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New Advances in Sports Performance and Health across the Lifespan

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Sport and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2023) | Viewed by 28437

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
Interests: Dr. Caio Victor Sousa has been working using non-traditional exercise methods (i.e., exergames) to induce moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and metabolic health in children and young adults. He also has experience and publications working with master athletes investigating the biomolecular mechanisms of cellular aging and how lifestyle can change that. He has experience working with physical assessments and exercise training in people with type-2 diabetes, hypertension, HIV, and advanced age. He enjoys performance data analysis of endurance sports for elite and amateur athletes and has a significant interest in new methods and technologies that could increase people's adherence to exercise.
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Guest Editor
UDF University Center, Brasilia, Brazil
Interests: Dr. Samuel da Silva Aguiar has been working with master athletes investigating the biomolecular mechanisms of cellular ageing (sirtuins, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and telomere length) and how lifestyle can change that. He is experienced with physical assessments and exercise training in people with type-2 diabetes, hypertension, and advanced age. He is especially interested in acute and chronic physical training in health and performance.

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Exercise and sports science have a deep impact across the lifespan, affecting health and sports performance. This Special Issue is interested in the potential effects of aging on health and physical performance and also how physical exercise can affect age-related variables. We are inviting high-quality articles involving exercise testing, physical training prescription, physiological profile of athletes of different age-groups, performance analysis, novel exercise testing methods, and age-related cohorts for this Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Dr. Caio Victor Sousa
Dr. Samuel da Silva Aguiar
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • exercise
  • performance
  • aging
  • lifespan
  • age
  • sport
  • physiology
  • exercise testing
  • physical training
  • resistance training
  • aerobic training

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 1181 KiB  
Article
Intensity of Depression Symptoms Is Negatively Associated with Catalase Activity in Master Athletes
by Larissa Alves Maciel, Patrício Lopes de Araújo Leite, Patrick Anderson Santos, Lucas Pinheiro Barbosa, Sara Duarte Gutierrez, Lysleine Alves Deus, Márcia Cristiane Araújo, Samuel da Silva Aguiar, Thiago Santos Rosa, John E. Lewis and Herbert Gustavo Simões
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4397; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20054397 - 01 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1273
Abstract
Background: This study examined associations between scores of depression (DEPs), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase activity (CAT) in master athletes and untrained controls. Methods: Participants were master sprinters (MS, n = 24; 50.31 ± 6.34 year), endurance runners (ER, [...] Read more.
Background: This study examined associations between scores of depression (DEPs), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase activity (CAT) in master athletes and untrained controls. Methods: Participants were master sprinters (MS, n = 24; 50.31 ± 6.34 year), endurance runners (ER, n = 11; 51.35 ± 9.12 year), untrained middle-aged (CO, n = 13; 47.21 ± 8.61 year), and young untrained (YU, n = 15; 23.70 ± 4.02 year). CAT, SOD, and TBARS were measured in plasma using commercial kits. DEPs were measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II. An ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson’s, and Spearman’s correlations were applied, with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Results: The CATs of MS and YU [760.4 U·μL 1 ± 170.1 U·μL 1 and 729.9 U·μL 1 ± 186.9 U·μL 1] were higher than CO and ER. The SOD levels in the YU and ER [84.20 U·mL−1 ± 8.52 U·mL−1 and 78.24 U·mL−1 ± 6.59 U·mL−1 (p < 0.0001)] were higher than CO and MS. The TBARS in CO [11.97 nmol·L−1 ± 2.35 nmol·L−1 (p < 0.0001)] was higher than in YU, MS and ER. MS had lower DEPs compared to the YU [3.60 ± 3.66 vs. 12.27 ± 9.27 (p = 0.0002)]. A negative correlation was found between CAT and DEPs for master athletes [r = −0.3921 (p = 0.0240)] and a weak correlation [r = −0.3694 (p = 0.0344)] was found between DEPs and the CAT/TBARS ratio. Conclusions: In conclusion, the training model of master sprinters may be an effective strategy for increasing CAT and reducing DEPs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Sports Performance and Health across the Lifespan)
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11 pages, 521 KiB  
Article
Impact of Functional Training on Functional Movement and Athletic Performance in College Dragon Boat Athletes
by Chichong Wu, Manwai Cheong, Yan Wang, Xiuqiang Wang, Qingwen Zhang, Minghui Li and Siman Lei
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 3897; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20053897 - 22 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1882
Abstract
Functional training has become a popular training method in different sports, yet limited studies have focused on paddle sports. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of functional training on functional movement and athletic performance in college dragon boat athletes. [...] Read more.
Functional training has become a popular training method in different sports, yet limited studies have focused on paddle sports. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of functional training on functional movement and athletic performance in college dragon boat athletes. A total of 42 male athletes were divided into 2 groups: a functional training (FT) group (n = 21, 21 ± 1.47 years) and a regular training (RT) group (n = 21, 22 ± 1.50 years). The FT group participated in an 8-week (16-session) functional-training program, while the RT group trained with strength-training sessions. Functional movement screen (FMS), Y-balance test (YBT) and athletic performance evaluations were conducted before and after the intervention. Repeated measure ANOVA and t-test evaluations were employed to examine differences for both groups. The FT group was significantly improved in FMS scores (F = 0.191, p < 0.001) and YBT scores (F = 2.59, p = 0.027), and it also showed significantly improved muscular fitness (pull-ups: F = 0.127, p < 0.001; push-ups: F = 1.43, p < 0.001) and rowing speed (F = 4.37, p = 0.004). It is recommended to include functional training as a part of training and routine exercise, as it appears to be an effective way of improving FMS and athletic performance in paddle sports. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Sports Performance and Health across the Lifespan)
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9 pages, 724 KiB  
Article
Acute Effects of Different Activity Types and Work-To-Rest Ratio on Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Young Male and Female Taekwondo Athletes
by Ibrahim Ouergui, Slaheddine Delleli, Hamdi Messaoudi, Hamdi Chtourou, Anissa Bouassida, Ezdine Bouhlel, Emerson Franchini and Luca Paolo Ardigò
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1764; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19031764 - 04 Feb 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2818
Abstract
The study assessed conditioning activities’ (CAs’) effects involving different work-to-rest ratios (WRR) on taekwondo athletes’ physical performance. Adolescent taekwondo athletes (age: 16 ± 1 years) randomly participated in the control six experimental conditions. Each condition was composed of standard warm-up and CA composed [...] Read more.
The study assessed conditioning activities’ (CAs’) effects involving different work-to-rest ratios (WRR) on taekwondo athletes’ physical performance. Adolescent taekwondo athletes (age: 16 ± 1 years) randomly participated in the control six experimental conditions. Each condition was composed of standard warm-up and CA composed of plyometrics (P) or repeated high-intensity techniques (RHIT) performed using three different WRR: 1:6, 1:7, self-selected rest time (SSRT). After rest, athletes performed countermovement jump (CMJ), taekwondo specific agility test (TSAT), 10 s frequency speed kick test (FSKT-10s), multiple frequency speed kick test (FSKT-mult). P1:7, SSRT induced techniques higher number in FSKT-10s (p < 0.001 for all comparisons) and lower TSAT time (p < 0.01 for all comparisons) compared with control. Kicks-number recorded during FSKT-mult was lower in the control compared with RHIT1:6 (p = 0.001), RHIT1:7 (p < 0.001), RHITSSRT (p < 0.05), P1:7 (p < 0.001), and SSRT (p < 0.001). Kicking decrement index (DI) during FSKT-mult was lower after RHIT1:6 compared with control (p = 0.008), RHIT1:7 (p = 0.031), P 1:6 (p = 0.014), PSSRT (p = 0.041). (1) P1:7 and PSSRT can be used to improve taekwondo-specific agility and kicks-number, (2) RHIT1:6 is beneficial to maintain low DI, and (3) plyometric and different WRR-repeated-techniques can enhance kicks-number. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Sports Performance and Health across the Lifespan)
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25 pages, 1596 KiB  
Article
Muscle-Skeletal Abnormalities and Muscle Oxygenation during Isokinetic Strength Exercise in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Phenotype: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Amanda Vale-Lira, Natália Turri-Silva, Kenneth Verboven, João Luiz Quagliotti Durigan, Alexandra Corrêa G. B. de Lima, Martim Bottaro, Gaspar R. Chiappa, Dominique Hansen and Gerson Cipriano, Jr.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 709; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19020709 - 09 Jan 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2115
Abstract
Exercise intolerance, a hallmark of patients with heart failure (HF), is associated with muscle weakness. However, its causative microcirculatory and muscle characteristics among those with preserved or reduced ejection fraction (HFpEF or HFrEF) phenotype is unclear. The musculoskeletal abnormalities that could result in [...] Read more.
Exercise intolerance, a hallmark of patients with heart failure (HF), is associated with muscle weakness. However, its causative microcirculatory and muscle characteristics among those with preserved or reduced ejection fraction (HFpEF or HFrEF) phenotype is unclear. The musculoskeletal abnormalities that could result in impaired peripheral microcirculation are sarcopenia and muscle strength reduction in HF, implying lowered oxidative capacity and perfusion affect transport and oxygen utilization during exercise, an essential task from the microvascular muscle function. Besides that, skeletal muscle microcirculatory abnormalities have also been associated with exercise intolerance in HF patients who also present skeletal muscle myopathy. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the muscle microcirculation dynamics via near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) response during an isokinetic muscle strength test and ultrasound-derived parameters (echo intensity was rectus femoris muscle, while the muscle thickness parameter was measured on rectus femoris and quadriceps femoris) in heart failure patients with HFpEF and HFrEF phenotypes and different functional severities (Weber Class A, B, and C). Twenty-eight aged-matched patients with HFpEF (n = 16) and HFrEF (n = 12) were assessed. We found phenotype differences among those with Weber C severity, with HFrEF patients reaching lower oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb, μM) (−10.9 ± 3.8 vs. −23.7 ± 5.7, p = 0.029) during exercise, while HFpEF reached lower O2Hb during the recovery period (−3.0 ± 3.4 vs. 5.9 ± 2.8, p = 0.007). HFpEF with Weber Class C also presented a higher echo intensity than HFrEF patients (29.7 ± 8.4 vs. 15.1 ± 6.8, p = 0.017) among the ultrasound-derived variables. Our preliminary study revealed more pronounced impairments in local microcirculatory dynamics in HFpEF vs. HFrEF patients during a muscle strength exercise, combined with muscle-skeletal abnormalities detected via ultrasound imaging, which may help explain the commonly observed exercise intolerance in HFpEF patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Sports Performance and Health across the Lifespan)
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12 pages, 3877 KiB  
Article
Age and Training-Related Changes on Body Composition and Fitness in Male Amateur Cyclists
by José Ramón Alvero-Cruz, Jerónimo C. García Romero, Francisco Javier Ordonez, Denis Mongin, Lorena Correas-Gómez, Pantelis T. Nikolaidis and Beat Knechtle
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 93; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19010093 - 23 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2634
Abstract
Master athletes are considered as a model of healthy aging because they can limit the age-related decline of physiological abilities compared to sedentary individuals. The main objective of this study is to analyze age-related changes and annual training on body composition (BC) and [...] Read more.
Master athletes are considered as a model of healthy aging because they can limit the age-related decline of physiological abilities compared to sedentary individuals. The main objective of this study is to analyze age-related changes and annual training on body composition (BC) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) parameters. The participants in this retrospective cross-sectional study were 176 male cyclists, aged 40–60 years. BC was evaluated through anthropometric measurements and CRF was determined by an incremental cycle ergometer test to exhaustion. A comparative study between age groups was carried out through a one-way ANOVA test and the associations between the variables were assessed by Spearman’s correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis to estimate the performance. Training was generally associated with a decrease in both body weight and body fat (p < 0.05). A decrease in resting heart rate was observed as a vagal effect of kilometers cycled per year (p < 0.05). Kilometers cycled per year were associated with an increase in peak power output, which was larger in the master 40 group (p < 0.05) with a non-significant upward in VO2max (p > 0.05). In the performance prediction model, the included variables explained 52% of the variance. In summary, the changes induced by age were minimal in BC and negligible in CRF, whereas HR decreased with age. Training load was generally associated with a decrease in body weight, BMI and body fat percentage that was particularly notable in the abdominal skin folds. A decrease in HRrest was observed as a vagal effect due to kilometers cycled per year, and age did not seem to have a significant effect. The annual cycling kilometers were associated with to high PPO that is greater in the M40 group and a non-significant upward trend in VO2max. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Sports Performance and Health across the Lifespan)
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13 pages, 3453 KiB  
Article
Are Resistance Training-Induced BDNF in Hemodialysis Patients Associated with Depressive Symptoms, Quality of Life, Antioxidant Capacity, and Muscle Strength? An Insight for the Muscle–Brain–Renal Axis
by Lysleine Alves Deus, Hugo de Luca Corrêa, Rodrigo Vanerson Passos Neves, Andrea Lucena Reis, Fernando Sousa Honorato, Victor Lopes Silva, Michel Kendy Souza, Thaís Branquinho de Araújo, Lucas Santos de Gusmão Alves, Caio Victor Sousa, Thaís Lucena Reis, Lucas Soares de Aguiar, Herbert Gustavo Simões, Jonato Prestes, Gislane Ferreira Melo and Thiago Santos Rosa
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11299; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182111299 - 27 Oct 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2871
Abstract
Background: Hemodialysis patients are suffering from depressive symptoms. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are negatively associated with depressive symptoms and decrease during a single hemodialysis session. Resistance training (RT) might be an additional non-pharmacological tool to increase BDNF and promote mental health. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: Hemodialysis patients are suffering from depressive symptoms. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are negatively associated with depressive symptoms and decrease during a single hemodialysis session. Resistance training (RT) might be an additional non-pharmacological tool to increase BDNF and promote mental health. Methods: Two randomized groups of hemodialysis patients: control (CTL, n = 76/F36; 66.33 ± 3.88 years) and RT (n = 81/F35; 67.27 ± 3.24 years). RT completed six months of training thrice a week under the supervision of strength and conditioning professional immediately before the dialysis session. Training loads were adjusted using the OMNI rating of perceived exertion. The total antioxidant capacity (TROLOX), glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), and BDNF levels were analyzed in serum samples. Quality of life (assessed through Medical Outcomes—SF36), and Beck Depression Inventory was applied. Results: RT improved handgrip strength (21.17 ± 4.38 vs. 27.17 ± 4.34; p = 0.001) but not for CTL (20.09 ± 5.19 vs. 19.75 ± 5.54; p = 0.001). Post-training, RT group had higher values as compared to CTL related to TROLOX (RT,680.8 ± 225.2 vs. CTL,589.5 ± 195.9; p = 0.001) and GSH (RT, 9.33 ± 2.09 vs. CTL,5.00 ± 2.96; p = 0.001). RT group had lower values of TBARS as compared to CTL at post-training (RT, 11.06 ± 2.95 vs. CTL, 13.66 ± 2.62; p = 0.001). BDNF increased for RT (11.66 ± 5.20 vs. 19.60 ± 7.23; p = 0.001), but decreased for CTL (14.40 ± 4.99 vs. 10.84 ± 5.94; p = 0.001). Quality of life and mental health increased (p = 0.001) for RT, but did not change for CTL (p = 0.001). BDNF levels were associated with emotional dimensions of SF36, depressive symptoms, and handgrip (p = 0.001). Conclusions: RT was effective as a non-pharmacological tool to increased BDNF levels, quality of life, temper the redox balance and decrease depressive symptoms intensity in hemodialysis patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Sports Performance and Health across the Lifespan)
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16 pages, 2181 KiB  
Article
Effects of a Specific Core Stability Program on the Sprint and Change-of-Direction Maneuverability Performance in Youth, Male Soccer Players
by Eric Brull-Muria and Jose Vicente Beltran-Garrido
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10116; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph181910116 - 26 Sep 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3235
Abstract
Although it is recommended to use sport-specific training programs to optimize performance, studies analyzing the effects of the core stability training with high levels of sport-specificity on athletic performance are insufficient and unclear. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects [...] Read more.
Although it is recommended to use sport-specific training programs to optimize performance, studies analyzing the effects of the core stability training with high levels of sport-specificity on athletic performance are insufficient and unclear. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of the level of specificity of a CORE stability program on specific soccer actions. Fourteen youth players were randomly assigned to the specific core stability group (SCS; n = 7) or the general core stability group (GCS; n = 7). The eight-week intervention consisted of two weekly training sessions added to the usual soccer training. Both groups performed four CORE stability tasks. The SCS group followed the principle of sports specificity, while the GCS group performed CORE stability commons. Ten-meter linear sprinting (Sprint) and change-of-direction maneuverability (V-cut) were evaluated before and after the intervention programs. A statistically significant improvement was obtained in Sprint (d = 0.84 95% CI (0.22, 1.45), p = 0.008) and V-cut (d = 1.24 95% CI (0.52, 1.93), p < 0.001). At posttest, statistically nonsignificant differences were obtained between groups in Sprint (d = 1.03 95% CI (−0.25, 2.30), p = 0.082) and V-cut (d = −0.56 95% CI (−1.89, 0.78), p = 0.370). In conclusion, sprint and change-of-direction maneuverability were improved, but there was no superiority of any type of training. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Sports Performance and Health across the Lifespan)
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7 pages, 276 KiB  
Article
Speed, Change of Direction Speed and Reactive Agility in Adolescent Soccer Players: Age Related Differences
by Slobodan Andrašić, Marko Gušić, Mima Stanković, Draženka Mačak, Asim Bradić, Goran Sporiš and Nebojša Trajković
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5883; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18115883 - 30 May 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4058
Abstract
There are a plethora of studies investigating agility in soccer; however, studies have rarely presented the reaction time in differentiating age groups in adolescent soccer players. We investigated age differences in reactive agility, speed, and change of direction speed (CODs), in a group [...] Read more.
There are a plethora of studies investigating agility in soccer; however, studies have rarely presented the reaction time in differentiating age groups in adolescent soccer players. We investigated age differences in reactive agility, speed, and change of direction speed (CODs), in a group of highly trained adolescent soccer players. A total of 75 adolescent male soccer players (aged 14–19 years) were recruited. The players were grouped based on their age to under 15 (U15; n = 27), under 17 (U17; n = 25), and under 19 (U19; n = 23) players. Players were tested for 5 m, 10 m, and 20 m sprint, CODs speed test, Illinois test, and reactive agility test (total and reaction time). Only the reactive agility test with a live tester (RAT live) and RAT live reaction time (RAT live RT) distinguished U19 from both groups, U17 (RAT live, p < 0.01; RAT RT live, p < 0.01) and U15 (RAT live, p < 0.01; RAT RT live, p < 0.01). Groups did not have different times for 5 m sprint, RAT light and RAT RT light, F = 0.472, 2.691, 1.023, respectively, p > 0.05. Moreover, a significantly slower average performance of sprint 20, CODs left and right, and Illinois was also observed in U15 as compared to U17 and U19 (p < 0.05). We can conclude that results in agility tests that include live testers can be a significant factor that differentiates between adolescent soccer players considering their age. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Sports Performance and Health across the Lifespan)

Review

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10 pages, 933 KiB  
Review
Why Physical Activity Should Be Considered in Clinical Trials for COVID-19 Vaccines: A Focus on Risk Groups
by Miguel Junior Sordi Bortolini, Bernardo Petriz, José Roberto Mineo and Rafael de Oliveira Resende
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1853; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19031853 - 07 Feb 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3185
Abstract
Since the World Health Organization declared the global COVID-19 state of emergency in early 2020, several vaccine candidates have emerged to control SARS-CoV-2, and some of them have been approved and implemented in vaccination campaigns worldwide. Although clinical trials for these vaccines have [...] Read more.
Since the World Health Organization declared the global COVID-19 state of emergency in early 2020, several vaccine candidates have emerged to control SARS-CoV-2, and some of them have been approved and implemented in vaccination campaigns worldwide. Although clinical trials for these vaccines have been carried out using highly controlled methods with accurate immunological tests, clinical questionnaires did not include questions concerning the physical activity profile among volunteers. It has been well established that physical activity plays a pivotal role in the immune response after vaccination, led by the activation of cytokines, antibodies, and cells. This concept should have been considered when evaluating the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine candidates, particularly in elderly and obese people. Here, we discuss data from the literature providing strong evidence regarding the importance of analyzing physical activity parameters to improve the accuracy of clinical trials on assessing the efficacy of vaccine candidates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Sports Performance and Health across the Lifespan)
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Other

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11 pages, 1048 KiB  
Perspective
The Emerging Role of the Aging Process and Exercise Training on the Crosstalk between Gut Microbiota and Telomere Length
by Victória Assis, Ivo Vieira de Sousa Neto, Filipe M. Ribeiro, Rita de Cassia Marqueti, Octávio Luiz Franco, Samuel da Silva Aguiar and Bernardo Petriz
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7810; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19137810 - 25 Jun 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3142
Abstract
Aging is a natural process of organism deterioration, which possibly impairs multiple physiological functions. These harmful effects are linked to an accumulation of somatic mutations, oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, protein damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction. It is known that these factors are capable of [...] Read more.
Aging is a natural process of organism deterioration, which possibly impairs multiple physiological functions. These harmful effects are linked to an accumulation of somatic mutations, oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, protein damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction. It is known that these factors are capable of inducing telomere shortening, as well as intestinal dysbiosis. Otherwise, among the biological mechanisms triggered by physical exercise, the attenuation of pro-inflammatory mediators accompanied by redox state improvement can be the main mediators for microbiota homeostasis and telomere wear prevention. Thus, this review highlights how oxidative stress, inflammation, telomere attrition, and gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis are interconnected. Above all, we provide a logical foundation for unraveling the role of physical exercise in this process. Based on the studies summarized in this article, exercise training can increase the biodiversity of beneficial microbial species, decrease low-grade inflammation and improve oxidative metabolism, these factors together possibly reduce telomeric shortening. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Sports Performance and Health across the Lifespan)
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