Background: Multicomponent exercise promotes healthy aging, but evidence in community-dwelling older women remains limited. This study examined pre–post changes in functional fitness and cardiovascular health following participation in a six-month multicomponent exercise program. Methods: Thirty-five community-dwelling older women (71.39 ± 6.82 years) participated in a quasi-experimental pre–post intervention study. Participants completed supervised multicomponent exercise sessions twice weekly for six months. Anthropometric, cardiovascular, and functional fitness outcomes were assessed before and after the program. Results: Reductions were observed in body mass (68.03 ± 11.39 vs. 66.29 ± 10.02 kg; p < 0.001) and body mass index (26.56 ± 3.71 vs. 25.90 ± 3.22 kg·m−2; p < 0.05). Lower post-test values were also observed for systolic blood pressure (125 ± 9 vs. 121 ± 10 mmHg; p = 0.026), resting heart rate (85 ± 12 vs. 77 ± 11 bpm; p = 0.008), and double product (10,359 ± 1899 vs. 9701 ± 1705 mmHg·bpm; p = 0.027). Handgrip strength was higher at post-test in both the dominant hand (20.98 ± 5.47 vs. 22.53 ± 6.31 kgf; p = 0.007) and non-dominant hand (19.23 ± 4.99 vs. 21.20 ± 5.61 kgf; p < 0.001). Functional aerobic capacity was also higher at post-test (95.74 ± 21.35 vs. 110.41 ± 22.86 steps; p < 0.001), while flexibility values were higher in the left Chair Sit-and-Reach Test (−15.92 ± 10.48 vs. −12.97 ± 10.91 cm; p = 0.001) and left Back Scratch Test (−3.65 ± 6.82 vs. 4.32 ± 7.83 cm; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Participation in a twice-weekly multicomponent exercise program for six months was associated with favorable pre–post changes in functional fitness and cardiovascular health in community-dwelling older women.
Background/Objectives: Inter-brain synchronization (IBS) has emerged as a key indicator of social cognition, reflecting the temporal alignment of neural activities across individuals. This systematic review aimed to determine the neurophysiological markers of inter-brain synchronization and the modulation of Frontoparietal Networks during social cooperation tasks in healthy adults. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a search was executed across Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and APA PsycInfo. Hyperscanning studies using EEG, fNIRS, or dual fMRI that evaluated dyads in cooperative contexts were selected based on the PICO framework, with methodological quality rigorously assessed through the MMAT. Results: Eleven studies were included, predominantly utilizing fNIRS (72.7%) and undirected statistical coupling metrics. The data reveal a recurring spatial convergence in key nodes of the Frontoparietal Network (FPN), the Mirror Neuron System (MNS), and the Theory of Mind (ToM) network (IFG, dlPFC, rTPJ, and precuneus) during social cooperation conditions. Although evidence suggests preliminary inter-brain coupling within these networks during social cooperation, the high methodological heterogeneity of the studies precludes the establishment of a definitive causal mechanism. Conclusions: Therefore, inter-brain synchronization should be interpreted as an associative correlate and shared computational task state that requires greater experimental and instrumental standardization in future research.
Background: Changes in estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle could potentially influence standing-induced hemodynamic and autonomic responses. Aims and Objectives: We aimed to explore the effects of menstrual cycle phases on cardiovascular and autonomic adaptations to a virtual reality International Space Station (ISS) environment used as a microgravity analogue across varying body positions. Method: A randomized repeated-measures pilot study was conducted with two protocols (supine and standing) in an International Space Station-themed virtual reality environment involving healthy young female (n = 11, mean age 20 ± 1 years, height 160.6 ± 3 cm, weight 61.6 ± 9 kg) participants in 2 menstrual phases: follicular (n = 5, 20 ± 1 years, height 160 ± 3 cm, weight 55 ± 6 kg) and luteal phase (n = 6, mean age 20 ± 1 years, height 161.3 ± 2.4 cm, weight 67 ± 8 kg). Each protocol consisted of three stages: baseline, supine/standing, and recovery, each lasting 5 min. The data were analyzed using mixed repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: Significant differences were observed between the two protocols from supine to standing across menstrual phases for several hemodynamic variables. Heart rate showed significant difference during the luteal phase (F(1,9) = 10.6, p = 0.01) with values from 72 bpm to 84 bpm and the follicular phase (F(1,9) = 7.4, p = 0.02) from 82 bpm to 92 bpm; diastolic blood pressure during the follicular phase (F(1,9) = 9.8, p = 0.01) from 55 mmHg to 80 mmHg; mean arterial pressure during the follicular phase (F(1,9) = 7.5, p = 0.02) from 73 mmHg to 93 mmHg; stroke index during the follicular phase (F(1,9) = 6.9, p = 0.03) from 74 mL/m2 to 51 mL/m2; and systemic vascular resistance index during the follicular phase (F(1,9) = 8.0, p = 0.02), with values from 1046 dyn*sec* m2/cm5 to 1564 dyn*sec* m2/cm5, respectively. This was a preliminary pilot study, and the results need to be confirmed with larger groups and validated hormonally. Conclusions: These exploratory pilot study results show that orthostatic-induced responses are influenced by the menstrual cycle phase. Since no non-VR control condition was included, the responses observed should be considered part of the VR-based protocol, and the exact role of the immersive virtual reality environment cannot be determined. The study showed that an ISS-themed virtual reality environment led to notable changes in cardiovascular function and autonomic responses during transitions from supine to standing postures, and these responses also varied across menstrual phases. Across most epochs, the standing protocol consistently shows higher heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and systemic vascular resistance index than the supine protocol, reflecting the effect of orthostatic loading in an ISS-themed virtual reality environment.
Background/Objectives: Previous studies have shown that excess body weight influences plantar pressure. However, the specific impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on dynamic pressure distribution during different phases of walking, as well as its effect on load symmetry between the feet, requires further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying BMI categories on dynamic plantar pressure, spatiotemporal gait parameters, and load symmetry. Methods: A retrospective analysis of pre-existing records from 300 adults (2017–2025) classified as normal weight, overweight, and obese was conducted. Dynamic plantar pressure, contact time, and gait speed across four stance phases were assessed using baropodometric platforms. Bilateral differences were evaluated via the symmetry index (SI). Results: Overweight and obese individuals exhibited higher plantar pressures and prolonged contact times, particularly during the forefoot contact phase (FFCP) (p < 0.001). Gait speed decreased inversely with BMI across all phases. Despite these kinematic adaptations, BMI-related load asymmetry occurred only during the initial contact phase (ICP) (p < 0.001), restoring stability in subsequent phases. Conclusions: Excess body mass is associated with targeted mechanical overload of the forefoot rather than uniform stress across the foot. To manage inertia and maintain symmetry, individuals with high BMI may adopt spatiotemporal strategies that reduce speed and extend double support, potentially prioritizing stability over propulsive efficiency. These findings suggest that orthotic interventions for individuals with high BMI may benefit from prioritizing forefoot offloading, although prospective studies are needed.
Background: Secondary multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) has an excessively high fatality rate. The mechanisms by which sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) induces organ dysfunction and their characteristic pathological findings and biomarkers are not fully understand. Methods: We examined 24 autopsy cases with secondary MODS and peripheral blood (PB) from 467 patients with SIRS and MODS. Results: PB cytology (presence of large scavenger receptor A-positive (SRA+) cells and an SRA index >30), systemic capillary injury, pulmonary symptoms (accumulation of neutrophils and platelet thrombi, alveolar epithelial injury and edema) and cardiac symptoms (accumulation of neutrophils and platelet thrombi, capillary injury and contraction band necrosis) were assessed for all of the cases. The 467 patients were classified into group A (negative for large SRA+ cells), group B (positive for large SRA+ cells, and SRA index <30) and group C (positive for large SRA+ cells, and SRA index >30). Group C patients exhibited a significantly lower survival rate (p < 0.001). Conclusions: It was concluded that: (1) the simultaneous presence of large SRA+ cells and an SRA index >30 appear to play a central role in the development of secondary MODS, and could be a useful predictor of poor prognosis in patients with SIRS or MODS; (2) the essential histopathological lesion associated with secondary MODS pathogenesis is systemic capillary injury; and (3) the PB, lung and heart findings mentioned above are characteristic morphological findings suggestive of secondary MODS; (4) a possible mechanism for the development of secondary MODS was proposed.
Background: Exercise adaptation is increasingly recognized as an immunometabolic process driven by coordinated interactions among inflammatory signaling, mitochondrial regulation, metabolic homeostasis, and recovery-associated physiology. Within this framework, NLRP3 inflammasome activation and PPARD-mediated metabolic signaling have emerged as biologically relevant pathways potentially involved in exercise-induced physiological adaptation. However, the contribution of regulatory genetic variations linking these pathways remains poorly characterized. Objective: To synthesize current evidence regarding the integration of NLRP3- and PPARD-related pathways in exercise immunometabolism and adaptive physiological responses to exercise, with particular emphasis on the regulatory variants NLRP3 rs10754558 and PPARD rs2267668 as potential contributors to interindividual variability in exercise adaptation. Methods: A structured narrative review complemented by exploratory systems-level in silico analyses was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases until March 2026. Evidence related to exercise physiology, inflammatory regulation, metabolic adaptation, and exercise-associated phenotypes involving the NLRP3 and PPARD pathways was evaluated. Complementary analyses included functional annotation, protein–protein interaction network analysis, and pathway enrichment using STRING, Reactome, KEGG, Gene Ontology, and other publicly available genomic databases. Particular attention was given to the functional and regulatory context of rs10754558 and rs2267668 within the interconnected inflammatory and metabolic pathways relevant to exercise adaptation. Results: The reviewed evidence identified recurrent interactions among the inflammatory and metabolic pathways involved in exercise adaptation and recovery. NLRP3 rs10754558 and PPARD rs2267668 were identified as candidate regulatory variants potentially positioned at the interface between inflammatory responsiveness and metabolic flexibility, providing a biologically plausible framework for understanding the interindividual variability in exercise adaptation. Exploratory system-level analyses identified recurrent associations among inflammatory signaling, mitochondrial function, energy-sensing pathways, and metabolic regulation. These findings primarily reflect the functional annotations and system-level pathway associations identified through exploratory analyses. Conclusions: Current evidence supports a systems-level physiological framework in which inflammatory and metabolic pathways interact dynamically during exercise adaptation and recovery. NLRP3- and PPARD-related pathways, including the candidate regulatory variants rs10754558 and rs2267668, may contribute to interindividual variability in exercise-associated physiological responses and represent promising targets for future hypothesis-driven investigations in exercise immunometabolism, exercise genomics and precision exercise medicine.
Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) reflects cardiorespiratory fitness, energy metabolism and the residual physiological effects of preceding exercise. We aimed to compare EPOC profiles of master swimmers across different age groups and performance levels. Fourteen male master swimmers performed a 200 m all-out front crawl and breath-by-breath gas exchange and their heart rates were recorded during exercise and for 5 min post-exercise. A single exponential regression model was fitted to the post-exercise oxygen uptake kinetics to determine the EPOC amplitude, time constant and time delay. The EPOC magnitude was calculated as the area under the oxygen uptake-time curve. Swimmers were grouped into younger vs. older and faster vs. slower clusters using the 50th percentile, and the associations between age, performance and physiological variables were examined. Older swimmers were slower and showed a lower peak oxygen uptake than their younger counterparts (213.9 +/- 27.9 vs. 165.7 +/- 24.9 s and 39.1 +/- 4.8 vs. 50.2 +/- 8.1 mL center dot kg(-1)center dot min(-1); p < 0.05). Slower swimmers were older and displayed a lower EPOC amplitude than faster performers (69.8 +/- 7.3 vs. 45.7 +/- 1.7 years and 23.2 +/- 4.0 vs. 36.8 +/- 10.2 mL center dot kg(-1)center dot min(-1); p < 0.05). Although many of the variables did not differ between groups, effect sizes were moderate to very large (except for time constant and time delay). The swimmers' age related directly to their performance and inversely to their peak oxygen uptake, peak heart rate and EPOC amplitude, while performance presented inverse associations with peak oxygen uptake, peak heart rate, EPOC amplitude and EPOC magnitude (p < 0.05). Master swimmers of different ages and performance levels exhibited distinct EPOC characteristics, which may provide relevant information regarding the individualisation of training and recovery strategies in this population.
Background/Objectives: To develop and internally validate multiple linear regression models to predict estimated VO2max from anthropometric variables and easily obtainable physical fitness tests in active university students and to compare model performance when estimated VO2max was derived from the Rockport Walk Test versus the 20-m Shuttle Run (Course Navette). Methods: Anthropometric variables and physical fitness indicators, including body mass index (BMI), Ruffier index, and burpee repetitions, as well as sex and age, were evaluated. Estimated VO2max was obtained separately from the Rockport Walk Test and the 20-m Shuttle Run using their respective field test equations. For each test, a multiple linear regression model was fitted using the same set of predictors. Model performance was assessed using apparent metrics and internal validation with optimism correction based on repeated cross-validation. Results: The Rockport walk test model showed better predictive performance, explaining 55.2% of the variability in estimated VO2max (R2 = 0.552; adjusted R2 = 0.498) with a lower prediction error (RMSE = 3.54 mL·kg−1·min−1). In contrast, the 20-m shuttle run model showed lower explanatory capacity (R2 = 0.319; adjusted R2 = 0.256) and a substantially higher prediction error (RMSE = 11.93 mL·kg−1·min−1). Internal validation reduced performance in both models, more markedly in the 20-m shuttle run, where the corrected R2 fell to 0.163 and the corrected RMSE increased to 13.18 mL·kg−1·min−1, compared with 0.338 and 4.37 mL·kg−1·min−1 in the Rockport walk test. Conclusions: Estimated VO2max can be predicted pragmatically using low-cost models based on simple variables in a university setting; however, model performance depends on the field test used. The Rockport walk test appears more suitable for prediction using general-purpose predictors, whereas the 20-m shuttle run may require more test-specific predictors and external validation before application beyond the development sample.
Background/Objectives: Caffeine is a widely used ergogenic aid; however, evidence regarding its effects on neuromuscular and metabolic responses during resistance training remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the effects of caffeine supplementation on blood glucose concentration and neuromuscular activation, assessed through electromyographic activity, during a muscular endurance test. Methods: Eleven resistance-trained men (25.7 ± 5.9 years) participated in this randomized, double-blind, crossover trial. Six laboratory visits were conducted, including one-repetition maximum (1RM) and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) testing in the bench press exercise. From the second visit onward (baseline; BL), participants completed a 24 h dietary recall (24hDR), pre- and post-exercise blood glucose assessments, and a muscular endurance test performed at 80% of 1RM until concentric failure, while electromyographic activity was recorded from the clavicular and sternal portions of the pectoralis major, triceps brachii, and anterior deltoid. From the third visit onward, participants received one of the following randomized interventions 60 min before testing: low-dose caffeine (LC = 3 mg·kg−1), high-dose caffeine (HC = 6 mg·kg−1), low-dose placebo (LP = 230 mg), or high-dose placebo (HP = 460 mg). Results: There was an increase in the number of repetitions in all conditions vs. BL, with no significant differences (p > 0.05). Electromyographic activity did not differ between conditions (p > 0.05). Blood glucose decreased post-test in BL and placebo conditions (p < 0.05) but remained stable with caffeine (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Low and high doses of caffeine did not significantly affect muscular endurance performance or neuromuscular activation. However, caffeine supplementation appeared to attenuate the post-exercise decline in blood glucose concentration following exercise performed to concentric failure.
Background: As Para-Powerlifting (PP) athletes need the maximum bench press concentric strength performance during competitions, the velocity of the eccentric phase could be critical to the sport’s success. Methods: Through eccentric tempo modification, normative, faster, and slower bench press eccentric velocities were tested on 16 experienced PP athletes. Mean propulsive velocity (MPV), maximum velocity (Vmax), and power were measured during a single bench press set at different loads (90% and 100% of 1RM) and tempos. After the bench press set, Maximal isometric force (MIF), rate of force development (RFD), impulse, variability, and maximal average force (MAF) were obtained through an isometric bench press test. Results: Slower and faster tempos were not different in concentric performance than a normative tempo at the 90% 1RM load. A faster tempo generated higher MPV and Vmax than a normative one at the 100% 1RM load. A normative tempo produced higher MIF than a slower tempo, and higher impulse than a faster tempo after a 90% 1RM bench press set. Conclusions: PP athletes seem to have an optimized technique in submaximal loads; however, they may need faster eccentric velocities in the 100% 1RM load to improve their concentric performance.
Background/Objectives: Chronic ethanol consumption damages erythrocyte membranes, reducing their deformability and disrupting erythropoiesis. Dopaminergic signalling plays an important role in regulating haematopoietic stem cells. However, the impact of genetic alterations in the dopamine system on the functional properties of erythrocytes and their resistance to the toxic effects of alcohol remains understudied. In this study, we evaluated haematological parameters and the sensitivity of erythrocytes to chronic ethanol exposure in DAT-HET rats (heterozygous for the dopamine transporter gene) compared to Wistar rats. Methods: Both lines of rats were subjected to chronic alcoholisation (10% ethanol for six months). Flow cytometry was used to assess reticulocyte production, intracellular esterase activity (cell viability), and membrane lipid asymmetry disruptions. Laser diffraction was used to evaluate osmotic resistance (deformability). Results: The partial knockout of the DAT gene significantly altered the baseline haematological profile, resulting in pronounced leukopenia, moderate thrombocytopenia, moderate erythrocyte macrocytosis, and reduced intracellular esterase activity. The consequences of chronic ethanol consumption in Wistar rats (anaemia, decreased reticulocyte count, increased osmotic rigidity of erythrocytes, and an increased proportion of annexin-positive cells) were similar to those observed in humans, thus confirming the validity of the experimental model. In contrast, chronic alcohol exposure did not significantly influence haematopoiesis parameters or erythrocyte biophysical properties in DAT-HET rats, indicating that even a 50% loss of the dopamine transporter strongly prevented ethanol’s damaging effects on blood cells. Conclusions: The marked contrast between Wistar rats (which develop alcohol-induced anaemia and erythrocyte dysfunction similar to humans) and DAT-HET rats (which remain largely unaffected) demonstrates that dopaminergic signalling plays a previously unrecognised role in determining erythrocyte sensitivity to alcohol toxicity.
The purpose of this narrative review was to describe the maximal strength, muscle power, rate of force development, and muscle morphology of athletes across different ski disciplines. Specifically, this review synthesizes evidence on upper- and lower-body maximal strength both dynamically and isometrically, muscle power through jumping performance and rate of force development, and muscle morphology in competitive skiers. Furthermore, it examines how these neuromuscular parameters adapt when resistance-training interventions are incorporated into athletes’ routine training programs. Following a literature search, 30 studies met the inclusion criteria, 18 describing the ski athletes’ characteristics mentioned above and 12 evaluating the effects of resistance-training interventions. Altogether, these studies involved 561 participants, with ages ranging between 14.6 ± 1.1 years and 35 years. Overall, the above characteristics of ski athletes appear to align with sport-specific demands, which vary across ski disciplines. The resistance-training protocols applied in this population are predominantly high-load resistance training and it appears that resistance training may benefit from increased emphasis in ski-specific preparation. However, training programs tailored to the specific demands of each discipline are recommended.
Background: Childhood cancer survivors commonly experience long-term treatment effects that impair physical function. Access to in-person physical fitness assessments is often limited by geographic, logistical, and resource constraints. Virtually supervised physical fitness assessments may offer a feasible alternative; however, evidence in this population remains limited. Methods: This study evaluated the feasibility of delivering virtually supervised physical fitness assessments via videoconference for children and adolescents aged 5–18 years following completion of cancer treatment. Assessments evaluated lower-body strength (30 s sit-to-stand), upper-body strength (30 s push-up), mobility (timed up-and-go), balance (single-leg balance), aerobic endurance (two-minute step), and flexibility (sit-and-reach). Pre-defined feasibility benchmarks included recruitment (≥15 participants within three months), assessment completion (≥85% of participants completing all six assessments), individual assessment completion (≥90% of planned assessments completed), technique fidelity (≥85% of assessments performed with correct technique), session duration (≥90% of sessions completed in ≤30 min), safety (no adverse events), and participant satisfaction (qualitative feedback). Results: Twenty-nine participants were enrolled, with 28 completing the virtual assessments. The sample (61% male) had a mean age of 9.8 ± 3.7 years (range 5–16), with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia the most common diagnosis (46%). Recruitment exceeded benchmarks (23 participants within three months). Assessment completion was 92.9% (26/28), individual assessment completion was 98.8% (166/168), and technique fidelity was 90.9%, with the lowest fidelity for push-ups (73.1%). Most sessions were completed within 30 min (92.9%; median 19.5 min, range 15–33). No adverse events occurred. Feedback indicated high satisfaction, highlighting convenience, engagement, and practicality. Conclusions: Virtually supervised physical fitness assessments were feasible, safe, and acceptable for childhood cancer survivors. These findings provide initial feasibility evidence to support further validation and implementation research before broader clinical application.
Background: Contemporary aneurysm surgery increasingly requires the management of complex lesions with limited physiological reserve. A growing “physiology-first” paradigm emphasizes that optimizing cerebrovascular dynamics during aneurysm treatment is essential for favorable neurological outcomes. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes current evidence and expert perspectives on cerebrovascular physiology relevant to aneurysm surgery, including cerebral perfusion, autoregulation, ischemia tolerance, neuroprotection, and intraoperative monitoring. Results: Key themes include individualized blood pressure management, recognition of impaired autoregulation—particularly after subarachnoid hemorrhage—safe application of temporary arterial occlusion, and the use of multimodal neuromonitoring to detect ischemia in real time. The strengths and limitations of neuroprotective adjuncts are critically discussed in the context of available clinical evidence. Conclusions: Integrating cerebrovascular physiology into aneurysm surgery supports informed intraoperative decision-making, minimizes ischemic injury, and enhances patient outcomes. A physiology-first approach complements technical expertise and represents a cornerstone of modern neurovascular practice.
Background: The number of people working in Antarctica has steadily increased. Identifying the characteristic functional changes in polar expeditioners can help preserve health, enhance work capacity, and improve adaptive potential in specific environments. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a short-term (30-day) expedition in Antarctica on selected physiological parameters among expedition participants, depending on their body mass index (BMI). Methods: Thirty-four expedition members, divided into 3 BMI groups, were examined before and after a one-month stay in Antarctica. The assessments included anthropometry, body composition analysis, blood pressure (BP) evaluation, and a cycle ergometer stress test, performed up to 85% of predicted maximal heart rate (PWC85%) with gas analyses and heart rate measured at the 3rd minute after exercise completion (HR3’), used as an indicator of cardiovascular recovery. Results: After the expedition, the participants with normal weight showed a modest but significant increase in body weight and BMI, and non-significant increases in fat mass (FM) and muscle mass (MM); cardiovascular recovery and physical working capacity were improved, while aerobic fitness remained unchanged. In the overweight group, post-expedition body weight and BMI did not change significantly, although small reductions in FM and improvements in MM, BP, PWC85%, and HR3’ were observed. Returning, the participants with obesity demonstrated non-significant improvements in body composition and modest declines in BP, together with a significant improvement in HR3’. Conclusions: Comparative analysis revealed significant differences in post-expedition changes in several functional parameters between the normal-weight and obese groups. Overall, the Antarctic expedition elicited beneficial cardiovascular and functional adaptations, particularly among overweight individuals, while body composition and aerobic capacity remained unchanged across all groups.
Background/Objectives: This study evaluated carotid baroreflex sensitivity (cBRS) during graded exercise tests to exhaustion in healthy individuals. It aimed to elucidate whether the augmented blood pressure response during heavy- and maximal-intensity dynamic exercise alters carotid baroreflex control of heart rate and contributes to exercise intolerance. Methods: Thirteen healthy males (age 33 ± 2 yrs, body mass 74.6 ± 2.4 kg, and V˙O2max 54.12 ± 1.88 mL·kg−1·min−1) performed a 4 min constant-load cycling exercise at low—(30% PPO), moderate—(60% PPO), high—(80% PPO), and maximal—(100% PPO) intensity, in two experimental conditions: (a) with unrestricted muscle blood flow (no-BFR) and (b) with partial muscle blood flow restriction (BFR). Results: A significant decline in cBRS was observed during the graded maximal exercise test compared to baseline (p < 0.001), accompanied by an upward and rightward relocation of the linear relationship between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR). However, the magnitude of cBRS reduction was attenuated towards maximum exercise. Application of BFR during exercise exaggerated the blood pressure rise (p < 0.01), the perceptual response (p < 0.001), the exercise-induced cBRS reduction (p < 0.001), and induced a further relocation of the SBP-HR relationship. Additionally, BFR limited the HR increase and resulted in reduced exercise performance compared to the no-BFR condition. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the pronounced increase in blood pressure during heavy- and maximal-intensity exercise may limit further increases in heart rate through arterial baroreflex activation. This may contribute to reduced exercise tolerance, as evidenced by the lower peak power output and attenuated maximal heart rate observed in muscle BFR condition.
Congenital heart defects represent prevalent malformations requiring complex surgical interventions. Outcomes are influenced by clinical severity, inflammatory response, and complexity of care, highlighting the need for improved risk stratification tools. Objectives: To describe the behavior and distribution of perioperative sTREM-1 concentrations in a pediatric cohort undergoing cardiac surgery, exploratorily stratified by RACHS-1 and TISS-28 severity scores. Methods: A translational cross-sectional study was conducted with 32 children (aged 0–14 years) undergoing surgical correction for congenital heart disease at a Brazilian public referral hospital (2021–2022). Exclusion criteria included genetic syndromes, active infections, or previous cardiac surgeries. Clinical severity was assessed using RACHS-1 (mortality risk) and TISS-28 (care complexity) scores. Serum sTREM-1 levels were measured via ELISA preoperatively and postoperatively. Statistical analysis involved the Shapiro–Wilk normality test, descriptive statistics expressed as medians and interquartile ranges, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient to evaluate the relationship between sTREM-1 levels and severity scores, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The cohort consisted predominantly of males (56.25%), term infants (93.75%), with 50% presenting cyanosis. RACHS-1 category 3 was most common (34.37%), while TISS-28 category 2 predominated (40.62%). Most patients were discharged (93.75%). Preoperative sTREM-1 levels showed no significant correlation with RACHS-1 (r_s = 0.265; p = 0.143) or TISS-28 scores (r_s = 0.227; p = 0.212). Conversely, postoperative sTREM-1 concentrations significantly and positively correlated with both RACHS-1 (r_s = 0.356; p = 0.045) and TISS-28 categories (r_s = 0.394; p = 0.026), reflecting higher biomarker levels in more severe clinical scenarios. Conclusions: Postoperative sTREM-1 levels correlated significantly with surgical risk and clinical severity, showing higher median concentrations in more severe RACHS-1 and TISS-28 categories. Conversely, no preoperative correlation was observed, suggesting sTREM-1 primarily reflects postoperative inflammatory responses and surgical complexity.
Objective: The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine mean differences, reliability, and agreement between CP and W′ derived from a 3MAT performed after an ICT and values obtained during a standalone 3MAT performed on a separate day. Methods: Ten recreationally trained cyclists and triathletes completed four laboratory visits, including an ICT followed by a 3MAT after 30 min of recovery (same-day condition) and a standalone 3MAT performed on a separate day. CP and W′ were derived from both conditions and compared using paired t-tests and Bland–Altman agreement methods. Results: No systematic differences, but limited individual-level agreement were observed between same-day and separate-day conditions for CP (mean difference: 1.72 ± 36.5 W) or W′ (mean difference: 0.99 ± 5.9 kJ), with trivial to small effect sizes. Peak VO2 values were also not significantly different across testing conditions (p = 0.483). However, Bland–Altman analysis revealed wide limits of agreement for both CP (−69.8 to 73.3 W) and W′ (−10.7 to 12.7 kJ), indicating substantial variability at the individual level. Conclusions: Although same-day testing does not introduce systematic bias in CP or W′ estimation, the wide limits of agreement suggest that these protocols are not interchangeable for individual monitoring. Same-day testing may be appropriate for group-level assessments but should be used with caution when applied to individual athlete monitoring.
Background/Objectives: The combined effects of aerobic exercise and normobaric hyperoxia exposure on skeletal muscle in diabetes mellitus (DM) remain unclear. This study investigated whether their combination influences skeletal muscle capillary and mitochondrial function in diabetic rats. Methods: Seven-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the following five groups: control (CON), DM, DM with aerobic exercise (DMEx), DM with aerobic exercise under 30% oxygen exposure (DMEx30), and DM with aerobic exercise under 50% oxygen exposure (DMEx50). Aerobic exercise and normobaric hyperoxia exposure were performed simultaneously in the DMEx30 and DMEx50 groups. Results: Combined aerobic exercise and normobaric hyperoxia significantly improved both capillary density and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity in the soleus muscle, which is predominantly composed of slow-twitch fibers, in diabetic rats. In contrast, the effects were more limited in predominantly fast-twitch muscles, including the extensor digitorum longus and plantaris muscles. Conclusions: Combined aerobic exercise and normobaric hyperoxia may induce beneficial skeletal muscle adaptations in diabetic rats, with more pronounced effects in the predominantly slow-twitch soleus muscle than in predominantly fast-twitch muscles. These findings suggest that muscle fiber-type composition may influence responsiveness to this intervention. This combined approach may contribute to the development of novel exercise-based interventions for DM.
