Effects of Manual Therapies and Resistance Exercise on Postexercise Hypotension in Women With Normal Blood Pressure.

ABSTRACT: Monteiro, ER, Pescatello, LS, Winchester, JB, Corrêa Neto, VG, Brown, AF, Budde, H, Marchetti, PH, Silva, JG, Vianna, JM, and Novaes, JdS. Effects of manual therapies and resistance exercise on postexercise hypotension in women with normal blood pressure. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 948-954, 2022-The purpose of this investigation was to examine the acute effects of resistance exercise (RE) and different manual therapies (static stretching and manual massage [MM]) performed separately or combined on blood pressure (BP) responses during recovery in women with normal BP. Sixteen recreationally strength-trained women (age: 25.1 ± 2.9 years; height: 158.9 ± 4.1 cm; body mass: 59.5 ± 4.9 kg; body mass index: 23.5 ± 1.9 kg·m-2; baseline systolic BP median: 128 mm Hg; and baseline diastolic BP median: 78 mm Hg) were recruited. All subjects performed 6 experiments in a randomized order: (a) rest control (CON), (b) RE only (RE), (c) static-stretching exercise only (SS), (d) MM only, (e) RE immediately followed by SS (RE + SS), and (f) RE immediately followed by MM (RE + MM). RE consisted of 3 sets of bilateral bench press, back squat, front pull-down, and leg press exercises at 80% of 10RM. Static stretching and MM were applied unilaterally in 2 sets of 120 seconds to each of the quadriceps, hamstring, and calf regions. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP were measured before (rest) and every 10 minutes for 60 minutes following (Post 10-60) each intervention. There were significant intragroup differences for RE in Post-50 (p = 0.038; d = -2.24; ∆ = -4.0 mm Hg). Similarly, SBP intragroup differences were found for the SS protocol in Post-50 (p = 0.021; d = -2.67; ∆ = -5.0 mm Hg) and Post-60 (p = 0.008; d = -2.88; ∆ = -5.0 mm Hg). Still, SBP intragroup differences were found for the MM protocol in Post-50 (p = 0.011; d = -2.61; ∆ = -4.0 mm Hg) and Post-60 (p = 0.011; d = -2.74; ∆ = -4.0 mm Hg). Finally, a single SBP intragroup difference was found for the RE + SS protocol in Post-60 (p = 0.024; d = -3.12; ∆ = -5.0 mm Hg). Practitioners should be aware that SS and MM have the potential to influence BP responses in addition to RE or by themselves and therefore should be taken into consideration for persons who are hypertensive or hypotensive.

Effects of Different Types of Resistance Training and Detraining on Functional Capacity, Muscle Strength, and Power in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Study.

ABSTRACT: Filho, MM, Venturini, GRdO, Moreira, OC, Leitão, L, Mira, PA, Castro, JB, Aidar, FJ, Novaes, JdS, Vianna, JM, and Caputo Ferreira, ME. Effects of different types of resistance training and detraining on functional capacity, muscle strength, and power in older women: A randomized controlled study. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 984-990, 2022-Resistance training (RT) increases muscle strength, power, and functional capacity (FC) of older women. However, these benefits can be lost partially or totally with detraining. This study aimed to compare the effect of 20 weeks of different types of RT and 4 weeks of detraining on muscle strength, power, and FC in older women. Ninety-five older women were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups (strength endurance, power, absolute strength, and relative strength training) and 1 control group (CG). We assessed muscle strength (10RM test) and muscle power of the lower (countermovement jump) and upper limbs (medicine ball pitch). Functional capacity was assessed by the Senior Fitness Test, which comprises the following tests: 30-second arm curl, 30-second chair stand, back scratch, chair sit and reach, 8-foot up and go, and 6-minute walk. The experiment lasted 24 weeks (familiarization: 2 weeks; neural adaptation: 6 weeks; specific training: 12 weeks; and detraining: 4 weeks). Muscle strength, lower and upper limb power (all p < 0.05), 30-second arm curl, 30-second chair stand, 8-foot up and go, 6-minute walk (all p < 0.001), and lower limb flexibility (p = 0.002) improved in all experimental groups after training and CG showed no differences in any of these variables. After detraining, muscle strength, lower and upper limb power (p < 0.05 for all), and FC decreased in comparison to the end of RT (30-second arm curl, 30-second chair stand, 8-foot up and go, 6-minute walk, and lower limb flexibility, p < 0.05 for all). Although the FC of the subjects has been reduced after 4 weeks of detraining, it was maintained at higher levels in comparison to baseline. These results suggested that older women can be submitted to different types of RT to achieve improvements in general fitness.

Enhance range-of-motion and hypotensive effect in elderly submitted to three manual therapy techniques: Cross-over study.

The present study has two objectives: 1) to verify the effect of Maitland mobilization, manual massage (MM), and static stretching (SS) on the acute range-of-motion (ROM) responses, over 30 min, in the elderly; 2) to verify the effect of Maitland's mobilization, MM, and SS on blood pressure (BP) responses, over 60 min, in the elderly. Sixteen inactive elderly men were recruited. After familiarization, all subjects performed the experimental conditions throughout four remaining sessions. Each session included two baselines ROM measures in randomized order. After baseline, participants completed the control group, Maitland, MM, and SS conditions and retesting immediately (Post-0) e again throughout 30-min following intervention. All conditions increased ankle, hip, and shoulder ROM for at least 10-min post-intervention. Systolic BP hypotensive effects were found for all experimental protocols when compared to baseline values. In conclusion, it was observed that Maitland, MM, and SS conditions enhance ROM and promote hypotensive effect post-intervention. These results have a practical prescription and rehabilitation implications and may be used in the elderly population, since a movement limitation can be treated by global interventions in a non-limited, as well as promoting cardiovascular protection through the hypotensive effects in the same experimental session.

Chronic effect of static stretching on strength performance and basal serum IGF-1 levels.

Improving the process of how physical performance is enhanced is one of the main topics evaluated by physiologists. This process often involves athletes and nonathletic populations. The purpose of this study was to assess the chronic response to 10 weeks of static stretching exercises carried out before and during a strength training program for 8 exercises on an 8 repetition maximum (8RM) test performance, and basal serum insulinlike growth factor (IGF-1) levels. Thirty recreationally trained volunteers were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 training groups: (a) SBST (performed a warm-up with a static stretching protocol before each strength training session); (b) SDST (before each training set, a static stretching exercise was performed); and (c) OST (entire session was performed without any type of stretching exercise). Strength and IGF-1 levels were collected at the beginning (pretest) and end (posttest) of the entire experimental procedure. All the exercises showed a significant increase in muscle strength for the OST group. However, the results revealed a significant increase in the muscle strength for only a few exercises in the SBST (LP, LE) and SDST (LP) experimental conditions. Significant statistical differences were found between SBST and SDST for all the exercises in the OST experimental condition. Furthermore, the IGF-1 expression showed no significant differences in the intragroup analysis. However, the OST group showed higher values (p < 0.05) in the posttest when compared with those of the other groups (increased significantly only in the OST experimental condition). It has been concluded that, although all the groups showed an increase in muscular strength, the strength training performed without any type of stretching exercise, regardless of whether the stretching is performed before or during the lifting session, can more effectively increase muscle strength and basal serum IGF-1 levels. It was concluded that strength training, with or without the use of stretching exercises, increased muscular strength in the studied groups, and can induce an increase in IGF-1 levels.

Musculoskeletal Injury Prevalence, Pain Perception, and Physical Activity Level Among Brazilian Strength and Cross-Training Practitioners.

In this study, we sought to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries, perceived pain, and physical activity level among Brazilian practitioners of strength training (ST) and functional fitness (FF). Participants were 311 men and women who trained in 10 FF training centers and seven ST gyms. Each participant completed surveys of the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries, their pain perception, and their physical activity level. A chi square test was used to analyze associations between groups and distributions of injuries. When any significant difference was observed, the difference score was analyzed through the adjusted residual values. Fisher's exact test was used to determined the associations between musculoskeletal injury prevalence and training modality (FF and ST) and between musculoskeletal injury prevalence and practice frequency (times/wk). To measure the magnitude of association between variables, the Phi coefficient was calculated for 2x2 associations and Cramer's V was used whenever the distributions were outside this standard. When the dependent variable presented a dichotomous characteristic, an Odds Ratio (OR) was calculated with a confidence interval of 95%. We found a higher musculoskeletal injury prevalence in the axial skeleton (n = 52; 83.88%) in FF practitioners and in the lower limbs of ST practitioners (n = 9; 52.96%). When the physical activity level cutoff point was set at 300 minutes per week, there was a significant relationship between physical activity and training modality (p = 0.005). There was also a significant association between pain perception and musculoskeletal injury (p < 0.001). Clinical follow-up was a protective factor to being injured (OR = 0.18; CI = 0.06-0.49), and, even after multivariate analysis this significant association was maintained (OR = 0.03; CI = 0.01 - 0.08). Thus, FF practitioners reported more musculoskeletal injuries than STs, and follow-up medical or physical therapy was a protective factor to these injuries. FF practitioners also had a higher level of weekly physical activity weekly than ST practitioners. Functional fitness practitioners may be at a higher risk of injuries than those who participate in traditional strength training.

Effects of foam rolling and strength training on post exercise hypotension in normotensive women: A cross-over study.

Foam rolling (FR) has recently become very popular among athletes and recreational exercisers and is often used during warm up prior to strength training (ST) to induce self-myofascial release. The purpose was to examine the acute effects of ST and FR performed in isolation or in combination on blood pressure (BP) responses during recovery in normotensive women. Sixteen normotensive and strength trained women completed four interventions: 1) rest control (CON), 2) ST only, 3) FR only, and 4) ST immediately followed by FR (ST + FR). ST consisted of three sets of bench press, back squat, front pull-down, and leg press exercises at 80% of 10RM. FR was applied unilaterally in two sets of 120 s to each of the quadriceps, hamstring, and calf regions. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP were measured before (rest) and every 10 min, for 60 min, following (Post 10-60) each intervention. Cohen's d effect sizes were calculated to indicate the magnitude effect by the formula d = Md/Sd, where Md is the mean difference and Sd is the standard deviation of differences. Cohen's d effect-sizes were defined as small (≥0.2), medium (≥0.5), and large (≥0.8). There were significant reductions in SBP for ST at Post-50 (p < 0.001; d = -2.14) and Post-60 (p < 0.001; d = -4.43), for FR at Post-60 (p = 0.020; d = -2.14), and for ST + FR at Post-50 (p = 0.001; d = -2.03) and Post-60 (p < 0.001; d = -2.38). No change in DBP was observed. The current findings suggest that ST and FR performed in isolation can acutely reduce SBP but without an additive effect. Thus, ST and FR can both be used to acutely reduce SBP and, importantly, FR can be added to a ST regimen without furthering the SBP reduction during recovery.

Ischemic Preconditioning Improves Handgrip Strength and Functional Capacity in Active Elderly Women.

BACKGROUND: Aging decreases some capacities in older adults, sarcopenia being one of the common processes that occur and that interfered with strength capacity. The present study aimed to verify the acute effect of IPC on isometric handgrip strength and functional capacity in active elderly women. METHODS: In a single-blind, placebo-controlled design, 16 active elderly women (68.1 ± 7.6 years) were randomly performed on three separate occasions a series of tests: (1) alone (control, CON); (2) after IPC (3 cycles of 5-min compression/5-min reperfusion at 15 mmHg above systolic blood pressure, IPC); and (3) after placebo compressions (SHAM). Testing included a handgrip isometric strength test (HIST) and three functional tests (FT): 30 s sit and stand up from a chair (30STS), get up and go time (TUG), and 6 min walk distance test (6MWT). RESULTS: HIST significantly increased in IPC (29.3 ± 6.9 kgf) compared to CON (27.3 ± 7.1 kgf; 7.1% difference; p = 0.01), but not in SHAM (27.7 ± 7.9; 5.5%; p = 0.16). The 30STS increased in IPC (20.1 ± 4.1 repetitions) compared to SHAM (18.5 ± 3.5 repetitions; 8.7%; p = 0.01) and CON (18.5 ± 3.9 repetitions; 8.6%; p = 0.01). TUG was significantly lower in IPC (5.70 ± 1.35 s) compared to SHAM (6.14 ± 1.37 s; -7.2%; p = 0.01), but not CON (5.91 ± 1.45 s; -3.7%; p = 0.24). The 6MWT significantly increased in IPC (611.5 ± 93.8 m) compared to CON (546.1 ± 80.5 m; 12%; p = 0.02), but not in SHAM (598.7 ± 67.6 m; 2.1%; p = 0.85). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that IPC can promote acute improvements in handgrip strength and functional capacity in active elderly women.

Myoelectric Activity and Fatigue in Low-Load Resistance Exercise With Different Pressure of Blood Flow Restriction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Low-load resistance exercise (LL-RE) with blood flow restriction (BFR) promotes increased metabolic response and fatigue, as well as more pronounced myoelectric activity than traditional LL-RE. Some studies have shown that the relative pressure applied during exercise may have an effect on these variables, but existing evidence is contradictory. Purpose: The aim of this study was to systematically review and pool the available evidence on the differences in neuromuscular and metabolic responses at LL-RE with different pressure of BFR. Methods: The systematic review and meta-analysis was reported according to PRISMA items. Searches were performed in the following databases: CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science, until June 15, 2021. Randomized or non-randomized experimental studies that analyzed LL-RE, associated with at least two relative BFR pressures [arterial occlusion pressure (AOP)%], on myoelectric activity, fatigue, or metabolic responses were included. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed for MVC torque (fatigue measure) and myoelectric activity. The quality of evidence was assessed using the PEDro scale. Results: Ten studies were included, all of moderate to high methodological quality. For MVC torque, there were no differences in the comparisons between exercise with 40-50% vs. 80-90% AOP. When analyzing the meta-analysis data, the results indicated differences in comparisons in exercise with 15-20% 1 repetition maximum (1RM), with higher restriction pressure evoking greater MVC torque decline (4 interventions, 73 participants; MD = -5.05 Nm [95%CI = -8.09; -2.01], p = 0.001, I 2 = 0%). For myoelectric activity, meta-analyses indicated a difference between exercise with 40% vs. 60% AOP (3 interventions, 38 participants; SMD = 0.47 [95%CI = 0.02; 0.93], p = 0.04, I2 = 0%), with higher pressure of restriction causing greater myoelectric activity. This result was not identified in the comparisons between 40% vs. 80% AOP. In analysis of studies that adopted pre-defined repetition schemes, differences were found (4 interventions, 52 participants; SMD = 0.58 [95%CI = 0.11; 1.05], p = 0.02, I 2 = 27%). Conclusion: The BFR pressure applied during the LL-RE may affect the magnitude of muscle fatigue and excitability when loads between 15 and 20% of 1RM and predefined repetition protocols (not failure) are prescribed, respectively. Systematic Review Registration: [http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero], identifier [CRD42021229345].

Effects of Cardiovascular Interval Training in Healthy Elderly Subjects: A Systematic Review.

The aim of this review is to demonstrate the effects of cardiovascular interval training (IT) on healthy elderly subjects. We used the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The following variables were observed: resting heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MBP), heart rate variability (HRV), baroreflex activity (BA), and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Studies were searched for in the MedLine, PubMed, and Sport Discus databases considering publications between 1990 and 2019. To find the studies, the keywords used were "Interval and Elderly Training" or "Interval Training and Baroreflex Sensing" or "Interval Training and Aging and Pressure Arterial and Blood Pressure Training" or "Interval Training and Variation in Aging and Heart Rate" or "Interval Training and Sensitivity to the Elderly and Baroreflex" or "Interval Training and Variability in the Elderly and Heart Rate." The systematic search identified 1,140 hits. The analysis of the study was performed through a critical review of the content. One thousand one hundred forty articles were identified. Of these, 1,108 articles were excluded by checking the articles and abstracts. Finally, 32 studies were selected for full reading while 26 studies were eliminated because they did not contain a methodology according to the purpose of this review. Thus, six studies were included for the final analysis. The PEDro score was used for analyzing the study quality and found 4,8 ± 1,3 points (range: 3-6). Positive results were found with the different IT protocols in the observed variables. Results show that IT protocols can be an efficient method for functional improvement of cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory variables in the healthy elderly, especially HR, SBP, DBP, MAP, HRV, BA, and VO2max. However, this method can be included in the prescription of aerobic training for the elderly to obtain conditional improvements in the cardiovascular system, thus being an important clinical intervention for the public.

Rest interval between sets in strength training.

Strength training has become one of the most popular physical activities for increasing characteristics such as absolute muscular strength, endurance, hypertrophy and muscular power. For efficient, safe and effective training, it is of utmost importance to understand the interaction among training variables, which might include the intensity, number of sets, rest interval between sets, exercise modality and velocity of muscle action. Research has indicated that the rest interval between sets is an important variable that affects both acute responses and chronic adaptations to resistance exercise programmes. The purpose of this review is to analyse and discuss the rest interval between sets for targeting specific training outcomes (e.g. absolute muscular strength, endurance, hypertrophy and muscular power). The Scielo, Science Citation Index, National Library of Medicine, MEDLINE, Scopus, Sport Discus and CINAHL databases were used to locate previous original scientific investigations. The 35 studies reviewed examined both acute responses and chronic adaptations, with rest interval length as the experimental variable. In terms of acute responses, a key finding was that when training with loads between 50% and 90% of one repetition maximum, 3-5 minutes' rest between sets allowed for greater repetitions over multiple sets. Furthermore, in terms of chronic adaptations, resting 3-5 minutes between sets produced greater increases in absolute strength, due to higher intensities and volumes of training. Similarly, higher levels of muscular power were demonstrated over multiple sets with 3 or 5 minutes versus 1 minute of rest between sets. Conversely, some experiments have demonstrated that when testing maximal strength, 1-minute rest intervals might be sufficient between repeated attempts; however, from a psychological and physiological standpoint, the inclusion of 3- to 5-minute rest intervals might be safer and more reliable. When the training goal is muscular hypertrophy, the combination of moderate-intensity sets with short rest intervals of 30-60 seconds might be most effective due to greater acute levels of growth hormone during such workouts. Finally, the research on rest interval length in relation to chronic muscular endurance adaptations is less clear. Training with short rest intervals (e.g. 20 seconds to 1 minute) resulted in higher repetition velocities during repeated submaximal muscle actions and also greater total torque during a high-intensity cycle test. Both of these findings indirectly demonstrated the benefits of utilizing short rest intervals for gains in muscular endurance. In summary, the rest interval between sets is an important variable that should receive more attention in resistance exercise prescription. When prescribed appropriately with other important prescriptive variables (i.e. volume and intensity), the amount of rest between sets can influence the efficiency, safety and ultimate effectiveness of a strength training programme.

Prediction VO2max during cycle ergometry based on submaximal ventilatory indicators.

There are several equations to predict maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) from ergometric test variables on different ergometers. However, a similar equation using ventilatory thresholds of ergospirometry in a submaximal test on a cycle ergometer is unavailable. The aim of the present study was to assess the accuracy of VO2max prediction models based on indicators of submaximal effort. Accordingly, 4,640 healthy, nonathlete women ages 20 years and older volunteered to be tested on a cycle ergometer using a maximum incremental protocol. The subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups: group A (estimation) and group B (validation). From the independent variables of weight in kilograms, the second workload threshold (WT2), and heart rate of the second threshold (HRT2), it was possible to build a multiple linear regression model to predict maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max = 40.302 - 0.497 [Weight] - 0.001 [HRT2] + 0.239 [WT2] in mL O2/kg/min(-1); r = 0.995 and standard error of the estimate [SEE] = 0.68 mL O2/kg/min(-1)). The cross-validation method was used in group B with group A serving as the basis for building the model and the validation dataset. The results showed that, in healthy nonathlete women, it is possible to predict VO2max with a minimum of error (SEE = 1.00%) from submaximal indicators obtained in an incremental test.

ACUTE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT ANTERIOR THIGH SELF-MASSAGE ON HIP RANGE-OF-MOTION IN TRAINED MEN.

BACKGROUND: Self-massage is a ubiquitous intervention similar to massage, but performed by the recipient him- or herself rather than by a therapist, most often using a tool (e.g., foam roller, roller massager). Self-massage has been found to have a wide range of effects. It is particularly known for increasing flexibility acutely, although not always. The variability of the results in previous studies may potentially be a function of the tool used. Recent findings also suggest that self-massage exerts global effects. Therefore, increased flexibility should be expected in the areas adjacent to the ones treated. PURPOSE: To investigate the acute effects of foam rolling and rolling massage of anterior thigh on hip range-of-motion (ROM) - i.e., hip extension and hip flexion - in trained men. METHODS: Eighteen recreationally active, resistance trained males visited the lab on two occasions over a 4-day period separated by at least a day. Each session included two baseline ROM measures of passive hip flexion and extension taken in a randomized fashion. Recording of baseline measures was followed by the intervention of the day, which was either foam rolling or rolling massage of the anterior thigh as per randomization. Immediately post intervention, passive hip flexion and hip extension ROM were reassessed. In order to assess the time course of improvements in ROM, hip flexion and hip extension ROM were reevaluated at 10, 20, and 30 minutes post-intervention. RESULTS: Hip flexion and hip extension ROM increased immediately following both interventions (foam rolling or roller massager) and remained increased for 30 minutes post intervention. Foam rolling was statistically superior in improving hip flexion and hip extension ROM immediately post intervention. However, immediately post-intervention was the only time point that measurements exceeded the minimum detectable change for both interventions. CONCLUSION: Both foam rolling and rolling massage appear to be effective interventions for improving hip flexion and extension ROM when applied to the anterior thigh, but the observed effects are transient in nature. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

Is blood lactate removal during water immersed cycling faster than during cycling on land?

The aim of the present study was to compare lactate removal during active recovery performed during cycling in water immersion (CW) and during cycling on land (CL), after a similar exercise bout in male adults. Eleven healthy and physically active men, aged between 20 and 26 years old participated in the experiment. Before the experimental tests, the ventilatory threshold of the subjects was determined. Each subject completed the experimental tests twice, with one week separating the two periods of experiment. The subjects exercised on the treadmill during 6 min at a speed 10% above the speed corresponding to their ventilatory threshold. Subsequently, the subjects recovered from the exercise bout either on a stationary bike (CL) or on a aquatic-specific bike (CW). On the subsequent week the subjects performed the same protocol but with a different recovery condition. Recovery condition assignment for the first test was counterbalanced (six subjects started with one condition and five with the other). Capillary blood samples were collected after each test and during the recovery period (at 3, 6, 9 and 15 minutes) and blood lactate was measured. The blood lactate values during CW were lower than during CL and significant differences were observed at the 6(th) minute (p ≤ 0.05) and at the 15(th) minute of recovery (p ≤ 0.05). Therefore, we may conclude that active recovery using cycling in water immersion may be more efficient than cycling on land for blood lactate removal. Key pointsPrevious studies have found positive effects of half liquid environment on blood lactate removal.However, few studies have compared lactate removal in half liquid and in dry land conditions with the use of stationary bikes.We have compared the lactate removal during active recovery on half-liquid cycling and active recovery on dry land cycling after a similar exercise bout in male adults.The blood lactate values during the recovery were lower after half-liquid cycling when compared with dry land cycling and significant differences were observed at the 6(th) minute and at the 15(th) minute of recovery.We may conclude that active recovery using half-liquid cycling may be more efficient than dry land cycling for blood lactate removal.

MAXIMUM REPETITION PERFORMANCE AFTER DIFFERENT ANTAGONIST FOAM ROLLING VOLUMES IN THE INTER-SET REST PERIOD.

BACKGROUND: Foam rollers, or other similar devices, are a method for acutely increasing range of motion, but in contrast to static stretching, do not appear to have detrimental effects on neuromuscular performance. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different volumes (60 and 120 seconds) of foam rolling of the hamstrings during the inter-set rest period on repetition performance of the knee extension exercise. METHODS: Twenty-five recreationally active females were recruited for the study (27.8 ± 3.6 years, 168.4 ± 7.2 cm, 69.1 ± 10.2 kg, 27.2 ± 2.1 m2/kg). Initially, subjects underwent a ten-repetition maximum testing and retesting, respectively. Thereafter, the experiment involved three sets of knee extensions with a pre-determined 10 RM load to concentric failure with the goal of completing the maximum number of repetitions. During the inter-set rest period, either passive rest or foam rolling of different durations (60 and 120 seconds) in a randomized order was employed. RESULTS: Ninety-five percent confidence intervals revealed dose-dependent, detrimental effects, with more time spent foam rolling resulting in fewer repetitions (Cohen's d of 2.0 and 1.2 for 120 and 60 seconds, respectively, in comparison with passive rest). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that more inter-set foam rolling applied to the antagonist muscle group is detrimental to the ability to continually produce force. The finding that inter-set foam rolling of the antagonist muscle group decreases maximum repetition performance has implications for foam rolling prescription and implementation, in both rehabilitation and athletic populations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

ACUTE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT SELF-MASSAGE VOLUMES ON THE FMS™ OVERHEAD DEEP SQUAT PERFORMANCE.

BACKGROUND: The Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) is a battery of tests designed to assess movement competency; the overhead deep squat test, specifically, has been shown to be an accurate predictor of overall FMS™ scores. Self-massage (SM) is a ubiquitous warm-up utilized to increase joint range of motion and, therefore, may be effective for improving performance of the overhead deep squat test. PURPOSE: To examine how different doses (30, 60, 90, and 120 seconds) of SM of different areas of the body (plantar fascia, latissimus dorsi, and lateral thigh) affects the score obtained on an overhead deep squat test. METHODS: Twenty recreationally active females were recruited to be tested on four occasions: sessions one and two consisted of baseline testing, session three consisted of SM applied to the lateral thigh, and session four consisted of SM applied to the lateral torso and plantar fascia. RESULTS: In all SM conditions, at least 90 seconds was required for a change in deep squat score from baseline; therefore, it is concluded that SM the lateral torso, plantar fascia, and lateral thigh for 90 seconds or more are effective interventions for acutely improving overhead deep squat scores. CONCLUSION: Self-massage appears to be an effective modality for inducing acute improvements in the performance of the FMS™ overhead deep squat in all conditions tested. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

Is self-massage an effective joint range-of-motion strategy? A pilot study.

Increases in joint range of motion may be beneficial in both improving performance and reducing the risk of injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate short-term changes in passive hip flexion (HF) and extension (HE) after foam rolling (FR) and roller massage (RM) durations of 60 and 120s. Ten recreationally active men (27.6 ± 2.4 years old; 164.8 ± 6.6 cm; 62.2 ± 8.0 kg; 24.2 ± 2.1 m2/kg) were recruited for this study. Subjects performed foam rolling (FR) and roller massage (RM) on the hamstrings for 60 (FR60 and RM60) and 120 (FR120 and RM120) seconds. Significant differences between FR120 and RM60 were observed in both HF (p < 0.001) and HE (p < 0.001) suggesting an intervention (roller style) effect. Furthermore, significant differences (p < 0.001) between RM60 and RM120 suggest a dosage based response. Thus, the findings indicate that different roller type or rolling volume may affect range-of-motion.

Talento motor e maturação biológica em escolares de um colégio militar / Motor talent and biological maturation in military college students / Talento motor y maduración biológica en escolares de un colegio militar

RESUMO Introdução A avaliação do desempenho motor em escolares tem sido utilizada na identificação de talentos esportivos. Porém, existem poucos estudos, sobre esta temática, e nenhum no Sistema Colégio Militar do Brasil. Objetivo Avaliar indicadores antropométricos, fisicomotores e maturacionais; investigar a proporção de talentos motores; analisar a relação entre o diagnóstico de talento motor e o estágio maturacional; e comparar o perfil de alunos-atletas e não atletas de um colégio militar. Métodos Foram avaliados 1.490 escolares de ambos os sexos, de 11 a 17 anos. Aplicou-se uma bateria de testes multidimensional para avaliação do tamanho e da composição corporal, flexibilidade, força de preensão manual, força explosiva de membros superiores e inferiores, velocidade, resistência aeróbica e maturação somática. Os dados foram analisados por meio do teste qui-quadrado e análise de covariância. Resultados Os escolares apresentaram maior tamanho corporal, maior desempenho motor e maturação biológica discretamente avançada em relação aos dados disponíveis na literatura. Além disso, foram criados pontos de corte para oito testes relacionados com a prática esportiva, para identificar escolares com resultados muito acima da média, sendo encontrados 11% de talentos motores. Constatou-se ainda que os talentos motores foram mais frequentes nos escolares avançados biologicamente, e que os alunos-atletas apresentaram diferenças significativas em relação aos não atletas, principalmente quanto ao desempenho motor. Conclusão Os escolares do colégio militar são maiores, mais fortes, mais resistentes e mais maduros biologicamente quando comparados aos valores de referência da literatura, e tais características acentuam-se nos alunos-atletas. Além disso, aproximadamente um em cada dez escolares do colégio militar pode ser considerado um talento motor, e este diagnóstico é mais frequente nos escolares com maturação precoce. Nível de evidência II; Estudo diagnóstico.

ABSTRACT Introduction The assessment of motor performance in students has been used to identify sports talents. However, there are few studies on this topic, and none in the Sistema Colégio Militar do Brasil (Brazilian Military College System). Objective To evaluate anthropometric, physical motor and maturational indicators, investigate the proportion of motor talents, analyze the relationship between motor talent diagnosis and maturational stage, and compare the profile of student-athletes and non-athlete students of a military college. Methods We assessed 1490 students of both sexes aged 11 to 17 years. A multidimensional battery of tests was applied to assess body size and composition, flexibility, handgrip strength, upper and lower limb explosive strength, velocity, aerobic endurance, and somatic maturation. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and analysis of covariance. Results Students showed greater body size, higher motor performance and slightly advanced biological maturation in comparison to data available in the literature. In addition, cut-off points were created for eight sports-related tests to identify students with significantly above-average results, with 11% of motor talents being found. It was also found that motor talents were more frequent in biologically advanced students, and that student-athletes had significant differences in comparison to non-athletes, mainly in terms of motor performance. Conclusion The military school students are larger, stronger, more resistant and more biologically mature when compared to the reference values in the literature, and these characteristics are accentuated in student-athletes. In addition, approximately 1 in 10 of the military college students can be considered a motor talent, and this diagnosis is more frequent in students with early maturation. Level of Evidence II; Diagnostic Study.

RESUMEN Introducción La evaluación de desempeño motor en escolares ha sido utilizada en la identificación de talentos deportivos. Sin embargo, existen pocos estudios sobre esa temática, y ninguno en el Sistema del Colegio Militar de Brasil. Objetivo Evaluar indicadores antropométricos, físico-motores y maduracionales, investigar la proporción de talentos motores, analizar la relación entre el diagnóstico de talento motor y la fase de maduración y comparar el perfil de alumnos-atletas y no atletas de un colegio militar. Métodos Fueron evaluados 1490 estudiantes de ambos sexos, de 11 a 17 años. Se les aplicó una serie de tests multidimensional para evaluación del tamaño y composición corporal, flexibilidad, fuerza de aprehensión manual, fuerza explosiva de miembros superiores e inferiores, velocidad, resistencia aeróbica y maduración somática. Los datos fueron analizados a través del test chi-cuadrado y Análisis de Covarianza. Resultados Los estudiantes presentaron mayor tamaño corporal, mayor desempeño motor y maduración biológica discretamente avanzada con relación a los datos disponibles en la literatura. Además, fueron creados puntos de corte para ocho tests relacionados con la práctica deportiva, para identificar estudiantes con resultados muy superiores al promedio, siendo encontrados 11% de talentos motores. Se constató además que los talentos motores fueron más frecuentes en los estudiantes avanzados biológicamente y que los alumnos atletas presentaron diferencias significativas con relación a los no atletas, principalmente en referencia al desempeño motor. Conclusión Los estudiantes del colegio militar son más grandes, más fuertes, más resistentes y más maduros biológicamente cuando comparados a los valores de referencia de la literatura, y tales características se acentúan en los alumnos atletas. Además, aproximadamente uno en cada 10 estudiantes del colegio militar puede ser considerado un talento motor, y este diagnóstico es más frecuente en los escolares con maduración precoz. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudio diagnóstico.

Influence of inter-set stretching on strength, flexibility and hormonal adaptations.

Adequate levels of strength and flexibility are important for the promotion and maintenance of health and functional autonomy as well as safe and effective sports participation. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of 8 weeks of strength training with or without inter-set static stretching on strength, flexibility and hormonal adaptations of trained men. Sixteen trained men were randomly divided into 2 groups: the static stretching group (SSG) and passive interval group (PIG). All participants performed 24 training sessions 3 times a week. The test and retest of 8RM, strength, flexibility, cortisol and growth hormone concentration in pre and post test conditions were also evaluated. To compare the differences between and within groups in pre- and post-training tests, ANOVA with repeated measures was performed (SSGpre x SSGpost; PIGpre x PIGpost; SSGpost x PIGpost). An alpha level of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant for all comparisons. Both groups showed significant increases in strength (SSGpre vs. SSGpost; PIGpre vs. PIGpost) in the same exercises for leg extension (LE) and Low Row (LR). Specifically, in the SSG group, the parameters for LE were (p = 0.0015 and ES = 2.28 - Large), and the parameters for LR were (p = 0.002 and ES = 1.95 - Large). Moreover, in the PIG group, the parameters for LE were (p = 0.009 and ES = 1.95 - Large), and the parameters for LR were (p = 0.0001 and ES = 2.88 - Large). No differences were found between the groups (SSGpost vs. PIGpost). Both groups showed significant increases in flexibility but in different joints (SSGpre vs. SSGpost; PIGpre vs. PIGpost). In the SSG group, only three joints showed significant increases in flexibility: shoulder extension (p = 0.004 and ES = 1.76 - Large), torso flexion (p = 0.002 and ES = 2.36 - Large), and hip flexion (p = 0.001 and ES = 1.79 -Large). In the PIG group, only three joints showed increases in flexibility: horizontal shoulder abduction (p = 0.003 and ES = 2.07 - Large), hip flexion (p = 0.001 and ES = 2.39 - Large), and hip extension (p = 0.02 and ES = 1.79 - Large). In-between group analyses (SSGpost x PIGpost) revealed differences in two joints: shoulder extension (p = 0.001) and horizontal shoulder abduction (p = 0.001). Hormonal profiles showed no significant differences in cortisol secretion or growth hormone concentration. In conclusion, both studied strength protocols (with and without inter-set static stretching) resulted in flexibility and strength gains without an effect on the anabolic and catabolic hormonal profile.

Acute effects of dropsets among different resistance training methods in upper body performance.

The aim of this study was to compare the influence of including dropset exercises in different orders, both in the pre-exhaustion, as in the post-exhaustion method, and to analyze the performance of total work on the bench press and chest flying exercise. Twenty-two male volunteers with a recreational experience in ST were evaluated in six visits in non-consecutive days, at approximately the same time of the day. During the first visit, subjects signed an informed consent form and underwent an anthropometric evaluation and testing of 10RM. The second visit involved a re-test of 10RM. From third to sixth visits, the subjects were randomly grouped into the following experimental situations: 3rd Visit (V3 - Post-exhaustion): Bench Press (dropset) + Chest Flying (10RM); 4th visit (V4 - Post-exhaustion): Bench Press (10RM) + Chest Flying (dropset); 5th Visit (V5 - pre-exhaustion): Chest Flying (dropset) + Bench Press (10RM); 6th Visit (V6 - pre-exhaustion): Chest Flying (10RM) + Bench Press (dropset). The protocol of dropset was performed with 3 sets and no rest intervals 10RM + 80% 10RM + 60% 10RM. An interval between sets was adopted for 2 minutes. The primary results showed a significant difference in Total Work for visits V3 and V6, which was included in the dropset multiarticular exercises. These results suggest that the exercise order with the dropset method in the pre-exhaustion or post-exhaustion methods had an acute influence on Total Work.

Hypotensive effects of resistance exercise with continuous and intermittent blood flow restriction

The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of low-intensity (LI) resistance exercise (RE) with continuous blood flow restriction (CBFR) and intermittent blood flow restriction (IBFR) on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP). After a one-repetition maximum test, 10 normotensive recreationally trained men performed three experimental protocols. In the three RE protocols, increases in SBP, DBP, and MAP were observed immediately after exercise, but the effect sizes (ESs) were greater for the LI + CBFR and high-intensity protocols. There were hypotensive effects on SBP, DBP, and MAP in all three protocols; however, the effects on MAP lasted longer for the LI + IBFR and LI + CBFR protocols. These long-lasting hypotensive effects on DBP and MAP occurred in all three protocols. Thus, we conclude that the post exercise hypotensive effects on SBP, DBP, and MAP appear to occur in all three RE protocols, with the effect on SBP being longer in the LI + IBFR and LI + CBFR protocols