Effects of Photobiomodulation/Laser Therapy Combined With Resistance Training on Quadriceps Hypertrophy and Strength, and Postural Balance in Older Women: A Randomized, Triple-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Physical and therapeutic strategies to maintain and rehabilitate skeletal muscle mass, strength, and postural balance are clinically relevant to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life of older adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM)/laser therapy combined with a resistance training (RT) program on quadriceps hypertrophy and strength, and postural balance in older women. METHODS: In a randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled design, twenty-two older women (age 66.6 ± 5.2 years) were engaged in a supervised 10-wk RT program (2 times per week) involving unilateral leg extension exercise, in which each leg of the same participant was randomly assigned to receive active (λ = 808 nm, optical output = 100 mW, total energy = 42 J) or placebo laser PBM immediately before the RT sessions. Maximal dynamic strength by unilateral knee extension 1-repetition maximum (1RM), muscle hypertrophy by vastus lateralis muscle thickness, and postural balance by one-legged stance test on a force platform were assessed before and after the training program. RESULTS: Significance statistical analysis revealed a similar improvement (time P = .003) from pre- to posttraining for muscle hypertrophy and strength, and postural balance between active and placebo laser conditions. However, clinical interpretation for muscle hypertrophy showed a moderate effect (effect size [ES] = 0.58) for the active laser and a small effect (ES = 0.38) for the placebo laser. Clinical difference was not noticed between conditions for other analyzed variables. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that RT alone can be clinically important for counteracting the deleterious effects of aging on muscle size, strength, and balance, and that applying laser PBM therapy before the RT sessions may further improve gains in muscle hypertrophy.

Free leucine supplementation during an 8-week resistance training program does not increase muscle mass and strength in untrained young adult subjects.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of free leucine supplementation on changes in skeletal muscle mass and strength during a resistance training (RT) program in previously untrained, young subjects. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 20 healthy young (22 ± 2 years) participants were assigned to two groups: a placebo-supplement group (PLA, N = 10) or a leucine-supplement group (LEU, N = 10). Both groups underwent an 8-week hypertrophic RT program (2 days/week), consuming an equivalent amount of leucine (3.0 g/day in a single post-training dose) or placebo (cornstarch). Quadriceps muscle strength, cross-sectional area (CSA) of the vastus lateralis (VL), and rectus femoris (RF), as well as the habitual dietary intake were assessed before and after the 8-week intervention period. There was a similar improvement in muscle strength (Leg press, LEU: +33% vs. PLA: +37%; P > 0.05, and knee extension, LEU: +31% vs. PLA: 34%; P > 0.05) and CSA (VL, LEU: 8.9% vs. PLA: 9.6%; P > 0.05, and RF, LEU: +21.6% vs. PLA: + 16.4%; P > 0.05) in the both groups from pre- to post-training. In addition, there was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in daily dietary intake between the LEU and PLA groups before and after the intervention period. Free leucine supplementation (3.0 g/day post-training) does not increase muscle strength or CSA during RT in healthy young subjects consuming adequate dietary protein intake.

The Effects of 17 Weeks of Ballet Training on the Autonomic Modulation, Hormonal and General Biochemical Profile of Female Adolescents.

This study aimed to examine the alterations in physiological and biochemical markers, after 17 weeks of ballet training in high level ballet dancers. Twenty four female ballet dancers from 12 to 15 years old took part in the study. The study followed 17 weeks of ballet training and analyzed changes in body composition, the autonomic nervous system and biochemical variables before and after (post) training. The internal training load was obtained using the session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) method, calculated as the mean weekly session-RPE, monotony and strain. After 17 weeks of training there were significant increases in body mass, height, lean body mass, total protein, urea, hemoglobin concentration, testosterone and thyroxine. During this period, decreases in relative body fat, uric acid, red blood cells, C-reactive protein, and ferritin were also found. After the training period, the autonomic modulation demonstrated significant positive alterations, such as increases in parasympathetic related indices. Based on the results obtained we concluded that ballet training led to improvements in body composition and autonomic modulation. In general hematological and biochemical variables demonstrated that the training did not have adverse effects on the health state of the adolescents.

Similarity in physiological and perceived exertion responses to exercise at continuous and intermittent critical power.

The purpose of this study was to compare the physiological responses [oxygen uptake (VO(2)), heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentrations ([BLa])] and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) response until exhaustion (TTE) at the continuous (CP(c)) and intermittent (CP(i)) critical power workloads. Ten moderately active men (25.5 ± 4.2 years, 74.1 ± 8.0 kg, 177.6 ± 4.9 cm) participated in this study. The incremental test was applied to determine the highest values of oxygen uptake (VO(2max)), heart rate (HR(max)), blood lactate concentrations ([BLa(max)]), and maximal aerobic power (MAP). Continuous and intermittent exhaustive predictive trials were performed randomly. The hyperbolic relation between power and time was used to estimate CP(c) and CP(i). CP(i) was derived from predictive trial results at an effort and recovery ratio of 30:30 s. Exercise at CP(c) and CP(i) as well as the physiological and RPE responses were measured until exhaustion. The values of physiological variables during CP(c) and CP(i) did not differ in either TTE test and were lower than the VO(2max), HR(max) and [BLa(max)] values. RPE was maximal at the end of exercise at CP(c) and CP(i). There was a high correlation between VO(2max) (L min(-1)) and CP(c) and CP(i) intensities (r ≥ 0.90) and between MAP, CP(c) and CP(i) (r ≥ 0.95). Similar physiological and RPE responses were found at CP(c) and CP(i) for the times analyzed.

Avaliação da capacidade de realizar sprints repetidos no futebol / Repeated sprint ability evaluation in soccer

A maioria dos esportes coletivos (ex.: futebol, basquete, handebol) tem como característica a intermitência, flutuando entre breves períodos de esforços máximos ou próximos ao máximo seguidos de períodos e formas de recuperação. Alguns autores têm proposto diversos testes que tem por finalidade mensurar a capacidade desses atletas em realizar esforços repetidos máximos (RSA), a qual estaria diretamente relacionada aos momentos decisivos durante partida. Dessa forma, o presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever os diferentes protocolos de testes para avaliar a RSA em jogadores de futebol, com base em artigos originais e algumas revisões levantadas na base de dados Medline. Diante dos achados, sugerimos a utilização de quatro protocolos, dois envolvendo sprints lineares (AZIZ et al., 2008; REILLY, 2001) e dois utilizando sprints com mudanças de direção (BANGSBO, 2008; IMPELLIZZERI et al., 2008) para avaliação da RSA em jogadores de futebol, gerando importantes parâmetros de desempenho, que permitem ainda a elaboração de programas de treinamento para a melhora dessa capacidade. Recomendamos ainda, a utilização do tempo médio e/ou total como uma medida geral da capacidade de realizar sprints repetidos e as parciais de tempo de cada sprint para identificar possíveis pontos fortes e fraco de cada atleta.

The most of team sports (soccer, basketball, handball) is characterized by intermittency, fluctuating between brief periods of maximum effort or near the maximum followed by periods and forms of recovery. Some authors have proposed several tests to measure the ability of these athletes to perform repeated sprints (repeated sprint ability - RSA), which would be directly related to the decisive moments during match. Then, this study aimed to describe the different test protocols to assess RSA in soccer players, based on original articles and reviews selected in some databases (Medline). Therefore, we suggest four protocols, two involving sprints linear (Aziz et al. 2008; Reilly, 2001) and two involving sprints with changes of direction (Bangsbo, 2008; Impellizzeri et al., 2008) to evaluate the RSA in soccer players, generating important performance parameters, which allow to develop training programs to improve that capacity. We also recommend the use of average and/or total time as a general measure of ability to perform repeated sprints and the partial duration of each sprint to identify strengths and weakness of each athlete.

Métodos de quantificação de carga de treinamento em exercício realizado no máximo estado estável de lactato / Methods of quantification of training load in exercise performed at maximal lactate steady state

O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar e correlacionar as estimativas de impulso de treinamento (TRIMP) propostos por Banister (TRIMPBanister), Stagno (TRIMPStagno) e Manzi (TRIMPManzi). Os participantes foram submetidos a um teste progressivo em cicloergômetro, com registro da frequência cardíaca e da concentração de lactato sanguíneo. Em uma segunda ocasião, realizaram 30 min. de exercício na intensidade correspondente ao máximo estado estável de lactato, a partir do qual foram calculados o TRIMPBanister, TRIMPStagno e TRIMPManzi. Os valores médios de TRIMPBanister (56,5 ± 8,2 u.a.) e TRIMPStagno (51,2 ± 12,4 u.a.) não diferiram entre si (P > 0,05) e foram altamente correlacionados (r = 0,90), com boa concordância, ou seja, viés reduzido e limites de concordância relativamente estreitos. O TRIMPStagno e TRIMPManzi (73,4 ± 17,6 u.a.) apresentarem alta correlação (r = 0,93), mas com diferença significantes entre eles; ainda, se mostraram pouco concordantes. As estimativas de TRIMPBanister e TRIMPManzi não foram diferentes (P = 0,06) e apresentaram alta correlação (r = 0,82), com baixa concordância. Assim, conclui-se que os métodos de TRIMP não são equivalentes. Na prática, parece ser prudente monitorar o processo de treinamento assumindo apenas uma das estimativas.

The aim of the present study was to compare and correlate training impulse (TRIMP) estimates proposed by Banister (TRIMPBanister), Stagno (TRIMPStagno) and Manzi (TRIMPManzi). The subjects were submitted to an incremental test on cycle ergometer with heart rate and blood lactate concentration measurements. In the second occasion, they performed 30 min. of exercise at the intensity corresponding to maximal lactate steady state, and TRIMPBanister, TRIMPStagno and TRIMPManzi were calculated. The mean values of TRIMPBanister (56.5 ± 8.2 u.a.) and TRIMPStagno (51.2 ± 12.4 u.a.) were not different (P > 0.05) and were highly correlated (r = 0.90). Besides this, they presented a good agreement level, which means low bias and relatively narrow limits of agreement. On the other hand, despite highly correlated (r = 0.93), TRIMPStagno and TRIMPManzi (73.4 ± 17.6 u.a.) were different (P < 0.05), with low agreement level. The TRIMPBanister e TRIMPManzi estimates were not different (P = 0.06) and were highly correlated (r = 0.82), but showed low agreement level. Thus, we concluded that the investigated TRIMP methods are not equivalent. In practical terms, it seems prudent monitor the training process assuming only one of the estimates.

Relationship between vagal withdrawaland reactivation indices and aerobic capacityin taekwondo athletes / Relação entre a retirada e reativação vagal com a capacidade aeróbia em atletas de taekwondo

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between vagal withdrawal and reactivation indices and maximal running velocity (Vmax) in taekwondo athletes. Eleven elite taekwondo athletes (seven men: 23.7±2.2 years, 72.4±7.0 kg, 178.8±7.5 cm, 51.9±2.9 ml.kg-1.min-1, and four women: 18.8±1.5 years, 61.8±1.8 kg, 168.0±4.4 cm, 41.6±2.4 ml.kg-1.min-1) performed a graded exercise test until exhaustion, with the last complete stage performed corresponding to Vmax. Heart rate variability (HRV) parameters were calculated at 1-minute intervals until 85% of maximum HR and plotted against time for the estimation of vagal withdrawal indices (?, amplitude (A) and area under the curve (AUC)). Vagal reactivation indices were determined based on HR recovery during the first 60 s (HRR60s) and negative reciprocal of the slope of the regression line obtained during the first 30 s of HRR (T30). The vagal withdrawal parameters A and AUC were moderately and significantly correlated with Vmax (r = 0.61-0.71, P < 0.05), whereas ? presented a low correlation (r = 0.22-0.40, P > 0.05). T30 and HRR60s were also significantly correlated with Vmax (r = -0.77 and 0.64, P < 0.05, respectively). The present results showed that vagal withdrawal (A and AUC) and vagal reactivation (T30 and HRR60s) indices were significantly correlated with Vmax, suggesting that these indices can be used for the evaluation and monitoring of aerobic fitness in taekwondo athletes.

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar em atletas de taekwondo a relação entre a retirada e reativação vagal com a velocidade aeróbia máxima (Vmax). Onze atletas de elite de taekwondo (sete homens: 23,7±2,2 anos, 72,4±7,0 kg, 178,8±7,5 cm, 51,9±2,9 ml.kg-1.min-1; e quatro mulheres: 18,8±1,5 anos, 61,8±1,8 kg, 168,0±4,4 cm, 41,6±2,4 ml.kg-1.min-1) realizaram um teste progressivo até exaustão, sendo a Vmax considerada o último estágio completo realizado. Os parâmetros da variabilidade da freqüência cardíaca (VFC) foram calculados a cada minuto do teste até o atingimento de 85% da FC máxima, e plotados contra o tempo para a estimativa dos indicadores de retirada vagal (?, amplitude (A) e área sob a curva (ASC)). Os indicadores de reativação vagal foram determinados pela recuperação da FC nos primeiros 60 s (RFC60s) e recíproca negativa da reta de regressão linear obtida pela RFC dos primeiros 30 s (T30). Os parâmetros de retirada vagal A e ASC foram moderado e significativamente correlacionados à Vmax (r = 0,61-0,71, P < 0,05), enquanto o ? apresentou baixa correlação (r = 0,22-0,40, P > 0,05). O T30 e RFC60s apresentaram correlação significante com a Vmax (r = -0,77 e 0,64, P < 0,05, respectivamente). Os resultados do presente estudo mostraram que os indicadores da retirada (A e ASC) e reativação vagal (T30 e RFC60s) foram significativamente correlacionados com a Vmax, sugerindo que esses indicadores poderiam ser utilizados na avaliação aeróbia e monitoramento do treinamento de atletas de taekwondo.

Familiarization indexes in sessions of 1-RM tests in adult women.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the familiarization to the 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) test in adult women with previous experience in resistance training and to compare the statistical methods to analyze familiarization. Twenty-seven women, with previous experience in resistance training but detrained for 6 months, participated in the study (21.6 +/- 2.5 years; 59.1 +/- 6.7 kg; 1.65 +/- 0.04 m; 21.8 +/- 2.4 kg/m). The 1-RM test was used to verify the strength levels in 3 exercises: bench press, squat, and arm curl. Five 1-RM tests sessions were performed in distinct days. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland-Altman plotting procedures were used to compare the 1-RM load between the familiarization sessions. The significance assumed was p < 0.05. All exercises presented good ICC between 1-RM familiarization sessions (0.97-0.98). However, there were significant increases in 1-RM load among the 5 sessions of 1-RM tests in the bench press (+5.7%), squat (+5.4%), and arm curl (+11.1%). In addition, there were different responses according to the statistical analyses used (ANOVA, higher 1-RM strength, and Bland-Altman plotting). The results of the present study suggest that familiarization sessions are important for an accurate assessment of 1-RM load even in subjects with previous experience in resistance training.

Atividade física habitual e variabilidade da frequência cardíaca de repouso em nipo-brasileiros praticantes e não praticantes de PARK / Habitual physical activity and resting heart rate variability in nipo-brazilians practitioners and non practitioners of PARK GOLF

Os objetivos deste estudo foram comparar o nível de atividade física habitual (AFH) por meio do número de passos.dia-1 e os parâmetros da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) de repouso em nipo-brasileiros praticantes (GPG) e não praticantes (GNP) de Park Golf e verificar as correlações entre o nível de AFH e a VFC. Trinta e três indivíduos de ambos os gêneros (68,2±6,3 anos) fizeram parte do estudo, sendo 20 sujeitos no GPG (68,3±6,3 anos) e 13 no GNP (68,2±6,4 anos). Os sujeitos utilizaram o pedômetro por uma semana para mensurar a AFH. A VFC foi analisada batimento-a-batimento no repouso em decúbito dorsal por meio de um cardiofrequencímetro. Durante a avaliação da VFC, houve controle da frequência respiratória em 12 respirações por minuto. A AFH foi maior no GPG quando comparado ao GNP. Não foram observadas diferenças nos indicadores da VFC entre os grupos. Em relação aos gêneros, as mulheres apresentaram maiores médias de passos.dia-1 e valores de índices parassimpáticos pela VFC. Os homens obtiveram maiores índices simpáticos. O nível de AFH apresentou correlação significante com o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e com a média dos intervalos R-R. O maior nível de AFH encontrado no GPG não foi suficiente para promover VFC de repouso mais favorável em relação ao GNP.

The aims of this study were to compare the habitual physical activity (HPA) level by means of steps.day-1 and the resting heart rate variability (HRV) parameters of nipo-brazilians practitioners (GPG) and non-practitioners (GNP) of Park Golf and verify the correlations between HPA and HRV. Thirty three subjects of both genders (68.2±6.3 years) participated of this study, being 20 subjects in GPG (68.3±6.3 years) and 13 in GNP (68.2±6.4 years). The subjects wore the pedometer for one week to measure the HPA. The HRV was analyzed beat-to-beat at rest in the supine position using a heart rate monitor and the respiratory frequency was controlled in 12 respiratory cycles per minute. The HPA level was higher in GPG when compared to GNP. There were no differences in the HRV between groups. Regarding gender, women presented higher mean steps.day-1 and parasympathetic indices of HRV. Men presented higher sympathetic indices. The HPA level was significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI) and with the mean R-R intervals. The greater HPA level reported in GPG was not sufficient to induce a more favorable resting HRV than in GNP.

Predição do desempenho aeróbio na canoagem a partir da aplicação de diferentes modelos matemáticos de velocidade crítica / Aerobic performance prediction in canoeing from the application of different mathematical models of critical velocity

O modelo de velocidade crítica com dois parâmetros vem sendo utilizado para a determinação do desempenho aeróbio e anaeróbio. No entanto, o modelo com três parâmetros prevê um parâmetro adicional correspondente à velocidade instantânea máxima (Vmáx) ao modelo original, tendo impacto sobre a estimativa dos outros dois parâmetros. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar e comparar a relação da velocidade crítica (VCrit), fornecida pelos modelos com dois (VCrit-2parâmetros) e três (VCrit-3parâmetros) parâmetros, com a velocidade média mantida em esforço máximo de 6.000m (V6000m) na canoagem. Nove canoístas (17,4 ± 2,4 anos) competitivos do sexo masculino realizaram, em dias diferentes, testes máximos de 200, 500, 1.000, 1.800 e 6.000m. A VCrit foi calculada para todos os sujeitos, a partir das distâncias de 200 a 1.800m, utilizando-se as equações hiperbólicas com dois e três parâmetros. As durações dos percursos ficaram no intervalo entre 46,1 ± 2,5s e 513,9 ± 25,6s. Para comparação entre as velocidades (VCrit-2parâmetros, VCrit-3parâmetros e V6000m) foi utilizada ANOVA one way para medidas repetidas, seguida pelo teste post hoc de Newman-Keuls. A associação entre as variáveis foi feita a partir de correlação de Pearson. Para análise de concordância foi aplicada a plotagem de Bland-Altman entre os valores de VCrit-2parâmetros, VCrit-3parâmetros e V6000m . Em média, o tiro de 6.000m teve duração de 29,9 ± 1,0 min. Houve diferença significante da VCrit-3parâmetros (2,93 ± 0,36m/s) em relação à VCrit-2parâmetros (3,31 ± 0,22m.s-1) e V6000m (3,35 ± 0,11m.s-1). VCrit-2parâmetros e V6000m não diferiram entre si. A correlação entre VCrit-2parâmetros e V6000m foi de 0,72 (p = 0,03), enquanto que a entre VCrit-3parâmetros e V6000m não foi significante. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que o modelo de velocidade crítica de dois parâmetros fornece valor de VCrit mais adequado para a avaliação aeróbia de canoístas. A VCrit-3parâmetros...

The 2-parameter critical velocity model has been used for determination of aerobic and anaerobic performance. Nevertheless, the 3-parameter model previews an additional parameter corresponding to the maximal instantaneous velocity (Vmax) to the original model, having an impact on the estimation of the other two parameters. Thus, the aim of this work was to verify and compare the relationship of the critical velocity (Ccrit), provided by the 2-parameter (Ccrit-2parameters) and 3-parameter (Vcrit-3parameters) models, with the mean velocity kept in a maximal effort of 6,000m (V6000m) in canoeing. Nine competitive, male canoers (17.4± 2.4 years) performed at different days, maximal tests of 200, 500, 1,000, 1,800 and 6,000m. The Vcrit was calculated for all subjects, from the 200 to 1,800 distances, using the hyperbolic equations with two and three parameters. The distance durations were in the interval between 46.1 ± 3.5 s to 513.9 ± 25.6 s. One-way ANOVA for repeated measures was used for comparison between velocities (Vcrit-2parameters, Vcrit-3parameters and V6000m), followed by the Newman-Keuls post hoc. The association between variables was performed with the Pearson correlation. The Bland-Altman Plot among the Vcrit-2parameters, V Crit-3parameters and V6000m was applied for concordance analysis. The 6,000m sprint had an average of 29.9 ± 1.0 min duration. There was significant difference of the Vcrit-3parameters (2.93 ± 0.36 m/s) in comparison with the Vcrit-2parameters (3.31 ± 0.22 m.s-1) and V6000m (3.35 ± 0.11 m.s-1). Vcrit-2parameters and V6000m did not differ between each other. The correlation between Vcrit-2parameters and V6000m was of 0.72 (p= 0.03), while the correlation between Vcrit-3parameters and V6000m was not significant. The outcomes of this study suggest that the 2-parameter critical velocity model provides Vcrit values more suitable for the aerobic assessment of canoers. The Vcrit-3parameters underestimates the velocity...