Sex-dependent behavioral effects of chronic nicotine during adolescence evaluated in young adult rats tested in Hole-Board.

As one of the leading causes of death and serious illnesses, tobacco smoking remains a significant issue in modern societies. Many individuals smoke during adolescence, a trend that has been exacerbated by the prevalence of vaping among young people. In this context, studying the behavioral effects induced by nicotine administration in male and female rats, during the adolescent period, assumes great importance because it can help to better understand the dynamics underlying tobacco use in the two sexes. For this purpose, we employed 4 groups of rats, 2 male and 2 female groups, chronically treated with saline or nicotine 3 mg/kg i.p. for 30 days, spanning from postnatal day 30 to postnatal day 60. Utilizing quantitative analyses and T-pattern detection and analysis, our findings revealed a complex and multifaceted behavioral reorganization in adolescent rats subjected to chronic nicotine administration. Specifically, we observed an increase of anxiety in males and a reduction in females. The distinctive structural changes, induced by chronic nicotine in both sexes, have significant implications, from a translational perspective, for studies on nicotine dependence disorders.

The Autoregulation Rest-Redistribution Training Method Mitigates Sex Differences in Neuromuscular and Perceived Fatigue During Resistance Training.

PURPOSE: To examine the sex differences in performance and perceived fatigue during resistance training prescribed using traditional (TRA) and autoregulation rest-redistribution training (ARRT) approaches. METHODS: Twelve resistance-trained men and 12 women completed 2 sessions including the bench-press exercise matched for load (75% of 1-repetition maximum), volume (24 repetitions), and total rest (240 s). Sessions were performed in a counterbalanced randomized design with TRA consisting of 3 sets of 8 repetitions with 120-second interset rest and ARRT employing a personalized combination of clusters, repetitions per cluster, and between-clusters rest regulated with a 20% velocity-loss threshold. The effects of TRA and ARRT on velocity loss, unilateral isometric peak force, and rating of fatigue (ROF) were compared between sexes. RESULTS: The velocity loss was generally lower during ARRT compared with TRA (-0.47% [0.11%]), with velocity loss being mitigated by ARRT to a greater extent among males compared with females (-0.37% [0.15%]). A smaller unilateral isometric peak force decline was observed after ARRT than TRA among males compared with females (-38.4 [8.4] N). Lower ROF after ARRT than TRA was found among males compared to females (-1.97 [0.55] AU). Additionally, males reported greater ROF than females across both conditions (1.92 [0.53] AU), and ARRT resulted in lower ROF than TRA overall (-0.83 [0.39] AU). CONCLUSIONS: The ARRT approach resulted in decreased velocity loss, peak force impairment, and ROF compared with TRA in both sexes. However, male subjects exhibited more pronounced acute within-session benefits from the ARRT method.

Assessing criterion and longitudinal validity of submaximal heart rate indices as measures of cardiorespiratory fitness: A preliminary study in football.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the criterion and longitudinal validity of field- and laboratory-derived heart rate (HR) indices of resting and submaximal fitness tests (SMFTs) as measures of cardiorespiratory fitness. DESIGN: Observational, repeated measures. METHODS: Twenty-nine semi-professional footballers participated. Laboratory assessments took place at the start and end of a preseason training period, whereby resting, SMFT HR-derived indices, and criterion measures of cardiorespiratory fitness (running economy [RE], maximal oxygen uptake [V̇O2 max] and aerobic speed [MAS]) were collected. Throughout this training period, two field-based SMFT protocols, prescribed at different intensities, were administered weekly. Individual slopes were calculated from the analysis of within-athlete change scores. Associations between laboratory and field measures were assessed via Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) and linear regression models. RESULTS: Relationships between SMFT HR-derived indices from laboratory and field were very-large for exercise HR (r = 0.74 to 0.87) and moderate to very-large for HR recovery (0.43 to 0.76). Moderate to very-large inverse relationships were observed between exercise HR and HR recovery with V̇O2 max and MAS (-0.41 to -0.78), whereas resting HR showed no substantial relationships. Changes in exercise HR showed large and very-large inverse correlations with preseason changes in V̇O2 max (-0.54 to -0.60) and MAS (-0.64 to -0.83). Relationships between changes in HR recovery and maximal cardiorespiratory criterion measures were moderate to large (-0.32 to -0.63). CONCLUSION: SMFT exercise HR is a valid proxy measure of cardiorespiratory fitness irrespective of test setting, whereas the validity of HRR remains elusive and appears to vary between exercise intensities.

Current Guidelines for the Implementation of Flywheel Resistance Training Technology in Sports: A Consensus Statement.

BACKGROUND: Flywheel resistance training has become more integrated within resistance training programs in a variety of sports due to the neuromuscular, strength, and task-specific enhancements reported with this training. OBJECTIVE: This paper aimed to present the consensus reached by internationally recognized experts during a meeting on current definitions and guidelines for the implementation of flywheel resistance training technology in sports. METHODS: Nineteen experts from different countries took part in the consensus process; 16 of them were present at the consensus meeting (18 May 2023) while three submitted their recommendations by e-mail. Prior to the meeting, evidence summaries were developed relating to areas of priority. This paper discusses the available evidence and consensus process from which recommendations were made regarding the appropriate use of flywheel resistance training technology in sports. The process to gain consensus had five steps: (1) performing a systematic review of systematic reviews, (2) updating the most recent umbrella review published on this topic, (3) first round discussion among a sample of the research group included in this consensus statement, (4) selection of research group members-process of the consensus meeting and formulation of the recommendations, and (5) the consensus process. The systematic analysis of the literature was performed to select the most up-to-date review papers available on the topic, which resulted in nine articles; their methodological quality was assessed according to AMSTAR 2 (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Review 2) and GRADE (Grading Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation). Statements and recommendations scoring 7-9 were considered appropriate. RESULTS: The recommendations were based on the evidence summary and researchers' expertise; the consensus statement included three statements and seven recommendations for the use of flywheel resistance training technology. These statements and recommendations were anonymously voted on and qualitatively analyzed. The three statements reported a score ranging from 8.1 to 8.8, and therefore, all statements included in this consensus were considered appropriate. The recommendations (1-7) had a score ranging from 7.7 to 8.6, and therefore, all recommendations were considered appropriate. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the consensus achieved among the experts in this project, it is suggested that practitioners and researchers should adopt the guidelines reported in this consensus statement regarding the use of flywheel resistance technology in sports.

Corrigendum: High-speed running and sprinting in professional adult soccer: current thresholds definition, match demands and training strategies. A systematic review.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1116293.].

Reliability, Familiarization Effect, and Comparisons Between a Predetermined and a Self-Determined Isometric-Squat Testing Protocol.

PURPOSE: This study examined the interday reliability of a predetermined and a self-determined isometric-squat test among youth soccer players. Familiarization effects were evaluated to determine the minimum number of trials necessary to obtain consistent outputs. Finally, differences between protocols were evaluated. METHODS: Thirty-one youth soccer players (mean [SD] age: 13.2 [1.0] y; body mass: 54.1 [3.4] kg; stature: 166.3 [11.2] cm; percentage of estimated adult height: 92.6% [3.6%]) from a top-tier professional academy completed 4 experimental sessions for each protocol: familiarization 1, familiarization 2, test, and retest sessions. Peak force; relative peak force; impulse from 0 to 50 milliseconds, 0 to 100 milliseconds, 0 to 150 milliseconds, and 0 to 200 milliseconds; and rate of force development from 0 to 50 milliseconds, 0 to 100 milliseconds, 0 to 150 milliseconds, and 0 to 200 milliseconds were measured. RESULTS: Both protocols displayed acceptable (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥.75 and coefficient of variation ≤10%) reliability statistics for all metrics apart from rate of force development of any time epoch. Differences were found between familiarization 2 and both test and retest sessions for peak force (P = .034 and .021, respectively) and relative peak force (P = .035 and .005, respectively) across both protocols. CONCLUSIONS: The isometric-squat test is a reliable test among youth soccer players. Two familiarization sessions seem to be sufficient to ensure data stabilization. Outputs between the self-determined and predetermined are comparable; however, the latter seems preferable due to improved testing time efficiency.

A Worldwide Survey on the Practices and Perceptions of Submaximal Fitness Tests in Team Sports.

PURPOSE: To survey team-sport practitioners on current practices and perceptions of submaximal fitness tests (SMFTs). METHODS: A convenience sample of team-sport practitioners completed an online survey (September to November 2021). Descriptive statistics were used to obtain information of frequencies. A mixed-model quantile (median) regression was employed to assess the differences between the perceived influence of extraneous factors. RESULTS: A total of 66 practitioners (74 discrete protocols) from 24 countries completed the survey. Time-efficient and nonexhaustive nature were considered the most important features of implementation. Practitioners prescribed a range of SMFTs, administered mostly on a monthly or weekly basis, but scheduling strategies appeared to differ across SMFT categories. Cardiorespiratory/metabolic outcome measures were collected in most protocols (n = 61; 82%), with the majority monitoring heart-rate-derived indices. Subjective outcome measures (n = 33; 45%) were monitored exclusively using ratings of perceived exertion. Mechanical outcome measures (n = 19; 26%) included either a combination of locomotor outputs (eg, distance covered) or variables derived from microelectrical mechanical systems. The perceived influence of extraneous factors on measurement accuracy varied according to outcome measure, and there was a lack of consensus among practitioners. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey showcases the methodological frameworks, practices, and challenges of SMFTs in team sports. The most important features for implementation perhaps support the use of SMFTs as a feasible and sustainable tool for monitoring in team sports. The wide variety of protocols, scheduling strategies, and outcome measures, along with their associated collection and analytical techniques, may reflect the absence of robust evidence regarding the application of SMFTs in team sports.

Programming High-Speed and Sprint Running Exposure in Football: Beliefs and Practices of More Than 100 Practitioners Worldwide.

PURPOSE: To gain knowledge on the beliefs and practices of football practitioners applying high-speed and sprint running exposure programming strategies. METHODS: One hundred two football practitioners from 22 different countries participated in a study consisting of a survey including 5 domains: demographic and professional characteristics (Who); importance of high-speed and sprint running exposure for physical-capability development, preparation for competition, and injury-prevention strategies (Why); exposure timing (When); methodological procedures for exposure monitoring and training scheduling (What); and effectiveness of common training practices (How). Data were analyzed using a combination of descriptive statistics, generalized mixed effects, and multinomial logistic regression models. RESULTS: Data revealed 5 main findings: (1) overall agreement on the importance of exposure for physical-capability development, preparation for competition, and injury-prevention strategies; (2) different exposure timing and selective training scheduling for starting and nonstarting players across typical and congested weeks; (3) lack of consensus on the conceptual constructs defining high-speed and sprint running metrics and the methodological procedures used for monitoring; (4) a probable association between match-related outcomes and exposure strategies used in training; and (5) a broad range of training methods considered effective to elicit exposure. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides actionable insights into the planning, implementing, and monitoring strategies for high-speed and sprint running exposure in football. While some conform with the evidence on high-speed and sprint running training in football, further research and professional debate are warranted to develop empirical knowledge and provide pragmatic recommendations to help practitioners in adopting evidence-informed decisions.

Perception of Bar Velocity Loss in Resistance Exercises: Accuracy Across Loads and Velocity Loss Thresholds in the Bench Press.

PURPOSE: Velocity-based training is used to prescribe and monitor resistance training based on velocity outputs measured with tracking devices. When tracking devices are unavailable or impractical to use, perceived velocity loss (PVL) can be used as a substitute, assuming sufficient accuracy. Here, we investigated the accuracy of PVL equal to 20% and 40% relative to the first repetition in the bench-press exercise. METHODS: Following a familiarization session, 26 resistance-trained men performed 4 sets of the bench-press exercise using 4 different loads based on their individual load-velocity relationships (∼40%-90% of 1-repetition maximum [1RM]), completed in a randomized order. Participants verbally reported their PVL at 20% and 40% velocity loss during the sets. PVL accuracy was calculated as the absolute difference between the timing of reporting PVL and the actual repetition number corresponding to 20% and 40% velocity loss measured with a linear encoder. RESULTS: Linear mixed-effects model analysis revealed 4 main findings. First, across all conditions, the absolute average PVL error was 1 repetition. Second, the PVL accuracy was not significantly different between the PVL thresholds (ß = 0.16, P = .267). Third, greater accuracy was observed in loads corresponding to the midportion of the individual load-velocity relationships (∼50%-60% 1RM) compared with lighter (<50% 1RM, ß = 0.89, P < .001) and heavier loads (>60% 1RM, 0.63 ≤ ß ≤ 0.84, all P values < .001). Fourth, PVL accuracy decreased with consecutive repetitions (ß = 0.05, P = .017). CONCLUSIONS: PVL can be implemented as a monitoring and prescription method when velocity-tracking devices are impractical or absent.

Personalizing Resistance Training Mitigates Neuromuscular and Perceived Fatigue: The Autoregulation Cluster Training Method.

PURPOSE: To compare predetermined and autoregulated resistance training sessions on velocity loss and perceived fatigue. METHODS: Twenty-six resistance-trained men completed 3 sessions including the back-squat and bench-press exercises matched for load (75% of 1-repetition maximum), volume (24 repetitions), and total rest (240 s). Sessions were randomly performed as traditional set (TRA), 3 sets of 8 repetitions with 120-second interset rests; cluster interset-rest redistribution (IRR), 6 clusters of 4 repetitions with 48-second between-clusters rests; and autoregulation cluster training (ACT), a personalized combination of clusters, repetitions per cluster, and between-clusters rest regulated on a velocity loss threshold. The comparative effects were evaluated on velocity loss outputs measured with a linear encoder and perceived fatigue responses reported using a single-item scale. RESULTS: IRR and ACT induced less velocity loss than TRA (b = -2.09, P < .001). ACT also mitigated velocity loss more than IRR (b = -2.31, P < .001). The back squat resulted in greater velocity loss compared to the bench press (b = 1.83, P < .001). Perceived fatigue responses mirrored the pattern observed for the velocity loss outputs (IRR and ACT vs TRA: b = -0.64, P < .001; ACT vs IRR: b = -1.05, P < .001; back squat vs bench press: b = 0.46, P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: IRR and ACT reduced neuromuscular and perceived fatigue, likely due to their cluster-set structures' embedding frequent windows of interset rest. However, the ACT was overall more effective, presumably given its personalized structure.

High-speed running and sprinting in professional adult soccer: Current thresholds definition, match demands and training strategies. A systematic review.

The aims of this systematic review were (1) to summarize the evidence on absolute velocity thresholds used to classify high-speed running and sprinting, (2) to examine the existing evidence about the individualized thresholds approach, (3) to describe high-speed and sprint running distance match demands, and (4) to provide training strategies for eliciting HSR and sprinting during training sessions in professional adult soccer. This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. After the authors' screening, 30 studies were included in this review. This review found that, to date, there is no consensus on the absolute thresholds defining high-speed and sprint running in adult soccer players. Until international standards are defined, it is reasonable to set absolute thresholds considering the range of values found in the literature collected in this review. Relative velocity thresholds could be considered for specific training sessions whose goal is to reach near maximal velocity exposure. During official matches, high-speed and sprint running distances ranged from 911 to 1,063 m and 223-307 m, respectively, in professional female soccer players, while ranges from 618 to 1,001 m and 153-295 m, respectively, in professional male soccer players. During training, game-based drills designed in formats using relative areas per player greater than 225 m2 and 300 m2 appear to be adequate for achieving high-speed running and sprinting exposure, respectively, for male players. The combination of game-based, running exercises and soccer circuit-based drills is advisable to ensure adequate high-speed and sprint running exposure both at a team and individual level.

Concentric Phase Assistance Enhances Eccentric Peak Power During Flywheel Squats: Intersession Reliability and the Linear Relationship Between Concentric and Eccentric Phases.

BACKGROUND: It remains unknown if flywheel-assisted squats can be reliably utilized to increase power outputs and if such outputs are related. OBJECTIVES: To compare assisted and unassisted flywheel squat peak power outputs, determine their reliability, and analyze the relationship of the delta difference between peak power outputs during the squats. METHODS: Twenty male athletes attended the laboratory 6 times-performing 3 sets of 8 repetitions of assisted and unassisted squats during 2 familiarization sessions and then 3 sets of 8 repetitions during experimental sessions 3 to 6 (2 sessions for unassisted and assisted squat in randomized order, respectively). RESULTS: Concentric and eccentric peak power were significantly greater during assisted squats (both P < .001, d = 1.59, d = 1.57, respectively). Rating of perceived exertion (P = .23) and eccentric:concentric ratio (P = .094) did not differ between squat conditions. Peak power measures obtained excellent reliability, while rating of perceived exertion and eccentric:concentric ratio estimates were rated as acceptable to good, with greater uncertainty. A large to very large correlation (r = .77) was found between concentric and eccentric peak power delta difference of assisted and unassisted squats. CONCLUSIONS: Greater concentric outputs during assisted squats induce greater eccentric outputs and obtain greater mechanical load. Peak power is a reliable metric for monitoring flywheel training, whereas the eccentric:concentric ratio should be used with caution. Eccentric and concentric peak power are strongly related during flywheel squats, evidencing the need to maximize the concentric output to enhance the eccentric output.

Effects of Gradient and Speed on Uphill Running Gait Variability.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of gradient and speed on running variability (RV) and local dynamic stability (LDS) during uphill running. HYPOTHESES: (1) Both gradient and speed increase metabolic effort, in terms of heart rate (HR) and perceived exertion (CR10), in line with the contemporary literature, and (2) gradient increases RV and impairs LDS. STUDY DESIGN: "Crossover" observational design. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: A total of 25 runners completed 10-minute running trials in 3 different conditions and in a randomized order: gradient at 0% (0CON), 2% (2CON), and 2% at isoefficiency speed (2IES). 0CON and 2CON speeds were calculated as the "best 10-km race performance" minus 1 km·h-1, whereas 2IES speed was adjusted to induce the same metabolic expenditure as 0CON. HR and perceived exertion as well as running kinematic variables were collected across all trials and conditions. Running variability was calculated as the standard deviation of the mean stride-to-stride intervals over 100 strides, while LDS was expressed by the Lyapunov exponent (LyE) determined on running cycle time over different running conditions. RESULTS: Increases in HR and CR10 were observed between 0CON and 2CON (P < 0.001) and between 2IES and 2CON (P < 0.01). Higher RV was found in 2CON compared with 0CON and 2IES (both P < 0.001). Finally, the largest LyE was observed in 2IES compared with 0CON and 2CON (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Whereas RV seems to be dependent more on metabolic effort, LDS is affected by gradient to a greater extent. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Running variability could be used to monitor external training load in marathon runners.

Quantifying Exposure and Intra-Individual Reliability of High-Speed and Sprint Running During Sided-Games Training in Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sided games (i.e., small sided, medium sided, large sided) involve tactical, technical, physical, and psychological elements and are commonly implemented in soccer training. Although soccer sided-games research is plentiful, a meta-analytical synthesis of external load exposure during sided games is lacking. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to: (1) synthesize the evidence on high-speed and sprint running exposure induced by sided games in adult soccer players, (2) establish pooled estimates and intra-individual reliability for high-speed and sprint running exposure, and (3) explore the moderating effects of game format and playing constraints. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. Four databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science Core Collection) were systematically searched up to 25 January, 2022. Eligibility criteria were adult soccer players (population); training programs incorporating sided games (intervention); game manipulations including number of players, pitch dimension, and game orientation (comparator); and high-speed, very high-speed, and sprint relative (m[Formula: see text]min-1) running distances and associated intra-individual reliability (outcome). Eligible study risk of bias was evaluated using RoBANS. Pooled estimates for high-speed and sprint running exposure, and their intra-individual reliability, along with the moderating effect of tracking device running velocity thresholds, pitch dimension (i.e., area per player), and game orientation (i.e. score or possession), were determined via a multi-level mixed-effects meta-analysis. Estimate uncertainty is presented as 95% compatibility intervals (CIs) with the likely range of relative distances in similar future studies determined via 95% prediction intervals. RESULTS: A total of 104 and 7 studies met our eligibility criteria for the main and reliability analyses, respectively. The range of relative distances covered across small-sided games, medium-sided games, and large-sided games was 14.8 m[Formula: see text]min-1 (95% CI 12.3-17.4) to 17.2 m[Formula: see text]min-1 (95% CI 13.5-20.8) for high-speed running, 2.7 m[Formula: see text]min-1 (95% CI 1.8-3.5) to 3.6 m[Formula: see text]min-1 (95% CI 2.3-4.8) for very high-speed running, and 0.2 m[Formula: see text]min-1 (95% CI 0.1-0.4) to 0.7 m[Formula: see text]min-1 (95% CI 0.5-0.9) for sprinting. Across different game formats, 95% prediction intervals showed future exposure for high-speed, very high-speed running, and sprinting to be 0-46.5 m[Formula: see text]min-1, 0-14.2 m[Formula: see text]min-1, and 0-2.6 m[Formula: see text]min-1, respectively. High-speed, very high-speed running, and sprinting showed poor reliability with a pooled coefficient of variation of 22.8% with distances being moderated by device speed thresholds, pitch dimension, and game orientation. CONCLUSIONS: This review is the first to provide a detailed synthesis of exposure and intra-individual reliability of high-speed and sprint running during soccer sided games. Our estimates, along with the moderating influence of common programming variables such as velocity thresholds, area per player, and game orientation should be considered for informed planning of small-sided games, medium-sided games, and large-sided games soccer training. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework available through https://osf.io/a4xr2/ .

The isometric horizontal push test correlates with jumping and sprinting performance among athletes and recreationally active controls.

The aim of this study was two-fold: (i) to examine the relationships between force outputs measured in the isometric horizontal push test (IHPT) and athletic performances; (ii) to compare IHPT outputs between football players and recreationally active controls. Thirty-two male subjects (football players, n = 16; university students, n = 16) completed the IHPT, countermovement jump (CMJ), standing long jump (SLJ), 5 m, 10 m and 20 m sprint tests, randomly across two testing sessions. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationships between IHPT outputs and athletic performances by accounting for the subjects' athletic background. An independent sample t-test was used to compare the IHPT outputs between groups. Moderate to very strong linear relationships (r2 range: 0.16-0.56) were found between the IHPT and all athletic performances (all p < .026). Percent variance explained by the IHPT outputs after accounting for groups difference was 16%, 56%, 54%, 48% and 40% for CMJ height, SLJ distance, 5 m, 10 m and 20 m sprint performances, respectively. Compared to controls (6.18 ± 0.89 N/kg), football players (10.09 ± 1.57 N/kg) achieved greater IHPT force outputs (p < .001, Hedges' g = 3.2, large ES). The IHPT is clearly correlated to horizontal and vertical athletic performances and can adequately distinguish between athletes and recreationally active controls based on their IHPT results. Future studies should examine the usefulness of the IHPT as a testing tool informing training prescription and performance monitoring practices.

An evaluation of temporal and club angle parameters during golf swings using low cost video analyses packages.

The purpose of this study was to compare swing time and golf club angle parameters during golf swings using three, two dimensional (2D) low cost, Augmented-Video-based-Portable-Systems (AVPS) (Kinovea, SiliconCoach Pro, SiliconCoach Live). Twelve right-handed golfers performed three golf swings whilst being recorded by a high-speed 2D video camera. Footage was then analysed using AVPS-software and the results compared using both descriptive and inferential statistics. There were no significant differences for swing time and the golf phase measurements between the 2D and 3D software comparisons. In general, the results showed a high Intra class Correlation Coefficient (ICC > 0.929) and Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha (CCA > 0.924) reliability for both the kinematic and temporal parameters. The inter-rater reliability test for the swing time and kinematic golf phase measurements on average were strong. Irrespective of the AVPS software investigated, the cost effective AVPS can produce reliable output measures that benefit golf analyses.

Applications of transcranial magnetic stimulation in migraine: evidence from a scoping review.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation method, is trying to emerge as a migraine management strategy for both attack treatment and prevention. This scoping review presents 16 among single-pulse (to manage episodic and chronic migraine) and repetitive TMS randomized clinical trials (to manage chronic migraine). The works we reviewed suggest that TMS may be adopted as add-on therapy in those patients who are refractory to pharmacological therapy only with special arrangements for individualized treatment strategies or research. There are still limited clinical research programs and metaanalysis to promote routinely TMS employment, as TMS has been shown either to have no significant effects for any outcome or to be effective for migraine. These diverging conclusions depend on several biasing factors, including the lack of reliable, large, sham-controlled clinical trials, the dyshomogeneity in study designs (including the area of stimulation, the frequency of stimulation, the number of pulses, pulse intensity, and the number of sessions), patient selection criteria (migraine w/o aura, episodic and chronic migraine; TMS contraindication), and the lack of outcomes homogeneity and long-term real-world efficacy data. Therefore, in the future, it will be important to conduct larger randomized trials to confirm TMS usefulness in migraine management (acute attack and prophylactic treatment), identify those patients who may benefit from TMS, maybe independently of pharmacological treatments (i.e., using TMS as an alternative and not only as an add-on treatment). Otherwise, TMS will play a role in treating migraine only with special arrangements for individualized management strategies or research.

Determination of exercise intensity domains during upright versus supine cycling: a methodological study.

Background: There is a growing interest among the research community and clinical practitioners to investigate cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) procedures and protocols utilized in supine cycling. Materials and Methods: The current study investigated the effects of posture on indicators of exercise intensity including gas exchange threshold (GET), respiratory compensation point (RCP), and the rate of peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2 peak), as well as the role of V̇O2 mean response time (MRT) in determining exercise intensity domains in nineteen healthy men (age: 22 ± 3 years). Two moderate-intensity step-transitions from 20 to 100 Watt (W) were completed, followed by a maximal CPET. After completing the ramp test, participants performed a constant-load at 90% of their attained peak power output (PPO). Results: No differences were observed in the V̇O2 MRT between the two positions, although the phase II-time constant (τV̇O2p) was 7 s slower in supine position compared to upright (p = 0.001). The rate of O2 uptake in the supine position at GET and RCP were lower compared to the upright position (208 ± 200 mL·min-1 (p = 0.007) and 265 ± 235 mL·min-1 (p = 0.012) respectively). Besides, V̇O2 peak was significantly decreased (by 6%, p = 0.002) during supine position. These findings were confirmed by the wide limits of agreement between the measures of V̇O2 in different postures (V̇O2 peak: -341 to 859; constant-load test: -528 to 783; GET: -375 to 789; RCP: -520 to 1021 all in mL·min-1). Conclusion: Since an accurate identification of an appropriate power output (PO) from a single-visit CPET remains a matter of debate, especially for supine cycling, we propose that moderate-intensity step-transitions preceding a ramp CPET could be a viable addition to ensure appropriate exercise-intensity domain determination, in particular upon GET-based prescription.

Training load responses to football game profile-based training (GPBT) formats: effects of locomotive demands manipulation.

The aim of this study was to compare internal and external load profiles of different game profile-based training (GPBT) formats among elite young football players. Twenty-one participants (age: 18.7 ± 0.6 years) performed three sessions of three GPBT formats, which were matched for training volume but structured with different high-speed running and sprint demands: i) performed along linear paths (GPBT-L); ii) performed as repetitive actions of short distance including many multi-directional changes of direction (GPBT-S) and, iii) a combination of the other two protocols, that is linear high-speed runs and sprint efforts with a single change of direction (GPBT-M). External load outputs were collected using GPS units, physiological and perceptual responses were monitored with heart rate (HR) monitors, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), respectively. While no differences were found between formats for HR and RPE, distinct external load profiles were observed for high-speed running (HSD) and sprint distances (SD), (GPBT-L > GPBT-M > GBPT-S, all p < 0.05), and high-intensity acceleration and deceleration efforts (HIE), (GPBT-S > GPBT-M > GPBT-L, all p < 0.05). Moreover, the GPBT-S format was characterized by greater intra-session variability for HSD, SD, and HIE (CV% = 24.2%, 16.5% and 20.4%, respectively) and inter-session variability for HSD and SD (CV% = 10% and 15.7%, respectively) compared to the other two formats. Considering their load profiles and the associated reliability scores, football practitioners can implement GPBT formats interchangeably to elicit necessary internal load responses and selectively to prioritize specific external load outputs.