Age, Sex, and Training Specific Effects on Cross-Education Training.

An extensive number of publications have examined cross-education effects with adults, primarily investigating contralateral homologous (same) muscles. There are far fewer investigations on cross-education effects on contralateral heterologous (different) muscles and age (youth vs adult) and no studies investigating sex differences. Hence, the objective was to compare cross-education in female and male youth and young adults to contralateral homologous (chest press [CP], elbow flexors and extensors, handgrip isometric strength, and shot put) and heterologous (leg press, knee extension isometric strength, and countermovement jump) muscles. Twenty-eight female adults, 28 female youth, 28 male adults, and 28 male youth (total: 112) were examined before and after an 8-week (3 sessions/wk) unilateral, dominant arm, CP training program. Unilateral testing assessed dominant and nondominant leg press and CP 1-repetition maximum, knee extensors, elbow extensors, elbow flexors, and handgrip maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) strength, as well as shot put distance and countermovement jump height. Unilateral CP training induced training specific (CP 1-repetition maximum) and nonspecific (elbow extensors, elbow flexors, handgrip MVIC force, and shot put distance) improvements (P < .04, η2: .45-.85) but no significant lower body improvements. There was evidence for testing limb specificity as the dominant arm provided significantly (P < .021, η2: .17-.75) greater training gains than the nondominant arm. Youth's training adaptations exceeded with unilateral CP 1-repetition maximum, elbow extensors MVIC force, and shot put distance (P < .049, η2: .14-.49). No sex main effect differences were apparent. In conclusion, cross-education was training specific (greatest gains with upper body and dominant limbs) with greater benefits for youth and generally no sex differences with the exception of elbow extensors MVIC.

Functional vs. dual-task training effects on trunk muscle function and functional fitness in older women with and without chronic low back pain: A randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Non-specific chronic low back pain (CLBP) predominantly affects women aged 40-80 years. Physical exercise is a primary treatment form, with functional training (FT) and dual-task training (DT) emerging as potential modalities due to their distinct characteristics. However, limited information exists regarding the effects of these exercise modalities on CLBP. OBJECTIVE: To compare the FT and DT effects on trunk function and functional fitness in CLBP older women. METHODOLOGY: This was a randomized clinical trial with two training groups (FT and DT) and CLBP and non-CLBP individuals. We assessed the trunk stability, maximum isometric strength, endurance of trunk muscles, and functional fitness before and after 16 weeks of training RESULTS: We found only time effects for circular stability and instability (p <.001), flexors (p =.006), and extensors endurance (p <.001). For the lateral flexors, there was an average reduction of 17.3 units in lateral flexor endurance in the FT compared to the DT in CLBP individuals. For the strength of the flexor, CLBP individuals exhibited an increase of 69.3 units compared to non-CLBP. For the strength of extensors, CLBP individuals showed a decrease of 75.1 units compared to non-CLBP individuals. We identified a time effect for all functional fitness measures (p <.050) CONCLUSION: FT and DT increase trunk stability, maximum isometric strength, and endurance of trunk muscles, besides the functional fitness of CLBP older women SIGNIFICANCE: Professionals can choose either training type, as there are no differences in the initial 16 weeks of intervention.

Brain functional training: a perspective article.

Introduction: Physical exercise (PE) positively affects the nervous system, impacting morphology and physiology. It increases brain gray and white matter, improves cerebral blood flow, and stimulates neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and angiogenesis, promoting brain function. Although exercise already affects cognition, some training modalities place greater demands on the cognitive aspects of physical exercise, such as perceptual-motor and visual-motor training. This type of approach aims to emphasize the cognitive adaptations that occur chronically. Specifically for older people, functional training, a multi-component approach, is a promising exercise modality that stimulates functionality using multi-joint, multi-planar exercises mirroring daily activities. However, applying a greater focus on cognitive adaptations in line with the functional training proposal for maximal benefits remains underexplored. Aim: Thus, this perspective article initially explores different exercise approaches emphasizing cognitive adaptations and proposes Brain Functional Training to improve older adult's functionality. Methods: Furthermore, we explain how brain functional training can be explored to emphasize cognitive aspects based on increasing complexity to stimulate the executive function and its subdomains. Conclusion: This proposal is one alternative to combining motor and cognitive stimuli to promote autonomy and health in older people.

Characteristics of surveillance systems for suicide and self-harm: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Suicide is a complex public health issue. Surveillance systems play a vital role in identifying trends and epidemiologic needs, informing public health strategies, and tailoring effective context-based suicide prevention interventions. AIM: To identify and summarise the characteristics of specific surveillance systems and general health behaviour that include data onsuicide and self-harm. METHOD: A scoping review following the JBI recommendations and PRISMA-ScR guidelines identified 29 relevant studies on suicide and self-harm surveillance systems. A systematic search was performed on Cinahl, Embase, Lilacs-Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, PubMed-US National Library of Medicine, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The eligibility criteria include papers that use qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods with no restrictions on time or language. The following papers were excluded regarding euthanasia and assisted suicide, as well as papers that did not explicitly describe suicide, self-harm, and surveillance systems. Two researchers independently screened the materials for eligibility and extracted data from the included studies. Data analysis was conducted using content analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-nine references were included, and 30 surveillance systems were identified and classified into general health behaviour surveillance (n = 15) and specific systems for suicide and self-harm (n = 15). General health behaviour systems often operate at national data collection level, collecting non-fatal data in healthcare settings, mainly emergency departments. The specific systems exhibited greater variability in terms of context, involved actors, data collection level, data collection procedures, and case classification. Limitations found by the studies pointed mostly to case definitions and data quality. Co-production, intersectoral collaboration, clear case definition criteria and data standardisation are essential to improve surveillance systems for suicide and self-harm. CONCLUSIONS: This review identified the characteristics of surveillance systems for suicide and self-harm. Monitoring and evaluation are crucial for ongoing relevance and impact on prevention efforts.

Sleep, anxiety, depression, and stress in critically ill patients: a descriptive study in a Portuguese intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disorders are common among patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). This study aimed to assess the perceptions of sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and stress reported by ICU patients and the relationships between these perceptions and patient variables. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used consecutive non-probabilistic sampling to select participants. All patients admitted for more than 72 hours of ICU hospitalization at a Portuguese hospital between March and June 2020 were asked to complete the "Richard Campbell Sleep Questionnaire" and "Anxiety, depression, and Stress Assessment Questionnaire." The resulting data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, Student t-tests for independent samples, and analysis of variance. The significance level for rejecting the null hypothesis was set to α ≤0.05. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients admitted to the ICU for at least 72 hours was recruited. The mean age of the participants was 64 years (standard deviation, 14.6); 32 (61.5%) of the participants were male. Approximately 19% had psychiatric disorders. The prevalence of self-reported poor sleep was higher in women (t[50]=2,147, P=0.037) and in participants with psychiatric problems, although this difference was not statistically significant (t[50]=-0.777, P=0.441). Those who reported having sleep disorders before hospitalization had a worse perception of their sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep quality perception was worse in female ICU patients, those with psychiatric disorders, and those with sleep alterations before hospitalization. Implementing early interventions and designing nonpharmacological techniques to improve sleep quality of ICU patients is essential.

Os contributos da Enfermagem para a reforma da saúde mental em Portugal / The contributions of nursing for the mental health reform in Portugal / Contribuciones de la enfermería para la reforma de la salud mental en Portugal

Resumo A transformação dos cuidados de saúde mental em Portugal, nos anos recentes tem sido determinante para uma maior humanização, melhor organização e proximidade. Com um foco predominantemente comunitário, os enfermeiros especialistas em Enfermagem de Saúde Mental e Psiquiátrica têm um importante papel na sua implementação, pelo seu conhecimento e prática, incluídos em equipas interdisciplinares, dando contributos através de intervenções conjuntas e autónomas, ao longo do ciclo vital, através da promoção da saúde mental, interpretação do sofrimento mental e acompanhamento na doença mental, em contextos comunitários e hospitalares.

Abstract The transformation of mental healthcare in Portugal in recent years has been instrumental in promoting greater humanisation, improved organisation, and proximity to patients. With a predominantly community-focused approach, mental health nurses play a crucial role in its implementation through their knowledge and practice within interdisciplinary teams. They contribute through joint and autonomous interventions across the lifespan, promoting mental health, interpreting mental distress, and providing support for mental illness in community and hospital settings.

Resumen La transformación de la atención de salud mental en Portugal en los últimos años ha sido fundamental para una mayor humanización, una mejor organización y proximidad. Con un enfoque predominantemente comunitario, las enfermeras de salud mental desempeñan un papel importante en su implementación debido a sus conocimientos y prácticas dentro de equipos interdisciplinarios. Contribuyen a través de intervenciones conjuntas y autónomas a lo largo del ciclo vital, promoviendo la salud mental, interpretando el sufrimiento mental y brindando apoyo en enfermedades mentales, tanto en entornos comunitarios como hospitalarios.

Functional and Combined Training Promote Body Recomposition and Lower Limb Strength in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial and a Time Course Analysis.

Encouraging healthy aging in postmenopausal women involves advocating for lifestyle modifications, including regular physical exercise like combined training (CT) and functional training (FT). Regarding this population, age-related alterations in body composition, such as decreased muscle mass and heightened adipose tissue, impact health. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of FT and CT on body recomposition in postmenopausal women. About the methods, we randomly allocated 96 post-menopausal women to the FT, CT, or control group (CG). We measured body composition by bioimpedance and lower limb muscle strength by sit-to-stand test in five repetitions, respectively. The training protocol lasted 16 weeks, and we measured body composition and lower limb muscle strength every 4 weeks, totaling five assessments. Regarding results, we notice that both training groups increased lean mass from the 8th week of training. In addition, a reduction was observed in total fat percentage and an increase in appendicular lean mass from the 12th week of intervention. No differences were found for body mass. Furthermore, only the experimental groups increase muscle strength, starting from the 4th week of training. The conclusion was that FT and CT promote similar adaptations in body recomposition without affecting body mass in postmenopausal women.

CD4+ Th1 and Th17 responses and multifunctional CD8 T lymphocytes associated with cure or disease worsening in human visceral leishmaniasis.

Introduction: In VL, a proinflammatory phenotype is typically associated with enhanced phagocytosis and a Th1 mediated immune response resulting in infection control. In contrast, an anti-inflammatory phenotype, associated with a predominant regulatory response, typically enables intracellular multiplication of Leishmania parasites and disease progression. Methods: To investigate the impact of chemotherapy on Th2 and Th17 immune responses in patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL), we assessed all combinations of intracellular expression of IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-4 and IL-17 in the CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from patients, after antigenic stimulation with Leishmania lysate, throughout treatment and follow-up. As increases in spleen and liver sizes and decreases in hematocrit, hemogloblin, erythrocytes, monocytes, leukocytes and platelets levels are strongly related to the disease, we studied the correlations between the frequencies of T cells producing the afore mentioned cytokines, individually and in combination, and these variables, as markers of disease or cure. Results: We found that the frequency of IFN-γ-producingCD4+ T cells increased until the end of chemotherapy with Glucantime® or AmBisome ®, while IL-10, IL-4 and IL-17-producing CD4+ T cells peaked on day 7 following the start of treatment. Although the frequency of CD4+IL-17+ cells decreased during treatment an increase was observed after clinical cure. The frequency of CD4+ T cells producing only IFN-γ or IL-17 correlated with blood monocytes levels. Frequencies of double-producers of IFN-γ and IL-10 or IL-4 correlated positively with eosinophils and platelets levels. Together, this suggest that IFN-γ drives the immune response towards Th1 at cure. In contrast, and associated with disease or Th2 response, the frequency of CD4+ IL-10+ cells correlated positively with spleen sizes and negatively with circulating monocyte levels, while the frequency of CD4+ producing both IL-4 and IL-10 correlated negatively with platelets levels. The frequency of CD8+ single-producers of IFN-γ increased from day 21 to 90 while that of single-producers of IL-10 peaked on day 7, of IL-4 on day 30 and of IL-17, on day 180. IFN-γ expression in CD8+ single- and double-producers of cytokines was indicative of an immune response associated with cure. In contrast, frequencies of CD8+ double-producers of IL-4 and IL-10, IL-4 and IL-17 and IL-10 and IL-17 and producers of three and four cytokines, were associated with disease and were low after the cure. Frequencies of CD8+ T cells producing IFN-γ alone or with IL-17 were positively correlated with platelets levels. In contrast, as markers of disease: 1) frequencies of single producers of IL-10 correlated negatively with leukocytes levels, 2) frequencies of double producers of IL-4 and IL-10 correlated negatively with platelet, leukocyte, lymphocyte and circulating monocyte levels, 3) frequencies of triple-producers of IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 correlated negatively with platelet, leukocyte and neutrophil levels and 4) frequencies of producers of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-17 simultaneously correlated positively with spleen size, and negatively with leukocyte and neutrophil levels. Discussion: Our results confirmed that the clinical improvement of VL patients correlates with the decrease of an IL-4 and IL-10 CD4+Th2 response, the recovery of CD4+ Th1 and Th17 responses and the frequency of CD8+ single-producers of IFN-γ and double producers of IFN-γ and IL-17.

NINJ1 induces plasma membrane rupture and release of damage-associated molecular pattern molecules during ferroptosis.

Ferroptosis is a regulated form of necrotic cell death caused by iron-dependent accumulation of oxidized phospholipids in cellular membranes, culminating in plasma membrane rupture (PMR) and cell lysis. PMR is also a hallmark of other types of programmed necrosis, such as pyroptosis and necroptosis, where it is initiated by dedicated pore-forming cell death-executing factors. However, whether ferroptosis-associated PMR is also actively executed by proteins or driven by osmotic pressure remains unknown. Here, we investigate a potential ferroptosis role of ninjurin-1 (NINJ1), a recently identified executor of pyroptosis-associated PMR. We report that NINJ1 oligomerizes during ferroptosis, and that Ninj1-deficiency protects macrophages and fibroblasts from ferroptosis-associated PMR. Mechanistically, we find that NINJ1 is dispensable for the initial steps of ferroptosis, such as lipid peroxidation, channel-mediated calcium influx, and cell swelling. In contrast, NINJ1 is required for early loss of plasma membrane integrity, which precedes complete PMR. Furthermore, NINJ1 mediates the release of cytosolic proteins and danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecules from ferroptotic cells, suggesting that targeting NINJ1 could be a therapeutic option to reduce ferroptosis-associated inflammation.

Relative Cross-Education Training Effects of Male Youth Exceed Male Adults.

ABSTRACT: Ben Othman, A, Anvar, SH, Aragão-Santos, JC, Behm, DG, and Chaouachi, A. Relative cross-education training effects of male youth exceed male adults. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 881-890, 2024-Cross-education has been studied extensively with adults, examining the training effects on contralateral homologous muscles. There is less information on the cross-education effects on contralateral heterologous muscles and scant information comparing these responses between adults and youth. The objective was to compare cross-education training effects in male youth and adults to contralateral homologous and heterologous muscles. Forty-two male children (10-13-years) and 42 adults (18-21-years) were tested before and following an 8-week unilateral, dominant or nondominant arm, chest press (CP) training program or control group (14 subjects each). Unilateral testing assessed dominant and nondominant limb strength with leg press and CP 1 repetition maximum (1RM), knee extensors, elbow extensors (EE), elbow flexors, and handgrip maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) strength and shot put distance and countermovement jump height. Upper-body tests demonstrated large magnitude increases, with children overall exceeding adults ( p = 0.05- p < 0.0001, η2 : 0.51, 10.4 ± 11.1%). The dominant trained limb showed significantly higher training adaptations than the nondominant limb for the adults with CP 1RM ( p = 0.03, η2 : 0.26, 6.7 ± 11.5%) and EE ( p = 0.008, η2 : 0.27, 8.8 ± 10.3%) MVIC force. Unilateral CP training induced significantly greater training adaptations with the ipsilateral vs. contralateral limb ( p = 0.008, η2 : 0.93, 27.8 ± 12.7%). In conclusion, children demonstrated greater training adaptations than adults, upper-body strength increased with no significant lower-body improvements, and ipsilateral training effects were greater than contralateral training in adults.

Minimalist Training: Is Lower Dosage or Intensity Resistance Training Effective to Improve Physical Fitness? A Narrative Review.

BACKGROUND: Findings from original research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses have demonstrated the effectiveness of resistance training (RT) on markers of performance and health. However, the literature is inconsistent with regards to the dosage effects (frequency, intensity, time, type) of RT to maximize training-induced improvements. This is most likely due to moderating factors such as age, sex, and training status. Moreover, individuals with limited time to exercise or who lack motivation to perform RT are interested in the least amount of RT to improve physical fitness. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to investigate and identify lower than typically recommended RT dosages (i.e., shorter durations, lower volumes, and intensity activities) that can improve fitness components such as muscle strength and endurance for sedentary individuals or beginners not meeting the minimal recommendation of exercise. METHODS: Due to the broad research question involving different RT types, cohorts, and outcome measures (i.e., high heterogeneity), a narrative review was selected instead of a systematic meta-analysis approach. RESULTS: It seems that one weekly RT session is sufficient to induce strength gains in RT beginners with < 3 sets and loads below 50% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). With regards to the number of repetitions, the literature is controversial and some authors report that repetition to failure is key to achieve optimal adaptations, while other authors report similar adaptations with fewer repetitions. Additionally, higher intensity or heavier loads tend to provide superior results. With regards to the RT type, multi-joint exercises induce similar or even larger effects than single-joint exercises. CONCLUSION: The least amount of RT that can be performed to improve physical fitness for beginners for at least the first 12 weeks is one weekly session at intensities below 50% 1RM, with < 3 sets per multi-joint exercise.

Different resistance training volumes on strength, functional fitness, and body composition of older people: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Aging causes several changes in the body, reducing strength and muscle mass, which leads to a decline in function. Resistance training (RT) is used to counteract these changes. However, there is still ongoing debate about the optimal volume of RT in the context of aging. We systematically reviewed articles that assessed the impact of different volumes of RT on muscular strength, functional fitness, and body composition of older people. We conducted a systematic search in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, PEDro, and Google Scholar databases, using keywords related to the older population and various RT volumes. We performed meta-analyses for each outcome separately using intervention time in weeks for subgroup analyses. We employed random effects models for all meta-analyses and expressed the results as standardized mean differences (Hedges' g). We included 31 studies, encompassing a total of 1.744 participants. The sample size ranged from 18 to 376, with an average size of 56 participants. Participants' ages ranged from 60 to 83 years. On average, HV-RT (High-Volume Resistance Training) induced significant adaptations in muscle strength of the upper limbs (g = 0.36; 95 % CI = 0.11-0.61) and lower limbs (g = 0.41; 95 % CI = 0.23-0.59), with superiority more pronounced after 12 weeks of training. Regarding functional fitness, there was a tendency favoring HV-RT (g = 0.41; 95 % CI = 0.23-0.59). Thus, HV-RT outperforms LV-RT (Low-Volume Resistance Training) in enhancing muscle strength, particularly in longer interventions with independent older adults.

Relationship between core function and pressure pain threshold in senior women with non-specific chronic low back pain: cross-sectional study / Relação entre a função do core e o limiar de dor a pressão em mulheres idosas com dor lombar crônica inespecífica: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is a public health issue. Dysfunctions in muscle activation and spinal stability are estimated to directly impact pain intensity. Additionally, senior women experience greater decline in muscle function due to aging, rendering this demographic more susceptible to developing low back pain. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between core muscle instability, strength, and endurance with pressure pain threshold in senior individuals with CNLBP. METHODS: This is a quantitative observational study, with a descriptive cross-sectional design, conducted on women aged 60 to 79 years. The pressure pain threshold (PPT). The pressure pain threshold (PPT) was assessed using a pressure algometer applied to the paravertebral and anterior tibial musculature. Trunk instability was assessed on both a stable and an unstable seat, positioned atop a force platform that provided real-time displacement of the pressure center. Maximum isometric strength and endurance of trunk flexors and extensors were assessed using the McGill protocol. Person's correlations coefficient (r) was calculated, and the data were presented as mean and standard deviation. The significance level was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: This study included 49 senior women (67,3±5,6 years; body mass index of 28,5±5,2 kg/m2; pain intensity of 4,6±2,3 on a 0-10scale). No correlation was observed between PPT at L3, L5 and TA with lumbar instability, maximum isometric strength and trunk muscle endurance. CONCLUSION: In this study, no correlation was found between lumbar instability, maximum isometric strength and trunk muscle endurance with the PPT in senior women with CNLBP.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor lombar crônica inespecífica (DLCI) é um problema de saúde pública. Estima-se que disfunções na ativação muscular e na estabilidade da coluna possam repercutir diretamente na intensidade da dor. Além disso, em decorrência da idade, as mulheres idosas apresentam maior declínio na função muscular, tornando esse público mais suscetível a desenvolver a dor lombar. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a correlação entre instabilidade, força e resistência dos músculos do core com o limiar de dor por pressão em idosas com DLCI. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo observacional quantitativo, com delineamento transversal descritivo, realizado em mulheres com idade entre 60 e 79 anos. O limiar de dor por pressão (LDP) foi avaliado com um algômetro de pressão na musculatura paravertebral (bilateralmente ao processo espinhoso nível de L3 a L5) e cinco cm abaixo da tuberosidade da tibial direita no tibial anterior. A instabilidade de tronco foi avaliada em um assento estável e outro instável, posicionados sobre uma plataforma de força para análise do deslocamento do centro de pressão em tempo real. A força isométrica máxima e a resistência de flexores e extensores do tronco foi avaliada por meio do protocolo de McGill. Foi calculado o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (r), os dados foram expressos em média e desvio padrão e o valor considerado significativo quando p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Participaram deste estudo 49 mulheres (67,3±5,6 anos; índice de massa corporal de 28,5±5,2 kg/m2; intensidade da dor 4,6±2,3 em uma escala de 0- a 10). Não foi encontrada correlação entre o LDP em L3, L5 e TA com instabilidade lombar, força isométrica máxima e resistência dos músculos do tronco. CONCLUSÃO: Não foi encontrada, neste estudo, uma correlação entre a instabilidade lombar, a força isométrica máxima e a resistência dos músculos do tronco com o LDP em mulheres idosas com DLCI.

Functional Training and Dual-Task Training Improve the Executive Function of Older Women.

Functional training (FT) is a type of multicomponent training with emphasis on activities of daily living that stimulate different physical capacities in only one session. Dual-task training (DTT) is a type of training that simultaneously applies cognitive and motor stimuli. We investigated the effects of sixteen weeks of FT and DTT and eight weeks of detraining on older women's inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Sixty-two older women (66.9 ± 5.4 years; 27.7 ± 3.9 kg/m2) completed a 16-week intervention program comprising the FT (n = 31) and DTT (n = 31), and 43 returned after the detraining period. We used the Stroop Color Word Color test to evaluate inhibitory control, the Corsi Block Test to assess working memory, and the Trail Making Test to evaluate cognitive flexibility. Only DTT reduced the congruent response time between the pre-test and post-test (d= -0.64; p < 0.001), with no difference between the post-test and the detraining values (d = 1.13; p < 0.001). Both groups reduced the incongruent response time between the pre-test and post-test (FT: d = -0.61; p = 0.002; DTT: d= -0.59; p = 0.002) without a difference between groups. There were no significant differences in working memory and cognitive flexibility. Sixteen weeks of FT and DTT increased the inhibitory control of older women but not the working memory and cognitive flexibility, and these effects persisted after eight weeks of detraining.

Are Acute Effects of Foam-Rolling Attributed to Dynamic Warm Up Effects? A Comparative Study.

Over the last decade, acute increases in range of motion (ROM) in response to foam rolling (FR) have been frequently reported. Compared to stretching, FR-induced ROM increases were not typically accompanied by a performance (e.g., force, power, endurance) deficit. Consequently, the inclusion of FR in warm-up routines was frequently recommended, especially since literature pointed out non-local ROM increases after FR. However, to attribute ROM increases to FR it must be ensured that such adaptations do not occur as a result of simple warm-up effects, as significant increases in ROM can also be assumed as a result of active warm-up routines. To answer this research question, 20 participants were recruited using a cross-over design. They performed 4x45 seconds hamstrings rolling under two conditions; FR, and sham rolling (SR) using a roller board to imitate the foam rolling movement without the pressure of the foam rolling. They were also tested in a control condition. Effects on ROM were tested under passive, active dynamic as well as ballistic conditions. Moreover, to examine non-local effects the knee to wall test (KtW) was used. Results showed that both interventions provided significant, moderate to large magnitude increases in passive hamstrings ROM and KtW respectively, compared to the control condition (p = 0.007-0.041, d = 0.62-0.77 and p = 0.002-0.006, d = 0.79-0.88, respectively). However, the ROM increases were not significantly different between the FR and the SR condition (p = 0.801, d = 0.156 and p = 0.933, d = 0.09, respectively). No significant changes could be obtained under the active dynamic (p = 0.65) while there was a significant decrease in the ballistic testing condition with a time effect (p < 0.001). Thus, it can be assumed that potential acute increases in ROM cannot be exclusively attributed to FR. It is therefore speculated that warm up effects could be responsible independent of FR or imitating the rolling movement, which indicates there is no additive effect of FR or SR to the dynamic or ballistic range of motion.

Structural basis of NINJ1-mediated plasma membrane rupture in cell death.

Eukaryotic cells can undergo different forms of programmed cell death, many of which culminate in plasma membrane rupture as the defining terminal event1-7. Plasma membrane rupture was long thought to be driven by osmotic pressure, but it has recently been shown to be in many cases an active process, mediated by the protein ninjurin-18 (NINJ1). Here we resolve the structure of NINJ1 and the mechanism by which it ruptures membranes. Super-resolution microscopy reveals that NINJ1 clusters into structurally diverse assemblies in the membranes of dying cells, in particular large, filamentous assemblies with branched morphology. A cryo-electron microscopy structure of NINJ1 filaments shows a tightly packed fence-like array of transmembrane α-helices. Filament directionality and stability is defined by two amphipathic α-helices that interlink adjacent filament subunits. The NINJ1 filament features a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side, and molecular dynamics simulations show that it can stably cap membrane edges. The function of the resulting supramolecular arrangement was validated by site-directed mutagenesis. Our data thus suggest that, during lytic cell death, the extracellular α-helices of NINJ1 insert into the plasma membrane to polymerize NINJ1 monomers into amphipathic filaments that rupture the plasma membrane. The membrane protein NINJ1 is therefore an interactive component of the eukaryotic cell membrane that functions as an in-built breaking point in response to activation of cell death.

Alternative Flexibility Training.

Over the last approximately 20 years, research has reported on performance impairments following prolonged durations of static stretching. This has led to a paradigm shift towards dynamic stretching. There has also been a greater emphasis using foam rollers, vibration devices, and other techniques. Recent commentaries and meta-analyses suggest that stretching need not be listed as a fitness component as other activities such as resistance training can provide similar range of motion benefits. The commentary aims to review and compare the effects of static stretching and alternative exercises for improving range of motion.

A single-set functional training program increases muscle power, improves functional fitness, and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines in postmenopausal women: A randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: Aging can be associated with reduced muscle power, functional decline, and increased plasma concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines. Functional training (FT) can improve muscle power, functional fitness and reduce plasma cytokines. However, the functional training optimal volume required to produce these adaptations must be clarified. Our study analyzed the effects of multiple-set functional training (MSFT) and single-set functional training (SSFT) on postmenopausal women's muscle power, functional fitness, and inflammatory profile. Methods: Forty-three women were randomly allocated into three groups: multiple-set functional training (n = 16, age 64.13 ± 5.17), single-set functional training (n = 14, age 63.79 ± 4.88), and control group (CG, n = 13, age 64.62 ± 5.44). The bench press and squat exercises evaluated upper and lower limb muscle power. The following tests assessed functional fitness: putting on and taking off a T-shirt, gallon-jug shelf-transfer, standing up and walking around the house, five times sit-to-stand, and 400-m walk. Plasma cytokine (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL 10) concentrations were measured by flow cytometry. Results: Single-set functional training and multiple-set functional training increased upper and lower limbs muscle power and improved functional fitness, except for the putting on and taking off a T-shirt test. Multiple-set functional training reduced TNF-α and IL-6, while single-set functional training reduced only TNF-α. IL-10 was unaffected by exercise. Discussion: Single-set functional training and multiple-set functional training, therefore, promoted similar muscle power and functional fitness improvements over 24 weeks. Multiple-set functional training was more effective than single-set functional training, reducing both TNF and IL-6, while single-set functional training only decreased TNF-α.

Effects of twenty-eight months of detraining imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic on the functional fitness of older women experienced in concurrent and functional training.

PURPOSE: To assess the impacts of 28 months of detraining imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic on the functional fitness of older women practicing functional or concurrent training. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A clinical trial was conducted with 16 weeks of intervention and 28 months of detraining imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ninety-five participants were allocated to functional training (FT - 32), concurrent training (CT - 31), or the control group (CG - 32). All the dependent variables were measured pre-training, post-training, and after the detraining period. The functional fitness was assessed by the put on and take off a t-shirt (PTS - upper limbs), timed up and go (TUG - dynamic balance), five times sit-to-stand (FTSST - lower-limb muscle power), gallon-jug shelf-transfer (GJST - global function), and 10 m walk (W10 m - walking ability) tests. RESULTS: Sixty-three women remained after the detraining period, twenty-four in the FT (66.0 ± 3.8 years), twenty in the CT (65.0 ± 4.3 years), and nineteen in the CG (69.6 ± 5.9 years). Comparing the detraining vs. the pre-intervention, the FT and CT showed a smaller reduction than CG for the PTS (ßFT = -2.296; ßCT = -1.914), timed up and go (ßFT = -0.705; ßCT = -0.600), five times sit-to-stand (ßFT = -1.970; ßCT = -2.970), gallon-jug shelf-transfer (ßFT = -1.512; ßCT = -1.003), without differences in the 10 m walk. Also, the concurrent training showed a smaller reduction than the functional training in the FTSST (ß = 1.000). CONCLUSION: Even after a long detraining period imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, FT and CT practices were effective strategies for maintaining the functional fitness of older women.