Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.smhs.2025.04.003
Ioannis Alexandros Charitos , Marica Colella , Domenico Maria Carretta , Luigi Santacroce
Background
The topic of this review is the study of the gut microbiota (GM), and the use of probiotics, especially in humans, as a new frontier in the field of prevention and health in general. The beneficial effects and functions performed by probiotics in the GM are increasingly at the centre of both scientific, medical, and pharmaceutical interest. It is now known that diet and probiotics can modify the GM, although in these situations there is a need for greater and more in-depth research regarding the methods and timing of treatment. However, the relationship between physical activity, GM, and probiotics is still largely unclear, as regards certain mechanisms between physical exercise and probiotics in humans.
Discussion
In this study, we tried to demonstrate whether and how physical exercise was able to alter the composition of the microbiota and how probiotics can facilitate it. Therefore, alteration of the microbiota was considered in terms of both diversity and composition.
Conclusions
The ones examined propose vastly different physical exercises, both in terms of timing and type of intervention itself, and the use of probiotics.
{"title":"Probiotics, gut microbiota and physical activity: A close relationship","authors":"Ioannis Alexandros Charitos , Marica Colella , Domenico Maria Carretta , Luigi Santacroce","doi":"10.1016/j.smhs.2025.04.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smhs.2025.04.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The topic of this review is the study of the gut microbiota (GM), and the use of probiotics, especially in humans, as a new frontier in the field of prevention and health in general. The beneficial effects and functions performed by probiotics in the GM are increasingly at the centre of both scientific, medical, and pharmaceutical interest. It is now known that diet and probiotics can modify the GM, although in these situations there is a need for greater and more in-depth research regarding the methods and timing of treatment. However, the relationship between physical activity, GM, and probiotics is still largely unclear, as regards certain mechanisms between physical exercise and probiotics in humans.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>In this study, we tried to demonstrate whether and how physical exercise was able to alter the composition of the microbiota and how probiotics can facilitate it. Therefore, alteration of the microbiota was considered in terms of both diversity and composition.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The ones examined propose vastly different physical exercises, both in terms of timing and type of intervention itself, and the use of probiotics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33620,"journal":{"name":"Sports Medicine and Health Science","volume":"8 1","pages":"Pages 43-49"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146049156","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.smhs.2025.12.002
Scott K. Powers
{"title":"Passing the baton","authors":"Scott K. Powers","doi":"10.1016/j.smhs.2025.12.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smhs.2025.12.002","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":33620,"journal":{"name":"Sports Medicine and Health Science","volume":"8 1","pages":"Pages 1-2"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146049153","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.smhs.2024.11.002
Natia A. Pogosova , Despoina Brekou , Ioanna E. Gavra , Efthymia A. Katsareli , Eleni More , Panagiotis G. Symianakis , Maria Kafyra , Ioanna Panagiota Kalafati , Giannis Arnaoutis , George V. Dedoussis
Purpose
ATLAS is a cross-sectional study aiming to investigate environmental and genetic determinants of athletic performance in healthy Greek competitive athletes (CA). This article presents the study design, investigates the muscle strength performance (MSP) of 289 adult and teenage CA, exercisers, and physically inactive individuals (PI), and proposes predictive models of MSP for adults.
Methods
Muscle maximal, speed, and explosive strength (MMS/MSS/MES) at unilateral maximal concentric flexion and extension contraction (FC/EC) were evaluated using Biodex System 3 PRO™ at 60 °/s, 180 °/s, and 300 °/s, while additional performance markers were assessed through field ergometric testing. Participants were interviewed about their lifestyle, dietary habits, physical activity, injury, and medical history. Body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance. gDNA was extracted from biochemical samples and then genotyped. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics v21.0 and R.
Results
Age, fitness, and sex impacted correlations of MSP with body composition and anthropometric measurements (p < 0.05). Among CA, females outperformed males in accuracy (p < 0.001) while, males outperformed females in anaerobic power, MSP, speed, and endurance (p < 0.001). Adult CA outperformed exercisers and PI in MMS, MSS, and MES (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression models, with predictors age, FFM, body extremity, training load explained the majority of variation in MMS (R2adj:71.4%–88.9%), MSS (R2adj:64.8%–78.4 %), and MES (R2adj:52.7%–68.4 %) at EC, FC, and their mean (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Muscle-strengthening strategies should be customized according to individual fitness levels, body composition, and anthropometric measurements. The innovative sex-specific regression models assessing MMS, MSS, and MES at EC and FC provide a framework for personalizing rehabilitation and skill-specific training strategies.
{"title":"ATLAS study: Design, athletic performance, and sex-specific regression models for muscle strength in the Greek population","authors":"Natia A. Pogosova , Despoina Brekou , Ioanna E. Gavra , Efthymia A. Katsareli , Eleni More , Panagiotis G. Symianakis , Maria Kafyra , Ioanna Panagiota Kalafati , Giannis Arnaoutis , George V. Dedoussis","doi":"10.1016/j.smhs.2024.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smhs.2024.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>ATLAS is a cross-sectional study aiming to investigate environmental and genetic determinants of athletic performance in healthy Greek competitive athletes (CA). This article presents the study design, investigates the muscle strength performance (MSP) of 289 adult and teenage CA, exercisers, and physically inactive individuals (PI), and proposes predictive models of MSP for adults.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Muscle maximal, speed, and explosive strength (MMS/MSS/MES) at unilateral maximal concentric flexion and extension contraction (FC/EC) were evaluated using Biodex System 3 PRO™ at 60 °/s, 180 °/s, and 300 °/s, while additional performance markers were assessed through field ergometric testing. Participants were interviewed about their lifestyle, dietary habits, physical activity, injury, and medical history. Body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance. gDNA was extracted from biochemical samples and then genotyped. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics v21.0 and R.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Age, fitness, and sex impacted correlations of MSP with body composition and anthropometric measurements (<em>p</em> < 0.05). Among CA, females outperformed males in accuracy (<em>p</em> < 0.001) while, males outperformed females in anaerobic power, MSP, speed, and endurance (<em>p</em> < 0.001). Adult CA outperformed exercisers and PI in MMS, MSS, and MES (<em>p</em> < 0.05). Multiple linear regression models, with predictors age, FFM, body extremity, training load explained the majority of variation in MMS (<em>R</em><sup>2</sup><sub>adj</sub>:71.4%–88.9%), MSS (<em>R</em><sup>2</sup><sub>adj</sub>:64.8%–78.4 %), and MES (<em>R</em><sup>2</sup><sub>adj</sub>:52.7%–68.4 %) at EC, FC, and their mean (<em>p</em> < 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Muscle-strengthening strategies should be customized according to individual fitness levels, body composition, and anthropometric measurements. The innovative sex-specific regression models assessing MMS, MSS, and MES at EC and FC provide a framework for personalizing rehabilitation and skill-specific training strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33620,"journal":{"name":"Sports Medicine and Health Science","volume":"8 1","pages":"Pages 79-95"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146049188","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.smhs.2025.05.002
Jiawei Du , Jinghua Hou
Background
Exercise exerts tumor-suppressive effects across multiple malignancies, partly through exerkines—exercise-induced secreted factors with immunomodulatory and metabolic functions. However, the prognostic relevance of exerkines across cancer types remains unclear, and the molecular determinants of exercise responsiveness are poorly defined.
Methods
We systematically profiled 183 curated exerkine-related genes across 33 cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) to define molecular subtypes. Prognostic significance was evaluated via Kaplan-Meier analysis. For five cancers with consistent survival divergence (LGG, KIRC, LUAD, PAAD, ACC), we developed an Exerkine Prognostic Index (EPI) using LASSO Cox regression and validated its predictive performance through time-dependent ROC analysis. Immune cell infiltration (CIBERSORT), stromal/immune scores (ESTIMATE), and immune checkpoint expression were assessed to characterize immune landscape differences between EPI subgroups.
Results
Exerkine-based NMF clustering identified prognostically distinct subtypes in 25 cancers. The EPI robustly stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups with significant differences in overall survival (p < 0.001). High-EPI subgroups were associated with elevated infiltration of immunosuppressive cells (e.g., Tregs, M0 macrophages), altered immune/stromal scores, and differential expression of immune checkpoints such as PD-L1 and CTLA4 in a cancer-type-specific manner.
Discussion
Our findings reveal that exerkine expression patterns capture biologically and clinically relevant heterogeneity across cancers. The EPI provides a robust molecular tool to stratify patients by prognosis and immune contexture, offering insights into differential exercise responsiveness.
Conclusions
Exerkines represent promising biomarkers for risk stratification and precision-guided exercise interventions in oncology.
{"title":"An exerkine-based prognostic index reveals immune heterogeneity and predicts outcomes across 33 cancers","authors":"Jiawei Du , Jinghua Hou","doi":"10.1016/j.smhs.2025.05.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smhs.2025.05.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Exercise exerts tumor-suppressive effects across multiple malignancies, partly through exerkines—exercise-induced secreted factors with immunomodulatory and metabolic functions. However, the prognostic relevance of exerkines across cancer types remains unclear, and the molecular determinants of exercise responsiveness are poorly defined.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We systematically profiled 183 curated exerkine-related genes across 33 cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) to define molecular subtypes. Prognostic significance was evaluated via Kaplan-Meier analysis. For five cancers with consistent survival divergence (LGG, KIRC, LUAD, PAAD, ACC), we developed an Exerkine Prognostic Index (EPI) using LASSO Cox regression and validated its predictive performance through time-dependent ROC analysis. Immune cell infiltration (CIBERSORT), stromal/immune scores (ESTIMATE), and immune checkpoint expression were assessed to characterize immune landscape differences between EPI subgroups.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Exerkine-based NMF clustering identified prognostically distinct subtypes in 25 cancers. The EPI robustly stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups with significant differences in overall survival (<em>p</em> < 0.001). High-EPI subgroups were associated with elevated infiltration of immunosuppressive cells (e.g., Tregs, M0 macrophages), altered immune/stromal scores, and differential expression of immune checkpoints such as PD-L1 and CTLA4 in a cancer-type-specific manner.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Our findings reveal that exerkine expression patterns capture biologically and clinically relevant heterogeneity across cancers. The EPI provides a robust molecular tool to stratify patients by prognosis and immune contexture, offering insights into differential exercise responsiveness.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Exerkines represent promising biomarkers for risk stratification and precision-guided exercise interventions in oncology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33620,"journal":{"name":"Sports Medicine and Health Science","volume":"8 1","pages":"Pages 110-118"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146049197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.smhs.2024.12.002
Aidan Lewis , Ben Rattray , Constantino Toufexis , Andrew Flood
Exercise produces a decrease in pain sensitivity via an effect called exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), acting on similar analgesic mechanisms as EIH, represents a potential complementary intervention that may amplify the effects of exercise on pain. This study aimed to explore if anodal tDCS could enhance the effect of exercise on pain compared to exercise alone. A total of 35 healthy participants aged 19–37 years completed a familiarisation session followed by two separate sessions where active and sham tDCS was applied in a randomised cross-over design. The familiarisation session involved familiarisation to the pain assessment and exercise tasks, while the subsequent tDCS sessions involved pain sensitivity assessment, exercise and either anodal tDCS or sham tDCS. tDCS doses were applied at 2 mA over the primary motor cortex for 10 min, with the reference electrode placed over the contralateral supraorbital area. The exercise task involved a sustained isometric grip strength contraction at 35% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) until volitional exhaustion. Pain sensitivity was evaluated as pressure pain threshold before tDCS, after tDCS, and after exercise. Across both tDCS conditions, pain threshold was higher after exercise when compared to pre- and post-tDCS measurement. This increase in pain threshold did not differ between active and sham tDCS conditions. Our findings suggest that the hypoalgesic effects of active anodal tDCS over the motor cortex prior to exercise are no greater than the effects of sham tDCS prior to exercise.
{"title":"Does transcranial direct current stimulation enhance the hypoalgesic effect of exercise?","authors":"Aidan Lewis , Ben Rattray , Constantino Toufexis , Andrew Flood","doi":"10.1016/j.smhs.2024.12.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smhs.2024.12.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Exercise produces a decrease in pain sensitivity via an effect called exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), acting on similar analgesic mechanisms as EIH, represents a potential complementary intervention that may amplify the effects of exercise on pain. This study aimed to explore if anodal tDCS could enhance the effect of exercise on pain compared to exercise alone. A total of 35 healthy participants aged 19–37 years completed a familiarisation session followed by two separate sessions where active and sham tDCS was applied in a randomised cross-over design. The familiarisation session involved familiarisation to the pain assessment and exercise tasks, while the subsequent tDCS sessions involved pain sensitivity assessment, exercise and either anodal tDCS or sham tDCS. tDCS doses were applied at 2 mA over the primary motor cortex for 10 min, with the reference electrode placed over the contralateral supraorbital area. The exercise task involved a sustained isometric grip strength contraction at 35% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) until volitional exhaustion. Pain sensitivity was evaluated as pressure pain threshold before tDCS, after tDCS, and after exercise. Across both tDCS conditions, pain threshold was higher after exercise when compared to pre- and post-tDCS measurement. This increase in pain threshold did not differ between active and sham tDCS conditions. Our findings suggest that the hypoalgesic effects of active anodal tDCS over the motor cortex prior to exercise are no greater than the effects of sham tDCS prior to exercise.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33620,"journal":{"name":"Sports Medicine and Health Science","volume":"8 1","pages":"Pages 102-109"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146049195","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.smhs.2025.03.001
Milo Wolf , Patroklos Androulakis Korakakis , Michael D. Roberts , Daniel L. Plotkin , Martino V. Franchi , Bret Contreras , Menno Henselmans , Stian Larsen , Brad J. Schoenfeld
Background
This paper aimed to systematically review the literature regarding the effects of resistance training (RT) performed at longer-muscle length (LML) versus shorter-muscle length (SML) on proxy measurements for longitudinal hypertrophy.
Methods
We included studies that satisfied the following criteria: (1) be a resistance training intervention with a comparison of LML vs SML-RT; (2) assess both fascicle length (FL) and muscle size pre- and post-intervention; (3) involve healthy adults aged ≥ 18 years; (4) be published in an English-language journal, and; (5) have a minimum training intervention duration of 4 weeks. Three databases were searched in February 2024 (Google Scholar, PubMed/Medline, Scopus) for relevant articles, alongside 'forward' and 'backward' citation searching of articles included and additions via authors' personal knowledge. The results of studies were described narratively, compared, and contrasted. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, totaling a sample size of 120.
Results
Our results suggest that both muscle size and fascicle length increases may be greater following LML-RT versus SML-RT, suggesting LML-RT may lead to greater longitudinal hypertrophy than SML-RT. Notably, evidence is largely mixed; no studies to date have attempted to estimate serial sarcomere number changes from LML versus SML-RT, and all but one study used linear extrapolation methods to estimate FL, which has questionable validity. Therefore, the structural adaptations underlying hypertrophy from LML-RT remain undetermined.
Conclusion
In conclusion, results suggest that LML-RT may be superior to SML-RT for inducing muscle hypertrophy and, more specifically, longitudinal growth, though evidence is mixed.
{"title":"Does longer-muscle length resistance training cause greater longitudinal growth in humans? A systematic review","authors":"Milo Wolf , Patroklos Androulakis Korakakis , Michael D. Roberts , Daniel L. Plotkin , Martino V. Franchi , Bret Contreras , Menno Henselmans , Stian Larsen , Brad J. Schoenfeld","doi":"10.1016/j.smhs.2025.03.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smhs.2025.03.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This paper aimed to systematically review the literature regarding the effects of resistance training (RT) performed at longer-muscle length (LML) versus shorter-muscle length (SML) on proxy measurements for longitudinal hypertrophy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We included studies that satisfied the following criteria: (1) be a resistance training intervention with a comparison of LML vs SML-RT; (2) assess both fascicle length (FL) and muscle size pre- and post-intervention; (3) involve healthy adults aged ≥ 18 years; (4) be published in an English-language journal, and; (5) have a minimum training intervention duration of 4 weeks. Three databases were searched in February 2024 (Google Scholar, PubMed/Medline, Scopus) for relevant articles, alongside 'forward' and 'backward' citation searching of articles included and additions via authors' personal knowledge. The results of studies were described narratively, compared, and contrasted. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, totaling a sample size of 120.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Our results suggest that both muscle size and fascicle length increases may be greater following LML-RT versus SML-RT, suggesting LML-RT may lead to greater longitudinal hypertrophy than SML-RT. Notably, evidence is largely mixed; no studies to date have attempted to estimate serial sarcomere number changes from LML versus SML-RT, and all but one study used linear extrapolation methods to estimate FL, which has questionable validity. Therefore, the structural adaptations underlying hypertrophy from LML-RT remain undetermined.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In conclusion, results suggest that LML-RT may be superior to SML-RT for inducing muscle hypertrophy and, more specifically, longitudinal growth, though evidence is mixed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33620,"journal":{"name":"Sports Medicine and Health Science","volume":"8 1","pages":"Pages 34-42"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146049155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.smhs.2024.11.006
Xiao'ao Xue , Yuwen Zhang , Le Yu , Qianru Li , Yiran Wang , Zikun Wang , Shanshan Zheng , Yang Sun , He Wang , Yinghui Hua
Purpose
Ankle proprioception deficits have been widely reported in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI), but their central neuropathological mechanisms have not been fully discussed. So, we aimed to figure out whether the structural and functional features of the cerebellar vermis differed between patients with CAI and healthy controls, and are associated with proprioception deficits in patients.
Methods
Twenty-two patients and 25 control individuals were enrolled in a cross-sectional investigation. All participants underwent structural and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning to calculate voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) of the vermis. Between-group comparisons of the ankle instability-related subregions of the vermis were performed. Correlation analyses were performed between the outcomes of the surviving subregions and the proprioceptive scores of the ankle inversion discrimination apparatus for landing test.
Results
The subregion of vermis IV/V survived the multiple comparison correction to reveal a lower VBM value in patients than in healthy controls (Cohen's d = −0.968). The patients also showed significantly higher fALFF (Cohen's d = 0.666) in this subregion. After controlling the demographic features, the proprioceptive scores were significantly correlated with VBM (r = 0.622) and fALFF values (r = −0.512) in the group of patients.
Conclusions
Patients with CAI have lower gray matter volume and higher activity intensity in the cerebellar vermis than healthy control. The more severe proprioception deficits were significantly associated with the vermal volume and activity, which might be able to facilitate future diagnoses and treatments for CAI.
目的踝关节本体感觉缺损在慢性踝关节不稳定（CAI）患者中已被广泛报道，但其中枢神经病理机制尚未得到充分讨论。因此，我们旨在了解CAI患者与健康对照者小脑蚓部的结构和功能特征是否存在差异，并与患者本体感觉缺陷有关。方法选取22例患者和25例对照者进行横断面调查。所有参与者都进行了结构和静息状态功能磁共振成像扫描，以计算蚓部基于体素的形态测量（VBM）和低频波动分数幅度（fALFF）。对踝关节不稳定相关的蚓部亚区进行组间比较。对存活亚区结果与踝关节内翻识别仪着陆测试本体感觉评分进行相关性分析。结果经多次比较校正后，IV/V虫区存活，患者的VBM值低于健康对照组（Cohen’s d =−0.968）。患者在该亚区也表现出明显较高的fALFF （Cohen’s d = 0.666）。在控制人口学特征后，本组患者本体感觉评分与VBM （r = 0.622）和fALFF值（r = - 0.512）显著相关。结论CAI患者小脑蚓部灰质体积低于正常对照组，活动强度高于正常对照组。更严重的本体感觉缺陷与正常体积和活动显著相关，这可能有助于未来对CAI的诊断和治疗。
{"title":"Proprioception deficits in chronic ankle instability associated with structural and functional alternations in cerebellar vermis","authors":"Xiao'ao Xue , Yuwen Zhang , Le Yu , Qianru Li , Yiran Wang , Zikun Wang , Shanshan Zheng , Yang Sun , He Wang , Yinghui Hua","doi":"10.1016/j.smhs.2024.11.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smhs.2024.11.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Ankle proprioception deficits have been widely reported in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI), but their central neuropathological mechanisms have not been fully discussed. So, we aimed to figure out whether the structural and functional features of the cerebellar vermis differed between patients with CAI and healthy controls, and are associated with proprioception deficits in patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Twenty-two patients and 25 control individuals were enrolled in a cross-sectional investigation. All participants underwent structural and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning to calculate voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) of the vermis. Between-group comparisons of the ankle instability-related subregions of the vermis were performed. Correlation analyses were performed between the outcomes of the surviving subregions and the proprioceptive scores of the ankle inversion discrimination apparatus for landing test.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The subregion of vermis IV/V survived the multiple comparison correction to reveal a lower VBM value in patients than in healthy controls (Cohen's <em>d</em> = −0.968). The patients also showed significantly higher fALFF (Cohen's <em>d</em> = 0.666) in this subregion. After controlling the demographic features, the proprioceptive scores were significantly correlated with VBM (<em>r</em> = 0.622) and fALFF values (<em>r</em> = −0.512) in the group of patients.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Patients with CAI have lower gray matter volume and higher activity intensity in the cerebellar vermis than healthy control. The more severe proprioception deficits were significantly associated with the vermal volume and activity, which might be able to facilitate future diagnoses and treatments for CAI.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33620,"journal":{"name":"Sports Medicine and Health Science","volume":"8 1","pages":"Pages 96-101"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146049189","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study aims to explore the impact of fatigue induced by different limb exercises on cerebral cortical oxygenation levels and functional connectivity strength using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Fatigue was induced using an upper limb ergometer or a lower limb ergometer, with the load increasing gradually each minute. fNIRS covering the prefrontal cortex and motor cortex were used to collect data during the resting state, both before and after fatigue induction. A two-way ANOVA was conducted to examine differences in oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) and functional connectivity before and after fatigue induction in both groups, with the significance level set at 0.05. Exercise-induced fatigue in both the upper and lower limbs leads to a significant decrease in cerebral cortical oxygenation levels. Upper limb fatigue leads to a significant reduction in functional connectivity, there were significant decreases in connectivity within the motor cortex, between the motor cortex and frontal regions, and between the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and other frontal regions. Conversely, no significant changes were observed before and after lower limb fatigue. Future studies should focus on examining the extent to which how changes in the cerebral cortex, induced by exercise fatigue, are linked to exercise- and/or performance-related outcomes.
{"title":"The characteristics of cerebral cortical oxygenation levels and functional connectivity under upper and lower limb exercise-induced fatigue","authors":"Feng Li, Yajie Wang, Xinyi Wang, Jiawei Bi, Ye Luo, Lingyan Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.smhs.2025.01.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smhs.2025.01.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aims to explore the impact of fatigue induced by different limb exercises on cerebral cortical oxygenation levels and functional connectivity strength using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Fatigue was induced using an upper limb ergometer or a lower limb ergometer, with the load increasing gradually each minute. fNIRS covering the prefrontal cortex and motor cortex were used to collect data during the resting state, both before and after fatigue induction. A two-way ANOVA was conducted to examine differences in oxyhemoglobin (HbO<sub>2</sub>) and functional connectivity before and after fatigue induction in both groups, with the significance level set at 0.05. Exercise-induced fatigue in both the upper and lower limbs leads to a significant decrease in cerebral cortical oxygenation levels. Upper limb fatigue leads to a significant reduction in functional connectivity, there were significant decreases in connectivity within the motor cortex, between the motor cortex and frontal regions, and between the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and other frontal regions. Conversely, no significant changes were observed before and after lower limb fatigue. Future studies should focus on examining the extent to which how changes in the cerebral cortex, induced by exercise fatigue, are linked to exercise- and/or performance-related outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33620,"journal":{"name":"Sports Medicine and Health Science","volume":"8 1","pages":"Pages 61-69"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146049158","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.smhs.2024.11.004
Ismail Dergaa , Hatem Ghouili , Cain C.T. Clark , Morteza Taheri , Mohamed Saifeddin Fessi , Nizar Souissi , Noomen Guelmami , Mohamed Ben Aissa , Helmi Ben Saad , Katja Weiss , Beat Knechtle , Lamia Ben Ezzeddine
Background
Cupping therapy (CT), an ancient practice revived in modern sports medicine, offers potential benefits for athlete recovery and performance. Distinctions between wet CT (WCT) and dry CT (DCT) in sports science focus on their effects on recovery metrics, particularly how they influence sleep quality, perceived wellness, and athletic performance. Despite anecdotal evidence of its efficacy, rigorous comparative studies are scarce.
Objective
This study aimed to evaluates and compare the effects of WCT and DCT on endurance, perceived wellness, exertion levels, and sleep quality among young, active males, addressing the gap in the literature regarding CT's efficacy in sports performance and recovery.
Methods
Thirty-two amateur runners were randomly divided into two groups: one followed WCT sessions and the other followed DCT sessions. The study assessed the interventions' impacts on endurance performance (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and perceived exertion (Borg CR10 Scale). Heart rate was measured using a Polar H10 sensor to gauge physiological responses during physical tests.
Results
Significant improvements were observed in the WCT group for sleep latency (% change = −82.31%; interaction group × time p = 0.006; Cohen's d = 0.74) and sleep disturbance (% change = −68.70%; interaction group × time p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 1.09), suggesting enhanced sleep quality (global score; % change = −52.81; interaction group × time p = 0.004; Cohen's d = 0.77). However, no significant differences were found in direct performance metrics (distance, maximal heart rate, maximal oxygen uptake) between WCT and DCT groups. These findings highlight WCT's potential as a recovery aid, particularly through improved sleep, without directly influencing endurance performance outcomes.
Conclusion
WCT may serve as an effective ergogenic aid for athletes by potentially improving sleep quality and reducing perceived exertion, thus contributing indirectly to performance through enhanced recovery.
拔火罐疗法（CT）是一种在现代运动医学中复兴的古老疗法，对运动员的恢复和表现有潜在的好处。在运动科学中，湿CT （WCT）和干CT （DCT）的区别主要集中在它们对恢复指标的影响上，特别是它们如何影响睡眠质量、感知健康和运动表现。尽管坊间证据表明其有效性，但严格的比较研究很少。目的本研究旨在评估和比较WCT和DCT对年轻活跃男性耐力、感知健康、运动水平和睡眠质量的影响，解决文献中关于CT在运动表现和恢复方面功效的空白。方法32名业余跑步爱好者随机分为两组，一组为WCT组，另一组为DCT组。该研究评估了干预措施对耐力表现（溜溜球间歇恢复测试）、睡眠质量（匹兹堡睡眠质量指数）和感知劳累（博格CR10量表）的影响。使用Polar H10传感器测量心率，以测量物理测试期间的生理反应。结果WCT组在睡眠潜伏期（%变化= - 82.31%，交互作用组×时间p = 0.006, Cohen’s d = 0.74）和睡眠障碍（%变化= - 68.70%，交互作用组×时间p <； 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.09）方面均有显著改善，提示睡眠质量得到改善（整体评分，%变化= - 52.81，交互作用组×时间p = 0.004, Cohen’s d = 0.77）。然而，在WCT组和DCT组之间的直接性能指标（距离、最大心率、最大摄氧量）没有发现显著差异。这些发现强调了WCT作为恢复辅助的潜力，特别是通过改善睡眠，而不直接影响耐力表现结果。结论：wct可能是运动员有效的促氧剂，可能通过改善睡眠质量和减少劳累感，从而通过促进恢复间接促进成绩。
{"title":"Impact of wet and dry cupping therapy on endurance, perceived wellness, and exertion in recreational male runners","authors":"Ismail Dergaa , Hatem Ghouili , Cain C.T. Clark , Morteza Taheri , Mohamed Saifeddin Fessi , Nizar Souissi , Noomen Guelmami , Mohamed Ben Aissa , Helmi Ben Saad , Katja Weiss , Beat Knechtle , Lamia Ben Ezzeddine","doi":"10.1016/j.smhs.2024.11.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smhs.2024.11.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Cupping therapy (CT), an ancient practice revived in modern sports medicine, offers potential benefits for athlete recovery and performance. Distinctions between wet CT (WCT) and dry CT (DCT) in sports science focus on their effects on recovery metrics, particularly how they influence sleep quality, perceived wellness, and athletic performance. Despite anecdotal evidence of its efficacy, rigorous comparative studies are scarce.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluates and compare the effects of WCT and DCT on endurance, perceived wellness, exertion levels, and sleep quality among young, active males, addressing the gap in the literature regarding CT's efficacy in sports performance and recovery.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Thirty-two amateur runners were randomly divided into two groups: one followed WCT sessions and the other followed DCT sessions. The study assessed the interventions' impacts on endurance performance (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and perceived exertion (Borg CR10 Scale). Heart rate was measured using a Polar H10 sensor to gauge physiological responses during physical tests.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Significant improvements were observed in the WCT group for sleep latency (% change = −82.31%; interaction group × time <em>p</em> = 0.006; Cohen's <em>d</em> = 0.74) and sleep disturbance (% change = −68.70%; interaction group × time <em>p</em> < 0.001; Cohen's <em>d</em> = 1.09), suggesting enhanced sleep quality (global score; % change = −52.81; interaction group × time <em>p</em> = 0.004; Cohen's <em>d</em> = 0.77). However, no significant differences were found in direct performance metrics (distance, maximal heart rate, maximal oxygen uptake) between WCT and DCT groups. These findings highlight WCT's potential as a recovery aid, particularly through improved sleep, without directly influencing endurance performance outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>WCT may serve as an effective ergogenic aid for athletes by potentially improving sleep quality and reducing perceived exertion, thus contributing indirectly to performance through enhanced recovery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33620,"journal":{"name":"Sports Medicine and Health Science","volume":"8 1","pages":"Pages 70-78"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146049187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.smhs.2025.10.003
Abril Gorgori-Gonzalez , Silvana Soto-Rodriguez , Eva Tamayo-Torres , Esther Garcia-Dominguez , Vicente Sebastia , Juan Gambini , Gloria Olaso-Gonzalez , Maria Carmen Gomez-Cabrera
Aging is characterized by a progressive decline in physiological function, driven by intrinsic mechanisms (primary aging) and modifiable factors (secondary aging), ultimately leading to multimorbidity, disability, and mortality. Mitochondrial dysfunction, a major hallmark of aging, plays a central role in the loss of muscle mass and strength observed in frailty and sarcopenia. With age, mitochondrial quality control processes, including biogenesis, mitophagy, and dynamics, become dysregulated, impairing energy metabolism and muscle homeostasis.
Mitochondrial dysfunction correlates with clinical biomarkers of sarcopenia and frailty, such as the decrease in walking speed and muscle strength, making it a therapeutic target for mitohormesis-based strategies aimed at preserving functional capacity. Mitohormetic agents induce reversible mitochondrial stress, triggering adaptive responses that enhance function. Among these interventions, physical exercise, particularly endurance and resistance training (RT), has been reported to be among the most effective, as it may modulate mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics, and mitophagy through increases in proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) expression, mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA) copy number, and mitochondrial content. Chronic RT can also elevate fusion and fission markers, potentially as a compensatory mechanism to mitigate mitochondrial damage.
Apart from exercise, mitohormetic compounds such as harmol and piceid are emerging as promising supplements in the aging field. By modulating mitochondrial bioenergetics and dynamics, they may complement lifestyle-based interventions to improve mitochondrial fitness and extend health span.
{"title":"Leveraging mitochondrial stress to improve healthy aging","authors":"Abril Gorgori-Gonzalez , Silvana Soto-Rodriguez , Eva Tamayo-Torres , Esther Garcia-Dominguez , Vicente Sebastia , Juan Gambini , Gloria Olaso-Gonzalez , Maria Carmen Gomez-Cabrera","doi":"10.1016/j.smhs.2025.10.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smhs.2025.10.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aging is characterized by a progressive decline in physiological function, driven by intrinsic mechanisms (primary aging) and modifiable factors (secondary aging), ultimately leading to multimorbidity, disability, and mortality. Mitochondrial dysfunction, a major hallmark of aging, plays a central role in the loss of muscle mass and strength observed in frailty and sarcopenia. With age, mitochondrial quality control processes, including biogenesis, mitophagy, and dynamics, become dysregulated, impairing energy metabolism and muscle homeostasis.</div><div>Mitochondrial dysfunction correlates with clinical biomarkers of sarcopenia and frailty, such as the decrease in walking speed and muscle strength, making it a therapeutic target for mitohormesis-based strategies aimed at preserving functional capacity. Mitohormetic agents induce reversible mitochondrial stress, triggering adaptive responses that enhance function. Among these interventions, physical exercise, particularly endurance and resistance training (RT), has been reported to be among the most effective, as it may modulate mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics, and mitophagy through increases in proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) expression, mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA) copy number, and mitochondrial content. Chronic RT can also elevate fusion and fission markers, potentially as a compensatory mechanism to mitigate mitochondrial damage.</div><div>Apart from exercise, mitohormetic compounds such as harmol and piceid are emerging as promising supplements in the aging field. By modulating mitochondrial bioenergetics and dynamics, they may complement lifestyle-based interventions to improve mitochondrial fitness and extend health span.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33620,"journal":{"name":"Sports Medicine and Health Science","volume":"8 1","pages":"Pages 23-33"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146049154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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