Low- and high-intensity one-week occlusion training improves muscle oxygen consumption and reduces muscle fatigue

Beyond the Comfort Zone: Strenuous Sports as a Preventive Tactic Against Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Strenuous sports are associated with an enlarged prostate. However, the genetic causality of this association remains unclear. In this study, Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to explore the potential causal relationship between strenuous sports and prostatic hypertrophy. The study utilizes single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with strenuous sports obtained from published genome-wide association studies (GWAS), alongside summarized genetic data related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) from published GWAS. The primary analytical method used is the Inverse Variance-Weighted (IVW) approach for two-sample MR analysis. Heterogeneity of the results is assessed using Cochran's Q-statistic, while horizontal pleiotropy is evaluated using MR-Egger. Sensitivity analyses include "leave-one-out" tests. The findings indicate a protective causal effect of strenuous sports on BPH (OR = 0.927, 95% CI: [0.870, 0.988]; p = .020). Results from the Weighted Median (WM) method (OR = 0.904, 95% CI: [0.837, 0.978]; p = .011) support this discovery. Using Mendelian randomization, the study provides reliable causal evidence linking high-intensity exercise to a reduced risk of BPH, overcoming biases seen in traditional observational studies. The study demonstrates a causal protective effect of strenuous sports on BPH, suggesting exercise as a preventive strategy for prostate health.

Low-intensity blood flow restriction calf muscle training leads to similar functional and structural adaptations than conventional low-load strength training: A randomized controlled trial

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a six-week, twice weekly resistance training (4 sets at 30% 1-RM until failure) with practical blood flow restriction (BFR) using 7cm wide cuffs with a twist lock placed below the patella is superior to training without BFR (NoBFR) concerning muscle mass and strength gains in calf muscles. A two-group (BFR n = 12, mean age 27.33 (7.0) years, training experience 7.3 (7.0) years; NoBFR n = 9, mean age 28.9 (7.4) years, training experience 7.1 (6.6) years) randomized matched pair design based on initial 1-RM was used to assess the effects on structural and functional adaptations in healthy males (Perometer calf volume [CV], gastrocnemius muscle thickness using ultrasound [MT], 7-maximal hopping test for leg stiffness [LS], 1-RM smith machine calf raise [1-RM], and visual analogue scale as a measure of pain intensity [VAS]). The mean number of repetitions completed per training session across the intervention period was higher in the NoBFR group compared to the BFR group (70 (16) vs. 52 (9), p = 0.002). VAS measured during the first session increased similarly in both groups from first to fourth set (p<0.001). No group effects or time×group interactions were found for CV, MT, LS, and 1-RM. However, there were significant time effects for MT (BFR +0.07 cm; NoBFR +0.04; p = 0.008), and 1-RM (BFR +40 kg; NoBFR +34 kg; p<0.001). LS and CV remained unchanged through training. VAS in both groups were similar, and BFR and NoBFR were equally effective for increasing 1-RM and MT in trained males. However, BFR was more time efficient, due to lesser repetition per training session.