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We evaluated the acute effects of yoga compared to cycling on glucose change and variability, and the occurrence of hypoglycemia in adults with type 1 diabetes. Fifteen participants performed 50 min of cycling or yoga. Glucose values were collected before and after exercise. Coefficient of variation (CV) and hypoglycemic episodes were evaluated from the start up to 12 h after exercise. Cycling and yoga significantly reduced glucose values during exercise, and CV was lower after yoga. One hypoglycemic episode occurred with yoga and seven with cycling. Yoga is a safe exercise that acutely reduces glucose values, but with lower risk of hypoglycemia compared to cycling., Competing Interests: Declaration of interest statement None., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Whole-body vibration (WBV) has been employed for performance-enhancing purposes. WBV may positively affect muscular endurance and its underlying neural mechanisms due to an enhanced muscular blood circulation and oxygen uptake. However, the effects of WBV on endurance-related torque signal complexity have been understudied. This study aims to investigate the acute effects of WBV on i) maximal isometric torque production; ii) isometric knee extensors fatigability and iii) torque signal complexity during an isometric endurance task. Thirty adult males performed an isometric intermittent endurance protocol on their dominant lower limb after performing: static half squat with WBV (WBV), static half squat without WBV (HS), and no exercise protocol (CC). For each repetition the maximal torque was identified. The maximal torque of the first repetition was identified as the PeakT. The Mean torque (MTorque) and fatigue index (pFatigue) were calculated as the mean and the percentage decay in torque across the entire set of eighteen repetitions (MTorque 0-100 % , pFatigue 0-100 % ), and across shorter blocks of six repetitions (MTorque 0-33 % , pFatigue 0-33 % ; MTorque 34-66 % , pFatigue 34-66 % , and MTorque 67-100 % , pFatigue 67-100 % ). Torque fluctuations were analysed computing Sample Entropy (SampEn) and the coefficient of variation (CV). PeakT was significantly higher in CC than in WBV (p < 0.01) and in HS (p < 0.01). PeakT was significantly higher in HS than in WB (p < 0.05). MTorque 0-100 % , MTorque 0-33 % , MTorque 34-66 %, and MTorque 67-100 % were significantly higher in CC than in WBV (all p-values <0.01) and in HS (p < 0.01). MTorque 67-100 % was significantly higher in HS than in WB (p = 0.049). pFatigue 34-66 % was significantly higher in WBV than in CC (p < 0.05) whereas pFatigue 67-100 % was significantly higher in CC than in WB (p < 0.01) and in HS (p < 0.01). No effect of condition was observed for SampEn and CV. Acute WBV does not lead to beneficial effects on maximal torque production and isometric knee extensors fatigability. These acute detrimental effects may be related to long-term WBV-related adaptations., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

This study explored the influence of living settings on physical activity (PA) levels and volition in exercise and their correlation, considering sex differences. Five hundred and sixty-six university students (261 rural and 305 urban) from Calabria region (Italy) attending universities courses filled an online survey where Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and Volition in Exercise Questionnaire were administered. Rural females (RF) showed lower PA levels and self-confidence than rural males (RM) (p<0.01). Postponing training and unrelated thoughts were higher in RF than RM (p<0.01 and p<0.05 respectively). PA levels, self-confidence and coping with failure were lower in urban females (UF) than urban males (UM) (p<0.01), Postponing training and unrelated thoughts were higher in UF than UM (p<0.01 and p<0.05). In RF and UF, PA levels positively correlated with self-confidence (Rho = 0.397) and coping with failure (Rho = 0.330), whereas negatively correlated with postponing training (Rho = -0.487) and unrelated thoughts (Rho = -0.283). In RM and UM, PA levels positively correlated with self-confidence (Rho = 0.270) and coping with failure (Rho = 0.258), whereas it negatively correlated with postponing training (Rho = -0.285). PA levels positively correlated with reasons (Rho = 0.260) only in UM. We showed for the first time the relationship between PA and volition factors considering the living setting in university students. Sex differences were observed in some volition facilitators and PA levels independently by the living context., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Quinzi et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background: Magnesium is a micronutrient and an intracellular cation responsible for different biochemical reactions involved in energy production and storage, control of neuronal and vasomotor activity, cardiac excitability, and muscle contraction. Magnesium deficiency may result in impaired physical performance. Moreover, magnesium plays an important role on delayed onset muscle soreness after training. Thus, physically active individuals and sport specialists have to pay attention to magnesium supplementation (MgS). However, the type, timing and dosage of magnesium intake are not well elucidated yet. Hence, we aimed to systematically review the literature regarding the effects of MgS on muscle soreness in physically active individuals. We focused exclusively on MgS, excluding those studies in which magnesium was administered together with other substances., Methods: Three electronic databases and literature sources (PUBMED, SCOPUS and Web of Sciences-Core Collection) were searched, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. After the database search, 1254 articles were identified, and after excluding duplicates, 960 articles remained. Among these, 955 were excluded following the title and abstract screening. The remaining 5 articles were screened in full text and 4 study met the eligibility criteria., Results: These studies showed that MgS reduced muscle soreness, improved performance, recovery and induced a protective effect on muscle damage., Conclusion: To reach these positive effects, individuals engaged in intense exercise should have a Mg requirement 10-20% higher than sedentary people, to be taken in capsules and 2 h before training. Moreover, it is suggested to maintain magnesium levels in the recommended range during the off-season., Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024501822., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Exercise may differently affect the expression of key molecular markers, including skeletal muscle and circulating miRNAs, involved in cellular and metabolic pathways' regulation in healthy individuals and in patients suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Epigenetic factors are emerging as potential therapeutic biomarkers in the prognosis and treatment of NCDs and important epigenetic factors, miRNAs, play a crucial role in cellular pathways. This systematic review aims to underline the potential link between changes in miRNA expression after different types of physical activity/exercise in some populations affected by NCDs. In June 2023, we systematically investigated the following databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, on the basis of our previously established research questions and following the PRISMA guidelines. The risk of bias and quality assessment were, respectively, covered by ROB2 and the Newcastle Ottawa scale. Of the 1047 records extracted from the initial search, only 29 studies were found to be eligible. In these studies, the authors discuss the association between exercise-modulated miRNAs and NCDs. The NCDs included in the review are cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We evidenced that miR-146, miR-181, miR-133, miR-21, and miRNA-1 are the most reported miRNAs that are modulated by exercise. Their expression is associated with an improvement in health markers and they may be a potential target in terms of the development of future therapeutic tools.

School-settings represent ideal context to promote healthy habits as in adolescence most risk factors may occur or intensify leading to the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles. Thus, a deeper understanding of the factors promoting healthy lifestyles in adolescents is of utmost importance. This observational study aims to investigate: 1) gender-related differences in physical activity (Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescets - PAQ-A), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index - PSQI) and internet addiction (Internet Addiction Test - IAT) levels and Volition in Exercise (VE); 2) the relationship between PAQ-A and VE, PSQI and IAT; 3) the effects of a five-month (T0; T5) school-based physical activity (PA) intervention on the above-mentioned factors. PAQ-A,VE, PSQI and IAT were assessed before (T0) and after (T5) a school-based PA intervention. The PA intervention consisted of coordinative exercises and team sports performed for 1 h twice a week. At T0, girls showed lower PAQ-A, PSQI scores, lower volition facilitators ("self-confidence" and "coping with failure") and higher volition inhibitor ("postponing training") than boys. Significant correlations were observed for volition factors an IAT in males and volition and PSQI and IAT in females. After the PA intervention (T5), "postponing training" and "self-confidence" factors were reduced compared to T0. Exercise specialists should consider gender differences in volition in exercise factors during a school-based PA to plan and realize PA protocols aiming at maximizing exercise adherence to tackle sedentary behaviors in adolescents., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Objectives: The effects of music on sport performance mainly involved endurance or resistance exercises overlooking possible effects on reaction time, which is deemed essential in martial arts for a proficient performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the exposure to pre-task music on choice visual reaction time in elite taekwondo athletes., Design: Repeated measure study design., Methods: Reaction time and mean Heart Rate (HR mean ) were recorded in twenty young taekwondo athletes (17.5 ± 2.5 years old) while performing a roundhouse kick in response to different visual stimuli after three warmup conditions: listening to self-selected music (SM), research-selected music (RM) or no music (CC). Moreover, Feeling Scale (FS), Felt Arousal Scale (FAS) were recorded before (T 0 ) and after warmup (T 1 ) in each testing session., Results: SM and RM elicited significantly faster reaction times compared to CC (-3.3 % and -5.2 %, respectively). No significant difference in reaction time was observed between SM and RM. The FS and FAS scores were significantly higher at T 1 compared to T 0 in the SM and RM conditions, whereas no difference between T 0 and T 1 was observed in the CC condition. No difference was observed for HR mean between SM, RM and CC conditions., Conclusions: Listening to SM and RM during the warmup improved choice visual reaction times in elite taekwondo athletes. These results suggest the use of music as a performance-enhancing strategy prior to combat competition or training in martial arts., Competing Interests: Declaration of interest statement None., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Hormone therapy following surgery reduces the risk of breast cancer (BC) recurrence and progression of hormone-sensitive BC, especially in postmenopausal women. Despite the antitumor efficacy of hormone therapy, particularly of aromatase inhibitors, they cause long-term side effects, mainly bone density reduction. Exercise can slow the rate of bone loss, which reduces the risk of fractures from osteoporosis, and could be an integrative treatment able to mitigate the BC treatment side effects positively impacting bone health. This narrative review aims to discuss studies on the effect of exercise on bone health in BC women undergoing aromatase inhibitors, highlighting the possible role of exercise as complementary to conventional therapies. Additionally, according to the literature revision, exercise practical applications to improve bone health in these patients are summarized., Competing Interests: All authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript and agree with the order of presentation of the authors. All the authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Diet and exercise intervention are the first strategies to counteract obesity. An online home-based exercise program may be a feasible approach in an obese population. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of twelve weeks of online Pilates plus diet on body composition in individuals affected by obesity. Thirty-five females were randomly assigned to a home-based Pilates group (PG, n = 18) or a group without intervention (control group, CG, n = 17). All participants followed a Mediterranean diet. The PG followed a twelve-week online Pilates Matwork program (three times/week; 180 min/week), while the CG was not involved in any structured physical exercise program. Body composition and handgrip strength were evaluated at baseline (T 0 ) and after the intervention (T 1 ). A significant group × time interaction ( p < 0.05) was found for the fat mass percentage (pFM). Specifically, the pFM was significantly lower at T 1 than at T 0 in the PG. Significant group × time interactions for fat-free mass ( p < 0.05), appendicular skeletal muscle mass ( p < 0.05), and skeletal muscle mass ( p < 0.01) were found. All these variables were significantly higher at T 1 than at T 0 in the PG ( p < 0.05). Home-based Pilates combined with diet intervention may represent an effective strategy to improve body composition in terms of fat mass reduction and muscle mass gain in adults affected by obesity.

Background: The risk of falls in patients undergoing orthopedic procedures is significant in terms of health and socioeconomic effects., Research Question: Is there an influence of the shoulder abduction brace (SAB) on gait parameters in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR)?, Methods: Thirty-five patients undergoing ARCR, who used a 15° SAB in the postoperative period, were included in a prospective study. Participants underwent gait analysis preoperatively (T 0 ), 24 h after surgery (T 1 ), 1 week (T 2 ), and 4 weeks after surgery (1 week after SAB removal) (T 3 ) by using a wearable inertial sensor (BTS G-Walk sensor). Gait Parameters (cadence, speed, right (R) and left (L) step length, gait and propulsion-R and L symmetry indices) and functional mobility (agility and balance) were assessed using the 10-meter test (10MWT) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, respectively., Results: There were 22 men and 13 women with a median age of 56 (IQR 48.0-61.0) years. The right upper limb was involved in 83% of cases. Regarding the 10MWT, speed was significantly higher at T 0 than at T 1 (p < 0.01) and significantly lower at T 1 than at T 3 (p < 0.05). Cadence was significantly lower at T 1 than at T 3 (p < 0.05). Propulsion-R was significantly higher at T 3 than at T 1 (p < 0.01), whereas propulsion-L was significantly lower at T 1 than at T 0 (p < 0.05) and significantly higher at T 2 and T 3 than T 1 (p < 0.01 for all). No significant differences were found for R and L step lengths as well as for symmetry index (p > 0.05). Regarding TUG test, the final turning phase was significantly higher at T 2 than at T 3 (p < 0.01)., Significance: The results demonstrated that the use of the SAB affected gait speed and propulsion only 24 h after ARCR, but no effects were reported at long-term observations., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest All the authors, their immediate families, and any research foundation with which they are affiliated did not receive any financial payments or other benefits from any commercial entity related to the subject of this article., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)