Effects of circuit resistance training on muscle power, functional agility, and bones' mineral content in people with spinal injury.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise is one of the main agents when it comes to rehabilitation and changes in health aspects of people with SCI. This study aimed to establish the effects of circuit resistance training (CRT) on people with spinal cord injury (SCI), specifically on their body composition, muscle strength, anaerobic power, and functional capacity. METHODS: Sample consisted of five people with SCI: both sexes, ages between 25 and 62 years, and 12 weeks of CRT, twice a week. Before and after the 12 weeks of intervention, this research adopted clear-cut tests (medicine ball pitch, Wingate, zigzag, and dual-energy X-ray densitometry) to analyze the desired variables (muscle strength, anaerobic power, functional capacity, and body composition). RESULTS: Showed muscle strength improvement (P=0.028), agility increase (P=0.028), and equal levels of lean mass, bone mineral content, and bone loss index throughout life (T-score). CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, one can consider that CRT is an alternative to develop the upper limbs muscle power and functional agility. Together, all these variables may imply an overall improvement of the functional capacity in people with SCI. Additionally, these 12 weeks of CRT were responsible for helping the maintenance of lean mass, bone mineral content and T-score in this study's sample.

The comparative measurement of body segment parameters using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry between sexes.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to determine the proportion of the body segments in relation to the total body mass in healthy people, as well as analyze the composition of each segment and compare these results between sexes. METHODS: A total of 60 young adults (30 men and 30 women) were subjected to a full-body scan by dual energy X-rays absorptiometry (DXA) under standardized conditions. The regions of interest (ROI) were determined by a single trained evaluator. The body was divided into 16 segments to obtain values of total mass, lean mass (LM), fat mass, bone mineral content (BMC), lean mass percentage (%LM) and fat mass percentage (%FM) of each body segment represented by the 16 ROI. RESULTS: Men presented higher absolute mass in the upper limbs (Δ=32.87%; P<0.05). The proportion of the lower limbs (Δ=6.83%; P<0.05) and trunk (Δ=5.07%; P<0.05) of men is higher than women. In addition, males have more LM in the upper limbs (Δ=42.19%; P<0.05) and trunk (Δ=26.46%; P<0.001), and more BMC in the trunk (Δ=18.78%; P<0.05) and forearms (Δ=32.21%; P<0.05). They also present higher %LM (Δ=6.48%; P<0.001) and lower %FM (Δ=54.43%; P<0.001) than women in the forearms. CONCLUSIONS: The different body segments represent a different percentage of the total body mass in men than in women, as well as men present more LM and BMC in the trunk and upper limbs.

Effects of resistance training on the physical condition of people with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of resistance training on the functional capacity of people with multiple sclerosis. Two groups were defined intentionally and divided based on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS): an experimental group (EG) consisting of 11 individuals, 18.2% with an EDSS Score of 0-3.0, 72.8% with a score of 3.5-5.5 and 9.1% with a score of 6.0-7.5; and a control group (CG) consisting of 12 subjects, 25.0% with a score of 0-3.0, 58.3% with a score of 3.5-5.5 and 16.7% with a score of 6.0-7.5. METHODS: The EG underwent 12 weeks of resistance training, while the CG did not. The Timed "Up & Go" test was used to measure the function of the lower limbs. The Timed 7.62 Meters Walk test and the Sit-to-stand test were used to assess the strength of the lower limbs. Balance, and the risk of falling, were assessed through the Berg Balance Test. RESULTS: At the beginning of the study, there were no differences between EG and CG in lower limb function. However, after the 12 weeks of resistance training, significant differences were found between the EG and the CG in the Timed "Up and Go" test (P=0.021), Timed 7.62 Meters Walk (P=0.027), Sit-to-stand (P=0.017) and Balance test (P=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: This study's results indicate that this type of training can improve muscle strength and functional capacity in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Circuit strength training improves muscle strength, functional performance and anthropometric indicators in sedentary elderly women.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effects of circuit strength training on the muscle strength, functional autonomy and anthropometric indicators of the elderly. METHODS: Were included 65 women divided in two groups: strength training (TG, N.=34) and control group (CG, N.=31). The strength-training group was subjected to a circuit shaped training program, three days per week, for a period of 12 weeks. In each training session, the circuit was repeated three times. In each circuit, all exercises were performed once, with 8 to 12 repetitions per exercise, with 30-second intervals between each exercise. RESULTS: TG showed significantly changes in body composition post 12 weeks, as decreases in body weight (Δ-1.5±1.8 kg) and BMI (Δ-0.57±0.74 kg/m²), and decreases in abdominal (Δ-3±1.61 cm), waist (Δ-1 ± 1.61 cm), hip (Δ-2.75±1.44 cm) and waist-hip ratio circumference (Δ-0.02±0.15 cm). For functional autonomy, TG showed increases post 12 weeks by 30-second chair stand (Δ 3.5±0.4 reps), six minute walk (Δ60.95±7.91 m), back scratch (Δ3.2±1.36 cm), and time up and go tests (Δ-1.62±0,15 s). TG also showed increases in muscle strength post 12 weeks in both leg press (Δ11±1.29 kg) and lat pulldown (Δ11±0.75 Kg). For CG, body composition, functional autonomy and muscle strength did not improved in any moment. CONCLUSIONS: Hence, circuit strength training provides significant improvements in muscle strength, functional performance and anthropometric indicators in sedentary elderly women.

Association between the number of daily steps and the cardiovascular risk factors in basic education teachers.

BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity is suggested as an important non-pharmacological mechanism to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the objective the present study was to verify the association of the number of daily steps with cardiovascular risk factors in basic education teachers and analyze the suitability of the cutoff of 10,000 steps/day as a predictor for the main risk factors in this sample. METHODS: Two hundred teachers (43.2±10.2 years) of basic education were assessed in Viçosa, Brazil. It was analyzed the number of daily steps, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio, body fat percentage (%BF), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glucose, total cholesterol, high-density (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. RESULTS: The group which exceeded the 10,000 steps had lower BMI, BF% and triglycerides (P<0.05) compared to those who did not reach this value. A weak inverse correlation between the number of steps and BMI, WC and %BF was observed. Overweight and dyslipidemia were significantly associated with low number of steps (<10,000). The average number of daily steps was predictive of major cardiovascular risk factors, with the best cutoff near the 8000 steps for the presented results. CONCLUSIONS: Basic education teachers who exceed the 10,000 daily steps have a lower BMI, %BF and triglycerides. On the other hand, teachers who do not overcome show a greater chance of overweight and dyslipidemia. The cutoff point of 8000 steps/day in this sample had an appropriate value in the prediction of the risk factors analyzed.

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease in professors from a public university.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease among professors of a public university. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 145 professors from the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), MG, Brazil, in 2010. Analyzed variables included age, weight, height, waist, hip and abdominal circumferences, in addition to total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures. RESULTS: A total of 71% were men, the average age of the men was higher than that of the women (46.9 versus 43.2 years old); half of the participants were overweight (46.9% were overweight and 9.0% were obese). Other factors were: 17.2% presented a waist-hip ratio at risk; 46.9% had greater than normal abdominal circumference; 4.0% presented high total cholesterol, 20.2% high triglycerides, 4.8% of the individuals presented abnormal glucose metabolism; and 16.6% were hypertensive. In comparison with men, women presented lower systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, and abdominal, hip and waist circumferences. There was a trend of increased waist/hip and abdominal circumferences, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure as individuals aged. CONCLUSION: The college professors addressed in this study present important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Hence, prevention and control measures need to be implemented in order to reduce the problem, a process in which nursing professionals play a key role in the achievement of success.

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease in professors from a public university / Factores de riesgo para enfermedad cardiovascular en profesores de una universidad pública / Fatores de risco para doença cardiovascular em professores de uma universidade pública

Objective. To determine the prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease among professors of a public university. Methodology. This cross-sectional study included 145 professors from the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), MG, Brazil, in 2010. Analyzed variables included age, weight, height, waist, hip and abdominal circumferences, in addition to total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Results. A total of 71% were men, the average age of the men was higher than that of the women (46.9 versus 43.2 years old); half of the participants were overweight (46.9% were overweight and 9.0% were obese). Other factors were: 17.2% presented a waist-hip ratio at risk; 46.9% had greater than normal abdominal circumference; 4.0% presented high total cholesterol, 20.2% high triglycerides, 4.8% of the individuals presented abnormal glucose metabolism; and 16.6% were hypertensive. In comparison with men, women presented lower systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, and abdominal, hip and waist circumferences. There was a trend of increased waist/hip and abdominal circumferences, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure as individuals aged. Conclusion. The college professors addressed in this study present important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Hence, prevention and control measures need to be implemented in order to reduce the problem, a process in which nursing professionals play a key role in the achievement of success.

Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de factores de riesgo para enfermedad cardiovascular en profesores de una universidad pública. Metodología. Estudio de corte transversal. Se evaluaron 145 profesores de la Universidad Federal de Viçosa-MG (UFV), en 2010. Las variables analizas fueron edad, peso, talla, circunferencia de cintura, cadera y abdominal, además del colesterol total, triglicéridos, glucosa y tensión arterial sistólica y diastólica en reposo. Resultados. 71%, hombres; la edad promedio de estos fue mayor que la de las mujeres (46.9 versus 43.2 años), uno de cada dos participantes estaba pasado de peso (46.9% sobrepeso y 9.0% obesidad). Otros factores observados fueron: un 17.2% tenía un índice cintura/cadera de riesgo; el 46.9%, alta circunferencia abdominal; el 4.0%, colesterol total alto; el 20.2%, triglicéridos altos; un 4.8%, con metabolismo anormal de glucosa y 16.6% hipertensos. En comparación con los hombres, las mujeres tenían valores más bajos para la presión arterial sistólica, presión arterial diastólica, índice de masa corporal, circunferencia abdominal y la relación cintura/cadera. Hubo una tendencia al aumento de los valores de las variables de la relación cintura/cadera, circunferencia abdominal, el colesterol total, los triglicéridos y la presión arterial sistólica, con el aumento de edad. Conclusión. Los profesores universitarios participantes en este estudio tienen importantes frecuencias de exposición a factores de riesgo para enfermedad cardiovascular. Es necesario implementar medidas de prevención y control para la reducción de esta problemática, en las cuales Enfermería es clave para su éxito.

Objetivo. Determinar a prevalência de fatores de risco para doença cardiovascular em professores de uma universidade pública. Metodologia. Estudo de corte transversal. Avaliaram-se 145 professores da Universidade Federal de Viçosa-MG (UFV), em 2010. As variáveis analisas foram idade, peso, medida, circunferência de cintura, quadril e abdominal, além do colesterol total, triglicérides, glucose e tensão arterial sistólica e diastólica em repouso. Resultados. 71% eram homens, a idade média das homens foi maior que a das mulheres (46.9 contra 43.2 anos), um de cada dois participante tinha estava passado de importância (46.9% sobrepeso e 9.0% obesidade). Outros fatores observados foram: 17.2% tinha um índice cintura/quadril de risco, 46.9% com alta circunferência abdominal, 4.0% com colesterol total alto, 20.2% de triglicérides altos, um 4.8% com metabolismo anormal de glucose e 16.6% foram hipertensos. Em comparação com os homens, as mulheres tinham valores mais baixos para a pressão arterial sistólica, pressão arterial diastólica, índice de massa corporal, circunferência abdominal e a relação cintura/quadril. Teve uma tendência ao aumento dos valores das variáveis da relação cintura/quadril, circunferência abdominal, o colesterol total, os triglicérides e a pressão arterial sistólica, com o aumento de idade. Conclusão. Os professores universitários deste estudo têm importantes frequências de exposição a fatores de risco para doença cardiovascular. É necessário implementar medidas de prevenção e controle para a redução desta problemática, nas quais Enfermagem é importante para seu sucesso.

[Are antioxidant supplements effective in reducing delayed onset muscle soreness? A systematic review]. / ¿Son efectivos los suplementos antioxidantes en la disminución del dolor muscular tardío? Una revisión sistemática.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, antioxidant supplements have become popular to counter the effects of free radicals and muscle damage symptoms, including delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). AIM: To conduct a systematic review in different databases to determine the effects of antioxidant supplements on DOMS. METHODS: We conducted a search in databases; Cochrane, Pubmed, Scopus and SportDiscus and Web of Science (WOS). The words and acronyms used were; Delayed onset muscle soreness, exercise induced muscle damage, DOMS, EIMD, antioxidant and oxidative stress. RESULTS: 54 articles were identified of which 48 were retreived, all in English, 17 related to vitamin C and E, supplements polyphenolic correspond to fourteen, eleven other antioxidant supplements and six to commercial supplements, all of them used to diminish the DOMS and other variables. CONCLUSIONS: Both vitamins and commercial supplements have low effectiveness in reducing DOMS, while polyphenols and other antioxidant supplements show moderate to good effectiveness in combating DOMS. However, most of the studies have effectiveness in reducing other symptoms of muscle damage besides helping in the post-exercise recovery.

Introducción: En los últimos años los suplementos antioxidantes han cobrado popularidad para contrarrestar los efectos de los radicales libres y los síntomas del daño muscular, entre los que se encuentra el dolor muscular tardío (DMT). Objetivo: realizar una revisión sistemática en diferentes bases de datos para conocer los efectos de los suplementos antioxidantes sobre el DMT. Método: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda en las bases de datos; Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Scopus y SportDiscus y la Web Of Science (WOS). Las palabras y acrónimos usados fueron; Delayed onset muscle soreness, exercise induced muscle damage, DOMS, EIMD, antioxidant y oxidative stress. Resultados: Se identificaron 54 artículos de los cuales se recuperaron 48, todos ellos en inglés, 17 relacionados con la vitamina C y E, catorce corresponden a suplementos polifenòlicos, once a otros suplementos antioxidantes y seis a suplementos comerciales todos ellos usados para combatir, entre otras variables, el DMT. Conclusiones: Tanto las vitaminas como los suplementos comerciales presentan baja efectividad en la disminución del DMT, mientras que los polifenoles y otros suplementos antioxidantes muestran entre moderada y buena efectividad en el combate al DMT. Sin embargo, gran parte de los estudios presentan efectividad en la disminución de otros síntomas del daño muscular además de ayudar en la recuperación postejercicio.