Abstract Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory illness that is the most common cause of death worldwide. It is marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnoea, chronic cough, and mucus hypersecretion. COPD limits airflow and causes systemic consequences such as decreased balance, weakening muscle, and an increased risk of falling. These difficulties are frequently exacerbated by comorbid illnesses, contributing to a vicious circle of physical inactivity, diminished functional ability, and declining quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a multidisciplinary strategy that addresses these deficiencies using techniques such as inspiratory muscle training, endurance exercises, body awareness treatment, and whole-body vibration. This study investigates the effects of PR on balance, functional ability, and dyspnoea in COPD patients, with the goal of making evidence-based recommendations for better results. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed-Medline, Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Google Scholar, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and EMBASE, to identify published studies (randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and crossover controlled trials) from 2014 to 2024. A total of 3,424 papers were evaluated, and six randomised controlled trials met the qualifying requirements. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: published in English, involved hemodynamically stable individuals aged ≥50 with COPD, and used the PEDro risk of bias tool for quality assessment. PR demonstrated significant positive effects on functional capacity, balance, and dyspnoea in COPD patients. Evidence suggests PR enhances postural control, improves functional outcomes, and alleviates respiratory distress, thereby addressing key physical and functional limitations in this population.
Abstract Aerobic and resistance training are commonly recommended interventions to improve metabolic health in pre-elderly individuals. However, evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of these two types of training on the regulation of myokines that play a role in muscle function, energy metabolism, and inflammatory processes is still limited, especially in pre-elderly women. This study aimed to analyse the effects of eight weeks of aerobic and resistance training on the concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), and transforming growth factor β 1 (TGF- β 1), and to determine which type of training produces the most optimal physiological changes. A total of 36 obese women aged 40–60 years were randomly divided into control (n = 12), aerobic (n = 12), and resistance (n = 12) groups. Aerobic training consisted of low-to-moderate impact movements at an intensity of 65–75% HRmax for 30–60 min. Resistance training was performed using a bodyweight circuit model with a 1:1 work-to-rest ratio. The intervention was administered three times per week for eight weeks. IGF-1, FGF21, and TGF- β 1 were measured before and after the intervention using the ELISA method. Data were analysed using Mixed ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD post-hoc test. Aerobic and resistance training significantly increased IGF-1 and FGF21 and decreased TGF- β 1 ( ). However, resistance training showed greater changes than aerobic training. The control group did not show significant changes. Eight weeks of training effectively modulated key myokines related to muscle health, metabolism, and inflammation in pre-elderly women. Resistance training has been shown to provide superior physiological effects and is recommended as the main choice in intervention programs.
Abstract Hypertension may develop into kidney damage which can lead to kidney fibrosis. Regular physical activity provides an effective strategy for managing blood pressure by stimulating the release of nitric oxide to induce vasodilation. Although high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) have emerged as widely used exercise strategies for lowering blood pressure, their comparative impact on kidney in hypertensive conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the effects of HIIT and MICT on creatinine, urea, CTGF levels and collagen deposition in NG-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) induced hypertensive rats. This was an experimental study using twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control, L-NAME, L-NAME + HIIT, and L-NAME + MICT. All rats except control group was given L-NAME 40 mg/kg/day orally once a day for 5 weeks. Rats in exercise groups were given exercise for five days per week for five weeks. We found that L-NAME + HIIT had lower creatinine and urea levels compared to L-NAME ( ). L-NAME + HIIT had lower serum creatinine and urea levels compared to L-NAME + MICT ( and ). There were no differences in renal CTGF levels between groups ( ). The L-NAME + HIIT and L-NAME + MICT had lower collagen deposition than the L-NAME ( ). Our findings suggest that HIIT may be more effective in improving kidney function markers. Both exercise modalities appear to offer renal protective benefits by decreasing collagen deposition, though they do not influence CTGF expression.
Abstract Exercise-induced adaptations extend beyond skeletal muscle and may influence pancreatic function. Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox-1 ( Pdx-1 ) is a key regulator of β -cell function and insulin synthesis, yet its response to different exercise modalities in diabetes remains unclear. The objective was to compare the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on serum insulin and pancreatic Pdx-1 expression in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: control, diabetes mellitus (DM), DM+MICT, and DM+HIIT. Diabetes was induced by STZ (45 mg/kg body weight). Exercise protocols were conducted on a treadmill, five days per week for six weeks. MICT involved continuous running at 60–65% maximal velocity, whereas HIIT consisted of repeated high-intensity bouts (85–90%) interspersed with recovery periods. Serum insulin was measured using ELISA, and Pdx-1 gene expression was quantified by relative qPCR. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test. STZ-induced diabetes significantly reduced insulin levels compared to controls ( ). Both exercise modalities increased insulin levels, with a greater improvement observed following HIIT, although differences between exercise groups were not statistically significant. Pdx-1 expression was elevated in diabetic rats relative to controls, consistent with a compensatory response to β -cell dysfunction. MICT reduced Pdx-1 expression, whereas HIIT maintained higher levels, with a significant difference observed between exercise modalities ( ). MICT and HIIT differentially modulate pancreatic molecular responses in diabetes. While both improve insulin levels, HIIT appears to better preserve Pdx-1 expression, suggesting modality-specific regulation of β -cell adaptation. These findings highlight the importance of exercise intensity in shaping systemic and pancreatic responses in diabetic conditions and provide insight into the comparative physiology of exercise interventions.
Abstract The classical equestrian doctrine that horses must laterally flex the thoracolumbar spine to navigate a circular track has been transmitted for centuries without biomechanical validation. In the equine mid-thoracic spine, lateral bending is obligately coupled with axial rotation, meaning that training-induced bending simultaneously imposes asymmetric vertebral rotation and facet joint loading. This review synthesises the existing kinematic and kinetic literature on equine circular locomotion – including body lean mechanics, ground reaction force adaptation, and thoracolumbar range of motion on circles – and proposes an alternative model: circular locomotion achieved through whole-body lean and stance-phase centripetal ground reaction force generation without segmental spinal deformation. Body lean angle in horses is predictable from circle radius and speed via centripetal acceleration mechanics, and resembles patterns observed in elite swimming, where whole-body alignment is maintained and segmental deformation is a technical fault. Clinical implications for thoracolumbar pathology, lameness assessment, and training-induced asymmetry are discussed. The classical bending doctrine is reclassified as an untested assumption requiring prospective experimental investigation.
Abstract Caffeine supplementation can modulate oxidative responses caused by metabolic and oxidative stress during high-intensity handball competitions by optimising oxidative-antioxidant and enhancing the activity of antioxidant defence enzymes, and facilitate the improvement of performance and physiological recovery of professional athletes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of caffeine supplementation on oxidative responses and physiological performance of professional handball players under stress conditions caused by high-intensity competitions. This quasi-experimental study was conducted with the participation of 14 male professional handball players aged 8 to 23 years who were randomly divided into two groups of caffeine supplementation (6 mg/kg of body weight) and placebo; after four weeks of supplementation, blood samples were collected before and after the official Premier League match and data were analysed with dependent and independent t-tests. In the caffeine supplement group, MDA levels decreased significantly after the competition ( ), while in the placebo group did not change. The activities of SOD and GPx enzymes increased significantly after the competition in the caffeine group ( ), but no significant difference was observed in the placebo group. Also, CAT activity increased significantly after the competition in the caffeine group ( ) and the post-test CAT level in this group was significantly higher than in the placebo group ( ), while the placebo group did not change significantly ( ). It can be concluded that caffeine supplementation can prevent oxidative stress-related damage during intense sports competitions by strengthening the body’s antioxidant defence mechanisms and help improve the performance and recovery of athletes.
Abstract Inactivity caused by hospitalisation and disease leads to skeletal muscle loss and impaired physical performance, which can have devastating consequences. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of exercises training with vitamin D consumption on physical performance and quality of life of people with osteosarcoma after bone marrow stem cell transplantation. Fifty women with osteosarcoma cancer (age = 24.90 ± 4.61 years) voluntarily participated in a randomised controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned to one of five groups: Pilates + vitamin D, Pilates + placebo, Pilates only, vitamin D only, and control. The training protocol consisted of supervised Pilates sessions lasting 10 weeks. In groups receiving supplementation, 5,000 IU of vitamin D was administered once weekly for 10 weeks. The current data revealed that 10 weeks of exercise training combined with vitamin D significantly improved vitamin D levels ( P = 0.001), muscular endurance ( P = 0.001), aerobic endurance ( P = 0.002), upper body strength ( P = 0.001) and lower body strength ( P = 0.001), balance ( P = 0.002), quality of life ( P = 0.001), Vo 2 peak ( P = 0.06) and depression ( P = 0.04) in people with osteosarcoma cancer after bone marrow stem cell transplantation. By comparing between groups, it was found that the improvement observed in the mentioned variables in the exercise training with vitamin D group was more than exercise training alone ( P < 0.05). The results of the current data analysis support exercise training alone or in combination with vitamin D as a complementary and disease-modifying treatment in people with osteosarcoma cancer after bone marrow stem cell transplantation, although there was a discernible advantage for the simultaneous exercise training and vitamin D condition.
Abstract Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition characterized by recurrent physical, psychological, and behavioural symptoms occurring during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The objective of present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of yoga therapy and Pilates training on cardiopulmonary, psychological parameters and quality of life in PMS. 120 women were assigned to three groups: yoga group (n = 40), Pilates group (n = 40) and control group (n = 40). Blood pressure was measured using a sphygmomanometer; heart rate was measured using pulse oximeter. Respiratory parameters were measured by computerised Spiro Excel spirometry. Psychological parameters measure by the Depression Anxiety and Stress score questionnaire (DASS-42) and quality of life was assessed by the World Health Organization Quality of Life-brief Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). The yoga group showed significantly greater improvements than the Pilates and control groups, including larger reductions in systolic blood pressure (−7.15 ± 5.58), diastolic blood pressure (−5.72 ± 4.03), and heart rate (−5.57 ± 3.52), along with enhanced respiratory and psychological outcomes ( ). Significant differences were observed between the yoga and Pilates groups, with yoga showing greater improvements across most outcome measures. Pilates also showed beneficial effects compared to the control group across several parameters. This trial is registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India: Registration no. CTRI/2023/09/057303.
Ankle injuries, both traumatic and non-traumatic, often result in persistent weakness and restricted mobility, where high-load resistance training may be contraindicated due to pain, instability, or surgical limitations. In such cases, blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy provides a low-load alternative capable of inducing strength and hypertrophic adaptations through localised hypoxia and metabolic stress. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of BFR therapy on strength, balance, functional outcomes, and morphological adaptations in ankle conditions. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and PEDro, along with allied-health databases, identified ten studies involving 304 participants, of which seven were eligible for quantitative synthesis. When compared with conventional exercise, BFR combined with exercise significantly enhanced strength in adduction (MD = 12.24 N, 95% CI: 5.74–18.74), abduction (MD = 9.61 N, 95% CI: 1.17–18.05), dorsiflexion (MD = 0.08 Nm/kg, 95% CI: 0.05–0.10), and improved range of motion (MD = 5°–15°). Functional outcomes (CAIT) favoured BFR, whereas FAAM-ADL and FAAM-Sport showed positive but non-significant trends. Morphological adaptations were directionally favourable but heterogeneous. Collectively, BFR therapy represents a safe and promising adjunct, facilitating early-phase strength and mobility recovery under restricted loading conditions, warranting further standardised and long-term investigations.
Weightlifting demands high levels of physical fitness, including explosive power, dynamic balance, flexibility, and core strength. Core stability is essential for enhancing lifting performance and preventing injuries. Although core training is widely used in athletic conditioning, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of TheraBand-based core strengthening in weightlifters. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of TheraBand-assisted core strengthening exercises on abdominal muscle strength, explosive power, and dynamic balance in male weightlifters. 40 State-level male weightlifters aged 20-30 years were randomly assigned into two groups. The control group (n = 20) followed a standard weightlifting training program, while the experimental group (n = 20) performed TheraBand-based core exercises in addition to regular training, three times per week for six weeks. Outcome measures such as upper and lower abdominal strength, dynamic balance, and explosive power were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in all outcome measures after six weeks (P < 0.05). However, the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater gains in upper and lower abdominal strength and dynamic balance compared to the control group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the groups in explosive power (P = 0.094). The study concludes that integrating TheraBandbased core strengthening exercises into regular training significantly improves abdominal strength and dynamic balance in male weightlifters. While explosive power improved in both groups, the additional core training did not produce a statistically significant advantage. Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI) Registration No.: CTRI/2025/04/084317
This study investigated the effects of an 8-week circuit resistance training (CRT) program on serum SFRP5, myonectin, and omentin concentration, insulin resistance, and body composition in obese men. 24 men with obesity (BMI 31.7 +/- 2.3 kg/m(2)) were randomised to CRT (n = 12; 3 sessions/week for 8 weeks, progressive intensity 50-85% 1-RM) or a non-exercising control group (n = 12). Anthropometry (body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences, waist-to-hip ratio, percent body fat), fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and serum SFRP5, myonectin, and omentin-1 were measured pre- and post-intervention. ELISA measurements were performed in duplicate; pre- and post-samples for each participant were assayed on the same plate when feasible to reduce inter-assay variability. The CRT group exhibited significant reductions in body weight (Delta -2.9 kg, P < 0.001), waist circumference (Delta -4.2 cm, P < 0.001), and HOMA-IR (Delta -0.35, P=0.01), alongside improved insulin sensitivity (Delta -25.6% insulin, P=0.004). Serum SFRP5 remained stable in the CRT group (Delta +6.4%, P=0.53) but decreased in controls (Delta -15.7%, P=0.01). Myonectin increased significantly in the training group (Delta +10.0%, P=0.03), while omentin showed no significant changes. A strong positive correlation emerged between changes in waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and SFRP5 (r = 0.74, P=0.006). CRT improves body composition, insulin sensitivity, and myonectin levels in obese men, but its effects on SFRP5 and omentin are likely mediated by visceral fat redistribution. These findings highlight CRT's potential for modulating adipokine profiles and mitigating obesity-related metabolic risks.
This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of yoga therapy and Pilates training in managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Thirty-six women were randomly assigned to yoga (n = 12), Pilates (n = 12), and control (n = 12) groups. Interventions were delivered for 45 minutes, three times per week for six weeks. Outcomes included cardiopulmonary, psychological measures and quality of life. Within-group analysis showed significant improvements in the yoga group for systolic blood pressure (MD = 8.16, p < 0.0001), diastolic blood pressure (MD = 4.83, p = 0.005), heart rate (MD = 7.08, p < 0.0001), forced vital capacity (MD =-1.38, p < 0.0001), FEV1 (MD =-1.05, p < 0.0001), FEV1/FVC ratio (MD = 10.38, p < 0.0001), and peak expiratory flow rate (MD =-2.37, p < 0.0001). Significant reductions were also observed in depression, anxiety, stress, physical, psychological, and social domains (p < 0.05), while environmental scores were not significant (p = 0.141). The Pilates group showed significant improvements in most cardiopulmonary, and psychological outcomes, including SBP, DBP, HR, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, depression, anxiety, stress, physical, psychological, and social domains (p < 0.05), but environmental domain changes were not significant (p = 0.063). The control group demonstrated smaller changes, with significant improvements limited to selected physiological and psychological variables, while stress, physical, social, and environmental domains remained non-significant. Overall, both interventions were feasible and effective in reducing PMS symptoms, with yoga producing the greatest improvements across cardiopulmonary, and psychological outcomes and quality of life. This trial is registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India: Registration no. CTRI/2023/09/057303.
The growing focus on health and wellness among young adults has resulted in a rise in the use of fitness tracking apps. Although numerous studies indicate that these tools have a positive impact on physical activity, there are ongoing questions regarding their long-term viability and risk of becoming overly dependent on them. This research aimed to assess whether fitness tracking app use is associated with better physical health and behavioural patterns among young adults. A cross-sectional comparative observational study design was used, with participants split into app users and non-users. The Short Form-12 (SF-12) was used to assess physical health quality of life, while physical activity levels were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Statistical analyses were carried out using MedCalc and SPSS. App users showed significantly higher physical health scores (49.35 +/- 1.43) compared to non-users (36.35 +/- 1.43; P = 0.02). Furthermore, 56% of app users were categorised as 'high activity' according to the IPAQ, in contrast to 40% of non-users. Fitness tracking applications were associated with higher physical activity levels and better health-related quality of life among young adults. Future study should investigate their long-term effects and replicate these findings in broader and more diverse groups.
The purpose of the present study was to compare the acute hormonal responses and perceived exertion after performing super-set vs compound set resistance exercise in active males. In this study, 10 volunteer male university students (with an average age of 23.4 +/- 2.3 years; 78 +/- 10 kg; 176 +/- 6 cm) participated in this study. After 10 repetition maximum (10RM) test in the movements, each participant performed randomly two sessions consist of super-set and compound set resistance exercise (crossover design) with 4 sets for each movement with 85-90% of 10RM and 90 seconds rest between sets, with 5 days apart between exercise sessions. The testosterone (T), cortisol (C), the testosterone/cortisol ratio (T/C) and blood lactate (LA) levels were measured before, immediately, 15 and 30 minutes after the exercise protocols. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded at the end of each set for both modes of resistance exercise in each session. In general, the results showed almost similar responses and a significant differences in both the super-set and compound set resistance exercise protocols at the time points for T concentrations, T/C ratio, LA levels and RPE (P < 0.05). In general, both protocols led to an increase in T and the ratio of T/C immediately after exercise, followed by a decrease in 30 min after exercise (P < 0.05). Also, LA levels and RPE increased significantly during exercise sets compared to pre-exercise levels (P < 0.05). The findings show that both super-set and compound set resistance exercise methods produce similar acute hormonal, metabolic and perceived responses in active men.
Brain inflammation, particularly elevated cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-1 , plays a key role in the onset and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). Exercise is recognised as a safe, natural method to support brain health and reduce inflammation in MS. This study examined the effect of four weeks of moderate swimming exercise on inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-1 ) and fatigue-and motivation-related behaviours in female C57BL/6 mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an established model of MS. Twenty-one female mice were assigned to three groups: Healthy Control (HC) (n = 7), EAE Control (EAE) (n = 7), and EAE + swimming exercise (EAE+EX) (n = 7). EAE was induced with the MOG35-55 peptide. The EAE+EX swam for 30 min/day, five days/week for four weeks. After training, brain tissue was collected to measure TNF-alpha and IL-1 via Western blot. The open field test (OFT) and sucrose preference test (SPT) assessed locomotor and motivation-related behaviours. EAE significantly increased TNF-alpha and IL-1 versus HC (P < 0.05). Swimming reduced both cytokines and improved movement and exploration in the OFT (P < 0.05), but not SPT performance. Four weeks of moderate swimming reduced brain inflammation and improved locomotor behaviour in EAE mice, suggesting swimming as a safe complementary strategy for managing MS-related inflammation and fatigue.
Psychosocial stress is one of the public health clinical problems in most societies. It can worsen many diseases, such as cardiovascular disease. Studies show that such stresses activate the inflammatory process in the body. Regular exercise has effective roles to reduce mortality from cardiovascular disease. The aim of present was to investigate the effects of regular exercise on the inflammatory genes in the heart of male rats under psychosocial stress. Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: control, heart failure group (model), aerobic exercise + heart failure group, psychosocial stress + heart failure group, and psychosocial stress + aerobic exercise + heart failure group. The rats in the aerobic exercise group ran on the treadmill for 4 weeks, 5 consecutive days a week. Psychosocial stress was induced in the form of changing the animal's cage mate. Heart failure was induced by subcutaneously injection of isoproterenol. Finally, the expression of NLRP3, IL-1 and Caspase1 inflammatory genes were measured and histologic investigation was carried out. Analysed data by one-way ANOVA, showed psychosocial stress increased the expression of NLRP3, IL-1 and Caspase1 genes (P = 0.01) compared to the control group. In contrast, regular aerobic exercise decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes NLRP3, IL-1 and Caspase1 (P = 0.001) compared to the model group in the heart. Also, psychosocial stress increased heart fibrotic tissue while aerobic exercise decreased it. Psychosocial stress increases the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes in field injured heart. Regular aerobic exercise improves the inflammation in the heart by reducing the expression of inflammatory cytokine.
Plyometric training enhances muscle strength, power, and balance. However, exercise-induced fatigue may adversely affect balance, increasing injury risks. This study investigates the acute effects of a fatiguing plyometric protocol on balance performance in athletes. Thirty-five athletes (mean age: 21.4 +/- 1.8 years) from various sports completed pre-and post-intervention assessments. Exercise intensity was confirmed using blood lactate concentrations as a metabolic marker (Lactate Scout 4), while balance was assessed using the Balance-OTM system with the Clinical Test for Sensory Integration and Balance (CTSIB). Significant increases in blood lactate (indicating high exercise intensity) and significant impairments in balance performance were observed across all CTSIB conditions post-exercise (P < 0.01). High-intensity plyometric exercise acutely impairs balance performance, potentially elevating injury risk. Coaches should consider fatigue effects when designing training programs.
Soccer is a physically demanding, competitive sport that requires a high level of cardiopulmonary and cognitive fitness. However, the association of lipid biomarker and life style markers with cardio pulmonary and cognitive fitness are not reported earlier. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between lifestyle markers, lipid profile bio markers, with cardiopulmonary and cognitive fitness among young adult soccer players. A total of 29 soccer players, recruited through convenience sampling for the correlation study. Cardiopulmonary fitness and cognitive fitness were assessed through 3-min step test and Stroop test respectively. Life style markers were reported by validated questionnaire and lipid biomarkers by lipid profiles which includes total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). Pearson correlation or Spearman rank correlational coefficient and multiple regression were used to report the association. step test has significant correlation with sleep (-0.625, P < 0.001), mobile phone use (0.544, P < 0.001), and playing time (-0.597, P < 0.001). while Stroop test is significantly correlated with TC (0.455, P = 0.01), LDL (0.409, P = 0.03), Sleep (-0.492, P = 0.01), and playing time (-0.463, P = 0.01) and non-statistically significant correlation with TG, HDL, VLDL, mobile phone use and tea/coffee consumption were observed. Cardio pulmonary fitness has significant association with sleep, mobile phone use, and playing time while cognitive fitness has significantly associated with TC, LDL, sleep and playing time.
The skeletal muscle's structural and functional aspects, especially mitochondrial quantity and quality, are enhanced by exercise. Lithium and magnesium as dietary supplements affect muscle mitochondria. However, the intricate mechanisms underlying their effects have yet to be fully deciphered. This study evaluates the effects of lithium and magnesium on the mRNA expression levels of activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1 alpha) and sirtuin (SIRT3) in the skeletal muscle of male Wistar rats, using the qRT-PCR technique. Our results showed that moderate intensity exercise positively affects PGC1 alpha and SIRT3 gene expression. Additionally, in conditions of non-expose exercise, magnesium intake and a combination of magnesium and low-dose lithium increase the expression of PGC1 alpha and SIRT3 genes, while in exposed exercise animals, magnesium and high-dose lithium combined have a higher positive effect on PGC1 alpha and SIRT3 mRNA expression. Another part of our data showed that MIT can enhance the brain-driven neural factor (BDNF) protein level in the Mg+Li10 and Mg+Li40 groups. We observed that supplements show different effects when combined with exercise than when taken without exercise.
adaptations at lower loads, yet the comparative effects of high- versus low-intensity BFR remain unclear. This study investigated whether high-load BFR (HL-BFR) and low-load BFR (LL-BFR) differentially affect strength, hypertrophy, aerobic capacity, and fatigue markers in trained athletes. In a randomized trial, n = 24 male athletes were allocated to HL-BFR (70-80% 1RM with 40-60% arterial occlusion pressure, AOP), LL-BFR (20-30% 1RM with 60-80% AOP), or a control group performing conventional training for 8 weeks. Outcomes included one-repetition maximum (1RM), thigh cross-sectional area (CSA) measured by ultrasound, maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max), blood lactate levels, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Data were analysed using repeated-measures ANOVA with Tukey post hoc tests and effect sizes (eta(2)p). Significant group & times; time interactions were observed across all outcomes (all P<0.01). HL-BFR elicited the most significant gains in 1RM (+22.5 +/- 4.2 kg) and CSA (+4.8 +/- 1.2 cm(2)), whereas LL-BFR produced the most essential improvements in VO(2)max (+4.1 +/- 1.0 ml/kg & sdot; min) and the most significant reductions in lactate (-2.3 +/- 0.6 mmol/l) and RPE (-2.1 +/- 0.6). Both BFR groups outperformed control (all P<0.05). BFR training enhances both muscular and aerobic adaptations, with HL-BFR being most effective for hypertrophy and strength, and LL-BFR being most effective for endurance-related outcomes. These findings underscore the comparative physiological relevance of BFR across intensities and highlight its translational value in human and potentially animal exercise physiology.
