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Heliyon Jun 2024Cryostimulation involves using water environments and low temperatures as intervention mediums, with main methods including CWI (cold water immersion), CWT (contrast...
A evidence-based approach to selecting post-exercise cryostimulation techniques for improving exercise performance and fatigue recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
RATIONALE
Cryostimulation involves using water environments and low temperatures as intervention mediums, with main methods including CWI (cold water immersion), CWT (contrast water therapy), and WBC (whole-body cryostimulation). Previous systematic reviews focused on the effect of cryostimulation on muscle fatigue and sports performance. However, studies on the selection of different cryostimulation methods and their intervention effects present inconsistent results.
INTRODUCTION
To systematically review and methodologically appraise the quality and effectiveness of existing intervention studies that the effects of various cryostimulation methods, including CWI, CWT, and WBC, on exercise performance and fatigue recovery.
METHODS
Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted searches in PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases to gather randomized controlled trials or self-controlled trials involving CWI/CWT/WBC and their effects on exercise performance or fatigue recovery. The search period ranged from November 2013 to November 2, 2023. Literature screening was performed using EndNote X9.1, and the quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software.
RESULTS
This study included a total of 18 articles, included a total of 499 healthy participants, comprising 479 males and 20 females. Among them, participants underwent cryostimulation, including 102 using CWT, using CWI, and 58 using WBC. Compared to the control group, cryostimulation can significantly alleviate muscle pain intensity (SMD -0.45, 95% CL -0.82 to 0.09, P = 0.01). Specifically, CWI significantly reduced muscle pain intensity (SMD = -0.45, 95% CI: 0.820.09, P = 0.01), WBC significantly decreased C-reactive protein levels (SMD = -1.36, 95% CI: 2.350.36, P = 0.008). While, CWT showed no significant differences from the control group in exercise performance and fatigue recovery indicators (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Cryostimulation can significantly reduce muscle pain intensity and perceived fatigue. Specifically, CWI significantly alleviates muscle pain intensity, WBC significantly lowers markers of inflammation caused by fatigue after exercise, in contrast, CWT does not significantly improve exercise performance and fatigue recovery. After exercise, compared with rest, using cryostimulation may have more noticeable benefits for muscle fatigue and muscle pain, with recommendations prioritizing WBC and CWI particularly for addressing inflammation and muscle pain. However, all cryostimulation may have no significant influence on exercise performance.
PubMed: 38933969
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32196 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Handgrip strength (HGS) is an indicator of muscular strength, used in the diagnosis of sarcopenia, undernutrition, and physical frailty as well as recovery. Typically,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Handgrip strength (HGS) is an indicator of muscular strength, used in the diagnosis of sarcopenia, undernutrition, and physical frailty as well as recovery. Typically, the maximum HGS value is used; however, recent evidence suggests the exploration of new indicators provided based on the force-time curve to achieve a more comprehensive assessment of muscle function. Therefore, the objective was to identify indicators of the HGS profile beyond maximum HGS, based on force-time curves, and to systematize knowledge about their applications to various types of samples, health issues, and physical performance.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed including studies whose participants' HGS was assessed with a digital or adapted dynamometer. The outcome measures were HGS profile indicators calculated from the force-time curve.
RESULTS
a total of 15 studies were included, and the following indicators were identified: grip fatigue, fatigability index, fatigue rate, fatigue resistance, time to 80% maximal voluntary contraction, plateau coefficient of variability, time to maximum value, T-90%, release rate, power factor, grip work, average integrated area, endurance, cycle duration, time between cycles, maximum and minimum force-velocity, rate of grip force, final force, inflection point, integrated area, submaximal control, and response time.
CONCLUSIONS
Various indicators based on the force-time curve can be assessed through digital or adapted dynamometers. Future research should analyze these indicators to understand their implications for muscle function assessment, to standardize evaluation procedures, to identify clinically relevant measures, and to clarify their implications in clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Hand Strength; Muscle Strength Dynamometer; Female; Male; Muscle Fatigue; Aged; Muscle, Skeletal; Muscle Strength; Middle Aged; Sarcopenia; Time Factors; Adult
PubMed: 38931305
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121951 -
Cancers Jun 2024Cancer is associated with increased muscle weakness, reduced physical functioning, increased fatigue, but also sleep disturbances, including insomnia, that affect... (Review)
Review
Cancer is associated with increased muscle weakness, reduced physical functioning, increased fatigue, but also sleep disturbances, including insomnia, that affect quality of life (QoL). Physical activity demonstrated benefits on functional capacity, resilience and cancer-related fatigue, but there is a paucity of available data regarding its effects on insomnia in patients with cancer. This systematic review aims to examine the efficacy of exercise levels with insomnia in cancer patients. A systematic search was performed for articles published in PubMed and Cochrane Library databases from December 2013 to February 2023. Included studies explored insomnia during or after cancer treatment, with various exercise interventions. The search identified nine studies included in this review. Due to substantial heterogeneity in the interventions across studies, meta-analysis was not performed. Three studies reported positive results for insomnia reduction by self-reported outcomes under a supervised aerobic exercise program alone or combined with strength training. The present systematic review establishes the role of exercise interventions for reducing cancer-related insomnia. Further studies are indeed warranted to improve the level of evidence for exercise interventions for implementation in the care of cancer-related insomnia.
PubMed: 38927946
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122241 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024Physical exertion during exercise often leads to increased oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, significantly affecting physical performance. Current strategies...
BACKGROUND
Physical exertion during exercise often leads to increased oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, significantly affecting physical performance. Current strategies to mitigate these effects are limited by their effectiveness and potential side effects. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) has gained attention for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have suggested that H supplementation contributes to antioxidant potential and anti-fatigue during exercise, but the variance in the observations and study protocols is presented across those studies.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively characterize the effects of H₂ supplementation on physical performance (i.e., endurance, muscular strength, and explosive power), providing knowledge that can inform strategies using H for enhancing physical performance.
METHODS
We conducted a literature search of six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Sport-Discus, Embase, and PsycINFO) according to the PRISMA guidelines. The data were extracted from the included studies and converted into the standardized mean difference (SMD). After that, we performed random-effects meta-analyses and used the statistic to evaluate heterogeneity. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to assess the quality of the evidence obtained from this meta-analysis.
RESULTS
In total, 27 publications consisting of 597 participants were included. The search finally included aerobic endurance, anaerobic endurance, muscular strength, lower limb explosive power, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate (BLA), and average heart rate (HR) in the effect size (ES) synthesis. The ES of H on aerobic endurance, including V̇O (SMD = 0.09, = 0.394; = 0%) and aerobic endurance exercise (SMD = 0.04, = 0.687; = 0%), were not significant and trivial; the ES of H on 30 s maximal anaerobic endurance (SMD = 0.19, = 0.239; = 0%) was not significant and trivial; the ES of H on muscular strength (SMD = 0.19, = 0.265; = 0%) was not significant and trivial; but the ES of H on lower limb explosive power (SMD = 0.30, = 0.018; = 0%) was significant and small. In addition, H reduces RPE (SMD = -0.37, = 0.009; = 58.0%) and BLA (SMD = -0.37, = 0.001; = 22.0%) during exercise, but not HR (SMD = -0.27, = 0.094; = 0%).
CONCLUSION
These findings suggest that H supplementation is favorable in healthy adults to improve lower limb explosive power, alleviate fatigue, and boost BLA clearance, but may not be effectively improving aerobic and anaerobic endurance and muscular strength. Future studies with more rigorous designs are thus needed to examine and confirm the effects of H on these important functionalities in humans.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO.
PubMed: 38903627
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1387657 -
Respiratory Research Jun 2024The term "post-COVID-19 condition" refers to the symptomatology that appears between four to twelve weeks after Covid-19 infection. These symptoms can persist for weeks... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The term "post-COVID-19 condition" refers to the symptomatology that appears between four to twelve weeks after Covid-19 infection. These symptoms can persist for weeks or even months, significantly diminishing the quality of life for affected individuals. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation programs and/or respiratory muscle training on respiratory sequelae in patients with post-COVID condition.
METHODS
The literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, PEDro, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science. Randomized clinical trials were included in which participants were aged 18 years or older. Articles were excluded if at least one of the therapies did not involve pulmonary rehabilitation or respiratory muscle training, if the participants were COVID positive, if studies lacked results, and finally, if interventions were conducted without supervision or at home. This review only encompasses supervised non-virtual interventions. This study adheres to the PRISMA statement and has been registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023433843).
RESULTS
The outcomes obtained in the included studies are assessed across the following variables: Exercise capacity using the 6-minute walk test, Dyspnea, fatigue, Pulmonary function, Maximum inspiratory pressure, and Quality of life.
CONCLUSION
Despite the absence of a specific treatment at present, it was evident from this review that a well-structured pulmonary rehabilitation program that incorporates both aerobic and muscular strength exercises along with techniques and inspiratory muscle exercises was the most effective form of treatment.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Breathing Exercises; Treatment Outcome; Respiratory Muscles; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Exercise Tolerance; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
PubMed: 38890699
DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02857-4 -
Cardio-oncology (London, England) Jun 2024The effects of exercise in patients with breast cancer (BC), has shown some profit, but consistency and magnitude of benefit remains unclear. We aimed to conduct a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The effects of exercise in patients with breast cancer (BC), has shown some profit, but consistency and magnitude of benefit remains unclear. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to assess the benefits of varying types of exercises in patients with BC.
METHODS
Literature search was conducted across five electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and Cochrane) from 1st January 2000 through 19th January 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of different types of exercise on outcomes related to fitness and quality of life (QOL) in patients with BC were considered for inclusion. Outcomes of interest included cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), health-related quality of life (HRQOL), muscle strength, fatigue and physical function. Evaluations were reported as mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and pooled using random effects model. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant.
RESULTS
Thirty-one relevant articles were included in the final analysis. Exercise intervention did not significantly improved the CRF in patients with BC when compared with control according to treadmill ergometer scale (MD: 4.96; 95%Cl [-2.79, 12.70]; P = 0.21), however exercise significantly improved CRF according to cycle ergometer scales (MD 2.07; 95% Cl [1.03, 3.11]; P = 0.0001). Physical function was significantly improved as well in exercise group reported by 6-MWT scale (MD 80.72; 95% Cl [55.67, 105.77]; P < 0.00001). However, exercise did not significantly improve muscle strength assessed using the hand grip dynamometer (MD 0.55; 95% CI [-1.61, 2.71]; P = 0.62), and fatigue assessed using the MFI-20 (MD -0.09; 95% CI [-5.92, 5.74]; P = 0.98) and Revised Piper scales (MD -0.26; 95% CI [-1.06, 0.55] P = 0.53). Interestingly, exercise was found to improve HRQOL when assessed using the FACT-B scale (MD 8.57; 95% CI [4.53, 12.61]; P < 0.0001) but no significant improvements were noted with the EORTIC QLQ-C30 scale (MD 1.98; 95% CI [-1.43, 5.40]; P = 0.25).
CONCLUSION
Overall exercise significantly improves the HRQOL, CRF and physical function in patients with BC. HRQOL was improved with all exercise types but the effects on CRF vary with cycle versus treadmill ergometer. Exercise failed to improve fatigue-related symptoms and muscle strength. Large RCTs are required to evaluate the effects of exercise in patients with BC in more detail.
PubMed: 38890692
DOI: 10.1186/s40959-024-00235-z -
Journal of Bodywork and Movement... Jul 2024The upper quarter y-balance test (YBT-UQ) is a functional screening tool used to detect musculoskeletal injury risk, aid rehabilitation, and monitor dynamic function,... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The upper quarter y-balance test (YBT-UQ) is a functional screening tool used to detect musculoskeletal injury risk, aid rehabilitation, and monitor dynamic function, strength and control, yet little is currently known about intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence reach scores.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review aimed to determine if age, sex, or interventions influenced reach scores and whether between-limb differences were common in non-injured sporting populations, with a secondary aim to identify if sport impacted YBT-UQ reach.
METHODS
Web of Science, PubMed, and SportDiscus were systematically searched from January 2012 to November 16, 2023, revealing twenty-three studies satisfying inclusion criteria of published in English between 2012 and 2023, healthy participants of any age including both males and females, athletic populations, YBT-UQ use to assess upper limb mobility/stability, report normalised reach scores, and peer-reviewed full-texts. Methodological quality was evaluated via National Institutes of Health (NIH) quality assessment tools for controlled interventions, observational cohort and cross-sectional designs, and pre-post with no control group.
RESULTS
Age, sex, sport, and fatigue were influencing factors; greater reach scores were achieved in older athletes (i.e. >18 years), males, and in a well-rested state. Between-limb differences were not common in sporting populations; therefore, asymmetries may be useful for practitioners to aid injury risk identification.
CONCLUSION
This is the first systematic review investigating YBT-UQ influencing factors and thereby provides context for clinicians regarding characteristics that impact reach scores in sporting populations, from which normative values could be determined and further aid clinical decisions or areas to improve regarding injury risk.
Topics: Humans; Upper Extremity; Postural Balance; Male; Age Factors; Sex Factors; Female; Athletic Injuries; Adult; Athletes; Muscle Strength; Fatigue; Sports
PubMed: 38876624
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.02.043 -
PloS One 2024Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can improve physical function in different populations. NMES-related outcomes may be influenced by muscle length (i.e., joint...
Effect of muscle length on maximum evoked torque, discomfort, contraction fatigue, and strength adaptations during electrical stimulation in adult populations: A systematic review.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can improve physical function in different populations. NMES-related outcomes may be influenced by muscle length (i.e., joint angle), a modulator of the force generation capacity of muscle fibers. Nevertheless, to date, there is no comprehensive synthesis of the available scientific evidence regarding the optimal joint angle for maximizing the effectiveness of NMES. We performed a systematic review to investigate the effect of muscle length on NMES-induced torque, discomfort, contraction fatigue, and strength training adaptations in healthy and clinical adult populations (PROSPERO: CRD42022332965). We conducted searches across seven electronic databases: PUBMED, Web of Science, EMBASE, PEDro, BIREME, SCIELO, and Cochrane, over the period from June 2022 to October 2023, without restricting the publication year. We included cross-sectional and longitudinal studies that used NMES as an intervention or assessment tool for comparing muscle lengths in adult populations. We excluded studies on vocalization, respiratory, or pelvic floor muscles. Data extraction was performed via a standardized form to gather information on participants, interventions, and outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for cross-over trials and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Out of the 1185 articles retrieved through our search strategy, we included 36 studies in our analysis, that included 448 healthy young participants (age: 19-40 years) in order to investigate maximum evoked torque (n = 268), contraction fatigability (n = 87), discomfort (n = 82), and muscle strengthening (n = 22), as well as six participants with spinal cord injuries, and 15 healthy older participants. Meta-analyses were possible for comparing maximal evoked torque according to quadriceps muscle length through knee joint angle. At optimal muscle length 50° - 70° of knee flexion, where 0° is full extension), there was greater evoked torque during nerve stimulation compared to very short (0 - 30°) (p<0.001, CI 95%: -2.03, -1.15 for muscle belly stimulation, and -3.54, -1.16 for femoral nerve stimulation), short (31° - 49°) (p = 0.007, CI 95%: -1.58, -0.25), and long (71° - 90°) (p<0.001, CI 95%: 0.29, 1.02) muscle lengths. At long muscle lengths, NMES evoked greater torque than very short (p<0.001, CI 95%: -2.50, -0.67) and short (p = 0.04, CI 95%: -2.22, -0.06) lengths. The shortest quadriceps length generated the highest perceived discomfort for a given current amplitude. The amount of contraction fatigability was greater when muscle length allowed greater torque generation in the pre-fatigue condition. Strength gains were greater for a protocol at the optimal muscle length than for short muscle length. The quality of evidence was very high for most comparisons for evoked torque. However, further studies are necessary to achieve certainty for the other outcomes. Optimal muscle length should be considered the primary choice during NMES interventions, as it promotes higher levels of force production and may facilitate the preservation/gain in muscle force and mass, with reduced discomfort. However, a longer than optimal muscle length may also be used, due to possible muscle lengthening at high evoked tension. Thorough understanding of these physiological principles is imperative for the appropriate prescription of NMES for healthy and clinical populations.
Topics: Humans; Torque; Adult; Muscle Fatigue; Muscle, Skeletal; Muscle Contraction; Electric Stimulation; Muscle Strength; Adaptation, Physiological; Electric Stimulation Therapy
PubMed: 38857245
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304205 -
Journal of Sports Science & Medicine Jun 2024Breast cancer survivors with obesity are at a high risk of cancer recurrence, comorbidity, and mortality. This review aims to systematically evaluate the effects of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Combined Aerobic and Resistance Training Improves Body Composition, Alters Cardiometabolic Risk, and Ameliorates Cancer-Related Indicators in Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors with Overweight/Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Breast cancer survivors with obesity are at a high risk of cancer recurrence, comorbidity, and mortality. This review aims to systematically evaluate the effects of combined aerobic and resistance training (CART) on body composition, lipid homeostasis, inflammation, adipokines, cancer-related fatigue, sleep, and quality of life in breast cancer patients and survivors with overweight/obesity. An electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases from inception up to January 8, 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for the analysis. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess eligible studies, and the GRADE method to evaluate the quality of evidence. A random-effects model was used, and data were analyzed using mean (MD) and standardized mean differences (SMD) for continuous variables with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed the data for risk of bias, heterogeneity, sensitivity, reporting bias, and quality of evidence. A total of 17 randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic review involving 1,148 female patients and survivors (mean age: 54.0 ± 3.4 years). The primary outcomes showed significant improvements in body mass index (SMD -0.57 kg/m, = 0.04), body fat (SMD -0.50%, = 0.02), fat mass (SMD -0.63 kg, = 0.04), hip circumference (MD -3.14 cm, = 0.02), and fat-free mass (SMD 1.03 kg, < 0.001). The secondary outcomes indicated significant increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD -0.05 mmol/L, = 0.008), natural killer cells (SMD 0.42%, = 0.04), reductions in triglycerides (MD -81.90 mg/dL, < 0.01), total cholesterol (SMD -0.95 mmol/L, < 0.01), tumor necrosis factor α (SMD -0.89 pg/mL, = 0.03), and leptin (SMD -0.63 ng/mL, = 0.03). Also, beneficial alterations were found in cancer-related fatigue (SMD -0.98, = 0.03), sleep (SMD -1.17, < 0.001), and quality of life (SMD 2.94, = 0.02) scores. There was very low to low confidence in the estimated effect of most of the outcomes. The present findings reveal that CART could be considered an adjunct therapy in supporting the conventional clinical approach observed following exercise. However, further high-quality research is needed to evaluate whether CART would be a valuable intervention to lower aggressive pharmacologic use in breast cancer patients with overweight/obesity.
Topics: Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Resistance Training; Cancer Survivors; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Body Composition; Obesity; Quality of Life; Cardiometabolic Risk Factors; Adipokines; Exercise; Fatigue; Sleep; Overweight
PubMed: 38841642
DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2024.366 -
Frontiers in Bioengineering and... 2024The electromechanical efficiency of skeletal muscle represents the dissociation between electrical and mechanical events within a muscle. It has been widely studied,...
The electromechanical efficiency of skeletal muscle represents the dissociation between electrical and mechanical events within a muscle. It has been widely studied, with varying methods for its measurement and calculation. For this reason, the purpose of this literature review was to integrate the available research to date and provide more insights about this measure. A systematic search of the literature was performed across three online databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SPORTDiscus. This yielded 1284 reports, of which 10 met the inclusion criteria. Included studies have used different methods to measure the electromechanical efficiency (EME) index, including electromyography (EMG), mechanomyography and tensiomyography (TMG). The EME index was used to assess muscle conditions such as muscle atrophy, pain syndromes, or to monitor rehabilitation in patients with knee problems, fatigue and the effects of exercise and rehabilitation. TMG has been shown to be one of the most reliable methods to obtain the EME index, but its use precludes obtaining the index during voluntary muscle contractions. Standardizing the EME index is crucial for its diverse applications in clinical, sport, and rehabilitation contexts. Future research should prioritize standardization of measurement protocols for establishing the most repeatable, and reliable approach that can be used for inter-individual comparisons or for assessing an individual for multiple times over a longer period. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023440333 Identifier: CRD42023440333.
PubMed: 38784764
DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1398047