Weeks Of Training Research Articles

Proprioceptive Training Induced Adaptations of Static Balance Control: An RCT Study in Adults With Intellectual Disability.

Adults with intellectual disability (ID) experience injurious falls that may affect their quality of life. The present randomised control trial (RCT) study examined the efficacy of a 10-week proprioceptive training programme, on static balance performance, in adults with mild to moderate ID. Participants were voluntarily recruited from a day care centre and randomly assigned into the intervention (IG; n = 14; 36.4 ± 3.8 years; males/females = 8/6) and the control group (CG; n = 13; 37.6 ± 4.8 years; males/females = 7/6). The IG trained three times per week with the proprioceptive training programme, whereas both groups followed the regular adapted physical activity programme of the day care centre. Static balance was assessed before and after the intervention with three static balance tests [bipedal stance (60″), Tandem Romberg stance (30″) and single leg stance (15″)] performed on a force platform, whereas the Mini-BESTest was also used to assess aspects of static and dynamic balance in the field. The IG significantly improved (p < 0.05) test scores of the Mini-BESTest and decreased the range and the root mean square of the centre of pressure displacement during the bipedal, Tandem Romberg and single leg stance, in contrast to the CG who showed no improvement. The specific proprioceptive training programme improved the static balance of adults with ID and this could have a positive, significant impact in their daily life, as it may reduce the incidence of falls and relative injuries.

Group-based emotional regulation training for adolescents in primary health care settings: a proof-of-concept study of its utility to improve mental health

Providing mental health care in high-demand but resource-limited settings requires creative approaches. Group-based emotional regulation training has shown promise in other contexts, but its usefulness among South African adolescents in primary health care settings has not been fully examined. Emotional regulation is crucial for long-term health, psychological wellbeing, and reducing common mental disorders. The study aimed to evaluate the potential utility of a 6-week group-based emotional regulation training programme designed for adolescents in South Africa and to provide recommendations for future application in related contexts. Participants aged 15 to 17 years attended the 6-week programme consisting of weekly 90-min sessions that focussed on self-care, emotional awareness, mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, interpersonal effectiveness, and goal setting. Measures of clinical depression and anxiety, and emotional regulation, were administered before, after, and at 3 months following the programme. Parental and participant feedback were subjected to thematic analysis. Significant improvements were observed in depression, anxiety, and emotional regulation among the participants, compared to controls. Depression and anxiety symptoms decreased from pre-programme to post-programme, with sustained improvements at the 3-month follow-up. In addition, parental feedback highlighted positive changes in children’s empathy and self-awareness. This proof-of-concept study demonstrated the potential utility of a structured, group-based programme to enhance emotional regulation and improve mental health among adolescents in South Africa. It also offered recommendations for refinement in primary health care settings, based on themes identified in the qualitative analysis.

The effect of 12-week combined balance and plyometric training on dynamic balance and lower extremity injury risk in college dancers

BackgroundDancers face significant physical demands and are at high risk for lower extremity injuries due to the complexity and intensity of their movements, which require strong dynamic balance. Improving dynamic balance through training can potentially enhance performance and reduce injury risk.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week combined balance and plyometric training program (BP) compared to plyometric training alone (PL) on dynamic balance and lower extremity injury risk among college dancers.MethodsA total of 30 female college dancers were randomly assigned to either the BP group (n = 15) or the PL group (n = 15). Both groups participated in a 12-week training program, with the BP group engaging in both balance and plyometric exercises, and the PL group performing only plyometric exercises. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Dynamic Posture Stability Index (DPSI). Lower extremity injury risk was evaluated using the Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) and Center of Pressure (COP) measurements, pre- and post-intervention.ResultsThe BP group showed significant improvements in dynamic balance compared to the PL group, with a reduction in DPSI values (DF-DPSI: p &amp;lt; 0.001, partial η2 = 0.625; DL-DPSI: p &amp;lt; 0.001, partial η2 = 0.559). Additionally, the BP group showed significant reductions in COP displacements, particularly in the anterior-posterior direction (DF-COPAP: p &amp;lt; 0.015, partial η2 = 0.101; DL-COPAP: p = 0.019, partial η2 = 0.094). The BP group also demonstrated greater improvements in LSI-3C and LSI-6, which reflect dynamic stability (LSI-3C: p &amp;lt; 0.001, partial η2 = 0.229; LSI-6: p = 0.006, partial η2 = 0.128).ConclusionThe 12-week combined balance and plyometric training program was more effective than plyometric training alone in improving dynamic balance and reducing lower extremity injury risk in college dancers. This combined training approach is recommended for improving performance and preventing injuries in dancers.

Effects of 6-week sprint interval training compared to traditional training on the running performance of distance runners: a randomized controlled trail

IntroductionThis study aimed to compare the effects of sprint interval training versus traditional training on running performance in well-trained male distance runners.MethodsTwenty male distance runners (VO2: 67.4 ± 4.5 mL/kg/min, personal best time for the 5000 m: 14′38″47 ± 00′23″46) were recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention training (IT) group, which performed sprint interval training, or the control training (CT) group, which engaged in traditional long-distance training. Both groups completed their respective training regimens twice a week for 6 weeks. Measurements for VO2max, O2 cost, time to exhaustion (TTE), and running times for 100, 400, and 3000 m were taken before and after the intervention.ResultsThe results indicated that the IT group showed significant improvements in TTE and running performance across 100, 400, and 3000 m (all P &amp;lt; 0.01), while the CT group only demonstrated improvements in 400 m time (P &amp;lt; 0.01). The IT group exhibited superior 3000 m performance compared to the CT group (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Analysis of effect sizes revealed small to moderate improvements in physiological and performance measures for the IT group, with VO2max showing a small effect size of 0.43, O2 cost a moderate effect size of 0.65, and TTE a moderate effect size of 0.77.ConclusionThese findings suggest that sprint interval training may offer superior benefits for enhancing running performance of well-trained male distance runners, particularly in time to exhaustion and middle-to long-distance events, compared to traditional longdistance training.

Multimodal Adaptations to Expiratory Musculature-Targeted Resistance Training: A Preliminary Study in Healthy Young Adults.

Exercise-induced adaptations, including neuroplasticity, are well studied for physical exercise that targets skeletal muscles. However, little is known about the neuroplastic potential of targeted speech and swallowing exercises. The current study aimed to gather preliminary data on molecular and functional changes associated with the neuroplastic effects of 4-week expiratory musculature-targeted resistance training in healthy young adults. Five healthy young adult men aged between 19 and 35 years, M (SD) = 28.8 (2.68) years, underwent 4 weeks of expiratory muscle strength training (EMST). We measured changes in maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels at baseline and posttraining conditions. Furthermore, functional and structural magnetic resonance images were obtained to investigate the neuroplastic effects of EMST. We analyzed the effects of training using a linear mixed model for each outcome, with fixed effects for baseline and posttraining. MEP and serum BDNF levels significantly increased posttraining. However, this effect was not observed for IGF-1. A significant increase in functional activation in eight regions was also observed posttraining. However, we did not observe significant changes in the white matter microstructure. Preliminary data from our study suggest targeted resistance training of expiratory muscles results in molecular and neuroplastic adaptations similar to exercise that targets skeletal muscles. Additionally, these results suggest that EMST could be a potential intervention to modulate (or prime) neurotrophic signaling pathways linked to functional strength gains and neuroplasticity.

Effects of Combined Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis Training on Athletic Performance of 2-Year-Old Trot-Type Yili Horses

Objectives: Training is essential for enhancing equine athletic performance, but the genetic mechanisms that regulate athletic performance are unknown. Therefore, this paper aims to identify candidate genes and metabolic pathways for the effects of training on equine athletic performance through multi-omics analyses. Methods: The experiment selected 12 untrained trot-type Yili horses, which underwent a 12-week professional training program. Blood samples were collected at rest before training (BT) and after training (AT). Based on their race performance, whole blood and serum samples from 4 horses were chosen for transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Results: The race performance of the horses is dramatically improved in the AT period compared to the BT (p &lt; 0.01) period. The transcriptome analysis identified a total of 57 differentially expressed genes, which were significantly enriched in pathways related to circadian entrainment, steroid hormone biosynthesis, chemokine signaling, and cholinergic synapses (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, metabolomic analysis revealed 121 differentially identified metabolites, primarily enriched in metabolic pathways such as histidine metabolism, purine metabolism, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The integration of transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses uncovered five shared pathways, and further combined pathway analyses identified eight differentially expressed genes that correlate with 19 differentially identified metabolites. Conclusions: The current findings will contribute to establishing a theoretical framework for investigating the molecular mechanisms of genes associated with the impact of training on equine athletic performance. Additionally, these results will serve as a foundation for enhancing the athletic capabilities of trot-type Yili horses.

Effects of Dance-Based Aerobic Training on Frailty and Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study has been to evaluate the effects of a dance-based aerobic training program on frailty, cognitive impairment, executive functions, and verbal fluency in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Methods: Randomized clinical trial, whose sample was made up of 92 older adults, of which 47 performed rhythmic physical activity for 12 weeks. Data on frailty were collected through FRAIL, cognitive function through the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), cognitive impairment through The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), verbal fluency using the Isaac test, and executive functions with the Trail Making Test (TMT). All variables were measured before and after the intervention by an independent researcher blinded to the treatment. Results: Participants in the experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in frailty (Cohen’s d = 0.60), cognitive function (Cohen’s d = 0.98), cognitive impairment (Cohen’s d = 1.22), verbal fluency (Cohen’s d = 0.61) and executive functions (Cohen’s d = 0.64). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that a 12-week dance-based aerobic training program can significantly reduce frailty and improve cognitive abilities in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. These improvements suggest that the intervention is not only effective in terms of physical health, but also in promoting mental health and general well-being.

Effects of 6-Week Whole-Body Vibration Training on Isokinetic Trunk Muscle Strength, Postural Stability, and Jump Performance in Female Adults – A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT Current evidence regarding the benefits of Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) on postural stability and jump performance remains inconsistent and to the best of our knowledge, there is no study comparing the effectiveness of different vibration frequencies on trunk muscle strength. This study was conducted to determine the effect of whole-body vibration training with different vibration frequency on isokinetic trunk muscle strength, postural stability and jump performance in physically inactive and minimally active healthy female adults. Forty-five females were randomly assigned to 45 hz WBV group (n = 15), 25 hz WBV (n = 15) group and control exercise group without WBV (0 hz group, n = 15). Individuals in each group completed a 6-week trunk-based exercise program at the specified vibration frequency. Concentric and eccentric strength of trunk flexor and extensor muscles, postural stability and jump performance were assessed before and after the training period. There were significant group by time interactions in concentric and eccentric trunk muscle strength. Interaction effects showed no significant differences in postural stability and vertical jump performance. However, post hoc analyses revealed that all three groups significantly improved vertical jump height. These findings suggest that WBV combined with exercise training were effective to enhance the strength of trunk muscles in physically inactive and minimally active women. Nevertheless, WBV exercise training performed in this study had no significant impact on postural stability and jump performance.Clinical Trials Number: NCT05014958 (Pre-registired)

Separate and Combined Effects of Moderate-Intensity Exercise Training and Detraining with Protocatechuic Acid (PCA) on Myokines and Insulin-Signaling Pathways in Male Wistar Rats: A Preclinical Randomized Study

Background: Exercise training positively modulates myokine secretion and improves glucose metabolism. Herein, we analyzed the effect of moderate-intensity training, detraining, and Protocatechuic Acid (PCA) supplementation on myokine secretions and regulation of insulin-signaling pathways. Methods: A five-arm study was conducted on 47 healthy male Wistar rats, trained at a moderate intensity level for four weeks (T0-T4). Animals were randomly classified into groups according to PCA supplementation and exercise durations: four weeks of Aerobic Training with or without PCA (AT4, AT4-PCA), eight weeks of Aerobic Training with or without PCA (AT8, AT8-PCA), and PCA Vehicle Control (VC). The animals were followed up until week 12 (T12). We decapitated six rats at T0 and T4, four rats per group at T8, and three rats per group at T12. Myokines (IGF-1, IL-6, FGF-21, myostatin, and irisin) were analyzed with ELISA. Western blot analysis measured protein expression of insulin-signaling pathways and GLUT-4 in the gastrocnemius muscle. Results: The IL-6 levels increased significantly (p &lt; 0.01) with 8-week training in AT8 by 34% and AT8-PCA by 32%, compared to groups trained for only 4 weeks (AT4 and AT4-PCA). Similarly, the PI3K, and GLUT-4 expression improved in AT8 and AT8-PCA at T8. Training for 4 weeks improved IGF-1 levels, but a further 14% improvement was observed with 8-week training in AT8 at T8. Myostatin level significantly dropped by 27% even with 4-week training (p &lt; 0.001). However, detraining increased the myostatin levels in all groups, but in AT8-PCA with PCA dose, myostatin reduced by 11% compared to AT8 at T12. PCA supplementation reduced the FGF-21 levels by 54% during detraining at T12 in AT8-PCA compared to AT8. However, the irisin level did not change markedly in any group. Conclusions: Physical training (with and without PCA) modulates myokine production and improves glucose metabolism, but the benefits are lost after detraining.

Effects of Exergame Training on Executive Function and Heart Rate Variability in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: ARandomized Controlled Study.

Exergame has become widely popular and offers great levels of cognitive demands, thus may facilitate cognitive benefits. In addition, researchers have proposed that cardiac autonomic function, assessed via heart rate variability (HRV), is associated with cognitive executive function. However, few exergame training studies have investigated this relationship. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 10-week exergame training on executive function and HRV in middle-aged and older adults. Ninety-one participants were randomly assigned to either an exergame training group (63.73±4.48years) or a control group (62.46±4.77years). The training program was 50min per session, twice per week for 10weeks. The control group was instructed to maintain their usual lifestyle. All participants completed questionnaires and received assessments of executive functions and electrocardiography at baseline and postintervention. Results revealed significant group-by-time interaction effects for the three indices of the digit span test and the total initiation time of the Tower of London task with better postintervention performances achieved by the exergame group. The 6 min walk test also improved significantly in the exergame group but not in the control group. No significant change in HRV was observed for both groups. There were significant correlations between HRV and digit span test scores. Our results suggest that the 10-week exergame training program was effective in improving executive functions of working memory, inhibitory control, and planning ability as well as aerobic fitness in middle-aged and older adults. Moreover, HRV was associated with improved executive function.

Sex Differences in Response to a 12-Week Resistance Training Exercise Intervention After Cardiac Surgery: A Proof-of-Concept Intervention Trial.

Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, which often follows major acute cardiac events, is traditionally focused on aerobic exercise and has been associated with decreased morbidity and mortality. Its benefit among cardiac surgery patients is less clear, as is the role of resistance-based exercise programs and their sex-specific effects. This study seeks to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a 12-week resistance training program in patients post cardiac surgery through a sex-specific lens. We conducted a nonrandomized feasibility trial with a 12-week strength training exercise intervention. The primary outcome was safety and feasibility. Secondary outcomes included changes in strength, endurance, and functional capacity; and sex differences among these. Adult participants post open-heart surgery who had completed traditional cardiac rehabilitation were consented. Both patients who completed (cases) or did not complete (controls) a tailored 12-week resistance training program underwent comprehensive assessment of physiologic and physical fitness measures pre- and postintervention. Nine participants enrolled in the trial, including 6 in the intervention arm (median age 61 years; 67% male) and 3 in the control arm (median age 66 years; 67% male). No serious adverse events were noted, indicating safety of the intervention. Participants completed a mean of 34.8/36 (96.7%) of sessions, indicating the feasibility of the program. Although not powered for statistical significance, patients experienced positive trends of improvement in measures of hand grip strength, endurance, and functional capacity with the intervention. When stratified, females experienced greater gains than males in these measures. This proof-of-concept study found that resistance-based exercise after cardiac surgery is well tolerated and feasible. Although all patients experienced improvements in exercise parameters, females reported greater relative improvement than males.

Quantification of training-induced alterations in body composition via automated machine learning analysis of MRI images in the thigh region: A pilot study in young females.

The maintenance of an appropriate ratio of body fat to muscle mass is essential for the preservation of health and performance, as excessive body fat is associated with an increased risk of various diseases. Accurate body composition assessment requires precise segmentation of structures. In this study we developed a novel automatic machine learning approach for volumetric segmentation and quantitative assessment of MRI volumes and investigated the efficacy of using a machine learning algorithm to assess muscle, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and bone volume of the thigh before and after a strength training. Eighteen healthy, young, female volunteers were randomly allocated to two groups: intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). The IG group followed an 8-week strength endurance training plan that was conducted two times per week. Before and after the training, the subjects of both groups underwent MRI scanning. The evaluation of the image data was performed by a machine learning system which is based on a 3D U-Net-based Convolutional Neural Network. The volumes of muscle, bone, and SAT were each examined using a 2 (GROUP [IG vs. CG]) × 2 (TIME [pre-intervention vs. post-intervention]) analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures for the factor TIME. The results of the ANOVA demonstrate significant TIME × GROUP interaction effects for the muscle volume (F1,16 = 12.80, p = 0.003, ηP 2 = 0.44) with an increase of 2.93% in the IG group and no change in the CG (-0.62%, p = 0.893). There were no significant changes in bone or SAT volume between the groups. This study supports the use of artificial intelligence systems to analyze MRI images as a reliable tool for monitoring training responses on body composition.

Efficacy of a group-based 8-week multicomponent cognitive training on cognition, mood and activities of daily living among healthy older adults: A two-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial.

Cognitive training (CT) has been one of the important non-pharmaceutical interventions that could delay cognitive decline. Currently, no definite CT methods are available. Furthermore, little attention has been paid to the effect of CT on mood and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). To assess the effectiveness of a multicomponent CT using a training program of executive functions, attention, memory and visuospatial functions (TEAM-V Program) on cognition, mood and instrumental ADL. A randomized, single-blinded, treatment-as-usual controlled trial. Geriatric clinic in Bangkok, Thailand. 80 nondemented community-dwelling older adults (mean age 65.7 ± 4.3 years). The CT (TEAM-V) Program or the treatment-as-usual controlled group. The TEAM-V intervention was conducted over 5 sessions, with a 2-week interval between each session. A total of 80 participants were randomized (n = 40 the TEAM-V Program; n = 40 the control group). The Thai version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), The Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-cog), Thai version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and The Chula ADL were used to assess at baseline, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. Compared with the control arm (n = 36), the TEAM-V Program (n = 39) was associated with significantly improved general cognition (MoCA, P = 0.02) at 2 years. Compared with baseline, participants receiving the TEAM-V Program were associated with significantly improved immediate recall (word recall task, P < 0.001), retrieval and retention of memory processes (word recognition task, P = 0.01) and attention (number cancellation part A, P = 0.01) at 2 years. No training effects on anxiety (P = 0.94), depression (P = 0.093) and IADL (P = 0.48) were detected. The TEAM-V Program was effective in improving global cognitive function. Even though, the program did not significantly improve anxiety, depression and IADL compared with the control group, memory and attention improved in the intervention group compared with baseline. Further studies incorporating a larger sample size, longitudinal follow-up and higher-intensity CT should be conducted.

A pilot study on the effects of multimodal cervical exercise training on clinical concussion risk factors in female athletes.

The primary objective of the current study was to examine whether a 7-week multi-modal cervical training intervention was effective in improving sport related concussion risk factors in female varsity athletes. A quantitative experimental research design involving a prospective exercise intervention. Seventeen female athletes (age 19.5±1.42 years) attended two data collection sessions (i.e., baseline and post-testing) involving assessments in anthropometrics, isometric and dynamic neck strength, and balance control. The intervention group (n=8) participated in a seven-week multi-modal neuromuscular training program for the cervical musculature. The control group (n=9) was not provided with external training aside from what was performed within their sports team which was not cervical spine specific. The intervention group experienced significant improvements in neck-girth, flexor-extensor strength ratio, cervical muscular endurance, isometric and dynamic strength, and balance control. The findings suggest that the intervention was effective in improving clinical measures related to concussion risk. Prior research suggests that improved size, strength, endurance, symmetry, and postural control, improve an athlete's ability to stabilize the head. This improved stability may cause athletes to have reduced motion of the head following a concussive load, consequently reducing SRC risk but should be investigated further.

The Effect of Proprioceptive Training on Technical Soccer Skills in Youth Professional Soccer

Background and Objectives: This study analyzes the effects of proprioceptive training on the physical fitness and soccer-specific technical skills of young professional soccer players. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight male professional soccer players from the Türkiye Football Federation’s Third League, aged 20.46 ± 1.60 years (average), participated voluntarily. Body composition was assessed with the Inbody270 bioelectrical impedance analyzer, while agility and maximal VO2 cardiorespiratory fitness were measured using the ChronoJump smartspeed mat. Soccer-specific technical skill assessments were also conducted. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22, with paired sample t-tests for comparisons, Cohen’s d test for effect size, and repeated measures two-way ANOVA for interaction effects (group × time). Eta squared (η2) values were reported for effect size. A 95% confidence level and p = 0.05 were used. Results: Proprioceptive training significantly improved body fat percentage (p &lt; 0.05; η2 = 0.006) and soccer-specific technical skills, including free juggling (p &lt; 0.05; η2 = 0.302), alternating foot juggling (p &lt; 0.05; η2 = 0.271), right foot juggling (p &lt; 0.05; η2 = 0.250), and shooting performance (p &lt; 0.05; η2 = 0.513). Conclusions: A 12-week proprioceptive training program, when incorporated into soccer practice, significantly enhances soccer-specific technical skills and reduces body fat percentage.

Tissue oxygenation in response to low-load and high-load back squats with continuous blood flow restriction in athletes

ABSTRACT To determine muscle oxygenation with continuous blood flow restriction (BFR) training in high load (HL), 80% one-repetition maximum (1RM) and low load (LL), 30% 1RM squat exercises. In week-2 of a 4-week resistance training programme as part of their 3-set training routine, two groups of athletes (n = 4 each), one performing HL training with low cuff pressure (20% arterial occlusion pressure (AOP)), the other LL training with high cuff pressure (60% AOP) had muscle oxygenation assessed with near-infrared spectrophotometry (NIRS), arterial oxygen saturation (SPO2), heart rate (HR), barbell velocity and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during barbell back squats (BBS). Changes in the vastus lateralis oximetry were compared to pre- and post-training squat (1RM). Across athletes, there were significant associations between two pre-set-3 exercise variables and post-training 1RM, Tissue Saturation Index (TSI) (R2 = 0.92, p < 0.0002) and HHb concentration (R2 = 0.79, p < 0.003). Generalised regression models indicated that TSI % and HHb concentrations before and after set 3 timepoints were significant predictors of post-training 1RM in the LL group (R2 = 0.99, BIC = −24.9). Well-tolerated continuous LL-BFR training provided greater increases in strength than HL-BFR in athletes.

Investigation of the Effects of 8-Week Tabata Training on Physical Performance in Amputee Football Players

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 8-week tabata training on physical performance in amputee football players. For this purpose, 24 male football players who played in amputee football Super league and had at least 5 years of amputee football history participated in the study voluntarily. Material and Methods: The athletes participating in the study were divided into 2 groups of 12 each as control group (CG) and tabata group (TG) by simple random method. While the TG applied an 8-week tabata exercise protocol during the normal football season, the CG continued only football training. Tabata protocol was applied as 4 sets 2 times a week for 8 weeks. Height, weight, waist, hip, standing long jump, vertical jump and yoyo tests were performed as pre-test before 8 weeks and post-test after 8 weeks. Dependent sample t test was used to determine whether there was a difference between the pre-test and post-test of each group. Results: According to the pre-post test data between the groups; statistically significant differences were found in the final weight (-1.92±0.38), final VKI (-1.05±0.19), final SLJ (33.91±7.51), final VJ (7.66±1.54), and final Yoyo (1.437±0.26) measurements of TG and KG (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Tabata protocol applied for 8 weeks will be very useful to be used more in the development of aerobic and anaerobic endurance skills which are very important in amputee football players.

Aerobic exercise regulates gut microbiota profiles and metabolite in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease.

Aerobic exercise (AE) has been shown to offer significant benefits for Alzheimer's disease (AD), potentially influencing the gut microbiota. However, the impact of changes in intestinal flora in early Alzheimer's disease induced by aerobic exercise on metabolic pathways and metabolites is not well understood. In this study, 3-month-old APP/PS1 and C57BL/6 mice were divided into two groups each: a control group (ADC for APP/PS1 and WTC for C57BL/6) and an aerobic exercise group (ADE for APP/PS1 and WTE for C57BL/6). The exercise groups underwent a 20-week aerobic training program on a motorized treadmill before the behavioral test (both the Morris water maze experiment (MWM) and the eight-arm maze test). Fecal samples were collected to analyze gut microbiota profiles via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. At the same time, the metabolic pathway analysis and the detection of metabolites were carried out. At the phylum level, the ADE group exhibited a significant reduced in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes compared to the ADC group. At the genus level, both Ileibacterium and Faecalibaculum were found to be more abundant in the ADE group than in the ADC group. Additionally, PICRUSt analysis revealed that lipid metabolism and bile acid metabolism pathways were significantly enriched in the cecal microbiota of mice in the ADE group. The metabolites detected further confirmed the changes in the metabolic pathways mentioned above. Aerobic exercise may modify gut microbiota profiles and metabolites in APP/PS1 mice, thereby potentially playing a beneficial role in delaying cognitive impairment associated with early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

Efficacy of Army Combat Fitness Test 12-Week Exercise Program Among Females.

The dearth of research investigating the efficacy of virtual Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) training programs among female populations necessitates further exploration. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week ACFT virtual exercise program among female participants. Nine female participants (age = 19.7 ± 1.3 years, height = 165.9 ± 4.9 cm, and body mass = 62.7 ± 5.9 kg) volunteered to complete 2 assessment sessions and the 12-week ACFT virtual exercise training program. In session 1, baseline height, body mass, body composition, and ACFT scores were collected. Upon completion of session 1, under supervisory guidance, all participants were scheduled to complete the 12-week exercise training program in-person. The ACFT exercise training program required participants to complete a warmup/cool down and exercise with suspension training straps 4 days per week, 60 minutes for 12 weeks. In session 2, post-assessments of body mass, body composition, and ACFT scores were collected. Statistical analyses were conducted utilizing paired sample t-tests to assess differences between pre- and post-intervention ACFT scores with P ≤ .05. Cohen's d was calculated to quantify the magnitude of the observed effect. Overall mean ACFT pre-intervention scores (487.2 ± 66.5) increased significantly when compared to mean ACFT post-intervention scores (521.6 ± 44.0) (Cohen's d = 0.86, P = .03). No statistical differences were displayed among the individual mean ACFT pre- versus post-intervention scores. A consistent decline in adherence of 3.9% per week ensued from week 1 through week 12. Following the intervention, female participants experienced a significant increase of approximately 7% in their overall ACFT scores, with upward trends observed across all 6 individual ACFT events. These findings suggest that 12-week virtual suspension training can be a valuable tool for enhancing physical fitness and performance among female participants, particularly within the context of military readiness.

Block strength training improves functional autonomy and quality of life in community-dwelling older women

Introduction: Block strength training has been proposed as a useful and practical strategy to reverse the effects of aging in community-dwelling older adults. However, the effects of block strength training based on the nature of exertion on functional autonomy and life quality of older women living in the community are unknown. Objective: To determine the effects of a Block Strength Training program based on the level of effort on functional autonomy and self-perceived life quality in community-dwelling older women. Methodology: Eighteen older women (71.1 ± 8.01 years) residing in the community volunteered for the study. The study had a pre-experimental design with pre- and post-tests. The block strength training is 12 weeks and divided into three blocks of 4 weeks each. The study variables were functional autonomy, assessed with the GDLAM protocol, and self-perceived life quality, assessed with WHOQOL-BREF. Differences between pre- and post-intervention were performed using t-tests and Wilcoxon tests, both for related samples (p &lt; 0.05). Results: After applying the 12-week block strength training, 4 of the five tests of the GDLAM protocol showed significant improvements (p &lt; 0.05). Likewise, 2 of the four dimensions of the WHOQOL-Bref showed significant improvements (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: A Block Strength Training program based on the level of effort significantly improves functional autonomy and self-perceived life quality in older women community residents. Consequently, this methodology is effective and practical for promoting healthy aging in the community.