Weeks Of Training Research Articles

The Temporal Effects of Altitude and Low Energy Availability Manipulation on Resting Metabolic Rate in Female Race Walkers.

To investigate the temporal effects of ~1,800 m altitude exposure and energy availability (EA) manipulation on resting metabolic rate (RMR). Twenty elite female race walkers underwent a 3-week training camp at an altitude of ~1,800 m. During the first two weeks, athletes consumed a high EA (HEA) diet of 45 kcal·kg fat free mass (FFM) -1 ·day -1 . During the final week, half the athletes consumed a low EA (LEA) diet of 15 kcal·kg FFM -1 ·day -1 while the others continued on a HEA diet. Athletes followed individualized training plans throughout the study. To assess the effect of altitude on RMR, athletes in the HEA group had RMR measured at baseline (~580 m) prior to altitude exposure (Pre-alt), at 36-hours (36 h-alt), 2 weeks (Wk2-alt) and 3 weeks into altitude exposure (Wk3-alt), and at 36 hours post-altitude exposure at ~580 m (36 h-post). To assess the effect of LEA exposure on RMR while at altitude, athletes in the LEA group underwent RMR measurements at Pre-alt and before (Wk2-alt) and after the 7-days of LEA (Wk3-alt). Compared to Pre-alt, the RMR of HEA athletes was increased at 36 h-alt (+5.3 ± 3.1%; p = 0.026) and Wk2-alt (+4.9 ± 4.9%; p = 0.049), but was no longer elevated at Wk3-alt (+1.7 ± 4.2%; p = 0.850). The RMR of HEA athletes at 36 h-post was lower than all timepoints at altitude (p < 0.05) but was not different from Pre-alt (-3.9 ± 7.2%; p = 0.124). The 7-day period of LEA exposure at altitude did not affect RMR (p = 0.347). RMR was transiently increased with ~1,800 m altitude exposure in female athletes and was unaffected by short-term LEA. However, the altitude-induced increase was small (~25-75 kcal/day) and was unlikely to have clinically significant implications for daily energy requirements.

Recreational ball games are effective in improving social communication impairments among preschoolers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: a multi-arm controlled study

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the effects of two 12-week training intervention experimental ball games combined with standard behavioral rehabilitation against a control group solely utilizing standard behavioral rehabilitation on social communication impairments (SCI) in preschool children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).MethodsA multi-arm controlled study design was implemented, involving 41 children diagnosed with ASD (mean age: 4.99 ± 0.76 years). 41 participants were randomized assigned to two experimental groups and a control group, The experimental group carried out ball combination training program group (BCTP) and mini-basketball training program group (MBTP) on the basis of routine behavioral rehabilitation, which underwent 12-week training interventions 5 times a week. The control group (n = 14) received only standard behavioral rehabilitation. Evaluations were conducted before and after interventions using the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2).ResultsThe results suggest that both 12-week interventions, BCTP, and MBTP, led to significant improvements in social communication impairment among children with ASD (p < 0.05). Despite enhancing the overall scores on the SRS-2, these interventions displayed varying impacts across different sub-dimensions. BCTP primarily exhibited significant enhancements in social awareness and behavior pattern (p < 0.05), whereas MBTP significantly improved social cognition and social communication (p < 0.05). Both interventions showed slight improvements in social motivation.ConclusionsThe utilization of recreational ball games has showed to be effective in decreasing the impairment levels of children with ASD, while the control group experienced a worsening of outcomes. This suggests that irrespective of the specific ball game strategy employed, both can be employed on a weekly basis to complement standard behavioral rehabilitation and enhance the ability to improve the quality of life for children diagnosed with ASD.Trial registrationThe trial is retrospectively registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900024973;August 5, 2019).

High-Intensity Interval Training Decreases Circulating HMGB1 in Individuals with Insulin Resistance; Plasma Lipidomics Identifies Associated Cardiometabolic Benefits.

Background: Exercise is a fundamental primary standard of care for cardiometabolic health. Body Weight (BW) High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is an effective strategy for reducing cardiometabolic markers in individuals with insulin resistance and Type-2 diabetes (T2D). High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a ubiquitous nuclear factor, plays an ample role beyond an alarmin in T2D development and progression. Our group has described this novel role previously, showing the beneficial effect of whole body HMGB1 silencing in decreasing hyperglycemia in diabetic mice. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that BW-HIIT as an effective exercise training modality will decrease cardiometabolic risk with a concomitant decrease in circulating HMGB1 more prominently in insulin resistant individuals compared to non-insulin resistant individuals contrasting to what we can evidence in a preclinical murine model of insulin resistance; Methods: Human and mouse pre- and post-exercise serum/plasma samples were analyzed for Lipidomics as well as Metabolic and Cytokine Multiplex assays. Standard of care, as well as cardiometabolic parameters, was also performed in human subjects; Results: insulin resistant individuals had the most positive effect, primarily with a decrease in the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). as an index of insulin resistance as well as decreased HMGB1 post-exercise. Lipidomic analysis illustrated the highly beneficial effect of exercise training using a modified HIIT program, showing an enhanced panel of circulating lipids post-exercise exclusively in insulin resistant individuals. Plasma multiplex revealed significant translational heterogeneity in our studies with distinct metabolic hormone responses to exercise conditioning with a decrease in inflammatory markers in insulin resistant individuals; Conclusions: The current study demonstrated that 6-week BW-HIIT training improves cardiometabolic, anti-inflammatory markers, metabolic hormones, and insulin sensitivity in humans, strongly associated with decreased circulating HMGB1. Overall, these experiments reinforce the potential of HMGB1 as a marker of changes in insulin resistance and the positive effect of exercise training on insulin resistance possibly preventing the development of T2D and associated complications.

The influence of real-time quantitative feedback and verbal encouragement on adults' performance in maximal and explosive strength and power in bench press exercise.

In sports practice, a wide array of verbal and non-verbal stimuli can elicit diverse motivations and performance changes. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to compare the impact of various stimuli on maximal strength and power in bench press exercises. This study involved 48 university students (average age 20.5 ± 2.8years; body mass 80.1 ± 20kg; height 174.6 ± 6.7cm; BMI 26.2 ± 6kg/m2) who engaged in an 8-week resistance training program. The students were randomly divided into three experimental groups and one control group. The first group received real-time quantitative feedback (RF) on their power output during the bench press exercise, the second group received verbal encouragement (VE) from an instructor, and the third group exercised without any external stimulus (WS). The control group (CG) underwent only pre- and post-measurements. To compare differences in strength parameters among groups a Two-Way Repeated Measures ANOVA was applied. The results revealed significant improvements in the mean weight for one repetition maximum in the real-time quantitative feedback group (5kg, 9.76%, p = 0.001, d = 0.529) and the verbal encouragement group (5.42kg, 11.51%, p = 0.001, d = 1.201). Positive changes were also observed in the mean power at 20 and 30kg for the RF, VE, and WS groups, but at 40kg, significant improvement was only seen in the real-time quantitative feedback group (247W, 31.30%, p = 0.001, d = 1.199). These findings underscore the effectiveness of selected stimuli in enhancing maximum strength and power during bench press exercises, with real-time quantitative feedback proving to be the most effective stimulus for improving both maximal strength and power.

Bioelectrical Impedance Vectors Analysis of Sarcopenic Older Adults Submitted to a Resistance Training Program.

The objective of the present study is to analyze the changes in bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) and phase angle (PhA) in sarcopenic older people submitted to a 12-week resistance training (RT) program according to classic and specific analyses. To this end, 20 sarcopenic older adults of both sexes, invited through media, underwent bioimpedance analysis before and after the RT carried out three times a week, for 12 weeks. The mean impedance vectors of the groups established for the confidence ellipses (95% of the confidence ellipse) are compared using Hotelling's T2 test. The distance D from Mahalanobis is also calculated. Classic and Specific BIVA are presented. The resistance values for the classical analyses (R/H) decreased across all groups (whole group, women and men, p < 0.05), with approximate decreases ranging from 9.4% to 10%, while the classic reactance (Xc/H) decreased (p < 0.05) only for the whole group (5.9%) and men (7.7%). For the specific BIVA, trends are verified for the whole sample, with a decrease in resistance (R.sp) and an increase in reactance (Xc.sp). In conclusion, the RT program in sarcopenic individuals promoted a reduction in resistance values in classical analyses, indicating a possible increase in hydration status and, consequently, musculoskeletal mass.

Heat Suit Training Preserves the Increased Hemoglobin Mass Following Altitude Camp in Elite Cyclists.

Altitude training is a common strategy used with the intent to increase hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) in athletes. However, if the Hbmass is increased during altitude camps it seems to decline rapidly upon returning to sea level. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of three weekly heat training sessions over a 3.5-week period following a 3-week altitude camp, on the maintenance of Hbmass in elite cyclists. Eighteen male cyclists (maximal oxygen consumption: 76 ± 5 mL·min-1·kg-1) underwent a 3-week altitude training camp at ~2100 m above sea level. After the camp, participants were divided into one group performing three weekly heat sessions that was subtracted from their usual training (HEAT) while the other continuing usual training (CON). Training characteristics were recorded during the intervention, while hematological measurements were recorded before the camp as well as two days and 3.5-weeks after the altitude camp. The 3-week altitude camp led to an overall increase in total Hbmass of 4.1%. Afterwards, HEAT maintained Hbmass (0.2%, p = 0.738), while CON group experienced a significant reduction (-3.3%, p < 0.001) (ΔHEAT vs. ΔCON, p < 0.001). Moreover, HEAT increased plasma volume (PV) by 11.6% (p = 0.007) and blood volume (BV) by 5.8% (p = 0.007), whereas CON only showed an increase in PV (5.5%, p = 0.041). Exercise intensity and training load were not different between groups during the maintenance period. This study suggests that incorporating three weekly heat training sessions into the usual training routine preserves a moderately increased Hbmass in elite cyclists following an altitude camp.

Performance Optimization and Injury Mitigation for Air Force Student Fighter Pilots.

Military fighter aircrew report high rates of cervical pain and injury. There is currently no consensus regarding the best training methods for this population. Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) and Luke AFB have multidisciplinary teams specializing in aircrew training, performance, and injury mitigation. All student pilots (SPs) completing Basic Course training at these locations engage in an 8-week Spine Training Program (STP). The STP originated at Luke AFB in 2020 and was expanded to Eglin AFB in 2022. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether the STP led to significant changes in the performance measure studied, Cervical Endurance Hold (CEH). Further, this study aimed to determine if the CEH training effect was independent of location of STP administration. We hypothesized that SPs would exhibit statistically significant CEH training adaptations irrespective of base location. Air Force F-16 and F-35 SPs from Luke AFB and Eglin AFB were actively enrolled in the Basic Course and participated in the standardized STP from 2020 to 2023. The CEH test was administered prior to (intake) and following (exit) the 8-week STP. SPSS for Windows version 29 software (IBM, Armonk, NY) was used to retrospectively analyze the data from this study. Participants were excluded if they were unable to perform the CEH test at intake or exit. The study was approved by the Air Force Research Laboratory Institutional Review Board and was performed in accordance with the ethical standards of the Declaration of Helsinki. One hundred and ninety-eight SPs (Luke AFB, males n = 170, females n = 12; Eglin AFB, males n = 16) completed the STP program. There was no significant difference between intake and exit concerning age, height, weight, % body fat, and fat-free mass at Luke AFB or Eglin AFB (P < 0.05). Statistically significant improvements in CEH were observed within all groups from intake to exit (P < 0.001). When considering all participants collectively, there was a notable33.6% increase in CEH from intake to exit (P < 0.001) with an overall effect size of d = 1.14. When analyzing specific subgroups, females from Luke AFB experienced a significant 20.4% increase in CEH (P < 0.001, d = 1.14), males from Luke AFB exhibited a significant 34.5% increase (P < 0.001, d = 1.09), and males from Eglin AFB demonstrated a significant increase of 55.7% in CEH (P < 0.001, d = 1.97). This retrospective analysis showed significant improvements in the CEH across all groups following the completion of the STP. Furthermore, CEH results from both bases exhibited a large effect size indicating a meaningful change was found between intake and exit regardless of training location. These preliminary study results should be interpreted with caution as a control group was unable to be established. In the future, a randomized control trial should be performed to test the STP used in this study against other STP programs. This may better inform experts on the best spine training methods for fighter aircrew.

Effects of mini-basketball training program on social communication impairments and salience network in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder

Objectives This study aims to explore the impact of a 12-week mini-basketball training program (MBTP) on social communication impairments and salience network in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and to reveal the potential neural mechanisms by which MBTP improves social communication impairments in ASD children. Methods 34 ASD children aged 3–6 were assigned to the experimental group (n = 19) or the control group (n = 15). The experimental group received MBTP for 12 wk, while the control group received routine behavioral rehabilitation interventions from institutions. Social communication impairments in preschool ASD children is measured with the Social Response Scale Second Edition (SRS-2). Functional connectivity of salience network before and after testing is evaluated by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Results This study suggests improvement in the social cognitive dimension of preschool ASD children with the aid of MBTP as well as optimization of the functional connectivity of ASD children’s salience network. The potential neural mechanism of MBTP in improving social cognitive dimension in ASD children involved changes in functional connectivity in the left middle frontal gyrus and left thalamus. Conclusions This study infers that the MBTP may not improve the social communication impairments of the ASD children while it is likely to improve social cognitive aspect of social communication impairments and reduce the maladaptive traits of ASD children. Under this circumstance, the study could provide new evidence to explore the neural mechanisms of physical exercise improving social communication impairments and new targets for developing exercise intervention programs to improve social communication impairments in ASD children.

Two-week intensive medical student point-of-care ultrasound training impact on long term utilization

BackgroundThere is little to no data evaluating long term usage of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) after a training intervention for medical students. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of an intensive POCUS training program on medical student’s usage at 9-months post-program.MethodsThis was a prospective cross-sectional study of rising second year medical students who participated in a 2-week summer POCUS training program. Instruction consisted of 8 h of asynchronous online didactic material, 2–4 h of daily hands-on instructor-led and independent scanning, and instruction on how to teach POCUS. Students were assessed pre- and post-program, and again at 9 months post-program to evaluate POCUS usage.ResultsA total of 56 students participated in the program over 2 summers; 52 (92.9%) responded to the 9-month post-program survey. At 9 months, 49 (94.2%) of students taught POCUS after the program to peers or faculty. Students reported serving as a POCUS instructor in 283 subsequent teaching sessions accounting for 849 h of POCUS instruction time. Six (11.5%) students were involved in the creation of a POCUS interest group on their regional campus, 7 (13%) created a POCUS curriculum for their student interest group, and 4 (7.7%) created an opt-in co-curricular POCUS program for students at their regional campus. Three (5.8%) students did not serve as educators after the program and only one student reported not using POCUS again after the program.ConclusionAfter a 2-week intensive POCUS training program for medical students, the majority of students demonstrated continued involvement in POCUS learning and education at 9-month follow-up including serving as peer instructors and assisting with limitations in financial resources and trained faculty.

Which Variables Are Associated with the Magnitude of the Physical Fitness Response in Older Adults? An Analysis of Their Development and Influence.

Regular physical exercise has proven to be an effective strategy for enhancing the health and well-being of older adults. However, there are still gaps in our understanding of the impacts of exercise on older adults with different health conditions, as well as in the customization of training programs according to individual capabilities. This study aimed to analyze the variables that influence the response of physical capabilities in older adults, considering their development over the aging process, with the goal of assisting professionals in creating personalized training programs. To achieve this, we conducted a cohort study involving 562 previously inactive adults and older adults who underwent anthropometric assessments, blood pressure measurements, and comprehensive physical tests. These assessments were conducted before and after a 14-week training program. Results indicated no significant variations in variables such as waist circumference (p = 0.0455, effect size = 0.10), body mass index (p = 0.0215, effect size = 0.15), systolic (p < 0.0001, effect size = 0.35) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.0001, effect size = 0.25) pre- and post-intervention. Strength tests, agility, the 6 min walk test (6MWT), and the back scratch test (BS) showed significant improvements post-intervention, with p-values all below 0.0001 and effect sizes ranging from 0.30 to 0.50. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that lower initial values in physical capabilities were associated with more significant improvements during training (R2 = 0.73, p < 0.001). These results underscore that individualized guidance in training can lead to clinically meaningful improvements in physical performance and health among older adults, with effect sizes indicating moderate-to-large benefits (effect size range = 0.30 to 0.50). Therefore, personalized training programs are essential to maximize health benefits in this population.

Effects of an 8-Week In-Season Explosive Power Training Program on Neuromuscular Performance and Lower-Limb Asymmetries in Young Male Soccer Players.

Vasileiou, SS, Asimakidis, ND, Dalamitros, AA, and Manou, V. Effects of an 8-week in-season explosive power training program on neuromuscular performance and lower limb asymmetries in young male soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study analyzed the effects of incorporating 8 weeks of twice-weekly explosive power training on neuromuscular performance and lower-limb asymmetries applied to soccer. Thirty-five young male soccer players were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (EXP: n = 18; mean age: 13.7 ± 0.8 years; height: 166.9 ± 8.4 cm; body mass: 58.5 ± 12.8 kg) or the control group (CON: n = 17; mean age: 13.7 ± 0.9 years; height: 168.8 ± 9.1 cm; body mass: 58.0 ± 11.4 kg). Before (TP1) and after the training period (TP2) neuromuscular performance (countermovement jump [CMJ], 10 and 20 m sprint times [T10 and T20], change of direction ability [COD]) and lower-limb asymmetries (single-leg CMJ [SLCMJ]) were evaluated. The asymmetry index (AI) for COD and CMJ tests was also calculated. Significant differences (from TP1 to TP2) were revealed for all the tested parameters in the EXP group (1.50-4.9%, p < 0.00 to 0.12, effect size [ES] = -0.44 to 0.27). For the CON group, T10, T20 505 for nondominant limb and SLCMJ performances for both limbs were significantly improved (0.85 to 1.5%, p < 0.00 to 0.21, ES = -0.36 to 0.37). Finally, the AI remained relatively unchanged for both tests and groups (1.28-3.33%, p = 0.162-0.521). These results indicate that adding twice-weekly explosive power training for 8 weeks can improve neuromuscular performance and reduce lower-limb asymmetries to a greater degree than soccer training alone in young male soccer players.

Influence of short-time resistance training on appetite and energy intake in young women with and without obesity

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 6-weeks resistance training (RT) on appetite, energy intake and body composition in young women with and without obesity, and to examine the relationship between these variables. Thirty-five young women were divided according to the amount of body fat [with obesity (n = 16) and without obesity (n = 19)]. Appetite was assessed through self-reported hunger, fullness, desire to eat, satiety quotient, food frequency diary and motivations to eat palatable food (power of food scale) in both fasted and fed states (after a standardized breakfast). Energy intake and body composition were evaluated at pre- and post-6 weeks of RT. Results showed that self-reported hunger increased significantly in both fasted and fed states (p = 0.007 and p = 0.029, respectively), while self-reported fullness decreased at the fasted state (p = 0.030) in both groups. There were no significant effects for desire to eat fatty, sweet, savory and salty foods, motivation to eat palatable foods, or for total energy intake. Food frequency analysis indicated a decrease in consumption of soup and past (p = 0.045), vegetables and eggs (p = 0.034), and leafy vegetables (p = 0.022) in both groups. Fat-free mass increased significantly in both groups (p = 0.011 and p = 0.003), while fat mass did not show significant changes. There were no correlations between changes in appetite/energy intake and changes in body composition. In conclusion, following the 6-week RT program, both women with and without obesity exhibited increased self-reported hunger alongside decreased fullness, suggesting an increase in orexigenic drive. However, neither group showed an increase in energy intake and fat mass, while both groups experienced an increase in fat-free mass.Registered under Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials n°. RBR-1024f4qs.

Evaluating the feasibility and preliminary effects of an online compassion training program for nursing students: A pilot randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the feasibility of an online compassion training program for nursing students and preliminarily investigate its effects on mindfulness, self-compassion, and stress reduction. MethodsThis study employed a randomized controlled trial design. Second-year students from a nursing college in Guangzhou, China, were recruited as research participants in August 2023. The intervention group participated in an 8-week online compassion training program via the WeChat platform, comprising three stages: mindfulness (weeks 1–2), self-compassion (weeks 3–5), and compassion for others (weeks 6–8). Each stage included four activities: psychoeducation, mindfulness practice, weekly diary, and emotional support. Program feasibility was assessed through recruitment and retention rates, program engagement, and participant acceptability. Program effectiveness was measured with the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Self-Compassion Scale - Short Form, and Perceived Stress Scale. ResultsA total of 28 students completed the study (13 in the intervention group, 15 in the control group). The recruitment rate was 36.46%, with a high retention rate of 93.3%. Participants demonstrated high engagement: 69.2% accessed learning materials every 1–2 days, 93.3% practiced mindfulness at least weekly, with an average of 4.69 diary entries submitted per person and 23.30 WeChat interactions with instructors. Regarding acceptability, all participants expressed satisfaction with the program, with 92.4% finding it “very helpful” or “extremely helpful.” In terms of intervention effects, the intervention group showed a significant increase in mindfulness levels from pre-intervention (51.54 ± 10.93) to post-intervention (62.46 ± 13.58) (P < 0.05), while no significant change was observed in the control group. Although there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in post-intervention self-compassion and perceived stress levels, the intervention group showed positive trends: self-compassion levels increased (35.85 ± 8.60 vs. 40.85 ± 5.54), and perceived stress levels slightly decreased (44.77 ± 8.65 vs. 42.00 ± 5.77). ConclusionsThis pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of an online compassion training program for nursing students and suggested its potential effectiveness in enhancing mindfulness, self-compassion, and stress reduction. Despite limitations such as small sample size and lack of long-term follow-up, preliminary evidence indicates promising prospects for integrating such training into nursing education. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and assess the sustained impact of this approach on nursing education and practice.

The Impact of Organized Exercise and Non-organized Leisured Time Activity on Serum Pentraxin3 and C-reactive Protein Levels, Lipid Profile and Physical Fitness in Diabetic Children

Background: Microvascular changes and precursors of atherosclerosis are frequently observed in young patients with early-onset type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Due to their known beneficial effects, physical activity is strongly recommended for its management. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks of organized exercise (OE) and non-organized leisure time activity (NOLTA) on determinants of cardiovascular disease and physical fitness in children with type 1 diabetes. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 20 children with T1DM were randomly divided into two groups of 10: OE (n = 10, mean age = 12.60 ± 1.34 years) and NOLTA (n = 10, mean age = 12.40 ± 0.84 years). Subjects in both groups participated in their respective activities 3 days per week. Blood samples and physiological measurements were taken 48 hours before and after the 8-week training period. Results: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and physical fitness factors increased significantly in both exercise groups. Fasting blood glucose, C-reactive protein, and the cholesterol/HDL ratio were also significantly reduced in both groups. Waist circumference, glycosylated hemoglobin, and the LDL/HDL ratio were significantly reduced only in the OE group. However, the decrease in the acute phase protein pentraxin 3 was minimal and statistically insignificant. Conclusions: In children and adolescents with T1DM, regular exercise—due to its anti-inflammatory effects and its ability to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, lipid profile, and blood glucose levels—may help reduce the severity and likelihood of cardiovascular disease in adulthood.

Effects of Mental Visualization on Plyometric Performance and Self-Confidence of Football Players.

Plyometric training in football is essential for enhancing athletic performance, as it allows for increasing strength and speed in gameplay. Meanwhile, mental visualization improves players' technical play and motor performance during both training and competitions, thereby contributing to an overall sports performance enhancement. Collectively, physical and technical training is thought to boost athletes' confidence in facing competitive demands. Our aim in the present study was to analyze the effectiveness of mental visualization during a plyometric training program for improving strength speed, and competitive self-confidence in young adult football (soccer) players. Our sample consisted of 40 male players aged between 19 and 25 years (M = 20.82; SD = 1.26). We used a quasi-experimental design with a control group and pretest/posttest measurements. The experimental group participated in an 8-week plyometric training program that incorporated visualization tasks, while the control group underwent the same program but without visualization exercises. We found significant improvements for the experimental group on vertical jump (p = .047) and speed (50-m sprints) (p < .034) tests, as well as in their perceived competitive self-confidence (p < .017). These findings suggest that combining plyometric exercises with visualization tasks may contribute to better motor learning, increased lower limb muscle speed and strength, and self-confidence to face competition.

The AI coach

The study aims to investigate the effect of a 5-week artificial intelligence-generated calisthenics training program (AIGCTP) on health-related physical fitness components, including flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, and muscular endurance. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design, the study employed a one-group pre-test-post-test design for within-group comparisons and a two-group pre-test-post-test design for between-group comparisons. Participants included 87 untrained collegiate students, divided into the AIGCTP group (43 participants) and a human-made calisthenics training program (HMCTP) group (44 participants), selected via purposive sampling. A paired t-test was used for within-group comparisons, and an independent sample t-test was used for between-group comparisons. The findings indicated that the AIGCTP effectively improved the flexibility of the lower extremities and the muscular endurance of the core and upper extremities. However, female participants did not show significant improvements in any health-related physical fitness components, whereas male participants demonstrated improvements in the flexibility of the lower extremities and muscular endurance of the upper extremities. The HMCTP was effective in improving the flexibility and muscular endurance of the lower and upper extremities for all participants. Between-group comparisons revealed that the cardiovascular endurance of the HMCTP group was significantly superior to that of the AIGCTP group, irrespective of sex. Additionally, males in the HMCTP group exhibited significantly higher muscular endurance of the lower extremities compared to those in the AIGCTP group. The study suggests that AI can be used for fitness training, but professional-made programs are superior in some areas. Future research should replicate these findings, examine more fitness components, and explore longer training durations for further validation.

Impact Of Medicine Ball Training On Physical Fitness, Body Composition, And Batting Performance In Female Cricketers

Background: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of medicine ball training on body composition, physical fitness and batting performance of female cricketers in Bahawalpur City. Physical fitness and skill performance is crucial for cricketers, as it directly affects their gameplay. Medicine ball training, known for improving strength and power was utilized to explore its effects on the athletic performance of batswomen. Methodology: The study sample comprised 20 female cricketers (n=20) who were subjected to an 8-week medicine ball training program, conducted from Monday to Friday each week. Data collection tools included a stadiometer, weight machine, large and small sliding calipers, measuring tape, skinfold caliper, [1]dynamometer, sit and reach box, cricket ball, video camera and radar gun. Baseline data were recorded before the commencement of the training. Standardized tools and SPSS were used for data collection and analysis, with statistical significance set at p&lt;0.05. Results: The results indicated a significant positive effect of medicine ball training on the physical fitness of the participants. Notable improvements were observed in speed, power, flexibility, and agility. The training significantly enhanced the participants’ ability to perform cricket-specific batting techniques, demonstrating improved execution of shots like the half volley lofted shot, pull shot and cover drive. Conclusion: Medicine ball training effectively enhanced both physical fitness and batting performance in female cricketers. The training regimen’s focus on core strength and explosive movements translates directly into on-field performance. Coaches and trainers should consider incorporating such exercises into cricket training programs for female athletes to optimize performance.

Neuroprotective effect of long-term resistance physical exercise against memory damage elicited by a lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation model in malerats.

Resistance exercise training (RET) is considered an excellent tool for preventing diseases with an inflammatory background. Its neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties are responsible for positively modulating cholinergic and oxidative systems, promoting neurogenesis, and improving memory. However, the mechanisms behind these actions are largely unknown. In order to investigate the pathways related to these effects of exercise, we conducted a 12-week long-term exercise training protocol and used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce damage to the cortex and hippocampus of male Wistar rats. The cholinergic system, oxidative stress, and histochemical parameters were analyzed in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, and memory tests were also performed. It was observed that LPS: (1) caused memory loss in the novel object recognition (NOR) test; (2) increased the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Iba1 protein density; (3) reduced the protein density of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 (CHRM1); (4) elevated the levels of lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and reactive species (RS); and (5) caused inflammatory damage to the dentate gyrus. RET, on the other hand, was able to prevent all alterations induced by LPS, as well as increase per se the protein density of the alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChRα7) and Nestin, and the levels of protein thiols (T-SH). Overall, our study elucidates some mechanisms that support resistance physical exercise as a valuable approach against LPS-induced neuroinflammation and memory loss.

Effects of Shoulder Corrective Training Program on Pitching Loads and Sonographic Morphology in Elbow Joint in Youth Baseball Players.

Chen, P-T, Lin, Y-C, Chang, H-Y, Chiu, C-H, Chen, C-Y, Chen, P, and Lin, Y-H. Effects of shoulder corrective training program on pitching loads and sonographic morphology in elbow joint in youth baseball players. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): e440-e447, 2024-We assessed the effects of a 12-week shoulder corrective training program for shoulder flexibility and strengthening on pitching loads and sonographic morphology of the elbow joints in youth baseball players. Seventeen subjects were recruited and underwent evaluations before and after the training program. We found that following training, subjects demonstrated significantly increased ranges of shoulder internal rotation (38.9 ± 12.9° vs. 69.2 ± 10.8°, p < 0.001), external rotation (91.2 ± 14.6° vs. 107.3 ± 9.5°, p = 0.004), and horizontal adduction (21.5 ± 8.0° vs. 32.7 ± 7.3°, p = 0.002); improved strength in the shoulder internal rotators (8.7 ± 1.6 kg vs. 9.8 ± 2.1 kg, p = 0.04), external rotators (6.5 ± 1.9 kg vs. 7.5 ± 2.8 kg, p = 0.04), middle trapezius (12.7 ± 2.1 kg vs. 14.3 ± 2.4 kg, p = 0.04), and middle deltoid muscles (10.8 ± 3.3 kg vs. 14.8 ± 3.2 kg, p = 0.001); and decreased thickness of the ulnar collateral ligament (6.1 ± 0.6 mm vs. 4.8 ± 0.7 mm, p = 0.002). Although there was no substantial change in elbow torque and arm speed, significantly increased ball speed (51.2 ± 4.6 mph vs. 54.1 ± 4.5 mph, p < 0.001) and decreased arm slot (63.8 ± 11.9° vs. 53.0 ± 12.7°, p = 0.02) were observed. We suggest that adequate corrective training should be performed regularly to minimize or mitigate adverse soft tissue changes at the elbow in youth baseball players. Balanced shoulder strength and flexibility may decrease medial elbow stress during pitching. Future studies should consider the kinetic and kinematic effects of other corrective training programs on the shoulder or elbow joint during pitching.

Efficacy of Supersets Versus Traditional Sets in Whole-Body Multiple-Joint Resistance Training: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Iversen, VM, Eide, VB, Unhjem, BJ, and Fimland, MS. Efficacy of supersets versus traditional sets in whole-body multiple-joint resistance training: A randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): 1372-1378, 2024-Time constraints often hinder exercise engagement, necessitating exploration of time-efficient resistance training methods. Superset training, where 2 exercises are performed successively with minimal rest, nearly halves session duration but is metabolically demanding, possibly reducing strength gains. In a randomized controlled trial with blinded test leaders, we examined the efficacy of supersets versus traditional sets in a full-body, multiple-joint resistance training workout on maximal strength in the trained exercises. Subjects took part in a 3-week introductory training phase before baseline testing to ensure they were thoroughly familiarized. Next, they were randomized to a superset- or a traditional-set group, performing 10 weeks of heavy multiple-joint resistance training twice per week. The exercise programs consisted of leg press, bench press, lat pull-down, and seated rows. The traditional training group had a 5.2-kg higher improvement in pull-down than the superset group (p = 0.033), and a close to significant 4.8-kg higher improvement in seated rows (p = 0.073). The improvements in leg press and bench press were quite similar for both groups (p = 0.507-0.527). There were no changes between groups in body composition outcomes (0.151-0.640), but both groups increased muscle mass and reduced fat mass (p < 0.05). In conclusion, superset training of multi-joint exercises hampered maximal strength gains somewhat compared with traditional-set training. However, there were very similar improvements in body composition, and strength gains were observed for all exercises in the superset group. Thus, whole-body, multiple-joint superset resistance training could be a viable time-saving approach.