Athletes incorporate altitude training programs into their conventional training to improve their performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an 8-week altitude training program that was supplemented with intermittent hypoxic training (IHE) on the blood biomarkers, sports performance, and safety profiles of elite athletes. In a single-blind randomized clinical trial that followed the CONSORT recommendations, 24 male athletes were randomized to an IHE group (HA, n = 12) or an intermittent normoxia group (NA, n = 12). The IHE consisted of 5-min cycles of hypoxia–normoxia with an FIO2 of between 10–13% for 90 min every day for 8 weeks. Hematological (red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, hematocrit, reticulated hemoglobin, reticulocytes, and erythropoietin), immunological (leukocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes), and renal (urea, creatinine, glomerular filtrate, and total protein) biomarkers were assessed at the baseline (T1), day 28 (T2), and day 56 (T3). Sports performance was evaluated at T1 and T3 by measuring quadriceps strength and using three-time trials over the distances of 60, 400, and 1000 m on an athletics track. Statistically significant increases (p < 0.05) in erythropoietin, reticulocytes, hemoglobin, and reticulocyte hemoglobin were observed in the HA group at T3 with respect to T1 and the NA group. In addition, statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) were achieved in all performance tests. No variations were observed in the immunological or renal biomarkers. The athletes who were living and training at 1065 m and were supplemented with IHE produced significant improvements in their hematological behavior and sports performance with optimal safety profiles.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Pharmacological treatment in IBD presents a loss of efficacy and side effects, inviting to consider alternative strategies, such as the practice of physical activity (PA), as a therapeutic adjuvant. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of PA interventions as a tool to in-crease physical fitness, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and improve the symptomatology in patients with CD and UC, identifying the optimal PA component. The review was performed, by searching the electronic databases Medline (PubMed), SciELO, and Cochrane Library Plus, including randomized controlled trials from the last 10 years that related to IBD and PA, until January 31, 2022. We found four studies with a total of 133 patients. The performance of PA in patients with IBD (UC and CD) increases (p>0.05) physical capacity, skeletal muscle mass, bone mineral density, and HRQoL, significantly (p<0.05) increasing mood. In addition, it significantly (p<0.05) decreases intestinal in-flammation and extraintestinal manifestations. A trend of reduction (p>0.05) of fatigue, blood pressure, and microbiota restoration was observed. Moderate PA and performed regularly for a minimum of eight weeks, favors the improve-ment of the IBD patient at the physical, psychological, HRQoL, and symptom-atology levels.

Efectos ergonómicos inmediatos de un apoyo isquiático en la sedestación. Herramienta preventiva para la información en salud ResumenIntroducción: La información sobre la correcta ergonomía se ha incrementado para disminuir la prevalencia de síntomas lumbares y/o cervicales en la población. Sin embargo, el acondicionamiento y el mobiliario de las instituciones universitarias no se adecuan a las características individuales de los sujetos, lo cual dificulta el proceso. Objetivo: analizar los cambios en la postura, al incorporar un apoyo isquiático en sujetos jóvenes. Material: Estudio transversal comparativo sobre 76 sujetos universitarios voluntarios (24 varones y 52 mujeres, edad media de 20,7; DT ± 2,64). Se registró la postura mediante fotogrametría sagital con un software 2D, en posición de sedestación y en sedestación corregida mediante la colocación de un apoyo isquiático de 5 centímetros de altura. Posteriormente se analizaron los ángulos cráneo-vertebral (CV), cervical superior (CS), cervical inferior (CI), lumbar (AL). Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la posición sedente y la sedente corregida en todos los ángulos analizados (p<0,01). Consiguiendo la disminución de la flexión lumbar y de la posición de cabeza adelantada. Conclusión: La utilización de un apoyo isquiático de 5 centímetros de altura en la posición de sedestación, disminuye la flexión lumbar y la posición de cabeza adelantada en comparación con una sedestación sin apoyo en sujetos jóvenes. Palabras clave: postura; columna; comunicación; ingeniería humana; educación para la salud AbstractIntroduction: Information about correct ergonomics is increasing in order to avoid cervical and lumbar symptoms. However, the furniture of the colleges does not fit the individual characteristics, which make difficult the process. Objective: Analyse the posture change, when an ischial support is incorporated in young population. Methods: Cross sectional study. 76 volunteers students were included (24 men and 53 women, average age 20,7 SD ± 2,64). Posture was registered with sagittal photogrammetry and analysed by 2D software, in sitting position and corrected sitting position by 5-centimeters-isquial-support. Then, Neck Slope angle (NS), Upper Cervical angle (UP) Lower cervical angle (LC) and lumbar spine angle (LS) were analysed. Results: Statistical differences were found between the sitting position and corrected sitting position in all analysed angles (p<0,01). This means less lumbar flexion and forward head position. Conclusion: A 5-centimeter-isquial-support decrease lumbar flexion and forward head position compared to sitting position without ischial support in young adults.