Effects of a 6-Week Upper Extremity Low-Volume, High-Intensity Interval Training Program on Oxygen Uptake, Peak Power Output, and Total Exercise Time.

Pinto, N, Salassi III, JW, Donlin, A, Schroeder, J, and Rozenek, R. Effects of a 6-week upper extremity low-volume, high-intensity interval training program on oxygen uptake, peak power output, and total exercise time. J Strength Cond Res 33(5): 1295-1304, 2019-The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of upper extremity (UE) high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to UE continuous training (CT) when training at a similar intensity. Twenty participants (mean age = 23 ± 3 years) were randomly assigned to either a HIIT (n = 10) or CT (n = 10) group. Participants completed a graded exercise test (GXT) utilizing arm cranking before and after 6 weeks (2 sessions per week) of UE training. During sessions, HIIT performed 10 repetitions of 60 seconds of work at 92.3 ± 1.0% of the arm HRpeak (%aHRpeak) and 60 seconds of passive recovery (%aHRpeak = 73.0 ± 4.0%) yielding an average training intensity of 82.6 ± 1.5 %aHRpeak. CT exercised for 20 minutes at an average intensity of 81.9 ± 2.2 %aHRpeak. After training, HIIT showed greater improvement in V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak compared with CT (Δ = 4.1 ml·min·kg, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-6.9 m·min·kg, p = 0.007). Total exercise time during the posttest GXT was also improved as a result of HIIT (Δ = 1.4 minutes, 95% CI: 0.4-2.3 minutes, p = 0.008). Both groups improved peak power output, but no difference was observed between them (Δ = 3.3 W, 95% CI: -3.3 to 9.9 W, p = 0.305). For a similar time investment, HIIT seemed to improve measures of cardiopulmonary capacity and exercise time to a greater extent than CT and may be a time-efficient alternative for those who incorporate UE aerobic activity into a training program.

The Relationship Between Pedometer-Determined Ambulatory Activity and Balance Variables Within an Older Adult Population.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the differences between gender, physical activity level, and balance in an older adult population. A secondary purpose was to examine the relationship between pedometer-determined ambulatory activity and balance. Forty-six older adults aged 73.7 ± 6.2 years participated in the study. Participants completed the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) Scale and completed a 2-week daily step recording to determine average steps taken per day. Low-level activity participants (<5,000 steps/day) were significantly different from the high-level activity participants (>7,500 steps/day) in weight, age, and the number of medications reported. Males performed better than females on the two-footed jump test and reactive postural test FAB assessments. High-level activity participants performed significantly better than low-level activity participants on all FAB assessments except stand with feet together and eyes closed, reach forward to object, and walk with head turns.