Eugenio Formiglio

Background: Motorsport competition imposes significant psychophysiological demands on athletes, characterized by prolonged cardiovascular strain, high cognitive workloads, and extreme thermal environments. However, scientific literature focusing specifically on the category of single-seater race cars remains lacking. Therefore, the objective of this review was to identify possible physiological demands in Formula drivers to suggest training recommendations and to examine gaps in the literature for future studies. Methods: A narrative literature search was conducted including the following search engines: PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. All studies until October 2025 were included. Results: A total of eight studies were selected. The limited physiological demands of Formula drivers suggest that professional drivers exhibit specialized physical adaptations. These findings describe high aerobic capacity, elevated sustained heart rates during competition, and targeted musculoskeletal development, particularly regarding neck and upper body strength required to withstand gravitational loads. Conclusions: Although the currently available data provide valuable preliminary insights into the physiological impact of auto racing, the extremely limited and heterogeneous nature of the existing samples prevents definitive conclusions from being drawn. There is an urgent need for future longitudinal research using high-fidelity, category-specific monitoring to establish robust and standardized psychophysiological profiles and provide training recommendations applicable throughout an entire single-seater racing career.

Introduction or background: Residual fatigue following resistance exercise can impair neuromuscular performance. The back squat (BSQ) and deadlift (DL) are key lower-limb exercises but may differ in their fatigue and recovery profiles. Identifying phase-specific markers during the countermovement jump (CMJ) may improve monitoring and guide recovery strategies. Sources of data: Fifty-four resistance-trained adults (≥1 year experience) were randomly assigned to BSQ, DL, or control (CON) groups. After one-repetition maximum (1RM) estimation, BSQ and DL completed a fatiguing protocol (3 × 12 repetitions at 70% 1RM). CMJ performance was assessed at baseline, immediately, 30 min, and 24 h post-exercise using a force platform. Phase-specific force–time variables and the modified reactive strength index (RSImod) were calculated; muscle soreness was recorded at 24 and 48 h. Areas of agreement: Both BSQ and DL caused significant decrements in CMJ-derived metrics, as indicated by a linear mixed-effects model, and greater soreness than control, according to a two-way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA). BSQ produced larger and earlier impairments across force, displacement, and work variables, whereas DL showed smaller but more persistent reductions in braking rate of force development (RFD) and RSImod. Areas of controversy: Despite similar soreness, recovery patterns differed, indicating distinct neuromuscular demands and time courses between exercises. Growing points: Phase-specific CMJ metrics particularly braking and unloading RFD, eccentric/concentric work, and RSImod are sensitive indicators of residual fatigue. Areas timely for developing research: Future studies should integrate electromyographic and biochemical markers and extend observation beyond 48 h to describe full recovery trajectories.

Background/Objectives: The recent discovery of the importance of gut microbiota has enhanced our understanding of several issues related to energy metabolism, immune systems, and post-exercise recovery, which could have an impact on sports performance. Probiotics are used as sports supplements and have recently been proposed to be effective in reducing the incidence of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections during training and competition. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the gut microbiota composition of competitive cyclists and investigate the effect of probiotic administration in this sports population. Methods: A literature review was conducted using the following databases: PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus, and all studies until 1 November 2025 were considered. After dual-reviewer screening, data were charted to identify the composition of gut microbiota and the effects of probiotics on these types of athletes. Results: After all the study identification phases, eleven studies were selected. Seven studies evaluated the composition of the gut microbiota, while four randomized controlled trials evaluated probiotic intake. The results indicate an abundance of Prevotella distinct for this type of athlete, which could facilitate the metabolism of glucose and short-chain fatty acids. Among the four main areas of improvement identified in relation to probiotics, a 16-week multi-strain supplementation protocol showed improved aerobic performance and exertion rate in amateur cyclists. Conclusions: Despite the limited number of studies, certain microbiota traits could be identified in competitive cyclists, which may correspond to their high metabolic rate. Although further strain standardized studies are needed on professional cyclists, the data could indicate that certain probiotic supplementation may be an effective addition for competitive cyclists.

Background: Few studies have analyzed the medium- to long-term effects of warm-up protocols on biomechanical and performance parameters in athletes. This study evaluated the effects of a 3-week foam rolling (FR) protocol integrated into the initial phase of the warm-up on ankle dorsiflexion parameters and jumping performance through the countermovement jump test (CMJ) in young rhythmic gymnasts. Methods: Twenty-six female young rhythmic gymnasts who met the inclusion criteria participated in the study and were divided into the FR group ( n = 12; Age = 13.2 ± 2.59 years; Height = 152.3 ± 13.34 cm; Weight = 39.9 ± 11.22 kg) or the C (Control) group ( n = 14; Age = 13.4 ± 2.17 years; Height = 149.5 ± 13.33 cm; Weight = 40.6 ± 10.14 kg). An initial evaluation (T0) and an evaluation after the 3-week FR warm-up protocol were conducted. An inertial sensor was used to analyze ankle dorsiflexion using the following parameters: range of motion (ROM) (°), angular velocity (°/s), and fluency index (0–1). An optical detection sensor detected the jump height and flight time of the CMJ test. Results: Significant differences were found between T0 and T1 in the FR group and between the FR group and the C group at T1. Significant between-subject interaction effects (F = 32.58; p < 0.001; ηp ² = .576) and group-by-time interaction effects (F = 9.73; p < 0.01; ηp ² = .288) were found. Specifically, significant enhancements in CMJ performance ( p < 0.001) and angular dorsiflexion velocity of the right ankle ( p < 0.05) were noted after the intervention in the FR group. Conclusions: Our results suggest that a 3-week FR intervention incorporated into the warm-up routine of young rhythmic gymnasts led to an increase in jump performance, but not in ankle dorsiflexion ROM parameters. Further studies are necessary to investigate the effects of warm-up on biomechanical parameters using longer FR protocols. Trial registration: NCT07113249. Registration date: 02/08/2025.

Background: Vitamin D can influence athletic performance and infection risk. This study aimed to investigate vitamin D status, hematochemical factors, anthropometric and performance parameters, and dietary habits in runners (n = 23) and sedentary healthy individuals (non-runners, n = 22) during the autumn season. Methods: Both groups had their serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (ng/mL) levels, blood and performance parameters, and dietary habits measured. Results: Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels were significantly lower in non-runners (runners: males 30.0 ± 5.6, females 31.2 ± 5.2 vs. non-runners: males, 22.8 ± 6.5, females 24.7 ± 6.5 ng/mL, p < 0.001). White blood cells, monocyte, and neutrophil levels were higher in non-runners for both males and females. Among the subjects, 23 had optimal vitamin D levels (>29 ng/mL), while 22 had insufficient/deficient levels (p = 0.053). Maximal isometric force and jump height were equal in both groups, but VO₂max was higher in runners. Linear regression analysis identified monocyte count as the only predictor of vitamin D levels for both males (y = −24.452 x + 40.520; R² = 0.200; p = 0.015) and females (y = −33.409 x + 45.240; R² = 0.368; p = 0.003). Conclusions: This study highlights significant differences in vitamin D status between runners and non-runners, with runners exhibiting higher serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels, although this finding is likely due to the increased sun exposure that runners receive. It also provides valuable insights into the vitamin D status of healthy young sedentary individuals and runners, enhancing the understanding of how physical activity influences vitamin D levels.