Strenuous Training Research Articles

The Effects of Collagen Peptides as a Dietary Supplement on Muscle Damage Recovery and Fatigue Responses: An Integrative Review.

The oral administration of hydrolyzed collagen peptides is a scientifically validated intervention for enhancing skeletal muscle health and performance. This integrative review consolidates the evidence supporting the use of low molecular weight collagen peptides (2000-3500 daltons) for their superior bioavailability and absorption. Our objective was to review the effects of collagen peptide or hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on muscle damage, recovery, and construction related to physical exercise. A bibliographic search was conducted in major English-language databases, including PubMed/Medline, using terms like "Peptides Collagen and Damage" and "collagen peptides AND Soreness Muscle". This review followed PRISMA guidelines, with bias risk assessed via the PEDro scale. The inclusion criteria were (a) randomized clinical trials, (b) randomized studies in humans with a control or placebo group, (c) studies assessing muscle damage or delayed onset muscle soreness via physiological markers or strength performance tests, and (d) studies using hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides. Initially, 752 articles were identified. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, including duplicate removal, eight articles with 286 participants were included. Of these, 130 participants received collagen peptide supplementation, while 171 received a placebo or control. This integrative review supports the potential of collagen peptide supplementation to mitigate muscle stress from acute strenuous resistance training. However, due to the methodological heterogeneity among the studies, further clinical trials are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying muscle improvement with collagen supplementation.

Collagen Peptide Supplementation during Training Does Not Further Increase Connective Tissue Protein Synthesis Rates.

Protein supplementation increases post-exercise muscle protein synthesis rates and, as such, supports exercise-induced muscle conditioning. Collagen protein has been suggested as the preferred protein source to stimulate muscle connective protein synthesis rates during recovery from exercise. Here we assessed the effects of hydrolyzed collagen peptide supplementation on both myofibrillar as well as muscle connective protein synthesis rates during one week of strenuous resistance exercise training. In a randomized, double-blind, parallel design, 25 young men (24 ± 3 y, 76.9 ± 6.4 kg) were selected to perform one week of intense resistance-type exercise training. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups receiving either 15 g hydrolyzed collagen peptides (COL) or a non-caloric placebo (PLA) twice daily during the intervention. Subjects were administered deuterated water (2H2O) daily, with blood and skeletal muscle tissue samples being collected prior to and after the intervention to determine daily myofibrillar and muscle connective protein synthesis rates. Post-absorptive plasma glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline concentrations increased following collagen peptide supplementation (p < 0.05) and showed higher levels when compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Daily muscle connective protein synthesis rates during the intervention period exceeded myofibrillar protein synthesis rates (1.99 ± 0.38 versus 1.34 ± 0.23 %/d, respectively; p < 0.001). Collagen peptide supplementation did not result in higher myofibrillar or muscle connective protein synthesis rates (1.34 ± 0.19 and 1.97 ± 0.47 %/d, respectively) when compared to the placebo group (1.34 ± 0.27 and 2.00 ± 0.27 %/d, respectively; p > 0.05). Collagen peptide supplementation (2 x 15 g daily) does not increase myofibrillar or muscle connective protein synthesis rates during one week of intense resistance exercise training in young, recreational athletes.

Aerobic Exercise Improves Heart Rate Variability After an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD).

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00522340.

Day-to-Day Glycemic Variability Using Continuous Glucose Monitors in Endurance Athletes.

The application of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to measure interstitial glucose in athletic populations is limited by the lack of accepted athlete-specific reference values. The aim of this study was to develop athlete-specific reference ranges for glycemic variability under standardized diet and exercise conditions. A total of 12 elite racewalkers (n = 7 men, 22.4 ± 3.5 years, VO2max 61.6 ± 7.3 mL kg-1 min-1) completed two 4-d trials separated by 4-d. Athletes were provided a high-energy, high-carbohydrate diet (225 ± 1.6 kJ kg-1 day-1, 8.4 ± 0.3 g kg-1 day-1 carbohydrate) and completed standardized daily exercise. The timing of food consumed and exercise undertaken were matched each day across the 4-d trials. Interstitial glucose data were collected via Freestyle Libre 2 CGMs. Glycemic variability was calculated as the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGEs), mean of daily differences (MODD), and standard deviation (SD). Twenty-four hour MODD, MAGE, and SD for interstitial glucose were 12.6 ± 1.8 mg/dL (0.7 ± 0.1 mmol/L), 36.0 ± 5.4 mg/dL (2.0 ± 0.3 mmol/L), and 16.2 ± 1.8 mg/dL (0.9 ± 0.1 mmol/L), respectively. Twenty-four hour mean glucose (MG; 102.6 ± 5.4 mg/dL [5.7 ± 0.3 mmol/L]) was higher than overnight (91.8 ± 5.4 mg/dL [5.1 ± 0.3 mmol/L]; P < .0001) and was lower in women than men (99.0 ± 3.6 mg/dL [5.5 ± 0.2 mmol/L] vs 104.4 ± 3.6 mg/dL [5.8 ± 0.2 mmol/L]; P = .059, d = 1.4). This study provides reference indices under standardized diet and exercise conditions for glycemic variability derived from CGMs in endurance athletes which are similar than previously reported for healthy individuals, despite strenuous daily training and a high daily energy and carbohydrate diet.

Exogenous erythropoietin increases hematological status, fat oxidation, and aerobic performance in males following prolonged strenuous training.

This study investigated the effects of EPO on hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct), time trial (TT) performance, substrate oxidation, and skeletal muscle phenotype throughout 28 days of strenuous exercise. Eight males completed this longitudinal controlled exercise and feeding study using EPO (50 IU/kg body mass) 3×/week for 28 days. Hgb, Hct, and TT performance were assessed PRE and on Days 7, 14, 21, and 27 of EPO. Rested/fasted muscle obtained PRE and POST EPO were analyzed for gene expression, protein signaling, fiber type, and capillarization. Substrate oxidation and glucose turnover were assessed during 90-min of treadmill load carriage (LC; 30% body mass; 55 ± 5% V̇O2peak) exercise using indirect calorimetry, and 6-6-[2H2]-glucose PRE and POST. Hgb and Hct increased, and TT performance improved on Days 21 and 27 compared to PRE (p < 0.05). Energy expenditure, fat oxidation, and metabolic clearance rate during LC increased (p < 0.05) from PRE to POST. Myofiber type, protein markers of mitochondrial biogenesis, and capillarization were unchanged PRE to POST. Transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial activity and fat metabolism increased from PRE to POST (p < 0.05). These data indicate EPO administration during 28 days of strenuous exercise can enhance aerobic performance through improved oxygen carrying capacity, whole-body and skeletal muscle fat metabolism.

Patterns of Musculoskeletal Injuries Secondary to Strenuous Physical Training, Assessed on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Patterns of Musculoskeletal Injuries Secondary to Strenuous Physical Training, Assessed on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Hydrogen-rich water supplementation promotes muscle recovery after two strenuous training sessions performed on the same day in elite fin swimmers: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

Purpose: Molecular hydrogen has been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, ergogenic, and recovery-enhancing effects. This study aimed to assess the effect of molecular hydrogen administration on muscle performance, damage, and perception of soreness up to 24h of recovery after two strenuous training sessions performed on the same day in elite fin swimmers. Methods: Eight females (mean ± SD; age 21.5 ± 5.0years, maximal oxygen consumption 45.0 ± 2.5mL.kg-1.min-1) and four males (age 18.9 ± 1.3years, maximal oxygen consumption 52.2 ± 1.7mL.kg-1.min-1) performed 12 × 50m sprints in the morning session and a 400m competitive performance in the afternoon session. Participants consumed hydrogen-rich water (HRW) or placebo 3days before the sessions (1,260mL/day) and 2,520mL on the experimental day. Muscle performance (countermovement jump), muscle damage (creatine kinase), and muscle soreness (100mm visual analogue scale) were measured during the experimental day and at 12 and 24h after the afternoon session. Results: HRW compared to placebo reduced blood activity of creatine kinase (156 ± 63 vs. 190 ± 64 U.L-1, p = 0.043), muscle soreness perception (34 ± 12 vs. 42 ± 12mm, p = 0.045), and improved countermovement jump height (30.7 ± 5.5cm vs. 29.8 ± 5.8cm, p = 0.014) at 12h after the afternoon session. Conclusion: Four days of HRW supplementation is a promising hydration strategy for promoting muscle recovery after two strenuous training sessions performed on the same day in elite fin swimmers. Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05799911.

The effect of exercises accompanying some recovery methods on some of the physical abilities of young volleyball players

The study aimed to identify the effect of exercises accompanied by therapeutic methods on players injured in the ankle joint of volleyball players, and the speed of their recovery, as most therapeutic methods take a long time during the treatment period, which negatively affects the players’ results. The researcher used the experimental approach in treating Research problems، As for the research community, the research community was identified with injured young players of Baghdad clubs participating in the Iraqi volleyball league for the 2022-2023 sports season who suffer from a minor sports injury to the players, according to the statements of the Sports Medicine Department, in addition to the diagnosis by a specialist doctor, which is numbered(12) players, and the research sample was chosen from them by (8) players, with a percentage of (66.66%) from the total research community. After the researcher completed the field research procedures using the scientific method of writing research, and after processing the obtained data statistically, she concluded several conclusions, including:&#x0D; - The exercises associated with recovery methods had an effective role in improving the speed of recovery&#x0D; - The exercises accompanying recovery methods played a major role in developing the strength of motor abilities.&#x0D; According to these conclusions, the researcher made several recommendations, including:&#x0D; - Paying attention to exercises that accompany the recovery methods for the body’s active muscles, as they have an effective role in improving the speed of recovery.&#x0D; -It is recommended to perform various exercises to prepare the body for rest, in order to avoid fatigue and stress. Relaxation and meditation exercises can be included to help restore calm and relaxation after strenuous training.

Protective effects of SCFAs on organ injury and gut microbiota modulation in heat-stressed rats

PurposeThis research was conducted to investigate the potential of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in protecting organs from heat stress-induced injuries and gut microbiota modulation.MethodsSprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to various groups including a control group, a room temperature training group, a hyperthermia training group, SCFAs pretreatment group, and recipients received feces from the HT group. After strenuous training at high temperatures, the levels of plasma enzymes AST, ALT, BUN, and Cr were evaluated. The changes in gut microbiota and fecal metabolites were detected using 16S rRNA sequencing and GC–MS methods. Pathological examination of colon and liver tissues was conducted, and immunohistochemical techniques were employed to assess intestinal barrier function.ResultsThe findings indicate that SCFAs hold the potential for mitigating liver and colon damage caused by heat stress. With the intervention of SCFAs, there were observable changes in the structure and metabolites of the intestinal microbiota, as well as improvements in intestinal barrier function. Further support for the benefits of SCFAs was found through fecal microbiota transplantation, which demonstrated that modified gut microbiota can effectively reduce organ damage.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that SCFAs, as metabolites of the gut microbiota, have a valuable role to play in regulating gut health and mitigating the harmful effects of heat stress.

Complement System Deficiencies in Elite Athletes.

Although regular physical activity improves immune competency and reduces the prevalence of inflammatory diseases, strenuous training in elite athletes is associated with an increased susceptibility to infectious complications. Therefore, the objective of our study was to assess the routinely examined parameters of the complement system in elite athletes. The study was carried out in a cohort of elite athletes (n = 134) and healthy control subjects (n = 110). In all subjects, besides a routine laboratory check-up, serum concentrations of the C3 and C4 complement components, mannose-binding lectin (MBL), as well as activation of all three complement pathways were determined. Compared to healthy controls, lower C3 and C4 complement component concentrations were observed in elite athletes (0.96 ± 0.1 vs. 1.08 ± 0.2mg/L, and 0.18 ± 0.1 vs. 0.25 ± 0.1mg/L, respectively, p < 0.05); with much higher frequency rates of C3 and C4 deficiencies in athletes (31.3 vs. 14.5%, and 6 vs. 0%, p < 0.05). Simultaneously, athletes had much higher frequency rates of deficiencies of activation of classical and alternative complement pathways; while, deficiency of activation of the lectin pathway was similar in both cohorts. We confirmed a high frequency of defects in the complement system in elite athletes. Lower concentrations of C3 and C4 complement components, with high frequencies of deficiencies of the classical and alternative complement activation pathways were the most prevalent disorder of the complement system in elite athletes. Further studies are needed to uncover the functional impacts of these observations upon the susceptibility to infectious diseases.

Barriers and facilitators to physical activity: A comparative analysis of transplant athletes competing in high intensity sporting events with other transplant recipients.

There is widespread recognition that many transplant recipients struggle to become and remain physically active. However, some transplant recipients do undertake strenuous training and significant physical activity (PA) and participate in intensive sports. This study sought to understand facilitators and barriers to be physically active for Transplant Athletes (TXA) compared to a group of Dutch transplantees. This explorative mixed methods study analysed race performance and interview data from TxA who participated in cycling and/or the sprint triathlon at the World Transplant Games 2023, and compared their lived experiences in terms of barriers and facilitators of PA with those of 16 transplantees in a study from the Netherlands previously published in this journal. Using Patient and Public Involvement and engagement (PPI), race data from World Transplant Games 2023 and subsequent in-depth interviews were used from 27 TxA. A visual artefact of barriers and facilitators from the previous Dutch study was used to prompt identification and discussion of barriers and facilitators of PA. Interview data were coded by three coders. Many of the barriers to PA previously reported by Dutch transplant recipients were not shared by the majority of TxA in this study. The TxA in this study reported significantly lower physical limitations, lower fear to undertake exercise, and no comorbidity issues for TxA. Furthermore, TxA perceived they received substantial social support, had the strength to do PA, and were in control of their weight. Several TxA reported a lack of understanding from medical and other professionals about the appropriate intensity of PA. An evidence-based framework of PA for transplant recipients and transplant athletes is needed for safe and appropriate PA.

Time-Course of Recovery for Biomarkers and Physical Performance after Strenuous Military Training: A Systematic Review

The objective of the present review was to evaluate the time-course of recovery of biochemical marker levels and physical performance after strenuous military training, and identify which biomarkers are affected. A systematic literature search was conducted using the databases MedLine (Ovid) and Web of Science (WoS) to identify studies until January 2023. Varying relevant search terms were used, related to military training, Special Forces, physical performance, and biomarkers. Records were based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for this review. A variety of physiological and psychological markers were measured, and military training lasted from 4 to 62 days, with recovery periods varying from 24 h to 6 weeks. Among these studies, full recovery was observed in two studies, while seven studies showed almost full (79–90%) recovery, and in three studies, 44–63% of markers recovered after the measured recovery period. However, in some studies, additional markers could be defined as recovered, depending on the criterion for recovery. In the majority of the studies, most of the measured variables recovered during the follow-up, but often, some variables remained unrecovered, and at times, only modest recovery was seen. It is important to point out that recovery duration depends on the duration and intensity of the military training stressor. Overall, resolution varies between the markers, and sometimes, recovery might not occur, even after prolonged recovery. Therefore, it is important to measure the recovery status of soldiers with both biomarkers and physical performance markers, especially after strenuous training, to maximize operational capability during prolonged missions.

Atrial fibrosis and local right atrial inflammation are characteristic of strenuous, but not moderate exercise, and underlie increased AF inducibility in heavily trained rats

Abstract Introduction The U-shaped relationship between exercise load and atrial fibrillation (AF) risk, where moderate exercise is protective but strenuous training increases the risk of AF, is currently well accepted (1, 2). Clinical and experimental data suggest that atrial fibrosis and parasympathetic tone (PT) enhancement may underlie the excess risk of AF in endurance athletes (3). Delving into the atrial differences between moderate exercise and strenuous training may be important to understand the pathophysiology of exercise-induced AF. Purpose To compare the atrial structural, electrophysiological and molecular remodelling occurring after long-term moderate and strenuous exercise. Methods Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to sedentary (SED), moderate (MOD, 35 cm/s, 45 minutes) or high intensity exercise (INT, 60 cm/s, 60 minutes) for 16 weeks. An electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrophysiological study (EPS) were performed before sacrifice. Left (LA) and right (RA) atrial samples were collected for fibrosis assessment and a mRNA array. Results After the exercise protocol, weight of SED rats was higher (486±77 g) compared with both the MOD (377±28 g) and INT groups (385±43 g). In the ECG (Figure 1), INT rats presented a prolonged P-wave compared with SED and MOD. Both trained groups presented with significant bradycardia compared with SED, along with enhanced PT (heart rate variability: low to high frequency ratio). The remaining ECG parameters were similar between groups. Consistent with an enhanced PT, the Wenckebach cycle length was similarly prolonged in both trained groups in the EPS. Conversely, the sinus node recovery time was prolonged in INT rats compared with SED and MOD. AF inducibility increased from SED to MOD to INT. Myocardial fibrosis was measured in atrial samples stained with Sirius red. In both the RA and LA, fibrosis was significantly higher in the INT group (6,3±0.8 %) compared with the SED (4,4±0.2 %) and MOD (4,3±0.5 %) groups. An mRNA array showed large differences between atria. 384 and 419 genes were deregulated between INT and MOD (nominal p&amp;lt;0.05) in the RA and LA, respectively. Only 19 genes were consistent between both atria. In pathway analyses, the inflammatory response pathway was enriched (upregulation) in the RA, but not in the LA, of INT rats compared with MOD (Figure 2). Conclusions In healthy rats, strenuous training promoted a differential, pathological remodelling involving atrial fibrosis and sinus node dysfunction, compared with moderate exercise. Local inflammation may play a role in strenuous exercise-induced fibrosis in the RA. PT enhancement was similar in both groups.Figure 1.Figure 2.

Herbal Supplements That Have the Potential to Accelerate Recovery of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: Systematic Review

This study aims to analyze herbal supplements that have the potential to accelerate recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage through a systematic review. Article searches were carried out using electronic databases originating from Pubmed and Scopus published from 2019 to 2022 using the keywords herbal, curcumin, garlic, ginger, tribulus, cinnamon, biomarkers, muscle pain, inflammatory markers, and antioxidant effects. The inclusion criteria in this literature review resulted in 14 selected articles resulting from a screening process of 90 articles. The results presented in this literature review reveal the fact that there are significant changes related to EIMD after consuming herbal supplements from 14 selected articles with doses varying between 500-2000 grams per day. In addition, other results showed that intervention with herbal products affected biomarkers and oxidative stress. Therefore, this systematic review provides evidence that supplemental intake strategies are essential for the average athlete or individual to minimize the negative effects of strenuous and excessive training. This systematic review concluded that herbal ingredients such as cinnamon, curcumin, garlic, ginger, and tribulus terrestris may help athletes or individuals recover from EIMD. Keywords: Biomarkers, EIMD, Inflammation, Nutrition, Supplementation, Recovery

Enhanced Microvascular Adaptation to Acute Physical Stress and Reduced Oxidative Stress in Male Athletes Who Consumed Chicken Eggs Enriched with n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Antioxidants-Randomized Clinical Trial.

This randomized interventional study aimed to determine the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, selenium, vitamin E, and lutein supplementation in the form of enriched chicken egg consumption on microvascular endothelium-dependent vasodilation, oxidative stress, and microvascular response to an acute strenuous training session (ASTS) in competitive athletes. Thirty-one male athletes were assigned to a control (n = 17) or a Nutri4 group (n = 14) who consumed three regular or enriched chicken eggs per day, respectively, for 3 weeks. Significantly enhanced endothelium-dependent responses to vascular occlusion (PORH) and iontophoresis of acetylcholine (AChID) were observed in the Nutri4 group but not in the control group after egg consumption. Formation of peroxynitrite and hydrogen peroxide in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, as well as serum concentration of 8-iso prostaglandin F2α, decreased in the Nutri4 group while remaining unchanged in controls. PORH and AChID were reduced post-ASTS compared with pre-ASTS, both before and after the diets, in both groups. However, the range of PORH responsiveness to ASTS (ΔPORH) increased after consumption of enriched eggs. These results suggest that consumption of enriched chicken eggs has a beneficial effect on microvascular endothelium-dependent vasodilation and the reduction of oxidative stress levels in competitive athletes. Also, microvascular adaptation to the ASTS was improved after consumption of Nutri4 eggs.

Venous thromboembolism among physically active young adult females

BackgroundYoung adult females are at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to various acquired and transient factors. In recent years, a growing number of females have engaged in strenuous physical activity, but its role as a risk factor for VTE is uncertain. ObjectivesTo determine the incidence of VTE in young adult females engaged in strenuous physical activity. MethodsA large national cohort of female individuals enlisted in the Israeli Defense Forces between 2012 and 2019 was analyzed. The study group consisted of participants undergoing strenuous physical training during their military service, while the control group maintained regular activity levels. We compared the incidence of VTE between the groups and adjusted for potential risk factors using a multivariate Cox analysis. ResultsThe cohort included 160,718 female individuals aged 18 to 21years, of whom 11,745 engaged in strenuous physical activity and 148,973 served as controls. During a mean follow-up of 1.7 years, VTE occurred in 5 individuals (0.04%) in the strenuous activity group and 47 individuals (0.03%) in the control group. The incidence per 10,000 person-years was 2.41 (95% CI, 0.78-5.62) for the strenuous activity group and 1.82 (95% CI, 1.34-2.42) for the controls. Strenuous activity did not increase the risk for VTE in univariate or multivariate regression, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.27 (95% CI, 0.49-4.22). Use of oral contraceptives was the only significant risk factor, demonstrating dose effect; HR 1.95 (95% CI, 1.06-3.57) for low dose and HR 3.62 (95% CI, 1.40-9.37) for medium estrogen dose contraceptives. ConclusionStrenuous physical activity did not increase the risk for VTE among a large cohort of young adult female individuals.

Szkolenie atomów

Atoms, like recruits, to prove themselves on the quantum battlefield, must get some drill. Enclosed in magnetic traps they get familiar with each other, while, subjected to strenuous training, they become the most elite group in the known Universe – a non-locally entangled squad for special tasks.

Treadmill running intensity and post-exercise increase in plasma cardiac troponin I and T-A pilot study in healthy volunteers.

Plasma concentrations of cardiac troponins increase in healthy individuals after strenuous training, but the response to lower exercise intensities has not been characterized. To determine whether exercise at moderate intensity significantly increases plasma cardiac troponins measured with different assays in healthy recreational athletes. Twenty-four self-reported healthy volunteers were instructed to complete three 60-min bouts of treadmill running at variable intensities: High-intensity training (HIT) including a maximal exercise test and an anaerobic threshold test followed by training at 80%-95% of maximum heart rate (HRmax ), Moderate-intensity training (MIT) at 60%-75% of HRmax , and Low-intensity training (LIT) at 45%-55% of HRmax . Blood samples were collected before and at 2, 4, and 6 h after HIT and 4 h after MIT and LIT. Troponin I and T were measured in plasma samples with assays from Abbot, Siemens, and Roche. Plasma troponins measured with all assays were significantly increased compared to baseline after HIT but not after LIT. After HIT, the fraction of all participants with one or more values above the assay-specific 99th percentiles ranged from 13% to 61%. The biomarker criteria for acute myocardial injury were met after HIT for troponin T in 75% of female participants having no clinical evidence of coronary artery disease. High-intensity, but not moderate- or low-intensity, training for 60 min induced a potentially clinically significant increase in plasma cardiac troponins in healthy volunteers. Results exceeding the population 99th percentiles were most frequent with the troponin T assay.

1209 Comparison of Competition in Recruitment into Surgical and Non-Surgical Specialties

Abstract Aim Despite notoriety for strenuous training with significant out of hours commitments, surgical specialties maintain a reputation for competitive entry with rigorous portfolio requirements. This study aimed to compare recruitment data between surgical and non-surgical specialties to examine whether surgical specialties are more competitive for entry. Method Recruitment data from 2022 published by Health Education England was collated. Specialties included were those recruiting for registrar level training post (ST3/ST4 depending on specialty). Fill rates and competition ratios for all surgical specialties (with an ST3 entry-point) were compared with all non-surgical specialties for which there was data. Statistical analysis was completed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results Median fill rates were 94.99% (IQR 23.81%) for non-surgical specialties and 100% (IQR 0%) for surgical specialties (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Median competition ratios were 3.17 (IQR 2.86) for non-surgical specialties and 3.92 (IQR 1.58) for surgical specialties (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Highest competition ratio overall was in immunology (46), with cardiothoracics having the highest surgical competitions ratio (23.5). Only genitourinary medicine and diagnostic neuropathology had a competition ratio &amp;lt;1. Conclusions All specialties at registrar level training had high fill rates and competition ratios, however this varied greatly between specialties perhaps due to lifestyle factors and exposure as students. Surgical sub-specialties demonstrated significantly higher competition ratios and fill rates, suggesting that despite discussion around quality of life and burnout in recent years, surgery continues to be an attractive career. It would be interesting to compare the rates of those leaving training posts with recruitment data.

Effects of 36-hour recovery on marksmanship and hormone concentrations during strenuous winter military survival training

ObjectivesSurvival training can provide a unique setting for scientific examination of human stress responses and physical performance in a realistic operational military context. The aim of the present study was to observe effects of a 36-h recovery period on serum hormone concentrations, salivary cortisol, and marksmanship during 10-day winter military survival training in north of the Arctic Circle.Design and methodsSixty-eight male soldiers were randomly divided into two groups; EXP (n = 26) and CON (n = 42). While CON performed the whole exercise phase in the field, EXP had 36-h recovery period between days 6 and 8. Several hormones were measured during the study to investigate recovery.ResultsSubjective physical and mental demand as well as catabolic hormone levels increased and anabolic hormones decreased in CON (p < 0.05), whereas in EXP, recovery period attenuated negative effects of survival training. Prone shooting performance decreased (87.5 ± 6.5 vs. 76.3 ± 8.8, points out of 100, p < 0.05) between days 6 and 8 in CON while EXP was able to maintain shooting performance throughout the study.ConclusionA short recovery during a strenuous training can prevent the degradation in psychophysiological state and shooting performance in soldiers, which can be crucial for survival in demanding operational winter environment. In the present study, 36-h rest period during the field training seems to enhance recovery but the duration of the period was inadequate for full recovery from the accumulated operative stress. In conclusion, appropriate recovery periods should be implemented in order to optimize occupational performance during high operative stress.