Effects of whole-body vibration training on calf muscle function during maximal isometric voluntary contractions.

The purposes of this study were to determine the impact of 6 weeks of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on maximum voluntary plantar flexor strength, muscle activity via surface electromyography (EMG), and muscle architecture measured at rest and during maximal contraction at different ankle joint angles in young healthy adults. Using a single-blind study design, 28 healthy men and women were randomly assigned to control (CG; N = 14, 7 women) or whole-body vibration training (WBVG; N = 14, 7 women) groups. Vibration training (20-25 minutes; standing with knees flexed) was performed 3 week-1 for 6 weeks (18 sessions). Maximum isometric plantar flexor torque, muscle activity (medial and lateral gastrocnemius EMG) and medial gastrocnemius fascicle angle and length at rest and maximum contraction were tested at four ankle joint angles (ranging 45° to -15°; 0° = anatomical) before and after training. Significant increases (24.7%-37.5%) were observed in peak torque (N∙m∙kg-1 ;%) at -15°, 0°, 15° and 30° joint angles from pre- to post-intervention in WBVG, which were different to CG (no change) and greater at longer muscle lengths. No between-group differences were observed in changes in EMG amplitudes measured during contraction or muscle architecture parameters at rest or during contraction. Six weeks of WBVT in young, healthy adults increased isometric plantarflexion strength at multiple joint angles, without detectible changes in EMG, muscle architecture, or body composition. Therefore, WBVT can significantly improve maximum plantar flexor strength at multiple joint angles (muscle lengths) in young healthy men, although the mechanisms underpinning the changes are currently unclear.

Is it Feasible to Use a Low-Cost Wearable Sensor for Heart Rate Monitoring within an Upper Limb Training in Spinal Cord Injured Patients?: A Pilot Study.

(1) Background: Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) patients have impairment in the autonomic nervous system, reflected in the cardiovascular adaption level during the performance of upper limb (UL) activities carried out in the rehabilitation process. This adaption level could be measured from the heart rate (HR) by means of wearable technologies. Therefore, the objective was to analyze the feasibility of using Xiaomi Mi Band 5 wristband (XMB5) for HR monitoring in these patients during the performance of UL activities; (2) Methods: The HR measurements obtained from XMB5 were compared to those obtained by the professional medical equipment Nonin LifeSense II capnograph and pulse oximeter (NLII) in static and dynamic conditions. Then, four healthy people and four cervical SCI patients performed a UL training based on six experimental sessions; (3) Results: the correlation between the HR measurements from XMB5 and NLII devices was strong and positive in healthy people (r = 0.921 and r = 0.941 (p < 0.01) in the static and dynamic conditions, respectively). Then, XMB5 was used within the experimental sessions, and the HR oscillation range measured was significantly higher in healthy individuals than in patients; (4) Conclusions: The XMB5 seems to be feasible for measuring the HR in this biomedical application in SCI patients.

Effect of 12 Weeks Core Training on Core Muscle Performance in Rhythmic Gymnastics.

BACKGROUND: Rhythmic gymnastics performance is characterized by technical elements involving flexibility, aerobic capacity and strength. Increased core strength in rhythmic gymnastics could lead to improved sporting performance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of 12 weeks of core muscle training on core muscle performance in rhythmic gymnasts. METHODS: A randomized controlled study involving 24 rhythmic gymnastics was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (CG; n = 12; age 13.50 ± 3.17 years) or a training group (TG; n = 12; age 14.41 ± 2.35 years). Body composition, isometric strength of trunk, core endurance and core muscle electromyographic activity were measured (EMG) after 12 weeks of core training. Independent sample t-tests were carried out to compare baseline values between groups. A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) (time × group) was applied. RESULTS: The TG improved body composition, trunk lean mass (mean differences MD = -0.31; p = 0.040), lean mass (MD = 0.43; p = 0.037) and bone mass (MD = -0.06; p < 0.001) after training. Core training increased isometric strength of trunk, flexion test (MD = -21.53; p = 0.019) and extension test (MD = 22.7; p = 0.049), as well as the prone bridge core endurance test (MD = -11.27; p = 0.040). The EMG values also increased in the TG in prone bridge for front trunk (MD = -58.58; p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Core strength training leads to improvements in body composition, as well as improvements in trunk strength and increases in muscle electromyographic activity. These improvements could therefore improve performance during competitive rhythmic gymnastics exercises.

Recommendations for the prescription of physical exercise for patients with spondyloarthritis. / Recomendaciones para la prescripción de ejercicio físico en pacientes con espondiloartritis.

OBJECTIVE: To develop expert-based recommendations on physical activity and exercise for patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). METHODS: Two discussion groups, one of physical therapists, rehabilitation physicians, and professionals of physical activity and sports, and another of rheumatologists interested in SpA, were held to discuss the results of a survey of rheumatologists on exercise and two focus groups with patients on barriers to exercise. Preliminary recommendations were drafted. These were submitted to the opinion of the experts in both groups according to a two round Delphi methodology. RESULTS: Twenty one recommendations covering general aspects of exercise, adaptation to patient, how to deliver messages, pain management, and type of exercise and monitoring were issued. The level of agreement varied slightly between expert groups but it was high overall. Items with poor agreement were removed from the consensus. CONCLUSIONS: We present recommendations on when and how to prescribe and monitor exercise in patients with SpA based on the opinion of experts in exercise and in SpA. We must now test whether these recommendations are useful for clinical practice and have an effect on patients with SpA seen by rheumatologists.

New technologies applied to ultrasound diagnosis of sports injuries.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the ultrasound images of different soft tissue lesions from two different portable sonography devices: a conventional portable sonography device (ultrasound [US]-A, Micromaxx model; Sonosite Inc., Bothell, WA, USA), and a recently marketed compact device (US-B, Logiq e; General Electric Healthcare, Wauwatosa, WI, USA). The US-B device uses the new technologies of tissue harmonic imaging, real-time compound ultrasound, panoramic view, three-dimensional imaging, and virtual convex imaging. METHODS: We compared ultrasound images of six different types of soft tissue lesions (muscle contusion, muscle strain, patellar tendinosis, calcifying patellar tendinosis, rupture of the lateral internal ligament of the knee, and deep infrapatellar synovial bursa), from six different subjects. Analysis of images was performed by the same ultrasound specialist. In accordance with the classical criteria for ultrasound studies, the following quantitative indicators and parameters of ultrasound quality were used to evaluate the images: degree of echogenicity, size of the lesion area, aspect, shape, borders, and overall visualization. RESULTS: In muscle lesions due to contusion, not only is the edematous area better visualized with the new system, but definition of hemorrhagic area borders and their content is especially increased. In lesions of the tendons, the new system affords better definition of the borders of the hypoechogenic area of tendinous degeneration and perfect visualization of the extension of the damaged area using a panoramic study. Sonographic study of ligaments with chronic lesions permits visualization of scar areas. Finally, use of the new system with a small synovial bursa shows the content of the bursa and thickness of the walls more clearly. CONCLUSION: Overall, the quantitative indicators and parameters of image quality performed in this study of common sports lesions demonstrate the improvement in visualization of damaged soft tissues with the new technologies now incorporated into portable sonography devices.

[EFFECTS IN BODY COMPOSITION AND BONE MINERAL DENSITY OF SIMULATE ALTITUDE PROGRAM IN TRIATHLETES]. / EFECTOS SOBRE LA COMPOSICIÓN CORPORAL Y LA DENSIDAD MINERAL ÓSEA DE UN PROGRAMA DE ALTITUD SIMULADA EN TRIATLETAS.

INTRODUCTION: body composition is an important factor to improve athletic performance. Futhermore, bone mineral density informs about the bone stiffness of the skeletal system. OBJECTIVE: the aim of the present research was to analyze modifications on body composition and bone mineral density parameters after a seven week intermittent hypoxia training (IHT) program. METHODS: eighteen male trained triathletes were divided in two groups: an intermittent hypoxia training group (GIHT: n: 9; 26.0 ± 6.7 years; 173.3 ± 5.9 cm; 66.4 ± 5.9 kg; VO2 max: 59.5 ± 5.0 ml/kg/min) that conducted a normoxic training plus an IHT and a control group (GC: n: 9; 29.3 ± 6.8 years; 174.9 ± 4.6 cm; 59.7 ± 6.8 kg; VO2 max: 58.9 ± 4.5 ml/kg/min) that performed only a normoxic training. Training process was standardized across the two groups. The IHT program consisted on two 60 minutes sessions per week at intensities over the anaerobic threshold and atmospheric conditions between 14.5 and 15% FiO2. RESULTS: Before and after the seven week training, body composition and bone mineral density were analyzed. After this training program, the GIHT showed lower values in free fat mass in upper limbs and fat mass in lower limbs (p < 0.05) than before the program. In terms of bone mineral density variables, between the two groups no changes were found. CONCLUSION: the addition of an IHT program to normoxic training caused an improvement in body composition parameters compared to similar training under normoxic conditions.

Introducción: la composición corporal es un factor que optimiza el rendimiento del deportista. Además, la densidad mineral ósea nos informa de la rigidez del sistema óseo. Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las modificaciones en variables de composición corporal y densidad mineral ósea después de un programa de hipoxia intermitente (IHT) de siete semanas de duración. Método: dieciocho triatletas entrenados de género masculino se aleatorizaron en dos grupos para participar en el estudio: grupo de hipoxia intermitente (GIHT: n: 9; 26,0 ± 6,7 años; 173,3 ± 5,9 cm; 66,4 ± 5,9 kg; VO2 max: 59,5 ± 5,0 ml/kg/min) que realizaron su entrenamiento en condiciones de normoxia junto con el programa de hipoxia y un grupo control (GC: n: 9; 29,3 ± 6,8 años; 174,9 ± 4,6 cm; 59,7 ± 6,8 kg; VO2 max: 58,9 ± 4,5 ml/kg/min) que solo realizó el entrenamiento normóxico. El programa de entrenamiento se estandarizó para ambos grupos. El programa de IHT consistió en dos sesiones de 60 minutos de duración a la semana, durante siete semanas. La intensidad fue próxima al umbral anaeróbico del deportista a un FiO2 de 14,5-15% FiO2. Antes y después del programa se analizó la composición corporal y la densidad mineral ósea. Resultados: después del programa de entenamiento existieron diferencias significativas entre el GIHT y el GC en la masa magra de los brazos y la masa grasa de las piernas (p < 0,05). No existieron diferencias significativas entre grupos en la densidad mineral ósea. Conclusión: la aplicación de un programa de IHT unido al entrenamiento normóxico habitual produce una optimización de los parámetros de composición corporal en comparación con el mismo entrenamiento en condiciones normóxicas.

Body composition features in different playing position of professional team indoor players: basketball, handball and futsal / Características antropométricas en función del puesto en jugadores profesionales de equipo: baloncesto, balonmano y fútbol sala

The aim of the present research was to analyze the body composition (BC) and the differences in BC among different playing position in professional basketball, handball and futsal players. BC was assessed in 70 professional indoor team sport players. Players were divided in 4 groups depending on the playing position: group 1, point guard, center/wings and defense; group 2, shooting guard/small forward, handed and midfielder; group 3, power forward/center, pivot and forward; and group 4 goalkeeper. Significant differences between playing positions in basketball in body mass (BM), height, proteins, minerals and arms, legs and trunk BM were found. In handball, significant differences between center/wings and pivot in BM and muscle mass, and between goalkeepers and handed in percentage of fat were measured. Significant differences were also found in BM of each playing position groups in the three sports and in arms and legs BM in groups 1 and 2, and trunk BM and height in group 2. Group 3 presented significant differences between futsal and basketball in skeletal muscle mass and trunk BM, and between basketball and handball in left leg BM and total BM. In group 4 significant differences in BM, height and trunk and leg BM between futsal and handball were found. BC in indoor team sports depend on the playing position and the sport discipline, the BC being result of the specific game actions of each playing position.

El objetivo fue analizar la composición corporal (CC) y sus diferencias entre demarcaciones en jugadores profesionales de baloncesto, balonmano y fútbol sala. Se analizó la CC en 70 jugadores profesionales de equipos divididos en 4 grupos en función de su demarcación: grupo 1, bases, cierres, o centrales/extremos; grupo 2, escoltas/aleros, alas o laterales; grupo 3: ala pívot/pívot, pívot y pivote; y grupo 4: porteros. Existen diferencias significativas entre las diversas demarcaciones en baloncesto en el peso, la talla, las proteínas y minerales y en el peso de brazos, piernas y tronco. En balonmano, existen diferencias significativas entre los centrales /extremos y los pívot en el peso y la masa muscular, y entre los laterales y los porteros en el porcentaje graso. También se encontraron diferencias en el peso entre las diferentes posiciones entre los tres deportes y en el peso de brazos, piernas y tronco entre los grupos 1 y 2, y en el peso del tronco y la talla en el grupo 2. El grupo 3 presenta diferencias significativas entre fútbol sala y baloncesto en masa muscular y peso del tronco y entre baloncesto y balonmano en el peso de la pierna izquierda y el peso. En el grupo 4 existen diferencias en el peso, la altura y el peso de tronco y pernas entre fútbol sala y balonmano. La CC en los deportes de equipo estudiados depende de la posición y del deporte practicado, modificándose la CC en función de las acciones específicas del juego en cada demarcación.