The development and advancement of sports training over time have been accompanied by continuous innovations, which significantly contribute to improving athletic performance. In this process, research has played a crucial role in understanding the effectiveness of various training methods, including blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise, which is increasingly gaining attention due to its potential to enhance athletic performance. BFR training can be implemented in both: resistance exercise and endurance exercise. The studies discussed indicate a growing interest in the application of BFR through endurance type of exercise to enhance aerobic capacity.
This narrative review examined the role of BFR training in enhancing endurance performance by reviewing relevant literature. We performed a comprehensive search on PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords such as “Blood Flow Restriction”, “endurance exercise”, “aerobic capacity”, and “athletes”. The focus was on peer-reviewed articles published in the last decade that investigated the effects of BFR training on endurance and aerobic capacity, specifically within athletic populations. Studies included in this review were selected based on their relevance to BFR training and its impact on endurance performance, while those not directly related to BFR or involving non-athlete populations were excluded. Key findings concerning BFR training protocols and their impact on endurance metrics were summarized. This review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of BFR training in endurance exercise and its potential implications for optimizing athletic performance.
These investigations adopting BFR training show promising results, with several studies reporting significant improvements in key physiological parameters such as maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂ max) and muscular endurance.
Overall evidence suggests that integrating BFR training into endurance exercise training regimens holds potential for optimizing aerobic capacity in athletes.

Aging is a gradual and irreversible process that involves changes in tissues and body functions over time. The level of daily activities of elderly persons decreases with aging, although it is well known that physical activity (PA) is important for successful aging. This study's objective was to determine the influence of PA level on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and life satisfaction (LS) among community-dwelling older adults. A cross-sectional study was carried out, with 263 questionnaires (PASE, WHOQOL-OLD, and LISAT9) completed and returned. Each WHOQOL-OLD and LISAT9 domain was analyzed using an independent t-test to determine differences in HRQoL and LS between groups. However, the relationship between PA level and HRQoL and LS domains was investigated using the Pearson correlation coefficient among Physically active and Physically inactive older adults. Older adults who reported being more physically active attributed higher scores to the sensory ability, autonomy, past, present, and feature and intimacy domains, and presented significantly higher overall HRQoL. In addition, the results indicated higher scores for the Ability to manage self-care (AMS), leisure satisfaction (LS), Vocational situation (VS), financial satisfaction (FS), Sexual life (SL), and Partner relation (PR) domains and significantly higher overall LS among physically active older adults. In contrast, there were no significant correlations between   PA level and HRQoL and LS domains. The results indicate that increases in the levels of PA can contribute to improvements in HRQoL and LS of older adults.

Lumbar disc herniation, a growing condition, significantly impacts work productivity, mental health, and quality of life. It alters functional movement patterns and causes improper compensatory body positioning, leading to muscle dysfunction. Physical exercise is a key treatment for chronic cases. This case study examined a 37-year-old male with moderate triple lumbar disc herniation and degenerative disc changes at L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1. The subject followed a 10-week home-based exercise program performed 4 to 5 times weekly for 45 minutes per session. The program consisted of variations of body-weight exercises, supplemented with additional equipment, and progressively increased in intensity and volume, targeting hip joint mobility and strengthening of deep back, abdominal, and thigh muscles. Initial and final assessments included the Pain Detect test, the Short Form Health Survey-36 on quality of life, Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), Functional Movement Screen (FMS), and body composition analysis. Questionnaires indicated significant pain reduction and improvements in physical condition and psychosocial well-being. MMT improved from 4 to 5, FMS from 2 to 3, and body composition showed positive changes: weight (+1.5%), body water (+3.4%), skeletal muscle (+2.8%), and body fat (-6.6%). The subject reported substantial pain reduction, improved physical condition and psychosocial well-being, as well as enhanced muscle strength, functional movement patterns, and body composition. This case study highlights the program’s effectiveness in treating lumbar disc herniation and enhancing quality of life. Additionally, the program is suitable for preventing lumbar disc herniation and improving overall quality of life in the broader population.

Exercise-induced energy expenditure (ExEE) is commonly adopted as a mean to volitional body mass loss. ExEE can also modulate physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) and potentially limit the rate of body mass loss. The detrimental effect of ExEE on PAEE may be more prevalent in women than in men. This study was to investigate the sex differences in regulation of PAEE and body mass change following an acute exercise-induced perturbation in energy balance.  In this 3-week study, 4 men and 6 women with body mass index (BMI) of 28.8 ± 2.3 kg/m² were required to exercise on a leg ergometer, expending 15% of their total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) in each exercise session of week two (Exercise week). Participants had to complete three exercise sessions within the same week and on non-consecutive days. PAEE was assessed via wrist-worn accelerometers over the entire study period. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) and body composition were measured at the beginning of the study. Men had significantly greater stature (p=0.021), body mass (p=0.035) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) (p=0.01) than women. Whereas women body fat % was significantly greater than men (p=0.004). At the end of the study, there was no significant difference body mass % change (p=0.409) and ExEE (p=0.91) between men and women. There was no significant main effect of time for PAEE (p=0.613), or between sex (p=0.470). Three bouts of ExEE performed within the same week did not alter PAEE in men and women with overweight and obesity.

Vascular entrapment syndromes of the lower extremities represent a diagnostic challenge in athletes, with emerging evidence suggesting sport-specific presentations. This study aimed to characterize and compare patterns of vascular compression, anatomical variants, and hemodynamic consequences across different sporting disciplines. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 210 athletes with confirmed vascular entrapment syndrome from a 10-year cohort (2014-2023). Athletes were categorized as long-distance runners (n=87), cyclists (n=71), triathletes (n=24), soccer players (n=19), and other sports (n=9). All participants underwent standardized clinical assessment and vascular imaging during provocative maneuvers. Multivariable analyses and latent class analysis were performed to identify independent predictors and distinct phenotypes. Sport-specific patterns of vascular compression were identified. Long-distance runners exhibited highest compression during plantarflexion (85.7±8.6%), predominantly with Type III gastrocnemius variants (60.9%). Cyclists demonstrated highest compression during knee extension (79.2±11.4%), with predominant Type II variants (49.3%). Soccer players exhibited primarily Type I variants (57.9%) with lower compression severity. Latent class analysis identified three distinct phenotypes: "runner phenotype" (43.8%), "cyclist phenotype" (37.1%), and "low compression phenotype" (19.0%), each with characteristic anatomical, hemodynamic, and clinical features. Sport category remained an independent predictor of compression severity after adjusting for potential confounders (p<0.001). Vascular entrapment syndrome manifests with distinct sport-specific patterns reflecting the interplay between anatomical predisposition and functional demands. The identification of sport-specific phenotypes provides a framework for tailored diagnostic approaches and management strategies. Recognition of these characteristics may enhance diagnostic accuracy, inform individualized treatment, and improve outcomes for affected athletes across diverse sporting disciplines.

Patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) experience motor and non-motor symptoms that decrease their quality of life. The non-pharmacological management of PD is imperative to improve the quality of life for patients with the disease. Non-pharmacological management options such as exercise, medical, and surgical interventions can improve function and independence in patients with PD. Many non-pharmacological management options target specific symptoms commonly associated with PD. The Knowledge Attitude Practice (KAP) model was adapted to develop a questionnaire that assesses patient and practitioner knowledge of non-pharmacological management options for PD. The questionnaire consisted of 11 questions. To assess the relationship between sociodemographic variables and patient and practitioner knowledge of non-pharmacological management options likelihood-ratio chi-squared, Spearman's correlation, simple logistic regression, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed on the collected data. Six hundred and forty-one participants completed the questionnaire. For patients (n = 492) and practitioners (n = 149), the most widely known non-pharmacological management option was regular exercise, and the least-known was subthalamotomy. Compared to patients, practitioners were more likely to have knowledge of most non-pharmacological management options (OR 1.73 - 7.36). Higher education level (OR 3.10 - 10.96), younger age (OR 0.09 - 0.32), geographical location (North America OR 0.05 - 0.49, Europe OR 2.24), employment status (OR 4.81 - 12.02), and sex (OR 0.59) had a significant relationship with patient and practitioner knowledge of non-pharmacological management options. Practitioners were more likely to have knowledge of most non-pharmacological management options for PD compared to patients. Several sociodemographic variables impacted one's ability to identify non-pharmacological management options in both populations. Increasing patient and practitioner knowledge of non-pharmacological management options could improve the care and quality of life of patients with PD.

Seamstresses, due to the nature of their profession, often face ergonomic challenges stemming from prolonged sitting, repetitive motions, and the adoption of awkward postures. These factors could affect sleep quality and contribute to an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders, including but not limited to, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck and back pain, and shoulder strain. It seems necessary, therefore, to evaluate the association of neck pain prevalence with neck disability and sleep quality among Nigerian seamstresses. 169 participants of ages 18 and above with varying levels of experience were recruited using a convenience sampling technique. The measure employed has 4 sections containing socio-demographics, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Sleep Quality aspect of the Pittsburgh sleep quality index and Neck Disability Index. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, and percentages were used to summarize the data and provide an overview of the respondents’ prevalence of neck pain. Pearson’s Chi square was used to test the association of neck pain prevalence with sleep quality and neck disability at 0.05 alpha level. The lifetime and 12-month prevalence of neck pain were 83.4% and 73.4% respectively. 39 (23.1%) reported good sleep quality. About 45.6% of the respondents’ reported no neck disability. There is no statistically significant relationship between neck disability and the prevalence of neck pain (X2 = 6.416, p = 0.601). However, a significant relationship was observed between the prevalence of neck pain and sleep quality (X2= 4.411, p = 0.036). Seamstresses have a high prevalence of neck pain due to long hours of static positions. Poor sleep quality was also associated with neck pain. Nonetheless, there was no significant relationship between neck disability and pain prevalence, although, sleep quality, pain intensity, and neck disability are interconnected in the present study.

This scoping review investigates the effects of Pilates exercise interventions on health and quality of life of older adult women. Through a comprehensive examination of existing literature, this review identified key areas where Pilates has shown to significantly benefit physical capabilities such as strength, balance, and flexibility, alongside mental health improvements, including reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhanced sleep quality.  Thus, this scoping review emphasizes a possible role of Pilates in addressing age-related physical and psychosocial challenges, and suggests it as suitable low-impact exercise for promoting healthy aging. Despite the methodological heterogeneity among studies, the overall evidence suggests that Pilates may be a valuable component of geriatric healthcare strategies. The findings advocate for further research to expand the evidence and further guiding healthcare professionals in integrating Pilates into exercise prescriptions for older adult women.

The exploratory study is grounded in field research, utilizing semi-structured interviews with active, former, and recreational athletes in combat sports. The first section outlines key theoretical frameworks that address everyday life, lifestyles, and the issue of doping. The second section presents the main findings from the field research. Interviewees detailed the positive effects of doping on athletic performance while also acknowledging significant side effects, including physical and psychological consequences. Participants highlighted that the availability of information on doping has increased with the advent of the Internet and specialized retail outlets. The testimonies indicate that the culture of doping is driven not only by the pursuit of enhanced sports performance but also by aesthetic considerations and social pressures, underscoring the complexity of doping use in both professional and recreational sports. The study concludes that doping is a pervasive issue in combat sports, necessitating comprehensive social action and collaboration among policymakers, social stakeholders, and researchers across multiple disciplines, with a prominent role for physical education and sports sciences.

The COVID-19 outbreak and svift policy response affected the everyday lives of youth in Serbia, challenging their mental well-being. Aiming to examine the relationship between physical activity level (PAL) and mental well-being of adolescents during the strictest lockdown in Serbia, in April 2020, we analyzed data collected through the national online survey (N = 3089). According to the self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), participants were divided into three groups: 1) engaged in MVPA for at least 60 minutes every day; 2) engaged in MVPA for at least 60 minutes on 4-6 days per week; and 3) engaged in the same amount of MVPA on 0-3 days per week. Mental well-being measures included life satisfaction, self-rated health, and health complaints. An one-way ANOVA detected a significant effect of adolescents’ PAL on their life satisfaction, F(3,27) = 49.64, p = 0.000. The Tukey test showed that the mean life satisfaction was significantly higher in the most active group (M = 8.66, SD = 1.56) than in the moderately active group (M = 8.27, SD = 1.56), and the least active group (M = 7.93, SD = 1.76). The chi-square tests revealed significant associations between adolescents’ PAL and health complaints; less active adolescents were more likely to experience symptoms like headache, nervousness, feeling low, irritability, sleep difficulties, and dizziness (p ≤  0.00). They also experienced multiple health complaints more frequently and self-rated their health less favorably. Therefore, physical activity should be promoted as a protective factor for adolescents’ mental well-being, particularly in emergencies.