Exercise Performance Research Articles

The Effects of Active Versus Passive Interset Rest Intervals in the Bench-Press Exercise in Resistance-Trained Men: A Randomized Crossover Study.

Interset rest (ISR) is a variable of resistance training (RT) that has received limited attention and focused mainly on the length of the ISR rather than examining the effects of different stimuli when using the same ISR duration. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 2-minute passive (PAS) or active ISR (ACT) on intraset velocity loss, blood lactate concentrations, and rating of perceived exertion during bench press in resistance-trained men. Fourteen participants (23.64 [2.02]y, 82.79 [10.74]kg, 181.50 [7.02]m, maximal power in bench press 660 [113]W) completed 2 RT sessions of 5 × 8 repetitions at maximal velocity using individual optimal load for maximal power output with 2-minute PAS or ACT ISR. During the ACT, participants completed repetitions of vertical chest press at 5% to 10% 1-repetition maximum at a controlled velocity. The intraset velocity loss was measured using a lineal encoder, and blood lactate concentrations and rating of perceived exertion before and after each set were registered. Intraset velocity loss was lower in ACT compared with the PAS protocol, without statistically significant differences (P = .571). Blood lactate concentrations increased across the session for both ISR protocols, but this increase was diminished in ACT compared with PAS, without statistical meaning (P > .05). Continuing to perform the same activation during rest intervals was well-tolerated and may reduce the loss of performance due to accumulated workload throughout an RT session, suggesting that ACT may trigger a metabolic advantage in exercise performance for consecutive sets during an RT bout.

Heat to hypoxia cross-adaptation: Effects of 6-week post-exercise hot-water immersion on exercise performance in acute hypoxia.

Cross-adaptation occurs when exposure to one environmental stressor (e.g., heat) induces protective responses to another (e.g., hypoxia). Although post-exercise hot-water immersion (HWI) induces heat acclimation, its potential to elicit cross-adaptation remains unclear. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 6-week post-exercise HWI intervention on exercise performance in hypoxia (O2=13%). Twenty healthy volunteers (28±5years; 47.4±8.9mL kg-1 min-1; 12 males, 8 females) completed interval cycling (4×4min at 90±5% maximal heart rate, 3×/week) followed by water immersion at either 34.5°C (control) or 42°C (HWI) for 40-50 min, five times per week. Following the 6-week intervention, the post-exercise HWI group exhibited lower resting heart rate (P<0.01, q=0.02; d=-1.32) and core temperature (P<0.01, q=0.001; d=-1.88) and elevated haemoglobin concentration (P<0.01, q=0.02; d=1.38). Compared to the control group, the HWI group also showed greater improvements in time-to-exhaustion (TTE) trial (P and q<0.01; d=1.2) under hypoxia, but not in aerobic peak power (P=0.03, q=0.08; d=0.86) or peak oxygen consumption ( ) (P=0.04, q=0.10; d=0.82). Throughout the TTE, lower core temperature and tidal volume, with increased oxygen saturation and were observed (P and q<0.05). During hypoxic steady-state exercise at 60% of , the HWI group exhibited lower core temperature and higher peripheral oxygen saturation in hypoxia. No between-group differences were observed in mean , respiratory exchange ratio, heart rate or rate of perceived exertion, nor in and aerobic peak power under normoxia (P and q>0.05). In conclusion, post-exercise HWI enhances maximal exercise performance under acute hypoxia, likely due to increased haemoglobin concentration, lower core temperature and improved respiratory efficiency.

The Impact of Remote Educational and Training Sessions on the Physical and Technical Preparedness of Students

This article explores the attitudes of students at higher education institutions towards distance-based educational and training sessions, as well as their impact on physical and technical preparedness under current conditions. The aim of this study is to examine the influence of remote training formats on the physical and technical preparedness of students. A survey was conducted involving 452 students from six higher education institutions in Ukraine. Participants represented all academic years and included individuals of different genders. The survey was administered remotely using a questionnaire developed via Google Forms. All participants provided informed consent prior to their involvement in the research. The survey results allowed for the identification of the most important types of preparedness in the distance training format. According to 64.2% of respondents, physical preparedness was considered the most significant. Psychological preparedness ranked second (13.8%), followed by technical preparedness (12.2%), and tactical preparedness (4.9%). Additionally, 4.9% of students believed that all types of preparedness are equally important for achieving high athletic performance. The study revealed that 41.0% of students identified effective factors that positively influence various types of preparedness in the distance format. These include: the quality of video materials and instructions that clearly and accessibly demonstrate technical elements; meaningful and timely feedback from instructors; individualization of the training process; availability of technical tools; motivation for self-directed learning; and regularity of educational and training sessions. However, 33.0% of respondents indicated that remote training negatively affects physical and technical preparedness. They cited several reasons for this perspective, including limited opportunities for real-time error correction due to the absence of direct trainer support during exercise performance, and the format of the material presentation—interactive tasks, testing, or video presentations—which can sometimes complicate comprehension and execution of technical elements. In conclusion, the study highlights both the positive and negative impacts of distance-based educational and training sessions on the physical and technical preparedness of students in higher education institutions. It also outlines the advantages of conducting remote training under martial law conditions, as well as the limitations of such an approach.

Exercise-Stimulated Resolvin Biosynthesis in the Adipose Tissue Is Abrogated by High-Fat Diet-Induced Adrenergic Deficiency.

Diet-induced white adipose tissue inflammation is associated with insulin resistance and metabolic perturbations. Conversely, exercise protects against the development of diet-induced chronic inflammation and insulin resistance independent of weight loss; however, the mechanisms remain largely unknown. We have recently shown that through adrenergic stimulation of macrophages, exercise promotes resolution of acute peritoneal inflammation by enhancing the biosynthesis of specialized proresolving lipid mediators. In this study, we sought to determine whether exercise stimulates proresolving pathways in adipose tissue and whether this response is modified by diet. Specifically, we hypothesized that exercise stimulates proresolving pathways by adrenergic signaling, which is inhibited by high-fat diet, priming the development of chronic inflammation in the adipose tissue. To explore the dietary dependence of the proresolving effects of exercise, mice were fed either a control or high-fat diet for 2 weeks before, and throughout, a 4-week period of daily treadmill running. Glucose handling, body weight and composition, lipemia, and exercise performance were evaluated at the end of the feeding and exercise interventions. Likewise, changes in catecholamines and their biosynthetic enzymes were measured along with adipose tissue specialized proresolving lipid mediator levels and macrophage phenotype and abundance. When compared with sedentary controls, macrophages isolated from mice exposed to 4 weeks of exercise display elevated expression of the specialized proresolving lipid mediator biosynthetic enzyme Alox15, while adipose tissue specialized proresolving lipid mediator levels and anti-inflammatory CD301+ M2 macrophages increased. These changes were dependent upon diet as 6 weeks of feeding with high-fat diet abrogated the proresolving effect of exercise when compared with control diet-fed animals. Interestingly, exercise-induced epinephrine production was inhibited by high-fat diet, which diminished the expression of the epinephrine biosynthetic enzyme PNMT (phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase) in adrenal glands. Taken together, these results suggest that a diet high in fat diminishes the proresolving effects of exercise in the adipose tissue via decreasing the biosynthesis of catecholamines.

Autonomic Dysfunction and Low Cardio-Respiratory Fitness in Long-Term Post-COVID-19 Syndrome

Purpose: Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) is characterized by low cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF). Recent research focuses on the role of autonomic nervous system dysfunction (AD) as a potential contributor to the diminished exercise performance. The aim is to determine the prevalence of AD—chronotropic insufficiency (CI) and abnormal heart rate recovery (HRR) in long-term PCS subjects and to analyse their association with exercise capacity. Patients and Methods: A total of 192 subjects with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection were included. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Questionnaire (CFSQ) was applied, and two symptomatic and asymptomatic emerged. Forty-seven had post-COVID complaints, persisting up to thirty months post-acute episode. CI and HRR were determined during the cardio-pulmonary exercise test (CPET). Results: Symptomatic subjects were divided into mild (20) and moderate-severe (27), depending on the CFSQ score; forty-eight PCS subjects without complaints served as a control group. Subjects with moderate-severe PCS showed lower peak VO2 (24.13 ± 6.1 mL/min/kg vs. 26.73 ± 5.9 mL/min/kg, vs. 27.01 ± 6.3 mL/min/kg), as compared to the mild/asymptomatic subjects. Diminished physical activity was established in 10 (37%) of the moderate-severe, 7 (35%) of the mildly symptomatic and 14 (29%) of the asymptomatic groups. The occurrence of AD in the mild/moderate-severe and control groups were, respectively, CI 35% vs. 81.5% vs. 12.5%. Abnormal HRR was, respectively, 20% vs. 33% vs. 8%. None of the subjects had depleted breathing reserve, dynamic hyperinflation, exercise bronchospasm or desaturation. Neither CI nor abnormal HRR correlated to peak O2. Conclusions: AD is present among long-term PCS subjects and may limit the cardio-respiratory response to exercise but is not independently associated with it. Assuming the multiorgan ANS innervation, it is highly probable that AD has diverse pathological pathways in the various PCS phenotypes and contributes differently by cerebral, cardiovascular, respiratory, peripheral or mixed pathways to the diminished neuro-cognitive and physical performance.

Physical education technology for students of art specialties using for an integral influence on the physical preparation level land professional skills: a randomized control trial

Background and purpose Aspiring creative professionals are unique students driven to capture and express the world's beauty through music and art. Purpose: to determine the specific characteristics of the nervous and cardiovascular systems in aspiring fine arts teachers. The ultimate goal is to leverage this understanding to create and validate a comprehensive pedagogical approach that simultaneously enhances their physical fitness and professional artistic skills. Material and Methods The study's initial phase involved assessing the nervous and cardiovascular systems of 812 students from various faculties within Ukrainian pedagogical universities. Methods for determining the functional state and professional capabilities of students of the Faculty of Arts: Determination of the functional state of students; Determining the level of physical fitness of students; Assessment of the level of professional skills of students. Intervention. The experimental group diverged from the standard physical education curriculum, participating in activities based on a custom-designed methodology. Conversely, the experimental group engaged in physical movements framed by nature-inspired poetry, visualizing the described elements (plants, birds, animals, etc.) during the exercises. They were also asked to illustrate their favorite poetic lines. The control group performed traditional exercises and walking. Results The possibility of an indirect positive impact on the professional skills of students - future teachers of creative specialties through the complex use of physical exercises, which are performed to the accompaniment of poetic lines about nature and require the activation of figurative thinking, and through the use of special tasks on artistic creativity during the performance of exercises on general endurance has been proven. Conclusions Physical education technology for students of art specialties using for an integral influence on the physical preparation level land professional skills.

Physical Education and Artificial Intelligence. Validation of an instrument on the use and perception of AI in young people

Introduction.Artificial intelligence (AI) is a great tool to enhance pedagogical practices in the field of education and is integrated into the framework of physical education. Objective.The main objective of this research is to learn about the use of AI linked to physical education and the design and validation of a valid and reliable instrument to measure this application is presented. Methodology. In relation to the methodology, 853 university students were surveyed. This is ad hoc quantitative research, using a questionnaire validated by expert judgement, an exploratory factual study and a confirmatory study. Results. The results show that FACT1, FACT2 and FACT3 have a strong relationship with the latent variable, considering AI as a means to improve sport performance, with elements related to different exercise routines, progress, performance and feedback, being an opportunity to improve the quality of physical education teaching. The scientific literature supports viewing AI as an opportunity to be able to develop training, as well as applications that aim to develop AI, thus being an opportunity to make decisions and develop numerous strategies through artificial intelligence. Conclusion. In conclusion, this questionnaire is suitable for its validity and reliability of 0.955, being a suitable tool to measure the use and perception of AI in physical education teaching, as well as being used as a fundamental source for the scientific community.

Association Between the c.34C > T (rs17602729) Polymorphism of the AMPD1 Gene and the Status of Endurance and Power Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Previous research has shown that variants in the AMPD1 gene, which encodes the adenosine monophosphate deaminase 1 (AMPD1) protein, may affect energy supply of the muscle and fatigue resistance during high-intensity exercise. A single nucleotide substitution in this gene, specifically a cytosine-to-thymine substitution (c.34C > T; rs17602729), results in a nonsense mutation that causes a deficiency in the AMPD1 protein. Deficiency of the AMPD1 protein due to this polymorphism can influence exercise performance, ultimately affecting the likelihood of reaching the status of elite endurance or power athlete. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the distribution of CC, CT, and TT genotypes of the AMPD1 c.34C > T polymorphism (rs17602729) in endurance and power athletes to assess potential associations between this polymorphism and elite athlete status. Studies investigating genotype distribution in the AMPD1 c.34C > T (rs17602729) polymorphism in endurance and/or power athletes were searched for in four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct). The studies were selected and the genotypic and allelic frequencies of the AMPD1 c.34C > T (rs17602729) polymorphism were extracted if data for endurance and/or power athletes were compared with controls (non-athletes). Meta-analyses were computed using fixed or random effects models to calculate odds ratios (OR) with confidence interval (95% CI). Heterogeneity of the meta-analyses was reported using I2 statistics. After examining 1229 studies on the distribution of the AMPD1 c.34C > T (rs17602729) polymorphism in endurance and/or power athletes, 20 studies were considered eligible to be included in our meta-analysis. The studies were conducted in 11 different countries, including 5717 participants. There was a higher frequency of the CC genotype (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.40-2.12; p < 0.00001) in endurance athletes compared with non-athletic controls with a lower frequency of CT (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.49-0.75; p < 0.00001) and TT genotypes in endurance athletes versus non-athletic controls (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.19-0.97; p = 0.04). A higher frequency of the CC genotype was also observed in power athletes compared with controls (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.69-2.78; p < 0.00001) with a lower frequency of the CT (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.39-0.65; p < 0.00001) and TT genotypes (OR 0.25; 95% CI 0.09-0.68; p = 0.007) in power athletes compared with controls. Overall, the genotype distribution of the AMPD1 c.34C > T polymorphism (rs17602729) was similar in endurance and power athletes (OR between 0.76 and 1.39; p = 0.47-0.72). Our findings indicate that the CC genotype was overrepresented in endurance and power athletes compared with controls, suggesting that possessing two copies of the C allele of the AMPD1 c.34C > T (rs17602729) polymorphism may be associated with a 1.72-2.17 times greater likelihood of achieving elite or sub-elite athlete status in disciplines reliant on aerobic and anaerobic metabolic pathways. No statistically significant differences were found in the AMPD1 genotype distribution between endurance and power athletes.

CEFIP-deficiency in mice enhances glucose tolerance despite compromised muscle function.

Mechanotransduction in skeletal muscles is crucial for promoting global physical performance by coordinating muscular strength and metabolic properties, yet the underlying mechanisms and key regulatory molecules remain poorly understood. We identified CEFIP, a Z-disc localized protein upregulated upon contractility acquisition, as a potential integrator maintaining the balance between muscular performance and glucose metabolism. CEFIP deficiency resulted in decreased physical fitness, including lower running capabilities and weaker grip strength, even with no apparent myofiber disorganization. At the molecular levels, CEFIP-deficient mice exhibited dampened expression of STARS, a key mechanosensitive factor, while FHL1 and FHL3 were upregulated, with FHL1 expression further increasing in response to exercise. Despite the overall compromised physical performance, CEFIP-deficient mice unexpectedly led to enhanced insulin responsiveness, and increased muscular AMPK phosphorylation. Moreover, CEFIP-deficient mice exhibited heightened susceptibility to an exercise load, as evidenced by PGC-1a upregulation and augmented GLUT4 regulation, and enhanced insulin sensitivity, as indicated by sarcolemmal GLUT4 translocation. Taken together, our findings suggest that CEFIP serves as a key regulatory link between exercise performance and metabolic properties, potentially through Z-disc-mediated mechanosensitive processes in exercising skeletal muscles.

Ketone ester ingestion impairs exercise performance without impacting cognitive function or circulating EPO during acute hypoxic exposure.

Background: Altitude-induced hypoxemia impairs exercise performance and cognition. Interestingly, ketone ester (KE) ingestion may attenuate hypoxemia, which likely explains the observation that KE impairs high-intensity exercise performance in normoxia but not in hypoxia. Moreover, KE was reported to attenuate cognitive decline at extreme altitudes (~6,100m). Given that hypoxemia is unaffected by KE in milder conditions, the impact of KE on cognition and performance in the absence of elevated oxygenation remains unknown. As KE may increase post-exercise circulating [erythropoietin] ([EPO]) at sea level, we also assessed if KE might augment the blood [EPO] response after hypoxic exercise. Methods: In a double-blind, cross-over design, thirteen healthy, male participants completed two 5.5-h sessions at 4,000m simulated altitude while receiving either KE or placebo (CON). Throughout a graded exercise test (EXMAX) after 1.5h, and a submaximal exercise bout (EXSUBMAX) after 3h, blood and tissue oxygenation, ventilatory parameters, and acid-base balance were evaluated. Other measurements included cognitive function, and blood [EPO]. Results: KE reduced power output achieved during EXMAX by 3.6%, while blood and cerebral oxygenation were similar. KE ingestion lowered blood pH, [HCO3-], pCO2 and [glucose], but did not impact cognitive function. In both KE and CON, circulating [EPO] increased by ~56% after 5h. Conclusions: These results indicate that KE ingestion impairs high-intensity exercise performance, at least if not compensated by elevated oxygenation. A progressively increasing oxygenation upon KE was unable to protect against hypoxia-induced cognitive declines, and potentially counteracted a KE-induced augmentation of circulating [EPO].

Hiome Analysis Based on fsQCA: A Study on Sports Injury Factors in Adolescent Physical Training

In recent years, adolescent physical training has received more and more attention, but the risk of sports injury has also increased. Sports injuries not only affect adolescents’ physical health and exercise performance but may also negatively affect their psychological development and social adaptation. Therefore, identifying and understanding the key elements of motor impairment in adolescent physical training is essential for developing effective prevention strategies. However, the occurrence of motor injury is often the result of multiple factors, and there may be complex interactive relationships between factors. To more comprehensively reveal the genetic mechanism of motor injury, the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method was introduced in this study. An fsQCA is a comparative analysis method based on set theory and Boolean algebra that handles small and medium sample data and identifies multiple combinations of factors (configurations) that lead to the outcome variables. The purpose of this study is to use the fsQCA method to explore the key factors of sports injury and their combined pathways in adolescent physical training to provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the development of targeted sports injury prevention strategies.

Polyphenol-Rich Snack Consumption during Endurance Exercise Training Improves Nitric Oxide Bioavailability but does not Improve Exercise Performance in Male Cyclists: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Polyphenol-Rich Snack Consumption during Endurance Exercise Training Improves Nitric Oxide Bioavailability but does not Improve Exercise Performance in Male Cyclists: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Repetitive Feeding-Challenge With Different Nutritional Densities on Markers of Gastrointestinal Function, Substrate Oxidation, and Endurance Exercise Performance.

Gut-training has been shown to improve gastrointestinal tolerance, circulatory glucose availability, and exercise performance. The study aimed to investigate the effects of a repetitive feeding-challenge using fat versus carbohydrate (CHO) on markers of gastrointestinal function, glucose availability, and subsequent performance when challenged with a high-CHO load (87g/hr) during exercise. Forty-four endurance athletes (mean ± SD [9 females and 35 males]: body mass: 71.2 ± 9.2kg, height: 173.6 ± 7.0cm, V˙O2max: 55.0 ± 6.1ml·kg-1·min-1) completed a preintervention gut-challenge trial (T1), involving a 2hr run (60% V˙O2max) while taking a CHO gel every 20min (87g/hr, 10% w/v), followed by a 1hr self-paced distance test with ad libitum water. Participants were then randomized to a fat (fat feeding-challenge [FFC]; 20g nut butter, 124kcal, 11g fat, 3g protein, and 3g CHO) or CHO supplement (CHO feeding-challenge [CFC]; 47g CHO gel: 123kcal, 29g CHO) group to complete a 7-day repetitive feeding-challenge (1hr exercise and supplement intake every 20min with 290ml water), followed by a gut-challenge retrial (T2). FFC did not differ from CFC in terms of resting orocecal transit time, feeding tolerance, or substrate oxidation during T1 and T2. Peak breath hydrogen was lower in FFC than CFC (p = .028) at T2. Total (FFC: 27%, p = .005 vs. CFC: 38%, p = .001) and upper gastrointestinal symptoms severity (FFC: 26%, p = .013 vs. CFC: 40%, p < .001) during exercise was reduced similarly between groups from T1 to T2. FFC covered more distance in T2 (11.51 ± 2.02 vs. 11.08 ± 2.02km, p = .013), but not significantly different to CFC (p = .341). A repetitive feeding-challenge with fat does not enhance nor worsen gastrointestinal and fueling outcomes compared with a CHO repetitive feeding-challenge.

Verbal encouragement during strength and endurance assessments: The gender of the encourager can matter.

Verbal encouragement during strength and endurance assessments: The gender of the encourager can matter.

Impact of L-arginine and liposomal vitamin C supplementation on quality of life and daily life activities in patients with COPD: a randomized, multicenter, single blind, placebo-controlled trial (ILDA study).

Impact of L-arginine and liposomal vitamin C supplementation on quality of life and daily life activities in patients with COPD: a randomized, multicenter, single blind, placebo-controlled trial (ILDA study).

Cold Water Immersion Does Not Enhance Recovery and Performance After High-Intensity Interval Dorsiflexion Exercise.

Cold-water immersion (CWI) has become a widely adopted method for post-exercise recovery. However, its effectiveness in restoring neuromuscular function remains inconclusive. This study examined the impact of CWI on recovery following high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE). Twelve young, recreationally active individuals (10 males, 2 females) participated in a randomized crossover study. Each session included six sets of 30-s all-out isokinetic concentric contractions of the ankle dorsiflexor and plantar flexor muscles, followed by 10 min of room temperature rest (RT) or CWI at 10°C. Neuromuscular function and intramuscular temperature were evaluated periodically over 24 h, as well as next-day fatigue resistance of the dorsiflexors. In both conditions, maximal voluntary contraction torque remained impaired for up to 3 h without significant changes in voluntary activation (p > 0.05). Electrically stimulated torque showed no difference in the fatigue-induced decline or recovery of 10 Hz torque, which also remained impaired for up to 3 h. However, 50 Hz torque recovered within 1 h following RT, whereas it remained slightly reduced for up to 3 h following CWI. The 10:50 Hz torque ratio showed immediate recovery with CWI, whereas RT recovery was delayed for up to 1 h. Notably, the ratio was significantly lower with RT at 0-, 0.5-, and 1-h post-intervention. Despite these differences, HIIE performance during a repeat bout conducted 24 h later remained similar. In conclusion, 10 min of CWI at 10°C does not enhance post-exercise recovery or next-day exercise performance following HIIE.

Acute kaempferol ingestion lowers oxygen uptake during submaximal exercise and improves high-intensity exercise capacity in well-trained male athletes.

Our previous study involving 314 highland crop species demonstrated that kaempferol, a flavonoid present in higher amounts in these species, significantly enhances mitochondrial metabolism and cellular ATP production in myoblasts under limited oxygen conditions. Notably, biologically active substances in these plants, such as phytochemicals, may help improve the health and physical strength of highland residents. Therefore, we hypothesized that kaempferol would affect oxygen availability during exercise and exercise performance invivo. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study aimed to assess the effect of a single kaempferol intake (10 mg) on cardiopulmonary response during submaximal exercises (25%, 50%, and 75% VO2max) and maximal and super-maximal endurance capacities (100% and 125% VO2max) in 16 well-trained male university athletes using constant-load exercise tests (VO2max 57.5 ± 5.4 mL·kg-1 min-1). Kaempferol significantly reduced the VO2 and respiratory rate during 25%, 50%, and 75% VO2max exercises (p < 0.05 vs. placebo) without elevating the respiratory quotient and blood lactate. It also significantly increased the exercise duration at 100% VO2max (p < 0.05 vs. placebo). Overall, we demonstrated for the first time that a single intake of kaempferol could reduce oxygen uptake (demand/cost) during constant-load submaximal exercise and extend time-to-exhaustion during maximal exercise. UMIN Clinical Trials Registry in Japan: UMIN000049589.

Metabolomics Approach to Site‐Specific Differential Analysis of Heat‐Processed Chicory

ABSTRACTChicory (Cichorium intybus L.; witloof) contains bioactive compounds such as sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) and inulin, providing potential health benefits. However, the effects of cooking and processing on chicory's nutritional composition remain underexplored, particularly regarding its metabolite profile during low‐temperature processing. We aimed to investigate how different heating temperatures and processing times affect the nutritional composition of the whole chicory plants. We employed a targeted metabolomics approach to analyze the impact of low (30°C, 60°C) and high (100°C, microwave)‐temperature processing on chicory's nutritional profile, focusing on amino acids, sugars, organic acids, fatty acids, and other metabolites in both leaves and roots. Lower temperatures (≤ 60°C) influenced the concentration of nutritional components (sugars, free amino acids, organic acids), branched‐chain amino acids (which improve exercise performance), and γ‐aminobutyric acid (which has antihypertensive effects), depending on the composition of raw chicory. In contrast, high temperatures (100°C) and microwave processing, especially in chicory leaves, induced the formation of low molecular weight sugars from polysaccharides and glycosides, reduced free amino acid concentrations, and triggered heat‐induced aminocarbonyl reactions. This study provides valuable information for improving the flavor profile and potential health benefits of chicory by identifying optimal heat processing parameters to maintain desirable nutritional value.

Disentangling the Impact of Adiposity From Insulin Resistance in HeartFailure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Disentangling the Impact of Adiposity From Insulin Resistance in HeartFailure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Magnetic Resonance Quantification of Regional Blood Flow and Oxygen Delivery to the Brain, Gut, Kidneys, and Lower Extremities in Adolescents with a Fontan Circulation Compared to Biventricular Controls.

Magnetic Resonance Quantification of Regional Blood Flow and Oxygen Delivery to the Brain, Gut, Kidneys, and Lower Extremities in Adolescents with a Fontan Circulation Compared to Biventricular Controls.