The aim of the present study was to describe a novel training model based on lactate-guided threshold interval training (LGTIT) within a high-volume, low-intensity approach, which characterizes the training pattern in some world-class middle- and long-distance runners and to review the potential physiological mechanisms explaining its effectiveness. This training model consists of performing three to four LGTIT sessions and one VO_2max intensity session weekly. In addition, low intensity running is performed up to an overall volume of 150–180 km/week. During LGTIT sessions, the training pace is dictated by a blood lactate concentration target (i.e., internal rather than external training load), typically ranging from 2 to 4.5 mmol·L⁻¹, measured every one to three repetitions. That intensity may allow for a more rapid recovery through a lower central and peripheral fatigue between high-intensity sessions compared with that of greater intensities and, therefore, a greater weekly volume of these specific workouts. The interval character of LGTIT allows for the achievement of high absolute training speeds and, thus, maximizing the number of motor units recruited, despite a relatively low metabolic intensity (i.e., threshold zone). This model may increase the mitochondrial proliferation through the optimization of both calcium and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathways.

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A desire to make fitness testing cheaper and easier to conduct in a team-sport setting has led to the development of numerous field aerobic fitness tests. This has contributed to a growing confusion among strength and conditioning coaches about which one to use. The main aim of this narrative review was to examine the reliability, validity, sensitivity and usefulness of the commonly used field aerobic fitness tests and to provide practical guidelines for their use in soccer. The University of Montreal track test (UMTT) and Vam Eval test seem the best options for estimation of maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) while the highest signal-to-noise ratio of the 30-15 intermittent fitness test (30-15IFT) suggests its superior sensitivity to track changes in fitness. The UMTT and 30-15IFT are the best solutions for prescription of long and short high-intensity interval training sessions, respectively. All field tests mostly present with marginal usefulness, but the smallest worthwhile change for UMTT or Vam Eval test, Yo-YoIRT2 and 30-15IFT are smaller than their stage increment making the improvement of only one stage in the test performance already worthwhile. Strength and conditioning coaches are advised to choose the test based on their specific purpose of testing.

The role of physical activity in improving overall aspects of health regardless of age is well documented. Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, preventive measures to limit airborne infection have been introduced, with people, especially older adults, advised to stay at home, thus increasing sedentary lifestyle and the risk of chronic diseases. As one of the few possible ways to stay active is home-based training, this review aims to provide evidence on alternative and feasible home-based activity programs as a tool to improve the fitness level in older adults, especially when preventive measures are needed to ensure isolation and limit interpersonal contacts. During quarantine, older adults, especially those with chronic diseases, are recommended to regularly exercise. Combined balance and muscle-strengthening training has proven to be particularly useful in limiting falls and mobility limitations. In addition, the use of virtual reality systems seems to be a potential strategy in remaining physically active, reducing physical inactivity time and significantly increasing the compliance of the older adults with physical activity programs. In conclusion, home-based programs induce improvements in physical functions in general and quality of life in older people with or without co-morbidities, and it can be considered in the future as one of the feasible and economic ways to increase physical well-being. This may be of unique importance in the setting of coronavirus disease 2019 enforced limitations in out-of-home activity.

Walking tests, such as the 6-min walk test (6MWT), are popular methods of estimating peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak) in clinical populations. However, the strength of the distance vs. VO₂peak relationship is not strong, and there are no equations for estimating ventilatory threshold (VT), which is important for training prescription and prognosis. Since the 6MWT is often limited by walking mechanics, prediction equations that include simple additional predictors, such as the terminal rating of perceived exertion (RPE), hold the potential for improving the prediction of VO₂max and VT. Therefore, this study was designed to develop equations for predicting VO₂peak and VT from performance during the 6MWT, on the basis of walking performance and terminal RPE. Clinically stable patients in a cardiac rehabilitation program (N = 63) performed the 6MWT according to the American Thoracic Society guidelines. At the end of each walk, the subject provided their terminal RPE on a 6–20 Borg scale. Each patient also performed a maximal incremental treadmill test with respiratory gas exchange to measure VO₂peak and VT. There was a good correlation between VO₂peak and 6MWT distance (r = 0.80) which was improved by adding the terminal RPE in a multiple regression formula (6MWT + RPE, R² = 0.71, standard error of estimate, SEE = 1.3 Metabolic Equivalents (METs). The VT was also well correlated with walking performance, 6MWT distance (r = 0.80), and was improved by the addition of terminal RPE (6MWT + RPE, R² = 0.69, SEE = 0.95 METs). The addition of terminal RPE to 6MWT distance improved the prediction of maximal METs and METs at VT, which may have practical applications for exercise prescription.

Background: Student-athletes face the dual challenge of balancing academic and athletic commitments, which may simultaneously promote healthy lifestyle habits while increasing psychosocial and physiological stressors, particularly among female student-athletes. Understanding how these competing demands affect key behavioral (e.g., dietary habits, sleep, and chronotype) and psychological (e.g., body image) factors is essential for supporting their overall well-being. Therefore, this cross-sectional study investigated body dissatisfaction, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, sleep quality, and chronotype in female student-athletes compared to sedentary peers. Methods: Twenty-eight female participants voluntarily participated in the study. Twelve volleyball student-athletes (age 21.6 ± 2.4 years) were assessed during their competitive in-season period, and sixteen non-athlete students with a high sitting time (age 24.0 ± 3.2 years) completed the Mediterranean Diet Adherence questionnaire (PREDIMED), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), and Body Image Dimensional Assessment (body dissatisfaction) to assess their overall well-being. Results: Student-athletes showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet (PREDIMED: 8.5 ± 1.5 score), although experiencing poorer sleep quality (PSQI: 6.8 ± 3.0 score) compared to non-athlete students with higher sitting times (PREDIMED: 6.7 ± 1.6 score; PSQI: 4.6 ± 2.3 score). Conversely, comparative body dissatisfaction was significantly higher in non-athlete students with a high sitting time (19.4 ± 24.5%) than in student-athletes (5.6 ± 10.5%). No significant differences emerged for chronotype or overall body dissatisfaction. Conclusions: These findings highlight a paradoxical health pattern in female student-athletes who combine healthier eating habits with poorer sleep quality. The results emphasize the importance of comprehensive wellness strategies that integrate dietary habits, sleep hygiene, and psychophysiological factors to better support female student-athletes in managing dual-career demands.