Para Powerlifting Performance: A Systematic Review.

This research aimed to conduct a systematic review of para powerlifting strength performance. The searches were conducted in three electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus. Intervention studies related to para powerlifting performance were included. The main information was extracted systematically, based on criteria established by the authors. The data on study design, sample size, participant's characteristics (e. g. type of disability, sex, age, body weight, and height), training experience, assessment tools, physical performance criteria, and force-related outcomes were extracted and analyzed. The studies (n=9) describe factors related to biomechanics and performance. Outcomes revealed that the one-repetition maximum test is used as load prescription and that para powerlifting should work at high speeds and higher loads. Regarding technique, grip width with 1.5 biacromial distance provides a good lift and partial amplitude training as an alternative to training. There are no differences in total load and movement quality in the lumbar arched technique compared with the flat technique. As a monitoring method, repetitions in reserve scale was used for submaximal loads. Finally, our outcomes and discussion indicated strategies and techniques that can be used by para powerlifting coaches.

Evidence-based recommendations for resistance and power training to prevent frailty in community-dwellers.

Frailty is a reversible state of reduced resilience to stressful events resulting from a multisystem impairment of the human body. As frailty progresses, people become more vulnerable to numerous adverse events, including falls and fractures, cognitive decline, disability, hospitalization, nursing home placement, and death. As such, substantial health care costs are associated with frailty. These features have led to the recognition of frailty as a public health problem. The identification of strategies for the management of frailty has, therefore, become a topic of extensive instigation. In this context, resistance (RT) and power training (PT) have received considerable attention, and experts in the field have recently suggested that both training modalities may improve frailty-related parameters. However, most studies have only included robust people and investigated frailty as a secondary outcome, so that current literature only allows RT and PT preventive programs against frailty to be designed. Here, we provide evidence-based critical recommendations for the prescription of RT and PT programs against incident frailty in community-dwellers.

Hypertension and functional capacities in community-dwelling older women: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to investigate the association between hypertension and physical/functional capacities in community-dwelling older females. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Older female volunteers were dichotomized in two groups: hypertensive (n = 134) and normotensive (n = 244). Volunteers had their medical records reviewed and underwent evaluations of anthropometric data (weight, height and body mass index) and of physical and functional capacities. RESULTS: The results showed that hypertensive older females presented higher values for age, weight, body mass index, and resting diastolic blood pressure than normotensive older females. Normotensive older females showed a higher performance in the one-leg stand test and six-minute walk test compared with hypertensive older females. Age, body mass index, maximal walking speed, performance in the Time Up and Go and six-minute walk test, and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type II were factors associated with hypertension using the chi-square test. However, the multivariate regression analysis indicated that performance in the six-minute walk test was the only factor associated with hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The patients with higher scores in the six-minute walk test, which is associated with aerobic capacity, show less odds to have clinical diagnosis of hypertension. However, hypertension was not associated with poor physical and functional capacity.

Inflammatory Mechanisms Associated with Skeletal Muscle Sequelae after Stroke: Role of Physical Exercise.

Inflammatory markers are increased systematically and locally (e.g., skeletal muscle) in stroke patients. Besides being associated with cardiovascular risk factors, proinflammatory cytokines seem to play a key role in muscle atrophy by regulating the pathways involved in this condition. As such, they may cause severe decrease in muscle strength and power, as well as impairment in cardiorespiratory fitness. On the other hand, physical exercise (PE) has been widely suggested as a powerful tool for treating stroke patients, since PE is able to regenerate, even if partially, physical and cognitive functions. However, the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of physical exercise in poststroke patients remain poorly understood. Thus, in this study we analyze the candidate mechanisms associated with muscle atrophy in stroke patients, as well as the modulatory effect of inflammation in this condition. Later, we suggest the two strongest anti-inflammatory candidate mechanisms, myokines and the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, which may be activated by physical exercise and may contribute to a decrease in proinflammatory markers of poststroke patients.

Thera-band(®) elastic band tension: reference values for physical activity.

[Purpose] The aim of this technical note was to report significant differences in the tension forces of the different-sized Thera-band(®) elastic bands (Hygenic Corp.) determined by us versus the manufacturer. [Subjects] Two trained observers performed all measurements. [Methods] The tension force (kilogram-force units) of eight color-coded elastic bands (tan, yellow, red, green, blue, black, silver, and gold) with different resistance levels was measured at 10 different percentages of elongation (25% to 250% with 25% increments) using an electronic elongation gauge tensiometer. [Results] There were significant differences in the tension force of the elastic bands of different colors when compared in pairs (excepting the tan/yellow pair) at 100% and 200% elongation, as determined via one-way analysis of variance. There were no differences in the slopes for the tan versus yellow and green versus blue bands, as determined via linear regression analysis and one-way analysis of variance. Comparison of the tension force values obtained in our study with the reference values of the manufacturer (the t-test applied to the slopes) showed significant differences for five colors (yellow, green, blue, silver, and gold). [Conclusion] Our results indicate that the tension force values for Thera-Band elastic bands provided by the manufacturer are overestimates.

Effects of dietary restriction or swimming on lymphocytes and macrophages functionality from old rats.

Although aging compromises the functionality of macrophages (MΦ) and lymphocytes (LY), and dietary restriction (DR) and exercise partially counterbalance immunosenescence, it is unknown what effects of both strategies have on the functionality of these immune cells. Rats were randomly distributed into adult control (AD), older group (OLD), older submitted to 50% of DR (DR) and older submitted to swimming (EX) (n = 10 in each group). The function of immune cells (proliferative index, phagocytic capacity and H2O2 production), the weight and protein content of lymphoid organs (thymus and spleen), plasma glutamine concentration, interleukins (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6) and, immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG) were analysed. There was an increase of 74% in body weight in aged animals as compared with the AD group, while body weight reduced 19% in the DR as compared with the OLD group. Swimming training stimulated MΦ phagocytosis, while the EX group presented a decrease of the proliferative capacity of LY from the mesenteric lymph nodes (44% and 62%, respectively), when stimulated with ConA and LPS as compared with the old rats. These data demonstrated that DR and exercise affects differentially MΦ and LY function.

Effects of resistance training associated with a verbal fluency task on physical performance and cognitive function in frail nursing home residents.

OBJECTIVES: Studies examining the effects of dual-task resistance training (RT) on nursing-home residents are still scarce. To add knowledge to this field, the present study compared the effects of 12-week RT and RT plus cognitive task (COG) programs on physical performance and cognitive function in a sample of frail nursing home residents. METHODS: This is an experimental study that combined data from two studies that examined older adults living in nursing home residences in Brazil. Exercise groups performed a 12-week RT protocol that included four exercises, with 3-4 times (sets) of 8-10 repetitions at 70 %-75 % of 1-repetition maximum (1RM), twice a week. The RT+COG group evoked as many words was possible for specific categories during concentric actions of the squat on the chair (until 90° knee flexion) and seated unilateral knee extension exercises. Global cognitive function and physical performance were evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) tests, respectively. RESULTS: After interventions, participants in the RT+COG and RT groups had significantly greater lower-limb muscle strength compared with the control group (CG). Those in the RT+COG group had greater tandem performance in comparison to RT and CG groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that RT preserves lower-limb muscle strength in frail nursing home residents, regardless of performance of cognitive tasks. Better balance was exclusively observed in the RT+COG, whereas significant improvements in mobility status were only found in the RT group. The present investigation was based on a small sample of nursing home residents. Larger and more structured studies are necessary to confirm our results.

Agreement and Associations between Countermovement Jump, 5-Time Sit-To-Stand, Lower-Limb Muscle Power Equations, and Physical Performance Tests in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Objectives: The present study examined the agreement and associations of the 5-time sit-to-stand (5STS) test, the countermovement jump test, and lower-limb muscle power equations with a set of physical performance tests in older adults. Methods: Five hundred and thirty-four community-dwelling older adults were recruited for the study. Lower-limb muscle power measures included 5STS, the countermovement jump test, and muscle power equations. Isometric handgrip strength, timed "up-and-go!", the 6 min walking test, one-leg stand, and walking speed at usual and fast paces were used to assess physical performance. Pearson's correlations and Bland-Altman analyses were conducted to examine associations among muscle power measures. Linear and multiple regressions were run to explore associations of 5STS, the countermovement jump test, and muscle power equations with physical performance tests. Results: Weak correlations were observed among lower-limb muscle power measures. Bland-Altman results indicated important differences among the countermovement jump test, 5STS, and muscle power equations. Results of multiple linear regressions indicated that 5STS, the countermovement jump test, and muscle power equations were significantly associated with measures of muscle strength and mobility. However, only 5STS was significantly associated with balance. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the performance on the countermovement jump test and 5STS is weakly correlated with lower-limb muscle power equations. The only exception was the correlation found between the countermovement jump test and relative muscle power, highlighting the importance of accounting for body mass in muscle power evaluations. Muscle power measures were similarly associated with performance on handgrip strength, timed "up-and-go!", and the 6 min walking test. The exclusive association of 5STS with balance suggests that a reassessment of 5STS muscle power equations may be warranted.

Moderate exercise increases the metabolism and immune function of lymphocytes in rats.

Exercise modulates both glucose and glutamine metabolism which influences lymphocyte function. We investigated the influence of chronic moderate exercise on glucose and glutamine metabolism in lymphocytes, the associated influence on proliferation, and cytokine and immunoglobulin production. Male Wistar rats (8 weeks old) were placed in an exercise training group (N = 15, 1 h day(-1) at 60 % VO2max, 5 days week(-1)) for 8 weeks of exercise, or a sedentary control group. Twenty-four hours following the final training session, lymphocytes were separated, and the incorporation of [U-14C]-glucose, [U-14C]-glutamine, and [2-14C]-thymidine from the supernatant was measured. The activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, hexokinase, and glutaminase was measured. Lymphocytes were stimulated with ConA and LPS and incubated with the Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine and plasma IgG and IgE were measured. Glutamine metabolism increased in both T and B lymphocytes in the trained group. In the trained group, proliferative capacity increased T lymphocytes under ConA stimulation, and increased B lymphocytes with LPS. There was a significant increase in IL-2 production and decrease in IL-4 in the trained group compared with sedentary controls. IL-2R and TNFR increased in trained rats while IL-4R decreased and were more pronounced in T lymphocytes compared with B lymphocytes. In both lymphocyte subsets, exercise training significantly increased the expression of CD54+ and CD30+ cell markers. Exercise training increased plasma IgG compared with the sedentary group. In conclusion, moderate exercise training improves immune function and metabolism in T and B lymphocytes, reflecting an increased ability to respond to immune challenges.

Outdoor gyms and physical function: A cross-sectional comparative study between active and sedentary older adults.

Outdoor gyms (OG) are public places designed for physical activity, especially for older adults. This is a cross-sectional study that aimed to compare morphofunctional characteristics of sedentary and active older adults regarding OG. The participants consisted of 194 older people divided into three groups: sedentary (n = 76, mean age = 70.5 ± 6.4 years, 38.7% male); OG + walking (n = 86; mean age = 69 ± 6.1 years; male 50.6%); and OG (n = 32; mean age = 70.3 ± 8.3 years; male 56.3%). Socioeconomic and morphofunctional characteristics, anthropometric measurements, body composition, and functional tests were collected. For comparison among groups ANOVA, for categorical variables the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, and to verify factors related to gait speed logistic regression were used. We found that sedentary older adults had lower educational level and lower prevalence of polypharmacy. OG + walking participants had lower waist circumference and fat percentage, and better gait speed. Older people in the OG + walking were less likely to show gait difficulty (i.e., <1.0 m/s) in reference to the sedentary group. In addition, strength and better performance on the Timed Up and Go were also associated with gait speed >1 m/s. It is understood that the higher volume of physical activity performed by OG + walking may be one of the reasons why they obtained better indicators in health aspects. The findings, especially regarding the characterization of profiles of older adults who use OG, leads to the definition of public policies aimed at the real needs of this public.

Effect of agility ladder training with a cognitive task (dual task) on physical and cognitive functions: a randomized study.

Introduction: Agility training (AT) is used to improve neuromuscular performance and dynamic balance, which are crucial for the physical function of older adults. Activities of daily living, which decrease with age, involve tasks that simultaneously require motor, and cognitive abilities and can be considered dual tasks. Methods: This study investigates a training program's physical and cognitive effects using an agility ladder on healthy older adults. This program consisted of 30-min sessions twice per week and lasted for 14 weeks. The physical training included four different sequences with progressive difficulty levels, while the cognitive training (CT) included different verbal fluency (VF) tasks for each physical task. Sixteen participants (mean age of 66.9 ± 5.0 years) were allocated to two groups: AT alone (AT) and dual-task training (AT combined with CT [AT + CT]). Assessments were performed before and after 14 weeks of interventions using physical functional tests (e.g., Illinois agility test, five times sit-to-stand test, timed up and go [TUG], and one-leg stand) and cognitive tests (cognitive TUG, verbal fluency, attention, and scenery picture memory test). Results: After this period, both groups had significant differences in physical performance, muscle power, agility, static and dynamic balance, and short-term memory, whereas only the AT + CT group improved phonological verbal fluency, executive function (TUG combined with a cognitive task), attention (trail-making test-B), and short-term memory (scenery picture memory test). Conclusion: Indicating that only the group that received direct cognitive training had better enhanced cognitive function. Clinical trial registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: RBR-7t7gnjk.

Acute and chronic effects of traditional and high-speed resistance training on blood pressure in older adults: A crossover study and systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The present study included two related investigations that explored the acute and chronic effects of high-speed resistance training (HSRT) on blood pressure (BP) in older adults. METHODS: The first study involved a randomized crossover study that compared the acute effects of traditional resistance exercise (TRT) and high-speed resistance training (HSRT) on hemodynamic parameters in frail older adults. Sixteen institutionalized frail older adults were recruited. BP was recorded before, over 1 h, and 24 h after the end of the experimental session. Participants performed 4 resistance exercises involving 4-8 sets with 4-10 repetitions at moderate intensity. The second study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies that investigated the acute and chronic effects of HSRT on BP in older adults. Crossover, quasi-experimental, and randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of HSRT on BP in people aged 60+ years as a primary or secondary outcome were included. Studies were retrieved from MEDLINE, SPORTDiscuss, CINAHL, SCOPUS and AgeLine databases from inception through December 31, 2021. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle - Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). A pooled effect size was calculated based on standard mean differences (SMD). RESULTS: In study 1, we observed that both TRT and HSRT caused post-exercise hypotension (PEH). However, systolic BP (SBP) was significantly lowered for up to 60 min after TRT, while it was only reduced 30 and 50 min after HSRT. There was no difference in SBP between resistance exercise protocols. A reduction in mean arterial pressure was only observed after TRT. In study 2, 1114 articles were identified, and 8 were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analyses indicated that HSRT did not cause significant PEH. However, a significant reduction in SBP was observed after HSRT programs in comparison to controls (SMD = 0.61, P = 0.009) and baseline values (SMD = 2.03, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: In study one, we observed that both TRT and HSRT caused systolic PEH in comparison to baseline in frail older adults. However, specific patterns were observed according to each type of RT. Indeed, a longer PEH in comparison to baseline was observed after TRT, whereas HSRT had greater reductions in comparison to CS. In addition, TRT had exclusive reductions in MAP. These results were not supported by our meta-analysis, given that no significant effects of an acute session of HSRT on office and ambulatorial BP were observed. On the other hand, our findings suggest that HSRT might significantly reduce SBP in older adults.

Resistance Training Combined With Cognitive Training Increases Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Improves Cognitive Function in Healthy Older Adults.

Background: The present study compared the effects of a traditional resistance training (TRT) and resistance training combined with cognitive task (RT + CT) on body composition, physical performance, cognitive function, and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) levels in older adults. Methods: Thirty community-dwelling older adults were randomized into TRT (70.0 ± 8.1; 25% men) and RT + CT (66.3 ± 4.6; 31% men). Exercise groups performed a similar resistance training (RT) program, twice a week over 16 weeks. Cognitive Training involved performing verbal fluency simultaneously with RT. Exercise sessions (eight resistance exercises) were performed 2-3 sets, 8-15 repetitions at 60%-70% of 1-repetition maximum (1RM). Body composition, physical function, cognitive performance, and BDNF levels were assessed before and after intervention period. Results: The physical performance was similarly improved in response to both TRT and RT + CT (p = 0.001). However, exclusive improvements on cognitive function (p < 0.001) and BDNF levels (p = 0.001) were observed only after RT + CT. Conclusion: The RT program associated with a cognitive task, improved physical and cognitive performance in healthy older adults.

Effects of Low-Speed and High-Speed Resistance Training Programs on Frailty Status, Physical Performance, Cognitive Function, and Blood Pressure in Prefrail and Frail Older Adults.

Aim: The current study investigated the effects of low-speed resistance training (LSRT) and high-speed resistance training (HSRT) on frailty status, physical performance, cognitive function and blood pressure in pre-frail and frail older people. Material and Methods: Sixty older adults, 32 prefrail and 28 frail, were randomly allocated into LSRT, HSRT, and control group (CG). Before and after intervention periods frailty status, blood pressure, heart rate, and a set of physical performance capabilities and cognitive domains were assessed. Exercise interventions occurred over 16 weeks and included four resistance exercises with 4-8 sets of 4-10 repetitions at moderate intensity. Results: The prevalence of frailty criteria in prefrail and frail older adults were reduced after both LSRT and HSRT. In prefrail, LSRT significantly improved lower-limb muscle strength, while mobility was only improved after HSRT. Muscle power and dual-task performance were significantly increased in both LSRT and HSRT. In frail, LSRT and HSRT similarly improved lower-limb muscle strength and power. However, exclusive improvements in dual-task were observed after LSRT. Memory was significantly increased in prefrail and frail, regardless of the type of resistance training. No significant changes were observed in blood pressure and heart rate. Conclusion: Findings of the present study indicated that both LSRT and HSRT reversed frailty status and improved physical performance in prefrail and frail older adults. Notably, different patterns of improvement were observed among RT protocols. Regarding frailty status, LSRT seemed to be more effective in reverse prefrailty and frailty when compared to HSRT. Greater improvements in muscle strength and power were also observed after LSRT, while HSRT produced superior increases in mobility and dual-task performance. One-leg stand performance was significantly reduced in LSRT, but not HSRT and CG, after 16 weeks. In contrast, RT programs similarly improved verbal memory in prefrail. Finally, no changes in blood pressure and heart rate were observed, regardless of the type of RT. Trial Registration: The protocol was approved by the University of Campinas Human Research Ethics Committee (Protocol No. 20021919.7.0000.5404) and retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System: NCT04868071.

Acute Effects of Low- and High-Speed Resistance Exercise on Cognitive Function in Frail Older Nursing-Home Residents: A Randomized Crossover Study.

AIM: The present study investigated the acute effects of low- and high-speed resistance exercise on the cognitive function of frail older women living in nursing home. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten institutionalized frail older women were recruited. Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test and Stroop test were performed before, immediately after, 1 h after, and 24 h after the end of the experimental session. Participants randomly performed low- and high-speed resistance exercise and a control session. Exercise sessions were composed of 4 resistance exercises with 4-8 sets of 4-10 repetitions at moderate intensity. RESULTS: Results indicated that the performance of Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test was similarly increased immediately after both low- and high-speed resistance exercises. However, only improvements elicited by low-speed resistance exercise remained significant 1 h after the end of the exercise session. No acute effects of resistance exercise were observed on Stroop performance. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that both low- and high-speed resistance exercises acutely increased episodic memory in frail older women, whereas no changes on Stroop were observed.

Correlation between handgrip and isokinetic strength of shoulder muscles in elite sitting volleyball players.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between isometric handgrip (HG) strength and isokinetic strength data of the glenohumeral rotator muscles. Twelve (Female = 50%) Brazilian Sitting Volleyball (SV) national team players volunteered. Measures of maximal grip strength were obtained by a HG dynamometer Jamar® and isokinetic measures of peak torque (PT) and total work (TW) during shoulder rotations movements were obtained with a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer at speed of 60°/s and 180°/s. Pearson correlation coefficients between isometric HG and isokinetic strength data ranged between 0.23 and 0.72 for the PT and between 0.3 and 0.76 for the isokinetic TW. Results presented positive relationships between HG isometric strength and isokinetic strength of external rotators of the shoulder in SV players. We can suggest that in the absence of isokinetic dynamometers, HG isometric strength measurements could be used to measure strength levels of the external rotator muscles of elite SV players' shoulder, particularly in the TW values.

A Training Program Using an Agility Ladder for Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Aging impairs physical and cognitive functions and limits daily activities. Agility training can improve or maintain physical functioning in older people. The purpose of this study is to report the physical fitness benefits of a training program for independent community-dwelling older adults using an agility ladder. Each training session lasted approximately 30 minutes, and the benefits were achieved with two sessions per week for 14 weeks. Training was timed and involved four different drills and varying levels of difficulty through time. The exercises were performed at the School of Physical Education of the University of Campinas, São Paulo state, Brazil. The study participants (n = 16; mean age of 66.9 ± 5.0 years) were instructed to perform the exercises as quickly as possible without making mistakes and were assisted by a physical trainer when they made mistakes. Assessments were performed both before and after training using five functional tests (i.e., Illinois agility, five times sit-to-stand, timed up-and-go, walking usual speed, and one-leg stand). Although the study sample was not compared with a control group, the results indicate that training protocols using an agility ladder are easy and practical and improve physical function performance in older adults.

The importance of objectively measuring functional tests in complement to self-report assessments in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease which can result in chronic pain, loss of joint function and consequently decline in quality of life. RESEARCH QUESTION: A variety of instruments that measure the different dimensions of health status in patients with OA are available. However, despite the fact that WOMAC and other questionnaires and scales may provide additional understanding regarding the patient's condition, some studies have reported discrepancies between patients' perceptions and their actual ability to perform the task. The aim of the present study was investigate the physical capabilities with the function domain of WOMAC. METHODS: This study has a cross-sectional design including patients diagnosed with moderate to severe knee OA (i.e., grades II, III and IV) according to the Kellgren-Lawrence. These patients were submitted to the battery of functional tests recommended by the OARSI group (30-second chair stand test, 40 m fast paced walking test, Stair climb test, timed "Up and Go", and Six-minute walking test) and filled the WOMAC. Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression was applied. RESULTS: A total of 153 patients were included. A significant and weak correlation was observed between WOMAC and the 40-meter walking test, TUG, stair-climbing test, and the 6MWT. In addition, 30-second chair stand test demonstrated a significant and moderate correlation (r=-0.503). The multiple regression analysis results indicated that only 30-second chair stand test was a significant (p = 0.001) predictor of WOMAC. This result remains significant even after adjusting for age, BMI, total muscle mass, and number of knees affected SIGNIFICANCE: The 30-second chair stand test is associated with the WOMAC function domain. There is no correlation of this domain with any other functional tests, emphasizing the importance of including other tests for a global evaluation.

Effects of Combined Resistance and Power Training on Cognitive Function in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The present study compared the effects of traditional resistance training (TRT) and combined power training (PT) and TRT (PTRT) on cognitive parameters and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in non-demented, well-functioning, community-dwelling older women. Forty-five older women were randomized into one of three experimental groups: TRT, PTRT, and control group (CG). Cognitive tests explored global cognitive function, short-term memory, and dual-task performance. Serum BDNF levels were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Exercise sessions were performed twice a week over 22 weeks. In TRT, exercise sessions were based on three sets of 8-10 repetitions at "difficult" intensity. In PTRT, the first session was based on PT (three sets of 8-10 repetitions at "moderate" intensity), while the second session was similar to the TRT. Our analyses indicated that overall cognitive function, short-term memory, and dual-task performance were similarly improved after TRT and PTRT. Serum BDNF concentrations were not altered by any training protocol. In conclusion, the two RT programs tested in the present trial improved global cognitive function, short-term memory and dual task performance in non-demented, well-functioning, community-dwelling older women. In addition, our findings suggest that mechanisms other than BDNF may be associated with such improvements.

Dynamic Resistance Training Improves Cardiac Autonomic Modulation and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Chronic Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Stroke survivors are at substantial risk of recurrent cerebrovascular event or cardiovascular disease. Exercise training offers nonpharmacological treatment for these subjects; however, the execution of the traditional exercise protocols and adherence is constantly pointed out as obstacles. Based on these premises, the present study investigated the impact of an 8-week dynamic resistance training protocol with elastic bands on functional, hemodynamic, and cardiac autonomic modulation, oxidative stress markers, and plasma nitrite concentration in stroke survivors. Twenty-two patients with stroke were randomized into control group (CG, n = 11) or training group (TG, n = 11). Cardiac autonomic modulation, oxidative stress markers, plasma nitrite concentration, physical function and hemodynamic parameters were evaluated before and after 8 weeks. Results indicated that functional parameters (standing up from the sitting position (P = 0.011) and timed up and go (P = 0.042)) were significantly improved in TG. Although not statistically different, both systolic blood pressure (Δ = -10.41 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (Δ = -8.16 mmHg) were reduced in TG when compared to CG. Additionally, cardiac autonomic modulation (sympathovagal balance-LF/HF ratio) and superoxide dismutase were improved, while thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and carbonyl levels were reduced in TG when compared to the CG subjects. In conclusion, our findings support the hypothesis that dynamic resistance training with elastic bands may improve physical function, hemodynamic parameters, autonomic modulation, and oxidative stress markers in stroke survivors. These positive changes would be associated with a reduced risk of a recurrent stroke or cardiac event in these subjects.