Iván Chulvi-Medrano

The Use of Vibration Platforms in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Future Prospects

Abstract Objectives: This review analyzes the information available so as to identify factors influencing whole body vibration training [WBV] and estimates its potential benefits in [FMS]. Finally, we established recommendations [manipulation of variables of vibration stimulus] for applying WBV training in FMS. Findings: We hypothesized that WBV is an effective and safe type of exercise for FMS. We reasoned that the insignificant amount of muscle damage and the minimal voluntary physical effort involved in WBV training could help in the adherence to physical activity in FMS patients. We found WBV could improve physical fitness [strength and balance] and quality of life, along with promoting a decrease of most important signs and symptoms in FMS [fatigue and pain]. Although no dose–response relationship could be observed, training volume might be an important factor for achieving notable improvements. Conclusions: We concluded that our results are important because FMS is a very common rheumatic pathology that affects many women, and WBV training seems to be a very practical type of training which may improve quality of life by improving functional physical fitness and symptoms of FMS.

Influence of Scapular Position on the Core Musculature Activation in the Prone Plank Exercise

Abstract Cortell-Tormo, JM, García-Jaén, M, Chulvi-Medrano, I, Hernández-Sánchez, S, Lucas-Cuevas, ÁG, and Tortosa-Martínez, J. Influence of scapular position on the core musculature activation in the prone plank exercise. J Strength Cond Res 31(8): 2255–2262, 2017—Prone plank is a widely used exercise in core stability training. Research has shown that pelvic tilt plays an important role on the electromyographic (EMG) activation of core musculature. However, the influence of scapular position on EMG activation is currently unknown. Therefore, this study evaluated the influence of scapular position on the core muscles during a prone plank. Surface EMG of the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and erector spinae (ES) was collected in 15 participants (10 men and 5 women). Four variations of the prone plank were evaluated: scapular abduction with anterior (ABANT) and posterior (ABRET) pelvic tilt; and scapular adduction with anterior (ADANT), and posterior (ADRET) pelvic tilt. Individual muscle EMG and overall EMG for each plank exercise was analyzed. Joint positions were controlled with a 2D kinematic analysis. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were also registered. The ADRET resulted in higher overall EMG activity compared with ABANT (p = 0.04) and ADANT (p = 0.04). Moreover, ADRET resulted in greater EMG activity compared with ADANT, ABANT, and ABRET for EO (p = 0.000; p = 0.000; p = 0.035), IO (p = 0.000; p = 0.000; p = 0.005), and ES (p = 0.019; p = 0.001; p = 0.014). Regarding RA, ADRET was significantly higher compared with ADANT (p = 0.002) and ABANT (p = 0.005). Finally, ADRET provoked a higher RPE compared with ABANT (p = 0.000), ABRET (p = 0.001), and ADANT (p = 0.015). These findings demonstrate the influence of the scapular and pelvic position on the EMG response of the core muscle groups analyzed in this study, and highlight the greater contribution of these muscles to the postural stabilizing demands during posterior pelvic tilt positions, particularly when the scapulae are in adduction.

Perceptions of Anti-obesity Medications among Spanish Personal Trainers

Physical activity, nutrition, and drug therapy are all important tools in this fight against premature illness and mortality in obesity population. Sometimes drug treatment for this epidemic is an often overlooked tool, although it may be an important option. The perception that personal trainers have about the effects of anti-obesity drugs may influence directly in the decision to use it in the obese population to lose weight. The objective of this article is to assess the perceptions of personal trainers regarding the use of obesity-fighting medications in addition to diet and exercise and compare with an American sample. A questionnaire based in a 7-point scale was administered to 31 experienced personal trainers in Spain who currently had