Objectif Le but de notre travail est d’évaluer les effets d’un programme de réentraînement combinant efforts continus d’intensité modérée (MICT), efforts par intervalles à haute intensité (HIIT) et renforcement musculaire (RT) sur la composition corporelle, les capacités physiques et la qualité de vie chez des adultes obèses, en tenant compte du statut hormonal. Sujets et méthodes Cent cinquante et une personnes obèses (112 femmes et 39 hommes, répartis selon leur statut hormonal) ont suivi un programme personnalisé de 9 semaines (3 séances/semaine). Les mesures avant et après entraînement ont inclus les mesures anthropométriques, la composition corporelle, les capacités cardiorespiratoires, l’équilibre, la souplesse, la force fonctionnelle des membres inférieurs ainsi qu’un questionnaire de qualité de vie (SF-8®). Résultats Une diminution significative du poids (−2,0 à −3,5kg), de l’IMC (−0,7 à −1,1kg/m2) et de la masse grasse (−2,2 à −3,5kg) a été observée dans tous les groupes (p<0,001). Le tour de taille a diminué de −4,4 à −5,8cm. La masse maigre est restée stable, suggérant une préservation de la masse musculaire malgré la perte de poids. Les capacités cardiorespiratoires se sont améliorées avec une augmentation du ·VO2max de +14,8 à +16,2 %, de la PMA de +20,5 à +23,2 % et du LIPOXmax de 19,4 à 39 %. Les performances motrices ont également progressé, notamment au test de flexion (de +7 à +9,4 répétitions). La qualité de vie a significativement augmenté, avec un gain de +7,0 points chez les femmes et +4,8 points chez les hommes (p<0,001). Conclusion Ce programme multimodal a entraîné une diminution significative du poids corporel et de la masse grasse, tout en préservant la masse maigre et notamment la masse musculaire squelettique. Ces adaptations s’accompagnent d’une amélioration des fonctions cardiorespiratoires et motrices, ainsi que d’une amélioration marquée de la qualité de vie, indépendamment du statut hormonal.
Objective To examine the user experience and perceived effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices in highly trained, non-diabetic male athletes during low-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF) and high-carbohydrate low-fat (HCLF) dietary interventions. Equipment and methods Randomized, counterbalanced, crossover dietary intervention with mixed-methods analysis. Ten non-diabetics, middle-aged (aged 30–50 years) highly trained male athletes completed two isocaloric 31-day diet phases (low-carbohydrate high-fat and high-carbohydrate low-fat), separated by a two-week washout. Diets were self-administered under free-living conditions, and glucose was monitored using Freestyle Libre 2 continuous glucose monitors. Well-being was assessed using the World Health Organization Five Well-Being Index (0–100 scale), and health-related quality of life was evaluated via the EuroQol-5D Visual Analogue Scale (0–100 scale). Satisfaction and user experience with CGM were measured using a modified CGM-SAT survey and open-ended responses. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA. Thematic analysis of qualitative responses followed Braun and Clarke's framework, and a heatmap was used to visualize theme co-occurrence. Results WHO-5 scores increased slightly in the LCHF group (pre: 79.2%±11.4, post: 81.2%±14.1) and decreased in the HCLF group (pre: 81.2%±7.1, post: 78.4%±10.9), with no statistically significant changes (P>0.05). EQ-5D scores improved in the LCHF group (85.5±9.5 to 89.1±5.9) and declined in the HCLF group (89.2±8.2 to 86.8±9.6), also without significant condition or interaction effects. Thematic analysis revealed three major themes: Empowerment & Learning, Usability & Practicality, and Enhancement & Interest. Participants valued CGM for real-time feedback and dietary awareness but noted challenges such as sensor adhesion and scanning frequency. Heatmap analysis showed strong co-occurrence between usability and engagement, indicating that ease of use enhanced behavioral adaptation. CGM may be a useful tool for promoting dietary awareness and self-management among non-diabetic athletes. Despite no statistically significant improvements in well-being or health state, participants reported meaningful personal insights. Practical challenges with device usability warrant attention. These findings support further exploration of CGM in personalized nutrition and behavioral interventions targeting performance and adherence.
Objectifs Le dopage met sérieusement en péril l’éthique et les valeurs sur lesquelles le sport est fondé, mais il représente surtout une véritable menace pour la santé du sportif. L’éducation des sportifs constitue la meilleure stratégie pour lutter contre le dopage non intentionnel. L’objectif de notre étude était de mesurer le niveau de connaissance relatif à différents domaines de connaissance du dopage chez des sportifs en milieu universitaire. Matériel et méthodes Nous avons réalisé une enquête transversale auprès d’athlètes du campus universitaire d’Abidjan. Trois domaines de connaissance du dopage ont été évalués à l’aide d’un questionnaire auto-administré. Le pourcentage de bonnes réponses sur un total de 26 questions a permis de calculer un score de connaissance et de classer les athlètes selon une échelle à 3 niveaux de connaissance : faible, moyen et bon. Résultats Au total, 104 athlètes, dont 19,2 % de femmes, ont participé à l’enquête de septembre à octobre 2024. Près de 77 % des athlètes participaient à des compétions nationales ou internationales. Plus de 95 % des participants ignoraient les conditions et l’autorité d’approbation et de délivrance d’une autorisation d’utilisation à des fins thérapeutiques (AUT). Le score moyen de connaissance des athlètes sur 26 points était de 8,49±3,5, ce qui les situait à un niveau de connaissance faible sur le dopage. Les hommes avaient un meilleur score de connaissance que les femmes (9,07±3,19 contre 6,05±3,86, p<0,001). Conclusions Les athlètes du club universitaire d’Abidjan avaient des connaissances insuffisantes dans des domaines spécifiques de la connaissance sur le dopage. Nos résultats pourraient servir de base à l’élaboration de programmes d’éducation plus ciblés en vue de prévenir efficacement le dopage non intentionnel.
Objective The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) in populations at high risk for Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs). Methods As of April 2025, we conducted a data retrieval from four major electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase, and employed a fixed-effect model to aggregate the effects of HIIT on CIMT. Results are reported as Weighted Mean Differences (WMD) with 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI). Results A total of 7 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, comprising 296 participants. The results indicated that HIIT significantly improved CIMT in high-risk CVD populations (–0.02mm [95% CI: –0.03 to –0.00], P=0.01). Subgroup analysis revealed that long-term HIIT (≥ 12 weeks) had a more significant impact on CIMT (–0.02mm [95% CI: –0.03 to –0.00], P=0.01). Conclusion HIIT significantly reduced CIMT in high-risk CVD populations. This study provides important references and guidance for the promotion of HIIT in clinical interventions and its application in such groups. Future research should emphasize high quality and large-sample RCTs to further validate the long-term effects and safety of HIIT, clarify its optimal intervention protocols, and promote its widespread application in CVD prevention and management.
Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two recovery methods — active recovery and slow-pace breathing (SB) — on anaerobic performance and heart rate variability in young elite athletes. Materials and methods Fifteen baseball players completed 4 weeks of SB or active recovery after strength training sessions in a cross-over fashion. Sprint performance (27.4 meters) and handgrip strength were assessed before and after the intervention, as were well-being levels and resting heart rate variability in the supine and standing positions. Results Resting heart rate decreased after the intervention (in the supine and standing positions), and this decrease was greater after the SB recovery condition (P<0.001; ηp2=0.66). Similarly, RMSSD in the standing position increased after the intervention, and the time x condition interaction was significant and in favor of the SB recovery condition (P<0.001; ηp2=0.76). There was no differential effects of recovery modalities on running sprint or handgrip test, while grip strength increased over time (P<0.001; ηp2=0.91). Conclusion Eight short recovery sessions after strength training resulted in improved resting parasympathetic activity in youth baseball players, with the SB recovery condition exerting slightly greater effects, but without improved sprint performance.
Objectives. - The aim of this study is to develop and validate, in terms of content and appearance, a questionnaire (QCT-CD) for runners, focusing specifically on short-distance trail running. Materials and methods. - The aim was to develop a questionnaire to collect information from runners on the various internal and external factors that can influence and explain performance. A first version of the questionnaire was presented to a panel of scientific experts in the field of research and/or trail running. In order to gather the experts' opinions, we used a structured questionnaire with open and closed questions. A content validity index was calculated to check the relevance of individual items and the overall relevance of the proposed questionnaire. The open-ended responses were analyzed and used to identify the questionnaire's key points for improvement. An improved version of the questionnaire was then submitted to 18 trail runners. The "Think Aloud" technique was applied to check the face validity of the tool developed. Analysis of these results led to a final version of the questionnaire. Results. - Only 3 out of 33 questionnaire items failed to achieve a content validity index > 0.8. Minor adjustments were proposed to take account of the experts' pertinent comments. Overall, they felt that the questionnaire was a relevant tool, that it fulfilled its intended purpose, that the wording of the questions was good and that the length was appropriate. Trail runners confirm that the questionnaire is a relevant and complete tool, and that it fulfils its intended purpose. Minor modifications to the tool were made on the basis of relevant feedback. Conclusion. - This research enabled the development and validation of the content and appearance of a questionnaire for runners on short-distance trail running. (c) 2025 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Aim This study examined the effects of a one-year judo training program on bone mass acquisition in prepubescent boys. Methods Fifty-seven boys (aged 9–11years, Tanner stage 1) were randomized into two groups: the judo group (n=24) and the control group (n=33). Bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and Bone Mineral Apparent Density (BMAD) were evaluated before and after one year using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry across the whole body and specific sites, including the lumbar spine, hips, and arms. Physical fitness parameters, including squat jump (SJ), horizontal jump (HJ), and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Results After one year, the judo group demonstrated improvements in functional outcomes, with VO2max increasing from 46.72±4.21 to 47.97±3.55mL·kg−1·min−1 (p<0.001) and superior SJ and HJ performances compared with controls (p<0.0001). Judo practice also led to greater gains in whole-body BMD (0.936±0.04 to 0.964±0.05g/cm2; p<0.001), along with significant increases in the dominant (0.729±0.043 to 0.734±0.064g/cm2; p<0.001) and non-dominant arms (0.709±0.047 to 0.713±0.037g/cm2; p<0.001). Parallel improvements were observed in BMC at the whole body, legs, hips, and arms (p<0.05). The judo group also showed significant BA increases in the dominant leg (268.62±35.78 to 299.66±39.43 cm2; p<0.001) and non-dominant leg (268.12±33.92 to 297.33±39.16 cm2; p<0.05), as well as at the hips (dominant: 22.62±2.25 to 25.01±2.95 cm2, p<0.001; non-dominant: 22.06±2.57 to 23.91±2.99 cm2, p<0.05) and arms (dominant: 102.45±20.56 to 113.31±16.36 cm2, p<0.05; non-dominant: 99.87±14.85 to 113.29±19.02 cm2, p<0.01). In parallel, BMAD increased significantly at the lumbar spine (0.792±0.072 vs. 0.763±0.067g/cm3, p<0.05, d=0.45) and at the femoral sites, including the dominant femur (1.056±0.058 vs. 0.970±0.049g/cm3, p<0.001, d=0.68) and non-dominant femur (1.051±0.061 vs. 0.969±0.050g/cm3, p<0.05, d=0.55). Conclusion These findings suggest that regular judo practice provides an effective osteogenic stimulus, enhancing bone mass acquisition at clinically relevant sites and improving physical fitness in prepubescent boys.
Background Obesity has become a serious public health problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of high-intensity functional training (HFT) on body composition, glucose and lipid metabolism in overweight and obese adults. Methods By searching for randomized controlled trials from January 2005 to August 2025 in EBSCO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, 5 studies were ultimately included for meta-analysis. The Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) was chosen as the suitable effect scale index, and the mean differences of the data from the selected articles were analyzed using Revman 5.4 software with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Results The studies included 114 male patients and 40 female patients. The HFT group had a significant improvement in body mass index (BMI) (SMD, –0.65 [–1.15, –0.15], P<0.05, I2=54%) and body fat percentage (Fat%) (SMD, –1.73 [–2.66, –0.79], P<0.05, I2=83%) than the CON group. Subgroup analyses revealed that the obese and overweight adults who performed the 36- [SMD, −0.52 (−0.90, −0.13), p<0.05, I2=0%] and 60-session (SMD, –1.93 [–3.04, –0.83], P<0.05) HFT had significantly reduced BMI compared to those prescribed the 20-session HFT (SMD, –0.18 [–0.96, 0.59], P<0.05). Moreover, HFT exercises at durations over or equal to 60minutes (SMD, –2.51 [–3.09, –1.94], P<0.05) and under 60minutes (SMD, –0.67 [–1.17, –0.17], P<0.05) led to considerably reduced Fat%. Conclusion The findings documented in this study emphasised the effectiveness of HFT as a feasible intervention to improve the health of overweight and obese adults. Based on the data obtained, HFT, particularly when performed for over 60minutes, significantly enhanced body composition and glucose and lipid metabolism parameters.
Objectives. - Taekwondo, a martial art identified for its physical and mental discipline, is an important tool for improving both physical fitness and psychological health. However, few studies have looked into the direct relationship between mental abilities and general wellness in Taekwondo practitioners. The purpose of the research is to evaluate the connection between mental capacity and overall well-being in Taekwondo athletes and to investigate the improvement of well-being and performance via mental skills training. Equipment and methods. - The health of Taekwondo practitioners is examined in the study about the evaluation and improvement of mental skills such as emotional control, focus, resilience, and cognitive flexibility. A total of 275 Taekwondo practitioners take part in this mixed-methods investigation. Validated psychometric instruments, such as Resilience Scale (RS), the Cognitive Flexibility Scale (CFS), and the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), were used to evaluate mental abilities. Self-reported questionnaires, such as the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), were used to measure wellness indices such as stress levels, emotional stability, and quality of life. SPSS software version 26 was used for all analysis. Results. - In addition to demonstrating improved focus during competitions, practitioners with higher scores in emotional management and cognitive flexibility also showed considerably lower stress levels (P < 0.05).
Background Habitual exercise enhances Klotho expression, improves lipid metabolism, and boosts antioxidant capacity in postmenopausal women, though the optimal age and postmenopausal stage remain unclear. Method Of the 128 enrolled postmenopausal women with dyslipidemia, participants were allocated based on habitual exercise status into a control group (CG, n=44) and an exercise group (EG, n=55). Further stratification by age categorized participants into a middle-aged group (MG, n=45) comprising women aged under 60 years, and an older adult group (AG, n=54) consisting of women aged 60 and above. Results Our study demonstrated that habitual exercising postmenopausal women exhibited elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), antioxidant markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Klotho expression], and reduced triglycerides (TG) and oxidative stress indicators [malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 8-iso-Prostaglandin2α (8-iso-PGF2α) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)]. Stratified analysis revealed greater benefits in TG reduction and CAT elevation among middle-aged women (<60 years) and early postmenopausal women (<8 years postmenopause). SOD and GSH-Px increased in middle-aged women, while MDA decreased in early postmenopausal women. Levels of 8-iso-PGF2α and 8-OHdG decreased across all groups. Klotho and Nrf2 increased consistently with exercise, while HO-1 decreased. Klotho was positively correlated with Nrf2 and CAT, and negatively with TG, 8-iso-PGF2α, and 8-OHdG. Conclusion Habitual exercise more effectively improves TG and oxidative stress in early postmenopausal and middle-aged women, but consistently elevates circulating Klotho levels regardless of age or menopausal duration.
Background and objectives. - The 6-minute walking test (6MWT) is widely utilized for the assessment of cardiopulmonary reserve function, evaluation of the efficacy of surgical drug therapy, prediction of cardiovascular risk events, guidance in rehabilitation training, and patient management. Traditionally, it is performed individually, but this study aimed to investigate the feasibility of a 2-person simultaneous 6MWT for evaluating the impact of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on patients' ability to resume physical activity. Methods. - Fifty healthy adults (mean age 58.2 +/- 7.6 years) and fifty patients at 3-6 months post-PCI (mean age: 60.1 +/- 8.3 years) with stable single-vessel disease and left ventricular ejection fraction > 40% were enrolled. All participants underwent both individual and 2-person simultaneous 6MWTs on two consecutive days, with test order randomized using a random number table. Tests were conducted in a 30-meter hospital corridor, 2 hours after a light meal, under standardized environmental conditions (temperature 22-24 degrees C, humidity 50-60%). Participants wore comfortable athletic shoes and were instructed to walk at their own pace without verbal encouragement. Physiological parameters--including walking distance, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation (SpO2), Borg scale score for perceived exertion, and metabolic equivalent (MET)--were recorded before and after each test. Emergency equipment was available throughout. Results. - In healthy subjects, the mean walking distance was 611.84 +/- 61.90 m during the individual test and 614.33 +/- 59.02 m during the 2-person test (P = 0.837), with high consistency (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.954). In post-PCI patients, distances were 530.82 +/- 69.27 m (individual) and 537.54 +/- 67.43 m (2-person) (P = 0.624), with excellent consistency (ICC = 0.995). No significant differences were observed in peak heart rate, blood pressure, SpO2, or MET between the two testing modes in either group (all P > 0.05). However, post-PCI patients reported significantly lower Borg scores during the 2-person test (P < 0.05), indicating reduced perceived exertion and less fatigue. Fewer discomfort symptoms (e.g., fatigue, dyspnea) were reported during simultaneous testing. Conclusion. - The 2-person simultaneous 6MWT is a safe, reliable, and subjectively less fatiguing alternative to the traditional individual 6MWT. It enables comparative functional assessment, enhances patient motivation, and better simulates real-life social walking contexts, offering practical advantages for cardiac rehabilitation programs. (c) 2026 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.
Background High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a highly beneficial exercise training for significantly increasing cardiovascular fitness in individuals; however, few studies have explored its potential benefit on bone health. This systematic review aimed to assess the evidence of the effectiveness of HIIT on bone health in adult. Method Seven electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [CENTRAL]) were searched till March 2025 using predefined terms. Studies published in English were included if they met the following criteria: the mean age of participants was 18years or older; the intervention protocol included at least one group performing HIIT intervention; comparator was another exercise intervention group or non-exercise control group; outcomes contained bone mineral density (BMD) or bone turnover markers (BTMs). The pooled effect size of Hedge's g was estimated using random-effects models in R. Meta-regression was performed for both categorical (menopausal status, duration of training programme, and frequency) and continuous moderators (mean age, female rate). Results Nine eligible RCTs with 247 participants (88.7% female; 21.9–65.0years) were included in the quantitative analysis. The pooled effect size of total body BMD (g=0.309, 95% CI=−0.237, 0.892) and other sites of BMD showed insignificant difference between HIIT group and non-exercise control group. However, the results of meta-regression analysis indicated that HIIT demonstrated a greater significant effect on BMD (especially for lumbar spine and femoral neck) for postmenopausal women (g=0.933, 95% CI=[0.398, 1.227]). Additionally, the pooled effect size of bone formation BTMs and bone resorption BTMs also showed insignificant difference between HIIT group and non-exercise control group. Conclusion While the HIIT intervention did not demonstrate a significant overall effect on BMD and BTMs, it shows promise for improving bone health in postmenopausal women with conditions like osteopenia or osteoporosis. Future studies in this area should employ more reliable and valid research methods to enhance the quality of evidence, allowing for more definitive conclusions.
Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate if two weeks of concurrent hill sprint and battle rope training induces improvements in repeated sprint ability (RSA) and isometric strength in sub-elite combat sport athletes and if 50,000 IU & centerdot;week(-1) vitamin D-3 supplementation produces an ergogenic benefit. Methods Fifteen male sub-elite combat sport athletes were recruited (age: 25 +/- 4 years: stature: 176 +/- 7 cm: weight: 78 +/- 18 kg). Participants undertook baseline lower and upper body RSA testing, handgrip strength testing, isometric hold testing with red blood cell (RBC) lifespan also assessed. Participants were then assigned to consume 50,000 IU & centerdot;week(-1) vitamin D-3 (VITD) or 5g & centerdot;week(-1) olive oil (CON). All participants completed three sessions per week for two weeks of hill sprint and battle rope training with testing repeated at post-intervention prior to statistical analysis with significance set at P < 0.05. Results RBC lifespan decreased in CON (P < 0.001) but not VITD (P = 0.757). Lower and upper body peak power decrement decreased in CON (P = 0.047 and P < 0.001 respectively) with no significant improvement in other RSA markers of performance, handgrip strength or isometric hold ability (P > 0.05). In VITD, lower and upper body average power decrement decreased alongside an improvement in peak and average power held at the end of the RSA test (P < 0.05) with lower body best peak power, handgrip strength and isometric hold ability improved (P < 0.05). Conclusion Two weeks of combined hill sprint and battling rope training improves lower and upper body RSA with 50,000 IU & centerdot;week(-1) of vitamin D-3 providing an additive effect to improve RSA and muscle strength while also providing a protective benefit to RBCs (c) 2026 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
