European Journal Of Applied Physiology[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
What is resistance exercise? A review of current uses and potential ways forward.
Lohmann LH, Afonso J, Behm DG … +7 more , Siegel SD, Keiner M, Wirth K, Blazevich AJ, Helms ER, Spence AJ, Warneke K
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 May · PMID 41701248 · Full text
The resistance exercise (RE) literature highlights the importance and impact of RE in sports performance, daily life, and clinical outcomes. While RE research dates back to the 19th century, current definitions of what c...
The resistance exercise (RE) literature highlights the importance and impact of RE in sports performance, daily life, and clinical outcomes. While RE research dates back to the 19th century, current definitions of what constitutes RE are varied and give rise to questions about the requisites of RE. For example, some definitions refer to movements or muscle contractions against external resistance whereas others consider all repeated actions against one’s bodyweight. Taken to the limit, this could introduce confusion between RE and endurance exercise, for example. Without a clear definition, systematic reviews (with meta-analysis) discuss outcomes of studies examining the effects of RE in different settings, using heterogenous inclusion criteria (e.g., plyometrics may be included in some reviews but not in others). This may affect the direction and magnitude of effects, whereby it will be unclear if heterogeneous findings result from natural variation in response to RE or from different definitions of what constitutes RE. This challenges comparative analyses and may impair cohesive RE recommendations. Taken collectively, this obscures our understanding of RE effects. In an attempt to advance this understanding, the present review starts by mapping different types of definitions and illustrates their consequences. Secondly, this review provides a working definition of RE while discussing persisting challenges that require clarification before a consensus can be reached.
Raclet: the ramp above critical level endurance test to evaluate critical force in isometric task.
Morel B, Bowen M, Vonderscher M … +4 more , Blervaque L, Di Domenico H, Pernot J, Samozino P
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41697285 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: The Ramp Above Critical Level Endurance Test (RACLET) is a novel submaximal test designed to evaluate the parameters of the critical force model without strenuous exercise. This study aimed to validate the RACLE...
PURPOSE: The Ramp Above Critical Level Endurance Test (RACLET) is a novel submaximal test designed to evaluate the parameters of the critical force model without strenuous exercise. This study aimed to validate the RACLET in healthy and pathological populations and to assess its reliability, concurrent validity, and predictive capacity. METHODS: Sixteen healthy volunteers and ten patients with respiratory pathologies participated in this study. The RACLET consisted of a decreasing ramp force starting at 60% and ending at 15% of the maximum force for a total duration of 425 s with brief regular maximal voluntary contractions. RESULTS: The goodness of fit for the RACLET model on the maximal contraction force was excellent in both populations (median r[Formula: see text] ≈ 0.95). In patients, RACLET parameters demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC > 0.90). The concurrent validity of the critical force estimate compared with the all-out method was high (error: ‐0.3±7.4%). The model’s predictive capacity for time-to-exhaustion and fatigue during constant-intensity exercise was excellent (r[Formula: see text] = 0.910 and 0.907, respectively). CONCLUSION: The RACLET is thus confirmed as a reliable, valid, and feasible method for determining critical force parameters without strenuous exertion. Its strong predictive accuracy for both time-to-exhaustion and fatigue establishes it as a robust submaximal alternative to all-out protocols for use in both healthy and vulnerable populations.
The impact of mild hypohydration and sex on the cardiovascular responses to progressive lower-body negative pressure.
Hunt M, McCrone JC, Pignanelli C … +10 more , Grigore MM, Turetskiy K, Lydiate GC, Robertson AA, Parris REJ, Bisset-Cavallin EM, Wideman C, Millar PJ, Burr JF, Tymko MM
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41697284 · Publisher ↗
The arterial baroreflex maintains blood pressure during mild-to-moderate orthostatic stress, but the roles of hydration status and sex in this response are unclear. This study used progressive lower-body negative pressur...
The arterial baroreflex maintains blood pressure during mild-to-moderate orthostatic stress, but the roles of hydration status and sex in this response are unclear. This study used progressive lower-body negative pressure (LBNP) to examine how both fluid restriction and sex influence blood pressure regulation during central hypovolemia. Twenty-eight healthy young adults (15 females) completed two visits, in a counterbalanced order: 24-hr fluid restriction (hypohydrated) or 24-hr ad libitum fluid intake (euhydrated). Hydration status was assessed by changes in body mass and urine specific gravity. Beat-by-beat blood pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output were measured during progressive LBNP to presyncope, defined as systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg for three consecutive cardiac cycles. 24-hr fluid restriction reduced body mass (Δ - 1.27 ± 0.70 kg; p < 0.01) and elevated urine specific gravity (Δ + 0.013; p < 0.01), confirming that participants were mildly hypohydrated after 24-hr of fluid restriction. Mild hypohydration did not affect tolerance time to presyncope (p = 0.48), blood pressure (all p > 0.39), stroke volume (p = 0.87), or cardiac output (p = 0.21), but heart rate was borderline elevated during LBNP when hypohydrated (p = 0.051). Females exhibited lower tolerance to LBNP than males (12.8 ± 4.2 min vs. 16.7 ± 5.7 min; p = 0.037), and a distinct cardiac response, characterized by a higher heart rate (~ 4.3 bpm) and a greater reduction in stroke volume (~ 2.6 mL) during LBNP (both p < 0.01). However, no significant interactions were observed between sex and hydration status for any cardiovascular responses to LBNP (all p > 0.05). These data indicate that sex and hydration status influence cardiac function in response to LBNP.
Correction: Explanatory mechanisms for postural control disorders in young women with iron deficiency anemia: a cross-sectional study.
Harrabi MA, Ayed R, Chaari F … +9 more , Hdadi A, Boughattas W, Mezghani I, Fendri T, Kallel C, Rebai H, Turki M, Ayadi F, Sahli S
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 May · PMID 41677849 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Correction: Small muscle mass exercise enhances muscular adaptations? Effects of unilateral and bilateral biceps curl on maximum strength and muscle size changes.
Kassiano W, Tricoli I, Gomes F … +8 more , Santos-Melo V, Manske I, Kunevaliki G, Lisboa F, Miguel A, Prado A, Stavinski N, Cyrino ES
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 May · PMID 41677848 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Exercise modality but not hypoxia alters heart rate variability after a single repeated-sprint session.
Gutknecht AP, Singer J, Favier FB
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41677847 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: In exercise physiology, the concept of overload states that training load should be sufficient to challenge body homeostasis and thus trigger positive adaptations. Repeated-sprint training in hypoxia has been pr...
PURPOSE: In exercise physiology, the concept of overload states that training load should be sufficient to challenge body homeostasis and thus trigger positive adaptations. Repeated-sprint training in hypoxia has been proposed as a potent modality to enhance performance without altering mechanical work or subjective difficulty compared to normoxia, while physiological effects of such training remain poorly understood. We proposed here to use heart rate variability (HRV) as a proxy for the level of physiological stress induced by different modalities of repeated-sprint exercises in normoxia and hypoxia. METHODS: Twelve participants performed 6:24 (sprint: recovery duration in s) or 10:20 repeated-sprints in normoxia and hypoxia in a balanced randomized single-blinded crossover design. Time, frequency and non-linear domains of HRV were analysed within the first 15 min of recovery after each exercise, as well as in the morning following the session. RESULTS: During immediate recovery, modality (6:24 vs. 10:20), but not hypoxia had a significant effect on HRV indices, with the 10:20 condition delaying parasympathetic reactivation. Variables measured during the morning after exercise displayed less pronounced changes, with the 10:20 condition that tended to reduce HRV. Hypoxia non significantly increased resting heart rate and had a negative effect on parasympathetic activity only in the 6:24 condition. CONCLUSION: Overall, the 10:20 modality in normoxia appears as a potent stimulus to disrupt body homeostasis in recreationally trained participants. Our results suggest that addition of hypoxia during supramaximal exercises would not represent a significant stimulus to trigger additional alteration of the autonomic nervous system balance.
A reassessment of the energetic significance of blood lactate accumulation during exercise.
Ferretti G, di Prampero PE
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Mar · PMID 41677846 · Full text
In this perspective paper, we reassess the theoretical bases and reanalyse the experimental evidence supporting the concept that blood lactate accumulation during exercise at powers above the maximal lactate steady state...
In this perspective paper, we reassess the theoretical bases and reanalyse the experimental evidence supporting the concept that blood lactate accumulation during exercise at powers above the maximal lactate steady state corresponds to and reflects the metabolic power derived from anaerobic lactic metabolism. We discuss the biochemical background of anaerobic lactic metabolism and the direct proportionality between the anaerobic lactic metabolic power and the corresponding rate of lactate accumulation. We compute the energy equivalent of lactate accumulation, defined as the slope of such relationship. We then discuss lactate distribution and its impact on lactate washout during recovery at the end of exercise and the concept of lactate threshold within the present energetic perspective. We eventually explain why we can have higher yet stable lactate concentrations at exercise than those prevailing at rest and we discuss the energetic significance of lactate accumulation during the exercise transients (early lactate). Our aim is to convince readers that a simple measure of blood lactate is sufficient to obtain valuable information on the power generated by anaerobic lactic metabolism.
Load- and velocity-specific adaptations to lower-body maximal strength training (MST), hypertrophy training (HT) and explosive strength training (EST).
Trane G, Gomo OM, Bøtun SP … +2 more , Helgerud J, Unhjem RJ
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41677845 · Full text
PURPOSE: We compared the effects of three strength training methods on squat performance; maximal strength training (MST), hypertrophy training (HT) and explosive strength training (EST). MST and EST were workload-matche...
PURPOSE: We compared the effects of three strength training methods on squat performance; maximal strength training (MST), hypertrophy training (HT) and explosive strength training (EST). MST and EST were workload-matched, whereas HT was performed at higher volume. METHODS: Fifty-eight moderately trained males (n = 29) and females (n = 29) were allocated to (1) MST-4 × 4 repetitions squats at ≥ 85% of one repetition maximum (1RM), (2) HT-3 × 8-12 repetitions squats at ∼70–80% of 1RM, (3) EST-4 × 6-7 unloaded squat jumps (SJ), (4) Control (CON). MST, HT and EST performed three sessions/week for eight weeks. Squat 1RM strength, SJ rate of force development (RFD) at 50%, 30% and 0% of squat 1RM (RFDSJ50%, RFDSJ30% and RFDSJ0%), SJ- and counter movement jump (CMJ)-height and leg lean mass were examined. RESULTS: MST and HT improved squat 1RM (+ 20.7% and + 18.2%) more than EST (+ 10.9%) (all p ≤ 0.01) and CON (all p ≤ 0.001). MST and HT improved RFDSJ50% (+ 21.7% and + 14.3%, all p ≤ 0.001), RFDSJ30% (+ 17.8% and 14.0%, p ≤ 0.001–0.01) and RFDSJ0% (+ 12.3% and + 11.4%, p ≤ 0.01–0.05), while EST and CON did not. EST improved SJ-height (+ 2.2 cm) and CMJ-height (+ 1.7 cm) (all p ≤ 0.001) to a similar extent as MST (+ 2.2 cm and + 2.3 cm, all p ≤ 0.001) and HT (+ 2.0 cm and + 1.6 cm, all p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSION: MST and HT led to improvements across all measured squat and jumping variables, whereas EST improved jump performance under conditions of low external load and high velocity. Improved jumping performance following MST and HT seems to rely largely on changes in muscle strength, whereas for EST, other mechanisms not assessed in this study may play a greater role.
Muscle and bone: not just neighbours, but interdependent teammates in wheelchair users.
Pegreffi F, Carlino AV, Draghetti M … +1 more , Zmerly H
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41677844 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Physiological and perceptual effects of two passive back-support exoskeletons during repetitive lifting in healthy adults.
Voß J, Deicke J, Laufs U … +6 more , Pökel C, Schlosser C, Schuhte M, Kramer M, Ueberschär O, Falz R
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41677843 · Full text
PURPOSE: Passive back-support exoskeletons (PBEs) are wearable devices designed to reduce strain during physical labor, e.g., repetitive lifting. This study investigated acute effects of two PBEs on cardiac load, energy...
PURPOSE: Passive back-support exoskeletons (PBEs) are wearable devices designed to reduce strain during physical labor, e.g., repetitive lifting. This study investigated acute effects of two PBEs on cardiac load, energy expenditure, neuromuscular activity, and perceived exertion during repetitive lifting. METHODS: Twenty-six healthy adults performed a standardized lifting task under three conditions: without exoskeleton (FREE), with a rigid PBE (RIGID), and with a soft PBE (SOFT). Cardiac load was assessed via impedance cardiography and blood pressure; energy expenditure via respiratory gas analysis; and neuromuscular activity via surface electromyography. Subjective ratings of exertion and comfort were collected before, during, and after the task. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analyses of variances and mixed-effects models, all followed by post-hoc tests. RESULTS: Both exoskeletons reduced rate-pressure product (RIGID: −8.1%, p = 0.001; SOFT: −6.5%, p = 0.003), energy expenditure (RIGID: −13.9%, p < 0.0001; SOFT: −9.4%, p < 0.0001), and perceived exertion (RIGID: −14.4%, p < 0.001; SOFT: −9.5%, p = 0.034) compared to FREE. Only RIGID reduced gluteus maximus muscle activation (− 21%, p = 0.005). No significant changes were observed in trunk or abdominal muscles. Wearing comfort declined post-task for both devices. No differences occurred between PBEs across all parameters. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that rigid and soft PBEs consistently reduce physiological and perceptual demands during lifting. By integrating central and peripheral hemodynamic measures, we extend understanding of cardiac unloading. Long-term field studies are needed to assess whether these benefits persist in real-world settings and contribute to musculoskeletal and cardiovascular health.
Heart rate response to cannabis in active older adults.
Sundali E, Lisano JK, Bryan AD … +1 more , Skrzynski CJ
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41677842 · Full text
PURPOSE: Cannabis use is increasing among older adults. Given reported associations between delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and increased acute heart rate, there is concern regarding the impact of cannabis on cardiova...
PURPOSE: Cannabis use is increasing among older adults. Given reported associations between delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and increased acute heart rate, there is concern regarding the impact of cannabis on cardiovascular health in older adults. Engaging in regular physical activity (PA) is associated with reduced heart rate and cardiovascular disease risk, but it has yet to be explored whether PA status influences the acute effects of THC on heart rate in older adults. METHODS: This data is from a larger observational study of older adults using cannabis for sleep, pain, or mood problems. Based on participants’ self-report Leisure-Time Activity Categorical (L-Cat) responses, they were grouped into high, moderate, or low PA groups. Participant heart rate was measured pre- and 2 h post edible cannabis consumption. Self-reported THC dose (mg) was recorded, and blood THC was assessed pre- and 2 h post-consumption. RESULTS: Two separate ANOVA models, controlling for age, assessed interactions between L-Cat group and blood or self-reported THC on change in heart rate pre- to post-use. The L-Cat group x self-reported THC interaction was not significant, but the L-Cat group x blood THC interaction was (F(2,202) = 6.45, partial η2 = 0.06, p = 0.002) such that higher blood THC was associated with a greater increase in heart rate, an effect most pronounced in the low PA group. CONCLUSION: These results align with previous research where THC is associated with higher heart rate but provide novel insight as to the potential protective effects of high levels of PA in older adults. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was pre-registered on Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05188404).
Associations among dynamic cerebral autoregulation, baroreflex sensitivity, and carotid distensibility in young healthy adults: insight from endurance training.
Tomoto T, Tarumi T, Sugawara J
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41653307 · Full text
PURPOSE: Endurance training may influence cerebrovascular and cardiovascular regulation, as well as its interrelationship. This study tested the hypothesis that if an endurance training intervention altered dynamic cereb...
PURPOSE: Endurance training may influence cerebrovascular and cardiovascular regulation, as well as its interrelationship. This study tested the hypothesis that if an endurance training intervention altered dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) in young healthy adults, improvements in carotid artery distensibility and baroreflex function would represent potential mechanistic factors contributing to alterations in dCA. METHODS: Sixteen collegiate tennis players underwent an eight-month progressive moderate-to-vigorous endurance training program to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular function. Beat-to-beat cerebral blood velocity (CBV) with transcranial Doppler, blood pressure (BP) with photoplethysmography, and heart rate (HR) with electrocardiography were measured at rest and during BP oscillations induced by repeated sit-stand maneuvers at 0.05 Hz. Transfer function analysis was used to assess dCA and cardiovagal BRS. Carotid arterial distensibility was measured using ultrasonography and applanation tonometry. RESULTS: Following the endurance training intervention, significant increases were observed in maximal oxygen uptake, low-frequency (~ 0.1 Hz) cardiovagal BRS gain at rest and during BP oscillations, and carotid arterial distensibility. However, CBV at rest and dCA gain at rest and during BP oscillations remained similar. Repeated measures correlation analysis showed that dCA gain at rest and during BP oscillations and carotid arterial distensibility were positively correlated with cardiovagal BRS gain in both conditions (r = 0.500 ~ 0.704, P = 0.002 ~ 0.041). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that endurance training enhances cardiovagal baroreflex function, potentially through improved carotid arterial distensibility, which may contribute to the regulation of cerebral blood flow via dynamic cerebral autoregulatory mechanisms.
Impact of hypoxic air quality on resistance training effect in different normobaric hypoxia environments.
Abril J, Timón R, Feriche B … +5 more , Benavente C, Padial P, Bonitch-Góngora J, Pérez-Regalado S, Almeida F
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41653306 · Full text
PURPOSE: This study compared the impact of hypoxic air quality breathing in two normobaric hypoxia (NH) environments (a tent with high carbonic levels and relative humidity [NHTent] vs. a room with normal carbonic levels...
PURPOSE: This study compared the impact of hypoxic air quality breathing in two normobaric hypoxia (NH) environments (a tent with high carbonic levels and relative humidity [NHTent] vs. a room with normal carbonic levels and relative humidity [NHRoom]) on the outcomes of an 8-week resistance training (R) program. METHODS: Twenty-four trained men (age: 22 ± 3 years; weight: 76.32 ± 11.01 kg; height: 176.79 ± 7.48 cm) were assigned to either the NHTent or the NHRoom group being exposed to the same FiO (15.9%) to analyze the impact of two different procedures to generate intermittent NH on structural, physiological, functional, and perceptual responses after a R program. CO and relative humidity levels were measured before and after each training session. Physiological variables (heart rate [HR] and SpO) were monitored and used for comparison between the first and last training sessions. Functional (bench press and squat 1RM) and structural (vastus lateralis thickness) responses were measured before and after the program. RESULTS: CO and relative humidity levels were higher in the NHTent (p < 0.001). Compared to NHRoom, NHTent group displayed higher HR (p = 0.002), lower SpO (p = 0.014), greater increases in 1RM (p = 0.011) and lower increases in vastus lateralis thickness (p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the CO and relative humidity levels on the hypoxic air breathed during training alter the physiological response to the R. The harsher environment seems to enhance neuromuscular adaptations but limit hypertrophic responses. Results highlight the need to control environmental factors carefully when simulating NH conditions for training purposes.
Impact of exercise and vitamin D on cardiac tissue morphology and pathological changes in rats: role of endostatin regulation in VEGF and lipid profile improvement.
Faraji M, Hoseini R, Babaei P
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41653305 · Publisher ↗
This study investigated the combined effects of aerobic training (AT) and vitamin D (Vit D) supplementation on metabolic, angiogenic, and cardiac structural parameters in a rat model of coronary artery disease (CAD). For...
This study investigated the combined effects of aerobic training (AT) and vitamin D (Vit D) supplementation on metabolic, angiogenic, and cardiac structural parameters in a rat model of coronary artery disease (CAD). Forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups: Healthy Control; CAD+Control; CAD + Vit D; CAD + AT, and CAD + AT+Vit D. The AT protocol consisted of 8 weeks of treadmill running (3 days/week, progressing from 15 to 25 m/min for 20–60 min/session). Vit D groups received weekly intraperitoneal injections of 5000 IU cholecalciferol. At study end, serum levels of VEGF, endostatin, lipid profiles, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were assessed via ELISA, and cardiac histopathology was evaluated using H&E staining. The CAD + AT+Vit D group demonstrated the most favorable profile: significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and cTnI, alongside elevated HDL and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (all P < 0.05). VEGF increased, and endostatin decreased significantly in all intervention groups versus CAD+Control (P < 0.05), with AT alone restoring VEGF to near-normal levels. Histopathology revealed attenuated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis in treated groups, especially CAD + AT+Vit D. Statistical comparison of delta changes (post-pre intervention) revealed that the reductions in LDL (P = 0.011) and cTnI (P = 0.023), and the increase in HDL (P = 0.008), were significantly greater in the CAD + AT+Vit D group compared to the CAD + AT and CAD + Vit D groups, supporting a synergistic interaction. These findings indicate that AT enhances angiogenesis via VEGF upregulation, while Vit D co-administration amplifies metabolic and cardioprotective benefits. The observed synergistic interaction in key cardiovascular risk markers supports non-pharmacological strategies for CAD management, though translational studies in humans are warranted.
Highest oxygen consumption prediction by forced vital capacity in athletes.
Lorenzo-Capellá I, Ramos-Álvarez JJ, Jiménez-Herranz ME … +6 more , Maffulli N, Calderón-Montero FJ, Racil G, Iuliano E, Migliaccio GM, Padulo J
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41653304 · Full text
PURPOSE: Static spirometry parameters may offer practical alternatives to estimate maximum oxygen consumption (V̇O) in athletic populations. This study evaluated forced vital capacity (FVC) as a predictor of V̇O across d...
PURPOSE: Static spirometry parameters may offer practical alternatives to estimate maximum oxygen consumption (V̇O) in athletic populations. This study evaluated forced vital capacity (FVC) as a predictor of V̇O across different sports, developing prediction equations for field-based assessment. METHODS: Four hundred twenty-two athletes (324 males, 98 females; age 22.9 ± 8.5 years) from cycling (n = 123), swimming (n = 68), triathlon (n = 60), multisport (n = 83), and other sports (n = 88) performed spirometry and maximal incremental testing. V̇O was directly measured using breath-by-breath gas analysis. LASSO regression identified predictors, with Bland-Altman analysis assessing agreement. RESULTS: FVC and gender emerged as significant predictors (R = 0.690, P < 0.001). The equation V̇O (L·min) = (FVC × 0.61) + (Gender × 0.86) yielded SEE = 0.65 L·min. Including additional variables (Maximum voluntary ventilation, body weight, age) marginally improved prediction (R = 0.712) but reduced practical utility. Coefficient of variation between measured and predicted values was 12.1%. Sport-specific analysis revealed highest predictive accuracy in swimmers (R = 0.893). CONCLUSION: FVC provides reasonable population-level V̇O estimates in athletes, though individual predictions require caution given substantial unexplained variance (31%). Sport-specific equations, particularly for swimming populations, enhance predictive accuracy. These findings offer practical screening tools for coaches lacking access to metabolic testing equipment, though direct measurement remains the gold standard for individual assessment.
Assessment of the cardiac vagal reflex: validation of the 4-s exercise test during simulated wheelchair propulsion.
Bezerra GC, Araújo MS, Neto FR … +1 more , Vianna LC
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41653303 · Full text
PURPOSE: The rapid heart rate increase during the first seconds of exercise is primarily mediated by cardiac vagal withdrawal, which can be assessed by the 4-s exercise test (4sET), a pharmacologically validated and high...
PURPOSE: The rapid heart rate increase during the first seconds of exercise is primarily mediated by cardiac vagal withdrawal, which can be assessed by the 4-s exercise test (4sET), a pharmacologically validated and highly reliable procedure. However, the need for a cycle ergometer limits its applicability. Thus, we aimed to test the validity of a modified 4sET using wheelchair propulsion simulation (WPS) by comparing it with the traditional cycle ergometer protocol. METHODS: Sixty healthy adults (30 men, 30 women; 22 ± 2 years) performed, in randomized order, three repetitions each of the traditional (LEG 4sET) and modified (WPS) protocols. RR intervals were recorded via electrocardiography, and the cardiac vagal index (CVI) was calculated as the ratio of the last pre-exercise RR interval (RRB) to the shortest exercise RR interval (RRC). RESULTS: Mean CVI was lower for WPS compared with LEG (1.42 ± 0.03 vs. 1.48 ± 0.03; P = 0.001). Based on identity plots, a correction equation was derived for WPS values < 1.50: y = 0.7706x + 0.3861 (r = 0.63; P < 0.001). After correction, CVI did not differ between protocols (1.48 ± 0.17 vs. 1.48 ± 0.20; P = 0.854). Furthermore, a high and significant intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was found for the CVI between the protocols (ICC = 0.87; [0.74-0.93]; P < 0.05), and Bland-Altman analysis showed negligible bias and acceptable limits of agreement for the corrected WPS CVI. CONCLUSION: The WPS shows strong agreement with the traditional cycle ergometer 4sET, supporting its validity as a simpler and more accessible method for assessing dynamic cardiac vagal control.
Time-dependent microvascular and analgesic responses to cold compression in healthy adults: identifying the optimal cooling duration for recovery.
Trybulski R, Żebrowska A, Svyshch Y … +3 more , Vovkanych A, Olaniszyn G, Taradaj J
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41619034 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Because the ankle-foot complex is a frequent target of cryotherapy in sports medicine, establishing location-specific duration guidance has practical clinical relevance. Thus, the aim of this study was to det...
OBJECTIVES: Because the ankle-foot complex is a frequent target of cryotherapy in sports medicine, establishing location-specific duration guidance has practical clinical relevance. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine how ankle-applied cold compression duration shapes microvascular perfusion at the foot dorsum, cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD), post-cooling hyperaemia, and analgesia, and to identify a pragmatic exposure window that maximizes vasoconstriction and pressure-pain threshold (PPT) while limiting CIVD/hyperaemia in healthy adults. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, controlled, parallel-group trial with a repeated-measures duration factor using an ankle-foot cuff. Sixty healthy volunteers were allocated 1:1 to Active cold compression (ACC; ~3 °C, 5-75 mmHg) or sham (shamCC; 20 °C, ~ 15 mmHg). Each participant completed four sessions (5, 10, 15, 20 min), order randomized with ≥ 7-day washouts. Primary outcomes were laser-Doppler perfusion indices at the foot dorsum; secondary outcome was PPT by algometry. RESULTS: Minimum perfusion (nadir) showed a strong duration effect and a condition×group interaction; ACC achieved lower perfusion than sham at 5, 10, 15, and 20 min (all p < 0.001), with progressive nadir reductions from 10→20 min in ACC (p ≤ 0.018). Time-to-nadir decreased with longer exposures (main effect p < 0.001). CIVD at the foot increased with duration and was higher in ACC at 15 min (p = 0.004) and 20 min (p < 0.001). Post-cooling hyperaemia (AUC) showed large effects for duration and group; between-group differences favored ACC at 0-15 min for all durations (all p ≤ 0.001), with stepwise increases from 5→20 min in ACC (all p < 0.001). Post-peak perfusion was greater with ACC at 10-20 min (all p < 0.001). At post-intervention PPT was higher with ACC at 5 min (p = 0.005), 10 min (p < 0.001), 15 min (p < 0.001), and 20 min (p < 0.001). Within ACC, 10, 15, and 20 min produced similar (and greater) PPT improvements, each exceeding 5 min (all p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: ACC elicited dose-dependent vasoconstriction and robust hypoalgesia, with PPT improvements plateauing by 10 min. Because CIVD and post-cooling hyperaemia escalated at ≥ 15 min, a 10-minute ACC bout best balanced analgesia with vascular control, limiting disproportionate rebound perfusion and preserving a physiological equilibrium between vasoconstriction and vascular reopening; extending to 15 min can be reserved for cases needing marginal additional relief. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN90040217; date: 25/05/2023.
Corticospinal excitability is higher during synchronous vs asynchronous arm cycling.
Ogolo JA, Lockyer EJ, Fattaneh F … +2 more , Rait K, Power KE
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41619033 · Publisher ↗
This is the first study to assess corticospinal excitability during synchronous and asynchronous arm cycling modes. Corticospinal excitability to the biceps and triceps brachii was assessed using transcranial magnetic st...
This is the first study to assess corticospinal excitability during synchronous and asynchronous arm cycling modes. Corticospinal excitability to the biceps and triceps brachii was assessed using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the motor cortex. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were evoked during the mid-flexion position of arm cycling across two modes; (1) synchronous (Sync) and (2) asynchronous (Async) cycling at three different cadences; 30, 60 and 90rpm. The power output was kept constant at 30watts throughout the cycling trials. In the biceps brachii muscle, TMS-induced motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes were significantly higher during the synchronous mode compared to the asynchronous arm cycling mode (F(1,10) = 12.18, p < 0.05). However, MEP amplitudes were not significantly different between both modes in the triceps brachii muscle at the mid elbow flexion phase of arm cycling. There was also no significant difference in the corticospinal excitability to both muscles between the two modes as the cycling cadence increased from 30 to 90rpm (i.e. no interaction effect between mode and cadence). In line with our previous studies, we observed that MEP amplitudes increased as the cycling cadence increased from 30 to 90rpm in both the biceps brachii (F(2,20) = 12.92, p < 0.01) and triceps brachii (F(2,20) = 6.314, p < 0.05). We suggest that the observed higher corticospinal excitability observed during Sync mode in the biceps brachii might be due to increased interhemispheric facilitation (cortical spread) and/or reduced interhemispheric inhibition at the cortical level.
Comparison of the effects of inspiratory muscle strength training and aerobic exercise training on vascular function in patients with hypertension.
Choi TG, Kim HJ, Min HJ … +3 more , Jung SW, Heffernan KS, Jae SY
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41615474 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This study examined the comparative effects of aerobic exercise training (AET) and inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) as an emerging exercise modality for improving vascular function in hypertensive pat...
PURPOSE: This study examined the comparative effects of aerobic exercise training (AET) and inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) as an emerging exercise modality for improving vascular function in hypertensive patients. METHODS: Twenty-eight hypertensive patients (aged 61 ± 7 years; 9 males, 19 females) were randomized to AET (n = 14, 70% of heart rate reserve for 30 min/session, 5 days/week) or IMST (n = 14, 30 breaths/session at 75% of maximal inspiratory pressure, 5 days/week) groups. Both supervised interventions lasted 8 weeks. Vascular outcome measurements included endothelial function, measured by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and arterial stiffness, assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and augmentation index (AIx). These measurements were taken at baseline and 8-weeks post-intervention. RESULTS: The mean ± SD change in FMD from baseline to post-intervention improved similarly in both groups (IMST, + 1.60 ± 2.2%; p < 0.05 and AET, + 1.05 ± 1.7%; p < 0.05), with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.46). However, the IMST group showed a significant improvement in cfPWV ([Formula: see text]0.38 ± 0.6 m/s; p < 0.05) and AIx@75 ([Formula: see text]2.6 ± 4.0%; p < 0.05), which was not observed in the AET group. CONCLUSION: Both IMST and AET similarly improved endothelial function. IMST was slightly more effective than AET in improving arterial stiffness. Taken together and findings support the efficacy of IMST as a time-efficient strategy for enhancing vascular function in hypertensive patients.
Exercise-induced bronchodilation is not impacted by beta-adrenergic receptor blockade in males or females.
Doherty CJ, Thompson BP, Rynne PJ … +5 more , Chang JC, Angus SA, Aguero AJ, Gartner SL, Dominelli P
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41615473 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Exercise-induced bronchodilation (EIBD) is primarily driven by parasympathetic withdrawal; however, the role of sympathetic activity via beta-adrenergic receptors (β-AR) remains unclear. We sought to determine t...
PURPOSE: Exercise-induced bronchodilation (EIBD) is primarily driven by parasympathetic withdrawal; however, the role of sympathetic activity via beta-adrenergic receptors (β-AR) remains unclear. We sought to determine the contribution of β-AR to EIBD in healthy males and females following fatiguing single-leg knee extension exercise. METHODS: Fourteen healthy young adults (7 males, 7 females) completed two randomized exercise visits with or without systemic β-AR blockade (propranolol). Participants performed forced vital capacity (FVC) maneuvers before and immediately after exercise to quantify EIBD. Spirometric outcomes included forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), FEV₁/FVC, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and flows at 25%, 50%, and 75% of FVC. Mean slope ratio (SR) of the maximal expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) was also quantified from the effort-independent portion of the MEFV. RESULTS: EIBD was confirmed by increases in FEV₁ (Δ4 ± 3% and Δ5 ± 3%) and FEV1/FVC (Δ3 ± 1% and Δ3 ± 4%) during the control condition in males and females respectively. Propranolol did not significantly alter these global markers of bronchodilation. Compared to control, propranolol significantly blunted airflow at 25% FVC (Δ0 ± 0.4L·s−1 vs. Δ0.3 ± 0.3L·s−1; p = 0.05) and 50% FVC (Δ0.1 ± 0.4L·s−1 vs. Δ0.4 ± 0.4L·s−1; p = 0.05). Females (Δ0.08 ± 0.11; p = 0.03) but not males (Δ-0.04 ± 0.07; p = 0.96) exhibited a significant increase in mean SR with propranolol. CONCLUSIONS: While β-AR blockade did not affect typical markers of EIBD, it impaired airflow in small airways, especially in females, suggesting sex-specific sympathetic regulation of bronchodilation. These findings highlight a nuanced role for β-AR in modulating EIBD.
About
- Frequency
- Sun
- Papers found
- 200
- RSS feed
- Subscribe