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.

Agreement between Different Methods to Measure the Active Drag Coefficient in Front-Crawl Swimming.

The aim of this study was to analyze the agreement of the active drag coefficient measured through drag and propulsion methods. The sample was composed of 18 swimmers (nine boys: 15.9 ± 0.9 years; nine girls: 15.3 ± 1.2 years) recruited from a national swimming team. The velocity perturbation method was used as the drag measurement system and the Aquanex system as the propulsion system. For both sexes combined, the frontal surface area was 0.1128 ± 0.016 m2, swim velocity 1.54 ± 0.13 m.s-1, active drag 62.81 ± 11.37 N, propulsion 68.81 ± 12.41 N. The level of the active drag coefficient agreement was calculated based on the mean values comparison, simple linear regression, and Bland Altman plots. The mean data comparison revealed non-significant differences (p > 0.05) between methods to measure the active drag coefficient. Both the linear regression (R2 = 0.82, p < 0.001) and Bland Altman plots revealed a very high agreement. The active drag coefficient should be the main outcome used in the interpretation of the swimmers' hydrodynamic profile, because it is less sensitive to swimming velocity. Coaches and researchers should be aware that the active drag coefficient can also be calculated based on propulsion methods and not just based on drag methods. Thus, the swimming community can now use different equipment to measure the hydrodynamics of their swimmers.

Associação entre atividade física e saúde mental durante a pandemia COVID-19: um estudo transversal / Association between physical activity and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a associação entre níveis de atividade física e sintomas de ansiedade e depressão. Foi elaborado um questionário online no Google Forms® com questões objetivas e abertas para avaliar as questões relacionadas à prática de atividade física e saúde mental durante o período da pandemia da COVID-19. O formulário incluiu perguntas relacionadas a aspectos sociodemográficos, nível de atividade física (IPAQ ­versão curta) e análise da saúde mental dos participantes com as escalas de Ansiedade e Depressão de Beck. A associação entre atividade física e saúde mental foi estimada por meio de modelos de regressão. Cento e noventa e três pessoas responderam ao questionário (59% do sexo feminino). As mulheres apresentaram maiores níveis de ansiedade e depressão quando comparadas aos homens (p < 0,001 para todos os domínios). O risco de ter sintomas graves de ansiedade e depressivos aumentou respectivamente (OR = 4,20; IC95%: 1,25 - 14,11), e (OR = 3,16; IC95%: 1,12 - 8,91) nos participantes classificados com nível baixo de atividade física quando comparados aos quem mantêm o nível mais alto. Os homens têm menos chances de terem sintomas de ansiedade (OR= 0,23; IC95%: 0,10 - 0,55 p < 0,001) e depressão (OR = 0,33 IC95%: 0,12 - 0,88). Em suma, pode-se concluir que, durante a pandemia de COVID-19, os participantes que obtiveram alto nível de atividade física têm menos chances de apresentar sintomas graves de ansiedade e moderado de depressão

he aim of the present study was to investigate the cross-sectional association between levels of physical activity and symptoms of anxiety and depression. An online questionnaire was prepared on Google Forms® with objective and open questions to evaluate the issues related to physical activity and mental health during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The form included questions related to sociodemographic aspects, physical activity level (IPAQ ­ short version) and analysis of the participants' mental health using the Beck Anxiety and Depression scales. The association between physical activity and mental health was estimated using regression models. One hundred and ninety-three people responded to the questionnaire (59% female). Women had higher levels of anxiety and depression when compared to men (p < 0.001 for all domains). The risk of having severe anxiety and depressive symptoms increased respectively (OR = 4.20; 95%CI: 1.25 - 14.11), and (OR = 3.16; 95%CI: 1.12 - 8.91) in participants classified as having a low level of physical ac-tivity when compared to those who maintain the highest level. Men are less likely to have anxiety symptoms (OR = 0.23; 95%CI: 0.10 - 0.55) and depression (OR = 0.33; 95%CI: 0.12 - 0.88). In summary, it can be concluded that participants who achieved a high level of physical activity are less likely to have symptoms of severe anxiety and moderate symptoms of depression

Effect of walking with blood flow restriction in elderly women with osteoporosis/osteopenia / Efeito da caminhada com restrição do fluxo sanguíneo em idosas com osteoporose/osteopenia

Abstract Introduction The preservation of bone mass in elderly women is associated with better levels of practice of systematic physical exercises. Aerobic training combined with blood flow restriction seems to be a new alternative that determines this process, but knowledge gaps are still observed when referring to exercise associated with blood flow restriction (BFR) and adaptations on bone variables. Objective To analyze the chronic effects of aerobic training with and without BFR on bone mineral density and bone biomarker osteocalcin concentrations in older women. Methods Thirty women were randomized into the following groups: walking on a treadmill at low intensity with BFR; moderate treadmill walking with no BFR; only BFR (no exercise) for 20 minutes, twice a week, for 24 weeks. Bone mineral density was measured before and 24 weeks after intervention. Blood serum osteocalcin concentrations were measured before, 12 and 24 weeks after intervention. Results There were no differences between groups in bone mineral density (femoral neck, p = 0.31; total femur, p = 0.17; lumbar spin, p = 0.06) and osteocalcine (W(2) = 0.27; p = 0.87) ouctomes after 24 weeks of intervention. Conclusion There was no difference between walking training, blood flow restriction only, or walking+blood flow restriction on bone mineral density and osteocalcin concentrations after 24-weeks of intervention in older women with osteopenia/osteoporosis.

Resumo Introdução A preservação da massa óssea em mulheres idosas está associada a melhores níveis de prática de exercícios físicos sistemáticos. O treinamento aeróbico combinado com restrição de fluxo sanguíneo (RFS) parece ser uma nova alternativa que determina esse processo, mas ainda são observadas lacunas de conhecimento quando se refere ao exercício associado à RFS e adaptações nas variáveis ósseas. Objetivo Analisar os efeitos crônicos do treinamento aeróbico com e sem RFS na densidade mineral óssea e nas concentrações do biomarcador ósseo osteocalcina em mulheres idosas. Métodos Trinta mulheres foram randomizadas nos seguintes grupos: caminhada em esteira de baixa intensidade com RFS; caminhada moderada em esteira sem RFS; apenas RFS (sem exercícios) por 20 minutos, duas vezes por semana, durante 24 semanas. A densidade mineral óssea foi medida antes e 24 semanas após a intervenção. As concentrações séricas de osteocalcina no sangue foram medidas antes, 12 e 24 semanas após a intervenção. Resultados Não houve diferenças entre os grupos na densidade mineral óssea (colo do fêmur, p = 0,31; fêmur total, p = 0,17; giro lombar, p = 0,06) e osteocalcina (W(2) = 0,27; p = 0,87) após 24 semanas de intervenção. Conclusão Não houve diferença entre treinamento de caminhada, apenas restrição de fluxo sanguíneo ou caminhada + restrição de fluxo sanguíneo na densidade mineral óssea e nas concentrações de osteocalcina após 24 semanas de intervenção em mulheres idosas com osteopenia/osteoporose.

Immune System Modulation in Response to Strength Training With Blood Flow Restriction.

ABSTRACT: de Souza, TSP, de S. Pfeiffer, PA, do N. Pereira, J, Pereira Neto, EA, Dutra, TS, de Mendonça, MGL, and Cirilo-Sousa, MS. Immune system modulation in response to strength training with blood flow restriction. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2156-2161, 2022-This study aimed to compare strength training with blood flow restriction (ST-BFR) with multiple-set training at different intensities (30% of repetition maximum [1RM] and 75% of 1RM) for their effect on immunoinflammatory responses (total leukocytes, segmented neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and lymphocyte subpopulations). It is a randomized experimental study with a repeated-measures design with intergroup and intragroup effects of a strength training session. Eighteen physically active adults aged 20-31 years (26.17 ± 3.7 years), apparently healthy, performed a strength training session with 2 exercises. Six milliliters of blood was collected before training, immediately after training, and at 30 minutes and 24 hours after the session to perform analyses. The results showed that strength training could promote modulation (time effect) in the leukocyte count ( F = 25.86, p < 0.01, η 2 = 0.74), regardless of the method used. Neutrophils ( F = 22.71, p < 0.01, η 2 = 0.60), especially TCD4+ lymphocytes ( F = 6.33, p < 0.05, η 2 = 0, 3), were the main factors responsible for this variation. Despite the similarity, there were differences between the methods in modulations of total leukocytes ( F = 4.16, p < 0.05, η 2 = 0.36) and neutrophils ( F = 4.80, p < 0.05, η 2 = 0.39). In conclusion, compared with the multiple-set training, ST-BFR produces immunoinflammatory responses similar to low-intensity training and different from high-intensity training. However, the demargination process of some cells was different depending on the method and intensity used. Nevertheless, these variations are compatible with an appropriate recovery process because of the amplitude and length of modulation curves of leukocytes, and lymphocyte subpopulations were not compatible with immunosuppression.

Effects of Ibuprofen Use on Lymphocyte Count and Oxidative Stress in Elite Paralympic Powerlifting.

BACKGROUND: Paralympic Powerlifting (PP) training tends to promote fatigue and oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of ibuprofen use on performance and oxidative stress in post-training PP athletes. METHODOLOGY: Ten national level PP athletes (age: 27.13 ± 5.57) were analyzed for oxidative stress in post-training. The study was carried out in three weeks, (1) familiarization and (2 and 3) evaluated the recovery with the use of a placebo (PLA) and ibuprofen (IBU), 800 mg. The Peak Torque (PT), Torque Development Rate (TDR), Fatigue Index (FI), reactive substances to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and sulfhydryl groups (SH) were evaluated. The training consisted of five sets of five repetitions (80-90%) 1-Repetition Maximum (1-RM) in the bench press. RESULTS: The IBU showed a higher PT (24 and 48 h, p = 0.04, ɳ2 p = 0.39), a lower FI (24 h, p = 0.01, ɳ2p = 0.74) and an increased lymphocyte count (p < 0.001; ɳ2p = 4.36). There was no change in oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: The use of IBU provided improvements in strength and did not protect against oxidative stress.

Physiological and Perceptual Responses to Aerobic Exercise With and Without Blood Flow Restriction.

ABSTRACT: Silva, JCG, Domingos-Gomes, JR, Freitas, EDS, Neto, GR, Aniceto, RR, Bemben, MG, Lima-dos-Santos, A, and Cirilo-Sousa, MS. Physiological and perceptual responses to aerobic exercise with and without blood flow restriction. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2479-2485, 2021-Although previous studies have demonstrated the potential benefits of aerobic exercise (AE) with blood flow restriction (BFR), these findings have been limited by the approaches used to determine the occlusive pressure. In addition, the physiological and perceptual responses of AE with BFR compared to high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) remain unclear. Thus, we investigated the physiological and perceptual responses to AE with and without BFR, and HIIE. Twenty-two men were randomly assigned to 4 experimental conditions: AE (40% of maximal oxygen consumption [V˙o2peak]), AE with 50% of BFR (AE-BFR: 40% VV˙o2peak), HIIE (80% V˙o2peak), and a no exercise control condition (CON: 50% of BFR). Each exercise bout lasted 18 minutes, during which oxygen consumption (V˙o2), heart rate (HR), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured at rest and at every 3 minutes during exercise. Ratings of discomfort before and after each trial. The HIIE condition induced the greatest increases in V˙o2 and HR (p < 0.05), whereas AE-BFR was significantly (p < 0.05) greater than AE and CON. HIIE and AE-BFR also elicited the greatest (p < 0.05), but similar (p > 0.05), increases in RPE during exercise, although AE-BFR was significantly greater than HIIE immediately after exercise (p < 0.05). AE-BFR and HIIE also induced similar levels of discomfort after exercise (p > 0.05). In conclusion, HIIE induced the greatest increases in V˙o2 and HR, although the perceptual responses were essentially the same compared with AE-BFR. However, albeit inferior to HIIE, V˙o2 was greater during AE-BFR compared with AE, indicating that this training method may be used to replace HIIE and still significantly elevate V˙o2.

Predictive equation for blood flow restriction training / Equação preditiva para o treinamento de restrição do fluxo sanguíneo / Ecuación predictiva para el entrenamiento de restricción del flujo sanguíneo

ABSTRACT Introduction No research has investigated predictive equations for application in blood flow restriction (BFR) training using a cuff with a circumference of 18 cm for the lower limbs, and including age and sex as predictor variables. Objectives To develop an equation to predict cuff pressure levels for use in BFR training for the lower limbs. Methods A total of 51 adults (age 23.23 ± 5.24 years) of both sexes (males, n= 32; females, n= 19) underwent a series of tests and anthropometric (body mass, height, body mass index - BMI, and thigh circumference - TC) and hemodynamic (brachial systolic - SBP - and diastolic - DBP - blood pressure) measurements. The arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) of the lower limbs was measured using a Doppler probe. Results The predictive equation was developed based on a hierarchical linear regression model consisting of six blocks, corresponding to TC (β = 0.380; p = 0.005), SBP (β = 0.091; p = 0.482), age (β = 0.320; p = 0.015), and sex (β = -0.207; p = 0.105), which explained 39.7% of the variation in arterial occlusion pressure. DBP and BMI were not associated with AOP. As a result, the predictive equation is as follows: AOP (mmHg) = 65.290 + 1.110 (TC in cm) + 0.178 (SBP in mmHg) + 1.153 (age in years) - 7.984 (sex, 1 - male and 2 - female), reporting values of r = 0.630, r2 = 0.397 and SEE = 15,289. Conclusion Cuff pressure for BFR training of the lower limbs may be selected based on TC, SBP, age and sex, and thigh circumference is considered the main predictor. Level of Evidence III, Non-consecutive studies, or studies without consistently applied reference standard.

RESUMO Introdução Nenhuma pesquisa investigou equações preditivas para aplicação no treinamento de restrição do fluxo sanguíneo (RFS) utilizando um manguito de 18 cm de circunferência para os membros inferiores e incluindo a idade e sexo como variáveis preditoras. Objetivos Desenvolver uma equação preditiva dos níveis de pressão do manguito para uso no treinamento de RFS para os membros inferiores. Métodos Um total de 51 adultos (23,23 ± 5,24 anos) de ambos os sexos (homens, n = 32; mulheres, n = 19) foram submetidos a uma série de testes e medidas antropométricas (massa corporal, altura, índice de massa corporal - IMC e circunferência da coxa - CC) e hemodinâmicas (pressão sistólica braquial - PSB e diastólica - PDB). A pressão de oclusão arterial (POA) dos membros inferiores foi medida com utilização de uma sonda Doppler. Resultados A equação preditiva foi desenvolvida a partir de um modelo hierárquico de regressão linear composto de seis blocos, correspondendo a CC (β = 0,380; p = 0,005), PSB (β = ٠,091; p = 0,482), idade (β = 0,320; p = 0,015) e sexo (β = -0,207; p = 0,105), explicando os 39,7% da variação na pressão de oclusão arterial. O IMC e a PDB não foram associados à POA. Como resultado, apresenta-se a seguinte equação: POA (mmHg) = 65,290 + 1,110 (CC em cm) + 0,178 (PSB em mmHg) + 1,153 (idade em anos) - 7,984 (sexo, 1 - masculino e 2 - feminino), com valores de r = 0,630, r2 = 0,397 e EPE = 15,289. Conclusão A pressão do manguito para utilização no treinamento de RFS dos membros inferiores pode ser selecionada com base nas medidas de CC, PSB, idade e sexo, sendo que, a circunferência da coxa é considerada o principal preditor. Nível de Evidência III, Estudos não consecutivos ou estudos sem padrão de referência consistentemente aplicado.

RESUMEN Introducción Ninguna pesquisa investigó las ecuaciones predictivas para aplicación en el entrenamiento de restricción del flujo sanguíneo (RFS) utilizando un manguito de 18 cm de circunferencia para los miembros inferiores e incluyendo la edad y sexo como variables predictoras. Objetivos Desarrollar una ecuación predictiva de los niveles de presión del manguito para uso en el entrenamiento de RFS para los miembros inferiores. Métodos Un total de 51 adultos (23,23 ± 5,24 años) de ambos sexos (masculino, n = 32, femenino, n = 19) fueron sometidos a una serie de pruebas y mediciones antropométricas (masa corporal, estatura, índice de masa corporal - IMC y circunferencia del muslo - CM) y hemodinámicas (presión sistólica braquial - PSB , y diastólica - PDB). La presión de oclusión arterial (POA) de los miembros inferiores se midió mediante una sonda Doppler. Resultados La ecuación predictiva se desarrolló a partir de un modelo jerárquico de regresión lineal compuesto de seis bloques, correspondiendo a CM (β = 0,380; p = 0,005), PSB (β = 0,091; p = 0,482), edad (β = 0,320; p = 0,015), y sexo (β = -0,207; p = 0,105), explicando 39,7% de la variación en la presión de oclusión arterial. El IMC y la PDB no fueron asociadas a la POA. Como resultado, se presenta la siguiente ecuación: POA (mmHg) = 65,290 + 1,110 (CM en cm) + 0,178 (PAS en mmHg) + 1,153 (edad en años) - 7,984 (sexo, 1 - Masculino y 2 - Femenino), con valores de r = 0,630, r2 = 0,397 y EEE = 15,289. Conclusión La presión del manguito para su uso en el entrenamiento de RFS de los miembros inferiores puede seleccionarse con base en las medidas de CM, PSB, edad y sexo, siendo que la circunferencia del muslo es considerada el principal predictor. Nivel de Evidencia III, Estudios no consecutivos o estudios sin estándar de referencia consistentemente aplicado.

Acute and Chronic Responses of Aerobic Exercise With Blood Flow Restriction: A Systematic Review.

This study systematically reviewed the available scientific evidence pertaining to the acute and chronic changes promoted by aerobic exercise (AE) combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) on neuromuscular, metabolic and hemodynamic variables. PubMed, Web of ScienceTM and Scopus databases were searched for the period from January 2000 to June 2019 and the analysis involved a critical content review. A total of 313 articles were identified, of which 271 were excluded and 35 satisfied the inclusion criteria. Twelve studies evaluated the acute effects and eight studies evaluated the chronic metabolic effects of AE + BFR. For the neuromuscular variables, three studies analyzed the acute effects of AE + BFR and nine studies analyzed the chronic effects. Only 15 studies were identified that evaluated the hemodynamic acute effects of AE + BFR. The analysis provided evidence that AE combined with BFR promotes positive acute and chronic changes in neuromuscular and metabolic variables, a greater elevation in hemodynamic variables than exercise alone, and a higher energy demand during and after exercise. Since these alterations were all well-tolerated, this method can be considered to be safe and feasible for populations of athletes, healthy young, obese, and elderly individuals.

Aerobic exercise with blood flow restriction affects mood state in a similar fashion to high intensity interval exercise.

We investigated the acute effects of aerobic exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) on mood state in American football athletes. Twenty-two male American football athletes were randomly assigned to three experimental conditions: 1) aerobic exercise (AE: 40% VO2max), 2) aerobic exercise with BRF (AE + BFR: 40% VO2 max), and 3) high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE: 80% and 40% VO2max during exercise and the active intervals, respectively). Mood state and total mood disturbance (TMD) were assessed before, immediately post, and 1 h post-exerciser. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured 30 min post-exercise. AE + BFR and HIIE significantly (p < 0.05) increased fatigue and tension compared to baseline immediately post-exercise, whereas vigor significantly (p < 0.05) decreased at the same time point for both conditions. TMD increased significantly (p < 0.05) for AE + BFR and HIIE immediately post-exercise and it remained elevated up to 1 h post-exercise for AE + BFR. AE did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect mood state or TMD and it was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than AE + BFR and HIIE. AE + BFR and HIIE also elicited significantly (p < 0.05) greater RPE levels than AE 30 min post-exercise. Therefore, AE + BFR induces acute impairments in mood state and RPE levels in a similar fashion to HIIE.

Are there differences in the activation of the agonist and antagonist muscles during resistance training sessions with continuous or intermittent blood flow restriction? / Existem diferenças na ativação dos músculos agonista e antagonista durante sessões de treinamento de força com restrição de fluxo sanguíneo contínua ou intermitente?

Resistance training (RT) with blood flow restriction (BFR) has been used to increase muscle strength and hypertrophy, however, the best strategy to perform BFR (continuous or intermittent) has not yet been established. The aim of this study was to analyze the chronic effect of RT with continuous or intermittent blood flow restriction (CBFR or IBFR) on muscle activation. A total of 24 men with RT experience were randomly divided into three experimental groups: low-load exercises at 20% of one repetition maximum (1RM) combined with CBFR (LL + CBFR), low-load exercises at 20% of 1RM combined with IBFR (LL + IBFR), or low-load exercises at 20% of 1RM without BFR (LL). Twelve RT sessions were performed for 6 weeks, twice a week. A comparative analysis of the activation of the biceps and triceps brachial muscles after the bench press, triceps pulley, and biceps pulley exercises did not reveal group × evaluations × sets, group × evaluations, group × sets, or evaluations × sets interactions with regard to group, evaluation, or sets (p > 0.05). However, the evaluations showed a significant increase in the LI+IBFR group after the 1st, 2nd, and 4th sets (p < 0.05) only with regard to biceps muscle activation. It was concluded that the muscle activations of the biceps and triceps are similar with regard to the bench press, triceps pulley, and biceps pulley exercises when CBFR is compared with IBFR; however, IBFR improved the muscle activation of the biceps brachial only with regard to the front pull down exercise.se....(AU)

O treinamento de força (TF) com restrição de fluxo sanguíneo (RFS) tem sido utilizado para o aumento da força e hipertrofia muscular, entretanto, ainda não foi estabelecido a melhor estratégia para realizar a RFS (contínua ou intermitente). O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o efeito crônico do TF com a RFS, contínua ou intermitente, sobre ativação muscular. Participaram do estudo 24 homens com experiência em TF que foram divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos experimentais: a) exercícios de baixa carga a 20% de 1RM combinado com a RFS contínua (BC + RFSC), b) exercícios de baixa carga a 20% de 1RM combinado com a RFS intermitente (BC + RFSI), c) exercícios de baixa carga a 20% de 1RM sem a RFS (BC). Foram realizadas 12 sessões de TF (duração de seis semanas, sendo duas vezes por semana). Na primeira e na última sessão foi avaliada a ativação muscular do bíceps e tríceps nos quatro exercícios (supino reto, puxada frontal, rosca tríceps e rosca bíceps, respectivamente). Na análise comparativa da ativação muscular do bíceps e do tríceps braquial nos exercícios: supino reto, rosca tríceps e rosca bíceps, observou-se que não existiram interações entre grupo × avaliações × séries, grupo × avaliações, grupo × séries, avaliações × séries, no grupo, nas avaliações e nas séries (p > 0,05); entretanto, nas avaliações houve aumento significativo no grupo BC+RFSI, na 1ª, 2ª e 4ª séries (p < 0,05) apenas na ativação muscular do bíceps. Conclui-se que a ativação muscular do bíceps e tríceps parecem ser semelhantes nos exercícios supino reto, rosca tríceps e rosca bíceps quando comparada a RFS contínua vs. intermitente, porém, a RFS intermitente parece melhorar a ativação muscular do bíceps braquial apenas no exercício puxada frontal....(AU)

Gender Differences in Chronic Hormonal and Immunological Responses to CrossFit®.

This study was designed to analyze the chronical responses of the hormonal and immune systems after a CrossFit® training period of six months as well as to compare these results between genders. Twenty-nine CrossFit® practitioners (35.3 ± 10.4 years, 175.0 ± 9.2 cm, 79.5 ± 16.4 kg) with a minimum CrossFit® experience of six months were recruited, and hormonal and immune responses were verified every two months during training. The training was conducted in five consecutive days during the week, followed by two resting days. Testosterone (T) values were significantly higher at the last measurement time (T6 = 346.0 ± 299.7 pg·mL-1) than at all the other times (p < 0.002) and were higher in men than in women (p < 0.001). Cortisol (C) levels were lower at all times compared to the initial level before training, and differences were observed between men and women, with men having a lower value (T0: p = 0.028; T2: p = 0.013; T4: p = 0.002; and T6: p = 0.002). The TC ratio in women was lower at all times (p < 0.0001) than in men. Significant effects on CD8 levels at different times (F(3.81) = 7.287; p = 0.002; ηp2 = 0.213) and between genders (F(1.27) = 4.282; p = 0.048; ηp2 = 0.137), and no differences in CD4 levels were observed. CrossFit® training changed the serum and basal levels of testosterone and cortisol in men (with an increase in testosterone and a decrease in cortisol).

The Effect of Ballistic Exercise as Pre-Activation for 100 m Sprints.

The benefits of warm-up in sports performance has received a special interest in the current literature. However, there is a large gap of knowledge about the tasks to be performed, specifically in the real competitive environment. The purpose of the study was to verify the acute effects of a warm-up including ballistic exercises in 100 m running performance. In addition, a second 100 m trial was assessed to better understand the warm-up effects in training and competition. Eleven men (25.4 ± 6.2 years of age, 1.76 ± 0.08 m of height, 78.2 ± 8.6 kg of body mass) were submitted to three different protocols, in a randomized order: no warm-up (NWU), typical warm-up (WU) and WU complemented with ballistic exercises (PAP). Biomechanical, physiological and psychophysiological variables were assessed. Differences were found between the three conditions assessed in the first 100 m sprint with 7.4% and 7.6% faster performances after the WU and PAP, compared to NWU. Stride length was higher in the second part of the 100 m after PAP compared with WU. These results highlight the positive effects of warm-up for sprinting performance. The inclusion of ballistic exercises, besides being used to improve sprint performance, can increase stride length in the final of the 100 m race.

Effects of Different Percentages of Blood Flow Restriction on Energy Expenditure.

The study aimed to analyze the effect of different levels of blood flow restriction (BFR) on energy expenditure (EE) and subjective perceptions of discomfort (SPD) during aerobic exercises. A sample group of 24 young men was required to walk on a treadmill for 14 min at 40% of their maximum speed, with 4 different percentages of BFR (0, 50, 80 and 100%) applied in the lower limbs (LL) once a week with a 7-day interval between the 4 evaluations. EE data were collected during the exercise periods; SPD data were collected after the exercises. There was a significant increase in EE at 50, 80 and 100% BFR compared to the condition without BFR, and between 50 and 100% BFR; however, there were no differences between 50 and 80% and 80 and 100% BFR. Discomfort showed a significant increase according to the increase in BFR. During the walking exercises with BFR, the EE strongly increased until 50% of BFR; after this level the additional increases slowed. It can be concluded that when performing aerobic exercises with BFR, there is no need to use BFR levels above 50% to reach satisfying level of EE with only a moderate level of discomfort to the practitioner. This study was registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC) under number RBR-3XHSJX.

Are there differences in auscultatory pulse in total blood flow restriction between positions, limbs and body segments? / Existem diferenças no pulso auscultatório da restrição total de fluxo sanguíneo entre as posições, membros e segmentos corporais?

Verification of the auscultatory pulse in total blood flow restriction (BFR) has been a limiting factor in studies due to the way in which it is evaluated and prescribed, as hemodynamic measurements can be directly affected by gravity. The aim of the present study was to compare the auscultatory pulse in BFR between positions, genders, limbs and body segments in healthy young individuals. A total of 156 subjects participated in the study, 76 of whom were male and 80 of whom were female (23.9±3.7 years, 66.5±11.5 kg, 1.67±0.07 m). After filling in registration data, anthropometry was evaluated, and BFR pressure was determined. BFR was evaluated in a randomized manner in both limbs (upper and lower) and in both segments (right and left) in the following positions: a) lying in the supine position; B) sitting with knees and trunk at 90°; and c) standing in the anatomical position. Significant differences were observed between the lying, sitting and standing positions (p<0.05), between genders (p<0.05), between limbs (p<0.05) and between the right and left segments in the lower limb in both genders [males (p=0.014) and females (p=0.009)] in the lying position. However, no significant differences were observed between the right and left segments in the upper limbs (p>0.05). The BFR point appears to differ between positions, genders, lower limbs and segments. Therefore, it is recommended that health professionals should check the BFR point in the position relating to the exercise that will be performed, taking into account gender, lower limbs and body segments.

A verificação do pulso auscultatório da restrição de fluxo sanguíneo (RFS) total tem sido fator limitante dos estudos devido à forma de avaliação e prescrição, já que as medidas hemodinâmicas podem sofrer influência direta da gravidade. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o pulso auscultatório da RFS entre as posições, sexo, membros e segmentos corporais em jovens saudáveis. Participaram do estudo 156 sujeitos, sendo 76 homens e 80 mulheres (23,9±3,7 anos, 66,5±11,5 kg, 1,67±0,07 m). Após o preenchimento da ficha cadastral, foram avaliadas a antropometria e em seguida houve a determinação da pressão de RFS. A RFS foi avaliada de forma randomizada em ambos os membros (superiores e inferiores) e ambos os segmentos (direito e esquerdo) nas posições: a) deitada em decúbito dorsal; b) sentada com joelhos e tronco em 90°; e c) em pé na posição anatômica. Observaram-se diferenças significativas entre as posições deitado, sentado e em pé (p<0,05), entre os sexos (p<0,05), entre os membros (p<0,05) e entre os segmentos direito vs. esquerdo no membro inferior em ambos os sexos [homem (p=0,014) e mulher (p=0,009)] na posição deitada. Entretanto, observou-se não existir diferenças significativas entre os segmentos direito vs. esquerdo no membro superior (p>0,05). O ponto da RFS parece diferir entre as posições, sexo, membros inferiores e segmentos. Portanto, recomenda-se que os profissionais da área da saúde devam verificar o ponto da RFS na posição referente ao exercício que será realizado, levando em consideração o sexo, membros inferiores e segmentos corporais.

Perfil de estados de humor em atletas de basquetebol entre competições e posições de jogo / Profile of mood states in basketball athetes between competitions and gaming positions

O basquetebol é um esporte dinâmico com atletas que possuem características muito distintas quanto à estatura, massa corporal, funções e responsabilidade em quadra, que vivem uma busca por resultados e manutenção dos componentes físicos, somados a fatores estressantes da vida social e profissional, os quais podem leva-los a altos níveis de estresse e alterações no Perfi l de Estados de Humor (PEH) em situações de pré-jogo. Desta forma, o presente estudo tem por objetivo analisar os estados de humor pré-jogo em atletas de basquetebol entre competições e posições de jogo. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de caráter descritivo comparativo e transversal, os participantes foram atletas masculinos de basquetebol, divididos em dois grupos: 29 da competição um e 21 da competição dois, totalizando 50 atletas. Para a mensuração do humor foi utilizado a escala de humor de Brunel (BRUMS), que avalia por meio de 24 indicadores simples, que mede seis fatores: tensão, depressão, raiva, vigor, fadiga e confusão mental. A análise dos dados foi através do teste t independente e do teste Anova Oneway, com significância de 95% (p<0,05). A amostra apresentou média de idade de 19,8 ± 2,7 anos, estatura de 181,3 ± 8,5 cm e massa corporal de 78,7 ± 15,3 kg. Os resultados apontam que o PEH dos atletas de basquetebol, entre competições e entre as posições, apresentou um perfil iceberg, resultado considerado pela literatura favorável ao desempenho, não havendo diferenças significativas do PEH entre as posições e competições. Conclui-se que os atletas de basquetebol apresentam respostas semelhantes em relação ao estado emocional entre competições e posições....(AU)

Basketball is a dynamic sport with athletes who have very diff erent characteristics regarding height, body mass, functions and responsibility in court, who live a search for results and maintenance of the physical components, added to stress factors of the athlete's social and professional life, which can lead them to high levels of stress and changes in the Profi le of Mood States (PMS) in pre-game situations. In this way, the present study aims to analyze pre-game mood states in basketball athletes between competitions and game positions. It was a comparative and cross-sectional descriptive study, the participants were male, basketball athletes, divided into two groups: 29 from competition one and 21 from competition two, totaling 50 athletes. The Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) used to measure mood, using 24 simple indicators, measuring six factors: tension, depression, anger, force, fatigue and mental confusion. The data were analyzed using the independent t-test, with signifi cance of 95% (p <0.05). The sample had a mean age of 19.8 ± 2.7 years, height of 181.3 ± 8.5 cm and body mass of 78.7 ± 15.3 kg. The results show that the athletes' basketball score, between competitions and between positions, presented an iceberg profi le, result considered by the literature favorable to performance, with no signifi cant diff erences between the positions and competitions. We conclude that basketball athletes present similar responses regarding the emotional state between competitions and positions....(AU)

Oxygen uptake and resistance exercise methods: the use of blood flow restriction / Consumo de oxigênio e métodos de treino resistido: o uso da restrição de fluxo sanguíneo / Consumo de oxigeno y métodos de entrenamiento resistido: uso de restrición de flujo sanguíneo

INTRODUCTION: The literature has shown that a gap is identified regarding the acute effects of blood flow restriction training on aerobic variables. OBJECTIVE: to analyze oxygen consumption (VO2) during and after two resistance training sessions: traditional high intensity and low intensity with blood flow restriction. METHODS: After one-repetition maximum tests, eight male participants (25.7±3 years) completed the two experimental protocols, separated by 72 hours, in a randomized order: a) high intensity training at 80% of 1RM (HIRE) and b) low intensity training at 20% of 1RM combined with blood flow restriction (LIRE + BFR). Three sets of four exercises (bench press, squat, barbell bent-over row and deadlift) were performed. Oxygen consumption and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption were measured. RESULTS: the data showed statistically significant differences between the traditional high intensity training and low intensity training with blood flow restriction, with higher values for traditional training sessions, except for the last five minutes of the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption. Oxygen consumption measured during training was higher (p = 0.001) for the HIRE (20.32 ± 1.46 mL·kg-1·min-1) compared to the LIRE + BFR (15.65 ± 1.14 mL·kg-1·min-1). CONCLUSION: Oxygen uptakes rates during and after the exercise sessions were higher for the high intensity training methodology. However, when taking into account the volume of training provided by both methods, these differences were attenuated. Level of Evidence III - Non-consecutive studies, or studies without consistently applied reference stand.

INTRODUÇÃO: Na literatura, é identificada uma lacuna em relação aos efeitos agudos do treino com restrição de fluxo sanguíneo sobre as variáveis aeróbicas. OBJETIVO: analisar o consumo de oxigênio (VO2) durante e após duas sessões de treino de força: tradicional de alta intensidade e baixa intensidade com restrição do fluxo sanguíneo. MÉTODOS: Após os testes de repetição máxima, oito participantes do sexo masculino (25,7 ± 3 anos) completaram os dois protocolos experimentais, separados por 72 horas, em ordem aleatória: a) treino de alta intensidade, com 80% de 1RM (AI) e b) treino de baixa intensidade a 20% de 1RM combinado com restrição de fluxo sanguíneo (BI + RFS). Três séries de quatro exercícios (supino, agachamento, remada inclinada e levantamento terra) foram realizadas. O consumo de oxigênio e o consumo de oxigênio em excesso pós-exercício foram medidos. RESULTADOS: foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre o treino tradicional de alta intensidade e de baixa intensidade com restrição de fluxo sanguíneo, com valores mais altos para sessões de treinamento tradicionais, exceto nos últimos cinco minutos para a medida de consumo de oxigênio pós-exercício. O VO2 medido durante o treino foi maior (p = 0.001) para a sessão de AI (20.32 ± 1.46 mL·kg-1·min-1) comparada ao treino de BI + RFS (15.65 ± 1.14 mL·kg-1·min-1). CONCLUSÃO: O consumo de oxigênio durante e após as sessões de exercício foram maiores para a metodologia de treinamento de alta intensidade. Contudo, quando se considera o volume dos treinos, estas diferenças foram atenuadas. Nível de Evidência III - Estudos de pacientes não consecutivos; sem padrão de referência "ouro" aplicado uniformemente.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La literatura ha demostrado que se identifica una laguna con respecto a los efectos agudos del entrenamiento de restricción del flujo sanguíneo en las variables aeróbicas. OBJETIVO: analizar el consumo de oxígeno (VO2) durante y después de dos sesiones de entrenamiento de fuerza: tradicional de alta intensidad y baja intensidad con restricción del flujo sanguíneo. MÉTODOS: Después del test de una repetición máxima, ocho participantes masculinos (25,7 ± 3 años) completaron los dos protocolos experimentales, separadas por 72 horas, en orden aleatorio: a) entrenamiento de alta intensidad con 80% de 1RM (AI) y b) entrenamiento de baja intensidad a 20% de 1RM combinado con restricción del flujo sanguíneo (BI + RFS). Tres series de cuatro ejercicios (supino, sentadilla, remo con barra y peso muerto), se realizaron. El consumo de oxígeno y el consumo de oxígeno en el exceso después del ejercicio se midieron. RESULTADOS: se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre el entrenamiento tradicional de alta intensidad y de baja intensidad con restricción del flujo sanguíneo, con valores más altos para las sesiones de entrenamiento tradicionales, excepto os últimos cinco minutos del consumo de oxígeno en exceso post-ejercicio. El VO2 medido durante el entrenamiento fue mayor para el AI (20.32 ± 1.46 mL·kg-1·min-1) en comparación con el BI + RFS (15.65 ± 1.14 mL·kg-1·min-1). CONCLUSIÓN: El consumo de oxígeno durante y después de las sesiones de ejercicio fueron mayores para la metodología de entrenamiento de alta intensidad. Sin embargo, cuando se considera el volumen de la práctica, se atenuaron estas diferencias. Nivel de Evidencia III - Estudios de pacientes no consecutivos; sin estándar de referencia "oro" aplicado uniformemente.

Mood Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise Among Basketball Players.

This study compared the acute effects of resistance exercise with and without blood flow restriction (BFR) on basketball players' mood states. A total of 11 male basketball players (M age = 19.9, SD = 2.8 years; M height = 180.8, SD = 7.8 cm; M weight = 71.1, SD = 9.1 kg; M body mass index = 22.1, SD = 1.9 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to two experimental conditions: (a) low-load resistance exercise with BFR (LLRE + BFR) and high-load resistance exercise (HLRE) without BFR. We measured mood state with the Brunel Mood Scale before and after each session. There was a significant interaction effect such that there was increased fatigue over time with LLRE + BFR ( p = .001, Δ% = 169.2). Regarding total mood disorder, there were significant pre and postexercise differences between athletes exposed to both the LLRE + BFR and HLRE conditions ( p = .048) and a decharacterization of the iceberg mood profile in the post-training LLRE + BFR condition. LLRE + BFR, compared to HLRE, promoted an acute negative effect on mood state, decharacterization of the iceberg profile, total mood disturbance, and increased participant fatigue, suggesting that this method of strength training should be avoided before sports competitions.

Does a resistance exercise session with continuous or intermittent blood flow restriction promote muscle damage and increase oxidative stress?

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of low-load resistance exercise (LLRE) with continuous and intermittent blood flow restriction (BFR) on the creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), protein carbonyl (PC), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) and uric acid (UA) levels in military men. The study included 10 recreationally trained men aged 19 ± 0.82 years who underwent the following experimental protocols in random order on separate days (72-96 h): 4 LLRE sessions at a 20% 1RM (one-repetition maximum [1RM]) with continuous BFR (LLRE + CBFR); 4 LLRE sessions at 20% 1RM with intermittent BFR (LLRE + IBFR) and 4 high-intensity resistance exercise (HIRE) sessions at 80% 1RM. The CK and LDH (markers of muscle damage) levels were measured before exercise (BE), 24 h post-exercise and 48 h post-exercise, and the PC, TBARS and UA (markers of oxidative stress) levels were measured BE and immediately after each exercise session. There was a significant increase in CK in the HIRE 24 post-exercise samples compared with the LLRE + CBFR and LLRE + IBFR (P = 0.035, P = 0.036, respectively), as well as between HIRE 48 post-exercise and LLRE + CBFR (P = 0.049). Additionally, there was a significant increase in CK in the LLRE + CBFR samples BE and immediately after each exercise (Δ = 21.9%) and in the HIRE samples BE and immediately after each exercise, BE and 24 post-exercise, and BE and 48 post-exercise (Δ values of 35%, 177.6%, and 177.6%, respectively). However, there were no significant changes in LDH, PC, TBARS, and UA between the protocols (P > 0.05). Therefore, a physical exercise session with continuous or intermittent BFR did not promote muscle damage; moreover, neither protocol seemed to affect the oxidative stress markers.

Health-related physical fitness of military police officers in Paraiba, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: An adequate relationship among health-related physical fitness (HRPF) components improve the professional performance of military police officers (MOPs). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation among HRPF components for Special Police Operations (BOPE) and Traffic Police (BPTRAN) Battalion MOPs. METHOD: The sample comprised 47 male MOPs aged 26 to 49 years old divided in two groups BOPE (N=25) and BPTRAN (n=22). The participants were subjected to a test battery-anthropometric measurements, sit-and-reach test, 1-minute sit-up test, elbow flexion test, and 20-meter shuttle run test-for evaluation of the HRPF morphological, cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular components. RESULTS: Both groups exhibited moderate-to-strong correlation of waste circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BFP) with localized muscle resistance (LMR) (r=-0.589; r=-0.404; r=-0.637) and dynamic muscle strength (DMS) (r=0.592; r=-0.416; r=-0.651) (p<0.05). Significant positive and negative correlation was found between maximum oxygen consumption and WC, BMI, BFP and LMR (p<0.05) but not with flexibility for BOPE. CONCLUSION: There was strong correlation between the HRPF morphological, cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular components, except for flexibility among BOPE MPOs. The study findings allow inferring that HRPF is a global variable.

INTRODUÇÃO: Boas relações entre os componentes da aptidão física relacionada à saúde (AFRS) melhoram o desempenho da atividade ocupacional de policiais militares. OBJETIVO: Verificar a relação entre componentes da AFRS em policiais militares do Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais (BOPE) e do Batalhão de Policiamento de Trânsito (BPTRAN). MÉTODO: Participaram do estudo 47 policiais com idades entre 26 e 49 anos do sexo masculino fracionados em dois grupos: BOPE (n=25) e o BPTRAN (n=22). Foi realizada uma bateria de testes: medidas antropométricas, teste de sentar-e-alcançar no banco de Wells, teste de abdominal de 1 minuto, teste de flexão dos cotovelos e teste vai-e-vem de 20 metros, para avaliar os componentes morfológico, cardiorrespiratório e neuromuscular da AFRS. RESULTADOS: Ambos os grupos obtiveram de moderada à forte correlação negativa significante em relação à circunferência de cintura (CC), índice de massa corpórea (IMC) e percentual de gordura (PG) com a resistência muscular localizada (RML) (r=-0,589; r=-0,404; r=-0,637) e a força muscular dinâmica (FD) (r=0,592; r=-0,416; r=-0,651) (p<0,05). Contudo, houve correlações positivas e negativas significantes entre o consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2 máx) e as variáveis CC, IMC, PG e RML (p<0,05), exceto para flexibilidade no BOPE. CONCLUSÃO: Existe uma forte correlação entre os componentes morfológico, cardiorrespiratório e neuromuscular, exceto para a flexibilidade em PMs do BOPE. Tal fato permite afirmar que a AFRS é uma variável global.