The impact of aquatic exercise programs on the systemic hematological and inflammatory markers of community dwelling elderly: A randomized controlled trial.

Evidence shows that physical exercise is important in maintaining an efficient immune system during ageing. However, there are few studies that test the impact of aquatic exercise programs on the immune system. This study aims to analyze the impact of different physical exercise programs in aquatic environment on the systemic hematological and inflammatory markers of community dwelling elderly. One hundred and two elderly were randomly allocated into four groups: a continuous aerobic exercise group (AerG) (n = 25, 71.44 ± 4.84 years); an interval aerobic exercise group (IntG) (n = 28, 72.64 ± 5.22 years); a combined exercise group (ComG) (n = 29, 71.90 ± 5.67 years); a control group (CG) (n = 20, 73.60 ± 5.25 years). The AerG, IntG and ComG participants took part in three different aquatic exercise programs over a 28-weeks period. The CG participants maintained their usual routines during the same time period. Blood samples were collected from all participants in order to access hematologic indicators, by means of cell count, and the inflammatory profile by ELISA. After 28 weeks, significant differences were found for several hematologic variables in the AerG, IntG and ComG with increases in mean corpuscular hemoglobulin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobulin concentration (MCHC), and hemoglobulin (Hb). Decreases in TNF-α levels were found for all exercising groups. An increase in IL-10 levels, granulocytes to lymphocytes ratio (GLR) and a decrease in the TNF-α/IL-10 ratio, were found for the IntG. For the ComG decreases were also found for the TNF-α, IL-1ß/IL-1ra ratios. The present study suggests that aquatic exercise programs were able to improve the inflammatory profile of the participants. Those in the exercise intervention groups showed a shift towards lower pro-inflammatory levels while the non-exercising group showed the opposite behaviour. The IntG and the ComG aquatic exercise programs appeared to be more effective than the AerG program in decreasing chronic low-grade inflammation by mediating the production of higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, the differences found between the exercising groups were small and may not have clinical significance.

The Impact of Aquatic Exercise Programs on the Intima-Media thickness of the Carotid Arteries, Hemodynamic Parameters, Lipid Profile and Chemokines of Community-Dwelling Older Persons: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Scientific evidence has shown that physical exercise is an effective way of improving several cardiovascular disease markers. However, few studies have tested its effectiveness when performed in aquatic environments. The purpose of this study was to test the impact of different aquatic exercise programs on the intima-media thickness of carotid arteries (IMT) and hemodynamic and biochemical markers of cardiovascular diseases in community-dwelling older persons. A total of 102 participants were randomly allocated into four groups: an aerobic exercise group (AerG) (n = 25, 71.44 ± 4.84 years); an aerobic interval group (IntG) (n = 28, 72.64 ± 5.22 years); a combined group (ComG) (n = 29, 71.90 ± 5.67 years); and a control group (CG) (n = 20, 73.60 ± 5.25 years). The AerG, IntG, and ComG participants took part in three different aquatic exercise programs for 28 weeks. The CG participants maintained their usual routines. All participants were evaluated for IMT, blood pressure, lipid profile, and MCP-1 and MIP-1α chemokines, pre- and post-intervention. Significant differences were found in the AerG for diastolic diameter (DD), in the IntG for peak systolic velocity (PSV), and in the ComG for DD and end-diastolic velocity (EDV). Regarding blood pressure, significant differences were found in AerG for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP); in IntG for DBP; and in ComG for SBP, DBP, and heart rate (HR). Significant differences were found in the AerG and IntG for glucose (GLU). Lower plasma levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-1α) were found in the AerG and in the ComG for MCP-1 after the intervention. Aquatic physical exercise appears to improve cardiovascular health, regardless of the type of the program adopted. Aerobic programs (combined and continuous aerobic exercises) seemed to have a more beneficial effect in reducing important cardiovascular risk markers.

Impact of Different Aquatic Exercise Programs on Body Composition, Functional Fitness and Cognitive Function of Non-Institutionalized Elderly Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Aquatic physical exercise programs have become progressively more popular among elderly people. Some of the major physical exercise program disadvantages on land are minimized due to the specific properties of the aquatic environment. The purpose of the present randomized controlled study is to verify the effects of different aquatic physical exercise programs on body composition, functional fitness and cognitive function in non-institutionalized elderly people. For this study, 102 elderly individuals were randomly allocated into four different groups: AerG (n = 25, 71.44 ± 4.84 years); IntG (n = 28, 72.64 ± 5.22 years); ComG (n = 29, 71.90 ± 5.67 years) and CG (n = 20, 73.60 ± 5.25 years). Individuals from the groups AerG, IntG and ComG participated in three different aquatic physical exercise programs for a period of 28 weeks. The CG participants kept to their usual routines. All participants were evaluated for body composition, functional fitness and cognitive function at two time moments, i.e., pre- (M1) and post-intervention (M2). Significant differences for body composition were found between M1 and M2 for FM (p < 0.001), LBM (p < 0.001) and WCir (p < 0.01) in the AerG, for BMI (p < 0.05), FM (p < 0.05), LBM (p < 0.001) and LCir-R (p < 0.05) in the IntG, and for WGT (p < 0.01), FM (p < 0.05), LBM (p < 0.01), LCir-R (p < 0.05) and LCir-L (p < 0.01) in the ComG groups. For functional fitness, differences were found between M1 and M2 for 2m-ST (p < 0.000), 30s-CS (p < 0.000), 30s-AC (p < 0.05), HG-T-R (p < 0.000) and HG-T-L (p < 0.000) in the AerG, for 2m-ST (p < 0.05), BS-R (p < 0.05), 30s-CS (p < 0.000), 30s-AC(p < 0.01), HG-T-R (p < 0.000) and HG-T-L (p < 0.000) in the IntG, and for 30s-CS (p < 0.000), HG-T-R (p < 0.000) and HG-T-L (p < 0.000) in the ComG groups. The present study evidenced the beneficial effects of physical exercise in an aquatic environment on body composition, functional fitness and cognitive function in non-institutionalized elderly adults. The ComG water-based exercise program showed more beneficial effects in the improvement of body composition and cognitive function variables, while the IntG and AerG programs were more effective in the improvement of functional fitness.

Impact of Aquatic-Based Physical Exercise Programs on Risk Markers of Cardiometabolic Diseases in Older People: A Study Protocol for Randomized-Controlled Trials.

Cardiometabolic diseases are one of the primary causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide and sedentary lifestyles are contributing factors to these pathologies. Physical exercise has been recognized as an important tool in the prevention and treatment of these diseases. However, there are still some doubts about the efficacy of certain type of physical exercise programs for older participants. The main goal of this study is to assess the impact of different aquatic-based physical exercise programs on risk markers of cardiometabolic diseases in older people. The study group will consist of non-institutionalized individuals, within the age group of 65 or older. The sample will be randomly divided into four groups, three experimental groups (EG) and one control group (CG). Participants from the EGs will be exposed to three physical aquatic-based exercise programs for a period of 28 weeks (continuous aerobic, interval aerobic and combined). The evaluated parameters include anthropometry, physical functions, mental health, cognitive function, carotid arteries intima-media thickness, heart rate variability and biochemical markers. The results will allow an interpretation of the impact of different aquatic-based physical exercise programs on cardiometabolic diseases markers and can also be used as a tool for professionals to prescribe adequate and more efficient physical exercise programs.

Actividad electromiografica de los isquiotibiales, sometidos a una única sesión de flexibilidad estática usando vendaje neuromuscular / Atividade eletromiografíca dos isquiotibiais, submetidos a uma única sessão de flexibilidade estática usando bendagem neuromuscular / Actividad electromiografi ca de los isquiotibiales, sometidos a una única sesión de fl exibilidad estática usando vendaje neuromuscular

El objetivo del estudio fue verifi car si la aplicación de vendaje neuromuscular (Kinesio Taping), y ejercicios de fl exibilidad estáticos afecta signifi cativamente la actividad electromiográfi ca de los músculos isquiotibiales, el rendimiento en un Test de fl exibilidad estática o la dimensión angular del ángulo poplíteo. La muestra de este estudio estuvo compuesta por 23 sujetos con una edad promedio de 24.65σ4.31, aos ambos sexos. Fueron divididos en cuatro grupos, a todos se les midió la masa corporal y la estatura y se obtuvo el IMC. La evaluación de la fl exibilidad fue realizada a través de dos pruebas, el test de sentar y alcanzar y la angulación del ángulo poplíteo. Las señales electromiográfi cas fueron evaluadas por medio de un electromiógrafo. Todos los grupos realizaron fl exibilidad estática, mediante seis series de 10 segundos, en dos grupos se controló la percepción del esfuerzo por medio de la PERFLEX, mientras que a los otros dos grupos se les aplicó el vendaje neuromuscular una hora antes del test. Se realizó una ANOVA, luego se efectu un post-hoc de Tukey, con un nivel de signifi cancia establecido p<0.05. Se encontraron diferencias signifi cativas entre los grupos en el test de sentar y alcanzar (p< 0.001); en la angulación (p< 0.001); en la señal de EMG Canal 1 (p<0.001) y en la señal de EMG canal 2 (p< 0.02). Se concluye que, existe infl uencia del vendaje neuromuscular, de los ejercicios de fl exibilidad, mejorando la fl exibilidad de los músculos isquiotibiales, aumentando la angulación del ángulo poplíteo y disminuyendo la actividad electromiográfi ca de los músculos isquiotibiales....(AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi verifi car se a aplicação da bandagem neuromuscular (Kinesio Taping), exercícios de fl exibilidade estática afeta signifi cativamente a atividade eletromiográfi ca dos músculos isquiotibiais, no rendimento de um teste de fl exibilidade estática e na dimensão angular do ângulo poplíteo. A amostra desse estudo foi composta por 23 sujeitos com média de idade de 24.65σ4.31, de ambos os sexos. Foram divididos em quatro grupos, em todos foi medida a massa corporal e a estatura e se obteve o IMC. A avaliação da fl exibilidade foi realizada através da dos testes de sentar e alcançar e a angulação do ângulo poplíteo. Os sinais eletromiográfi cos foram avaliados por meio de um eletromiografi co. Todos os grupos realizaram fl exibilidade estática, mediante seis séries de 10 segundos, um dois grupos se se controlou a percepção de esforço por meio da PERFLEX, enquanto os outros dois grupos se aplicou a bandagem neuromuscular uma hora antes do teste. Realizou-se o teste de ANOVA, logo se efetuou o post-hoc de Tukey, com nível de signifi cância estabelecido em p<0.05. Encontraram-se diferenças signifi cativas em os grupos no teste de sentar e alcançar (p< 0.001); na angulação (p< 0.001); no sinal de EMG Canal 1 (p<0.001) e no sinal de EMG canal 2 (p< 0.02). Conclui-se que, existe infl uência da bandagem neuromuscular, nos exercícios de fl exibilidade, melhorando a fl exibilidade dos músculos isquiotibiais, aumentando a angulação do ângulo poplíteo e diminuindo a atividade eletromiográfi ca dos músculos isquiotibiais....(AU)

Effect of strength training on body composition, strength and aerobic capacity of Brazilians adolescents’ handball players related with peak growth rate / Efecto del entrenamiento de la fuerza sobre la composición corporal, fuerza y capacidad aeróbica de los jugadores adolescentes de balonmano brasileños relacionados con el pico de crecimiento

Objective: During adolescence are expected significant increases in growth rate, strength and body proportions. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in strength, body composition and aerobic capacity after a strength training during different peak growth rate periods in adolescent handball players. Material and method: Twenty-five male adolescents’ handball players performed a strength-training program for 8 weeks. The body fat percentage was estimated by Slaughter equation, and the Peak Growth Rate (PGR) defined as: 1= before peak, 2= within peak; 3= after peak. The repetition maximal test (1RM) was performance for upper (bench press) and lower-body strength (leg press). Analyze of variance and post-hoc was computed to determine differences between PGR groups, strength and aerobic capacity. Results: No significant changes in body composition were found following after the strength-training program. Upper-body strength increased (Δ = 26.3%) in the PGR 1 significantly compared to PGR 3 (Δ = 13.4%) (p < 0.05). No significant changes were found between the PGR groups 1, 2 and 3 on aerobic capacity (Δ = 2.9%, 3.4% and 3.8%, respectively) and lower-body strength raise (Δ = 11.3%, 19.0% and 15.2%, respectively) after training program in all groups. Conclusions: Changes in body composition were observed between PGR. Aerobic capacity and strength do not differ between limbs at early and average PGR. Increased VO2max, upper and lower-body strength was found in late PGR group in handball players following 8 weeks of strength training

Objetivo: Durante la adolescencia se esperan aumentos significativos en la tasa de crecimiento, la fuerza y proporciones corporales. El propósito de este estudio fue examinar los cambios en la fuerza, la composición corporal y la capacidad aeróbica posteriores a un programa de entrenamiento de la fuerza durante diferentes períodos de la tasa de crecimiento pico en jugadores de balonmano adolescentes. Material y método: Veinticinco adolescentes, jugadores de balonmano masculinos, realizaron un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza durante 8 semanas. Se calculó el porcentaje de grasa corporal por la ecuación de Slaughter y la tasa de crecimiento pico (TCP) se definió como: 1 = pre-pico, 2= pico y 3 = post-pico. Se realizó la prueba de una repetición máxima (1RM) en los miembros superiores (press de banca) e inferiores (press de piernas). Se usaron pruebas de análisis de varianza (ANOVA) y los respectivos post hoc para determinar las diferencias entre los grupos de TCP para las variables de fuerza y capacidad aeróbica. Resultados: No hubo cambios significativos en la composición corporal después del programa de entrenamiento. La fuerza en los miembros superiores aumentó (Δ% = 26.3) significativamente en el grupo de TCP1 en comparación con el grupo TCP3 (Δ% = 13,4) (p < 0,05). No hubo cambios significativos entre los grupos de TCP1, 2 y 3 en la capacidad aeróbica (Δ% = 2,9, 3,4 y 3,8, respectivamente) ni en la fuerza de las extremidades inferiores (Δ% = 11,3, 19,0 and 15,2, respectivamente) después del programa de entrenamiento. Conclusiones: No se encontraron cambios en la composición corporal y la capacidad aeróbica entre los grupos de TCP. La capacidad aeróbica y la fuerza en los miembros superiores e inferiores no fue diferente en los grupos de TCP. En el grupo de jugadores de balonmano TCP3 se encontraron aumentos en VO2máx y en la fuerza del tren inferior después de 8 semanas de entrenamiento de la fuerza