Caffeine Supplementation Effects on Concurrent Training Performance in Resistance-Trained Men: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of acute caffeine supplementation on the performance during a session of resistance training alone (RT) or in combination with aerobic training (i.e. concurrent training; CT). Method: Fourteen resistance-trained men (23.1 ± 4.2 years) were recruited and performed both RT and CT under three different conditions: control (CONT), placebo (PLA), and caffeine (CAF; 6 mg.kg-1) for a total of six experimental conditions. Results: Both total and per set number of repetitions, and total volume load were lower during CT as compared to RT, irrespective of the supplementation condition (all p < .001), whereas a supplementation main effect was observed for the total number of repetitions (p = .001), the number of repetitions in the first (p = .002) and second sets (p = .001), and total volume load (p = .001). RPE values were higher after the CT sessions than after the RT sessions (p < .001), whereas no differences were observed between supplementation conditions (p = .865). Conclusions: Caffeine supplementation was not sufficient to minimize the acute interference effect on strength performance in a CT session when compared to RT alone. In contrast, caffeine improved strength performance during the first set of both CT and RT, while maintaining a similar RPE between the supplementation conditions. However, the overall effect was small.

Impact of Resistance Training Volume on Physical and Perceptual Outcomes of Breast Cancer Survivors Submitted to a Combined Training Program: A Randomized, Single-Blinded Study.

BACKGROUND: To determine the effect of resistance training volume on physical and perceptual outcomes of breast cancer survivors submitted to a combined training program. DESIGN: Randomized single-blinded study. METHODS: Nineteen breast cancer survivor women were randomized to a single-set (SS) or a multiple-set (MS) group. Both groups completed an 8-week combined training intervention in which the SS and MS groups performed 1 and 3 sets per resistance exercise, respectively. The following outcomes were assessed preintervention and postintervention: maximal knee extension dynamic strength (1-repetition maximum), quadriceps muscle thickness, peak oxygen uptake, time to exhaustion, cancer-related fatigue, and quality of life. RESULTS: Both interventions increased knee extension 1-repetition maximum (SS: 29.8% [37.5%]; MS: 19.3% [11.8%]), quadriceps muscle thickness (9.4% [4.1%]; 8.9% [5.9%]), and quality of life (4.3% [6.3%]; 7.9% [9.0%]), with no difference between the groups. However, only MS improved cancer-related fatigue (-2.1% [1.7%]) and time to exhaustion (21.3% [14.9%]), whereas peak oxygen uptake remained unchanged in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer-related fatigue and time to exhaustion, improved only in the MS group after the intervention. On the other hand, similar knee extension 1-repetition maximum, quadriceps muscle thickness, and quality of life improvements were observed in breast cancer survivors irrespective of the resistance training volume performed.

Relationship between Oxygen Uptake, Heart Rate, and Perceived Effort in an Aquatic Incremental Test in Older Women.

Different parameters can be used to control the intensity of aerobic exercises, a choice that should consider the population and exercise environment targeted. Therefore, our study aimed to verify the relationship between oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and cadence during an aquatic incremental test in older women. Nine older women (64.3 ± 4.4 years) engaged in a water-based aerobic training performed an aquatic incremental test using the stationary running exercise (cadence increases of 15 b·min-1 every 2 min) until participants' volitional exhaustion. VO2, HR, and RPE data were measured, and the percentage of peak VO2 (%VO2peak) and percentage of maximal HR (%HRmax) were calculated. Linear and polynomial regression analyses were performed (α = 0.05). Polynomial regressions revealed the best adjustments for all analyses. Data showed a significant relationship (p < 0.001) between %VO2peak and %HRmax (r = 0.921), %VO2peak and RPE (r = 0.870), and %HRmax and RPE (r = 0.878). Likewise, significant relationships between cadence (p < 0.001) and %VO2peak (r = 0.873), %HRmax (r = 0.874), and RPE (r = 0.910) were also observed. In summary, the physiological, subjective, and mechanical variables investigated were highly associated during an aquatic incremental test to exhaustion in older women. Therefore, these different parameters can be employed to adequately prescribe water-based programs according to preference and availability.

Kinetic parameters during land and water walking performed by individuals with Down Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Down Syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition presenting delay in acquisition of main motor milestones, such as walking. Although studies have been investigating the biomechanical parameters during land walking performed by individual with DS, the literature is scarce regarding kinetic parameters analysis in this population, specially during water walking. RESEARCH QUESTION: This study sought to assess the vertical ground reaction force (Fz) of walking performed in water and on land at different speeds by individuals with DS. METHODS: Fourteen adults with DS (age: 27.9 ± 7.9 years; body mass: 58.4 ± 12.9 kg; height: 1.4 ± 0.1 m, body mass index: 29.2 ± 5.4 kg.m-2) completed two sessions of data collection, one on land and another in aquatic environment. The protocol consisted of walking performed at three self-selected speeds (slow, comfortable and fast) in randomized order. The Fz was assessed with a waterproof force plate in each condition. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (environment and speed), with Bonferroni's post hoc tests, were used for analysis. A significance level was set as α = 0.05. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between environments (p < 0.001), with reduced first peak of Fz (68-73%), second peak of Fz (66-70%), loading rate (75-78%) and impulse (40-41%) in the water walking for all speeds analyzed. In the aquatic environment, no significant difference was observed for the first and second Fz peaks with the increasing speed of walking. Moreover, the loading rate significantly increased (p = 0.019) as the impulse significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in the higher speeds. SIGNIFICANCE: Individuals with DS present reduced Fz outcomes during water walking in comparison to land. Therefore, water walking may be performed by individuals with DS with safe vertical loads on lower limbs regardless the self-selected speed for rehabilitation, correction of gait and training purposes.

Water-based continuous and interval training in older women: Cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular outcomes (WATER study).

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two water-based aerobic programs on cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular outcomes in older women. Forty-one women (60 to 75 years old) volunteered to participate in the study. Participants were randomized into a water-based continuous (CTG; n = 21; 63.9 ± 2.5 years) or an interval (ITG; n = 20; 64.8 ± 3.6 years) aerobic training group. Both training programs were performed for 12 weeks (45-min sessions twice a week), with exercise intensity based on rating of perceived exertion (Borg's RPE 6-20 Scale). Pre and post training assessments of cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular outcomes were performed. Data analyses were conducted using Generalized Estimating Equations and Bonferroni post-hoc test (α = 0.05). After the intervention, the CTG and the ITG displayed similar improvements in time to exhaustion (8% vs. 11%), peak oxygen uptake (9% vs. 7%), maximal dynamic knee extension strength (5% vs. 6%), dynamic muscular endurance of knee extensors (10% vs. 11%), maximal vastus lateralis electromyographic signal amplitude (13% vs. 35%), as well as an increase in muscle thickness (5% vs. 6%) and decrease in muscle echo intensity (-2% vs. -3%) of the quadriceps femoris. In conclusion, older women benefited from water-based exercise training prescribed based on participants' RPE, with both the interval and the continuous training programs resulting in similar increases in the cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular parameters.

Randomized Clinical Trial of Water-Based Aerobic Training in Older Women (WATER Study): Functional Capacity and Quality of Life Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 2 water-based aerobic training programs on functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) of older women. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. METHODS: A total of 41 women (64.3 [3.1] y) were randomized into a continuous (CTG) and an interval (ITG) water-based aerobic training group. Training programs were performed with exercise intensity based on rating of perceived exertion throughout 12 weeks (twice a week). Functional tests with and without dual-task and QoL questionnaire were applied pretraining and posttraining. Per protocol and intention to treat analysis were conducted using generalized estimating equations, with Bonferroni post hoc test (α = .05). RESULTS: The per protocol analysis showed an increase in the 30-second chair stand (6% [12%] vs 18% [13%]), 6-minute walk (4% [7%] vs 2% [8%]), and 5-m habitual gait velocity (6% [11%] vs 4% [7%]) tests after CTG and ITG training groups. In addition, the intention to treat analysis revealed an increase in the 30-second chair stand test (7% [13%] vs 12% [13%]) and physical domain of QoL (8% [26%] vs 14% [22%]) after CTG and ITG training groups, as well as an increase in the gait velocity with verbal task after CTG (6% [11%]). CONCLUSIONS: Both water-based aerobic training programs induced similar improvements in the functional capacity and maintained the QoL perception in older women.

Water-based exercises in pregnancy: Apparent weight in immersion and ground reaction force at third trimester.

BACKGROUND: The morphological alterations during pregnancy may affect the biomechanical loads during exercise practice. Aquatic exercises may suit pregnant women, who are recommended to exercise with low vertical ground reaction force loads. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the apparent weight reduction during immersion and the vertical ground reaction force of three specific water-based exercises in pregnant women at the third trimester. METHODS: Eleven pregnant women volunteered to take part in the study [32.0 (SD 1.3) weeks, 28.1 (SD 5.7) years, 72.5 (SD 10.1) kg]. The protocol started with the participants immersed to the xiphoid process depth for the apparent weight assessment. Then, three water-based exercises (stationary running, frontal kick and butt kick) were randomly performed at a pre-selected cadence, with 5-min interval. The vertical ground reaction force was measured in each exercise and peak, impulse, contact time and swing time were determined. Repeated measures ANOVA was used (α = 0.05). FINDINGS: The apparent weight reduction resulted a mean of 82.9 (SD 6.5)% of body weight. Peak, impulse, contact time and swing time revealed no significant difference between exercises (P > 0.05). Values of peak of vertical ground reaction force ranged from 0.67 to 0.72 units of body weight. INTERPRETATION: Pregnant women at the third trimester can benefit from the apparent weight reduction during immersion for exercising. The three water-based exercises presented similar vertical ground reaction force values, which are considered as low odds for musculoskeletal injuries. Therefore, these findings highlight the safety of the water-based exercise program during pregnancy.

Frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms among police officers: systematic review / Frequência de sintomas musculoesqueléticos entre policiais: revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Musculoskeletal symptoms are considered one of the major health problems among police officers. However, no study has synthesized the frequency of these disorders in different parts of the body in this population. The study aimed to describe the frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms in different body regions of the police officers. CONTENTS: A search was conducted in the electronic databases Pubmed/Medline, Web of Science, LILACS, and Scielo, as well as a manual search in the references of the articles. Ten of the 4025 possible studies found were included, which reported different types of musculoskeletal symptoms frequency in different body regions and periods. The frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms within 12 months ranged from 42-52% for the lower back, 34-43% for the knees, 7-32% for the shoulders, 7-27% for the wrists/hands/fingers, 29-42% for the neck, 18-28% for ankle/foot, 8-10% for elbow, 22-45% for upper back and 12-18% for hip/thigh. CONCLUSION: The frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms in police officers was high, especially in the lumbar, dorsal, knee, neck, and shoulder regions. Preventive measures such as physical activity and ergonomic adaptations to reduce these symptoms in this population are necessary.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Os sintomas musculoesqueléticos são considerados um dos maiores problemas de saúde entre policiais, porém nenhum estudo sintetizou a frequência desses distúrbios em diferentes partes do corpo nessa população. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a frequência dos sintomas musculoesqueléticos nas diferentes regiões do corpo de policiais. CONTEÚDO: Foi conduzida uma busca nas bases eletrônicas Pubmed/Medline, Web of Science, LILACS e Scielo, bem como busca manual nas referências dos artigos. Foram incluídos 10 dos 4.025 possíveis estudos encontrados, os quais reportaram diversos tipos de frequência de sintomas musculoesqueléticos em diferentes regiões do corpo e períodos. A frequência de sintomas musculoesqueléticos no período de 12 meses variou entre 42-52% para região lombar, 34-43% para joelhos, 7-32% para ombros, 7-27% para punhos/mãos/dedos, 29-42% para pescoço, 18-28% para tornozelo/pé, 8-10% para cotovelo, 22-45% para parte superior das costas e 12-18% para quadril/coxa. CONCLUSÃO: A frequência de sintomas musculoesqueléticos em policiais foi alta, principalmente nas regiões lombares, dorsais, joelhos, pescoço e ombros. Devem ser realizadas medidas preventivas, tais como atividades físicas e adaptações ergonômicas, visando a redução desses sintomas nessa população.

Exercício físico remoto e fadiga em sobreviventes do câncer de mama: uma intervenção em tempos da COVID-19 / Physical exercise using telehealth and fatigue in breast cancer survivors: an intervention in the days of COVID-19

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar os efeitos de um programa de exercício físico supervisionado remotamente sobre a percepção de fadiga de sobreviventes do câncer de mama durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Participaram do estudo dez mulheres (56,30 ± 14,00 anos) fisicamente ativas, participantes de um programa de extensão universitário e que foram diagnosticadas com câncer de mama entre os estágios I-III (5,65 ± 2,19 anos de diagnóstico). O programa de exercício físico foi realizado de forma supervisionada por meio de chamada de vídeo durante 12 semanas, com duas sessões semanais de 30 minutos, em dias não consecutivos. Os treinos foram compostos por exercícios de mobilidade articular, de força, aeróbios e de equilíbrio, sendo modificados a cada três semanas. A percepção de fadiga relacionada ao câncer foi medida pela Piper Fatigue Scale por meio de chamada telefônica, antes e após as 12 semanas de intervenção. Os dados foram analisados utilizando o teste não-paramétrico Wilcoxon. Os resultados demonstraram valores de todos os domínios da fadiga relacionada ao câncer (fadiga total: p = 0,463; comportamental: p = 0,655; afetiva: p = 0,593; sensorial: p = 0,223; cognitiva: p = 0,141) estatisticamente semelhantes entre os momentos pré e pós intervenção. Conclui-se que, após 12 semanas de um programa de exercício físico supervisionado remotamente por chamada de vídeo, durante o distanciamento social devido a pandemia da CO-VID-19, a percepção de fadiga de mulheres sobreviventes do câncer de mama permaneceu estável

The purpose of the present study was to verify the effects of physical exercise using telehealth on the cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ten physically active women (56.30 ± 14.00 years) participating in a university extension program and diagnosed with breast cancer between stages I-III (5.65 ± 2.19 years of diagnosis) were included in the study. Physical exercise program was carried out with supervision through video call for 12 weeks with two 30-minutes sessions per week on non-consecutive days. The training sessions consisted of joint mobility, strength, aerobic and balance exercises, and were modified every three weeks. The cancer-related fatigue was measured pre and post 12 weeks of intervention by the Piper Fatigue Scale through a telephone call. The data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon non-parametric test. The results showed values of all domains of cancer-related fatigue (total fatigue: p = 0.463; behavioral: p = 0.655; affective: p = 0.593; sensory: p = 0.223; cognitive/mood: p = 0.141) statistically similar between pre and post intervention time points. It is concluded that after 12 weeks of a supervised physical exercise program using telehealth, during social distance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the perception of fatigue in breast cancer survivors remained stable