Effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation training combined with exercise on patient-reported outcomes measures in people with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) added to the exercise or superimposed on voluntary contractions on patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: This systematic review was described according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were obtained from a systematic literature search in five electronic databases (PubMed, PEDro, LILACS, EMBASE, and SPORTDiscus) in April 2022. We described the effects of intervention according to each PROMs (scores for Pain; Self-reported functional ability; Symptoms (hear clicking, swelling, catching, restricted range of motion, and stiffness); Daily living function; Sports function; and Quality of life) and used a random-effect model to examine the impact of NMES plus exercise on pain compared with exercise in people with knee OA. RESULTS: Six RCTs (n = 367) were included. In the qualitative synthesis, the systematic literature analysis showed improvement in pain after NMES plus exercise compared with exercise alone in three studies. The other three studies revealed no difference between groups in pain, although similar improvement after treatments. In the meta-analysis, NMES at a specific joint angle combined with exercise was not superior to exercise alone in pain management (standardized mean difference = -0.33, 95% CI = -1.05 to 0.39, p = 0.37). There was no additional effect of NMES on exercise on self-reported functional ability, stiffness, and physical function compared with exercise alone. In only one study, symptoms, activities of daily living, sports function, and quality of life improved after whole-body electrostimulation combined with exercise. CONCLUSION: This review found insufficient evidence for the effectiveness of NMES combined with exercise in treating knee OA considering PROMs. While pain relief was observed in some studies, more high-quality clinical trials are needed to support the use of NMES added to the exercise in clinical practice. Electrical stimulation in a whole-body configuration combined with exercise shows promise as an alternative treatment option.

Caffeine Supplementation Effects on Concurrent Training Performance in Resistance-Trained Men: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of acute caffeine supplementation on the performance during a session of resistance training alone (RT) or in combination with aerobic training (i.e. concurrent training; CT). Method: Fourteen resistance-trained men (23.1 ± 4.2 years) were recruited and performed both RT and CT under three different conditions: control (CONT), placebo (PLA), and caffeine (CAF; 6 mg.kg-1) for a total of six experimental conditions. Results: Both total and per set number of repetitions, and total volume load were lower during CT as compared to RT, irrespective of the supplementation condition (all p < .001), whereas a supplementation main effect was observed for the total number of repetitions (p = .001), the number of repetitions in the first (p = .002) and second sets (p = .001), and total volume load (p = .001). RPE values were higher after the CT sessions than after the RT sessions (p < .001), whereas no differences were observed between supplementation conditions (p = .865). Conclusions: Caffeine supplementation was not sufficient to minimize the acute interference effect on strength performance in a CT session when compared to RT alone. In contrast, caffeine improved strength performance during the first set of both CT and RT, while maintaining a similar RPE between the supplementation conditions. However, the overall effect was small.

Cardiometabolic, functional, and psychosocial effects of a remotely supervised home-based exercise program in individuals with type 2 diabetes (RED study): study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a serious global health problem, and exercise is considered an essential non-pharmacological tool in T2D prevention and treatment. During periods of social isolation experienced by the COVID-19 pandemic, home-based exercise programs were strongly recommended as a strategy to facilitate exercise practice and reduce the negative impacts of social isolation. Remotely supervised exercise stands out as an easily accessible strategy after the pandemic, as it is a tool that aims to facilitate access to exercise by this population. The purpose of the RED study is to verify the effects of a remotely supervised home-based exercise program compared to a control group on cardiometabolic, functional, and psychosocial outcomes in patients with T2D. METHODS: Participants are randomized into the control group (CG) and the intervention group (IG). Participants allocated to the CG receive recommendations for the practice of physical activity based on information from chapters of the Physical Activity Guide for the Brazilian Population, while the IG will perform a 12-week home-based exercise program supervised remotely by video call. The intervention has a weekly frequency of two sessions per week on non-consecutive days during the first 6 weeks and three sessions per week on non-consecutive days for the remaining 6 weeks. The RED study has HbA1c as the primary outcome, and the participants' cardiometabolic, functional, and psychosocial parameters are assessed at baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 13). DISCUSSION: Expected results of the proposed study will provide the knowledge base of health professionals and deliver more evidence for a growing area, i.e., home-based exercise and T2D. Additionally, this protocol aims to verify and demonstrate whether this program can be accessible and effective for different health outcomes in patients with T2D. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The RED study protocol was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05362071). Date registered April 6, 2022. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05362071 .

Effects of a remotely supervised physical training program combined with cognitive training for older individuals at increased risk of clinical-functional vulnerability: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite the robust body of evidence for the benefits of home-based physical exercise, there is still a paucity of data on the benefits of home-based cognitive training for older adults, especially in those at increased risk of clinical-functional vulnerability. As such, the present study aims to compare the chronic effects of a telehealth-delivered physical training intervention alone or combined with a cognitive training program in older adults at increased clinical-functional vulnerability risk. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial will be conducted including 62 sedentary older individuals classified as at increased risk of clinical-functional vulnerability based on their Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index score. Participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to one of two groups, an intervention group including physical training combined with cognitive training, or an active control group including physical training alone. Both groups will receive home-based supervised training remotely for 12 weeks and will be assessed for the primary and secondary outcomes of the study before and after the training period. Primary outcomes include cognitive function and dynamic balance with a dual task. Secondary outcomes encompass physical, cognitive, and occupational performance, functional capacity, quality of life, and anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as hemodynamic measures. Data analysis will be performed by intention-to-treat and per protocol using mixed linear models and Bonferroni's post hoc (α = 0.05). DISCUSSION: Our conceptual hypothesis is that both groups will show improvements in the primary and secondary outcomes. Nevertheless, we expect physical combined with cognitive training to improve cognitive function, dual task, and occupational performance to a greater degree as compared to physical training alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05309278. Registered on April 4, 2022.

High-velocity resistance training improves executive function in mobility-limited older adults.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of high-velocity resistance training (HVRT) on the executive function of middle-aged and older adults with and without mobility limitations. METHODS: Participants (n = 41, female: 48.9%) completed a supervised 12-week HVRT intervention (2 sessions/week; at 40-60% of one-repetition maximum). The sample included 17 middle-aged adults (40-55 years); 16 older adults (>60 years) and 8 mobility-limited older adults (LIM). Executive function was assessed before and after the intervention period and was reported as z-scores. Maximal dynamic strength, peak power, quadriceps muscle thickness, maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVIC), and functional performance were also measured pre and post intervention. Training-related adaptations in cognitive measures were calculated using a Generalized Estimating Equation model. RESULTS: HVRT improved executive function in LIM (adjusted marginal mean differences [AMMD]: 0.21; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.38; p = 0.040) although no effect on middle-aged (AMMD: 0.04; 95%CI: -0.09; 0.17; p = 0.533) and older (AMMD: -0.11; 95%CI: -0.25; 0.02; p = 0.107) participants was observed. Improvements in maximal dynamic strength, peak power, MVIC, quadriceps muscle thickness, and functional performance were all associated with changes in executive function, and changes in the first four also seem to mediate the association between changes in functional performance and executive function. CONCLUSIONS: HVRT-induced improvement in executive function of mobility-limited older adults were mediated by changes in lower-body muscle strength, power, and muscle thickness. Our findings reinforce the relevance of muscle-strengthening exercises to preserve cognition and mobility in older adults.

Efeito de uma sessão de hidroginástica na resposta hipotensora em idosas normotensas e hipertensas / Effect of a water-based exercise session on hypotensive response in normotensive and hypertensive elderly women

Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo foi verificar o efeito hipotensor de uma sessão de hidroginástica em idosas normotensas e hipertensas de estágio 1. Método: Vinte e oito idosas fisicamente independentes distribuídas nos grupos normotensas (N, n:10) e hipertensas (H, n:18), foram submetidas a uma sessão de hidroginástica com duração de 45 minutos, sendo a intensidade monitorada pela percepção subjetiva de esforço. Foram analisadas a pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), diastólica (PAD), pressão arterial média e duplo produto. As diferenças foram analisadas pelo teste t de student ou ANOVA-two way com medidas repetidas, com nível de significância de p<0,05. Resultados: Foi identificado efeito no tempo, grupo e interação somente na PAS (p<0,05). Sessenta minutos após a prática de hidroginástica foi observada a redução significativa da PAS e PAD somente no grupo hipertensas. Conclusão: Uma sessão aguda de hidroginástica foi promoveu redução das pressões sistólica, diastólica, média e do duplo produto somente nas idosas hipertensas.

Objective: The aim of the study was to verify the hypotensive effect of a water aerobics session in normotensive and stage 1 hypertensive elderly women. Method: twenty-eight physically independent elderly women divided into two groups: normotensive (N, n:10) and hypertensive (H, n:18) were submitted to water based exercise session lasting 45 minutes, the intensity being monitored by the subjective perception of exertion. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were analyzed. Differences were analyzed by t-test or repeated measures ANOVA as appropriate and significance level of p<0.05. Results: Sixty minutes after water aerobics, a significant reduction in SBP and DBP was found only in the hypertensive group. However, an effect on time, group and interaction was identified only on PAS. Conclusion: an acute water aerobics session was able to promote a reduction in systolic, diastolic, mean and double product pressures only in hypertensive elderly women.

Aquatic training improves HbA1c, blood pressure and functional outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

AIM: This study aimed to summarize the effects of aquatic training on the health outcomes of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. METHODS: This is a systematic review with meta-analysis that followed the PRISMA recommendations. Searches were performed in four databases in April 2021. The following eligibility criteria were adopted: adults with T2D; aquatic training (AT) intervention in an upright position; pre- and post-intervention assessments of the following outcomes: HbA1c, SBP and DBP, functional capacity, VO2peak. The random-effects meta-analysis results are presented as mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Of the 375 studies, 12 studies were eligible and included in the meta-analysis. Favorable effects of AT post-intervention were observed in HbA1c (-0.62 %), VO2peak (2.16 mL.Kg-1.min-1), SBP (-5.55 mmHg), DBP (-4.99 mmHg), and the 6-minute walk test (76.64 m). AT also revealed superior effects when compared to the control group (CG) and similar effects to land training (LT) in HbA1c (AT vs CG = -0.67 % and AT vs LT = -0.40 %), VO2peak (AT vs CG = 3.78 mL.Kg-1.min-1; AT vs LT = -0.12 mL/Kg-1.min-1), SBP (AT vs LT = -0.85 mmHg), and DBP (AT vs LT = 2.12 mmHg). CONCLUSION: AT improves HbA1c, VO2peak, SBP, DBP, and functional capacity in T2D patients. Beneficial effects favored AT over CG, while similar effects were verified between AT and LT on HbA1c, VO2peak, and blood pressure.

Impact of Resistance Training Volume on Physical and Perceptual Outcomes of Breast Cancer Survivors Submitted to a Combined Training Program: A Randomized, Single-Blinded Study.

BACKGROUND: To determine the effect of resistance training volume on physical and perceptual outcomes of breast cancer survivors submitted to a combined training program. DESIGN: Randomized single-blinded study. METHODS: Nineteen breast cancer survivor women were randomized to a single-set (SS) or a multiple-set (MS) group. Both groups completed an 8-week combined training intervention in which the SS and MS groups performed 1 and 3 sets per resistance exercise, respectively. The following outcomes were assessed preintervention and postintervention: maximal knee extension dynamic strength (1-repetition maximum), quadriceps muscle thickness, peak oxygen uptake, time to exhaustion, cancer-related fatigue, and quality of life. RESULTS: Both interventions increased knee extension 1-repetition maximum (SS: 29.8% [37.5%]; MS: 19.3% [11.8%]), quadriceps muscle thickness (9.4% [4.1%]; 8.9% [5.9%]), and quality of life (4.3% [6.3%]; 7.9% [9.0%]), with no difference between the groups. However, only MS improved cancer-related fatigue (-2.1% [1.7%]) and time to exhaustion (21.3% [14.9%]), whereas peak oxygen uptake remained unchanged in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer-related fatigue and time to exhaustion, improved only in the MS group after the intervention. On the other hand, similar knee extension 1-repetition maximum, quadriceps muscle thickness, and quality of life improvements were observed in breast cancer survivors irrespective of the resistance training volume performed.

Quantifying physiological and biomechanical responses of shallow water walking: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Detecting the physiological and biomechanical alterations in shallow water walking (SWW) due to water depth and speed is important for health professionals to perform accurate exercise prescription. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to investigate the acute physiological and biomechanical responses of SWW at different immersion depths in comparison to dry land walking. The main result (initial search: 1960 studies; systematic review: 42 studies; meta-analysis: 22 studies) indicated that metabolic power was higher in the immersion depth levels of xiphoid process (standardized mean differences (SMD) = 0.90; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.26 to 1.54) and waist (SMD = 3.35; 95% CI: -0.18 to 6.87) in comparison to dry land. SWW at xiphoid and waist depths seems to be an adequate exercise if the objective is to increase the energy expenditure and cardiovascular demand while the lower limb impact forces are reduced in comparison to dry land walking. PROSPERO registration: CRD42018113040.

Short-Term Effects of Land-Based Versus Water-Based Resistance Training Protocols on Post-Exercise Hypotension in Normotensive Men: A Crossover Study.

Considering that water immersion may acutely reduce blood pressure (BP) and that exercise may elicit positive post-exercise hypotension (PEH) responses, we aimed to analyze the presence of PEH in normotensive individuals and compare its magnitude between two resistance training sessions performed in aquatic or land environments. Ten physically active men (23.2 ± 3.1 years) performed the two training protocols in a randomized, counterbalanced fashion. BP measurements were performed for 30 min (at 5 min intervals) both prior to (resting) and after each of the protocols. No differences were observed between protocols at baseline (p > 0.05). Only the water-based resistance training protocol resulted in a systolic BP reduction from 10 to 20 min post-exercise (all p < 0.05) compared to baseline. Compared to the land-based session, systolic BP was lower in the water-based protocol from 10 to 25 min post-exercise (all p < 0.05). On the other hand, diastolic BP showed a similar PEH effect between water and land-based protocols for the entire 30 min post-session period (all p < 0.001). Our results suggest that water-based resistance training holds the potential as a nonpharmacological strategy to lower BP levels following exercise.

Psychophysiological Responses of Exercise Distribution During High Intensity Interval Training Using Whole Body Exercise.

The time-efficient nature of HIIT using bodyweight exercises can facilitate the application of exercise programs at home by encouraging more people to perform regular physical exercise. However, there are no studies investigating the influence of the distribution/order of exercises during HIIT training sessions using this method. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different exercise orders on training load indicators during HIIT sessions using body weight. Twenty male participants performed three 20-min sessions of HIIT using whole body exercise, consisting of 20 sets with 30 s of activity performed at maximal intensity, followed by 30 s of passive recovery. Three designs of exercise protocols were randomly performed according to the following exercise distribution: A: jumping jack, burpee, mountain climb and squat jump); B: jumping jack, mountain climb, burpee, and squat jump) and C: burpee, squat jump, jumping jack and mountain climb. No differences were found between protocols for relative heart rate, perceived exertion, and lactate concentrations. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were found for the number of movements (A:712 ± 59, B:524 ± 49, C:452 ± 65). No differences were observed for the area under curve when examining perceived exertion between protocols. However, the values for perceived recovery significantly differed (p < 0.001) between protocols (A:64 ± 19; B:52 ± 11; C:17 ± 13). Interestingly, protocol B and C induced a displeasure perception compared to protocol A. Our findings suggest that exercise distribution/order using HIIT whole body exercise promotes alterations in psychophysiological responses in HIIT using whole body exercises.

The Role of Facebook® in Promoting a Physically Active Lifestyle: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: it is well known in literature that sedentary lifestyle contributes to worsening people's health. This issue highlights the need for effective interventions to promote an active lifestyle. Research suggested multilevel intervention strategies to promote adherence to recommended physical activity levels, including the use of social networks that may simplify access to health notions. Being Facebook® the most extensive worldwide social network, this document aimed to analyze the current body of evidence on the role of Facebook® in the promotion of physical activity. METHODS: eighteen manuscripts were considered eligible for this systematic review, and it was performed a meta-analysis (PRISMA guidelines) for overall physical activity parameters in eleven out of eighteen studies. RESULTS: significant improvements were detected in the total amount of physical activity. In parallel, an increase in other parameters, such as cardiovascular, body composition, and social support, were found. The aerobic training, with supervised and tailored modalities, showed more considerable improvements. CONCLUSIONS: this study showed that Facebook® might be considered a feasible and accessible approach to promoting regular exercise practice and achieving health benefits indicators. Future research on the cross-link between physical activity and social network management could also focus on strength training to verify if a more structured intervention would show an effect.

Influence of age on postural control during dual task: a centre of pressure motion and electromyographic analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dual task influences postural control. A cognitive task seems to reduce muscle excitation during a postural balance, especially in older adults (OA). AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of three cognitive tasks on muscle excitation and static postural control in OA and young adults (YA) in an upright posture maintenance task. METHODS: 31 YA and 30 OA were evaluated while performing a modified Romberg Test in five different conditions over a force plate: open eyes, closed eyes, spatial-memory brooks' test, counting backwards aloud test and mental arithmetic task. The surface electromyographic signals of Tibialis anterior (TA), Lateral Gastrocnemius (GL), Peroneus Longus (PL), and Erector Spinae (ES) was acquired with an 8-channel surface electromyographic system. The following variables were computed for both the electromyographic analysis and the posturographic assessment: Root mean square (RMS), centre of pressure (CoP) excursion (Path) and velocity, sway area, RMS of the CoP Path and 50%, 95% of the power frequency. Mixed ANOVA was used to detect differences with group membership as factor between and type of task as within. The analysis was performed on the differences between each condition from OE. RESULTS: An interaction effect was found for Log (logarithmic) Sway Area. A main effect for task emerged on all posturographic variables except Log 95% frequencies and for Log PL and ES RMS. A main effect for group was never detected. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study indicates a facilitating effect of mental secondary task on posturographic variables. Non-silent secondary task causes increase in ES and TA muscle activation and a worsening in static postural control performance.

Rating of Perceived Exertion as a Method to Determine Training Loads in Strength Training in Elderly Women: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of training using loads from a repetition maximum value (%1RM) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in elderly women. Methods: Twenty-five elderly women (60-75 years old) were randomly assigned to a group that trained using loads determined by 1RM test (G%; n = 12) or to a group that trained using loads determined by RPE (GPE; n = 13). Elderly women trained for 12 weeks using five exercises performed with 2-3 sets of 8-15 repetitions. Loads progressed from 45% to 75% of 1RM (G%) and from 13 to 18 from Rating Perceived Exertion of Borg Scale (GPE). The outcome measures, 1RM and maximum repetitions (RMs with 70% 1RM), were assessed before, between and after training programs. Results: Increased 1RM value and RMs were observed in both groups (20-42%, p < 0.001 and 56-76%, p < 0.001, respectively, for %G; and 17-56%, p < 0.001 and 47-106%, p < 0.001, respectively, for GPE), without differences between them. Conclusions: Prescribing loads using the RPE and 1RM might be similarly effective for training elderly women in order to promote strength gains. As a practical application, RPE could be an additional method to determine training loads. In spite of the promising results of the present study, it is not possible to state that the use of RPE is effective in monitoring loads during sub maximal strength training in elderly and more research must be carried out to confirm it.

Physiological and Psychological Responses to Three Distinct Exercise Training Regimens Performed in an Outdoor Setting: Acute and Delayed Response.

The aim of this study was to compare the acute responses to three time-matched exercise regimens. Ten trained adults (age, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), and body mass index (BMI) = 25.9 ± 5.6 yr, 50.9 ± 5.4 mL·kg-1·min-1, and 22.1 ± 1.8 kg·m-2) completed sprint interval training (SIT) requiring 14 × 5 s efforts with 35 s of recovery, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) consisting of 18 × 15 s efforts at ~90% of peak heart rate (HRpeak) with 15 s of recovery, and vigorous continuous training (CT) consisting of 8.75 min at ~85 %HRpeak, in randomized order. Heart rate, blood lactate concentration, rating of perceived exertion, affective valence, and enjoyment were monitored. Moreover, indices of neuromuscular function, autonomic balance, diet, mental stress, incidental physical activity (PA), and sleep were measured 24 h after each session to analyze the magnitude of recovery. Both HIIT and CT exhibited a greater %HRpeak and time ≥ 90 %HRpeak than SIT (p < 0.05). Blood lactate and rating of perceived exertion were higher in response to SIT and HIIT vs. CT (p < 0.05); however, there were no differences in enjoyment (p > 0.05). No differences were exhibited in any variable assessed along 24 h post-exercise between conditions (p > 0.05). These data suggest that HIIT and CT accumulate the longest duration at near maximal intensities, which is considered a key factor to enhance VO2max.

Magnitude of vertical ground reaction force during water-based exercises in women with obesity.

Individuals with obesity are recommended to practice physical activity with reduced weight bearing, such as water-based exercises. However, the magnitude of the vertical ground reaction force (Fz) during these exercises is unknown in this population. This study aimed to verify the magnitude of peak Fz (Fzpeak) in women with obesity during different exercises performed in water and on land and at different intensities. Ten adult women with obesity class 1 (body mass index: 31.6 ± 0.57 kg·m-2) completed two randomised sessions, one performed on land and other in water, composed by three exercises (stationary running, frontal kick, butt kick) performed at cadences of 80 b·min-1, 100 b·min-1 and maximal. Fzpeak value was determined in each situation. Data were analysed using repeated-measures three-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Significant lower Fzpeak values were observed in water (p < 0.001), with no significant differences between the exercises. A significant difference in the Fzpeak was verified between maximal cadence and 80 b·min-1 (p = 0.01). Water-based exercises performed by women with obesity revealed a Fzpeak reduction from land to water corresponding to 41-67%. Also, the three water-based exercises resulted in similar Fzpeak values, while an increase was observed 80 b·min-1 to the maximal cadence.

Water-based exercises in postmenopausal women: Vertical ground reaction force and oxygen uptake responses.

The purpose of the present study was to analyse vertical ground reaction force (Fz) and oxygen uptake (VO2) responses in six different water-based exercises performed at different cadences by postmenopausal women. Twelve postmenopausal women (57.3 ± 2.6 years, 158.1 ± 6.9 cm, 69.1 ± 10.9 kg) voluntarily took part in the study. Participants completed six sessions corresponding to maximal tests for each water-based exercise. Then, two sessions were performed for the experimental protocols, which comprised the performance of three exercises at three cadences (80, 100 and 120 b min-1), with Fz and VO2 measurements. Peak (Fzpeak) and impulse of Fz were determined. In addition, VO2 percentages relative to maximal VO2 (VO2max) values obtained in each maximal test were expressed as %VO2max. Data were analysed using two-way ANOVA with repeated measures (α = 0.05). As results, significant differences were found in Fzpeak and impulse between the water-based exercises, with similar VO2 and %VO2max values between them for each cadence. In addition, with the increasing cadence, Fzpeak (0.20-0.80 BW), VO2 (5.3-9.4 ml kg-1 min-1) and %VO2max (32.1-57.6%) values increased, while impulse (0.20-0.07 N.s/BW) values were reduced. Therefore, for a same physiological intensity, postmenopausal women experience different Fz loads during different water-based exercises.

Interval training during concurrent training optimizes cardiorespiratory adaptations in women / Exercício intervalado durante o treinamento concorrente otimiza as adaptações cardiorrespiratórias em mulheres

Abstract This study compared the effects of using continuous and interval aerobic exercise during concurrent training on cardiorespiratory adaptations in women. Thirty-two participants were randomly assigned into one of the following groups: continuous running and resistance training (C-RUN, n = 10), interval running and resistance training (I-RUN, n = 11), or control group that performed resistance training only (RT, n = 11). Each group trained twice a week during 11 weeks. Oxygen uptake corresponding to the first ventilatory threshold (VO2VT1), second ventilatory threshold (VO2VT2) and maximal effort (VO2max) was measured in a maximal incremental test performed before and after training. Significant increases in VO2VT1, VO2VT2 and VO2max were observed in all training groups. VO2VT2 and VO2max presented time-group interactions, indicating that the magnitude of the increase in these variables was dependent on the training group (VO2VT2: C-Run = 6.6%, I-Run = 15.7%, RT = 1.7%; VO2max: C-Run = 7.2%, I-Run = 14.3%, RT = 2.7%). The effect size observed for post-training values comparing C-RUN and RT groups was d = 0.566 for VO2VT2 and d = 0.442 for VO2max. On the other hand, values of d = 0.949 for VO2VT2 and d = 1.189 for VO2max were verified between I-RUN and RT groups. In conclusion, the use of continuous and interval aerobic exercise during concurrent training improved different cardiorespiratory parameters in women, but in a greater magnitude when interval aerobic exercise was performed simultaneously to resistance training.

Resumo O presente estudo comparou os efeitos do uso de exercício aeróbio contínuo e intervalado durante o treinamento concorrente nas adaptações cardiorrespiratórias de mulheres. Trinta e duas participantes foram randomizadas em três grupos de treinamento: corrida contínua + treinamento resistido (C-RUN, n = 10), corrida intervalada + treinamento resistido (I-RUN, n = 11), e apenas treinamento resistido (RT, n = 11). Cada grupo treinou 2 vezes por semana ao longo de 11 semanas. Foi avaliado o consumo de oxigênio correspondente ao primeiro (VO2VT1) e segundo (VO2VT2) limiar ventilatório, bem como o consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2max) antes e depois dos treinamentos. Foram encontrados aumentos significativos no VO2VT1, VO2VT2 e VO2max ao final do período de treinamento nos três grupos. Ainda, foi encontrada interação tempo*grupo nas variáveis VO2VT2 e VO2max , sugerindo que a magnitude de alteração foi dependente do tipo de treinamento realizado (VO2VT2: C-Run = 6,6%, I-Run = 15,7%, RT = 1,7%; VO2max: C-Run = 7,2%, I-Run = 14,3%, RT = 2,7%). Da mesma forma, diferentes tamanhos de efeito foram observados ao final do treinamento, de acordo com a intervenção realizada (C-RUN versus RT d = 0,566 para o VO2VT2 e d = 0,442 para o VO2max; I-RUN versus RT d = 0,949 para o VO2VT2 e d = 1,189 para o VO2max). Embora o uso de exercício aeróbio contínuo e intervalado durante o treinamento concorrente tenha sido efetivo em promover adaptações cardiorrespiratórias em mulheres, os ganhos obtidos foram maiores quando o exercício intervalado foi associado ao exercício resistido.

Relationship between Oxygen Uptake, Heart Rate, and Perceived Effort in an Aquatic Incremental Test in Older Women.

Different parameters can be used to control the intensity of aerobic exercises, a choice that should consider the population and exercise environment targeted. Therefore, our study aimed to verify the relationship between oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and cadence during an aquatic incremental test in older women. Nine older women (64.3 ± 4.4 years) engaged in a water-based aerobic training performed an aquatic incremental test using the stationary running exercise (cadence increases of 15 b·min-1 every 2 min) until participants' volitional exhaustion. VO2, HR, and RPE data were measured, and the percentage of peak VO2 (%VO2peak) and percentage of maximal HR (%HRmax) were calculated. Linear and polynomial regression analyses were performed (α = 0.05). Polynomial regressions revealed the best adjustments for all analyses. Data showed a significant relationship (p < 0.001) between %VO2peak and %HRmax (r = 0.921), %VO2peak and RPE (r = 0.870), and %HRmax and RPE (r = 0.878). Likewise, significant relationships between cadence (p < 0.001) and %VO2peak (r = 0.873), %HRmax (r = 0.874), and RPE (r = 0.910) were also observed. In summary, the physiological, subjective, and mechanical variables investigated were highly associated during an aquatic incremental test to exhaustion in older women. Therefore, these different parameters can be employed to adequately prescribe water-based programs according to preference and availability.