Velocity walking test: Selective influences on physical functional performance for better tracking of older women.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the selective influences of changes in walking test capability on physical functional performance (COD speed, COD deficit, linear sprint speed, chair stand test, handgrip strength, and unloaded vertical jump) in community dwelling older women. METHODS: The performances of eighty women ((age, 64.7 ± 3.38 y; body mass, 66.3 ± 11.15 kg; height, 153.5 ± 5.71 cm, BMI, 28.08 ± 4.00 kg/m2) were assessed in the 6-m walk test, timed up and go test, chair stand test, handgrip strength, and unloaded vertical jump. The change of direction velocity (CODv) deficit (m.s-1) was calculated as TUG velocity - 6-m walk velocity. Estimation statistics were adopted, which focus on the effect size of the higher/lower, as opposed to significance testing. The bootstrap with 5000 replicates was used to obtain bias-corrected and accelerated 95% compatibility intervals (CI) of the point estimate of each effect RESULTS: There were large effects between faster older women compared to slower older women in COD velocity (TUG), chair stand test, and CODv deficit. On the other hand, we observed no influence of 6-m walk test performance on vertical jumps or the handgrip strength test. CONCLUSION: Strength and conditioning coaches and professionals involved with older women should consider the COD deficit (i.e., linear velocity minus change of direction velocity), as a complementary measure to provide an initial idea of the adequate pathway for exercise prescription and to track responses in older women.

Mat Pilates improves lower and upper body strength and flexibility in breast cancer survivors undergoing hormone therapy: a randomized controlled trial (HAPiMat study).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of 24 weeks of Mat Pilates in breast cancer survivors (BCS) undergoing hormone therapy on lower and upper body muscle strength parameters and flexibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-three BCS (≥40 years) with confirmed breast cancer stage 0-III undergoing hormone therapy were included. Participants were randomized into Mat Pilates (three times/week, 60 min session) or control group (relaxation activities every two weeks). The difficulty and number of exercise repetitions were increased over the weeks. Assessments were performed at three times points (baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks). The generalized estimating equations (GEE) model was used to compare each outcome measure during the analysis of intention to treat (ITT) and "Per protocol analysis" (PPA). RESULTS: The Pilates group presented significantly increased (p < 0.05) isometric flexor-extensor PT, and concentric and eccentric flexor PT and mechanical work (MW) after the intervention. Most of the upper body strength parameters, time to achieve maximal force (TFmax), maximal force (Fmax), and rapid force index (RFI) and right-left upper and lower body flexibility (p < 0.05) also improved. CONCLUSIONS: From our findings, we conclude that 24 and 12-weeks of Mat Pilates induced strength and flexibility gains for lower and upper body, respectively.Implications for rehabilitationMat Pilates can be adapted to the fitness level of breast cancer survivors, with a great variety of exercises that can be performed using a mat only or a few pieces of equipment.Patients can practice at home to gain different health benefits (i.e., increasing strength, flexibility, and functional capacity level), which could positively impact on quality of life.Mat Pilates performed three times per week with systematized increments in exercise level, load, and volume throughout the intervention was effective to improve hip extensor-flexor muscles peak torque and mechanical work at different muscle contractions, as well as upper and lower body flexibility.Mat Pilates was also able to improve right-left shoulder abductor and trunk extensor muscles strength parameters after 12 weeks of intervention, as well as both surgery and non-surgery sides of the upper body.

Agreement and reproducibility of a portable electrical impedance myography device for body fat percentage estimation in normal weight men and women / Concordância e reprodutibilidade de um dispositivo portátil de miografia por impedância elétrica para estimativa do percentual de gordura corporal em homens e mulheres com peso normal

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the agreement and reproducibility of a portable electrical impedance myography device (EIM - SKULPT®) for body fat percentage (BF%) estimation in young adults. Sixty young adults volunteered for the study (women, n=30, 25.0±7.7 years; 21.5±1.9 kg/m2; and men, n=30, 21.6±6.3 years; 22.5±1.8 kg/m2). Participants underwent air displacement plethysmography (ADP) and EIM measurements for agreement analysis. EIM was performed three times on the same day for the within-day reproducibility analysis. Seven days later, 37 participants repeated the EIM measurements for the between-days reproducibility analysis. Comparisons of EIM and ADP methods, and EIM repeated measurements were performed with the paired T-test or one-way ANOVA repeated measures, the Bland-Altman plot, and simple linear regressions. BF% was higher (p<0.05) when estimated by EIM (19.91 ± 5.70 for men, and 30.77 ± 5.89 for women) compared to ADP (15.28 ± 5.66 for men, and 27.31 ± 5.98 for women). The Bland-Altman analysis presented a bias of 4.4% (95%CI=-3.4-12.2) and linear regression presented an R2=0.78. For between-days reproducibility, EIM means did not differ (25.33±7.69 and 24.94±8.30, p=0.890). Thus, while the EIM device exhibited high reproducibility of BF% estimates, caution should be exercised when comparing the results with other techniques for measuring BF%. The EIM device overestimated BF% compared to ADP. However, the EIM measurements presented very good within-day and between-days reproducibility and, thus, the EIM device can be used for longitudinal monitoring of BF%.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a concordância e a reprodutibilidade de um aparelho portátil de miografia por impedância elétrica (EIM - SKULPT®) para estimativa do percentual de gordura corporal (GC%) em adultos jovens. Sessenta adultos jovens foram voluntários para o estudo (mulheres, n=30, 25,0±7,7 anos; 21,5±1,9 kg/m2; e homens, n=30, 21,6±6,3 anos; 22,5±1,8 kg/m2). Os participantes fizeram medições de pletismografia de deslocamento de ar (ADP) e EIM para análise de concordância. A EIM foi realizada três vezes no mesmo dia para a análise de reprodutibilidade dentro do dia. Sete dias depois, 37 participantes repetiram as medições do EIM para a análise de reprodutibilidade entre dias. As comparações dos métodos EIM e ADP e medições repetidas do EIM foram realizadas com o teste T pareado ou medidas repetidas ANOVA de uma via, o gráfico de Bland-Altman e regressões lineares simples. O %GC foi maior (p<0,05) quando estimado pelo EIM (19,91 ± 5,70 para homens e 30,77 ± 5,89 para mulheres) em relação ao ADP (15,28 ± 5,66 para homens e 27,31 ± 5,98 para mulheres). A análise de Bland-Altman apresentou viés de 4,4% (IC95%=-3,4-12,2) e a regressão linear apresentou R2=0,78. Para a reprodutibilidade entre dias, as médias do EIM não diferiram (25,33±7,69 e 24,94±8,30, p=0,890). Assim, enquanto o dispositivo EIM exibiu alta reprodutibilidade das estimativas de %GC, deve-se ter cautela ao comparar os resultados com outras técnicas para medir %GC. O dispositivo EIM superestimou %GC em comparação com ADP. No entanto, as medidas de EIM apresentaram reprodutibilidade intradia e entre dias muito boa e, portanto, o dispositivo de EIM pode ser usado para monitoramento longitudinal de %GC.

Changes in Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Activity Among Older Adults in the First-Wave COVID-19 Outbreak: A Longitudinal Analysis.

The current study aimed to follow the effects of social/physical distancing strategies on health-related daily physical activity and quality of life among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seventy-two older adults who were enrolled in a University-Community program in March 2020 (age = 66.8 ± 4.82 years, ♀59) answered five phone-based surveys up to 120 days after the COVID-19 outbreak (from April to August 2020). The Short Form 6D and international physical activity (short version) questionnaires were applied. A significant reduction was observed in daily physical activity levels, metabolic equivalent of task, and health-related quality of life scores as well as an increase in sitting time during the week and on weekend days (all p < .01). The authors noted differences in lifestyle conditions at the beginning of the social/physical distancing in the community assessed (p < .01). Health vulnerabilities among older adults have been emphasized during the COVID-19 outbreak, impacting daily physical activity and health-related quality of life.

Atividade física para pessoas com deficiência: Guia de Atividade Física para a População Brasileira / Physical activity for people with disabilities: Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population

Visando orientar a população dos benefícios da prática de atividade física à saúde, pesquisadores nacionais, em parceria com o Ministério da Saúde, elaboraram o Guia de Atividade Física para a População Brasileira (Guia). O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar o processo de elaboração das recomendações brasileiras de atividade física para pessoas com deficiência (PCD). O processo de elaboração das recomendações específicas para PCD foi liderado por um grupo de trabalho com nove pesquisadores/profissionais que realizaram reuniões semanais, e que conduziram revisões sistemáti-cas e escutas com PCD, familiares, gestores, profissionais da saúde, professores e pesquisadores. Na revisão sistemática, um total de 83 estudos foram revisados e incluídos. As escutas foram realizadas por meio de formulários eletrônicos enviados por e-mail para profissionais, gestores, professores e pesquisadores que trabalhavam com PCD e de escutas virtuais, as quais foram conduzidas em dois momentos: (a) com PCD, familiares e profissionais; (b) com professores, gestores; e pesquisadores da temática. Baseado nos resultados das revisões sistemáticas e das escutas, as recomendações de atividade física para PCD foram elaboradas considerando o tempo mínimo de atividade física de acordo com faixas etárias, domínios da atividade física e recomendações para redução do comporta-mento sedentário. Portanto, o presente trabalho apresentou as estratégias e as etapas utilizadas para a elaboração do Guia, com recomendações de atividade física para PCD, as quais podem ser aliadas a políticas públicas, ambientes e oportunidades de atividade física, tornando-se estratégia essencial para o engajamento de PCD em atividades físicas

Aiming to guide the population of the physical activity benefits to health, national researchers, in partnership with the Health Ministry, have elaborated the Physical Activity Guide for the Brazilian population. The aim of this study is to present the process of elaborating Brazilian physical activity recommendations for people with disabilities (PWD). The process of elaborating specific recommendations for PWD has included the participation of nine researchers/professionals who held weekly meetings, systematic reviews, and focus groups with PWD, caregivers, healthcare managers, professionals, and researchers. In the systematic review, a total of 83 studies were included and reviewed. The focus groups were performed using an electronic form sent by e-mail to health professionals, managers, and researchers who worked with PWD and virtual focus groups, which were conducted in two moments: (a) with PWD, caregivers, and professionals; (b) with pro-fessors and researchers on the theme. Based on the results of systematic reviews and focus groups, the physical activity recommendations for PWD were developed considering the minimum physical activity time accord-ing to age group, types of physical activity, and recommendations for reducing sedentary behavior. Therefore, the present work presented recommendations for physical activity for PWD, which can be combined with public policies, environments, and opportunities for physical activity, becoming an essential strategy for the engagement of PWD in physical activities

Resistance training exercise selection: efficiency, safety and comfort analysis method / Seleção do exercício no treinamento resistido: método de análise eficiência, segurança e conforto

Abstract Manipulation of resistance training variables has been shown to have a substantial effect on muscular adaptations. A major variable in this process is exercise selection. In addition to the effectiveness of a given exercise to recruit the target muscle groups, safety considerations and individual comfort during execution of a lift should be considered. The correct biomechanics of the chosen exercise will assist in promoting desired muscle adaptations, while proper safety procedures will reduce risk of injury. Lifting comfort will facilitate enjoyment and foster adherence to the program. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to offer guidelines for selection of resistance training exercises based on the Efficiency, Safety, and Comfort Analysis Method (ESCAM).

Resumo A manipulação das variáveis do treinamento resistido demonstraram ter um efeito substancial nas adaptações musculares. Uma variável importante neste processo é a seleção de exercícios. Além da eficácia de um determinado exercício para recrutar os grupos musculares-alvo, as considerações de segurança e conforto individual durante a execução de um levantamento devem ser considerados. A biomecânica correta do exercício escolhido ajudará a promover as adaptações musculares desejadas, enquanto os procedimentos de segurança adequados reduzirão o risco de lesões. O conforto no levantamento facilitará o prazer e promoverá a adesão ao programa. Portanto, o objetivo deste artigo é oferecer orientações para a seleção de exercícios no treinamento resistido com base no Método de Análise de Eficiência, Segurança e Conforto (ESCAM).

Estimativa do torque muscular de extensores do joelho de idosos baseado em testes de desempenho físico funcional / ESTIMATE OF MUSCLE TORQUE OF ELDERLY KNEE EXTENSORS BASED ON PHYSICAL FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE TESTS

Objetivo: Verificar quais métodos de avaliação clínicos de força e potência muscular, e testes de desempenho físico funcionais estão correlacionados com o pico de torque isométrico e dinâmico dos extensores de joelho, e desenvolver equações preditivas que estimem o pico de torque isométrico e dinâmico em pessoas idosas. Métodos: Foram selecionados 49 sujeitos (≥ 60 anos) de ambos os sexos. O pico de torque muscular isométrico (PTISO) e dinâmico concêntrico (PTCON) dos extensores da articulação do joelho do membro preferido foi avaliado através de dinamômetro isocinético no primeiro dia de avaliação. Quarenta e oito horas depois o teste força máxima (1-RM) unilateral do membro preferido foi executado na cadeira extensora, seguido do teste de potência do membro superior com uma medicine ball de 2 kg (ABM-2). No terceiro dia foram avaliados o teste de equilíbrio dinâmico (time up and go), a capacidade de subir e descer escadas (separadamente), com estes três testes foi construído um índice funcional (IFUNC). Resultados: Os principais resultados demonstraram que o IFUNC não prediz melhoria no pico de torque extensor do joelho (p>0,05). Contrapondo a hipótese inicial que alterações no desempenho do pico de torque, tanto isométrico, como dinâmico, teria uma resposta direta com o desempenho funcional. Conclusão: As medidas de força máxima para membro inferior (cadeira extensora-1-RM) e potência de membro superior (arremesso da bola de medicine ball 2-kg) quando associadas explicam com mais de 60% (p<0,05) uma mudança no desempenho na força isométrica e dinâmica dos extensores de joelho de idosos não treinados.

Effect of push-up variations performed with Swiss ball on muscle electromyographic amplitude in trained men: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To compare the use of three variations of push-ups: traditional (stable surface), performed with hands on the Swiss ball (Swiss ball-hands), and performed with feet on the Swiss ball (Swiss ball-feet) on surface electromyography activity (sEMG) in the agonist and stabilizer muscles. METHODS: Ten trained men (26 ±â€¯5 years, 76.8 ±â€¯8.7 kg, 1.70 ±â€¯0.06 m) performed one experimental protocol within-subjects in a randomized design. Each subject performed one set of 10 of each of the push-up variations (5-min rest between sets). The sEMG activity was assessed for pectoralis major, triceps brachii, anterior deltoids, and rectus abdominis. One-way repeated-measures ANOVA (Bonferroni) compared push-up variations within-muscles (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Pectoralis major sEMG was similar between exercises. Anterior deltoid sEMG activity was greater for stable surface than for Swiss ball-hands (p = 0.001). Triceps brachii sEMG activity was greater during Swiss ball-hands than during stable surface (p = 0.001) and Swiss ball-feet (p = 0.043), and Swiss ball-feet was greater than stable surface (p = 0.001). Rectus abdominis sEMG activity was greater during Swiss ball-hands than during stable surface (p = 0.0001) and Swiss ball-feet (p = 0.036), while Swiss ball-feet was greater than stable surface (p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Push-ups performed with hands on the Swiss ball may be considered an advanced variation that should be used when the goal is to achieve greater challenge of the rectus abdominis and triceps brachii. Novice subjects or those with weakness/injury should perform push-ups with hands on a stable surface, and with progression, push-ups with feet on Swiss ball could be adopted before hands on Swiss ball.

Effect of linear running velocity on the increase on foot pronation.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the behavior of foot pronation at different percentages of peak velocity in 23 physically active men. An ergospirometric test was carried out with an initial velocity of 9kmh-1 and increments of 1kmh-1 until exhaustion. 2D kinematic analysis was performed in the posterior frontal plane at all velocities to identify the maximal angle of pronation (MAP) of the right leg. The analyses were performed between the initial periods (0%), 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% (peak of velocity - PV). All comparisons of the PV phases with the MAP showed an increase in the angle of foot pronation, with the exception of between the start and 25% of PV. Only 4 (∼17%) subjects maintained MAP values within a normal range until PV was reached. Control of the volume and intensity of training, as well as the running technique is suggested and strengthening of the muscles responsible for stabilization of the foot pronation.

Effects of different strength training volumes and subsequent detraining on strength performance in aging adults.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the volume-dependence of upper-body strength performance improvement and the retention effects after detraining in aging adults. Eighteen healthy, untrained, middle-aged volunteers were randomized into two groups: low volume (LV), mean = 494 kg. and high volume (HV), mean = 686 kg. load. Participants were tested and retested before a 12-week (2 times/week) period of RT for baseline values (pre-); after 6 weeks (middle) and 12 weeks of training (post-), and 12 weeks after interruption (detraining - no systematic exercise). On each test day, a five-repetition maximum (5-RM) for the seated row; handgrip strength test (HGS); and local muscular endurance for elbow flexors (LME) were carried out. Participants performed seated row training 2 times per week with a rest interval of at least 48 h between sessions. After 24 sessions of RT (resistance training), LME significantly increased in both groups (p < 0.05), without differences between groups (14 vs. 18%, for LV and HV, respectively). In addition, 5-RM increased in both the LV (22%) and HV (20%) groups. There were no significant increases in HGS in either group (LV 3% and HV 6%). After detraining, both groups lost up to 15% of LME and 5-RM. In untrained, middle-aged adults, there is an increase in maximal dynamic strength and local muscular endurance, independent of volume chosen. Furthermore, after 12 weeks detraining, the loss does not decrease to baseline values.

Effects of resistance training, detraining, and retraining on strength and functional capacity in elderly.

BACKGROUND: The interruption of training (detraining) results in loss of the gains acquired. Partial retention could occur after detraining, and variation in training stimuli may optimize retraining adaptations. AIM: To evaluate the effect of a resistance-retraining program on strength and functional capacity performance after a detraining period. METHODS: Ten elderly men and women (63-68 years) completed 12 weeks of training, 16 weeks of detraining, and 8 weeks of retraining. One-repetition maximum (1-RM) at 45° leg press, maximum isometric knee extension torque, rate of torque development (RTD), 30-s sit-to-stand, timed up and go, and stair ascent and descent tests were assessed. RESULTS: The 1-RM increased after training (p < 0.01) and remained higher after a detraining period when compared to pre-training (p < 0.01). Post-retraining values were not different from post-training period (p > 0.05). For RTD and 30-s sit-to-stand, there was an increase after retraining when compared to pre-training values (p < 0.05). For timed up and go and stair ascent and descent, reductions were observed between pre-training and post-training periods (p < 0.05), only timed up and go increased after the detraining period (p < 0.01). DISCUSSION: After 16 weeks of detraining, the maximum strength did not return to baseline levels, and a retraining with explosive strength exercise sessions can recover maximum strength gains, RTD, and functional capacity at the same level obtained after a detraining period. CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of an explosive strength session in retraining period improves RTD and 30-s sit-to-stand performance and can accelerate the recovery of strength after a detraining period.

Recovery following Rugby Union matches: effects of cold water immersion on markers of fatigue and damage.

We investigated the effect of postmatch cold-water immersion (CWI) on markers of muscle damage, neuromuscular fatigue, and perceptual responses within 72 h after a rugby match. Twenty-two professional male rugby players were randomized into CWI (10 °C/10 min; n = 11) or control (CON: 30 min seated; n = 11) groups. Activity profile from Global Positioning Satellite systems and postmatch rating of perceived exertion were measured to determined match load. Biochemical (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6), neuromuscular performance (squat (SJ) and countermovement jumps (CMJ), peak power output (PPO), rate of force development (RFD), stiffness, 10- and 30-m sprint time, and perceptual markers (soreness, perceived recovery) were obtained before and immediately after the match, and then at 30 min, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after the match. Magnitude-based inference and Cohen's effect size (ES) were used to analyze change over time and between groups. Thus, the higher/beneficial, similar/trivial, or lower/harmful differences were evaluated as follows: <1%, almost certainly not; 1% to 5%, very unlikely; 5% to 25%, unlikely; 25% to 75%, possible; 75% to 95%, likely; 95% to 99%, very likely; >99%, almost certainly. Changes were unclear for the match loads, sprint times, and perceptual markers between groups. Higher %ΔSJ at 24 h (very likely (ES = 0.75)) and in %ΔPPO_SJ at 48 h (likely (ES = 0.51)) were observed in CWI than in CON. Values in %ΔRDF_CMJ were higher immediately after (likely (ES = 0.83)), 30 min after (very likely (ES = 0.97)), and 24 h after the match (likely (ES = 0.93)) in CWI than in CON. Furthermore, %Δlog TNF-α were lower in the CWI group than in the CON group immediately after (almost certainly (ES = -0.76)), 24 h after (very likely (ES = -1.09)), and 72 h after the match (likely (ES = -0.51)), and in Δstiffness_SJ at 30 min after (likely (ES = -0.67)) and 48 h after the match (very likely (ES = -0.97)). Also, different within-groups effects throughout postmatch were reported. Implementing postmatch CWI-based strategies improved the recovery of markers of inflammation and fatigue in rugby players, despite no change in markers of speed or perceptual recovery.

Estimating bone mineral content based on different types of muscle strength tests.

The aims of this pilot study were to verify which muscle strength tests better explain bone mineral content (BMC) of the femoral neck and lumbar spine and to develop predictive equations to estimate femoral neck and lumbar spine BMC. Twenty-nine subjects aged 56-76 years old (12 women and 17 men) participated in the study. Femoral neck and lumbar spine BMC was evaluated by Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Muscle strength measurements included maximal isometric voluntary contractions of knee extensors and flexors, vertical jump, 5-repetition maximum of the leg press (5-RMLP) and seated leg curl (5-RMLC), and handgrip strength. Women presented a moderate to strong correlation between femoral neck BMC and 5-RMLP (r = 0.819), 5-RMLC (r = 0.879), knee extensors peak torque (r = 0.699), and handgrip strength (r = 0.663), as well as between lumbar spine BMC and the 5-RMLP test (r = 0.845) and manual grip strength (r = 0.699). For females, the 5-RMLP and 5-RMLC tests most fully explained femoral neck BMC (R2 = 0.859) and the 5-RMLP test and body mass explained lumbar spine density (R2 = 0.757) for females. Men did not present correlations between BMC and strength variables. For females, the 5-RMLP and 5-RMLC variables explained the variations of femoral neck BMC, while 5-RMLP and body mass explained lumbar spine BMC. Future studies should evaluate a larger sample size and prioritize the strength tests with a greater predictive capacity.

Mixed Session Periodization as a New Approach for Strength, Power, Functional Performance, and Body Composition Enhancement in Aging Adults.

Berzerra, ES, Orssatto, LBR, Moura, BM, Willardson, JM, Simão, R, and Moro, ARP. Mixed session periodization as a new approach for strength, power, functional performance, and body composition enhancement in aging adults. J Strength Cond Res 32(10): 2795-2806, 2018-The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of mixed session periodization (MSP) vs. traditional periodization (TP) on strength, power, functional performance, and body composition in aging adults. Forty-five healthy aging adults were randomly divided into 3 groups: MSP, TP, and Control. Subjects were tested before the intervention for baseline values (week 4) and then repeated testing during (week 7 and week 11), as well as after the intervention (week 15). Subjects were tested on the following performance measures: 5 repetition maximum (5RM) leg press and seated leg curl; 12RM cable chest press; countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump; up-and-down stairs; timed up and go (TUG); and body composition. All comparisons were analyzed through a mixed-model analysis with repeated measures (group × time) and with Bonferroni post hoc tests (p ≤ 0.05). After the intervention, no significant differences were observed between experimental groups; however, the MSP and TP groups demonstrated significantly greater values vs. the Control group in the 5RM leg press (p < 0.01), seated leg curl (p < 0.01), and 12RM cable chest press (p < 0.001). For CMJ performance, the MSP and TP groups significantly increased at week 7 (p < 0.001). The MSP and TP groups significantly improved functional task performance, including TUG (p < 0.001), upstairs (p < 0.01), and downstairs (p < 0.01) after training. Furthermore, body composition for the lower limbs significantly changed for the MSP and TP groups, with increased fat-free mass (p < 0.001) and decreased fat mass (p < 0.01) after training. In conclusion, the MSP and TP models used in this study were equally effective in developing strength, power, and functional performance while increasing fat-free mass and improving body fat percentage in aging adults. However, it should be considered that the MSP protocol did result in greater effect sizes in lower-limb strength, lower-limb fat-free mass, up-and-down stair, and TUG performance.

Muscular performance and body composition changes following multi-joint versus combined multi- and single-joint exercises in aging adults.

The aim of the present study was to compare muscular performance and body composition changes following low-volume resistance-training programs consisting of multi-joint (MJ) exercises (cable chest press and seated row) versus a combination of multi- and single-joint (MJ+SJ) exercises (cable chest press, seated row, biceps curl, and triceps extension). Thirty untrained healthy aging adults were randomly assigned to 3 groups: MJ (n = 11), MJ+SJ (n = 11), and control (n = 8). Twelve-repetition maximums (12-RMs) for the cable chest press and seated row, localized muscular endurance for the elbow flexors handgrip strength, and body composition were assessed before and after the 8-week training program. All comparisons were analyzed via a mixed-model analysis with repeated measures (group × time) and the Bonferroni post hoc test (p < 0.05). The MJ and MJ+SJ groups increased performance in the 12-RM cable chest press (MJ = 61.5% ± 24.6% and MJ+SJ = 71.1% ± 25.6%), 12-RM seated row (MJ = 46.4% ± 26.3% and MJ+SJ = 51.5% ± 21.0%), localized muscular endurance (MJ = 24.7% ± 16.7% and MJ+SJ = 37.0% ± 11.4%), and handgrip strength (MJ = 9.3% ± 10.4% and MJ+SJ = 16.6% ± 25.3%) after the intervention. Body composition (i.e., trunk and upper limb fat and lean mass) did not change for any groups. No significant differences were observed between the MJ versus the MJ+SJ protocols after the intervention for any variables. In conclusion, for aging adults, either MJ or MJ+SJ low-volume resistance training resulted in similar increases in 12-RM, localized muscular endurance, and handgrip strength, without changes in body composition after 8 weeks of training.

Reducing measurement errors during functional capacity tests in elders.

BACKGROUND: Accuracy is essential to the validity of functional capacity measurements. AIM: To evaluate the error of measurement of functional capacity tests for elders and suggest the use of the technical error of measurement and credibility coefficient. METHODS: Twenty elders (65.8 ± 4.5 years) completed six functional capacity tests that were simultaneously filmed and timed by four evaluators by means of a chronometer. A fifth evaluator timed the tests by analyzing the videos (reference data). RESULTS: The means of most evaluators for most tests were different from the reference (p < 0.05), except for two evaluators for two different tests. There were different technical error of measurement between tests and evaluators. The Bland-Altman test showed difference in the concordance of the results between methods. Short duration tests showed higher technical error of measurement than longer tests. In summary, tests timed by a chronometer underestimate the real results of the functional capacity. DISCUSSION: Difference between evaluators' reaction time and perception to determine the start and the end of the tests would justify the errors of measurement. CONCLUSION: Calculation of the technical error of measurement or the use of the camera can increase data validity.

The Accuracy of Anthropometric Equations to Assess Body Fat in Adults with Down Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to verify the accuracy of anthropometric equations to estimate the body density (BD) of adults with Down syndrome (DS), and propose new regression equations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one males (30.5 ± 9.4 years) and 17 females (27.3 ± 7.7 years) with DS participated in this study. The reference method for BD was air displacement plethysmography (ADP). Also, the BD was estimated by anthropometric equations. The body fat percentage (BF %) was estimated by the Siri equation. RESULTS: For females, the Durnin and Womersley equation showed no difference from the ADP, but a trend of underestimation was observed. For males, all equations were significantly different for the BF % from ADP. The equations developed in this study showed a high correlation and acceptable agreement with BF % from ADP in both genders. CONCLUSION: All equations are not valid for DS adults. The new equations developed here were accurate in estimating the BF %.

Rebound boots change lower limb muscle activation and kinematics during different fitness exercises.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate electromyography and kinematic parameters of the lower limbs using rebound boots (RB) and barefoot during a gym workout. This information can be helpful to practitioners to schedule rehabilitation and training programs. Ten women (25 ± 9 years) volunteered for the study; inclusion criteria were as follows: subjects must have experienced the use of RB and the analyzed exercises for at least 6 months, and have no previous injuries in the lower limbs. Seven exercises were performed for 30 s with the RB and subsequently barefoot. Data from muscle activation of vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), lateral gastrocnemius (LG) and 2D kinematics were collected. The use of RB triggered postural changes, characterized by greater hip extension (in 4 of the exercises) and knee extension (in 6 of the exercises) for the landing. RB reduced activation mainly in LG (in 6 of the exercise) while no changes were observed for VL (except in exercise 1) and BF. RB change kinematics and muscle activation suggesting changes in the way the legs absorb and transmit force during jumps. LG was the main muscle affected by the use of RB.