Hirosaki University Hospital

BackgroundForehand and backhand forward lunges are frequently performed in badminton, placing significant demands on the lower limbs. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in lower limb biomechanics between these two lunge types in female amateur players.MethodsThis study involved 17 female amateur badminton players performing forehand and backhand forward lunges. Lower limb kinematics and dynamics were recorded using an eight-camera Vicon motion capture system and two AMTI force plates. Variables such as joint angle, range of motion, stiffness, and ground reaction forces measured during the stance phase were analyzed using paired t-tests. To account for the one-dimensional nature of joint angles, moments, and ground reaction forces, the analysis was performed using paired sample t-tests in Statistical Parametric Mapping 1D.ResultsThe forehand lunge exhibited a smaller hip flexion angle, greater hip internal rotation angle, and increased hip stiffness compared to the backhand lunge. The backhand lunge, in contrast, demonstrated a higher ankle varus angle and greater transverse plane hip range of motion. SPM1D analysis revealed significant differences in both the early (0%–10%) and late (80%–100%) phases of the stance phase. In the early phase, the backhand lunge showed a larger internal rotation moment at the hip, an external rotation moment at the knee, and a smaller knee extension moment. In the late phase, the forehand lunge revealed greater internal rotation moments at the hip, external rotation moments at the knee, ankle valgus moments, and smaller knee flexion moments.ConclusionThe backhand lunge requires greater hip internal rotation than the forehand lunge. Additionally, it is associated with higher ankle varus angles, which may increase the risk of ankle injuries. In contrast, the forehand lunge demonstrates greater hip stiffness, potentially reflecting an adaptation of the lower limb to varying directional demands. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating targeted ankle and hip training exercises into conditioning programs.

Exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining metabolic health, enhancing muscle function, and improving insulin sensitivity, thereby preventing metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Emerging evidence highlights the significance of the cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE)/hydrogen sulfide (H2S) signaling pathway as a pivotal regulator in the molecular and physiological adaptations induced by exercise. This review comprehensively examines the biosynthesis and metabolism of H2S, its distribution in different muscle tissues, and the mechanisms by which CSE/H2S influences muscle contraction, repair, and protein synthesis. Additionally, it explores how CSE/H2S modulates insulin signaling pathways, glucose uptake, and lipid metabolism, thereby enhancing insulin sensitivity. The potential of H2S donors as exercise supplements is also discussed, highlighting their ability to improve exercise performance and metabolic health. Current research advancements, including the application of multi-omics approaches, are reviewed to provide a deeper understanding of the complex molecular networks involved. Furthermore, the challenges and future directions in CSE/H2S research are addressed, emphasizing the need for further mechanistic studies and clinical applications. This review underscores the therapeutic potential of targeting the CSE/H2S pathway to optimize the benefits of exercise and improve metabolic health.

Ni Y.

ABSTRACTPrevious studies demonstrated that sensorimotor training enhances interoceptive abilities. Athletes are highly engaged in performance‐driven physical training and often incorporate—to varying degrees—sensorimotor training into their routines. In this study, we investigated the role of individual differences in interoception by comparing professional athletes of different performance levels and both sexes with recreational athletes and controls, applying a three‐dimensional model of interoception. Twenty‐six elite athletes, 52 recreational athletes, and 50 college students were recruited from national sports teams, local sports training centers, and local universities. We used the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoperative Awareness (MAIA), the Heartbeat Detecting Task (HDT), and a numeric rating scale based on HDT to measure interoceptive sensibility, accuracy, and awareness. At average, athletes showed significantly higher interoceptive sensibility, interoceptive accuracy, and interoceptive awareness than controls. Elite athletes reported significantly higher scores in all measures of interception compared to recreational athletes. Intriguingly, Non‐Distracting for interoceptive sensibility was positively correlated with the level of experience in elite athletes. Male athletes had better interoceptive sensibility and interoceptive awareness compared to female athletes in the elite group, while no significant sex differences were detected in the other two groups. These results indicated that level of sport experience and sex are associated with differences in interoceptive accuracy, interoceptive sensibility, and interoceptive awareness. It also suggests that interoceptive ability is possibly an experience‐dependent trait for athletic performance, which provides insight for improving sports performance through an approach of enhancing interoceptive ability.

ABSTRACTCardiomyopathies, a diverse group of diseases affecting the heart muscle, continue to pose significant clinical challenges due to their complex aetiologies and limited treatment options targeting underlying genetic and molecular dysregulations. Emerging evidence indicates that Metrnl, a myokine, adipokine and cardiokine, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of various cardiomyopathies. Therefore, the objective of this review is to examine the role and mechanism of Metrnl in various cardiomyopathies, with the expectation of providing new insights for the treatment of these diseases.

The belief in a just world (BJW) is perceived as an individual trait that aids in coping with challenges. This study employed Mplus8.0 and HLM6.08 to analyze 346 questionnaire responses, leading to the following conclusions: (1) BJW shows a positive correlation with academic engagement among college art majors; (2) Academic resilience mediates the relationship between BJW and academic engagement for college art majors; (3) The teacher-student relationship (TSR) exhibits a positive correlation with academic engagement among college art majors; (4) TSR functions as a moderator in the relationship between BJW and academic engagement among college art majors. These findings provide valuable insights for enhancing learning efficiency and talent development in art schools, thereby contributing to the overall quality of education for art students.

Background: Brussels chicory affluent in phenolic acids could inhibit atherosclerosis; however, its effects on exercise performance and post-exercise recovery are unknown. We hypothesized that Brussels chicory could enhance exhaustive aerobic exercise performance and post-exercise recovery by promoting lactate oxidation. Methods: This is a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled two-way cross-over trial involving 32 untrained college students (men 18) who consumed either Brussels chicory juice (100 g of Brussels chicory containing ~130 mg phenolic acids and 180 mL fresh milk) or placebo (180 mL fresh milk) for 7 days with a 2-week washout period. On the 7th day, participants received a short-term, progressive workload, high-intensity, exhaustive aerobic exercise with the Bruce protocol. Time to exhaustion and blood lactate were evaluated after exercise. C2C12 myotubes were treated with Brussels chicory phenolic acids (0.625–10 μM) to evaluate these effects on lactate metabolism and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and B (LDHB), two enzymes responsible for lactate biosynthesis and oxidation, respectively. Results: Brussels chicory consumption increased time to exhaustion by 8.3% and 12.2% for men and women participants, respectively. This administration also promoted post-exercise recovery, evidenced by a reduction in blood lactate (14.5% for men and 10.6% for women). In C2C12 myotubes, Brussels chicory protocatechuic acid and caffeic acid did not affect LHDA-mediated lactate production, whereas these compounds dose-dependently promoted LDHB-mediated lactate oxidation through an enrichment of mitochondria LDHB. Conclusions: Dietary supplementation with Brussels chicory may enhance short-term, progressive workload, high-intensity, exhaustive aerobic exercise performance and post-exercise recovery in humans, possibly by accelerating LDHB-mediated lactate oxidation.

ABSTRACT Purpose The present study aimed to compare the impacts of different exercise types on cardiovascular health and executive function in sedentary young individuals, and to determine the associations between cardiovascular function and executive function (EF) after exercise. Methods Sixty-three sedentary participants were randomly divided into high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), resistance exercise (RE), and control groups. Macro- and microvascular endothelial function were assessed using brachial artery flow-mediated dilation and fingertip reactive hyperemia index, respectively. Arterial stiffness was evaluated through carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, ankle-brachial index, and augmentation index. EF performance was evaluated using the Stroop and N-back tasks. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was employed to measure cortical activation and real-time oxyhemoglobin concentration (Oxy-Hb) changes in different cerebral regions. Key circulating biomarkers for vascular and cognitive function, including BDNF, irisin, VEGF, IGF-1, and TNF-α, were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results Eight weeks of HIIT, MICT, and RE effectively improved macro- and microvascular endothelial function while reducing arterial stiffness in sedentary young individuals. Furthermore, exercise-induced increase in BDNF level was correlated with enhanced macrovascular endothelial function, while increase in IGF-1 level was associated with enhanced microvascular endothelial function and reduced arterial stiffness. Notably, both HIIT and MICT, but not RE, efficiently enhanced Oxy-Hb level in certain brain regions, such as the FPA and DLPFC, leading to the improvement in EF performance. Exercise-induced increase in Oxy-Hb level and EF performance were correlated with enhanced BDNF level and endothelial function and reduced arterial stiffness. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that 8 weeks of HIIT, MICT, and RE effectively improved endothelial function in both macro- and microvessels, and arterial stiffness among sedentary young individuals. However, HIIT and MICT, but not RE, notably increased blood oxygen level in the FPA and DLPFC brain regions and improved EF performance. Due to the efficiency and time-saving features of HIIT, the present study highlights HIIT as an effective exercise prescription for promoting vascular and EF in sedentary young individuals. Importantly, the observed improvements in cardiovascular function following exercise training is pivotal in improving EF, and elevated circulating levels of biomarkers like BDNF and IGF-1, induced by exercise, are involved in the regulatory mechanisms.

BackgroundThe perception of Subjective Visual Vertical (SVV) is crucial for postural orientation and significantly reflects an individual’s postural control ability, relying on vestibular, visual, and somatic sensory inputs to assess the Earth’s gravity line. The neural mechanisms and aging effects on SVV perception, however, remain unclear.ObjectiveThis study seeks to examine aging-related changes in SVV perception and uncover its neurological underpinnings through functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).MethodsIn a comparative study of 19 young and 19 older adults, the standardized SVV task executed in Eprime 3.0 software evaluated participants’ SVV orientation and uncertainty. Cortical responses were monitored via fNIRS during the task, with block averaging analysis employed to delineate the associated hemodynamic responses. The study further correlated these neuroimaging findings with behavioral measures.ResultsYoung individuals exhibit superior accuracy and stability in perceiving the subjective visual vertical (SVV) direction. Neuroimaging data, adjusted for multiple comparisons using the false discovery rate, reveal activation of the right supramarginal gyrus (SMG) and the left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus (SFGdor) in both age groups during SVV tasks. However, older participants show additional activation in regions such as the bilateral postcentral gyrus (PoCG) and the right middle frontal gyrus (MFG). Lateralization studies indicate that young participants predominantly exhibit right lateralization in sensory and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices, with left lateralization in the motor cortex. In contrast, elderly participants demonstrate bilateral dominance across sensory, dorsolateral prefrontal, and motor cortices. Correlational analyses link modified SVV metrics to the activation levels of various brain regions, with negative correlations observed in both age groups, and a unique positive correlation with the left inferior frontal gyrus of the triangular part (IFGtriang) in young participants.ConclusionYoung individuals outperform the older individuals in SVV performance due to age-related differences in brain functional patterns during the execution of vertical perception judgment. Both age groups activate the right SMG and left SFGdor, but the older individuals additionally activate regions such as bilateral PoCG and right MFG. While young people exhibit right-brain dominance, the older people rely on bilateral cognitive resources, indicating bilateral dominance. Except for the left IFGtriang in the young, higher activation in brain regions correlates with better SVV performance.

This study investigates the impact of plyometric training on age-related lower limb explosive strength in male adolescents and its effectiveness in female adolescents. A thorough search was conducted across five databases from their inception until September 20, 2024. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk Assessment Tool, and data analysis was performed with Stata 15 software. Plyometric training positively affected countermovement jump (CMJ) (MD = 2.90 cm, 95% CI (2.35, 3.45)), squat jump (SJ) (MD = 2.57 cm, 95% CI (1.69, 3.44)), and 20-m sprint performance (MD = − 0.09 s, 95% CI (− 0.14, − 0.05)). Subgroup analysis revealed varying improvements across age stages. In CMJ, the early adolescence (EA) group (MD = 2.57 cm, 95% CI (1.74, 3.40)), mid-adolescence (MA) group (MD = 3.04 cm, 95% CI (2.30, 3.79)), and post-adolescence (PA) group (MD = 3.89 cm, 95% CI (1.96, 5.81)) showed progressive enhancement. The MA group exhibited superior improvements in SJ (MD = 3.78 cm, 95% CI (2.19, 5.36)) and 20-m sprint (MD = − 0.11 s, 95% CI (− 0.18, − 0.05)) compared to the EA group (SJ: MD = 2.10 cm, 95% CI (1.43, 2.77); sprint: MD = − 0.06 s, 95% CI (− 0.11, − 0.01)). The PA group showed no significant improvements (SJ: MD = 1.31 cm, 95% CI (− 1.05, 3.67); sprint: MD = − 0.27 s, 95% CI (− 0.61, 0.07)). For female adolescents, plyometric training effectively improved CMJ (MD = 2.55 cm, 95% CI (1.43, 3.66)), SJ (MD = 2.33 cm, 95% CI (1.36, 3.31)), and 20-m sprint performance (MD = − 0.22 s, 95% CI (− 0.33, − 0.12)). Plyometric training significantly enhances lower limb explosive strength in both male and female adolescents, with age-dependent effects for male adolescents. The greatest improvement in CMJ was observed in the PA stage, followed by the MA stage, while the EA stage showed the least. The MA stage exhibited the best improvements in SJ and sprint performance. The study has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42023406914).

In recent years, with the rapid development of virtual reality technology, the visual error correction of continuous aerobics image in virtual environment is of great value to the analysis of Aerobics technology. The main purpose of this paper is to study the visual error correction algorithm of VR image of continuous aerobics. This paper mainly introduces the overview of VR technology, characteristics and aerobics, some algorithms of visual error correction. This article selects a continuous aerobics coach to take a continuous action of aerobics. These photos were modeled by VR, and the VR images of continuous aerobics were made. The visual error correction of X, y, depth direction of continuous aerobics action VR image with savd algorithm, it algorithm and FT algorithm proposed in this paper are compared, and the VR image performance of savd algorithm and it algorithm is compared. The experimental results show that: the errors of savd algorithm, it algorithm and FT algorithm in X direction, Y direction and depth direction of continuous aerobics action VR image without error correction are reduced by 41%, 26%, 14.16%, 31%, 29%, 21%, 72.7%, 41.1%, 35.1%, respectively. In this paper, the effect of savd algorithm in X direction and depth direction error correction is very obvious, in Y direction error correction has some effect, but not obvious, savd algorithm in continuous aerobics action VR image visual error correction effect is better than it algorithm and FT algorithm. The correctness and feasibility of the proposed savd algorithm for visual error correction of continuous aerobics action VR image is verified.

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe digital age has had a profound impact on our lives and cognitive abilities, such as working memory. Typically, visual working memory (VWM) is an important aspect of our working memory. As a crucial cognitive function for individuals, VWM has been extensively studied in the context of the digital age and may be affected by the digital age.ObjectiveThis review aims to provide a summary of the impact of the digital age on VWM and cover various aspects and novel methods for investigating its effects on our VWM.MethodsQualitative review of the VWM in the context of the digital age.ResultsThis paper reviews the research on VWM in the context of the digital era, expounds the influence of both the digital content usage and the active video games on the VWM, introduces the application of the virtual technology in the research of VWM, and puts forward the future research direction of VWM in the context of the digital era.ConclusionBy synthesizing the existing research, this review sheds light on the complex relationship between the digital age and VWM, as well as identifies potential avenues for future research on VWM.

ObjectiveAnxiety and depression-like symptoms occur in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Hippocampal Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) signaling mediates anxiety- and depression-like behavior. Exercise training improves anxiety and depression-like behavior in various disease models, such as the rat chronic restraint stress model, rat model of posttraumatic stress disorder, and rat model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Here, we aimed to investigate whether exercise ameliorates anxiety- and depression like behaviors in APP/PS1 mice and explore the potential mechanisms.MethodsAfter eight weeks of exercise intervention, we assessed anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model mice. We then measured the levels of SIRT1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), and mitochondrial biogenesis (CO2, ATP6, and mitochondrial content) using immunofluorescence, reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR, and transmission electron microscopy. Finally, we investigated the effects of pharmacological activation of SIRT1 on anxiety- and depression-like behaviors, the SIRT1/PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM signaling axis, and mitochondrial biogenesis.ResultsWe first observed that treadmill exercise improved anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in six-month-old APP/PS1 mice and increased SIRT1 levels in the hippocampus. Pharmacological activation of hippocampal SIRT1 function also reduced anxiety and depression-like behaviors in APP/PS1 mice. Meanwhile, both treadmill exercise and pharmacological activation of hippocampal SIRT1 increased the levels of PGC1α, NRF1, TFAM, and enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis (CO2, ATP6, or mitochondrial content) in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice.ConclusionThese findings reveal that treadmill exercise reduces anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in six-month-old APP/PS1 mice by enhancing the SIRT1-dependent PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM axis, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis in the hippocampus.