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Uncovering success patterns in track cycling: integrating performance data with coaches and athletes’ perspectives /
No full textTrack cycling entails a challenging progression from the youth categories to elite competition. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the importance of early performance and various publicly available performance indicators in predicting the success of male and female cyclists across different track disciplines. Additionally, the study enriches the findings by incorporating interviews with international-level coaches and athletes. A retrospective analysis of data from UCI track cycling databases was conducted, supplemented by interviews with international-level coaches and athletes. The success rate for highly ranked junior track cyclists was found to be less than 20%, with a majority of these athletes specializing in sprint events, regardless of gender. The study indicated that the UCI ranking and points earned during the season were not reliable indicators for distinguishing future success (p < 0.05). From the interviews, we identified three main themes: (1) trends in career success from the youth to elite categories, (2) performance markers as predictors of future success, and (3) the challenges and time involved in reaching elite categories. Junior category performance alone may not be the sole indicator of future success in track cycling. However, integrating performance analyses with practitioners and athletes’ perspectives enables a deeper understanding of the results and the developmental context
Near-infrared spectroscopy provides a reproducible estimate of muscle aerobic capacity, but not whole-body aerobic power /
No full textNear-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during repeated limb occlusions is a noninvasive tool for assessing muscle oxidative capacity. However, the method’s reliability and validity remain under investigation. This study aimed to determine the reliability of the NIRS-derived mitochondrial power of the musculus vastus lateralis and its correlation with whole-body (cycling) aerobic power (V̇O2 peak). Eleven healthy active men (28 ± 10 y) twice (2 days apart) underwent repeated arterial occlusions to induce changes in muscle oxygen delivery after 15 s of electrical muscle stimulation. The muscle oxygen consumption (mV̇O2) recovery time and rate (k) constants were calculated from the NIRS O2Hb signal. We assessed the reliability (coefficient of variation and intraclass coefficient of correlation [ICC]) and equivalency (t-test) between visits. The results showed high reproducibility for the mV̇O2 recovery time constant (ICC = 0.859) and moderate reproducibility for the k value (ICC = 0.674), with no significant differences between visits (p > 0.05). NIRS-derived k did not correlate with the V̇O2 peak relative to body mass (r = 0.441, p = 0.17) or the absolute V̇O2 peak (r = 0.366, p = 0.26). In conclusion, NIRS provides a reproducible estimate of muscle mitochondrial power, which, however, was not correlated with whole-body aerobic capacity in the current study, suggesting that even if somewhat overlapping, not the same set of factors underpin these distinct indices of aerobic capacity at the different (peripheral and whole-body systemic) levels
Resistance training's impact on blood biomarkers and cognitive function in older adults with low and high risk of mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial /
No full textThe aging brain exhibits a neuroinflammatory state, driven partly by peripheral pro-inflammatory stimuli, that accelerates cognitive deterioration. A growing body of evidence clearly indicates that physical exercise partly alleviates neuroinflammation and positively affects the aging process and cognition. In this randomized controlled trial, we aimed to observe the effect of 12 weeks of resistance training (RT) on peripheral biomarker levels, cognitive function changes and their interrelationship, and explore differences in those exercise-induced changes in older adults with high risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to older adults with low risk of MCI
The influence of exercise with music on motor skills and cognitive functions for children with autism spectrum disorder /
No full textA single bout of aerobic exercise impact to consolidation of bilateral movements in older adults.
No full textBackground. Aging is associated with a decline in motor coordination and learning efficiency. A single bout of exercise is used to improve learning of unilateral movements in older adults; however, the effect on learning of bilateral move-ments remains unclear.Aim. To determine the effect of a single bout of aerobic exercise on learning of bilateral movements in older adults.Methods. The study included 20 older adults and they were assigned to a control (n = 10; age: 64.5 ± 3.1 years) or experimental (n = 10; age: 63.6 ± 2.1 years) group. Participants in the experimental group performed a single 20-min-ute bout of moderate-intensity (50-70 %) aerobic exercise. Participants in the control group were asked to rest for 20 minutes. Changes in the learning of asymmetric and symmetric bilateral movements and motor consolidation 7 days after learning were evaluated using a Purdue Pegboard Test. Participants were asked to perform symmetrical and asymmetrical movements with both arms. Learning motivation was assessed immediately after learning using a Visual Analogue Scale.Results.Aerobic exercise improved motor consolidation (p < 0.05), whereas bilateral motor learning remained un-changed. Meanwhile, in the control group, the motor skill consolidation after a week did not change compared to the baseline value. Learning motivation did not differ between groups.Conclusions. A single 20-minute bout of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise can be used as an effective method to improve the consolidation of bilateral asymmetric and symmetric movements in long-term memory in older adults. ų abiem rankomis, įtvirtinimą ilgalaikėje atmintyje. Raktažodžiai: motorinė atmintis, motorinis įgūdis, pratimas, senjorai
Vietinio šildymo ir viso kūno hipertermijos poveikis jaunų ir pagyvenusių sveikų suaugusiųjų nervų-raumenų ir kognityvinėms funkcijoms.
No full textMore than one-fifth (21.1%) of the European Union (EU) population was aged 65 and over in 2022(Population Structure and Ageing, 2022) and its proration in the EU and worldwide is expected to increase rapidly in coming years (Shimizu et al., 2020).What’s more, one-third of people aged 65 years and older fall each year, and this number reaches 46% in those aged 85 years and older (Blake et al., 1988; A. D. Smith et al., 2010).Among those who fall, 50% do so repeatedly (Tinetti et al., 1988).A progressive decline in neuromuscular function, characterized by a structural decline in the number (Lexell et al., 1983) and size (Trappe et al., 2003) of muscle fibers and a decrease in neuron fiber size and density (Wang et al., 1999), directly contributes to the overall loss of muscle mass and strength in older adults. Functionally, loss of muscle strength and decline in neural function are associated with the increased incidence of falls observed in the elderly population; therefore, these falls are associated with significant mobility impairment (Evans & Campbell, 1993), disability (Guralnik & Simonsick, 1993), and a consequent loss of independence and quality of life. Because of the age-related loss of active muscle mass and consequent reduction in the basal and resting metabolicrate (Brazaitis et al., 2017; Fleg & Lakatta, 1988; Poehlman et al., 1994), the temperature of the skin and deep muscles (at ~ 3.5 cm) of the lower extremities decreases in older (64–80 years) adults compared with younger (19– 21 years)adults, by about 1.32 °C and 1.33 °C, respectively (Brazaitis et al., 2019).Physiologically, the conduction velocity of nerves decreases or increases at a speed rate of1.1–2.4 m/s/°C (Abramson et al., 1966; Denys, 1991; Gassel & Trojaborg, 1964; Halar et al., 1983).This suggests that, in addition to the age-related decline in neuromuscular structural, morphological, and functional properties (Hunter et al., 2016), the decrease in body temperature can profoundly change motor function and performance (Brazaitis et al., 2019).The process of aging is also linked to both structural changes in the brain(Jernigan et al., 2001; A. D. Smith et al., 2010; Zahra et al., 2019), leading to a decline in cognitive functioning is a common feature of aging, as confirmed by studies examining attention, working memory, and overall cognitive ability (Singh-Manoux et al., 2012; Zahra et al., 2019) . Furthermore, stress has been identified as a contributing factor that exacerbates age-related cognitive impairments, particularly affecting cognitive functions associated with the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (Arnsten, 2009; Kim & Kim, 2023). Heat stress has become more prevalent due to the increased occurrence of intense and frequent heat waves in the present era.Increasing evidence indicates that the human heat stress response and physical performance is influenced by neuroendocrine and inflammatory factors (Low et al., 2005; Pedersen & Hoffman-Goetz, 2000; Wright et al., 2012).High core body temperature (Tcore) is believed to alter motor center control in the brain through the interplay of neurotransmitter and hormone release(Leite et al., 2010; Soares et al., 2007). Additionally, the elderly population exhibits age-related inefficiencies in thermoregulatory regulation (Blatteis, 2012b; Guergova & Dufour, 2011, 2011; Yamashiro et al., 2020), which impairs their ability to dissipate heat efficiently. Consequently, older individuals tend to accumulate more heat within their bodies rather than dissipating it(Balmain et al., 2018). A recent study established that despite lower thermophysiological strain (i.e., lower heart rate and lower thermal sensation), a core temperature increase of »2.5°C is accompanied by greater cortisol response in old men than young men(Baranauskiene et al., 2023). Thus, in this case, two alternative hypotheses could be expected. First, it can be expected that an increase in cortisol would decrease cognition, specifically PFC-related functioning. Second, it can be expected that whole-body hyperthermia (WBH)-induced lower thermophysiological strain in old adults would compensate for this decline in cognitive functioning. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the effects of severe WBH (a Tre increase of »2.5°C) on cognitive functioning in old and young men and to explore factors, such as stress and thermo-physiological strain, that could influence such changes. In addition, different brain area-related cognitive tasks (i.e., hippocampus-related visual recognition memory, PFC-related cognitive flexibility, and short-term working memory) (Baranauskiene et al., 2023; Bayley et al., 2008) were investigated to evaluate if WBH evokes brain area-specific responses. There is a considerable body of work focusing on the effects of passively local heating, whole-body hyperthermia, and aging on motor performance. However, it is not well-known whether there are any agerelated differences between short-term (~5 minutes) local passive kneesurface heating (resulting in a next-to-skin temperature of approximately 44°C) and long-term whole-body passive heating (resulting in a rectal increase of approximately 2.5°C) in relation to motor performance in both healthy young and older adults. Similarly, the extent to which age-related difference in the cognitive performance under severe whole-body hyperthermia parallels cortisol and physical strain responses in the elderly compared to their young counterparts is poorly understood. Thus, The purpose of these three experiments are to investigate age-related differences in motor and cognitive functioning under local and wholebody hyperthermia conditions in healthy young and older men. Research objectives: 1.To determine if ageing would lead to greater decline in neuromuscular function during a fatiguing task under severe wholebody hyperthermia conditions. 2.To determine whether the short-term (5 min) application of local passive knee-surface heating (next-to-skin temperature, ~ 44 °C) is a sufficient stimulus to modulate reflex excitability and the consequent torque production response of the ankle (plantar flexion/dorsiflexion) muscles in younger and older healthy adults. 3. To test the effect of WBH on cognitive performance in healthy old and young men, with an increase in rectal temperature of »2.5°C (DTre 2.5°C) from overnight-fast baseline value. Originality, scientific novelty and practical significance of the research To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to explore ageassociated variances in response to both short-term local passive heating of the knee surface (5 minutes at a next-to-skin temperature of approximately 44°C hot water ) and prolonged whole-body passive heating (low body heating with an approximate 2.5°C increase in rectal temperature) on various parameters. These parameters encompass motor performance indices such as spinal and supraspinal reflex excitability, soleus muscle EMG activity, and the torque-generating capacity of muscles; a spectrum of blood markers including cortisol, IL-6, dopamine, and prolactin; and cognitive functioning as exemplified through visual working memory, executive functioning, and short-term working memory. The present studies indicated that the spinal and supraspinal reflex excitability of older adults increased during local knee-heating application. The improved motor drive transmission observed in older adults was accompanied by increased voluntarily induced torque production of the ankle muscles during isometric/isokinetic contractions. What’s more,neuromuscular performance during fatigue-provoking sustained isometric exercise under severe whole-body hyperthermia conditions appears to decline in both age groups, but a lower relative decline in torque production for older males may relate to lower psychological and thermophysiological strain along with a diminished dopamine response and prolactin release.Besides,approximately 2.5 ◦C increase in rectal temperature can improve executive function in old adults, and this increase parallels the increased cortisol concentration and the lower thermophysiological strain under severe whole-body hyperthermic conditions. These findings highlight the importance of age-specific differences in motor and cognitive performances in responsing to local and wholebody hyperthermia that until now have been poorly explored and understand. The findings of this dissertation offer novel insights into the interplay among thermoregulation, neuromuscular function, and cognitive abilities in aging individuals. They suggest that older healthy adults demonstrate greater resilience to neuromuscular fatigue and exhibit enhanced executive flexibility under conditions of whole-body hyperthermia compared to their younger counterparts. As the aging population continues to grow, there may be a tendency in the coming years to delay retirement or re-employ retired individuals. These findings have significant implications for policymakers in assessing the suitability of older individuals' participation in certain occupational settings characterized by elevated core-body temperatures, such as firefighting, deep mechanized and surface mining, iron and steel foundries, chemical plants, and hydroelectric utilities (Wright Beatty et al., 2015). Furthermore, they provide evidence for the healthcare system to address job-related health and safety concerns in the aging population. Conclusions 1. In conclusion, the spinal and supraspinal reflex excitability of older adults increased during local knee-heating application. The improved motor drive transmission observed in older adults was accompanied by increases in voluntarily induced isometric peak torque production, the rate of torque development, and isokinetic plantar flexion/dorsiflexion peak torque production. 2. In conclusion, our study reveals that neuromuscular performance during fatigue-provoking sustained iso- metric exercise under severe whole-body hyperthermia conditions declined in both age groups, but severely hyperthermic older males were less susceptible to neuromuscular fatigue. This is likely due to the lower heat stress experienced by older males, which can be attributed to a suppressed sympathetic autonomic response, impaired dopamine response, and lower circulating prolactin levels. 3. Our main finding was that healthy elderly individuals improved cognitive flexibility with an increase in Tre of ≈2.5 ◦C, but their memory was maintained. This improvement paralleled the lower physiological strain and greater cortisol response to WBH compared with young adults
Trigalvio blauzdos raumens ir Achilo sausgyslės mechaninio nuovargio poveikis kojos standumui.
No full textResearch problem: This study seeks to examine the relationship between mechanical fatigue by applying a fatigue-induced protocol to the triceps supramuscle-tendon unit and its impact on lower limb kinematics of the leg joints, muscle activity, and leg stiffness. Aim of the study: To determine how mechanical fatigue of the triceps surae muscle-tendon unit affects the interaction between muscle activity, leg joint kinematics, and leg stiffness. Objective of the study: 1) To examine the effect of fatigue on the triceps surae muscle-tendon unit on muscle activity during single leg hopping after induced fatigue and a 24-hour recovery period. 2) To examine how fatigue of the triceps supramuscular muscle-tendon unit affects the leg joint kinematics during single leg hopping after induced fatigue and a 24-hour recovery period. 3) To examine the effect of fatigue of the triceps supramuscular muscle-tendon unit on leg stiffness during single leg hopping after induced fatigue and a 24-hour recovery period. 4) To examine the effect of fatigue between genders. Methods and organization of the study: 20 participants (10 men, 10 women). An isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure calf muscles' voluntary strength (MVC) as well as leg stiffness. Subjects performed three 30-second jumps on one leg, according to 120 beats per minute. A 60-second rest will be given between the series. Electromyography of the calf muscles soleus (SOL), medial gastrocnemius (MG), lateralis gastrocnemius (LG), peroneus brevis (PB), and tibialis anterior (TA) was performed to assess electrical activity during muscle contractions. During jumping, the inertial measuring device was used to measure changes in joint angles. The subject fatigue protocol required subjects to perform calf raises while standing on both legs; one set lasted 60 s, and subjects had to maintain a rhythm of 70 bpm with 120 s of rest between sets. Subjects will be allowed to rest. Subjects will have to perform the exercises until complete exhaustion or until they are unable to maintain the required pace. The same tests were done again, and the same tests will be repeated 24 hours after the first visit. Results: Results showed no significant changes between values in leg stiffness (p = 0.269; η2 = 0.067). Significant changes were found in muscle activity area SOL (p=0.003; η²=0.275), TA (p=0.009; η²=0.231), and MG (p=0.016; η²=0.204), muscle activity area and muscle activity SOL (p=0.002; η²=0.294), TA (p=0.005; η²=0.256), and MG (p=0.009; η²=0.229). Kinematically significant changes were found in the hip flexion range (p<0.001; η²=0.449), knee flexion range (p=0.001; η²=0.293), ankle abduction range (p=0.032; η²=0.174), ankle dorsiflexion minimum (p<0.001; η²=0.412), and range (p<0.001; η²=0.371). Conclusion: In conclusion, a FiP that was performed in this study did not change leg stiffness; however, it did produce a significant change in PB, SOL, and MG muscles and kinematic changes such as increased knee and hip flexion ranges and ankle abduction and dorsiflexion ranges, which compensated for the effects of fatigue
48 valandų badavimo laikotarpio poveikis medžiagų apykaitos žymenims vyrų kovos sporto šakų atletams mankštos ir atsigavimo metu.
No full textResearch problem: The fasting strategy has become one of the most important tactics to be examined in observing its effects and changes on the performance of combat athletes. However, there is no data in the literature on the examination of the effects of fasting, using metabolic markers, after the specified recovery period where competition performance will be demonstrated. Research aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a 48-hour fasting period on metabolic markers during performance and 24 hours recovery in male combat sports athletes. Research objectives: 1)To examine the effects of 48-hour fasting on resting metabolic ratio (RMR), performance and 1- hour recovery in male fighters. 2) To examine the residual effects of 48-hour fasting after 24-hours recovery period on resting metabolic ratio, performance, and 1-hour recovery in male fighters. Methods: Eight combat sport athletes ([Mean ± SD] (Age: 25.1±4.0 years, Height: 181±6.7 cm, Body Weight: 83.3±12.7 kg) participated to the study. The Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) data (V’O2, V’CO2, HR, V’E, BF, PROg/d, FATg/d, and CHOg/d), VȮ2max Test data, Lactate, Glucose and Ketone Measurements data were recorded Before Fasting, after 48 Hours of Fasting, and After 24 Hours of Recovery from Fasting. Results: Pairwise comparisons revealed a significant difference in FFMkg and Body Weightkg between Pre-Fast and Post-Fast conditions (74.0±10.8, p<0.008 and 82.1±12.3, p<0.001). The significant differences were found in pairwise comparisons of VO2max test LoadWatt (296±42, p<0.001). Significant differences were also observed in Pre-Fast and Post-Fast conditions for Ketone(mmol/L) Pre-Test (1.44±0.51, p<0.001), CHOg/day (193±81, p<0.003), Load Peak-Glucose(mmol/L) (3.8±0.70, p<0.028), 2nd and 15th minute of Glucose(mmol/L) between Pre-Fast and Post-Fast conditions in recovery (3.5±0.51, p<0.001; 3.8±0.70, p<0.005). The significant difference were observed in pairwise comparisons of Load Peak-Lac(mmol/L) between Pre-Fast and Post-Fast conditions (10.31±4.03, p<0.001) and in 30th minute of Lac(mmol/L) recovery in all pairwise conditions (5.4±3.5, p<0.005; 5.5±1.6 p<0.018; 6.2±3.3 p<0.006). Conclusions: This study's first main finding supported the hypothesis that metabolic markers changed after a 48-hour fast and that VO2max test performance outputs were impaired. The second main finding of this study was that despite causing a decrease in metabolic markers, 48-hour fasting didn't affect VO2max performance or power in male combat athletes after a 24-hour recovery period, as their metabolic values returned to baseline. Additionally, significant changes were observed in body weight and CHOg/day, FATg/day, Ketone levels after fasting period. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to confirm these findings
Effects of strength training on brain structure and cognitive function in healthy and with mild cognitive impairment older adults.
No full textProblem: How does the strength training affect brain structures and cognitive function in healthy and with mild cognitive impairment older adults? Aim of the study: to determine the effect of strength training on brain structure and cognitive function in healthy and with mild cognitive impairment older adults. Tasks of the study: 1. To determine the effect of strength training on the brain structure in healthy and with mild cognitive impairment older adults. 2. To determine the effects of strength training on cognitive function in healthy and with mild cognitive impairment older adults. Methods: Participants completed 12 weeks strength training intervention. Brain volume was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, 3 Tesla). Global cognition was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Data were analyzed using a three-way ANOVA with TIME (pre, post), CONDITION (healthy, MCI) and GROUP (experimental, control) as factors. Results: ANOVA results showed a nonsignificant between-subjects effect with moderate effect size for rHPC volume differences between healthy and MCI (p = 0,093, p-eta² = 0,077). Furthermore, results showed a nonsignificant between-subjects effect with moderate effect size in rDLPFC volume differences between healthy and MCI (p = 0,060, p-eta² = 0,095). Finally, MoCA results showed a significant effect between healthy and MCI participants (p < 0,05) in both memory and executive function. Conclusions: Strength training did not significantly increase rHPC and rDLPFC volume, but a moderate effect size was found in both brain regions in healthy and MCI older adults. Strength training significantly improved memory and executive function in healthy and MCI older adults
Development of social innovations as an example of motorcycle sports in Lithuania.
No full textThe subject of the research: development of social innovations The objective of the research: To assess the development of social innovations in Lithuanian motorcycle sport. Goals of the research: 1. Discuss the concept of social innovation in the context of innovation 2. To study the influence of social media, new technologies and international examples on the popularity and growth of Lithuanian motorcycle sport 3. To analyze the role of social innovation opportunities in Lithuanian motorcycle sport Motorcycle sport in Lithuania is a strongly growing and popular sport. The growth of this sport is encouraged by the performances of the most famous Lithuanian motorcyclists in the world and the targeted attraction of athletes by the Lithuanian Motorcycle Sports Federation in order to get involved in this sport, achieve results and make the country famous. Events, training, seminars, competitions, new technologies are implemented and used for motorcycle sport to continuously grow, improve and attract new talented athletes. The active development of social innovations attracts more and more new athletes, children and women to motorcycle sports. The purpose of this work is 1. To clarify the concept and significance of social innovations in the context of sports 2. To investigate the influence of social media, new technologies and international examples on the popularity and growth of Lithuanian motorcycle sports 3. To analyze the role of social innovation opportunities in Lithuanian motorcycle sports. During the work investigation, a structured questionnaire survey of Lithuanian motorcycle athletes, club members, employees, volunteers, competition and event organizers will be conducted. The expected result is a report of scientific activity revealing the importance of social innovation for the growth of motorcycle sports