Does Physical Activity Improve Cognition and Academic Performance in Children? A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

INTRODUCTION: In the last decades, different studies have investigated the effects of exercise or physical activity (PA) on cognitive functions and academic performance in children and adolescents. But given the inconsistencies regarding methodologies and the fact that many studies do not have controlled or randomized designs, a more recent review is needed in order to summarize the different outcomes and methodologies employed and correlate them from an applied perspective. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present review is to systematically review and analyze the effects of acute and chronic PA interventions exclusively from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on cognitive functions and academic performance of children and adolescents. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases for all RCTs published between January 2014 and July 2020. Authors searched these databases using controlled vocabularies, keywords, and Boolean logic, and data were later extracted from the studies. Effect sizes were calculated based on means and SDs at posttest using Hedge's g formula. RESULTS: A total of 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. They were assessed for eligibility and later included in the review. Although most of the articles did not show any robust effect size and had significant methodological differences, 80% of the studies analyzed showed positive results, indicating a significant impact of exercise or PA on cognition. DISCUSSION: Due to the heterogeneity in the design of the interventions and the variables analyzed, most of the studies showed small or medium effect sizes. Studies with big effect size in all variables had in common the fact that they involved team game variations and coordination activities. The combination of physical exertion (high intensity) and cognitive engagement with social interactions seems to have the strongest effect on executive functions. This ecological and attractive model reflects children's typical PA and might represent an ideal model for exercise in this population. CONCLUSIONS: Although grouping different studies based on PA type, control groups, and comparison treatments is a limitation and results should be interpreted with caution, this review suggests that PA interventions, in particular, team game variations and coordination activities, have positive effects on children's cognitive functions.

Effect of Different Interset Rest Intervals on Performance of Single and Multijoint Exercises With Near-Maximal Loads.

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of different interset rest intervals on performance of single- and multijoint exercises with near-maximal loads. Fifteen trained men (26.40 ± 4.94 years, 79.00 ± 7.10 kg, 176.6 ± 6.06 cm, 11.80 ± 2.47% body fat, and bench press relative strength: 1.26 ± 0.19 kg·kg of body mass) performed eight sessions (2 exercises × 4 interset rest intervals); each consisting of 5 sets with a 3RM load. The exercises tested were the machine chest fly (MCF) for the single-joint exercise and the barbell bench press (BP) for the multi-joint exercise with 1, 2, 3, and 5 minutes of rest between sets. The results indicated that for the MCF, significantly higher total number of repetitions were completed for the 2- (12.60 ± 2.35 reps; p = 0.027), 3- (13.66 ± 1.84 reps; p = 0.001), and 5-minute (12.93 ± 2.25 reps; p = 0.001) vs. the 1-minute (10.33 ± 2.60 reps) protocol. For the BP, a significantly higher total number of repetitions were completed for 3- (11.66 ± 2.79 reps; p = 0.002) and 5-minute (12.93 ± 2.25 reps; p = 0.001) vs. the 1-minute protocol (7.60 ± 3.52 reps). In addition, subjects completed significantly higher total number of repetitions for the 5-minute (12.93 ± 2.25 reps; p = 0.016) vs. 2-minute (9.53 ± 3.11 reps) protocol. Both exercises presented similar and progressive reductions in repetition performance for all rest protocols along the 5 sets, starting as soon as the second set for the shorter 1-minute rest protocol. In conclusion, to maintain the best consistency in repetition performance, rest intervals of 2 minutes between sets are sufficient for the MCF and 3-5 minutes for the BP. Thus, it appears that longer acute recovery time is needed for a multijoint (core) exercise such as the BP vs. a single-joint (assistance) exercise such as the MCF.

3D Mitochondrial Structure in Aging Human Skeletal Muscle: Insights into MFN-2 Mediated Changes.

Age-related atrophy of skeletal muscle, is characterized by loss of mass, strength, endurance, and oxidative capacity during aging. Notably, bioenergetics and protein turnover studies have shown that mitochondria mediate this decline in function. Although exercise has been the only therapy to mitigate sarcopenia, the mechanisms that govern how exercise serves to promote healthy muscle aging are unclear. Mitochondrial aging is associated with decreased mitochondrial capacity, so we sought to investigate how aging affects mitochondrial structure and potential age-related regulators. Specifically, the three-dimensional (3D) mitochondrial structure associated with morphological changes in skeletal muscle during aging requires further elucidation. We hypothesized that aging causes structural remodeling of mitochondrial 3D architecture representative of dysfunction, and this effect is mitigated by exercise. We used serial block-face scanning electron microscopy to image human skeletal tissue samples, followed by manual contour tracing using Amira software for 3D reconstruction and subsequent analysis of mitochondria. We then applied a rigorous in vitro and in vivo exercise regimen during aging. Across 5 human cohorts, we correlate differences in magnetic resonance imaging, mitochondria 3D structure, exercise parameters, and plasma immune markers between young (under 50 years) and old (over 50 years) individuals. We found that mitochondria we less spherical and more complex, indicating age-related declines in contact site capacity. Additionally, aged samples showed a larger volume phenotype in both female and male humans, indicating potential mitochondrial swelling. Concomitantly, muscle area, exercise capacity, and mitochondrial dynamic proteins showed age-related losses. Exercise stimulation restored mitofusin 2 (MFN2), one such of these mitochondrial dynamic proteins, which we show is required for the integrity of mitochondrial structure. Furthermore, we show that this pathway is evolutionarily conserved as Marf, the MFN2 ortholog in Drosophila, knockdown alters mitochondrial morphology and leads to the downregulation of genes regulating mitochondrial processes. Our results define age-related structural changes in mitochondria and further suggest that exercise may mitigate age-related structural decline through modulation of mitofusin 2.

The Association between Physical Activity and Anxiety in Aging: A Comparative Analysis.

(1) Background: As the worldwide aging population is growing, there is a need to embrace the role of physical activity in the anxiety of older people. Objectives: To analyze anxiety in older people practitioners and non-practitioners of physical activity; (2) Methods: ample composed of 690 older people of both genders, unselected volunteers, residing in Brazil, present (as participants or observers) in selected street races in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between 30 October 2019, and 12 March 2020. An instrument composed of the sociodemographic questionnaire and questions from the Beck Anxiety Inventory, BAI, and the Physical Activity Inventory for older people, Baecke-Old. Design: Ex-post-facto observational analytical descriptive research; (3) Results: The average age of the sample was in the range of 65 to 69y, 74% female, 94% completed high school, 69% living with the family, 84% practicing physical activity. Anxiety levels were 26% (without), 35% (mild), 21% (moderate), and 18% (severe). The comparison of anxiety showed a difference between the groups of active and sedentary elderly. Logistic regression analysis considering anxiety (yes or no; dichotomous variable) and physical activity (yes or no; dichotomous variable) and Odds Ratio were performed to identify possible influences of the independent variables PA, gender, marital status, and education on anxiety. Only physical activity was associated with anxiety. (4) Conclusions: The sample data of this research point to the conclusion that physical activity influences anxiety levels with 98% certainty, and it is suggested that it be enriched in the future with different studies with different designs. The older people practitioners of physical activity with a high level of education presented as 26% without, 35% mild, 21% moderate, and 18% severe anxiety. More active individuals are less likely to develop anxiety.

Impact of Physical Activity on Anxiety, Depression, Stress and Quality of Life of the Older People in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Population aging all over the world invites older people to be active, considering physical activity (PA) as associated with reduced anxiety, depression and stress and a high quality of life (QOL) in older people. OBJECTIVE: To analyze anxiety, depression, stress and QOL as a function of PA in older people. METHODOLOGY: Descriptive analytical research. Six hundred and ninety older people answered the instrument composed of sociodemographic questions, followed by questions from the WHOQOL-Old, Baecke-Old, WHOQOL-SRPB, Stress Perception Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS: The beneficial effect of PA on the elderly is evident in this sample with such a high QoL (73%) and such a high level of physical activity (84%), and even with an advanced level of education (75%) and high spirituality (99.6%). The influence of PA on the anxiety and stress cluster showed Pearson's chi-square = 9.9, DF = 4, p = 0.04239, critical value = 9.5. The influence of PA on the anxiety, depression and stress cluster showed Pearson's chi-square = 6.8; DF = 5; p-value = 0.24; critical value = 11.1. CONCLUSION: In the elderly, PA has a significant relationship with anxiety, stress and QOL. In addition, the high level of QOL of the elderly in the sample demonstrates the capacity for PA, educational level and spirituality for personal satisfaction.

Is there a link between heart rate variability and cognitive decline? A cross-sectional study on patients with mild cognitive impairment and cognitively healthy controls.

BACKGROUND: Given that, up to date, there is no effective strategy to treat dementia, a timely start of interventions in a prodromal stage such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered an important option to lower the overall societal burden. Although autonomic functions have been related to cognitive performance, both aspects have rarely been studied simultaneously in MCI. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate cardiac autonomic control in older adults with and without MCI. METHODS: Cardiac autonomic control was assessed by means of heart rate variability (HRV) at resting state and during cognitive tasks in 22 older adults with MCI and 29 healthy controls (HCs). Resting HRV measurement was performed for 5 minutes during a sitting position. Afterwards, participants performed three PC-based tasks to probe performance in executive functions and language abilities (i.e., Stroop, N-back, and a verbal fluency task). RESULTS: Participants with MCI showed a significant reduction of HRV in the frequency-domain (high frequency power) and nonlinear indices (SD2, D2, and DFA1) during resting state compared to HCs. Older individuals with MCI exhibited decreases in RMSSD and increases in DFA1 from resting state to Stroop and N-back tasks, reflecting strong vagal withdrawal, while this parameter remained stable in HCs. CONCLUSION: The results support the presence of autonomic dysfunction at the early stage of cognitive impairment. Heart rate variability could help in the prediction of cognitive decline as a noninvasive biomarker or as a tool to monitor the effectiveness of therapy and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

ANTECEDENTES: Como não existe até o momento uma estratégia eficaz para tratar a demência de comprometimento cognitivo leve (MCI, na sigla em inglês), as intervenções em um estágio prodrômico são consideradas uma opção. Embora as funções autonômicas tenham sido relacionadas ao desempenho cognitivo, ambos os aspectos raramente foram estudados simultaneamente no MCI. OBJETIVO: Investigar o controle autonômico cardíaco em idosos com e sem MCI. MéTODOS: O controle autonômico cardíaco foi avaliado por meio da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (HRV, na sigla em inglês) em repouso e durante tarefas cognitivas, em 22 idosos com MCI e 29 controles saudáveis (HCs, na sigla em inglês). A medida da HRV de repouso foi realizada por 5 minutos na posição sentada. Os participantes realizaram três tarefas executadas em computador para testar o desempenho em funções executivas e habilidades de linguagem (o teste de cores e palavras - Stroop, Tarefa N-back auditiva e uma tarefa de fluência verbal). RESULTADOS: Em pacientes com MCI, observou-se uma redução significativa da HRV no domínio da frequência (potência de alta frequência) e índices não lineares (SD2, D2 e DFA1) durante o estado de repouso em comparação com os HCs. Indivíduos mais velhos com MCI exibiram diminuições em RMSSD e aumentos em DFA1 do estado de repouso para Stroop e tarefas N-back, refletindo forte recessão vagal, enquanto este parâmetro permaneceu estável em HC. CONCLUSãO: Observou-se disfunção autonômica na fase inicial da neurodegeneração. A HRV pode ajudar na previsão do declínio cognitivo, como um biomarcador não invasivo, ou como uma ferramenta para monitorar a eficácia da terapia e prevenção de doenças neurodegenerativas.

Effects of a physical activity governmental health programme on the quality of life of elderly people.

BACKGROUND: The population ageing occurring worldwide resulted in multiple researches on sedentary ageing and quality of life. PURPOSE: To verify the effects of a physical activity programme on the quality of life (QOL) of elderly individuals served by a governmental health programme. DESIGN: Descriptive inquiry research. METHODS: Randomly distributing 70 elderly individuals in a control group (n=35; mean±SD 69.80±8.05 years) and an experimental group (n=35; 68.66±5.93 years) plus QOL evaluation via WHOQOL-Old. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significant best results on the post-test by repeated-measures ANOVA on sensorial functioning (Δ%=0.022%, p=0. 0001), social participation (Δ%=0.012%, p=0.013), perceptions of death and dying (Δ%=0.04%, p=0.009), intimacy (Δ%=0.059%, p=0.05), and total score (Δ%=0.001, p=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Sensorial functioning, social participation, perceptions of death and dying, and intimacy play an important role in the positive relationship between physical activity and QOL.

Acute effects of a warm-up including active, passive, and dynamic stretching on vertical jump performance.

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of 3 different stretching methods combined with a warm-up protocol on vertical jump performance. Sixteen young tennis players (14.5 ± 2.8 years; 175 ± 5.6 cm; 64.0 ± 11.1 kg) were randomly assigned to 4 different experimental conditions on 4 successive days. Each session consisted of a general and specific warm-up, with 5 minutes of running followed by 10 jumps, accompanied by one of the subsequent conditions: (a) Control Condition (CC)-5 minutes of passive rest; (b) Passive Stretching Condition (PSC)-5 minutes of passive static stretching; (c) Active Stretching Condition (ASC)-5 minutes of active static stretching; and (d) Dynamic Stretching Condition (DC)-5 minutes of dynamic stretching. After each intervention, the subjects performed 3 squat jumps (SJs) and 3 countermovement jumps (CMJs), which were measured electronically. For the SJ, 1-way repeated measures analysis of variance (CC × PSC × ASC × DC) revealed significant decreases for ASC (28.7 ± 4.7 cm; p = 0.01) and PSC (28.7 ± 4.3 cm; p = 0.02) conditions when compared with CC (29.9 ± 5.0 cm). For CMJs, there were no significant decreases (p > 0.05) when all stretching conditions were compared with the CC. Significant increases in SJ performance were observed when comparing the DC (29.6 ± 4.9 cm; p = 0.02) with PSC (28.7 ± 4.3 cm). Significant increases in CMJ performance were observed when comparing the conditions ASC (34.0 ± 6.0 cm; p = 0.04) and DC (33.7 ± 5.5 cm; p = 0.03) with PSC (32.6 ± 5.5 cm). A dynamic stretching intervention appears to be more suitable for use as part of a warm-up in young athletes.

Chronic Effects of Different Types of Neuromuscular Training on Hemodynamic Responses Estimated VO2max, and Walking Performance in Older People.

This paper investigated the effects over time of different forms of neuromuscular training on hemodynamic responses, the estimated VO2max, and walking performance. 105 older adults were randomly organized into three groups: RGA, RGB, and the Control Group (CG). RGA and RGB did 4 weeks of adaptation phase training and 12 weeks of intervention with different loads: moderate loads for RGB. and higher loads for RGA. A pre- and post-evaluation of the resting heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), double product (DP), estimated VO2max, and walking performance were assessed. Significant differences were observed for SBP, DBP, HR, and DP. For SBP, a post-evaluation reduction was observed only in RGA (p = 0.007) and when comparing RGA with the Control Group (p < 0.000). For the absolute VO2max, a significant improvement was seen in RGB compared to RGA (p = 0.037) and CG (p < 0.000). For the relative VO2max, RGB scored significantly higher than RGA (p < 0.000) and CG (p < 0.000), post-intervention. For the walk test, a significant reduction in completion times was observed for RGA (p = 0.027) and RGB (p < 0.000), and for RGB compared to RGA (p = 0.000) and CG (p < 0.000). Resistance training can be an excellent strategy for hemodynamic and cardiorespiratory improvement in the elderly.

The Effect of Physical Activity on Motor Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed at analyzing the effect of physical activity on motor coordination in children with ASD. METHODS: On 28 June 2021, a systematic review with meta-analysis was performed using the following databases: MEDLINE, SciELO, LILACS, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Science Direct. We analyzed the methodological quality and risk of bias using the Jadad scale and Cochrane tool, respectively. Motor coordination results were meta-analyzed using the RevMan program. Two independent researchers used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool to assess the level of evidence from the meta-analysis. RESULTS: We found four studies in the listed databases and five randomized clinical trials were included in the meta-analysis that included 109 children with ASD. Children with ASD who performed physical activity did not present significantly better motor coordination than control children (p = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the clinical importance of physical activity for children with ASD, this systematic review with meta-analysis showed that physical activity had no statistically significant effects on coordination in individuals with ASD.

Higher Muscle Damage Triggered by Shorter Inter-Set Rest Periods in Volume-Equated Resistance Exercise.

Objectives: The aim of the manuscript was to analyze the effects of two rest periods between volume-equated resistance exercise (RE) on inflammatory responses (cytokines and leukocyte) and muscle damage. Methods: Ten trained men (26.40 ± 4.73 years, 80.71 ± 8.95 kg, and 176.03 ± 6.11 cm) voluntarily participated in training sessions consisting of five sets of 10 reps performed at 10-RM on (1) the barbell bench press followed by (2) leg press, with either 1- or 3-min rest between sets and exercises. Circulating concentrations of different biomarkers was measured before (Pre), and after 3 h (excepted for cytokines), 6, 12, and 24 h from exercise. The rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded after each set on both planned visits. Results: We found greater increases triggered by the 1-min rest period in Creatine Kinase (CK), occurring from 12 to 24 h post-exercise compared to the 3-min rest condition. A significant increase in the 1-min rest condition was also observed in the total number of leukocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes. The 1-min rest period also triggered increases compared to baseline in pro-inflammatory cytokines [Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), p = 0.004; tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), p = 0.01; and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), p = 0.01], which were more evident after 6 and 12 h post-exercise. Similarly, increases in anti-inflammatory cytokines [Interleukin 5 (IL-5), p = 0.01; Interleukin 6 (IL-6), p = 0.01; and Interleukin 10 (IL-10), p = 0.01] at all time-points were observed. Conclusion: Our results indicate that a 1-min rest condition in volume-equated RE promoted greater overall muscle tissue damage with a longer duration of the inflammatory processes compared to a 3-min rest.

Resistance Circuit Training or Walking Training: Which Program Improves Muscle Strength and Functional Autonomy More in Older Women?

To evaluate the effects of two programs (resistance and walking training) on the functional autonomy and muscle strength (isometric and dynamic) of older women, 67 subjects were divided randomly into three groups: resistance training (RTG; Mean = 64.70 ± 6.74 years), walking (WG, Mean = 65.56 ± 7.82 years), and control (CG; Mean = 64.81 ± 4.34). The experimental groups underwent a 16-week intervention. Muscle strength (isometric and dynamic) and functional autonomy were assessed. The subjects participating in the RTG showed improvements in the comparison pre to post-test in the maximal forces of upper limb (MULS) (Δ% = 49.48%; p = 0.001) and lower limb (MLLS) (Δ% = 56.70%; p = 0.001), isometric biceps forces (BIS) (Δ% = 30.13%; p = 0.001) and quadriceps forces (QIS) (Δ% = 65.92%; p = 0.001), and in the general index (GI) of functional autonomy (Δ% = −18.32%; p = 0.002). The WG improved in all functional autonomy tests, except for the standing up from prone position test (SVDP). In strength tests, the WG obtained improvements only in the QIS (Δ% = 41.80%; p = 0.001) and MLLS (Δ% = 49.13%; p = 0.001) tests. The RTG obtained better results (p < 0.05) when compared to the WG and CG. The results allow us to infer that resistance exercise programs are more effective in increasing strength and functional autonomy, a fact that may mitigate the deleterious effects on health of aging.

The effect of muscle actions on the level of connective tissue damage.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of concentric with eccentric muscle actions on the resulting level of damage to connective tissues by urinary concentration of hydroxyproline. Twenty-one male volunteers were divided into control group (CG), experimental concentric group (ECG), and experimental eccentric group (EEG). The measures of hydroxyproline were performed at three times: pretest, fourth week, and posttest. Biceps curl and chest press exercises also were performed with three sets of 10 repetitions two times per week for both experimental groups. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant difference between pretest of the CG and pretest of the ECG (p = 0.002), and between pretest and posttest for the EEG (p = 0.029). Therefore, this study concluded that the level of damage to the connective tissue is greater when exercises involving eccentric muscle actions are performed. The continuity of training, however might reduce this damage.

Born to move: a review on the impact of physical exercise on brain health and the evidence from human controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise has been found to impact neurophysiological and structural aspects of the human brain. However, most research has used animal models, which yields much confusion regarding the real effects of exercise on the human brain, as well as the underlying mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: To present an update on the impact of physical exercise on brain health; and to review and analyze the evidence exclusively from human randomized controlled studies from the last six years. METHODS: A search of the literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases for all randomized controlled trials published between January 2014 and January 2020. RESULTS: Twenty-four human controlled trials that observed the relationship between exercise and structural or neurochemical changes were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Even though this review found that physical exercise improves brain plasticity in humans, particularly through changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), functional connectivity, basal ganglia and the hippocampus, many unanswered questions remain. Given the recent advances on this subject and its therapeutic potential for the general population, it is hoped that this review and future research correlating molecular, psychological and image data may help elucidate the mechanisms through which physical exercise improves brain health.

Creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase responses after upper-body resistance exercise with different rest intervals.

The purpose of the current study was to compare serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations at multiple time points after resistance exercise sessions that incorporated different rest intervals between sets and exercises. Twenty untrained men (18.65+/-0.49 years, 68.30+/-7.98 kg, and 174.4+/-4.80 cm) performed 2 resistance exercise sessions (i.e., 3 sets with 80% 1 repetition maximum for 5 upper-body exercises) with either 1-minute (SEQ1) or 3-minute (SEQ3) rest between sets and exercises. For each session, CK and LDH concentrations were measured before exercise (PRE) and 24, 48, and 72 hours after exercise (24P, 48P, and 72P). Subjects lifted a 24% greater (p<0.05) volume load during SEQ3 than during SEQ1. Within SEQ1, significant differences in CK concentrations were demonstrated between most time points, except between 24P and 72P. Similarly, within SEQ3, significant differences in CK concentrations were demonstrated between most time points, except between 24P and 72P and between 48P and 72P. The CK concentrations were highest at 48P for both sessions. When the CK concentrations were compared between SEQ1 and SEQ3, no significant differences were demonstrated at any time point. Within SEQ1, a significant difference in LDH concentration was demonstrated between 48P and 72P. Within SEQ3, significant differences in LDH concentrations were demonstrated between PRE and 24P and between PRE and 48P. The LDH concentrations were highest at 72P for SEQ1 and at 24P for SEQ3. When the LDH concentrations were compared between SEQ1 and SEQ3, no significant differences were demonstrated at any time point. These results suggest that muscle damage was similar between rest intervals; however, the volume load completed to induce the muscle damage was significantly greater when 3-minute rest intervals were employed. Therefore, when considered relative to the volume load completed, 1-minute rest intervals during resistance exercise may invoke greater muscle damage.

Prediction of maximum oxygen uptake through incremental exercise testing using ventilometry: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is the main tool assessing cardiorespiratory fitness. However, cardiopulmonary exercise testing devices are expensive and often cannot be used. OBJECTIVE: The present study sought to develop cardiopulmonary exercise testing equations for estimating maximum oxygen uptake from ergometric testing combined with ventilometry. METHODS: 181 volunteers of both sexes were submitted to cardiopulmonary exercise testing on treadmill using an incremental protocol. Volunteers were randomized into two groups: regression group: composed of 68 women with age 24.7±6.0 years and 54 men aged 21.5±3.9 years; and a cross-validation group composed of 29 women with mean age of 23.8±4.7 years and 30 men with a mean age of 23.1±4.4 years. The estimating equations were developed using multiple stepwise linear regressions; comparison of means was done using a t test and reliability assessed by Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: 8 independent variables exhibited a significant result for estimating VO2max: minute ventilation (E) at second ventilatory threshold (VT-II): (E _VT-II); heart rate at VT-II (HR_VT-II); body mass (BM); body mass index (BMI); fat percentage (F%); age; sex; velocity at VT-II (Vel_VT-II); test time of VT-II (T_VT-II) and final test velocity (Velfinal). Two equations presented more accurate results; for active subjects: Equation2 = 33.08 + 2.41*(Velfinal) - 0.32*(F%) + 0.40*(VE_VT-II) - 0.26*(BM) - 0.09*(HR_VT-II); for sedentary subjects: Equation3 for = 54.65 + 1.37*(T_VT-II) + 8.24*(sex) - 1.26*(BMI) + 0.37*(VE_VT-II) - 0.12*(HR_VT-II). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that the use of parameters collected during maximal ergometric test combined with ventilometry, improved the accuracy of equations for estimating maximum oxygen uptake.

Analysis of pain symptoms, flexibility and hydroxyproline concentration in individuals with low back pain submitted to Global Postural Re-education and stretching.

Aim: To evaluate pain, flexibility and hydroxyproline (HP) urinary levels in patients with nonspecific low back pain submitted to Global Postural Re-education (GPR) and stretching. Materials & methods: 39 individuals who reported low back pain were randomly assigned to a group submitted to GPR (GPRG) or stretching exercises (SG) for 8 weeks. Pain and flexibility were assessed using the Borg CR10 scale and goniometry, respectively. Results: The GPR group showed a significant reduction in the HP levels and significant improvements in flexibility after the intervention when compared with SG. Both groups presented a significant reduction in HP and pain after the intervention. Conclusion: Both interventions were effective in the treatment of low back pain. However, the GPR method presented better responses than stretching.

[Strength training, level of muscular strength and functional autonomy in a population of elderly women]. / Fortalecimiento muscular, nivel de fuerza muscular y autonomía funcional en una población de mujeres mayores.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of muscular strengthening on the level of muscular strength in the neurogenic and myogenic phases and functional autonomy in a population of healthy, sedentary, elderly women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample was composed of 40 women, randomly divided into an experimental group (n=20; 65.62+/-5.36 years) and a control group (n=20; 71.45+/-5.72). A protocol of one repetition maximum (1 RM) was employed to evaluate muscular strength and the battery of tests included in the protocol of the Latin American Development Group for Maturity was used to evaluate functional autonomy. For the statistical analysis, the following tests were used: Kruskal-Wallis (experimental group in relation to three moments) followed by Dunn's multiple comparison test; Student's t-test for dependent samples (control group in relation to two moments) and the Mann-Whitney and Student's t-test for independent samples for Delta% (inter-group comparison). RESULTS: The results in the experimental group showed a significant increase in the myogenic phase in comparison with the pre-test (p-values: knee extension =0.0001; right knee flexion and left knee flexion=0.0001; straight supine=0.0001; triceps curl=0.0001. Functional autonomy tests showed significant improvements in the experimental group: neurogenic phase (p-values: general autonomy index=0.0089; walking 10 meters=0.0106; standing from a sitting position =0.0005; standing from a ventral decubitus position =0.0061; standing from a sitting position and walking around the house =0.0072; putting on and taking off a shirt =0.0104) and the myogenic phase (p-values: general autonomy index=0.0001; walking 10 meters=0.0005; standing from a sitting position =0.0000; standing from a ventral decubitus position =0.004; standing from a sitting position and walking around the house =0.0059; putting on and taking off a shirt =0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, strength training only showed statistically significant differences in the myogenic phase; statistically significant reductions were also found in the time needed to perform functional autonomy tests in the neurogenic phase.

Treinamento resistido, função cognitiva e idosos: revisão integrativa / Resistance training, cognitive function and the elderly: an integrative review / Entrenamiento de resistência, función cognitiva y ancianos: revisión integrativa

Objetivo: investigar os efeitos do treinamento resistido sobre a função cognitiva de idosos. Método: o presente estudo se trata de uma revisão integrativa conduzida nas seguintes bases de dados Embase, Pubmed, Scopus, Lilacs, Web of Science e Google acadêmico. Resultados: a busca inicial resultou em 2525 registros e foram encaminhados à plataforma Rayyan, onde foram avaliados por dois revisores independentes. Após exclusão de duplicatas e outros resultados que não condiziam com os critérios de elegibilidade estabelecidos, sete estudos foram incluídos nessa revisão. Conclusão: conclui-se que, o treinamento de força tem sido eficiente em melhorar a função cognitiva. A relação entre as funções física e cognitiva é notória e mais estudos devem ser realizados para esclarecer o assunto, acrescentando outras modalidades como treinamento cardiorrespiratório, treinamento de força em superfícies instáveis, além de diferentes períodos de intervenção.

Objective: to examine the effects of resistance training on cognitive function in elderly people. Method: this study is an integrative review conducted in the following databases Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Lilacs, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Results:the initial search yielded 2525 records, which were screened by two independent reviewers using the Rayyan platform. After excluding duplicates and other results that did not meet the established eligibility criteria, seven studies were included in this review.Conclusion: it is concluded that resistance training is effective in improving cognitive function. The relationship between physical and cognitive function is noteworthy, and further studies are needed to clarify this matter by exploring additional modalities such as cardiorespiratory training, resistance training on unstable surfaces, and varying intervention periods.

Objetivo: investigar los efectos del entrenamiento de resistencia sobre la función cognitiva en adultos mayores. Método: el presente estudio es una revisión integrativa realizada en las siguientes bases de datos Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Lilacs, Web of Science y Google Académico. Resultados: la búsqueda inicial arrojó 2525 registros, los cuales fueron evaluados por dos revisores independientes utilizando la plataforma Rayyan. Tras excluir duplicados y otros resultados que no cumplían con los criterios de elegibilidad establecidos, se incluyeron siete estudios en esta revisión. Conclusión: se concluye que el entrenamiento de fuerza ha demostrado ser eficaz para mejorar la función cognitiva en adultos mayores. La relación entre las funciones física y cognitiva es notable y se requieren más estudios para esclarecer este tema, incorporando otras modalidades como el entrenamiento cardiorrespiratorio, el entrenamiento de fuerza en superficies inestables, y explorando diferentes períodos de intervención.

Multi- To Single-Joint or the Reverse Exercise Order Does Not Affect Pectoralis Major Workout Performance.

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of multi- to single-joint or the reverse exercise order on repetition performance and perceived exertion for the pectoralis major. Fourteen trained men (24.05 ± 4.17 yrs, 78.85 ± 3.51 kg, 175.42 ± 4.01 cm) underwent two different training sequences (SEQ1 and SEQ2). In SEQ1, all subjects performed 5 sets for maximal repetitions, with a 2-min rest interval, of the bench press followed by the machine chest fly with 10 repetitions maximum load. In SEQ2, the same procedures were repeated, but with the reverse order. The t-test did not show any differences (p = 0.140) in total workout repetitions between SEQ1 (62.22 ± 11.00 repetitions) and SEQ2 (55.40 ± 8.51 repetitions). Conversely, the total repetition number for the bench press exercise was significantly greater (p = 0.001) following SEQ1 (34.36 ± 4.68 repetitions) compared to SEQ2 (25.85 ± 6.73 repetitions). In contrast, the total repetition number for the machine chest fly exercise following SEQ2 was significantly greater (p = 0.001) (33.50 + 4.11 repetitions) compared to SEQ1 (27.85 ± 6.52 repetitions). Despite no significant differences found for the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) values between SEQ1 and SEQ2 for the barbell bench press in all sets (p ≥ 0.083), significantly higher RPE values for the machine chest fly were observed over the first three sets following SEQ1 compared to SEQ2 (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the total workout repetitions were not significantly different when performing the traditional multi- to single-joint or the reverse exercise order when training the pectoralis major muscle.