Improve Exercise Performance Research Articles

Exploring the Impact of Alternative Sources of Dietary Nitrate Supplementation on Exercise Performance.

An increase in the level of nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role in regulating the human cardiovascular system (lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow), glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, and may help enhance exercise capacity in healthy individuals (including athletes). This molecule is formed by endogenous enzymatic synthesis and the intake of inorganic nitrate (NO3-) from dietary sources. Although one of the most well-known natural sources of NO3- in the daily diet is beetroot (Beta vulgaris), this review also explores other plant sources of NO3- with comparable concentrations that could serve as ergogenic aids, supporting exercise performance or recovery in healthy individuals. The results of the analysis demonstrate that red spinach (Amaranthus spp.) and green spinach (Spinacia oleracea) are alternative natural sources rich in dietary NO3-. The outcomes of the collected studies showed that consumption of selected alternative sources of inorganic NO3- could support physical condition. Red spinach and green spinach have been shown to improve exercise performance or accelerate recovery after physical exertion in healthy subjects (including athletes).

Limosilactobacillus reuteri ID-D01 improves exercise performance and reduces muscle fatigue in C57BL/6 mice through regulation of oxidative capacity

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the Limosilactobacillus reuteri ID-D01 (ID-D01) lactic acid bacteria probiotic on exercise performance and muscle fatigue in C57BL/6 mice. ID-D01 improved exercise endurance by extending treadmill running time and forced swimming duration. Moreover, mice treated with ID-D01 exhibited increased quadriceps muscle tissue weight, suggesting a potential for enhancing muscle growth. Serum analysis showed decreased muscle fatigue markers, and lower levels of lactate, and ammonia, indicating reduced exercise-induced fatigue. ID-D01 also affected intramuscular factors such as citrate synthase and glycogen. Notably, citrate synthase levels increased, indicating improved aerobic capacity, while intramuscular glycogen decreased. ID-D01 decreased reactive oxygen species and increased antioxidant enzymes SOD2 and catalase, in muscle tissue. This study identifies the potential of ID-D01 to improve exercise performance and relieve muscle fatigue. Further, it provides a rationale for the development of ID-D01-based functional supplements for individuals who are physically active.

Effect of HY7602 Fermented Deer Antler on Physical Fatigue and Antioxidant Activity in Mice.

Lactobacillus curvatus HY7602 fermented antler (FA) ameliorates sarcopenia and improves exercise performance by increasing muscle mass, muscle fiber regeneration, and mitochondrial biogenesis; however, its anti-fatigue and antioxidant effects have not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the anti-fatigue and antioxidant effects and mechanisms of FA. C2C12 and HepG2 cells were stimulated with 1 mM of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative stress, followed by treatment with FA. Additionally, 44-week-old C57BL/6J mice were orally administered FA for 4 weeks. FA treatment (5-100 μg/mL) significantly attenuated H2O2-induced cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in both cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo experiments showed that FA treatment significantly increased the mobility time of mice in the forced swimming test and significantly downregulated the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate. Notably, FA treatment significantly upregulated the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG) and increased the mRNA expression of antioxidant genes (SOD1, SOD2, CAT, GPx1, GPx2, and GSR) in the liver. Conclusively, FA is a potentially useful functional food ingredient for improving fatigue through its antioxidant effects.

High-intensity interval training improves respiratory and cardiovascular adjustments before and after initiation of exercise.

Purpose: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) may induce training-specific physiological adaptations such as improved respiratory and cardiovascular adjustments before and after the onset of high-intensity exercise, leading to improved exercise performance during high-intensity exercise. The present study investigated the effects of HIIT on time-dependent cardiorespiratory adjustment during maximal exercise and before and after initiation of high-intensity exercise, as well as on maximal exercise performance. Methods: 21 healthy male college students were randomly assigned to HIIT group (n = 11) or control group (n = 10). HIIT group performed training on a cycle ergometer once a week for 8 weeks. The training consisted of three bouts of exercise at 95% maximal work rate (WRmax) until exhaustion. Before and after the HIIT program, dynamic cardiorespiratory function was investigated by ramp and step exercise tests, and HIIT-induced cardiac morphological changes were assessed using echocardiography. Results: HIIT significantly improved not only maximal oxygen uptake and minute ventilation, but also maximal heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and time to exhaustion in both exercise tests (p < 0.05). Time-dependent increases in minute ventilation (VE) and HR before and at the start of exercise were significantly enhanced after HIIT. During high-intensity exercise, there was a strong correlation between percent change (from before to after HIIT program) in time to exhaustion and percent change in HRmax (r = 0.932, p < 0.001). Furthermore, HIIT-induced cardiac morphological changes such as ventricular wall hypertrophy was observed (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We have demonstrated that HIIT at 95% WRmax induces training-specific adaptations such as improved cardiorespiratory adjustments, not only during maximal exercise but also before and after the onset of high-intensity exercise, improvement of exercise performance mainly associated with circulatory systems.

Social jet lag impairs exercise volume and attenuates physiological and metabolic adaptations to voluntary exercise training.

Social jet lag (SJL) is a misalignment between sleep and wake times on workdays and free days. SJL leads to chronic circadian rhythm disruption and may affect nearly 70% of the general population, leading to increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases. This study investigated the effects of SJL on metabolic health, exercise performance, and exercise-induced skeletal muscle adaptations in mice. Ten-week-old C57BL/6J mice (n = 40) were allocated to four groups: control sedentary (CON-SED), control exercise (CON-EX), social jet lag sedentary (SJL-SED), and social jet lag exercise (SJL-EX). CON mice were housed under a 12:12-h light-dark cycle. SJL was simulated by implementing a 4-h phase delay for 3 days to simulate "weekends," followed by a 4-h phase advance back to "weekdays," for 6 wk. EX mice had free access to a running wheel. Graded exercise tests (GXTs) and glucose tolerance tests (GTTs) were performed at baseline and after intervention to monitor the effects of exercise and social jet lag on cardiorespiratory and metabolic health, respectively. SJL led to alterations in activity and running patterns and clock gene expression in skeletal muscle and decreased average running distance (P < 0.05). SJL-SED mice gained significantly more weight compared with CON-SED and SJL-EX mice (P < 0.01). SJL impaired fasting blood glucose and glucose tolerance compared with CON mice (P < 0.05), which was partially restored by exercise in SJL-EX mice. SJL also blunted improvements in exercise performance and mitochondrial content in the quadriceps. These data suggest that SJL blunted some cardiometabolic adaptations to exercise and that proper circadian hygiene is necessary for maintaining health and performance.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In mice, disrupting circadian rhythms with social jet lag for 6 wk caused significant weight gain, higher fasting blood glucose, and impaired glucose tolerance compared with control. Voluntary exercise in mice experiencing social jet lag prevented weight gain, though the mice still experienced increased fasting blood glucose and impaired exercise performance compared with trained mice not experiencing social jet lag. Social jet lag seems to be a potent circadian rhythm disruptor that impacts exercise-induced training adaptations.

The Improvement in Exercise Performance during Reduced Muscle Mass Exercise is Associated with an Increase in Femoral Blood Flow in Older and Younger Endurance-Trained Athletes.

This study investigated whether the improved performance observed with maximal self-paced single-leg (SL), compared with double-leg (DL) cycling, is associated with enhanced femoral blood flow and/or altered tissue oxygenation. The hyperaemic response to exercise was assessed in younger and older athletes. Power output was measured in 12 older (65 ± 4 y) and 12 younger (35 ± 5 y) endurance-trained individuals performing 2 x 3 min maximal self-paced exercise using SL and DL cycling. Blood flow (BF) in the femoral artery was assessed using Doppler ultrasound and muscle oxygenation was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy on the vastus lateralis. SL cycling elicited a greater power output (295 ± 83 vs 265 ± 70 W, P < 0.001) and peak femoral BF (1749.1 ± 533.3 vs 1329.7 ± 391.7 ml/min, P < 0.001) compared with DL cycling. Older individuals had a lower peak BF in response to exercise (1355.4 ± 385.8 vs 1765.2 ± 559.6 ml/min, P = 0.019) compared with younger individuals. Peak BF in response to exercise was correlated with power output during SL (r = 0.655, P = 0.002) and DL (r = 0.666, P = 0.001) cycling. The greater exercise performance during SL compared with DL cycling may be partly explained by a greater hyperaemic response when reducing active muscle mass. Despite regular endurance training, older athletes had a lower femoral BF in response to maximal self-paced exercise compared with younger athletes.

A Novel Exercise Approach to Improve Exercise Performance and Quality of Life in Intermittent Claudicants

A Novel Exercise Approach to Improve Exercise Performance and Quality of Life in Intermittent Claudicants

Beneficial effects of a novel polyherbal formulation on the skeletal muscle antioxidant status, inflammation, and muscle-signaling proteins in exercised rats.

Exhausting exercise can damage muscle tissue due to free radical interactions. It is hypothesized that the increase in free radicals following muscle injury, either due to oxidative damage to biomolecules or the activation of inflammatory cytokines, may lead to secondary muscle damage. This study investigated the effects of a novel joint health formula (JHF) containing bisdemethoxycurcumin-enriched curcumin, 3-O-Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid-enriched Boswellia (AKBA), and Ashwagandha on exhaustion time, grip strength, antioxidant status, and muscle-signaling proteins in exhaustively exercised rats. Twenty-eight rats were divided into four groups: Control (C), exercise (E), E + JHF 100 (100 mg/kg), and E + JHF 200 (200 mg/kg). An increase in time to exhaustion and grip strength was recorded with JHF supplementation in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.0001). In addition, serum and muscle lactate dehydrogenase, malondialdehyde, myoglobin, creatine kinase, and lactic acid concentrations were decreased in the groups supplemented with JHF, particularly at the high dose of JHF (200 mg/kg) (p < 0.0001 for all). JHF supplementation also increased antioxidant enzyme activities and suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines compared to the exercise group (p < 0.0001). Moreover, JHF reduced the levels of PGC-1α, p-70S6K1, MAFbx, MuRF1, and p-mTOR proteins in muscle tissue compared to the exercise group (p < 0.05), being more effective at high doses. These findings show that JHF might reduce muscle damage by modulating antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and muscle mass regulatory pathways in exhausted training rats. At the same time, JHF improved exercise performance and grip strength.

Metabolomic profiling of the nutritional components of chicory leaves following heat processing.

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.; witloof) is a crisp bitter leafy vegetable, popularly used in western cuisine in salads and soups (leaves) and as an alternative to coffee (roasted roots). In this study, we explored the effect of heat processing under various temperatures and for different durations on the nutritional composition of chicory leaves using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and principal component analysis (PCA). "Vintor" chicory leaves were processed and homogenized to obtain lyophilized samples, and their moisture content and pH were measured. Heat processing was conducted at 4, 30, 60, and 100°C. Metabolites were extracted and analyzed using GC/MS. The results were statistically analyzed using multiple t-tests and Tukey-Kramer method. A PCA was conducted using standardized data. A lower temperature (≤60°C) positively influenced the concentrations of nutritional components (sugars, free amino acids, and organic acids), branched-chain amino acids (which reportedly improve exercise performance), and γ-aminobutyric acid (which exerts antihypertensive effects). Whereas, a higher temperature (100°C) and microwave processing induced the generation of low-molecular-weight sugars from polysaccharides and glycosides, decreased free amino acid concentrations, and caused heat-induced aminocarbonyl reactions. This study provides valuable information for enhancing the flavor profiles and potential health benefits of chicory leaves by identifying the optimal heat processing parameters for preserving the desired nutritional value. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The palatability, nutritional content, and health benefits of chicory have been evaluated based on its inherent constituents, but changes in these parameters during food processing remain unclear. Heating at 30 and 60°C activated secondary metabolism in chicory, increasing the amino acid and organic acid concentrations, whereas heating at 100°C and microwave processing increased the sugar concentrations in chicory. Thus, the nutritional value and potential health benefits of chicory could be enhanced by processing it under controlled temperatures; the findings are valuable for both consumers and food processing industry.

Effects of 5-Week Oral Acetazolamide on Incremental Cycling Exercise in Pulmonary Arterial and Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blinded, Crossover Trial

Introduction: Acetazolamide (AZA) improves nocturnal and daytime blood oxygenation in patients with pulmonary vascular disease (PVD), defined as pulmonary arterial and distal chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), and may improve exercise performance. Methods: We investigated the effect of 5 weeks of AZA (250 mg bid) versus placebo on maximal load during incremental cycling ramp exercise in patients with PVD studied in a randomized controlled, double-blind, crossover design, separated by > 2 weeks of washout. Results: Twenty-five patients (12 pulmonary arterial hypertension, 13 CTEPH, 40% women, age 62 ± 15 years) completed the trial according to the protocol. Maximum load was similar after 5 weeks of AZA versus placebo (113 ± 9 vs. 117 ± 9 watts [W]), mean difference −4 W (95% CI: −9 to 1, p = 0.138). With AZA, maximum (max)-exercise partial pressure of O₂ (PaO₂) was significantly higher by 1.1 kPa (95% CI: 0.5–1.8, p = 0.003), while arterial pH and partial pressure of CO₂ were significantly lower. Gas exchange threshold was reached at a higher load with AZA (108 ± 8 W vs. 97 ± 8 W) and was therefore delayed by 11 W (95% CI: 3–19, p = 0.013), while the ventilatory equivalent for O₂ and CO₂ were significantly higher at both the max-exercise and gas exchange threshold with AZA versus placebo. Conclusion: AZA for 5 weeks did not significantly change maximum exercise capacity in patients with PVD despite a significant increase in PaO₂. The beneficial effects of increased blood oxygenation may have been diminished by increased ventilation due to AZA-induced metabolic acidosis and increased dyspnea.

Trimethylamine N-Oxide Improves Exercise Performance by Reducing Oxidative Stress through Activation of the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway.

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has attracted interest because of its association with cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and evidence for the beneficial effects of TMAO is accumulating. This study investigates the role of TMAO in improving exercise performance and elucidates the underlying molecular mechanisms. Using C2C12 cells, we established an oxidative stress model and administered TMAO treatment. Our results indicate that TMAO significantly protects myoblasts from oxidative stress-induced damage by increasing the expression of Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NQO1), and catalase (CAT). In particular, suppression of Nrf2 resulted in a loss of the protective effects of TMAO and a significant decrease in the expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1. In addition, we evaluated the effects of TMAO in an exhaustive swimming test in mice. TMAO treatment significantly prolonged swimming endurance, increased glutathione and taurine levels, enhanced glutathione peroxidase activity, and increased the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant genes, including HO-1, NQO1, and CAT, in skeletal muscle. These findings underscore the potential of TMAO to counteract exercise-induced oxidative stress. This research provides new insights into the ability of TMAO to alleviate exercise-induced oxidative stress via the Nrf2 signaling pathway, providing a valuable framework for the development of sports nutrition supplements aimed at mitigating oxidative stress.

Carbohydrate Oral Rinsing, Cycling Performance and Individual Complex Carbohydrate Taste Sensitivity.

The aim of this pilot study was to determine the effect of individual complex carbohydrate taste sensitivity on cycling performance with complex carbohydrate oral rinsing. Ten male participants completed five cycling time trials in a fasted state with a seven-day washout period between each trial. Participants completed a fixed amount of work (738.45 ± 150.74 kJ) as fast as possible on a cycle ergometer while rinsing with an oral rinse for 10 s every 12.5% of the trial. An oral rinse (maltodextrin, oligofructose, glucose, sucralose or water control) was given per visit in a randomised, crossover, blinded design. Afterwards, participants had their taste assessed with three stimuli, complex carbohydrate (maltodextrin), sweet (glucose) and sour (citric acid), using taste assessment protocol to determine individual taste sensitivity status. Participants were subsequently grouped according to their complex carbohydrate taste sensitivity and complex carbohydrate taste intensity. There were no significant effects of the oral rinses on cycling performance time (p = 0.173). Participants who did not have improvements in exercise performance with the maltodextrin rinse experienced a stronger taste intensity with complex carbohydrate stimuli at baseline (p = 0.047) and overall (p = 0.047) than those who did have improvements in performance. Overall, a carbohydrate oral rinse was ineffective in significantly improving cycling performance in comparison with a water control. However, when participants were grouped according to complex carbohydrate taste intensity, differences in exercise performance suggest that individual sensitivity status to complex carbohydrates could impact the efficacy of a carbohydrate-based oral rinse.

Catalpa bignonioides extract improves exercise performance through regulation of growth and metabolism in skeletal muscles

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Catalpa bignonioides fruit extract on the promotion of muscle growth and muscular capacity in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Cell viability was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Cell proliferation was assessed using a 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine (BrdU) assay kit. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein expressions of related factors. The effects of Catalpa bignonioides extract were investigated in mice using the treadmill exhaustion test and whole-limb grip strength assay. Chemical composition analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: Catalpa bignonioides extract increased the proliferation of C2C12 mouse myoblasts by activating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. It also induced metabolic changes, increasing the number of mitochondria and glucose metabolism by phosphorylating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase. In an in vivo study, the extract-treated mice showed improved motor abilities, such as muscular endurance and grip strength. Additionally, HPLC analysis showed that vanillic acid may be the main component of the Catalpa bignonioides extract that enhanced muscle strength. Conclusions: Catalpa bignonioides improves exercise performance through regulation of growth and metabolism in skeletal muscles, suggesting its potential as an effective natural agent for improving muscular strength.

Antibody blockade of activin type II receptors preserves skeletal muscle mass and enhances fat loss during GLP-1 receptor agonism

ObjectiveGlucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists reduce food intake, producing remarkable weight loss in overweight and obese individuals. While much of this weight loss is fat mass, there is also a loss of lean mass, similar to other approaches that induce calorie deficit. Targeting signaling pathways that regulate skeletal muscle hypertrophy is a promising avenue to preserve lean mass and modulate body composition. Myostatin and Activin A are TGFβ-like ligands that signal via the activin type II receptors (ActRII) to antagonize muscle growth. Pre-clinical and clinical studies demonstrate that ActRII blockade induces skeletal muscle hypertrophy and reduces fat mass. In this manuscript, we test the hypothesis that combined ActRII blockade and GLP-1 receptor agonism will preserve muscle mass, leading to improvements in skeletomuscular and metabolic function and enhanced fat loss. MethodsIn this study, we explore the therapeutic potential of bimagrumab, a monoclonal antibody against ActRII, to modify body composition alone and during weight loss induced by GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide in diet-induced obese mice. Mechanistically, we define the specific role of the anabolic kinase Akt in mediating the hypertrophic muscle effects of ActRII inhibition in vivo. ResultsTreatment of obese mice with bimagrumab induced a ∼10 % increase in lean mass while simultaneously decreasing fat mass. Daily treatment of obese mice with semaglutide potently decreased body weight; this included a significant decrease in both muscle and fat mass. Combination treatment with bimagrumab and semaglutide led to superior fat mass loss while simultaneously preserving lean mass despite reduced food intake. Treatment with both drugs was associated with improved metabolic outcomes, and increased lean mass was associated with improved exercise performance. Deletion of both Akt isoforms in skeletal muscle modestly reduced, but did not prevent, muscle hypertrophy driven by ActRII inhibition. ConclusionsCollectively, these data demonstrate that blockade of ActRII signaling improves body composition and metabolic parameters during calorie deficit driven by GLP-1 receptor agonism and demonstrate the existence of Akt-independent pathways supporting muscle hypertrophy in the absence of ActRII signaling.

CRISPR-Cas9 base editing of pathogenic CaMKIIδ improves cardiac function in a humanized mouse model.

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality, highlighting the necessity for advanced therapeutic strategies. Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIδ (CaMKIIδ) is a prominent inducer of various cardiac disorders, which is mediated by 2 oxidation-sensitive methionine residues within the regulatory domain. We have previously shown that ablation of CaMKIIδ oxidation by CRISPR-Cas9 base editing enables the heart to recover function from otherwise severe damage following ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. Here, we extended this therapeutic concept toward potential clinical translation. We generated a humanized CAMK2D knockin mouse model in which the genomic sequence encoding the entire regulatory domain was replaced with the human sequence. This enabled comparison and optimization of two different editing strategies for the human genome in mice. To edit CAMK2D in vivo, we packaged the optimized editing components into an engineered myotropic adeno-associated virus (MyoAAV 2A), which enabled efficient delivery at a very low AAV dose into the humanized mice at the time of IR injury. CAMK2D-edited mice recovered cardiac function, showed improved exercise performance, and were protected from myocardial fibrosis, which was otherwise observed in injured control mice after IR. Our findings identify a potentially effective strategy for cardioprotection in response to oxidative damage.

Regulation of colon injury and improvement of exercise performance in exhausted running mice by Lactobacillus pentosus CQZC02.

In this study, strenuous forced exercise caused intestinal damage and reduced the exercise capacity of mice. However, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Lactobacillus pentosus CQZC02 (LPCQZC02) were found to improve both the intestinal barrier and exercise function in mice. The effectiveness of LPCQZC02 was confirmed through various methods, including kit detection, pathological observation, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and intestinal flora analysis. The findings demonstrated that LPCQZC02 could control colonic index, lessen colonic enlargement caused by intense exercise, and extend the running duration of mice. Serum levels of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione (GSH), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were elevated, whereas those of malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were reduced. The findings of the mRNA expression analysis revealed that in the colons of mice who remarkably exercised, LPCQZC02 could increase the expression levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin-1, and claudin-1 genes. Additionally, in skeletal muscle tissue, it could downregulate TNF-α expression level and upregulate copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) and manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) expression levels. Furthermore, LPCQZC02 could both reduce and promote beneficial bacteria in the intestines of mice undergoing intense exercise. In conclusion, LPCQZC02 emerged as a functional probiotic and demonstrated a notable advantage over sulfasalazine, a medication for intestinal conditions, in mitigating oxidative inflammation, repairing intestinal barrier damage, and enhancing motor function in mice subjected to strenuous exercise.

Effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation program on pulmonary function, exercise performance, and quality of life in patients with severe COVID-19.

Severe coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) causes acute hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Once these symptoms are resolved, patients can present systemic deterioration. The two objectives of this study were as follows: to describe the results of a pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP), which is divided into three groups with different numbers of sessions (12, 24, and 36), and to associate the variables of pulmonary function, exercise performance, and functionality with the number of sessions and functional improvement. Prospective, observational study. PRP consisted of aerobic + strength + flexibility exercises under the supervision and individualized into 12, 24, or 36 sessions (12s, 24s, and 36s), depending on the evolution of each patient. At the beginning of the study and immediately after the intervention, forced vital capacity (FVC), maximal inspiratory pressure, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), sit-to-stand test (STS), maximal handgrip strength (HGS), Fatigue Assessment Scale, Post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were measured. The proposed PRP demonstrated a positive effect on pulmonary function, exercise performance, and HRQoL, regardless of the number of sessions. A higher score on the PCFS and more days on IMV were associated with the increased likelihood of needing more sessions, whereas more meters on the 6MWT in the initial evaluation was associated with a reduced likelihood of needing more sessions. Finally, more repetitions on the STS and less distance covered on the initial 6MWT were associated with a greater improvement in exercise performance evaluated with the 6MWT. Supervised and individualized PRP for patients with severe post-COVID-19 improves pulmonary function, exercise performance, functionality, and quality of life. Functionality, distance covered on the 6MWT, and the days on IMV are central to the scheduling of the number of sessions for these patients.

Could nanotechnology improve exercise performance? Evidence from animal studies.

This review provides the current state of knowledge regarding the use of nutritional nanocompounds on exercise performance. The reviewed studies used the following nanocompounds: resveratrol-loaded lipid nanoparticles, folic acid into layered hydroxide nanoparticle, redox-active nanoparticles with nitroxide radicals, and iron into liposomes. Most of these nutritional nanocompounds seem to improve performance in endurance exercise compared to the active compound in the non-nanoencapsulated form and/or placebo. Nutritional nanocompounds also induced the following physiological and metabolic alterations: 1) improved antioxidant activity and reduced oxidative stress; 2) reduction in inflammation status; 3) maintenance of muscle integrity; 4) improvement in mitochondrial function and quality; 5) enhanced glucose levels during exercise; 6) higher muscle and hepatic glycogen levels; and 7) increased serum and liver iron content. However, all the reviewed studies were conducted in animals (mice and rats). In conclusion, nutritional nanocompounds are a promising approach to improving exercise performance. As the studies using nutritional nanocompounds were all conducted in animals, further studies in humans are necessary to better understand the application of nutritional nanocompounds in sport and exercise science.

Effects of Vaccinium berries (blueberries, cranberries and bilberries) on oxidative stress, inflammation, exercise performance, and recovery - a systematic review.

Exercise-induced muscle damage is common in athletes and recreational exercisers and can lead to muscle soreness, weakness, and impaired muscle function. The precise mechanisms are unclear but oxidative stress and inflammation are thought to play a role. (Poly)phenols are substances abundant in Vaccinium berries that have been suggested to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that could help improve exercise performance and/or recovery from exercise. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the benefits of Vaccinium berry supplementation on exercise performance and recovery, as well as on exercise-induced oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers in healthy individuals. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, ProQuest Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Studies were included if the participants were healthy individuals who were supplemented with any Vaccinium berry or Vaccinium berry-based products in comparison to a control group. Of the 13 articles included in this review, no significant differences in the exercise performance were found and only one study reported benefits for markers of recovery. Interleukins and c-reactive protein were the most frequently reported biomarkers, but there was limited evidence that Vaccinium berry supplementation impacted them post-exercise. Most studies were of high quality and showed a low risk of bias. Vaccinium berry supplementation is not effective in modulating markers of exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative distress in healthy individuals; nevertheless, more studies are required to evaluate their effects on exercise performance and recovery in this population.

Sodium bicarbonate and beta-alanine supplementation: Is combining both better than either alone? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of combined beta-alanine (BA) and sodium bicarbonate (SB) supplementation on exercise capacity and performance. Four databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web Of Science and MEDLINE) were searched using relevant terms for studies involving healthy (e.g. no chronic diseases or conditions) male or female adults of any training status (athletes, physically active and non-athletes) and that investigated BA and SB in isolation and combination at any dose on an exercise outcome. Ten studies, totalling 243 individuals, met the criteria with 12 outcomes for each nutritional supplement. No ergogenic effect was detected in this meta-analysis for BA (SMD = 0.18, 95% CI: -0.06; 0.43, p = 0.13, tau2 = 0, tau = 0, I2 = 0.0%) or SB (SMD = 0.17, 95% CI: -0.08; 0.41, p = 0.16, tau2 = 0, tau = 0, I2 = 0.0%) in isolation. However, there was a beneficial effect for the combination of BA and SB (SMD = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.07; 0.57, p = 0.02, tau2 = 0, tau = 0, I2 = 0.0%). Meta-regression identified no differences between supplementing with BA or SB separately (F = 0.58; p = 0.57). Combining BA and SB improved exercise performance, however, there was no benefit in taking these supplements individually.