RPE Values Research Articles

How do rest-pause and sarcoplasma stimulating training models affect metabolic and psychoaffective responses in bodybuilding athletes compared to traditional training?

Strength training (ST) is a strategy to enhance quality of life through increased strength, muscle hypertrophy, and functional capacity. Training systems are associated with manipulation of volume and intensity, generating different stimuli, such as Rest-Pause (RP) and Sarcoplasmic Stimulating Training (SST). These systems induce greater mechanical and physiological stress, leading to increased strength and muscle hypertrophy. However, the metabolic and psycho-affective effects of advanced systems in experienced practitioners remain inconclusive. The purpose of the study is to analyze the acute effects of RP, SST, and Traditional (TMS) systems on metabolic and psycho-affective responses in adult men. This experimental crossover study assessed 15 subjects (30.38 ± 2.06 years; 88.40 ± 6.50 kg; 1.74 ± 0.07 cm) experienced in ST, evaluated under TMS, RP, and SST during flat bench press and leg press 45° exercises. Body composition, muscular strength via 1-RM testing, lactate concentration (LAC), and psycho-affective measures (Rating of Perceived Exertion-RPE; Visual Analog Scale-VAS; Feeling Scale-FS) were determined. Statistical analysis was performed using the Minitab software, with p ≤ 0.05, IC-95%). The finals results showed SST exhibited a 38.10% lower LAC concentration post-training session compared to TMS, while RP showed 37.20% lower LAC concentration than TMS post-session. Average RPE values for RP and SST were higher (8.50 ± 1.10 and 8.60 ± 0.90, respectively) than TMS (6.00 ± 1.10). VAS displayed higher average values for RP and SST (8.00 ± 2.00 and 8.00 ± 1.00, respectively) compared to TMS (5.00 ± 1.00), with affective ratings indicating positive values for TMS and values between 0 and -5 for RP (40%) and SST (60%) post-training sessions, suggesting that RP and SST induced less affective response than TMS. The results lead to the conclusion that manipulation of training volume and intensity led to higher RPE and pain (VAS). The data suggest that inappropriate prescription of these systems could lead to greater displeasure, leading us to hypothesize that a higher likelihood of discontinuation from strength training programs would occur, suggesting that greater repetition volumes (RP and SST) should be targeted at individuals with a higher training level.

High transparent glass of germanate-borate-tellurite modified by different concentration of bismuth oxide for optical and radiation shielding applications

The current investigation studied one of the high-density heavy metal oxides (Bi2O3) having density = 8.9 g/cm³, which was utilized to improve structural and optical features of the B2O3–TeO2-GeO2-MgO glass system. Three high transparent glasses with a chemical formula of 35B2O3–20TeO2-10GeO2-35MgO-xBi2O3 (x = 5, 10, and 15 mol %) were fabricated by melting at 1100 °C for 20 min and annealing at 400 °C for 5 h. X-ray diffraction measurements for the Bi5 sample, containing 5 mol % Bi2O3, were obtained at the range of 10°–80° to inspect the structural characteristics of the made glasses. Optical absorption was employed and recorded for Bi5, Bi10, and Bi15 samples at wavelength range 300–1000 nm to examine the optical properties, including optical band gap. Using Makishima and Mackenzie methods, the mechanical features of the glass samples were assessed. Nuclear library ENDF/B-VI.8 is coupled to the MCNP-5 code and is used to study and simulate the prepared Bi glass sample shielding parameters. The ionizing absorption properties for the prepared Bi5, Bi10, and Bi15 samples were found to be changed because of many circumstances like the photon energy (Eγ, MeV), and chemical compositions (Bi2O3 content (mol. %). The increased layer thickness of glass between 25 and 200 mm enhances the RPE values at 0.6 MeV over the range of 16.31–50.93 % (Bi5 glass sample), 18.68–56.26 % (Bi10 glass sample), and 20.80–60.66 % (Bi15 glass sample).

Exercise induced hypoalgesia after a high intensity functional training: a randomized controlled crossover study

BackgroundAcute physical activity often induces an acute reduction in pain sensitivity known as exercise induced hypoalgesia (EIH). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a high intensity functional training (HIFT) on EIH compared to a control session.Methods50 (age: 26.0 ± 2.7; 23 female) participants successfully conducted this study consisting of a pre-experimental test as well as a 12-minute HIFT (body-weight exercises) and a 12-minute control (supervised breathing) session in a randomized crossover design. Pre and post, pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were measured at the ankles, knees, elbows, and forehead.ResultsThe HIFT resulted in a relative maximum and average heart rate of 96.2% (± 3.6%) and 91.1% (± 4.2%), respectively, and maximum and average RPE values of 19.1 (± 1.2) and 16.2 (± 1.4), respectively. Results reveal a significant ‘Intervention’ × ‘Time point’ interaction (p < 0.001) for PPT (pooled for one average value) with hypoalgesia observed following the HIFT (p < 0.001; pre: 56.0 ± 16.8, post: 61.6 ± 19.0 [Newton]) and no change following the control (p = 0.067; pre: 56.6 ± 18.4, post: 55.3 ± 18.9 [Newton]). Further, a significant ‘Time’ × ‘Intervention’ × ‘Landmark’ interaction effect (p = 0.024) is observed and all landmarks showed significant hypoalgesia following HIFT (p < 0.01), except for the right elbow and forehead. Following control, no hypoalgesia was observed at any landmark. Analysing male and female participants separately, it was observed that EIH occured only in men.ConclusionA HIFT using bodyweight exercises reduces pain sensitivity. Hence, combining strength and aerobically demanding exercises in a short but high intensity manner, as done in HIFT, can be seen as a usable tool to induce hypoalgesia. Yet, these results were observed only in male participants, necessitating future sex-specific research.Trial registrationDRKS00034391, retrospectively registered on the 4th of June 2024.

Menstrual Cycle Phases and Elite Female Soccer During Training: Exercise Load Perception and External Workload Monitoring

BACKGROUND: Female soccer has grown exponentially in the last years, however studies on women soccer players are very few compared with male ones and several inconsistencies are reported in the literature for female players. Physiological hormonal fluctuations during the different moments of menstrual cycle could have important implications on soccer performance, therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of menstrual cycle phases on external and internal loads in elite women’ soccer players during an in-season training period, and to describe the internal-external training load relationship, in relation to different menstrual cycle moments. METHODS: 16 elite players from Italian soccer first division were monitored for 12 weeks. The main internal parameter (rate of perceived exertion - RPE), external variables (total time, total distance, high speed running - HSR, numbers of accelerations/decelerations) and session-RPE were collected during training sessions and analyzed trough a repeated-measures ANOVA to identify differences in the MC weeks. Menstrual cycle was monitored through daily questionnaires and was divided into four phases: menstruation week, pre-ovulation, post-ovulation, and pre-cycle. RESULTS: HSR and total distance were significantly lower during menstruation week than post-ovulation week (18318.70 ±1802.04 m vs 20358.41 ± 1639.27 m, respectively; p=0.022). A significant correlation was found in pre-cycle week between RPE and total distance (r=0.545; p=0.029), and between session-RPE with total distance (r=0.514; p=0.042) and total time (r=0.502; p=0.048). When considering the whole menstrual cycle, weak and moderate correlations were found for RPE and session-RPE with total time, total distance and HSR. CONCLUSION: Appropriate menstrual cycle monitoring is required for better interpretation of players’ response in elite women’s soccer training, given that during menstruation week, external load variables could be impaired. RPE and session-RPE values do not change statistically with changes in external variables, and their relationship showed unclear results, highlighting caution when interpreting them, and suggesting their use in combination with other parameters, especially during early follicular phase.

Enhancing lower limb and core muscle activation with blood flow restriction training: a randomized crossover study on high-intensity squat exercises.

The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of high-intensity deep squat training integrated with various blood flow restriction (BFR) modalities on the activation of lower limb and core muscles. A randomized, self-controlled crossover experimental design was employed with 12 participants. The exercise protocol consisted of squat training at 75% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), performed in 3 sets of 8 repetitions with a 2-min inter-set rest period. This was conducted under four distinct BFR conditions: continuous low BFR (T1), intermittent medium BFR (T2), intermittent high BFR (T3), and a non-restricted control (C). Surface electromyography (EMG) was utilized to collect EMG signals from the target muscles during the BFR and squat training sessions. The root mean square (RMS) amplitude standard values were calculated for each squat set to quantify muscle activation levels, with these values expressed as a percentage of the maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC). Rating of Perceived Exertion was evaluated after each squat set, and leg circumference measurements were taken. 1) During the first two sets of deep squats, the %MVC of the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis in all compression groups was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in the first set, the %MVC of the vastus lateralis in Group T3 was significantly higher than in Group T2 (p < 0.05). In the third set, the %MVC of the vastus medialis in Groups T1 and T3 was significantly lower than in the first two sets (p < 0.05). 2) Group T1 showed an increased activation of the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles in the second and third sets, with %MVC values significantly greater than in the first set (p < 0.05). Group T2 only showed an increase in biceps femoris activation in the third set (p < 0.05). Group T3 significantly increased the activation of the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles only in the first set (p < 0.05). 3) No significant differences were observed in the changes of rectus abdominis %MVC among the groups (p > 0.05). In the first set, Group T3's erector spinae %MVC was significantly higher than the control group's; in the second set, it was significantly higher than both Group T2 and the control group's (p < 0.05). 4) After training, a significant increase in thigh circumference was observed in all groups compared to before training (p < 0.05). 5) For RPE values, Group T2's post-squat values were significantly higher than the control group's after all three sets (p < 0.05). Group T1's RPE values were also significantly higher than the control group's after the third set (p < 0.05). Groups T1, T2, and C all had significantly higher RPE values in the second and third sets compared to the first set (p < 0.05). All BFR modalities significantly enhanced the activation level of the anterior thigh muscles, with the continuous low BFR mode demonstrating a more stable effect. No significant differences were found in the activation level of the rectus abdominis among the groups. However, the intermittent high BFR mode was the most effective in increasing the activation level of the erector spinae muscles. While BFR did not further augment leg circumference changes, it did elevate subjective fatigue levels. The RPE was lowest during squatting under the intermittent high BFR condition.

Moderate-dose caffeine enhances anaerobic performance without altering hydration status.

The effects of direct nutritional supplements on athletic performance are still being investigated and arouse curiosity. Only one study in the literature was found that investigated the kicking speed performance of futsal players following low-dose caffeine supplementation (3 mg/kg); thus, the question of whether caffeine supplementation improves kicking speed as well as essential physical parameters in soccer players is still controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of caffeine supplementation on vertical jump (VJ), sprint, reaction time, balance, change of direction (COD), and ball-kicking speed in soccer players. In a double-blind, cross-over design, nine moderately trained male soccer players (21.11 ± 2.02 years, 171.22 ± 6.14 cm, 71.78 ± 10.02 kg) consumed caffeine (6 mg/kg) or a placebo 60 min before completing balance, reaction time, vertical jump, agility, 30 m sprint, and ball-kicking speed tests. Greater VJ height (p = 0.01) and power (p = 0.08), and faster completion time according to the Illinois Agility Test (p = 0.08) were found following caffeine supplementation compared to placebo. Elapsed time (p = 0.01), average (p = 0.01) time, and the slowest reaction times (p = 0.016) were significantly reduced after caffeine consumption compared to placebo supplementation. Caffeine intake significantly improved VJ, agility, and reaction time (p < 0.05) but did not affect 30 m sprint, ball-kicking speed, balance, and RPE values in soccer players (p > 0.05). Although non-significant, caffeine intake also improved sprint (0.67%) and ball kicking (2.7%) performance percentages. Also, caffeine consumption did not induce dehydration, and the athletes' body hydration levels were normal. These findings support the use of caffeine supplementation as an effective nutritional ergogenic aid to enhance anaerobic performance, at least for vertical jumps, COD speed, and reaction time, in trained male soccer players.

The Effect of Assistive Robotic Technologies on Quality of Life and Functional Independence in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Purpose: To investigate the effect of assistive robotic technologies on quality of life, functional independence, and perceived fatigue level during exertion in individuals with spinal cord injury. Method: This research involved a cohort of 25 patients who had been diagnosed with spinal cord injury (SCI). To assess their progress, clinical assessments were administered both at the commencement and completion of a six-week treatment regimen. The evaluations encompassed the use of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III) to measure their performance in daily living activities and mobility. Additionally, the quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale – Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF) scale, while the levels of fatigue experienced during rehabilitation were gauged using the Modified Borg Scale (RPE). Results: The participants' average age and BMI were 40.72±1.28 and 23.43±0.57. Statistically significant differences were found in self-care (p=0.006) and mobility (p=0.004) values of SCIM III scale compared to pretreatment values. WHOQOL-BREF General health status, Physical health, Psychological, Social relations and Environment sub-parameters all showed statistically significant differences compared to pre-treatment values (p=0.001). There was a significant decrease in the RPE value to determine the level of fatigue during exertion in robotic walking training (p

Can mental fatigue affect perception of barbell velocity in resistance training?

Perception of Velocity (PV) is the ability to estimate single repetition velocity during resistance training (RT) exercises. The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of Mental Fatigue (MF) on the accuracy of barbell PV. The secondary aims were to evaluate whether MF affected RT performance and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE; OMNI-RES) in the back squat. Twenty-four (14 Females, 10 Males) resistance-trained participants underwent 2 familiarization sessions and 1RM test for the back squat. In two separate sessions, PV was tested for light, medium, and heavy loads in 2 conditions in random order: at rest (REST) and in MF condition (POST-MF) induced by previous incongruent Stroop color-word task. MF and Motivation were assessed through visual analog scales (VAS; 0-100) before and after the Stroop task. For each load subjects performed 2 repetitions and reported the RPE value. Mean propulsive velocity (Vr) of the barbell was recorded with a linear encoder, while the perceived velocity (Vp) of the subjects was self-reported using the Squat-PV scale. The PV accuracy was calculated through the delta score (ds: Vp-Vr). Following the Stroop task MF increased significantly (p<0.001; F (1, 23)=52.572), while motivation decreased (p<0.05; F (1, 23)=7.401). Ds, Vr, and RPE did not show significant differences between conditions (p>0.05) for the three loads analyzed. MF induced by previous demanding cognitive task did not affect PV accuracy. Furthermore, subjects maintained unchanged both RT performance and RPE values associated with each load, even when mentally fatigued.

Quantifying the physical demands undertaken by offshore wind technicians during a working day and casualty evacuations.

Offshore wind technicians (WTs) have been identified as having an occupation with high physical demands. To characterise the physical demands of WTs, during the working day and when performing casualty rescues. Data collection consisted of two components. Component A, 14 WTs (n = 13 male, 1 female) were monitored over three consecutive working days. The data collected consisted of: a questionnaire; heart rate and movement data; and accelerometer data. Component B, 5 WTs (n = 5 male) were assessed undertaking two simulated casualty evacuations. Heart rate and metabolic data were collected. A working day lasted 7.5 hrs to 9 hrs, with WTs covering, on average, 4.7 km on the turbine. WTs spent 28% of their time undertaking "light activity", 69% "moderate activity" and 3% working "vigorously". The greatest amount of time in a day was spent working on manual handling tasks such as torque and tensioning (up to 4 hours in total). Both rescues were performed largely aerobically, with similar cardiac and metabolic demands (14.56 (4.84) mL.kg-1.min-1 vs. 17.07 (3.54) mL.kg-1.min-1). Higher RPE values were reported for the rescue from within the Hub (median (range), 13 (12-14)) compared to down the ladder (11 (7-12)), likely due to a greater requirement to manoeuvre the casualty in tight spaces. The results presented characterise the physical requirements of WTs during the working day and two casualty evacuations. These data play an important role in supporting the job task analysis for WTs working in the offshore wind industry.

Relationship between perceptual and mechanical markers of fatigue during bench press and bench pull exercises: impact of inter-set rest period length.

This study aimed to explore whether the relationship between perceptual (rating of perceived exertion; RPE) and mechanical (maximal number of repetitions completed [MNR], fastest set velocity, and mean velocity decline) variables is affected by the length of inter-set rest periods during resistance training sets not leading to failure. Twenty-three physically active individuals (15 men and eight women) randomly completed 12 testing sessions resulting from the combination of two exercises (bench press and bench pull), three inter-set rest protocols (1, 3, and 5 min), and two minimal velocity thresholds (farther from muscular failure [MVT0.45 for bench press and MVT0.65 for bench pull] and closer to muscular failure [MVT0.35 for bench press and MVT0.55 for bench pull]). The duration of inter-set rest periods did not have a significant impact on RPE values (p ranged from 0.061 to 0.951). Higher proximities to failure, indicated by lower MVTs, were associated with increased RPE values (p < 0.05 in 19 out of 24 comparisons). Moreover, as the number of sets increased, an upward trend in RPE values was observed (p < 0.05 in seven out of 12 comparisons). Finally, while acknowledging some inconsistencies, it was generally observed that higher magnitudes of the mechanical variables, especially MNR (rs < -0.55 in three out of four comparisons), were associated with lower RPE values. These results, which were comparable for the bench press and bench pull exercises, suggest that post-set RPE values are affected by the fatigue experienced at both the beginning and end of the set.

Effects of High-Load Bench Press Training with Different Blood Flow Restriction Pressurization Strategies on the Degree of Muscle Activation in the Upper Limbs of Bodybuilders.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different pressurization modes during high-load bench press training on muscle activation and subjective fatigue in bodybuilders. Methods: Ten bodybuilders participated in a randomized, self-controlled crossover experimental design, performing bench press training under three different pressurization modes: T1 (low pressure, high resistance), T2 (high pressure, high resistance), and C (non-pressurized conventional). Surface EMG signals were recorded from the pectoralis major, deltoid, and triceps muscles using a Delsys Trigno wireless surface EMG during bench presses. Subjective fatigue was assessed immediately after the training session. Results: (1) Pectoralis major muscle: The muscle activation degree of the T1 group was significantly higher than that of the blank control group during the bench press (p < 0.05). The muscle activation degree of the T2 group was significantly higher than that of the C group during the bench press (p < 0.05). In addition, the muscle activation degree of the T2 group was significantly higher than that of the T1 group during the first group bench press (p < 0.05). (2) Deltoid muscle: The muscle activation degree of the T2 group during the third group bench press was significantly lower than the index values of the first two groups (p < 0.05). The muscle activation degree in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the C group (p < 0.05). The degree of muscle activation in the T2 group was significantly higher than that in the T1 group during the first bench press (p < 0.05). (3) Triceps: The muscle activation degree of the T1 group was significantly higher than the index value of the third group during the second group bench press (p < 0.05), while the muscle activation degree of the T2 group was significantly lower than the index value of the first two groups during the third group bench press (p < 0.05). The degree of muscle activation in all experimental groups was significantly higher than that in group C (p < 0.05). (5) RPE index values in all groups were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The RPE value of the T1 group was significantly higher than that of the C group after bench press (p < 0.05). The RPE value of the T1 group was significantly higher than that of the C group after bench press (p < 0.05). In the third group, the RPE value of the T1 group was significantly higher than that of the C and T2 groups (p = 0.002) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The activation of the pectoralis major, triceps brachii, and deltoid muscles is significantly increased by high-intensity bench press training with either continuous or intermittent pressurization. However, continuous pressurization results in a higher level of perceived fatigue. The training mode involving high pressure and high resistance without pressurization during sets but with 180 mmHg occlusion pressure and pressurization during rest intervals yields the most pronounced overall effect on muscle activation.

Research on Physical Education Management System in Higher Education Institutions in the Context of Deep Learning

Abstract This paper focuses on the management of physical movement sports disciplines and combines relevant algorithms to design an artificial intelligence-based physical education management system framework. In terms of related algorithms, the first is for the research of character recognition algorithms. Considering the intra-class differences between individual movements, the LR-based feature extraction algorithm is proposed. Secondly, for the research of the action evaluation algorithm, the statistical value, DTW parameter action time series difference and correlation coefficient based on the statistical value and DTW parameter are used as the features, combined with SVM-based feature extraction algorithm for perceiving the action differences. Finally, with the help of deep neural networks for movement analysis, we can improve students’ movement techniques during training. In the course schedule supported by the system, the proportion of moderate-intensity exercise time is high, basically, more than 40%, which meets the WHO requirements for high-intensity exercise time in physical education classes. The post-course RPE feedback from students was spread out between 12 and 15, and the highest post-course RPE value was 14.82&lt;unk&gt;1.38, which was evaluated within a reasonable range of intervals. The teaching management system in this paper can meet the requirements of physical training and teaching, and provide quantifiable basis and management tools for the informatization and precise teaching of physical movement subjects.

Evaluation of Optical and Radiation Protection Parameters of High Refractive Index Polymers

The optical properties of the prescription and non-prescription (plano) samples of the MR-8 high index lens were examined by UV/VIS spectrometry. The results showed that the light transmittance of the two MR-8 lens samples examined was over 90%, and the transmittance at the wavelength (~550nm) to which the human eye is most sensitive was 83.437% and 84.602% for the prescription and non-prescription samples, respectively. In terms of quality of vision, it is expected that the visible light transmittance will be high and the ultraviolet light transmittance will be minimal. It is very important that both the prescription and non-prescription organic MR-8 lenses tested have no transmittance below approximately 398nm. This means that this lens material protects against UVA and UVB rays, even though it is uncoated. It is also important to reduce the dose to the lens, which is a radiosensitive tissue. In the study, the mass absorption coefficients of MR-8 and Ormix lens materials in the 0.15-2.00 MeV energy range were calculated using the web-based XCOM programme. LAC, HVL, TVL, MFP, RPE and TF values were calculated from the MAC values obtained. At energies below 0.05 MeV, the maximum MAC value was 0.974 and 4.416 for the MR-8 and Ormix lenses, respectively. The RPE and TF values were 0.807-16.235%, 0.996-0.992% for the MR-8 lens and 0.862-55.233%, 0.448-0.991% for the Ormix lens. The results showed that the photon absorption ability of the Ormix lens is relatively better in the region where the photoelectric interaction is dominant. This research is also important in terms of determining the optical and nuclear radiation parameters of the material used in the manufacture of high index lenses and investigating its effectiveness in reducing the dose to the eyepiece.

Caffeine Supplementation Effects on Concurrent Training Performance in Resistance-Trained Men: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of acute caffeine supplementation on the performance during a session of resistance training alone (RT) or in combination with aerobic training (i.e. concurrent training; CT). Method: Fourteen resistance-trained men (23.1 ± 4.2 years) were recruited and performed both RT and CT under three different conditions: control (CONT), placebo (PLA), and caffeine (CAF; 6 mg.kg−1) for a total of six experimental conditions. Results: Both total and per set number of repetitions, and total volume load were lower during CT as compared to RT, irrespective of the supplementation condition (all p < .001), whereas a supplementation main effect was observed for the total number of repetitions (p = .001), the number of repetitions in the first (p = .002) and second sets (p = .001), and total volume load (p = .001). RPE values were higher after the CT sessions than after the RT sessions (p < .001), whereas no differences were observed between supplementation conditions (p = .865). Conclusions: Caffeine supplementation was not sufficient to minimize the acute interference effect on strength performance in a CT session when compared to RT alone. In contrast, caffeine improved strength performance during the first set of both CT and RT, while maintaining a similar RPE between the supplementation conditions. However, the overall effect was small.

Usability study of a smart transfer-assistive robot with dual arms for care workers

Purpose The predicted global labor shortages and health problems for long-term care workers can be addressed by care robots. We have developed a smart transfer-assistive robot with dual arms to assist in patient transfers. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and usability of a transfer-assistive robot with dual arms for long-term care workers in the Living Lab of Kyung Hee University. Methods Long-term care workers (N = 15) transferred healthy adults using the transfer-assistive robot and subsequently reported the workload differences of manual care and the transfer-assistive robot, as measured by the Borg rating of the perceived exertion scale (RPE) and the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). They also completed questionnaires on the usability of transfer-assistive robots and open-ended interviews. The RPE and NASA-TLX values for each task were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and descriptive statistics were used to calculate demographics and usability. Results The RPE scale indicated that the perceived physical burden was significantly reduced when using the transfer-assistive robot compared with the manual method. The robot-aided transfer method significantly reduced the physical demand in the NASA-TLX subscales. In the usability test, the averages for safety, operability, and satisfaction were all three points or higher, indicating a positive result. Conclusion This study demonstrates that a transfer-assistive robot has the potential to reduce physical stress and the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in long-term care workers. This study shows that the robot is effective for long-term care workers suffering from the burden of the transferring/lifting action, emphasizing the need to introduce a transfer-assistive robot into the care field in South Korea.

Correlation between training load variables and sports performance in elite athletes during a CrossTraining competition

Controlling training loads is important to obtain results and avoid overtraining in athletes. In CrossTraining, subjective perception of effort (PSE) has been cited as an important parameter for load control, however, little is known about the contribution of physiological parameters. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlations between training control variables and performance in elite athletes during a CrossTraining competition. Ten athletes (26.4 ± 4.5 years, 84.32 ± 6.75 kg, height 1.74 ± 0.21 m) participated in the study. The RPE values ​​were recorded at the end of each test, and the athletes were monitored in real time using a HR monitoring system (Firstbeat SPORT, Jyvaskyla, Finland). The training control variables collected were: Total training volume (VTT), PSE, training load (PSE X time), mean and maximum HR, average and training impulse (TRIMP). Pearson's correlation coefficient demonstrated the following associations with competitive performance (VTT, r=0.87; RPE, r=0.28; training load, r=0.60; HRmáx, r=0.73; HRmean, r=0.76 and TRIMP, r=0.87). In conclusion, physiological parameters showed significant correlations compared to RPE, being more suitable for monitoring CrossTraining athletes.

Comparing Efficacy of Rhodiola Rosea, Red Goji Berry, and Siraitia Grosvenorii in Physical Recovery After Aerobic Exercise

This manuscript compares the effects of Rhodiola rosea, red goji berry, and Siraitia grosvenorii on the recovery of physical strength in athletes after aerobic exercise. Subjects were compared for the effects of different treatments on changes in physiological (heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and vertical jump-and-reach performance) and biochemical (blood lactic acid, creatine kinase, and blood urea nitrogen) markers after four weeks of aerobic exercise. After four weeks of aerobic exercise, the heart rate of all groups of athletes increased rapidly, the level of fatigue deepened, the vertical jump-andreach performance decreased, and the levels of blood lactic acid, creatine kinase, and blood urea nitrogen all increased to varying degrees. At the 12th minute after exercise, the heart rate of the Rhodiola rosea group, the red goji berry group, and the Siraitia grosvenorii group recovered faster, the RPE value was lower, and the vertical jump-and-reach performance was better compared with the control, P &lt; 0.05; moreover, the levels of all three biochemical markers were all significantly lower than those of the control group. In conclusion, the intake of these nutrients can promote the recovery of physical strength in athletes, accelerate the clearance of blood lactate, and inhibit the generation of creatine kinase and blood urea nitrogen. Therefore, they can be used as nutritional support for athletes during aerobic exercise.

Effects of phenylcapsaicin on aerobic capacity and physiological parameters in active young males: a randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

Objective: Phenylcapsaicin (PC) is a new capsaicin analog which has exhibited a higher bioavailability. This sudy assessed the effects of a low dose (LD) of 0.625mg and a high dose (HD) of 2.5mg of PC on aerobic capacity, substrate oxidation, energy metabolism and exercise physiological variables in young males. Materials and methods: Seventeen active males (age = 24.7 ± 6.0years) enrolled to this randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Participants attended the laboratory on 4 sessions separated by 72-96h. A submaximal exercise test [to determine maximal fat oxidation (MFO) and the intensity at MFO (FATmax)] followed by a maximal incremental test (to determine VO2max) were performed in a preliminary session. The subsequent sessions only differed in the supplement ingested [LD, HD or placebo (PLA)] and consisted of a steady-state test (60min at FATmax) followed by a maximal incremental test. Energy metabolism, substrate oxidation, heart rate, general (gRPE) and quadriceps (RPEquad) rate of perceived exertion, skin temperature and thermal perception were tested. Results: Clavicle thermal perception was lower in HD compared to PLA and LD (p = 0.04) across time. HD reduced maximum heart rate in comparison to PLA and LD (p = 0.03). LD reported higher general RPE (RPEg) values during the steady-state test compared to PLA and HD across time (p = 0.02). HD and LD elicited higher peak of fat oxidation during the steady-state test compared with PLA (p = 0.05). Intra-test analyses revealed significant differences for fat oxidation (FATox) in favor of HD and LD compared to PLA (p = 0.002 and 0.002, respectively), and for carbohydrate oxidation (CHOox) (p = 0.05) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) (p = 0.03) for PLA. In the incremental test, only general RPE at 60% of the maximal intensity (W) differed favoring HD (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Therefore, PC may contribute to increase aerobic capacity through the improvement of fat oxidation, maximum heart rate and perceptual responses during exercise.

Flat Versus Simulated Mountain Trail Running: A Multidisciplinary Comparison in Well-Trained Runners

This paper compares cardiopulmonary and neuromuscular parameters across three running aerobic speeds in two conditions that differed from a treadmill's movement: flat condition (FC) and unpredictable roll variations similar to mountain trail running (URV). Twenty well-trained male runners (age 33 ± 8 years, body mass 70.3 ± 6.4 kg, height 1.77 ± 0.06 m, V˙O2max 63.8 ± 7.2 mL·kg-1·min-1) voluntarily participated in the study. Laboratory sessions consisted of a cardiopulmonary incremental ramp test (IRT) and two experimental protocols. Cardiopulmonary parameters, plasma lactate (BLa-), cadence, ground contact time (GT) and RPE values were assessed. We also recorded surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals from eight lower limb muscles, and we calculated, from the sEMG envelope, the amplitude and width of peak muscle activation for each step. Cardiopulmonary parameters were not significantly different between conditions (V˙O2: p = 0.104; BLa-: p = 0.214; HR: p = 0.788). The amplitude (p = 0.271) and width (p = 0.057) of sEMG activation peaks did not change between conditions. The variability of sEMG was significantly affected by conditions; indeed, the coefficient of variation in peak amplitude (p = 0.003) and peak width (p < 0.001) was higher in URV than in FC. Since the specific physical demands of running can differ between surfaces, coaches should resort to the use of non-traditional surfaces, emphasizing specific surface-related motor tasks that are normally observed in natural running environments. Seeing that the variability of muscle activations was affected, further studies are required to better understand the physiological effects induced by systematic surface-specific training and to define how variable-surface activities help injury prevention.

Monte Carlo Simulation for Investigating the Sintering Temperatures Effects on Radiation Shielding Performances of Lead-Free ABO3 Perovskite Ceramic

In this study, a series of barium titanate ceramics of the chemical composition BaTiO3 was prepared. The solid-state reaction route was adopted to synthesize the ceramic samples at various sintering temperatures of 1100–1300 °C. X-ray diffraction and FTIR spectroscopy were utilized to examine the structure of the fabricated ceramics. The UV–Vis–reflectance data were recorded to guess the optical bandgap energy of the synthesized ceramics. The ability of the synthesized ceramics to attenuate ionizing radiation was qualified using a Monte Carlo simulation (MCNP code) in the γ-energy interval ranging between 59 keV and 1408 keV. Shielding parameters, including LAC, TF, and RPE, were evaluated. The XRD and FTIR analyses showed the formation of a tetragonal BaTiO3 perovskite structure with the Pmmm space group. The crystallite size and the relative density increased, whereas the porosity decreased, with increasing sintering temperatures. Optical bandgap energy (Eg) values decreased as the sintering temperatures increased. The radiation shielding results depicted that raising the sintering temperature between 1100 °C and 1300 °C resulted in a slight increase in the µ values by a factor of ≈8 %. The mentioned increase in the µ values caused a reduction in the Δeq and Δ0.5, and TF values for the fabricated BaTiO3 ceramic samples, while the RPE values increased with increasing sintering temperatures between 1100 °C and 1300 °C.