Brain functional training: a perspective article.

Introduction: Physical exercise (PE) positively affects the nervous system, impacting morphology and physiology. It increases brain gray and white matter, improves cerebral blood flow, and stimulates neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and angiogenesis, promoting brain function. Although exercise already affects cognition, some training modalities place greater demands on the cognitive aspects of physical exercise, such as perceptual-motor and visual-motor training. This type of approach aims to emphasize the cognitive adaptations that occur chronically. Specifically for older people, functional training, a multi-component approach, is a promising exercise modality that stimulates functionality using multi-joint, multi-planar exercises mirroring daily activities. However, applying a greater focus on cognitive adaptations in line with the functional training proposal for maximal benefits remains underexplored. Aim: Thus, this perspective article initially explores different exercise approaches emphasizing cognitive adaptations and proposes Brain Functional Training to improve older adult's functionality. Methods: Furthermore, we explain how brain functional training can be explored to emphasize cognitive aspects based on increasing complexity to stimulate the executive function and its subdomains. Conclusion: This proposal is one alternative to combining motor and cognitive stimuli to promote autonomy and health in older people.

Dual-task training is as effective as functional training on the functional fitness of older women: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The interest in approaches that improve older individuals' functional fitness and autonomy is increasing. However, the effects of dual-task training on older women's functional fitness and the comparison with the functional training approach are unclear. Therefore, we compared dual-task and functional training on the functional fitness of older women and the effects of three months of detraining. METHODS: Sixty-one women performed 16 weeks of dual-task training or functional training. The functional fitness was measured pre-, post-training, and post-detraining, based on the ability to put on and take off a t-shirt, evaluating the mobility of the upper limb, standing-up from the prone position measuring the global functionality, five times sit-to-stand test to assess the lower limbs muscle power, timed up and go to measure the dynamic balance and agility, gallon-jug shelf-transfer to evaluate the global functionality emphasizing the upper limbs and 10 m walk test to analyze the gait ability. RESULTS: Dual-task training and functional training generally provided significant small to moderate magnitude performance increases in the put on and take off a t-shirt (dual-task training: d = 0.35 / functional training: d = 0.49), five times sit-to-stand test (dual-task training: d = 0.41 / functional training: d = 0.77), timed up and go (dual-task training: d = 0.34 / functional training: d = 0.78), and gallon-jug shelf-transfer (dual-task training: d = 0.76 / functional training: d = 0.82). Only the functional training improved the 10 m walk test (d = 0.32; p = 0.013), and both groups did not change the standing-up from the prone position performance. After the detraining period, both groups kept the adaptations for the gallon-jug shelf-transfer and five times sit-to-stand test. At the same time, only the dual-task training maintained the adaptations for the put on and take off a t-shirt and the functional training for the timed up and go. CONCLUSION: Sixteen weeks of dual-task and functional training are similarly effective in improving older women's functional fitness, maintaining their benefits even after three months of detraining. TRIAL REGISTRATION: RBR-10ny848z ( https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-10ny848z ).

Functional and Combined Training Promote Body Recomposition and Lower Limb Strength in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial and a Time Course Analysis.

Encouraging healthy aging in postmenopausal women involves advocating for lifestyle modifications, including regular physical exercise like combined training (CT) and functional training (FT). Regarding this population, age-related alterations in body composition, such as decreased muscle mass and heightened adipose tissue, impact health. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of FT and CT on body recomposition in postmenopausal women. About the methods, we randomly allocated 96 post-menopausal women to the FT, CT, or control group (CG). We measured body composition by bioimpedance and lower limb muscle strength by sit-to-stand test in five repetitions, respectively. The training protocol lasted 16 weeks, and we measured body composition and lower limb muscle strength every 4 weeks, totaling five assessments. Regarding results, we notice that both training groups increased lean mass from the 8th week of training. In addition, a reduction was observed in total fat percentage and an increase in appendicular lean mass from the 12th week of intervention. No differences were found for body mass. Furthermore, only the experimental groups increase muscle strength, starting from the 4th week of training. The conclusion was that FT and CT promote similar adaptations in body recomposition without affecting body mass in postmenopausal women.

Different resistance training volumes on strength, functional fitness, and body composition of older people: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Aging causes several changes in the body, reducing strength and muscle mass, which leads to a decline in function. Resistance training (RT) is used to counteract these changes. However, there is still ongoing debate about the optimal volume of RT in the context of aging. We systematically reviewed articles that assessed the impact of different volumes of RT on muscular strength, functional fitness, and body composition of older people. We conducted a systematic search in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, PEDro, and Google Scholar databases, using keywords related to the older population and various RT volumes. We performed meta-analyses for each outcome separately using intervention time in weeks for subgroup analyses. We employed random effects models for all meta-analyses and expressed the results as standardized mean differences (Hedges' g). We included 31 studies, encompassing a total of 1.744 participants. The sample size ranged from 18 to 376, with an average size of 56 participants. Participants' ages ranged from 60 to 83 years. On average, HV-RT (High-Volume Resistance Training) induced significant adaptations in muscle strength of the upper limbs (g = 0.36; 95 % CI = 0.11-0.61) and lower limbs (g = 0.41; 95 % CI = 0.23-0.59), with superiority more pronounced after 12 weeks of training. Regarding functional fitness, there was a tendency favoring HV-RT (g = 0.41; 95 % CI = 0.23-0.59). Thus, HV-RT outperforms LV-RT (Low-Volume Resistance Training) in enhancing muscle strength, particularly in longer interventions with independent older adults.

Functional Training and Dual-Task Training Improve the Executive Function of Older Women.

Functional training (FT) is a type of multicomponent training with emphasis on activities of daily living that stimulate different physical capacities in only one session. Dual-task training (DTT) is a type of training that simultaneously applies cognitive and motor stimuli. We investigated the effects of sixteen weeks of FT and DTT and eight weeks of detraining on older women's inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Sixty-two older women (66.9 ± 5.4 years; 27.7 ± 3.9 kg/m2) completed a 16-week intervention program comprising the FT (n = 31) and DTT (n = 31), and 43 returned after the detraining period. We used the Stroop Color Word Color test to evaluate inhibitory control, the Corsi Block Test to assess working memory, and the Trail Making Test to evaluate cognitive flexibility. Only DTT reduced the congruent response time between the pre-test and post-test (d= -0.64; p < 0.001), with no difference between the post-test and the detraining values (d = 1.13; p < 0.001). Both groups reduced the incongruent response time between the pre-test and post-test (FT: d = -0.61; p = 0.002; DTT: d= -0.59; p = 0.002) without a difference between groups. There were no significant differences in working memory and cognitive flexibility. Sixteen weeks of FT and DTT increased the inhibitory control of older women but not the working memory and cognitive flexibility, and these effects persisted after eight weeks of detraining.

Is functional training an efficient approach to improve body composition in older people? A systematic review.

Introduction: Increases in fat mass and reductions in lean mass are associated with the frailty and mortality of older people. In this context, Functional Training (FT) is an option to increase lean mass and reduce fat mass in older people. Thus, this systematic review aims to investigate the effects of FT on body fat and lean mass in older people. Methods: We included randomized controlled clinical trials, with at least one intervention group that employed FT, with the age of participants ≥60 years; and participants physically independent and healthy. We performed the systematic investigation in Pubmed MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. We extracted the information and used the PEDro Scale to assess the methodological quality of each study. Results: Our research found 3,056 references with five appropriate studies. Of the five studies, three presented reductions in fat mass, all of them with interventions between three and 6 months, different training dose parameters, and 100% of the sample was composed of women. On the other hand, two studies with interventions between 10 and 12 weeks presented conflicting results. Conclusion: Despite the limited literature about lean mass, it appears that long-term FT interventions may reduce fat mass in older women. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=399257, identifier CRD42023399257.

A single-set functional training program increases muscle power, improves functional fitness, and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines in postmenopausal women: A randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: Aging can be associated with reduced muscle power, functional decline, and increased plasma concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines. Functional training (FT) can improve muscle power, functional fitness and reduce plasma cytokines. However, the functional training optimal volume required to produce these adaptations must be clarified. Our study analyzed the effects of multiple-set functional training (MSFT) and single-set functional training (SSFT) on postmenopausal women's muscle power, functional fitness, and inflammatory profile. Methods: Forty-three women were randomly allocated into three groups: multiple-set functional training (n = 16, age 64.13 ± 5.17), single-set functional training (n = 14, age 63.79 ± 4.88), and control group (CG, n = 13, age 64.62 ± 5.44). The bench press and squat exercises evaluated upper and lower limb muscle power. The following tests assessed functional fitness: putting on and taking off a T-shirt, gallon-jug shelf-transfer, standing up and walking around the house, five times sit-to-stand, and 400-m walk. Plasma cytokine (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL 10) concentrations were measured by flow cytometry. Results: Single-set functional training and multiple-set functional training increased upper and lower limbs muscle power and improved functional fitness, except for the putting on and taking off a T-shirt test. Multiple-set functional training reduced TNF-α and IL-6, while single-set functional training reduced only TNF-α. IL-10 was unaffected by exercise. Discussion: Single-set functional training and multiple-set functional training, therefore, promoted similar muscle power and functional fitness improvements over 24 weeks. Multiple-set functional training was more effective than single-set functional training, reducing both TNF and IL-6, while single-set functional training only decreased TNF-α.

Bodyweight and Combined Training Reduce Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation and Improve Functional Fitness of Postmenopausal Women.

Exercise is an important tool against the deleterious effects of aging. Among the possibilities of exercise, bodyweight training (BWT) has been highlighted in the last years as a safe option to improve the health of older people. We compared the effects of 24 weeks of BWT and combined training (CT) on low-grade systematic inflammation and functional fitness in postmenopausal women. For this, 40 women were allocated and submitted to CT (n = 20, 64.43 ± 3.13 years, 29.56 ± 4.80 kg/m²) and BWT (n = 20, 65.10 ± 4.86 years, 28.76 ± 4.26 kg/m²). We measured inflammation by the interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) assessments. For functional fitness, we used tests similar to activities of daily living. At the end of the 16 weeks, data from 24 women were analyzed, CT (n = 14) and BT (n = 10). Both groups reduced TNF-α and IL-6 levels, without differences in IL-10. Regarding functional fitness, both groups demonstrated improvements in all tests after 24 weeks, except for rise from prone position and the 400-meter walk test for CT. In summary, CT and BWT are effective in reducing the plasma concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and improving functional fitness in postmenopausal women.

Neuroendocrine effects of a single bout of functional and core stabilization training in women with chronic nonspecific low back pain: A crossover study.

Exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) is characterized as the pain reduction after an exercise session and it seems to be related to the release of plasma ß-endorphin. In this sense, the core stabilization training (CT) has been suggested for patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP), but it is unclear whether it induces EIH. Patients with CNSLBP have neuromotor dysfunctions that can affect the performance of functional tasks, thus, performing functional training (FT) could improve motor control and promote EIH, since functional training uses multi-joint exercises that aim to improve the functionality of actions performed in daily life. EIH is usually assessed using quantitative sensory tests (QST) such as conditioned pain modulation, pressure pain threshold, and temporal summation. Thus, the sum of parameters from quantitative sensory tests and plasma ß-endorphin would make it possible to understand what the neuroendocrine effects of FT and CT session are. Our study compared the acute effect of CT and FT on the EIH and plasma ß-endorphin release, and correlated plasma ß-endorphin with quantitative sensory testing in patients with CNSLBP. Eighteen women performed two training sessions (CT and FT) with an interval of 48 h between sessions. EIH was assessed by QST and plasma ß-endorphin levels. Results showed that only FT significantly increased plasma ß-endorphin (FT p < 0.01; CT p = 0.45), which correlated with pain pressure threshold (PPT) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM). However, QST values were not different in women with CNSLBP after CT or FT protocols. Plasma ß-endorphin correlated with PPT and CPM, however, the same did not occur with a temporal summation.

Acute effects of the resistance exercise associated with different blood flow restriction pressures on bone remodeling biomarkers.

Background: The present study analyzed the acute responses of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) to the low-intensity resistance exercise with blood flow restriction using different occlusion pressures. Methods: Twelve women completed the three protocols of this crossover study: resistance exercise without blood flow restriction (RE), resistance exercise with blood flow restriction and occlusion pressure corresponding to 70% of systolic blood pressure (RE + BFR70), and resistance exercise with blood flow restriction and occlusion pressure corresponding 130% of systolic blood pressure (RE + BFR130). All exercises were performed in a guided squat apparatus with load corresponded to 30% of one-repetition maximum test. Results: Relative to resting levels, PTH concentrations decreased significantly (p = .000) post-exercise in all groups and increased significantly (p = .000) 15 min post-exercise in RE + BFR70 and RE + BFR130 groups; PTH concentrations returned to resting levels after the 30-min recovery period in all groups. There was no significant difference (p >.05) between BSAP values at rest and 30 min post-exercise. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results showed that protocols with blood flow restriction using occlusion pressures equivalent to 70% and 130% of systolic blood pressure were more effective than RE alone to induce PTH peaks, and to promote a metabolic condition favorable to bone anabolism.

Active Vegetarians Show Better Lower Limb Strength and Power than Active Omnivores.

Vegetarian diets have become popular among athletes and active individuals and can have advantages for physical performance, but the results are still conflicting regarding muscle strength and power. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diet and physical performance of vegetarians through tests of dynamic, isometric, and relative strength; muscle power; and aerobic capacity. In this cross-sectional study, 32 vegetarians and 26 omnivores, who were physically active, were evaluated for the Healthy Eating Index and performance tested back squat, handgrip strength, isometric deadlift strength, jump with countermovement, and maximum aerobic speed (MAS). Improved diet quality (63.24±14.40 vs. 54±16.80, p<0.05), greater relative strength (1.03±0.23 vs. 0.91±0.12, p<0.05), and greater jump height (43.77±9.91 vs. 38.45±8.92, p<0.05) were found among vegetarians. No difference was seen in MAS (13.5±2 vs. 11±3, p>0.05) or isometric strength of upper limbs (77±29 vs. 70±50, p>0.05) and lower limbs (89±41 vs. 97±50, p>0.05). Thus, we conclude that vegetarians and omnivores show similar performance in strength and aerobic capacity, but in our sample, vegetarians show higher levels of relative strength and power.

Analysis of Pacing Strategies in AMRAP, EMOM, and FOR TIME Training Models during "Cross" Modalities.

Empirically, it is widely discussed in "Cross" modalities that the pacing strategy developed by an athlete or trainee has a significant impact on the endurance performance in a WOD in the AMRAP, EMOM, or FOR TIME model. We can observe at least six pacing strategies adopted during the cyclical modalities in the endurance performance in the scientific literature. However, besides these modalities, exercises of acyclical modalities of weightlifting and gymnastics are performed in the "Cross" modalities. These exercises may not allow the same pacing strategies adopted during cyclic modalities' movements due to their motor characteristics and different intensity and level of effort imposed to perform the motor gesture. In addition to the intensity and level of effort that are generally unknown to the coach and athlete of the "Cross" modalities, another factor that can influence the adoption of a pacing strategy during a WOD in the AMRAP, EMOM, or FOR TIME model is the task endpoint knowledge, which varies according to the training model used. Thus, our objective was to evaluate situations in which these factors can influence the pacing strategies adopted in a self-regulated task with cyclic and acyclic modalities movements during an endurance workout in the AMRAP, EMOM, and FOR TIME model. Given the scarcity of studies in the scientific literature and the increasing discussion of this topic within the "Cross" modalities, this manuscript can help scientists and coaches better orient their research problems or training programs and analyze and interpret new findings more accurately.

Acute leucocyte, muscle damage, and stress marker responses to high-intensity functional training.

BACKGROUND: High-intensity functional training (HIFT) has become more popular, and the number of practitioners has increased; however, it remains unclear whether perturbations in the immune parameters occur, even after one single bout. Our aim was to examine acute leucocyte, muscle damage, and stress marker responses following a single 'Cindy' workout session, and compare the results between novice and experienced participants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-three HIFT practitioners (age 31.0 ± 1.0 years) completed the 'Cindy' workout. They were categorized as novice (3-8 months of experience; n = 10) and experienced (≥18 months; n = 13). White blood cell (WBC) count, plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity, blood cortisol level, and lactate concentration were measured. Blood analysis was performed before (pre-ex), immediately after (post-ex), 30 min after (post-30 min), and 24 h after (post-24 h) a single 'Cindy' workout session. RESULTS: WBC count was higher post-ex (6.8 to 11.8x103/µL) and returned to baseline values within post-30 min (p<0.01). Neutrophil (3.3 to 4.5x103/µL) and lymphocyte levels (2.8 to 5.9x103/µL) were higher post-ex and returned to baseline values after post-24 h, yet lymphocytopoenia (2.2x103/µL) was observed at post-30 min (p<0.01). CK increased post-ex (174.9 to 226.7 U.L-1) and remained elevated post-24 h. Cortisol (14.7 to 17.0 µg/dL) and lactate (1.9 to 13.5 mmol.l-1) responses increased post-ex, but only the lactate level was reduced at post-30 min (p<0.01). The experienced participants had higher WBC, lymphocyte, and cortisol concentrations post-ex than the novice ones (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A single HIFT session elicited significant acute perturbations in WBC count, stress markers, and muscle tissue, which is like other similar regimens. Importantly, the experienced participants showed greater lymphocyte and cortisol responses than the novice ones.

Physiological and Performance Impacts After Field Supramaximal High-Intensity Interval Training With Different Work-Recovery Duration.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has numerous external load control variables. The management of these variables makes the physiological responses and performance presented by athletes also modify. The present study aimed to assess the activity of CK and LDH enzymes, performance and metabolic responses caused by two HIIT protocols above the maximum in male recreational runners. Fifteen recreational male runners performed two HIIT protocols in randomized order with multiple conditions: 1) H15 (n = 15), with a HIIT protocol of 15:15 work-recovery duration, and 2) H30 (n = 15) with a HIIT protocol of 30:30 work-recovery duration. Both protocols were performed at similar intensity (130% vV̇O2 max ), one set until voluntary exhaustion. Blood samples were collected and used to capture the levels and activities of blood lactate (BLac: mmol⋅L-1), glucose (GLU: mg⋅dL-1), creatine kinase (CK: U⋅L-1), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH: U⋅L-1). BLac and GLU were collected at pre, five, and ten minutes after the H15 and H30 protocols were performed. Blood samples were used to measure the activities of CK and LDH enzymes, which were verified 24 h before and 48 h after the protocols. The distance traveled (m), total time (s), and bouts performed (rep) were also registered. Significant differences between conditions H15 and H30 were observed in the bouts performed (p = 0.001; ES = 1.19). Several statistical differences were found over time for BLac [pre vs. post 5 (both conditions: p = 0.001), pre vs. post 10 (both conditions: p = 0.001), and post 5 vs. post 10 (H30: p = 0.004)], CK [pre vs. post 24 (H15: p < 0.001; ES = 0.97 and H30: p = 0.001; ES = 0.74) post 24 vs. post 48 (H30: p = 0.03; ES = 0.56)], and LDH [pre vs. post24 (H15: p = 0.008; ES = 1.07 and H30: p = 0.022; ES = 0.85). No statistical differences between conditions were observed for any blood parameter. Thus, the volunteers exhibited equal performance in both protocols, which resulted in a similar physiological response. Despite this similarity, in comparison to H15, the H30 protocol presented lower CK activity post 48 and lactate levels after 10 min post protocol.

Resistance training affects the hemodynamic parameters of hypertensive and normotensive women differently, and regardless of performance improvement.

BACKGROUND: Although the positive effects of resistance training (RT) on strength and functional capacity have been well evidenced in the scientific literature, the effects of RT on blood pressure and the relationship of these responses with performance improvement are not yet well established. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the effects of three and six months of RT on the hemodynamic parameters and functional capacity of hypertensive and normotensive women. METHOD: Sixteen hypertensive and 15 normotensive elderly women participated in a RT protocol designed to increase muscle strength and hypertrophy, lasting six months, twice a week. RESULTS: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) had a reduction at six months only in hypertensive patients, while diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased at six months of intervention in both groups (p < 0.05). SBP showed differences between the groups in the pretest (p < 0.05), but not at three and six months of intervention (p > 0.05). Heart rate (HR) was reduced at three months in hypertensive patients, and at six months in the normotensive (p < 0.05). The strength and functional mobility of both hypertensive and normotensive individuals significantly increased at three and six months of intervention (p < 0.05). Hypertensive women showed increased strength at all moments, while normotensive ones showed improvement only at six months. CONCLUSION: Moderate to high intensity RT improves the hemodynamic parameters of hypertensive and normotensive women differently, and independently of strength gain and functional capacity improvement.

Comparison of Post-Exercise Hypotension Responses in Paralympic Powerlifting Athletes after Completing Two Bench Press Training Intensities.

Background and objective: Post-exercise hypotension, the reduction of blood pressure after a bout of exercise, is of great clinical relevance. Resistance exercise training is considered an important contribution to exercise training programs for hypertensive individuals and athletes. In this context, post-exercise hypotension could be clinically relevant because it would maintain blood pressure of hypertensive individuals transiently at lower levels during day-time intervals, when blood pressure is typically at its highest levels. The aim of this study was to compare the post-exercise cardiovascular effects on Paralympic powerlifting athletes of two typical high-intensity resistance-training sessions, using either five sets of five bench press repetitions at 90% 1 repetition maximum (1RM) or five sets of three bench press repetitions at 95% 1RM. Materials and Methods: Ten national-level Paralympic weightlifting athletes (age: 26.1 ± 6.9 years; body mass: 76.8 ± 17.4 kg) completed the two resistance-training sessions, one week apart, in a random order. Results: Compared with baseline values, a reduction of 5-9% in systolic blood pressure was observed after 90% and 95% of 1RM at 20-50 min post-exercise. Furthermore, myocardial oxygen volume and double product were only significantly increased immediately after and 5 min post-exercise, while the heart rate was significantly elevated after the resistance training but decreased to baseline level by 50 min after training for both training conditions. Conclusions: A hypotensive response can be expected in elite Paralympic powerlifting athletes after typical high-intensity type resistance-training sessions.

The Efficacy of Functional and Traditional Exercise on the Body Composition and Determinants of Physical Fitness of Older Women: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

AIM: To analyze the efficacy of functional training (FT) and traditional training (TT) in body composition and determinants of physical fitness in older women. METHODS: This is a randomized clinical trial in which participants performed two 12-week periods of different training methods, separated by eight weeks of washout. Forty-eight physically active older women (≥60 years of age) completed the intervention in three groups: (i) program that started with FT and ended with TT (FT ⟶ TT: n = 19), (ii) program that started with TT and ended with FT (TT ⟶ FT: n = 13), and (iii) stretching group (SG: n = 16). Before and after the interventions, the body composition was evaluated by bioimpedance, the physical fitness by battery of the Senior Fitness Test, and the quality of movement by Functional Movement Screen®. RESULTS: Compared with SG, TT ⟶ FT and FT ⟶ TT promoted significant improvements in balance/agility (13.60 and 13.06%, respectively) and upper limb strength (24.91 and 16.18%). Only FT showed a statistically significant improvement in the strength of the lower limbs, cardiorespiratory capacity, and movement patterns when compared with SG considering the adaptations of methods separately. CONCLUSION: The programs used are equally effective in increasing physical fitness for daily activities in physically active older women, and therefore, they may be complementary to combat some of the deleterious effects of senescence.

Core Endurance Relationships With Athletic and Functional Performance in Inactive People.

Research regarding the relationship between core muscle endurance and performance is limited. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between core/trunk endurance and athletic performance. Seventy-four healthy participants between 18 and 45 years old participated in this study (Age: 26.0 ± 6.5 years; Mass: 74.6 ± 12.8 kg; Height: 1.74 ± 0.08 m; BMI: 19.0 ± 6.8 kg/m2). The core endurance was measured using the McGill protocol, consisting of the following tests: trunk flexion, back extension, and side-bridge. Functional performance was evaluated with push-ups, sit to stand, T-run test, countermovement jump (CMJ), Yo-Yo test, maximum dynamic strength-one repetition maximum (1RM) and muscle power on the bench press, pull row, and leg press. The regression results between the McGill protocol (proxy for core/trunk endurance) and the dependent variables were: 1RM pull row: r 2 = 0.109 with p = 0.046; RM bench press: r 2 = 0.149 with p = 0.012; RM leg press: r 2 = 0.144 with p = 0.013 and power pull row: r 2 = 0.151 with p = 0.016; power bench press: r 2 = 0.136 with p = 0.026; power leg press: r 2 = 0.122 with p = 0.013), push-ups: r 2 = 0.157 with p < 0.001, sit to stand: r 2 = 0.198 with p < 0,001), functional movement score: r 2 = 0.209 with p < 0.001). Nevertheless, core endurance scores were not able to predict jump ability (r 2 = 0.014, p = 0.807) or agility (T-test: 0.036 with p = 0.497). In conclusion, core endurance exerted no significant influence the agility and jump performance but influenced the ability to run intermittently, exert maximum power and strength in different actions (push, pull, and lift exercises) related to the better quality of movement (FMS).

Acute responses of hemodynamic and oxidative stress parameters to aerobic exercise with blood flow restriction in hypertensive elderly women.

Systemic arterial hypertension has been associated with the majority deaths from cardiovascular disease, especially among the elderly population, and the imbalance between antioxidant and pro-oxidants has been associated with hypertension. This study analyzed the acute responses of cardiorespiratory and oxidative stress parameters to low intensity aerobic exercise (LIAE) with blood flow restriction (BFR) in hypertensive elderly women. The experimental group consisted of 16 hypertensive women (67.2 ± 3.7 years) who underwent a progressive treadmill test and performed three exercise protocols in random order: high intensity (HIAE), low intensity aerobic exercise (LIAE) and low intensity aerobic exercise with blood flow restriction (LIAE + BFR). Data analysis showed that blood pressure and heart rate augmented from rest to post effort (p < 0.05) and reduced from post effort to recovery (p < 0.05) in all protocols. The values of lipid peroxidation were higher after 30 min of recovery when compared to the moment at rest in the LILIAE + BFR (p < 0.05). The same occurred with glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase activity. However, non-protein thiols levels (NPSH) reduced after 30 min of recovery when compared to the moment at rest in the LILIAE + BFR protocol (p < 0.05). In the HIAE and LIAE + BFR protocols, the levels of NPSH were lower at 30 min of recovery when compared to the same moment in the LIAE protocol (p < 0.05). LIAE + RBF produces an oxidative status and hemodynamic stimulus similar to HIAE. Taken together, these results support the indication of LIAE with BFR in chronic intervention protocols, with potential benefits for the hypertensive elderly population.

Treinamento concomitante afeta o ganho de força, mas não a hipertrofia muscular e o desempenho de endurance / Concurrent training affects strength gain, but not endurance or muscle hypertrophy

O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar os efeitos do treinamento concomitante sobre a força, a hipertrofia muscular e VO2máx. Os voluntários realizaram 12 semanas de treinamento, três vezes por semana (Treinamento de Endurance - TE = 7; Treinamento de Força - TF = 8; Treinamento Concomitante - TC = 7). Os grupos TF e TC apresentaram aumentos (p < 0,05) na força para 1-RM e na área de secção transversal do vasto lateral da coxa. A magnitude do aumento foi maior em TF que em TC (ES = 3,73 e 1,84, respectivamente). O VO2máx e o tempo de teste aumentaram de forma (p > 0,05) em TE e TC (ES = 3,73 e 1,84, respectivamente). O TC foi eficiente para aumentar a força e a potência aeróbica do pré para o pós-teste, no entanto o ganho de força foi menor no TC que no TF.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of concurrent training on strength, muscle hypertrophy and VO2max of males. Volunteers underwent 12 weeks of training three times a week (Endurance Training -ET, n = 7; Strength Training -ST, n = 8; Concurrent Training-CT, n = 7). The ST and CT groups showed increases (p <0.05) in the 1-RM strength and in cross-sectional area of the vastuslateralis of thigh. The magnitude of the increases was higher in ST than in CT (ES = 3.73 and 1.84, respectively). The VO2max and the test time increased (p> 0.05) in ET and CT (ES = 3.73 and 1.84, respectively). CT was efficient to produce increases in strength and aerobic power from the pre- to post-test; however, strength gain was lower in CT than in ST.