Geng Z, Wang J, Cao G
… +3 more, Tan C, Li L, Qiu J
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40592488
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Heat stress and hypoxia impair athletic performance through inflammation, muscle injury, and neuromuscular dysfunction. This study examined these effects in 15 endurance athletes (13 males and 2 females, VO=59.5±3.9 ml/m...Heat stress and hypoxia impair athletic performance through inflammation, muscle injury, and neuromuscular dysfunction. This study examined these effects in 15 endurance athletes (13 males and 2 females, VO=59.5±3.9 ml/min/kg) performing incremental load tests to exhaustion under normal (CON), hypoxic (HYP), and high-temperature and humidity (HOT) conditions. Pre- and postexercise assessments, including blood biomarkers, performance, and surface electromyography (sEMG) during the counter-movement jump (CMJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), were conducted under normal conditions. Compared to CON, time to exhaustion was significantly reduced in HYP and HOT (<0.05). CMJ performance declined under CON and HYP (<0.05). Force at 200 and 250 ms decreased under both CON and HYP during IMTP (<0.05). The root mean square (RMS) and the median power frequency (MPF) were decreased under HYP during CMJ and IMTP (<0.05). In contrast, no significant differences in sEMG and kinetic markers were observed in the HOT (>0.05). No significant changes in creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase levels were observed (>0.05). Postexercise, tumor necrosis factor-alpha was lower in HYP (<0.05), while interleukin-6 increased in HOT (<0.05). Hypoxia impairs neuromuscular function and suppresses inflammation, whereas heat stress induces inflammation without neuromuscular deficits.
Cordeiro R, Rocha J, Silva J
… +4 more, Santos S, Oliveira B, Silva M, Farinatti P
Int J Sports Med
· 2026 Mar · PMID 40592487
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Research on chronic aerobic exercise (AE) and arterial stiffness has yielded mixed results, largely due to differences in participant characteristics and training protocols. This meta-analysis included 26 trials (40 inte...Research on chronic aerobic exercise (AE) and arterial stiffness has yielded mixed results, largely due to differences in participant characteristics and training protocols. This meta-analysis included 26 trials (40 interventions; =756; average age 42±15 y) to assess AE's effect on arterial stiffness, measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and to explore moderating factors. AE programs averaged 40±19 minutes/session, 3±1 d/wk, over 11±8 weeks, with intensities between 3 and 8 METs. Random-effects analysis showed AE significantly reduced central (- 1.02 m/s), mixed (- 0.34 m/s), and peripheral (- 0.72 m/s) PWV, with an overall mean reduction of-0.93 m/s and no differences between arterial beds. However, only a subset of studies showed significant reductions: 9/25 for central, 3/6 for mixed, and 4/8 for peripheral PWV. Studies with higher methodological quality yielded larger effect sizes. Reductions in PWV were consistent across participants with normal or high blood pressure, differing baseline PWV, and both younger and older adults, regardless of blood pressure changes. The impact of training components was inconsistent, suggesting AE benefits across a range of intensities and volumes. Overall, AE appears to reduce arterial stiffness across diverse populations and exercise protocols, supporting its role in improving vascular health.
Richardson L, Olmos A, Montgomery T
… +8 more, Burleson K, Succi P, Lubiak SM, Dinyer-McNeely TK, Hammer SM, Bergstrom HC, Hill EC, Trevino MA
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40570899
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This study examined blood flow restriction (BFR) usage and motor unit (MU) behavior of the biceps brachii during a single high-intensity contraction. Twelve resistance-trained males (25±5 y) completed maximal voluntary c...This study examined blood flow restriction (BFR) usage and motor unit (MU) behavior of the biceps brachii during a single high-intensity contraction. Twelve resistance-trained males (25±5 y) completed maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) of the elbow flexors, followed by a 70% MVC with BFR and without BFR (CON). Surface electromyographic (EMG) signals from the 70% MVCs were decomposed to extract MU: recruitment thresholds (RTs), action potential amplitudes (MUAP), and mean firing rates (MFRs). EMG amplitude (EMG) at 70% MVC was normalized (N-EMG) to MVC EMG. Paired samples -tests compared the -intercepts and slopes of the MUAP and MFR vs. RT relationships and N-EMG between treatments. For the MUAP vs. RT relationships, the -intercepts were greater (=0.016) for CON than BFR, whereas the slopes were greater (=0.024) for BFR than CON. For the MFR vs. RT relationships, the -intercepts were greater (=0.039) for BFR than CON, whereas the slopes were more negative (=0.023) for BFR than CON. N-EMG was greater (=0.038) for BFR than CON. BFR accelerated higher-threshold MU recruitment, increased lower-threshold MU firing rates, and increased N-EMG during a single high-intensity muscle action. BFR may be beneficial for accelerating MU recruitment in populations/scenarios where near-maximal efforts are contraindicated.
Bobotas V, Chatzinikolaou PN, Methenitis S
… +7 more, Doika E, Spiliopoulou P, Malliou VJ, Mpampoulis T, Terzis G, Geladas N, Paschalis V
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40570898
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The study aimed to investigate the effects of exercise-induced muscle damage on muscle and cerebral oxygenation. Twelve healthy men performed eccentric exercise on a leg press machine at an intensity corresponding to the...The study aimed to investigate the effects of exercise-induced muscle damage on muscle and cerebral oxygenation. Twelve healthy men performed eccentric exercise on a leg press machine at an intensity corresponding to their concentric one-repetition maximum. Muscle damage indices, muscle and cerebral oxygenation, and vastus lateralis architecture were evaluated at baseline and 48 hours postexercise. At 48 hours postexercise, delayed onset muscle soreness significantly increased (1.0±0.3 to 4.2±2.8; <0.01), while concentric one-repetition maximum, maximal isometric force, and rate of force development decreased (<0.01). The quadriceps' cross-sectional area and muscle thickness significantly increased (<0.05). During a 5-second maximal isometric contraction, the tissue oxygen saturation index (TSI) of the vastus lateralis (63±3-61±4%; >0.05) and the prefrontal cortex (68±2-67±1%; >0.05) did not change significantly. Deoxyhemoglobin showed a marginally significant decrease (1.16±1.14-0.06±1.10 µM; =0.049). No significant changes were observed in muscle and cerebral oxygenation parameters during the 30-second maximal isometric contraction. The eccentric exercise protocol induced muscle damage and altered muscle architecture. However, these changes were not sufficient to affect muscle or cerebral TSI during either short- or long-duration maximal isometric contraction. Eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage was not found to induce changes in cerebral oxygenation.
Costa MJ, Gay A, Ferreira FA
… +2 more, Vilas Boas JP, Santos CC
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40570883
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The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to make a sex comparison on dryland strength, range of motion (ROM), and kinematics of the breaststroke underwater pullout and (2) to analyze the relationship between dryland streng...The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to make a sex comparison on dryland strength, range of motion (ROM), and kinematics of the breaststroke underwater pullout and (2) to analyze the relationship between dryland strength, ROM, and kinematics of different pullout techniques in both male and female swimmers. Sixteen trained swimmers, nine males (20.67±2.71 years old) and seven females (18.86±0.83 years old), performed 3×25 m breaststroke using two pullout breaststroke techniques: Fly-Kick first and Combined. A speedometer and video footage were used to assess the pullout phase kinematics and the total underwater sequence. Dryland assessments included the maximum jump height, the isometric peak strength of internal shoulder rotation (IR) (at 90°), and knee extensors (at 60°). The joint ROM of knee flexion (KF), plantar flexion (PF), and hip internal rotation were also considered. Velocity-time curves of both techniques according to sex were dissected using statistical parametric mapping. An independent -test was used to compare differences between swimmers' sex in kinematic and dryland variables while the Pearson correlation coefficient () was used for associations. Higher instantaneous velocity at ~24-26, ~31-42, and 54.5-63% during the glide phase duration was found for males in the Fly-Kick first technique. Males also displayed a higher peak (3.29 m·s) and mean velocity (1.58-1.65 m·s) in the total underwater path or in the glide and propulsion phases of both pullout techniques. While males performed better in jump height (33.89 cm) and peak strength of IR (172-176 N), females showed a higher ROM mostly in PF (161-165°). A high and positive correlation between dryland strength and kinematics in both pullout techniques was found in males. The ROM failed to correlate with pullout kinematics, except for the KF in females during the recovery phase (=0.82-0.86). In conclusion, male breaststrokers perform better than females on dryland strength but not in joint ROM, which provides them with an advantage mainly in the Fly-Kick first underwater pullout.
Cirino C, Breda FL, Polisel EEC
… +4 more, Lourenço TF, Papoti M, Gobatto CA, Manchado-Gobatto FB
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Nov · PMID 40570882
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This study determined and compared the second muscle oxygenation threshold (MOT2) in the vastus lateralis (VL) (more active) and biceps brachii (BB) (less active) muscles in the graded exercise test (GXT). Furthermore, w...This study determined and compared the second muscle oxygenation threshold (MOT2) in the vastus lateralis (VL) (more active) and biceps brachii (BB) (less active) muscles in the graded exercise test (GXT). Furthermore, we investigated the correlation between BB and VL MOT2 with the 3,000-m time trial, as well as the muscle oxygenation responses during the free-paced strategy of elite endurance athletes. Nine elite men's middle- and long-distance runners from the Brazilian Paralympic Endurance Team performed the GXT in a laboratory setting. MOT2 was determined by the breakpoint in the tissue saturation index (TSI) curve in both muscles by wearable near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). After 48 h, athletes performed a 3,000-m running test on an outdoor athletics track while monitoring the oxygenation in both muscles. MOT2 velocity values in BB (19.3±1.3 km.h) and VL (19.4±1.2 km.h) did not show a significant difference between them (>0.05). We observed a significant correlation between BB and VL MOT2 with 3,000-m mean velocity (=0.88 and 0.86, respectively, <0.05). Our results reinforce that the maximal aerobic capacity determined in different muscles influenced the athletes' performance in the 3,000-m running. The muscle oxygenation responses showed that BB and VL worked in an integrated manner during the GTX and in the 3,000-m running effort.
Varovic D, Wolf M, Schoenfeld BJ
… +3 more, Steele J, Grgic J, Mikulic P
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40570881
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The aim of this review was to examine how mean muscle length during resistance training (RT) influences regional muscle hypertrophy. Three databases were screened for relevant studies that manipulated muscle length throu...The aim of this review was to examine how mean muscle length during resistance training (RT) influences regional muscle hypertrophy. Three databases were screened for relevant studies that manipulated muscle length through range of motion or exercise selection and evaluated regional muscle hypertrophy. Twelve studies conducted among young adults were included in the Bayesian meta-analysis. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) indicated trivial hypertrophic effects estimated with relatively high precision between proximal (25% muscle length; SMD: 0.05 [95% quantile interval {QI}:-0.07, 0.16]; exponentiated log-transformed response ratio [lnRR]: 0.57% [95% QI:-1.92%, 3.24%]), mid-belly (50% muscle length; SMD: 0.07 [95% QI:-0.02, 0.15]; exponentiated lnRR: 1.22% [95% QI:-0.77%, 3.22%]), and distal (75% muscle length; SMD: 0.09 [95% QI:-0.01, 0.19]; exponentiated lnRR: 1.88% [95% QI:-0.44%, 4.34%]) sites. The effects of RT at longer muscle lengths showed an increasing trend from proximal to distal sites. However, the percentage of posterior distributions falling within regions of practical equivalence was high across all sites. Our findings suggest that RT at both longer and shorter mean muscle lengths produces similar hypertrophic effects. Relatively small differences between "shorter" and "longer" mean muscle length (an average difference of 21.8% mean muscle length) between conditions/groups in the examined studies warrant caution when interpreting the findings.
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Nov · PMID 40550253
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This study evaluated the reliability, sensitivity, and performance changes in physical tests in highly trained adult female football players over the course of a competitive season. Twenty players (21.1±2.72 years) parti...This study evaluated the reliability, sensitivity, and performance changes in physical tests in highly trained adult female football players over the course of a competitive season. Twenty players (21.1±2.72 years) participated in this study. Tests included bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps, unilateral horizontal jumps, 40-m linear sprints, and change-of-direction (COD) tests (COD180° and V-cut). Relative and absolute reliabilities were analyzed. Sensitivity was determined by comparing the smallest worthwhile change to the typical error of measurement and, in addition, changes in performance over the season were assessed in short-, medium-, and long-term periods. Results demonstrated high reliability across all tests, with intraclass correlation coefficient values ranging from 0.70 to 0.94 and coefficient of variation (CV) below 5%, meeting a priori reliability criteria. Vertical jumping exhibited the highest reliability (0.89-0.92) and was sensitive in detecting moderate-to-large changes. COD tests showed moderate-to-high reliability (0.70-0.89), with CODR180° sensitive to seasonal adaptations. Sprint tests also displayed good reliability (0.80-0.94); however, their sensitivity was limited. Notably, the unilateral jump tests and CODR180° exceeded CV thresholds, highlighting their potential to monitor significant improvements over time. Unilateral and COD-specific assessments emerged as particularly valuable for detecting performance changes, underscoring the need for sport-specific testing protocols in women's football.
Genovesi F, Bongiovanni T, Pasquali E
… +5 more, Rossi A, Tabone M, Nuara S, Perali A, Clarsen B
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Nov · PMID 40550252
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Sports participation entails a considerable risk of injury and prevention of health problems is an important goal for clinicians and researchers. A carefully designed injury and illness surveillance program, accurate dat...Sports participation entails a considerable risk of injury and prevention of health problems is an important goal for clinicians and researchers. A carefully designed injury and illness surveillance program, accurate data capture and careful analysis of data are building blocks for the implementation of prevention programs. We included in our narrative review papers addressing definitional issues and how to report data on injury and illness surveillance, papers addressing how to explore impact and effectiveness of surveillance procedures for sports injuries and illnesses and papers comparing different surveillance approaches. Different methods and approaches alongside key definitions and concepts on health problem surveillance have been proposed during the last 30 years trying to address the main features clinicians and researchers should adopt to conduct appropriate injury and illness surveillance. The literature suggests that the collection of a core set of variables including location, tissue and pathology type, relation to sports activity, mode of onset, mechanism, and severity is needed to conduct appropriate injury and illness surveillance. Definitions and modalities should be clarified at the beginning of the surveillance and data collection should be safe and on time.
Giordano K, Nebel AR, Lerch B
… +1 more, Oliver GD
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40541236
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Baseball pitchers commonly suffer shoulder and elbow injuries. Previous research on the relationship between pitch velocity and upper extremity kinetics has been limited to laboratory settings, but recent strides in mark...Baseball pitchers commonly suffer shoulder and elbow injuries. Previous research on the relationship between pitch velocity and upper extremity kinetics has been limited to laboratory settings, but recent strides in markerless motion capture have allowed analysis of in-game baseball pitching biomechanics. Therefore, our purpose was to provide normative data of in-game pitching kinetics and assess the relationships between pitch velocity and shoulder and elbow kinetics. Data from 183 college pitchers were included in this retrospective analysis of in-game college baseball games. Multilevel models were used to assess the relationships between pitch velocity and kinetics. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to assess the intrapitcher relationship between kinetics across multiple outings. The inclusion of random slopes did not meaningfully reduce intrapitcher throwing arm kinetic variance. Additionally, the intrapitcher relationship between throwing arm kinetics and ball velocity did not remain constant across multiple outings. Pitch velocity and in-game throwing arm kinetics did not have a strong intrapitcher relationship, which is different than the results of previous laboratory analyses. The intrapitcher relationship between fastball velocity and throwing arm kinetics does not remain consistent across multiple outings. Additionally, this study provides normative in-game kinetic data for baseball pitching.
Sánchez-Jiménez JL, Sendra-Pérez C, Cibrian-Ortiz de Anda RM
… +3 more, Vazquez-Fariñas M, Priego-Quesada JI, Aparicio-Aparicio I
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40527490
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This study aimed to compare the intensity when thresholds occur determined with muscle oxygen saturation and blood lactate concentration during a graded exercise test (GXT) in an arm-crank ergometer. Twenty-nine particip...This study aimed to compare the intensity when thresholds occur determined with muscle oxygen saturation and blood lactate concentration during a graded exercise test (GXT) in an arm-crank ergometer. Twenty-nine participants were included, divided into non-spinal cord injury (SCI) (=12) and SCI (=17) groups. Participants underwent a GXT with 3-minute steps and 1-minute rest intervals. Blood lactate concentration was measured at baseline and after each step, while muscle oxygen saturation was continuously registered in the biceps brachii. Agreement between methods was good at the first threshold [Non-SCI: intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.46; SCI: ICC=0.51] and excellent at the second threshold (Non-SCI: ICC=0.82; SCI: ICC=0.92). No significant differences were found between groups in bias for the first and second lactate thresholds ( > 0.05). In conclusion, muscle oxygen saturation is valid and reliable for the second lactate threshold determination, with stronger agreement than the first lactate threshold during GXTs using arm-cranking in biceps brachii in Non-SCI and SCI.
Int J Sports Med
· 2026 Feb · PMID 40527489
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This study aimed to evaluate the effects of advanced footwear technology (AFT) on running economy (RE) and endurance performance. A systematic search was conducted on Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase...This study aimed to evaluate the effects of advanced footwear technology (AFT) on running economy (RE) and endurance performance. A systematic search was conducted on Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases on February 9, 2025, using the search terms "advanced footwear technology," "running economy," and "running." Main effect sizes were calculated using Hedges' , and meta-analyses were performed using R Studio. A total of 17 randomized crossover trials with a total of 281 participants were included. Results showed that AFT significantly reduced oxygen consumption (VO) [=-0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI):-0.59,-0.30, <0.001], energy cost (EC) (=-0.35, 95% CI:-0.48,-0.22, <0.001), and the cost of transport (=-0.39, 95% CI:-0.65,-0.14, <0.01) compared to conventional running shoes. Subgroup and regression analyses indicated that improvements in VO (=-0.041, =0.200) and EC (=-0.025, =0.436) were inversely related to running speed, with higher speeds associated with greater improvements in RE. Additionally, AFT improved time trial performance (=-0.23, 95% CI:-0.37,-0.10, <0.001). These findings suggest that AFT offers a moderate advantage in improving running efficiency, and it can help athletes achieve faster times in competitive settings.
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Nov · PMID 40527333
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This study investigates bilateral and unilateral strength imbalances in elite young football players across different age categories. A total of 73 licensed male football players in the U15, U16, U17, and U19 age categor...This study investigates bilateral and unilateral strength imbalances in elite young football players across different age categories. A total of 73 licensed male football players in the U15, U16, U17, and U19 age categories participated in the study. Imbalances between the legs were assessed by both jump tests and differences between hamstring and quadriceps strengths. Differences between age groups were statistically evaluated by one-way analysis of variance and linear regression analysis. The results showed that the hop test asymmetry index (AI), Q/Q, and H/H strength ratios decreased from U15 to U17 and increased again at U19 (=0.037, =0.025, =0.002). Regression analysis revealed that age significantly influenced the hop test AI (5%), Q/Q strength ratio (5%), H/H strength ratio (12%), and dominant leg H/Q strength ratio (7%) (<0.05). Overall, this study shows that muscle strength imbalances in young soccer players differ both bilaterally and unilaterally with age. While bilateral strength differences were relatively balanced in the U15-U17 age groups, a significant asymmetry was observed in the U19 group. In terms of unilateral strength, a certain development was observed in the dominant leg with age, while this development was limited in the nondominant leg.
Parpa K, Michaelides MA, Paludo AC
… +2 more, Govindasamy K, Intziegianni K
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40523384
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Publisher ↗
This review sought to identify the impact of COVID-19 infection on the physical performance parameters of soccer players. The systematic review was conducted based on the PRISMA guidelines. The following databases were s...This review sought to identify the impact of COVID-19 infection on the physical performance parameters of soccer players. The systematic review was conducted based on the PRISMA guidelines. The following databases were searched up to the end of October 2024: MEDLINE, Scopus, Mendeley, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar. Studies conducted on professional and semi-professional adult male soccer players were considered. For a study to be included, it had to report at least one outcome measure both before and after COVID-19 infection. At the end of the screening procedure, a total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. The reviewed studies on V̇O2 max showed mixed results. One study reported a significant (<0.01) decrease 60 days post-infection, while others found no change or even an increase 1-year post-pandemic. Pulmonary function assessment revealed a significant (<0.01) increase in respiratory work, whereas one study found no significant changes at rest. GPS (Global Positioning System) -based studies reported a significant (<0.05) reduction in high-intensity accelerations, decelerations, and high-speed running post-COVID-19, while one study found no differences between infected and non-infected players. Strength, power, and anaerobic power showed no significant decline. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample sizes and limited number of studies.
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Sep · PMID 40523383
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A growing body of sports psychology research has focused on mindfulness-based training in sports environments. This study examined the effects of a 6-day online Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement program on mental hea...A growing body of sports psychology research has focused on mindfulness-based training in sports environments. This study examined the effects of a 6-day online Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement program on mental health, emotion regulation (reappraisal and suppression), and athletic performance in student-athletes. Fifty-three participants were randomly assigned to experimental or waitlist control groups. Pre- and post-test data were collected using the Sports Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, Emotion Regulation Scale for Athletes, and a Self-rated Performance Questionnaire. Additionally, eight participants from the experimental group joined a post-intervention focus group interview. Results from 2×2 mixed-design ANOVAs revealed significant interaction effects for the mental health continuum ( =0.242) and reappraisal ( =0.240), suggesting improved emotional regulation and protection against mental health declines. However, suppression ( =0.008), subjective well-being ( =0.055), and self-rated performance ( =0.005) showed no significant improvements. Qualitative findings highlighted perceived benefits of the intervention, such as increased mindfulness, better emotional control, and improved focus and performance. In conclusion, although statistical improvements were limited to select outcomes, the 6-day online MSPE intervention appears to be a brief, feasible approach for supporting the psychological functioning of student-athletes.
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Sep · PMID 40505688
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Physiological responses to stressors provide insight into future disease risk and sex differences in response to and recovery from stressors, such as a hypertensive stimulus, provide understanding of cardiovascular contr...Physiological responses to stressors provide insight into future disease risk and sex differences in response to and recovery from stressors, such as a hypertensive stimulus, provide understanding of cardiovascular control. The purpose of this study was to determine sex specific responses to an acute resistance exercise bout in central and peripheral blood pressures and arterial stiffness. Twenty-five young males and females who had not engaged in resistance training over the previous year underwent measurements of aortic, carotid, and brachial blood pressures, and carotid and aortic arterial stiffness measurements before, immediately after, and 30 minutes following a full-body resistance exercise bout. Resistance exercise resulted in increased carotid systolic pressure and increased aortic in males only. Both males and females increased carotid stiffness, but males had a greater increase in stiffness that remained elevated while females returned to baseline by 30 minutes post. These findings highlight that blood pressure and arterial stiffness responses to an acute bout of resistance exercise are sex-specific and vary based on measurement timing and location within the arterial tree. Females do not display the same increases in aortic stiffness and central pressures and did not have the same magnitude of carotid stiffness increases as seen in males.
Silva H, Menezes P, Errekagorri I
… +2 more, Nakamura FY, Marcelino R
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40482636
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This study compares locomotor activities during matches with different recovery intervals (<72, 72-120, 121-168,>168 h), considering accumulated travel distances (0, 1-250, 251-1,000,>1,000 km) in the previous 3, 5, and...This study compares locomotor activities during matches with different recovery intervals (<72, 72-120, 121-168,>168 h), considering accumulated travel distances (0, 1-250, 251-1,000,>1,000 km) in the previous 3, 5, and 7 days, and match sequence during congested periods. Locomotor data were collected using a global navigation satellite system and included total distance, distance covered between 14-20, 20-25, 25-30, and>30 km/h, maximal speed, maximal accelerations and decelerations, and the number of accelerations and decelerations between 2 and 3 m/s. Congested fixtures (<72 and 72-120 h) negatively affected locomotor activities compared to noncongested ones (>168 h), with players covering less total distance (=0.026) and distance at 14-20 km/h (=0.027) and performing fewer accelerations (=0.001) and decelerations (=0.022) between 2 and 3 m/s. Additionally, interactions with accumulated kilometers traveled revealed that high accumulated distances in the days leading up to congested fixtures exacerbated reductions in locomotor performance (<0.05). Analysis of specific cases of consecutive congested fixtures showed a decline in locomotor activities after three matches within<72 hours or four matches within<120 hours. These findings highlight the importance of managing fixture schedules and travel distances to optimize player performance and reduce the risk of injury during congested match periods, with limiting players to short match sequences potentially being beneficial.
Ruiz-Navarro JJ, Gay A, Arellano R
… +1 more, Zacca R
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40482635
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We aimed to compare the anaerobic alactic (AnAL) energy expenditure from a 50-m front crawl swimming between two methodologies in highly trained short-distance swimmers: (i) based on the maximal phosphocreatine (PCr) spl...We aimed to compare the anaerobic alactic (AnAL) energy expenditure from a 50-m front crawl swimming between two methodologies in highly trained short-distance swimmers: (i) based on the maximal phosphocreatine (PCr) splitting in contracting muscles (AnAL) and (ii) based on the oxygen uptake ( ˙VO) off-kinetics, where AnAL is estimated from the area under the curve of the fast component (amplitude in liters×time constant in minutes) of the 10-minute of excess postexercise oxygen consumption (AnAL). Thirty-nine 50-m front-crawl all-out (time trial) swimming performances and respective off-transient kinetics pulmonary ˙VO samples (23 men: 17.0±2.6 y and; 16 women: 17.0±2.1 y) were analyzed. We observed no differences ( =0.044; =0.068) between AnAL (41.7±6.1 kJ) and AnAL (37.6±12.7 kJ). Bland-Altman plots indicated high bias (3.79-4.42 kJ) and precision (agreement) (limits:-21.31 to 30.14 kJ) between methods, with repeatability ranging from "poor" to "moderate" (intraclass correlation coefficients: 0.34-0.53; =0.018-0.157), indicating proportional error that varies with the magnitude of the measurements. Although both methods showed overall agreement, their conceptual and methodological differences introduce proportional error. Thus, they should not be used interchangeably, but rather considered complementary, when feasible, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of AnAL energy expenditure in short-duration maximal efforts such as 50-m swimming.