middle-aged men are related to a better metabolic profile and lower risk of T2DM development and serum LPS, a potential inducer of insulin resistance.

Ankle brace attenuates the medial-lateral ground reaction force during basketball rebound jump / Órtese de tornozelo atenua a força de reação do solo mediolateral durante salto de rebote do basquetebol / Ortesis para tobillo atenúa la fuerza de reacción del suelo mediolateral durante el salto de rebote en el baloncesto

ABSTRACT Introduction: The jump landing is the leading cause for ankle injuries in basketball. It has been shown that the use of ankle brace is effective to prevent these injuries by increasing the mechanical stability of the ankle at the initial contact of the foot with the ground. Objective: To investigate the effects of ankle brace on the ground reaction force (GRF) during the simulation of a basketball rebound jump. Method: Eleven young male basketball players randomly carried out a simulated basketball rebound jump under two conditions, with and without ankle brace (lace-up). Dynamic parameters of vertical GRF (take-off and landing vertical peaks, time to take-off and landing vertical peaks, take-off impulse peak, impulse at 50 milliseconds of landing, and jump height) and medial-lateral (take-off and landing medial-lateral peaks, and time to reach medial-lateral peaks at take-off and landing) were recorded by force platform during rebound jumps in each tested condition. The comparisons between the tested conditions were performed by paired t test (P<0.05). Results: The use of ankle braces reduced the medial and lateral peaks of the GRF by -15.7% (P=0.035) and -24.9% (P=0.012), respectively, during the landing of the rebound jump. Additionally, wearing the brace did not affect any dynamic parameters of vertical GRF or temporal parameters of the medial-lateral GRF (P>0.05). Conclusion: The use of ankle brace during basketball rebound jumps attenuates the magnitude of medial-lateral GRF on the landing phase, without changing the vertical GRF. This finding indicates that the use of brace increases the medial-lateral mechanical protection by decreasing the shear force exerted on the athlete's body without change the application of propulsive forces in the take-off and the impact absorption quality in the landing during the basketball rebound jump.

RESUMO Introdução: A aterrissagem do salto é a principal causa de lesões de tornozelo no basquetebol. Demonstrou-se que o uso de órtese de tornozelo é efetivo para prevenir estas lesões, porque aumenta a estabilidade mecânica do tornozelo no contato inicial do pé com o solo. Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos do uso de órtese de tornozelo sobre a força de reação do solo (FRS) durante simulação de um salto de rebote do basquetebol. Método: Onze jovens jogadores de basquetebol do sexo masculino realizaram randomicamente um salto de rebote do basquetebol simulado em duas condições, com e sem órtese de tornozelo (lace-up). Os parâmetros dinâmicos da FRS vertical (picos verticais na decolagem e aterrissagem, tempo até os picos verticais na decolagem e aterrissagem, pico de impulso na decolagem, impulso nos 50 milissegundos da aterrissagem e altura do salto) e mediolateral (picos mediolaterais na decolagem e aterrissagem e tempo para atingir os picos mediolaterais na decolagem e aterrissagem), foram registrados por plataforma de força durante os saltos de rebote em cada condição testada. As comparações entre as condições testadas foram realizadas pelo teste t pareado (P < 0,05). Resultados: O uso de órteses de tornozelo reduziu os picos mediais e laterais da FRS em -15,7% (P = 0,035) e -24,9% (P = 0,012), respectivamente, durante a aterrissagem do salto de rebote. Além disso, o uso da órtese de tornozelo não afetou nenhum parâmetro dinâmico da FRS vertical ou parâmetros temporais da FRS mediolateral (P > 0,05). Conclusão: O uso de órtese de tornozelo durante os saltos de rebote do basquetebol atenua a magnitude da FRS mediolateral na fase aterrissagem, sem alterar a FRS vertical. Esse achado indica que o uso de órtese aumenta a proteção mecânica mediolateral pela redução da força de cisalhamento exercida sobre o corpo do atleta, sem alterar a aplicação das forças de propulsão na decolagem e a qualidade de absorção de impacto na aterrissagem durante o salto de rebote do basquetebol.

RESUMEN Introducción: El aterrizaje del salto es la principal causa de lesiones de tobillo en el baloncesto. Se ha demostrado que el uso de ortesis para tobillo es eficaz para evitar este tipo de lesiones, ya que aumenta la estabilidad mecánica del tobillo en el contacto inicial del pie con el suelo. Objetivo: Investigar los efectos del uso de ortesis para tobillo sobre la fuerza de reacción del suelo (FRS) durante la simulación de un salto de rebote de baloncesto. Métodos: Once jóvenes del sexo masculino, jugadores de baloncesto, fueron sometidos al azar a un salto de rebote simulado de baloncesto en dos condiciones, con y sin ortesis para tobillo (lace-up). Los parámetros dinámicos de la FRS vertical (picos verticales en el despegue y aterrizaje, tiempo hasta el pico vertical en el despegue y el aterrizaje, el empuje de pico en el despegue, el empuje en 50 milisegundos de aterrizaje y altura del salto) y mediolateral (picos mediolaterales en el despegue y el ater-rizaje y el tiempo para alcanzar el pico mediolateral en el despegue y el aterrizaje) fueron registrados por la plataforma de fuerza durante el salto de rebote. Las comparaciones entre las condiciones estudiadas se realizaron mediante la prueba t pareada (P < 0,05). Resultados: El uso de la ortesis para tobillo redujo los picos mediales y laterales de la FRS en -15,7% (P = 0,035) y -24,9% (P = 0,012), respectivamente, durante el aterrizaje del salto rebote. Además, el uso de ortesis para tobillo no afectó a ningún parámetro dinámico de la FRS vertical o parámetros temporales de la FRS mediolateral (P > 0,05). Conclusión: El uso de ortesis para tobillo para el salto de rebote de baloncesto atenúa la magnitud de la FRS mediolateral en el fase de aterrizaje sin cambiar el FRS vertical. Este hallazgo indica que el uso de la ortesis aumenta la protección mecánica mediolateral al reducir la fuerza de corte ejercida sobre el cuerpo del atleta, sin cambiar la aplicación de las fuerzas de propulsión en el despegue y la calidad de absorción de impactos en el aterrizaje del salto durante el rebote en el baloncesto.

Combined training, FNDC5/irisin levels and metabolic markers in obese men: A randomised controlled trial.

The effects of training on FNDC5/irisin and its association with fitness and metabolic marker improvements induced by training have been poorly investigated in humans. Thus, the present study assessed the effects of combined training (CT) on FNDC5/irisin levels, metabolic markers and fitness adaptations in obese men. Middle-age obese men (age 49.13 ± 5.75, body mass index (BMI) 30.86 ± 1.63) were randomly distributed in the CT group (n = 12) and control group (CG n = 10). The CT consisted of strength followed by aerobic training, 3 times/week, for 24 weeks. Body composition, physical fitness, plasma FNDC5/irisin, biochemical markers and metabolic scores/index were evaluated. CT maintained FNDC5/irisin levels (µg/mL) (pre: 4.15 ± 0.32, post: 4.21 ± 0.32; p = .96) and improved body composition, metabolic and physical fitness markers. In the CG, decreased FNDC5/irisin (µg/mL) (pre: 4.36 ± 0.23, post: 3.57 ± 0.94; p = .01) and reduced strength (supine exercise/kg) (pre: 71 ± 14.7, post: 60.1 ± 14.05; p < .01) were observed, along with a trend to increase HOMA-IR (pre: 2.63 ± 1.11, post: 3.14 ± 1.27; p = .07) and other indicators of metabolic deterioration. An inverse correlation was found between the change (Δ%) in levels of FNDC5/irisin and Δ% glucose, Δ% total cholesterol, Δ% triglycerides and Δ% waist circumference, in addition to a positive relation with Δ% muscle strength. In conclusion, CT maintained FNDC5/irisin levels and provided metabolic and fitness benefits. The correlation between FNDC5/irisin changes and metabolic parameters, as well as the FNDC5/irisin reduction associated with fitness and metabolic worsening in the CG, suggests a relationship between FNDC5/irisin and a healthy metabolic status in humans.

Obese with higher FNDC5/Irisin levels have a better metabolic profile, lower lipopolysaccharide levels and type 2 diabetes risk.

OBJECTIVE: Thus, the aim of this study was to compare if higher or smaller fibronectin type 3 domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5)/irisin levels are associated with inflammatory and metabolic markers, caloric/macronutrient intake, physical fitness and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk in obese middle-aged men, and also to correlate all variables analyzed with FNDC5/irisin. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: On the basis of a cluster study, middle-aged obese men (IMC: 31.01 ± 1.64 kg/m2) were divided into groups of higher and smaller levels of FNDC5/irisin. The levels of leptin, resistin, adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 6 and 10 (IL6, IL10), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin, insulin resistance and sensibility, lipid profile, risk of T2DM development, body composition, rest energy expenditure, caloric/macronutrient intake and physical fitness were measured. RESULTS: The higher FNDC5/ irisin group presented improved insulin sensibility (homeostasis model assessment - sensibility (HOMA-S) (p = 0.01) and QUICKI index (p < 0.01)), insulin (p = 0.02) and triglyceride levels (p = 0.01), lower insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment - insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p = 0.01), triglycerides/glucose (TYG index) (p = 0.02), neck circumference (p = 0.02), risk of T2DM development (p = 0.02), tendency to decrease serum resistin (p = 0.08) and significant lower LPS levels (p = 0.02). Inverse correlations between FNDC5/irisin and body weight (r -0.46, p = 0.04), neck circumference (r -0.51, p = 0.02), free fat mass (r -0.49, p = 0.02), triglycerides (r -0.43, p = 0.05) and risk of developing T2DM (r -0.61, p = 0.04) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that higher FNDC5/irisin levels in obese middle-aged men are related to a better metabolic profile and lower risk of T2DM development and serum LPS, a potential inducer of insulin resistance.

Attenuated PGC-1α Isoforms following Endurance Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction.

INTRODUCTION: Exercise performed with blood flow restriction simultaneously enhances the acute responses to both myogenic and mitochondrial pathways with roles in training adaptation. We investigated isoform-specific gene expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 and selected target genes and proteins regulating skeletal muscle training adaptation. METHODS: Nine healthy, untrained males participated in a randomized, counterbalanced, crossover design in which each subject completed a bout of low-intensity endurance exercise performed with blood flow restriction (15 min cycling at 40% of V˙O2peak, BFR-EE), endurance exercise (30 min cycling at 70% of V˙O2peak, EE), or resistance exercise (4 × 10 repetitions of leg press at 70% of one-repetition maximum) separated by at least 1 wk of recovery. A single resting muscle biopsy (vastus lateralis) was obtained 2 wk before the first exercise trial (rest) and 3 h after each bout. RESULTS: Total PGC-1α mRNA abundance, along with all four isoforms, increased above rest with EE only (P < 0.05) being higher than BFR-EE (P < 0.05). PGC-1α1, 2, and 4 were higher after EE compared with resistance exercise (P < 0.05). EE also increased vascular endothelial growth factor, Hif-1α, and MuRF-1 mRNA abundance above rest (P < 0.05), whereas COXIV mRNA expression increased with EE compared with BFR-EE (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The attenuated expression of all four PGC-1α isoforms when EE is performed with blood flow restriction suggests this type of exercise provides an insufficient stimulus to activate the signaling pathways governing mitochondrial and angiogenesis responses observed with moderate- to high-intensity EE.

Effects of 12 weeks of combined training without caloric restriction on inflammatory markers in overweight girls.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of combined training without caloric restriction on inflammatory markers in overweight girls. Thirty-three girls (13-17 years) were assigned into overweight training (n = 17) or overweight control (n = 16) groups. Additionally, a normal-weight group (n = 15) was used as control for the baseline values. The combined training programme consisted of six resistance exercises (three sets of 6-10 repetitions at 60-70% 1 RM) followed by 30 min of aerobic exercise (walking/running) at 50-80% VO2peak, performed in the same 60 min session, 3 days/weeks, for 12 weeks. Body composition, dietary intake, aerobic fitness (VO2peak), muscular strength (1 RM), glycaemia, insulinemia, lipid profile and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-10, leptin, resistin and adiponectin) were measured before and after intervention. There was a significant decrease in body fat (P < 0.01) and increase in fat-free mass (P < 0.01), VO2peak (P < 0.01), 1 RM for leg press (P < 0.01) and bench press (P < 0.01) in the overweight training group. Concomitantly, this group presented significant decreases in serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (P < 0.05) and leptin (P < 0.05), as well as in insulin resistance (P < 0.05) after the experimental period. In conclusion, 12 weeks of combined training without caloric restriction reduced inflammatory markers associated with obesity in overweight girls.

GEDAE-LaB: A Free Software to Calculate the Energy System Contributions during Exercise.

PURPOSE: The aim of the current study is to describe the functionality of free software developed for energy system contributions and energy expenditure calculation during exercise, namely GEDAE-LaB. METHODS: Eleven participants performed the following tests: 1) a maximal cycling incremental test to measure the ventilatory threshold and maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max); 2) a cycling workload constant test at moderate domain (90% ventilatory threshold); 3) a cycling workload constant test at severe domain (110% V̇O2max). Oxygen uptake and plasma lactate were measured during the tests. The contributions of the aerobic (AMET), anaerobic lactic (LAMET), and anaerobic alactic (ALMET) systems were calculated based on the oxygen uptake during exercise, the oxygen energy equivalents provided by lactate accumulation, and the fast component of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, respectively. In order to assess the intra-investigator variation, four different investigators performed the analyses independently using GEDAE-LaB. A direct comparison with commercial software was also provided. RESULTS: All subjects completed 10 min of exercise at moderate domain, while the time to exhaustion at severe domain was 144 ± 65 s. The AMET, LAMET, and ALMET contributions during moderate domain were about 93, 2, and 5%, respectively. The AMET, LAMET, and ALMET contributions during severe domain were about 66, 21, and 13%, respectively. No statistical differences were found between the energy system contributions and energy expenditure obtained by GEDAE-LaB and commercial software for both moderate and severe domains (P > 0.05). The ICC revealed that these estimates were highly reliable among the four investigators for both moderate and severe domains (all ICC ≥ 0.94). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that GEDAE-LaB is a free software easily comprehended by users minimally familiarized with adopted procedures for calculations of energetic profile using oxygen uptake and lactate accumulation during exercise. By providing availability of the software and its source code we hope to facilitate future related research.

Monitoring of immunological parameters in adolescent basketball athletes during and after a sports season.

The objective of the present study was to monitor the immunological and hormonal responses and the occurrence of upper respiratory symptoms in adolescent basketball athletes during the different stages of a sports season. Anthropometric measures, biochemical analyses (interleukin-6, interleukin-10, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, C-reactive protein, testosterone and cortisol), neuromuscular evaluations (standing vertical jumping ability, agility and estimated VO2max) and leukocyte counts were performed at four moments: 72 h before the season (-72 h); before the season (Pre-season); after six weeks, at the end of the preparatory period (Preparatory); and after 20 weeks, at the end of the competitive period (Competitive). Also, the occurrence of upper respiratory symptoms was collected weekly during all stages of the season. There were significant increases in monocytes, cortisol, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and C-reactive protein at the Competitive moment as compared to the Pre-season. In addition, interleukin-10 decreased at the Competitive moment as compared to the Pre-season. Occurrence of upper respiratory symptoms demonstrated increases (38%) during the competitive period as compared to the preparatory. These results suggest that periods of training and competition could increase the occurrence of upper respiratory symptoms in adolescent athletes and this may be due to the unwanted effects of an inflammatory process in response to the excessive stress of training and competition.

Effects of eccentric exercise on systemic concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin (E2): comparison between young and postmenopausal women.

The present study aimed to analyze the magnitude of muscle damage and inflammatory responses induced by eccentric exercise in young (YW) and postmenopausal women (PMW). Seventeen healthy women (nine YW, 23.89 ± 2.03 years; and eight PMW, 51.13 ± 5.08 years) performed five sets of six maximal eccentric actions of the elbow flexors. Changes in isometric strength, range of motion, muscle soreness, and upper-arm circumference were evaluated pre, post, 24, 48, and 72 h following eccentric exercise. Changes in creatine kinase activity, interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) were measured pre, 24, 48, and 72 h following eccentric exercise. For intra and inter-group analysis, a two-way repeated measures ANOVA was applied followed by a Tukey's post hoc test. Pearson's correlation was used to analyze the correlations between variables. It was observed no differences between groups for the markers of muscle damage, although significant modifications (p < 0.05) occurred within groups throughout time for all variables. Post menopausal women showed significantly higher values for TNF-α (p < 0.05). Also, IL-6 presented superior pre value for PMW. For YW, IL-6 and IL-10 values increased 72 h post-eccentric exercise compared to pre. Further, IL-10 was higher for YW than PMW 72 h post-eccentric exercise. Significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found between age and soreness, and between age and PGE(2). In conclusion, YW do not have attenuated muscle damage compared to PMW who do not make use of hormonal replacement therapy. In addition, YW have a greater anti-inflammatory response after eccentric exercise compared to PMW.

Efeito do treinamento concorrente sobre a força e área de secção transversa muscular / Effects of concurrent training on strength and muscle cross sectional area

O treinamento de força (TF) induz aumentos na força e hipertrofia muscular. Por outro lado, o treinamento aeróbio (TA) é capaz de elevar a potência aeróbia (VO2pico). Porém a associação entre o TF e TA, conhecido como treinamento concorrente (TC), parece diminuir os ganhos de força e hipertrofia muscular quando comparado ao TF isolado. Dessa forma, esse estudo comparou os efeitos de 16 semanas de TF, TA e TC na área de secção transversa de coxa (ASTC) e força muscular em 49 homens de meia-idade idade não ativos fisicamente. Para tanto os sujeitos foram randomizados em TF (n=12), TA (n=12), TC (n=12) e grupo controle (GC, n=13). Os protocolos de treinamento foram compostos de duas etapas (E1 e E2) com duração de oito semanas cada, e frequência de três sessões/semana (TF: 10 exercícios 3 x 8 10RM; TA: 60 min de caminhada ou corrida a 55-85%VO2pico; TC: 6 exercícios 3 x 8-10RM somados de 30 min de caminhada ou corrida a 55-85%VO2pico; GC não realizou nenhum protocolo de treinamento durante o período do estudo). A ASTC foi mensurada pela equação de Knapik; força máxima por teste de 1-RM; VO2pico por meio de teste ergométrico em esteira. Os principais resultados demonstraram que o TF e TC obtiveram aumentos similares da ASTC (5,7 e 5,6%; respectivamente) e concomitante aumento da força máxima no exercício leg press após 16 semanas de intervenção (48,6 e 54,8%; respectivamente). Os resultados referentes ao VO2pico evidenciaram aumentos similares apenas para os grupos TC (14,8%) e TA (21,7%) após a intervenção. Dessa forma, concluímos que o protocolo de TC utilizado no presente estudo, não promove o efeito de interferência na ASTC e força muscular de membros inferiores de homens de meia-idade.

Strength training (TF) promotes muscle hypertrophy and enhances muscle strength. On the other hand, endurance training (TA) raises the peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). However, the association between TF and TA, known as concurrent training (TC), might impair gains of muscle hypertrophy and strength compared to isolated TF. Therefore, this study analyzed the effects of 16 weeks of TF, TA and TC in muscle strength and thigh cross sectional area (AST) in 49 non-physically active middle-aged men. Subjects were randomized in TF (n=12), TA (n=12), TC (n=12) and control group (GC, n=13). Trainings were composed of two periods (E1 and E2) of 8 weeks each and frequency of 3 days/week (TF: 10 exercises-3x8-10RM; TA: 60 min of walking or running; TC: 6 exercises-3x8-10RM followed by 30 min of walking or running at 55-85%VO2peak; GC did not performed any training during study period). Thigh AST was analyzed through the equation of Knapik; muscle strength through 1-RM test; VO2peak through a cardiorespiratory treadmill test. Main results showed that TF and TC enhanced similarly muscle strength in leg press (5,7 e 5,6%; respectively) and thigh AST (48,6 e 54,8%; respectively) following 16 weeks of intervention. The results regarding VO2peak demonstrated similar increases for TC (14,8%) and TA (21,7%) after intervention. We concluded that 16 weeks of TC did not produce the interference effect either for thigh AST or lower limbs muscle strength in middle-aged men.