Do Men and Women Differ in Hematological Adaptations to 24 Weeks of Crossfit® Training?

Regular exercise can modulate the immune system functioning through changes in the number and function of leukocytes as well as in red blood cells and other typical blood markers. High intensity exercise promotes increases in cytotoxic activity, phagocytic capacity, chemotaxis and cell apoptosis. The aim of the study was to compare the chronic effects of a 24-week training program using CrossFit® methodology on hematological variables of men vs. women. Twenty-nine CrossFit® athletes (35.3 ± 10.4 years, 175.0 ± 9.2 cm, 79.5 ± 16.4 kg) participated in the study. The blood count, the lipid profile and glucose markers were measured every two months during the study period. The erythrocyte count and hemoglobin concentrations increased in months 4 and 6 in men and women, respectively. Hematocrit levels increased in men in months 2, 4 and 6, while in women only in month 6. Red cell distribution width increased in men in month 6 when compared to the value in month 2. Segmented neutrophils increased in men in month 6 and eosinophil levels increased in women in month 6. Differences between the two sexes were observed in monocytes levels at baseline, as well as in months 2, 4 and 6. Cross-Fit® training increased red cell count indicators in both sexes, which may be related to increased erythropoiesis. Some white blood cell counts were altered and these differed between sexes. The number of lymphocytes remained stable throughout the experiment.

Ischemic Preconditioning with High and Low Pressure Enhances Maximum Strength and Modulates Heart Rate Variability.

Background: The application of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) to resistance exercise has attracted some attention, owing to increases in muscle performance. However, there is still no consensus on the optimal occlusion pressure for this procedure. This study compared the acute effects of IPC with high and low pressure of occlusion on upper and lower limb maximal strength and heart rate variability in recreationally trained individuals. Methods: Sixteen recreationally trained men (25.3 ± 1.7 years; 78.4 ± 6.2 kg; 176.9 ± 5.4 cm; 25.1 ± 1.5 m2 kg−1) were thoroughly familiarized with one repetition maximum (1 RM) testing in the following exercises: bench press (BP), front latissimus pull-down (FLPD), and shoulder press (SP) for upper limbs, and leg press 45º (LP45), hack machine (HM), and Smith Squat (SS) for lower limbs. The 1 RM exercises were then randomly performed on three separate days: after a high pressure (220 mmHg, IPChigh) and a low pressure (20 mmHg, IPClow) IPC protocol and after no intervention (control, CON). Heart rate variability was also measured at rest, during and after the entire IPC protocol, and after the exercises. Results: Maximal strength was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in both IPChigh and IPClow compared with CON in all upper- and lower-limb exercises. There was no difference between the two experimental conditions. No significant differences were found in the comparison across the different experimental conditions for LFnu, HFnu, LF/HF ratio, and RMSSDms. Conclusions: IPC performed with both high and low pressures influenced heart rate variability, which may partly explain the maximal strength enhancement.

Ischemic Preconditioning Improves Handgrip Strength and Functional Capacity in Active Elderly Women.

BACKGROUND: Aging decreases some capacities in older adults, sarcopenia being one of the common processes that occur and that interfered with strength capacity. The present study aimed to verify the acute effect of IPC on isometric handgrip strength and functional capacity in active elderly women. METHODS: In a single-blind, placebo-controlled design, 16 active elderly women (68.1 ± 7.6 years) were randomly performed on three separate occasions a series of tests: (1) alone (control, CON); (2) after IPC (3 cycles of 5-min compression/5-min reperfusion at 15 mmHg above systolic blood pressure, IPC); and (3) after placebo compressions (SHAM). Testing included a handgrip isometric strength test (HIST) and three functional tests (FT): 30 s sit and stand up from a chair (30STS), get up and go time (TUG), and 6 min walk distance test (6MWT). RESULTS: HIST significantly increased in IPC (29.3 ± 6.9 kgf) compared to CON (27.3 ± 7.1 kgf; 7.1% difference; p = 0.01), but not in SHAM (27.7 ± 7.9; 5.5%; p = 0.16). The 30STS increased in IPC (20.1 ± 4.1 repetitions) compared to SHAM (18.5 ± 3.5 repetitions; 8.7%; p = 0.01) and CON (18.5 ± 3.9 repetitions; 8.6%; p = 0.01). TUG was significantly lower in IPC (5.70 ± 1.35 s) compared to SHAM (6.14 ± 1.37 s; -7.2%; p = 0.01), but not CON (5.91 ± 1.45 s; -3.7%; p = 0.24). The 6MWT significantly increased in IPC (611.5 ± 93.8 m) compared to CON (546.1 ± 80.5 m; 12%; p = 0.02), but not in SHAM (598.7 ± 67.6 m; 2.1%; p = 0.85). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that IPC can promote acute improvements in handgrip strength and functional capacity in active elderly women.

Construção e validação de cartilha educativa para promoção da saúde visual de crianças em idade escolar / Construction and validation of an educational booklet to promote the visual health of school-age children

Objetivou-se desenvolver e validar cartilha educativa para orientação dos profissionais, familiares e professores sobre a promoção da saúde visual de crianças em idade escolar. Estudo metodológico, com abordagem quantitativa, dividido em duas etapas no período de junho de 2018 a março de 2019. A primeira etapa corresponde a construção da cartilha, tomando como base o conteúdo de um vídeo educativo validado em estudo prévio. A segunda corresponde a validação da cartilha educativa, sendo subdividida em validação de conteúdo e aparência com especialistas na área da saúde e tecnologias impressas e validação de aparência com especialistas em educação. A amostra foi composta por 24 especialistas. Esta etapa ocorreu em uma rodada e para avaliação utilizou-se instrumento já validado. Na etapa de validação de aparência com os especialistas em educação, a amostra foi composta por 21 professores do ensino fundamental 1 e utilizou-se um instrumento com duas partes para avaliação da tecnologia. Os dados obtidos foram organizados no Excel e analisados em software estatístico. Utilizou-se a estatística descritiva para as frequências absolutas e relativas. Para analisar a concordância nas etapas de validação da tecnologia educacional com todos os especialistas utilizou-se o teste binomial e alfa de Cronbach, respectivamente. A cartilha foi a primeira a ser elaborada com temática específica de saúde visual para escolares tendo como foco os professores. No que se refere ao Índice de Legibilidade de Flesch, a cartilha foi classificada como "muito fácil", com um índice de 90%. Sobre os indicadores avaliados pelos especialistas em saúde e tecnologia impressa, todos os itens foram além da concordância estipulada. Todos os 25 itens avaliados dentro dos seis domínios foram classificados como válidos. Dezenove itens receberam 24 (100%) respostas positivas (p=0,005), apresentando-se estatisticamente significantes. Seis itens tiveram 23 (95,8%) respostas consideradas positivas (p=0,033). Porém, co (AU)nsiderando o aprimoramento da tecnologia, ainda se realizou modificações com base nas recomendações. Os professores consideraram a cartilha educativa validada quanto aos demais indicadores avaliados. Atingiu nível de concordância igual ou superior a 81% e alfa de Cronbach geral de 0,79. Tais resultados evidenciam que a tecnologia construída é confiável e válida para ser utilizada junto aos professores. A cartilha torna-se, portanto, relevante para ser utilizada como estratégia de promoção da saúde.

Perception of the Primary Care multiprofessional team on health education.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the perception of the Primary Health Care multiprofessional team on the practices of health education and on the role of nurses in the performance of educational activities. METHOD: Exploratory and descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview with the participation of 12 professionals from the Family Health Strategy. To analyze the data, we used the technique of content analysis, with thematic approach, proposed by Bardin. RESULTS: Three categories emerged: Perception of the multiprofessional team on health education; Educational practices in Primary Health Care: everyone's task?; and The role of nurses in health education. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: It was verified that the multiprofessional team perceives health education as being the responsibility of all the professionals. Some professionals consider the nurse as an important educator, others as executor of management and care actions and, to a lesser extent, of educational actions.

Perception of the Primary Care multiprofessional team on health education / Percepción del equipo multiprofesional en la Atención Primaria sobre educación para la salud / Percepção da equipe multiprofissional da Atenção Primária sobre educação em saúde

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the perception of the Primary Health Care multiprofessional team on the practices of health education and on the role of nurses in the performance of educational activities. Method: Exploratory and descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview with the participation of 12 professionals from the Family Health Strategy. To analyze the data, we used the technique of content analysis, with thematic approach, proposed by Bardin. Results: Three categories emerged: Perception of the multiprofessional team on health education; Educational practices in Primary Health Care: everyone's task?; and The role of nurses in health education. Final considerations: It was verified that the multiprofessional team perceives health education as being the responsibility of all the professionals. Some professionals consider the nurse as an important educator, others as executor of management and care actions and, to a lesser extent, of educational actions.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comprender la percepción del equipo multiprofesional en la Atención Primaria de Salud sobre las prácticas de educación para la salud y sobre el rol del enfermero en el desempeño de las actividades educativas. Método: Estudio exploratorio y descriptivo, con abordaje cualitativo. La recolección de los datos ocurrió por medio de una entrevista semiestructurada con participación de 12 profesionales de la Estrategia Salud de la Familia. Para el análisis de los datos, se utilizó la técnica de análisis de contenido, con abordaje temático, propuesta por Bardin. Resultados: Se plantearon tres categorías: La percepción del equipo multiprofesional sobre educación para la salud; Prácticas educativas en la Atención Primaria de Salud: tarea de todos?; El rol del enfermero en la educación para la salud. Consideraciones finales: Se verificó que el equipo multiprofesional percibe la educación para la salud como responsabilidad de todos los profesionales. Algunos profesionales consideran al enfermero como importante educador, otros como ejecutor de las acciones gerenciales y asistenciales y, en menor proporción, de las acciones educativas.

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender a percepção da equipe multiprofissional da Atenção Primária à Saúde sobre as práticas de educação em saúde e sobre o papel do enfermeiro no desempenho das atividades educativas. Método: Estudo exploratório e descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa. A coleta dos dados ocorreu por meio de entrevista semiestruturada com participação de 12 profissionais da Estratégia Saúde da Família. Para análise dos dados, utilizou-se a técnica de análise de conteúdo, com abordagem temática, proposta por Bardin. Resultados: Emergiram três categorias: Percepção da equipe multiprofissional sobre educação em saúde; Práticas educativas na Atenção Primária à Saúde: tarefa de todos?; e O papel do enfermeiro na educação em saúde. Considerações finais: Verificou-se que a equipe multiprofissional percebe a educação em saúde como sendo responsabilidade de todos os profissionais. Alguns profissionais consideram o enfermeiro como importante educador, outros como executor das ações gerenciais e assistenciais e, em menor proporção, das ações educativas.

Respostas agudas do duplo produto e da percepção subjetiva de esforço em protocolos de ciclismo_indoor e aquático / Acute responses of rate-pressure product and perceived exertion between cycling trainings_ indoor and aquatic

Introdução: Alguns estudos demonstram diferenças nas respostas hemodinâmicas agudas e na Percepção Subjetiva de Esforço (PSE) entre exercícios realizados nos meios: aquático e terrestre. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar as respostas agudas do Duplo Produto (DP) e da PSE entre um protocolo de ciclismo indoor (CI) e aquático (CA). Métodos: Foram analisados 10 homens (25,40±4,67 anos; 178,80±3,62 cm; 81,09±8,08 kg; 14,03±6,11 %G; 25,33±2,01 IMC), durante um protocolo de ciclismo de 30 minutos, divididos em seis estágios com diferentes intensidades, realizado em ambos os meios. Todas as variáveis foram verificadas antes do início do teste, em estado de repouso. A Freqüência Cardíaca (FC) foi aferida por um frequencímetro (Polar, A1, Finlândia). O DP foi mensurado a cada 5 minutos, calculado através do produto da FC pela Pressão Arterial Sistólica (PAS). A PAS foi mensurada através de método auscultatório por um esfigmomanômetro (Tycos, CE0050, EUA) e um estetoscópio (Littman, EUA). A cadência do ciclo de movimento foi controlada por um metrônomo (Yamaha, QT-1, EUA). Foi realizada análise descritiva, análise de variância (two-way ANOVA), o teste post-hoc de TuKey e teste de Kruskal-Wallis para dados não-paramétricos, foi considerado p<0,05 para significância. O software utilizado foi o Statistica 8 da Statsoft. Resultados: O DP médio, nos estágios do CI, variou entre 23.381,80 ± 9.183,21 mmHg.bpm e 36.083,50 ± 7.266,58 mmHg.bpm e, no CA, entre 17.525,60 ± 3.333,68 mmHg.bpm e 33.055,40 ± 3.745,38 mmHg.bpm. A PSE variou entre 2,05±1,01 e 6,00±1,81, e de 2,65±1,05 a 6,70±2,16, no CI e CA, respectivamente. As diferenças entre as médias não foram significativas entre os estágios para as variáveis analisadas. Conclusão: Conclui-se que o CA pode provocar alterações na sobrecarga cardíaca e na PSE similares às do ciclismo terrestre.

Introduction: Some studies show differences in responses acute hemodynamic and Subjective Perception of Effort (PSE) between exercises performed in the media: terrestrial and aquatic. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the acute responses of the double product (DP) and the PSE between a protocol indoor cycling (CI) and water (CA). Methods: We analyzed 10 men (25.40 ± 4.67 years, 178.80 ± 3.62 cm, 81.09 ± 8.08 kg, 14.03 ± 6.11% G; BMI 25.33 ± 2.01) over a cycling protocol of 30 min, divided into six stages at different intensities, performed in both media. all variables were observed before the test, at rest. The Heart rate (HR) was measured by a frequency meter (Polar A1, Finland). The DP was measured every 5 minutes, calculated by the product of the FC Systolic blood pressure (SBP). SBP was measured by method auscultation by a sphygmomanometer (Tycos, CE0050, USA) and a stethoscope (Littman, USA). The rate of the movement cycle is controlled by a 3 metronome (Yamaha QT-1, USA). Descriptive analysis was performed, analysis variance (two-way ANOVA), post hoc Tukey test and Kruskal-Wallis test Non-parametric data was considered p <0.05 for significance. The The software used was the Statsoft Statistica 8. Results: The average DP in stages of CI ranged between 23381.80 and 36083.50 ± 9183.21 ± mmHg.bpm 7266.58 mmHg.bpm and in CA, between 17525.60 ± 3333.68 and mmHg.bpm 33055.40 ± 3745.38 mmHg.bpm. The PSE ranged between 2.05 ± 1.01 and 6.00 ± 1.81, and 2.65 ± 1.05 to 6.70 ± 2.16 in the CI and CA, respectively. The differences between the means were not significant between stages for the variables analyzed. Conclusion: We conclude that the CA may cause changes in overload heart and PSE similar to the terrestrial cycling.

Effect of two different rest period lengths on the number of repetitions performed during resistance training.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 2 different rest period lengths during a resistance training session with the number of repetitions completed per set of each exercise, the volume completed over 3 sets of each exercise, and the total volume during a training session. Fourteen experienced, weight-trained men volunteered to participate in the study. All subjects completed 2 experimental training sessions. Both sessions consisted of 3 sets of 8 repetitions with an 8 repetition maximum resistance of 6 upper body exercises performed in a set manner (wide grip lat pull-down, close grip pull-down, machine seated row, barbell row lying on a bench, dumbbell seated arm curl, and machine seated arm curl). The 2 experimental sessions differed only in the length of the rest period between sets and exercises: 1 session with a 1-minute and the other with a 3-minute rest period. For all exercises, results demonstrate a significantly lower total number of repetitions for all 3 sets of an exercise when 1-minute rest periods were used (p < or = 0.05). The 3- and 1-minute protocols both resulted in a significant decrease from set 1 to set 3 in 4 of the 6 exercises (p < or = 0.05), whereas the 1-minute protocol also demonstrated a significant decrease from set 1 to set 2 in 2 of the 6 exercises (p < or = 0.05). The results indicate that, during a resistance training session composed of all upper body exercises, 1-minute rest periods result in a decrease in the total number of repetitions performed compared with 3-minute rest periods between sets and exercises.

Is blood lactate removal during water immersed cycling faster than during cycling on land?

The aim of the present study was to compare lactate removal during active recovery performed during cycling in water immersion (CW) and during cycling on land (CL), after a similar exercise bout in male adults. Eleven healthy and physically active men, aged between 20 and 26 years old participated in the experiment. Before the experimental tests, the ventilatory threshold of the subjects was determined. Each subject completed the experimental tests twice, with one week separating the two periods of experiment. The subjects exercised on the treadmill during 6 min at a speed 10% above the speed corresponding to their ventilatory threshold. Subsequently, the subjects recovered from the exercise bout either on a stationary bike (CL) or on a aquatic-specific bike (CW). On the subsequent week the subjects performed the same protocol but with a different recovery condition. Recovery condition assignment for the first test was counterbalanced (six subjects started with one condition and five with the other). Capillary blood samples were collected after each test and during the recovery period (at 3, 6, 9 and 15 minutes) and blood lactate was measured. The blood lactate values during CW were lower than during CL and significant differences were observed at the 6(th) minute (p ≤ 0.05) and at the 15(th) minute of recovery (p ≤ 0.05). Therefore, we may conclude that active recovery using cycling in water immersion may be more efficient than cycling on land for blood lactate removal. Key pointsPrevious studies have found positive effects of half liquid environment on blood lactate removal.However, few studies have compared lactate removal in half liquid and in dry land conditions with the use of stationary bikes.We have compared the lactate removal during active recovery on half-liquid cycling and active recovery on dry land cycling after a similar exercise bout in male adults.The blood lactate values during the recovery were lower after half-liquid cycling when compared with dry land cycling and significant differences were observed at the 6(th) minute and at the 15(th) minute of recovery.We may conclude that active recovery using half-liquid cycling may be more efficient than dry land cycling for blood lactate removal.

Efeitos do treinamento resistido na força máxima, na flexibilidade e na autonomia funcional de mulheres idosas / Effect of resistive training on the maximum strenght, flexibility and functional autonomy of elderly woman

O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar os efeitos do treinamento resistido na força máxima, na flexibilidade e na autonomia funcional, bem como a correlação existente entre a força máxima e a autonomia funcional de idosas (grupo de força - GF n=11, = 66,3±7,84 anos e um grupo controle - GC n=11, =65,1±3,33 anos). OGF foi submetido a um treinamento contra resistência de força (75-85% 1RM), por 16 semanas, 2 dias/semana. O tratamento estatístico utilizado foi correlação de Pearson e o teste ôtõ de Student. Os dados mostraram resultados significativos do GF no ganho da força máxima, flexibilidade e autonomia funcional, e correlação significativa entre a força máxima medida no exercício supino reto (SR) e o teste de autonomia funcional levantarda posição de decúbito ventral (LPDV) (r=-0,67). Os dados sugerem que o programa de treinamento melhorou o desempenho das atividades da vida diária da amostra, com um treinamento de apenas 2 dias/semana.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of resistive training on maximum strength, flexibility and functional autonomy, as well as the correlation between maximum strength and functional autonomy of the elderly women (strength group, GF, n=11, = 66.3 ± 7.84 years/control group, GC, n=11, =65.1 ± 3.33 years). They participated of a resistive training (75-85% 1RM) during 16 weeks, 2 days/week. Statistical procedures were PearsonÆs correlation and Student t-test, using the SPSS package, version 12.0. Data showed significant results for GF on the strength, flexibility and functional autonomy, and significant correlation between strength and functional autonomy (r=-0.67). The data suggested that training program enhances performance in activities of daily living with a training protocol of only 2 days/week.