Intensive Training Research Articles

Are calves trainable? Low-intensity calf muscle training with or without blood flow restriction: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objectives Whether low-load resistance training (RT) without muscle failure, with or without blood flow restriction (BFR), is sufficient to increase strength and muscle growth of calf muscles in trained individuals is still unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects of low-intensity BFR RT vs. traditional low-intensity RT (noBFR) with moderate training volume on strength and circumference. Methods We designed a parallel, randomized controlled trial including 36 RT-trained participants (BFR: 7 females, 32.9 ± 8.8 years, 11 males, 28.4 ± 3.6 years; noBFR; 8 females, 29.6 ± 3.4 years; 10 males, 28.6 ± 4.9 years) who underwent eight weeks of twice-weekly low-load RT with 16 weekly RT sets (30 % of one-repetition maximum [1RM]). RT consisted of bilateral calf raises and seated unilateral calf raises, each conducted with 4 sets (30, 15, 15, 15 repetitions not to failure) of either BFR or noBFR. Outcome measures included calf circumference (CC), leg stiffness (LS), and various strength tests (seated and standing calf raise 1RM, isokinetic strength of plantar- and dorsiflexion). Results There were no significant interactions or group effects for most measures. Both groups showed significant improvements in seated calf raise strength (p=0.046, η 2 p=0.17). Pairwise comparisons indicated moderate to large effect sizes for strength improvements (standardized mean differences: 0.35–1.11), but no changes in calf circumference were observed in either group. Conclusions Low-load RT with and without BFR are useful to increase strength without necessarily affecting hypertrophy. Low-intensity BFR training did not confer additional benefits over traditional low-intensity RT for calf muscle strength or circumference, questioning its general advantage under such conditions.

Effects of intense exercise on pregnancy - a review of the literature

Introduction and Purpose: We are increasingly seeing new trends on social media regarding intense strength training in pregnant women. How much should women in a physiological pregnancy exercise? The aim of this piece is to trace the guidelines and set a healthy limit for such an important aspect during pregnancy. Materials and methods: A literature search was conducted using the medical databases PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles were retrieved in English, employing the key words: “strength training”, “activity during pregnancy”, „intensive exercise” and „ physical activity guidelines” appropriate configurations. Conclusions: The available guidelines and medical literature show that it is worthwhile to regularly practise sport both during and in preparation for pregnancy. In a healthy, physiological pregnancy, there is a wide range of activities to choose from, through which health benefits can be achieved, such as strengthening muscles, improving performance, alleviating pregnancy complaints (constipation, pain, nausea) and improving wellbeing, and much more. However, there are contraindications to certain exercises for specific conditions during pregnancy. You should consult your doctor on a case-by-case basis.

Musculoskeletal system injuries in the Polish Territorial Defence Forces

BackgroundMusculoskeletal system injuries (MSIs) are the major health problem of soldiers. The aim of this study was to assess the types of MSIs that occurred most frequently among soldiers and...

PENGELOLAAN SDM UMKM DI ERA DIGITAL PADA PULAU HARAPAN, KEPULAUAN SERIBU

Effective and adaptive management of Human Resources (HR) to the development of digital technology is the key to the success of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the modern era. Harapan Island, one of the islands in the Thousand Islands, DKI Jakarta, has great economic potential, especially from the MSME sector. However, limitations in human resource management and the use of digital technology are the main challenges for the growth and sustainability of MSMEs in this region. This community service activity aims to increase the capacity of MSME human resource management on Harapan Island through the application of digital technology. This program includes training and assistance in the use of digital tools for human resource management, the development of basic digital skills for MSME actors, and increasing digital literacy among MSME workers. The methodology used includes workshops, intensive training sessions, and direct mentoring in the field. It is hoped that through this program, MSMEs on Harapan Island can optimize their human resource management, improve operational efficiency, and expand market reach through digital technology. In addition, this program also aims to build awareness and better understanding of the importance of digitalization in business management. Thus, MSMEs on Harapan Island can develop better and contribute more significantly to the local economy and the welfare of the local community.

Optimization of Pedada Mangrove Fruit as a Mangrove Processed Product to Enhance Mangrove Forest Utilization

Mangrove forests are a unique ecosystem and are important in providing life support for coastal communities. The community group (Kelompok Kariangau Lestari) is a community in Kariangau RT 02 Village that has yet to receive intensive training or socialization regarding the diversification of mangrove derivative products. Mangrove plants are not used properly, so they are only left to grow wild around residential areas. The settlement around the mangrove is used as a tourist attraction, namely Jembatan Panjang Mangrove Kariangau. Still, this tourist attraction is not optimal because the long bridge is the only attraction, and the bridge has been damaged, so there is no longer a source of income for residents. Therefore, this community service activity aims to train community groups to utilize mangrove fruit as a processed food product to attract tourism to the Jembatan Panjang Mangrove Kariangau and increase residents' income. This activity began with observing the condition of the mangrove forest and holding discussions with the local community regarding efforts to increase mangrove forest productivity. In this activity, minimizing processing tools was also carried out to make processed food products and determine the right formulation for processed food products. The evaluation was carried out in two discussions, namely product evaluation, with the result that residents could accept the product as consumers, and activity evaluation, with the result that residents felt this activity was very useful for increasing the current use of mangrove plants.

Load-Velocity Relationship in the Bulgarian Split-Squat Exercise.

Rabal-Pelay, J, Gutiérrez, H, Bascuas, P-J, Pareja-Blanco, F, and Marco-Contreras, LA. Load-velocity relationship in the Bulgarian split-squat exercise. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The objective of the current research was to analyze the load-velocity relationship in the Bulgarian split-squat (BSS) exercise and to compare these relationships between the dominant and nondominant legs. Twenty-one strength-trained men (age: 27.3 ± 7.3 years) performed a progressive loading test in the BSS exercise using a Smith machine for each leg. The protocol began with a load of 30 kg, incrementally adding 10 kg until the mean propulsive velocity (MPV) fell below 0.4 m·s-1. At that point, 5 kg increments were employed, with a final addition of 2.5 kg for the last estimated attempt one-repetition maximum (1RM). A total of 324 lifts were analyzed. Subjects exhibited a relative strength ratio of 1.23 ± 0.10, a 1RM of 91.3 ± 14.2 kg, and a mean range of motion of 44.7 ± 3.7 cm. Polynomial regression analysis showed a robust relationship with an R2 value of 0.945 (ρ ≤ 0.001) between the relative load (%1RM) and MPV. Despite the differences in 1RM between the dominant and nondominant legs, there were no significant differences in MPV at the %1RM between both legs. These findings suggest that training intensity can be prescribed via the MPV during the BSS exercise. Moreover, the load-velocity relationship is stable between limbs despite the potential differences in absolute strength levels.

Non-invasive prehabilitation to foster widespread fMRI cortical reorganization before brain tumor surgery: lessons from a case series.

The objective of this prospective, single-centre case series was to investigate feasibility, clinical outcomes, and neural correlates of non-invasive Neuromodulation-Induced Cortical Prehabilitation (NICP) before brain tumor surgery. Previous studies have shown that gross total resection is paramount to increase life expectancy but is counterbalanced by the need of preserving critical functional areas. NICP aims at expanding functional margins for extensive tumor resection without functional sequelae. Invasive NICP (intracranial neuromodulation) was effective but characterized by elevated costs and high rate of adverse events. Non-invasive NICP (transcranial neuromodulation) may represent a more feasible alternative. Nonetheless, up to this point, non-invasive NICP has been examined in only two case reports, yielding inconclusive findings. Treatment sessions consisted of non-invasive neuromodulation, to transiently deactivate critical areas adjacent to the lesion, coupled with intensive functional training, to activate alternative nodes within the same functional network. Patients were evaluated pre-NICP, post-NICP, and at follow-up post-surgery. Ten patients performed the intervention. Feasibility criteria were met (retention, adherence, safety, and patient's satisfaction). Clinical outcomes showed overall stability and improvements in motor and executive function from pre- to post-NICP, and at follow-up. Relevant plasticity changes (increase in the distance between tumor and critical area) were observed when the neuromodulation target was guided by functional neuroimaging data. This is the first case series demonstrating feasibility of non-invasive NICP. Neural correlates indicate that neuroimaging-guided target selection may represent a valid strategy to leverage neuroplastic changes before neurosurgery. Further investigations are needed to confirm such preliminary findings.

Improving lung nodule segmentation in thoracic CT scans through the ensemble of 3D U-Net models.

The current study explores the application of 3D U-Net architectures combined with Inception and ResNet modules for precise lung nodule detection through deep learning-based segmentation technique. This investigation is motivated by the objective of developing a Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) system for effective diagnosis and prognostication of lung nodules in clinical settings. The proposed method trained four different 3D U-Net models on the retrospective dataset obtained from AIIMS Delhi. To augment the training dataset, affine transformations and intensity transforms were utilized. Preprocessing steps included CT scan voxel resampling, intensity normalization, and lung parenchyma segmentation. Model optimization utilized a hybrid loss function that combined Dice Loss and Focal Loss. The model performance of all four 3D U-Nets was evaluated patient-wise using dice coefficient and Jaccard coefficient, then averaged to obtain the average volumetric dice coefficient (DSCavg) and average Jaccard coefficient (IoUavg) on a test dataset comprising 53 CT scans. Additionally, an ensemble approach (Model-V) was utilized featuring 3D U-Net (Model-I), ResNet (Model-II), and Inception (Model-III) 3D U-Net architectures, combined with two distinct patch sizes for further investigation. The ensemble of models obtained the highest DSCavg of 0.84 ± 0.05 and IoUavg of 0.74 ± 0.06 on the test dataset, compared against individual models. It mitigated false positives, overestimations, and underestimations observed in individual U-Net models. Moreover, the ensemble of models reduced average false positives per scan in the test dataset (1.57 nodules/scan) compared to individual models (2.69-3.39 nodules/scan). The suggested ensemble approach presents a strong and effective strategy for automatically detecting and delineating lung nodules, potentially aiding CAD systems in clinical settings. This approach could assist radiologists in laborious and meticulous lung nodule detection tasks in CT scans, improving lung cancer diagnosis and treatment planning.

Tournament Recovery Profiles and Physical Demands in a Collegiate Women's Tennis Team.

Tendero-Ortiz, E, Johnson, MJ, Horsfall, CM, Vondrasek, JD, Grosicki, GJ, Riemann, BL, and Flatt, AA. Tournament recovery profiles and physical demands in a collegiate women's tennis team. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-We aimed to characterize recovery profiles and tournament physical demands in women's collegiate tennis players. A Division 1 team (n = 9) participated in the study. Markers of cardiac autonomic (resting heart rate [HR], HR variability), neuromuscular (isometric handgrip strength, seated single-arm shot-put test [SSAPT], hexagon agility, countermovement jump characteristics), and perceptual recovery were obtained before the tournament (baseline) and again 1 and 2 days posttournament. Cardiorespiratory (HR) and movement characteristics from matches were quantified with wearable devices. p values < 0.05 were statistically significant. No recovery markers differed from baseline (ps > 0.05), although small effect size reductions 1 day posttournament were noted for SSAPT, hexagon agility, and select countermovement jump characteristics. In addition, hexagon agility times and SSAPT were slower (p < 0.01) and shorter (p < 0.05), respectively, at 1 versus 2 days posttournament. Similarly, relative to 1 day posttournament, perceptual makers were improved 2 days posttournament (ps < 0.05). Mean and peak HR were higher for singles versus doubles matches (ps < 0.05). Except for average speed, movement parameters were greater during singles versus doubles matches (ps < 0.05). Markers of recovery were minimally affected 1 day posttournament relative to baseline, but perceptual and select neuromuscular markers were most improved 2 days posttournament. Thus, passive rest or limited intensity training 1 day posttournament seems advisable. Competition HR and movement profiles inform practitioners of the cardiorespiratory and locomotor demands of women's collegiate tennis, which may be useful in designing preparatory conditioning programs to ensure that players attain match-specific physical capacities in training before competition.

Endurance training volume cannot entirely substitute for the lack of intensity.

Very low intensity endurance training (LIT) does not seem to improve maximal oxygen uptake. The purpose of the present study was to investigate if very high volume of LIT could compensate the lack of intensity and is LIT affecting differently low and high intensity performances. Recreationally active untrained participants (n = 35; 21 females) cycled either LIT (mean training time 6.7 ± 0.7 h / week at 63% of maximal heart rate, n = 16) or high intensity training (HIT) (1.6 ± 0.2 h /week, n = 19) for 10 weeks. Two categories of variables were measured: Low (first lactate threshold, fat oxidation at low intensity exercise, post-exercise recovery) and high (aerobic capacity, second lactate threshold, sprinting power, maximal stroke volume) intensity performance. Only LIT enhanced pooled low intensity performance (LIT: p = 0.01, ES = 0.49, HIT: p = 0.20, ES = 0.20) and HIT pooled high intensity performance (LIT: p = 0.34, ES = 0.05, HIT: p = 0.007, ES = 0.48). Overall, very low endurance training intensity cannot fully be compensated by high training volume in adaptations to high intensity performance, but it nevertheless improved low intensity performance. Therefore, the intensity threshold for improving low intensity performance is lower than that for improving high intensity performance. Consequently, evaluating the effectiveness of LIT on endurance performance cannot be solely determined by high intensity performance tests.

Accuracy of a continuous glucose monitoring system applied before, during, and after an intense leg-squat session with low- and high-carbohydrate availability in young adults without diabetes.

The aim was to assess the accuracy of a continuous blood glucose monitoring (CGM) device (Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3) against capillary blood glucose measurement (BGM) before, during, and after an intense lower body strength training session in connection with high- versus low-carbohydrate breakfasts. Nine adults (22 ± 2 years) completed a strength training session (10 × 10 at 60% 1RM) twice after high-carbohydrate and twice after low-carbohydrate breakfasts. CGM accuracy versus BGM was assessed across four phases: post-breakfast, pre-exercise, exercise, and post-exercise. Overall fed state mean BGM levels were 84.4 ± 20.6mg/dL. Group-level Bland-Altman analysis showed acceptable agreement between CGM and BGM across all phases, with mean biases between -7.95 and -17.83mg/dL; the largest discrepancy was in the post-exercise phase. Mean absolute relative difference was significantly higher post-exercise compared to pre-exercise and exercise phases, for overall data and after the high-carbohydrate breakfast (all p ≤ 0.02). Clark Error Grid analysis showed 50.5-64.3% in Zone A and 31.7-44.6% in Zone B, with an increase in treatment errors during and after exercise. In this group of healthy participants undergoing strength training, CGM showed satisfactory accuracy in glucose monitoring but varied substantially between individuals compared to BGM and fails in meeting clinical criteria for diabetic monitoring. CGM could aid non-diabetic athletes by tracking glucose fluctuations due to diet and exercise. Although utilization of CGM shows potential in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting interstitial glucose for improving performance, the application in sports nutrition is not yet validated, and challenges in data interpretation could limit its adoption.

Differential training benefits and motor unit remodeling in wrist force precision tasks following high and low load blood flow restriction exercises under volume-matched conditions

BackgroundBlood flow restriction (BFR) resistance training has demonstrated efficacy in promoting strength gains beneficial for rehabilitation. Yet, the distinct functional advantages of BFR strength training using high-load and low-load protocols remain unclear. This study explored the behavioral and neurophysiological mechanisms that explain the differing effects after volume-matched high-load and low-load BFR training.MethodsTwenty-eight healthy participants were randomly assigned to the high-load blood flow restriction (BFR-HL, n = 14) and low-load blood flow restriction (BFR-LL, n = 14) groups. They underwent 3 weeks of BFR training for isometric wrist extension at intensities of 25% or 75% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) with matched training volume. Pre- and post-tests included MVC and trapezoidal force-tracking tests (0–75%–0% MVC) with multi-channel surface electromyography (EMG) from the extensor digitorum.ResultsThe BFR-HL group exhibited a greater strength gain than that of the BFR-LL group after training (BFR_HL: 26.96 ± 16.33% vs. BFR_LL: 11.16 ± 15.34%)(p = 0.020). However, only the BFR-LL group showed improvement in force steadiness for tracking performance in the post-test (p = 0.004), indicated by a smaller normalized change in force fluctuations compared to the BFR-HL group (p = 0.048). After training, the BFR-HL group activated motor units (MUs) with higher recruitment thresholds (p < 0.001) and longer inter-spike intervals (p = 0.002), contrary to the BFR-LL group, who activated MUs with lower recruitment thresholds (p < 0.001) and shorter inter-spike intervals (p < 0.001) during force-tracking. The discharge variability (p < 0.003) and common drive index (p < 0.002) of MUs were consistently reduced with training for the two groups.ConclusionsBFR-HL training led to greater strength gains, while BFR-LL training better improved force precision control due to activation of MUs with lower recruitment thresholds and higher discharge rates.

Diastolic function and dysfunction in athletes.

Cardiac remodelling is often most profound in male athletes and in athletes with the greatest volumes of endurance training and is characterized by chamber enlargement and a mild-to-modest hypertrophy. The diastolic filling of the left ventricle (LV) is a complex process including the early recoil of the contracted LV, the active relaxation of the myocardium, the compliance of the myocardium, the filling pressures, and heart rate. Echocardiography is the cornerstone for the clinical assessment of LV diastolic function. LV diastolic function is usually enhanced in elite endurance athletes characterized by improved early filling of the ventricle, while it is preserved or enhanced in other athletes associated with the type of training being performed. This allows for the high performance of any endurance athlete. Typical findings when using resting echocardiography for the assessment of LV diastolic function in endurance athletes include a dilated LV with normal or mildly reduced LV ejection fraction (EF), significantly enlarged left atrium (LA) beyond the commonly used cut-off of 34 mL/m2, and a significantly elevated E/A ratio. The early-diastolic mitral annular velocity and the E-wave peak velocity are usually normal. Importantly, interpretation of the echocardiographic indices of LV diastolic function should always consider the clinical context and other parameters of systolic and diastolic functions. In the absence of an underlying pathology, single measurements outside the expected range for similar athletes will often not represent the pathology.

Pola Penerapan Desain Teknologi Tepat Guna Berbasis Mesin CNC dalam Industri Batik Cap sebagai Akselerasi Produksi Batik Cap

The pattern of applying appropriate technology design based on CNC machines in the stamp batik industry aims to accelerate production. With this technology, the efficiency and quality of batik stamp production are significantly improved, reducing reliance on manual processes that take a lot of time and effort. The methods used include intensive training and mentoring to batik craftsmen in the use of CNC machines to create batik patterns with high precision. The results show a significant increase in the speed and consistency of production, as well as a decrease in the error rate in making batik motifs. In addition, the use of CNC technology has a positive impact on the productivity and income of batik artisans, ultimately improving their well-being. The pattern of applying this technology not only speeds up the production process but also improves the quality of the final product, so that batik stamp can be more competitive in the global market. It is hoped that this technology can be widely adopted in the batik stamp industry to support the development of the creative industry in Indonesia, increase the competitiveness of local products, and contribute more to the national economy. The adoption of this technology shows that innovations in the production process can provide great benefits to traditional industries such as batik stamping, helping to maintain cultural heritage while keeping up with the times.

Factors that affect the accuracy of submitting SKPK Treasurer Accountability Reports to the Aceh Tamiang Regency Government

The application of accounting standards in the country in the management of regional finance has an impact on regional budget implementation responsibility reports (APBD). This type of research is quantitative descriptive and describes the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Meanwhile, human resource factors, treasurer facilities, and infrastructure, treasurer's term of office, regulations, the intensity of management training, and accountability of SKPD treasurers, as well as unclear roles in the Aceh Tamiang district government have a big influence—the impact of the timeliness of submitting regional government accountability reports. In several cases, the variable intensity of administrative training and responsibilities of SKPD accountants (X5), as well as the ambiguity of the role (X6) produced a positive impact on the timeliness of government reporting in the regions.

Comparative effects of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on weight and metabolic health in college students with obesity

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) on weight, body composition, blood lipid indicators, and metabolic status in college students living with obesity. The study focused on a sample of 40 college students living with obesity, including 20 males and 20 females, aged between 18 and 25. Participants were randomly assigned to either the HIIT group or the MICT group. Both groups underwent an 8-week intervention, consisting of three sessions per week with alternate-day training. The MICT group's training consisted of continuous aerobic exercise for 35 min at 60–70% of maximum heart rate. The HIIT group engaged in 28 min of alternating high-intensity and low-intensity exercise, where the high-intensity phase was at 85–90% of maximum heart rate for 4 min, followed by a 3-min recovery period at 50–60% of maximum heart rate, repeated four times. Both groups underwent heart rate monitoring before and after the training sessions to ensure the accuracy of the training intensity. Within each group, further distinctions were made based on gender, resulting in the following subgroups: Male HIIT group (n = 10), Female HIIT group (n = 10), Male MICT group (n = 10), and Female MICT group (n = 10). Differences in anthropometric and biochemical indicators among the groups were analyzed, and the different effects of the two intervention strategies on the obese college student population were comprehensively evaluated. Compared to the baseline assessment, the HIIT group showed a more favorable declining trend than the MICT group in terms of body morphology and body composition, particularly in the aspect of body fat percentage (BF%). The male HIIT group, female HIIT group, male MICT group, and female MICT group respectively reduced by − 23.71%, − 26.76%, − 9.81%, − 7.16%. Male and female HIIT group experienced a more pronounced decrease compared to the MICT group, with the female HIIT group reducing an additional 3.75% more than the male HIIT group. Regarding intergroup differences, BF% significant differences were shown between male MICT group and the HIIT group (P < 0.05), and female MICT group and the HIIT group (P < 0.01). In terms of biochemical indicators, the HIIT group also presented a more favorable declining trend compared to the MICT group, with male HIIT participants showing more reduction than female HIIT participants, especially in total cholesterol (TC) (10.64%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (11.73%), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (11.99%), and uric acid (UA) (11.76%). Regarding triglycerides (TG), significant intergroup differences were observed between male MICT and HIIT groups (P < 0.01) and female MICT and HIIT groups (P < 0.01). Concerning ALT, a significant difference was shown between female MICT and HIIT groups (P < 0.01), while no significant difference was observed among male participants. Overall, for college students living with obesity, both HIIT and MICT have shown positive effects. Among these, HIIT demonstrates greater effectiveness compared to MICT in BF% and biochemical markers.

The effect of different types of swimming intensity on increasing serum bone specific-alkaline phosphatase levels of obese male mice (Mus Musculus)

Obesity can interfere with the bone remodeling process, training is one solution to protect bone density. However, training and its intensity on bone remodeling through the biomarker Bone Specific-Alkaline Phosphatase (BALP) with obesity is still not widely studied so it is still unclear its effectiveness. The experimental study involved 24 mice (Mus musculus) that were induced with 30% fructose once a day for 60 days. Mice were grouped into 4 groups according to the intensity of training, namely the control group without training (K1), low intensity with a load of 3% body weight (K2), moderate intensity with a load of 5% body weight (K3), while high intensity was carried out with a load of 7% body weight for 70% (K4) of the maximum duration. All training sessions with a frequency of 3 times/week, and then a post-test comparison examination of BALP levels was carried out. The average number of BALP levels (ng/mL) in each group post-test, the control group had a result of 15.77±3.10, for the provision of low-intensity training with a value of 13.92±2.23, while for the moderate intensity training group of 13.11±1.67, for the highest increase was in high-intensity training with a value of 21.10±3.70. Based on the Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) test, the post hoc high-intensity training group was significantly different from other groups (p ≤ 0.05). All types of training intensity analyzed in this study increased BALP levels, especially in the high-intensity training group which had a very significant increase in BALP levels. Therefore, training and its intensity affect bone metabolism increase. Keywords: Aerobic Training, BALP, Obesity, Swimming, Training intensity.

Can Eccentric-only Resistance Training Decrease Passive Muscle Stiffness while Increasing Size and Strength of Hamstrings?

Resistance training may be empirically believed to increase passive muscle stiffness. Meanwhile, a recent study showed that the passive stiffness of a specific hamstring muscle acutely decreased after eccentric-only resistance exercise at long muscle lengths with a long contraction duration (LL). To extend this finding, the present study investigated the chronic effects of eccentric-only resistance training with LL at different weekly frequencies on the passive stiffness of the biarticular hamstring muscles. Thirty-six healthy young males were assigned into two training groups with two and three weekly sessions (W2 and W3, n = 12, respectively) and a control group (CON, n = 12). The participants in both training groups performed eccentric-only stiff-leg deadlift at 50-100% of exercise range of motion (0% = upright position) with 5 s per repetition for 10 weeks. Before and after the intervention period, the shear moduli of the biarticular hamstring muscles, maximal voluntary isometric torque of knee flexion, and volumes of the individual hamstring muscles were measured. In W3, the shear modulus of the semimembranosus (-11.4%) significantly decreased, whereas those of the other biarticular muscles did not change. There were no significant changes in the shear moduli of the biarticular hamstring muscles in W2 or CON. The isometric torque (20.3 and 26.2%, respectively) and semimembranosus volume (5.7% and 7.4%, respectively) were significantly increased in W2 and W3. Passive stiffness of a specific muscle could be chronically decreased when eccentric-only resistance training with LL is performed at a relatively high weekly frequency with a high total training volume. Our training modality may be a promising strategy for decreasing passive muscle stiffness while increasing muscular strength and size.

Kavalactones support motivation to move during intensive training in males preparing for military special operations forces.

Military special operators, elite athletes, and others requiring uninterrupted optimal performance currently lack options for sleep and mood support without performance-inhibiting effects. Kavalactones, derived from the root of the kava plant (Piper methysticum Forst), have been shown to elevate mood and wellbeing by producing a feeling of relaxation without addiction or cognitive impairment. In this placebo-controlled, crossover study (NCT05381025), we investigated the effects of 2 weeks of kavalactones use on cortisol (diurnal salivary), sleep (RSQ-W; Restorative Sleep Questionnaire, Weekly), mood (DASS-21; Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21), and motivation state to expend (Move) or conserve (Rest) energy (CRAVE; Cravings for Rest and Volitional Energy Expenditure, Right Now) in a cohort of 15 healthy, physically fit young males engaged in a rigorous, two-a-day preparation class for special operations forces qualification. Cortisol, sleep, and mood were within normal, healthy parameters in this cohort at baseline. This remained unchanged with kavalactones use with no significant findings of clinical interest. However, a statistically similar, positive slope for within-group Move scores was seen in both groups during kavalactones loading (first group Move slope 2.25, second group Move slope 3.29, p = 0.299). This trend was seen regardless of order and with no apparent effects on the Rest metric (all p ≥ 0.05). Moreover, a significant between-group difference appeared after 1 week of kavalactones use in the first phase (p = 0.044) and persisted through the end of the first loading period (p = 0.022). Following the 10-day washout, this between-groups divergence remained significant (p = 0.038) but was reversed by 1 week after the crossover (p = 0.072), with Move scores once again statistically similar between groups and compared to baseline at study end. Furthermore, the group taking kavalactones first never experienced a significant decrease in Move motivation state (lowest mean score 21.0, highest 28.6, all p ≥ 0.05), while the group receiving kavalactones in the last 2 weeks of the study had Move scores that were statistically lower than baseline (lowest mean score 8.6, highest 25.9, all p ≤ 0.05) at all time points but the last (p = 0.063) after 2 weeks of kavalactones exposure. We report a novel finding that kavalactones may support performance by maintaining or rescuing the desire to expend energy in the context of significant physical and mental strain in well-conditioned individuals, even in a context of already normal cortisol, sleep, and mood.

Implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum and Readiness of Educational Infrastructure in Elementary Schools

Education is a cornerstone in shaping competent and adaptable generations. Merdeka Curriculum was introduced as an educational reform effort in Indonesia to grant students the freedom to develop their potentials according to their interests and talents. However, the implementation of Merdeka Curriculum faces challenges, particularly in educational infrastructure readiness, especially at the primary school level. Adequate educational infrastructure, including physical facilities, access to information and communication technology (ICT), and availability of competent human resources, is crucial for the successful execution of this curriculum. This research aims to analyze the readiness level of educational infrastructure in primary schools to support the implementation of Merdeka Curriculum, identify challenges, evaluate the influence of infrastructure readiness on curriculum effectiveness, formulate strategic steps to address infrastructure constraints, and explore the roles of the government and relevant stakeholders in enhancing educational infrastructure readiness. The research methodology employed includes qualitative and quantitative descriptive methods, involving data analysis from questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Findings indicate that the majority of primary schools still face infrastructure challenges, with only a small portion possessing adequate facilities. Schools with better infrastructure tend to implement Merdeka Curriculum more effectively, evidenced by improved student participation and higher academic outcomes. Recommended strategic steps include increasing budget allocations, providing sufficient ICT devices, and conducting intensive teacher training. The government plays a crucial role in supporting educational infrastructure development through supportive policies and adequate budget allocations. Collaborative efforts among the government, private sector, and local communities are expected to expedite improvements in educational infrastructure readiness, thereby enabling all schools to effectively support Merdeka Curriculum.