Aging is associated with physiological changes that increase the risk of falls, impacting functional independence and quality of life. Multicomponent exercise training has emerged as an effective strategy for mitigating these risks by enhancing strength, balance, flexibility, and aerobic capacity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 30-week multicomponent training program on functional fitness and fall prevention in older women. A parallel, single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 40 participants (aged ≥ 65 years), divided into an exercise group and a control group. The intervention combined strength, balance, coordination, and aerobic training, following international exercise guidelines for older adults. Functional fitness was assessed using validated tests, including the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, lower limb strength, flexibility, and aerobic endurance measures. Results demonstrated significant improvements in the intervention group, particularly in TUG performance (p < 0.001), lower limb strength (p < 0.001), and flexibility (p < 0.05), indicating enhanced mobility and reduced fall risk. These findings reinforce the importance of structured, multicomponent training programs for aging populations, particularly women, who experience greater musculoskeletal decline due to menopause-related hormonal changes. Future research should explore long-term retention of benefits and optimize intervention strategies. This study highlights the critical role of tailored exercise programs in promoting active aging, improving functional capacity, and reducing healthcare burdens associated with fall-related injuries.

Under the adverse remodeling of the right ventricle and interventricular septum in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) the left ventricle (LV) dynamics is impaired. Despite the benefits of combined aerobic and resistance physical trainings to individuals with PAH, its impact on the LV is not fully understood. To test whether moderate-intensity combined physical training performed during the development of PAH induced by MCT in rats is beneficial to the LV’s structure and function. Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: Sedentary Hypertensive Survival (SHS, n = 7); and Exercise Hypertensive Survival (EHS, n = 7) to test survival. To investigate the effects of combined physical training, another group of rats were divided into three groups: Sedentary Control (SC, n = 7); Sedentary Hypertensive (SH, n = 7); and Exercise Hypertensive (EH, n = 7). PAH was induced through an intraperitoneal injection of MCT (60 mg/kg). Echocardiographic evaluations were conducted on the 22nd day after MCT administration. Animals in the EHS and EH groups participated in a combined physical training program, alternating aerobic (treadmill running: 50 min, 60% maximum running speed) and resistance (ladder climbing: 15 climbs with 1 min interval, 60% maximum carrying load) exercises, one session/day, 5 days/week for approximately 4 weeks. The physical training increased survival and tolerance to aerobic (i.e., maximum running speed) and resistance (i.e., maximum carrying load) exertions and prevented reductions in ejection fraction and fractional shortening. In addition, the physical training mitigated oxidative stress (i.e., CAT, SOD and MDA) and inhibited adverse LV remodeling (i.e., Collagen, extracellular matrix, and cell dimensions). Moreover, the physical training preserved the amplitude and velocity of contraction and hindered the reductions in the amplitude and velocity of the intracellular Ca2+ transient in LV single myocytes. Moderate-intensity combined physical training performed during the development of MCT-induced PAH in rats protects their LV from damages to its structure and function and hence increases their tolerance to physical exertion and prolongs their survival.

Resumo Fundamento A hipertrofia e a dilatação do ventrículo direito observadas na hipertensão arterial pulmonar (HAP) prejudicam a dinâmica do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) achatando o septo interventricular. Objetivo Investigar se o treinamento físico resistido (TFR) de intensidade baixa a moderada é benéfico para funções contráteis do VE e de cardiomiócitos em ratos durante o desenvolvimento de HAP induzida por monocrotalina (MCT). Métodos Foram usados ratos Wistar machos (Peso corporal: ~ 200 g). Para avaliar o tempo até o possível surgimento [...] Resumo Fundamento A hipertrofia e a dilatação do ventrículo direito observadas na hipertensão arterial pulmonar (HAP) prejudicam a dinâmica do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) achatando o septo interventricular. Objetivo Investigar se o treinamento físico resistido (TFR) de intensidade baixa a moderada é benéfico para funções contráteis do VE e de cardiomiócitos em ratos durante o desenvolvimento de HAP induzida por monocrotalina (MCT). Métodos Foram usados ratos Wistar machos (Peso corporal: ~ 200 g). Para avaliar o tempo até o possível surgimento

Background: There are divergences in the literature regarding the experimental model (Wistar-WIS or Wistar Kyoto-WKY) to be used as a Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHR) control. The characterization of these models in terms of cardiovascular parameters provides researchers with important tools at the time of selection and application in scientific research. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of WIS and WKY as a Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHR) control by assessing the long-term behavior of blood [...] Abstract Background: There are divergences in the literature regarding the experimental model (Wistar-WIS or Wistar Kyoto-WKY) to be used as a Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHR) control. The characterization of these models in terms of cardiovascular parameters provides researchers with important tools at the time of selection and application in scientific research. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of WIS and WKY as a Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHR) control by assessing the long-term behavior of blood

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is associated with skeletal muscle myopathy and atrophy and impaired exercise tolerance. Aerobic exercise training has been recommended as a non-pharmacological therapy for deleterious effects imposed by pulmonary arterial hypertension. Aerobic physical training induces skeletal muscle adaptations via reduced inflammation, improved anabolic processes, decreased hypoxia and regulation of mitochondrial function. These benefits improve physical exertion tolerance and quality of life in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic potential of aerobic exercise to skeletal muscle disfunctions in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension are not well understood yet. This minireview highlights the pathways involved in skeletal muscle adaptations to aerobic exercise training in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

The ‘New York City Marathon’ is one of the world’s largest and most influential mass‑participation marathons. Although numerous studies have examined performance trends, participation patterns, pacing behavior, environmental influences, and physiological aspects of runners in this event, no review has synthesized the evidence specific to this race. This study aimed to systematically summarize the scientific literature on the ‘New York City Marathon’. A systematic search of Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane was conducted using terms related to the ‘New York City Marathon’ to identify studies published up to February 2026. Eligible studies included runners of all ages, sexes, and performance levels, with no restrictions on publication date, topic, or study design. Extracted data included: (1) authors; (2) publication year; (3) study design; (4) sample characteristics; (5) variables assessed; and (6) main findings. Results were synthesized narratively by domain. Seventy‑six publications met the inclusion criteria. Participation increased markedly over time, driven primarily by growth among women and age‑group runners. While elite and competitive age‑group performances improved in recent decades, mean finish times across the entire field increased by ~40 min since the 1970s, reflecting the democratization of marathon running. Ethiopian runners were the youngest and fastest. Peak performance occurred at 29.7 years in women and 34.8 years in men (1‑year age intervals), and in the 30–34 and 35–39 age groups, respectively (5‑year intervals). Approximately 10 % of runners experienced major injuries during training or the race that prevented starting or finishing. Higher training volumes increased injury risk, with foot, knee, and hip injuries most common, whereas adequate preparation reduced risk. Environmental conditions—particularly temperature—had a stronger influence on race times than course metrics. Performance declined with increasing temperature, especially among slower runners and among men aged 30–64 and women aged 40–64. Runners generally adopted a positive pacing strategy with a final spurt in the last segment (40–42.2 km). The fastest split occurred between 5–10 km and the slowest between 35–40 km, coinciding with the undulating terrain entering Central Park. Older athletes paced more evenly than younger athletes. Men showed a larger decrease in running speed from the fastest to the slowest splits than women (21.1 % vs. 16.7 %). Slower runners exhibited greater early‑race deceleration but larger late‑race speed increases, whereas faster runners maintained the most even pacing. Participation in the ‘New York City Marathon’ has grown substantially, driven by increased involvement of women and age‑group runners. Although elite performance has improved, overall mean finish times have slowed due to broader participation. Ethiopian runners were the youngest and fastest, with peak performance occurring in the early to mid‑30s. Injury prevalence was considerable, particularly with higher training volumes, though adequate preparation mitigated risk. Higher temperatures slowed performance, especially among slower runners. Pacing was predominantly positive, with older athletes pacing more evenly and faster runners showing the smallest performance decline. Future research should explore cardiovascular monitoring technologies—including real‑time ECG streaming during the race—and assess the impact of innovations such as carbon‑plated “supershoes” on performance and pacing.