Manual myofascial release and muscle energy enhances trunk flexibility and strength in recreationally resistance-trained women: Cross-over study.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of myofascial release and muscle energy on acute outcomes in trunk extensors active range-of-motion and strength in recreationally resistance-trained women. Seventeen apparently healthy women performed three experimental protocols using a cross-over, randomized (counterbalanced in Latin Square format), and within-subjects design: a) range-of-motion and strength test after a manual myofascial release protocol (MFR); b) flexibility and strength test after a muscle energy protocol (ME); and c) range-of-motion and strength test without myofascial release or muscle energy (control condition). Active trunk range-of-motion was measured via a sit-and-reach test and trunk extension strength via isometric dorsal dynamometer. A significant increase in range-of-motion was found for MFR (p = 0.002; d = 0.71) and ME (p < 0.001; d = 0.47) when comparing post-intervention with baseline values. Similarly, a significant increase for strength was found for MFR (p = 0.018; d = 0.10) when comparing post-intervention with baseline values. In conclusion, both techniques (MFR and ME) improved trunk range-of-motion with the sit and reach test immediately post-intervention; however, MFR showed greater magnitude increases in range-of-motion (MFR: (medium magnitude) vs ME: small magnitude). Due to the potential health implications, both (MFR and ME) responses should be among the many considerations for rehabilitation and performance exercise prescription when prescribing an exercise regimen.

Ischemic Preconditioning Promotes Post-Exercise Hypotension in a Session of Resistance Exercise in Normotensive Trained Individuals.

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is a method that has been used prior to resistance exercise to improve performance. However, little is known about its effect before a resistance exercise training session on hemodynamic responses. Thus, the aim of the study was to verify the acute effect of IPC before a session of resistance exercises on the systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean blood pressure (MBP) of trained normotensive trained individuals. Sixteen men (25.3 ± 1.7 years; 78.4 ± 6.2 kg; 176.9 ± 5.4 cm, 25.1 ± 1.5 m2.kg-1) trained in resistance exercise (RE) (5.0 ± 1.7 years) were evaluated in five sessions on non-consecutive days. The first two sessions' subjects performed one repetition maximum (RM) test and retest, and for the next three sessions, they performed the experimental protocols: (a) IPC + RE; (b) SHAM + RE; (c) RE. The RE protocol consisted of six multi-joint exercises, three sets at 80% of 1RM until concentric failure. Blood pressure was monitored pre-session, immediately after and every 10 min for 60 min after RE. IPC consisted of 4 × 5 min of vascular occlusion/reperfusion at 220 mmHg. SHAM (fake protocol) consisted of 20 mmHg of vascular occlusion/reperfusion. The IPC + RE protocol showed significant reductions on SBP, DBP, and MBP compared with SHAM + RE (p < 0.05) and with RE (p < 0.05). The IPC + RE protocol presented a greater magnitude and duration of post-exercise hypotension (PEH) from 20 to 60 min after exercise in SBP (-11 to 14 mmHg), DBP (-5 to 14 mmHg), and MBP (-7 to 13 mmHg). Therefore, we can conclude that the application of IPC before an RE session potentiated the PEH in normotensive individuals trained in resistance exercise.

Characterization of the intensity of effort of blind athletes from the Brazilian Football 5-A-Side national team / Caracterização da intensidade de esforço dos atletas cegos da seleção brasileira de futebol de cinco

Introduction: Football 5-a-side is a sport played by blind athletes that takes part in the Paralympic Games since 2004. The Brazilian national team is currently considered the best team in the world in this sport. Objective: To analyze the variations of intensity of effort (average per position and group average) made by blind athletes of the Brazilian football 5-a-side national team during six matches simulations. Methods: The sample on this research is the intentional type, made with eight blind male players, ages ranging from 21 to 30 years old (23.8 ± 3.3), all of them part of the Brazilian Football 5-a-side National team, which played in the 2012 Paralympics Games in England. In was evaluated the VO2máx and the heart rate during six simulations of official matches. Results: The intensity of effort of the blind athletes of the Brazilian Football 5-a-side National Team is intermittent and remains 52.5 % of the total time of a match (50 minutes) with an intensity of effort between the zone 2 (between threshold ventilation and respiratory compensation point) and the zone 3 (above the respiratory compensation point) averaging 89.8 % of the HR max. Conclusion: The intensity of effort is greater than the Football of 11 and, that in the Futsal players. (AU)

Introdução: O Futebol de 5 é um esporte praticado por atletas cegos, que participa das Paraolimpíadas desde 2004. A seleção Brasileira foi considerada a melhor equipe do mundo nessa modalidade entre os anos de 2004 e 2016. Objetivo: analisar as variações da intensidade de esforço (média por posição e média do grupo) realizados pelos atletas cegos da Seleção Brasileira de Futebol de 5 durante seis simulações de partidas oficiais (coletivos). Métodos: A amostra desta pesquisa é do tipo intencional, constituída por oito jogadores cegos do sexo masculino, com idades que variam de 21 a 30 anos (23,8±3,3) convocados para a Seleção Brasileira de Futebol de 5, que disputaram as Paraolimpíadas na Inglaterra em 2012. Foram avaliados o VO2máx e a Frequência Cardíaca durante as seis simulações de partidas oficiais. Resultados: A intensidade de esforço dos atletas cegos da Seleção Brasileira de Futebol de 5 é intermitente por permanecer 52,5% do tempo total de uma partida desta modalidade (50 minutos) com intensidade de esforço entre as zonas 2 (entre o Limiar Ventilatório e o Ponto de Compensação Respiratória) e zona 3 (acima do Ponto de Compensação Respiratória), atingindo uma média de 89,8% da FC máx. Conclusão: A intensidade de esforço é maior que o Futebol de 11 e, que no Futsal. (AU)

Hypotensive effects of resistance exercise with continuous and intermittent blood flow restriction

The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of low-intensity (LI) resistance exercise (RE) with continuous blood flow restriction (CBFR) and intermittent blood flow restriction (IBFR) on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP). After a one-repetition maximum test, 10 normotensive recreationally trained men performed three experimental protocols. In the three RE protocols, increases in SBP, DBP, and MAP were observed immediately after exercise, but the effect sizes (ESs) were greater for the LI + CBFR and high-intensity protocols. There were hypotensive effects on SBP, DBP, and MAP in all three protocols; however, the effects on MAP lasted longer for the LI + IBFR and LI + CBFR protocols. These long-lasting hypotensive effects on DBP and MAP occurred in all three protocols. Thus, we conclude that the post exercise hypotensive effects on SBP, DBP, and MAP appear to occur in all three RE protocols, with the effect on SBP being longer in the LI + IBFR and LI + CBFR protocols

Hypotensive effects of resistance exercises with blood flow restriction.

The effects of low-intensity resistance exercise (RE) combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) on blood pressure (BP) are an important factor to be considered because of the acute responses imposed by training. The aim of this study was to compare the hypotensive effect of RE performed with and without BFR in normotensive young subjects. After 1 repetition maximum (1RM) tests, 24 men (21.79 ± 3.21 years; 1.72 ± 0.06 m; 69.49 ± 9.80 kg) performed the following 4 experimental protocols in a randomized order: (a) high-intensity RE at 80% of 1RM (HI), (b) low-intensity RE at 20% of 1RM (LI), (c) low-intensity RE at 20% of 1RM combined with partial BFR (LI + BFR), and (d) control. Analysis of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was conducted over a 60-minute period. The 3 RE protocols resulted in hypotensive SBP (HI = -3.8%, LI = -3.3%, LI + BFR = -5.5%) responses during the 60 minutes (p ≤ 0.05). The LI + BFR protocol promoted hypotensive (-11.5%) responses in DBP during the 60 minutes (p ≤ 0.05), and both the HI and LI + BFR protocols resulted in mean blood pressure (MBP) hypotension between 30 (-7.0%, -7.7%) and 60 minutes (-3.6%, -8.8%), respectively. In conclusion, postexercise hypotension may occur after all 3 exercise protocols with greater reductions in SBP after HI and LI + BFR, in DBP after LI + BFR, and in MBP after HI and LI + BFR protocols.

Resistance Training in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Improves Uric Acid levels.

Resistance training (RT) can provide several benefits for individuals with Type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance training on the strength levels and uric acid (UA) concentration in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. The study included 68 patients (57.7±9.0 years) that participated in an organized program of RT for 12 weeks. The volunteers were divided into two groups: an experimental group (EG; n=34) that performed the resistance training program consisting of seven exercises executed in an alternating order based on segments; and a control group (CG; n=34) that maintained their normal daily life activities. Muscle strength and uric acid were measured both pre- and post-experiment. The results showed a significant increase in strength of the subjects in the EG for all exercises included in the study (p<0.001). Comparing the strength levels of the post-test, intergroup differences were found in supine sitting (p<0.001), leg extension (p<0.001), shoulder press (p<0.001), leg curl (p=0.001), seated row (p<0.001), leg press (p=0.001) and high pulley (p<0.001). The measured uric acid was significantly increased in both experimental and control groups (p<0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). The intergroup comparison showed a significant increase for the EG (p=0.024). We conclude that the training program was effective for strength gains despite an increase in uric acid in Type 2 diabetics.

Chronic effects of strength training vs. Hydro aerobics on functional and cardiorespiratory ability in postmenopausal women.

The current study aimed to compare the effects of two exercise programs (Strength Training and Hydro Gymnastics) on the functional and cardiorespiratory abilities of Portuguese postmenopausal women. The study population consisted of 38 volunteers (age: 66.9 ± 6.1 years, body mass: 73.70 ± 10.38 kg, and body height: 1.55 ± 0.10 m). Subjects were randomly divided into two experimental groups and one control group: one group performed 24 weeks of strength training (GST; n = 14), another performed 24 weeks of hydro gymnastics (GH; n = 17) and a control group (CG; n = 7), where the subjects continued with their regular daily activities without involvement in any physical exercise program. Three assessments were performed: before the beginning of the program, 12 weeks after the start of the training program and 24 weeks after the start of the program. To assess the functional ability of the participants, several tests proposed by Jones and Rikli (2002) were performed. To evaluate the cardiorespiratory ability of the participants, a modified treadmill Bruce test was applied. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found between the two training methods in the tests, which primarily demanded muscular strength. Body mass and the body mass index showed significant differences during the three stages of assessment in the GST group (p<0.05). With respect to the values that represent the variables of cardiorespiratory ability, positive and significant changes were observed in the two experimental groups. It was concluded that both exercise programs promoted improvements in some indicators of the functional and cardiorespiratory abilities of Portuguese postmenopausal women.

Economia de nado: factores determinantes e avaliação / Swimming economy: determinant factors and assessment issues

Economia de nado é um parâmetro importante no controle do processo de treinamento, desde que foi demonstrado que este conceito é relacionado ao desempenho de nado. Economia de nado é afetada por aspectos fisiológicos e biomecânicos, sendo então um conceito que reflete a adaptação de nadadores ao ambiente líquido nesses dois domínios. Uma revisão da literatura sobre economia de nado é apresentada, focalizando alguns dos estudos mais pertinentes que foram publicados sobre este assunto. Diferente dos aspectos biomecânicos e fisiológicos, a economia de nado é influenciada através de outros fatores como: velocidade de nado, habilidade técnica, estado de treinamento, gênero, idade e características antropométricas. Então uma multidão de aspectos estão relacionados com a avaliação da economia de nado e na aplicação deste conceito no controle do processo de treinamento dos nadadores. Uma avaliação apropriada da economia de nado requer a medida direta da captaçãode oxigênio. A escolha do protocolo para avaliar a economia de nado deve ser feita cuidadosamente. Deve ser prestada atenção particular à cinética de captação de oxigênio pelos diferentes níveis de intensidade de exercício. Logo, a intensidade de exercício e duração devem ser consideradas. Em conseqüência a velocidade de nadares tá relacionado intimamente com a velocidade de competição que também é um assunto importante. Embora poucos estudos medissem diretamente a captação de oxigênio de nadadores de alto nível durante a natação, a literatura tem demonstrado que um protocolo descontínuo, com turnos de exercício crescentes de duração entre três e seis minutos parecem apropriados para avaliar a economia de nado.

Swimming economy is an important parameter in the control of the training process, since it has been demonstrated that this concept is related to the swimming performance. Swimming economy is affected by physiological and biomechanical constraints, therefore being a concept that reflects the swimmers´ adaptation to the liquid environment in those two domains. A review of the literature about swimming economy is presented, focusing some of the most relevant studies that have been conducted on this issue. Other than the biomechanical and physiological constraints, the swimming economy is influenced by other factors such as: swimming velocity, technical ability, training status, gender, age and anthropometric characteristics. Therefore a multitude of aspects are pertinent in the assessment of swimming economy and in the application of this concept in the control of the swimmers' training process. A proper assessment of the swimming economy requires the direct measurement of the oxygen uptake. The choice of the protocol to assess the swimming economy must be carefully done. Particular attention must be paid to the oxygen uptake kinetics across the different levels of exercise intensity. Therefore, both exercise intensity and duration are to be considered. The attainment of swimming velocities as close as possible to the competition velocity is also an important issue. Although few studies have measured directly the oxygen uptake of top-level performers during swimming, the literature shows that a discontinuous protocol, with increasing exercise bouts of duration between three and six minutes seem appropriate to assess the swimming economy.