Effects of fast-velocity concentric resistance training in people with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effects of a fast-velocity concentric resistance training (FVCRT) program on maximum strength of upper and lower limb, gait speed, walking endurance, fatigue, physical self-perception, and catastrophizing pain in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were randomized to either an experimental [EG] (n = 18) or a control [CG] (n = 12) group. The EG carried out 10-weeks of lower limb FVCRT. The CG did not perform any intervention. The maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MVIC) during knee extension, hand-grip strength, gait speed, walking endurance, fatigue, physical self-perception, and catastrophizing pain were measured. RESULTS: Inter-group differences after intervention were found on the right and left sides in MVIC (p = .032; ES = -0.7 and p = .009; ES = -0.9), and hand grip strength (p = .003; ES = -1.0 and p = .029; ES = -0.7). After FVCRT, there was in increase in MVIC (p < .001; ES = -1.7 and p < .001; ES = -1.3) and hand grip strength (p < .001; ES = -1.3 and p < .001; ES = -1.3) on both right and left sides, respectively. In addition, gait speed (p = .023; ES = 1.3), walking endurance (p < .001; ES = -1.0), symptomatic fatigue (p = .004; ES = 0.6), and catastrophizing pain (p < .001; ES = 1.0) improved in EG. CONCLUSION: Lower limb FVCRT improved the upper and lower limb strength, walking, symptomatic fatigue, and catastrophizing pain in MS participants.

Fast-velocity Resistance Training Improves Force Development and Mobility in Multiple Sclerosis.

This study aimed to analyze the benefits of a lower-limb fast-velocity concentric resistance training on rate of force development, mobility, and quality of life in people with Multiple Sclerosis. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 30 people with Multiple Sclerosis, who were randomly assigned to either an experimental (n=18) or a control (n=12) group. The experimental group carried out 10-weeks of fast-velocity concentric resistance training, while the control group did not perform any intervention. Early and late rate of force development during knee extension in both legs, sit-to-stand and Timed Up and Go tests and quality life questionnaire were evaluated before and after intervention. The training program evoked an increase in early rate of force development in experimental group (0-30; Rightleg: 63.9%, p<0.001; ES=-1.4; Leftleg: 52.7%, p<0.001; ES=-1.0) compared to control group (showed modest increases). Furthermore, experimental group improved mobility after training (Sit-to-stand: 22.2%, p<0.001; ES=1.0; Timed Up and Go Test: 10.1%, p<0.001; ES=1.1) and increased the perception of quality of life after training, while control showed no changes. The fast-velocity concentric resistance training has the potential to improve early rate of force development and mobility after 10-weeks of training. In addition, the increase in self-perceived quality of life following this training modality demonstrates promising results in the Multiple Sclerosis population.

Dosage and Effectiveness of Aerobic Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Functional Capacity, Balance, and Fatigue in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the benefits of aerobic training (AT) programs on cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity, balance, and fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to identify the optimal dosage of AT programs for individuals with MS via a systematic review with meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Two electronic databases were searched until March 2020 (PubMed-Medline and Web of Science). STUDY SELECTION: Studies examining the effect of AT program on cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity, balance, and fatigue were included. DATA EXTRACTION: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we included 43 studies. A total sample of 1070 individuals with MS (AT group, n=680; control group, n=390) were analyzed. DATA SYNTHESIS: The AT group demonstrated a significant increase in cardiorespiratory fitness (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.29; P=.002), functional capacity (timed Up and Go Test: SMD, -1.14; P<.001; gait speed: SMD, -1.19; P<.001; walking endurance: SMD, 0.46; P<.001), and balance (SMD, 3.49; P<.001) after training. Fatigue perception also decreased (SMD, -0.45; P<.001). However, no significant differences were observed when compared with the control group in either cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD, 0.14; P=.19) or fatigue perception. Nevertheless, we observed significant differences between the AT and control groups in balance (P=.02), gait speed (P=.02), and walking endurance (P=.03), favoring the participants who performed AT. Regarding the subgroup analysis, no significant differences were observed between subgroups in any of the variables studied except for gait speed, for which a greater increase in posttraining was observed when the AT program applied the continuous method (χ2=7.75; P=.005) and the exercises were performed by walking (χ2=9.36; P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic training improves gait speed, walking endurance, and balance. Cardiorespiratory fitness and fatigue perception also improved after AT, but we found no differences with the control group. In addition, subgroup analysis suggested that training using continuous and walking methods could optimize gait speed.

Neuromuscular and Mobility Responses to a Vibration Session in Hypoxia in Multiple Sclerosis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of vibration training (WBVT) under hypoxic and normoxic conditions on the voluntary rate of force development (RFD), balance and muscle oxygen saturation (SMO2) in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). 10 participants completed the study (30% males, 44.4±7.7 years, 164.3±8.9 cm, 65.2±11.1 kg, 2.5±1.3 Expanded Disability Status Scale, 24.1±4.0 kg.m-2 BMI). Maximal force, RFD during isometric knee extension, static balance with eyes open and closed and sit-to-stand test were evaluated before and immediately after one session of WBVT (12 60-s bout of vibration; frequency 35 Hz; amplitude 4 mm; 1-min rest intervals) under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. In addition, SMO2 of the gastrocnemius lateralis was assessed during each condition. No changes were found in force, static balance and sit-to-stand test. Time-to-peak RFD increased in the left leg (p=0.02) and tended to increase in the right leg (p=0.06) after the hypoxic session. SMO2 resulted in significant increases from the initial to final intervals of the WBVT under both hypoxic and normoxic conditions (p<0.05). Increases in SMO2 during WBVT demonstrates muscle work that may contribute to the observed muscle adaptations in long-term WBVT programs without inducing decreases in neuromuscular activation, physical function and balance within a session.

Effectiveness of Field-Based Resistance Training Protocols on Hip Muscle Strength Among Young Elite Football Players.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week progressive resistance training program on hip joint muscles' strength measures, using the Copenhagen adduction (CA) and the sliding hip (SH) exercises. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Sport training and medical centers. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-two young male football athletes (age 17.5 ± 1.1 years; height 178.3 ± 3.2 cm; body mass 66.1 ± 8.6 kg) allocated to a CA, SH, and matched control (C) group. INTERVENTIONS: Two weekly sessions of CA and SH. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maximal eccentric strength test for the hip adductor (EHAD) and maximal eccentric strength test for the hip abductor (EHAB) muscles, and the relative EHAD/EHAB ratio assessed through a break test in the side-lying position. RESULTS: No significant differences between groups were found at baseline for any of the assessed variables (all P > 0.053). The CA group had a significant strength increase in the right and left leg (d = 2.11, d = 1.9, respectively). The SH group also had a significant strength increase in the right and left leg (d = 1.68 and d = 1.67, respectively). The CA group presented EHAD/EHAB improvements in the right and left leg (d = 0.84 and d = 1.14, respectively). The SH group also presented EHAD/EHAB improvements in the right and left leg (d = 1.34 and d = 1.44, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Both exercises' protocols were effective in inducing significant increases on EHAD, EHAB, and EHAD/EHAB ratio when compared with the control group. Practitioners should be aware of the training effectiveness of both protocols.

Supplementation with a Polyphenol-Rich Extract, TensLess® , Attenuates Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness and Improves Muscle Recovery from Damages After Eccentric Exercise.

High-intensity exercises are known to provoke delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Delayed onset muscle soreness typically occurs within the first 24 h, peaks between 24 and 72 h, and can last as long as 5-7 days post-exercise. Delayed onset muscle soreness is a multifactorial process involving both mechanical and biochemical components, associated with clinical features that may limit range of motion, and athletes seek for effective recovery strategies to optimize future training sessions. TensLess® is a food supplement developed to help manage post-exercise recovery. The supplement has been investigated on 13 recreationally active athletes of both sex, during a randomized, double-blind, and crossover clinical investigation, including a 3-week washout period. The clinical investigation was based on the study of TensLess® effects for DOMS management and on the reduction of associated muscle damages following an eccentric exercise protocol. Supplementation with TensLess® induced significant decrease in DOMS perception (-33%; p = 0.008) as of the first 24 h; this was significantly correlated with a lowered release of muscle damage-associated biomarkers, namely myoglobin, creatinine, and creatine kinase, for the whole length of the recovery period. Taken together, these positive results clearly indicate that post-exercise supplementation with TensLess® may preserve myocytes and reduce soreness following eccentric exercise-induced damages, and, accordingly, significantly shorten muscle recovery. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Correction: Nutrikinetics and urinary excretion of phenolic compounds after a 16-week supplementation with a flavanone-rich ingredient.

Correction for 'Nutrikinetics and urinary excretion of phenolic compounds after a 16-week supplementation with a flavanone-rich ingredient' by Jananee Muralidharan et al., Food Funct., 2023, 14, 10506-10519, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3FO02820H.

Effects and optimal dosage of resistance training on strength, functional capacity, balance, general health perception, and fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effectiveness of resistance training programs (RTP) on strength, functional capacity, balance, general health perception, and fatigue for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and to determine the most effective dose of RTP in this population. METHODS: Studies examining the effect of RTP on strength, functional capacity, balance, general health perception, and fatigue in MS patients were included. 44 studies were included. The meta-analysis, subgroup analysis and meta-regression methods were used to calculate the mean difference and standardized mean difference. RESULTS: Significant group differences were observed in knee extensor (p = 0.01) and flexor (p < 0.001), but not in 1-repetition maximum. Regarding functional capacity and balance, differences between groups, in favour of the RTP group, were found in the Timed Up and Go Test (p = 0.001), walking endurance, (p = 0.02) gait speed (p = 0.02) and balance (p = 0.02). No significant differences between groups were observed in fatigue or general health perception. The results regarding the optimal dose are inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS: RTP improves strength, functional capacity, balance, and fatigue in people with MS. Registration: (PROSPERO): CRD42020182781Implications for rehabilitationResistance training is a valid strategy to improve isometric strength and functional capacity in MS patients.RTP using long durations (more than 6 weeks), high intensity (more than 80% 1-RM) and two-day weekly training frequency may be a correct stimulus to improve strength, functional capacity, balance, and fatigue in people with MS.Trainers and rehabilitators should consider these indicators in order to maximize muscular and functional adaptations in this population.

Nutrikinetics and urinary excretion of phenolic compounds after a 16-week supplementation with a flavanone-rich ingredient.

Background: Polyphenols are a broad group of compounds with a complex metabolic fate. Flavanones and their metabolites provide cardiovascular protection and assistance in long-term body composition management. Objective: This study evaluates the nutrikinetics and the bioavailability of phenolic compounds after both acute and chronic supplementation with a flavanone-rich product, namely Sinetrol® Xpur, in healthy overweight and obese volunteers. Design: An open-label study including 20 volunteers was conducted for 16 weeks. Participants received Sinetrol® Xpur, either a low dose (900 mg per day) or a high dose (1800 mg per day), in capsules during breakfast and lunch. They were advised to follow an individualized isocaloric diet and avoid a list of polyphenol-rich foods 48 hours before and during the pharmacokinetic measurements. Results: Over 20 phase II and colonic metabolites were measured in the plasma. Two peaks were observed at 1 h and 7h-10 h after the first capsule ingestion. No significant differences in the AUC were observed in circulating metabolites between both doses. In urine excretion, 53 metabolites were monitored, including human phase II and colonic metabolites, at weeks 1 and 16. Cumulative urine excretion was higher after the high dose than after the low dose in both acute and chronic studies. Total urinary metabolites were significantly lower in week 16 compared to week 1. Conclusion: Although the urinary excreted metabolites reduced significantly over 16 weeks, the circulating metabolites did not decrease significantly. This study suggests that chronic intake might not offer the same bioavailability as in the acute study, and this effect does not seem to be dose-dependent. The clinical trial registry number is NCT03823196.

Factors that affect heart rate variability following acute resistance exercise: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is controversial evidence regarding the effect of acute resistance exercise (ARE) on heart rate variability (HRV) parameters, which indicates the activities of the cardiac autonomic nervous system. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on the effect of ARE on HRV parameters and identify its possible moderating factors. METHODS: The PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) declaration was followed, and the methodological quality of the studies was evaluated. The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Main effect analyses between pre- and post-test interventions demonstrated an increase in normalized units low frequency (p < 0.001; standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.78; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.46‒1.11) and low frequency/high frequency ratio (p < 0.001; SMD = 0.82; 95%CI: 0.64‒0.99) and a decrease in standard deviation of the normal-to-normal (NN) interval (p < 0.001; SMD = -0.58; 95%CI: -0.85 to -0.30), root mean square of the successive differences (p < 0.001; SMD = -1.01; 95%CI: -1.29 to -0.74), and normalized units high frequency (p < 0.001; SMD: -1.08; 95%CI: -1.43 to -0.73) following ARE in healthy individuals range: 15 ± 1 to 48 ± 2 years; mean ± SD). RESULTS: There were differences between the subgroups in the number of sets used in an exercise (p = 0.05) for root mean square of the successive differences, as well as for exercise intensity (p = 0.01) and rest between sets (p = 0.05) for normalized units high frequency. Interestingly, there were differences between the subgroups in training volume for root mean square of the successive differences (p = 0.01), normalized units high frequency (p = 0.003) and normalized units low frequency (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Overall, there was a withdrawal of cardiac parasympathetic and activation of cardiac sympathetic modulations following ARE, and these changes were greater with higher training volume ∼30 min after ARE in healthy individuals. Furthermore, the number of sets, intensity, and rest between sets affected HRV parameters. However, gender, body mass index, and training status did not influence the changes in HRV parameters as a response to ARE.

Can strength training modify voluntary activation, contractile properties and spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis?: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: A randomized controlled trial was conducted to analyze the effects of 10 weeks of strength training (ST) on voluntary activation, muscle activity, muscle contractile properties, and spasticity in people with MS. METHODS: 30 participants were randomized to either an experimental [EG] (n = 18) or a control [CG] (n = 12) group. The EG carried out 10-weeks of ST, where the concentric phase was performed at maximum voluntary velocity. Muscle activity of the vastus lateralis (surface electromyography (sEMG) during the first 200 ms of contraction), maximal neural drive (peak sEMG), voluntary activation (central activation ratio), and muscle contractile function (via electrical stimulation) of the knee extensor muscles, as well as spasticity, were measured pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: The EG showed a significant improvement with differences between groups in muscle activity in EMG0-200 (p = 0.031; ES = -0.8) and maximal neural drive (p = 0.038; ES = -0.8), as well as improvement in the ST group with a trend towards significance in EMG0-100 (p = 0.068; ES = -0.6). CAR increased after intervention in ST group (p = 0.010; ES=-0.4). Spasticity also improved in the ST group, with differences between group after intervention, in first swing excursion (right leg: p = 0.006; ES = -1.4, left leg: p = 0.031; ES = -1.2), number of oscillations (right leg: p = 0.001; ES = -0.4, left leg: p = 0.031; ES = -0.4) and duration of oscillations (left leg: p = 0.002; ES = -0.6). Contractile properties remain unchanged in both ST group and CG. CONCLUSIONS: 10 weeks of ST improves muscle activity during the first 200 ms of contraction, maximal neural conduction, and spasticity in people with MS. However, ST does not produce adaptations in muscle contractile properties in this population.

Biomarker Changes in Oxygen Metabolism, Acid-Base Status, and Performance after the Off-Season in Well-Trained Cyclists.

During the off-season, cyclists reduce their volume and intensity of training in order to recover the body from the high workload during the competitive season. Some studies have examined the effects of the off-season on cardiovascular, metabolic, and performance levels but have not evaluated oxygen metabolism, acid-base status, and electrolytes in cyclists. Therefore, our main objective was to analyze these markers in the off-season period (8 weeks) via finger capillary blood gasometry in well-trained cyclists. We found an increase in oxygen saturation (sO2) and oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb) (p ≤ 0.05) and a decrease in fat oxidation at maximum fat oxidation (FatMax) (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, we observed a decreasing trend of VO2 in the ventilatory threshold 2 (VT2) and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2MAX) (p ≤ 0.06) after the off-season in well-trained cyclists. Negative correlations were found between the pre-post off-season differences in the VO2 at ΔFatMax and ΔHCO3- (bicarbonate ion) and between power generated at the ΔeFTP (functional power threshold) and the ΔVO2MAX with the pH (r ≥ -0.446; p ≤ 0.05). After the off-season period, well-trained cyclists had increased markers of oxygen metabolism, decreased fat oxidation at low exercise intensities, and decreased VO2 at the VT2 and VO2MAX. Relationships were found between changes in the ΔeFTP and VO2MAX with changes in the pH and between the pH and HCO3- with changes in La-.

The Impact of Resistance Training Program on Static Balance in Multiple Sclerosis Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that affects balance. Among the non-pharmacological strategies to improve this variable, physical exercise is one of the most widely used. However, the benefits of some types of training, such as resistance training, on static balance in this population are still unclear. This study aims to analyze the effects of a resistance training (RT) intervention on balance in people with MS. METHODS: Thirty people with MS were randomized to either an experimental (n = 18) or a control (n = 12) group. The RT group performed 10 weeks of lower limb resistance training with a concentric phase at maximum velocity. Static balance was measured before and after intervention. RESULTS: No significant group × time interaction effects were found (ANOVA test) in any of the variables at the end of the intervention. No intragroup differences were found before or after the intervention in the balance variables. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance training with a concentric phase at maximum velocity showed no impact on balance in our sample. Future studies should examine programs of longer duration or combined with other types of training, such as balance training, with the aim of obtaining improvements in this variable in people with MS.

Exposure to (Poly)phenol Metabolites after a Fruit and Vegetable Supplement Intake: A Double-Blind, Cross-Over, Randomized Trial.

Dietary (poly)phenol intake derived from the daily consumption of five portions of fruits and vegetables could protect against the development of non-communicable diseases. However, the general population does not meet the recommended intake. Supplementation with (poly)phenol-rich ingredients, within a varied and balanced diet, could help in filling this nutritional gap. This study aimed to validate the proof-of-concept of a (poly)phenolic supplementation developed to enhance the daily consumption of potentially bioactive compounds. Oxxynea® is a (poly)phenol-rich ingredient developed to provide the quantity and the variety corresponding to five-a-day fruit and vegetable consumption. In this double-blind, randomized cross-over study, 10 participants were supplemented with 450 mg of a (poly)phenol-based supplement or a placebo. Pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion profiles were measured for 24 and 48 h, respectively, using UPHLC-MS/MS analysis. The pharmacokinetic profile displayed a triphasic absorption, indicating peaks of circulating metabolites at 1.75 ± 0.25 h, 4.50 ± 0.34 h, 9.50 ± 0.33 h and an average Tmax (time of maximal plasma concentration) of 6.90 ± 0.96 h. Similarly, the urinary profile showed maximum metabolite excretion at 3-6 h, 6-10 h and 14-24 h after supplement consumption. Compared to individual metabolites belonging to different (poly)phenolic subfamilies, the total circulating and excreted metabolites showed a reduced coefficient of variation (CV 38%). The overall bioavailability estimated was 27.4 ± 3.4%. Oxxynea® supplementation may provide a sustained exposure to several (poly)phenolic metabolites and catabolites and reduces the inter-individual variation that could arise from supplementing only one class of (poly)phenol.

10-Weeks of resistance training improves sleep quality and cardiac autonomic control in persons with multiple sclerosis.

PURPOSE: To examine the acute and chronic effects of 10-weeks of progressive resistance training on sleep quality and sleeping heart rate variability in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS). METHODS: Eighteen pwMS (age = 44.8 ± 10.6 years; EDSS = 3.1 ± 1.7) completed a 10-week of resistance training, with three training sessions per week. Each session consisted of 4 lower body exercises, performing 2-4 sets of each exercise, with 8-15 repetitions each set, at an intensity ranging from 60 to 75% of 1-repetition maximum. Subjective and actigraphic sleep quality and sleeping heart rate variability were carried out at 4 different times: (1) Before the starting of the intervention on a rest day; (2) the night after training week 1 (3) the night after training week 10 and 4) after completing the resistance training program on a rest day. RESULTS: Regarding subjective sleep quality, significant main effects were observed on the variables of sleep quality, sleep comfort, easy of falling sleep, easy of waking up and felling of rest. Sleep quality, sleep comfort and easy of falling sleep were greater in rest night in week 1 vs. rest night in week 10. Actigraphic sleep quality also improved after the training program (rest night in week 1 vs. rest night in week 10). In the pair-wise comparison showed an acute effect in the session after the training program (rest night in week 10< training night in week 10) on HF, pNN50 and RMMSD. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance training is a non-pharmacological treatment that has the capacity to improve the regulation of autonomic system and, consequently, the sleep quality in pwMS.Implications for rehabilitation10 Weeks of resistance training improves the sleep quality of persons with multiple sclerosis.Resistance training can modulate autonomic cardiac control in this population.Improving the sleep quality is essential for persons with MS because of its close relationship to other variables, such as symptomatic fatigue.

An Overview on How Exercise with Green Tea Consumption Can Prevent the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species and Improve Sports Performance.

Free radicals are reactive products that have multiple effects on the human body. Endogenous and exogenous antioxidants manage the overproduction of free radicals. However, an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant factors causes oxidative stress. Exercise and physical activity are factors that increase oxidative stress and disrupts the body's homeostasis. Intensity and duration of training, training characteristics, and fitness level can have positive or negative effects on oxidative stress. Green tea consumption is recommended for the prevention of a variety of diseases, health maintenance, and weight loss. The effectiveness of green tea is primarily due to the presence of catechins and polyphenols, specifically (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties based on clinical and animal studies. This review investigates the effect of green tea exercise and their interactive effects on free radicals and sports improvement.

Psychological Profile in Female Cyclists and Its Relationship with Age, Training Parameters, Sport Performance, and Injury Incidence.

Previous studies have highlighted the importance of psychology on sports performance and its relationship with the incidence of sport injuries. The objectives of the present investigation were: (1) to analyze the psychological profile of female cyclists as a function of age, training parameters, sport performance, and injuries suffered and (2) to design a model to predict their psychological profile. Sixty-one female cyclists participated in the study. Differences were found as a function of a competitive category for team cohesion (F = 5.035; p = 0.002), sport level effect on performance evaluation (F = 5.030; p = 0.004) and team cohesion (F = 64.706; p = 0.000), the effect of having reached the podium in the last competition on performance evaluation (t = 2.087; p = 0.041) and motivation (t = 4.035; p = 0.000), and injury severity on stress management (F = 6.204; p = 0.008). The factors that affected the psychological profile of the female cyclists the most, in addition to the independent psychological parameters, were the number of podiums in the last year and the years of cycling experience. In conclusion, there is an interaction between the psychological profile, sociodemographic variables, training, performance, and injuries suffered in female cyclists.

Impact of Lockdown during COVID-19 Pandemic on Central Activation, Muscle Activity, Contractile Function, and Spasticity in People with Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer from symptoms related to neural control, such as reduced central activation, lower muscle activity, and accentuated spasticity. A forced 9-week home confinement related to COVID-19 in Spain may have worsened these symptoms. However, no study has demonstrated the impact of home confinement on neuromuscular mechanisms in the MS population. This study was aimed at analyzing the effects of a 9-week home confinement on central activation, muscle activity, contractile function, and spasticity in MS patients. METHODS: Eighteen participants were enrolled in the study. Left and right knee extensor maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), maximal neural drive via peak surface electromyography (EMG) of the vastus lateralis, central activation ratio (CAR), and muscle contractile function via electrical stimulation of the knee extensor muscles, as well as spasticity using the pendulum test, were measured immediately before and after home confinement. RESULTS: Seventeen participants completed the study. CAR significantly decreased after lockdown (ES = 1.271, p < 0.001). Regarding spasticity, there was a trend to decrease in the number of oscillations (ES = 0.511, p = 0.059) and a significant decrease in the duration of oscillations (ES = 0.568, p = 0.038). Furthermore, in the left leg, there was a significant decrease in the first swing excursion (ES = 0.612, p = 0.027) and in the relaxation index (ES = 0.992, p = 0.001). Muscle contractile properties, MVIC, and EMG variables were not modified after confinement. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that a home confinement period of 9 weeks may lead to an increase in lower limb spasticity and a greater deficit in voluntary activation of the knee extensors.

The impact of COVID-19 home confinement on neuromuscular performance, functional capacity, and psychological state in Spanish people with Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a global confinement of more than 2 months in Spain. As a result, the general population has significantly decreased their physical activity levels. The consequences of this abrupt, sedentary lifestyle in Spanish people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) were unknown. Our aim was to examine the impact of COVID-19 home confinement on neuromuscular performance, functional capacity, physical self-perception, and anxiety in pwMS. METHODS: Eighteen pwMS (8:10 men/women, age: 43.41±10.88 years, Expanded Disability Status Scale: 2.85±1.34) participated in the study. Rate of force development (RFD) and maximal voluntary isometric contraction during knee extension in both legs, Timed-Up and Go test (TUG), sit-to-stand test, 6 min walk test, 10 m walk test, Physical-Self Perception Questionnaire (PSPQ) and State-Train Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were performed just before and after home confinement. RESULTS: A non-significant moderate effect (p = 0.07; ES = -0.48) was observed in the time in the sit-to-stand test compared to pre-home confinement. There was a significant increase in the time in TUG (p = 0.02; ES = -0.67). The PSQP score decreased (p = 0.01; ES = 0.79) and STAI-state increased (p = 0.01; ES = -0.65) following home confinement. CONCLUSION: Home confinement had an impact on functional capacity, physical self-perception and state anxiety. However, neuromuscular performance was not altered after home confinement.

Effect of COVID-19 home confinement on sleep monitorization and cardiac autonomic function in people with multiple sclerosis: A prospective cohort study✰,✰✰.

BACKGROUND: Low sleep quality, cardiac autonomic dysfunction and poor quality of life are some of the most prevalent symptoms in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In addition to the progression of the disease, these symptoms are aggravated by physical inactivity. Therefore, home confinement due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions could further worsen these symptoms. This study aims to analyze the effect of home confinement on objective and subjective sleep quality, cardiac autonomic control based on heart rate variability (HRV), and health-related quality of life in people with MS. METHODS: Actigraphic and subjective sleep quality (Karolinska Sleep Diary, KSD), HRV (Polar-H7), and quality of life (Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54) were measured before and after 2 months of home confinement in 17 people with MS (7:10 men/women; age: 43.41±10.88 years; body mass index: 24.87±3.31 kg/m2; Expanded Disability Status Scale: 2.85±1.34 a.u.). RESULTS: Actigraphic sleep quality (sleep efficiency: ES=1.27, p = 0.01, sleep time: ES=0.81, p = 0.01) and subjective sleep quality (sleep quality: ES=-0.34, p = 0.05), sleep comfort: ES=0.60; p = 0.03, ease of falling asleep: ES=0.70; p = 0.01, ease of waking up: ES=0.87, p<0.01, and having enough sleep: ES=0.87, p<0.01) significantly decreased after home confinement. No differences were observed in HRV or quality of life variables (p ≥ 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Home confinement has worsened the sleep quality, but not in cardiac autonomic control or quality of life, in people with MS. These data highlight the importance of implementing home physical training programs in this population when situations similar to home confinement occur, thus minimizing the negative effects of physical inactivity and their associated comorbidities.