Hip adduction and abduction strength profiles in elite and sub-elite female soccer players according to players level and leg limb-dominance.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the hip adduction and abduction strength in female soccer players is crucial for performance enhancement and injury prevention. This study compares the strength profiles in these muscle groups between elite and sub-elite female soccer players and assesses the impact of leg limb-dominance. METHODS: A descriptive-comparative study was employed. Eighty-two female soccer players were evaluated. Isometric hip-adduction and abduction strength were measured using a handheld dynamometer. RESULTS: Female elite and sub-elite soccer players displayed a mean and standard deviation (SD) on isometric hip-adductor strength for dominant (3.19 Nm/kg ± 0.69 vs. 2.40 Nm/kg ± 0.67) and non-dominant leg (3.32 Nm/kg ± 0.76 versus 2.42 Nm/kg ± 0.70), respectively. For isometric hip-abductor strength in elite and sub-elite players, a mean and SD of dominant (2.86 Nm/kg ± 0.56 vs. 2.07 Nm/kg ± 0.50) and non-dominant (2.80 Nm/kg ± 0.59 vs. 2.04 Nm/kg ± 0.43). In essence, elite players were stronger than sub-elite players on isometric hip-adduction (mean difference [MD] = 0.82 Nm/kg, CI95% = 0.42-1.12) and abduction (MD = 0.83 Nm/kg, CI95% = 0.54- 1.12) both in dominant and non-dominant, leg, whereas no differences existed for hip adduction:abduction ratios between groups and legs. CONCLUSIONS: Elite female athletes exhibited greater strength than sub-elite female players in both hip adduction and abduction, whereas adduction:abduction ratio values did not differ between the two groups or between different legs.

Long-Term Effects of Microfiltered Seawater and Resistance Training with Elastic Bands on Hepatic Parameters, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Blood Pressure of Older Women: A 32-Week, Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

The bulk of research on microfiltered seawater (SW) is based on its short-term effects. However, the long-term physiological adaptations to combining SW and resistance training (RT) are unknown. This study aimed to analyse the impact of an RT program using elastic bands combined with SW intake on hepatic biomarkers, inflammation, oxidative stress, and blood pressure in post-menopausal women. Ninety-three women voluntarily participated (age: 70 ± 6.26 years; body mass index: 22.05 ± 3.20 kg/m2; Up-and-Go Test: 6.66 ± 1.01 s). RT consisted of six exercises (32 weeks, 2 days/week). Nonsignificant differences were reported for hepatic biomarkers except for a reduction in glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) in both RT groups (RT + SW: p = 0.003, ES = 0.51; RT + Placebo: p = 0.012, ES = 0.36). Concerning oxidative stress, vitamin D increased significantly in RT + SW (p = 0.008, ES = 0.25). Regarding inflammation, interleukin 6 significantly decreased (p = 0.003, ES = 0.69) in RT + SW. Finally, systolic blood pressure significantly decreased in both RT groups (RT + placebo: p < 0.001, ES = 0.79; RT + SW: p < 0.001, ES = 0.71) as did diastolic blood pressure in both SW groups (RT + SW: p = 0.002, ES = 0.51; CON + SW: p = 0.028, ES = 0.50). Therefore, RT + SW or SW alone are safe strategies in the long term with no influences on hepatic and oxidative stress biomarkers. Additionally, SW in combination with RT positively influences vitamin D levels, inflammation, and blood pressure in older women.

Multicomponent and power training with elastic bands improve metabolic and inflammatory parameters, body composition and anthropometry, and physical function in older women with metabolic syndrome: A 20-week randomized, controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the effects of 20 weeks of multicomponent or power training with elastic bands (EBs) on metabolic and inflammatory blood parameters, body composition, anthropometry, and physical function in older women with metabolic syndrome (MS). METHODS: Ninety participants were randomly assigned to a multicomponent (MCG; n = 30), power (PG; n = 30), or a control group (CG; n = 30). The MCG performed balance, slow-speed strength, and aerobic training, twice per week. The PG completed a high-speed resistance training program twice per week, composed of three to four sets of ten repetitions of six overall body exercises at a perceived rating of effort for the first repetition of 3-4 on the OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scale EB. MS-related variables (glucose, triglycerides, and waist circumference) and cardiometabolic risk factors (high-density lipoprotein [HDL], glycosylated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL], C-reactive protein, and anthropometric profile) were assessed. Physical function was evaluated through balance, strength, and mobility tests. RESULTS: An analysis of variance revealed that both training groups similarly improved most glycemic and lipidic profile parameters (p ≤ 0.006; d ≥ 0.46), body composition and anthropometry (p < 0.001; d ≥ 0.41), and physical function (p ≤ 0.005; d ≥ 0.69). Opposed to the PG, the MCG improved balance (p < 0.001; d = 0.96) and decreased the inflammatory status by downregulating C-reactive protein (p = 0.003; d = 0.47). On the other hand, the PG exhibited improvements in handgrip strength (p = 0.006; d = 0.48), while the MCG did not. CONCLUSION: Therefore, multicomponent and power training with EBs are plausible strategies for improving the cardiometabolic health status and physical function in older women with MS.

Exercise-induced hypoalgesia with end-stage knee osteoarthritis during different blood flow restriction levels: Sham-controlled crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Blood flow restriction (BFR) training could be a valuable treatment to induce exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis. However, the use of BFR in these patients is poorly explored and there is no evidence about the training dosage needed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of resistance training protocols with different occlusion levels of blood flow restriction (BFR) on EIH in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN: Crossover study. SETTING: University physical exercise laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: 26 adults with end-stage knee osteoarthritis. INTERVENTIONS: Patients performed four sets (30, 15, 15, and 15 repetitions) separated by 1-minute rests of three protocols/sessions of low-load (30% one-repetition-maximum) seated knee extensions with elastic bands and BFR: placebo (sham BFR), BFR at 40% arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) and BFR at 80% AOP. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pressure Pain Thresholds (PPT) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) collected before, immediately after session, and after 10 minutes. RESULTS: No differences in EIH were found between the different levels of BFR. However, 80% AOP protocol worsened VAS scores immediately (mean difference [MD]: -21.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] -33.9 to -8.5) while improving PPT immediately (MD affected limb: -.6 [95% CI -1.1 to -.2]); contralateral: -.6 (95% CI -1.0 to -.2]) and at 10 minutes (MD affected limb: -.6 [95% CI) -1.2 to -.1]; contralateral: -.7 [95% CI -1.1 to -.2]; and forearm: -.5 [95% CI -.9 to -.05]) post-exercise compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: There is no EIH difference after using different occlusion levels. EIH is modulated by pain-related psychological constructs and self-perceived health status.

The Influence of the Weight of the Backpack on the Biomechanics of the Child and Adolescent: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis With a Meta-Regression.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and explore the influence of the weight of a backpack on standing posture and gait in children and adolescents. METHODS: We conducted a search of MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Web of Science, with the last search in July 2021. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for relevant outcomes and were pooled in a meta-analysis using the random-effects model. The participants were healthy children or adolescents. The outcomes were postural variables, spatiotemporal gait variables, gait kinematics, and muscle activity. We analyzed the influence of a loaded backpack on posture while standing and spatiotemporal and kinematic variables while walking. We used GRADE, Risk of Bias 2, ROBINS-I, MINORS, and PEDro scales to rate the quality, certainty, and applicability of the evidence. RESULTS: Wearing a loaded backpack induces a significant increase of the craniohorizontal angle while standing and a decrease of walking speed and stride length while walking. Only the craniovertebral angle had a significant relationship with the weight of the backpack. CONCLUSIONS: Wearing a backpack induces postural changes while standing and affects gait in children and adolescents; however, almost all the changes are not related to the backpack weight.

Movement Representation Strategies as a Tool for Educational Innovation in Physiotherapy Students: A Randomized Single-Blind Controlled-Pilot Trial.

Physiotherapy has a strictly theoretical body of knowledge, but for the most part, the physiotherapist's learning is practical. The practical part is fundamental to acquire clinical skills that the physiotherapist will later use in professional practice. The main aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of movement representation strategies (MRS) in the improvement of manual skills of physiotherapy students as an educational innovation strategy. We randomly assigned 30 participants to an action observation practice (AOP), motor imagery practice (MIP), or sham observation (SO) group. A high velocity, low amplitude lumbar manipulation technique that is widely used in clinical physiotherapy practice was taught in one session. The primary outcomes were required time and test score. The secondary outcomes were perceived mental fatigue and perceived difficulty for learning. The outcomes were assessed preintervention and immediately after the intervention (postintervention). The main results showed that both AOP and MIP improved the total time required and the test score, as well as entailed less perceived difficulty for learning. However, both strategies showed a higher level of mental fatigue after the intervention, which was higher in the MIP group. Based on the results obtained, it seems that the application of MRS promotes greater learning of manual motor tasks in physiotherapy students and could be used as educational innovation strategies.

Effects of Microfiltered Seawater Intake and Variable Resistance Training on Strength, Bone Health, Body Composition, and Quality of Life in Older Women: A 32-Week Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

The aim was to explore the effects of a 32-week resistance training (RT) intervention with elastic bands with or without microfiltered seawater (SW) supplementation on isokinetic strength, bone mineral density (BMD), body composition, and subjective quality of life in postmenopausal women. Ninety-three untrained women (age: 70.00 ± 6.26 years; body mass index: 22.05 ± 3.20 kg/m2; body fat: 37.77 ± 6.38%; 6.66 ± 1.01 s up-and-go test) voluntarily participated in this randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial. Participants were allocated into four groups (RT+SW, RT+PLA, CON+SW, and CON+PLA). The RT intervention (twice weekly) consisted of different exercises for the whole body performed at submaximal intensities with elastic bands. Both control groups were not involved in any exercise program. A two-way mixed analysis of variance of repeated measures revealed significant improvements in almost all the variables in both intervention groups (p < 0.05). However, significant differences with controls were encountered in isokinetic strength, body fat percentage, and bodily pain. Although the group with SW supplementation obtained greater effect sizes, non-significant differences between both RT groups were observed. In conclusion, the determinant factor of the adaptations seems to be RT rather than SW.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Biological and Body Composition Variables in Patients with Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In order to assess the impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on biological and body composition variables in patients with musculoskeletal disorders (MSKD), a systematic search on PubMed (Medline), CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus was conducted. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and pooled in a meta-analysis using the random-effects model. The effectiveness of HIIT on waist circumference, muscle mass, resting heart rate, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, C-reactive protein, body weight, and body fat were determined. GRADE, risk of bias 2, and PEDro scales were employed. HIIT compared to no intervention, minimal intervention, or usual care did not show significant results in its favor on any of the variables studied, except for the resting heart rate when compared with no intervention (SMD = -0.33; 95% CI: -0.63, -0.04; heterogeneity Q value: 0.14; p = 0.93; I2 = 0%). In addition, HIIT also does not seem to be more effective than moderate-intensity continuous training. Based on the results, it seems that HIIT has almost no significant effects on biological and body composition variables, except for resting heart rate, in patients with MSKD.

Minimal Dose of Resistance Exercise Required to Induce Immediate Hypotension Effect in Older Adults with Hypertension: Randomized Cross-Over Controlled Trial.

To determine the optimal exercise volume to generate a hypotension response after the execution of a single strength exercise in elderly subjects with hypertension (HT), a randomized crossover design was performed. A total of 19 elderly subjects with HT performed one control session and three experimental sessions of resistance training with different volumes in a randomized order: three, six, and nine sets of 20 repetitions maximum (RM) of a single elbow flexion exercise with elastic bands. The systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean heart rate (MHR) were tested at the beginning and immediately afterwards, at 30 and 60 min, and at 4, 5, and 6 h after the resistance exercise. The results show that the volumes of six and nine sets of 20 RM obtained statistically significant differences in the SBP at 30 and 60 min post-exercise (p < 0.05); in the DBP at 30 min after exercise (p < 0.05); and in the MHR immediately after exercise at 30 and 60 min (p < 0.05), compared to a control session. A single resistance exercise with a minimum volume of six sets of 20 RM generated an acute post-exercise antihypertensive response that was maintained for 60 min in elderly people with controlled HT.

Impact of Pain Neuroscience Education Program in Community Physiotherapy Context on Pain Perception and Psychosocial Variables Associated with It in Elderly Persons: A Ranzomized Controlled Trial.

This study investigated the long-term effect (six-months) of a Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) program on pain perception, quality of life, kinesiophobia and catastrophism in older adults with multimorbidity and chronic pain. Fifty participants (n = 50) were randomly assigned to the pain education therapy group (PET; n = 24) and control group (CG; n = 26). The PET group received six sessions (i.e., once a week, 50 min) about neurophysiology of pain while the CG carried on with their usual life. Perception of pain through the visual analogue scale (VAS), quality of life (EQ-5D questionnaire), kinesiophobia (TSK-11) and catastrophism (PCS) were assessed after six months since the last PNE session. Statistically significant differences on VAS (t(48) = 44, p = 0.01, ES = 0.42 [0.13, 0.65]) was found in favor to PET group. No other statistically significant differences were found. This study found that the application of a PNE intervention in an isolated form was able to significantly reduce pain perception with low effect size in the long-term (six months after intervention) in elderly people with chronic pain.

Clinical Relevance of a Balance Training Program on Liver Transplant Patients. A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Although some studies have reported significant improvements in physical function and strength after training programs on liver transplant (LT) recipients, there is a lack of knowledge on how it affects in static and dynamic balance, being an important part of these participants' tasks development. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of a 6-month multicomponent circuit training program on static and dynamic balance in LT participants. METHODS: Fifty-four participants were randomized at 6 months after LT into 2 groups: exercise (EXER) group and control (CONTROL) group, with repeat testing at 6 (baseline) and 12 months after LT. The intervention consisted of a multicomponent training, including balance, strength, endurance, and flexibility training, with exercises arranged in a circuit setup and a moderate intensity with high perceived exertion. Training sessions were performed in the hospital facilities with qualified trainers. To determine differences over time between EXER and CONTROL, mixed-regression linear models with subject variable as random factor and variables of treatment duration, type, and interaction as predictors were used. RESULTS: The EXER group showed significant differences (P < 0.05) compared with CONTROL in all variables of static and dynamic balance, hip strength (49% versus 13%), agility (-16% versus -1%), and flexibility (78% versus -26%). Adherence to the intervention was 94%, and 80% of the participants continued voluntarily training after the 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that a multicomponent circuit training program at a moderate intensity with high perceived exertion could reduce the probability of injuries because it improves balance on LT recipients.

Positive Effects of a Short-Term Intense Elastic Resistance Training Program on Body Composition and Physical Functioning in Overweight Older Women.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a resistance training program (RTP) in older overweight women (OOW) using two different types of elastic devices. METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled trial with pre- and postintervention measures. Participants included OOW, aged 60-85 years, with no medical history of disease that would preclude them from engaging in physical exercise. Participants were randomly divided into the following groups: elastic tubes with handles group (ETG; n = 22), traditional elastic bands group ( n = 21), and control group (CG; n = 20). Exercise groups (EGs) performed the following supervised RTP: 8 weeks, twice weekly, six overall body exercises, and 3-4 sets of 10 repetitions at a rate of perceived exertion (RPE) of 7-9 on the OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scale of perceived exertion. The controls did not change their usual lifestyle. Outcome measures included body composition (BC; total and regional percentage of fat mass [FM] and fat-free mass [FFM]) and physical performance (PP; dynamic and isometric strength, flexibility, agility/dynamic balance, and endurance). RESULTS: Both EGs exhibited significantly reduced FM in the upper limbs (ULs) and trunk and increased FFM in the UL, while the ETG exhibited a significantly increased trunk FFM. Both EGs improved in PP, and there were no intergroup differences. Trunk FM and FFM and meters walked differed significantly between the ETG and CG. The CG did not exhibit any significant changes. CONCLUSION: Training with elastic devices at a moderate-high RPE produces short-term improvements in BC and PP in OOW.

The Effect of Moderate- Versus High-Intensity Resistance Training on Systemic Redox State and DNA Damage in Healthy Older Women.

This study investigated effects of a 16-week progressive resistance training program (RTP) with elastic bands at two different intensities on systemic redox state, DNA damage, and physical function in healthy older women. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to the high-intensity group (HIGH; n = 39), moderate-intensity group (MOD; n = 31), or control group (CG; n = 23). The exercise groups performed an RTP twice a week with three to four sets of 6 (HIGH) or 15 (MOD) repetitions of six overall body exercises at a perceived exertion rate of 8-9 on the OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scale for use with elastic bands. Thiol redox state was determined by reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and GSSG/GSH in blood mononuclear cells. Degree of DNA damage was assessed by presence of the oxidized DNA base molecule 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in urine. Physical function monitoring was based on the arm curl, chair stand, up and go, and 6-min walk tests. RESULTS: The HIGH group showed a significant increase in 8-OHdG (+71.07%, effect size [ES] = 1.12) and a significant decrease in GSH (-10.91, ES = -0.69), while the MOD group showed a significant decrease in 8-OHdG levels (-25.66%, ES = -0.69) with no changes in thiol redox state. GSH levels differed significantly between the HIGH and CG groups posttest. The exercise groups showed significant improvements in physical function with no differences between groups. CONCLUSION: RTP at a moderate rather than high intensity may be a better strategy to reduce DNA damage in healthy older women while also increasing independence.

Concurrent validation of the OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scale of perceived exertion with elastic bands in the elderly.

PURPOSE: To examine the concurrent validity of the OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scale of perceived exertion using elastic bands in elder population. METHODS: Twenty-six participants performed three separate sets of 15 repetitions (low- medium- and high-intensity) for 4 different exercises (2 for the upper-limb and 2 for the lower limb), over two different testing sessions. The criterion variables were heart rate and applied force (average and maximum). In addition to these dependent variables, the active muscle and overall body OMNI-RES for elastic bands scores were collected at the end of each repetition. RESULTS: Significant differences in heart rate, applied force and OMNI-RES scores between the low- and high-intensity sets were observed. For all the four exercises, high intensity sets elicited higher heart rate, applied force, and RPE compared to the medium and the low overloads. Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.79 in heart rate and ranged 0.69-0.80 in OMNI-RES Scale and 0.76-0.86 for the applied force. CONCLUSION: A strong positive and linear relationship was observed between the rating of perceived exertion and both heart rate and applied force. The OMNI-RES scale with elastic bands demonstrated to be a valid method for assessing the perceived exertion during resistance exercises and consequently represent a useful tool for prescribing exercise intensity to the elderly.

Trunk muscle activity during different variations of the supine plank exercise.

BACKGROUND: Exercises providing neuromuscular challenges of the spinal muscles are desired for core stability, which is important for workers with heavy manual labour as well as people recovering from back pain. PURPOSE: This study evaluated whether using a suspended modality increases trunk muscle activity during unilateral or bilateral isometric supine planks. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: Twenty university students participated in this cross-sectional study. Each subject performed four different conditions: bilateral stable supine plank, unilateral stable supine plank, bilateral suspended supine plank and unilateral suspended supine plank. Surface electromyography (EMG) signals were recorded for the upper rectus abdominis (UP ABS), lower rectus abdominis (LOW ABS), external oblique (OBLIQ) and lumbar erector spinae (LUMB). Peak EMG of the filtered signals were normalized to the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). RESULTS: No differences between exercises were found for UP ABS, LOW ABS and OBLIQ muscle activity. The unilateral suspended supine plank provided the highest LUMB activity (20% of MVIC) whiles the bilateral stable supine plank provided the lowest activity (11% of MVIC). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of unilateral variations with a suspended support provides the greatest LUMB muscle activity, while using these variations separately only provides advantages when compared with regular planks.

Metabolic and Functional Profile of Premenopausal Women With Metabolic Syndrome After Training With Elastics as Compared to Free Weights.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a strength training program (STP) using free weights (FW) versus elastic tubing (ET) in 62 premenopausal, sedentary women diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (MS). Participants were randomly assigned to the FW or ET experimental group (EG) or a control group whose members remained sedentary. Members of each EG followed their assigned STP for 12 weeks, and biomarkers (BMs) related to MS and motor function (MF) parameters were evaluated. Both EGs showed a significant reduction in C-reactive protein level and a positive trend in the other BMs. Almost all MF parameters increased significantly in both EGs. No positive changes were found in the CG. These results indicate that the implementation of an STP, with either FW or ET, improves both metabolic health and MF and should be considered part of the basic approach to health care in women.

The validity and reliability of a new instrumented device for measuring ankle dorsiflexion range of motion.

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: A restriction in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) has been linked to several clinical manifestations such as metatarsalgia, heel pain, nerve entrapment, ankle joint equinus, patellar and ankle injuries. The purpose of the present study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Leg Motion system for measuring ankle dorsiflexion ROM. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive repeated-measures study. METHODS: Twenty-six healthy male university students were recruited to test the reliability of the Leg Motion system, which is a portable tool used for assessment of ankle dorsiflexion during the weight-bearing lunge test. The participants were tested two times separated by two weeks and measurements were performed at the same time of the day by the same single rater. To test the validity of the Leg Motion system, other maximal ankle dorsiflexion ROM assessments (goniometer, inclinometer and measuring tape) were measured in a single session (i.e., the first test session) during the weight-bearing lunge position using a standard goniometer, a digital inclinometer and a measuring tape measure with the ability to measure to the nearest 0.1 cm. RESULTS: Paired t-tests showed the absence of significant differences between right and left limb measurements of dorsiflexion in all tests. Mean values ± standard deviations were as follows: Leg Motion test (left 11.6cm±3.9; right 11.9cm ±4.0), tape measure (left 11.6cm±4.0; right 11.8cm±4.2), goniometer (left 40.6º±5.2; right 40.6º±5.2), and digital inclinometer (left 40.0º±5.8; right 39.9º±5.6). The Leg Motion composite values (i.e., average of the two legs) showed a significant (p<0.05) positive correlation with the tape measure (r=0.99), with the goniometer (r=0.66), and with the digital inclinometer (r=0.72). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study provide evidence to support the use of the Leg Motion system as a valid, portable, and easy to use alternative to the weight-bearing lunge test to assess ankle dorsiflexion ROM in healthy participants. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.