Can Creatine Supplementation Interfere with Muscle Strength and Fatigue in Brazilian National Level Paralympic Powerlifting?

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of creatine (Cr) supplementation on peak torque (PT) and fatigue rate in Paralympic weightlifting athletes. Eight Paralympic powerlifting athletes participated in the study, with 25.40 ± 3.30 years and 70.30 ± 12.15 kg. The measurements of muscle strength, fatigue index (FI), peak torque (PT), force (kgf), force (N), rate of force development (RFD), and time to maximum isometric force (time) were determined by a Musclelab load cell. The study was performed in a single-blind manner, with subjects conducting the experiments first with placebo supplementation and then, following a 7-day washout period, beginning the same protocol with creatine supplementation for 7 days. This sequence was chosen because of the lengthy washout of creatine. Regarding the comparison between conditions, Cr supplementation did not show effects on the variables of muscle force, peak torque, RFD, and time to maximum isometric force (p > 0.05). However, when comparing the results of the moments with the use of Cr and placebo, a difference was observed for the FI after seven days (U3: 1.12; 95% CI: (0.03, 2.27); p = 0.02); therefore, the FI was higher for placebo. Creatine supplementation has a positive effect on the performance of Paralympic powerlifting athletes, reducing fatigue index, and keeping the force levels as well as PT.

[Effects of physical activity on women's morphology]. / Efectos de la actividad física en la morfología de mujeres.

Objective To analyze the effect of 12 weeks of physical activity on the morphology of the women enrolled in the Family Health Program in the city of Patos, Paraíba, Brazil. During these weeks, different physical activity programs were applied. Methods A quasi-experimental study, in which 28 women were analyzed. All were volunteers, aged between 42 and 56 years and divided into groups: G1 (n=15, recreational activities) and G2 (n=13, dance activities). For data analysis, the Student t-test for independent samples was used with a significance level of p<0.05. Results The comparison of body composition variables showed no difference between the two groups. However, when the pre- and post-exercise moments are compared, it is seen that the two different physical activity programs produce significant changes in the morphology of women. Conclusion The results indicate that the applied physical activity programs produce significant changes in the morphology of women. On the other hand, we consider that the comparison between a physical exercise program and recreational physical activity program and their effects on the morphology of women could be good.

Efeitos de um programa de reabilitação pulmonar sobre mecânica respiratória e qualidade de vida de mulheres obesas / Effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation program over respiratory

Introdução: A obesidade é uma doença metabólica caracterizada por uma etiologia multifatorial que propicia o acúmulo de gordura levando a quadros de morbidade e mortalidade. Objetivo: Verificar os efeitos de um programa de reabilitação pulmonar sobre a mecânica respiratória, a capacidade funcional e a qualidade de vida de 20 mulheres obesas sedentárias com idade média de 48,75 ± 13,71 e IMC de 34,54 ± 3,85 kg/m².Materiais e métodos: As voluntárias foram entrevistadas usando o questionário SF-36 como instrumento para determinar qualidade de vida, seguido da mensuração da massa corporal, estatura, cirtometriatóraco-abdominal, volume minuto e corrente, capacidade vital lenta, pressão inspiratória e expiratória máxima. A comparação dos resultados pré e pós-programa de reabilitação pulmonar foi pelo teste t de Student pareado, observando-se um valor p < 0,05. Resultados: Os resultados após o programa foram estatisticamente significativos (p < 0,05) para o volume minuto de 11008,30 ± 5035,53 mL (p = 0,001),volume corrente de 758,70 ± 345,78 mL (p = 0,023), capacidade vital lenta com 2632,95 ± 852,25 mL (p =0,001), pressão inspiratória máxima com − 69,75 ± 21,37 cmH₂O (p = 0,045) e pressão expiratória máxima com 74,50 ± 28,23 cmH₂O (p = 0,000) e na percepção da qualidade de vida em seu estado geral de saúde76,5 ± 14,04 (p = 0,033), aspectos sociais 83,1 ± 18,71 (p = 0,031), aspectos emocionais 88,4 ± 19,52 (p =0,042) e na saúde mental 83,4 ± 14,81 (p = 0,049). Conclusão: O programa de reabilitação pulmonar proposto promoveu efeitos positivos melhorando a mecânica respiratória e a qualidade de vida das mulheres obesas sedentárias.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a metabolic disease that is characterized by a multifactorial etiology, which induces fat accumulation, oftentimes leading to morbid conditions or even death.OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to verify the effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation program over respiratory mechanics, functional capacity, and life quality of 20 sedentary obese women aging in average 48.75 ± 13.71 e IMC de 34.54 ± 3.85 kg/m2.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The volunteers were submitted to an interview using the SF-36 questionnaire as a tool in order to determine the quality of life, take body mass measures, as well as stature, thoracic-abdominal cytometry, minute and volume tidal, slow vital capacity, and maximum and minimum inspiratory pressure. The comparison of results before and after the implementation of the pulmonary rehabilitation Program were tested by a paired Student's t-test, having been noted a p < 0.05 value.RESULTS: The results after the program were statistically significant (p < 0.05) for minute volume of 11008.30 ± 5035.53 mL (p = 0.001), volume tidal of 758.70 ± 345.78 mL (p = 0.023), slow vital capacity with 632.95 ± 852.25 mL (p = 0.001), maximum inspiratory pressures with -69.75 ± 21.37 cmH2O (p = 0.045) and maximum expiratory pressure with 74.50 ± 28.23 cmH2O (p = 0.000), and in the perception of life quality concerning the general health condition 76.5 ± 14.04 (p = 0.033), social aspects 83.1 ± 18.71 (p = 0.031), emotional aspects 88.4 ± 19.52 (p = 0.042), and in mental health 83.4 ± 14.81 (p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: The pulmonary rehabilitation program here proposed managed to promote positive effects, improving respiratory mechanics and life quality of sedentary obese women.