This meta-analysis was designed to investigate the relationship between genetic polymorphisms (AGT rs699, AMPD1 rs17602729, HIF1α rs11549465, IL-6 rs1800795) and power athletes’ status. Only case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. A systematic search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases was performed to identify relevant studies and 23 studies met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. The data from the included studies were pooled and analyzed using a random effects or fix effects model. The effect size was calculated as the odds ratio or a risk ratio with 95% confidence intervals. The results showed that certain genetic polymorphisms, AGT rs699 Thr allele, HIF1A rs11549465 Ser allele and AMPD1 rs17602729 C allele, were significantly more prevalent in power athletes (p < 0.05). When examining the genotype frequency distribution of AGT rs699 and AMPD1 rs17602729, significant differences were found in both the dominant and recessive models (p < 0.05). The results indicate that these gene polymorphisms play a role in power athlete status, however, new and more comprehensive studies are needed to confirm these results.

(1) Background: Enhancing repeated sprint ability (RSA) is critical to soccer performance. Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocols, particularly those utilizing heavy resistance preloading, have shown promise in improving RSA. Yet, the optimal preloading intensity for amateur players is still unknown. This study investigated the effects of two PAPE protocols using different preloading intensities (85% and 90% of 1 RM back squat) on RSA. (2) Methods: A double-blind, randomized, two-period crossover design was used, and 18 amateur male players were included in this study. RSA was assessed using a 6 × 35 m sprint protocol with 10 s rest intervals (RAST). (3) Results: While the main effect of time significantly (p = 0.01, η² = 0.71) influenced performance decline across all groups, there was no significant (p = 0.65, η² = 0.01) interaction between time and condition. Individual responses to PAPE varied, highlighting the importance of individual differences. Interestingly, the BS85% group exhibited a less pronounced decline in performance compared to the control group, while the BS90% group only showed significant differences in three sprint levels. (4) Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a lower preload of 85% of 1 RM may be as adequate as a higher preload of 90% of 1 RM in enhancing RSA in amateur soccer players. These results may indicate a potential fatigue-delaying effect of PAPE protocols and emphasize the importance of individualized approaches for optimizing PAPE strategies.

Purpose: Genetic factors are important in terms of athletic performance. Recent studies to determine the relationship between the genes that lead to physiological responses have attracted attention. In this respect, this meta-analysis study was designed to examine the relationship between genetic polymorphism (BDKRB2 rs5810761, GNB3 rs5443, HIF1A rs11549565, MCT1 rs1049434, NOS3 rs2070744) and endurance athlete’s status. Methods: The search included studies published from 2009 to 2022. To determine the relevant studies, Pubmed, Web of Science databases were systematically scanned. Only case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. To determine the relevant studies, Pubmed, Web of Science databases were systematically scanned, and a total of 31 studies met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Relevant data from the included studies were collected and analyzed using a random effects or fixed effects model. The effect size was calculated as the odds ratio or a risk ratio the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Results: According to the results of the analysis, BDKRB2 rs5810761 + 9 allele, and NOS3 rs2070744 T allele were significantly more prevalent in endurance athletes (p < 0.05). Genotype distributions of BDKRB2 rs5810761, MCT1 rs1049434, and NOS3 rs2070744 showed significant differences in the dominant model (p < 0.05). However, no significant association was found between endurance athlete status and GNB3 rs5443 and HIF1A rs11549465 polymorphisms. Conclusion: These results show that some gene polymorphisms play an important role in endurance athlete status and suggest that having a specific genetic basis may also confer a physiological advantage for performance.

Recent studies have focused on genetic polymorphisms that may influence athlete status. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between athlete status and specific candidate genetic polymorphisms (AGTR2 rs11091046, FTO rs9939609, GALNTL6 rs558129, GNB3 rs5443, MCT1 rs1049434, NOS3 rs2070744). Only case–control studies collected from PubMed and Web of Science databases, published between 2009 and 2022, were included. A total of 23 studies were included in the meta-analysis according to the criteria of the research, and analyses were performed using random or fixed effects models. Effect size, odds ratio, or risk ratio were evaluated with a suitable 95% confidence interval. The results showed that the GALNTL6 rs558129 T/T genotype, MCT1 rs1049434 T/T genotype, and NOS3 rs2070744 T allele and T/T genotype were more prevalent in power athletes than in controls (p < 0.05). Conversely, the GALNTL6 rs558129 C allele, C/C genotype, and AGTR2 rs11091046 C allele and C/C genotype were more common in the control group. These findings indicate that some genetic polymorphisms may be important markers in athlete status and should be supported by future studies.

Background and Objectives: This study compared the effects of blood flow restriction resistance exercise (BFR-RE) and high-load resistance exercise (HL-RE) in voluntary exhaustion on quadriceps muscle adaptations in untrained young males. Materials and Methods: This study used a randomized controlled design that included 30 untrained young males (age = 21.42 ± 2.51). The BFR-RE group performed leg extension exercises with 60% occlusion pressure and 30% of one maximum repetition in volitional exhaustion. The same exercise was conducted at 70% 1RM in the HL-RE group. Fourteen variables were used to evaluate the intervention efficacy, including muscle thickness, stiffness, strength, cross-sectional area (CSA), and subcutaneous fat thickness. Analyses were reported using frequentist and Bayesian approaches. The Bayes factor (BF10 and BFincl) was interpreted based on negative and positive values. Results: The results revealed that the main effect of time was statistically significant for muscle strength, thickness, CSA, and stiffness (p < 0.05, BFincl > 1) and, in intragroup comparisons, both groups showed improvements in these parameters (p < 0.05, BF10 > 1). A statistically significant decrease in subcutaneous fat thickness was observed in the BFR-RE group (p < 0.05, BF10 > 1), while this change was not observed in the HL-RE group (p > 0.05, BF10 < 1). Similarly, a statistically significant increase in right rectus femoris muscle stiffness was detected in the BFR-RE group (p < 0.05, BF10 > 1) but not in the HL-RE group (p > 0.05, BF10 < 1). Furthermore, time’s main effect was statistically insignificant for thigh circumference (p > 0.05, BFincl < 1). The group × time interaction was statistically significant only for peak power leg flexion left (p < 0.05, BFincl > 1), and a statistically significant difference in favor of the BFR-RE group was observed in the intergroup comparisons (p < 0.05, BF10 > 1). Conclusions: In conclusion, BF-RE exercise with voluntary exhaustion may be as effective as HL-RE for hypertrophic adaptations in untrained young males.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of anaerobic exercise on cortisol, growth, and testosterone hormones in elite level athletes according to gender. Materials and Methods: A total of 16 elite athletes, 8 females and 8 males, aged between 18 and 23 years and actively engaged in sports, participated in the study. Measurements of height, weight, blood and hormone levels were taken before and after exercise. The data obtained were evaluated using SPSS 23 software, and the Wilcoxon test and Mann Whitney U test were used to test the significance of the difference between two independent groups. Results: When the levels of cortisol, growth, and testosterone hormones were examined before and after anaerobic exercise in male athletes, it was found that growth (z=-2.10, p=0.03) and testosterone (z=-2.52, p=0.012) hormone levels increased after anaerobic exercise, and the difference was statistically significant. No statistically significant difference was found in cortisol hormone (P>0.05). In female athletes, when cortisol, growth, and testosterone hormone levels were examined before and after anaerobic exercise, it was found that cortisol (z=-2.24, p=0.02) hormone levels increased after anaerobic exercise, and the difference was statistically significant. No statistically significant difference was found in growth and testosterone hormones (p>0.05). Conclusion: It is thought that sports scientists can contribute to sports science by researching the effects of exercise on hormone secretion more comprehensively with different age, gender, branch, and different training methods.