This study was aimed to investigate changes in blood markers of oxidative damage induced by short-term supramaximal anaerobic exercise and to determine whether oxidative stress was associated to activation of the redox-sensitive transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). Both a single Wingate test (WAnT) test and series of four WAnTs separated by 60 min rest intervals were carried out by eight professional cyclists. Leukocyte 8-OH-2-deoxyguanosine levels were significantly elevated 24 h after both exercise protocols. A significant decrease in blood reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration was observed immediately after and at 15, 60 and 120 min of the single WAnT, followed by a return to basal value after 24 h. This decrease was parallel to a significant increase of the oxidised/reduced glutathione (GSSG/GSH) ratio, to an activation of NF-kappaB and to a significant decrease in the protein level of its inhibitor IkappaB. GSH concentration and the GSSG/GSH ratio changed significantly for the first three of the WAnTs series and normalised thereafter. A significant activation of NF-kappaB and a decrease in the IkappaB protein level were also detected. We conclude that short-term supramaximal anaerobic exercise induces oxidative stress, as evidenced by non cumulative damage to macromolecules and changes in the glutathione status. Our data also indicate that high intensity anaerobic work gives rise to an activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB accompanied by a degradation of IkappaB.

The purpose of this study was to investigate sweat lactate, ammonia, and urea excretion in rugby players. Fifteen elite amateur rugby players volunteered to participate. The study was conducted during competitive matches in the official season. Plasma and sweat concentrations of lactate, ammonia, and urea were measured before and after the matches. Peak values for creatine kinase activity were observed 24 h after the match. There was no significant change between time points for blood lactate concentration but secretion rate per unit surface and time was significantly reduced after the match. Sweat ammonia concentration increased significantly during the match; values were significantly reduced after 24 h and still remained low at 72 h. Secretion rate was also reduced from 24 h. Urea concentration was significantly reduced at 48 h, while secretion rates decreased at 24 h and 48 h. Lactate in blood was significantly elevated during the match but not thereafter. Blood ammonia was significantly elevated during the match and did not differ from the resting values at 24 or 48 h. Urea in blood tended to decrease during the match, with a significant reduction at 24 h. Significant positive correlations were observed between blood and sweat concentrations for urea and ammonia but not for lactate. Sweat rate correlated positively with sweat lactate secretion. The fact that part of the ammonia formed during exercise is lost with sweat indicates the importance of the purine nucleotide cycle during rugby matches. Our data also confirm that sweat lactate concentration is not influenced by circulatory blood lactate in rugby players.

Using muscle oxygenation to evaluate the therapeutic effects of physical exercise in pathologies through near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is of great interest. The aim of this review was to highlight the use of muscle oxygenation in exercise interventions in clinical trials and to present the technological characteristics related to the equipment used in these studies. PubMed, WOS, and Scopus databases were reviewed up to December 2021. Scientific articles that evaluated muscle oxygenation after exercise interventions in the sick adult population were selected. The PEDro scale was used to analyze the risk of bias (internal validity). The results were presented grouped in tables considering the risk of bias scores, characteristics of the devices, and the effects of exercise on muscle oxygenation. All the stages were carried out using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). The search strategy yielded 820 clinical studies, of which 18 met the eligibility criteria. This review detailed the characteristics of 11 NIRS devices used in clinical trials that used physical exercise as an intervention. The use of this technology made it possible to observe changes in muscle oxygenation/deoxygenation parameters such as tissue saturation, oxyhemoglobin, total hemoglobin, and deoxyhemoglobin in clinical trials of patients with chronic disease. It was concluded that NIRS is a non-invasive method that can be used in clinical studies to detect the effects of physical exercise training on muscle oxygenation, hemodynamics, and metabolism. It will be necessary to unify criteria such as the measurement site, frequency, wavelength, and variables for analysis. This will make it possible to compare different models of exercise/training in terms of time, intensity, frequency, and type to obtain more precise conclusions about their benefits for patients.

Ting between maximum strength values in 2 common resistance training row exercises (bilateral bench pull [BBP] and one-arm cable row [OACR]) and short sprint performance in elite kayakers. Ten junior kayakers (5 women and 5 men) were tested on different days for 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and maximal voluntary isometric contraction in both exercises. Moreover, a 12-m sprint kayak was performed in a dew pond to record split times (2, 5, and 10 m), peak velocity, distance completed considering the first 8 strokes, and mean acceleration induced by right blade and left blade strokes. No differences (p > 0.05) were observed when right and left arms were compared in sprint testing or strength testing variables. Maximal strength values in BBP and OACR were significantly correlated with short sprint performance variables, showing the bilateral exercise with slightly stronger correlation coefficients than the unilateral seated row. Moreover, the relationship between strength testing and sprint testing variables is stronger when maximal force is measured through a dynamic approach (1RM) in comparison with an isometric approach. In conclusion, maximal strength in BBP and OACR is a good predictor of the start phase performance in elite sprint kayakers, mainly the 1RM value in BBP....