Gleber Pereira

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.

Fish-oil supplementation enhances the effects of strength training in elderly women

BACKGROUND Muscle force and functional capacity generally decrease with aging in the older population, although this effect can be reversed, attenuated, or both through strength training. Fish oil (FO), which is rich in n-3 (omega-3) PUFAs, has been shown to play a role in the plasma membrane and cell function of muscles, which may enhance the benefits of training. The effect of strength training and FO supplementation on the neuromuscular system of the elderly has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE The objective was to investigate the chronic effect of FO supplementation and strength training on the neuromuscular system (muscle strength and functional capacity) of older women. DESIGN Forty-five women (aged 64 ± 1.4 y) were randomly assigned to 3 groups. One group performed strength training only (ST group) for 90 d, whereas the others performed the same strength-training program and received FO supplementation (2 g/d) for 90 d (ST90 group) or for 150 d (ST150 group; supplemented 60 d before training). Muscle strength and functional capacity were assessed before and after the training period. RESULTS No differences in the pretraining period were found between groups for any of the variables. The peak torque and rate of torque development for all muscles (knee flexor and extensor, plantar and dorsiflexor) increased from pre- to posttraining in all groups. However, the effect was greater in the ST90 and ST150 groups than in the ST group. The activation level and electromechanical delay of the muscles changed from pre- to posttraining only for the ST90 and ST150 groups. Chair-rising performance in the FO groups was higher than in the ST group. CONCLUSIONS Strength training increased muscle strength in elderly women. The inclusion of FO supplementation caused greater improvements in muscle strength and functional capacity.

Effects of preferred and nonpreferred music on continuous cycling exercise performance.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of preferred and nonpreferred music on exercise distance, Heart Rate (HR), and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) during continuous cycling exercise performed at high intensity. Fifteen participants performed five test sessions. During two sessions, they cycled with fixed workload on ergometer to determine the Critical Power (CP) intensity. Then, they performed three more sessions cycling at CP intensity: listening to Preferred Music, listening to Nonpreferred Music, and No Music. The HR responses in the exercise sessions did not differ among all conditions. However, the RPE was higher for Nonpreferred Music than in the other conditions. The performance under Preferred Music (9.8 ± 4.6km) was greater than under Nonpreferred Music (7.1 ± 3.5km) conditions. Therefore, listening to Preferred Music during continuous cycling exercise at high intensity can increase the exercise distance, and individuals listening to Nonpreferred Music can perceive more discomfort caused by the exercise.

The psychobiological model: a new explanation to intensity regulation and (in)tolerance in endurance exercise

The mechanisms underpinning fatigue and exhaustion, and the specific sources of exercise-endurance intensity regulation and (in)tolerance have been investigated for over a century. Although several scientific theories are currently available, over the past five years a new framework called Psychobiological model has been proposed. This model gives greater attention to perceptual and motivational factors than its antecedents, and their respective influence on the conscious process of decision-making and behavioral regulation. In this review we present experimental evidences and summarize the key points of the Psychobiological model to explain intensity regulation and (in)tolerance in endurance exercise. Still, we discuss how the Psychobiological model explains training-induced adaptations related to improvements in performance, experimental manipulations, its predictions, and propose future directions for this investigative area. The Psychobiological model may give a new perspective to the results already published in the literature, helping scientists to better guide their research problems, as well as to analyze and interpret new findings more accurately.

Effects of Strength and Power Training on Neuromuscular Adaptations and Jumping Movement Pattern and Performance

Abstract Lamas, L, Ugrinowitsch, C, Rodacki, A, Pereira, G, Mattos, ECT, Kohn, AF, and Tricoli, V. Effects of strength and power training on neuromuscular adaptations and jumping movement pattern and performance. J Strength Cond Res 26(12): 3335–3344, 2012—This study aimed at comparing the effects of strength and power training (ST and PT) regimens on neuromuscular adaptations and changes on vertical jump performance, kinetics, and kinematics parameters. Forty physically active men (178.2 ± 7.0 cm; 75.1 ± 8.6 kg; 23.6 ± 3.5 years) with at least 2 years of ST experience were assigned to an ST (n = 14), a PT (n = 14), or a control group (C; n = 12). The training programs were performed during 8 weeks, 3 times per week. Dynamic and isometric maximum strength, cross-sectional area, and muscle activation were assessed before and after the experimental period. Squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, kinetics, and kinematics parameters were also assessed. Dynamic maximum strength increased similarly (p < 0.05) for the ST (22.8%) and PT (16.6%) groups. The maximum voluntary isometric contraction increased for the ST and PT groups (p < 0.05) in the posttraining assessments. There was a main time effect for muscle fiber cross-sectional area (p < 0.05), but there were no changes in muscle activation. The SJ height increased, after ST and PT, because of a faster concentric phase and a higher rate of force development (p < 0.05). The CMJ height increased only after PT (p < 0.05), but there were no significant changes in its kinetics and kinematics parameters. In conclusion, neuromuscular adaptations were similar between the training groups. The PT seemed more effective than the ST in increasing jumping performance, but neither the ST nor the PT was able to affect the SJ and the CMJ movement pattern (e.g., timing and sequencing of joint extension initiation).

The influence of resting period length on jumping performance.

Pereira, G, Almeida, AG, Rodacki, ALF, Ugrinowitsch, C, Fowler, NE, Kokubun, E. The influence of resting period length on jumping performance. J Strength Cond Res 22: 1259-1264, 2008-The purpose of this study was to determine a resting interval between countermovement jumps (i.e., volleyball spikes) that allows the maintenance of maximal jumping performance. Ten male volleyball players (1.85 ± 0.05 m, 77.2 ± 10.6 kg, 21.6 ± 5.3 years) performed 6 experimental jumping sessions. In the first and sixth sessions, maximal countermovement jump height was measured, followed by submaximal countermovement jumps to the point of volitional fatigue. The number of countermovement jumps was used as a reference to test the effect of rest period between volleyball spikes. From the second to fifth experimental sessions, 30 maximal volleyball spikes were performed with different resting periods (i.e., 8, 14, 17, and 20 seconds) followed by countermovement jumps. Between the 15th and 30th spikes, the blood lactate concentration and heart rate were measured. Because the performance on the first and sixth sessions was the same, no training effects were noticed. During the 8-second resting interval set, the lactate concentration increased significantly between the 15th and 30th spikes (i.e., from 3.37 ± 1.16 mmol to 4.94 ± 1.49 mmol); the number of countermovement jumps decreased significantly after spikes compared to those performed without a previous effort (i.e., from 23 ± 7 jumps to 17 ± 9 jumps); and these variables were significantly correlated (r = -0.7). On the other hand, the lactate concentration and number of countermovement jumps were stable across the other resting intervals, without a heart rate steady state. The results indicate that an adequate resting period between spikes allowed participants to achieve a lactate steady state in which the performance was maintained during the exercise. These findings show that resting intervals between 14 and 17 seconds, typical during volleyball matches, are indicated to use in volleyball spike drills due to their capacity to maintain maximal jumping performance.

Physiological and Perceived Exertion Responses at Intermittent Critical Power and Intermittent Maximal Lactate Steady State

Okuno, NM, Perandini, LAB, Bishop, D, Simões, HG, Pereira, G, Berthoin, S, Kokubun, E, and Nakamura, FY. Physiological and perceived exertion responses at intermittent critical power and intermittent maximal lactate steady state. J Strength Cond Res 25(7): 2053-2058, 2011—The aim of this study was to compare the power outputs of the intermittent critical power (CPi) with the intermittent maximal lactate steady state (MLSSi) and to compare the physiological and perceptual responses exercising at CPi and MLSSi. Ten subjects performed intermittent trials on a cycle ergometer to determine CPi and MLSSi using 30:30 seconds of effort and pause. The oxygen uptake (&OV0312;o2), heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration ([Lac]), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) responses were compared during 30-minute cycling at CPi and MLSSi. The CPi (267 ± 45 W) was similar to MLSSi (254 ± 39 W), and they were correlated (r = 0.88; p < 0.05). The &OV0312;o2 and HR responses stabilized throughout exercising at CPi (2.52 ± 0.52 L·min−1; 156 ± 8 b·min−1) and MLSSi (2.41 ± 0.32 L·min−1; 152 ± 10 b·min−1). These physiological variables were similar between conditions. However, the [Lac] and RPE were higher from the middle to the end of exercise duration at CPi ([Lac] = 6.9 ± 2.6 mM; RPE = 17.1 ± 2.1 a.u.) compared to MLSSi ([Lac] = 5.1 ± 0.9 mM; RPE = 15.7 ± 1.8 a.u.). Therefore, CPi intensity determined from 30:30 seconds of effort and rest periods on a cycle ergometer is equivalent to the MLSSi, and there is a physiological steady state throughout both exercise intensities, although the [Lac] and RPE responses at CPi are higher than at MLSSi. Thus, the CPi and MLSSi may be used as tools for intermittent training evaluation and prescription.

Evaluation of an innovative critical power model in intermittent vertical jump.

The aim of this study was to test if the critical power model can be used to determine the critical rest interval (CRI) between vertical jumps. Ten males performed intermittent countermovement jumps on a force platform with different resting periods (4.1+/-0.3 s, 5.0+/-0.4 s, 5.9+/-0.6 s). Jump trials were interrupted when participants could no longer maintain 95% of their maximal jump height. After interruption, number of jumps, total exercise duration and total external work were computed. Time to exhaustion (s) and total external work (J) were used to solve the equation Work=a+b x time. The CRI (corresponding to the shortest resting interval that allowed jump height to be maintained for a long time without fatigue) was determined dividing the average external work needed to jump at a fixed height (J) by b parameter (J/s). In the final session, participants jumped at their calculated CRI. A high coefficient of determination (0.995+/-0.007) and the CRI (7.5+/-1.6 s) were obtained. In addition, the longer the resting period, the greater the number of jumps (44+/-13, 71+/-28, 105+/-30, 169+/-53 jumps; p<0.0001), time to exhaustion (179+/-50, 351+/-120, 610+/-141, 1,282+/-417s; p<0.0001) and total external work (28.0+/-8.3, 45.0+/-16.6, 67.6+/-17.8, 111.9+/-34.6kJ; p<0.0001). Therefore, the critical power model may be an alternative approach to determine the CRI during intermittent vertical jumps.

The rating of perceived exertion predicts intermittent vertical jump demand and performance

Abstract The aims of this study were (a) to assess the ability of the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) to predict performance (i.e. number of vertical jumps performed to a fixed jump height) of an intermittent vertical jump exercise, and (b) to determine the ability of RPE to describe the physiological demand of such exercise. Eight healthy men performed intermittent vertical jumps with rest periods of 4, 5, and 6 s until fatigue. Heart rate and RPE were recorded every five jumps throughout the sessions. The number of vertical jumps performed was also recorded. Random coefficient growth curve analysis identified relationships between the number of vertical jumps and both RPE and heart rate for which there were similar slopes. In addition, there were no differences between individual slopes and the mean slope for either RPE or heart rate. Moreover, RPE and number of jumps were highly correlated throughout all sessions (r = 0.97–0.99; P < 0.001), as were RPE and heart rate (r = 0.93–0.97; P < 0.001). The findings suggest that RPE can both predict the performance of intermittent vertical jump exercise and describe the physiological demands of such exercise.

Vertical jump fatigue does not affect intersegmental coordination and segmental contribution

The aim of this study was to describe the intersegmental coordination and segmental contribution during intermittent vertical jumps performed until fatigue. Seven male visited the laboratory on two occasions: 1) the maximum vertical jump height was determined followed by vertical jumps habituation; 2) participants performed intermittent countermovement jumps until fatigue. Kinematic and kinetic variables were recorded. The overall reduction in vertical jump height was 5,5%, while the movement duration increased 10% during the test. The thigh segment angle at movement reversal significantly increased as the exercise progressed. Non-significant effect of fatigue on movement synergy was found for the intersegmental coordination pattern. More than 90% of the intersegmental coordination was explained by one coordination pattern. Thigh rotation contributed the most to the intersegmental coordination pattern, with the trunk second and the shank the least. Therefore, one intersegmental coordination pattern is followed throughout the vertical jumps until fatigue and thigh rotation contributes the most to jump height.