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ObjectivesWe investigated the timing of resistance training (RT) during Ramadan fasting (RF) on muscle strength, hormonal adaptations, and sleep quality.MethodsForty healthy and physically active male Muslims (age = 25.7 ± 5.6 years, body mass = 85.1 ± 17.5 kg, height = 175 ± 9 cm, BMI = 28.3 ± 5.7 kg/m2) were enrolled in this study and 37 completed pre and post-tests. Subjects were randomly allocated into two experimental groups. Group 1 (FAST, n = 20) completed an 8-week whole-body RT in the late afternoon (between 16 h and 18 h) while fasting. Group 2 (FED, n = 20) completed the similar RT protocol compared with FAST at night (between 20 h and 22 h). The following parameters were analyzed at various time-points: 2 weeks before the start of RF (T0), on the 15th day of Ramadan (T1), on the 29th day of Ramadan (T2), and 21 days after the last day of RF (T3) where both groups were in a fed state. One-repetition maximum tests (1-RM) were conducted for the squats (1-RMSQ), the deadlift (1-RMDL) and the bench press (1-RMBP). Sleep quality was assessed using the full Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Blood samples were taken to determine cortisol, testosterone and IGF-1 levels. Additionally, acute hormonal responses were evaluated before (BF), immediately after (AF), and 30 min after a RT session (AF-30 min) at T0, T1, T2, and T3.ResultsSignificant group-by-time interactions were identified for 1-RMSQ (p = 0.001; effect size [ES] = 0.43) and 1-RMDL (p = 0.001; ES = 0.36). Post-hoc tests indicated significant 1-RMSQ (p = 0.03; ES = 0.12) and 1-RMDL (p = 0.04; ES = 0.21) improvements from T0-T2 for FED. Additionally, significant group-by-time interactions were observed for the chronic effects on cortisol (p = 0.03; ES = 0.27) and testosterone levels (p = 0.01; ES = 0.32). Post-hoc tests indicated significant increases of cortisol levels among FAST at T1 and T2 compared to T0 (p = 0.05; ES = 0.41, p = 0.03; ES = 0.34) and a significant increase in cortisol levels in FED at T1 (p = 0.05; ES = 0.29) and T2 (p = 0.04; ES = 0.25). However, the observed increase was lower compared to FAST. Post-hoc tests also indicated significant increases of testosterone only among FED at T2 (p = 0.04; ES = 0.31). A significant group-by-time interaction was found for the acute effect of exercise on cortisol level (p = 0.04; ES = 0.34). The cortisol level immediately after RT was higher in FAST only at T1 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.39) and T2 (p = 0.05; ES = 0.22) compared with T0. No significant group-by-time interactions were identified for sleep quality (p = 0.07; ES = 0.43).ConclusionMuslims can safely practice RT during RF. However, training in a fed state during Ramadan might be more effective than during fasted state for the enhancement of maximal strength with better hormonal responses observed.

Abstract Background Intermittent exercise programs characterized through intensive exercise bouts alternated with passive or active recovery (i.e., interval training), have been proven to enhance measures of cardiorespiratory fitness. However, it is unresolved which recovery type (active or passive) applied during interval training results in larger performance improvements. Objectives This systematic review aimed to summarize recent evidence on the effects of passive or active recovery following long-term interval exercise training on measures of physical fitness and physiological adaptations in healthy trained and untrained individuals. The study protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF) platform ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/9BUEY ). Methods We searched nine databases including the grey literature (Academic Search Elite, CINAHL, ERIC, Open Access Theses and Dissertations, Open Dissertations, PsycINFO, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus) from inception until February 2023. Key terms as high-intensity interval training, recovery mode, passive or active recover were used. A systematic review rather than a meta-analysis was performed, as a large number of outcome parameters would have produced substantial heterogeneity. Results After screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, 24 studies were eligible for inclusion in our final analysis. Thirteen studies examined the effects of interval training interspersed with passive recovery regimes on physical fitness and physiological responses in trained (6 studies) and untrained (7 studies) individuals. Eleven out of 13 studies reported significant improvements in physical fitness (e.g., maximal aerobic velocity (MAV), Yo-Yo running test, jump performance) and physiological parameters (e.g., maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max], lactate threshold, blood pressure) in trained (effect sizes from single studies: 0.13

Abstract Background Soccer players often wear light-weighted wearable resistance (WR) attached to different body parts during the warm-up period with the aim to improve measures of physical fitness. However, the effect of WR on physical performance is unknown. This study evaluated the effects of WR with different micro-loadings on repeated change-of-direction (RCoD) performance while executing small-sided soccer games (SSG). Methods Twenty male soccer players aged 16.0 ± 1.5 years (body mass 74.0 ± 7.4 kg, body-height 175.0 ± 10.0 cm) volunteered to participate in this study. Following a within-subject study design, players performed four specific warm-up protocols in randomized order with a rest of 72 h between protocols: (1) WR micro-loadings with 0.1% of body mass (WR0.1); (2) WR micro-loadings with 0.2% of body mass (WR0.2); (3) WR micro-loadings with 0.3% of body mass (WR0.3); (4) no WR (control = CONT). After the warm-up protocols, players performed 2 sets of 20-min SSG. The RCoD was collected at the 8th min of SSG (SSG 1–8 min), the 15th min of SSG1 (SSG1-15 min), and at the 15th min of SSG2 (SSG2-15 min). Outcomes included mean and total RCoD indices (i.e., mean time and total time for each condition). Results Based on the outcomes of a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), WR0.1 and WR0.2 were more effective than control in dampening the decrease of RCoD’s total time during SSG1-8 min, and SSG2-15 min (small ES: 0.24–0.35; p

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of time of day on short-term maximal performance and psychological variables in young females. Fifteen active women participated in the study (age: 22 ± 3 years) and completed Hooper and the POMS-F questionnaires subsequently. In a randomized order, they performed a maximum of 30 s cycling exercise at two different times of day: in the morning at 07:00 h and in the afternoon at 16:00 h with a recovery period of 48 h. The digit cancellation test, countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ) test, and the lower quarter Y balance test were performed at the beginning and at the end of each session. Our results showed that only peak power and mean power (p < 0.01) during the maximum 30 s cycling, reaching distances during the Y-balance (p < 0.05), Jump height in CMJ and SJ (p < 0.01) as well as attention, vigor, and stress scores (all p < 0.01) were higher in the afternoon than in the morning. Our results indicated a daily diurnal variation in short-term maximal performance and mood states in young athletic women with better performance observed during the afternoon.

Background: There is increasing awareness of the physiological effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) in obese subjects. However, there are no data on the effects of RIF on plasma volume changes (ΔPV) in individuals with different body weights. Background and Objectives: This study investigated the effects of RIF on ΔPV in normal-weight (NW) and overweight (OW) adult men, and adult men with obesity (OB) and severe obesity (SO). Materials and Methods: Thirty-two male subjects (32) were divided into four groups (n = 8 per group) according to their body mass index (BMI): normal weight (NW) (BMI < 25 kg/m2; age = 27.4 ± 3.8), overweight (OW) (BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2; age = 26.8 ± 3.7), obese subjects (OB) (BMI between 30 and 34.9 kg/m2; age = 25.6 ± 2.9), and severely obesity (SO) (BMI between 35 and 40 kg/m2; age = 24.0 ± 4.1). Blood samples were collected for 24 h on 4 different occasions, at T0 before the start of the Ramadan month, at T1 15 days after the start of Ramadan, at T2 one day after the end of Ramadan, and at T3 on the 21st day after the end of Ramadan to determine ΔPV. All groups completed their fasting rituals for the 30 days of Ramadan. Results: A significant group × time effect occurred for body mass (p = 0.001; ES = 0.53), BMI (p = 0.001; ES = 0.53), and body fat percentage (p = 0.001; ES = 0.52). Post hoc tests indicated reductions in body mass in OB and SO at T1 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.21 and p = 0.002; ES = 0.12) and T2 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.31 and p = 0.02; ES = 0.23), reductions in BMI in OB and SO at T1 (p = 0.04; ES = 0.35 and p = 0.03; ES = 0.42) and T2 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.52 and p = 0.005; ES = 0.48), and reductions in body fat percentage only in OB AT T1 (p = 0.002; ES = 0.31) and T2 (p = 0.001; ES = 0.17). A significant group × time effect occurred for hematocrit (p = 0.02; ES = 0.34), hemoglobin (p = 0.01; ES = 0.35), and ΔPV (p = 0.02; ES = 0.18). Post hoc tests indicated increases in hematocrit in OB at T2 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.36) and hemoglobin in OB and SO at T1 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.35 and p = 0.002; ES = 0.32) and T2 (p = 0.003; ES = 0.21 and p = 0.002; ES = 0.33). There were also increases in ΔPV in OB at T1 and T2 (p = 0.002; ES = 0.25 and p = 0.003; ES = 0.22) and in SO only at T2 (p = 0.02; ES = 0.37). Contrast analysis indicated that NW was significantly lower than the grand mean of OW, Ob, and SO for all anthropometric and PVV variables (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: The effects of RIF on ΔPV and anthropometric characters was greater in obese individuals compared to normal-weight and overweight participants, suggesting that the improvements in body composition and ΔPV produced by RIF could positively influence obesity.

Molecular hydrogen (H2 gas) dissolved in water to produce Hydrogen-Rich Water. Hydrogen-Rich Water (HRW) is considered as ergogenic aid in different exercise modes. However, acute pre-exercise HRW ingestion effect is unclear regarding athlete performance. This study aimed at investigating acute effect of HRW ingestion on aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance. Twenty-two male amateur middle-distance runners volunteered to participate in this study. In a randomized, double-blind study design, all players ingested 500 mL of HRW or placebo (PLA) supplement 30 min before the start of the tests. Over 4 days, maximal aerobic speed of Vameval test (MAS), time to exhaustion at MAS (Tlim), squat jump (SJ), counter-movement jump (CMJ) and five jump test (5JT) were evaluated. Also, rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and peak heart rate (HRpeak) were measured during the aerobic tests. For Vameval test, HRW ingestion improved MAS, HRpeak and RPE compared with the placebo condition. For Tlim test, HRW ingestion demonstrated improvements in time to exhaustion, RPE and HRpeak. However, no significant change was observed between HW and placebo conditions in SJ, CMJ, 5JT. 500 mL of HRW can significantly improve HRpeak, time to exhaustion, RPE, with no significant effect on MAS, jumping performance in amateur endurance athletes.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to review, systematically, evidence concerning the link between the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and the rates and severity of non-contact injuries and exercise-induced muscle damage in athletes and individuals enrolled in exercise training programs. Methods: A computerized literature search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus, from inception until November 2020. All included studies compared the epidemiological characteristics of non-contact injury between the different genotypes of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism. Results: Our search identified 492 records. After the screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts, 13 studies examining the association between the ACTN3 genotypes and the rate and severity of non-contact injury were included in the analysis. These studies were performed in 6 different countries (Spain, Japan, Brazil, China, the Republic of Korea, and Italy) and involved a total participant pool of 1093 participants. Of the studies, 2 studies involved only women, 5 studies involved only men, and 6 studies involved both men and women. All the studies included were classified as high-quality studies (≥6 points in the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale score). Overall, evidence suggests there is an association between the ACTN3 R577X genotype and non-contact injury in 12 investigations. Six studies observed a significant association between ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and exercise induced muscle damage: 2 with non-contact ankle injury, 3 with non-contact muscle injury, and 1 with overall non-contact injury. Conclusion: The present findings support the premise that possessing the ACTN3 XX genotype may predispose athletes to a higher probability of some non-contact injuries, such as muscle injury, ankle sprains, and higher levels of exercise-induced muscle damage.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of two sessions per week plyometric training on different surfaces on the counter movement jump height, take-off force, and maximum concentric power of collegiate athletes. Material and methods: Male collegiate athletes (n=24, age=18.46±1.14 years, weight=64.88±5.61 kg and height=1.72±0.07 metres)) from a physical training centre were randomly and equally assigned to three groups, each trained on different surfaces (synthetic, cinder and sand). The training intervention was implemented twice a week and lasted for 8 weeks. The athletes were tested before and after the intervention to assess changes in the performance of counter movement jump height (CMJHT), take-off force (CMJTOF) and maximum concentric power (CMJMCP). Results: Results showed that overall measurement of CMJHT, CMJTOF and CMJMCP improved significantly (p≤0.05, Δ %=10.50; p≤0.05, Δ%=11.11; p≤0.05, Δ%=11.41). However, training surfaces have no significant effect on the improvement of the selected variables (CMJHT:F(2,21)=2.37, p=0.118, ηp2=0.184; CMJTOF:F(2,21)=1.28, p=0.299, ηp2=0.109; CMJMCP:F(2,21)=0.061, p=0.941, ηp2=0.006). Further, for the synthetic track surface group CMJHT, CMJTOF and CMJMCP improved significantly (p≤0.05, Δ%=16.36; p≤0.05, Δ%=17.50; p≤0.05, Δ%=17.99); for the cinder track surface group CMJHT and CMJMCP improved significantly (p≤0.05, Δ%=9.15; p≤0.05, Δ%=10.33) and for the sand surface group only CMJHT improved significantly (p≤0.05, Δ%=5.68). Conclusions: The findings suggest that plyometric training on different surfaces can effectively improve athletic performance, but the specific surface type does not appear to impact the outcomes significantly. The study further suggested analysing the injury risk associated with plyometric training on various training surfaces and discovering the optimal training surface for minimising injury risk while maximising performance gains.

The study sought to identify the level of physical fitness and its relationship to the level of skill performance of some soccer skills among emerging young female players in Palestinian clubs. The study used the descriptive correlational (semi-experimental) approach to achieve its objectives, the study tool consisted of physical tests (speed, flexibility, endurance, agility, muscle strength) and skill tests (running with the ball, passing, controlling the ball, shooting, hitting the ball with the head). The tests were applied to a random stratified sample of (89) emerging young female soccer players from the Palestinian club players and the study reached several results, including: The level of physical fitness of young female soccer players in Palestinian clubs was good, in terms of the arithmetic average of the elements of physical fitness, respectively: speed (8.9) m/s, flexibility (6.05) cm, endurance (2.39) m/min, and agility (14.7) m/s, muscular power (1.45) meters. In addition, the level of skill performance of some of the basic soccer skills of the young female players in the Palestinian clubs was between average and good, in terms of the arithmetic mean of skill performance tests, where the average results of the ball running test were (17.01) seconds, passing skill (11.6) times, controlling the ball (14.87) times, shooting skill (14.43) times, and hitting the ball with the head (4.04) times. The results of the study indicated that there is a statistically significant correlation between the level of physical fitness and skillful performance of young female soccer players in Palestinian clubs and the study reached several results, the most prominent of which is: the need to work on improving and developing the level of physical and skill performance of young female soccer players in Palestinian clubs, increasing interest in women's sports, especially for young women in soccer, by encouraging the Federation of clubs to pay attention to this category, because it forms the core and basis for the following groups, such as the Olympic teams, the approval of coaches for physical and skill tests in the process of selection and evaluation of soccer players.

Background and Objectives: Whole-body electromyostimulation is under investigation as a potential aid for obesity-related health problems, supplementing a comprehensive, evidence-based obesity management strategy that includes lifestyle, diet, and exercise. The study investigated the impact of a whole-body electromyostimulation training program on physical performance and cardiometabolic markers in young obese females. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight obese females, aged over 18 years with BMI over 30 and body fat over 28% and no underlying health conditions or medication, were divided into a whole-body electromyostimulation group (15 participants) and a control group (13 participants). The whole-body electromyostimulation program lasted 12 weeks, with two 20 min sessions weekly, using bipolar, rectangular current. Assessments pre and post intervention included body composition, blood pressure, lipid profile, C-reactive protein levels, maximal oxygen consumption, and jumping and sprint performance. Two-way ANOVA and t-tests were used for analysis. Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant (group × time) interactions for body composition, systolic blood pressure, maximal oxygen consumption, jumping and sprint performance, and plasma levels of lipids and C-reactive protein. Post hoc analyses for the whole-body electromyostimulation group indicated improvements in body composition indices (p < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.003), maximal oxygen consumption (p = 0.010), and both jumping and 30 m sprint performance (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively) after the intervention. Furthermore, plasma levels of lipids (p < 0.01) and C-reactive protein (p = 0.002) showed significant improvements following the training program. In contrast, no significant changes were observed for these variables in the control group. Conclusions: A 12-week whole-body electromyostimulation program significantly improved body composition (skeletal muscle mass, body mass index, body fat, and waist circumference), physical performance (maximal oxygen consumption, jumping and sprint performance), and certain cardiometabolic (plasma level of lipids) and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein) in obese young women. Further research is needed to explore the broader effects of whole-body electromyostimulation on physical and cardiometabolic health.

Abstract This study aimed to examine the effects of two high-intensity interval training programs (HIIT) on maximal aerobic velocity (MAV), hematological variations and muscle damage markers in young healthy adults. Twenty-nine male physical education students, aged 20.3 ± 3.3 years, volunteered to participate in this study, and were randomly assigned to a control group (CG, n = 9) or two intervention groups (group 1 or 2). Intervention group 1 (n = 10) exercised at 100% of their MAV (EG100) while group 2 (n = 10) exercised at 110% MAV (EG110). Before and after the eight week training program, blood samples were drawn at rest, before, and after an intermittent exercise. Aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), C reactive protein (CRP), creatine kinase (CK) concentrations and hematological parameters (white blood cells [WBC], monocytes [MO], lymphocytes [LY], neutrophil [NE]) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured. Post-hoc tests showed that MAV was significantly higher in EG110 compared to EG100 after HIIT (p

BackgroundSatisfaction of fundamental needs is an important concept in sport, but currently there is no tool in Arabic to measure this construct. Basic needs are often linked to high rates of motivation and performance. It is necessary to develop tools to assess psychological needs in the sport context.AimThis study aimed to validate the Basic Needs Satisfaction in Sport Scale (BNSSS) in Arabic language across Tunisian athletes, and to test its psychometric properties (factorial structure, internal reliability, construct validity, and sensitivity).MethodsAthletes in various sports participated in this study (370 men, 146 women; mean age 18.35) and voluntarily completed the Arabic version of the BNSSS-20. Both exploratory (EFA, N = 294; males: 68%; females: 32%; [14-18] = 182; [19-28] = 112) and confirmatory (CFA; N = 222; males: 76.6%; females: 23.4%; [14-18] = 103; [19-28] = 119) factor analyses were examined.ResultsResults from the EFA suggest that the BNSSS scale reflects the theoretical model well, with good internal consistency for all factors. All 20 items of BNSSS revealed excellent reliability (McDonald's omega = 0.773, Cronbach's α = 0.886, Gutmann's λ6 = 0.970) and good temporal stability (ICC = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.55-0.93) over a 4-week period. Likewise, the CFA fit indices were excellent.ConclusionThe BNSSS presented excellent fit to the theoretical model for all indices, confirming the factorial structure and providing validity of the instrument for Tunisian athletes.

Abstract Background We assessed the effects of gender, in association with a four-week small-sided games (SSGs) training program, during Ramadan intermitting fasting (RIF) on changes in psychometric and physiological markers in professional male and female basketball players. Methods Twenty-four professional basketball players from the first Tunisian (Tunisia) division participated in this study. The players were dichotomized by sex (males [GM = 12]; females [GF = 12]). Both groups completed a 4 weeks SSGs training program with 3 sessions per week. Psychometric (e.g., quality of sleep, fatigue, stress, and delayed onset of muscle soreness [DOMS]) and physiological parameters (e.g., heart rate frequency, blood lactate) were measured during the first week (baseline) and at the end of RIF (post-test). Results Post hoc tests showed a significant increase in stress levels in both groups (GM [− 81.11%; p

To examine the effects of two high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT) programs of varying intensities (100% vs. 110% of maximal aerobic velocity [MAV]) on metabolic, hormonal and inflammatory markers in young men. Thirty-seven active male volunteers were randomly assigned into: HIIT experimental groups (100% MAV [EG100, n = 9] and 110% MAV [EG110, n = 9]) and a control groups (CG100, n = 9 and CG110, n = 9). Particpants performed high intesity intermittent exercise test (HIIE) at 100% or 110% MAV. Venous blood samples were obtained before, at the end of HIIE and at 15 min of recovery, and before and after 8 weeks of HIIT programs. After training, Glucose was lower (p < 0.01) in EG100 (d = 0.72) and EG110 (d = 1.20) at the end of HIIE, and at 15 min recovery only in EG110 (d = 0.95). After training, Insulin and Cortisol were lower than before training in EG100 and EG110 at the end of HIIE (p < 0.001). After HIIT, IL-6 deceased (p < 0.001) in EG100 (d = 1.43) and EG110 (d = 1.56) at rest, at the end of HIIE (d = 1.03; d = 1.75, respectively) and at 15 min of recovery (d = 0.88;d = 1.7, respectively). This decrease was more robust (p < 0.05) in EG110 compared to EG100. After HIIT, TNF-α deceased (p < 0.001) in EG100 (d = 1.43) and EG110 (d = 0.60) at rest, at the end of HIIE (0.71 < d < 0.98) and at 15 min of recovery (0.70 < d < 2.78). HIIT with 110% MAV is more effective in young males on the improvements of some metabolic (Glucose), hormonal (Cortisol) and inflammatory (IL-6) markers at rest, at the end of HIIE and 15 min of recovery than training at 100% MAV.

Both music and endpoint knowledge of exercise have been shown to independently influence exercise performance. However, whether these factors work as synergists or counteract one another during exercise is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the single and combined effect of listening to preferred music and types of endpoint knowledge on repeated countermovement jump (CMJ) test performance. Twenty-four (n = 24) current or previously competitive basketball players underwent CMJ testing under the following endpoint knowledge conditions: (1) unknown/no knowledge, (2) knowledge of the number of jumps, and (3) knowledge of exercise duration. For each of these, participants listened to either their preferred music or no music during the duration of testing. For the exercise portion, participants completed repeated CMJs where participants were encouraged to jump as high as possible with jump height, contact time, and flight time as outcomes. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and feeling scale were measured before and after exercise. The results showed that, regardless of knowledge type, preferred music resulted in a significant decrease in both contact time and flight time (F ≥ 10.4, p ≤ 0.004, and ηp2 ≥ 0.35), and a significant improvement of jump height (F = 11.36, p = 0.001, and ηp2 = 0.09) and feeling scale ratings (F = 36.9, p < 0.001, and ηp2 = 0.66) compared to no-music condition, while RPE was not significantly affected. Regardless of the presence of music, knowledge of the number of jumps and duration resulted in lower contact time (p < 0.001, 0.9 < d < 1.56) versus unknown condition during CMJs. Moreover, a significant decrease in RPE values was found during prior endpoint knowledge of number (p = 0.005; d = 0.72) and duration (p = 0.045; d = 0.63) compared to unknown condition. However, feeling scale ratings were not significantly affected. Moreover, no interactions with significance findings were found for any parameters. Overall, data suggest that listening to music and endpoint knowledge alter exercise responses in basketball players, but they do not interact with one another.

The purpose of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability, and convergent and discriminative validity of a new taekwondo-specific change-of-direction (COD) speed test with striking techniques (TST) in elite taekwondo athletes. Twenty (10 males and 10 females) elite (athletes who compete at national level) and top-elite (athletes who compete at national and international level) taekwondo athletes with an average training background of 8.9 ± 1.3 years of systematic taekwondo training participated in this study. During the two-week test-retest period, various generic performance tests measuring COD speed, balance, speed, and jump performance were carried out during the first week and as a retest during the second week. Three TST trials were conducted with each athlete and the best trial was used for further analyses. The relevant performance measure derived from the TST was the time with striking penalty (TST-TSP). TST-TSP performances amounted to 10.57 ± 1.08 s for males and 11.74 ± 1.34 s for females. The reliability analysis of the TST performance was conducted after logarithmic transformation, in order to address the problem of heteroscedasticity. In both groups, the TST demonstrated a high relative test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients and 90% compatibility limits were 0.80 and 0.47 to 0.93, respectively). For absolute reliability, the TST’s typical error of measurement (TEM), 90% compatibility limits, and magnitudes were 4.6%, 3.4 to 7.7, for males, and 5.4%, 3.9 to 9.0, for females. The homogeneous sample of taekwondo athletes meant that the TST’s TEM exceeded the usual smallest important change (SIC) with 0.2 effect size in the two groups. The new test showed mostly very large correlations with linear sprint speed (r = 0.71 to 0.85) and dynamic balance (r = −0.71 and −0.74), large correlations with COD speed (r = 0.57 to 0.60) and vertical jump performance (r = −0.50 to −0.65), and moderate correlations with horizontal jump performance (r = −0.34 to −0.45) and static balance (r = −0.39 to −0.44). Top-elite athletes showed better TST performances than elite counterparts. Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that the TST effectively discriminated between top-elite and elite taekwondo athletes. In conclusion, the TST is a valid, and sensitive test to evaluate the COD speed with taekwondo specific skills, and reliable when considering ICC and TEM. Although the usefulness of the TST is questioned to detect small performance changes in the present population, the TST can detect moderate changes in taekwondo-specific COD speed.

BackgroundOsteoporosis causes bone fragility, increasing the risk of fractures. Evidence suggests a strong correlation between obesity and fracture risk. Physical training is known to enhance bone resistance and protect from fracture; however, its osteogenic effect in the presence of obesity remains unknown.ObjectiveWe sought to evaluate the influence of exercise training on bone health indices in individuals with obesity.MethodsThis systematic literature search was conducted using common electronic databases from inception - December 2019. The following key terms (and synonyms searched for by the MeSH database) were included and combined using the operators “AND,” “OR,” “NOT”: [(“body mass index” OR obesity OR obese OR overweight OR fat mass) AND (“bone mineral density” OR “bone mineral content” OR “peak bone mass” OR “mechanical loading” OR “Osteoporosis” OR “bone geometry” OR “bone resistance”) AND (“exercise training” OR “physical training” OR “strength training,” OR “resistance training” OR “aerobic training” OR “combined training”)].ResultsAfter screening, 10 studies (889 initial records) were included in the final analysis (8 different countries, 263 participants). Two studies investigated males, six females, and two, both sexes. The training duration was at least eight weeks with 2–3 sessions/week. Physical training displayed a significant trivial impact on the whole body (WB) BMD (0.13 SMD; 95% CI [0.00, 0.26], p = 0.046). Subgroup analyses indicated a significant small increase in the WB BMD (0.27 SMD; 95% CI [0.00, 0.53], p = 0.048) in the endurance training group, a non-significant trivial increase in the WB BMD (0.11 SMD; 95% CI [−0.06, 0.29], p = 0.203) in the resistance group, and a non-significant trivial increase in the WB BMD (0.03 SMD; 95% CI [−0.26, 0.32], p = 0.86) in the combined training group. In addition, a significant small decrease was found in the weight of trained subjects (−0.24 SMD; 95% CI [−0.42, −0.05], p = 0.011).ConclusionPhysical training has little to no effect on the WB BMD in subjects with overweight/obesity. Currently, insufficient evidence to advocate for any specific type of exercise for enhancing bone health exists for overweight/obese individuals. Investigations examining the impact of varying types of physical exercise on WB BMD of obese individuals are needed.

Aim To evaluate the effects of eight weeks of mat Pilates training on selected hematological parameters, i.e. white blood cell, neutrophils, monocyte, lymphocyte, hematocrit, hemoglobin as well as plasma volume variations in healthy, active women. Methods Twenty-eight women physical education students volunteered to participate in the present investigation. They were assigned to two groups: a Pilates training group (n = 14) that followed an 8-week Pilates training program, and a control group (n = 14). Blood samples were collected at rest at two separate occasions before and after Pilates training. Results The Pilates training group had higher values of plasma volume variations and lower values of white blood cell (19.4%), neutrophils (32%), hematocrit (4.3%) and hemoglobin (4.6%) compared to control group (pConclusion The results of the present study suggested that Pilates training could be an effective strategy for increasing plasma volume variations and boosting immune system in healthy active women.

BackgroundThe regular assessment of hormonal and mood state parameters in professional soccer are proposed as good indicators during periods of intense training and/or competition to avoid overtraining.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze hormonal, psychological, workload and physical fitness parameters in elite soccer players in relation to changes in training and match exposure during a congested period of match play.MethodsSixteen elite soccer players from a team playing in the first Tunisian soccer league were evaluated three times (T1, T2, and T3) over 12 weeks. The non-congested period of match play was from T1 to T2, when the players played 6 games over 6 weeks. The congested period was from T2 to T3, when the players played 10 games over 6 weeks. From T1 to T3, players performed the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIR1), the repeated shuttle sprint ability test (RSSA), the countermovement jump test (CMJ), and the squat jump test (SJ). Plasma Cortisol (C), Testosterone (T), and the T/C ratio were analyzed at T1, T2, and T3. Players had their mood dimensions (tension, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue, confusion, and a Total Mood Disturbance) assessed through the Profile of Mood State questionnaire (POMS). Training session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) was also recorded on a daily basis in order to quantify internal training load and elements of monotony and strain.ResultsSignificant performance declines (T1 < T2 < T3) were found for SJ performance (p = 0.04, effect size [ES] ES1–2 = 0.15−0.06, ES2–3 = 0.24) from T1 to T3. YYIR1 performance improved significantly from T1 to T2 and declined significantly from T2 to T3 (p = 0.001, ES1–2 = 0.24, ES2–3 = −2.54). Mean RSSA performance was significantly higher (p = 0.019, ES1–2 = −0.47, ES2–3 = 1.15) in T3 compared with T2 and T1. Best RSSA performance was significantly higher in T3 when compared with T2 and T1 (p = 0.006, ES2–3 = 0.47, ES1–2 = −0.56), but significantly lower in T2 when compared with to T1. T and T/C were significantly lower in T3 when compared with T2 and T1 (T: p = 0.03, ES3–2 = −0.51, ES3–1 = −0.51, T/C: p = 0.017, ES3–2 = −1.1, ES3–1 = −1.07). Significant decreases were found for the vigor scores in T3 when compared to T2 and T1 (p = 0.002, ES1–2 = 0.31, ES3–2 = −1.25). A significant increase was found in fatigue scores in T3 as compared to T1 and T2 (p = 0.002, ES1–2 = 0.43, ES2–3 = 0.81). A significant increase was found from T1 < T2 < T3 intension score (p = 0.002, ES1–2 = 1.1, ES2–3 = 0.2) and anger score (p = 0.03, ES1–2 = 0.47, ES2–3 = 0.33) over the study period. Total mood disturbance increased significantly (p = 0.02, ES1–2 = 0.91, ES2–3 = 1.1) from T1 to T3. Between T1-T2, significant relationships were observed between workload and changes in T (r = 0.66, p = 0.003), and T/C ratio (r = 0.62, p = 0.01). There were significant relationships between performance in RSSAbest and training load parameters (workload: r = 0.52, p = 0.03; monotony: r = 0.62, p = 0.01; strain: r = 0.62, p = 0.009). Between T2-T3, there was a significant relationship between Δ% of total mood disturbance and Δ% of YYIR1 (r = −0.54; p = 0.04), RSSAbest (r = 0.58, p = 0.01), SJ (r = −0,55, p = 0.01), T (r = 0.53; p = 0.03), and T/C (r = 0.5; p = 0.04).ConclusionAn intensive period of congested match play significantly compromised elite soccer players’ physical and mental fitness. These changes were related to psychological but not hormonal parameters; even though significant alterations were detected for selected measures. Mood monitoring could be a simple and useful tool to determine the degree of preparedness for match play during a congested period in professional soccer.

Purpose: We examined the effects of moderate resistance exercise (RE) on serum cortisol, testosterone, extracellular heat shock protein (HSP70), and interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-15 concentrations in untrained males in a hot environment.Methods: Ten untrained young males (26 ± 3 years; 75.8 ± 6 kg; 177.4 ± 5.3 cm) performed two series of full body RE [3 sets of 8 to 10 repetitions, 30–60 s recovery between series with 70% of one maximal repetition (1-RM), with a rest period of 1 to 3 min between exercises] carried out in a random order in both heated (∼35°C) and thermoneutral (22°C) conditions. Serum concentrations of testosterone, cortisol, HSP70, and IL-6 and IL-15 were measured before, at the end, and 1 h after RE sessions. Participants in both groups consumed 4 ml of water/kg body mass every 15 min.Results: There were time-related changes in testosterone, HSP70, and IL-6 (P < 0.001), and cortisol and IL-15 (P < 0.05). Levels of cortisol, HSP70, and IL-6 increased immediately for RE at 35°C, and testosterone and IL-15 levels were decreased. Changes in serum testosterone, HSP70, cortisol, and IL-15 and IL-6 levels were reversed after 1 h. A significant time × condition interaction was observed for IL-15 and HSP70 (P < 0.001), cortisol and IL-6 (P < 0.05), but not for testosterone (P > 0.05).Conclusion: RE in a heated environment may not be appropriate for achieving muscle adaptations due to acute changes of hormonal and inflammatory markers.

IntroductionThere is controversy in the literature in regards of the link between training load and injury rate. Thus, the aims of this non-interventional study were to evaluate relationships between pre-season training load with biochemical markers, injury incidence and performance during the first month of the competitive period in professional soccer players.Materials and MethodsHealthy professional soccer players were enrolled in this study over two pre-season periods. Data sets were available from 26 players during the first season (2014–2015) and 24 players during the second season (2015–2016) who completed two pre-season periods (6 weeks each). External training load was assessed from all athletes during training using Global Positioning System (GPS). Internal training load was monitored after each training session using rate of perceived exertion (RPE). Before and after each pre-season, blood samples were taken to determine plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Injury incidence and overall performance (ranking of the team after the first five official games of the championship) were recorded for both seasons separately.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in mean RPE values of the two-preparation periods (2737 ± 452 and 2629 ± 786 AU, p = 0.492). The correlational analysis did not reveal significant associations between internal and external training load (RPE and GPS data) and biological markers. There was a significant positive correlation between RPE and LDH during the 2015/2016 season (r = 0.974, p = 0.001). In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between total distance >20 km/h and CRP during the 2015–2016 season (r = -0.863, p = 0.027). The injury rates for the two seasons were 1.76 and 1.06 per 1000 h exposure for the 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 seasons, respectively (p = 0.127).ConclusionOur study showed that pre-season training load is not associated with overall team performance. This association is most likely multifactorial and other factors (e.g., technical and tactical level of the team, opponents, environment) may play an important role for the collective team performance. Our findings may help coaches to better prepare their athletes during pre-season.

We examined the effects of the independent and combined effects of Zataria Multiflora supplementation and circuit resistance training (CRT) on selected adipokines among postmenopausal women. Forty-eight postmenopausal women were divided into four groups: Exercise (EG, n = 12), Zataria Multiflora (ZMG, n = 12), exercise and Zataria Multiflora (ZMEG, n = 12), and control (CG, n = 12). Participants in experimental groups either performed CRT (3 sessions per week with intensity at 55% of one-repetition maximum) or supplemented with Zataria Multiflora (500 mg every day after breakfast with 100 ml of water), or their combination, for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at pre- and post-intervention for measuring selected adipokines, including visfatin, omentin-1, vaspin, FGF-21, adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin. Our findings demonstrated that visfatin, vaspin, and leptin levels significantly decreased over the intervention period (all p < 0.05), with these values were lower in EG and ZMEG in comparison to CG at post-intervention (all p < 0.05). Visfatin and vaspin levels were also lower in ZMEG in comparison to EG at post-intervention (both p < 0.05). In contrast, omentin-1, ghrelin, adiponectin, and FGF21 significantly increased in EG and EMG (all p < 0.05) after CRT. These findings suggest that Zataria Multiflora supplementation by itself has little effect on measured adipokines; however, its combination with CRT produced noticeable effects on circulating levels of these adipokines, even more than CRT alone. Consequently, a combination of CRT and Zataria Multiflora supplementation may represent a potentially beneficial non-pharmacologic intervention on some selected adipokines in postmenopausal women.

ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to investigate the effects of a six-week in-season period of soccer training and games (congested period) on plasma volume variations (PV), hematological parameters, and physical fitness in elite players. In addition, we analyzed relationships between training load, hematological parameters and players' physical fitness.MethodsEighteen elite players were evaluated before (T1) and after (T2) a six-week in-season period interspersed with 10 soccer matches. At T1 and T2, players performed the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIR1), the repeated shuttle sprint ability test (RSSA), the countermovement jump test (CMJ), and the squat jump test (SJ). In addition, PV and hematological parameters (erythrocytes [M/mm3], hematocrit [%], hemoglobin [g/dl], mean corpuscular volume [fl], mean corpuscular hemoglobin content [pg], and mean hemoglobin concentration [%]) were assessed. Daily ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored in order to quantify the internal training load.ResultsFrom T1 to T2, significant performance declines were found for the YYIR1 (pConclusionsAn intensive period of "congested match play" over 6 weeks significantly compromised players' physical fitness. These changes were not related to hematological parameters, even though significant alterations were detected for selected measures.

Background and Objectives: Several studies have reported that some conditions such as exercise and hypoxia induce DNA damage and dysfunction and apoptosis. Some plant foods contain numerous bioactive compounds and anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight DNA damage. Therefore, the current study evaluated the effect of supplementation of Adiantum capillus-veneris (ACV) extract on Bax/B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) ratio apoptotic index and remodeling of pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells in lung tissue of healthy Wistar rats during stressful conditions (hypoxia). Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven Wistar male rats (four-week old, 72 ± 9 g) were randomly assigned into three groups: normoxic, sedentary, and not-supplemented (NG, n = 9); exercise and hypoxia and not-supplemented (HE, n = 9); and exercise and hypoxia and supplemented group (HS, n = 9). The NG remained sedentary in the normoxia environment for nine weeks. The HE group participated in a high-intensity (IT) program for six weeks, then remained sedentary in the hypoxia environment for three weeks. The low-pressure chamber simulated a ~2800 M altitude 24 h/d. HS participated in IT, then entered and remained sedentary in the hypoxia environment for three weeks, and they consumed 500 mg per kg of body weight ACV extract. Results: The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio of the HE group increased significantly (+50.27%, p ≤ 0.05), the average number of type I pneumocytes was reduced significantly (−18.85%, p ≤ 0.05), and the average number of type II pneumocytes was increased significantly (+14.69%, p ≤ 0.05). Also, after three weeks of consuming the ACV extract, the HS group in comparison with the HE group had their Bax/Bcl-2 ratio reduced significantly (−24.27%, p ≤ 0.05), the average number of type I pneumocytes increased significantly (+10.15%, p ≤ 0.05), and the average number of type II pneumocytes reduced significantly (−7.18%, p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The findings show that after three weeks of hypoxia following six weeks of high-intensity interval training in Wistar rats, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and the number of type II pneumocytes were increased and the number of type I pneumocytes was reduced significantly. These results strongly suggest that an apoptosis state was induced in the lung parenchyma, and consuming ACV extract modulated this state.