Handgrip Strength Is Associated with Specific Aspects of Vascular Function in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a disorder associated with an increased risk for the development of diabetes mellitus and its complications. Lower isometric handgrip strength (HGS) is associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases. However, the association between HGS and arterial stiffness parameters, which are considered the predictors of morbidity and mortality in individuals with MetS, is not well defined. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between HGS and HGS asymmetry on components of vascular function in adults with MetS. METHODS: We measured handgrip strength normalized to bodyweight (HGS/kg), HGS asymmetry, body composition, blood glucose, lipid profile, blood pressure, pulse wave velocity (PWV), reflection coefficient (RC), augmentation index @75 bpm (AIx@75) and peripheral vascular resistance (PVR) in 55 adults with a diagnosis of MetS between 25 and 54 years old. RESULTS: Mean age was 43.1 ± 7.0 years, 56.3% were females. HGS/kg was negatively correlated with AIx@75 (r = -0.440), p < 0.05, but these associations were not significant after adjusting for age and sex. However, when interaction effects between sex, HGS/kg and age were examined, we observed an inverse relationship between HGS/kg and AIx@75 in the older adults in the sample, whereas in the younger adults, a weak direct association was found. We also found a significant association between HGS asymmetry and PVR (beta = 30, 95% CI = 7.02; 54.2; p <0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that in people with MetS, maintaining muscle strength may have an increasingly important role in older age in the attenuation of age-related increases in AIx@75-a marker of vascular stiffness-and that a higher HGS asymmetry could be associated with a greater vascular resistance.

Asociación entre variables de empuje Isométrico de media pierna (EIMP) con variables antropométricas y cualidades físicas en jugadores varones de Rugby Amateurs / Relationships between Isometric Mid-Thigh pull with anthropometric variables and physical qualities in Amateur Rugby players / Relações entre a puxada isométrica do meio da coxa com variáveis antropométricas e qualidades físicas em jogadores amadores de rugby

Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio es describir el perfil de las variables del EIMP entre las dos posiciones de juego y determinar las posibles asociaciones con las características antropométricas y las cualidades físicas de un grupo de jugadores Rugby amateurs chilenos. Hipótesis: es por eso por lo que podemos plantear como hipótesis la existencia de asociaciones entre las variables de EIMP y las cualidades físicas de los jugadores de RU. Diseño metodológico: este estudio tiene un diseño de cohorte observacional, descriptivo y correlacional. Se investigó la asociación existente entre las variables de EIMP con las pruebas físicas y las variables antropométricas. Fueron evaluados treinta y dos jugadores de rugby varones de nivel amateurs chilenos (promedio ( DE, edad, 23,3 ( 5,4 años). Resultados: para la variable Masa Muscular se encontraron asociaciones grandes (r = 0.53) (p = 0.001) con la FM y asociaciones moderadas (r = 0,48) (r = 0,47) (r = 0,44) (r = 0,46) con F50, F100, F150 y F200 respectivamente. También se pueden observar las asociaciones grandes (R2 = 0,305) (R2 = 0,297) (R2 = 0,267) entre 1RM PB y F200, F100 y F150, respectivamente. Conclusión: en conclusión, este estudio puede demostrar la existencia de asociaciones estadísticamente significativas entre algunas de las variables antropométricas y físicos con las variables de Fuerza de EIMP en jugadores de RU amateurs chilenos.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to describe the profile of the EIMP variables between two playing positions and to determine its possible associations with anthropometric characteristics and physical qualities of a group of Chilean amateur rugby players. HYPOTHESIS: There are associations between the EIMP variables and the physical qualities of UR players. METHODOLOGICAL DESIGN: This study has an observational, descriptive and correlational cohort design. The association between the EIMP variables, from the physical tests, and the anthropometric variables was investigated. Thirty-two Chilean amateur-level male rugby players were evaluated (mean ( SD, age, 23.3 ( 5.4 years). RESULTS: For the Muscle Mass variable, large associations were found (r=0.53) (p=0.001) to FM, and moderate associations (r=0.48) (r=0.47) (r=0.44) (r =0.46) to F50, F100, F150, and F200 respectively. Large associations (R2=0.305) (R2=0.297) (R2=0.267) between 1RM PB and F200, F100, and F150, respectively, can also be observed. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study can demonstrate the existence of statistically significant associations between some of the anthropometric and physical variables and the EIMP Strength variables in Chilean amateur UR players.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é descrever o perfil das variáveis EIMP entre as duas posições de jogo e determinar as possíveis associações com as características antropométricas e qualidades físicas de um grupo de jogadores amadores de rugby chilenos. HIPÓTESE: É por isso que podemos hipotetizar a existência de associações entre as variáveis do EIMP e as qualidades físicas dos jogadores do RU. DESENHO METODOLÓGICO: Este estudo tem um desenho de coorte observacional, descritivo e correlacional. Investigou-se a associação entre as variáveis do EIMP com os testes físicos e as variáveis antropométricas. Trinta e dois jogadores de rugby masculinos de nível amador chileno foram avaliados (média ( DP, idade, 23,3 ( 5,4 anos). RESULTADOS: Para a variável Massa Muscular foram encontradas grandes associações (r=0,53ejercicio y cualidades físicos) (r=0,47) (r=0,44) (r=0,46) com F50, F100, F150 e F200 respectivamente. Grandes associações (R2=0,305) (R2=0,297) (R2=0,267) entre 1RM PB e F200, F100 e F150 respebaloncestotambém podem ser observadas. CONCLUSÃO: Em conclusão, este estudo pode demonstrar a existência de associações estatisticamente significativas entre algumas das variáveis antropométricas e físicas com as variáveis EIMP Força em jogadores amadores do RU chilenos.

[Maximum isometric force of the quadriceps and hamstrings and functionality after total knee arthroplasty]. / Fuerza isométrica máxima de cuádriceps e isquiotibiales y funcionalidad luego de la artroplastia total de rodilla.

Gonarthrosis is a highly prevalent disease in older adults. The objective of this research was to identify changes in quadriceps muscle strength and their impact on the functionality of total knee replacement (TKA) operated patients undergoing kinesitherapy at Hospital El Carmen de Maipú (HEC). All TKA operated patients were measured, pre and post intervention, maximum isometric strength (MIF), Time Up and Go, Standing and sitting test, Unipodal support and the WOMAC scale. The operated and contralateral MIF is higher in flexion and extension when comparing both genders (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001, respectively). In the up and go and the standing and sitting test, performance was significantly higher for males than for females (p = 0.001; p = 0.007, respectively). In the WOMAC, there were significant differences before and after the intervention in men and women (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001, respectively). Patients with a body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2 are 3 times less likely [OR = -3.498; CI (0.062-1.067)] to receive treatment in a period of less than 50 days. On the other hand, injuries to the non-dominant (left) knee have a 4 times greater chance of stay in treatment in less than 50 days [(OR = 2.71; CI (1.000-16.252)]. There was an increase in MIF of the knee treated post-intervention, in both genders. Functionality increased in men and women, after the intervention.

La gonartrosis es una enfermedad de alta prevalencia en adultos mayores. El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar los cambios en la fuerza muscular del cuádriceps y su efecto en la funcionalidad de los pacientes operados de artroplastia total de rodilla (ATR) sometidos a kinesiterapia en el Hospital El Carmen de Maipú (HEC). A todos los operados de ATR se les midió, pre y post intervención, fuerza isométrica máxima (FIM), Time Up and Go, test de pararse y sentarse, apoyo unipodal y la escala WOMAC. La FIM de la rodilla operada y la no operada, es mayor en flexión y extensión al comparar ambos géneros (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001, respectivamente). En el up and go y la prueba pararse y sentarse el rendimiento fue significativamente superior para el género masculino en relación al femenino (p = 0.001; p = 0.007, respectivamente). En el WOMAC, existieron diferencias significativas pre y post intervención en hombres y mujeres (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001, respectivamente). Los pacientes con un índice de masa corporal (IMC) > 30 kg/m2 tienen 3 veces menos posibilidades [OR = -3.498; IC (0.062-1.067)] de permanecer en tratamiento en un plazo menor a 50 días. Por otra parte, las lesiones en la rodilla no dominante (izquierda) tiene 4 veces más posibilidades de tratamiento inferior a 50 días [(OR = 2.71; IC (1.000-16.252)]. Existió un aumento de la FIM de la rodilla tratada post intervención, en ambos géneros. La funcionalidad aumentó en hombres y mujeres, posterior a la intervención.

Fuerza isométrica máxima de cuádriceps e isquiotibiales y funcionalidad luego de la artroplastia total de rodilla / Maximum isometric force of the quadriceps and hamstrings and functionality after total knee arthroplasty

Resumen La gonartrosis es una enfermedad de alta prevalencia en adultos mayores. El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar los cambios en la fuerza muscular del cuádriceps y su efecto en la funcionalidad de los pacientes operados de artroplastia total de rodilla (ATR) sometidos a kinesiterapia en el Hospital El Carmen de Maipú (HEC). A todos los operados de ATR se les midió, pre y post intervención, fuerza isométrica máxima (FIM), Time Up and Go, test de pararse y sentarse, apoyo unipodal y la escala WOMAC. La FIM de la rodilla operada y la no operada, es mayor en flexión y extensión al comparar ambos géneros (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001, respectivamente). En el up and go y la prueba pararse y sentarse el rendimiento fue significativamente superior para el género masculino en relación al femenino (p = 0.001; p = 0.007, respectivamente). En el WO MAC, existieron diferencias significativas pre y post intervención en hombres y mujeres (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001, respectivamente). Los pacientes con un índice de masa corporal (IMC) > 30 kg/m2 tienen 3 veces menos posi bilidades [OR = -3.498; IC (0.062-1.067)] de permanecer en tratamiento en un plazo menor a 50 días. Por otra parte, las lesiones en la rodilla no dominante (izquierda) tiene 4 veces más posibilidades de tratamiento inferior a 50 días [(OR = 2.71; IC (1.000-16.252)]. Existió un aumento de la FIM de la rodilla tratada post intervención, en ambos géneros. La funcionalidad aumentó en hombres y mujeres, posterior a la intervención.

Abstract Gonarthrosis is a highly prevalent disease in older adults. The objective of this re search was to identify changes in quadriceps muscle strength and their impact on the functionality of total knee replacement (TKA) operated patients undergoing kinesitherapy at Hospital El Carmen de Maipú (HEC). All TKA operated patients were measured, pre and post intervention, maximum isometric strength (MIF), Time Up and Go, Standing and sitting test, Unipodal support and the WOMAC scale. The operated and contralateral MIF is higher in flexion and extension when comparing both genders (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001, respectively). In the up and go and the standing and sitting test, performance was significantly higher for males than for females (p = 0.001; p = 0.007, respectively). In the WOMAC, there were significant differences before and after the intervention in men and women (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001, respectively). Patients with a body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2 are 3 times less likely [OR = -3.498; CI (0.062-1.067)] to receive treatment in a period of less than 50 days. On the other hand, injuries to the non-dominant (left) knee have a 4 times greater chance of stay in treatment in less than 50 days [(OR = 2.71; CI (1.000-16.252)]. There was an increase in MIF of the knee treated post-intervention, in both genders. Functionality increased in men and women, after the intervention.

Effects of Chemotherapy Treatment on Muscle Strength, Quality of Life, Fatigue, and Anxiety in Women with Breast Cancer.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of chemotherapy treatment on muscle strength, quality of life, fatigue, and anxiety in women with breast cancer. Nineteen women who were undergoing a chemotherapy treatment (breast cancer treatment [BCT] group, 52.2 ± 13.1 years) and 18 women without cancer (control [CNT] group, 55.8 ± 8.4 years) answered questionnaires for evaluation of fatigue (Fatigue Scale), quality of life (Short-Form Healthy Survey [SF-36] questionnaire), and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [IDATE]) levels. Muscle strength was also assessed by an isometric grip test and an isokinetic knee extension test. Physical limitations, social and emotional domains of quality of life were lower in the BCT group in comparison to the CNT group (p = 0.002; p = 0.003; p = 0.0003, respectively). The other domains did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). There were no differences in fatigue and anxiety levels between both the BCT and CNT groups (p > 0.05). Additionally, isometric grip strength was higher in the CNT group when compared to the BCT group (p = 0.048). However, there were no differences between the BCT and CNT groups for peak torque and total work at both 60°.s-1 (p = 0.95 and p = 0.61, respectively) and 180°.s-1 (p = 0.94 and p = 0.72, respectively). These results suggest that three cycles of chemotherapy treatment may impair handgrip isometric strength and quality of life in women with breast cancer.

A single oral dose of beetroot-based gel does not improve muscle oxygenation parameters, but speeds up handgrip isometric strength recovery in recreational combat sports athletes.

Although the effect of beetroot supplementation on exercise performance has been widely demonstrated to improve the performance of cyclists, runners, and swimmers, its effect on combat sports remains inconclusive. The present study assessed the effect of beetroot-based gel (BG) supplementation on maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), exercise time until fatigue (ETF), muscle O2 saturation (SmO2), and blood volume (tHb) in response to handgrip isotonic exercise (HIE) in recreational combat sport athletes. In a randomized, crossover, double-blind study, 14 combat sports athletes performed three sets of HIE (at 40% MVC) until fatigue after BG or nitrate-depleted gel (PLA) supplementation, in which forearm SmO2 and tHb were continuously monitored using near-infrared spectroscopy. MVC was evaluated at baseline and 20 min after HIE. MVC values were analysed as the change from baseline values (ΔMVC). There was a significant increase accompanied by a large effect size in ΔMVC (p = 0.036, d = 0.94) after HIE in the BG condition compared to PLA. However, there were no changes in SmO2 parameters (p> 0.05), tHb (p> 0.05) or ETF (p = 0.161) throughout the three sets of HIE. Additionally, a trivial to small effect size was observed in near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) parameters and ETF (d = ≤ 0.2 to 0.5). Therefore, a single dose of beetroot gel supplementation may be considered as a good nutritional strategy to improve strength recovery in combat sports athletes.

Front Crawl Swimming Performance and Bi-Lateral Force Asymmetry during Land-Based and Tethered Swimming Tests.

The aims of this study were to investigate whether land-based and tethered swimming strength tests can explain swimming performance in 200-meter front crawl and, whether these tests were able to identify bilateral symmetry in force production. In the first session, eighteen swimmers completed a maximum effort 200 m front crawl swim (swimming performance) and 15 seconds maximal effort tethered front crawl swim. In the second session, participants performed the upper extremity isometric strength test. Peak force production of tethered swimming and isometric strength tests were significantly correlated for the strongest and weakest sides (r = 0.58 and r = 0.63, respectively; p < 0.05), but only peak force production during tethered swimming correlated with 200 m swimming performance time (r = -0.55, p < 0.05). Bilateral asymmetries in peak force and rate of force development were similar between the tethered swimming and isometric strength tests (peak force: 13%, p = 0.24; rate of force development: 15%, p = 0.88) However, both tests detected significant difference of peak force and rate of force development between body sides. The tethered swimming test can partially explain the 200 m front crawl swimming performance. In addition, the land-based and tethered swimming tests may be used to identify bilateral asymmetry of swimming.

Relaciones entre diversas manifestaciones de la fuerza en diferentes grupos musculares en adultos jóvenes

La fuerza y la potencia muscular han sido valoradas en el contexto deportivo o de la salud, con el propósito de determinar su grado de desarrollo; sin embargo, la evidencia de la relación que pude existir entre ellas es escasa y contradictoria. El objetivo del estudio fue identificar la relación entre diferentes manifestaciones de fuerza y de potencia muscular. 37 hombres y 13 mujeres, con edades entre 19 y 23 años, participaron en el estudio. Se evaluó, en miembros superiores e inferiores, la fuerza isométrica, dinámica y la potencia y se midió talla, peso e índice de masa corporal (IMC). No se identificaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los valores de fuerza prensil (FP) de la mano derecha e izquierda (p<0,414). La potencia máxima de miembros superiores (PMMS), se obtuvo con una carga del 4,0%. Se observaron buenas correlaciones (0,608**-0,869**), entre: FP y potencia máxima de miembros superiores (PMMS) e inferiores (PMMI); fuerza máxima isométrica del tren inferior (FMII) y potencia media fase propulsiva en press pecho (PMPP); fuerza máxima en media sentadilla (1RMS) con fuerza máxima en press pecho (1RMP), potencia media fase propulsiva en media sentadilla (PMPS) y velocidad media propulsiva en press pecho (VMPP); RMP con PMPP, PMMS, PMMI y PMPS; PMMS con PMMI, PMPS y PMPP; PMMI, con PMPS y VMP en media sentadilla (VMPS); salto con contra movimiento (CMJ) con el salto sin contra movimiento SJ ; VMPS con PMPS; PMPSP con PMPP; PMMS con CMJ; VMPP con PMMS; y PMPP con CMJ.

Strength and muscular power have been evaluated in the sports or health context to determine their degree of development, however evidence of the relationship between these two muscular manifestations is limited and contradictory. The aim of the study was to identify the relationship between different manifestations of strength and muscular power. Thirty-seven men and thirteen women aged between19 and 23 years participated in this study. We assessed the power and the isometric and dynamic strengthin upper and lower limbs; and size, weight and body mass index (BMI) were measured. No significant differences were identified between prehensile force (PF) values of left and right hand (p-value<0.414). The maximum power of upper limbs (PMMS) was obtained with a4.0% load. Good correlations were observed (0.608**-0.869**) between: PF and maximum power of upper limbs and lower limbs (PMMI); the maximum isometric force of the lower train (FMII) and the mean power propulsive phase in chest press (PMPP); the maximum force in half squat (1RMS) with maximum force in chest press (RMP), the mean power propulsive in half-squat (PMPS) and the mean propulsive velocity in the chest press (VMPP); the RMP with PMPP, PMMS, PMMI and PMPS; the PMMS with PMMI, PMPS and PMPP; the PMMI with PMPS and the VMP in half squat (VMPS); the counter movement jump (CMJ) with squat jump (SJ); the VMPS with PMPS; the PMPSP with PMPP; the PMMS with CMJ; the VMPP with PMMS; and finally, the PMPP with CMJ.

Effects of mate tea consumption on muscle strength and oxidative stress markers after eccentric exercise.

Dietary phytochemical supplementation may improve muscle recovery from exercise. In this study, we investigated the effect of mate tea (MT) consumption - a phenol-rich beverage - on muscle strength and oxidative stress biomarkers after eccentric exercise. In a randomised, cross-over design, twelve men were assigned to drink either MT or water (control; CON) for 11 d. On the 8th day, subjects performed three sets of twenty maximal eccentric elbow flexion exercises. Maximal isometric elbow flexion force was measured before and at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h after exercise. Blood samples were obtained before and at 24, 48 and 72 h after exercise and analysed for total phenolics, GSH, GSSG, GSH:GSSG ratio and lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH). After eccentric exercise, muscle strength was significantly reduced over time, regardless of treatments. However, MT improved the rate of strength recovery by 8·6 % on the 1st day after exercise (P<0·05). Plasma concentration of total phenolic compounds was higher in MT than in CON at all time points (P<0·05) but decreased significantly at 72 h after exercise in both trials (P<0·05). Blood levels of GSH were significantly decreased at 48 and 72 h after exercise in CON (P<0·05) but did not change over time in MT. No significant changes were observed for GSSG, GSH:GSSG ratio and LOOH levels. MT intake did not influence muscle strength at all time points assessed but hastened the strength recovery over 24 h after exercise. MT also favoured the concentration of blood antioxidant compounds.