Ewertton de Souza Bezerra

Effects of Two Different Training Methods in Women With Fibromyalgia Syndrome

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects generated by the methods of training in women with fibromyalgia. Two methods were applied—aerobic training (TA) and circuit training (TCIRC)—and their effects were compared on the quality of life of patients through diagnostic tests for fibromyalgia (questionnaire on the impact of fibromyalgia, visual scale of pain), development of aerobic capacity (test time, VO2max, and HRmax), and strength (15RM test). With the analysis performed in the pre- and post-training periods, it was found that in diagnosis of fibromyalgia the TCIRC had a greater development than the TA when pre- and post-test evolution were compared. In 6 weeks, however, the TA had better results than the TCIRC in aerobic capacity, considering the duration of the training period. In the variable strength development, as expected, the TCIRC showed a higher evolution. Thus, it was concluded that circuit training can be an alternative form of treatment of fibromyalgia.

Maximal strength performance and muscle activation for the bench press and triceps extension exercises adopting dumbbell, barbell and machine modalities over multiple sets.

Abstract Farias, DdA, Willardson, JM, Paz, GA, Bezerra, EdS, and Miranda, H. Maximal strength performance and muscle activation for the bench press and triceps extension exercises adopting dumbbell, barbell and machine modalities over multiple sets. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1879–1887, 2017—The purpose of this study was to investigate muscle activation, total repetitions, and training volume for 3 bench press (BP) exercise modes (Smith machine [SMBP], barbell [BBP], and dumbbell [DBP]) that were followed by a triceps extension (TE) exercise. Nineteen trained men performed 3 testing protocols in random order, which included: (P1) SMBP + TE; (P2) BBP + TE; and (P3) DBP + TE. Each protocol involved 4 sets with a 10-repetition maximum (RM) load, immediately followed by a TE exercise that was also performed for 4 sets with a 10RM load. A 2-minute rest interval was adopted between sets and exercises. Surface electromyographic activity was assessed for the pectoralis major (PM), anterior deltoid (AD), biceps brachii (BB), and triceps brachii (TB). The results indicated that significantly higher total repetitions were achieved for the DBP (31.2 ± 3.2) vs. the BBP (27.8 ± 4.8). For the TE, significantly greater volume was achieved when this exercise was performed after the BBP (1,204.4 ± 249.4 kg) and DBP (1,216.8 ± 287.5 kg) vs. the SMBP (1,097.5 ± 193 kg). The DBP elicited significantly greater PM activity vs. the BBP. The SMBP elicited significantly greater AD activity vs. the BBP and DBP. During the different BP modes, the SMBP and BBP elicited significantly greater TB activity vs. the DBP. However, the DBP elicited significantly greater BB activity vs. the SMBP and BBP, respectively. During the succeeding TE exercise, significantly greater activity of the TB was observed when this exercise was performed after the BBP vs. the SMBP and DBP. Therefore, it seems that the variation in BP modes does influence both repetition performance and muscle activation patterns during the TE when these exercises are performed in succession.

Functional resistance training can increase strength, knee torque ratio, and functional performance in elderly women

Functional resistance training can increase strength, knee torque ratio, and functional performance in elderly women. The aim of the present study was to understand the effects of closed kinetic chain exercises with constant load on muscular strength, the knee torque conventional ratio (hamstring:quadriceps – H:Q), and functional capacity in the elderly. Nine untrained healthy elderly women participated in experimental resistance training. Ten-repetition maximum (10RM) for the deadlift, isokinetic maximum voluntary concentric contraction, and functional capacity were assessed before and after the 7-week resistance-training program. Magnitude based inference analysis was used to examine the differences in muscle strength and functional performance. Therefore, the smallest worthwhile change was calculated and 90% confidence intervals were also determined to characterize muscle strength and functional performance. The analysis demonstrated an increase in the deadlift and knee flexor torque (60o/sec) after the experimental intervention. Furthermore, stair ascent, knee extensor torque (120o/sec), knee flexor torque (120o/sec), and knee ratio (60o/sec) also presented a positive effect in the same training period. Conversely, knee extensor torque (60o/sec), and knee ratio (120o/sec) did not show conclusive responses. In conclusion, resistance training with functional closed kinetic chain exercises and constant volume load (i.e., 65% of 1-repetition maximum) can increase deadlift 10RM, isokinetic concentric torque, the conventional H:Q ratio, and stair ascent performance in elderly women.

The influence of gender on the practice of physical activity in high school adolescents in the city of Manaus

A obesidade é um problema de saúde pública que cresce especialmente em países em desenvolvimento, estando associado tanto a fatores genéticos quanto a fatores culturais como o excesso de alimentação associados a elevados níveis de sedentarismo. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os comportamentos sedentários e níveis de atividade física, em função do gênero, nos adolescentes do ensino médio na rede pública estadual da cidade de Manaus, Brasil. Participaram do estudo 864 adolescentes de ambos os gêneros com idade entre 15 e 19 anos. As informações foram coletadas por meio de questionário formulado e adaptado com base no COMPAC2. Os resultados foram apresentados utilizando a estatística descritiva e a comparação entre os grupos (masculino e feminino) foi realizada por meio do teste Qui-quadrado. O grupo de alunos do sexo masculino (M) apresentou maior participação nas práticas físicas e mostrou maior tempo de dedicação nessas atividades do que o grupo feminino (F), já que este último declarou preferência ao uso do computador e à participação em atividades culturais. Além disso, 64,3% dos rapazes e 35,5% das moças declararam dedicar entre 30 e 60 minutos ou mais por dia para a prática de atividade física. A forma mais usada de deslocamento até a escola foi a pé (M: 62,3%; F: 57,8%). Em relação aos comportamentos sedentários 60% dos avaliados afirmaram passar mais de 2 horas assistindo programas de televisão e 52% dos rapazes e 42,8% das moças declararam usar o computador por mais de 2 horas diárias. Os resultados revelaram que as estudantes do sexo feminino praticam menos atividades físicas que os estudantes do sexo masculino.