Optimizing exercise prescription during breast cancer rehabilitation in women: Analysis of the load-velocity relationship in the box squat exercise.

The aims of this study were to assess (i) the load-velocity relationship during the box squat exercise in women survivors of breast cancer, (ii) which velocity variable (mean velocity [MV], mean propulsive velocity [MPV], or peak velocity [PV]) shows stronger relationship with the relative load (%1RM), and (iii) which regression model (linear [LA] or polynomic [PA]) provides a greater fit for predicting the velocities associated with each %1RM. Nineteen women survivors of breast cancer (age: 53.2 ± 6.9 years, weight: 70.9 ± 13.1 kg, and height: 163.5 ± 7.4 cm) completed an incremental load test up to one-repetition maximum in the box squat exercise. The MV, MPV, and the PV were measured during the concentric phase of each repetition with a linear velocity transducer. These measurements were analyzed by regression models using LA and PA. Strong correlations of MV with %1RM (R2 = 0.903/0.904; the standard error of the estimate (SEE) = 0.05 m.s-1 by LA/PA) and MPV (R2 = 0.900; SEE = 0.06 m.s-1 by LA and PA) were observed. In contrast, PV showed a weaker association with %1RM (R2 = 0.704; SEE = 0.15 m.s-1 by LA and PA). The MV and MPV of 1RM was 0.22 ± 0.04 m·s-1, whereas the PV at 1RM was 0.63 ± 0.18 m.s-1. These findings suggest that the use of MV to prescribe relative loads during resistance training, as well as LA and PA regression models, accurately predicted velocities for each %1RM. Assessing and prescribing resistance exercises during breast cancer rehabilitation can be facilitated through the monitoring of movement velocity.

Sex and Equipment Impact on Lifting Velocity and the Maximum Repetitions in Bench Press.

This study investigated how equipment and sex affect the prediction accuracy of the maximum number of repetitions performed to failure (RTF) using the fastest mean velocity of the set (MVfastest). Sixteen men and twelve women completed four sessions (two using free-weight equipment and two sessions using the Smith machine). Each session involved three sets of repetitions to failure against the 65%, 75%, and 85% of the one-repetition maximum, interspersed by 10-min of rest. The goodness-of-fit of the individualized RTF-MVfastest relationships was comparable between both equipment types and sexes (P≥0.510). Moreover, there were not significant differences in the MVfastest associated with RTF between equipment types (P≥0.258). However, the MVfastest associated with RTF was higher for men than for women in repetitions 6 to 15 (P≤0.043; ES≥0.69). In addition, the absolute errors when predicting RTF showed no significant differences between equipment types and loads (P<0.444). Specifically, these RTF estimates were within an acceptable range for men (<2 repetitions), but not for women (≥2 repetitions) (main effect of sex: P≤0.018; ES≥0.58). These findings suggest that individualized RTF-MVfastest equations estimate the RTF with an acceptable precision in men during bench press exercises in both equipment types but exhibit lower precision for women.

Exercise interventions following bariatric surgery are poorly reported: A systematic review and a call for action.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the transparency and replicability of exercise-based interventions following bariatric surgery by evaluating the content reporting of exercise-based clinical trials. DESIGN: The study design of the present article is a systematic review. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, PsycINFO, and Cochrane were searched from their inception to May 2023. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Eligible studies were clinical trials including exercise interventions in participants following bariatric surgery. There were 28 unique exercise interventions. Two independent reviewers applied the exercise prescription components of Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type (FITT; four items) and the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT; 19 items). Exercise interventions were organized into four major exercise components: aerobic training, resistance training, concurrent training, and "others." RESULTS: The FITT assessment revealed that 53% of the trials did not report the training intensity, whereas 25% did not indicate the duration of the major exercise component within the training session. The mean CERT score was 5 out of a possible score of 19. No studies reached CERT score >10, while 13 out of the total 19 CERT items were not adequately reported by ≥75% of the studies. CONCLUSION: This study highlights that the exercise interventions following bariatric surgery are poorly reported, non-transparent, and generally not replicable. This precludes understanding the dose-response association of exercise and health-related effects and requires action to improve this scientific field.

Examining Unilateral and Bilateral Exercises through the Load-velocity Relationship.

This study aimed to examine the load-velocity (L-V) relationship in the bench-press (BP) and leg-press (LP) exercises performed unilaterally, and compared this unilateral L-V relationship with the bilateral variants. Nineteen men (age=23.5±2.1 years) completed two incremental tests in BP and LP, performed bilaterally and unilaterally, across two sessions with a 48-hour rest period. We found a close relationship between medium propulsive velocity (MPV) and %1RM in unilateral BP (R2 =0.97, SEE=0.06 m·s-1) and LP (R2=0.96, SEE=0.06 m·s-1). No significant differences were observed between the preferred and non-preferred sides in the L-V relationship for either exercise. Additionally, higher velocities were achieved in unilateral exercises compared to bilateral exercises, particularly with light and moderate loads (30-70%1RM) in BP (p<0.05) and with light loads (30-45%1RM) in LP (p<0.05). Close L-V relationships were observed in unilateral exercises, without differences in the L-V relationships between preferred and non-preferred sides despite the interlimb asymmetries in the absolute strength values. Interestingly, lower velocities were observed at light loads (~30-45% 1RM) for bilateral compared to unilateral exercises, which could be explained by different strength deficits for these exercises.

Does a Resistance Training Program Affect Between-arms Volume Difference and Shoulder-arm Disabilities in Female Breast Cancer Survivors? The Role of Surgery Type and Treatments. Secondary Outcomes of the EFICAN Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aims were (i) to assess the effects of a 12-week resistance training program on between-arms volume difference and shoulder-arm disabilities in breast cancer survivors and (ii) to evaluate whether the main risk factors for developing cancer-related lymphedema and shoulder-arm disabilities were associated with the effects of the training program. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: University facilities. PARTICIPANTS: 60 female breast cancer survivors participated. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: to be a breast cancer survivor, and to have completed surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy up to 10 years before recruitment. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: metastatic breast cancer, a breast reconstruction intervention planned within 6 months, any absolute contraindication for exercise, to perform more than 300 minutes/week of structured exercise. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomized to an exercise group (12-week resistance training program) or a control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Between-arms volume difference, shoulder-arm disabilities, and upper-limb muscular strength were evaluated at baseline and at week 12. Treatment-related information was registered from medical history. RESULTS: No between-group differences were observed on between-arms volume difference (1.207; 95% CI -0.964, 3.377; P=.270) or shoulder-arm disabilities (2.070; 95% CI -4.362, 8.501; P=.521) after the training program. Likewise, there was no association of surgery type, presence of lymph node resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy with the changes in between-arms volume and perceived shoulder-arm disabilities after the intervention. However, a higher increase in upper limb muscular strength was associated with a reduced shoulder-arm disabilities (-0.429; P=.020) in the exercise group. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that resistance training does not affect between-arms volume difference and shoulder-arm disabilities in female breast cancer survivors. The main risk factors for developing lymphedema were not associated with the effects of the intervention, although a higher increase in upper-limb muscular strength was associated with reduced shoulder-arm disabilities.

Inter-repetition Rest Impact on Percentage of Repetition Completed at Certain Velocity Loss.

This study examined the impact of different inter-repetition rest (IRR) configurations (zero seconds [IRR0], three seconds [IRR3], and self-selected less than five seconds [SSIRR]) on estimating the number of repetitions (Nrep) and the percentage of completed repetitions relative to the maximum number of repetitions possible to failure (%rep) after reaching 10%, 20%, and 30% velocity loss thresholds (VLT). Eighteen men completed three sessions, each with a different IRR configuration, separated by 48-72 hours. Single sets of repetitions to momentary muscular failure were performed against 65%, 75%, and 85% of the one-repetition maximum during free-weight back squat and bench press exercises. No significant differences were reported between IRR configurations for the Nrep (P≥0.089) and %rep (P≥0.061), except for %rep after reaching the 20-30%VLT against 65%1RM and the 10-20%VLT against 75%1RM in the bench press exercise (P≤0.048). Additionally, both Nrep and %rep exhibited high interindividual variability (between-subject CV=14-79%) across the different IRR configurations. The individual %rep-%VLT relationships were slightly stronger than the general %rep-%VLT relationships (median R 2 =0.914-0.971 vs. 0.698-0.900). Overall, regardless of the IRR configuration, this novel velocity-based approach does not guarantee the same effort levels across subjects in the free-weight back squat and bench press sets.

Assessing the Maximal Mechanical Capacities Through the Load-Velocity Relationship in Elite Versus Junior Male Volleyball Players.

BACKGROUND: Physical testing is crucial for athlete monitoring, talent identification, optimizing training, and tailoring programs to enhance game-performance in elite competitions. HYPOTHESIS: Load-velocity (L-V) relationship variables discriminate between elite and junior volleyball players, correlate with volleyball-specific performance, and are generalizable across lower- and upper-body exercises. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: A total of 9 elite and 11 junior volleyball players were assessed for the L-V relationship (load-axis intercept [L0], velocity-axis intercept [v0], and area under the L-V relationship line [Aline]) during the countermovement jump (CMJ) and bench press throw (BPT) exercises. Block and spike jump height, as well as standing and jumping spike speed were assessed 24 hours later. RESULTS: Elite players presented greater magnitude in the L-V variables (P ≤ 0.03; effect size [ES] ≥ 1.06) and higher volleyball-specific performance (P ≤ 0.03; ES ≥ 1.09) than juniors (except for CMJ v0 and Aline). The L-V relationship variables were significantly associated with the block and spike jump height and jumping spike speed only in elite players (r ≥ 0.703 and P ≤ 0.04 in 11 out of 18 correlations). No significant associations were observed between CMJ and BPT for any L-V relationship variable (r ≤ 581; P ≥ 0.08, except for Aline in junior players). CONCLUSION: The L-V relationship is a practical procedure to assess volleyball players' maximal mechanical capacities, which are associated with volleyball-specific performance in elite players. However, these data should not be used interchangeably between playing standards or exercises. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This information might help strength and conditioning coaches to prescribe more effective training programs that focus on developing the specific physical capacities necessary for players to potentially advance to elite status.

Estimating the one-repetition maximum on the leg-press exercise in female breast cancer survivors.

We examined the accuracy of twelve different velocity-based methods for predicting the bilateral leg-press exercise one-repetition maximum (1RM) in breast cancer survivors. Twenty-one female breast cancer survivors (age 50.2 ± 10.8 years) performed an incremental loading test up to the 1RM. Individual load-velocity relationships were modeled by linear and quadratic polynomial regression models considering the mean velocity (MV) and peak velocity (PV) values recorded at five incremental loads (~45-55-65-75-85% of 1RM) (multiple-point methods) and by a linear regression model considering only the two distant loads (~45-85% of 1RM) (two-point method). The 1RM was always estimated through these load-velocity relationships as the load associated with a general (MV: 0.24 m/s; PV: 0.60 m/s) and an individual (MV and PV of the 1RM trial) minimal velocity threshold (MVT). Compared to the actual 1RM, the 1RMs estimated by all linear regression models showed trivial differences (Hedge's g ranged from 0.08 to 0.17), very large to nearly perfect correlations (r ranged from 0.87 to 0.95), and no heteroscedasticity of the errors (coefficient of determination (r2) < 0.10 obtained from the relationship of the raw differences between the actual and predicted 1RMs with their average value). Given the acceptable and comparable accuracy for all 1RM linear prediction methods, the two-point method and a general MVT could be recommended to simplify the testing procedure of the bilateral leg-press 1RM in breast cancer survivors.

Acute Mechanical and Skin Temperature Responses to Different Interrepetition Rest Intervals During Full-Squat Exercise.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to (1) evaluate the acute effects of different interrepetition rest full-squat protocols on countermovement jump (CMJ) height, velocity loss (VL), and skin temperature (Tsk) and (2) determine whether the VL, the changes in Tsk, or the individual strength level is associated with the change in CMJ height. METHODS: Sixteen resistance-trained men randomly performed 3 squat protocols at maximal intended velocity with 60% of the 1-repetition maximum (sets × repetitions [interrepetition rest]): traditional (2 × 6 [0 s]), cluster 2 (2 × 6 [30 s every 2 repetitions]), and cluster 1 (1 × 12; [36 s every repetition]), plus a control session. CMJ height was assessed before and 2, 4, and 8 minutes after the protocols. RESULTS: There was a significant main effect of protocol for the VL (F = 20.54, P < .001) and loss in mean power (F = 12.85, P < .001; traditional > cluster 2 > cluster 1). However, we found a comparable reduction of CMJ height after 8 minutes: traditional (-3.4% [4.2%]), cluster 2 (-5.3% [4.9%]), cluster 1 (-5.4% [2.9%]), and control (-4.2% [3.6%]). Overall, mean Tsk acutely decreased after all the protocols. Higher individual strength level (but not VL or the changes in Tsk) was associated with lower CMJ-height loss (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Although different interrepetition rest full-squat protocols may alter the loss in velocity and power, they result in a similar decrease in Tsk and CMJ height, which could be more influenced by individual strength level than VL or changes in Tsk.

Nanoparticle-based immunotherapeutics: From the properties of nanocores to the differential effects of administration routes.

The engagement with the immune system is one of the main cornerstones in the development of nanotechnologies for therapy and diagnostics. Recent advances have made possible the tuning of features like size, shape and biomolecular modifications that influence such interactions, however, the capabilities for immune modulation of nanoparticles are still not well defined and exploited. This review focuses on recent advances made in preclinical research for the application of nanoparticles to modulate immune responses, and the main features making them relevant for such applications. We review and discuss newest evidence in the field, which include in vivo experiments with an extensive physicochemical characterization as well as detailed study of the induced immune response. We emphasize the need of incorporating knowledge about immune response development and regulation in the design and application of nanoparticles, including the effect by parameters such as the administration route and the differential interactions with immune subsets.

Effects of Power Training on Functional Capacity Related to Fall Risk in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Functional capacity is 1 of the main risk factors for falls among older adults. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effect of power training on functional capacity test (FCT) related to fall risk in older adults. DATA SOURCES: Systematic searches were conducted in 4 databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus, from inception to November 2021. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of power training on functional capacity compared with another type of training program or control group in older adults with the ability to exercise independently. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent researchers evaluated eligibility and used the PEDro scale to assess risk of bias. The information extracted was related to article identification (authors, country and year of publication), participant characteristics (sample, sex, and age), strength training protocols (exercises/intensity/weeks), and the outcome of the FCT used related to fall risk. The Cochran Q statistic and I2 statistics was used to assess heterogeneity. Random-effects model were conducted to pool the effect sizes expressed as mean differences (MD). DATA SYNTHESIS: Twelve studies (478 subjects) were selected for systematic review. A meta-analysis comprised 6 studies (217 subjects) where the outcome measure was the 30-second Sit to Stand (30s-STS) test, and another comprised 4 studies (142 subjects) where the outcome measure was the timed Up and Go (TUG) test. There was an improvement in performance in favor of the experimental group in both the TUG subgroup (MD -0.31 s; 95% CI -0.63, 0.00 s; P=.05), and the 30s-STS subgroup (MD 1.71 reps; 95% CI -0.26, 3.67 reps; P=.09). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, power training increases functional capacity related to fall risk further than other types of exercise in older adults.

Novel Curvilinear Sprint Test in Basketball: Reliability and Comparison With Linear Sprint.

ABSTRACT: Baena-Raya, A, Díez-Fernández, DM, López-Sagarra, A, Martínez-Rubio, C, Soriano-Maldonado, A, and Rodríguez-Pérez, MA. Novel curvilinear sprint test in basketball: reliability and comparison with linear sprint. J Strength Cond Res 37(9): e535-e540, 2023-This study (a) evaluated the reliability of a curvilinear sprint (CS) test to assess kinetic and kinematic outcomes in basketball players, (b) compared the kinetic and kinematic outcomes derived from curvilinear vs. linear sprints (LS), and (c) examined the association of both the CS and LS with change of direction (COD) performance. Thirty young basketball players (17 men and 13 women) competing at the national level (i.e., Spanish Basketball National League) performed a novel CS test around the 3-point line (the 3-point line CS test) to the right and left sides. The maximum and average values of acceleration (ACC), velocity (VEL), and centripetal force (CentF) were measured using Local Positioning System technology (WIMU PRO, Realtrack Systems S.L., Almería, Spain). All outcomes showed a high relative (intraclass correlations coefficient ≥ 0.90) and absolute (coefficient of variation [CV] < 5%) reliability, except the maximal CentF to the right (CV = 5.41%) and left sides (CV = 7.72%). Linear sprints displayed higher ACC and VEL outputs compared with the 3-point line CS test (all p < 0.001). Both sprinting tests were very large to nearly perfect associated with COD performance (LS r range from -0.71 to -0.86; CS r range from -0.68 to -0.94; p < 0.001), and the curvilinear ACC max was the kinematic outcome most strongly associated with COD performance ( r range from -0.73 to -0.94). In conclusion, the 3-point line CS test is reliable to measure CS performance in basketball and presents different kinetic and kinematic features than LS.

Horizontal versus vertical force application: association with the change of direction performance in soccer players.

This study examined which mechanical variables derived from a vertical jump (i.e. concentric peak force [ConcPF] and eccentric peak force [EccPF], flight time [FT]: contraction time [CT], eccentric deceleration rate of force development [EccDecRFD]) and linear sprint (i.e. theoretical maximal force [F0] and velocity [V0], maximal power output [Pmax], the peak ratio of the effective horizontal component [RFpeak], and the index of force application technique [DRF]) determined the change of direction (COD) performance to a greater extent. Sixteen male soccer players (age: 21.8 ± 2.9 years; height: 175.94 ± 6.88 cm; weight: 73.23 ± 9.59 kg) were assessed for a countermovement jump, the horizontal force velocity (FV) profile, and the COD ZigZag test. The horizontal FV profile parameters were significantly associated with COD performance, while jump mechanical variables did not show any significant association (r = 0.08-0.19; p > 0.05). Specifically, F0 (r = -0.56), Pmax (r = -0.68), and RFpeak (r = -0.54) were strongly associated with COD performance. Moreover, a 1 N·kg-1 increase in F0 was associated with -0.11 s to complete the ZigZag test, whereas 1 W·kg-1 and 1% increase in Pmax and RFpeak were associated with -0.05 and -0.03 s, respectively, to complete the COD test. Horizontal force production during sprinting might play a key role in COD performance. Assessing the horizontal FV profile might help coaches to prescribe a specific training programme to maximize sprint acceleration, which might improve COD performance.

Association of the load-velocity relationship variables with 2000-m rowing ergometer performance.

This study aimed to compare the maximal mechanical variables derived from the load-velocity (L-V) relationship and 2000-meter rowing ergometer performance between rowers of different age categories, and to identify the L-V relationship variables more closely related to 2000-meter rowing ergometer performance. Nineteen competitive rowers (15 males and four females) aged between 15 and 25 years were evaluated during the national 2000-meter rowing ergometer competition organised by the Chilean Rowing Federation. Thereafter, the L-V relationship variables (load-axis intercept [L0], velocity-axis intercept [v0], and area under the L-V relationship line [Aline]) were determined on separate occasions during the squat jump and prone bench pull exercises. Rowers were classified according to their chronological age for comparative purposes (under 16 years [U16] vs. over 16 years [O16]). L0 and Aline were always higher for O16 than for U16 (p ≤ 0.046; ES range = 0.99-1.79), while v0 was generally comparable for both age categories (p ≥ 0.038; ES range = 0.07-1.03). Furthermore, the O16 revealed a greater performance (i.e. shorter total time) during the 2000-meter rowing ergometer competition (p = 0.011; ES = -1.31). In general, significant correlations were obtained between rowing performance and the L-V relationship variables obtained during the squat jump (r or ρ range = -0.294 to -0.922) and prone bench pull (r or ρ range = -0.322 to -0.928). These results support the L-V relationship as a sensitive procedure to evaluate the maximal mechanical capacities of lower- and upper-body muscles in competitive rowers.HighlightsThe load-velocity relationship variables are sensitive enough to differentiate between rowers of different age categories (U16 vs. O16).The load-velocity variables are significantly associated with 2000-meter rowing ergometer performance (total time).This novel testing methodology can provide practitioners and coaches with a simpler and more precise alternative to comprehensively assess a rower's maximal neuromuscular profiles.

Effects of a 12-week supervised resistance training program, combined with home-based physical activity, on physical fitness and quality of life in female breast cancer survivors: the EFICAN randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the effects of 12-week supervised resistance training combined with home-based physical activity on physical fitness, cancer-related fatigue, depressive symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and life satisfaction in female breast cancer survivors. METHODS: A parallel-group, outcome assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial included 60 female breast cancer survivors who had completed their core treatments within the previous 10 years. Through computer-generated simple randomization, participants were assigned to resistance training (RTG; two sessions/week for 12 weeks plus instructions to undertake ≥ 10,000 steps/d) or control (CG; ≥ 10,000 steps/d only). Outcomes were evaluated at baseline and week 12. Muscular strength was assessed with electromechanical dynamometry. A standardized full-body muscular strength score was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included cardiorespiratory fitness, shoulder mobility, cancer-related fatigue, depressive symptoms, HRQoL, and life satisfaction. RESULTS: Thirty-two participants were assigned to RTG (29 achieved ≥ 75% attendance) and 28 to CG (all completed the trial). Intention-to-treat analyses revealed that the standardized full-body muscular strength score increased significantly in the RTG compared to the CG (0.718; 95% CI 0.361-1.074, P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.04). This increase was consistent for the standardized scores of upper-body (0.727; 95% CI 0.294-1.160, P = 0.001, d = 0.87) and lower-body (0.709; 95% CI 0.324-1.094, P = 0.001, d = 0.96) strength. There was no effect on cardiorespiratory fitness, shoulder flexion, cancer-related fatigue, depressive symptoms, HRQoL, or life satisfaction. The sensitivity analyses confirmed these results. CONCLUSION: and implication for cancer survivors. In female breast cancer survivors who had completed their core treatments within the past 10 years, adding two weekly sessions of supervised resistance training to a prescription of home-based physical activity for 12 weeks produced a large increase in upper-, lower-, and full-body muscular strength, while other fitness components and patient-reported outcomes did not improve. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN14601208.

High-yield halide-assisted synthesis of metal-organic framework UiO-based nanocarriers.

The synthesis of nanosized metal-organic frameworks (NMOFs) is requisite for their application as injectable drug delivery systems (DDSs) and other biorelevant purposes. Herein, we have critically examined the role of different synthetic parameters leading to the production of UiO-66 crystals smaller than 100 nm. Of note, we demonstrate the co-modulator role conferred by halide ions, not only to produce NMOFs with precise morphology and size, but also to significantly improve the reaction yield. The resulting NMOFs are highly crystalline and exhibit sustained colloidal stability in different biologically relevant media. As a proof of concept, these NMOFs were loaded with Rhodamine 6G (R6G), which remained trapped in most common biologically relevant media. When incubated with living mammalian cells, the R6G-loaded NMOFs were efficiently internalized and did not impair cell viability even at relatively high doses.

Clinical Outcomes for Open Hip Abductor Repair Using Tenodesis and Bone Trough Repair Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Hip abductor complex tears remain an injury without a clear consensus on management. Surgical treatment has been recommended after unsuccessful nonoperative management. This study evaluates both tenodesis and bone trough techniques, with treatment choices guided by previously described tear classification. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of 45 hips in 44 patients who underwent surgical treatment for symptomatic, chronic hip abductor tear unresponsive to nonoperative treatment. Demographics and preoperative and postoperative values (including visual analog scale pain scores, gait assessment, and muscle strength) were evaluated. Type I tears were treated using tendon tenodesis. Type II tears were treated through a bone trough repair. RESULTS: Forty-five hips (44 patients) were operated on with a minimum of 6-month follow-up. There were 27 type I and 18 type II tears. Eighty-seven percent of patients were female. Twenty-eight percent of type II patients (5/18) had a preexisting arthroplasty in place. Significant improvements in pain (P < .001), gait (P < .001), and muscle strength (P < .001) were achieved in both the tear types. Type I repairs showed superior results to type II repairs. However, both showed significant improvements. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging at 6 months showed healed tenodesis in 81% (17/21) of type I tears and 50% (5/10) of type II tears. CONCLUSION: Our study shows improvement in pain and function after surgical repair of hip abductor tendon injuries in both simple and complex tears. This improvement is seen even during ongoing surgical site healing. Magnetic resonance imaging findings may remain abnormal for more than 1 year after surgery and do not clearly denote repair failure.

Sonosensitive capsules for brain thrombolysis increase ischemic damage in a stroke model.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke is the most common cerebrovascular disease and is caused by interruption of blood supply to the brain. To date, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) has been the main pharmacological treatment in the acute phase. However, this treatment has some drawbacks, such as a short half-life, low reperfusion rate, risk of hemorrhagic transformations, and neurotoxic effects. To overcome the limitations of rtPA and improve its effectiveness, we recently designed sonosensitive sub-micrometric capsules (SCs) loaded with rtPA with a size of approximately 600 nm, synthesized using the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique, and coated with gelatine for clot targeting. In this study, we evaluated the rtPA release of ultrasound (US)-responsive SCs in healthy mice and the therapeutic effect in a thromboembolic stroke model. RESULTS: In healthy mice, SCs loaded with rtPA 1 mg/kg responded properly to external US exposure, extending the half-life of the drug in the blood stream more than the group treated with free rtPA solution. The gelatine coating also contributed to stabilizing the encapsulation and maintaining the response to US. When the same particles were administered in the stroke model, these SCs appeared to aggregate in the ischemic brain region, probably generating secondary embolisms and limiting the thrombolytic effect of rtPA. Despite the promising results of these thrombolytic particles, at least under the dose and size conditions used in this study, the administration of these capsules represents a risk factor for stroke. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to report the aggregation risk of a drug carrier in neurological pathologies such as stroke. Biocompatibility analysis related to the use of nano-and microparticles should be deeply studied to anticipate the limitations and orientate the design of new nanoparticles for translation to humans.

Individual Adaptation Kinetics Following Heavy Resisted Sprint Training.

ABSTRACT: Morin, JB, Capelo-Ramirez, F, Rodriguez-Pérez, MA, Cross, MR, and Jimenez-Reyes, P. Individual adaptation kinetics following heavy resisted sprint training. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1158-1161, 2022-The aim of this study was to test individual adaptation kinetics to a high-resistance sprint training program designed to improve maximal horizontal power (Pmax), and compare the group and individual results of a classical "pre-post" analysis, and a "pre-peak" approach. Thirteen male and 9 female trained sprinters had their 30-m sprint performance and mechanical outputs assessed 1 week before (PRE), and one (POST, W1), 2 (W2), 3 (W3) and 4 (W4) weeks after a 10-week training block (10 repetitions of 20-m resisted sprints at the load associated to the apex of their velocity-power relationship: i.e., 90 ± 10% body mass on average (range: 75-112%). We observed clearly different outcomes on all variables for the PRE-POST vs. PRE-PEAK analyses. The PRE-PEAK analysis showed a larger (almost double) increase in Pmax (9.98 ± 5.27% on average, p < 0.01) than the PRE-POST (5.39 ± 5.87%, p < 0.01). Individual kinetics of post-training adaptations show that peak values were not captured in the POST (W1) assessment (generally observed at W3 and W4). Finally, the week of greatest Pmax output differed strongly among subjects, with most subjects (7/22) peaking at W4. In conclusion, after a 10-week high-resistance sprint training block, a classical 1-week-PRE to 1-week-POST assessment could not capture peak adaptation, which differed among athletes. Adopting a similar approach in practice or research should improve insight into the true effects of training stimuli on athletic capabilities.

Gender-Specific Association of the Sprint Mechanical Properties With Change of Direction Performance in Basketball.

ABSTRACT: Baena-Raya, A, Jiménez-Reyes, P, Romea, ES, Soriano-Maldonado, A, and Rodríguez-Pérez, MA. Gender-specific association of the sprint mechanical properties with change of direction performance in basketball. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2868-2874, 2022-We evaluated the gender-specific associations between the mechanical variables derived from the horizontal force-velocity (FV) profile (i.e., theoretical maximal force [ F0 ], velocity [ V0 ], maximal power output [ Pmax ], peak ratio of the effective horizontal component [ RFpeak ], and the force application technique index [ DRF ]) and the change of direction (COD) performance for basketball players. Seventy-one players (23 women and 48 men) were assessed for the horizontal FV profile and COD using the modified 505 and V-cut tests. The FV profile parameters were significantly higher for the men than those for the women. The F0 , RFpeak , and Pmax were strongly associated with performance in the 505 test (women rrange = -0.72 to -0.82; men: rrange = -0.67 to -0.75; p < 0.001) and the V-cut test (women rrange = -0.68 to -0.76; men rrange = -0.45 to -0.50; p < 0.001), as well as with a lower COD deficit (women rrange = 0.58 to 0.75 ( p < 0.01); men rrange = 0.49 to 0.54; all p < 0.001). For the women, a 1 N·kg -1 increase of the F0 was associated with -0.20 seconds and -0.56 seconds in the 505 and V-cut tests, respectively, and 0.16 seconds for the COD deficit. In the men, it was associated with -0.13 seconds and -0.37 seconds in the 505 and V-cut tests, respectively, and 0.10 seconds for the COD deficit. F0 , RFpeak , and Pmax are the most determinant sprint mechanical properties to successfully COD and reduce the COD deficit. The horizontal FV profile assessment is recommended for diagnosing and prescribing a training program for basketball players.