Ladder-based resistance training with the progression of training load altered the tibial nerve ultrastructure and muscle fiber area without altering the morphology of the postsynaptic compartment.

Scientific evidence regarding the effect of different ladder-based resistance training (LRT) protocols on the morphology of the neuromuscular system is scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the morphological response induced by different LRT protocols in the ultrastructure of the tibial nerve and morphology of the motor endplate and muscle fibers of the soleus and plantaris muscles of young adult Wistar rats. Rats were divided into groups: sedentary control (control, n = 9), a predetermined number of climbs and progressive submaximal intensity (fixed, n = 9), high-intensity and high-volume pyramidal system with a predetermined number of climbs (Pyramid, n = 9) and lrt with a high-intensity pyramidal system to exhaustion (failure, n = 9). myelinated fibers and myelin sheath thickness were statistically larger in pyramid, fixed, and failure. myelinated axons were statistically larger in pyramid than in control. schwann cell nuclei were statistically larger in pyramid, fixed, and failure. microtubules and neurofilaments were greater in pyramid than in control. morphological analysis of the postsynaptic component of the plantar and soleus muscles did not indicate any significant difference. for plantaris, the type i myofibers were statistically larger in the pyramid and fixed compared to control. the pyramid, fixed, and failure groups for type ii myofibers had larger csa than control. for soleus, the type i myofibers were statistically larger in the pyramid than in control. pyramid and fixed had larger csa for type ii myofibers than control and failure. the pyramid and fixed groups showed greater mass progression delta than the failure. We concluded that the LRT protocols with greater volume and progression of accumulated mass elicit more significant changes in the ultrastructure of the tibial nerve and muscle hypertrophy without endplate changes.

Identifying the ideal weekly training load for in-game performance in an elite Brazilian soccer team.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the ideal training load to be applied during periods of fixture congestion to ensure an adequate dose-response effect for performance maintenance. Methods: Match performance data and corresponding pre-match training load sessions (both N = 498 match performance cases and training-block session cases) were collected (with the catapult system, VECTOR7) from 36 male professional soccer players (23.5 ± 5.2 years; 178 ± 4 cm; 75.5 ± 6.0 kg) belonging to the Brazilian First Division team during the 2022 season. The following data were collected in match and training sessions: jump, acceleration, deceleration, and change of direction (COD); running distance producing metabolic power at different intensities (>20, >20-35, >35-45, >45-55, and >55 W kg-1), total distance (m), relative distance (m/min), running distance at different speeds (>20, >25, and >30 km/h), number of sprints (running >25 km/h), and maximum speed (km/h). Mixed linear model (MLM), decision tree regression (DTR), and cluster K means model (SPSS v.26) approach were performed to identify the most critical variables (and their respective load) in the training sessions that could explain the athlete's match performance. Results: MLM and DTR regression show that training load significantly affects game performance in a specific way. According to the present data, an interference phenomenon can occur when a high load of two different skills (running in a straight line vs COD, deceleration, and jumping) is applied in the same training block of the week. The cluster approach, followed by a chi-squared test, identified significant associations between training load and athlete match performance in a dose-dependent manner. Discussion: The high load values described here have a beneficial effect on match performance, despite the interference between stimuli discussed above. We present a positive training load from a congested season from the Brazilian First Division team. The study suggests that an interference effect occurs when high physical training loads are applied to different specific physical skills throughout the season.

Recovery between sets in strength training: systematic review and meta-analysis / Recuperación entre series en el entrenamiento de fuerza: revisión sistemática y meta-análisis / Recuperação entre séries no treino de força: revisão sistemática e meta-analise

ABSTRACT Introduction: The recovery interval (RI) between sets and exercises has received attention from strength training (ST) researchers, to understand the relationship of rest on performance maintenance, especially the total load in a training session. It is known that each individual responds in a specific way to the training stimulus. So, what would be the effect of the different recovery interval strategies on the strength performance? Objective: Compare the different recovery intervals in strength training volume, considering the number of repetitions in healthy adults. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis based on methodological criteria, comparing fixed and self-selected RI on training volume, identified by the number of repetitions performed in a weight training program. Three electronic databases (Pubmed, VHL Virtual Health Library, Ebsco Sportdiscus) were analyzed, combining the expressions "resistance training", "resistance exercise", "strength exercise", "recovery interval", "rest interval", "interval auto suggested", "auto range selected" with "AND" and "OR" combination. Results: Pooled data from five studies showed a large significant effect in favor of the experimental group (>2 minutes) (MD: 1.24; 95%-CI [0.78; 1.71]; z: 5.25, Q:1.08; p < 0.01), since in the studies, recovery interval allowed a greater training volume. Conclusion: Longer RI seems be better, for maintaining total training volume, although there is no consensus for different training objectives against the self-selected RI. Thus, we imagine that this strategy may be important in the organizing a bodybuilding exercise program. Level of Evidence I; Systematic Review and Meta Analysis.

RESUMEN Introducción: El intervalo de recuperación (IR) entre series y ejercicios ha recibido atención por parte de los investigadores del entrenamiento de fuerza (EF), contribuyendo a la comprensión de esta variable en relación con el mantenimiento del rendimiento, especialmente la carga durante el entrenamiento con pesas. Se sabe que cada individuo responde de manera específica al estímulo del entrenamiento, entonces, ¿cuál es el efecto de las diferentes estrategias de intervalos de recuperación sobre el rendimiento de fuerza? Objetivo: Comparar diferentes intervalos de recuperación en entrenamiento de fuerza en volumen de entrenamiento, identificados por el número de repeticiones en musculación en adultos sanos. Métodos: Realizamos una revisión sistemática y un metanálisis basado en criterios metodológicos, comparando IR fijo y autoseleccionado en función del volumen de entrenamiento, identificado por el número de repeticiones realizadas en un programa de entrenamiento con pesas. Se analizaron los registros de tres bases de datos electrónicas (Pubmed, Biblioteca Virtual en Salud de la BVS, Ebsco Sportdiscus), combinando las palabras "entrenamiento de resistencia", "ejercicio de resistencia", "ejercicio de fuerza", "intervalo de recuperación", "intervalo de descanso", "intervalo auto sugerido", "rango automático seleccionado" con la combinación "AND" y "OR". Resultados: Los datos agrupados de cinco estudios mostraron un gran efecto significativo a favor del grupo experimental (> 2 minutos) (DM: 1,24; IC del 95 % [0,78; 1,71]; z: 5,25, Q: 1,08; p < 0,01), ya que, en los estudios en cuestión, este intervalo de recuperación permitió un mayor volumen de entrenamiento. Conclusión: Los intervalos más largos parecen ser mejores, en el volumen total de entrenamiento, aunque no hay consenso para diferentes objetivos de entrenamiento frente al RI autoseleccionado. Por lo tanto, imaginamos que esta estrategia puede ser importante en la organización del programa de ejercicios de musculación. Nivel de Evidencia I; Revisión Sistemática y Meta Análisis.

RESUMO Introdução: O intervalo de recuperação (IR) entre séries e exercícios, tem recebido atenção dos pesquisadores de treinamento de força (TF), contribuindo no entendimento dessa variável em relação a manutenção do rendimento, em especial da carga durante o treinamento de musculação. Sabe-se que cada indivíduo responde de modo específico ao estimulo do treinamento, desta forma, qual o efeito das diferentes estratégias do intervalo recuperação no desempenho da força? Objetivo: Comparar diferentes intervalos de recuperação no treinamento de força no volume de treino, identificado pelo número de repetições na musculação em adultos saudáveis. Métodos: Realizamos, pelos critérios metodológicos, revisão sistemática e meta-análise, comparando o IR fixo e auto selecionado em função do volume de treino, identificado pelo número de repetições realizados em programa de musculação. Foram analisados os registros de três bases de dados eletrônicas (Pubmed, Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde BVS, Ebsco Sportdiscus), combinando as expressões "treinamento de resistência", "exercício resistido", "exercício de força", "intervalo de recuperação", "intervalo de descanso", "intervalo auto sugerido", "intervalo auto selecionado" com combinação "AND" e "OR". Resultados: Os dados reunidos de cinco estudos mostraram um grande efeito significante a favor do grupo experimental (>2 minutos) (MD: 1.24; 95%-IC [0.78; 1.71]; z: 5.25, Q:1.08; p < 0.01), uma vez que nos estudos em questão, esse intervalo de recuperação possibilitou maior volume de treino. Conclusão: Intervalos mais longos parecem ser melhores no volume total do treinamento, embora não haja consenso para diferentes objetivos do treinamento frente ao IR auto selecionado. Dessa forma, imaginamos que essa estratégia possa ser importante na organização do programa de exercício de musculação. Nível de Evidencia I; Revisão Sistemática e Meta Análise.

Combined Exercise Training Promotes More Benefits on Cardiovascular Autonomic Modulation in Ovariectomized Rats Than Isolated Aerobic or Resistance Training.

Introduction: Cardiovascular risk increase after ovarian deprivation has been extensively demonstrated by our research group through cardiovascular autonomic analysis. Interventions involving different types of exercises, such as resistance exercises or combined exercises (aerobic and resistance) have been widely recommended to prevent or minimize neuromuscular decline in postmenopausal women, which is aggravated by a sedentary lifestyle. Experimentally, the cardiovascular effects of resistance or combined training, as well as comparison between aerobic, resistance, and combined training, in ovariectomized animals are scarce. Purpose: In this study, we hypothesized that the combination of aerobic and resistance training may be more effective in preventing muscle mass loss, as well as improving cardiovascular autonomic modulation and baroreflex sensitivity, than aerobic or resistance training individually in ovariectomized rats. Animals and Methods: Female rats were divided into 5 groups: sedentary (C); ovariectomized (Ovx); trained ovariectomized submitted to aerobic training (OvxAT); resistance training (OvxRT); combined training (OvxCT). Exercise training lasted 8 weeks, with the combined group alternating between aerobic training and resistance training every other day. At the end of the study, glycemia and insulin tolerance were evaluated. Arterial pressure (AP) was directly recorded. Baroreflex sensitivity was assessed by heart rate response to changes in arterial pressure. Cardiovascular autonomic modulation was evaluated by spectral analysis. Results: Combined training was the only training regime that increased baroreflex sensitivity for tachycardic response and reduced all systolic blood pressure variability parameters. Furthermore, all animals submitted to exercise training on a treadmill (OvxAT and OvxCT) presented lower systolic, diastolic, and mean pressure, as well as improvements in the autonomic modulation for the heart. Conclusion: Combined training showed to be more effective than isolated aerobic and resistance training, mixing the isolated benefits of each modality. It was the only modality able to increase baroreflex sensitivity to tachycardic responses, reduce arterial pressure and all parameters of vascular sympathetic modulation.

Has COVID-19 lowered physical activity practice while boosting online searches for professional exercise information?

COVID-19 is an infectious and contagious disease, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Due to the rapid spreading of the virus and its lethal consequences, the WHO declared a pandemic. One of the main strategies to treat and prevent the spreading was the stay home safe, a social isolation situation that was accompanied by the closing of fitness gyms, city parks and facilities proper to exercise. This context promoted an increase in home fitness programs and in the search for information online regarding exercise and health. So, the objective of this study was to understand the effects of the pandemic on physical activity behavior and online information search regarding exercise programs. Data collection was through a google forms questionnaire, all procedures were approved by the University ethics committee and we collected data from 1065 participants. Our results showed that the participants main behavior was maintained, 80.7% of our sample were active before the pandemic and only 9.7% of this group stopped being active. On the other hand we registered 7% of participants that started exercise after the pandemic installation. Information about exercise was searched outside social media by 49.6% of the participants with 32.5% using social media. 56.1% would look only for professional advice, interestingly 11.4% of the participants were active without any kind of advice. We concluded that Covid-19 pandemic installation affected negatively the population physical activity behavior and increased awareness about the importance of exercise as a health strategy.

Effects of Exercise Intensity on Cardiometabolic Parameters of Ovariectomized Obese Mice.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of continuous-moderate vs. high-intensity interval aerobic training on cardiovascular and metabolic parameters in ovariectomized high-fat-fed mice. C57BL/6 female ovariectomized were divided into four groups (n=8): low-fat-fed sedentary (SLF); high-fat-fed sedentary (SHF); high-fat-fed moderate-intensity continuous trained (MICT-HF); and high-fat-fed high-intensity interval aerobic trained (HIIT-HF). The high-fat diet lasted 10 weeks. Ovariectomy was performed in the fourth week. The exercise training was carried out in the last four weeks of protocol. Fasting glycemia, oral glucose tolerance, arterial pressure, baroreflex sensitivity, and cardiovascular autonomic modulation were evaluated. Moderate-intensity continuous training prevented the increase in arterial pressure and promoted a reduction in HR at rest, associated with an improvement in the sympathovagal balance in MICT-HF vs. SHF. The high-intensity interval training reduced blood glucose and glucose intolerance in HIIT-HF vs. SHF and MICT-HF. In addition, it improved sympathovagal balance in HIIT-HF vs. SHF. Moderate-intensity continuous training was more effective in promoting cardiovascular benefits, while high-intensity interval training was more effective in promoting metabolic benefits.

Food readjustment plus exercise training improves cardiovascular autonomic control and baroreflex sensitivity in high-fat diet-fed ovariectomized mice.

Despite consensus on the benefits of food readjustment and/or moderate-intensity continuous exercise in the treatment of cardiometabolic risk factors, there is little evidence of the association between these two cardiovascular risk management strategies after menopause. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of food readjustment and/or exercise training on metabolic, hemodynamic, autonomic, and inflammatory parameters in a model of loss of ovarian function with diet-induced obesity. Forty C57BL/6J ovariectomized mice were divided into the following groups: high-fat diet-fed - 60% lipids throughout the protocol (HF), food readjustment - 60% lipids for 5 weeks, readjusted to 10% for the next 5 weeks (FR), high-fat diet-fed undergoing moderate-intensity exercise training (HFT), and food readjustment associated with moderate-intensity exercise training (FRT). Blood glucose evaluations and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed. Blood pressure was assessed by direct intra-arterial measurement. Baroreflex sensitivity was tested using heart rate phenylephrine and sodium nitroprusside induced blood pressure changes. Cardiovascular autonomic modulation was evaluated in time and frequency domains. Inflammatory profile was evaluated by IL-6, IL-10 cytokines, and TNF-alpha measurements. Only the exercise training associated with food readjustment strategy induced improved functional capacity, body composition, metabolic parameters, inflammatory profile, and resting bradycardia, while positively changing cardiovascular autonomic modulation and increasing baroreflex sensitivity. Our findings demonstrate that the association of these strategies seems to be effective in the management of cardiometabolic risk in a model of loss of ovarian function with diet-induced obesity.

Post-Partum Depression Lactating Rat Model for Evaluating Ketamine's Safety as a Pharmacotherapeutic Treatment: Roles in Cardiac and Urinary Function.

Depression is one of the world's most common and mentally disabling illnesses. Post-partum depression is a subtype of depression that affects one in seven women worldwide. Successful pharmacological treatment must consider the consequences for both, since the mother-child bond is fundamental for the well-being of both mother and infant as well as the general development of the newborn. Changes in maternal physiology and/or behavior can significantly influence the development of breastfed infants. Ketamine has been extensively studied for use as an antidepressant due to its mixed mechanisms of action. Safety and efficacy studies in the cardiovascular and urinary systems of a lactating postpartum depression animal model are essential for contributing toward ketamine's clinical use in the respective patient population. Thus, this project aimed to study the implications of postpartum maternal exposure to ketamine during lactation on the cardiovascular system of female rats submitted to the depression induction model by maternal separation. This model promotes depressive effects through stress caused by the interruption of mother-infant bond early in the offspring's life. To achieve depression, each dam was separated from her offspring for 3 h per day, from post-natal day 2 (PND2) to PND12. Experimental groups received daily treatment with either 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg of ketamine intraperitoneally during the lactation period, from PND2 to PND21. Behavioral tests consisted of the maternal and aggressive maternal behavior tests, the olfactory preference test, and the forced swim test. A technique for the detection of catecholamines and indoleamines in the heart muscle was developed for the experimental model groups. The histopathological evaluation was performed on these animals' cardiac muscles and urinary bladders. Our findings suggest that ketamine is safe for use in postpartum depression and does not induce cardiovascular and/or urinary systems toxicity.

Potential Role of Chronic Physical Exercise as a Treatment in the Development of Vitiligo.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by progressive skin depigmentation and the appearance of white patches throughout the body caused by significant apoptosis of epidermal melanocytes. Despite not causing any physical pain, vitiligo can originate several psychosocial disorders, drastically reducing patients' quality of life. Emerging evidence has shown that vitiligo is associated with several genetic polymorphisms related to auto-reactivity from the immune system to melanocytes. Melanocytes from vitiligo patients suffer from excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by defective mitochondria besides a poor endogenous antioxidant system (EAS). This redox imbalance results in dramatic melanocyte oxidative stress (OS), causing significant damage in proteins, lipid membranes, and DNA. The damaged melanocytes secret damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMPs), inducing and increasing inflammatory gene expression response that ultimately leads to melanocytes apoptosis. Vitiligo severity has been also associated with increasing the prevalence and incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) or associated disorders such as insulin resistance and hypercholesterolemia. Thus, suggesting that in genetically predisposed individuals, the environmental context that triggers MetS (i.e., sedentary lifestyle) may also be an important trigger for the development and severity of vitiligo disease. This paper will discuss the relationship between the immune system and epidermal melanocytes and their interplay with the redox system. Based on state-of-the-art evidence from the vitiligo research, physical exercise (PE) immunology, and redox system literature, we will also propose chronic PE as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat and prevent vitiligo disease progression. We will present evidence that chronic PE can change the balance of inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory state, improve both EAS and the mitochondrial structure and function (resulting in the decrease of OS). Finally, we will highlight clinically relevant markers that can be analyzed in a new research avenue to test the potential applicability of chronic PE in vitiligo disease.

Previous short-term use of testosterone propionate enhances muscle hypertrophy in Wistar rats submitted to ladder-based resistance training.

To investigate the effects of the previous administration of testosterone propionate (TP) on the morphology of the gastrocnemius muscle of Wistar rats submitted to ladder-based resistance training (LRT). Twenty-eight rats were divided equally into groups: initial control (CI), 4-week TP (CT4), 4-week TP + LRT (TRT), and placebo + LRT (RT). The rats from the CT4 and TRT groups were treated with TP for four weeks (10 mg/kg/week). TRT and RT trained for ten weeks. The rodents were euthanized at the end of the experiment, and gastrocnemius muscle, prostate, and left and right testicles were collected. There was no statistical difference between the RT and TRT for final volume load. The prostate mass of the TRT and RT groups was statistically heavier than the CT4 group (P < 0.01). The TRT group's prostate/body mass ratio was statistically different from the CT4 group (P < 0.05). The TRT group was shown to have larger type I, type II, and mean fCSA fibers than all other groups (P < 0.001). Regarding the nuclei/fiber ratio (N/f), the CT4, RT, and TRT groups had higher values than CI (P < 0.01). In addition, the RT group showed a higher N/f ratio than CT4 (P < 0.001) but lower than TRT (P < 0.001). In conclusion, short-term TP administration before resistance training can elicit a greater N/f ratio and size of the mean fCSA of the Gastrocnemius muscle of young adult Wistar rats than resistance training alone.

The sciatic and radial nerves seem to adapt similarly to different ladder-based resistance training protocols.

The present study aimed to compare the morphological response induced by different ladder-based resistance training (LRT) protocols on the peripheral nerve ultrastructure of young adult Wistar rats. Twenty-nine rodents were distributed into groups: control (CON), submaximal (SUBMAX [6 climbs/session, moderate intensity, 3x/week]) and maximum (MAX [> 4 climbs/session, maximum intensity, 3x/week]) LRT. After 8 weeks, the radial and sciatic nerves were removed and prepared for transmission electron microscopy. In the radial nerve, the myelinated fibers and axons, myelin sheath thickness, and unmyelinated axons were statistically greater in the SUBMAX and MAX. The MAX group had greater unmyelinated fibers than SUBMAX. The Schwann cell (SC) nuclei diameter was statistically larger in the SUBMAX than the CON. The number of microtubules and neurofilaments was statistically higher in the SUBMAX and MAX. In the sciatic nerve, the myelinated fibers, myelinated and unmyelinated axons, and myelin sheath thickness were statistically greater in the SUBMAX and MAX. The SUBMAX and MAX had more SC at the nuclei level than CON. The SC nuclei were statistically larger in the SUBMAX and MAX. The number of microtubules and neurofilaments was statistically higher in the SUBMAX and MAX. Total training load and total load per climb were not different between groups. The SUBMAX and MAX statistically increased maximum carried load (ML). In conclusion, the different LRT protocols induced similar morphological responses in radial and sciatic nerves, probably due to load progression and equal total load volume.

Muscle hypertrophy is correlated with load progression delta, climb volume, and total load volume in rodents undergoing different ladder-based resistance training protocols.

We compared the effects of two ladder-based resistance training (LRT) protocols on the skeletal muscle morphology (biceps brachialis and plantaris) of Wistar rats. Also, we correlated the training parameters with the muscle fiber cross-sectional area (fCSA). After maximum load tests (ML), twenty-nine young adult Wistar rats were divided into: CONTROL (n = 9), LIMITED (n = 10, 6-8 climb [2 × 50 %ML, 2 × 75 %ML, 2 × 100 %ML, and 2 × 100 %ML+30 g]) and UNLIMITED (n = 10, ≥4 climbs [50 %ML, 75 %ML, 90 %ML, 100 %ML + 30 g until failure) LRT. After eight weeks, the main results were: 1) For biceps brachialis, the type I, IIa, and mean fCSA was statistically larger in the LIMITED than CONTROL. The nuclei/fiber ratio was statistically higher in the LIMITED and UNLIMITED. The correlations found between total load, absolute delta load, and relative load and fCSA were moderate. 2) For plantaris, the type I, IIa, IIx/b, and mean fCSA was statistically larger in the LIMITED than CONTROL. The type IIa, IIx/b, and mean fCSA was statistically larger in the UNLIMITED than CONTROL. The nuclei/fiber ratio was statistically higher in both trained groups than CONTROL. The correlation between the climbing number, total load, and the fCSA was moderate. The correlation between delta absolute load and fCSA was strong. We concluded that rodents submitted to high-intensity, high-volume LRT, but limited climbing volume per session, presented more significant type I, IIa, IIx/b, and mean fCSA, higher nuclei/fiber ratio, and greater maximum carrying capacity. Also, muscle hypertrophy correlated positively with the load progression, training volume, and total load.

Chronic capsiate supplementation increases fat-free mass and upper body strength but not the inflammatory response to resistance exercise in young untrained men: a randomized, placebo-controlled and double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Acute capsaicinoid and capsinoid supplementation has endurance and resistance exercise benefits; however, if these short-term performance benefits translate into chronic benefits when combined with resistance training is currently unknown. This study investigated changes of chronic Capsiate supplementation on muscular adaptations, inflammatory response and performance in untrained men. METHODS: Twenty untrained men were randomized to ingest 12 mg Capsiate (CAP) or placebo in a parallel, double-blind design. Body composition and performance were measured at pre-training and after 6 weeks of resistance training. An acute resistance exercise session test was performed pre and post-intervention. Blood samples were collected at rest and post-resistance exercise to analyze Tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-), Soluble TNF- receptor (sTNF-r), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10). RESULTS: Exercise and CAP supplementation increased fat-free mass in comparison to baseline by 1.5 kg (P < 0.001), however, the majority of the increase (1.0 kg) resulted from an increase in total body water. The CAP change scores for fat-free mass were significantly greater in comparison to the placebo (CAP ∆%= 2.1 ± 1.8 %, PLA ∆%= 0.7 ± 1.3 %, P = 0.043) and there was a significant difference between groups in the bench press exercise (P = 0.034) with greater upper body strength change score for CAP (∆%= 13.4 ± 9.1 %) compared to placebo (∆%= 5.8 ± 5.2 %), P = 0.041. CAP had no effect on lower body strength and no supplementation interactions were observed for all cytokines in response to acute resistance exercise (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Chronic Capsiate supplementation combined with resistance training during short period (6 weeks) increased fat-free mass and upper body strength but not inflammatory response and performance in young untrained men.

Ladder-based resistance training elicited similar ultrastructural adjustments in forelimb and hindlimb peripheral nerves of young adult Wistar rats.

To analyze the morphological response induced by high-volume, high-intensity ladder-based resistance training (LRT) on the ultrastructure of the radial (forelimb) and sciatic (hindlimb) nerves of adults Wistar rats. Twenty rats were equally distributed into groups: sedentary (SED) and LRT. After the rodents were subjected to the maximum load (ML) carrying test, the LRT group performed 6-8 progressive climbs (2 × 50% ML, 2 × 75% ML, 2 × 100% ML, and 2 × 100% ML + 30 g) three times per week. After 8 weeks, the radial and sciatic nerves were removed and prepared for transmission electron microscopy. In the radial nerve, myelinated axons cross-sectional area (CSA), unmyelinated axons CSA, myelin sheath thickness, and Schwann cells nuclei area were statistically larger in the LRT group than SED (p < 0.05). Also, the number of microtubules and neurofilaments per field were statistically higher in the LRT group than in SED (p < 0.01). For sciatic nerve, myelinated fibers CSA, unmyelinated axons CSA, myelin sheath thickness, Schwann cells nuclei area, and the number of neurofilaments per field were statistically larger in the LRT group compared to the SED group (p < 0.05). LRT with high-volume and high-intensity effectively induce similar changes in adult Wistar rats' radial and sciatic nerves' ultrastructure.

Physical activity and medication in Brazilians suffering with non-communicable diseases in quarantine by COVID-19.

This study aimed to compare the practice of physical activity in groups of people with chronic diseases with and without medication, before and during the pandemic. 298 Brazilian individuals with chronic non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular, metabolic / endocrine, respiratory, orthopedic, gastrointestinal diseases, anxiety and depression were separated into two groups: with and without medication. A questionnaire with 14 questions was applied, tracing the behavioral profile in relation to physical exercises before and during isolation, interpreted through descriptive analysis, and the groups were compared through Mann-Whitman's statistics. The drop in the percentage of active individuals with or without medication occurred when comparing the scenarios before and during quarantine. However, the difference in the prevalence of active individuals between the groups was significant, showing that the group with medication remained more active. The fear of contamination, the measures of distance and the lack of adherence of the population to classes by videoconference reduced the frequency of physical activities in the general sample population. However, people who used medication showed greater concern about the practice of physical activity to optimize treatment. The isolation period had a negative impact on the practice of physical activity, regardless of the presence of some chronic disease or the use of medication.

Muscle hypertrophy and ladder-based resistance training for rodents: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to review the effects of ladder-based resistance training (LRT) on muscle hypertrophy and strength in rodents through a systematic review with meta-analysis. We systematically searched PubMed/Medline, SportDiscuss, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Scielo database on May 18, 2020. Thirty-four studies were included measuring total (mCSA) or mean muscle fibers cross-sectional area (fCSA) or maximum load-carrying capacity (MLCC) or muscle mass (MM). About the main results, LRT provides sufficient mechanical stimulation to increase mCSA and fCSA. Meta-analysis showed a significant overall effect on the fCSA (SMD 1.89, 95% CI [1.18, 2.61], p < .00001, I2  = 85%); however, subgroup analysis showed that some muscle types might not be hypertrophied through the LRT. Meta-analysis showed a significant training effect on the MM (SMD 0.92, 95% CI [0.52, 1.32], p < .00001, I2  = 72%). Sub-group analysis revealed that soleus (SMD 1.32, 95% CI [0.11, 2.54], p = .03, I2  = 86%) and FHL (SMD 1.92, 95% CI [1.00, 2.85], p < .0001, I2  = 71%) presented significant training effects, despite moderate heterogeneity levels (I2  = 72%). MLCC increases considerably after a period of LRT, regardless of its duration and the characteristics of the protocols (SMD 12.37, 95% CI [9.36, 15.37], p < .00001, I2  = 90%). Through these results, we reach the following conclusions: (a) LRT is efficient to induce muscle hypertrophy, although this effect varies between different types of skeletal muscles, and; (b) the ability of rodents to carry load increases regardless of the type and duration of the protocol used.

The use of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation for increasing throwing performance / Uso da facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva para aumentar o desempenho do arremesso / Uso de facilitación neuromuscular propioceptiva para mejorar el rendimiento del lanzamiento

ABSTRACT Introduction Throwing is considered the most important technical skill in Handball. However, it requires the athlete to perform this movement with maximum speed and accuracy, as it can define the final score of the game. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, known as the Kabat method, on the throwing performance of handball athletes. Methods An experimental study of 18 male handball athletes with a mean age of 14 ± 1.13 years. The athletes were divided into two groups: control group (CG) and Kabat method group (KG). The athletes performed 16 training sessions, with analyses at the beginning and end of each session. Range of motion (ROM) of internal and external shoulder rotation, strength, muscle imbalance, throwing speed and accuracy were measured. The results were compared by the Student t-test of repeated measures. Results KG significantly increased external shoulder rotation and muscle strength in all the analyzed shoulder complex muscles. CG also increased strength, but not in all muscles. KG significantly increased the speed and accuracy of the pitch. Conclusion The Kabat method, through proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, significantly increased throwing performance, speed and accuracy in handball athletes when compared to the control group. Level of evidence III; Randomized Experimental Study.

RESUMO Introdução O arremesso é considerado a habilidade técnica mais importante do handebol. Porém, exige que o atleta realize esse movimento com máxima velocidade e precisão, visto que ele pode definir a pontuação final do jogo. Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva, conhecida como método Kabat, no desempenho de arremesso em atletas de handebol. Métodos Estudo experimental com 18 atletas de handebol masculino, com média de idade de 14 ± 1,13 anos. Os atletas foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo controle (GC) e grupo método Kabat (GK). Os atletas realizaram 16 sessões de treinamento com análise inicial e final. A amplitude de movimento (ADM) da rotação interna e externa do ombro, a força, o desequilíbrio muscular, a velocidade e precisão do arremesso foram medidos. Os resultados foram comparados com o teste t de Student de medidas repetidas. Resultados O GK teve aumento significativo da rotação externa do ombro e da força muscular em todos os músculos do complexo do ombro analisados. O GC também teve aumento da força, mas não em todos os músculos. O GK teve elevação significativa da velocidade e da precisão do arremesso. Conclusão O método Kabat, com a técnica de facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva, aumentou significativamente o desempenho, a velocidade e a precisão do arremesso nos atletas de handebol quando comparado com o grupo controle. Nível de evidência III; Estudo Experimental Randomizado.

RESUMEN Introducción El lanzamiento se considera la habilidad técnica más importante del balonmano. Sin embargo, requiere que el atleta realice este movimiento con la máxima velocidad y precisión, ya que puede establecer el puntaje final del juego. Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la facilitación neuromuscular propioceptiva, conocida como el método Kabat, en el rendimiento del lanzamiento de atletas de balonmano. Métodos Estudio experimental de 18 atletas de balonmano masculino con edad promedio de 14 ± 1,13 años. Los atletas se dividieron en dos grupos: grupo control (CG) y grupo método Kabat (GK). Los atletas realizaron 16 sesiones de entrenamiento con análisis inicial y final. Se midió el rango de movimiento (RDM) de la rotación interna y externa del hombro, la fuerza, el desequilibrio muscular, la velocidad y la precisión de lanzamiento. Los resultados se compararon con la prueba t de Student de medidas repetidas. Resultados El GK tuvo un aumento significativo en la rotación externa del hombro y la fuerza muscular en todos los músculos del complejo del hombro analizados. El CG también tuvo aumento en la fuerza, pero no en todos los músculos. El GK tuvo un aumento significativo en la velocidad y precisión del lanzamiento. Conclusión El método Kabat, con la facilitación neuromuscular propioceptiva, aumentó significativamente el rendimiento, la velocidad y la precisión del lanzamiento en los atletas de balonmano en comparación con el grupo control. Nivel de evidencia III; Estudio experimental aleatorizado.

The Effects of Concurrent Training Combining Both Resistance Exercise and High-Intensity Interval Training or Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Metabolic Syndrome.

To date, there are several knowledge gaps on how to properly prescribe concurrent training to achieve the best dose-response, especially regarding the optimal intensity or volume of the aerobic component. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyze the effects of different aerobic exercise modes and intensities [i.e. aerobic high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity continuous aerobic training (MICT) combined with a resistance training (RT) program] on metabolic outcomes in participants with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Thirty-nine men and women (67.0 ± 6.7 years) volunteered to a 12-weeks exercise intervention (3 week-1, 50 min/session) and were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (a) RT plus MICT (RT+MICT) (2 males; 11 females); (b) RT plus HIIT (RT+HIIT) (4 males; 9 females); and (c) control group (CON) - without formal exercise (4 males; 9 females). Intensity was established between 60 and 70% of maximum heart rate (HRmax) in RT+MICT and ranged from 55-65% to 80-90% HRmax in the RT+HIIT group. Dependent outcomes included morphological, metabolic and hemodynamic variables. Both training groups improved waist circumference (RT+MICT: P = 0.019; RT+HIIT: P = 0.003), but not body weight, fat mass or fat-free mass (P ≥ 0.114). RT+HIIT group improved fasting glucose (P = 0.014), low density lipoprotein [LDL (P = 0.022)], insulin (P = 0.034) and homeostatic model assessment (P = 0.028). RT+MICT group reduced triglycerides (P = 0.053). Both exercise interventions did not change high sensitivity C-reactive protein, glycated hemoglobin, high density lipoprotein and total cholesterol, systolic, diastolic or mean arterial blood pressure (P ≥ 0.05). The CON group reduced the LDL (P = 0.031). This trial suggests that short-term exercise mode and intensity may differently impact the metabolic profile of individuals with MetS. Further, our data suggests that both concurrent trainings promote important cardiometabolic gains, particularly in the RT+HIIT. Nonetheless, due to the small-to-moderate effect size and the short-term intervention length, our data suggests that the intervention length also has an important modulating role in these benefits in older adults with MetS. Therefore, more research is needed to confirm our results using longer exercise interventions and larger groups.

Glutamine supplementation influences the secretory apparatus in the right atrial cardiomyocytes of resistance trained aged rats / A suplementação de glutamina influencia o aparelho secretor dos cardiomiócitos do átrio direito de ratos idosos submetidos a treinamento de resistência / La suplementación de glutamina influye en el aparato secretor de los cardiomiocitos de la aurícula derecha de ratones viejos sometidos a entrenamiento de resistencia

Abstract We investigated the effects of glutamine supplementation on the secretory apparatus of natriuretic peptides in atrial cardiomyocytes of aged rats undergoing resistance training. Two groups of resistance-trained rats were studied: resistance trained, and resistance trained and supplemented with glutamine group. Both groups of rats were trained to climb a 1.1 m vertical ladder with weights tied to their tail. The cardiomyocytes from resistance trained and supplemented rats showed increased density and sectional area of natriuretic peptides granules, higher relative volumes of the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex and nuclear euchromatin, and nuclear pore density compared with resistance trained rats. In conclusion, glutamine supplementation caused hypertrophy of the secretory apparatus in the cardiomyocytes of aged rats undergoing resistance training.

Resumo Foi investigado o efeito da suplementação de glutamina no aparelho secretor de peptídeos natriuréticos dos cardiomiócitos do átrio de ratos idosos submetidos a treinamento de resistencia. Foram estudados dois grupos: grupo de treinamento de resistência e grupo de treinamento de resistência suplementado com glutamina. Os ratos de ambos os grupos escalaram uma escada vertical de 1,1 m com pesos progressivamente maiores atrelados à cauda. Os resultados mostraram que os cardiomiócitos de ratos do grupo treinado e suplementado apresentaram maior densidade e maior área de seção de grânulos de peptideos natriuréticos, maiores volumes relativos de mitocôndrias, retículo endoplasmático, complexo de Golgi e eucromatina nuclear e maior densidade de poros nucleares em comparação com ratos do grupo de treinamento de resistência. Em conclusão, a suplementação com glutamina causou hipertrofia do aparelho secretor dos cardiomiócitos de ratos idosos submetidos ao treinamento de resistência.

Resumen Se investigó la influência de la suplementación de glutamina en el aparato secretor de péptidos natriuréticos de cardiomiocitos auriculares de ratones viejos sometidos a entrenamiento de resistencia. Se formaron dos grupos: grupo de entrenamiento de resistencia y grupo de entrenamiento de resistencia suplementado con glutamina. Los ratones escalaron una escalera vertical de 1,1 m con pesos atados a la cola. Los resultados mostraron que los cardiomiocitos de ratones del grupo de entrenamiento de resistência suplementado presentaron mayor densidad y área de sección de gránulos de péptidos natriuréticos, mayores volúmenes relativos de mitocondrias y de eucromatina nuclear y mayor densidad de poros nucleares en comparación con los ratones del grupo de entrenamiento de resistencia. En conclusión, la suplementación de glutamina causó hipertrofia del aparato secretor en los cardiomiocitos de ratones viejos sometidos al entrenamiento de resistencia.

Nitrate Supplementation Combined with a Running Training Program Improved Time-Trial Performance in Recreationally Trained Runners.

Our purpose was to verify the effects of inorganic nitrate combined to a short training program on 10-km running time-trial (TT) performance, maximum and average power on a Wingate test, and lactate concentration ([La-]) in recreational runners. Sixteen healthy participants were divided randomly into two groups: Nitrate (n = 8) and placebo (n = 8). The experimental group ingested 750 mg/day (~12 mmol) of nitrate plus 5 g of resistant starch, and the control group ingested 6 g of resistant starch, for 30 days. All variables were assessed at baseline and weekly over 30 days. Training took place 3x/week. The time on a 10-km TT decreased significantly (p < 0.001) in all timepoints compared to baseline in both groups, but only the nitrate group was faster in week 2 compared to 1. There was a significant group × time interaction (p < 0.001) with lower [La] in the nitrate group at week 2 (p = 0.032), week 3 (p = 0.002), and week 4 (p = 0.003). There was a significant group time interaction (p = 0.028) for Wingate average power and a main effect of time for maximum power (p < 0.001) and [La-] for the 60-s Wingate test. In conclusion, nitrate ingestion during a four-week running program improved 10-km TT performance and kept blood [La-] steady when compared to placebo in recreational runners.