VO2max Research Articles

Hemoglobin mass is accurately predicted in endurance athletes

ABSTRACT Hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) prediction enhance the accessibility and practicality of athletes’ hemoglobin status monitoring, facilitating better performance. Therefore, we aimed to create prediction equations for Hbmass in well-trained endurance athletes (EA), based on easily obtained measures. The population of 220 well-trained EA (40% females, maximal oxygen uptake = 63.4 ± 8.00 mL·kg·min−1) was randomly split for the models’ derivation and validation in 2:1 ratio. Equations to predict total Hbmass (tHbmass) and Hbmass adjusted to fat-free mass (rHbmass) were developed with multivariable linear regression. The models were stratified for five complexity levels with the inclusion of anthropometric, biochemical, and fitness indices. Models for tHbmass (R2 = 0.87–0.92; root-mean-square error [RMSE] = 60.6–76.5 g) outperform the models for rHbmass (R2 = 0.28–0.58; RMSE = 1.00–1.26 g·kg−1). During internal validation, 9 of 10 of equations accurately predicted tHbmass (0.11 ± 54.7–54.8 ± 45.5 g; p = 0.18–0.99) and only 1 model differed significantly (p = 0.03). There were also no significant differences between observed and predicted values in 8 of 10 of equations for rHbmass (0.1 ± 1.4–1.0 ± 0.1 g·kg−1; p = 0.07–0.65) and 2 models showed significant differences (p = 0.01–0.04). Models present moderate-to-high accuracy. Equations are precise enough to provide complementary data in the epidemiology of diseases with abnormal hemoglobin values, antidoping policy or talent identification. However, they should not substitute direct testing of Hbmass in EA.

Effects of blood flow restriction training on cardiometabolic health and body composition in adults with overweight and obesity: a meta-analysis

ObjectiveThis meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) training on cardiometabolic health and body composition in adults with overweight and obesity.MethodFollowing PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus databases was conducted on 15 March 2024. Pooled effects for each outcome were summarized using Hedge’s g (g) through meta-analysis-based random effects models, and subgroup analyses were used to explore moderators.ResultsA total of 11 studies with 242 participants (Age:32.6 ± 3.6, BMI:27.2 ± 3.5) were included. Regarding cardiometabolic health, BFR training significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (g = 0.62 [0.08, 1.16], p = 0.02), while no significant differences were observed in maximal oxygen uptake (g = 0.48 [-0.21, 1.17], p = 0.17) or diastolic blood pressure (g = 0.31 [-0.22, 0.84], p = 0.25). Regarding body composition, BFR training significantly reduced body fat percentage (g = 0.30 [0.01, 0.58]; p = 0.04), while no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in body weight (g = 0.14 [-0.14, 0.42]), body mass index (g = 0.08 [-0.21, 0.38]), waist circumference (g = 0.13 [-0.28, 0.53]), or waist-to-hip ratio (g = 0.48 [-0.19, 1.15]). Subgroup analysis revealed no significant difference in improving systolic blood pressure (g = 0.57 [-0.10, 1.24] vs. g = 0.70 [-0.18, 1.59]) and body fat percentage (g = 0.20 [-0.20, 0.61] vs. g = 0.45 [-0.05, 0.95]) between BFR resistance training and BFR aerobic training. In all selected studies, the overall risk of bias was categorized as “some concern”. The certainty of evidence for the BFR outcomes was low.ConclusionBFR training shows promise in improving cardiometabolic health and body composition, indicating that it may serve as a beneficial, individualized exercise prescription for improving cardiovascular disease risk and fat loss in adults with excess body weight and obesity.Systematic Review Registration:https://archive.org/details/osf-registrations-uv6jx-v1.

Validation of predictive equations for aerobic fitness in young healthy male students of the University of Ibadan

BackgroundMaximum oxygen consumption is a measure of an individual’s cardiorespiratory fitness which is a singular predictor of an array of diseases. Several exercise and non-exercise assessments are frequently compared to know which method(s) provide the most accurate estimation of aerobic capacity due to difficulties in using the direct method. There is a need to know if an estimation method is the right fit for a population without huge overestimation or underestimation due to ethnical variation. This study was undertaken to assess the estimations of the cardiorespiratory fitness of healthy African males by the submaximal exercise-based and the non-exercise-based equations in undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.ResultsVO2 was significantly higher in the undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan in all the equations used (44.38 ± 39.07, 62.46 ± 27.61, 44.38 ± 39.07, 62.46 ± 27.61, 46.37 ± 3.31, 46.16 ± 3.64, 47.08 ± 3.19). The two submaximal exercises compared using the Bland–Altman Plot showed a high degree of agreement, further linear regression performed showed no proportional bias on the distribution of data around the mean difference line (p > 0.05). Cross-validation using the Bland–Altman plot and linear regression for the five non–exercise predicted equations with the YMCA submaximal exercise test and Bruce submaximal exercise test all showed a significance difference of (P < 0.05) showed that data from all the methods provided proportional bias on the distribution of data around the mean difference line.ConclusionThis study asserts that caution should be taken when using a non-exercise equation to predict VO2 in the African population. It is therefore recommended to carry out various assessment methods of VO2 estimation in a wider population using various protocols, and also develop a predictive equation for VO2 specific to the African population.

The challenges of evidence-based prehabilitation in a real-life context for patients preparing for colorectal surgery—a cohort study and multiple case analysis

BackgroundMultimodal prehabilitation programs are effective at reducing complications after colorectal surgery in patients with a high risk of postoperative complications due to low aerobic capacity and/or malnutrition. However, high implementation fidelity is needed to achieve these effects in real-life practice. This study aimed to investigate the implementation fidelity of an evidence-based prehabilitation program in the real-life context of a Dutch regional hospital.MethodsIn this observational cohort study with multiple case analyses, all patients who underwent colorectal surgery from January 2023 to June 2023 were enrolled. Patients meeting the criteria for low aerobic capacity or malnutrition were advised to participate in a prehabilitation program. According to recent scientific insights and the local care context, this program consisted of four exercise modalities and three nutrition modalities. Implementation fidelity was investigated by evaluating: (1) coverage (participation rate), (2) duration (number of days between the start of prehabilitation and surgery), (3) content (delivery of prescribed intervention modalities), and (4) frequency (attendance of sessions and compliance with prescribed parameters). An aggregated percentage of content and frequency was calculated to determine overall adherence.ResultsFifty-eight patients intended to follow the prehabilitation care pathway, of which 41 performed a preoperative risk assessment (coverage 80%). Ten patients (24%) were identified as high-risk and participated in the prehabilitation program (duration of 33–84 days). Adherence was high (84–100%) in five and moderate (72–73%) in two patients. Adherence was remarkably low (25%, 53%, 54%) in three patients who struggled to execute the prehabilitation program due to multiple physical and cognitive impairments.ConclusionImplementation fidelity of an evidence-based multimodal prehabilitation program for high-risk patients preparing for colorectal surgery in real-life practice was moderate because adherence was high for most patients, but low for some patients. Patients with low adherence had multiple impairments, with consequences for their preparation for surgery. For healthcare professionals, it is recommended to pay attention to high-risk patients with multiple impairments and further personalize the prehabilitation program. More knowledge about identifying and treating high-risk patients is needed to provide evidence-based recommendations and to obtain higher effectiveness.Trial registrationNCT06438484.

Adjusting the Yo-Yo IRT-1 equation to estimate VO2max of sub-elite football referees: a gender-comparative study.

To gain optimal positioning to make sure the game laws are applied in uniform way, the performance of field referee must be periodically evaluated to have constantly adequate training during a match and during the competitive season. Considering that field Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test-Level 1 is frequently employed in elite team sport players to estimate maximal oxygen uptake (VO<inf>2max</inf>) in field settings, the aim of this cross-sectional, gender-comparative study was to develop a new adjusted Yo-Yo-1 equation for estimating VO<inf>2</inf>max in football referees. During off-season, 20 male (21.2±3.6 yrs) and 20 female (22.5±4.6 yrs) sub-elite football referees underwent laboratory treadmill test and Yo-Yo-1. VO<inf>2max</inf> during Yo-Yo-1 and laboratory treadmill test were significantly correlated in the whole sample (r=0.871; P<0.0001), women (r=0.861; P<0.0001) and men (r=0.800; P<0.0001). Only in women VO<inf>2max</inf> during Yo-Yo-1 was lower than laboratory treadmill test (-4.3%; P=0.014). Adjusted formulae (pooled and gender-based) allowed to mitigate the underestimated values of laboratory treadmill test of VO<inf>2max</inf> found with the Bangsbo's equation (pooled sample: -14.9%, P<0.0001; women: -13.2%, P<0.0001; men: -16.4%, P<0.0001). Adjusted Yo-Yo-1 equations allow to accurately monitor changes in cardiopulmonary performance, and based on this, administer constantly adequate training loads, in male and female field referees.

Association of aerobic capacity and muscular strength with health-related quality of life in adolescents: A school-based cross-sectional study

Background: The independent associations of aerobic capacity and muscular strength on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), when mutually adjusted, remain understudied, particularly in adolescents. Aim: To examine the association between aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and HRQoL in adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed, including 202 Brazilian adolescents. Aerobic capacity was assessed using the PACER test and categorized into “healthy zone”, “needs improvement”, and “at risk”. Muscle strength was evaluated through field tests, including the 90º push-up, and categorized as “healthy zone” or “needs improvement”. HRQoL was measured using the validated KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire. A generalized gamma regression model was used to estimate coefficients (β) and 95% confidence intervals for HRQoL domains, adjusting mutually for aerobic capacity and muscle strength as predictors. Results: In the physical domain, adolescents with aerobic capacity in the healthy zone (β=11.2; p&lt;0.001) and needs improvement category (β=8.8; p=0.007) scored higher than those in the at-risk zone. Similarly, those with muscle strength in the healthy zone scored higher than in the needs improvement category (β=6.6; p=0.012). In the psychological domain, adolescents with aerobic capacity in the healthy zone (β=8.1; p=0.002) and needs improvement (β=5.9; p=0.027) also had higher scores than those at risk, as did those with healthy muscle strength compared to needs improvement (β=4.5; p=0.043). No significant associations were found in other domains (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Adequate levels of aerobic capacity and muscle strength are positively associated with HRQoL, particularly in the physical and psychological well-being domains among adolescents.

Different whole body HIIT protocols does not promote different muscle thickness and functional adaptations in healthy physically active men

IntroductionDespite robust evidence on the benefits of high intensity interval training using body weight (WB-HIIT), the effects of different training configurations on morpho-functional adaptations are still unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the effects of two distinct WB-HIIT protocols on morphological and general fitness adaptations in healthy active young individuals.MethodsThirty-four participants (22 males and 12 females) were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: 30 s of all-out effort interspersed with 10 s of passive recovery (G30 × 10, n = 17) or 40 s of an all-out effort interspersed with 20 s of passive recovery (G40 × 20, n = 17). Nine exercises were performed for both protocols, in two weekly sessions, during a 6-week intervention period. Morphological (ultrasound-derived muscle thickness of the vastus lateralis [MTVL]) and general fitness (muscle endurance and maximal oxygen consumption) assessments were performed at pre- and post-intervention moments.ResultsBoth training protocols elicited significant improvements in all dependent variables (p &amp;lt; 0.05), with no significant between-group differences.ConclusionRegardless of the training configuration, both WB-HIIT programs serve as time-efficient strategies to induce changes in muscle thickness of the vastus lateralis and functional adaptations in healthy, physically active young individuals.

Kynurenines and aerobic exercise capacity in chronic kidney disease: A cross-sectional and longitudinal study.

The causes of reduced aerobic exercise capacity (ExCap) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) are multifactorial, possibly involving the accumulation of tryptophan (TRP) metabolites such as kynurenine (KYN) and kynurenic acid (KYNA), known as kynurenines. Their relationship to ExCap has yet to be studied in CKD. We hypothesised that aerobic ExCap would be negatively associated with plasma levels of TRP, KYN and KYNA in CKD. We included 102 patients with non-dialysis CKD stages 2-5 (CKD 2-3, n = 54; CKD 4-5, n = 48) and 54 healthy controls, age- and sex-matched with the CKD 2-3 group. ExCap was assessed as peak workload during a maximal cycle ergometer test. Plasma KYN, KYNA and TRP were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Kidney function was evaluated by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and estimated GFR. The CKD 2-3 group and healthy controls repeated tests after five years. The association between TRP, KYN, KYNA and ExCap in CKD was assessed using a generalised linear model. At baseline, there were significant differences between all groups in aerobic ExCap, KYN, KYNA, TRP and KYN/TRP. KYNA increased in CKD 2-3 during the follow-up period. In CKD 2-5, KYNA, KYN/TRP and KYNA/KYN were all significantly negatively associated with ExCap at baseline, whereas KYN and TRP were not. Kynurenines were significantly correlated with GFR (p < 0.001 for all). Including GFR in the statistical model, no kynurenines were independently associated with ExCap at baseline. At follow-up, the increase in KYN and KYN/TRP was related to a decrease in ExCap in CKD 2-3. After adjusting for GFR, increase in KYN/TRP remained an independent significant predictor of a decline in ExCap in CKD 2-3. Aerobic ExCap was inversely associated with plasma levels of kynurenines in CKD at baseline and follow-up.

Sex differences in the maximal metabolic steady state of fitness matched women and men.

PURPOSE: We tested the hypothesis that power at maximal metabolic steady state is similar between fitness matched men and women. METHODS: Eighteen participants (9 men, 9 women) performed a cycling graded exercise test for maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max). Men and women were matched for V̇O2 max normalized to fat free mass (FFM), which was 50.4±4.7 ml·min-1·kg FFM-1 and 52.1±8.2 ml·min-1·kg FFM-1, respectively (P=0.62). Participants completed a muscle oxygenation (%SmO2) zero-slope prediction trial and a 3-min trial (3MT). The %SmO2 zero-slope trials included three, 5-min cycling bouts (30 sec rest) spanning intensity domains. Linear regression of trial work rate and %SmO2 slope over the final three minutes established the work rate occurring at the predicted zero slope in %SmO2. The 3MT requires all-out cycling, where end test power (ETP) was calculated as the mean power output over the last 30 sec and work above end test power (WEP) as the power-time integral above ETP. RESULTS: Independent of method, mean (±SD) absolute power at the maximal metabolic steady state was similar between fitness matched women and men (P=0.72), yet became higher in women when expressed relative to FFM (P=0.02). V̇O2 at the power associated with %SmO2 zero-slope represented a significantly higher fraction of V̇O2max for women compared to men (P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Normalized WEP (Watts/kg FFM) remained higher in men (P<0.01). Although highly correlated (r=0.88, P<0.01), ETP was ~8% higher than %SmO2 zero-slope power (P=0.03). Compared to fitness matched men, women displayed higher FFM normalized power associated with the heavy-severe exercise domain boundary.

Martine-Kushelevsky Test and Evaluation of the Functional State of the Cardiovascular System of KRSU Students

Physical fitness is most often considered as the fitness of two systems that work together: the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Furthermore, physical fitness refers to the ability of these systems to maintain normal body function during physical activity of varying duration and intensity. There are various self-monitoring methods, one of which is the Martine-Kushelevsky test. This article presents the results of assessing the functional state of the cardiovascular system based on the Martine-Kushelevsky test. This test provides objective data on the cardiovascular system's functional state in students. The data helps to evaluate the body's resistance to hypercapnia and hypoxia, which reflects the overall condition of the body's oxygen-supplying systems during physical exercise. The study involved 187 first-year students from the medical faculty of KRSU, including 115 females (61.5%) and 72 males (38.5%). The age of the participants ranged from 17 to 21 years, with an average age of 18.29±1.05 years. One of the key indicators of the functional state of the cardiovascular system is the Robinson index, which characterizes the systolic work of the heart and reflects the degree of adaptation of the body to physical loads. Generally, it is believed that the higher this indicator, the greater the functional capacity of the heart muscles. The analysis showed that most students (87.7%) have a very low level of physical recovery, and 37.5% of students have poor aerobic capacity. These two factors should be taken into account when assigning students from the medical faculty to physical education groups.

Influence of Sex and Body Composition on Aerobic Capacity in Normal Weight Lean, Normal Weight Obese, and Obese Phenotypes

Normal weight obesity (NWO) is a body composition phenotype that is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk and is characterized by a normal weight body mass index but elevated body fat. The purpose of this study was to determine sex differences in aerobic capacity across body composition phenotypes, including normal weight lean (NWL), NWO, and traditional obesity (OB). We recruited 60 participants according to three body composition phenotypes: NWL (n = 10 females, n = 10 males), NWO (n = 10 females, n = 10 males), and OB (n = 10 females, n = 10 males). Measurements included fasting metabolic risk factors, body composition X-ray scan, and peak exercise test on a cycle ergometer to determine aerobic capacity (VO2peak). Across groups, males (34.5 ± 11.7 mL/kg/min) exhibited greater VO2peak than females (28.8 ± 8.8 mL/kg/min; p = 0.04). There were no differences in VO2peak between sexes within the same body composition phenotype, but NWL (42.7 ± 9.0 mL/kg/min) exhibited greater VO2peak than NWO (27.9 ± 4.4 mL/kg/min; p &lt; 0.0001) and OB (24.4 ± 7.3 mL/kg/min; p &lt; 0.0001). VO2peak was inversely correlated with relative body fat in the full sample (r = −0.67; p &lt; 0.0001), but was stronger in males (r = −0.78; p &lt; 0.0001) than females (r = −0.53; p = 0.0028). Visceral adipose tissue was not significantly correlated with VO2peak in the full sample (r = −0.25; p = 0.05) or in males (r = −0.23; p = 0.25), although they were inversely correlated in females (r = −0.36; p = 0.048). Our results suggest low aerobic capacity in both men and women with NWO, similar to men and women with OB. The relationship between body composition and aerobic capacity is strong across body composition phenotypes, but appears to be more consistent in females than males. For healthcare professionals aiming to lower cardiometabolic risk, attention should be given to improving aerobic fitness in both men and women with elevated body fat, including those with NWO.

Exercise training load prediction based on improved genetic algorithm

With the advancement of digital information age, all kinds of sports also widely used digital mining technology, the technology can promote athletes’ professional level and physical quality, is in the field of sports improve athletes and coaches more effective way, but the bicycle sports for digital mining and research is still in the early state. Cyclists load ability in training is mainly influenced by the body function, the relationship between the two is complicated, this paper is the training load ability and physical function as a research object, explore the specific connection between the two aspects of cyclists, by constructing the cyclist training load prediction model, to apply in the “bicycle team training analysis system”. Strive to promote the overall development of cycling, to provide a basis for the scientific training of talents and training. The cyclist training load prediction model created in this paper can provide a scientific design basis for the training of athletes. When analyzing the body function, this paper mainly analyzes the influence of athletes on conforming sports through 25 aspects such as maximum oxygen intake, functional threshold power and blood oxygen saturation. Because the factors of athletes and the predicted results show non-linear correlation, this paper selects the BP neural network algorithm in the model algorithm, and the adaptive genetic algorithm of the selection operator is adjusted and optimized to clarify the initial weights and thresholds of BP neural network. Finally, the practice has proved that the improved algorithm has a more prominent global optimization ability, and the accuracy of the model has reached 93.28%.

Experience with sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in adult patients with Fontan circulation.

We still know little about the effective pharmacological treatment of heart failure (HF) associated with the Fontan circulation. One of the new options may be sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), which have been proven effective in classic forms of left ventricular HF. To evaluate the effect and safety of SGLT2i inclusion in adults with Fontan circulation. To this end, we conducted observation and complex diagnostics of adult Fontan patients in whom we started treatment with flozins. The study population consisted of 17 adult Fontan patients with average age 30.5 (9.7) years, 59% in II New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, among whom 53% received dapagliflozin and rest empagliflozin. The average observation time was 11.0 (3.7) months. None of the patients have reported side effects or complications related to treatment. We observed a significant increase (20.1 mL/kg/min vs 24.2 mL/kg/min, p = 0.008) in the median of maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) among participants (9) who completed at least 2 reliable cardiopulmonary exercise tests. We did not notice any significant differences in N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide concentration (641.35 (923.7) vs 741.47 (1,139.02), p = 0.12) after the inclusion. Interestingly, we observed a significant increase in erythrocytes (+6%, p = 0.003), hemoglobin (+7%, p = 0.03) and hematocrit (+7%, p = 0.02). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that the implementation of SGLT2i may have a positive effect on exercise capacity among adults with Fontan circulation. Our experience confirms the high safety of using these drugs in Fontan adults.

Effects of 6 months of endurance exercise on motor function, exercise capacity, and autonomic function based on presence of autonomic dysfunction in individuals with early Parkinson's disease

Background Endurance exercise improves aerobic capacity (VO2peak) and motor symptoms in people with early Parkinson's disease (PD). Some people with PD exhibit signs of chronotropic incompetence (CI), which may impact exercise-induced benefits. Objective We investigated whether CI in people with early PD influences the change in motor signs, VO2peak, and peak heart rate (HR) following 6 months of endurance exercise. Methods We performed secondary analyses of the Study in Parkinson's Disease of Exercise (SPARX), which randomized people with early PD into a high-intensity endurance exercise [80–85% of peak HR], moderate-intensity endurance exercise [60–65% of peak HR], or usual care group. MDS-UDPRS Part 3 score, VO2peak, and heart rate (HR) response to maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) were analyzed at baseline and following 6 months of exercise. Participants were divided into three groups: 1) normal chronotropic response at baseline, 2) CI at baseline, and 3) taking medications with a known negative chronotropic effect regardless of CI status. Results Data from 119 individuals (64.0 ± 9.0 years, 57.1% male, 0.3 years since diagnosis [median]) were analyzed. There were no differences among the groups in change in MDS-UPDRS motor score ( p = 0.953), VO2peak ( p = 0.965), or peak HR ( p = 0.388). People randomized into the high-intensity group improved VO2peak compared to usual care ( p &lt; 0.001adj) regardless of CI status. Conclusions Baseline CI did not alter responses to endurance exercise in those with early PD, suggesting that the beneficial effects of endurance exercise on disease progression and VO2peak in people with early PD apply equally to people with CI.

Cardiorespiratory demands of firearms training instruction and 15m shuttle tests in British law enforcement.

Law enforcement agencies require minimum fitness standards to safeguard their officers and training staff. Firearms instructors (FI) are expected to maintain the same standards as their operational counterparts. This study aimed to quantify the daily physiological demands placed on FI. 19 FI (45 ± 5 years) completed occupational tasks whilst wearing heart rate (HR) monitors for a minimum 10 days. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) testing was conducted on FI during a treadmill test (TT) and a multistage shuttle test (ST). Linear regression models were used to model the relationship between VO2 and HR throughout the TT. This model was applied to HR data from occupational tasks to infer oxygen consumption. Repeated Measures ANOVAs were used to compare time spent in VO2max equivalent zones throughout. The VO2max achieved during ST (45.1 ± 5.6 ml/kg/min) was significantly higher than TT (39 ± 3 ml/kg/min) (p = 0.014). Time to exhaustion (TTE) was sooner on ST (06:26 min) compared to TT (13:16 min) (p < .001). FI spent ~85% of occupational time with an oxygen demand ≤20 ml/kg/min (p < .005). The most intense occupational tasks saw FI achieve VO2max ≥30 ml/kg/min, but <40 ml/kg/min. Using ST to assess cardiorespiratory fitness resulted in a quicker TTE and a higher VO2max. Predominantly, FI occupational tasks are low intensity with sporadic exposures requiring a VO2max of >40 ml/kg/min. To safeguard FI from occupational-related cardiorespiratory or long-term health issues, it is intuitive to suggest fitness standards should exceed a VO2max of 40 ml/kg/min.

Current trends in physical and physiological profile of elite WKF karate athletes: a systematic review

BackgroundThis qualitative analysis aimed to: identify the physical and physiological factors that characterize elite WKF kumite and kata athletes, identify testing protocols that are used to examine the above mentioned profiles of WKF karatekas and indicate the variables that are significant for elite-level performance.MethodsA search of electronic databases (PubMed, EBSCO, Scopus) was conducted to identify all studies on physical and physiological profile in elite karatekas from 2012 to 2024. A JBI Qualitative Data Extraction Tool for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence was fulfilled in order to determine which variables should be extracted. The quality of the included studies was assessed based on the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist.Results164 full-text articles were evaluated to determine eligibility, while 20 met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to detailed analysis, including risk of bias assessment. Finally, 17 full-text articles were included in the qualitative analysis. The following motor abilities and physiological components were evaluated by researchers: muscular strength (n = 8) muscular power (n = 11), speed (n = 8), agility (n = 6), flexibility (n = 6), aerobic metabolism (n = 9), anaerobic metabolism (n = 5).ConclusionsThe force-velocity characteristics with the dominant effect of the velocity component seem to be crucial in regard to performance outcomes in WKF karatekas. Moreover, elite karatekas are characterized by high flexibility of the hamstring muscles and well developed speed and agility abilities. The efficiency of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism is significant for high-performance in elite WKF kumite athletes, however aerobic capacity may be crucial. It is difficult to confirm the impact of the above mentioned energy systems on kata performance. Athlete’s age category and sex-related variables may affect the level of the analyzed motor abilities.

Current concepts of high intensity interval training: a clinical commentary

Abstract Regular exercise produces a variety of physiological changes that improve exercise capacity and health, regardless of age, gender, or chronic illness status. Despite widespread physical inactivity due to time restrictions, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has evolved as a popular and time-saving strategy for strenuous exercise that improves physical fitness by increasing maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and muscle power. HIIT, which consists of brief bursts of intense activity at or near peak effort interspersed with intervals of rest or low-intensity exercise, causes a variety of physiological changes that improve exercise capacity and metabolic health in both clinical and healthy populations. Given the expanding scientific understanding and broad use of HIIT, this clinical commentary seeks to thoroughly investigate its definition, parameters, scientific foundations, multifarious benefits, and evidence across varied groups and situations.

Big-Hearted Invaders: The Impacts of Range Expansion and Parasite Infection on Heart Mass in Cane Toads.

The invasion of cane toads (Rhinella marina) across tropical Australia has resulted in the rapid evolution of traits that enable higher rates of dispersal, and that adapt toads to hot dry climates. In anurans, a larger heart facilitates both locomotor activity and desiccation tolerance. Heart size is also often affected, either directly or indirectly, by parasite infections. To test the effects of invasion history and parasite exposure on heart size, we studied common garden-reared toads whose parents were sourced from diverse locations, and experimentally exposed them to larvae of a nematode lungworm (Rhabdias pseudosphaerocephala). Offspring of invasion-front parents had larger hearts than did conspecifics from long-established populations. Exposure to infective lungworm larvae decreased heart mass in toads from all populations. Our study suggests that cardiovascular function, like other traits, has evolved rapidly during the toad invasion; and that lungworm parasites can modify the cardiovascular function and hence aerobic capacity of their host.

Effect of obesity on cardiovascular remodeling, and aerobic capacity in adults with coarctation of aorta.

We hypothesized that patients with coarctation of aorta (COA) and obesity would have more advanced cardiovascular remodeling and impaired aerobic capacity compared to COA patients without obesity. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between obesity, cardiovascular remodeling, and aerobic capacity in adults with repaired COA. The study comprised of 3 groups: (1) Obese COA group (n=177) (COA patients with body mass index [BMI] >30 kg/m2); (2) Non-obese COA group (n=572) (COA patients with BMI ≤30 kg/m2); (3) Control group (n=59) (subjects without structural heart disease and BMI ≤30 kg/m2). Cardiovascular remodeling was assessed using the following indices: (1) Arterial stiffness - total arterial compliance index (TACI). (2) Left ventricular hypertrophy - LV mass (LVM) and relative wall thickness (RWT). (3) LV diastolic function - Doppler-derived estimated LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and Tau. (4) Right ventricular (RV)-pulmonary artery coupling - RV free wall strain and RV systolic pressure (RVFW/RVSP). Aerobic capacity was assessed using predicted peak oxygen consumption (VO2). The obese COA group had higher LVM, RWT, LVEDP, and Tau, as well as lower RVFWS/RVSP, TACI and peak VO2 compared to non-obese COA group and controls. There was a correlation between BMI and LVM (r=0.39, p<0.001), RWT (r=0.47, p<0.001), LVEDP (r=0.43, p<0.001), tau (r=0.22, p=0.008), RVFWS/RVSP (r=- 0.24, p<0.001), and predicted peak VO2 (r=-0.48, p<0.001). These findings underscore the cardiovascular implications of obesity in the setting of COA, and provide opportunities for interventions to address obesity, and improve outcomes in this population.

The influence of prolonged aerobic exercise on cardiac, muscular, and renal biomarkers in trained individuals with obesity.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of prolonged aerobic exercise on cardiac, muscular and renal inflammatory markers in a group of trained obese men. Seventeen men (aged 40 ± 6years; body mass index [BMI] 31.3 ± 2.8kgm-2, maximal oxygen uptake [V'O2max] 41.5 ± 5.6mlkg-1min-1) ran a half, 30km, or full marathon. Troponin I (cTnI), the n-terminal creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), myoglobin, creatinine (CREA) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)were measured before (T0), immediately after (T1) and 3days after the race (T2). The concentrations of cTnI, myoglobin, LDH, CK-MB and CREA significantly increased (P < 0.05), whereas eGRF decreased at T1 (P < 0.05). All the above parameters returned to baseline at T2, except for eGFR, which remained lower than that at T0 (P < 0.05). A positive association was observed between ΔCK-MB (%) and the time spent in Zone 3 during the race (R = 0.686, P = 0.014). The Δmyoglobin (%) was positively correlated with race time, race mean speed and time in Zone 3 (R = 0.574-0.862, P < 0.05). The ∆CREA values were moderately correlated with the race mean HRMAX (%) and time spent in Zone 3 (%) (R = 0.514-0.610; P = 0.05). The ∆eGRF values were moderately inversely correlated with the time spent in Zone 3 (%) (R = - 0.627; P < 0.05). Changes in cardiac, muscular and renal inflammatory markers in trained men with obesity are consistent with those described in the literature in normal-weight individuals. Finally, running parameters, such as running time, average running intensity and time in Zone 3 appear to be responsible for the changes in cardiac, muscular and renal function markers after long-distance running.