Water-based exercises in postmenopausal women: Vertical ground reaction force and oxygen uptake responses.

The purpose of the present study was to analyse vertical ground reaction force (Fz) and oxygen uptake (VO2) responses in six different water-based exercises performed at different cadences by postmenopausal women. Twelve postmenopausal women (57.3 ± 2.6 years, 158.1 ± 6.9 cm, 69.1 ± 10.9 kg) voluntarily took part in the study. Participants completed six sessions corresponding to maximal tests for each water-based exercise. Then, two sessions were performed for the experimental protocols, which comprised the performance of three exercises at three cadences (80, 100 and 120 b min-1), with Fz and VO2 measurements. Peak (Fzpeak) and impulse of Fz were determined. In addition, VO2 percentages relative to maximal VO2 (VO2max) values obtained in each maximal test were expressed as %VO2max. Data were analysed using two-way ANOVA with repeated measures (α = 0.05). As results, significant differences were found in Fzpeak and impulse between the water-based exercises, with similar VO2 and %VO2max values between them for each cadence. In addition, with the increasing cadence, Fzpeak (0.20-0.80 BW), VO2 (5.3-9.4 ml kg-1 min-1) and %VO2max (32.1-57.6%) values increased, while impulse (0.20-0.07 N.s/BW) values were reduced. Therefore, for a same physiological intensity, postmenopausal women experience different Fz loads during different water-based exercises.

Effects of Single Vs. Multiple Sets Water-Based Resistance Training on Maximal Dynamic Strength in Young Men.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of single vs. multiple sets water-based resistance training on maximal dynamic strength in young men. Twenty-one physically active young men were randomly allocated into 2 groups: a single set group (SS, n=10) and a multiple sets group (MS, n=11). The single set program consisted of only 1 set of 30 s, whereas the multiple sets comprised 3 sets of 30 s (rest interval between sets equaled 1 min 30 s). All the water-based resistance exercises were performed at maximal effort and both groups trained twice a week for 10 weeks. Upper (bilateral elbow flexors and bilateral elbow extensors, peck deck and inverse peck deck) as well as lower-body (bilateral knee flexors and unilateral knee extensors) one-repetition maximal tests (1RM) were used to assess changes in muscle strength. The training-related effects were assessed using repeated measures two-way ANOVA (α=5%). Both SS and MS groups increased the upper and lower-body 1RM, with no differences between groups. Therefore, these data show that the maximal dynamic strength significantly increases in young men after 10 weeks of training in an aquatic environment, although the improvement in the strength levels is independent of the number of sets performed.

Fetal heart rate responses during maternal resistance exercise: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To determine fetal heart rate (FHR) responses to maternal resistance exercise for the upper and lower body at two different volumes, and after 25 minutes post-exercise. METHODS: Ten pregnant women (22-24 weeks gestation, 25.2±4.4 years of age, 69.8±9.5 kg, 161.6±5.2 cm tall) performed, at 22-24, 28-32 and 34-36 weeks, the following experimental sessions: Session 1 was a familiarization with the equipment and the determination of one estimated maximum repetition. For sessions 2, 3, 4 and 5,FHR was determined during the execution of resistance exercise on bilateral leg extension and pec-deck fly machines, with 1 and 3 sets of 15 repetitions; 50% of the weight load and an estimated repetition maximum. FHR was assessed with a portable digital cardiotocograph. Results were analyzed using Student's t test, ANOVA with repeated measures and Bonferroni (α=0.05; SPSS 17.0). RESULTS: FHR showed no significant differences between the exercises at 22-24 weeks (bilateral leg extension=143.8±9.4 bpm, pec-deck fly=140.2±10.2 bpm, p=0.34), 28-30 weeks (bilateral leg extension=138.4±12.2 bpm, pec-deck fly=137.6±14.0 bpm, p=0.75) and 34-36 weeks (bilateral leg extension=135.7±5.8 bpm, pec-deck fly=139.7±13.3 bpm, p=0.38), between the volumes(bilateral leg extension at 22-24 weeks: p=0.36, at 28-30 weeks: p=0.19 and at 34-36 weeks: p=0.87; pec-deck fly at 22-24 weeks: p=0.43, at 28-30 weeks: p=0.61 and at 34-36 weeks: p=0.49) and after 25 minutes post-exercise. CONCLUSION: Results of this pilot study would suggest that maternal resistance exercise is safe for the fetus.

Fetal heart rate responses during maternal resistance exercise: a pilot study / Respostas da frequência cardíaca fetal durante exercício de força materno: um estudo piloto

PURPOSE: To determine fetal heart rate (FHR) responses to maternal resistance exercise for the upper and lower body at two different volumes, and after 25 minutes post-exercise. METHODS: Ten pregnant women (22-24 weeks gestation, 25.2±4.4 years of age, 69.8±9.5 kg, 161.6±5.2 cm tall) performed, at 22-24, 28-32 and 34-36 weeks, the following experimental sessions: Session 1 was a familiarization with the equipment and the determination of one estimated maximum repetition. For sessions 2, 3, 4 and 5,FHR was determined during the execution of resistance exercise on bilateral leg extension and pec-deck fly machines, with 1 and 3 sets of 15 repetitions; 50% of the weight load and an estimated repetition maximum. FHR was assessed with a portable digital cardiotocograph. Results were analyzed using Student's t test, ANOVA with repeated measures and Bonferroni (α=0.05; SPSS 17.0). RESULTS: FHR showed no significant differences between the exercises at 22-24 weeks (bilateral leg extension=143.8±9.4 bpm, pec-deck fly=140.2±10.2 bpm, p=0.34), 28-30 weeks (bilateral leg extension=138.4±12.2 bpm, pec-deck fly=137.6±14.0 bpm, p=0.75) and 34-36 weeks (bilateral leg extension=135.7±5.8 bpm, pec-deck fly=139.7±13.3 bpm, p=0.38), between the volumes(bilateral leg extension at 22-24 weeks: p=0.36, at 28-30 weeks: p=0.19 and at 34-36 weeks: p=0.87; pec-deck fly at 22-24 weeks: p=0.43, at 28-30 weeks: p=0.61 and at 34-36 weeks: p=0.49) and after 25 minutes post-exercise. CONCLUSION: Results of this pilot study would suggest that maternal resistance exercise is safe for the fetus. .

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a frequência cardíaca fetal (FCF) enquanto gestantes realizavam exercícios de força para os membros superiores e inferiores, com dois volumes diferentes, e 25 minutos pós-exercício. MÉTODOS: Dez gestantes (22-24 semanas, 25,2±4,4 anos, 69,8±9,5 kg, 161,6±5,2 cm) realizaram as seguintes sessões experimentais com 22-24, 28-32 e 34-36 semanas de gestação: A Sessão 1 foi a familiarização com os equipamentos e determinação de uma repetição máxima estimada. Para as Sessões 2, 3, 4 e 5, foi determinada a FCF durante a execução do exercício de força nos equipamentos extensão de joelhos bilateral e voador, com 1 e 3 séries de 15 repetições e carga de 50% de uma repetição máxima estimada. A FCF foi avaliada com um cardiotocógrafo digital portátil. Os resultados foram analisados com teste t de Student, ANOVA com medidas repetidas e Bonferroni (α=0,05; SPSS 17.0). RESULTADOS: A FCF não demonstrou diferença significativa entre os exercícios com 22-24 semanas (extensão de joelhos bilateral=143,8±9,4 bpm, voador=140,2±10,2 bpm, p=0,34), 28-30 semanas (extensão de joelhos bilateral=138,4±12,2 bpm, voador=137,6±14,0 bpm, p=0,75) e 34-36 semanas (extensão de joelhos bilateral=135,7±5,8 bpm, voador=139,7±13,3 bpm, p=0,38), entre os volumes (extensão de joelhos bilateral com 22-24 semanas: p=0,36, 28-30 semanas: p=0,19 e 34-36 semanas: p=0,87; voador com 22-24 semanas: p=0,43, 28-30 semanas: p=0,61 e 34-36 semanas: p=0,49) e 25 minutos pós-exercícios. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados deste estudo piloto podem sugerir que o exercício de força materno é seguro para o feto. .

Effects of two deep water training programs on cardiorespiratory and muscular strength responses in older adults.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of two deep water training programs on cardiorespiratory and muscular strength responses in older adults. Thirty-four older adults men were placed into two groups: deep water endurance training (ET; n = 16; 66 ± 4 years) and deep water strength prior to endurance training (concurrent training: CT; n = 18; 64 ± 4 years). The training period lasted 12 weeks, with three sessions a week. The resting heart rate and the oxygen uptake at peak (VO2peak) and at the second ventilatory threshold (VO2VT2) were evaluated during a maximal incremental test on a cycle ergometer before and after training. In addition, maximal dynamic strength (one repetition maximum test--1RM) and local muscular resistance (maximum repetitions at 60% 1RM) of the knee extensors and flexors were evaluated. After the training period, the heart rate at rest decreased significantly, while the VO2peak and VO2VT2 showed significant increases in both groups (p<0.05). Only the VO2VT2 resulted in significantly greater values for the ET compared to the CT group after the training (p<0.05). In addition, after training, there was a significant increase in the maximal dynamic strength of the knee extensors and the local muscular endurance of the knee extensors and flexors, with no difference between the groups (p > 0.05). In summary, the two training programs were effective at producing significant improvements in cardiorespiratory and muscular strength responses in older adult men. However, deep water endurance training at high intensities provides increased cardiorespiratory responses compared to CT and results in similar muscular strength responses.