Miřátský, P, Hank, M, Gryc, T, Brožka, M, Cabell, L, Escamilla, R, Zahálka, F, and Malý, T. Fitness differences among professional firefighters utilizing various conditioning regimens throughout the year. J Strength Cond Res 39(7): e898-e908, 2025-The aim of this study was to compare selected parameters of physical fitness of Czech frontline professional firefighters ( n = 92), who performed various physical activities according to their preferences within their regular physical preparation for 1 year. These firefighters were assigned to 1 of 3 groups based on their training preferences and sport focus: General Sports Activities (GSA; n = 30), Fire Sport (FS; n = 36), and Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA; n = 26). All subjects completed (in period September) a battery of laboratory fitness tests including body composition, lower limb muscular strength and power, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Firefighters in the FS and TFA groups were found to have significantly higher values ( p < 0.01) for the following variables: fat-free mass, isokinetic strength, muscle power, maximum aerobic capacity, minute ventilation, and heart rate at the anaerobic threshold than their counterparts in the GSA group. There were no significant differences in body mass ( p = 0.21) and body mass index (BMI) ( p = 0.48) between the firefighter groups. Professional frontline firefighters' level of physical fitness is improved by the incorporation of specific physical training activities, duties, and disciplines. This can have a direct impact on frontline firefighters' capacity to fight fires safely and effectively.

• MeSH
• anaerobní práh fyziologie   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• hasiči * MeSH
• kardiorespirační zdatnost fyziologie   MeSH
• kondiční příprava * metody   fyziologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• složení těla fyziologie   MeSH
• srdeční frekvence fyziologie   MeSH
• svalová síla fyziologie   MeSH
• tělesná výkonnost * fyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to assess the acute effects of overcoming isometric split squats on subsequent single-leg drop jump (DJ) performance and the contralateral effect in volleyball players, considering training status differences. METHODS: Ten male elite (ELI) and ten amateur (AMA) volleyball players took part in two experimental sessions in which they performed conditioning activity (CA) consisted of 3 sets of overcoming isometric 3-second split squats, differing in the limb used: dominant (DL) or non-dominant (ND-L). Single-leg DJ was performed before and at the 4th and 8th minute post-CA for both limbs. The best post-CA attempt in terms of jump height (JH) was analyzed. RESULTS: Results revealed a significant increase in jump height (JH) in the non-dominant limb (ND-L) from 13.7 ± 2.6 cm to 15.5 ± 2.7 cm after CA performed by the ND-L (p = 0.001; Hedge's g = 0.65). Similarly, the reactive strength index (RSI) of the ND-L improved from 0.40 ± 0.06 to 0.45 ± 0.08 (p = 0.008; g = 0.58). Additionally, contact time in the ND-L increased significantly from 342 ± 36 ms to 375 ± 42 ms after CA performed by the dominant limb (p = 0.001; g = 0.66). In the elite (ELI) group, JH significantly increased from 16.4 ± 2.4 cm to 18.3 ± 3.3 cm (p < 0.001; g = 0.79), while RSI in the dominant limb (DL) improved from 0.47 ± 0.06 to 0.53 ± 0.07 (p = 0.011; g = 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the examined CA effectively induces the post-activation performance enhancement in DJ among elite volleyball players, with a predominantly local impact on the limb executing the CA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06459050 (Retrospectively registered).

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

• MeSH
• nádory rehabilitace   MeSH
• pohybová aktivita MeSH
• terapie cvičením MeSH

• Konspekt
• Fyzioterapie. Psychoterapie. Alternativní lékařství
• NLK Obory
• rehabilitační a fyzikální medicína
• onkologie
• NLK Publikační typ
• kolektivní monografie

Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the association between the five-factor personality model (FFM), physical fitness, and physical activity (PA), and the effect of firefighting skills training on physical condition in firefighter recruits. Methods: Data on 58 newly-recruited firefighters from the CELSPAC–FIREexpo human biomonitoring study were used. The sampling protocol was structured in the entry phase testing on the 5th week of training, and final testing on the 10th week of training. During the testing, participants filled out the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Revised NEO Personality Inventory, and underwent analysis of body composition using Dual energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA), a physical work capacity test (PWC 170), a muscular strength test (one repetition maximum bench press (1RM BP) and squat (1RM S)) and the measurement of body weight and height to calculate body mass index (BMI). Associations between study parameters were determined using the Spearman correlation. Results: Extraversion (E) was positively associated with time spent in vigorous physical activity (VPA) and Openness to Experience (O) was negatively associated with time spent sitting. Openness to Experience was also positively associated with BMI and lean mass differences between entry and output measurements. Furthermore, 1 RM S significantly increased during the training program. Conclusion: The observed association between personality from FFM and PA levels in the present study was lower than in the general population reported by other studies. The positive association between E and VPA suggests that using FFM and the relationship between personality and physical fitness as one of the criteria for the selection of suitable recruits may be beneficial.

Úvod: Pomocí metod respirační fyzioterapie je možné snížit výskyt a intenzitu jícnových symptomů pacientů s gastroezofageálním refluxem. Zda má tato terapie stejný vliv také na mimojícnové symptomy refluxní choroby, nebylo dosud zkoumáno. Proto bylo cílem této studie ověřit vliv programu respirační fyzioterapie zaměřeného na aktivaci a posílení bránice pomocí tréninku nádechových svalů prováděného v posturálních pozicích na intenzitu příznaků extraezofageálního refluxu (EERD – extraoesophageal reflux disease) a posoudit, zda se účinek tohoto programu liší u pacientů s normální a se sníženou sílou nádechových svalů. Metodika: Do studie byli zařazeni pacienti s EERD. Ze studie byli vyloučeni jedinci s dekompenzovaným kardiovaskulárním onemocněním, plicním onemocněním, s onemocněním měkkých tkání, pacienti po fundoplikaci, kuřáci a těhotné ženy. U pacientů byla před absolvováním a po absolvování 8týdenního programu respirační fyzioterapie hodnocena síla nádechových svalů (PImax – pressure inspiratory maximum) a intenzita příznaků EERD pomocí Hullského dotazníku pro reflux a dýchací cesty (HARQ – Hull Airway Reflux Questionnaire) a dotazníku dle Belafského. Na základě vstupní hodnoty PImax byli pacienti rozděleni na dvě skupiny: skupina 1 – pacienti s PImax ≥ 90 % náležité hodnoty normy (n. h. n.) (15 pacientů průměrného věku 45,6 ± 10,4 let); skupina 2 – pacienti s PImax < 90 % n. h. n. (21 pacientů průměrného věku 46,9 ± 10,9 let). Program respirační fyzioterapie zahrnoval nácvik bráničního dýchání a trénink nádechových svalů, který byl prováděn ve třech posturálních pozicích s odporovou nádechovou pomůckou Threshold inspiratory muscle trainer. Výsledky: Do studie bylo zařazeno celkem 36 pacientů (8 mužů) s EERD průměrného věku 46,4 ± 10,4 let a s body mass indexem 25,6 ± 4,5 kg/m2. Před léčbou byla zjištěna signifikantně vyšší intenzita symptomů dle HARQ u skupiny 2. U obou skupin došlo po léčbě ke statisticky významnému zvýšení síly nádechových svalů a snížení intenzity symptomů dle obou dotazníků. Pacienti, u nichž byla vstupně zjištěna snížená síla nádechových svalů < 90 % n. h. n., dosahovali po léčbě většího zlepšení v síle dýchacích svalů a výraznějšího snížení intenzity symptomů. Závěr: Program respirační fyzioterapie vedl ke zvýšení síly nádechových svalů a ke snížení intenzity symptomů bez ohledu na počáteční sílu nádechových svalů.

Introduction: Respiratory physiotherapy methods can reduce the incidence and intensity of oesophageal symptoms in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Whether this therapy has the same effect on the extraoesophageal symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease has not been investigated yet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a respiratory physiotherapy program aimed at activating and strengthening the diaphragm by inspiratory muscle training performed in postural positions on the intensity of extraoesophageal reflux disease (EERD) symptoms and to assess whether the effect of this program differs in patients with normal and decreased inspiratory muscle strength. Methods: Patients with EERD were included in the study. Patients with decompensated cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, soft tissue disease, post-fundoplication patients, smokers and pregnant women were excluded from the study. Patients were assessed for inspiratory muscle strength (PImax) and the severity of EERD symptoms before and after completing an 8-week respiratory physiotherapy program using the Hull Airway Reflux Questionnaire (HARQ) and the Reflux Symptom Index. Based on the initial PImax value, patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 – patients with PImax ≥ 90% of the normative value (NV) (15 patients, mean age 45.6 ± 10.4 years); Group 2 – patients with PImax < 90% NV (21 patients, mean age 46.9 ± 10.9 years). The respiratory physiotherapy program included diaphragmatic breathing training and inspiratory muscle training, which was performed in three postural positions with the Threshold inspiratory muscle trainer resistance device. Results: A total of 36 patients (8 males) with EERD, mean age 46.4 ± 10.4 years and body mass index 25.6 ± 4.5 kg/m2 were included in the study. Significantly higher symptom severity according to the HARQ before treatment was found in group 2. Both groups showed a statistically significant increase in inspiratory muscle strength and a decrease in symptom intensity according to both questionnaires after treatment. Patients who were found to have reduced inspiratory muscle strength below 90% NV at baseline achieved greater improvement in inspiratory muscle strength and a greater reduction in symptom intensity after treatment. Conclusion: The respiratory physiotherapy program led to an increase in inspiratory muscle strength and a reduction in symptom intensity regardless of initial inspiratory muscle strength.

• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• dýchací svaly MeSH
• laryngofaryngeální reflux * patologie   rehabilitace   terapie   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• statistika jako téma MeSH
• svalová síla MeSH
• techniky fyzikální terapie * MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• klinická studie MeSH

BACKGROUND: The anthropometric characteristics of adolescent basketball athletes can determine their ability to produce muscle power. Lack of physical activity (PA) level or an increased sedentary life seem to be associated with the overall health status and the occurrence of knee injuries. The aim of this paper was to identify possible correlations between anthropometric characteristics, body composition, exposure time to electronic devices or screen time (ST), and PA level along with muscle power and dynamic knee valgus (DKV) in young basketball athletes. METHODS: Anthropometric and demographic characteristics were recorded. PA level was assessed through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and ST was assessed through a single question from the HELENA study. The Counter Movement Jump test was used for the evaluation of the lower limb muscle power, while the Single Leg Drop Jump test was used for the evaluation of the DKV via two-dimensional (2D) kinematic analysis. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-five adolescent basketball athletes (66.4% boys), 12 to 17 years old (13.94±1.58 years) participated. The Pearson index showed a statistically significant positive correlation between muscle power and height (r=0.788, P<0.001), while the Spearman Index showed a more minor but equally statistically significant positive correlation with Body Mass Index (rs=0.651, P<0.001) and age (rs=0.579, P<0.001). The ST (rs= -0.194, P=0.03) showed a weak negative correlation with DKV, while PA (r=0.85, P<0.001) showed a high, statistically significant, positive correlation. CONCLUSIONS: A high level of PA could play a key role in compensating and thus reducing the negative effects of high exposure to ST on the DKV.

• MeSH
• antropometrie MeSH
• basketbal * fyziologie   MeSH
• biomechanika MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• dolní končetina * fyziologie   MeSH
• index tělesné hmotnosti MeSH
• kolenní kloub fyziologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• pohyb fyziologie   MeSH
• složení těla fyziologie   MeSH
• svalová síla * fyziologie   MeSH
• tělesná výška MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

PURPOSE: Exercise-based cancer rehabilitation via digital technologies can provide a promising alternative to centre-based exercise training, but data for cancer patients and survivors are limited. We conducted a meta-analysis examining the effect of telehealth exercise-based cancer rehabilitation in cancer survivors on cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, muscle strength, health-related quality of life, and self-reported symptoms. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and reference lists of articles related to the aim were searched up to March 2023. Randomized controlled clinical trials were included comparing the effect of telehealth exercise-based cancer rehabilitation with guideline-based usual care in adult cancer survivors. The primary result was cardiorespiratory fitness expressed by peak oxygen consumption. RESULTS: A total of 1510 participants were identified, and ten randomized controlled trials (n = 855) were included in the meta-analysis. The study sample was 85% female, and the mean age was 52.7 years. Meta-analysis indicated that telehealth exercise-based cancer rehabilitation significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI 0.20, 0.49, I2 = 42%, p < 0.001) and physical activity (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI, 0.17, 0.51, I2 = 71%, p < 0.001). It was uncertain whether telehealth exercise-based cancer rehabilitation, compared with guideline-based usual care, improved the quality of life (SMD = 0.23, 95%CI, -0.07, 0.52, I2 = 67%, p = 0.14) body mass index (MD = 0.46, 95% CI, -1.19, 2.12, I2 = 60%, p = 0.58) and muscle strength (SMD = 0.07, 95% CI, -0.14, 0.28, I2 = 37%, p = 0.51). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis showed that telehealth exercise cancer rehabilitation could significantly increase cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity levels and decrease fatigue. It is uncertain whether these interventions improve quality of life and muscle strength. High-quality and robust studies are needed to investigate specific home-based exercise regimens in different cancer subgroups to increase the certainty of the evidence.

• MeSH
• cvičení MeSH
• kardiorespirační zdatnost * MeSH
• kvalita života * MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nádory * rehabilitace   MeSH
• přežívající onkologičtí pacienti MeSH
• randomizované kontrolované studie jako téma MeSH
• svalová síla * MeSH
• telemedicína MeSH
• telerehabilitace MeSH
• terapie cvičením * metody   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• metaanalýza MeSH
• systematický přehled MeSH

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pneumonia is associated with SIRS and hypercatabolism. The aim of this study was to determine muscle loss during the acute phase of COVID-19 pneumonia and evaluate long-term sequelae in discharged patients. METHODS: A total of 16 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and respiratory insufficiency were included in the study. Selected parameters (weight, BMI, LBM = lean body mass, albumin, CRP, NLR = neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, ultrasound measured thickness of rectus femoris muscle = US RF and rectus femoris + vastus intermedius = US RF + VI, handgrip strength, quality of life = EQ-5D questionnaire, and activities of daily living = Barthel's ADLs) were recorded on admission, discharge, and 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge. RESULTS: The most significant changes were between hospital admission and discharge: US RF and RF + VI (-1.28 ± 1.97 mm, p = 0.046; -1.76 ± 2.94 mm, p = 0.05), EQ-5D score (14.6 ± 19.2, p = 0.02), and ADLs (17.1 ± 22.6; p = 0.02). There was a significant positive correlation between US RF + VI and handgrip strength (p = 0.014) and a negative correlation between weight and Barthel index (p = 0.012). There was an association between muscle function with an EQ-5D score and ADLs during outpatient check-ups, most noticeably between handgrip strength, US RF+VI, and ADLs (p = 0.08; p = 0.1, respectively). Conclusions: In patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, there is a significant reduction of health-related quality of life, impaired even 6 months after hospital discharge, influenced mainly by muscle loss. During the hospital stay, there was a significant muscle mass reduction. Ultrasound measurement of thigh muscle thickness may be a useful method to monitor muscle loss.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and leads to ~10,000 deaths each year. Nifurtimox and benznidazole are the only two drugs available but have significant adverse effects and limited efficacy. New chemotherapeutic agents are urgently required. Here we identified inhibitors of the acidic M17 leucyl-aminopeptidase from T. cruzi (LAPTc) that show promise as novel starting points for Chagas disease drug discovery. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A RapidFire-MS screen with a protease-focused compound library identified novel LAPTc inhibitors. Twenty-eight hits were progressed to the dose-response studies, from which 12 molecules inhibited LAPTc with IC50 < 34 μM. Of these, compound 4 was the most potent hit and mode of inhibition studies indicate that compound 4 is a competitive LAPTc inhibitor, with Ki 0.27 μM. Compound 4 is selective with respect to human LAP3, showing a selectivity index of >500. Compound 4 exhibited sub-micromolar activity against intracellular T. cruzi amastigotes, and while the selectivity-window against the host cells was narrow, no toxicity was observed for un-infected HepG2 cells. In silico modelling of the LAPTc-compound 4 interaction is consistent with the competitive mode of inhibition. Molecular dynamics simulations reproduce the experimental binding strength (-8.95 kcal/mol), and indicate a binding mode based mainly on hydrophobic interactions with active site residues without metal cation coordination. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our data indicates that these new LAPTc inhibitors should be considered for further development as antiparasitic agents for the treatment of Chagas disease.

• MeSH
• antiparazitární látky terapeutické užití   MeSH
• Chagasova nemoc * farmakoterapie   MeSH
• leucylaminopeptidasa chemie   farmakologie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• objevování léků MeSH
• trypanocidální látky * terapeutické užití   MeSH
• Trypanosoma cruzi * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The human gut microbiome is attracting increasing attention because of its overall effect on health. Several reviews have investigated the impact of physical activity on the gut microbiome; however, these predominantly concentrate on either endurance or a combination of physical activities. This study aims to describe the effect of resistance or strength training on the gut microbiome of a human population. This rapid review follows the guidelines of the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Guidance along with PRISMA. A review of the literature was carried out using articles indexed by PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science published in the last 12 years. None of the seven studies included find significant change in the gut microbiome in terms of bacterial taxa composition or overall diversity, though the results show that resistance training might decrease the zonulin level and increase mucin production and thereby reduce inflammation in the gut. Interestingly, two studies point to a gut-muscle axis connection and this is discussed in our paper. However, due to the small number of existing studies and certain methodological disagreements, it was hard to find a consensus on the relationship between the gut microbiome and resistance training.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH