Shanjun Bao

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is frequently complicated by dyslipidemia, which accelerates insulin resistance and the progression of cardiovascular and hepatic diseases. While exercise intervention is a cornerstone of T2DM management, a systems-level understanding of its underlying molecular mechanisms remains incomplete. This article summarizes current evidence to propose that exercise functions as a signaling network regulator, concurrently modulating critical lipid metabolism-related signaling pathways: cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase–protein kinase B (PI3K–AKT), forkhead box O (FOXO), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. We delineate how dysregulation of these signaling pathways contributes to lipid disorders in T2DM, highlighting their tissue-specific and often bidirectional roles. Subsequently, we detail the molecular adaptations induced by various exercise modalities—from aerobic training to high-intensity intervals—that restore homeostasis of this signaling network. By integrating these findings, we present a novel framework for precision exercise—defined as the tailoring of exercise modality, intensity, and volume based on an individual’s predominant signaling pathway disturbance, assessed via circulating or tissue-specific biomarkers. This framework advocates for future exercise prescriptions to be guided by molecular profiling alongside traditional physiological indicators. This mechanistic insight not only deepens our comprehension of exercise physiology but also paves the way for more effective, personalized strategies to combat T2DM and its metabolic complications.

Objective: This study investigated the impact of mental fatigue on the temporal perceptual prediction of action recognition among boxers of different skill levels. Methods: A mixed experimental design of two (groups: Mental Fatigue Expert Group and Mental Fatigue Novice Group) × two (technique types: attack and defense) × three (time shields: −80 ms, −40 ms, and action start) was implemented. Twenty expert and novice boxers participated in this study. Mental fatigue was induced using a 45-min Stroop paradigm, and the effects were assessed using the VAS, Brog-20, BRUMS-F, and BRUMS-V. The experimental procedure for time perception was developed using E-prime 3.0, incorporating 36 videos depicting various attack and defense techniques, and reaction time and accuracy were recorded. Results: (1) A significant main effect on reaction time (RT) was observed (F (1,38) = 5.97, p < 0.05, η² = 0.14) but not on accuracy (ACC), suggesting a pronounced influence of mental fatigue on novice boxers’ temporal perceptual prediction in action recognition; (2) significant main effects of skill types were noted in both RT (F (1,38) = 9.03, p < 0.05, η² = 0.19) and ACC (F (1,38) = 18.496, p < 0.05, η² = 0.327), indicating disparities in the recognition of offensive and defensive skills under mental fatigue; (3) temporal shielding significantly influenced both RT (F (2,76) = 31.42, p < 0.05, η² = 0.45) and ACC (F (2,76) = 125.727, p < 0.05, η² = 0.768), with −80 ms showing a lower RT and ACC compared to −40 ms and action initiation; (4) second-order interaction effects were present in both RT (F (2,76) = 9.85, p < 0.05, η² = 0.21) and ACC (F (2,76) = 8.773, p < 0.05, η² = 0.188), with the RT interaction suggesting a negative impact on perceptual prediction at −80 ms and a faster offensive RT than defensive RT. The ACC interaction indicated that under mental fatigue, −40 ms approached and exceeded −80 ms in both offensive and defensive actions, with higher ACC in offense than defense; and (5) a third-order interaction effect among group, technique type, and time shielding on RT (F (2,76) = 3.92, p < 0.05, η² = 0.09) suggests that mental fatigue more significantly affects novice defensive technique RT than offensive technique. Conclusions: (1) The 45-min Stroop task effectively induced mental fatigue. (2) Mental fatigue negatively impacts both expert and novice boxers, with a more pronounced effect on experts’ defensive skills. (3) The −40 ms time perception is crucial for predicting action recognition as it approaches action initiation.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of combined supplementation with Rhodiola rosea (RHO) and caffeine (CAF) on the explosive power and sustained output capacity of lead and rear straight punches in both untrained and trained volunteers, with a focus on potential synergistic effects. Methods: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design was employed, enrolling 96 participants (48 untrained, 48 trained). Participants were stratified and randomly assigned to the control (CTR), CAF, RHO, or CAF+RHO group. All subjects completed an 8-week standardized boxing training program (twice per week). Punch performance was assessed using professional boxing equipment and a biomechanical testing system, evaluating lead and rear straight punches, ground reaction force (GRF), and a 30 s continuous punching test. Results: the CAF+RHO group showed significant improvements in both untrained and trained volunteers. Com-pared to the RHO group, this group demonstrated higher lead punch velocity, shorter bi-lateral peak force time during rear punches, and more punches in the 30 s test (p < 0.05). Compared to the CAF group, the CAF+RHO group exhibited greater rear punch force, higher bilateral peak force during lead punches, increased forefoot peak force in rear punches, and improved 30 s power output (p < 0.05). The CAF+RHO group also outperformed the CTR group across all parameters (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Combined supple mentation with CAF and RHO significantly enhances both explosive power and sustained output in boxing performance. This may result from improved energy metabolism efficiency and neuromuscular coordination, providing a promising nutritional strategy for high-intensity intermittent exercise.