SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Muscle lipid deposition”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

233 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

PubMed2026

The effect of combining visuo-vestibular exercises with manual therapy and exercise on sensorimotor function in chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether adding visuo-vestibular exercises to standard manual therapy and exercise produces superior improvements in sensorimotor function, pain, balance, and functional disability in adults with chronic neck pain. METHODS: This prospective, randomized controlled trial enrolled 58 adults with chronic neck pain (≥3 months) allocated to a manual therapy and exercise group (MtE; n = 29) or MtE plus visuo-vestibular exercises (MtE-VVE; n = 29). Both groups completed 12 supervised sessions over six weeks with a daily home exercise programme. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks, and included pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]), upper extremity reaction time, computerized posturography, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and cervical muscle endurance. RESULTS: Fifty-four participants (27 per group) completed the study. Both groups improved significantly across all outcomes (p < 0.001). At 12-week follow-up, the MtE-VVE group demonstrated superior outcomes: activity-related pain was reduced by an additional 2.00 cm (95% CI: 0.75-3.25; p = 0.005), bilateral reaction time improved by 1.70 s (p = 0.001), eyes-open mediolateral sway decreased by 0.50 mm (p < 0.001), NDI score was 6.30 points lower (95% CI: 3.42-9.18; p < 0.001), and cervical flexion and extension endurance improved by 12.00 s and 27.70 s, respectively (p ≤ 0.020). CONCLUSION: Adding visuo-vestibular exercises to standard manual therapy and exercise produces clinically meaningful and sustained improvements in activity-related pain, sensorimotor function, postural control, and functional disability in adults with chronic neck pain, and may be recommended as an effective adjunctive intervention.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

A proteomic analysis of the PHF-forming tau fragment (tau297-391) following uptake into differentiated human neuronal SHSY5Y cells.

Tau self-assembly and intracellular deposition are associated with a group of neurodegenerative diseases called tauopathies, which include Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Pick's disease. Here, we measured the proteome response in human neuronal cells (differentiated SH-SY5Y) following the addition of a spontaneously amyloidogenic region of tau known as dGAE (tau297-391), which forms AD-like paired helical filaments in vitro, and proteomic analysis showed increased endogenous tau expression. Further interactome analysis uncovered increased association between tau and proteins associated with nuclear chromatin, the nucleolus, and the spliceosome, as well as the thiol-peroxidase, PRDX6, alongside an increase in reactive oxygen species. The present work highlights a method to identify proteome pathways that may play an important role in the development of tau pathology and reveals an oxidative stress response to dGAE.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Glycerophospholipid remodeling under osmotic stress in grass carp gills.

Salinity fluctuations represent a pervasive environmental challenge for freshwater fishes, yet the cellular and metabolic programs governing early osmoregulatory responses remain understudied. Here, we investigated the time-dependent gill responses of juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) subjected to an acute, sublethal salinity increase 9 parts per thousand (ppt). Histological and biochemical analyses revealed progressive gill lesions accompanied by elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and lipid peroxidation, indicating rapid tissue injury under osmotic stress. Integrative metabolomic and transcriptomic profiling uncovered pronounced temporal reprogramming, consistently highlighting glycerophospholipid metabolism as a central axis of response. In particular, phosphatidylcholine (PC) species exhibited dynamic remodeling, coupled with transcriptional enrichment of lipid turnover, membrane transport, and innate immune pathways. Network-based integration identified a PC-centered remodeling module characterized by accelerated PC headgroup turnover, disruption of the PLA2-LPCAT2 lyso-PC reacylation cycle, and enhanced ABC transporter-associated lipid and sterol export, reflected by cholesteryl sulfate accumulation and a shifted n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid-derived oxylipin signature. Functional assays further demonstrated that PC and linoleic acid (LA) supplementation improved cell viability and alleviated oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory signaling in grass carp cells under salinity challenge. Collectively, these findings reveal phospholipid-centered membrane remodeling as an early, integrative mechanism linking osmotic stress to gill injury and immune activation in freshwater fish, providing insights into potential strategies of environmental stress adaptation.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Exercise prehabilitation in head and neck cancer patients proposed for definitive chemoradiotherapy: The FIT4TREAT randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) initially scheduled for definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) often experience early functional decline and deterioration in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) even before treatment initiation. Evidence for prehabilitation in this non-surgical setting remains limited. This study evaluated whether exercise prehabilitation (EP) initiated before CRT improves functional capacity compared with usual care (UC). METHODS: FIT4TREAT (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05418842) was a prospective, single-center, randomized clinical trial. Adults with HNC proposed for definitive CRT were randomly assigned (1:1) to EP or UC. EP consisted of supervised combined aerobic and resistance exercise performed three times per week from baseline until radiotherapy initiation. The primary outcome was the six-minute walk distance (6MWD) at the end of the pre-treatment period. Secondary outcomes included muscle strength, lower-limb functionality, body composition, and HRQoL assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-HN43. RESULTS: Between May 2021 and February 2025, 47 patients were enrolled; 40 were included in the primary analysis. After adjustment for baseline 6MWD and the randomization stratification variables, EP resulted in a significantly greater pre-treatment 6MWD than UC (adjusted between-group difference, 28.6 m; 95 % CI, 4.1-53.1; P = 0.023). EP also improved lower-limb functionality (P < 0.001) and was associated with better preservation in the QLQ-C30 summary score (P = 0.008), social functioning (P = 0.038) and body image (P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: EP before definitive CRT improves functional capacity and may help preserve HRQoL in patients with HNC, supporting its potential integration into routine oncology care.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Mechanistic insights into flavor deterioration in bitter sturgeon caviar: Evidence from lipidomics and metagenomics.

This study systematically compared the flavor and multi-omics differences between normal caviar and bitter caviar based on quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA), volatile compounds (VOCs) analysis, untargeted lipidomics, and metagenomics. The results showed that bitter caviar was characterized not only by increased bitterness, but also by decreased positive sensory attributes, including buttery, nutty, and marine fresh. VOCs analysis indicated that the volatile profile of bitter caviar was reorganized. Compounds such as 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, 1-octen-3-ol, and (E, Z)-2,6-nonadienal showed higher relative odor activity values (rOAVs); however, these changes did not improve its overall sensory experience. Untargeted lipidomics identified 492 differential lipids. These changes were mainly characterized by decreased PC and increased DG and LPC in bitter caviar. KEGG pathways analysis showed that these differential lipids were mainly associated with glycerophospholipid metabolism, choline metabolism in cancer, and retrograde endocannabinoid signaling. Metagenomic analysis showed that bacteria dominated the microbial community of caviar. Among them, Bacillus and Micromonospora showed relatively high abundance in the caviar microbiota. They were also closely associated with lipid metabolic changes involving PC, DG, and LPC, suggesting their potential as candidate targets for future microbiota-directed regulation of caviar quality. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying sensory deterioration and flavor formation in bitter caviar, and offer a theoretical basis for improving caviar quality in industrial production.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Effects of exercise snacking on neuromuscular performance in insufficiently active adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of exercise snacking (ES) on neuromuscular performance in insufficiently active adults. METHODS: Six databases were searched from inception to July 17, 2026. Randomized controlled trials and non-randomized studies of interventions involving insufficiently active adults undertaking ES interventions were included. Outcomes were functional performance, muscular strength, and muscular power. A three-level random-effects meta-analysis was performed. Risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2 or ROBINS-I, and certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE. RESULTS: Nine studies (13 reports) involving 313 participants were included. In the primary three-level model, ES showed a small positive overall effect on neuromuscular performance (g = 0.37, 95% CI 0.16-0.58, p = 0.001), which remained supported under trial-clustered robust inference with small-sample adjustment. Domain-specific estimates for muscular power/velocity, functional performance, and muscular strength were positive but imprecise and were not statistically supported after small-sample robust adjustment. Robust moderator tests provided no evidence of between-subgroup differences, and the certainty of evidence was low for all outcomes. CONCLUSION: Current low-certainty evidence suggests that ES may produce a small improvement in overall neuromuscular performance. However, domain-specific effects remain uncertain because of the limited number of independent trials, and the overall prediction interval crossed zero, indicating uncertainty across future populations and settings. Larger, preregistered randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

The Impact of PCSK9 Inhibitors on Development of Retinal Vascular Occlusions.

PURPOSE: PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) are a newer class of lipid-lowering drug that may be effective at lowering risk for retinal artery occlusion (RAO) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). This study aims to investigate the relationship between PCSK9i use and retinal vascular occlusion among patients with hyperlipidemia. DESIGN: Retrospective, comparative clinical cohort study SUBJECTS, PARTICIPANTS, AND/OR CONTROLS: Patients with hyperlipidemia, defined as serum low-density lipoprotein level of ≥130 mg/dL and total cholesterol level of ≥220 mg/dL, prescribed a lipid-lowering medication were identified. Patients prescribed a PCSK9i were included in the study group and compared with control patients prescribed any other type of lipid-lowering drug. METHODS: This study was conducted using electronic health record data from health organizations in the United States through the TrinetX platform. Propensity score matching was completed based on relevant patient demographics, comorbidities, and laboratory values. Comparison of main outcomes between the PCSK9i and non-PCSK9i groups was performed using measures of association analysis to determine risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcomes measured consisted of occurrence of retinal vascular occlusion, RAO, RVO, central RAO, and central RVO at 3-year, 5-year, and 7-year time points. RESULTS: After propensity score matching, a total of 12,960 patients were included in each cohort. The analysis revealed that the PCSK9i cohort had a significantly lower risk for development of retinal vascular occlusions at multiple points, including 3-year (RR = 0.56, CI = 0.39-0.79), 5-year (RR = 0.50, CI = 0.37-0.67), and 7-year (RR = 0.46, CI 0.35-0.61) time points. This lower risk was also found in the PCSK9i group for an outcome of RVO at 5 years (RR = 0.50, CI = 0.34-0.73) and 7 years (RR = 0.47, CI = 0.33-0.67). For occurrence of RAOs (RR = 0.47, CI = 0.30-0.76) and central RVO (RR = 0.46, CI = 0.29-0.74) separately, the PCSK9i cohort had a lower risk at 7 years. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that PCSK9i may reduce the risk of retinal vascular occlusion compared with other classes of lipid-lowering medications.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Exploratory identification and cellular functional characterization of ppiabl as a candidate gene associated with growth traits in Paralichthys olivaceus.

The Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) is an important mariculture species. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying its growth traits remain poorly understood. To explore the genetic basis of growth variation, whole-genome resequencing was performed in a cultured cohort of 60 individuals, followed by exploratory genome-wide association analysis and candidate-gene prioritization. The results revealed heritability estimates of 0.40 for body weight and 0.24 for body length, with substantial overlap in associated loci between the two traits. Exploratory association and variant-annotation analyses prioritized ppiabl, which carries a nonconservative missense variant, as a candidate gene for further investigation. Tissue expression analysis showed that ppiabl was highly expressed in muscle tissue. This gene encodes a protein belonging to the conserved peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase family. In Japanese flounder primary muscle cells, ppiabl knockdown was associated with altered expression of growth-related genes and an increased G1-phase fraction, whereas overexpression produced changes in the opposite direction. In line with this, fast-growing individuals were found to have significantly larger muscle fiber areas than slow-growing ones. These findings suggest that ppiabl may be involved in muscle-related cellular processes associated with growth variation in Japanese flounder, although its contribution to whole-animal growth requires further validation. Overall, this exploratory study prioritizes ppiabl as a candidate gene potentially associated with growth-related cellular processes in Japanese flounder, although validation in larger independent populations and in vivo models is required.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Identification of elements determining KIR gene demethylation at the CD56-bright stage of NK cell development.

The variegated expression of the KIR family of class I MHC receptors generates specialized natural killer (NK) cells capable of allele-specific HLA recognition. Understanding the mechanism of KIR gene activation will lead to improved methods for the generation of fully functional NK cells. A central RUNX-binding site in the KIR proximal promoter is required for gene activation. RUNX proteins recruit ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins that generate 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and drive DNA demethylation. Assessment of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5hmC residues at four stages of NK cell development reveals deposition of 5hmC primarily in a CREB site next to the RUNX site at the CD56Bright stage but not the subsequent CD56Dim stage representing fully mature NK cells. KIR promoter demethylation is delayed relative to other lineage-associated genes, indicating a high threshold for KIR gene demethylation in developing NK cells, and a window of opportunity for RUNX/TET-dependent KIR gene activation in CD56Bright NK cells.

6-base sequencing↗

PubMed2026

Hybrid robotic transversus abdominis release (hrTAR) for complex ventral hernias: a systematic review and preliminary synthesis.

Hybrid robotic transversus abdominis release (hrTAR) combines robotic posterior component separation with a planned limited open phase. Evidence supporting this strategy is sparse. Following PRISMA 2020, we searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library and registered the protocol in PROSPERO (CRD420261303285). Eligible studies reported hrTAR outcomes for ventral or incisional hernia repair. Findings were synthesized narratively; no pooled effect estimates were calculated. Three reports contained 85 hrTAR cohort entries. Because two reports came from the same institution and overlap could not be excluded, this total should not be interpreted as a unique-patient count. Surgical-site outcomes were heterogeneous: two reports used SSO endpoints (4% and 5%), whereas another reported surgical-site events in 25% of patients, including seroma and wound infection. Mean length of stay ranged from 1.8 to 3.7 days; the sample-size-weighted mean across studies reporting means was 2.9 days. One propensity-matched comparison reported shorter hospitalization and lower 30-day SSO with hrTAR than open TAR. No perioperative deaths or recurrences were reported during limited follow-up. hrTAR appears feasible in selected patients, but available evidence is exploratory. Standardized prospective multicenter studies with non-overlapping cohorts and longer follow-up are needed before comparative effectiveness, economic value, or wider adoption can be supported.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Six weeks of isometric resistance training led to evidence of corticospinal but not reticulospinal adaptation in previously untrained adult males.

The latest hypothesis regarding the source of enhanced neural activation from resistance training is the reticulospinal rather than the corticospinal tract, based on invasive animal and emerging human data. The present study employed a six-week isometric resistance training intervention in a randomized controlled design to address this knowledge gap. Thirty-nine healthy, untrained males (age ~23 y, sustained contraction group n = 13, explosive contraction group n = 9, control group n = 17) underwent neuromuscular and electrophysiological testing and completed all study requirements. Maximal isometric torque (MVC) and rate of torque development (RTD) were measured during a familiarization session as well as before and after the six-week period. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to assess motor-evoked potential (MEP) area and silent period duration while subjects contracted to 10% of MVC. Loud sound (120 dB) was used to modulate MEP area and reaction time to visual stimuli during the StartReact test. Only the intervention groups demonstrated significant improvements in MVC (27%) and RTD (60%) (both P < 0.01), along with reduced MEP area (- 21%) and silent period duration (- 23%) (both P < 0.01). The sustained contraction group showed reduced modulation of reaction time and increased MEP suppression due to loud sound. Short-term resistance training seemed to reduce cortical inhibition and corticospinal excitability in both training groups. The study showed conflicting changes in measures purported to evaluate reticulospinal functioning. It is recommended to examine different forms of resistance training and longer training exposure in future.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Intervention components, training dose, and adherence in exercise-based prevention of hamstring strain injury in football: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify associations between exercise-based prevention programmes and hamstring strain injury (HSI) risk in football participants, and whether training dose and adherence modify effects. METHODS: Six databases were searched to 1 October 2025. Randomised and cluster-randomised trials comparing HSI prevention programmes with usual practice or warm-up in football participants were included. Random-effects meta-analysis pooled risk ratios (RRs); subgroup analyses and meta-regression assessed effect modification. RESULTS: Fifteen trials (n = 7,465) were analysed. Programmes reduced HSI risk (RR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.36-0.71), with I²=57% and a prediction interval crossing the null (0.18-1.40). Based on a control event rate of 7.8%, absolute risk reduction was 3.8% (38 fewer HSIs per 1000 participants; 95% CI 23-50 fewer). Effects were stronger for shorter interventions (1-6 months; RR = 0.43) than longer interventions (7-10 months; RR = 0.77; P for interaction=0.04), and for elite/semi-professional players (RR = 0.38) than amateur players (RR = 0.77; P for interaction = 0.02). Training frequency and weekly volume did not modify effects, whereas adherence did. High adherence (≥75%) was associated with lower HSI risk (RR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.28-0.48), whereas low adherence (<75%) showed no clear benefit (RR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.68-1.23; P for interaction <0.00001). Each 10% increase in adherence corresponded to an RR multiplier of 0.83 (approximately 17% lower RR). Certainty of evidence was low. CONCLUSION: Exercise-based programmes reduce HSI risk in football when implementation supports sustained adherence. Effects may be stronger in shorter interventions and elite populations, but evidence remains insufficient to differentiate programme types or components.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Biomonitoring of industrial heavy metal pollution via enzymatic and metabolic responses in desert ants (Cataglyphis savignyi) and beetles (Tentyrum sp) as bioindicators.

The current work seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of Cataglyphis saviginyi and Tentyrum sp as indicators of pollution in the city's main industrial regions by analyzing their enzymatic activity and primary metabolites. Soil samples were collected at each site under investigation to analyze soil characteristics and heavy metal content. C. saviginyi and Tentyrum sp were collected across four consecutive seasons (2023-2024) to investigate enzymatic (GPT, GOT, ALP, ACP, LDH) and metabolic (lipid, protein, carbohydrate) biomarkers. The physicochemical properties of the soil differed substantially between the industrial areas and the control site. Soil heavy metal buildup was highest at industrial sites (1 and 4) compared to the control site, with the order being Zn > Cr > Cd > Cu. Heavy metal pollution indices were determined. Increased industrial activity from metal industries, ceramics, and chemical painting companies defines this area, as seen by the high Cdeg, mCd, PI, and PLI values derived for industrial sites 1 and 4. While C. saviginyi and Tentyrum sp deconcentrated and released Cr, Cd, and Zn into the soil via the biological accumulation factor (BAF), Cu acted as a macro-concentrator. Compared with the control site, industrial environments were shown to increase levels of GPT, GOT, LDH, ACP, protein, and carbohydrates in C. saviginyi. However, lipid and ALP activity was suppressed. at industrial sites, Tentyrum sp carbohydrate content was higher than at control sites, but GPT, GOT, ALP, ACP, LDH, protein, and lipid activities were all suppressed. Consequently, enzymatic and metabolic biomarkers proved to be sensitive indicators for assessing industrial heavy metal pollution in desert ecosystems.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Influence of Repeated-Sprint Bout Duration in Sprint Interval Training Intervention on Physical Performance Adaptations of Young Volleyball Players.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of repeated-sprint training (RST) with varying bout durations on the physical fitness adaptations of young male volleyball players. Forty athletes were randomly allocated to one of three intervention groups performing RST with varying bout durations and similar repetition volumes, all executed at maximal effort. The 3-sec group (n = 10) completed two sets of 30 bouts, the 6-sec group (n = 10) performed two sets of 15 bouts, and the 9-sec group (n = 10) carried out two sets of 10 bouts, each adhering to a 1:3 work to rest ratio. An active control group (n = 10) engaged solely in regular volleyball training without the RST intervention. Physical fitness measures-including countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ), 10-m and 20-m linear sprints, T-test change-of-direction speed (T-CODS), reactive strength index (RSI), and the Wingate anaerobic power test-were assessed pre- and post-a 6-week training intervention (i.e., 18 sessions). All RST groups showed significant post-intervention improvements in physical fitness (main effect of time, p = 0.001), with greater adaptations compared with the control group and effect sizes ranging from small to very large. The 3-sec bout group demonstrated greater gains in CMVJ, 10-m and 20-m sprint performance, RSI, and peak power output compared with the 9-sec group (all, p < 0.05). Conversely, the 9-sec group exhibited superior adaptations in T-CODS and mean power output relative to the 3-sec group (all, p < 0.05). In conclusion, the 3-sec group experienced greater enhancements in explosive and sprint performances, while the 9-sec group showed superior gains in change of direction and mean power output. These findings indicate that manipulation of sprint-bout duration in RST can be used to optimize distinct performance adaptations in young volleyball players.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Could creatine supplementation combined with physical rehabilitation accelerate return to play in athletes with patellar tendinopathy?

BACKGROUND: Several dietary supplements have been proposed to positively influence the rehabilitation process following injury. However, to date, no studies have specifically examined the effects of scientifically supported ergogenic aids on recovery outcomes when combined with physical performance interventions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the ergogenic effects of creatine supplementation on neuromuscular performance, tendon thickness, pain, and body composition in athletes diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy (PT). METHODS: Using a triple-blind experimental design, 20 federated athletes (age: 33.7 ± 9.84 years) with PT were randomly assigned to either a creatine supplementation group (CR; n = 9) or a placebo group (PLA; n = 11). All participants followed a physical rehabilitation intervention that included daily eccentric training combined with stretching exercises, along with one session every 10 days of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and manual therapy targeting the tendon and surrounding muscle tissue. At the end of each eccentric training session, the participants ingested 3 capsules of creatine monohydrate - Creapure® (CR) or sucrose (PLA). At the beginning (PRE), after 4 weeks (MID), and after 8 weeks (POST), the pain level (Victorian Institute for Sports Assessment-Patella, VISA-P), tendon thickness (echography), body composition (bioelectrical impedance system), and neuromuscular performance using a countermovement jump test (CMJ) and a strength test (5-RM) of knee extension in the injured leg. RESULTS: A significant main effect of time was observed for VISA-P scores (p < 0.001; η2 p = 0.626), indicating a reduction in pain over time in both the creatine (CR) and placebo (PLA) groups. At POST, both groups showed significant improvements compared to PRE (CR: 78.0 points [69.2-86.8] vs. 60.6 points [53.4-67.7]; p = 0.002; PLA: 75.2 points [66.3-84.0] vs. 60.0 points [52.5-67.5]; p = 0.003). However, only the CR group showed a statistically significant improvement in the MID compared to PRE (MID: 70.2 points [60.0-80.5]; p = 0.027). A significant main effect of time was observed for both tendon thickness (p < 0.001; η2 p = 0.629) and the 5-RM leg extension test (p < 0.001; η2 p = 0.739), with both groups showing progressive improvements over time. Nevertheless, as trend toward a statistically significant time·supplementation interaction was observed (p = 0.099; η2p = 0.126), with an increase in performance only in CMJ in MID vs PRE (36.8  cm (33.8-39.7) vs 34.3  cm (30.8-37.7); p = 0.019) and POST vs MID (POST: 37.6  cm (33.5-41.8); p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: A physical rehabilitation program involving eccentric training, stretching, and ESWT is effective in reducing tendon thickness and increasing muscle strength. However. It seems that the addition of CR induces an earlier reduction of pain and a positive effect on CMJ performance. Therefore, CR could be considered as an ergogenic recovery aid in athletes with PT.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Adductor Canal Block and Local Anesthetic Versus Local Anesthetic Alone in ACL Reconstruction: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Effective postoperative analgesia is crucial for early recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) and adductor canal block (ACB) are common regional techniques, but their combined efficacy remains unclear. PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of LIA alone versus LIA combined with ACB in patients undergoing ACLR, with primary outcomes including postoperative opioid consumption and quadriceps function. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: A double-blind randomized controlled trial enrolled 100 patients undergoing ACLR under general anesthesia. Patients were randomized into 2 groups: LIA + sham (saline injection) (n = 50) and LIA + ACB (n = 50). The primary outcome was postoperative opioid consumption in the first 24 hours. Secondary outcomes included visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, quadriceps function assessed by straight leg raise (SLR) at 3 hours, Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) score, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at 1 week. Statistical analysis was performed using t tests and chi-square tests with a P value <.05 considered significant. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in 24-hour opioid consumption between the LIA + ACB and LIA-only groups (P = .109). Similarly, VAS pain scores at 24 hours postoperatively showed no significant differences between the groups (P = .0804). Early functional recovery, assessed by SLR performance at 3 hours, was equivalent between groups (P = .6711). Additionally, QoR-15 scores on postoperative day 1 and KOOS values at 1 week demonstrated no significant differences (P = .6486 and P = .9054, respectively). Intraoperative opioid consumption was not different between the groups (P = .127). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that the addition of ACB to LIA does not yield postoperative analgesic in ACLR. Consequently, LIA alone suffices for routine ACLR, potentially enabling clinicians to optimize perioperative workflows without incurring the additional time, financial burden, and resources associated with routine ACB administration. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT04721119.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of Time-Based and Distance-Based Repeated Sprint Training on Physical and Physiological Adaptations in Collegiate Basketball Players.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the effects of time-based (TB) and distance-based (DB) repeated-sprint training (RST) on athletic performance adaptations in collegiate basketball players during preseason and to examine whether the 2 training prescriptions produce different levels of homogeneity in the magnitude of individual adaptations. METHODS: Thirty young male basketball players (age = 21.3 [1.4] y) were randomly and equally assigned to 3 groups (n = 10): DB-RST, TB-RST, and an active control group. Participants completed a 7-week RST program performed 3 times per week, consisting of 4 sets of 4 to 9 repetitions per session. The DB-RST group completed each sprint by covering a fixed 35-m distance, whereas the TB-RST group performed each sprint maximally for a fixed 5-second duration. Performance assessments including countermovement vertical jump, 20-m sprint, Illinois change-of-direction speed, reactive strength index, Wingate anaerobic power, and cardiorespiratory fitness were conducted before and after the 7-week training period. RESULTS: Both training groups demonstrated significant performance improvements over the 7-week intervention and relative to the control group (P < .05). Similar gains were observed in the magnitude of adaptations in the countermovement vertical jump, 20-m sprint, Illinois change-of-direction speed, and reactive strength index for the DB-RST and TB-RST groups. Interestingly, the TB-RST group showed more gains than the DB-RST in the magnitude of adaptations in the peak and mean power outputs, as well as cardiorespiratory fitness. Moreover, the TB-RST group showed lower intersubject variability in adaptive responses across the measured performance outcomes following the training intervention. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that RST effectively enhances the performance of basketball players, and that implementing a TB-RST protocol is more effective than a DB-RST approach for producing greater adaptations in physiological variables-specifically anaerobic power output and cardiorespiratory fitness-over the 7-week preseason period.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Individualized Physical Therapy on Pain and Function in Individuals With Chronic Knee Pain: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Noninvasive brain stimulation is a promising neuromodulatory intervention for chronic pain. This study aimed to determine the impact that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in combination with individualized physical therapy (PT) has on pain and function in individuals with chronic knee pain. METHODS: This study was a preliminary pragmatic, triple-blinded, randomized, and sham-controlled clinical trial performed in an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinic. Participants participated in 5 sessions of active or sham tDCS followed by individualized PT intervention. Pain outcomes included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Movement-Evoked Pain, pressure pain thresholds (PPT), and the Central Sensitization Inventory. Functional outcomes included the 2-minute walk test, 5-time sit-to-stand test, quadriceps strength, knee range of motion, Patient Specific Functional Scale, and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale. RESULTS: Thirty participants with chronic knee pain completed the study. There were no significant differences observed for primary patient-centered pain and functional outcomes. For secondary outcomes, the active tDCS group had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on percent change in lateral joint line PPT and a significant multivariate effect of group on PPT change scores for 3-site and 5-site clusters (p < 0.05). Exploratory responder analyses demonstrated that the active tDCS group was 12.8 times more likely to achieve the minimum detectable change in quadriceps strength improvement compared with the sham tDCS group (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: There were no significant between-group differences for primary pain and functional outcomes. However, the active tDCS group showed improvements in pain sensitivity, as measured by PPT, and quadriceps strength, which were superior to those seen in the sham tDCS group. These preliminary findings provide insight into possible mechanisms of tDCS in addressing pain as opposed to efficacy. Given that there were no clear between-group differences in patient-centered outcomes, there is insufficient evidence for routine tDCS use for chronic knee pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06132412.

Humans↗