Effects of chemotherapy treatment on muscle strength indicators, functional capacity and biopsychosocial aspects of women with breast cancer.

Evidences on the effects of chemotherapy treatment cycles on measures of muscle, mental state, social and cognitive performance are scarce. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of chemotherapy cycles on muscle strength and activation, functional capacity, quality of life, fatigue and anxiety of women with breast cancer. Therefore, twenty-two women divided into a treatment group (n = 10; 46.6 ± 9.6 years) and control group (n = 12; 51.6 ± 7.0 years) participated in the study. Analysis of muscle performance, quality of life, fatigue and anxiety after the 2nd and 4th cycle of chemotherapy with anthracyclines were performed in women with breast cancer (TRA) and compared to healthy women (CTR). Two-way ANOVA was used to compare the variance of the means and the significance level was set as P≤0.05. The results showed Differences in the muscular activation of the vastus mediallis between the groups at post time (P = 0.038), as well as in the sit and stand test in the baseline (P<0.001) and post moment (P<0.001). Functional capacity performance was different between baseline (P<0.001) and post-time (P<0.001) groups. Additionally, the TRA group worsened the quality of life in the domains of functional capacity (P<0.001) and limitation of physical aspects (P = 0.002), besides presenting negative changes in fatigue. Thus, anthracycline chemotherapy cycles reduce muscular performance and affect biopsychosocial variables in women with breast cancer.

Age and Sex Differences in Fitness Among Brazilian Federal Highway Patrol Officers.

ABSTRACT: Marins, EF, Dawes, JJ, and Del Vecchio, FB. Age and sex differences in fitness among Brazilian Federal Highway Patrol Officers. J Strength Cond Res 37(6): 1292-1297, 2023-Age- and sex-related differences in fitness have been observed in U.S.-based law enforcement agencies. However, these differences have not been fully explored among agencies outside the United States. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the age- and sex-related differences on selected measures of physical fitness among Brazilian Federal Highway Police Officers. Retrospective physical fitness data for 7,044 (men = 6,283 and women = 761) officers were provided for analysis. These tests included sit-ups and push-ups (muscular endurance), flexed-arm hang/pull-ups (upper-body strength), standing broad jump (lower-body power), and a 12-minute run (aerobic capacity). Data were stratified by age into 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50-59 year groups and analyzed by sex. Independent samples t-tests were used to assess sex-related differences, and a one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc for multiple pairwise comparisons was used to calculate differences between age groups. A linear regression was then used to verify the effect of age on the physical fitness for both sexes. Male officers were older, heavier, and taller and displayed greater upper-limb muscular endurance and aerobic capacity than female officers ( p < 0.05). General declines in muscular endurance, strength, lower-body power, and cardiorespiratory fitness were observed among male officers ( p < 0.05) by age groups. Significant ( p < 0.05) declines in fitness were also observed among older female officers in muscular endurance, lower-body power, and cardiorespiratory fitness. These general declines in fitness with age progression may negatively impact an officers overall health and occupational fitness. Officers should strive to attain and maintain adequate levels of fitness to sustain health, fitness, and occupational performance throughout their career. It is recommended that both male and female officers engage in strength training and conditioning programs focused to combat the potential deleterious effects of aging.

Inclusion of sprints during moderate-intensity continuous exercise enhances post-exercise fat oxidation in young males.

To assess the physiological demands of including high-intensity efforts during continuous exercise, we designed a randomized crossover study, in which 12 physically active young males executed 3 different exercises in random order: FATmax - continuous exercise at the highest fat oxidation zone; 2min-130% - FATmax interspersed by a 2-minute bout at 130% of the maximal oxygen uptake associated intensity (iV̇O2max); and 20s:10s-170% - FATmax interspersed by four 20-s bouts at 170%iV̇O2max interpolated by 10s of passive recovery. We measured oxygen uptake (V̇O2), blood lactate concentration ([LAC]), respiratory exchange rate (RER), and fat and carbohydrate (CHO) oxidation. For statistical analyses, repeated-measures ANOVA was applied. Although no differences were found for average V̇O2 or carbohydrate oxidation rate, the post-exercise fat oxidation rate was 37.5% and 50% higher during the 2min-130% and 20s:10s-170% protocols, respectively, compared with the FATmax protocol, which also presented lower values of RER during exercise compared with 2min-130% and 20s:10s-170% (p < 0.001 in both), and higher values post-exercise (p = 0.04 and p = 0.002, respectively). [LAC] was higher during exercise when high-intensity bouts were applied (p < 0.001 for both) and was higher at post-exercise during the intermittent bouts compared with FATmax (p = 0.016). The inclusion of high-intensity efforts during moderate-intensity continuous exercise promoted higher physiological demands and post-exercise fat oxidation. Novelty: The inclusion of 2-minute efforts modifies continuous exercise demands. Maximal efforts can increase post-exercise fat oxidation. 2-minute maximal efforts, continuous or intermittent, presents similar demands.

Acute respiratory flow restriction affects average power, but not heart rate and subjective perceived exertion in healthy women / A restrição aguda do fluxo respiratório afeta a potência média, mas não a frequência cardíaca e a percepção subjetiva do esforço de mulheres saudáveis / La restricción aguda del flujo respiratorio afecta la potencia promedio, pero no la frecuencia cardíaca y el esfuerzo subjetivo percibido en mujeres sanas

ABSTRACT This study aims to verify the effect of the restriction of the ventilatory flow on HR, RPE, and power during HIT-test performed by healthy women. The participants (n=8) underwent HIT-test without and with ventilatory flow restriction. HR, power, and RPE was measured. HRpost showed no significant difference between conditions (p=0,053). The average power presented higher values in the condition without the restriction of ventilatory flow (619,51±144,33W; 565,99±108,43W; p=0,001), but without differences in the fatigue index (p=0,383). In both conditions, increases in RPE were observed during the efforts (p<0,001). It is concluded that HR and RPE did not suffer acute effects from the restriction of ventilatory flow; however, the average power is decreased during HIT-test.

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi verificar o efeito da restrição do fluxo ventilatório na FC, PSE e potência durante o HIT-teste realizado por mulheres saudáveis. As participantes (n = 8) foram submetidos ao teste HIT sem e com restrição do fluxo ventilatório. HR, potência e PSE foram medidos. FCpos não apresentou diferença significativa entre as condições (p=0,053). A potência média mostrou valores maiores na condição sem restrição do fluxo ventilatório (619,51 ± 144,33W; 565,99 ± 108,43W; p=0,001), mas sem diferenças no índice de fadiga (p=0,383). Em ambas as condições, foram observados aumentos da PSE durante os esforços (p <0,001). Conclui-se que a FC e a PSE não sofreram efeitos agudos da restrição do fluxo ventilatório; no entanto, a potência média diminui durante o HIT-teste.

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue verificar el efecto de la restricción del flujo ventilatorio sobre la FC, PSE y potencia durante la prueba HIT realizada por mujeres sanas. Las participantes (n=8) se sometieron a la prueba HIT sin y con flujo de ventilación restringido. Se midieron la FC, la potencia y la PSE. FCpos no mostró diferencias entre las condiciones (p=0,053). La potencia promedio mostró valores más altos sin restricción de flujo ventilatorio (619,51±144,33W; 565,9±108,43W; p=0,001), pero no en el índice de fatiga (p=0,383). En ambas condiciones, se observaron aumentos de PSE durante los esfuerzos (p<0,001). Se concluye que la FC y la PSE no sufrieron efectos agudos de la restricción del flujo ventilatorio; sin embargo, la potencia media disminuye en la prueba HIT.

Physiological and Performance Impacts After Field Supramaximal High-Intensity Interval Training With Different Work-Recovery Duration.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has numerous external load control variables. The management of these variables makes the physiological responses and performance presented by athletes also modify. The present study aimed to assess the activity of CK and LDH enzymes, performance and metabolic responses caused by two HIIT protocols above the maximum in male recreational runners. Fifteen recreational male runners performed two HIIT protocols in randomized order with multiple conditions: 1) H15 (n = 15), with a HIIT protocol of 15:15 work-recovery duration, and 2) H30 (n = 15) with a HIIT protocol of 30:30 work-recovery duration. Both protocols were performed at similar intensity (130% vV̇O2 max ), one set until voluntary exhaustion. Blood samples were collected and used to capture the levels and activities of blood lactate (BLac: mmol⋅L-1), glucose (GLU: mg⋅dL-1), creatine kinase (CK: U⋅L-1), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH: U⋅L-1). BLac and GLU were collected at pre, five, and ten minutes after the H15 and H30 protocols were performed. Blood samples were used to measure the activities of CK and LDH enzymes, which were verified 24 h before and 48 h after the protocols. The distance traveled (m), total time (s), and bouts performed (rep) were also registered. Significant differences between conditions H15 and H30 were observed in the bouts performed (p = 0.001; ES = 1.19). Several statistical differences were found over time for BLac [pre vs. post 5 (both conditions: p = 0.001), pre vs. post 10 (both conditions: p = 0.001), and post 5 vs. post 10 (H30: p = 0.004)], CK [pre vs. post 24 (H15: p < 0.001; ES = 0.97 and H30: p = 0.001; ES = 0.74) post 24 vs. post 48 (H30: p = 0.03; ES = 0.56)], and LDH [pre vs. post24 (H15: p = 0.008; ES = 1.07 and H30: p = 0.022; ES = 0.85). No statistical differences between conditions were observed for any blood parameter. Thus, the volunteers exhibited equal performance in both protocols, which resulted in a similar physiological response. Despite this similarity, in comparison to H15, the H30 protocol presented lower CK activity post 48 and lactate levels after 10 min post protocol.

AUTONOMIC, CARDIOVASCULAR & PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES IN STRENGTH TRAINING PROTOCOLS / Respostas autonômicas, cardiovasculares e fisiológicas em protocolos de treinamento de força / Respuestas autonómicas, cardiovasculares y fisiológicas en protocolos de entrenamiento de fuerza

ABSTRACT Introduction Strength training is a recurrent practice among several publics and the topic of several studies, yet there is a shortage of previous studies that analyzed these parameters in the same subjects in training sessions involving volume, interval and different repetitions maximum ranges. Objective The study was aimed at measuring and comparing the acute effect of different ST (strength training) protocols on HR (heart rate), HRV (heart rate variability), [LAC] (lactate concentration), [CK] (creatine kinase) and SPE (subjective perceived exertion). Methods Eleven individuals with previous experience were recruited and in three sessions they performed three different training models, namely: high load (4 sets at 90% of 1RM, 180s rest between sets), medium load (3 sets at 75% of 1 RM, 90s rest between sets), and low load (2 sets at 50% of 1 RM, 45s rest between sets) in free squat, bench press, deadlift and bent-over row exercises. Results There was no difference in CK between low load (resistance) and medium load (hypertrophy) (p = 0.60), between resistance and high load (strength) (p = 0.84), and between hypertrophy and strength (p = 0.91), while there was higher lactate accumulation in training with medium and low loads in comparison to training with high loads (p <0.001). Conclusion It can be noted that workouts with high loads, few repetitions and longer intervals (maximum strength) generate lower blood lactate concentrations and SPE values when compared to training with lower loads and shorter intervals (resistance training and hypertrophy). Additionally, when evaluating autonomic and cardiovascular variables, it would appear that manipulating the percentage of 1RM and the interval time does not generate significant changes in HRV, blood pressure (BP) and HR when the repetitions are executed until failure. Level of evidence II; Prospective comparative study.

RESUMO Introdução O treinamento de força é prática recorrente entre diversos públicos e alvo de diversos estudos, contudo há escassez de estudos prévios que analisaram esses parâmetros nos mesmos indivíduos em sessões de treino envolvendo volume, intervalo e faixas distintas de repetições máximas. Objetivo Mensurar e comparar o efeito agudo de diferentes protocolos de TF (treino de força) sobre a FC (frequência cardíaca), VFC (variabilidade da frequência cardíaca), [LAC] (concentração de lactato), [CK] (creatina quinase) e PSE (percepção subjetiva de esforço). Métodos Foram selecionados 11 indivíduos com experiência prévia e, em três sessões, os mesmos realizaram três diferentes modelos de treino, isto é: carga alta (4 séries a 90% de 1RM, 180s de descanso entre séries), carga média (3 séries a 75% de 1 RM, 90s de descanso entre séries) e carga baixa (2 séries a 50% de 1 RM, 45s de descanso entre séries) em exercícios de agachamento livre, supino reto, levantamento terra e remada curva. Resultados Não houve diferença da CK entre a carga baixa (resistência) e a carga média (hipertrofia) (p=0,60), entre resistência e carga alta (força) (p=0,84) e entre hipertrofia e força (p=0,91) e houve maior acúmulo de lactato nos treinos com carga média e baixa em relação ao treino com cargas altas (p<0,001). Conclusão Observa-se que os treinos com cargas altas, poucas repetições e intervalos mais longos (força máxima) geram concentrações de lactato sanguíneo e PSE menores quando comparados aos treinos que utilizam cargas mais baixas e intervalos mais curtos (treinos de resistência e hipertrofia). Adicionalmente, quando avaliadas as variáveis autonômicas e cardiovasculares, parece que manipular o percentual de 1RM e o tempo de intervalo não é capaz de gerar alterações significativas na VFC, pressão arterial (PA) e FC quando as repetições são executadas até a falha. Nível de evidência II; Estudo prospectivo comparativo.

RESUMEN Introducción El entrenamiento de fuerza es práctica recurrente entre diversos públicos y objetivo de diversos estudios. Sin embargo, hay escasez de estudios previos que analizaron esos parámetros en los mismos individuos en sesiones de entrenamiento abarcando volumen, intervalo y franjas distintas de repeticiones máximas. Objetivo Medir y comparar el efecto agudo de diferentes protocolos de EF (entrenamiento de fuerza) sobre la FC (frecuencia cardíaca), VFC (variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca), [LAC] (concentración de lactato), [CK] (creatina quinasa) y PSE (percepción subjetiva de esfuerzo). Métodos Fueron seleccionados 11 individuos con experiencia previa y, en tres sesiones, los mismos realizaron tres modelos de entrenamiento, a saber: carga alta (4 series a 90% de 1RM, 180s de descanso entre series), carga mediana (3 series a 75% 1RM, 90s de descanso entre series), y carga baja (2 series a 50% de 1RM, 45s de descanso entre series) en los ejercicios de agachamiento libre, supino recto, levantamiento tierra y remada curva. Resultados No hubo diferencias de la CK entre la carga baja (resistencia) y la carga mediana (hipertrofia) (p = 0,60) entre resistencia y carga alta (fuerza) (p = 0,84) y entre hipertrofia y fuerza (p = 0,91) y hubo mayor acumulación de lactato en los entrenamientos con carga mediana y baja con relación al entrenamiento con cargas altas (p <0,001). Conclusión Se observa que los entrenamientos con cargas altas, pocas repeticiones e intervalos más largos (fuerza máxima) generan concentraciones de lactato sanguíneo y PSE menores cuando comparados a los entrenamientos que utilizan cargas más bajas e intervalos más cortos (entrenamientos de resistencia e hipertrofia). Además, cuando evaluadas las variables autonómicas y cardiovasculares, parece que manipular el porcentaje de 1RM y el tiempo de intervalo no es capaz de generar alteraciones significativas en la VFC, presión arterial (PA) y FC cuando las repeticiones son ejecutadas hasta la falla. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudio prospectivo comparativo.

Effects of exercise cessation on adipose tissue physiological markers related to fat regain: A systematic review.

Tissues usually super compensate during the period that follow physical exercise. Although this is widely accepted for muscle and glycogen, the compensatory effect is not usually applied to fat tissues. Notwithstanding, evidence for this has been present since the 1970s when it was first suggested that the increased lipogenic activity in response to training might be an adaptation that enables to restore an energy reserve that can be used in times of need. In this context, the present review aimed to summarize information about the effect of detraining on fat metabolism and the physiological responses associated with fat regain. A systematic search on PubMed and Scielo was performed using "training cessation," "detraining," "exercise detraining," and "exercise cessation" combined with "fat tissue," "adipose tissue," "adipose metabolism," and "fat metabolism," as descriptors. From 377 results, 25 were included in this review, 12 humans and 13 rodents, resulting in a sample of 6772 humans and 613 animals. The analysis provided evidence for fat super compensation, as well as differences in humans and rodents, among different protocols and possible mechanisms for fat gain after exercise cessation. In summary, exercise cessation appears to increase the ability of the adipose tissue to store energy. However, caution should be taken, especially regarding conclusions based on investigations on humans, considering the multiple factors that could affect fat metabolism.

Is It Time to Rethink Our Weight Loss Paradigms?

Strategies aiming to promote weight loss usually include anything that results in an increase in energy expenditure (exercise) or a decrease in energy intake (diet). However, the probability of losing weight is low and the probability of sustained weight loss is even lower. Herein, we bring some questions and suggestions about the topic, with a focus on exercise interventions. Based on the current evidence, we should look at how metabolism changes in response to interventions instead of counting calories, so we can choose more efficient models that can account for the complexity of human organisms. In this regard, high-intensity training might be particularly interesting as a strategy to promote fat loss since it seems to promote many physiological changes that might favor long-term weight loss. However, it is important to recognize the controversy of the results regarding interval training (IT), which might be explained by the large variations in its application. For this reason, we have to be more judicious about how exercise is planned and performed and some factors, like supervision, might be important for the results. The intensity of exercise seems to modulate not only how many calories are expended after exercise, but also where they came from. Instead of only estimating the number of calories ingested and expended, it seems that we have to act positively in order to create an adequate environment for promoting healthy and sustainable weight loss.

Efeito da inclusão de exergames nas aulas de educação física escolar sobre a coordenação motora de crianças saudáveis / Effect of the inclusion of exergames in physical education classes on motor coordination of healthy children

Este estudo objetivou quantificar os efeitos da inserção de exergames (Xbox 360 - Kinect Adventure) nas aulas de Educação Física Escolar sobre a coordenação motora de escolares em séries iniciais. Para isso, foram considerados dois grupos, o experimental (n=14), que praticou durante oito semanas, e o controle (n=17), os quais eram compostos por crianças de ambos os sexos, com idades entre 8 e 10 anos. Como instrumento de medida, foi utilizado o Teste de Coordenação Corporal para Crianças (Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder, KTK), sendo que o grupo experimental realizava aulas de Educação Física com emprego do Kinect Adventure, e o grupo controle fazia atividades sem o mesmo. Os resultados sugerem que o uso de exergames nas aulas de Educação Física escolar pode modificar positivamente a coordenação motora geral de jovens estudantes.

This study aimed to quantify the effects of exergames (Xbox 360- Kinect Adventure) in physical education classes on motor coordination in students from initial series. For this, two groups, the experimental group (n=14) which practiced for eight weeks, and control group (n=17) were composed of children from both genre between 8 and 10 years old. The Body Coordination Test for Children (Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder, KTK) battery was used as a measurement instrument. The experimental group performed Physical Education classes using Kinect Adventure, and the control group performed activities without it. The results suggest that the use of exergames in physical education classes can positively modify the general motor coordination of young students.

Effectiveness of High-Intensity Interval Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training in Hypertensive Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on blood pressure of hypertensive individuals. RECENT FINDINGS: Continuous aerobic training programs are successful in health promotion and are effective in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) modulation. However, HIIT seems to be superior to MICT to improvement of cardiorespiratory fitness. PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized clinical trials that compared chronic effects of HIIT and MICT on BP in hypertensive subjects. Pre- and post-intervention changes in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) between MICT and HIIT were analyzed. Both interventions presented significant differences in SBP (MICT: mean difference (MD), 3.7 mmHg [95% CI = 2.57, 4.82], p < 0.00001; and HIIT: MD, 5.64 mmHg [95% CI = 1.69, 9.52], p = 0.005) and in DBP (MICT: MD, 2.41 mmHg [95% CI = 1.09, 3.72], p = 0.0003; and HIIT: MD, 4.8 mmHg [95% CI = 2.9, 6.7], p < 0.00001) compared with the control group. No differences were found in the SBP values (MD, 1.13 mmHg [95% CI = - 0.01, 2.27], p = 0.05); however, differences were found between groups in DBP (MD, 1.63 mmHg [95% CI = 0.83, 2.44], p = 0.0001). In the secondary outcome, both interventions increased VO2max in comparison with control groups (MICT: MD, 1.30 ml/kg/min [95% CI = 0.92, 1.68], p < 0.00001; and HIIT: MD, 4.90 ml/kg/min [95% CI = 3.77, 6.04], p < 0.00001), and HIIT promoted greater improvement than MICT (MD, 2.52 ml/kg/min [95% CI = 1.90, 3.13], p < 0.0001). In conclusion, HIIT and MICT promote reduction in SBP in adults with hypertension, and HIIT showed a greater magnitude in DBP reduction. For hypertensive patients, HIIT may be associated with a greater improvement in VO2max than MICT might.

Effects of high vs moderate-intensity intermittent training on functionality, resting heart rate and blood pressure of elderly women.

BACKGROUND: The present study compared the effects of training and detraining periods of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on functional performance, body composition, resting blood pressure and heart rate in elderly women nursing home residents. METHODS: Forty-six volunteers (age, 80.8 ± 5.2 y; body mass, 69.8 ± 5.2 kg, height, 164.2 ± 4.12 cm) were divided into groups that performed treadmill exercise twice-weekly HIIT (4 bouts of 4-min intervals at 85-95% of the maximal heart rate [HRmax], interspersed by 4 min at 65% HRmax), MIIT (4 bouts of 4 min intervals at 55-75% HRmax, interspersed by 4 min at 45-50% HRmax) and MICT (30-min at 55-75% HRmax). Tests were performed before and after 8 weeks of training and 2 and 4 weeks of detraining. ANCOVA was used to analyze dependent variable changes. RESULTS: After 8 weeks HIIT promoted greater reductions in body mass (HIIT = - 1.6 ± 0.1 kg; MICT = - 0.9 ± 0.1 kg; MIIT = - 0.9 ± 0.1 kg; p = 0.001), fat mass (HIIT = - 2.2 ± 0.1%; MICT = - 0.7 ± 0.1%; MIIT = - 1.2 ± 0.1%; p < 0.001) and resting heart rate (HIIT = - 7.3 ± 0.3%; MICT = - 3.6 ± 0.3%; MIIT = - 5.1 ± 0.3%; p < 0.001) and greater improvement in the chair stand test (HIIT = 3.4 ± 0.1 reps; MICT = 2.5 ± 0.1 reps; MIIT = 3.1 ± 0.1 reps; p < 0.001) when compared to MIIT and MICT. These improvements were sustained after 2 and 4 weeks of detraining only in the HIIT group. CONCLUSION: HIIT promoted greater benefits for body composition and functional performance than MICT and MIIT and also showed less pronounced effects of detraining. This suggests that the intensity of physical exercise is an important factor to consider when prescribing exercise to the elderly.

Effects of Personal Protective Equipment on the Performance of Federal Highway Policemen in Physical Fitness Tests.

Marins, EF, Cabistany, L, Bartel, C, Dawes, J, and Del Vecchio, FB. Effects of personal protective equipment on the performance of Federal Highway Policemen in physical fitness tests. J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 11-19, 2020-Personal protective equipment (PPE), worn by police officers, provides protection and can modify physiological and performance responses during physical efforts. Physiological, perceptual, and physical responses were compared with PPE (WPPE) and without PPE (NPPE) among the Brazilian Federal Highway Policemen (FHP). Nineteen (n = 19) FHP completed 2 experimental trials: NPPE and WPPE (load = 8.3 kg). Tests of aerobic and anaerobic power, muscular strength and endurance, as well as change of direction speed (CODS) were performed under both conditions. Heart rate reductions were shown at the second ventilatory threshold (1.4%) and maximal exercise (1.5%) WPPE. In comparison with NPPE, physical performance in the WPPE condition showed decreases in the following: treadmill time at maximal exercise (21%, p < 0.001); time in the isometric trunk test (28.9%, p < 0.001); vertical jump height (11.6 and 10.5%, p < 0.001); standing long jump distance (7.3%, p < 0.001); bar hang time (14.8%, p < 0.05); and CODS (2.6%, p < 0.05). Results indicate that PPE use reduces physical performance of FHP in cardiorespiratory, strength, power, and CODS tests.

Effects of Personal Protective Equipment on Metabolism and Performance During an Occupational Physical Ability Test for Federal Highway Police Officers.

Marins, EF, Cabistany, L, Farias, CB, Dawes, J, and Del Vecchio, FB. Effects of personal protective equipment on metabolism and performance during an Occupational Physical Ability Test for Federal Highway Police officers. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 1093-1102, 2020-Federal Highway Police (FHP) officers perform their duties while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Given the need for officers to wear PPE, it is important to understand the effects this additional load can have on occupational performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of load carriage on physiological, perceptual, and performance responses during an Occupational Physical Ability Test (OPAT). Thirteen male FHP officers completed an OPAT with PPE (WPPE, load = 12.0 kg) and without PPE (NPPE, load = 5.2 kg) in 2 separate sessions in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Metabolic responses (heart rate [HR] and its variability, and blood lactate concentration [Lac]), perceptual (rating of perceived exertion [RPE]), and OPAT performance were measured. Paired t and Wilcoxon tests were used to identify differences between conditions, and 2-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc was performed to analyze the results of Lac between the conditions. Occupational Physical Ability Test completion time was significantly greater in the WPPE condition compared with the NPPE condition (125.9 ± 13.8 vs. 118.3 ± 11 seconds, p < 0.01). Lac after the OPAT was higher in the NPPE condition compared with the WPPE (respectively 11.7 ± 2.7 vs. 9.6 ± 1.5 mmol·L, p < 0.05). The HRmax (NPPE = 180.5 ± 8.9 vs. WPPE = 178.3 ± 6.6 b·min, p = 0.44) and RPE (NPPE = 8.6 ± 0.8 vs. WPPE = 8.7 ± 1.0, p = 0.77) were not different between conditions. Personal protective equipment reduces performance in specific occupational circuit, changing Lac but without affecting HR and RPE. Strength and conditioning programs for FHP should aim to reduce the negative impact of additional load associate with wearing PPE.

O movimento na luta pela vida: sistema de organização e treinamento dos gladiadores / The movement in the fight for life: Gladiators' system of organization and training / El movimiento en la lucha por la vida: El sistema de organización y entrenamiento de los gladiadores

INTRODUÇÃO E OBJETIVO: Apresentar a origem dos gladiadores, seus sistemas de treinamento e vida cotidiana. PROCEDIMENTOS METODOLÓGICOS: Realizou-se revisão narrativa, a partir de recuperação de fatos históricos contidos em fontes iconográficas, eletrônicas e bibliográficas. DISCUSSÃO: Acredita-se que a origem dos jogos de gladiadores seja etrusca, inicialmente realizados como parte de ritos funerais. Após inserido na famiglia gladiatoria, os gladiadores seguiam as leis das escolas de formação (ludus). Gladiadores que haviam combatido durante muito tempo, e sobreviveram a todos os combates, recebiam uma espada de madeira como símbolo de sua aposentadoria, denominada rudis. CONCLUSÃO: Por um período de quase 600 anos, a arena foi um dos entretenimentos mais populares do mundo romano. Combates de gladiadores eram um elemento do paganismo que governou Roma até a conversão do imperador Constantino ao cristianismo no século IV, e ocupam um lugar central na percepção popular moderna de comportamento romano.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Present the origin of gladiators, their training systems and daily life. METHODOLOGICAL PROCEDURES: A narrative review was carried out, based on the retrieval of historical facts contained in iconographic, electronic and bibliographical sources. DISCUSSION: It is believed that the origin of the gladiator's combat is Etruscan, initially realized as part of funeral rites. After entering the gladiatorial family, the gladiators followed laws from schools of formation (ludus). Gladiators who had fought for a long time, and survived all combats received a wooden sword as a symbol of their retirement, called rudis. CONCLUSION: For a period of almost 600 years, the arena was one of the most popular entertainments in the Roman world. Gladiator fights were an element of paganism that ruled Rome until the conversion of Emperor Constantine to Christianity in the fourth century, and occupy a central place in the modern popular perception of Roman behavior.

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVO: Presentar el origen de los gladiadores, sus sistemas de entrenamiento y la vida cotidiana. PROCEDIMIENTOS METODOLÓGICOS: se realizó una revisión narrativa, basada en la recuperación de hechos históricos, contenidos en fuentes iconográficas, electrónicas y bibliográficas. DISCUSIÓN: Se cree que el origen del combate del gladiador es etrusco, inicialmente realizado como parte de los ritos funerarios. Después de entrar en la familia de gladiadores, los gladiadores siguieron las leyes de las escuelas de formación (ludus). Los gladiadores que habían luchado durante mucho tiempo y sobrevivieron a todos los combates recibieron una espada de madera como símbolo de su retiro, llamada rudis. CONCLUSIÓN: durante un período de casi 600 años, la arena fue uno de los entretenimientos más populares en el mundo romano. Las luchas de gladiadores fueron un elemento del paganismo que estaba en el Imperio Romano hasta la conversión del emperador Constantino al cristianismo en el siglo IV, y ocupan un lugar central en la percepción popular moderna del comportamiento romano.

Effects of continuous moderate exercise with partial blood flow restriction during hemodialysis: A protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with physical weakness and increased oxidative stress and inflammation levels. Rehabilitation programs are associated with an improvement in the functional capacity, inflammatory and oxidative stress profile. Exercise associated with blood flow restriction (BFR) has been demonstrating positive effects in training programs, but there is lack information about exercise with BFR in CKD. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to describe a protocol using continuous moderate exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) applied during hemodialysis (HD) to measures health indicators and immune system and oxidative stress parameters in CKD patients. Methods: A RTC will be conducted with 42 patients in HD. Baseline measures will be compared with final measures (anthropometric, cardiorespiratory, biochemical, muscle fitness, nutritional and behavioral questions). Participants will be randomly allocated to: 1) Continuous moderate exercise group with BFR; 2) Continuous moderate exercise group without BFR; 3) Control group without exercise. The intervention will be 12 weeks long during HD session. Patients will perform 20 min of continuous moderate exercise on a stationary bicycle three times a week. The present study is expected to generate significant information about the role of exercise with BFR in patients with CKD during HD.

Addition of blood flow restriction to passive mobilization reduces the rate of muscle wasting in elderly patients in the intensive care unit: a within-patient randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate the addition of blood flow restriction to passive mobilization in patients in the intensive care unit. DESIGN:: The study was a within-patient randomized trial. SETTING:: Two intensive care units in Belém, from September to October 2017. SUBJECTS:: In total, 34 coma patients admitted to the intensive care unit sector, and 20 patients fulfilled the study requirements. INTERVENTIONS:: All participants received the passive mobilization protocol for lower limbs, and blood flow restriction was added only for one side in a concurrent fashion. Intervention lasted the entire patient's hospitalization time. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT:: Thigh muscle thickness and circumference. RESULTS:: In total, 34 subjects were enrolled in the study: 11 were excluded for exclusion criteria, 3 for death, and 20 completed the intervention (17 men and 3 women; mean age: 66 ± 4.3 years). Despite both groups presented atrophy, the atrophy rate was lower in blood flow restriction limb in relation to the control limb (-2.1 vs. -2.8 mm, respectively, in muscle thickness; P = 0.001). In addition, the blood flow restriction limb also had a smaller reduction in the thigh circumference than the control limb (-2.5 vs. -3.6 cm, respectively; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION:: The use of blood flow restriction did not present adverse effects and seems to be a valid strategy to reduce the magnitude of the rate of muscle wasting that occurs in intensive care unit patients.

Tabata protocol: a review of its application, variations and outcomes.

PURPOSE: The great popularity of the Tabata Protocol is accompanied by an uncomfortable lack of consistency and criteria in its use, which results in many controversies in the results obtained from its utilization. The purpose of this study was to analyse the studies that based their interventions on the Tabata Protocol and to provide a critical analysis of its use. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus. All articles published between 1996 and October 2017 that cited at least one of the original studies of Tabata et al. were considered. Inclusion criteria were as follows: original articles, human trials and English language. RESULTS: Thirty studies were included for analysis. Almost 37% of the studies (n = 11) used a variation of the Tabata Protocol on a cycle ergometer. Only five studies stated the use of the original Tabata Protocol. Exercise intensity was controlled by percentage of i V ˙ O2 max (n = 8) or i V ˙ O2 peak (n = 3), number of bouts performed (n = 3), all out (n = 10), rate of perceived exertion (n = 1), self-perception of paces (n = 1), maximal power output (n = 1), aerobic power (n = 1) and other forms (n = 2). CONCLUSION: Based on our results, variations of the Tabata Protocol seem to be indicated to provide increases in aerobic power that are similar to traditional aerobic training while being less time consuming. These adaptations seem to be mainly due to peripheral adaptations. Moreover, the use of Tabata Protocols to promote weight loss is not substantiated by the reviewed studies.

Weight Regain, but not Weight Loss, Is Related to Competitive Success in Real-Life Mixed Martial Arts Competition.

We aimed to describe the nutritional and behavioral strategies for rapid weight loss (RWL), investigate the effects of RWL and weight regain in winners and losers, and verify mood state and technical-tactical/time-motion parameters in mixed martial arts. The sample consisted of mixed martial arts athletes after a single real match and was separated into two groups: winners (n = 8; age: 25.4 ± 6.1 years, height: 173.9 ± 0.2 cm, habitual body mass: 89.9 ± 17.3 kg) and losers (n = 7; age: 24.4 ± 6.8 years, height: 178.4 ± 0.9 cm, habitual body mass: 90.8 ± 19.5 kg). Both groups exhibited RWL and weight regain, verified their macronutrient intake, underwent weight and height assessments, and completed two questionnaires (Profile of Mood States and RWL) at (a) 24 hr before weigh-in, (b) weigh-in, (c) postbout, and (d) during a validated time-motion and technical-tactical analysis during the bout. Variance analysis, repeated measures, and a logistic regression analysis were used. The main results showed significant differences between the time points in terms of total caloric intake as well as carbohydrate, protein, and lipid ingestion. Statistical differences in combat analysis were observed between the winners and losers in terms of high-intensity relative time (58 [10-98] s and 32 [1-60] s, respectively), lower limb sequences (3.5 [1.0-7.5] sequences and 1.0 [0.0-1.0] sequences, respectively), and ground and pound actions (2.5 [0.0-4.5] actions and 0.0 [0.0-0.5] actions, respectively), and logistic regression confirmed the importance of high-intensity relative time and lower limb sequences on mixed martial arts performance. RWL and weight regain strategies were related to technical-tactical and time-motion patterns as well as match outcomes. Weight management should be carefully supervised by specialized professionals to reduce health risks and raise competitive performance.

High 1RM Tests Reproducibility and Validity are not Dependent on Training Experience, Muscle Group Tested or Strength Level in Older Women.

BACKGROUND: The maximal one-repetition test (1-RM) is widely used in scientific research; however, there are conflicting results regarding its reproducibility in elderly populations. The present study aimed to analyze the reproducibility of the test both before and after a 12-week training period by using the bench press and leg press 45° 1-RM tests in the elderly, taking into consideration the training experience and strength level of the women. METHODS: Elderly women (n = 376; age, 68.5 ± 14.1 years; height, 162.7 ± 5.5 cm; body mass, 71.2 ± 16.0 kg) who underwent ≥3 months of resistance training performed an initial week of familiarization and a second week of testing and retest, with a 48⁻72 h interval. RESULTS: The results showed that Kappa indices ranged from 0.93 to 0.95, and the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.99 for both the lower and upper limbs. In addition, minimal detectable changes were found that ranged between 1 and 3%, which means that changes lower than 1 kg could be detected. CONCLUSION: The present study confirms that the 1-RM test has high reliability and reproducibility in the elderly, for both upper and lower limbs.