Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined With or Without Caffeine: Effects on Training Volume and Pain Perception.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of tDCS combined with caffeine intake on training volume and pain perception in the bench press in resistance-trained males. The correlation between training volume and pain perception was also assessed in all interventions. Methods: Sixteen healthy males (age = 25.2 ± 4.7 years, body mass = 82.8 ± 9.1 kg, and height = 178.3 ± 5.7 cm), advanced in RT, were randomized and counterbalanced for the following experimental conditions: Sham tDCS with placebo intake (Sham+Pla), Sham tDCS with caffeine intake (Sham+Caff), anodal tDCS with placebo intake (a-tDCS+Pla), and anodal tDCS with caffeine intake (a-tDCS+Caff). The caffeine or placebo ingestion (both with 5 mg.kg-1) occurred 40 minutes before the tDCS sessions. The tDCS was applied over the left DLPFC for 20 minutes, with a 2 mA current intensity. After the tDCS sessions, participants performed the bench press with an 80% of 1RM load, where training volume and pain perception were measured. Results: Training volume was higher in the 1st and 2nd sets in both a-tDCS+Caff and Sham+Caff conditions, compared to the Sham+Pla condition (P < .05). Both a-tDCS+Caff and a-tDCS+Pla showed an increased pain perception during the third set compared to the first set. Also, no correlation was found between the number of repetitions and pain perception in any condition (P > .05). Conclusion: This research revealed that caffeine intake alone could be used as an ergogenic aid during resistance training programs in resistance-trained males.

Prevalência de dores nas costas em adultos praticantes de atividade física: estudo de base populacional / Prevalence of back pain in adults practicing physical activity: a population-based study

O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar a prevalência de indivíduos que praticam atividade física com dores nas costas e a prevalência de dores nas costas em cada modalidade de atividade física praticada por adultos. Foram utilizadas as informações dos indivíduos selecionados para responder o questionário individual da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS). A amostra do presente estudo foi composta 15043 indivíduos, com faixa de idade entre 18 e 59 anos de idade, praticantes de atividades físicas, que responderam todas as questões selecionadas. A análise estatística dos dados foi realizada de maneira descritiva, para análise da prevalência de indivíduos adultos ativos fisicamente com dores nas costas e, ainda, entre os praticantes de cada modalidade de atividade física relatada, com as respectivas frequências e intervalos de confiança. Nos resultados foram apresentados valores de 2055 (15,9%) indivíduos adultos praticantes de atividade física com dores nas costas. A prevalência em mulheres (19,6%) e em adultos de meia idade (24,2%) tende a ser maior que em homens (12,0%) e em adultos mais jovens (12,6%), respectivamente. A caminhada foi a atividade mais procurada e a prevalência de dores foi de 20,3%. Outras atividades que podem trazer benefícios às dores nas costas apresentaram prevalências consideradas altas, possivelmente por serem procuradas para fazerem parte do tratamento. Por modalidades específicas de atividade física, os valores de prevalência de dores nas costas são variados quando a população é dividida em grupos por sexo e idade. Entretanto, não é possível estabelecer uma relação de causalidade entre estas atividades físicas e a dor nas costas devido limitações dos dados coletados. Os valores das prevalências observados neste estudo devem ser considerados importantes para reflexões acerca de atividades físicas adequadas e à prescrição e controle de exercícios. (AU)

The present study aimed to identify the prevalence of individuals who practice physical activity with back pain and the prevalence of back pain in each type physical activity practiced by adults. Individuals selected to answer the individual questionnaire from the National Health Survey (PNS) were part of the study. The sample consisted of 15043 individuals, aged between 18 and 59 years old, who practice physical activities, who answered all selected questions. The statistical analysis of the data was performed descriptively for the prevalences, with frequencies and confidence intervals, of adult individuals physically active with back pain and, also, among the practitioners of each type of physical activity reported.The results showed values for 2055 (15.9%) adult individuals physically active with back pain. The prevalence in women (19.6%) and middle-aged adults (24.2%) tends to be higher than in men (12.0%) and in younger adults (12.6%), respectively. Walking was the most sought after activity and the prevalence among practitioners was 20.3%. Other activities that can bring benefits to back pain had prevalences considered high possibly because they were sought as part of the treatment. By specific modalities of physical activity, the prevalence values of back pain are varied when the population is divided into groups by sex and age. However, a causal relationship is not possible between these physical activities and back pain due to limitations of the data collected. The pr evalence values found should be considered of concern, mainly for the indication of adequate physical activity and the prescription and control of exercises. The prevalence values observed in this study should be considered important for reflections on adequate physical activities a nd the prescription and control of exercises. (AU)

Effects of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Training Volume and Pleasure Responses in the Back Squat Exercise Following a Bench Press.

ABSTRACT: Rodrigues, GM, Machado, S, Faria Vieira, LA, Ramalho de Oliveira, BR, Jesus Abreu, MA, Marquez, G, Maranhão Neto, GA, and Lattari, E. Effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation on training volume and pleasure responses in the back squat exercise following a bench press. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3048-3055, 2022-This study aimed to investigate the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) on volume-load and pleasure responses in a back squat following a bench press. Twelve male subjects advanced in resistance training (RT) (age, 25.5 ± 4.4 years) completed 2 experimental trials in a counterbalanced crossover design: a-tDCS and sham conditions. The stimulus was applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for 20 minutes using a 2-mA current intensity in a-tDCS condition and 1 minute of active stimulus in the sham condition. Immediately after stimulation, subjects performed the bench press followed by the back squat. The exercise protocol consisted of 3 sets of maximum repetitions at an intensity of 80% of 1 repetition maximum. The volume-load, perceived pleasure, and arousal responses were measured during the RT protocol. The results indicated that volume-load was higher in the a-tDCS condition than in the sham condition for both exercises ( p = 0.02), with large effect for the back squat ( p = 0.045; d = 0.96). The higher volume-load was obtained by increasing the number of repetitions across all sets for the bench press ( p ≤ 0.0001) and only in the first set for the back squat ( p = 0.01). The circumplex model analysis showed a higher pleasure in the bench press and a tendency toward a higher pleasure in the a-tDCS condition. Anodal tDCS may be used as an ergogenic resource for increasing the back squat volume after performing the bench press in resistance-trained male subjects.

Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Increases Muscular Strength and Reduces Pain Perception in Women With Patellofemoral Pain.

ABSTRACT: Rodrigues, GM, Paixão, A, Arruda, T, de Oliveira, BRR, Maranhão Neto, GA, Marques Neto, SR, Lattari, E, and Machado, S. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation increases muscular strength and reduces pain perception in women with patellofemoral pain. J Strength Cond Res 36(2): 371-378, 2022-The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of anodic transcranial direct current stimulation applied to motor cortex combined with open kinetic chain exercises on muscular strength and pain perception in women with patellofemoral pain (PFP). Twenty-eight women aged between 18 and 30 years with PFP were selected. Subjects were randomized in 2 groups, anodic stimulus plus resistance training (n = 14; anodic transcranial direct current stimulation [a-tDCS] + RT) or placebo stimulus plus resistance training (n = 14; Sham + RT) and attended the laboratory for 12 experimental sessions, 48-72 hours apart from each other. The RT protocol consisted of 3 sets of 12 repetitions of the knee extension exercise at 60% of 10 maximal repetition (10RM) with a 1-minute interval between sets. In the a-tDCS + RT group, a 2-mA current was applied for 20 minutes over the motor cortex before the RT protocol in each session. In the Sham + RT group, the stimulus was interrupted after 30 seconds. Preintervention, fourth session, eighth session, and postintervention, load was assessed through a 10RM test. The pain perception was assessed through Clarke sign maneuver (CSM) and measured through a visual analogue scale for pain. The a-tDCS + RT group showed greater 10RM load than Sham + RT group at eighth session (p < 0.05) and postintervention (p < 0.05). In a-tDCS + RT group, pain perception reduced in the postintervention compared with preintervention (p < 0.05). The intervention a-tDCS + RT was able to improve muscular strength in women with PFP. In addition, pain perception only decreased postintervention in the a-tDCS + RT group. This combined intervention can be used by coaches in rehabilitation programs aiming to treat PFP through medium-term strength gains.

Effects on Volume Load and Ratings of Perceived Exertion in Individuals' Advanced Weight Training After Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation.

Lattari, E, Rosa Filho, BJ, Fonseca Junior, SJ, Murillo-Rodriguez, E, Rocha, N, Machado, S, and Maranhão Neto, GA. Effects on volume load and ratings of perceived exertion in individuals' advanced weight training after transcranial direct current stimulation. J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 89-96, 2020-The aim of this study was investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on volume load and ratings of perceived exertion. Fifteen young healthy individuals, aged between 20 and 30 years in advanced strength training were recruited. Test and retest of the 10 maximum repetitions (10RM) were performed to determine the reliability of load used. Subjects performed 3 experimental conditions in a randomized, double-blinded crossover design: anodic stimulation (a-tDCS), cathodic stimulation (c-tDCS), and sham (2 mA for 20 minutes targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex left). Immediately after the experimental conditions, subjects completed 1 set of maximum repetitions with 10RM load (volume load) and answered to OMNI-RES (poststimulation) (level of significance p ≤ 0.05). The volume load showed main effect for condition (F(2, 28) = 164.801; p < 0.001). In poststimulation, a-tDCS was greater than c-tDCS (p ≤ 0.001) and sham (p ≤ 0.001). For ratings of perceived exertion (OMNI-RES), the results showed main effect for condition (F(2, 28) = 9.768; p ≤ 0.05). In poststimulation, c-tDCS was greater than a-tDCS (p ≤ 0.05) and sham (p ≤ 0.05). We conclude that the use of a-tDCS may promote increase in volume load for the LP45 exercise. Moreover, higher volume loads are necessary to maximize muscle strength and anabolism.

Marcadores antropométricos de adiposidade e hipertensão arterial em academias de ginástica: um estudo exploratório / Anthropometric markers of adiposity and hypertension in Fitness Clubs: an exploratory study

Introdução: Há uma falta de conhecimento sobre o perfil de saúde das pessoas que frequentam as academias de ginástica. Objetivo: Investigar a prevalência de hipertensão arterial (HA) e sua associação com Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) e Circunferência da Cintura (CC) em frequentadores de academias no município do Rio de Janeiro. Métodos: A amostra foi constituída de 2836 mulheres e 1707 homens com idades entre 19 e 64 anos. A HA foi diagnosticada como pressão arterial ≥140/90 mm Hg. Todas as medidas antropométricas seguiram as diretrizes preconizadas pela International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. Resultados: As prevalências de HA (10,9%), sobrepeso (30,3%) e obesidade (11,5%), foram significativamente maiores nos homens e associados com a idade, e a prevalência de CC elevada (56,6%) foi significativamente maior em mulheres e se associou com a idade (p<0,001). Apesar da prevalência de HA ter sido relativamente baixa, tanto o IMC quanto o CC mostraram-se marcadores associados a HA. Conclusão: Profissionais que trabalham em academias de ginástica devem ter conhecimento sobre a importância desses indicadores e principalmente sobre a sua relação com a HA.

Introduction: There is a lack of knowledge about the health profile of the people who attend fitness clubs. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of Hypertension and its association with anthropometric markers such as Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Circumference (WC) in Fitness Clubs of Rio de Janeiro City. Methods: The sample was composed of 2836 women and 1707 men (age range 19-64 years). The hypertension was diagnosed as ≥140/90 mm Hg. All anthropometric measures followed the guidelines recommended by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. Results: The prevalence of hypertension (10.9%), overweight (30.3%) and obesity (11.5%) were significantly higher in men and associated with age and the prevalence of high WC (56.6%) was significantly higher in women and associated with age (p<0.001). Despite the relatively low hypertension prevalence, the BMI and WC were associated the hypertension. Conclusion: Fitness clubs professionals should be aware of the importance of these markers and their relation with the hypertension.

Doping survey in the youth school games in brazil / Levantamento de doping nos jogos escolares da juventude no brasil / Levantamiento de doping en los juegos escolares de la juventud en brasil

ABSTRACT Introduction: Doping control is an important means for preventing the use of illegal substances and methods in sports. Objective: This study investigated the self-reported use of illegal substances among young Brazilian students in the Youth School Games, the main sporting event among school-aged athletes in Brazil with almost 2 million students during all the phases. Methods: Cross-sectional study with athletes of the Youth School Games 2006 aged 14-17 years. The subjects were randomly selected and completed an anonymous questionnaire about substances use. Chi-square test was used for comparison of proportions between different variables on self-reported use of substances. Univariate and multivariate analyzes and logistic regression were performed. Results: Among the 402 athletes (aged 14-17) who volunteered to participate, the results showed high prevalence of alcohol (35.8%), nutritional supplements (39.1%), and tobacco (5.4%). Regarding illegal drugs and doping, 1.7% reported the use of stimulants, 2.2% illicit drugs, 0.5% anabolic steroids, and 1.7% hormones and other similar substances. Moreover, a different use of stimulants was found (especially Judo and Table tennis), medications (especially Judo and Chess) and dietary supplements (especially Swimming and Judo, with over 50% reported use). Conclusion: The present study suggests that the use of substances among young athletes is similar to the results found among adult Olympic athletes as per International Olympic Committee and World Anti-Doping Agency, especially regarding the use of dietary supplements, anabolic steroids, and stimulants according to data collected by other studies. We consider that the findings of the present work indicate the need for specific efforts to monitor, prevent, and control use of substances among school athletes in big events and competitions, such as this research on doping in the Youth School Games.

RESUMO Introdução: O controle de dopagem é um meio importante para a prevenção do uso de substâncias e métodos ilegais no esporte. Objetivo: Este estudo investigou o uso autorrelatado de substâncias ilícitas entre jovens estudantes brasileiros nos Jogos Escolares da Juventude, o principal evento esportivo entre atletas em idade escolar do Brasil, com quase dois milhões de estudantes durante todas as fases. Métodos: Estudo transversal com atletas dos Jogos Escolares da Juventude de 2006 com idades entre 14 e 17 anos. Os sujeitos foram selecionados randomicamente e preencheram um questionário anônimo sobre o uso de substâncias. Foi utilizado teste do qui-quadrado para comparação de proporções entre as diferentes variáveis sobre o uso autorrelatado de substâncias. Foram realizadas análises univariada e multivariada e regressão logística. Resultados: Entre os 402 atletas (idade 14-17 anos) que tiveram participação voluntária, os resultados mostraram alta prevalência de álcool (35,8%), suplementos nutricionais (39,1%) e fumo (5,4%). Com relação às drogas ilegais e ao doping, 1,7% relataram o uso de estimulantes, 2,2% de drogas ilícitas, 0,5% de esteroides anabolizantes e 1,7% de hormônios e outras substâncias similares. Além disso, foi encontrado um uso diferente de estimulantes (especialmente judô e tênis de mesa), medicamentos (especialmente judô e xadrez) e suplementos dietéticos (especialmente natação e judô, com mais de 50% de uso relatado). Conclusão: O presente estudo sugere que o uso de substâncias entre jovens atletas é semelhante aos resultados encontrados entre os atletas adultos de acordo com o Comitê Olímpico Internacional e a Agência Mundial Antidoping, especialmente no que diz respeito ao uso de suplementos alimentares, esteroides anabolizantes e estimulantes, segundo os dados coletados por outros estudos. Consideramos que os resultados do presente trabalho indicam a necessidade de esforços específicos para monitor, prevenir e controlar o uso de substâncias entre atletas escolares em grandes eventos e competições, tais como esta pesquisa sobre dopagem nos Jogos Escolares da Juventude.

RESUMEN Introducción: El control de dopaje es un medio importante para la prevención del uso de sustancias y métodos ilegales en el deporte. Objetivo: Este estudio investigó el uso autoinformado de sustancias ilegales entre jóvenes estudiantes brasileños en los Juegos Escolares de la Juventud, el principal evento deportivo entre atletas en edad escolar de Brasil, con casi dos millones de estudiantes durante todas las fases. Métodos: Estudio transversal con atletas de los Juegos Escolares de la Juventud de 2006 con edades entre 14 y 17 años. Los sujetos fueron seleccionados aleatoriamente y llenaron un cuestionario anónimo sobre el uso de sustancias. Se utilizó la prueba del chi-cuadrado para la comparación de las proporciones entre las diferentes variables sobre el uso autoinformado de sustancias. Se realizaron análisis univariado y multivariado y regresión logística. Resultados: Entre los 402 atletas (edad 14-17 años) que tuvieron participación voluntaria, los resultados mostraron alta prevalencia de alcohol (35,8%), suplementos nutricionales (39,1%) y tabaco (5,4%). En cuanto a las drogas ilegales y al dopaje, el 1,7% relató el uso de estimulantes, el 2,2% de drogas ilícitas, el 0,5% de esteroides anabolizantes y el 1,7% de hormonas y otras sustancias similares. Además, se encontró un uso diferente de estimulantes (especialmente judo y tenis de mesa), medicamentos (especialmente judo y ajedrez) y suplementos dietéticos (especialmente natación y judo, con más del 50% de uso reportado). Conclusión: El presente estudio sugiere que el uso de sustancias entre los jóvenes atletas es similar a los resultados encontrados entre los atletas adultos de acuerdo con el Comité Olímpico Internacional y la Agencia Mundial Antidopaje, especialmente en lo que se refiere al uso de suplementos alimenticios, esteroides anabolizantes y estimulantes según los datos recogidos por otros estudios. Consideramos que los resultados del presente trabajo indican la necesidad de esfuerzos específicos para monitoreo, prevención y control del uso de sustancias entre atletas escolares en grandes eventos y competiciones, tales como esta investigación sobre dopaje en los Juegos Escolares de la Juventud.

Can transcranial direct current stimulation on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex improves balance and functional mobility in Parkinson's disease?

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique increasingly explored for Parkinson's disease (PD). Although evidence is still inconsistent, there are preliminary findings suggesting its efficacy to improve motor function in individuals with PD, as the role of secondary motor areas remains unclear. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) tDCS on balance and functional mobility of individuals with PD. Seventeen individuals with PD, on-medication, aged between 40 and 90 years were recruited to enroll in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over trial. Each participant completed two conditions at least 48h apart, namely anodal-tDCS and sham-tDCS (placebo). The a-tDCS condition targeted the left DLPC (F3) and was applied during 20min using a 2mA current intensity. In the sham-tDCS condition, electrode position remained the same but the stimulator was turned off after 30s. Functional mobility and balance were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index and Timed Up and Go. There were significant differences between conditions on all outcome measures, as the a-tDCS condition was associated with better performance in comparison to the sham condition (p<0.05). Our findings suggest that a-tDCS on the left DLPFC improves balance and functional mobility in comparison to sham-tDCS. Compensatory mechanisms that support motor function in individuals with PD may have been enhanced by a-tDCS on the DLPFC, leading to improved functional mobility and balance. Future trials should explore left DLPFC stimulation with larger samples and compare t-DCS protocols targeting several brain regions.

Relationship between level of independence in activities of daily living and estimated cardiovascular capacity in elderly women.

Elderly individuals undergo a progressive decline in functional capacity related to increased risk of dependency, loss of autonomy, and frailty. A lower cardiorespiratory fitness level is associated with cardiovascular disease events and mortality from all causes. The Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ) was developed to facilitate prediction of the exercise capacity in older people with cardiovascular disease. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between the VSAQ and functional capacity in elderly women. This study investigated the relationship between functional capacity and the estimated cardiovascular capacity in elderly women, as assessed by the VSAQ. In this descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study, we evaluated 37 healthy elderly women (aged 70 ± 7 years). The assessment protocols used were the following: Anamnesis, VSAQ and nomogram (age adjusted), Senior Fitness Test (30-s chair stand, to assess lower-body strength; 8-foot up-and-go test, to assess agility-dynamic balance; and 2-min step test, to assess aerobic endurance). The Spearman test showed a significant correlation (p<0.001) between the functional tests and the VSAQ (8-foot up-and-go test rs=-0.715; 2-min step test rs=0.567; 30-s chair stand rs=0.582). Adjustment of the results by age improved the correlation (8-foot up-and-go test rs=-0.760; 2-min step test rs=0.627; 30-s chair stand rs=0.601). The VSAQ seems to be a simple way to estimate functional capacity, particularly in older women.

Fidedignidade entre peso e estatura reportados e medidos e a influência do histórico de atividade física em indivíduos que procuram a prática supervisionada de exercícios / Reliability between reported and measured weight and height, and influence of physical activity history on individuals who search for supervised practice of exercises

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a fidedignidade entre os valores auto-reportados e medidos de peso, estatura e índice de massa corporal, além da influência do histórico de atividade física em 328 indivíduos, sendo 200 mulheres (39 ± 11 anos) e 128 homens (35 ± 10 anos) que procuraram a prática supervisionada de exercícios. Todos os indivíduos passaram por uma avaliação funcional que registrou os valores medidos e auto-reportados de peso e estatura. Os indivíduos também foram classificados como ativos (exercitavam-se três vezes ou mais por semana), pouco ativos (exercitavam-se de uma a duas vezes por semana) e inativos (não se exercitavam), de acordo com o histórico de atividade física nos últimos três meses que precederam a avaliação. Os dados obtidos pelo cálculo do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse mostraram elevada fidedignidade entre as variáveis reportadas nos homens (CCIC > 0,94) e nas mulheres (CCIC > 0,96). A ANOVA de uma entrada não sugeriu qualquer associação, isolada ou combinada, entre o histórico de atividades físicas e a regularidade destas na magnitude do erro nos relatos de homens (p > 0,29) e mulheres (p > 0,07). De acordo com esses achados, os autores fomentam a utilização do relato do peso e estatura em estudos de grande número amostral, independentemente do nível de atividade física.