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Different methods can be used to assess muscle hypertrophy, but the effects of training on regional changes in muscle size can be detected only using direct muscle measurements such as muscle thickness, cross-sectional area, or volume. Importantly, muscle size increases vary across regions within and between muscles after resistance training programs (i.e., heterogeneous, or nonuniform, muscle hypertrophy). Muscle architectural changes, including fascicle length and pennation angle, after resistance and stretch training programs are also region-specific. In this paper, we show that the literature indicates that a single-site measure of muscle shape does not properly capture the effects achieved after exercise training interventions and that conclusions concerning the magnitude of muscle adaptations can vary substantially depending on the muscle site to be examined. Thus, we propose that measurements of muscle size and architecture should be completed at multiple sites across regions between the agonist muscles within a muscle group and along the length of the muscles to provide an adequate picture of training effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether there is an optimal range of motion (ROM) to induce muscle hypertrophy remains elusive, especially for gastrocnemius. This study aimed to compare the changes in gastrocnemius muscle thickness between calf raise exercise performed with full ROM (FULLROM), partial ROM performed in the initial (INITIALROM), and final (FINALROM) portions of the ROM. Forty-two young women performed a calf training program for 8 weeks, 3 days⋅week-1, with differences in the calf raise ROM configuration. The calf raise exercise was performed in a pin-loaded, horizontal, leg-press machine, in 3 sets of 15-20 repetition maximum. The subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 groups: FULLROM (ankle: -25° to +25°), INITIALROM (ankle: -25° to 0°), and FINALROM (ankle: 0°to +25°), where 0° was defined as an angle of 90° of the foot with the tibia. The muscle thickness measurements of medial and lateral gastrocnemius were taken by means of B-mode ultrasound. INITIALROM elicited greater medial gastrocnemius increases than FULLROM and FINALROM (INITIALROM = +15.2% vs. FULLROM = +6.7% and FINALROM = +3.4%; p ≤ 0.009). Furthermore, INITIALROM elicited greater lateral gastrocnemius increases than FINALROM (INITIALROM = +14.9% vs. FINALROM = +6.2%; p < 0.024) but did not significantly differ from FULLROM (FULLROM = +7.3%; p = 0.060). The current results suggest that calf training performed at longer muscle lengths may optimize gastrocnemius muscle hypertrophy in young women. Therefore, when prescribing hypertrophy-oriented training, the inclusion of the calf raise exercise performed with partial ROM in the initial portion of the excursion should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the effects of resistance training performed with low versus moderate loads on systemic resting blood pressure (BP) in older women. A total of 29 women (72.6 ± 5.1 years) were randomized into two groups: low load (LOW, n = 15) and moderate load (MOD, n = 14). An 8-week whole-body resistance training program was carried out 3 days/week (eight exercises, three sets, 10 or 15 repetition maximum). The LOW and MOD groups trained with a relative load of 15 and 10 repetition maximum, respectively. Outcome measures included resting systolic and diastolic BP. After 8 weeks, both groups presented significant changes (p <.05) in systolic BP (LOW = −3.0%; MOD = −4.6%) and mean BP (LOW = −1.9%; MOD = −3.1%). There was no change for diastolic BP in the posttest in both groups. The results suggest that low and moderate loads are equally effective for promoting decreases in resting BP in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors aimed to compare the effects of creatine (Cr) supplementation combined with resistance training on skeletal muscle mass (SMM), total body water, intracellular water (ICW), and extracellular water (ECW) in resistance-trained men as well as to determine whether the SMM/ICW ratio changes in response to the use of this ergogenic aid. Twenty-seven resistance-trained men received either Cr (n = 14) or placebo (n = 13) over 8 weeks. During the same period, subjects performed two split resistance training routines four times per week. SMM was estimated from appendicular lean soft tissue assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Total body water, ICW, and ECW were determined by spectral bioelectrical impedance. Both groups showed improvements (p <.05) in SMM, total body water, and ICW, with greater values observed for the Cr group compared with placebo. ECW increased similarly in both groups (p <.05). The SMM/ICW ratio did not change in either group (p >.05), whereas the SMM/ECW ratio decreased only in the Cr group (p <.05). A positive correlation was observed (p <.05) between SMM and ICW changes (r =.71). The authors' results suggest that the increase in muscle mass induced by Cr combined with resistance training occurs without alteration of the ratio of ICW to SMM in resistance-trained men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistance exercise range of motion (ROM) influences muscular adaptations. However, there are no consistent practical guidelines about the optimal ROM for maximizing muscle hypertrophy. The objective of this article was to systematically review the literature for studies that compared the effects of full ROM (fROM) and partial ROM (pROM) on muscle hypertrophy. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify articles from the earliest record up to and including April 2022. We calculated the effect size (ES) scores of the variables of interest. Eleven studies were included in the review. Full ROM and pROM performed in the initial part of the ROM elicited greater muscle hypertrophy of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, biceps brachii, and brachialis distal sites (between-groups ES: 0.20–0.90) than pROM performed in the final part of the ROM. fROM elicited greater muscle growth on the gluteus maximus and adductors than pROM in the final part of the ROM (between-groups ES: 0.24–0.25). Initial pROM produced more favorable proximal rectus femoris hypertrophy than fROM (between-groups ES: 0.35–0.38). pROM in the middle part of the ROM elicited greater triceps brachii hypertrophy than fROM (between-group ES: 1.21). In conclusion, evidence suggests that when training at a longer muscle length—through either pROM or fROM—some muscles, such as quadriceps femoris, biceps brachii, and triceps brachii, tend to experience optimal growth. Thus, the use pROM in the initial part of the excursion in combination with fROM training should be considered when prescribing hypertrophy-oriented resistance training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study's purpose was to compare the effects of different carbohydrate (CHO) intakes on body composition and muscular strength following eight weeks of resistance training (RT) in pre-conditioned men. In addition, we explored the individual responses to different CHO intakes. Twenty-nine young men volunteered to participate in this study. The participants were divided into two groups according to their relative CHO intake: lower (L-CHO; n = 14) and higher (H-CHO; n = 15). Participants performed a RT program four days a week for eight weeks. The lean soft tissue (LST) and fat mass were determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Muscular strength was determined by a one-repetition maximum (1RM) test in the bench press, squat, and arm curl exercises. Both groups increased LST (P < 0.05) with no statistical differences between conditions (L-CHO = +0.8% vs. H-CHO = +3.5%). Neither group demonstrated changes in fat mass. Both groups increased 1RM (P < 0.05) in the bench press (L-CHO = +3.6% vs. H-CHO = +5.8%) and squat (L-CHO = +7.5% vs. H-CHO = +9.4%); however, only H-CHO significantly increased arm curl 1RM (P < 0.05) at post-training (L-CHO = +3.0% vs. H-CHO = +6.6%). Responsiveness was greater in H-CHO vs. L-CHO for LST and arm curl 1RM. In conclusion, lower and higher CHO intakes promote similar increase in LST and muscular strength; however, a greater intake may improve the responsiveness to gains in lean mass and arm curl strength in preconditioned men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the magnitude of strength and muscle mass changes in response to resistance training (RT) between stronger older women and their weaker counterparts. Older women (n = 207) were grouped into tertiles according to their baseline muscular strength index. The upper and lower tertiles participants were categorized as stronger (STR, n = 69) and weaker (WKR, n = 69), respectively. Both groups engaged in a 12-week whole-body RT program. Outcomes included one-repetition maximum (1RM) tests in the three lifts and assessment of segmental lean soft tissue (LST) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM). The 1RM increase was similar between groups for the chest press [between-groups effect size of the differences (ESdiff) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 0.10 (95%CI: −0.52, 0.31), P = 0.617] and preacher curl [ESdiff = 0.08 (95%CI: −0.48, 0.32), P = 0.681]. Changes were greater in WKR than STR for 1RM leg extension [ESdiff = −0.45 (95%CI: −0.86, −0.04), P = 0.030]. The increases of segmental LST and SMM were similar between-groups (ESdiff contains zero, P ≥ 0.434). We conclude that stronger and weaker older women benefit similarly for muscle mass and upper-limb strength gains. Notably, weaker older women may experience greater lower-limbs strength gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of protein intake beyond habitual intakes associated with resistance training on metabolic syndrome (MetS)-related parameters, isokinetic strength, and body composition in health older women. A total of 30 older women (68.8 ± 4.3 years) participated in this investigation and were assigned to receive 35 g of whey protein or placebo combined with resistance training, over 12-weeks, three times per week. Blood samples, blood pressure, dietary intake, strength, and body composition were assessed before and after the intervention period. Two-way analysis of variance for repeated measures was applied for comparisons. Both groups improved the skeletal muscle mass, muscular strength, waist circumference, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, glucose, resistance, reactance, and MetS Z-score risk. However, the improvements in skeletal muscle mass, waist circumference, and MetS Z-score risk were significantly greater in protein group when compared with control group. Moreover, protein group significantly decreased %body fat when compared with control group. Higher protein intake combined with resistance training promoted greater improvements in skeletal muscle mass, %body fat, waist circumference, and MetS Z-score risk in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between muscle quality index (MQI) and phase angle (PhA) after a program of progressive resistance training (RT) in older women. Sixty-six older women with previous RT experience (68.8 ± 4.6 years, 156.6 ±5.3 cm, 66.0 ± 13.0 kg, and 26.7 ± 4.6 kg/m²) underwent 12 weeks of RT (3 x/week, eight exercises, and 10-15 repetition maximum). Anthropometry, muscular strength (one-repetition maximum tests), and body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and spectral bioimpedance) were measured pre- and posttraining. There were observed significant increases for PhA, MQI, muscular strength, muscle mass, and reactance, whereas no significant changes in body fat and resistance were found. A significant correlation was observed between the RT-induced relative changes in PhA and MQI (r = .620). We conclude that improvements in MQI induced by RT are associated with increases in PhA. Therefore, PhA may be a valid tool to track changes in MQI after 12 weeks of RT in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study was to compare the effects of resistance training (RT) performed two versus three times per week on phase angle (a cellular health indicator) in older women. A total of 39 women (69.1 ± 5.5 years) were randomly assigned to perform a RT program two (G2X) or three (G3X) days per week for 12 weeks. The RT was a whole-body program (eight exercises, one set, 10–15 repetitions). Phase angle, resistance, reactance, and total body water were assessed by bioimpedance spectroscopy. Intracellular water, reactance, and phase angle increased significantly in G2X (2.1%, 3.0%, and 5.6%, respectively) and G3X (5.0%, 6.9%, and 10.3%, respectively) from pretraining to posttraining, with no significant difference between groups. Bioimpedance resistance decreased similarly in both groups (G2X = −1.7% vs. G3X = −3.2%). We conclude that a single set RT program with a frequency of 2 days per week may be sufficient to promote an improvement in cellular health in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of whey protein (WP) supplementation on muscular strength, hypertrophy, and muscular quality in older women preconditioned to resistance training (RT). In a randomized, double-blind, and placebo (PLA)-controlled design, 31 older women (67.4 ± 4.0 years, 62.0 ± 6.9 kg, 155.9 ± 5.7 cm, and 25.5 ± 2.4 kg/m2) received either 35 g of WP (n = 15) or 35 g of PLA (n = 16) over a 12-week study period while performing an RT program three times a week. Dietary intake, one-repetition maximum test, and skeletal muscle mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were assessed before and after the intervention period. Both groups showed significant (p <.05) improvements in skeletal muscle mass and total strength, and the WP group realized greater increases (p <.05) in these measures compared with PLA (skeletal muscle mass: WP = +4.8% vs. PLA = +2.3%; strength: WP = +8.7% vs. PLA = +4.9%). Muscular quality increased (p <.05) in both groups (WP = +2.9% vs. PLA = +1.5%) without statistical differences (p >.05) noted between conditions. We conclude that WP supplementation in combination with RT induces higher increases in both strength and hypertrophy in older women preconditioned to RT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nunes, JP, Marcori, AJ, Ribeiro, AS, Cunha, PM, Kassiano, W, Costa, BDV, Aguiar, AF, Nakamura, M, Mayhew, JL, and Cyrino, ES. Differential responsiveness for strength gain between limbs after resistance training in older women: Impact on interlimb asymmetry reduction. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3209–3216, 2022—The present study compared strength responses between preferred (PREF) and nonpreferred (N-PREF) legs in older women. Muscular strength was measured unilaterally using an isokinetic dynamometer and was analyzed for reproducibility scores, acute performance, and responsiveness to a resistance training (RT) program. One hundred eleven women (aged ≥60 years) performed 12 weeks of whole-body RT (3 times a week; 4 lower-body exercises). Reproducibility scores (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.920; following test-retests in part of the sample at pretraining; n = 19), average acute performances, and average strength gains (PREF = ∼6.9%; N-PREF = ∼7.2%) were similar between legs (p > 0.05). However, the individual analyses showed that some subjects were considered responders to strength gains in 1 leg, whereas nonresponders in the other. Nonetheless, when considering the responses in all strength tests, most subjects (91%) were considered responder to at least 1 measure. In addition, it was observed that the strength ratio between PREF/N-PREF legs was altered for those who presented some asymmetry at baseline, as the limbs became more symmetrical in all strength measures after the RT. In conclusion, we observed that some older women may have different levels of strength between legs; however, a traditional 12-week RT program with bilateral exercises can reduce such asymmetry by inducing greater strength gains in the weaker leg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to compare the effect of performing the same or different exercises for a muscle group on resistance training (RT) sessions on muscle hypertrophy at different sites along muscle length. Twenty-two detrained men (23.3±4.1 years) were randomly allocated to the following groups: a group that performed the same exercises in all training sessions (N-VAR=11) or one that varied the exercises for the same muscle groups (VAR=11). All were submitted to 3 weekly sessions for nine weeks. Muscle thickness was assessed at the proximal, middle, and distal sites of the lateral and anterior thigh, elbow flexors, and extensors by B-mode ultrasound. The VAR group significantly increased all the sites analyzed (P <0.05). Furthermore, the proximal site of the lateral thigh showed a larger relative increase when compared to the middle site (P <0.05). In contrast, the N-VAR group were not revealed significant improvements only for the middle site of the lateral thigh and the proximal site of the elbow flexors (P >0.05). Our results suggest that to perform different resistance exercises can induce hypertrophy of all sites assessed in detrained young men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Kassiano, W, Nunes, JP, Costa, B, Ribeiro, AS, Schoenfeld, BJ, and Cyrino, ES. Does varying resistance exercises promote superior muscle hypertrophy and strength gains? A systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1753–1762, 2022—Fitness professionals routinely employ a variety of resistance training exercises in program design as a strategy to enhance muscular adaptations. However, it remains uncertain whether such an approach offers advantages over a fixed-exercise selection. The objective of this review was to review the effects of exercise variation on muscle hypertrophy and strength. A search of the literature was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Eight studies were identified as meeting inclusion criteria. The combined total sample of the studies was N = 241, comprising all young men. The methodological quality of included studies was considered "good" and "excellent" based on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale. The available studies indicate that varying exercise selection can influence muscle hypertrophy and strength gains. Some degree of systematic variation seems to enhance regional hypertrophic adaptations and maximize dynamic strength, whereas excessive, random variation may compromise muscular gains. We conclude that exercise variation should be approached systematically with a focus on applied anatomical and biomechanical constructs; on the contrary, employing different exercises that provide a redundant stimulus, as well as excessive rotation of different exercises (i.e., high frequency of change), may actually hinder muscular adaptations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carneiro, MAS, de Oliveira Júnior, GN, de Sousa, JFR, Murta, EFC, Orsatti, CL, Michelin, MA, Cyrino, ES, and Orsatti, FL. Effects of resistance training at different loads on inflammatory biomarkers, muscle mass, muscular strength, and physical performance in postmenopausal women. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1582–1590, 2022—It has been suggested that the effect of resistance training (RT) on circulating proinflammatory biomarkers may be dependent on muscle mass gain. A few recent studies have suggested that lower-load RT (LLRT; loads <50% of 1 repetition maximum [1RM] and repetition performed until, or close to, voluntary concentric failure) may be superior to higher-load RT (HLRT; loads >70% of 1RM) in increasing muscle mass. Hence, this study aimed to test whether LLRT is superior to HLRT for increasing muscle mass (total fat-free mass [TFFM] and leg fat-free mass [LFFM]) and improving circulating inflammatory biomarkers (interleukin [IL]-6, IL1-ra, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, and extracellular heat shock protein [eHSP]70) in postmenopausal women (PW) (primary outcome). The secondary outcome was to compare the changes in muscular strength and physical performance (4-meter walking test [4-M], timed-up-and-go [TUG] test, and sit-to-stand [STS] test) between the LLRT and HLRT. The PW were randomized into 2 groups: LLRT (n = 14; loads necessary to perform 30–35 repetitions) and HLRT (n = 15; loads necessary to perform 8–12 repetitions). The greater magnitude of increase in LFFM (p = 0.033) was observed in LLRT when compared with HLRT. Moreover, there was a trend for a greater increase in TFFM in LLRT over HLRT (p = 0.070). However, there were similar improvements in TNF-α and muscular strength (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was no significant difference between the RT schemes on IL-6, IL-1ra, and eHSP70 levels. Thus, although performing LLRT until, or close to, voluntary concentric failure seems to provide a greater stimulus for an increase in muscle mass than HLRT, it does not seem to affect the responses in circulating inflammatory biomarkers, muscular strength, and physical performance in PW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of this study were to analyze the effect of resistance training (RT) on depressive and anxiety symptomsand examine the possible consequences of age, cognitive alterations, and muscular strength on such symptoms.Method: Forty-one older women (68 ± 8 years) composed a training group (TG) or a control group (CG). The TG was submitted to a supervised, progressive RT program over 12 weeks, involving eight whole-body exercises performed with three sets of 8-12 repetitions, three days per week, whereas CG remains with no intervention for the same period. Muscular strength (one-repetition maximum tests), cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment - MoCA; Verbal Fluency Tests), depression (15-item eriatric Depression Scale - GDS-15), and anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory - BAI) were assessed before and after the intervention period. There were observed significant (P < 0.001) RT-induced improvements on total muscular strength (TG: pre = 122.4 ± 24.1/post = 134.3 ± 36.7; CG: pre = 105.4 ± 15.4/post = 99.2 ± 17.1) and MoCA (TG: pre =21.7 ± 4.5/post = 22.5 ± 4.7; CG: pre = 20.3 ± 3.7/post = 19.3 ± 4.1). Depressive and anxiety symptoms (even when adjusted by chronological age and changes in muscular strength or cognitive function) were reduced with RT according to GDS-15 (TG: pre = 2.26 ± 1.53/post = 1.92 ± 1.68; CG: pre =2.68 ± 1.13/post = 2.25 ± 1.18) and BAI (TG: pre = 4.07 ± 5.68/post = 2.33 ± 3.71; CG: pre = 5.18 ± 7.70/post = 9.81 ± 7.10). The time x group interactions were significant for depressive and anxiety symptoms. Our results suggest that a 12-week RT program reduces depressive and anxiety symptoms, regardless of age, muscular strength, and cognition function in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of two different resistance training (RT) systems on oxidative stress biomarkers in older women. Fifty-nine older women (67.9 ± 5.0 years) were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Two training groups performed an 8 week RT program either in traditional (TD, n = 20) or a pyramid (PR, n = 20) system 3 times per week, or a control group (CG, n = 19). The TD program consisted of 3 sets of 8-12 RM with constant load for the 3 sets, whereas the PR training consisted of 3 sets of 12/10/8 RM with incremental loads for each set. As compared with the CG, both TD and PR achieved upregulation of the antioxidant system as evidenced by higher (p < .05) values of total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter plasma concentration after intervention (TD= 930.4 ± 160.0 µmolTrolox, PR= 977.8 ± 145.2 µmolTrolox, CG= 794.4 ± 130.2 µmolTrolox). For the protein oxidation adducts, TD and PR presented lower (p < .05) scores compared with CG (TD= 91.2 ± 25.0 µmol/L, PR= 93.0 ± 30.3 µmol/L, CG= 111.0 ± 20.4 µmol/L). However, there were no differences (p > .05) between trained groups in the antioxidant capacity markers and in the protein oxidation adducts markers. The results suggest that 8 weeks of progressive RT promotes an improvement in markers of oxidative stress in older women independent of the load-management RT system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amarante do Nascimento, M, Nunes, JPA, Pina, FLC, Ribeiro, AS, Carneiro, NH, Venturini, D, Barbosa, DS, Mayhew, JL, and Cyrino, ES. Comparison of 2 weekly frequencies of resistance training on muscular strength, body composition, and metabolic biomarkers in resistance-trained older women: Effects of detraining and retraining. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1437–1444, 2022—This study aimed to compare the effects of 2 weekly frequencies of resistance training (RT) on muscular strength, body composition, and metabolic biomarkers in previously resistance-trained older women after detraining and retraining. Forty subjects (>60 years) performed RT (8 exercises, 1 set of 10–15 repetitions maximum) 2 (G2x) or 3 (G3x) times per week over 12 weeks of training and retraining. After training, subjects were detrained for 12 weeks. After detraining, there were significant decreases (p < 0.05) in upper-body (∼12%) and lower-body (∼14%) muscular strength, fat-free mass (FFM) (∼2%), and testosterone (∼26%), whereas increases were revealed for fat mass (FM) (∼4%), relative body fat (∼3%), fasting glucose (∼8%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (∼21%), and triglycerides (∼24%), with no differences between groups (p > 0.05). Following retraining, there were significant increases (p < 0.05) for upper (∼7%) and lower (∼10%) muscular strength, FFM (∼2%), and testosterone (∼20%). In contrast, decreases were found for FM (∼7%), relative body fat (∼3%), fasting glucose (∼6%), LDL-C (∼14%), and triglycerides (∼21%), also with no differences between groups (p > 0.05). Gains after retraining were lower than after training (p < 0.05) only for upper- and lower-body muscular strength (∼6%) and testosterone (∼11%). Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, IGF-1, and C-reactive protein did not change at any point in the study for either group (p > 0.05). Our results suggest that older women can regain previous RT program benefits following detraining, regardless of the weekly training frequency. However, some fitness components may take longer to reestablish than the initial training level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ribeiro, AS, Picoloto, A, Nunes, JP, Bezerra, ES, Schoenfeld, BJ, and Cyrino, ES. Effects of different resistance training loads on the muscle quality index in older women. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1445–1449, 2022—The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance training (RT) performed using low vs. moderate loads on muscular strength, muscle mass, and muscle quality index (MQI) in older women. Twenty-seven older women (71.5 ± 5 years, 65.2 ± 11 kg, 154.2 ± 5 cm, and 27.4 ± 4 kg·m−2) were randomized into 2 groups: one that performed RT with a low load (LOW, n = 13) and another that performed RT with a moderate load (MOD, n = 14). An 8-week RT program was performed 3 d·wk−1. Outcomes included 1-repetition maximum (1RM) tests and assessment of body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The LOW load consisted of a relative load at 15RM, whereas the MOD load consisted of a relative load at 10RM. Both groups presented significant changes from pre-training to post-training for chest press 1RM (LOW = 10.3%, and MOD = 11.1%), knee extension 1RM (LOW = 14.4%, and MOD = 16.6%), preacher curl 1RM (LOW = 12.4%, and MOD = 12.0%), fat-free mass (LOW = 2.1%, and MOD = 1.9%), body fat (LOW = −3.2%, and MOD = −2.7%), and MQI (LOW = 10.6%, and MOD = 11.3%). Results were similar (p > 0.05) between groups. These findings suggest that LOW and MOD loads are equally effective for promoting improvements in muscular strength and muscle growth as well as the MQI in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cunha, PM, Ribeiro, AS, Padilha, C, Nunes, JP, Schoenfeld, BJ, Cyrino, LT, Tomeleri, CM, Nascimento, MA, Antunes, M, Fernandes, RR, Barbosa, DS, Venturini, D, Burini, RC, Sardinha, LB, and Cyrino, ES. Improvement of oxidative stress in older women is dependent on resistance training volume: Active aging longitudinal study. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1141-1146, 2022-The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of resistance training (RT) performed with a higher versus lower training volume on oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers in older women. Thirty-eight older women (>=60 years) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: a group that performed 1 set per exercise (low volume [LV], n = 18) or 3 sets per exercise (high volume [HV], n = 20). The whole-body RT consisted of a 12-week RT program involving 8 exercises performed with sets of 10-15 repetitions maximum, 3 days per week. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP), and ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange (FOX) were used as OS biomarkers. The composite Z-score of the percentage changes from pre- to posttraining of OS biomarkers according to groups was calculated. A significant main effect of time (p < 0.05) was found for AOPP (LV = -7.3% vs. HV = -12.2%) and TRAP (LV = +1.5% vs. HV = +15.5%) concentrations, without a statistical difference between the groups (p > 0.05). A significant group vs. time interaction (p < 0.001) was revealed for FOX (LV = +6.4% vs. HV = -8.9%). The overall analysis indicated higher positive changes for HV than LV (composed Z-score: HV = 0.41 +/- 1.22 vs. LV = -0.37 +/- 1.03; p < 0.05). Our results suggest that a greater volume of RT seems to promote superior improvements on OS biomarkers in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the effects of different resistance training (RT) volume reduction strategies on muscular strength and lean soft-tissue (LST) in older women. Fifty-seven physically independent women (>60 years) performed a 20-week pre-conditioning phase of a standardized whole-body RT program (eight exercises, three sets, 8–12 repetitions, three sessions a week), and were then randomly assigned to one of the following conditions: reduced volume for a single set (RV1, n=20) or two sets (RV2, n=19), or maintained volume of three sets (MV, n=18) for 8 weeks (specific training phase). Muscular strength in the chest press, leg extension, and preacher curl exercises was determined by one-repetition maximum tests. A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device was used to estimate LST. An increase in muscular strength (16.3–32.1%) and LST (3.2–7.9%) was observed after the pre-conditioning phase. There was an increase in chest press for all groups (9.4–16.7%) after the specific training phase. In contrast, only MV increased significantly in the leg extension (4.4%). No between-group differences were revealed for LST in the specific training phase. Our results suggest that reduced RT volume from three to one set per exercise for 8 weeks seems sufficient to retain neuromuscular adaptations in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare different split resistance training routines on body composition and muscular strength in elite bodybuilders. Ten male bodybuilders (26.7 ± 2.7 years, 85.3 ± 10.4 kg) were randomly assigned into one of two resistance training groups: 4 and 6 times per week (G4x and G6x, respectively), in which the individuals trained for 4 weeks, 4 sets for each exercise performing 6-12 repetitions maximum (RM) in a pyramid fashion. Body composition was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, muscle strength was evaluated by 1RM bench-press testing. The food intake was planned by nutritionists and offered individually throughout the duration of the experiment. Significant increases (p < .05) in fat-free mass (G4x = +4.2%, G6x = +3.5%) and muscular strength (G4x = +8.4%, G6x = +11.4%) with no group by time interaction were observed. We conclude that 4 and 6 weekly sessions frequencies of resistance training promote similar increases in fat-free mass and muscular strength in elite bodybuilders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the acute effects of resistance training (RT) systems on lower- and upper-limb performance in trained adults. Eighteen male young adults with experience in RT aged from 18 to 26 years underwent the 3 experimental conditions (drop-set [DS], decrescent pyramid [DP], and traditional [TR]). The subjects performed 2 exercises (bench press and leg press 45°). In the DS condition, they underwent 2 sets of 10 repetitions at 12RM, followed by 5 additional repetitions with an intensity of 15RM with 6-minute interval rest between sets. In the DP, it was performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 10RM, 12RM, and 15RM, respectively, and the rest interval was 3 minutes between sets. In the TR, the subjects performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 12RM with 3 minutes of rest between sets. Countermovement jump, peak power (Wpeak), and force (Fpeak) in the bench press were evaluated in the baseline, before, and 30 minutes after the experimental sessions. Countermovement jump performance decreased significantly only after the DS and DP conditions (26.7 and21.9%, respectively). The groups were significantly different in the post-intervention; the DS condition presented lower values when compared with the DP (p 5 0.01) and TR (p 5 0.001). According to Fpeak and Wpeak, only DS condition significantly decreased the performance (23.8 and 24.1%, respectively). The results indicate the DS and DP conditions impair the neuromuscular performance of the lower limbs, whereas for upper limbs, only DS condition negatively affect upper-limb performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this paper were to: (a) systematically review studies that explored the effects of exercise order (EO) on muscular strength and/or hypertrophy; (b) pool their results using a meta-analysis; and (c) provide recommendations for the prescription of EO in resistance training (RT) programmes. A literature search was performed in four databases. Studies were included if they explored the effects of EO on dynamic muscular strength and/or muscle hypertrophy. The meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model with Hedges' g effect size (ES). The methodological quality of studies was appraised using the TESTEX checklist. Eleven good-to-excellent methodological quality studies were included in the review. When all strength tests, that is, both in multi-joint (MJ) and single-joint (SJ) exercises were considered, there was no difference between the EOs (ES = −0.11; p = 0.306). However, there was a difference between the MJ-to-SJ and SJ-to-MJ orders for strength gains in the MJ exercises, favouring starting the exercise session with MJ exercises (ES = 0.32; p = 0.034), and the strength gains in the SJ exercises, favouring starting the exercise session with SJ exercises (ES = −0.58; p = 0.032). No significant effect of EO was observed for hypertrophy combining site-specific and indirect measures (ES = 0.03; p = 0.862). In conclusion, increases in muscular strength are the largest in the exercises performed at the beginning of an exercise session. For muscle hypertrophy, our meta-analysis indicated that both MJ-to-SJ and SJ-to-MJ EOs may produce similar results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of resistance training (RT) performed with 2 different volumes on body fat and blood biomarkers in untrained older women. Sixty-five physically independent older women (≥60 years) were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: low-volume (LV) training group, high-volume (HV) training group, and a control group. Both training groups performed RT for 12 weeks, using 8 exercises of 10-15 repetitions maximum for each exercise. The low-volume group performed only a single set per exercise, whereas the HV group performed 3 sets. Anthropometric, body fat (%), trunk fat, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very LDL-c (VLDL-c), glucose (GLU), C-reactive protein (CRP), and composite Z-score were measured. The HV group obtained greater improvements compared with the LV group (p < 0.05) for TG (LV = -10.5% vs. HV = -16.6%), VLDL-c (LV = -6.5% vs. HV = -14.8%), GLU (LV = -4.7% vs. HV = -11.1%), CRP (LV = -13.2% vs. HV = -30.8%), % body fat (LV = -2.4% vs. HV = -6.1%), and composite Z-score (LV = -0.13 ± 0.30 vs. HV = -0.57 ± 0.29). Trunk fat was reduced (p < 0.05) only in the HV group (-6.8%). We conclude that RT performed in higher volume seems to be the most appropriate strategy to reduce body fat (%), trunk fat, improve blood biomarkers, and reduce composite Z-score in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of three resistance exercise orders on muscular strength, body composition, and functional fitness in trained older women. Forty-five women (aged ≥60 years), after performing 12 weeks of a pre-conditioning resistance-training program were randomly assigned in one of the following groups that performed the exercises in the following orders: multi-joint to single-joint order (MJ-SJ, n=15), single-joint to multi-joint order (SJ-MJ, n=15), and alternating between upper and lower body order (ALT, n=15). Specific training intervention lasted 12 weeks (3x/week) and was composed of eight exercises performed in three sets of 15/10/5 repetitions, with increasing load through the sets. Muscular strength was estimated by one-repetition maximum tests; body composition was assessed by whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and functional fitness was analyzed with a sequence of four motor tests. All groups improved similarly in muscular strength (Cohen's effect size: MJ-SJ=0.45; SJ-MJ=0.48; ALT=0.45), skeletal muscle mass (MJ-SJ=0.08; SJ-MJ=0.07; ALT=0.09), and functional test performance (MJ-SJ=0.38; SJ-MJ=0.20; ALT=0.31), but no change was observed for body fat (P >0.05). The results suggest that 12 weeks of resistance training induce positive changes in muscle morphofunctionality, regardless of the exercise order employed in trained older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of resistance training (RT) exercise order on muscle strength, hypertrophy, and anabolic hormones in older women. Forty-four older women were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: a nonexercise control group (CON, n = 15) and two RT groups that performed a 12-week RT program in a multijoint to single-joint order (MJ-SJ, n = 14), or in a single-joint to multijoint order (SJ-MJ, n = 15). The RT protocol (33/week) encompassed 8 exercises, with 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions performed per exercise. One repetition maximumtests were used to evaluate muscle strength; dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to estimate lean soft tissue. Both training groups showed significant and similar increases in muscle strength (MJ-SJ = 16.4%; SJ-MJ = 12.7%) and mass (MJ-SJ = 7.5%; SJ-MJ = 6.1%), whereas there were no significant changes in testosterone and insulin-like growth factor 1. The results suggest that both approaches are similarly effective in eliciting morphofunctional improvements in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase angle (PhA) is a viable indicator of cellular health, with higher values reflecting better cellularity, cell membrane integrity, and cell function. Adaptive responses to resistance training (RT) on PhA may be important in obese older people. The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of 8 weeks of RT on PhA in obese older women. Thirty-three obese older women (68.1 ± 5.7 years, 71.6 ± 10.1 kg, 154.5 ± 6.7 cm, 30.0 ± 4.1 kg⋅m-2, and 45.0 ± 6.0% body fat) were randomly allocated into 1 of 2 groups: a training group that performed the RT program (TG, n = 18) or a nonexercise control group (CG, n = 15). The whole-body RT consisted of an 8-week RT program involving 8 exercises performed for 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions 3 times a week. Anthropometric, body fat and fat-free mass, PhA, total body water (TBW), intracellular water (ICW), and extracellular water compartments were performed at before and after training. After the intervention period, the TG presented greater increases (p < 0.05) than CG for fat-free mass (TG = +1.3% and CG = -0.3%), TBW (TG = +2.0% and CG = -1.7%), ICW (TG = +3.1% and CG = -1.9%), and PhA (TG = +3.4% and CG = -1.4%), and lower values for percentage of body fat (TG = -1.3% and CG = +0.9%) and bioimpedance resistance (TG = -4.6% and CG = +2.3%). Our results suggest that 8 weeks of RT improves PhA-a cellular health parameter-in obese older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of different resistance training (RT) frequencies (2 vs. 3 times per week) with an equivalent number of weekly sets performed between conditions on muscular strength and body composition in older women. Forty-seven older women (65 ± 4 years) were divided into 2 groups that performed a 12-week RT program either 2 (G2x and 3 sets) or 3 (G3x and 2 sets) times per week. The groups were evaluated before and after study on measures of body composition through dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and muscular strength through one repetition maximum (1RM) testing. Lean soft tissue was significantly increased in both groups (G2x = +1.7%, G3x = +1.7%), while only G3x reduced body fat after the intervention period (G2x = -0.7%, G3x = -2.9%). Similarly, significant increases were noted between conditions for 1RM scores in bench press (G2x = +11.8%, G3x = +11.9%) and knee extension (G2x = +17.4%, G3x = +10.8%). The results indicate that performing 2 or 3 RT sessions per week promotes similar improvements in muscular outcomes, while training more frequently may reduce body fat after 12 weeks of weekly sets-equated RT in untrained older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nascimento, MA, Silva, DRP, Ribeiro, AS, Pina, FLC, Gerage, AM, Gobbo, LA, Mayhew, JL, and Cyrino, ES. Agreement between bioelectrical impedance and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to track changes in fat-free mass after resistance training in older women. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1700–1708, 2020—The aim of our study was to compare the agreement between bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to track changes on fat-free mass (FFM) after a resistance training (RT) program in older women. Forty-three older women (65.2 ± 4.6 years, 59.5 ± 9.2 kg, 156.4 ± 6.0 cm, 24.3 ± 3.3 kg.m-2) participated in a RT intervention (12 weeks, 8 exercises, 2 sets, 10–15 repetitions, 3 nonconsecutive days per week). Fat-free mass changes were determined by a single-frequency BIA device (EQ1), 6 BIA prediction equations for older women (EQ2, EQ3, EQ4, EQ5, EQ6, and EQ7), and DXA. At pretraining, 3 equations overpredicted, and 3 underpredicted DXA FFM (F = 244.63, p < 0.001), although all equations had high correlations with DXA (r = 0.78–0.83). After training, 4 equations overpredicted and one underpredicted DXA FFM (F = 176.25, p < 0.001). Dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry detected significant gains in FFM (0.65 ± 0.82 kg; p < 0.05), as did EQ3 (0.55 ± 1.69 kg; p < 0.05), and EQ4 (0.61 ± 1.88 kg; p < 0.05), whereas the remaining equations did not indicate significant changes in FFM. Low correlations between FFM and equation change values suggest that single-frequency BIA-derived equations may not provide sufficient accuracy to track changes in FFM after 12 weeks of RT in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different amounts of energy intake in combination with progressive resistance training on muscle mass and body fat in bodybuilders. Eleven male bodybuilders (26.8 ± 2.3 years, 90.1 ± 9.7 kg, and 176.9 ± 7.1 cm) were randomly assigned into one of two groups: a group that ingested higher amounts of energy (G1, 67.5 ± 1.7 kcal/kg/d, n = 6), and a group that ingested moderate amounts of energy (G2, 50.1 ± 0.51 kcal/kg/d, n = 5). Both groups performed resistance training 6 days per week over a 4-week study period. Measures of body composition were assessed before and after the intervention period. For body fat, only the G1 presented significant changes from pre- to post-training (G1 = +7.4% vs. G2 = +0.8%). For muscle mass, both groups showed significant increases after the intervention period, with G1 presenting a greater increase compared to G2 (G1 = +2.7% vs. G2 = +1.1%). Results suggest that greater energy intake in combination with resistance training induces greater increases in both muscle mass and body fat in competitive male bodybuilders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of 24 weeks of resistance training (RT) performed 2 vs. 3 times per week on muscle strength, muscle mass, and muscle quality in older women. Thirty-nine older women (≥ 60 years old) were randomly assigned to two groups according to RT frequency (G2x = two sessions per week, n=19; and G3x = three sessions per week, n=20) and were submitted to 24 weeks of whole-body RT, divided into two stages of 12 weeks. In the first stage, participants performed 1 set of 10 to 15 repetitions in each of eight exercise, whereas in the second stage, they performed 2 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions. Muscle strength was assessed by one repetition maximum (1RM) tests in chest press, knee extension, and biceps preacher curl, while the lean soft tissue was estimated by DXA. The muscle quality index was determined by the ratio between strength and lean soft tissue. There were observed similar increases between groups for muscle strength (G2x=19.5%; G3x=22.2%), lean soft tissue (G2x=3.0%; G3x=1.6%), and muscle quality index (G2x=16.0%; G3x=21.1%). These results indicate that RTinduced muscular adaptation occurs regardless of training twice or thrice a week in older women. Instructors, coaches and practitioners can choose their training frequency preference, since both frequencies provided similar adaptations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oxidative stress is an imbalance between antioxidant system and production of free radicals and has been associated with the age‐related deleterious changes. The defense system can be modulated by exercise and nutrition. Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of whey protein supplementation pre‐ or post‐resistance training on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activity in pre‐conditioned older women. Methods: In a randomized, double‐blind, and placebo‐controlled design, 70 older women (≥60 years) were randomly assigned to one of the following three groups: whey protein‐placebo (WP‐PLA, n = 24), placebo‐whey protein (PLA‐WP, n = 23), and placebo‐placebo (PLA‐PLA, n = 23). Each group received 35 g of whey product or placebo pre‐ and post‐training. The RT program was carried out over 12 weeks (3x/week; 3x 8‐12 repetitions maximal). Oxidative stress and blood markers were assessed before and after intervention period. ANOVA for repeated measures was used for data analysis. Results: There was a significant time effect (P < 0.05), with all groups showing improvements in all oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activity. A significant (P < 0.001) interaction time vs group was observed for uric acid, with both WP‐PLA and PLA‐WP presenting greater reductions compared with the PLA‐PLA, without differences between the timing of protein intake (WP‐PLA: −8.3%; PLA‐WP: −11.0%; PLA‐PLA:‐2.0%). Conclusion: In already pre‐conditioned older women, whey protein supplementation reduces plasma uric acid concentration with no further effect on antioxidant enzyme activity and oxidative stress markers. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03247192. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The volume in resistance training (RT) perhaps improve the autonomic modulation cardiac in untrained adults. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to analyze the effect of RT volume on heart rate variability (HRV) in young adults. METHODS: The intervention order was randomized and counterbalanced. Participants (n = 27) performed 1, 3 or 5 sets of the same exercises with equalized intensity (loading zones) and rested for eight weeks following eight weeks of washout between each experimental condition (1 vs. 3 vs. 5 sets). The researchers assessed HRV by cardiac monitoring seventy-two hours, both before (pre) and after (post) each experimental RT condition (1 vs. 3 vs. 5 sets). Factorial repeated measures ANOVA 2 × 3 were used to analyze the interaction between time (pre vs. post) and intervention (1 set vs. 3 sets vs. 5 sets) for the HRV index (RMSSD, SDNN, and pNN50). RESULTS: An interaction was identified between time and condition for RMSSD ( F (5 , 22) = 37.02, p < 0.01), SDNN ( F (5 , 22) = 32.80, p < 0.01), and pNN50 ( F (5 , 22) = 29.92, p < 0.02). Five set conditions (p = 0.01) showed improvement in HRV indicators when compared to one set and three set conditions. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that 5 set conditions improved HRV in young untrained adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study was to compare the effects of resistance training (RT) performed with different training volumes on phase angle (PhA), body water components, and muscle quality (MQ) in untrained older adult women. A second purpose was to assess the relationship between PhA and MQ. Sixty-two older adult women (68.6 ± 5.0 years, 65.2 ± 13.3 kg, 156.1 ± 6.2 cm) were randomly assigned into one of the three groups: two training groups performed either 1 set (G1S) or 3 sets (G3S), or a control group (CG). Body water components and PhA were estimated by bioelectrical impedance (BIA). MQ was determined by dividing skeletal muscle mass estimated by dual-energy absorptiometry (DXA) by total muscle strength from three exercises. After the intervention period, both training groups demonstrated improvements (P < 0.05) when compared with CON for intracellular water, total body water, PhA, and MQ. These results suggest that RT can improve PhA, body water components, and MQ after 12 weeks of RT in untrained older women, regardless of training volume. Furthermore, changes in MQ were positively correlated with changes in PhA (r = 0.60, P < 0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the current study was to compare the effects of resistance training frequency on cognitive inhibitory control in young adults with previous experience in the modality. Male participants (N = 36) were randomly placed into one of three experimental groups. Participants performed resistance training 1 (F1), 2 (F2), and 3 (F3) times per week for 24 weeks. The three groups performed exercises of equal intensity, volume-load, and rest duration. Cognitive inhibitory control (via Stroop test) was tested 72 h before (pre-experiment) and 72 h after (post-experiment) the resistance training program. No time vs. group interaction effects were noted for accuracy (F(4, 29) = 3.57, p = 0.18) or response time (F(4, 29) = 2.61, p = 0.06) on the Stroop test. These results indicate that increased resistance training frequency, when volume-load is kept constant, does not appear to potentiate cognitive inhibitory control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of resistance training (RT) performed with 1 or 3 sets per exercise on osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO) syndrome parameters in older women. Sixty-two older women (68.0 ± 4.3 years, 26.8 ± 4.4 kg/m2) participated in a 12-week RT program. Participants were randomly assigned into one of the three groups: two training groups that performed either 1 set (G1S, n = 21) or 3 sets (G3S, n = 20) 3 times weekly, or a control group (CG, n = 21). Body composition was assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry, strength was evaluated by 1 repetition maximum testing. The G3S presented significantly higher strength changes than G1S. The changes for percentage of body fat were higher for G3S compared to G1S. There was no difference in skeletal muscle mass between G3S and G1S, however both training groups displayed greater increases in this outcome compared to CG. There was no effect for bone mineral density. The overall analysis indicated higher (P < 0.05) positive changes for G3S than G1S (composed Z-score: G3S = 0.62 ± 0.40; G1S = 0.11 ± 0.48). The results suggest that a 12-week RT period is effective to improve the risk factors of OSO, and that 3 sets induce higher improvements than a single set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze the effects of a pyramid system performed with two repetition zones on muscular strength and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) in older women. Thirty-nine physically independent older women (67.8 ± 5.4 years) were randomly assigned into one of two of groups that performed an 8-week resistance training program in an ascending pyramid fashion. Both groups performed 3 sets: a narrow repetition zone (NPR, n = 20) with 12/10/8 repetitions, and a wide repetition zone (WPR, n = 19) with 15/10/5 repetitions. The program consisted of 8 whole-body exercises, performed 3 times a week. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure SMM, and muscular strength was evaluated by one-repetition maximum (1RM). Both groups increased (P < 0.05) SMM (NPR = + 4.7 %, effect size = + 0.34; WPR = + 8.4 %, effect size = + 0.77), and total strength (NPR = + 11.3 %, effect size = + 0.80; WPR = + 13.8 %, effect size = 0.84), without statistical differences between them. Results suggest that both zones of repetitions in a pyramid system are effective strategies to improve muscular strength and muscle growth in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of resistance training (RT) performed in a pyramid (PR) vs. constant (CT) load system on muscular strength and hypertrophy in resistance-trained older women. Thirty-three older women (69.7 ± 5.9 years, 69.1 ± 15.0 kg, 156.6 ± 6.2 cm, and 28.1 ± 5.4 kg⋅m-2) were randomized into 2 groups: one that performed RT with a CT load (n = 16) and another group that performed RT in an ascending PR fashion (n = 17). Outcomes included 1 repetition maximum (RM) tests and assessment of skeletal muscle mass estimated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The study lasted 32 weeks, with 24 weeks dedicated to preconditioning and 8 weeks for the actual experiment. The RT program was conducted 3 d⋅wk-1; the CT consisted of 3 sets of 8-12RM with same load across sets, whereas the PR consisted of 3 sets of 12/10/8RM with incremental loads for each set. A significant (p ≤ 0.05) change from pretraining to posttraining was observed for chest press total strength (CT: pre = 122.8 ± 21.0 kg, post = 128.9 ± 21.4 kg, effect size [ES] = 0.28; PR: pre = 120.5 ± 22.8 kg, post = 125.8 ± 22.9 kg, ES = 0.24) and muscle mass (CT: pre = 21.4 ± 3.6 kg, post = 21.7 ± 3.5 kg, ES = 0.09; PR: pre = 20.9 ± 3.4 kg, post = 21.1 ± 3.4 kg, ES = 0.06) without differences between groups. Results suggest that both systems are effective to improve strength and muscle growth, but PR is not superior to CT for inducing improvements in previously trained older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the effects of full vs. partial range of motion resistance training interventions on neuromuscular, functional, and structural adaptations has important practical relevance to the field. Topics include reflect the totality of evidence and thus require clarification; and isometric training at longer muscle lengths produced superior increases in muscle size compared to volume-equated training at short muscle lengths.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of two different resistance training (RT) prescription methods on phase angle (PA) in older women. Seventy-six older women (68.5 ± 5.7 years) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: two training groups that performed an eight-week RT programme either in a constant load (CT, n = 25) or an ascending pyramidal load (PR, n = 26) routine three times per week, or a control group (CG, n = 25) that performed no exercise. The CT programme consisted of three sets of 8--12 repetition maximum (RM) with a constant load for the three sets, whereas the PR training consisted of three sets of 12/10/8 RM with incremental loads for each set. PA was assessed by whole-body spectral bioelectrical impedance. After the RT period, both CT and PR achieved higher (P < .05) values of PA (CT = 5.76 ± 0.59°, PR = 5.63 ± 0.61°, CG= 5.48 ± 0.46°) compared to the CG; however, there was no difference (P > .05) between trained groups. The results suggest that eight weeks of RT based on a PR and CT load routines promote an improvement in PA, and both prescription methods performed similarly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of resistance training (RT) performed in a pyramid (PR) versus a traditional (TD) system on muscular strength, muscle mass, and hormonal responses in older women. Twenty-five older women (67.6 ± 5.1 years, 65.9 ± 11.1 kg, 154.7 ± 5.8 cm, and 27.5 ± 4.5 kg•m-2) performed both a TD and PR system RT program in a balanced crossover design. The TD program consisted of 3 sets of 8--12 repetition maximum (RM) with a constant load for the 3 sets, whereas the PR system consisted of 3 sets of 12/10/8-RM with incrementally higher loads for each set. Training was performed in 2 phases of 8 weeks each, with a 12-week washout between the 8-week phases. One repetition maximum (1RM) tests were used as measures of muscular strength. Dual X-ray absorptiometry was used to estimate skeletal muscle mass. Testosterone and IGF-1 concentrations were determined preintervention and postintervention after 12 hours fasting. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) increases were observed in both groups for muscular strength in the 1RM chest press (TD = 12.4% and effect size [ES] = 0.86 vs. PR = 11.5% and ES = 0.74), knee extension (TD = 12.5% and ES = 0.61 vs. PR = 11.8% and ES = 0.62), preacher curl (TD = 10.9% and ES = 0.63 vs. PR = 8.6% and ES = 0.54), and for skeletal muscle mass (TD = 3.6% and ES = 0.32 vs. PR = 2.4% and ES = 0.24) with no differences between groups. There were no significant (p > 0.05) main effects for IGF-1 and testosterone. The results suggest that the PR and TD systems performed are similarly effective for promoting positive adaptations in muscular strength and hypertrophy in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Flexibility is an important component of physical fitness. However, to date, there is no comparative study between men and women concerning the influence of resistance training (RT) on flexibility. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of RT on flexibility in young adult men and women. METHODS: Twenty-eight men and 30 women underwent progressive RT for 16 weeks, 3 times per week. Anthropometric and flexibility measurements were performed at pre-training, mid-training, and post-training. The flexibility measurements were obtained using a fleximeter. RESULTS: There was no significant sex by time interaction (P > 0.05) for any outcomes. Both sexes increased flexibility similarly from baseline to mid-training in shoulder extension (10.4-11.1%) and lateral trunk inclination (2.4-3.4%). Shoulder flexion increased at same magnitude in men and women from baseline to post-training (1.3-2.8%). Hip flexion and trunk flexion scores increased from baseline to mid-training (hip flexion = 3.7-3.9%, trunk flexion = 2.7%), however, a decrease was observed from mid- to post-training (hip flexion = -2.4 - -2.6%, trunk flexion = -1.4%) with values returning to baseline with no difference between men and women. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that regardless of sex, RT improves or at least preserves the flexibility of different joint movements in young adult men and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to analyze whether improvements in fast walking speed induced by resistance training (RT) are associated with changes in body composition, muscle quality, and muscular strength in older women.Methods: Twenty-three healthy older women (69.6 ± 6.4 years, 64.95 ± 12.9 kg, 1.55 ± 0.07 m, 27.06 ± 4.6 kg/m²) performed a RT program for 8 weeks consisting of 8 exercises for the whole body, 3 sets of 10–15 repetitions maximum, 3 times a week. Anthropometric, body composition (fat-free mass [FFM], skeletal muscle mass [SMM], legs lean soft tissue [LLST], fat mass), knee extension muscular strength (KE1RM), muscle quality index (MQI [KE1RM/LLST]), and 10-meter walking test (10-MWT) were performed before and after the intervention.Results: Significant (P < .05) changes were observed from pre- to post-training for FFM (+1.6%), MQI (+7.2%), SMM (+2.4%), LLST (+1.8%), KE1RM (+8.6%), fat mass (−1.4%), and time to perform 10-MWT (−3.7%). The percentage change in 10-MWT was significantly associated with percentage change in MQI (r = −0.46,P = .04) and KE1RM (r = −0.45,P = .04), however not associated percentage of changes in SMM (r = 0.01,P = .97), LLST (r = −0.22,P = .33), and body fat (r = 0.10,P = .66).Conclusion: We conclude that the improvement in the 10-MWT after an 8-week RT program is associated with increases in lower limb muscular strength and muscle quality, but not with muscle mass or body fat changes in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]