Magnitude and direction of elbow torque asymmetries in manual wheelchair users.

The aims of the present study are to investigate the magnitude and direction of the elbow torque asymmetries in manual wheelchair users and to verify the agreement levels of the asymmetry's direction between different velocities and contraction modes in the isokinetic test. The sample was composed of 14 manual wheelchair users (four women, 10 men). The peak torque of the elbow flexors and extensors were measured on the dominant and non-dominant limbs, using a set of concentric/eccentric contractions at speeds of 60°â€…s-1 and 180°â€…s-1. Asymmetries were calculated by a specific equation, and the levels of agreement of the asymmetry's direction were calculated using Kappa coefficient. The main results showed a large variability in the magnitude of the asymmetries, ranging from -73.1% (ND) to 59.9% (D) between participants. The agreement levels of the elbow flexors and extensors between the different contraction modes were great (k = 0.71-0.85) for most of the velocities [except for flexors of 60°â€…s-1 (k = 0.29)], but the agreement levels were only slight to fair (k = 0.16-0.31) for most of the contraction modes when comparing between velocities [except for flexors eccentric (k = 0.71)]. In conclusion, the elbow torque asymmetries are highly variable between subjects in terms of magnitude. In addition, in general, the limb favored by the asymmetry is the same when comparing between velocities, but not when comparing between contraction modes.

Effects of 6-weeks of detraining on functional capacity and rapid torque production in older women.

Mat Pilates has become an attractive alternative exercise among older women, however, despite knowing the importance of regular exercise, interrupting training is a common issue in this population. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of 6-weeks of detraining after a period of 12-weeks of training with Mat Pilates on the functional capacity and neuromuscular performance of the knee extensor muscles in older women. Ten older women (62.6 ± 2.6 years; 1.57 ± 0.05 m height; 69.3 ± 9.2 kg; 27.8 kg/m2 body mass index) volunteered to participate in this study. The study was divided into three periods: a 4-week control period, followed by 12 weeks of Mat Pilates intervention, and a 6-week detraining period. During the intervention, the results showed significant improvements in functional capacity tests (time up and go, time up stairs, time down stairs, and chair sit-and-reach), rate of torque development, and impulse (p < 0.05). After the detraining period, a decrease was observed in the chair sit-and-reach test (p < 0.05) and contractile impulse at intervals 0-30 and 0-50 ms (p < 0.05). We conclude that a 6-week detraining period after a Mat Pilates training protocol was sufficient to cause declines in the chair sit-and-reach test and in the contractile impulse of the knee extensors in the early phase of the torque-time curve (0-30 and 0-50 ms), but not in the other functional capacity tests and neuromuscular parameters evaluated.

Muscle architecture of the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris in the production of knee extensor torque in physically inactive women

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to verify the data reliability of muscle architecture (MA) variables, and the relationship between MA and the isometric peak torque (PT) of the monoarticular and biarticular knee extensor (KE) muscle in physically inactive women. Methods: Ten physically inactive women (24.0 ± 1.64 years; 162.9 ± 5.34 cm; 63.5 ± 11.90 kg) participated in the study. An ultrasound device assessed the MA variables (muscle thickness, fascicle length, and pennation angle) of the Vastus Lateralis (VL) and Rectus Femoris (RF), and an isokinetic dynamometer assessed the PT. Pearson correlation evaluated the relationship between PT and MA variables, with a significance level of 5%. Additionally, the intraclass correlation coefficient, coefficient of variation, and standard error of measurement. Results: Excellent reliability between images was observed, and no significant relationships were observed between the PT and MA variables of the VL and RF. Conclusion: Isolated variables of the MA of a monoarticular or a biarticular muscle do not influence the production of the isometric PT of the KE.

Body image in women participants of strength training: association with sociodemographic factors and practice time / Imagem corporal em mulheres praticantes de treinamento de força: associação com fatores sociodemográficos e tempo de prática

In Brazil, the evidence indicates a high prevalence of dissatisfaction with body image (BI) among adult women. Studies show that gym goers have characteristics that differ from other populations. Specif-ically, women who practice strength training (ST) exhibit intense concern about well-being, which presents as strong self-criticism of the body. This group of women are typically in search for an ideal body pattern stipulated by society. The purpose of the present study was to identify in the women the perception with BI, classify then as satisfied or dissatisfied, and association this information whit age group, anthropometric indicators (body mass index and perimeter of waist), and variables related to the practice of ST (purpose and time of the practice). The sample group consisted of 77 women aged 20 to 54 years (29.83 ± 9.75) who practiced ST. For the assessment of BI, the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) was used in addition to a questionnaire around the other variables. A descriptive analysis was used, chi-squared test and Fisher's Exact test were adopted at a significance level of 5%. The results demonstrated that among all participants, 87.0% were satisfaction with BI. It was found association direct with the dissatisfaction of BI with the purpose of the practice of ST (p = 0.031) and with the practice time (p = 0.030). Were found, in which the women less satisfied with their BI were those who trained for body mass control and practiced ST for more than 6 months. The other variables did not show significant associations with BI. It is concluded that the women who practice ST have shown a positive perception regarding their body image, associated to the objective and the time of the practice

No Brasil, evidências indicam uma elevada prevalência de insatisfação com a imagem corporal (IC) entre as mulheres adultas. Estudos mostram que frequentadores de academias têm características que o diferem de ou-tras populações. As mulheres praticantes de treinamento de força (TF) demonstram preocupação intensa com o bem-estar e forte autocrítica em relação ao corpo. Essas mulheres tendem a buscar o padrão ideal estipulado pela sociedade. O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar em mulheres praticantes de TF a percepção da IC, classificá-lo como satisfeita ou insatisfeita, e associar com a idade, indicadores antropométricos (índice de massar corporal e circunferência da cintura) e variáveis relacionadas ao TF (objetivos da prática e tempo de prática). Participaram do estudo 77 mulheres de 20 a 54 anos (29,83 ± 9,75). Para a avaliação da IC uti-lizou-se o Body Shape Questionaire (BSQ) e um questionário para as demais variáveis. Utilizou-se análise descritiva, o teste Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fisher. Os resultados demonstraram que dentre as participantes, 87,0% estavam satisfeitas com a IC. Foram encontradas associações diretas da insatisfação da IC com o ob-jetivo (p = 0,031) e com o tempo da prática (p = 0,030). As mulheres menos satisfeitas com a sua IC eram as que treinavam com o objetivo de controle da massa corporal e praticavam TF há mais de 6 meses. As demais variáveis não demonstraram associações significativas com a IC. Conclui-se que as mulheres praticantes do TF demonstraram ter uma percepção positiva com relação a sua imagem corporal, associada ao objetivo e ao tempo da prática

Six weeks of Mat Pilates training are enough to improve functional capacity in elderly women.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Mat Pilates on the functional capacity (FC) of elderly women before and after six weeks of intervention. Eighteen women aged 62.28 (±2.34) participated in the study. Timed Up and Go test, Timed Up Stairs, Timed Down Stairs, 30-s Chair Stand, Chair Sit-and-Reach and Back Scratch tests were assessed. The results showed significant improvements in all FC tests after six weeks of the Mat Pilates intervention. Summarizing, only six weeks of Mat Pilates training of 60 min per session, three times a week, three series beginning with six repetitions and eight repetitions at the last two weeks of intervention, were enough to improve FC in elderly women. Furthermore, the exercises difficulty increased from beginners to intermediate.