Upper-lower body super-sets vs. traditional sets for inducing chronic athletic performance improvements.

Background: To promote chronic adaptations, resistance training needs the manipulation of different variables, among them, the order of the exercises and sets. Specifically, for velocity-based training, paired exercises alternating upper and/or lower-body muscle groups appear to be a good choice to promote neuromuscular adaptations. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effect of two velocity-based training programs only differing in the set configuration on muscle strength, muscular endurance and jump performance. Methods: Moderately strength-trained men were allocated into a traditional (TS, n= 8) or alternating sets (AS, n= 9) configuration group to perform a 6-week velocity-based training program using the full squat (SQ) and bench press (BP) exercises. The TS group completed all sets of the full squat (SQ) exercise before performing the bench press (BP) sets, whereas the AS group completed the first set of each exercise in an alternating manner. Training frequency, relative load, number of sets, percentage of velocity loss (%VL) within the set and inter-set rest were matched for both groups. Countermovement jump height (CMJ), load (kg)-velocity relationship, predicted 1RM, and muscular endurance for each exercise were evaluated at pre- and post-training. Results: The TS and AS groups obtained similar and non-significant improvements in CMJ (3.01 ± 4.84% and 3.77 ± 6.12%, respectively). Both groups exhibited significant and similar increases in muscle strength variables in SQ (6.19-11.55% vs. 6.90-011.76%; p = 0.033-0.044, for TS and AS, respectively), BP (6.19-13.87% and 3.99-9.58%; p = 0.036-0.049, for TS and AS group, respectively), and muscular endurance in BP (7.29 ± 7.76% and 7.72 ± 9.73%; p = 0.033, for the TS and AS group, respectively). However, the AS group showed a greater improvement in muscular endurance in SQ than the TS group (10.19 ± 15.23% vs. 2.76 ± 7.39%; p = 0.047, respectively). Total training time per session was significantly shorter (p = 0.000) for AS compared to TS group. Conclusions: Training programs performing AS between SQ and BP exercises with moderate loads and %VL induce similar jump and strength improvements, but in a more time-efficient manner, than the traditional approach.

Acute effects of the use of external instability generating devices on neuromuscular performance / Efeitos agudos da utilização de dispositivos geradores de instabilidade externa sobre o desempenho neuromuscular

Abstract Physical training with the use of instability generator devices has become popular in the health area, in sport training and clinical practice (mainly in the prevention and treatment of injuries). To understand how the process of using these devices occurs and the results of their acute effects is important to guide professionals in choosing the appropriate device. The aim of this review was to present the main features of instability devices and analyze their acute effects on core muscle activation, neuromuscular performance and activation of lower and upper limbs. Studies have shown that the main acute effects of exercises performed with these devices are: 1) increased activation / muscular recruitment (especially in the middle zone or core); 2) greater co-activation of antagonist muscles (trunk, upper and lower limbs), with increased stiffness and joint stability; 3) lower force output, power and speed in extremities.

Resumo O treinamento físico com utilização de dispositivos geradores de instabilidade tem se popularizado na área da saúde, no treinamento desportivo e na prática clínica (principalmente na prevenção e tratamento de lesões). Entender como ocorre o processo de utilização desses dispositivos e quais são os resultados sobre os efeitos agudos é importante para nortear profissionais da área na escolha do dispositivo adequado. O objetivo desta revisão foi apresentar as principais características dos dispositivos desestabilizadores e analisar os efeitos agudos da utilização sobre a ativação da musculatura do core, rendimento neuromuscular e ativação das extremidades inferiores e superiores. Estudos têm demonstrado que os principais efeitos agudos dos exercícios realizados com estes dispositivos são: 1) maior ativação/recrutamento muscular (especialmente da zona média ou core); 2) maior coativação da musculatura antagonista (do tronco, membros superiores e inferiores), com aumento da rigidez e estabilidade articular; 3) diminuição da produção de força, potência e velocidade das extremidades.