European Journal Of Applied Physiology[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Correction: The influence of high-load and combined high- and low-load resistance training on electromyographic behavior during an absolute muscular endurance task.
Olmos AA, Sontag SA, Lawson DJ … +6 more , Richardson LD, Roth BL, Jeon S, Smith JC, Redinger AL, Trevino MA
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 May · PMID 41843124 · Publisher ↗
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Mechanisms underlying age-related changes in the human skeletal muscle bioenergetic system.
Korzeniewski B, Goulding RP
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Mar · PMID 41831057 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: To determine which age-related alterations in muscle bioenergetic system parameters could explain variability between different experimental studies concerning changes in muscle fatigability and bioenergetics co...
PURPOSE: To determine which age-related alterations in muscle bioenergetic system parameters could explain variability between different experimental studies concerning changes in muscle fatigability and bioenergetics comparing young and old groups during all-out (AOE) knee-extension (KE) exercise. METHODS: A computer model of the skeletal muscle bioenergetic system involving the each-step activation (ESA) mechanism of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) regulation during work transitions and the Pipeak-Pi-distance mechanism of muscle fatigue in AOE was used. RESULTS: Differences between young and old individuals can be explained by changes in only three parameter values: a reduction in the maximal ATP usage activity (AUTref, proportional to the maximal power), a fall in OXPHOS activity (kOX), and changes in Pipeak, the peak Pi at which task failure occurs in constant power-exercise (CPE) and which is approached asymptotically by Pi in AOE. Fatigability decreases with ageing when kOX declines less than AUTref, whereas fatigability increases when kOX declines more than AUTref and/or Pipeak increases. The model also demonstrates that phosphocreatine (PCr) recovery kinetics are not only influenced by kOX, but also more strongly by the ESA decay kinetics after exercise termination. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide a mechanistic framework within which to interpret the often inconsistent findings in the literature concerning ageing and skeletal muscle fatigability using only a few parameter values, although the contribution of other factors cannot be excluded. Older muscle behaves to a large extent like significantly detrained muscle, highlighting the role of physical activity and training in improving muscle performance and delaying fatigue with ageing.
Economy benefits of running in advanced footwear technology shoes remain with plantarflexion fatigue.
Bidois B, Cumming C, Giandolini M … +2 more , Nguyen AP, Hébert-Losier K
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Mar · PMID 41831056 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: We investigated the effects of plantarflexion fatigue on running economy (RE) response to advanced footwear technology (AFT) in a group of heterogenous runners. Secondary aims were to examine the relationships b...
PURPOSE: We investigated the effects of plantarflexion fatigue on running economy (RE) response to advanced footwear technology (AFT) in a group of heterogenous runners. Secondary aims were to examine the relationships between plantarflexion power and RE responses to AFT, and effects of plantarflexion fatigue and footwear on biomechanical measures. METHODS: Sixty-four runners completed two laboratory sessions. Session one involved a peak oxygen uptake test. Session two included two RE tests in both a Control and AFT shoe before plantarflexion fatigue, and two rounds of plantarflexion fatigue before reassessment of RE in one of the two shoes (counterbalanced). Plantarflexion power was assessed at baseline, and before and after each fatigue protocol. Video-based running biomechanics were recorded during all RE tests. RESULTS: RE measures were improved in AFT (35.3 ± 5.0 mL/kg/min, 12.5 ± 1.8 W/kg, 4.18 ± 0.40 J/kg/m) versus Control (36.8 ± 5.2 mL/kg/min, 13.1 ± 1.9 W/kg, 4.37 ± 0.40 J/kg/m), and better pre-fatigue (35.7 ± 5.1 mL/kg/min, 12.7 ± 1.8 W/kg, 4.25 ± 0.40 J/kg/m) than post-fatigue (36.4 ± 5.2 mL/kg/min, 12.8 ± 1.9 W/kg, 4.30 ± 0.42 J/kg/m). Plantarflexion power decreased 6.5% post-fatigue. Despite these significant effects of AFT and plantarflexion fatigue on RE, no interactions were observed (P ≥ 0.476). Baseline plantarflexion power and changes in power did not correlate with AFT responses (P ≥ 0.566). Statistically significant differences indicated AFT reduced ground contact time and foot strike angle and increased cycle time and duty factor, with plantarflexion fatigue increasing cycle time and duty factor; however, estimates of differences were generally within the limits of instrumental resolution. CONCLUSION: Plantarflexion fatigue and plantarflexion power were not associated with RE responses to AFT, opposing the idea that plantarflexion strength explains variability in AFT response. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Trials Registry, ACTRN12624000753550, 18th June 2024.
Disruption of the gut microbiota in regulator of G protein signaling 14 knockout (RGS14 KO) mice alters the metabolome and reduces enhanced exercise capacity.
Longoria CR, DeSio DD, Oydanich M … +10 more , Su X, Chiles EN, Kerkhof LJ, Ibironke O, Häggblom MM, Wages NP, Guers JJ, Vatner DE, Vatner SF, Campbell SC
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Mar · PMID 41831055 · Publisher ↗
Regulator of G-protein Signaling 14 Knockout (RGS14 KO) mice exhibit enhanced exercise capacity and health span, however the contribution of the gut microbiota to this phenotype remains unclear. This study integrated lon...
Regulator of G-protein Signaling 14 Knockout (RGS14 KO) mice exhibit enhanced exercise capacity and health span, however the contribution of the gut microbiota to this phenotype remains unclear. This study integrated long-read rRNA operon amplicon sequencing and metabolomics to first determine how microbial composition and tissue metabolite profiles differ between RGS14 KO and their wild-type littermates. Next, we investigated how administration of antibiotics to perturb the gut microbiota may affect the RGS14 KO phenotype. Prior to antibiotic treatment (ABX), RGS14 KO mice outperformed WT littermates in maximal running distance and work performed, accompanied by elevated skeletal muscle citrate synthase, complex IV activity, and nitric oxide production. One week of ABX significantly reduced exercise capacity in both genotypes and markedly suppressed mitochondrial activity in RGS14 KO skeletal muscle. Gut microbiota profiling revealed similar phylum-level structure between genotypes but distinct species- and strain-level signatures. Metabolomics of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and quadriceps identified genotype-specific metabolic programs that were disrupted by ABX, including pathways related to amino acid metabolism, nucleotide turnover, and mitochondrial energetics. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that RGS14 KO mice harbor unique microbial and metabolic networks that support enhanced thermogenesis and exercise performance, and that microbiota depletion eliminates these advantages. This work establishes a mechanistic foundation connecting the gut microbiota to BAT and skeletal muscle metabolism, highlighting potential microbiome-targeted strategies to improve metabolic health and physical performance.
Eight weeks of high-intensity interval training increases peripheral serotonin transporter expression independently of promoter methylation changes.
Javelle F, Ringleb M, Schenk A … +2 more , Pulverer W, Bloch W
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Mar · PMID 41831054 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Impulsivity, a personality construct linked to various psychiatric disorders, is partially regulated by serotonergic neurotransmission. While genetic polymorphisms affecting serotonin transporter (5-HTT) transcr...
PURPOSE: Impulsivity, a personality construct linked to various psychiatric disorders, is partially regulated by serotonergic neurotransmission. While genetic polymorphisms affecting serotonin transporter (5-HTT) transcription have been widely studied, the role of epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, remains unclear. Building on earlier analyses from the present cohort that demonstrated that eight weeks of physical exercise reduces impulsivity, this study investigated whether these behavioural changes are accompanied by alterations in 5-HTT expression together with 5-HTT and MAO-A promoter methylation in buffy coat (BC) cells. REGISTRY: drks.de, TRN: DRKS00016589, Registration date: 6 February 2019. METHODS: Participants (n = 45) were randomly assigned to either high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or stretching (active control). Each group completed three training sessions per week for eight weeks, with pre- and post-intervention assessments of impulsivity, 5-HTT gene expression, and 5-HTT and MAO-A promoter methylation. RESULTS: Results indicate a significant increase in 5-HTT expression in the HIIT group compared to controls (p = .008, ηp² = 0.156; d = 0.782), but no corresponding changes in promoter DNA methylation. Moreover, changes in 5-HTT expression did not correlate with changes in impulsivity. Specific 5-HTT and MAO-A promoter methylation changes were weakly associated with certain impulsivity factors. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that exercise influences serotonergic function by increasing 5-HTT expression independently of promoter DNA methylation changes. Further research is needed to determine whether these changes are also present at central nervous system level or if this upregulation is primarily a result of long-term anti-inflammatory effects triggered by physical exercise.
Inter-effort hypoxia recovery during high-intensity intermittent exercise enhances oxygen uptake at the onset of efforts while maintaining exercise tolerance.
Norberto MS, Putti GM, Figueira TR … +5 more , de Carvalho CD, Rasteiro FM, Marostegan AB, Manchado-Gobatto FB, Papoti M
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Mar · PMID 41831053 · Publisher ↗
Exercise training in hypoxia enhances physiological adaptations improving exercise performance. However, acute hypoxia generally reduces high-intensity exercise tolerance, limiting its application in sports training. Her...
Exercise training in hypoxia enhances physiological adaptations improving exercise performance. However, acute hypoxia generally reduces high-intensity exercise tolerance, limiting its application in sports training. Here, we investigated whether oxygen consumption and exercise tolerance are affected during a session of an emerging high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT) model in hypoxia. This model involves efforts in normoxia with inter-effort hypoxia (IEH) recoveries. Young active males were recruited and completed a graded exercise test in normoxia, followed by HIIT sessions under three conditions: normoxia, continuous normobaric hypoxia (FIO2: ~0.13), and IEH recovery, in different days and random order. Oxygen consumption, ventilatory variables and muscle oxygenation in the vastus laterali were assessed during HIIT sessions consisting of ten 1-min efforts (at 120% of maximal treadmill running speed from the graded test), with 2-min passive recoveries. Compared to normoxia, IEH recovery caused significant hemoglobin desaturation (between 95% and 88%) and a ~ 14% decrease in V̇O2 during recoveries. During efforts, particularly in the first 30 s, VO2 was significantly increased by approximately 7% in the IEH condition compared to normoxia. Notably, exercise task completion was nearly identical between normoxia (87 ± 24%) and IEH recovery conditions (87 ± 18%), but significantly lower in continuous hypoxia (44 ± 27%), along with impaired indexes of O2 metabolism. Additionally, IEH recovery resulted in a significantly lower pulmonary O2 diffusion gradient at a given V̇O2, suggesting a compensatory increase in blood flow. In conclusion, IEH recovery preserved muscle oxygenation and exercise performance while enhancing V̇O2 during efforts.
The effect of acute aerobic exercise intensity on indices of blood flow to metastatic liver tumours using non-invasive imaging: a preliminary study.
Seet-Lee C, Yee J, Clarke JL … +2 more , Chalmers Braithwaite T, Edwards KM
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Mar · PMID 41811497 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Tumours have heterogenous and dysfunctional vasculature that can cause a therapeutic barrier for intravenous chemotherapy delivery. As tumours do not vasoconstrict, aerobic exercise may acutely increase tum...
INTRODUCTION: Tumours have heterogenous and dysfunctional vasculature that can cause a therapeutic barrier for intravenous chemotherapy delivery. As tumours do not vasoconstrict, aerobic exercise may acutely increase tumour blood flow through increased cardiac output and potentially increase chemotherapy delivery. While pre-clinical studies have demonstrated increased tumour blood flow with moderate intensity aerobic exercise, no clinical studies have assessed this effect. This study examined the effect of acute aerobic exercise at varying intensities on tumour blood flow in people with liver metastases. METHODS: Participants with stage IV cancer with liver metastases performed an exercise test followed by three 5-minute bouts of light, moderate and high intensity cycling. Doppler ultrasound assessed blood flow to the hepatic artery (control) and liver tumour at baseline and after each exercise bout for 10 min. RESULT: Eight participants completed the study, however, three were excluded from analysis due to a lack of sonographer confidence to identify and measure tumour vessels, due to small size and poor accessibility. There was 152% increase in blood flow (peak systolic velocity) to the tumour after moderate intensity exercise (24.63 ± 5.66 to 37.56 ± 5.91, p = 0.043), and an increase in tumour and hepatic arterial resistance (resistive index) after high intensity exercise (0.65 ± 0.14 to 0.74 ± 0.15 and 0.81 ± 0.15 respectively, p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: Moderate intensity exercise acutely increases blood flow to metastatic liver tumours. These findings support future work to examine whether aerobic exercise improves clinical outcomes such as chemotherapy delivery and efficacy, particularly when delivered concurrent to infusion.
Standardizing moderate- and vigorous-intensity exercise doses by physiological strain: an exploratory randomized cross-over study.
Nuuttila OP, Kaikkonen P, Malinen T … +3 more , Sievänen H, Vasankari T, Kyröläinen H
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Mar · PMID 41801290 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Current approaches to prescribing exercise intensity might not standardize physiological strain across individuals, potentially affecting training outcomes. Whether exercise guidelines applying a 1:2 duration...
BACKGROUND: Current approaches to prescribing exercise intensity might not standardize physiological strain across individuals, potentially affecting training outcomes. Whether exercise guidelines applying a 1:2 duration ratio between moderate (MOD) and vigorous (VIG) activities equalize physiological strain is unclear. This exploratory study compared physiological strain and its variance across two intensities and three prescription methods. METHODS: Thirteen habitually active males performed an incremental treadmill test as well as 40-min MOD and 20-min VIG sessions prescribed by: (1) absolute metabolic equivalents (ABS), (2) relative maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) (REL), and (3) lactate thresholds (LT). Physiological strain was estimated using excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, individualized training impulse, post-exercise heart rate variability (HRV), blood lactate, and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). RESULTS: Except for sRPE, estimated physiological strain was greater during VIG than MOD (p < 0.05) across all prescription methods. A general linear mixed model estimated that equivalent strain for most outcomes would have required MOD > 55% and VIG < 72% of VO2max. According to modified Levene’s test, variance in physiological strain did not differ significantly between prescription methods in MOD. In blood lactate, the variance was higher in VIGREL than VIGLT (p = 0.025), and HRV variance was greater in VIGABS than VIGLT (p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: The 1:2 duration ratio underestimated physiological strain of VIG sessions regardless of prescription method. Based on the observed differences in variance, the appropriate prescription method may become increasingly important at higher intensities. However, analyses indicated substantial uncertainty in the magnitude of variance, highlighting the need for large-scale studies on the topic.
Response to: The lack of a statistically significant between-group difference in randomised trials must be interpreted correctly.
Takeda R, Watanabe K
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41801289 · Publisher ↗
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Cigarette smoking slows the on- and the off- cardiorespiratory and gas-exchange kinetics during moderate exercise in young, physically active adults.
Borrelli M, Motalli A, Doria C … +6 more , Toninelli N, Longo S, Coratella G, Cè E, Rampichini S, Esposito F
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Mar · PMID 41801288 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Cigarette smoking (CS) impact on cardiopulmonary function has been extensively investigated on sedentary, middle-aged smokers (SMK) with pulmonary disease, but not on young SMK with high fitness level. This stud...
PURPOSE: Cigarette smoking (CS) impact on cardiopulmonary function has been extensively investigated on sedentary, middle-aged smokers (SMK) with pulmonary disease, but not on young SMK with high fitness level. This study evaluated the cardiopulmonary and gas-exchange kinetics during and after moderate exercise in young, physically active SM without known diseases. METHODS: Ten SMK (age: 21 ± 2 year., body mass: 78 ± 6 kg; stature: 1.79 ± 0.07 m; 12 ± 5 cigarette/day for 6 ± 2 year.; mean ± SD) and twelve non-smokers (CTRL; age: 24 ± 3 year., body mass: 78 ± 9 kg; stature: 1.80 ± 0.08 m) matched also for exercise habits performed an incremental cycloergometric test to assess maximum pulmonary oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) and first ventilatory threshold (VT1). After pulmonary evaluation, participants performed four 6-min moderate-intensity tests at 90% VT1. The time constant (τ) of the on- and off-phases were determined for expiratory ventilation ([Formula: see text]), [Formula: see text], heart rate (fH) and cardiac output ([Formula: see text]). RESULTS: Despite similar static lung volumes, SMK exhibited lower peak expiratory flow (-21%; P = 0.009) and maximal voluntary ventilation (-12%; P = 0.008). SMK had lower [Formula: see text] (3657 ± 325 vs. 3397 ± 316 ml∙min− 1 for CTRL and SMK, respectively; P = 0.009) and mechanical power at VT1 (201 ± 26 vs. 185 ± 16 W for CTRL and SMK respectively; P = 0.041). In on-phase, SMK demonstrated longer τ in [Formula: see text] (+ 22%; P = 0.032), [Formula: see text] (+ 56%; P = 0.005), [Formula: see text] (+ 41%; P = 0.032), [Formula: see text] (+ 47%; P = 0.007) and. In off-phase, τ in SMK was lengthened for [Formula: see text] (+ 51%; P = 0.041), [Formula: see text] (+ 42%; P = 0.022), [Formula: see text] (+ 20%; P = 0.002) and [Formula: see text] (+ 42%; P = 0.018). CONCLUSION: CS slowed cardiopulmonary and gas-exchange kinetics at moderate exercise even in young individuals with short smoking history.
Ergonomic posture breaks enhance solute transport in cartilage: a musculoskeletal-poroelastic modelling study.
Guo H, Ding Q, Miramini S … +1 more , Zhang L
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Mar · PMID 41793436 · Publisher ↗
Prolonged sedentary behavior in modern workplaces is a recognized ergonomic risk factor linked to joint degeneration and impaired cartilage health. It has been known that Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) plays an imp...
Prolonged sedentary behavior in modern workplaces is a recognized ergonomic risk factor linked to joint degeneration and impaired cartilage health. It has been known that Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) plays an important role in maintaining chondrocyte activity and extracellular matrix turnover. This study presents a numerical model to investigate the influence of workplace ergonomic activities, especially repeated sit-to-stand (STS) cycles, on IGF-1 transport within cartilage. First, a musculoskeletal model was developed to quantify the knee joint reaction force and muscle loading induced by various ergonomic activities in accordance with WorkSafe Victoria’s posture-break guidelines. Then, interstitial fluid flow-induced advective transport of IGF-1 within cartilage is quantified by employing a poroelastic cartilage tissue model in conjunction with a cartilage contact model. The results demonstrate that STS activities can substantially enhance IGF-1 transport in cartilage. For instance, over a 5-hour period, an STS cycle with 10 min of sitting and 10 min of standing increased free, bound, and total IGF-1 uptake ratios by 15.8%, 9.6%, and 9.7%, respectively, compared with continuous sitting. Shorter STS cycle times yielded even greater improvements in IGF-1 uptake. Moreover, accurate representation of the contact gap proved critical, as neglecting it led to significant underestimation of solute transport.
Peripheral muscle oxygenation during upper extremity functional exercise and balance in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis: a cross-sectional study.
Yoleri B, Boşnak Güçlü M, Şişmanlar Eyüboğlu T … +1 more , Aslan AT
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41793435 · Full text
BACKGROUND/AIM: Exercise intolerance, muscle weakness, mitochondrial involvement, and slow phosphocreatine metabolism are common, but extrapulmonary impairments in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have not be...
BACKGROUND/AIM: Exercise intolerance, muscle weakness, mitochondrial involvement, and slow phosphocreatine metabolism are common, but extrapulmonary impairments in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have not been adequately studied yet. This study compared pulmonary function, upper extremity exercise capacity, muscle oxygenation, peripheral muscle strength, and balance in patients with CF and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis and 30 healthy controls were compared. Pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry; upper extremity functional exercise capacity was evaluated using the 6-minute Pegboard and Ring Test (6PBRT); deltoid muscle oxygenation was measured at rest, during the 6PBRT, and during recovery using near-infrared spectroscopy; shoulder abductor and knee extensor isometric muscle strength were assessed using a hand-held dynamometer; and static and dynamic balance were evaluated using the Biodex Biosway® Portable Balance System and the Y-Balance Test, respectively. RESULTS: Age and gender were similar in groups (p > 0.05). FEV1%, FVC%, PEF%, FEF25 − 75%, and muscle strength statistically significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in patients. Six-minute PBRT score, deltoid muscle oxygen saturation, and hemoglobin level were similar in groups (p > 0.05). The medial-lateral stability index of patients on soft ground with eyes open was statistically significantly higher than healthy controls (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Upper extremity exercise capacity, muscle oxygenation, and most parameters of balance are preserved, and peripheral muscles are weakened in mildly impaired patients with CF. Impaired pulmonary function may impair upper extremity exercise capacity and muscle oxygen metabolism in severe patients with CF, should be investigated.
Heart rate recovery as a marker of post-exercise lipid metabolism following moderate- and vigorous-intensity exercise.
Weber D, Ferrario PG, Bub A
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Mar · PMID 41793434 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Heart rate recovery (HRR) indicates post-exercise autonomic regulation and serves as a marker of cardiorespiratory fitness and mortality risk. Autonomic and metabolic recovery are both integral to post-exercise...
PURPOSE: Heart rate recovery (HRR) indicates post-exercise autonomic regulation and serves as a marker of cardiorespiratory fitness and mortality risk. Autonomic and metabolic recovery are both integral to post-exercise homeostasis, yet how HRR relates to metabolic recovery remains unclear. METHODS: To address this gap, we analyzed data from a randomized crossover trial in 17 healthy, physically active young men, each performing 30 min of both moderate- and vigorous-intensity ergometer cycling. Plasma samples collected before exercise and at multiple recovery time points were analyzed using UPLC–MS/MS–based untargeted metabolomics, covering more than 1000 metabolites. HRR was calculated using a monoexponential decay model, and associations were examined using linear mixed models. RESULTS: Individuals with faster HRR exhibited significantly lower post-exercise levels across a range of lipid metabolites, particularly acylcarnitines. These associations were stronger for HRR than VO₂peak and were statistically significant only in the later recovery period (90–180 min post-exercise), exclusively following vigorous-intensity exercise. Our findings suggest that HRR reflects post-exercise lipid metabolism under conditions of high metabolic demand. The observed metabolite patterns are indicative of differences in β-oxidation, lipid accumulation, reliance on ω-oxidation, and mitochondrial turnover, and are consistent with more efficient post-exercise lipid metabolism. CONCLUSION: HRR may provide a simple marker of metabolic or cardiorespiratory fitness and could be relevant for monitoring exercise responses and assessing cardiometabolic health. However, confirmation in larger and more diverse cohorts is required. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTER: The trial was registered on October 5, 2017, at the German Clinical Trials Register under the registration number DRKS00009743 (Universal Trial Number of WHO: U1111-1200–2530).
Effects of eccentric versus concentric cycling exercise on lipid and glucose metabolism in overweight and obese men.
Che Mat Ariffin NH, Farah NMF, Ahmad Yusof H … +3 more , Aziz AR, Nosaka K, Che Muhamed AM
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Mar · PMID 41793433 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: We compared the effects of concentric cycling and two different intensities of eccentric cycling on lipid and glucose metabolism in overweight and obese individuals. METHODS: Fourteen overweight and obese m...
INTRODUCTION: We compared the effects of concentric cycling and two different intensities of eccentric cycling on lipid and glucose metabolism in overweight and obese individuals. METHODS: Fourteen overweight and obese men (31 ± 6 y; BMI: 34 ± 5, body fat: 38 ± 7%) completed a single bout of concentric cycling (CONC) at 60% of concentric peak power output (CONCPPO) and two bouts of eccentric cycling at 60% (ECC1) and 120% (ECC2) of CONCPPO. Substrate oxidation was assessed during 45 min of exercise (nine 5-min exercise bouts interspersed with a 3-min rest between bouts) and for 30 min post-exercise. Changes in triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), blood glucose, and insulin in the blood from pre- to post-exercise were examined. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed before and after each exercise. RESULTS: Total energy expenditure was lower (p < 0.001) in ECC1 (136 ± 21 kcal) and ECC2 (247 ± 60 kcal) than CONC (397 ± 47 kcal). Fat oxidation was greater (p < 0.05) in ECC2 than in CONC and ECC1, while carbohydrate oxidation was the highest in CONC, followed by ECC2 and ECC1. The blood biomarkers, including lipid profiles, blood glucose, insulin, and OGTT, were not different between the cycling modes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings indicated that eccentric cycling elicits a more favourable fat utilization response than concentric cycling, particularly at a higher intensity, suggesting its potential as an effective exercise modality for enhancing lipid metabolism among overweight and obese individuals.
Oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor does not augment red blood cell deformability at rest or during handgrip exercise.
Steele AR, Kightley-Kauser LA, McCormick J … +5 more , Geerts NK, Lemkes B, Dizon JC, Carr JMJR, Ainslie PN
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41793432 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Red blood cells (RBCs) rely on deformability for oxygen delivery and capillary transit. Sildenafil citrate, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5-i), may enhance RBC deformability via nitric oxide, yet in vivo e...
PURPOSE: Red blood cells (RBCs) rely on deformability for oxygen delivery and capillary transit. Sildenafil citrate, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5-i), may enhance RBC deformability via nitric oxide, yet in vivo effects remain unclear. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the effects of PDE5-i on cerebral blood flow (CBF), brachial artery (BA) blood flow (Q) and shear stress-specific RBC deformability during handgrip exercise (Baseline [BL], 27.5% and 55% of maximal voluntary contraction [MVC]). Fourteen participants (8F; age: 24 ± 6) were tested on separate days, before and 60-min following ingestion of sildenafil citrate (100 mg) or placebo. CBF and BA Q were measured using duplex ultrasound and RBC deformability was assessed with a laser-assisted optical rotational red cell analyzer. RESULTS: Acute oral administration of PDE5-i had no effect on basal cerebral or BA vascular metrics, including diameter, shear stress, Q, BA shear stress-specific RBC deformability or exercise hyperemia (p > 0.05). Prior to PDE5-i administration, exercise increased RBC deformability [EImax] (BL: 0.55 ± 0.021; 27.5% MVC: 0.57 ± 0.014; 55% MVC: 0.58 ± 0.015 a.u. p < 0.01). However, despite exercise-induced increases in EImax (BL: 0.59 ± 0.018 a.u. p < 0.01), PDE5-i did not further modify this parameter during a subsequent-bout of handgrip exercise (27.5%: 0.59 ± 0.017; 55%: 0.59 ± 0.015 a.u. p > 0.05), a pattern not observed with placebo. EImax did not differ between PDE5-i and placebo at matched exercise intensities post-administration (p > 0.05), indicating no independent effect of PDE5-i on RBC deformability. CONCLUSION: Acute PDE5-i administration does not independently alter RBC deformability or vascular responses, at rest or during handgrip exercise in healthy individuals.
The effects of simultaneous isometric and eccentric- or concentric-biased exercise on cardiovascular and muscular health of young individuals.
Baross AW, Wright BH, Langdon DA … +10 more , Kay AD, Cauchi M, Clarke A, Pitham B, Willmont C, Barnett T, Key C, Reynolds M, Thomas A, Baxter BA
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41793431 · Full text
PURPOSE: Isometric resistance training (IRT) and eccentric-biased training have both demonstrated improved cardiometabolic health. Consequently, simultaneous training has the potential to further enhance these improvemen...
PURPOSE: Isometric resistance training (IRT) and eccentric-biased training have both demonstrated improved cardiometabolic health. Consequently, simultaneous training has the potential to further enhance these improvements and overcome the commonly reported time-related barrier to exercise. Therefore, the effects of six-week simultaneous isometric and eccentric- (stair descent) or concentric-biased (stair ascent) exercise interventions were compared to a traditional isometric handgrip training protocol on cardiovascular and muscular health parameters in 54 normotensive and hypertensive young adults. METHODS: Participants (33 males, age = 21 ± 1 yr; 21 females, age = 20 ± 1 yr) were randomly assigned to four groups: simultaneous isometric exercise and stair ascent (ISO-CONC, n = 13), simultaneous isometric exercise and stair descent (ISO-ECC, n = 14), isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise (ISO, n = 13), or a passive control (CTRL, n = 14). Participants undertook thrice-weekly supervised training for six weeks, with cardiovascular and muscular function (and structure) assessed at pre- and post-training. RESULTS: Significant reductions in resting systolic blood pressure (BP) were reported in all three training groups (d = 0.82–1.52), with a baseline-adjusted ANCOVA revealing that ISO-ECC diastolic BP was significantly lower than CTRL post-training. Gastrocnemius medialis muscle thickness (d = 0.79) and vastus lateralis fascicle angle only increased in ISO-CONC (r = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Whilst musculoskeletal improvements were only detected in the ISO-ECC group, large reductions in systolic BP were evident in all training groups, thus it may be more time-efficient to use the established isometric Handgrip intervention if reducing systolic BP is the primary therapeutic intention.
Correction: Adaptation of mtDNA content to endurance training, a cross-sectional study and an endurance training intervention.
Sánchez Lorente IM, Yvert T, Iturriaga T … +4 more , Sanchez-Barroso L, Larrosa M, Pérez-Ruiz M, Santiago-Dorrego C
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41790236 · Full text
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Effects of acupoint pressure stimulation on the fatigue recovery ability of the calf muscle.
Ning J, Li Y, Lin X … +1 more , Zong X
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41784775 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This study investigated the physiological effects of noninvasive acupoint pressure stimulation (APS) on post-exercise muscle recovery and intramuscular metabolism in the gastrocnemius muscle of healthy adults. M...
PURPOSE: This study investigated the physiological effects of noninvasive acupoint pressure stimulation (APS) on post-exercise muscle recovery and intramuscular metabolism in the gastrocnemius muscle of healthy adults. METHODS: Muscle function was evaluated using surface electromyography (sEMG), and metabolic changes were assessed using single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS). sEMG signals were recorded during three 3-min plantar flexion exercises, separated by two 8-min recovery periods. APS or sham stimulation was applied during the second recovery period. Intramuscular total creatine concentration ([tCr]) was measured using 1H MRS while participants remained still in the scanner. Three scans were performed: at baseline, after passive rest, and after APS. RESULTS: After rest, RMS and MAV slopes increased by 279% ± 453% (p = 0.006) and 179% ± 234% (p = 0.003), respectively. In contrast, following APS, these slopes decreased significantly by 47% ± 27% (p = 0.002) and 50% ± 31% (p = 0.004), respectively. Opposite changes were observed following sham stimulation. Compared to baseline, [tCr] increased marginally after rest (2.7% ± 3.2%) but increased significantly after APS (14.8% ± 7.8%, p = 0.001 vs. baseline). CONCLUSION: APS applied at ST36 may serve as a noninvasive approach to enhance muscle recovery and support energy metabolism following exercise, with potential applications in athletic training and rehabilitation.
Effect of eccentric training at different muscle lengths on the gastrocnemius medialis fascicle behaviour during single and multi-joint tasks.
Tallio T, Dorel S, Bizet B … +4 more , Colard J, Betus Y, Cattagni T, Nordez A
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41784774 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of eccentric training at short versus long muscle lengths on the gastrocnemius medialis fascicle behaviour during single and multi-joint tasks....
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of eccentric training at short versus long muscle lengths on the gastrocnemius medialis fascicle behaviour during single and multi-joint tasks. METHODS: Twenty-seven participants were assigned to two groups and performed eccentric training for eight weeks at short (30° of plantar flexion to 0°) or at long (0° to maximal dorsiflexion) muscle lengths, which led to an increase in passive fascicle length for the latter group. Achilles tendon stiffness, maximal eccentric and maximal and explosive isometric plantar flexion torques were recorded before and after the training period. We also analysed the effect of training on the fascicle dynamic behaviour of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle during single-joint isometric tasks, and during various multi-joint tasks: submaximal running, maximal countermovement jumps and hopping. RESULTS: An increase of isometric (13.0 ± 22.6% and 9.7 ± 15.6% p < 0.01 for short and long length groups) and eccentric maximal torque (7.2 ± 21.9% and 15.4 ± 23.3% p < 0.05 for short and long length groups) were obtained for both groups, while Achilles tendon stiffness increased in the long muscle length group (35 ± 32.3% p < 0.05) only. Training did not significantly alter fascicle dynamic behaviour in either single- or multi-joint tasks for both groups. CONCLUSION: While eccentric training at long muscle lengths appeared more effective in altering the muscle and tendon mechanical properties of the gastrocnemius medialis, it did not induce substantial changes in fascicle operating length during single- and multi-joint tasks.
From diagnostics to prediction: development and validation of a multi-domain power-duration model.
Wahl P, Ji S
Eur J Appl Physiol · 2026 Jun · PMID 41784773 · Full text
PURPOSE: Current models of the power-duration relationship often focus on limited time domains. This study aims to develop and validate a Multi-Domain Power-Duration model (MuDo-PD) to predict power outputs across a wide...
PURPOSE: Current models of the power-duration relationship often focus on limited time domains. This study aims to develop and validate a Multi-Domain Power-Duration model (MuDo-PD) to predict power outputs across a wide range of exercise duration (up to 60 min) in cycling, using peak power output (PPO), maximal aerobic power (MAP), and power at lactate threshold 2 (PLT2). METHODS: Thirty-three well-trained male cyclists (29.2 ± 9.7 yrs; V̇O₂max: 67.2 ± 5.1 mL·min⁻¹·kg⁻¹) performed lab tests to determine PPO (15-s sprint), MAP (ramp test), and PLT2, and completed time trials from 30 to 3600 s. Based on the resulting power-duration profiles and three anchor points (PPO, MAP, PLT2), individual exponential time decay constants (k) were calculated for short (1–300 s; Anaerobic Power Reserve, kAnPR) and long durations (300–3600 s; Aerobic Power Reserve, kAePR), forming the basis of the MuDo-PD model. Internal validation was performed within the modeling cohort by comparing the MuDo-PD to an established critical power approach (OmPD). External validation involved predicting the target power output during a time-to-exhaustion trial in an independent sample of 75 well-trained athletes. RESULTS: Decay constants were kAnPR = -0.023 ± 0.003 s− 1 and kAePR = -0.0023 ± 0.0008 s− 1. The MuDo-PD model showed moderate to excellent agreement with actual power (ICC = 0.63–0.95; RSE = 29 ± 9 W), comparable to OmPD (ICC = 0.80–0.98, RSE = 19 ± 7 W). External validation confirmed excellent accuracy of MuDo-PD (ICC = 0.988; bias = 0.01 ± 17.8 W). CONCLUSION: The MuDo-PD model enables performance prediction across intensity domains up to 60 min using laboratory diagnostic parameters, offering a practical tool for performance assessment and training control.
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