Alejandro Martínez-Rodríguez

Short-term adaptations following Complex Training in team-sports: A meta-analysis

Objective The purpose of this meta-analysis was to study the short-term adaptations on sprint and vertical jump (VJ) performance following Complex Training (CT) in team-sports. CT is a resistance training method aimed at developing both strength and power, which has a direct effect on sprint and VJ. It consists on alternating heavy resistance training exercises with plyometric/power ones, set for set, on the same workout. Methods A search of electronic databases up to July 2016 (PubMed-MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Web of Knowledge) was conducted. Inclusion criteria: 1) at least one CT intervention group; 2) training protocols ≥4-wks; 3) sample of team-sport players; 4) sprint or VJ as an outcome variable. Effect sizes (ES) of each intervention were calculated and subgroup analyses were performed. Results A total of 9 studies (13 CT groups) met the inclusion criteria. Medium effect sizes (ES) (ES = 0.73) were obtained for pre-post improvements in sprint, and small (ES = 0.41) in VJ, following CT. Experimental-groups presented better post-intervention sprint (ES = 1.01) and VJ (ES = 0.63) performance than control-groups. Sprint large ESs were exhibited in younger athletes (<20 years old; ES = 1.13); longer CT interventions (≥6 weeks; ES = 0.95); conditioning activities with intensities ≤85% 1RM (ES = 0.96) and protocols with frequencies of <3 sessions/week (ES = 0.84). Medium ESs were obtained in Division I players (ES = 0.76); training programs >12 total sessions (ES = 0.74). VJ Large ESs in programs with >12 total sessions (ES = 0.81). Medium ESs obtained for under-Division I individuals (ES = 0.56); protocols with intracomplex rest intervals ≥2 min (ES = 0.55); conditioning activities with intensities ≤85% 1RM (ES = 0.64); basketball/volleyball players (ES = 0.55). Small ESs were found for younger athletes (ES = 0.42); interventions ≥6 weeks (ES = 0.45). Conclusions CT interventions have positive medium effects on sprint performance and small effects on VJ in team-sport athletes. This training method is a suitable option to include in the season planning.

The Effect of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Lean Mass in Postmenopausal Women: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: The purpose of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate published, randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on lean mass in postmenopausal women. Methods: The following electronic databases were searched from September to October 2015: PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Two different authors tabulated, independently, the selected indices in identical predetermined forms. The methodological quality of all randomized trial studies was evaluated according to the modified PEDro scale. In each trial, the effect size of the intervention was calculated by the difference between pre- and postintervention lean mass in WBVT postmenopausal women. For controlled trials, the effect size of the WBVT was also calculated by the difference in lean mass after the WBVT and in control participants. Results: Of the 189 articles found from the database search and all duplicates removed, 5 articles were analyzed. The lean mass of 112 postmenopausal women who performed either WBVT or a control protocol was evaluated. The methodological quality of the trials was high, where the mean score was 8 out of a possible 10 points. No significant improvements in lean mass with WBVT were found in postmenopausal women. In addition, there was no significant difference in lean mass between WBVT and control postmenopausal women. Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrated that WBVT alone may not be a sufficient stimulus to increase lean mass in postmenopausal women. Thus, additional complimentary training methods with WBVT are needed to increase muscle size in women with lower hormonal responses.

Correction to: The Effectiveness of Resisted Sled Training (RST) for Sprint Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Page 1: Abstract, Conclusions, sentence 4. The following sentence, which read:

Efectos de la dieta lacto-vegetariana y ejercicios de estabilización del core sobre la composición corporal y el dolor en mujeres con fibromialgia: ensayo controlado aleatorizado

BACKGROUND fibromyalgia is a disease of unknown origin characterized by chronic muscular pain. The lack of knowledge about this disease is one of the main causes that makes complex to make a diagnosis and an appropriate treatment. OBJECTIVE the main objective of this study was to know the efficacy of a physiotherapy treatment combined with a lacto-vegetarian dietary-nutritional intervention, on low back pain and body composition in women with fibromyalgia. METHODS twenty-one women were randomly divided into three groups: A (core stabilization exercises + lacto-vegetarian diet), B (placebo + lacto-vegetarian diet) and C (control). The intervention lasted 4 weeks. Pain assessments (EVA scale) and body composition (bioimpedance) were performed at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. RESULTS group A showed significant changes in pain reduction and body composition at the end of the intervention, increasing muscle mass and decreasing fat mass. In addition, this group significantly improved outcomes compared to groups B and C. The correlations showed a relationship between muscle mass and pain reduction referred to at the end of the study in patients in group A. CONCLUSIONS four-week intervention program combining core stabilization exercises plus lacto-vegetarian diet in patients with fibromyalgia who have low back pain contributes to pain reduction and improved body composition.

Nutrition and Boxing Performance: Systematic Review

Boxing is a contact sport in which the athletes compete in weight categories. The athletes use different strategies to achieve their desired weight, some of which may affect their sports performance. This systematic review assesses the scientific literature regarding the nutritional and dietetic strategies used by boxers and their effects on performance. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was used to evaluate the quality of the articles; the maximum score was 10 points, because item 1 on the scale was not evaluated. Of a total 1549 articles obtained, only 14 remained after applying the inclusion criteria. Of these, only 2 articles scored more than 7 points on the PEDro scale and were considered to be high-quality scientific evidence. The remaining 12 articles, with scores less than 7 points, were of low quality due mainly to their small sample size (N’s for boxers range from 1–32), poor methodology, and short duration (1–12 weeks). The article included boxers of various ages, adolescents, and adults and 2 very-low-quality articles on female boxers (2 and 3 on the PEDro scale). The boxers used many unhealthy strategies to lose weight in the days prior to competition, including dehydration, energy restriction, diuretics, laxatives, and increased energy expenditure by strenuous physical activity.