External Loads of Elite Soccer Referees: A Systematic Review with meta-analysis.

The objective of the present study was to describe the total and fragmented external loads, at different intensities, of soccer referees in European and South American competitions during official matches through a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies. A systematic review was conducted in April, 2020. In all, 32 studies were included, incorporating 578 referees evaluated in 3170 games through video analysis or a global positioning system. Regarding external loads, it was observed that the total average distance covered by the referees was 10,461.74 m, with running speeds predominantly below 13 km.h-1. The total distance covered by the referees in the European competitions was higher and more intense than that of the referees in the South American tournaments, being 11,187.02 m and 9319.61 m, respectively. We suggest that referees' training can be organized according to the distances found at different intensities, in which low-intensity races can be performed below 13 km.h-1 with distances of approximately 4500 m, while high-intensity training can be developed with speeds from 18 to 24 km.h-1 for approximately 800 m. In addition, planning must consider the competition characteristics.

Effects of Aquatic Exercise on Muscle Strength in Young and Elderly Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials.

ABSTRACT: Prado, AKG, Reichert, T, Conceição, MO, Delevatti, RS, Kanitz, AC, and Kruel, LFM. Effects of aquatic exercise on muscle strength in young and elderly adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1468-1483, 2022-The effects of training in an aquatic environment on muscular strength are still contradictory in the literature. The aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized studies about muscle strength responses after a program of aquatic exercise. A systematic review followed the Cochrane and PRISMA recommendations. The search was performed between December 2015 and January 2016. There were no language restrictions, and PubMed, SCOPUS, Scielo, Cochrane, and PEDro databases were consulted. An analysis of eligibility of the studies was performed by 2 independent authors. The data extraction followed standard criteria, and an evaluation of methodological quality was performed. The statistical analysis was conducted in the Review Manager 5.1 software. The statistical heterogeneity was assessed by means of Cochran's Q test and by the inconsistency test (I2). The search found 2,563 articles, 27 were included, totaling a total n of 1,006 subjects. The analysis of the risk of bias demonstrated a lack of clarity of the randomization process, allocation concealment, blinding assessment, intention to treat analysis, and calculation of the sample in 70% or more of the studies analyzed. Meta-analysis demonstrated a significant increase in handgrip strength, in isometric peak torque (PT) of knee unilateral extension and flexion, and isokinetic PT (60°·s-1) of knee unilateral extension. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the positive effects of training in an aquatic environment may be dependent on factors such as age, velocity of movement, and use of device. Land-based and aquatic exercises seem to lead to similar muscle strength gains. Aquatic exercise should be recommended as a strategy to improve muscle strength, but new studies with better methodological quality should be conducted.

Long-Term Effects of Three Water-Based Training Programs on Resting Blood Pressure in Older Women.

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of three water-based training on blood pressure (BP) in older women. A total of 57 participants were randomized into the following groups: (a) aerobic training (AT), (b) concurrent training in which resistance training progresses to the use of resistive equipment (CTRE), and (c) concurrent training in which resistance training progresses to multiple sets (CTMS). The participants trained twice a week for 16 weeks. Systolic BP decreased from pretraining to after 8 weeks of training and, subsequently, to after 16 weeks of training (AT: -6.53 mmHg, CTRE: -10.45 mmHg, and CTMS: -10.73 mmHg). Diastolic BP decreased from pretraining to after 8 and 16 weeks of training (AT: -6.23 mmHg, CTRE: -4.61 mmHg, and CTMS: -6.19 mmHg). Furthermore, 16% of the AT participants, 23% of the CTRE participants, and 28.5% of the CTMS participants were no longer classified as hypertensive. Water-based aerobic and concurrent training are efficient nonpharmacological measures to reduce BP in older women.

Improving the neuromuscular fitness of patients with type 2 diabetes by aquatic exercise training - The Diabetes and Aquatic Training Study (DATS 3): a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: To compare the effects of aquatic aerobic and combined training on neuromuscular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to an aerobic aquatic training (AERO), a combined aquatic training (COMBI) or a procedure control (CON) three weekly for 15 weeks. The sessions were 50 minutes long. Maximal strength and muscle endurance were assessed by the 1RM and maximum repetitions at 60% 1RM tests, respectively, in knee extension and elbow flexion exercises. Timed up and go test, testosterone, cortisol and testosterone:cortisol ratio also were evaluated. RESULTS: Participants had 59.0±8.2 years, 51% women. All groups increased (P<0.001) the maximal knee extension strength (Mean Difference: AERO: 21.1 kg; COMBI: 14.6 kg; CON: 4.4 kg), while only COMBI group increased (P<0.001) the maximal elbow flexion strength (Mean Difference: 2.6 kg). Muscle endurance in both exercises were increased in all groups. The Timed Up and Go test at the usual and maximal speed decreased in all groups. Testosterone were not modified in present study, while cortisol and testosterone:cortisol were improved in COMBI group. CONCLUSIONS: Aquatic training, especially combined aquatic training, improve the neuromuscular fitness of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Hip Hop Party Dance: Cardiorespiratory Profile and Responses to a Predefined Sequence.

Hip hop is a popular dance genre practiced worldwide that has gained popularity since the 1970s. Despite this, studies related to the area and its physiological demands are still scarce. The purpose of this study was to report the cardiorespiratory profile of a group of male and female hip hop dancers to determine the zones of intensity of a predefined hip hop party dance sequence. Eight Brazilian professional hip hop dancers, four women and four men, mean age 22 ± 2.3 years, participated in the study. Using a portable gas analyser (Cosmed K5) their cardiorespiratory variables were measured at two different times: first, during a maximal treadmill test and later during a predefined hip hop party dance sequence. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used for calculating the dependent variables: oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), and the intensity zones for the predefined hip hop sequence. Data normality was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk test. The Mann-Whitney U-test was performed to check any sex-related difference (p < 0.01). No statistical difference between male and female dancers was found in the cardiorespiratory profile and responses to the predefined hip hop party dance sequence. On the treadmill, the participants' VO2peak was 57.3 ± 12.7 ml·kg-1·min-1, and HRmax was 190.0 ± 9.1 b·min-1. The predefined hip hop party dance sequence was mainly (61%) performed in the moderate aerobic zone. However, when the dancers jumped, the intensity of the sequence increased. This information could be used to develop a specific supplementary training protocols for hip hop dancers to improve their physiological fitness parameters and reduce the incidence of injury.

High-intensity interval training reduces blood pressure in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The current systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on blood pressure (BP) in older adults and compared the efficacy of HIIT versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). METHODS: Search was conducted using the databases at PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and EMBASE, for randomized trials comparing the chronic effects (≥4 weeks) of HIIT versus MICT or control group (non-exercise) on BP in older adults (≥60 years) with or without hypertension. RESULTS: A total of 10 articles (n = 266 participants) were included in this meta-analysis. HIIT were associated with reductions in systolic BP (MD -7.36; 95%CI -11.80 to -2.92; P < 0.01; I2 = 24%) and diastolic BP (MD -5.48; 95%CI -8.71 to -2.25; P < 0.01; I2 = 40%) versus control group. No differences were found between HIIT and MICT in systolic BP (MD -2.09; 95%CI -9.76 to 5.58; P = 0.59; I2 = 0%) and diastolic BP (MD -1.00; 95%CI -6.01 to 4.01; P = 0.69; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: HIIT reduces BP in older adults. Additionally, HIIT and MICT provided comparable reductions on BP in this population.

A comparison of the internal and external load demands imposed on professional soccer referees in FIFA's current model of physical test in relation to games.

BACKGROUND: Based on the need to investigate the demands imposed on referees in the current model of physical evaluation and during professional games, this study's objective was to compare these demands in the physical test versus the games. METHODS: Thus, it evaluated the heart rate, distance covered, time, and speed of all 14 referees in the physical test and during Brazil's first division state championship games using a Global Positioning System enabled heart rate monitor. RESULTS: The maximum heart rate (HRmax) and maximum speed were higher in the physical test (183.86±12.79 bpm) and (26.80±0.96 km/h), respectively, than in the games (170.25±17.71 bpm) (P=0.008) and (24.27±1.68 km/h) (P=0.001), respectively. In the HRmax zone ≥90 and ≤100%, the time and percentage distance were greater in the physical test (47.87±16.60% and 58.57±22.78%), respectively, than in the games (17.82±18.29% and 18.84±18.92%, respectively; P<0.001). However, in the speed zone <13 km/h, the time and the percentage distance were longer in the game (93.73±1.26% and 86.13±2.31%), respectively, than in the physical test (68.73±12.31% and 39.65±9.74%, respectively; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, it is concluded that the professional referees perform at greater intensities during the physical test than in the games. In contrast, the demands for intensities corresponding to aerobic metabolism are greater in games or equal to those in physical testing, depending on the intensity reference.

Aquatic Aerobic and Combined Training in Management of Type 2 Diabetes: The Diabetes and Aquatic Training Study (DATS): A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: To compare the effects of aquatic aerobic and combined (aerobic more resistance) training on glycemic control and other cardiometabolic outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Patients were randomized to an aquatic aerobic training (AERO, n = 19; 57.5 [7.4] y; 9 [47%] women), or an aquatic combined training (COMBI, n = 19; 60.9 [7.4] y; 10 [53%] women), or an aquatic active procedure control (n = 19; 58.6 [9.7] y; 10 [53%] women) in 3 weekly sessions (50 min each), during 15 weeks. Glycated hemoglobin was the primary outcome, whereas insulin resistance markers, lipid profile, systemic inflammation, renin concentration, blood pressure, physical activity levels, and sitting time were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Glycated hemoglobin was reduced in all groups (P = .021), although changes were more marked in AERO (-0.36%) and COMBI (-0.44%) than in active control (-0.26%) group. Lipid profile was similarly modified in all groups. Diastolic blood pressure and renin concentration were also reduced in all groups; however, renin showed more marked reductions in AERO (-17.7 uIU/mL) and COMBI (-15.1 uIU/mL) than in active control (0.2 uIU/mL) group. Fasting insulin, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, systolic blood pressure, walking time, and sitting time on weekends were not modified. CONCLUSION: AERO and COMBI presented similar effect to improve glycemic control and some cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Exercise Training and Neuromuscular Parameters in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to systematically review the literature on the effects of physical training on neuromuscular parameters in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). METHODS: The PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and COCHRANE databases were accessed in September 2020. Clinical trials that evaluated the effects of physical training on neuromuscular parameters (maximum strength, resistance strength, muscle power, muscle quality, and muscle thickness) of patients with T1DM compared with a control group were considered eligible. The results were presented as the standardized mean difference with 95% confidence intervals. Effect size (ES) calculations were performed using the fixed effect method, with α = .05. RESULTS: Combined training increased the maximum strength levels in individuals with T1DM to a lesser extent than in healthy individuals (ES: 0.363; P = .038). Strength training increased the maximum strength (ES: 1.067; P < .001), as well as combined training (ES: 0.943; P < .001); both compared with aerobic training in patients with T1DM. Strength training increased the maximum strength in a similar magnitude to combined training in patients with T1DM (ES: -0.114; P = .624). CONCLUSION: Both combined training and strength training represent effective strategies for improving the maximum strength in individuals with T1DM.

Water-based exercises in postmenopausal women: Vertical ground reaction force and oxygen uptake responses.

The purpose of the present study was to analyse vertical ground reaction force (Fz) and oxygen uptake (VO2) responses in six different water-based exercises performed at different cadences by postmenopausal women. Twelve postmenopausal women (57.3 ± 2.6 years, 158.1 ± 6.9 cm, 69.1 ± 10.9 kg) voluntarily took part in the study. Participants completed six sessions corresponding to maximal tests for each water-based exercise. Then, two sessions were performed for the experimental protocols, which comprised the performance of three exercises at three cadences (80, 100 and 120 b min-1), with Fz and VO2 measurements. Peak (Fzpeak) and impulse of Fz were determined. In addition, VO2 percentages relative to maximal VO2 (VO2max) values obtained in each maximal test were expressed as %VO2max. Data were analysed using two-way ANOVA with repeated measures (α = 0.05). As results, significant differences were found in Fzpeak and impulse between the water-based exercises, with similar VO2 and %VO2max values between them for each cadence. In addition, with the increasing cadence, Fzpeak (0.20-0.80 BW), VO2 (5.3-9.4 ml kg-1 min-1) and %VO2max (32.1-57.6%) values increased, while impulse (0.20-0.07 N.s/BW) values were reduced. Therefore, for a same physiological intensity, postmenopausal women experience different Fz loads during different water-based exercises.

Pilates training improves aerobic capacity, but not lipid or lipoprotein levels in elderly women with dyslipidemia: A controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to verify the effects of a Pilates training on total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), glucose and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, as well as on functionality of postmenopausal women with dyslipidemia. METHOD: This randomized study involved 35 sedentary women with dyslipidemia, aged between 60 and 75 years. One group participated in a Pilates exercises training with two to four weekly sessions during 10 weeks (Pilates group, n = 20) and the other group did not perform any intervention (control group, n = 6). Biochemical analyses and functionality parameters were measured before and after the 10 weeks. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in TC, TG, LDL and HDL for both groups. Regarding glucose and CRP levels, significant reductions were observed in both groups after the intervention period. In functional parameters, both groups significantly increased their 30-s chair stand test values. On the other hand, only the Pilates group presented significant increments in the 6-min walk test (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pilates training did not change lipid or lipoprotein levels, but improved cardiorespiratory fitness of elderly women with dyslipidemia.

Effects of 2 Models of Aquatic Exercise Training on Cardiorespiratory Responses of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: The Diabetes and Aquatic Training Study-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: There are a lack of clinical trials with suitable methodological quality that compare aquatic exercise training types in type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment. This study aimed to compare the effects of aerobic and combined aquatic training on cardiorespiratory outcomes in patients with T2D. METHODS: Untrained patients with T2D were randomized to receive an aerobic aquatic training, a combined aquatic training, or a procedure control in 3 weekly sessions for 15 weeks. The sessions were 50 minutes long. The intensities were from 85% to 100% of heart rate of anaerobic threshold and at maximal velocity for aerobic and resistance parts, respectively. Resting heart rate, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), and oxygen uptake corresponding to second ventilatory threshold and its relation with VO2peak were evaluated. RESULTS: Participants were 59.0 (8.2) years old and 51% women. Intervention groups increased in VO2peak (aerobic aquatic training group: 4.48 mL·kg-1·min-1, P = .004; combined aquatic training group: 5.27 mL·kg-1·min-1; P = .006) and oxygen uptake corresponding to second ventilatory threshold, whereas the control group presented an increase in oxygen uptake corresponding to second ventilatory threshold and minimal change in VO2peak. CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic and combined aquatic exercise interventions improve the cardiorespiratory fitness of patients with T2D.

Short and long-term effects of water-based aerobic and concurrent training on cardiorespiratory capacity and strength of older women.

Studies show that, in the short term, water-based aerobic training (WAT) promotes the same strength gains as water-based concurrent training (WCT). In addition, it is known that some training progression strategy must be employed after the first weeks of training in order to continue stimulating neuromuscular gains. The aim of this paper was to compare the effects of three water-based training on cardiorespiratory capacity and strength of older women in short and long-terms. Fifty-seven participants were randomized into the groups: 1) aerobic training (AT); 2) concurrent training whose resistance training progressed to the use of resistive equipment (CTRE); and 3) concurrent training whose resistance training progressed to multiple sets (CTMS). Participants trained twice a week for 16 weeks. An incremental treadmill test and the one-repetition maximal test of knee extensors were performed before and after 8 and 16 weeks. Peak oxygen consumption showed similar increases from pre to post-16 weeks (AT: 9%, CTRE: 11%, CTMS: 5%). Oxygen consumption at the second ventilatory threshold and strength were increased from pre to post-8 weeks (AT: 15%, CTRE: 16%, CTMS: 3% and AT: 9%, CTRE: 5%, CTMS: 9%, respectively) and from post-8 to post-16 weeks (AT: 6%, CTRE: 3%, CTMS: 12% and AT: 4%, CTRE: 8%, CTMS: 4%, respectively). In conclusion, the three training programs promoted similar increases in the cardiorespiratory capacity and WAT promoted similar strength gains as WCT in short and long terms. Moreover, the use of resistive equipment and the increase in the number of sets are effective progression strategies.

Water-Based Aerobic and Resistance Training as a Treatment to Improve the Lipid Profile of Women With Dyslipidemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Regular exercise is recommended for the treatment of dyslipidemia. The aquatic environment presents some beneficial characteristics for patients suffering from dyslipidemia. However, it is unknown which modality promotes better results. This study aims to compare the effects of water-based aerobic training (WA) and water-based resistance training (WR) on lipid profile of dyslipidemic elderly women. Methods: Sixty-nine dyslipidemic elderly women participated in this 3-arm randomized controlled clinical trial with groups in parallel. The interventions were WA, WR, and control group, with 2 weekly sessions for 10 weeks. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, and TC/HDL ratio, were determined before and after interventions. Results: Intention-to-treat analysis showed that WA and WR participants obtained similar decreases in TC (-10.0% and -9.6%, respectively), triglycerides (-13.4% and -15.7%, respectively), low-density lipoprotein (-16.1% and -16.9%, respectively), TC/HDL (-16.9% and -23.4%, respectively) and increases in HDL (7.6% and 16.9%, respectively). The control group maintained their TC and low-density lipoprotein levels unchanged, whereas triglycerides and TC/HDL were increased (3.6% and 11.3%, respectively), and HDL decreases 4.8%. Conclusions: WA and WR improve similarly the lipid profile of dyslipidemic elderly women, representing interesting nonpharmacological tools in the treatment of dyslipidemia.

Effects of Different Models of Water-Based Resistance Training on Muscular Function of Older Women.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of three water-based resistance trainings on neuromuscular parameters of older women. METHOD: Thirty-six women were randomized to groups: simple set of 30 seconds (1 × 30 s, 66.41 ± 4.71 years, n = 12), multiple sets of 10 seconds (3 × 10 s, 66.50 ± 4.74 years, n = 11), and simple set of 10 seconds (1 × 10 s, 65.23 ± 3.93 years, n = 13). Maximal isometric strength concomitantly with neuromuscular activity during extension and flexion knee was evaluated. In the same exercises, rate of force development at different time intervals was measured. Finally, functional capacity was assessed. RESULTS: All trainings promoted similar improvements in the rate of force develpment of extension (effect size RFD 50 ms: 1 × 30 s .49, 3 × 10 s .67, 1 × 10 s .65; ES RFD 100 ms: 1 × 30 s .76, 3 × 10 s .80, 1 × 10 s .63; ES RFD 250 ms: 1 × 30 s .31, 3 × 10 s .49, 1 × 10 s .37) and flexion knee (ES RFD 50 ms: 1 × 30 s .59, 3 × 10 s .31, 1 × 10 s .48; ES RFD 100 ms: 1 × 30 s .41, 3 × 10 s .44, 1 × 10 s .42; ES RFD 250 ms: 1 × 30 s .57, 3 × 10 s .36, 1 × 10 s .43; ES RFD maximal: 1 × 30 s .63, 3 × 10 s .23, 1 × 10 s .26), however only the 3 × 10 s group improved the performance in the 8-foot up-and-go test (ES 3 × 10 s: .93, 1 × 30: .39, 1 × 10 s: .23). There was a maintenance of the isometric force and neuromuscular activity, except for the activity of the rectus femoris that showed an increase after training in all groups (ES 3 × 10 s: .04, 1 × 30: .36, 1 × 10 s: .50). CONCLUSION: Water-based resistance training using simple or multiple sets promotes the same gains in rapid strength, however only multiple sets induced improvement on functional capacity.

Aquatic Training in Upright Position as an Alternative to Improve Blood Pressure in Adults and Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Meta-analyses have shown that land training (LT) reduces blood pressure; however, it is not known whether aquatic training (AT) promotes this same effect. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to conduct a meta-analysis on the effects of AT on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in adults and elderly and compare them to those of LT and no training [control group (CG)]. DATA SOURCES: Embase, PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus were searched up to May 2017. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies that evaluated the effect of upright AT (i.e., AT performed in upright position) on the blood pressure of adult individuals and the elderly who did not present with cardiovascular disease (other than hypertension) were included. DATA ANALYSIS: Two independent reviewers screened search results, performed data extraction and assessed risk of bias. Random effect was used, and the effect size (ES) was calculated by using the standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: AT promoted a reduction in SBP (ES - 1.47; 95% CI - 2.23 to - 0.70; p < 0.01) compared to CG. This effect is maintained with training progression (ES - 1.52; 95% CI - 2.70 to - 0.33; p = 0.01) and no progression (ES - 1.43; 95% CI - 2.64 to - 0.23; p = 0.02). These effects were significant only in hypertensive (ES - 2.20; 95% CI - 2.72 to - 1.68; p < 0.01), and not in pre-hypertensive individuals. AT promoted a decrease in DBP (- 0.92; 95% CI - 1.27 to - 0.57; p < 0.01) after training with progression (- 0.81; 95% CI - 1.62 to - 0.001; p = 0.04) and no progression (- 1.01; 95% CI - 1.40 to - 0.62; p < 0.01) in pre-hypertensive (- 1.12; 95% CI - 1.53 to - 0.70; p < 0.01) and hypertensive patients (- 0.69; 95% CI - 1.31 to - 0.06; p = 0.03). AT promoted similar reductions in SBP compared to LT; however, reduction of DBP in hypertensive patients was lower (1.82; 95% CI 0.84 to 2.79; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: AT promotes blood pressure reduction in adults and elderly. The reduction in SBP in those performing AT is similar to those performing LT, but reduction of DBP is lower in the AT group compared to that in the LT group. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42016049716.

Does Aerobic Exercise Impair Neuromuscular Function During Water-Based Resistance Exercises?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of water-based aerobic exercises on the performance of water-based resistance exercises by assessing kinematic parameters during protocols and neuromuscular responses after them. METHOD: Ten women performed 2 water-based protocols (i.e., resistance and concurrent water-based exercises) on separate days. We evaluated isometric force and electromyographic signal (sEMG) before and after protocols and analyzed kinematic parameters during a water-based resistance exercise. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between knee extension force production and sEMG from the vastus lateralis during the maximal voluntary contraction performed before and after the protocols. However, sEMG from the rectus femoris presented a significant difference between pretest and posttest measurements in both water-based protocols with greater values in the measurement after the end of the protocol (p = .046). The peak angular velocity of knee extension and mean angular velocity of knee extension and flexion showed similar values among the sets, with no difference between protocols. The peak angular velocity of knee flexion presented greater values in the water-based resistance exercises compared with the water-based concurrent protocol in the last set (p < .001). CONCLUSION: The main impairment induced by the water-based concurrent exercises was the lower peak angular velocity in the knee flexors compared with water-based resistance exercises alone.

Low- and High-Volume Water-Based Resistance Training Induces Similar Strength and Functional Capacity Improvements in Older Women: A Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: Water-based resistance training (WRT) has been indicated to promote strength gains in elderly population. However, no study has compared different training strategies to identify the most efficient one. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 3 WRT strategies on the strength and functional capacity of older women. METHODS: In total, 36 women were randomly allocated to training groups: simple set of 30 seconds [1 × 30s; 66.41 (1.36) y; n = 12], multiple sets of 10 seconds [3 × 10s; 66.50 (1.43) y; n = 11], and simple set of 10 seconds [1 × 10s; 65.23 (1.09) y; n = 13]. Training lasted for 12 weeks. The maximal dynamic strength (in kilograms) and muscular endurance (number of repetitions) of knee extension, knee flexion, elbow flexion, and bench press, as well as functional capacity (number of repetitions), were evaluated. RESULTS: All types of training promoted similar gains in maximal dynamic strength of knee extension and flexion as well as elbow flexion. Only the 1 × 30s and 1 × 10s groups presented increments in bench press maximal strength. All 3 groups showed increases in muscular endurance in all exercises and functional capacity. CONCLUSIONS: WRT using long- or short-duration simple sets promotes the same gains in strength and functional capacity in older women as does WRT using multiple sets.

Water-based aerobic training improves strength parameters and cardiorespiratory outcomes in elderly women.

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of water-based aerobic training and water-based resistance training on muscular strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in older women. Sixty-nine individuals were randomized into the following three groups: the water-based aerobic training (WA, n = 23) group, the water-based resistance training (WR, n = 23) group, and the control group (CG, n = 23). Participants were trained two times per week for 10 weeks. The trainings presented a linear periodization with an increase in the volume-intensity relation. Maximal dynamic muscular strength and the cardiorespiratory fitness were evaluated before the start of training and after 10 weeks of training. Only the WA group showed an increase in maximal oxygen consumption (13.8%) and oxygen consumption at the second ventilatory threshold (16.4%). Maximal dynamic strength of knee extensors improved in 10.6% of WA, 8.0% of WR, and 4.7% of CG participants, without any difference between the groups. Maximal dynamic strength of knee flexors was increased in 14.1% of WA and in 17.7% of WR participants; however, it remains unchanged in CG participants. No differences were observed in resting heart rate, peak heart rate, heart rate at the second ventilatory threshold and maximal dynamic strength of shoulder horizontal flexors. It was concluded that WA seems to be more efficient for improvement in cardiorespiratory responses, and both WA and WR were efficient for development of maximal dynamic strength of knee flexion and extension.

Short-term water-based aerobic training promotes improvements in aerobic conditioning parameters of mature women.

Aging is accompanied by a decrease in aerobic capacity. Therefore, physical training has been recommended to soften the effects of advancement age. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a short-term water-based aerobic training on resting heart rate (HRrest), heart rate corresponding to anaerobic threshold (HRAT), peak heart rate (HRpeak), percentage value of HRAT in relation to HRpeak and test duration (TD) of mature women. Twenty-two women (65.91 ± 4.83 years) were submitted to a five-week water-based interval aerobic training. Aerobic capacity parameters were evaluated through an aquatic incremental test. After training, there was an increase in TD (16%) and HRAT percentage in relation to HRpeak (4.68%), and a reduction of HRrest (9%). It is concluded that a water-based aerobic interval training prescribed through HRAT of only five weeks is able to promote improvements in aerobic capacity of mature women.