Older Adult Compendium of Physical Activities:Energy costs of human activities in adults aged 60 and older

Purpose:To describe the development of a Compendium for estimating the energy costs of activities in adults>60 years(OA Compendium).Methods:Physical activities(PAs)and their metabolic equivalent of task(MET)values were obtained from a systematic search of studies published in 4 sport and exercise databases(PubMed,Embase,SPORTDiscus(EBSCOhost),and Scopus)and a review of articles included in the 2011 Adult Compendium that measured PA in older adults.MET values were computed as the oxygen cost(VO_(2),mL/kg/min)during PA divided by 2.7 m L/kg/min(MET_(60+))to account for the lower resting metabolic rate in older adults.Results:We identified 68 articles and extracted energy expenditure data on 427 PAs.From these,we derived 99 unique Specific Activity codes with corresponding MET_(60+)values for older adults.We developed a website to present the OA Compendium MET_(60+)values:https://pacompendium.com.Conclusion:The OA Compendium uses data collected from adults>60 years for more accurate estimation of the energy cost of PAs in older adults.It is an accessible resource that will allow researchers,educators,and practitioners to find MET_(60+)values for older adults for use in PA research and practice.

Suppressive effects of exercise-conditioned serum on cancer cells:A narrative review of the influence of exercise mode,volume,and intensity

Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide,and the incidence is increasing,highlighting the need for effective strategies to treat this disease.Exercise has emerged as fundamental therapeutic medicine in the management of cancer,associated with a lower risk of recur-rence and increased survival.Several avenues of research demonstrate reduction in growth,proliferation,and increased apoptosis of cancer cells,including breast,prostate,colorectal,and lung cancer,when cultured by serum collected after exercise in vitro(i.e.,the cultivation of cancer cell lines in an experimental setting,which simplifies the biological system and provides mechanistic insight into cell responses).The underlying mechanisms of exercise-induced cancer suppressive effects may be attributed to the alteration in circulating factors,such as skeletal muscle-induced cytokines(i.e.,myokines)and hormones.However,exercise-induced tumor suppressive effects and detailed information about training interventions are not well investigated,constraining more precise application of exercise medicine within clinical oncology.To date,it remains unclear what role different training modes(i.e.,resistance and aerobic training)as well as volume and intensity have on exercise-condi-tioned serum and its effects on cancer cells.Nevertheless,the available evidence is that a single bout of aerobic training at moderate to vigorous intensity has cancer suppressive effects,while for chronic training interventions,exercise volume appears to be an influential candidate driving cancer inhibitory effects regardless of training mode.Insights for future research investigating training modes,volume and intensity are provided to further our understanding of the effects of exercise-conditioned serum on cancer cells.

A review of public health guidelines for postpartum physical activity and sedentary behavior from around the world

Background:The period following pregnancy is a critical time window when future habits with respect to physical activity(PA) and sedentary behavior(SB) are established;therefore,it warrants guidance.The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize public health-oriented country-specific postpartum PA and SB guidelines worldwide.Methods:To identity guidelines published since 2010,we performed a(a) systematic search of 4 databases(CINAHL,Global Health,PubMed,and SPORTDiscus),(b) structured repeatable web-based search separately for 194 countries,and(c) separate web-based search.Only the most recent guideline was included for each country.Results:We identified 22 countries with public health-oriented postpartum guidelines for PA and 11 countries with SB guidelines.The continents with guidelines included Europe(n=12),Asia(n=5),Oceania(n=2),Africa(n=1),North America(n=1),and South America(n=1).The most common benefits recorded for PA included weight control/management(n=10),reducing the risk of postpartum depression or depressive symptoms(n=9),and improving mood/well-being(n=8).Postpartum guidelines specified exercises to engage in,including pelvic floor exercises(n=17);muscle strengthening,weight training,or resistance exercises(n=13);aerobics/general aerobic activity(n=13);walking(n=11);cycling(n=9);and swimming(n=9).Eleven guidelines remarked on the interaction between PA and breastfeeding;several guidelines stated that PA did not impact breast milk quantity(n=7),breast milk quality(n=6),or infant growth(n=3).For SB,suggestions included limiting long-term sitting and interrupting sitting with PA.Conclusion:Country-specific postpartum guidelines for PA and SB can help promote healthy behaviors using a culturally appropriate context while providing specific guidance to public health practitioners.

A review on the coordinative structure of human walking and the application of principal component analysis

Walking is a complex task which includes hundreds of muscles, bones and joints working together to deliver smooth movements. With the complexity, walking has been widely investigated in order to identify the pattern of multi-segment movement and reveal the control mechanism. The degree of freedom and dimensional properties provide a view of the coordinative structure during walking, which has been extensively studied by using dimension reduction technique. In this paper, the studies related to the coordinative structure, dimensions detection and pattern reorganization during walking have been reviewed. Principal component analysis, as a popular technique, is widely used in the processing of human movement data. Both the principle and the outcomes of principal component analysis were introduced in this paper. This technique has been reported to successfully reduce the redundancy within the original data, identify the physical meaning represented by the extracted principal components and discriminate the different patterns. The coordinative structure during walking assessed by this technique could provide further information of the body control mechanism and correlate walking pattern with injury.

Time to consider the potential role of alternative resistance training methods in cancer management?

Exercise has emerged as fundamental therapeutic medicine in the management of cancer.Exercise improves health-related outcomes,including quality of life,neuromuscular strength,physical function,and body composition,and it is associated with a lower risk of disease recurrence and increased survival.Moreover,exercise during or post cancer treatments is safe,can ameliorate treatment-related side effects,and may enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.To date,traditional resistance training(RT)is the most used RT modality in exercise oncology.However,alternative training modes,such as eccentric,cluster set,and blood flow restriction are gaining increased attention.These training modalities have been extensively investigated in both athletic and clinical populations(e.g.,age-related frailty,cardiovascular disease,type 2 diabetes),showing considerable benefits in terms of neuromuscular strength,hypertrophy,body composition,and physical function.However,these training modes have only been partially or not at all investigated in cancer populations.Thus,this study outlines the benefits of these alternative RT methods in patients with cancer.Where evidence in cancer populations is sparse,we provide a robust rationale for the possible implementation of certain RT methods that have shown positive results in other clinical populations.Finally,we provide clinical insights for research that may guide future RT investigations in patients with cancer and suggest clear practical applications for targeted cancer populations and related benefits.

Efficacy of a Kiwifruit Extract (PhenActivTM) on Gastrointestinal Tract Function: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

Objective: Gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort is experienced by millions of people every day. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PhenActivTM, a novel green kiwifruit extract, on gastrointestinal tract (GIT) function in otherwise healthy adults. Methods: 41 healthy adults with mild GI discomfort were enrolled in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Participants were randomized to either take 3.0 g/day of PhenActivTM or a placebo for 6 weeks. Interviews were conducted at baseline, week 3 and week 6, with participants completing questionnaires regarding GI symptoms. Frequency of bowel movements was self-recorded daily. Results: There were no differences in daily and weekly defecation frequency and stool characteristics in either group. The active and placebo groups significantly improve GSRS scores (p , only the active group had a significant improvement in the IBSSS and PAC-QOL scores (p < 0.05) from baseline. Neither group had changes in sleep quality, quality of life and fatigue, plasma zonulin concentrations or macular pigment optical density scores. The product was well tolerated with no GI disturbances or adverse events being reported. Conclusion: Supplementation of 3.0 g/day of PhenActivTM for 6 weeks did not improve defecation frequency or stool composition in healthy adults, but did improve perceived symptoms of GIT function, including symptoms of functional GIT disorders, IBS and constipation. The product was well tolerated and future trials investigating higher doses with more participants and/or a different population would be beneficial.

Exercise training mode effects on myokine expression in healthy adults:A systematic review with meta-analysis

Background:The benefits of exercise are well known;however,many of the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood.Skeletal muscle secretes myokines,which mediate muscleorgan crosstalk.Myokines regulate satellite-cell proliferation and migration,inflammatory cascade,insulin secretion,angiogenesis,fatty oxidation,and cancer suppression.To date,the effects of different exercise modes(namely,aerobic and resistance exercise)on myokine response remain to be elucidated.This is crucial considering the clinical implementation of exercise to enhance general health and wellbeing and as a medical treatment.Methods:A systematic search was undertaken in PubMed,MEDLINE,CINAHL,Embase,SPORTDiscus,andWeb of Science in April 2023.Eligible studies examining the effects of a single bout of exercise on interleukin15(IL-15),irisin,secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine(SPARC),oncostatinM(OSM),and decorin were included.A random-effects meta-analysis was also undertaken to quantify the magnitude of change.Results:Sixty-two studies were included(n=1193).Overall,exercise appeared to induce small to large increases in myokine expression,with effects observed immediately after to 60 min post-exercise,although these were mostly not statistically significant.Both aerobic and resistance exercise resulted in changes in myokine levels,without any significant difference between training modes,and with the magnitude of change differing across myokines.Myokine levels returned to baseline levels within 180 min to 24 h post-exercise.However,owing to potential sources of heterogeneity,most changes were not statistically significant,indicating that precise conclusions cannot be drawn.Conclusion:Knowledge is limited but expanding with respect to the impact of overall and specific effects of exercise on myokine expression at different time points in the systemic circulation.Further research is required to investigate the effects of different exercise modes at multiple time points on myokine response.

Physical activity volume,frequency,and intensity:Associations with hypertension and obesity over 21 years in Australian women

Background:Optimal patterns of accrual of recommended levels of physical activity(PA)for prevention of hypertension and obesity are not known.The overall aim of this study was to investigate whether different patterns of accumulation of PA are differentially associated with hypertension and obesity in Australian women over 21 years.Specifically,we investigated whether,for the same weekly volume of PA,the number of sessions(frequency)and vigorousness of PA(intensity)were associated with a reduction in the occurrence of hypertension and obesity in women.Methods:Data from the 1973-1978 and 1946-1951 cohorts of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health were analyzed(n=20,588;12%-16%with a Bachelor's or higher degree).Self-reported PA,hypertension,height,and weight were collected using mail surveys every 3 years from 1998/2000 to 2019/2021.Generalized Estimating Equation models with a 3-year lag model were used to investigate the association of PA volume(metabolic equivalent min/week)(none;33-499;500-999;≥1000,weekly frequency(none;1-2 times;3-4times;5-7 times;≥8 times),and the proportion of vigorous PA to total volume of PA(none;0%;1%-33%;34%-66%;67%-100%)with odds of hypertension and obesity from 2000 to 2021.Results:The cumulative incidence of hypertension was 6%in the 1973-1978 and 23%in the 1946-1951 cohort;27%of women in the 1973-1978;and 15%in the 1946-1951 cohort developed obesity over the period.Overall,a higher volume of PA was associated with reduced odds of hypertension and obesity.When the volume of PA was considered,the odds of hypertension did not vary according to the frequency or intensity of PA.However,increased proportion of vigorous PA to the total volume of PA was associated with a small additional reduction in the risk of obe sity.Conclusion:PA volume appears to be more important than the pattern of accumulation for the prevention of hypertension and obesity.Incorporating more sessions,particularly of vigorous-intensity PA,may provide extra benefits for the prevention of obesity.

Wild Nutrition’s Food-Grown® Magnesium Supplementation Increases Sleep Quality and Sleep Duration and Reduces Stress in a Healthy Adult Population: A Double-Blind, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Study

Background: Magnesium, an essential mineral crucial for various bodily functions, has been shown to positively influence sleep patterns. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Food-Grown® magnesium in enhancing sleep quality and duration, as well as overall well-being. Methods: Eighty participants were randomly assigned to receive either 80 mg of Food-Grown® magnesium or a placebo (microcrystalline cellulose) daily for 8 weeks. Participants completed questionnaires assessing sleep quality, daytime drowsiness, quality of life, anxiety, and stress levels. Additionally, participants maintained daily sleep diaries and wore wrist-worn actigraphy devices. The primary outcome measured was the change in sleep quality and duration. Results: Seventy-one participants fulfilled all study requirements (35 in the active group and 36 in the placebo group). Magnesium supplementation significantly improved reported sleep quality, with the active group showing a 32% increase compared to 16% in the placebo group (p = 0.034). Moreover, magnesium supplementation led to a decrease in reported stress scores at week 8 compared to the placebo group (3.7 ± 2.6 vs. 5.5 ± 3.1, respectively). Both the magnesium and placebo groups exhibited significant increases in reported sleep duration and reductions in time to fall asleep, sleep disturbance, sleep latency, sleep medication usage, and total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score at week 8 compared to baseline. Conclusion: Magnesium supplementation notably enhanced sleep quality and reduced stress levels compared to the placebo group. These findings highlight the potential of magnesium as a beneficial supplement for improving sleep quality and overall well-being.

The descriptive epidemiology of sitting in Chilean adults: Results from the National Health Survey 2009-2010

Background: Although evidence on the health effects of sedentary behavior(SB) has grown systematically in recent years, few developing countries have reported population levels of SB, especially in South America. Our objective was to describe time spent sitting in a representative sample from Chile categorized by age, gender, educational level, and body mass index(BMI).Methods: A national health survey was conducted in Chile in a nationally representative sample(n = 5411) in 2009-2010. Sitting time(ST) was measured with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire Version 2.Results: Data were from 5031 participants(43.26±0.41 years, mean±SE; 40.3% male). Overall, there were no gender differences in mean ST(men: 158.10±5.80 min/day, women 143.45±4.77 min/day; p = 0.05). ST was lower in those who lived in rural areas compared with urban areas(99.4 min/day vs. 160.0 min/day; p = 0.001). ST increased significantly with increasing BMI, but only in men(p = 0.009), and was positively related to years of education in both men and women(p < 0.0001).Conclusion: The findings were different from those reported in other countries and contexts, reinforcing the need for international surveillance and monitoring over time to inform policy makers. Differences in ST across different groups emphasize the need to develop tailored messages and interventions for reducing ST in different population subgroups.

Physical activity and the prevention of chronic illness in the BRICS nations:Issues relating to gender equality

1.Background BRICS is an acronym for an international association of 5countries(Brazil,Russia,India,China,and South Africa),which together represent the world's major emerging economies and almost one-half of the worlds population.

Independent effects of diet and exercise training on fat oxidation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

AIM To investigate the independent effects of 6-mo of dietary energy restriction or exercise training on wholebody and hepatic fat oxidation of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).METHODS Participants were randomised into either circuit exercise training(EX;n = 13;3 h/wk without changes in dietary habits),or dietary energy restriction(ER) without changes in structured physical activity(ER;n = 8).Respiratory quotient(RQ) and whole-body fat oxidation rates(Fatox) were determined by indirect calorimetry under basal,insulin-stimulated and exercise conditions.Severity of disease and steatosis was determined by liver histology;hepatic Fatox was estimated from plasma β-hydroxybutyrate co.ncentrations;cardiorespiratory fitness was expressed as VO2 peak.Complete-case analysis was performed(EX:n = 10;ER:n = 6).RESULTS Hepatic steatosis and NAFLD activity score decreased with ER but not with EX.β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations increased significantly in response to ER(0.08 ± 0.02 mmol/L vs 0.12 ± 0.04 mmol/L,P = 0.03) but remained unchanged in response to EX(0.10 ± 0.03 mmol/L vs 0.11 ± 0.07 mmol/L,P = 0.39).Basal RQ decreased(P = 0.05) in response.to EX,while this change was not significant after ER(P = 0.38).VO_(2peak)(P < 0.001) and maximal Fa_(tox) during aerobic exercise(P = 0.03) improved with EX but not with ER(P > 0.05).The increase in β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations was correlated with the reduction in hepatic steatosis(r =-0.56,P = 0.04).CONCLUSION ER and EX lead to specific benefits on fat metabolism of patients with NAFLD.Increased hepatic Fat_(ox) in response to ER could be one mechanism through which the ER group achieved reduction in steatosis.

Stretching the limits of maximal voluntary eccentric force production in vivo

During eccentric contractions,muscular force production capacity is enhanced compared to isometric contractions.Although this is well accepted in terms of muscle mechanics,maximal voluntary eccentric contractions are associated with neural inhibition that prevents increased force production of in vivo human muscles.However,because it was shown that maximal voluntary eccentric forces can exceed maximum isometric forces by a factor of 1.2-1.4,this review focuses on the question of whether the absent eccentric force enhancement,as observed in many studies,can unambiguously be attributed to an inherent neural inhibition.First,we demonstrate that participant familiarization,preload,and fascicle behavior are crucial factors influencing maximal voluntary eccentric force production.Second,we show that muscle mechanics such as muscle length,lengthening velocity,and stretch amplitude interact when it comes to maximal voluntary eccentric force production.Finally,we discuss the diverging findings on neural inhibition during maximal voluntary eccentric contractions.Because there was no inhibition of the major motor pathways in the presence of enhanced maximal voluntary eccentric forces,further research is needed to test the concept of neural inhibition and to understand why maximal voluntary force production is reduced compared to the force capacity of isolated muscle preparations.

Biceps femoris long head sarcomere and fascicle length adaptations after 3 weeks of eccentric exercise training

Background:Eccentric exercise increases muscle fascicle lengths;however,the mechanisms behind this adaptation are still unknown.This study aimed to determine whether biceps femoris long head(BFlh)fascicle length increases in response to 3 weeks of eccentric exercise training are the result of an in-series addition of sarcomeres within the muscle fibers.Methods:Ten recreationally active participants(age=27±3 years;mass=70±14 kg;height=174±9 cm;mean±SD)completed 3 weeks of Nordic hamstring exercise(NHE)training on a custom exercise device that was instrumented with load cells.We collected in vivo sarcomere and muscle fascicle images of the BFlh in 2 regions(central and distal)by using microendoscopy and 3 dimension ultrasonography.We then estimated sarcomere length,sarcomere number,and fascicle length before and after the training intervention.Results:Eccentric knee flexion strength increased after the training(15%;p<0.001;η_(p)^(2)=0.75).Further,we found a significant increase in fascicle length(21%;p<0.001;η_(p)^(2)=0.81)and sarcomere length(17%;p<0.001;ηp2=0.90)in the distal but not in the central portion of the muscle.The estimated number of sarcomeres in series did not change in either region.Conclusion:Fascicle length adaptations appear to be heterogeneous in the BFlh in response to 3 weeks of NHE training.An increase in sarcomere length,rather than the addition of sarcomeres in series,appears to underlie increases in fascicle length in the distal region of the BFlh.The mechanism driving regional increases in fascicle and sarcomere length remains unknown,but we speculate that it may be driven by regional changes in the pas sive tension of muscle or connective tis sue adaptations.

Changes in the number of circulating CD34＋ cells after eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors in relation to muscle damage

Background： It has been reported that strenuous exercise increases the number of bone marrow-derived progenitor cells such as CD34＋ cells in the blood, but no previous studies have investigated the changes in circulating CD34＋ cells following resistance exercise. This study tested the hypothesis that the number of CD34＋ cells in the blood would increase after eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors, but decrease in recovery, and the magnitude of the changes would be dependent on the magnitude of muscle damage. Methods： Nine men （28.0 ± 6.6 years） performed exercises consisting of 10 sets of six maximal voluntary eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors with their non-dominant arm. Six of them performed the same exercise with the same ann 4 weeks later. Changes in indirect markers of muscle damage were measured before, within 10 min after, and at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after eccentric exercise. Differential leukocyte counts （total leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes） and CD34＋ cells in the blood were measured before, immediately after, and at 2, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h following the exercises. Results： After eccentric exercise, significant （p 〈 0.05） decreases in maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque and increases in delayed onset muscle soreness and plasma creatine kinase activity were observed. However, no significant changes in leukocytes and CD34＋ cells were evident. The changes in muscle damage markers were significantly （p 〈 0.05） smaller following the second exercise session as compared with the first exercise session, but the changes in leukocytes and CD34＋ cells were not significantly different between sessions. Conclusion： These results did not support the hypothesis, and showed that eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage to the elbow flexors did not influence the number of circulating CD34＋ cells.

BRICS to BRICSCESS——A perspective for practical action in the promotion of healthy lifestyles to improve public health in five countries

In 2006,during a United Nations General Assembly session in New York City,Russia presented a concept for developing multilateral international cooperation.Subsequently,foreign ministers from other countries unanimously expressed interest in being part of this union of nations,and BRIC(as initially known)was established.

Efficacy of Palmitoylethanolamide (Levagen+TM) Compared to Ibuprofen for Reducing Headache Pain Severity and Duration in Healthy Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel, Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) has shown promise as an analgesic for those with chronic pain pathologies. With recently increased bioavailability, PEA may also be a treatment for acute pain presentations such as tension-type headaches. Aim: To assess the efficacy of a bioavailable PEA formulation (Levagen+TM) for reducing the severity and duration of acute episodes of tension-type headaches when compared to a standard treatment, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (the comparator). Methods: The study was a double-blind, randomized, single site, comparator controlled clinical study, with the cohort consisting of otherwise healthy adults, aged between 18 and 71, who experienced regular tension-type headaches. 94 adults experiencing headaches were randomised to receive either PEA (n = 47) or Ibuprofen comparator (n = 47). Upon headache onset, participants consumed their allocated product, recorded pain levels using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and continued to log their pain scores at 30-minute intervals for up to 4-hours. Results: Eighty-six participants (44 active treatment and 42 comparator) recorded at least one headache with a total of 271 tension-type headaches recorded (120 active treatment and 151 comparator). Most headaches were reduced in both treatment arms by 2 hours and almost all by 4 hours;90% in the PEA group, and 97% in comparator group, p > 0.5. For moderate at onset headaches, the comparator group had a greater percentage of pain-free events at 2-hours. However, the time taken to resolve severe headaches was significantly lower in the PEA group than the comparator group (p Conclusions: These results place PEA as a potential treatment option for tension-type headaches.

A Pilot Study to Assess the Effects of Tai Chi on Health Indicators in Type 1 Diabetes Patients

Objective: Previous studies have shown that Tai Chi may have a role in the management of type 2 diabetes. However, to date, no studies have focused specifically on the effects of Tai Chi in people with type 1 diabetes. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of a Tai Chi program on health indicators in adults with type 1 diabetes. Methods: This was a two-group quasi-randomised controlled trial with 13 participants (six men and seven women, aged 24 - 63 years) with type 1 diabetes. This trial was conducted from May to November 2016. The intervention group attended Tai Chi exercise training for 1 to 1.5 hours, twice a week for 12 weeks, and the control group continued with their usual medical care. Indicators of glycaemic control (HbA1c), depressive symptoms, physical measures (body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure and leg strength), and health-related quality of life (physical and mental components summary scores) were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks’ post-intervention. Results: There were significant or borderline significant between-group differences in changes over time in favour of the intervention group in depressive symptoms (p Conclusion: In conclusion, there were improvements in mental health and leg strength in these adults with type 1 diabetes. Large studies are needed to further investigate the effects of Tai Chi in people with Type 1 diabetes.

Examining the intrinsic foot muscles'capacity to modulate plantar flexor gearing and ankle joint contributions to propulsion in vertical jumping

Background:During human locomotion,a sufficiently stiff foot allows the ankle plantar flexors to generate large propulsive powers.Increasing foot stiffness(e.g.,via a carbon plate)increases the ankle’s external moment arm in relation to the internal moment arm(i.e.,increasing gear ratio),reduces plantar flexor muscles’shortening velocity,and enhances muscle force production.In contrast,when activation of the foot’s intrinsic muscles is impaired,there is a reduction in foot and ankle work and metatarsophalangeal joint stiffness.We speculated that the reduced capacity to actively control metatarsophalangeal joint stiffness may impair the gearing function of the foot at the ankle.Methods:We used a tibial nerve block to examine the direct effects of the intrinsic foot muscles on ankle joint kinetics,in vivo medial gastrocnemius’musculotendinous dynamics,and ankle gear ratio on 14 participants during maximal vertical jumping.Results:Under the nerve block,the internal ankle plantar flexion moment decreased(p=0.004)alongside a reduction in external moment arm length(p=0.021)and ankle joint gear ratio(p=0.049)when compared to the non-blocked condition.Although medial gastrocnemius muscle-tendon unit and fascicle velocity were not different between conditions,the Achilles tendon was shorter during propulsion in the nerve block condition(p<0.001).Conclusion:In addition to their known role of regulating the energetic function of the foot,our data indicate that the intrinsic foot muscles also act to optimize ankle joint torque production and leverage during the propulsion phase of vertical jumping.

Let’s get moving:The Global Status Report on Physical Activity 2022 calls for urgent action

Physical activity has many benefits for individual health and well-being,including a reduced risk of noncommunicable diseases,as well as improved mental health,sleep,and cognitive function.1 Being physically active also has broader social and environmental benefits and has a key role to play in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.2,3 However,over 80%of adolescents and around a quarter of adults are insufficiently active and these figures have remained largely unchanged for the past 20 years.4,5 A recent economic analysis estimated that the total cost of inactive lifestyles equates to USD 27 billion(INT 48 billion)annually.