Luis Carrasco

Endurance and neuromuscular changes in world-class level kayakers during a periodized training cycle.

This study was undertaken to analyze changes in selected cardiovascular and neuromuscular variables in a group of elite kayakers across a 12-week periodized cycle of combined strength and endurance training. Eleven world-class level paddlers underwent a battery of tests and were assessed four times during the training cycle (T0, T1, T2, and T3). On each occasion subjects completed an incremental test to exhaustion on the kayak-ergometer to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), second ventilatory threshold (VT2), peak blood lactate, paddling speed at VO2max (PSmax) and at VT2 (PSVT2), stroke rate at VO2max and at VT2, heart rate at VO2max and at VT2. One-repetition maximum (1RM) and mean velocity with 45% 1RM load (V45%) were assessed in the bench press (BP) and prone bench pull (PBP) exercises. Anthropometric measurements (skinfold thicknesses and muscle girths) were also obtained. Training volume and exercise intensity were quantified for each of three training phases (P1, P2, and P3). Significant improvements in VO2max (9.5%), VO2 at VT2 (9.4%), PSmax (6.2%), PSVT2 (4.4%), 1RM in BP (4.2%) and PBP (5.3%), V45% in BP (14.4%) and PBP (10.0%) were observed from T0 to T3. A 12-week periodized strength and endurance program with special emphasis on prioritizing the sequential development of specific physical fitness components in each training phase (i.e. muscle hypertrophy and VT2 in P1, and maximal strength and aerobic power in P2) seems effective for improving both cardiovascular and neuromuscular markers of highly trained top-level athletes.

Aerobic exercise versus combined exercise therapy in women with fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of supervised aerobic exercise (AE) and a combined program of supervised aerobic, muscle strengthening, and flexibility exercises (combined exercise [CE]) on important health outcomes in women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SETTING Community-based supervised intervention. PARTICIPANTS Women (N=64) with a diagnosis of FMS according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria. INTERVENTION Participants were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups: supervised AE, supervised CE, or usual-care control. Exercise sessions were performed twice weekly (45-60min/session) for 24 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measure was the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Exploratory outcome measures were the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), aerobic capacity (6-minute walk test), hand-grip strength, and range of motion in the shoulders and hips. RESULTS Compliance with both interventions was excellent, with women in the exercise groups attending more than 85% of sessions. A 14% to 15% improvement from baseline in total FIQ score was observed in the exercise groups (P≤.02) and was accompanied by decreases in BDI scores of 8.5 (P<.001) and 6.4 (P<.001) points in the AE and CE groups, respectively. Relative to nonexercising controls, CE evoked improvements in the SF-36 Physical Functioning (P=.003) and Bodily Pain (P=.003) domains and was more effective than AE for evoking improvements in the Vitality (P=.002) and Mental Health (P=.04) domains. Greater improvements also were observed in shoulder/hip range of motion and handgrip strength in the CE group. CONCLUSION Given the equivalent time commitment required for AE and CE, our results suggest that women with FMS can gain additional health benefits by engaging in a similar volume of CE.

Effects of a prolonged exercise program on key health outcomes in women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of a long-term exercise programme vs usual care on perceived health status, functional capacity and depression in patients with fibromyalgia. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SUBJECTS Forty-two women with fibromyalgia were allocated randomly to 1 of 2 groups: an experimental group that carried out aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises for 24 weeks and a usual care control group. METHODS Health status and functional capacity were evaluated using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and the Short Form Health Survey 36. Depression was evaluated with the Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS Significant improvements were observed in health status and functional capacity for the exercise group over the control group. The magnitude of the effect size of these improvements, expressed as Cohens d, was medium. The effect size (95% confidence interval) for the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was 0.58 (-14.12, -2.35), for the Short Form Health Survey 36. global score 0.54 (1.28, 14.52), and in the mental health domain of the Short Form Health Survey 36. 0.51 (1.20, 16.26). There was a large effect size in vitality. All the aforementioned improvements can be considered as clinically important changes. CONCLUSION Results confirm that a long-term combination of aerobic exercise, strengthening and flexibility improves psychological health status and health-related quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia.

Effects of a 10-week in-season eccentric-overload training program on muscle-injury prevention and performance in junior elite soccer players.

PURPOSE To analyze the effect of an eccentric-overload training program (ie, half-squat and leg-curl exercises using flywheel ergometers) with individualized load on muscle-injury incidence and severity and performance in junior elite soccer players. METHODS Thirty-six young players (U-17 to U-19) were recruited and assigned to an experimental (EXP) or control group (CON). The training program consisted of 1 or 2 sessions/wk (3-6 sets with 6 repetitions) during 10 wk. The outcome measured included muscle injury (incidence per 1000 h of exposure and injury severity) and performance tests (countermovement jump [CMJ], 10-m and 20-m sprint test). RESULTS Between-groups results showed a likely (ES: 0.94) lower number of days of absence per injury and a possible decrement of incidence per 1000 h of match play in EXP than in CON. Regarding muscle performance, a substantial better improvement (likely to very likely) was found in 20-m sprint time (ES: 0.37), 10-m flying-sprint time (ES: 0.77), and CMJ (ES: 0.79) for EXP than for CON. Within-group analysis showed an unclear effect in each variable in CON. Conversely, substantial improvements were obtained in CMJ (ES: 0.58), 20-m sprint time (ES: 0.32), 10-m flying-sprint time (ES: 0.95), and injury severity (ES: 0.59) in EXP. Furthermore, a possible decrement in total injury incidence was also reported in EXP. CONCLUSIONS The eccentric-based program led to a reduction in muscle-injury incidence and severity and showed improvements in common soccer tasks such as jumping ability and linear-sprinting speed.

Effectiveness of low-frequency vibration recovery method on blood lactate removal, muscle contractile properties and on time to exhaustion during cycling at VO2max power output

The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of low-frequency vibration recovery (LFV-rec) on blood lactate removal, muscle contractile properties, and on time to exhaustion during cycling at maximal oxygen uptake power output (pVO2max). Twelve active males carried out three experimental sessions. In session 1, participant’s maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and pVO2max were determined, and in sessions 2 and 3, the participants performed a fatiguing exercise (2 min of cycling at pVO2max) and then a 15 min recovery period using one of two different methods: LFV-rec which consisted on sitting with feet on the vibratory platform (20 Hz; 4 mm) and passive recovery (P-rec), sitting without vibration stimulus. After that, participants performed an all-out exercise test on cycle ergometer at pVO2max. In the recovery period, variables such as heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration [Lac], and tensiomyographic parameters (Dm: maximal radial displacement; Ts: time of contraction maintenance, and Tr: relaxation time) were measured. In an all-out exercise test, mean time to exhaustion (TTE), total distance covered (TD), mean cycling velocity (Vm), and maximal HR (HRmax) were also assessed. The results showed no effect of recovery strategy on any of the assessed variables; nevertheless, higher values, although not significant, were observed in TTE, TD, and Vm after LFV-rec intervention. In conclusion, LFV-rec strategy applied during 15 min after short and intense exercise does not seem to be effective on blood lactate removal, muscle contractile properties, and on time to exhaustion during cycling at pVO2max.

Effects of exercise training and detraining in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a 3-yr longitudinal study.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of a 6-mo combined exercise program on quality-of-life, physical function, depression, and aerobic capacity in women with fibromyalgia syndrome and to determine the impact of repeated delivery of the intervention. DesignForty-one women with fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to a training group (EG; n = 21) and a control group (CG; n = 20). Quality-of-life and physical function were assessed using the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, and depression was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory. Physical fitness was measured using the 6-min Walk Test. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after each 6-mo intervention, which was delivered over 30 mos (6 mos of training and 6 mos of detraining). ResultsAfter a 6-mo combined exercise program, there was a significant improvement in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (P < 0.0005) for the training group over the control group. Repeated-measures analysis of variance across all time points demonstrated significant main effects for time for the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, SF-36, Beck Depression Inventory and the 6-min Walk Test, but there were no between-group interaction effects. For the EG, there were significant within-group changes in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, SF-36, and Beck Depression Inventory at the final time point; however, there were no within-group changes for the control group. Improvement achieved for the training group were maintained during the detraining period. ConclusionsA long-term exercise program can produce immediate improvements in key health domains in women with fibromyalgia. The benefits achieved with regular training can be maintained for 30 mos. The lack of difference between groups over time may be caused by attrition and consequent lack of power at the final time point.

Determining the optimal whole-body vibration dose–response relationship for muscle performance

Da Silva-Grigoletto, ME, de Hoyo, M, Sañudo, B, Corrales, L, and García-Manso, JM. Determining the optimal whole-body vibration dose–response relationship for muscle performance. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3326–3333, 2011—The aim of this investigation was twofold: first, to determine the optimal duration of a single whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure (phase 1) and second to find out the ideal number of sets per intervention to maximize muscle performance (phase 2). All participants were young (age: 19.4 ± 1.6 years), healthy, physically active men. In both studies, a 30-Hz frequency and a 4-mm peak-to-peak displacement were used. In phase 1, subjects (n = 30) underwent 3 sets of different durations (30, 60, and 90 seconds), whereas in phase 2, subjects (n = 27) underwent 3 interventions where the duration remained fixed at 60 seconds, and the number of sets performed (3, 6, or 9) was modified. The recovery time between sets was set at 2 minutes. In all interventions, each set consisted of 1 isometric repetition in a squat position with knees flexed at 100°. Before and after each session, jump height (countermovement jump [CMJ] and squat jump [SJ]) and power output in half squat (90° knee flexion) were assessed. In phase 1, an improvement in jump ability and power output was observed after the 30- and 60-second intervention (p < 0.01), whereas the 90 second intervention, participants just experienced a decrease in SJ and CMJ (p < 0.05). When comparing the different protocols, the greatest response was achieved using 60 seconds (p < 0.05), which was therefore considered as the optimal duration to be used in phase 2. In the second phase, improvements in jump ability and power output were found with 3 and 6 sets (p < 0.05), whereas with 9 sets, participants actually experienced a decrease in these variables. Intergroup comparison showed a greater effect for the program of 6 sets (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a WBV intervention consisting of six 60-second sets produces improved muscle performance measured by SJ, CMJ, and power output.

Changes in body balance and functional performance following whole-body vibration training in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether an 8-week exercise programme supplemented with whole-body vibration improves body balance and dynamic strength in women with fibromyalgia. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. PATIENTS Forty-six participants diagnosed with fibromyalgia. METHODS Participants were randomly assigned to: (i) an exercise training group with whole-body vibration (n = 15), which performed twice-weekly exercise sessions (aerobic exercise, strengthening and flexibility) combined with 3 whole-body vibration training sessions a week (bilateral squats: 6-9 sets of 30 s with 45-s recovery between sets; and unilateral squat: 4-7 sets of 30 s, 30 Hz-4 mm); (ii) an exercise group (n = 15) with the same combined exercise therapy; and (iii) a usual-care control group (n = 16). RESULTS Statistically significant improvements in the Medio-Lateral Stability Index and Medio-Lateral Mean Deflection with open eyes were found in the whole-body vibration exercise group compared with the control group. Non-significant effects were found for lower-limb physical function. CONCLUSION The results show that a traditional exercise programme, supplemented with whole-body vibration training, improved balance in women with fibromyalgia. This may represent a key factor for falls prevention in this patient group.

Effects of 10-week eccentric overload training on kinetic parameters during change of direction in football players

ABSTRACT The aim of the current study was to analyse the effect of 10-week eccentric overload training on kinetic parameters during change of direction (COD) in U-19 football players. The outcome measured included relative peak braking (rPB) and propulsive force (rPF), contact time (CT), time spent during braking (BT) and propulsive phase (PT), relative total (rTOT_IMP), braking (rB_IMP) and propulsive (rP_IMP) impulses. Between-group results showed a substantial better improvement (likely) in CT (ES: 0.72) and BT (ES: 0.74) during side-step cutting, and in rPB (ES: 0.84) and rB_IMP (ES: 0.72) during crossover cutting, in the experimental group (EXP) in comparison to control group (CON). Within-group analysis showed a substantially better performance (likely to almost certain) in CT (ES: 1.19), BT (ES: 1.24), PT (ES: 0.70), rPB (ES: 0.75), rPF (ES: 0.68), rTOT_IMP (ES: 0.48) and rB_IMP (ES: 0.50) in EXP during side-step cutting. Regarding crossover cutting, within-group analysis showed a substantial better performance (likely to almost certain) in CT (ES: 0.75), rPB (ES: 0.75), rPF (ES: 1.34), rTOT_IMP (ES: 0.61), rB_IMP (ES: 0.76) and rP_IMP (ES: 0.46) in EXP. In conclusion, the eccentric overload-based programme led to an improvement in kinetic parameters during COD football tasks.

Effects of eccentric overload bout on change of direction and performance in soccer players.

The aims of this study were to analyse the effects of eccentric overload training (EOT) on kinetic parameters during change of direction (COD) and performance related to sprinting and jumping abilities. 20 male soccer players performed 2 different protocols: 1) 5-min cycling warm-up and 2) 5-min cycling warm-up+YoYo half-squat exercise. The outcome measured included vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and propulsive force (PvGRF), time to vGRF (T_vGRF) and propulsive force (T_PvGRF), contact time (CT), eccentric (ECC_IMP), concentric (CONC_IMP) and total (TOT_IMP) impulses and moments (Mx, My and Mz) during 2 COD tasks. Additionally, subjects performed a counter-movement jump (CMJ) and 20 m sprint tests. Results showed a substantial better improvement (likely to almost certainly) in vGRF (ES: 0.84), vAGRF (ES: 0.72), CT (ES: 0.48), My (ES: 0.35), Mz (ES: 0.44) and ECC_IMP (ES: 0.45) during crossover cutting maneuver, whereas during side-step cutting maneuver Time_ECC (ES: 0.68), CT (ES: 0.64), vGRF (ES: 0.48) and My (ES: 0.47) were substantially enhanced (likely). Furthermore, substantial better performance was found in CMJ (ES: 0.47; very likely) and 20 m (ES: 0.20; possibly). In conclusion, EOT produced a better muscle activation during 2 different COD tasks and greater sprinting and jumping performance.