Creatine supplementation combined with blood flow restriction training enhances muscle thickness and performance: a randomized, placebo-controlled, and double-blind study.

This study aimed to compare the effects of an 8-week creatine (CR) or placebo (PL) supplementation on muscle strength, thickness, endurance, and body composition employing different training paradigms with blood flow restriction (BFR) vs. traditional resistance training (TRAD). Seventeen healthy males were randomized between the PL (n = 9) and CR (n = 8) groups. Participants were trained unilaterally utilizing a within-between subject bicep curl exercise where each arm was allocated to TRAD or BFR for 8 weeks. Muscular strength, thickness, endurance, and body composition were evaluated. Creatine supplementation promoted increases in muscle thickness in TRAD and BFR compared with their placebo counterparts, however, without a significant difference between treatments (p = 0.349). TRAD training increased maximum strength (1 repetition maximum (1RM)) compared with BFR after 8 weeks of training (p = 0.021). Repetitions to failure at 30% of 1RM were increased in the BFR-CR group compared with the TRAD-CR group (p = 0.004). Repetitions to failure at 70% 1RM were increased from weeks 0-4 (p < 0.05) and 4-8 (p < 0.05) in all groups. Creatine supplementation exerted a hypertrophic effect when utilized with TRAD and BFR paradigms and increased muscle performance at 30% 1RM when utilized in conjunction with BFR. Therefore, creatine supplementation seems to amplify muscle adaptation following a BFR program. Registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC), under the registration number: RBR-3vh8zgj.

Caffeine reverts loss of muscular performance during the early-follicular phase in resistance-trained naturally menstruating women.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of caffeine ingestion on muscular performance during the early-follicular and mid-luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Fourteen resistance-trained naturally menstruating women performed countermovement jump (CMJ), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), one-repetition maximum (1-RM), and repetitions-to-failure (RF) at 80% of 1-RM in the half-squat exercise, in early-follicular and mid-luteal phases, after placebo or caffeine ingestion. The early-follicular and mid-luteal phases were identified via calendar-based counting method. The MVIC was lower in the early-follicular than mid-luteal phase (-6.2 ± 15.2 N, p < 0.05) and higher with caffeine than placebo ingestion regardless of the menstrual cycle phase (+16.8 ± 26.7 N, p < 0.05). The magnitude of gains (supplement x phase interaction, p < 0.026) in 1-RM, CMJ, and RF with caffeine ingestion was higher in the early-follicular (+16.6 ± 7.1 kg, +2.5 ± 1.6 cm, and +4.5 ± 2.6 repetitions, respectively) than in the mid-luteal phase (+7.7 ± 4.8 kg, +1.5 ± 2.0 cm, and +2.4 ± 3.1 repetitions, respectively). In conclusion, the greater ergogenic effect of caffeine during the early-follicular phase supports its use to mitigate the decline in muscular performance in this phase of the menstrual cycle.

Effects of Six-week Periodized Versus Non-Periodized Kettlebell Swing Training on Strength, Power and Muscular Endurance.

The purpose of this study was to compare a periodized versus a non-periodized protocol of kettlebell (KTB) swings over six weeks on strength, power, and muscular endurance. Twenty-eight high intensity functional training (HIFT) practitioners were assigned to non-periodized (NPG = 11), periodized (PG = 11), or control groups (CG = 6). NPG used the same load (20 kg) throughout the training period while the PG used a step loading progression (with an added four kilograms every two weeks). Measures of strength and muscular endurance in the deadlift exercise, and power in the countermovement jump were assessed before and after six weeks. A two-way ANOVA was used to verify pre- to post-test differences in strength, power, and muscular endurance. An analysis of the effect size was also incorporated. For strength and power, statistical differences from pre- to post-test were found for both the NPG (p < 0.001; 1-RM improvement = 8.7%; jump height improvement = 8.7%) and PG (p < 0.001; 1-RM improvement = 7.8%; jump height improvement = 10.1%), with no difference between groups. For muscular endurance, only the PG showed significant differences from pre- to post-test (p = 0.013; muscular endurance improvement = 23.8%). In conclusion, when the goal is to increase strength and power performances in HIFT practitioners, periodized and non-periodized KTB models appear to be equally effective, and this can simplify the strength coach's practice in programming KTB swing training periods. For muscular endurance, the addition of KTB swing on a periodized basis seems to be a more effective strategy.

Caffeine ingestion improves specific artistic swimming tasks

The main movements of artistic swimming demand various physical capacities such as flexibility, strength, power, and muscular endurance. The use of ergogenic resources to potentialize performance in this sport, however, is underexplored and deserves investigation. In the present study, we tested whether caffeine ingestion would improve the execution of movements that are essential in a typical figure competition or routines in artistic swimming (i.e., amplitude in the Ariana, height in the Boost and Barracuda, and time maintained in the Stationary Scull techniques). Sixteen experienced female athlete artistic swimmers (17.4±3.2 years of age, 5.6±2.8 years of artistic swimming practice) performed several movements of artistic swimming after having ingested a capsule containing caffeine (5 mg/kg body mass) or cellulose (placebo). Compared to the placebo, caffeine improved latero-lateral amplitude during the Ariana (P=0.035), the height of the Boost and Barracuda (P=0.028 and 0.009), and maintained duration in Stationary Sculling (P=0.012). Bayes factor analysis, however, indicated substantial evidence of a positive effect of caffeine only on the Barracuda and Stationary Scull techniques. These findings indicated that caffeine improved performance during specific artistic swimming movements. Coaches and athletes should consider caffeine ingestion in their supplementation plans.

Capacidade aeróbica, força e resistência musculares de idosas praticantes de ginástica / Aerobic capacity, muscl estrength and resistance of the elderly women practitioners of gymnastics

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o efeito de 12 semanas de um programa de exercícios de ginástica sobre os níveis de condicionamento aeróbico, força de preensão manual e força e resistência musculares de membros inferiores de idosas praticantes de ginástica. Foram avaliadas 25 idosas, sendo 9 sedentárias (70 ± 7 anos) e 16 já praticantes de ginástica (70 ± 5 anos). As praticantes de ginástica foram submetidas a um programa de exercícios aeróbicos e de resistência muscular por um período de 12 semanas (2x/semana, 50 min/sessão). Antes do início do programa de exercícios, foram aplicados testes de caminhada de 6 minutos (avaliação da capacidade aeróbica), de dinamometria manual (avaliação da força de preensão manual) e levantar e sentar na cadeira em 30 segundos (avaliação da força e resistência musculares de membros inferiores). Ao final de 12 semanas, os testes foram reaplicados e os resultados demonstraram aumento significativo nos valores de metros caminhados em 6 minutos (514 ± 26 m vs. 457 ± 40 m), nos valores de quilograma-força (24,4 ± 4,3 kgf vs. 20,8 ± 4 kgf) e no número de repetições em 30 segundos (13 ± 2 vs. 9 ± 2 repetições) para o grupo praticante de ginástica. Em contrapartida, o grupo controle não mostrou alteração em nenhuma variável após 12 semanas. Conclui-se que um programa regular de exercícios de ginástica aeróbicos e de resistência muscular, com duração de 12 semanas, é capaz de proporcionar benefícios aos componentes da aptidão física relacionada à saúde de idosas. (AU)

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of 12 weeks of a gymnastic exercise program on the levels of aerobic conditioning, hand-grip strength and muscular strength and endurance in the lower limbs of elderly women practitioners of gymnastics. Twenty-five elderly women were evaluated, 9 sedentary (70 ± 7 years) and 16 practitioners of gymnastics (70 ± 5 years). The practitioners of gymnastics were submitted to aerobic and muscular endurance exercises for 12 weeks (2 times/week, 50 minutes/session). Before the beginning of the gymnastics exercise program, the 6-minute walk test (aerobic capacity assessment), the dynamometry manual (hand- -grip strength assessment) and the sit-up chair test in 30 seconds (muscular strength and endurance in the lower limbs assessment) were applied. At the end of the program, the tests were reapplied, and the results showed a significant increase in the values of meters walked in 6 minutes (514 ± 26 m vs. 457 ± 40 m), in the values of kilogram-force (24.4 ± 4.3 kgf vs. 20.8 ± 4 kgf) and in the number of repetitions in 30 seconds (13 ± 2 vs. 9 ± 2 repetitions) for the practitioners of gymnastics group. In contrast, the control group showed no change in any variable after 12 weeks. It can be concluded that a 12-week regular aerobic and muscular endurance exercise is able to provide benefits to the physical fitness components related to the health of the elderly. (AU)

Genetic Obesity Risk and Attenuation Effect of Physical Fitness in Mexican-Mestizo Population: a Case-Control Study.

We analyzed commonly reported European and Asian obesity-related gene variants in a Mexican-Mestizo population through each single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and a genetic risk score (GRS) based on 23 selected SNPs. Study subjects were physically active Mexican-Mestizo adults (n = 608) with body mass index (BMI) values from 18 to 55 kg/m2 . For each SNP and for the GRS, logistic models were performed to test for simple SNP associations with BMI, fat mass percentage (FMP), waist circumference (WC), and the interaction with VO2max and muscular endurance (ME). To further understand the SNP or GRS*physical fitness components, generalized linear models were performed. Obesity risk was significantly associated to 6 SNPs (ADRB2 rs1042713, APOB rs512535, PPARA rs1800206, TNFA rs361525, TRHR rs7832552 and rs16892496) after adjustment by gender, age, ancestry, VO2max , and ME. ME attenuated the influence of APOB rs512535 and TNFA rs361525 on obesity risk in FMP. WC was significantly associated to GRS. Both ME and VO2max attenuated GRS effect on WC. We report associations for 6 out of 23 SNPs and for the GRS, which confer obesity risk, a novel finding for Mexican-Mestizo physically active population. Also, the importance of including physical fitness components variables in obesity genetic risk studies is highlighted, with special regard to intervention purposes.

Effect of 16 weeks of resistance training on fatigue resistance in men and women.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hypertrophy-type resistance training (RT) on upper limb fatigue resistance in young adult men and women. Fifty-eight men (22.7±3.7 years, 70.6±9.3 kg, and 176.8±6.4 cm) and 65 women (21.6±3.7 years, 58.8±11.9 kg, and 162.6±6.2 cm) underwent RT for 16 weeks. Training consisted of 10-12 whole body exercises with 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions maximum performed 3 times per week. Before and after the RT intervention participants were submitted to 1RM testing, as well as a fatigue protocol consisting of 4 sets at 80% 1RM on bench press (BP) and arm curl (AC). The sum of the number of repetitions accomplished in the 4 sets in each exercise was used to indicate fatigue resistance. There was a significant (p<0.05) time-by-group interaction in 1RM BP (men=+16%, women=+26%), however in 1RM AC no significant time-by-group interaction was observed (men=+14%, women=+23%). For the total number of repetitions, men and women showed a significant increase in BP (men=+16.3%, women=+10.5%) with no time-by-group interaction. The results suggest that the adaptation in maximal strength is influenced by sex in BP. On the other hand, for fatigue resistance, the individual's sex does not seem to influence outcomes either in BP or AC.

Consumo de oxigênio de recuperação em resposta a duas sessões de treinamento de força com diferentes intensidades / Recovery oxygen uptake in response to two resistance training sessions at different intensities

O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o comportamento do consumo de oxigênio (VO2) em resposta a uma sessão de treinamento de força (TF) com objetivo em hipertrofia muscular (HP) com uma sessão com objetivo em resistência muscular localizada (RML). Nove indivíduos do sexo masculino (23,1 ± 2,1 anos) foram recrutados para este estudo. A força muscular dinâmica foi mensurada através do teste de 1RM. O VO2 foi coletado durante o repouso e 10 minutos de recuperação com um analisador de gases (CPX/D). As sessões foram compostas por um exercício de membros superiores (supino) e um de membros inferiores (agachamento), e compreenderam a execução de três séries de 6-8 repetições máximas (RM) a 80 por cento de 1RM para HP e 15-20 RM a 55 por cento de 1RM para RML. Foram analisados os dados de VO2 pós-exercício (EPOC), gasto energético (GE) de recuperação e constante de tempo de VO2 (CT). Foi observado que ambas sessões provocaram comportamento significativamente elevado de VO2 durante os 10min de recuperação em relação aos valores de repouso. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os valores de EPOC (litros) para HP (2,21 ± 0,54) e RML (2,60 ± 0,44), GE (kcal) para HP (10,36 ± 2,53) e RML (12,18 ± 2,04) e CT (segundos) para HP (56 ± 7) e RML (57 ± 6) (p > 0,05). Esses resultados demonstraram que uma sessão de TF com objetivo em RML é capaz de causar distúrbios metabólicos semelhantes àqueles provocados por uma sessão de HP, mesmo que seja em menor intensidade relativa a carga máxima.

The purpose of the present study was to compare the oxygen uptake ( VO2) behavior in response to a resistance exercise (RE) session with aim of hypertrophy (HP) with another session with aim of local muscular endurance (LME). Nine young men (23.1± 2.1 years) voluntarily participated in the present study. Dynamic muscle strength was measured with one repetition maximum test (1RM). O VO2 was collected at rest and ten minutes after exercise with a gas analyzer (CPX/D). The RE protocols were composed of one upper body exercise (bench press) and one lower body exercise (squat) with the execution of 3 sets of 6-8 maximum repetitions (RM) with 80 percent of 1RM in HP session and 3 sets of 15-20 RM with 55 percent of 1 RM in LME session. Exercise post oxygen consumption (EPOC), energy cost (EC) and time constant (TC) of VO2 were analyzed. The results showed that both RE sessions provoked significant elevated VO2 after RE in comparison to rest values. There were no differences between groups in the EPOC (l) (HP: 2.21 ± 0.54 vs. LME: 2.60 ± 0.44), EC (Kcal) (HP: 10.36 ± 2.53 vs LME: 12.18 ± 2.04) and TC of VO2 (s) (HP: 56 ± 7 vs. LME: 57 ± 6) (p>0.05). These results demonstrated that a RE session with the aim of LME gain is capable of causing similar metabolic impact to the RE session with HP aim, even if it is performed at lower intensity concerning maximal load.