ABSTRACT
Introduction: Hypopressive exercise (HE) can be viewed as a mind-body activity, characterized by the integration of breath control and stretching postures. Proponents of HE claim that this type of training can offer potential therapeutic or health benefits. To date, there is no existing comprehensive published overview on HE. This scoping review aims to map and summarize the current literature reporting data on HE and identify key knowledge gaps and future research directions. Methods: This review considered studies that report on the immediate, short-, or long-term practice of HE regardless of condition, sex, age, and/or level of practice or physical condition. Any context or setting was considered for inclusion. This review was performed in accordance with the methodological framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and by Arksey and O'Malley. MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception up to July 2023. Literature was mapped following the Patterns-Advances-Gaps-Evidence for Practice Recommendations framework to identify patterns and inform practice. Results: In total, 87 studies were identified that reported on the following themes: (1) therapeutic application of a short- or long-term HE programs (n = 56); (2) physiologic and physical responsiveness to a short- or long-term HE programs (n = 22); (3) psychologic and behavioral response to a short-term HE program (n = 14); and (4) acute or immediate physiological responses (n = 21). Literature gaps included poor methodological design, incomplete reporting of intervention, lack of male participants, and exploration of muscle groups distinct from the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. Discussion: There is a need for high-quality randomized controlled trials, adherence to reporting guidelines on exercise, and the use of active control groups to verify clinical significance, the dose response, and health applications of HE.
ABSTRACT
The effects of hypopressive exercise (HE) on dynamic balance have never been studied. We aimed to study the effects of a HE program on dynamic balance, posterior chain kinematics and expiratory peak flow on female competitive roller skaters over a 6-week training period. Twenty competitive female roller-skaters (13-22 years of age, SD 2.25) performed a 30-minute HE session once weekly before the regular roller-skating practice for 6 weeks. The HE program consisted of breathing and postural awareness exercises in addition to 5 basic HE poses performed three times each. Dynamic neuromuscular control was assessed with the Y-Balance Test (YBT), posterior back chain kinematics with the sit and reach test and peak expiratory flow rate with a digital spirometer. Paired t-test revealed significant differences between the measurement periods for all YBT leg directions and composite score (p ≤ 0.01). Significant differences were also revealed between baseline and after the intervention for the sit and reach test (p ≤ 0.01) and peak expiratory flow (p = 0.01). No differences in forced expiratory volume in the first second were found (p = 0.04). These preliminary findings suggest that a 6-week HE program could be a feasible neuromuscular option for training dynamic balance, posterior back chain kinematics and peak expiratory flow in female roller-skaters.
ABSTRACT
Hypopressive exercises (HE) are part of the Low Pressure Fitness training program which is widely used by physical therapists in the rehabilitation of the pelvic floor, abdominal and spinal musculature. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of HE on the sagittal lumbo-pelvic posture in athletic and non-athletic females. It was hypothesized that a 5-week training program of HE could influence lumbo-pelvic position while reducing abdominal circumference and low back pain in athletic and non-athletic females. Twenty normoweight females (mean age = 24.8 (SD 3.5) years; body mass index = 22.4 (SD 1.6) kg/m2) participated in this study. Ten athletic females were rugby players (RG), and 10 females were non-athletic (SG). Participants completed twenty minutes of HE twice weekly for 5 weeks. Before and after the intervention, two-dimension photogrammetry was used to assess lumbar lordosis and pelvic horizontal alignment. A Visual Analog Scale was used to assess low back pain and cirtometry was used to assess abdominal circumferences at umbilical, supra and infra-umbilical levels. An analysis of variance between moments revealed no significant differences in lumbar lordosis and pelvic positioning but showed significant differences for abdominal circumferences between groups. No significant differences between groups were found for other variables. Significant correlations were found between the three different abdominal circumference measurements (p > 0.05) but not between lumbar lordosis and abdominal circumferences. These preliminary findings indicate that a 5-week HE intervention displayed non-significant changes in lumbar lordosis, pelvic horizontal alignment, and low back pain but a significant reduction in abdominal circumferences in non-athletic and athletic females.
ABSTRACT
Resumen Introducción: La lesión del ligamento cruzado anterior sin contacto tiene una mayor incidencia en las mujeres deportistas en edad adolescente. Las características propias del baloncesto (el salto, el aterrizaje o los cambios de dirección que se producen cada 2.0 a 2.82 segundos) junto con las características biomecánicas y hormonales propias de la mujer (mayor valgo de rodillas, laxitud articular y ciclo menstrual) hace que nos encontremos ante un sector poblacional de especial interés para implementar programas de prevención neuromuscular. El objetivo de este estudio ha sido realizar una revisión bibliográfica para proponer un programa de prevención neuromuscular para las lesiones de ligamento cruzado anterior en mujeres jugadoras de baloncesto. Material y método: La búsqueda se realizó en las bases de datos PubMed, SportDiscus y PEDro entre diciembre 2019-enero 2020. Los descriptores "anterior cruciate ligament", "neuromuscular training", "injury rates", "basketball" y "women" se utilizaron como criterio de búsqueda. Resultados: Se analizaron 20 artículos que fueron seleccionados acorde a los criterios de inclusión: estudios que aporten información sobre factores de riesgo y programas de prevención de la lesión de ligamento cruzado anterior en mujeres sanas, atletas/deportistas. Se clasificó la información obtenida según estrategia o información preventiva aportada. Conclusiones: Un programa de prevención neuromuscular para lesiones de ligamento cruzado anterior sin contacto en mujeres jugadoras de baloncesto debe basarse en cuatro aspectos fundamentales: entrenamiento de fuerza de miembro inferior, pliometría, retroalimentación en el aterrizaje y trabajo central de tronco.
Abstract Introduction: Non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injuries have a higher incidence in adolescent female athletes. The characteristics of basketball (jumping and landing), together with women's biomechanical and hormonal characteristics (greater valgus at the knees, joint laxity, and menstrual cycle), make us find ourselves before a population sector of special interest to implement neuromuscular prevention programs. The objective of this study has been a literature review to propose neuromuscular prevention programs for non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female basketball players. Material and method: The search was conducted in the PubMed, SportDiscus, and PEDro databases between December 2019 and January 2020. The keywords "anterior cruciate ligament," "neuromuscular training," "injury rates," "basketball," and "women" were used as search criteria. Results: 20 articles selected according to the inclusion criteria were analyzed; these studies provided information on risk factors and prevention programs for common anterior ligament injuries in healthy women and athletes. The information obtained was classified according to the preventive strategy provided. Conclusions: A neuromuscular prevention program for non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female basketball players should be based on four main aspects: lower limb strength training, plyometrics, feedback on the landing, and central trunk work.
Resumo Introdução: A lesão do ligamento cruzado anterior sem contato tem maior incidência em atletas adolescentes do sexo feminino. As características do basquete (salto, aterrissagem ou mudanças de direção que ocorrem a cada 2,0 a 2,82 segundos) juntamente com as características biomecânicas e hormonais da mulher (maior valgo do joelho, frouxidão articular e ciclo menstrual) fazem com que estejamos diante de um setor populacional de especial interesse para implementar programas de prevenção neuromuscular. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão bibliográfica com o objetivo de propor um programa de prevenção neuromuscular de lesões do ligamento cruzado anterior em jogadoras de basquete do sexo feminino. Material e métodos: A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados PubMed, SportDiscus e PEDro entre dezembro de 2019 e janeiro de 2020. Os descritores "ligamento cruzado anterior", "treinamento neuromuscular", "taxas de lesões", "basquetebol" e "mulheres" foram usados como critérios de pesquisa. Resultados: Foram analisados 20 artigos selecionados de acordo com os critérios de inclusão: estudos que fornecem informações sobre fatores de risco e programas de prevenção da lesão do ligamento cruzado anterior em mulheres saudáveis, atletas / esportistas. As informações obtidas foram classificadas de acordo com a estratégia ou informações preventivas fornecidas. Conclusão: Um programa de prevenção neuromuscular para lesões do LCA sem contato em jogadoras de basquete deve ser baseado em quatro aspectos fundamentais: treinamento de força de membros inferiores, pliometria, retroalimentação na aterrissagem e trabalho central.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Basketball , Anterior Cruciate Ligament , Wounds and InjuriesABSTRACT
This review aimed to synthesize the most up-to-date evidence regarding the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) among adolescent female athletes. We conducted a systematic review of studies regarding UI in female athletes less than 19 years of age. This review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRIMSA). The electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, and Web of Science (WOS) were searched between October and November 2020. After blinded peer evaluation, a total of 215 studies were identified and nine were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. This review identified a prevalence of UI in adolescent female athletes between 18% to 80% with an average of 48.58%. The most prevalent sports were trampolining followed by rope skipping. The prevalence of UI among adolescent female athletes practicing impact sports was significantly prevalent. There is a need for further research, education, and targeted interventions for adolescent female athletes with UI.
ABSTRACT
Although evidence indicates that muscular fitness is foundational for ongoing participation in active play, exercise and sport, current national and international youth physical activity guidelines underplay the critical importance of strength-building activities during this developmental phase of life. In view of troubling trends in muscular fitness in today's youth, specific recommendations to address neuromuscular deficiencies are required. An understanding of the multidimensional development of youth physical inactivity and the importance of muscular fitness are needed to have the most significant impact on youth physical activity at the population level. The mounting evidence of the detrimental effects of physical inactivity on youth warrant a review of existing physical activity recommendations and guidelines. The proposed pediatric activity pyramid recognizes the shared importance of strength, skill, and aerobic activities required for the successful implementation of sustainable youth physical activity interventions.
Subject(s)
Exercise/physiology , Guidelines as Topic , Muscle Strength/physiology , Physical Fitness/physiology , Adolescent , Child , Humans , Internationality , Sedentary Behavior , Time FactorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common symptom during and after cancer treatment that negatively affects the patient's quality of life. Exercise is one of the most effective non-pharmacological treatments for CRF. Multimodal exercise therapy programs that include hypopressive exercises, relaxation and myofascial release may be beneficial for CRF. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a multimodal program on CRF and lower limb functional strength in postmenopausal women diagnosed with cancer. METHODS: 7 postmenopausal women (age = 55.28 years; BMI = 26.05 kg/m2) who had a cancer diagnosis participated in a supervised and progressive 55-min class once per week for 12-weeks. CRF was measured using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Cancer Related Fatigue 12 and lower limb strength was assessed with the sit and stand test. RESULTS: No adverse events were reported during the training period and all participants completed the exercise protocol. There was a significant increase (p = 0.01) in lower limb functional strength (pre: 19.60 (SD = 2.19) vs post: 24.60(SD = 2.19)) with an effect size of d = 2.28 and a decrease in CRF (p = 0.245) (pre: 29.36 ± 24.42; post: 17.85 ± 14.23) with a trivial effect size (d < 0.5). CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings indicate that a supervised once per week multimodal program that includes hypopressive exercises for postmenopausal cancer survivors increased lower limb functional strength without exacerbating their CRF. These findings support further randomized trials of hypopressive training programs on patients with cancer.
Subject(s)
Cancer Survivors , Neoplasms , Exercise Therapy , Fatigue/therapy , Feasibility Studies , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Pilot Projects , Postmenopause , Quality of LifeABSTRACT
The aim was to systematically review and meta-analyze the current evidence for the effects of resistance training (RT) on blood pressure (BP) as the main outcome and body mass index (BMI) in children and adolescents. Two authors systematically searched the PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science Core Collection and EMBASE electronic databases. Inclusion criteria were: (1) children and adolescents (aged 8 to 18 years); (2) intervention studies including RT and (3) outcome measures of BP and BMI. The selected studies were analyzed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool. Eight articles met inclusion criteria totaling 571 participants. The mean age ranged from 9.3 to 15.9 years and the mean BMI of 29.34 (7.24) kg/m2). Meta-analysis indicated that RT reduced BMI significantly (mean difference (MD): -0.43 kg/m2 (95% CI: -0.82, -0.03), P = 0.03; I2 = 5%) and a non-significant decrease in systolic BP (SBP) (MD: -1.09 mmHg (95% CI: -3.24, 1.07), P = 0.32; I2 = 67%) and diastolic BP (DBP) (MD: -0.93 mmHg (95% CI: -2.05, 0.19), P = 0.10; I2 = 37%). Limited evidence suggests that RT has no adverse effects on BP and may positively affect BP in youths. More high-quality studies are needed to clarify the association between RT and BP in light of body composition changes throughout childhood and adolescence.
Subject(s)
Blood Pressure , Resistance Training , Adolescent , Body Composition , Body Mass Index , Child , Humans , Weight LossABSTRACT
Much of the evidence examining temporal trends in fitness among youth has found a decrease in measures of muscular strength and muscular power over recent decades. The aim of this study was to examine trends in lower body muscular power in Spanish boys over 47 years. In 1969 140 boys (10-11 years; body mass index = 19.24, SD = 2.91 kg/m2) and in 2016, 113 boys (10-11 years; body mass index = 19.20, SD = 3.15 kg/m2) were recruited. Lower body power was assessed using the vertical jump (VJ) and standing long jump (SLJ) tests. Significant differences and a large effect size were shown between groups in the SLJ (p = 0.001; d = 0.94) and the VJ (p = 0.001; d = 0.66). SLJ data in 1969 were higher (1.52 m, SD = 0.19) when compared to the 2016 data (1.34 m, SD = 0.18). The VJ performance of the 1969 sample was also higher (25.95 cm; SD = 6.58) than the 2016 sample (21.56 cm; SD = 4.72). SLJ and VJ performance of the 2016 group decreased 11.8% and 16.9%, respectively. There were no significant differences between groups in body mass index. The results indicate a secular decline in lower body muscular power in 10-11-year-old Spanish boys with no significant changes in body mass index over the 47-year study period.
ABSTRACT
Due to the unique demands of sport participation on the body, female athletes are at increased risk for pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S). A high number of female athletes suffer from PFD, especially urinary incontinence. Several biomechanical and physiological risk factors may play a role in the development of PFD in female athletes. RED-S has been shown to be associated with PFD. The goal of this commentary is to discuss RED-S as a risk factor for PFD and propose a mechanism for this relationship.
