Adherence rates to current twice-weekly strength training guidelines are poor among older adults. Eccentric-only training elicits substantial improvements in muscle function/size so the aim of this study was to compare the effects of once- versus twice-weekly eccentric training programmes on muscle function/size in older adults. Thirty-six participants (69.4 ± 6.0 yr) were randomised into non-active control, once-, or twice-weekly training groups. Lower-limb muscle power, strength, and size were assessed at baseline, mid-, and post-eccentric training. Training was performed for 12 min per session at 50% of maximum eccentric strength. Significant increases in power (13%), isometric (17–36%) and eccentric (40–50%) strength, and VL muscle thickness (9–18%) occurred in both training groups following 12 weeks. Minimal muscle soreness was induced throughout the 12 weeks and perceived exertion was consistently lower in the twice-weekly training group. One weekly submaximal eccentric resistance training session over 12 weeks elicits similar improvements in neuromuscular function compared to the currently recommended twice-weekly training dose. Given the substantial improvements in neuromuscular function and previously reported low adherence to current twice-weekly training guidelines, eccentric training may be pivotal to developing a minimal-dose strategy to counteract neuromuscular decline. The trial was registered retrospectively on 24/01/2024 with ISRCTN (trial registration number: ISRCTN68730580).

The purpose of this study was to investigate competitive cyclists’ helmet use, perceptions of sports-related concussion (SRC), and medical-care-seeking behaviors. A mixed-method approach was used with qualitative and quantitative data presented. The study comprised of a cross-sectional analysis of 405 competitive cyclists who completed an online survey. Results indicated that most participants believed a bicycle helmet protects against SRC (79.5%) and considerable numbers of participants would not seek medical care for potential head injury in scenarios where this would be recommended. It was also discovered that marketing of concussion reduction technology influences cyclists’ helmet-purchasing behaviors. With the data presented, it is recommended that governing bodies in cycling need to develop educational resources to address gaps in knowledge regarding SRC amongst cyclists. We also suggest that more independent research on concussion reduction technologies in bicycle helmets is needed, with advertising supported by clear scientific evidence to avoid negatively influencing head injury management and reporting behaviors amongst cyclists.

Background: Eccentric resistance training elicits greater preservation of training-induced muscular adaptations compared with other training modalities, however the detraining profiles of different training dosages remain unknown. Aims: To examine the detraining effects following once- or twice-weekly eccentric-specific resistance training in older adults. Methods: Twenty-one older adults (age = 70.5 ± 6.0 year) completed a 12-week detraining period following the 12-week eccentric training programmes with neuromuscular function and muscle structure assessed six (mid-detraining) and 12 (post-detraining) weeks following training cessation. Results: From post-training to post-detraining, no significant regression of the training-induced improvements (collapsed group data reported) occurred in power (0%), strength (eccentric = 0%, isometric = 39%), or explosive strength over numerous epochs (0–32%), resulting in values that remained significantly greater than at pre-training. However, significant regression in the improvements in muscle thickness (91%) and fascicle angle (100%) occurred, resulting in values that were not significantly greater than pre-training. Discussion: The limited regression in neuromuscular function following a 12-week detraining period has important implications for supporting eccentric exercise prescription in older adults who often face periods of inactivity. However, further work is required to develop an effective maintenance dosage strategy that preserves improvements in muscle structure. Conclusions: Eccentric resistance training elicits improvements in the neuromuscular function of older adults, which are sustained for at least 12 weeks after eccentric training cessation.

Purpose: Dietary analysis is an important part of the sports nutrition practitioners’ role, however the ability to accurately collect and analyze dietary intake data is questionable. The remote food photography method (RFPM) has been proposed as a low-burden and potentially valid approach to collecting and interpreting dietary intake data. Preliminary research suggests that this is valid in some athletic populations, however the ecological validation in real-life settings warrants further investigation. Methods: Twenty athletic individuals completed simultaneous three-day RFPM diaries and weighed food diaries for the analysis of energy, protein, carbohydrate, and fat. Participants were required to provide details alongside provided photographs that did not include food weights to allow for the estimation of nutrient intake from minimally invasive photographs and descriptions. Results: RFPM demonstrated non-significant random and systematic error against the weighed food diary for energy, protein, carbohydrate, and fat at − 20.0 ± 455.5 kcal, − 2.9 ± 34.6 g, − 12.4 ± 49.3 g and 2.3 ± 26.8 g, respectively. Coefficient of variation suggest acceptable agreement between RFPM and weighed food diary for energy and poor agreement for protein, carbohydrate, and fat. Considerable variability is observed in the individual calculated values, with the least and greatest difference being 0% and − 83.0%, respectively. Conclusion: The results indicate that the RFPM may be an ecologically valid tool for the collection and analysis of dietary intake data on a group level; on an individual basis, data and subsequent recommendations based on this method must be applied with caution.

Purpose: Eccentric muscle actions generate high levels of force at a low metabolic cost, making them a suitable training modality to combat age-related neuromuscular decline. The temporary muscle soreness associated with high intensity eccentric contractions may explain their limited use in clinical exercise prescription, however any discomfort is often alleviated after the initial bout (repeated bout effect). Therefore, the aims of the present study were to examine the acute and repeated bout effects of eccentric contractions on neuromuscular factors associated with the risk of falling in older adults. Methods: Balance, functional ability [timed up-and-go and sit-to-stand], and lower-limb maximal and explosive strength were measured in 13 participants (67.6 ± 4.9 year) pre- and post-eccentric exercise (0, 24, 48, and 72 hr) in Bout 1 and 14 days later in Bout 2. The eccentric exercise intervention was performed on an isokinetic unilateral stepper ergometer at 50% of maximal eccentric strength at 18 step‧min⁻¹ per limb for 7 min (126 steps per limb). Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted to identify any significant effects (P ≤ 0.05). Results: Eccentric strength significantly decreased (− 13%) in Bout 1 at 24 hr post-exercise; no significant reduction was observed at any other time-point after Bout 1. No significant reductions occurred in static balance or functional ability at any time-point in either bout. Conclusion: Submaximal multi-joint eccentric exercise results in minimal disruption to neuromuscular function associated with falls in older adults after the initial bout.

Purpose: To compare the training effects of traditional (TRAD) and band‑assisted (NHE _ASSIST ) Nordic Hamstring Exercise on knee flexor force‑length characteristics, NHE execution, and hip range of motion (ROM). Methods: Forty-five male ( n = 24) and female ( n = 21) collegiate athletes were recruited from a variety of sports (soccer, basketball, Gaelic football, rugby, athletics, and netball) to partake in a twice-weekly 8-week TRAD or NHE _ASSIST training programme; 30 participants completed the intervention with ≥ 80% adherence. Knee flexor force production capacity (eccentric and isometric [at various lengths]), NHE execution, and hip ROM were examined pre- and post-training. Soreness was self-reported up to 48 h post-training using a visual analogue scale. Results: No significant ( P > 0.05) group × time interaction effects nor main effects of group were revealed for any metric. Main effects of time revealed significant increases in eccentric (17% ± 19%) and isometric force at longer muscle lengths (180° [full extension] and 150° knee flexion; 9%–12% ± 20%–22%), break point angle (10 ± 11°), impulse (139% ± 159%), and hip flexion ROM (5 ± 6°) in both groups after training; larger effect sizes occurred within NHE _ASSIST compared to TRAD regarding force production capacity, break point angle, impulse, and hip flexion ROM. Conclusion: Eight weeks of NHE improved knee flexor strength (particularly at longer muscle lengths), NHE execution, and hip flexion ROM. NHE _ASSIST did not confer statistically different adaptations than TRAD; however, early‑phase soreness was transiently lower within NHE _ASSIST . Larger, standardised, and mechanistically informed trials are warranted to determine whether assistance meaningfully augments adaptations.