Aerobic, resistance and combined training and detraining on body composition, muscle strength, lipid profile and inflammation in coronary artery disease patients.

Fifty-six elderly individuals diagnosed with coronary artery disease participated in the study and were divided into four groups: an aerobic exercise group, a resistance exercise group, a combined (aerobic + resistance) exercise group and a control group. The three exercise groups participated in 8 months of exercise training. Before, at 4 and at 8 months of the training period as well as at 1, 2 and 3 months after training cessation, muscle strength was measured and blood samples were collected. The resistance exercise caused significant increases mainly in muscle strength whereas aerobic exercise caused favourable effects mostly on lipid and apolipoprotein profiles. On the other hand, combined exercise caused significant favourable effects on both physiological (i.e. muscle strength) and biochemical (i.e. lipid and apolipoprotein profile and inflammation status) parameters, while the return to baseline values during the detraining period was slower compared to the other exercise modalities.

Community-Based Training-Detraining Intervention in Older Women: A Five-Year Follow-Up Study.

This five-year follow-up nonrandomized controlled study evaluated community-based training and detraining on body composition and functional ability in older women. Forty-two volunteers (64.3 ± 5.1 years) were divided into four groups: aerobic training, strength training, combined aerobic and strength, and control. Body composition and physical fitness were measured at baseline, after nine months of training and after three months of detraining every year. After five years of training, body fat decreased, and fat free mass, strength, and chair test performance increased (p < .05) in all training groups. Training-induced favorable adaptations were reversed during detraining but, eventually, training groups presented better values than the control group even after detraining. Thus, nine months of annual training, during a five-year period, induced favorable adaptations on body composition, muscular strength, and functional ability in older women. Three months of detraining, however, changed the favorable adaptations and underlined the need for uninterrupted exercise throughout life.

Acute pro- and anti-inflammatory responses to resistance exercise in patients with coronary artery disease: a pilot study.

Little is known about the inflammatory effects of resistance exercise in healthy and even less in diseased individuals such as cardiac patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the acute pro- and anti-inflammatory responses during resistance exercise (RE) in patients with coronary artery disease. Eight low risk patients completed two acute RE protocols at low (50% of 1 RM; 2x18 rps) and moderate intensity (75% of 1 RM; 3x8 rps) in random order. Both protocols included six exercises and had the same total load volume. Blood samples were obtained before, immediately after and 60 minutes after each protocol for the determination of lactate, TNFα, INF-γ, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-ß1, and hsCRP concentrations. IL-6 and IL-10 levels increased (p < 0.05) immediately after both RE protocols with no differences between protocols. INF-γ was significantly lower (p < 0.05) 60 min after the low intensity protocol, whereas TGF-ß1 increased (p < 0.05) immediately after the low intensity protocol. There were no differences in TNF-& and hs-CRP after both RE protocols or between protocols. The above data indicate that acute resistance exercise performed at low to moderate intensity in low risk, trained CAD patients is safe and does not exacerbate the inflammation associated with their disease. Key pointsAcute resistance exercise is safe without exacerbating inflammation in patients with CAD.Both exercise intensities (50 and 75% of 1 RM) elicit desirable pro-and anti-inflammatory responses.With both exercise intensities (50 and 75% of 1 RM) acceptable clinical hemodynamic alterations were observed.

Changes in Body Composition and Strength after 12 Weeks of High-Intensity Functional Training with Two Different Loads in Physically Active Men and Women: A Randomized Controlled Study.

This study examined the effects of two different resistance loads during high-intensity Functional Training (HIFT) on body composition and maximal strength. Thirty-one healthy young individuals were randomly assigned into three groups: moderate load (ML: 70% 1-RM), low load-(LL: 30% 1-RM), and control (CON). Each experimental group performed HIFT three times per week for 12 weeks with a similar total volume load. Body fat decreased equally in both experimental groups after 6 weeks of training (p < 0.001), but at the end of training it further decreased only in LL compared to ML (-3.19 ± 1.59 vs. -1.64 ± 1.44 kg, p < 0.001), with no change in CON (0.29 ± 1.08 kg, p = 0.998). Lean body mass (LBM) increased after 6 weeks of training (p = 0.019) in ML only, while after 12 weeks a similar increase was observed in LL and ML (1.11 ± 0.65 vs. ML: 1.25 ± 1.59 kg, p = 0.034 and 0.013, respectively), with no change in CON (0.34 ± 0.67 kg, p = 0.991). Maximal strength increased similarly in four out of five exercises for both experimental groups by between 9.5% and 16.9% (p < 0.01) at the end of training, with no change in CON (-0.6 to 4.9%, p > 0.465). In conclusion, twelve weeks of HIFT training with either low or moderate resistance and equal volume load resulted in an equal increase in LBM and maximal strength, but different fat loss.

Training-induced changes on blood lactate profile and critical velocity in young swimmers.

This study examines the efficacy of critical swimming velocity (CV) for training prescription and monitoring the changes induced on aerobic endurance after a period of increased training volume in young swimmers. An experimental group (E: n = 7; age: 13.3 ± 1.3 years), which participated in competitive training was tested at the beginning (W0), the sixth week (W6), and 14th week (W14) to compare the changes of aerobic endurance indexes (CV; lactate threshold [LT]; velocity corresponding to blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol · L: V4). A control group (C: n = 7; age: 14.1 ± 1.6 years), which refrained from competitive training, was used to observe maturation effects and was tested for CV changes between W0 and W14. The average weekly training volume was increased after the sixth week in the E group and was unchanged for the C group. The CV was not different between or within groups at W0 and W14 (p > 0.05). The LT of the E group was no different compared to V4 and CV at W0 and W6 (p > 0.05) but was higher than CV at W14 (p < 0.05). The LT increased (6.5 ± 5.3%, p < 0.05), but V4 and CV were unchanged after W6 (3.6 ± 1.9%; 2.1 ± 1.2%, p > 0.05). LT, V4, and CV were unchanged despite the increased training volume from W6 to W14 (LT: 1.2 ± 4.3%, V4: 0.8 ± 1.5%, CV: 0.3 ± 0.8%; p > 0.05). These findings suggest that CV pace may be effectively used for the improvement of aerobic endurance in young swimmers. The aerobic endurance indexes used for the assessment of swimmers' progression showed different rates of change as a response to the same training stimulus and cannot be used interchangeably for training planning.

Repeated sprint swimming performance after low- or high-intensity active and passive recoveries.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects on sprint swimming performance after low- and high-intensity active recovery (AR) as compared to passive recovery. Ten male competitive swimmers (age: 17.9 ± 2.3 years; body mass: 73.2 ± 4.0 kg; height: 1.81 ± 0.04 m, 100-m best time: 54.90 ± 1.96 seconds) performed 8 × 25-m sprints with 120-second rest intervals followed by a 50-m sprint 6 minutes later. During the 120-second and the 6-minute interval periods swimmers rested passively (PAS) or swam at an intensity of 40% (ACT40; 36 ± 8% of the V(O2)max) and 60% (ACT60; 59 ± 7% of the V(O2)max) of their individual 100-m velocity. Performance time of the 8 × 25-m after ACT60 was slower compared with PAS and ACT40, but no difference was observed between ACT40 and PAS conditions (PAS: 12.15 ± 0.48, ACT40: 12.23 ± 0.54, ACT60: 12.35 ± 0.57 seconds, p < 0.05). Performance time of the 50-m sprint was no different between conditions (PAS: 26.45 ± 0.91; ACT40: 26.30 ± 1.18; ACT60: 26.21 ± 1.19 seconds; p > 0.05). Blood lactate concentration was not different between PAS, ACT40, and ACT60 after the 8 × 25-m and the 50-m sprints (p > 0.05). Passive recovery, or low intensity of AR (40% of the 100-m velocity), is advised to maintain repeated 25-m sprint swimming performance when a 2-minute interval period is provided. Active recovery at an intensity corresponding to 60% of the 100-m velocity decreases performance during the 25-m repeated sprints without affecting the performance time on a subsequent longer duration sprint (i.e., 50 m).

Cardiorespiratory fitness, metabolic risk, and inflammation in children.

The aim of this study was to investigate the independent associations among cardiorespiratory fitness, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in children. The sample consisted of 112 children (11.4 ± 0.4 years). Data was obtained for children's anthropometry, cardiorespiratory fitness, MetS components, and CRP levels. MetS was defined using criteria analogous to the Adult Treatment Panel III definition. A MetS risk score was also computed. Prevalence of the MetS was 5.4%, without gender differences. Subjects with low fitness showed significantly higher MetS risk (P < 0.001) and CRP (P < 0.007), compared to the high-fitness pupils. However, differences in MetS risk, and CRP between fitness groups decreased when adjusted for waist circumference. These data indicate that the mechanisms linking cardiorespiratory fitness, MetS risk and inflammation in children are extensively affected by obesity. Intervention strategies aiming at reducing obesity and improving cardiorespiratory fitness in childhood might contribute to the prevention of the MetS in adulthood.

Swimming performance after passive and active recovery of various durations.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of active and passive recovery of various durations after a 100-m swimming test performed at maximal effort. METHODS: Eleven competitive swimmers (5 males, 6 females, age: 17.3 +/- 0.6 y) completed two 100-m tests with a 15-min interval at a maximum swimming effort under three experimental conditions. The recovery between tests was 15 min passive (PAS), 5 min active, and 10 min passive (5ACT) or 10 min active and 5 min passive (10ACT). Self-selected active recovery started immediately after the first test, corresponding to 60 +/- 5% of the 100-m time. Blood samples were taken at rest, 5, 10, and 15 min after the first as well as 5 min after the second 100-m test for blood lactate determination. Heart rate was also recorded during the corresponding periods. RESULTS: Performance time of the first 100 m was not different between conditions (P > .05). The second 100-m test after the 5ACT (64.49 +/- 3.85 s) condition was faster than 10ACT (65.49 +/- 4.63 s) and PAS (65.89 +/- 4.55 s) conditions (P < .05). Blood lactate during the 15-min recovery period between the 100-m efforts was lower in both active recovery conditions compared with passive recovery (P < .05). Heart rate was higher during the 5ACT and 10ACT conditions compared with PAS during the 15-min recovery period (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Five minutes of active recovery during a 15-min interval period is adequate to facilitate blood lactate removal and enhance performance in swimmers. Passive recovery and/or 10 min of active recovery is not recommended.

Physiological and anthropometric determinants of rhythmic gymnastics performance.

PURPOSE: To identify the physiological and anthropometric predictors of rhythmic gymnastics performance, which was defined from the total ranking score of each athlete in a national competition. METHODS: Thirty-four rhythmic gymnasts were divided into 2 groups, elite (n = 15) and nonelite (n = 19), and they underwent a battery of anthropometric, physical fitness, and physiological measurements. The principal-components analysis extracted 6 components: anthropometric, flexibility, explosive strength, aerobic capacity, body dimensions, and anaerobic metabolism. These were used in a simultaneous multiple-regression procedure to determine which best explain the variance in rhythmic gymnastics performance. RESULTS: Based on the principal-component analysis, the anthropometric component explained 45% of the total variance, flexibility 12.1%, explosive strength 9.2%, aerobic capacity 7.4%, body dimensions 6.8%, and anaerobic metabolism 4.6%. Components of anthropometric (r = .50) and aerobic capacity (r = .49) were significantly correlated with performance (P < .01). When the multiple-regression model-y = 10.708 + (0.0005121 x VO2max) + (0.157 x arm span) + (0.814 x midthigh circumference) - (0.293 x body mass)-was applied to elite gymnasts, 92.5% of the variation was explained by VO2max (58.9%), arm span (12%), midthigh circumference (13.1%), and body mass (8.5%). CONCLUSION: Selected anthropometric characteristics, aerobic power, flexibility, and explosive strength are important determinants of successful performance. These findings might have practical implications for both training and talent identification in rhythmic gymnastics.

Acute effects of soccer training on white blood cell count in elite female players.

PURPOSE: To investigate the acute changes in leukocyte number and cortisol after a single bout of soccer training. METHODS: Ten elite female national-team soccer players and 8 nonathletes participated in the study. The duration of the exercise was 2 h, and it was performed at an intensity of 75% of maximal heart rate (HRmax). Blood samples were taken before, immediately after, and 4 h after a soccer training session to determine total white blood cells; the subsets of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils; and cortisol. At the same time, blood samples were obtained from nonathletes who refrained from exercise. RESULTS: Data analysis indicated a significant increase in total white blood cells in the athletes postexercise (P < .001). The leukocytosis was still evident after 4 h of recovery (78% higher than the preexercise values), and there was a significant difference between athletes and nonathletes (P < .001). This leukocytosis was primarily caused by neutrophilia-there were no significant differences in lymphocytes after the end of exercise or between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference in cortisol concentration between athletes and nonathletes after the exercise (P < .001). CONCLUSION: These findings revealed that the single bout of soccer training at an intensity of 75% of HRmax induced leukocytosis without affecting the lymphocyte count in elite female athletes and probably the effectiveness of cellular components of adaptive immunity. Coaches should provide adequate time (>4 h) until the next exercise session.

Physiological alterations to detraining following prolonged combined strength and aerobic training in cardiac patients.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to assess the training and detraining effects on physiological parameters resulting from a combined strength and aerobic exercise programme in patients with coronary artery disease. DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty male coronary artery disease patients were randomly assigned to an exercise (n = 16) and control group (n = 14). Patients in the exercise group participated in a supervised exercise programme for 8 months and were followed for 3 months after training cessation. The programme consisted of two sessions of circuit weight training and two sessions of aerobic training. Cardiopulmonary testing and muscular strength were assessed at baseline and after 4 and 8 months of training as well as after 3 months of detraining. RESULTS: The exercise training programme resulted in significant improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak 15.4% and exercise time 14%) after 8 months. Muscular strength also increased significantly in all exercises by an average of 28% (upper body 25.5% and lower body 35.4%). Three months of detraining, however, resulted in a 10% regression in VO2peak, 6.7% in exercise time, 12% in upper body strength and 15.7% in lower body strength. CONCLUSIONS: The above results indicate that a significant part of the favourable adaptations obtained after prolonged training is practically lost within 3 months of detraining. Therefore, patients with coronary artery disease should follow a systematic exercise programme throughout life in order to improve cardiovascular function, muscular strength and ameliorate their health status.

Influence of different rest intervals during active or passive recovery on repeated sprint swimming performance.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of active or passive recovery after two different rest intervals on performance during repeated bouts of maximal swimming exercise. Sixteen swimmers (eight males and eight females) performed four trials in a counterbalanced order. Eight repetitions of 25-m sprints (8 x 25 m), with a rest interval of 45 or 120 s, followed by a 50-m sprint test 6 min later, were performed in each trial. The 45 or 120-s interval was either active (A45 and A120) or passive (P45 and P120). The intensity of the active recovery corresponded to 60% of the individual best 100-m velocity. Performance time was recorded using an official competition timing system. The first 25-m sprint was comparable across trials (P>0.05), but performance was decreased after the second sprint during active compared to passive recovery, irrespective of the interval duration (P<0.05). The 50-m sprint time was 2.4% better in the P120 and A120 compared to the A45 and P45 trials (P<0.05). After completing the 8x25 m, blood lactate was decreased with active recovery when the interval period was 120 s (P120 vs A120, P<0.05). Blood lactate concentration at the start as well as 5 min after the 50-m sprint was lower in the A120 and A45 compared to the P120 and P45 trials respectively (P<0.05). Plasma glycerol was not different between trials (P>0.05), whereas plasma ammonia was higher in the A45 compared to the P120 trial (P<0.05). The interval period separating short-duration sprints may therefore alter performance when subsequent maximum exertion is applied. For sustained sprinting ability, passive recovery is advised during repeated swimming sprints of short duration.