Moderators of Resistance Training Effects in Healthy Young Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: Molinari, T, Radaelli, R, Rech, A, Brusco, CM, Markarian, AM, and Lopez, P. Moderators of resistance training effects in healthy young women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 804-814, 2024-To systematically review and analyze the effects of resistance-based exercise programs and potential moderators of change in body fat percentage, whole-body fat and lean mass, muscle hypertrophy, muscle strength, and muscle power/rapid force in healthy young women (between 18 and 35 years). A systematic search was undertaken in 7 databases from inception to May 2022. Eligible randomized controlled trials examined the effects of resistance-based exercise programs on outcomes of interest in healthy young women. Meta-analysis was undertaken with a 3-level mixed-effects model. Associations between standardized mean difference (SMD) and potential moderators (number of sessions, weekly volume, and intensity) were tested by meta-regression models. Statistical significance was set at an α level of 0.05, whereas an α level of 0.05-0.10 was also considered for potential moderators of resistance training effects. Forty articles ( n = 1,312) were included. Resistance-based exercise programs resulted in a significant improvement of 0.4 SMD (95% confidence intervals [95% CI]: 0.2 to 0.5, p < 0.001) in lean mass/muscle hypertrophy and 1.2 SMD (95% CI: 0.9 to 1.5, p < 0.001) in muscle strength. A higher number of sessions was associated with changes in lean mass/muscle hypertrophy ( ß = 0.01 ± 0.00, p = 0.009), whereas a higher weekly volume approached statistical significance to moderate changes in muscle strength ( ß = 0.01 ± 0.01, p = 0.053). Body fat percentage (-0.4 SMD, 95% CI: -0.6 to -0.1, p = 0.006) and muscle power/rapid force (0.6 SMD, 95% CI: 0.2 to 1.1, p = 0.011) were significantly improved. In conclusion, a higher resistance training volume was associated with greater improvements in lean mass/muscle hypertrophy, muscle strength, and body fat percentage, whereas muscle power/rapid force improvements were observed irrespective of prescription characteristics. These findings may help in designing resistance training programs for muscle hypertrophy, strength and power, and body fat percentage in healthy women.

Does High-Velocity Resistance Exercise Elicit Greater Physical Function Benefits Than Traditional Resistance Exercise in Older Adults? A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of 79 Trials.

BACKGROUND: A systematic review and network meta-analysis was undertaken to examine the effectiveness of different modes of resistance exercise velocity in fast walking speed, timed-up and go, 5-times sit-to-stand, 30-second sit-to-stand, and 6-minute walking tests in older adults. METHODS: CINAHL, Embase, LILACS, PubMed, Scielo, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases were searched up to February 2022. Eligible randomized trials examined the effects of supervised high-velocity or traditional resistance exercise in older adults (ie, ≥60 years). The primary outcome for this review was physical function measured by fast walking speed, timed-up and go, 5-times sit-to-stand, 30-second sit-to-stand, and 6-minute walking tests, while maximal muscle power and muscle strength were secondary. A random-effects network meta-analysis was undertaken to examine the effects of different resistance exercise interventions. RESULTS: Eighty articles describing 79 trials (n = 3 575) were included. High-velocity resistance exercise was the most effective for improving fast walking speed (standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.00 to 0.87), timed-up and go (SMD -0.76, 95% CI: -1.05 to -0.47), and 5-times sit-to-stand (SMD -0.74, 95% CI: -1.20 to -0.27), while traditional resistance exercise was the most effective for 30-second sit-to-stand (SMD 1.01, 95% CI: 0.68 to 1.34) and 6-minute walking (SMD 0.68, 95% CI: 0.34 to 1.03). CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence that resistance exercise velocity effects are specific in older adults, as evidenced by physical function test dependence. We suggest that prescriptions based on the velocity of contraction should be individualized to address the specific functional needs of participants.

Moderators of Resistance Training Effects in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze whether the effects of resistance exercise on whole-body fat and lean mass are moderated by exercise dosage (i.e., duration, volume, and intensity), age, body mass index, baseline values, assessment methods, and prescription of aerobic exercise and caloric restriction in overweight/obese adults. METHODS: A systematic search was undertaken in 11 databases from inception to December 2020, with an updated search undertaken in April 2022. Eligible randomized controlled trials examined the effects of resistance-based exercise programs on whole-body fat mass and lean mass in adults who were overweight or obese. Meta-analysis was undertaken with a random-effects model. Associations between mean differences and potential moderators were tested by meta-regression models. RESULTS: Sixty-seven articles describing 65 trials ( n = 2537) were included. Resistance-based exercise programs resulted in a significant change of -1.6 kg (95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.9 to -1.3 kg, P < 0.001) in whole-body fat mass and +0.8 kg (95% CI = 0.6 to 0.9 kg, P < 0.001) in lean mass. Male participants experienced greater effects than females ( P < 0.001), whereas those presenting with higher levels of fat mass at baseline experienced greater reductions in this outcome ( P = 0.084). For lean mass, younger adults experienced greater improvements compared with older participants ( P = 0.009), whereas programs comprising resistance exercise and caloric restriction resulted in significant reductions in lean mass ( P = 0.035). Resistance exercise dosage or prescription of aerobic exercise was not associated with change in these outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance-based programs improve body composition regardless of the resistance exercise dosage or aerobic component prescribed in adults who are overweight or obese. In addition, subgroups based on demographic characteristics, baseline levels, and presence of caloric restriction may present with more favorable responses in body composition.

Resistance training effectiveness on body composition and body weight outcomes in individuals with overweight and obesity across the lifespan: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To systematically review and analyze the effects of resistance-based exercise programs on body composition, regional adiposity, and body weight in individuals with overweight/obesity across the lifespan. Using PRISMA guidelines, randomized controlled trials were searched in nine electronic databases up to December 2020. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects model. One-hundred sixteen articles describing 114 trials (n = 4184 participants) were included. Interventions involving resistance training and caloric restriction were the most effective for reducing body fat percentage (ES = -3.8%, 95% CI: -4.7 to -2.9%, p < 0.001) and whole-body fat mass (ES = -5.3 kg, 95% CI: -7.2 to -3.5 kg, p < 0.001) compared with groups without intervention. Significant results were also observed following combined resistance and aerobic exercise (ES = -2.3% and -1.4 kg, p < 0.001) and resistance training alone (ES = -1.6% and -1.0 kg, p < 0.001) compared with no training controls. Resistance training alone was the most effective for increasing lean mass compared with no training controls (ES = 0.8 kg, 95% CI: 0.6 to 1.0 kg, p < 0.001), whereas lean mass was maintained following interventions involving resistance training and caloric restriction (ES = ~ - 0.3 kg, p = 0.550-0.727). Results were consistently observed across age and sex groups (p = 0.001-0.011). Reductions in regional adiposity and body weight measures were also observed following combined resistance and aerobic exercise and programs including caloric restriction (p < 0.001). In conclusion, this study provides evidence that resistance-based exercise programs are effective and should be considered within any multicomponent therapy program when caloric restriction is utilized in individuals with overweight or obesity.

Effects of an 8-week resistance training intervention on plantar flexor muscle quality and functional capacity in older women: A randomised controlled trial.

The present study examined 8 weeks of resistance training and its effects on muscle quality measures, plantar flexor muscle strength, muscle thickness and functional capacity in older women. Moreover, we tested if changes in muscle quality were associated with functional capacity. Twenty-four older women (66.3 ± 5.8 years; 69.0 ± 3.0 kg; 25.3 ± 1.4 kg·m-2) were recruited to the study. After completion of the baseline assessment, participants were randomly assigned to either the resistance training (RET, n = 12) or an active control group (CTR, n = 12). Muscle quality was evaluated through muscle echo intensity (MQEI) and specific tension (MQST). Muscle thickness, unilateral plantar flexor muscle strength and functional tests were evaluated at baseline and after the training period. After 8 weeks, both MQEI and MQST did not respond to the intervention. Furthermore, significant changes in stair climb performance (P < 0.05) were not associated with plantar flexor-derived muscle quality (P > 0.05). Finally, significant gains in muscle hypertrophy were observed in the RET group (P < 0.01), while muscle strength failed to change significantly (P > 0.05). In conclusion, a resistance training program provided significant benefits in the stair climb test, unrelated to plantar flexor-derived muscle quality measures as previously demonstrated in quadriceps femoris.

Effects of Traditional and Vascular Restricted Strength Training Program With Equalized Volume on Isometric and Dynamic Strength, Muscle Thickness, Electromyographic Activity, and Endothelial Function Adaptations in Young Adults.

Ramis, TR, Muller, CHdL, Boeno, FP, Teixeira, BC, Rech, A, Pompermayer, MG, Medeiros, NdS, Oliveira, ÁRd, Pinto, RS, and Ribeiro, JL. Effects of traditional and vascular restricted strength training program with equalized volume on isometric and dynamic strength, muscle thickness, electromyographic activity, and endothelial function adaptations in young adults. J Strength Cond Res 34(3): 689-698, 2020-The purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare the acute and chronic effects of partial vascular occlusion training in young, physically active adults. Neuromuscular, morphological, and endothelial function responses were compared between high-intensity resistance training (HI-RT) and low-intensity resistance training with partial vascular occlusion (LI-BFR), despite the same training volume. The 28 subjects (age, 23.96 ± 2.67 years) were randomly assigned into 2 groups: LI-BFR (n = 15) and HI-RT (n = 13). Both groups performed unilateral exercise of elbow flexion (EF) and knee extension (KE) 3 times per week for 8 weeks. This study was approved by the ethics committee. Flow-mediated dilation showed a significant difference in baseline and post-training in the LI-BFR group (4.44 ± 0.51 vs. 6.35 ± 2.08 mm, respectively). For nitrite/nitrate concentrations only, there was a significant difference when comparing pre- and post-acute exercise in both groups. The torque and rep. Sixty percent 1 repetition maximum had improvements in both groups. There were differences between groups only in isometric delta EF and isokinetic delta KE (EF 3.42 ± 5.09 and 9.61 ± 7.52 N·m; KE 12.78 ± 25.61 and 42.69 ± 35.68 N·m; LI-BFR and HI-RT groups, respectively). There was a significant increase of muscle thickness in both groups. An increase of both isokinetic and isometric electromyography (EMG) of biceps of the HI-RT group was observed. The same was observed for the LI-BFR group regarding isokinetic and isometric EMG of vastus lateralis. Thus, in addition to strength and hypertrophy gains, this study also shows benefits related to vascular function. For practical applications, this study demonstrates a clinical importance of LI-BFR training as an alternative methodology.

Muscle quality and functionality in older women improve similarly with muscle power training using one or three sets.

The present study compared the effects of 12 weeks of muscle power training performing one or three sets on muscle quality assessed by echo intensity (MQEI) and index (MQindex), muscle power-related outcomes, and functional capacity in older women. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: 1SET (n = 13) and 3SET (n = 13). Lower limb muscle power and vertical jump height were measured during a countermovement jump, maximal rate of torque development (MRTD), and root mean square (RMS) of electromyography signals and rate of rise (RER) of quadriceps maximal electromyography activation during unilateral knee extension at 0-50 and 0-200 ms, MQEI, MQindex (absolute muscle power/MQEI, and MRTD/MQEI) and functionally in both groups using timed-up-and-go were evaluated before and after training. There were significant and similar (p < 0.05) increases in muscle power, vertical jump height, MQEI, MQindex, and functionally (p ≤ 0.0001) in both groups. In contrast, MRTD increased only in 1SET (p ≤ 0.001), and the RMS0-200 and RER0-50 increased for 3SET only (p ≤ 0.05), with no difference between groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, similar neuromuscular adaptations and improvements in the functional performance occurred in both groups.

Effects of short-term resistance training on endothelial function and inflammation markers in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of 12-weeks of strength training on endothelial function and inflammatory markers in elderly individuals with T2DM. METHODS: Forty-four elderly patients with T2DM were screened for participation. After completion of the baseline assessment, participants were randomly assigned to either the resistance training group (RT) or an active control group (AC). Inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, IL-10 and CRP) and blood lipid profiles, glycated hemoglobin, basal artery diameter and flow mediated dilation were evaluated before and after the intervention. Comparisons between groups were obtained from the generalized estimation equation and all tests were two-tailed and the alpha level for significance set at 0.05. RESULTS: TNF-α and IL-1ß were decreased in both groups, while no interactions were found for flow mediated dilation and basal artery diameter. No significant differences were found for blood lipid profile and glycated hemoglobin for both groups after the intervention period. CONCLUSIONS: No significant changes were found between the RT and AC groups, regarding inflammatory profile and endothelial function, which does not prove the superiority of this intervention model in the studied period.

Effects of resistance training on neuromuscular parameters in elderly with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized clinical trial.

This study is a randomized controlled clinical trial that verified the resistance training efficacy on neuromuscular parameters, with muscle quality as primary outcome. Forty-four elderly with diabetes type 2 (69.7 ±â€¯6.9 years; 26 men) were randomly allocated to a 12-weeks resistance training group (RTG, 3 times a week), or an active control group with stretching classes (CG, once a week). Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks, as follow: quadriceps muscle thickness and rectus femoris muscle quality, maximal knee extension strength, rapid strength, functional performance, visceral adipose tissue, glycemic control, lipid profile and quality of life. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyses based on intention-to-treat and per-protocol approaches, which showed the same results. Among all outcomes measured there were improvements in the knee extension strength (P < 0.001) and quadriceps muscle thickness (P < 0.001) for RTG. The muscle quality did not improve for both groups (P = 0.98). For the secondary outcomes there were no improvements for functional performance, rapid strength, glycemic control, quality of life, visceral adipose tissue and lipid profile in both groups, with exception of triglyceride level reduction for RTG (P = 0.04).The resistance training program is an efficacious strategy for improve the neuromuscular health in elderly with T2DM, considering increases in lower limb strength and muscle mass, but the same was not found for muscle quality, rapid strength, functional performance and quality of life. Furthermore, the training program did not induce significant reduction in glycated hemoglobin values of patients who already had suitable glycemic control.

Heat-induced extracellular HSP72 release is blunted in elderly diabetic people compared with healthy middle-aged and older adults, but it is partially restored by resistance training.

Recent evidence suggests that the anti-inflammatory heat shock response (HSR) is reduced in aging and diabetes. In this study we compared HSR between healthy middle-aged adults, healthy elderly and type 2 diabetic (T2DM) elderly, and tested whether resistance training (RT) could improve the HSR in T2DM group. Thirty sedentary participants volunteered for this study. HSR (assessed as the capacity to export HSP72 during heat stress) was measured in the blood and compared between the groups. HSR was similar between healthy middle-aged and healthy elderly volunteers, but diminished in elderly T2DM (p < 0.001). Hence, T2DM subjects (n = 12) were submitted to a 12-week RT program, because exercise is a physiological HSR inducer. HSR, cytokines, metabolic parameters and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were measured before and after the RT. Remarkably, VAT was negatively correlated with HSR (r = - 0.49, p < 0.01) while RT improved the HSR and reduced inflammation [TNF-α: from 51.5 ±â€¯9 to 40.7 ±â€¯4 pg/mL and TNF-α/IL-10 ratio: from 1.55 ±â€¯0.3 to 1.16 ±â€¯0.2 (p < 0.001)], without affecting other parameters. All together, these findings confirm the hypothesis that the anti-inflammatory HSR is depressed in elderly diabetic people, but can be partially restored by RT.

Higher muscle power training volume is not determinant for the magnitude of neuromuscular improvements in elderly women.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 12 weeks of muscle power training using one- and three-sets on neuromuscular adaptations in elderly women. Twenty six healthy elderly women were randomly assigned into two groups: one-set (n = 13) and three-sets (n = 13). Maximal dynamic and isometric strength, rapid force assessed as absolute and normalized rate of force development (RTD) and contractile impulse during unilateral leg knee extension at 0-50 and 0-200 ms, overall quadriceps muscle thickness, muscle power during a countermovement jump (CMJ), and functional performance using time-up-and-go and the timed stair climb tests were evaluated before and after training. After 12 weeks, one-set and three-sets groups exhibited significant (p ≤ 0.05) and comparable increases in dynamic and isometric strength, absolute RTD and contractile impulse at 0-50 and at 0-200 ms and in the performance of both functional tests. No significant differences between groups were evident for any measured parameters (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the normalized RTD did not increase for any group (p > 0.05). Over 12 weeks, the muscle power training performing one- or three-sets induced alike improvements in muscle function, mass and functionally. These evidences suggest that a low training volume is able to induce significant improvements in age-related neuromuscular changes.

Benefits of resistance training in physically frail elderly: a systematic review.

AIM: Exercise is one of the most important components in frailty prevention and treatment. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the effect of resistance training (RT) alone or combined with multimodal exercise intervention on muscle hypertrophy, maximal strength, power output, functional performance, and falls incidence in physically frail elderly. METHODS: MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, PEDro, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched from 2005 to 2017. Studies must have mentioned the effects of RT (i.e., included or not in multimodal training) on at least one of the following parameters: muscle mass, muscle strength, muscle power, functional capacity, and risk of falls in frail elderly. RESULTS: The initial search identified 371 studies and 16 were used for qualitative analysis for describing the effect of strength training performed alone or in a multimodal exercise intervention. We observed that RT alone or in a multimodal training may induce increases of 6.6-37% in maximal strength; 3.4-7.5% in muscle mass, 8.2% in muscle power, 4.7-58.1% in functional capacity and risk of falls, although some studies did not show enhancements. CONCLUSION: Frequency of 1-6 sessions per week, training volume of 1-3 sets of 6-15 repetitions and intensity of 30-70%1-RM promoted significant enhancements on muscle strength, muscle power, and functional outcomes. Therefore, in agreement with previous studies, we suggest that supervised and controlled RT represents an effective intervention in frailty treatment.

Echo intensity independently predicts functionality in sedentary older men.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between quadriceps muscle functionality features in nonactive older men to determine predictors of functional performance. METHODS: Quadriceps functional parameters, including quadriceps echo intensity (QEI), rate of torque development (RTD), and the 30 s sit-to-stand test (30SS), were assessed in 50 healthy sedentary older men (66 ± 5.4 years). RTD/QEI ratios were also calculated to identify the best predictor of functional performance. RESULTS: 30SS performance was associated with RTD, muscle thickness, RTD-50/QEI, RTD-100/QEI, RTD-50/QEI/WBM, and RTD-100/QEI/WBM. A multiple stepwise linear regression demonstrated that QEI was the best single predictor of functional performance, explaining ∼30% of the 30SS variance. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that QEI was the strongest contributor to functionality of nonactive older men, suggesting that QEI may be an alternative tool for screening of muscle impairment that leads to decreased functional performance in this population. Muscle Nerve 55: 9-15, 2017.

Efeito do treinamento de força com resistência elástica sobre o desempenho da flexão de quadril em bailarinas clássicas / Effects of resistance training with elastic resistance on performance of the hip flexion of ballet dancers

Resumo Para realização e manutenção de movimentos estéticos de grande amplitude articular, um bailarino necessita desenvolver além de flexibilidade, força muscular. Trabalhos científicos sobre o "ballet" apontam para uma lacuna com relação ao efeito de diferentes métodos de treinamento na produção de força muscular em grandes amplitudes de movimento. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos de um programa de treinamento de força com resistência elástica sobre o torque, a amplitude de movimento ativa e passiva, bem como o ângulo e o tempo de sustentação da flexão de quadril em bailarinas clássicas. Participaram deste estudo 15 bailarinas que foram divididas em dois grupos: grupo intervenção (n = 8) e grupo controle (n = 7). Durante o estudo, todas participantes mantiveram a rotina habitual de aulas de "ballet", porém o grupo intervenção realizou um treinamento de força com resistência elástica para os flexores de quadril, o qual foi realizado duas vezes por semana, durante seis semanas. Antes e depois de seis semanas, todas participantes realizaram medidas de torque, das amplitudes ativas e passivas, bem como do ângulo e tempo de sustentação da flexão de quadril. ANOVA de um fator (grupo) com medidas repetidas no tempo foi usada para identificar os efeitos da intervenção. O grupo intervenção apresentou incrementos de torque três vezes superiores ao grupo controle (grupo intervenção = 38,47% e grupo controle = 13,13%). Incrementos de 125,25% para o tempo de sustentação foram observadas somente para o grupo intervenção. Nenhum efeito foi identificado nas demais variáveis. Os achados mostram que o treinamento de força com resistência elástica gera aumentos no torque, bem como no tempo de sustentação de flexão de quadril em bailarinas clássicas.(AU)

Abstract For development and support of movements with large range of motion, a dancer needs to develop flexibility and muscular strength. There is lack of scientific studies about the effect of the different training methods on the production of muscle strength in large ranges of motion. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a strength training program with elastic resistance on the torque, passive and active range of motion and the angle and time of contraction at largest hip flexion in classical ballet dancers. The study included 15 dancers who were divided into two groups: intervention group (n = 8) and control group (n = 7).During the study, all participants performed their usual routine of ballet classes, but the intervention group was submitted to strength training with elastic resistance, which occurred twice a week for six weeks. Torque, the passive and active range of motion, the angle and time of largest hip flexion were assessed during pre and post intervention period. One-way ANOVA (group) with repeated measures was used to identify the effects of the intervention. The intervention group showed increases in the torque when compared to the control group (intervention group = 38.47% and control group = 13.13%). Increments of 125.25% for the time of contraction at the largest hip flexion were observed only for the intervention group. No effects were identified for the other variables. The present findings showed that strength training with elastic resistance generates increases in torque and in the time of contraction at largest angle of hip flexion in classical ballet dancers.(AU)

Effect of exercise intensity on postprandial lipemia, markers of oxidative stress, and endothelial function after a high-fat meal.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 2 different exercise intensities on postprandial lipemia, oxidative stress markers, and endothelial function after a high-fat meal (HFM). Eleven young men completed 2-day trials in 3 conditions: rest, moderate-intensity exercise (MI-Exercise) and heavy-intensity exercise (HI-Exercise). Subjects performed an exercise bout or no exercise (Rest) on the evening of day 1. On the morning of day 2, an HFM was provided. Blood was sampled at fasting (0 h) and every hour from 1 to 5 h during the postprandial period for triacylglycerol (TAG), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), and nitrite/nitrate (NOx) concentrations. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) was also analyzed. TAG concentrations were reduced in exercise conditions compared with Rest during the postprandial period (P < 0.004). TAG incremental area under the curve (iAUC) was smaller after HI-Exercise compared with Rest (P = 0.012). TBARS concentrations were reduced in MI-Exercise compared with Rest (P < 0.041). FMD was higher in exercise conditions than Rest at 0 h (P < 0.02) and NOx concentrations were enhanced in MI-Exercise compared with Rest at 0 h (P < 0.01). These results suggest that acute exercise can reduce lipemia after an HFM. However, HI-Exercise showed to be more effective in reducing iAUC TAG, which might suggest higher protection against postprandial TAG enhancement. Conversely, MI-Exercise can be beneficial to attenuate the susceptibility of oxidative damage induced by an HFM and to increase endothelial function in the fasted state compared with Rest.

Cerebral Ketone Body Oxidation Is Facilitated by a High Fat Diet Enriched with Advanced Glycation End Products in Normal and Diabetic Rats.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) causes important modifications in the availability and use of different energy substrates in various organs and tissues. Similarly, dietary manipulations such as high fat diets also affect systemic energy metabolism. However, how the brain adapts to these situations remains unclear. To investigate these issues, control and alloxan-induced type I diabetic rats were fed either a standard or a high fat diet enriched with advanced glycation end products (AGEs) (HAGE diet). The HAGE diet increased their levels of blood ketone bodies, and this effect was exacerbated by DM induction. To determine the effects of diet and/or DM induction on key cerebral bioenergetic parameters, both ketone bodies (ß-hydroxybutyric acid) and lactate oxidation were measured. In parallel, the expression of Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 (MCT1) and 2 (MCT2) isoforms in hippocampal and cortical slices from rats submitted to these diets was assessed. Ketone body oxidation increased while lactate oxidation decreased in hippocampal and cortical slices in both control and diabetic rats fed a HAGE diet. In parallel, the expression of both MCT1 and MCT2 increased only in the cerebral cortex in diabetic rats fed a HAGE diet. These results suggest a shift in the preferential cerebral energy substrate utilization in favor of ketone bodies in animals fed a HAGE diet, an effect that, in DM animals, is accompanied by the enhanced expression of the related transporters.

Sulforaphane ameliorates the insulin responsiveness and the lipid profile but does not alter the antioxidant response in diabetic rats.

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic non-communicable diseases and is characterized by hyperglycemia and increased oxidative stress. These two alterations are also responsible for the main diabetic complications: cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, nephropathy and peripheral neuropathy. Diabetes progression is governed by pancreatic ß-cell failure, and recent studies showed that sulforaphane (SFN) might be able to prevent this change, preserving insulin production. Consequently, our goal was to test the effects of SFN on metabolic parameters related to diabetic complications and antioxidant defenses (superoxide dismutase, catalase and sulfhydryl groups) in the pancreas, liver and kidney of non-diabetic and diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were treated with water or 0.5 mg kg(-1) SFN i.p. for 21 days after diabetes induction. In diabetic animals treated with SFN, the serum levels of total cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol and triacylglycerols were similar to those of non-diabetic animals, and the insulin responsiveness was higher than that of the diabetic animals that did not receive the compound. No effect of SFN on the superoxide dismutase and catalase activity or sulfhydryl groups was observed in the pancreas, liver or kidney of the treated animals. We conclude that SFN ameliorates some features of clinical diabetic complications particularly the lipid profile and insulin responsiveness, but it does not modulate the antioxidant response induced by superoxide dismutase, catalase and sulfhydryl groups in the evaluated organs.

Neuromuscular Adaptations to Unilateral vs. Bilateral Strength Training in Women.

Botton, CE, Radaelli, R, Wilhelm, EN, Rech, A, Brown, LE, and Pinto, RS. Neuromuscular adaptations to unilateral vs. bilateral strength training in women. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 1924-1932, 2016-Considering the bilateral deficit, the sum of forces produced by each limb in a unilateral condition is generally greater than that produced by them in a bilateral condition. Therefore, it can be speculated that performing unilateral strength exercises may allow greater training workloads and subsequently greater neuromuscular adaptations when compared with bilateral training. Hence, the purpose of this study was to compare neuromuscular adaptations with unilateral vs. bilateral training in the knee extensor muscles. Forty-three recreationally active young women were allocated to a control, unilateral (UG) or bilateral (BG) training group, which performed 2 times strength training sessions a week for 12 weeks. Knee extension one repetition maximum (1RM), maximal isometric strength, muscle electrical activity, and muscle thickness were obtained before and after the study period. Muscle strength was measured in unilateral (right + left) and bilateral tests. Both UG and BG increased similarly their unilateral 1RM (33.3 ± 14.3% vs. 24.6 ± 11.9%, respectively), bilateral 1RM (20.3 ± 6.8% vs. 28.5 ± 12.3%, respectively), and isometric strength (14.7 ± 11.3% vs. 13.1 ± 12.5%, respectively). The UG demonstrated greater unilateral isometric strength increase than the BG (21.4 ± 10.5% vs. 10.3 ± 11.1%, respectively) and only the UG increased muscle electrical activity. Muscle thickness increased similarly for both training groups. Neither group exhibited pretesting 1RM bilateral deficit values, but at post-testing, UG showed a significant bilateral deficit (-6.5 ± 7.8%) whereas BG showed a significant bilateral facilitation (5.9 ± 9.0%). Thus, performing unilateral or bilateral exercises was not a decisive factor for improving morphological adaptations and bilateral muscle strength in untrained women. Unilateral training, however, potentiate unilateral specific strength gains.

Baixos níveis de atividade física estão associados a prejuízos no perfil lipídico e aumento do percentual de gordura de indivíduos idosos / Low physical activity levels are associated with impairments to the lipid profile and increased percent of body fat in older adults

O envelhecimento promove alterações na composição corporal e no perfil lipídico. Sabe-se que o exercício físico é um grande aliado no controle dessas variáveis e pode ter um importante papel para indivíduos idosos. Neste sentido, pouco se sabe sobre a influência das atividades habituais de vida diária sobre a composição corporal e o perfil lipídico de idosos sedentários. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a composição corporal e o perfil lipídico em idosos classificados pelo nível diário de atividade física. A amostra foi constituída de 50 idosos. Os mesmos foram submetidos às seguintes avaliações: (1) uma coleta sanguínea em jejum de 12 horas para determinar o perfil lipídico, (2) o questionário IPAQ para classificar os níveis de atividade física e (3) uma avaliação antropométrica para mensurar o percentual de gordura (%G) e índice de massa corporal (IMC). Conforme a classificação no IPAQ, os idosos foram divididos em nível moderado (G1) e nível baixo (G2) de atividade física. Um teste T para amostras independentes foi utilizado para comparação das variáveis. O teste de correlação de Pearson foi utilizado para correlacionar o nível de atividade física com as variáveis sanguíneas. O nível de significância adotado foi α=0,05. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os grupos para a idade, massa corporal, estatura e IMC. O %G foi significativamente menor no G1 comparado ao G2 (p≤ 0,01). Quanto ao perfil lipídico, o G1 apresentou menores valores de LDL e maiores valores de HDL comparado ao G2 (p≤ 0,01). Para COL-T, TG e GLI não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os grupos. Sendo assim, idosos que mantêm níveis moderados de atividade física diária apresentam um menor %G bem como níveis reduzidos de LDL e aumentados de HDL quando comparados a idosos com um nível baixo de atividade física.(AU)

The aging process promotes modifications in body composition and lipid profile. Exercise is considered an ally for the controlling of these variables and is known to be important in older individuals. Accordingly, little is known about the influence of activities of daily living upon the body composition and lipid profile in sedentary older individuals. This study aimed to evaluate body composition and lipid profile of elderly individuals classified by the daily physical activity level. The sample was composed by 50 elderly that were submitted to the following evaluations: (1) blood collection for determination of lipid profile, (2) IPAQ questionnaire for physical activity levels, and (3) anthropometric evaluation for fat percent and body mass index (BMI) determination. According to the IPAQ classification, the elderly were divided in moderate (G1) and low (G2) physical activity level. An independent sample t test was used for comparison between the groups. Pearson correlation coefficient was determined between physical activity level and blood variables. The level of significance of α=0.05 was adopted. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, body mass, height and BMI. The body fat percent was found significantly decreased in G1 compared to G2 (p≤ 0.01). As for the lipid profile, G1 presented lower LDL values and higher HDL values than G2 (p≤ 0.01). Considering total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose, there were found no significant differences between the groups. Thus, elderly people that maintain daily moderate levels of physical activity show lower percent of body fat, as well as reduced LDL and increased HDL levels when compared to a low daily physical activity group.(AU)