Impact of social distancing from the COVID-19 pandemic on the immuno-inflammatory response of older adults.

BACKGROUND: Older adults, as the population considered at increased risk for severe COVID-19, were the most impacted by social isolation. Thus, this study aimed to assess the salivary immune/inflammatory response of older adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A cohort of 11 older adults (mean age 66.8 ± 6.1) was followed at three different time points: before (S1) and after 6 (S2) and 20 months (S3) of the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Unstimulated saliva samples were obtained to assess the levels of antibodies (secretory IgA, IgG and IgM) by ELISA and cytokines (IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10, TSLP, IFN-γ, TNF-α) by multiplex analysis. Significant differences were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post-test. RESULTS: None volunteer presented periodontal disease or caries. All volunteers received at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccines after S2 and before S3. A tendency to increase salivary levels of SIgA and IgM at S2 and of IgG at S3 were observed compared to the values found at S1 and S2. Significantly decreased levels of IL-2 and IL-5 were found at S2 and S3 (p < 0.001) time points. Lower levels of IFN-γ were found at S2 as compared to the values observed at S1 (p < 0.01). A significant decrease in the IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio was found at S2 (p < 0.01). When assessing the Th1/Th2 ratios, a significant decrease was found in the IFN-γ/TSLP ratio at S2 (p < 0.001) and S3 (p < 0.001) when compared to the values at S1. In addition, a significant increase was observed in the TNF-α/IL-5 ratio at S2 (p < 0.001) and S3 (p < 0.001) in comparison to the values at S1. In a similar way, an increase in the TNF-α/IL-6 ratio (Fig. 5E) was observed at S3 (p < 0.001) when compared to the values at S1. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the impact of COVID-19-induced social isolation on immune/inflammatory responses in the upper airway mucosa, particularly those present in oral cavity, of older adults. It demonstrates that a controlled shift in Th1 and Th2 immune responses, both during infection and post-vaccination, can create favorable conditions to combat viral infections without exacerbating the immune response or worsening the pathology.

The effect of chemotherapy on dietary intake and nutritional status in patients with colorectal neoplasms and the importance of nutritional counseling.

PURPOSE: This study aimed at assessing the effect of chemotherapy on dietary intake and nutritional status of patients with colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional study conducted with 35 patients of both sexes, aged 50 years or older. Dietary intake was assessed four times: before (T0), twice during (T1 and T2), and after (TF) chemotherapy. Data on energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients were used for assessing dietary intake. Nutritional status was assessed on the first day and at the end of the chemotherapy cycle. The data were treated statistically using a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The intake of energy, carbohydrates, lipids, selenium, and iron was lower after chemotherapy infusion (p < 0.05). Energy consumption decreased when comparing T0 (1419.8 ± 527.1 kcal) with T1 (1181.9 ± 423.2 kcal). Regarding macronutrients, carbohydrates and lipids showed a drop (p < 0.05), but there were no differences in protein intake, and it was observed that the consumption of food sources such as dairy was prioritized. In the analysis of vitamins and minerals, vitamins dropped but without a significant difference. There were significant differences between T1 and TF for iron (9.7 mg ± 4.5 mg and 12.0 ± 4.0 mg) and selenium (77.4 ± 29.7 µg and 93.6 ± 37.8 µg). There was no change in body composition and nutritional status between chemotherapy cycles. CONCLUSION: The treatment reduced patients' food consumption after the chemotherapy session and impacted dietary intake, which demonstrates the importance of nutritional counseling and intervention, especially on energy consumption.

Validity of the Handheld Doppler to Determine Lower-Limb Blood Flow Restriction Pressure for Exercise Protocols.

Laurentino, GC, Loenneke, JP, Mouser, JG, Buckner, SL, Counts, BR, Dankel, SJ, Jessee, MB, Mattocks, KT, Iared, W, Tavares, LD, Teixeira, EL, and Tricoli, V. Validity of the handheld Doppler to determine lower-limb blood flow restriction pressure for exercise protocols. J Strength Cond Res 34(9): 2693-2696, 2020-Handheld (HH) Doppler is frequently used for determining the arterial occlusion pressure during blood flow restriction exercises; however, it is unknown whether the blood flow is occluded when the auscultatory signal is no longer present. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity between the HH Doppler and the Doppler ultrasound (US) measurements for determining the arterial occlusion pressure in healthy men. Thirty-five participants underwent 2 arterial occlusion pressure measurements. In the first measure, a pressure cuff (17.5 cm wide) was placed at the most proximal region of the thigh and the pulse of posterior tibial artery was detected using an HH Doppler probe. The cuff was inflated until the auscultatory pulse was no longer detected. After 10 minutes of rest, the procedure was repeated with the Doppler US probe placed on the superficial femoral artery. The cuff was inflated up to the point at which the femoral arterial blood flow was interrupted. The point at which the auscultatory pulse and blood flow were no longer detected was deemed the arterial occlusion pressure. There were no significant differences in arterial occlusion pressure level between the HH Doppler and the Doppler US (133 [±18] vs. 135 [±17] mm Hg, p = 0.168). There was a significant correlation (r = 0.938, p = 0.168), reasonable agreement, and a total error of the estimate of 6.0 mm Hg between measurements. Arterial occlusion pressure level determined by the HH Doppler and the Doppler US was similar, providing evidence that the HH Doppler is a valid and practical method.

Blood Pressure Response During Resistance Training of Different Work-to-Rest Ratio.

Paulo, AC, Tricoli, V, Queiroz, ACC, Laurentino, G, and Forjaz, CLM. Blood pressure response during resistance training of different work-to-rest ratio. J Strength Cond Res 33(2): 399-407, 2019-Changes in the work-to-rest ratio (W:R) of resistance training protocols (RTPs) (i.e., decreasing work or increasing rest) reduce the marked elevation in blood pressure (BP) that occurs during RTP execution. However, whether changes in RTP structure without changing W:R can change BP responses to RTP is unknown. To investigate the effect of different structures of rest intervals and number of repetitions per set on BP response among RTP equated and nonequated for W:R, 20 normotensive participants (25 ± 4 years) performed 4 different RTP of the leg extension exercise with the same work but different W:R structures. Two protocols followed the recommendations for cardiovascular disorders: (a) HIGHW:R-3×15:44s-3×15:44s (set×reps:rest between sets), which has high W:R (45reps:88s) and (b) LOWW:R-3×15:88s-3×15:88s, which has low W:R (45reps:176s). The other 2 protocols were W:R-equated to LOWW:R (45reps:176s): (c) LOWW:R-9×5:22s and (d) LOWW:R-45×1:4s. Systolic BP (ΔSBP) and diastolic BP (ΔDBP) were assessed by finger photoplethysmography. There were significant main effects for ΔSBP after RTP (p ≤ 0.05): HIGHW:R-3×15:44s = LOWW:R-3×15:88s > LOWW:R-45×1:4s > LOWW:R-9×5:22s (+87 ± 5 and +84 ± 5 vs. +61 ± 4 vs. 57 ± 4 mm Hg). For ΔDBP, there was a significant interaction between RTP and moment (p ≤ 0.05). Thus, HIGHW:R-3×15:44 > LOWW:R-3×15:88s > LOWW:R-45×1:4s > LOWW:R-9×5:22s (+53 ± 5 vs. +49 ± 5 vs. +44 ± 4 vs. +38 ± 3 mm Hg). HIGHW:R-3×15:44s produced the highest increase in ΔDBP, and LOWW:R-9×5:22s produced the lowest increase in ΔSBP and ΔDBP. Our findings may help the development of RTP protocols that may mitigate pressure peaks without changing important exercise variables (i.e., volume or duration).

Blood flow restriction increases metabolic stress but decreases muscle activation during high-load resistance exercise.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated differences in metabolic stress (lactate) and muscle activation (electromyography; EMG) when high-load resistance exercise (HL) is compared with a condition in which blood flow restriction (BFR) is applied during the exercise or during the rest interval. METHODS: Twelve participants performed HL with BFR during the intervals (BFR-I), during the set (BFR-S), and without BFR. Each condition consisted of 3 sets of 8 repetitions with knee extension at 70% of 1-repetition maximum. Lactate and root mean square (RMS) from the surface EMG of the vastus lateralis were calculated. RESULTS: Lactate increased in all protocols but was higher with BFR-I than with BFR-S and HL. RMS decreased under all conditions, with a larger effect size in BFR-I (1.47) than in BFR-S (0.66) and HL (0.59). DISCUSSION: BFR-I increases lactate, possibly as a result of reduced restoration of ATP. Muscle activation seems to be impacted by mechanical stress but may be reduced by metabolic stress. Muscle Nerve 57: 107-111, 2018.

Different Patterns in Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy Adaptations in Untrained Individuals Undergoing Nonperiodized and Periodized Strength Regimens.

De Souza, EO, Tricoli, V, Rauch, J, Alvarez, MR, Laurentino, G, Aihara, AY, Cardoso, FN, Roschel, H, and Ugrinowitsch, C. Different patterns in muscular strength and hypertrophy adaptations in untrained individuals undergoing non-periodized and periodized strength regimens. J Strength Cond Res 32(5): 1238-1244, 2018-This study investigated the effects of nonperiodized (NP), traditional periodization (TP), and daily undulating periodization (UP) regimens on muscle strength and hypertrophy in untrained individuals. Thirty-three recreationally active males were randomly divided into 4 groups: NP: n = 8; TP: n = 9; UP: n = 8, and control group (C): n = 8. Experimental groups underwent a 12-week strength training program consisting of 2 sessions per week. Muscle strength and quadriceps cross-sectional area (QCSA) were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks (i.e., mid-point) and after 12 weeks. All training groups increased squat 1RM from pre to 6 weeks mid (NP: 17.02%, TP: 7.7%, and UP: 12.9%, p ≤ 0.002) and pre to post 12 weeks (NP: 19.5%, TP: 17.9%, and UP: 20.4%, p ≤ 0.0001). Traditional periodization was the only group that increased squat 1RM from 6 weeks mid to 12-week period (9.4%, p ≤ 0.008). All training groups increased QCSA from pre to 6 weeks mid (NP: 5.1%, TP: 4.6%, and UP: 5.3%, p ≤ 0.0006) and from pre to post 12 weeks (NP: 8.1%, TP: 11.3%, and UP: 8.7%, p ≤ 0.0001). From 6 weeks mid to 12-week period, TP and UP were the only groups that increased QCSA (6.4 and 3.7%, p ≤ 0.02). There were no significant changes for all dependent variables in C group across the time (p ≥ 0.05). In conclusion, our results demonstrated similar training-induced adaptations after 12 weeks of NP and periodized regimens. However, our findings suggest that in the latter half of the study (i.e., after the initial 6 weeks), the periodized regimens elicited greater rates of muscular adaptations compared with NP regimens. Strength coaches and practitioners should be aware that periodized regimens might be advantageous at latter stages of training even for untrained individuals.

Differentiating swelling and hypertrophy through indirect assessment of muscle damage in untrained men following repeated bouts of resistance exercise.

PURPOSE: To examine the swelling response and other markers of muscle damage throughout the early portions of a training program (Experiment 1). We also determined if a "swollen" muscle could swell further following additional exercise (Experiment 2). METHODS: Nine males performed four sets of biceps curls (or time-matched rest on control arm) at 70% of their one-repetition maximum three times over 8 days. Muscle thickness and torque were measured before and after exercise as well as on the days in between. Soreness was measured at the beginning of each day (Experiment 1). On the final day (Experiment 2), participants performed two bouts of exercise, followed by additional measures of muscle thickness. RESULTS: Following three bouts of exercise, muscle thickness was elevated over baseline (mean of visit 9 pre to visit 2 pre, 95% CI) at the 50% [0.21 (0.07, 0.34) cm], 60% [0.21 (0.02, 0.39) cm], and 70% [0.21 (0.06, 0.36) cm] sites. However, differences from a non-exercise control were only observed immediately following bouts of exercise (indicative of acute swelling). Torque was lower at every time point following the first bout of exercise and remained suppressed relative to pre at visit 9 [-6.1 (-11.7, -0.47 Nm] in the experimental arm. Experiment 2 found that a swollen muscle could not appreciably swell more. CONCLUSION: Resting levels of muscle thickness do not appear to change beyond what occurs following the first naïve bout of exercise. Also, the acute swelling response may be used to differentiate swelling from muscle growth.

Post-exercise blood flow restriction attenuates muscle hypertrophy.

PURPOSE: Applying blood flow restriction during low-load resistance training has been shown to augment muscle hypertrophy which has been attributed to metabolic accumulation. It remains unknown, however, whether metabolites can augment muscle growth when maintained post-exercise. METHODS: Thirteen untrained individuals (6 males and 7 females) performed 24 training sessions. The control arm performed one set of elbow flexion (70 % 1RM) to volitional fatigue, while the experimental arm performed the same protocol immediately followed by 3 min of blood flow restriction (70 % arterial occlusion). Muscle growth (ultrasound) was measured at 50, 60, and 70 % of the distance between the lateral epicondyle and acromion process. RESULTS: Both conditions completed the same exercise volume [3678 (95 % CI 2962, 4393) vs. 3638 kg (95 % CI 2854, 4423)]. There was a condition by time interaction (p = 0.031) demonstrating an attenuation of muscle growth at the 60 % site in the experimental [pre 3.1 (95 % CI 2.8, 3.5), post 3.1 (95 % CI 2.7, 3.5) cm] vs. control [pre 3.1 (95 % CI 2.6, 3.6), post 3.3 (95 % CI 2.8, 3.7) cm] condition. Muscle growth at the 50 % and 70 % sites was similar at the group level, although there were attenuations at the individual level. Exploratory analyses of pre-post mean (95 % CI) changes in muscle thickness suggested that this attenuation in the experimental condition occurred only in females [50 % site 0.0 (-0.2, 0.0) cm; 60 % site -0.1 (-0.3, 0.0) cm; 70 % site 0.0 (-0.1, 0.1) cm]. CONCLUSIONS: The application of blood flow restriction post high-load training did not augment muscle growth for either sex, and appeared to attenuate muscle growth among females.

Effects of exercise intensity and occlusion pressure after 12 weeks of resistance training with blood-flow restriction.

PURPOSE: We compared the effects of different protocols of blood-flow restriction training (BFRT) with different occlusion pressures and/or exercise intensities on muscle mass and strength. We also compared BFRT protocols with conventional high-intensity resistance training (RT). METHODS: Twenty-six subjects had each leg allocated to two of five protocols. BFRT protocols were performed at either 20 or 40 % 1-RM with either 40 or 80 % occlusion pressure: BFRT20/40, BFRT20/80, BFRT40/40, and BFRT40/80. Conventional RT was performed at 80 % 1-RM (RT80) without blood-flow restriction. Maximum dynamic strength (1-RM) and quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA) were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. RESULTS: Regarding muscle mass, increasing occlusion pressure was effective only at very low intensity (BFRT20/40 0.78 % vs. BFRT20/80 3.22 %). No additional increase was observed at higher intensities (BFRT40/40 4.45 % vs. BFRT40/80 5.30 %), with no difference between the latter protocols and RT80 (5.90 %). Exercise intensity played a role in CSA when comparing groups with similar occlusion pressure. Muscle strength was similarly increased among BFRT groups (~12.10 %) but to a lesser extent than RT80 (21.60 %). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, BFRT protocols benefit from higher occlusion pressure (80 %) when exercising at very low intensities. Conversely, occlusion pressure seems secondary to exercise intensity in more intense (40 % 1-RM) BFRT protocols. Finally, when considering muscle strength, BFRT protocols seem less effective than high-intensity RT.

Changes in exercises are more effective than in loading schemes to improve muscle strength.

This study investigated the effects of varying strength exercises and loading scheme on muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and maximum strength after 4 strength training loading schemes: constant intensity and constant exercise (CICE), constant intensity and varied exercise (CIVE), varied intensity and constant exercise (VICE), varied intensity and varied exercise (VIVE). Forty-nine individuals were allocated into 5 groups: CICE, CIVE, VICE, VIVE, and control group (C). Experimental groups underwent twice a week training for 12 weeks. Squat 1 repetition maximum was assessed at baseline and after the training period. Whole quadriceps muscle and its heads CSA were also obtained pretraining and posttraining. The whole quadriceps CSA increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) in all of the experimental groups from pretest to posttest in both the right and left legs: CICE: 11.6 and 12.0%; CIVE: 11.6 and 12.2%; VICE: 9.5 e 9.3%; and VIVE: 9.9 and 11.6%, respectively. The CIVE and VIVE groups presented hypertrophy in all of the quadriceps muscle heads (p ≤ 0.05), whereas the CICE and VICE groups did not present hypertrophy in the vastus medialis and rectus femoris (RF), and in the RF muscles, respectively (p > 0.05). The CIVE group had greater strength increments than the other training groups (effect size confidence limit of the difference [ESCLdiff] CICE: 1.41-1.56; VICE: 2.13-2.28; VIVE: 0.59-0.75). Our findings suggest: (a) CIVE is more efficient to produce strength gains for physically active individuals; (b) as long as the training intensity reaches an alleged threshold, muscle hypertrophy is similar regardless of the training intensity and exercise variation.

Vastus lateralis muscle cross-sectional area ultrasonography validity for image fitting in humans.

The present study aimed to determine the concurrent validity of ultrasound (US) measurement of the vastus lateralis muscle (VL) cross-sectional area (CSA) having magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the gold standard measurement, in a heterogeneous sample of participants. Thirty-one individuals (52.44 ± 16.37 years; 1.67 ± 0.11 m; 75.25 ± 13.82 kg) volunteered to participate in the study. All the images were performed in the right leg. Image-fitting technique (US) and computerized planimetry technique (US and MRI) were used to determine the VL CSA. The typical error (TE) of measurement was used to determine the concurrent validity of the US measurements. Our results demonstrated good validity of the US compared with the MRI measurements (TE = 0.37 cm; coefficient of variation = 1.75%). The Bland-Altman plot demonstrated bias of 0.07 ± 0.53 cm and limits of agreement of 0.96-1.11 cm. Based on our TE, bias and limits of agreement, we concluded that the US image-fitting technique is valid to assess the VL CSA in a heterogeneous sample of participants. Thereby, US can be used instead of MRI to assess changes in skeletal muscle morphology.

Resistance training with instability in multiple system atrophy: a case report.

This case report assessed quality of life, activities of daily living, motor symptoms, functional ability, neuromuscular parameters and mRNA expression of selected genes related to muscle protein synthesis and degradation in a patient with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). The patient underwent resistance training with instability devices (i.e., bosu, dyna disk, balance disk, Swiss ball) for six months twice a week. After the six months training, the patient's left and right quadriceps muscle cross-sectional area and leg press one-repetition maximum increased 6.4%, 6.8%, and 40%, respectively; the patient's timed up and go, sit to stand, dynamic balance, and activities of daily living improved 33.3%, 28.6%, 42.3%, and 40.1%, respectively; the patient's severity of motor symptoms and risk of falls decreased 32% and 128.1%, respectively. Most of the subscales of quality of life demonstrated improvements as well, varying from 13.0% to 100.0%. mRNA expression of mechanogrowth factor and mammalian target of rapamycin increased 12.7-fold and 1.5-fold, respectively. This case report describes likely the first nonpharmacological therapeutic tool that might be able to decrease the severity of motor symptoms and risk of falls, and to improve functional ability, neuromuscular parameters, and quality of the life in a patient with MSA. Key pointsSix months of resistance training with instability alleviate the MSA-related effects and improve the quality of life in a patient with MSA.High complexity exercise intervention (i.e., resistance training with instability) may be very beneficial to individuals with impaired motor control and function as MSA patients.Caution should be exercised when interpreting our findings as they cannot be generalized to the entire MSA population and they do not allow establishing causal conclusions on the effects of this mode of exercise on MSA.

Objective Physical Activity Accumulation and Brain Volume in Older Adults: An MRI and Whole-Brain Volume Study.

A decrease in brain volume (ie, brain atrophy) is a marker of cognitive health in older adults. Insufficient weekly accumulation of moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) has been associated with lower brain volume. As this association has been established for a small number of brain areas and structures and atrophy rates seem to be nonuniform between them, more comprehensive analyses are warranted. We compared the volume of 71 brain areas and structures in 45 older adults who met and did not meet objectively measured MVPA recommendations. In addition, we used multiple regression models to determine whether cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2PEAK), MVPA, and health-related risk factors could affect the atrophy of brain areas and structures. An accelerometer (GT9-X ActiGraph) was worn for 7 days. Participants were then classified into 2 groups: <150 minutes MVPA (<150'MVPA; n = 20) and ≥150 minutes MVPA (≥150'MVPA; n = 25) per week. Older adults who accumulated ≥150'MVPA per week had significantly higher absolute and relative (% of intracranial volume) volumes of 39 and 9 brain areas and structures, respectively, than those who accumulated <150'MVPA per week. Higher VO2PEAK seems to be a key predictor of the atrophy of brain areas and structures. In conclusion, meeting weekly physical activity recommendations seems to have a widespread effect on preserving the volume of more than 30 brain areas and structures in older adults. VO2PEAK seems to be the most frequent and important predictor of brain volume preservation.

Low-Load Resistance Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction Increases Hypoxia-Induced Angiogenic Genes Expression.

The aim of the study was to determine whether low-load exercise (LL) with blood flow restriction (LL-BFR) would induce similar changes in expression of genes involved in hypoxia and angiogenesis compared to LL and high-load exercise (HL). Twenty-four males (age: 21.3 ± 1.9 years, body height: 1.74 ± 0.8 m, body mass: 73 ± 1.8 kg) were allocated into three groups: low-load exercise (LL), low-load exercise with blood-flow restriction (LL-BFR), and high-load exercise (HL). For the LL-BFR group a pneumatic cuff was inflated at 80% of the arterial occlusion pressure. All participants performed bilateral knee extension exercise, twice a week, for 8 weeks. LL and LL-BFR groups performed 3-4 sets of 15 reps at 20% 1RM, whilst the HL group performed 3-4 sets of 8-10 reps at 80% 1RM with a 60-s rest interval between sets. The hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) and beta (HIF-1ß), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), neuronal (nNOS), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) genes expression were assessed before and after training. HIF-1α and HIF-1ß mRNA levels significantly increased in the LL-BFR group and exceeded those elicited by HL and LL groups (p < .0001). VEGF gene expression was increased in both LL-BFR and HL groups, however, LL-BFR elicited a greater increase than LL (p < .0001). nNOS and iNOS genes expression significantly increased in all groups with greatest increases being observed in the LL-BFR group (p < .0001). The findings suggest that LL-BFR induces greater increases in genes expression related to hypoxia and angiogenesis than traditional resistance training.

Blood-Flow-Restriction-Training-Induced Hormonal Response is not Associated with Gains in Muscle Size and Strength.

The aim of this study was to determine whether increases in post-exercise endocrine response to low-load resistance exercise with blood flow restriction and high-load resistance exercise would have association with increases in muscle size and strength after an 8-week training period. Twenty-nine untrained men were randomly allocated into three groups: low-load resistance exercise with (LL-BFR) or without blood flow restriction (LL), and high-load resistance exercise (HL). Participants from LL-BFR and LL groups performed leg extension exercise at 20% of one repetition maximum (1RM), four sets of 15 repetitions and the HL group performed four sets of eight repetitions at 80% 1RM. Before the first training session, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), testosterone, cortisol, and lactate concentration were measured at rest and 15 min after the exercise. Quadriceps CSA and 1RM knee extension were assessed at baseline and after an 8-week training period. GH increased 15 min after exercise in the LL-BFR (p = 0.032) and HL (p < 0.001) groups, with GH concentration in the HL group being higher than in the LL group (p = 0.010). There was a time effect for a decrease in testosterone (p = 0.042) and an increase in cortisol (p = 0.005), while IGF-1 remained unchanged (p = 0.346). Both muscle size and strength were increased after training in LL-BFR and HL groups, however, these changes were not associated with the acute post-exercise hormone levels (p > 0.05). Our data suggest that other mechanisms than the acute post-exercise increase in systemic hormones induced by LL-BFR and HL produce changes in muscle size and strength.

Effects of physical distancing by COVID-19 pandemic on diet quality, neurological and immunological markers, and fecal microbiota of Brazilian older women.

Physical distancing was used to prevent transmission of COVID-19, however there are concerns that this may promote harmful impacts on health, such as reduced levels of physical practice and changes in food intake and gut microbiota composition. This study evaluated the impacts of 6 months physical distancing on Brazilian older women upon body mass index (BMI), strength, physical activity level (IPAQ), eating habits, neurological markers (brain-derived neurotrophic factor-BDNF and cortisol), cytokines (IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, interferon-IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor-TNF-α), aging-associated markers (vascular endothelial growth factor-VEGF, insulin-like growth factor-IGF-1, klotho and thymic stromal lymphopoietin-TSLP), besides specific groups of fecal microbiota. Fifteen women, over 60 years old, residents of São Paulo state (Brazil), were evaluated in March and in September 2020. The older adult women, with a mean age 66 ± 6.2 years presented significantly increased BMI and high effect size for non-protective foods consumption, reduced light physical activity and strength 6 months following the physical distancing. Furthermore, the serum concentration of IFN-γ, IGF-1, and IFN-γ/IL-5 were significantly higher, while lower concentration of IL-2 and IL-5 were observed 6 months after the physical distancing. Significant increase was noted only to Blautia spp. abundance after 6 months of physical distancing. Several correlations were observed at both before and after physical distancing, however, interestingly, many of them were lost or inverted 6 months following, while new ones emerged. Taken together, these results showed that lifestyle changes and stress conditions addressed by physical distancing from the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the health of older women included in the present study. Therefore, future follow-up studies are essential to propose interventions in order to restore the health conditions observed before the pandemic period, and thus to maintain the quality of life of older adults in different socioeconomic contexts.

Acute Effects of Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction on Achilles Tendon Thickness.

The Achilles tendon is one of the strongest and thickest tendons of the human body. Several studies have reported an immediate decrease in Achilles tendon thickness after a single bout of resistance training. However, the effects of blood flow restriction training on Achilles tendon thickness have not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of different regimens of resistance training on Achilles tendon thickness. Fiftytwo participants (27.3 ± 7 years; 177.6 ± 11 cm; 72.2 ± 13.7 kg) were randomly allocated into one of the three groups: low-intensity exercise without (LI, n = 13) and with blood flow restriction (LI-BFR, n = 24), and high-intensity exercise (HI, n = 15). Participants from LI and LI-BFR groups performed four sets (1 x 30 + 3 x 15 reps) at 30% 1RM, while the HI group performed four sets (1 x 30 with 30% 1RM + 3 x 10 reps with 75% 1RM). All groups performed a plantar flexion exercise. For the LI-BFR group, a blood pressure cuff was placed on the dominant calf and inflated at 30% of the individual´s occlusion pressure (47.6 ± 19.8 mmHg). Sonographic images of Achilles tendon thickness were taken at pre, immediately after, 60 min and 24 h following acute bouts of exercise. Achilles tendon thickness was significantly reduced immediately after, 60 min and 24 h post-LI-BFR exercise (pre: 4.4 ± 0.4 mm vs. IA: 3.8 ± 0.4 mm vs. 60 min: 3.7 ± 0.3 mm vs. 24 h: 4.1 ± 0.3 mm; p < 0.001), whereas Achilles tendon thickness was unchanged for HI and LI groups (p > 0.05). These results suggest that blood flow restriction training may be an effective strategy to stimulate a positive response in Achilles tendon thickness.

Similar Muscular Adaptations in Resistance Training Performed Two Versus Three Days Per Week.

The purpose of the present study was to compare changes in muscle strength and hypertrophy between volume-equated resistance training (RT) performed 2 versus 3 times per week in trained men. Thirty-six resistance-trained men were randomly assigned to one of the two experimental groups: a split-body training routine (SPLIT) with muscle groups trained twice per week (n = 18) over four weekly sessions, or a total-body routine (TOTAL), with muscle groups being trained three times per week (n = 18) over three weekly sessions. The training intervention lasted 10 weeks. Testing was carried out pre- and post-study to assess maximal muscular strength in the back squat and bench press, and hypertrophic adaptations were assessed by measuring muscle thickness of the elbow flexors, elbow extensors, and quadriceps femoris. Twenty-eight subjects completed the study. Significant pre-to-post intervention increases in upper and lower-body muscular strength occurred in both groups with no significant between-group differences. Furthermore, significant pre-to-post intervention increases in muscle size of the elbow extensors and quadriceps femoris occurred in both groups with no significant between-group differences. No significant pre-to-post changes were observed for the muscle size of elbow flexors both in the SPLIT or TOTAL group. In conclusion, a training frequency of 2 versus 3 days per week produces similar increases in muscular adaptations in trained men over a 10-week training period. Nonetheless, effect size differences favored SPLIT for all hypertrophy measures, indicating a potential benefit for training two versus three days a week when the goal is to maximize gains in muscle mass.

Corrigendum: Blood Flow Restriction Exercise: Considerations of Methodology, Application, and Safety.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00533.].

Blood Flow Restriction Exercise: Considerations of Methodology, Application, and Safety.

The current manuscript sets out a position stand for blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise, focusing on the methodology, application and safety of this mode of training. With the emergence of this technique and the wide variety of applications within the literature, the aim of this position stand is to set out a current research informed guide to BFR training to practitioners. This covers the use of BFR to enhance muscular strength and hypertrophy via training with resistance and aerobic exercise and preventing muscle atrophy using the technique passively. The authorship team for this article was selected from the researchers focused in BFR training research with expertise in exercise science, strength and conditioning and sports medicine.