Caio Victor Coutinho de Oliveira

High-intensity exercise promotes postexercise hypotension greater than moderate intensity in elderly hypertensive individuals

To evaluate the effects of high‐intensity resistance exercise on postexercise hypotension (PEH) and forearm vascular resistance (FVR) in the hypertensive elderly.

Adverse Cardiovascular Effects from the Use of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids as Ergogenic Resources

This review evaluates the documented cardiovascular functioning among anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) users. AAS users manifest a reduction in HDL cholesterol, increased inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress. Strong evidence associating AAS use with blood pressure at hypertensive levels, as well as hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunction has also been reported. Both epidemiological and autopsy studies attest the relationship between AAS use and early mortality. The reviews limitations are noted.

Resistance exercise with different volumes: blood pressure response and forearm blood flow in the hypertensive elderly

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of two sessions of resistance exercise with different volumes on post-exercise hypotension, forearm blood flow, and forearm vascular resistance in hypertensive elderly subjects. Methods The study was conducted with ten hypertensive elderly (65±3 years, 28.7±3 kg/m2) subjected to three experimental sessions, ie, a control session, exercise with a set (S1), and exercise with three sets (S3). For each session, the subjects were evaluated before and after intervention. In the pre-intervention period, blood pressure, forearm blood flow, and forearm vascular resistance were measured after 10 minutes of rest in the supine position. Thereafter, the subjects were taken to the gym to perform their exercise sessions or remained at rest during the same time period. Both S1 and S3 comprised a set of ten repetitions of ten exercises, with an interval of 90 seconds between exercises. Subsequently, the measurements were again performed at 10, 30, 50, 70, and 90 minutes of recovery (post-intervention) in the supine position. Results Post-exercise hypotension was greater in S3 than in S1 (systolic blood pressure, −26.5±4.2 mmHg versus −17.9±4.7 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure, −13.8±4.9 mmHg versus −7.7±5 mmHg, P<0.05). Similarly, forearm blood flow and forearm vascular resistance changed significantly in both sessions with an increase and decrease, respectively, that was more evident in S3 than in S1 (P<0.05). Conclusion Resistance exercises with higher volume were more effective in causing post-exercise hypotension, being accompanied by an increase in forearm blood flow and a reduction of forearm vascular resistance.

Supplementation with Watermelon Extract Reduces Total Cholesterol and LDL Cholesterol in Adults with Dyslipidemia under the Influence of the MTHFR C677T Polymorphism

Dyslipidemia and genetic polymorphisms are associated with increased risk for developing cardiovascular diseases, and watermelon appears to have the potential to improve hyperlipidemia due to the presence of nutrients such as arginine and citrulline. Objective: To test the hypolipidemic effect of watermelon extract (Citrullus lanatus) and the influence of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotype (MTHFR C677T) on supplementation response. Methods: This is an experimental clinical phase II randomized and double-blind study. Forty-three subjects with dyslipidemia were randomly divided into 2 groups: experimental (n = 22) and control (n = 21) groups. The subjects were supplemented daily for 42 days with 6 g of watermelon extract or a mixture of carbohydrates (sucrose/glucose/fructose). Results: The use of watermelon extract reduced plasma total cholesterol (p < 0.05) and low-density lipoprotein (p < 0.01) without modifying triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein values. Only carriers of the T allele (MTHFR C677T) showed decreasing concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (p < 0.01). No changes in anthropometric parameters analyzed were observed. This is the first study to demonstrate the beneficial effect of the consumption of watermelon extract in reducing plasma levels of lipids in humans. The MTHFR C677T polymorphism did not affect the plasma lipid concentration but made individuals more responsive to treatment with watermelon. Conclusions: The consumption of this functional food represents an alternative therapy in the combined treatment of patients with dyslipidemia, promoting health and minimizing the development of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Anabolic–Androgenic Steroid Use Among Brazilian Bodybuilders

This cross-sectional, quantitative, exploratory study investigated the prevalence and profile of anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) users amongst a convenience sample of 510 bodybuilders from 52 gyms, in João Pessoa, Brazil, with a structured questionnaire containing selected questions about socioeconomic and training variables on the use of AAS. Data were analyzed using frequency and chi-square tests. AAS prevalence use was 20.6%; mostly young men (98.1%), of a low education level (46.7%), who trained for more than 4 years (49.5%). The use of AAS was related to the use of dietary supplements. About 81% of consumed AAS consisted of Deca-Durabolin, Winstrol, and Sustanon. Studys limitations are noted.

High-Intensity Resistance Exercise Promotes Postexercise Hypotension Greater than Moderate Intensity and Affects Cardiac Autonomic Responses in Women Who Are Hypertensive

Abstract de Freitas Brito, A, Brasileiro-Santos, MdS, Coutinho de Oliveira, CV, Sarmento da Nóbrega, TK, Lúcia de Moraes Forjaz, C, and da Cruz Santos, A. High-intensity resistance exercise promotes postexercise hypotension greater than moderate intensity and affects cardiac autonomic responses in women who are hypertensive. J Strength Cond Res 29(12): 3486–3493, 2015—The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of high-intensity resistance exercise (RE) sessions on blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), cardiac autonomic modulation, and forearm blood flow (FBF). Sixteen trained hypertensive women (n = 16, 56 ± 3 years) completed the following 3 experimental sessions: control (CS), RE at 50% (EX50%), and RE at 80% (EX80%) of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Both EX50% and EX80% comprised a set of 10 repetitions of 10 exercises, with an interval of 90 seconds between exercises. Measurements were taken preintervention and postintervention (at 10, 30, 50, 70, and 90 minutes of recovery). Reductions in systolic/diastolic BP after exercise were greater in EX80% (largest declines, −29 ± 4/−14 ± 5 mm Hg) than EX50% (largest declines, −18 ± 6/−8 ± 5 mm Hg, p ⩽ 0.05). Heart rate and cardiac sympathovagal balance (LF/HF) increased more in relation to pre-exercise values in EX80% than EX50% (largest increases 96 ± 3 vs. 90 ± 4 b·min−1, LF/HF = 1.77 ± 0.25 vs. 1.40 ± 0.20, respectively, p ⩽ 0.05). Increases in FBF and hyperemia was also higher in EX80% than EX50% compared with pre-exercise (4.97 ± 0.28 vs. 4.36 ± 0.27 ml·min−1·100 ml−1 and 5.90 ± 0.20 vs. 5.38 ± 0.25 ml·min−1·100 ml−1; p ⩽ 0.05, respectively). These results suggest that RE of higher intensity promoted greater postexercise hypotension accompanied by greater increases in FBF, vasodilator response, HR, and cardiac sympathovagal balance.

Influence of carbohydrate supplementation during resistance training on concentrations of the hormones cortisol and insulin

This study analysed the influence of maltodextrin ingestion before and during a single bout of resistance exercise on muscle damage and catabolic/anabolic hormone responses. Seven young men previously trained in resistance exercises performed two sessions each comprising ten exercises for the upper limbs, accompanied by ingestion of a solution containing 8% carbohydrate or placebo. Blood samples were obtained before and after training for analysis of insulin, cortisol and creatine kinase, and during the training period (after the second, fourth, sixth, eighth and tenth exercise) for glucose analysis. At all time-points, glucose was found to be significantly higher following ingestion of carbohydrate. Although the training led to an increase in cortisol, no differences were noted between the carbohydrate and placebo sessions. However, the levels of insulin after training were approximately three times higher following ingestion of carbohydrate (28.7 ± 3 μU/ml) than following ingestion of placebo (9.5 ± 2.2 μU/ml, p <0.05. We conclude that carbohydrate ingestion before and during resistance exercises does not affect catabolic activity, but provides an important anabolic muscle stimulus.

Supplements and Foods with Potential Reduction of Blood Pressure in Prehypertensive and Hypertensive Subjects: A Systematic Review

Although the dietary approaches for stop hypertension (DASH) is well established and effective in reduction of blood pressure, in recent years, new scientific studies have indicated that specific food, nutrients isolated from foods, and even commercial food supplements are not covered by DASH. In this research, these nutrients were evaluated through a review using the databases of PubMed with the terms “dietary supplements and blood pressure” without a limit of date. Vitamins (C, D, and E) and minerals (potassium and copper) promote the greatest reductions in BP, around 7 to 14 mmHg for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 4 to 5 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure (PAD). Antioxidants reduce SBP and DBP in 3 to 27 mmHg and 3 to 4 mmHg, respectively. Among the amino acids, only L-arginine was effective in promoting reduction of 20 and 15 mmHg for SBP and DBP, respectively. In food, the grape juice promoted the highest reductions in SBP and DBP, around 8 mmHg and 6 mmHg, respectively. Finally, for commercial supplements, the fermented milk product GAIOR, the grain salba, and fish oil promoted reductions of about 4,4; 6; and 5 mmHg and 3,4; 3; and 1 mmHg for SBP and DBP, respectively. Therefore, new nutrients, foods, and supplements can enrich the recommendations of the DASH.

Effects of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Supplementation on Creatine Kinase, Lactate Dehydrogenase, Oxidative Stress Markers, and Aerobic Capacity in Semi-Professional Soccer Players

Nutritional intervention with antioxidants rich foods has been considered a strategy to minimize the effects of overtraining in athletes. This experimental, randomized, and placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of consumption of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) on muscle damage markers, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and aerobic performance in male semi-professional soccer players. Twenty athletes were randomly assigned to groups that received 40 g (two tablespoons) per day of sesame or a placebo during 28 days of regular training (exposed to routine training that includes loads of heavy training in the final half of the season). Before and after intervention, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and aerobic capacity were evaluated. Before intervention, a physiologic imbalance was noted in both groups related to CK and LDH levels. Sesame intake caused a reduction of CK (19%, p < 0.05), LDH (37%, p < 0.05), MDA (55%, p < 0.05) and hs-CRP (53%, p < 0.05) and increased SOD (14%, p < 0.05), vitamin A (25%, p < 0.05), and vitamin E (65%, p < 0.05) in the experimental group. These phenomena were accompanied by increased aerobic capacity (17%, p < 0.05). The placebo group showed an increase in CK (5%, p < 0.05) and no significant change in LDH, SOD or vitamin A. MDA levels decreased (21%, p < 0.05) and vitamin E increased (14%, p < 0.05) in the placebo group, but to a much lesser extent than in the experimental group. These results show that sesame consumption may reduce muscle damage and oxidative stress while improving the aerobic capacity in soccer players.

BALLNESS É TÃO EFICAZ QUANTO IOGA NA PROMOÇÃO DE FLEXIBILIDADE EM MULHERES DE MEIA IDADE

Introducao: A incorporacao da pratica de modalidades alternativas de exercicio para promocao da flexibilidade e cada vez mais comum. Estudos demonstram associacao entre indices de flexibilidade e qualidade de vida. Neste contexto, a ioga e o ballness surgem como ferramentas capazes de aumentar a flexibilidade dos individuos. Objetivo: Comparar os niveis de flexibilidade da flexao do tronco de mulheres de meia idade praticantes de ballness e de ioga. Metodos: 24 mulheres de meia idade foram voluntariamente selecionadas. Foram divididas em tres grupos (n=8/grupo): controle (C) (48,87±2,80anos), ballness (B) (48,62±5,63anos) e ioga (I) (49,12±5,48anos). Para inclusao no estudo, os sujeitos de (B) e (I) deveriam ser praticantes a seis meses da modalidade, com frequencia minima de 2 sessoes/semana. Ademais, toda amostra deveria estar isenta de lesao na regiao lombo sacra, no quadril e na musculatura dos membros inferiores. A flexibilidade foi mensurada utilizando o banco de Wells, utilizando o post hoc de Tukey para comparacao entre tratamentos (p<0,05). Resultados: A flexibilidade dos grupos exercicios (B e I) demonstrou-se maior que a do grupo (C) (p<0,05 para (I) e p<0,001 para (B)), sendo a media da distância alcancada em (B) foi de 37,1±6,0cm contra 32,1±6,1cm de (I) e 20,5±3,1cm de (C), sem diferencas entre (B) e (I). Adicionalmente, no teste de “sentar e alcancar”, os sujeitos dos grupos (B) e (I) apresentaram prevalencia do nivel “bom” de 37% e 37,5%, respectivamente, enquanto que ninguem de (C) mostrou-se nessa condicao. Conclusoes: A pratica regular de ballness e de ioga em mulheres de meia idade sao suficientes para promover maior flexibilidade em comparacao as sedentarias.