Spirulina platensis prevents oxidative stress and inflammation promoted by strength training in rats: dose-response relation study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Spirulina Platensis supplementation on selected blood markers of oxidative stress, muscle damage, inflammation, and performance in trained rats. Rats (250 g - 300 g) were submitted to a strength training program (eight weeks), divided into four groups: control (GT) (trained without supplementation), trained with daily-supplementation of 50 mg/kg (GT50), 150 mg/kg (GT150) and 500 mg/kg (GT500). Training consisted of a jump protocol in PVC-cylinder containing water, with increasing load over experimental weeks. We evaluated the markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde - MDA and antioxidant capacity) and inflammation (C-reactive protein) at the end of the training. Among groups submitted to strength training, concentration of C-reactive protein decreased after 8 weeks of intervention in the trained group and GT500. Strength training enhanced plasma MDA concentration of malondialdehyde with supplementation of S. platensis in GT150 and GT500. In plasma analysis, strength training enhanced the percentage of oxidation inhibition, with spirulina supplementation in rates of 150 and 500 mg/kg. Spirulina supplementation for 8 weeks (in a dose-effect manner) improved antioxidant capacity as well as attenuated exercise-induced increases in ROS and inflammation. As a practical application, the use as high doses did not cause a reduction in positive physiological adaptations to exercise training. Additional studies are necessary to test the application of Spirulina Platensis in other contexts, as collective sports (basketball, football, soccer).

Tai-chi-chuan and yoga onpostexercise hypotension: comparison to aerobic and resistance exercise / Hipotensão pós-exercício em Tai-chi-chuan e Yoga: Comparação com exercício aeróbio e resistido

Abstract Introduction: Tai-Chi-Chuan and Yoga have becoming popular practices. However is unclear the cardiovascular effects, and if they present similar behavior to aerobic and resistance sessions. Objective: To evaluate the cardiovascular responses during the session and post-exercise hypotension (PEH) of Tai Chi Chuan (TS) and Yoga (YS) in comparison to aerobic (AS) and resistance (SR) exercises. Methods: Fourteen young women (22.3 ± 2 years) apparently healthy performed four sessions (AS, RS, TS and YS). The heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were recorded at resting, during (every 10 minutes) and until 50 minutes of recovery. Results: AS, RS, TS e YS showed significant increase in HR compared to resting.AS at 10, 30 e 50 minutes in relation to RS, TS e YS. The RS in relation to TS and YS at 10, 30 and 50 minutes. No significant difference between TS and YS. SBP was significantly increased in AS, RS, TS e YS at 10, 30 e 50 minutes during the session, in relation to rest. AS was significantly higher at 30 e 50 minutes than RS and higher than TS and YS at 10, 30 e 50 minutes. No significant difference in DBP. For PEH, AS, RS and TS significantly reduced at 10, 30 and 50 minutes. YS reduced at 50 minutes. No significant diastolic PEH. Conclusion: TS and YS showed as safe alternatives of exercising in the normotensive young adult woman, despite having lower values, they promote similar hemodynamic behavior to AS and RS.

Resumo Introdução: Tai-Chi-Chuan e Yoga vem se tornando práticas populares. No entanto não está claro os efeitos cardiovasculares e se apresentam comportamento similar às sessões aeróbicas e resistidas. Objetivo: Avaliar as respostas cardiovasculares durante a sessão e hipotensão pós-exercício (HPE) de Tai Chi Chuan (TS) e Yoga (YS) comparando com sessões aeróbica (AS) e resistida (RS). Métodos: Catorze mulheres jovens (22,3±2 anos), aparentemente saudáveisrealizaram quatro sessões (AS, RS, TS e YS). A freqüência cardíaca (FC), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD) foram mensurados em repouso, durante (a cada 10 minutos) e até 50 minutos de recuperação. Resultados: AS, RS, TS e YS mostrou aumento significativo na FC em relação ao repouso. AS aos 10, 30 e 50 minutos em relação a RS, TS e YS. RS em relação a TS e YS aos 10, 30 e 50 minutos. Não houve diferença significativa entre TS e YS. PAS foi significativamente maior em AS, RS, TS e YS aos 10, 30 e 50 minutos durante a sessão em relação ao repouso. AS foi significativamente maior que RS aos 30 e 50 minutos e maior que TS e YS em 10, 30 e 50 minutos. Não houve diferença significativa na PAD. Para HPE AS, RS e TS reduziram significativamente aos 10, 30 e 50 minutos. YS reduziu aos 50 minutos. Sem diferença na HPE diastólica. Conclusão: TS e YS mostrou-se alternativa segura de exercítação em adultas jovens normotensas, apesar de ter valores mais baixos, promovem comportamento hemodinâmico semelhante ao AS e RS.

Anabolic-androgenic steroid use among Brazilian bodybuilders.

This cross-sectional, quantitative, exploratory study investigated the prevalence and profile of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) users amongst a convenience sample of 510 bodybuilders from 52 gyms, in João Pessoa, Brazil, with a structured questionnaire containing selected questions about socioeconomic and training variables on the use of AAS. Data were analyzed using frequency and chi-square tests. AAS prevalence use was 20.6%; mostly young men (98.1%), of a low education level (46.7%), who trained for more than 4 years (49.5%). The use of AAS was related to the use of dietary supplements. About 81% of consumed AAS consisted of Deca-Durabolin, Winstrol, and Sustanon. Study's limitations are noted.