Background: The modulation of cardiac sympathovagal balance alters following acute resistance training (RT) sessions. Nevertheless, the precise influence of RT at varying load intensities on this physiological response remains to be fully elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the time course of recovery following low- (40%), moderate- (60%), and high- (80%) load-intensity RT protocols performed up to muscle repetition failure in resistance-trained men. Method: Sixteen young, resistance-trained men (mean age: 21.6 ± 2.5 years, mean height: 175.7 ± 8.9 cm, mean weight: 77.1 ± 11.3 kg) participated in a randomized crossover experimental design involving three sessions, each taken to the point of muscle failure. These sessions were characterized by different load intensities: low (40% of 1-repetition maximum, 1RM), moderate (60% of 1RM), and high (80% of 1RM). The exercise regimen comprised four exercises—back squat (BS), bench press (BnP), barbell row (BR), and shoulder press (SP)—with each exercise consisting of three sets. Throughout each session, heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure (BP) parameters were assessed both pre-exercise and during a 40 min post-exercise period, segmented into 10 min intervals for stabilization. Statistical analysis involved the use of a repeated measures ANOVA. Results: It was observed that the 40% and 60% RT sessions resulted in a significantly higher root mean square of successive R-R intervals (RMSSD) value compared to the 80% RT session in the post-exercise recovery process in 30 min (respectively, p = 0.025; p = 0.028) and 40 min (respectively, p = 0.031; p = 0.046), while the 40% and 60% RT sessions produced similar responses. The 40% RT session was significantly higher in the high frequency (HF) value post-exercise in 40 min compared to the 80% RT session (p = 0.045). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that engaging in resistance training (RT) sessions to muscle failure at an intensity of 80% induces acute increases in sympathetic activity, potentially leading to elevated cardiovascular stress. For individuals with normal blood pressure, it is advisable to opt for lighter loads and higher repetition volumes when prescribing RT, as heavier-load RT may carry an increased risk of cardiac-related factors.

Background: This study aimed to compare the immediate effects of small-sided games (SSGs) and running-based high-intensity interval training (HIITrb) on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, cognitive performance, and enjoyment in young, male soccer players. Methods: Twenty-four soccer players [age: 19.2 ± 0.8 years] completed one session each of four-a-side SSG or HIITrb in a randomized, counterbalanced, and crossover design, with a one-week washout period. Blood samples and Trail Making Tests (TMTs) A and B were measured before and after exercise. Heart rate (HR) was monitored throughout the games, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and enjoyment were collected at the end of the measurements. Results: The results show no significant effects of time (p > 0.775), group (p > 0.276) or time × group interaction (p > 0.199) on BDNF levels. For TMT-A, the time effect (p = 0.866) and group effect (p = 0.057) were not significant; however, the time × group interaction was significant (p < 0.019), indicating a superior performance in the SSG compared to HIITrb. In the TMT-B, significant effects were observed for both time (p < 0.001) and group (p < 0.001), while the time × group interaction effect was not statistically significant (p > 0.061). Furthermore, enjoyment levels did not differ significantly between conditions (p = 0.976). Conclusions: These findings suggest that four-a-side SSG may enhance processing speed compared to HIITrb without changes in serum BDNF levels. Coaches may consider using 4v4 SSG formats in early training sessions or warm-ups to stimulate processing speed and mental readiness in young soccer players.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of foam roller (FR), dynamic stretching (DS), and passive recovery (PR) on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability (HRV) in hearing-impaired athletes after submaximal exercise. Twelve congenital (sensorineural) hearing impaired (>91dB) basketball players aged between 18-30 participated in the study voluntarily. Participants were randomly divided into 3 groups consisting of 4 subjects, and 3 different recovery methods after submaximal treadmill running exercises were performed in a cross-over design. BP and HRV parameters of the participants were measured at 4 different times, (i) pre-exercise, (ii) post-exercise, (ııı) during recovery, and (iv) after recovery. Data were analyzed with a two-way analysis of variance test for repeated measurements (3 groups x 4 times). There was a significant increase in RMSSD and HF compared to PR after the FR recovery and in 10-minute after recovery (p<0.05). There was a significant decrease in LF at 10 min after recovery exercise in FR compared to PR (p0.05). The FR recovery method applied after submaximal exercise in hearing-impaired basketball players significantly improved HRV compared to PR. Performing FR recovery exercises in the post-exercise or post-competition period may positively affect HRV. FR exercise can be recommended to coaches and athletes as a method of recovery after post-submaximal exercises.

Traditional (TRD) and cluster set (CLT) resistance training (RT) configurations differentially affect cardiovascular parameters, such as heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure (BP), but the cardiovascular effects of upper body TRD and CLT with multiple exercises remain unclear. To compare the acute effects of upper body TRD and CLT on postexercise HRV and BP variables. Sixteen men with ≥ 1 year of RT experience participated in this randomized crossover study. Subjects performed four upper‐body exercises in both protocols, matched for volume, intensity, and rest periods. HRV and BP were measured pre‐exercise, postexercise, and again every 10 min for 40 min postexercise. Heart rate was elevated in both conditions until 30 min for TRD, but recovered by 20 min for CLT, and was lower in CLT versus TRD at 20–40 min (p values < 0.05). Root mean square of successive differences was reduced in both conditions until 30 min in TRD, but recovered by 20 min in CLT, with higher values in CLT versus TRD at 20–40 min (p values < 0.05). Despite no interaction (p > 0.05), systolic BP (SBP) was higher overall in CLT (p < 0.05). Moreover, effect sizes revealed moderate SBP reductions from pre‐exercise across all postexercise time points in TRD, with SBP lower in TRD versus CLT at 20–40 min (small‐to‐moderate effect sizes). CLT promoted faster cardiac‐autonomic recovery, whereas TRD tended to promote greater postexercise hypotension. Thus, set configuration should be selected based on specific goals, such as accelerating parasympathetic reactivation or reducing SBP.

Purpose: A single session of complex contrast training (CCT) can induce lower-limb fatigue, making the optimization of post-CCT recovery strategies essential. Foam rolling (FR) is widely used and is believed to enhance acute recovery. Therefore, this study examined the acute effects of FR compared with passive recovery (PR) following a single bout of CCT on dynamic balance (YBT), static balance (SLST), horizontal jump performance (SLHD), vertical jump performance (CMJ), and muscle excitation measured via surface electromyography (sEMG). Methods: Twenty-one active males completed the study using a crossover design, being randomly allocated to FR and PR conditions. Assessments were performed at three time points: pre-test, immediately post-CCT (mid-test), and after the recovery intervention (post-test). Participants performed the CCT protocol prior to recovery (5 sets × 6 repetitions at 80% and 30% of 1RM). Test measures included YBT, SLST, SLHD, CMJ, and sEMG recordings from selected lower-limb muscles. Results: FR resulted in significant acute improvements in YBT, SLST, and SLHD compared with PR (p < 0.05), whereas no meaningful differences were detected in CMJ performance (p > 0.05). Although time effects were observed in sEMG excitation for some muscles (p < 0.05), no intervention × time interactions were detected (p > 0.05). Conclusions: FR is an effective acute recovery strategy for enhancing dynamic and static balance as well as horizontal jump performance following CCT. However, its influence on vertical jump performance and muscle excitation appears limited. Future research should incorporate broader neuromuscular assessments, varied FR protocols, and diverse populations to better clarify underlying mechanisms and optimize recovery outcomes.

A single session of explosive resistance exercise can induce acute neuromuscular fatigue, highlighting the need for effective recovery strategies. Foam rolling (FR) is commonly used to facilitate neuromuscular and functional restoration. This study examined whether FR, compared with passive recovery (PR), differentially affects post-exercise balance, jump performance, and lower-limb neuromuscular excitation assessed via surface electromyography. Twenty-one physically active men (age 21.8 ± 1.6 years; height 180.7 ± 8.0 cm; weight 75.1 ± 10.8 kg) completed both FR and PR in a randomized crossover design. Assessments were conducted prior to exercise (pre-test), immediately post-exercise (mid-test), and following the recovery interventions (post-test). All participants performed the squat jump protocol (5 sets × 6 reps at 30% 1RM and 6–8 reps at body weight), followed by performance tests (dynamic balance, static balance, horizontal and vertical jumping) and muscle activity assessment. For physical tests, significant intervention × time interactions were observed for posteromedial and composite scores of dynamic balance, static balance, and horizontal jumping (p = 0.002–0.024; \({\upeta}_{\text{p}}^{2}\) = 0.171–0.262), indicating greater improvements following FR compared with PR, whereas no significant interactions were observed for anterior and posterolateral dynamic balance or vertical jumping. Muscle excitation showed significant main effects of time across all measures (p ≤ 0.001–0.032; \({\upeta}_{\text{p}}^{2}\) = 0.158–0.598), with intervention × time interactions limited to a subset of muscles (p = 0.011–0.035; \({\upeta}_{\text{p}}^{2}\)= 0.154–0.201). FR may help preserve static and dynamic balance, as well as horizontal jump performance, following a single bout of explosive resistance exercise; however, its effects on vertical jump and muscle excitation appear limited. Future research should incorporate broader neuromuscular assessments and varied FR protocols across diverse populations to clarify underlying mechanisms and optimize recovery.