Effect of foam rolling recovery on pain and physical capacity after resistance exercises: A randomized crossover trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of passive recovery (PR), active recovery (AR), and recovery through self-massage with the aid of foam rolling (FRR) on pain and physical capacity in healthy volunteers after a resistance exercise (RE) session. METHODS: The sample of this randomized crossover trial comprised 37 physically healthy men who underwent three sessions of RE (squat, leg press, and leg extension), involving four sets of 10 repetitions with 80% of 10MR, with an interval of seven days between sessions. PR consisted of sitting for 20min, AR included a cycle ergometer for 20min at 50% maximum heart rate, and FRR involved 10 repetitions per target body area, followed by 1min rest. Variables of physical capacity (strength, power, agility, joint range of motion, flexibility, speed, and fatigue resistance) were assessed 1h after RE, whereas pain was assessed 24h, 48h, and 72h after RE. RESULTS: In the dominant lower limb, the percentage of strength decreased (p < 0.001) by 16.3% after RE but improved (p < 0.001) by 5.2% after AR and FRR in relation to PR. Similar results were observed in the non-dominant lower limb. Agility was enhanced (p < 0.001) by 3.6% in AR and 4.3% in FRR compared with the baseline assessment. The recoveries for the other physical variables were similar. Only FRR reduced (p < 0.001) pain at 24h (22.8%), 48h (39.2%), and 72h (59.7%) compared to PR. CONCLUSIONS: Self-massage using a foam roll reduced pain and improved agility and muscle strength during recovery after exercise. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04201977.

Vitamin E Does not Favor Recovery After Exercises: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

This review aimed to verify the effects of vitamin E supplementation on oxidative stress, inflammatory response, muscle damage, soreness, and strength in healthy adults after exercise. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science from inception to August 2023, with no language restrictions. We included randomized placebo-controlled trials evaluating the supplementation of vitamin E on the abovementioned outcomes after a bout of physical exercise in healthy participants (no restriction for publication year or language). Meta-analyses were conducted to compare vitamin E and placebo supplementations to obtain a 95% confidence interval (95%IC). Twenty studies were included (n=298 participants). The effect of supplementation was assessed between 0 h and 96 h after the exercise. Compared to placebo, vitamin E had no effects on lipid (95%IC= -0.09 to 0.42), protein (-2.44 to 3.11), SOD (-1.05 to 0.23), interleukin-6 (-0.18 to 1.16), creatine kinase (-0.33 to 0.27), muscle soreness (-1.92 to 0.69), and muscle strength (-1.07 to 0.34). Heterogeneity for the analyses on carbonyls, interleukin-6 (1 h and 3 h), and muscle soreness ranged between 70 to 94%. Supplementing with vitamin E should not be recommended to support the recovery process in healthy individuals after exercise, given the lack of efficacy in the analyzed variables following an exercise session.

Vitamins C and E Associated With Cryotherapy in the Recovery of the Inflammatory Response After Resistance Exercise: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

ABSTRACT: de Brito, E, Teixeira, AdO, Righi, NC, Paulitcth, FdS, da Silva, AMV, and Signori, LU. Vitamins C and E associated with cryotherapy in the recovery of the inflammatory response after resistance exercise: A randomized clinical trial. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 135-141, 2022-The objective of this research was to compare the effects of cryotherapy associated with vitamins (C and E) on the recovery of the inflammatory response from the resistance exercise (RE) session of untrained volunteers. Fourteen subjects (26.2 ± 5 years old, 25.8 ± 3 kg·m-2) underwent 4 sessions of RE with different forms of recovery. The RE consisted of 4 sets of 10 maximal repetitions for each exercise (extensor bench, squat, and leg press). The recoveries were randomized and comprised the passive (control), with vitamins C (1 g) and E (800 UI) supplementation 40 minutes before exercise, with cryotherapy (immersion in water 15° C for 10 minutes), and the association (vitamins and cryotherapy). Hemogram, inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and creatine kinase [CK]), and parameters of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation [LPO] and antioxidant capacity against radical peroxyl) were evaluated before (baseline) and after (0, 30, and 120 minutes) the RE sessions. Muscle pain (primary outcome) was evaluated 24 hours after exercise. C-reactive protein (p = 0.010) and LPO (p < 0.001) increased (120 minutes) only in passive recovery. Recovery with cryotherapy (30 minutes), with vitamins and the association (0 and 30 minutes) delayed increases in CK (p < 0.001). Antioxidant capacity against radical peroxyl increased (30 minutes) only in recovery with the association (p < 0.011). The pain decreased in the recoveries with cryotherapy and association (p < 0.001). The association of vitamins (C and E) with cryotherapy attenuated the inflammatory response and pain, favoring recovery after an acute RE session.

Effects of vitamin C on oxidative stress, inflammation, muscle soreness, and strength following acute exercise: meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) seems to attenuate the overproduction of reactive species during and after exercises. Yet, no meta-analysis has summarized the magnitude of this effect. The objective of this study was to systematically review the effects of vitamin C supplementation on oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, damage, soreness, and the musculoskeletal functionality after a single bout of exercise. METHODS: Major electronic databases were searched, from inception to September 2019, for placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of vitamin C supplementation on oxidative stress parameters, inflammation markers, muscle damage, muscle soreness, and muscle functionality after a single bout of exercise in healthy volunteers. Random-effects modelling was used to compare mean changes from pre- to postexercise in participants that were supplemented with vitamin C versus placebo. Data were reported as standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: A total of 18 RCTs, accounting for 313 participants (62% males, median age = 24 years) were included. Vitamin C supplementation reduced lipid peroxidation immediately (SMD = - 0.488; 95% CI = - 0.888 to - 0.088), 1 h (SMD = - 0.521; 95% CI = - 0.911 to - 0.131) and between 1 and 2 h (SMD = - 0.449; 95% CI = - 0.772 to - 0.126) following exercise. Exercise induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) response was attenuated 2 h (SMD = - 0.764; 95% CI = - 1.279 to - 0.248) and between 1 and 2 h (SMD = - 0.447; 95% CI = - 0.828 to - 0.065) after exercise. No effects of vitamin C supplementation were found on creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein (CRP), cortisol levels, muscle soreness, and muscle strength. CONCLUSION: Vitamin C supplementation attenuates the oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation) and inflammatory response (IL-6) to a single bout of exercise. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42018094222).

Trans-resveratrol reduces cardiac oxidative stress in rats exposed to cigarette smoke / O trans-resveratrol reduz o estresse oxidativo cardíaco de ratos expostos à fumaça de cigarro

Differences between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defense system unbalance the redox status. The exposure to cigarette smoke can increase this imbalance. Trans-resveratrol is a polyphenol with great antioxidant action that reduces the oxidative stress. This study investigated the effect of the trans-resveratrol supplementation on the cardiac oxidative stress in rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: Control Group (CG), Exposure to Smoke Group (ESG), Antioxidant Group (AG) and Exposure to Smoke plus Antioxidant Group (ESAG). Animals were exposed to cigarette smoke and supplemented with trans-resveratrol (6.0 mg kg-1) for two months. The lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and the enzymatic activity of catalase (CAT) were measured in the cardiac muscle. The ESG presented the highest lipid peroxidation level compared with CG (p < 0.001), AG (p < 0.001) and ESAG (p < 0.006). The CAT activity was higher in the AG (p < 0.001) and ESAG (p < 0.001) compared with CG. The ESG presented lower CAT activity compared with the ESAG (p < 0.001). The supplementation of Trans-resveratrol attenuated the cardiac oxidative stress and increased the activity of catalase. Our findings evidenced the cardioprotective effect of trans-resveratrol in rats exposed to cigarette smoke.

Diferenças entre espécies reativas de oxigênio e sistema de defesa antioxidante desequilibram o estado redox. Exposição à fumaça de cigarro pode aumentar esse desequilíbrio. Trans-resveratrol é um polifenol com ação antioxidante que reduz o estresse oxidativo. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar os efeitos da suplementação com trans-resveratrol no estresse oxidativo cardíaco de ratos expostos à fumaça de cigarro. Randomização de 32 ratos Wistar machos em quatro grupos: Controle (CG), Exposição à Fumaça (ESG), Antioxidante (AG) e Exposição à Fumaça+Antioxidante (ESAG). Animais foram expostos à fumaça de cigarro e suplementados trans-resveratrol (6,0 mg kg-1) durante dois meses. Lipoperoxidação (TBARS) e atividade enzimática da catalase (CAT) foram mensuradas no músculo cardíaco. ESG apresentou maiores níveis de lipoperoxidação quando comparado ao CG (p < 0,001), AG (p < 0,001) e ao ESAG (p < 0,006). Atividade da CAT foi maior no AG (p < 0,001) e no ESAG (p < 0,001) quando comparados ao CG. ESG apresentou a menor atividade da CAT quando comparado ao ESAG (p < 0,001). A suplementação com trans-resveratrol atenuou o estresse oxidativo cardíaco e aumentou a atividade enzimática de defesa catalase. Esses resultados sugerem evidências de efeitos cardioprotetores do trans-resveratrol em ratos expostos à fumaça de cigarro.

Efeitos agudos da eletroestimulação no membro superior espástico e associação com variáveis respiratórias / Acute effects of electrostimulation on upper limb spasticity and association with respiratory variables

Introdução: Eletroestimulação funcional (EEF) é um recurso valioso no tratamento de padrões espásticos. Objetivos: Avaliar o efeito agudo da EEF sobre variáveis físico-funcionais do membro superior espástico e a associação destas com variáveis respiratórias. Métodos: Dezenove pacientes receberam intervenção placebo (no limiar sensitivo) e EEF (f=30 Hz, largura de pulso= 0,3 ms, 30 min) no membro espástico (secundário a AVE) em dias diferentes. Antes das intervenções, foram avaliadas as atividades de vida diária pelo Índice de Barthel (IB), função pulmonar e força muscular respiratória. Antes e após as intervenções foram avaliadas função sensório-motora pela Escala de Fugl-Meyer (EFM) e amplitude de movimento. Resultados: A EEF aumentou a abdução e rotação interna de ombro, extensão de cotovelo e EFM. A pressão expiratória máxima se correlacionou com IB e flexão de ombro. Conclusões: A aplicação de EEF melhorou variáveis físico-funcionais do membro espástico, que estiveram associadas com a força muscular expiratória.

Introduction: Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a valuable resource in the treatment of spastic patterns. Objectives: Evaluate the acute effect of FES on physical and functional variables of the spastic upper limb and its association with respiratory variables. Methods: Nineteen patients received placebo intervention (on the sensory threshold) and FES (f=30 Hz, pulse width=0.3 ms, 30 min) in the spastic limb (secondary to stroke) on different days. Before the interventions, activities of daily living by the Barthel Index (BI), pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength were evaluated. Before and after the interventions, sensory motor function by Fugl-Meyer Scale (FMS) and movement amplitude were evaluated. Results: FES increased shoulder abduction and internal rotation, elbow extension and FMS. The maximum expiratory pressure was related to BI and shoulder flexion. Conclusions: The application of FES improved physical and functional variables of the spastic limb, which were associated with expiratory muscle strength.

Eletromiográfia do reto femoral em diferentes equipamentos proprioceptivos no meio aquático / Eletromyography of the rectus femoris in different proprioceptive devices in a hydrotherapy pool / Electromiografía del recto femoral en diferentes equipamientos propioceptivos en el medio acuático

INTRODUÇÃO: A propriocepção é uma variável imprescindível para prevenção e reabilitação das lesões do joelho, podendo ser estimulada por diferentes equipamentos, os quais ainda não foram testados em meio aquático. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a atividade eletromiográfica (EMG) do músculo reto femoral de atletas no meio aquático frente a três diferentes equipamentos proprioceptivos (cama elástica, disco proprioceptivo e balancim). MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta por dez jogadores de futsal profissional, sem histórico de lesões musculoesqueléticas (últimos três meses), com 23,1 (±1,5) anos e índice de massa corporal 25,2 (±0,5) kg/m². A aquisição do sinal EMG do reto femoral do membro dominante foi adquirido por eletrodos de superfície, aproximadamente 2,5 cm da posição distal do ponto motor. O nível da água foi ajustado individualmente (entre a região umbilical e o processo xifoide) e a temperatura mantida a 32 °C. As avaliações compreenderam o repouso, a contração voluntária máxima (CVM) antes e depois dos experimentos e os estímulos proprioceptivos (cama elástica, disco proprioceptivo e balancim) em apoio unipodal. Os dados (média ± erro padrão) foram comparados pelo teste-t pareado e pela ANOVA para medidas repetidas seguida de teste Bonferrroni (post hoc). RESULTADOS: A EMG da CVM antes (221,0 ± 134 RMS/µVolts) e depois (243,0 ± 154,0 RMS/µVolts) foi semelhante (p = 0,129). No meio aquático, a cama elástica, o balancim e o disco apresentaram respectivamente 24,5 (±4,3), 33,9 (±4,3) e 32,5 (±6,7) %CVM. A atividade EMG do reto femoral na cama elástica foi 8% menor que o balancim e 9,5% que o disco proprioceptivo (p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: ...

INTRODUCTION: Proprioception is an essential variable for prevention and rehabilitation of knee injuries and can be stimulated by different equipment, which have not yet been tested in water. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the rectus femoris muscle of athletes in aquatic environment using three different proprioceptive equipment (trampoline, balance disc and rocker board). METHODS: The sample comprised ten professional futsal players with no history of musculoskeletal injuries (last three months), with 23.1 (±1.5) years old and body mass index of 25.2 (±0.5) kg/m². The EMG of the rectus femoris of the dominant member was acquired by placing surface electrodes approximately 2.5cm from the distal position of the motor point. The water level was individually adjusted (between the umbilical region and the xiphoid process) and the temperature was maintained at 32ºC. The evaluations included rest, maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) before and after the experiments and proprioceptive stimuli (trampoline, balance disc and rocker board) in one leg. The data (mean ± standard error) were compared by paired t-test and ANOVA for repeated measures followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test. RESULTS: The EMG of MVC before (221.0 ± 134 RMS/µVolts) and after (243.0 ± 154.0 RMS/µVolts) were similar (p=0.129). In the aquatic environment, the trampoline, the rocker board and the balance disc showed respectively 24.5 (±4.3), 33.9 (±4.3) and 32.5 (±6.7) %CVM. The EMG activity of the rectus femoris muscle in the trampoline was 8% lower than the rocker board and 9.5% than the balance disc (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In the aquatic environment proprioceptive equipment promote the activation of the rectus femoris muscle. However, the trampoline has lower activity than the disc and the rocker board, suggesting that this equipment should be employed at the beginning ...

INTRODUCCIÓN: La propiocepción es una variable imprescindible para prevención y rehabilitación de las lesiones de la rodilla, pudiendo ser estimulada por diferentes equipamientos, los que aún no fueron probados en medio acuático. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la actividad electromiográfica (EMG) del músculo recto femoral de atletas en el medio acuático frente a tres diferentes equipamientos propioceptivos (cama elástica, disco propioceptivo y balancín). MÉTODOS: La muestra fue compuesta por diez jugadores de futsal profesional, sin historial de lesiones musculoesqueléticas (últimos tres meses), con 23,1 (±1,5) años e índice de masa corporal 25,2 (±0,5) kg/m². La adquisición de la señal EMG del recto femoral del miembro dominante fue adquirida por electrodos de superficie, aproximadamente 2,5 cm de la posición distal del punto motor. El nivel del agua fue ajustado individualmente (entre la región umbilical y el proceso xifoide) y la temperatura mantenida a 32 °C. Las evaluaciones comprendieron el reposo, la contracción voluntaria máxima (CVM) antes y después de los experimentos y los estímulos propioceptivos (cama elástica, disco propioceptivo y balancín) en apoyo unipodal. Los datos (promedio ± error estándar) fueron comparados por el test-t apareado y por ANOVA para medidas repetidas seguida de test Bonferrroni (post hoc). RESULTADOS: La EMG de la CVM antes (221,0 ± 134 RMS/µVolts) y después (243,0 ± 154,0 RMS/µVolts) fueron semejantes (p = 0,129). En el medio acuático, la cama elástica, el balancín y el disco presentaron respectivamente 24,5 (±4,3), 33,9 (±4,3) y 32,5 (±6,7) %CVM. La actividad EMG del recto femoral en la cama elástica fue 8% menor que el balancín y 9,5% que el disco propioceptivo (p < 0,001). ...

Effects of low frequency functional electrical stimulation with 15 and 50 Hz on muscle strength in heart failure patients.

PURPOSE: To compare the acute effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) with 15 and 50 Hertz (Hz) frequencies on muscle strength in patients with heart failure with healthy individuals. METHODS: Twenty-two 61.6 ± 1.0 y-old male volunteers were studied: 10 patients with heart failure (functional class II-III) and 12 healthy controls. The isometric muscle peak torque (IMPT) of the quadriceps femoral muscle was measured through a Biodex dynamometer in maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), and under FES of 50 Hz and 15 Hz, which was applied with a 0.4 ms pulse width, 10-s contraction time, 50-s resting time and maximum tolerable intensity. RESULTS: The IMPT differed in MVC, 50 Hz and 15 Hz FES both in patients (201.9 ± 14, 55.6 ± 13 and 42.1 ± 12 Newton-metre, respectively; p < 0.001) and in controls (179.3 ± 9, 62.4 ± 8 and 52.3 ± 7 Newton-metre, respectively; p < 0.001). There were no differences between the groups. In patients and controls, respectively, the 50 Hz FES corresponded to 27% versus 35% and the 15 Hz to 21% versus 29% of the IMPT generated at the MVC (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: This result can be attributed to the fact that muscle strength is proportional to the stimulation frequency and to the number of recruited motor units. Thus, the higher the frequency, the greater the motor recruiting, producing increased muscle strength. CONCLUSION: The IMPT generated by acute 50 Hz application of FES is higher than the one generated by 15 Hz, but it is lower than MVC in controls and patients with heart failure.