Search

This study aimed to determine the intra-day reliability, individuals performance expectancy, and biomechanical response of nine stretching instructions in assessing the maximal range of motion (mROM) during the passive ankle dorsiflexion test. Twenty healthy young participants were tested in two sessions within the same day. Nine stretching instructions composed by intensity-domain (i.e. minimum, point, and maximum) and sensation-domain (i.e. tolerance, discomfort, and pain) words were used to impose plantar flexors stretching. In the first session, individuals were requested to order the nine stretching instructions in ascending order. The ankle joint torque-angle and medial gastrocnemius, soleus and tibialis anterior electric activity were assessed in both sessions. A moderate to high reliability was observed across instructions (ICC = 0.65-0.87). Most stretching instructions showed high intra-day reliability outcomes, where discomfort and tolerance showed moderate reliability. 70% of individuals performed the stretching maneuvers consistently to stretching instructions performance expectancy. A greater torque-angle response was observed for the instructions involving the word pain (ROM = 40.5 ± 1.6°), compared to discomfort (29.5 ± 1.8°), and tolerance (30.5 ± 2.0°) that produced similar stretching intensities. Instructions involving the terms minimum (29.6 ± 2.0°), point (33.3 ± 7.6°), and maximum (37.6 ± 7.2°) were more discriminative of stretching intensities than sensation-domain terms. In conclusion, stretching instructions targeting the joint maximal range of motion produce different joint torque-angle responses and they may not be understandable by all individuals, although (in general) they can be used reliably.

Objetivos: Verificar a influência da crioterapia de imersão na força isométrica e potência de membros inferiores de atletas. Métodos: Neste estudo transversal do tipo crossover, 14 sujeitos foram avaliados em três momentos. Primeiro realizaram os testes de caracterização: antropometria (massa, estatura e composição corporal), capacidade aeróbia (teste de esforço cardiopulmonar) e recordatório alimentar. Na segunda e na terceira visita foram ministrados os testes de impulsão vertical em tapete de contato e o pico de torque isométrico da musculatura extensora de joelhos no CYBEX isocinético. Estes testes foram realizados em três momentos: 1) em situação basal; 2) após o protocolo de fadiga; e 3) após o protocolo de recuperação: repouso ativo ou crioterapia de imersão. O protocolo de fadiga incidia em correr na velocidade correspondente a 120% do VO2MAX até a falha motora. Para a crioterapia de imersão, os sujeitos submergiram os membros inferiores até o nível das gônadas em um tanque contendo gelo e água, permanecendo na posição ortostática por 10 minutos. A temperatura da água foi monitorada utilizando um termômetro subaquático (10 ± 1°c). Para recuperação ativa, os sujeitos repetiram o procedimento em um tanque vazio. Os dados foram analisados no GraphPAD Prism (p < 0,05). Resultados: Foram avaliados 14 atletas de rúgbi (idade 22 ± 2 anos; massa adiposa 27,8 ± 4,4%; VO2MAX 44,1 ± 6,7 ml.kg-1.min-1). Não houve diferença no consumo calórico entre os dias de avaliação (2.893 ± 802 versus 2.915 ± 746 kcal; p = 0,949). Nossos dados indicam redução de 18% na altura do salto após os protocolos de fadiga e crioterapia (33,0 ± 2,8 versus 27,0 ± 2,8 cm; p < 0,05) e incremento de 7,1% após os protocolos de fadiga e repouso (32,5 ± 6,4 versus 34,8 ± 2,1 cm; p < 0,05). Em relação ao pico de torque isométrico, observou-se redução de 3,7% após a crioterapia (295 ± 71 versus 285 ± 68 Nm; p < 0,05) e de 9,6% após o repouso ativo (297 ± 73 versus 268 ± 72 Nm; p < 0,05). Conclusão: A crioterapia de imersão parece afetar a potência de membros inferiores e auxiliar na recuperação da força isométrica quando comparada a recuperação passiva.

The generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) syndrome is a condition characterized by a connective tissue disorder that may negatively affect the muscle function and muscle balance in the lower limbs. The aim of study was to compare isometric and dynamic maximal strength, total work, active optimum angle, electromyographic activity strategy, and the muscle imbalance of the knee extensors and flexors using the hamstrings/quadriceps ratio (H:Q) in individuals with GJH and without GJH (NGJH). Forty healthy untrained men and women (20 with GJH and 20 without GHJ) participated in the study. Dynamic, isometric (30° and 60°) peak torque, total work, active optimum angle, and agonist and antagonist muscle activation of knee extensors and flexors were obtained. The conventional and functional H:Q ratio were calculated using peak torque, rate of torque development, muscle activation, and total work. The dynamic and isometric peak torque, total work, active optimum angle, and agonist and antagonist muscle activation were not different between GJH and NGJH (p > 0.05). Conventional and functional H:Q ratios calculated using the different neuromuscular parameters were considered below the normative values for both groups, with no difference between groups (p > 0.05). The lack of difference between groups suggests that hypermobility does not have a greater influence on maximal strength and in underlying mechanisms related to knee extensors and flexors muscle activation and muscle balance in the knee joint.

Background A systematic review and network meta-analysis was undertaken to examine the effectiveness of different modes of resistance exercise velocity in fast walking speed, timed-up and go, 5-times sit-to-stand, 30-second sit-to-stand, and 6-minute walking tests in older adults. Methods CINAHL, Embase, LILACS, PubMed, Scielo, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases were searched up to February 2022. Eligible randomized trials examined the effects of supervised high-velocity or traditional resistance exercise in older adults (ie, ≥60 years). The primary outcome for this review was physical function measured by fast walking speed, timed-up and go, 5-times sit-to-stand, 30-second sit-to-stand, and 6-minute walking tests, while maximal muscle power and muscle strength were secondary. A random-effects network meta-analysis was undertaken to examine the effects of different resistance exercise interventions. Results Eighty articles describing 79 trials (n = 3 575) were included. High-velocity resistance exercise was the most effective for improving fast walking speed (standardized mean difference [SMD] −0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.00 to 0.87), timed-up and go (SMD −0.76, 95% CI: −1.05 to −0.47), and 5-times sit-to-stand (SMD −0.74, 95% CI: −1.20 to −0.27), while traditional resistance exercise was the most effective for 30-second sit-to-stand (SMD 1.01, 95% CI: 0.68 to 1.34) and 6-minute walking (SMD 0.68, 95% CI: 0.34 to 1.03). Conclusion Our study provides evidence that resistance exercise velocity effects are specific in older adults, as evidenced by physical function test dependence. We suggest that prescriptions based on the velocity of contraction should be individualized to address the specific functional needs of participants.

The aim of the study was to examine the changes in the rate of torque development (RTD) as indirect marker of muscle damage following a knee flexion exercise-induced muscle damage protocol in healthy individuals. Ten participants (24.8 ± 5.3 years) performed 60 maximal knee flexion eccentric contractions and were evaluated before 0, 24, 48, and 72 h after exercise protocol for maximal isometric and concentric isokinetic strength, optimum angle, RTD, muscle soreness, range of motion (ROM) and biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscle thickness (MT), and echo intensity (EI). RTD was analyzed at 0–50 ms (RTD0–50), 0–100 ms (RTD0–100), 100–200 ms (RTD100–200) windowing, and peak RTD (RTDpeak). RTD0–50 was decreased (p

Background: The effect of 10 × 30 m repeated sprints on passive and active stiffness of semitendinosus (ST) and biceps femoris long head (BFlh), and knee flexor maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and rate of force development (RFD), and whether athletes with previous hamstring injury have a different response, is unknown. Hypothesis: Repeated sprints would (1) increase BFlh stiffness and decrease ST stiffness and knee flexors MVIC and RFD in healthy participants; and (2) greater magnitude of response would be seen in athletes with previous hamstring injury. Study Design: Case series (experiment I) and case control (experiment II) study designs. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Healthy nonathletes attended 2 replicated sessions (experiment I, n = 18), while soccer players with (n = 38) and without (n = 67) previous hamstring injury attended 1 testing session (experiment II). Results: In both experiments, the knee flexors MVIC and RFD decreased after the sprints ( P < 0.05). In experiment I, the ST and BFlh passive stiffness reduced after the sprints ( P < 0.02), while a small BFlh active stiffness increase was noted ( P = 0.02); however, no correlation was observed between the 2 testing sessions for the postsprint muscle stiffness responses ( r = -0.07-0.44; P > 0.07). In experiment II, only an ST passive stiffness reduction was observed after the sprints ( P < 0.01). No differences were noted between injured and noninjured lower limbs for any variable ( P > 0.10). Conclusion: Repeated sprints are likely to decrease the knee flexor’s maximal and rapid strength, and to alter the hamstring stiffness in the nonathlete population. Previous hamstring injury does not apparently affect the footballer’s hamstring functional and mechanical responses to repeated sprints. Clinical Relevance: The responses of hamstring stiffness and knee flexor strength to repeated sprints are unlikely to be associated with hamstring injury.

Strength training is performed using multi-joint (MJ) or single-joint (SJ) exercises; however, it is not clear whether different time of recovery is necessary between the two types of exercise. The aim of the present study was to compare the time course of recovery of indirect markers of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in the elbow flexors after performing MJ and SJ exercises. Twenty-four (n = 24) untrained men were randomized in to the MJ (n = 12) or SJ group (n = 12). Exercise protocol to induce muscle damage consisted of four sets of ten repetitions at 80% of one repetition maximum (1RM) in front pull-down (MJ exercise) or biceps curl (SJ exercise). Maximal voluntary isometric contraction, muscle soreness during elbow extension, ultrasound imaging (muscle thickness and echo intensity) and creatine kinase (CK) were measured before and up to 96 h after exercise. Significant effect of time (p

An increase in blood pressure (BP) occurs during resistance exercise; attention to this response may be necessary in older individuals with hypertension. We compared the BP responses following high- (HSRE) and moderate-speed resistance exercise (MSRE) (4 × 8 repetitions at 60% one-repetition maximum) and control protocol in 15 older adults with hypertension. HSRE and MSRE increased systolic BP (SBP) by the end of each set compared with preexercise and control protocol. Immediately after the fourth set, a higher SBP was observed in MSRE than HSRE (147 ± 14 vs. 141 ± 12 mmHg; p = .01). Taking an exploratory analysis of the individual response, we observed that MSRE resulted in greater mean changes and number of SBP exposures to values ≥150 mmHg (22-fold) than HSRE (10-fold). Diastolic BP increased (p p

Background: Sleep, nutrition, active recovery, cold-water immersion, and massage were recently reported as the most used postmatch recovery methods in professional football. However, the recommendations concerning the effect of these methods remain unclear. Purpose: To systematically review the literature regarding the effectiveness of the most common recovery methods applied to male and female football players (or other team sports) 72 hours postmatches and to provide graded recommendations for their use. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was performed, and the level of evidence of randomized and nonrandomized studies was classified as 1 or 2, respectively, with additional ++, +, and − classification according to the quality of the study and risk of bias. Graded recommendations were provided regarding the effectiveness of recovery methods for physical, physiological, and perceptive variables. Results: From the 3472 articles identified, 39 met the inclusion criteria for analysis. The studies’ levels of evidence varied among methods (sleep: 2+ to 1++; nutrition: 2− to 1+; cold-water immersion: 2− to 1++; active recovery: 2− to 1+; and massage: 1− to 1+). Different graded recommendations were attributed, and none of them favored the effective use of recovery methods for physiological and physical parameters, whereas massage and cold-water immersion were recommended as beneficial for perceptive variables. Conclusions: Cold-water immersion and massage can be recommended to recover up to 72 hours postmatch at a perceptive level. However, there is a current need for high-quality research that identifies effective recovery strategies that enhance recovery at the physical and physiological levels.

Science & Sports - Sous presse. Epreuves corrigees par l'auteur. Disponible en ligne depuis le vendredi 25 octobre 2019

Background Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is one of the most devastating injuries that has a physical impact on patients. The CHORDATA® method involves suspension and pendulous exercises and has been clinically used to treat patients with TSCI. Although empirically used to treat neurological patients, there is no scientific evidence of the efficacy of this method. Purpose To evaluate the chronic effects of CHORDATA® method on torque, muscle activation, muscle thickness, and functionality in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury. Methods Twenty-six male patients with medullar thoracic injury were randomly categorised into two groups: intervention group (n = 14) and control group (n = 12). Rehabilitation program comprised of 16 sessions of body suspension and pendulum exercises (twice/week). The maximal voluntary isometric trunk flexion and extension torques, muscle activation and thickness (external and internal oblique, rectus and transversus abdominis, longissimus, and multifidus muscles), and functionality (adapted reach test) were evaluated before and after of rehabilitation program. Findings A significant increase was observed in maximal voluntary isometric torque (flexion, 58%; extension, 76%), muscle activation of the rectus abdominis muscle, and muscle thickness of all intervention group muscles, without changes in the control group. Compared to the pre-intervention period, the intervention group also showed improvement in functionality at post-intervention, but no such differences were noted in the control group. Interpretation The corporal suspension and pendulum exercises training improved rectus abdominis muscle activation, trunk muscles structure and strength, and reaching capacity in medullar thoracic injury patients.

To evaluate the effects of supplementing protein to the low-protein containing meals on selected parameters of muscle mass, strength, and functional capacity in older individuals undergoing resistance training.Thirty-one male and female older individuals (60 to 80 years) were randomized into either a whey protein/WP (n = 15, 20 g at breakfast + 20 g at dinner) or placebo-maltodextrin/PL (n = 16, 20 g at breakfast + 20 g at dinner) group. Both groups underwent a supervised, progressive resistance training (2×/week) program for 12 weeks. Maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) of knee extensors, muscle thickness (MT) of knee extensors and elbow flexors, rectus femoris muscle quality (MQ), body composition (as measured by DXA) and functional capacity [as measured by 30-s sit-to-stand (30ss) and timed-up-and-go tests (TUG)] were evaluated at baseline and after the 12-week intervention.Knee extensor MIVC (WP ∆ = 11.9 ± 11.4% and PL ∆ = 12.9 ± 9.9%) was significantly increased over time, with no between-group differences (all p 0.05 for main effect of time). Upper- and lower-limb MT were significantly increased over time, with no effect of supplementation (WP: ∆ = 7.0 ± 7.3%, PL: ∆ = 9.5 ± 10.3%; and WP: ∆ = 4.5 ± 5.8%, PL: ∆ = 14.7 ± 28.9%, respectively; all p = 0.001 for main effect of time, respectively). Total and upper-limb lean mass were significantly increased, irrespective of the dietary intervention (WP: ∆ = 0.2 ± 6.3%, PL: ∆ = 1.8 ± 2.9%; and WP: ∆ = 0.10 ± 0.03%, PL: ∆ = 0.15 ± 0.02%, respectively; all p 0.05 for main effect of time). Main effects of time (all p 0.05) were also found for 30SS and TUG (fast and usual speeds) (WP: ∆ = 18.2 ± 34.4%, PL: ∆ = 10.4 ± 16.9%; WP: ∆ = 5.4 ± 6.7%, PL: ∆ = 0.7 ± 6.0% and WP: ∆ = 3.3 ± 6.1%, PL: ∆ = 2.3 ± 5.2%, respectively).Supplementing additional whey protein to the lowest-protein containing meals (i.e., ~20 g at breakfast and ~20 g at dinner, daily) did not further augment resistance training-induced neuromuscular adaptations (i.e. muscle strength and mass) in healthy older individuals.

This study aimed to analyze the effect of resistance training (RT) performed until volitional failure with low, moderate, and high loads on muscle hypertrophy and muscle strength in healthy adults and to assess the possible participant-, design-, and training-related covariates that may affect the adaptations.Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases were searched. Including only studies that performed sets to volitional failure, the effects of low- (15 repetitions maximum (RM)), moderate- (9-15 RM), and high-load (≤8 RM) RTs were examined in healthy adults. Network meta-analysis was undertaken to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) between RT loads in overall and subgroup analyses involving studies deemed of high quality. Associations between participant-, design-, and training-related covariates with SMD were assessed by univariate and multivariate network meta-regression analyses.Twenty-eight studies involving 747 healthy adults were included. Although no differences in muscle hypertrophy between RT loads were found in overall (P = 0.113-0.469) or subgroup analysis (P = 0.871-0.995), greater effects were observed in untrained participants (P = 0.033) and participants with some training background who undertook more RT sessions (P = 0.031-0.045). Muscle strength improvement was superior for both high-load and moderate-load compared with low-load RT in overall and subgroup analysis (SMD, 0.60-0.63 and 0.34-0.35, respectively; P0.001-0.003), with a nonsignificant but superior effect for high compared with moderate load (SMD, 0.26-0.28, P = 0.068).Although muscle hypertrophy improvements seem to be load independent, increases in muscle strength are superior in high-load RT programs. Untrained participants exhibit greater muscle hypertrophy, whereas undertaking more RT sessions provides superior gains in those with previous training experience.

PURPOSE This study aimed to analyze the effect of resistance training (RT) performed until volitional failure with low, moderate, and high loads on muscle hypertrophy and muscle strength in healthy adults and to assess the possible participant-, design-, and training-related covariates that may affect the adaptations. METHODS Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases were searched. Including only studies that performed sets to volitional failure, the effects of low- (>15 repetitions maximum (RM)), moderate- (9-15 RM), and high-load (≤8 RM) RTs were examined in healthy adults. Network meta-analysis was undertaken to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) between RT loads in overall and subgroup analyses involving studies deemed of high quality. Associations between participant-, design-, and training-related covariates with SMD were assessed by univariate and multivariate network meta-regression analyses. RESULTS Twenty-eight studies involving 747 healthy adults were included. Although no differences in muscle hypertrophy between RT loads were found in overall (P = 0.113-0.469) or subgroup analysis (P = 0.871-0.995), greater effects were observed in untrained participants (P = 0.033) and participants with some training background who undertook more RT sessions (P = 0.031-0.045). Muscle strength improvement was superior for both high-load and moderate-load compared with low-load RT in overall and subgroup analysis (SMD, 0.60-0.63 and 0.34-0.35, respectively; P < 0.001-0.003), with a nonsignificant but superior effect for high compared with moderate load (SMD, 0.26-0.28, P = 0.068). CONCLUSIONS Although muscle hypertrophy improvements seem to be load independent, increases in muscle strength are superior in high-load RT programs. Untrained participants exhibit greater muscle hypertrophy, whereas undertaking more RT sessions provides superior gains in those with previous training experience.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 12 weeks of muscle power training using one- and three-sets on neuromuscular adaptations in elderly women. Twenty six healthy elderly women were randomly assigned into two groups: one-set (n = 13) and three-sets (n = 13). Maximal dynamic and isometric strength, rapid force assessed as absolute and normalized rate of force development (RTD) and contractile impulse during unilateral leg knee extension at 0-50 and 0-200 ms, overall quadriceps muscle thickness, muscle power during a countermovement jump (CMJ), and functional performance using time-up-and-go and the timed stair climb tests were evaluated before and after training. After 12 weeks, one-set and three-sets groups exhibited significant (p ≤ 0.05) and comparable increases in dynamic and isometric strength, absolute RTD and contractile impulse at 0-50 and at 0-200 ms and in the performance of both functional tests. No significant differences between groups were evident for any measured parameters (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the normalized RTD did not increase for any group (p > 0.05). Over 12 weeks, the muscle power training performing one- or three-sets induced alike improvements in muscle function, mass and functionally. These evidences suggest that a low training volume is able to induce significant improvements in age-related neuromuscular changes.

Adaptations to 6 weeks of supervised hamstring stretching training and its potential impact on symptoms of eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) were studied in 10 young, untrained men with limited hamstrings flexibility. Participants performed unilateral flexibility training (experimental leg; EL) on an isokinetic dynamometer, while the contralateral limb acted as control (CL). Hip range of motion (ROM), passive, isometric, and concentric torques, active optimum angle, and biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscle thickness and ultrasound echo intensity were assessed both before and after the training. Additionally, muscle soreness was assessed before and after an acute eccentric exercise bout in both legs (EL and CL) at post-training only. Hip ROM increased (P .001) only in EL after the training (EL = 10.6° vs CL = 1.6°), but no changes (P .05) in other criterion measurements were observed. After a bout of eccentric exercise at the end of the program, isometric and dynamic peak torques and muscle soreness ratings were significantly altered at all time points equally in EL and CL. Also, active optimum angle was reduced immediately, 48 and 72 hours post-exercise, and hip ROM was reduced at 48 and 72 hours equally in EL and CL. Finally, biceps femoris muscle thickness was significantly increased at all time points, and semitendinosus thickness and echo intensity significantly increased at 72 hours, with no significant differences between legs. The stretching training protocol significantly increased hip ROM; however, it did not induce a protective effect on EIMD in men with tight hamstrings.

Background Standing from a chair is a fundamental activity of daily living, and it can be applied to assess the physical function, especially in older individuals. Aim The aim of this study was to elucidate the characteristics of mechanical and temporal parameters during chair stand based on the relationship with skeletal muscle and physical functional parameters in older men and women. Methods Eighty older men and women participated in this study. We measured four parameters of chair stand performance: ground reaction force (GRF), rate of force development (RFD), and chair rise time (CRT) were calculated from the foot-floor force data; sit-to-stand (STS) was also assessed by measuring the time needed to complete 10 chair stand repetitions. The muscle thickness (MT) and echo intensity, as indexes of muscle size and quality, respectively, were measured using axial B-mode ultrasound images from quadriceps femoris. The gait speed and handgrip strength were measured as physical functional parameters. Results Partial correlation was used to determine the association of chair stand performance with MT, echo intensity, and physical parameters while considering the height, body mass, and age. GRF, RFD, and STS were significantly correlated with MT (r = 0.35, 0.26, and -0.49), gait speed (r = 0.32, 0.31, and -0.67), and handgrip strength (r = 0.57, 0.59, and -0.49). As the result of regression analysis, MT, gait speed, and handgrip strength were estimated by GRF and STS. Conclusion These results suggest that chair stand performance is useful as it reflects the muscle size and physical functions in older individuals.

Brentano, MA, Umpierre, D, Santos, LP, Lopes, AL, Radaelli, R, Pinto, RS, and Kruel, LFM. Muscle damage and muscle activity induced by strength training super-sets in physically active men. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1847-1858, 2017-In strength training, muscle activity is often analyzed by surface electromyography (EMG) and muscle damage through indirect markers, such as plasma concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) after exercise. However, there is little information about the influence of the strength exercises order on these parameters. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of strength exercises order (super-sets) in muscle activity and indirect markers of muscle damage. Twenty men were randomly assigned to one of the strength training sessions (TS). Each TS (5 sets × 8-10 repetition maximum) consisted of 2 exercises for the knee extensor muscles and 2 exercises for the horizontal shoulder flexors performed in a different order: exercises for the same muscle group grouped (grouped exercises [GE]: n = 10; 26.6 ± 3.4 years; 17.4 ± 3.4 body fat) or separated (separated exercises [SE]: n = 10; 24.9 ± 2.6 years; 15.4 ± 5.9 body fat). Muscle activity was analyzed by surface EMG (vastus lateralis [VL], vastus medialis [VM], rectus femoris [RF], pectoralis major [PM], and anterior deltoid [AD]), and the main indirect marker of muscle damage was the CK, evaluated immediately before and after the first 5 days of each TS. There was a higher EMG activity of GE in the RF (GE: 88.4% × SE: 73.6%) and AD (GE: 176.4% × SE: 100.0%), in addition to greater concentration of CK (GE: 632.4% × SE: 330.5%) after exercise. Our findings suggest that, in physically active men, implementing super-sets with GE promotes greater muscle effort and muscle damage, wherein 5 days are not enough to recover the trained muscle groups.

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of local cryotherapy on the recovery from symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) on biceps brachii. Nineteen untrained women performed an eccentric protocol of damage induction (2 sets of 10 repetitions) in both arms after the baseline data collection. The cryotherapy was applied for 20 min, twice per day, for 4 days following the eccentric exercise. Randomly, one of the subject’s arms was assigned as intervention, and received cryotherapy, the opposite arm served as control. As muscle damage indirect markers, we collected muscle thickness, and echo intensity, delayed onset muscle soreness, and peak torque at baseline (PRE), and at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. Muscle thickness at PRE was significantly lower than all time points in both experimental and control arms. Echo intensity at PRE was significantly lower than 24, 48, and 72 h in the experimental arm, and significantly lower than all time points in the control arm. Muscle soreness assessed by flexion–extension, and by self-palpation of both the experimental and the control arms significantly increased compared to the PRE value at 24, 48, and 72 h. Peak Torque of both experimental and control arm was significantly lower than all time points after EIMD. None of the muscle damage indirect markers showed any significant difference between arms at any moment (p > 0.05). The results demonstrated that the protocol of cryotherapy utilized in the present study was not effective in enhancing the recovery from EIMD in untrained women.

Muscle quality is well-known to decrease with aging and is a risk factor for metabolic abnormalities. However, there is a lack of information on race-associated differences in muscle quality and other neuromuscular features related to functional performance. This study aimed to compare muscle quality, function, and morphological characteristics in Japanese and Brazilian older individuals. Eighty-four participants aged 65–87 years were enrolled in the study (42 Japanese: 23 men, 19 women, mean age 70.4 years; 42 Brazilians: 23 men, 19 women, mean age 70.8 years). Echo intensity (EI) and muscle thickness (MT) of the quadriceps femoris were measured using B-mode ultrasonography. A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis with EI as a dependent variable revealed that MT was a significant variable for Japanese participants (R2 = 0.424, P = 0.001), while MT and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT) thickness were significant variables for Brazilian participants (R2 = 0.490, P = 0.001). A second stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed after excluding MT and SCAT thickness from the independent variables. Sex and age for Japanese participants (R2 = 0.381, P = 0.001) and lean body mass and body mass index for Brazilian participants (R2 = 0.385, P = 0.001) were identified as significant independent variables. The present results suggest that MT is closely correlated with muscle quality in Japanese and Brazilian older individuals. Increases in muscle size may induce decreases in intramuscular adipose tissue and/or connective tissues, which are beneficial for reducing the risks of metabolic impairments in Japanese and Brazilian older individuals.

PURPOSE: There is a lack of information on the effects of power training (PT) as an alternative to traditional strength training (TST) during concurrent training (CT) in older individuals. This study aimed to verify the neuromuscular adaptations that occurred following 16-week interventions with two CT models in older men: high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with either TST or PT.METHODS: Thirty-five older men (65.8 ± 3.9 years) were randomly assigned into one of two training groups CTS: TST + HIIT (n = 18) or CTP: PT + HIIT (n = 17). CTS performed resistance training at intensities ranging from 65 to 80% of 1 RM at slow controlled speed, whereas CTP trained at intensities ranging from 40 to 60% of 1 RM at maximal intentional speed. Lower body one-repetition maximum (1 RM), isometric rate of force development (RFD), countermovement jump (CMJ) muscle power output, quadriceps femoris muscles thickness (QF MT), and peak oxygen uptake (VO 2peak) were assessed before training and after 8 and 16 weeks of CT. RESULTS: Groups improved similarly in all primary outcomes (P CONCLUSION: CT models were effective for improving maximal and explosive force (1 RM, RFD, and CMJ power), QF MT, and VO 2peak. Moreover, despite that using lower loading intensities, PT induced similar adaptations to those of TST.

Introduction The aim of this study was to examine the associations between quadriceps muscle functionality features in nonactive older men to determine predictors of functional performance. Methods Quadriceps functional parameters, including quadriceps echo intensity (QEI), rate of torque development (RTD), and the 30 s sit-to-stand test (30SS), were assessed in 50 healthy sedentary older men (66 ± 5.4 years). RTD/QEI ratios were also calculated to identify the best predictor of functional performance. Results 30SS performance was associated with RTD, muscle thickness, RTD-50/QEI, RTD-100/QEI, RTD-50/QEI/WBM, and RTD-100/QEI/WBM. A multiple stepwise linear regression demonstrated that QEI was the best single predictor of functional performance, explaining ∼30% of the 30SS variance. Conclusions These results indicate that QEI was the strongest contributor to functionality of nonactive older men, suggesting that QEI may be an alternative tool for screening of muscle impairment that leads to decreased functional performance in this population. Muscle Nerve 55: 9-15, 2017.

This study investigated the effects of concurrent training performed either with repetitions to failure or not to failure in muscle power, muscle quality (MQ), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), and visceral fat in older men. This is an ancillary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. 36 older men (mean age ± SD; 67.1 ± 5.1 years) were randomized into three groups: one performing repetitions to failure (RFG, n = 13), another performing repetitions not to failure and 50% of the repetitions of the RFG (NFG, n = 12), and third performing repetitions not to failure with equal training volume of the RFG (ENFG, n = 11). The training was performed twice a week for 20 weeks at intensities ranging from 65 to 80% of maximal strength. In each session, the individuals started with strengthening exercises and then performed aerobic exercise (i.e., walking) on a treadmill. The primary endpoint was change from baseline to post-20 wk of absolute and relative muscle power output during squat and countermovement jump, ultrasound measurements for MQ using quadriceps echo intensity, and visceral fat thickness, as well as their VO2peak through a maximal incremental test on a treadmill. All training groups improved similarly and significantly jump height (ranging from 9 to 16%) and all their muscle power outcomes (mean change ranging from 2 to 7%) (P

The study investigated the effects of different intrasession exercise sequences on the cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular adaptations induced by water-based concurrent training in young subjects. Twenty-six healthy young women (25.1 ± 2.9 years) were placed into 2 water-based concurrent training groups: resistance before (RA, n = 13) or after (AR, n = 13) aerobic training. Subjects trained resistance and aerobic training during 12 weeks, 2 times per week performing both exercise types in the same training session. Peak oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak), rate of force development (RFD) obtained during an isometric peak torque knee extension protocol, jump height, and neuromuscular economy (normalized electromyography at 80% of pretraining knee extension isometric peak torque) in young women were determined. After training, there was a significant increase (p < 0.001) in both RA and AR in the V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak, with no differences between groups (7 vs. 5%). The maximal isometric knee extension RFD showed significant increases (p = 0.003) after training (RA: 19 vs. AR: 30%), and both groups presented similar gains. In addition, the countermovement jump height also increased (p = 0.034) after training (RA: 5% vs. AR: 6%), with no difference between groups. After training, there were significant improvements on vastus lateralis (p < 0.001) (RA: -13% vs. AR: -20%) and rectus femoris (p = 0.025) (RA: -17% vs. AR: -7%) neuromuscular economy, with no difference between groups. In conclusion, 12 weeks of water-based concurrent training improved the peak oxygen uptake, RFD, jump height, and neuromuscular economy in young women independent from the intrasession exercise sequence.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 11 weeks of low-volume resistance training (LVRT) and high-volume resistance training (HVRT) on muscle strength, muscle thickness (MT), and postprandial lipaemia (PPL) in postmenopausal women. Thirty-six healthy and untrained postmenopausal women (age, 58.9 ± 5.8 years; 68.6 ± 10.3 kg; and BMI, 26.9 ± 4.8 kg · m(-2)) participated in resistance training 3× per week for 11 weeks (HVRT = 12; LVRT = 13; and control group = 11). Biochemical variables, both pretraining and post-training, were evaluated 16 h after the administration of an oral fat tolerance test (OFTT) and metabolic variable during [energy expenditure (EE)] and after training session [excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC)]. Muscle strength (1 RM) and MT were also calculated, and no significant differences were observed between the groups for PPL (mmol · L(-1) per 5 h) as measured by glucose, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol. EE total (EE + EPOC; 6.12 ± 1.21 MJ vs. 2.26 ± 0.85 MJ), resting fat oxidation (5.52 ± 1.69 g · h(-1) vs. 4.11 ± 1.12 g · h(-1)); MT (vastus medialis, 21.4 ± 1.8 mm vs. 18.4 ± 1.2 mm and vastus lateralis 22.3 ± 1.2 mm vs. 20.8 ± 1.3 mm); triacylglycerol (TAG) 0, 1, 2, 4; and 5 h after OFTT, TAG area under the curve (AUC) (5.79 ± 0.42 vs. 7.78 ± 0.68), and incremental AUC (-46.21 ± 14.42% vs. 7.78 ± 4.68%) were all significantly different post-training for HVRT versus LVRT, respectively (P < 0.05). The results of this investigation suggest that HVRT reduces PPL in postmenopausal women.

In this meta-analysis, we investigated the effect of resistance training (RT) alone or included in a multimodal training on physical frailty outcomes, and whether different variables of RT prescription affect these outcomes. We identified 15 relevant studies searching through MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, SPORTDiscus, and PEDro database. Postintervention standardized mean difference scores were computed and combined using fixed effects meta-analysis. Analyses have shown positive effects of interventions on maximum strength, gait speed, and Timed Up and Go test. Further analyses have shown significant greater effect of shorter periods on maximum strength. Regarding RT prescription, percentage of one-repetition maximum showed significant effect on physical variables, whereas RT based on rate of perceived effort presented lower effect in the Timed Up and Go test. Although multimodal training is an effective intervention to increase physical capacity, caution should be taken regarding the period and the method to control RT intensity to optimize enhancements in frail older people.

Exercise is one of the most important components in frailty prevention and treatment. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the effect of resistance training (RT) alone or combined with multimodal exercise intervention on muscle hypertrophy, maximal strength, power output, functional performance, and falls incidence in physically frail elderly. MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, PEDro, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched from 2005 to 2017. Studies must have mentioned the effects of RT (i.e., included or not in multimodal training) on at least one of the following parameters: muscle mass, muscle strength, muscle power, functional capacity, and risk of falls in frail elderly. The initial search identified 371 studies and 16 were used for qualitative analysis for describing the effect of strength training performed alone or in a multimodal exercise intervention. We observed that RT alone or in a multimodal training may induce increases of 6.6–37% in maximal strength; 3.4–7.5% in muscle mass, 8.2% in muscle power, 4.7–58.1% in functional capacity and risk of falls, although some studies did not show enhancements. Frequency of 1–6 sessions per week, training volume of 1–3 sets of 6–15 repetitions and intensity of 30–70%1-RM promoted significant enhancements on muscle strength, muscle power, and functional outcomes. Therefore, in agreement with previous studies, we suggest that supervised and controlled RT represents an effective intervention in frailty treatment.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether 12 weeks of leg press strength training exercise could affect the conventional and functional hamstring:quadriceps ratios in the elderly. Twelve elderly participants were submitted to a 12 week progressive training protocol (two sessions/week) using a 45° leg press exercise. A significant increase in the one repetition maximum was observed after 4, 8, and 12 weeks (p = 0.001, p 0.001, and p 0.001, respectively) compared to week 0 and after 8 (p = 0.011) and 12 weeks (p = 0.001) compared to week 4. The concentric knee extensor peak torque was significantly higher at weeks 8 (p = 0.001) and 12 (p = 0.024) compared to week 0. There was no change in the concentric and eccentric knee flexor peak torques (p = 0.629 and 0.274, respectively) and conventional ratio (p 0.314) after 12 weeks of training. The functional ratio (eccentric knee flexor peak torque:concentric knee extensor peak torque) reduced significantly after 8 (p = 0.034) and 12 (p = 0.036) weeks of strength training. Although the 45° leg press exercise requires knee extensor and flexor, hip extensor, and plantar flexor muscle strength, our findings suggest that the isolated use of the 45° leg press exercise reduces the knee functional ratio after 8 weeks of training. Therefore, 45° leg press exercise alone, without a hamstring exercise, should not be recommended for elderly individuals.

Concurrent training is an effective method for increasing skeletal muscle performance in aging individuals, but controversy exists as to whether chronic neuromuscular and functional adaptations are affected by the intra-session exercise sequence. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of concurrent endurance and power-like strength training exercise sequence on muscular and functional adaptations of older participants. Thirty-six healthy older men not engaged in systematic exercise training programs for at least 6 months were divided into a control group (CON; 65.8±5.3 years), or in the training groups: endurance-strength (ES; 63.2±3.3 years), or strength-endurance (SE; 67.1±6.1 years). Training groups underwent 12 weeks of concurrent endurance and power-like strength training, starting every exercise session with either endurance (in ES) or strength (in SE) exercises. Measurements included knee extension one repetition maximum (1RM), knee extension power, 30 second sit-to-stand test (30SS), maximum vastus lateralis surface electromyographic activity, and rectus femoris echo intensity (RFEI). Significant increases in maximal strength (ES +18±11.3%; SE +14.2±6.0%; p≤0.05), peak power (ES +22.2±19.4%; SE +26.3±31.3%; p≤0.05), and 30SS performance (ES +15.2±7.2%; SE +13.2±11.8%; p≤0.05) were observed only in the training groups, with no differences between ES and SE. Maximum muscular activity was greater after 12weeks at training groups (p≤0.05), and reductions in RFEI were found only in ES and SE (p≤0.05). These results demonstrate that concurrent strength and endurance training performed twice a week effectively increases muscular performance and functional capacity in older men, independent of the intra-session exercise sequence. Additionally, the RFEI decreases indicate an additional adaptation to concurrent training.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The extent to which moderate intensity running or cycling impact subsequent maximal neuromuscular performance is unclear. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of moderate intensity and volume running and cycling on maximal and explosive muscle strength. METHODS: Ten young physically active men were recruited and had their knee extension isometric peak torque, rate of torque development (RTD), and counter movement jump height measured at a baseline reference condition (REF) and after moderate intensity 30 min running (RUN) or cycling (CYC). Electromyographic activity of the quadriceps muscles was obtained during the isometric tests. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between conditions for isometric peak torque ( p> 0.05), RTD ( p> 0.05), countermovement jump ( p> 0.05), and the electromyographic amplitude ( p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present data indicate that maximal and explosive lower limb muscle strength is not compromised after 30 minutes of moderate intensity continuous exercise, independent of the mode of the exercise performed.

Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, BrazilAccepted 4 October 2013ABSTRACT: Introduction: In this study we examined oxidativestress and skeletal muscle damage resulting from acutestrength, aerobic, or concurrent exercise in rats. Methods: Theanimals were divided into control (C), strength (SE), aerobic(AE), and combined (CE) exercise groups. They were eutha-nized at 3 different time-points (6, 24, and 48 h) after acuteexercise. Results: SE exercise rats had increased dichlorofluor-escein oxidation at 6 h post-exercise and decreased superoxidedismutase activity at all time-points. Glutathione peroxidaseactivity and sulfhydryl levels were increased in the AE group at48 h post-exercise. Serum lactate dehydrogenase activity wasincreased in the SE and CE groups at 24 h and in the AEgroup at 48 h. Echo intensity was elevated at 24 h for allgroups. Conclusions: Forty-eight hours was sufficient for com-plete recovery from oxidative stress and muscle damage in theSE and CE groups, but not in the AE group.

The present study compared the effects of 12 weeks of muscle power training performing one or three sets on muscle quality assessed by echo intensity (MQEI) and index (MQindex), muscle power-related outcomes, and functional capacity in older women. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: 1SET (n = 13) and 3SET (n = 13). Lower limb muscle power and vertical jump height were measured during a countermovement jump, maximal rate of torque development (MRTD), and root mean square (RMS) of electromyography signals and rate of rise (RER) of quadriceps maximal electromyography activation during unilateral knee extension at 0–50 and 0–200 ms, MQEI, MQindex (absolute muscle power/MQEI, and MRTD/MQEI) and functionally in both groups using timed-up-and-go were evaluated before and after training. There were significant and similar (p 0.05). In conclusion, similar neuromuscular adaptations and improvements in the functional performance occurred in both groups.

BACKGROUND: Contradictory results exist regarding sex-related differences following exercise-induced muscle damage and little is known concerning the follow-up of a traditional resistance exercise protocol. OBJECTIVE: To investigate sex differences-related time course of recovery following a traditional strength training protocol (4 sets at 80% of 1-RM). METHODS: Ten women and ten men participated in the study. Peak torque (PT), arm circumference (CIR), delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), muscle thickness (MT) and echo intensity (EI) were measured before (Pre), immediately post (0 hours), 24, 48, and 72 hours after. RESULTS:Men demonstrated significantly greater relative strength loss than women at 0 h (�26.8 ± 5.0% vs. �15.5 ± 12.4%; P< 0.05), with no significant difference at other time points. Men also experienced a larger increase of CIR ( p< 0.05) and MT ( p< 0.05) at 0 h compared to women, with no significant difference at other time points. At 72 h, men showed a significantly greater development of DOMS ( p< 0.05). EI revealed no sex differences. CONCLUSION: Following a traditional strength training protocol the recovery appears to be similar in untrained young women and men. Furthermore the next training session should not take place before a rest period of at least 72 h.

To assess effects of a short-term strength training (ST) program on muscle quality (MQ) and functional capacity, 36 sedentary elderly women (age = 66.0 ± 8 year, height = 159.1 ± 9.2 cm, body mass = 68.3 ± 12.1 kg, body fat = 37.0 ± 4.2 %) were randomly divided into an experimental group (EG; n = 19) or a control group (CG; n = 17). The EG performed two to three sets of 12–15 repeats of leg press, knee extension, and knee flexion exercises, 2 days/week for 6 weeks. Before and after training, lower body one repetition maximum (1RM), functional performance tests, quadriceps femoris muscle thickness (MT), and muscle quality (MQ) (1RM and quadriceps MT quotient) were assessed. After training, only the EG showed significant improvements in 1RM (p

The greater torque generation capacity of muscles when contracted alone than in combination with contralateral muscles, characterizes the bilateral limb deficit (BLD) phenomenon. Few studies have explored the BLD in dynamic movements, because isometric actions are considered ideal for evaluating strength. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare BLD between isometric and concentric actions of the knee extensors. Eleven healthy young men (age = 20.6 ± 1 yrs; weight = 71.4 ± 6.4 kg; height = 174.4 ± 7 cm) volunteered to participate. Initially, subjects visited the laboratory for familiarization with the test protocols. On two subsequent randomized days they performed a test protocol with either a unilateral (right and left limbs) or bilateral condition, with 48 h rest between. The test protocol was composed of five isokinetic concentric actions of the knee extensors at 60 ◦ /s and three isometric actions at a 60 ◦ angle of knee flexion. The greatest peak torque of the two conditions was used for analyses. Both muscle actions demonstrated greater values unilaterally ( p 0.05). Therefore, if muscle torque production is greater unilaterally, athletes and coaches may utilize unilateral exercises to increase training loads.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the applicability and predictive accuracy of an isoinertial resistance machine for the assessment of hamstring/quadriceps conventional (concentric) ratio (CR). METHOD: Thirty-two resistance trained young men (23.53 ± 3.2 yrs) were tested using dedicated instruments to obtain the peak torque (PT) of the right knee extensors and flexors as well as the corresponding one repetition maximum (1RM) values. All measurements were conducted in the concentric mode. RESULTS: Significant (p< 0.05) correlations were indicated between knee extensor and flexor PT and 1RM values (r=0.73 to 0.75), as well as between PT and 1RM CR values (r=0.65). However the isoinertial CR values (0.42 ± 0.05) were significantly (p< 0.05) greater than their isokinetic counterparts (0.36 ± 0.04). CONCLUSION: Caution should be used when comparing isoinertial CR with population-specific isokinetic normative scores.

Baroni, BM, Pompermayer, MG, Cini, A, Peruzzolo, AS, Radaelli, R, Brusco, CM, and Pinto, RS. Full range of motion induces greater muscle damage than partial range of motion in elbow flexion exercise with free weights. J Strength Cond Res 31(8): 2223-2230, 2017-Load and range of motion (ROM) applied in resistance training (RT) affect the muscle damage magnitude and the recovery time-course. Because exercises performed with partial ROM allow a higher load compared with those with full ROM, this study investigated the acute effect of a traditional RT exercise using full ROM or partial ROM on muscle damage markers. Fourteen healthy men performed 4 sets of 10 concentric-eccentric repetitions of unilateral elbow flexion on the Scott bench. Arms were randomly assigned to partial-ROM (50-100°) and full-ROM (0-130°) conditions, and load was determined as 80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) in the full- and partial-ROM tests. Muscle damage markers were assessed preexercise, immediately, and 24, 48, and 72 hours after exercise. Primary outcomes were peak torque, muscle soreness during palpation and elbow extension, arm circumference, and joint ROM. The load lifted in the partial-ROM condition (1RM = 19.1 ± 3.0 kg) was 40 ± 18% higher compared with the full-ROM condition (1RM = 13.7 ± 2.2 kg). Seventy-two hours after exercise, the full-ROM condition led to significant higher soreness sensation during elbow extension (1.3-4.1 cm vs. 1.0-1.9 cm) and smaller ROM values (97.5-106.1° vs. 103.6-115.7°). Peak torque, soreness from palpation, and arm circumference were statistically similar between conditions, although mean values in all time points of these outcomes have suggested more expressive muscle damage for the full-ROM condition. In conclusion, elbow flexion exercise with full ROM seems to induce greater muscle damage than partial-ROM exercises, even though higher absolute load was achieved with partial ROM.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the time course responses of strength, delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), muscle thickness (MT), circumference (CIRC), and ultrasonography echo intensity (EI) after a traditional hypertrophic isoinertial resistance training session in young women. Ten (22.0 ± 3.2 years) healthy, untrained volunteers participated in the study. The resistance exercise session consisted of 4 sets of 10 repetitions at 80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) of the dominant arm elbow flexors. Maximum isometric elbow flexion peak torque (PT) at 90°, MT, and EI were recorded for both arms at baseline (PRE), immediately after exercise (0 hours) and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after exercise. Comparisons were made using a 2 × 5 mixed factor analysis of variance. There was a significant (p0.05) loss in PT and increase in MT at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours. In contrast, EI increased only after 24, 48, and 72 hours, not at 0 hours. There were no significant changes in PT, DOMS, MT, and EI in the nondominant (control) arm after the exercise protocol. Our data suggest that after 4 sets of 80% of 1RM of unilateral elbow flexion resistance exercise, nonresistance trained women need72 hours to fully recover muscle strength, MT, CIRC, and EI. Furthermore, the EI appears to be a sensitive and reliable method to assess MD.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between echo intensity, neuromuscular and cardiorespiratory performances in the elderly. Thirty-one healthy elderly men (65.5±5.0) participated in this study. Echo intensity of rectus femoris and quadriceps femoris muscle thicknesses was determined by ultrasound images. Lower-body isometric and isokinetic peak torques (60, 180 and 360°(.s-1)), as well as rate of force development were evaluated as strength parameters. In addition, torque per unit of muscle mass was evaluated by the quotient between isometric peak torque of the knee extensors and the quadriceps femoris muscle thickness. The peak oxygen uptake (VO(2peak)), maximum aerobic workload (W(max)), absolute (VT(1) and VT(2)) ventilatory thresholds, as well as workloads at VT(1) and VT(2) (W(VT1) and W(VT2)) were evaluated during a maximal incremental test on a cycle ergometer. There were significant negative correlations between the individual values of echo intensity with the corresponding individual values of isometric and isokinetic peak torques (60, 180 and 360°(.s-1)) (r=-0.48 to r=-0.64; P

This study investigated the effects of different intra-session exercise sequences in the cardiovascular and neuromuscular adaptations induced by concurrent training in elderly. Twenty-six healthy elderly men (64.7±4.1years), were randomly placed into two concurrent training groups: strength training prior to (SE, n=13) or after (ES, n=13) endurance training. Subjects trained strength and endurance training 3 times per week performing both exercise types in the same training session. The peak oxygen uptake (VO(2peak)), maximum aerobic workload (W(max)), absolute (VT(1) and VT(2)) and relative (VT(1)% and VT(2)%) ventilatory thresholds, as well as workloads at VT(1) and VT(2) (W(VT1) and W(VT2)) were evaluated during a maximal incremental test on a cycle ergometer before and after the training. In addition, muscle quality (MQ) was evaluated by the quotient between maximal dynamic strength (one repetition maximum test) of the knee extensors and the quadriceps femoris muscle thickness determined by ultrasonography. There were no modifications after training in the VT(1), VT(2), VT(1)%, and VT(2)%. There was significant increase in the W(VT1) only in SE (P

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of two different positions of shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) on isokinetic concentric and eccentric peak torque as well as conventional and dynamic ratios. Nineteen athletes (Eigth judo and eleven tennis players), (20.3 ± 5.2 yrs) performed 5 maximal unilateral isokinetic concentric shoulder IR and ER repetitions at 60 � /s and 120 � /s. The subjects also performed 3 and 5 maximal eccentric shoulder ER repetitions at 60 � /s and 120 � /s respectively. The tests were performed in two seated positions: 1) with the shoulder abducted in the scapular plane, and 2) with the shoulder flexed in the saggital plane. S houlder dynamic control ratio (DCR) and conventional ratio were also assessed. The scapular plane position showed significa ntly (p < 0.05) greater peak torque (PT) values than the saggital plane position during concentric IR at both speeds. However, the saggital plane position PT values were significantly greater during concentric and eccentric ER in both speeds. Additionally, the DCR and the conventional ratio values were significantly g reater for the saggital plane shoulder position. These results sug gest that test position is an important control variable in i sokinetic shoulder IR and ER testing.

O objetivo geral deste estudo foi o de analisar os dados de pico de torque (PT) e índice de fadiga coletados em testes isocinéticos de atacantes (A), meias (M) e defesas (D), a fim de traçar um perfil destes atletas. A amostra foi constituída de 27 jogadores profissionais de futebol com média de idade de 26,55 ± 5,1 anos, divididos nos grupos A (seis), M (sete) e D (14). Os atletas foram submetidos a teste isocinético com cinco repetições máximas de flexão (concêntrica e excêntrica) e extensão (concêntrica) do joelho na velocidade de 60°/s e 30 repetições máximas de flexão e extensão (concêntricas) do joelho na velocidade de 300°/s. A partir dos dados coletados, foi observado que o grupo D apresentou valores significativamente mais elevados de PT concêntrico de flexores do lado dominante (LD) a 60°/s em comparação ao M (p = 0,05). No entanto, para as demais variáveis de PT e índice de fadiga não foram encontradas diferenças entre as posições. Com relação ao déficit bilateral (DB), os atletas apresentaram valores dentro da normalidade. Quanto às razões, foi observado que os jogadores encontravam-se dentro dos valores normativos para razão convencional, porém estavam abaixo dos valores normais para a razão funcional. Conclui-se que, apesar de desempenharem funções diferentes dentro do campo, isso não parece influenciar decisivamente a maioria das características neuromusculares dos membros inferiores nos atletas de futebol avaliados.The aim of this study was to analyze the data collected from the peak torque (PT) and the fatigue index in isokinetic tests from forwards (F), midfielders (M) and defenders (D) in order to draw a profile of these athletes. Twenty-seven elite male soccer players (mean age 26.55± 5.1 years) were tested, and divided in groups F (6), M (7) and D (14). They were submitted to an isokinetic test with five maximal repetitions of knee flexion (concentric and eccentric) and extension (concentric) at 60°/s and 30 maximal concentric repetitions (flexion and extension) at 300°/s. The collected data evidenced that group D showed significantly higher values of concentric flexors PT at 60 °/s on the dominant side (DS) compared to M (p = 0.05). However, for the other PT variables and fatigue index no differences were found between positions. Concerning bilateral deficit (BD), the athletes presented values within normality. Regarding ratios, it was observed that the players were within the normative values for conventional ratio, but were below the normal values for the functional ratio. We concluded that despite the different positions in the field the players have, this fact does not seem to dramatically influence on the majority of neuromuscular characteristics of lower limbs in the assessed soccer players.