Advances in Understanding the Interplay between Dietary Practices, Body Composition, and Sports Performance in Athletes.

The dietary practices of athletes play a crucial role in shaping their body composition, influencing sports performance, training adaptations, and overall health. However, despite the widely acknowledged significance of dietary intake in athletic success, there exists a gap in our understanding of the intricate relationships between nutrition, body composition, and performance. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that many athletes fail to adopt optimal nutritional practices, which can impede their potential achievements. In response, this Special Issue seeks to gather research papers that delve into athletes' dietary practices and their potential impacts on body composition and sports performance. Additionally, studies focusing on interventions aimed at optimizing dietary habits are encouraged. This paper outlines the key aspects and points that will be developed in the ensuing articles of this Special Issue.

Acute Effects of 30 g Cyclodextrin Intake during CrossFit® Training on Performance and Fatigue.

The main objective of this study was to investigate the influence of carbohydrate intake (cyclodextrin) on performance during the performance of two consecutive workouts of the day (WODs) lasting 20 min each. Twenty-one male CrossFit (CF) athletes (29.5 ± 4.3 years; 72.81 ± 12.85 kg; 1.74 ± 0.06 m; 3.41 ± 1.21 years of experiences) participated in a crossover, randomized, and double-blind study. The effect of supplementation with 30 g of cyclodextrin (SG) (Cluster Dextrin®) or placebo (PG) (Bolero Advanced Hydration®) was evaluated on the performance of two specific WOD. Additionally, the effect on handgrip maximum strength, countermovement jump (CMJ), Wingate test, and 1 RM bench press test was evaluated. The effect on blood glucose and lactate was also evaluated. No differences were found in time, height, and power (W/Kg) in CMJ. However, there was a percentage improvement in CMJ jump power (W) (p < 0.05) between the groups, assuming an improvement in performance due to the intervention. Moreover, both conditions experimented differences in execution speed between sets (p < 0.05) in pre-WOD, and differences in post-WOD only in the placebo group, as well as decreases in this variable per repetition across the set (p < 0.01) in both conditions. However, no differences were found in the rest of the variables. Supplementation with 30 g of cyclodextrin did not have any metabolic or performance effects in CF tests. Although some differences between groups were observed in CMJ and power tests for bench press, the data are not conclusive and further research is needed in this regard.

The Professional Level and its Impact on Muscle Mechanical and Functional Performance in Costa Rican Soccer Players / Nivel profesional e impacto en el desempeño mecánico y funcional muscular en los jugadores de fútbol de Costa Rica / Nível profissional e impacto no desempenho mecânico e funcional dos músculos dos jogadores de futebol da Costa Rica

Abstract: This study aimed to compare the mechanical and functional muscle performance of three different competitive soccer teams of the Costa Rica professional league (U17, Pro A, and Pro B). Age 20.09 ± 4.32 years old, weight body mass 70.85 ± 7.45 kg, height 174.56 ± 4.97 cm; body fat percentage 13.9 ± 5.06 %; lean body mass 57.90 ± 4.88 kg; lean body mass right lower limb 10.11 ± 0.87 kg; lean body mass leth lower limb 10.09 ± 0.92 kg. The variables assessed were muscle time of contraction, muscle radial displacement, delay time, squat jump, and countermovement jump. The devices used were dual ray absorptiometry, tensiomyography, and jump platform. There were differences in weight, body mass, and body fat % (Pro A< U17<Pro B). There was a difference in group squat jump performance (Pro A> U17). There were no significant differences in muscle time of contraction, delay time, or radial deformation. The knowledge of differences in both muscle functional and mechanical performance could lead to new training and recovery methods and protocols considering the player's professional levels.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el rendimiento muscular mecánico y funcional de tres equipos de fútbol competitivos diferentes de la liga profesional de Costa Rica (U17, Pro A, Pro B). Edad 20.09 ± 4.32 años, ; masa corporal 70.85 ± 7.45 kg, ; altura 174.56 ± 4.97 cm; porcentaje de grasa 13.9 ± 5.06 %; masa magra 57.90 ± 4.88 kg; masa magra extremidad inferior derecha 10.11 ± 0.87 kg; masa magra izquierda miembro inferior izquierdo 10.09 ± 0,92 kg. Las variables evaluadas fueron: tiempo de contracción muscular, desplazamiento radial del músculo, tiempo de retraso, salto en cuclillas y salto de contraataque. Los dispositivos utilizados fueron la absorciometría de doble rayo, la tensiomiografía y la plataforma de salto. Se encontraron diferencias en la masa corporal y la grasa. % (Pro A < U17 < Pro B). Hubo diferencias en el rendimiento del salto en sentadilla por grupos (Pro A > U17). No hubo diferencias significativas en el tiempo de contracción muscular, el tiempo de retraso o la deformación radial. El conocimiento de las diferencias en Ttanto en el rendimiento funcional como en el mecánico del músculo podría conducir a nuevos métodos y protocolos de entrenamiento y recuperación considerando los niveles profesionales del jugador.

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o desempenho mecânico e funcional de três diferentes equipes de futebol competitivas da liga profissional costarriquenha (U17, Pro A, Pro B). Idade 20,09 ± 4,32 anos, massa corporal 70,85 ± 7,45 kg, altura 174,56 ± 4,97 cm; percentual de gordura 13,9 ± 5,06%; massa magra 57,90 ± 4,88 kg; massa magra extremidade inferior direita 10,11 ± 0,87 kg; massa magra membro inferior esquerdo 10,09 ± 0,92 kg. As variáveis avaliadas foram: tempo de contração muscular, deslocamento radial do músculo, tempo de atraso, salto de cócoras e contra salto. Os dispositivos utilizados foram a absorciometria por raios-X com dupla energia, a tensiomiografia e a plataforma de salto. Foram encontradas diferenças na massa corporal e na gordura. % (Pro A <U17 <Pro B). Houve diferenças no desempenho do salto de agachamento por grupo (Pro A> U17). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas no tempo de contração muscular, tempo de atraso ou deformação radial. O conhecimento das diferenças tanto no desempenho muscular funcional quanto mecânico poderia levar a novos métodos e protocolos de treinamento e recuperação, considerando os níveis profissionais do jogador.

Basis of preventive and non-pharmacological interventions in asthma.

Asthma is one of the most common atopic disorders in all stages of life. Its etiology is likely due to a complex interaction between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Due to this, different non-pharmacological interventions can be implemented to reduce or alleviate the symptoms caused by this disease. Thus, the present narrative review aimed to analyze the preventive and non-pharmacological interventions such as physical exercise, physiotherapy, nutritional, ergonutritional, and psychological strategies in asthma treatment. To reach these aims, an extensive narrative review was conducted. The databases used were MedLine (PubMed), Cochrane (Wiley), Embase, PsychINFO, and CinAhl. Asthma is an immune-mediated inflammatory condition characterized by increased responsiveness to bronchoconstrictor stimuli. Different factors have been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma, however, the treatments used to reduce its incidence are more controversial. Physical activity is focused on the benefits that aerobic training can provide, while physiotherapy interventions recommend breathing exercises to improve the quality of life of patients. Nutritional interventions are targeted on implement diets that prioritize the consumption of fruits and vegetables and supplementation with antioxidants. Psychological interventions have been proposed as an essential non-pharmacological tool to reduce the emotional problems associated with asthma.

Mitochondria and Brain Disease: A Comprehensive Review of Pathological Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities.

Mitochondria play a vital role in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis, regulating apoptosis, and controlling redox signaling. Dysfunction of mitochondria has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various brain diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, stroke, and psychiatric illnesses. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate relationship between mitochondria and brain disease, focusing on the underlying pathological mechanisms and exploring potential therapeutic opportunities. The review covers key topics such as mitochondrial DNA mutations, impaired oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial dynamics, calcium dysregulation, and reactive oxygen species generation in the context of brain disease. Additionally, it discusses emerging strategies targeting mitochondrial dysfunction, including mitochondrial protective agents, metabolic modulators, and gene therapy approaches. By critically analysing the existing literature and recent advancements, this review aims to enhance our understanding of the multifaceted role of mitochondria in brain disease and shed light on novel therapeutic interventions.

Examining the Interaction between Exercise, Gut Microbiota, and Neurodegeneration: Future Research Directions.

Physical activity has been demonstrated to have a significant impact on gut microbial diversity and function. Emerging research has revealed certain aspects of the complex interactions between the gut, exercise, microbiota, and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that changes in gut microbial diversity and metabolic function may have an impact on the onset and progression of neurological conditions. This study aimed to review the current literature from several databases until 1 June 2023 (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) on the interplay between the gut, physical exercise, microbiota, and neurodegeneration. We summarized the roles of exercise and gut microbiota on neurodegeneration and identified the ways in which these are all connected. The gut-brain axis is a complex and multifaceted network that has gained considerable attention in recent years. Research indicates that gut microbiota plays vital roles in metabolic shifts during physiological or pathophysiological conditions in neurodegenerative diseases; therefore, they are closely related to maintaining overall health and well-being. Similarly, exercise has shown positive effects on brain health and cognitive function, which may reduce/delay the onset of severe neurological disorders. Exercise has been associated with various neurochemical changes, including alterations in cortisol levels, increased production of endorphins, endocannabinoids like anandamide, as well as higher levels of serotonin and dopamine. These changes have been linked to mood improvements, enhanced sleep quality, better motor control, and cognitive enhancements resulting from exercise-induced effects. However, further clinical research is necessary to evaluate changes in bacteria taxa along with age- and sex-based differences.

The Role of Adipokines in Health and Disease.

Adipokines are cell-signaling proteins secreted by adipose tissue that has been related to a low-grade state of inflammation and different pathologies. The present review aims to analyze the role of adipokines in health and disease in order to understand the important functions and effects of these cytokines. For this aim, the present review delves into the type of adipocytes and the cytokines produced, as well as their functions; the relations of adipokines in inflammation and different diseases such as cardiovascular, atherosclerosis, mental diseases, metabolic disorders, cancer, and eating behaviors; and finally, the role of microbiota, nutrition, and physical activity in adipokines is discussed. This information would allow for a better understanding of these important cytokines and their effects on body organisms.

Antioxidants and Sports Performance.

The role of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant response in training adaptations and sports performance has been a large issue investigated in the last few years. The present review aims to analyze the role of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant response in sports performance. For this aim, the production of reactive oxygen species in physical activities, the effect of reactive oxygen species on sports performance, the relationship between reactive oxygen species and training adaptations, inflammation, and the microbiota, the effect of antioxidants on recovery and sports performance, and strategies to use antioxidants supplementations will be discussed. Finally, practical applications derived from this information are discussed. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during physical activity greatly influences sports performance. This review concludes that ROS play a critical role in the processes of training adaptation induced by resistance training through a reduction in inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress, as well as appropriate molecular signaling. Additionally, it has been established that micronutrients play an important role in counteracting free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species, which cause oxidative stress, and the effects of antioxidants on recovery, sports performance, and strategies for using antioxidant supplements, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol, coenzyme Q10, selenium, and curcumin to enhance physical and mental well-being.

Effects of Intermittent Normobaric Hypoxia on Health-Related Outcomes in Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Aging is a degenerative process that is associated with an increased risk of diseases. Intermittent hypoxia has been investigated in reference to performance and health-related functions enhancement. This systematic review aimed to summarize the effect of either passive or active intermittent normobaric hypoxic interventions compared with normoxia on health-related outcomes in healthy older adults. METHODS: Relevant studies were searched from PubMed and Web of Science databases in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (since their inceptions up until August 9, 2022) using the following inclusion criteria: (1) randomized controlled trials, clinical trials and pilot studies; (2) Studies involving humans aged > 50 years old and without any chronic diseases diagnosed; (3) interventions based on in vivo intermittent systemic normobaric hypoxia exposure; (4) articles focusing on the analysis of health-related outcomes (body composition, metabolic, bone, cardiovascular, functional fitness or quality of life). Cochrane Collaboration recommendations were used to assess the risk of bias. RESULTS: From 509 articles initially found, 17 studies were included. All interventions were performed in moderate normobaric hypoxia, with three studies using passive exposure, and the others combining intermittent hypoxia with training protocols (i.e., using resistance-, whole body vibration- or aerobic-based exercise). CONCLUSIONS: Computed results indicate a limited effect of passive/active intermittent hypoxia (ranging 4-24 weeks, 2-4 days/week, 16-120 min/session, 13-16% of fraction of inspired oxygen or 75-85% of peripheral oxygen saturation) compared to similar intervention in normoxia on body composition, functional fitness, cardiovascular and bone health in healthy older (50-75 years old) adults. Only in specific settings (i.e., intermediate- or long-term interventions with high intensity/volume training sessions repeated at least 3 days per week), may intermittent hypoxia elicit beneficial effects. Further research is needed to determine the dose-response of passive/active intermittent hypoxia in the elderly. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022338648.

Effects of repeated-sprint hypoxic training on physical fitness ofactive adults / Efectos del entrenamiento de esprints repetidos en hipoxia sobrela condición física de adultos activos

Due to the time is, commonly, a barrier to exercise, the scientific community has paid attention to a new model of training. Repeated-sprint hypoxic training is now considered an effective time-efficient method for improving physical performance in different sport modalities. However, few researchers have studied the effect of this strategy in healthy untrained or moderately trained individuals. Depending of the prior fitness status, different findings may be obtained. Therefore, this study determined the effects of 4 weeks of repeated-sprint in hypoxia on cardiorespiratory fitness and anaerobic capacity in healthy men. Twenty-four physically active males (were randomly assigned to repeated-sprint in normoxia (n=8; 0.20 FiO2 ), in hypoxia (n=8; 0.14 FiO2 ) or a control group (n=8). Participants of both exercise groups developed eight training sessions consisted of 2 sets of 5 all-out cycling sprints of 10 s with a recovery of 20 s between sprints and 10 min between sets. Repeated sprint ability, vertical jump performance and estimated maximal oxygen consumption were tested at baseline, 7 days and 2 weeks after the last session. Seven days after the last sessions, significant differences (p<0.05) between normoxia (+7.8%; p<0.001; ES=1.66) and hypoxia groups (+9.9%; p=0.000; ES=1.42) compared with control group were found in estimated maximal oxygen consumption. In the hypoxia group, the number of sprints to exhaustion (7 days Post +55.6%; ES=1.40; 2 weeks Post +10.0%; ES=1.80) improved with a large effect size at 7 days and 2 weeks after the last sessions compared with baseline. Eight sessions of repeated-sprint training in hypoxia conditions could produce improvements and delayed effects on anaerobic capacity.(AU)

La comunidad científica ha prestado atención en los últimos años a un nuevo modelo de entrenamiento, debido a que la falta de tiempo es comúnmente la principal barrera para la práctica deportiva. En este contexto, el entrenamiento de esprint repetidos en hipoxia es considerado como una prometedora estrategia para mejorar el rendimiento físico en diferentes modalidades deportivas. Sin embargo, existen pocos estudios que investiguen los efectos sobre población moderadamente entrenada o sedentaria. Así, este estudio determina los efectos de un entrenamiento de esprint repetidos en hipoxia sobre la condición física de hombres sanos. Veinticuatro hombres fueron asignados aleatoriamente a un grupo normoxia (n=8; 0.20 FiO2 ), hipoxia (n=8; 0.14 FiO2 ) o control (n=8). Después de ocho sesiones de esprint repetido en cicloergómetros de 10s, la habilidad de esprint repetido, el rendimiento en el salto vertical, así como el consumo de oxígeno fueron evaluados en la línea base y a los días y 2 semanas de la última sesión de entrenamiento. A los 7 días, se observaron diferencias significativas entre normoxia (+7,8%; p<0.001; ES=1,66) e hipoxia (+9,9%; p=0,000; ES=1,42) comparado con el grupo control en el consumo máximo de oxígeno estimado. En hipoxia, el número de esprint hasta la extenuación (7 días Post +55,6%; ES=1,40; 2 semanas Post +10,0%; ES=1,80) también mejoró con tamaño del efecto elevado a los 7 días y 2 semanas de la última sesión comparado con la línea base. El protocolo de 8 sesiones de esprines repetido en hipoxia podría producir mejoras y retrasar los efectos sobre el rendimiento anaeróbico de hombres sanos. (AU)

Resistance circuit training combined with hypoxia stimulates bone system of older adults: A randomized trial.

PURPOSE: Aging leads to gradual irreversible decline in bone mass. As adherence to pharmacological treatment is poor, hypoxia combined with strength training has been suggested for therapeutic benefit for clinical populations. The present study investigated the effects of normobaric cyclic hypoxic exposure combined with resistance circuit training on bone of older adults. METHODS: Healthy older adults (n = 50) were randomly assigned to a (1) control group (CON; n = 20), who were instructed to continue with their normal daily activities, (2) a group that performed resistance training in normoxia (RTN; n = 17) and (3) a group that performed resistance training in hypoxia (RTH; n = 13). During 24 weeks, RTH group performed resistance training with elastic bands under normobaric hypoxic conditions (16.1 % FiO2). A session of both exercise groups included nine exercises of several body areas with a structure of 3 sets × 12-15 repetitions per exercise, with a 1-minute rest between sets. Bone mineral density (g·cm-2) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bone turnover markers of formation (N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen; PINP) and resorption (C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen; bCTX) were analysed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) microplate reader. RESULTS: Values of bCTX and bCTX/PINP significant decreased in RTN (bCTX: 47.79 %; p = 0.002; bCTX/PINP: 61.43 %; p = 0.007) and RTH (bCTX: 59.09 %; p = 0.001; bCTX/PINP: 62.61 %; p = 0.003) groups compared with CON group. Change in bone mineral density was not significantly different between groups. Based on clinically significant change, 23 % of the participants in the RTH group reached this value for femoral neck and trochanter bone mineral density (vs 0 % and 6 % of the RTN group, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: 24-Weeks of normobaric cyclic hypoxic exposure combined with resistance circuit training has potential to generate positive effects on bone in older adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04281264 (date of registration: February 24, 2020).

Infancy Dietary Patterns, Development, and Health: An Extensive Narrative Review.

Correct dietary patterns are important for a child's health from birth to adulthood. Understanding a child's health as a state of entire physical, mental, and social well-being is essential. However, reaching adulthood in a complete health proper state is determined by feeding and dietary habits during preconception, pregnancy, or children infancy. Different factors, such as the mother's lifestyle, culture, or socioeconomic status, are crucial during all these phases. In this review, we aimed to assess the long-term associations between infancy dietary patterns and health and their influence on development and growth. To reach this objective, a consensus critical review was carried out using primary sources such as scientific articles, and secondary bibliographic indexes, databases, and web pages. PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar were the tools used to complete this research. We found that high-income countries promote high-calorie foods and, consequently, obesity problems among children are rising. However, undernutrition is a global health issue concerning children in low- and middle-income countries; thus, parental socioeconomic status in early life is essential to children's health and development, showing that biological, social, and environmental influences are increased risk factors for chronic diseases. This narrative review is aimed to collect evidence for early nutritional intervention and future disease prevention.

Inter-set rest configuration effect on acute physiological and performance-related responses to a resistance training session in terrestrial vs simulated hypoxia.

Background: Metabolic stress is considered a key factor in the activation of hypertrophy mechanisms which seems to be potentiated under hypoxic conditions.This study aimed to analyze the combined effect of the type of acute hypoxia (terrestrial vs simulated) and of the inter-set rest configuration (60 vs 120 s) during a hypertrophic resistance training (RT) session on physiological, perceptual and muscle performance markers. Methods: Sixteen active men were randomized into two groups based on the type of hypoxia (hypobaric hypoxia, HH: 2,320 m asl; vs normobaric hypoxia, NH: FiO2 of 15.9%). Each participant completed in a randomly counterbalanced order the same RT session in four separated occasions: two under normoxia and two under the corresponding hypoxia condition at each prescribed inter-set rest period. Volume-load (load × set × repetition) was calculated for each training session. Muscle oxygenation (SmO2) of the vastus lateralis was quantified during the back squat exercise. Heart rate (HR) was monitored during training and over the ensuing 30-min post-exercise period. Maximal blood lactate concentration (maxLac) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were determined after the exercise and at the end of the recovery period. Results: Volume-load achieved was similar in all environmental conditions and inter-set rest period length did not appreciably affect it. Shorter inter-set rest periods displayed moderate increases in maxLac, HR and RPE responses in all conditions. Compared to HH, NH showed a moderate reduction in the inter-set rest-HR (ES > 0.80), maxLac (ES > 1.01) and SmO2 (ES > 0.79) at both rest intervals. Conclusions: Results suggest that the reduction in inter-set rest intervals from 120 s to 60 s provide a more potent perceptual, cardiovascular and metabolic stimulus in all environmental conditions, which could maximize hypertrophic adaptations in longer periods of training. The abrupt exposure to a reduced FiO2 at NH seems to reduce the inter-set recovery capacity during a traditional hypertrophy RT session, at least during a single acute exposition. These results cannot be extrapolated to longer training periods.

Nutritional and Exercise Interventions in Cancer-Related Cachexia: An Extensive Narrative Review.

One of the common traits found in cancer patients is malnutrition and cachexia, which affects between 25% to 60% of the patients, depending on the type of cancer, diagnosis, and treatment. Given the lack of current effective pharmacological solutions for low muscle mass and sarcopenia, holistic interventions are essential to patient care, as well as exercise and nutrition. Thus, the present narrative review aimed to analyze the nutritional, pharmacological, ergonutritional, and physical exercise strategies in cancer-related cachexia. The integration of multidisciplinary interventions could help to improve the final intervention in patients, improving their prognosis, quality of life, and life expectancy. To reach these aims, an extensive narrative review was conducted. The databases used were MedLine (PubMed), Cochrane (Wiley), Embase, PsychINFO, and CinAhl. Cancer-related cachexia is a complex multifactorial phenomenon in which systemic inflammation plays a key role in the development and maintenance of the symptomatology. Pharmacological interventions seem to produce a positive effect on inflammatory state and cachexia. Nutritional interventions are focused on a high-energy diet with high-density foods and the supplementation with antioxidants, while physical activity is focused on strength-based training. The implementation of multidisciplinary non-pharmacological interventions in cancer-related cachexia could be an important tool to improve traditional treatments and improve patients' quality of life.

The Therapeutic Role of Exercise and Probiotics in Stressful Brain Conditions.

Oxidative stress has been recognized as a contributing factor in aging and in the progression of multiple neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's dementia, ischemic stroke, and head and spinal cord injury. The increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, altered metal homeostasis, and compromised brain antioxidant defence. All these changes have been reported to directly affect synaptic activity and neurotransmission in neurons, leading to cognitive dysfunction. In this context two non-invasive strategies could be employed in an attempt to improve the aforementioned stressful brain status. In this regard, it has been shown that exercise could increase the resistance against oxidative stress, thus providing enhanced neuroprotection. Indeed, there is evidence suggesting that regular physical exercise diminishes BBB permeability as it reinforces antioxidative capacity, reduces oxidative stress, and has anti-inflammatory effects. However, the differential effects of different types of exercise (aerobic exhausted exercise, anaerobic exercise, or the combination of both types) and the duration of physical activity will be also addressed in this review as likely determinants of therapeutic efficacy. The second proposed strategy is related to the use of probiotics, which can also reduce some biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines, although their underlying mechanisms of action remain unclear. Moreover, various probiotics produce neuroactive molecules that directly or indirectly impact signalling in the brain. In this review, we will discuss how physical activity can be incorporated as a component of therapeutic strategies in oxidative stress-based neurological disorders along with the augmentation of probiotics intake.

Effects of Resistance Training in Hypobaric vs. Normobaric Hypoxia on Circulating Ions and Hormones.

Hypobaric hypoxia (HH) seems to lead to different responses compared to normobaric hypoxia (NH) during physical conditioning. The aim of the study was to analyze the hormonal and circulating ion responses after performing high-intensity resistance training with different inter-set rest under HH and NH condition. Sixteen male volunteers were randomly divided into two training groups. Each group completed two counterbalanced resistance training sessions (three sets × ten repetitions, remaining two repetitions in reserve), with both one- and two-minute inter-set rest, under HH and NH. Blood samples were obtained to determine hormones and circulating ions (Ca2+, Pi, and HCO3-) at baseline and after training sessions (5, 10, and 30 min). Resistance training with one-minute rest caused greater hormonal stress than with two-minute rest in cortisol and growth hormone, although the hypoxic environmental condition did not cause any significant alterations in these hormones. The short inter-set rest also caused greater alterations in HCO3- and Pi than the longer rest. Additionally, higher levels of Ca2+ and Pi, and lower levels of HCO3-, were observed after training in HH compared to NH. Metabolic and physiological responses after resistance training are mediated by inter-set rest intervals and hypoxic environmental condition. According to the alterations observed in the circulating ions, HH could cause greater muscular fatigue and metabolic stress than NH.

Association between the Level of Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. A Preliminary Study.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the selective destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas causing an absolute deficiency of insulin for life. This pathology carries associated risks so that it is essential to measure Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in this population. The aim was to analyse associations between the level of physical activity and HRQoL in people with T1D. The sample consisted of 172 participants with T1D diagnoses, between 18 and 49 years (31.29 ± 8.17). The participants answered different questionnaires related to physical activity (IPAQ) and HRQoL (EsDQOL, ViDa1, 15D, and EQ-5D-5L). The results showed significant correlations between the level of physical activity and HRQoL. Vigorous physical activity had an impact on the HRQoL questionnaires, such as the well-being dimension (rho = 0.349; p < 0.001) of the ViDa1 questionnaire. A significant correlation between total physical activity and levels of anxiety and depression was observed: anxiety (15D) (rho = 0.328; p < 0.001) and anxiety/depression (EQ-5D-5L) (rho = 0.324; p < 0.001). The present study showed associations between higher levels of physical activity and higher HRQoL parameters in the population with T1D, which can be erected as a reason for exercise prescription in these patients.

Outpatient Assessment of Mechanical Load, Heat Strain and Dehydration as Causes of Transitional Acute Kidney Injury in Endurance Trail Runners.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to globally assess heat strain, dehydration, and mechanical load as acute kidney injury (AKI) indicators in amateur endurance trail athletes during a 35.3 km run. METHODS: Thirty amateur experienced trail runners completed an endurance trail run (total positive ascend 1815 m). The following assessments were performed at four measurement time points (pre-, during, immediately post [-post0h], and after 24 h of the finish of the run [-post24h]): serum test (creatinine, blood ureic nitrogen, albumin, creatine kinase, blood ureic nitrogen: creatinine ratio, creatinine clearance, and glomerular filtration rate), mechanical load (impacts and Player Load), heat strain and dehydration (hematocrit, urine solids, body weight and urine specific gravity), pain and exertion perception (rate of perceived exertion, lumbar and bipodal, and one-leg squat pain), and urinalysis (pH, protein, glucose, erythrocytes, and urine specific gravity). RESULTS: There were pre vs. post0h changes in all serum biomarkers (F = 5.4-34.45, p < 0.01). The change in these biomarkers correlated with an increase in mechanical load indicators (r = 0.47-59, p < 0.05). A total of 40% and 23.4% of participants presented proteinuria and hematuria, respectively. Pain and perceived exertion increased significantly due to effort made during the endurance trail running (F = 4.2-176.4, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Endurance trail running may lead to an increase in blood and urine indicators of transitional AKI. The difference in blood and urine markers was significantly related to the mechanical load during running, suggesting potential kidney overload and cumulative mechanical load.

Effect of intermittent hypoxic conditioning on inflammatory biomarkers in older adults.

Ageing is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and with a decrease in muscle mass and strength. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a resistance training programme in conditions of intermittent hypoxia on inflammatory biomarkers in older people. A total of 54 older adults (aged 65-75 years), who voluntarily participated in the study, were randomly divided into three groups: the control (CON) group, the resistance training normoxia (RTN) group that performed resistance training in normoxia and resistance training hypoxia (RTH) group that trained under hypoxic conditions at a simulated altitude of 2500 m above sea level. The training programme that was carried out during 24 weeks was similar in both experimental groups and consisted of a full-body workout with elastic bands and kettlebells (three sets x 12-15 reps). Blood inflammatory parameters (CRP, VCAM-1, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10) were analysed before and after the intervention. After the resistance training programme, a significant decrease in CRP and IL-8 levels was observed, as well as an increase in IL-10 levels, both in normoxia and hypoxia. These results show that resistance training, either in conditions of normoxia or hypoxia, is useful to deal with the chronic inflammation associated with ageing.

Effects of 7-day intake of hydrogen-rich water on physical performance of trained and untrained subjects.

Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) is used as a supplement to improve performance and reduce fatigue in athletes. However, the potentially beneficial effects of HRW intake could be mediated by the training status of athletes. The purpose of the study was to analyse the ergogenic effect of intake of HRW for one week on aerobic and anaerobic performance, both in trained and untrained individuals. Thirty-seven volunteers participated in the study and were divided into two experimental groups: trained cyclists and untrained subjects. A double-blind crossover design was performed in which all subjects took a placebo (PW) and nano-bubble HRW (pH: 7.5; hydrogen concentration: 1.9 ppm; oxidation-reduction potential (ORP): -600 mV). At the end of 7-day intake, performance was assessed by an incremental VO2max test and by a maximum anaerobic test. After HRW intake, only trained cyclists improved their performance in the anaerobic test with an increase in peak power (from 766.2 ± 125.6 to 826.5 ± 143.4 W; d = .51) and mean power (from 350.0 ± 53.5 to 380.2 ± 71.3 W; d = .51), and a decrease in the fatigue index (from 77.6 ± 5.8 to 75.1 ± 5.9%; d = .45). The findings demonstrate that the ergogenic effect of HRW is mediated by the training status, and that 7-day intake of HRW would be an effective strategy for improving anaerobic performance in trained cyclists.