Time-restricted eating (TRE) is a circadian rhythm-based intermittent fasting intervention that has been used to treat obesity. However, the efficacy and safety of TRE for fat loss have not been comprehensively examined and the influences of TRE characteristics on such effects are unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis comprehensively characterized the efficacy and safety of TRE for fat loss in adults with overweight and obese, and it explored the influence of TRE characteristics on this effect. Methods: A search strategy based on the PICOS principle was used to find relevant publications in seven databases. The outcomes were body composition, anthropometric indicators, and blood lipid metrics. Twenty publications (20 studies) with 1288 participants, covering the period from 2020 to 2024, were included. Results: Compared to the control group, TRE safely and significantly reduced body fat percentage, fat mass, lean mass, body mass, BMI, and waist circumference (MDpooled = −2.14 cm, 95% CI = −2.88~−1.40, p < 0.001), and increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (MDpooled = 2.70, 95% CI = 0.17~5.22, p = 0.037), but it did not alter the total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides (MDpooled = −1.09~1.20 mg/dL, 95% CI −4.31~5.47, p > 0.05). Subgroup analyses showed that TRE only or TRE-caloric restriction with an eating window of 6 to 8 h may be appropriate for losing body fat and overall weight. Conclusions: This work provides moderate to high evidence that TRE is a promising dietary strategy for fat loss. Although it may potentially reduce lean mass and increase LDL, these effects do not pose significant safety concerns. This trial was registered with PROSPERO as CRD42023406329.

(1) Background: Hydrogen (H₂) may be a potential therapeutic agent for managing Long COVID symptoms due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, more scientific literature is needed to describe the effects of H₂ administration on treating symptoms. A study aimed to investigate the impact of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) administration on the fatigue and dyspnea of Long-COVID patients for 14 consecutive days. (2) Methods: In this randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study, 55 participants were recruited, and 23 of them were excluded. A total of 32 eligible participants were randomized into a hydrogen-rich water (HRW) group (n = 16) and a placebo water (PW) group (n = 16) in which they were instructed to consume hydrogen-rich water or placebo water for 14 days, respectively. The participants completed the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), 30 s Chair Stand Test (30s-CST), Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Rating Scale (mMRC), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and depression anxiety stress scale (DASS-21) before and after the intervention. A linear mixed-effects model was used to analyze the effects of HRW. Cohen’s d values were used to assess the effect size when significance was observed. The mean change with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) was also reported. (3) Results: The effects of HRW on lowering FSS scores (p = 0.046, [95% CI = −20.607, −0.198, d = 0.696] and improving total distance in the 6WMT (p < 0.001, [95% CI = 41.972, 61.891], d = 1.010), total time for the 30s-CST (p = 0.002, [95% CI = 1.570, 6.314], d = 1.190), and PSQI scores (p = 0.012, [95% CI = −5.169, 0.742], d = 1.274) compared to PW were of a significantly moderate effect size, while there was no significant difference in mMRC score (p = 0.556) or DASS-21 score (p > 0.143). (4) Conclusions: This study demonstrates that HRW might be an effective strategy for alleviating fatigue and improving cardiorespiratory endurance, musculoskeletal function, and sleep quality. Still, it does not ameliorate dyspnea among Long-COVID patients.

Background: French Contrast Training (FCT) is a unique complex training (CT) method that has gained attention in sports science. Participant characteristics, training protocols, and control group types may influence the effects of FCT on lower limb athletic performance.Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effects of FCT on jump, sprint, and maximal strength in healthy adults and to identify potential moderators of training effects.Methods: We searched five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, and CNKI). Seven randomized controlled trials with 195 participants were included. We used a random-effects model for the outcomes (jump, sprint, and maximal strength) to calculate the pooled effect sizes (standardized mean differences, SMD). Subgroup analyses and GRADE assessments were conducted to explore heterogeneity and assess the quality of evidence.Results: FCT significantly improved sprint (large effect: SMD = −0.92; 95% CI: 1.30 to −0.55; p < 0.001) and jump performance (moderate effect: SMD = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.91; p < 0.001). However, FCT failed to significantly improve maximal strength (small effect: SMD = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.89; p = 0.07). Subgroup analyses revealed that control group type, training frequency, training load, and participant characteristics were moderating variables influencing training effects.Conclusion: French contrast training is more effective than traditional resistance training for enhancing lower limbs explosive performance in healthy adults. However, there is not enough evidence to show it is superior to traditional complex training or that it improves maximal strength. Future research should aim to optimize FCT protocols and explore long-term adaptability across different populations.Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php, identifier CRD420251000409.

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training is increasingly recognized as an effective method for enhancing physical performance. BFR combined with low-intensity

This study aimed to investigate the effects of visual augmented feedback with velocity-based training (VBT) on post-activation performance enhancement (PAP

Background: Mental fatigue impairs cognitive function and physical performance in healthy adults. Brain endurance training (BET) has emerged as a strategy to enhance resistance to mental fatigue and improve both cognitive and physical outcomes; however, its effects have not been comprehensively synthesized. Objective: To systematically assess the effects of BET on cognitive function, physical performance, and perceived exertion in healthy adults. Methods: Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus on September 9, 2025. Data (mean ± standard deviation and sample size) were extracted, and pooled effects were calculated as Hedges’g using random-effects meta-analysis models. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore potential moderators. Results: Eleven studies (13 trials; n=441 participants) were included. BET significantly improved cognitive function (g = 0.64, 95% CI [0.24, 1.04], P = 0.006) and physical performance (g = 0.48, 95% CI [0.33, 0.62], p<0.001), whereas no statistically significant effect was observed for perceived exertion (g = −0.01, 95% CI [−0.25, 0.23]). Effects on cognitive function and physical performance appeared larger under mental-fatigue than non-fatigued testing conditions. Evidence for other potential moderators was inconclusive, and intervention duration was not significantly associated with any outcome. The certainty of evidence was low for cognitive function and physical performance and moderate for perceived exertion. Conclusion: BET was associated with improvements in cognitive function and physical performance in healthy adults, with effects appearing larger under mental-fatigue testing conditions. BET had no statistically significant effect on perceived exertion. Given the limited number of studies and low certainty of evidence for the primary performance outcomes, these findings should be interpreted cautiously.