High Supervised Resistance Training in Elderly Women: The Role of Supervision Ratio.

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of very high supervision (VHS-RT) versus high supervision (HS-RT) ratio resistance training (RT) on irisin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF), muscle strength, functional capacity, and body composition in elderly women. Participants performed daily undulating periodized RT over 16 weeks with two different supervision ratios: VHS-RT at 1:2 (supervisor/subject) or HS-RT at 1:5. Serum was used to analyze brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and irisin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Body composition was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, while functional capacity was evaluated using the Six-minute walk test, and Timed Up and Go (TUG). One- repetition maximum (1RM) was determined for bench press and 45° leg press exercises. For both groups, no differences between baseline and post-training were identified for irisin and lean mass (p > 0.05). Both groups improved bench press 1-RM, 45° leg press 1-RM, and TUG (p < 0.05). The VHS-RT group displayed higher effect sizes for 1-RM tests. Moreover, only VHS-RT group reduced body fat and body fat percentage (p < 0.05). In contrast, the HS-RT increased BDNF (p < 0.01). In this sense, RT enhances muscle strength and functional capacity in elderly women independent of supervision ratio. A greater supervision ratio during RT may induce more improvements in muscle strength, and body composition than lower supervision ratio during RT.

Understanding the individual responsiveness to resistance training periodization.

This study was designed to compare the effects of linear periodization (LP) and undulating periodization (UP) on functional capacity, neuromuscular function, body composition, and cytokines in elderly sedentary women. We also aimed to identify the presence of high responders (HR), medium responders (MR), and low responders (LR) for irisin, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to resistance training (RT). Forty-nine elderly women were assigned to a control group, LP, and UP scheme. Functional capacity, body composition, maximal strength, irisin, TLR-4, BDNF, and IL-1ß were evaluated. Both periodization models were effective in improving 45° leg press 1RM, chair-stand, arm curl, and time-up and go tests, with no significant differences in body composition and cytokines. Furthermore, HR, MR, and LR were identified for irisin, IL-1ß, TLR-4, and BDNF, with differences between groups and moments. This study provides evidence that both periodization models were effective in improving functional capacity and neuromuscular function, with no effect on body composition and cytokines (probably as a consequence of the different responsiveness). Furthermore, for the first time, HR, MR, and LR were identified for irisin, IL1-ß, TLR-4, and BDNF in response to RT.

Different acute cardiovascular stress in response to resistance exercise leading to failure versus not to failure in elderly women with and without hypertension--a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of resistance exercise (RE) leading to failure versus not to failure on 24-h blood pressure (BP) and rate-pressure product (RPP) responses in normotensive and hypertensive trained elderly women. METHODOLOGY: Seven normotensive women and seven women with medically documented hypertension randomly performed three experimental sessions: (i) a non-exercise control session that involved 30 min of seated rest, (ii) whole body RE leading to failure that involved three sets with an eight repetitions maximum (8RM) load and (iii) whole body RE not to failure that involved three sets with 70% of an 8RM load. Systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP) and mean BP (MBP) responses during each hour of sleep and awake states were measured. RESULTS: Results of all subjects revealed that the RPP was higher (P ≤ 0.05) during afternoon and night hours after the RE session leading to failure versus not to failure and the non-exercise control session. For the hypertensive group during the night hours, SBP remained higher after the RE session not to failure (P = 0.047) versus non-exercise control session. For the normotensive group, DBP remained higher after the RE session leading to failure over the 24-h period (approximately 8 mmHg h(-1), P = 0.044) and the period upon awaking (approximately 5 mmHg h(-1), P = 0.044) versus the hypertensive group. CONCLUSIONS: The normotensive elderly women of this pilot study presented a greater cardiovascular response to RE leading to failure, as a consequence of the higher training intensity.

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.

Resistance exercise leading to failure versus not to failure: effects on cardiovascular control.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acute effects of resistance exercise (RE) leading to failure and RE that was not to failure on 24 h blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability (HRV) in sedentary normotensive adult women. METHODS: Ten women (33.2 ± 5.8 years; 159.3 ± 9.4 cm; 58.0 ±6.4 kg; body fat 28.4 ± 2.8%) randomly underwent three experimental sessions: control (40 minutes of seated rest), RE leading to failure with 3 sets of 10 repetitions maximum (10-RM), and RE not to failure at 60% of 10-RM with 3 sets of 10 repetitions. Immediately post session BP and HRV were measured for 24 h. RESULTS: Ratings of perceived exertion and heart rate were higher during the 10-RM session when compared with 60% of 10-RM (6.4 ± 0.5 vs 3.5 ± 0.8 and 123.7 ± 13.9 vs 104.5 ± 7.3 bpm, respectively). The systolic, diastolic and mean BP decreased at 07:00 a.m. after the 10-RM session when compared with the control session (-9.0 ± 7.8 mmHg, -16.0 ± 12.9 mmHg and -14.3 ± 11.2 mmHg, respectively). The root mean square of the squared differences between R-R intervals decreased after both the 60% of 10-RM and 10-RM sessions compared with the control session. CONCLUSIONS: An acute RE session leading to failure induced a higher drop of BP upon awakening, while both RE sessions reduced cardiac parasympathetic modulation. RE may be an interesting training strategy to acutely decrease BP in adult women.

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.

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.

Effects of eight weeks of resistance training on the risk factors of metabolic syndrome in overweight /obese women - "A Pilot Study".

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of eight weeks of resistance training (RT) on anthropometric, cardiovascular and biochemical risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MetS), and neuromuscular variables on overweight/obese women. METHODS: Fourteen middle-aged (33.9 ± 8.6 years) overweight/obese women (body mass index - BMI 29.6 ± 4.1 kg/m2) underwent 24 sessions (3 times/week) of a whole body RT program with 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions maximum (RM). The following variables were evaluated: maximum strength on chest press and frontal lat pull-down; isometric hand-grip strength; biceps brachii (BB) and rectus femoris (RF) muscle thickness, body mass; BMI; body adiposity index (BAI); waist, hip and neck circumferences; visceral fat volume; blood glucose; glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c); insulin; HDL-C and triglycerides. RESULTS: There was an increase of chest press (from 52.9 ± 9.7 to 59.8 ± 7.7 kg; P = 0.02) and front lat pull-down (from 51.5 ± 7.5 to 57.6 ± 9.2 kg; P = 0.01) muscle strength, isometric handgrip (P = 0.02) and RF muscle thickness (from 42.2 ± 8.5 to 45.1 ± 7.3 mm; P = 0.02) after the 8 week RT program. There were no statistically significant alterations on plasma glucose, HbA1c, insulin, triglycerides, HDL-C, anthropometric indexes and BB muscle thickness (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A RT program without caloric restriction promotes an increase on muscle thickness and strength, with no effects on risk factors of MetS in overweight/obese women.

Effects of rest interval length on Smith machine bench press performance and perceived exertion in trained men.

This study compared two different rest intervals (RI) between sets of resistance exercise. Ten resistance-trained men (M age = 24.3, SD = 3.5 yr.; M weigh t= 80.0 kg, SD = 15.3; M height = 1.75 m, SD = 0.04) performed five sets of Smith machine bench presses at 60% of one repetition maximum, either with 1.5 min. or 3 min. RI between sets. Their repetition performance, total training volume, velocity, fatigue, rating of perceived exertion, and muscular power were measured. All of these measures indicated that performance was significantly better and fatigue was significantly lower in the 3 min. RI as compared with the 1.5 min. RI, except the rating of perceived exertion which did not show a significant difference. A longer RI between sets promotes superior performance for the bench press.

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.