Influence of strength training intensity on subsequent recovery in elderly.

Understanding the influence of strength training intensity on subsequent recovery in elderly is important to avoid reductions in physical function during the days following training. Twenty-two elderly were randomized in two groups: G70 (65.9 ±â€¯4.8 years, n = 11) and G95 (66.9 ±â€¯5.1, n = 11). Baseline tests included maximum voluntary isometric contraction (peak torque and rate of torque development - RTD), countermovement jump, and functional capacity (timed up and go, stairs ascent and descent). Then, both groups performed a single strength training session with intensities of 70% (G70) or 95% (G95) of five repetition maximum. The same tests were repeated immediately, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after the session. Peak torque was lower than baseline immediately after for both groups and at 24 h for G95. Compared with G70, G95 had lower peak torque at 24 h and 48 h. Countermovement jump, timed up and go, stairs ascent, and RTD at 0-50 ms only differed from baseline immediately after for both groups. RTD at 0-200 ms was lower than baseline immediately after and 24 h after the session for both groups. In conclusion, reduced physical function immediately after strength training can last for 1-2 days in elderly depending on the type of physical function and intensity of training. Higher intensity resulted in greater impairment. Exercise prescription in elderly should take this into account, e.g., by gradually increasing intensity during the first months of strength training. These results have relevance for elderly who have to be fit for work or other activities in the days following strength training.

Waist circumference is better associated with high density lipoprotein (HDL-c) than with body mass index (BMI) in adults with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The measurement of waist circumference (WC) is the most prevalent cause of the metabolic syndrome (MS). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to correlate WC and BMI with high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c) levels in patients with MS being consulted by the Family Health Program (PSF), Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2008 with 42 patients (29 women and 13 men) from 35 to 77 years. Dietary intake was reported, and biochemical and body composition measures were taken. RESULTS: The HDL-c levels were higher in women when compared to men (48.4 ± 8.1 mg/dL vs. 36.4 ± 7.8 mg/dL). However, the triglycerides (TG)/HDL-c ratio and TG concentrations were lower in women (3.8 ± 1.5 and 178.0 ± 57.8 mg/dL, respectively) than in men (9.4 ± 8.5 and 471.5 ± 501.5 mg/dL, respectively). Regarding skinfold profile, the triceps was greater in females (37.0 ± 8.4 cm vs. 20.7 ± 10.5 cm). The dietetic profile showed that women had a lower intake of energy, fiber, phosphorus and sodium. The fruits and vegetables intake was diminished in the participants of this study, as less than 60% of the women and 50% of men met the daily recommendations. Approximately 54% of men and 28% of women had a lower intake of dairy products daily. Moreover, the results shows that the WC was negatively correlated to HDL-c (r = -0.41, p < 0.05) whereas the BMI is not associated with HDL-c (r = -0.34, p > 0.06). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that WC is a better predictor of changes in HDL-c than BMI.