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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prescrição de exercício em bicicleta aquática para mulheres com a utilização da freqüência cardíaca e percepção do esforço / Exercise prescription to females on aquatic bicycle utilizing heart rate and perceived exertion

Os exercícios físicos realizados na água vêm sendo amplamente utilizados pelas academias de ginástica. Equipamentos que eram utilizados em terra estão sendo adaptados para água, como é o caso da bicicleta. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre prescrição do exercício neste equipamento. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi descrever o comportamento da freqüência cardíaca (FC) e percepção do esforço (PE) (central, periférica e total), em teste progressivo, realizado por mulheres, em bicicleta aquática. Foram testados 19 indivíduos do sexo feminino (25,1 ± 4,6 anos, 162,5 ± 5,4 cm, 58,1 ± 5,7 kg) e submetidos a um teste progressivo, realizado em bicicleta aquática, com carga inicial de 40RPM e incremento de 10RPM a cada 3 minutos, até a exaustão. Para testar a linearidade das cargas, foi feita a regressão da FC e da PE em função da RPM. Os resultados da PE foram submetidos à análise de variância para medidas repetidas com dois fatores (PE×RPM), seguida do teste de posthoc de TUKEY (p < 0,05) e correlacionados com a RPM. A FC aumentou linearmente em função do acréscimo de 10RPM a cada estágio (r=0,98), os valores da PE central, periférico e total e a cadência de pedalada foram correlacionados (r=0,99). A FCmáx observada (178 ± 9bpm) apresentou valores mais baixos que a prevista pela idade (195 ± 4bpm), assim como os valores da PE central em relação ao periférico e o total. Concluímos que se pode prescrever exercício em bicicleta aquática para mulheres tanto pelas RPM, FC ou PE.

Physical exercise in the aquatic environment has been extensively explored and used by fitness centers. Equipments once used on land have been adapted to water, especially aquatic cycling. However, there are few studies about the prescription of exercises using this equipment. The purpose of this study was to describe the behavior of heart rate (HR)and perceived exertion (PE) (chest, legs and overall body) on aquatic bicycle. Nineteen female participants (25 ± 4.6 years, 162.5 ± 5.4cm, 58.1 ± 5,7 kg) were tested. The participants were submitted to a graded test on aquatic bicycle, with the initial load of 40 RPM and increments of 10 RPM every three minutes, until exhaustion. To test the linearity of loads an HR and PE regression was made as a function of RPM. The PE results were submitted to two way ANOVA for repeated measures (PE×RPM), followed by TUKEY post hoc test (p < 0,05) , and correlated with RPM. The HR increased linearly owing to the increase of 10 RPM at each stage (r=0.98). Perceived exertion(chest, legs and overall body) was correlated with RPM (r=0.99). The HRmax observed (178 ± 9 bpm) was lower than the HRmax prodicted for the age group (195 ± 4 bpm) as well as the PE chest categories in relation to PE legs and PE overall. In conclusion, we can prescribe exercises on aquatic bicycle for females using RPM, HR or PE.

Efeitos da cadência de pedalada sobre a potência mecânica e variáveis fisiológicas / Effect of pedal cadence on mechanical power output and physiological variables

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar as respostas das variáveis potência máxima (Pmax), freqüência cardíaca(FC), percepção de esforço (PE), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), pressão arterial diastólica (PAD) e duplo produto (DP) na carga máxima atingida e durante os testes de 60 e 90 rpm. A amostra deste estudo constou de 14 homens (26,5 ±3,5 anos, 78,5 ± 7,8 kg e 178,1 ± 7,0 cm) praticantes de aulas de ciclismo "indoor", que realizaram dois testes de esforço máximo, segundo o protocolo incremental de Balke. O primeiro teste (test60) consistiu de uma cadência de pedalada de 60 rpm até a exaustão voluntária ou o aparecimento de sinais ou sintomas limitantes. Já o segundo teste (test90) utilizou a cadência de pedalada de 90 rpm. Não houve diferença significativa da FCmax (test60: 189,7±12,0 bpm; test90:190,9±10,7 bpm), PEmax (test60: 20,0±0,3; test90: 20,0±1,0) e PADmédia (test60: 76,7±4,9 mmHg; test90: 79,1 ± 5,3 mmHg)entre as cadências testadas. Por outro lado, os valores de Pmax (test60: 344,6±70,1 W; test90: 285,7±61,8 W), PASmax(test60: 186,1±14,7 mmHg; test90: 202,1±21,5 mmHg) e DPmax (test60: 35402,9±4431,7; test90: 38655,0±5270,5) foram diferentes. Em relação ao comportamento das variáveis durante os testes, houve diferença significativa da FC entre os testes até 225 W. Observou-se que tanto na PE, quanto na PAD, não houve diferença significativa em nenhuma potência absoluta. Para PAS e para o DP, houve diferença significativa entre as cadências somente na potência absoluta de 300W. Com isso, fica claro que realizar testes máximos, mesmo em protocolos que não prescrevam a cadência de pedalada,parece ser indicado pedalar a 60 rpm.

The objective of this study was to compare the responses of the variables maximal power output (POmax),heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) anddouble product (DP) in the maximum reached load and during 60 and 90 rev.min-1 tests. The study sample consisted of14 men (26.5 ± 3.5 years, 78.5 ± 7.8 kg and 178.1 ± 7.0 cm) engaged in indoor cycling classes, who undertook two testsof maximum effort using Balkeãs incremental protocol. The fi rst test (test60) consisted of a pedal cadence of 60 rev.min-1throughout the test, until voluntary exhaustion or the appearance of signs or symptom limits. The second test (test90) wasat a pedal cadence of 90 rev.min-1. There were no signifi cant difference between the cadences tested in terms of HRmax(test60: 189.7±12.0 beats.min-1; test90: 190.9±10.7 beats.min-1), RPEmax (test60: 20.0±0.3; test90: 20.0±1.0) or DBPmean(test60: 76.7±4.9 mmHg; test90: 79.1 ± 5.3 mmHg). On the other hand, the values of POmax (test60: 344.6±70.1 W; test90:285.7±61.8 W), SBPmax (test60: 186.1±14.7 mmHg; test90: 202.1±21.5 mmHg) and DPmax (test60: 35402.9±4431.7; test90:38655.0±5270.5) were different. In relation to the behavior of the variables during the tests, there were signifi cant differencein HR between the tests up to a level of 225 W. It was observed that neither RPE or DBP indicated signifi cant differencein absolute power. There were only differences in SBP and DP between the cadences at 300 W absolute power. With this,it is clear that to carry out maximum tests, even in protocols that do not prescribe the pedal cadence, it appears thet a 60rev.min-1 pedalling speed is indicated.