J Int Soc Sports Nutr [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Dietary intake, nutrition knowledge, and behavior in youth team sport athletes: a scoping review and call to advance research and practice.
Irwin N, Ó Catháin C, Ward C … +1 more , Kelly D
J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2026 Dec · PMID 42136020 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Youth team sport athletes face unique nutritional challenges due to the combined demands of growth, development and exercise. This scoping review systematically mapped the literature on dietary intake, nutrit...
BACKGROUND: Youth team sport athletes face unique nutritional challenges due to the combined demands of growth, development and exercise. This scoping review systematically mapped the literature on dietary intake, nutrition knowledge, education interventions and factors influencing dietary behaviors in male and female team sport athletes aged 12-19 years. The review aimed to identify knowledge gaps, highlight methodological limitations and inform recommendations for advancing both research and practice in this population. METHODS: The review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines and was pre-registered on the Open Science Framework. Eligible studies examined dietary intake, nutrition knowledge, education interventions and factors influencing dietary behavior in youth team sport athletes. Searches were conducted across PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus and gray literature sources. Study selection and data charting were conducted by the lead reviewer, with independent verification by a second reviewer. Findings were synthesized using descriptive analysis and thematic synthesis across these four domains. RESULTS: Fifty-seven studies involving 4,369 youth team sport athletes were included. Cross-sectional designs predominated (59.6%) and the evidence base was characterized by significant methodological inconsistencies, including wide variation in dietary assessment methods, limited adjustment for misreporting and substantial underrepresentation of female athletes who accounted for 26.9% of the total sample. Energy and carbohydrate intake were frequently reported below recommended levels, most evident during periods of intensive training and competition. However, findings from studies using doubly labeled water suggest that the magnitude of reported deficits may be overestimated due to dietary underreporting and imprecise estimation of energy expenditure. Protein and fat intake generally met recommendations although micronutrient intake often fell short, particularly for vitamins A, D, and E, calcium and iron. Nutrition knowledge was limited, particularly for sport-specific topics and none of the questionnaires used were validated for adolescent populations. Twelve education interventions were identified; education-only approaches rarely produced changes in dietary behavior, whereas interventions incorporating behavior change components tended to report improvements. Only five studies examined factors influencing dietary behavior, finding that parents, coaches and peers acted as both enablers and barriers to dietary adherence, and that environmental constraints compromised dietary quality. CONCLUSIONS: Youth team sport athletes commonly exhibit inadequate reported energy and carbohydrate intake alongside frequent micronutrient shortfalls, although the reliability of these estimates is limited by methodological constraints. Nutrition knowledge is generally poor, particularly in sport-specific areas. Dietary behaviors are shaped by individual, social and environmental influences that extend beyond knowledge alone and education interventions rarely produce sustained dietary change without the integration of behavior change strategies. Future research should prioritize more rigorous and consistent methodological approaches, improved representation of female athletes and the development of youth-specific validated assessment tools. Given the scope and persistence of the methodological inconsistencies identified, the development of an expert-led consensus statement on standards for dietary assessment, nutrition knowledge measurement, intervention design and participant characterization may help advance the quality and comparability of future research in this population.
The development and validation of a football-specific nutrition knowledge questionnaire for use within adolescent footballers.
Morgan DK, Trakman GL, Boardley ID … +3 more , Page T, Drust B, Brownlee T
J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2026 Dec · PMID 42135987 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Elite adolescent footballers experience periods of rapid growth and maturation alongside their intense training programs. Therefore, their nutritional habits should reflect this and be tailored to support hea...
BACKGROUND: Elite adolescent footballers experience periods of rapid growth and maturation alongside their intense training programs. Therefore, their nutritional habits should reflect this and be tailored to support healthy growth and recovery [1]. Research has shown that U12/13 and U15 footballers within Category One Academy require approximately 2859 ± 265 kcal.d (range 2275-3903 kcal.d) and 3029 ± 262 kcal.d (range 2738-3726 kcal.d), respectively, to fuel their training programs [2]. Food choices can be influenced by a range of physiological, psychological, and social factors, with nutrition knowledge being recognized as an important determinant of nutritional adherence among elite adolescent footballers. However, an ongoing limitation regarding assessing nutrition knowledge is the availability of high-quality, valid procedures, as well as a lack of specificity for certain sports and cohorts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and validate a nutrition knowledge tool, which is based on the most recent football/youth nutrition guidelines, for use with English football academies. METHODS: Recruitment of participants involved three different cohorts: (1) an expert panel for the initial item development of the questionnaire via modifying a previously validated tool, the A-NSKQ, (2) an adolescent football player cohort in which much of the analysis would be conducted, and (3) a university student cohort to provide a construct validity comparison. A robust methodology was followed, incorporating content and face validity and item analysis with techniques from classical test theory (CTT). Content validity involved recruiting experts from the industry (nutrition/sport science/academia) to review the initial items and provide objective feedback via a content validity index (CVI) score. Once this was complete, a sample of the adolescent cohort the tool was intended for was recruited to complete the questionnaire and provide live feedback on readability (face validity). Finally, both the full adolescent cohorts completed the questionnaire ( = 66), alongside a cohort of university-educated students ( = 109), to prove the construct validity of the tool. RESULTS: The resulting tool has 32 items, split across two subsections: general nutrition knowledge (GNK) and sport nutrition knowledge (SNK), and takes around eight minutes to complete. Content and face validity were confirmed by field experts and a sample of participants from whom the tool was intended, respectively. Modifications to the items were made due to the findings of the difficulty index, distractor utility and discrimination index. Evidence of construct validity was examined for the tool by comparing the results from nutrition-educated participants (63 ± 10%) vs non-nutrition-educated participants (52 ± 11%) ( = < 0.001). The test-retest reliability of the tool was confirmed, with a strong correlation ( = 0.77, = < 0.001) between the individual scores of the adolescent footballers on the two attempts of the test, approximately three weeks apart. CONCLUSION: The final version of the tool presents a valid and reliable tool, specific to the sport of football, that practitioners can use to measure the effectiveness of nutrition curriculums within English football academies.
Effects of acute caffeine ingestion combined with post-activation potentiation enhancement on the anaerobic capacity of male collegiate basketball players.
Ma Y, He T, Li H … +3 more , Yan Q, Sun J, Li D
J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2026 Dec · PMID 42120364 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the effects of an acute caffeine (CAF) supplementation strategy combined with post-activation potentiation enhancement (PAPE) on the anaerobic capacity of male collegiate basketball...
INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the effects of an acute caffeine (CAF) supplementation strategy combined with post-activation potentiation enhancement (PAPE) on the anaerobic capacity of male collegiate basketball players. METHODS: Using a randomized crossover design, 24 male collegiate basketball players (age: 20.29 ± 2.60 years) underwent three interventions: a standard warm-up (CON), PAPE with a placebo (PAPE+PLA), and PAPE with 5 mg/kg caffeine (PAPE+CAF). The PAPE protocol comprised a complex plyometric activation set including squat jumps, split jumps, and a 20-meter sprint. Anaerobic performance was assessed via the Wingate anaerobic test, measuring peak power (PP), average power (AP), total work (TW), fatigue index (FI), and the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). RESULTS: The results indicated that compared to CON, PAPE+PLA significantly enhanced PP, AP, and TW ( < 0.001). Furthermore, the PAPE+CAF intervention elicited further significant improvements in PP, AP, and TW compared to PAPE+PLA, indicating a clear synergistic effect (<0.001). Although neither intervention significantly altered FI ( = 0.06), caffeine ingestion effectively reduced RPE ( < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study confirms a synergistic effect between caffeine and PAPE, providing a theoretical foundation and practical reference for precompetition acute activation strategies for male basketball players.
Effects of different caffeine doses on fat oxidation and cardiovascular response during exercise at FATmax in overweight/obese female college students.
Gong Z, Yu S, Lyu Z … +2 more , Huang W, Zhang T
J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2026 Dec · PMID 42120324 · Full text
PURPOSE: This study examined the acute effects of different caffeine doses on fat oxidation and cardiovascular responses at rest and during exercise at the intensity of maximal fat oxidation (FATmax) in overweight/obese...
PURPOSE: This study examined the acute effects of different caffeine doses on fat oxidation and cardiovascular responses at rest and during exercise at the intensity of maximal fat oxidation (FATmax) in overweight/obese sedentary female college students. METHODS: In a randomized trial, eleven participants (age: 20.2 ± 2.3 years; BMI: 26.36 ± 1.78 kg/m²) completed four conditions: placebo (cellulose) or caffeine at 3, 5, or 9 mg/kg. Each session comprised 60 min of seated rest followed by 40 min of treadmill walking at FATmax. Substrate oxidation (via indirect calorimetry), blood pressure, and the fingertip perfusion index (PI) were measured at specific time points: at rest (0, 30, and 60 min after capsule ingestion) and immediately post-exercise (100 min). Additionally, gas exchange and heart rate were recorded continuously throughout the entire 100-min session. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 with two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (or Friedman test for non-normal data) and Bonferroni-adjusted post-hoc comparisons. Significance was set at < 0.05. RESULTS: Caffeine did not alter the resting heart rate or substrate oxidation. During exercise, caffeine at 5 and 9 mg/kg significantly increased the heart rate and blood pressure ( < 0.05), while caffeine at 3 mg/kg elicited no such cardiovascular effects. The PI decreased across all caffeine groups ( < 0.05). Caffeine at both 3 and 5 mg/kg enhanced fat oxidation compared to placebo and the 9 mg/kg dose ( < 0.05). Carbohydrate oxidation was lower with 5 mg/kg caffeine than with placebo ( < 0.05), and both the 3 and 5 mg/kg doses showed reduced carbohydrate oxidation relative to the 9 mg/kg dose ( < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acute caffeine intake at 3 and 5 mg/kg enhanced fat oxidation during FATmax exercise in sedentary overweight/obese females, whereas 9 mg/kg provided no additional metabolic benefit. However, the 5 mg/kg dose was associated with increased cardiovascular strain, which was not observed with the 3 mg/kg. Therefore, a dose of 3 mg/kg appears to offer an optimal balance between stimulating fat oxidation and maintaining cardiovascular safety in this population during acute exercise.
Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) and taurine combination improves anaerobic performance in highly trained wrestlers: a double-blind, randomized, crossover study.
Bi̇lgi̇n S, Buzdağli Y, Ozan M … +8 more , Yilmaz U, Çi̇ydem Ç, Eyi̇pinar CD, İnaç MR, Bağaçli UH, Uçar H, Şiktar E, Dursun M
J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2026 Dec · PMID 42112616 · Full text
BACKGROUND: PAPE is a physiological phenomenon that temporarily enhances muscular strength and responsiveness following high-intensity muscle activity. This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of a PAPE protocol...
BACKGROUND: PAPE is a physiological phenomenon that temporarily enhances muscular strength and responsiveness following high-intensity muscle activity. This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of a PAPE protocol combined with taurine supplementation on anaerobic performance, blood lactate levels, and neuromuscular fatigue in highly trained male wrestlers. METHODS: Twenty elite male wrestlers participated in a double-blind, crossover design comprising three separate sessions: (i) control with no supplementation or PAPE protocol (CON), (ii) PAPE protocol with placebo (PAPE*PLA), and (iii) PAPE protocol with taurine supplementation (PAPE*TAU). In the PAPE*PLA and PAPE*TAU conditions, participants completed 3 sets of 8 repetitions of squat and hip thrust exercises at 85% of their one-repetition maximum. Either a taurine supplement or a sucrose placebo was administered 60 minutes before the protocol. Five minutes after the PAPE protocol, the Wingate anaerobic power (WanT) test was conducted, while CMJ tests were performed before (CMJ-pre), immediately after (CMJ-post), and five minutes following (CMJ-post-5) the WanT. RESULTS: The PAPE*TAU condition resulted in significantly higher peak power output (16.76% increase; = 0.048) and power relative to body mass (22.24% increase; = 0.028) compared to PAPE*PLA and CON. Additionally, post-test blood lactate levels were significantly lower in the PAPE*TAU condition ( < 0.05), and CMJ performance was significantly better post-exercise ( < 0.05), indicating reduced neuromuscular fatigue. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the combination of the PAPE protocol with taurine supplementation enhances anaerobic performance, supports neuromuscular function, and promotes metabolic recovery following high-intensity exercise. These findings suggest a synergistic effect that may benefit athletes engaged in explosive and anaerobic sports such as wrestling.
Carbohydrate supplementation for endurance exercise in the heat: a systematic review with practical recommendations.
Salame A, Brown D, Oueijan K … +1 more , McCullough D
J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2026 Dec · PMID 42105255 · Full text
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Endurance exercise performance is impaired by heat stress. Although the mechanisms are not yet fully understood, heat-induced increases in glycogenolysis may play a role. Therefore, carbohydrat...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Endurance exercise performance is impaired by heat stress. Although the mechanisms are not yet fully understood, heat-induced increases in glycogenolysis may play a role. Therefore, carbohydrate supplementation recommendations may differ for endurance exercise in hot environments. This systematic review aims to investigate the efficacy of carbohydrate supplementation for endurance performance in hot environments. METHODS: Electronic databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus were searched through to April 14, 2026 for studies evaluating endurance performance outcomes under heat stress in response to carbohydrate supplementation. Studies were included if the participants were healthy, aged 18-65 years, and at least recreationally active. A hot environment was defined as an ambient temperature >23 °C. Studies were required to involve an endurance-based and continuous exercise protocol lasting >30 min and a direct performance measure. This cutoff was selected based on evidence indicating glycogen stress at ~40 min under heat stress. In total, 3151 records were identified, and nine randomized, crossover studies met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias. Primary outcomes (endurance performance and carbohydrate oxidation rates) and secondary outcomes (including gastrointestinal symptoms, thermoregulation, and hydration markers) were extracted. Mean carbohydrate intake rates were calculated, and a narrative synthesis was performed. RESULTS: Mean carbohydrate ingestion rates ranged between 14 and 140 g·h, and the exercise trial duration ranged between ~50 and 152 min. Carbohydrate supplementation resulted in equivocal benefits to endurance performance: five studies found significant ( < 0.05) positive effects for carbohydrates (increases of 13.4%-19.3% in time to exhaustion and 3.3%-12.7% in time trial), and four studies found no significant effects. Although nonsignificant, three studies reported average improvements of 6.7%-11.6%, which may be meaningful in elite athletes. Most studies reported no differences in the respiratory exchange ratio between trials, indicating a preferential reliance on glycogen, which is in line with the literature. Carbohydrate ingestion during exercise in the heat did not influence markers of hydration, thermoregulation, or fatigue compared with placebo. Given that prior research shows gastrointestinal symptoms is common in endurance events in hot environments, the absence of symptom investigations in seven out of nine studies reviewed has important implications for interpreting findings. Overall, the results suggest that carbohydrate intake may not reduce glycogen breakdown during endurance performance in heat. Future research should help to better understand the underlying reasons, including any moderating effects of gastrointestinal distress. CONCLUSIONS: Carbohydrate intake during endurance exercise in the heat does not consistently improve exercise performance. Athletes may focus on maintaining hydration during exercise and practice gut-training, based on the wider literature. Future studies should fill the gaps in research, namely, the measurement of gastrointestinal symptoms, the mechanisms of exogenous carbohydrate use in heat, and different modes of exercise, including running, to enable the development of robust, evidence-based recommendations.
Effects of acute HMB-FA supplementation on antioxidant status and muscle damage in Elite Judoka: a randomized pilot trial.
Tayebi SM, Mirzaei M, Stout JR
J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2026 Dec · PMID 42084797 · Full text
PURPOSE: High-intensity judo bouts induce oxidative stress and muscle damage, impairing recovery. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial examined whether acute -hydroxy--methylbutyrate free acid (H...
PURPOSE: High-intensity judo bouts induce oxidative stress and muscle damage, impairing recovery. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial examined whether acute -hydroxy--methylbutyrate free acid (HMB-FA) supplementation influences muscle damage, oxidative stress, and antioxidant biomarkers in elite judoka. METHODS: Twenty-two male elite judoka were randomized to HMB-FA (1.0 g BetaTOR®) or placebo. Supplements were ingested after four simulated Olympic judo bouts. Blood was sampled pre-exercise, post-fourth bout, and 2 h post-bout for creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Twenty-one completed the protocol (one placebo dropout due to injury). Data were analyzed via 2 × 3 mixed ANOVA with partial ². RESULTS: No group differences were seen for CK, MDA, or TAC ( > 0.05). Significant group × time interactions were observed for CAT ( < 0.001), GPX ( = 0.031), and SOD ( = 0.025), indicating greater enzyme increases in HMB-FA (CAT + 54%, GPX + 38%, and SOD + 16%) than placebo (+7-14%). LDH declined in both groups (interaction, = 0.001), but more so in the placebo group (-29.9%) than in the HMB-FA group (-18.6%). CONCLUSION: Acute post-exercise HMB-FA supplementation in elite judo athletes did not significantly influence muscle damage or oxidative stress markers but transiently increased antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, GPX, and SOD). These findings suggest an enzyme-specific effect and highlight the need for future studies using more precise oxidative-stress markers and cellular assays to better evaluate antioxidant responses; however, these effects should be interpreted with caution due to potential limitations related to assay sensitivity and the timing of measurements.
Association between energy availability and sleep quality in elite female and male swimmers: a brief report.
Lundstrom EA, De Souza MJ, Conklin ME … +1 more , Williams NI
J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2026 Dec · PMID 42070107 · Full text
BACKGROUND: There is a high prevalence of poor sleep quality and low energy availability (EA) in athletes during phases of intensive training, which poses significant risks for overreaching, improper recovery, and compro...
BACKGROUND: There is a high prevalence of poor sleep quality and low energy availability (EA) in athletes during phases of intensive training, which poses significant risks for overreaching, improper recovery, and compromised training adaptations. To mitigate these risks, there is a need to explore the relationship between EA and sleep quality. To determine the interrelationships between EA and sleep quality, we assessed EA and sleep quality (sleep duration, sleep debt, percent and hours of: slow-wave sleep (SWS), and rapid-eye movement (REM)). METHODS: The participants included 26 elite male (= 10; 83.8 ± 8.6 kg; BMI: 24.1 ± 1.9 kg/m) and female (= 16; 68.0 ± 5.6 kg; BMI: 22.5 ± 1.6 kg/m) collegiate swimmers (aged 18-22 years). The descriptive data collected included age, weight, height, training data, and body composition measures. Using a wearable device and a dietary recording cell phone application, the collection of EA was matched to sleep data over a two-week period of heavy training. Pearson correlations were utilized to determine relationships between variables. When effects of sex were observed, linear regression analyses were utilized to control for sex-differences. RESULTS: Among all swimmers, 69% exhibited sub-optimal EA (<45 kcal/kg FFM/d). Male swimmers exhibited greater EA and SWS versus females (< 0.05). EA was positively correlated with REM ( = 0.64; = 0.001) but not related to sleep debt. Regression analyses revealed that when controlling for sex, EA positively predicted SWS ( = 0.448; = 9.35, < 0.001), where higher EA predicted longer SWS durations. Controlling for sleep duration, EA positively predicted REM ( = 0.425; = 8.509, < 0.002) and negatively predicted sleep debt ( = 0.261; = 4.055, < 0.031), such that higher EA was predictive of longer durations of REM, and fewer hours of sleep debt. There was a trend toward a correlation between EA and sleep duration in all swimmers (= 0.33; = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Higher EA was significantly associated with greater REM and SWS durations, and with lower sleep debt in elite male and female college swimmers. Although cause and effect were not established, these findings provide preliminary evidence that adequate EA may support better sleep quality in elite collegiate swimmers. If this is confirmed, our results may suggest that athletes should get adequate sleep and consume adequate calories to support energy expenditure needs and optimize training and recovery. Future research should explore the underlying mechanisms and whether low EA causally impacts sleep quality.
Bifidobacterium longum BB536 is associated with improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms and odor-related metabolites in microbiota-defined subgroups of male athletes consuming a high-protein diet: exploratory randomized double‑blind placebo‑controlled trial.
Miyamoto S, Yoshimoto S, Katsumata N … +5 more , Mutoh N, Iwabuchi N, Odamaki T, Asaoka D, Machida S
J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2026 Dec · PMID 42046285 · Full text
BACKGROUND: High‑protein diets are widely used by athletes but may disturb the gut environment and increase production of odor‑related metabolites. Probiotic supplementation has been proposed as a strategy to support gas...
BACKGROUND: High‑protein diets are widely used by athletes but may disturb the gut environment and increase production of odor‑related metabolites. Probiotic supplementation has been proposed as a strategy to support gastrointestinal function under such dietary stress. This study aimed to explore the effects of BB536 on gastrointestinal symptoms, gut microbiota, and odor‑related metabolites in male athletes consuming a high‑protein diet. METHODS: In an exploratory, randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial, 60 healthy male athletes (mean age: 18.62 ± 0.75 years; mean BMI: 22.35 ± 1.80 kg/m) consumed a whey protein supplement (70 g/day) together with either BB536 (46 billion CFU/day, as measured at the start of the intervention) or placebo for 4 weeks. Gastrointestinal symptoms, gut microbiota composition, skin‑emitted volatile compounds, and fecal metabolites were assessed. Subgroup analyses based on responder status and baseline enterotype were conducted post hoc to generate hypotheses regarding microbiota‑dependent responses. RESULTS: In the overall cohort, no significant between‑group differences were observed across gastrointestinal outcomes, gut microbiota indices, or metabolite profiles. Within the BB536 group, diarrhea‑related scores improved from baseline. Post hoc analyses suggested that increases in were evident among responders. Enterotype‑based patterns also emerged: individuals with ‑dominant microbiota showed higher skin‑emitted short‑chain fatty acids after BB536 intake, whereas those with ‑dominant microbiota exhibited reductions in odor‑related metabolites, including methyl mercaptan and ammonia. Corresponding fecal metabolite shifts were modest. CONCLUSION: BB536 supplementation was associated with improvements in diarrhea‑related symptoms and odor‑related metabolites in specific microbiota‑defined subgroups. As these findings did not extend to the full cohort, they should be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis‑generating. Baseline gut microbiota composition may influence probiotic responsiveness, warranting confirmatory trials with prespecified endpoints.
Effects of nutritional interventions on competitive performance and dose‒response relationships among esports players of different skill levels: a systematic review and three-level meta-analysis.
Yao J, He J, Hu E
J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2026 Dec · PMID 42028821 · Full text
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Esports place exceptional demands on neuropsychological capacities; however, a systematic and quantitative synthesis of the specific efficacy of nutritional interventions across various tasks a...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Esports place exceptional demands on neuropsychological capacities; however, a systematic and quantitative synthesis of the specific efficacy of nutritional interventions across various tasks and competitive populations remains absent. This study aims to evaluate the impact of nutritional supplementation on cognitive function and competitive performance in esports players and to explore key moderating variables. METHODS: Electronic databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, were searched (up to January 25, 2026). Thirteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria. A three-level random-effects model was employed to calculate the pooled effect size (Hedges' g), with sources of heterogeneity explored through subgroup analyses and meta-regression. RESULTS: Nutritional interventions significantly enhanced esports-related performance (g = 0.92), with the most pronounced benefits observed in processing speed (g = 1.18) and executive function (g = 1.06). Subgroup analyses revealed significant gains in both professional (g = 0.97) and amateur groups (g = 0.92), while the improvement in first-person shooter (FPS) games (g = 0.96) appeared to surpass that in multiplayer online battle athlete (MOBA) games. Meta-regression indicated no significant linear correlation between caffeine dosage and effect size. GRADE assessment categorized the quality of evidence mostly as "low" to "moderate." CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional interventions demonstrate significant potential for optimizing multidimensional cognitive performance in esports players, particularly in enhancing fundamental reaction speed and high-level decision-making processes. While the findings exhibit a degree of robustness, their practical application should be cautiously evaluated within specific competitive contexts due to current limitations in evidence certainty and significant interstudy heterogeneity. Future research characterized by gender balance and mechanistic orientation with long-term intervention protocols is warranted to elevate the level of clinical evidence.
Deciphering the interplay between serum urate and bone mineral density: insights from observational and genetic perspectives.
Xiang R, Zhong Y, Zhao X … +16 more , Deng Q, Hou J, Sha L, Qu Y, Tang M, Zhu J, Zheng S, Han T, Zhou J, Yu T, Yang B, Song X, Xia M, Fan M, Tao C, Jiang X
J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2026 Dec · PMID 42021545 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Urate commonly influences bone metabolism due to its antioxidant properties, yet this relationship remains inadequately understood. Our study aims to investigate both the phenotypic and genetic relationships...
BACKGROUND: Urate commonly influences bone metabolism due to its antioxidant properties, yet this relationship remains inadequately understood. Our study aims to investigate both the phenotypic and genetic relationships between urate and heel estimated bone mineral density (eBMD), a proxy marker for osteoporosis. METHODS: Leveraging UK Biobank individual-level data and summary statistics from the hitherto largest genome-wide association studies, we evaluated phenotypic associations using linear regression and restricted cubic splines ( = 424,105), then explored genetic correlations, causality, and pleiotropy through genome-wide cross-trait analyses ( = 355,426; = 426,824). RESULTS: Observational analysis suggested a significant linear association ( = 0.008, = 3.35×10) and an inverted U-shaped relationship ( < 0.001) between urate and eBMD. Genome-wide genetic correlation was significant ( = 0.09, = 2.01×10), corroborated by six local signals at chromosomes 7, 9, 10, 14, 17, and 20. Cross-trait meta-analysis identified 237 pleiotropic loci, including 28 novel loci with five showing colocalization ( > 0.90). Gene-based analysis identified 278 shared genes. Transcriptome-wide association study revealed 150 shared genes, primarily enriched in tissues such as the tibial artery, fibroblasts, left ventricle, tibial nerve, and thyroid. One-sample Mendelian randomization demonstrated a causal effect of urate on eBMD ( = 0.038, = 2.26×10), as well as a non-linear causal relationship ( = 3.89×10; = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support phenotypic and genetic relationships between urate and eBMD, highlighting the etiological role of urate in osteoporosis and offering potential strategies for reducing osteoporosis risk.
Soccer pass performance following caffeine intake with deliberate or maintenance practice.
Yaşlı BÇ, Esen Ö, Önlü AŞ … +4 more , Tuncel O, Sertkaya MU, Muñoz A, Karayiğit R
J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2026 Dec · PMID 42015566 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The impact of caffeine on strength and endurance performance is well acknowledged, yet its influence on skill performance remains contentious. A potential scenario in which caffeine augments the efficacy of p...
BACKGROUND: The impact of caffeine on strength and endurance performance is well acknowledged, yet its influence on skill performance remains contentious. A potential scenario in which caffeine augments the efficacy of practice could be useful for sports brokers who diligently pursue every nuance to enhance performance. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to examine the impact of 3 mg·kg of caffeinated coffee intake combined with deliberate (DP) or maintenance practice (MP) on passing performance in adolescent football players. The study also discusses how DP and MP affect passing accuracy without considering caffeine or placebo conditions, as well as how athletes perceive DP and MP and whether caffeine supplementation influences these perceptions. METHODS: Fourteen adolescent male football players (14.07 ± 0.26 years; 174.28 ± 3.12 cm; 57.21 ± 8.40 kg) participated in a double-blind, randomized, counterbalanced, and crossover research design. For the experimental protocols, each participant visited an artificial turf pitch on four occasions, separated by 48 h. They received 3 mg·kg of caffeine sourced from coffee with DP (1), caffeinated coffee intake with MP (2), decaffeinated coffee with DP (3), and decaffeinated coffee with MP (4). Upon concluding the practice regimes, the athletes promptly expressed their evaluations of the practice on a scale of 1-10. The Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT), the One-Touch Passing Test (OTPT), and the Long Passing Test (LPT) were administered to evaluate participants' passing proficiency at both the beginning and end of each session. RESULTS: There was no difference in LSPT, OTPT, or LPT values following caffeine (CAF) and placebo (PLA) supplementation after DP or MP. Regardless of CAF-PLA conditions, although both practices improve the LSPT original time, penalty time, and performance time, only MP increases the LPT score (21.9%; = 0.03). Caffeine also has no additional modifier effect on practice perceptions. DP is considered more mentally challenging than MP (4.18 ± 2.3 & 1.9 ± 1.2; > 0.05), but both practices are similar in terms of relevancy, enjoyment, and physicality. CONCLUSION: 3 mg·kg of caffeinated coffee has no additional effects on DP or MP for passing performance. Regardless of CAF or PLA intake, both practices improve short-term passing, yet only MP appears effective for enhancing long-term passing in players with average technical ability. Accordingly, coaches may consider incorporating these strategies into pre-match warm-ups or structured training programs. Moreover, CAF did not influence players' perceptions of the training sessions, particularly when physical demand was minimal. Similarly, when comparing DP and MP, athletes reported similar perceptions, suggesting that the practical application of DP in field-based settings may diverge from its original theoretical framework. Further research needs to clarify how DP principles are implemented and perceived in real-world practice.
Individual responses to pomegranate juice on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage in collegiate male volleyball players.
Rezaei G, Hemmatinafar M, Willems MET … +3 more , Mastouri D, Imanian B, Rezaei R
J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2026 Dec · PMID 42015544 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Volleyball demands frequent explosive, stretch-shortening muscle actions that elevate the risk for exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Polyphenol-rich pomegranate j...
BACKGROUND: Volleyball demands frequent explosive, stretch-shortening muscle actions that elevate the risk for exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Polyphenol-rich pomegranate juice (POMj) has been proposed to aid recovery, yet evidence in highly trained team-sport athletes is limited. This study investigated whether short-term POMj enhances functional and isokinetic recovery following an EIMD protocol in collegiate male volleyball players and identified individual responders using the smallest worthwhile change (SWC) method. METHODS: Fourteen Tier-3 male collegiate volleyball players completed testing in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. The supplementation was 1000 mL of natural POMj (500 mL evening prior; 500 mL 2 h pre-EIMD protocol) or flavor-matched placebo (PLA). The EIMD protocol consisted of 200 weighted (10% body mass) maximal vertical jumps. The outcomes at baseline (BL) and 48 h post-EIMD included functional tests (vertical jump height, handgrip, medicine-ball throw, flexibility, wall-squat) and knee isokinetic/isometric contraction indices (extension/flexion at 30° s and 180° s; MVIC at 45°). DOMS (VAS) was assessed at BL, 0, 12, 24, and 48 h. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to test condition effects. The SWC was set to 0.2 × SD at BL to classify individual responders. RESULTS: ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of time for most variables (< 0.05), indicating recovery or changes across 48 h; however, no significant between-condition differences (POMj vs. PLA) were observed for any functional or isokinetic parameter. Although the knee extensor peak torque at 180° s significantly improved from baseline within the POMj (= 0.002), this recovery was not statistically superior to that of the PLA (= 1.000). Similarly, DOMS increased significantly over time ( = 0.001), with no significant difference between conditions. SWC analysis revealed higher responder proportions with POMj for selected 180° s indices (e.g. knee extensor relative peak torque (RPT): ~86% POMj vs. ~64% PLA; absolute peak torque (APT): ~79% vs. ~71%), indicating practically meaningful individual benefits despite null mean differences. CONCLUSIONS: In highly trained male volleyball athletes, short-term POMj did not outperform placebo on group-mean recovery outcomes at 48 h post-EIMD; however, SWC-based analyses showed a higher proportion of meaningful responders with POMj in selected high-velocity isokinetic measures, supporting responder-focused evaluations of recovery nutraceuticals in sport-specific settings.
Effects of eight weeks of eicosapentaenoic acid and medium-chain triacylglycerol structured lipid intake on EPA/AA ratio and muscle performance in young men.
Shimizu T, Tsuchiya Y, Ueda H … +3 more , Yokoi K, Yanagimoto K, Ochi E
J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2026 Dec · PMID 41992745 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Structured triglycerides (STGs), in which eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are esterified with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), have demonstrated greater bioavailability and potent...
BACKGROUND: Structured triglycerides (STGs), in which eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are esterified with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), have demonstrated greater bioavailability and potential benefits in improving endurance and reducing post-exercise strength loss compared with physical mixtures (PMs) of EPA and MCTs. However, it remains unclear whether STGs have superior effects on blood EPA levels and muscular endurance and fatigue. This study compared the effects of 8-week STG and PM intake on blood EPA levels, muscular endurance, and fatigue following resistance exercise. METHODS: Twenty-eight healthy young men were randomly assigned to an STG group (n = 15) or a PM group (n = 13) in a double-blind, parallel-group, active comparator trial. Participants consumed 4,560 mg/day of the test oil (600 mg EPA, 260 mg DHA) for 8 weeks. After the intervention, the participants performed four sets of leg extensions to exhaustion at 40% of their body weight. Muscular endurance was assessed by the number of repetitions, and fatigue was evaluated by changes in maximal voluntary contraction, range of motion, thigh circumference, muscle thickness, echo intensity, and jump performance. RESULTS: The STG group showed a significantly greater increase in the serum EPA/arachidonic acid (AA) ratio compared with the PM group. However, no significant differences were found between groups in repetition counts or fatigue-related measures. CONCLUSION: Eight weeks of STG supplementation improved the blood EPA/AA ratio more than a PM, but did not yield superior effects on muscle endurance or fatigue.
Effects of race distance and probiotics intervention on kidney, muscle, and gut injury and inflammation biomarker responses during running.
Hansson E, Skinner B, Falcone T … +2 more , Halder A, Lucas RAI
J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2026 Dec · PMID 41981959 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Prolonged intense physical activity, such as long-distance running, may lead to systemic inflammation and cause organ injury, particularly to the kidneys. This study aimed to assess the impact of trail race...
INTRODUCTION: Prolonged intense physical activity, such as long-distance running, may lead to systemic inflammation and cause organ injury, particularly to the kidneys. This study aimed to assess the impact of trail race running on kidney and muscle injury and gut inflammation biomarkers, and the potential mitigating effects of 299v (Lp299v) supplementation. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 34 participants who completed 42 races, ranging from 20 to 164 km. Participants were divided into two groups, receiving either 40 bn CFU Lp299v or a placebo for 4 weeks before the race. Urine and fecal samples were collected pre- and post-race (immediately after, morning after and 24 h after the race) to measure biomarkers of muscle and kidney injury, and gut inflammation. Principal component analysis was used to create a single tubular kidney injury biomarker component variable (TKIBC1) positively associated with five separate tubular kidney injury biomarkers (MCP-1, KIM-1, GST-, clusterin, and calbindin) at the three post-race time points. RESULTS: Running led to increased tubular and glomerular kidney injury markers, increased levels of fecal calprotectin, and, in some cases, elevated urine myoglobin levels. These effects were more pronounced in races ≥107 km (ultradistance). While Lp299v supplementation did not significantly influence TKIBC1, it was associated with a protective effect against gut inflammation. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that prolonged intense exercise induces kidney and muscle injury as well as gut inflammation, with more severe effects observed in ultra-distance running. Lp299v may have some protective effects, particularly against gut inflammation, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms linking gut health and kidney injury during extreme physical exertion.
Association between usual protein intake and muscle function in older U.S. adults: a target-trial emulation using NHANES 2011-2018.
Ling Y, Hou MX, Riaz M … +1 more , Rahman NU
J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2026 Dec · PMID 41978913 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The link between long-term protein intake and muscle performance in older adults has been hard to define, partly because most studies rely on short dietary windows and are vulnerable to confounding and measur...
BACKGROUND: The link between long-term protein intake and muscle performance in older adults has been hard to define, partly because most studies rely on short dietary windows and are vulnerable to confounding and measurement noise. In this work, we attempted to estimate the usual protein intake and functional limitation among U.S. adults aged ≥ 60 years using a target-trial emulation framework with overlap weighting and semiparametric estimators. METHODS: Data were drawn from four NHANES survey cycles (2011-2018), including 5,736 adults aged ≥ 60 years with complete exposure, outcome, and covariate data. Usual protein intake (g/kg/day) was derived from available 24-hour recalls to approximate habitual intake. The primary outcome was PFQ-defined mobility limitation across cycles; grip strength (2011-2014) was analyzed separately as a secondary outcome. Causal contrasts across predefined intake categories (<0.8, 0.8- < 1.0, 1.0- < 1.2, ≥1.2 g/kg/day) were evaluated using covariate-balancing propensity score overlap weighting (ATO estimand) followed by marginal structural models. Doubly robust sensitivity analyses were conducted using augmented inverse probability weighting and targeted maximum likelihood estimation with generalized linear models. Simulation extrapolation (SIMEX) was applied to assess potential bias from dietary measurement error. Exploratory analyses evaluated hs-CRP as a potential mediator and tested effect modification by vitamin D status and physical activity. RESULTS: Mean usual protein intake was 0.93 g/kg/day, and approximately 42% of participants consumed at least 0.8 g/kg/day, the current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for the general adult population. In the prespecified overlap-weighted marginal structural model (ATO estimand), higher intake was associated with lower odds of mobility limitation, although the primary contrast comparing ≥ 1.2 versus < 0.8 g/kg/day was modest and not statistically significant (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.54-1.47). A doubly robust binary contrast yielded a -6.6 percentage-point difference in predicted limitation (95% CI -25.8 to 12.7), consistent in direction but imprecise. In cycle-specific analyses, the inverse association was more pronounced in 2015-2018 (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.65-0.98). Spline models suggested a steeper decline in predicted limitation below approximately 1.0-1.1 g/kg/day, with a flatter trajectory at higher intakes. Exploratory mediation models indicated a potential indirect component through hs-CRP, though these estimates were not overlap-weighted and should be interpreted cautiously. CONCLUSIONS: Higher usual protein intake was directionally associated with lower odds of mobility limitation among older U.S. adults within a target trial emulation framework, although the primary overlap-weighted estimates were modest and imprecise. Evidence of nonlinearity suggests that intakes near 1.0-1.1 g/kg/day may mark a range where predicted limitation declines more steeply, but uncertainty increases at higher intake levels. Given the cross-sectional design and residual potential for confounding, these findings should be interpreted cautiously. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether sustained protein intake in this range meaningfully preserves functional capacity over time.
Effects of vitamin D supplementation on cardiac, muscle, and immune responses after a marathon race: a single-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Weng PW, Nanda JD, Chien YH … +3 more , Lin CF, Cheng SC, Yang MT
J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2026 Dec · PMID 41966073 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Strenuous endurance exercise imposes substantial physiological stress on the cardiovascular system and has been associated with transient elevations in cardiac biomarkers. Vitamin D₃ has been suggested to inf...
BACKGROUND: Strenuous endurance exercise imposes substantial physiological stress on the cardiovascular system and has been associated with transient elevations in cardiac biomarkers. Vitamin D₃ has been suggested to influence oxidative stress and immune responses. In this study, we investigated the effects of vitamin D₃ supplementation on biomarkers of cardiac, muscle, and immune responses following a marathon race. METHODS: Twenty-one amateur runners were allocated to either a vitamin D₃ supplementation group (receiving vitamin D₃ for 8 weeks) or a placebo group. All participants completed an official full marathon (42.195 km). Blood biomarkers were measured from 24 h before to 24 h after the race. RESULTS: Post-race increases in markers of muscle damage and cardiac stress were observed. Vitamin D₃ supplementation was associated with attenuated elevations in selected biomarkers demonstrating significant interaction effects. Compared with the placebo group, the vitamin D₃ group demonstrated attenuation of protein carbonyls (PC), the only oxidative stress marker showing a significant Group × Time interaction. No significant interaction effects were observed for thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) or antioxidant enzymes. Both groups showed post-race increases in white blood cell counts, particularly neutrophils, whereas lymphocyte counts significantly decreased at 0.5 h and 2 h post-race. Immunoprofiling revealed time-dependent alterations in selected immune cell subsets, although no significant interaction effects were detected. Descriptive differences in recovery patterns were observed between groups, and exploratory correlation analyses suggested time-specific associations between immune cell subsets and biochemical markers during recovery. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D₃ supplementation may attenuate PC responses and was associated with lower creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) levels at 24 h post-race following marathon running. Immune alterations were time-dependent, with descriptive differences in recovery patterns between groups.
Comparative effects of caffeine and paraxanthine on rowing performance and sleep quality: a randomized crossover study.
Bingol Diedhiou A, Yildirim UC, Ozdenk S … +7 more , Erkan D, Karakulak I, Yildirim Tuncer S, Turğut M, Gundem MC, Bora MV, Akca F
J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2026 Dec · PMID 41918248 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Although caffeine is widely used in athletes due to its ergogenic effects, the effects of its main metabolite, paraxanthine, on performance and sleep have not been adequately investigated. PURPOSE: This study...
BACKGROUND: Although caffeine is widely used in athletes due to its ergogenic effects, the effects of its main metabolite, paraxanthine, on performance and sleep have not been adequately investigated. PURPOSE: This study aimed to comparatively investigate the effects of caffeine and its main metabolite paraxanthine on rowing performance and sleep quality. METHODS: The study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, crossover study and included 14 male university-level rowers (21.6 ± 1.9 age; 2.2 ± 1 years of rowing experience). The participants participated in 2000-m rowing ergometer time trials under four different supplementation conditions (caffeine + paraxanthine, caffeine + placebo, paraxanthine + placebo, and placebo with 200 mg each). Performance data (completion time, mean power, and heart rate), sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness were assessed by subjective scales. The data were analyzed by repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc tests. RESULTS: Compared with the placebo, the combined caffeine + paraxanthine condition was associated with faster 2000-m performance and higher mean power output ( = 0.044; Cohen's d = 0.30). Caffeine alone and paraxanthine alone did not show clear evidence of performance improvement in this sample, although estimates favored both conditions versus placebo. Conditions containing caffeine were associated with poorer subjective sleep quality, whereas paraxanthine alone showed more favorable sleep-related outcomes. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the combined ingestion of caffeine and paraxanthine elicited the most pronounced performance benefits, while paraxanthine alone did not demonstrate clear standalone ergogenic efficacy at the administered dose. However, paraxanthine was associated with better subjective sleep outcomes compared to caffeine, suggesting that its potential value may be related more to tolerability rather than superior performance enhancement, particularly for athletes training in the evening. Study limitations, including the small sample size and lack of objective sleep measures, should be considered when interpreting the results. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Paraxanthine may represent a practical option for athletes who prioritize sleep quality or experience sensitivity to caffeine-related sleep disturbances, although further dose‒response studies are required to clarify its ergogenic potential.
The emerging and evolving evidence supporting creatine as an ergogenic aid: history and applications.
Kerksick C, Gonzalez D, Stout J … +6 more , Forbes S, Candow D, Ziegenfuss T, Marshall R, Schwesig R, Kreider R
J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2026 Dec · PMID 41870601 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Creatine is one of the most extensively studied ergogenic aids, with over three decades of research supporting its role in exercise performance, recovery, and health. METHODS: This narrative review summarizes...
BACKGROUND: Creatine is one of the most extensively studied ergogenic aids, with over three decades of research supporting its role in exercise performance, recovery, and health. METHODS: This narrative review summarizes the historical development of creatine supplementation and evaluates evidence regarding its mechanisms, efficacy across active, athletic populations (e.g. strength, endurance, team-sport), and tactical (e.g. military, law enforcement) populations, and its safety profile. RESULTS: The evidence suggests that creatine enhances phosphocreatine resynthesis and cellular energy availability, resulting in consistent improvements in high-intensity exercise performance, training adaptations, lean body mass, strength, and power. Additional findings indicate that creatine may attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation, support recovery, and improve functional outcomes following strenuous activity. Emerging research suggests benefits for endurance and team-sport athletes through enhanced glycogen resynthesis, calcium handling, oxidative stress mitigation, and repeated-sprint performance. In tactical populations, creatine may support occupational readiness by improving strength, hydration status, thermoregulation, cognition, sleep quality, and recovery, with possible neuroprotective and cardiometabolic implications. Soccer-specific evidence demonstrates improvements in repeated-sprint ability and tolerance to high training loads, with preliminary data suggesting protective effects against neurotrauma and gut barrier disruption. Importantly, pooled analyses from hundreds of clinical trials report no greater incidence of adverse events compared with placebo, reinforcing creatine's established safety profile. CONCLUSION: Overall, the evidence suggests that creatine is a versatile supplement with strong evidence to enhance performance and recovery across diverse populations. Future research should prioritize individualized dosing strategies, long-term outcomes in underrepresented groups, and exploration of novel therapeutic applications in health and disease.
Combined resistance exercise and essential amino acid intake enhance follistatin/myostatin ratio and muscle fitness in older women: a randomized controlled trial.
Jeong D, Valentine RJ, Jeong H … +3 more , Sung JY, Lim H, Kang S
J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2026 Dec · PMID 41863133 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Age-associated sarcopenia and declining physical function in older women are connected to changes in hormones, inflammation, and disrupted protein metabolism. Myokines and cytokines play central roles in musc...
BACKGROUND: Age-associated sarcopenia and declining physical function in older women are connected to changes in hormones, inflammation, and disrupted protein metabolism. Myokines and cytokines play central roles in muscle atrophy. While both resistance exercise (RE) and essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation are promising interventions, limited randomized trials have assessed their combined effect in healthy elderly populations. Early targeted strategies may help delay sarcopenia and promote healthier aging. METHODS: A 12-week randomized controlled trial was performed involving 96 healthy women aged ≥ 65 years without insulin resistance. Participants were randomized into four groups: control, RE, EAA, or RE + EAA. The intervention consisted of a circuit-based training program conducted three times per week, with each session lasting 60 minutes at moderate intensity. Participants in EAA and RE + EAA groups consumed 5.5g of EAA twice daily. Assessments before and after the intervention included body composition, muscle fitness, serum myokines, and inflammatory cytokines. Data analysis involved two-way repeated measures ANOVA, Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons, and one-way ANOVA for changes in the follistatin/myostatin ratio. RESULTS: The RE + EAA group demonstrated a significant increase in muscle mass (F(3, 72) = 5.042, < 0.001, partial η² = 0.174) and greater improvements in the senior fitness test ( ranging from < 0.05 to < 0.001). There was a reduction in myostatin levels ( < 0.05) and an elevation in follistatin in both the RE ( < 0.05) and RE + EAA ( < 0.001) groups. The follistatin/myostatin ratio increased most in the RE + EAA group (F(3, 72) = 5.556, = 0.002, partial η² = 0.188), with significance versus control ( < 0.001), EAA ( < 0.05) groups. IL-6 and IL-1β were significantly reduced in the RE ( < 0.05) and RE + EAA ( < 0.05) groups, whereas TNF- decreased only in the RE + EAA group ( < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A 12-week intervention combining resistance exercise and essential amino acid supplementation was superior to either intervention alone in enhancing muscle mass, muscle fitness, myokine profiles, and reducing inflammatory markers among healthy older women. These results support the development of early combined interventions for the prevention of sarcopenia and may guide personalized exercise-nutrition prescriptions for optimal aging. TRIAL REGISTRATION: KCT 0010756 (Retrospectively registered; July 15, 2025).
About
- Frequency
- Sun
- Papers found
- 200
- RSS feed
- Subscribe