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The aim of this retrospective analysis was to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the cardiorespiratory profile of world‐class ILCA‐7 sailors (n = 3, all males), through a longitudinal evaluation offering real‐world data on physiological profile and exercise intensity domains. The cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was performed by the same researchers using the same equipment during the study. Assessments took place twice a year, aligning with major international competition preparations. Participants trained and competed at the same sailing club in Split, Croatia, under consistent supervision from the same team throughout the study, winning a total of 21 medals at major international competitions. The recorded V̇O2peak ${{\\dot{V}}_{{{\\mathrm{O}}}_{\\mathrm{2}}}{\\mathrm{peak}}}$ranged from 51.7 ± 1.6 to 61.9 ± 3.0 mL min−1 kg−1, respectively. Similarly, peak power output varied from 352 ± 10 to 426 ± 34 W. The changes in physiological responses at the ventilatory thresholds were proportional to the changes in peak cardiorespiratory fitness capacity. Interestingly, the oxygen pulse measured in 2015 was 25 ± 1 mL O2 beat−1. Over the subsequent 6 years, the O2 pulse marginally increased and appeared to stabilize at 27 ± 1 mL O2 beat−1 in 2020, when these athletes were 32 ± 3 years old. This work offers a broader understanding of world‐class Olympic sailors’ cardiorespiratory fitness, going beyond the standard assessment of peak V̇O2 ${{\\dot{V}}_{{{\\mathrm{O}}}_{\\mathrm{2}}}$to incorporate an analysis of ventilatory thresholds. While a direct link between cardiorespiratory fitness and competitive success remains ambiguous, the importance of a well‐rounded aerobic capacity for excellence in ILCA‐7 sailing class is evident. What is the central question of this study? What are the temporal changes in the physiological profiles of three world‐class ILCA‐7 sailors? What is the main finding and its importance? Data on oxygen pulse adjustments suggest the involvement of compensatory cardiovascular mechanisms, likely associated with the isometric and quasi‐isometric contractions inherent in ILCA‐7 sailing. This is evidenced by the absence of an age‐related increase in oxygen pulse, a phenomenon often observed in endurance athletes throughout their competitive careers.

Background: The equilibrium between gut microbiota (GM) and the host plays a pivotal role in maintaining overall health, influencing various physiological and metabolic functions. Emerging research suggests that exercise modulates the abundance and functionality of gut bacteria, yet the comprehensive effects on GM diversity remain to be synthesized. Objectives and Design: The study aims to quantitatively examine the effect of exercise on the diversity of gut microbiota of adults using a systemic review and meta-analysis approach. Methods: PubMed, Ebsco, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data were searched from their inception to September 2023. Exercise intervention studies with a control group that describe and compare the composition of GM in adults, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, were included in this meta-analysis. Results: A total of 25 studies were included in this meta-analysis with a total of 1044 participants. Based on a fixed-effects model [Chi2 = 29.40, df = 20 (p = 0.08); I2 = 32%], the pooled analysis showed that compared with the control group, exercise intervention can significantly increase the alpha diversity of adult GM, using the Shannon index as an example [WMD = 0.05, 95% CI (0.00, 0.09); Z = 1.99 (p = 0.05)]. In addition, exercise interventions were found to significantly alter GM, notably decreasing Bacteroidetes and increasing Firmicutes, indicating a shift in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. The subgroup analysis indicates that females and older adults appear to exhibit more significant changes in the Shannon Index and observed OTUs. Conclusions: Exercise may be a promising way to improve GM in adults. In particular, the Shannon index was significantly increased after exercise. Distinct responses in GM diversity to exercise interventions based on gender and age implicated that more research was needed.

Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) is characterized by its persistence, difficulty in control, and the tendency to focus on negative thoughts and past events. It is recognized as a key factor in the development and maintenance of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. A growing body of research suggests that physical activity-based interventions may effectively reduce RNT. However, the extent of this effect and the mechanisms behind it remain inconsistent across studies. This systematic review synthesized evidence from 19 peer-reviewed studies retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and other relevant databases up to December 2024. The objective was to investigate the efficacy of physical activity-based interventions in reducing RNT, with a particular focus on the influence of intervention type, duration, frequency, and intensity. The review found that physical activity interventions effectively reduce RNT, particularly when combined with psychological training. Combined interventions yielded greater reductions than physical activity alone. Moderate-to-high intensity exercise (30-60 min/session, 3-5 times/week) over an extended period was most effective, likely due to physiological, psychological, and social mechanisms. Single-session interventions showed limited effects, emphasizing the need for sustained engagement. Notably, interventions were more effective in individuals with depression, anxiety, or chronic stress, whereas effects in healthy individuals were smaller and more variable, suggesting that baseline symptomatology enhances intervention benefits. This review underscores the importance of designing intervention protocols that integrate both physical and psychological components to achieve greater reductions in RNT. The findings provide empirical support for the use of combined interventions involving physical activity and psychological training as an effective strategy for managing RNT. Additionally, future research should prioritize identifying optimal intervention characteristics (e.g., type, frequency, intensity) and addressing methodological limitations, such as the inclusion of diverse participant samples and broader language coverage, to provide more comprehensive insights into effective intervention strategies. These findings have important implications for mental health interventions and offer practical guidance for developing evidence-based approaches to reduce RNT.

During pregnancy an increased cardiac output (Q̇ $\\dot{Q}$ ) and blood volume (BV) occur to support fetal growth. Increased Q̇ $\\dot{Q}$and BV also occur during chronic endurance exercise training and benefit performance. We investigated if sprint interval training (SIT) undertaken early postpartum maintains the elevated Q̇ $\\dot{Q}$and BV of pregnancy and benefits performance. The participant, a competitive field hockey player and former cyclist, visited our laboratory at 2 weeks of gestation (baseline) and postpartum pre‐, mid‐ and post‐intervention (PPpre, PPmid and PPpost). Delivery was uncomplicated and she felt ready to start the SIT programme 5 weeks postpartum. Inert gas rebreathing was used to measure peak exercise Q̇ $\\dot{Q}$(Q̇ $\\dot{Q}$ peak); V̇O2peak ${{\\dot{V}}_{{{\\mathrm{O}}}_{\\mathrm{2}}}{\\mathrm{peak}}}$was measured with a metabolic cart; and postpartum haematological values were measured with carbon monoxide rebreathing. The 18 SIT sessions progressed from four to eight sprints at 130% of V̇O2peak ${{\\dot{V}}_{{{\\mathrm{O}}}_{\\mathrm{2}}}{\\mathrm{peak}}}$peak power output. Q̇ $\\dot{Q}$ peak increased from baseline at all postpartum time points (baseline 16.2 vs. 17.5, 16.8 and 17.2 L/min at PPpre, PPmid and PPpost, respectively). Relative V̇O2peak ${{\\dot{V}}_{{{\\mathrm{O}}}_{\\mathrm{2}}}{\\mathrm{peak}}}$remained below baseline values at all postpartum measurements (baseline 44.9 vs. 41.0, 42.3 and 42.5 mL/kg/min at PPpre, PPmid and PPpost, respectively) whereas absolute V̇O2peak ${{\\dot{V}}_{{{\\mathrm{O}}}_{\\mathrm{2}}}{\\mathrm{peak}}}$rapidly reached baseline values postpartum (baseline 3.19 vs. 3.12, 3.23 and 3.18 L/min at PPpre, PPmid and PPpost, respectively). Postpartum BV (5257, 4271 and 5214 mL at PPpre, PPmid and PPpost, respectively) and Hbmass (654, 525 and 641 g at PPpre, PPmid and PPpost, respectively) were similar between PPpre and PPpost but decreased alongside Q̇ $\\dot{Q}$ peak at PPmid. Peak power was returned to pre‐pregnancy values by intervention end (302 vs. 303 W, baseline vs. PPpost). These findings show that SIT undertaken early postpartum defends the elevated Q̇ $\\dot{Q}$ peak of pregnancy and rapidly returns absolute V̇O2peak ${{\\dot{V}}_{{{\\mathrm{O}}}_{\\mathrm{2}}}{\\mathrm{peak}}}$and peak power to baseline levels. What is the central question of this study? Can the enhanced cardiac output of pregnancy be maintained with strenous exercise training undertaken early postpartum. What is the main finding and its importance? Baseline values of absolute oxygen consumption, peak power output and peak exercise cardiac output can be regained rapidly or surpassed following 6 weeks of sprint interval training postpartum. Sprint interval training can be used by endurance trained females to safely resume training early postpartum, allowing a rapid and efficient return to baseline fitness levels.

Two long-distance runners developed medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS; male age = 26.3 years, female age = 47.5 years) after baseline assessment of plantar-flexor muscle structure and function and spatiotemporal running variables. B-mode ultrasound and lean leg girth characterized plantar-flexor muscle structure. Handheld dynamometry and a single-leg heel raise–to-failure protocol characterized plantar-flexor muscle function. Finally, spatiotemporal running variables were determined during a treadmill protocol. The 2 runners who developed MTSS demonstrated less plantar-flexor strength and endurance capacity than published comparative control data and marked variability in muscle structure. Reduced plantar-flexor strength and endurance capacity were thought to contribute to an impaired ability to resist tibial-bending moments during midstance due to earlier muscle fatigue. Earlier muscle fatigue could, in turn, contribute to increased tibial-bending moments and MTSS development. Therefore, assessing plantar-flexor muscle strength and endurance might help to identify athletes at risk of developing MTSS.

The concept of the “central governor” in exercise physiology suggests the brain plays a key role in regulating exercise performance by continuously monitoring physiological and psychological factors. In this case report, we monitored, for the first time, a marathon runner using a metabolic portable system and an EEG wireless device during an entire marathon to understand the influence of brain activity on performance, particularly the phenomenon known as “hitting the wall”. The results showed significant early modification in brain activity between the 10th and 15th kilometers, while the RPE remained low and cardiorespiratory responses were in a steady state. Thereafter, EEG responses decreased after kilometer 15, increased briefly between kilometers 20 and 25, then continued at a slower pace. After kilometer 30, both speed and respiration values dropped, along with the respiratory exchange ratio, indicating a shift from carbohydrate to fat metabolism, reflecting glycogen depletion. The runner concluded the race with a lower speed, higher RPE (above 15/20 on the Borg RPE scale), and reduced brain activity, suggesting mental exhaustion. The findings suggest that training strategies focused on recognizing and responding to brain signals could allow runners to optimize performance and pacing strategies, preventing premature exhaustion and improving overall race outcomes.

Training elite kayakers at a distance of 1000 m is associated with aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, while intermittent training, in a variety of forms, is one of the effective ways to improve cardiorespiratory and metabolic function. Thus, this study aimed to investigate muscle oxygenation responses during repetition training (RT), interval training (IT), and sprint interval training (SIT). Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitors were placed on the latissimus dorsi (LD), pectoralis major (PM), and vastus lateralis (VL) of a world-class kayaker during their preparatory period. The intensity of work, relief, and recovery intervals were the independent variables that were manipulated using three different training protocols. The inferential analysis between intermittent training protocols showed significant differences for all variables except total the hemoglobin (tHb) index in LD during bout 2 (F = 2.83, p = 0.1, ηp2 = 0.205); bout 3 (F = 2.7, p = 0.125, ηp2 = 0.193); bout 4 (F = 1.8, p = 0.202, ηp2 = 0.141); and bout 6 (F = 1.1, p = 0.327, ηp2 = 0.092). During the rest bouts, all training protocols showed significant differences for all variables except muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) in the VL during bout 5 (F = 4.4, p = 0.053, ηp2 = 0.286) and tHb in VL during bout 1 (F = 2.28, p = 0.132, ηp2 = 0.172); bout 2 (F = 0.564, p = 0.561, ηp2 = 0.049); bout 3 (F = 1.752, p = 0.205, ηp2 = 0.137); bout 4 (F = 1.216, p = 0.301, ηp2 = 0.1); and bout 6 (F = 4.146, p = 0.053, ηp2 = 0.274). The comparison between IT protocols RT and SIT presented similar results. All variables presented higher values during SIT, except HR results. Finally, the comparison between IT and SIT showed significant differences in several variables, and a clear trend was identified. The results of this study suggest that the application of different intermittent exercise protocols promotes distinct and significant changes in the peripheral effect of muscle oxygenation in response to training stimuli and may be internal predictors of hemodynamic and metabolic changes.

We investigated the effects of resistance exercise (RE), hydrolysed collagen (HC) ingestion and circulating oestrogen concentration on collagen synthesis in a naturally menstruating female CrossFit athlete. In a double‐blind, randomised cross‐over design, the participant (36 years; height 1.61 m; mass 82.6 kg) consumed 0 or 30 g HC prior to performing back‐squat RE when endogenous circulating oestrogen concentration was low (onset of menses, OM) and high (late follicular phase, LF) during two consecutive menstrual cycles. Ten 5‐mL blood samples were collected during each of the four interventions to analyse concentrations of serum 17β‐oestradiol, and biomarkers of type I collagen turnover, that is serum procollagen type I N‐terminal propeptide (PINP, a biomarker of collagen synthesis) and plasma β‐isomerised C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β‐CTX, a biomarker of collagen breakdown), as well as the serum concentration of 18 collagen amino acids. 17β‐Oestradiol concentration was 5‐fold higher at LF (891 ± 116 pmol L−1) than OM (180 ± 13 pmol L−1). The PINP concentration × time area under the curve (AUC) was higher in the 30 g HC OM intervention (201 μg L−1 h) than the 30 g HC LF (144 μg L−1 h), 0 g HC OM (151 μg L−1 h) and 0 g HC LF (122 μg L−1 h) interventions. β‐CTX concentration decreased 1.4‐fold from pre‐RE to 6 h post‐RE in all interventions. Thus, high circulating oestrogen concentration was associated with lower collagen synthesis following RE in this female athlete. Ingesting 30 g HC, however, augmented the collagen synthesis response at LF and particularly at OM. What is the central question of this study? Does resistance exercise‐induced collagen synthesis vary according to circulating oestrogen concentration in a naturally menstruating female athlete, and if so, does hydrolysed collagen ingestion have any impact? What is the main finding and its importance? Exercise‐induced collagen synthesis was low when circulating oestrogen concentration was high and vice versa. However, ingesting 30 g hydrolysed collagen prior to exercise reduced the negative effect of oestrogen on collagen synthesis. As high circulating oestrogen has been associated with greater injury risk in females, supplementing exercise with hydrolysed collagen may help protect these tissues from injury.

Exercise‐induced respiratory symptoms limit physical activity and sport performance in adolescents. Etiologies include exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction, laryngeal obstruction, dysfunctional breathing, and in rarer cases, large airway obstruction and cardiac pathologies. Accurate diagnosis requires assessment during exercise that elicits the symptoms patients experience in the field. This is particularly important considering that misdiagnosis with asthma is common among those with laryngeal obstruction and leads to ineffective treatment and increased financial burden for patients and families. Continuous laryngoscopy is the gold standard for the evaluation of intermittent upper airway obstruction during exercise. Researchers recently established the feasibility of continuous bronchoscopy during exercise to assess the large airway in adults. We present the case of a 13‐year‐old female patient reporting dyspnea, chest tightness, and wheezing during exercise. A double aortic arch causing mild fixed tracheal compression did not appear to explain her symptoms. Vascular rings can cause tracheomalacia, another possible source of intermittent obstruction during exercise. We performed continuous bronchoscopy during exercise following continuous laryngoscopy during a cardiopulmonary exercise test. We found exercise‐induced laryngeal obstruction and ruled out tracheomalacia and other potential causes. To our knowledge, this was the first continuous bronchoscopy during exercise performed in a pediatric patient worldwide.