Comparison of Neuromuscular Fatigue in Powerlifting Paralympics in Different Training Methods.

Mean propulsive velocity (MPV) has been associated with neuromuscular fatigue; however, its suitability for strength training in Paralympic powerlifting (PP) remains uncertain. The objective of this work was to evaluate the MPV in two training methods (traditional-TRAD and eccentric-ECC). Eleven PP athletes were evaluated pre, during the intervention and post intervention at a load of 80% of the 1RM for TRAD and 110%-80% of 1 RM for ECC. The results demonstrated that there was no significant neuromuscular fatigue for the TRAD (~5% performance loss), as well as no significant decline in MPV during the intervention. For the ECC, there is a significant reduction in MPV before and after training (~12% loss of performance). A difference between TRAD and ECC after the intervention was also identified (0.87 m/s±0.22, 95% CI 0.72-1.02 vs. 0.72±0.20, 95% CI 0.59-0.86 p=0.042, F(3.30)=10.190, η2p=0.505 - very high effect). During the intervention for ECC, no significant decline in MPV was observed. The results of this study suggest that the mechanical indices of MPV do not seem to be effective indicators of neuromuscular fatigue in the sample studied or in the context of this specific training regime, being more indicated as a control of training volume.

Subcutaneous and Visceral Fat: Relation with Brown Adipose Tissue Activation in Women.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) helps control body weight and is inversely correlated with body fat, but it is unclear whether it is subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) or visceral adipose tissue (VAT) that is related to BAT activation. The presented study aimed to verify the relation of SAT and VAT on BAT activation through infrared thermography (IRT) and cold stimulation in adult women. Forty women were evaluated in body composition and skin temperature (Tskin) acquisition by IRT. Student's independent t-test, Pearson's correlation, and two-way repeated measures ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc were applied. Women with low amounts of SAT and VAT had a significant increase in supraclavicular Tskin (SCVT). Medium negative degrees of linear variation were found before and after cold stimulation between SCVT, SAT and VAT. A significant effect of the moment factor and the group factor on the SCVT between subjects divided into the groups were pointed out. No difference was found in the relation between SAT, VAT, and BAT in adult women, pointing out that both types of fat are equally related. These results can help clinical practice understand clearly, through IRT, that the high accumulation of SAT and VAT can impair the activation of BAT and hinder the loss of weight in women.

Do Men and Women Differ in Hematological Adaptations to 24 Weeks of Crossfit® Training?

Regular exercise can modulate the immune system functioning through changes in the number and function of leukocytes as well as in red blood cells and other typical blood markers. High intensity exercise promotes increases in cytotoxic activity, phagocytic capacity, chemotaxis and cell apoptosis. The aim of the study was to compare the chronic effects of a 24-week training program using CrossFit® methodology on hematological variables of men vs. women. Twenty-nine CrossFit® athletes (35.3 ± 10.4 years, 175.0 ± 9.2 cm, 79.5 ± 16.4 kg) participated in the study. The blood count, the lipid profile and glucose markers were measured every two months during the study period. The erythrocyte count and hemoglobin concentrations increased in months 4 and 6 in men and women, respectively. Hematocrit levels increased in men in months 2, 4 and 6, while in women only in month 6. Red cell distribution width increased in men in month 6 when compared to the value in month 2. Segmented neutrophils increased in men in month 6 and eosinophil levels increased in women in month 6. Differences between the two sexes were observed in monocytes levels at baseline, as well as in months 2, 4 and 6. Cross-Fit® training increased red cell count indicators in both sexes, which may be related to increased erythropoiesis. Some white blood cell counts were altered and these differed between sexes. The number of lymphocytes remained stable throughout the experiment.

Effect of the Fran CrossFit Workout on Oxygen Uptake Kinetics, Energetics, and Postexercise Muscle Function in Trained CrossFitters.

PURPOSE: Fran is one of the most popular CrossFit benchmark workouts used to control CrossFitters' improvements. Detailed physiological characterization of Fran is needed for a more specific evaluation of CrossFitters' training performance improvements. The aim of the study was to analyze the oxygen uptake (V˙O2) kinetics and characterize the energy system contributions and the degree of postexercise fatigue of the unbroken Fran. METHODS: Twenty trained CrossFitters performed Fran at maximal exertion. V˙O2 and heart-rate kinetics were assessed at baseline and during and post-Fran. Blood lactate and glucose concentrations and muscular fatigue were measured at baseline and in the recovery period. RESULTS: A marked increase in V˙O2 kinetics was observed at the beginning of Fran, remaining elevated until the end (V˙O2peak: 49.2 [3.7] mL·kg-1·min-1, V˙O2 amplitude: 35.8 [5.2] mL·kg-1·min-1, time delay: 4.7 [2.5] s and time constant: 23.7 [11.1] s; mean [SD]). Aerobic, anaerobic lactic, and alactic pathways accounted for 62% (4%), 26% (4%), and 12% (2%) of energy contribution. Reduction in muscle function in jumping ability (jump height: 8% [6%], peak force: 6% [4%], and maximum velocity: 4% [2%]) and plank prone test (46% [20%]) was observed in the recovery period. CONCLUSIONS: The Fran unbroken workout is a high-intensity effort associated with an elevated metabolic response. This pattern of energy response highlights the primary contribution of aerobic energy metabolism, even during short and very intense CrossFit workouts, and that recovery can take >24 hours due to cumulative fatigue.

Assessment of Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Contributions in an Extreme Intensity CrossFit® Benchmark Workout.

Our purpose was to characterize the oxygen uptake kinetics (VO2), energy systems contributions and total energy expenditure during a CrossFit® benchmark workout performed in the extreme intensity domain. Fourteen highly trained male CrossFitters, aged 28.3 ± 5.4 years, with height 177.8 ± 9.4 cm, body mass 87.9 ± 10.5 kg and 5.6 ± 1.8 years of training experience, performed the Isabel workout at maximal exertion. Cardiorespiratory variables were measured at baseline, during exercise and the recovery period, with blood lactate and glucose concentrations, including the ratings of perceived exertion, measured pre- and post-workout. The Isabel workout was 117 ± 10 s in duration and the VO2 peak was 47.2 ± 4.7 mL·kg-1·min-1, the primary component amplitude was 42.0 ± 6.0 mL·kg-1·min-1, the time delay was 4.3 ± 2.2 s and the time constant was 14.2 ± 6.0 s. The accumulated VO2 (0.6 ± 0.1 vs. 4.8 ± 1.0 L·min-1) value post-workout increased substantially when compared to baseline. Oxidative phosphorylation (40%), glycolytic (45%) and phosphagen (15%) pathways contributed to the 245 ± 25 kJ total energy expenditure. Despite the short ~2 min duration of the Isabel workout, the oxygen-dependent and oxygen-independent metabolism energy contributions to the total metabolic energy release were similar. The CrossFit® Isabel requires maximal effort and the pattern of physiological demands identifies this as a highly intensive and effective workout for developing fitness and conditioning for sports.

Reduction of leptin levels during acute exercise is dependent on fasting but not on caloric restriction during chronic exercise: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The importance of leptin in controlling body mass has recently gained more attention. Its levels are directly associated with the amount of fat mass, but not necessarily dependent on it. Exercise has great potential in reducing leptin levels, however the response of exercise to this cytokine is still not well understood. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the review was to analyze the effects of physical exercise on plasma leptin concentration, either acutely (post-exercise/training session) and/or after a training period (short- or long-term), as well as to investigate the existence of possible moderating variables. METHODS: The studies included in this systematic review were published between 2005 and May 2023. Only peer-reviewed studies, available in English, performed with humans that evaluated the effects of any form of exercise on leptin levels were included. The search was conducted on May 03, 2023, in Embase (Elsevier), MEDLINE via PubMed®, and Web of Science (Core collection). The risk of bias in the included trials was assessed by the Physiotherapy Evidence Database tool, considering 11 questions regarding the methodology of each study with 10 questions being scored. The data (n, mean, and standard deviation) were extracted from included studies to perform random effects meta-analyses using standardized mean difference between the pre- and post-intervention effects. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies (acute effect: 262 subjects; short- and long-term effect: 377 subjects) were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Short- and long-term physical exercise and caloric restriction plus exercise reduce plasma leptin levels, presenting statistically significant differences (p<0.001); as well as acute effect (p = 0.035), however the latter result was influenced by the pre-exercise meal as shown in the subgroup analysis. In this meta-analysis the effect of moderating factors on leptin reduction, not addressed by past reviews, is verified, such as the relationship with caloric restriction, exercise intensity and pre-exercise meal on acute responses. CONCLUSION: Both acute and chronic exercise reduce leptin levels, yet the acute effect is dependent on the pre-exercise meal. In addition to having a long-term reduction in leptin levels, the minimum amount of weekly exercise to have a significant reduction in plasma leptin is 180 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise and 120 minutes of high-intensity exercise.

Nível de conhecimento do profissional de educação física sobre prescrição de exercício de aeróbio e doenças crônicas / Nivel de conocimiento de los profesionales de la educación física sobre la prescripción del ejercicio aeróbico y las enfermedades crónicas / Level of knowledge of physical education professionals about aerobic exercise prescription and chronic diseases

Objetivo: A prática regular de exercício aeróbio é fundamental para a saúde de adultos saudáveis, idosos e no controle de doenças crônicas e agravos nãotransmissíveis. Entretanto, deve ser prescrito segundo as diretrizes mundiais específicas para cada população. o objetivo era investigar o conhecimentodos profissionais de Educação Física atuantes em academias de ginástica em relação aos critérios que compõe a prescrição de exercício aeróbio parapessoas com diagnóstico de doenças crônicas e agravos não transmissíveis. Métodos: 610 profissionais de Educação Física atuantes em academias de São Paulo foram avaliados. O nível de conhecimento sobre as recomendações daprescrição do exercício aeróbio foi avaliado por meio de questionário construído para esse estudo. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio do testeQui-Quadrado com significância de 5%. Resultados: O maior percentual de acerto ocorreu para prescrição do exercício aeróbio para Obesidade (49.2%) seguido por Diabetes tipo 2 (41.5%). Poroutro lado, o conhecimento sobre o Câncer (6.9%) apresentou o menor percentual de acerto. Outro resultado que merece destaque foi que, exceto paraSíndrome Metabólica (21%), o maior percentual de acerto foi observado para os critérios frequência semanal e duração do exercício aeróbio. Conclusão: O conhecimento dos profissionais de Educação Física em relação à recomendação para prescrição do exercício aeróbio foi significativamentemaior para obesos comparado a câncer, Diabetes tipo 2 e síndrome metabólica.(AU)

Objective: Regular practice of aerobic exercise is critical to control of chronic non-communicable diseases and injuries. However, the world-specificguidelines for each population must be prescribed second. The aim was to investigate the knowledge of physical education professionals working ingymnasiums in relation to the criteria that make up the prescription of aerobic exercise for people diagnosed with chronic non-communicable diseasesand injuries. Methods: 610 Physical Education professionals working in academies in São Paulo were evaluated. The knowledge of the recommendation of the aerobicexercise prescription was evaluated through a questionnaire built for this study. The chi square test was used to analyze data with significance of p <0.05.Results: The highest values for correct answers was found to prescription of aerobic exercise for obesity (49.2%) followed by type 2 diabetes (41.5%). Onthe other hand, knowledge about Cancer (6.9%) had the lowest percentage of correct answers. Another result worth mentioning was that, except forMetabolic Syndrome (21%), the highest percentage of correct answers was observed for the weekly frequency and duration criteria. Conclusion: The knowledge of Physical Education professionals regarding the recommendation to prescribe aerobic exercise was significantly higher forobese compared to cancer, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.(AU)

Objetivo: La práctica regular de ejercicio aeróbico es fundamental para la salud de adultos sanos, ancianos y para el control de enfermedades crónicas yenfermedades no transmisibles. Sin embargo, debe prescribirse de acuerdo con pautas globales específicas para cada población. El objetivo fue investigarel conocimiento de los profesionales de Educación Física que actúan en los gimnasios en relación a los criterios que componen la prescripción delejercicio aeróbico para personas diagnosticadas con enfermedades crónicas y enfermedades no transmisibles.Métodos: Fueron evaluados 610 profesionales de Educación Física que actúan en gimnasios de São Paulo. El nivel de conocimiento sobre lasrecomendaciones de prescripción de ejercicio aeróbico se evaluó mediante un cuestionario construido para este estudio. El análisis de datos se realizómediante la prueba Chi-Cuadrado con una significación del 5%.Resultados: El mayor porcentaje de aciertos se presentó para la prescripción de ejercicio aeróbico para la Obesidad (49.2%) seguido de Diabetes Tipo 2(41.5%). Por otro lado, el conocimiento sobre Cáncer (6.9%) tuvo el menor porcentaje de aciertos. Otro resultado digno de mención fue que, conexcepción del Síndrome Metabólico (21%), el mayor porcentaje de respuestas correctas se observó para los criterios frecuencia semanal y duración delejercicio aeróbico.Conclusión: El conocimiento de los profesionales de Educación Física sobre la recomendación de prescripción de ejercicio aeróbico fue significativamentemayor para obesos en comparación con cáncer, Diabetes tipo 2 y síndrome metabólico.(AU)

Quantum Molecular Resonance Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome/Nitrosative Stress and Promotes M1 to M2 Macrophage Polarization: Potential Therapeutic Effect in Osteoarthritis Model In Vitro.

This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Quantum Molecular Resonance (QMR) technology in an in vitro model of osteoarthritis-related inflammation. The study used THP-1-derived macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and hyaluronic acid fragments to induce the expression of inflammatory cytokines and nitrosative stress. QMR treatment inhibited COX-2 and iNOS protein expression and activity and reduced NF-κB activity. Furthermore, QMR treatment led to a significant reduction in peroxynitrite levels, reactive nitrogen species that can form during inflammatory conditions, and restored tyrosine nitration values to those similar to sham-exposed control cells. We also investigated the effect of QMR treatment on inflammasome activation and macrophage polarization in THP-1-derived macrophages. Results showed that QMR treatment significantly decreased NLRP3 and activated caspase-1 protein expression levels and downregulated IL-18 and IL-1ß protein expression and secretion. Finally, our findings indicate that QMR treatment induces a switch in macrophage polarization from the M1 phenotype to the M2 phenotype.

Smart Devices for Health and Wellness Applied to Tele-Exercise: An Overview of New Trends and Technologies Such as IoT and AI.

This descriptive article explores the use of smart devices for health and wellness in the context of telehealth, highlighting rapidly evolving technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Key innovations, benefits, challenges, and opportunities related to the adoption of these technologies are outlined. The article provides a descriptive and accessible approach to understanding the evolution and impact of smart devices in the tele-exercise reality. Nowadays, technological advances provide solutions that were unthinkable just a few years ago. The habits of the general population have also changed over the past few years. Hence, there is a need to investigate this issue and draw the attention of the scientific community to this topic by describing the benefits and challenges associated with each topic. If individuals no longer go to exercise, the exercise must go to their homes instead.

Influence of the Competitive Level and Weight Class on Technical Performance and Physiological and Psychophysiological Responses during Simulated Mixed Martial Arts Fights: A Preliminary Study.

This study aimed to analyze the influence of the competitive level and weight class on technical performance and physiological and psychophysiological responses during simulated MMA fights. Twenty MMA male athletes were divided into four groups: heavyweight elite (HWE; n = 6), lightweight elite (LWE; n = 3), heavyweight professional (HWP; n = 4), and lightweight professional (LWP; n = 7). All athletes performed four simulated fights of three 5-min rounds with a 1-min rest interval. Each fight was recorded using a video camera to analyze offensive and defensive actions. Moreover, the following measures were made: heart rate (before and after each round), blood lactate concentration (before and after the fight), readiness state (before each round), and the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) (after each round). The main findings were: i) LWE athletes applied more offensive touches than LWP athletes; ii) HWP athletes presented higher heart rate values than LWP athletes after the first round; however, LWP athletes presented greater heart rate changes than HWP athletes from the first to the second round; iii) no differences existed between groups in blood lactate concentration and readiness state; and iv) HWP and LWP athletes presented higher RPE values than LWE athletes in the first and third rounds; however, LWE athletes presented greater RPE changes than HWE, HWP, and LWP athletes from the first to the second and third rounds. This study shows that LWE athletes apply more offensive touches than LWP athletes during simulated MMA fights. Moreover, lightweight athletes tend to increase their physiological demand as the combat evolves, which is also reflected in their RPE.

Bioenergetic Analysis and Fatigue Assessment During the Fran Workout in Experienced Crossfitters.

AIM: To quantify the physiological demands and impact of muscle function t of the Fran workout, one of the most popular CrossFit benchmarks. METHODS: Twenty experienced CrossFitters-16 male: 29 (6) years old and 4 female: 26 (5) years old- performed 3 rounds (with 30-s rests in between) of 21-21, 15-15, and 9-9 front squats to overhead press plus pull-up repetitions. Oxygen uptake and heart rate were measured at baseline, during the workout, and in the recovery period. Rating of perceived exertion, blood lactate, and glucose concentrations were assessed at rest, during the intervals, and in the recovery period. Muscular fatigue was also monitored at rest and at 5 minutes, 30 minutes, and 24 hours postexercise. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed to compare time points. RESULTS: Aerobic (52%-29%) and anaerobic alactic (30%-23%) energy contributions decreased and the anaerobic lactic contribution increased (18%-48%) across the 3 rounds of the Fran workout. Countermovement jump height decreased by 8% (-12 to -3) mean change (95% CI), flight duration by 14% (-19 to -7), maximum velocity by 3% (-5 to -0.1), peak force 4% (-7 to -0.1), and physical performance (plank prone 47% [-54 to -38]) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that the Fran workout is a physically demanding activity that recruits energy from both aerobic and anaerobic systems. This severe-intensity workout evokes substantial postexercise fatigue and corresponding reduction in muscle function.

Acute Responses in Blood Flow Restriction Low-intensity Aerobic Training: A Meta-analysis.

The purpose was to determine the effect low-intensity training with blood flow restriction (LI-BFR) versus high-intensity aerobic training (HIT) on acute physiological and perceptual responses. The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, National Library of Medicine, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science databases and the reference list of eligible studies were consulted to identify randomized experimental studies, published until July 4, 2022, that analyzed physiological or perceptual responses between LI-BFR versus HIT in healthy young individuals. Mean difference (MD) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were used as effect estimates and random effects models were applied in all analyses. Twelve studies were included in this review. During exercise sessions, HIT promoted higher values of heart rate (MD=28.9 bpm; p<0.00001; I 2 =79%), oxygen consumption (SMD=4.01; p<0.00001; I 2 =83%), ventilation (MD=48.03 l/min; p=0.0001; I 2 =97%), effort (SMD=1.54; p=0.003; I 2 =90%) and blood lactate (MD=3.85 mmol/L; p=0.002; I 2 =97%). Perception of pain/discomfort was lower in HIT (SMD=-1.71; p=0.04; I 2 =77.5%). In conclusion, LI-BFR promotes less pronounced physiological responses than HIT but with greater perception of pain.

Comparison of brown adipose tissue activation detected by infrared thermography in men with vs without metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) high density of mitochondria and its thermogenic characteristics promote the dissipation of chemical energy in the form of heat, increasing body caloric expenditure, decreasing plasma levels of lipids and glucose (GL). This makes BAT a potential therapeutic target of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). Position Emission Tomography Scanning (PET-CT) is the gold standard for estimating BAT, but it has several limitations, including high cost and high emission of radiation. On the other hand, Infrared Thermography (IRT) is considered a simpler, cheaper and non-invasive method to detect BAT. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare BAT activation through IRT and cold stimulation in men diagnosed without and with MetS. METHODS: Sample of 124 (35.3 ± 9.4 years old) men was evaluated of body composition, anthropometric measurements and dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) hemodynamics, biochemical tests and body skin temperature acquisition. The Student t-test with subsequent effect size by (d) Cohen and two-way repeated measures ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc comparisons were conducted. Level of significance was p < 0.05. RESULTS: There was significant interaction between group factor (MetS) vs group moment (BAT activation) in supraclavicular skin temperatures right side (maximum (F(1,122) = 10.4, p < 0.002, η2 = 0.062), mean (F(1.122) = 13.0, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.081) and minimal (F(1,122) = 7.9, p < 0.006, η2 = 0.052)) and left side maximum (F(1,122) = 7.7, p < 0.006, η2 = 0.048), mean (F(1.122) = 13.0, p < 0.037, η2 = 0.007) and minimal (F(1,122) = 9.8, p < 0.002, η2 = 0.012)). The MetS risk factor group didn't present significant increase of SCV temperature BAT after cold stimulation. CONCLUSION: Men diagnosed with MetS risk factors seem to activate less BAT, when exposed to cold stimulation, compared to group without MetS risk factor.

Enhancing performance: unveiling the physiological impact of submaximal and supramaximal tests on mixed martial arts athletes in the -61 kg and -66 kg weight divisions.

This study delves into the intricate details of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) by examining key variables such as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), aerobic energy (EAER), anaerobic energy (EAN), and accumulated O2 deficit (DOA). By investigating associations and comparing athletes in the -61 kg bantamweight and -66 kg featherweight weight divisions, we aim to shed light on their physiological characteristics. The sample consisted of 20 male volunteers separated into two paired groups: ten athletes in the category up to 61 kg (age: 27.7 ± 5.9 years old, height: 170.9 ± 3.4 cm, body mass: 72.8 ± 1.4 kg, fat percentage: 9.5% ± 3.0%, professional experience: 7.5 ± 7.1 years) and ten athletes up to 66 kg (age: 27.6 ± 2.9 years old, height: 176.0 ± 5.5 cm, body mass: 77.0 ± 1.5 kg, fat percentage: 7.85% ± 0.3%, professional experience: 5.5 ± 1.5 years). Remarkably, our findings revealed striking similarities between the two weight divisions. Furthermore, we discovered a negative correlation between VO2 peak and the number of MMA fights, indicating a potential impact of professional experience on aerobic capacity (r = -0.65, p < 0.01). Additionally, the number of fights exhibited negative correlations with anaerobic energy (r = -0.53, p < 0.05) and total energy cost (r = -0.54, p < 0.05). These results provide valuable insights for designing training programs in the context of MMA. While training both weight divisions together can be beneficial, it is equally crucial to incorporate specific weight-class-focused training to address each division's unique physical demands and requirements.

Comparison between Olympic Weightlifting Lifts and Derivatives for External Load and Fatigue Monitoring.

Load management is an extremely important subject in fatigue control and adaptation processes in almost all sports. In Olympic Weightlifting (OW), two of the load variables are intensity and volume. However, it is not known if all exercises produce fatigue of the same magnitude. Thus, this study aimed to compare the fatigue prompted by the Clean and Jerk and the Snatch and their derivative exercises among male and female participants, respectively. We resorted to an experimental quantitative design in which fatigue was induced in adult individuals with weightlifting experience of at least two years through the execution of a set of 10 of the most used lifts and derivatives in OW (Snatch, Snatch Pull, Muscle Snatch, Power Snatch, and Back Squat; Clean and Jerk, Power Clean, Clean, High Hang Clean, and Hang Power Clean). Intensity and volume between exercises were equalized (four sets of three repetitions), after which one Snatch Pull test was performed where changes in velocity, range of motion, and mean power were assessed as fatigue measures. Nine women and twelve men participated in the study (age, 29.67 ± 5.74 years and 28.17 ± 5.06 years, respectively). The main results showed higher peak velocity values for the Snatch Pull test when compared with Power Snatch (p = 0.008; ES = 0.638), Snatch (p < 0.001; ES = 0.998), Snatch Pull (p < 0.001, ES = 0.906), and Back Squat (p < 0.001; ES = 0.906) while the differences between the Snatch Pull test and the derivatives of Clean and Jerk were almost nonexistent. It is concluded that there were differences in the induction of fatigue between most of the exercises analyzed and, therefore, coaches and athletes could improve the planning of training sessions by accounting for the fatigue induced by each lift.

Real-Time Muscle Activity and Joint Range of Motion Monitor to Improve Shoulder Pain Rehabilitation in Wheelchair Basketball Players: A Non-Randomized Clinical Study.

Wheelchair basketball (WB) involves sports gestures that expose the shoulder to high biomechanical stress and frequently lead to shoulder pain (SP). Due to their physical peculiarities and sporting performance, these athletes require specific rehabilitation programs that are as fast, personalized and effective as possible. However, there are few studies specifically dedicated to these purposes. Surface electromyography (sEMG) seems a promising tool for better customization and achieving more targeted rehabilitation results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of sEMG to monitor SP rehabilitation outcomes in WB players. Thirty-three athletes were enrolled in this non-randomized clinical study and divided into two groups. Both groups underwent a shoulder rehabilitation protocol, but only the experimental group was monitored in real time with sEMG on the shoulders. At enrollment (T0), at the end of 4 weeks of the rehabilitation program (T1), and 8 weeks after T1 (T2), the following outcome measures were collected: Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI), 20 m straight line test, shoulder abduction range of motion (ROM). There was a statistically significant difference for WUSPI and ROM scores in the comparison between groups (p < 0.001), and for all outcomes in the comparison between times and in the interaction between time and group (p < 0.001). Therefore, the experimental group showed a better improvement at all detection times compared to the control group. sEMG seems a useful tool for improving the monitoring of SP rehabilitation outcomes in WB players. This monitoring speeds up and improves the rehabilitative results, limiting the risk of sport abandonment and increasing the possibility for people with disabilities to quickly return to practice physical activity.

Force-velocity relationship in Paralympic powerlifting: two or multiple-point methods to determine a maximum repetition.

BACKGROUND: Due to the absence of evidence in the literature on Paralympic Powerlifting the present study investigated various methods to assess bench press maximum repetition and the way each method influences the measurement of minimum velocity limit (MVT), load at zero velocity (LD0), and force-velocity (FV). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the precision of the multi-point method using proximal loads (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90% of one repetition maximum; 1RM) compared to the four-point method (50, 60, 70, and 80% of 1RM) and the two-point method using distant loads (40 and 80% and 50 and 80% of 1RM) in in the MVT, LD0, and FV, in bench press performed by Paralympic Powerlifters (PP). METHODS: To accomplish this, 15 male elite PP athletes participated in the study (age: 27.7 ± 5.7 years; BM: 74.0 ± 19.5 kg). All participants performed an adapted bench press test (free weight) with 6 loads (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90% 1RM), 4 loads (50, 60, 70, and 80% 1RM), and 2 loads (40-80% and 50-80% 1RM). The 1RM predictions were made by MVT, LD0, and FV. RESULTS: The main results indicated that the multiple (4 and 6) pointsmethod provides good results in the MVT (R2 = 0.482), the LD0 (R2 = 0.614), and the FV (R2 = 0.508). The two-point method (50-80%) showed a higher mean in MVT [1268.2 ± 502.0 N; ICC95% 0.76 (0.31-0.92)], in LD0 [1504.1 ± 597.3 N; 0.63 (0.17-0.86)], and in FV [1479.2 ± 636.0 N; 0.60 (0.10-0.86)]. CONCLUSION: The multiple-point method (4 and 6 points) and the two-point method (40-80%) using the MVT, LD0, and FV all showed a good ability to predict bench press 1RM in PP.

Maximum Isometric and Dynamic Strength of Mixed Martial Arts Athletes According to Weight Class and Competitive Level.

Mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes must achieve high strength levels to face the physical demands of an MMA fight. This study compared MMA athletes' maximal isometric and dynamic strength according to the competitive level and weight class. Twenty-one male MMA athletes were divided into lightweight professional (LWP; n = 9), lightweight elite (LWE; n = 4), heavyweight professional (HWP; n = 4), and heavyweight elite (HWE; n = 4). The handgrip and isometric lumbar strength tests assessed the isometric strength, and the one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press and 4RM leg press the dynamic strength. Univariate ANOVA showed differences between groups in absolute and relative 1RM bench press and absolute isometric lumbar strength. Post hoc tests showed differences in 1RM bench press between HWE and LWE (117.0 ± 17.8 kg vs. 81.0 ± 10.0 kg) and HWE and LWP athletes (117.0 ± 17.8 kg vs. 76.7 ± 13.7 kg; 1.5 ± 0.2 kg·BW-1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.2 kg·BW-1). In addition, there was a correlation between 1RM bench press and isometric lumbar strength for absolute (r = 0.67) and relative values (r = 0.50). This study showed that the 1RM bench press and isometric lumbar strength were associated and could differentiate MMA athletes according to their competitive level and weight class. Therefore, optimizing the force production in the upper body and lower back seems important in elite and professional MMA athletes.