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Objectives: To evaluate a postpartum telephone-based lifestyle intervention to prevent diabetes in high-risk women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)., Design: Multicentre parallel randomised clinical trial., Setting: Specialised antenatal clinics in the Brazilian National System., Methods: Lifestyle Intervention for Diabetes Prevention After Pregnancy compared (1:1) postpartum telephone support for lifestyle changes with conventional care in women with recent GDM at substantial risk for diabetes. Randomisation started on 28 March 2015 and ended on 13 March 2020, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We used Cox regression to estimate HRs for diabetes and analysis of covariance adjusted for follow-up time to assess weight change., Outcomes: The primary outcome was incident diabetes ascertained with blinded measurements of oral glucose tolerance tests. The secondary outcome was a change in measured weight., Results: We enrolled 5323 women with GDM, 2735 (51%) being at high risk. After invitations, baseline assessment and exclusions, we assigned 466 women to intervention (231) or control (235) groups. Attendance was satisfactory (≥7/20 phone sessions) in 75%. Over an average follow-up of 29.7 (15.6) months, 142 (30.5%) women progressed to diabetes, 75 (32%) in the control and 67 (29%) in the intervention group. There was no reduction in the incidence of diabetes (HR=0.84; 0.60-1.19) and only a non-significant 0.97 kg less weight gain (p=0.09). Among the 305 women randomised more than 1 year before the COVID-19 pandemic, the intervention did not reduce the incidence of diabetes (HR=0.71; 0.48-1.04) despite a 2.09 kg (p=0.002) lesser weight gain., Conclusion: The strategy to identify women with GDM at high risk proved valid, as women often gained weight and frequently developed diabetes. Over a 30-month follow-up, telephone support for lifestyle changes at postpartum did not reduce weight gain or diabetes incidence, although only 75% attended the minimum number of telephone sessions. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted trial conduction., Trial Registration Number: NCT02327286., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: The General Adaptation Syndrome and the supercompensation Model are concepts widely applied in exercise science. Considering that fat is essential for tissue and the main energy source during continuous moderate-intensity exercise (MICE), the hypothesis arises that this type of effort may pay off after a detraining period., Objective: This study aimed to investigate how different exercise models, followed by a period of detraining, affected adipose tissue cellularity in adult rats. Two specific models were examined: moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) and high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIT)., Materials and Methods: This is an experimental study in which rats were allocated into three groups: i) Continuous moderate-intensity exercise (MICE); ii) High-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIT); and iii) Control group (GC). Data were collected in three moments, namely: baseline values (T1), after which the animals exercised on a treadmill for eight weeks (T2) and then were followed up for four weeks after interruption of physical exercise (T3). For statistical analysis, a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed, with Tukey's post-hoc for the group (GC, MICE, or HIIT) and Bonferroni's for the moment (T1, T2 and T3)., Results: Regarding the periepididymal mass, GC showed an increase of 45% in T3 compared to T2. The HIIT and MICE groups had lower T3 values when compared to the CG. Comparing groups relative to the delta variation between T2 and T3 showed a difference in periepididymal mass (p = 0.012), with HIIT showing lower values than CG (p = 0.009). Analysis of the number of periepididymal adipocytes showed that HIIT (p < 0.001) and GC (p = 0.003) captured smaller numbers of cells than MICE., Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings demonstrated positive effects of both interventions (HIIT and MICE) in the control of periepididymal adipose tissue mass of adult rats after 4 weeks of exercise interruption, with less mass gain in HIIT. More adipocytes were observed in MICE compared to HIIT and GC. These results suggest that both exercise models helped control fat accumulation, even after detraining., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors certify no conflict of interest with any financial organization regarding the material discussed in the manuscript., (Copyright © 2024 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The primary aim of the present investigation was to compare the acute physiological and perceptual responses between two modes of interval training using a randomized crossover design. More specifically, eleven young adult participants (23 ± 4 years, 77 ± 13 kg, 178 ± 7 cm) performed two protocols: one composed of whole-body calisthenics exercises and another on a cycle ergometer. Both protocols encompassed eight 20 s bouts at intensities equivalent to all-out (HIIT-WB) and 170% of the maximal power output (HIIT-C), respectively, interspersed with 10 s of passive rest. The peak and average heart rate, the rating of perceived effort, and blood lactate, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase concentrations were measured. Aside from blood lactate (HIIT-WB = 9.4 ± 1.8 mmo/L; HIIT-C = 12.5 ± 2.5 mmol/L, p < 0.05) and the rating of perceived exertion (HIIT-WB = 8.8 ± 0.9; HIIT-C = 9.6 ± 0.5, p < 0.05), physiological responses did not significantly differ between protocols (all p > 0.05), with high average heart rate values (HIIT-WB = 86 ± 6% HRmax; HIIT-C = 87 ± 4% HRmax) and a low magnitude of muscle damage, as inferred by CK and LDH concentrations (HIIT-WB = 205.9 ± 56.3 and 203.5 ± 72.4 U/L; HIIT-C = 234.5 ± 77.1 and 155.1 ± 65.3 U/L), respectively. It can be concluded that both protocols elicit vigorous heart rate responses and a low magnitude of muscle damage and, therefore, appear as viable alternatives to improve aerobic fitness. The inclusion of a whole-body HIIT protocol may be an interesting alternative for training prescription in relation to more common interval training protocols.

Encouraging healthy aging in postmenopausal women involves advocating for lifestyle modifications, including regular physical exercise like combined training (CT) and functional training (FT). Regarding this population, age-related alterations in body composition, such as decreased muscle mass and heightened adipose tissue, impact health. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of FT and CT on body recomposition in postmenopausal women. About the methods, we randomly allocated 96 post-menopausal women to the FT, CT, or control group (CG). We measured body composition by bioimpedance and lower limb muscle strength by sit-to-stand test in five repetitions, respectively. The training protocol lasted 16 weeks, and we measured body composition and lower limb muscle strength every 4 weeks, totaling five assessments. Regarding results, we notice that both training groups increased lean mass from the 8th week of training. In addition, a reduction was observed in total fat percentage and an increase in appendicular lean mass from the 12th week of intervention. No differences were found for body mass. Furthermore, only the experimental groups increase muscle strength, starting from the 4th week of training. The conclusion was that FT and CT promote similar adaptations in body recomposition without affecting body mass in postmenopausal women.

Evidences on the effects of chemotherapy treatment cycles on measures of muscle, mental state, social and cognitive performance are scarce. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of chemotherapy cycles on muscle strength and activation, functional capacity, quality of life, fatigue and anxiety of women with breast cancer. Therefore, twenty-two women divided into a treatment group (n = 10; 46.6 ± 9.6 years) and control group (n = 12; 51.6 ± 7.0 years) participated in the study. Analysis of muscle performance, quality of life, fatigue and anxiety after the 2 nd and 4 th cycle of chemotherapy with anthracyclines were performed in women with breast cancer (TRA) and compared to healthy women (CTR). Two-way ANOVA was used to compare the variance of the means and the significance level was set as P≤0.05. The results showed Differences in the muscular activation of the vastus mediallis between the groups at post time (P = 0.038), as well as in the sit and stand test in the baseline (P<0.001) and post moment (P<0.001). Functional capacity performance was different between baseline (P<0.001) and post-time (P<0.001) groups. Additionally, the TRA group worsened the quality of life in the domains of functional capacity (P<0.001) and limitation of physical aspects (P = 0.002), besides presenting negative changes in fatigue. Thus, anthracycline chemotherapy cycles reduce muscular performance and affect biopsychosocial variables in women with breast cancer., Competing Interests: None., (AJCR Copyright © 2024.)

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide. Public safety workers are highly exposed to physically demanding activities and inappropriate postures, increasing the risk of experiencing LBP. Smartphone app-based self-managed interventions may be an alternative for chronic non-specific LBP (CNSLBP) treatment. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a smartphone app-based self-managed exercise program plus health education, compared to a health education program alone, on neuromuscular and perceptual outcomes in police officers and firefighters with CNSLBP., Methods: This is a parallel, two-armed, blinded evaluator randomized clinical trial. Police officers and firefighters (from public safety institutions in the Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil) will be randomly assigned to a m-health self-managed exercise program (twice a week) plus health education or health education alone. Self-management exercise program components are mobility and core resistance exercises, available on the app. Follow-ups will be conducted post-treatment (8 weeks) and 16 weeks after randomization. The co-primary outcomes will be pain intensity and disability post-treatment (8 weeks). Secondary outcomes will be biopsychosocial factors related to CNSLBP., Discussion: We hypothesize that the effects of a smartphone app-based self-managed exercise program on co-primary and secondary outcomes will be superior, compared to the health education only in public safety workers with CNSLBP., Trial Registration: The study was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05481996. Registered on August 01, 2022)., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Abstract: Marins, EF, Dawes, JJ, and Del Vecchio, FB. Age and sex differences in fitness among Brazilian Federal Highway Patrol Officers. J Strength Cond Res 37(6): 1292-1297, 2023-Age- and sex-related differences in fitness have been observed in U.S.-based law enforcement agencies. However, these differences have not been fully explored among agencies outside the United States. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the age- and sex-related differences on selected measures of physical fitness among Brazilian Federal Highway Police Officers. Retrospective physical fitness data for 7,044 (men = 6,283 and women = 761) officers were provided for analysis. These tests included sit-ups and push-ups (muscular endurance), flexed-arm hang/pull-ups (upper-body strength), standing broad jump (lower-body power), and a 12-minute run (aerobic capacity). Data were stratified by age into 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50-59 year groups and analyzed by sex. Independent samples t-tests were used to assess sex-related differences, and a one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc for multiple pairwise comparisons was used to calculate differences between age groups. A linear regression was then used to verify the effect of age on the physical fitness for both sexes. Male officers were older, heavier, and taller and displayed greater upper-limb muscular endurance and aerobic capacity than female officers ( p < 0.05). General declines in muscular endurance, strength, lower-body power, and cardiorespiratory fitness were observed among male officers ( p < 0.05) by age groups. Significant ( p < 0.05) declines in fitness were also observed among older female officers in muscular endurance, lower-body power, and cardiorespiratory fitness. These general declines in fitness with age progression may negatively impact an officers overall health and occupational fitness. Officers should strive to attain and maintain adequate levels of fitness to sustain health, fitness, and occupational performance throughout their career. It is recommended that both male and female officers engage in strength training and conditioning programs focused to combat the potential deleterious effects of aging., (Copyright © 2022 National Strength and Conditioning Association.)

Background: Taekwondo is an intermittent Olympic combat sport, which shows an aerobic predominance in matches and high participation of alactic metabolism for actions that determine competitive success. However, there is no information on energetic contribution systems in different high-intensity intermittent exercises for metabolic conditioning with specific movements. The study aimed to measure the physiological demands, mainly the energy expenditure, in taekwondo-specific high-intensity intermittent exercises (HIIE)., Methods: This study recruited ten male black belt athletes with a mean age of 20.2 ± 4 years, body mass of 62.8 ± 10.5 kg and height of 170.6 ± 7.8 cm, and total practice time of 11.8 ± 5.4 years. Subjects performed an incremental specific test and three different HIIE protocols on nonconsecutive days, and all comprised three 2-min rounds and 1 min of recovery between rounds. Heart rate, oxygen consumption, and blood lactate were measured. Energetic expenditure of aerobic, alactic, and lactic metabolisms was estimated through oxygen consumption, excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, and peak blood lactate after each round., Results: For the mean of the three rounds, the TKDtest100 resulted in higher absolute and relative contribution from the aerobic metabolism (52.4 ± 4%; p = 0.01) and lower than the 35:5 relative alactic contribution (48.7 ± 5.4%; p = 0.03)., Conclusion: The mean of the three rounds for 35:5 and 15:10:5 presented similar absolute and relative contributions of aerobic and alactic metabolisms, whereas the TKDtest100 was a predominantly aerobic activity. We emphasize that aerobic metabolism was predominant from the second round in the 15:10:5 and 100%TKDtest protocols and in the last round of the 35:5 protocol., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© 2022 Bartel et al.)

Background: A family history of arterial hypertension is a significant risk factor for the development of hypertension in youngsters. Thus, primary prevention has been emphasized in those subjects with a genetic predisposition., Methods: This randomized clustered trial aimed to compare the effects of four modalities of aerobic training in postexercise hypotension. The primary outcomes were systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Secondly, peak oxygen uptake, heart rate, and subjective perceived exertion were analyzed. Nine normotensive men were randomized in four isocaloric sessions (200 kcal): high-intensity continuous training (HICT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT)., Results: The area under the curve (AUC) showed a difference between sessions for SBP (F(3;8)=3.2; P=0.04), with MICT promoting a higher reduction than MIIT (P<0.05). In DBP there was also a difference (F(3;8)=15.3; P<0.001), with HICT reducing more than HIIT (P<0.05) and MIIT (P<0.05). Moderate-intensity protocols provided clinically relevant changes (CRC) in 11.1% of the individuals, and high-intensity protocols presented CRC in 50% of them (χ 2 =6.41; P=0.011) for SBP. For DBP, there was CRC in 27.8% of continuous conditions and none in the intervals (χ 2 =5.81; P=0.016)., Conclusions: All training sessions promoted postexercise hypotension for DBP, and HICT provided higher reductions in the AUC. CRC for SBP were observed according to the intensity, while CRC for DBP were associated with modality.

To assess the physiological demands of including high-intensity efforts during continuous exercise, we designed a randomized crossover study, in which 12 physically active young males executed 3 different exercises in random order: FATmax - continuous exercise at the highest fat oxidation zone; 2min-130% - FATmax interspersed by a 2-minute bout at 130% of the maximal oxygen uptake associated intensity (i V̇ O 2max ); and 20s : 10s-170% - FATmax interspersed by four 20-s bouts at 170%i V̇ O 2max interpolated by 10s of passive recovery. We measured oxygen uptake ( V̇ O 2 ), blood lactate concentration ([LAC]), respiratory exchange rate (RER), and fat and carbohydrate (CHO) oxidation. For statistical analyses, repeated-measures ANOVA was applied. Although no differences were found for average V̇ O 2 or carbohydrate oxidation rate, the post-exercise fat oxidation rate was 37.5% and 50% higher during the 2min-130% and 20s:10s-170% protocols, respectively, compared with the FATmax protocol, which also presented lower values of RER during exercise compared with 2min-130% and 20s:10s-170% ( p < 0.001 in both), and higher values post-exercise ( p = 0.04 and p = 0.002, respectively). [LAC] was higher during exercise when high-intensity bouts were applied ( p < 0.001 for both) and was higher at post-exercise during the intermittent bouts compared with FATmax ( p = 0.016). The inclusion of high-intensity efforts during moderate-intensity continuous exercise promoted higher physiological demands and post-exercise fat oxidation. Novelty: The inclusion of 2-minute efforts modifies continuous exercise demands. Maximal efforts can increase post-exercise fat oxidation. 2-minute maximal efforts, continuous or intermittent, presents similar demands.

Competing Interests: Breno Berny Vasconcelos & Fabrício Boscolo Del Vecchio, authors of the letter “Programming may matter the most. Response to “Metabolic effects of two high-intensity circuit training protocols: Does sequence matter?” by Nuñez et al. (2020)”, submitted to the Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness, declare that they have no conflicts of interest or fundings received regarding this publication.

Abstract: Diniz, R, Del Vecchio, FB, Schaun, GZ, Oliveira, HB, Portella, EG, da Silva, ES, Formalioni, A, Campelo, PCC, Peyré-Tartaruga, LA, and Pinto, SS. Kinematic comparison of the roundhouse kick between taekwondo, karate, and muaythai. J Strength Cond Res 35(1): 198-204, 2021-The roundhouse kick (RHK) is frequently executed in taekwondo, karate, and muaythai because of its high technical effectiveness during combat. The purpose of this study was to compare kinematic characteristics during RHK performance between taekwondo, karate, and muaythai athletes. Forty-seven male athletes (25.5 ± 4.7 years, 1.75 ± 0.1 m, and 75.8 ± 11.5 kg) volunteered to participate (taekwondo: 17; karate: 15; and muaythai: 15). Self-selected distance from target, mean and peak fifth metatarsus linear velocity (LV5mean; LV5peak), mean and peak hip (HAVmean; HAVpeak) and knee (KAVmean; KAVpeak) angular velocities, as well as target linear acceleration (TLA) were analyzed with a 3D video motion analysis system. Comparisons between modalities were performed with 1-way analysis of variances and Bonferroni's post hoc test (α = 0.05). Self-selected distance was lower in muaythai compared with taekwondo and karate (p < 0.001). Also, karate had greater LV5mean compared with muaythai (p = 0.001), and muaythai showed higher HAVmean than karate (p = 0.011). In addition, HAVpeak was greater in muaythai than in taekwondo and karate (p < 0.001). No differences were found for KAVmean, KAVpeak, and TLA. Although it is similarly described between modalities, RHK showed distinct kinematic characteristics between taekwondo, karate, and muaythai. Based on these results, coaches and athletes can improve their RHK technique according to the specificities of each combat sport. Specifically, it is suggested that combat strategies should aim to increase the distance from the opponent during combat for muaythai athletes, whereas taekwondo and karate athletes should focus on decreasing it., (Copyright © 2018 National Strength and Conditioning Association.)

Background: One of the most popular high-intensity interval exercises is the called "Tabata Protocol". However, most investigations have limitations in describing the work intensity, and this fact appears to be due to the protocol unfeasibility. Furthermore, the physiological demands and energetic contribution during this kind of exercise remain unclear., Methods: Eight physically active students (21.8 ± 3.7 years) and eight well-trained cycling athletes (27.8 ± 6.4 years) were enrolled. In the first visit, we collected descriptive data and the peak power output (PPO). On the next three visits, in random order, participants performed interval training with the same time structure (effort:rest 20s:10s) but using different intensities (115%, 130%, and 170% of PPO). We collected the number of sprints, power output, oxygen consumption, blood lactate, and heart rate., Results: The analysis of variance for multivariate test (number of sprints, power output, blood lactate, peak heart rate and percentage of maximal heart rate) showed significant differences between groups ( F  = 9.62; p  = 0.001) and intensities ( F  = 384.05; p  < 0.001), with no interactions ( F  = 0.94; p  = 0.57). All three energetic contributions and intensities were different between protocols. The higher contribution was aerobic, followed by alactic and lactic. The aerobic contribution was higher at 115%PPO, while the alactic system showed higher contribution at 130%PPO. In conclusion, the aerobic system was predominant in the three exercise protocols, and we observed a higher contribution at lower intensities., Competing Interests: The authors declare there are no competing interests., (©2020 Protzen et al.)

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has numerous external load control variables. The management of these variables makes the physiological responses and performance presented by athletes also modify. The present study aimed to assess the activity of CK and LDH enzymes, performance and metabolic responses caused by two HIIT protocols above the maximum in male recreational runners. Fifteen recreational male runners performed two HIIT protocols in randomized order with multiple conditions: 1) H15 ( n = 15), with a HIIT protocol of 15:15 work-recovery duration, and 2) H30 ( n = 15) with a HIIT protocol of 30:30 work-recovery duration. Both protocols were performed at similar intensity (130% vV̇O 2 max ), one set until voluntary exhaustion. Blood samples were collected and used to capture the levels and activities of blood lactate (BLac: mmol⋅L -1 ), glucose (GLU: mg⋅dL -1 ), creatine kinase (CK: U⋅L -1 ), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH: U⋅L -1 ). BLac and GLU were collected at pre, five, and ten minutes after the H15 and H30 protocols were performed. Blood samples were used to measure the activities of CK and LDH enzymes, which were verified 24 h before and 48 h after the protocols. The distance traveled (m), total time (s), and bouts performed (rep) were also registered. Significant differences between conditions H15 and H30 were observed in the bouts performed ( p = 0.001; ES = 1.19). Several statistical differences were found over time for BLac [pre vs. post 5 (both conditions: p = 0.001), pre vs. post 10 (both conditions: p = 0.001), and post 5 vs. post 10 (H30: p = 0.004)], CK [pre vs. post 24 (H15: p < 0.001; ES = 0.97 and H30: p = 0.001; ES = 0.74) post 24 vs. post 48 (H30: p = 0.03; ES = 0.56)], and LDH [pre vs. post24 (H15: p = 0.008; ES = 1.07 and H30: p = 0.022; ES = 0.85). No statistical differences between conditions were observed for any blood parameter. Thus, the volunteers exhibited equal performance in both protocols, which resulted in a similar physiological response. Despite this similarity, in comparison to H15, the H30 protocol presented lower CK activity post 48 and lactate levels after 10 min post protocol., (Copyright © 2020 Brandão, Chagas, Vasconcelos, de Oliveira, Fortes, de Almeida, Mendes Netto, Del-Vecchio, Neto, Chaves, Jimenez-Pavón and Da Silva-Grigoletto.)

Tissues usually super compensate during the period that follow physical exercise. Although this is widely accepted for muscle and glycogen, the compensatory effect is not usually applied to fat tissues. Notwithstanding, evidence for this has been present since the 1970s when it was first suggested that the increased lipogenic activity in response to training might be an adaptation that enables to restore an energy reserve that can be used in times of need. In this context, the present review aimed to summarize information about the effect of detraining on fat metabolism and the physiological responses associated with fat regain. A systematic search on PubMed and Scielo was performed using "training cessation," "detraining," "exercise detraining," and "exercise cessation" combined with "fat tissue," "adipose tissue," "adipose metabolism," and "fat metabolism," as descriptors. From 377 results, 25 were included in this review, 12 humans and 13 rodents, resulting in a sample of 6772 humans and 613 animals. The analysis provided evidence for fat super compensation, as well as differences in humans and rodents, among different protocols and possible mechanisms for fat gain after exercise cessation. In summary, exercise cessation appears to increase the ability of the adipose tissue to store energy. However, caution should be taken, especially regarding conclusions based on investigations on humans, considering the multiple factors that could affect fat metabolism., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2020.)

Strategies aiming to promote weight loss usually include anything that results in an increase in energy expenditure (exercise) or a decrease in energy intake (diet). However, the probability of losing weight is low and the probability of sustained weight loss is even lower. Herein, we bring some questions and suggestions about the topic, with a focus on exercise interventions. Based on the current evidence, we should look at how metabolism changes in response to interventions instead of counting calories, so we can choose more efficient models that can account for the complexity of human organisms. In this regard, high-intensity training might be particularly interesting as a strategy to promote fat loss since it seems to promote many physiological changes that might favor long-term weight loss. However, it is important to recognize the controversy of the results regarding interval training (IT), which might be explained by the large variations in its application. For this reason, we have to be more judicious about how exercise is planned and performed and some factors, like supervision, might be important for the results. The intensity of exercise seems to modulate not only how many calories are expended after exercise, but also where they came from. Instead of only estimating the number of calories ingested and expended, it seems that we have to act positively in order to create an adequate environment for promoting healthy and sustainable weight loss.

Marins, EF, Cabistany, L, Farias, CB, Dawes, J, and Del Vecchio, FB. Effects of personal protective equipment on metabolism and performance during an Occupational Physical Ability Test for Federal Highway Police officers. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 1093-1102, 2020-Federal Highway Police (FHP) officers perform their duties while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Given the need for officers to wear PPE, it is important to understand the effects this additional load can have on occupational performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of load carriage on physiological, perceptual, and performance responses during an Occupational Physical Ability Test (OPAT). Thirteen male FHP officers completed an OPAT with PPE (WPPE, load = 12.0 kg) and without PPE (NPPE, load = 5.2 kg) in 2 separate sessions in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Metabolic responses (heart rate [HR] and its variability, and blood lactate concentration [Lac]), perceptual (rating of perceived exertion [RPE]), and OPAT performance were measured. Paired t and Wilcoxon tests were used to identify differences between conditions, and 2-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc was performed to analyze the results of Lac between the conditions. Occupational Physical Ability Test completion time was significantly greater in the WPPE condition compared with the NPPE condition (125.9 ± 13.8 vs. 118.3 ± 11 seconds, p < 0.01). Lac after the OPAT was higher in the NPPE condition compared with the WPPE (respectively 11.7 ± 2.7 vs. 9.6 ± 1.5 mmol·L, p < 0.05). The HRmax (NPPE = 180.5 ± 8.9 vs. WPPE = 178.3 ± 6.6 b·min, p = 0.44) and RPE (NPPE = 8.6 ± 0.8 vs. WPPE = 8.7 ± 1.0, p = 0.77) were not different between conditions. Personal protective equipment reduces performance in specific occupational circuit, changing Lac but without affecting HR and RPE. Strength and conditioning programs for FHP should aim to reduce the negative impact of additional load associate with wearing PPE.

Purpose of Review: The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on blood pressure of hypertensive individuals., Recent Findings: Continuous aerobic training programs are successful in health promotion and are effective in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) modulation. However, HIIT seems to be superior to MICT to improvement of cardiorespiratory fitness. PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized clinical trials that compared chronic effects of HIIT and MICT on BP in hypertensive subjects. Pre- and post-intervention changes in maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) between MICT and HIIT were analyzed. Both interventions presented significant differences in SBP (MICT: mean difference (MD), 3.7 mmHg [95% CI = 2.57, 4.82], p < 0.00001; and HIIT: MD, 5.64 mmHg [95% CI = 1.69, 9.52], p = 0.005) and in DBP (MICT: MD, 2.41 mmHg [95% CI = 1.09, 3.72], p = 0.0003; and HIIT: MD, 4.8 mmHg [95% CI = 2.9, 6.7], p < 0.00001) compared with the control group. No differences were found in the SBP values (MD, 1.13 mmHg [95% CI = - 0.01, 2.27], p = 0.05); however, differences were found between groups in DBP (MD, 1.63 mmHg [95% CI = 0.83, 2.44], p = 0.0001). In the secondary outcome, both interventions increased VO 2 max in comparison with control groups (MICT: MD, 1.30 ml/kg/min [95% CI = 0.92, 1.68], p < 0.00001; and HIIT: MD, 4.90 ml/kg/min [95% CI = 3.77, 6.04], p < 0.00001), and HIIT promoted greater improvement than MICT (MD, 2.52 ml/kg/min [95% CI = 1.90, 3.13], p < 0.0001). In conclusion, HIIT and MICT promote reduction in SBP in adults with hypertension, and HIIT showed a greater magnitude in DBP reduction. For hypertensive patients, HIIT may be associated with a greater improvement in VO 2 max than MICT might.

Vasconcelos, BB, Protzen, GV, Galliano, LM, Kirk, C, and Del Vecchio, FB. Effects of high-intensity interval training in combat sports: A systematic review with meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 34(3): 888-900, 2020-Combat sports (CS) are intermittent by nature and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been used as a tool to maintain and improve physical fitness among CS athletes. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis about chronic effects of HIIT in CS athletes. An electronic search was performed in PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar using the following Boolean criteria: ("CS" OR "martial arts" OR "judo" OR "taekwondo" OR "jiu jitsu" OR "boxing" OR "karate" OR "wrestling" OR "wushu" OR "kung fu") AND ("HIIT" OR "intermittent exercise" OR "sprint interval training" OR "repeated sprint training [RST]"). To be included, the studies needed to be original, involve CS athletes, present HIIT intervention protocol (HIIT, sprint interval training [SIT] or RST), and analyze chronic physiological outcomes. From 2,211 identified studies, after screening and eligibility evaluation, 12 studies were included in this review with meta-analysis. Aerobic (aerobic capacity, heart rate, and maximum oxygen uptake), anaerobic (peak and mean power in single and successive Wingate tests, and blood lactate concentration), and anthropometric outcomes (body mass and body fat percentage) were evaluated. Data of 255 subjects from 12 studies were assessed. Regarding methodological quality, 7 studies obtained 9-10/12 on the TESTEX scale. For the interventions, 5 studies used HIIT, 4 studies used RST protocols, one used SIT protocols, and one used an intermittent protocol that could not be classified. Relating to aerobic power, was found an increase in V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, with a mean difference (MD) of 2.83 ml·kg·min (CI 95% = 0.40-5.25; p < 0.001) for striking and 2.36 ml·kg·min (CI 95% = 1.05-3.66; p < 0.001) for grappling athletes. No differences on anaerobic peak power for striking (MD = 0.67 W; CI 95% = -0.43 to 1.77; p = 0.23) were found, and a statistical improvement for grappling athletes, (MD = 0.51 W; CI 95% = 0.03-0.98; p = 0.04) was found. Seven studies analyzed anthropometric variables, with differences for body mass in striking (MD = -0.93 kg; CI 95% = -1.68 to -0.19; p = 0.01) and no differences for grappling (MD = -0.09 kg; CI 95% = -2.80 to 2.62; p = 0.95). Differences in body fat percentage in striking (MD = 0.50%; CI 95% = 0.30-0.70; p < 0.001) and no differences in grappling (MD = -0.87%; CI 95% = -1.77 to 0.03; p = 0.06) were found. It was concluded that HIIT positively influences maximum oxygen uptake and anaerobic power in combat sport athletes, with a minor impact on body composition.

Background: The present study compared the effects of training and detraining periods of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on functional performance, body composition, resting blood pressure and heart rate in elderly women nursing home residents., Methods: Forty-six volunteers (age, 80.8 ± 5.2 y; body mass, 69.8 ± 5.2 kg, height, 164.2 ± 4.12 cm) were divided into groups that performed treadmill exercise twice-weekly HIIT (4 bouts of 4-min intervals at 85-95% of the maximal heart rate [HR max ], interspersed by 4 min at 65% HR max ), MIIT (4 bouts of 4 min intervals at 55-75% HR max , interspersed by 4 min at 45-50% HR max ) and MICT (30-min at 55-75% HR max ). Tests were performed before and after 8 weeks of training and 2 and 4 weeks of detraining. ANCOVA was used to analyze dependent variable changes., Results: After 8 weeks HIIT promoted greater reductions in body mass (HIIT = - 1.6 ± 0.1 kg; MICT = - 0.9 ± 0.1 kg; MIIT = - 0.9 ± 0.1 kg; p = 0.001), fat mass (HIIT = - 2.2 ± 0.1%; MICT = - 0.7 ± 0.1%; MIIT = - 1.2 ± 0.1%; p < 0.001) and resting heart rate (HIIT = - 7.3 ± 0.3%; MICT = - 3.6 ± 0.3%; MIIT = - 5.1 ± 0.3%; p < 0.001) and greater improvement in the chair stand test (HIIT = 3.4 ± 0.1 reps; MICT = 2.5 ± 0.1 reps; MIIT = 3.1 ± 0.1 reps; p < 0.001) when compared to MIIT and MICT. These improvements were sustained after 2 and 4 weeks of detraining only in the HIIT group., Conclusion: HIIT promoted greater benefits for body composition and functional performance than MICT and MIIT and also showed less pronounced effects of detraining. This suggests that the intensity of physical exercise is an important factor to consider when prescribing exercise to the elderly.

β-hydroxy-β-methyl butyrate (HMB) is a bioactive metabolite derived from the amino acid leucine, usually applied for muscle mass increase during physical training, as well as for muscle mass maintenance in debilitating chronic diseases. The hypothesis of the present study is that HMB is a safe supplement for muscle mass gain by strength training. Based on this, the objective was to measure changes in body composition, glucose homeostasis and hepatic metabolism of HMB supplemented mice during strength training. Two of four groups of male mice (n = 6/group) underwent an 8-week training period session (climbing stairs) with or without HMB supplementation (190 mg/kgBW per day). We observed lower body mass gain (4.9 ± 0.43% versus 1.2 ± 0.43, p < 0.001) and increased liver mass (40.9 ± 0.9 mg/gBW versus 44.8 ± 1.3, p < 0.001) in the supplemented trained group compared with the non-supplemented groups. The supplemented trained group had an increase in relative adipose tissue mass (12.4 ± 0.63 mg/gBW versus 16.1 ± 0.88, P < 0.01) compared to the non-supplemented untrained group, and an increase in fasting blood glucose (111 ± 4.58 mg/dL versus 122 ± 3.70, P < 0.05) and insulin resistance (3.79 ± 0.19 % glucose decay/min versus 2.45 ± 0.28, P < 0.05) comparing with non-supplemented trained group. Adaptive heart hypertrophy was observed only in the non-supplemented trained group (4.82 ± 0.05 mg/gBW versus 5.12 ± 0.13, P < 0.05). There was a higher hepatic insulin-like growth factor-1 expression (P = 0.002) in supplemented untrained comparing with non-supplemented untrained group. Gene expression of gluconeogenesis regulatory factors was increased by training and reduced by HMB supplementation. These results confirm that HMB supplementation associated with intensive training protocol drives changes in glucose homeostasis and liver metabolism in mice.

Marins, EF, Cabistany, L, Bartel, C, Dawes, J, and Del Vecchio, FB. Effects of personal protective equipment on the performance of Federal Highway Policemen in physical fitness tests. J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 11-19, 2020-Personal protective equipment (PPE), worn by police officers, provides protection and can modify physiological and performance responses during physical efforts. Physiological, perceptual, and physical responses were compared with PPE (WPPE) and without PPE (NPPE) among the Brazilian Federal Highway Policemen (FHP). Nineteen (n = 19) FHP completed 2 experimental trials: NPPE and WPPE (load = 8.3 kg). Tests of aerobic and anaerobic power, muscular strength and endurance, as well as change of direction speed (CODS) were performed under both conditions. Heart rate reductions were shown at the second ventilatory threshold (1.4%) and maximal exercise (1.5%) WPPE. In comparison with NPPE, physical performance in the WPPE condition showed decreases in the following: treadmill time at maximal exercise (21%, p < 0.001); time in the isometric trunk test (28.9%, p < 0.001); vertical jump height (11.6 and 10.5%, p < 0.001); standing long jump distance (7.3%, p < 0.001); bar hang time (14.8%, p < 0.05); and CODS (2.6%, p < 0.05). Results indicate that PPE use reduces physical performance of FHP in cardiorespiratory, strength, power, and CODS tests.

Marins, EF, David, GB, and Del Vecchio, FB. Characterization of the physical fitness of police officers: a systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 33(10): 2860-2874, 2019-Physical fitness tests (e.g., aerobic power, muscular endurance, and flexibility tests) are commonly used to assess the ability of police officers to perform work-related tasks. The purpose of this study was to describe, from a systematic literature review, data related to police physical fitness. The research was conducted in 5 electronic databases to search for original studies that measured physical fitness (aerobic and anaerobic capacity, strength, endurance, power, flexibility, agility, and speed) of police officers, as well as the article references. Original studies assessing objective measures of physical fitness in police officers were included, with no date restriction. Fifty-nine articles were included in the review. The studies mostly measured cardiorespiratory fitness indirectly, strength, and muscular endurance, as well as other performance components (body composition, power, flexibility, speed, agility, and anaerobic profile), with police officers generally presenting values similar or above the average of the general population. It can be concluded that intervention studies are needed to promote and incorporate programs related to improvement or maintenance of physical fitness in police officers, which would result in health benefits and specifically improvement in performance of specific tasks of police work. This review provides summary information to assist in the selection of physical fitness tests for police populations. Still, these findings have practical applications for public security agencies and its personnel responsible for the development and implementation of physical programs in policemen population.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate physical activity and associated factors in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)., Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 2706 women as part of the Lifestyle INtervention for Diabetes prevention After pregnancy (LINDA-Brasil) study, recruited between 2012 and 2016 in Brazil. A structured questionnaire was used to assess physical activity. Descriptive and Poisson regression analyses were used to investigate physical activity and associated factors., Results: Counseling regarding physical activity practices was reported by 47.4% and 34.3% of women before and after a diagnosis of GDM, respectively. During pregnancy, 26% of women were classified as inactive, 39.7% were classified as insufficiently active, and 34.3% were classified as active. Compared with prepregnancy, 63.1% of women reported a decrease in physical activity levels during pregnancy. The prevalence of being inactive during pregnancy was higher among women who did not live with a partner (P = 0.003), had a lower household income (P = 0.01), were employed (P < 0.001), and who had four or more children (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: Among Brazilian women with GDM, physical activity levels and practices were low, with most women reporting decreased physical activity during pregnancy. A low socioeconomic status was associated with lower physical activity. These findings indicate the need to reinforce the importance of physical activity in the management of GDM in Brazil., (© 2018 Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Purposes : To determine actions during bouts that generate serious enough injury to stop the bout; verifying the injury incidence, types, and prevalence of doctor stoppages (doc-stoppage); and identify potential risk factors by analyzing technical-tactical profiles for injury in sanctioned mixed martial arts bouts taking place over a 12-y period. Methods : This research analyzed 440 paired mixed martial arts matches separated by doc-stoppage (n = 220) and no doc-stoppage (n = 220) from 2002 to 2014. Technical knockouts for doc-stoppage were diagnosed and managed by attending ringside doctors, and the time-motion variables were categorized into total combat time separated by low- or high-intensity activities per round, stand-up, or groundwork actions, P  ≤ .05. Results : The main cause of injuries in doc-stoppage situations was due to facial injuries (>90%), with 87.1% occurring after striking actions during the second round. Lacerations were the leading type of injury, which occurred with 80% frequency. The results showed differences between doc-stoppage and no doc-stoppage for standing combat with low-intensity actions (130.6 [8.5] s vs 83.3 [6.9] s for first round; 115.7 [10.5] s vs 100.1 [9.6] s for second round, and 121.5 [19.5] s vs 106.3 [11.7] s for third round) and total strike attempts (34.5, 23.0-51.8 vs 25.0, 12.0-40.8); in standing combat, head strike attempts (21, 10-33 vs 11, 4-21) and body strikes (2.5, 1.0-5.8 vs 1.0-2), and in groundwork combat, head strikes landed (0.0-3.0 vs 0.0-5.0). Conclusions : This research showed higher values of strike attempts with 2 main orientations, namely the head (on the ground and in stand-up actions) and body (in stand-up actions), and may provide important information regarding the technical knockout and when it can be called by officials supervising mixed martial arts bouts.

Objective:: To evaluate the addition of blood flow restriction to passive mobilization in patients in the intensive care unit., Design:: The study was a within-patient randomized trial., Setting:: Two intensive care units in Belém, from September to October 2017., Subjects:: In total, 34 coma patients admitted to the intensive care unit sector, and 20 patients fulfilled the study requirements., Interventions:: All participants received the passive mobilization protocol for lower limbs, and blood flow restriction was added only for one side in a concurrent fashion. Intervention lasted the entire patient's hospitalization time., Main Outcome Measurement:: Thigh muscle thickness and circumference., Results:: In total, 34 subjects were enrolled in the study: 11 were excluded for exclusion criteria, 3 for death, and 20 completed the intervention (17 men and 3 women; mean age: 66 ± 4.3 years). Despite both groups presented atrophy, the atrophy rate was lower in blood flow restriction limb in relation to the control limb (-2.1 vs. -2.8 mm, respectively, in muscle thickness; P = 0.001). In addition, the blood flow restriction limb also had a smaller reduction in the thigh circumference than the control limb (-2.5 vs. -3.6 cm, respectively; P = 0.001)., Conclusion:: The use of blood flow restriction did not present adverse effects and seems to be a valid strategy to reduce the magnitude of the rate of muscle wasting that occurs in intensive care unit patients.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with physical weakness and increased oxidative stress and inflammation levels. Rehabilitation programs are associated with an improvement in the functional capacity, inflammatory and oxidative stress profile. Exercise associated with blood flow restriction (BFR) has been demonstrating positive effects in training programs, but there is lack information about exercise with BFR in CKD. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to describe a protocol using continuous moderate exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) applied during hemodialysis (HD) to measures health indicators and immune system and oxidative stress parameters in CKD patients. Methods: A RTC will be conducted with 42 patients in HD. Baseline measures will be compared with final measures (anthropometric, cardiorespiratory, biochemical, muscle fitness, nutritional and behavioral questions). Participants will be randomly allocated to: 1) Continuous moderate exercise group with BFR; 2) Continuous moderate exercise group without BFR; 3) Control group without exercise. The intervention will be 12 weeks long during HD session. Patients will perform 20 min of continuous moderate exercise on a stationary bicycle three times a week. The present study is expected to generate significant information about the role of exercise with BFR in patients with CKD during HD.

Purpose: The great popularity of the Tabata Protocol is accompanied by an uncomfortable lack of consistency and criteria in its use, which results in many controversies in the results obtained from its utilization. The purpose of this study was to analyse the studies that based their interventions on the Tabata Protocol and to provide a critical analysis of its use., Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus. All articles published between 1996 and October 2017 that cited at least one of the original studies of Tabata et al. were considered. Inclusion criteria were as follows: original articles, human trials and English language., Results: Thirty studies were included for analysis. Almost 37% of the studies (n = 11) used a variation of the Tabata Protocol on a cycle ergometer. Only five studies stated the use of the original Tabata Protocol. Exercise intensity was controlled by percentage of i V ˙ O 2 max (n = 8) or i V ˙ O 2 peak (n = 3), number of bouts performed (n = 3), all out (n = 10), rate of perceived exertion (n = 1), self-perception of paces (n = 1), maximal power output (n = 1), aerobic power (n = 1) and other forms (n = 2)., Conclusion: Based on our results, variations of the Tabata Protocol seem to be indicated to provide increases in aerobic power that are similar to traditional aerobic training while being less time consuming. These adaptations seem to be mainly due to peripheral adaptations. Moreover, the use of Tabata Protocols to promote weight loss is not substantiated by the reviewed studies., (© 2018 Scandinavian Society of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

We aimed to describe the nutritional and behavioral strategies for rapid weight loss (RWL), investigate the effects of RWL and weight regain in winners and losers, and verify mood state and technical-tactical/time-motion parameters in mixed martial arts. The sample consisted of mixed martial arts athletes after a single real match and was separated into two groups: winners (n = 8; age: 25.4 ± 6.1 years, height: 173.9 ± 0.2 cm, habitual body mass: 89.9 ± 17.3 kg) and losers (n = 7; age: 24.4 ± 6.8 years, height: 178.4 ± 0.9 cm, habitual body mass: 90.8 ± 19.5 kg). Both groups exhibited RWL and weight regain, verified their macronutrient intake, underwent weight and height assessments, and completed two questionnaires (Profile of Mood States and RWL) at (a) 24 hr before weigh-in, (b) weigh-in, (c) postbout, and (d) during a validated time-motion and technical-tactical analysis during the bout. Variance analysis, repeated measures, and a logistic regression analysis were used. The main results showed significant differences between the time points in terms of total caloric intake as well as carbohydrate, protein, and lipid ingestion. Statistical differences in combat analysis were observed between the winners and losers in terms of high-intensity relative time (58 [10-98] s and 32 [1-60] s, respectively), lower limb sequences (3.5 [1.0-7.5] sequences and 1.0 [0.0-1.0] sequences, respectively), and ground and pound actions (2.5 [0.0-4.5] actions and 0.0 [0.0-0.5] actions, respectively), and logistic regression confirmed the importance of high-intensity relative time and lower limb sequences on mixed martial arts performance. RWL and weight regain strategies were related to technical-tactical and time-motion patterns as well as match outcomes. Weight management should be carefully supervised by specialized professionals to reduce health risks and raise competitive performance.

Background: The maximal one-repetition test (1-RM) is widely used in scientific research; however, there are conflicting results regarding its reproducibility in elderly populations. The present study aimed to analyze the reproducibility of the test both before and after a 12-week training period by using the bench press and leg press 45° 1-RM tests in the elderly, taking into consideration the training experience and strength level of the women., Methods: Elderly women (n = 376; age, 68.5 ± 14.1 years; height, 162.7 ± 5.5 cm; body mass, 71.2 ± 16.0 kg) who underwent ≥3 months of resistance training performed an initial week of familiarization and a second week of testing and retest, with a 48⁻72 h interval., Results: The results showed that Kappa indices ranged from 0.93 to 0.95, and the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.99 for both the lower and upper limbs. In addition, minimal detectable changes were found that ranged between 1 and 3%, which means that changes lower than 1 kg could be detected., Conclusion: The present study confirms that the 1-RM test has high reliability and reproducibility in the elderly, for both upper and lower limbs.

Interval training (IT) has been used for many decades with the purpose of increasing performance and promoting health benefits while demanding a relatively small amount of time. IT can be defined as intermittent periods of intense exercise separated by periods of recovery and has been divided into high-intensity interval training (HIIT), sprint interval training (SIT), and repeated sprint training (RST). IT use has resulted in the publication of many studies and many of them with conflicting results and positions. The aim of this article was to move forward and understand the studies' protocols in order to draw accurate conclusions, as well as to avoid previous mistakes and effectively reproduce previous protocols. When analyzing the literature, we found many inconsistencies, such as the controversial concept of 'supramaximal' effort, a misunderstanding with regard to the term 'high intensity,' and the use of different strategies to control intensity. The adequate definition and interpretation of training intensity seems to be vital, since the results of IT are largely dependent on it. These observations are only a few examples of the complexity involved in IT prescription, and are discussed to illustrate some problems with the current literature regarding IT. Therefore, it is our opinion that it is not possible to draw general conclusions about IT without considering all variables used in IT prescription, such as exercise modality, intensity, effort and rest times, and participants' characteristics. In order to help guide researchers and health professionals in their practices it is important that experimental studies report their methods in as much detail as possible and future reviews and meta-analyses should critically discuss the articles included in the light of their methods to avoid inappropriate generalizations.

The number of offensive actions and glycolytic energy in combat sports both increase with caffeine (CAF) ingestion. In addition, the effects of CAF on technical-tactical and time-motion analysis and physiological parameters in boxing are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CAF ingestion on physiological parameters and the notational analysis of boxing matches. Ten male boxers were recruited; the participants ingested 6 mg kg -1 BM of CAF or placebo (PLA) 30 min prior to the match in a crossover design. Heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected before and after each of three 2 min rounds, interspersed by 1-min recovery; the matches were recorded for notational analysis. A two-way ANOVA for repeated measures was used for the physiological variables, and a three-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used for technical-tactical and time-motion variables. Statistical differences were found for HR and RPE between rounds (F (6, 54)  = 131.3, p = .001; [Formula: see text] = 0.93 and F (2, 18)  = 40.6, p = .001; [Formula: see text] = 0.81, respectively) but not between conditions (F (1, 9)  = 0.46; p = .51; [Formula: see text] = 0.05 and F (1, 9)  = 0.02, p = .89; [Formula: see text] = 0.002, respectively). The CAF condition induced a greater duration of interaction blocks (CAF = 6.5 ± 1.8 s; PLA = 4.4 ± 0.9 s; p = .01). Effort:pause ratio was 4.4 s:8.7 s (approx. 1:2) for PLA and 6.5 s:9.4 s (1:1.44) for CAF, which were significantly different (p < .05). In conclusion, 6 mg kg -1 BM of CAF prior to simulated boxing matches induces a greater duration of high-intensity actions, with no effects on internal load markers.

Hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are global public health problems, both associated with higher risk of cardiovascular (CV) and renal events. This trial randomized non-diabetic adult patients with hypertension and CKD stages 2-4 to 16 weeks of aerobic and resistance training or usual care. The primary outcome was the change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Secondary outcomes included changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), body weight, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and functional capacity. The analysis was performed by intention-to-treat, using linear mixed-effects models for repeated measures over time. A hundred fifty patients were included in the intervention (76) or control (74) groups. No difference was found in eGFR, BP, body weight, or lipid profile changes between the groups. However, there were significant decreases in hs-CRP [-6.7(-11.7 to -1.8) mg/L] and fasting blood glucose [-11.3(-20.0 to -1.8) mg/dL], and an increase in functional capacity [2' Step Test 33.9 (17.7-50.0); 30″ Stand Test 2.3 (0.9-3.7)] in exercise group compared with control group. The results of this RCT show that combined aerobic and resistance training could reduce inflammation and insulin resistance in hypertensive patients with earlier stages of CKD, without a significant effect on kidney disease progression. Clinical trials.gov NCT01155128.

Background: Among combat sports, Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) present elevated physical fitness demands from the high-intensity intermittent efforts. However, information regarding how metabolic and neuromuscular physical fitness is associated with technical-tactical performance in Judo and BJJ fights is not available. This study aimed to relate indicators of physical fitness with combat performance variables in Judo and BJJ., Methods: The sample consisted of Judo ( n  = 16) and BJJ ( n  = 24) male athletes. At the first meeting, the physical tests were applied and, in the second, simulated fights were performed for later notational analysis., Results: The main findings indicate: (i) high reproducibility of the proposed instrument and protocol used for notational analysis in a mobile device; (ii) differences in the technical-tactical and time-motion patterns between modalities; (iii) performance-related variables are different in Judo and BJJ; and (iv) regression models based on metabolic fitness variables may account for up to 53% of the variances in technical-tactical and/or time-motion variables in Judo and up to 31% in BJJ, whereas neuromuscular fitness models can reach values up to 44 and 73% of prediction in Judo and BJJ, respectively. When all components are combined, they can explain up to 90% of high intensity actions in Judo., Discussion: In conclusion, performance prediction models in simulated combat indicate that anaerobic, aerobic and neuromuscular fitness variables contribute to explain time-motion variables associated with high intensity and technical-tactical variables in Judo and BJJ fights., Competing Interests: The authors declare there are no competing interests.

It is usually reported that the Tabata protocol (TP) is performed with eight bouts of 20:10 intervals at a load equivalent to 170% of i V̇ O 2 max. However, the feasibility of accumulating 160 s of work at 170% i V̇ O 2 max has been questioned. This article tested the intensity that would allow the performance of the original TP on a cycle ergometer, and measured the highest value of oxygen consumption (V̇ O 2 ) obtained during the TP and the time spent above 90% of the maximal oxygen uptake (V̇ O 2 max) during the TP performed at different intensities. Thirteen young active males (25.9 ± 5.5 years, 67.9 ± 9.2 kg, 1.70 ± 0.06 m, 23.6 ± 3.1 kg·m -2 ) participated in the study. Participants performed a graded exertion test (GXT) on a cycle ergometer to obtain maximum oxygen consumption (V̇ O 2 max) and the intensity associated with V̇ O 2 max (i V̇ O 2 max). V̇ O 2 , maximal heart rate (HRmax), and number of bouts performed were evaluated during the TP performed at 115%, 130%, and 170% of i V̇ O 2 max. V̇ O 2 max, HRmax, and iV̇ O 2 max were 51.8 ± 8.0 mL.kg -1 ·min -1 , 186 ± 10 bpm, and 204 ± 26 W, respectively. The number of bouts performed at 115% (7 ± 1 bouts) was higher than at 130% (5 ± 1 bouts) and 170% (4 ± 1 bouts) (p < .0001). The highest V̇ O 2 achieved at 115%, 130%, and 170% of iV̇ O 2 max was 54.2 ± 7.9 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 , 52.5 ± 8.1 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 , and 49.6 ± 7.5 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 , respectively. Non significant difference was found between the highest V̇ O 2 achieved at different intensities, however qualitative magnitude-inference indicate a likely small effect between 115% and 170% of iV̇ O 2 max. Time spent above 90% of the V̇ O 2 max during the TP at 115% (50 ± 48 s) was higher than 170% (23 ± 21 s; p < 0.044) with a probably small effect. In conclusion, our data suggest that the adequate intensity to perform a similar number of bouts in the original TP is lower than previously proposed, and equivalent to 115% of the iV̇ O 2 max. In addition, intensities between 115 and 130% of the iV̇ O 2 max should be used to raise the time spent above 90% V̇O 2 max., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The present study evaluated the effects of resistance training (RT) following a non-linear periodization model in the physical fitness of young soccer athletes. Methods: Young soccer players ( n = 23) were allocated into two groups: an RT group (RTG), and the control group (CON). The RTG underwent 15 weeks of non-linear RT periodization in three weekly sessions in addition to their specific soccer training. The CON continued performing the specific soccer training. Before and after the training period, all of the subjects performed one-repetition maximum (RM) tests for speed, agility, and power (vertical and horizontal jump). Results: The RTG obtained significant gains in one-RM tests (before 64.1 ± 5.8 kg, after 79.1 ± 3.3 kg) and power (vertical jump (before 56 ± 2.7 cm, after 61.3 ± 1.7 cm) and horizontal jump (before 184.5 ± 5.5 cm, after 213.6 ± 3.2 cm)). In contrast, the CON group presented a non-significant increase in one-RM tests and horizontal jump, and a significant reduction in vertical jump (before 55.4 ± 2.2 cm, after 51.3 ± 1.5 cm). Neither group presented significant gains in speed (CON: p = 0.27; RTG: p = 0.72) and agility (CON: p = 0.19; RTG: p = 0.58). Conclusion: Our data suggest that non-linear RT should be inserted into the routine of young soccer athletes for improving strength and power without impairing speed and agility.

Background: Physical exercise interventions have been extensively advocated for the treatment of obesity; however, clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of exercise interventions on weight control show controversial results. Compensatory mechanisms through a decrease in energy expenditure and/or an increase in caloric consumption is a possible explanation. Several physiological mechanisms involved in the energy balance could explain compensatory mechanisms, but the influences of physical exercise on these adjustments are still unclear. Therefore, the present trial aims to evaluate the effects of exercise on non-exercise physical activity energy expenditure, energy intake and appetite sensations among active overweight/obese adults, as well as, to investigate hormonal changes associated with physical exercise., Methods: This study is a randomized controlled trial with parallel, three-group experimental arms. Eighty-one overweight/obese adults will be randomly allocated (1:1:1 ratio) to a vigorous exercise group, moderate exercise group or control group. The trial will be conducted at a military institution and the intervention groups will be submitted to exercise sessions in the evening, three times a week for 65 min, during a 2-week period. The primary outcome will be total spontaneous physical activity energy expenditure during a 2-week period. Secondary outcomes will be caloric intake, appetite sensations and laboratorial biomarkers. Intention-to-treat analysis will be performed using linear mixed-effects models to evaluate the effect of treatment-by-time interaction on primary and secondary outcomes. Data analysis will be performed using SAS 9.3 and statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05., Discussion: The results of the present study will help to understand the effect of physical exercise training on subsequent non-exercise physical activity, appetite and energy intake as well as understand the physiological mechanisms underlying a possible compensatory phenomenon, supporting the development of more effective interventions for prevention and treatment of obesity., Trial Registration: Physical Exercise and Energy Balance trial registry, trial registration number: NCT 03138187 . Registered on 30 April 2017.

Schaun, GZ and Del Vecchio, FB. High-intensity interval exercises' acute impact on heart rate variability: comparison between whole-body and cycle ergometer protocols. J Strength Cond Res 32(1): 223-229, 2018-Study aimed to compare the effects of 2 high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols on heart rate variability. Twelve young adult males (23.3 ± 3.9 years, 177.8 ± 7.4 cm, 76.9 ± 12.9 kg) volunteered to participate. In a randomized cross-over design, subjects performed 2 HIIT protocols, 1 on a cycle ergometer (Tabata protocol [TBT]; eight 20-second bouts at 170% Pmax interspersed by 10-second rest) and another with whole-body calisthenic exercises (McRae protocol; eight 20-second all-out intervals interspersed by 10-second rest). Heart rate variability outcomes in the time, frequency, and nonlinear domains were assessed on 3 moments: (a) presession; (b) immediately postsession; and (c) 24 hours postsession. Results revealed that RRmean, Ln rMSSD, Ln high frequency (HF), and Ln low frequency (LF) were significantly reduced immediately postsession (p ≤ 0.001) and returned to baseline 24 h after both protocols. In addition, LF/HF ratio was reduced 24 h postsession (p ≤ 0.01) and SD2 was significantly lower immediately postsession only in TBT. Our main finding was that responses from heart rate autonomic control were similar in both protocols, despite different modes of exercise performed. Specifically, exercises resulted in a high parasympathetic inhibition immediately after session with subsequent recovery within 1 day. These results suggest that subjects were already recovered the day after and can help coaches to better program training sessions with such protocols.

The purpose of this study was to compare strength gains in the lower limbs, assessed by one maximum repetition (1RM) and isokinetic peak torque (PT), in young men undergoing a resistance training (RT) program. Twenty-seven young men performed resistance training twice a week for 11 weeks. Training involved two exercises for the lower body, two for the upper body and one for the midsection performed with three sets of 8-12 repetitions to momentary muscle failure. Before and after the training period, participants performed the 1RM test in the 45° leg press and knee extension PT in isokinetic dynamometry. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between the changes in 1RM and PT, and the Bland-Altman test was performed to check for agreement between the strength changes of both tests. There were significant changes in 1RM and PT of 23.98% and 15.96%, respectively ( p < 0.05). The changes in leg press 1RM were significantly higher than the ones in PT. The Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the tests were not equivalent. In conclusion, professionals and researchers involved in strength assessment should be aware that the results obtained by PT and 1RM are not equivalent when evaluating individual responsiveness and/or the efficacy of an intervention on muscle strength, as the results obtained show large variations and can be even conflicting.

Plyometric training (PT) is a very popular form of physical conditioning of healthy individuals that has been extensively studied over the last decades. In this article, we critically review the available literature related to PT and its effects on physical fitness in team sport athletes. We also considered studies that combined PT with other popular training modalities (e.g. strength/sprint training). Generally, short-term PT (i.e. 2-3 sessions a week for 4-16 weeks) improves jump height, sprint and agility performances in team sport players. Literature shows that short PT (<8 weeks) has the potential to enhance a wide range of athletic performance (i.e. jumping, sprinting and agility) in children and young adult amateur players. Nevertheless, 6 to 7 weeks training appears to be too short to improve physical performance in elite male players. Available evidence suggests that short-term PT on non-rigid surfaces (i.e. aquatic, grass or sand-based PT) could elicit similar increases in jumping, sprinting and agility performances as traditional PT. Furthermore, the combination of various plyometric exercises and the bilateral and unilateral jumps could improve these performances more than the use of single plyometric drills or traditional PT. Thus, the present review shows a greater effect of PT alone on jump and sprint (30 m sprint performance only) performances than the combination of PT with sprint/strength training. Although many issues related to PT remain to be resolved, the results presented in this review allow recommending the use of well-designed and sport-specific PT as a safe and effective training modality for improving jumping and sprint performance as well as agility in team sport athletes.

Coswig, VS, Ramos, SdP, and Del Vecchio, FB. Time-motion and biological responses in simulated mixed martial arts sparring matches. J Strength Cond Res 30(8): 2156-2163, 2016-Simulated matches are a relevant component of training for mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes. This study aimed to characterize time-motion responses and investigate physiological stress and neuromuscular changes related to MMA sparring matches. Thirteen athletes with an average age of 25 ± 5 years, body mass of 81.3 ± 9.5 kg, height of 176.2 ± 5.5 cm, and time of practice in MMA of 39 ± 25 months participated in the study. The fighters executed three 5-minute rounds with 1-minute intervals. Blood and salivary samples were collected and physical tests and psychometric questionnaires administered at 3 time points: before (PRE), immediately after (POST), and 48 hours after the combat (48 h). Statistical analysis applied analysis of variance for repeated measurements. In biochemical analysis, significant changes (p ≤ 0.05) were identified between PRE and POST (glucose: 80.3 ± 12.7 to 156.5 ± 19.1 mg·ml; lactate: 4 ± 1.7 to 15.6 ± 4.8 mmol·dl), POST and 48 hours (glucose: 156.5 ± 19.1 to 87.6 ± 15.5 mg·ml; lactate: 15.6 ± 4.8 to 2.9 ± 3.5 mmol·dl; urea: 44.1 ± 8.9 to 36.3 ± 7.8 mg·ml), and PRE and 48 hours (creatine kinase [CK]: 255.8 ± 137.4 to 395.9 ± 188.7 U/L). In addition, time-motion analyses showed a total high:low intensity of 1:2 and an effort:pause ratio of 1:3. In conclusion, simulated MMA sparring matches feature moderate to high intensity and a low degree of musculoskeletal damage, which can be seen by absence of physical performance and decrease in CK. Results of the study indicate that sparring training could be introduced into competitive microcycles to improve technical and tactical aspects of MMA matches, due to the high motor specificity and low muscle damage.

Boscolo Del Vecchio, F, Foster, D, and Arruda, A. Functional movement screening performance of Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes from Brazil: differences considering practice time and combat style. J Strength Cond Res 30(8): 2341-2347, 2016-Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling combat sport that athletes, lying (guard fighter) or kneeling (pass fighter) on the mat, attempt to force their opponents to submit. Brazilian jiu-jitsu practices may result in muscular imbalances, which increase the risk of injury. Instead, the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is an evaluation routine that could be related to injury incidence and seeks to detect muscular imbalance and movement dysfunction. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the injury profile and the FMS score and their relationship, with consideration for the BJJ fight style. Sports injuries were recorded in the last 12 months of 33 BJJ athletes, and the statistical analyses were applied to a routine evaluation FMS and a score of 14 points or less was considered low performance in FMS. We used a logistic regression; the effect size (ES) was calculated, and 5% was assumed as the statistical significance level. Pass fighters showed a higher percentage of injuries on the thorax (24.24%) than did guard fighters (6.67%, p = 0.01). Upper limbs were the most injured part of the body (χ = 36.7; p < 0.001), and they were 79% of the injuries that occurred in training sessions (χ = 14.53; p < 0.001). Despite the lack of statistical differences in the FMS performance between guard and pass fighters (t = 1.97; p = 0.05), its magnitude was considered medium (ES = 0.77). There was an association between FMS and presence of injury (χ = 4.95; p = 0.03). Considering the FMS score as a predictor and the presence or absence of injury as the dependent variable, the data met a Wald coefficient of 4.55, p = 0.03 and Exp (B) = 5.71. The study found that almost half of the sample had injuries in the upper limbs and a quarter had injuries in the lower limbs in the last year. A poor FMS score was observed, and lower scores in the FMS were associated with a higher risk of injury in BJJ athletes.

The deadlift is a fundamental exercise used in the development of whole body strength and a common element in resistance training programs for all levels. However, many practitioners report the fatigue of forearm muscles and possibly a lack of grip strength as obstacles to exercise performance, which may lead to the use of ergogenic aids, such as lifting straps. The objective of this study was to evaluate kinematic variables during the execution of multiple sets of deadlift with (WS) and without (NS) lifting straps. Eleven subjects (25 ± 3.3 years) with an average of 4 ± 2.6 years of resistance training experience were enrolled in the study. After the 1 repetition maximum (1RM) test WS and NS, subjects performed separate trials of 3 sets to failure at 90% of 1RM in a counterbalanced fashion. With straps resulted in lower speed (0 to -25%) (-3 to -10%) and greater force (20-28%) and duration (concentric phase: 0-13%) when compared with NS. Therefore, it is concluded that the use of straps directly influences exercise performance that requires manual grip strength, increasing the amount of work performed by the target muscles.