Improve Muscle Performance Research Articles

Time-restricted feeding mediated modulation of microbiota leads to changes in muscle physiology in Drosophila obesity models.

Recent research has highlighted the essential role of the microbiome in maintaining skeletal muscle physiology. The microbiota influences muscle health by regulating lipid metabolism, protein synthesis, and insulin sensitivity. However, metabolic disturbances such as obesity can lead to dysbiosis, impairing muscle function. Time-restricted feeding (TRF) has been shown to mitigate obesity-related muscle dysfunction, but its effects on restoring healthy microbiomes remain poorly understood. This study utilizes 16S microbiome analysis and bacterial supplementation to investigate the bacterial communities influenced by TRF that may benefit skeletal muscle physiology. In wild-type and obese Drosophila models (axenic models devoid of natural microbial communities), the absence of microbiota influence muscle performance and metabolism differently. Specifically, axenic wild-type Drosophila exhibited reduced muscle performance, higher glucose levels, insulin resistance, ectopic lipid accumulation, and decreased ATP levels. Interestingly, in obese Drosophila (induced by a high-fat diet or predisposed obesity mutant Sk2), the absence of microbiota improved muscle performance, lowered glucose levels, reduced insulin resistance, and increased ATP levels. TRF was found to modulate microbiota composition, notably increasing Acetobacter pasteurianus (AP) and decreasing Staphylococcus aureus (SA) in both obesity models. Supplementation with AP improved muscle performance and reduced glucose and insulin resistance, while SA supplementation had the opposite effect. This study provides novel insights into the complex interactions between TRF, microbiota, and skeletal muscle physiology in different Drosophila models.

OS EFEITOS DA SUPLEMENTAÇÃO DE CREATINA NO DESEMPENHO DOS ATLETAS: UMA REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

Creatine is a highly popular dietary supplement among athletes due to its ergogenic potential. In view of this, this study aims to verify in the specialized literature the main effects of creatine supplementation on athlete performance. The methodology used comprised a narrative literature review, with 12 scientific articles selected from the period 2017 to 2024 in the following databases: PubMed, Medline, Scielo and Lilacs. The results demonstrate that creatine supplementation produces ergogenic effects, positively impacting athletes' muscle strength, endurance and power, reducing the incidence of cramps and injuries, especially in American football, soccer, basketball, tennis and handball. Thus, it is concluded that this supplementation promotes significant improvements in muscle performance and body composition during athletes' periodized training, involving the repetition of high-intensity exercises in short, medium and prolonged periods.

Physical and Muscular Performance in a Professional Soccer Player with a Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Following an Isokinetic Exercise Program: A Case Report.

The comprehensive treatment for an athlete who sustains a complete posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury remains unclear. The purpose of this case report is to describe the effects of an isokinetic exercise program on muscle performance and physical function in a professional soccer player with a PCL injury. Case Report. A 23-year-old male professional soccer player injured his right knee (non-dominant) during a soccer match, with magnetic resonance imaging confirming a complete PCL rupture. The athlete completed 23 sessions of isokinetic treatment over nine weeks to improve physical function and muscle performance. The concentric mode was used to evaluate quadriceps and hamstrings performance isokinetically at angular velocities of 60 °/s, 120 °/s, and 300 °/s. The LEFS questionnaire was used to evaluate physical function. The assessment occurred before starting the treatment and at the end of nine weeks. An athlete with similar anthropometric characteristics was invited to participate and serve as a control, in order to better understand the athlete's assessment results. After nine weeks, peak torque normalized to body mass (PT/BM) improved to 4.0 N.m/kg for knee extensors (control: 3.6 Nm/kg) and 2.3 N.m/kg for knee flexors (control: 1.9 Nm/kg) at 60 °/s. This increase in PT was reflected in the hamstrings-to-quadriceps (H:Q) ratio post-treatment (57 %). At the end of treatment, the athlete returned to sports activities with 98.7 % restored physical function as measured by the LEFS (Score: 79 points). The results demonstrated that the isokinetic treatment improved knee functional capacity, with increased PT/BM for knee extensors and flexors and enhanced torque-holding capacity, indicating improved muscle performance. 5.

Enhancing Physiotherapy Outcomes with Photobiomodulation: A Comprehensive Review

Physiotherapy treatments employ complex approaches tailored to the patient’s diagnosis. Exercise is the primary strategy to enhance rehabilitation processes for most individuals. However, electrophysical agents, such as Photobiomodulation (PBM), that utilize specific wavelengths of light to penetrate tissues and stimulate cellular activity, can modulate various biological processes and may improve physiotherapy outcomes. This non-invasive treatment can reduce pain and inflammation, promote tissue repair, and accelerate tissue healing. Currently, PBM has numerous applications, including pain and inflammation treatment, wound healing (such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, post-surgery wounds, and skin grafts in burn injuries), and the management of musculoskeletal disorders (such as arthritis, tendinopathies, muscle injuries, and spinal disorders). It is also utilized to improve muscle performance and recovery in rehabilitation and sports. Additionally, transcranial PBM has shown promise in enhancing neurorehabilitative processes by facilitating the recovery of cognitive and motor functions in various types of lesions. The safety and efficacy of this treatment allow it to be incorporated alongside regular exercises and manual therapies as an adjunctive treatment, potentially enhancing outcomes in different areas of rehabilitation.

The Relationship of Dietary Pattern and Sarcopenia in Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Diet plays an important role in managing mass, and muscle strength and preventing diseases related to malnutrition. A dietary pattern that contains several nutrients has a role in improving muscle performance and reducing the incidence of sarcopenia. This study aims to determine the relationship between dietary patterns and the incidence of sarcopenia in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study was a cross-sectional study conducted on 150 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged 40 years or older. Multivariate logistic regression tests were conducted to measure the effect of adherence to each dietary pattern on the possibility of sarcopenia. Three dietary patterns were identified through analysis of major components. After adjusting for confounding variables, subjects with healthy dietary patterns on the highest tertile had a lower odds ratio for developing sarcopenia (OR 0.584; 95% CI 0.070-4.865; p=0.000). In contrast, adherence to unhealthy dietary patterns was not associated with sarcopenia (OR 1.508; 95% CI 0.305-7.452; p=0.612). Similarly, adherence to a mixed dietary pattern did not affect the likelihood of sarcopenia (OR 1.297; 95% Cl 0.341-4.931; P=0.704). This study shows that adherence to a healthy dietary pattern is associated with a lower chance of developing sarcopenia in people with type II diabetes mellitus.

Acute dose-response effect of photobiomodulation therapy on 5-km running performance in trained runners: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been advocated as a potential intervention to improve muscle performance and recovery in the health and sports context. However, the short- and long-term effects of PBMT on endurance running performance remain under-researched and controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute dose-response effect of PBMT with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on endurance performance and rating of perceived exertion (RPE; 6-20 Borg) during a 5-km running trial in recreational runners. In a crossover design, eighteen young adult runners (28.7 ± 7.8 years) were randomized to receive 1 of 4 PBMT conditions (placebo, 300, 900, and 1260 Joules [J]) 60min before the 5-km running trial on four occasions, separated by a 2-wk washout period. The treatments were applied to the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius muscles of both legs using a device containing 200 LEDs (100 red and 100 infrared). The following variables were assessed: endurance performance (i.e. total time, mean velocity, and velocity in the split distances at the initial 200m and every 400m lap) and RPE in the split distances at the initial 200m and every 400m lap. Data normality and homogeneity were tested using Shapiro-Wilk's and Levene's tests, respectively. Differences between treatment conditions were assessed using the analysis of variance tests (one- or two-way ANOVA, depending on the comparisons), complemented by the Bonferroni post hoc test. There were significant time effects for the running velocity and RPE in the split distances (p < 0.0001), with no significant treatment-by-time interaction (running velocity, p = 0.59; RPE, p = 0.95). The mean velocity (p = 0.997), total time (p = 0.998), and total mean of the RPE (p = 0.91) were similar between treatment conditions. In conclusion, acute PBMT with LEDs at doses of 300, 900, and 1260J is not recommended for improving endurance performance and RPE in the 5-km running trial in recreational runners.

SERCA2a overexpression improves muscle function in a canine Duchenne muscular dystrophy model

Excessive cytosolic calcium accumulation contributes to muscle degeneration in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) is a sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium pump that actively transports calcium from the cytosol into the SR. We previously showed that adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated SERCA2a therapy reduced cytosolic calcium overload and improved muscle and heart function in the murine DMD model. Here we tested whether AAV SERCA2a therapy could ameliorate muscle disease in the canine DMD model. 7.83 x 1013 viral genome particles of the AAV vector were injected into the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) muscles of four juvenile-affected dogs. Contralateral ECU muscles received excipient. Three months later, we observed widespread transgene expression and significantly increased SERCA2a levels in the AAV-injected muscles. Treatment improved SR calcium uptake, significantly reduced calpain activity, significantly improved contractile kinetics, and significantly enhanced resistance to eccentric contraction-induced force loss. Nonetheless, muscle histology was not improved. To evaluate the safety of AAV SERCA2a therapy, we delivered the vector to the ECU muscle of adult normal dogs. We achieved strong transgene expression without altering muscle histology and function. Our results suggest that AAV SERCA2a therapy has the potential to improve muscle performance in a dystrophic large mammal.

Virtual reality skateboarding training for balance and functional performance in degenerative lumbar spine disease

BackgroundDegenerative lumbar spine disease (DLD) is a prevalent condition in middle-aged and elderly individuals. DLD frequently results in pain, muscle weakness, and motor impairment, which affect postural stability and functional performance in daily activities. Simulated skateboarding training could enable patients with DLD to engage in exercise with less pain and focus on single-leg weight-bearing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of virtual reality (VR) skateboarding training on balance and functional performance in patients with DLD.MethodsFourteen patients with DLD and 21 age-matched healthy individuals completed a 6-week program of VR skateboarding training. The motion capture and force platform systems were synchronized to collect data during a single-leg stance test (SLST). Musculoskeletal simulation was utilized to calculate muscle force based on the data. Four functional performance tests were conducted to evaluate the improvement after the training. A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was also employed for pain assessment.ResultsAfter the training, pain intensity significantly decreased in patients with DLD (p = 0.024). Before the training, patients with DLD took longer than healthy individuals on the five times sit-to-stand test (p = 0.024). After the training, no significant between-group differences were observed in any of the functional performance tests (p > 0.05). In balance, patients with DLD were similar to healthy individuals after the training, except that the mean frequency (p = 0.014) was higher. Patients with DLD initially had higher biceps femoris force demands (p = 0.028) but shifted to increased gluteus maximus demand after the training (p = 0.037). Gluteus medius strength significantly improved in patients with DLD (p = 0.039), while healthy individuals showed consistent muscle force (p > 0.05).ConclusionThis is the first study to apply the novel VR skateboarding training to patients with DLD. VR skateboarding training enabled patients with DLD to achieve the training effects in a posture that relieves lumbar spine pressure. The results also emphasized the significant benefits to patients with DLD, such as reduced pain, enhanced balance, and improved muscle performance.

Effects of photobiomodulation therapy on muscle function in individuals with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundIn people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), muscle fatigue and weakness are common issues that can interfere with daily activities. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), comprising light in a 600–1100 nm bandwidth, is a low-level laser therapy thought to improve muscle performance in non-disease populations, in part, by improving mitochondrial function and thus, might be beneficial in pwMS. Given this potential, we aimed to investigate the effects of PBMT on muscle performance in pwMS, both in the short-term and over an extended period. MethodsThis study consisted of two parts with a randomized double-blind crossover design. In study I, muscle function was assessed in four sessions before and after PBMT in ambulatory pwMS (N = 17, F = 14) as follows: maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and muscle fatigue of the right tibialis anterior (TA) muscle was compared at baseline and following a two-min submaximal fatiguing contraction. Then, PBMT was administered to the belly of TA muscle at different doses of energy of an active device (40 J, 80 J, 120 J) or placebo. The muscle function assessment was then repeated. Outcome variables: muscle force recovery (%), muscle fatigue (%). Statistical tests included McNemar's exact test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and the Friedman test. In study II, a subgroup from study I (N = 12, F = 11) received individualized doses (i.e., best dose-effect observed in study I) of active, or placebo PBMT, which was administered on the TA muscle for two weeks. Muscle function assessments were performed pre- and post-PBMT in four sessions similar to study I. Outcome variables: Baseline strength (N), endurance time (s), and muscle fatigue (%). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for statistical analysis. Values are reported as mean (SD). ResultsIn study I, participants who received a high dose of PBMT showed significant improvement in force recovery (101.89 % (13.55 %)) compared to the placebo group (96.3 % (18.48 %); p = 0.03). Muscle fatigue did not significantly improve with either active PBMT or placebo. In study II, active PBMT resulted in a significant improvement in muscle strength compared to both the baseline (pre-PBMT = 162.70 N (37.52 N); post-PBMT = 185.56 N (33.95 N); p = 0.01) and the placebo group (active PBMT: mean-change = 22.87 N (23.67 N); placebo: mean-change = −4.12 N (31.95 N); p = 0.02). Endurance time and muscle fatigue did not show significant improvement with either active PBMT or placebo. ConclusionOur findings suggest that an individualized dose of PBMT might improve muscle performance, including force recovery and strength in individuals with mild-moderate MS. Therefore, PBMT might be a novel therapeutic modality, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with other interventions, to improve muscle performance in pwMS.

Resistance training does not increase myocellular garbage dumps: A pilot study on lipofuscin in skeletal muscle fibers of resistance trained young men.

Lipofuscin (LF) is an intracellular aggregate associated with proteostatic impairments, especially prevalent in nondividing skeletal muscle fibers. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) drive LF-formation. Resistance training (RT) improves muscle performance but also increases ROS production, potentially promoting LF-formation. Thus, we aimed to investigate if RT of a mesocycle duration increases LF-formation in type-I and II muscle fibers and whether RT increases the antioxidant capacity (AOC) in terms of SOD1 and SOD2 content. An intervention group (IG) performed 14 eccentrically accented RT-sessions within 7 weeks. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were collected before and after the intervention from IG as well as from a control group (CG) which refrained from RT for the same duration. LF was predominantly found near nuclei, followed by membrane-near and a minor amount in the fiber core, with corresponding spot sizes. Overall, LF-content was higher in type-I than type-II fibers (p < 0.05). There was no increase in LF-content in type-I or IIA fibers, neither for the IG following RT nor for the CG. The same is valid for SOD1/2. We conclude that, in healthy subjects, RT can be safely performed, without adverse effects on increased LF-formation.

Effects of Co-Contraction Training on Neuromuscular Outcomes of Elbow Flexors and Extensors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Co-contraction training has been proposed to improve muscle strength in the absence of external equipment, yet it is needed to elucidate the effects of co-contraction training and its applicability. Thus, we synthesized the effects of co-contraction training on elbow muscle strength, myoelectric activity, and muscle thickness. We searched papers from MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase databases. The inclusion criteria were studies comprising adults between 18-64 years old; investigating chronic effects of co-contraction training on elbow muscles; comparing pre- and post-intervention or control values; presenting any of the outcomes; randomized, quasi-experimental, pre- and post-design; in English. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA recommendations. We used the revised RoB 2, ROBINS-I to verify the level of evidence. We also included a questionnaire for biomechanical studies and GRADE analysis. We extracted data independently by two investigators, considering the characteristics of study, participants and training, outcomes, and results. We calculated the effect sizes for each outcome. The analysis was carried out by combining and dividing flexors and extensors in a subgroup analysis. Comparing the experimental vs. control group, our results showed that cocontraction training increased isometric strength (SMD=0.51 [0.19, 0.83]) and agonist myoelectric activity (SMD=0.54 [0.25, 0.83]). Comparing pre- vs. post-training, co-contraction training also improved isometric strength (SMD=1.28 [0.75, 1.81]); concentric elbow extensor strength (SMD=0.64 [0.01, 1.26]); and myoelectric activity (SMD=0.46 [0.18, 0.73]). No effect was observed for muscle thickness. The co-contraction training improves muscle performance without morphological changes.

Effects of aerobic exercise during recovery from eccentric contraction on muscular performance, oxidative stress and inflammation

This study investigated the effects of aerobic exercise during recovery from eccentric contraction (EC) on muscular performance, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Nineteen male subjects between 18 and 29 years were divided into unexercised (control, n = 9) and exercised (n = 10) groups. Initially, the subjects performed EC as 3 sets until exhaustion with elbow flexion and extension on the Scott bench at 80% in 1RM, followed by four aerobic exercise sessions. The results obtained indicated (p > 0.05) that aerobic physical exercise during the recovery period does not improve muscle performance (isometric strength and muscular fatigue), oxidative stress parameters (lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and antioxidant enzyme activity), and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10). In conclusion, the aerobic exercise during the recovery period does not alter the parameters of performance, oxidative stress and inflammation induced by the EC.

Mechanisms of the NAD+ salvage pathway in enhancing skeletal muscle function.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is crucial for cellular energy production, serving as a coenzyme in oxidation-reduction reactions. It also supports enzymes involved in processes such as DNA repair, aging, and immune responses. Lower NAD+ levels have been associated with various diseases, highlighting the importance of replenishing NAD+. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) plays a critical role in the NAD+ salvage pathway, which helps sustain NAD+ levels, particularly in high-energy tissues like skeletal muscle.This review explores how the NAMPT-driven NAD+ salvage pathway influences skeletal muscle health and functionality in aging, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and skeletal muscle injury. The review offers insights into enhancing the salvage pathway through exercise and NAD+ boosters as strategies to improve muscle performance. The findings suggest significant potential for using this pathway in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of skeletal muscle conditions.

Does exercise influence skeletal muscle by modulating mitochondrial functions via regulating MicroRNAs? A systematic review.

Sarcopenia is the accelerated loss of muscle mass, strength and function. Mitochondrial dysfunction was related to the progression of sarcopenia; meanwhile, microRNAs were regarded as core roles in regulating mitochondrial function. Physical exercise is a well-accepted approach to attenuate sarcopenia, yet very few studies depict the molecular mechanisms. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the potential relationships among physical exercise, mitochondrial function, and microRNAs, which may give new insight for retarding sarcopenia. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. The keywords were combined as "(microRNA OR miR) AND mitochondri*AND muscle AND exercise" and searched in all fields. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Information was extracted from the included studies for review. In this review, 18 preclinical studies and 5 clinical studies were included. Most of the included studies suggested that effective physical exercise had positive effects on mitochondrial functions by regulating microRNAs. The results showed that 12 microRNAs improved mitochondrial functions, while 18 microRNAs suppressed them. Meanwhile, the results showed that 5 microRNAs improved muscle performance. This systematic review provides an up-to-date sequential overview and highlights the potential relationship among exercise, mitochondrial function, and microRNAs in muscle. Meanwhile, evidence revealed that physical exercise can improve muscle performance by up-regulating mitochondrial functions, especially mitochondrial biogenesis, through modulating microRNAs.

Effect of Coffee Consumption with Muscle Strength in Male Adolescents Futsal Team

In the realm of sports, caffeine has become a popular choice for athletes seeking to enhance their strength and maintain peak performance levels. Research has demonstrated that caffeine can facilitate the conversion of fat into energy and increase calcium levels within muscle cells, thereby improving muscle performance and reducing fatigue. This study was conducted to examine the impact of coffee consumption on muscle strength in a male high school futsal team. Employing an experimental method involving a one-group pre-post test design, the study included 22 teenagers. This research was conducted at SMA 5 Tambun Selatan, Bekasi. The researchers utilized the vertical jump test to gauge leg muscle strength both before and after administering coffee to participants and analysed use paired t-test. The result is increased muscle strength after giving coffee at a dose of 2mg CAF/kgBW (51.45±8.92) and 3mg CAF/kgBW (54.05±8.81) compared to before giving coffee (46.68±9.99). There is relationship between coffee consumption and increased muscle strength (p=0.00)

Effect of a sustained-release formulation of β-alanine on laboratory parameters and paresthesia in recreational trained men: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.

Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that has been a focus of increasing research by its role as ergogenic aid to improve muscle performance. A randomized, double-blind and controlled trial was conducted to determine the effect of a nutritional supplement of a sustained-release formulation of β-alanine in recreational trained men. The active product was an innovative sustained-release β-alanine microgranules powder blend, administered at high doses (15 g/day) divided into 3 intakes during 30 days. There were 10 participants in the experimental group and 9 in the placebo group, with a mean age of 22.5 ± 3.3 years. Participants were testing at baseline and at the end of study. In the β-alanine group, there were statistically increases in serum triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, and urea nitrogen at the end of the study as compared with baseline, although there were no differences with the control group. The occurrence of paresthesia, described above all as tickling, was the majority but presented VAS score less than 3/10 in almost all subjects. More studies are required to evaluate the changes in blood parameters that can be caused by high intake of β-alanine during a long period of time. ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier (NCT05334121).

O.4.1-10 The FITT guidelines for multicomponent fall prevention programmes for community-dwelling older adults

Abstract Purpose The most commonly proposed intervention for fall prevention in community-dwelling older adults is a multicomponent exercise programme. This is a structured form of exercise that improves muscle performance, balance, proprioception, coordination, mobility, and gait. It usually includes balance and functional exercises versus control. Although it has been suggested that exercise programmes for fall prevention should be performed three or more times per week, no precise guidelines for frequency (F), intensity (I), T(time), and T(type) of a multicomponent exercise programme have been proposed. It has already been pointed out that frequency, type, and time of a multicomponent exercise programme do not explain the effects of balance exercises in older adults. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the reporting of FITT guidelines for a multicomponent exercise programme for fall prevention in community-dwelling older adults, with a focus on intensity. Methods Systematic reviews of randomised control trials comparing the effectiveness of structured, multicomponent fall prevention programmes in community-dwelling older adults were included. Studies that focused on a specific condition, such as stroke, were excluded. We included only studies that compared fall rates before and after the multicomponent programme. PubMed, PEDro, EMBASE, Scopus were searched until January 2023. Results Preliminary results showed that FITT guidelines for multicomponent exercise were not consistently reported across studies. In particular, exercise intensity was often not reported. Without a valid and reliable measure of exercise intensity, the dose-response relationship for a multicomponent exercise programme should be further investigated. Conclusions Limitations of this systematic review include variability in the design of multicomponent interventions and incomplete reporting of FITT in reported studies. Support/Funding Source The study is founded from Next Generation EU Recovery and Resilience Facility and resources from National institute of public health Slovenia.

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural reduces skeletal muscle superoxide production and modifies force production in rats exposed to hypobaric hypoxia.

Decreased blood-tissue oxygenation at high altitude (HA) increases mitochondrial oxidant production and reduces exercise capacity. 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) is an antioxidant that increases hemoglobin's binding affinity for oxygen. For these reasons, we hypothesized that 5-HMF would improve muscle performance in rats exposed to a simulated HA of ~5500 m. A secondary objective was to measure mitochondrial activity and dynamic regulation of fission and fusion because they are linked processes impacted by HA. Fisher 344 rats received 5-HMF (40 mg/kg/day) or vehicle during exposure to sea level or HA for 72 h. Right ankle plantarflexor muscle function was measured pre- and post-exposure. Post-exposure measurements included arterial blood gas and complete blood count, flexor digitorum brevis myofiber superoxide production and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and mitochondrial dynamic regulation in the soleus muscle. HA reduced blood oxygenation, increased superoxide levels and lowered ΔΨm, responses that were accompanied by decreased peak isometric torque and force production at frequencies >75 Hz. 5-HMF increased isometric force production and lowered oxidant production at sea level. In HA exposed animals, 5-HMF prevented a decline in isometric force production at 75-125 Hz, prevented an increase in superoxide levels, further decreased ΔΨm, and increased mitochondrial fusion 2 protein expression. These results suggest that 5-HMF may prevent a decrease in hypoxic force production during submaximal isometric contractions by an antioxidant mechanism.

A review of the effects of nutritional supplements on muscle strength and endurance in athletes

Athletes widely use nutritional supplements to increase muscle strength and endurance. This review aims to summarize the effects of commonly used dietary supplements on muscle strength and endurance in athletes. A literature search identified several dietary supplements studied for their impact on muscle performance, including protein supplements, creatine, beta-alanine, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), caffeine, nitrates, and vitamins and minerals. The review discussed the mechanisms by which this supplement affects muscle strength and endurance. The review methodology includes a systematic literature search, study selection, and data analysis. The review summarizes the effects of each type of supplement on muscle strength and endurance based on the available literature. The discussion includes an overview of the effectiveness and safety of using nutritional supplements to increase muscle strength and endurance in athletes, as well as limitations of studies reviewed and directions for future research. In conclusion, this review highlights the importance of choosing the right and safe nutritional supplements to improve muscle performance in athletes.

Effect of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization combined with exercise therapy on pain and muscle endurance in patients with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled study

ABSTRACT Objectives The use of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) has been documented to be effective for improving pain and function, but it is unclear whether it helps improve muscle performance in musculoskeletal diseases. This study investigated the effects of IASTM combined with exercise therapy on muscle endurance and pain intensity in patients with chronic neck pain. Methods Forty-eight individuals with chronic neck pain were randomly divided into exercise therapy (ET, n = 24) and combined therapy (CT, n = 24) groups. For 4 weeks, each group underwent exercise therapy 3 days a week for a total of 12 sessions. The ET group received exercise therapy only. The CT group received IASTM combined with exercise therapy twice per week for a total of 8 sessions. The muscle endurance of the participants was assessed with the Deep Neck Flexor Muscle Endurance (DNFE) test and pain intensity with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at baseline and post-treatment. Results While both groups showed significant improvement in pain intensity (p < 0.05), the CT group showed a greater effect size for pain (CT group: Cohen’s d = 3.28; ET group: Cohen’s d = 2.12). The CT group showed significant improvement for muscle endurance (p < 0.05), whereas the ET group did not (p > 0.05). Conclusion In the current study, the IASTM intervention combined with ET improved pain and muscular endurance in participants with chronic neck pain compared to exercise therapy alone. As an alternative method, IASTM intervention before exercise seems to increase the short-term recovery effect in chronic neck pain conditions.