Sport Sciences for Health

Executive functions are essential for regulating, monitoring, and controlling behavior in daily life. This study aimed to investigate the effects of virtual reality (VR) training on executive functions and cognitive dominance in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). This was a semi-experimental pre–post intervention study. The sample population of the study included 40 boys aged 7–9 years with DCD and were randomly divided into experimental (n = 20) and control (n = 20) groups. Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ7), Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2), Raven Intelligence Test (RIT), Conner’s child behavior rating scale (CBRS), and Wechsler Intelligence Test (WISC-IV) were used to diagnose DCD children and evaluated variables study. The experimental group performed VR training (Xbox Kinect 360) for 8 weeks (2 sessions per week and 30 min per session). Analysis of covariance with a 95% confidence level was applied to examine the data. Results indicated that VR training had a significant impact on executive functions (F = 110.73, P = 0.001, Eta = 0.92) and cognitive dominance (F = 222.89, P = 0.001, Eta = 0.89) in children with DCD. The results of the present study provide further support for the potential of incorporating VR training into an application environment, in a way that children enjoy while enhancing cognitive abilities.

Background Climbing has grown increasingly popular since its Olympic debut, but nutrition-related study conducted in the Asian climber population is limited. This study aimed to understand the association between dietary intake, and body composition in relation to the energy requirement of regular climbers. Methods A total of 49 participants (n = 32 male, n = 17 female, aged 27.5 ± 4 years) were recruited from an indoor climbing gym in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Body composition was measured with a bioimpedance analyser. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured with indirect calorimetry. Physical activity level (PAL) was measured with International Physical Activity Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and 24 h Physical Activity Recall (24PAR). Dietary intake was obtained with a 7-day diet for analysis of nutrients. The associations between dietary intake, weight status and body composition were explored with Pearson correlation test. Result Mean BMI of the participants was 21.6 ± 2.9 kg/m² with the majority being in the normal category (59.2%). The skeletal muscle mass of male and female participants were 30.7 ± 3.8 kg and 21.7 ± 2.4 kg, respectively. The body fat percentage of the male and female participants was 15.5 ± 6.4% and 22.8 ± 7.5%, respectively. In terms of energy adequacy, the participants had energy intake meeting about 80% of REE, but only about 50% of total daily energy expenditure on usual and training days. The mean protein intake of male and female participants was 1.2 (0.5) g/kg/day and 1.0 (0.3) g/kg/day, respectively with the majority having protein intake below recommendations. Carbohydrate intake showed a low-to-moderate negative correlation with fat mass (r = – 0.370, p = 0.037) and fat percentage (r = – 0.413, p = 0.019) in male participants, but not in female participants. However, protein and fat intake were not correlated with body mass index, body fat, skeletal muscle mass, and regional muscle mass in both male and female participants (p > 0.05). Conclusion This study revealed that more than half of the climbers were of normal weight status and provided insight into their body composition in terms of body fat and muscle mass. Besides that, our participants generally had less energy and macronutrient and micronutrient intake below their requirements. Despite that, carbohydrate intake showed modest negative correlation with body fat in male participants, suggesting the potential mediating effect of macronutrient on body composition. These findings ascertain the important role of nutrition in sport, highlight potential risk of nutrition deficiency, and substantiate important evidence for the establishment of nutrition recommendation for this population to optimise both sport performance and general well-being.

Background Regular physical activity and training induce physiological and metabolic adaptations that impact sports performance and overall health. Blood biomarkers serve as indicators for assessing training effects and detecting abnormalities in athletes. Aims Our aim was to study specific hematological profile in elite athletes of both sexes practicing different sporting disciplines. Methods Elite athletes who participated at Olympic Games (2012–2022) were submitted to a comprehensive blood analyses, including hematological parameters and biochemical markers. Sports disciplines were categorized into power (n = 440, 46.9%), skill (n = 184, 19.6%), and endurance (n = 313, 33.5%) according to latest ESC guidelines. Results We studied 937 athletes (male, n = 539; 57.5%), mean age 26.2 ± 5.1 years old. Skill athletes presented the highest cardiovascular risk profile characterized by highest fat mass percentage (p < 0.0001), prevalence of smokers (p < 0.0001), triglycerides (p = 0.009 in males and p = 0.025 in females), glycemia (p < 0.0001 in males and p = 0.012 in females), uricemia (p = 0.019 in males), and lowest Vitamin D (p = 0.002 in males). Power athletes specifically presented highest serum creatinine values (p < 0.0001). Endurance athletes presented the lowest anthropometric parameters (lowest body weight, body mass index and fat mass percentage, p < 0.0001), the highest high-density lipoprotein (HDL, p < 0.0001) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)/HDL ratio (p < 0.0001) and hepatic enzymes (AST, p < 0.0001 and ALT p = 0.0006 in females); moreover, male endurance had highest mean corpuscular volume (MCV, p = 0.0005) and lowest ferritin (p = 0.0001). Conclusion Distinct hematological profiles were identified among Olympic athletes in different sports categories. Understanding hematological adaptations across different sports categories is crucial for optimizing training regimens and safeguarding athlete’s health.

Purpose New technology has led to the advancement of and availability of personalized percussive therapy before, during, and after exercise. Percussive therapy massagers are said to reduce inflammation and speed up muscle recovery, but are they well tolerated? The purpose of the study was to examine the acute changes in affective states and enjoyment following resistance exercise utilizing percussive therapy relative to a control. Methods Participants [N = 18, 8 females; age (M ± SD); 20.3 ± 1.5 yrs] completed single-arm biceps curls and single-leg extensions until functional failure (i.e., ≤ 6 reps completed). All participants completed an active (i.e., use of percussion massage) and control (i.e., no percussion massage) session on separate days. All resistance exercise was performed at the participant’s pre-determined ten-repetition maximum. Results Both conditions reported high levels of enjoyment, with no difference between conditions [p = .69]. Similarly, both conditions resulted in significant pre–post affective state changes: Energy [Cohen’s d = 1.26], Tension [Cohen’s d = 0.75], and State Anxiety [Cohen’s d = 0.60] increased, while Tiredness [Cohen’s d = 0.74] and Calmness [Cohen’s d = 0.95] decreased, with no differences between conditions. Finally, pain was not different between conditions, but did increase slightly from pre- to post-exercise [Cohen’s d = 1.10]. Conclusion While percussive therapy intra-resistance exercise was well tolerated (i.e., no negative effects), there appears to be no significant psychological benefits relative to a control.

Introduction Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) triggers several events that will initiate the repair process of this tissue through the activation of satellite cells (SC). The transcription factor PAX7 is used as a SC marker, being expressed during the quiescence, activation, and proliferation of these cells. The literature presents some therapeutic resources aimed at reducing damage or accelerating the muscle repair, acting on inflammation or oxidative stress. Among such therapeutic resources, we can find the melatonin administration, a hormone with anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antioxidant actions. Purpose This study aims to analyze the effects of melatonin on PAX7 after EIMD. Methods Sixty-five male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups: control (CTG), which received vehicle solution (ethanol and NaCl) and were euthanized at 98 days old, and six groups that received melatonin (EMG) or not (EG) immediately after the skeletal muscle damage induction protocol (SMDIP) through swimming exercise, being euthanized 24, 48, or 72 h after the SMDIP, denominated EG24, EG48, EG72, EMG24, EMG48, and EMG72. Results There was an effect of time showing higher serum creatine kinase 48 h after SMDIP (F = 3.27; p < 0.05) compared to 24 or 72 h after. However, the group EMG48 showed a significant reduction (p = 0.010) in the concentration of this enzyme in relation to EG48. There was a reduction in PAX7 in animals that received melatonin in comparison with those that received vehicle solution (F = 13.90; p = 0.001). Conclusion Melatonin reduced muscle damage, demonstrated by the decrease of CK-MM and PAX7.

Background Measuring participation in sport and physical recreation is important to identify children with low participation and to measure the effectiveness of interventions. This study aims to break down what participation in sport and physical recreation means in a way that is inclusive of children with disability, focussing on how observers such as families, coaches or health professionals might be able to identify, quantify, and describe the sport or physical recreation participation of a child with disability. Methods Adults with lived experience of childhood-onset disability, rehabilitation practitioners, and sports/recreation professionals and volunteers completed a Delphi study to clarify definitions of sport/physical recreation and identify potential indicators of participation in sport/physical recreation for children with disabilities. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% agreement. Questions were added in subsequent rounds to refine items not reaching agreement or with suggested modifications. Results Respondents (n = 29) agreed on definitions of sport and physical recreation consistent with Sports Australia definitions, as well as detailed descriptors of type, level and environmental context of activities. Respondents also agreed on items that may be indicators of participation (attendance and involvement) to someone observing. Conclusion Findings provide insight into how sport/physical recreation participation is perceived and could be measured in a comprehensive participation assessment tool for children with disabilities. Future research should be conducted with larger populations to confirm findings, investigate the relationship between proxy indicators and individuals’ experience of involvement, and pilot test any subsequent assessment tool.

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the time course of β-endorphin (β-EDP) levels in healthy males following an acute exercise, while considering their age and physical fitness (PF) level. Methods Participants (N = 29, 20–65 years) were categorized in good PF young adult (YA1), excellent PF young adult (YA2), and excellent PF middle-aged adult (MA) group, depending on peak oxygen uptake and age. They underwent a maximal incremental cycling test, with blood samples collected at baseline (T0), 15 min (T1), and 24 h post-exercise (T2). Serum β-EDP levels were measured using an ELISA kit. Results Significant increases in β-EDP levels were observed from T0 to T1 in all enrolled subjects. In YA1, levels rose from 170.1 to 202.5 pg/ml (p < 0.001), in YA2 from 188.4 to 230.3 pg/ml (p < 0.05), and in MA level increased from 153 to 189.3 pg/ml (p < 0.01). YA2 showed higher levels of β-EDP than MA in any time point (p < 0.05). All groups displayed a significant decrease of β-EDP from T1 to T2. Comparison between groups revealed that age significantly influenced baseline β-EDP levels, with notable differences between young and middle-aged individuals. Noteworthy, MA with excellent PF presented similar β-EDP levels to young with good PF. Conclusion Acute exercise triggers a notable but transient elevation of serum β-EDP levels in both young and middle-aged adults, with the latter exhibiting lower baseline levels. Additionally, our findings suggest that age may have a greater influence on β-EDP secretion, both at rest and after physical exercise compared to PF level.

Purpose To investigate the effects of a fatiguing protocol on the knee extensors’ rate of torque development scaling factor (RTD-SF) during ballistic isometric contractions in physically active individuals. Methods The authors used a cross-over study design. Ten physically active male participated in two testing conditions: fatigue and control. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) was evaluated, followed by baseline and post-fatigue RTD-SF assessments using an isokinetic dynamometer. RTD-SF was evaluated with 20 knee extensor ballistic isometric contractions at four intensities: 20, 40, 60, and 80% MVIC. Three RTD-SF calculation methods and their consistencies (R²) were analyzed according to two different phases of the torque–time curve: from the onset to the 50 ms time point, and between the 50 ms time point and the peak torque value. The fatiguing protocol consisted of 30 maximal concentric repetitions of the knee flexors and extensors at an angular velocity of 180°·s⁻¹, with a range of motion of 90°. Results The absence of interaction between conditions and moments indicated no fatigability effect on RTD-SF and on its consistency, regardless of the rate of torque development (RTD) phase. The fatigue condition showed RTD-SFpeak of 9.6 ± 3.2 and R²peak of 0.681 ± 0.200 at baseline, compared to RTD-SFpeak of 9.6 ± 2.4 and R²peak of 0.761 ± 0.107 post-fatigue; the control condition showed RTD-SFpeak of 10.5 ± 3.2, and R²peak of 0.745 ± 0.176 at baseline, compared to RTD-SFpeak of 11.3 ± 2.6, and R²peak of 0.786 ± 0.133 post-rest. The other RTD-SF values for different RTD intensities followed similar trends (p > 0.05). Conclusion Knee extensor RTD-SF, as well as its consistency (R²), are not affected by muscle fatigability.

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the relationship between smoking status and muscle quality considering physical activity (PA). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study as a part of the Iwaki Health Promotion Project in 2018. A total of 1003 participants were classified into six groups according to smoking status (never, former, or current smoker) and PA(with or without PA)-Never smokers with PA (n = 185) / without PA (n = 448), Former smokers with PA (n = 61) / without PA (n = 143), Current smokers with PA (n = 36) / without PA (n = 130). Muscle quality was evaluated using the bioelectric phase angle (PhA) measured by the impedance method. Smoking amount and duration were converted to pack year, and information about lifestyle habits, such as sleep time, alcohol drinking, and energy intake, were also collected. Univariate analysis was performed between PA and without PA groups in three different smoking statuses, and the correlation between PhA and pack year was investigated in each of the six groups. Multiple linear regression analysis for PhA of former and current smokers was performed to examine factors affecting PhA in smokers. Results The phase angle in former and current smokers without PA was lower than that with PA (p < 0.05). A negative correlation was suggested between packyear and PhA for current smokers without PA (r = -0.168; p = 0.057). Lifestyle factors influencing PhA were energy intake (β = 0.0003) and PA (β = 0.2525) in former and current smokers. Conclusion This study showed that former and current smokers with PA have better muscle quality than those without excercise and/or sports. PA. This study indicates smoking amounts to date adversely affect muscle quality for current smokers without PA, but PA could improve muscle quality in current smokers. Energy intake was also one of the important factors in maintaining muscle quality in former and current smokers. This study demonstrates the importance of exercise in preventing the deterioration of muscle quality in smokers.

The Movement Assessment Battery for Children—second edition (MABC-2) is a commonly used tool for assessing children's motor skills, which are vital for daily activities, motor development, learning readiness, and physical activity engagement. The MABC-2 has been established as an effective tool for monitoring motor development, evaluating motor skills, and screening for atypical development across cultures. However, its applicability to Tunisian children has not been fully investigated. To address this research gap, the present study explored the MABC-2 reliability in Tunisian preschool children (age band 1). Sixty two participants were selected from different kindergartens in Tunisia aged between 3 and 4 years old and 5–6 years old respectively. The results showed promising test–retest reliability across all MABC-2 items within age band 1 as well as between the 3–4 years old and the 5–6 years old groups (intraclass correlation coefficient between 0.7 and 0.99). Internal consistency results showed that all items had Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.65 to 0.79 suggesting that the results yielded by MABC-2 were consistent and reliable. Internal responsiveness revealed that the majority of items had good precision in detecting minor changes in performance, with only two tasks having low sensitivity, necessitating some adjustments to improve the test's psychometric quality. Overall, the MABC-2 demonstrated reliability in assessing motor skills among Tunisian preschoolers, providing valuable insights for clinicians and researchers working in this cultural context.

Purpose To analyze the effects of weight loss on psychological variables in combat sports athletes. Methods Electronic searches were performed to find studies that investigated the psychological acute effects resulting from weight loss in combat sports athletes. Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to December, 2024. The quality assessment was conducted through the application of the RoBANS tool. Results Of the 1,602 articles retrieved in the electronic search and identified through other sources, 22 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 784 athletes (men: 557; women: 115; not reported/specified: 112) were investigated. The main results of the included studies reported deleterious effects of weight loss on mood states, as well as higher depression scores among athletes who lost weight. However, no differences for levels of burnout were verified after the weight loss. In addition, the effects of the loss seem to be influenced by the magnitude of the loss. Conclusion Weight loss appears to have negative psychological effects in combat sport athletes, especially on mood and depression levels. However, most studies present limitations that lead to important biases in the interpretation of the results. PROSPERO register number: CRD42023394712.

This study aimed to investigate the variation of the Acceleration–Speed (A-S) profile throughout one season in different age groups of elite young and professional soccer athletes. A total of 126 athletes from under-14 to B-team levels were analyzed in terms of their A-S profile, across a season divided in six training blocks. For all the blocks, we have calculated maximal theoretical acceleration (A0) and maximal theoretical speed (S0). Results revealed significant increases only in the S0 value for the under-15 age group (p < 0.05) during the season, while other age groups did not exhibit significant differences in the A-S profile over the same period. These findings emphasize the necessity of tailored training interventions to optimize acceleration and sprint capacities, particularly among younger players in the midst of physical development. Furthermore, the establishment of standardized norms tailored to different age groups based on these findings could facilitate the identification of outliers and inform individualized training strategies. This research could contribute to our understanding of the dynamic nature of sprinting performance and training demands in elite young soccer athletes, offering insights for optimizing performance outcomes and player development within soccer academies.

Foam rolling (FR) is suggested to be a valid alternative movement preparation strategy to stretching, with comparable range of motion (ROM) increases without the performance decrements associated with prolonged static stretching. Nevertheless, prior literature used small FR volumes, while secondly comparing results to a passive control. Passive control comparisons do not allow for a differentiation between FR and general movement effects. Consequently, this study randomly allocated 60 participants (20 per group) to a control (CG), FR or bodyweight (BW) group. The BW performed FR movements without using a FR to explore whether using the roll would provide superior effects compared to the SR condition on drop jump (DJ) performance. While hypothesizing beneficial FR effects on subsequent performance, the results showed 6 min of FR and SR resulted in a significant, large magnitude effect size (p < 0.001, ƞ² = 0.26 − 0.45, d = 0.64 – 0.85), reduction in the subsequent DJ height and the reactive strength index while no effects were observed in the CG. Consequently, the results demonstrated that similar to the reported impairments related to prolonged static stretching, high dosage FR could harm subsequent jump performance parameters. Further research is necessary to discriminate acute FR effects from general exercise effects.

Background Percussive massage (PM) is performed using massage guns. Recently, PM has gained popularity, and it is commonly performed to improve flexibility and performance. However, the acute effects of different durations of PM are unclear. Aims This randomized, crossover trial examined the acute effects of different PM durations on the range of motion (ROM), peak passive torque (PPT), passive stiffness, and isometric muscle force. Methods Sixteen healthy young men participated in this study. PM of the right plantar flexors for 60, 180, and 300 s, and 300 s resting as a control condition, were performed on four separate days in random order. We measured the ROM, PPT, and passive stiffness during passive ankle dorsiflexion. We also measured the maximum voluntary isometric ankle plantar flexion force immediately before and after the intervention. Results The ROM and PPT were significantly increased, and passive stiffness was significantly decreased after all PM interventions (all p < 0.05), while isometric muscle force was unchanged. There were strong and moderate positive correlations between the interventions and the relative change in ROM (ρ = 0.670, p < 0.01) and PPT (ρ = 0.566, p < 0.01). There was a weak negative correlation between the interventions and the relative change in passive stiffness (ρ = −0.371, p < 0.05). Conclusions Our results suggest that PM for more than 60 s improves flexibility, including ROM, PPT, and passive stiffness, without any change in isometric muscle force. Moreover, a longer duration of PM may further improve flexibility.

Purpose Despite the efficacy of sports massage as a recovery strategy is still debated and most research suggests minor effects, little is known about the potential effects on recovery after exercise in a cold environment. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed on 13 male trail runners (30 years, range 23–37) who ran on a treadmill inside a climatic chamber at 5 °C, for 15 min uphill (15%) at 40% of the maximum aerobic velocity (VAM), followed by 15 min downhill (− 15%) at 70% of the VAM. After the run, sports massage was performed on a randomized anterior and posterior thigh for 10 min total. Assessments were performed before the run (t0) and after the massage (t2), and results were compared with the non-treated lower limb, including single-leg isometric strength and jump, balance, skin temperature and pain. Results Sports massage was associated with increased anterior thigh skin temperature (p = 0.001, ηp² = 0.455) and improved single-leg balance (p = 0.008, ηp² = 0.452) and pain (p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.509), whereas a non-significant effect was found for isometric strength and jump. Conclusions The results from this study suggest that sports massage performed in a cold environment after uphill–downhill running might reduce the effects of fatigue on balance and perceived pain and might be useful to promote recovery after strenuous exercise.

Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly prevalent among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), significantly impacting their quality of life and treatment outcomes. While pharmacological interventions have limitations, exercise training has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological approach. This review aims to review the efficacy and safety of exercise training interventions for treating MDD in MS patients. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of electronic databases was conducted up to May 2024. Studies assessing exercise training's effects on MDD in MS patients were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers, with discrepancies resolved through consensus or arbitration. Results Ten studies (3 RCTs, 7 observational) met inclusion criteria, comprising 1174 MS patients. Meta-analysis of six studies demonstrated a moderate reduction in depression scores (Hedges's g = –0.51, 95% CI −0.70 to −0.32) favoring exercise interventions compared to controls. No significant heterogeneity was observed (I² = 0.00%). Various exercise modalities including endurance training, Pilates, and cycling showed efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms. Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis provide robust evidence supporting exercise training as a beneficial adjunctive therapy for alleviating depressive symptoms in MS patients. Healthcare providers should consider integrating exercise programs into comprehensive treatment plans for managing MDD in this population.

Practicing yoga benefits both mental and nervous system and helps mitigate several health problems. However, not performing yoga in the correct manner can worsen the symptoms as well. This work presents a novel technology-driven approach named spondylitis-related yoga MediaPipe angle-based regularized network (SpY_MARNet) to assist people to perform yoga postures for treating spondylitis in the correct way. This work enables real-time interaction and provides immediate feedback, assisting in correcting postures and suggesting modifications if necessary. This work also monitors the duration for which each pose is retained which is a vital aspect of yoga practice. Also, the users are categorized into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels based on their yoga performance. By using the model we achieved an accuracy of 99.7%. The results indicate significant promise in aiding individuals with spondylitis, opening avenues for further research and application in other physical therapies and wellness practices.

Purpose This study aimed to determine the effect of eight weeks of Otago and Fit-and-Fall Proof (FFP) home-based exercises on balance, quality of life (QoL), and fear of falling (FOF) in older adults. Methods In this study, 39 older adults participated and were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Otago, FFP, or control. The Four-Stage Balance Test, Timed Up and Go Test, Falls Efficacy Scale-International Questionnaire and the Older People's QoL Questionnaire were used to evaluate static balance (SB), dynamic balance (DB), FOF and QoL respectively. Individuals in the intervention groups performed the exercises for eight weeks, three times per week, for 60 min per session. Participants in the control group were instructed to maintain their normal routines during this period. The data were analyzed by conducting a mixed-design repeated measure (ANOVA) and Kruskal–Wallis test at a p < 0.05 significance level using SPSS software (v. 26). Results The results showed significant improvements in SB and FOF in both exercise groups relative to the control (p < 0.05). The FFP demonstrated significant improvements in DB (p = 0.024) and QoL (p = 0.04) compared to the control group. Conclusion In older adults, eight weeks of FFP and Otago home-based exercises significantly improved SB, DB, QoL, and FOF. Nevertheless, FFP exercises were more effective at improving DB and QoL. In situations where the objective is to improve the DB and QoL of older adults, FFP can be recommended as the superior choice. Trial registration This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and it was approved by the local Ethics Committee of Bu Ali Sina University (code IR.BASU.REC.1400.022) and listed in the Registry of Clinical Trials with code no. IRCT20200204046368N6 at 14 August 2021. Before experimental procedures began, all the participants reviewed and voluntarily signed an informed written consent form.

Purpose Meta-analytical review to explore the impact of face mask use during strength training (ST) on perceptual, physiological, and functional acute responses across diverse training statuses. Methods Clinical Trials published up to January 2025 were included. The following databases were searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, SportDiscus, and PsychInfo and pre-print databases. Seven randomized trials (all cross-over designs with some concerns about the risk of bias) were included. Our study was conducted by two reviewers at each phase and a third reviewer for conflict resolution. Results A total of 7,490 records were identified across all databases combined. During the full-text review stage, 76 trials were deemed eligible; ultimately, seven peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria. Our meta-analyses revealed that face mask use during ST does not significantly affect the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), oxygen saturation (SpO2), blood pressure, heart rate (HR), or repetition maximum (RM). However, it leads to a decrease in blood lactate (LA) levels (n = 5; strong effect; very uncertain). Conclusion The face mask wearing during ST does not affect RPE, cardiovascular (e.g., SpO2%, blood pressure, and HR), and functional muscular capacity (e.g., RMs) aspects, while producing decreased LA. However, due to the high heterogeneity and low evidence certainty level, our results should be interpreted with caution.

Purpose This study investigated the effects of circuit resistance training (CRT) on Meteorin-like protein (METRNL), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-13 (IL-13), and metabolic health markers in overweight individuals. Methods Thirty overweight male university students (BMI: 25–30 kg/m²) were randomly assigned to a 6-week CRT intervention group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The CRT program comprised three weekly 45 min sessions at 60–70% of one-repetition maximum. Serum METRNL, IL-4, IL-13, insulin resistance index, body composition, and lipid profile were measured pre- and post-interventions. Results The CRT group showed significant improvements compared to the controls. Body mass index and body fat percentage decreased, while serum METRNL, IL-4, and IL-13 levels increased significantly (p < 0.05). Metabolic health markers improved, with reductions in fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C, and increased HDL-C (p < 0.05). Lean body mass remained unchanged between groups. Conclusions CRT effectively increases METRNL secretion and its corresponding anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-4 and IL-13, potentially contributing to overweight individuals’ improved immune and metabolic functions. This suggests its potential as a therapeutic strategy for managing obesity-related immunometabolic disorders.

Background Promoting physical activity (PA) behavior can help older adults create and maintain an active lifestyle. The study was conducted to determine the effect of an educational intervention based on social cognitive theory (SCT) on PA participation among Iranian older adults. Methods In this quasi-experimental study, 88 older adults referring to health centers in Isfahan City in 2024 were selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling method and divided into 2 intervention and control groups. Questionnaires were filled out in two groups before, 3, and 12 months after the six educational sessions based on SCT in the intervention group. Data were analyzed using RM-ANOVA and MANCOVA in SPSS23 software. Results The mean age of participants was 68.77 ± 7.52. Three- and twelve-month follow-ups in the intervention group showed significant increases in mean scores of self-efficacy, social support, expectancy, and outcome value. PA participation levels also increased in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion The results indicate that the use of cognitive strategies is an important part of physical activity interventions and its use is effective in improving the participation of the elderly in the physical activity studied.

Purpose Changing lifestyle to include healthy eating and physical activities is an effective way to reduce non-communicable diseases. Less is known about the prevalent attitudes the middle-aged hold toward the behavioral factors affecting physical activity and healthy eating behaviors. The present study was conducted to investigate the behavioral factors affecting physical activity and nutritional behaviors among the middle-aged individuals using a qualitative approach. Methods The present study employed a qualitative approach and used directed content analysis of data collected from the middle-aged visiting healthcare centers in Bandar Abbas city. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Twenty five participants were selected through a purposive sampling with a maximum variety of sex, age, education, marital status and occupation. The interviews continued until data saturation. Guba and Lincoln’s trustworthiness criteria were used to assess the transferability of findings. The data management was done in MAXQDA 20. Results Nine sub-categories affecting physical activity and nutritional behavior were identified, including behavioral skills, appropriate physical activity skill, healthy cooking skill, life skills, goal setting, proper timing, proper strategy, planning to achieve goals, and psychosocial and tangible aspects. Conclusion The present findings showed that learning certain skills as well as certain social and psychological boosters can increase intention and performance of regular physical activity and proper nutritional behaviors.

It is known that aging is the primary risk factor for developing most neurodegenerative diseases. Non-pharmacological treatment through the practice of physical exercise has been showing success in the prevention and treatment of a vast number of diseases. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate behavioral and molecular changes in the hippocampus of healthy aged mice after a short-term swimming protocol. Eighteen-months old male C57BL/6 J mice (n = 8 /group) were divided randomly into three groups: Control, Swim 1x, and Swim 5x. Control mice did not swim and Swim 1 × performed the exercise protocol once a week, always on Mondays, while Swim 5 × performed the exercise protocol five times per week, Monday to Friday. Control and Swim 1 × mice groups were taken to the room where the physical exercise protocol occurred, and their cages were left there for 30 min at all the days that they did not swim but that the Swim 5 × group swam. Therefore, all mice were transferred and exposed to the same physical exercise room environment five times per week. Animals went through a habituation week, and the training protocol was initiated 48 h after the last familiarization session. Swimming sessions consisted of 30 min, with no overload, 5 days per week, for 2 weeks (Swim 5x) or once a week, for 2 weeks (Swim 1x). We used open field, elevated plus maze, and Y-maze to evaluate possible changes in behavior. While there were no behavioral changes in locomotor activity, anxiety, or spatial memory, the group that exercised more often showed alterations in the hippocampus molecular machinery, including increased levels of SIRT1, PGC-1α, BCL2, and BDNF. Short-term swimming 5 days per week for 2 weeks induced the enhancement of the levels of mitochondrial-, survival-, and proliferation-related proteins in the hippocampus of aged mice, while swimming once a week was not capable of inducing molecular changes.

Introduction Many socioeconomic factors can influence unhealthy behaviors like smoking as they play an important role in social and individual health problems. It is imperative to identify how tobacco is associated with the social and demographic risk factors as well as other health behaviors particularly physical activity (PA). The study further aimed to evaluate whether physical activity influences smoking prevalence. Methods This study was a comprehensive survey with a cross-sectional study in 22 districts and 368 neighborhoods of Tehran in 2011. We evaluated the relationship between different types of PA (work time, leisure-time, and travel time) and smoking with moderators of sex, family income satisfaction, housing status, and violence. Results Out of 7388 participants, the majority of them were male (83.75%) and married (77.6%). There was a significant relationship between smoking with sex, age, family income satisfaction, job-status, family violence, education, housing status (P value < 0.001), and work time PA (P value < 0.005). Also, higher education was associated with more PA (P value < 0.001). Conclusion In our study, being male, married, having an intermediate level of education, family violence, low family income satisfaction, non-homeownership, and generally lower socioeconomic status (SES), as well as worktime PA are associated with an increase of the smoking rate.