Edgars Bernans

This study aimed to examine preliminary responses of two-week post-exercise recovery strategies on performance readiness in well-trained Taekwondo athletes. Fifteen athletes were randomly assigned to cryotherapy (partial-body cryotherapy followed by cold-water immersion; n = 5 per group), foam rolling (FR; n = 5 per group), and control (CON; n = 5 per group). The intervention lasted two weeks and consisted of post-exercise recovery strategies only. Performance and recovery outcomes were assessed using the Latvian Recovery–Stress Questionnaire (RESTQ), the determination test of the Vienna test (DT), the countermovement jump (CMJ), and isokinetic knee flexion and extension. Data were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA. Significant time effects were observed for DT (F(1,12) = 5.91, p = 0.03, η²p = 0.33), CMJ (F(1,12) = 12.44, p = 0.004, η²p = 0.50), and knee extension (F(1,12) = 5.20, p = 0.04, η²p = 0.30). No changes were detected under the present conditions for RESTQ stress and recovery scores and knee flexion (p > 0.05). Overall, the findings indicate time-dependent changes in several performance outcomes, while differences between recovery conditions should be interpreted as exploratory, as no clear intervention-specific effects were demonstrated under the study conditions.

Since the introduction of advanced footwear technology (AFT) in 2017, numerous world records from 5 km to the marathon have been broken. Among these innovations, carbon-plated shoes have received particular attention. Previous research indicates improvements of 2–4% in running economy (RE), which translates into an approximate 1–2% improvement in running performance when running in these shoes. The rapid progression of performance has generated significant scientific interest; however, a clear understanding of the mechanisms driving the effectiveness of AFT remains limited. Despite widespread adoption and remarkable results, the mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of AFT are still not fully understood, which is why optimising its potential benefits continues to be an ongoing challenge. This review summarises current knowledge on AFT and critically evaluates the biomechanical and physiological mechanisms underlying their effects on RE and performance. It also highlights the interaction between shoe design features and individual biomechanics, supporting evidence-based approaches to footwear selection and training strategies tailored to athletes’ needs. A clearer understanding of these mechanisms may provide valuable insights for researchers, coaches, and athletes and help maximise the potential benefits of AFT.

Since the introduction of Advanced Footwear Technology (AFT) in 2017, numerous world records from 5 km to the marathon have been broken. Among these innovations, carbon-plated shoes have received particular attention. Studies report improvements of up to 4% in running economy (RE) and approximately 2% in performance. The rapid progression of performances has generated significant scientific interest; however, a clear understanding of the mechanisms driving the effectiveness of AFT remains limited. Despite widespread adoption and notable outcomes, neither researchers nor manufacturers can fully explain why design features such as increased stack height, embedded carbon fibre plates, and enhanced longitudinal bending stiffness are so effective, making optimisation of their benefits an ongoing challenge. This review summarises current knowledge on AFT and critically evaluates the biomechanical and physiological mechanisms underlying their effects on RE and performance. It also highlights the interaction between shoe design features and individual biomechanics, supporting evidence-based approaches to footwear selection and training strategies tailored to athletes’ needs. A clearer understanding of these mechanisms may provide valuable insights for researchers, coaches, and athletes, and help maximise the potential benefits of AFT.

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of a novel two-week dynamic high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol, characterized by fixed-load and variable-time intervals (“two times up to ten minutes”), on performance and metabolic adaptations in well-trained cross-country skiers. Methods: Ten qualified skiers (six males, four females) completed six interval training sessions over two weeks. Pre- and post-intervention tests were performed to assess maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max) and ski speed reached, blood lactate concentration, respiratory gas exchange data, and body weight. Results: Maximal speed at VO_2max increased significantly from 13.5 ± 2.16 to 14.8 ± 1.7 km/h (p = 0.0196; Cohen’s d = 1.06). VO_2max itself was retained (p > 0.05), equivalence testing confirmed stable values within a ±2.8 mL/kg/min margin. Time to reach RER = 1.0 improved significantly across sessions (p = 0.021), indicating enhanced metabolic efficiency. Body weight decreased modestly but statistically significantly by 0.54 kg (p = 0.016). Conclusions: The dynamic HIIT protocol improved maximal performance (speed at VO_2max by 32.9%) and metabolic efficiency in trained skiers without altering VO_2max. These findings support the usefulness of flexible, individualized HIIT models to enhance aerobic endurance, especially for athletes at risk of performance plateaus.

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of a remotely supervised HIIT program implemented during six months NACT on quality of life (QoL) and physical health outcomes in women with breast cancer, assessed 18–24 months post-intervention. The HIIT intervention study was two arm randomized control trial implementing remotely supervised 4x4 min training at an intensity of 85-95% of peak heart rate for 6 months during NACT. Physical health was assessed by treadmill VO _2peak , 6MWT and sit-to-stand test, and QoL by the EORTC QoL30. Participants were 24 BC survivors who agreed to participate in follow-up 18-24 months after the intervention (HIIT= 13, CG = 11). Results: At follow-up, the HIIT group demonstrated significant difference in change of VO _2peak (p = .046, ES = .169) and time to exhaustion (p = .024, ES= .211). Both groups presented significantly higher 6MWT and sit to stand test results at follow-up compared to pre-NACT (p < .05), while the magnitude of change was not significant. HIIT group results demonstrated moderate associations between 6MWT and Physical Functioning (r = −.674, p = .012) and Emotional Functioning (− .567, p = .043). A remotely supervised 6-months HIIT during NACT showed positive effects on submaximal cardiorespiratory fitness, absolute VO _2peak and muscle strength at 18-24 months follow-up. Moderate negative association between 6MWT and perceived physical and emotional functioning highlighted the complex relationship between physiological outcomes and self-reported QoL. The HIIT can be recommended during NACT to maintain prolonged effects on physical health of BC survivors.