British medical bulletin最新文献

{"title":"Determining the minimum number of steps required for reliable kinetic, kinematic, gait variability, and V̇O2 parameters in outdoor running.","authors":"Johnny Padulo, Raffaele Scurati, Simone Baldo, Fabio Esposito, Leonardo Alexandre Peyré-Tartaruga","doi":"10.1093/bmb/ldaf025","DOIUrl":"10.1093/bmb/ldaf025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Outdoor running gait analysis using wearable sensors requires establishing minimum step requirements for reliable parameter measurement.</p><p><strong>Sources of data: </strong>Fourteen trained runners completed 10-minute trials at critical speed. RunScribe™ captured kinetic/kinematic data at 500 Hz. Convergence analysis determined minimum steps when cumulative means stabilized within ±2% for ≥10 consecutive steps.</p><p><strong>Areas of agreement: </strong>Most parameters achieved excellent reliability (ICC > 0.900). Metabolic parameters (V̇O₂: 108 ± 32 steps) and step rate (124 ± 36 steps) converged fastest, while kinematic variables required moderate sampling (stride length: 152 ± 48 steps; contact time: 198 ± 52 steps).</p><p><strong>Areas of controversy: </strong>Complex biomechanical metrics showed substantial variability: leg stiffness (kleg: 342 ± 78 steps; kvert: 298 ± 71 steps) and gait variability (246 ± 12 steps) required substantially more data, challenging brief field assessment feasibility.</p><p><strong>Growing points: </strong>This study establishes parameter-specific sampling protocols for outdoor gait analysis, demonstrating that different measurement domains require tailored data collection strategies to optimize ecological validity.</p><p><strong>Areas timely for developing research: </strong>Future research should examine how speed, terrain, and environmental conditions affect sampling requirements. Adaptive protocols and machine learning approaches offer promising opportunities for optimizing data collection efficiency.</p>","PeriodicalId":9280,"journal":{"name":"British medical bulletin","volume":"157 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145958813","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Promotion of angiogenesis by mesenchymal stem cell exosomes: a new frontier in cutaneous wound healing.","authors":"Mohammad Kalhorniagolkar, Ahmad Oryan, Nicola Maffulli","doi":"10.1093/bmb/ldag003","DOIUrl":"10.1093/bmb/ldag003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in cutaneous wound healing by restoring vascular supply to regenerating tissues. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-exosomes) are emerging as potent acellular mediators of angiogenesis, thanks to their cargo of bioactive molecules and immunomodulatory effects.</p><p><strong>Sources of data: </strong>This review synthesizes recent findings from in vivo and in vitro studies, including preclinical models of diabetic wounds, ischemic injuries, and burn healing. It draws upon peer-reviewed articles published in biomedical journals, with a focus on the mechanisms and efficacy of MSC-exosomes.</p><p><strong>Areas of agreement: </strong>MSC-derived exosomes enhance endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation. Their ability to activate pro-angiogenic signaling pathways, such as Wnt/β-catenin, AKT/eNOS, and angiopoietin/TIE2, is widely accepted. Additionally, their low immunogenicity, enhanced stability, and potential for bioengineered delivery systems are recognized advantages over other angiogenic therapies.</p><p><strong>Areas of controversy: </strong>Challenges persist regarding the standardization of exosome isolation, characterization, and large-scale production. Debate also exists about their long-term safety and therapeutic consistency across MSC sources.</p><p><strong>Growing points: </strong>Incorporation of MSC-exosomes into hydrogels and scaffolds offers promising controlled delivery systems that enhance angiogenic efficacy. Preconditioning MSCs (e.g. with hypoxia or pharmacological agents) further improves the pro-angiogenic potency of exosomes.</p><p><strong>Areas timely for developing research: </strong>Future efforts should prioritize clinical translation by developing GMP-compliant production protocols, optimizing delivery strategies, and conducting rigorous clinical trials to assess safety, dosing, and therapeutic efficacy across diverse wound types.</p>","PeriodicalId":9280,"journal":{"name":"British medical bulletin","volume":"157 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146104043","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Estimation of V̇O2peak and lactate threshold in recreationally active persons through new equations for a modified Åstrand's maximal incremental treadmill test.","authors":"Enzo Iuliano, Stefano Zambelli, Massimiliano Mazzilli, Nicola Maffulli, Johnny Padulo, Pietro Picerno","doi":"10.1093/bmb/ldag006","DOIUrl":"10.1093/bmb/ldag006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The accurate and safe assessment of physiological parameters, such as the highest oxygen consumption (V̇O2peak) and the lactate threshold (LT), plays a crucial role in optimizing training intensity and monitoring long-term progress, ensuring the safety of the trainees.</p><p><strong>Sources of data: </strong>Data were obtained during tests performed by 28 recreationally active young adults with varying levels and types of training. These individuals underwent a modified incremental Åstrand protocol for a treadmill test to exhaustion, during which their V̇O2peak and lactate threshold (Onset of Blood Lactate Accumulation method) were directly assessed.</p><p><strong>Areas of agreement: </strong>Tests to exhaustion are considered valid methods for directly measuring V̇O2peak and determining LT. However, the direct assessment of V̇O2peak and LT requires specific equipment and raises various practical issues.</p><p><strong>Areas of controversy: </strong>Indirect methods for estimating of V̇O2peak and lactate threshold are simpler to use, but these methods are often difficult to generalize or have a high margin of error from the many variables that can affect a subject's V̇O2peak and lactate threshold.</p><p><strong>Growing points: </strong>These results enable estimation of V̇O2peak and LT in apparently healthy young adults engaged in regular physical activity, regardless of their specific training backgrounds.</p><p><strong>Areas timely for developing research: </strong>Future research should focus on developing more precise field-based methods for estimating V̇O2peak and lactate threshold, with lactate threshold presenting particular challenges due to the need for blood sampling equipment.</p>","PeriodicalId":9280,"journal":{"name":"British medical bulletin","volume":"157 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146104091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"How religious engagement shapes performance perception during Ramadan: insights from fasting Tunisian footballers.","authors":"Aymen Yacoubi, Chedlia Fitouri, Samah Kamal, Hejer Ben Jomâa, Imed Latiri, Karim Chamari","doi":"10.1093/bmb/ldag004","DOIUrl":"10.1093/bmb/ldag004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Our study explored how religious ritual engagement during Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) shaped athletes' performance perceptions and adaptive strategies in Tunisian professional football. We compared players who fasted only (G-FNRP) with those who also engaged in additional religious rituals (G-FRP).</p><p><strong>Sources of data: </strong>Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 professional footballers from Tunisia's League 2, divided into G-FRP (n = 10), who combined fasting with additional rituals such as Tarawih, Tahajjud, and Khatm al-Qur'an, and G-FNRP (n = 14), who observed fasting only. Data were analyzed through a reflexive thematic approach, using manual coding and Excel matrices to organize and interpret these players' reported experiences.</p><p><strong>Areas of agreement: </strong>Participants in the G-FRP group perceived religious rituals as a means of improving their spiritual awareness, resilience, and discipline, which they associated with a greater ability to cope with competition-related stress.</p><p><strong>Areas of controversy: </strong>In contrast, participants in the G-FNRP group did not establish a direct link between rituals and performance but rather emphasized perceptions of fatigue, sociocultural pressures, and reduced psychological resources such as motivation.</p><p><strong>Growing points: </strong>We have shown that RIF-related religious rituals could be identity and motivational resources that influence how athletes perceive their ability to cope with performance demands. Understanding these dynamics can help to develop personalized strategies from an inclusive health and human perspective in sport.</p><p><strong>Areas timely for developing research: </strong>Further research should extend to different sports, contexts, populations, and religious ways of fasting.</p>","PeriodicalId":9280,"journal":{"name":"British medical bulletin","volume":"157 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146104122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of dogs on human health in healthcare contexts: a review.","authors":"Eloise Warrilow, Gail Kinman","doi":"10.1093/bmb/ldag005","DOIUrl":"10.1093/bmb/ldag005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Evidence highlights the potential of human-dog relationships to support the health and wellbeing of patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. This review examines the application and impact of dog-assisted interventions (DAIs) in healthcare contexts.</p><p><strong>Sources of data: </strong>A narrative review of research from 2009 to 2025 was conducted utilizing multidisciplinary databases, including, PubMed, MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, Academic Search Complete, ProQuest One Business, and Scopus.</p><p><strong>Areas of agreement: </strong>DAIs have been shown to reduce loneliness, depression, low mood, and anxiety in hospitalized patients; lessen pain perception and improve perceptions of healthcare in children; and reduce burnout, stress, and anxiety among healthcare professionals.</p><p><strong>Areas of controversy: </strong>The increasing use of DAIs in healthcare points to potential benefits, but more high-quality research is required. Research has generally overlooked differing attitudes toward dogs in clinical settings and given little consideration to the animals' own health, welfare, and ethical treatment.</p><p><strong>Growing points: </strong>DAIs may be beneficial, even when brief, with potential to reduce anxiety and strain and enhance job satisfaction, restoration, and reflective practice among healthcare professionals.</p><p><strong>Areas timely for developing research: </strong>Future research should establish causal relationships, recruit balanced samples, incorporate biometric, psychological, and social measures and critically evaluate existing dog visitation programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":9280,"journal":{"name":"British medical bulletin","volume":"157 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146104051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Artificial intelligence-generated marathon training programs: reliable tools in exercise prescription for athletic performance?","authors":"Gianluca Montaruli, Pantelis Theodoros Nikolaidis, Ghazi Racil, Nicola Maffulli, Gian Mario Migliaccio, Johnny Padulo","doi":"10.1093/bmb/ldag010","DOIUrl":"10.1093/bmb/ldag010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Marathon running has evolved into a global phenomenon, with rising participation across age and experience groups. Training for a marathon requires adherence to well-established principles involving pacing, training volume, and periodization. With the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare and fitness, it remains unclear whether AI can reliably prescribe evidence-based training programs for such demanding endurance events.</p><p><strong>Sources of data: </strong>We conducted a descriptive study using outputs from leading AI models: Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Claude 3.5 Haiku (Free), ChatGPT 4.0 (o-model), ChatGPT 0.1, ChatGPT 4 (free), Gemini 2.0 Flash, Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking, and DeepSeek R1. Each was prompted to generate a 6-month marathon training plan tailored to three athlete levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Outputs were compared with peer-reviewed literature on the determinants of marathon training.</p><p><strong>Areas of agreement: </strong>Most AI systems identified key training components: weekly mileage progression, tapering, and intensity distribution (>80% at low intensity), which aligns with current endurance training theory.</p><p><strong>Areas of controversy: </strong>AI responses varied in accuracy and completeness. Some engines omitted key details (e.g. weekly mileage), failed to differentiate clearly between athlete levels (intermediate and advanced have been merged as if they were the same level), or offered inconsistent pacing data, especially for advanced runners. This descriptive analysis evaluated qualitative adherence to evidence-based training principles rather than quantitative outcomes requiring statistical inference.</p><p><strong>Growing points: </strong>AI demonstrates strong potential in accessible, structured training content. When properly prompted, outputs often align with contemporary training principles, though significant limitations regarding personalization and professional oversight necessitate further validation before clinical implementation.</p><p><strong>Areas timely for developing research: </strong>Future studies should evaluate the real-world outcomes of AI-generated programs in randomized trials including the integration of personal physiological data. Inizio moduloFine modulo.</p>","PeriodicalId":9280,"journal":{"name":"British medical bulletin","volume":"157 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146776054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of AI-based interventions in workplace mental health: a systematic review and narrative synthesis.","authors":"Daniel Leightley, Charlotte Williamson, Aleksandra Korbacz, Vasa Curcin, Iain J Marshall, Neil Greenberg","doi":"10.1093/bmb/ldag007","DOIUrl":"10.1093/bmb/ldag007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Workplace mental health is a growing global priority. Traditional approaches to intervention delivery often face barriers of scalability and engagement. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) offer new opportunities for dynamic, personalized support, but their effectiveness and implementation in occupational settings remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Sources of data: </strong>This systematic review included 17 studies published between 2018 and 2024, identified from six databases. Studies were appraised using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 (RoB 2.0) and ROBINS-I tools.</p><p><strong>Areas of agreement: </strong>AI-based interventions, such as chatbot using cognitive behavioural therapy and predictive analytics, show promise for improving worker's mental health, enhancing resilience, and improving engagement. Acceptability was generally high across studies.</p><p><strong>Areas of controversy: </strong>Despite positive findings, intervention maturity remains low, and outcome reporting is inconsistent. Few studies systematically addressed adverse events, rollout scalability, or ethical concerns, and the added value of AI over traditional approaches is uncertain.</p><p><strong>Growing points: </strong>AI interventions may offer flexible, adaptive solutions for improving workplace mental health, with strong engagement indicators. There is a pressing need to support clinicians and occupational health teams in evaluating potentially useful AI tools.</p><p><strong>Areas timely for developing research: </strong>Future research must prioritize high quality randomized trials, long-term follow-up, and real-world implementation studies. Standardized frameworks for reporting effectiveness, harms, and ethical considerations are important for safe, trustable, and sustainable adoption in occupational health.</p>","PeriodicalId":9280,"journal":{"name":"British medical bulletin","volume":"157 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146156372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adiponectin response to high-intensity interval training in overweight and obese individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Saber Saedmocheshi, Ghazi Racil, Aref Mehdipour, Mohamed Tounsi, Yassin Trabelsi, Ehsan Amiri, Gian Mario Migliaccio, Karim Chamari, Nicola Maffulli, Johnny Padulo","doi":"10.1093/bmb/ldag002","DOIUrl":"10.1093/bmb/ldag002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Adipose tissue secretes bioactive substances, adipokines, which affect cardiovascular health. The secretion of adinopectines is associated with decreases in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases risk-factors such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) exerts beneficial effects on cardiometabolic health, but its effect on adipokines is unclear.</p><p><strong>Sources of data: </strong>This systematic review and meta-analysis, aimed to report the effects of HIIT on adiponectin levels in overweight and obese individuals, was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The literature search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The quality of the articles was evaluated using the Downs and Black checklist.</p><p><strong>Areas of agreement: </strong>HIIT training generally did not affect adiponectin levels in overweight and obese individuals. Most likely, this effect can result from the lack of weight loss of the subjects in some studies.</p><p><strong>Areas of controversy: </strong>One notable constraint within the scope of these investigations pertains to the relatively modest sample sizes employed. Consequently, future research endeavours should employ larger cohorts to enhance the generalizability of findings.</p><p><strong>Growing points: </strong>HIIT focused on weight loss and fat percentage may effectively enhance the impact of HIIT on adiponectin levels.</p><p><strong>Areas timely for developing research: </strong>Future research should implement rigorous dietary controls to isolate the independent effects of HIIT on adiponectin modulation.</p><p><strong>Prospero registration: </strong>CRD42024580266.</p>","PeriodicalId":9280,"journal":{"name":"British medical bulletin","volume":"157 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146050455","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cystic echinococcosis (hydatid disease): current insights into epidemiology, diagnosis, therapy, and prophylaxis.","authors":"Moritz Staudacher, Julian Frederic Hotz, Michael Ramharter, Heimo Lagler","doi":"10.1093/bmb/ldag008","DOIUrl":"10.1093/bmb/ldag008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cystic echinococcosis (CE) poses a significant medical and socio-economic burden worldwide, particularly in highly endemic, low-income regions with resource-limited settings, where control efforts are hindered by limited access to diagnostics and appropriate treatment options. In contrast, low prevalence settings, such as high-income countries, often face challenges related to low awareness of the disease, which can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatments including potentially harmful invasive procedures. Therefore, it is recommended that an interdisciplinary approach be adopted to prevent misdiagnosis and treatment failure in CE, a chronic, but mostly benign and preventable zoonosis. This review provides an updated synthesis of current research on CE, focusing on its epidemiology, clinical management, and recommended strategies for improving outcomes in diverse healthcare settings.</p><p><strong>Sources of data: </strong>Published scientific literature in PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases from the year 1980-2025.</p><p><strong>Areas of agreement: </strong>The World Health Organization (WHO) classification system for CE is based on ultrasound to assess cyst activity and size, thus facilitating the correct use of treatment options, including benzimidazole therapy, surgery and/or the PAIR technique.It is imperative to rule out CE before undertaking any invasive diagnostic procedures in order to prevent cystic dissemination.</p><p><strong>Areas of controversy: </strong></p><p><strong>Growing points: </strong>Given the lack of current updated guidelines this review gives a standardized overview over current recommendations for diagnosis and therapy.</p><p><strong>Areas timely for developing research: </strong>There is a need for more accurate, standardized diagnostic protocols and development of effective medical therapy and/or vaccines.</p>","PeriodicalId":9280,"journal":{"name":"British medical bulletin","volume":"157 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146218652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Strength training in the gym versus specific strength training on the bike in young off-road cyclists.","authors":"Domenico Savio Salvatore Vicari, Luca Filipas, Valerio Giustino, Patrik Drid, Antonino Bianco","doi":"10.1093/bmb/ldaf024","DOIUrl":"10.1093/bmb/ldaf024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The benefits of strength training in cyclists are still a topic of debate. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of strength training performed in the gym with specific strength training performed on the bike in young off-road cyclists.</p><p><strong>Sources of data: </strong>Nineteen participants were divided into the following two groups: (i) the group A performed 12 weeks of endurance training combined with two sessions/week of strength training in the gym; (ii) the group B performed 12 weeks of endurance training combined with two sessions/week of specific strength training on the bike. Incremental test, 30 s Wingate test, and countermovement jump test were conducted at pre (T0) and post (T1) training programs.</p><p><strong>Areas of agreement: </strong>The findings are in line with previous research showing that heavy strength training in cyclists has significant improvements in some aerobic and anaerobic performance outcomes. Indeed, our results showed that in the group A, the Mean Power Output (MPO) of the 30 s Wingate test increased significantly between T0 and T1 (P = .002). In the group B, no significant differences were found in the MPO of the 30 s Wingate test between T0 and T1 (P = .276). In the group A, the Maximum Power Achieved (MPA) increased significantly between T0 and T1 (P < .001). In the group B, no significant differences were found in the MPA between T0 and T1 (P = .889).</p><p><strong>Areas of controversy: </strong>Strength training in the gym for cyclists has not been widely investigated, and, in fact, the literature shows conflicting results on the topic, with some research groups highlighting the importance of sport-specific strength training. In this way, in both groups, no significant differences in the vertical jump height between T0 and T1 (P = .331 and P = .184, for groups A and B, respectively) were detected. However, the small sample size and the numerical heterogeneity between males and females in the recruited sample do not allow to generalize findings.</p><p><strong>Growing points: </strong>As the group of cyclists who performed strength training in the gym showed significant improvements, this study suggests integrating heavy strength sessions in the gym into the usual endurance training program.</p><p><strong>Areas timely for developing research: </strong>Further studies should investigate the effectiveness of strength training in the gym both in all off-road cycling categories as well as in other cycling specialities.</p>","PeriodicalId":9280,"journal":{"name":"British medical bulletin","volume":"157 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12763815/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145891998","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}