Intensive Training Research Articles

Effect of different doses of whey proteins on muscle strength, body composition and gene expression of mTOR and MuRF-1 in trained Wistar rats

Introduction: The combination of resistance training (RT) and whey protein supplementation (WPS) is widely practiced by both athletes and recreational exercisers to promote muscle growth and increase strength. Objectiveː This study examined the effect of different doses of whey proteins on muscle strength, body composition and gene expression of mTOR and MuRF-1 in trained Wistar rats. Methodsː 80 male Wistar rats were divided into 8-groups (n=10): sedentary control (C), RT-control (TC), groups consuming whey protein at varying doses (W2, W4, and W6; respectively 2/4/6g/kg/day), and groups consuming whey protein at varying doses combined to RT (TW2, TW4, and TW6; respectively 2/4/6g/kg/day). The RT program was conducted for 12 weeks, three days a week, with the training intensity increasing from 50 to 100% of the rats' body weight. The rats receiving the whey supplement via the gavage method based on their body weight. Resultsː Muscle strength significantly increased in all trained groups (p<0.0001), with a more significant increase in the groups RT and WPS combined. In addition, the expression of mTOR was higher in the RT groups compared to the sedentary groups (p<0.01), but supplementation did not yield significant differences. WPS decreased MuRF-1 expression (p<0.01) independently of RT. Conclusionː In conclusion, RT combined with WPS for 12 weeks improved muscle strength. Furthermore, mTOR expression increased in trained rats, but not in sedentary rats who used different doses of WPS. However, WPS at any dose reduced MuRF-1 expression, independently of RT. Higher WPS doses did not enhance observed gains compared to a lower dose. Keywords: whey protein, body composition, resistance training, mTOR, MuRF-1.

Utilizing Multi-layer Perceptron for Esophageal Cancer Classification Through Machine Learning Methods

Aims This research paper aims to check the effectiveness of a variety of machine learning models in classifying esophageal cancer through MRI scans. The current study encompasses Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), and Visual Geometry Group 16 (VGG16), among others which are elaborated in this paper. This paper aims to identify the most accurate model to facilitate increased, improved diagnostic accuracy to revolutionize early detection methods for this dreadful disease. The ultimate goal is, therefore, to improve the clinical practice performance and its results with advanced machine learning techniques in medical diagnosis. Background Esophageal cancer poses a critical problem for medical oncologists since its pathology is quite complex, and the death rate is exceptionally high. Proper early detection is essential for effective treatment and improved survival. The results are positive, but the conventional diagnostic methods are not sensitive and have low specificity. Recent progress in machine learning methods brings a new possibility to high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis. This paper explores the potentiality of different machine-learning models in classifying esophageal cancer through MRI scans to complement the constraints of the traditional diagnostics approach. Objective This study is aimed at verifying whether CNN, KNN, RNN, and VGG16, amongst other advanced machine learning models, are effective in correctly classifying esophageal cancer from MRI scans. This review aims at establishing the diagnostic accuracy of all these models, with the best among all. It plays a role in developing early detection mechanisms that increase patient outcome confidence in the clinical setting. Methods This study applies the approach of comparative analysis by using four unique machine learning models to classify esophageal cancer from MRI scans. This was made possible through the intensive training and validation of the model using a standardized set of MRI data. The model’s effectiveness was assessed using performance evaluation metrics, which included accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score. Results In classifying esophageal cancers from MRI scans, the current study found VGG16 to be an adequate model, with a high accuracy of 96.66%. CNN took the second position, with an accuracy of 94.5%, showing efficient results for spatial pattern recognition. The model of KNN and RNN also showed commendable performance, with accuracies of 91.44% and 88.97%, respectively, portraying their strengths in proximity-based learning and handling sequential data. These findings underline the potential to add significant value to the processes of esophageal cancer diagnosis using machine learning models. Conclusion The study concluded that machine learning techniques, mainly VGG16 and CNN, had a high potential for escalated diagnostic precision in classifying esophageal cancer from MRI imaging. VGG16 showed great accuracy, while CNN displayed advanced spatial detection, followed by KNN and RNN. Thus, the results set new opportunities for introducing advanced computational models to the clinics, which might transform strategies for early detection to improve patient-centered outcomes in oncology.

Measures to abate railway noise

An important environmental issue in densely populated areas, such as Germany or France, is the problem of noise. Traffic noise from cars, railway vehicles and airports located in close proximity to the city is not only annoying for residents; it also leads to serious health issues and has an enormous negative economic impact. Unlike road traffic noise, which occurs virtually everywhere, rail traffic noise is much more localized to individual transport corridors. However, depending on the type of train and the volume of trains, high levels of noise can be generated, especially along freight corridors on which most of the rail traffic is at night. One example is the Middle Rhine Valley, which is part of the European freight corridor between Rotterdam and Genoa. In many places along this corridor, the noise levels are essentially higher than those considered desirable to maintain good health. The noise caused by rail traffic is therefore the ecological Achilles heel of the railway. However, there are measures for the reduction of noise emitted by rail traffic. In a recent research project, the German Environment Agency evaluated technical, operational and legal measures to abate the railway noise.

Relationship between testosterone and cortisol with anthropometric characteristics in professional male soccer players

Pre-season training has been demonstrated to modify the physical fitness and hormone levels in professional soccer players. The present study aimed to analyze the relationships between testosterone and cortisol with anthropometric characteristics in a professional male soccer team after the pre-season period. Fourteen volunteer professional male soccer players participated in this study. Significant decreases in anthropometric characteristics were found. For biochemical measures, cortisol (13) =-5.25, p=.001, d=-.27), testosterone (t (13) =-8.10, p=.001, d=-.65) and C/T ratio (t (13) =-4.07, p=.001, d =-0.2) significantly increased after the pre-season period. Moreover, moderate negative relationships were observed between the percentage of change in body weight, r=0.61, p=.01, body fat percentage, r=.53, p=.04, and testosterone. The present study revealed that the improvements in body composition after intense training in the pre-season period could stimulate anabolic activities such as increases in muscle mass, which is an important result in terms of quality of performance and prevention of injury risk, especially throughout the competitive soccer season. Testosterone and cortisol should be considered for future research as stress and recovery state indicators. In fact, professional soccer staff can use these parameters in combination with other indicators to optimize workloads and avoid overreaching and overtraining. Keywords: Testosterone; cortisol; professional soccer players; performance; physical fitness

Effects of different intensity resistance training on fat level, energy intake, and appetite among overweight and obese female college students

This study examines how different intensity resistance exercises impact fat, energy intake, and appetite regulation in overweight and obese female college students in Jiangsu Province, China. This study used a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design that investigates resistance training intensity-target result causation. The study determines the impact of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Moderate-Intensity Resistance Training (MIRT) on body composition, fat level/body composition, and muscle mass them. In Jiangsu Province, China, 515 overweight and obese female college students aged 18–25 were sampled. Intervention groups were assigned randomly to campus recruits based on demographic and anthropometric. This study demonstrated significant correlations between resistance training intensity, body composition, diet, and appetite regulation in overweight and obese colleagues. MIRT and HIIT outperformed Control in weight loss and diet and used valid measures like DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry), blood tests and food diaries to regulate appetite hormones. Increased protein and muscle mass minimize resistance exercise intensity-metabolic consequences. The study analyzes these impacts to show how exercise intensity, food, and metabolic health are interconnected. These findings help build evidence-based obesity prevention and treatment strategies for this demographic. Healthcare providers, legislators, and university stakeholders use this study to tackle college student obesity. The results suggest that campus wellness initiatives should focus on resistance exercise and diet to combat obesity. This research promotes exercise science and health behavior change theory for cross-cultural lifestyle interventions.

Organizational Transformation at Desa Berdaya Foundation (Lokadesa) through a Social Entrepreneurship Approach to Foster Local Entrepreneurs within the Framework of Achieving SDGs 8.3

Abstract Purpose: This study aims to explore the organizational transformation of the Desa Berdaya Foundation through a social entrepreneurship approach to foster local entrepreneurs contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8.3. The social entrepreneurship approach is deemed relevant to enhance the sustainability and social impact of the foundation in empowering village communities Research Methodology: This study employs a qualitative method that utilizes data collection techniques such as in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis. Results: The research findings indicate that organizational transformation at the Desa Berdaya Foundation involves four main stages: reframing, restructuring, revitalization, and renewal. In the reframing stage, the foundation adjusts its vision and mission to focus on the development of the food sector as key to economic empowerment in villages. The restructuring stage involves the reorganization of the organizational structure to be more efficient and effective in achieving new goals. Revitalization focuses on enhancing team competencies through intensive training and mentoring in the agricultural field. The renewal stage involves the adoption of an integrated farming system to improve productivity and resource efficiency. This transformation has proven to be successful in creating an environment that supports the growth of local entrepreneurs. The improvement in competencies and strategic adjustments of the foundation have increased economic independence in the villages, aligning with SDGs 8.3, which focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Recommendation: The research recommends ongoing evaluation of the implemented transformation strategies and strengthening partnerships with various stakeholders to achieve a broader social impact. This study contributes significantly to the literature on social entrepreneurship and non-profit organizational management in the context of village community empowerment.

Consensus statements for the establishment of medical intensive care in low-resource settings: international study using modified Delphi methodology

BackgroundThe inadequacy of intensive care medicine in low-resource settings (LRS) has become significantly more visible after the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations for establishing medical critical care are scarce and rarely include expert clinicians from LRS.MethodsIn December 2023, the National Association of Intensivists from Bosnia and Herzegovina organized a hybrid international conference on the topic of organizational structure of medical critical care in LRS. The conference proceedings and literature review informed expert statements across several domains. Following the conference, the statements were distributed via an online survey to conference participants and their wider professional network using a modified Delphi methodology. An agreement of ≥ 80% was required to reach a consensus on a statement.ResultsOut of the 48 invited clinicians, 43 agreed to participate. The study participants came from 20 countries and included clinician representatives from different base specialties and health authorities. After the two rounds, consensus was reached for 13 out of 16 statements across 3 domains: organizational structure, staffing, and education. The participants favored multispecialty medical intensive care units run by a medical team with formal intensive care training. Recognition and support by health care authorities was deemed critical and the panel underscored the important roles of professional organizations, clinician educators trained in high-income countries, and novel technologies such as tele-medicine and tele-education.ConclusionDelphi process identified a set of consensus-based statements on how to create a sustainable patient-centered medical intensive care in LRS.

Coping with intensive training demands: a longitudinal investigation of the relationships between appraisal, emotion, coping effectiveness and engagement among elite fencers

ABSTRACT Training is, by essence, very challenging, both physically and mentally. The way athletes stay fully engaged in their intensive training programme and achieve their performance goals may depend on their capacity to deal effectively with such daily training demands. This study therefore aimed to further the understanding of the relationships between appraisal, emotion, coping effectiveness and engagement among elite fencers in relation to the demands of intensive training over the course of a competitive season. Twenty-three elite fencers (15 women, 8 men; age: 23.04 ± 3.54 years; fencing experience: 15.04 ± 3.74 years) completed an online questionnaire once a week, measuring perceived effort, perceived difficulty, pleasant and unpleasant emotions, athlete engagement, and coping effectiveness (i.e., 36 time-points). The results of the random coefficient regression models revealed the mediating role played by emotions in the dynamic relationships (a) between perceived difficulty and coping effectiveness (pleasant emotions: Sobel Test = −2.39, p < .05; unpleasant emotions: Sobel Test = −2.47, p < .05), and (b) between perceived effort and coping effectiveness (pleasant emotions: Sobel Test = 2.15, p < .05). Results also highlighted the partial mediating role played by coping effectiveness in the dynamic relationships (a) between perceived effort and engagement (Sobel Test = 2.27, p < .05), and (b) between perceived difficulty and engagement (Sobel Test = −2.16, p < .05). This study underlines the need to consider subjective appraisal during training over the course of a competitive season and its influence on psychological adaptation and engagement in intensive training settings.

PELATIHAN PENULISAN KARYA TULIS ILMIAH DALAM MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN MENULIS PIMPINAN DAN KADER PK IMM FTIK UIAD SINJAI

This research examines the effectiveness of scientific writing training in improving participants' writing skills. The training method is a direct practice approach with mentoring, intensive training, discussion, and reflection sessions. The instruments used to measure writing ability before and after training are scientific writing assessment rubrics and self-assessment questionnaires. The research results showed a significant increase in participants' writing abilities after attending the training. Before the training, most participants had limited writing skills, especially in writing structure, data presentation, and scientific argumentation. However, after the training, participants significantly improved written structure, argumentation clarity, and analysis depth. Apart from that, this training also helped participants to develop a critical attitude towards literature and hone their ability to integrate knowledge from various sources to support the argument. Participants also received positive responses regarding the interactive training methods and in-depth approach to scientific writing techniques. This research concludes that scientific writing training effectively improves participants' writing skills. Therefore, it is recommended that similar training focusing on various aspects of scientific writing be carried out to support the development of participants' academic and professional competencies.

Characteristics of High-Intensity Interval Training Influence Anthropometrics, Glycemic Control, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Exercise is a non-pharmacological intervention for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), including moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Despite diverse exercise protocol variations, the impact of these variations in HIIT on T2DM anthropometrics, glycemic control, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) remains unclear. The aim was to examine the influence of HIIT protocol characteristics on anthropometrics, glycemic control, and CRF in T2DM patients and compare it to control (without exercise) and MICT. This review is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021281398) and follows Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search, employing "high-intensity interval training" and "diabetes mellitus" in PubMed and Web of Science databases, with a "randomized controlled trial" filter, spanned articles up to January 2023. Of 190 records, 29 trials were included, categorized by HIIT interval duration, training volume, and intervention period. Long-duration, high-volume, and long-term HIIT yields superior outcomes compared to control conditions for body mass, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), glycosylated hemoglobin (%HbA1c), and CRF. The findings favored HIIT over MICT for body mass in long-duration, high-volume, and short-term intervals (mean difference[MD] - 3.45, - 3.13, and - 5.42, respectively, all p < 0.05) and for CRF in long and medium work intervals and high volume (MD 1.91, 2.55, and 2.43, respectively, all p < 0.05), as well as in medium and long-term intervention (MD 2.66 and 2.21, respectively, all p < 0.05). Regardless of specific HIIT characteristics, no differences were found in the HIIT versus MICT comparison for glycemic control. Specific HIIT protocol characteristics influence changes in anthropometrics, glycemic control, and CRF compared to control groups. However, compared to MICT, only longer duration, higher volume, and short-term HIIT improved body mass, waist circumference, and CRF in individuals with T2DM.

Effects of polarized and pyramidal training, with or without mindfulness, on race time and performance in amateur runners: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Problem: Road races in athletics has increased worldwide in recent years, leading to a growth in amateur runners (AR). Despite this growth, research aimed at this population is scarce and has methodological weaknesses. One topic of recent interest in AR is the effects of training intensity distribution (TID) and mindfulness on race time (RT); however, there is not enough evidence to establish a consensus among scientists, trainers, and athletes. Objective: To compare the effects of four training programs with polarized and pyramidal TID models on 10 km RT, ventilatory thresholds one and two, maximum aerobic speed, maximum oxygen consumption and body composition in AR. Method: A randomized controlled clinical trial with four parallel arms. The study groups include two with a polarized TID model and two with a pyramidal TID model, both combined with and without a mindfulness program over 12 weeks. Mindfulness practice will consist of 65 minutes per week through individual sessions and group workshops. Discussion: The practice of recreational athletics is increasing; however, the effect of TID and mindfulness on RT in this population have not been extensively studied. Keywords: Training intensity distribution, mindfulness, amateur runners, race time, body composition, polarized training, pyramidal training.

Effects of 6-Week Weighted-Jump-Squat Training With and Without Eccentric Load Reduction on Explosive Performance.

To compare the effects of 6-week barbell weighted-jump-squat (WJS) training with and without eccentric load reduction on explosive performance. Twenty well-trained male athletes were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 10). Participants completed 12 WJS training sessions (6 sets of 5 repetitions of barbell back squat at 30% of 1-repetition maximum[1RM]) twice a week over a 6-week period. While thecontrol group used 0% eccentric loading (ie,traditional WJS), theexperimental group utilized a 50% eccentric loading reduction with a mechanical braking unit (ie,eccentric load set at 15% of 1RM). Performance assessments, including countermovement jump, 20-m sprint, standing long jump, and 1RM barbell back squat, were conducted both before (pretests) and after (posttests) the intervention. Both theexperimental group and thecontrol group demonstrated a significant increase in countermovement-jump height (+6.4% [4.0%] vs +4.9% [5.7%]; P < .001) and peak power output (+2.3% [2.7%] vs +1.9% [5.1%]; P = .017), faster 20-m sprint times (+9.4% [4.8%] vs +9.2% [5.5%]; P < .001), longer standing long jump (+3.1% [2.5%] vs +3.0% [3.3%]; P < .001), and higher 1RM back squat (+6.4% [4.0%] vs +4.9% [5.7%]; P < .001) from pretests to posttests. However, there was no significant condition × time interaction for any variable (all P ≥ .294). Both WJS training methods, with and without load reduction in the eccentric phase, effectively enhance explosive performance. Nevertheless, athletes in later stages of injury rehabilitation or intense training may find reducing eccentric load a more tolerable strategy for achieving similar performance gains compared with traditional isoinertial loading.

Design of nature-inspired patterns on knitted fabrics for directional transportation of sweat and study of their performances

The human body in a hot environment or during intense training will sweat a lot. Traditional cotton fabrics are soft and breathable, but they tend to absorb moisture easily and evaporate it slowly, which makes people feel cold and wet. Sweat staying on fabrics for a long time could also cause bacteria to grow. Thus, it is necessary to transport the excessive sweat from the gathering section to the collection points along the surface paths in time to minimize such problems. The mechanism of directional water transport of desert beetles, cacti, nepenthes, and river meanders was referenced in this paper. The paths in dot, tree, V-shape, and river meander patterns were designed and manufactured from the inspiration of these natural architectures. The paths were coated on the surfaces of selected knitted fabrics with different structures through a one-step coating process. The optimal recipe of hydrophobic solution was determined when 0.1 g hydroxyethyl-cellulose (HEC) was added into MS-S002 solution. The results showed that sweat movement is mainly influenced by FL, FWD, FG, and knitted structure. The continuous and enclosed paths such as tree and river contribute to a better sweat moving track than those of dot and V-shape ones. Terry structure is more suitable for surface sweat transport than plain and pique. The highest movement speed of the terry structure with a tree pattern reaches 0.43 cm/s, followed by that of the terry structure with river pattern 0.35 cm/s. The coated fabrics also have ideal moisture and air permeability for wearing.

The Evolvement of Session Design From Junior Age to Senior Peak Performance in World-Class Cross-Country Skiers.

To compare designs of training sessions applied by world-class cross-countryskiers during their most successful junior and senior season. Retrospective analysis of self-reported training characteristics (ie,training form, intensity, and exercise mode) among 8 male and 7 female world-class cross-country skiers was conducted. Total number of sessions (441 [71] vs 519 [34], P < .001, large effect) and mean duration (1.5 [0.1]h vs 1.7 [0.1]h, P < .001, moderate effect) increased from junior to senior age. More double-session days were performed at senior age (124 [50] vs 197 [29]d, P < .001, large). The number (310 [64] vs 393 [64], P < .001, large effect) and duration (1.3 [0.1]h vs 1.5 [0.1]h, P < .001, moderate effect) of low-intensity training sessions increased from junior to senior age. Regarding intensive training, most emphasis was put on high-intensity training sessions lasting 20 to 39minutes with <5-minute intervals at junior age, while 40 to 59minutes ofmoderate-intensity training with 5- to 9-minute intervals was predominant at senior age. More MIXED (combined moderate- and high-intensity) sessions (9 [7] vs 14 [7], P = .023, moderate effect) and longer races (0.5 [0.1]h vs 0.6 [0.1]h, P = 0.29, moderate effect) compensated for fewer high-intensity training sessions at senior age (36 [17] vs 25 [10], P = .027, moderate effect). Duration of strength-training sessions increased significantly (0.6 [0.1] vs 0.8 [0.2]h, P = 0.30, moderate effect), while other training forms remained unchanged. World-class cross-country skiers increased their training volume from junior to senior age primarily by more and longer low-intensity training sessions and more often training twice per day. Concurrently, the most frequent intensive sessions were modified from high- to moderate-intensity training, lasted longer, and contained longer intervals.

Effects of Muay Thai Practice on Self-Esteem, Body Perception, and Quality of Life in Adolescents with Overweight/Obesity

ABSTRACT Introduction The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of 16 wk of Muay Thai practice on body perception, self-esteem, and quality of life in adolescents with overweight/obesity. Methods The sample consisted of adolescents with overweight/obesity, aged 10–17 yr. Overweight/obesity was confirmed using body mass index (BMI) and body fat (BF). Body mass and height were measured, from which BMI was calculated. BF was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Body perception was measured using the Brazilian Silhouette Scale for Children, self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and quality of life was measured using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. The Muay Thai intervention lasted 16 wk, with the initial 4 wk intended for adaptation and familiarization. Sessions were held three times per week on nonconsecutive days for 1.5 h. Protective equipment and devices, such as gloves, Thai pads, gauntlets, and head and rib protectors, were used. Training intensity was maintained between moderate and high according to the rate of perceived exertion scale. The control group did not perform any type of systematic training. Results There was a statistically significant group effect for self-esteem only (P &lt; 0.01; effect size (η 2) = 0.13). When analyzing η 2, there was a group × time interaction in the pain domain of quality of life (P = 0.07; η 2 p = 0.11) considered medium to large. Furthermore, increases were observed in the prevalence of healthy self-esteem (before, 65.0%; after, 73.1%) and satisfaction with body image (before, 0%; after, 3.8%) in the Muay Thai group. Conclusion Muay Thai led to increased prevalences of individuals satisfied with their body image and with healthy self-esteem, as well as an increase in the pain domain score of quality of life in adolescents with overweight/obesity.

Training for Elite Team-Pursuit Track Cyclists-Part I: A Profile of General Training Characteristics.

To profile the training characteristics of an elite team pursuit cycling squad and assess variations in training intensity and load accumulation across the 36-week period prior to a world-record performance at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Training data of 5 male track endurance cyclists (mean [SD]; age 21.9 [3.52]y; 4.4 [0.16]W·kg-1 at anaerobic threshold; 6.2 [0.28]W·kg-1 maximal oxygen uptake 68.7 [2.99]mL kg·min-1) were analyzed with weekly total training volume and heart rate, power output, and torque intensity distributions calculated with reference to their 3:49.804min:s.ms performance requirements for a 4-km team pursuit. Athletes completed 543 (37)h-1 of training across 436 (16) sessions. On-bike activities accounted for 69.9% of all training sessions, with participants cycling 11,246 (1139)km-1 in the training period of interest, whereas 12.7% of sessions involved gym/strength training. A pyramidal intensity distribution was evident with over 65% and 70% of training, respectively, performed at low-intensity zone heart rate and power output, whereas 5.3% and 7.7% of training was performed above anaerobic threshold. The athletes accumulated 4.4% of total training volume at, or above, their world-record team pursuit lead position torque (55N·m). These data provide updated and novel insight to the power and torque demands and load accumulation contributing to world-record team pursuit performance. Although the observed pyramidal intensity distribution is common in endurance sports, the lack of shift toward a polarized intensity distribution during taper and competition peaking differs from previous research.

A Preliminary Investigation Of The Relationship Between Triathlete Micronutrient Intake And Training Volume During A Competitive Season

A Preliminary Investigation Of The Relationship Between Triathlete Micronutrient Intake And Training Volume During A Competitive Season

Figure Skating Musculoskeletal Injury: Evidence across Disciplines, Mechanisms, and Future Directions

Abstract This review provides a synopsis of current injury patterns, potential mechanisms, and off-ice exercise prevention considerations as the sport of figure skating evolves. The lifetime prevalence of injury for all skaters is estimated to be 79.5%, with the most common sites being spine and lower extremity. Singles skaters more often develop chronic injuries compared to acute (68.9% vs 31.1%), whereas non-singles skaters more often experience acute injuries. Lower limb stress fracture prevalence ranges from 10% to 21.4% across disciplines. Emerging contributors include training volume, technical difficulty and repetition of complex elements (multirotational jumps, lifts, holds), extreme ranges of movement about the spine and hip, age and experience level, and functional capacity (dynamic strength, flexibility, balance, and neuromotor control). Prevention programs in competitive figure skaters may include monitoring of training volumes, emphasis on technique, appropriate boot fit, and strength and conditioning content to prepare for increasing neuromotor, balance, and power demands of the sport.

Setting Treadmill Intensity for Rat Aerobic Training Using Lactate and Gas Exchange Thresholds.

To open up new horizons of translational research, we studied the lactate threshold (LT)-dependent physiological responses and adaptations to exercise in rats, highlighting the importance of intensity-specific studies for optimizing exercise prescriptions. LT is physiologically related to the non-invasive gas exchange threshold (GET), and both thresholds are moderate-heavy-intensity boundary indices in determining an effective intensity of aerobic training in humans. While their practical utility is presumed to extend to rats, the actual existence of GET, the thresholds' relations to maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and whether aerobic adaptations by training differ around the LT intensity remain uncertain. This study sought to identify the GET using our previously established rat LT-model by combining the use of a metabolic chamber and the V-slope method and to confirm the thresholds' relations to VO2max. We investigated changes in the thresholds and VO2max following 6 weeks of endurance training at below or above LT intensity. GET and LT were significantly correlated, and agreed with high precision, although with a fixed bias. Untrained rats exhibited GET and LT at 56% and 52% of their VO2max, respectively. Endurance training at supra-, but not below-, the LT intensity significantly improved VO2max and both thresholds; however, their %VO2max remained unaltered. GET in rats is identifiable as a threshold associated with LT using the V-slope method. Further, both thresholds can serve as moderate-heavy-intensity boundary indices for the aerobic training of rats. This study advances our understanding of exercise intensity regulation in rats, thereby contributing to the development of a more nuanced and effective model for exercise prescription, with implications for human health and fitness.

Effects of Eight Weeks of Intense Aerobic Training and Cinnamon Extract on Gene Expression of SREBP-1c and LXRα in the Liver Tissue of Rats Fed with Fructose Diets

Effects of Eight Weeks of Intense Aerobic Training and Cinnamon Extract on Gene Expression of SREBP-1c and LXRα in the Liver Tissue of Rats Fed with Fructose Diets