High-intensity interval training improves cardiovascular fitness and induces left-ventricular hypertrophy during off-season /

Background: Well-designed endurance training leads to improved cardiovascular fitness and sports performance in prolonged exercise tasks, with the adaptations depending on multiple factors, including the training modality and the population in question. It is still disputable how the type of training affects myocardial remodeling, and the information on myocardial remodeling by high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is particularly scarce. Methods: The current study investigated changes in cardiac structure after volume-progressive HIIT in running mode. As part of their conditioning program, amateur athletes (mean ± SD age of 18.2 ± 1.0 years) exclusively conducted HIIT in a volume-progressive fashion over 7 weeks (a total of 21 sessions). Peak oxygen uptake as well as 200 m and 2000 m running performance were measured, and transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography was conducted before and after the intervention. Results: Training improved running performance, increased the peak oxygen uptake and left atrium diameter (from 32.0 ± 2.5 to 33.5 ± 2.3 mm; p = 0.01), and induced ~11% thickening of the left-ventricular posterior wall (7.5 ± 0.7 to 8.2 ± 0.4 mm; p = 0.01) and interventricular septum (7.6 ± 0.7 to 8.6 ± 0.9 mm; p = 0.02), but not the dilation of left-ventricular, right-ventricular, or right atrium chambers. Conclusions: HIIT of just 127 km of running per 8.5 h during 7 weeks was sufficient to improve aerobic capacity and running performance, and induce left-ventricular wall hypertrophy and left atrium dilation, in young healthy athletes

A standard operating procedure for the evaluation of vertical jumps performance through surface electromyography assessment: A scoping review /

Introduction The Countermovement Jump (CMJ) and the Squat Jump (SJ) are widely adopted tests to assess muscle strength and power. Neuromuscular data of the jump performance could be provided by surface Electromyography (EMG). While from a biomechanical and technical point of view, there are articles that support the two vertical jumps, less is published regarding surface EMG and the jumps. The objective of the present study was to review the literature to better understand the protocols adopted for a surface EMG evaluation during the CMJ and the SJ and eventually to propose a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). A SOP could be a useful tool to better understand, compare, and interpret the findings. Methods A scoping review was performed. Data were collected on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus till 20th December 2024. The articles were screened against the eligibility criteria and narratively discussed. Results A total of 54 articles met the eligibility criteria. The articles present important differences in the methodology and the procedures followed. Differences were also detected in the hardware and the data analysis. From the common information of the articles, a SOP was proposed. Conclusions Different methodologies were adopted to evaluate neuromuscular function during the CMJ and the SJ tests. This makes difficult to compare the data. A SOP was proposed with information and guidelines related to muscles, hardware, and data processing. In this way, future studies could follow similar protocols increasing the possibility to compare the findings

Effect of mirror therapy on upper extremity function in stroke patients: systematic review.

Background: After stroke, approximately 80 proc. of individuals experience motor impairments, often affecting the upper limb and interfering with daily activities. Restoring upper limb function is a key goal in stroke rehabilitation. The aim of this study: to evaluate the effect of mirror therapy on upper limb motor function. The tasks of this study: 1. Identify randomised controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of mirror therapy in post-stroke hand motor recovery; 2. Evaluate the impact and effect size of mirror therapy intervention on hand motor function; 3. Provide recommendations for further systematic analyses. Hypothesis of this study: Mirror therapy will have at least a moderate effect size in improving the recovery of upper limb motor function in patients after stroke. Study methods: included randomised controlled trials compared upper extremity mirror therapy with other rehabilitation methods. The effect size was calculated using Cohen‘s D formula. Results: a total of 29 randomised controlled trials were analysed. Motor function outcomes showed a small effect size with ARAT, WMFT-Time, and FMA-UE evaluations; a moderate effect size with MFT and BBT evaluations; a large effect size with WMFT-FAS evaluations. The evaluation of additional indicators revealed a small effect size with BRS, FIM, MBI, and MAS evaluations, while the MI assessment indicated a large effect size. Conclusion: Effect of Mirror Therapy on Upper Extremity Function in Stroke Patients: Systematic Review. 1. A total of 29 randomised controlled trials were identified and analysed. 2. Mirror therapy is particularly effective in improving hand dexterity and motor function, but its impact on reducing spasticity is limited. 3. Future systematic reviews are recommended to improve methodological quality, increase sample size, and optimise mirror therapy parameters

Comparison of physiological attributes between elite and amateur athletes in the modern pentathlon obstacle course.

Research problem: obstacle course is a new discipline in modern pentathlon, therefore, there is a lack of research analysing what physiological attributes are required for successful high-level performance. Study aim: to determine the differences in physiological attributes between different level male and female athletes, in order to identify specific attributes that allow for successful performance in modern pentathlon obstacle course. Tasks: 1. Measure and compare the physiological attributes of elite and amateur male and female modern pentathlon athletes. 2. Determine most important physiological attributes and their interaction with obstacle course completion time. Hypothesis: we hypothesize that endurance, strength, and speed will have a significant impact on the 70-meter modern pentathlon obstacle course performance. Methods: body composition analysis; testing. Results: Study results showed better performance in the elite group in all measured physiological attributes (p<0,05). Compared to amateurs, elite men demonstrated 12,3% (p<0,05) shorter 70 m sprint time, 72,6% (p<0.001) longer dead hang time, 71,1% (p<0.001) higher pull-up count, 15,6% (p<0,05) higher vertical jump, and 35,7% (p<0,01) greater right and 29,5% (p<0,01) left hand grip strength. Elite women outperformed amateur women demonstrating 10,7% (p<0,05) shorter 70 m sprint time, completing 145,8% (p<0.001) more pull-ups, and showing 26,2% (p<0,01) greater right and 22,5% (p<0,001) left hand grip strength. Obstacle course completion time was significantly shorter in elite groups compared to amateurs: by 38,9% (p<0,001) between men, and by 36,9% (p<0,001) between women. Regression analysis revealed that greatest influence of 70 m sprint and dead hang time had to result in men, and maximum pull-ups as well as grip strength in women. Conclusions: 1. Elite athletes show better 70 m obstacle course completion time and physiological attributes than amateurs. Men group showed better 70 m sprint, pull-up, vertical jump, grip strength, and dead hang time results; women – 70 m sprint, pull-up, and grip strength results. 2. Regression analysis revealed different most important physiological attributes affecting 70 m obstacle course completion time differed between men and women. In the men groups 70 m sprint and dead hang time had the greatest influence, and in women it was maximum pull-ups and grip strength. Speed and strength-endurance attributes had the greatest influence to results in men, and strength and strength-endurance attributes in women

The evaluation of the traveller as a consumer of a tourism service.

Research problem: The case of the traveler as a service user in Lithuania is not assessed. The purpose of the work - evaluate the traveler as a consumer of the tourism service. Work tasks: 1. To analyse the main differences between tourists, sightseers and travellers, their motives for travelling and their needs for tourism services; 2. Discuss what internal and external factors influence travellers' choices and emotional experiences during their trips; 3. Identify the main objectives, motives and criteria for travellers to choose a trip. Research methods: 1. Analysis of scientific literature 2. Statistical analysis 3. Questionnaire survey The most important results of the study: 1. A consumer of tourism services is a person who uses a tourism service for the purposes of recreation, entertainment, personal development and learning about other cultures. Travellers differ in terms of how long they travel, their motives and preferences, such as: the tourist looking for a quality experience, the sightseer focusing on cost-effective day trips, and the traveller looking to relax and experience something new. 2. A traveller is a person who travels for a variety of reasons, such as: new experiences, relaxation, escape from routine, learning about another culture. Their choices are influenced by the opinions of their relatives, social networks and emotions. Travellers' behaviour often changes as a result of emerging technologies, new trends or demographic factors. 3. The results of the study showed that travellers are most interested in relaxation, new experiences and new cultures when travelling. Women value the emotional aspect more, while men are more inclined towards extreme experiences on the road. Older travellers tend to value tranquillity, while younger travellers are looking for different challenges. Those with higher levels of education are more likely to travel for leisure, while those with lower levels of education are more likely to travel according to others' wishes

Immediate effect of ankle joint and rectus abdominis kinesiology taping on static and dynamic balance in rhythmic gymnasts aged 10-12 years /

Background Balance is a critical component of athletic performance, particularly in disciplines such as rhythmic gymnastics. This study aimed to examine the immediate effects of kinesiology taping on static and dynamic balance in rhythmic gymnasts aged 10–12 years. Methods Thirty gymnasts were evaluated under three taping conditions: (1) no kinesiology tape (No KinT), (2) kinesiology tape applied to the ankle joints (KinT A), and (3) kinesiology tape applied to both the ankle joints and the rectus abdominis muscle (KinT AA). Balance assessments included the Static Stork Balance Test, the Dynamic Y Balance Test, and the Static and Dynamic “Bobo” Balance Board test. Results No significant differences were observed across conditions in the Stork Balance Test for both legs and static balance board measurements (p > 0.05). The Y Balance Test results improved when kinesiology tape was applied to both the ankle joints and the rectus abdominis muscle compared to the condition without taping for both legs (p < 0.05). In contrast, the dynamic balance board test demonstrated significantly better performance in the KinT A condition compared to both the No KinT and KinT AA conditions on the right leg (p < 0.05) and compared to the KinT AA condition on the left leg (p < 0.05). Additionally, for both legs, the No KinT condition showed superior performance relative to the KinT AA condition (p < 0.05). Conclusions Kinesiology taping had no immediate effect on static balance. However, dynamic balance, as assessed by the Y Balance Test, improved with tape applied to both the ankle joints and the rectus abdominis muscle. The balance board tests indicated inconsistent results, suggesting variability in their sensitivity to taping interventions

Individual and institutional factors associated with urinary incontinence among nursing home residents: a multilevel analysis /

Aims: (1) To analyse individual and institutional-level factors associated with urinary incontinence in older adults living in nursing homes; (2) to estimate the prevalence of urinary, faecal and double incontinence in nursing home residents. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Residents aged 65+ living in 22 nursing homes in Catalonia (Spain) were included. Descriptive, bivariate, and multilevel analyses were performed. Results: The final sample comprised 452 residents (75.9% female, mean age of 87.0 years). The prevalence of urinary, faecal and double incontinence was 77.5%, 46.1% and 45.7%, respectively. Urinary incontinence was statistically significantly associated with neurological conditions, moderate cognitive impairment, moderate dementia, severe cognitive impairment, very severe cognitive impairment and age. Conclusion: Approximately three out of four nursing home residents suffered from urinary incontinence and almost half of the sample from faecal or double incontinence. Individual-level factors (cognition, neurological conditions and age) played a more important role than institutional-level factors for urinary incontinence. Implications for the profession and patient care: The findings of this study highlight the importance of individual-level interventions to prevent and manage urinary incontinence in nursing homes. Impact: In Catalonian nursing homes, individual factors such as cognitive impairment and neurological conditions were more strongly associated with urinary incontinence than institutional factors. This has implications for improving care provided to older adults, particularly those with dementia and neurological conditions. Reporting method: STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines. Patient or public contribution: Nursing home residents were not involved in this study

A pilot study exploring the optimization of warm-up strategies: modern cognitive warm-up with open-skill demands vs. traditional closed-skill warm-up in basketball /

Warm-up protocols are essential in high-intensity sports such as basketball, in which explosive power and rapid decision-making are critical for performance. This study examined the immediate effects of a modern cognitive warm-up, incorporating open-skill demands and cognitive-motor dual tasks, compared to a traditional closed-skill warm-up in youth basketball players. Twelve male players (ages 15–16) from an elite Israeli youth basketball club participated in the study and performed performance assessments post-warm-up. Sprint performance was evaluated using a closed-skill test (CST: 5-m and 10-m sprints without external stimuli) and an open-skill test (OST: 5-m and 10-m sprints with a reaction-based stimulus). The modern cognitive warm-up integrated advanced sports technology, and all performance assessments were conducted using reliable measurement technologies. The results demonstrated that the modern cognitive warm-up significantly enhanced sprint performance in both OST (p < 0.01) and CST (p < 0.05 for 5 m sprint), with no significant difference in the 10 m CST. Reaction times were also significantly improved (p < 0.01), emphasizing the effectiveness of cognitive warm-ups in enhancing perceptual-motor readiness. These findings suggest that integrating cognitive-motor dual tasks and open-skill elements into warm-up routines may enhance both readiness and focus for explosive performance, as well as improve players’ reactive abilities

Dose-response of muscle damaging exercise on cell-free DNA /

Background: It has been observed that severe muscle damage induced by drop jumps has a significant effect on cell-free DNA (cfDNA) concentration. We hypothesized that a reduced volume of drop jumps would indicate a dose-dependent release of cfDNA.Methods: Seven participants (aged 21 ± 1.5 years) performed 25, and 4 participants (aged 22 ± 1.8 years) per-formed 10, intermittent drop jumps (DJs) at 20 s intervals (DJ-25 and DJ-10 groups). We measured cfDNA, creatine kinase (CK), lactate concentrations and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) before and at several time points up to 96 h after exercise.Results: There was a significant increase in plasma cfDNA levels immediately post-exercise in the DJ-25 group (p = 0.012). CK levels increased at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h post-exercise (p = 0.003, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 003, accord-ingly) in the DJ-25 group. In the DJ-25 group only, DOMS values were increased at 12, 24 and 48 h post-exercise (p < 0.05).Conclusion: cfDNA is responsive to muscle-damaging exercise in a dose-dependent manner, as only 25 DJs resulted in an immediate increase in cfDNA concentrations after exercise, while 10 DJs were insufficient to elicit any change

Microgravity‐induced changes in skeletal muscle and possible countermeasures: What we can learn from bed rest and human space studies /

Despite exercise countermeasures to sustain health and performance in spaceflight, complete maintenance of muscle mass and functions in microgravity is still not possible for most astronauts. The principal cause of the limited effectiveness of existing exercise countermeasures is the difficulty in achieving full loading forces in space. The implementation of countermeasures which require small devices and simulate Earth-like loading forces to maintain muscle mass, strength and endurance is therefore highly desirable. At present, the cellular mechanisms that induce muscle atrophy in weightlessness are not yet fully known; a better understanding of how skeletal muscle cells adapt to microgravity will help in designing more effective countermeasures to sustain the health and operational capacity of the crew during long- and short-duration missions. The 6° head-down-tilt bed rest is a powerful ground-based analogue platform to simulate and study the physiological effects of spaceflight on the human body, and test the effectiveness of countermeasures before they are potentially applied in space. The aims of this narrative review are therefore to provide an overview of (i) the main mechanisms underlining muscle atrophy learnt from space and bed rest studies, (ii) the currently available countermeasures, and (iii) potential suitable countermeasures - such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation that is delivered with light and small portable units - to attenuate muscle wasting in astronauts during spaceflight