The Effects of Muscle Strength Responsiveness to Periodized Resistance Training on Resistin, Leptin, and Cytokine in Elderly Postmenopausal Women.

Prestes, J, Nascimento, DdC, Neto, IVS, Tibana, RA, Shiguemoto, GE, Perez, SEA, Botero, JP, Schoenfeld, BJ, and Pereira, GB. The effects of muscle strength responsiveness to periodized resistance training on resistin, leptin, and cytokine in elderly postmenopausal women. J Strength Cond Res 32(1): 113-120, 2018-The aim of this study was to evaluate muscle strength responsiveness and to determine whether interleukin 4 (IL-4), leptin, and resistin would be affected by the individual pattern of response to a resistance training (RT) periodization program. Twenty-six elderly postmenopausal women participated in the present study (mean age = 62.57 ± 6.69 years and body mass index = 28.09 ± 4.83 kg·m). Four-month longitudinal training program was performed consisting of 2 whole-body sessions per week with increasing intensity and decreasing volume by using 6-14 repetitions maximum (RM). Two acute whole-body RT sessions (before and after chronic training) were also performed comprising 3 sets of 12-14RM. The responsiveness was determined based on their relative muscle strength gains in 45° leg press. High responders were defined as relative muscle strength gains ≥32% and low responders <32% (n = 13 in each group). Muscle strength increased by a higher amount in the high-responsive group as compared with the low-responsive group in the 45° leg press and bench press, whereas muscle strength increased for both groups when compared with pretraining evaluation (p = 0.001). Low responders displayed higher plasma leptin levels when compared with high responders at baseline (p = 0.001), and after 16 weeks of training, leptin levels were significantly lower when compared with baseline (pretraining period). Both groups displayed a decrease in baseline resistin values after 16 weeks of RT, but only a statistically simple main effect was observed for low responders. In addition, there were no effect of time and no significant interaction between the responsiveness and time on IL-4 concentration. In conclusion, RT is effective in improving upper and lower limb muscle strength in elderly women, with higher magnitudes of increase seen for those classified as high responders. Resistin and leptin displayed a decrease over time, regardless of responsiveness classification.

Digoxin Induces Cardiac Hypertrophy Without Negative Effects on Cardiac Function and Physical Performance in Trained Normotensive Rats.

Cardiotonic drugs and exercise training promote cardiac inotropic effects, which may affect training-induced cardiac adaptations. This study investigated the effects of long-term administration of digoxin on heart structure and function, and physical performance of rats submitted to high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Male Wistar rats, 60 days old, were divided into control (C), digoxin (DIGO), trained (T), and trained with digoxin (TDIGO). Digoxin was administered by gavage (30 µg/kg/day) for 75 days. The HIIT program consisted of treadmill running 60 min/day (8 min at 80% of the maximum speed (MS) and 2 min at 20% of the MS), 5 days per week during 60 days. The main cardiac parameters were evaluated by echocardiograph and cardiomyocyte area was determined by histology. There were no group x time effects of digoxin, HIIT or interactions (digoxin and HIIT) on functional echocardiographic parameters (heart rate; ejection fraction) or in the maximum exercise test. There was a group x time interaction, as evidenced by observed cardiac hypertrophy in the TDIGO group evaluated by ratio of left ventricle weight to body weight (p<0.002) and cardiomyocyte area (p<0.000002). Long-term administration of digoxin promoted cardiac hypertrophy without affecting cardiac function and physical performance in rats submitted to HIIT.

Effects of Resistance Training Volume on MMPs in Circulation, Muscle and Adipose Tissue.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different resistance training (RT) volumes on MMP activity in skeletal muscle, visceral adipose tissue and circulation. 21 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=7 per group): sedentary control (SC); RT with 4 ladder climbs (RT-4; 50, 75, 90 and 100% of their maximal carrying capacity) and RT with 8 ladder climbs (RT-8 with 2 sets for each load). The 8-week RT consisted of climbing a 1.1-m vertical ladder with weights secured to the animals' tails. MMP-2 and -9 activity were analyzed by zymography. RT-8 displayed higher active MMP-2 activity as compared with SC and RT-4 in skeletal muscle (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between groups for pro and intermediate-MMP-2 activity in visceral adipose tissue, while RT-8 presented lower active MMP-2 activity as compared with SC (p<0.05). Plasma pro and active MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity was lower in RT-8 as compared with RT-4 (p<0.05). These results suggest that higher volume RT up-regulates MMP-2 activity in skeletal muscle, while down-regulating MMP-2 in visceral adipose tissue. Moreover, it induces a decrease of MMP-2, 9 activity in circulation. Different tissue and circulatory MMP responses to RT may result in specific remodeling.

Classification of pro-inflammatory status for interleukin-6 affects relative muscle strength in obese elderly women.

BACKGROUND: Obesity, defined by an excess amount of body fat or a percent body fat higher than 30 % for women is a complex chronic disorder with multifactorial etiology and is accompanied by chronic low-grade inflammation, which results in elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines. AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare muscle strength between high and low pro-inflammatory status in obese elderly women and to verify the relationship of IL-6 with muscle strength and fat-free mass. METHODS: Eighty-nine elderly women (age 69.47 ± 6.07 years; body mass 64.70 ± 12.04 kg; height 1.52 ± 0.06 m; body mass index 27.78 ± 4.75 kg/m(2)) were divided into two groups: high and low inflammatory status for IL-6. Lower limb muscle strength was tested using bilateral leg extension with the ten repetitions maximum test, IL-6 was measured by ELISA and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Women classified from the high pro-inflammatory status presented lower relative muscle strength (P = 0.056) when compared with the low inflammatory status group, with no differences for absolute muscle strength (P = 0.18). There was a significant negative correlation of IL-6 with relative muscle strength (P = 0.03, R = -0.22) and a considerable trend toward significance (P = 0.06, R = -0.19) and negative association with fat-free mass (P = 0.84, R = -0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insights that a high pro-inflammatory status in sedentary obese elderly women might impair muscle strength and negatively affect fat-free mass. Thus, elderly women classified with high pro-inflammatory status for IL-6 should receive further health care attention to prevent this deleterious condition.

Effects of dietary restriction or swimming on lymphocytes and macrophages functionality from old rats.

Although aging compromises the functionality of macrophages (MΦ) and lymphocytes (LY), and dietary restriction (DR) and exercise partially counterbalance immunosenescence, it is unknown what effects of both strategies have on the functionality of these immune cells. Rats were randomly distributed into adult control (AD), older group (OLD), older submitted to 50% of DR (DR) and older submitted to swimming (EX) (n = 10 in each group). The function of immune cells (proliferative index, phagocytic capacity and H2O2 production), the weight and protein content of lymphoid organs (thymus and spleen), plasma glutamine concentration, interleukins (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6) and, immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG) were analysed. There was an increase of 74% in body weight in aged animals as compared with the AD group, while body weight reduced 19% in the DR as compared with the OLD group. Swimming training stimulated MΦ phagocytosis, while the EX group presented a decrease of the proliferative capacity of LY from the mesenteric lymph nodes (44% and 62%, respectively), when stimulated with ConA and LPS as compared with the old rats. These data demonstrated that DR and exercise affects differentially MΦ and LY function.

Exploring the relationship between Total Athleticism score and CrossFit® Open Performance in amateur athletes: single measure involving body fat percentage, aerobic capacity, muscle power and local muscle endurance.

There has been an increasing interest among CrossFit® coaches and practitioners in identifying indicators of sport performance. This study aimed to examine the correlation between anthropometric measures, cardiorespiratory capacity, power, local muscle endurance, and total athleticism score, with performance in the CrossFit® Open 2021. Fourteen male volunteers (aged 30.3 ± 5.8 years) participated in the study and underwent a series of tests on separate weeks. These tests included assessments of body fat percentage (subcutaneous adipose thickness measured at seven sites), maximal oxygen consumption (2 km test in rowing ergometer), muscle power (one repetition maximum in power clean), and muscle endurance (Tibana test, which included the conclusion of four distinct rounds of work). These results were used to calculate the total score of athleticism, which was then compared to the participants performance during the CrossFit® Open 2021. The athletes presented an average of body fat (8.6 ± 2.0%), maximal oxygen consumption (53.3 ± 2.4 mL. (kg.min)-1), 2km row time (07:00 ± 00:21 mm:ss), 1-Repetition maximum in power clean (125.2 ± 21.2 kg) and Tibana test performance (281.0 ± 35.9 repetitions). Interestingly, the top five athletes with the highest scores also achieved the highest z-scores in the CrossFit® Open 2021. Conversely, the four athletes with the lowest TSA score had the lowest z-scores in the CrossFit® Open. Moreover, almost perfect correlation (r = 0.91; p<0.01) was found between the total athleticism score and z-scores in the CrossFit® Open 2021. The total score may be a single measure and holistic indication of athleticism level in CrossFit®. Furthermore, coaches can potentially apply this useful tool for monitoring athletic performance and designing training sessions that address specific areas of CrossFit® performance.

Paternal exercise induces antioxidant defenses by α-Klotho/Keap1 pathways in the skeletal muscle of offspring exposed to a high fat-diet without changing telomere length.

Although previous studies demonstrated that the ancestral lifestyle can enhance the metabolic health of offspring exposed to an obesogenic diet, the specific connections between these positive effects in redox state and telomere length are unknown. We investigated the impact of paternal resistance training (RT) on stress-responsive signaling and the pathways involved in telomere homeostasis in skeletal muscle. This investigation encompassed both the fathers and first-generation litter exposed to a long-term standard diet (24 weeks) and high fat diet (HFD). Wistar rats were randomized into sedentary or trained fathers (8 weeks of resistance training). The offspring were obtained by mating with sedentary females. Upon weaning, male offspring were divided into four groups: offspring of sedentary or trained fathers exposed to either a control diet or HFD. The gastrocnemius was prepared for reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, ELISA, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. RT upregulated shelterin mRNA levels and antioxidant protein, preserving muscle telomere in fathers. Conversely, HFD induced a disturbance in the redox balance, which may have contributed to the offspring telomere shortening from sedentary fathers. Pre-conceptional paternal RT downregulates Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) mRNA levels in the skeletal muscle of progeny exposed to HFD, driving an increase in Glutathione reductase mRNA levels, Sod1 and Catalase protein levels to mitigate ROS production. Also, paternal exercise upregulates α-Klotho protein levels, mediating antioxidative responses without altering shelterin mRNA levels and telomere length. We provide the first in-depth analysis that the offspring's redox state seems to be directly associated with the beneficial effects of paternal exercise.

Association of cardiovascular response to an acute resistance training session with the ACE gene polymorphism in sedentary women: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to verify the effects of an acute resistance training (RT) session and insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) on systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP) and mean blood pressure (MBP), and heart rate (HR). METHODS: The sample consisted of 27 sedentary women (33.3 ± 8.2 yrs; 69.1 ± 13.8 kg; 1.57 ± 0.05 m; 27.6 ± 5.1 kg/m2) divided into two groups according to their polymorphism I/D (DD = 9; II + ID = 18). Volunteers underwent two experimental sessions: RT - an acute session performed with three sets at 60% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) interspersed with 1 minute rest interval between exercises and sets, and a control session (CON) in which they remained seated for 30 minutes in the laboratory. SBP, DBP, MBP and HR were measured before exercise and during one hour every 10 minutes after sessions, in the seated position. A two-way ANOVA for repeated measures with Tukey's post hoc test was used for the intra and inter-group comparisons. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences on SBP, DBP and MBP after the experimental protocols, and no effect of ACE polymorphism (P > 0.05). However, comparing CON versus exercise effect size values (ES), homozygotic carriers of the allele D presented a drop in SBP which was considered moderate, while in allele I carriers it was small, 30 minutes after exercise. In MBP, homozygotic D carriers exhibited a large ES 20 minutes post-exercise. HR was higher at 10, 20 and 30 minutes after exercise as compared to pre-exercise only for carriers of the I allele ( < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, an acute RT session reduces clinical BP. In addition to this; it seems that ACE polymorphism had some influence on cardiovascular response to exercise. TRIAL REGISTRATION: RBR-6GDYVZ.

Resistance exercise leading to failure versus not to failure: effects on cardiovascular control.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acute effects of resistance exercise (RE) leading to failure and RE that was not to failure on 24 h blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability (HRV) in sedentary normotensive adult women. METHODS: Ten women (33.2 ± 5.8 years; 159.3 ± 9.4 cm; 58.0 ±6.4 kg; body fat 28.4 ± 2.8%) randomly underwent three experimental sessions: control (40 minutes of seated rest), RE leading to failure with 3 sets of 10 repetitions maximum (10-RM), and RE not to failure at 60% of 10-RM with 3 sets of 10 repetitions. Immediately post session BP and HRV were measured for 24 h. RESULTS: Ratings of perceived exertion and heart rate were higher during the 10-RM session when compared with 60% of 10-RM (6.4 ± 0.5 vs 3.5 ± 0.8 and 123.7 ± 13.9 vs 104.5 ± 7.3 bpm, respectively). The systolic, diastolic and mean BP decreased at 07:00 a.m. after the 10-RM session when compared with the control session (-9.0 ± 7.8 mmHg, -16.0 ± 12.9 mmHg and -14.3 ± 11.2 mmHg, respectively). The root mean square of the squared differences between R-R intervals decreased after both the 60% of 10-RM and 10-RM sessions compared with the control session. CONCLUSIONS: An acute RE session leading to failure induced a higher drop of BP upon awakening, while both RE sessions reduced cardiac parasympathetic modulation. RE may be an interesting training strategy to acutely decrease BP in adult women.

Low dynamic muscle strength and its associations with fatigue, functional performance, and quality of life in premenopausal patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and low disease activity: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to compare dynamic muscle strength, functional performance, fatigue, and quality of life in premenopausal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with low disease activity versus matched-healthy controls and to determine the association of dynamic muscle strength with fatigue, functional performance, and quality of life in SLE patients. METHODS: We evaluated premenopausal (18-45 years) SLE patients with low disease activity (Systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index [SLEDAI]: mean 1.5 ± 1.2). The control (n = 25) and patient (n = 25) groups were matched by age, physical characteristics, and the level of physical activities in daily life (International Physical Activity Questionnaire IPAQ). Both groups had not participated in regular exercise programs for at least six months prior to the study. Dynamic muscle strength was assessed by one-repetition maximum (1-RM) tests. Functional performance was assessed by the Timed Up and Go (TUG), in 30-s test a chair stand and arm curl using a 2-kg dumbbell and balance test, handgrip strength and a sit-and-reach flexibility test. Quality of life (SF-36) and fatigue were also measured. RESULTS: The SLE patients showed significantly lower dynamic muscle strength in all exercises (leg press 25.63%, leg extension 11.19%, leg curl 15.71%, chest press 18.33%, lat pulldown 13.56%, 1-RM total load 18.12%, P < 0.001-0.02) compared to the controls. The SLE patients also had lower functional performance, greater fatigue and poorer quality of life. In addition, fatigue, SF-36 and functional performance accounted for 52% of the variance in dynamic muscle strength in the SLE patients. CONCLUSIONS: Premenopausal SLE patients with low disease activity showed lower dynamic muscle strength, along with increased fatigue, reduced functional performance, and poorer quality of life when compared to matched controls.

Exercise order influences number of repetitions and lactate levels but not perceived exertion during resistance exercise in adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of resistance training (RT) order on number of repetitions, total training volume, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and the lactate response in male adolescents. Twelve adolescents (age: 15.7 ± 1.4 yrs) completed two RT sessions in a counterbalanced crossover design: one with exercises for smaller muscle groups followed by larger muscle groups (SM-LM), whereas the other session was performed in the opposite sequence (LM-SM). The exercise order for SM-LM was standing triceps extension (TE), dumbbell biceps curl (BC), bench press (BP), and seated row machine (RM), while the order for LM-SM was the opposite. Subjects performed three sets of a predetermined 10 repetition maximum for each exercise. Total repetitions completed for each exercise and RPE were assessed after each set, and blood lactate (BL) was measured before RT, 1 m after the first exercise, 1 m after the third exercise, and 10 m after each RT session. Blood lactate (BL) was higher for the LM-SG compared with SM-LM 10 m after exercise (7.4 ± 1.8 versus 6.5 ± 2.1 mmol/L; p < 0.05). More repetitions were completed on the TE and BC in the SM-LM compared with LM-SG (24.9 ± 3.4 and 16.2 ± 3.2 versus 16.3 ± 4.2 and 14.6 ± 3.0, respectively; p < 0.02), while more repetitions were completed on the BP and RM following the LM-SM (14.3 ± 2.3 and 23.4 ± 4.5 versus 12.4 ± 4.2 and 13.6 ± 5.1, respectively; p < 0.02). No differences were found for RPE. It may be appropriate to perform multijoint exercises first to improve general coordination and force, while the use of smaller muscle groups first may be interesting to target specific muscle weaknesses.

Higher muscle performance in adolescents compared with adults after a resistance training session with different rest intervals.

The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of 3 different rest intervals between sets on the total training volume, number of repetitions, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and resistance to fatigue in adolescents and adults during a resistance training session in the isoinertial chest press exercise. Fifteen male adolescents (15.2 ± 1.2 years; 20.7 ± 2.0 kg·m(-2); Tanner -4; 61.5 ± 8.9, 10 repetition maximum [RM]) and 15 adults (22.2 ± 2.7 years; 23.3 ± 2.0 kg·m(-2); Tanner -5; 84.3 ± 13.5, 10RM) without previous experience with resistance training participated in the study. After 10RM test-retest on 3 different occasions, participants were randomly assigned to a resistance training protocol with 30-, 60-, and 120-second rest interval between sets. The protocol consisted of 3 sets with 10RM. In all studied variables, with exception to total training volume and RPE, adolescents presented superior results as compared with adults (p < 0.001). On the other hand, both adults and adolescents exhibited a higher resistance to fatigue, total training volume, and number of repetitions with a longer rest interval (120 > 60 > 30 seconds) (p < 0.01). Thus, these results indicate that adolescents present a higher recovery capacity between sets in a resistance training session than adults and a longer rest interval results in a higher number of repetitions completed, total training volume, and resistance to fatigue.

Time Course of Recovery Following CrossFit® Karen Benchmark Workout in Trained Men.

The establishment of fatigue following the acute exercise stimulus is a complex and multi-factorial process, that might arise due to a range of distinct physiological mechanisms. However, a practical method of assessing CrossFit® athletes' recovery status has been neglected entirely in real-world sporting practice. The study describes the acute and delayed time course of recovery following the CrossFit® Benchmark Workout Karen. Eight trained men (28.4 ± 6.4 years; 1RM back squat 139.1 ± 26.0 kg) undertook the Karen protocol. The protocol consists of 150 Wall Balls (9 kg), aiming to hit a target 3 m high. Countermovement jump height (CMJ), creatine kinase (CK), and perceived recovery status scale (PRS) (general, lower and upper limbs) were assessed pre, post-0h, 24, 48 and 72 h after the session. The creatine kinase concentration 24 h after was higher than pre-exercise (338.4 U/L vs. 143.3 U/L; p = 0.040). At 48h and 72 h following exercise, CK concentration had returned to baseline levels (p > 0.05). The general, lower and upper limbs PRS scores were lower in the 24-h post-exercise compared to pre-exercise (general PRS: 4.7 ± 1.5 and 7.7 ± 1.7; p = 0.013; upper limbs PRS: 6.6 ± 1.3 and 7.5 ± 1.3; p = 0.037; lower limbs PRS: 3.9 ± 2.5 and 7.3 ± 0.1; p = 0.046). Our findings provide insights into the fatigue profile and recovery in acute CrossFit® and can be useful to coaches and practitioners when planning training programs. Moreover, recovery status can be useful to optimize training monitoring and to minimize the potential detrimental effects associated with the performance of repeated high-intensity sessions of CrossFit®.

Time-course effects of functional fitness sessions performed at different intensities on the metabolic, hormonal, and BDNF responses in trained men.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the time-course effects of a self-regulated training session (performed at an rating perceived exertion of 6/10), all-out session, and a control session on the metabolic, hormonal, and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) responses in Functional-Fitness (FFT) participants. METHODS: In a randomized, crossover fashion, eight healthy males (age 28.1 ± 5.4 years old; body mass 77.2 ± 4.4 kg; VO2max: 52.6 ± 4.6 mL.(kg.min)-1; 2000 m rowing test 7.35 ± 0.18 min; 1RM back squat 135.6 ± 21.9 kg) performed a FFT session under two different conditions: all-out, or with the intensity controlled to elicit an rating perceived exertion (RPE) of 6 in the Borg 10-point scale (RPE6). A control session (no exercise) was also completed. Metabolic (lactate and creatine kinase), hormonal (testosterone and cortisol), and BDNF responses were assessed pre, post-0 h, 1 h, 2 h and 24 h after the sessions. RESULTS: Creatine kinase concentrations were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) after 24 h for both training sessions. Total and free testosterone concentrations were lower post-2 h for all-out when compared to the RPE6 session (p ≤ 0.05). Serum cortisol concentration increased post-0 h (p = 0.011) for RPE6 and post-0 h (p = 0.003) and post-1 h (p = 0.030) for all-out session when comparing to baseline concentrations. BDNF was significantly higher (p = 0.002) post-0 h only for the all-out session when compared to baseline. A positive correlation between blood lactate concentrations and BDNF (r = 0.51; p = 0.01) was found for both effort interventions. CONCLUSIONS: A single FFT session when performed in all-out format acutely increases the concentrations of serum BDNF. However, physiological stress markers show that the all-out session requires a longer recovery period when compared to the RPE6 protocol. These findings can be helpful to coaches and practitioners design FFT session.

Protective role of intergenerational paternal resistance training on fibrosis, inflammatory profile, and redox status in the adipose tissue of rat offspring fed with a high-fat diet.

AIMS: We evaluated the role of intergenerational paternal exercise on fibrosis, inflammatory profile, and redox status in the adipose tissue of male rat offspring fed with high-fat diet (HFD) and explored to what extent programming affects the systemic metabolic profile. MAIN METHODS: Adult wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: sedentary fathers and trained fathers (8 weeks of resistance training (RT), three times per week). The offspring were obtained by mating with sedentary females. Upon weaning, male offspring were divided into four groups (7 animals per group): offspring of sedentary fathers exposed to either a control diet (SFO-C) or a high-fat diet (SFO-HF); offspring of trained fathers exposed to a control diet (TFO-C) or a high-fat diet (TFO-HF). KEY FINDINGS: Paternal RT was effective in attenuating body weight gain, adipocyte size, collagen deposition, as well as downregulating genes (CTGF, VEGF, C/EBPα SREBP1, MCP-1, and NF-kB), pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha and Interleukin-1-beta), matrix metalloproteinase -2 activity, and ROS production in the epididymal adipose tissue of offspring fed with HFD (TFO-HF vs. SFO-HF; P < 0.05). Moreover, paternal RT increased adiponectin and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the tissue. These beneficial effects were accompanied by the increase of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and α-Klotho), while decreasing pro-oxidant agents (F2-isoprostanes, protein carbonyls levels), and metabolic markers (insulin and leptin, HOMA-ß, and HOMA-IR) in the offspring blood circulation. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings reveal protective effects of intergenerational paternal RT on adipose tissue remodeling and metabolic health of offspring fed with HFD.

Combined Physical Training Increases Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor Levels, But Not Irisin in People Living with HIV/AIDS.

This study evaluated plasma levels of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), irisin, and lactate in people living with HIV/AIDS who completed a combined physical training program. Nineteen HIV+ participants (age: 39.60 ± 10.96 years; carrier time: 7.75 ± 7.88 years; time of ART: 6.41 ± 5.93 years) performed strength/aerobic training (combined physical training) in the same session for 8 weeks and levels of BDNF, irisin, and lactate were assessed. BDNF (pg/mL) was higher post-CPT (Pre: 1258.73 ± 372.30; Post: 1504.17 ± 322.30; p < 0.001). Irisin (ng/mL) showed no change (Pre: 115.61 ± 72.41; Post: 125.87 ± 81.14; p = 0.973). There was positive correlation between irisin and lactate (mmol/L) pre (r = 0.55, p = 0.04), and lactate values were higher in the group with the highest value of irisin (3.65 ± 0.69 × 2.82 ± 0.59, p = 0.02). Combined physical training results in increased basal BDNF in people living with HIV/AIDS, this finding suggests that increased concentration of BDNF may be associated with decreased chances of developing cognitive disorders or HIV-associated dementia. Further studies involving molecular mechanisms on this subject are necessary.

Effects of Resistance Training on Muscle Quality Index, Muscle Strength, Functional Capacity, and Serum Immunoglobulin Levels between Obese and Non-obese Older Women.

Considering the negative impact of obesity on neuromuscular and immune systems, we sought to compare the effects of a 10-week resistance training (RT) program on muscle quality index (MQI), muscle strength, functional capacity, and immunoglobulins in older women with and without obesity. Thirty-nine older women participated in the present study (age: 69.02 ± 6.16, fat (%): 38.80% ± 6.28) and underwent a linear RT program performed on two non-consecutive days of the week. Body composition, functional tests, immunoglobulins, muscle quality of upper and lower limbs and absolute muscular strength of the upper and lower limbs were measured. Both groups displayed an increased statistically significant difference in MQI between pre-post training, however obese participants showed a lower field and laboratory MQI when compared to non-obese participants at the same time-points. Obese participants displayed an increased statistically significant 30-second chair stand test, with no differences for non-obese participants. Obese participants showed a higher statistically significant difference for immunoglobulin M when compared to the non-obese group at post-training. Finally, both groups displayed an increased statistically significant difference in muscle strength between pre-post-training. However, obese participants showed a statistically significant lower 10-RM low row score when compared to non-obese participants at post-training. Obese older women showed a lower field and laboratory MQI when compared to non-obese post-training, besides a lower 10-RM low row score which reinforces that obesity blunts the beneficial effects of RT on muscle quality and strength.

Local Muscle Endurance and Strength Had Strong Relationship with CrossFit® Open 2020 in Amateur Athletes.

This study analyzed the relationship between anthropometric measures, cardiorespiratory capacity, strength, power, and local muscle endurance with performance in the CrossFit® Open 2020. For this, 17 volunteers (6 women) (29.0 ± 7.2 years) completed, on separate weeks, tests for body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), maximal oxygen consumption (2 km row test), muscle strength (one repetition maximum (1 RM) back and front squat, isometric peak torque), muscle power (1 RM snatch and clean and jerk) and muscle endurance (Tibana test), which were compared with performance during the CrossFit® Open 2020. Specific tests of localized muscular endurance and muscle strength had the strongest relationship with performance in the CrossFit® Open 2020. On the other hand, the percentage of fat and cardiorespiratory capacity were not significantly correlated with CrossFit® Open 2020 workout performance. Coaches and practitioners should therefore utilize these findings to assess physical fitness and organize the distribution of the training session based on less developed physical needs, in order to ensure an appropriate physiological adaptation for a given competition.

Paternal Resistance Exercise Modulates Skeletal Muscle Remodeling Pathways in Fathers and Male Offspring Submitted to a High-Fat Diet.

Although some studies have shown that a high-fat diet (HFD) adversely affects muscle extracellular matrix remodeling, the mechanisms involved in muscle trophism, inflammation, and adipogenesis have not been fully investigated. Thus, we investigated the effects of 8 weeks of paternal resistance training (RT) on gene and protein expression/activity of critical factors involved in muscle inflammation and remodeling of fathers and offspring (offspring exposed to standard chow or HFD). Animals were randomly distributed to constitute sedentary fathers (SF; n = 7; did not perform RT) or trained fathers (TF n = 7; performed RT), with offspring from mating with sedentary females. After birth, 28 male pups were divided into four groups (n = 7 per group): offspring from sedentary father submitted either to control diet (SFO-C) or high-fat diet (SFO-HF) and offspring from trained father submitted to control diet (TFO-C) or high-fat diet (TFO-HF). Our results show that an HFD downregulated collagen mRNA levels and upregulated inflammatory and atrophy pathways and adipogenic transcription factor mRNA levels in offspring gastrocnemius muscle. In contrast, paternal RT increased MMP-2 activity and decreased IL-6 levels in offspring exposed to a control diet. Paternal RT upregulated P70s6k and Ppara mRNA levels and downregulated Atrogin1 mRNA levels, while decreasing NFκ-B, IL-1ß, and IL-8 protein levels in offspring exposed to an HFD. Paternal physical training influences key skeletal muscle remodeling pathways and inflammatory profiles relevant for muscle homeostasis maintenance in offspring submitted to different diets.

Session Rating of Perceived Exertion Is a Superior Method to Monitor Internal Training Loads of Functional Fitness Training Sessions Performed at Different Intensities When Compared to Training Impulse.

Despite its increase in popularity, little is known about how to best quantify internal training loads from functional fitness training (FFT) sessions. The purpose of this study was to assess which method [training impulse (TRIMP) or session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE)] is more accurate to monitor training loads in FFT. Eight trained males (age 28.1 ± 6.0 years) performed an ALL-OUT FFT session and an intensity-controlled session (RPE of six out of 10). Internal load was determined via Edward's TRIMP (eTRIMP), Bannister's TRIMP (bTRIMP), and sRPE. Heart rate was measured continuously during the session, while blood lactate and rate of perceived exertion were measured at baseline, and immediately and 30 min after the sessions. ALL-OUT blood lactate and RPE were significantly higher immediately and 30 min after the session compared to the RPE6 condition. ALL-OUT training load was significantly different between conditions using bTRIMP (61.1 ± 10.6 vs. 55.7 ± 12.4 AU) and sRPE (91.7 ± 30.4 vs. 42.6 ± 14.9 AU), with sRPE being more sensitive to such differences [p = 0.045, effect size (ES) = 0.76 and p = 0.002, ES = 1.82, respectively]. No differences in the training loads of the different sessions were found using eTRIMP (93.1 ± 9.5 vs. 84.9 ± 13.7 AU, p = 0.085). Only sRPE showed a significant correlation with lactate 30 min post session (p = 0.015; p = 0.596, large). sRPE was more accurate than both TRIMP methods to represent the overall training load of the FFT sessions. While the use of sRPE is advised, further research is necessary to establish its ability to reflect changes in fitness, fatigue, and performance during a period of training.