Abstract This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of yoga therapy and Pilates training in managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Thirty-six women were randomly assigned to yoga (n = 12), Pilates (n = 12), and control (n = 12) groups. Interventions were delivered for 45 minutes, three times per week for six weeks. Outcomes included cardiopulmonary, psychological measures and quality of life. Within-group analysis showed significant improvements in the yoga group for systolic blood pressure (MD = 8.16, p < 0.0001), diastolic blood pressure (MD = 4.83, p = 0.005), heart rate (MD = 7.08, p < 0.0001), forced vital capacity (MD = −1.38, p < 0.0001), FEV1 (MD = −1.05, p < 0.0001), FEV1/FVC ratio (MD = 10.38, p < 0.0001), and peak expiratory flow rate (MD = −2.37, p < 0.0001). Significant reductions were also observed in depression, anxiety, stress, physical, psychological, and social domains (p < 0.05), while environmental scores were not significant (p = 0.141). The Pilates group showed significant improvements in most cardiopulmonary, and psychological outcomes, including SBP, DBP, HR, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, depression, anxiety, stress, physical, psychological, and social domains (p < 0.05), but environmental domain changes were not significant (p = 0.063). The control group demonstrated smaller changes, with significant improvements limited to selected physiological and psychological variables, while stress, physical, social, and environmental domains remained non-significant. Overall, both interventions were feasible and effective in reducing PMS symptoms, with yoga producing the greatest improvements across cardiopulmonary, and psychological outcomes and quality of life. This trial is registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India: Registration no. CTRI/2023/09/057303.

Abstract Brain inflammation, particularly elevated cytokines such as TNF- α and IL-1 β , plays a key role in the onset and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). Exercise is recognised as a safe, natural method to support brain health and reduce inflammation in MS. This study examined the effect of four weeks of moderate swimming exercise on inflammatory cytokines (TNF- α and IL-1 β ) and fatigue- and motivation-related behaviours in female C57BL/6 mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an established model of MS. Twenty-one female mice were assigned to three groups: Healthy Control (HC) (n = 7), EAE Control (EAE) (n = 7), and EAE + swimming exercise (EAE+EX) (n = 7). EAE was induced with the MOG35–55 peptide. The EAE+EX swam for 30 min/day, five days/week for four weeks. After training, brain tissue was collected to measure TNF- α and IL-1 β via Western blot. The open field test (OFT) and sucrose preference test (SPT) assessed locomotor and motivation-related behaviours. EAE significantly increased TNF- α and IL-1 β versus HC ( ). Swimming reduced both cytokines and improved movement and exploration in the OFT ( ), but not SPT performance. Four weeks of moderate swimming reduced brain inflammation and improved locomotor behaviour in EAE mice, suggesting swimming as a safe complementary strategy for managing MS-related inflammation and fatigue.

Abstract Ankle injuries, both traumatic and non-traumatic, often result in persistent weakness and restricted mobility, where high-load resistance training may be contraindicated due to pain, instability, or surgical limitations. In such cases, blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy provides a low-load alternative capable of inducing strength and hypertrophic adaptations through localised hypoxia and metabolic stress. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of BFR therapy on strength, balance, functional outcomes, and morphological adaptations in ankle conditions. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and PEDro, along with allied-health databases, identified ten studies involving 304 participants, of which seven were eligible for quantitative synthesis. When compared with conventional exercise, BFR combined with exercise significantly enhanced strength in adduction (MD = 12.24 N, 95% CI: 5.74–18.74), abduction (MD = 9.61 N, 95% CI: 1.17–18.05), dorsiflexion (MD = 0.08 Nm/kg, 95% CI: 0.05–0.10), and improved range of motion (MD = 5°–15°). Functional outcomes (CAIT) favoured BFR, whereas FAAM-ADL and FAAM-Sport showed positive but non-significant trends. Morphological adaptations were directionally favourable but heterogeneous. Collectively, BFR therapy represents a safe and promising adjunct, facilitating early-phase strength and mobility recovery under restricted loading conditions, warranting further standardised and long-term investigations.

Abstract The growing focus on health and wellness among young adults has resulted in a rise in the use of fitness tracking apps. Although numerous studies indicate that these tools have a positive impact on physical activity, there are ongoing questions regarding their long-term viability and risk of becoming overly dependent on them. This research aimed to assess whether fitness tracking app use is associated with better physical health and behavioural patterns among young adults. A cross-sectional comparative observational study design was used, with participants split into app users and non-users. The Short Form-12 (SF-12) was used to assess physical health quality of life, while physical activity levels were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Statistical analyses were carried out using MedCalc and SPSS. App users showed significantly higher physical health scores (49.35 ± 1.43) compared to non-users (36.35 ± 1.43; ). Furthermore, 56% of app users were categorised as ‘high activity’ according to the IPAQ, in contrast to 40% of non-users. Fitness tracking applications were associated with higher physical activity levels and better health-related quality of life among young adults. Future study should investigate their long-term effects and replicate these findings in broader and more diverse groups.

Abstract Tennis is a sport with no time limit. This can result in matches lasting less than an hour or up to five hours. This variability requires that high-competition tennis athletes be trained both at an anaerobic level for better performance, and at an aerobic level, to help with recovery between points, during the game. This cross-sectional study intended to analyse how lower limb power, aerobic capacity and hand grip strength influences the technical efficiency of tennis players. Training among young tennis players provides a positive and crucial role in building technique effectiveness, so early but convenient and adapted preparations through training play an essential role in helping these young players to improve their skills in this game. Twenty-six athletes, aged between 8 and 16 (M = 11.26 ± 2.25), 18 males (69.2%) and 8 females (30.8%) were included. They performed the Hand-Grip strength test, the aerobic capacity was tested via one-mile (1,609 m) test. For technical efficiency, they performed 50 right and 50 left shots, checking which ones reached the area inside and outside the tennis court and the leg power capacity through the Chronojump system. Non-parametric tests were applied, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis and also Rho Spearman correlations between variables. Comparisons between level of training ( ) and years of practice ( ) revealed that all the variables had a direct and positive influence on the technical efficiency of these tennis players. As for correlation results, all independent variables have a strong correlation with tennis technical efficiency (0.480 to 0.736). Findings suggest that higher physical fitness capacities are associated with greater technical efficiency.

Abstract Although selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are not yet approved for clinical use, their anabolic potential has led to widespread usage among amateur bodybuilders seeking increased muscle mass. Given their tissue-selective anabolic and metabolic actions, SARMs may also influence physiological adaptations relevant to endurance training, such as energy metabolism and recovery. This study investigated the effects of two SARMs, ostarine and ligandrol, and their interaction with endurance training, on metabolic markers and sleep duration in healthy male rats. The study was organised in two 8-week experiments. The rats were randomised into four groups per each experiment – two undergoing treadmill training and two sedentary. In the first experiment, one sedentary and one trained group received ostarine, while in the second, one sedentary and one trained group were administered ligandrol. Control experimental groups received only vehicle. Metabolic indices and sleep were assessed using Comprehensive Laboratory Animal Monitoring System chambers. Neither SARMs nor endurance training significantly affected resting oxygen consumption, energy expenditure, respiratory exchange ratio, or food intake. However, both ostarine and ligandrol significantly prolonged sleep duration. These findings suggest that SARMs may modulate recovery-related processes such as sleep, even in the absence of major metabolic alterations. The combination of SARMs and training did not yield additional effects beyond those of SARMs alone. While non-steroidal SARMs did not alter resting metabolic indices, they significantly increased sleep duration. Endurance training, alone or combined with SARMs, did not significantly impact the studied parameters.

Abstract Resistance exercise (RE) imposes stress on the heart, as evidenced by single-set of RE protocols. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a supplement previously shown to reduce fatigue and improve cardiovascular function. This study aimed to examine the acute effect of oral NAC administration on cardiac stress during whole body regular RE. Nine recreationally strength-trained college students completed this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Each participant completed two sessions with one week apart, receiving either NAC (1,800 mg) or placebo (PLA) one hour prior to exercise. The RE protocol consisted of six exercises: leg extension (LE), seated chest press (SCP), leg curl (LC), seated row (SR), seated shoulder press (SSP), and lat pull-down (LPD). Participants performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 80% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) with two minutes rest between sets and exercises. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured at baseline and immediately after each set. Rate pressure product (RPP), an index of cardiac stress, was calculated from HR and systolic BP (SBP). Repeated measures ANOVA were used to compare RPP across interventions and exercises, with statistical significance set at . Results indicated no significant difference in post-exercise RPP between NAC and PLA. The post-exercise RPP and HR were significantly greater than 1RM in both NAC and PLA ( ), and these results were consistent across all individual exercises. We conclude acute oral NAC intake does not reduce post-exercise cardiac stress during whole-body regular RE. The elevated cardiac stress observed during RE appears primarily driven by increased HR rather than SBP. Additionally, the 1RM test elicited lower cardiac stress compared to a regular RE workout. The findings suggest that regular RE is safe for a healthy population. However, monitoring RPP provides a more comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular stress than HR or SBP alone.

Abstract Perimenopause is defined as the transition to menopause which usually lasts about 7 years but can extend up to 14 years. Its onset is associated with fluctuations in the level of various hormones which in turn can lead to various symptoms including vasomotor symptoms, genitourinary discomforts, psychogenic symptoms, physical discomfort, sleep disturbances and cognitive dysfunction. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effect of an aerobic exercise program and Pilates exercise program in improving the core stability, sleep quality and menopausal symptoms among perimenopausal women. It is an experimental study with two experimental groups and one control group. Baseline data was collected at week zero and another assessment were done at week six after successful administration of the exercise programs in both groups. Data analysis revealed that there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the intervention groups – Aerobic exercise group, Pilates exercise group and the control group ( ). Further analysis of the findings has revealed that in the Aerobic group, significant improvements were observed in the somatic domain of menopausal symptoms ( ) while the Pilates group demonstrated significant enhancements in wall squat test performance, it also produced significant decrease in urogenital menopausal symptoms along with considerable improvements in the sleep quality ( ). The present study demonstrated that both Aerobic exercise and Pilates interventions independently led to significant improvements across a range of parameters. Aerobic exercise was effective in reducing the somatic domain of menopausal symptoms. Pilates, on the other hand, yielded significant benefits in wall squat test performance, urogenital menopausal symptoms, and sleep quality.

Abstract Blood flow restriction (BFR) training has been shown to induce muscle and cardiovascular adaptations at lower loads, yet the comparative effects of high- versus low-intensity BFR remain unclear. This study investigated whether high-load BFR (HL-BFR) and low-load BFR (LL-BFR) differentially affect strength, hypertrophy, aerobic capacity, and fatigue markers in trained athletes. In a randomized trial, n = 24 male athletes were allocated to HL-BFR (70-80% 1RM with 40-60% arterial occlusion pressure, AOP), LL-BFR (20-30% 1RM with 60-80% AOP), or a control group performing conventional training for 8 weeks. Outcomes included one-repetition maximum (1RM), thigh cross-sectional area (CSA) measured by ultrasound, maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max), blood lactate levels, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Data were analysed using repeated-measures ANOVA with Tukey post hoc tests and effect sizes (η 2 p). Significant group × time interactions were observed across all outcomes (all ). HL-BFR elicited the most significant gains in 1RM (+22.5 ± 4.2 kg) and CSA (+4.8 ± 1.2 cm 2 ), whereas LL-BFR produced the most essential improvements in VO 2 max (+4.1 ± 1.0 ml/kg ⋅ min) and the most significant reductions in lactate (−2.3 ± 0.6 mmol/l) and RPE (−2.1 ± 0.6). Both BFR groups outperformed control (all ). BFR training enhances both muscular and aerobic adaptations, with HL-BFR being most effective for hypertrophy and strength, and LL-BFR being most effective for endurance-related outcomes. These findings underscore the comparative physiological relevance of BFR across intensities and highlight its translational value in human and potentially animal exercise physiology.

Abstract Despite a considerable increase in research into saddle function and fit recently, back pain and injury in ridden horses remains common. This study used an online survey consisting of 19 closed questions, 1 ranking scale question and 4 open free text questions to investigate behavioural and physical responses of horses trained or competing in dressage, eventing and showjumping, during mounting and riding. Kruskal Wallis analyses with post-hoc Mann Whitney U tests assessed if differences occurred between respondents across disciplines and competitive levels for the variables collected. A total 3,624 complete responses (80.1% completion rate) were analysed with nearly a tenth of respondents (9.2%, n = 416) reporting they rode a horse which was ‘cold-backed’ and needed to be lunged or put on a walker prior to mounting. A total of 30% (n = 1,339) of respondents had experienced an adverse behavioural response from horses when saddling/girthing during mounting; a further 64% (n = 2,902) reported that they had experienced a horse moving away during mounting and 34% (n = 1,542) reported tenderness when touching the horse’s back under the saddle. Using the same saddle on three horses increased the risk of a horse being ‘cold-backed’ by 1.5 times ( , Confidence intervals (CI): 0.9-1.5), on four horses by 2.5 times ( , CI: 1.8-3.5) and on more than 5 horses by 2.6 times ( ; CI: 1.7-4.0), compared to using the same saddle on one horse. The high incidence of behavioural and physical responses that could be indicative of the presence of back pain in the horse observed by respondents could negatively impact horse welfare. Education of horse owners and riders to enable recognition of responses which could indicate pain, to use a saddle professionally fitted to the horse and to encourage increased uptake of professional assessment of adverse responses to mounting is needed to safeguard horse welfare and rider safety.