Poor hamstrings-to-quadriceps torque ratios in male soccer players: weak hamstrings, strong quadriceps, or both?

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of hamstrings and quadriceps strength on the hamstrings-to-quadriceps conventional (H:Qcon) and functional (H:Qfun) ratios in male soccer players. Quadriceps concentric peak torque (PT) and hamstrings concentric and eccentric PT were assessed with isokinetic dynamometry at 60°/s in 101 players (202 legs). The cut-points of 0.50, 0.55 and 0.60 were used to assess muscle imbalance through the H:Qcon ratio, while 0.80, 0.85 and 0.90 were used for H:Qfun ratio. Legs with lower H:Qcon ratio had decreased hamstrings concentric PT (p < 0.01; moderate and large effect sizes) and increased quadriceps concentric PT (p < 0.01; moderate effect sizes) in all cut-points. Legs with lower H:Qfun ratio had decreased hamstrings eccentric PT (p < 0.01; large effect sizes) for all cut-points, and controversial results for quadriceps concentric PT (p < 0.01 only for 0.80 cut-point; small effect sizes). H:Qcon ratio presented only weak correlations with quadriceps (r = -0.37) and hamstrings (r = 0.45) concentric PT, while H:Qfun ratio had a negligible correlation with quadriceps concentric PT (r = -0.30) and a moderate correlation with hamstrings eccentric PT (r = 0.66). In conclusion, our findings support that hamstrings strength deficit is the key factor for low H:Q ratios in male soccer players, especially those with poor H:Qfun ratio.

Can we replace exercises targeted on core/hip muscles by exercises targeted on leg/foot muscles in women with patellofemoral pain? A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of replacing exercises targeted on core/hip muscles by exercises targeted on leg/foot muscles in a rehabilitation program for patellofemoral pain (PFP). DESIGN: Randomized Controlled Trial. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty women with PFP. METHODS: PFP participants were randomized into the standard rehabilitation group (SRG, n = 25) or distal exercise group (DEG, n = 25). Knee pain, patient-reported function, dynamic knee valgus and muscle strength were measured at baseline and after six and twelve weeks of the program start. RESULTS: SRG and DEG presented similar responses to rehabilitation (except for muscle strengthening). Knee pain reduced after 6 weeks (SRG: -37.7%, ES = 1.23; DEG: -30%, ES = 0.93) and 12 weeks (SRG: -47.4%, ES = 1.53; DEG: -43.3%, ES = 1.46). Patient-reported function improved after 6 weeks (SRG: +7.3%, ES = 0.45; DEG: +3.8%, ES = 0.22) and 12 weeks (SRG: +14.1%, ES = 0.80; DEG: +8.8%, ES = 0.50). Dynamic knee valgus reduced after 12 weeks (SRG: -29.7%, ES = 0.38; DEG: -34.5%, ES = 0.32). Both groups experienced increases in knee extension strength (SRG: +9%, ES = 0.28; DEG: +6%, ES = -0.29), but only SRG had strength gains for hip abduction (+10%, ES = 0.36) and extension (+11%, ES = 0.44). CONCLUSION: Exercises targeted on core/hip muscles can be replaced by exercises targeted on leg/foot muscles in a lower limb exercise-based rehabilitation program for women with PFP. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03663595.

Effects of Resistance Training Performed to Failure or Not to Failure on Muscle Strength, Hypertrophy, and Power Output: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Vieira, AF, Umpierre, D, Teodoro, JL, Lisboa, SC, Baroni, BM, Izquierdo, M, and Cadore, EL. Effects of resistance training performed to failure or not to failure on muscle strength, hypertrophy, and power output: A systematic review with meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 1165-1175, 2021-The aim of this review was to summarize the evidence from longitudinal studies assessing the effects induced by resistance training (RT) performed to failure (RTF) vs. not to failure (RTNF) on muscle strength, hypertrophy, and power output in adults. Three electronic databases were searched using terms related to RTF and RTNF. Studies were eligible if they met the following criteria: randomized and nonrandomized studies comparing the effects of RTF vs. RTNF on muscle hypertrophy, maximal strength, and muscle power in adults, and RT intervention ≥6 weeks. Results were presented as standardized mean differences (SMDs) between treatments with 95% confidence intervals, and calculations were performed using random effects models. Significance was accepted when p < 0.05. Thirteen studies were included in this review. No difference was found between RTF and RTNF on maximal strength in overall analysis (SMD: -0.08; p = 0.642), but greater strength increase was observed in RTNF considering nonequalized volumes (SMD: -0.34; p = 0.048). Resistance training performed to failure showed a greater increase in muscle hypertrophy than RTNF (SMD: 0.75; p = 0.005), whereas no difference was observed considering equalized RT volumes. No difference was found between RTF and RTNF on muscle power considering overall analysis (SMD: -0.20; p = 0.239), whereas greater improvement was observed in RTNF considering nonequalized RT volumes (SMD: -0.61; p = 0.025). Resistance training not to failure may induce comparable or even greater improvements in maximal dynamic strength and power output, whereas no difference between RTF vs. RTNF is observed on muscle hypertrophy, considering equalized RT volumes.

Effect of photobiomodulation therapy on performance and running economy in runners: A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial.

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on the 3000 m running performance (primary outcome), running economy (RE), metabolic cost and ratings of perceived exertion during running (secondary outcomes). Twenty male endurance athletes performed 4-min treadmill rectangular test at 12 km.h-1 monitored by a gas analyser. After that, PBMT or placebo in each lower limb was applied, followed performed a maximum test of 3000 m. Immediately after 3000 m test, the athletes repeated the treadmill test. Another application of PBMT/placebo was done after the treadmill test, and athletes went back to the laboratory 24 h later to repeat the treadmill test. After a 72 h interval, athletes repeated all procedures with another treatment intervention (PBMT/placebo). Athletes performed the 3000 m running test ~7s faster when treated with PBMT with similar effort score compared placebo condition. The RE remains unchanged immediately post 3000 m running test, nonetheless RE measured post-24 h improved by 5% with PBMT application without changes in metabolic cost. The PBMT pre- and post-conditioning enhanced the 3000 m running performance and improved RE 24 h following the 3000 m test. However, no changes on ratings of perceived exertion and metabolic cost with the application of PBMT.

Progressive Workload Periodization Maximizes Effects of Nordic Hamstring Exercise on Muscle Injury Risk Factors.

ABSTRACT: Severo-Silveira, L, Dornelles, MP, Lima-e-Silva, FX, Marchiori, CL, Medeiros, TM, Pappas, E, and Baroni, BM. Progressive workload periodization maximizes effects of Nordic hamstring exercise on muscle injury risk factors. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 1006-1013, 2021-This study aimed to investigate the effect of 2 different Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) training programs (constant workload vs. progressive workload) on multiple risk factors for hamstring strain injury in high competitive level athletes. Twenty-one premier league rugby union players (∼26 years) were randomized into 1 of 2 experimental groups and completed an 8-week NHE training program: constant training group (CTG) or progressive training group (PTG). Knee flexor/extensor strength and biceps femoris long head (BFLH) muscle architecture were assessed through isokinetic dynamometry and ultrasonography, respectively, before and after the training programs. Increased hamstring concentric (Δ = 8%, p = 0.004, d = 0.42) and eccentric (Δ = 7%, p = 0.041, d = 0.39) peak torques, as well as H:Q conventional (Δ = 7%, p = 0.015, d = 0.54) and functional (Δ = 6%, p = 0.026, d = 0.62) ratios were observed in the follow-up compared with baseline for the PTG group only. Nordic hamstring exercise training significantly increased BFLH muscle thickness (CTG: Δ = 7%, p = 0.001, d = 0.60; PTG: Δ = 7%, p < 0.001, d = 0.54) and fascicle length (CTG: Δ = 8%, p < 0.001, d = 0.29; PTG: Δ = 10%, p < 0.001, d = 0.35) in both groups. Training adaptations on hamstring peak torque (concentric and eccentric) and H:Q ratio (conventional and functional) "likely favor" PTG, whereas changes in BFLH fascicle length "possibly favor" PTG. In conclusion, only PTG enhanced hamstring strength; both NHE training programs increased BFLH muscle thickness and fascicle length, but progressive training generated greater changes on fascicle length than constant training. Medical/coaching staff should be aware that NHE with adequate training periodization with workload progression to maximize its benefits.

Coronavirus Disease-19 Quarantine Is More Detrimental Than Traditional Off-Season on Physical Conditioning of Professional Soccer Players.

Grazioli, R, Loturco, I, Baroni, BM, Oliveira, GS, Saciura, V, Vanoni, E, Dias, R, Veeck, F, Pinto, RS, and Cadore, EL. Coronavirus disease-19 quarantine is more detrimental than traditional off-season on physical conditioning of professional soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 34(12): 3316-3320, 2020-Beyond the severe health crisis, the coronavirus disease 2019 has also affected the high-performance sports scenario. In soccer, practitioners are concerned about the effects of long-term detraining on players' conditioning, and caution is required when activities return. This study assessed body composition, jump and sprint performance, hamstring eccentric strength, and intermittent cardiorespiratory fitness of 23 male professional soccer players who returned to training activities after 63 days of quarantine. The results were compared with their physical condition assessed before a pre-season phase as soon as they returned to training after a regular 24-day off-season period. In comparison with after off-season assessments, the quarantine induced significant increases in body mass, body fat mass, 10- and 20-m sprint times as well as decreases in countermovement jump height (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in hamstring eccentric strength, squat jump height, and cardiorespiratory fitness (p > 0.05). In summary, we showed that 63 days of quarantine impaired several physical performance measures compared with regular off-season in soccer players. Given the present results, special attention should be given to body composition-related and speed power-related capabilities after long-term detraining in professional soccer.

Effects of long-term concurrent training to failure or not in muscle power output, muscle quality and cardiometabolic risk factors in older men: A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

This study investigated the effects of concurrent training performed either with repetitions to failure or not to failure in muscle power, muscle quality (MQ), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), and visceral fat in older men. This is an ancillary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. 36 older men (mean age ± SD; 67.1 ± 5.1 years) were randomized into three groups: one performing repetitions to failure (RFG, n = 13), another performing repetitions not to failure and 50% of the repetitions of the RFG (NFG, n = 12), and third performing repetitions not to failure with equal training volume of the RFG (ENFG, n = 11). The training was performed twice a week for 20 weeks at intensities ranging from 65 to 80% of maximal strength. In each session, the individuals started with strengthening exercises and then performed aerobic exercise (i.e., walking) on a treadmill. The primary endpoint was change from baseline to post-20 wk of absolute and relative muscle power output during squat and countermovement jump, ultrasound measurements for MQ using quadriceps echo intensity, and visceral fat thickness, as well as their VO2peak through a maximal incremental test on a treadmill. All training groups improved similarly and significantly jump height (ranging from 9 to 16%) and all their muscle power outcomes (mean change ranging from 2 to 7%) (P < .001). In addition, all groups significantly decreased visceral fat thickness (ranging from -11 to -21%) (P < .001), and significantly increased VO2peak (ranging from 4 to 8%) (P < .01), with no differences between groups. No changes were observed in the MQ outcomes. Concurrent training performed using repetitions to failure or not to failure promoted similar gains in the muscle power output, aerobic capacity, and visceral fat in healthy older men.

Effect of Weekly Training Frequency With the Nordic Hamstring Exercise on Muscle-Strain Risk Factors in Football Players: A Randomized Trial.

PURPOSE: To examine the differences between performing Nordic hamstring exercises once or twice a week on hamstring eccentric strength and other muscle-strain risk factors in high-level football players. METHODS: In this randomized trial, 32 football players (18-23 y old) completed an 8-week Nordic hamstring exercise training program in 1 of 2 experimental groups: group 1 (once a week; n = 15) and group 2 (twice a week; n = 17). Knee-flexor/extensor peak torques and biceps femoris long-head muscle architecture were assessed through isokinetic dynamometry and ultrasonography, respectively, before and after the training programs. Analysis of covariance, effect sizes (ESs), and t tests for percentage change were used to assess the effect of the 2 interventions on the outcome measures. RESULTS: Group 2 demonstrated higher hamstring concentric peak torque than group 1 posttraining (155-164 vs 149-158 N·m; P = .043; ES = 0.27), although there was also a statistical trend for higher hamstring eccentric peak torque (212-234 vs 198-221 N·m; P = .098; ES = 0.37), hamstring-to-quadriceps conventional ratio (0.56-0.59 vs 0.54-0.57; P = .089; ES = 0.31), and hamstring-to-quadriceps functional ratio (0.76-0.84 vs 0.71-0.79; P = .076; ES = 0.50). No between-groups differences were found for muscle thickness (P = .864; ES = 0.12), pennation angle (P = .289; ES = 0.18), fascicle length (P = .406; ES = 0.03), and quadriceps concentric peak torque (P = .340; ES = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Only the Nordic hamstring exercise training program performed twice a week strengthened the hamstrings of high-level football players, while similar changes in muscle architecture occurred with both once- and twice-weekly sessions.

Concurrent training performed with and without repetitions to failure in older men: A randomized clinical trial.

This study compared the effects of 20 weeks of concurrent training with and without repetitions to failure on neuromuscular and functional adaptations in older men. METHODS: Thirty-six older men (67.1 ± 5.1 years) were randomized into three groups: one performing repetitions to failure (RFG, n = 13), another performing repetitions not to failure and 50% of the repetitions of the RFG (NFG, n = 12), and a third performing repetitions not to failure with equal training volume of the RFG (ENFG, n = 11). Training was performed twice a week for 20 weeks at intensities ranging from 65% to 80% of maximal strength. In each session, the individuals started with strengthening exercises and then performed aerobic exercise on a treadmill. Before and after the intervention, individuals were assessed for their one repetition maximum (1RM) for leg press (LP) and knee extension (KE) exercises, knee extensors' isometric peak torque (PTiso ), and rate of torque development (RTD) at 50 ms, 100 ms, and 250 ms, muscle thickness of the quadriceps, as well as functional performance on sit-to-stand, and timed up and go tests. RESULTS: After training, there were significant (P < 0.001) increases in the LP and KE 1RM, PTiso , and RTD outcomes in all groups. Also, there were significant increases in muscle thickness of the quadriceps and in the sit-to-stand test (P < 0.05) in all groups. No significant differences were observed between groups in any outcome. CONCLUSION: Concurrent training using repetitions to concentric failure did not promote additional benefits for neuromuscular function, muscle thickness, or functional capacity of older individuals.

Can the Combination of Acute Alcohol Intake and One Night of Sleep Deprivation Affect Neuromuscular Performance in Healthy Male Adults? A Cross-over Randomized Controlled Trial.

Rodrigues, R, Franke, RA, Teixeira, BC, Macedo, RCO, Diefenthaeler, F, Baroni, BM, and Vaz, MA. Can the combination of acute alcohol intake and one night of sleep deprivation affect neuromuscular performance in healthy male adults? A cross-over randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 33(5): 1244-1251, 2019-The aim of this work was to perform a cross-over study to compare isolated and combined effects of alcohol intake and sleep deprivation on neuromuscular responses. Ten young and physically active male subjects were allocated to 4 conditions: (a) placebo intake + normal sleep (PLA + SLE); (b) alcohol intake + normal sleep (ALC + SLE); (c) placebo intake + sleep deprivation (PLA + SDP); and (d) alcohol intake + sleep deprivation (ALC + SDP). In each condition, volunteers ingested 1 g of alcohol per kg of body mass of alcoholic beer or nonalcoholic beer (placebo), followed by one night of normal sleep or sleep deprivation. In the next morning, neuromuscular performance (knee extensor isometric and concentric peak torque and time to task failure during the endurance test) and muscle activation were assessed. No differences were observed in the neuromuscular performance. We observed a significant reduction in quadriceps activation during the knee extensor isometric test in ALC + SDP compared with PLA + SLE (-20.8%; p = 0.02; d = 0.56). Our results demonstrated that acute alcohol intake and one night of sleep deprivation reduced quadriceps muscle activation without impact on neuromuscular performance.

Effects of photobiomodulation therapy associated with resistance training in elderly men: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) combined with resistance training on knee extensors muscle mass, strength and functional capacity in elderly men. METHODS: In this randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial, healthy elderly men (age 60-80 years) completed 12 weeks of resistance training (2×/week) with application of placebo (n = 13) or active PBMT (n = 11) on quadriceps muscles (850 nm, 240 J per limb) before each training session. Leg press and knee extension one-repetition maximum (1RM) tests, isometric and concentric peak torques, rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscle thickness, timed up-and-go (TUG) and chair rise-to-standing (CRS) tests were performed before and after the intervention period. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in all outcomes for both groups (p < 0.05), except for RF muscle thickness for the placebo group (p = 0.09). Large effect sizes (ES > 0.8) were observed for leg press and leg extension 1RM and CRS tests for both groups, as well as for TUG test for PBMT group. Isokinetic peak torque for both groups and TUG for placebo group had moderate increases (ES > 0.5). Muscle thicknesses and isometric peak torque had small increases (ES > 0.2) in both groups. Both null hypothesis analysis and magnitude-based inference support similar effects of PBMT and placebo treatments. CONCLUSION: Different than previously evidenced in young subjects, PBMT with the parameters used in this study did not provide any additional benefits in comparison to placebo application on muscle mass, strength and functional capacity of healthy elderly men engaged in a resistance training program.

Photobiomodulation Therapy on Physiological and Performance Parameters During Running Tests: Dose-Response Effects.

Dellagrana, RA, Rossato, M, Sakugawa, RL, Baroni, BM, and Diefenthaeler, F. Photobiomodulation therapy on physiological and performance parameters during running tests: Dose-response effects. J Strength Cond Res 32(10): 2807-2815, 2018-This study was aimed at verifying effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) with different energy doses (15, 30, and 60 J per site) on physiological and performance parameters during running tests. Fifteen male recreational runners participated in a crossover, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial. They performed testing protocol in 5 sessions with different treatments: control, placebo, and PBMT with 15, 30, or 60 J per site (14 sites in each lower limb). Physiological and performance variables were assessed during submaximal (at 8 and 9 km·h) and maximal running tests. Photobiomodulation therapy with 30 J significantly improved running economy (RE) at 8 and 9 km·h (3.01%, p=0.008 and 3.03%, p=0.009, respectively), rate of perceived exertion (RPE) at 8 km/h21 (7.86%, p=0.033), velocity at V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (3.07%, p= 0.029), peak of velocity (PV) (1.49%, p=0.035), and total time to exhaustion (TTE) (3.41%, p=0.036) compared with placebo. Photobiomodulation therapy with 15 J improved running economy at 9 km/h21 (2.98%, p=0.025), rate of perceived exertion at 8 km/h21 (4.80%, p=0.010), PV (1.33%, p=0.008), total time to exhaustion (3.06%, p=0.008), and total distance (4.01%, p=0.011) compared with the placebo; whereas PBMT with 60 J only increased RE at 9 km/h21 (3.87%, p=0.024) compared with placebo. All PBMT doses positively affected physiological and/or performance parameters; however, magnitude-based inference reported that PBMT applied with 30 J led to more beneficial effects than 15 and 60 J.

Time Response of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Muscular Fatigue in Humans.

Rossato, M, Dellagrana, RA, Sakugawa, RL, Lazzari, CD, Baroni, BM, and Diefenthaeler, F. Time response of photobiomodulation therapy on muscular fatigue in humans. J Strength Cond Res 32(11): 3285-3293, 2018-The aim of this study was to identify the effects of 2 different time responses on fatigue of knee extensor. Sixteen male volunteers (26 ± 6.0 years, 81 ± 12 kg, and 181 ± 7.4 cm) participated in the study. Participants performed the same protocol in 5 sessions {control, placebo (placebo applied both 6 hours before and immediately before the test), 6 hours before + immediately before (photobiomodulation therapy [PBMT] applied both 6 hours before and immediately before the test), 6 hours before (PBMT applied 6 hours before and placebo applied immediately before the test), and immediately before (placebo applied 6 hours before and PBMT applied immediately before the test)}. Photobiomodulation therapy was applied on knee extensor (9 sites; 30 J per site). Maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) was assessed before and after an isokinetic fatigue (45 flexion-extension concentric at 180°·s), associated with electromyography (root mean square [RMS] and median of frequency [MF]). For MIVC, there was no treatment × time interaction for all variables. Time effect was observed for peak torque (PT), RMS, and MF. Treatment effect was verified for PT, and 6 hours before + immediately before condition presented higher PT during MIVCpre than control (p = 0.004) and placebo (p = 0.044). The immediately before presented higher PT values than control (p = 0.047). Regarding MIVCpost, the PT for 6 hours before + immediately before presented higher values than control (p = 0.001) and placebo (p = 0.004). Peak torque during MIVC (pre to post) was reduced in 6 hours before + immediately before treatment (26%) compared with control (33%), placebo (29%), and immediately before (32%). The application of PBMT 6 hours + immediately before and immediately before exercise protocol is able to reduce the fatigue.

Four Weeks of Nordic Hamstring Exercise Reduce Muscle Injury Risk Factors in Young Adults.

Ribeiro-Alvares, JB, Marques, VB, Vaz, MA, and Baroni, BM. Four weeks of Nordic hamstring exercise reduce muscle injury risk factors in young adults. J Strength Cond Res 32(5): 1254-1262, 2018-The Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) is a field-based exercise designed for knee-flexor eccentric strengthening, aimed at prevention of muscle strains. However, possible effects of NHE programs on other hamstring injury risk factors remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a NHE training program on multiple hamstring injury risk factors. Twenty physically active young adults were allocated into 2 equal-sized groups: control group (CG) and training group (TG). The TG was engaged in a 4-week NHE program, twice a week, 3 sets of 6-10 repetitions; while CG received no exercise intervention. The knee flexor and extensor strength were assessed through isokinetic dynamometry, the biceps femoris long head muscle architecture through ultrasound images, and the hamstring flexibility through sit-and-reach test. The results showed that CG subjects had no significant change in any outcome. TG presented higher percent changes than CG for hamstring isometric peak torque (9%; effect size [ES] = 0.27), eccentric peak torque (13%; ES = 0.60), eccentric work (18%; ES = 0.86), and functional hamstring-to-quadriceps torque ratio (13%; ES = 0.80). The NHE program led also to increased fascicle length (22%; ES = 2.77) and reduced pennation angle (-17%; ES = 1.27) in biceps femoris long head of the TG, without significant changes on muscle thickness. In conclusion, a short-term NHE training program (4 weeks; 8 training sessions) counteracts multiple hamstring injury risk factors in physically active young adults.

Low-level laser therapy improves the VO2 kinetics in competitive cyclists.

Some evidence supports that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) reduces neuromuscular fatigue, so incrementing sports performance. A previous randomized controlled trial of our group showed increased exercise tolerance in male competitive cyclists treated with three different LLLT doses (3, 6, and 9 J/diode; or 135, 270, and 405 J/thigh) before time-to-exhaustion cycling tests. Now, the present study was designed to evaluate the effects of these LLLT doses on the VO2 kinetics of athletes during cycling tests. Twenty male competitive cyclists (29 years) participated in a crossover, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial. On the first day, the participants performed an incremental cycling test to exhaustion to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2MAX) and maximal power output (POMAX), as well as a familiarization with the time-to-exhaustion test. In the following days (2 to 5), all participants performed time-to-exhaustion tests at POMAX. Before the exhaustion test, different doses of LLLT (3, 6, and 9 J/diode; or 135, 270, and 405 J/thigh, respectively) or placebo were applied bilaterally to the quadriceps muscle. All exhaustion tests were monitored online by an open-circuit spirometry system in order to analyze the VO2 amplitude, VO2 delay time, time constant (tau), and O2 deficit. Tau and O2 deficit were decreased with LLLT applications compared to the placebo condition (p < 0.05). No differences (p > 0.05) were found between the experimental conditions for VO2 amplitude and VO2 delay time. In conclusion, LLLT decreases tau and O2 deficit during time-to-exhaustion tests in competitive cyclists, and these changes in VO2 kinetics response can be one of the possible mechanisms to explain the ergogenic effect induced by LLLT.

Improvement of Performance and Reduction of Fatigue With Low-Level Laser Therapy in Competitive Cyclists.

Evidence indicates that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) minimizes fatigue effects on muscle performance. However, the ideal LLLT dosage to improve athletes'performance during sports activities such as cycling is still unclear. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate the effects of different LLLT dosages on cyclists'performance in time-to-exhaustion tests. In addition, the effects of LLLT on the frequency content of the EMG signals to assess fatigue mechanisms were examined. Twenty male competitive cyclists participated in a crossover, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They performed an incremental cycling test to exhaustion (on day 1) followed by 4 time-to-exhaustion tests (on days 2-5) at their individual maximal power output. Before each time-to-exhaustion test, different dosages of LLLT (135, 270, and 405 J/thigh, respectively) or placebo were applied at the quadriceps muscle bilaterally. Power output and muscle activation from both lower limbs were recorded throughout the tests. Increased performance in time-to-exhaustion tests was observed with the LLLT-135 J (∼22 s; P < .01), LLLT-270 J (∼13 s; P = .03), and LLLT-405 J (∼13 s; P = .02) compared to placebo (149 ± 23 s). Although LLLT-270 J and LLLT-405 J did not show significant differences in muscle activation compared with placebo, LLLT-135 J led to an increased high-frequency content compared with placebo in both limbs at the end of the exhaustion test (P ≤ .03). In conclusion, LLLT increased time to exhaustion in competitive cyclists, suggesting this intervention as a possible nonpharmacological ergogenic agent in cycling. Among the different dosages, LLLT-135 J seems to promote the best effects.

Full Range of Motion Induces Greater Muscle Damage Than Partial Range of Motion in Elbow Flexion Exercise With Free Weights.

Baroni, BM, Pompermayer, MG, Cini, A, Peruzzolo, AS, Radaelli, R, Brusco, CM, and Pinto, RS. Full range of motion induces greater muscle damage than partial range of motion in elbow flexion exercise with free weights. J Strength Cond Res 31(8): 2223-2230, 2017-Load and range of motion (ROM) applied in resistance training (RT) affect the muscle damage magnitude and the recovery time-course. Because exercises performed with partial ROM allow a higher load compared with those with full ROM, this study investigated the acute effect of a traditional RT exercise using full ROM or partial ROM on muscle damage markers. Fourteen healthy men performed 4 sets of 10 concentric-eccentric repetitions of unilateral elbow flexion on the Scott bench. Arms were randomly assigned to partial-ROM (50-100°) and full-ROM (0-130°) conditions, and load was determined as 80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) in the full- and partial-ROM tests. Muscle damage markers were assessed preexercise, immediately, and 24, 48, and 72 hours after exercise. Primary outcomes were peak torque, muscle soreness during palpation and elbow extension, arm circumference, and joint ROM. The load lifted in the partial-ROM condition (1RM = 19.1 ± 3.0 kg) was 40 ± 18% higher compared with the full-ROM condition (1RM = 13.7 ± 2.2 kg). Seventy-two hours after exercise, the full-ROM condition led to significant higher soreness sensation during elbow extension (1.3-4.1 cm vs. 1.0-1.9 cm) and smaller ROM values (97.5-106.1° vs. 103.6-115.7°). Peak torque, soreness from palpation, and arm circumference were statistically similar between conditions, although mean values in all time points of these outcomes have suggested more expressive muscle damage for the full-ROM condition. In conclusion, elbow flexion exercise with full ROM seems to induce greater muscle damage than partial-ROM exercises, even though higher absolute load was achieved with partial ROM.

Effect of pre-exercise phototherapy applied with different cluster probe sizes on elbow flexor muscle fatigue.

Phototherapy has been used for reducing muscle fatigue. In view of the various types of phototherapy cluster probes available in the market, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a similar phototherapy dosage with two different cluster probes on elbow flexor muscle fatigue: small cluster probe (SC = 9 diodes; 7.5 cm(2)) vs. large cluster probe (LC = 33 diodes; 30.2 cm(2)). Ten physically active male aged 18-35 years participate in a randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, which each participant was submitted to the same testing protocol in four sessions (separated by at least 48 h) with different treatments: LC-phototherapy, SC-phototherapy, LC-placebo, and SC-placebo. The elbow flexion maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) was performed before and after a fatigue protocol (60 % of MIVC until exhaustion). Electromyography (EMG) of the biceps brachii muscle was collected during all testing procedure. Phototherapy with dose of 60 J per muscle [LC: 33 diodes = 5 lasers (850 nm), 12 LEDs (670 nm), 8 LEDs (880 nm), and 8 LEDs (950 nm); SC: 9 diodes = 5 lasers (850 nm) and 4 LEDs (670 nm)] or placebo applications occurred before fatigue protocol. Two-way ANOVA (treatment and time factors) and one-way ANOVA were used, followed by LSD post hoc. Time to exhaustion was significantly higher in active LC (15 %; p = 0.031) and SC (14 %; p = 0.038) in comparison with their respective placebo treatments, without differences between LC and SC (p > 0.05) or between placebo conditions (p > 0.05). This larger exercise tolerance in phototherapy conditions was not accompanied by a higher decrement in the volunteers' maximal strength capacity (11-15 %; p > 0.05 for all). EMG signals presented no difference between the four condition tested here. In both large and small cluster probes (according parameters tested in this study) led to reduced fatigue in elbow flexor muscles, without difference between them.

Are the Responses to Resistance Training Different Between the Preferred and Nonpreferred Limbs?

Humans preferentially recruit limbs to functionally perform a range of daily tasks, which may lead to performance asymmetries. Because initial training status plays an important role in the rate of progression during resistance training, could asymmetries between the preferred and nonpreferred limbs lead to different magnitudes of strengthening during a resistance training program? This issue motivated this study, in which 12 healthy and physically active men completed a 4-week control period followed by a 12-week isokinetic resistance training program, performed twice a week, including 3-5 sets of 10 maximal eccentric contractions for each limb. Every 4 weeks, knee extensor peak torques at concentric, isometric, and eccentric tests were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer and the sum of quadriceps muscle thickness was determined by ultrasound images. Before training, concentric peak torque was similar between limbs but isometric and eccentric peak torques were significantly smaller in the nonpreferred compared with the preferred limb (4.9 and 5.8%, respectively). Bilateral strength symmetry remained constant throughout the training period for concentric tests. For eccentric and isometric tests, symmetry was reached at the fourth and eighth training weeks, respectively. After 12 weeks, between-limb percent nonsignificant differences were -0.62% for isometric and -1.93% for eccentric tests. The sum of knee extensor muscle thickness had similar values before training and presented similar changes throughout the study for both the preferred and the nonpreferred limbs. In conclusion, the nonpreferred limb presents higher strength gain than the preferred limb at the initial phase of an isokinetic resistance training program, and this increased strength gain is not associated with muscle hypertrophy.

Neuromuscular adaptations to water-based concurrent training in postmenopausal women: effects of intrasession exercise sequence.

This study investigated the effects of different exercise sequences on the neuromuscular adaptations induced by water-based concurrent training in postmenopausal women. Twenty-one healthy postmenopausal women (57.14 ± 2.43 years) were randomly placed into two water-based concurrent training groups: resistance training prior to (RA, n = 10) or after (AR, n = 11) aerobic training. Subjects performed resistance and aerobic training twice a week over 12 weeks, performing both exercise types in the same training session. Upper (elbow flexors) and lower-body (knee extensors) one-repetition maximal test (1RM) and peak torque (PT) (knee extensors) were evaluated. The muscle thickness (MT) of upper (biceps brachii) and lower-body (vastus lateralis) was determined by ultrasonography. Moreover, the maximal and submaximal (neuromuscular economy) electromyographic activity (EMG) of lower-body (vastus lateralis and rectus femoris) was measured. Both RA and AR groups increased the upper- and lower-body 1RM and PT, while the lower-body 1RM increases observed in the RA was greater than AR (34.62 ± 13.51 vs. 14.16 ± 13.68 %). RA and AR showed similar MT increases in upper- and lower-body muscles evaluated. In addition, significant improvements in the maximal and submaximal EMG of lower-body muscles in both RA and AR were found, with no differences between groups. Both exercise sequences in water-based concurrent training presented relevant improvements to promote health and physical fitness in postmenopausal women. However, the exercise sequence resistance-aerobic optimizes the strength gains in lower limbs.