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Background: The exploration of optimizing cardiopulmonary function and athletic performance through high-intensity metabolic exercises (HIMEs) is paramount in sports science. Despite the acknowledged efficacy of HIMEs in enhancing cardiopulmonary endurance, the high metabolic stress imposed on the cardiopulmonary system, especially for amateurs, necessitates a scaled approach to training. Objective: The aim of this study is to ascertain whether adjustments in the initiation posture and the adoption of an appropriate breathing strategy can effectively mitigate the cardiopulmonary stress induced by HIMEs without compromising training efficacy. Methods: Twenty-two subjects were recruited into this study. The post-exercise heart rate (PHR) and post-exercise oxygen consumption rate (POCR) were collected within 30 min after exercise. A two-way ANOVA, multi-variable Cox regression, and random survival forest machine learning algorithm were used to conduct the statistical analysis. Results: Under free breathing, only the maximum POCR differed significantly between standing and prone positions, with prone positions showing higher stress (mean difference = 3.15, p < 0.001). In contrast, the regulated breathing rhythm enhanced performance outcomes compared to free breathing regardless of the starting position. Specifically, exercises initiated from prone positions under regulated breathing recorded a significantly higher maximum and average PHR than those from standing positions (maximum PHR: mean difference = 13.40, p < 0.001; average PHR: mean difference = 6.45, p < 0.001). The multi-variable Cox regression highlighted the starting position as a critical factor influencing the PHR and breathing rhythm as a significant factor for the POCR, with respective variable importances confirmed by the random survival forest analysis. These results underscore the importance of controlled breathing and starting positions in optimizing HIME outcomes. Conclusions: Regulated breathing in high-intensity exercises enhances performance and physiological functions, emphasizing the importance of breathing rhythm over starting position. Effective training should balance exercise volume and technique to optimize performance and minimize stress, reducing overtraining and injury risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has predominantly focused on the biomechanical effects of anterior–posterior foot motion during running, with comparatively less attention given to medial–lateral foot motion and its impact on lower limb biomechanical characteristics. We recruited 18 healthy runners who wore five different types of running shoes: regular shoes (NS), those with a 6 mm and 9 mm medial–lateral height difference in the forefoot (M6, M9), and those with a 6 mm and 9 mm lateral–medial height difference (L6, L9). Biomechanical parameters of lower limb joints during the stance phase of running, including range of motion, peak angular velocity, peak moment, power, and work, were analyzed. We used paired-sample t-tests and one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping (SPM1D) to compare joint biomechanics between shoes with varying height differences and NS. Under the L6 condition, notable differences occurred in the hip and knee flexion–extension moments during landing and push-off, accompanied by a significant increase in ankle dorsiflexion work and a significant decrease in inversion–eversion work. In contrast, the M9 condition resulted in decreased hip flexion–extension peak moment, power, and work in the sagittal plane. These findings indicate that varying forefoot medial–lateral height differences in running shoes significantly impact lower limb joint dynamics during the stance phase, particularly the L6 condition, potentially reducing knee injury risk and aiding gait improvement for overpronators. The findings offer valuable insights for sports injury prevention and athletic footwear design. However, further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and practical implications for sports injury prevention and performance enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The running biomechanics of running shoes have been extensively investigated. However, there is limited knowledge about the use of bionic shoes compared to neutral shoes, along with the velocities involved in their use. The aim of this study was to examine the biomechanical alterations associated with various running velocities of bionic shoes. By removing different thicknesses of the forefoot section, bionic shoes created a more natural shape—close to that of a human foot. The study included 16 heel strike runners running at 10 km/h, 12 km/h and 14 km/h in bionic shoes and neutral shoes, respectively. A two-way ANOVA and SPM1d were employed for examining kinematic and kinetic differences. Regarding the results for the shoes, increased ROM was observed for the bionic shoes for the hip (p < 0.001) and ankle joints (p < 0.001). Ankle positive work (p < 0.001) and negative work (p = 0.042) also showed significant differences. Regarding the velocity results, hip ROM (p < 0.001) increased and peak knee angular velocity (p = 0.018) increased, while knee ROM (p = 0.023) decreased. The interaction effects only existed in hip (p = 0.031) and ankle (p = 0.008) ROM. The results of this study suggested that the impact of running propulsion in the bionic shoes was minimal. However, with increased velocities, the bionic shoes demonstrated the ability to absorb more force, created a more stable training environment, and contributed to injury prevention for the hip and ankle joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pes cavus is a multiplanar foot deformity with an abnormal plantar pressure distribution and an overhigh medial longitudinal arch (MLA). Its causes are complex. In the past, people have usually focused on clinical surgery for pes cavus. However, this is not necessarily the best choice for some patients with non-ongoing or mild symptoms. In the 21st century, studies have just begun to focus on assistive devices intervention for pes cavus, which has been proven to be an effective non-surgical treatment. However, the effectiveness of assistive devices for patients with arched feet of any etiology has not been evaluated and evidence-based guidelines for clinical treatment options are lacking. Methods: A systematic review and network meta-analysis were performed, employing a comprehensive search across the databases of Web of Science, PubMed, as well as Scopus. The selected studies adhered to specific eligibility criteria, which included: (1) involving patients with pes cavus; (2) interventions with assistive devices; and (3) outcome measures of plantar pressure distribution and anatomical characteristics (MLA). Meanwhile, the standard mean difference was selected as the effect size. Results: A total of three studies were selected, and the authors achieved an agreement on the risk of bias with a kappa value equal to 0.74. According to the results of network meta-analysis, customized foot orthotics compared to other devices (lace-up ankle-support brace, semirigid brace) demonstrated the highest likelihood of being the most effective in optimizing plantar-pressure distribution among pes cavus patients. On the other hand, wearing hard custom foot orthotics compared to other devices (soft custom foot orthotics, off-the-shelf orthotics) showed the greatest potential in improving the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) of pes cavus patients. Discussion: Although becoming better than wearing regular footwear, wearing lace-up ankle-support braces or semirigid braces might not be optimal choices for treatments of pes cavus with the potential mechanism that the internal force created by the fixation of the proximal joint might be much less than the ground reaction force loaded on the distal segments that touch the ground. It could be concluded that foot orthotics show great potential in treating pes cavus under non-surgical conditions. This systematic review could provide valuable evidence for future research and clinical practice. Other: The PROSPERO Registration Number is CRD42022349687. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the growing interest in golf, the impact of motion control strategy on golf performance may be uncertain. A network meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the relationships between ground reaction force (GRF), foot positions, and club types in golf and determine whether different clubs have a different impact when swinging. Methods: Three databases were searched from the time of inception to March 2023. Eligibility criteria included studies that provided data using a driver to swing and compared outcomes to control data. Results: Searches yielded 6527 studies. Seven studies met the selection criteria (n = 422 participants). The results showed that an iron 6 is the best when considering the trail foot vertical ground reaction force (TVGRF), trail foot anteroposterior ground reaction force (TAGRF), and lead foot vertical ground reaction force (LVGRF). The pitching wedge was the best in the lead foot mediolateral ground reaction force (LMGRF) and lead foot anteroposterior ground reaction force (LAGRF). Iron 7 was the best in the trail foot mediolateral ground reaction force (TMGRF), and the lead foot was larger than the trail foot to the vertical GRF. Discussion: The study found that clubs may influence a player's posture and swing power because golf clubs are available in various lengths and shapes. The lead foot generates a larger GRF than the trail foot; three-dimensional GRFs differ among golf clubs. When a golfer aims to maximize the distance of their drives, they must generate relatively more resultant horizontal reaction force (RFH). Golfers often use different clubs to achieve optimal performance on the course by controlling their motion. However, there needs to be a focus on the quality of the included studies because the sample size was too small, increasing the risk of bias associated with the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the additive effects of L-Arginine (L-Arg) with potassium carbonate (PC) on the quality characteristics of phosphate-free frankfurters. The results showed that L-Arg combined with PC could act as a viable phosphate replacer by decreasing cooking loss and improving the textural properties of phosphate-free frankfurters (p < 0.05), mainly because of its pH-raising ability. Moreover, L-Arg could assist PC in effectively retarding lipid oxidation in phosphate-free frankfurters during storage (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 0.1% L-Arg combined with 0.15% PC was found to exhibit the best optimal phosphate-replacing effect. This combination could also overcome quality defects and promote the sensory attributes of phosphate-free frankfurters to the maximum extent. Therefore, our results suggest that L-Arg combined with PC can be considered a feasible alternative for the processing of phosphate-free frankfurters with an improved quality profile and superior health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify the effect of spirulina supplementation on the immune cells' indicators of young soccer players during the preparation period of a tournament. Methods: 39 undergraduate male soccer players were recruited and randomly allocated into a spirulina supplementation group (SP group, n = 20) and the placebo supplementation group (PB group, n = 19). Their elbow venous blood samples were collected before and after the preparation period of a tournament, which included 8 weeks total. The differences within the group and between groups were recorded and analyzed. Results: The ratio of the basophils in the SP group between the pre-test and post-test were statistically significantly different (p < 0.05). In the PB group, the percentage of before and after in leukocytes and monocytes were statistically significantly different (p < 0.05). In the data of the post-test, the percentage of monocytes and basophils between the SP group and PB group were statistically significantly different. The delta variations of monocytes between groups were significantly different (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Intense long-duration exercise can reduce the ratio of leukocytes and monocytes in young athletes, yet the spirulina supplement can inhibit the change. It also might improve immunity to parasites, pathogenic bacterium, and rapid-onset allergies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral nutrition interventions are commonly applied as an assistant therapeutic approach, which could affect the balance of the immunological response but with mixed evidence. The objective of this study is to identify the potential of different oral nutrition interventions for blood immune cell parameters in cancer patients. Randomized controlled trials, which were published in peer-reviewed journals in the language of English, and which identified the effects of different oral nutrition interventions on cancer patients, were screened and included in the databases of PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science. White blood cell count (WBC), lymphocyte count, CD4/CD8, and neutrophil count were selected as outcome measures. For the result, 11 trials were included. The agreement between authors reached a kappa value of 0.78. Beta-carotene supplementation has a high potential in inducing a positive effect on blood immune cell parameters for cancer patients (first positive for WBC and CD4/CD8, second positive for lymphocyte count), as well as a combination of physical exercise and hypocaloric healthy eating intervention (first positive for lymphocyte and neutrophil count, second positive for WBC). Oral nutrition supplementations with a single substance have less potential to provide a positive effect on blood immune cell parameters for cancer patients (glutamine: 0.30 and 0.28 to be the last selection for WBCs and lymphocytes; Omega 3: 0.37 to be the last selection for WBCs; Protein: 0.44 to be the last selection for lymphocytes; Zinc: 0.60 to be the last selection for neutrophils). In conclusion, the programs of immunonutrition therapy for different cancer patients might be different. The past perception that mixed oral nutritional supplementations are superior to oral nutritional supplements with a single substance might be wrong and the selection of oral nutritional supplementation need cautiousness. A combination of physical exercise might have a positive effect but also needs a higher level of evidence. Registration Number: CRD42021286396. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A physical exercise program is one of the commonly used methods for improving an individual's antioxidative capacity. However, an inappropriate physical exercise program would induce extra oxidative stress (OS), and the relationship between the details of a physical exercise protocol and the severity of intracellular OS is still unclear. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials were conducted by searching PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science with the eligibility criteria: (1) participants over 18 years old; (2) physical exercise interventions; (3) 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, F2-isoprostanes, and protein carbonyls (PCs) as outcome measures; (4) published in English and peer-reviewed. 12 studies were included, and the data of 8 in them were pooled together. The agreement between authors reached a kappa value of 0.73. The results of the meta-analysis showed that: (1) the level of OS did not depend on the absolute intensity of physical exercise but on both the intensity and the volume of exercise; (2) high-intensity aerobic exercise (HIAE) and a combined protocol of HIAE and resistance training had the highest potential to induce large OS in unhealthy people; (3) the OS induced by moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercise was significantly larger than that induced by ordinary life activities in healthy adults; (4) high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise had the lowest and sub-lowest probabilities to induce high intracellular OS for unhealthy adults. activities induce OS in various tissues in the human body, and the severity of OS depends on many factors of physical exercises as well as the health condition of an individual. A high-intensity and high-volume physical exercise program has the largest possibility of inducing severe OS, while a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program and a high-intensity interval training program with a relatively low volume might be beneficial to the redox balance for unhealthy individuals. In conclusion, continuous aerobic exercise under moderate-intensity or high-intensity interval training could be recommended to enhance the body's capacity for maintaining redox balance, especially for unhealthy individuals. The PROSPERO Registration Number is CRD42022349687. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High detection efficiency appears to be associated with a high afterpulse probability for InP-based single-photon avalanche diodes. In this paper, we present a new hybrid quenching technique that combines the advantages of both fast active quenching and high-frequency gated-passive quenching, with the aim of suppressing higher-order afterpulsing effects. Our results showed that the hybrid quenching method contributed to a 10% to 85% reduction of afterpulses with a gate-free detection efficiency of 4% to 10% at 1.06 μ m, with 40 ns dead time, compared with the counter-based hold-off method. With the improvement of the afterpulsing performance of high-frequency gated single-photon detectors, especially at relatively high average detection efficiencies with wide gate widths, the proposed method enables their use as high-performance free-running detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]