Min Of Recovery Research Articles

Low Ocular Perfusion Pressure Values at Rest and during Resistance Exercise in Offspring of Glaucoma Patients.

To compare the ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) response during physical exercise in individuals with and without a family history (FH+, FH-) of glaucoma. Thirty-four subjects, divided into FH+ and FH- groups, realized 3 min at rest, 3 min of isometric handgrip exercise at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction, followed by 3 min of recovery. Blood pressure (Dixtal® automatic device) and intraocular pressure (Goldmann applanation tonometer) were measured during rest, exercise, and recovery. The mean OPP (mOPP) was calculated. In the FH+ group (17 subjects), baseline mOPP values were significantly lower than in the FH- group (17 subjects) (right eye: P < 0.001, left eye: P < 0.001, respectively). During exercise, both the FH+ and FH- groups showed a similar increase in mOPP in both eyes (right eye: FH+: 38 ± 4 mmHg vs. 51 ± 7 mmHg, FH-: 48 ± 5 mmHg vs. 57 ± 9 mmHg, P < 0.001; left eye: FH+: 39 ± 3 mmHg vs. 51 ± 7 mmHg; FH-: 46 ± 5 mmHg vs. 58 ± 8 mmHg, P < 0.001, respectively). However, the FH+ group maintained significantly lower mOPP values compared to the FH- group in the right and left eyes (group effect: P = 0.002, P = 0.002, respectively). The percentage of increase in mOPP in the FH+ group was greater compared to the FH- group during exercise (right eye: 34.1% ± 15.9% vs. 22.1% ± 13.2%, respectively; P = 0.025; left eye: 33.2% ± 17.7% vs. 22.4% ± 13.7%, respectively, P = 0.056). mOPP increased during physical exercise in both groups, but the FH+ group had lower absolute values. In addition, the FH+ group appears to demonstrate a higher percentage increase in mOPP compared to the FH- group.

Airflow rates and breathlessness recovery from submaximal exercise in healthy adults: prospective, randomised, cross-over study

ObjectivesFacial airflow from a hand-held fan may reduce breathlessness severity and hasten postexertion recovery. Data from randomised controlled trials are limited and the optimal airflow speed remains unknown. We aimed...

Effects of Sitting Recovery Protocols on Postexercise Heart Rate in Young Adults

Abstract Background We aimed to compare the effects of 3 different upright seated recovery protocols on heart rate recovery (HRR) after a submaximal ergometer exercise. Methods The study included 30 young adult volunteers (15 men and 15 women). Participants performed a submaximal cycle exercise test at a constant workload of 60 Watts until a steady HR was achieved. This was followed by 5 min of: (a) inactive, (b) active loadless, and (c) passive recovery protocols. The HRR was assessed as the difference between the peak exercise HR and the HR recorded following 1 min of recovery and as the percentage HR decline after 1 min postexercise. Abnormal HRR was defined as a reduction of 1-min HRR ≤12 b · min−1 or ≤15 b · min−1 or ≤18 b · min−1. Results In both sexes, HRR was faster during inactive recovery compared with active recovery. In males, HRR was faster during inactive recovery compared with passive recovery protocol. In females, HRR was faster during passive recovery compared with active recovery protocol. The prevalence of impaired HRR was greater in the active recovery compared with the passive and inactive recovery protocols in both sexes. Conclusion The present findings suggest that in both sexes, the postexercise HRR was mediated by a combined action of the central command and other inputs or stimuli arising from skeletal muscle activities. In addition, the active recovery protocol resulted to a slower HRR and elicited more abnormal postexercise HR responses compared with the other recovery protocols.

Acute work rate adjustments during high-intensity interval training in a hot and temperate environment.

Heart rate drifts upward over time during interval exercise and during exercise in hot conditions. As such, work rate must be lowered to maintain target heart rate. The purpose was to characterize acute work rate adjustments during high-intensity interval training based on target heart rate. Seven humans (three females) completed five study visits: a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer to measure maximal heart rate (HRmax) in ∼22°C and four trials performed in ∼22°C (TEMP) or ∼35°C (HOT), consisting of an 8 min warm-up at 70% HRmax followed by one (15TEMP and 15HOT) or five (43TEMP and 43HOT) rounds of high-intensity interval training (one round = 4min work at 90% HRmax and 3min recovery at 70% HRmax) totaling 15min or 43min of exercise, respectively. Work rate was lowered 33 ± 20W (p=0.005) in 43TEMP and 56 ± 30W (p=0.003) in 43HOT between the first and fifth work intervals. Thermal strain (0.2°C higher rectal temperature, p=0.01) and cardiovascular strain (6 beats·min-1 larger increase in heart rate from first to fifth recovery interval, p=0.01) were greater in 43HOT versus 43TEMP. Using target heart rate during high-intensity interval training may reduce the training stimulus, especially in hot environments, but it may also limit thermal strain and enable participants to complete the prescribed workout despite the heat.

Use of NIRS to explore skeletal muscle oxygenation during different training sessions in professional boxing

PurposeThe physiological examination of boxing has been limited to systemic response in amateur athletes. The demands of professional boxing have been overlooked, despite the different competition format. We sought to determine the physiological demands placed on skeletal muscle in professional boxing.MethodsTen male professional boxers (age 26 ± 5 years, height 177 ± 4 cm, weight 71 ± 6 kg) were recruited for this observational study. On different days, the athletes completed 6 × 3 min rounds of pad, bag or spar-based training with 1 min recovery between each round. Prior to each session, participants put on a heart rate monitor and near-infrared spectroscopy attached to the belly of the rectus femoris muscle to record heart rate and muscle oxygenation.ResultsThere were significantly less punches thrown in sparring compared to other training modalities (p < 0.001). Skeletal muscle oxygenation across training modalities consisted of a delay, fast desaturation and steady state. Across rounds there was a significant increase in time delay for desaturation (p = 0.016), rate of fast desaturation (p < 0.001) and duration of fast desaturation (p = 0.019). There was a significant difference in sparring for the heart rate where skeletal muscle oxygenation changes occurred compared to pads or bag sessions (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe findings highlight differences in the skeletal muscle response to the different training modalities. Practitioners need to be aware of the muscular demands of each session to allow optimal adaptation across a training camp. Training needs to allow the skeletal muscle to achieve a new oxygenation steady state rapidly to promote efficient performance across rounds.

Changes in diaphragm thickness and 6-min walking distance improvement after inspiratory muscle training in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Clinical trial

AimInspiratory muscle training (IMT) improves respiratory muscle function and exercise tolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the detailed mechanism is unclear. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the mechanism of functional improvement by IMT from P0.1, an index of respiratory central output, and thickness of diaphragm (Tdi), a noninvasive and reliable ultrasound examination. MethodsThis clinical trial study enrolled 13 elderly patients with COPD. IMT was performed using the POWER breathe® Medic Plus breathing trainer in combination with each participant's outpatient rehabilitation regimen. Starting at 20% of the maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) and increasing to 50%, the participants performed 30 IMT repetitions twice a day for 2 months. P0.1 is the value of airway-occlusion pressure at 0.1 s after the start of inspiratory flow, and Tdi was measured at rest and maximal breathing. ResultsPImax and 6-min walking distance(6MWD) significantly increased after training. Tdi at resting inspiration and expiration, and maximal inspiration also significantly increased after training. In addition, the Borg Scale scores for dyspnea and leg fatigue and the respiratory rate of the 1-min recovery period after the 6MWD significantly decreased. There was no significant difference in P0.1. ConclusionsThese results suggest that the effects of IMT may be attributed to the improved peripheral factors rather than to the central factors in elderly COPD patients.

Handgrip exercise does not alter CO2 -mediated cerebrovascular flow-mediated dilation.

Handgrip exercise (HG), a small muscle exercise, improves cognitive function and is expected to provide a useful exercise mode to maintain cerebral health. However, the effect of HG on cerebral blood flow regulation is not fully understood. The present study aimed to examine the effect of acute HG on cerebral endothelial function as one of the essential cerebral blood flow regulatory functions. Thirteen healthy young participants performed interval HG, consisting of 4 sets of 2min HG at 25% of maximum voluntary contraction with 3min recovery between each set. Cognitive performance was evaluated before and at 5 and 60min after interval HG using the Go/No-Go task (reaction time and accuracy). The diameter and blood velocity of the internal carotid artery (ICA) were measured using a duplex Doppler ultrasound system. To assess cerebral endothelial function, hypercapnia (30s of hypercapnia stimulation, end-tidal partial pressure of CO2 : +9mmHg)-induced cerebrovascular flow-mediated dilatation (cFMD) was induced, calculated as relative peak dilatation from baseline diameter. The shear rate (SR) was calculated using the diameter and blood velocity of the ICA. As a result, cognitive performance improved only at 5min after interval HG (reaction time, P=0.008; accuracy, P=0.186), whereas ICA SR during interval HG and cFMD after interval HG were unchanged (P=0.313 and P=0.440, respectively). These results suggest that enhancement in cerebral endothelial function is not an essential mechanism responsible for acute HG-induced cognitive improvement. NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Does handgrip exercise, a small muscle exercise, improve cerebral endothelial function? What is the main finding and its importance? Acute interval isometric handgrip exercise (2min of exercise at 25% maximum voluntary contraction, followed by 3min of recovery, repeated for a total of 4 sets) did not improve cerebral endothelial function. Since the cerebrovascular shear rate did not change during exercise, it is possible that acute handgrip exercise is not sufficient stimulation to improve cerebral endothelial function.

Acute Changes on Left Atrial Function during Incremental Exercise in Patients with Heart Failure with Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Case-Control Study.

the aim of this study was to assess acute changes in left atrial (LA) function during incremental aerobic exercise in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) in comparison to healthy subjects (HS). twenty patients with established HFmrEF were compared with 10 HS, age-matched controls. All subjects performed a stepwise exercise test on a cycle ergometer. Echocardiography was performed at baseline, during submaximal effort, at peak of exercise, and after 5 min of recovery. HS obtained a higher value of METs at peak exercise than HFmrEF (7.4 vs. 5.6; between group p = 0.002). Heart rate and systolic blood pressure presented a greater increase in the HS group than in HFmrEF (between groups p = 0.006 and 0.003, respectively). In the HFmrEF group, peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) and conduit strain were both increased at submaximal exercise (p < 0.05 for both versus baseline) and remained constant at peak exercise. Peak atrial contraction strain (PACS) did not show significant changes during the exercise. In the HS group, PALS and PACS increased significantly at submaximal level (p < 0.05 for both versus baseline), but PALS returned near baseline values at peak exercise; conduit strain decreased progressively during the exercise in HS. Stroke volume (SV) increased in both groups at submaximal exercise; at peak exercise, SV remained constant in the HFmrEF, while it decreased in controls (between groups p = 0.002). patients with HFmrEF show a proper increase in LA reservoir function during incremental aerobic exercise that contributes to maintain SV throughout the physical effort.

Greater post-exercise hypotension in healthy young untrained men after exercising in a hot compared to a temperate environment

This research examined the effects of exercising in a hot compared to a temperate environment on post-exercise hemodynamics in untrained men. We hypothesized exercise in a hot compared to a temperate environment would elicit greater post-exercise hypotension, and this would be attributable to higher cutaneous vascular conductance and sweat loss, and lower heart rate variability (HRV) and cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (cBRS). In a randomized counterbalanced order, 12 untrained healthy men completed two trials involving 40-min leg-cycling exercise at either 23 °C (CON) or 35 °C (HOT). Post-exercise participants rested supine for 60 min at 23 °C whilst hemodynamic and thermoregulatory measurements were assessed. Post-exercise hypotension was greater after exercising in a hot than a temperate environment as indicated by a lower mean arterial pressure at 60 min recovery (CON 83 ± 5 mmHg, HOT 78 ± 5 mmHg, Mean difference [95% confidence interval], −5 [–8, −3] mmHg). Throughout recovery, cutaneous vascular conductance was higher, and cBRS and HRV were lower after exercising in a hot than in a temperate environment (P < 0.05). Sweat loss was greater on HOT than on CON (P < 0.001). Post-exercise hypotension after exercising in the hot environment was associated with sweat loss (r = 0.66, P = 0.02), and changes in cutaneous vascular conductance (r = 0.64, P = 0.03), and HRV (Root mean square of the successive difference in R-R interval [RMSSD]) r=0.75, P = 0.01 and and log high frequency [HF] r=0.66, P = 0.02), but not cBRS (all, r ≤ 0.2, P > 0.05). Post-exercise hypotension was greater after exercise in a hot compared to a temperate environment and may be partially explained by greater sweat loss and cutaneous vascular conductance, and lower HRV.

Subtetanic neuromuscular electrical stimulation can maintain Wingate test performance but augment blood lactate accumulation.

Concentration- and time-dependent effect of lactate on physiological adaptation (i.e., glycolytic adaptation and mitochondrial biogenesis) have been reported. Subtetanic neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with voluntary exercise (VOLES) can increase blood lactate accumulation. However, whether this is also true that VOLES can enhance the blood lactate accumulation during sprint exercise is unknown. Thus, we investigated whether VOLES before the Wingate test can enhance blood lactate accumulation without compromising Wingate exercise performance. Fifteen healthy young males (mean [SD], age: 23 [4] years, body mass index: 22.0 [2.1] kg/m2) volunteered. After resting measurement, participants performed a 3-min intervention: VOLES (NMES with free-weight cycling) or voluntary cycling alone, which matched exercise intensity with VOLES (VOL, 43.6 [8.0] watt). Then, they performed the Wingate test with 30min free-weight cycling recovery. The blood lactate concentration ([La]b) was assessed at the end of resting and intervention, and recovery at 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, and 30min. [La]b during intervention was higher with VOLES than VOL (P = 0.011). The increase in [La]b after the Wingate test was maintained for longer with VOLES than VOL at 10- and 20-min recovery (P = 0.014 and 0.023, respectively). Based on the Wingate test, peak power, mean power, and the rate of decline were not significantly different between VOLES and VOL (P = 0.184, 0.201, and 0.483, respectively). The combination of subtetanic NMES with voluntary exercise before the Wingate test has the potential to enhance blood lactate accumulation. Importantly, this combined approach does not compromise Wingate exercise performance compared to voluntary exercise alone.

SPRINT INTERVAL TRAINING IN HYPOXIA AND EXERCISE PERFORMANCE – A SHORT REVIEW

Hypoxia is often used during training to augment metabolic load and heighten physiological adaptations with the aim of exercise performance improvements. The recently established altitude training method »sprint interval training in hypoxia« (SIH) requires individuals to perform multiple 30 s Wingate sprints under hypoxia, interspersed with 3–5 min recovery periods. As the execution of repeated supramaximal efforts in hypoxia does not seem to be compromised, it was hypothesized that SIH might further augment exercise performance compared to sprint interval training in normoxia (SIT). To elucidate the usefulness of hypoxia during sprint interval training for exercise performance a systematic review of the available literature was conducted. The PubMed, SportDiscusTM, and Web of Science online databases were searched for original articles – published up to March 2023 – assessing changes in exercise performance following SIH and SIT. Six studies (randomized controlled trials (RCTs)) were identified, evaluating SIH interventions lasting 2–6 weeks. Currently, the available scientific literature does not suggest that SIH additively augments exercise performance in comparison to SIT. The potential changes in anaerobic thresholds after SIH, but not after SIT require further investigation to fully elucidate the subsequent effects on exercise performance. Nevertheless, there is evidence to support beneficial peripheral adaptations known to increase the oxidative and glycolytic capacity, especially in type II, fast-twitch fibers, following SIH, but not SIT. These local adaptations could potentially enable superior improvement in exercise performance after long enough SIH training protocols. Future RCTs on SIH and, particularly, on the performance-related underlying mechanisms seem warranted.

Acute effects of static balance exercise combined with different levels of blood flow restriction on motor performance fatigue as well as physiological and perceptual responses in young healthy males and females

PurposeThis study investigated the acute effects of a static balance exercise combined with different blood flow restriction (BFR) pressures on motor performance fatigue development and recovery as well as physiological and perceptual responses during exercise in males and females.MethodsTwenty-four recreational active males (n = 13) and females (n = 11) performed static balance exercise on a BOSU ball (3 sets of 60 s with 30 s rest in-between) on three separate (> 3 days) laboratory visits with three different BFR pressures (80% arterial occlusion pressure [AOP], 40%AOP, 30 mmHg [SHAM]) in random order. During exercise, activity of various leg muscles, vastus lateralis muscle oxygenation, and ratings of effort and pain perception were recorded. Maximal squat jump height was measured before, immediately after, 1, 2, 4, and 8 min after exercise to quantify motor performance fatigue development and recovery.ResultsQuadriceps muscle activity as well as ratings of effort and pain were highest, while muscle oxygenation was lowest in the 80%AOP compared to the 40%AOP and SHAM condition, with no differences in postural sway between conditions. Squat jump height declined after exercise with the highest reduction in the 80%AOP (− 16.4 ± 5.2%) followed by the 40%AOP (− 9.1 ± 3.2%), and SHAM condition (− 5.4 ± 3.3%). Motor performance fatigue was not different after 1 min and 2 min of recovery in 40% AOP and 80% AOP compared to SHAM, respectively.ConclusionStatic balance exercise combined with a high BFR pressure induced the largest changes in physiological and perceptual responses, without affecting balance performance. Although motor performance fatigue was increased by BFR, it may not lead to long-term impairments in maximal performance.

Dietary nitrate ingested with and without pomegranate supplementation does not improve resistance exercise performance.

This study tested the hypothesis that co-ingesting nitrate (NO3-)-rich beetroot juice (BR) and pomegranate powder (POM) would enhance neuromuscular performance during vertical countermovement jumps, explosive kneeling countermovement push-ups, and back squats compared to BR ingestion alone. Fifteen recreationally-active males were assigned in a double-blind, randomized, crossover design, to supplement in 3 conditions: (1) NO3--depleted beetroot juice (PL; 0.10 mmol NO3-) with two empty gelatin capsules; (2) NO3--rich beetroot juice (BR; 11.8 mmol NO3-) with two empty gelatin capsules, and (3) BR with 1,000 mg of POM powder in two capsules (BR + POM). Participants completed 5 countermovement jumps and 5 kneeling countermovement push-ups interspersed by 1 min of recovery. Subsequently, participants performed 2 sets of 2 × 70% one-repetition maximum back squats, interspersed by 2 min of recovery. Plasma [NO3-] and nitrite ([NO2-]) were elevated following BR and BR + POM compared with PL and POM (p < 0.001) with no differences between BR and BR + POM (p > 0.05) or PL and POM (p > 0.05). Peak power during countermovement jumps increased by 3% following BR compared to BR + POM (88.50 ± 11.46 vs. 85.80 ± 10.14 W/Kg0.67, p = 0.009) but not PL (88.50 ± 11.46 vs. 85.58 ± 10.05 W/Kg0.67, p = 0.07). Neuromuscular performance was not different between conditions during explosive kneeling push-ups and back squats (p > 0.05). These data provide insight into the efficacy of NO3- to modulate explosive resistance exercise performance and indicate that supplementing with BR alone or combined with POM has limited ergogenic potential on resistance exercise. Furthermore, caution is required when combining BR with POM, as this could compromise aspects of resistance exercise performance, at least when compared to BR ingested independently.

Effect of COVID-19 on Blood Pressure Profile and Oxygen Pulse during and after the Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test in Healthy Adults.

Several reports have shown the impact of COVID-19 history on exercise capacity. This study compared the blood pressure (BP) response and oxygen pulse (O2 pulse) characteristics in normotensive patients with and without a history of COVID-19 during the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and post-exercise recovery. This cross-sectional study involved 130 healthy Caucasian adult volunteers (71 participants with a history of COVID-19). All patients underwent the CPET with blood pressure measurements during exercise and post-exercise recovery. The post-COVID group had significantly higher systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure after 9 min of recovery and achieved a significantly lower max O2 pulse (2.02 mL/beat on average) than the controls. It should be noted that the COVID group tended to have higher blood pressure values in all steps, with no differences in heart rate, pulse pressure, and saturation at any step. The COVID-19 outbreak was associated with a higher blood pressure response, significantly, in post-exercise recovery, a lower maximum O2 pulse, and a lower maximum load achievement. Future studies are needed to determine if these abnormalities during the CPET and the blood pressure variation have prognostic value.

Energetic responses of head-out water immersion at different temperatures during post-exercise recovery and its consequence on anaerobic mechanical power.

While exercise recovery may be beneficial from a physiological point of view, it may be detrimental to subsequent anaerobic performance. To investigate the energetic responses of water immersion at different temperatures during post-exercise recovery and its consequences on subsequent anaerobic performance, a randomized and controlled crossover experimental design was performed with 21 trained cyclists. Participants were assigned to receive three passive recovery strategies during 10min after a Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT): control (CON: non-immersed condition), cold water immersion (CWI: 20℃), and hot water immersion (HWI: 40℃). Blood lactate, cardiorespiratory, and mechanical outcomes were measured during the WAnT and its recovery. Time constant (τ), asymptotic value, and area under the curve (AUC) were quantified for each physiologic parameter during recovery. After that, a second WAnT test and 10-min recovery were realized in the same session. Regardless the water immersion temperature, water immersion increased [Formula: see text] (+ 18%), asymptote ([Formula: see text]+ 16%, [Formula: see text] +13%, [Formula: see text] +17%, HR + 16%) and AUC ([Formula: see text]+ 27%, [Formula: see text] +18%, [Formula: see text] +20%, HR + 25%), while decreased [Formula: see text] (-33%). There was no influence of water immersion on blood lactate parameters. HWI improved the mean power output during the second WAnT (2.2%), while the CWI decreased 2.4% (P < 0.01). Independent of temperature, water immersion enhanced aerobic energy recovery without modifying blood lactate recovery. However, subsequent anaerobic performance was increased only during HWI and decreased during CWI. Despite higher than in other studies, 20°C effectively triggered physiological and performance responses. Water immersion-induced physiological changes did not predict subsequent anaerobic performance.

Effects of exercise induced muscle damage on cardiovascular responses to isometric muscle contractions and post-exercise circulatory occlusion

PurposeThe aim of the present study was to investigate whether exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) influences cardiovascular responses to isometric exercise and post-exercise circulatory occlusion (PECO). We hypothesized that EIMD would increase muscle afferent sensitivity and, accordingly, increase blood pressure responses to exercise and PECO.MethodsEleven male and nine female participants performed unilateral isometric knee extension at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) for 3-min. A thigh cuff was rapidly inflated to 250 mmHg for two min PECO, followed by 3 min recovery. Heart rate and blood pressure were monitored beat-by-beat, with stroke volume and cardiac output estimated from the Modelflow algorithm. Measurements were taken before and 48 h after completing eccentric knee-extension contractions to induce muscle damage (EIMD).ResultsEIMD caused 21% decrease in MVC (baseline: 634.6 ± 229.3 N, 48 h: 504.0 ± 160 N), and a 17-fold increase in perceived soreness using a visual-analogue scale (0–100 mm; VASSQ) (both p < 0.001). CV responses to exercise and PECO were not different between pre and post EIMD. However, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was higher during the recovery phase after EIMD (p < 0.05). Significant associations were found between increases in MAP during exercise and VASSQ, Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and Pain after EIMD only (all p < 0.05).ConclusionThe MAP correlations with muscle soreness, RPE and Pain during contractions of damaged muscles suggests that higher afferent activity was associated with higher MAP responses to exercise.

Resistance of Primary Photosynthesis to Photoinhibition in Antarctic Lichen Xanthoria elegans: Photoprotective Mechanisms Activated during a Short Period of High Light Stress.

The Antarctic lichen, Xanthoria elegans, in its hydrated state has several physiological mechanisms to cope with high light effects on the photosynthetic processes of its photobionts. We aim to investigate the changes in primary photochemical processes of photosystem II in response to a short-term photoinhibitory treatment. Several chlorophyll a fluorescence techniques: (1) slow Kautsky kinetics supplemented with quenching mechanism analysis; (2) light response curves of photosynthetic electron transport (ETR); and (3) response curves of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) were used in order to evaluate the phenomenon of photoinhibition of photosynthesis and its consequent recovery. Our findings suggest that X. elegans copes well with short-term high light (HL) stress due to effective photoprotective mechanisms that are activated during the photoinhibitory treatment. The investigations of quenching mechanisms revealed that photoinhibitory quenching (qIt) was a major non-photochemical quenching in HL-treated X. elegans; qIt relaxed rapidly and returned to pre-photoinhibition levels after a 120 min recovery. We conclude that the Antarctic lichen species X. elegans exhibits a high degree of photoinhibition resistance and effective non-photochemical quenching mechanisms. This photoprotective mechanism may help it survive even repeated periods of high light during the early austral summer season, when lichens are moist and physiologically active.

Exercise to enhance cardiovascular health among Black patients with prostate cancer with androgen deprivation therapy: The POWER trial.

TPS5120 Background: Large racial disparities persist in prostate cancer (PCa) incidence and mortality in the US. Among all races, Black men have the highest rates of PCa incidence and mortality, where they are 1.7 and 2.1 times more likely to develop and die of PCa compared to non-Hispanic White men, respectively. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is one of the most recommended treatments for intermediate and advanced PCa. However, men receiving ADT have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 65% compared to patients not receiving ADT, which is likely linked to ADT-induced cardiovascular and metabolic toxicity. Moreover, Black men with PCa receiving ADT have a higher risk of CVD-related death and a higher prevalence of comorbid conditions. Therefore, prevention and management of CVD risk factors in this population is an important unmet clinical need. Exercise is an effective way to lower CVD risk factors in many clinical settings; however, Black men with cancer are underrepresented in exercise oncology research, and no studies to date have focused on Black men with PCa on ADT. We designed a randomized controlled trial, entitled “Exercise to Enhance Cardiovascular Health among Black Prostate Cancer Patients with Androgen Deprivation Therapy: POWER Trial.” The objective of the POWER Trial is to examine the effects of a tailored exercise intervention on CVD risk factors in Black men with PCa undergoing ADT. Methods: The POWER trial is a two-arm, multi-center, randomized controlled trial, recruiting 62 Black men with localized or metastatic PCa who are receiving ADT at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Participants are randomly assigned to either exercise training or usual care at a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the intervention group are asked to complete a culturally tailored, home-based, virtually supervised exercise training program thrice weekly for 16 weeks. Aerobic exercise is high-intensity interval training and performed on a stationary bike, alternating 1-min high-intensity (75-95% of VO2peak) and 1-min recovery (40% of VO2peak) intervals. Resistance exercises are performed on large muscle groups using dumbbells with 2-3 sets of 15-20 repetitions at 60-75% of the 1-repetition maximum. Participants in the usual care group are asked not to change their baseline exercise behavior and then may cross over to the exercise program after the initial 16 weeks. The primary outcome is the CVD risk assessed by the Framingham Risk Score (i.e., age, sex, blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and smoking). The secondary and exploratory outcomes include cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, body composition, patient-reported outcomes, and treatment-related symptoms. To date, five out of the planned 62 patients have been enrolled. This trial is registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05327465). Clinical trial information: NCT05327465 .

The efficacy of a verification stage for determining O2max and the impact of sampling intervals.

It is unknown whether oxygen uptake (V̇O2) sampling intervals influence the efficacy of a verification stage following a graded exercise test (GXT). Fifteen females and 14 males (18-25 years) completed a maximal treadmill GXT. After a 5​min recovery, the verification stage began at the speed and grade corresponding with the penultimate stage from the GXT. Maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max) from the incremental GXT (iV̇O2max) and V̇O2max from the verification stage (verV̇O2max) were determined using 10 seconds (s), 30​s, and 60​s from breath​×​breath averages. There was no main effect for V̇O2max measure (iV̇O2maxvs. verV̇O2max) 10​s ([47.9​±​8.31] ml∙kg-1∙min-1 vs [48.85​±​7.97] ml∙kg-1∙min-1), 30​s ([46.94​±​8.62] ml∙kg-1∙min-1 vs [47.28​±​7.97] ml∙kg-1∙min-1), and 60​s ([46.17​±​8.62] ml∙kg-1∙min-1 vs [46.00​±​8.00] ml∙kg-1∙min-1]. There was a stage​×​sampling interval interaction as the difference between (verV̇O2max-iV̇O2max) was greater for 10-s than 60-s sampling intervals. The verV̇O2max was > 4% higher than iV̇O2maxin 31%, 31%, and 17% of the tests for the 10-s, 30-s, and 60-s sampling intervals respectively. Sensitivity for the plateau was < 30% for 10-s, 30-s, and 60-s sampling intervals. Specificity ranged from 44% to 60% for all sampling intervals. Sensitivity for heart rate​+​respiratory exchange ratio was > 90% for all sampling intervals; while specificity was < 25%. Findings from the present study suggest that the efficacy of verification stages for eliciting a higher V̇O2max may be influenced by the sampling interval utilized.

A brief body scan mindfulness practice has no positive effect on the recovery of heart rate variability and cognitive tasks in female professional basketball players.

In this study, we examined the acute effects of a short video-based body scan mindfulness practice on the heart rate variability (HRV) and cognitive performance of professional female basketball players after the first half of a simulated basketball game. In this crossover randomized controlled trial, nine professional athletes completed a physical loading protocol on two separate days. The protocol consisted of a 10-min Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 in the first quarter, followed by a 10-min basketball game in the second quarter. Immediately afterward, they were asked to engage in a 10-min mindfulness practice or watch a 10-min nature-based documentary as a type of mental intervention. Their HRV, Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index 2 (NASA TLX-2), and Go/No-Go test scores were recorded immediately before and after the physical loading and after the mental intervention. The physical demand, effort, and frustration level subscales of the NASA TLX-2 and the RPE scores were found to be significantly higher after the physical loading, and they returned to the baseline level after both types of mental intervention. The Go/No-Go test scores did not differ depending on the measurement time. All time- and frequency-domain heart rate variability parameters, except the low-to-high frequency ratio, were found to be significantly high immediately after the physical loading protocol. However, these parameters returned to their initial levels after both types of mental intervention. Completing the tests involved in the study protocol successfully induced physical fatigue, as evidenced by consistent measurement tools, but the one-time and short-term mindfulness practice had no additional benefits for the recovery of heart rate variability, cognitive tasks, or subjective assessment methods, such as RPE and NASA TLX-2, in basketball players with no previous experience of mindfulness practice.