More than Body Composition: A Darwinian Theory of Somatotype Applied to a DII Track and Field Outdoor Season.

This study presents somatotype data on a team sport with chronic and diverse sporting demands. The aims were to (1) characterize a somatotype profile for Division II (DII) track and field athletes (n=54) by sex, class, and events; (2) determine if somatotype changed across the season; (3) determine if changes differed based on class or sex; and, (4) assess potential differences in somatotype between sexes. Methods: Anthropometrics (height, weight, body composition, somatotype) were evaluated after a competitive indoor season and immediately before the outdoor conference championships (41 days). Body measurements were assessed using a bioelectrical impedance analysis device, skinfold assessment, boney breadths, and limb girths. Descriptive statistics are provided as well as results from two-way ANOVAs which evaluate differences in actual and change scores across sex and class. Results: Our DII track and field athletes were primarily endomorphic (scores displayed as ENDO, MESO, ECTO, respectively). Males were found to be primarily ENDO-MESO somatotypes (4.7, 4.1, 3.0), while females were dominantly ENDO (7.7, 2.9, 2.9). Upperclass were more ENDO-MESO balanced compared with lowerclass (5.8, 3.8, 2.8 vs 6.0, 3.5, 3.0). When investigated based on sex, class level, and event, the groups were similar. There was no meaningful change to ECTO scores across the season for males or females. Female athletes improved ENDO scores (-0.89%) and males and females improved MESO scores (14.29% and 5.29%, respectively), indicating adaptations can be accomplished despite the chronic demands of a competitive season. Conclusion: Our research offers practitioners information about the potential changes they may expect across a competitive track and field season.

The Validity of Perceptual Recovery Status on Monitoring Recovery During a High-Intensity Back-Squat Session.

Adaptations to resistance training and subsequent performance can be undermined by inadequate interset recovery. Methods typically used to monitor recovery were developed for longitudinal use, making them time-inefficient within singular exercise bouts. If valid, perceptual recovery status (PRS) may be used as an efficient and inexpensive assessment tool to monitor individual recovery. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the validity of PRS on monitoring recovery during a high-intensity back-squat session. METHODS: Ten healthy men participated in the 2-session study (separated by at least 48 h). Session 1 included anthropometrics, PRS familiarization, and a 1-repetition-maximum back squat. Session 2 included a high-intensity protocol (5 sets of 5 repetitions; 5-min interset recovery; 85% of 1-repetition maximum). PRS was obtained before the first set and during the last 30 seconds of each 5-minute recovery; rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was also collected. A linear position transducer collected mean barbell velocity (MBV). Repeated-measures correlations assessed the common intraindividual relationships of PRS scores to intraset MBV and RPE, respectively. RESULTS: A very large, positive correlation appeared between PRS and MBV (r [95% CI] = .778 [.613 to .878]; P < .0001). A large, negative correlation emerged between PRS and RPE (r [95% CI] = -.549 [-.737 to -.282]; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that PRS can be a means for practitioners to monitor individualized recovery. PRS tracked well with RPE, strengthening its utility in a practitioner-based setting. Findings provide insight into the practicality of PRS for recovery monitoring. It could be used alongside other measures (eg, MBV and countermovement jump) to individually program and maintain performance.

Implications for cisgender female underrepresentation, small sample sizes, and misgendering in sport and exercise science research.

A sex-data gap, from testing primarily males, results in a lack of scientific knowledge for other groups (females, transgender individuals). It is unknown whether typical recruitment and participant characterization causes incorrect statistical decisions, and three factors were evaluated: 1) underrepresenting cisgender females, 2) recruiting small sample sizes, 3) misgendering. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2004) were evaluated for sex differences after removing missing values (N = 3,645; F = 1,763). Disparities were determined by utilizing sample sizes common in sport and exercise science research; mean sample size N = 187, median sample size N = 20. Participants were randomly allocated into datasets in an imbalanced manner (33.5% females, 66.5% males). Potential effects of misgendering were determined at rates of 2% and 5%. Differences between the complete data set and expected decisions were conducted through Chi-squared (χ2) goodness of fit with significance at p < .05. When the entire dataset was evaluated as if a sex testing disparity was present, decisions were not altered (χ2 = .52, p = .47). Differences were observed for mean sample size (χ2 = 4.89, p = .027), median sample size (χ2 = 13.52, p < .001), and misgendering at 2% (χ2 = 13.52, p = < .001) and 5% (χ2 = 13.52, p = < .001). Recruitment practices in sport and exercise science research should be revisited, as testing primarily cisgender males has consequences, particularly in small sample sizes. Misgendering participants also has consequences on ultimate decisions and interpretations of data, regardless of sample size. Inclusiveness is needed in helping all individuals feel valued and respected when participating in sport and exercise science research.

Muscle performance in octogenarians: Factors affecting dynapenia.

BACKGROUND: The muscle performance is associated with several health outcomes in adults, however modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors in octogenarians have not yet been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential risk factors that negatively affect muscle strength in octogenarians. METHODS: This observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study included 87 older adult participants (56 women and 31 men) attending a geriatric clinic. General anthropometrics, health history, and body composition data were collected. Muscle strength was assessed by handgrip strength (HGS), appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM) and the percentage of body fat were identified by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, and muscle quality index (MQI) was defined as the ratio of HGS by upper limbs ASMM. Multiple linear regression was conducted to determine predictive factors of the muscle strength. RESULTS: Females had lower HGS (1.39 kg) than male participants (p = 0.034). An increase of one unit MQI was associated with an increase of 3.38 kg in the HGS (p = 0.001). Each additional year of age was associated with a decrease of 0.12 kg in the HGS (p = 0.047). Regarding ASMM, an increase of one unit was associated with an increase of 0.98 kg in the HGS (p = 0.001). There was no association between dynapenia, body fat percentage, diseases and polypharmacy (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The gender, age, MQI, and ASMM influenced muscle strength of octogenarians. These intrinsic and extrinsic factors are relevant to improve our understanding of age-related complications and outline treatment guidance by healthcare professionals.

IJES Self-Study on Participants' Sex in Exercise Science: Sex-Data Gap and Corresponding Author Survey.

A sex-data gap exists between females and males within the sport and exercise science literature, and implications are far-reaching. The purpose of this work was to (a) heed recent calls and scrutinize data from within IJES to address the gap and (b) gain insight on self-identified sex of IJES corresponding authors. The present self-study included all published manuscripts from 2008 through 2021. A total of 851 publications were included, and 806 (94.7%) reported data on participant sex. There was a difference between publications that included only females (n = 132) versus only males (n = 215), and three publications reported data on sex according to non-binary identifications (0.4%). There was an overall difference between the number of female (n = 54,153; 35.9%) and male (n = 96,890; 64.1%) participants. To gain insight on self-identified sex of corresponding authors, we performed an IRB-approved research study. Among 761 unique corresponding authors, 168 individuals provided 157 usable responses-58 biological females (36.9%) and 99 biological males (63.1%). We fully support the prerogative of researchers to ethically conduct investigations and encourage open-mindedness and inclusion in future research. With data revealing an approximate one-third female (36%) and two-thirds male (64%) composition, and corresponding author feedback on self-identified sex being similar (36.9% and 63.1%, respectively), we propose a new concept that should be analyzed: is the sex-data gap representative of the composition of the field? We are not excusing the sex-data gap issue as if it cannot be addressed, and we urge others to join us in researching this line of inquiry.

A Pilot Study on Cannabidiol (CBD) and Eccentric Exercise: Impact on Inflammation, Performance, and Pain.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid purported to reduce symptoms of discomfort. Individuals are now using CBD to treat symptoms of multiple sclerosis, seizures, and chronic pain. Animal models indicate that CBD may be effective at reducing inflammation post fatiguing exercise. However, little evidence is available to evaluate these findings in humans. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the impact of two doses of CBD oil on inflammation (IL-6), performance, and pain after an eccentric loading protocol. Participants (n = 4) participated in three conditions (placebo, low dose, and high dose), in this randomized, counterbalanced design. Each condition took 72 hours to complete, with a 1-week washout period between conditions. At the beginning of each week, participants were subjected to a loading protocol of six sets of ten eccentric only repetitions in the single-arm bicep curl. Participants consumed capsules of either a placebo, low dose (2mg/kg) or high dose (10mg/kg) of CBD oil immediately following the session and continued every twelve hours for 48 hours. Venipunctures were taken before exercise and repeated at 24, 48, and 72 hours post exercise. Blood samples were centrifuged for 15 minutes in gel and lithium heparin vacutainers. Plasma was separated from cells and stored at -80° until analysis. Samples were analyzed using an immunometric assay for IL-6 (ELISA). Data were analyzed using a three (condition) by four (time) repeated measure ANOVA. There were no differences in inflammation between conditions (F(2,6) = 0.726, p = 0.522, np 2 = 0.195) or across time (F(3,9) = 0.752, p = 0.548, np 2 = 0.200), handgrip strength between conditions (F(2,6) = 0.542, p = 0.607, np 2 = .153) or across time (F(3,9) = 2.235, p = .153, np 2 = .427), or bicep curl strength between conditions (F(2,6) = 0.675, p = 0.554, np 2 = .184) or across time (F(3,9) = 3.513, p = .150, np 2 = .539). There were no differences in pain between conditions (F(2,6) = 0.495, p = 0.633, np 2 = .142), but there was a difference across time (F(3,9) = 7.028, p = .010, np 2 = .701). There were no significant interactions to note. Although there was no statistical significance between conditions (likely due to the low sample size), there was a visible increase in IL-6 48 (4.88 ± 6.53) and 72 hours (3.12 ± 4.26) post exercise in the placebo condition which was not observed in the low (48: 0.35 ± 2.22; 72: 1.34 ± 5.6) and high dose condition (48: 1.34 ± 1.34; 72: -0.79 ± 5.34). Future investigations should consider implementing eccentric resistance training across a larger portion of the body to improve ecological validity of the exercise. A larger sample would reduce risk of researchers committing a type II statistical error and give strength to detecting differences between conditions.

Eccentric resistance training with neurological conditions: A meta analysis.

BACKGROUND: People with neurological conditions are exposed to muscle wasting resulting in reduced strength and endurance. Both deficiencies negatively impact gait and balance, each of which can be benefited by strengthening exercises. Unfortunately, people with neurological conditions often do not have the ability to perform traditional weight training as their endurance and strength fail to meet the minimum threshold for improvement. An alternative to traditional, full range of motion lifting is eccentric resistance training (ERT). RESEARCH QUESTION: The current systematic review and meta-analysis sought to evaluate the efficacy of ERT against conventional therapeutic modalities or weightlifting on walking speed, Timed Up and Go (TUG), and maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) in individuals with neurological conditions. METHODS: Web of Science, PubMed, and Academic Search Complete were searched until September 1, 2020, followed by a manual search on December 3, 2021. Publications were included if they were peer reviewed, available in English, consisted of a pre-specified neurological disorder, involved human subjects, had an eccentric and "traditional" therapy; and reported at least one of the outcome measures at both pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: Thirteen studies of human subjects (n = 297) and 47 standardized mean differences (SMD) were included in the multilevel model analysis. The analysis revealed a small, albeit non-significant effect on performance (TUG, MVIC, walking speed) when comparing traditional therapies and ERT (SMD: 0.136; 96; 95 % CI: -0.0002, 0.050). SIGNIFICANCE: There appears to be no difference between ERT and traditional therapy or weightlifting on measured outcomes. In this way, ERT is as effective as traditional therapeutics and full range of motion weightlifting to improve movement in clinical populations. Practitioners working with populations with neurological conditions may consider supplementing or replacing traditional strengthening activities with ERT as clients can complete greater volumes of work with lower metabolic demand.

A VO2max Protocol for Young, Apparently Healthy Adults.

The Bruce and Astrand treadmill protocols are commonly utilized when assessing maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). However, the steep grade implemented in the protocols often leads to localized muscular fatigue, potentially causing participants prematurely to terminate the test prior to reaching their true VO2max. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a Novel VO2max protocol that may be better suited for young, apparently healthy populations. The Novel protocol starts at a higher speed and lower initial grade to limit lower extremity fatigue. Fifteen participants performed the Bruce, Astrand, and Novel protocols with the following maximal values recorded from each: VO2max, maximal ventilation (VEmax), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and time to exhaustion (TTE). The Novel protocol displayed substantial agreement with both criterion protocols. Mean absolute percent error (MAPE) was less than 10% indicating that the Novel protocol is a valid measurement for VO2max values. Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the Novel protocol exhibited a low degree of bias, with tight limits of agreement when compared to the Bruce (bias ±95% LOA = 0.824 ± 3.163) and Astrand protocols (-0.153 ± 3.528) for VO2max. A paired samples t-test revealed no significant differences between Novel and criterion protocols for VO2max. Paired samples t-tests revealed that the Novel protocol had significantly lower TTE when compared to the Bruce and Astrand protocols and produced similar VO2max values to that of the Bruce and Astrand. The Novel protocol may be considered a valid and time-efficient protocol.

Resistance training and Down Syndrome: A narrative review on considerations for exercise prescription and safety.

The current manuscript reviews the literature on the health effects of resistance training (RT) for individuals with Down syndrome (DS), focusing on this training modality's methodology, application, and safety. The literature has mentioned that early aging in this population is associated with loss of muscle strength, lower lean and bone mass, and increased obesity. It is necessary to propose non-pharmacological measures for prevention and health promotion. Thus, this review suggests a current research-based RT guide for individuals with DS. This review is divided into three sections: Section 2 briefly reviews DS and the effects on structural and functional decline and how exercise and physical activity can influence health aspects in this population; Section 3 summarizes the evidence for RT prescription; Section 4 briefly reviews the health and potential benefits of RT in individuals with DS. The findings from this review suggest that most individuals with DS should engage in moderate-intensity RT at least 2 days a week and perform RT on the major muscle groups and include balance training. The RT program should be modified and adapted according to individuals' characteristics and limitations. RT promotes positive, health-related benefits such as increasing strength, improving body composition, improving functional capacity and balance, reducing inflammatory status and oxidative stress, and improving the immune system. The RT protocols summarized in this current review provide guidance, critical conclusions, and novel research settings, which could be useful to coaches, clinicians, and researchers to effectively design RT program for individuals with DS.

Body composition and functional performance of older adults.

Objectives: To determine if anthropometric variables, body composition, medication and gender are associated with functional performance and to compare these variables between octogenarians with high and low functional performance. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were evaluated. Handgrip strength (HGS) was assessed. Participants' body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and functional performance by Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). A binomial logistic regression was performed. Results: One hundred and twenty-two octogenarians were included and separated into high and low function groups. The high function group showed lower values of WHtR (mean difference [MD] = 0.047, P = 0.025) and body fat (BF%) (MD = 3.54, P = 0.032) and higher values of apendicular skeletal muscle mass (ALM) (MD = 3.03, P = 0.001), HGS (MD = 6.11, P = 0.001) and SPPB score (MD = 4.20, P = 0.001). Women were more likely to be classified as low function (OR = 3.66, P = 0.002) and males showed 5.21 odds ratio (P = 0.021) of having high functional performance compared to females. Also, each decrease in age and medication use displayed 1.30 (P = 0.007) and 1.26 odds ratio increases (P = 0.008) in high functional performance. Conclusions: Older males display better functional performance than women, and decrements in age and medications increase the high functional performance odds ratio. Octogenarians with high functional performance displayed lower BF measurements and higher values of muscle mass and strength.

Metabolic and hormonal responses to chronic blood-flow restricted resistance training in chronic kidney disease: a randomized trial.

Maintenance of glycemic and lipemic homeostasis can limit the progression of diabetic kidney disease. Resistance training (RT) is effective in controlling glycemia and lipemia in kidney disease; however, the effect of RT with blood flow restriction (RT+BFR) on these metabolic factors has not been investigated. We aimed to verify if chronic (6 months) RT and RT+BFR performed by patients with stage-2 chronic kidney disease (CKD) improves their glycemic homeostasis and immunometabolic profiles. Patients with CKD under conservative treatment (n = 105 (33 females)) from both sexes were randomized into control (n = 35 (11 females); age 57.6 ± 5.2 years), RT (n = 35 (12 females); age 58.0 ± 6.2 years), and RT+BFR (n = 35 (10 females); 58.0 ± 6.4 years) groups. Chronic RT or RT+BFR (6 months) was performed 3 times per week on non-consecutive days with training loading adjusted every 2 months, RT 50%-60%-70% of 1RM, and RT+BFR 30%-40%+50% of 1RM and fixed repetition number. Renal function was estimated with the glomerular filtration rate and serum albumin level. Metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory assessments were analyzed from blood samples. Six months of RT and RT+BFR were similarly effective in improving glucose homeostasis and hormone mediators of glucose uptake (e.g., irisin, adiponectin, and sirtuin-1), decreasing pro-inflammatory and fibrotic proteins, and attenuating the progression of estimated glomerular filtration rate. Thus, RT+BFR can be considered an additional exercise modality to be included in the treatment of patients with stage 2 chronic kidney disease. Trial registration number: U1111-1237-8231. URL: http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-3gpg5w/, no. RBR-3gpg5w. Novelty: Glycemic regulation induced by resistance training prevents the progression of CKD. Chronic RT and RT+BFR promote similar changes in glycemic regulation. RT and RT+BFR can be considered as non-pharmacological tools for the treatment of CKD.

A roadmap: Social distancing physical activity data collection to protect those with intellectual disabilities.

The novel coronavirus may impact exercise habits of those with intellectual disabilities. Due to the mandated discontinuation of face-to-face research, investigators must adapt projects to protect all involved while collecting objective physical activity metrics. This brief report outlines a modification process of research methods to adhere to social distancing mandates present during COVID-19. Actions taken included electronic consent and assent forms, an electronic survey, and mailing an accelerometer with included instructions. The amended research methods were implemented without risk for virus transmission or undue burden on the research team, participant, or caregiver. Recruitment was likely impacted by the coronavirus-mediated quarantine, plausibly resulting in bias. Objective physical activity data collection can be sufficiently modified to protect those with intellectual disabilities and investigators. Future research designs may require greater participant incentives and the creation of in-home participation.

Renoprotection Induced by Aerobic Training Is Dependent on Nitric Oxide Bioavailability in Obese Zucker Rats.

Aerobic training (AT) promotes several health benefits that may attenuate the progression of obesity associated diabetes. Since AT is an important nitric oxide (NO-) inducer mediating kidney-healthy phenotype, the present study is aimed at investigating the effects of AT on metabolic parameters, morphological, redox balance, inflammatory profile, and vasoactive peptides in the kidney of obese-diabetic Zucker rats receiving L-NAME (N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester). Forty male Zucker rats (6 wk old) were assigned into four groups (n = 10, each): sedentary lean rats (CTL-Lean), sedentary obese rats (CTL-Obese), AT trained obese rats without blocking nitric oxide synthase (NOS) (Obese+AT), and obese-trained with NOS block (Obese+AT+L-NAME). AT groups ran 60 min in the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS), five days/wk/8 wk. Obese+AT rats improved glycemic homeostasis, SBP, aerobic capacity, renal mitochondria integrity, redox balance, inflammatory profile (e.g., TNF-α, CRP, IL-10, IL-4, and IL-17a), and molecules related to renal NO- metabolism (klotho/FGF23 axis, vasoactive peptides, renal histology, and reduced proteinuria). However, none of these positive outcomes were observed in CTL-Obese and Obese+AT+L-NAME (p < 0.0001) groups. Although Obese+AT+L-NAME lowered BP (compared with CTL-Obese; p < 0.0001), renal damage was observed after AT intervention. Furthermore, AT training under conditions of low NO- concentration increased signaling pathways associated with ACE-2/ANG1-7/MASr. We conclude that AT represents an important nonpharmacological intervention to improve kidney function in obese Zucker rats. However, these renal and metabolic benefits promoted by AT are dependent on NO- bioavailability and its underlying regulatory mechanisms.

Effects of dynamic and isometric resistance training protocols on metabolic profile in hemodialysis patients: a randomized controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of dynamic (DRT) and isometric (IRT) resistance training on glycemic homeostasis, lipid profile, and nitric oxide (NO) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Patients were randomly distributed into 3 groups: control (n = 65), DRT (n = 65), and IRT (n = 67). Patients assessed before and after the intervention period were tested for fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, oral glucose tolerance test, insulin resistance, lipid profile, leptin, insulin, adiponectin, C-reactive protein, and NO . Patients underwent to strength and body composition assessments. Subjects allocated in both DRT and IRT groups took part in a 24-week resistance training program, 3 times per week. Each training session was approximately 1 hour before dialysis and consisted of 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions at low intensity. Total workload was higher in the DRT as compared with the IRT. This heightened workload related to better glycemic homeostasis in HD patients as measured by regulation of insulin, adiponectin, and leptin, while improveing triglycerides, free-fat mass, and muscle strength. Additionally, NO levels were increased in the DRT group. NO was significantly correlated with glucose intolerance (r = -0.42, p = 0.0155) and workload (r = 0.46, p = 0.0022). The IRT group only improved strength (p < 0.05). Twenty-four weeks of DRT improved glycemic homeostasis, lipid profile, and NO in HD patients. Although IRT seems to play an important role in increasing strength, DRT might be a better choice to promote metabolic adjustments in HD patients. Clinical trial: http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-3gpg5w. Novelty: DRT might be a better choice for metabolic improvements in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Exercise-training might treat metabolic imbalance in CKD patients.

Improving the prognosis of renal patients: The effects of blood flow-restricted resistance training on redox balance and cardiac autonomic function.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Can resistance training with and without blood flow restriction improve redox balance and positively impact the autonomic cardiac modulation in chronic kidney disease patients? What is the main finding and its importance? Resistance training with and without blood flow restriction improved antioxidant defence (paraoxonase 1), decreased the pro-oxidative myeloperoxidase, improved cardiac autonomic function and slowed the decrease in renal function. We draw attention to the important clinical implications for the management of redox balance and autonomic cardiac function in chronic kidney disease patients. ABSTRACT: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are prone to cardiovascular diseases secondary to abnormalities in both autonomic cardiac function and redox balance [myeloperoxidase (MPO) to paraoxonase 1 (PON1) ratio]. Although aerobic training improves both autonomic balance and redox balance in patients with CKD, the cardioprotective effects of resistance training (RT), with and without blood flow restriction (BFR), remain unknown. We aimed to compare the effects of RT and RT+BFR on antioxidant defence (PON1), pro-oxidative status (MPO), cardiac autonomic function (quantified by heart rate variability analysis) and renal function. Conservative CKD (stages 1 to 5 who do not need hemodialysis) patients (n = 105, 33 female) of both sexes were randomized into three groups: control (CTL; 57.6 ± 5.2 years; body mass index, 33.23 ± 1.62 kg/m2 ), RT (58.09 ± 6.26 years; body mass index 33.63 ± 2.05 kg/m2 ) and RT+BFR (58.06 ± 6.47 years; body mass index, 33.32 ± 1.87 kg/m2 ). Patients completed 6 months of RT or RT+BFR on three non-consecutive days per week under the supervision of strength and conditioning professionals. Training loads were adjusted every 2 months. Heart rate variability was recorded with a Polar-RS800 and data were analysed for time and frequency domains using Kubios software. The redox balance markers were PON1 and MPO, which were analysed in plasma samples. Renal function was estimated as estimated glomerular filtration rate. The RT and RT+BFR decreased pro-oxidative MPO (RT, ∼34 ng/ml and RT+BFR, ∼27 ng/ml), improved both antioxidant defence (PON1: RT, ∼23 U/L and RT+BFR, ∼31 U/L) and cardiac autonomic function (R-R interval: RT, ∼120.4 ms and RT+BFR, ∼117.7 ms), and slowed the deterioration of renal function (P < 0.0001). Redox balance markers were inversely correlated with heart rate variability time-domain indices. Our data indicated that both training models were effective as non-pharmacological tools to increase the antioxidant defences, decrease oxidative stress and improve the cardiac autonomic function of CKD patients.

Low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction prevent renal function decline: The role of the redox balance, angiotensin 1-7 and vasopressin✰,✰✰.

AIMS: We sought to investigate the effect of resistance training (RT) and low-load RT with moderate blood flow restriction (RT+BFR) on blood pressure, exercise pressor response, redox balance and vasoactive peptides, body composition and muscle strength in patients with stage two of chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: We conducted a 6-month randomized controlled exercise intervention in 90 male and female hypertensive CKD patients (58±9 years with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; of 66.1 ± 1.2 mL/kg/1.73m2). Participants were randomized to one of three groups (n = 30/group); control group (CTL), RT, and RT+BFR. RT and RT+BFR performed three weekly training sessions using similar periodization for six months (two-month mesocycles), but of different intensities. RESULTS: There was similarly effects between RT and RT+BFR in reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure during daytime and 24hour period (RT: 10.4%; RT+BFR: 10.3% of decrease), fat mass, F2-isoprostanes, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and vasopressin (p<0.05 pre-vs post). Also promoted the increase of angiotensin 1-7, nitric oxide (NO), catalase, Trolox equivalent and muscle strength (p<0.05). Both training models attenuated the decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (p<0.0001 vs CTL). However, only RT+BFR was associated with lower discomfort during exercise (p<0.0001 pre-vs post). Statistical significance was considered with p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest low-load RT+BFR as a promising non-pharmacological strategy to control blood pressure, oxidative stress, vasoactive peptides, and consequently, attenuate the decrease of the eGFR.

Effects of Combined Resistance Plus Aerobic Training on Body Composition, Muscle Strength, Aerobic Capacity, and Renal Function in Kidney Transplantation Subjects.

ABSTRACT: Lima, PS, de Campos, AS, de Faria Neto, O, Ferreira, TCA, Amorim, CEN, Stone, WJ, Prestes, J, Garcia, AMC, and Urtado, CB. Effects of combined resistance plus aerobic training on body composition, muscle strength, aerobic capacity, and renal function in kidney transplantation subjects. J Strength Cond Res 35(11): 3243-3250, 2021-Immunosuppression and a sedentary lifestyle may exacerbate complications such as early graft dysfunction and muscle loss, and reduce patient survival after kidney transplantation (KT). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in body composition (BC), muscular strength, aerobic, and renal function in KT subjects submitted to combined resistance plus aerobic training. Twelve KT subjects were randomly assigned into groups: (G1) 12 weeks of combined training (3 males and 4 females, 54 ± 3 years); or (G2) nonexercise control (5 females, 43 ± 18 years). The subjects were evaluated for BC (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), estimated V̇o2peak, right-hand maximal grip strength (RHMGS) and left-hand maximal grip strength (LHMGS), and renal function. Post-training revealed that G1 reduced body fat percentage (p = 0.046), uric acid (Δ = -0.87; p = 0.023), urea (Δ = -9.43; p = 0.032), and creatinine (Δ = -0.15; p = 0.045), increased fat-free mass, estimated V̇o2peak, RHMGS, LHMGS (p < 0.05), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (Δ = 11.64; p = 0.017). G2 increased urea (Δ = 8.20; p = 0.017), creatinine (Δ = 0.37; p = 0.028), and decreased eGFR (Δ = -16.10; p = 0.038). After 12 weeks, urea (Δ = 24.94; p = 0.013), uric acid (Δ = 1.64; p = 0.044), and creatinine (Δ = 0.9; p = 0.011) were lower, whereas eGFR (Δ = 36.51; p = 0.009) was higher in G1. These data indicate that combined training instigates positive changes in BC, muscular strength, aerobic capacity, and renal function after KT.

Biomarkers and Redox Balance in Aging Rats after Dynamic and Isometric Resistance Training.

Aging muscle is prone to sarcopenia and its associated telomere shortening and increased oxidative stress. Telomeres are protected by a shelterin protein complex, proteins expressed in response to DNA damage. Aerobic exercise training has shown to positively modulate these proteins while aging, but the effects of resistance training are less clear. This investigation was to examine the role of dynamic and isometric RT on markers of senescence and muscle apoptosis: checkpoint kinase 2, 53 kDa protein, shelterin telomere repeat binding 1 and 2, DNA repair, telomere length and redox state in the quadriceps muscle. Fifteen 49-week-old male rats were divided into three groups: control, dynamic resistance training, and isometric resistance training. Dynamic and isometric groups completed five sessions per week during 16 weeks at low to moderate intensity (20-70% maximal load). Only dynamic group decreased expression of 53 kDa protein, proteins from shelterin complex, oxidative stress, and improved antioxidant defense. There was no difference among groups regarding telomere length. In conclusion, dynamic resistance training was more effective than isometric in reducing markers of aging and muscle apoptosis in elderly rats. This modality should be considered as valuable tool do counteract the deleterious effects of aging.

Prenatal Yoga and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized-Control Trial.

Studies have demonstrated that new and expectant mothers experience increased levels of stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though prenatal yoga is an effective mode of improving mental health during pregnancy, no research has evaluated its effect on mental health during times of extreme stress, such as a global pandemic. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of a single session and a 10-week prenatal yoga intervention on the mental health of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women (n = 19; 28.52 ± 3.74 years; 20.94 ± 4.69 weeks gestation; BMI 29.33 ± 9.08) were randomized into a yoga or a non-yoga control group. There were no differences in demographic factors or depression/anxiety scores between groups at baseline. Baseline levels of anxiety and depression were high, with an average depression score of 8.10 ± 4.85 (scores > 8 represent possible depression) and an average anxiety score of 39.26 ± 12.99 (scores ≥ 39 represent a clinically significant anxiety). After just one session of yoga, women reported feeling less depressed (p = 0.028), tense (p < 0.001), and fatigued (p = 0.004). After 10 weeks, the yoga group had lower anxiety (p = 0.002), depression (p = 0.032), and total mood disturbance (p = 0.002) scores when compared to the control group. Yoga appears to benefit the mental health of expectant mothers, even in times of extreme stress. The findings of this study provide clinicians with valuable information regarding alternative exercise options for mental health during pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic.