Effects of the Mat Pilates Method on Body Composition: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of the mat Pilates method on body composition in healthy adult subjects compared with traditional exercise or control condition models. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, SciELO, CINAHAL, and the Cochrane Library. RESULTS: A total of 10 eligible studies were selected for revision. The findings of this review demonstrated that the mat Pilates method was not more effective than the traditional exercise or control condition models for the analyzed variables (body mass index, lean mass, body fat percentage, and abdominal circumference). Moreover, in the exploratory analysis with older people, adults, and overweight/obese individuals, the mat Pilates method was also not superior for the analyzed outcomes. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that the mat Pilates method is no better than the control condition or other types of training to reduce body composition.

Phototherapy on Management of Creatine Kinase Activity in General Versus Localized Exercise: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The main focus of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of phototherapy in the management of creatine kinase (CK) activity after exercise and furthermore to identify for which exercise model protocol phototherapy provides the best results. DESIGN: Meta-analysis comparing phototherapy with a control condition. SETTING: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, and CENTRAL databases were searched from their earliest records to October 03, 2016. Data were pooled in a meta-analysis and described as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random effects model. PARTICIPANTS: Healthy subjects (no restrictions were applied, eg, age, sex, and exercise level). INTERVENTION: Phototherapy (low-level laser therapy and/or light-emitting diode therapy) before or after exercise and a placebo or control condition. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Creatine kinase activity (no restriction to any analysis, eg, serum, plasma, or capillary blood). RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included for review. The results revealed that phototherapy has a more positive effect than control condition in management of CK activity [SMD = 0.77, 95% CI (0.32 to 1.22); P = 0.0007; I = 72%]. In exploratory analysis, the results showed that phototherapy was effective only in the exercise protocol with localized exercise with large effect size [localized exercise: SMD = 0.89, 95% CI (0.26 to 1.51); P = 0.0002; I = 76%; general exercise: SMD = 0.61, 95% CI (-0.05 to 1.26); P = 0.07; I = 67%]. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence suggest that phototherapy has beneficial effects on the management of CK activity and demonstrate a possible relationship based on damage caused by exercise, providing a greater effect in studies that used localized exercise.

Training with elastic and conventional devices on body composition: systematic review and meta-analysis / Treinamento em dispositivos elásticos e convencionais sobre a composição corporal: revisão sistemática e meta-análise / Entrenamiento en dispositivos elásticos y convencionales sobre composición corporal: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis

Abstract Introduction: Given the practicality and low cost of elastic devices, a comparison with conventional devices may be able to quantify gains from both tools for further conclusions. Objective: Compare the effect of resistance training with elastic (tubes and resistance band) and conventional (weight machines and dumbbells) devices on body composition. Method: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PEDro and CENTRAL databases were searched from the earliest records to July 25, 2018. Data were described in standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: Four studies were included. The results of the meta-analysis did not show superiority among the analyzed methods for the variables investigated (SMD = -2.04, 95% CI -7.56, 3.48, p < 0.00001, lean mass: SMD = 0.28, 95% CI -0.29, 0.85, p = 0.97, body fat: SMD = 2.77, 95% CI -0.05, 5.59, p = 0.92, body mass: SMD = 1.22, 95% CI -0.29, 2.74, p = 0.11). Conclusion: The results of the meta-analysis showed superiority of outcome from training in conventional devices only for the variable fat mass. For the other variables, no statistically significant differences were found. Elastic resistance can promote similar outcomes to resistance in different population profiles and from various protocols on variables related to body composition.

Resumo Introdução: Tendo em vista a praticidade e o baixo custo dos dispositivos elásticos, uma comparação com dispositivos convencionais (halteres e máquinas de peso) pode ser capaz de quantificar os resultados observados para posteriores conclusões sobre eventual tendência de superioridade verificada entre os métodos investigados. Objetivo: Comparar o efeito do treinamento resistido em dispositivos elásticos (tubos e faixa elástica) e convencionais (máquinas de peso e halteres) sobre a composição corporal. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise. Foram pesquisadas as bases de dados PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PEDro e CENTRAL desde os registros mais antigos até 25 de julho de 2018. Os dados foram descritos em standardized mean difference (SMD) com intervalo de confiança de 95% (95% CI). Resultados: Quatro estudos foram incluídos. Os resultados da meta-análise não demonstraram superioridade entre os métodos analisados para as variáveis investigadas (massa gorda: SMD= -2.04; 95% CI 7.56, 3.48; p < 0.00001; massa magra: SMD = 0.28; 95% CI -0.29, 0.85; p = 0.97; gordura corporal: SMD = 2.77; 95% CI -0.05, 5.59; p = 0.92; massa corporal: SMD = 1.22; 95% CI -0.29, 2.74; p = 0.11). Conclusão: Houve superioridade de resultado apenas para a variável massa gorda, que demonstrou melhores resultados oriundos do treinamento em dispositivos convencionais. Para as demais variáveis, não foram identificadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes. A resistência elástica é capaz de promover desfechos similares a resistência convencional, em diferentes perfis de população e a partir de protocolos diversos sobre variáveis relacionadas a composição corporal.

Resumen Introducción: Debido a la practicidad y el bajo costo de los dispositivos elásticos, una comparación con los dispositivos convencionales (pesas y mancuernas) puede cuantificar los beneficios de ambas herramientas para obtener conclusiones adicionales. Objetivo: Comparar el efecto del entrenamiento de resistencia en dispositivos elásticos (tubos y banda elástica) y convencionales (pesas y mancuernas) en la composición corporal. Método: Esta es una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis. En las bases de datos PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PEDro y CENTRAL se buscaron desde los registros más antiguos hasta el 25 de julio de 2018. Los datos se describieron en la diferencia de medias estandarizada (DME) con un intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC del 95%). Resultados: Se incluyeron cuatro estudios. Los resultados del metaanálisis no mostraron una superioridad entre los métodos analizados para las variables investigadas (masa grasa, SMD=-2.04, IC 95% -7.56, 3.48, p < 0,00001, masa magra: SMD = 0.28, IC 95% -0.29, 0.85 , p = 0,97, grasa corporal: SMD = 2,77, IC 95% -0,05, 5,59, p = 0,92, masa corporal: SMD = 1,22, IC 95% -0,29, 2,74, p = 0,11). Conclusión: Hubo una superioridad de los resultados del entrenamiento en dispositivos convencionales solo para la variable masa grasa. Para las otras variables, no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. La resistencia elástica es capaz de promover resultados similares a la resistencia convencional en diferentes perfiles de población y de varios protocolos sobre variables relacionadas con la composición corporal.

Load monitoring on Pilates training: a study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Currently there are campaigns to raise the awareness of the need to practice physical exercise with several objectives, mainly as a preventive measure. The Pilates method is a form of therapeutic exercise for maintaining and improving health. However, despite being popular, there is still no scientific evidence on the standardization and progression of the method. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a protocol to monitor the progression of daily Pilates loads between the basic, intermediate, and advanced levels, as well as to analyze the effects of the method on psychometric, cardiorespiratory, and autonomic measures. METHODS/DESIGN: In total, 54 healthy men underwent 36 sessions of Pilates mat work. Before each training session, cardiorespiratory measures, pain (visual analogue scale), and a psychometric questionnaire were collected. Heart rate (HR), subjective perception of effort (SPE), and RR intervals were measured during the sessions and used later in the analysis of the progression of training load by monitoring the internal training load and heart rate variability. At the end of the sessions, cardiorespiratory measures, the visual analogue scale, and the psychometric questionnaire were measured again. After 15 min of rest, the final HR measurement was made and the participants noted the effort on the SPE scale. The psychometric, cardiorespiratory, and autonomic measures were evaluated before and after each of the 36 training sessions. DISCUSSION: This is a parallel randomized clinical trial of standardized Pilates training, with the aim of estimating training loads and measuring the efficacy of Pilates through clinical, cardiorespiratory, and autonomic outcomes. The protocol can easily be reproduced and could be used to support professionals in prescribing the method. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03232866 . Registered on 28 July 2017.

Effects of training with elastic resistance versus conventional resistance on muscular strength: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Given the practicality and low cost of using elastic resistance in training for different populations and its effectiveness in a range of outcomes, a comparison with conventional devices could clarify and quantify the benefits provided by both mode. To compare the effects of resistance training with elastic devices (tubes and Thera-Bands) and conventional devices (weight machines and dumbbells) on the outcome muscular strength. A search was performed in the databases PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database), and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from the earliest records up to 20 December 2017. Data were pooled into a meta-analysis and described as standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval (registration number: CRD42016042152). Eight studies were included. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated no superiority between the methods analyzed for lower limb (SMD = -0.11, 95% CI -0.40, 0.19, p = 0.48) or upper limb muscular strength (SMD=0.09; 95% CI -0.18, 0.35; p = 0.52) [corrected]. Elastic resistance training is able to promote similar strength gains to conventional resistance training, in different population profiles and using diverse protocols.

Specific interventions for prevention of muscle injury in lower limbs: systematic review and meta-analysis / Intervenções específicas para prevenção de lesão muscular em membros inferiores: revisão sistemática e meta-análise / Intervenciones específicas para la prevención de lesiones musculares en miembros inferiores: revisión sistemática y meta-análisis

Abstract Introduction: Muscle injuries show an incidence associated with extreme stretching, or even a high-intensity eccentric contraction. Such injuries cause severe damage to athletes, including lower performance, withdrawal, and psychological distress. In this scenario, the study of effective preventive methods is an indispensable factor in the routine of professional athletes, to reduce the incidence of injuries. Objective: To verify the effectiveness of three different interventions (warm-up, neuromuscular training, and eccentric exercise) to prevent muscle injuries in the lower limbs. Method: We searched the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, and PubMed databases from the earliest records until January 20, 2018. The search was performed from word combinations such as clinical trial, muscle strain, injury prevention. The data related to the outcome of prevention were grouped in meta-analysis and described in Risk Ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval. Results: Sixteen studies were included: five assessed eccentric exercise, three investigated neuromuscular training, and eight observed warm-up. The eccentric exercise (RR = 3.49, 95% CI 2.36, 5.16, p < 0.00001) and the neuromuscular training (RR = 2.73, 95% CI 2.03, 2.68, p < 0.00001) showed significant effects on the prevention of muscle injuries in lower limbs. On the other hand, warm-up (RR = 1.57, 95% CI 0.92, 2.7, p = 0.10) was irrelevant in reducing the incidence of injuries in the body segment investigated. Conclusion: The outcomes presented provide clinical relevance inherent in the field practices, with intrinsic potential for practical application in the management of specific preventive techniques.

Resumo Introdução: Lesões musculares apresentam incidência associada à alongamento extremo, ou ainda, a uma contração excêntrica de alta intensidade. Tais lesões, acarretam prejuízos graves aos atletas que incluem queda de rendimento, afastamento e transtornos psicológicos. Neste cenário, o estudo de métodos preventivos eficazes, constituem fator indispensável na rotina de atletas profissionais, a fim de, reduzir a incidência de lesões. Objetivo: Verificar a eficácia de três diferentes intervenções (aquecimento, treinamento neuromuscular e exercício excêntrico) para prevenção de lesões musculares em membros inferiores. Método: Foram pesquisadas as bases de dados Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Sports Discus, PEDro e PubMed desde os registros mais antigos até 20 de janeiro de 2018. A busca foi realizada a partir de combinações de palavras, como, clinical trial, muscle strain, injury prevention. Os dados relacionados ao desfecho prevenção foram agrupados em meta-análise e descritos em Risk Ratio (RR) com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados: Foram incluídos 16 estudos. Destes, cinco avaliaram o exercício excêntrico, três investigaram o treino neuromuscular e oito observaram o aquecimento. O exercício excêntrico (RR = 3.49; 95% CI 2.36, 5.16; p < 0.00001) e o treino neuromuscular (RR = 2.73; 95% CI 2.03, 2.68; p < 0.00001) demonstram efeitos significativos na prevenção de lesões musculares em membros inferiores. Por outro lado, o aquecimento (RR = 1.57; 95% CI 0.92, 2.7; p = 0.10) mostrou-se irrelevante na diminuição da incidência de lesões no segmento corporal investigado. Conclusão: Os desfechos apresentados fornecem relevância clínica inerente as práticas de campo, com potencial intrínseco para aplicação prática no manejo de técnicas preventivas específicas.

Resumen Introducción: Lesiones musculares presentan incidencia asociada al estiramiento extremo, o, a una contracción excéntrica de alta intensidad. Tales lesiones, acarrean graves daños a los atletas que incluyen caída de rendimiento, alejamiento y trastornos psicológicos. En este escenario, el estudio de métodos preventivos eficaces, constituyen un factor indispensable en la rutina de atletas profesionales, a fin de reducir la incidencia de lesiones. Objetivo: Verificar la eficacia de tres diferentes intervenciones (calentamiento, entrenamiento neuromuscular y ejercicio excéntrico) para prevención de lesiones musculares en miembros inferiores. Método: Se ha investigado la base de datos Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Sports Discus, PEDRO y PubMed desde los registros más antiguos hasta el 20 de enero de 2018. La búsqueda se realizó a partir de combinaciones de palabras, como, trial trial, prevención de la prevención. Los datos relacionados con el desenlace de prevención se agruparon en metaanálisis y se describieron em Risk Ratio (RR) con un intervalo de confianza del 95%. Resultados: Se incluyeron 16 estudios. De ellos, cinco evaluaron el ejercicio excéntrico, tres investigaron el entrenamiento neuromuscular y ocho observaron el calentamiento. El ejercicio excéntrico (RR = 3.49, 95% CI 2.36, 5.16, p < 0.00001) y el entrenamiento neuromuscular (RR = 2.73, 95% CI 2.03, 2.68, p < 0.00001) demuestran efectos significativos en la prevención de lesiones musculares en miembros inferiores. Por otro lado, el calentamiento (RR = 1.57, 95% CI 0.92, 2.7, p = 0.10) se mostró irrelevante en la disminución de la incidencia de lesiones en el segmento corporal investigado. Conclusión: Los resultados presentados proporcionan relevancia clínica inherente a las prácticas de campo, con potencial intrínseco para aplicación práctica en el manejo de técnicas preventivas específicas.

Test-retest reliability of knee extensors endurance test with elastic resistance.

BACKGROUND: Reliable clinical tests capable of measuring resistance are important tools for rehabilitation. One alternative that has recently increased in popularity is the use of elastic tubes, which stand out for being easy to handle, low cost, practical, and feasible. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the test-retest reliability of the knee extensors muscle fatigue resistance test (FRT) with elastic tubes. METHODS: A total of 116 healthy young males, aged between 18 and 30 years old, participated in the study. Participants performed three pre-test stages: orientation, load presentation, and familiarization with equipment, lasting two weeks. Subsequently, they performed the FRT on two occasions (test and retest), with an interval of seven days. The reliability analyzes were performed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence interval and typical measurement error (TME), also expressed as coefficient of variation (CV%). RESULTS: The findings regarding the reliability of the test demonstrated satisfactory values (time: ICC = 0.66; 95%CI [0.50; 0.76]; CV(%) = 9.34; repetition: ICC = 0.61; 95%CI [0.46; 0.73], CV(%) = 13.66; rhythm: ICC = 0.52; 95%CI [0.35; 0.67], CV(%) = 10.29. CONCLUSION: From the findings presented, it is concluded that the proposed clinical test with elastic tubes demonstrates evidence of acceptable values.

Effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and light-emitting diodes (LEDT) applied during combined training on performance and post-exercise recovery: protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown positive results of phototherapy for improving performance and accelerating recovery; however, the effects of phototherapy during training and after a primary adaptation remain unclear. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to analyze the effects of phototherapy and combined training on clinical, functional, and psychological outcomes and on vascular endothelial growth factor. METHODS: This randomized placebo-controlled trial by stratified sample will involve 45 healthy male participants. In phase 1, the participants will undergo six weeks of combined training (sprints and squats). In phase 2, participants will be allocated through stratified randomization (based on adaptation capacity) into three groups: active phototherapy group (AG), placebo group (PG), and non-treatment control group (CG). A new six-week training program will then start and the participants will receive the recovery strategy between sprints and squats. The primary outcome will be maximal isometric contraction. The secondary outcomes include strength and power testing, maximal incremental test, squat jump, sprint test, muscle soreness, pain threshold, perceptions of exertion and recovery, psychological questionnaire, and vascular endothelial growth factor. CONCLUSIONS: This will be the first trial to include phototherapy during training. We believe that this strategy will combine the ergogenic and prophylactic effects in the same session. Furthermore, an application protocol performed after primary adaptation may reflect the real effect of the technique.

Analysis of recall bias of information on soccer injuries in adolescents

Abstract Aims: to analyze the recall bias of injury characteristics, anthropometric variables, and training variables in a morbidity survey in adolescent soccer players for a period of four months. Method: cohort study with 198 adolescent male soccer players, divided into two parts: a prospective study over four months, followed by a retrospective study. A morbidity survey containing personal and training data, in addition to information on injuries and their characteristics (anatomical site, mechanism, nature, moment, severity, return to activities and recurrence) was administered weekly for four months, after which the questionnaire was applied again questioning the same information retrospectively for the four-month prospective study period. The data were collected through interviews addressing the occurrence of injuries and respective characteristics. Results: there were weak correlations and concordances for the recall of the occurrence of injury and all related variables. However, regarding the information relating to personal and training data, moderate correlations were observed for the variables height, time of training, weekly hours, absences, and position, as well as excellent correlations for body mass. Conclusions: we observed recall bias in all information about the characteristics of the injuries reported by adolescent soccer players.

Resistance training reduces systolic blood pressure in metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of resistance training on metabolic syndrome risk factors through comparison with a control group. DESIGN: Meta-analysis comparing resistance training interventions with control groups. Two independent reviewers selected the studies and assessed their quality and data. The pooled mean differences between resistance training and the control group were calculated using a fixed-effects model. DATA SOURCES: The MEDLINE, PEDro, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus and The Cochrane Library databases were searched from their earliest records to 10 January 2015. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Randomised controlled trials that compared the effect of resistance training on metabolic syndrome risk factors with a control group were included. All types of resistance training, irrespective of intensity, frequency or duration, were eligible. RESULTS: Only systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced, by 4.08 mm Hg (95% CI 1.33 to 6.82; p<0.01), following resistance training. The pooled effect showed a reduction of 0.04 mmol/L (95% CI -0.12, 0.21; p>0.05) for fasting plasma glucose, 0.00 (95% CI -0.05, 0.04; p>0.05) for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, 0.03 (95% CI -0.14, 0.20; p>0.05) for triglycerides, 1.39 mm Hg (95% CI -0.19, 2.98; p=0.08) for diastolic blood pressure and 1.09 cm (95% CI -0.12, 2.30; p=0.08) for waist circumference. Inconsistency (I2) for all meta-analysis was 0%. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance training may help reduce systolic blood pressure levels, stroke mortality and mortality from heart disease in people with metabolic syndrome. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42015016538.

Can Water Temperature and Immersion Time Influence the Effect of Cold Water Immersion on Muscle Soreness? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cold water immersion (CWI) is a technique commonly used in post-exercise recovery. However, the procedures involved in the technique may vary, particularly in terms of water temperature and immersion time, and the most effective approach remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of CWI in muscle soreness management compared with passive recovery. We also aimed to identify which water temperature and immersion time provides the best results. METHODS: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, PEDro [Physiotherapy Evidence Database], and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) databases were searched up to January 2015. Only randomized controlled trials that compared CWI to passive recovery were included in this review. Data were pooled in a meta-analysis and described as weighted mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Nine studies were included for review and meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that CWI has a more positive effect than passive recovery in terms of immediate (MD = 0.290, 95% CI 0.037, 0.543; p = 0.025) and delayed effects (MD = 0.315, 95% CI 0.048, 0.581; p = 0.021). Water temperature of between 10 and 15 °C demonstrated the best results for immediate (MD = 0.273, 95% CI 0.107, 0.440; p = 0.001) and delayed effects (MD = 0.317, 95% CI 0.102, 0.532; p = 0.004). In terms of immersion time, immersion of between 10 and 15 min had the best results for immediate (MD = 0.227, 95% 0.139, 0.314; p < 0.001) and delayed effects (MD = 0.317, 95% 0.102, 0.532, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence suggests that CWI can be slightly better than passive recovery in the management of muscle soreness. The results also demonstrated the presence of a dose-response relationship, indicating that CWI with a water temperature of between 11 and 15 °C and an immersion time of 11-15 min can provide the best results.

Efeitos imediatos e tardios da mobilização neural sobre força de preensão palmar e complacência neural de membro superior: um ensaio clínico randomizado / Immediate and delayed effect of neural mobilization on hand grip strength and neural complacency of upper limb: a randomized controlled trial

Introdução: A mobilização neural tem sido utilizada clinicamente a fim de restaurar e otimizar a função dos tecidos. Objetivos: Analisar o efeito imediato e tardio de técnicas de mobilização neural sobre a força de preensão palmar e complacência neural. Métodos: Vinte e sete participantes foram randomizadas em três grupos (G1: mobilização do nervo mediano, G2: mobilização do nervo radial e G3: mobilização do nervo ulnar). Valores de preensão palmar e complacência neural foram registrados nos momentos basal, 24 e 48 horas após a técnica. Resultados: O G1 apresentou diferença com relação ao basal (p<0,05) no momento tardio para força, e G1 e G2 apresentaram melhora da complacência neural no momento imediato. Não houve diferença entre os grupos. Conclusões: A mobilização neural do nervo mediano apresenta os melhores resultados para força de preensão palmar. Porém, não se observaram evidências que sugerissem a otimização de diferentes variáveis a partir da mobilização de único nervo.

Introduction: The neural mobilization has been used clinically to restore and optimize tissue function. Objectives: To analyze the immediate and late effects of neural mobilization techniques on grip strength and neural complacency. Methods: Twenty- seven subjects were randomized into three groups (G1: mobilization of the median nerve, G2: mobilization of the radial nerve, and G3: mobilization of the ulnar nerve). Handgrip values and neural complacency were recorded at baseline, 24 and 48 hours after the technique. Results: G1 difference from baseline (p <0.05) in delayed effect for strength, and G1 and G2 showed improved neural compliance in the immediate effect. There was no difference between groups. Conclusions: Neural mobilization of the median nerve provides the best results for grip strength. However, there was no evidence to suggest the optimization of several variables from the single nerve mobilization.