Effect of lower limb resistance training on ICF components in chronic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs.

BACKGROUND: Resistance training (RT) effectively promotes functional independence after stroke. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of lower limb RT on body structure and function (muscle strength, postural balance), activity (mobility, gait) and participation (quality of life, impact of stroke on self-perceived health) outcomes in individuals with chronic stroke. METHODS: Six databases were searched from inception until September 2022 for randomized controlled trials comparing lower limb RT to a control intervention. The random-effects model was used in the meta-analyses. Effect sizes were reported as standardized mean differences (SMD). Quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included. Significant improvements were found in body structure and function after lower limb RT: knee extensors (paretic side - SMD: 1.27; very low evidence), knee flexors (paretic side - SMD: 0.51; very low evidence; non-paretic side - SMD: 0.52; low evidence), leg press (paretic side - SMD: 0.83; very low evidence) and global lower limb muscle strength (SMD: -1.47; low evidence). No improvement was found for knee extensors (p = 0.05) or leg press (p = 0.58) on the non-paretic side. No improvements were found in the activity domain after lower limb RT: mobility (p = 0.16) and gait (walking speed-usual: p = 0.17; walking speed-fast: p = 0.74). No improvements were found in the participation domain after lower limb RT: quality of life (p > 0.05), except the bodily pain dimension (SMD: 1.02; low evidence) or the impact of stroke on self-perceived health (p = 0.38). CONCLUSION: Lower limb RT led to significant improvements in the body structure and function domain (knee extensors and flexors, leg press, global lower limb muscle strength) in individuals with chronic stroke. No improvements were found in the activity (mobility, gait [walking speed]) or participation (quality of life, impact of stroke on self-perceived health) domains. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021272645.

Empowering frail older adults: multicomponent elastic-band exercises and BCAA supplementation unleash physical health and preserve haematological biomarkers.

The effectiveness of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) supplementation on enhancing exercise performance in both young and older adults remains a topic of debate. Recent research suggests that BCAAs combined with regular exercise might have an impact on human erythropoiesis, blood dynamics, and iron homeostasis. Given the increasing longevity of the global population, it is crucial to investigate the potential benefits of BCAA supplementation and regular exercise as non-pharmacological interventions for improving the overall health of frail older adults. To assess the influence of a 40-week multicomponent exercise intervention (MEP) combined BCCA supplementation on the haematological indicators of frail older adults (83-93 years old) residing in nursing homes. A prospective, naturalistic, controlled clinical trial employing an intervention-washout-intervention was conducted for this purpose. The study included four experimental groups: MEP plus BCAA supplementation (MEP + BCAA, n = 8), MEP only (n = 7), BCAA supplementation only (n = 7), and control group non exercising (CG, n = 13). Fried's physical frailty (PF) protocol was employed to stratify the participants. Additionally, the assessment included the evaluation of nutritional status, comorbidities, and anthropometric measurements. Among the several haematological markers examined, only mean cellular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCH) [F = 4.09; p < 0.03] and Mean Cell haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) [F = 10, 323; p < 0,0001] showed significant effects of time group. Our findings demonstrate that a long-term intervention with BCAA plus MEP did not lead to significant alterations in the haematological profile. An 8-week withdrawal from interventions did not affect the frailty status in the MEP and MEP + BCAA groups, whereas the control group exhibited an increase in PF status. The findings, demonstrating the potential pro-immune effect and maintenance of MCH and MCHC levels, highlight the relevance of incorporating exercise and nutritional strategies to promote healthy aging. This study contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 (good health and well-being) and 10 (reduced Inequalities) for all.

Efeitos de 16 semanas de exercícios multimodais na capacidade funcional e cognitiva em idosos / Effects of 16 weeks of multimodal exercise on functional and cognitive capacity in the elderly / Efectos de 16 semanas de ejercicios multimodales sobre la capacidad funcional y cognitiva de los ancianos

O presente estudo buscou verificar o efeito de 16 semanas de exercícios multimodais na capacidade funcional e cognitiva em idosos comunitários do município de Tocantinópolis-TO. A pesquisa teve caráter descritivo, longitudinal e quase- experimental. Participaram deste estudo 44 idosos, sendo 20 do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 69 ± 7,3 anos e 24 do sexo feminino, com média de idade de 66 ± 7,6 anos. A seleção dos participantes foi realizada por meio da técnica de amostragem por conveniência em utentes da Academia da Melhor Idade (AMI), em Tocantinópolis-TO. Antes e após as 16 semanas de intervenção com exercícios multimodais, foram aplicadas: a bateria Senior fitness test de Rikli & Jones (2013) e avaliação do estado cognitivo com o Mini Exame de Estado Mental (MEEM). Em relação às variáveis da capacidade funcional, apenas o teste de "Caminhada de 6 minutos" apresentou diferença significativa nos participantes do sexo masculino (C6Min pré = 516,2 metros vs. pós = 545,8 metros; p < 0,05). Nas mulheres foram observadas diferenças significativas nas variáveis "Levantar e Sentar da Cadeira" (LSC pré = 12,5 repetições vs. Pós = 14,1 repetições; p < 0,05), "Sentado, Caminhar 2,44 m e sentar" (SCS pré = 7,3 segundos vs. pós = 6,8 segundos; p < 0,05) e "Caminhada de 6 minutos" (C6Min pré = 483,1 m vs. pós = 514,1 m; p < 0,05). O nível de cognição apresentou diferença significativa após 16 semanas de intervenção em relação aos valores verificados no baseline, tanto para os homens (MEEM pré = 21,2 vs. pós = 23,9; p < 0,05), quanto para as mulheres (MEEM pré = 23,9 pontos vs. pós = 25,1 pontos; p < 0,05). Conclui-se que os exercícios multimodais foram efetivos na melhora da cognição em e em determinadas variáveis relacionadas à capacidade funcional nos idosos após 16 semanas de intervenção.

The present study sought to verify the effect of 16 weeks of multimodal exercises on functional and cognitive capacity in community elderly of the municipality of Tocantinópolis-TO. The research had a descriptive, longitudinal and quasi- experimental character. This study included 44 elderly subjects, 20 of whom were male, with mean age of 69 ± 7.3 years, and 24 of whom were female, with mean age of 66 ± 7.6 years. The selection of the participants was carried out by means of the technique of sampling for convenience in users of the Academy of the Best Age (AMI), in Tocantinópolis-TO. Before and after the 16 weeks of intervention with multimodal exercises, we applied: the Rikli & Jones Senior fitness test (2013) and cognitive status assessment with the Mini Mental State Examination (MEEM). Regarding the functional capacity variables, only the "6-minute walk" test showed a significant difference in the male participants (C6Min pre = 516.2 meters vs. post = 545.8 meters; p < 0.05). In women, significant differences were observed in the variables "Lift and Sit of the Chair" (LSC pre = 12.5 repetitions vs. Post = 14.1 repetitions; p < 0.05), "Sit, Walk 2.44 m and sit" (SCS pre = 7.3 seconds vs. post = 6.8 seconds; p < 0.05) and "Walk of 6 minutes" (C6Min pre = 483.1 m vs. post = 514.1 m; p < 0.05). The level of cognition was significantly different after 16 weeks of intervention from baseline values for both men (pre-MSE = 21.2 vs. post = 23.9; p < 0.05) and women (pre-MSE = 23.9 points vs. post = 25.1 points; p < 0.05). It is concluded that multimodal exercises were effective in improving cognition in and in certain variables related to functional capacity in the elderly after 16 weeks of intervention.

Este estudio buscó verificar el efecto de 16 semanas de ejercicio multimodal sobre la capacidad funcional y cognitiva de las personas mayores en el municipio de Tocantinópolis-TO. La investigación tenía un carácter descriptivo, longitudinal y casi experimental. Este estudio incluyó 44 sujetos de edad avanzada, 20 de los cuales eran hombres, de una edad media de 69 ± 7,3 años y 24 eran mujeres, con una edad media de 66 ± 7,6 años. La selección de los participantes se realizó mediante una técnica de muestreo para la conveniencia de los usuarios de la Academia de la Mejor Edad (AMI), en Tocantinópolis-TO. Antes y después de 16 semanas de intervención con ejercicios multimodales, se aplicó la Senior fitness test de Rikli & Jones (2013) y la evaluación del estado cognitivo con el Mini Examen de Estado Mental (MEEM). Para las variables de capacidad funcional, sólo el test de "caminata de 6 minutos" mostró una diferencia significativa en los participantes masculinos (C6Min pre = 516,2 metros vs. post = 545,8 metros; p < 0,05). En las mujeres se observaron diferencias significativas en las variables "Levantamiento y siéntate desde la silla" (pre = 12,5 repeticiones vs. Post = 14,1 repeticiones; p < 0,05), "Sitting, Walk 2,44 m y Sit" (pre-SCS = 7,3 segundos vs. Post = 6,8 segundos; p < 0,05) y "6 minutos de sentido" (C6S) Mínimo pre = 483,1 m vs. post = 514,1 m; p < 0,05). El nivel de cognición fue significativamente diferente después de 16 semanas de intervención respecto al valor baseline para ambos hombres (MEEM pre= 21,2 vs. post = 23,9; p < 0,05) y mujeres (MEEM pre= 23,9 puntos vs. post = 25,1 puntos; p < 0,05). Se concluye que los ejercicios multimodales fueron eficaces para mejorar la cognición en y sobre determinadas variables relacionadas con la capacidad funcional en las personas mayores después de 16 semanas de intervención.

Exercise Evaluation and Prescription in Older Adults.

The over-65 age group is growing faster than other age groups worldwide [...].

Effect of a 40-weeks multicomponent exercise program and branched chain amino acids supplementation on functional fitness and mental health in frail older persons.

BACKGROUND: The ageing process implies several physiological and psychological changes that hence affect the general health, mood states, and quality of life of older persons. Exercise and adequate nutrition are renowned non-pharmacological strategies that significantly delay and alleviate the adverse consequences of the ageing process. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation and a multicomponent exercise program (ME) on the physical frailty and mood states of older persons. METHODS: 35 participants (women and men; 83 ± 3 years old) from residential care homes were submitted to a 40-week exercise-washout-retraining intervention (16 weeks of the elastic band based exercise and/or supplementation, 8 weeks of washout, and 16 weeks of multicomponent exercise and/or resupplementing), with or without BCAA supplementation. The experimental groups were: (i) ME plus BCAA supplementation (ME+BCAA); (ii) ME; (iii) BCAA supplementation (BCAA), and (iv) control group (CG). Fried's phenotype was used to assess frailty prevalence. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Profile of Mood State (POMS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), were used to access mental health and cognition. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was used to access functional capacity. Salivary testosterone levels (ST) were also determined to access the anabolic effects of the intervention. RESULTS: Exercise was effective in improving functional capacity and prevented the increase in frailty that occurred in the non-exercising CG, where the frailty scores increased over time (p < 0.01). BCAAs supplement alone had no impact on functional fitness, but in a short time (16 weeks) contributed to diminishing frailty and combined with exercise may have the potential to reduce the effect of a detraining period on functional capacity. Salivary testosterone levels correlated with handgrip strength and could be a useful indicator of susceptibility to frailty. No effects were found for mood states, cognition, and depression. CONCLUSION: This study showed that a long-term exercise program, independent of being multicomponent or strength elastic band-based, was effective in improving functional capacity and prevented an increase in frailty in frail and pre-frail older persons living in residential care homes.

Combined Chair-Based Exercises Improve Functional Fitness, Mental Well-Being, Salivary Steroid Balance, and Anti-microbial Activity in Pre-frail Older Women.

INTRODUCTION: Regular exercise has long been shown to positively impact the immune system responsiveness and improve mental well-being (MWB). However, the putative links between biomarkers of mental health and immune efficiency in exercising subjects have been scarcely investigated. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of a 14-week combined chair-based exercise program (CEP) on salivary steroid hormones and anti-microbial proteins, functional fitness, and MWB indexes in pre-frail older women. METHODS: The participant women (82.8 4.6 years old; n = 32) were randomly divided into the exercising group (CEP, n = 17) and the non-exercising control group (CG, n = 15). The pre/post assessment included: (1) salivary anti-microbial proteins lysozyme; (Lys) and immunoglobulin-A (IgA); (2) salivary steroid hormones of testosterone (TT) and cortisol (COR); (3) functional fitness (gait speed, hand grip strength, and static balance); (4) MWB questionnaires (happiness, depression state, satisfaction with life, and stress). RESULTS: Significant differences with large Cohen's (d) effect sizes were found on increased salivary TT (p < 0.05; d = 0.60) after exercise intervention. The results revealed a decrease in IgA levels after CEP (p < 0.01, d = 0.30). The increase in subjective happiness levels (p < 0.05, d = 0.30) and decrease of stress perception (p < 0.01, d = 2.60) and depressive state (p < 0.05, d = 0.30) were found after intervention in the CEP group. Robust statistical differences in gait speed (p < 0.05; d = 0.60) and balance tests (p < 0.05; d = 0.80) were also found in the CEP group. In control, COR increased moderately (p < 0.05; d = 0.65) while no changes were found for the other indicators. Correlation analyses showed inter-dependence between pre-post variations of MWB, biochemical indexes, and fitness function (e.g., COR inverse correlation with hand grip strength and balance tests). CONCLUSION: The CEP program was able to improve functional-fitness performance, decrease feelings of stress, and increase happiness. The CEP also induced clinically relevant hormonal and immune responses, which suggests that chair exercises that combine muscular strength, balance, and gait speed training are promising interventions to improve physical and mental health of older pre-frail adults.

Sustaining efficient immune functions with regular physical exercise in the COVID-19 era and beyond.

The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) appearance in Wuhan, China, did rise the new virus disease (COVID-19), which spread globally in a short time, leading the World Health Organization to declare a new global pandemic. To contain and mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2, specific public health procedures were implemented in virtually all countries, with a significant impact on society, making it difficult to keep the regular practice of physical activity. It is widely accepted that an active lifestyle contributes to the improvement of general health and preservation of cardiovascular, respiratory, osteo-muscular and immune system capacities. The positive effects of regular physical activity on the immune system have emerged as a pivotal trigger of general health, underlying the beneficial effects of physical activity on multiple physiological systems. Accordingly, recent studies have already pointed out the negative impact of physical inactivity caused by the social isolation imposed by the public sanitary authorities due to COVID-19. Nevertheless, there are still no current narrative reviews evaluating the real impact of COVID-19 on active lifestyle or even discussing the possible beneficial effects of exercise-promoted immune upgrade against the severity or progression of COVID-19. Based on the consensus in the scientific literature, in this review, we discuss how an exercise adherence could adequately improve immune responses in times of the 'COVID-19 Era and beyond'.

Emotional Well-Being and Cognitive Function Have Robust Relationship With Physical Frailty in Institutionalized Older Women.

INTRODUCTION: Frailty associated to core dimensions of psychological well-being (PwB) has appeared as a possible new frailty phenotype named psychological frailty, implying a parallel to physical frailty (PF). Very little is known about the associations between mental well-being, especially emotional, mood, and self-perception dimensions, and the frailty syndrome in institutionalized older populations. The present study aims to examine the interlink between the PF phenotype and the core dimensions of PwB in Portuguese institution-dwelling older women. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected. A total of 358 older women, aged 75 years or more, were recruited from four nursing homes within the city of Coimbra and asked to complete a sociodemographic and a general health assessment survey. The main PwB dimensions were assessed in all participants: (i) global cognitive status was assessed using The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Neuropsychology Test, (ii) self-perception was screened using the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and Global Self-Esteem Scale, (iii) CES-D of depression and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were used to screen mood states, and (iv) subjective happiness, satisfaction with life, and attitudes to aging psychometric rating scales were used to screen for emotional well-being. The syndrome of PF was assessed using Fried's PF phenotype that includes weight loss, weakness, slowness, exhaustion, and low physical activity (PA) level assessments. RESULTS: Frail older women had a poor score in all PwB outcomes, except for global self-esteem and satisfaction with life. A hierarchical regression model analysis showed that global cognitive status and emotional well-being of subjective happiness and attitude to aging showed a significant negative relationship with PF in both unadjusted and adjusted models (explaining 34 and 40% of variance, respectively). CONCLUSION: Emotional well-being and global cognitive performance are strongly associated with PF. Implementing active lifestyle interventions to improve positive psychological outcomes using geriatric assessments could assist in the older institutionalized patients' physical and mental health care.

Physical exercise during coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Recommendations to remaining active in periods of confinement.

The period of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic has led people to adopt behaviors that were not previously part of their routines. The need to maintain an active lifestyle, with the adoption of an exercise regimen, has been reinforced by the scientific community for the maintenance of the immune and mental condition. Thus, we point out the need to observe the scientific guidelines on physical exercises during social isolation.

Anthropometric characteristics and physical performance of taekwondo athletes / Características antropométricas e desempenho físico de lutadores de taekwondo

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to measure anthropometric and physical performance variables of TKD athletes from the city of Pelotas - RS. Forty-five athletes aged 16.4 ± 5.2 years and time of practice of 3.25 ± 3.6 years were evaluated. Athletes performed anthropometric evaluation and physical, general and specific performance tests. In the sum of seven skin folds, men presented lower values ??(106.1 ± 49.5 mm versus 143.4 ± 43.2 mm, p <0.002). Male seniors presented better performance in the vertical jump compared to beginners (42.3 ± 8.5cm versus 24.8 ± 10.1cm, p <0.03) and to women (22.1 ± 4.3cm, p <0.03). Graduated individuals perform higher number of arm pushups than beginners and women and more repetitions in the abdominal test. Male junior and senior athletes had higher isometric handgrip strength than females (48.3 ± 3.9 kgf and 38.1 ± 12.6 kgf versus 29 ± 5.6 kgf, p <0.001). Men covered longer distance in the yo-yo test than women (606.6 ± 233.8m versus 200 ± 113.1m, p <0.001). In the Wingate test, men produced greater peak and average relative power. No differences in flexibility were observed. In the single kick test, seniors kicked faster than less experienced athletes (200.6 ± 12.3m / s versus 258 ± 5.6m / s, p <0.001) and performed greater number of kicks in the 21s, 6 ± 2.1 reps versus 15.5 ± 0.7 reps, p <0.001). It was concluded that there are differences between male and female TKD athletes regarding anthropometric and motor characteristics, and that more experienced athletes exhibit greater general and specific physical fitness.

Resumo O objetivo desta investigação foi mensurar variáveis antropométricas e de desempenho físico de atletas de TKD da cidade de Pelotas - RS. Foram avaliados 45 atletas com idades 16,4±5,2 anos e tempo de prática de 3,25± 3,6 anos. Os atletas realizaram avaliação antropométrica, testes de desempenho físico, gerais e específicos. No somatório de sete dobras cutâneas, homens apresentam menores valores (106,1±49,5mm versus 143,4±43,2mm; p<0,002). Homens mais graduados apresentaram melhor desempenho no salto vertical que homens iniciantes (42,3±8,5cm versus 24,8±10,1cm; p<0,03) e que mulheres (22,1±4,3cm; p<0,03). Indivíduos graduados realizam maior número de flexões de cotovelo que iniciantes e mulheres e mais repetições no teste de abdominais. Atletas da categoria sênior e júnior masculino exibiram mais força isométrica de preensão manual que as mulheres (48,3±3,9kgf e 38,1±12,6kgf versus 29±5,6kgf; p<0,001). Homens percorreram maior distância no yo-yo test que mulheres (606,6±233,8m versus 200±113,1m; p<0,001). No teste de Wingate, homens produziram maior potência relativa máxima e média. Não foram observadas diferenças na flexibilidade. No teste de chute único, indivíduos mais graduados chutaram mais rápido do que os menos graduados (200,6±12,3m/s versus 258±5,6m/s; p<0,001) e executam maior número de chutes em 10s (21,6±2,1reps versus 15,5±0,7reps; p<0,001). Conclui-se que há diferenças entre homens e mulheres praticantes de TKD quanto a características antropométricas e motoras, e que atletas mais avançados exibem maior aptidão física geral e específica.

Effects of Different Chair-Based Exercises on Salivary Biomarkers and Functional Autonomy in Institutionalized Older Women.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to test the effects of chair-based exercise programs on salivary stress hormones, physical fitness, and functional autonomy of institutionalized older women. METHOD: In total, 47 participants (80 ± 8.04 years old) were recruited and allocated into three groups: chair-based aerobic exercises (CAE, n = 19), chair-based elastic-band strength exercises (CSE, n = 15), and a control group (CG, n = 13). A 14-week exercise intervention was done for the CAE and CSE groups, two times per week, in no consecutive days. Members of the CG did not participate in any type of exercise but kept their regular lifestyle. Fear of falling, autonomy, physical fitness, salivary cortisol, and alpha-amylase levels were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: The CAE group improved upper and lower body strength, agility-dynamic balance, and autonomy, with fear of falling decreasing significantly (p < .05, moderate effect size). Both exercise groups showed a trend toward an increase in salivary alpha-amylase levels (CAE = 43%, d = .31, and CSE = 44%, d = .41). CONCLUSION: Both exercise programs were able to improve functional autonomy, even in elders older than 80 years of age. It might be interesting to investigate the effectiveness of combining both aerobic and strength exercises in a unique protocol. The modulation effect of exercise in the hormonal responses needs to be further explored.

Effect of 16-week blood flow restriction exercise on functional fitness in sarcopenic women: a randomized controlled trial / Efecto del ejercicio de restricción del flujo sanguíneo de 16 semanas sobre la aptitud funcional en mujeres sarcopénicas: un ensayo controlado aleatorio

SUMMARY: We investigated the effect of the intervention using the BFR method on functional capacity after 16 weeks in elderly women. In a controlled clinical trial, 23 women were randomly allocated into two groups, low-intensity exercise with blood flow restriction (LI + BFR, N = 11, Age: 69.40 ± 5.73) and control group (CG, N = 12, Age: 69.00 ± 6.39). The LI + BFR group had a volume of 75 repetitions at 20-30 % of 1RM and 3-4 sets per exercise (30, 15, 15 and repetitions with 30" rest between sets). The CG did not undergo any type of exercise. Functional capacity, anthropometry and sarcopenia were verified through a battery of tests before and after 16 weeks. The LI + BFR group had significant improvement in performance in Handgrip strength, Chair Stand, Arm curl, 2.44 Up-and-Go and 6 min walk, Sit-andreach and Back Scratch (p<0.05) after the intervention. The elderly women were still classified as sarcopenic, despite the improvement in the Muscle Mass Index (p<0.01). CG did not present significant changes. The BFR method can be an effective in the intervention process using physical exercise as an auxiliary strategy in the control of sarcopenia, providing a physical profile during the aging process.

RESUMEN: Investigamos en mujeres ancianas el efecto de la intervención utilizando el método de restricción del flujo sanguíneo en la capacidad funcional, después de 16 semanas. En un ensayo clínico controlado, 23 mujeres fueron asignadas aleatoriamente en dos grupos; ejercicio de baja intensidad con restricción de flujo sanguíneo (BI + RFS, N = 11, edad: 69,40 ± 5,73) y grupo control (GC, N = 12, Edad: 69,00 ± 6,39). El grupo BI + RFS tuvo un volumen de 75 repeticiones al 20-30 % de 1RM y 3-4 series por ejercicio (30, 15, 15 y repeticiones con 30 " de descanso entre series). El GC no fue sometido a ningún tipo de ejercicio. La capacidad funcional, la antropometría y la sarcopenia se verificaron mediante una batería de pruebas antes y después de 16 semanas. El grupo BI + RFS tuvo una mejora significativa en el rendimiento de la fuerza de la empuñadura, soporte de la silla, curvatura del brazo, 2,44 up-and-go y 6 min, 'sit-and-reach' 'Back Scratch' (p<0,05) después de la intervención. Las mujeres de edad avanzada seguían clasificadas como sarcopénicas, a pesar de la mejora en el índice de masa muscular (p<0,01). El GC no presentó cambios significativos. El método de restricción del flujo sanguíneo puede ser efectivo en el proceso de intervención utilizando ejercicio físico como estrategia auxiliar en el control de la sarcopenia, proporcionando un perfil físico durante el proceso de envejecimiento.

Effect of 16 weeks of resistance exercise and detraining comparing two methods of blood flow restriction in muscle strength of healthy older women: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the effect of 16 weeks of resistance training using different occlusion pressures, followed by 6 weeks of detraining on the muscular strength levels of older women. METHODS: This randomized-controlled trial included 56 recreationally active women (68.8 ±â€¯5.09 years), randomized into 5 groups: 1) Low-intensity with blood flow restriction "High" (LI + BFR_H): with higher occlusion pressure, 2) Low-intensity with blood flow restriction "Low" (LI + BFR_L): with lower occlusion pressure, 3) High-intensity (HI), 4) Low-intensity (LI), and 5) Control Group (CG). Participants completed 16 weeks of resistance exercise training, followed by a 6-week detraining period. Maximal isokinetic torque (N.m) of right and left knee extension (PTRE/PTLE) and flexion (PTRF/PTLF) was measured at pre-training, post-training and immediately following the detraining period. RESULTS: Increased strength was observed in the LI + BFR_H, LI + BRF_L and HI groups post-training compared to baseline in the PTRE (Δ% = 27.2, 15.75 and 13.81%, p < .05, respectively), PTLE (Δ% = 25.2, 18.95 and 30.39%, p < .05, respectively), PTRF (Δ% = 36.7, 22.79 and 34.97%, p < .05, respectively) and PTLF in the groups (Δ% = 35.8, 24.93 and 26.14%, p < .05, respectively). Following the detraining period, the LI + BFR_H, LI + BFR_L and HI groups had a decrease in strength levels, but values did not decrease below baseline level. CONCLUSION: Low intensity BFR resistance exercise increases muscle strength in older women similar to HI, with higher occlusion pressures being more effective. Muscle strength was well preserved following a 6-week detraining period, and although reductions were observed, some preservation of strength can be explained by possible neural adaptations to exercise.

Dor, qualidade de vida, autopercepção de saúde e depressão de pacientes com fibromialgia, tratados com hidrocinesioterapia / Pain, quality of life, self perception of health and depression in patients with fibromyalgia, submited to hydrocinesiotherapy

OBJETIVOS: Analisar os efeitos do tratamento hidrocinesioterapêutico na qualidade de vida, percepção de dor e gravidade de episódios depressivos em um grupo de pacientes com fibromialgia. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 64 indivíduos do sexo feminino, separados em dois grupos: hidrocinesioterapia (n = 33; 58,2 ± 10,6 anos) e grupo controle (n = 31; 59,6 ± 9,4 anos), com diagnóstico de fibromialgia. Os indivíduos foram avaliados através da Escala Analógica Visual de Dor (EVA), o Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), e o Inventário de Beck. Os participantes foram submetidos a um tratamento hidrocinesioterápico numa piscina aquecida a 33ºC com duas sessões de 45 minutos por semana, ao longo 15 semanas, num total de 30 sessões. Os exercícios subaquáticos foram: de condicionamento cardiovascular, de força, de mobilidade, de coordenação, de equilíbrio, de alongamento e de relaxamento muscular. Utilizou-se a ANOVA 2×2 e Kruskal-Wallis para análise estatística. RESULTADOS: Foram observadas melhorias estatisticamente significativas na percepção da intensidade da dor (Δ% = -28,2%, p < 0,01), na qualidade de vida (Δ% = -32,4%, p < 0,05) e nos sintomas de depressão (Δ% = -35,4%, p < 0,05) favoráveis ao grupo hidrocinesioterapia comparado ao grupo controle. CONCLUSÕES: O estudo sugere que a hidrocinesioterapia mostrou-se eficaz como terapia alternativa da fibromialgia. No entanto, recomenda novos estudos que testem as associações existentes entre as variáveis analisadas e os programas de intervenção, utilizando as atividades aquáticas, bem como a modificabilidade dos parâmetros de saúde física e psíquica quando estes indivíduos são submetidos a programas de curta, média e longa duração.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of treatment by hydrotherapy on quality of life, perception of pain and the severity of depression in a group of patients with fibromyalgia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 64 females divided into two groups: hydrocinesiotherapy (n = 33, 58.2 ± 10.6 years) and control group (n = 31 with 59.6 ± 9.4 years) with clinical diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Individuals were assessed by Visual Analog Scale of Pain (VAS), the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and the Beck Depression Inventory. Participants underwent a treatment in a hydrotherapy pool heated to 33ºC over a period of 15 weeks, two sessions per week of 45 minutes, a total of 30 sessions. The exercises were underwater: cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, mobility, coordination, balance and still, stretching exercises and muscle relaxation. The ANOVA 2×2 and Kruskall-Wallis was used for statistical analysis RESULTS: There were statistically significant improvements in the perception of pain intensity (Δ% = -28.2%, p < 0, 01), quality of life (Δ% = -32.4%, p < 0, 05) and depression symptoms (Δ% = -35.4%, p < 0, 05) in favor of the Hydrotherapy group compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that hydrocinesiotherapy was effective as an alternative therapy for fibromyalgia, however further studies are recommended to test the associations between the variables and intervention programs and using the water activities, and the modifiability of the parameters of physical and mental health when these individuals undergo programs of short, medium and long duration.

Pain, quality of life, self perception of health and depression in patients with fibromyalgia, submited to hydrokinesiotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of treatment by hydrotherapy on quality of life, perception of pain and the severity of depression in a group of patients with fibromyalgia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 64 females divided into two groups: hydrocinesiotherapy (n = 33, 58.2 ± 10.6 years) and control group (n = 31 with 59.6 ± 9.4 years) with clinical diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Individuals were assessed by Visual Analog Scale of Pain (VAS), the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and the Beck Depression Inventory. Participants underwent a treatment in a hydrotherapy pool heated to 33ºC over a period of 15 weeks, two sessions per week of 45 minutes, a total of 30 sessions. The exercises were underwater: cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, mobility, coordination, balance and still, stretching exercises and muscle relaxation. The ANOVA 2 × 2 and Kruskall-Wallis was used for statistical analysis RESULTS: There were statistically significant improvements in the perception of pain intensity (Δ% = -28.2%, p < 0, 01), quality of life (Δ% = -32.4%, p < 0, 05) and depression symptoms (Δ% = -35.4%, p < 0, 05) in favor of the Hydrotherapy group compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that hydrocinesiotherapy was effective as an alternative therapy for fibromyalgia, however further studies are recommended to test the associations between the variables and intervention programs and using the water activities, and the modifiability of the parameters of physical and mental health when these individuals undergo programs of short, medium and long duration.