Short term creatine loading improves strength endurance even without changing maximal strength, RPE, fatigue index, blood lactate, and mode state.

Creatine is consumed by athletes to increase strength and gain muscle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of creatine supplementation on maximal strength and strength endurance. Twelve strength-trained men (25.2 ± 3.4 years) supplemented with 20 g Creatina + 10g maltodextrin or placebo (20g starch + 10g maltodextrin) for five days in randomized order. Maximal strength and strength endurance (4 sets 70% 1RM until concentric failure) were determined in the bench press. In addition, blood lactate, rate of perceived effort, fatigue index, and mood state were evaluated. All measurements were performed before and after the supplementation period. There were no significant changing in maximal strength, blood lactate, RPE, fatigue index, and mood state in either treatment. However, the creatine group performed more repetitions after the supplementation (Cr: Δ = +3.4 reps, p = 0.036, g = 0.53; PLA: Δ = +0.3reps, p = 0.414, g = 0.06), and higher total work (Cr: Δ = +199.5au, p = 0.038, g = 0.52; PLA: Δ = +26.7au, p = 0.402, g = 0.07). Creatine loading for five days allowed the subjects to perform more repetitions, resulting in greater total work, but failed to change the maximum strength.

Effect of 4 weeks of plyometric training in the pre-competitive period on volleyball athletes' performance.

We aimed to evaluate the effect of 4 weeks of plyometric training (PT), performed in the pre-competitive period, on the vertical jump performance of professional volleyball athletes. We recruited 17 professional female volleyball players (age: 19 ± 3 years; weight: 67.2 ± 5.50 kg; height: 1.81 ± 0.22 m; body fat: 14.4 ± 2.12%; squat 1RM test: 75.5 ± 7.82 kg; training time experience: 6.2 ± 3.4 years) to participate in four weeks of training and assessments. They were divided into an experimental group (EG = 9) and a control group (CG = 8). Both groups were submitted to friendly matches, technical, tactical and resistance training (4 weeks/˜9 sessions per week), and internal load monitoring was carried out. The EG performed PT twice a week. At the beginning and end of the four weeks, jump tests were performed. The main findings are: 1) PT when incorporated into the pre-competitive period can induce greater improvements in jumping performance (EG = 28.93 ± 3.24 cm to 31.67 ± 3.39 cm; CG = 27.91 ± 4.64 cm to 28.97 ± 4.58 cm; when comparing the percentage delta, we found a difference between groups with ES of 1.04 and P = 0.02); 2) this result is observed when the training load is similar between groups and increases over the weeks, respecting the linear progression principle. Therefore, including plyometric training in the preparatory period for volleyball, with low monotony and training strain increment, is an effective strategy for further CMJ performance improvement.

Caffeine supplementation improves physical performance without affecting fatigue level: a double-blind crossover study.

This study examined the effect of caffeine supplementation (CAFF) in a Wingate test (WT), and the behaviour of blood lactate concentrations (BLa) and neuromuscular fatigue (NMF), measured as reduced countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, in response to the WT. In a double-blind crossover study, 16 participants attended the laboratory twice, separated by a 72-hour window. In the sessions, participants first ingested 6 mg·kg-1 of either CAFF or placebo (PLAC), and then performed a WT. BLa was measured before (L-pre), and 0.5 min (L-post-0.5) and 3.5 min (L-post-3.5) after conducting the WT. The CMJ test was conducted before (CMJ pre), after (CMJ post), and 3 min after completing (CMJ post-3) the WT. The results indicated that CAFF enhanced peak power (Wpeak: + 3.22%; p = 0.040), time taken to reach Wpeak (T_Wpeak: -18.76%; p = 0.001) and mean power (Wmean: + 2.7%; p = 0.020). A higher BLa was recorded for CAFF at L-post-0.5 (+ 13.29%; p = 0.009) and L-post-3.5 (+ 10.51%; p = 0.044) compared to PLAC. CAFF improved peak power (PP; + 3.44%; p = 0.003) and mean power (MP; + 4.78%; p = 0.006) at CMJ pre, compared to PLAC, whereas PP and MP were significantly diminished at CMJ post and CMJ post-3 compared to pre (p < 0.001 for all comparisons) under both the CAFF and PLAC conditions. PP and MP were increased at post-3 compared to post (p < 0.001 for all comparisons) for both conditions. In conclusion, CAFF increased WT performance and BLa without affecting NMF measured by CMJ. Thus, CAFF may allow athletes to train with higher workloads and enhance the supercompensation effects after an adequate recovery period.

Panax ginseng Supplementation Increases Muscle Recruitment, Attenuates Perceived Effort, and Accelerates Muscle Force Recovery After an Eccentric-Based Exercise in Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Cristina-Souza, G, Santos-Mariano, AC, Lima-Silva, AE, Costa, PL, Domingos, PR, Silva, SF, Abreu, WC, De-Oliveira, FR, and Osiecki, R. Panax Ginseng supplementation increases muscle recruitment, attenuates perceived effort, and accelerates muscle force recovery after an eccentric-based exercise in athletes. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 991-997, 2022-The effect of Panax ginseng during and after an eccentric-based exercise is underexplored. In this study, we investigated the effect of Panax ginseng on muscle force and muscle excitation during an eccentric-based exercise and on subsequent muscle damage and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Using a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, 10 male track and field athletes consumed Panax ginseng or placebo for 8 days. At the fifth day, they performed 4 sets until concentric failure of a half-squat exercise, with eccentric action increased by using an eccentric-inductor device attached to their knees. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and vastus lateralis electromyographic (EMG) activity was measured during the half-squat. Plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) concentrations, DOMS, and maximal isometric voluntary contractions (MIVCs) with EMG recording were measured at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the half-squat. Panax ginseng attenuated RPE and increased EMG during the sets. The MIVC remained reduced 48 hours after exercise in the placebo but returned to baseline 24 hours after exercise in the Panax ginseng, with values at 24 and 48 hours after exercise significantly higher in the Panax ginseng than in the placebo. The EMG during MIVC was higher in the Panax ginseng than in the placebo over the time points. No significant effect of Panax ginseng on LDH, CK, and DOMS was observed. These findings suggest that Panax ginseng increases muscle excitation and attenuates perceived effort during an eccentric-based exercise as well as accelerates the recovery of muscle force in well-trained athletes.

Anaerobic Threshold Prediction Using the OMNI-Walk/Run Scale in Long-Distance Runners: A Preliminary Study.

PURPOSE: To identify the anaerobic threshold through the lactate threshold determined by Dmax and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) threshold by Dmax and to evaluate the agreement and correlation between lactate threshold determined by Dmax and RPE threshold by Dmax during an incremental test performed on the treadmill in long-distance runners. METHODS: A total of 16 long-distance runners volunteered to participate in the study. Participants performed 2 treadmill incremental tests for the collection of blood lactate concentrations and RPE separated by a 48-hour interval. The incremental test started at 8 km·h-1, increasing by 1.2 km·h-1 every third minute until exhaustion. During each stage of the incremental test, there were pauses of 30 seconds for the collection of blood lactate concentration and RPE. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between methods lactate threshold determined by Dmax and RPE threshold by Dmax methods (P = .664). In addition, a strong correlation (r = .91) and agreement through Bland-Altman plot analysis were found. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that it is possible to predict anaerobic threshold from the OMNI-walk/run scale curve through a single incremental test on the treadmill. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the reproducibility and objectivity of the OMNI-walk/run scale for anaerobic threshold determination.

Different Shoulder Exercises Affect the Activation of Deltoid Portions in Resistance-Trained Individuals.

The aims of this study were to compare muscle activity of the anterior deltoid, medial deltoid, and posterior deltoid in the bench press, dumbbell fly, shoulder press, and lateral raise exercises. Thirteen men experienced in strength training volunteered for the study. Muscle activation was recorded during maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MVIC) for data normalization, and during one set of 12 repetitions with the load of 60% 1RM in all exercises proposed. One-way repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni's posthoc was applied using a 5% significance level. For anterior deltoid, the shoulder press (33.3% MVIC) presented a significantly higher level of activation when compared to other exercises. Also, no significant difference was found between the bench press (21.4% MVIC), lateral raise (21.2% MVIC), and dumbbell fly (18.8% MVIC). For the medial deltoid, the lateral raise (30.3% MVIC) and shoulder press (27.9% MVIC) presented a significantly higher level of activity than the bench press (5% MVIC) and dumbbell fly (3.4% MVIC). Besides, no significant difference was found between the bench press and the dumbbell fly. For the posterior deltoid, the lateral raise (24% MVIC) presented a significantly higher level of activation when compared to other exercises. For the posterior deltoid portion, the shoulder press (11.4% MVIC) was significantly more active than the bench press (3.5% MVIC) and dumbbell fly (2.5% MVIC). Moreover, no significant difference was found between the bench press and the dumbbell fly. In conclusion, the shoulder press and lateral raise exercises showed a higher level of muscle activation in the anterior deltoid and medial deltoid when compared to the bench press and dumbbell fly exercises.

Menstrual cycle alters training strain, monotony, and technical training length in young.

The menstrual cycle (MC) phases carry to several psychophysiological alterations; however, no study has investigated the impact of MC phases on training load or technical training. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the follicular phase (FP), ovulatory phase (OP), and luteal phase (LP) on training load and technical training in young athletes. Twelve female athletes performed regular daily training sessions with the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and duration being registered every session. Training impulse (TRIMP), monotony and strain were calculated. MC symptoms, RPE, and duration were also measured during technical training, which was carried out on a specific day during each phase. The TRIMP was not affected by MC phases during regular training (p > .05), but training monotony and strain were higher in FP compared to OP (p < .05). During the technical training, MC phases did not affect RPE (p > .05), but the session was longer in both FP and LP, compared to OP (p < .05). MC symptoms were exacerbated in FP compared to both OP and LP (p < .05). These findings suggest that MC disorders were elevated during FP, which indicate that monitoring MC phases might provide important feedbacks for programming training and expected results during competitions.

Impact of two hydrogymnastics class methodologies on the functional capacity and flexibility of elderly women.

BACKGROUND: Activities in the aquatic environment can be an interesting alternative of physical exercise for the elderly, due to several properties of water, which can favor the physiological, metabolic, perceptive, and musculoskeletal effects. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of performing two hydrogymnastic class methodologies on the functional capacity and flexibility in elderly women. METHODS: Ninety women, aged 55-70 years, were divided into three groups, the control group (CG; N.=30) who did not exercise during the 12 weeks, experimental group 1 (EG1; N.=30), who performed water gymnastics classes with emphasis on lower limb exercises for 12 weeks, and experimental group 2 (EG2; N.=30), who performed conventional hydrogymnastics classes for 12 weeks. The volunteers were evaluated through the 30-second chair stand (30CST), 2-minute step test (2MST), timed up and go (TUG), static balance (SB) and chair sit-and-reach (CSR) tests. RESULTS: In the intragroup comparison, there were significant improvements in the performance of 30CST tests (F=5.5, P=0.022), TUG (F=19.3, P<0.001), SB (F=5.3, P=0.025), and CSR (F=12.0, P=0.001) in EG1 and EG2. For intergroup comparisons, the EG1 presented better results than CG in CST (P<0.05). The EG2, presented better results than CG in CST, TUG, SB and CSR (P<0.05). There were no significant differences for the comparison between EG1 and EG2. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that 12 weeks of hydrogymnastics practice improved the functional capacity and flexibility of the elderly women evaluated, and no differences were found between the two types of methodologies used.

Comportamento das variáveis morfológicas e da água corporal durante as fases de um ciclo menstrual / Behavior of variable morphological and body water during the phases of a cycle menstrual

A existência de mudanças cíclicas no peso corporal e no metabolismo de água e eletrólitos no ciclo menstrual é amplamente estudada na literatura, porém os resultados a este respeito mostram-se divergentes. Acredita-se que a progesterona seja a principal responsável pela retenção de líquidos e sódio, principalmente após a fase ovulatória, onde ocorre a maior concentração deste hormônio e, desta forma, a retenção de líquidos pode interferir na composição corporal. Para confirmar essa hipótese, sete mulheres saudáveis (22,71 ± 2,63 anos; 62,20 ± 7,62 kg; 161,57 ± 3,15 cm; 27,40 ± 3,58 %G), praticantes de treinamento resistido com peso, há no mínimo, dois meses e que não faziam uso de contraceptivos orais, foram avaliadas durante as fases do ciclo menstrual ­ fase folicular, entre o 3º e 5º dia; fase ovulatória, entre o 9º e 10º dia; e fase lútea, entre 17º e 21º dia ­ pelo método da impedância bioelétrica (Quantum BIA-II® - RJL Systems, Inc. Clinton: MI-EUA), no qual foram mensuradas as variáveis: água corporal total, água intracelular e água extracelular em litros; percentual de gordura; massa gorda e massa magra em kg. Para verificar a distribuição da amostra foi utilizado o teste de Shapiro Wilk e a homogeneidade através do teste de Levene. Foi adotado o teste ANOVA One Way, com o Post-Hoc de Bonferroni. Para comprovação estatística foi adotado o p ≤ 0,05. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre as variáveis analisadas em cada fase do ciclo menstrual. Sendo assim, conclui-se que variações que ocorrem durante o CM não são capazes de influenciar morfologicamente a composição corporal de mulheres saudáveis e fisicamente ativas....(AU)

The existence of cyclical changes in body weight and in the metabolism of water and electrolytes in the course of the menstrual cycle is widely studied in the literature, but the results in this regard show themselves to be divergent. It is believed that progesterone is the main responsible for the retention of liquids and sodium, especially after the ovulatory phase, when the highest concentration of this hormone occurs and, in this way, fl uid retention can interfere in body composition. To confi rm this hypothesis, seven healthy women (22.71 ± 2.63 years, 62.20 ± 7.62 kg, 161.57 ± 3.15 cm, 27.40 ± 3.58 % fat), training practitioners who were weighted for at least two months and did not use oral contraceptives, were evaluated during the menstrual cycle - follicular phase, between the 3rd and 5th days; ovulatory phase, between the 9th and 10th days; and Luteal Phase, between 17 and 21 days - by the bioelectrical impedance method (Quantum BIA-II® - RJL Systems, Inc. Clinton: MI-USA), in which the following variables were measured: total body water, intracellular water and extracellular water in liters; fat percentage; fat mass and lean mass in kg. The Shapiro Wilk test and the homogeneity through the Levene test were used to verify the distribution of the sample. The ANOVA One Way test was adopted with Bonferroni Post-Hoc. For statistical proof, p ≤ 0.05 was adopted. No signifi cant diff erences were found between the variables analyzed at each stage of the menstrual cycle. Therefore, it is concluded that variations that occur during MC are not able to morphologically infl uence the body composition of healthy and physically active women....(AU)

Efeitos do treinamento pliométrico na força explosiva e potência de meninas púberes praticantes de voleibol / Effects of plyometric training on explosive strength and power in pubescent girls volleyball players

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do treinamento pliométrico (TP) sobre a força explosiva (FE) e a potência (PT) de membros inferiores em 72 meninas púberes, praticantes de voleibol, idades 12,18±1,27 anos, Estatura 1,56±0,08 m, % de gordura 24,32±6,7 e massa corporal =48,18±11,28 kg. Todas se encontravam no estágio de maturação púbere, segundo método de Tanner. A amostra foi dividida em dois grupos: Grupo Controle - GC n=48 que realizou 3 sessões semanais de voleibol, e Grupo Experimental - GE n=24, que realizou além das 3 sessões semanais de voleibol, mais 3 sessões semanais de TP durante 8 semanas, as sessões constavam de multisaltos, saltos sobre barreiras e saltos profundos com alturas entre 20 e 60 cm, as avaliações da FE e PT. Para controle da FE e da PT foram utilizados os seguintes procedimentos: SJ (Squat jump), CMJ (Counter Moviment Jump) e DJ (Drop Jump). O GE apresentou uma melhora de 0,59 cm no SJ (19,12 ± 4,03 ­ 19,71 ± 3,93) o que representa um aumento de 3,08%, enquanto que no CMJ o aumento foi de 0,64 cm (19,88 ± 3,76 ­ 20,52 ± 4,26) que significa uma melhora de 3,21% entre o pré e o pós treinamento. Os resultados do GE apresentaram melhoras não significativas, o que demonstra uma tendência positiva do TP sobre a FE e a PT em meninas púberes praticantes de voleibol...(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of plyometric training (PT) on explosive strength 1 and power (PR) of the lower limbs in 72 pubertal girls volleyball players aged 12.18 ± 1.27 years, Height 1.56 ± 008 m, body fat 24.32 ± 6.77 and body mass = 48.18 ± 11.28 kg. All were in stage of pubertal maturation in the stage of pubertal maturation according to the method Tanner. Divided into two groups: Control Group - CG n = 48, held three sessions per week of volleyball and Experimental Group - EG n = 24, which held in addition of 3 weekly sessions of volleyball, more 3 weekly sessions of PT during 8 weeks, that comprised the multi jump, jump over hurdle and drop jumps with heights between 20 cm and 60 cm, the assessments of ES and PR occurred pre and post-training with an interval of 8 weeks. To assess the ES and PR the following procedures were used: SJ (squat jump), CMJ (Counter Movement Jump) and DJ (Drop Jump). The EG presented an improvement of 0.59 cm in SJ (19.12 ± 4.03 - 19.71 ± 3.93) which represents an increase of 3.08%, while in the CMJ the increase was 0.64 cm (19.88 ± 3.76 - 20.52 ± 4.26) which means an improvement of 3.21% between the pre and post training. The results of the GE presented improvements were not significant, which shows a positive effect of PT on the ES and PR in the pubertal girls practicing volleyball...(AU)

Cardiovascular Responses to Unilateral, Bilateral, and Alternating Limb Resistance Exercise Performed Using Different Body Segments.

Moreira, OC, Faraci, LL, de Matos, DG, Mazini Filho, ML, da Silva, SF, Aidar, FJ, Hickner, RC, and de Oliveira, CEP. Cardiovascular responses to unilateral, bilateral and alternating limb resistance exercise performed using different body segments. J Strength Cond Res 31(3): 644-652, 2017-The aim of this study was to verify and compare the cardiovascular responses to unilateral, bilateral, and alternating limb resistance exercise (RE) performed using different body segments. Fifteen men experienced in RE were studied during biceps curls, barbell rows, and knee extension exercises when performed bilaterally, unilaterally, and using alternating limbs. The protocol consisted of 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 80% of 10 repetition maximum with 2-minute rest between sets. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured after the last repetition. There was a statistically significant increase in HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and rate pressure product (RPP), from rest to postexercise. The RPP was higher in the third set of all exercises and in all 3 forms of execution, when compared with the first set. Bilateral biceps curls caused a greater increase in RPP (first and second sets) and HR, compared with the same exercise performed unilaterally. Furthermore, the performance of bilateral biceps curls induced greater HR and RPP, in all sets, compared with bilateral knee extension and barbell rows. There was also a significantly higher SBP for the alternating second and third sets and also for the bilateral third set of the knee extensions as compared with the barbell rows. It was concluded from the data of this study that the cardiovascular response was increased from rest to postexercise in all forms of exercise, especially immediately after the third set of RE. For exercises performed bilaterally with the upper body (biceps curls), there was a greater cardiovascular response when compared with the same exercise performed unilaterally or with lower-body exercise performed bilaterally.

Utilização da escala de dificuldade percebida na produção da fala na avaliação aeróbia em cicloergometro (Talk Test) / Use the scale of perceived difficulty in production of speech in the assessment aerobic cycle ergometer (Talk Test)

O Talk Test (TT) é uma ferramenta que avalia subjetivamente a intensidade ótima para a prática de exercício com base na capacidade de manter uma conversa confortável durante o esforço. O objetivo do presente estudo foi obter evidências de validade (concorrente e de constructo) do TT. Quatorze sujeitos, 7 mulheres e 7 homens (22 ± 8 anos, 69 ± 15 Kg, 169 ± 10 cm, 21 ± 12 %G) foram submetidos a um teste progressivo em cicloergmetro, carga inicial de 25 watts e incremento de 25 watts a cada 2 minutos (60-70 RPM) até a exaustão. Ao final dos estágios o avaliado recitava três vezes uma frase conhecida, indicando a sua Dificuldade Percebida na Produção da Fala (DPPF) de acordo com a escala proposta por Rotstein et al. (2004). A carga com valor 7, correspondente à “difícil” (L7DPPF) foi utilizada como indicadora do segundo limiar fisiológico, assim como o do Ponto de Deflexão da Freqüência Cardíaca (PDFC), identificado pelo Dmáx positivo da diferença entre um ajuste polinomial de terceira ordem e ajuste linear de todos os pontos da relação FC / Carga. Para as análises foram empregados os testes Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskall-Wallis, post-hoc de Dunn’s, e o método de Bland- Altman, além da correlação de Spearman (p<0,05). Não foram identificadas iferenças significativas entre L7DPPF e PDFC (p=0,03), além de serem associados à carga máxima atingida no teste (r=0,90 e r=0,81). As duas técnicas de identificação do LTF2 – PDFC e o L7DPPF – se mostraram semelhante pelo método Bland-Altman, (IC 95% = 0,41 – 1,46). Sendo o TT um indicador de aptidão aeróbia, o L7DPPF pode ser considerado um método para predizer LTF2.

Talk Test is a tool used to to evaluate by a subjective manner the optimal exercise intensity. It is based on individual capacity to maintain a confortable speech during the effort. The aim of the study was to verify evidence of validitiy (concurrent and constructo) of the Talk Test. Fourteen subjects (7 males and 7 females) volunteered to a cicle ergometer progressive test with intial load of 25 Watts and increments of 25 Watts each 2 minutes until exhaustion. Subjects should recite a known sentence for three times at the end of each stage and indicate their Perceived Speech Production Difficult (DPPF) accoding to the scale of Rotstein et al., (2004) where the load at the level 7 which is “difficult” was taken as a physiological threshold indicator. The Second Physiological Threshold (LT2) was considered the Heart Rate Deflection Point (PDFC) identified by the positive Dmax method. For analyzes were employed olmogorov-Smirnov test, Kruskal-Wallis post hoc Dunn's, and Bland- Altman, beyond the Spearman correlation (p <0.05). No significant differences were identified between L7DPPF and PDFC (p = 0.03), and are associated with the maximum load reached in the test (r = 0.90 and r = 0.81). Both techniques of identification of LTF2 - PDFC and L7DPPF - were similar by Bland- Altman method (95% CI = 0.41 to 1.46). TT being an indicator of aerobic fitness, the L7DPPF could be considered a method to predict LTF2.