Carlos Ugrinowitsch

Short-term effects on lower-body functional power development: weightlifting vs. vertical jump training programs.

Among sport conditioning coaches, there is considerable discussion regarding the efficiency of training methods that improve lower-body power. Heavy resistance training combined with vertical jump (VJ) training is a well-established training method; however, there is a lack of information about its combination with Olympic weightlifting (WL) exercises. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the short-term effects of heavy resistance training combined with either the VJ or WL program. Thirty-two young men were assigned to 3 groups: WL = 12, VJ = 12, and control = 8. These 32 men participated in an 8-week training study. The WL training program consisted of 3 × 6RM high pull, 4 × 4RM power clean, and 4 3 4RM clean and jerk. The VJ training program consisted of 6 × 4 double-leg hurdle hops, 4 × 4 alternated single-leg hurdle hops, 4 × 4 single-leg hurdle hops, and 4 × 4 40-cm drop jumps. Additionally, both groups performed 4 × 6RM half-squat exercises. Training volume was increased after 4 weeks. Pretesting and posttesting consisted of squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests, 10- and 30-m sprint speeds, an agility test, a half-squat 1RM, and a clean-and-jerk 1RM (only for WL). The WL program significantly increased the 10-m sprint speed (p < 0.05). Both groups, WL and VJ, increased CMJ (p < 0.05), but groups using the WL program increased more than those using the VJ program. On the other hand, the group using the VJ program increased its 1RM half-squat strength more than the WL group (47.8 and 43.7%, respectively). Only the WL group improved in the SJ (9.5%). There were no significant changes in the control group. In conclusion, Olympic WL exercises seemed to produce broader performance improvements than VJ exercises in physically active subjects.

Strength Training with Blood Flow Restriction Diminishes Myostatin Gene Expression

PURPOSE The aim of the study was to determine whether the similar muscle strength and hypertrophy responses observed after either low-intensity resistance exercise associated with moderate blood flow restriction or high-intensity resistance exercise are associated with similar changes in messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of selected genes involved in myostatin (MSTN) signaling. METHODS Twenty-nine physically active male subjects were divided into three groups: low-intensity (20% one-repetition maximum (1RM)) resistance training (LI) (n = 10), low-intensity resistance exercise associated with moderate blood flow restriction (LIR) (n = 10), and high-intensity (80% 1RM) resistance exercise (HI) (n = 9). All of the groups underwent an 8-wk training program. Maximal dynamic knee extension strength (1RM), quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA), MSTN, follistatin-like related genes (follistatin (FLST), follistatin-like 3 (FLST-3)), activin IIb, growth and differentiation factor-associated serum protein 1 (GASP-1), and MAD-related protein (SMAD-7) mRNA gene expression were assessed before and after training. RESULTS Knee extension 1RM significantly increased in all groups (LI = 20.7%, LIR = 40.1%, and HI = 36.2%). CSA increased in both the LIR and HI groups (6.3% and 6.1%, respectively). MSTN mRNA expression decreased in the LIR and HI groups (45% and 41%, respectively). There were no significant changes in activin IIb (P > 0.05). FLST and FLST-3 mRNA expression increased in all groups from pre- to posttest (P < 0.001). FLST-3 expression was significantly greater in the HI when compared with the LIR and LI groups at posttest (P = 0.024 and P = 0.018, respectively). GASP-1 and SMAD-7 gene expression significantly increased in both the LIR and HI groups. CONCLUSIONS We concluded that LIR was able to induce gains in 1RM and quadriceps CSA similar to those observed after traditional HI. These responses may be related to the concomitant decrease in MSTN and increase in FLST isoforms, GASP-1, and SMAD-7 mRNA gene expression.

Meta-analysis of postactivation potentiation and power: effects of conditioning activity, volume, gender, rest periods, and training status.

Abstract Wilson, JM, Duncan, NM, Marin, PJ, Brown, LE, Loenneke, JP, Wilson, SMC, Jo, E, Lowery, RP, and Ugrinowitsch, C. Meta-analysis of postactivation potentiation and power: Effects of conditioning activity, volume, gender, rest periods, and training status. J Strength Cond Res 27(3): 854–859, 2013—There is no clear agreement regarding the ideal combination of factors needed to optimize postactivation potentiation (PAP) after a conditioning activity. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of training status, volume, rest period length, conditioning activity, and gender on power augmentation due to PAP. A total of 141 effect sizes (ESs) for muscular power were obtained from a total of 32 primary studies, which met our criteria of investigating the effects of a heavy preconditioning activity on power in randomized human trials. The mean overall ES for muscle power was 0.38 after a conditioning activity (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found between moderate intensity (60–84%) 1.06 and heavy intensity (>85%) 0.31 (p < 0.05). There were overall significant differences found between single sets 0.24 and multiple sets 0.66 (p < 0.05). Rest periods of 7–10 minutes (0.7) after a conditioning activity resulted in greater ES than 3–7 minutes (0.54), which was greater than rest periods of >10 minutes (0.02) (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found between untrained 0.14 and athletes 0.81 and between trained 0.29 and athletes. The primary findings of this study were that a conditioning activity augmented power output, and these effects increased with training experience, but did not differ significantly between genders. Moreover, potentiation was optimal after multiple (vs. single) sets, performed at moderate intensities, and using moderate rest periods lengths (7–10 minutes).

Strength training improves fall-related gait kinematics in the elderly: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Falls are one of the greatest concerns among the elderly. Among a number of strategies proposed to reduce the risk of falls, improving muscle strength has been applied as a successful preventive strategy. Although it has been suggested as a relevant strategy, no studies have analyzed how muscle strength improvements affect the gait pattern. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a lower limb strength training program on gait kinematics parameters associated with the risk of falls in elderly women. METHODS Twenty seven elderly women were assigned in a balance and randomized order into an experimental (n=14; age=61.1 (4.3)years, BMI=26.4 (2.8)kgm(-2)) and a control (n=13; age=61.6 (6.6)years; BMI=25.9 (3.0)kgm(-2)) group. The EG performed lower limb strength training during 12 weeks (3 days per week), being training load increased weekly. FINDINGS Primary outcomes were gait kinematics parameters and maximum voluntary isometric contractions at pre- and post-training period. Secondary outcomes were training load improvement weekly and one repetition maximum every two weeks. The 1 maximal repetition increment ranged from 32% to 97% and was the best predictor of changes in gait parameters (spatial, temporal and angular variables) after training for the experimental group. Z-score analysis revealed that the strength training was effective in reversing age-related changes in gait speed, stride length, cadence and toe clearance, approaching the elderly to reference values for healthy young women. INTERPRETATION Lower limb strength training improves fall-related gait kinematic parameters. Thus, strength training programs should be recommended to the elderly women in order to change their gait pattern towards young adults.

Acute effect of a ballistic and a static stretching exercise bout on flexibility and maximal strength.

Bacurau, RFP, Monteiro, GA, Ugrinowitsch C, Tricoli, V, Cabral, LF, Aoki, MS. Acute effect of a ballistic and a static stretching exercise bout on flexibility and maximal strength. J Strength Cond Res 23(1): 304-308, 2009-Different stretching techniques have been used during warm-up routines. However, these routines may decrease force production. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effect of a ballistic and a static stretching protocol on lower-limb maximal strength. Fourteen physically active women (169.3 ± 8.2 cm; 64.9 ± 5.9 kg; 23.1 ± 3.6 years) performed three experimental sessions: a control session (estimation of 45° leg press one-repetition maximum [1RM]), a ballistic session (20 minutes of ballistic stretch and 45° leg press 1RM), and a static session (20 minutes of static stretch and 45° leg press 1RM). Maximal strength decreased after static stretching (213.2 ± 36.1 to 184.6 ± 28.9 kg), but it was unaffected by ballistic stretching (208.4 ± 34.8 kg). In addition, static stretching exercises produce a greater acute improvement in flexibility compared with ballistic stretching exercises. Consequently, static stretching may not be recommended before athletic events or physical activities that require high levels of force. On the other hand, ballistic stretching could be more appropriate because it seems less likely to decrease maximal strength.

Effects of strength training and vascular occlusion

The purpose of our study was to determine if vascular occlusion produced an additive effect on muscle hypertrophy and strength performance with high strength training loads. Sixteen physically active men were divided into two groups: high-intensity (HI = 6 RM) and moderate-intensity training (MI = 12 RM). An occlusion cuff was attached to the proximal end of the right thigh, so that blood flow was reduced during the exercise. The left leg served as a control, thus was trained without vascular occlusion. Knee extension 1 RM and quadriceps cross-sectional area (MRI) were evaluated pre- and post-8 weeks of training. We only found a main time effect for both strength gains and quadriceps hypertrophy (p < 0.001). Therefore, we conclude that vascular occlusion in combination with high-intensity strength training does not augment muscle strength or hypertrophy when compared to high-intensity strength training alone.

Effect of bench press exercise intensity on muscle soreness and inflammatory mediators

Abstract This study compared four different intensities of a bench press exercise for muscle soreness, creatine kinase activity, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentrations in the blood. Thirty-five male Brazilian Army soldiers were randomly assigned to one of five groups: 50% one-repetition maximum (1-RM), 75% 1-RM, 90% 1-RM, 110% 1-RM, and a control group that did not perform the exercise. The total volume (sets × repetitions × load) of the exercise was matched among the exercise groups. Muscle soreness and plasma creatine kinase activity increased markedly (P < 0.05) after exercise, with no significant differences among the groups. Serum PGE2 concentration also increased markedly (P < 0.05) after exercise, with a significantly (P < 0.05) greater increase in the 110% 1-RM group compared with the other groups. A weak but significant (P < 0.05) correlation was found between peak muscle soreness and peak PGE2 concentration, but no significant correlation was evident between peak muscle soreness and peak creatine kinase activity, or peak creatine kinase activity and peak PGE2 concentration. All groups showed no changes in IL-1β, IL-6 or TNF-α. Our results suggest that the intensity of bench press exercise does not affect the magnitude of muscle soreness and blood markers of muscle damage and inflammation.

Influence of training background on jumping height.

The aim of this study was to compare the pattern of force production and center of mass kinematics in maximal vertical jump performance between power athletes, recreational bodybuilders, and physically active subjects. Twenty-seven healthy male subjects (age: 24.5 ± 4.3 years, height: 178.7 ± 15.2 cm, and weight: 81.9 ± 12.7 kg) with distinct training backgrounds were divided into 3 groups: power track athletes (PT, n = 10) with international experience, recreational bodybuilders (BB, n = 7) with at least 2 years of training experience, and physically active subjects (PA, n = 10). Subjects performed a 1 repetition maximum (1RM) leg press test and 5 countermovement jumps with no instructions regarding jumping technique. The power-trained group jumped significantly higher (p > 0.05) than the BB and PA groups (0.40 ± 0.05, 0.31 ± 0.04, and 0.30 ± 0.05, respectively). The difference in jumping height was not produced by higher rates of force development (RFD) and shorter center of mass (CM) displacement. Instead, the PT group had greater CM excursion (p > 0.05) than the other groups. The PT and BB groups had a high correlation between jumping height and 1RM test (r = 0.93 and r = 0.89, p > 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, maximum strength seems to be important for jumping height, but RFD does not seem relevant to achieve maximum jumping heights. High RFD jumps should be performed during training only when sport skills have a time constraint for force application.

Nonlinear periodization maximizes strength gains in split resistance training routines.

Monteiro, AG, Aoki, MS, Evangelista, AL, Alveno, DA, Monteiro, GA, Piçarro, IDC, and Ugrinowitsch, C. Nonlinear periodization maximizes strength gains in split resistance training routines. J Strength Cond Res 23(4): 1321-1326, 2009-The purpose of our study was to compare strength gains after 12 weeks of nonperiodized (NP), linear periodized (LP), and nonlinear periodized (NLP) resistance training models using split training routines. Twenty-seven strength-trained men were recruited and randomly assigned to one of 3 balanced groups: NP, LP, and NLP. Strength gains in the leg press and in the bench press exercises were assessed. There were no differences between the training groups in the exercise pre-tests (p > 0.05) (i.e., bench press and leg press). The NLP group was the only group to significantly increase maximum strength in the bench press throughout the 12-week training period. In this group, upper-body strength increased significantly from pre-training to 4 weeks (p < 0.0001), from 4 to 8 weeks (p = 0.004), and from 8 weeks to the post-training (p < 0.02). The NLP group also exhibited an increase in leg press 1 repetition maximum at each time point (pre-training to 4 weeks, 4-8 week, and 8 weeks to post-training, p < 0.0001). The LP group demonstrated strength increases only after the eight training week (p = 0.02). There were no further strength increases from the 8-week to the post-training test. The NP group showed no strength increments after the 12-week training period. No differences were observed in the anthropometric profiles among the training models. In summary, our data suggest that NLP was more effective in increasing both upper- and lower-body strength for trained subjects using split routines.

Limitations of Ordinary Least Squares Models in Analyzing Repeated Measures Data

PURPOSE To a) introduce and present the advantages of linear mixed models using generalized least squares (GLS) when analyzing repeated measures data; and b) show how model misspecification and an inappropriate analysis using repeated measures ANOVA with ordinary least squares (OLS) methodology can negatively impact the probability of occurrence of Type I error. METHODS The effects of three strength-training groups were simulated. Strength gains had two slope conditions: null (no gain), and moderate (moderate gain). Ten subjects were hypothetically measured at five time points, and the correlation between measurements within a subject was modeled as compound symmetric (CS), autoregressive lag 1 (AR(1)), and random coefficients (RC). A thousand data sets were generated for each correlation structure. Then, each was analyzed four times--once using OLS, and three times using GLS, assuming the following variance/covariance structures: CS, AR(1), and RC. RESULTS OLS produced substantially inflated probabilities of Type I errors when the variance/covariance structure of the data set was not CS. The RC model was less affected by the actual variance/covariance structure of the data set, and gave good estimates across all conditions. CONCLUSIONS Using OLS to analyze repeated measures data is inappropriate when the covariance structure is not known to be CS. Random coefficients growth curve models may be useful when the variance/covariance structure of the data set is unknown.