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Gut-Muscle AxisExists and May Affect Skeletal Muscle Adaptation to Training.
Przewłócka, K, Folwarski, M, Kaźmierczak-Siedlecka, K, Skonieczna-Żydecka, K, Kaczor, JJ
Nutrients. 2020;(5)
Abstract
Excessive training may limit physiological muscle adaptation through chronic oxidative stress and inflammation. Improper diet and overtraining may also disrupt intestinal homeostasis and in consequence enhance inflammation. Altogether, these factors may lead to an imbalance in the gut ecosystem, causing dysregulation of the immune system. Therefore, it seems to be important to optimize the intestinal microbiota composition, which is able to modulate the immune system and reduce oxidative stress. Moreover, the optimal intestinal microbiota composition may have an impact on muscle protein synthesis and mitochondrial biogenesis and function, as well as muscle glycogen storage. Aproperly balanced microbiome may also reduce inflammatory markers and reactive oxygen species production, which may further attenuate macromolecules damage. Consequently, supplementation with probiotics may have some beneficial effect on aerobic and anaerobic performance. The phenomenon of gut-muscle axis should be continuously explored to function maintenance, not only in athletes.
2.
Exercise and immune system as modulators of intestinal microbiome: implications for the gut-muscle axis hypothesis.
Ticinesi, A, Lauretani, F, Tana, C, Nouvenne, A, Ridolo, E, Meschi, T
Exercise immunology review. 2019;:84-95
Abstract
Exercise is a possible modulator of intestinal microbiome composition, since some investigations have shown that it is associated with increased biodiversity and representation of taxa with beneficial metabolic functions. Conversely, training to exhaustion can be associated with dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiome, promoting inflammation and negative metabolic consequences. Gut microbiota can, in turn, influence the pathophysiology of several distant organs, including the skeletal muscle. A gut-muscle axis may in fact regulate muscle protein deposition and muscle function. In older individuals, this axis may be involved in the pathogenesis of muscle wasting disorders through multiple mechanisms, involving transduction of pro-anabolic stimuli from dietary nutrients, modulation of inflammation and insulin sensitivity. The immune system plays a fundamental role in these processes, being influenced by microbiome composition and at the same time contributing to shape microbial communities. In this review, we summarize the most recent literature acquisitions in this field, disentangling the complex relationships between exercise, microbiome, immune system and skeletal muscle function and proposing an interpretative framework that will need verification in future studies.
3.
Do We Need a Cool-Down After Exercise? A Narrative Review of the Psychophysiological Effects and the Effects on Performance, Injuries and the Long-Term Adaptive Response.
Van Hooren, B, Peake, JM
Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.). 2018;(7):1575-1595
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Abstract
It is widely believed that an active cool-down is more effective for promoting post-exercise recovery than a passive cool-down involving no activity. However, research on this topic has never been synthesized and it therefore remains largely unknown whether this belief is correct. This review compares the effects of various types of active cool-downs with passive cool-downs on sports performance, injuries, long-term adaptive responses, and psychophysiological markers of post-exercise recovery. An active cool-down is largely ineffective with respect to enhancing same-day and next-day(s) sports performance, but some beneficial effects on next-day(s) performance have been reported. Active cool-downs do not appear to prevent injuries, and preliminary evidence suggests that performing an active cool-down on a regular basis does not attenuate the long-term adaptive response. Active cool-downs accelerate recovery of lactate in blood, but not necessarily in muscle tissue. Performing active cool-downs may partially prevent immune system depression and promote faster recovery of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. However, it is unknown whether this reduces the likelihood of post-exercise illnesses, syncope, and cardiovascular complications. Most evidence indicates that active cool-downs do not significantly reduce muscle soreness, or improve the recovery of indirect markers of muscle damage, neuromuscular contractile properties, musculotendinous stiffness, range of motion, systemic hormonal concentrations, or measures of psychological recovery. It can also interfere with muscle glycogen resynthesis. In summary, based on the empirical evidence currently available, active cool-downs are largely ineffective for improving most psychophysiological markers of post-exercise recovery, but may nevertheless offer some benefits compared with a passive cool-down.
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Selected In-Season Nutritional Strategies to Enhance Recovery for Team Sport Athletes: A Practical Overview.
Heaton, LE, Davis, JK, Rawson, ES, Nuccio, RP, Witard, OC, Stein, KW, Baar, K, Carter, JM, Baker, LB
Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.). 2017;(11):2201-2218
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Abstract
Team sport athletes face a variety of nutritional challenges related to recovery during the competitive season. The purpose of this article is to review nutrition strategies related to muscle regeneration, glycogen restoration, fatigue, physical and immune health, and preparation for subsequent training bouts and competitions. Given the limited opportunities to recover between training bouts and games throughout the competitive season, athletes must be deliberate in their recovery strategy. Foundational components of recovery related to protein, carbohydrates, and fluid have been extensively reviewed and accepted. Micronutrients and supplements that may be efficacious for promoting recovery include vitamin D, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, creatine, collagen/vitamin C, and antioxidants. Curcumin and bromelain may also provide a recovery benefit during the competitive season but future research is warranted prior to incorporating supplemental dosages into the athlete's diet. Air travel poses nutritional challenges related to nutrient timing and quality. Incorporating strategies to consume efficacious micronutrients and ingredients is necessary to support athlete recovery in season.