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As the diet, hormones, amenorrhea, and bone mineral density (BMD) of physique athletes (PA) and gym enthusiasts (GE) are little-explored, we studied those in 69 females (50 PA, 19 GE) and 20 males (11 PA, 9 GE). Energy availability (EA, kcal·kgFFM−1·d−1 in DXA) in female and male PA was ~41.3 and ~37.2, and in GE ~39.4 and ~35.3, respectively. Low EA (LEA) was found in 10% and 26% of female PA and GE, respectively, and in 11% of male GE. In PA, daily protein intake (g/kg body mass) was ~2.9–3.0, whereas carbohydrate and fat intakes were ~3.6–4.3 and ~0.8–1.0, respectively. PA had higher protein and carbohydrate and lower fat intakes than GE (p < 0.05). Estradiol, testosterone, IGF-1, insulin, leptin, TSH, T4, T3, cortisol, or BMD did not differ between PA and GE. Serum IGF-1 and leptin were explained 6% and 7%, respectively, by EA. In non-users of hormonal contraceptives, amenorrhea was found only in PA (27%) and was associated with lower fat percentage, but not EA, BMD, or hormones. In conclusion, off-season dietary intakes, hormone levels, and BMD meet the recommendations in most of the PA and GE. Maintaining too-low body fat during the off-season may predispose to menstrual disturbances.

Effects of eccentric (ECC) versus concentric (CON) strength training of the upper body performed twice a week for 10 weeks followed by detraining for five weeks on maximal force, muscle activation, muscle mass and serum hormone concentrations were investigated in young women (n = 11 and n = 12). One-repetition bench press (1RM), maximal isometric force and surface electromyography (EMG) of triceps brachii (TB), anterior deltoid (AD) and pectoralis major (PM), cross-sectional area (CSA) of TB (Long (LoH) and Lateral Head (LaH)) and thickness of PM, as well as serum concentrations of free testosterone, cortisol, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin were measured. ECC and CON training led to increases of 17.2 ± 11.3% (p < 0.001) and 13.1 ± 5.7% (p < 0.001) in 1RM followed by decreases of -6.6 ± 3.6% (p < 0.01) and -8.0 ± 4.5% (p < 0.001) during detraining, respectively. Isometric force increased in ECC by 11.4 ± 9.6 % (p < 0.05) from week 5 to 10, while the change in CON by 3.9±6.8% was not significant and a between group difference was noted (p < 0.05). Maximal total integrated EMG of trained muscles increased only in the whole subject group (p < 0.05). CSA of TB (LoH) increased in ECC by 8.7 ± 8.0% (p < 0.001) and in CON by 3.4 ± 1.6% (p < 0.01) and differed between groups (p < 0.05), and CSA of TB (LaH) in ECC by 15.7 ± 8.0% (p < 0.001) and CON by 9.7 ± 6.6% (p < 0.001). PM thickness increased in ECC by 17.7 ± 10.9% (p < 0.001) and CON by 14.0 ± 5.9% (p < 0.001). Total muscle sum value (LoH + LaH + PM) increased in ECC by 12.4 ± 6.9% (p < 0.001) and in CON by 7.1 ± 2.9% (p < 0.001) differing between groups (p < 0.05) and decreased during detraining in ECC by -6.5 ± 4.3% (p < 0.001) and CON by -6.1 ± 2.8% (p < 0.001). The post detraining combined sum value of CSA and thickness was in ECC higher (p < 0.05) than at pre training. No changes were detected in serum hormone concentrations, but baseline free testosterone levels in the ECC and CON group combined correlated with changes in 1RM (r = 0.520, p < 0.016) during training. Large neuromuscular adaptations of the upper body occurred in women during ECC, and CON training in 10 weeks. Isometric force increased only in response to ECC, and total muscle sum value increased more during ECC than CON training. However, no changes occurred in serum hormones, but individual serum-free testosterone baseline concentrations correlated with changes in 1RM during strength training in the entire group. Both groups showed significant decreases in neuromuscular performance and muscle mass during detraining, while post detraining muscle sum value was only in ECC significantly higher than at pre training. peerReviewed

Purpose To examine the effects of fatiguing power-loading on neuromuscular properties, force production, and metabolic capacities during four phases of the menstrual cycle (MC); menstruation (M), mid-follicular (mid FOL), ovulation (OV), and mid-luteal (mid LUT). Methods Sixteen eumenorrheic women performed sessions of maximal explosive leg press (2x10 at 60%1RM load with 2 min recovery between sets). Serum hormones and neuromuscular responses were measured. Results The loading protocol significantly decreased power (between -14.2% and -12.5%; p < 0.001) and maximal force production (between MVC; -15.0% and -7.8%; p < 0.001–0.05), while decreasing activation level (between AL; -6.9% and -2.2%; p < 0.001–0.05) in all MC-phases. The decreases in AL were greater during mid LUT (p < 0.01) compared to OV. Changes in MVC and AL associated (r2 = 0.53; p < 0.01) at all MC-phases. The decrease in EMG during MVC did not differ between the MC-phases, however, mean power frequency was higher during M (+7.7%; p < 0.05) and mid LUT (+3.1%; p < 0.05) compared to OV (-7.5%). Resting twitch force decreased during mid FOL (-6.9%; p < 0.05) and mid LUT (-16.2%; p < 0.001), and these values were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) compared to OV. In addition, resting twitch force at mid LUT was lower (p < 0.01) compared to M. Blood lactate levels increased more (p < 0.05) during M compared to mid LUT. Some serum hormone concentrations associated with fatigue-induced changes in neuromuscular properties and force production, but these correlations behaved differently between the MC-phases. Conclusions OV may offer a more favorable hormonal milieu for acute neural responses, while mid FOL and mid LUT appear to be superior for acute muscular responses. peerReviewed

This study investigated how two slightly different athlete groups would differ in acute neuromuscular and endocrine responses to specific resistance exercise loadings and recovery compared to untrained participants. Power athletes (PA, n = 8), strength athletes (SA, n = 8) and non-athletes (NA, n = 7) performed power (PL, 7 × 6 × 50% of 1RM), maximal strength (MSL, 7 × 3 × 3RM), and hypertrophic (HL, 5 × 10 × 10RM) loadings in Smith-machine back-squat. Neuromuscular performance, serum testosterone, growth hormone, and cortisol concentrations, and blood lactate (BL) were measured before (Pre), at Mid and after (Post) loading, and after recovery for 24 and 48 h. All loadings led to acute decreases in neuromuscular performance and elevations in hormone concentrations and BL. During PL, a significant group × time interactions occurred in maximal isometric force [F(4,40) = 4.189, p = 0.006, η2p = 0.295] indicating a greater decrease in PA compared to SA from Pre to Mid (p < 0.05), and in countermovement jump height [F(4,40) = 2.895, p = 0.034, η2p = 0.224] indicating a greater decrease in NA compared to SA from Pre to Mid (p < 0.05). During HL, growth hormone was higher in Mid and Post in SA compared to NA (p < 0.05). No significant interactions were found during recovery. The differences during PL and HL suggest that the training background may enhance acute responses during the present loadings, whereas it seemed to have a limited effect on the recovery. peerReviewed

Kraemer, WJ, Caldwell, LK, Post, EM, Beeler, MK, Emerson, A, Volek, JS, Maresh, CM, Fogt, JS, Fogt, N, Häkkinen, K, Newton, RU, Lopez, P, Sanchez, BN, and Onate, JA. Arousal/stress effects of “Overwatch” eSports game competition in collegiate gamers. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2022—To date, no physical response data are available for one of the most popular eSport games, Overwatch. The purpose of this investigation was to describe the stress signaling associated with competitive Overwatch play and to understand how acute hormonal responses may affect performance. Thirty-two male college-aged gamers (age: 21.3 ± 2.7 years; estimated time played per week: 18 ± 15 hours) completed the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to a 6-player team to compete in a tournament-style match. Salivary measures of cortisol and testosterone were collected immediately before (PRE) and after (POST) the first-round game, with the heart rate recorded continuously during the match. The mean characteristics were calculated for each variable and comparisons made by the skill level. Significance was defined as p ≤ 0.05. There were no differences in measures of salivary cortisol. A differential response pattern was observed by the skill level for testosterone. The low skill group displayed a significant increase in testosterone with game play (mean ± SD, testosterone PRE: 418.3 ± 89.5 pmol·L−1, POST: 527.6 ± 132.4 pmol·L−1, p < 0.001), whereas no change was observed in the high skill group. There were no differences in heart rate characteristics between skill groups. Overall, the average heart rate was 107.2 ± 17.8 bpm with an average max heart rate of 133.3 ± 19.1 bpm. This study provides unique physiological evidence that a sedentary Overwatch match modulates endocrine and cardiovascular responses, with the skill level emerging as a potential modulator. peerReviewed

Fitnessurheilun suosio on kasvanut Suomessa vuosi vuodelta. Lajeihin liittyy oleellisesti kehonkoostumuksen muokkaaminen lajikriteereihin sopivaksi harjoittelun ja ruokavalion keinoin. Tämän tutkimuksen tarkoituksena oli selvittää miten fitnesskilpailudieetti vaikuttaa ruokahalua säätelevien leptiini- ja greliinihormonien pitoisuuksiin seerumissa. Muuttujien palautumista seurattiin dieetin jälkeen n. 20 viikkoa. Tutkimukseen osallistui 13 miestä ja 12 naista, jotka kilpailivat fitnessurheilun SM- kilpailuissa lokakuussa 2019. Kontrolliryhmässä oli 10 miestä ja 11 naista, jotka harjoittelivat aktiivisesti kuntosalilla mutta eivät tavoitelleet painonpudotusta tutkimusjakson aikana. Kaikille tutkittaville suoritettiin alku-, väli- ja loppumittaukset samoina ajankohtina noin 20 viikon välein. Kehonkoostumusta tarkasteltiin DXA:lla (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) sekä InBody-bioimpedanssimittauksella. Seerumista tutkittiin leptiini- ja greliinihormonien pitoisuudet ja niiden muutoksia tarkasteltiin suhteessa muutoksiin kehonkoostumuksessa. Kilpailuryhmän naisilla seerumin leptiinitasot laskivat erittäin merkitsevästi (p

1. In vertebrates, thyroid hormones (THs) play an important role in the regulation of growth, development, metabolism, photoperiodic responses and migration. Maternally transferred THs are important for normal early-phase embryonic development when embryos are not able to produce endogenous THs. Previous studies have shown that variation in maternal THs within the physiological range can influence offspring phenotype. 2. Given the essential functions of maternal THs in development and metabolism, THs may be a mediator of life-history variation across species. 3. We tested the hypothesis that differences in life histories are associated with differences in maternal TH transfer across species. Using birds as a model, we specifically tested whether maternally transferred yolk THs co-vary with migratory status, developmental mode, and traits related to pace-of-life (e.g. basal metabolic rate, maximum lifespan). 4. We collected un-incubated eggs (n = 1-21 eggs per species, median = 7) from 34 wild and captive bird species across 17 families and 6 orders to measure yolk THs (both triiodothyronine, T3 and thyroxine, T4), compiled life-history trait data from the literature, and used Bayesian phylogenetic mixed models to test our hypotheses. 5. Our models indicated that both concentrations and total amounts of the two main forms of THs (T3 and T4) were higher in the eggs of migratory species compared to resident species, and total amounts were higher in the eggs of precocial species, which have longer prenatal developmental periods, than in those of altricial species. However, maternal yolk THs did not show clear associations with pace-of-life related traits, such as fecundity, basal metabolic rate, or maximum lifespan. 6. We quantified interspecific variation in maternal yolk THs in birds and our findings suggest higher maternal TH transfer is associated with the precocial mode of development and migratory status. Whether maternal THs represent a part of the mechanism underlying the evolution of precocial development and migration or a consequence of such life histories is currently unclear. We therefore encourage further studies to explore the physiological mechanisms and evolutionary processes underlying these patterns. peerReviewed

Scientific examination of velocity-based resistance training (VBRT) has increased recently, but how males and females respond to different VBRT protocols or how these acute responses are modified after a period of training is unknown. Habitually resistance-trained males and females followed either a 20 or 40% velocity-loss programme for 8 weeks. Acute squat loading tests (five sets, 70% one-repetition maximum load, 3 min rest) were performed before and after the training period. Tests of maximum neuromuscular performance and blood sampling were conducted before, within 10 min of completion (POST) and 24 h after each acute loading test. Testing included countermovement jump, resting femoral nerve electrical stimulation and bilateral isometric leg press. Blood samples were analysed for whole-blood lactate, serum testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone and creatine kinase concentrations. Countermovement jump height, maximum isometric bilateral leg-press force and the force from a 10 Hz doublet decreased in all groups at POST after 20 and 40% velocity loss. Only males showed reduced force from the 100 Hz doublet and voluntary force over 100 ms at POST before training. The 40% velocity loss led to increased blood lactate and growth hormone responses before training in both males and females. After training, more systematic and equivalent responses in force over 100 ms, force from a 100 Hz doublet and blood lactate were observed regardless of sex/VBRT protocol. Overall, acute responses were greater from 40% VBRT, and males were more susceptible to acute loss in force production capacity before the training period. These VBRT protocol- and sex-related differences were diminished after training.

Maternal hormones constitute a key signalling pathway for mothers to shape offspring phenotype and fitness. Thyroid hormones (THs; triiodothyronine, T3; and thyroxine, T4) are metabolic hormones known to play crucial roles in embryonic development and survival in all vertebrates. During early developmental stages, embryos exclusively rely on exposure to maternal THs, and maternal hypothyroidism can cause severe embryonic maldevelopment. The TH molecule includes iodine, an element that cannot be synthesised by the organism. Therefore, TH production may become costly when environmental iodine availability is low. This may yield a trade-off for breeding females between allocating the hormones to self or to their eggs, potentially to the extent that it even influences the number of laid eggs. In this study, we investigated whether low dietary iodine may limit TH production and transfer to the eggs in a captive population of rock pigeons (Columba livia). We provided breeding females with an iodine-restricted (I−) diet or iodine-supplemented (I+) diet and measured the resulting circulating and yolk iodine and TH concentrations and the number of eggs laid. Our iodine-restricted diet successfully decreased both circulating and yolk iodine concentrations compared with the supplemented diet, but not circulating or yolk THs. This indicates that mothers may not be able to independently regulate hormone exposure for self and their embryos. However, egg production was clearly reduced in the I− group, with fewer females laying eggs. This result shows that restricted availability of iodine does induce a cost in terms of egg production. Whether females reduced egg production to preserve THs for themselves or to prevent embryos from exposure to low iodine and/or THs is as yet unclear., Summary: Restricted dietary iodine in captive rock pigeons reduces egg production in some females, thus inducing a trade-off between offspring quality and offspring quantity.

Sex hormones are suggested to influence energy intake (EI) and metabolic hormones. This study investigated the influence of menstrual cycle (MC) and hormonal contraceptive (HC) cycle phases on EI, energy availability (EA), and metabolic hormones in recreational athletes (eumenorrheic, NHC = 15 and monophasic HC-users, CHC = 9). In addition, 72-h dietary and training logs were collected in addition to blood samples, which were analyzed for 17β-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), leptin, total ghrelin, insulin, and tri-iodothyronine (T3). Measurements were completed at four time-points (phases): Bleeding, mid-follicular (FP)/active 1, ovulation (OVU)/active 2, mid-luteal (LP)/inactive in NHC/CHC, respectively. As expected, E2 and P4 fluctuated significantly in NHC (p &lt, 0.05) and remained stable in CHC. In NHC, leptin increased significantly between bleeding and ovulation (p = 0.030) as well as between FP and OVU (p = 0.022). No group differences in other measured hormones were observed across the MC and HC cycle. The mean EI and EA were similar between phases, with no significant differences observed in macronutrient intake over either the MC or HC. While the MC phase might have a small, but statistically significant effect on leptin, the findings of the present study suggest that the MC or HC phase does not significantly alter ad libitum EI or EA in recreational athletes.

Many people enjoy sad music, and the appeal for tragedy is widespread among the consumers of film and literature. The underlying mechanisms of such aesthetic experiences are not well understood. We tested whether pleasure induced by sad, unfamiliar instrumental music is explained with a homeostatic or a reward theory, each of which is associated with opposite patterns of changes in the key hormones. Sixty-two women listened to sad music (or nothing) while serum was collected for subsequent measurement of prolactin (PRL) and oxytocin (OT) and stress marker (cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone) concentrations. Two groups of participants were recruited on the basis of low and high trait empathy. In the high empathy group, PRL and OT levels were significantly lower with music compared with no music. And compared to the low empathy group, the high empathy individuals reported an increase of positive mood and higher ratings of being moved with music. None of the stress markers showed any changes across the conditions or the groups. These hormonal changes, inconsistent with the homeostatic theory proposed by Huron, exhibit a pattern expected of general reward. Our findings illuminate how unfamiliar and low arousal music may give rise to pleasurable experiences.

Tissue-specific effects of 17 beta-estradiol are delivered via both estrogen receptors and microRNAs (miRs). Menopause is known to affect the whole-body fat distribution in women. This investigation aimed at identifying menopause-and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)-associated miR profiles and miR targets in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue and serum from the same women. A discovery phase using array technology was performed in 13 women, including monozygotic twin pairs discordant for HRT and premenopausal young controls. Seven miRs, expressed in both adipose tissue and serum, were selected for validation phase in 34 women from a different cohort. An age/menopause-related increase of miRs-16-5p, -451a, -223-3p, -18a-5p, -19a-3p,-486-5p and -363-3p was found in the adipose tissue, but not in serum. MiR-19a-3p, involved in adipocyte development and estrogen signaling, resulted to be higher in HRT users in comparison with non-users. Among the identified targets, AKT1, BCL-2 and BRAF proteins showed lower expression in both HRT and No HRT users in comparison with premenopausal women. Unexpectedly, ESR1 protein expression was not modified although its mRNA was lower in No HRT users compared to premenopausal women and HRT users. Thus, both HRT and menopause appear to affect adipose tissue homeostasis via miR-mediated mechanism.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two different training programs on strength and power performance and serum hormone concentrations. A total of 104 male soldiers volunteered and took part in the 12‐week training period with baseline, mid‐, and post‐measurements of body composition, muscle strength, lower and upper body power, and blood samples to determine serum hormone concentrations. The mean (±SD) age of subjects was 20 ± 1 years, height 180 ± 6 cm and body mass 72.4 ± 8.8 kg. The subjects were divided into three different training groups: soldier task‐specific training (TS), strength training (ST), and control (CON). Each group had a total of 18 training sessions during the 12‐week study. In the muscle strength tests, most improvements could be observed in the TS and ST groups, especially, during the first weeks of the training period. Maximal isometric leg extension force increased significantly by 7.9 ± 12.2% (p, Successful strength and conditioning program for conscripts cannot be built without taking into account the fracture nature of training caused by military specific training requirements. It is important in the future that the leadership prioritizes quality‐controlled physical training and supports necessary changes. Strength and task‐specific training can lead to improvements in the battlefield, reduce the risk of overtraining, and prevent injuries caused by excessive running and loaded marching during the traditional military training.

Despite rising interest among scientists for over two centuries, parental care behavior has not been as thoroughly studied in amphibians as it has in other taxa. The first reports of amphibian parental care date from the early 18th century, when Maria Sibylla Merian went on a field expedition in Suriname and reported frog metamorphs emerging from their mother's dorsal skin. Reports of this and other parental behaviors in amphibians remained descriptive for decades, often as side notes during expeditions with another purpose. However, since the 1980s, experimental approaches have proliferated, providing detailed knowledge about the adaptive value of observed behaviors. Today, we recognize more than 30 types of parental care in amphibians, but most studies focus on just a few families and have favored anurans over urodeles and caecilians. Here, we provide a synthesis of the last three centuries of parental care research in the three orders comprising the amphibians. We draw attention to the progress from the very first descriptions to the most recent experimental studies, and highlight the importance of natural history observations as a source of new hypotheses and necessary context to interpret experimental findings. We encourage amphibian parental care researchers to diversify their study systems to allow for a more comprehensive perspective of the behaviors that amphibians exhibit. Finally, we uncover knowledge gaps and suggest new avenues of research using a variety of disciplines and approaches that will allow us to better understand the function and evolution of parental care behaviors in this diverse group of animals. peerReviewed

Resistance training is a potent stimulus for muscle growth and steroid hormones are known to play a role in this adaptation. However, very little is known about the acute exercise‐induced gonadosteroid and corticosteroid hormone responses, including key smaller‐concentration intermediate hormones. The present study determined the acute responses of these steroid hormone families using quantitative UHPLC mass spectrometry (MS) following resistance exercise in strength‐trained men. Venous and fingertip blood was drawn pre‐, mid‐, 5 min post‐ and 15 min post‐resistance exercise, both before and after 10 weeks of supervised resistance training. The experimental resistance exercise sessions consisted of 3 sets of 10 repetitions in the bilateral leg press and 3 sets of 10 repetitions in the unilateral knee extension with 2 and 1 min recovery between sets, respectively. Statistically significant (P < 0.05) increases in the concentration of hormones in the gonadosteroid (including; dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione, testosterone, estrone) and the corticosteroid (including; cortisol, corticosterone and cortisone) families were demonstrated after both experimental resistance exercise sessions, irrespective of training status. Correlation analyses revealed relationships between: 1) DHEA and androstenedione, 2) DHEA and cortisol, 3) androstenedione and estrone, and 4) 11‐deoxycortisol and cortisol. Testosterone appears to acutely increase independently of other intermediary hormones following resistance exercise. In conclusion, smaller‐concentration intermediary gonadosteroids (e.g. estrone) and corticosteroids (e.g. corticosterone) respond robustly to resistance exercise in strength‐trained men, although it seems that testosterone concentrations are regulated by factors other than the availability of precursor hormones and changes in plasma volume. peerReviewed

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 3 water immersion interventions performed after active recovery compared with active recovery only on physical and mental performance measures and physiological responses. The subjects were physically active men (age 20–35 years, mean ± SD 26 ± 3.7 years). All subjects performed a short-term exercise protocol, including maximal jumps and sprinting. Four different recovery methods (10 minutes) were used in random order: cold water immersion (CWI, 10° C), thermoneutral water immersion (TWI, 24° C), and contrast water therapy (CWT, alternately 10° C and 38° C). All these methods were performed after an active recovery (10-minute bicycle ergometer; heart rate [HR] 120–140 b·min−1, 60–73% from age-calculated maximum HR), and the fourth method was active recovery (ACT) only. Within 96 hours after exercise bouts, recovery was assessed through a 30-m maximal sprint test, maximal countermovement jump (CMJ), self-perceived muscle soreness and relaxation questionnaires, and blood lactate, creatine kinase, testosterone, cortisol, and catecholamine levels. The self-perceived feeling of relaxation after 60-minute recovery was better (p < 0.05) after CWI and CWT than ACT and TWI. Statistically significant differences were not observed between the recovery methods in any other marker. In the 30-m sprint test, however, slower running time was found in ACT (p < 0.001) and CWT (p = 0.005), and reduced CMJ results (p < 0.05) were found in ACT when the results were compared with baseline values. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that CWI and CWT improve the acute feeling of relaxation that can play a positive role in athletes' performance and well-being. peerReviewed

Purpose: Few large-scale population-based studies have adequately examined the relationships between steroid hormones, health status and physical fitness. The purpose of the study was to describe the relationship of serum basal endogenous steroid hormones (testosterone, TES; empirical free testosterone, EFT; cortisol, COR) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) to body composition, cardiovascular risk factors, and physical fitness in young healthy men. Methods: Male reservists (25 ± 4 years, N = 846) participated in the study. Basal TES, EFT, COR, and SHBG were measured in morning fasted blood. Stepwise regression analyses were used to examine associations between individual hormones to four separate categories: (1) body composition; (2) cardiovascular risk factors; (3) relative, and (4) absolute physical fitness. Results: Higher TES, EFT, and SHBG were associated with lower waist circumference (TES: β = −0.239, p < 0.001; EFT: β = −0.385, p < 0.001), % body fat (TES: β = −0.163, p = 0.003), and body mass index (SHBG: β = −0.435, p < 0.001). Lower cardiovascular risk factors were associated with higher TES, EFT and SHBG concentrations, especially between SHBG and triglycerides (β = −0.277, p < 0.001) and HDL (β = 0.154, p < 0.001). Greater maximal relative aerobic capacity was concurrent with higher TES, EFT, and SHBG (β = 0.171, 0.113, 0.263, p < 0.001, =0.005

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute hormonal and muscular responses to a strenuous strength loading [bilateral leg press (LP) 10x10 1RM] followed by loading-specific active (AR, n = 7, LP 10x10x30% 1RM) or passive (PR, n = 11, seated) recovery. The subjects were men age: 26±4 years, height: 174±8 cm, body mass: 75±13 kg. After control measurements, experimental measurements were conducted at pre and post loading as well as post recovery and next morning. A significantly higher absolute concentration (p

We aimed to (a) report energy availability (EA), metabolic/reproductive function, bone mineral density, and injury/illness rates in national/world-class female and male distance athletes and (b) investigate the robustness of various diagnostic criteria from the Female Athlete Triad (Triad), Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire, and relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) tools to identify risks associated with low EA. Athletes were distinguished according to benchmarks of reproductive function (amenorrheic [n = 13] vs. eumenorrheic [n = 22], low [lowest quartile of reference range; n = 10] versus normal testosterone [n = 14]), and EA calculated from 7-day food and training diaries (< or >30 kcal·kg−1 fat-free mass·day−1). Sex hormones (p p p p p p

Physical fitness is crucial to warfighters’ performance in the battlefield. Previous studies have shown negative changes in their hormonal and neuromuscular responses induced by military field training (MFT). The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in hormonal and immunological values and body composition during a prolonged MFT and to find out how warfighters’ physical condition influences these changes. Conscripts (n = 49, age 20 1 years, height 179 9 cm, body mass 73.8 7.8 kg, fat 12.6 3.7% and BMI 23 kg/m²) were measured before, during, after MFT, and after a 4-day recovery period. Serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations, creatine kinase (CK) activity and leptin concentration were analyzed as well as body composition throughout MFT. Neuromuscular performance was assessed via lower and upper body muscle endurance at the beginning of the study. During MFT, there was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in body mass (2.3%), fat mass (7.7%) and in muscle mass (2.2%), but all of these values recovered to PRE-levels after the recovery period. Serum IGF-1 (22%) and leptin decreased (66%) while CK increased (88%) significantly (P < 0.05) during MFT but recovered at the end of MFT. Upper body dynamic and trunk isometric muscular endurance had a positive correlation (r = 0.37. P < 0.05) with the change in IGF-1 during MFT and a negative correlation with the changes in CK (0.34, P < 0.05). The results show that there were negative changes in conscript’s body composition and hormonal and immunological values during the prolonged MFT. These changes suggest that the physiological stress was high during MFT. High levels of upper body and trunk muscular strength were negatively correlated with warfighters’ physiological effects and should therefore be developed prior to actual deployment to reduce the physical decline experienced during prolonged MFTs. peerReviewed

Kyröläinen, H, Hackney, AC, Salminen, R, Repola, J, Häkkinen, K, and Haimi, J. Effects of combined strength and endurance training on physical performance and biomarkers of healthy young women. J Strength Cond Res 32(6): 1554– 1561, 2018—Cardiovascular fitness has decreased and obesity has increased in young adults worldwide during the last 10 years. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find out optimal exercise training programs for improving physical performance and health outcomes, especially among sedentary women. Subjects were 25- to 30-year-old women with a very low physical activity, and 65% of them were overweight (body mass index . 25). They performed endurance and strength training 3 times a week for 9 weeks. Independent strength training and instructed endurance training by indoor cycling were prescribed. Measurements were performed before, in the middle, and after the training period. No nutritional guidelines were given to the subjects. The 9-week training period led to an 8.5% increase in estimated maximal oxygen uptake. Maximal isometric strength of the leg and arm extensors as well as trunk flexors and extensors increased by 28.9, 7.8, 27.2, and 16.1%, respectively. Total cholesterol values lowered by 7.6%, and high-density lipoprotein increased by 8.8%, whereas low-density lipoprotein, hemoglobin, serum glucose, and triglyceride remained unchanged. Serum cortisol increased by 22.7%, but no changes in plasma testosterone, estradiol, or sex hormone binding globulin were observed. The skeletal muscle mass increased by 0.8% without other changes in body composition. Our results indicated that only 27 combined endurance and strength training sessions in 9 weeks improved maximal endurance and strength capacity as well as some health outcomes. Thus, combined strength and endurance training itself can induce significant health benefits without the necessity of changes in dietary habits peerReviewed

Objectives: Rescuers work in 24-h shifts and the demanding nature of the occupation requires adequate recovery between work shifts. The purpose of this study has been to find out what kind of changes in autonomic control may be seen during work shift and its recovery period in the case of rescuers. An additional interest has been to see if aerobic fitness is associated with recovery from work shifts. Material and Methods: Fourteen male rescuers (aged 34±9 years old) volunteered to participate in the study. Heart rate variability (HRV) was recorded for 96 h to study stress and recovery, from the beginning of a 24-h work shift to the beginning of the next shift. Aerobic fitness assessment included maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) estimation with a submaximal bicycle ergometer test. Salivary cortisol samples were collected 0 min, 15 min, and 30 min after awakening on the 3 resting days. Results: Some HRV parameters showed enhanced autonomic control after the work shift. Stress percentage decreased from the working day to the 2nd rest day (p < 0.05). However, maximal oxygen uptake was not associated with enhanced parasympathetic cardiac control (p > 0.05). Cortisol awakening response was attenuated right after the work shift. Conclusions: The HRV findings show that recovery after a long work shift takes several days. Thus, rescuers should pay attention to sufficient recovery before the next work shift, and an integrated model of perceived and physiological measurements could be beneficial to assess cardiovascular strain among rescuers with long work shifts. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(3):433–444

Tutkimuksen tausta ja tarkoitus. Suomalainen sotilas tarvitsee hyvää ammattitaitoa ja fyysistä suorituskykyä, ampumataitoa sekä maastossa liikkumisen taitoa. Puolustusvoimien fyysisen koulutuksen tärkeimmät osa-alueet ovat taistelu-, marssi- ja liikuntakoulutus, joista liikuntakoulutuksen määrä kokonaiskoulutusajasta on lähes puolet. Voimaharjoittelun tiedetään kehittävän lihaksiston sekä sen tukiosien, jänteiden ja sidekudosten voimaa, lisäävän tehoa, nopeutta ja motorista suorituskykyä sekä kasvattavan lihaksen poikkipinta-alaa ylläpitäen kehon rasvatonta massaa. Yleisen suorituskyvyn ja vammojen ennaltaehkäisyn lisäksi voimaharjoittelusta on hyötyä myös taakankantokykyyn, joka on sotilaalle tyypillinen työtehtävä taistelukentällä. Tämän tutkimuksen tarkoituksena oli tutkia voimaharjoittelupainotetun liikuntakoulutuksen vaikutuksia sotilaan hermo-lihasjärjestelmän suorituskykyyn, hormonipitoisuuksiin ja kehonkoostumukseen erikois- (E) ja joukko- (J) koulutuskausien varusmieskoulutuksessa ja verrata näitä tavanomaisen liikuntakoulutuksen vaikutuksiin. Tutkimusmenetelmät. Kainuun Prikaatin 1. jääkärikomppanian voima- tai kontrolliryhmän muodostivat varusmiehet (n=29, ikä 20 ± 1 v, pituus 1,80 ± 0,06 m, paino 71,9 ± 8,8 kg, rasva 11,4 ± 4,4 %, kehonpainoindeksi (BMI) 22,2 ± 2,5), jotka harjoittelivat 12 viikon ajan joko voimapainotuksella (n=19) tai varusmieskoulutukseen kuuluvan tavanomaisen harjoittelumallin mukaan (n=10). Fyysisen suorituskyvyn mittaukset, kehonkoostumusmittaus ja verianalyysit tehtiin ennen tutkimuksen alkua, tutkimuksen puolivälissä sekä harjoittelujakson loputtua. Tulokset. Voimaharjoittelupainotteinen liikuntakoulutus kehitti 12 viikon aikana varusmiesten alaraajojen (6,3 %; p

Ville Isola, 2017. Fitnessurheilijoiden kehonkoostumus, lihaskoko ja hormonitasapaino kilpailudieetillä ja palautumisjaksolla. Liikuntabiologia, liikuntatieteellinen tiedekunta, Jyväskylän yliopisto. Valmennus- ja testausoppi, pro gradu-tutkielma 95s. 2 liitettä. Fitness-lajit ovat kasvattaneet suosiotaan viime vuosina räjähdysmäisesti. Aiheen suuresta kiinnostuksesta huolimatta tieteellistä tutkimusta fitnessurheilijan kilpailudieetistä tai sen palautumisjaksosta ei ole juurikaan saatavilla, lukuun ottamatta muutamia tapaustutkimuksia. Tämän tutkimuksen tarkoituksena oli selvittää muuttuvatko fitnessurheilijoiden kehonkoostumus ja lihaskoko, lihasten voimantuotto sekä hormonitasapaino kilpailudieetin aikana ja sen jälkeisellä palautumisjaksolla. Tutkimuksessa oli mukana 27 naisfitnessurheilijaa, jotka kilpailivat Suomen Fitnessurheilu ry:n alaisissa kilpailuissa syksyllä 2015. Mittaukset järjestettiin ennen kilpailudieettiä, 20 viikon pituisen kilpailudieetin jälkeen (välimittaus) ja samanpituisen palautumisjakson jälkeen. Kontrolliryhmässä oli 23 tavoitteellisesti kuntosalilla harjoittelevaa naista ja heidän mittauksensa järjestettiin vastaavina ajankohtina kuin kilpailijoiden mittaukset. Mittausten välinen ajanjakso oli noin 20 viikkoa. Tässä tutkimuksessa tarkasteltiin tutkittavien kehonkoostumuksen muuttujia DXA:lla (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry), bioimpedanssilla ja ihopoimumittauksilla. Lisäksi ultraäänellä mitattiin vastus lateralis –lihaksen poikkipinta-ala ja rasvamassan paksuus sekä olkavarren kolmipäisen ojentajalihaksen paksuus sekä rasvamassan paksuus. Verestä mitattiin testosteronin, estradiolin ja kortisolin paastopitoisuudet. Tutkittavien suorituskyvyn muuttujia tarkasteltiin mittaamalla maksimaalinen isometrinen voima penkkipunnerruslaitteessa ja jalkaprässissä sekä alaraajojen ojentajalihasten räjähtävää voimaa kevennyshypyllä. Lisäksi tutkittavien energiansaantia tutkittiin ruoka- ja aktiivisuuspäiväkirja-analyyseillä. Tilastollisissa analyyseissä käytettiin kaksisuuntaista varianssianalyysiä (ANOVA) ja kahden ryhmän tai ajankohdan vertailut toteutettiin Holm-Bonferronikorjatuilla t-testeillä. Tutkimustulokset osoittivat, että kehonpaino laski dieettijakson aikana 64,3 (± 6,9) kg:sta 56,5 (± 5,3) kg:aan (p

Most variation in behavior is regulated by genes; nevertheless the mechanisms behind maintenance of genetic diversity at behavioral loci have remained mainly elusive in natural populations. I studied in my thesis selection mechanisms of two genes associated with socio-sexual behavior, arginine vasopressin receptor 1a (Avpr1) and oxytocin receptor (Oxtr) in bank vole (Myodes glareolus). Expression of Avpr1a and Oxtr in specific regions of the brain regulates diverse social and reproductive behaviors such as parental care, aggression, sexual behavior, social recognition as well as pair and parent- offspring bonding in mammals. In addition, there is a link between the length of a regulatory region associated microsatellite (RRAM) of Avpr1 and receptor density in the brain in some species. Bank voles have highly polymorphic RRAM in Avpr1a and Oxtr. My first study revealed that different length variants of RRAM allele in Avpr1 and Oxtr genes are maintained by balancing selection; more precisely the selection is sex-specific and dependent on population density. Different allele lengths were favored in males compared to females indicating that Avpr1a and Oxtr are sexually antagonistic (SA) genes. My second study showed that intrasexual competition in both males and females drives selection of Avpr1a RRAM lengths. My third study evidenced that bank voles bias their offspring sex ratio to mitigate sexual conflict caused by the SA Oxtr gene. My fourth study showed that individuals with the extreme lengths of Avpr1 and Oxtr RRAMs experience constraints in breeding success indicating stabilizing selection. In conclusion, my thesis provides evidence for diverse mechanisms acting on genetic diversity of behavioral genes.

Sotilas tarvitsee hyvää fyysistä toimintakykyä kaikissa tilanteissa. Taistelukentän olosuhteet voivat kuitenkin asettaa haasteita toimintakyvyn ylläpidolle ja aiheuttaa sotilaan ylikuormittumista, mikä nähdään muutoksina sotilaan fysiologisissa vasteissa ja kehonkoostumuksessa. Tämän tutkimuksen tarkoituksena oli tutkia sotilaiden immunologisissa ja hormonaalisissa vasteissa sekä kehonkoostumuksessa tapahtuvia muutoksia pitkäkestoisen taisteluharjoituksen aikana ja selvittää fyysisen kunnon yhteyksiä näihin muutoksiin. Varusmiesten (n=49, ikä 20 ± 1 v, pituus 179 ± 7 cm, paino 73,8 ± 7,8 kg; rasvaprosentti 12,6 ± 3,7 %; BMI: 23 kg/m2) fyysinen kunto mitattiin ennen taisteluharjoituksen alkua. Kehonkoostumusta ja seerumin insuliinin kaltaisen kasvutekijä 1:n (IGF-1), tuumorinekroositekijä alfan (TNF-α), interleukiini 6:n (IL-6) ja leptiinin pitoisuutta, sekä kreatiinikinaasin (CK) aktiivisuutta mitattiin viisi kertaa 27 vuorokautta kestäneen taisteluharjoituksen aikana. Taisteluharjoituksen aikana tapahtui merkitsevää laskua (p

Elderly populations are increasingly affected by sarcopenia, dynapenia and osteoporosis. They all increase frailty and decrease quality of life and life-expectancy. Resistance training (RT) has been reported extensively as a tool that can prevent, counter and in some cases reverse the course of the abovementioned diseases. Several studies covering RT adaptations in elderly populations have investigated periods between 6 up to 88 weeks with different frequencies, from 1 to 3 trainings / week and a wide range of intensities (30-85% or one repetition maximum) and different volumes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different training frequencies (one, two or three times / week) of periodized RT in older adults (60-75 years old) after a 36-week intervention period on strength adaptations and peak power, one repetition maximum dynamic leg press (1-RM) and explosive dynamic leg press with 50% of the 1-RM, muscle activity (measured by surface EMG, targeting vastus medialis and lateralis), lean mass (measured with Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and basal serum hormones concentrations of testosterone (T), cortisol (COR), sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and dehidroepiandrosterona (DHEA) . In this study, RT intervention significantly increased 1-RM, especially towards the highest frequency intervention groups (3 times / week in both men and women). Without correlating with frequency, T and COR concentrations increased and on the other hand, a significant decrease in SHBG/COR ratio was observed in both men and women. Once and twice / week frequencies bring up similar strength outcomes. RT is an appropriate tool for increasing strength in both older men and women.

Johdanto. Tyypin 2 diabetes sekä verenkieroelimistön sairaudet ovat yleistyneet ja niiden tehokkaimpana ehkäisynä pidetään liikuntaa. Suomessa ihmiset eivät noudata liikuntasuosi-tuksia ja syyksi inaktiivisuuteen sanotaankin olevan ajan ja motivaation puute. Korkeate-hoinen intervalliharjoittelu on ollut suosittua siksi, että se säästää aikaa ja sen vaikutuksien terveyteen ja kuntoon ajatellaan olevan vähintäänkin samanlaiset kun aerobisen harjoittelun. Tämän tutkimuksen tarkoituksena oli tutkia onko kahden erityyppisen intervalliharjoittelun (juoksu ja kuntopiiri) välillä eroja veren lipideissä ja hormoneissa, kun työmäärä ja intensiteetti pysyvät samana. Tällä hetkellä tutkimuksia tästä aiheesta on hyvin rajallisesti. Tarkoituksena oli lisäksi tutkia, kuinka korkeatehoinen intervalli harjoittelu eroaa perintei-sestä tasavauhtisesta harjoittelusta. Menetelmät. Koehenkilöinä oli 24 tervettä, kuntolii-kuntaa harrastavaa aikuista. Koehenkilöt arvottiin satunnaisesti yhteen kolmesta ryhmästä: korkeatehoinen intervalliharjoittelu juosten, korkeatehoinen intervalliharjoittelu kuntopiirinä tai tasavauhtinen harjoittelu juosten. Koehenkilöt harjoittelivat kolme kertaa viikossa 8 viikon ajan. HIIT juosten sisälsi 8–10 x 1 min submaksimaalisia vetoja 30 sekunnin palau-tuksella, kuntopiiri sisälsi 8–10 lihaskuntoliikettä (minuutin per liike) 30 sekunnin palau-tuksella ja tasavauhtinen juoksu koostui 40–60 minuutin aerobisesta juoksemisesta. Veri-näytteet otettiin ennen ja jälkeen harjoittelujakson ja niistä analysoitiin kokonaiskolesteroli, HDL, LDL, triglyseridit, glyseroli, vapaat rasvahapot, insuliini, leptiini sekä kortisoli. Koe-henkilöt pitivät tutkimuksen aikana kahdesti ruokapäiväkirjaa, jotka analysoitiin NutriFlow -ohjelmalla. Tulokset. Päätulos tässä tutkimuksessa oli se, että 8 viikon harjoittelun jälkeen rasvoissa ja hormoneissa kahden erilaisen korkeatehoisen intervalliharjoittelun välillä ei ole eroja. Toinen päätulos oli se, että insuliini laski merkitsevästi 16,7 % molempien intervalli-harjoittelujaksojen seurauksena (ennen 60,0±29,8 pmol/l ja jälkeen 50±15,4 pmol/l). Tut-kimuksessa ei havaittu muita merkittäviä muutoksia. Pohdinta. Tämän tutkimuksen perus-teella, 8 viikon mittainen korkeatehoinen intervalliharjoittelu laskee veren insuliinipitoisuutta vaikuttamatta veren glukoosipitoisuuteen. Näyttäisi siltä, että intervalliharjoittelu tehostaa insuliinin toimintaa ja siten vähemmän insuliinia tarvitaan glukoosin kuljettamiseen soluihin. Introduction. Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases have become more and more common and the best known prevention is physical activity. People in Finland are poorly following physical activity regulations and the most common reasons for inactivity are lack of time and lack of motivation. High-intensity interval training has become very trendy and popular as it is time efficient, and the effects to fitness and health are thought to be at least the same than after traditional aerobic training. The purpose of this study was to investigate, if there are differences in blood lipids and hormones between the two different types of HIIT protocols (HIIT running versus HIIT circuit) when the amount of work and intensity are the same but the training method is different. Currently, the existing data is limited. The objective was also to study, if these two HIIT protocols differ from traditional continuous aerobic running when considering fitness and health parameters. Methods. In this study, there were 24 healthy, recreationally active adults as subjects. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of the tree groups: high-intensity interval running (HIIT, n=8), high-intensity interval circuit training (HICT, n=8) or steady-state running (n=8). The subjects trained three times per week for 8 weeks. The HIIT consisted of 8–10 x 1 min submaximal running intervals separated with 30 s active recovery, HICT consisted of 8–10 exercises performed maximally as circuit training (one minute per exercise) separated with a 30 s recovery between the movements and steady-state running consisted of 40–60 minutes steady state running. Blood samples were taken before and after the eight week training period and TC, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, glycerol, FFA, insulin, leptin and cortisol were analyzed. In addition, the subjects kept a 5-day food diary twice during the study period and the diaries were analyzed with NutriFlow-program. Results. The main result was that there were no differences between the HIIT and HICT groups in any of the measured variable. Insulin decreased significantly after 8-week high-intensity interval training (both interval groups combined) by 16,7 % (from 60,0±29,8 pmol/l to 50±15,4 pmol/l). There were no other significant changes. Discussion. Based on this study, the 8-week high-intensity interval training decreases insu-lin concentration in blood without affecting blood glucose concentration. It seems that high-intensity interval training facilitates insulin to function more efficiently, so less insulin is needed for glucose transportation.

Savolainen, S. 2015. Effects of an 8-day field training on body composition, serum hormone concentrations and maximal force production in military conscripts, 64p. University of Jyväskylä. Department of Biology of Physical Activity. Science of Sports Coaching and Fitness Testing. The aim of this study was to examine physiological consequences on 8-day strenuous military field exercise. 26 men (20 ± 1 yrs, 53,7 ± 4,5ml/kg/min, 178,4 ± 7,2cm, 71,2 ± 7,2kg) in the end of their military service participated in the study. The research data was collected in five testing day (pre1, pre2, middle, post and follow-up); body composition, physical performance and basal blood levels were measured. The changes in body composition were calculated with the information from total body water measurements with deuterium dilution techique. Serum hormones analysed from the basal blood were total testosterone and cortisol and carrier protein SHBG. Bilateral isometric leg and arm extension force were used to describe physical performance. RESULTS: Total body mass decreased by 1.8±1kg (p

Conscripts and soldiers have to perform their duties in a multistressor environment. During prolonged periods of combat training, fluctuations in strength levels and hormone concentrations have been noted. However, there is limited information regarding the changes in shooting performance and whether changes in strength and hormonal concentrations are correlated with it. This study examined strength levels, shooting performance and hormonal fluctuations during a 3-week combat training period. Possible correlations between the variables were examined and investigated. This study lasted for 37 days and involved 49 Finnish male conscripts as subjects. The subjects acted as their own controls during the first 11 days of the study. The control period was followed by a shooting camp which lasted for 5 days, and it was the first part of the prolonged combat training period. The following eight days consisted of combat camp1 (CC1) and immediately after that combat camp 2 (CC2) which also lasted 8 days. After the prolonged combat training period subjects had 5 days to recover. Measurements were taken on day 1, day 7, day 23, day 32, and day 37. The measurements included isometric leg press and isometric bench press for measuring strength levels of the lower and upper body. Shooting performance was measured from a standing and prone position. Serum cortisol, testosterone, and SHBG concentrations were analyzed from blood samples collected in a fasted state between 6.30am -7.30 am. Significant fluctuations were observed in leg strength (p≤0.05) which decreased as loading was high, and after day 23 when loading was decreased, leg strength levels increased. The score from shooting in a standing position also decreased as the loading was high and as the loads began to decrease after day 23 the shooting standing score improved (p≤0.001). The shooting prone score did not show any significant changes throughout the study period. Serum cortisol concentrations increased significantly (p≤0.001) during the prolonged combat training period. Serum testosterone concentrations decreased (p≤0.001) during the prolonged combat training period. Significant positive correlations were observed in the changes in shooting standing scores and changes in strength levels for legs and upper body (r=0.33-r=0.46, p≤0.05˗ p≤0.001). After 5 days of recovery, all measured variables except cortisol returned to baseline levels. The present findings showed that significant fluctuations in the strength levels, serum hormone concentrations and shooting scores took place during the prolonged combat training period. Changes in strength levels and changes in shooting performance were related as well as changes in serum cortisol concentrations and shooting standing score. Thus, a prolonged combat training period may have adverse effects in strength levels and the shooting ability in soldiers. Therefore, it is important that soldiers get an appropriate amount of rest while performing their duties.

Aikaisemmissa tutkimuksissa on osoitettu myyräkuumeen aiheuttavan akuutteja ja kroonisia muutoksia hormonitoiminnassa. Muutosten yhteyttä kliinisiin oireisiin tai rakenteellisiin poikkeavuuksiin kilpirauhasessa ei aikaisemmin ole tutkittu. Myyräkuumeen vaikutukset kilpirauhaseen -tutkimuksessa selvitettiin kliinisten oireiden ja löydösten sekä kilpirauhasen rakenteen ja toiminnan muutosten yleisyyttä myyräkuumeen vuoksi sairaalahoitoon joutuneilla potilailla taudin akuutissa vaiheessa sekä kuukauden kuluttua sairastumisesta. Lisäksi tutkittiin muutosten yhteyttä taudin vaikeusasteeseen. Tutkimuksessa huomioitiin veren hormonipitoisuuksien lisäksi myös kliiniset oireet ja löydökset, vaikutukset elämänlaatuun sekä kilpirauhasen ultraäänitutkimuksen tulokset. Tutkimukseen osallistui 22 potilasta, joilla kaikilla Puumala-virusvasta-ainetesti varmisti tuoreen myyräkuumeen diagnoosin. Yksilötasolla kilpirauhasarvoissa havaittiin muutoksia 13 (59 %) potilaalla: kahdeksalla (36 %) potilaalla oli poikkeavuutta akuuttivaiheessa ja seitsemällä (32 %) kontrollivaiheessa. Taudin vaikeusasteella oli yhteys akuuttivaiheen kilpirauhasmuutoksiin, muttei kontrollivaiheen muutoksiin. Akuutissa vaiheessa ultraäänitutkimuksen avulla määritetty kilpirauhasen tilavuus korreloi käänteisesti kontrollivaiheen plasman tyreotropiiniarvon kanssa. Poikkeavilla kilpirauhasarvoilla ei havaittu yhteyttä kliinisiin oireisiin ja löydöksiin tai elämänlaatukyselyn pisteisiin. Myyräkuume vaikuttaa akuutissa vaiheessa kilpirauhasen toimintaa, mutta pidempiaikaisia vaikutuksia ei pysty ennustamaan taudin vaikeusasteen perusteella. Jatkossa tulisi selvittää myyräkuumeen myöhäisvaikutuksia kilpirauhasen toimintaan ja rakenteeseen.

MicroRNAs are small molecules, found in all cell types and body fluids, which most commonly affect negatively to gene expressions by translational repression. Their role in various physiological conditions and diseases has been emphasized during the last twenty years. In our recent studies with postmenopausal monozygotic twin sisters (n=11), we have investigated how different systemic hormonal status affects the levels of specific circulating microRNAs and other molecules related to inflammation and apoptosis, both processes associated with aging. Our results have shown that the systemic levels of miR-21, miR-146a and Fas ligand are lower within the postmenopausal women who are using estrogen-based hormonal replacement (HRT), compared to their non-using co-twins (p=0.018, p=0.039, p=0.021, respectively). To get further knowledge about the aging effect, we also measured the same markers from the premenopausal control women (n=8), with natural hormonal status, and found out that the inflammatory profile was healthier among the young women and that the serum miR-21 profile was more similar with the HRT users than non-users, and miR-146 and FasL profile more similar to non-users. These findings demonstrate that HRT has effects on the circulating inflammation related regulatory molecules. Whether we can state that the effects are clearly positive or negative, needs further investigations and understanding of the regulatory system. nonPeerReviewed

TIIVISTELMÄ Riitta Roivas (2014). Vaihdevuosi-ikäisten naisten ravitsemustilan yhteys lihaksen kokoon ja koostumukseen. Terveystieteiden laitos, Jyväskylän yliopisto, gerontologian ja kansantervey-den pro gradu -tutkielma, 55 sivua. Tutkielman tarkoituksena oli selvittää ravintoaineiden yhteyttä lihaksen kokoon ja koostu-mukseen vaihdevuosi-ikäisillä naiskaksosilla sekä ravintoaineiden saantia verrattuna suoma-laisiin ravitsemussuosituksiin. Tutkielma on osa SAWEs -tutkimusaineistoa. Tutkittavina oli yhteensä 15 identtistä kaksos-sisarparia, iältään 54–62-vuotiaita. Kaksossisaret erosivat toisistaan hormonikorvaushoidon suhteen. Toinen sisarista oli käyttänyt hormonikorvaushoitoa keskimäärin 6.9 vuotta ja toinen ei ollut käyttänyt hormonikorvaushoitoa ollenkaan. Reisilihaksen koko ja koostumus arvioitiin tietokonetomografian avulla. Kuvista laskettiin reiden lihasten suhteellinen osuus reiden poikkipinta-alasta, reisilihasten poikkipinta-ala, lihaskudoksen tiheys sekä lihasaition sisään kertyneen rasva-alueen poikkipinta-ala. Tutkittavien ravitsemusta selvitettiin ruokapäiväkirjan avulla. Liikunta-aktiivisuus kysyttiin kyselylomakkeella ja vastausten perusteella tutkittavat jaettiin kolmeen liikunta-aktiivisuus luokkaan: vähän liikkuvat, kohtuullisesti liikkuvat, aktii-visesti liikkuvat. Ravintoaineiden saantia verrattiin koko ryhmässä suosituksiin kunkin ravin-toaineen osalta yhden otoksen t-testillä. Lihasmuuttujien ja ravintoaineiden keskinäistä yhte-yttä testattiin lineaarisella regressioanalyysillä hormonin käyttö ja aika viimeisistä kuukautisista vakioituna. Tutkittavien vuorokautinen ravintoaineiden saanti jäi alle suositusarvojen (alarajan) D-vitamiinin osalta keskimäärin 3.5 µg (p < 0.001), foolihapon osalta keskimäärin 40,8 mg (p < 0.001) ja proteiinien osalta 0,1 g/painokilo (p < 0.05). Kohtalaisesti ja aktiivisesti liikkuvat saivat energiaa liian vähän viitearvoon verrattuna (p < 0.001). Vähän liikkuvat saivat liikaa energiaa viitearvoon verrattuna (p = 0.04). Proteiinien saanti oli positiivisesti yhteydessä li-hasten suhteelliseen osuuteen reiden poikkipinta-alasta (p < 0.01) ja negatiivisessa yhteydessä lihasaition rasva-alueen pinta-alaan (p < 0.01), kun hormonin käyttö ja aika viimeisistä kuu-kautisista vakioitiin. Tässä tutkielmassa havaittiin ravintoaineiden saannissa sama ilmiö kuin kansallisissa ravinto-aineselvityksissä. Tärkeät ravintoaineet jäävät alle suositusarvojen ja energian saanti ei vastaa kulutusta. Riittävä proteiinien saanti on tärkeää reisilihaksen koon ja suotuisan koostumukseen säilymisessä vaihdevuosi-ikäisillä naisilla. ABSTRACT Riitta Roivas (2014) The association of nutrition to muscle size and composition in menopau-sal women. Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Master´s thesis in geron-tology and public health, 55 pages. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relations of nutrients to the muscle size and composition in menopausal female twin pairs and the nutrients intake compared to the Finnish recommendations. The study is a part of the SAWEs - survey data. The subjects consisted of a total of 15 MZ-female twin pairs aged between 54–62 years. Twin pairs differed from each other in terms of hormone replacement therapy. One co-twin had used hormone replacement therapy for an av-erage of 6.9-years, and the other co-twin had not used hormone replacement therapy at all. Thigh muscle mass and composition were analyzed by computed tomography. From scans relative proportion of muscle within the whole thigh cross-sectional area, muscle area, muscle attenuation and muscle compartment fat area were calculated. Daily energy and nutrient in-take were assessed by food record diaries. Physical activity was assessed by a questionnaire. Subjects were divided into three physical activity categories: sedentary, moderately active and physically active. Daily energy intake was tested against recommendations in each group with one sample t-test. The intake of each nutrient substance of all participants were tested against the official recommendations with one sample t-test. Muscle variables and the connection be-tween nutrients were tested using a linear regression analysis hormone use and the times since last period as a covariant. Daily nutrient intake was below the recommended values of vitamin D for an average of 3.5 g (p < 0.001), folic acid for an average of 40.8 mg (p < 0.001) and for the proteins 0.1 g / kg body weight (p < 0.05). Moderately active and physically active participants got too little en-ergy compared to the reference value (p < 0.001). Sedentary participants got too much energy compared to the reference value (p = 0.04). Proteins intake was positively related to relative proportion of muscle within the whole thigh cross-sectional area (p < 0.01) and negatively re-lated to the muscle compartment fat area (p < 0.01) when hormone use and the time of the last menstrual adjusted. In this study the same phenomenon was detected as in the national nutrition surveys. Essential nutrients were below the recommended values and energy intake was not equivalent to con-sumption. An adequate proteins intake is important to the thigh muscle size and composition of women to maintain a beneficial menopausal.

Purpose To examine acute responses and recovery of serum hormones and muscle force following combined strength (S) and endurance (E) loading sessions in which the order of exercises is reversed (ES vs. SE). Methods This cross-over study design included recreationally endurance trained men and women (age 21–45 years, n = 12 men n = 10 women) who performed both loadings. Maximal bilateral isometric strength (MVC), isometric rate of force development (RFD) and serum concentrations of testosterone (T), cortisol (C), growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured during and after both loadings. Results Both of the present combined (ES and SE) loadings led to a greater acute decrease in MVC in men than in women, while RFD was slightly affected only in men. Recovery of MVC and RFD to baseline was complete at 24 h regardless of the order of exercises. In men, neuromuscular fatigue was accompanied by increased C concentrations observed post SE. This was followed by decreased concentrations of T at 24 h and 48 h that were significantly lower than those observed following ES. GH response in men also differed significantly post loadings. In women, only a significant difference in T between ES and SE loadings was observed at post. Conclusion These observed differences in hormonal responses despite similarities in neuromuscular fatigue in men indicate the presence of an order effect as the body was not fully recovered at 48 h following SE. These findings may be applicable in training prescription in order to optimize specific training adaptations. peerReviewed

Combining both strength (S) and endurance (E) exercise loadings into a single training session can be considered to be of interest e.g. for time management purposes. However, the first loading in a combined session tends to produce notable acute fatigue responses, which can lead to the second loading being performed in a compromised state. Research on fatigue and recovery from a combined session with different loading orders is currently scarce, with even less attention given to the acute responses. Thus, this study investigated the long-term adaptations in the acute responses of a combined strength and endurance loading and whether or not there is an order effect. A total of 29 male subjects completed the study which consisted of 24 weeks of combined strength and endurance training. All subjects participated first in the basal measurements of strength and endurance and were then assigned to one of the two groups: performing endurance before strength (E+S) or vice versa (S+E). Measurements of acute responses and recovery took place in the first week of training (0 weeks) and at the end of the study (24 weeks). The acute loadings were completed in an assigned order. The endurance loading consisted of 30 minutes of continuous endurance exercise on a bicycle ergometer at 65% of Wmax. The strength loading consisted of 3x40% 1RM, 4x75-90% 1RM and 4x75-80% 1RM. Maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVC) and force production in 500ms (MVC 0-500ms) as well as serum testosterone and cortisol concentrations from a venous blood sample were measured before the loading (Pre), after the first part (E or S) of the loading (Mid), after completion of the loading (Post) as well as during recovery (at 24h and 48h). Both groups experienced a significant (p

To investigate the effects of concurrent strength and endurance training on physical performance and serum hormone levels a total of 32 recreational endurance runners were trained for 18 weeks. Subjects were divided into four training groups separated by the strength training mode and gender. The groups were women’s and men’s combined maximal and explosive strength training group (WME; n=9 and MME; n=9), and women’s and men’s muscle endurance strength training group (WE; n= 8 & ME; n=8). The training was executed in three consecutive periods (I; 10 weeks, II; 4 weeks and III; 4 weeks). The endurance training in all groups was low-intensity (below lactate threshold) running throughout the whole experiment. The strength training was similar moderate-intensity resistance training for all groups during the training period I. During the training periods II and III, strength training differed between the groups (combined maximal and explosive vs. muscle endurance strength training). All groups performed two strength training sessions per week. Serum basal hormone levels, one repetition maximum (1RM), counter movement jump (CMJ), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and maximal running velocity (Vmax) mere measured prior to the experiment and after each training period. Free testosterone increased in WE from Week 10 to Week 14 (20.1 ± 20.6 %, p < 0.05). No other changes in basal serum hormone levels were observed within or between the groups or genders. 1RM and CMJ improved significantly in all groups (p < 0.05-0.001) as well as Vmax (p < 0.05-0.001). No significant differences in the changes in 1RM, CMJ or VO2max were observed between the training groups. The increase in Vmax was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the ME compared with the MME group (p < 0.05) during the differentiated strength training period. Additionally, ME had a significantly (p < 0.05) larger improvement in Vmax compared with WE (p < 0.05-0.001) during the experiment. In conclusion, hormonal responses to the present concurrent strength and endurance training seemed to be highly individual and mainly non-significant in the group level. No gender differences were observed in the hormonal responses. In addition, no gender differences were found in the changes in most of the selected physical performance variables except for the greater increase in the Vmax in ME compared to WE. Well designed concurrent strength and endurance training regimens resulted in improvements in strength and endurance in recreational endurance runners regardless of the strength training type used. However, improvements in strength and power were more systematic in the groups performing combined maximal and explosive strength training. The differences in the selected endurance performance variables were minimal except for the larger improvement in Vmax in the ME group compared with the MME group.