Effects of Ischemic Preconditioning as a Warm-Up on Leg Press and Bench Press Performance.

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) has been used to increase performance in sports. The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of IPC with different warm-up methods on the number of repetitions and total volume in resistance exercise (RE). Sixteen healthy men recreationally trained in RE participated in this study. After the anthropometric evaluation and familiarization, a one-repetition maximum (1RM) test and retest were performed in the bench press (BP) and in the leg press 45° (LP) exercise. After these tests, participants were randomly assigned to one of the five protocols: a) IPC; b) SHAM; c) a specific warm-up (SW); d) aerobic exercise (AE), and e) active stretching (AS) prior to performing 3 sets at 80% 1RM until concentric failure. The number of repetitions was higher following IPC compared to the SW following three sets both for the BP and LP. Similarly, the number of repetitions for IPC was higher in comparison to SHAM following three sets for the LP. The number of repetitions was higher following IPC compared to AE following 1st and 2nd sets for the LP and following the 2nd set for the BP. Finally, the number of repetitions was higher following IPC compared to AS following 1st and 2nd sets for the LP. The total volume was higher following IPC compared to SHAM, SW, AE, and AS for both the BP and LP. The IPC protocol increased the number of maximum repetitions and the total volume when compared to the other tested methods, thus indicating a better utilization during the pre-work warm-up. These results indicate positive associative responses to IPC with performance maintenance, which is of importance for both athletes and coaches.

Are Heart Rate and Rating of Perceived Exertion Effective to Control Indoor Cycling Intensity?

Indoor cycling's popularity is related to the combination of music and exercise leading to higher levels of exercise intensity. It was our objective to determine the efficacy of heart rate and rating of perceived exertion in controlling the intensity of indoor cycling classes and to quantify their association with oxygen uptake. Twelve experienced males performed three indoor cycling sessions of 45 min that differed in the way the intensity was controlled: (i) oxygen uptake; (ii) heart rate; and (iii) rating of perceived exertion using the OMNI-Cycling. The oxygen uptake levels were significantly higher (p = 0.007; µp2 = 0.254) in oxygen uptake than heart rate sessions. Oxygen uptake related to body mass was significantly higher (p < 0.005) in the oxygen uptake sessions compared with other sessions. Strong correlations were observed between oxygen uptake mean in the oxygen uptake and rating of perceived exertion sessions (r =0.986, p < 0.0001) and between oxygen uptake mean in the oxygen uptake and heart rate sessions (r = 0.977, p < 0.0001). Both heart rate and rating of perceived exertion are effective in controlling the intensity of indoor cycling classes in experienced subjects. However, the use of rating of perceived exertion is easier to use and does not require special instrumentation.

A Retrospective Study about the Differences in Cardiometabolic Risk Indicators and Level of Physical Activity in Bariatric Surgery Patients from Private vs. Public Units.

Background: Obesity is a pathology with a growing incidence in developing countries. Objective: To evaluate the evolution of cardiometabolic, anthropometrics, and physical activity parameters in individuals undergoing bariatric surgery (BS) in the public healthcare system (PUS) and private healthcare system (PHS). Methods: A longitudinal, observational, and retrospective study was conducted with 111 bariatric patients on two different health systems, with 60 patients from the PUS and 51 from the PHS. Cardiometabolic risk (CR) was analyzed by the assessment of obesity-related comorbidities (AORC) on admission and 3, 6, and 12 months after BS, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was surveyed before and 12 months after BS. In addition, cardiometabolic risk was also assessed by biochemical (fasting glucose and complete lipidogram) and anthropometric (weight, weight loss, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio) parameters. Results: On admission, the parameters of severe obesity, systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), Diabetes mellitus (DM), and waiting time to BS were higher in the PUS. Additionally, in the PUS, AORC was reduced only in the SAH parameter. However, in the post-surgery moment, AORC reduced, and there was no difference between the two groups after BS. Regarding physical activity, the IPAQ showed a higher level of activity in the PHS before and one year after BS. Conclusion: At the PUS, BS is performed in patients with a higher degree of comorbidities, but BS improved the reduction of the CR at a similar level to those observed in the PHS.

Cardiorespiratory, enzymatic and hormonal responses during and after walking while fasting.

The aim of the present study was to observe whether performing a low intensity endurance exercise following an overnight fasted (FAST) or fed (FED) condition promotes different cardiorespiratory, enzymatic and hormonal responses. Nine male physical active subjects, (age 21.89 ± 2.52 years old, height 175.89 ± 5.16 cm, weight 72.10 ± 4.31 kg, estimated body fat 7.25 ± 2.11%), randomly performed two sessions of 45 minutes' low intensity exercise (individual ventilator threshold) interspersed by seven days, differentiated only in whether they were provided with a standardized meal or not. The oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) were measured continuously at the 30-min rest, the 45-min during and the 30-min post-exercise. The testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) hormones were measured at rest, immediately post-exercise and 15-min post-exercise. The Glucose (GLU), Free fatty acids (FFA) and enzyme lipase activity (ELP) were measured at rest, 15-min and 30-min exercise, immediately, 15-min and 30-min post-exercise. Significantly lower values were observed in FED compared to FAST with: C (nmol/L) from pre (428.87 ± 120.41; 454.62 ± 148.33, respectively) to immediately post-exercise (285.10 ± 85.86; 465.66 ± 137.70, respectively) and 15-min post-exercise (248.00 ± 87.88; 454.31 ± 112.72, respectively) (p<0.05); and GLU at all times, with an exception at 15-min post-exercise. The testosterone/cortisol ratio (T/C) was significantly higher in the FED compared with FAST from pre (0.05 ± 0.02, 0.05 ± 0.01, respectively) to 15-min post-exercise (0.08 ± 0.03, 0.05 ± 0.02, respectively). No other significant differences were observed between conditions. We conclude that fasting prior to low intensity endurance exercise does not seem be advantageous, when it comes to fat loss, compared with the same exercise performed after a meal.

A randomized trial of the effects of an aquatic exercise program on depression, anxiety levels, and functional capacity of people who suffered an ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Aquatic exercise programs are used in rehabilitation and might help to reduce disability after stroke. This was a randomized intervention trial to assess the influence of an aquatic exercise program on people suffering from depression and anxiety after ischemic stroke. METHODS: Participants were randomized to an experimental group (EG) composed of 19 individuals (51.8±8.5 years; ten males and nine females), and a control group (CG) composed of 17 people (52.7±6.7 years; nine males and eight females). The aquatic exercise program consisted of two sessions per week, each lasting between 45 and 60 minutes and divided into 5 to 10 minutes exercise sections during 12 weeks. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to determine anxiety levels while the Beck Depression Inventory was used as a self-assessment of depression. RESULTS: EG improved measures of depression, anxiety trait and anxiety state between pre- and post-treatment, with no changes in CG. EG improved in all tests related to functional capacity compared to CG. CONCLUSIONS: The practice of aquatic exercises promotes improvements in the levels of depression and anxiety in people who suffered an ischemic stroke.

Effects of resistance training on the physical condition of people with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of resistance training on the functional capacity of people with multiple sclerosis. Two groups were defined intentionally and divided based on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS): an experimental group (EG) consisting of 11 individuals, 18.2% with an EDSS Score of 0-3.0, 72.8% with a score of 3.5-5.5 and 9.1% with a score of 6.0-7.5; and a control group (CG) consisting of 12 subjects, 25.0% with a score of 0-3.0, 58.3% with a score of 3.5-5.5 and 16.7% with a score of 6.0-7.5. METHODS: The EG underwent 12 weeks of resistance training, while the CG did not. The Timed "Up & Go" test was used to measure the function of the lower limbs. The Timed 7.62 Meters Walk test and the Sit-to-stand test were used to assess the strength of the lower limbs. Balance, and the risk of falling, were assessed through the Berg Balance Test. RESULTS: At the beginning of the study, there were no differences between EG and CG in lower limb function. However, after the 12 weeks of resistance training, significant differences were found between the EG and the CG in the Timed "Up and Go" test (P=0.021), Timed 7.62 Meters Walk (P=0.027), Sit-to-stand (P=0.017) and Balance test (P=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: This study's results indicate that this type of training can improve muscle strength and functional capacity in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Influence of Rest Interval Length Between Sets on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Variability After a Strength Training Session Performed By Prehypertensive Men.

Figueiredo, T, Willardson, JM, Miranda, H, Bentes, CM, Machado Reis, V, Freitas de Salles, B, and Simão, R. Influence of rest interval length between sets on blood pressure and heart rate variability after a strength training session performed by prehypertensive men. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 1813-1824, 2016-The purposes of this study were to compare the effects of 2 different rest interval lengths between sets and exercises during strength training (ST) on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability (HRV) in prehypertensive trained men, and to verify how HRV influences BP. Eleven volunteer subjects (age: 26.1 ± 3.6 years; body mass: 74.1 ± 7.9 kg; height: 172.1 ± 4.1 cm; % body fat: 18.3 ± 6.3; ST experience: 1.7 ± 0.8 years) participated in this study. After assessing one repetition maximum (1RM) loads for the free weight bench press, lat pull-down, shoulder press, biceps curl, triceps extension, leg press, leg extension, and leg curl exercises; subjects performed 2 sessions with different rest intervals between sets and exercises in random order and 72 hours apart. Each ST session consisted of performing 3 sets of eight to 10 repetitions at 70% of a 1RM for each exercise, with either 1-minute (sequence 1 [SEQ1]) or 2-minute (sequence 2 [SEQ2]) rest intervals between sets and exercises, respectively. Before and after each session, BP and HRV (low frequency band, high frequency [HF] band, and square root of the mean squared difference of successive RR-interval index) were tracked for 60 minutes. The results demonstrated a postexercise hypotensive response (PEH) after both rest interval conditions (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, increases in cardiac stress were noted after SEQ1, with a greater withdrawal in parasympathetic activity vs. baseline as noted in the HF band at 1-, 10-, and 20-minute postexercise (p ≤ 0.05). These results indicate that both sequences provided an effective stimulus for a PEH. Therefore, strength and conditioning professionals may prescribe 1- or 2-minute rest between sets and exercises when the goal is to reduce BP after training sessions. However, resting 1 minute between sets and exercises was associated with greater cardiac stress, and so this may necessitate prescription of longer rest intervals between sets and exercises when working with individuals who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular dysfunction.

Social support and sport injury recovery: An overview of empirical findings and practical implications

Los estudios epidemiológicos han demostrado que, cada año, un número considerable de atletas y de practicantes de actividad física sufre una lesión causante de discapacidad y de otras repercusiones negativas para el bienestar físico, psicológico y social. Además, las investigaciones actuales revelan que la prevalencia de las lesiones asociadas a los deportes varía según el género, la edad, el deporte, el nivel competitivo, la posición en el juego, entre otros. Aunque los factores físicos constituyen las principales causas de las lesiones más comunes, varios estudios han sugerido que los factores psicológicos y sociales también ejercen un efecto significativo en la prevención y rehabilitación de las lesiones deportivas. Entre los factores psicosociales estudiados, el apoyo o soporte social percibido por el propio deportista se ha destacado como un importante mecanismo para controlar el distrés emocional y afrontar mejor las dificultades inherentes al proceso de recuperación de las lesiones deportivas. Sin embargo, la investigación también indica que las fuentes de apoyo social tienden a no satisfacer las expectativas y necesidades de soporte social de los atletas, siendo insuficientes en determinadas fases de la rehabilitación. Igualmente, algunos estudios han sugerido que el apoyo social puede inducir efectos perjudiciales en determinadas circunstancias. Por lo tanto, los entrenadores y profesionales de la salud (médicos, fisioterapeutas, psicólogos, etc.) deben tener conocimiento de estos factores influyentes y implementar intervenciones desde un punto de vista más integral con el fin de promover la recuperación de los atletas y mejorar su bienestar (AU)

Epidemiologically-based evidence has demonstrated that a substantial number of athletes and exercisers are injured each year, which can result in physical disability as well as other negative physical, social and psychological consequences. Accumulated research has indicated that the prevalence of sport and physical activity-related injuries varies based on gender, age group, type of sport, level of participation, and role on the team, among other considerations. Although physical causes are the primary contributors to injury, a considerable number of studies have suggested that psychological and social factors also have importance in injury prevention and rehabilitation. Among the psychosocial factors investigated, social support has emerged as a significant buffering and coping resource in the recovery process from athletic injuries. However, research has also indicated that sources of social support tend to be less frequently available to athletes during some stages of rehabilitation and do not necessarily meet the athletes’ expectations and needs. Moreover, some studies have suggested that social support may have detrimental effects under certain circumstances. As such, coaches, athletic trainers and health care professionals should be aware of these complex forms of influence and develop and implement injury rehabilitation processes that are based on a holistic approach in order to promote the athletes’ recovery and well-being (AU)

The influence of resistance exercise training on the levels of anxiety in ischemic stroke.

The aim of this pilot study was to analyze the effect of a strength training program on indicators of trait and state anxiety in patients with ischemic stroke. The subjects were divided into two groups: experimental group (EG) consisting of 11 subjects aged 51.7 ± 8.0 years and a control group (CG) with 13 subjects aged 52.5 ± 7.7 years. EG underwent 12 weeks of strength training, with a frequency of three times a week. For data collection, a State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used. Significant differences were found between pre- and posttest in EG for trait anxiety (43.2 ± 12.5 pretest 39.9 ± 7.3 posttest) and state anxiety (46.9 ± 7.6 pretest 44.9 ± 7.7 posttest) with no differences in CG for trait anxiety (42.9 ± 12.2 pretest 42.6 ± 12.1 posttest) and state anxiety (47.4 ± 8.1 pretest 47.5 ± 8.0 posttest). In the evaluation between the groups, significant differences were found for all indicators of trait anxiety (39.9 ± 7.3 EG; 42.6 ± 12.1 CG) and state anxiety (44.9 ± 7.7 EG; 47.5 ± 8.0 CG). This pilot study indicates that strength training may provide an improvement in trait and state anxiety more than one year after stroke.

Does aerobic and strength exercise sequence in the same session affect the oxygen uptake during and postexercise?

Concurrent training is a strategy employed in both general fitness and sports conditioning. The purpose of this study was to compare the responses of VO2 in different combinations of strength exercise with aerobic interval exercise. Eight men (23.6 ± 4.2 years, 178 ± 6.3 cm, 77 ± 7.9 kg, 7.67 ± 1.95% body fat) completed 3 combinations of strength training (ST) and aerobic training (AT) in a randomized order with a 7-day recovery period: AT before ST exercises, AT between 2 blocks of ST exercises, and AT after ST exercises. The ST comprised 4 exercises performed in 3 sets of 10 reps and 2 exercises, abdominal crunch and lumbar extension, performed in 3 sets of 30 and 20 reps, respectively. The AT consisted of a 20-minute interval cycling. There were no significant differences in the values of absolute or relative VO2, in the heart rate (HR) and in the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) when the 3 sessions (during + postexercise measurements) were compared (values are mean ± SD). Analyzing only ST in each session, differences were detected in the RER values (F = 4.714; p < 0.05; η2 = 0.308) between AT before ST and AT in the middle of ST (1.01 ± 0.97 vs. 1.11 ± 0.07, respectively). In all sequences, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the values of relative and absolute VO2 and HR, and a significant decrease in RER values (p < 0.05) from the first to the second part of the ST session. The values of absolute or relative VO2, HR, and RER did not vary significantly among the 3 sessions as compared with the AT after ST. These data support the hypothesis that ST and AT, when performed in sequence in the same session, do not seem to affect the overall oxygen consumption during the exercise session. Therefore, training sessions may incorporate both modalities without apparent impact on aerobic exercise.

Relationship between anthropometric variables and body image dissatisfaction among fitness center users

En este trabajo se estudió la relación entre las dimensiones antropométricas y la insatisfacción corporal en socios de gimnasios. Los participantes fueron 276 personas de Brasil socios de centros de fitness (168 varones y 108 mujeres) de una edad comprendida entre los 17 y 39 años (m = 23.93, sd = 5.17). después de la medición de la masa corporal (Mc), del índice de masa corporal (IMc) y de la porcentaje de grasa corporal (% Gc), los participantes indicaran las siluetas más semejantes a su apariencia corporal (silueta real – sr) y a su apariencia corporal ideal (silueta ideal – sI), lo que permitió el cálculo de la insatisfacción corporal como la discrepancia entre la sI y la sr. IMc y % Gc fueron agrupados por categorías de insatisfacción corporal y analizados por medio de ANoVA univariada y de medidas repetidas. Los resultados revelaron que sólo 1.2% de los hombres y 6.5% de las mujeres se consideraban satisfechos con su cuerpo. Las comparaciones de las sr por sexo indicaran que los hombres y mujeres consideran sus actuales sr significativamente menos corpulentas que las sI (p < .001), aunque el grado de insatisfacción fue semejante en ambos sexos. Además, los resultados demostraron que la relación entre la composición corporal y la insatisfacción corporal sólo se demuestra en personas que se sienten muy insatisfechas con su imagen y apariencia corporal (AU)

The purpose of this study was to identify the anthropometric dimensions related with body image dissatisfaction among fitness center users. Participants were 276 Brazilian members of fitness centers (168 males and 108 females) with ages between 17 and 39 years (mage = 23.93, sd = 5.17). After body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI) and body fat (% BF) were measured, participants indicated their current (cs) and ideal (Is) silhouettes, allowing the calculation of body dissatisfaction as the difference between Is and cs. BMI and % BF were grouped by body dissatisfaction category and analyzed using one-way and repeated measures ANoVA. results revealed that only 1.2 % of men and 6.5 % of women considered themselves satisfied with their body. comparisons of global ratings of their cs and Is revealed that male and female individuals reported that their current bodies were significantly less muscular than their ideal bodies (p < .001), although the degree of dissatisfaction revealed no significant difference between sexes. Moreover, results demonstrated that the relationship between body composition and body dissatisfaction only occurs in individuals that feel very dissatisfied with their body image and appearance (AU)