Worldwide, university students’ physical health and posture are declining due to a sedentary lifestyle. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic breathing exercises on posture and spinal mobility among healthy female university students compared to other training methods. Sixty-one female students of the University of Debrecen were assigned to breathing exercise (BE; n = 15), yoga (Y; n = 16), Pilates (P; n = 15) programmes and interval-training (IT; n = 15). Each training session lasted one hour, performed twice a week for 7 weeks. Students were assessed using standardized clinical tests. All programmes resulted in significant improvement in chest expansion. Results of Schober’s test showed substantial improvement using BE (p < 0.05), Y, P (p ≤ 0.01) programmes. Significant changes in occiput-to-wall distance (Y, P p ≤ 0.01) (BE p ≤ 0.001) were observed in three groups except the IT group. Fingertip-to-floor test (Y, P p < 0.05) results showed significant changes in two groups. The most outstanding effects on lateral flexion were achieved using BE (right, left p ≤ 0.001) programme. A comparison with results achieved using yoga and Pilates revealed that the physiotherapeutic breathing exercise programme is an equally effective method to significantly improve spinal mobility and correct postural problems in healthy young women.

Optimal tissue oxygen supply is essential for proper athletic performance and endurance. It also depends on perfusion, so on hemorheological properties and microcirculation. Regular exercise is beneficial to the rheological status, depending on its type, intensity, and duration. We aimed to investigate macro and microrheological changes due to short, high-intensity exercise in professional athletes (soccer and ice hockey players) and untrained individuals. The exercise was performed on a treadmill ergometer during a spiroergometry examination. Blood samples were taken before and after exercise to analyze lactate concentration, hematological parameters, blood and plasma viscosity, and red blood cell (RBC) deformability and aggregation. Leukocyte, RBC and platelet counts, and blood viscosity increased with exercise, by the largest magnitude in the untrained group. RBC deformability slightly impaired after exercise, but showed better values in ice hockey versus soccer players. RBC aggregation increased with exercise, dominantly in ice hockey players. Lactate increased mostly in soccer players, and the respiratory exchange rate was the lowest in ice hockey players. Overall, short, high-intensity exercise altered macro and microrheological parameters, mostly in the untrained group. Significant differences were found between the two sports. The data can be useful in training status monitoring, selection, and in revealing the causes of physical loading symptoms.

Physical activity influences red blood cell (RBC) deformability and aggregation, which affect oxygen transport and performance. While regular training may enhance RBC properties, adaptations depend on exercise intensity, duration, and recovery. This study aimed to assess the impact of a 12-week core muscle training program on RBC deformability, aggregation, and aerobic capacity in military trainees. A total of 35 male volunteers were divided into a Training group (n = 17) and a Control group (n = 18). The intervention included dynamic stretching, core stabilization, and functional movement exercises. Spiroergometry tests, blood gas analysis, and hemorheological measurements were conducted before and after the program. Results showed no significant changes in body composition or aerobic capacity. RBC deformability slightly decreased after exercise in both groups, while RBC aggregation increased. Blood viscosity changes were more moderate in the Training group, suggesting potential adaptation. However, the training intensity may have been insufficient for significant hemorheological improvements. While regular physical activity can enhance RBC function, adequate intensity, recovery, and nutrition are essential for optimal adaptation. Individualized training strategies should consider these factors to maximize performance and hemorheological benefits.

Regional body composition is associated with athletic performance, but the relative explanatory contributions of trunk and lower-limb lean mass to multi-joint strength and power remain insufficiently understood. This study examined the associations of trunk and lower-limb lean mass with leg-press performance and evaluated their unique and shared explanatory contributions in professional male soccer players. Fifty-one professional male soccer players underwent standardized preseason assessments. Segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to estimate total body fat-free mass, trunk segment lean mass, and lower-limb lean mass. Maximal bilateral leg-press strength and peak mechanical power were assessed using a pneumatic resistance system. Primary analyses included bivariate correlations and two-predictor linear regression models containing trunk and lower-limb lean mass. Because incremental R² depends on predictor-entry order, reversed-order hierarchical regression, commonality analysis, and dominance analysis were performed as secondary analyses. Additional sensitivity analyses included models adjusted for body-size indicators, combined club/tier grouping and playing position, and log-log allometric models. Total fat-free mass, lower-limb lean mass, and trunk segment lean mass were positively correlated with maximal strength and peak power (all p < 0.001). Bivariate correlation magnitudes did not differ significantly between trunk and lower-limb lean mass for maximal strength (p = 0.498) or peak power (p = 0.067). The two-predictor models explained 48.2% of the variance in maximal strength and 55.8% of the variance in peak power. For maximal strength, the unique contributions of trunk and lower-limb lean mass were 6.9% and 1.6%, respectively, while 39.8% represented shared explained variance. Corresponding dominance shares were 55.5% and 44.5%. For peak power, the unique contributions were 14.2% and 0.1%, respectively, with 41.5% shared variance; dominance shares were 62.6% for trunk and 37.4% for lower-limb lean mass. In secondary adjusted models, the association of trunk segment lean mass with peak power remained statistically significant, whereas its association with maximal strength was attenuated after adjustment for combined club/tier grouping and playing position (p = 0.096). The relative load at peak power was not associated with trunk segment lean mass, lower-limb lean mass, absolute peak power, or maximal strength (all p > 0.19). Log–log allometric sensitivity analyses produced consistent results, with trunk segment lean mass remaining associated with maximal strength and peak power after adjustment for lower-limb lean mass and height. Within the specified two-predictor models, trunk segment lean mass had a larger estimated unique R² component and received a larger dominance-weight allocation than lower-limb lean mass, particularly for peak power. However, most of the explained variance was shared between the two regional measures. These findings describe statistical associations involving BIA-derived morphological estimates and do not establish a causal, functional, or biomechanical role of trunk musculature.