The Influence of Hip and Knee Joint Angles on Quadriceps Muscle-Tendon Unit Properties during Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction.

Determining how the quadriceps femoris musculotendinous unit functions, according to hip and knee joint angles, may help with clinical decisions when prescribing knee extension exercises. We aimed to determine the effect of hip and knee joint angles on structure and neuromuscular functioning of all constituents of the quadriceps femoris and patellar tendon properties. Twenty young males were evaluated in four positions: seated and supine in both 20° and 60° of knee flexion (SIT20, SIT60, SUP20, and SUP60). Peak knee extension torque was determined during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Ultrasound imaging was used at rest and during MVIC to characterize quadriceps femoris muscle and tendon aponeurosis complex stiffness. We found that peak torque and neuromuscular efficiency were higher for SUP60 and SIT60 compared to SUP20 and SIT20 position. We found higher fascicle length and lower pennation angle in positions with the knee flexed at 60°. The tendon aponeurosis complex stiffness, tendon force, stiffness, stress, and Young's modulus seemed greater in more elongated positions (60°) than in shortened positions (20°). In conclusion, clinicians should consider positioning at 60° of knee flexion rather than 20°, regardless if seated or supine, during rehabilitation to load the musculotendinous unit enough to stimulate a cellular response.

Could inter-set stretching increase acute neuromuscular and metabolic responses during resistance exercise?

This study investigated the acute effects of inter-set static stretching (ISS) during resistance exercise (RE) on the subsequent neuromuscular and metabolic responses. Twelve resistance-trained men performed three different knee extension RE protocols comprised of seven sets of 10 repetitions in a counterbalanced fashion. The three protocols were: 1) ISS (subjects performed 25 sec of quadriceps stretching between sets during 40 sec rest interval); 2) control (CON, subject passively rested between sets for 40 sec); 3) traditional (TRA, subject passively rested between sets for 120 sec). Total work was lower (p < 0.05) in ISS than CON and TRA (p <0.05). The fatigue index was greater (p < 0.05) in ISS compared with CON and TRA. ISS also resulted in lower (p < 0.05) electromyography (EMG) amplitude during the 6th and 7th sets compared with TRA. Additionally, EMG frequency was lower (p < 0.05) from the 3rd to 5th sets during ISS compared to CON, and from the 3rd to 7th sets compared to TRA. Muscle swelling and blood lactate similarly increased (p > 0.05) in response to all protocols. These results indicate that ISS negatively impacts neuromuscular performance, and does not increase the metabolic stress compared to passive rest intervals.

New insights for statistical analysis of blood pressure response to resistance training in elderly hypertensive women / Novas perpectivas para a análise estatística da resposta da pressão arterial ao treinamento resistido em mulheres idosas hipertensas

ABSTRACT The main goal was to present statistical procedures for a better data interpretation of responsiveness, explain how to deal with RTM effect, and describe how to determine clinically important changes in BP from significant real difference (SRD). Twenty-seven hypertensive elderly women were included, and RT consisted of a periodized linear model. The RT lasted 10 weeks, with two sessions performed per week. Responders were classified on the basis of SBP differences between time-points T1 (first 3 weeks) and T4 (weeks 9-10). Statistical analyses were performed using One-Way Repeated Measures ANOVA, an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), the linear mixed model (LMM) was used in the present study, and SRD was also calculated. In conclusion, when one-way repeated measure ANOVA was conducted to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference in SBP levels over the course of 10-week RT, results showed a non-significant reduction of -2.24 mmHg, while classifying subjects by responsiveness provides a different perspective of the results. Furthermore, initial SBP was the more powerful predictor of post-exercise SBP response, as analyzed by the regression to the mean effect. Finally, the reductions of -2.24 mmHg was not statistically significant nor clinically meaningful, but fell within the measurement error of the SBP measurements.

RESUMO O objetivo principal do estudo foi apresentar procedimentos estatísticos para uma melhor interpretação dos dados sobre a responsividade, explicar como lidar com o efeito da regressão a média (RM) e descrever como determinar alterações clinicamente importantes na pressão arterial (PA) pelo cálculo da diferença clínica (DC). Vinte e sete mulheres idosas hipertensas foram incluídas e o treinamento resistido (TR) consistiu em um modelo linear periodizado. O TR durou 10 semanas, com duas sessões realizadas por semana. Os responsivos foram classificados com base nas diferenças da pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) entre os momentos T1 (primeiras 3 semanas) e T4 (semanas 9-10). As análises estatísticas no presente estudo foram realizadas utilizando a ANOVA de medidas repetidas, análise de covariância (ANCOVA) e modelo linear misto (MLM). Conclui-se que quando uma ANOVA de medidas repetidas é aplicada, os resultados mostram uma redução não significativa de -2,24 mmHg, mas a classificação dos participantes por responsividade fornece uma interpretação diferente dos resultados. Além disso, a PAS inicial foi o preditor mais potente da resposta pós-exercício da PAS, conforme analisado pela RM. Finalmente, as reduções de -2,24 mmHg não foram estatisticamente significativas e nem clinicamente importantes, mas caíram dentro do erro de medida.

Resistance training-induced gains in muscle strength, body composition, and functional capacity are attenuated in elderly women with sarcopenic obesity.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of resistance training (RT) on body composition, muscle strength, and functional capacity in elderly women with and without sarcopenic obesity (SO). METHODS: A total of 49 women (aged ≥60 years) were divided in two groups: without SO (non-SO, n=41) and with SO (n=8). Both groups performed a periodized RT program consisting of two weekly sessions for 16 weeks. All measures were assessed at baseline and postintervention, including anthropometry and body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), muscle strength (one repetition maximum) for chest press and 45° leg press, and functional capacity (stand up, elbow flexion, timed "up and go"). RESULTS: After the intervention, only the non-SO group presented significant reductions in percentage body fat (-2.2%; P=0.006), waist circumference (-2.7%; P=0.01), waist-to-hip ratio (-2.3; P=0.02), and neck circumference (-1.8%; P=0.03) as compared with baseline. Muscle strength in the chest press and biceps curl increased in non-SO only (12.9% and 11.3%, respectively), while 45° leg press strength increased in non-SO (50.3%) and SO (40.5%) as compared with baseline. Performance in the chair stand up and timed "up and go" improved in non-SO only (21.4% and -8.4%, respectively), whereas elbow flexion performance increased in non-SO (23.8%) and SO (21.4%). Effect sizes for motor tests were of higher magnitude in the non-SO group, and in general, considered "moderate" compared to "trivial" in the SO group. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that adaptations induced by 16 weeks of RT are attenuated in elderly woman with SO, compromising improvements in adiposity indices and gains in muscle strength and functional capacity.

Effects of Resistance Training Volume on MMPs in Circulation, Muscle and Adipose Tissue.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different resistance training (RT) volumes on MMP activity in skeletal muscle, visceral adipose tissue and circulation. 21 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=7 per group): sedentary control (SC); RT with 4 ladder climbs (RT-4; 50, 75, 90 and 100% of their maximal carrying capacity) and RT with 8 ladder climbs (RT-8 with 2 sets for each load). The 8-week RT consisted of climbing a 1.1-m vertical ladder with weights secured to the animals' tails. MMP-2 and -9 activity were analyzed by zymography. RT-8 displayed higher active MMP-2 activity as compared with SC and RT-4 in skeletal muscle (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between groups for pro and intermediate-MMP-2 activity in visceral adipose tissue, while RT-8 presented lower active MMP-2 activity as compared with SC (p<0.05). Plasma pro and active MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity was lower in RT-8 as compared with RT-4 (p<0.05). These results suggest that higher volume RT up-regulates MMP-2 activity in skeletal muscle, while down-regulating MMP-2 in visceral adipose tissue. Moreover, it induces a decrease of MMP-2, 9 activity in circulation. Different tissue and circulatory MMP responses to RT may result in specific remodeling.

Risco de quedas e sua relação com a funcionalidade e medo de cair em idosas / Risk of falls and the relationship with the functionality and fear of falling in the older women

O objetivo principal desta pesquisa foi de analisar a relação das medidas relativas ao risco de quedas, capacidade funcional, força muscular e medo de cair em mulheres idosas caidoras e não caidoras. O objetivo secundário foi de analisar a relação da faixa etária com as medidas analisadas. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo transversal com 53 idosas (idade entre 60 a 80 anos) residentes na comunidade. As voluntárias da pesquisa foram avaliadas quanto ao risco de quedas (Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg ­ EEB; Teste de Alcance Funcional ­ TAF; Teste de Alcance Lateral ­ TAL; e Timed Up and Go ­ TUG), capacidade funcional (Teste de Caminhada de 6 Minutos ­ TC6'; Teste de Sentar e Levantar ­ Snt Lev; Teste de Flexão de Cúbitos ­ Flx Cub; e Teste de Sentar e Alcançar ­ Snt e Alc), força muscular máxima (Leg Press, Supino e Rosca Direta) e medo de cair (FES-I). Após a análise de normalidade (Shapiro-Wilk) foram realizadas análises comparativas (caidoras vs não-caidoras) e de correlação entre as variáveis medidas. Também foi realizada análise comparativa entre as diferentes faixas etárias (60 a 69 anos vs 70 a 80 anos). O nível de significância foi adotado quando α ≤ 0,05. Não foram observadas diferenças entre o grupo de caidoras e não caidoras quanto às variáveis analisadas (P > 0,05). Foram observadas correlações significativas (p < 0,05) e moderadas (±0,5 < r ≤ ±0,7) entre a idade e Rosca Direta (r = - 0,52), idade e EEB (r = - 0,52, TUG e TC6' (r = -0,55). As idosas de faixa etária entre 70 e 80 apresentaram piores desempenhos nos testes de EEB, TUG, TC6', Leg Press e Rosca Direta quando comparada com as idosas da faixa etária entre 60 e 69 anos (P < 0 ,05). Conclui-se, portanto, que apesar de não ter havido diferença entre os grupos de caidoras e não caidoras, pôde-se observar correlação das medidas relativas ao risco de quedas, capacidade funcional e força muscular. A idade foi um fator de influência para o risco de quedas, capacidade funcional e força, e não para o medo de cair.(AU)

The main aim of this research was to examine the measures the relationship between risk of accident falls, functional capacity, muscle strength and fear of fall in fallers and non-fallers older women. The secondary objective was to analyze the relationship between age with the analyzed outcomes. A crosssectional study was conducted with 53 community-dwelling older women (age:60-80 years). The risk of falls (Berg Balance Scale - EEB; Functional Reach - TAF; Side Reach - TAL, and Timed Up and Go - TUG), functional capacity (6 Minutes Walk Test ­ TC6'; Chair Stand Test - Snt Lev; Arm Curl Test - Flx Cub, and Sit-and-reach Test ­ Snt Alc), maximal muscle strength (Leg press, Bench press and Standing Arm Curl) and fear of fall (FES-I) were evaluated in volunteers. After Shapiro-Wilk Test, we performed a comparative analyzes (fallers vs non-fallers) and correlation between measured variables. It was also performed a comparative analysis between different age groups (60 to 69 years vs 70-80 years). Statistical significance was accepted as P < 0.05. There were no differences between the fallers and non-fallers group in analyzed outcomes measures (P > 0.05). Were observed significant (P < 0.05) and moderate (± 0.5

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase Glu298Asp gene polymorphism influences body composition and biochemical parameters but not the nitric oxide response to eccentric resistance exercise in elderly obese women.

Both endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphism and nitric oxide (NO) are involved in important cardiovascular, muscular and inflammatory physiological mechanisms during ageing and response to exercise. The aim of this study was to investigate the NO kinetic response following an acute eccentric resistance exercise (ERE) session and the possible effect of the Glu298Asp eNOS gene polymorphism in elderly obese women. Eighty-seven women (age 69·4 ± 6·1 years, body weight 74·9 ± 12·7 kg, height 151·9 ± 6·0 cm and BMI 32·5 ± 5·7 kg m-2 ) completed seven sets of ten eccentric repetitions at 110% of the ten repetitions maximum (10RM). NO concentrations remained elevated up to 48 h following the acute ERE session as compared with baseline, for GG and GT/TT groups (P<0·05), with no differences between genotypes. The GG genotype group had higher body weight, prevalence of obesity (BMI classification - 81% versus 56%), BMI and higher relative muscle strength, while they had significantly lower triglycerides, VLDL and urea concentrations as compared with TT/TG group. In conclusion, NO remains elevated for up to 48 h after an acute ERE session, without genotype interaction. The TT/TG genotype had a negative impact on triglycerides, VLDL and urea concentrations. Thus, T carriers should increase their attention to cardiovascular risk factor and metabolic disorders.

Classification of pro-inflammatory status for interleukin-6 affects relative muscle strength in obese elderly women.

BACKGROUND: Obesity, defined by an excess amount of body fat or a percent body fat higher than 30 % for women is a complex chronic disorder with multifactorial etiology and is accompanied by chronic low-grade inflammation, which results in elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines. AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare muscle strength between high and low pro-inflammatory status in obese elderly women and to verify the relationship of IL-6 with muscle strength and fat-free mass. METHODS: Eighty-nine elderly women (age 69.47 ± 6.07 years; body mass 64.70 ± 12.04 kg; height 1.52 ± 0.06 m; body mass index 27.78 ± 4.75 kg/m(2)) were divided into two groups: high and low inflammatory status for IL-6. Lower limb muscle strength was tested using bilateral leg extension with the ten repetitions maximum test, IL-6 was measured by ELISA and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Women classified from the high pro-inflammatory status presented lower relative muscle strength (P = 0.056) when compared with the low inflammatory status group, with no differences for absolute muscle strength (P = 0.18). There was a significant negative correlation of IL-6 with relative muscle strength (P = 0.03, R = -0.22) and a considerable trend toward significance (P = 0.06, R = -0.19) and negative association with fat-free mass (P = 0.84, R = -0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insights that a high pro-inflammatory status in sedentary obese elderly women might impair muscle strength and negatively affect fat-free mass. Thus, elderly women classified with high pro-inflammatory status for IL-6 should receive further health care attention to prevent this deleterious condition.

Identification of high responders for interleukin-6 and creatine kinase following acute eccentric resistance exercise in elderly obese women.

OBJECTIVES: Resistance exercise is used as a non-pharmacological tool to elicit both gains in and maintenance of physical function in the elderly. Thus, the present study examined the acute response of creatine kinase and interleukin-6 following an eccentric resistance exercise session in elderly obese women classified as high responders or normal responders. DESIGN: Cross-sectional field study. METHODS: Ninety elderly obese women (69.4 ± 6.01 years) were tested for a 10 repetition maximum on the leg extension exercise and then completed an acute eccentric resistance exercise session consisting of seven sets of 10 repetitions at 110% of 10 repetition maximum with a rest of 3 min between sets. Subjects were divided into normal response or high response on the basis of the peak serum interleukin-6 (NR = 59 and HR = 7) and creatine kinase (NR = 81 and HR = 9) concentration being greater than (HR) or less than (NR) the 90th percentile. RESULTS: Creatine kinase was higher at 0 h, 3h, 24h and 48 h following the ERE for the HR group. The peak creatine kinase was significantly higher in HR group versus the normal response group. The average increase in the serum interleukin-6 Δ for the HR group (∼ 850%) was significantly higher versus the normal response group (∼ 55%). Serum interleukin-6 was significantly higher at 0 h and 24h following eccentric resistance exercise only for the high response group, while peak levels were significantly higher in high response group versus the normal response group (p ≤ 0.005). Only one subject met the criteria to be classified as high response for both creatine kinase and interleukin-6 responsiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly individuals classified as high response experienced greater creatine kinase and interleukin-6 responses to ERE. Thus, a prudent approach for eccentric resistance exercise prescription might be programming additional recovery days and/or lower intensity training, especially in the beginning stages of a program.

Comparação da força muscular entre mulheres de meia idade com e sem sobrepeso/obesidade / Comparison of muscle strenght between middle-aged women with and without overweight/obesity

A obesidade é atualmente um dos maiores problemas de saúde pública em países desenvolvidos e em desenvolvimento. Apesar de a redução da força muscular estar fortemente associada à doenças cardiovasculares, poucos estudos analisaram a força muscular relativa em mulheres com e sem sobrepeso e obesidade. O presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar a força muscular absoluta e relativa de mulheres de meia idade com e sem sobrepeso e obesidade, além de correlacionar a força muscular relativa com o índice de massa corporal (IMC), com a circunferência da cintura (CC) e com a razão cintura-estatura (RCE). A hipótese inicial era de que mulheres com sobrepeso e obesidade apresentariam menores valores de força muscular relativa. Foram avaliadas 20 mulheres obesas (36,7 ± 7,9 anos; 33,4 ± 2,4 kg/m2), 46 sobrepesadas (34,8 ± 7,8 anos; 27,7 ± 1,2 kg/m2) e 53 eutróficas (33,2 ± 9,3anos; 22,3 ± 1,7 kg/m2). A classificação de sobrepeso (IMC > 25 < 29,9 kg/m2) e obesidade (IMC > 30 kg/m2) foi definida de acordo com a Organização Mundial de Saúde. A força muscular relativa [força absoluta (kg)/massa corporal (kg)] foi mensurada por meio do teste de preensão manual. A força muscular relativa foi respectivamente menor nas mulheres com obesidade e sobrepeso quando comparado as mulheres eutróficas (0,35 ± 0,05 vs 0,42 ± 0,06 vs 0,48 ± 0,08; P=0,001). Houve uma relação negativa do IMC (r=-0,60; P=0,001), CC (r=-0,45; P=0,001) e RCE (r=-0,41; P=0,001) com a forca muscular relativa. A redução da força muscular relativa é um aspecto característico de mulheres com sobrepeso e obesidade.

Obesity is currently one of the major public health problems in developed and developing countries. Although the decrease in muscle strength is highly associated with cardiovascular diseases, few studies analyzed the relative muscle strength in women with and without overweight and obesity. The present study aimed to compare absolute and relative muscle strength of middle-aged women with and without overweight and obesity, as well as, to correlate relative muscle strength with body mass index (BMI), waits circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHR). The initial hypothesis was that overweight and obese women would present lower values of relative muscle strength. Twenty obese (36.7 ± 7.9 years; 33.4 ± 2.4 kg/m2), 46 overweight (34.8 ± 7.8 years; 27.7 ± 1.2 kg/m2) and 53 eutrophic women (33.2 ± 9.3 years; 22.3 ± 1.7 kg/m2) were evaluated. The cut-off point for overweight (IMC > 25 < 29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (IMC > 30 kg/m2) was defined according to the World Health Organization. Relative muscle strength [absolute strength (kg)/body mass (kg)] was measured by the handgrip test. Relative muscle strength was lower for women with obesity and overweight as compared with eutrophic women (0.35 ± 0.05 vs 0.42 ± 0.06 vs 0.48 ± 0.08; P=0.001), respectively. There was a negative correlation of BMI (r=-0.60; P=0.001), WC (r=-0.45; P=0.001) and RCE (r=-0.41; P=0.001) with relative muscle strength. The reduction of relative muscle strength is a characteristic aspect of women with overweight and obesity.

Respostas da percepcao subjetiva de esforco em teste incremental de mulheres idosas sedentarias / Ratings of perceived exertion in an incremental test in elderly women

Apesar da percepção subjetiva de esforço (PSE) ser utilizada para a avaliação e prescrição de exercícios em idosos, alguns indivíduos podem apresentar dificuldades de entendimento a escala de Borg. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do estudo foi verificar se mulheres idosas percebem, associam e relatam alterações no esforço físico por meio da PSE, em resposta a um teste de esforço máximo, bem como se é possível predizer o ponto de compensação respiratória (PCR) pela escala de Borg. Vinte e seis mulheres idosas realizaram uma avaliação de esforço máximo em esteira com análise ergoespirométrica, eletrocardiográfica e PSE em protocolo de rampa. As respostas de PSE entre diferentes zonas de intensidade baixa, moderada e alta foram consideradas para avaliar a percepção, associação e relato de alterações no esforço. Oito voluntárias (30,77%) não perceberam, associaram e relataram alterações no esforço por meio da PSE. Naquelas que perceberam, associaram e relataram alterações no esforço, o percentual da potência máxima no momento da PSE 13 (69,92 ± 10,30) e 14 (78,90 ± 11,00) não diferiu significativamente do momento do PCR (75,45 ± 9,65). Por fim, conclui-se que mulheres idosas podem apresentar dificuldades em perceber, associar e relatar alterações no esforço por meio da escala de Borg. Contudo, naquelas que percebem, associam e relatam alterações no esforço por meio da escala de Borg, as PSE 13 e 14 coincidem com o PCR.

Although the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is used in the evaluation and prescription of physical activity for the elderly, some subjects might find it hard tounderstand the Borg scale. This study aimed to verify whether elderly women could notice, associate, and report changes in physical effort using the perceived exertion scale in response to a stress test. We also aimed to verify the possibility of predicting a respiratory compensation point (RCP) using the Borg scale. Twenty six elderly women took a stress test on a treadmill, with ergospirometry and ECG monitoring and RPE in a ramp protocol. Based on the RPEs for different exercise intensities (low, moderate, high), we assessed the women's perception, association, and report of changes in physical effort. Eight subjects (30.77%) did not notice, associate or report changes in effort using RPE. For those who did, the percentage of maximum workload at the moment of RPE 13 (69.92 ± 10,30) and 14 (78.90 ± 11,00) did not differ significantly from the one at the moment of RCP (75.45 ± 9.65). We conclude that some elderly women may have difficulties noticing, associating and reporting changes in physical effort using the Borg scale. However, for those who do not have any difficulty, RPE 13 and 14 coincide with the RCP.

Decreased functional capacity and muscle strength in elderly women with metabolic syndrome.

PURPOSE: To compare the metabolic parameters, flexibility, muscle strength, functional capacity, and lower limb muscle power of elderly women with and without the metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 28 older women divided into two groups: with the MetS (n = 14; 67.3 ± 5.5 years; 67.5 ± 16.7 kg; 1.45 ± 0.35 m; 28.0 ± 7.6 kg/m(2)), and without the MetS (n = 14; 68.7 ± 5.3 years; 58.2 ± 9.9 kg; 1.55 ± 0.10 m; 24.3 ± 3.8 kg/m(2)). Body composition was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and dynamic muscle strength was assessed by one-maximum repetition (1RM) tests in leg press, bench press and biceps curl exercises. Six-minute walk test, Timed Up and Go (TUG); 30-second sitting-rising; arm curl using a 2-kg dumbbell, sit-and-reach (flexibility), and vertical jump tests were performed. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups regarding age (P = 0.49), height (P = 0.46), body fat (%) (P = 0.19), systolic (P = 0.64), diastolic (P = 0.41) and mean blood pressure (P = 0.86), 30-second sitting-rising (P = 0.57), 30-s arm curl (P = 0.73), leg press 1RM (P = 0.51), bench press 1RM (P = 0.77), and biceps curl 1RM (P = 0.85). However, women without the MetS presented lower body mass (P = 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.0001), waist circumference (P = 0.02), waist-to-height ratio (P = 0.02), fat body mass (kg) (P = 0.05), lean body mass (kg) (P = 0.02), blood glucose (P = 0.05), triglycerides (P = 0.03), Z-score for the MetS (P = 0.05), higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (P = 0.002), better performance on TUG (P = 0.01), flexibility (P = 0.03), six-minute walk test (P = 0.04), vertical jump (P = 0.05) and relative muscle strength for leg press (P = 0.03), bench press (P = 0.04) and biceps curl (P = 0.002) exercises as compared to women with the MetS. CONCLUSION: Elderly women with the MetS have higher metabolic risk profile and lower functional capacity, muscle strength, lower limb power and flexibility as compared to women without the MetS. The evaluation of functional capacity may help to determine the degree of physical decline in older persons with the MetS, while exercise interventions should be encouraged.

Elderly women with metabolic syndrome present higher cardiovascular risk and lower relative muscle strength.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the metabolic, anthropometric, arterial blood pressure, and muscle strength parameters of elderly women with and without metabolic syndrome. METHODS: A case-control study with 27 (67.3 ± 4.8 years of age, 31.0 ± 5.0 kg/m²) elderly women with metabolic syndrome and 33 (68.8 ± 5.6 years of age, 27.2 ± 5.3 kg/m²) sedentary control elderly women. They were submitted to an evaluation of body composition by means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and muscle strength testing with 10 maximal repetitions of knee extension. RESULTS: When compared to the elderly women without metabolic syndrome, those with the metabolic syndrome had higher levels for body mass (72.2 ± 13.5 versus 63.4 ± 14.6 kg, p = 0.03), body mass index (31.0 ± 5.0 versus 27.2 ± 5.3 kg/m2, p = 0.007), fat mass (30.9 ± 9.9 versus 24.4 ± 8.5 kg, p = 0.01), systolic arterial pressure (125.1 ± 8.2 versus 119.3 ± 8.7 mmHg, p = 0.01), diastolic arterial pressure (75.5 ± 6.9 versus 71.4 ± 6.7 mmHg, p = 0.03), mean arterial pressure (92.5 ± 6.2 versus 87.1 ± 6.7 mmHg, p = 0.004), blood glucose (103.8 ± 19.1 versus 91.1 ± 5.9 mg/dL, p = 0.001), triglycerides (187.1 ± 70.2 versus 116.3 ± 36.7 mg/dL, p = 0.001), and creatine kinase (122.6 ± 58.6 versus 89.8 ± 32.5 U/L, p = 0.01); lower levels were found for fat-free mass (55.9 ± 5.8 versus 59.3 ± 6.7%; p = 0.05), HDL-C (40.7 ± 5.0 versus 50.5 ± 10.1 mg/dL, p = 0.001), and relative muscle strength (0.53 ± 0.14 versus 0.62 ± 0.12, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Elderly women with metabolic syndrome have a higher cardiovascular risk and less relative muscle strength when compared to those without metabolic syndrome. Relative muscle strength may be related to the cardiovascularr risk factors of the metabolic syndrome.

Idosas com síndrome metabólica apresentam maior risco cardiovascular e menor força muscular relativa / Elderly women with metabolic syndrome present higher cardiovascular risk and lower relative muscle strength

OBJECTIVE: To compare the metabolic, anthropometric, arterial blood pressure, and muscle strength parameters of elderly women with and without metabolic syndrome. METHODS: A case-control study with 27 (67.3±4.8 years of age, 31.0±5.0kg/m²) elderly women with metabolic syndrome and 33 (68.8±5.6 years of age, 27.2±5.3kg/m²) sedentary control elderly women. They were submitted to an evaluation of body composition by means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and muscle strength testing with 10 maximal repetitions of knee extension. RESULTS: When compared to the elderly women without metabolic syndrome, those with the metabolic syndrome had higher levels for body mass (72.2±13.5 versus 63.4±14.6kg, p=0.03), body mass index (31.0±5.0 versus 27.2±5.3kg/m2, p=0.007), fat mass (30.9±9.9 versus 24.4±8.5kg, p=0.01), systolic arterial pressure (125.1±8.2 versus 119.3±8.7mmHg, p=0.01), diastolic arterial pressure (75.5±6.9 versus 71.4±6.7mmHg, p=0.03), mean arterial pressure (92.5±6.2 versus 87.1±6.7mmHg, p=0.004), blood glucose (103.8±19.1 versus 91.1±5.9mg/dL, p=0.001), triglycerides (187.1±70.2 versus 116.3±36.7mg/dL, p=0.001), and creatine kinase (122.6±58.6 versus 89.8±32.5U/L, p=0.01); lower levels were found for fat-free mass (55.9±5.8 versus 59.3±6.7%; p=0.05), HDL-C (40.7±5.0 versus 50.5±10.1mg/dL, p=0.001), and relative muscle strength (0.53±0.14 versus 0.62±0.12, p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Elderly women with metabolic syndrome have a higher cardiovascular risk and less relative muscle strength when compared to those without metabolic syndrome. Relative muscle strength may be related to the cardiovascularr risk factors of the metabolic syndrome.

OBJETIVO: Comparar os parâmetros metabólicos, antropométricos, pressão arterial e força muscular de mulheres idosas com síndrome metabólica e sem síndrome metabólica. MÉTODOS: Estudo caso-controle com 27 (67,3±4,8 anos 31,0±5,0kg/m²) idosas com síndrome metabólica e 33 (68,8±5,6 anos 27,2±5,3kg/m²) idosas controle sedentárias. As idosas foram submetidas à avaliação de composição por meio da absorciometria de raio X de dupla energia e teste de força muscular de 10 repetições máximas na extensão de joelhos. RESULTADOS: Quando comparadas às idosas sem síndrome metabólica, as idosas com síndrome metabólica apresentaram índices maiores para: massa corporal (72,2±13,5 x 63,4±14,6kg; p=0,03), índice de massa corporal (31,0±5,0 x 27,2±5,3kg/m²; p=0,007), massa gorda (30,9±9,9 x 24,4±8, 5kg; p=0,01), pressão arterial sistólica (125,1±8,2 x 119,3±8,7mmHg; p=0,01), pressão arterial diastólica (75,5±6,9 x 71,4±6,7mmHg; p=0,03), pressão arterial média (92,5±6,2 x 87,1±6,7mmHg; p=0,004), glicemia (103,8±19,1 x 91,1±5,9mg/dL; p=0,001), triglicerídeos (187,1±70,2 x 116,3±36,7mg/dL; p=0,001) e creatina quinase (122,6±58,6 x 89,8±32,5 U/L; p=0,01); foram menores: massa livre de gordura (55,9±5,8 x 59,3±6,7 %; p=0,05); HDL-C (40,7±5,0 x 50,5±10,1mg/dL p=0,001) e força muscular relativa (0,53±0,14 x 0,62±0,12; p=0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Idosas com síndrome metabólica apresentam maior risco cardiovascular e menor força muscular relativa, quando comparadas às idosas sem síndrome metabólica. A força muscular relativa pode estar relacionada aos fatores de risco cardiovascular da síndrome metabólica.

Resistance training decreases 24-hour blood pressure in women with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to verify the effects of eight weeks of resistance training (RT) on 24 hour blood pressure (BP) in patients with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: Seventeen women volunteered to participate in this study, 9 with MetS (37.0 ± 8.7 yrs; body mass 77.3 ± 9.7 kg; body mass index 30.3 ± 4.2 kg · m(-2)) and 8 without MetS (35.1 ± 7.2 yrs; body mass 61.3 ± 8.1 kg; body mass index 24.2 ± 2.5 kg · m(-2)). Individuals were subjected to eight weeks (3 times/week) of whole body RT comprised of one exercise for each main muscle group with three sets of 8-12 repetitions of each subject's maximal load . A rest interval of one minute was allowed between sets and exercises. Twenty-four hour BP was measured by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. RESULTS: Mean and diastolic night-time BP decreased (-3.9 mmHg, p = 0.04; -5.5 mmHg, p = 0.03, respectively) after eight weeks of training in MetS patients. This decrease was observed at 11:00 pm, 02:00 am (only diastolic), 07:00 am, and 6:00 pm. There was no training effect on BP in women without MetS. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the elevation of BP as a contributor to the pathogenesis of MetS, and also to the increase of cardiovascular risk, this study supports RT as a non-pharmacological therapy in the management of BP control for MetS.

Avaliação da pressão arterial em mulheres sedentárias e sua relação com a força muscular / Evaluation of sedentary women's ambulatory blood pressure and its relation to muscle strength

Objetivo: Comparar a pressão arterial ambulatorial em mulheres com diferentes valores de força muscular relativa. Métodos: Dados de 21 (33,8±8,0 anos) mulheres sedentárias da Vila Telebrasília foram coletados durante o período de novembro de 2010 a julho de 2011. As voluntárias foram submetidas à avaliação de força de preensão manual e à monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial (MAPA), respeitando um período de 72 horas. Após a avaliação de força de preensão manual, para determinação da força muscular absoluta, foi realizado o ajuste em relação ao peso, para determinação da força muscular relativa. A amostra foi dividida em três tercis, de acordo com os valores de força muscular relativa, para efeito de comparação da pressão arterial sistólica, diastólica e média durante os períodos de 24 horas, noturno e diurno, através de uma ANOVA one-way, seguida, quando apropriado, do teste de Bonferroni, com nível de significância de p<0,05. Resultados: Diferenças significativas (p<0,05) foram encontradas para os valores de pressão arterial sistólica entre o tercil 1 (99,3±12,2) e o tercil 3 (106,8±11,1) no período noturno. Os valores de pressão arterial média também apresentaram diferenças significativas (p<0,05) entre o tercil 1 (70,2 ±6,3) e o tercil 3 (80,3±8,8). Conclusão: Mulheres com maior força muscular relativa apresentam menores valores de pressão arterial durante o período noturno.

Objective: To compare the ambulatory blood pressure in women with different values of relative muscle strength. Methods: Data from 21 (aged 33.8±8.0 years) sedentary women from Vila Telebrasília was collected during the period of November 2010 to July 2011. The volunteers were submitted to the evaluation of the handgrip strength and ambulatory monitoring of blood pressure (AMBP) for a 72-hour period. Following the evaluation of handgrip strength to determine the absolute muscle strength, an adjustment in the body mass was made, in order to determine the relative muscle strength. Based on the relative value of muscular strength, the sample was divided into tertiles to compare systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure during the periods of 24 hours, daytime and night-time, by using an one-way ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni test when appropriate, with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: Significant differences were found for systolic blood pressure between tertile 1 (99.3±12.2) and tertile 3 (106.8±11.1) in the night-time (P<0.05). Values of mean blood pressure were also significantly different between tertile 1 (70.2±6.3) and tertile 3 (80.3 ± 8.8) in the night-time (p<0,05). Conclusion: Women with higher relative muscle strength present lower values of blood pressure during night-time.