Comparison of different periodization models on isotonic and isokinetic muscle strength and lean mass in tactical athletes.

INTRODUCTION: Tactical athletes need to develop strength and lower limb lean mass (LL LM) to perform effectively. Resistance training (RT) is the most effective way to achieve these goals. Two periodization models stand out: traditional linear periodization (TLP) and daily undulating periodization (DUP). OBJECTIVE: To verify the effect of lower limb RT with TLP and DUP on isotonic and isokinetic muscle strength and lean mass in tactical athletes. METHOD: Thirty-five Brazilian Army military (21.57 ± 2.02 years; 81.81 ± 11.19 Kg; 177.79 ± 6.88 cm) were divided into two treatment groups and one active control group. INTERVENTIONS: The treatment groups performed 9 weeks of supervised RT (18 sessions), consisting of free weight exercises in this order: back squat, squat lunge, deadlift, and stiff legged deadlift. Dynamic isotonic muscle strength, lean mass, and isokinetic knee extension and flexion were assessed at baseline and post treatment period. RESULTS: There was a significant pre-post difference in dynamic isotonic muscle strength (TLP, P < 0.001; DUP, P < 0.001) and lean mass (TLP, P = 0.034; DUP, P = 0.003) of LL LM in both treatment groups. However, effect sizes (ES) and variations (%Δ) of gains were greater in the DUP group both in muscle strength (TLP, ES = 1.55, %Δ = 30.97; DUP, ES = 2.55, %Δ = 36.02), and in lean mass (TLP, ES = 0.13, %Δ = 2.07; DUP, ES = 0.44, %Δ = 2.95). For isokinetic knee flexion strength, a significant difference was found between the TLP versus CON. CONCLUSION: Both lower limb RT periodization models provided gains in muscle strength and lean mass, with a small advantage for the DUP approach. In the isokinetic knee flexion strength, the TLP was more effective.

Effect of Static Stretching on Agonists, Antagonists, and Agonist-Antagonist Combination on Total Training Volume.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of static stretching (SS) of agonists and antagonists between sets on the total training volume (TTV) performed across multiple sets for the leg extension exercise. Twelve male subjects with experience in resistance training (RT) participated in this study. Subjects performed 10 repetition maximum (10RM) test and retest trials for the leg extension exercise. Four different protocols were randomly applied as follows: quadriceps stretching (AG); hamstrings stretching (AN); quadriceps and hamstrings stretching (AGN); and traditional control without stretching (TR). Significant differences (p≤0.05) were observed in the TTV between the AG (4855.42 ± 1279.38 kg) and AN (6002.08 ± 1805.18 kg), AGN (5977.50 ± 1778.49 kg), and TR (6206.04 ± 1796.15 kg) protocols. These results suggest that when practicing inter-set SS, it should be done for antagonist rather than agonist muscles when the intent is to maximize TTV.

Effects from loaded walking with polyurethane and styrene-butadiene rubber midsole military boots on kinematics and external forces: A statistical parametric mapping analysis.

This study compared ground reaction forces (GRF) and lower limb two-dimensional (2D) kinematic waveforms, with and without load carriage, in military personnel walking in two different types of boots. Data were measured in 24-soldiers walking on a 10-m walkway under four randomized crossover trials: wearing two military boots (styrene-butadiene rubber midsole - SBR - 63 Shore A; and polyurethane midsole - PU - 48 Shore A); with and without a 15-kg backpack. GRF traditional parameters were evaluated by two-way ANOVAs. GRF and kinematic waveforms were assessed using a statistical parametric mapping (SPM) method (two-way ANOVA). No interaction effects were observed between footwear and load. GRF at the beginning of stance was lower while wearing the SBR boot condition compared to the PU boot condition. Load carriage increased trunk, hip, and knee flexion. The analyzed military boots did not affect movement patterns during loaded walking and the military boot with SBR midsole material reduced impact to a greater extent. The study demonstrated that the design and materials (e.g., midsole material and thickness) used in boot manufacturing can influence military boot performance.

Effect of the inclusion of static stretching in general warming up on muscle strength in Brazilian army military personnel

Abstract Aim: Several health professionals prescribe static stretching exercises (SS) as essential for those that practice physical exercises, for injury prevention and performance improvement, although there is still no consensus. There are few studies on the effects of SS use on warming up. Thus study aimed to compare the effects of the inclusion of SS in general warming up procedures on muscle strength in Brazilian army personnel. Methods: Thirty-two young military men were selected. They were subjected to anthropometric evaluation and performed knee extension and flexion in an isokinetic digital dynamometer, at a speed of 60°/s. Then, they were divided into two randomized and counterbalanced groups, Traditional Group (TG) and Experimental Group (EG). The TG performed the lower limbs warm-up protocol provided for military physical training (MPT) and immediately after, performed the isokinetic muscle strength test. The EG performed the same protocol, performing the SS in the hamstrings and quadriceps, before warming up. Results: An increase was found in the peak isokinetic torque in the knee extension of the EG (Pre: 209.80 ± 21.36 vs Post: 243.98 ± 30.35; p = 0.001) and flexion (Pre: 130.86 ± 18.63 vs Post: 142.41 ± 25.92; p = 0.006). In the TG, significant differences were found in the extension of the knee, but not in flexion (Pre: 209.14 ± 34.27 vs. Post: 239.38 ± 36.17; p = 0.001 and Pre: 129.23 ± 18.43 vs Post: 133.66 ± 13.20; p = 0.297, respectively). Conclusion: The inclusion of SS in general warming up did not harm and even improved muscle strength performance in knee extension and flexion in Brazilian Army military personnel.

Association of Appendicular Lean Mass, and Subcutaneous and Visceral Adipose Tissue With Mortality in Older Brazilians: The São Paulo Ageing & Health Study.

Body composition changes as a result of ageing may impact the survival of older adults. However, its influence on mortality risk is uncertain. Currently, the best method for body composition analysis in clinical practice is DXA. Nonetheless, the few studies on body composition by DXA and mortality risk in the elderly have some limitations. We investigated the association between body composition by DXA and mortality in a cohort of elderly subjects. Eight hundred thirty-nine community-dwelling subjects (516 women, 323 men) ≥ 65 years of age were assessed by a questionnaire, clinical data, laboratory exams, and body composition by DXA at baseline. Total fat and its components (eg, visceral adipose tissue [VAT]) were estimated. Appendicular lean mass (ALM) adjusted for fat and ALM divided by height² was used to ascertain the presence of low muscle mass (LMM). Mortality was recorded during follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compute ORs for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Over a mean follow-up of 4.06 ± 1.07 years, there were 132 (15.7%) deaths. In men, after adjustment for relevant variables, the presence of LMM (OR, 11.36, 95% CI, 2.21 to 58.37, P = 0.004) and VAT (OR, 1.99, 95% CI, 1.38 to 2.87, P < 0.001, for each 100-g increase) significantly increased all-cause mortality risk, whereas total fat, measured by the fat mass index, was associated with decreased mortality risk (OR, 0.48, 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.71, P < 0.001). Similar results were observed for cardiovascular mortality. In women, only LMM was a predictor of all-cause (OR, 62.88, 95% CI, 22.59 to 175.0, P < 0.001) and cardiovascular death (OR, 74.54, 95% CI, 9.72 to 571.46, P < 0.001). LMM ascertained by ALM adjusted for fat and fat mass by itself are associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk in the elderly. Visceral and subcutaneous fat have opposite roles on mortality risk in elderly men. Thus, DXA is a promising tool to estimate risk of mortality in the elderly. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

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.

Acute Effects of Resistance Exercise With Continuous and Intermittent Blood Flow Restriction on Hemodynamic Measurements and Perceived Exertion.

This study compared the acute effects of low-intensity resistance exercise (RE) sessions for the upper limb with continuous and intermittent blood flow restriction (BFR) and high-intensity RE with no BFR on lactate, heart rate, double product (DP; heart rate times systolic blood pressure), and perceived exertion (RPE). Ten recreationally trained men (1-5 years strength training; age mean = 19 ± 0.82 years) performed three experimental protocols in random order: (a) low-intensity RE at 20% one-repetition maximum (1RM) with intermittent BFR (LI + IBFR), (b) low-intensity RE at 20% 1RM with continuous BFR (LI + CBFR), and (c) high-intensity RE at 80% 1RM. The three RE protocols increased lactate and DP at the end of the session ( p < .05) and increased heart rate at the end of each exercise ( p < .05). However, greater local and general RPE was observed in the high-intensity protocol compared with LI + IBFR and LI + CBFR in the lat pull-down, triceps curl, and biceps curl exercises ( p < .05). A greater percentage change in DP and lactate was observed for continuous BFR compared with intermittent BFR; however, RPE was lower for intermittent BFR. In conclusion, intermittent BFR appears to be an excellent option for physical training because it did not differ significantly from continuous BFR in any variable and promoted a lower percentage change in DP and RPE.

Hypotensive effects of resistance exercise with continuous and intermittent blood flow restriction

The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of low-intensity (LI) resistance exercise (RE) with continuous blood flow restriction (CBFR) and intermittent blood flow restriction (IBFR) on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP). After a one-repetition maximum test, 10 normotensive recreationally trained men performed three experimental protocols. In the three RE protocols, increases in SBP, DBP, and MAP were observed immediately after exercise, but the effect sizes (ESs) were greater for the LI + CBFR and high-intensity protocols. There were hypotensive effects on SBP, DBP, and MAP in all three protocols; however, the effects on MAP lasted longer for the LI + IBFR and LI + CBFR protocols. These long-lasting hypotensive effects on DBP and MAP occurred in all three protocols. Thus, we conclude that the post exercise hypotensive effects on SBP, DBP, and MAP appear to occur in all three RE protocols, with the effect on SBP being longer in the LI + IBFR and LI + CBFR protocols

Qualidade de fruto e produtividade de pessegueiros submetidos a diferentes épocas de poda / Fruit quality and productivity of peaches submitted to different pruning dates

Com o presente trabalho objetivou-se avaliar as características produtivas de diferentes genótipos de pessegueiro (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.), submetidos a podas em épocas distintas na região de Pelotas-RS. O experimento foi conduzido em uma área experimental pertencente à Embrapa Clima Temperado (CPACT), durante os anos de 2009 e 2010. Os tratamentos foram compostos de combinações de três épocas de poda [poda de inverno (PI), poda de inverno mais poda de verão (PIV) e poda de verão (PV)] e três genótipos [Cascata 805, Cascata 834 (BRS Kampai) e Cascata 952 (BRS Rubimel)], resultando em nove tratamentos distintos. Para as variáveis firmeza de frutos, pH, sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez titulável (AT), relação SS/AT e cor, não foi verificada interação entre os fatores estudados. Os frutos de BRS Kampai apresentaram maior firmeza, assim como a poda apenas no período de verão. O genótipo BRS Kampai apresentou frutos com maior SS e AT dentre os estudados e as plantas de BRS Kampai e BRS Rubimel apresentaram frutos com coloração vermelha mais intensa de epiderme, independentemente da época de poda. Verificou-se que a poda apenas no período de verão induziu à produção de frutos menores. Os genótipos BRS Kampai e BRS Rubimel apresentaram produtividades semelhantes, independente do sistema de poda aplicado. Em geral, as características físico-químicas dos frutos não são alteradas com as variações de época de poda estudadas. No entanto, as variáveis de qualidade física e as relacionadas com a produção sofrem influência direta da época de poda.

The present research aimed to evaluate the productive characteristics of different genotypes of peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.), submitted to pruning at different times in Pelotas / RS. The experiment was conducted in an experimental area that belongs to Embrapa Temperate Climate (CPACT) during 2009 and 2010, the treatments consisted of combinations of three pruning times [winter pruning (PI), winter pruning plus summer pruning (PIV) and summer pruning (PV)] and three genotypes [(Cascata 805, Cascata 834 (BRS Kampai) and Cascata 952 (BRS Rubimel)], resulting in nine different treatments. There was no interaction between factors for the variables fruit firmness, pH, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), SS / TA ratio and color. Higher firmness was observed for BRS Kampai fruit and for summer pruning alone. The fruit of genotype BRS Kampai had the highest SS and TA among those studied, the plants of BRS Kampai and BRS Rubimel had fruit with more intense epidermal red coloration, regardless the pruning time. It was found that the pruning only in summer induced the production of small fruits. Genotypes BRS Kampai and BRS Rubimel productivity showed similar system independent pruning applied. Overall, physicochemical characteristics of the fruit do not change with variations in pruning time, although physical characteristics and those related to production suffer direct influence of pruning time.

Primeiro registro de Camponotus cingulatus Mayr, 1862 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) para o estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / First record of Camponotus cingulatus Mayr, 1862 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) for the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Uma colônia de formigas Camponotus cingulatus foi coletada e identificada a partir de uma floricultura no município de Capão do Leão, consistindo no seu primeiro registro para o estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Por apresentar grande densidade de infestação, além de associação com hemípteros sugadores de seiva e agressividade ao serem perturbadas, essas formigas reduziram as vendas e tornaram-se um incômodo para o proprietário. Dessa forma, este registro aponta para a necessidade de pesquisas sobre essa formiga no estado.(AU)

One colony of the ants Camponotus cingulatus was collected and identified in a flower shop in the municipality of Capão do Leão, becoming the first record in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. By showing high densities of infestation, besides an association with phloem-sucking hemipterans and aggressiveness after being disturbed, these insects reduced the sales and became a nuisance to the owner. Therefore, this record points to the need for further studies about this ant in the State.(AU)

Presença de folhas no enraizamento de estacas de amoreira-preta / Presence of leaves on rooting of blackberry

A propagação da amoreira-preta pode ser feita de forma sexuada ou assexuada, sendo esta última empregada na produção comercial. A utilização de estacas da parte aérea tem como vantagem o aproveitamento de materiais retirados da planta no momento da poda, porém apresenta variabilidade no enraizamento e na brotação. O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a influência da presença de folhas no enraizamento de três cultivares de amoreira-preta. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial 3x2, sendo o fator cultivar representado por três níveis ('Guarani', 'Tupy' e 'Xavante') e o fator presença de folha, por dois níveis (estaca com e sem folha). As avaliações, realizadas 115 dias após a instalação do experimento, foram: porcentagem de estacas sobreviventes, enraizadas e com calo; comprimento da maior raiz e número de raízes por estaca; comprimento das brotações e número de brotações por estaca; massa seca das brotações e das raízes. As cultivares 'Tupy' e 'Xavante' apresentam maior porcentagem de enraizamento do que 'Guarani', além de sistema radicular de melhor qualidade. A presença de folhas proporciona maior porcentagem de enraizamento de estacas lenhosas de amoreira-preta, sendo indispensáveis para a propagação das cultivares 'Guarani', 'Tupy' e 'Xavante' através desse método.

The propagation of blackberry can be done in a sexual or asexual form, being used in commercial production. Use of shoot cuttings has the advantage of the use of materials removed from the plant at the time of pruning, but shows variability in rooting and sprouting. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of the presence of leaves on the rooting of three cultivars of blackberry. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications, making a 3x2 factorial, with the cultivar factor represented by three levels ('Guarani', 'Tupy' and 'Xavante') and the factor presence of leaf, for two levels (cutting with and without leaves). The assessments done 115 days after the experiment were: percentage of live cuttings, rooted and callus; longest root length and number of roots per cutting, sprouting length and number of sprouting per cutting, dry mass of sprouting and roots. The cultivars 'Tupy' and 'Xavante' have higher rooting percentage than 'Guarani', beyond root system of better quality. The presence of leaves provides more rooting of hardwood cuttings of blackberry, being essential for the propagation of cultivars 'Guarani', 'Tupy' and 'Xavante' through this method.

Sistemas de tutoramento e épocas de transplante de physalis / Periods replanting and training systems of cape-gooseberry

A physalis (Physalis peruviana) é uma pequena fruta com grandes potencialidades, que, associadas ao seu ciclo curto e às propriedades nutracêuticas, apresenta possibilidade de alto retorno econômico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o sistema de tutoramento e a época de transplante mais adequados para o crescimento e a produção de frutos de P. peruviana nas condições edafoclimáticas do sul do Rio Grande do Sul. O trabalho foi desenvolvido em Pelotas, RS, na safra de 2007/2008. O transplante de mudas de physalis foi realizado em duas épocas (época 1, 21/11/2007 e época 2 15/01/2008), sendo as plantas tutoradas em quatro sistemas de condução (sistema "V" invertido, sistema triangular, sistema vertical com bambu e sistema vertical com fitilho), semelhantes aos utilizados na cultura do tomateiro. O delineamento experimental adotado foi de blocos casualizados, com três repetições, sendo cada um representado por dez plantas. Os tratamentos formaram um fatorial 2x4 (épocas de transplante x sistemas de tutoramento). As variáveis analisadas foram: incremento do comprimento e da área da seção do ramo principal, área da seção do ramo principal, produtividade e eficiência produtiva. Foi evidenciado que a primeira época de transplante associada aos sistemas de tutoramento "V" invertido e triangular proporciona melhor desempenho agronômico das plantas de physalis.

The cape-gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) is a small fruit with great potentialities that whether associated to its short cycle and nutraceutical properties it shows high economical return. The work aimed to evaluate the best training system and replant period to plant growth, production and fruit quality of P. peruviana under edaphoclimatic at conditions of southern Rio Grande do Sul. The trial was carried out in Pelotas, RS, in 2007/2008 crop. Transplanting seedlings cape-gooseberry was conducted in two seasons Plant replanting was done in two periods (period 1, 21/11/2007 and period 2, 15/01/2008). Plants were trained under four systems (inverted "V" system, triangular system, vertical system using bamboo or vertical system using polypropylene cord), similarly to the tomato culture. Experimental design adopted was a complete randomized block in a 2x4 factorial (replant period x training system) with three replications of ten plants each. The variables analyzed were: increment of length and section area of the main branch, section area of the main branch, yield and yield efficiency. It was evidenced that the first period of replant associated to the training systems inverted "V" and triangular improved the agronomical performance of cape-gooseberry plants.