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PubMed2026

Effects of rumen fluid transplantation on longissimus dorsi muscle development in Xizang sheep: An association analysis based on transcriptomic and serum metabolomic profiles.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of rumen fluid transplantation (RFT) on the growth and development of the longissimus dorsi muscle in female Xizang sheep. After RFT, muscle lightness differed significantly between the two groups, with the LDC group showing significantly higher lightness than the LDT group. In contrast, no significant differences were observed between groups in other muscle phenotypic traits, including drip loss, pH, cooking loss, shear force, redness, and yellowness. Antioxidant-related indices (SOD, GSH-PX, MDA, CAT, and T-AOC) also showed no significant differences between groups. Histological analysis revealed that muscle fiber length, width, and density were significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group. Transcriptomic analysis identified 515 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 419 were downregulated. KEGG analysis indicated that genes involved in muscle development-related pathways, such as cell adhesion and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, were predominantly downregulated. Key serum metabolites (L-kynurenine, IPA, allantoin, and propionylcarnitine) showed highly significant positive correlations with muscle fiber growth indices. In contrast, metabolites such as l-carnitine, acetylcarnitine, and citrulline were negatively correlated with muscle fiber growth, but positively correlated with the expression of muscle structure-related genes (COL11A1 and EFNA5) and with meat lightness. Overall, this study provides new insights into the potential molecular basis by which RFT influences muscle growth and development. However, the mechanisms by which RFT affects muscle development and meat quality-related traits remain unclear and warrant further investigation.

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PubMed2026

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals ncRNA-mediated regulatory networks associated with muscle crispiness in grass carp.

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be involved in muscle development and to function as key regulators. However, the molecular mechanism underlying muscle crispiness in grass carp (GC) remains poorly understood, and whether these ncRNAs are involved in its regulation is still unknown. In the current investigation, differentially expressed (DE) RNAs (including lncRNAs, circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs) were identified; concomitantly, target genes prediction was conducted, and functional and signaling pathway enrichment analyses were performed. Pathways related to muscle crispiness were identified, and the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) (lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA) regulatory network was further constructed. The results showed that a total of 126 DE-lncRNAs, 17 DE-circRNAs, 329 DE-miRNAs, and 442 DE-mRNAs were identified in muscle tissues of both the GC and crisp grass carp (CGC). GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that target genes of DE-ncRNAs were significantly enriched in signaling pathways, including structural constituents of muscle, apoptosis, oxidative phosphorylation, and regulation of actin cytoskeleton, suggesting that these pathways may be involved in muscle texture remodeling. Subsequently, DE-RNAs enriched in related pathways were identified, and a core ceRNA regulation network comprising 3 lncRNAs, 4 circRNAs, 3 miRNAs, and 17 mRNAs was constructed. Additionally, 10 DE-RNAs from randomly selected groups were validated by qRT-PCR. Our findings not only provide scientific evidence elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle crispiness in GC but also establish a foundation for studying changes in muscle textural qualities across other fish species.

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PubMed2026

Transcriptomic insights into temperature regulation of proliferation and differentiation in skeletal muscle cells of Nibea albiflora.

Myogenesis involves sequential stages of muscle satellite cell activation, myoblast proliferation, differentiation, and fusion into multinucleated myotubes. Teleost muscle exhibits indeterminate growth and is highly sensitive to environmental temperature, yet the underlying mechanisms by which temperature regulate proliferation and differentiation remain poorly understood. In this study, we established a primary skeletal muscle cell culture from the yellow drum (Nibea albiflora), an economically important marine fish, and integrated morphological observations with comparative transcriptomics analysis to characterize cellular and molecular responses at 28 °C and 20 °C during both proliferation and differentiation stages. Phenotypic analysis revealed that 28 °C significantly enhanced both myoblast proliferation and myogenic differentiation ability compared with 20 °C. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that at 28 °C, differentiation upregulated extracellular matrix(ECM) organization, calcium signaling, and sarcomere assembly, while proliferation enhanced focal adhesion, growth factor signaling, and lipid metabolism. At 20 °C, differentiation was characterized by glutathione metabolism, and ferroptosis, while proliferation involved cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and negative regulation of signal transduction. Core myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs), particularly myogenin, were strongly upregulated at 28 °C during the differentiation stage, serving as an internal control. Based on these findings, we propose a testable model that elevated temperature coordinates Ca2+-dependent MRF activation with ECM-integrin signaling to drive sarcomere assembly and muscle growth. Key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) regulating myogenesis in N. albiflora were also identified. This study provides a mechanistic framework for temperature adaptation in teleost skeletal muscle and identifies candidate genes for functional validation and marker-assisted selection, as well as a rationale for temperature management strategies to improve aquaculture yield of N. albiflora.

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PubMed2026

Muscle Massage Adding Capacitive Resistive Electric Transfer Therapy in Active or Sham Condition for Post-Exercise Recovery in Athletes: A Crossover Clinical Trial.

The increasing demands of elite sports reduce recovery time, impair performance, and increase injury risk. Efficient lactate transport is essential for postexercise recovery. Capacitive resistive electric transfer (CRET) therapy enhances deep tissue heating, induces vasodilation, and promotes circulation. To evaluate whether adding active CRET to a standardized muscle recovery massage, compared with the same massage plus sham CRET, influences indicators of muscle recovery following a maximal anaerobic effort test. A randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled, and crossover clinical trial was conducted in 25 athletes. Participants completed four visits and, after the maximal power and anaerobic capacity test (Wingate test), received a standardized muscle recovery massage combined with either active CRET or sham CRET. Blood lactate levels, muscle oxygenation, muscle thickness, echogenicity, knee extension force, and muscle activity were assessed before and after the test, after treatment, and 24 hours later. Compared with massage plus sham CRET, massage plus active CRET was associated with lower blood lactate concentration at 60 min postexercise (p = 0.029). Ultrasound-derived muscle thickness and echogenicity also differed between conditions at several time points (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in Wingate test performance, force, muscle activity, and oxygenation between conditions. In athletes performing repeated Wingate exercise, adding active CRET to massage was associated with lower blood lactate concentration at 60 min postexercise and with differences in ultrasound-derived muscle thickness and echogenicity compared with sham CRET plus massage. However, these between-condition differences were not accompanied by clear short-term functional recovery benefits. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06906146.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Comparative analysis of histological and transcriptomic characteristics in caudal muscles of nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus), siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis), and their hybrids.

Crocodylus niloticus and Crocodylus siamensis are high-value aquaculture species. C. niloticus is large-bodied but less abundant, while C. siamensis grows fast but is small-sized. Their hybrids combine parental advantages, yet relevant research is scarce. This study compared the histological and transcriptomic characteristics of the caudal muscle across the three taxa. HE staining indicated that C. niloticus had significantly larger myofiber diameters (p < 0.05); C. siamensis had the smallest, and the myofiber density of hybrids was much closer to that of C. siamensis. Masson's trichrome staining indicated that C. niloticus had the thickest collagen fibers (p < 0.05), C. siamensis the thinnest, and hybrids exhibited highly similar histological traits to C. siamensis. C. niloticus had higher LDH and SDH activities in caudal muscles, whereas the hybrid crocodile indicated the highest CK activity. Transcriptomic analysis identified numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were enriched in growth, muscle metabolism, and energy allocation pathways via GO/KEGG annotations. PPI analysis screened 24 hub genes related to energy metabolism. This study systematically reveals caudal muscle differences, providing insights into growth-related molecular mechanisms and theoretical support for crocodile artificial breeding.

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PubMed2026

Effects of passive blood flow restriction on muscle function following exercise-induced muscle damage in recreationally active males.

This investigation examined the effects of passive blood flow restriction (pBFR) on indices of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in recreationally active males. Fifteen males completed six consecutive visits (±2 hours). Participants completed 3 × 25 maximal, unilateral, isokinetic (60°·s-1), concentric-eccentric leg extensions on both legs. Each leg was randomly assigned to receive pBFR (80% arterial occlusion pressure) or sham (20 mmHg) at 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours post-EIMD. Perceived muscle soreness, range of motion (ROM), pain pressure threshold (PPT), concentric peak torque (CPT), and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) torque were assessed and analyzed using separate linear mixed-effects models. Perceived muscle soreness increased at 24 hours (mean difference [meandiff] = 4.9 au; p < 0.001) and recovered by 96 hours (p = 0.482), with no differences between conditions (p = 0.450). ROM (meandiff = -3.1°; p = 0.040), PPT (meandiff = -1.63 kgf; p < 0.001), CPT (meandiff = -27.7 Nm; p < 0.001), and MVIC torque (meandiff = -30.8 Nm; p < 0.001) decreased at 24 hours, with recovery occurring between 48-96 hours. Condition-specific differences were observed for ROM (meandiff = 2.5°; p < 0.001), PPT (meandiff = 0.49 kgf; p = 0.005), CPT (meandiff = 6.2 Nm; p = 0.020), and MVIC torque (meandiff = 7.1 Nm; p = 0.044), which were greater in pBFR than sham. These findings suggested that pBFR may reduce impairments in ROM, PPT, CPT, and MVIC torque following EIMD, despite a similar recovery trajectory between conditions.

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PubMed2026

Integrated miRNA-mRNA profiling reveals candidate regulatory relationships associated with high-fat diet-induced muscle lipid deposition in black seabream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii).

High-fat diets are increasingly used in aquaculture due to their protein-sparing effects; however, the post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of fish muscle in response to high-fat diets (HFD) remain unclear. In this study, juvenile black seabream were fed either a normal-fat diet (NFD) or a HFD to investigate the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network associated with diet-induced muscle lipid deposition. Oil Red O staining and biochemical analysis showed that high-fat diet feeding markedly increased lipid droplet accumulation and crude lipid content in muscle, indicating significant induction of muscle lipid deposition. Integrated mRNA and miRNA expression profiling revealed substantial transcriptomic and post-transcriptional responses to high-fat diet challenge. A total of 271 differentially expressed genes were identified, including 120 upregulated and 151 downregulated genes. Through combined target prediction and expression correlation analysis, thirteen candidate inverse miRNA-mRNA relationships were subsequently identified, and RT-qPCR supported the expression patterns of selected miRNAs and mRNAs. These pairs included miR-499-x-dmgdh, miR-499-y-gatm, miR-727-y-ass1, miR-4649-x-foxo4, miR-9129-z-myl7, and several novel miRNA-mediated interactions involving adk, chst11, lypla2, frem2, kcnc4, wars1, bag2, and capn2. Functional analysis suggested that these regulatory pairs were mainly associated with metabolic adaptation, structural remodeling, and cellular stress responses. In particular, gatm, dmgdh, ass1, and adk were associated with energy metabolism-related processes, including pathways previously linked to Ampk regulation, whereas myl7, frem2, and kcnc4 may contribute to muscle structural maintenance and excitability regulation. Overall, this study provides candidate miRNA-mRNA regulatory relationships potentially involved in high-fat diet-induced muscle lipid deposition and adaptive remodeling in black seabream, offering a basis for future functional studies on muscle metabolism and quality regulation in marine fish.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Effects of Progressive Inspiratory Muscle Training on Lung Volume and Respiratory Strength in Patients With Pre-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease can present changes in thoracic cavity volume and respiratory muscle weakness, even in the pre-dialysis stage. However, there is little evidence on the effects of inspiratory muscle training in these patients. METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial which comprised patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in stages 3, 4, and 5 undergoing conservative treatment, allocated experimental group (EG) with progressive loading (up to 50% of maximal inspiratory pressure [MIP]) and control group (CG) with a fixed load (5 cmH2O) and no load progression performed daily for 8 weeks. The outcomes assessed were thoracic cavity volumes, as measured by optoelectronic plethysmography, and inspiratory and expiratory respiratory muscle strength. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients completed the study. All volumes significantly increased at the end of the protocol with a large effect size, but only the pulmonary thoracic cavity volume showed a significant interaction (F = 3.698; p = 0.042). There was an increase in inspiratory muscle strength in the EG (73.88-90.35 cmH2O; p < 0.001) and in the CG (70.85-86.92 cmH2O; p = 0.001), as well as in expiratory muscle strength in the EG (97.71-108.53 cmH2O; p = 0.001) and in the CG (80.69-94.77 cmH2O; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Daily IMT increased thoracoabdominal volumes, particularly pulmonary rib cage volume in the progressive-load group, as well as respiratory muscle strength in patients with pre-dialysis CKD. However, progressive-load IMT was not superior to minimal-load training.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Risk factors for loss of skeletal muscle mass in patients with chronic kidney disease on a low-protein diet.

OBJECTIVES: A low-protein diet (LPD) is recommended for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to prevent a further decline in renal function. However, its impact on muscle mass in these patients remains unclear. This study investigated the risk factors for loss of muscle mass in patients with CKD on an LPD. METHODS: Eighty-four patients with predialysis CKD (59 men, mean age 61.9 ± 11.5 y) who participated in a multicenter randomized controlled trial initiated in 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. We collected data on baseline blood and urine tests, body composition, and dietary records at the start and end of the observation period. We evaluated muscle mass using the skeletal muscle index (SMI) and analyzed risk factors for a decrease in SMI during the 24-wk observation period, using logistic regression analysis. Variables with an association (P < 0.1) in univariate analysis, as well as age, sex, use of low-protein rice, and changes in protein intake, were subjected to multivariate analysis. RESULTS: SMI decreased in 50 patients (59.5%) during the observation period. Multivariate analysis identified significant associations of the SMI with serum albumin at baseline (odds ratio 0.11, 95% confidence interval 0.02-0.52, P = 0.004) and changes in energy intake while on the LPD (odds ratio 3.39, 95% confidence interval 1.00-11.43, P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for reduced SMI in patients with CKD on an LPD were malnutrition when initiating the LPD and reduced energy intake during its implementation. Clinicians should optimize nutritional status before initiation of an LPD and ensure adequate energy intake throughout treatment.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of essential amino acid supplementation on musculotendinous recovery following eccentric plantar flexor exercise: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) resulting from eccentric contractions leads to transient impairments in muscle function. Essential amino acids (EAAs) stimulate muscle protein synthesis and may support recovery following damaging exercise. However, limited research has examined the effects of EAAs on muscle function following eccentric plantar flexor exercise. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of EAA supplementation on indirect markers of muscle and musculotendinous recovery following EIMD. METHODS: Thirty-six recreationally active males (age: 21.2 ± 2.7 years) were randomly assigned to an EAA group (10 g of EAAs), placebo (10 g of maltodextrin), or control (no supplementation). Supplements were consumed 30 minutes before and immediately after an eccentric plantar flexor protocol (4 × 50 repetitions followed by one set to failure) and during the 72 hours recovery period. Indirect markers of muscle damage were assessed pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 24, 48, and 72 hours post-exercise, consisting of perceived soreness (NPRS), pain pressure threshold (PPT), calf muscle thickness and Achilles tendon thickness (ultrasound), and calf circumference. RESULTS: The eccentric protocol elicited responses consistent with EIMD, including increased soreness (p < 0.001), increased calf muscle thickness and circumference (p < 0.001), and reduced PPT (p = 0.018). EAA supplementation attenuated soreness at 24 hours compared with placebo. Calf muscle thickness increased following exercise in both groups; however, swelling returned to baseline by 72 hours in the EAA group but remained elevated in placebo (Condition × Time, p < 0.001). Achilles tendon thickness decreased immediately post-exercise (p = 0.005) but was not influenced by supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: EAA supplementation modestly reduced soreness and was associated with faster recovery of muscle swelling but did not influence tendon morphology within 72 hours.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Long-term heat exposure reshapes muscle molecular regulation and enhances thermal tolerance in Clarias fuscus.

Rapid fluctuations in water temperature driven by global warming have become a major abiotic stressor affecting muscle function in teleost fish. This study examined the effects of long-term thermal conditions on heat tolerance in Clarias fuscus. Fish were maintained for 90 days at either a normal temperature group (NT, 26 °C) or a high-temperature group (HT, 34 °C). Subsequently, muscle histology, and transcriptomic profiles were observed following acute high-temperature exposure (34 °C) and after temperature recovery (26 °C). Histological analysis showed that fish from the NT under acute high-temperature stress exhibited severe muscle damage (atrophy, myofilament disruption, and myolysis), whereas fish from the HT displayed markedly reduced lesions. RNA-seq profiling revealed 5769 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the NT and 3292 DEGs in the HT following acute temperature challenges. Functional enrichment indicated that, in the HT, modulation of key cell cycle regulators (e.g., ccna, ccnb, cdk1, cdk2) contributed to alleviating muscle damage caused by temperature fluctuations. In the NT, genes associated with ribosome biogenesis (e.g., nop56, riok2, riok1) were up-regulated and then down-regulated during temperature fluctuation, whereas p53 in the cell cycle pathway showed the opposite expression pattern. These findings demonstrate long-term heat exposure reshapes molecular expression and regulatory mechanisms in the muscle of C. fuscus, thereby enhancing thermal tolerance and adaptability, and providing a theoretical basis for breeding heat-resistant, high-quality aquaculture strains.

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PubMed2026

Fasting-refeeding regimes induce compensatory growth and muscle transcriptomic remodeling in juvenile Qihe gibel carp (Carassius gibelio var. Qihe).

Compensatory growth, an important adaptive response in fish, holds considerable potential for improving feeding efficiency in aquaculture. To identify an optimal fasting-refeeding strategy for juvenile Qihe gibel carp (Carassius gibelio var. Qihe) and to clarify the mechanisms underlying the compensatory growth, we divided two-month-old fish into four groups, namely S0 group (continuous feeding for 28 days), S2 group (4 cycles of 2-day fasting followed by 5-day refeeding), S4 group (fasting for 4 days followed by refeeding for 24 days), and S8 group (fasting for 8 days followed by refeeding for 20 days), then growth performance, muscle tissue morphology, biochemical responses, and muscle transcriptomic profiles under different feeding regimes were investigated. After a 28-day aquaculture experiment, fish in the S4 group exhibited significantly greater body length and weight than those in the S0, S2, and S8 groups, indicating over-compensatory growth. Histological analysis further showed that muscle growth in the S4 group was mainly associated with myofiber hyperplasia. Different feeding regimes also induced distinct changes in hepatic antioxidant and metabolic enzyme activities, as well as intestinal digestive enzyme activities. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the forkhead box O (FoxO) signaling pathway was significantly enriched during compensatory growth. Key genes, including serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1 (sgk1) and insulin receptor substrate 1 (irs1), were predicted to play important roles in this process. Overall, these results indicate that fasting for 4 days followed by refeeding for 24 days (the S4 regime) is the optimal strategy for inducing compensatory growth in juvenile Qihe gibel carp. This study provides new insights into the morphological, physiological, and molecular basis of compensatory growth and offers a scientific foundation for developing efficient and sustainable feeding strategies for this species.

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PubMed2026

Effects of faba bean-based crisping culture on phenotypic characteristics, muscle quality, and serum metabolome in Nile tilapia: Screening biomarkers to assess the degree of crisping.

Feeding Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) a faba bean-based crisping diet enhances muscle hardness (crispness) and overall flesh quality. However, the underlying mechanisms and reliable biomarkers remain insufficiently defined. This study integrated phenotypic traits, muscle texture, collagen content, serum antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px), MDA levels, and serum metabolomics to understand the determinants of muscle crisping. Fish were assigned to a crisping diet or a control group for 90 days. Individuals in the crisping group were implanted with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags to enable correlation analyses among phenotypic traits (body weight/length/frame changes), serum indicators (NAM, FAD, and GSH-Px) and muscle hardness. Compared with controls, the crisping diet significantly increased muscle hardness, gumminess, and chewiness, accompanied by elevated collagen content. Antioxidant profiles were altered, with higher activities of serum SOD and CAT, together with elevated MDA levels and reduced GSH-Px activity (P < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis identified 830 differential metabolites (682 upregulated and 148 downregulated), predominantly comprising carboxylic acids and derivatives, glycerophospholipids, and benzene derivatives. Enrichment analysis indicated significant involvement in general metabolic pathways, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, amino acid biosynthesis, and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism (P < 0.05). Notably, acetylpyruvate was upregulated in glutathione metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, and galactose metabolism; pantothenic acid was upregulated in glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; whereas δ-tocotrienol was downregulated. Correlation analysis revealed weak negative associations between muscle hardness and phenotypic traits (body weight/length/frame changes D5-7, D5-10, D7-8) (P < 0.05). In contrast, serum NAM and FAD were weakly positively correlated with muscle hardness, whereas GSH-Px showed a weak negative correlation (P < 0.05). Collectively, these findings suggest that body weight, body length, frame measurements (D5-7, D5-10, and D7-8), and serum NAM, FAD, and GSH-Px are associated with the degree of muscle crispness in Nile tilapia fed a faba bean-based crisping diet and may serve as candidate biomarkers under these culture conditions.

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PubMed2026

Compound muscle action potential amplitudes in newborn screen positive spinal muscular atrophy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes as biomarkers of disease severity in newborn screening (NBS)-positive infants with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 21 infants identified through SMA NBS (11 with 2 SMN2 copies and 10 with 3 SMN2 copies). Baseline and serial right median, ulnar, and fibular motor nerve CMAP amplitudes (millivolts, mV) were obtained during the study. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP-INTEND). RESULTS: At baseline, infants with 2 SMN2 copies demonstrated significantly lower median, ulnar, and fibular CMAP amplitudes compared with infants with 3 SMN2 copies (p < 0.05). In contrast, baseline CHOP-INTEND scores did not differ significantly between the two groups. Prior to genetic confirmation, a right median CMAP amplitude ≥3.2 mV predicted ≥3 SMN2 copies. Following treatment, right median and fibular CMAP amplitudes demonstrated significant improvement over time, including in analyses accounting for SMN2 copies number. CONCLUSION: CMAP amplitudes obtained from multiple upper- and lower-extremity motor nerves provided objective electrophysiological measures that distinguished infants with two versus three SMN2 copies, despite similar baseline CHOP-INTEND scores. Furthermore, CMAP abnormalities were detectable in some cases before confirmatory genetic testing results became available. Serial CMAP measurements demonstrated significant longitudinal changes following treatment, whereas functional assessments approached ceiling values, supporting the potential value of electrophysiological monitoring in the era of disease-modifying therapies. SIGNIFICANCE: CMAP assessment is a useful adjunct in the evaluation of infants identified through SMA NBS.

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PubMed2026

Effects of blood flow restriction training combined with plyometric training on lower limb muscle strength and motor unit recruitment in basketball players: An experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have shown that plyometric training (PT) improves neuromuscular function and explosive power but not maximal strength. Blood flow restriction training (BFR) combined with low-intensity resistance training (RT) increases muscle mass and strength. This study investigated the effects of PT, and BFR combined with PT on lower-limb muscle function. METHODS: Twenty elite basketball players were randomly assigned to two groups: PT-alone group (PT, n = 10) and BFR combine with PT group (PT-BFR, n = 10). All participants underwent bodyweight-based plyometric training three times per week for eight weeks. Peak torque values for hip and knee flexion and extension, as well as root mean square (RMS) values derived from electromyography, were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: After the 8-week intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in knee flexion and extension peak torque at 180°/s (all p < 0.01). Between-group comparisons revealed greater gains in the PT-BFR group for hip extension and flexion at 60°/s (p = 0.036-0.002; ηp2 = 0.225-0.233). RMS of the rectus femoris increased significantly more in the PT-BFR group than in the PT group (right: p = 0.004, ηp2 = 0.385; left: p = 0.020, ηp2 = 0.266), whereas no significant changes were observed in the gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, or biceps femoris (all p > 0.05). CMJ height also improved more in the PT-BFR group, with a significant group × time interaction (p = 0.042, ηp2 = 0.210). CONCLUSION: Both training protocols enhanced bilateral lower-limb strength, with notable gains in the non-dominant leg; however, the magnitude did not differ substantially between groups. In contrast, compared with PT alone, BFR combined with PT produced superior enhancements in lower-limb muscle strength and neuromuscular recruitment. These findings suggest that when PT is employed to improve explosive power, it may be effectively combined with BFR to further augment muscular strength.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of blood flow restriction training combined with resistance training on lower-limb strength and sport-specific performance in athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In contemporary sports science, athletes and coaches continuously explore strategies to reduce training load and injury risk while increasing muscular strength and sport-specific performance. This meta-analysis evaluated the effects of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) combined with resistance training (RT) on lower-limb muscle strength and sport-specific performance in athletes. METHODS: Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were systematically searched across major databases (e.g. PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and Embase) from inception until November 2024. Two independent reviewers carefully assessed the studies. Data analysis was carried out using RevMan 5.4 software, which included heterogeneity testing, meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and assessment of publication bias. RESULTS: Ten RCTs (181 athletes; 91 in the BFRT and RT group, 90 in the control group) were included. Outcomes determined BFRT combined with RT yielded notable enhancements in lower-limb muscle strength (SMD = 1.09, 95% CI [0.52, 1.66], p < 0.05) and muscle hypertrophy (MD = 1.09, 95% CI [0.10, 2.09], p < 0.05) compared to control training. However, no significant improvement in sport-specific performance was found (SMD = 0.11, 95% CI [-0.18, 0.40], p = 0.46). Substantial heterogeneity was observed for strength outcomes (I2 = 75%), whereas low heterogeneity was observed for sport-specific performance and hypertrophy outcomes (I2 = 0%). No evidence of significant publication bias was detected. CONCLUSION: BFRT combined with RT appears to provide effective augmentation of lower-limb muscle strength and hypertrophy in athletes compared to RT or conventional training alone. It may be prudent to integrate this approach systematically into training cycles to optimize physiological muscle stimulation and training outcomes, despite not directly improving sport-specific performance.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Responsiveness of muscle mass gain to different load intensities of resistance training in older women: A randomized crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Aging is associated with progressive declines in skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and substantial interindividual variability in adaptations to resistance training (RT). However, whether training load intensity influences hypertrophic responsiveness in older adults remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of two commonly prescribed RT loading schemes (15RM and 10RM) on estimated SMM adaptations and responsiveness in older women. METHODS: Twenty-seven older women (67.7 ± 4.9 years; 65.7 ± 10.6 kg; 154.5 ± 5.8 cm) completed two 8-week RT interventions performed at 15RM and 10RM in a randomized crossover design, separated by a 12-week detraining period. Estimated SMM was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Responsiveness was operationally defined using the standard error of measurement, and participants were classified as responders (RP) or non-responders (N-RP) according to changes in estimated SMM. RESULTS: Both loading schemes promoted significant and comparable increases in estimated SMM (15RM: +0.62 ± 0.4 kg vs. 10RM: +0.43 ± 0.3 kg). Overall, 61.1% of participants were classified as responders in at least one condition, whereas 38.9% were classified as non-responders. Responsiveness status was consistent across conditions for most participants, with 48.1% classified as responders under both loading schemes and 25.9% as non-responders under both conditions. Only seven participants (25.9%) changed responsiveness status between interventions. No clear pattern indicated a greater likelihood of responsiveness with either loading scheme. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that both the 10RM and 15RM RT protocols significantly increase estimated SMM in older women, with no significant differences between training conditions. Although substantial interindividual variability in adaptive responses exists, training load intensity does not appear to meaningfully influence responsiveness status in most individuals. These findings suggest that both loading schemes can be effectively prescribed to promote SMM gains in older women.

Aged↗

PubMed2026

Intramuscular Fat Infiltration and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intramuscular fat infiltration (IMFI) is considered to be closely associated with knee osteoarthritis (KOA); however, its overall association, muscle-specific involvement, and clinical relevance remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the association between IMFI and KOA, identify affected muscle groups, and evaluate prognostic value. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase up to December 2025 for observational studies. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data, and assessed bias (NOS/JBI). Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated using random-effects models, with subgroup and sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included. IMFI was significantly higher in KOA patients than controls (SMD = 0.63, 95% CI 0.41-0.85, I2 = 84.7%). Anatomically, the anterior thigh muscles (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis) demonstrated a significant pooled effect (SMD = 0.96, 95% CI 0.66-1.25, I2 = 3.2%) and showed the strongest pooled association, whereas posterior, medial, and composite measures did not demonstrate significant associations. At the individual muscle level, a single study reported a notable association for the semimembranosus (SMD = 1.25, 95% CI 0.57-1.93); however, this finding is based on limited evidence and requires confirmation in future studies. Subgroup by imaging modality: CT demonstrated a significant association (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI 0.28-0.90), while MRI and ultrasound did not show significant associations. Elevated IMFI was also associated with reduced muscle strength, higher KOA incidence, structural progression, and increased knee replacement risk. CONCLUSION: A moderate positive association exists between IMFI and KOA, with notable muscle-specific heterogeneity. Anterior thigh muscles show the strongest pooled association, whereas individual muscle findings require further confirmation. These findings suggest that IMFI may represent a promising potential marker warranting further prospective investigation for risk stratification, though causality and its role in modifying disease progression remain to be established.

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