Effects of Resistance Training in Individuals with Lower Limb Amputation: A Systematic Review.

Individuals with lower-limb amputations may have a significant strength deficit. This deficit may be related to the stump length and can lead to changes in gait, reduced energy efficiency, walking resistance, altered joint load, and increased risk of osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain. This systematic review used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) guidelines to examine the effects of resistance training in lower limb amputees. Interventions with resistance training and other training methods were sufficient to achieve muscle strength gain in muscles of the lower limbs, improved balance, and improvements in gait pattern and speed when walking. However, it was impossible to determine from the results whether resistance training was mainly responsible for these benefits or even whether the positive effects presented would be observed with only this training method. When combined with other exercises, interventions with resistance training made possible gains for this population. Accordingly, it is noteworthy that the main finding of this systematic review is that the effects may be different according to the level of amputation, with mainly transtibial and transfemoral amputations studied.

Entrenamiento de restricción del flujo de sangre en sujetos hipertensivos: revisión sistemática / Blood flow restriction training on hypertesive subjects: a systematic review

Introduction: Systemic arterial hypertension has been growing worldwide, causing thousands of deaths and large expenses in this condition treatment. Currently, resistance training (RT) is widely prescribed as a non-pharmacological option for blood pressure control, but there are some individuals with intolerance to high load of RT. Hence, blood flow restriction is a method created to stimulate high level of physiological adaptations with low resistive load. However, there are uncertainties about safety and efficacy of this method. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of blood flow restriction training in hypertensive individuals. Material and method: The research was carried out through a systematic review within the criteria established by the PRISMA statement. Only studies about blood flow restriction in subjects with arterial hypertension were selected in the following databases: MEDLINE/PUBMED, Web of Science, SCOPUS and SPORTDiscus. Results: Five studies (4 acute and 1 chronic effects ) met the requirements for the present review, with 77 hypertensive individuals. Only one study presented levels of blood pressure above to the recommended for hypertensive subjects. Conclusion: Even though the number of studies is still insufficient to conclude about the efficacy, the results allow concluding that resistance training with blood flow restriction is a safe alternative of exercise method to hypertensive subjects, especially for those with intolerance to high training loads.(AU)

Introducción: La hipertensión arterial sistémica ha ido creciendo a nivel mundial, provocando miles de muertes y grandes gastos en el tratamiento de esta afección. Actualmente, el entrenamiento de fuerza se prescribe ampliamente como una opción no farmacológica para el control de la presión arterial, pero hay algunas personas con intolerancia al entrenamiento de alta intensidad. Por ello, el entrenamiento de restricción del flujo sanguíneo es un método creado para estimular los altos niveles de adaptación fisiológica con cargas de baja intensidad. Sin embargo, existen incertidumbres sobre la seguridad y eficacia de este método y no hay consenso al respecto. Objetivo: El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la seguridad y eficacia del entrenamiento de restricción del flujo sanguíneo en individuos hipertensos. Material y método: La investigación se realizó mediante una revisión sistemática, dentro de los criterios establecidos por la declaración PRISMA y se utilizaron las siguientes bases de datos: MEDLINE/PUBMED, Web of Science, SCOPUS y SPORTDiscus, incluyendo solo estudios con individuos con hipertensión arterial en los que se utilizó el método. Resultados: Cinco estudios (4 efectos agudos y 1 efectos crónicos) cumplieron con los requisitos de la presente revisión, con 77 individuos hipertensos. 4 estudios evaluaron efectos agudos y 1 estudio evaluó efectos crónicos. Solo un estudio incluido presenta niveles aumentados de presión arterial por encima de los niveles recomendados en sujetos hipertensos y los otros 4 estudios demostraron la seguridad del entrenamiento de oclusión. Conclusión: A pesar de que el número de estudios aún es insuficiente para concluir sobre su eficacia, los resultados muestran una seguridad de este método como ejercicio alternativo para sujetos hipertensos, especialmente aquellos con intolerancia al entrenamiento de cargas de alta intensidad.(AU)

Effects of 12 Months of Vitamin D Supplementation on Physical Fitness Levels in Postmenopausal Women with Type 2 Diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: It is common for postmenopausal women to receive a vitamin D supplementation prescription to assist in preventing future falls and to maintain bone health. However, the association between vitamin D supplementation and physical fitness components has not been studied in older women with diabetes. OBJECTIVE: We examined the influence of 12 months of vitamin D supplementation on the components of physical fitness in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Thirty-five postmenopausal women (62.48 ± 7.67 years; 154.6 ± 5.11 cm; 73.93 ± 15.43 kg; 31.13 ± 5.82 BMI) with a diagnosis of T2DM participated in this longitudinal study where participants were supplemented with 1000 IU/day of vitamin D over 12 months. Subjects performed fasting blood samples, anthropometric assessments, body composition, clinical exams, and physical tests at 6-month intervals (P0, P6, and P12). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Vitamin D supplementation alone was effective in postmenopausal women in increasing serum vitamin D levels, altering muscle strength levels, promoting improvements in muscle function, as well as preventing and controlling fragility caused by T2DM and aging.

The effect of short-term resistance training on hand reaction time improvement is independent of sexual dimorphism / El efecto del entrenamiento de resistencia a corto plazo en la mejora del tiempo de reacción manual es independiente del dimorfismo sexual / O efeito do treinamento resistido de curto prazo sobre a melhora do tempo de reação é independente do dimorfismo sexual

Objectiveː The aim was to evaluate the effects of four weeks of resistance training and sexual dimorphism on Manual reaction time in apparently healthy subjects.Methods: The subjects of the sample were randomly allocated in two groups, as follow: Control (CTRL) - kept 4 weeks without any systematized physical activity (Nmales= 8, age= 24±3 yrs., body weight= 76.9±15.4 kg; Nfemales= 8, age= 22.5±4 yrs., body weight= 70.8±17.5 kg); Experimental (EXP) - 4 weeks of resistance training (Nmales= 8, age= 23±3 yrs., weight= 69.6±11 kg; Nfemales= 8, age= 22.5±1 yrs., body weight= 59.77±6.8 kg). The resistance training consisted of 4 exercises for upper limbs (3 sets x 8-12 reps) and 4 exercises for lower (3 sets x 12-15 reps). Manual reaction time was evaluated in a manufactured Arduino-based reaction time device connected to a computer.Results: For men, there was a significant decrease in Manual reaction time after resistance training within EXP (p<0.0001) and between groups (p<0.0001). Women showed the same results within EXP (p<0.0001) and between groups (p<0.0001). Additionally, there was no sexual dimorphism before or after four weeks of resistance training.Conclusion: The results suggest that just four weeks of resistance training was sufficient to improve Manual reaction time, regardless of sexual dimorphism. Therefore, resistance training inclusion in the training periodization seems essential to improve or rehabilitate the fast voluntary motor response, especially for activities or sports that require it. (AU)

Objetivo: El objetivo fue evaluar los efectos de cuatro semanas de entrenamiento de resistencia y dimorfismo sexual sobre el tiempo de reacción manual en jóvenes aparentemente sanos.Métodos: Los sujetos de la muestra fueron asignados aleatoriamente en dos grupos, como sigue: Control (CTRL) - mantenido 4 semanas sin ninguna actividad física sistematizada (Nhombres= 8, edad= 24 ± 3 años, peso corporal= 76.9 ± 15.4 kg; Nmujeres= 8, edad= 22.5 ± 4 años, peso corporal= 70.8 ± 17.5 kg); Experimental (EXP) - 4 semanas de entrenamiento de resistencia (Nhombres= 8, edad= 23 ± 3 años, peso corporal= 69.6 ± 11 kg; Nmujeres= 8, edad= 22.5 ± 1 año, peso corporal= 59.77 ± 6.8 kg). El entrenamiento de resistencia consistió en 4 ejercicios para las extremidades superiores (3 series x 8-12 repeticiones) y 4 ejercicios para las inferiores (3 series x 12-15 repeticiones). El tiempo de reacción manual se evaluó utilizando una placa Arduino fabricada conectada a la computadora.Resultados: Para los hombres, hubo una reducción significativa en tiempo de reacción manual después de entrenamiento de resistencia intra EXP (p <0.0001) y entre grupos (p <0.0001). Los mismos resultados se observaron en mujeres, intra EXP (p <0.0001) y entre grupos (p <0.0001). Además, no hubo dimorfismo sexual antes y después de 4 semanas de entrenamiento de resistencia.Conclusión: Los resultados sugieren que solo cuatro semanas de entrenamiento de resistencia fueron suficientes para mejorar la tiempo de reacción manual, independientemente del dimorfismo sexual. La inclusión del entrenamiento de resistencia en la periodización del entrenamiento parece importante para mejorar o rehabilitar la respuesta motora voluntaria rápida, especialmente para actividades o deportes que lo requieran. (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos de quatro semanas de treinamento resistido e do dimorfismo sexual sobre o tempo de reação manual em jovens aparentemente saudáveis.Metodos: 32 jovens destreinados de ambos os sexos compuseram a amostra. Eles foram aleatoriamente alocados em 2 grupos: Controle (CTRL) – ficaram 4 semanas sem exercícios físicos (Nhomens= 8, idade= 24±3 anos, peso corporal= 76.9±15.4 kg; Nmulheres= 8, idade= 22.5±4 anos, peso corporal= 70.8±17.5 kg); Experimental (EXP) - 4 semanas de treinamento resistido (Nhomens= 8, idade= 23±3 anos, peso corporal= 69.6±11 kg; Nmulheres= 8, idade= 22.5±1 anos, peso corporal= 59.77±6.8 kg). O treinamento resistido consistiu em 4 exercícios para membros superiores (3 séries x 8-12 reps) e 4 para inferiores (3 sets x 12-15 reps). tempo de reação manual foi avaliado através de uma placa manufaturada de Arduino conectada ao computador.Resultados: Para os homens, houve uma redução significativa no tempo de reação manual após treinamento resistido intra EXP (p<0.0001) e entre os grupos (p<0.0001). Os mesmos resultados foram observados em mulheres, intra EXP (p<0.0001) e entre os grupos (p<0.0001). Adicionalmente não houve dimorfismo sexual antes ou após 4 semanas de treinamento resistido.Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que apenas quatro semanas de treinamento resistido foram suficientes para melhorar o tempo de reação manual, independente do dimorfismo sexual. Portanto, a inclusão do treinamento resistido na periodização de treinamento parece importante para melhorar ou reabilitar a resposta motora voluntária rápida, principalmente para atividades ou esportes que assim necessitem. (AU)

Association between vitamin D status and glycemic profile in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between vitamin D status and glycemic profile in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 70 (59.47 ±â€¯6.47 years; 1.56 ±â€¯0.05 m; 73.56 ±â€¯13.01 kg; 30.30 ±â€¯5.00 BMI kg/m2) postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The blood samples were collected after fasting for 12 h and the main outcome parameters were serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol; 25-OH vitamin D; insulin; C-Reactive Protein; cholesterol total (CT), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol), glucose; calcium, HDL-cholesterol. The average serum 25(OH)D level in this study was 28.45 ±â€¯8.26 ng/mL. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 60%. Table 1 displays mean and standard deviation values for participants' characteristics. The postmenopause status of the women studied was confirmed by FSH and estradiol measurement. All the clinical and anthropometric characteristics did not show difference (p > 0.05) between the groups (Table 2). Triglycerides level was highest (p < 0.0391) in the hypovitaminosis D group. The other serum markers did not show statistical differences (p > 0.05) between the groups. In conclusion, our results suggest that only TG level shows a negative correlation with vitamin D status in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.

Influencia de la intensidad de la carga en la presión arterial tras una sesión de entrenamiento de fuerza / Influence of load intensity on blood pressure after a resistance training session

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar la respuesta de la presión arterial en los hombres normotensos entrenados realizando sesiones experimentales con cargas del 60 y el 80% de una repetición máxima. Diez participantes se sometieron a 3 condiciones experimentales: P60 (sesión realizada con el 60%); P80 (sesión realizada con el 80% de una repetición máxima [1RM]), y CONT (solo las evaluaciones de la presión arterial en el estado de reposo durante 60 min [intervalos de 10 min]). El protocolo experimental se llevó a cabo con 3 series, con intervalo de 3 min entre las series y los ejercicios. La presión arterial se midió antes y a los 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 y 60 min después de la sesión de entrenamiento. Los resultados mostraron que ambos protocolos indujeron hipotensión postejercicio (p < 0,05) en comparación con los valores en reposo. El P80 mostró una mayor magnitud y duración de la hipotensión postejercicio en comparación con el protocolo P60 (p < 0,05). En conclusión, el entrenamiento de fuerza es eficaz para proporcionar hipotensión postejercicio independientemente de la intensidad de la carga. Por lo tanto, en esta investigación es importante mostrar la relevancia del control de la intensidad de la carga durante el desarrollo de los programas de entrenamiento de fuerza. El entrenamiento de fuerza con el 60% de 1RM puede ser tan eficaz como los protocolos con 80% de 1RM para prevenir la presión arterial alta en los hombres

This study aimed to compare the blood pressure responses in normotensive-trained men following resistance training (RT) experimental sessions with loads of 60% and 80% of a one-repetition maximum. Ten participants underwent three experimental condition: (P60) - session adjusted with 60%, (P80) - session adjusted with 80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and, (CONT) - conly blood pressure assessments in rest condition for 60 min (intervals of 10 min). The resistance training design was adjusted with 3-sets, 3-min rest interval length between sets and exercises. Blood pressure was measured before, and at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min after the training session. The results showed that both protocols induce post-exercise hypotension (p < 0.05) compared to the rest values. The P80 showed greater magnitude and duration of post exercise hypotension when compared with P60 protocol (p < 0.05). In conclusion, resistance training is effective to provide a post exercise hypotension independent of the load intensities. This study is important to show the importance of control of the load intensity during development of resistance training programs and, the RT with 60% of 1RM can be as effective as protocols with 80% of 1RM to prevent the high blood pressure

Extreme Conditioning Program Induced Acute Hypotensive Effects are Independent of the Exercise Session Intensity.

The aim of the study was to determine the acute systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) responses following two intense training sessions (24 hours apart). Nine male extreme conditioning program (ECP) practitioners with more than 6 months of experience (age 26.7 ± 6.6 years; body mass 78.8 ± 13.2 kg; body fat 13.5 ± 6.2 %) completed two experimental ECP sessions. Cardiovascular variables were measured before, immediately after and every 15 min during a 45 min recovery following each experimental session. Compared with pre-exercise data, our results showed a SBP decrease at 30 min post exercise session 1 (P≤0.05) and at 45 min following exercise session 2. DBP decreased (P≤0.05) at 15 min and 30 min following exercise session 1 and at 30 min after the exercise session 2, respectively. HR remained significantly higher (P≤0.05) 45 min following the first and second exercise session compared with pre-exercise values. Exercise session 1 induced a higher increase in HR (86 ± 11% of HRmax versus 82 ± 12% of HRmax, p = 0.01) and RPE (8.8 ± 1.2 versus 8.0 ± 1.2, p = 0.02) when compared to exercise session 2. In conclusion, post-exercise hypotension occurs following strenuous exercise sessions, regardless of the session design, which may have an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Maximal repetition performance, rating of perceived exertion, and muscle fatigue during paired set training performed with different rest intervals.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine rest interval length between agonist-antagonist paired set training (PS) on maximal repetition performance, rating of perceived exertion, and neuromuscular fatigue. METHODS: Fourteen trained men (age, 24.2 ± 1.1 years; height, 175 ± 5.5 cm; body mass, 76.6 ± 7.0 kg) performed two experimental protocols in random order with 2 minutes (P2) or 4 minutes (P4) between agonist-antagonist PS, which consisted of a bench press set followed immediately by a seated row set with 8-repetition maximum loads, respectively. A total of three PS were performed for each rest interval protocol. The total repetitions performed and the rating of perceived exertion were recorded for each exercise set within each rest interval protocol. Electromyography signals were recorded for the posterior deltoid, biceps brachii, pectoralis major, and triceps brachii muscles during the SR exercise. The electromyography signals were then used to calculate a fatigue index for each rest interval protocol. RESULTS: No significant differences were identified in the total repetitions completed between rest interval protocols for the bench press (P2 = 22.9 ± 1.3 and P4 = 22.6 ± 0.8) and seated row (P2 = 25.4 ± 1.7 and P4 = 25.1 ± 1.3). However, a significantly higher fatigue index was found for all muscles under the P2 versus the P4 protocol. CONCLUSION: When performing agonist-antagonist PS, prescribing a shorter rest interval between PS may induce higher levels of fatigue, albeit with similar total repetitions versus a longer rest interval.

Os efeitos de diferentes intervalos de recuperação no teste de 10RM realizado no supino reto / The effects of different rest intervals in 10RM test performed on bench press

Objetivo: Verificar o efeito de três diferentes intervalos de recuperação (um, três e cinco minutos) no teste de dez repetições máximas (10RM) no supino reto. Método: Onze homens (24,1 ± 4,3 anos) com experiência mínima de um ano de treinamento de força realizaram cinco visitas ao laboratório. Nas visitas I e II, efetuaram-se o teste e o reteste de 10RM. Nas visitas III, IV e V, realizaram-se duas tentativas para que os sujeitos completassem 10RM no supino reto, apenas ocorrendo a manipulação do IR (um, três ou cinco minutos). Resultados: Verificou- se que um IR de um minuto não foi suficiente (p=0,001) para a manutenção do número de repetições na segunda tentativa. Com o IR de três e cinco minutos não ocorreram alterações significativas no número total de repetições estipulado. Conclusão: Apesar de um minuto ser suficiente para regenerar aproximadamente 75% do sistema ATP-CP, este parece não ser o período ideal, quando se trata este volume de repetições máximas.

Objective: To investigate the effect of three different rest intervals in the 10RM test on bench press. Methods: Eleven men (24.1 ± 4.3 years) with a minimum experience of one year of strength training achieved five visits to the laboratory. At visits I and II were performed the test and retest of 10RM loads. At visits III , IV and V two attempts were made so that the subjects completed 10RM on bench press, only with manipulation of IR (one, three or five minutes). Results: An IR one minute were not sufficient (p = 0.001) to maintain the number of repetitions on the second attempt. With the IR three and five minutes there were no significant changes in the total number of prescribed repetitions. Conclusion: Although one minute is enough to regenerate approximately 75% of the ATP-CP system, this seems not to be the ideal period when we deal with this volume of maximum repetitions.

Acute effect of different stretching methods on isometric muscle strength / Efeito agudo de diferentes métodos de alongamento sobre a força muscular isométrica

This study investigated the acute effect of static stretching methods (SS) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on the static muscle strength (SMS). Eleven young male subjects with strength training experience, performed 3 tests with a 48h interval between them, randomly selected, where each one subject carried out all procedures: a) hand grip without stretching; b) hand grip preceded by static stretching of wrist flexors muscles; c) hand grip preceded by PNF stretching of wrist flexors muscles. The Shapiro-Wilk test verified the normality of data, and a one-way ANOVA with repeated measures, followed by Tukey's post hoc test, evaluated the differences between the groups. The significance was set at p < 0.05. Significant differences were detected between control and static stretching protocols (35.4±11.30 vs. 30.2±9.18 kg N-1; p < 0.05). The same was observed between control and PNF stretching protocols (35.4±11.30 vs. 29.1±10.05 kg N-1; p < 0.01). However, no statistical difference was found for static and FNP stretching protocols (30.2±9.18 vs. 29.1±10.05 kg N-1; p > 0.05). In conclusion, both stretching methods had caused negative effects on isometric strength, reducing its levels.

. O presente estudo objetivou investigar o efeito agudo dos métodos de alongamento estático (AE) e facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva (FNP) sobre a força muscular estática (FME). Foram realizados, em 11 homens jovens com experiência prévia em treinamento de força, três testes com intervalo de 48h entre a aplicação dos mesmos, selecionados aleatoriamente, fazendo com que cada sujeito realizasse todas as técnicas, em rodízio: a) teste de preensão manual sem alongamento; b) teste de preensão manual precedido por alongamento estático dos músculos flexores de punho; c) teste de preensão manual precedido por FNP dos músculos flexores de punho. O teste de Shapiro-Wilk foi realizado para avaliar a normalidade dos dados e a one-way Anova com medida repetida, seguida por post-hoc de Tukey para análise das diferenças entre grupos. A significância adotada foi alpha p < 0,05. Conforme os resultados, entre os protocolos SA e AE, foram encontradas diferenças significativas na produção de força isométrica (35,4±11,30 vs. 30,2±9,18 kg N-1; p < 0,05). Entre SA e FNP, também foram encontradas diferenças significativas (35,4±11,30 vs. 29,1±10,05 kg N-1; p < 0,001). Todavia, diferenças significativas não foram observadas entre AE e FNP (30,2±9,18 vs. 29,1±10,05 kg N-1; p > 0,05). Os métodos de AE e FNP provocam efeito agudo sobre a FME reduzindo os níveis desta capacidade física.

Acute effects of different intensities of resistance training on glycemic fluctuations in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Six men and six women (24.4 ± 6.4 years) who had been diagnosed with T1D for 7.3 ± 6.8 years volunteered for the study. Three RT sessions were repeated with the same experimental approach with randomized load percentages. Blood glucose measurements were performed at rest, after warm-up, immediately after the last set of each exercise, and 10, 20, and 30 minutes after the exercise session. Significant decreases from rest for blood glucose concentration in each intensity vs. post warm-up, immediately post exercise session, and 10, 20 and 30 minutes after total training session were observed. Effect size (ES) results for the 60 and 80% of 1RM intensities demonstrated large magnitudes. The three intensities investigated promoted a reduction in blood glucose levels and therefore can be recommended for diabetic patients. In addition, the moderate and high intensities appear to lower blood glucose levels to a greater extent than the low intensity.

Influence of inter-set stretching on strength, flexibility and hormonal adaptations.

Adequate levels of strength and flexibility are important for the promotion and maintenance of health and functional autonomy as well as safe and effective sports participation. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of 8 weeks of strength training with or without inter-set static stretching on strength, flexibility and hormonal adaptations of trained men. Sixteen trained men were randomly divided into 2 groups: the static stretching group (SSG) and passive interval group (PIG). All participants performed 24 training sessions 3 times a week. The test and retest of 8RM, strength, flexibility, cortisol and growth hormone concentration in pre and post test conditions were also evaluated. To compare the differences between and within groups in pre- and post-training tests, ANOVA with repeated measures was performed (SSGpre x SSGpost; PIGpre x PIGpost; SSGpost x PIGpost). An alpha level of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant for all comparisons. Both groups showed significant increases in strength (SSGpre vs. SSGpost; PIGpre vs. PIGpost) in the same exercises for leg extension (LE) and Low Row (LR). Specifically, in the SSG group, the parameters for LE were (p = 0.0015 and ES = 2.28 - Large), and the parameters for LR were (p = 0.002 and ES = 1.95 - Large). Moreover, in the PIG group, the parameters for LE were (p = 0.009 and ES = 1.95 - Large), and the parameters for LR were (p = 0.0001 and ES = 2.88 - Large). No differences were found between the groups (SSGpost vs. PIGpost). Both groups showed significant increases in flexibility but in different joints (SSGpre vs. SSGpost; PIGpre vs. PIGpost). In the SSG group, only three joints showed significant increases in flexibility: shoulder extension (p = 0.004 and ES = 1.76 - Large), torso flexion (p = 0.002 and ES = 2.36 - Large), and hip flexion (p = 0.001 and ES = 1.79 -Large). In the PIG group, only three joints showed increases in flexibility: horizontal shoulder abduction (p = 0.003 and ES = 2.07 - Large), hip flexion (p = 0.001 and ES = 2.39 - Large), and hip extension (p = 0.02 and ES = 1.79 - Large). In-between group analyses (SSGpost x PIGpost) revealed differences in two joints: shoulder extension (p = 0.001) and horizontal shoulder abduction (p = 0.001). Hormonal profiles showed no significant differences in cortisol secretion or growth hormone concentration. In conclusion, both studied strength protocols (with and without inter-set static stretching) resulted in flexibility and strength gains without an effect on the anabolic and catabolic hormonal profile.

Acute effects of dropsets among different resistance training methods in upper body performance.

The aim of this study was to compare the influence of including dropset exercises in different orders, both in the pre-exhaustion, as in the post-exhaustion method, and to analyze the performance of total work on the bench press and chest flying exercise. Twenty-two male volunteers with a recreational experience in ST were evaluated in six visits in non-consecutive days, at approximately the same time of the day. During the first visit, subjects signed an informed consent form and underwent an anthropometric evaluation and testing of 10RM. The second visit involved a re-test of 10RM. From third to sixth visits, the subjects were randomly grouped into the following experimental situations: 3rd Visit (V3 - Post-exhaustion): Bench Press (dropset) + Chest Flying (10RM); 4th visit (V4 - Post-exhaustion): Bench Press (10RM) + Chest Flying (dropset); 5th Visit (V5 - pre-exhaustion): Chest Flying (dropset) + Bench Press (10RM); 6th Visit (V6 - pre-exhaustion): Chest Flying (10RM) + Bench Press (dropset). The protocol of dropset was performed with 3 sets and no rest intervals 10RM + 80% 10RM + 60% 10RM. An interval between sets was adopted for 2 minutes. The primary results showed a significant difference in Total Work for visits V3 and V6, which was included in the dropset multiarticular exercises. These results suggest that the exercise order with the dropset method in the pre-exhaustion or post-exhaustion methods had an acute influence on Total Work.