High-intensity Activity Research Articles

Anaerobik Mesafe Kapasitesi Futbolda Hız, İvmelenme ve Çeviklik Üzerinde Etkili midir?

This study purposed to examine the effect of anaerobic distance capacity on agility, speed and acceleration in young football players. Twenty-five young football players participated in the present study voluntarily (n= 25, age= 16.72±1.10 years, height= 174.04±8.34 cm, weight= 65.86±11.26 kg). Agility value of young football players was obtained by the Illinois agility test. The speed and acceleration values of players were measured by 30-meter sprint test. 800 and 2400-meter run tests were performed to determine critical velocity and anaerobic distance capacity values. Players performed all of tests with maximum effort on a synthetic grass football pitch. The critical velocity and anaerobic distance capacity values were determined by total distance model (linear regression analysis between time and distance of 800 and 2400-meter runs). The slope and y-intercept of the regression line was determined as critical velocity and anaerobic distance capacity values, respectively (Total Distance Model: Run Distance = Anaerobic Distance Capacity + Critical Velocity x Run Duration). The effect of critical velocity and anaerobic distance capacity values on agility, speed and acceleration was examined by multiple linear regression analysis. According to linear regression models, it was found that anaerobic distance capacity and critical velocity values were not significant predictors of agility, speed and acceleration (p>0.05). Consequently, it can be said that anaerobic distance capacity value does not affect high-intensity anaerobic activities such as agility, speed, and acceleration in young football players.

Metabolic cost and mechanical work of walking in a virtual reality emulator.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the metabolic cost (C), mechanical work, and kinematics of walking on a multidirectional treadmill designed for locomotion in virtual reality. Ten participants (5 females, body mass 67.2 ± 8.1kg, height 1.71 ± 0.07m, age 23.6 ± 1.9years, mean ± SD) walked on a Virtuix Omni multidirectional treadmill at four imposed stride frequencies: 0.70, 0.85, 1.00, and 1.15Hz. A portable metabolic system measured oxygen uptake, enabling calculation of C and the metabolic equivalent of task (MET). Gait kinematics and external, internal, and total mechanical work (WTOT) were calculated by an optoelectronic system. Efficiency was calculated either as WTOT/C or by summing WTOT to the work against sliding frictions. Results were compared with normal walking, running, and skipping. C was higher for walking on the multidirectional treadmill than for normal walking, running, and skipping, and decreased with speed (best-fit equation: C = 20.2-27.5·speed + 15.8·speed2); the average MET was 4.6 ± 1.4. Mechanical work was higher at lower speeds, but similar to that of normal walking at higher speeds, with lower pendular energy recovery and efficiency; differences in efficiency were explained by the additional work against sliding frictions. At paired speeds, participants showed a more forward-leaned trunk and higher ankle dorsiflexion, stride frequency, and duty factor than normal walking. Walking on a multidirectional treadmill requires a higher metabolic cost and different mechanical work and kinematics than normal walking. This raises questions on its use for gait rehabilitation but highlights its potential for high-intensity exercise and physical activity promotion.

Survey of Lecturers' Understanding of Sports Massage Clinic Services at Bina Darma University

Sport is a series of regular and routine physical activities carried out by individuals to achieve certain goals. Sport is a physical activity that is planned to develop various physical components. Those who perform high-intensity sports activities become tired. Fatigue can generally refer to the body losing energy until it cannot move. Work systems and human resources both depend on occupational safety and health (OSH). This study aims to determine the understanding of employee lecturers on massage services at Bina Darma University's sports massage clinic. This research is descriptive research. The research population is patients who utilize massage services at Bina Darma University's sports massage clinic. The sampling technique used is incidental sampling with a sample size of 20 people. The data collection technique used a questionnaire. Data analysis using descriptive analysis and percentage. The results of research at the Bina Darma University Sport The results of the research at Bina Darma University Sport Massage Clinic in 20 people on each question item became in the very satisfying category of 85.75%, in the satisfying category of 76.75%, in the unsatisfactory category of 2.5% and there were no patients who gave an assessment of the sports massage clinic in the very unsatisfactory category.

Chronic Pubalgia in a Young Adult Managed by Iliohypogastric and Ilioinguinal Nerve Blocks

Chronic pubic pain is a commonly occurring problem in young males who are engaged in high-intensity physical activities such as sportsmen and army recruits among others. We would like to discuss a similar case of pubalgia which occurred in a 20-year-old male who is an avid athlete. The patient had reported multiple times to the hospital and was admitted and evaluated thoroughly. He was kept on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and pregabalin for about a month. Despite this aggressive pain management, the patient continued to have continuous pain in his left groin. Due to his pain and inability to perform physically, the patient went into depression. After a thorough clinical evaluation, we offered the patient an ultrasound-guided iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerve block which resulted in the complete disappearance of his symptoms within a week, and he was able to return back to his regular training.

Winter recreational activities of male students staying at dormitory and their attitudes towards sports

Background: This study aims to analyze the winter recreational activities of male university students, their attitudes towards sports, and their physical activity states. Methods: The population of this cross-sectional study consists of the students staying in a male dormitory. Data were collected through a personal evaluation form and a scale of attitude towards sports. Results: Average sports attitude of students is 82.92. Playing okey game, playing football, spending time in the cafeteria and studying in the library are recreational activities that students frequently prefer in winter. There is a statistically significant difference between hobbies of students, playing football, spending time in the cafeteria and library activities and sports attitudes (p<0.05). The odds of doing moderate and high aerobic physical activity for those who spend time in cafes are 2 times higher than those who do not, 2.8 times higher for those who go to fitness compared to those who do not, and 3.9 times higher for those with an income of 1000-1500 TL (Turkish Lira) compared to those with 1500 TL and more. Conclusions: The sports attitudes of those who have winter hobbies, play football, and have recreational activities in the library and cafeteria are high. Although fitness recreational activity does not make a significant difference in sports attitudes, it comes to the fore in the weekly recommended moderate and high-intensity aerobic physical activity behaviors. While recreational football made a difference in sports attitudes, it did not make this difference in the recommended physical activity behavior. Students often prefer to play okey, which takes place indoors outside the campus in the winter. For a healthy life, it is necessary to concentrate on recreational activities that will increase the sports attitude and physical activity behavior of the students on the university campus or student dormitory.

Effect of Different Nutrients Intake on Anaerobic Exercise

This paper explores the influence of different nutrient intakes on anaerobic exercise, focusing on activities that require short bursts of intense effort and power. The impact of nutrition on anaerobic exercise performance is a significant area of interest for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Understanding how different nutrient intakes affect anaerobic performance can help optimize training outcomes and overall athletic success. This paper comprehensively analyzes the effects of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals on anaerobic exercise performance. It provides evidence-based recommendations to enhance anaerobic performance, inform training strategies, and optimize nutrient intake for individuals engaged in high-intensity activities. Adequate carbohydrate intake supports high-intensity efforts, while protein intake aids muscle repair and growth. Healthy fat consumption provides supplemental energy during prolonged activities. Vitamins and minerals play crucial roles in energy metabolism and muscle function. Strategic nutrient intake before, during, and after anaerobic exercise can maximize performance potential and overall anaerobic capacity. Further research can explore personalized nutrient recommendations based on individual athlete profiles and specific anaerobic exercise goals. This paper's findings contribute valuable insights to the fields of sports nutrition and exercise science, assisting athletes, trainers, and coaches in optimizing dietary choices and enhancing anaerobic exercise performance.

Prevalence of falls, injury from falls and associations with chronic diseases among community-dwelling older adults in Guangzhou, China: a cross-sectional study.

As a developing country with the largest older adult population in the world, strengthening the research on falls among the older adults is undoubtedly an urgent item in China. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors associated with falls and injury from falls among community-dwelling older adults in Guangzhou, China, particularly focusing on their associations with chronic diseases. A total of 1,629 participants aged 65 years and above were selected from 11 counties in Guangzhou by the multi-stage stratified random sampling method in 2021. Socio-demographic characteristics, health and lifestyle factors, the status of falls, and injury from falls were measured by structured questionnaires through face-to-face interviews. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were used to identify factors associated with falls and injury from falls. Chord diagrams were used to explore their associations with chronic diseases. A total of 251 participants (15.41%, 95% CI: 13.98%-17.25%) reported falls, and 162 participants (9.46%, 95% CI:7.72%-11.55%) indicated an injury from falls. Logistic regression analysis showed the results as follows: female patients (adjusted OR = 1.721, 95% CI: 1.681-1.761) aged ≥80 years (1.910, 1.847-1.975), unemployed (1.226, 1.171-1.284), uninsured (1.555, 1.448-1.671), average monthly household income of 2,001-4,000 CNY (1.878, 1.827-1.930), number of services provided by the community health center ≥13 times per year (1.428, 1.383-1.475), illness within 2 weeks (1.633, 1.595-1.672), high-intensity physical activity (2.254, 2.191-2.32), sedentary (1.094, 1.070-1.117), and number of chronic disease illnesses ≥3 (1.930, 1.870-1.993). Meanwhile, those risk factors were also associated with injury from falls. The older adults with medium-intensity physical activity were at lower risk (0.721, 0.705-0.737) of falls and higher risk (1.086, 1.057-1.117) of being injured from falls. Chord diagrams showed the correlations between chronic diseases and falls and injury from falls among community-dwelling older adults in Guangzhou, China. The high prevalence of falls is found among community-dwelling older adults in Guangzhou, China, which is related to multiple factors such as demographic variables, lifestyle, and health status, especially for chronic diseases. Therefore, targeted interventions should be developed and implemented urgently.

Environmental heterogeneity associated with boat activity shapes bacteria and microeukaryotic communities with discrepant response patterns

With the development of global tourism, tourist boats, a significant form of anthropogenic disturbance, are having an increasingly serious impact on the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. In this study, the effects of different intensities of tourist boat activities on the microbial communities of West lake, were investigated by high-throughput sequencing. The results showed significant differences in the composition of bacterioplankton and microeukaryotic communities between the high-intensity boat activity (HIBA) area and low-intensity boat activity (LIBA) area. Variation partitioning analysis showed that environmental factors contributed the most to microbial community variation, and the effect of boat activities on microbial communities mainly occurred through coupling with environmental factors. The contribution of boat activity to microbial community changes occupies the second place, the first being environmental factors. Co-occurrence network analyses showed that microbial communities in the HIBA area had more nodes and edges, higher connectivity and lower modularity than in the LIBA area, suggesting a more complex and stable network. Networks of associations between potential keystone taxa and environmental factors reveal the way in which boat activity affects microbial communities. The bacterial community responded strongly to environmental factors associated with boat activities, whereas the microeukaryotic community was more likely to be regulated by interspecific interactions. This also suggests that when faced with disturbances from the boat activity, microeukaryotes might exert a stronger direct resistance effect compared to bacterioplankton. These findings imply that bacterioplankton and microeukaryotes demonstrate distinct response patterns in the presence of disturbance caused by boat activity. Our research expand our understanding of the effects of boat activities on aquatic ecosystems and provide further insights into the assessment of anthropogenic disturbances in aquatic ecosystems.

Association between work-related physical activity and depressive symptoms in Korean workers: data from the Korea national health and nutrition examination survey 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020

BackgroundThe workplace experiences of employees can impact their mental health. Depressive symptoms, which are experienced by workers, are a mental health issue that deserves attention. Several studies have evaluated physical activity to prevent possible depression in workers in a work environment, however, research on physical activity and depression symptoms directly related to work is still insufficient. Therefore, we aimed to identify the relationship between work-related physical activity and depression among South Korean workers.MethodsWe used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020, which included 31,051 participants. We excluded, participants aged < 15 years (n = 4,663), unemployed and economically inactive persons (n = 9,793), those who did not engage in work-related physical activities (n = 1,513) and leisure physical activities (n = 1,558), or those with missing data (n = 450). Therefore, the study included 13,074 participants. Work-related activity was measured by self-reporting, while depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between work-related physical symptoms and depressive symptoms among workers.ResultsIndividuals who engaged in work-related physical activity had higher PHQ-9 scores than those who did not (male: odds ratio [OR]: 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16–2.52; female: OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.66–3.29). High-intensity work-related physical activity significantly increased depressive symptoms (male: OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.04–4.43; female: OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.46–5.96). When classified according to the severity of depressive symptom, the OR of depressive symptoms of workers engaged in both leisure and work-related physical activities tended to be lower than that of those engaged only in work-related physical activities.ConclusionKorean workers who engaged in work-related physical activities exhibited more depressive symptoms. Therefore, our findings suggest that balancing work-related and leisure physical activities can help Korean workers prevent development of depressive symptoms.

Comparing Physical Activity and Quality of Life of Caregivers of Children With Physical Disabilities and Typically Developing Children.

There are conflicting reports of the level of physical activity (PA) and its relationship to quality of life (QoL) among caregivers of children with physical disabilities (CwPD). In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to compare the PA levels and QoL of two groups of caregivers - a CwPD group and caregivers of typically developing children (CwTD). We included 32 family caregivers in the CwPD group (22 women, 10 men; M age = 42.1, SD = 6.2years) and 32 caregivers in the CwTD group (24 women, 8 men; M age = 42.3, SD = 6.1years). We assessed PA with the International Physical Activity Scale-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and self-reported activity diaries, and we assessed QoL with the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Although the IPAQ scores and sitting times of caregivers in these two groups were not statistically different (p > .05), many parameters of self-reported activity diary data and total energy expenditure were significantly higher in the CwPD than the CwTD group (p < .05, effect size = .53-1.10). The CwPD group reported a lower QoL according to the SF-36 and its sub-scores (p < .05, effect size = .54-.77), and higher PA levels than those in the CwTD group. In the CwPD group, moderate, vigorous, and total PA scores were mildly to moderately associated with the total Qol score, and many of its subscores (r = .36 to .60, p < .05). The lower quality of life observed in CwPD, despite high-intensity physical activity levels, suggested that investigators and care providers should consider QoL in the CwPD group to be multifactorial and that here is a need for caregiver interventions to enhance QoL in this underserved population.

Therapeutic potential in rheumatic diseases of extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stromal cells.

The incidence of rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and injuries to articular cartilage that lead to osteochondral defects is predicted to rise as a result of population ageing and the increase in high-intensity physical activities among young and middle-aged people. Current treatments focus on the management of pain and joint functionality to improve the patient's quality of life, but curative strategies are greatly desired. In the past two decades, the therapeutic value of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) has been evaluated because of their regenerative potential, which is mainly attributed to the secretion of paracrine factors. Many of these factors are enclosed in extracellular vesicles (EVs) that reproduce the main functions of parental cells. MSC-derived EVs have anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic as well as pro-regenerative activities. Research on EVs has gained considerable attention as they are a potential cell-free therapy with lower immunogenicity and easier management than whole cells. MSC-derived EVs can rescue the pathogenetic phenotypes of chondrocytes and exert a protective effect in animal models of rheumatic disease. To facilitate the therapeutic use of EVs, appropriate cell sources for the production of EVs with the desired biological effects in each disease should be identified. Production and isolation of EVs should be optimized, and pre-isolation and post-isolation modifications should be considered to maximize the disease-modifying potential of the EVs.

Activity Behaviors Before and During Pregnancy Are Associated With Women's Device-Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in Later Parenthood: A Longitudinal Cohort Analysis.

To explore how activity behaviors before/during pregnancy relate to those in later parenthood, we assessed associations between sitting and moderate-/strenuous exercise before/during pregnancy, and sedentary time (SED) and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) 4-7years postpartum ("later parenthood"). Longitudinal data were from the Southampton Women's Survey, United Kingdom. Women reported time spent sitting (in hours per day), in moderate-strenuous exercise (hours per week), and in strenuous exercise (hours per week) at 3 time points before/during pregnancy (ie,preconception, at ∼12-wk and ∼34-wk gestation). From this, we derived 3 behavior trajectories for each woman. In later parenthood, women wore an accelerometer for ≤7days (mean: 5.4 [SD: 1.8]d), which we used to derive 2 outcomes: minutes per day SED and in MVPA. Multilevel linear regression was used to explore associations between trajectories before/during pregnancy and device-measured SED/MVPA in later parenthood. A total of 780 women provided valid data before/during pregnancy and in later parenthood. Consistent high sitters (vs low) were more sedentary 4-7years postpartum (β = 39.5min/d [95% confidence interval, 23.26 to 55.82]), as were women in groups who sat more in later pregnancy. Consistently high moderate/-strenuous exercisers (vs low) were 22% (95% confidence interval, 2%-47%) more active in later parenthood; those engaging in strenuous activity preconception tended to have higher MVPA as parents. Trajectories of sitting and exercise before/during pregnancy are associated with SED and MVPA, respectively, in later parenthood. Interventions to reduce sitting in pregnancy and to encourage higher intensity activity preconception may benefit maternal and child health.

Comparison of Six Accelerometer Metrics for Assessing the Temporal Patterns of Children’s Free-Play Physical Activity

Accelerometers are frequently used to measure physical activity in children, but lack of uniformity in data processing methods, such as the metric used to summarize accelerometer data, limits comparability between studies. The objective was to compare six accelerometer metrics (raw: mean amplitude deviation, Euclidean norm minus one, activity index, monitor-independent movement summary units; count: vertical axis, vector magnitude) for characterizing the intensity and temporal patterns of first and second graders’ (n = 88; age = 7.8 ± 0.7 years) recess physical activity. At a 5-s epoch level, Pearson’s correlations (r) between metrics ranged from .66 to .98. When each epoch was classified into one of four intensity levels based on quartiles, agreement between metrics as indicated by weighted kappa ranged from .81 to .96. When collapsed to time spent in each intensity level, metrics were strongly correlated (r = .76–.99) and most often statistically equivalent for estimating time spent in Quartile 3 or 4. Children were ranked from least to most active, and agreement between metrics was strong (Spearman’s correlation ≥ .87). Temporal patterns were characterized using five fragmentation indices calculated using each of the six metrics, which were fair-to-strongly correlated (r = .53–.99), with the strongest associations for number of high-intensity activity bouts (r ≥ .89). Most fragmentation indices were not statistically equivalent between metrics. While metrics captured similar trends in activity intensity and temporal patterns, caution is warranted when making comparisons of point estimates derived from different metrics. However, all metrics were able to similarly capture higher intensity activity (i.e., Quartile 3 or 4), the most common outcome of interest in intervention studies.

Association of formaldehyde concentration with depression risk in US adults: a population-based epidemiology study.

The association of formaldehyde exposure with depression remains unknown. We used the data fromNational Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2016to evaluate the association between formaldehyde exposure and depression. Multivariable logistic regressions and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were implemented to examine the association between formaldehyde exposure and depression. A total of 1336 participants were included in the analysis, of which 110 (8.23%) participants were depressed. After adjusting for confounders, a significant association between formaldehyde exposure and depression (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02, P = 0.043) was observed. The RCS plot showed a positive association in a linear manner (PNonlinear = 0.109), and the risk began to rise rapidly with concentrations above 129.37nmol/g HB. The positive association remained in participants with high-intensity physical activity (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.13, P = 0.003), but not in participants with other physical activities. Moreover, we constructed a novel nomogram to easily estimate the individual-specific probabilities of depression. In conclusion, formaldehyde exposure was associated with an elevated risk of depression, and the effect exhibited differences in participants with different levels of physical activity.

Surface Water–Groundwater Transformation Patterns in the Jianghan Plain after the Impoundment of the Three Gorges Project and the Opening of the Yangtze-to-Hanjiang Water Transfer Project

Understanding the law of surface water–groundwater conversion in the face of high-intensity human activities is still a challenge. In this study, we employed statistical and system dynamics methods to investigate the surface water–groundwater conversion law in the Jianghan Plain following the impoundment of the Three Gorges Project (TGP) and the Yangtze-to-Hanjiang Water Transfer Project (YHWTP). The groundwater level’s long data set was used for the first time to study the water level change and water exchange in the research region after the impoundment of the TGP and the delivery of water from the YHWTP. The findings suggest a significant decrease in the interannual trend of the surface water level and groundwater level in the research region. It was observed that a 1m rise in the surface water level can lead to a 0.11–0.38 m rise in the groundwater level. The water level fluctuation coefficients of the surface water level and groundwater level are influenced by the impoundment of the TGP and the water delivery from the YHWTP, causing them to increase and decrease, respectively. In general, the surface water recharges the groundwater in the studied region. The water exchanges between the surface water and groundwater in the Yangtze River’s main stream, the middle region of the Hanjiang Plain, and the lower reaches of the Hanjiang River are, on average, 10−2 m3/(d·m), 10−5 m3/(d·m), and 10−3 m3/(d·m) orders of magnitude, respectively. The water exchange in the Yangtze River’s main stream was reduced after TGP impoundment, and it was enhanced following YHWTP water delivery.

Raw Acceleration from Wrist- and Hip-Worn Accelerometers Corresponds with Mechanical Loading in Children and Adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between peak magnitudes of raw acceleration (g) from wrist- and hip-worn accelerometers and ground reaction force (GRF) variables in a large sample of children and adolescents. A total of 269 participants (127 boys, 142 girls; age: 12.3 ± 2.0 yr) performed walking, running, jumping (<5 cm; >5 cm) and single-leg hopping on a force plate. A GENEActiv accelerometer was worn on the left wrist, and an Actigraph GT3X+ was worn on the right wrist and hip throughout. Mixed-effects linear regression was used to assess the relationships between peak magnitudes of raw acceleration and loading. Raw acceleration from both wrist and hip-worn accelerometers was strongly and significantly associated with loading (all p's < 0.05). Body mass and maturity status (pre/post-PHV) were also significantly associated with loading, whereas age, sex and height were not identified as significant predictors. The final models for the GENEActiv wrist, Actigraph wrist and Actigraph hip explained 81.1%, 81.9% and 79.9% of the variation in loading, respectively. This study demonstrates that wrist- and hip-worn accelerometers that output raw acceleration are appropriate for use to monitor the loading exerted on the skeleton and are able to detect short bursts of high-intensity activity that are pertinent to bone health.

Associations of accelerometer-measured sedentary behavior and physical activity with sleep in older adults

Few studies have examined the non-linear relationships of objectively-measured sedentary behavior and physical activity with insomnia symptoms in older adults. We investigated such relationships of sedentary and physically-active behaviors with total sleep time and nocturnal wakefulness. We recruited adults aged 60 years and above who have received health check-ups or been to geriatric outpatient services from a hospital setting. Sedentary and physically-active behaviors, total sleep time, and wakefulness time after sleep onset were measured by Actigraphy, and their relationships were estimated using generalized additive models. The 157 older adults receiving health-related services slept 7.5h (20.8min awake) on average per day. Total sleep time was negatively associated with sedentary and physically-active behaviors. By contrast, a U-shape relationship was found between sedentary behavior and wakefulness time after sleep onset, with a turning point at a daily sedentary time of 10.9h. Longer high-intensity physical activity time was related to a shorter wakefulness time after sleep onset. By contrast, daily sedentary time longer than 10.9h was related to shorter total sleep time but more nocturnal wakefulness time. Future nonpharmacological strategies for sleep improvement should consider the sedentary threshold.

One to Two Days of Rest Is Recommended Before Returning to Sport After Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injection in the High-Level Athlete

Return to sport following a corticosteroid injection is a complex decision. Multiple considerations should be taken into account, including steroid dose and formulation, involvement of the affected joint in the activity, and intensity of the activity. Research investigating the adverse effects of corticosteroid injections with early initiation of high-intensity activity is limited and has produced mixed results. Rest following injections has typically been recommended to minimize both chondrotoxic effects and systemic absorption. Based on the current research and extensive experience treating professional athletes, we recommend 1 to 2 days of rest of the affected joint or region with a progressive increase of activity following a corticosteroid injection with possible benefits including maximizing the beneficial effects of the injection and a reduced systemic effect. Level of EvidenceLevel V, expert opinion.

Influence of ketogenic diet on athletes’ performance and other aspects of body function – review of literature

Introduction and aim. The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carbohydrate dietary regimen that induces a state of ketosis, shifting the body’s fuel source from glucose to ketone bodies produced from fatty acids. The aim of this paper is to analyze the influence of the KD on athletes’ performance, body composition and other aspects of body function.&#x0D; Materials and methods. A comprehensive literature search has been conducted through PubMed database using keywords such as “ketogenic diet sport” and “ketogenic diet athletes”, “ketogenic diet body”.&#x0D; Analysis of literature. Some studies suggest that a KD can be a viable method for reducing body fat without negatively affecting strength, power, or muscle mass in athletes. It has been found that KD can increase fat oxidation. However, KD may not be optimal for improving performance in high-intensity endurance events or activities that require quick bursts of energy fueled by carbohydrates. Additionally, KD may not have a significant effect on factors such as VO2max, HRmax, time to exhaustion, and perceived exertion in some athletes.&#x0D; Conclusion. More research is required to understand the effects of the ketogenic diet on athletes’ performance. It may aid in weight loss and fat oxidation, but questions remain regarding adaptation time, sport-specific benefits, and impact on various body parameters.

Effects of plastic contamination on carbon fluxes in a subtropical coastal wetland of East China

Coastal wetlands are recognized as carbon sinks that play an important role in mitigating global climate change because of the strong carbon uptake by vegetation and high carbon sequestration in the soil. Over the last few decades, plastic waste pollution in coastal zones has become increasingly serious owing to high-intensity anthropogenic activities. However, the influence of plastic waste (including foam waste) accumulation in coastal wetlands on carbon flux remains unclear. In the Yangtze Estuary, we investigated the variabilities of vegetation growth, carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes, and soil properties in a clean Phragmites australis marsh and mudflat and a plastic-polluted marsh during summer and autumn. The clean marsh showed a strong CO2 uptake capacity (a carbon sink), and the clean mudflat showed a weak CO2 sink during the measurement period. However, polluted marshes are a significant source of CO2 emissions. Regardless of the season, the gross primary production and vegetation biomass of the polluted marshes were on average 9.5 and 1.1 times lower than those in the clean marshes, respectively. Ecosystem respiration and CH4 emissions in polluted marshes were significantly higher than those in clean marshes and mudflats. Generally, the soil bulk density and salinity in polluted marshes were lower, whereas the median particle size was higher at the polluted sites than at the clean sites. Increased soil porosity and decreased salinity may favor CO2 and CH4 emissions through gas diffusion pathways and microbiological behavior. Moreover, the concentrations of heavy metals in the soil of plastic-polluted marshes were 1.24–1.49 times higher than those in the clean marshes, which probably limited vegetation growth and CO2 uptake. Our study highlights the adverse effects of plastic pollution on the carbon sink functions of coastal ecosystems, which should receive global attention in coastal environmental management.