Minimal dose resistance training enhances strength without affecting cardiac autonomic modulation in menopausal women: a randomized clinical trial.

The proposition of a minimal dose of resistance training (RT) to elicit health benefits, encompassing physiological and psychological aspects, has garnered attention. While empirical investigations have demonstrated the efficacy of low-volume RT protocols in inducing adaptations such as enhanced strength and functional capacity, further exploration of the effects of this paradigm across a broader spectrum of variables is warranted. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of minimal dose RT on strength and functional capacity, cardiac autonomic modulation, and hemodynamic parameters in menopausal women. Twenty-six women were randomly assigned to the training (TG: 63.2 ± 9.3 years) or control group (CG: 59.3 ± 7.6 years). Anthropometric measurements, strength and functional performance tests, cardiac autonomic assessment, and hemodynamic parameters were performed before and after four weeks of intervention. The TG performed the minimum dose RT twice weekly for four weeks (2 sets of 8-12 repetitions in three dynamic exercises, plus three 1-min isometric planks), and the CG had a weekly meeting with lectures and stretching. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was applied to each variable. Regarding time comparisons, there was a significant increase for LniRR (F = 4.78; ω2 = 0.046; p = 0.04), one repetition maximum (1RM) bench press (F = 8.06; ω2 = 0,013; p = 0.01), and 1RM leg press (F = 17.3; ω2 = 0,098; p < 0.01). There was a group*time interaction only for the index LnRMSSD (F = 5.11; ω2 = 0.042; p = 0.03), and 1RM bench press (F = 9.52; ω2 = 0,016; p = 0.01). No between-group main effect for any variable was found. The minimal dose RT protocol improved muscle strength, while cardiac autonomic and hemodynamic variables, as well as functional capacity, remained stable over 4 weeks in menopausal women.

Responsiveness of functional performance and muscle strength, power, and size to resistance training: A systematic review.

There is a recent and growing interest in assessing differential responders to resistance training (RT) for diverse outcomes. Thus, the individual ability to respond to an intervention for a specific measurement, called responsiveness, remains to be better understood. Thus, the current study aimed to summarize the available information about the effects of RT on functional performance and muscle strength, power, and size in healthy adults, through the prevalence rate in different responsiveness classifications models. A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, CRD42021265378). PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases were systematically searched in October 2023. A total of 13 studies were included, totaling 921 subjects. Only two studies presented a low risk of bias. Regarding the effectiveness of RT, the prevalence rate for non-responders ranged from 0% to 44% for muscle strength, from 0% to 84% for muscle size, and from 0% to 42% for functional performance, while for muscle power, the only study found showed a responsiveness rate of 37%. In conclusion, a wide range of differential responders is described for all variables investigated. However, the evidence summarized in this systematic review suggested some caution while interpreting the findings, since the body of evidence found seems to be incipient, and widely heterogeneous in methodological and statistical aspects.

Validity and reliability of My Jump 2® app to measure the vertical jump on elite women beach volleyball players.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the My Jump 2® app in measuring jump height, flight time, and peak power among elite women beach volleyball players on sand surfaces. Methods: Eleven elite female beach volleyball players (aged 23.6 ± 6.2 years; weight 66.3 ± 5.8 kg; height 174.4 ± 5.8 cm; with 8.4 ± 4.8 years of professional experience) participated in this study. Each player performed six countermovement jumps in a wooden box filled with sand on a force platform while simultaneously recording a video for subsequent analysis using the My Jump 2® app. Results: We found excellent agreement for flight time, jump height and peak power between observers (ICC = 0.92, 0.91 and 0.97, respectively). No significant differences between force platform and My Jump 2® app were detected in the values obtained for the three variables (P > 0.05). For the force platform and the My Jump 2® app, we found a good agreement measuring jump height and flight time (ICC = 0.85 and 0.85, respectively). However, we only found a moderate agreement for peak power (ICC = 0.64). The difference in jump height showed a limit of agreement between -4.10 and 4.74 cm in Bland-Altman, indicating a high level of agreement between the two measurement tools. Conclusion: Based on our findings, the My Jump 2® app reveals a valid tool for measuring jump height and flight time of CMJ on sand surfaces. However, more caution is needed when measuring peak power.

Effects of Eccentric Phase Velocity on Bench Press Concentric Bar Velocity in the Young and Elderly.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of bar velocity during the eccentric phase on subsequent concentric performance in the young and elderly. Twelve elderly women (65.2+4.2 years) and 16 young women (23.1+2.1 years) were randomly assigned to four experimental conditions that combined high-velocity eccentric actions (HVECC; maximum velocity) and moderate-velocity eccentric actions (MVECC; 2.0 s), using 30% and 60% of their 1-repetition maximum (1RM) on the Smith machine bench press. Measurements of mean propulsive velocity (MPV), peak velocity (PV), and mean power (MP) were recorded. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was applied for each variable, when needed, the Bonferroni post hoc was used. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05, and effect size (ES) was established by Cohen's d z. The results demonstrated that elderly women showed improved performance in MPV (+10.0%; ES=- 0.58; p=0.009) and MP (+11.7%; ES=- 0.14; p=0.045) when utilizing HVECC at 30% 1RM only. Moreover, young women exhibited superior performance for both 30% and 60% 1RM when using HVECC for all variables analyzed (p<0.05). The HVECC appears to have an impact on the subsequent performance of the concentric phase, particularly when lighter loads (30% 1RM) are utilized, regardless of the age group.

High-intensity interval training in people with spinal cord injury: a systematic review / Entrenamiento por intervalos de alta intensidad en personas con lesiones medulares: una revisión sistemática / Treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade em pessoas com lesão da medula espinhal: revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Objective: Analyze the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cardiometabolic parameters, and cardiorespiratory fitness to compile the most used HIIT training types in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: This is a systematic review of searches performed in the electronic databases PubMed / Medline, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Studies included I) needed to apply HIIT training II) adults with SCI to analyze III) cardiometabolic aspects and cardiorespiratory fitness. Two independent reviewers selected the articles for inclusion, extracted their data, and assessed their methodological quality. Results: 654 studies were found. Thus, 12 studies, 11 pre- and post-intervention, and one control group (CG) with 106 participants were analyzed. Pre- and post-HIITT intervention results revealed significant improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiometabolic aspects (VO2peak, LDH, HDL, insulin resistance). In addition, GC results revealed significant improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness observed in the intervention group (HIIT) compared to the moderate-low intensity (GC) group. Seven studies used the arm ergometer as the primary exercise modality. Two studies described functional electrical stimulation (FES) performed with the arm ergometer plus electrical stimulation in the lower limbs. None reported heart rate dynamics during the study period. Conclusion: High-intensity interval training improves physical fitness and cardiometabolic health in adults with SCI. Evidence level II; Systematic Review of level II studies.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar los efectos del entrenamiento interválico de alta intensidad (HIIT) sobre los parámetros cardiometabólicos, fitness cardiorrespiratorio y recopilar los tipos de HIIT más utilizados en el entrenamiento en adultos con lesión medular (LME). Métodos: Se trata de una revisión sistemática, para lo cual se realizaron búsquedas en bases de datos electrónicas PubMed/Medline, Science Direct y Google Scholar. Se incluyeron estudios que I) necesitaban aplicar entrenamiento HIIT en II) adultos con SCI y analizar III) aspectos cardiometabólicos y aptitud cardiorrespiratoria. Dos revisores independientes seleccionaron los artículos para su inclusión, extrajeron sus datos y evaluaron su calidad metodológica. Resultados: De los 654 estudios encontrados, se analizaron 12 estudios, 11 pre y post intervención y 1 grupo control (GC) con un total de 106 participantes. Los resultados previos y posteriores a la intervención HIIT revelaron una mejora significativa en la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria y los aspectos cardiometabólicos (VO2pico, LDH, HDL, resistencia a la insulina). Los resultados de GC revelaron una mejora significativa en la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria observada del grupo de intervención (HIIT) en comparación con el grupo de intensidad moderada-baja (GC). Siete estudios utilizaron el ergómetro de brazo como la modalidad principal de ejercicio. Dos estudios describieron la estimulación eléctrica funcional (EEF) realizada con el ergómetro de brazo más la estimulación eléctrica en los miembros inferiores. Ninguno informó la dinámica de la frecuencia cardíaca durante el período de estudio. Conclusiones: El entrenamiento intervalos de alta intensidad mejora la condición física y la salud cardiometabólica en adultos con LME. Evidencia de nivel II; Revisión sistemática de estudios de nivel II.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos do treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade (HIIT) nos parâmetros cardiometabólicos, aptidão cardiorrespiratória e compilar os tipos de HIIT mais utilizados no treinamento em adultos com lesão da medula espinhal (LME). Métodos: Trata-se de revisão sistemática, para a qual foram realizadas pesquisas nas bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed / Medline, Science Direct e Google Scholar. Foram incluídos estudos em que I) o treinamento HIIT era aplicado em II) adultos com LME e analisaram III) os aspectos cardiometabólicos e aptidão cardiorrespiratória. Dois revisores independentes selecionaram os artigos para a inclusão, extraindo seus dados e avaliarando a sua qualidade metodológica. Resultados: 654 estudos foram encontrados. Desses, 12 estudos, 11 pré e pós intervenção e 1 grupo controle (GC) com um total de 106 participantes foram analisados. Resultados pré e pós intervenção de HIIT revelaram significante melhora na aptidão cardiorrespiratória e aspectos cardiometabólicos (VO2pico, LDH, HDL, resistência à insulina). Resultados do GC revelaram uma significativa melhoria na aptidão cardiorrespiratória observada no grupo de intervenção (HIIT) em relação ao grupo de intensidade moderada-baixa (GC). Sete estudos usaram o ergômetro de braço como modalidade de exercício primária. Dois estudos descreveram a estimulação elétrica funcional (EEF) realizada com o ergômetro de braço adicionando estimulação elétrica nos membros inferiores. Nenhum relatou a dinâmica da frequência cardíaca durante o período do estudo. Conclusão: O treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade melhora a aptidão física e a saúde cardiometabólica em adultos com LME. Nível de evidência II; Revisão sistemática de Estudos de Nível II.

Effects of lower and upper body fatigue in striking response time of amateur karate athletes.

In combat sports, strikes or counter-strikes response time (RT) can be related to performance and sporting success. Moreover, training sessions are usually highly fatiguing, which is expected to impair basic skills, such as RT. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of fatigue on punch and kick RTs of karate practitioners. Twelve individuals of both sexes from different levels (three yellow belts, three red belts, two orange belts, two green belts, one brown belt, and one black belt) were selected. Participants were aged 22 ± 3 years old, with a stature of 169.1 ± 6.5 cm, and a body mass of 65.5 ± 10 kg. Six visits were held with each participant. On the first 2 days, the RT of punches and kicks was measured by a validated smartphone app (TReaction). For the subsequent visits, a randomized incremental test for the upper or lower body was adopted as motor fatigue protocol, immediately followed by punches and kicks RT tests, also in random order. For induction of lower and upper body-specific muscle fatigue, the ITStriker app was used, which operates by emitting sound signals transmitted by a smartphone. One-way repeated measures ANOVA was performed, and significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Regarding the mean punches RT, significant effects between situations for the upper (F(2,22) = 11.5; ω2 = 0.23; p < 0.001) and lower body (F(2,22) = 14.2; ω2 = 0.18; p < 0.001) fatigue protocols were found. The negative effect of the lower body fatigue protocol in punches RT was evident regardless of the order of the tests (punch RT first: Δ = 10.5%; t = 4.4; p < 0.001; d = 1.0; kick RT first: Δ = 11.4%; t = 4.8; p < 0.001; d = 1.1). Regarding mean kicks RT, significant effects were found between situations for the lower (F(2,22) = 16.6; ω2 = 0.27; p < 0.001) but not for the upper (F(2,22) = 2.3; ω2 = 0.02; p = 0.12) body fatigue protocols. Kick RTs were negatively affected by the lower body fatigue protocol regardless of the RT order applied (punch RT first: Δ = 7.5%; t = 3.0; p = 0.01; d = 0.8; kick RT first: Δ = 14.3%; t = 5.7; p < 0.001; d = 1.5). Upper body fatigue does not impair punch or kick RTs. Thus, it is concluded that the specificity of fatigue protocols and striking order should be considered while performing RT demanding techniques in karate practice. Specifically, lower body motor fatigue may impair both kicks and punches RT, which highlights the role of lower limbs in punches performance. Otherwise, upper body motor fatigue seems to induce impairments that are limited to the specific motor actions of this body segment.

Mental toughness and physical fitness tests of boxing athletes associated with big five personality factors / Testes de resistência mental e aptidão física de atletas de boxe associados aos cinco grandes fatores de personalidade

ABSTRACT The present study related to boxing athletes' mental toughness and physical fitness performances with Big Five Factors. For this, the sample was composed of eleven recreational boxers who competed at the state level and were regularly training (technical and tactical) 4 times a week during the evaluation period. The 44-item Big Five Inventory (BFI) measures the Big Five dimensions of Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, Neuroticism, Openness, and Extraversion and the 14-item Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) were applied with Strength, Power, and Endurance Tests, Pearson and Spearman's correlations were used to verify the association between BFI, physical and mental tests, respectively, p≤.05. Our results demonstrated that significant and strong correlation between agreeableness factor and sit-ups test, with 40.85±12.36 freq./min (r=.72, p=.02) and, in SMTQ, a strong correlation between Neuroticism and Control [10(9;12) score, r=.76, p≤0.01], Constancy [10(9;12) score, r=.84, p≤0.01] and Total SMQT [37(34;37) score, r=.84, p≤0.01]. In conclusion, these results suggest that Neuroticism factors are associated with mental toughness, while the agreeableness factor is related to muscular endurance capability. Mental toughness and endurance results are associated with boxers' personalities whose drive motivates them relentlessly towards success and promotes thriving in boxing training environments or during championships.

RESUMO O presente estudo relacionou a resistência mental e o desempenho da aptidão física de atletas de boxe com os cinco grandes fatores. Para isso, compuseram o presente estudo onze boxeadores recreativos que competiram em nível estadual e estavam treinando regularmente (técnico e tático) 4 vezes por semana durante o período de avaliação. O Big Five Inventory (BFI) de 44 itens mede as dimensões de Conscienciosidade, Amabilidade, Neuroticismo, Abertura e Extroversão e o Questionário de Resistência Mental Esportiva (SMTQ) de 14 itens foram aplicados com Testes de Força, Potência e Resistência, Pearson e as correlações de Spearman foram utilizadas para verificar a associação entre IMC, testes físicos e mentais, respectivamente, p≤0.05. Nossos resultados demonstraram correlação significativa e forte entre o fator de amabilidade e o teste de abdominais, com 40,9±12,4 freq./min (r=0,72, p=0,02) e, no SMTQ, uma forte correlação entre Neuroticismo e Controle [10 (9;12) pontuação, r=0.76, p≤0,01], Constância [10(9;12) pontuação, r=0.84, p≤0,001] e total SMQT [37(34;37) pontuação, r= 0.84, p≤0,001]. Em conclusão, esses resultados sugerem que os fatores de neuroticismo estão associados à resistência mental, enquanto o fator de amabilidade está associado à capacidade de resistência muscular. Os resultados de resistência mental e resistência estão associados à personalidade dos boxeadores, cuja motivação os impulsiona implacavelmente para o sucesso e promove o sucesso em ambientes de treinamento de boxe ou durante campeonatos.

High and Low-speed Resistance Training Induce Similar Physical and Functional Responses in Older Women.

This study aimed to compare the effects of high-speed resistance training (HSRT) and low-speed resistance training (LSRT) in physical fitness, and functional performance in untrained older women. Twenty-four women (62.2 ± 2.7 years old) were allocated to the HSRT or LSRT groups. The HSRT and LSRT groups underwent a similar training program [3 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions at 90% of 10 maximum repetitions] for 14 weeks, twice a week. The LSRT group performed the exercises with 3 seconds in the concentric and eccentric phases, while the HSRT group performed with the concentric phase as quickly as possible and 3 seconds in the eccentric phase. Participants completed pre-and post-training testing to assess strength, flexibility, muscle endurance, power, walking speed, functional balance, and aerobic endurance. Two-way mixed-model ANOVA with repeated measures was applied for each variable, and the Bonferroni post hoc was used when necessary. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. No significant group*time interactions were found for any variable. Time main-effect suggested significant improvements for the 10 RM bench press (F = 46.1; p < 0.001), 10 RM leg press (F = 49.8; p < 0.001), sit-to-stand test (F = 10.4; p = 0.004), sit and reach (F = 10.5; p = 0.004), Timed Up-and-Go (F = 29.8; p < 0.001) and 6-min walking test (F = 41.6; p < 0.001). Thus, the configurations of RT tested here were similarly efficient to improve the functional performance of untrained older women. In addition, both groups showed significant gains in muscle strength, but not in muscle power and gait speed.

Energy demands in high-intensity intermittent taekwondo specific exercises.

Background: Taekwondo is an intermittent Olympic combat sport, which shows an aerobic predominance in matches and high participation of alactic metabolism for actions that determine competitive success. However, there is no information on energetic contribution systems in different high-intensity intermittent exercises for metabolic conditioning with specific movements. The study aimed to measure the physiological demands, mainly the energy expenditure, in taekwondo-specific high-intensity intermittent exercises (HIIE). Methods: This study recruited ten male black belt athletes with a mean age of 20.2 ± 4 years, body mass of 62.8 ± 10.5 kg and height of 170.6 ± 7.8 cm, and total practice time of 11.8 ± 5.4 years. Subjects performed an incremental specific test and three different HIIE protocols on nonconsecutive days, and all comprised three 2-min rounds and 1 min of recovery between rounds. Heart rate, oxygen consumption, and blood lactate were measured. Energetic expenditure of aerobic, alactic, and lactic metabolisms was estimated through oxygen consumption, excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, and peak blood lactate after each round. Results: For the mean of the three rounds, the TKDtest100 resulted in higher absolute and relative contribution from the aerobic metabolism (52.4 ± 4%; p = 0.01) and lower than the 35:5 relative alactic contribution (48.7 ± 5.4%; p = 0.03). Conclusion: The mean of the three rounds for 35:5 and 15:10:5 presented similar absolute and relative contributions of aerobic and alactic metabolisms, whereas the TKDtest100 was a predominantly aerobic activity. We emphasize that aerobic metabolism was predominant from the second round in the 15:10:5 and 100%TKDtest protocols and in the last round of the 35:5 protocol.

Muscular and cardiorespiratory parameters of Brazilian professional futsal players: comparison between top national and regional level athletes

Abstract Aim: To compare muscular and cardiorespiratory parameters between Brazilian professional futsal athletes from different competitive levels (national versus regional). A secondary aim was to explore the correlation of physical fitness variables between both competitive levels. Methods: Twenty-two futsal players (24.7 ± 3.7 years), 11 from a regional team and 11 from a national team, were evaluated with countermovement jump test (lower limbs muscle power), square test (the speed with change direction), RSSA (anaerobic power), and YOYOIR1 (aerobic power). Tests were performed in the middle of the season for both teams. Results: The speed with change direction (p = 0.001) and mean anaerobic power (p = 0.04) were higher for national than the regional players. Sprint performance decreased similarly for national and regional level players (p < 0.001), but the latter had poorer performance (p = 0.044). From the fourth sprint on, sprints for the national level players were slower than the first three, while for the regional level players, each sprint speed was slower than the subsequent. A significant correlation was found between anaerobic power with jump height (r = −0.50; p = 0.01), speed with change direction (r=0.65; p = 0.001) and distance covered in the YOYOIR1 (r = −0.54; p = 0.01). Conclusion: National-level athletes were more agile and presented a higher mean anaerobic power than regional ones. Moreover, national-level athletes presented better performance along with repeated sprint tests, maintaining this performance for a longer time during the test.

No Effects of Mental Fatigue and Cerebral Stimulation on Physical Performance of Master Swimmers.

Background: Mental fatigue is a psychobiological state caused by extended periods of cognitive effort, and evidence suggests that mentally fatigued athletes present impaired physical performance. Different ergogenic aids have been proposed to counteract the deleterious effects of mental fatigue, but whether brain stimulation can counteract mental fatigue is still unknown. This scenario is even more obscure considering the effects of these interventions (mental fatigue induction and brain stimulation) in a very experienced population consisting of master athletes. Method: Ten master swimmers (30 ± 6 years old and 14 ± 8 years of experience) participated in the study. They underwent four experimental conditions before an 800-m freestyle test: mental fatigue with brain stimulation; mental fatigue without brain stimulation; absence of mental fatigue with brain stimulation; and absence of mental fatigue and no brain stimulation. Mental fatigue was induced by a cognitively demanding Stroop Color Test, whereas stimulation was applied on the temporal cortex. After that, the athletes swan 800 m as fast as possible and provided their ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) every 200 m. Results: Mental fatigue was effectively induced, as evidenced by a greater fatigue perception and more errors in the last blocks of the cognitive task. Mental fatigue induction did not influence performance (time to complete the swimming trial) and RPE. Similarly, brain stimulation failed to change these two parameters, regardless of mental fatigue induction. Conclusion: The prolonged physical performance of experienced master athletes is not influenced, under the present conditions, by mental fatigue induction, cerebral stimulation, and their association.

Practical Recommendations Relevant to the Use of Resistance Training for COVID-19 Survivors.

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has emerged at the end of 2019 and caused a global pandemic. The disease predominantly affects the respiratory system; however, there is evidence that it is a multisystem disease that also impacts the cardiovascular system. Although the long-term consequences of COVID-19 are not well-known, evidence from similar diseases alerts for the possibility of long-term impaired physical function and reduced quality of life, especially in those requiring critical care. Therefore, rehabilitation strategies are needed to improve outcomes in COVID-19 survivors. Among the possible strategies, resistance training (RT) might be particularly interesting, since it has been shown to increase functional capacity both in acute and chronic respiratory conditions and in cardiac patients. The present article aims to propose evidence-based and practical suggestions for RT prescription for people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 with a special focus on immune, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. Based on the current literature, we present RT as a possible safe and feasible activity that can be time-efficient and easy to be implemented in different settings.

Assessing Interlimb Jump Asymmetry in Young Soccer Players: The My Jump 2 App.

BACKGROUND: Jumps are important evaluation tools for muscle strength and power and for interlimb asymmetries. Different jump tests are well related to athletic performance, prediction of injury risk, and common motor gestures of several sports such as soccer. Low-cost mobile applications (apps) have gained popularity for this measure. The authors hypothesized that the My Jump 2 app would be a valid tool to assess drop-jump performance and interlimb asymmetry in soccer players. METHODS: Eleven male soccer players took part in this study (18.2 [1.3] y, 69.9 [9.5] kg, 174 [6.6] cm). The athletes performed each test twice on a force plate (gold-standard method), while the jumps were recorded through the mobile app. Measures with the My Jump 2 app were applied by 2 evaluators, independently and in duplicate (interrater and intrarater reliability). The agreement analysis between both evaluations was done using an intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: Compared with the force platform, the app tested showed excellent reliability for the drop jump's flight time and interlimb asymmetry (intraclass correlation coefficient > .98). For interlimb contact-time asymmetry, the values were 18.4 (9.9) and 19.1 (9.9) milliseconds for the My Jump 2 app and the force platform, respectively (P = .88). For flight-time asymmetries, the values were 389.7 (114.3) and 396.8 (112.5) milliseconds for the My Jump 2 app and the force platform, respectively (P = .88). CONCLUSION: The My Jump 2 app is a valid tool to assess drop-jump and interlimb asymmetry in soccer players.

The Effects of Resistance Exercise Selection on Muscle Size and Strength in Trained Women.

The study compared the effects of resistance training programs composed by multi-joint (MJ), single-joint (SJ) and the combination of multi- and single-joint (MJ+SJ) exercises on muscle strength and hypertrophy in trained women. Thirty participants were divided into groups that performed only MJ exercises, SJ exercises and MJ+SJ exercises for six months. Participants were tested for 1-repetition maximum (RM) and muscle thickness (MT) before and after the intervention. All groups showed significant gains on 1RM tests from pre- to post-training (P<0.01). However, MJ and MJ+SJ groups obtained greater gains in 1RM for the MJ exercises in comparison with the SJ group. Increases in 1RM for the SJ exercises were similar among groups, with the exception of leg curl, where the SJ group obtained greater gains than MJ and MJ+SJ. All groups obtained significant increases in MT from pre- to post-training for all muscle groups. However, MJ and MJ+SJ groups presented greater increases in gluteus maximus, quadriceps femoris and pectoralis major in comparison with the SJ group. Therefore, our results suggest that, in general, performing MJ exercises seems to be necessary to obtain optimal results from a resistance training program; however SJ might be necessary to provide optimal strength gains in knee flexion.

Fórum de luta marajoara: a carta de Belém / Marajoara Wrestling Forum: the letter of Belém / Foro de lucha marajoara: la carta de Belém

Introdução: o progresso ocorrido nas últimas décadas em termos de práticas esportivas tem sido imenso, em especial em algumas modalidades esportivas de combate. Frente a este contexto é possível situar a Luta Marajoara (LM), modalidade ainda pouco conhecida no mundo acadêmico. Objetivo: descrever as principais discussões e encaminhamentos envolvendo a LM, oriundos dos debates do I Fórum Paraense de Luta Marajoara. Método: o relato tem um caráter exploratório e descritivo, configurando-se como um estudo qualitativo, pois busca identificar questões significativas do universo da modalidade para apontar futuros encaminhamentos. Resultados e discussão: a partir das observações e posicionamentos relevantes do Fórum constatou-se que os elementos que suscitaram os maiores encaminhamentos e direcionamentos estão relacionados com ações que envolvem a dimensão esportiva da LM. Conclusão: ações relacionadas a organização esportiva são as mais priorizadas, tal constatação sinaliza para a esportivização da LM, algo legítimo considerando que a modalidade é genuinamente brasileira e de grande importância para cultura nacional.

Introduction: the progress made in the last decades in terms of sports practices has been immense, especially in some combat sports. Faced with this context, it is possible to situate Marajoara Wrestling (MW), a modality still little known in the academic world. Objective: to describe the main discussions and referrals involving the MW, arising from the debates of the 1st Para Forum of Marajoara Fight. Method: the report has an exploratory and descriptive character, configuring itself as a qualitative study, as it seeks to identify significant issues in the universe of the modality to point out future referrals. Results and discussion: Based on the relevant observations and positions of the Forum, it was found that the elements that gave rise to the greatest referrals and orientations are related to actions that involve the sports dimension of MW. Conclusion: actions related to sports organization are the most prioritized, this finding signals the sporting of MW, something legitimate considering that the sport is genuinely Brazilian and of great importance for national culture.

Introducción: el progreso realizado en las últimas décadas en términos de prácticas deportivas ha sido inmenso, especialmente en algunos deportes de combate. Frente a este contexto, es posible situar a Luta Marajoara (LM), una modalidad aún poco conocida en el mundo académico. Objetivo: describir las principales discusiones y referencias relacionadas con el LM, que surgen de los debates del 1er Foro de Lucha de Marajoara. Método: el informe tiene un carácter exploratorio y descriptivo, configurándose como un estudio cualitativo, ya que busca identificar problemas significativos en el universo de la modalidad para señalar futuras referencias. Resultados y discusión: Basado en las observaciones y posiciones relevantes del Foro, se encontró que los elementos que dieron lugar a las mayores referencias y orientaciones están relacionados con acciones que involucran la dimensión deportiva de LM. Conclusión: las acciones relacionadas con la organización deportiva son las más prioritarias, este hallazgo señala el deporte de LM, algo legítimo teniendo en cuenta que el deporte es genuinamente brasileño y de gran importancia para la cultura nacional.

Prevalence of burnout syndrome and perception by playing position in professional football players

Abstract Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the indicators of burnout, to determine whether playing position affects the perception of syndrome dimensions, and to identify burnout prevalence in professional football players. Methods: The participants were 100 professional football players (mean age 24.3 ± 4.6 years and meantime as a professional athlete of 9.2 ± 4.5 years) who were divided into three groups: 27 forwards, 34 midfielders, and 39 defenders. The Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ) and a sociodemographic questionnaire were applied. Results: The results show that a) the majority of athletes had low burnout indicators, b) there was no difference in the perception of burnout dimensions by playing position, and c) the prevalence of athletes with burnout, whether mild, moderate, or severe, was 13%. Conclusion: The variable of playing position was not a determinant of perception of burnout dimensions among the forwards, midfielders, and defenders. Nonetheless, the prevalence of burnout deserves attention, as the negative effects of this syndrome may exert impacts on health, well-being, and sports performance, making athletes more likely to abandon their sport.

Physiological aspects and energetic contribution in 20s:10s high-intensity interval exercise at different intensities.

BACKGROUND: One of the most popular high-intensity interval exercises is the called "Tabata Protocol". However, most investigations have limitations in describing the work intensity, and this fact appears to be due to the protocol unfeasibility. Furthermore, the physiological demands and energetic contribution during this kind of exercise remain unclear. METHODS: Eight physically active students (21.8 ± 3.7 years) and eight well-trained cycling athletes (27.8 ± 6.4 years) were enrolled. In the first visit, we collected descriptive data and the peak power output (PPO). On the next three visits, in random order, participants performed interval training with the same time structure (effort:rest 20s:10s) but using different intensities (115%, 130%, and 170% of PPO). We collected the number of sprints, power output, oxygen consumption, blood lactate, and heart rate. RESULTS: The analysis of variance for multivariate test (number of sprints, power output, blood lactate, peak heart rate and percentage of maximal heart rate) showed significant differences between groups (F = 9.62; p = 0.001) and intensities (F = 384.05; p < 0.001), with no interactions (F = 0.94; p = 0.57). All three energetic contributions and intensities were different between protocols. The higher contribution was aerobic, followed by alactic and lactic. The aerobic contribution was higher at 115%PPO, while the alactic system showed higher contribution at 130%PPO. In conclusion, the aerobic system was predominant in the three exercise protocols, and we observed a higher contribution at lower intensities.

H″IT″ting the Barriers for Exercising during Social Isolation.

Aerobic exercise is traditionally recommended to improve general health and prevent many non-communicable diseases. However, the measures adopted to control the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak culminated with closing of exercise facilities and fitness centers and, as a primary consequence, impaired aerobic exercise practice. This contributed to an increase in risk factors associated with physical inactivity such as insulin resistance, high blood pressure, low-grade inflammation, weight gain, and mental health problems. The scenario is worrisome, and it is important to propose alternatives for exercise practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interval training (IT) emerges as an exercise mode that might be feasible, low-cost, and potentially safe to be performed in many different places. IT consists of interspersing relative brief bouts of high-intensity exercise with recovery periods and promotes similar or greater health benefits when compared to moderate-intensity continuous exercise. Among the different types of IT, sprint interval training and "Tabata protocols" might be particularly useful during social isolation. These protocols can be controlled and performed without the need of complex equipment and can be adapted to different places, including domestic environments. In this article, we present variations of IT as possible alternatives to cope physical inactivity during COVID-19 pandemics with a focus on its practical applications. The protocols suggested can be performed without the need of specialized equipment or facilities, in a time-efficient manner, and aiming to prevent detraining or even improve physical fitness and general health.