Fatigue Index Research Articles

Combined futsal training

A training model that combines physicality and tactics is really needed in futsal. This study aims to analyse the effect of rotation play training with HIIT Protocol on the anaerobic abilities of amateur futsal players. This research uses an experimental method with a two-group pre-test and post-test design. The sample in this study consisted of 30 amateur futsal players with an age of 19.23 ± 0.57 years, height of 165.60 ± 5.63 cm, body mass of 59.17 ± 5.24 kg, and BMI of 21.60 ± 1.93. Samples were divided randomly into an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). Data analysis used a Paired Sample T-test and an Independent T-test with a significance level of .05 and used Cohen's ES to measure the magnitude of differences between groups. This study used the running anaerobic sprint test (RAST). The variables in RAST that will be analysed are Peak Power (W); Mean Power (W); Peak Power per Weight (W.kg-1); Mean Power per Weight (W.kg-1); Fatigue Index (%); Total effort time (s). The paired sample t-test resulted in a significant difference in EG with significance values of Peak Power p = .010, Mean Power p = .007, Peak Power per Weight p = .011, Mean Power per Weight p = .008, Fatigue Index p = .045, and total effort time p = .011, while in CG all variables do not have significant differences. The Independent T-test found that there was a significant difference between EG and CG with a significance value of p < .05. This research concludes that the rotation play training model with HIIT Protocol has a positive effect on the anaerobic endurance of amateur futsal players.

Prediction of the fatigue life in a textured AZ31 Mg alloy as a function of orientation using fatigue indicator parameters

Computational homogenization was used to simulate the mechanical response of a textured AZ31Mg alloy subjected to fully-reversed cyclic deformation. The behavior of each grain in the polycrystal followed a phenomenological crystal plasticity model that considered different deformation mechanisms, namely pyramidal, basal, and prismatic slip, as well as twinning and detwinning. It also accounted for both kinematic and isotropic hardening effects. The crystal plasticity model's parameters were adjusted to replicate the cyclic stress-strain curves along three different orientations (rolling direction, normal direction and at 45° between the rolling and normal directions) at different cyclic strain semi-amplitudes. Three different fatigue indicator parameters were calculated from the simulations, based on the accumulated plastic shear strain in one stabilized fatigue cycle from basal slip and pyramidal slip, and from the shear strain accommodated by twinning/de-twinning during one fatigue cycle. The predictions of the fatigue life based on the fatigue indicator parameters were compared with the experimental results for the three orientations. It was found that the most accurate prediction was obtained by using the fatigue indicator parameter associated with twinning/de-twinning. Thus, it is concluded that fatigue cracks nucleated at twin boundaries control the fatigue life of textured Mg alloys.

Endurance training and hydroxyurea have synergistic effects on muscle function and energetics in sickle cell disease mice

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an hemoglobinopathy resulting in the production of an abnormal Hb (HbS) which can polymerize in deoxygenated conditions, leading to the sickling of red blood cells (RBC). These alterations can decrease the oxygen-carrying capacity leading to impaired function and energetics of skeletal muscle. Any strategy which could reverse the corresponding defects could be of interest. In SCD, endurance training is known to improve multiples muscle properties which restores patient's exercise capacity but present reduced effects in anemic patients. Hydroxyurea (HU) can increase fetal hemoglobin production which can reduce anemia in patients. The present study was conducted to determine whether HU can improve the effects of endurance training to improve muscle function and energetics. Twenty SCD Townes mice have been trained for 8 weeks with (n = 11) or without (n = 9) HU. SCD mice muscle function and energetics were analyzed during a standardized rest-exercise-recovery protocol, using Phosphorus-31 Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) and transcutaneous stimulation. The combination of training and HU specifically decreased fatigue index and PCr consumption while muscle oxidative capacity was improved. These results illustrate the potential synergistic effects of endurance training and HU on muscle function and energetics in sickle cell disease.

Investigation of Some Biomotoric Characteristics of Young German and Turkish Football Players

This research aimed to examine the biomotoric characteristics of Turkish and German young football players living in Germany. 32 football players participated in the research. Repetitive sprint test, agility test, vertical jump test and Sanding long jump test were applied to the football players. The physical and performance characteristics of the research group were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Mann Whitney U test. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the total times of the repeated sprint test and the total times of the repeated sprint test. There was no significant difference between the biomotoric characteristics between the groups, except for repeated 3-4-5 sprints and total times. Turkish football players completed the repetitive sprint test in a shorter time than German football players, but there was no difference in their fatigue index. This result seems meaningful considering that Turkish football players live in Germany, grow up in Germany, have similar environmental conditions, train similarly and play in the same league.

Influence of sexual maturation on anaerobic performance of male adolescent wrestlers

This study aimed to examine the impact of sexual maturation on the anaerobic performance of male adolescent wrestlers. Methods: We included a sample of 29 freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers from various clubs in Barinas, Venezuela. Their physical characteristics were as follows (mean ± SD): age, 14.99 ± 1.83 years; body mass, 54.68 ± 16.80 kg; height, 161.06 ± 12.78 cm; body fat, 12.09 ± 4.11%; body mass index (BMI), 20.58 ± 3.79 kg/m2; and training experience, 3.66 ± 2.27 years. Sexual maturation was evaluated using Tanner's criteria, while anaerobic performance was assessed with the 30-second Wingate test for both lower and upper body. Results: There were moderate to strong significant correlations between maturation development and both peak power (PP) and average power (AP) — for both absolute and relative measures — for the lower and upper body. The fatigue index (%FI) for the lower body did not show any correlation with maturation development or with the pubescent and postpubescent maturation categories. Conversely, the %FI for the upper body demonstrated a significant moderate correlation with maturation development and with the postpubescent maturation category. Additionally, a strong significant correlation was observed between the pubescent maturation category and both PP and AP (absolute and relative) for the lower body. A moderate correlation was found between the postpubescent category and PP (absolute) for the upper body. PP (absolute) and AP (relative) for the upper body had a moderate correlation with the pubescent maturation category, while the postpubescent category showed a strong correlation with PP (absolute), AP (absolute), and AP (relative). Conclusion: The stages of sexual maturation significantly influence the anaerobic capacity of adolescent wrestlers, potentially affecting their training adaptations for peak performance. Future research should explore the physiological responses to training protocols tailored to specific stages of maturation.

The Effects of Load, Crank Position, and Sex on the Biomechanics and Performance during an Upper Body Wingate Anaerobic Test.

The upper body Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) is a 30-s maximal effort sprint against a set load (percentage of body mass). However, there is no consensus on the optimal load and no differential values for males and females, even when there are well-studied anatomical and physiological differences in muscle mass for the upper body. Our goal was to describe the effects of load, sex, and crank position on the kinetics, kinematics, and performance of the upper body WAnT. Eighteen participants (9 females) performed three WAnTs at 3%, 4%, and 5% of body mass. Arm crank forces, 2D kinematics, and performance variables were recorded during each WAnT. Our results showed an increase of ~49% effective force, ~36% peak power, ~5° neck flexion, and ~30° shoulder flexion from 3% to 5% load ( P < 0.05). Mean power and anaerobic capacity decreased by 15%, with no changes in fatigue index ( P < 0.05). The positions of higher force efficiency were at 12 and 6 o'clock. The least force efficiency occurred at 3 o'clock ( P < 0.05). Sex differences showed that males produced 97% more effective force and 109% greater mean power than females, with 11.7% more force efficiency ( P < 0.001). Males had 16° more head/neck flexion than females, and females had greater elbow joint variability with 17° more wrist extension at higher loads. Males cycled ~32% faster at 3% versus 5% WAnT load with a 65% higher angular velocity than females. Grip strength, maximal voluntary isometric contraction, mass, and height positively correlated with peak and mean power ( P < 0.001). In conclusion, load, sex, and crank position have a significant impact on performance of the WAnT. These factors should be considered when developing and implementing an upper body WAnT.

Using digital technologies for correction in the health condition process for IT specialists

Computers have swiftly integrated into people's daily lives, and their utilization continues to surge. The role of an IT support specialist encompasses expertise in network analysis, system administration, information security and assurance, IT audits, database administration, and web administration. The overarching objective is to cultivate a professionally adept and competitive specialist, whose attributes are shaped not only by professional aptitude but also by their personal lifestyle. Pursuing a career in IT necessitates adherence to several criteria, including possessing relevant education, intellectual acumen, teamwork capabilities, self-educational proficiency, a commitment to skill enhancement, and the ability to work autonomously. It is evident that the significance of this industry is growing each year. It is crucial to highlight that, without the implementation of occupational health and safety regulations, there is a substantial risk of a considerable decline in health protection, potentially leading to irreversible impacts on the overall functioning of the body. Adopting a healthy lif estyle involves establishing a self-designed system that safeguards an individual from risks encountered in an active life. To address this, we have developed a sequence of exercises aimed at providing psychological and physical relief for IT workers. The objective is to safeguard the health of employees in this category, incorporating exercises such as tapping biologically active zones, "Crane wings," and "Snake rings." The experimentally verified complex of measures designed for mental and physical relief for IT workers has demonstrated its effectiveness. Additionally, the execution of the exercise routine results in the alignment of morning and evening indicators, indicating an overall improvement in well-being and stable psycho-emotional state. The acquired results highlight a considerable decrease in fatigue indicators and the normalization of mood after completing the exercise routine.

Applicability of Ratings of Perceived Exertion as a Measure of Subjective Fatigue in First Responders: An Exploratory Study

Introduction: Many researchers use Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) as an indicator of subjective fatigue. Recent findings suggest that energy and fatigue are two distinct unipolar moods. Methods: Eleven first responders (FR) participated in a 90-minute strenuous exercise battery where they ended the protocol by completing a graded VO2max test where they were asked to perform until volitional fatigue, measured through RPE. Subjective feelings of mental energy (ME) and fatigue (MF) and physical energy (PE) and fatigue (PF) were measured before the beginning of the protocol and right after. Data was not normally distributed and presented in median and interquartile ranges. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated for RPE, post mood state, and changes in mood states. Results: Participants’ self-reported RPE at the conclusion of the VO2max test was 18.27 [18.00,19.00]. Post PE (r=-0.012, p=0.97), PF (r=-0.036, p=0.92), ME (r=-0.13, p=0.69), and MF (r=0.43, p=0.19) displayed insignificant correlations with RPE. Similarly, insignificant correlations were observed between changes in PE (r=0.26, p=0.44), PF (r=0.46, p=0.15), ME (r=0.35, p=0.30), MF (r=-0.43, p=0.19), and RPE. Five participants reported an increase in feelings of PE (15.00 [13.00,19.00]) and seven participants reported lower feelings of PF (-12.00 [-19.50,-8.00]) post assessment. Seven participants reported improvements in ME (22.00 [8.00,68.00]) and three reported a reduction in MF (-13.00 [-27.00, -7.00]). Conclusions: Our findings suggests that self-reported RPE may not be a reliable measure of subjective fatigue in FR populations during acute strenuous exercise. Further our findings support previous work that ME, MF, PE, and PF are four distinct unipolar moods, and researchers seeking to assess fatigue in FR should use RPE with caution as it seems to be a measure of subjective perception of exercise intensity instead of a true measure of subjective fatigue.

A unified expression for estimating Poisson’s ratio from a hinged–hinged beam with a use for abnormality detection

Cycle fatigue weakens a structure. Poisson’s ratio is a sensitive indicator of cycle fatigue. The amount of fatigue is proportional to the severity of an abnormality, such as a crack, delamination or other imperfection. Our prior work confirms that direct estimates of Poisson’s ratio by Cornu’s method must be identical for all antinodes of a mode shape of a homogeneous, thin, hinged–hinged beam. Therefore, if a direct estimate at any antinode was found to be significantly different from the other estimates at the other antinodes, then that would simultaneously indicate fatigue and identify the location of the abnormality. We use simulations of Besselograms and apply Cornu’s method to directly estimate Poisson’s ratio at all antinodes of a beam. We transform finite element simulations of the out-of-plane bending displacements of mode shapes by simulating time-average scanning digital holography. We show that amount of disagreement between the direct estimation Poisson’s ratio and the true value of Poisson’s ratio depends on the ratio of the distance between nodes of a mode shape divided by the width of the beam. We call this distance between the nodes of a mode shape the ‘Span’. We then define a unified expression for predicting the simulated direct estimate given the true value of Poisson’s ratio and the Span-to-Width ratio. Next, we invert the unified expression, which enables us to use the Span-to-Width ratio and simulated direct estimates of Poisson’s ratio as the independent variables to compute the adjusted value of Poisson’s ratio. We find that our inverse expression makes it possible to obtain an estimate of Poisson’s ratio that is within ±2% of the true value for thin hinged–hinged beams and plates that have a Span-to-Width ratio greater than 1. We also find that if the material is known to have a Poisson’s ratio greater than zero, which can be assessed by our previous statement, then we can extend our confidence to Span-to-Width ratios greater than 0.1. That was the lower limit of our testing. Finally, we show how to use direct estimates of Poisson’s ratio to statistically detect and localize an abnormality along a hinged–hinged plate or beam. We believe that our combination of Cornu’s method and time-averaging could eventually offer the ability to directly estimate Poisson’s ratio from hinged–hinged beams and plates as well as to unambiguously monitor cycle fatigue for changes in effective material properties, predict time-to-failure, and do so without contact.

Juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius) improves time-to-exhaustion cycling performance and increased reduced glutathione: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover, and triple-blind study.

To examine the effects of 7-days juçara powder (JP) intake on oxidative stress biomarkers and endurance and sprint cycling performances. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover, and triple-blind study, 20 male trained cyclists were assigned to intake 10g of JP (240mg anthocyanins) or placebo (PLA) for 7 days and performed a cycling time-to-exhaustion (TTE). A 5s cycling sprint was performed before and after the cycling TTE. Blood oxidative stress biomarkers and lactate concentration where evaluated 1h before (T-1), immediately after (T0), and 1h after (T1) the cycling TTE. The mean duration time for the cycling TTE was 8.4±6.0% (63±17s) longer in the JP condition (JP: 751±283s) compared to PLA (688±266s) (P<0.019). Two-way repeated measures Analysis of variance showed an increase in the JP condition for reduced glutathione (GSH) (P=0.049) at T0 (P=0.039) and T1 (P=0.029) compared to PLA with a moderate effect size at T0 (d=0.61) and T1 (d=0.57). Blood lactate levels increased over time in both conditions (P≤0.001). No differences were observed for the post-TTE sprint fatigue index, total phenols, protein carbonyls, and glutathione peroxidase activity. Seven-day intake of JP improved cycling endurance performance and increased GSH levels but had no effect on lactate and cycling sprint-induced fatigue.

Comparison of Neuromuscular Fatigue in Powerlifting Paralympics in Different Training Methods.

Mean propulsive velocity (MPV) has been associated with neuromuscular fatigue; however, its suitability for strength training in Paralympic powerlifting (PP) remains uncertain. The objective of this work was to evaluate the MPV in two training methods (traditional-TRAD and eccentric-ECC). Eleven PP athletes were evaluated pre, during the intervention and post intervention at a load of 80% of the 1RM for TRAD and 110%-80% of 1 RM for ECC. The results demonstrated that there was no significant neuromuscular fatigue for the TRAD (~5% performance loss), as well as no significant decline in MPV during the intervention. For the ECC, there is a significant reduction in MPV before and after training (~12% loss of performance). A difference between TRAD and ECC after the intervention was also identified (0.87 m/s±0.22, 95% CI 0.72-1.02 vs. 0.72±0.20, 95% CI 0.59-0.86 p=0.042, F(3.30)=10.190, η2p=0.505 - very high effect). During the intervention for ECC, no significant decline in MPV was observed. The results of this study suggest that the mechanical indices of MPV do not seem to be effective indicators of neuromuscular fatigue in the sample studied or in the context of this specific training regime, being more indicated as a control of training volume.

Continuous and Non-Invasive Lactate Monitoring Techniques in Critical Care Patients.

Lactate, once merely regarded as an indicator of tissue hypoxia and muscular fatigue, has now gained prominence as a pivotal biomarker across various medical disciplines. Recent research has unveiled its critical role as a high-value prognostic marker in critical care medicine. The current practice of lactate detection involves periodic blood sampling. This approach is invasive and confined to measurements at six-hour intervals, leading to resource expenditure, time consumption, and patient discomfort. This review addresses non-invasive sensors that enable continuous monitoring of lactate in critical care patients. After the introduction, it discusses the iontophoresis system, followed by a description of the structural materials that are universally employed to create an interface between the integumentary system and the sensor. Subsequently, each method is detailed according to its physical principle, outlining its advantages, limitations, and pertinent aspects. The study concludes with a discussion and conclusions, aiming at the design of an intelligent sensor (Internet of Medical Things or IoMT) to facilitate continuous lactate monitoring and enhance the clinical decision-making support system in critical care medicine.

Effect of vocal loading on voice parameters in trainee actors

Introduction: Prolonged use of voice or vocal load can be a risk factor for individuals and can end up in vocal fatigue and dysphonia. Vocal loading can alter tissue structure and affect the voice quality forever. An obvious factor to be considered is the vocal use by a professional voice user. Actors are a group of professionals who can be affected by the long-term use of voice. There is a higher prevalence of inflammatory lesion in acting students and they were found to have poor vocal hygiene habits; which shows that these future elite vocal performers are at risk for developing a voice disorder. Aim: To study the objective and subjective changes in voice characteristics post vocal loading task in trainee actors. Method: A total 37 trainee actors (14 females and 23 males) participated in the study. The age range of the participants were 20 – 39 years and the range of the training period was 6 – 12 months. The participants were instructed to read a passage for 30 – 45 minutes at a loudness level of 70 – 80 dB SPL. Individuals with perceptually normal voice in terms of pitch and intensity and with a score less than 1 in GRBASI (Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain, Instability) rating scale were included in the study. Acoustic, and perceptual evaluation were measured immediately before and after vocal loading task. Acoustic analysis was done using MDVP, whereas The Auditory Perceptual Rating Scale and GRABASI rating scale were used for perceptual analysis. Self-rating of the voice after vocal loading task was measured after the vocal loading task using Vocal Fatigue Index.1 Results and conclusion: The results revealed a significant difference in perceptual parameters post vocal loading task. The f0, jitter and HNR (Harmonic to Noise Ratio) showed a significant increase in the values after the vocal loading task. However, shimmer and RAP (Relative Amplitude Perturbation) did not show significant difference in the values post vocal loading task. The self-rating of the voice after the vocal loading task revealed that 54% of the trainee actors did not perceive vocal fatigue. The study hence shows significant effects of vocal loading in perceptual and acoustic analysis whereas the self-rating shows less perception of vocal changes in training actors. The acoustic, perceptual and self-rating of the voice quality before and after vocal loading task can aid in effective training and management of the trainee actors. However, the actors themselves are not equipped to measure the voice changes acoustically or perceptually and would take much longer time to perceive changes in their voice quality. Therefore, it is important to give a vocal hygiene programme in the preventive stage, that is, in the training period.

Examining Wear Mechanisms in Railway Wheel Steels: Experimental Insights and Predictive Mapping

Railway systems play a pivotal role in modern transportation networks, contributing to both efficiency and environmental sustainability. This study investigated the multifaceted aspects of wear phenomena in railway engineering, focusing on their significant implications for environmental costs and operational efficiency. Experimental trials were conducted using a high-performance bi-disc apparatus, evaluating a range of materials, contact pressures, and lubrication conditions. Shakedown maps were employed to assess ratcheting behaviour, while the wear rate was analysed as a function of the fatigue index (FI). The results reveal the intricate interplay of contact pressure, slip ratio, material properties, and lubrication in determining wear and ratcheting behaviour. Oxidative and mild wear mechanisms were identified, and wear debris composition and morphology were characterised. The outcomes from this research clarify the pivotal role that wear processes play within railway systems and the far-reaching environmental repercussions they entail. This exploration contributes to the ongoing optimisation of railway operations, offering valuable insights aimed at mitigating unavoidable pollution sources and strengthening sustainability efforts. By delving into the intricate dynamics of wear phenomena within wheel–rail material, this research paves the way for innovative solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency but also minimise the ecological footprint of railway transportation.

Inspiratory muscles pre-activation in young swimmers submitted to a tethered swimming test: effects on mechanical, physiological, and skin temperature parameters

Inspiratory muscles pre-activation (IMPA) has been studied to improve subsequent performance in swimming. However, the effects of IMPA on various parameters in swimmers are still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of IMPA on the mechanical parameters, physiological responses, and their possible correlations with swimming performance. A total of 14 young swimmers (aged 16 ± 0 years) underwent a 30-s all-out tethered swimming test, preceded or not by IMPA, a load of 40% of the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and with a volume of 2 sets of 15 repetitions. The mechanical (strength, impulse, and fatigue index) and physiological parameters (skin temperature and lactatemia) and the assessment of perceived exertion and dyspnea were monitored in both protocols. The IMPA used did not increase the swimming force, and skin temperature, decrease blood lactate concentration, or subjective perception of exertion and dyspnea after the high-intensity tethered swimming exercises. Positive correlations were found between mean force and blood lactate (without IMPA: r = 0.62, P = 0.02; with IMPA: r = 0.65, P = 0.01). The impulse was positively correlated with blood lactate (without IMPA: r = 0.71, P < 0.01; with IMPA: r = 0.56, P = 0.03). Our results suggest that new IMPA protocols, possibly with increased volume, should be developed in order to improve the performance of young swimmers.

Validation of the Turkish version of the Neurological Fatigue Index for Stroke

ABSTRACT Introduction Post-stroke fatigue is an often overlooked problem that hinders recovery. Therefore, stroke patients should be evaluated for fatigue during the recovery period. This study aimed to adapt the Neurological Fatigue Index for Stroke (NFI-Stroke) into the Turkish language. Methods This methodological study was carried out on 110 stroke patients admitted to a university hospital in Istanbul. In addition to the NFI-Stroke, Functional Independence Measure, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, modified-Rankin Scale, Fatigue Severity-Scale, and Stroke Self Efficacy Questionnaire were used to collect data. Results Since the linguistic validity study of the scale has already been carried out, only psychometric properties were evaluated. The items in the scale were grouped under two factors. The Cronbach`s alpha coefficient was found to be 0.96 for the physical sub-dimension and 0.84 for the cognitive sub-dimension. Item-total correlation coefficients were found between 0.74-0.91 for the physical sub-dimension, and 0.82-0.91 for the cognitive sub-dimension. The test-retest evaluation confirmed the consistency of the responses to the scale against time. The scale was correlated with other scales used in the study as expected. Conclusions The NFI-Stroke will be useful in clinical practice in assessment of fatigue, which may affect the adaptation of patients to rehabilitation.

CPAP Treatment Improves Quality of Life and Self-perception of Voice Impairment in Patients with OSA

The purpose of this study is to examine vocal fatigue and impairment, gastroesophageal symptoms, dysphagia risk, and sleep-related quality of life in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who have been treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) compared to those who have not received treatment. Fifty-four participants diagnosed with OSA completed an online research form. Of these, 29 were receiving CPAP treatment, while 25 were not undergoing treatment. The following instruments were used: Vocal Fatigue Index, Voice Handicap Index, Gastroesophageal symptoms, Eating Assessment Tool, and Quebec Sleep Questionnaire. The group that received CPAP treatment had significantly lower scores in the functional domain and total Voice Handicap Index. They also experienced fewer symptoms of regurgitation, reduced daytime sleepiness, fewer nocturnal symptoms, and better emotional and social interactions in their quality of life compared to the untreated group. There were no significant differences in voice fatigue and dysphagia risk between the groups. Individuals treated with CPAP experience reduced vocal impairment, fewer regurgitation symptoms, and improvement in the emotional and social interactions domains of their quality of life compared to individuals without treatment.

The Investigation of the Effects of Short-Term Body Weight Loss on Elite Wrestlers on Anaerobic Performance and Reaction Time in Tournament Conditions

Athletes, who engage in wrestling, perform weight adjustment before the competitions like all weight loss category sports. For this reason, weight management is a very important factor prior to matches. When the studies on weight loss are examined, it is seen that athletes lose weight in a short time close to the competition. This study aimed to investigate the effects of short-term body weight loss in elite wrestlers on anaerobic performance and reaction time during tournament conditions. Ten experienced international level male wrestlers participated as a volunteer in this study. Participants lost 5% of their body weight within 48 hours, in 72 hours; 1 kg tolerance was given over 5% of body weight. During this process, body composition measurement, Wingate anaerobic performance test (WAnT), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), and visual and auditory reaction tests were conducted. In this study, a randomized crossover design was used and applications lasted four days. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used for statistical analysis. Due to short-term body weight loss in body composition, total body water (TBW) and fat-free mass (FFM) were significantly reduced. In contrast, there was no statistically significant difference in body fat percentage (BF %), visual and auditory reaction time, CMJ and average power (AP). However, there was a significant increase was seen in Peak power (PP) and fatigue index (FI). The results indicate that 5% loss of body weight within 48 hours caused significant changes in body composition and negatively affected the fatigue index. For this reason, athletes who lose weight should avoid rapid weight-loss practices that will cause sudden changes in body composition in order to maintain their athletic performance.

Woozy Driving Detection

Abstract: Abstract-wooziness has been identified as one of the primary causes of injury or death in car accidents. As a result, it is proposed in this research work to develop an adaptive heavy vehicle driver fatigue and alertness modelbased on spectral bands by combining signal processing algorithms with soft computing techniques such as the neuro-fuzzy algorithm to estimate the driver cognitive state while driving a vehicle in a virtual reality (vr)-based dynamic simulator under monotonous driving conditions.As a result, it is proposed in this study to use soft computing approaches to reduce the amount of features and nonlinear supervised classification algorithms to classify them. The suggested adaptive model distinguishes between the driver's level of exhaustion by analysing brain responses to determine whether the driver is fatigued owing to task- induced variables or attitude/behaviour, and then the amount of fatigue is associated to sleepiness (i.e. Level of alertness towards driving). The adaptive model can also be used to warn drivers and regulators about impending catastrophes by optimizing the features of interface systems. The suggested system notifies the driver when he or she is fatigued or drowsy based on the identification of cognitive state and calculates the fatigue index and alertness level. The proposed method also assists the driverin being more alert and intuitive in order to avoid deadly road accidents.

Passive heating-induced changes in muscle contractile function are not further augmented by prolonged exposure in young males experiencing moderate thermal stress.

Background: We investigated the impact of 1) passive heating (PH) induced by single and intermittent/prolonged hot-water immersion (HWI) and 2) the duration of PH, on muscle contractile function under the unfatigued state, and during the development of muscle fatigue. Methods: Twelve young males volunteered for this study consisting of two phases: single phase (SP) followed by intermittent/prolonged phase (IPP), with both phases including two conditions (i.e., four trials in total) performed randomly: control passive sitting (CON) and HWI (44-45°C; water up to the waist level). SP-HWI included one continuous 45-min bath (from 15 to 60min). IPP-HWI included an initial 45-min bath (from 15 to 60min) followed by eight additional 15-min baths interspaced with 15-min breaks at room temperature between 75 and 300min. Intramuscular (Tmu; measured in the vastus lateralis muscle) and rectal (Trec) temperatures were determined. Neuromuscular testing (performed in the knee extensors and flexors) was performed at baseline and 60min later during SP, and at baseline, 60, 90, 150 and 300min after baseline during IPP. A fatiguing protocol (100 electrical stimulations of the knee extensors) was performed after the last neuromuscular testing of each trial. Results: HWI increased Tmu and Trec to 38°C-38.5°C (p < 0.05) during both SP and IPP. Under the unfatigued state, HWI did not affect electrically induced torques at 20Hz (P20) and 100Hz (P100). However, it induced a shift towards a faster contractile profile during both SP and IPP, as evidenced by a decreased P20/P100 ratio (p < 0.05) and an improved muscle relaxation (i.e., reduced half-relaxation time and increased rate of torque relaxation; p < 0.05). Despite a reduced voluntary activation (i.e., -2.63% ± 4.19% after SP-HWI and -5.73% ± 4.31% after IPP-HWI; condition effect: p < 0.001), HWI did not impair maximal isokinetic and isometric contraction torques. During the fatiguing protocol, fatigue index and the changes in muscle contractile properties were larger after HWI than CON conditions (p < 0.05). Finally, none of these parameters were significantly affected by the heating duration. Conclusion: PH induces changes in muscle contractile function which are not augmented by prolonged exposure when thermal stress is moderate.