Effects of high vs moderate-intensity intermittent training on functionality, resting heart rate and blood pressure of elderly women.

BACKGROUND: The present study compared the effects of training and detraining periods of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on functional performance, body composition, resting blood pressure and heart rate in elderly women nursing home residents. METHODS: Forty-six volunteers (age, 80.8 ± 5.2 y; body mass, 69.8 ± 5.2 kg, height, 164.2 ± 4.12 cm) were divided into groups that performed treadmill exercise twice-weekly HIIT (4 bouts of 4-min intervals at 85-95% of the maximal heart rate [HRmax], interspersed by 4 min at 65% HRmax), MIIT (4 bouts of 4 min intervals at 55-75% HRmax, interspersed by 4 min at 45-50% HRmax) and MICT (30-min at 55-75% HRmax). Tests were performed before and after 8 weeks of training and 2 and 4 weeks of detraining. ANCOVA was used to analyze dependent variable changes. RESULTS: After 8 weeks HIIT promoted greater reductions in body mass (HIIT = - 1.6 ± 0.1 kg; MICT = - 0.9 ± 0.1 kg; MIIT = - 0.9 ± 0.1 kg; p = 0.001), fat mass (HIIT = - 2.2 ± 0.1%; MICT = - 0.7 ± 0.1%; MIIT = - 1.2 ± 0.1%; p < 0.001) and resting heart rate (HIIT = - 7.3 ± 0.3%; MICT = - 3.6 ± 0.3%; MIIT = - 5.1 ± 0.3%; p < 0.001) and greater improvement in the chair stand test (HIIT = 3.4 ± 0.1 reps; MICT = 2.5 ± 0.1 reps; MIIT = 3.1 ± 0.1 reps; p < 0.001) when compared to MIIT and MICT. These improvements were sustained after 2 and 4 weeks of detraining only in the HIIT group. CONCLUSION: HIIT promoted greater benefits for body composition and functional performance than MICT and MIIT and also showed less pronounced effects of detraining. This suggests that the intensity of physical exercise is an important factor to consider when prescribing exercise to the elderly.

Single joint exercises do not provide benefits in performance and anthropometric changes in recreational bodybuilders.

The purpose of the present study was to compare the changes in anthropometric measures and muscle performance in users and non-users of androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) performing resistance training (RT) programmes involving only multiple joint (MJ) exercises or a combination of MJ and single joint (SJ) exercises. Thirty recreational bodybuilders were divided into 4 groups: non-AAS users performing only MJ exercises (MJ), non-AAS users performing MJ + SJ (MJ + SJ), AAS users performing only MJ exercises (AAS - MJ) and AAS users performing MJ + SJ exercises (AAS - MJ + SJ). Before and after 8 weeks of training, the participants were tested for 10 repetition maximum (10RM) in different RT exercises. Flexed arm circumference (FAC), biceps and triceps skinfolds were measured. No interactions were found between time and the performance of SJ exercise in any variable (p > .05). However, there was a significant interaction between AAS use and time (p < .001), such that AAS users showed greater 10RM gains in all exercises, skinfold decreases and increases in FAC than non-users. In conclusion, our study shows that the addition of SJ exercises to MJ exercises brings no additional benefit in terms of muscle performance and anthropometric changes in trained men, either if they were using AAS or not. These results suggest that trained men can save time not including SJ in their routines and still achieve optimal results. Moreover, our results show that AAS use is associated with greater increases in muscle strength and FAC and greater reductions in biceps and triceps skinfold thickness.

Influence of Adding Single-Joint Exercise to a Multijoint Resistance Training Program in Untrained Young Women.

Barbalho, M, Gentil, P, Raiol, R, Fisher, J, Steele, J, and Coswig, V. Influence of adding single-joint exercise to a multijoint resistance training program in untrained young women. J Strength Cond Res 34(8): 2214-2219, 2020-The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of adding single-joint (SJ) exercises to a multijoint (MJ) resistance training (RT) program on muscle strength and anthropometric measures of young women. Twenty untrained women were divided into a group that performed only MJ exercises or a group that performed both SJ and MJ exercises (MJ + SJ). Before and after 8 weeks of training, the participants were tested for 10 repetition maximum (10RM). Flexed arm circumference and triceps and biceps skinfold thickness were also measured. Both groups significantly decreased biceps (-3.60% for MJ and -3.55% for MJ + SJ) and triceps skinfold (-3.05% for MJ and -2.98% for MJ + SJ), with no significant difference between them. Flexed arm circumference significantly increased in both groups; however, increases in MJ + SJ (4.39%) were significantly greater than MJ (3.50%). Increases in 10RM load in elbow extension (28.2% for MJ and 28.0% for MJ + SJ), elbow flexion (29.8% for MJ and 28.7% for MJ + SJ), and knee extension (26.92% for MJ and 23.86% for MJ + SJ) were all significant and not different between groups. The results showed that adding SJ exercises to an MJ RT program resulted in no additional benefits in muscle performance, whilst differences in flexed arm circumference were small, but significant, in untrained women.

Effects of Low-Volume Resistance Training on Muscle Strength and Functionality of People with Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system that affects the elderly and results in a decrease of functional capacity, motor control, and muscle strength. Resistance training (RT) has been shown to be a non-drug alternative in both elderly and parkinsonian patients in increasing functional capacity and muscle strength. The present study aimed to verify the effects of low-volume RT in people with PD in relation to muscular strength, body composition, anthropometry and functional capacity. Fifteen elderly patients with idiopathic PD were divided into two groups: 7 in the resistance-training group (RTG): RT twice a week for 12 weeks, and 8 in the control group (CG): No exercise. Before the training period, the subjects performed maximum strength (1-RM), body composition (Bioimpedance), anthropometry, and functional capacity (GDLAM protocol) tests. The endpoints were analyzed by the Generalized Estimates (GEE) with post hoc Bonferroni, being adopted for the analyses α < 0.05. The results showed that the RTG had muscle strength gains: Bench Press 113.33%, Lat Pull Down 71.83% and Leg press 45º 94.48%, (p < 0.001), functional capacity (IG: -10.47%), and lean mass: 11.98%, (p < 0.001), while the GC presented significant changes before and after functional capacity only (GI: -1.61%) (p < 0.001). In addition, the RTG obtained reductions in the percentage of body fat (-2.30%) and in the waist-hip ratio (-2.22) without changes indicated in the CG. RT was efficient in improving muscle strength, functional capacity, body composition and anthropometric health indicators in individuals with PD.

Addition of blood flow restriction to passive mobilization reduces the rate of muscle wasting in elderly patients in the intensive care unit: a within-patient randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate the addition of blood flow restriction to passive mobilization in patients in the intensive care unit. DESIGN:: The study was a within-patient randomized trial. SETTING:: Two intensive care units in Belém, from September to October 2017. SUBJECTS:: In total, 34 coma patients admitted to the intensive care unit sector, and 20 patients fulfilled the study requirements. INTERVENTIONS:: All participants received the passive mobilization protocol for lower limbs, and blood flow restriction was added only for one side in a concurrent fashion. Intervention lasted the entire patient's hospitalization time. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT:: Thigh muscle thickness and circumference. RESULTS:: In total, 34 subjects were enrolled in the study: 11 were excluded for exclusion criteria, 3 for death, and 20 completed the intervention (17 men and 3 women; mean age: 66 ± 4.3 years). Despite both groups presented atrophy, the atrophy rate was lower in blood flow restriction limb in relation to the control limb (-2.1 vs. -2.8 mm, respectively, in muscle thickness; P = 0.001). In addition, the blood flow restriction limb also had a smaller reduction in the thigh circumference than the control limb (-2.5 vs. -3.6 cm, respectively; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION:: The use of blood flow restriction did not present adverse effects and seems to be a valid strategy to reduce the magnitude of the rate of muscle wasting that occurs in intensive care unit patients.

High 1RM Tests Reproducibility and Validity are not Dependent on Training Experience, Muscle Group Tested or Strength Level in Older Women.

BACKGROUND: The maximal one-repetition test (1-RM) is widely used in scientific research; however, there are conflicting results regarding its reproducibility in elderly populations. The present study aimed to analyze the reproducibility of the test both before and after a 12-week training period by using the bench press and leg press 45° 1-RM tests in the elderly, taking into consideration the training experience and strength level of the women. METHODS: Elderly women (n = 376; age, 68.5 ± 14.1 years; height, 162.7 ± 5.5 cm; body mass, 71.2 ± 16.0 kg) who underwent ≥3 months of resistance training performed an initial week of familiarization and a second week of testing and retest, with a 48⁻72 h interval. RESULTS: The results showed that Kappa indices ranged from 0.93 to 0.95, and the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.99 for both the lower and upper limbs. In addition, minimal detectable changes were found that ranged between 1 and 3%, which means that changes lower than 1 kg could be detected. CONCLUSION: The present study confirms that the 1-RM test has high reliability and reproducibility in the elderly, for both upper and lower limbs.

Effects of Adding Single Joint Exercises to a Resistance Training Programme in Trained Women.

BACKGROUND: The present study's aim was to compare the changes in muscle performance and anthropometric measures in trained women performing RT programs composed only of MJ exercises or programmes that involve the addition of SJ exercises. METHODS: Seventeen trained women were randomised to MJ or MJ+SJ. Both groups performed the same MJ exercises following a nonlinear periodisation model for 8 weeks. The only difference was that the MJ+SJ group also performed SJ exercises. The participants were tested for 10 repetition maximum (10 RM), flexed arm circumference, and both biceps and triceps skinfold. RESULTS: Both groups significantly increased 10 RM load for the bench press (12.6% MJ and 9.2% MJ+SJ), triceps (15.6% MJ and 17.9% MJ+SJ), pull down (9.8% MJ and 8.3% MJ+SJ), biceps (14.0% MJ and 13.0% MJ+SJ), leg press (15.2% MJ and 12.8% MJ+SJ) and knee extension (10.2% MJ and 9.1% MJ+SJ). The decreases in triceps (-5.1% MJ and -5.3% MJ+SJ) and biceps (-6.5% MJ and -5.7% MJ+SJ) skinfolds were also significant as were the increases in arm circumference (1.47% MJ and 1.58% MJ+SJ). In all tests there was nothing significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of SJ exercises as a complement to a RT programme containing MJ exercises brings no additional benefit to trained women.

Efeitos das fases do ciclo menstrual e da síndrome pré-menstrual sobre a aptidão física e percepção subjetiva de esforço em mulheres jovens / Effects of menstrual cycle phases and pre-menstrual syndrome in physical fitness of young women / Efectos de las fases del ciclo menstrual y del síndrome premenstrual en la aptitud física y percepción subjetiva de esfuerzo de mujeres jóvenes

O objetivo consistiu em investigar os efeitos das fases do Ciclo Menstrual (CM) em variáveis da aptidão física e a percepção subjetiva do esforço em mulheres jovens. Para tal, foram recrutadas 11 mulheres universitárias, que foram submetidas a testes de potência e de força dos membros superiores e inferiores e de aptidão aeróbica nas fases Folicular, Ovulatória e Lútea. Foram aplicados os testes de Arremesso de Medicine Ball, Salto Vertical e Horizontal, potência aeróbica (YoYo IRT) e de Força Máxima (1RM). Os resultados indicam que não houve diferenças significativas (p>0,05) nos testes de aptidão física entre fases do CM. Concluímos que as diferentes fases do CM não influenciam o desempenho de componentes da aptidão fí- sica, seja em aspectos neuromusculares ou na potência aeróbica.

The objective was to investigate the effects of the different phases of the Menstrual Cycle (CM) on physical fitness variables in young women. For that, 11 university women were recruited, who underwent power and strength tests for upper and lower limbs and aerobic fitness tests at Follicular, Ovulatory and Luteal phases. Medicine Ball Throw, Vertical and Horizontal Jumps, aerobic power (YoYo IRT) and maximum strength (1RM tests). The results indicate that there were no significant differences (p> 0.05) in physical fitness tests between any of the CM phases. We conclude that the different phases of CM do not influence the performance of physical fitness components, either in neuromuscular aspects or in aerobic power.

El objetivo fue investigarlos efectos de las diferentes fases del Ciclo Menstrual (CM) en variables de aptitud física de mujeres jóvenes. Para eso, fueron reclutadas 11 mujeres universitarias, que fueron sometidas a pruebas de potencia y fuerza de los miembros superiores e inferiores y de aptitud aeróbica en las fases Folicular, de Ovulacióny Lútea. Fueron aplicadas pruebas de Lanzamiento de Medicine Ball, Salto Vertical y Horizontal, potencia aeróbica (YoYo IRT) y de Fuerza Máxima (1RM). Los resultados indican que no hubo diferencias significativas (p>0,05) en las pruebas de aptitud física entre las fases del CM. Concluimos que las diferentes fases del CM no influyen en el desempeño de los componentes de la aptitud física, sea en aspectos neuromusculares o en la potencia aeróbica.

Non-Linear Resistance Training Program Induced Power and Strength but Not Linear Sprint Velocity and Agility Gains in Young Soccer Players.

Background: The present study evaluated the effects of resistance training (RT) following a non-linear periodization model in the physical fitness of young soccer athletes. Methods: Young soccer players (n = 23) were allocated into two groups: an RT group (RTG), and the control group (CON). The RTG underwent 15 weeks of non-linear RT periodization in three weekly sessions in addition to their specific soccer training. The CON continued performing the specific soccer training. Before and after the training period, all of the subjects performed one-repetition maximum (RM) tests for speed, agility, and power (vertical and horizontal jump). Results: The RTG obtained significant gains in one-RM tests (before 64.1 ± 5.8 kg, after 79.1 ± 3.3 kg) and power (vertical jump (before 56 ± 2.7 cm, after 61.3 ± 1.7 cm) and horizontal jump (before 184.5 ± 5.5 cm, after 213.6 ± 3.2 cm)). In contrast, the CON group presented a non-significant increase in one-RM tests and horizontal jump, and a significant reduction in vertical jump (before 55.4 ± 2.2 cm, after 51.3 ± 1.5 cm). Neither group presented significant gains in speed (CON: p = 0.27; RTG: p = 0.72) and agility (CON: p = 0.19; RTG: p = 0.58). Conclusion: Our data suggest that non-linear RT should be inserted into the routine of young soccer athletes for improving strength and power without impairing speed and agility.

Does the addition of single joint exercises to a resistance training program improve changes in performance and anthropometric measures in untrained men?

The present study compared changes in muscle performance and anthropometric measures in young men performing resistance training (RT) programs composed of only multi joint (MJ) exercises, or with the addition of single joint (SJ) exercises (MJ+SJ). Twenty untrained men were randomized to MJ or MJ+SJ groups for 8 weeks. Both groups performed the same MJ exercises. The difference was that the MJ+SJ group added SJ exercises for upper and lower limbs. Participants were tested for 10 repetitions maximum (10RM), flexed arm circumference, and biceps and triceps skinfolds. Both groups significantly increased 10RM load for the bench press (MJ 38.5%, MJ+SJ 40.1%), elbow extension (MJ 28.7%, MJ+SJ 31.9%), pull down (MJ 34.0% MJ+SJ 38.5%), elbow flexion (MJ 38.2%, MJ+SJ 45.3%), leg press (MJ 40.8%, MJ+SJ 46.8%) and knee extension (MJ 26.9%, MJ+SJ 32.9%), with no significant difference between them. The decreases in biceps (MJ -3.6%, MJ+SJ -3.9%) and triceps (MJ -3.4%, MJ+SJ -3.3%) skinfolds were significant for both groups, with no difference between them. However, the flexed arm circumference increased significantly more for MJ+SJ (5.2%), than for MJ (4.0%). The use of SJ exercises as a complement to a RT program containing MJ exercises brings no additional benefit to untrained men in terms of muscle performance and skinfold reduction, though it promoted higher increases in arm circumference.

There are no no-responders to low or high resistance training volumes among older women.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of non-responders to different tests and to compare the effects of different resistance training (RT) volumes on muscle strength, anthropometric and functional performance of older women. METHODS: Three hundred seventy six women performed 12weeks of RT with either low or high volume (LV, 71.29±5.77years and HV 69.73±5.88years, respectively). Both groups performed the same exercises, and all parameters were held constant except for the number of sets performed per week. LV performed 8-12 for upper and 4-6 for lower body, while HV performed 16-20 and 8-10, respectively. Before and after the training period, the participants were tested for bench press and leg press 1RM, 30-s chair stand, 30-s arm curl, six-minute walk test, sit and reach, body weight and waist circumference. RESULTS: Both groups significantly improved in all strength and functional tests and reduced their body weight and waist circumference. ANOVA revealed higher gains in the leg press 1RM, 30-s arm curls and 6-min walk test for the HV group and higher increases in the results of the sit and reach test for the LV group. However, the differences were negligible and may be attributable to a type I error due to the large sample size. Non-responsiveness was not apparent in any subject, as a positive response on at least one outcome was present in every participant. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that RT, even at low volume, improves waist circumference, muscle strength and physical function in the older population, with no evidence of non-responsiveness. Therefore, we should not be restrictive in prescribing this type of exercise to this population.