European Journal of Translational Myology最新文献

{"title":"Traditional Chinese medicine for pediatric adenoidal hypertrophy: effects on pharyngeal muscle dysfunction based on Qi deficiency and blood stasis.","authors":"Hao Ling, Mingyue Jiang, Jiani Wu, Wang Yawei, Xianzhi Ren, Chenchen Ye","doi":"10.4081/ejtm.2026.14793","DOIUrl":"10.4081/ejtm.2026.14793","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adenoidal Hypertrophy (AH) in children is commonly accompanied by chronic oral respiration, which may lead to abnormal tension of the perioral muscle groups and persistent upper airway dysfunction. From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these manifestations are closely associated with Qi deficiency and blood stasis. This study summarizes clinical experience in treating AH by correcting oral respiration-induced perioral muscle tension based on this theoretical framework. A retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with AH was conducted. Clinical manifestations included habitual oral respiration, mouth opening, altered perioral muscle tension, and recurrent nasal obstruction. TCM interventions aimed at tonifying qi and promoting blood circulation were administered according to syndrome differentiation. Changes in respiratory patterns, perioral muscle tension, and AH-related symptoms were evaluated before and after treatment. Meta-analysis showed that the overall effectiveness rate was significantly higher in the TCM group compared with control treatments (OR = 4.41, 95% CI: 2.45-7.93, P < 0.001). TCM treatment targeting qi deficiency and blood stasis may effectively correct oral respiration-induced perioral muscle tension and improve clinical symptoms of adenoidal hypertrophy in children. These findings support the potential role of integrating TCM with conventional management strategies, while further controlled studies are needed to confirm efficacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":46459,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Translational Myology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148983806","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Postoperative rehabilitation strategies and facial nerve recovery after cerebellopontine angle tumor surgery.","authors":"Sargis Yeghunyan, Tigran Petrosyan, Andriy Smolanka, Koryun Vahanyan, Ruben Fanarjyan, Mamikon Yeghunyan","doi":"10.4081/ejtm.2026.14835","DOIUrl":"10.4081/ejtm.2026.14835","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Facial nerve injury remains a challenging complication of Cerebellopontine Angle (CPA) tumor surgery, often resulting in prolonged functional impairment. The present study aimed to examine the association between different postoperative rehabilitation strategies and long-term clinical and electrophysiological recovery following facial nerve reconstruction. We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study including adult patients who underwent CPA tumor resection with intraoperatively confirmed facial nerve injury requiring reconstructive intervention between 2018 and 2023. Based on rehabilitation approaches applied in routine clinical practice, patients were classified into three groups: standard postoperative therapy, standard therapy combined with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), and a multimodal rehabilitation strategy integrating TENS with targeted pharmacological support. Clinical follow-up extended to 12 months. Facial nerve function was evaluated using the House-Brackmann scale, Yanagihara system, Sunnybrook Facial Grading System, and Facial Disability Index, alongside surface and needle electromyographic parameters. Multivariable analyses were performed to account for demographic, tumor-related, surgical, and baseline functional factors. All groups demonstrated progressive improvement in facial nerve function over the follow-up period. Patients receiving rehabilitation protocols that included TENS exhibited greater improvements across clinical grading scales and electrophysiological measures compared with those receiving standard therapy alone. The multimodal rehabilitation group showed the largest magnitude of functional recovery, reflected by improved facial symmetry, voluntary movement, patient-reported physical and social function, and more favorable electromyographic patterns. These associations remained consistent after adjustment for potential confounders. In this retrospective cohort, postoperative rehabilitation strategies incorporating electrical stimulation were associated with enhanced functional and electrophysiological recovery after facial nerve reconstruction. Multimodal rehabilitation approaches may offer added translational value in clinical neurorehabilitation following CPA tumor surgery. Prospective studies are warranted to further refine and validate optimized rehabilitation protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":46459,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Translational Myology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13389615/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147356403","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The role of the sphenoid bone in the connection between the temporal-mandible-tongue-hyoid system and the cervical spine.","authors":"Giuseppe Messina","doi":"10.4081/ejtm.2026.14947","DOIUrl":"10.4081/ejtm.2026.14947","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The cranio-cervical-mandibular system is a functional complex whose understanding has evolved significantly, moving from a purely mechanical model to an integrated view that includes myofascial and postural interdependencies. Recent studies, particularly the work of Messina, have led to the definition of the Temporal-Mandible-Tongue-Hyoid (TMTH) system, a biomechanical unit in which the temporal bone acts as a fulcrum. This article aims to analyze the often-underestimated role of the sphenoid bone as a key element of anatomical and functional connection between the TMTH system and the upper cervical spine. Through its direct articulations with the occiput and temporal bone, and its muscular connections with the mandible, the sphenoid emerges as a biomechanical bridge that may transmit and modulate forces between the stomatognathic system and the vertebral column, potentially influencing cranio-cervical posture. This perspective suggests that a holistic diagnostic and therapeutic approach, inclusive of the sphenoid, is crucial for effectively managing cranio-cervical-mandibular disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":46459,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Translational Myology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13389612/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147515609","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Early rehabilitation after total hip or knee joint replacement: a narrative review.","authors":"Manca Opara Zupančič, Žiga Kozinc, Helmut Kern, Klaus Hohenstein, Stefan Löfler, Nejc Šarabon","doi":"10.4081/ejtm.2026.15153","DOIUrl":"10.4081/ejtm.2026.15153","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>When conservative treatment of osteoarthritis is not effective, patients may undergo total joint replacement. Postoperative rehabilitation is a crucial component of recovery, and early rehabilitation plays a particularly important role in optimizing outcomes, with the aim of enabling patients to return to independence and work as soon as possible. The aim of this paper is to summarize the role of early rehabilitation after total knee and hip joint replacement, including its main goals, key components, optimal timing, potential risks, and the evidence comparing early with delayed rehabilitation. Current evidence indicates that early inpatient rehabilitation contributes to faster recovery of mobility, improved joint range of motion and muscle strength, fewer postoperative complications, and shorter hospital stays. Early outpatient rehabilitation initiated soon after discharge may further support recovery by increasing daily physical activity, improving joint mobility, and reducing rehabilitation costs. Although some studies report similar clinical outcomes between early and delayed physiotherapy, earlier initiation may allow patients to achieve comparable functional recovery sooner. Overall, early rehabilitation represents a safe and effective approach that should be integrated into standard postoperative care pathways.</p>","PeriodicalId":46459,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Translational Myology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13389665/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148057579","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of a 12-week time-of-day-specific concurrent resistance-aerobic training on muscle strength, bone mass and functional performance in elderly women.","authors":"Gabriela Šašovová, Barbora Kundeková, Ľudmila Oreská, Michal Střelecký, Milan Sedliak, Monika Okuliarová, Michal Zeman, Zdenko Kilinger, Juraj Payer, Viktor Oliva","doi":"10.4081/ejtm.2026.14719","DOIUrl":"10.4081/ejtm.2026.14719","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Diurnal strength fluctuations and the effects of time-of-day-specific training are well-documented in young adults but unclear in elderly women. This study investigated the effects of time-of-day-specific concurrent resistance-aerobic training on muscle strength, bone mass, and functional performance in elderly women. Twenty-six women (65-85 years) were randomized into morning (MTG), afternoon (ATG) and control (CON) groups. Training groups completed 12 weeks of concurrent resistance-aerobic training (3 sessions/week, factor of time). Outcomes included maximal knee extension torque (measured AM/PM, factor of test time), bone mineral density (DXA), and functional tests (30-s chair stand, Five Times Sit-to-Stand and Maximal gait speed). Analysis of strength confirmed a preserved diurnal rhythm, with morning performance deficit present (test time: p=0.0129). The group and time factors interaction approached significance (p=0.0624), further test showed that only ATG differed significantly from the CON, with broader improvement than MTG. The functional performance significantly improved in all tests (p<0.0001, p=0.0002, p=0.0200, respectively) compared to baseline, with no difference between groups. The bone mass parameters remained unchanged. The time-of-day-specific concurrent training improved strength and functional performance in both training groups with afternoon training producing superior strength gains compared to morning training. Unchanged bone parameters suggest longer interventions might be needed for osteogenic effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":46459,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Translational Myology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13389668/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147311127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Changes in physical performance with aging in master athletes and in the general population: an update.","authors":"Medhi Hassani, Alessandra Renzini, Lam Nguyen, Dario Coletti","doi":"10.4081/ejtm.2026.14884","DOIUrl":"10.4081/ejtm.2026.14884","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>One of the fundamental biological processes underlying aging is the decline in physical performance. Sarcopenia, dynapenia, chronic inflammation, and other factors including the loss of motor units largely account for this decline. Master athletes-individuals who train and compete well beyond early adulthood-represent a valuable model for studying healthy aging. In the general population, physical performance follows a characteristic lifespan trajectory, increasing from childhood to a peak in early adulthood and progressively declining with aging due to a reduction in muscle mass and quality, and in multisystem physiological functions. The seminal studies by Gava and colleagues on master athletes indicate that, under ideal conditions of being disease-free or injury-free, performance loss of these athletes follows an attenuated, linear fashion from early adulthood into advanced age. While lifelong training cannot halt age-related physiological deterioration, it can attenuate the rate of functional decline in cardiovascular, neurocognitive, and musculoskeletal functions. From a sex-based perspective, males demonstrate an absolute advantage in power and strength compared to females, whereas differences in endurance performance are smaller. With age, the physical performance gap between the two sexes tends to narrow, particularly in endurance disciplines. Overall, the master athlete model supports the concept that aging-related performance decay follows predictable biological rules, while its rate remains highly modifiable through sustained physical activity. These insights have important implications for exercise prescription, preventive strategies, and healthy aging.</p>","PeriodicalId":46459,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Translational Myology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13389671/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147934462","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of foot fixation on muscle activation and power output during the Wingate test in cyclists.","authors":"Matúš Putala, Simon Brunovský, Gabriel Buzgó, Viktor Oliva","doi":"10.4081/ejtm.2026.14638","DOIUrl":"10.4081/ejtm.2026.14638","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined the effect of simulated foot fixation on neuromuscular activation and power output during a 30-second isokinetic Wingate-type test in trained cyclists. Sixteen well-trained male cyclists and triathletes completed two randomized crossover trials under distinct pedal-foot interface conditions: fixed-foot, using standard athletic shoes secured to flat pedals with elastic bandage to restrict vertical movement, and free-foot, using standard shoes without fixation. Surface Electromyography (sEMG) was recorded from the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and tibialis anterior to quantify muscle activation, while an isokinetic ergometer continuously measured mechanical power. Compared with the free-foot condition, simulated fixation produced significantly higher peak power (1365.3±153.5 W vs. 1299.0±150.7 W, p=0.016, d=0.68) and mean power (900.6±88.4 W vs. 838.3±98.3 W, p <0.001, d=1.35), but also a greater fatigue index (47.8±8.0% vs. 37.2±8.5%, p <0.001, d=1.25). Integrated EMG (iEMG) values increased across all monitored muscles, particularly in the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and tibialis anterior, indicating altered neuromuscular coordination and enhanced activation of biarticular and stabilizing muscles. These findings suggest that mechanical stabilization of the foot-pedal interface enhances torque transmission and short-term power generation but concurrently accelerates fatigue development due to elevated neuromuscular and metabolic demands. The results emphasize a trade-off between instantaneous performance gains and fatigue progression, relevant for interpreting Wingate-type tests and optimizing sprint-specific cycling training and equipment configurations.</p>","PeriodicalId":46459,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Translational Myology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13389669/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146203373","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acute and chronic kidney injury following COVID-19 infection and vaccination: a narrative review.","authors":"Seyed Hassan Saadat, Mohammad Javanbakht, Hossein Amini, Mahboubeh Rouhollahei, Luca Cegolon, Behzad Einollahi","doi":"10.4081/ejtm.2026.14902","DOIUrl":"10.4081/ejtm.2026.14902","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This narrative review examines acute and chronic kidney injury following COVID-19 infection and vaccination, discussing the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells through the ACE2 receptor - highly expressed in renal tissues - facilitating the viral invasion. Viral RNA has been detected in the urine of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, suggesting direct renal involvement. The incidence of Acute Kidney Injuriy (AKI) among hospitalized COVID-19 patients was particularly higher in the early stages of the pandemic and largely varied by 29%-46%, depending on population studied and COVID-19 wave. Pathological findings include Acute Tubular Injury (ATI), collapsing glomerulopathy, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Major risk factors for AKI comprise older age, male sex, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and preexisting Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). AKI significantly increases mortality of COVID-19 patients, particularly in advanced stages of renal failure. CKD is also associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes, including increased hospitalization, intensive care admission, and mortality. Patients with CKD show a dose-dependent relationship between disease stage and adverse patient outcomes. This review further addresses renal complications following COVID-19 vaccination, which, although rare, encompass various immune-mediated glomerular diseases. Minimal Change Disease (MCD) is most frequently reported after COVID-19 vaccination, followed by IgA nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) nephritis, and ANCA-associated vasculitis. These conditions commonly present with hematuria, proteinuria, or nephrotic syndrome, and many respond to corticosteroid or immunosuppressive therapy. Other less frequent renal complications include thrombotic microangiopathy, acute tubulointerstitial nephritis, and IgG4-related nephritis. In conclusion, both COVID-19 infection and vaccination can be associated with a spectrum of renal manifestations ranging from AKI to CKD and immune-mediated glomerulopathies. Awareness, early detection, and multidisciplinary management are essential to reduce renal morbidity and improve patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":46459,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Translational Myology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13389666/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148228649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Infection prevention in total knee arthroplasty: current concepts, controversies, and a clinical algorithm.","authors":"Giuseppe Rovere, Francesco Bosco, Claudia Cuttaia, Ludovico Lucenti, Luigi Meccariello, Michele Mercurio, Andrea Fidanza, Lara Cristiano, Giuseppe Marongiu, Amarildo Smakaj, Domenico De Mauro, Andrea Perna, Pasquale Farsetti, Fernando De Maio, Lawrence Camarda","doi":"10.4081/ejtm.2026.15177","DOIUrl":"10.4081/ejtm.2026.15177","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Periprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI) remains one of the most serious and challenging complications following Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), with a substantial impact on patient outcomes and healthcare systems. Despite advances in surgical techniques and perioperative management, the incidence of PJI has not significantly declined, highlighting the need for more effective preventive strategies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and clinically oriented overview of current infection prevention strategies in TKA, with a particular focus on risk stratification, perioperative optimization, and the development of a practical clinical algorithm to guide decision-making. A narrative review of the literature was conducted using major medical databases to identify relevant studies on PJI prevention in TKA. Priority was given to recent systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and high-quality clinical studies addressing patient-related risk factors, intraoperative measures, and postoperative management. PJI is a multifactorial complication influenced by the interaction between patient-related, surgical, and postoperative factors. Modifiable risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, malnutrition, and smoking play a pivotal role and should be optimized preoperatively. Intraoperative strategies, including strict aseptic technique, appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis, and minimization of operative time, are essential to reduce contamination risk. Postoperative measures focusing on wound management, hematoma prevention, and early detection of complications further contribute to infection prevention. Several aspects remain controversial, including the role of laminar airflow systems, antibiotic-loaded bone cement in primary TKA, and optimal decolonization strategies for Staphylococcus aureus. Effective prevention of PJI requires a structured, multimodal approach integrating all phases of care. Risk stratification enables personalized preventive strategies and improved perioperative planning. The clinical algorithm proposed in this review provides a practical framework to support decision-making and may help standardize infection prevention pathways. Future research should focus on validating risk-based approaches and emerging technologies to further reduce the burden of PJI in TKA.</p>","PeriodicalId":46459,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Translational Myology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13389670/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148018129","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acute beetroot juice supplementation improves selected physical performance parameters, but not cardiovascular responses in healthy older women: a randomized clinical trial.","authors":"Sofia Gaos, Michelle Matos-Duarte, Sandra Ortiz, Daniel Ramasco, Alejandro Muñoz, Millán Aguilar-Navarro, Miguel López-Moreno, Julio Martín-López, Marta González-Ramos, Luis Berlanga, Per Aagaard, Álvaro López Samanes","doi":"10.4081/ejtm.2026.14984","DOIUrl":"10.4081/ejtm.2026.14984","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Aging is associated with declines in muscle strength and functional capacity, driven by both neuromuscular and cardiovascular changes. In parallel, ageing is accompanied by reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and potentially a reduced efficacy of the nitrate (NO₃-)-nitrite (NO₂-)-NO pathway, a route for NO generation that supports vascular and skeletal-muscle function. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the effects of acute ingestion of 70 mL of nitrate-rich beetroot juice (6.4 mmol NO₃-) versus 70 mL placebo (0.04 mmol NO₃-) on strength and functional performance in healthy older women aged between 70-80 years. Nine healthy women (75.4±4.0 years) participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover experiment. Participants completed a physical performance test consisting of 6-m walk test, isometric handgrip strength (i.e., dominant and non-dominant hand), Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUG), and sit-to-stand (STS) muscle power test along with cardiovascular assessments (systolic/diastolic blood pressure, heart rate response and 6-minutes' walk performance) after ingesting either 70 mL of beetroot juice (6.4 mmol NO₃-) or 70 mL of placebo (0.04 mmol NO₃-) in a randomized order. Beetroot juice ingestion resulted in significant improvement vs. placebo in isometric dominant handgrip strength (9.6%, p=0.046, ES=0.78), with no changes observed in the non-dominant hand (1.2%, p=0.553, ES=0.11). No differences were found in beetroot juice vs placebo for 6-m walk performance (-3.3%, p=0.306, ES=-0.19), TUG (-5.0%, p=0.225, ES=-0.17), STS leg extensor muscle power (5.0%, p=0.121, ES=-0.25), or 6-minute walk performance (-7.7%, p=0.110, ES=-0.48). Acute ingestion of nitrate-rich beetroot juice led to increased isometric handgrip strength in healthy older women, with no significant effects observed in functional performance (TUG), lower limb STS power, cardiovascular responses, or short-term (6-m) as well as long-term (6-min) walking performance compared with placebo conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":46459,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Translational Myology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13389662/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148259890","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}