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This study compared a novel relative‐to‐body‐mass FATmax test (RFT; 0.15 W/kg/4 min from 0.45 W/kg) with a traditional absolute power FATmax test (AFT; 10 W/3min15sec from 30 W) in postmenopausal females. The aim was to determine whether the RFT protocol would improve fat oxidation kinetics during exercise, in females with lower maximal fat oxidation (MFO). It was hypothesized that the longer duration and the lower workload increments would result in higher fat oxidation values than AFT. Seventeen active postmenopausal females (69.2 ± 5.1 years) performed both protocols in a randomized order and were divided into above (H‐MFO) or below (L‐MFO) 0.3 g/min MFO. Groups were equal in age and body composition. Overall, time to MFO was delayed during the RFT protocol (765 ± 621 vs. 401 ± 262 s) without MFO differences. Both groups displayed longer time to MFO in RFT, whilst significantly only for L‐MFO (420 ± 280 s vs. 317 ± 232). Although no statistical differences, moderate effect sizes were observed in the L‐MFO group during RFT for both MFO (0.22 ± 0.04 vs. 0.19 ± 0.06 g/min, d = 0.65) and VO2 (12.8 ± 3.8 vs. 15.4 ± 5.5 mL/min/kg, d = −0.53). RFT may improve the determination of substrate oxidation kinetics in postmenopausal females with reduced fat oxidation capacity, while facilitating complementary analyses requiring longer recordings and stability (efficiency and Heart Rate Variability).

Background Heart Rate Variability at rest has been recently associated with metabolic outcomes alongside exercise, which in turn have been associated with energy expenditure, muscle power and fat mass. This study aimed to analyse the relationship at rest between autonomic function and metabolic outcomes, in physically active postmenopausal women. We hypothesised that, autonomic function is more strongly associated with Fat oxidation than basal metabolic rate. In sixty-one active postmenopausal women (67.9 ± 5.3 years; 40.3 ± 4.3 kg muscle mass) basal metabolic rate and Heart Rate Variability analysis was recorded simultaneously for 30 min with participants resting supine under standardised activity and diet conditions. Results Root Mean Square of Successive Differences of heart beats (RMSSD) and Total power showed a predictive value for resting Fat oxidation (β = 0.46; β = 0.26), explaining 30% of the variance. Including traditional predictors such as energy expenditure increased explained variance to 57.5%. In this model, RMSSD association disappeared, Total power (β = 0.88) became the strongest predictor, and together with energy expenditure (β = 0.53), showed significant associations with FATox. Respiratory exchange ratio only correlated with RMSSD (β = − 0.54) in the isolated Heart Rate Variability model, without basal metabolic rate associations. Box plots of RMSSD quartiles revealed a difference in fat-oxidation between the highest and lowest quartiles, a pattern not seen for Total power. Conclusion Baroreflex activity and fat oxidation associate at rest in active postmenopausal women with preserved cardiovascular function. Total power emerges as the strongest Heart Rate Variability predictor of baseline Fat oxidation in the multivariable models. Stratification by RMSSD quartiles revealed graded differences in fat oxidation rates across levels of vagal modulation. Trial registration Clinical Trials, NCT06336070. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06336070 Registered: 4 April 2024. Key Points Data reveal a robust association between cardiac vagal activity, measured through RMSSD and Total power, and the rate of Fat oxidation at rest in physically active postmenopausal women. Non-linear variables such as detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) do not associate under basal conditions. Despite the age-related decline, the postmenopausal active women displayed preserved autonomic and metabolic responses, evidenced by moderate sympathetic index and maintained RMSSD values, low respiratory exchange ratios and high Fat oxidation rates. A combined predictive model further establishes that Total power, indicative of baroreflex sensitivity, more accurately predicts resting Fat oxidation than overall energy expenditure, suggesting that HRV signals may be key markers of metabolic health in this aging population.

After analysing the impact of a cognitively oriented multicomponent home-based exercise training program on independence, perceived health status, and lower limb strength in a group of multimorbid and/or palliative older patients (MPO-P), we studied the associations between improvements following training and the participants and health personnel’s opinion of the program. 13 MPO-P, (80.15+4.20 years) completed four months of training progressing in autonomy (from two supervised sessions and one autonomous weekly -60min session-, to two autonomous and one supervised). This was followed by four autonomous (detraining) weeks with a recommendation to continue the exercises. Volume and intensity were increased by introducing more global exercises, with a greater neuromuscular load and double tasks, and a shorter resting interval. No exercise was repeated during the session (EFAM-UV©). Independence (Barthel) and perceived health (physical SF-36, with no changes in the mental domain), were improved after supervised training, with a tendency to improve in strength (sitting and standing for 30-s) and perceived health (total SF-36). This effect was maintained after the autonomous detraining phase, with a very favourable final perception by both patients and health personnel, as indicated in questionnaires. The gain in independence correlated negatively with the users’ perception, but this requirement ensured the improvement. There was no association between perceived health and the evaluation of the program.

Optimizing aerodynamic efficiency is crucial in competitive cycling, where aerodynamic resistance significantly limits performance. Devices like Notio have emerged to calculate the coefficient of drag area (CDA) considering dynamic pressure data calculated by an integrated Pitot-static tube. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of Pitot-static tube calculations through wind speed (WS) data against a hot-wire anemometer (HWA). Sixty recordings were made, lasting 30 s each, in a closed-circuit wind tunnel at four different WS (≈30 to ≈60 km/h), and at five different yaw angles (0° to 20°). Initially, Notio showed WS 6.44% higher than HWA. The calibration process recommended by the Notio manufacturer reduced the differences to a non-significant 0.76%. Comparison of the WS of Notio calibrated and HWA only showed significant differences in the WS group of ≈60 km/h. There were no significant differences in the comparison of yaw angles groups. The reliability of Notio was worse than that of the HWA. In conclusion, Notio calibrated at a speed close to its use allows for reliable and accurate calculation of WS over a wide range of yaw angles under controlled wind tunnel conditions without the presence of a cyclist and bicycle. However, due to the influence of WS on aerodynamic drag, small errors in WS could translate into considerable values of CDA for cycling performance.

Little research exists concerning Heart Rate (HR) Variability (HRV) following supramaximal efforts focused on upper-body explosive strength-endurance. Since they may be very demanding, it seems of interest to analyse the relationship among performance, lactate and HR dynamics (i.e. HR, HRV and complexity) following them; as well as to know how baseline cardiac autonomic modulation mediates these relationships. The present study aimed to analyse associations between baseline and post-exercise HR dynamics following a supramaximal Judo test, and their relationship with lactate, in a sample of 22 highly-trained male judoists (20.70±4.56 years). A large association between the increase in HR from resting to exercise condition and performance suggests that individuals exerted a greater sympathetic response to achieve a better performance (Rating of Perceived Exertion: 20; post-exercise peak lactate: 11.57±2.24 mmol/L; 95.76±4.13 % of age-predicted HR(max)). Athletes with higher vagal modulation and lower sympathetic modulation at rest achieved both a significant larger ∆HR and a faster post-exercise lactate removal. A enhanced resting parasympathetic modulation might be therefore related to a further usage of autonomic resources and a better immediate metabolic recovery during supramaximal exertions. Furthermore, analyses of variance displayed a persistent increase in α₁ and a decrease in lnRMSSD along the 15 min of recovery, which are indicative of a diminished vagal modulation together with a sympathovagal balance leaning to sympathetic domination. Eventually, time-domain indices (lnRMSSD) showed no lactate correlations, while nonlinear indices (α₁ and lnSaEn) appeared to be moderate to strongly correlated with it, thus pointing to shared mechanisms between neuroautonomic and metabolic regulation.

The present study aimed to analyze the impact of a multicomponent training (MCT) program in a group of non-active older adults, comparing two different dose distributions. Twenty-four individuals, assigned to two groups, completed 15 weeks of MCT (2 days/week). The continuous group (CMCT; n = 14, 9 females; 71.07 ± 5.09 years) trained for 60 min/session in the morning. The accumulated group (AMCT; n = 10, 5 females; 72.70 ± 3.59 years) performed the same exercises, volume, and intensity, but the training was distributed twice per day (30 min in the morning; 30 more in the afternoon). Bonferroni post hoc comparisons revealed significant (p < 0.001) and similar large improvements in both groups in lower limb strength (five times sit-to-stand test: CMCT, 12.55 ± 2.83 vs. 9.44 ± 1.72 s; AMCT, 10.37 ± 2.35 vs. 7.46 ± 1.75 s). In addition, there were large gains in preferred walking speed and instrumental daily life activities, which were higher for CMCT and AMCT, respectively (in this order: 1.00 ± 0.18 vs. 1.44 ± 0.26 m/s and 1.09 ± 0.80 vs. 1.58 ± 0.18 m/s; 33.07 ± 2.88 vs. 36.57 ± 1.65 points and 32.80 ± 1.93 vs. 36.80 ± 0.92 points); improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, now moderate for CMCT (474.14 ± 93.60 vs. 529.64 ± 82.76 m) and large for AMCT (515.10 ± 20.24 vs. 589.60 ± 40.38 m); and medium and similar enhancements in agility in both groups (TUG test: CMCT: 7.49 ± 1.11 vs. 6.77 ± 1.16 s; AMCT: 6.84 ± 1.01 vs. 6.18 ± 0.62 s). None of the protocols had an impact on the executive function, whereas health-related quality of life showed a trend to significance in the whole sample only (EQindex overall sample, p = 0.062; d = 0.48 CMCT; d = 0.34 AMCT). Regardless of the type of dose distribution, starting multicomponent training improves physical function in non-active older adults, but does not improve cognitive function at mid-term. Because both forms of MCT showed similar compliance, slightly positive differences in accumulated strategies may indicate some benefits related to breaking afternoon sedentary behaviors, which deserves further research in longer and larger interventions. The mixed nature of MCT suggests accumulative group interventions may be a promising approach to address sedentary aging.

  El cierre de centros deportivos y suspensión de entrenamientos y competiciones provocadas por la COVID-19 conllevó una merma importante en la actividad física de los deportistas de alto rendimiento. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer si un programa de entrenamiento supervisado online, orientado a la fuerza, fue capaz de mejorar la altura y potencia en el salto, y mitigar los efectos de la cuarentena en la agilidad. 51 jugadores de baloncesto de élite en formación (72.74 ± 13.30 kg; 1.85 ± .10 m), fueron divididos según categoría de edad (Infantil (U-14): 20 jugadores, 13.45 ± .51 años; Cadete (U-16): 22 jugadores, 15.59 ± .50 años; y Junior (U-18): 9 jugadores, 17.00 ± .50 años) y evaluados de composición corporal, fuerza explosiva (test de salto Abalakov, bilateral y unilateral) y agilidad (test V-Cut). Peso y BMI se vieron negativamente afectados. La fuerza explosiva mejoró tras la intervención (p < .001) en todas las variables y categorías, mientras la agilidad empeoró significativamente (p < .001), confirmando que la falta de espacio para realizar desplazamientos y la ausencia de orientación perceptiva-cognitiva en el entrenamiento son limitaciones determinantes, con peores consecuencias cuando aumenta la edad. La cuarentena obligatoria puede (y debe) verse como una oportunidad para el desarrollo de habilidades físicas básicas como la fuerza (prestando especial atención a las cargas de entrenamiento), siempre que se realice después un trabajo planificado y específico de reinserción al juego. Los preparadores físicos deben prestar especial atención a las cargas en un confinamiento, pues pueden ser insuficientes para deportistas más capaces y formados.  Abstract: The closure of sports centers and suspension of training and competitions caused by COVID-19 led to a significant decrease in physical activity of high performance basketball players. The aim of this study was to investigate if a strength online training program was able to improve height and power in jumping, and to mitigate the effects of the quarantine in agility. Fifty-one elite youth basketball players (72.74 ± 13.30 kg; 1.85 ± .10 m), were divided into three age categories (Infants (U-14): 20 players, 13.45 ± .51 years; Cadets (U-16): 22 players, 15.59 ± .50 years; Juniors (U-18): 9 players, 17.00 ± .50 years) and evaluated for parameters related to body composition, explosive strength during jumping (bilateral and unilateral Abalakov test), and agility (V-Cut test). Weight and BMI were negatively affected. Explosive strength improved after the intervention (p < .001) in all variables and categories, while agility worsened significantly (p < .001), confirming that the lack of space to move and the absence of perceptual-cognitive orientation in training are important limitations, with worse consequences as age increases. Mandatory quarantine can (and should) be an opportunity for the development of basic physical skills such as strength (paying special attention to training loads), provided that a planned and specific work of reintegration into the game is carried out afterwards. Physical trainers should pay special attention to loads in confinement, as they may be insufficient for more capable and trained athletes. The closure of sports centers and suspension of training and competitions caused by COVID-19 led to a significant decrease in physical activity of high performance basketball players. The aim of this study was to investigate if a strength online training program was able to improve height and power in jumping, and to mitigate the effects of the quarantine in agility. Fifty-one elite youth basketball players (72.74 ± 13.30 kg; 1.85 ± .10 m), were divided into three age categories (Infants (U-14): 20 players, 13.45 ± .51 years; Cadets (U-16): 22 players, 15.59 ± .50 years; Juniors (U-18): 9 players, 17.00 ± .50 years) and evaluated for parameters related to body composition, explosive strength during jumping (bilateral and unilateral Abalakov test), and agility (V-Cut test). Weight and BMI were negatively affected. Explosive strength improved after the intervention (p < .001) in all variables and categories, while agility worsened significantly (p < .001), confirming that the lack of space to move and the absence of perceptual-cognitive orientation in training are important limitations, with worse consequences as age increases. Mandatory quarantine can (and should) be an opportunity for the development of basic physical skills such as strength (paying special attention to training loads), provided that a planned and specific work of reintegration into the game is carried out afterwards. Physical trainers should pay special attention to loads in confinement, as they may be insufficient for more capable and trained athletes. O fechamento de centros esportivos e a suspensão de treinamentos e competições provocados pelo COVID-19 levaram a uma diminuição significativa da atividade física de atletas de alto rendimento. O objetivo deste estudo foi descobrir se um programa de treinamento on-line supervisionado e orientado para a força era capaz de melhorar a altura e a potência no salto e mitigar os efeitos da quarentena na agilidade. 51 jogadores de basquete de elite em treinamento (72,74 ± 13,30 kg; 1,85 ± 0,10 m), foram divididos de acordo com a categoria de idade (Infantil (Sub-14): 20 jogadores, 13,45 ± 0,51 anos; Cadete (Sub-16) : 22 jogadores, 15,59 ± 0,50 anos; e Júnior (U-18): 9 jogadores, 17,00 ± 0,50 anos) e avaliados quanto à composição corporal, força explosiva (teste de salto de Abalakov, bilateral e unilateral) e agilidade (teste V -Cortar). Peso e IMC foram afetados negativamente. A força explosiva melhorou após a intervenção (p <0,001) em todas as variáveis ​​e categorias, enquanto a agilidade piorou significativamente (p <0,001), confirmando que a falta de espaço para realizar os movimentos e a ausência de orientação perceptivo-cognitiva em os treinamentos são limitações determinantes, com consequências piores com o aumento da idade. A quarentena obrigatória pode (e deve) ser vista como uma oportunidade para o desenvolvimento de habilidades físicas básicas como força (com atenção especial às cargas de treinamento), desde que um trabalho planejado e específico de reintegração ao jogo seja realizado posteriormente. Os treinadores devem prestar atenção especial às cargas em confinamento, pois podem ser insuficientes para atletas mais capazes e instruídos.

This study analysed the effects of a supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programme on metabolic flexibility and autonomic function in active postmenopausal women. Twenty women (66.6 ± 6.2 years; 67.9 ± 11.1 kg) completed a 6-week cycling HIIT intervention consisting of three weekly sessions (20 min/session). Each session included five 1-min bouts at 170-184% of the power output achieved at maximal carbohydrate oxidation (MCO) determined during a submaximal graded FAT test, interspersed with 1-min active recovery at 0.5 W/kg. The initial 2-week period was included to progressively increase training intensity. Pre- and post-intervention assessments comprised a 30-min basal metabolic rate evaluation with continuous heart rate variability and gas-exchange measurements. Paired comparisons with bar and scatter plots were performed. At MCO intensity, significant improvements were observed in MCO (d = 0.76), (d = 1.04), gross and net (d = 1.63; d = 1.35) efficiency, and relative power (d = 2.67), with higher Stress Index (d = 0.72) and blood lactate (d = 0.55). Maximal fat oxidation (MFO) increased from 0.28 to 0.32 g/min (d = 0.51) alongside higher sample-entropy and reduced perceived exertion (d = 0.65, d = 0.80) at MFO intensity, despite no changes in basal metabolic rate or body composition. Changes in were negatively correlated with age (R  = 0.34), whereas net and gross efficiency improvements were positively correlated with this latter (R  = 0.23 and 0.26). Six weeks of HIIT elicited safe, time-efficient metabolic and autonomic adaptations in postmenopausal women. While power output, , carbohydrate oxidation, efficiency and Stress Index improved at MCO intensity, enhanced fat oxidation accompanied by greater autonomic complexity and reduced perceived effort reflect key findings at MFO.

This study aimed to verify whether a group of young well-trained basketball players presented deficiencies in vitamin D concentration, and to analyze whether there was an association between vitamin D concentration and jumping and hopping performance. Gender differences were considered. Twenty-seven players from an international high-level basketball club (14 female, 16.00 ± 0.55 years; 13 male, 15.54 ± 0.52 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Rate of force development was evaluated by means of the Abalakov test (bilateral: AbB; right leg: AbR; left leg: AbL); and the triple hop test (right leg: THR; left leg: THL). Blood samples were collected for the determination of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and nutritional status. Vitamin D insufficiency was found in both women (29.14 ± 6.08 ng/mL) and men (28.92 ± 6.40 ng/mL), with no gender differences regarding nutritional scores. Jumping and hopping performance was confirmed to be significantly larger in males (AbL, THR, and THL p < 0.005), whose CV% were always smaller. A positive correlation was found between AbB and vitamin D (r = 0.703) in males, whereas this correlation was negative (−0.611) for females, who also presented a negative correlation (r = −0.666) between THR and vitamin D. A prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was confirmed in young elite athletes training indoors. Nutritional (i.e., calciferol) controls should be conducted throughout the season. Furthermore, whilst performance seems to be affected by low levels of this vitamin in men, these deficiencies appear to have a different association with jumping and hopping in women, pointing to different performance mechanisms. Further studies accounting for differences in training and other factors might delve into these gender differences.

PURPOSE: The effect of endogenous antioxidants can be either an immediate response (relying on enzymatic activities) or a long-term adaptation (relying on gene modulation events), both susceptible to be modified by antioxidants from diet and supplementation. The aim of this work was to delve in these aspects in circulating white blood cells in a group of volunteers (n = 33, 20–22 years) performing eccentric exercises and consuming or not (n = 8) different polyphenolic antioxidants (Lippia citriodora extract-PLX® n = 8, almond beverage n = 9 or a mixture of both n = 8) during 21 days. METHODS: We have designed a single-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. Antioxidant enzyme activities, oxidative stress markers, and antioxidant gene expression were determined. RESULTS: Neutrophils and lymphocytes expressed high amounts of oxidative markers compared to plasma. Concerning enzymatic activities, increased superoxide dismutase levels were detected when certain supplements were consumed. However, catalase levels did not change. As for glutathione peroxidase levels, no differences were detected in lymphocytes, while neutrophils expressed increased levels in both placebo and PLX® groups. Glutathione reductase activity was decreased in all groups, except in neutrophils of PLX® group. At the level of gene expression, neither PLX® nor the almond beverage interfered with the expression of genes coding for the corresponding enzymes. However, the combined intake of both supplements affected the expression of glutathione reductase and Cu–Zn and Mn-superoxide dismutases in neutrophils. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, these results suggest that blood cell types respond and adapt differently to exercise-induced oxidative damage.