Mechanisms underpinning age-related decreases in muscle strength and muscle mass relate to chronic inflammation. Physical activity induces an anti-inflammatory effect, but it is modulated by additional factors. We hypothesized that vitamin D, which has also anti-inflammatory activity will modify adaptation to exercise and reduce inflammation in elderly women. Twenty-seven women aged 67 ± 8 years were included and divided into groups with baseline vitamin D concentration more than 20 ng mL−1 (MVD) and less than 20 ng mL−1 (LVD). Both groups performed 1 h Nordic Walking (NW) training combined with vitamin D supplementation for 12 weeks. Serum concentrations of inflammation markers, branched amino acids, vitamin D, muscle strength and balance were assessed at the baseline and three days after intervention. The training caused the significant decrease in concentration of pro-inflammatory proteins HMGB1 (30 ± 156%; 90% CI) and IL-6 (−10 ± 66%; 90% CI) in MVD group. This effects in group MVD were moderate, indicating vitamin D as one of the modifiers of these exercise-induced changes. Rise of myokine irisin induced by exercise correlated inversely with HMGB1 and the correlation was more pronounced at the baseline as well as after training among MVD participants. Although the intervention caused the leucine level to rise, a comparison of the recorded response between groups and the adjusted effect indicated that the effect was 20% lower in the LVD group. Overall the applied training program was effective in reducing HMGB1 concentration. This drop was accompanied by the rise of myokine irisin and better uptake of leucine among women with higher baseline vitamin D.

The aims of this study were (1) to assess the relationship between joint position (JPS) and force sense (FS) and muscle strength (MS) and (2) to evaluate the impact of long-term gymnastic training on particular proprioception aspects and their correlations. 17 elite adult gymnasts and 24 untrained, matched controls performed an active reproduction (AR) and passive reproduction (PR) task and a force reproduction (FR) task at the elbow joint. Intergroup differences and the relationship between JPS, FS, and MS were evaluated. While there was no difference in AR or PR between groups, absolute error in the control group was higher during the PR task (7.15 ± 2.72°) than during the AR task (3.1 ± 1.93°). Mean relative error in the control group was 61% higher in the elbow extensors than in the elbow flexors during 50% FR, while the gymnast group had similar results in both reciprocal muscles. There was no linear correlation between JPS and FS in either group; however, FR was negatively correlated with antagonist MS. In conclusion, this study found no evidence for a relationship between the accuracy of FS and JPS at the elbow joint. Long-term gymnastic training improves the JPS and FS of the elbow extensors.

Purpose: A growing number of studies indicate the importance of vitamin D supplementation for sports performance. However, the effects of a single high-dose vitamin D supplementation on ultramarathon-induced inflammation have not been investigated. We here analyzed the effect of a single high-dose vitamin D supplementation on the inflammatory marker levels in ultramarathon runners after an ultramarathon run (maximal run 240 km). Methods: In the study, 35 runners (amateurs) were assigned into two groups: single high-dose vitamin D supplementation group, administered vitamin D (150,000 IU) in vegetable oil 24 h before the start of the run (n = 16); and placebo group (n = 19). Blood was collected for analysis 24 h before, immediately after, and 24 h after the run. Results: Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly increased after the ultramarathon in both groups. The increase was greater in the vitamin D group than in the control group. Based on post-hoc and other analyses, the increase in interleukin 6 and 10, and resistin levels immediately after the run was significantly higher in runners in the control group than that in those in the supplementation group. Leptin, oncostatin M, and metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor levels were significantly decreased in both groups after the run, regardless of the supplementation. Conclusions: Ultramarathon significantly increases the serum 25(OH)D levels. Attenuation of changes in interleukin levels upon vitamin D supplementation confirmed that vitamin D has anti-inflammatory effect on exercise-induced inflammation.

Purpose: While an increasing number of studies demonstrate the importance of vitamin D for athletic performance, the effects of any type of exercise on vitamin D metabolism are poorly characterized. We aimed to identify the responses of some vitamin D metabolites to ultra-marathon runs. Methods: A repeated-measures design was implemented, in which 27 amateur runners were assigned into two groups: those who received a single dose of vitamin D3 (150,000 IU) 24 h before the start of the marathon (n = 13) and those (n = 14) who received a placebo. Blood samples were collected 24 h before, immediately after, and 24 h after the run. Results: In both groups of runners, serum 25(OH)D3, 24,25(OH)2D3, and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 levels significantly increased by 83%, 63%, and 182% after the ultra-marathon, respectively. The increase was most pronounced in the vitamin D group. Body mass and fat mass significantly decreased after the run in both groups. Conclusions: Ultra-marathon induces the mobilization of vitamin D into the blood. Furthermore, the 24,25(OH)2D3 and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 increases imply that the exercise stimulates vitamin D metabolism.

Physical balance is an important factor in sport. Neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback) can be used to improve concentration and focus. The present study investigated and determined the impact of neurofeedback training on dynamic balance in judo. Eighteen judokas voluntarily participated in this study. The participants were divided into two groups: experimental (EG) and control (CG). In the experimental group subjects were trained to inhibit 3-8 Hz while they were also trained to reinforce 14-19 Hz brainwave activities at points O1 and O2 for ten sessions and 25 minutes per session. The participants in the control group were exposed to the same conditions but instead were provided with sham feedback. EEG and dynamic balance tests were executed before and at the end of the fifteenth session of training. The one-way ANOVA with repeated measures revealed that dynamic balance scores significantly improved at the post-test (F=12.4, p=0.001) in the EG group. The findings demonstrate that neurofeedback training can enhance dynamic balance of judokas.