{"title":"You don't know what you don't know; using high school outreach to improve awareness of bioscience-based careers and higher education","authors":"Christine Greensmith , David Greensmith","doi":"10.1016/j.crphys.2025.100151","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crphys.2025.100151","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>When considering the diversity of students in higher education, an important but frequently overlooked characteristic is socioeconomic background. It is well known that those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to progress to higher education, and accounts for an associated lack of diversity in the STEM workplace. The reasons for this are many and complex, though a lack of awareness of STEM-based education thence career pathways among secondary school learners remains a key contributor. To address this, we designed an adaptable and scalable high school outreach programme that sought to raise STEM (with a focus on bioscience) awareness through events that could be readily adapted to meet high school needs and resource constraints. Learner perceptions were recorded using a pre- and post-event questionnaire. Following the event, awareness of bioscience-based careers and the required prerequisite skills and qualifications were increased by 58 and 53 % respectively. The degree to which learners were considering a bioscience-based career was increased by 43 %. Though interest in attending university to study STEM was unaltered, awareness of the qualifications required to progress to university was increased by 58 %. These findings suggest that outreach events are an effective way to raise general awareness of STEM-based higher education learning thence careers and highlight the importance of tailoring outreach events to meet school and learner needs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72753,"journal":{"name":"Current research in physiology","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100151"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144313362","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}
Tom A.H. Janssen , Caroline V. Lowisz , Stuart Phillips
{"title":"From molecular to physical function: The aging trajectory","authors":"Tom A.H. Janssen , Caroline V. Lowisz , Stuart Phillips","doi":"10.1016/j.crphys.2024.100138","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crphys.2024.100138","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aging is accompanied by a decline in muscle mass, strength, and physical function, a condition known as sarcopenia. Muscle disuse attributed to decreased physical activity, hospitalization, or illness (e.g. sarcopenia) results in a rapid decline in muscle mass in aging individuals and effectively accelerates sarcopenia. Consuming protein at levels above (at least 50–100% higher) the current recommended intakes of ∼0.8 g protein/kg bodyweight/d, along with participating in both resistance and aerobic exercise, will aid in the preservation of muscle mass. Physiological muscle adaptations often accompany the observable changes in physical independence an older adult undergoes. Muscle fibre adaptations include a reduction in type 2 fibre size and number, a loss of motor units, reduced sensitivity to calcium, reduced elasticity, and weak cross-bridges. Mitochondrial function and structure are impaired in relation to aging and are worsened with inactivity and disease states but could be overcome by engaging in exercise. Intramuscular connective tissue adaptations with age are evident in animal models; however, the adaptations in collagenous tissue within human aging are less clear. We know that the satellite muscle cell pool decreases with age, and there is a reduced capacity for muscle repair/regeneration. Finally, a pro-inflammatory state associated with age has detrimental impacts on the muscle. The purpose of this review is to highlight the physiological adaptations driving muscle aging and their potential mitigation with exercise/physical activity and nutrition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72753,"journal":{"name":"Current research in physiology","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100138"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11732118/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142984779","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}
Manoel Rios , Ricardo Cardoso , Victor Machado Reis , Daniel Moreira-Gonçalves , David B. Pyne , Ricardo J. Fernandes
{"title":"Sex-related differences in the acute physiological response to a high-intensity CrossFit® workout","authors":"Manoel Rios , Ricardo Cardoso , Victor Machado Reis , Daniel Moreira-Gonçalves , David B. Pyne , Ricardo J. Fernandes","doi":"10.1016/j.crphys.2025.100148","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crphys.2025.100148","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>CrossFit® is popular form of fitness training but the cardiorespiratory, hemodynamic and metabolic responses have not been well characterised. We compared responses to a short Fran CrossFit® session (consisting of three rounds of 21, 15 and 9 front squat to press overhead and pull-ups) between sexes to evaluate differences in acute exercise effects. Twenty-five (15 males and 10 females) trained participants performed a prescribed Fran session at maximal exertion. Cardiorespiratory variables were assessed at baseline, during and post-exercise. The rating of perceived exertion, blood pressure, blood lactate and glucose concentrations were measured at baseline and in the recovery period. The males completed Fran session in less time (males 177 ± 15 vs females 206 ± 27 s; mean ± SD), resulting in higher peak oxygen uptake values (50.1 ± 3.3 vs 46.4 ± 2.2 mL kg <sup>−1</sup> min <sup>−1</sup>), heart rate (187 ± 6 vs 180 ± 3 b min<sup>−1</sup>) and percentage heart rate (96 ± 3 vs 93 ± 1 %) compared to females. In addition, elevated systolic blood pressure (male 154 ± 8 vs females 149 ± 10 mmHg), double product (27,050 ± 1504 vs 25,999 ± 2253 mmHg b∙min <sup>−1</sup>), blood lactate (15.7 ± 1.7 vs 14.6 ± 2.0 mmol L<sup>−1</sup>) and glucose (132 ± 15 vs 132 ± 14 mg dL<sup>−1</sup>) values were observed in both sexes post-exercise. The substantial metabolic demands associated with a Fran session can yield similar elevations in cardiorespiratory and hemodynamic responses in both sexes, meeting the criteria for developing cardiorespiratory fitness. Complementarily, these results suggest that researchers and coaches can use the Fran session at maximal effort to assess and monitor crossfitters' training status throughout a CrossFit® season, guiding efforts towards excellence in this demanding sport.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72753,"journal":{"name":"Current research in physiology","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100148"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144116877","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":"From acute tubular injury to tubular repair and chronic kidney diseases – KIM-1 as a promising biomarker for predicting renal tubular pathology","authors":"Ping L. Zhang , Ming-Lin Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.crphys.2025.100152","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crphys.2025.100152","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) has emerged as a significant biomarker and mechanistic player in kidney pathology, particularly in acute kidney injury (AKI). Normally absent in healthy kidney proximal tubules, KIM-1 becomes upregulated specifically along the proximal tubule cells' surface in response to acute injury, reflecting the differential vulnerability of convoluted versus straight proximal tubules. Functionally, KIM-1 aids proximal tubules in clearing apoptotic cells and moderating inflammatory responses, thereby helping to prevent excessive immune activation during the early stages of injury. Clinically, KIM-1 is a sensitive, non-invasive biomarker for detecting proximal tubular injury, allowing for assessment in urine, plasma samples, and tissue biopsies in AKI. However, if tubular injury persists without repair, prolonged KIM-1 expression can drive chronic inflammatory responses and interstitial fibrosis, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD). In addition, KIM-1's role may extend further into promoting tubular dedifferentiation, potentially contributing to renal cell carcinoma under certain conditions. Over the past two decades, KIM-1 research has reshaped our understanding of kidney pathophysiology and immunology, spanning acute injury responses to chronic disease progression. This review aims to provide an updated synthesis of recent findings, highlighting KIM-1's role across the spectrum of renal injury and repair.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72753,"journal":{"name":"Current research in physiology","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100152"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144308001","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}
Komal Amar , Matthew Jones , Nathan Connell , Daniel Mayo , Lee Forde , Berna S. Sayan , Ale Lorente-Pons , Rachael N. Magwaza , Andrea Giachino , Niroshini Nirmalan , Sara Namvar
{"title":"Enhancing career development for biomedical sciences Students: Leveraging simulations to support patient-facing careers","authors":"Komal Amar , Matthew Jones , Nathan Connell , Daniel Mayo , Lee Forde , Berna S. Sayan , Ale Lorente-Pons , Rachael N. Magwaza , Andrea Giachino , Niroshini Nirmalan , Sara Namvar","doi":"10.1016/j.crphys.2025.100150","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crphys.2025.100150","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Simulations have become integral to medical education for professions such as nursing and medicine but are still a rare opportunity for students undertaking basic science courses including Biomedical Sciences. Many students undertaking Biomedical Sciences have a strong underlying interest in pursuing careers at the patient bedside. In this regard, Biomedical Science students often hope to secure competitive places on postgraduate courses in medicine, or physician associate studies. At the University of Salford, a significant number of students come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. These students may face additional barriers to academic confidence and a sense of belonging, which can affect their ability to competitively pursue postgraduate opportunities in medicine and related fields. Providing immersive learning experiences, such as clinical simulations, can help bridge this gap by fostering essential skills, increasing confidence, and enhancing employability.</div><div>We set out to design clinical scenarios that would develop transferable skills, especially around patient consultation, teamwork and ethical decision making. Four clinical scenarios were designed and delivered in the University of Salford state-of-the-art simulations suite. Scenarios included a lung cancer patient consultation, decision making around a liver transplant dilemma, a difficult conversation with a parent regarding safeguarding concerns, and finally an escape-game style scenario involving a zombie virus infection. These scenarios involved students becoming familiar with the ethical pillars for clinical decision making, frameworks for patient consultations, and the basics of clinical observations. We evaluated the student experience using a Likert survey.</div><div>Over a two-year period, a total of 60 students took part in the extracurricular simulation, of which 31 agreed to take part in the research survey. Results showed that the experience was largely accessed by students from widening participation backgrounds. In total, 97 % had a positive learning experience, and 100 % enjoyed taking part in the clinical simulation. We found that 90 % of students felt the experience supported the development of communication skills and teamwork, whilst 84 % reported improved employability. Furthermore, 90 % of students in this study would like to see simulation experiences embedded into their programme of study, and 91 % thought that simulations were better than traditional dyadic styles.</div><div>Collectively, these results point to the successful design and delivery of an extracurricular simulated experience and provide evidence to support the need to embed immersive simulated experiences into the curriculum of Biomedical Sciences courses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72753,"journal":{"name":"Current research in physiology","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100150"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144271678","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}
Alessandra Gonçalves da Cruz, Jessica Denielle Matos dos Santos, Ester dos Santos Alves, Anne Raissa Melo dos Santos, Bruna Fantini Trinca, Felipe Nunes de Camargo, Guilherme Fancio Bovolin, João Paulo Camporez
{"title":"Metabolic effects of late-onset estradiol replacement in high-fat-fed ovariectomized mice","authors":"Alessandra Gonçalves da Cruz, Jessica Denielle Matos dos Santos, Ester dos Santos Alves, Anne Raissa Melo dos Santos, Bruna Fantini Trinca, Felipe Nunes de Camargo, Guilherme Fancio Bovolin, João Paulo Camporez","doi":"10.1016/j.crphys.2025.100144","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crphys.2025.100144","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Decreased estrogen levels in postmenopausal women negatively impact metabolic health. It is known that estradiol (E2) replacement can reverse this condition. However, there is no consensus on whether the effects mediated by E2 depend on the starting time of E2 replacement after menopause. We aimed to investigate the effects of different onset E2 treatments on glucose tolerance and metabolic parameters in high-fat-fed ovariectomized mice.</div></div><div><h3>Material and methods</h3><div>Eight-week-old female C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups: SHAM, OVX, and E2, to evaluate three different time points of E2 replacement after ovariectomy: early (after 4 weeks), intermediate (after 12 weeks), and late replacement (after 20 weeks). E2 groups received treatment through subcutaneous pellets.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>E2 replacement improved the parameters analyzed independently of the time since ovariectomy, reducing body weight gain and fat mass, as well as increasing the percentage of lean mass. Glucose intolerance, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and cholesterol levels were also reduced after treatment with E2. In the liver, there was a decrease in triacylglycerol (TAG) deposition, with no difference in the expression of SREBP1 and ERα proteins. In the muscle, there was a decrease in TAG deposition. In periuterine adipose tissue, there was an increase in the expression of SREBP1, FASN, and SCD, with no difference in the expression of ERα.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our findings reinforce the critical role of E2 in regulating both glucose and lipid metabolism and indicate that E2 action on metabolic health was not dependent on time since ovariectomy for the parameters analyzed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72753,"journal":{"name":"Current research in physiology","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100144"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143851979","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":"Protective effect of the Quercetin on experimental cuprizone-induced multiple sclerosis in male C57BL/6 mice","authors":"Samin Ghasemi , Shahin Hassanpour , Razieh Hosseini","doi":"10.1016/j.crphys.2025.100146","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crphys.2025.100146","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to determine protective effect of the Quercetin on experimental cuprizone-induced (CPZ) multiple sclerosis (MS) in Male C57BL/6 mice. Forty male C57BL/6 mice were allocated into 4 experimental groups. Control group received the standard diet. In group 2, mice received a diet containing 0.2 % (w/w) CPZ mixed with ground chow for a duration of 4 weeks (Zhu et al., 2021). In group 3, mice received Quercetin (150 mg/kg) orally every day for 4 weeks. In group 4, mice received a diet with 0.2 % CPZ and Quercetin (150 mg/kg) orally for 4 weeks. After incidence of the sign of the MS reflexive motor behavior and serum antioxidant levels were assessed. Based on the findings, administration of the CPZ significantly decreased ambulation score, number of crosses using OFT (open field test), stay on rotarod, hindlimb foot angle, front- and hindlimb suspension and grip strength (P < 0.05). Quercetin significantly increased ambulation score, number of cross using, stay on rotarod, hindlimb foot angle, front- and hindlimb suspension and grip strength (P < 0.05). Administration of the CPZ significantly increased serum malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) While decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels (P < 0.05). Quercetin significantly decreased serum MDA, TNF-α and IL-1β while increased SOD, GPX and TAS levels (P < 0.05). These results suggested, Quercetin has protective effect against CPZ-induced MS in mice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72753,"journal":{"name":"Current research in physiology","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100146"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144131403","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}
William S. Evans , Yuan Liu , Maria Clara Canellas Da Silva , Harry Zichen Li , Steven J. Prior , Sarah Kuzmiak-Glancy
{"title":"Moderate chronic aortic constriction induces modest, sex-specific effects on rat hearts and skeletal muscle","authors":"William S. Evans , Yuan Liu , Maria Clara Canellas Da Silva , Harry Zichen Li , Steven J. Prior , Sarah Kuzmiak-Glancy","doi":"10.1016/j.crphys.2025.100153","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crphys.2025.100153","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) accounts for ∼50 % of heart failure diagnoses, occurs in older individuals, is more prevalent in females than males, and includes hypertension as contributing factor. We sought to determine whether a long-term, moderate, transverse aortic constriction in male and female rats induces ventricular hypertrophy and preserved ejection fraction, changes in skeletal muscle mass and strength, and sex-specific differences in these outcomes, mimicking HFpEF. Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery was performed on male and female rats at 4 weeks of age, and rats were sacrificed 40 weeks after surgery, following echocardiography and grip strength measures. Male TAC rats demonstrated a 12 % greater heart mass and 17 % higher heart to body mass ratio than Sham rats; however, these parameters did not differ between female TAC and Sham rats. TAC rats demonstrated a preserved ejection fraction, and TAC had no effect on skeletal muscle size or strength. In summary, male rats were more susceptible to TAC-induced pressure-overload hypertrophy than female rats, and this moderate constriction resulted in preserved ejection fraction despite a long time course. Collectively, these investigations reveal, in the absence of comorbidities, pressure overload produces modest, sex-specific effects in the myocardium and skeletal muscle.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72753,"journal":{"name":"Current research in physiology","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100153"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144289177","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}
Matthew Allan Jones , Pika Miklavc , MaryAnne Stewart
{"title":"Enhancing laboratory education through collaborative online international learning: A case study between USA and UK students","authors":"Matthew Allan Jones , Pika Miklavc , MaryAnne Stewart","doi":"10.1016/j.crphys.2025.100141","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crphys.2025.100141","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) has emerged in recent years as an effective and viable alternative to increase the international opportunities within taught curricula. Through recent innovations in online collaboration tools, and elevated demand for international opportunities, there has been a recent increase in the development of COIL opportunities globally across a range of health aligned disciplines. This style of learning has been described as positively contributing to the internationalisation of students and enhancement of their transferable skills. However, there have been no reported COIL opportunities described in the fields of laboratory medicine and biomedicine, likely due to the large practical elements associated with the subjects. This study therefore aims to develop a COIL opportunity that incorporates practical laboratory elements and evaluate the efficacy of this teaching and learning approach.</div><div>A laboratory-based COIL was developed and delivered across two days. Day one was composed of synchronous livestreamed laboratory demonstrations and practical activities, with day two focused on the completion of a time-dependent team-based task. The pedagogical impact of this laboratory-based COIL was evaluated through 1) pre and post surveys and 2) an overall survey utilising Likert scales.</div><div>The laboratory-based COIL was well received by students (n = 34) with the majority enjoying (94.1 %) and learnt a lot (94.1 %) by participating in the session. It also produced highly positive benefits to student confidence (97.1 %), teamworking (100 %), and communication (97.1 %). Pre (n = 46) and Post-analysis (n = 35) revealed significant enhancement of students international education knowledge, international medical practice knowledge, cultural intelligence, social initiative, emotional stability, and work-based flexibility (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Further analysis based on participants international institution revealed significant differences in responses between the two participating cohorts, namely questions relating to cultural intelligence and their confidence of working with cultures unfamiliar to themselves.</div><div>We are the first to report that implementation of laboratory-based COIL opportunities have significant potential in enhancing students' international, cultural and transferable competencies within laboratory and health education. These findings suggest that practical-based COILs are effective methods for preparing students to thrive in a globalized healthcare environment, making a strong case for its continued use and expansion in educational programmes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72753,"journal":{"name":"Current research in physiology","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100141"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143134702","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}
Tyler J. Neltner , Robert W. Smith , Jocelyn E. Arnett , Dolores G. Ortega , Richard J. Schmidt , Dona McCanlies , Terry J. Housh
{"title":"No sex differences in fatigability or neuromuscular responses during one set of maximal intended velocity muscle actions to failure at 30 % one-repetition maximum","authors":"Tyler J. Neltner , Robert W. Smith , Jocelyn E. Arnett , Dolores G. Ortega , Richard J. Schmidt , Dona McCanlies , Terry J. Housh","doi":"10.1016/j.crphys.2025.100149","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crphys.2025.100149","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Traditionally, research using dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) training has focused on self-selected velocities. This study aimed to examine sex differences in fatigability and neuromuscular responses during maximal intended velocity, DCER forearm flexion muscle actions to failure. Fourteen men (mean ± SD; age: 22.9 ± 2.0 yrs) and 13 women (age: 22.9 ± 2.6 yrs) completed one set of forearm flexion muscle actions to failure performing the concentric phase of the repetition at maximal intended velocity (as fast as possible). Electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) signals were recorded from the biceps brachii. The results indicated that men were significantly stronger and more powerful than women, however, there were no sex differences in the number of repetitions to failure (70 ± 18) or reductions in peak force (31 ± 8 %), peak velocity (57 ± 18 %), or peak power (64 ± 17 %). Additionally, there were no sex differences in the neuromuscular responses, which included increases in EMG amplitude (AMP), decreases in EMG mean power frequency (MPF), and no changes in MMG AMP or MPF. The increase in EMG AMP and decrease in EMG MPF, combined with no changes in MMG AMP or MPF, suggested that the decreases in performance were due to excitation contraction coupling failure, rather than a reduction in central drive. Thus, despite the low relative load, the maximal intended velocity muscle actions resulted in similar impairments of contractile function for the men and women that diminished sex differences in fatigability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72753,"journal":{"name":"Current research in physiology","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100149"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144123242","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}