Effects of Combined Interventions of Exercise and Diet or Exercise and Supplementation on Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review investigated the effects of exercise interventions combined with diet and/or dietary supplement interventions on anthropometry, body composition, metabolic biomarkers, physical function, healthy lifestyles, quality of life, psychosocial variables and fatigue for women with breast cancer. A systematic search was performed in the PubMed and Web of Science databases (from inception to 1 March 2022). A review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The methodological quality and the risk of bias of the included studies was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. A total of 13 randomised controlled trial studies were included, comprising 1569 breast cancer patients. The main finding of this systematic review is that groups performing interventions combining exercise plus diet show significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, body composition, quality of life, fatigue, anxiety, depression and sleep compared to control groups. On the other hand, the use of interventions combining exercise plus supplementation does not result in an improvement compared to groups using exercise alone or supplementation alone.

Effects of Exercise Programs on Psychoemotional and Quality-of-Life Factors in Adult Patients with Cancer and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation or Bone Marrow Transplantation: A Systematic Review.

This review analyzed the effects of an exercise program on psychoemotional and quality-of-life (QoL) factors in adult patients with cancer and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Studies were identified from the PubMed and Web of Science databases (from inception to 24 August 2022), according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale, based in turn on the Delphi list. A total of 20 randomized controlled studies were included with 1219 participants. The main result of this systematic review is that exercise program interventions produce improvements on psychoemotional and QoL factors in adult patients with cancer and HSCT or BMT. Moreover, exercise programs may have a beneficial effect on health, maintaining or increasing the patient's QoL. Further, it has a positive effect on the prevention and control of transplant complications in combination with medical treatment.

Evaluation of Neuromuscular Fatigue in a Repeat Sprint Ability, Countermovement Jump and Hamstring Test in Elite Female Soccer Players.

The straight-line run is the most frequent action in soccer goal scoring situations, and it deserves considerable attention. The objective of this study was to evaluate the neuromuscular fatigue produced by an independent repeat sprint ability (RSA) test, a countermovement jump (CMJ) and a hamstring test (HT) in elite female soccer players. Twenty-four elite female soccer players participated in the study. The evaluation protocol included hamstring and CMJ tests before an RSA test (6 × 40 m 30 s rest), and hamstring and CMJ post-tests. Significant differences were found between pre-post HT measurements in the maximum angulation of the right leg (p = 0.012 Effect Size (ES) = 0.27), and the maximum velocity was higher in the left leg after RSA (p = 0.023 ES = 0.34). CMJ height after RSA was significantly lower than before the RSA test (p < 0.001 ES = 0.40). The sprint total time (SprintTT) and percentage difference (%Dif) increased throughout the RSA (p < 0.001, and ES = 0.648 and ES = 0.515, respectively). In elite female soccer players, it seems that the fatigue induced by an RSA test can be assessed through the loss of CMJ height and the different performance variables extracted from the RSA itself (e.g., SprintTT, Ideal Sprint). These findings could contribute to better performance management and injury prevention for elite female soccer players.

Caffeine supplementation improves physical performance without affecting fatigue level: a double-blind crossover study.

This study examined the effect of caffeine supplementation (CAFF) in a Wingate test (WT), and the behaviour of blood lactate concentrations (BLa) and neuromuscular fatigue (NMF), measured as reduced countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, in response to the WT. In a double-blind crossover study, 16 participants attended the laboratory twice, separated by a 72-hour window. In the sessions, participants first ingested 6 mg·kg-1 of either CAFF or placebo (PLAC), and then performed a WT. BLa was measured before (L-pre), and 0.5 min (L-post-0.5) and 3.5 min (L-post-3.5) after conducting the WT. The CMJ test was conducted before (CMJ pre), after (CMJ post), and 3 min after completing (CMJ post-3) the WT. The results indicated that CAFF enhanced peak power (Wpeak: + 3.22%; p = 0.040), time taken to reach Wpeak (T_Wpeak: -18.76%; p = 0.001) and mean power (Wmean: + 2.7%; p = 0.020). A higher BLa was recorded for CAFF at L-post-0.5 (+ 13.29%; p = 0.009) and L-post-3.5 (+ 10.51%; p = 0.044) compared to PLAC. CAFF improved peak power (PP; + 3.44%; p = 0.003) and mean power (MP; + 4.78%; p = 0.006) at CMJ pre, compared to PLAC, whereas PP and MP were significantly diminished at CMJ post and CMJ post-3 compared to pre (p < 0.001 for all comparisons) under both the CAFF and PLAC conditions. PP and MP were increased at post-3 compared to post (p < 0.001 for all comparisons) for both conditions. In conclusion, CAFF increased WT performance and BLa without affecting NMF measured by CMJ. Thus, CAFF may allow athletes to train with higher workloads and enhance the supercompensation effects after an adequate recovery period.

Variation in human 3D trunk shape and its functional implications in hominin evolution.

This study investigates the contribution of external trunk morphology and posture to running performance in an evolutionary framework. It has been proposed that the evolution from primitive to derived features of torso shape involved changes from a mediolaterally wider into a narrower, and antero-posteriorly deeper into a shallower, more lightly built external trunk configuration, possibly in relation to habitat-related changes in locomotor and running behaviour. In this context we produced experimental data to address the hypothesis that medio-laterally narrow and antero-posteriorly shallow torso morphologies favour endurance running capacities. We used 3D geometric morphometrics to relate external 3D trunk shape of trained, young male volunteers (N = 27) to variation in running velocities during different workloads determined at 45-50%, 70% and 85% of heart rate reserve (HRR) and maximum velocity. Below 85% HRR no relationship existed between torso shape and running velocity. However, at 85% HRR and, more clearly, at maximum velocity, we found highly statistically significant relations between external torso shape and running performance. Among all trained subjects those with a relatively narrow, flat torso, a small thoracic kyphosis and a more pronounced lumbar lordosis achieved significantly higher running velocities. These results support the hypothesis that external trunk morphology relates to running performance. Low thoracic kyphosis with a flatter ribcage may affect positively respiratory biomechanics, while increased lordosis affects trunk posture and may be beneficial for lower limb biomechanics related to leg return. Assuming that running workload at 45-50% HRR occurs within aerobic metabolism, our results may imply that external torso shape is unrelated to the evolution of endurance running performance.

Case Studies in Physiology: Training adaptation in an elite athlete after breast cancer diagnosis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity to return to competition of a 28-yr-old female 400-m hurdle elite athlete after a diagnosis of breast cancer. The study lasted 14 mo after diagnosis. She was tested four times (T1-T4) to measure body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI), percentage of total fat mass (TFM%), total fat-free mass (TFFM%), bone mineral density (BMD), one-repetition maximum (1RM), and maximal power (MP) in bench press and half squat, maximum oxygen uptake, and 400-m dash and hurdles. T0 (baseline time) was established with values before diagnosis. BM and BMI increased from T0 to T1 (5.3% and 5.2%) and remained stable. BMD experienced no change. TFM% values decreased from T1 to T4 (3.5%). TFFM% values increased from T1 to T3 (0.9%). During T1-T2, the athlete presented a global decline from T0 in 1RMSquat, 1RMBench, MPSquat, and MPBench (32.6%, 27.2%, 37.5%, and 27.6%, respectively). Results during T3-T4 were also lower for these parameters from T0 (23.3%, 20.6%, 23.4%, and 11%). During T1-T2, the V̇o2max declined compared with T0 (1.8% and 6.4%), showing a small increase at T3 (+1%) and reaching the lowest level at T4 (9%). During T1-T2, the time record of 400-m dash (8.3%) and hurdles (7.4%) increased. However, a slight improvement was found at T3 (1.3% and 0.6%, respectively). The results of this case study reflect that exercise training improved body composition, maintained BMD and TFFM, but could not completely reverse the worsening of the cardiorespiratory, muscle strength and power, and running performance levels.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This case study follows an elite athlete and measures her performance during cancer treatment. It improves the knowledge on applied physiology showing the details of her training program and demonstrating the strong ability of the athlete to continue training and competing at a high level during antineoplastic treatment. Exercise training improved body composition but failed to restore previous cardiorespiratory, muscle strength and power, and running performance levels.

Is exercise and electrostimulation effective in improving muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in children with cystic fibrosis and mild-to-moderate pulmonary impairment?: Randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on resistance-training programs for cystic fibrosis (CF) is limited and the possible benefits of the addition of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a supervised resistance-training program, associated or not with NMES, on muscle strength, aerobic fitness, lung function and quality of life in children with CF presenting mild-to-moderate pulmonary impairment. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial including CF patients aged between 6 and 17years. Subjects were randomly allocated to control (CON); exercise (EX); or exercise and NMES (EX + NMES) groups, and evaluated at baseline and at the end of an 8-week individualized exercise-program (3 days/week, 60min/session). NMES was applied in the quadriceps and the interscapular region, simultaneously to the exercises. CON group followed the CF team recommendations. The main outcome measures were lung function, cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity, quality of life and muscle strength. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients, aged 12.6 ± 3.0 years, were analyzed. No significant interactions were found for cardiorespiratory fitness. Functional capacity presented significant differences, indicating a better performance in both EX and EX + NMES. No significant changes between groups were seen for quality of life and lung function. As for muscle strength, EX and EX + NMES presented large effect sizes and significant differences, compared to CON, for quadriceps (p = 0.004, η2p = 0.401), pectoral (p = 0.001, η2p = 0.487), dorsal (p = 0.009, η2p = 0.333) and handgrip (p = 0.028, η2p = 0.278). CONCLUSION: A resistance exercise-training program led to improvements in muscle strength and functional capacity in CF patients with mild-to-moderate pulmonary impairment. The addition of NMES to the training program resulted in no extra favorable effects.

Effects of Exercise Programs on Physical Factors and Safety in Adult Patients with Cancer and Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Systematic Review.

This study looks at the effects of exercise programs on physical factors and safety in adult patients with cancer and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or bone marrow transplantation (BMT). A systematic search was performed in the PubMed and Web of Science databases (from inception to 26 August 2021). A review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale, based, in turn, on the Delphi list. A total of 25 randomized controlled trials studies were included, comprising 1434 patients. The most significant result of this systematic review is that exercise program interventions are safe and produce positive changes in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and the functional mobility-state in adult patients with cancer and HSCT or BMT. Only 3 patients from the 711 participants in the exercise interventions (i.e., 0.42%) reported adverse events related to exercise interventions. Moreover, exercise training programs may have a cardiological and muscular protective effect, as well as a healthy effect on the prevention and control of transplant complications, improving health outcomes.

Evaluation of a Zingiber officinale and Bixa orellana Supplement on the Gut Microbiota of Male Athletes: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

The gut microbiota has emerged as a factor that influences exercise performance and recovery. The present study aimed to test the effect of a polyherbal supplement containing ginger and annatto called "ReWin(d)" on the gut microbiota of recreational athletes in a pilot, randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Thirty-four participants who practice physical activity at least three times weekly were randomly allocated to two groups, a ReWin(d) group or a maltodextrin (placebo) group. We evaluated the gut microbiota, the production of short-chain fatty acids, and the serum levels of interleukin-6 and lipopolysaccharide at baseline and after 4 weeks. Results showed that ReWin(d) supplementation slightly increased gut microbiota diversity. Pairwise analysis revealed an increase in the relative abundance of Lachnospira (ß-coefficient = 0.013; p = 0.001), Subdoligranulum (ß-coefficient = 0.016; p = 0.016), Roseburia (ß-coefficient = 0.019; p = 0.001), and Butyricicoccus (ß-coefficient = 0.005; p = 0.035) genera in the ReWin(d) group, and a decrease in Lachnoclostridium (ß-coefficient = - 0.008; p = 0.009) and the Christensenellaceae R7 group (ß-coefficient = - 0.010; p < 0.001). Moreover, the Christensenellaceae R-7 group correlated positively with serum interleukin-6 (ρ = 0.4122; p = 0.032), whereas the Lachnospira genus correlated negatively with interleukin-6 (ρ = - 0.399; p = 0.032). ReWin(d) supplementation had no effect on short-chain fatty acid production or on interleukin-6 or lipopolysaccharide levels.

Effects of an Eight-Week Concurrent Training Program with Different Effort Character over Physical Fitness, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Lipid Profile among Hospital Workers: Preliminary Results.

BACKGROUND: The "effort character" (EC) is a resistance training method without reaching muscle failure. It was defined by González-Badillo and Gorostiaga Ayestarán (2002) as the relationship between the repetitions performed and the repetitions achievable. Then, the EC is at its maximum (i.e., 100%) when the subject realizes all the repetitions possible in a series with any load. Therefore, an EC of 50% indicates execution of 50% of the repetitions achievable in a series. This study aimed to determine the effects of two programs of eight weeks of concurrent training (CT) with different EC over muscle strength (MS), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), functional mobility (FM), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and lipid profile (LP) among hospital workers. METHODS: Fourteen hospital workers (age: 41.1 ± 10.8 years; body mass: 63.0 ± 10.8 kg; height: 165.2 ± 6.5 cm; body mass index (BMI): 23.0 ± 3.4 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to an EC 50% (n = 7) or EC 100% (n = 7) group. RESULTS: The main finding was that both groups significantly improved in MS and FM levels but not HRQoL, with no statistical differences between EC 50% and EC 100% in adherence and any test despite performing half the volume of the strength workout. CONCLUSIONS: An eight-week CT program with different EC (i.e., EC 50% vs. EC 100%) seems to improve the MS and FM levels in hospital workers similarly. These findings could be very useful in health-training practices because of the possibility of planning training loads with half the volume of strength workouts without the loss of any training adaptation.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Improves Muscle Strength, Biomechanics of Movement, and Functional Mobility in Children With Chronic Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic neurological disorders (CNDs) generally produce deleterious effects on the musculoskeletal system and can affect physical activity and increase sedentary behavior in children, hindering the execution of training programs and the attainment of a correct dose of exercise. The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on skeletal muscle and then on biomechanics of movement, functional mobility, strength, spasticity, muscle architecture, and body composition of children and adolescents with CNDs and chronic diseases. METHODS: The search was conducted in April 2020 in PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, without publication period restriction. Publications investigating the effect of NMES on children and adolescents with CNDs and other chronic diseases were independently selected by 2 researchers. One author independently extracted data from the studies selected, and a second author cross-checked. RESULTS: Eighteen studies with 595 participants aged between 3 and 14 years were included. Quality assessment showed that 50% of the studies presented a low risk of bias. The pooled effect of NMES on gross motor functional measure, calculated as a standardized mean difference using a random effects model, was 0.41 (95% CI = 0.19-0.64). CONCLUSION: The use of NMES programs for children diagnosed with cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, and obstetric injury of the brachial plexus was effective in improving muscle strength, biomechanics of movement, and functional mobility. IMPACT: NMES can be a useful tool to prevent the reduction of mobility that results from CNDs.

Effect of a Blend of Zingiber officinale Roscoe and Bixa orellana L. Herbal Supplement on the Recovery of Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness Induced by Unaccustomed Eccentric Resistance Training: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing interest in the use of eccentric muscle exercise to improve physical condition, especially with regards to its health-related benefits. However, it is known that unaccustomed eccentric exercise causes muscle damage and delayed pain, commonly defined as "delayed onset muscle soreness" (DOMS). The efficacy of herbal preparations in subjects suffering from DOMS has been reported in a few previous studies with small or moderate outcome measures related to muscle recovery. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a polyherbal mixture containing whole Zingiber officinale Roscoe and Bixa orellana L., powders called ReWin(d), in young male athletes suffering from DOMS induced by a 1 h session of plyometric exercises. METHODS: Thirty-three young male athletes participated in this randomized, Triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial: 17 of them assigned to the ReWin(d) group and 16 of them to the placebo group. Creatine kinase (CK) was measured as a muscle damage marker, pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), muscle performance was measured through half-squat exercise (HS) monitored with an accelerometer (Encoder), and heart rate variability (HRV) was monitored for 5 min with the subjects in the supine position. All determinations were performed before and after the eccentric session and 24, 48, and 72 h after the session. RESULTS: The eccentric exercise session caused an increase in CK at 24 and 48 h after exercise intervention in both groups (p < 0.001). There was no interaction between groups regarding muscle damage. The pain increased after the training session in both groups (p < 0.001), and a significant interaction was observed between groups at 48 h after exercise (p = 0.004). Lower limb muscular power showed a significant interaction between groups 24 h after exercise (p = 0.049); the placebo group showed a reduction in muscle power compared to the ReWin(d) group. The LF/HF ratio decreased significantly at 72 h after exercise in the herbal group but not in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: The herbal supplement maintained the maximum power of the lower limbs and attenuated muscle pain. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03961022.

Reply: Letter to the Editor: Exercise Interventions and Cardiovascular Health in Childhood Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.

Dear EditorWe sincerely appreciate the nice comments by Drs. P.V. da Costa Ghignatti and R. Pereira de Lima 1 concerning our recent meta-analysis assessing the effects of physical exercise interventions on cardiovascular endpoints in childhood cancer survivors 2. They are quite right to remain that even non-significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) might be clinically relevant. Indeed, we still do not know if CRF increments of a theoretically low magnitude (i. e., <1 metabolic equivalent) might have a prognostic value in the context of pediatric cancer and treatment-associated cardiotoxicity. We also agree that unsupervised exercise interventions are unlikely to be as effective as tailored programs, especially because the latter allow for intensity to being adequately controlled and thus gradually increased. It is indeed our opinion, after long years of experience working with children with cancer as well as with other debilitated clinical populations, that there is always room for physiological improvement and ideally loads should be gradually improved instead of remaining stable.

Effects of Dietary Nitrate Supplementation on Weightlifting Exercise Performance in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review.

Dietary nitrate (NO3-) supplementation has been evidenced to induce an ergogenic effect in endurance and sprint-type exercise, which may be underpinned by enhanced muscle contractility and perfusion, particularly in type II muscle fibers. However, limited data are available to evaluate the ergogenic potential of NO3- supplementation during other exercise modalities that mandate type II fiber recruitment, such as weightlifting exercise (i.e., resistance exercise). In this systematic review, we examine the existing evidence basis for NO3- supplementation to improve muscular power, velocity of contraction, and muscular endurance during weightlifting exercise in healthy adults. We also discuss the potential mechanistic bases for any positive effects of NO3- supplementation on resistance exercise performance. Dialnet, Directory of Open Access Journals, Medline, Pubmed, Scielo, Scopus and SPORT Discus databases were searched for articles using the keywords: nitrate or beetroot and supplement or nut*r or diet and strength or "resistance exercise" or "resistance training" or "muscular power". Four articles fulfilling the inclusion criteria were identified. Two of the four studies indicated that NO3- supplementation could increase aspects of upper body weightlifting exercise (i.e., bench press) performance (increases in mean power/velocity of contraction/number of repetitions to failure), whereas another study observed an increase in the number of repetitions to failure during lower limb weightlifting exercise (i.e., back squat). Although these preliminary observations are encouraging, further research is required for the ergogenic potential of NO3- supplementation on weightlifting exercise performance to be determined.

Tailored exercise as a protective tool in cardio-oncology rehabilitation: a narrative review / Ejercicio individualizado como herramienta protectora en la rehabilitación cardio-oncológica: revisión narrativa

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of long-term morbidity and death among cancer survivors, after second malignancies. Preventing cancer treatment-induced cardiotoxicity (CTC) constitutes a crucial endpoint in oncology, from oncology treatment implementation. The American Association of Clinical Oncology has recently highlighted the role of physical exercise as an essential component of co-adjuvant cancer treatment and cancer survivor care programs. Exercise training may protect from cardiotoxicity on a molecular and physiological basis. Two major types of training in this field are: cardiovascular and resistance/strength training. Little is known about the effects of these modalities of exercise on CTC. This narrative review aimed to gather evidence and extract conclusions about the effectiveness of exercise training on CTC. To do so, we reviewed scientific literature under a sophisticated approach in line with the PRISMA project guidelines. Studies on physical training exercise effects and cardiac-related measures throughout the cancer stages (cancer treatment and survivorship) were selected. Data collection comprised extracting information of study features, exercise training characteristics and related effects. As a result, 1087 studies were retrieved from database search and 33 studies were selected, comprising 2778 participants. Most of the studies (n = 29) examined the effects of cardiovascular training on CTC. No studies analysed the effects of resistance-based training. We observed a lack of systematic effect of exercise across studies due to the high heterogeneity (e.g., many studies did not follow the guidelines for training interventions in cancer settings). However, studies combining both cardiovascular and resistance components showed promising results. To sum up, higher adherence to clinical guides should be encouraged to implement physical exercise interventions in medical settings and to ensure intervention effectiveness. Moreover, personalized protocols and routines should be implemented in Cardio-Oncology Rehabilitation Units. Finally, it is mandatory to avoid physical inactivity in patients with cancer

La patología cardiovascular es la primera causa de morbilidad y muerte entre los pacientes supervivientes de cáncer, después de segundas neoplasias. La prevención de cardiotoxicidades inducidas por tratamientos oncológicos constituye una meta en la Oncología. La Asociación Americana de la Oncología Clínica recientemente ha destacado la importancia del ejercicio físico como componente coadyuvante esencial en el tratamiento contra el cáncer. El ejercicio físico puede dar protección en la cardiotoxicidad desde un punto de vista molecular y fisiológico. Dos tipos de entrenamiento destacan: entrenamiento cardiovascular y de fuerza. Esta revisión pretende recoger evidencia y extraer conclusiones sobre la efectividad del ejercicio físico ante la cardiotoxicidad. Para ello revisamos la literatura científica bajo criterios PRISMA. Estudios basados en el efecto del ejercicio físico y mediciones cardiacas a lo largo de procesos oncológicos (tratamiento oncológicos y supervivientes) fueron seleccionados. Como resultado, 1087 estudios fueron recuperados y 33 estudios fueron seleccionados, comprendiendo 2778 sujetos. La mayoría de los estudios (n=29) examinaron el efecto del entrenamiento cardiovascular en la cardiotoxicidad. No hubo estudios que analizaran exclusivamente el entrenamiento de Fuerza. Observamos una escasez de efecto sistémico a lo largo debido a la alta heterogeneidad. De cualquier modo, los estudios combinando entrenamiento cardiovascular y de fuerza parecen demostrar resultados prometedores. En resumen, las guías clínicas deberían animar a implementar programas de ejercicio físico en el entorno médico y garantizar intervenciones efectivas. Asimismo, deberían implementarse protocolos individualizados en unidades de Rehabilitación Cardio-Oncológica. Finalmente, resulta imperativo promover el mensaje de evitar la inactividad física en el paciente oncológico

Evaluación de una APP para medir la velocidad de levantamientos de press banca: resultados preliminares / APP evaluation to measure bench press lifts speed: preliminary results

INTRODUCCIÓN: Cada vez es más frecuente encontrar aplicaciones móviles relacionadas con el deporte de fácil acceso y uso. Sin embargo, su precisión general de medida tiene aún mucho margen de mejora. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la precisión de una Aplicación móvil (APP) Android y del acelerómetro del teléfono móvil, para medir la velocidad media de un levantamiento de Press Banca (PB). MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Participaron en el estudio 5 sujetos (edad 23,8 ± 2,94 años), con una experiencia mínima de un año en el entrenamiento con resistencias en PB. Todos realizaron 3 repeticiones con un 70% y 90% del valor estimado de 1 Repetición Máxima (1RM). En cada repetición se midió y comparó la velocidad media simultáneamente con un Encoder lineal validado y la APP. RESULTADOS: Observamos una correlación positiva fuerte de la velocidad media entre el Encoder lineal y la APP (r= 0,685, p < 0.001, SEE=0,09 m · s−1). El coeficiente de correlación intraclase (ICC= 0,707) mostró un buen acuerdo entre ambos dispo-sitivos. La APP mostró diferencias significativas en las velocidades medias de levantamientos del 90% 1RM (APP= 0,44±0,08 m · s−1; Encoder= 0,30 ± 0,03 m · s−1), no encontrando diferencias significativas en velocidades medias con cargas del 70% 1RM (APP= 0,54±0,13 m · s−1; Encoder= 0,51 ± 0,10 m · s−1). DISCUSIÓN: La APP no es por el momento totalmente válida y fiable a bajas velocidades de ejecución. Sin embargo, con filtros de señal específicos puede llegar a ser una herramienta de medición suficientemente precisa, accesible, fácil de usar, y que permitirá estimar la velocidad de los levantamientos de forma cómoda y adecuada

INTRODUCTION: It's becoming more common to find sports mobile applications that have easy access and are easy to use. Nevertheless their general measure precision still needs improvement. The objective of this study was to determine the precision that a Smartphone application (APP) and a Smartphone accelerometer can provide to measure the mean velocity of a bench press (BP) on Smith machine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 5 subjects participated in the study (age 23,8 ± 2,94 years), they had a minimum lifting experience of 1 year. All of them did 3 repetitions with a load of 70% and 90% of the estimated value of 1 Repetition Maximum (1RM), and a lift with their 1RM. In each repetition mean velocity was measured by a validated linear encoder and the APP. RESULTS: there was a strong positive correlation in mean velocity between linear encoder and the APP (r = 0,685, p < 0.001, SEE=0,09 m · s−1). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC = 0,707) showed a good agreement between both devices. The APP showed significant differences in the mean velocities of lifts with the 90% 1RM (APP= 0,44±0,08 m · s−1; Encoder= 0,30 ± 0,03 m · s−1), not showing significant differences in mean velocities of lifts with 70% 1RM (APP= 0,54±0,13 m · s−1; Encoder= 0,51 ± 0,10 m · s−1). DISCUSSION: At this moment the APP is not totally reliable and valid at low velocity lifts. Nevertheless, with proper signal filters it could be a precise, accessible and easy to use tool to measure lifts velocity in an easy and proper way

Exercise Interventions and Cardiovascular Health in Childhood Cancer: A Meta-analysis.

This study analyzed the effects of physical exercise interventions on cardiovascular endpoints in childhood cancer survivors. Relevant articles were systematically searched in PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases (since inception to 11th September 2019). We performed a meta-analysis (random effects) to determine the mean difference (expressed together with 95% confidence intervals) between pre- and post-intervention values for those cardiovascular endpoints reported in more than three studies. Twenty-seven studies (of which 16 were controlled studies) comprising 697 participants were included. Only three studies reported adverse events related to exercise interventions. Exercise resulted in an increased performance on the 6-minute walk distance test (mean difference=111 m, 95% confidence interval=39-183, p=0.003) and a non-significant trend (mean difference=1.97 ml∙kg-1∙min-1, 95% confidence interval=-0.12-4.06, p=0.065) for improvement in peak oxygen uptake. Furthermore, left ventricular ejection fraction was preserved after exercise interventions (mean difference=0.29%, 95% confidence interval=-1.41-1.99, p=0.738). In summary, exercise interventions might exert a cardioprotective effect in childhood cancer survivors by improving - or attenuating the decline of - physical capacity and cardiovascular function. Further studies, particularly randomized controlled trials, are needed to confirm these benefits.

Caffeine Supplementation Improves Anaerobic Performance and Neuromuscular Efficiency and Fatigue in Olympic-Level Boxers.

BACKGROUND: this study examined the effects of caffeine supplementation on anaerobic performance, neuromuscular efficiency and upper and lower extremities fatigue in Olympic-level boxers. METHODS: Eight male athletes, members of the Spanish National Olympic Team, were enrolled in the study. In a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced, crossover design, the athletes completed 2 test sessions after the intake of caffeine (6 mg·kg-1) or placebo. Sessions involved initial measures of lactate, handgrip and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, followed by a 30-seconds Wingate test, and then final measures of the previous variables. During the sessions, electromiography (EMG) data were recorded on the gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius lateral head and tibialis anterior. RESULTS: caffeine enhanced peak power (6.27%, p < 0.01; Effect Size (ES) = 1.26), mean power (5.21%; p < 0.01; ES = 1.29) and reduced the time needed to reach peak power (-9.91%, p < 0.01; ES = 0.58) in the Wingate test, improved jump height in the CMJ (+2.4 cm, p < 0.01), and improved neuromuscular efficiency at peak power in the vastus lateralis (ES = 1.01) and gluteus maximus (ES = 0.89), and mean power in the vastus lateralis (ES = 0.95) and tibialis anterior (ES = 0.83). CONCLUSIONS: in these Olympic-level boxers, caffeine supplementation improved anaerobic performance without affecting EMG activity and fatigue levels in the lower limbs. Further benefits observed were enhanced neuromuscular efficiency in some muscles and improved reaction speed.

Effects of ß-alanine supplementation during a 5-week strength training program: a randomized, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: ß-Alanine (BA) is a non-essential amino acid that has been shown to enhance exercise performance. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if BA supplementation improved the adaptive response to five weeks of a resistance training program. METHODS: Thirty healthy, strength-trained individuals were randomly assigned to the experimental groups placebo (PLA) or BA. Over 5 weeks of strength training, subjects in BA took 6.4 g/day of BA as 8 × 800 mg doses each at least 1.5 h apart. The training program consisted of 3 sessions per week in which three different leg exercises were conducted as a circuit (back squat, barbell step ups and loaded jumping lunges). The program started with 3 sets of 40 s of work per exercise and rest periods between sets of 120 s in the first week. This training volume was then gradually built up to 5 sets of 20 s work/60 s rest in the fifth week. The work load during the program was set by one of the authors according to the individual's perceived effort the previous week. The variables measured were average velocity, peak velocity, average power, peak power, and load in kg in a back squat, incremental load, one-repetition maximum (1RM) test. In addition, during the rest period, jump ability (jump height and power) was assessed on a force platform. To compare data, a general linear model with repeated measures two-way analysis of variance was used. RESULTS: Significantly greater training improvements were observed in the BA group versus PLA group (p = 0.045) in the variables average power at 1RM (BA: 42.65%, 95% CI, 432.33, 522.52 VS. PLA: 21.07%, 95% CI, 384.77, 482.19) and average power at maximum power output (p = 0.037) (BA: 20.17%, 95% CI, 637.82, 751.90 VS. PLA; 10.74%, 95% CI, 628.31, 751.53). The pre- to post training average power gain produced at 1RM in BA could be explained by a greater maximal strength gain, or load lifted at 1RM (p = 0.014) (24 kg, 95% CI, 19.45, 28.41 VS. 16 kg, 95% CI, 10.58, 20.25) and in the number of sets executed (p = 0.025) in the incremental load test (BA: 2.79 sets, 95% CI, 2.08, 3.49 VS. PLA: 1.58 sets, 95% CI, 0.82, 2.34). CONCLUSIONS: ß-Alanine supplementation was effective at increasing power output when lifting loads equivalent to the individual's maximal strength or when working at maximum power output. The improvement observed at 1RM was explained by a greater load lifted, or strength gain, in response to training in the participants who took this supplement.