Exercise dosing considerations in times of COVID-19 pandemic: A review / Consideraciones sobre la dosificación de ejercicio en tiempos de pandemia de COVID-19: Una revisión

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, international organizations recommended regular physical exercise to maintain physical and mental health during confinement, however, it is an emerging disease, the evidence is not conclusive regarding the relationship between a physical inactivity and the risk of serious outcomes in patients with COVID-19, therefore, it is essential to identify the contribution of the type of physical exercise modality and the contribution to the immune system. Objective: To demonstrate the immunological response of different physical exercise modality in the population between 18 and 84 years of age, the population identified with the highest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, in the report n°198 of the World Health Organization. Materials and methods: A review of the literature was carried out between Central Pubmed, Google Scholar and Scielo from January 2016 to December 2021. Results: Of the selected articles, it was possible to identify the main benefits in the immune response with both modalities of physical exercise (aerobic and/or resistance) in the target population. Conclusion: At present, the benefits on the immune response in patients with COVID-19 are completely unknown, which is why it is essential to identify the contribution on the immune response in different modalities of physical exercise in the population between 18-84 years of age.

Introducción: Durante la pandemia de COVID-19, organismos internacionales recomendaron ejercicio físico regular para mantener la salud física y mental durante el confinamiento, sin embargo, al tratarse de una enfermedad emergente, la evidencia no es concluyente en relación a una inactividad física y el riesgo de desenlaces graves en estos pacientes con COVID-19. Es fundamental identificar el aporte del tipo de modalidad de ejercicio físico al sistema inmunológico. Objetivo: Demostrar la respuesta inmunológica de las diferentes modalidades de ejercicio físico en la población de 18 a 84 años, población identificada con mayor número de casos confirmados de COVID-19, en el informe n°198 de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Materiales y métodos: Revisión de la literatura entre Pubmed Central, Google Scholar y Scielo (enero de 2016 - diciembre de 2021). Resultados: De los artículos seleccionados se identificó los principales beneficios en la respuesta inmune con ambas modalidades de ejercicio físico (aeróbico y/o resistencia) en dicha población. Conclusión: En la actualidad se desconoce por completo los beneficios sobre la respuesta inmune en pacientes con COVID-19, por ello, es fundamental identificar el aporte sobre la respuesta inmune en diferentes modalidades de ejercicio físico en la población entre 18-84 años de edad.

Overweight and Obese Adult Patients Show Larger Benefits from Concurrent Training Compared with Pharmacological Metformin Treatment on Insulin Resistance and Fat Oxidation.

Metformin, a drug widely used to treat insulin resistance, and training that combines aerobic and strength exercise modalities (i.e., concurrent training) may improve insulin sensitivity. However, there is a paucity of clinical trials investigating the effects of concurrent training, particularly on insulin resistance and fat oxidation in overweight and obese patients. Furthermore, only a few studies have compared the effects of concurrent training with metformin treatment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of a 12-week concurrent training program versus pharmaceutical treatment with metformin on maximum fat oxidation, glucose metabolism, and insulin resistance in overweight or obese adult patients. Male and female patients with insulin resistance were allocated by convenience to a concurrent training group (n = 7 (2 males); age = 32.9 ± 8.3 years; body mass index = 30 ± 4.0 kg·m-2) or a metformin group (n = 7 (2 males); age = 34.4 ± 14.0 years; body mass index = 34.4 ± 6.0 kg·m-2). Before and after the interventions, all participants were assessed for total body mass, body mass index, fat mass, fat-free mass, maximum oxygen consumption, maximal fat oxidization during exercise, fasting glucose, and insulin resistance through the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR). Due to non-normal distribution of the variable maximal fat oxidation, the Mann-Whitney U test was applied and revealed better maximal fat oxidization (Δ = 308%) in the exercise compared with the metformin group (Δ = -30.3%; p = 0.035). All other outcome variables were normally distributed, and significant group-by-time interactions were found for HOMA-IR (p < 0.001, Δ = -84.5%), fasting insulin (p < 0.001, Δ = -84.6%), and increased maximum oxygen consumption (p = 0.046, Δ = 12.3%) in favor of the exercise group. Similar changes were found in both groups for the remaining dependent variables. Concurrent training seems to be more effective compared with pharmaceutical metformin treatment to improve insulin resistance and fat oxidation in overweight and obese adult patients with insulin resistance. The rather small sample size calls for more research in this area.

Aerobic Training for Healthy Men and Women: Determining Intensities by Different Equations.

The aim of this study is to develop equations for aerobic exercise prescription for the intensities of 50, 60, 70 and 80% in healthy subjects of both sexes. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study with convenience sampling drawn from a database of 228 healthy subjects who were randomized into the regression group (GR: 197 subjects (male = 143 and female = 54)) and cross-validation group (CVG: 31 individuals [men = 20 and women = 11]). Kohavi's assumptions were followed in relation to cross-validation and bootstrap for precision estimation and model selection. The GR was used to build the estimation equations from the multiple linear regression. The CVG was determined to analyze the validity in the estimation equations. The equations to determine the intensities were constructed by means of multiple regression, the independent variables were determined by the stepwise method, observing the significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: The reliability level of Cronbach's alpha of the multiple linear regression equations was moderate for the intensity of 50% (0.51); for the intensities of 60, 70 and 80%, it corresponded to 0.50, 0.53 and 0.57, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results show that it is possible to apply the equations in the determination of aerobic exercise intensities for healthy individuals. However, the need for further studies in other populations to prove the reliability of the proposed equations is evident.

Effects of plyometric training on softer vs. Harder surfaces on jump-related performance in rugby sevens players.

This study aimed to compare jump-related performance after plyometric training on harder vs. softer surfaces in rugby sevens players. Fourteen players were randomly assigned to the harder surface group (H-G, n = 7) and softer surface group (S-G, n = 7). Three times per week, in the morning, the players performed plyometric training on different surfaces and strength training. Before and after the 4-week intervention period, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and CMJ with arms (CMJA) tests were performed to measure vertical jump displacement (d), rate of force development (r), and power (p). The main results indicated a significant improvement in S-G for CMJd (∆% = +8.2%; p = 0.029; ES = 0.59) and for CMJAp (∆% = +8.7%; p = 0.035; ES = 0.44). These improvements were significant compared to H-G for CMJAd (F1,12 = 8.50; p = 0.013; η p 2 = 0.41; ES = 0.83) and CMJAp (F1,12 = 7.69; p = 0.017; η p 2 = 0.39; ES = 0.79). This study reveals that performance related to the counter movement jump with arms on softer surfaces after 4-week plyometric training improved vertical jump displacement and lower body power in rugby sevens players.

Can the immunological system of the upper respiratory tract, improved by physical exercise, act as a first immunological barrier against SARS-CoV-2?

INTRODUCTION: The main route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is the upper respiratory tract via cell membranes, including angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane host-associated serine protease transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). Both enzymes present in the nasal epithelium are the first direct point of contact for SARS-CoV-2. In this sense, the mucosal immune mechanisms of the upper respiratory tract, including immunoglobulin A (IgA), could be enhanced by physical exercise and be the first defense mechanism against the transmission and infection of SARS-CoV-2. AREAS COVERED: The authors reviewed recent biomedical literature available in databases related to the effects of exercise and training modalities on IgA concentration levels in the upper respiratory tract in different populations. EXPERT OPINION: According to the biomedical literature reviewed, physical exercise can decrease or improve the level of IgA concentrations. However, it is important to take into account factors such as training load, recovery during the exercise session and between training, as well as the exercise modality. Furthermore, the characteristics of the target population should be taken into account to maximize the adaptive immune response to adequately strengthen the upper respiratory tract and potentially be a barrier against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Distanciamiento físico y uso de máscaras faciales durante la actividad física escolar en pandemia covid-19: una breve comunicación / Physical distancing and use of face masks during school physical activity in the covid-19 pandemic: A brief communication

Resumen Azócar-Gallardo, J., Ojeda-Aravena, A., y Báez-San Martín, E. (2021). Distanciamiento físico y uso de máscaras faciales durante la actividad física escolar en pandemia Covid-19: Una breve comunicación. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 19(2), 1-9. Con el objetivo de reducir la transmisión del virus Síndrome Respiratorio Agudo Severo Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) que genera la enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) a nivel global, los gobiernos han adoptado múltiples políticas sanitarias. Entre las principales medidas potenciales para la disminución del riesgo de contagio se incluyen el distanciamiento físico o social, establecido en 1.5 m, y el uso de máscaras faciales. No obstante, este distanciamiento físico sugerido no es el recomendable durante la actividad física. Por otra parte, la Organización Mundial de la Salud no recomienda el uso de máscara facial durante la actividad física en adultos y en niños. Además, con el retorno a las clases presenciales y, en especial, la realización de actividad física escolar puede implicar un mayor riesgo de contagio al considerar los desplazamientos improvisados y si esta se realiza en espacios reducidos. Por lo tanto, la presente comunicación tiene por objetivo examinar la evidencia en torno al distanciamiento físico o social y el uso de la máscara facial en los escolares durante la realización de las diferentes actividades físicas escolares.

Abstract Azócar-Gallardo, J., Ojeda-Aravena, A., & Báez-San Martín, E. (2021). Physical distancing and use of face masks during school physical activity in the covid-19 pandemic: A brief communication. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 19(2), 1-9. Governments have adopted multiple health policies in order to reduce the transmission of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at a global level. The major potential measures for diminishing the risk of infection include physical or social distancing, set at 1.5 m, and the use of face masks. This physical distancing, however, is not the recommended one for physical activity. On the other hand, the World Health Organization does not recommend wearing face masks during physical activity in adults and children. In addition, the return to in-person classes and, especially, carrying out school physical activity may involve a greater risk of contagion, when considering improvised displacements and whether this is carried out in small spaces. The present communiqué, therefore, is aimed at examining the evidence related to physical or social distancing and the use of face masks by schoolchildren when carrying out various school physical activities.

Resumo Azócar-Gallardo, J., Ojeda-Aravena, A., e Báez-San Martín, E. (2021). Distanciamento físico e uso de máscaras faciais durante a atividade física escolar na pandemia covid-19: Uma breve comunicação. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 19(2), 1-9. Com o objetivo de reduzir a transmissão da Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) que gera a doença coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) globalmente, os governos adotaram múltiplas políticas de saúde. Entre as principais medidas potenciais para a redução do risco de contágio estão o distanciamento físico ou social, estabelecido em 1,5 m, e o uso de máscaras faciais. No entanto, isso sugere que o distanciamento físico proposto não é o recomendável durante a atividade física. Por outro lado, a Organização Mundial da Saúde não orienta o uso de máscara facial durante a atividade física em adultos e crianças. Além disso, com a volta às aulas presenciais e, em particular, à realização da atividade física escolar pode resultar em um maior risco de contágio ao considerar deslocamentos improvisados e, ainda mais, se forem realizados em espaços pequenos. Portanto, esta comunicação tem como objetivo examinar as evidências em torno do distanciamento físico ou social e o uso de máscaras faciais em estudantes durante a realização de diferentes atividades físicas escolares.

Effects of Progressed and Nonprogressed Volume-Based Overload Plyometric Training on Components of Physical Fitness and Body Composition Variables in Youth Male Basketball Players.

ABSTRACT: Palma-Muñoz, I, Ramírez-Campillo, R, Azocar-Gallardo, J, Álvarez, C, Asadi, A, Moran, J, and Chaabene, H. Effects of progressed and nonprogressed volume-based overload plyometric training on components of physical fitness and body composition variables in youth male basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1642-1649, 2021-This study examined the effect of 6 weeks of progressed and nonprogressed volume-based overload plyometric training (PT) on components of physical fitness and body composition measures in young male basketball players, compared with an active control group. Subjects were randomly assigned to a progressed PT (PPT, n = 7; age = 14.6 ± 1.1 years), a non-PPT (NPPT, n = 8, age = 13.8 ± 2.0 years), or a control group (CG, n = 7, age = 14.0 ± 2.0 years). Before and after training, body composition measures (muscle mass and fat mass), countermovement jump with arms (CMJA) and countermovement jump without arms (CMJ), horizontal bilateral (HCMJ) and unilateral jump with right leg (RJ) and left leg (LJ), 20-cm drop jump (DJ20), sprint speed (10 m sprint), and change of direction speed (CODS [i.e., T-test]) were tested. Significant effects of time were observed for muscle and fat mass, all jump measures, and CODS (all p < 0.01; d = 0.37-0.83). Significant training group × time interactions were observed for all jump measures (all p < 0.05; d = 0.24-0.41). Post hoc analyses revealed significant pre-post performance improvements for the PPT (RJ and LJ: ∆18.6%, d = 0.8 and ∆22.7%, d = 0.9, respectively; HCMJ: ∆16.4%, d = 0.8; CMJ: ∆22.4%, d = 0.7; CMJA: ∆23.3%, d = 0.7; and DJ20: ∆39.7%, d = 1.1) and for the NPPT group (LJ: ∆14.1%, d = 0.4; DJ20: ∆32.9%, d = 0.8) with greater changes after PPT compared with NPPT for all jump measures (all p < 0.05; d = 0.21-0.81). The training efficiency was greater (p < 0.05; d = 0.22) after PPT (0.015% per jump) compared with NPPT (0.0053% per-jump). The PPT induced larger performance improvements on measures of physical fitness as compared to NPPT. Therefore, in-season progressive volume-based overload PT in young male basketball players is recommended.