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PURPOSE: In the present study, we examined how a 4-week intervention of maximal intended velocity (MIVRT) and controlled velocity resistance training (CRT)-induced task-specific responses in expert individuals. METHODS: Twenty elite athletes were randomly assigned to either a MIVRT (n = 10) or CRT (n = 10) group, both following the same volume-load training based on the back-squat three times a week but with different intentions in moving load (force-exertion speed). We assessed one-repetition maximum (1RM), mean propulsive velocity (MPV), and mean propulsive power (MPP) using a progressive-loading test before and after the intervention. A linear position transducer was used to monitor propulsive velocity in training and testing sessions. RESULTS: Both groups significantly increased their 1RM (CRT: + 12.3%, p < 0.001, d = 0.39; MIVRT: + 12.5%, p < 0.001, d = 0.45). Only the MIVRT group showed a significant improvement in MPV (p < 0.01) across different stepping loads, while both groups improved in MPP (MIVRT: + 22.4%, p < 0.001, d = 0.54; CRT: + 8.1%, p = 0.04, d = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: MIVRT induced significant adaptations in MPV and MPP at various loads (%1RM), underlining its specificity in targeting these parameters. Despite similar enhancements in 1RM, the distinct training protocols suggest that strength gains may stem from either maximal intent in moving loads or longer times under tension. This study highlights the role of execution speed in optimizing power outcomes, emphasizing task specificity as paramount to elicit physiological adaptations in chronically strength-trained individuals.

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This study aimed to critically evaluate the information provided by ChatGPT on the role of lactate in fatigue and muscle pain during physical exercise. We inserted the prompt: "What is the cause of fatigue and pain during exercise?" using ChatGPT versions 3.5 and 4o. In both versions, ChatGPT associated muscle fatigue with glycogen depletion and "lactic acid" accumulation, while pain was linked to processes such as inflammation and microtrauma. We deepened the investigation with ChatGPT 3.5, implementing user feedback to question the accuracy of the information about lactate. The response was then reformulated, involving a scientific debate about the true role of lactate in physical exercise and debunking the idea that it is the primary cause of muscle fatigue and pain. We also utilized the creation of a "well-crafted prompt", which included persona identification and thematic characterization, resulting in much more accurate information in both the ChatGPT 3.5 and 4o models, presenting a range of information from the physiological process of lactate to its true role in physical exercise. The results indicated that the accuracy of the responses provided by ChatGPT can vary depending on the data available in its database and, more importantly, on how the question is formulated. Therefore, it is indispensable that educators guide their students in the processes of managing the AI tool to mitigate risks of misinformation.

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Exercise physiology and circadian biology are distinct and long-standing fields. Recently they have seen increased integration, largely due to the discovery of the molecular components of the circadian clock and recognition of human exercise performance differences over time-of-day. Circadian clocks, ubiquitous in cells, regulate a daily tissue specific program of gene expression that contribute to temporal patterns of physiological functions over a 24-h cycle. Understanding how circadian clock function in skeletal muscle, as well as other tissues contribute to exercise performance is still in the very early stages. This review provides background on this emerging field with a review of early exercise and time-of-day studies in both human and animals. We then move into the role of the circadian clock and its daily program of gene expression in skeletal muscle with a focus on specific metabolic and physiological outputs that vary over time-of-day. Lastly, we discuss the recognition that the timing of exercise communicates with the skeletal muscle circadian clock to adjust its phase settings and why this maybe important for performance and health.

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Benjamin Bloom published his Taxonomy of Educational Objectives in 1956 [1] to help educators develop learning objectives for teaching. Since then, several modifications have been made to adapt Bloom's taxonomy to various uses and disciplines [2-4]. Introduction of the idea: As social constructivist educators, the authors of this article felt the need to adjust Bloom's taxonomy to match the unique characteristics of team-based learning (TBL) in physiology courses. Outcomes: Here, we are introducing the use of TBL for teaching physiology in undergraduate physiology courses that could be easily translated into other disciplines. Additionally, we are introducing the Diamond Framework for TBL, a modified Bloom's taxonomy to guide the writing of measurable learning outcomes and create assignments to help students apply their new knowledge and skills.

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Introduction: Research investigating the physiological demands of dance performance has documented exercise intensity and time spent in work and rest; however, available data are across limited dance genres and often use rehearsal or simulated conditions. Real-time data recorded during live performance with an audience are limited. The aim of the study is to provide a detailed description of the physiological demands of live professional Irish dance performance. Method: The entire Irish dance cast of Riverdance participated in the study (n = 24). Approval was granted by the Institutional Research Ethics Committee. Matinee and evening performances on the first day of a tour were examined in a descriptive, cross-sectional design. Heart rate (HR) monitors worn discretely under costumes recorded data every 5-seconds. Video analysis allowed calculation of time spent in work and rest. All descriptive analyses were split by role (troupe/lead) and sex (male/female). Results: Dancers worked at hard/very hard intensities (mean > 72%, peak > 91% HRmax) for ~3 minutes at a time for 3-9 individual dance numbers. There was a high variation in overall demand experienced by individual dancers due to variation in both duration and intensity of on-stage time, dependent upon their role. Mean total on-stage time was 18.18 ± 5.82 minutes, 19.43 ± 5.80 minutes, 29.71 ± 0.62 minutes, 20.00 ± 0.00 minutes for male troupe, female troupe, male lead, and female lead dancers, respectively. Recovery periods were varied in terms of duration, activity undertaken, and HR response. Conclusion: Individual dance numbers within a professional Irish dance show were high intensity for a short duration when considered in isolation, but overall physiological demand experienced by any one dancer across the entire show varied dependent upon their role and off-stage/recovery practices. Future research investigating the physiological demands of dance performance should ensure analysis accounts for the individual dancer's role and should capture the entire show duration in repeated exposures.

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This study examined the acute effects of exercise testing on immunology markers, established blood-based biomarkers, and questionnaires in endurance athletes, with a focus on biological sex differences. Twenty-four healthy endurance-trained participants (16 men, age: 29.2± 7.6 years, maximal oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O 2 max ): 59.4 ± 7.5 ml · min-1 · kg-1; 8 women, age: 26.8 ± 6.1 years, V ˙ O 2 max : 52.9 ± 3.1 ml · min-1 · kg-1) completed an incremental submaximal exercise test and a ramp test. The study employed exploratory bioinformatics analysis: mixed ANOVA, k-means clustering, and uniform manifold approximation and projection, to assess the effects of exhaustive exercise on biomarkers and questionnaires. Significant increases in biomarkers (lymphocytes, platelets, procalcitonin, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells, cell-free DNA (cfDNA)) and fatigue were observed post-exercise. Furthermore, differences pre- to post-exercise were observed in cytokines, cfDNA, and other blood biomarkers between male and female participants. Three distinct groups of athletes with differing proportions of females (Cluster 1: 100% female, Cluster 2: 85% male, Cluster 3: 37.5% female and 65.5% male) were identified with k-means clustering. Specific biomarkers (e.g., interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-10, and IL-13, as well as cfDNA) served as primary markers for each cluster, potentially informing individualized exercise responses. In conclusion, our study identified exercise-sensitive biomarkers and provides valuable insights into the relationships between biological sex and biomarker responses.

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Introducción: El método de calistenia gimnástica se configura como una modalidad de ejercicios específicos que involucra la adopción de posturas artificiales a través de movimientos particulares. Estos movimientos están diseñados para producir efectos higiénicos y educativos claramente definidos. Esta modalidad de ejercicio guarda notables similitudes con el modus operandi de los vocalise en la pedagogía vocal. Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo es investigar las relaciones potenciales entre los principios técnico-científicos que guían el sistema de calistenia gimnástica y los principios técnico-pedagógicos que rigen los ejercicios vocales realizados por cantantes durante su proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Asimismo, se busca explorar las conexiones entre los objetivos y propósitos del sistema de calistenia gimnástica y los de los ejercicios vocales en dicho proceso. Método: Para abordar este objetivo, se llevó a cabo una investigación bibliográfica que implicó el análisis detallado de fuentes pertinentes. Se examinaron publicaciones académicas y literatura especializada relacionada con la calistenia gimnástica y la pedagogía vocal. Reflexión: La calistenia gimnástica y los ejercicios vocales comparten una estructura fundamental de ejercicios específicos que implican posturas artificiales y movimientos específicos. Ambos buscan un refinamiento en la higienización y educación, permitiendo a los individuos, ya sea en el ámbito físico o vocal, desarrollarse de manera adecuada y saludable. Conclusión: A partir de la investigación bibliográfica, se concluye que los ejercicios vocales en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de los cantantes pueden considerarse una suerte de calistenia vocal. Esta conclusión se fundamenta en las relaciones intrínsecas observadas entre los principios y objetivos del sistema de calistenia gimnástica y el modus operandi de los ejercicios vocales. Esta reflexión aporta perspectivas valiosas a la pedagogía vocal, con el fin de ofrecer una comprensión más específicamente fisiológica y biomecánica de los ejercicios vocales, orientando mejor la aplicación de las vocalizaciones en el proceso de educación y entrenamiento vocal.

Introduction: The gymnastic calisthenics method is configured as a specific form of exercises involving the adoption of artificial postures through specific movements. These movements are designed to produce clearly defined hygienic and educational effects. This mode of exercise bears notable similarities to the modus operandi of vocalises in vocal pedagogy. Objective: The objective of this work is to investigate the potential relationships between the technical-scientific principles that guide the gymnastic calisthenics system and the technical-pedagogical principles governing vocal exercises practiced by singers during their teaching and learning process. Additionally, it aims to explore the connections between the objectives and purposes of the gymnastic calisthenics system and those of vocal exercises in this process. Method: To address this objective, a bibliographic research was conducted, involving a detailed analysis of relevant sources. Academic publications and specialized literature related to gymnastic calisthenics and vocal pedagogy were examined. Reflection: Gymnastic calisthenics and vocal exercises share a fundamental structure of specific exercises involving artificial postures and specific movements. Both seek refinement in hygiene and education, enabling individuals, either in the physical or vocal realm, to develop appropriately and healthily. Conclusion: Based on the bibliographic research, it is concluded that vocal exercises in the teaching and learning process of singers can be considered a form of vocal calisthenics. This conclusion is based on the intrinsic relationships observed between the principles and objectives of the gymnastic calisthenics system and the modus operandi of vocal exercises. This reflection provides valuable insights into vocal pedagogy, aiming to offer a more specifically physiological and biomechanical understanding of vocal exercises. This effectively guides the application of vocalizations in the process of vocal education and training.

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This study aimed to determine whether caffeine gum influenced perceptual-cognitive and physical performance during the extra-time period of simulated soccer match-play. Semiprofessional male soccer players (n = 12, age: 22 ± 3 years, stature: 1.78 ± 0.06 m, mass: 75 ± 9 kg) performed 120-min soccer-specific exercise on two occasions. In a triple-blind, randomized, crossover design, players chewed caffeinated (200 mg; caffeine) or control (0 mg; placebo) gum for 5 min following 90 min of soccer-specific exercise. Perceptual-cognitive skills (i.e., passing accuracy, reaction time, composure, and adaptability) were assessed using a soccer-specific virtual reality simulator, collected pre- and posttrial. Neuromuscular performance (reactive-strength index, vertical jump height, absolute and relative peak power output, and negative vertical displacement) and sprint performance (15 and 30 m) were measured at pretrial, half-time, 90 min, and posttrial. Caffeine gum attenuated declines in reaction time (pre: 90.8 ± 0.8 AU to post: 90.7 ± 0.8 AU) by a further 4.2% than placebo (pre: 92.1 ± 0.8 AU to post: 88.2 ± 0.8 AU; p < .01). Caffeine gum reduced composure by 4.7% (pre: 69.1 ± 0.8 AU to post: 65.9 ± 0.8 AU) versus placebo (pre: 68.8 ± 0.8 AU to post: 68.3 ± 0.8 AU; p < .01). Caffeine gum did not influence any other variables (p > .05). Where caffeine gum is consumed by players prior to extra-time, reaction time increases but composure may be compromised, and neuromuscular and sprint performance remain unchanged. Future work should assess caffeine gum mixes with substances like L-theanine that promote a relaxed state under stressful conditions.

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Resistance training (RT) remains the most effective treatment for age-related declines in muscle mass. However, many older adults experience attenuated muscle hypertrophy in response to RT when compared with younger adults. This may be attributed to underlying molecular processes that are dysregulated by aging and exacerbated by improperly prescribed RT weekly volume, intensity, and/or frequency doses. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key epigenetic regulators that impact signaling pathways and protein expression within cells, are dynamic and responsive to exercise stimuli, and are often dysregulated in diseases. In this study, we used untargeted miRNA-seq to examine miRNA in skeletal muscle and serum-derived exosomes of older adults (n = 18, 11 M/7 F, 66 ± 1 yr) who underwent three times per wk RT for 30 wk [e.g., high intensity three times/wk (HHH, n = 9) or alternating high-low-high (HLH) intensity (n = 9)], after a standardized 4-wk washin. Within each tissue, miRNAs were clustered into modules based on pairwise correlation using weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA). Modules were tested for association with the magnitude of RT-induced thigh lean mass (TLM) change [as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)]. Although no modules were unique to training dose, we identified miRNA modules in skeletal muscle associated with TLM gains irrespective of exercise dose. Using miRNA-target interactions, we analyzed key miRNAs in significant modules for their potential regulatory involvement in biological pathways. Findings point toward potential miRNAs that may be informative biomarkers and could also be evaluated as potential therapeutic targets as an adjuvant to RT to maximize skeletal muscle mass accrual in older adults.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this work, we identified a set of microRNAs correlated with thigh lean mass gains in a group of older adults. To our knowledge, this is the first time these microRNAs have been identified as novel predictive biomarkers correlating with lean mass gains in aging adults. As biomarkers, these may help interventionalists identify older individuals that are positively responding to an exercise intervention.

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BACKGROUND: In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), impaired augmentation of stroke volume and diastolic dysfunction contribute to exercise intolerance. Systolic-diastolic (S-D) coupling characterizes how systolic contraction of the left ventricle (LV) primes efficient elastic recoil during early diastole. Impaired S-D coupling may contribute to the impaired cardiac response to exercise in patients with HCM. METHODS: Patients with HCM (n = 25, age = 47 ± 9 years) and healthy adults (n = 115, age = 49 ± 10 years) underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and echocardiogram. S-D coupling was defined as the ratio of LV longitudinal excursion of the mitral annulus during early diastole (EDexc) and systole (Sexc) and compared between groups. Peak oxygen uptake (peak V̇O2) (Douglas bags), cardiac index (C2H2 rebreathe), and stroke volume index (SVi) were assessed during CPET. Linear regression was performed between S-D coupling and peak V̇O2, peak cardiac index, and peak SVi. RESULTS: S-D coupling was lower in HCM (Controls: 0.63 ± 0.08, HCM: 0.56 ± 0.10, p < 0.001). Peak V̇O2 and stroke volume reserve were lower in patients with HCM (Peak VO2 Controls: 28.5 ± 5.5, HCM: 23.7 ± 7.2 mL/kg/min, p < 0.001, SV reserve: Controls 39 ± 16, HCM 30 ± 18 mL, p = 0.008). In patients with HCM, S-D coupling was associated with peak V̇O2 (r = 0.47, p = 0.018), peak cardiac index (r = 0.60, p = 0.002), and peak SVi (r = 0.63, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Systolic-diastolic coupling was impaired in patients with HCM and was associated with fitness and the cardiac response to exercise. Inefficient S-D coupling may link insufficient stroke volume generation, diastolic dysfunction, and exercise intolerance in HCM.

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Historically, programs of physical education and sport were housed in gymnasium buildings on academic campuses. As physical education evolved to the more scientifically focused successor departments of exercise science and kinesiology, faculty specialization developed in the physiology of exercise. With time, some faculty broadened their research to study the integrative physiology of other biological states and stressors. Through this series of events, a small group of integrative physiologists was formed in the Carlson Gymnasium at the University of Colorado Boulder during the 1990s with the goal of conducting novel biomedical research. The challenges were daunting: no contemporary core laboratory facilities, lack of temperature control, piercing external noise, pests, regular flooding, electrical power outages, and lack of funds for renovation. Despite these obstacles, the group established an innovative program of translational physiological research ranging from high-throughput molecular analyses to cell models to rodent studies to clinical trials in humans. These investigators supported their work with grant awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), American Heart Association, and private research foundations totaling ∼$80 M in direct costs from the late 1980s to 2020. Collectively, the faculty and their laboratory personnel published ∼950 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Over that period, 379 undergraduate students, 340 graduate students, 84 postdoctoral fellows, and dozens of junior research faculty received scientific training in Carlson, supported by >$21 M in extramural funding. What was accomplished by this handful of integrative physiologists speaks to the importance of the qualities of the investigators rather than their research facilities in determining scientific success.

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Maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max) is an important measure of aerobic fitness, with applications in evaluating fitness, designing training programs, and assessing overall health. While treadmill assessments are considered the gold standard, airbikes (ABs) are increasingly popular exercise machines. However, limited research exists on AB-based V̇O2max assessments, particularly regarding agreement with treadmill graded exercise tests. To address this gap, a randomized crossover study was conducted, involving 15 healthy adults (9M, 6F, 7 familiar with AB) aged 30.1 ± 8.6 years. Paired t-tests, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Bland-Altman and Principal component (PC) analyses were used to assess agreement between protocols. The results demonstrated good to excellent agreement in V̇O2max, maximum heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (ICC range: 0.89-0.92). However, significant differences were observed in several measures, including V̇O2max and maximum HR (p < 0.01). Overall a systematic bias 3.31 mL/kg/min (treadmill > AB, 95%CI[1.67,4.94]) was observed, no proportional bias was present; however, regular AB users (systematic bias: 1.27 (95%CI[0.20,2.34]) mL/kg/min) exhibited higher agreement in V̇O2max measures compared to non-regular users (systematic bias: 5.09 (95%CI[3.69,6.49]) mL/kg/min). There were no significant differences in cardiorespiratory coordination, between the AB and the treadmill. These findings suggest that for individuals familiar with the AB, it can be a suitable alternative for assessing V̇O2max compared to the treadmill. Future research with larger samples should focus on developing prediction equations for field AB tests to predict V̇O2max. Practitioners should consider using the AB to assess V̇O2max in individuals who prefer it over running.

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In 2021, a 'call to action' was published to highlight the need for professional regulation of clinical exercise physiologists to be established within UK healthcare systems to ensure patient safety and align training and regulation with other health professions. This manuscript provides a progress report on the actions that Clinical Exercise Physiology UK (CEP-UK) has undertaken over the past 4 years, during which time clinical exercise physiologists have implemented regulation and gained formal recognition as healthcare professionals in the UK. An overview of the consultation process involved in creating a regulated health profession, notably the development of policies and procedures for both individual registration and institutional master's degree (MSc) accreditation is outlined. Additionally, the process for developing an industry-recognised scope of practice, a university MSc-level curriculum framework, the Academy for Healthcare Science Practitioner standards of proficiency and Continuing Professional Development opportunities is included. We outline the significant activities and milestones undertaken by CEP-UK and provide insight and clarity for other health professionals to understand the training and registration process for a clinical exercise physiologist in the UK. Finally, we include short, medium and long-term objectives for the future advocacy development of this workforce in the UK.

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The swimming performance of cultured finfish species is typically studied under steady flow conditions. However, flow conditions are mostly unsteady, for instance, as experienced in sea pens in exposed sea areas. Using a Loligo swim tunnel, we investigated the effects of swimming in steady and unsteady flows at increasing swimming speeds on post-smolt Atlantic salmon. Oxygen consumption (MO2), locomotory behaviour, and overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA), as determined with implanted acoustic sensor tags, were compared between both flow conditions. Results were obtained for mean swimming speeds of 0.2 to 0.8 m.s-1 under both flow conditions. Sensor tags that were implanted in the abdominal cavity had no significant effects on MO2 and locomotory parameters. The MO2 of fish swimming in unsteady flows was significantly higher (15-53%) than when swimming in steady flows (p < 0.05). Significant interaction effects of ODBA with flow conditions and swimming speed were found. ODBA was strongly and positively correlated with swimming speed and MO2 in unsteady flow (R2 = 0.94 and R2 = 0.93, respectively) and in steady flow (R2 = 0.91 and R2 = 0.82, respectively). ODBA predicts MO2 well over the investigated range of swimming speeds in both flow conditions. In an unsteady flow condition, ODBA increased twice as fast with MO2 compared with steady flow conditions (p < 0.05). From these results, we can conclude that (1) swimming in unsteady flow is energetically more costly for post-smolt Atlantic salmon than swimming in steady flow, as indicated by higher MO2, and (2) ODBA can be used to estimate the oxygen consumption of post-smolt Atlantic salmon in unsteady flow in swim tunnels.

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This study examined the effect of repeated bouts of level and downhill running on physiological markers of effort and exercise-induced muscle soreness in trained female distance runners. Ten participants (Age: 24.4 ± 2.0 years; V̇O2peak: 52.9 ± 1.1 mL·kg-1·min-1), naïve to downhill running, completed six alternate 5 min trials of level and downhill running (-15%) at a 70% velocity at V̇O2peak on two occasions, three weeks apart. Perceived muscle soreness was measured upon completion and in the 72 h post exercise. V̇O2, Heart Rate (HR), Blood Lactate (BLa), and Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER) were lower running downhill (p < 0.016, ηp2 > 0.541). For the first downhill run, Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) was higher compared to that for level running (p = 0.051; d = 0.447), but for the remaining trials, RPE was lower when running downhill (p < 0.004; d > 0.745). V̇O2, HR, and RER were not different in the second bout (p > 0.070, ηp2 < 0.318); however, V̇O2 was lower in each downhill trial (Δ = 1.6-2.2 mL·kg-1·min-1; d = 0.382-0.426). In the second bout, BLa was lower (p = 0.005, ηp2 = 0.602), RPE in the first trial was lower (p = 0.002; d = 0.923), and post exercise perceived soreness of the gastrocnemius, quadriceps, and hamstrings was attenuated (p < 0.002; ηp2 > 0.693). Perceived soreness of the gluteal muscles was lower in the second bout immediately post exercise, 24 h, and 48 h post exercise (p < 0.025; d > 0.922). A repeated bout of downhill running attenuated perceived muscle soreness and may modulate the physiological and perceived physical demand of a second bout of level and downhill running.

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This review comprehensively evaluates the effects of physical exercise on oxidative and nitrosative stress, mainly focusing on the role of antioxidants. Using a narrative synthesis approach, data from empirical studies, reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published between 2004 and 2024 were collated from databases like PubMed, EBSCO (EDS), and Google Scholar, culminating in the inclusion of 41 studies. The quality of these studies was rigorously assessed to ensure the clarity of objectives, coherence in arguments, comprehensive literature coverage, and depth of critical analysis. Findings revealed that moderate exercise enhances antioxidant defenses through hormesis, while excessive exercise may exacerbate oxidative stress. The review also highlights that while natural dietary antioxidants are beneficial, high-dose supplements could impede the positive adaptations to exercise. In conclusion, the review calls for more focused research on tailored exercise and nutrition plans to further understand these complex interactions and optimize the health outcomes for athletes and the general population.