Introduction: International guidelines recommend regular physical activity during pregnancy, including resistance training, as a safe and effective strategy to promote maternal-fetal health. However, there are variations among countries regarding the specificity of these recommendations, particularly with respect to resistance training prescription. Objective: To comparatively analyze international recommendations on resistance training for pregnant women, identifying convergences, divergences, and implications for maternal-fetal health. Methods: A narrative review of guidelines published between 2015 and 2025 was conducted, including documents issued by governmental bodies and scientific societies from Australia, Canada, Denmark, Spain, France, England, Japan, Norway, and the United States. Recommendations were qualitatively synthesized and organized into a comparative table, considering frequency, type of exercise, intensity, safety guidelines, and contraindications. Results: The analyzed guidelines converge in recommending physical activity during pregnancy, including moderate-intensity resistance training, generally two to three times per week. Exercises targeting large muscle groups, lumbopelvic stability, and pelvic floor strengthening are widely endorsed. Major obstetric contraindications are consistent across countries. Nonetheless, heterogeneity was observed regarding detailed prescriptions of training volume, intensity and progression. Conclusion: Resistance training is widely recognized as safe and beneficial for pregnant women without contraindications; however, the lack of standardization across guidelines limits precise prescription. Integration with nutritional counseling and individualized programming is essential to ensure safety and optimize maternal-fetal benefits. Future studies are needed to establish more specific prescription parameters.
Introduction: High diving is an emerging aquatic discipline and part of the World Aquatics Championships since 2013. Some information is available on injuries and illnesses during competitions, but information on training is scarce. The primary goal of this study was to survey elite high divers on training contents, competition preparation, recovery activities and their experiences with soreness and injuries. Methods: A comprehensive internet survey. Results: 24 athletes completed the survey, 9 females and 15 males, representing 56% of all 2025 World Aquatics Championships participants. Training and recovery: These divers spend more hours per week preparing in the gym, practicing skills in the dryland area, in low diving and in recovery activities than in high diving. Six female high divers (67%) and six males (40%) do not practice, or do not have access to a diving platform at competition height on a weekly basis. Competition preparation: These divers build competition confidence by more diving, from high and low platforms. Soreness and injuries: Female and male high divers both report the neck, calves and low back as sore body areas after competition, but they describe different injuries over the last year and attribute to those different causes (females 50% acute, 50% overuse; males 88% acute, 12% overuse) and they differ in injury severity. Correlations reveal strong associations with the number of injuries for the subgroups females and divers with less years of high diving experience. Conclusions: This comprehensive survey of 56% of elite high divers describes how they partake in their sport. Findings provide possible directions for athletes, officials and healthcare professionals to help advance health and sport performance. Continuous injury and illness registration and prospective research are necessary to formally identify risk factors and to formulate evidence-based prevention measures.
Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), commonly assessed through maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), is a robust biomarker of cardiovascular and respiratory efficiency. Increasing evidence highlights its strong association with reduced all-cause mortality, prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and enhanced longevity. Despite the multifactorial determinants of VO2 max, physical activity represents the main modifiable factor, reinforcing its role as a central indicator for both clinical practice and public health strategies. Methods: This study is a narrative review of the scientific literature conducted through searches in PubMed, SciELO, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. The descriptors "VO2 max," "cardiorespiratory fitness," "longevity," "chronic diseases," "public health," and "mortality risk" wereused in Portuguese and English. Articles published between 2000 and 2024, including systematic reviews, guidelines, consensus papers, and seminal studies, were considered. Publications lacking methodological rigor, duplicates, case reports, and opinion articles were excluded. The included studies were analyzed interpretatively and organized into the maticaxes: physiological basis of VO2 max, its relationship with health and longevity, methods of assessment, and interventions to improve it. Results: The literature demonstrates that VO2 max is a strong independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Each 1-MET increment (~3.5 ml/kg/min) in VO2 max is associated with a 13% reduction in overall mortality and a 15% reduction in cardiovascular mortality risk. Higher levels of CRF are linked to lower incidence of NCDs, greater functional capacity during aging, and improved quality of life, regardless of body mass index or other traditional risk factors. VO2 max can be assessed through direct methods (spirometry during graded exercise testing) or indirect field protocols (Cooper, Rockport, or shuttle run tests), which provide feasible alternatives for large-scale assessments. Interventions such as moderate-intensity continuous training and high-intensity interval training consistently improve VO2 max by 15-30% in sedentary individuals. At the population level, promoting CRF has been recognized as a strategic priority for reducing healthcare costs, extending longevity, and enhancing quality of life. Conclusion: VO2 max is one of the most reliable indicators of population health and longevity, with significant predictive power for mortality and chronic disease risk. Unlike immutable risk factors, VO2 max is highly modifiable through physical activity, making it an essential target for clinical practice, exercise prescription, and public health policies. Incorporating VO2 max assessment into routine health evaluations and promoting strategies to improve CRF may strengthen preventive approaches, support healthy aging, and reduce the global burden of chronic disease.
Background: Lateral epicondylitis is a self-limiting condition linked to biomechanical overuse, often from work or sports activities. It presents as lateral elbow pain during wrist extension or gripping, reduced grip strength. While 70% to 90% of LE cases gradually improve on their own, ESWT and conventional physiotherapy are commonly employed as supplementary therapies in conservative management of the condition. Aim: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of ESWT and other conventional methods of physiotherapy for the conservative management of LE. By critically reviewing recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs), it seeks to identify which therapy demonstrates superior outcomes in managing LE. Methods: Randomized controlled trials relevant to the study were retrieved from several databases, including CINAHL, Cochrane, PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, and MEDLINE. Results: ESWT is very effective in managing pain in patients with LE, and greatly improves functionality in these patients. It is more effective in short-term (immediately after treatment) and long-term pain management than most conventional physiotherapy except kinesiotaping. Conclusion: ESWT is highly effective than other conventional physiotherapy techniques except kinesiotaping
The present study analyzed the behavior of internal loads through the session rating of perceived exertion (RPE) method and its monotony and strain indicators, as well as the external loads through vertical jump monitoring, during two training weeks of the preparatory phase of athletes from the Brazilian under-19 volleyball team. The sample consisted of 17 athletes (18.2 ± 0.4 years, 88.8 ± 11.7 kg and 198.5 ± 8.2 cm). During the period assessed, the first week consisted of five training days and one recovery day, and the second week consisted of four training days and three recovery days. Daily training loads (TL) and weekly TL were monitored using the session RPE method. Monotony and strain were weekly assessed. Jump performance was evaluated during tactical training, in which the number of vertical jumps and mean jump height were collected. Data were evaluated by comparing weeks 1 and 2 that made up the microcycle, using the paired t test for normal data and the Wilcoxon test for non-normal data, with a significance level of α ≤ 0.05. No significant differences were found in the comparison between the TL of week 1 and week 2 of the microcycle (p = 0.125), while the monotony and strain indicators had higher means in week 1. The total number of jumps performed was the same in weeks 1 and 2, but the mean number of jumps performed per training session was higher in week 2 (p = 0.012), and the mean jump height was greater in week 1 (p = 0.008). We conclude that the microcycle was balanced for the number and height of jumps, leading to equal TL values between weeks.
"Otsongui" apnea game, practiced in an extracurricular context, on the health of overweight and obese school children. The experiment was based on a 12-week program, applied to a sample of 60 overweight and obese students (mean age: 18 years), randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG), each composed of 30 participants. The assessments focused on spirometric, cardiovascular and body composition parameters, using a spirometer, the modified Luc Léger test and an impedance meter. The results reveal significant improvements in the students of the experimental group: reduction of BMI ( 29.43 ± 1.18 vs. 27.44 ± 0.17), improvement of respiratory function (FEV1: 75.90 ± 3.42 vs. 84.90 ± 3.42; FEF75: 0.71 ± 0.39 vs. 1.22 ± 0.39), improvement of time in the specific apnea test (58.01 ± 0.07 vs. 72.20 ± 0.08), increase of VO₂ max (28.46 ± 3.12 vs. 24.48 ± 3.15) and improvement of body composition (increase of muscle mass, decrease of fat mass and improvement of water mass). These results highlight the value of traditional aquatic physical activities, such as the "Otsongui" game, in improving cardiorespiratory fitness and combating a sedentary lifestyle among young people. It is therefore recommended that their practice be encouraged in an educational or family setting.
Introduction: Obesity is a metabolic disease characterized by abnormal fat accumulation. Physical inactivity can contribute to this accumulation of fat, which reduces cardiorespiratory capacity in obese women. The excess weight can impair both cardiometabolic and mechanical functions. The perimenopausal phase is marked by changes that affect women's body composition. Our aim is to identify the effects of body composition on cardio-respiratory capacities of perimenopausal women living with obesity. Material and Methods: Our study concerned patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m2). Body composition analysis was carried out by bioelectric impedancemetry. It allowed us to identify the total fat mass (FM) and the lean mass (LM) in Kg and as a percentage. Cardiorespiratory capacities, oxygen consumption rate (VO2max), heart rate max (HRmax) and metabolic equivalent of task (MET) were assessed using an ergocycle, for a maximal exercise test. The correlations between body composition and cardiorespiratory capacities were sought. Results: 51 women, average age 41.12 ± 12 years, BMI = 36.9 ± 5.4 Kg/m2, weight = 93.43 ± 14.9 kg including Fat Mass (FM) 41.3 ± 10 kg. The Heart Rate max (HRmax) was 152 ± 17bmp, the VO2max was 16.5 ± 2.08 ml/Kg/min. Negative and statistically significant correlations were found between VO2max and BMI (r = - 0.49, p = 0.02), FM in % (r = - 0.61, p < 0.01). Likewise, HRmax is inversely correlated (r = - 0.71) with age and in a highly significant manner (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The accumulation of fatty tissue in our series seems to negatively influence cardiorespiratory capacities in perimenopausal women with obesity. Fat mass as a percentage provides better information on the evolution of VO2max. In addition to age, this category of obese seems to present a limitation in effort that must be taken when prescribing an appropriate physical activity.
Muscle dysmorphia, a form of Body Dysmorphic Disorder, is marked by an intense preoccupation with muscle size and body image, often leading to excessive physical activity, restrictive eating habits, and the misuse of dietary supplements. We report the case of a 16-year-old boy with muscle dysmorphia who presented to the emergency department with sudden-onset chest pain and was diagnosed with pneumomediastinum. Etiology was attributed to elevated intrathoracic pressure during strenuous weightlifting exercises, combined with dietary restrictions that may have weakened the alveolar walls. This case is the first to document pneumomediastinum associated with muscle dysmorphia, highlighting the risks posed by excessive exercise and rigid dietary behaviors. By sharing this report, we aim to raise awareness among healthcare providers about the potential for rare medical complications in muscle dysmorphia, emphasizing early recognition and intervention to prevent adverse outcomes.
Title: Effectiveness of Ultrasound Guided Platelet Rich Plasma Injection in Comparison with Corticosteroid Injection on Improving Pain and Function in the Treatment of Biceps Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Background: Bicipital tendinosis is an inflammatory process of the long head of the biceps tendon and is a common cause of shoulder pain due to its position and function. Patients with biceps tendinitis often complain of a deep, throbbing pain in the anterior shoulder that is intensified when lifting and usually localized to the bicipital groove. The first line of treatment comprises nonoperative therapeutical means as rest, ice, restriction of overhead activities, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and physical therapy. Local anesthetic and corticosteroid injections have been advocated as additional treatment options but with known side effects. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is believed to be a promising alternative safer and effective treatment option. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of ultrasound guided Platelet rich plasma injection in comparison with corticosteroid injection on improving pain and shoulder function in the treatment of biceps tendinopathy. Study design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty two athletes with biceps tendinopathy meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for this study and randomized into 2 treatment groups: platelet rich plasma injection under ultrasound guidance (PRP group; n = 16), and corticosteroid injection under ultrasound guidance (CS group; n = 16). The outcome measures were visual analog scale (VAS) and Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE) for pain and Quick DASH for assessment of shoulder function. Both the groups underwent rehabilitation programs. For descriptive statistics mean, standard deviation and frequency were used. Continuous variables were analysed by student’s t-test. Categorical variables were analysed using Chi-square test. Within the group comparison (baseline and follow-up data of each group) was done by Repeated measures ANOVA. Between the group comparison was analysed using student’s t-test. A p-value < 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: The 2 groups were homogeneous in terms of their baseline characteristics like age, gender, duration of symptoms and side of affection. Within the group comparisons showed significant improvement in outcome measures in the PRP group at all follow ups. In the Corticosteroid group, improvement in outcome measures was found only at 4 weeks and 12 weeks follow up. Between the groups comparisons showed that the improvement in outcome measures was more in the corticosteroid group in the short term i.e. at 4 weeks and 12 weeks. However, over the long term, PRP was found to be superior to corticosteroids in improving outcome measures at 24 weeks. Conclusion: Ultrasound guided injection of platelet rich plasma lead to significant improvement in pain and function over the long term in comparison with corticosteroid injection in athletes with Biceps tendinosis and thereby enabling faster return to sports.
Extracellular vesicles (EV) are small membrane bound vesicles which are capable of delivering biomolecules to neighbouring recipient cells or more distant cells, where they induce various signalling cascades and subsequently alter their metabolism. These EVs may include apoptotic bodies, microvesicles, and exosomes, which have emerged as important mediators of cell to cell communication in normal physiology and pathological status. EVs have been widely documented in vascular development, growth, and maturation and their potential therapeutic application in angiogenesis related diseases is drawing an increasing engrossment.
Precision nutrition requires the discovery and understanding of quantitative biomarkers with sufficient between person variability. In healthy individuals, glucose is used as the preferential energy substrate and is not readily stored. Circumstances such as disease, fasting, or injury, can cause glucose to be unable to be used or not readily available. In these circumstances the body can utilize alternative energy sources such as ketones derived from stored fatty acids.
The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of different resistance exercise order on training intensity in middle-aged and older women. Twenty-three participants (age 50-78 years) were randomized into two RT groups: One group started training sessions performing multi-joint exercises followed by single-joint exercises (MS, n = 12; 58.92 ± 5.53 years), while the other group performed their session in the opposite order (SM, n = 11; 57.93 ± 11.89 years). Both groups completed RT sessions twice a week for 16 weeks using 7 exercises performed in 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions maximum, in the morning hours.
Seventeen male professional outfield football players completed a laboratory based incremental treadmill test to establish vVO2max and a field based 1200m shuttle test to estimate velocity at MAS. During the pre-season period a linear speed phase consisting of twice weekly PS exposures were conducted and each player’s PS reached during this period was established. Body composition was measured using DEXA.
Prophylactic braces are commonly utilized protective devices in sports to reduce the risk of knee injuries. Despite their widespread use, there exists a divergence of opinions regarding their effectiveness. Several studies have investigated the efficacy of prophylactic brace in athletes, revealing enhancements in biomechanical factors linked to the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries, such as knee range of motion, flexion angles, or angular velocity.
