Simultaneous Upper- and Lower-Limb Postactivation Performance Enhancement After Clean and Jerk.

Studies on postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) have used different exercises as a conditioning activity to investigate potentiation, but exclusively in upper limbs (UL) or lower (LL) limbs, or contralateral potentiation. A single exercise capable of inducing PAPE in both UL and LL is currently unknown. The present study explored the effect of the clean and jerk (C&J) as a conditioning activity for simultaneously producing PAPE interlimbs at the fourth, seventh, and 12th minutes postintervention. Twelve male weightlifters with 1-repetition maximum (1RM) in the C&J equivalent to ≥1.15 × body mass were randomly submitted to 2 experimental conditions (C&J and control [CON]). The C&J condition consisted of general warm-up (running on a treadmill and self-selected preparatory exercises) and 4 sets of 3 repetitions of C&J with 2 minutes between them (30%1RM, 50%1RM, 65%1RM, and 80%1RM) followed by a countermovement jump and a bench-press throw on a Smith machine after 4, 7, and 12 minutes, to measure the magnitude of PAPE in UL and LL. No previous exercise preceded countermovement-jump and bench-press-throw tests in the CON besides general warm-up. The main finding was that, regardless of time, the C&J resulted in greater height on countermovement jump and Smith machine bench-press throw when compared with the CON, presenting a similar effect size between UL and LL (34.6 [3.9] vs 33.4 [4.1] cm [+3.66%]; P = .038; effect size = 0.30 and 30.3 [4.7] vs 29.0 [5.1] cm [+4.44%]; P = .039; effect size = 0.26), respectively. Thus, C&J can be useful to produce PAPE simultaneously among members.

Impact of different personal protective clothing for firefighters in mountain areas.

BACKGROUND: Mountain hiking is an unpredictable activity for firefighters during the search, rescue, and firefighting. Could the quality of the uniform worn by firefighters affect psychophysiological variables? OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to monitor the responses of perceived exertion (RPE), musculoskeletal pain (MP), and heart rate variability (HRV) responses in firefighters using different uniforms on a 5 km mountain walking activity. The feeling of comfort, safety, and ergonomic adjustment of the two types of uniforms also was verified. METHODS: Sixteen firefighters were divided into two groups: 4thRUPM"B2" (33% polyester and 67% cotton) vs. GOLD (50% polyamide and 50% cotton). The GOLD group wore a prototype that had not yet been operationally tested. RESULTS: The independent t-test showed that the groups had similar results in RPE at post-march (Omni-Walk/Run = 3.5±0.9 vs. 2.9±0.6 AU). ANOVA Two-way (2x group and 2x time) was used to verify differences in body mass (BM), MP, and HRV. There was a main effect of time (pre- vs. post-march; p < 0.05) for BM, MP, heart rate (HR), mean RR, RMSSD, pNN50, and HF, regardless of group (4thRUPM"B2" vs. GOLD). Rainwater increased post-march BM (92.2±9.8 kg vs. 93.5±9.9 kg). MP (28.9±2.9 vs. 33.2±7.7 AU), HR (71.6±14.2 vs. 99.0±26.3 bpm), RMSSD (74.8±53.7 vs. 126.5±74.4 ms) and HF (48.5±20.2 vs. 60.0±16.7 nu) also increased post-march. The mean RR (875.2±153.3 vs. 673.9±155.3 ms) and pNN50 (33.1±18.6 vs. 46.3±23.9%) reduced post-march. There was a subjective preference for GOLD. CONCLUSION: Different uniforms do not compromise psychophysiological variables during the mountain hike but differentiate ergonomic subjectivity.

Caffeine reverts loss of muscular performance during the early-follicular phase in resistance-trained naturally menstruating women.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of caffeine ingestion on muscular performance during the early-follicular and mid-luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Fourteen resistance-trained naturally menstruating women performed countermovement jump (CMJ), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), one-repetition maximum (1-RM), and repetitions-to-failure (RF) at 80% of 1-RM in the half-squat exercise, in early-follicular and mid-luteal phases, after placebo or caffeine ingestion. The early-follicular and mid-luteal phases were identified via calendar-based counting method. The MVIC was lower in the early-follicular than mid-luteal phase (-6.2 ± 15.2 N, p < 0.05) and higher with caffeine than placebo ingestion regardless of the menstrual cycle phase (+16.8 ± 26.7 N, p < 0.05). The magnitude of gains (supplement x phase interaction, p < 0.026) in 1-RM, CMJ, and RF with caffeine ingestion was higher in the early-follicular (+16.6 ± 7.1 kg, +2.5 ± 1.6 cm, and +4.5 ± 2.6 repetitions, respectively) than in the mid-luteal phase (+7.7 ± 4.8 kg, +1.5 ± 2.0 cm, and +2.4 ± 3.1 repetitions, respectively). In conclusion, the greater ergogenic effect of caffeine during the early-follicular phase supports its use to mitigate the decline in muscular performance in this phase of the menstrual cycle.

Can training trunk musculature influence musculoskeletal pain and physical performance in military police officers?

To investigate the effect of a Trunk Training (TT) program on the general musculoskeletal pain (GMP) and physical performance of Military Police Officers. Twenty officers were divided into either control group (CG) or TT group (TTG). Both groups performed nine weeks of traditional physical training. However, the TTG had 25-minutes allocated to TT during each scheduled physical training period. Anthropometric, trunk endurance, and physical fitness tests were completed pre- and post-training for both groups. Both groups also answered a weekly questionnaire about their GMP. Post-training, trunk endurance performance was significantly higher (p < 0.05) and the GMP significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the TTG when compared to the CG. Improvement in side plank test scores was associated with a decreased in GMP (r = -0.495, p < 0.05). TT can reduce the perception of GMP in addition to increasing the endurance of the trunk muscles. The side plank was the only physical test associated with GMP. Practitioner summary: Trunk Training can reduce general musculoskeletal pain and increase the endurance of the trunk muscles without a concomitant loss in general fitness in elite Military Police Officers. This research lasted 11 weeks and presents real-world and pragmatic findings.

A cross-sectional analysis of the muscle strength, spinal shrinkage, and recovery during a working day of military police officers.

OBJECTIVE: Military personnel has a large prevalence of back pain, especially those involved in patrolling routines, as they wear heavy protective equipment. Patrolling includes long periods of sustaining the protective equipment in a sitting or in a motor vehicle (motorcycle or car). Thus, understanding spinal loading of military police officers after patrolling by car (CAR; n = 14), motorcycle (MOT; n = 14), and administrative (ADM; n = 14) routines is relevant to establish preventive strategies. METHODS: The torque of the trunk and working and anthropometric characteristics were assessed to explain spinal loading using stature variation measures. Precise stature measures were performed before and after a 6 h journey (LOSS) and 20 min after a resting posture (RECOV). The trunk extensor (PTE BM-1 ) and flexor (PTF BM-1 ) muscles' isometric peak torque were measured before the working journey. RESULTS: The LOSS was similar between CAR and MOT (4.8 and 5.8 mm, respectively) after 6 h of patrolling. The ADM presented the lowest LOSS (2.8 mm; P < .05). No changes in RECOV between groups were observed (P > .05). Vibration may explain the greater spinal loading involved in patrolling in comparison to the ADM. A GLM analysis revealed that BMI was the only explanatory factor for stature loss. No independent variables explained RECOV. The ability of the trunk muscles to produce force did not influence LOSS or RECOV. CONCLUSIONS: Military police officers involved in patrolling may require greater post-work periods and strategies designed to reduce the weight of the protective apparatus to dissipate spinal loading. The external load used in patrolling is a relevant spinal loading factor.

Immediate Effects of Acupuncture on Force and Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness.

Background: The ability to produce force is critical to several daily activities. Strategies to reduce delayed onsent muscle soreness (DOMS) and restore force-generating properties that occur in response to training and impair physical performance have been proposed. Acupuncture has been proposed to accelerate recovery and optimize muscle functioning. It was to determine the effects of acupuncture on DOMS and on the muscle force production capacity. Methods: Thirty physically active volunteers (26.3 ± 3.1 years old, 1.70 ± 0.08 m, 66.5 ± 12.6 kg) were allocated in a control (CG; n = 10), placebo (PG; n = 10), and acupuncture (AG; n = 10) groups. The groups were subjected to an exercise protocol to induce DOMS and were assessed for muscle force, threshold, and rate of perceived pain and activation of the biceps brachialis muscle before (PRE) and 20 minutes after (POST) a single acupuncture session using a mixed model analysis. Results: The threshold and rate of perceived pain were reduced in the AG (P < 0.05) but remained unchanged in the other groups (P > 0.05). Muscle activation also showed larger changes in the AG in comparison with the other groups (P < 0.05). No changes in the ability to produce force were found after acupuncture in any groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Acupuncture may reduce discomfort and improve muscle activation but was not effective to promote force improvement and/or restore the force-generating properties. It may be speculated that muscle disruption may have played a role and did not allow participants to restore their muscular performance. Rebec Number; RBR-8bh5k7 (www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-8bh5k7); Clinical Trial Registry (UTN No.: U1111-1234-9553).

Effects of Caffeine on Performance During High- and Long-Jump Competitions.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of caffeine (CAF) on performance during high- and long-jump competitions. METHODS: Using a crossover and double-blind design, 6 well-trained high jumpers and 6 well-trained long jumpers performed a simulation of a high- and long-jump competition 60 minutes after ingesting a capsule containing either 5 mg·kg-1 body mass of anhydrous CAF or a placebo. The high jumps were video recorded for kinematic analysis. The velocity during the approach run of the long jump was also monitored using photocells. RESULTS: CAF improved jump performance (ie, the highest bar height overlap increased by 5.1% [2.3%], P = .008), as well as enhancing the height displacement of the central body mass (+1.3% [1.7%], P = .004) compared with the placebo. CAF had no ergogenic effect on jump distance (P = .722); however, CAF increased the velocity during the last 10 m of the long jump (P = .019), and the percentage of "foul jumps" was higher than that expected by chance in the CAF group (80.5% [12.5%], χ2 = 13.44, P < .001) but not in the cellulose condition (58.3% [22.9%], χ2 = 1.48, P = .224). CONCLUSION: CAF ingestion (5 mg·kg-1 body mass) improves high-jump performance but seems to negatively influence technical aspects during the approach run of the long jump, resulting in no improvement in long-jump performance. Thus, CAF can be useful for jumpers, but the specificity of the jump competition must be taken into account.

Validação do questionário de saúde e performance para policiais e bombeiros militares (QSPM) / Validation of health and performance questionnaire for military police and firefighter (QSPM) / Validation of health and performance questionnaire for military police and firefighter (QSPM)

O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver e analisar a validade de conteúdo, constructo e a fidedigni-dade de um questionário para avaliar a demanda física e operacional, saúde e condições de trabalho em policiais e bombeiros militares. O Questionário de Saúde e Performance para Militares (QSPM) foi desenvolvido por pesquisadores militares e não militares, a validade foi analisada com o índice de validade de conteúdo (IVC), análise fatorial exploratória e a fidedignidade com o percentual de concordância (%C), coeficiente Kappa e alfa de Cronbach. Nove juízes participaram da validação de conteúdo, 732 militares (15% mulheres) participaram da etapa de validação de constructo e 262 militares (18% mulheres) responderam duas vezes ao QSPM para a verificação da fidedignidade. As análises foram realizadas no software SPSS 26 e o nível de significância mantido em 5%. O QSPM apresentou o IVC de 0,98 e variância total explicada em 54,7%. A reprodutibilidade apresentou valores de %C entre 97,2 - 100,0%, Kappa entre 0,94 - 1,00 (p < 0,05) e alpha de Cronbach entre 0,80 - 1,00 (p < 0,05). Conclui-se que o QSPM apresentou validade de conteúdo, constructo e fidedignidade para avaliar a frequência da demanda física e operacional, as condições de saúde e de trabalho de policiais e bombeiros militares

The aim of this study was to develop and analyze the content and construct validity and reliability of a questionnaire to assess the performance, health and working conditions of police officers and military fire-fighters (QSPM). Civilian and military personnel carried out the development of the QSPM. The validity was analyzed by the content validity index (CVI), factor analysis, and the reproducibility by the simple agreement (%SA), the Kappa coefficient, and Cronbach's alpha. Nine experts participated in the content validation, 732 military personnel (15 women) participated in the construct validation, and 262 military (18% women) answered the QSPM twice to measure reproducibility. The QSPM had a CVI of 0.98. In the exploratory factorial analysis, when considering four factors, and the total explained variance was 54.7%. The reproducibility showed %SA values varying between 97.2 to 100.0%, Kappa values varying between 0.94 to 1.00 (p < 0.05 for all questions) and, Cronbach's α values varying between 0.80 to 1.00 (p < 0.05 for all questions). In conclusion, the QSPM showed content validity, construct validity and reliability to measure the frequency of physical-operational demand, the presence of morbidities, and the working condi-tions of police officers and firefighters

Physical Performance, Anthropometrics and Functional Characteristics Influence the Intensity of Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain in Military Police Officers.

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a serious problem in Military Police Officers (MPO), which accounts for up to 45% of the sick leave rates. It has been assumed that the strength and the endurance of trunk flexor and extensor muscles are CLPB key factors, but it is not known whether these attributes are related to pain intensity. It was aimed to determine whether the strength and endurance of trunk flexor and extensor muscles differ in MPO with no pain (CON; n = 24), moderate (MOD; n = 42), and severe (SEV; n = 37) nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: The peak torque and endurance test of trunk flexor (PTF.BM-1) and extensor (PTE.BM-1) muscles were compared. A multiple regression analysis was used to identify pain intensity predictors in all groups (PAIN) and according to pain intensity (MOD and SEV). Results: The PTF.BM-1 was negatively related to pain and was a significant predictor, irrespective of pain intensity (PAIN). Conclusion: When pain intensity was considered the PTF.BM-1 and PTE.BM-1 explained the pain in the MOD, while the PTE.BM-1 and service time explained pain intensity in the SEV. Endurance of the flexor and extensor muscles was not related to pain intensity. These results indicated that training protocols must emphasize specific strengthening routines.

Is Handgrip Strength a Useful Measure to Evaluate Lower Limb Strength and Functional Performance in Older Women?

AIM: This study aimed to determine the association of handgrip strength with isometric and isokinetic strength (hip, knee and ankle extensor/flexor muscles), and functional capacity in older women. METHODS: The handgrip strength and lower limb strength of 199 older women (60-86 years) were measured using JAMAR and BIODEX dynamometers, respectively. Time Up and Go, Five-times-sit-to-stand and 6m-walk functional tests were evaluated. Pearson correlations were used to determine the relationship between variables. Regression analysis was applied to identify if HS was able to predict TUG performance. The effect of age was analyzed by splitting the participants in a group of older women (OLD; from 60 to 70 years old) and very old women (from 71 to 86 years old). RESULTS: The HS and isometric/isokinetic strength correlations were negligible/low and, in most cases, were non-significant. The correlation between handgrip strength and functional tests also ranged predominantly from negligible (r=0.0 to 0.3) to low (r=0.3 to 0.5), irrespective of the group age. The handgrip strength was not able to explain the variance of the TUG performance. CONCLUSION: Generalizing handgrip strength as a practical and straightforward measure to determine lower limbs and overall strength, and functional capacity in older women must be viewed with caution. Handgrip strength and standard strength measures of the lower limbs and functional tests present a negligible/low correlation.

A INFLUÊNCIA DO TREINAMENTO RESISTIDOE DA SUPLEMENTAÇÃO DO ÓLEO DE PEIXE EM PARÂMETROS SANGUÍNEOS EM MULHERES IDOSAS / THE INFLUENCE OF STRENGHT TRAINING AND FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTATION ON BLOOD PARAMETERS OF ELDERLY WOMEN

RESUMO Este estudo objetivou investigar o efeito crônico da óleo de peixe (FO) e o treinamento resistido (ST) nos parâmetros sanguíneos (glicemia, triglicérides e HDL, LDL colesterol VLDL) de mulheres idosas. Quarenta e cinco mulheres (64 ± 1,4 anos) foram distribuídas em três grupos: um grupo que realizou 90 dias de treinamento resistido (ST; n = 15), um grupo que realizou 90 dias de treinamento resistido associado à 2g / dia de óleo de peixe (ST90; n = 15) e o ultimo grupo que consumiu óleo de peixe por 60 dias antes de iniciar os 90 dias de treinamento resistido associado ao FO (ST150; n = 15). O treinamento foi realizado 3 vezes / semana, durante 12 semanas. Os parâmetros sanguíneos foram avaliados nos 3 grupos nas condições, pré-suplementação e pré-treinamento (PRÉ) e pós-suplementação (PÓS60) e pós-treinamento (PÓS). Os efeitos positivos foram comprovados sobre a glicemia e colesterol HDL quando FO e exercício foram combinadas (ST90 e ST150). A glicemia de ST e ST150 não apresentou mudanças entre PRÉ-PÓS e PRÉ-PÓS60, respectivamente. No entanto, quando foi combinado o exercício com o FO reduções na glicemia foram encontrados no ST90 (21%) e ST150 (19%) a partir de PRÉ e PÓS (p <0,05). A FO causou ganhos significativos no HDL (ST150 PRE- PÓS60). Contudo, o exercício foi eficaz quando acompanhado da suplementação FO (ST90, ST150, PRÉ-PÓS, p<.0.05). Os triglicérides do sangue diminuiu quando FO e o exercício resistido (p<0,05) foram aplicados separadamente (ST, ST90 e ST150 PRÉ, PÓS 60 e PÓS). Houve uma redução nas concentrações de VLDL em todos os grupos (26% de ST, 35% em ST90, ST150 de PÓS60 em 35% e 36% em PÓS). A LDL não foi alterada. Conclui-se que os parâmetros sanguíneos (triglicérides e VLDL) diminuiu quando FO e exercícios foram aplicados separadamente. Os efeitos positivos foram evidenciados sobre a glicemia e colesterol HDL quando FO e exercício foram combinadas.

ABSTRACT It was aimed to investigate the chronic effect of FO and ST on blood parameters (glycaemia, triglycerides, and HDL, LDL VLDL cholesterol) of elderly women. METHODS: Forty-five women (64 ± 1.4 years) were assigned to one group of strength training (ST; n=15), one group of strength and 2g/day of FO supplemented by 90 (ST90; n=15) and 150 days (ST150; n=15). The ST150 started FO 60 days before commencing the strength training. Training was performed 3 times/wk, for 12 weeks. The blood parameters were assessed at before supplementation (POST60), pre-training (PRE) and post-training (POST). Positive effects were evidenced on glycaemia and HDL cholesterol when FO and exercise were combined (ST90 e ST150). The glycaemia of ST and ST150 showed no changes between PRE-POST and POST60-PRE, respectively. However, when training was combined with FO supplementation reductions in the glycaemia were found in the ST90 (21%) and ST150 (19%) from PRE to POST (p<0.05). The FO caused significant gains in HDL (ST150 POST 60-PRE). The HDL was not influenced by exercise alone (ST PRE-POS; p>0.05). However, exercise was effective when accompanied by FO supplementation (ST90, ST150, PRE-POST, p<.0.05). The triglycerides decreased when FO and exercises (p<0.05) were applied separately (ST, ST90 and ST150 POST60-POST). No additional reductions were found by combining FO and exercise. There was a reduction in the concentrations of VLDL in all groups (26% for ST, 35% in ST90, ST150 base in 35% and 36% in post ST150). The LDL was not altered. In concluision The blood parameters (triglycerides and VLDL) decreased when FO and exercises were applied separately. No additional reductionswere found by combining FO and exercise. Positive effects were evidenced on glycaemia and HDL cholesterol when FO and exercise were combined.

Prevalence of falls in elderly women.

OBJECTIVE: To verify prevalence of falls and fear of falling, and to compare functional fitness among elderly women fallers and non-fallers. METHODS: Seventy-eight elderly women participated in this study. Cases of falls and the fear of falling were self-reported by the elderly women, while the functional fitness was measured by a set of functional tests. Mean and standard deviation were used to describe the sample. Independent t-test was used to compare functional fitness between groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of falls in this sample was 32.4%. Among women fallers, 40% self-reported a high fear of falling. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that functional and resistance exercises are included in the preventive strategies for reducing risk factors for falls and its determinants in elderly women. Level of Evidence II, Prognostic-Prospective Study.

Influence of fish oil supplementation and strength training on some functional aspects of immune cells in healthy elderly women.

Immune function changes with ageing and is influenced by physical activity (strength training, ST) and diet (fish oil, FO). The present study investigated the effect of FO and ST on the immune system of elderly women. Forty-five women (64 (sd 1.4) years) were assigned to ST for 90 d (ST; n 15), ST plus 2 g/d FO for 90 d (ST90; n 15) or 2 g/d FO for 60 d followed by ST plus FO for 90 d (ST150; n 15). Training was performed three times per week, for 12 weeks. A number of innate (zymosan phagocytosis, lysosomal volume, superoxide anion, peroxide of hydrogen) and adaptive (cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4), CD8, TNF-α, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 produced by lymphocytes) immune parameters were assessed before supplementation (base), before (pre-) and after (post-) training. ST induced no immune changes. FO supplementation caused increased phagocytosis (48 %), lysosomal volume (100 %) and the production of superoxide anion (32 %) and H2O2(70 %) in the ST90. Additional FO supplementation (ST150) caused no additive influence on the immune system, as ST150 and ST90 did not differ, but caused greater changes when compared to the ST (P< 0·05). FO increased CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in the ST150, which remained unchanged when training was introduced. The combination of ST and FO reduced TNF-α in the ST150 from base to post-test. FO supplementation (ST150, base-pre) when combined with exercise (ST150, pre-post) increased IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 production. The immune parameters improved in response to FO supplementation; however, ST alone did not enhance the immune system.

Prevalência de quedas em mulheres idosas / Prevalence of falls in elderly women

Objetivo: Verificar a prevalência de quedas e do medo de cair novamente, e comparar a aptidão funcional entre mulheres idosas que sofreram ou não quedas no último ano. Métodos: Participaram deste estudo 78 mulheres idosas. Os casos de quedas e o medo de cair novamente foram auto reportados pelas idosas, enquanto a avaliação funcional foi mensurada por meio de uma bateria de testes funcionais. A descrição da amostra foi realizada pela média e desvio padrão. O Test-t independente foi utilizado para no grupo estudado foi de 32,4%. Dentre as idosas que caíram, 40% reportaram elevado medo de cair novamente. Conclusão: Recomenda-se que exercícios funcionais e resistidos sejam incluídos nas ações preventivas de forma a auxiliar na diminuição dos fatores de risco e nos determinantes de quedas em idosos.

Objective: To verify prevalence of falls and fear of falling, and to compare functional fitness among elderly women fallers and non-fallers. Methods: Seventy-eight elderly women participated in this study. Cases of falls and the fear of falling were self-reported by the elderly women, while the functional fitness was measured by a set of functional tests. Mean and standard deviation were used to describe the sample. Independent t-test was used to compare functional fitness between groups. Results: The prevalence of falls in this sample was 32.4%. Among women fallers,40% self-reported a high fear of falling. Conclusion: It is recommended that functional and resistance exercises are included in the preventive strategies for reducing risk factors for falls and its determinants in elderly women.

Fish-oil supplementation enhances the effects of strength training in elderly women.

BACKGROUND: Muscle force and functional capacity generally decrease with aging in the older population, although this effect can be reversed, attenuated, or both through strength training. Fish oil (FO), which is rich in n-3 (omega-3) PUFAs, has been shown to play a role in the plasma membrane and cell function of muscles, which may enhance the benefits of training. The effect of strength training and FO supplementation on the neuromuscular system of the elderly has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate the chronic effect of FO supplementation and strength training on the neuromuscular system (muscle strength and functional capacity) of older women. DESIGN: Forty-five women (aged 64 ± 1.4 y) were randomly assigned to 3 groups. One group performed strength training only (ST group) for 90 d, whereas the others performed the same strength-training program and received FO supplementation (2 g/d) for 90 d (ST90 group) or for 150 d (ST150 group; supplemented 60 d before training). Muscle strength and functional capacity were assessed before and after the training period. RESULTS: No differences in the pretraining period were found between groups for any of the variables. The peak torque and rate of torque development for all muscles (knee flexor and extensor, plantar and dorsiflexor) increased from pre- to posttraining in all groups. However, the effect was greater in the ST90 and ST150 groups than in the ST group. The activation level and electromechanical delay of the muscles changed from pre- to posttraining only for the ST90 and ST150 groups. Chair-rising performance in the FO groups was higher than in the ST group. CONCLUSIONS: Strength training increased muscle strength in elderly women. The inclusion of FO supplementation caused greater improvements in muscle strength and functional capacity.

Spinal unloading after abdominal exercises.

BACKGROUND: Intervertebral discs are exposed to compressive forces, which produces fluid loss. This loss decreases disc height, spinal length and consequently overall stature. The loss of stature has been associated with spine loading and low back pain. Abdominal exercises increase intra-abdominal pressure and unload the spine. The purpose of this study was to identify if abdominal exercises may produce acute spinal unloading compared to a known unloading position. METHODS: Nine subjects performed a loading protocol and an unloading protocol on three experimental sessions. The loading protocol consisted of three sets of military press, while three unloading protocols were: three sets of regular abdominal exercises, three sets of abdominal exercises performed in an inclined board or an unloading resting posture. FINDINGS: Abdominal exercises showed a greater recovery (mean (SD)) (regular=87.8 (20.4)%; inclined=70.1 (14.5)%) in comparison to the resting position (Fowler=33.6 (14.1)%), although no significant differences were found between abdominal exercises in stature recovery (P=0.07). INTERPRETATION: Abdominal exercises may be introduced between sets of resistance training to decrease the negative effect of compressive forces imposed during such highly stressing activities. Further studies are required to confirm the proposed underlying mechanisms.

Influência do gênero sobre a variação da estatura / Gender influence over stature variation

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a influência do gênero sobre a variação da estatura duranteatividades cotidianas a fim de auxiliar na compreensão da maior incidência de dores nas costas emmulheres. Dezenove sujeitos jovens (12 mulheres, 20,9 ± 1,1 anos; e sete homens, 20,3 ± 1,0 anos)participaram do estudo. As mulheres tiveram medidas de estatura controladas para o ciclo menstrualpara controlar possíveis efeitos de variações hormonais. Os indivíduos tiveram sua estatura mensuradapor meio de estadiômetro especial no início, após, 20, 60, 120, 180 min de uma tarefa cotidiana (atividadeslivres, sentar e andar; porém não vigorosas). Homens e mulheres possuem variações de estaturadiferenciadas, onde as mulheres perderam estatura mais rápido e em maior magnitude do que os homens.As diferenças encontradas neste estudo entre os gêneros podem explicar a maior prevalência delombalgias nas mulheres. Desta forma, cargas de trabalho devem ser diferenciadas entre gêneros, vistoa maior predisposição das mulheres a perdas mais pronunciadas de estatura. Outros estudos entregêneros que analisem a capacidade dos sujeitos recuperarem estatura são necessários, visto a associaçãoapontada entre lombalgias e a inabilidade de recuperação apontada em outros estudos.

The aim of this study was to compare the gender influence over stature variation during quotidian tasksin order to help the understanding of factors related to the greatest low back pain incidence in women.Nineteen young subjects (12 women, 20.9 ± 1.1 years and 7 men, 20.3 ± 1.0 years) participated in thestudy. Menstrual cycle was controlled in an attempt to reduce possible hormonal cycle variation effects.Women’s stature was controlled by means of a special stadiometer before, and after 20, 60,120 and 180min during a quotidian task. Men and women showed different stature variations, where women lostheight more rapidly and in greater magnitude than man. The differences found in the present studybetween genders may explain the greater prevalence of low back pain in women. Therefore, workloadsmust differ between genders, as women are more predisposed to more pronounced stature loss. Otherstudies between genders to analyze subjects’ ability to recover from stature loss are required, as there isan association between back pain and recovery inability pointed in other studies.

Body mass as a factor in stature change.

BACKGROUND: Back pain is a common condition which has been described as a serious public health problem. Spinal shrinkage has been used as an index of spinal loading in a range of tasks. Epidemiological evidence shows that body mass index (BMI: 30 kg/m(2)) is related to the development of low back pain however, no studies have described the stature change patterns of obese individuals. This study aimed to compare changes in stature after an exercise task in obese and non-obese individuals. METHODS: Twenty volunteers were divided into two equal groups; obese: BMI>30 kg/m(2), non-obese: BMI<25 kg/m(2). Stature was measured at 3 min intervals during a 30 min walking task and a 30 min standing recovery period. Tests were performed on two occasions, once with participants loaded during the walking task (10% body mass) and once unloaded. The influence of obesity and load condition on the magnitude and rate of stature change were compared by a two-way ANOVA: FINDINGS: In both groups the stature loss was greater in the loaded than unloaded condition (mean (SD)) (6.52 (1.45)mm and 3.55 (0.93)mm non-obese; 8.49 (1.75)mm and 7.02 (1.32)mm obese: P=0.016). The obese presented a greater reduction in stature in both task conditions. The obese group were unable to recover stature regardless of the task condition during the recovery period (loaded: 0.06 (0.3)mm; unloaded: 0.32 (0.6)mm; P=0.013). INTERPRETATION: It was concluded that the acute response of the spine to loading may represent a risk factor for low back pain in the obese, in addition to the chronic adaptations previously reported. A greater period of recovery may be necessary for obese individuals to re-establish intervertebral disc height. These findings may help to explain the high incidence of back disorders in obese individuals.

Spinal shrinkage and recovery in women with and without low back pain.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the behavior of the spinal column after loading in participants with and without low back pain (LBP) using spinal shrinkage measurements as a criterion and to analyze the relations among spinal shrinkage, recovery, and LBP. DESIGN: A case-control study with repeated measures. SETTING: University department with recruitment from primary care. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of 31 women (15 with chronic, nondisabling LBP [LBP group]; 16 with no history of low back disorders [control group]). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Changes in body length as determined by using a stadiometer. RESULTS: The spinal shrinkage induced by the exercise was similar ( P >.05) in both groups (control group, mean +/- standard deviation of -3.99+/-1.13 mm; LBP group, -4.16+/-1.54 mm). Differences in spinal length were found after 20 minutes in the recovery position ( P <.05). The control group was able to recover stature to a greater extent (111.2%+/-13.6%) than the LBP group ( P <.05), which was unable to regain stature beyond baseline (57.5%+/-25.1%). A negative correlation was found between regaining stature and low back pain ( r =-.52, P <.05). CONCLUSIONS: Participants with LBP were unable to recover stature to the same extent as controls. We suggest that LBP is related to the diminished ability to recover rather than to the magnitude of the spinal shrinkage imposed during the task.

Stature loss and recovery in pregnant women with and without low back pain.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the loss of stature and its recovery in normal and pregnant women with and without low back pain (LBP) and to examine the relations between spinal shrinkage, recovery, and LBP. DESIGN: Stature changes were measured before and after physical activity in each group and differences in response compared between groups. SETTING: A laboratory environment. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-one women (7 pregnant without LBP, 8 pregnant with LBP, 16 nonpregnant with no history of low back disorders) were recruited using convenience sampling. Controls were recruited from the general community; subjects in the pregnant groups were recruited from local primary care groups. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Stature change was assessed as the main outcome measure. Changes in stature were interpreted with respect to the woman's stature at the start of the trial. RESULTS: Stature loss induced by a moderate physical activity was similar (P>.05) in all groups (control, -3.99+/-1.13 mm; pregnant no back pain, -4.23+/-1.23 mm; pregnant with back pain, -4.57+/-1.53 mm). Differences were found after 20 minutes in a recovery position (P<.05): the controls were able to recover stature to a greater extent (111.2%+/-13.6%) than the other groups (P<.05). A negative correlation was found between regain in stature and LBP in pregnant subjects (r=-.81, P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The pregnant women with LBP were unable to recover stature to the same extent as the controls and pregnant women without LBP. Results suggest that LBP in pregnancy may be related to the woman's diminished ability to recover, rather than the magnitude of the spinal shrinkage imposed during the task.