The common ACTN3 R577X polymorphism leads to α-actinin-3 deficiency in ~20% of the human population and may be detrimental to their muscle power. However, the impact of ACTN3R577X on metabolic health and exercise capacity in the general population remains unclear. The objective of the current study was to compare metabolic health markers, musculoskeletal traits, and cardiorespiratory capacity between untrained overweight α-actinin-3-deficient (XX; 20 men and 19 women) and α-actinin-3 expressing (RR; 20 men and 21 women) individuals. The participants were aged 43 ± 7 years and had a BMI of 28.6 ± 3.2 kg·m-2. Various metabolic health and exercise capacity aspects encompassing segmental body composition, bone density, systemic low-grade inflammation, blood lipid profile, whole-body glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, resting and exercise metabolism, and exercise capacity were evaluated. While XX groups had lower fat-free mass than RR groups, other anthropometrical and body composition features, including bone mineral content, did not differ between the genotype groups in either women or men. We found no significant differences between XX and RR individuals for blood lipid profile, markers of systemic inflammation, glucose tolerance, resting metabolism, and leg strength. Moreover, no clear genotype-related differences were observed in markers of insulin resistance and sensitivity, although XX women exhibited a slightly smaller increase in insulin concentration than RR women during an oral glucose tolerance test. An incremental cardiopulmonary cycling test revealed no differences in metabolic and heart rate responses, maximal fat oxidation, or exercise capacity. In conclusion, we observed no associations between α-actinin-3 deficiency and metabolic health, body composition, muscle function, or cardiorespiratory capacity in untrained overweight men and women.

Performance in endurance sports is generally linked to aerobic capacity, but this link is less clear in swimming due to its technical complexity and constricted breathing periods. Here, we studied the effect of a moderate acute reduction in blood oxygen transport capacity on middle-distance swimming performance. In a double-blind, randomized crossover design, national-level swimmers (6 men, 6 women; 20 ± 2 years; FINA score 604 ± 105) completed two 200 m front crawl swimming time-trials (TT) on average six days apart, either 30 min after rebreathing moderate (men: 1.5 ml·kg− 1, women: 1.2 ml·kg− 1; CO) or small (SHAM) CO dose. Capillary blood lactate and hemoglobin CO binding (

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of short-term broccoli powder supplementation on metabolically demanding exercise performance, muscle power, and blood lactate recovery. It also investigated broccoli powder-derived sulforaphane bioavailability and its effects in attenuating exercise-induced oxidative stress. Methods: Seventeen healthy males (age 23.8 ± 4.9 years, height 182.3 ± 6.1 cm, weight 80.0 ± 12.8 kg), in a double-blind crossover design, three weeks apart, consumed ten standard doses of either broccoli powder or spinach powder as a placebo over a period of 2 weeks. They then performed a maximal progressive cycling task with concomitant analysis of expired gas composition. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) level was measured before and 60 min after the completion of the task, and blood lactate and muscle power (counter-movement vertical jump (CMJ) performance) were measured before and up to 60 min after exercise. Results: The main findings were that despite urine sulforaphane output being markedly higher following broccoli supplementation (p < 0.05), which confirms effective absorption and systemic availability of the compound, this did not influence exercise-induced changes in plasma MDA concentration, blood lactate dynamics, exercise test performance, or functional recovery measured as muscle power via CMJ performance (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, broccoli powder supplementation, despite efficient delivery of sulforaphane, does not seem to either acutely affect performance or modify oxidative stress and recovery from metabolically demanding exercise.

BACKGROUND:Blood volume (BV), haemoglobin mass (Hb-mass) are key determinants of blood oxygen transport. The aim of this study was to assess BV and Hb-mass in elite junior rowers and evaluate their relationship with fat-free mass (FFM) and aerobic capacity. METHODS:Twenty-five males (18.4 ± 2.4 y, 1.92 ± 0.5 m, 89.3 ± 4.7 kg) and fourteen females (17.0 ± 1.9 y, 1.77 ± 0.7 m, 74.2 ± 11.3 kg) participated. BV, plasma volume (PV), and Hb-mass were assessed via CO rebreathing. Pulmonary gas exchange was measured during a graded rowing test. RESULTS:Males had higher absolute BV (7270 ± 717 vs. 5388 ± 471 mL) and Hb-mass (1083 ± 91 vs. 720 ± 49 g). After adjusting for FFM, most differences disappeared, except PV, which remained higher in females (57.2 ± 4.8 vs. 49.9 ± 6.5 mL·FFM·kg-1). V̇O2max was higher in males in absolute (6.28 ± 0.40 vs. 4.48 ± 0.29 L·min-1) and body-mass-relative terms (70.2 ± 5.6 vs. 61.3 ± 7.3 mL·kg-1·min-1), but not when expressed per FFM (79.4 ± 5.3 vs. 81.1 ± 7.3 mL·FFM·kg-1·min-1). BV, PV, and Hb-mass correlated positively with V̇O2max in both sexes, with stronger associations in females. CONCLUSIONS:Sex differences in blood parameters among junior rowers are largely explained by FFM, except for PV, which is relatively higher in females. Stronger associations between blood variables and aerobic capacity in females suggest greater reliance on central oxygen transport.

Background/Objectives: Broccoli-derived glucoraphanin (a sulforaphane precursor that activates Nrf2 defenses) may aid repair; however, its short-term effects in humans remain unknown. This study aimed to evaluate whether short-term supplementation with broccoli-derived glucoraphanin improves recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. We hypothesized that short-term supplementation with broccoli-derived glucoraphanin would attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage and accelerate recovery. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, fifteen participants consumed either high-glucoraphanin broccoli powder (320 μg) or placebo for two weeks, followed by elbow flexor eccentric exercise. Strength, soreness, creatine kinase (CK), range of motion (ROM), arm girths, and ultrasound-assessed muscle and tendon morphology were measured at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and at 48 and 96 h post-exercise. Results: Significant main effects of time were observed for isometric and isokinetic torque (p < 0.05), CK (p < 0.05), soreness (p < 0.05), and structural swelling markers (p < 0.05), confirming exercise-induced muscle damage. However, there were no significant Time × Supplement interactions for any variable (p > 0.05), indicating that glucoraphanin did not influence recovery dynamics. Conclusions: These findings suggest that short-term high-dose broccoli supplementation reconstituted with hot water does not modulate recovery following eccentric muscle damage under the conditions tested, including the chosen preparation method and experimental context.

Purpose: To compare total blood volume (BV), haemoglobin (Hb) mass, and aerobic capacity in male and female elite junior rowers. Methods: Competitive academic rowers (25 males and 14 females) of the Lithuanian junior rowing national team were recruited for the study. Mean age in males and females was 18.4 ± 2.4 and 17.0 ± 1.9 years, height – 1.92 ± 0.50 and 1.77 ± 0.70 m, body mass – 89.26 ± 4.72 and 74.17 ± 11.25 kg, respectively. They completed gradually increasing workload on rowing ergometer (Concept 2), during which pulmonary gas exchange was measured on a breath-by-breath basis using the portable analyser MetaMax 3B (Cortex, Germany). BV and Hb mass were determined using the CO rebreathing method. Results: Hb concentration (males – 149.5 ± 9.5 vs females – 134.1 ± 6.9 g/L), absolute Hb mass (1,082.6 ± 90.7 vs 720.2 ± 49.3 g) and relative to body mass Hb mass (12.17 ± 1.07 vs 9.86 ± 1.20 g/kg) values were higher in male rowers compared to female rowers (p < 0.01). However, Hb mass relative to fat-free mass (FFM) did not differ between genders (13.68 ± 0.96 vs 13.04 ± 1.21 g/FFM kg; p > 0.05). Absolute plasma volume (PV) was higher in male rowers (3,948.7 ± 531.9 vs 3,174.3 ± 359.4 ml; p < 0.01), although PV relative to FFM was higher in female rowers (49.94 ± 6.53 vs 57.23 ± 4.79 ml/FFM kg; p < 0.01). PV relative to body weight did not differ between genders (p > 0.05). Absolute BV (7,270.0 ± 716.8 vs 5,388.1 ± 470.8 ml) and relative to body weight BV (81.62 ± 8.44 vs 73.51 ± 8.34 ml/kg) was higher in male rowers (p < 0.01), but BV relative to FFM (91.92 ± 8.39 vs 97.35 ± 7.57 ml/FFM kg) did not differ between genders (p > 0.05). Absolute maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) (6.278 ± 0.400 vs 4.478 ± 0.288 L/min) and relative to body mass V̇O2max (70.17 ± 5.58 vs 61.28 ± 7.28 ml/kg/min) during graded exercise test was higher in male rowers compared to female rowers (p < 0.01). However, V̇O2max relative to FFM (79.43 ± 5.31 vs 81.12 ± 7.25 ml/FFM kg/min) did not differ between genders (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Absolute and relative to body mass total BV, Hb mass, and aerobic capacity variables are higher in elite junior male rowers compared to females, but similar when adjusted for fat-free mass. In contrast, plasma volume relative to fat-free mass is higher in elite junior female rowers compared to males

Background: Dynamic change of the pulmonary oxygen uptake is one of the core parameters determining the bodies’ adaptability to the varying physical load. It is equally important in both everyday life and sports. Regardless of the importance, this physiological mechanism is understudied, especially in younger population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine oxygen uptake kinetics at the onset and offset of exercise in terms of basketball training and maturity level in adolescent boys. Methods: Our subjects were 28 basketball-trained (BT) and 22 actively untrained (UT) boys (average age: 11.83 ± 0.43 years). Subjects performed 6-minute-long constant speed walking tests on a treadmill and a static recovery afterwards with a 1-year interval between the sessions to determine oxygen uptake, heart rate, and muscle oxygenation time constants and other parameters. Maturity level was determined by the maturity offset. Results: Basketball-trained group showed faster oxygen uptake kinetics (1st session: 13.10 ± 2.68 s and 15.02 ± 2.96 s in basketballers and control-group boys, respectively; 2nd session: 12.02 ± 2.86 s and 14.07 ± 4.18 s) during both testing sessions, while heart rate kinetics were faster in basketballers only during the 1st session (28.15 ± 10.59 s compared to 37.18 ± 15.23 s). Maturity level in both groups correlated with some of the kinetics parameters during the 2nd session. Conclusion: Young basketballers possess a faster on-transient oxygen uptake kinetics compared to their untrained peers because of the improved oxygen delivery and utilisation. A possible maturational threshold regarding pulmonary oxygen uptake kinetics in adolescents should be investigated in the future. Keywords: team sports, physical fitness, time constant, aerobic kinetics

INTRODUCTION:This study was long-term and lasted for one year. The study aims to determine whether there is a change in aerobic capacity indicators for prepubertal children when playing football. METHODS:There were two groups of subjects: children of prepubertal age who trained in football and those who did not attend football. There were 16 participants in the FG (football-trained group) and 15 in the CG (control group) who attended no football lessons. An incremental treadmill test was performed three times with a half-year break to determine the following peak variables: oxygen uptake, stroke volume, cardiac output, and minute ventilation. RESULTS:After one year of training, the VO2 peak at FG increased from 51.81 ± 6.55 ml/kg/min. to 53.11 ± 5.27 ml/kg/min. (p = 0.0412), stroke volume at FG increased from 41.3 ml/min to 46.4 ml/min. (p = 0.0012), cardiac output (Q) also increased from 8.15 l/min to 9.44 l/min. At stage II and 10.2 l/min at stage III (p = 0.0143) at FG. CONCLUSIONS:After one year of football training at FG-related VO2, RR (-respiratory rate), and Q also shifted, SV (-stroke volume) also increased significantly, while at UG, results were the opposite- only a few parameters, such as HR, increased significantly, while the others did not.

This study aimed to compare the aerobic capacity in swimming, cycling and arm cranking in swimmers aged 11–13 years. Eleven swimmers (mean age, 12.1 ± 1.0 years) performed three incremental exercise tests. One of the tests was performed under specific conditions (front crawl swimming), and the other two were under non–specific conditions (cycling and arm cranking). Data on the pulmonary gas exchange were recorded using the portable analyser MetaMax 3B (Cortex, Leipzig, Germany). One-way analysis of variance for repeated measures was employed to test the null hypothesis and determine statistically significant differences between the indicators obtained under specific and non–specific testing conditions. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the relationships between the indicators of the pulmonary gas exchange. The relative peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) value during swimming was 49.3 ± 6.2 mL/kg/min, which was higher than that during arm cranking (39.6 ± 7.3 mL/kg/min; P < 0.01) but lower than that during cycling (54.3 ± 7.8 mL/kg/min; P < 0.01). The peak minute ventilation (V̇Epeak) value during swimming (84.9 ± 12.6 L/min) was higher than that during arm cranking (69.4 ± 18.2 L/min; P < 0.01) but lower than that during cycling (98.4 ± 15.4 L/min; P < 0.01). Strong positive correlations were observed in the absolute and relative V̇O2peak values between swimming and cycling (r = 0.857, P < 0.01; r = 0.657, P < 0.05) and between swimming and arm cranking (r = 0.899, P < 0.01; r = 0.863, P < 0.05). A strong positive correlation was also observed in V̇Epeak values between swimming and arm cranking (r = 0.626, P < 0.05). Swimmers aged 11–13 years showed V̇O2peak and V̇Epeak values during the specific swimming test greater than those during arm cranking but lower than those during cycling. However, aerobic capacity parameters measured during specific swimming conditions correlated with those measured during non–specific arm cranking and cycling conditions.

Kamandulis, S, Dud & edot;nien & edot;, L, Snieckus, A, Kniubaite, A, Mickevicius, M, Lukonaitiene, I, Venckunas, T, Stasiule, L, and Stasiulis, A. Impact of anaerobic exercise integrated into regular training on experienced judo athletes: running vs. repetitive throws. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): e489-e495, 2024-Anaerobic training in high-level athletes is of considerable interest to practitioners aiming to optimize performance. This study compared the impact of interval anaerobic training (IAT) sessions consisting of either high-intensity running or throwing that were performed twice a week together with regular judo training on the anaerobic and aerobic performance of experienced judo athletes. Employing a repeated-measures, counterbalancing, research design, 12 national team judo athletes (7 women and 5 men; mean age, 20.4 +/- 0.95 years; mean judo training experience, 13.4 +/- 1.4 years; competitive level, black belt first and second Dan) performed each IAT modality for 6 weeks, for a full training cycle of 12 weeks. Assessments of their anaerobic fitness (Cunningham and Faulkner Anaerobic Treadmill Test), sport-specific anaerobic fitness (Special Judo Fitness Test [SJFT]), and aerobic capacity (maximal incremental treadmill running test) were performed before, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks of training. The uphill running performance improved by 13.1% over the 12-week period (p = 0.047). Simultaneously, there was a 9.0% improvement in the SJFT index and a 6.9% increase in the number of throws (p = 0.011 and p = 0.017, respectively). Although a trend for throwing drills being more effective than interval sprint running was observed, the interaction effect lacked statistical significance (p = 0.074). Moreover, no substantial changes were noted in aerobic endurance markers. In conclusion, this study suggests that incorporating specific and nonspecific high-intensity drills into a routine training regimen may enhance anaerobic capacity among well-trained judo athletes, potentially leading to favorable competitive outcomes.

While anaerobic fitness is highly important for the performance in Olympic (amateur) boxing, the relationship between anaerobic performance metrics is poorly understood, and profiling boxers according to their anaerobic capacity is still a challenge. With the current study in elite amateur boxers, we aimed to compare the metabolic and cardiovascular responses to different maximal tests and the intercorrelations between performance indices (peak and mean power, duration of the test, punching frequency) of several all-out tests and their correlation to physiological response metrics (blood lactate and heart rate, HR). Twelve male Olympic boxers performed a battery of tests, including 30 s Wingate cycling and arm cranking, boxing bag punching, steep uphill treadmill running to exhaustion, and progressive treadmill running VO2max test. Performance indices of different anaerobic tests were not closely correlated except for the duration of uphill running with body weight scaled (relative) peak and mean power produced during Wingate cycling test and absolute mean power of both Wingate tests. The number of punches landed on a bag per 30 s was associated only with relative power achieved during Wingate cycling test. HRpeak but not peak lactate response correlated strongly across exercise tasks. Finally, no correlation between the highly developed aerobic and anaerobic capacity, suggests a complex picture of the adaptation in elite amateur boxers.

Quantifying the pivotal elements that contribute to success in cycling and their strength, is of paramount importance in the formulation of sound and effective training regimens. Here we evaluated the power and differences of distinct performance indicators in predicting cycling competition outcomes. A total of 38 competitive male Lithuanian cyclists participated in this study, engaging in a maximal incremental exercise test, a cycling efficiency protocol, and a maximal sprint performance evaluation, from which multiple performance variables were derived. The cyclists were involved in two distinct competitions, where completion average speed and power profiles underwent analysis. Qualitative visual assessment was also employed to explore supplementary performance dimensions within these competitions. Notably, the principal explanatory variables for the two competitions were peak oxygen consumption relative to body mass (r = 0.74, p < 0.05) and cycling gross efficiency (r = 0.72, p < 0.05), respectively. Qualitative analysis unveiled divergences in terms of challenges and race dynamics inherent to the two competitions, while power profile comparisons yield no significant differences (p > 0.05). In conclusion, this study profiled Lithuanian cyclists, revealing power and differences among various performance metrics in predicting outcomes in diverse competitions. The comprehensive methodology highlighted the advantages of evaluating competition results, offering insights for improved training and tailored performance assessments.

The aim of this study was to assess physiological variables that contribute to aerobic fitness in respect to basketball training and the maturity level in adolescent boys. Our subjects were 28 basketball-trained and 22 control-group boys (average age: 11.83 ± 0.43 years). An incremental treadmill running test to exhaustion was performed twice with a 1-year interval between the sessions to determine the following peak aerobic fitness variables: oxygen uptake, stroke volume, cardiac output, minute ventilation, and others. Maturity offset was used to evaluate the maturity level. The basketball-trained group exhibited a higher peak ratio-scaled oxygen uptake (1st session: 50.55 ± 6.21 and 46.57 ± 5.68 ml/kg/min in basketball and control-group boys, respectively, p = 0.024; 2nd session: 54.50 ± 6.50 and 45.33 ± 5.99 ml/kg/min, respectively, p < 0.001) during both testing sessions. During the 2nd session, the basketball-trained group also showed a significantly higher peak arteriovenous oxygen difference (basketball-trained boys: 14.02 ± 2.17 ml/100 ml; control-group boys: 12.52 ± 2.49 ml/100 ml; p = 0.027) and peak minute ventilation (basketball-trained boys: 96.08 ± 21.71 l/min; control-group boys: 83.14 ± 17.85 l/min; p = 0.028). The maturity level among the basketball-trained boys was correlated with peak variables: oxygen uptake, stroke volume, cardiac output, and minute ventilation, but not with the ratio-scaled oxygen uptake. In conclusion, basketball training at a young age among boys improved aerobic fitness compared with sedentary boys. More mature basketball players were not superior to their less mature peers regarding aerobic fitness after adjusting for body dimensions.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the energy requirements of the aerobic oxidative, anaerobic lactic (glycolytic), or an-aerobic alactic systems in highly trained amateur boxers during a 3x3-min-round boxing fight.METHODS: On three separate occasions, 10 highly trained male amateur boxers undertook a progressive treadmill run, a progressive bag -punching exercise, and a full-contact competitive boxing fight of the 3x3-min format. Expired gas and heart rate (HR) were recorded throughout all exercise tasks, with the exception of a gas analysis during the competitive fight. Total energy expenditure and the contribution of the three major energy-supply systems were calculated based on oxygen uptake (V?O2) and HR during exercise, blood lactate accumulation, and excess V?O2 during the fast phase of the recovery.RESULTS: The blood lactate concentration was >15 (range: 12-18) mmol center dot L-1 after the fight. The HR reached >93% of the maximal (HRmax) in rounds 1 and 2 and >97% in the final round and was strongly correlated with HRmax (r=0.885). The average calculated O2 uptake during the box-ing fight was 89% of V? O2max, whereas O2 uptake equivalent calculated from the involvement of all three major energy supply systems was 122% of V? O2max. The calculated energy provision during the fight was 73% aerobic, 19% anaerobic alactic and 8% anaerobic glycolytic.CONCLUSIONS: In highly trained male amateur boxers, 3x3-min boxing match elicits very high HR and blood lactate levels with predominant involvement of aerobic and substantial contribution of anaerobic alactic energy systems.(Cite this article as: Bruzas V, Venckunas T, Kamandulis S, Snieckus A, Mockus P, Stasiulis A. Metabolic and physiological demands of 3x3-min -round boxing fights in highly trained amateur boxers. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2023;63:623-9. DOI: 10.23736/S0022-4707.22.13661-3)

BACKGROUND: Training in different sports is affected by maturity, although the magnitude and the scope of the effects are still contradictory. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical and morphological parameters of young boys in relation to their maturity level and basketball training.METHODS: Fifty boys (11.83 +/- 0.43 years old) were assigned to basketball training (N.=28) or control (N.=22) groups. Physical parameters were evaluated using isometric strength tests, squat jump, 30-m sprint, and the Flamingo balance test. Ultrasonography was used to measure biceps brachii and vastus lateralis thickness.RESULTS: During the year between testing sessions, muscle thickness increased in both groups (biceps brachii: from 15.4 +/- 2.4 mm to 16.8 +/- 2.3 mm and from 14.5 +/- 1.3 mm to 15.6 +/- 2.0 mm in basketball and control groups, respectively; vastus lateralis: 19.7 +/- 2.7 mm to 21.7 +/- 3.0 mm and 18.2 +/- 2.6 mm to 19.1 +/- 2.4 mm). In addition, basketballers had higher arm strength (1st session: 387.3 +/- 80.9 N and 323.6 +/- 85.5 N; 2nd session: 413.9 +/- 91.9 N and 344.3 +/- 87.9 N), and sprint time (1st session: 5.02 +/- 0.21 s and 5.44 +/- 0.49 s; 2nd session: 4.93 +/- 0.24 s and 5.37 +/- 0.49 s). In the basketball-training group, maturity correlated with strength and power test results (P<0.05) during both testing sessions.CONCLUSIONS: Participation in standard basketball practice sessions improved boys' strength and power and acceler-ated leg muscle development.

While concurrent training is regularly used in older populations, the inverse relationship between fibre size and oxidative capacity suggests that endurance training in resistance-trained individuals may result in some loss of resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass, which may be more pronounced in older people. We investigated the impact of superimposed endurance training in younger (28.5 ± 4.8 years; n = 8) and older (67.5 ± 5.5 years; n = 7) highly resistance-trained men. Participants underwent a 10-week endurance cycling training programme consisting of five 6-min intervals at 75% max heart rate (HRmax) separated by 4-min intervals at 90% HRmax. The anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA) of the thigh muscles, as determined with MRI, was 24% smaller in older compared to younger participants (p < 0.001). Although maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) was also lower in the older group (p < 0.001), VO2max per kg body mass did not differ significantly between younger and older participants. Histological analyses of biopsies of the m. vastus lateralis showed that endurance training induced an increase in succinate dehydrogenase activity in both younger and older participants (p ≤ 0.043), and an increase in the number of capillaries around type I fibres (p = 0.017). The superimposed endurance training did not induce a significant decrease in thigh ACSA, fibre cross-sectional area, or knee extensor maximum voluntary isometric force. These observations indicate that adding endurance training to resistance training can lead to positive endurance-related adaptations without negative consequences for muscle size and strength in older and younger resistance-trained people.

The present study aimed to examine relationships between executive function (EF) and variables of aerobic fitness. Participants were 32 healthy older adults ( M age = 65.1, SD = 6.6 years). We measured the first ventilatory threshold (VeT 1 ) and the kinetics of oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]O 2 ), heart rate (HR), and muscle deoxygenation [HHb] during treadmill walking of either constant, moderate intensity, or increasing intensity. We assessed EF with a computerized Stroop test and Stroop measures of correct answers, reaction time, and percent interference. We found the Stroop interference score to be negatively associated with the VeT 1 ( r = –0.387, p = 0.031) and positively associated with the on-transition aerobic metabolism time constant (τ) of HR ( r = 0.519, p = 0.003), [Formula: see text]O 2 ( r = 0.454; p = 0.010), and [HHb] ( r = 0.644, p = 0.001). Correct responses were negatively related with τHR ( r = –0.372, p = 0.039) and τ[Formula: see text]O 2 ( r = –0.500, p = 0.004). The Stroop average reaction time, congruent reaction time and incongruent reaction time were positively related to τ[HHb] ( r = 0.507, p = 0.010; r = 0.437, p = 0.029; r = 0.558, p = 0.004, respectively). Better EF was associated with faster on-transition aerobic metabolism and higher aerobic fitness among older adults.

We examined the effect of age and training status on the oxygen uptake (V˙ O2) kinetics of untrained and recreationally trained women. Young (20–35yr), middle-age (40–55yr) and older (58–71yr) recreationally trained (YTR, n = 10; MTR, n = 12; OTR, n = 9) and untrained (YUT, n = 12; MUT, n = 10; OUT, n = 9) women participated in this crossectional study. Breath-by-breath V˙ O2 and near-infrared-spectroscopy-derived (NIRS) muscle deoxygenation [HHb] were monitored continuously during increasing and constant walking exercises. On-transition V˙ O2 and [HHb] responses to moderate intensity walking were modeled as mono-exponential. The data were normalized for each subject (0%–100 %), and [HHb]/ V˙ O2 ratio was calculated as the average [HHb]/ V˙ O2 during the 20- to 120-s period after the onset of moderate intensity walking exercise. The time constant of V˙ O2 (τ V˙ O2) was longer in OUT(23.8 ± 2.4), MUT(25.4 ± 5.1), YUT(23.1 ± 3.4) than in YTR(16.2 ± 2.0), MTR(16.7 ± 3.9), OTR(16.3 ± 2.8) women (p < 0.05). The [HHb]/ V˙ O2 ratio in OUT (1.31 ± 0.18) was higher than in YTR(1.08 ± 0.05), MTR(1.13 ± 0.09), YUT(1.12 ± 0.09) (p < 0.05). It is concluded that recreationally trained women had faster V˙ O2 kinetics along with better matching of O2 delivery and utilization at the site of gas exchange in the exercising muscles.

Recent evidence indicates that elevating plasma nitrites through dietary nitrates (NO3−) supplementation is associated with enhanced muscle efficiency, fatigue resistance and performance. Beetroot (in various forms) is the dominant source of dietary NO3− primarily due to its vast availability and the simple form of preparation suitable for final consumption. After a few years of research and experimentation, our scientific team identified alternative source rich with dietary NO3− as possible nitric oxide precursor, amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) with a standardized concentration 9–11% of NO3−. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of single-dose (±400 mg of dietary NO3−) and long-term (6 days) supplementation of amaranth concentrate derived dietary NO3− on aerobic capacity in physically active young people. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human study. Thirteen healthy and physically active young male participants were randomized into experimental and placebo groups. The aerobic capacity was tested during increasing cycling exercise (ICE) with pulmonary gas exchange recording and analysis. The peak power of the ICE, the maximum oxygen consumption and the first ventilatory threshold were significantly increased after long-term consumption of dietary amaranth (from 4.44 ± 0.50 to 4.55 ± 0.43 W/kg; from 37.7 ± 2.7 to 41.2 ± 5.4 mL/kg/min and from 178.6 ± 30.3 to 188.6 ± 35.2 W, p < 0.05; respectively) in experimental group. Long-term (6 days) use of dietary NO3− from amaranth may improve the aerobic capacity during ICE in young physically active male persons. It can be recommended as the nutritional supplement during last week of preparation for competition in endurance events.

Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3 have beneficial effects on different blood, cardiovascular parameters and physical performance. However, the effect of low-dose omega-3 fatty acid supplementation remains unclear. 84 office workers aged 40-60 years, participated in a 16-week open, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. The experimental group received 330 mg of omega-3 fatty acid and 0.005 mg (200 IU) of vitamin D3 per day and the control group received placebo. Anthropometric, biochemical blood and respiratory indices were measured at 12 and 16 weeks. Body mass (BM) and body mass index (BMI) significantly reduced in both the experimental (BM from 74.4 ± 13.04 to 73.2 ± 13.02 kg, p < 0.001; BMI from 25.8 ± 4.1 to 25.4 ± 4.3 kg/m2, p < 0.001) and the placebo groups (BM from 69.5 ± 11. to 68.7 ± 11.4 kg, p < 0.05; BMI from 24.1 ± 4.0 to 23.8 ± 4.2 kg/m2, p < 0.05). Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation significantly improved glucose (from 5.12 ± 0.55 to 4.97 ± 0.62 mmol/l; p = 0.05), total cholesterol (from 5.86 ± 1.0 to 5.32 ± 1.55 mmol/l; p = 0.003), and vitamin D levels (from 35.07 ± 21.65 to 68.63 ± 25.94 nmol/l; p = 0.000). Maximal oxygen consumption (from 33.7 ± 2.4 to 36.6 ± 3.2 ml/kg/min, p = 0.035), forced vital capacity (from 3.5 ± 0.6 to 3.9 ± 0.9 l, p = 0.044), forced expiratory volume (from 3.2 ± 0.6 to 3.5 ± 0.7 l, p = 0.014), and peak expiratory flow (from 6.7 ± 1.4 to 7.5 ± 1.6 l/s, p = 0.019) also slightly improved in the omega-3 fatty acid group. Daily supplementation of 330 mg of omega-3 fatty acids had a slight positive impact on total cholesterol and glucose level, while there was no effect on low and high density lipoproteins, and triglycerides levels. Therefore, dose of 330 mg per day seems as insufficient.