CrossFit^® training is one of the fastest-growing fitness activities in the world due to its varied functional movement and competition experience. The performance is present in almost every workout of the day (WOD); however, there is a lack of knowledge in the science that did not allow us to fully understand the performance determinants of CrossFit WOD’s like we do for other individual or team sports. The purpose of this study was to analyze the physical and physiological variables of recreational trained CrossFit athletes during one of the most famous WOD, FRAN, and to identify which variables best determine performance. Methods: Fifteen CrossFit practitioners performed, alone on separate days, 1RM and a maximum of repetitions of pull-ups test, 1RM and a maximum of repetitions of thrusters with 95 lb/43.2 kg, FRAN CrossFit WOD, and 2K Row test. Results: Blood lactate concentrate, HR_max, HR_av, and RPE achieved higher values for 2K Row and maximum repetitions of thrusters. Maximum repetition of thrusters and pull-ups, 1RM of thrusters, and 2K Row resulted in moderate to strong correlation with FRAN performance (r = −0.78; r = −0.58; r = −0.67; r = 0.63, respectively). Conclusions and practical applications: FRAN performance was strongly related to maximal and endurance strength training of thrusters, which should be prioritized.

Background: Cirrhosis represents an advanced stage of hepatic fibrosis, and the metabolic changes resulting from liver dysfunction can cause impairment in physical capacity and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 12 weeks of resistance exercise on inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, physical conditioning, and quality of life in patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods: A total of 38 patients paired in the exercise (EG) and control (CG) groups participated in this study. The EG submitted to two weekly sessions of a program composed of resistance exercises. We evaluated the inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α), oxidative stress (carbonylated protein, total thiols, enzyme superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity), body composition, handgrip strength (HGS), total volume of training, cardiorespiratory capacity (VO₂, VCO₂, and VE_peak), exercise capacity, and quality of life. Results: Regarding the EG, when comparing the follow-up period to the baseline, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in BMI, HGS, total training volume, cardiorespiratory capacity variables, the 6 min walk test, and quality of life. Improvements were observed, without significant differences, in the inflammatory profile, oxidative stress, and one of the markers of liver function. The CG showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in HGS and cardiorespiratory capacity after the intervention. Conclusions: In patients with liver cirrhosis, a resistance exercise program improved physical fitness and quality of life, without adverse events. In addition, it seems that this type of training can bring some benefit to the inflammatory profile and oxidative stress of this population.

Background and Objectives: Fibromyalgia are heterogeneous and differ from patient to patient; however, the most reported are general myalgia and at specific points associated with fatigue and certain psychological adversities. Physical activity can mitigate the effects of the symptoms. However, the associations between fibromyalgia-related fatigue, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, satisfaction with life and physical activity are unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to understand the associations between these symptoms and whether there are differences between these associations across two distinct cultures. Materials and Methods: A total of 473 women aged between 28 and 75 years (M = 49.27; SD ± 8.28) completed five questionnaires about fibromyalgia-related fatigue, physical activity, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and satisfaction with life. Results: Fibromyalgia-related fatigue was positively associated with depression and anxiety, depression and anxiety were negatively associated with self-esteem, self-esteem was positively associated with satisfaction with life, satisfaction with life was positively associated with physical activity and there were no differences in terms of the perceptions and associations of these variables between Portuguese and Brazilian patients. Conclusions: Our results showed the significant role of associations between these variables and a similarity in the perception and relationship of the variables between the two cultures.

Background: A competition is considered a stressful situation since it causes physiological and emotional changes in the responses of athletes and consequently influences their performance. Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate competitive anxiety and heart rate variability (HRV) in professional eSports athletes, comparing the responses before and after matches based on whether they won or lost. We hypothesized that victorious players would display more favorable autonomic and anxiety-related responses after the matches compared to those who were defeated. Methods: We recruited fifty male esports players from 10 different Brazilian teams and carried out the experiment across two sessions. Initially, 24 hours before the game, players signed the informed consent form, and sample characterization, along with player familiarization with anxiety and HRV, was performed. Following this, the players recorded their anxiety levels and HRV at rest for 10 minutes, both 60 and 30 minutes prior to the game (baseline time points), as well as 10 minutes after the conclusion of the game. Results: Regarding anxiety, our results demonstrated that the victory group (VG) exhibited significantly lower scores for both cognitive and somatic anxiety in the post-game time point, coupled with increased scores for self-confidence when compared to the baseline (BL) and pre-game time points. In opposition, the defeated group (DG) displayed significantly elevated scores for cognitive and somatic anxiety during the post-game time point, accompanied by decreased self-confidence scores compared to the baseline and pre-game time points. Regarding heart rate variability (HRV), the victory group (VG) demonstrated a significant increase in SDNN, rMSSD, and HF measures, coupled with a significant decrease in the LF/HF ratio. Conversely, the defeated group (DG) exhibited a significant decrease in SDNN and rMSSD, along with a significant increase in the LF/HF ratio. Conclusion: In summary, the VG exhibited superior HRV responses in conjunction with lower levels of anxiety compared to the DG.

Background/Objectives: Jump test assessment is commonly used for physical tests, with different type of devices used for its evaluation. The purpose of the present study was to examine the validity and reliability of a freely accessible mobile application (VertVision, version 2.0.5) for measuring jump performance. Methods: With that intent, thirty-eight college age recreationally active subjects underwent test assessment after a specific warm-up, performing countermovement jumps (CMJs) and squat jumps (SJs) on a contact platform while being recorded with a smartphone camera. Jump height was the criterion variable, with the same formula being used for both methods. Data analysis was performed by two experienced observers. Results: The results showed strong correlations with the contact platform (ICC > 0.9) for both jumps. Furthermore, between-observer reliability was also high (ICC > 0.9; CV ≤ 2.19), with lower values for smallest worthwhile change (≤0.23) and typical error of measurement (≤0.14). Estimation error varied when accounting for both observers, with the SJ accounting for bigger differences (4.1–6.03%), when compared to the CMJ (0.73–3.09%). Conclusions: The study suggests that VertVision is a suitable and handy method for evaluating jump performance. However, it presents a slight estimation error when compared to the contact platform.