The Effects of Functional Training on the Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Physical Fitness of Resistant Hypertensive Elderly People: A Randomized Clinical Rehearsal with Preliminary Results.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the impact of functional training (FT) on the ambulatory blood pressure and physical fitness of resistant hypertensive older adults. METHOD: This randomized clinical and controlled rehearsal involved 15 participants from Juazeiro do Norte-CE divided into two groups: a control group (CG), n = 7, without physical training, and an experimental group (EG), n = 8, subjected to 24 sessions of FT. The comparative analysis included ambulatory blood pressure (24 h mapping) and physical fitness (Senior Fitness Test), using an ANOVA of two factors, an alpha of 0.05, and a post hoc by Bonferroni where necessary. The dimension of the intervention effect was verified using Eta Squared. RESULTS: The results show that FT promoted a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SAP) during the day and at night, as well as improving physical fitness, including the force/resistance of the lower and upper limbs, physical mobility, and aerobic resistance. The flexibility of the upper and lower limbs was not affected. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that FT is effective in reducing SAP and improving physical fitness in resistant older adults. However, this type of training may positively influence general physical fitness of older adults with resistant hypertension.

Bodyweight and Combined Training Reduce Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation and Improve Functional Fitness of Postmenopausal Women.

Exercise is an important tool against the deleterious effects of aging. Among the possibilities of exercise, bodyweight training (BWT) has been highlighted in the last years as a safe option to improve the health of older people. We compared the effects of 24 weeks of BWT and combined training (CT) on low-grade systematic inflammation and functional fitness in postmenopausal women. For this, 40 women were allocated and submitted to CT (n = 20, 64.43 ± 3.13 years, 29.56 ± 4.80 kg/m²) and BWT (n = 20, 65.10 ± 4.86 years, 28.76 ± 4.26 kg/m²). We measured inflammation by the interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) assessments. For functional fitness, we used tests similar to activities of daily living. At the end of the 16 weeks, data from 24 women were analyzed, CT (n = 14) and BT (n = 10). Both groups reduced TNF-α and IL-6 levels, without differences in IL-10. Regarding functional fitness, both groups demonstrated improvements in all tests after 24 weeks, except for rise from prone position and the 400-meter walk test for CT. In summary, CT and BWT are effective in reducing the plasma concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and improving functional fitness in postmenopausal women.

Functional and concurrent training do not impair immune function and improve functional fitness in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of functional and concurrent training on immune function and functional fitness in postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was performed on 108 women aged 60 or older who were randomly assigned among the groups: control group (CG: n = 40; 63.88 ± 3.64 years); functional training (FT: n = 32; 63.88 ± 3.79 years); and concurrent training (CT: n = 36; 64.83 ± 4.00 years). Immune function was measured by the expression of the T-lymphocyte function-related surface markers (CD28 and CD57). Functional fitness was assessed using physical tests similar to daily activities, i.e., five times sit to stand, timed up and go, and gallon-jug shelf-transfer. RESULTS: Regarding immune function, there was only a time effect, without between-group differences. Specifically, FT and CT show a reduction and increase in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, respectively, without impairment in the subpopulations analyzed, while CG showed a reduction in naive T cells (CD8+CD28+). For functional fitness tests, there was a time × group interaction effect for all tests, the FT and CT were superior to the CG, with FT showing differences after the fourth week, while the CT showed this effect after the eighth week of intervention. CONCLUSION: FT and CT do not impair immune function and similarly improve functional fitness in postmenopausal women. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY: RBR-2d56bt.

Functional and traditional training improve muscle power and reduce proinflammatory cytokines in older women: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Aging is a natural process that, even in the nonattendance of complex diseases, is associated with a numerous behavioral change that attributes reduced muscle mass, power, strength and function. In addition, aging linked to low-grade inflammatory status, characterized by increased plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. Physical exercise is the main non-pharmacological strategy for improving the physical fitness of the aged individuals. However, it is still controversial whether exercise can reduce aging-mediated inflammation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of functional (FT) and traditional (TT) training practice on muscle power and inflammatory profile in physically active older women. METHODS: The study has been performed for twenty-six weeks in which twenty-four weeks utilized for training sessions and two weeks for physical and biochemical assessments. Forty-three older women (age FT: 64.25 ± 4.70, range: 60-75; TT: 64.90 ± 3.03, range: 60-71; Control: 65.91 ± 5.79, range: 60-75) were randomly divided into three groups: Functional (FT; n = 16); Traditional (TT; n = 16) training groups; and Control Group (CG; n = 11) respectively. Muscle power tests were performed by push (Bench press) and squatting (Squat) actions. The jumping ability was performed through Counter Movement Jump (CMJ). In addition, isometric strength were assessed by Hand Grip Test. Plasma cytokine concentration was measured using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Functional and traditional training sessions subjected to aged women demonstrated a significant enhancement in their physical activity and muscle power. The trained individuals from above two groups showed significant improvements in all analyzed parameters excluding hand-grip. Functional and traditional training exercise reduced the plasma concentrations of TNF-α (FT: p = 0.0001; TT: p = 0.0410) and whereas FT group has reduced IL-6 (p = 0.0072), but did not affect the alterations of pre and post measurements of IL-2 (FT: p = 0.0651; TT: p = 0.2146) and IL-10 values (FT: p = 0.2658; TT: p = 0.3116). There was no significant difference in any of the test parameters between FT and TT groups. CONCLUSION: The functional and traditional training practices showed equivalent beneficial outcomes by increasing muscle power and reducing systemic markers associated with inflammation.

Treinamento funcional: uma atualização conceitual / Functional training: a conceptual update

Resumo O treinamento funcional (TF) tem crescido em popularidade, porém tal crescimento ainda ocorre de forma desorganizada e multifacetada. Assim, uma atualização conceitual se faz necessário, especialmente, baseado na maneira como o TF tem sido aplicado na maioria das pesquisas. Nesse contexto, o TF tem sido compreendido como aquele que objetiva o aprimoramento sinérgico, integrado e equilibrado de diferentes capacidades físicas para garantir eficiência e segurança durante o desempenho de tarefas cotidianas, sendo baseado nos princípios do treinamento, sobretudo, no princípio da especificidade. As sessões de TF devem focar no aprimoramento de padrões básicos de movimento, estimular adequadamente a força em diversas situações, a potência muscular e a capacidade cardiorrespiratória, ativar frequentemente músculos estabilizadores e incluir atividades complexas, respeitando critérios de segurança e eficácia.

Abstract Functional training (FT) has grown in popularity; however, such growth is still disorganized and multifaceted. Thus, a conceptual "update" is necessary, especially based on how FT has been applied in most research. In this context, FT has been understood as the synergistic, integrated and balanced improvement of different physical capacities to ensure efficiency and safety during the daily tasks performance, based on the principles of training, and above all, on the principle of specificity. FT sessions should focus on improving basic movement patterns, adequately stimulating strength in various situations, muscle power, and cardiorespiratory capacity, frequently activating the stabilizing muscles and including complex activities, respecting safety and effectiveness criteria.

Hemodynamic responses to strength exercise with blood flow restriction in small muscle groups / Respostas hemodinâmicas ao exercício de força com restrição de fluxo sanguíneo em pequenos grupos musculares

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the acute hemodynamic responses to strength exercise with blood flow restriction involving small muscle groups. The sample consisted of 10 male volunteers (22.6 ± 2.07 years, 1.78 ± 0.06 m, 76.32 ± 13.36 kg) who randomly performed two experimental protocols involving the elbow flexion exercise with the dominant arm: strength exercise of the elbow flexors with blood flow restriction (EFBFR) and strength exercise of the elbow flexors without blood flow restriction (EEF). A cross-over design with a seven to ten days interval between the experimental protocols was used. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic (DBP) and mean (MAP), pulse pressure (PP), heart rate (HR) and double product (DP) were evaluated at rest, immediately after exercise and at 15 minutes of recovery. SBP, DBP and MAP presented a significant increase (p <0.05) immediately after EFBFR when compared to the protocol without blood flow restriction, returning to rest values at the 15 minutes of recovery. DBP significantly reduced (p <0.05) in the recovery period only in the EFBFR experiment and HR increased post-effort in both experiments. The PP and DP did not change between the different times, regardless of the protocol.The results of the present study allow us to conclude that strength exercise with BFR involving small muscle groups was more efficient than exercise without BFR to promote acute changes in hemodynamic responses and that BFR did not represent a cardiovascular risk considering its effects on PP.

Resumo O presente estudo objetivou analisar as respostas hemodinâmicas agudas ao exercício de força com restrição do fluxo sanguíneo (RFS) realizado com pequenos grupos musculares. A amostra foi composta por 10 voluntários do sexo masculino (22,6 ± 2,07 anos, 1,78 ± 0,06 m, 76,32 ± 13,36 kg), que realizaram de forma aleatória os protocolos envolvendo o exercício de flexão da articulação do cotovelo, com membro dominante (rosca concentrada de bíceps) realizado com (ERFS) e sem restrição do fluxo sanguíneo (ESR). Utilizou-se o desenho cruzado, com intervalo de sete a dez dias entre os experimentos. Foram avaliadas: pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), diastólica (PAD) e média (PAM); pressão de pulso (PP), frequência cardíaca (FC) e duplo produto (DP), em repouso, imediatamente após o esforço, e após o esforço na fase de recuperação de 15 minutos. A PAS, PAD e PAM apresentaram elevação significativa (p <0,05) imediatamente após a realização do ERFS, quando comparadas ao protocolo sem restrição, retornando aos valores de repouso após a recuperação. A PAD reduziu significativamente (p <0,05) na recuperação, apenas no experimento ERFS e a FC elevou no pós-esforço em ambos os experimentos. A PP e o DP não sofreram alterações entre os diferentes momentos de avaliação, independentemente do protocolo. Os resultados do presente estudo permitem concluir que o exercício de força com RFS envolvendo pequenos grupos musculares foi mais eficiente que o exercício sem restrição para promover alterações agudas das respostas hemodinâmicas e que a RFS não representou um risco cardiovascular, considerando seus efeitos sobre a PP.

Effects of different neuromuscular training protocols on the functional capacity of elderly women / Efeitos de diferentes protocolos de treinamento neuromuscular sobre a capacidade funcional de idosas / Efectos de diferentes protocolos de entrenamiento neuromuscular en la capacidad funcional de ancianas

ABSTRACT Introduction: Several strength training protocols have been tested in the search for systemic adaptations to improve functionality in the elderly. For this purpose, integrated exercises aimed at improving essential movements can be an interesting strategy to improve the performance of activities of the daily living. Objective: To compare the effects of eight weeks of functional training with traditional strength training on the physical fitness of sedentary elderly women. Methods: Thirty-two elderly women were divided into functional training group (FT, n=16) and traditional training group (TT, n=16). For the verification of functional responses, the Senior Fitness Test battery was used, as well as complementary tests of strength and muscular power. The data were analyzed using a 2x2 ANOVA with post hoc Sidak test to verify the differences between the groups. Results: At the end of eight weeks, when compared to TT group, the FT group showed significant increases in balance/agility variables (p=0.01; +7.6%), lower limbs strength (p=0.04; +15.3%), upper limbs strength (p=0.05; +11.7%), and cardiorespiratory power (p=0.05; +10.7%). However, in relation to flexibility tests and conventional tests of maximum dynamic force and muscular strength, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. Conclusions: Both interventions are efficient to improve physical fitness of sedentary elderly women; however, functional training induces better adaptive responses to functionality when compared with traditional training. Level of Evidence I; Randomized clinical trial.

RESUMO Introdução: Atualmente diversos protocolos de treinamento de força vêm sendo testados na busca de adaptações sistêmicas para melhorar a funcionalidade em idosos. Com esse propósito, exercícios integrados e direcionados para o aprimoramento de movimentos essenciais podem ser uma estratégia interessante para melhorar o desempenho das atividades da vida diária. Objetivo: Comparar os efeitos de oito semanas de treinamento funcional com exercícios de força tradicionais sobre a aptidão física de idosas sedentárias. Métodos: Trinta e duas idosas foram divididas nos grupos treinamento funcional (TF, n = 16) e treinamento tradicional (TT, n = 16). Para a verificação das respostas funcionais foi utilizada a bateria Senior Fitness Test, além de testes complementares de força e de potência muscular. Os dados foram analisados a partir de uma ANOVA 2x2 com teste post hoc de Sidak para verificar as diferenças entre os grupos. Resultados: Ao final das oito semanas, quando comparado com o grupo TT, o grupo TF apresentou aumentos significativos nas variáveis equilíbrio/agilidade (p = 0,01; +7,6%), força de membros inferiores (p = 0,04; +15,3%), força de membros superiores (p = 0,05; +11%) e capacidade cardiorrespiratória (p = 0,05; +10,7%). Entretanto, com relação aos testes de flexibilidade e testes convencionais de força dinâmica máxima e potência muscular não se verificaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos. Conclusões: Ambas as intervenções são eficientes para melhorar a aptidão física de idosas sedentárias; entretanto, o treinamento funcional induz melhores respostas adaptativas à funcionalidade quando comparado com o treinamento tradicional. Nível de Evidência I; Ensaio clínico randomizado.

RESUMEN Introducción: Actualmente varios protocolos de entrenamiento de fuerza vienen siendo probados en la búsqueda de adaptaciones sistémicas para mejorar la funcionalidad en adultos mayores. Con este propósito, ejercicios integrados y dirigidos hacia el perfeccionamiento de movimientos esenciales pueden ser una estrategia interesante para mejorar el rendimiento en las actividades diarias. Objetivo: Comparar los efectos de ocho semanas de entrenamiento funcional con ejercicios de fuerza tradicional sobre la aptitud física de ancianas. Métodos: Treinta y dos ancianas fueron divididas en los grupo entrenamiento funcional (EF, n = 16) y entrenamiento tradicional (ET n = 16). Para la verificación de las respuestas funcionales se utilizó la batería Senior Fitness Test, además de pruebas complementarias de fuerza y de potencia muscular. Los datos fueron analizados a partir de una ANOVA 2x2 con prueba post hoc de Sidak para verificar las diferencias entre los grupos. Resultados: Al final de las ocho semanas, cuando se comparó con el grupo ET, el grupo EF mostró aumentos significativos en las variables equilibrio/agilidad (p = 0,01; +7,6%), fuerza de las extremidades inferiores (p = 0,04; +15,3%), la fuerza de las extremidades superiores (p = 0,05; +11%) y la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria (p = 0,05; +10,7%). No obstante, con respecto a las pruebas de flexibilidad, pruebas convencionales de fuerza dinámica máxima y potencia muscular no fueran verificadas diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos. Conclusiones: Ambas intervenciones son eficientes para mejora de la aptitud física de las personas mayores sedentarias; sin embargo, el entrenamiento funcional induce mejores respuestas adaptativas a la funcionalidad en comparación con el entrenamiento tradicional. Nivel de Evidencia I; Ensayo clínico Aleatorizado.