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Physical Activity and Nutrition for Public Health
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Physical Activity and Nutrition for Public Health

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Sports Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 May 2024 | Viewed by 43857

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Michal Wilk

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
Interests: resistance exercise; strength training; hypertrophy; powerlifting; movement tempo; blood flow restriction; endocrine responses; power output; post-activation potentiation; sports performance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Michał Krzysztofik

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
Interests: training interventions; athletic performance; physical fitness; rehabilitation; sport science
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Aleksandra Filip-Stachnik

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
Interests: sports science; sports nutrition; dietary interventions; exercise performance; exercise physiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical activity and exercise are common forms of activity aimed at improving overall fitness, wellbeing, and health in both healthy people and people with chronic diseases. Regular physical activity is an integral part of prevention and rehabilitation. In addition to improving physical capacity, properly applied forms of training are used in the treatment and counteraction of aging processes. Over the last decade, many regular types of physical activity research studies with large prospective cohorts have been conducted. More than a million subjects have been included in these exercise studies. The risk of morbidity and mortality has been reduced by 30% to 40% as a result of exercise. Studies related to physical activity mainly analyze variables such as the type and order of effort or exercise, intensity, training volume, and frequency, as well as duration of rest intervals. However, the effectiveness of different training methods in the development of physical fitness and prevention is also associated with an appropriate diet and supplementation, adapted to individual needs. Due to the importance of training and nutrition in public health, investigating and understanding the influence of different training methods, nutrition, acute and chronic health impact, and anti-aging promotion is vital. This Special Issue of the Journal of Clinical Medicine will welcome cross-sectional studies, longitudinal studies, and review articles related to the impact of physical activity and nutrition concepts on acute and chronic changes in physical fitness and health.

Dr. Michal Wilk
Dr. Michał Krzysztofik
Dr. Aleksandra Filip-Stachnik
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Clinical Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • public health
  • physical activity
  • exercise for health
  • strength and conditioning
  • health promotion
  • lifestyle interventions
  • anti-aging
  • supplements
  • sports nutrition
  • blood flow restriction

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 463 KiB  
Article
Impact of Prolonged Cessation of Organized Team Training Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Body Composition of Japanese Elite Female Wheelchair Basketball Athletes
by Ryu Ishimoto, Hirotaka Mutsuzaki, Kaori Tachibana, Yukiyo Shimizu and Yasushi Hada
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(9), 3231; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12093231 - 30 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1354
Abstract
Studies on the effects of training confinement on athletes with physical impairments are limited. Hence, in this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to investigate the impact of prolonged cessation of organized team training due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on the body [...] Read more.
Studies on the effects of training confinement on athletes with physical impairments are limited. Hence, in this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to investigate the impact of prolonged cessation of organized team training due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on the body composition of elite female Japanese basketball athletes. Fourteen female wheelchair basketball athletes (aged ≥20 years) were enrolled. The primary outcomes were lean and adipose indices measured using whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The impact of prolonged organized team training cessation on body composition was investigated by comparing the body composition at baseline and post-training confinement. A reduced whole-body lean mass (p = 0.038) and percent lean mass (p = 0.022), as well as an increased percent body fat (p = 0.035), were observed after the confinement period. The regional analysis revealed reduced percent lean and increased percent fat masses in the trunk (p = 0.015 and p = 0.026, respectively) and upper limbs (p = 0.036 and p = 0.048, respectively). In conclusion, prolonged organized team training cessation reduced lean mass and increased body fat percentage, primarily in the trunk and upper limbs. Individualized training programs targeting these body regions should be implemented to improve body composition and physical conditions in athletes during and after prolonged cessation of organized team training. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition for Public Health)
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15 pages, 835 KiB  
Article
Plasma microRNA-320a as a Potential Biomarker of Physiological Changes during Training in Professional Volleyball Players
by Rafał Podgórski, Marek Cieśla, Dominika Podgórska, Wojciech Bajorek, Artur Płonka, Wojciech Czarny, Robert Trybulski and Paweł Król
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(1), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11010263 - 5 Jan 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2034
Abstract
A deeper insight into the mechanisms responsible for athlete performance that may serve as specific and detailed training indicators is still desired, because conventionally used biomarkers provide limited information about the adaptive processes that occur during exercise. The objective of our study was [...] Read more.
A deeper insight into the mechanisms responsible for athlete performance that may serve as specific and detailed training indicators is still desired, because conventionally used biomarkers provide limited information about the adaptive processes that occur during exercise. The objective of our study was to assess insulin-like growth factor 1 receptors (IGF1R) gene expression and evaluate plasma concentration of selected microRNAs (miRNAs) during a 10-week training period (sampling times: week 1, 4, 7, and 10) in a group of 12 professional female volleyball players. Circulating miRNAs (miR-223, miR-320a, and miR-486) with established concentration in plasma and documented association with the IGF1 signaling pathway, which is involved in muscle development and recovery, were tested. The levels of analyzed miRNAs, tested by one-way ANOVA, were significantly different between four training periods during a 10-week training cycle (miR-223 p < 0.0001, miR-320a p = 0.00021, miR-486 p = 0.0037, respectively). The levels of IGF1R also appeared to be different (p = 0.00092), and their expression showed a trend to increase between the first and third periods. In the fourth period, the expression decreased, although it was higher compared with the baseline. Correlations between concentration levels of miR-223 and miR-320a (rs = 0.54, p < 0.001), as well as between miR-320a and miR-486 (rs = 0.73, p < 0.001) were also found. In the fourth period, a negative correlation between miR-223 plasma level and leucocyte IGF1R expression was found (rs = −0.63, p = 0.028). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that miR-320a (p = 0.024) and creatine kinase (p = 0.028) had the greatest impact on the expression levels of the IGF1R gene. Future studies are required to define whether these miRNAs, especially miR-320a, as well as IGF1R expression could be useful biomarkers of physiological changes during exercise and to discover their detailed biological roles in mode-specific exercise training adaptations of professional athletes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition for Public Health)
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11 pages, 276 KiB  
Article
Relationships between Body Composition Parameters and Phase Angle as Related to Lifestyle among Young People
by Aleksandra Jaremków, Iwona Markiewicz-Górka, Wojciech Hajdusianek and Paweł Gać
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(1), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11010080 - 24 Dec 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2720
Abstract
The aim of the study was to indicate which body composition parameters and which lifestyle components affect the phase angle (PA) value in young adults. Two-hundred-and-eighty-one students at Wroclaw Medical University participated in the study. A survey on respondent lifestyles was followed by [...] Read more.
The aim of the study was to indicate which body composition parameters and which lifestyle components affect the phase angle (PA) value in young adults. Two-hundred-and-eighty-one students at Wroclaw Medical University participated in the study. A survey on respondent lifestyles was followed by anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis, and basal metabolic rate (BMR) calculation. The differences in the body composition of men and women corresponded to their sexual anatomy and physiology. Sex-dependent differences in lifestyle were also reported. The study revealed a relationship between PA and height, weight, BMR, BMI (body mass index), FFM (fat-free body mass), bone mass, water mass, muscle mass (r~0.4–0.7), ECW/ICW (extracellular water/intracellular water) and fat mass (r~−(0.4–0.6)) for the entire studied group. The relationship between PA values and lifestyle components concerned consumption of energy drinks, cola, alcohol, water, vegetables and fruits, meat, and also intervals between meals, time for physical exercises, and screen time (r~±0.2). The research shows that the PA value increases with an increase in positive body composition parameters. Following the principles of proper nutrition and physical activity increases PA values in most cases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition for Public Health)
18 pages, 1096 KiB  
Article
The Mediating Role of Orthorexia in the Relationship between Physical Activity and Fear of COVID-19 among University Students in Poland
by Cezary Kuśnierz, Aleksandra Maria Rogowska, Aleksandra Kwaśnicka and Dominika Ochnik
J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(21), 5061; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10215061 - 29 Oct 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2519
Abstract
Previous research showed that the COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on the wellbeing and lifestyle of populations worldwide, including eating and physical activity (PA) patterns. The present study aims to examine the mediating effect of orthorexia on the relationship between PA and [...] Read more.
Previous research showed that the COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on the wellbeing and lifestyle of populations worldwide, including eating and physical activity (PA) patterns. The present study aims to examine the mediating effect of orthorexia on the relationship between PA and fear of COVID-19. A sample of 473 university students from Poland of a mean age of 22 years (M = 22.04, SD = 2.90, 47% of women) participated in the cross-sectional online survey study. Continuous variables were measured using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and the Test of Orthorexia Nervosa (TON-17), while categorical variables divided participants into the physically active and inactive group regarding WHO criteria (150 min per week). Weak gender differences were found. Active people showed lower fear of COVID-19 and higher orthorexia scores than those inactive. Orthorexia was found as a suppressor variable, which increases the negative predictive value of PA on fear of COVID-19. The model of cooperative suppression explained 7% of FCV-19S. The mechanism of mediation showed that health-related behavior could help reduce fear of COVID-19, but caution is necessary for people with addictive behavior tendencies. Universities should support university students by offering programs focused on increasing healthy lifestyles and improving wellbeing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition for Public Health)
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12 pages, 249 KiB  
Article
A Prospective Study of the Quality of Life of Patients with Stress Incontinence before and after a Transobturator Tape (TOT) Procedure—Preliminary Report
by Maciej Zalewski, Gabriela Kołodyńska, Anna Mucha and Waldemar Andrzejewski
J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(19), 4571; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10194571 - 1 Oct 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1443
Abstract
Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a significant social problem. The latest figures show that it affects as many as 17–60% of the female population, and it is one of the most common chronic diseases. Incontinence substantially decreases the quality of patients’ lives. The [...] Read more.
Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a significant social problem. The latest figures show that it affects as many as 17–60% of the female population, and it is one of the most common chronic diseases. Incontinence substantially decreases the quality of patients’ lives. The transobturator tape (TOT) procedure is the gold standard in surgical treatment due to its high efficacy and low complication rate. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) of patients with stress incontinence before and after the TOT procedure. Method: The study included 57 patients diagnosed with stress incontinence on the basis of ultrasonography and history. The QoL before and after surgery was measured using the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) and the Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QOL) standardised questionnaires. Results: The IIQ-7 scores for each question were higher (indicating poorer quality of life) before surgery than after surgery. The results for almost all domains were statistically significant. The I-QOL results also showed that, in most cases, the quality of patients’ lives improved after the surgery. Statistically significant changes were observed in all three questionnaire domains of avoidance/limiting behaviour, psychosocial impact, and social embarrassment. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of stress incontinence with TOT results in resolution of bothersome symptoms in the majority of patients, leading to improved comfort in life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition for Public Health)
10 pages, 268 KiB  
Article
Acute Effects of High Doses of Caffeine on Bar Velocity during the Bench Press Throw in Athletes Habituated to Caffeine: A Randomized, Double-Blind and Crossover Study
by Aleksandra Filip-Stachnik, Michal Krzysztofik, Juan Del Coso and Michal Wilk
J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(19), 4380; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10194380 - 25 Sep 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2510
Abstract
Chronic intake of caffeine may produce a reduction in the potential performance benefits obtained with the acute intake of this substance. For this reason, athletes habituated to caffeine often use high doses of caffeine (≥9 mg/kg) to overcome tolerance to caffeine ergogenicity due [...] Read more.
Chronic intake of caffeine may produce a reduction in the potential performance benefits obtained with the acute intake of this substance. For this reason, athletes habituated to caffeine often use high doses of caffeine (≥9 mg/kg) to overcome tolerance to caffeine ergogenicity due to chronic intake. The main objective of the current investigation was to evaluate the effects of high caffeine doses on bar velocity during an explosive bench press throw in athletes habituated to caffeine. Twelve resistance-trained athletes, with a moderate-to-high chronic intake of caffeine (~5.3 mg/kg/day) participated in a randomized double-blind and randomized experimental design. Each participant performed three identical experimental sessions 60 min after the intake of a placebo (PLAC) or after the intake of 9 (CAF-9) or 12 mg/kg (CAF-12) of caffeine. In each experimental session, the athletes performed five sets of two repetitions of the bench press throw exercise with a load equivalent to 30% of their one-repetition maximum. In comparison to PLAC, the intake of caffeine increased peak and mean velocity (p < 0.01) during the five sets of the bench press throw exercise. There were no significant differences in peak and mean bar velocity between the two doses of caffeine (CAF-9 vs. CAF-12; p = 0.91, = 0.96, respectively). The ingestion of high doses of caffeine was effective in producing an increase in mean and peak bar velocity during the bench press throw in a group of habitual caffeine users. However, using CAF-12 did not offer additional benefits for performance with respect to CAF-9. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition for Public Health)
9 pages, 1176 KiB  
Article
The Role of Very Low Calorie Ketogenic Diet in Sympathetic Activation through Cortisol Secretion in Male Obese Population
by Rita Polito, Giovanni Messina, Anna Valenzano, Alessia Scarinci, Ines Villano, Marcellino Monda, Giuseppe Cibelli, Chiara Porro, Daniela Pisanelli, Vincenzo Monda and Antonietta Messina
J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(18), 4230; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10184230 - 18 Sep 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3596
Abstract
Adipose tissue is considered an endocrine organ, and its excess compromises the immune response and metabolism of hormones and nutrients. Furthermore, the accumulation of visceral fat helps to increase the synthesis of cortisol. The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a neuroendocrine system involved in [...] Read more.
Adipose tissue is considered an endocrine organ, and its excess compromises the immune response and metabolism of hormones and nutrients. Furthermore, the accumulation of visceral fat helps to increase the synthesis of cortisol. The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a neuroendocrine system involved in maintaining homeostasis in humans under physiological conditions and stress, and cortisol is the main hormone of the HPA axis. It is known that a stress-induced diet and cortisol reactivity to acute stress factors may be related to dietary behavior. In obesity, to reduce visceral adipose tissue, caloric restriction is a valid strategy. In light of this fact, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of a commercial dietary ketosis program for weight loss on the sympathetic nervous system and HPA axis, through evaluation of salivary cortisol and GSR levels. Thirty obese subjects were recruited and assessed before and after 8 weeks of Very Low Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) intervention to evaluate body composition and biochemical parameters. Salivary cortisol levels and GSR significantly decreased after dietary treatment; in addition, body composition and biochemical features were ameliorated. The VLCKD had a short-term positive effect on the SNS and HPA axes regulating salivary cortisol levels. Finally, the effects of the VLCKD on the SNS and HPA axis may lead to more individualized treatment strategies that integrate obesity and stress and support the usefulness of such therapeutic interventions in promoting the reduction of the individual disease burden. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition for Public Health)
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19 pages, 1374 KiB  
Article
Effect of Seasonal Variation during Annual Cyclist Training on Somatic Function, White Blood Cells Composition, Immunological System, Selected Hormones and Their Interaction with Irisin
by Natalia Grzebisz-Zatońska, Stanisław Poprzęcki, Ilona Pokora, Kazimierz Mikołajec and Tomasz Kamiński
J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(15), 3299; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10153299 - 26 Jul 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2084
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate somatic, hormonal and immunological changes during the macrocycle of cyclists (9 well-trained men, age 25.6 ± 5.2 years and body weight 72.4 ± 7.35 kg). During the training macrocycle, four exercise control tests were carried [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate somatic, hormonal and immunological changes during the macrocycle of cyclists (9 well-trained men, age 25.6 ± 5.2 years and body weight 72.4 ± 7.35 kg). During the training macrocycle, four exercise control tests were carried out, and biochemical markers were measured in the laboratory. Seasonal training changes did not significantly disturb resting somatic and functional parameters, physical capacity (VO2max), body weight, the number of leukocytes and selected hormones. The secretory system of the organism did not respond significantly to the exercise stress in the training process, even with the increasing share of anaerobic processes in the subsequent periods of the macrocycle. Irisin and other parameters globally did not correlate with training volume. Irisin showed a significant correlation only with cortisol in the first period and human growth hormone in the second, and it showed a weak correlation in the third period with body mass and BMI. The lack of interactions between irisin level and other variables practically excludes its use in monitoring cyclist training. Future research would be complemented by the assessment of stress and postexercise changes in the cyclists’ macrocycle and expanding the research group to other athletes, including women. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition for Public Health)
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7 pages, 239 KiB  
Article
Displacement of Centre of Pressure during Rehabilitation Exercise in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients
by Luca Marin, Adam Kawczyński, Vittoria Carnevale Pellino, Massimiliano Febbi, Dario Silvestri, Luisella Pedrotti, Nicola Lovecchio and Matteo Vandoni
J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(13), 2837; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10132837 - 27 Jun 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2341
Abstract
Background. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is included into the category of pathologies that could affect postural control. Rarely AIS shows symptoms but often compromises the normal positioning of the head, trunk and, more generally, of the limbs in the space. We used a [...] Read more.
Background. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is included into the category of pathologies that could affect postural control. Rarely AIS shows symptoms but often compromises the normal positioning of the head, trunk and, more generally, of the limbs in the space. We used a stabilometric platform to evaluate the motor control outcomes during a self-elongation in girls with AIS. Methods. In 10 girls with AIS, we evaluated the center of pressure (COP) modifications on a baropodometric platform in a standing position and after a self-elongation correction. Results. All the outcomes (except the eccentricity) showed an increasement during the self-elongation exercise even if the significant differences were not found. Conclusion. SE correction contributes to ameliorate the COP symmetry with a better repercussion on the balance management. This highlights the importance of repetitions during all activities of daily life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition for Public Health)
16 pages, 3290 KiB  
Article
Changes in the Allostatic Response to Whole-Body Cryotherapy and Static-Stretching Exercises in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients vs. Healthy Individuals
by Sławomir Kujawski, Anna M. Bach, Joanna Słomko, Derek F. H. Pheby, Modra Murovska, Julia L. Newton and Paweł Zalewski
J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(13), 2795; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10132795 - 25 Jun 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2460
Abstract
This study represents a comparison of the functional interrelation of fatigue and cognitive, cardiovascular and autonomic nervous systems in a group of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) patients compared with those in healthy individuals at different stages of analysis: at baseline and after changes [...] Read more.
This study represents a comparison of the functional interrelation of fatigue and cognitive, cardiovascular and autonomic nervous systems in a group of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) patients compared with those in healthy individuals at different stages of analysis: at baseline and after changes induced by whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) combined with a static-stretching (SS) program. The study included 32 patients (Fukuda criteria) and 18 healthy controls. Fatigue, cognitive, cardiovascular and autonomic function and arterial stiffness were measured before and after 10 sessions of WBC with SS. In the patients, a disturbance in homeostasis was observed. The network relationship based on differences before and after intervention showed comparatively higher stress and eccentricity in the CFS group: 50.9 ± 56.1 vs. 6.35 ± 8.72, p = 0.002, r = 0.28; and 4.8 ± 0.7 vs. 2.4 ± 1, p < 0.001, r = 0.46, respectively. Before and after intervention, in the CFS group increased fatigue was related to baroreceptor function, and baroreceptor function was in turn related to aortic stiffness, but no such relationships were observed in the control group. Differences in the network structure underlying the interrelation among the four measured criteria were observed in both groups, before the intervention and after ten sessions of whole cryotherapy with a static stretching exercise. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition for Public Health)
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11 pages, 400 KiB  
Article
The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training Periods on Morning Serum Testosterone and Cortisol Levels and Physical Fitness in Men Aged 35–40 Years
by Tadeusz Ambroży, Łukasz Rydzik, Zbigniew Obmiński, Wiesław Błach, Natalia Serafin, Blanka Błach, Jarosław Jaszczur-Nowicki and Mariusz Ozimek
J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(10), 2143; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10102143 - 15 May 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6917
Abstract
Background: Intensive physical activity largely modulates resting concentrations of blood cortisol (C) and testosterone (T) and their molar ratio, which is defined as the anabolic–catabolic index and expressed as T/C × 102. The aim of the study is to evaluate the [...] Read more.
Background: Intensive physical activity largely modulates resting concentrations of blood cortisol (C) and testosterone (T) and their molar ratio, which is defined as the anabolic–catabolic index and expressed as T/C × 102. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of the author’s high-intensity training program on T, C, T/C × 102, and selected physical fitness indices in men between 35 and 40 years of age. Methods: The experiment was conducted on a group of 30 healthy men, divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group followed a high-intensity 8-week training program, which included three sessions per week, each of them lasting 1 h and consisting of intensive-interval exercises followed by strength circuit exercises. The controls did not change their previous recreational physical activity. T, C, and T/C × 102 were measured before and after the experiment for all participants. Physical performance was examined using a standardized laboratory exercise test to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Results: There were statistically significant increases in T (by 36.7%) and T/C × 102 (by 59%), while C somewhat dropped (by 12%) in the experimental group. No changes in the hormonal indices were found in the control group. After completing the experimental training, there were no statistically significant changes in aerobic capacity, but it improved muscle strength in the men studied. Conclusions: High-intensity interval training, continued over an 8-week period, modulates (significantly and positively) the balance between testosterone and cortisol levels and improves physical capacity in men aged 35–40 years. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition for Public Health)
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10 pages, 840 KiB  
Article
Effect of Acute Normobaric Hypoxia Exposure on Executive Functions among Young Physically Active Males
by Maciej Chroboczek, Maciej Kostrzewa, Katarzyna Micielska, Tomasz Grzywacz and Radosław Laskowski
J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(8), 1560; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10081560 - 8 Apr 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2384
Abstract
Background: On the one hand, hypoxic exposure may result in progressive brain metabolism disturbance, causing subsequent cognitive impairments. On the other hand, it might also enhance neurogenesis and brain vascularization as well as accelerate cerebral blood flow, leading to cognitive function improvement. The [...] Read more.
Background: On the one hand, hypoxic exposure may result in progressive brain metabolism disturbance, causing subsequent cognitive impairments. On the other hand, it might also enhance neurogenesis and brain vascularization as well as accelerate cerebral blood flow, leading to cognitive function improvement. The aim of this study was to investigate whether progressive stages of normobaric hypoxia (NH) (FIO2 = 13%, FIO2 = 12%, and FIO2 = 11%) differentially affect post-exposure cognitive performance. Methods: Fifteen physically active men (age = 23.1 ± 2.1) participated in the study. The Stroop test (ST) was applied to assess cognitive function. To generate NH conditions, a hypoxic normobaric air generator was used. Results: We observed an executive function impairment (“naming” interference p < 0.05) after NH exposure (FIO2 = 13%). After exposure at FIO2 = 12% and FIO2 = 11%, no changes were observed in the Stroop test. Also, changes in SpO2 during subsequent NH exposure were observed. Conclusions: The current investigation shows that executive functions deteriorate after acute NH exposure and this post-exposure deterioration is not proportional to the normobaric hypoxia stages among young physically active males. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition for Public Health)
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12 pages, 767 KiB  
Review
Time-Restricted Eating and Its Metabolic Benefits
by Sneha Mishra, Patress A. Persons, Andrea M. Lorenzo, Swarna S. Chaliki and Sophie Bersoux
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(22), 7007; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12227007 - 9 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4621
Abstract
Newer management strategies are being evaluated to treat obesity, which continues to increase worldwide. After 12 h of fasting, the body switches from glucose to fat metabolism, regulating protein synthesis and autophagy. These cellular responses are central to the metabolic benefits of time-restricted [...] Read more.
Newer management strategies are being evaluated to treat obesity, which continues to increase worldwide. After 12 h of fasting, the body switches from glucose to fat metabolism, regulating protein synthesis and autophagy. These cellular responses are central to the metabolic benefits of time-restricted eating (TRE), independent of calorie restriction and weight loss, and they have heightened interest in TRE regimens. Controversy remains, however, regarding the benefits of TRE regimens. We reviewed the current literature and concluded that TRE is equivalent to calorie restriction for weight loss and has positive effects for patients with diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition for Public Health)
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9 pages, 273 KiB  
Review
Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction and Ocular Health: A Brief Review
by Michał Krzysztofik, Dorota Zygadło, Paulina Trybek, Jakub Jarosz, Adam Zając, Nicholas Rolnick and Michał Wilk
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(16), 4881; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11164881 - 19 Aug 2022
Viewed by 2116
Abstract
Despite the many health benefits of resistance training, it has been suggested that high-intensity resistance exercise is associated with acute increases in intraocular pressure which is a significant risk factor for the development of glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Therefore, resistance training using a [...] Read more.
Despite the many health benefits of resistance training, it has been suggested that high-intensity resistance exercise is associated with acute increases in intraocular pressure which is a significant risk factor for the development of glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Therefore, resistance training using a variety of forms (e.g., resistance bands, free weights, weight machines, and bodyweight) may be harmful to patients with or at risk of glaucoma. An appropriate solution for such people may involve the combination of resistance training and blood flow restriction (BFR). During the last decade, the BFR (a.k.a. occlusion or KAATSU training) method has drawn great interest among health and sports professionals because of the possibility for individuals to improve various areas of fitness and performance at lower exercise intensities. In comparison to studies evaluating the efficiency of BFR in terms of physical performance and body composition changes, there is still a paucity of empirical studies concerning safety, especially regarding ocular health. Although the use of BFR during resistance training seems feasible for glaucoma patients or those at risk of glaucoma, some issues must be investigated and resolved. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the available scientific data describing the influence of resistance training combined with BFR on ocular physiology and points to further directions of research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition for Public Health)
18 pages, 346 KiB  
Review
Beyond the Finish Line: The Impact and Dynamics of Biomarkers in Physical Exercise—A Narrative Review
by Alexandru-Dan Costache, Irina-Iuliana Costache, Radu-Ștefan Miftode, Celina-Silvia Stafie, Maria-Magdalena Leon-Constantin, Mihai Roca, Andrei Drugescu, Delia-Melania Popa, Ovidiu Mitu, Ivona Mitu, Larisa-Ionela Miftode, Dan Iliescu, Cezar Honceriu and Florin Mitu
J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(21), 4978; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10214978 - 27 Oct 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2648
Abstract
The research of biomarkers continues to emerge as a developing academic field which is attracting substantial interest. The study of biomarkers proves to be useful in developing and implementing new screening methods for a wide variety of diseases including in the sports area, [...] Read more.
The research of biomarkers continues to emerge as a developing academic field which is attracting substantial interest. The study of biomarkers proves to be useful in developing and implementing new screening methods for a wide variety of diseases including in the sports area, whether for leisure activities or professional sports. Novel research has brought into question the immune system and the limitations it may impose on sports practicing. As the well-being of athletes is a priority, the state of their immune function offers valuable information regarding their health status and their ability to continue training. The assessment of various biomarkers may contribute to a more accurate risk stratification and subsequent prevention of some invalidating or even fatal pathologies such as the sudden cardiac death. Therefore, we have reviewed several studies that included sports-related pathology or specific morphofunctional alterations for which some immune biomarkers may represent an expression of the underlying mechanism. These include the defensins, immunoglobulin A (IgA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), the tumoral necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and the white blood cells (WBC) count. Similarly, also of significant interest are various endocrine biomarkers, such as cortisol and testosterone, as well as anabolic or catabolic markers, respectively. Literature data highlight that these values are greatly influenced not only by the duration, but also by the intensity of the physical exercise; moderate training sessions actually enhance the immune function of the body, while a significant increase in both duration and intensity of sports activity acts as a deleterious factor. Therefore, in this paper we aim to highlight the importance of biomarkers’ evaluation in connection with sports activities and a subsequent more adequate approach towards personalized training regimens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition for Public Health)
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