e23141 Background: Physical activity and exercise (PAE) are core components of evidence-based cancer care. However, evidence on how PAE recommendations are translated into routine oncology practice remains limited. This nationwide study, one of the very few such studies in Europe, aimed to examine knowledge, attitudes, and behavior toward PAE among Greek medical oncologists. Methods: A nationwide, web-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted among specialist and trainee medical oncologists practicing in Greece. All eligible oncologists (N = 606) were invited to participate. A validated questionnaire assessed oncologists’ subjective and objective knowledge, attitudes, self-perceived abilities, behavior (KAAB), barriers and facilitators to PAE promotion. A modified version of Bloom’s three-level cut-off points was used to classify physicians’ KAAB levels toward PAE. The study was ethics-approved and registered (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06981143). Results: A total of 162 medical oncologists participated (response rate 26.7%). Mean KAAB scores (± SD) were 16.18 ± 4.23 for subjective knowledge and 12.43 ± 4.77 for objective knowledge (both classified as low), 125.33 ± 14.83 for attitudes (classified as moderate), 18.12 ± 4.87 for self-perceived abilities (classified as low), and 27.96 ± 7.15 for behavior (classified as low). Internal consistency of the questionnaire scales was high, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.855 to 0.913. Overall, perceived facilitators to PAE promotion were limited, whereas perceived barriers were of moderate intensity. The most frequently reported barriers included lack of formal training, limited consultation time, absence of structured referral pathways, and limited availability of exercise professionals. In correlation analyses, subjective knowledge (ρ = 0.631, p < .001) and self-perceived abilities (ρ = 0.760, p < .001) were strongly associated with PAE-related behavior. These two variables were also strongly correlated with each other (ρ = .630, p < .001). Spearman’s correlation analysis indicated no association between barriers and overall behavior (ρ = .004, p = .956), whereas facilitators related to PAE counseling and prescription were moderately and significantly positively associated with behavior (ρ = .491, p < .001). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate a significant gap between generally favorable attitudes toward PAE and its systematic clinical implementation. They further suggest that limited subjective knowledge and, more importantly, low self-perceived clinical ability hinder implementation, whereas facilitators play a crucial enabling role in PAE promotion. Based on these findings, interventions focusing on education, organizational support, and structured referral pathways may be particularly effective in promoting PAE among cancer patients.

Background/Objectives: The multiple benefits of physical activity and exercise (PAE) for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and, thus, for public health underscore the importance of their multidisciplinary implementation in clinical practice. However, there is a lack of validated instruments that comprehensively assess physicians' knowledge, attitudes, intentions, abilities, and behaviour (KAIAB) regarding PAE promotion in NCD management. Methods: This study aimed to develop and validate a new questionnaire to assess physicians' KAIAB towards PAE and to evaluate their KAIAB levels. A two-stage design, including an e-Delphi method and a cross-sectional study, was conducted in Greece from January 2022 to May 2022. Results: In the first stage, after achieving consensus and stability within a purposive sample of 16 physician-experts (response rate 100%), the questionnaire was effectively developed and validated (Content Validity Ratio: 0.5-1) using a two-round e-Delphi method. In the second stage, a cross-sectional study was conducted in two physician populations from 12 medical specialities (response rate: 18.2%) and demonstrated that the new questionnaire had sufficient face validity and high reliability (Cronbach's alpha: 0.805- 0.931). The three original Bloom levels' cut-off points were also used to classify physicians' KAIAB levels in the second stage. KAIAB levels were assessed using median and interquartile range (Mdn/IQR) and were found to be low (13/6), moderate (128/79), high (35/9), moderate (21/8), and moderate (33/8), respectively. Conclusions: The new questionnaire is reliable and valid. It is recommended that the questionnaire be applied in larger studies to further verify its validity and applicability. Additionally, it was found that although physicians reported high intentions and moderately positive attitudes toward PAE promotion, their knowledge in these domains and their exercise prescription practices remained limited. This underscores the need to enhance policies and initiatives in medical education and the healthcare system.

ABSTRACT:Poulios, A, Grammenos, N, Fatouros, IG, Avloniti, A, Tsimeas, P, Papanikolaou, K, Syrou, N, Rosvoglou, A, Tsaousidis, I, Chatzinikolaou, A, Tsiokanos, A, Mohr, M, Jamurtas, AZ, and Draganidis, D. Recovery kinetics after repeated sprint training with directional changes in soccer: It is a matter of angle. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study determined the recovery kinetics of performance, delay onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and neuromuscular fatigue after repeated sprint training using 2 angles of changes of direction (COD) in soccer. Ten male players randomly completed 3 conditions using a randomized cross-over, repeated measures design: control, COD45 (COD of 45°) and COD90 (COD of 90°). Training load was monitored using global positioning system with accelerometers and heart-rate monitors. Blood count, maximal voluntary isometric contraction, countermovement jump (CMJ), DOMS, speed, and agility were measured at baseline and at 24-, 48-, and 72-h postexercise. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction, CMJ, and DOMS were also evaluated at 1-, 2- and 3-h postexercise. Agility, DOMS, and blood count levels remained unaltered in all conditions ( p > 0.05). Blood lactate increased (COD45:91%; COD90:89.5%, p < 0.05) postexercise. COD45 was characterized by a higher average (31%) and maximum speed (25%) and lower decelerations (58-77%) and accelerations (66-77%) than COD90 ( p < 0.05). The 10- and 30-m speed in COD45 decreased ( p < 0.05) by 20 and 9% postexercise and remained lower (4-12%) than that in COD90 for as long as 24 h. Countermovement jump declined ( p < 0.05) for 3 h in COD45 (8%) and 24 h in COD90 (5-7%). Maximal voluntary isometric contraction of knee extensors in COD45 declined (8%) and was lower than COD90 (9%) at 24 h in both limbs. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction of knee flexors decreased (COD45:14%) for 24 h in dominant and 3 h (COD45:2%, COD90:14%) in nondominant limb with COD45 inducing a greater decline than COD90 ( p < 0.05). Although COD protocols do not increase DOMS, it seems that COD training at lower angles may be associated with a slower recovery (24 h) than that at greater angles.

Sports-related injuries remain a major challenge in team sports, with important consequences for athlete health, performance, and team success. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and sensor-based monitoring technologies have enabled the integration of large volumes of training, competition, and physiological data to support injury prediction and risk modelling. However, the literature is characterised by substantial methodological diversity, limiting the ability to draw consistent conclusions. Hence, this scoping review aimed to map the existing evidence on the use of AI and sensor-based monitoring technologies for injury prediction and risk modelling in team sports, and to identify key methodological trends and research gaps. The scoping review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Systematic searches were performed in PubMed and Scopus. Eligible studies included team-sport athletes and applied AI or machine learning approaches to predict injury occurrence, injury risk, or related outcomes using data derived from wearable or monitoring systems. Data were charted on study characteristics, sports and competition level, data sources, modelling techniques, validation strategies, and performance metrics. The database search yielded 123 records (PubMed: n = 37; Scopus: n = 86). After screening and eligibility assessment, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies focused on football and rugby and relied primarily on wearable-derived data, particularly GPS and inertial sensor outputs. Common predictors included external workload variables, training exposure, previous injury history, and, in some studies, wellness or physiological markers. A wide range of models was reported, including logistic regression, decision trees, random forests, support vector machines, and neural networks. Validation strategies and reported performance varied markedly, and external validation was rarely undertaken. Across the included studies, injury risk was most consistently associated with external workload metrics, previous injury history, and internal or physiological indicators of recovery and readiness. However, current models remain limited by heterogeneous methodologies, single-team datasets, and the lack of external validation. Future research should emphasise multimodal data integration and multi-centre validation to develop reliable, interpretable, and practically applicable AI-based injury prediction systems.

ABSTRACT:Chatzikamagianni, E, Poulios, A, Avloniti, A, Rosvoglou, A, Liakou, C, Papanikolaou, K, Stampoulis, T, Tsimeas, P, Batrakoulis, A, Chatzinikolaou, A, Draganidis, D, Jamurtas, AZ, and Fatouros, IG. Evaluation of the physiological responses and energy expenditure induced by suspension training exercises. J Strength Cond Res 39(9): 933-944, 2025-This study determined the energy expenditure and physiological responses of 6 beneficial suspension training (ST) exercises (overheads [OS], single-leg squat [SLS], torso rotations [TR], back row [BR], chest press [CP], and plank). Ten healthy young adults randomly completed both of 2 trials of ST exercises, for 30 (T30) or 45 (T45) seconds. The training load was monitored using a mobile gas analyzer, heart rate monitors, and blood lactate measurements. The total energy expenditure (TEE) (classified as the sum of oxidative [OES], glycolytic [GC], and excess postexercise energy cost [EPOC]) was estimated using the V̇ o2 consumption (at rest, during exercise, and postexercise) and blood lactate (La) concentration (at rest and postexercise). The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. All exercises were associated with a low-to-moderate physiological strain (rate of perceived exertion: 7.3-12.3; % of maximal heart rate: 52.3-61.7%; METs: 2.6-3.7; La: 2.2-3.9 mM; EPOC duration: 5.7-7.8 minutes), with the OS and the SLS associated with the greatest physiological/metabolic load in both trials. T45 induced a greater heart rate (53.7-61.7 %HRmax), with SLS and OS inducing the highest values. Minimal differences were noted between T30 and T45 for TEE, MET, and La values for most. EPOC had a greater contribution to TEE compared with OES and GC. Low-to moderate physiological effort during ST results in a TEE of 16.6-24.7 and 20.1-30 kcal·min -1 when performed for 30 and 45 seconds, respectively. There is a variation in TEE and physiological overload among ST exercises. Weight management exercise programs and dietary regimens need to take these finding into account.

Resting metabolic rate (RMR) significantly impacts total daily energy expenditure, particularly on training days, and varies among trained individuals. Studies estimating RMR in this population show notable discrepancies. This study aimed to develop and validate new bioelectrical impedance analysis-based (BIA) RMR equations for young athletes, using a calibration and a validation group of 219 and 51 participants, respectively. RMR was measured via indirect calorimetry, while body composition was assessed through DXA and BIA. Correlation and agreement were evaluated by using Pearson’s correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman analysis. Multiple linear regression was applied for the estimation of RMR and a one-way ANOVA was used to compare the new BIA-based equations with other specific formulas. A significant correlation was noted between the BIA and DXA measurements. The final equation, applicable to both genders, was significantly correlated with intracellular water (ICW) and trunk fat, predicting 71.1% of RMR variance. When analyzed separately, body weight and protein displayed a moderate correlation with RMR in men (r = 0.616, p < 0.001), while ICW was correlated with the percentage of body fat in women (r = 0.579, p < 0.001). In the validation group, the values obtained through the three BIA-based equations were similar to the measured RMR, but differed significantly from those obtained through the four existing equations for trained individuals. In conclusion, the developed equations based on BIA-mediated body composition analysis provide a reliable method for estimating RMR in trained populations daily.

PURPOSE:To determine the recovery kinetics of performance, muscle damage, and neuromuscular fatigue following 2 speed-endurance maintenance training (SEMT) protocols in soccer. METHODS:Ten well-trained male soccer athletes randomly completed 3 trials: work-to-rest ratio SEMT/1:3, SEMT/1:1, and a control trial. Training load during SEMT was monitored using a global positioning system and heart-rate monitors. Isokinetic strength of knee extensors and flexors; repeated-sprint ability (RSA); speed 10-, 30-m, countermovement jump (CMJ); and muscle damage (delayed-onset muscle soreness [DOMS] and creatine kinase) markers were evaluated at baseline and at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours posttraining. Maximal voluntary contraction of knee extensors and flexors was additionally assessed at 1, 2, and 3 hours posttraining. RESULTS:Strength (eccentric torque) and speed performance (RSA, 10-m and 30-m sprint times) were reduced (P < .05) following the SEMT/1:3 for up to 72 and 48 hours, respectively, and following SEMT/1:1 for up to 48 and ≤24 hours, respectively. Eccentric torque and RSA deterioration was greater in SEMT/1:3 compared to SEMT/1:1 at 72 hours and immediately postexercise, respectively (P < .05). Indicators of neuromuscular fatigue (CMJ and maximal voluntary contraction) declined in SEMT/1:3 at 24 and 2 hours postexercise (P < .05) and in SEMT/1:1 immediately and at 2 hours postexercise (P < .05). Muscle damage (DOMS) in the knee flexors was elevated in both SEMT protocols for up to 48 hours (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS:SEMT/1:3 induces short-term neuromuscular fatigue; provokes a decrease of strength (48-72 h), speed and RSA (48 h), and jump height (24 h); and is related with an elevation of knee flexors' DOMS (48 h). Increased work-to-rest ratio causes higher levels of exercise-induced muscle damage.

This investigation determined the energy expenditure (EE), physical activity (PA), and physiological responses of football for health training (FFH). Twenty middle-aged males with metabolic syndrome (MetS) completed a 60-min FFH and a control trial using a randomized crossover design. The FFH load and EE were determined using a mobile gas analyzer, heart rate (HR) monitors, blood lactate measurements, a global positioning system, and accelerometry. Participants in FFH run a total distance of ~3.800 m (1,121 m at > 7 km/h, accelerations of 141 m, decelerations of 162 m) using a mean and maximal speed of 4.1 km/h and 20.6 km/h, respectively. FFH demonstrated a moderate-to-vigorous PA of > 41 min and a step count of ~4900. FFH increased (p < .001) the perceived exertion (55.8%, 13.6 ± 2.6), HRmean (151.1 ± 15.2 beats/min, 83.1 ± 10.9 %HRmax), lactate (80.8%, 5.4 ± 0.9 mmol/L), V ˙ O 2 (88.6%, 1.9 ± 0.3 L/min, 79.9 ± 10.5% V ˙ O 2 max , 6.7 ± 0.8 METs), breathing frequency (32.6 ± 3.0 breaths/min), and respiratory exchange ratio (0.98 ± 0.03) compared to the control trial. Total EE reached 524.2 ± 81.0 kcals (mitochondrial energy production: 476.8 kcals; anaerobic energy production: AS 5.4 ± 1.0 kcals; EPOC: 42.0 ± 11.8 kcals). The present results suggest that FFH meets the international PA and EE standards for adults with MetS, with participants taking part in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) for approximately 68% of each session, rendering it a suitable and efficient strategy to lower cardiometabolic risk.

OBJECTIVE:High-intensity resistance exercise may temporarily induce vascular dysfunction mediated by pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory pathways. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the possible protective effect of the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on vascular function after a bout of high-intensity resistance exercise. METHODS:In this randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled study, ten healthy male volunteers (mean age 24.2 ± 2.1 years) who exercised regularly were randomly allocated to a daily oral administration of NAC or placebo during an 8-day recovery after an acute intense eccentric exercise protocol. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) measurements were performed pre- and post-exercise in both study arms. RESULTS:Muscle exercise induced a significant decrease in FMD in the placebo arm (p = 0.017) during the first 48 h after exercise, recovering thereafter. In contrast, in the NAC arm, FMD did not decrease significantly. By linear mixed-model analysis, a higher increase in CD4 cells levels correlated with preserved FMD (p = 0.046) only in the placebo arm (p = 0.811 in the NAC arm). PWV did not present significant fluctuations before and after exercise in either arm (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION:A bout of eccentric exercise induced endothelial dysfunction, which was attenuated by NAC, indicating that oxidative stress may be implicated in vivo in this setting.

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in individuals with overweight/obesity and this can be largely attributed to the entrapment of VitD in adipose tissue due to impaired lipolytic stimulation. Considering the well-described role of exercise in stimulating lipolysis, the present study investigated the efficacy of multicomponent-type high-intensity interval training (m-HIIT) in increasing 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in males with overweight/obesity. Twenty middle-aged males (43.5 ± 5 years, BMI: 30.7 ± 3.3 kg/m2) participated in three weekly supervised m-HIIT sessions over a 12-week period and underwent assessments at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were total body fat mass, android fat, hepatorenal index, and serum 25(OH)D. Participants’ daily physical activity and dietary intake habits remained unaltered throughout the 12-week training period. The m-HIIT intervention reduced fat mass (by 3% at 12 weeks), android fat (by 3.7% at 6 weeks and 4.4% at 12 weeks), and hepatorenal index (by 8% at 12 weeks). Serum 25(OH)D levels increased by ~14% (+3.21 ng/mL, p = 0.002) and ~31% (+7.24 ng/mL, p < 0.001) at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. The elevation of 25(OH)D levels at 12 weeks was inversely related to fat mass loss (R = 0.53, p = 0.016). Plasma SGPT, SGOT, ALP, γ-GT, fetuin-A, and calcium levels remained unaltered after the 12-week training period. In conclusion, m-HIIT may be useful as a non-pharmacological intervention to increase circulating VitD levels in adults with overweight/obesity.

Background/Objectives: Despite being widely promoted, protein supplementation’s overall effectiveness during demanding basketball schedules remains unclear. This study investigated whether increased protein intake can accelerate recovery of muscle function during a 6-day congested basketball microcycle consisting of three consecutive games while accounting for the impact of playing time. Methods: In a randomized, two-trial, cross-over, double-blind repeated measures design, eighteen male basketball players were assigned to a high (High PT) or a moderate (Mod PT) playing time group and participated in two trials, receiving daily either milk protein (PRO trial) or an isoenergetic amount of carbohydrates. Each trial included three consecutive games (days 1–3) and a 72 h recovery period following Game 3 (days 4–6), during which players participated in low-load practice sessions. Isometric and isokinetic peak torque of knee extensors and flexors in the dominant limb, serum creatine kinase (CK) concentration, and erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) levels were assessed prior to each game and practice session. Results: CK increased (p < 0.01) on game days in both groups but recovered earlier in Mod PT compared to High PT. Both eccentric and concentric peak torque was impaired (p < 0.01) up to 24–48 h post-G3 in a velocity-dependent manner. Eccentric peak torque of knee flexors at 60°/s declined to a greater extent in High PT compared to Mod PT (p < 0.01). Protein supplementation resulted in higher erythrocyte GSH concentration at pre-G2 (p < 0.05) and pre-G3 (p < 0.05) compared to placebo in both groups but did not affect any of the study outcomes. Conclusions: Increased protein intake during a congested basketball schedule increases erythrocyte GSH concentration but does not accelerate recovery of muscle function.

Poulios, A, Fotiou, C, Draganidis, D, Avloniti, A, Rosvoglou, A, Batrakoulis, A, Tsimeas, P, Papanikolaou, K, Deli, CK, Stampoulis, T, Douroudos, II, Chatzinikolaou, A, Jamurtas, AZ, and Fatouros, IG. The energy expenditure associated with body-weight resistance exercises of various movement patterns performed at different durations. J Strength Cond Res 38(12): 2034-2046, 2024-Although body-weight resistance exercises (BWRE) are popular and effective for body mass reduction and neuromuscular performance, limited information exists regarding their total energy expenditure (TEE). This study determined the energy cost associated with seven BWRE of different movement patterns plank, push-ups, squat, single-leg squat [SLS], forward lunge [FL], burpees, and jumping jacks [JJ] using 2 different durations (T30: 30-second; T45: 45-second) in 10 healthy young adults using a randomized, 2-trial, crossover, repeated-measures design. The level of significance was set at p <= 0.05. The burpees were associated with the highest and the plank with the lowest intensity (rates of perceived exertion [RPE] and mean heart rate [MHR]) and metabolic load (blood lactate [BL] accumulation, metabolic equivalents of task [METs], and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption [EPOC]) in both trials. In T30 and T45, TEE (kcals per minute) was 11.3/12.6 in plank, 18.6/22.0 in FL, 19.8/21.2 in SLS, 19.9/23.2 in squat, 22.0/24.9 in push-ups, 23.1/22.8 in JJ, and 32.2/40.7 in burpees. Although RPE, MHR, BL, and EPOC were comparable among T30 and T45, METs and TEE were greater in T45. These results suggest that TEE of BWRE ranges from similar to 11 to 40 kcalsmin-1, depending on the movement pattern and the duration of exercise. This information may be valuable for those using BWRE for body-weight management and improvement of strength performance.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is the predominant metabolic epidemic posing a major threat to global health. Growing evidence indicates that gut microbiota (GM) may critically influence the progression from normal glucose tolerance, to pre-diabetes, to T2D. On the other hand, regular exercise contributes to the prevention and/or treatment of the disease, and evidence suggests that a possible way regular exercise favorably affects T2D is by altering GM composition toward health-promoting bacteria. However, research regarding this potential effect of exercise-induced changes of GM on T2D and the associated mechanisms through which these effects are accomplished is limited. This review presents current data regarding the association of GM composition and T2D and the possible critical GM differentiation in the progression from normal glucose, to pre-diabetes, to T2D. Additionally, potential mechanisms through which GM may affect T2D are presented. The effect of exercise on GM composition and function on T2D progression is also discussed.

The purpose of this study was to compare the internal and external load in continuous and intermittent small-sided games (SSG) formats. Eight semi-professional soccer players participated in the study, and they completed three protocols: (a) I-intermittent SSG protocol (Int-I, 4 sets of 4 min with a 3 min recovery); (b) Continuous SSG protocol (Con, 2 sets of 8 min with a 3 min recovery); (c) II-SSG protocol (Int-II, 4 sets of 4 min, where each set includes 1 min of exercise with varying recovery periods (10, 20, 30 s), with a 3 min recovery period between sets). A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the dependent variables, with significance determined at p < 0.05. The three protocols differed in total distance covered and in distance covered at speeds >19 km/h, with the Int-II protocol resulting in the greatest distance covered (p < 0.05). Additionally, players in the Con protocol exercised at a higher percentage of their maximum heart rate (%HRmax) (p < 0.05), while the highest RPE value was observed in the Int-I interval protocol (p < 0.05). The external load experienced by players in intermittent SSG protocols is higher, while internal load (%HRmax) remains relatively low. This effect is especially notable in the new intermittent exercise model proposed in this study, which incorporates progressively increasing recovery times within each exercise set. Coaches can use this model to increase players’ external load without causing a heightened perception of fatigue.

PURPOSE:This study aimed to examine the recovery kinetics (i.e., time-dependent changes) of performance-related variables between two 120-min male football games performed 3 d apart with and without carbohydrate supplementation. METHODS:Twenty male players (20 ± 1 yr; body fat, 14.9% ± 5.1%; maximal oxygen consumption, 59.4 ± 3.7 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ) participated in two 120-min football games (G1, G2) according to a randomized, two-trial, repeated-measures, crossover, double-blind design. Participants received carbohydrate/placebo supplements during recovery between games. Field activity was monitored during the games. Performance testing and blood sampling were performed before and at 90 and 120 min of each game. Muscle biopsies were collected at baseline and at 90 and 120 min of G1 and pre-G2. RESULTS:Compared with G1, G2 was associated with reduced total distance (10,870 vs 10,685 m during 90 min and 3327 vs 3089 m during extra 30 min; P = 0.007-0.038), average (6.7 vs 6.2 km/h during extra 30-min game-play; P = 0.007) and maximal speed (32.2 vs 30.2 km/h during 90 min and 29.0 vs 27.9 km/h during extra 30 min; P < 0.05), accelerations/decelerations ( P < 0.05), and mean heart rate ( P < 0.05). Repeated sprint ability ( P < 0.001), jumping ( P < 0.05), and strength ( P < 0.001) performance were compromised before and during G2. Muscle glycogen was not restored at G2 baseline ( P = 0.005). Extended game-play reduced lymphocyte, erythrocyte counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin, reduced glutathione ( P < 0.05) and increased delayed onset of muscle soreness, creatine kinase activity, blood glycerol, ammonia, and protein carbonyls ( P < 0.05) before and during G2. Pax7 + ( P = 0.004) and MyoD + cells ( P = 0.019) increased at baseline G2. Carbohydrate supplementation restored performance and glycogen, reduced glycerol and delayed onset of muscle soreness responses, and increased leukocyte counts and Pax7 + and MyoD + cells. CONCLUSIONS:Results suggest that extended football games induce a prolonged recovery of performance, which may be facilitated by carbohydrate supplementation during a congested game fixture.

Background Soccer is linked to an acute inflammatory response and the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Antioxidant supplements have shown promising effects in reducing muscle damage and oxidative stress and enhancing the recovery process after eccentric exercise. This critical review highlights the influence of antioxidant supplements on performance and recovery following soccer-related activity, training, or competition. Methods: English-language publications from the main databases that examine how antioxidant-based nutrition and supplements affect the recovery process before, during, and after soccer practice or competition were used. Results: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), astaxanthin (Asx), red orange juice (ROJS), L-carnitine (LC), N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), beetroot (BET), turmeric root, and tangeretin reduce muscle damage (creatine kinase, myoglobin, cortisol, lactate dehudrogenase, muscle soreness). Tangeretin, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), turmeric root, and aronia melanocarpa restrict inflammation (leukocytes, prostalagdin E2, C-reactive protein, IL-6 and 10). Q10, DHA, Asx, tangeretin, lippia citriodora, quercetin, allopurinol, turmeric root, ROJS, aronia melanocarpa, vitamins C-E, green tea (GTE), and sour tea (STE) reduce oxidative stress (malondialdehude, glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutases, protein carbonyls, ascorbate, glutathione peroxidase, and paraoxonase 1). BET and NAC reinforce performance (endurance, jump, speed, strength). Conclusions: Further research is needed to determine the main mechanism and the acute and long-term impacts of antioxidant supplements in soccer.

To investigate the association between redox status in erythrocytes and skeletal muscle with dietary nutrient intake and markers of physical fitness and habitual physical activity (PA). Forty-five young physically active men were assessed for body composition, dietary nutrient intake, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory capacity and habitual PA. Blood and muscle samples were collected to estimate selected redox biomarkers. Partial correlation analysis was used to evaluate the independent relationship of each factor with redox biomarkers. Dietary cysteine intake was positively correlated (p < 0.001) with both erythrocyte (r = 0.697) and muscle GSH (0.654, p < 0.001), erythrocyte reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG) (r = 0.530, p = 0.001) and glutathione reductase (GR) activity (r = 0.352, p = 0.030) and inversely correlated with erythrocyte protein carbonyls (PC) levels (r = − 0.325; p = 0.046). Knee extensors eccentric peak torque was positively correlated with GR activity (r = 0.355; p = 0.031) while, one-repetition maximum in back squat exercise was positively correlated with erythrocyte GSH/GSSG ratio (r = 0.401; p = 0.014) and inversely correlated with erythrocyte GSSG and PC (r = − 0.441, p = 0.006; r = − 0.413, p = 0.011 respectively). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was positively correlated with step count (r = 0.520; p < 0.001), light (r = 0.406; p = 0.008), moderate (r = 0.417; p = 0.006), moderate-to-vigorous (r = 0.475; p = 0.001), vigorous (r = 0.352; p = 0.022) and very vigorous (r = 0.326; p = 0.035) PA. Muscle GSSG inversely correlated with light PA (r = − 0.353; p = 0.022). These results indicate that dietary cysteine intake may be a critical element for the regulation of glutathione metabolism and redox status in two different tissues pinpointing the independent significance of cysteine for optimal redox regulation. Musculoskeletal fitness and PA levels may be predictors of skeletal muscle, but not erythrocyte, antioxidant capacity. Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03711838, date of registration: October 19, 2018.