Ciro José Brito

Weight loss in combat sports: physiological, psychological and performance effects

BackgroundThe present article briefly reviews the weight loss processes in combat sports. We aimed to discuss the most relevant aspects of rapid weight loss (RWL) in combat sports.MethodsThis review was performed in the databases MedLine, Lilacs, PubMed and SciELO, and organized into sub-topics: (1) prevalence, magnitude and procedures, (2) psychological, physiological and performance effects, (3) possible strategies to avoid decreased performance (4) organizational strategies to avoid such practices.ResultsThere was a high prevalence (50%) of RWL, regardless the specific combat discipline. Methods used are harmful to performance and health, such as laxatives, diuretics, use of plastic or rubber suits, and sauna. RWL affects physical and cognitive capacities, and may increase the risk of death.ConclusionRecommendations during different training phases, educational and organizational approaches are presented to deal with or to avoid RWL.

Judo combat: time-motion analysis and physiology

The understanding of time-motion and physiological responses to judo combat is important to training organization. This review was based on search results using the following terms: “judo and competition”, “judo and physiology”, “judo and randori”, and “judo and time-motion analysis”, “judo and combat”, “judo and match” and “judo and biochemestry”. The effort-pause ratio during judo combats is between 2:1 and 3:1, with 20s and 30s effort periods and 10s of pauses. Thus, judo combats rely on all three metabolisms, with the anaerobic alactic sytem being reponsible by the short duration powerful actions during technique applications, the anaerobic lactic system being responsible for the maintainance of high-intensity actions during longer periods (e.g., grip dispute), while the aerobic system is responsible for the recovery processes between high-intensity actions and matches. Training prescription must consider these demands and a muscle-specific action analysis may help to direct the proper approach to improve judo athletes’ performance. In general, lower-body is involved in short-term high-intensity actions during technique executions, while upper-body muscle groups are involved in both strength-endurance and power actions. As many muscle groups perform different actions during the match, a high cardiovascular demand is also observed in judo.

Long-Term Resistance Training Is Associated with Reduced Circulating Levels of IL-6, IFN-Gamma and TNF-Alpha in Elderly Women

Objective: The increase in inflammatory activity associated with aging is a characteristic of chronic disease processes that accounts for most of the mortality in the elderly. Resistance training (RT) has been shown to promote metabolic and functional benefits in this population. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between long-term RT and circulating levels of the proinflammatory mediators IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ in elderly women. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 54 older outpatients divided into a group that underwent RT (n = 28) for an average of 8.6 ± 0.3 months and a sedentary group (n = 26). Measurements were taken only at the end of the intervention, and cytokine values were log-transformed. Dietary intake was controlled as a confounding factor. Results: The RT group presented reduced levels of log10IFN-γ (approx. 45%; p = 0.003), log10IL-6 (approx. 30%; p = 0.002) and log10TNF-α (approx. 22%; p = 0.036). Total caloric intake and systolic arterial blood pressure were significantly lower in the RT group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.022, respectively). Pearson’s product moment correlation test revealed a negative association between the fat-free mass (FFM) index and log-transformed IL-6 levels (p = 0.03; n = 54) and a trend towards significance for the correlation between the FFM index and log10IFN-γ (p = 0.05; n = 54). Conclusion: Long-term, moderate-intensity RT in elderly women is associated with lower circulating levels of cytokines that are potentially implicated in disorders associated with physical inactivity and aging.

Treinamento físico para indivíduos HIV positivo submetidos à HAART: efeitos sobre parâmetros antropométricos e funcionais

introduction: The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved the prog nosis of HiV-infected individuals. However, HAART has been associated with the development of metabolic and fat distribution abnormalities, known as HiV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome (HiVAlS). Objective: This study investigated the impact of 24 weeks of resistance exercise with aerobic component (REAC) on anthropometric and functional parameters in HiV-infected patients undergoing HAART. Methods: n inety- nine HiV-infected patients were randomly allocated into four groups: exercise and lipodystrophy (n = 24; Ex + lip); exercise without lipodystrophy (n = 21; Ex + nolip); control and lipodystrophy (n = 27; noEx + lip); control without lipodystrophy (n = 27; noEx + nolip). Subjects from exercised groups (Ex+lip and Ex+nolip) participated in a 24-week REAC program. Anthropometric, strength and cardiorespiratory fitness tests were assessed at baseline and 24 weeks after intervention. Results: Body circumferences (p < 0.0001) and waist-hip ratio (p = 0.017) changed after 24 weeks of REAC in both exercised groups. The sum of seven skinfolds assessed, body fat percentage, body fat mass, total fat, central fat and peripheral subcutaneous fat reduced (p < 0.0001) in response to REAC. l ean body mass increased (p < 0.0001) in exercised groups, regardless of the outcome (lip or nolip). Strength and cardiorespiratory fitness increased (p < 0.0001) in both exercised groups in response to REAC. Conclusion: 24 weeks of REAC prevented the manifestation of changes arising from HiVldS and contributed to their reduction.

Beneficial effects of physical activity in an HIV-infected woman with lipodystrophy: a case report.

IntroductionLipodystrophy is common in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy, and presents with morphologic changes and metabolic alterations that are associated with depressive behavior and reduced quality of life. We examined the effects of exercise training on morphological changes, lipid profile and quality of life in a woman with human immunodeficiency virus presenting with lipodystrophy.Case presentationA 31-year-old Latin-American Caucasian woman infected with human immunodeficiency virus participated in a 12-week progressive resistance exercise training program with an aerobic component. Her weight, height, skinfold thickness, body circumferences, femur and humerus diameter, blood lipid profile, maximal oxygen uptake volume, exercise duration, strength and quality of life were assessed pre-exercise and post-exercise training. After 12 weeks, she exhibited reductions in her total subcutaneous fat (18.5%), central subcutaneous fat (21.0%), peripheral subcutaneous fat (10.7%), waist circumference (WC) (4.5%), triglycerides (9.9%), total cholesterol (12.0%) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (8.6%). She had increased body mass (4.6%), body mass index (4.37%), humerus and femur diameter (3.0% and 2.3%, respectively), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (16.7%), maximal oxygen uptake volume (33.3%), exercise duration (37.5%) and strength (65.5%). Quality of life measures improved mainly for psychological and physical measures, independence and social relationships.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that supervised progressive resistance exercise training is a safe and effective treatment for evolving morphologic and metabolic disorders in adults infected with HIV receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy, and improves their quality of life.

Prediction of metabolic syndrome in children through anthropometric indicators

FUNDAMENTO: Debido a la necesidad de medir las variables antropometricas, bioquimicas y hemodinamicas para el diagnostico del sindrome metabolico, se percibe la dificultad de la evaluacion de grandes poblaciones, principalmente en ninos, provocada por el dificil acceso y por el caracter invasivo. Es urgente la necesidad de desarrollar formas diagnosticas de facil aplicacion, buena precision y bajo costo, con la finalidad de predecir el sindrome metabolico ya en las edades iniciales. OBJETIVO: Verificar la prevalencia del sindrome metabolico en ninos y probar los indicadores antropometricos con capacidad predictiva. METODOS: Estudio transversal realizado con 109 ninos, de 7 a 11 anos. Se utilizo el criterio National Cholesterol Education Program para el diagnostico del sindrome metabolico, adaptado a la edad. Como posibles predictores, fueron probados: indice de masa corporal (IMC), circunferencia de la cintura (CC), relacion cintura/cadera (RCC), indice de conicidad (indice C) y el porcentual de grasa corporal. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia del sindrome metabolico fue de 13,3% y 36% para ninos y ninas, respectivamente. Los principales indicadores antropometricos fueron: IMC = 0,81 (0,69 - 0,94), CC = 0,79 (0,64 - 0,94), grasa corporal = 0,79 (0,66 - 0,92) y RCC = 0,37 (0,21 - 0,54). CONCLUSION: Fueron considerados factores predictores del sindrome metabolico la CC superior a 78 cm, la grasa corporal superior a 41% y el IMC superior a 24,5 kg/m2. El indice C y la RCC no fueron considerados predictores.BACKGROUND Because of the need to measure anthropometric, biochemical and hemodynamic variables for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, we realize how difficult it is to analyze large populations, especially children, due to the poor accessibility and the invasive character. There is an urgent need to develop easy-to-use, accurate and low-cost diagnostic tools in order to predict metabolic syndrome at early ages. OBJECTIVE To verify the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in children and to test predictive anthropometric indicators. METHODS Cross-sectional study conducted among 109 children aged 7 to 11 years. The age-adjusted National Cholesterol Education Program definition was used for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. The following parameters were tested as possible predictors: body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), conicity index (C index), and body fat percentage. RESULTS The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 13.3% and 36% for boys and girls, respectively. The main anthropometric indicators were: BMI = 0.81 (0.69 - 0.94), WC = 0.79 (0.64 - 0.94), body fat = 0.79 (0.66 - 0.92) and WHR = 0.37 (0.21 - 0.54). CONCLUSION WC higher than 78 cm, body fat higher than 41%, and BMI higher than 24.5 kg/m² were considered predictors of metabolic syndrome. The C index and WHR were not considered predictors.

Predição da síndrome metabólica em crianças por indicadores antropométricos

FUNDAMENTO: Debido a la necesidad de medir las variables antropometricas, bioquimicas y hemodinamicas para el diagnostico del sindrome metabolico, se percibe la dificultad de la evaluacion de grandes poblaciones, principalmente en ninos, provocada por el dificil acceso y por el caracter invasivo. Es urgente la necesidad de desarrollar formas diagnosticas de facil aplicacion, buena precision y bajo costo, con la finalidad de predecir el sindrome metabolico ya en las edades iniciales. OBJETIVO: Verificar la prevalencia del sindrome metabolico en ninos y probar los indicadores antropometricos con capacidad predictiva. METODOS: Estudio transversal realizado con 109 ninos, de 7 a 11 anos. Se utilizo el criterio National Cholesterol Education Program para el diagnostico del sindrome metabolico, adaptado a la edad. Como posibles predictores, fueron probados: indice de masa corporal (IMC), circunferencia de la cintura (CC), relacion cintura/cadera (RCC), indice de conicidad (indice C) y el porcentual de grasa corporal. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia del sindrome metabolico fue de 13,3% y 36% para ninos y ninas, respectivamente. Los principales indicadores antropometricos fueron: IMC = 0,81 (0,69 - 0,94), CC = 0,79 (0,64 - 0,94), grasa corporal = 0,79 (0,66 - 0,92) y RCC = 0,37 (0,21 - 0,54). CONCLUSION: Fueron considerados factores predictores del sindrome metabolico la CC superior a 78 cm, la grasa corporal superior a 41% y el IMC superior a 24,5 kg/m2. El indice C y la RCC no fueron considerados predictores.BACKGROUND Because of the need to measure anthropometric, biochemical and hemodynamic variables for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, we realize how difficult it is to analyze large populations, especially children, due to the poor accessibility and the invasive character. There is an urgent need to develop easy-to-use, accurate and low-cost diagnostic tools in order to predict metabolic syndrome at early ages. OBJECTIVE To verify the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in children and to test predictive anthropometric indicators. METHODS Cross-sectional study conducted among 109 children aged 7 to 11 years. The age-adjusted National Cholesterol Education Program definition was used for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. The following parameters were tested as possible predictors: body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), conicity index (C index), and body fat percentage. RESULTS The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 13.3% and 36% for boys and girls, respectively. The main anthropometric indicators were: BMI = 0.81 (0.69 - 0.94), WC = 0.79 (0.64 - 0.94), body fat = 0.79 (0.66 - 0.92) and WHR = 0.37 (0.21 - 0.54). CONCLUSION WC higher than 78 cm, body fat higher than 41%, and BMI higher than 24.5 kg/m² were considered predictors of metabolic syndrome. The C index and WHR were not considered predictors.

Cytokine gene polymorphisms and Alzheimer's disease in Brazil.

Background: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding immunological mediators can affect the biological activity of these molecules by regulating transcription, translation, or secretion, modulating the genetic risk of inflammatory damage in Alzheimers disease (AD). Nonetheless, the Brazilian contingent is highly admixed, and few association trials performed herein with AD patients have considered genetic ancestry estimates as co-variables when investigating markers for this complex trait. Methods: We analyzed polymorphisms in 10 inflammatory genes and compared the genotype distribution across outpatients with late-onset AD and noncognitively impaired subjects from Midwest Brazil under a strict criterion, and controlling for ancestry heritage and ApoE genotype. Results: Our findings show an almost 40% lower chance of AD (p = 0.004) among homozygotes of the IL10 -1082A allele (rs1800896). Dichotomization to ApoE and mean ancestry levels did not affect protection, except among those with greater European or minor African heritage. Conclusion: The IL10 locus seems to affect the onset of AD in a context sensitive to the genetic ancestry of Brazilian older adults.

Comparisons of Time-motion Analysis of Mixed Martial Arts Rounds by Weight Divisions

This study aimed to compare time-motion analysis between weight divisions in male fighters and rounds of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The sample consisted of 2097 bouts separated by weight divisions (Flyweight n=114, Bantamweight n=224, Featherweight n=286, Lightweight n=450, Welterweight n=390, Middleweight n=316, Light heavyweight n=167, Heavyweight n=150) of 2012-2014 UFC™ events. The time-motion variables were categorized into low or high-intensity, stand-up or groundwork situations by round. Effects of weight divisions were observed and the main results showed that, in the 1st round, the heavyweights (212.4±101.5s) presented with a shorter effort time than all other weight divisions (257.6±79.9s); in the 2nd round, the bantamweight competitors (132.8±90.9s) presented with the shortest total effort time (171.7±81.5s); in the 3rd round, the shortest total effort time was in the heavyweight division (246.3±89.1s) again, with the other weight divisions showing variable effort times, including: welterweight (289.6±42.3s), lightweight (280.3±57.3s), featherweight (281.4±58s), bantamweight (285.6±47.2s), flyweight (287.7±43.8s) and middleweight (268.3±72.2s). The present data suggest a focus on the intermittent demands presented in the various combat phases in MMA. Additionally, strength and conditioning coaches should pay particular attention to the high and low effort ratios for both standing and ground combat to most effectively condition their athletes.

Regional Skin Temperature Response to Moderate Aerobic Exercise Measured by Infrared Thermography

Background: Infrared thermography (IRT) does not require contact with the skin, and it is a convenient, reliable and non-invasive technique that can be used for monitoring the skin temperature (TSK). Objectives: The aim of this study was to monitor the variations in the regional TSK during exercise on 28 regions of interest (ROIs) (forehead, face, chest, abdomen, back, lumbar, anterior and posterior neck, and posterior and anterior views of the right and left hands, forearms, upper arms, thighs, and legs) with IRT. Patients and Methods: 12 physically active young males were monitored with IRT during the following three phases: a) 30 minutes before exercise b) while performing one hour of moderate intensity exercise on a treadmill at 60% of the VO2max, and c) 60 minutes after exercise. Results: During pre-exercise, all TSK reached a steady-state (P ≤ 0.05), which ensured adequate thermal stabilisation. At the beginning of exercise, there was a significant reduction in the TSK in most ROIs after 10 minutes of activity, except for the lower limbs (legs and thighs). After one hour of recovery, in the anterior view of the hands and thighs and in the posterior view of the legs, there were significant increases in the TSK compared to pre-exercise. Conclusions: There were significant distinctions in the skin temperature distribution during exercise according to the activity of the area under consideration during exercise, which may be important in the development of physiological models and heat flux analyses for different purposes.