Effects of Massage and Cold Water Immersion After an Exhaustive Run on Running Economy and Biomechanics: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT: Duñabeitia, I, Arrieta, H, Rodriguez-Larrad, A, Gil, J, Esain, I, Gil, SM, Irazusta, J, and Bidaurrazaga-Letona, I. Effects of massage and cold water immersion after an exhaustive run on running economy and biomechanics: A randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 149-155, 2022-This study compares the effects of 2 common recovery interventions performed shortly after an exhausting interval running session on running economy (RE) and biomechanics. Forty-eight well-trained male runners performed an exhaustive interval running protocol and an incremental treadmill test 24 hours later at 3 speeds: 12, 14, and 16 km·h-1. Subjects randomly received either massage, cold water immersion (CWI), or passive rest (control). Runners repeated the treadmill test 48 hours after the first test. A two-way mixed analysis of variance was performed comparing groups and testing times. The massage group had significantly better recovery than the control group at 14 km·h-1 in RE (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.176) and greater stride height and angle changes at 16 km·h-1 (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.166 and p < 0.05; η2 = 0.208, respectively). No differences were observed between the CWI and control groups. The massage group had greater stride height and angle changes at 16 km·h-1 than the CWI group (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.139 and p < 0.05; η2 = 0.168, respectively). Moreover, differences in magnitude suggested moderate effects on RE (η2 = 0.076) and swing time (η2 = 0.110). These results suggest that massage intervention promotes faster recovery of RE and running biomechanics than CWI or passive rest.

Impact of COVID-19 Confinement on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in Spanish University Students: Role of Gender.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, entire populations were instructed to live in home-confinement to prevent the expansion of the disease. Spain was one of the countries with the strictest conditions, as outdoor physical activity was banned for nearly two months. This study aimed to analyse the changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviours in Spanish university students before and during the confinement by COVID-19 with special focus on gender. We also analysed enjoyment, the tools used and motivation and impediments for doing physical activity. An online questionnaire, which included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form and certain "ad hoc" questions, was designed. Students were recruited by distributing an invitation through the administrative channels of 16 universities and a total of 13,754 valid surveys were collected. Overall, university students reduced moderate (-29.5%) and vigorous (-18.3%) physical activity during the confinement and increased sedentary time (+52.7%). However, they spent more time on high intensity interval training (HIIT) (+18.2%) and mind-body activities (e.g., yoga) (+80.0%). Adaptation to the confinement, in terms of physical activity, was handled better by women than by men. These results will help design strategies for each gender to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour during confinement periods.

Effects of Leucine-Enriched Whey Protein Supplementation on Physical Function in Post-Hospitalized Older Adults Participating in 12-Weeks of Resistance Training Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Age-related strength and muscle mass loss is further increased after acute periods of inactivity. To avoid this, resistance training has been proposed as an effective countermeasure, but the additional effect of a protein supplement is not so clear. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a whey protein supplement enriched with leucine after resistance training on muscle mass and strength gains in a post-hospitalized elderly population. A total of 28 participants were included and allocated to either protein supplementation or placebo supplementation following resistance training for 12 weeks (2 days/week). Physical function (lower and upper body strength, aerobic capacity and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test), mini nutritional assessment (MNA) and body composition (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry) were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks of resistance training. Both groups showed improvements in physical function after the intervention (p < 0.01), but there were no further effects for the protein group (p > 0.05). Muscle mass did not improve after resistance training in either group (p > 0.05). In conclusion, 12 weeks of resistance training are enough to improve physical function in a post-hospitalized elderly population with no further benefits for the protein-supplemented group.

The Feldenkrais Method improves functioning and body balance in people with intellectual disability in supported employment: A randomized clinical trial.

Loss of functioning and age-related health problems tend to appear earlier in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) than in their non-disabled peers. The Feldenkrais method (FM) is a movement-based form of learning that enhances body balance and physical functioning. We carried out an intervention based on Awareness Through Movement, a form of the FM. Thirty-two middle-aged (48.94±6.01years old) adults with ID who were in supported employment were recruited and randomly assigned to the experimental group (EG) or control group (CG). The EG received 30 Awareness Through Movement classes while the CG did not receive any movement-based intervention. Physical functioning (body balance, gait speed and chair stands) was assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and balance by stabilometry. After 30 FM classes, individuals in the EG had significantly improved their chair stand test score (p<0.005) and SPPB total score (p<0.005), and reduced their sway area (p<0.05) in the stabilometric test. These results indicate that the FM could be a good tool for the prevention of loss of functioning and body balance in middle-aged individuals with ID.

Los ejercicios respiratorios postoperatorios reducen el riesgo de complicaciones pulmonares en pacientes sometidos a lobectomía / Postoperative Respiratory Exercises Reduce the Risk of Developing Pulmonary Complications in Patients Undergoing Lobectomy

Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de un programa intensivo de fisioterapia postoperatoria basado en ejercicios respiratorios dirigido a pacientes lobectomizados mediante toracotomía abierta. Diseño : Estudio cuasiexperimental. Emplazamiento: Hospital universitario terciario. Participantes: Doscientos ocho (208) pacientes lobectomizados mediante toracotomía abierta. Intervención: Los pacientes del grupo control (n=102) recibieron atención médica/de enfermería estándar y los pacientes del grupo experimental (n=106), además de la atención clínica estándar, se sometieron a un programa de fisioterapia diaria basada en ejercicios respiratorios hasta el momento del alta hospitalaria. Variables de resultado: Las variables de resultado estudiadas incluyeron la frecuencia de complicaciones pulmonares postoperatorias (CPP) más susceptibles de tratamiento fisioterapéutico (neumonía, atelectasias e insuficiencia respiratoria) y la duración de la estancia hospitalaria (DEH). Resultados: Las características preoperatorias y quirúrgicas de ambos grupos fueron comparables. La incidencia de CPP registrada fue de un 20,6% en el grupo control y un 6,6% en el grupo experimental (p = 0,003). La mediana y el RIC de la DEH fue de 14 y 7días, respectivamente (estimador M de Huber 14,21) en el grupo control y de 12 y 6días (estimador M de Huber 12,81) en el grupo experimental. El modelo de regresión logística creado identificó al programa de fisioterapia evaluado (p = 0,017; EXP (B) [IC 95% 0,081-0,780]) y al porcentaje del FEV1 (p = 0,042; EXP (B) [IC 95% 0,941-0,999]) como factores protectores frente al desarrollo de CPP en los pacientes intervenidos de lobectomía. Conclusiones: La implementación de un programa intensivo de fisioterapia postoperatoria basado en ejercicios respiratorios reduce el riesgo de desarrollar CPP y la DEH en pacientes lobectomizados

Objective: To evaluate the effects of an intensive postoperative physiotherapy program focused on respiratory exercises in patients undergoing lobectomy by open thoracotomy. Design: Quasi-experimental study. Setting: Tertiary referral academic hospital. Participants: 208 patients undergoing lobectomy by open thoracotomy. Interventions: Control group patients (n = 102) received standard medical/nursing care, and experimental group patients (n=106) added to the standard clinical pathway a daily physiotherapy program focused on respiratory exercises until discharge. Outcomes: Analyzed outcomes were the frequency of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) more amenable to physiotherapy (pneumonia, atelectasis and respiratory insufficiency) and length of hospital stay (LOS). Results: Both groups were comparable regarding preoperative and surgical characteristics. Incidence of PPCs was 20.6% in control and 6.6% in experimental group (P = .003). Median (IQR) LOS in control group was 14 (7) days (Huber M estimator 14.21) and 12 (6) days (Huber M estimator 12.81) in experimental. Logistic regression model identified the evaluated physiotherapy program (P = .017; EXP [B] 95% CI 0.081-0.780) and % FEV1 (P = .042; EXP [B] 95% CI 0.941-0.999) as protective factors for the development of PPCs in patients undergoing lobectomy. Conclusions: Implementing a postoperative intensive physiotherapy program focused on respiratory exercises reduces the risk of PPCs and resultant LOS on patients undergoing lobectomy

Postoperative Respiratory Exercises Reduce the Risk of Developing Pulmonary Complications in Patients Undergoing Lobectomy. / Los ejercicios respiratorios postoperatorios reducen el riesgo de complicaciones pulmonares en pacientes sometidos a lobectomía.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of an intensive postoperative physiotherapy program focused on respiratory exercises in patients undergoing lobectomy by open thoracotomy. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study. SETTING: Tertiary referral academic hospital. PARTICIPANTS: 208 patients undergoing lobectomy by open thoracotomy. INTERVENTIONS: Control group patients (n=102) received standard medical/nursing care, and experimental group patients (n=106) added to the standard clinical pathway a daily physiotherapy program focused on respiratory exercises until discharge. OUTCOMES: Analyzed outcomes were the frequency of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) more amenable to physiotherapy (pneumonia, atelectasis and respiratory insufficiency) and length of hospital stay (LOS). RESULTS: Both groups were comparable regarding preoperative and surgical characteristics. Incidence of PPCs was 20.6% in control and 6.6% in experimental group (P=.003). Median (IQR) LOS in control group was 14 (7) days (Huber M estimator 14.21) and 12 (6) days (Huber M estimator 12.81) in experimental. Logistic regression model identified the evaluated physiotherapy program (P=.017; EXP [B] 95% CI 0.081-0.780) and % FEV1 (P=.042; EXP [B] 95% CI 0.941-0.999) as protective factors for the development of PPCs in patients undergoing lobectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a postoperative intensive physiotherapy program focused on respiratory exercises reduces the risk of PPCs and resultant LOS on patients undergoing lobectomy.