Marco Carlos Uchida

Effect of bench press exercise intensity on muscle soreness and inflammatory mediators

Abstract This study compared four different intensities of a bench press exercise for muscle soreness, creatine kinase activity, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentrations in the blood. Thirty-five male Brazilian Army soldiers were randomly assigned to one of five groups: 50% one-repetition maximum (1-RM), 75% 1-RM, 90% 1-RM, 110% 1-RM, and a control group that did not perform the exercise. The total volume (sets × repetitions × load) of the exercise was matched among the exercise groups. Muscle soreness and plasma creatine kinase activity increased markedly (P < 0.05) after exercise, with no significant differences among the groups. Serum PGE2 concentration also increased markedly (P < 0.05) after exercise, with a significantly (P < 0.05) greater increase in the 110% 1-RM group compared with the other groups. A weak but significant (P < 0.05) correlation was found between peak muscle soreness and peak PGE2 concentration, but no significant correlation was evident between peak muscle soreness and peak creatine kinase activity, or peak creatine kinase activity and peak PGE2 concentration. All groups showed no changes in IL-1β, IL-6 or TNF-α. Our results suggest that the intensity of bench press exercise does not affect the magnitude of muscle soreness and blood markers of muscle damage and inflammation.

Arterial stiffness is associated with low skeletal muscle mass in Japanese community-dwelling older adults.

To examine whether arterial stiffness, measured by the cardio‐ankle vascular index (CAVI), is associated with skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) in Japanese community‐dwelling older adults.

Low and moderate, rather than high intensity strength exercise induces benefit regarding plasma lipid profile.

BackgroundThe effects of chronic aerobic exercise upon lipid profile has been previously demonstrated, but few studies showed this effect under resistance exercise conditions.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the effects of different resistance exercise loads on blood lipids.MethodsThirty healthy, untrained male volunteers were allocated randomly into four groups based at different percentages of one repetition maximum (1 RM); 50%-1 RM, 75%-1 RM, 90%-1 RM, and 110%-1 RM. The total volume (sets × reps × load) of the exercise was equalized. The lipid profile (Triglycerides [TG], HDL-cholesterol [HDL-c], LDL-cholesterol, and Total cholesterol) was determined at rest and after 1, 24, 48 and 72 h of resistance exercise.ResultsThe 75%-1 RM group demonstrated greater TG reduction when compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the 110%-1 RM group presented an increased TG concentration when compared to 50% and 75% groups (p = 0.01, p = 0.01, respectively). HDL-c concentration was significantly greater after resistance exercise in 50%-1 RM and 75%-1 RM when compared to 110%-1 RM group (p = 0.004 and p = 0.03, respectively). Accordingly, the 50%-1 RM group had greater HDL-c concentration than 110%-1 RM group after 48 h (p = 0.05) and 72 h (p = 0.004), respectively. Finally, The 50% group has showed lesser LDL-c concentration than 110% group after 24 h (p = 0.007). No significant difference was found in Total Cholesterol concentrations.ConclusionThese results indicate that the acute resistance exercise may induce changes in lipid profile in a specific-intensity manner. Overall, low and moderate exercise intensities appear to be promoting more benefits on lipid profile than high intensity. Long term studies should confirm these findings.

Alteração da relação testosterona: cortisol induzida pelo treinamento de força em mulheres

La razon entre testosterona y cortisol (T:C) es frecuentemente utilizada como indicador del nivel de stress impuesto por el ejercicio. Las alteraciones de las concentraciones de estas hormonas son las responsables por modular diversas respuestas inducidas por el entrenamiento, como son la hipertrofia y el aumento de la fuerza. El objetivo del presente estudio fue examinar la influencia del protocolo de entrenamiento de fuerza, conocido como series multiples (MS), sobre la ganancia de fuerza, la resistencia muscular localizada y la relacion entre las concentraciones de las hormonas catabolicas (cortisol) y anabolicas (testoterona). Para testar esta hipotesis, cinco jovenes del sexo feminino con un ano de experiencia en entrenamiento de fuerza fueron sometidas al protocolo MS. Las muestras de sangre fueron colectadas antes e imediatamente despues del ejercicio, en el primer dia y despues de ocho semanas de entrenamiento. Los tests de 1-RM y de repeticiones maximas fueron realizados tambien al inicio y al final despues de las ocho semanas del entrenamiento de fuerza. No fueron observadas alteraciones de la masa corporal, IMC, porcentaje de masa grasa, fuerza (1-RM) para los ejercicios supino, agachamiento y rosca directa. El numero de repeticiones maximas al 50% de 1-RM fue aumentando solamente apenas para el supino (p < 0,05). No se observo alteracion en la concentracion de la testosterona total. Con relacion a la concentracion plasmatica de cortisol despues de las ocho semanas de entrenamiento, en la situacion de reposo fue reducida (38% - p < 0,05). En consecuencia de la atenuacion de la secrecion de cortisol despues de ocho semanas de entrenamiento, la razon T:C presento elevacion del 20% de la situacion de reposo (p < 0,05). A pesar de no haber sido detectadas alteraciones funcionales en los tests de 1-RM de repeticiones maximas, el metodo MS indujo un cuadro hormonal favorable al anabolismo proteico.

Hormonal responses to different resistance exercise schemes of similar total volume.

Uchida, MC, Crewther, BT, Ugrinowitsch, C, Bacurau, RFP, Moriscot, AS, and Aoki, MS. J Strength Cond Res 23(7): 2003-2008, 2009-This study assessed the effect of different resistance exercise scheme (RES) designs of similar total of load lifted on the responses of testosterone, cortisol, and creatine kinase (CK). Twenty-seven healthy males performed 1 of 4 bench press workouts described by the 1 repetition maximum (1RM) load: 4 sets of maximum repetitions at 50%-1RM (50%-1RM RES), 5 sets of maximum repetitions at 75%-1RM (75%-1RM RES), 10 sets of maximum repetitions at 90%-1RM (90%-1RM RES), or 8 sets of maximum repetitions at 110%-1RM (110%-1RM RES). Each RES was equated by the total volume of load lifted (repetitions × sets × load). Blood samples, collected pre-exercise (Pre) and post-exercise (Post) at 1 and 24 hours (24 h), were analyzed for total and free testosterone, total cortisol, and CK. In general, testosterone and cortisol showed little change within or between the different RES (p > 0.05), possibly because of the relatively low volume lifted and/or the small muscle mass activated by the bench press exercise. Cortisol was elevated after the 75%-1RM RES at the Post sample, with this response also exceeding the other RES (p < 0.05). The 24 h CK response was also elevated after the 75%-1RM RES (p < 0.05), thereby suggesting greater training strain for the same volume of load. These results confirm previous recommendations regarding the prescription of resistance exercise and the importance of total volume as a stimulus for activating the endocrine system and achieving long-term adaptation.

Suplementação de carboidrato não reverte o efeito deletério do exercício de endurance sobre o subseqüente desempenho de força

was a similar decline in maximum repetitions test (an index of muscular endurance) in both trials (P – 1st set 13 ± 2.9 reps and 2nd set 6 ± 2.1 reps; CHO – 1st set 15 ± 2.5 reps and 2nd set 7 ± 1.7 reps, p < 0.05). Previous endurance exercise bout promoted deleterious effect upon muscular endurance task (maximum repetitions test – 70%-1-RM). CHO supplementation was inefficient to revert the effect of endurance exercise upon maximum repetitions test.Los estudios disponibles en la literatura demuestran que la realizacion previa de un ejercicio de endurance afecta de modo adverso el desempeno en el ejercicio de fuerza subsiguiente. Tal ocurrencia puede estar relacionada a cambios metabolicos inducidos por el ejercicio de endurance. Nuestro objetivo fue verificar si el ingerir carbohidratos (CHO) puede atenuar los efectos de una sesion aguda de ejercicio de endurance sobre el desempeno de fuerza. Con el fin de verificar esta hipotesis, 6 estudiantes universitarias (164 ± 5,9cm; 64,9 ± 7,2kg), con experiencia en entrenamiento de fuerza, fueron sometidas a un test para determinar el VO2pico (44 ± 4,3ml.min-1) y a un test de 1-RM para leg press (186 ± 22,5kg) seguido de un test de repeticiones maximas (2 series de leg press realizado a 70% de 1-RM hasta el cansancio 1a serie 21 ± 2,6 y 2a serie 11 ± 1,9 repeticiones) en dias diferentes. Siguiendo un procedimiento doble-ciego los voluntarios fueron sometidos a dos condiciones experimentales, recibiendo una bebida placebo (P) u otra conteniendo carbohidratos (6% - maltodextrina), antes (500ml) y durante (500ml) la realizacion de una sesion de ejercicio de endurance (carrera en trotadores, 70% de VO2pico por 45 minutos). Despues del ejercicio de endurance, los voluntarios realizaron un test de 1-RM seguido del test de repeticiones maximas. No se observaron cambios en el test de 1-RM o en la concentracion plasmatica de glicosis entre las condiciones experimentales (P x CHO). El numero de repeticiones maximas a 70%-1RM presento disminucion en ambas situaciones (P 1a serie 13 ± 2,9 reps y 2a serie 6 ± 2,1 reps; CHO 1a serie 15 ± 2,5 reps y 2a serie 7 ± 1,7 reps, p < 0,05), no habiendo diferencia entre ellas. Una sesion de ejercicio de endurance (intensidad moderada) realizada previamente afecta de modo negativo la capacidad de repeticiones maximas. Independiente del mecanismo, el consumo de carbohidratos fue incapaz de revertir ese efecto perjudicial.

Differences in lifestyle, physical performance and quality of life between frail and robust Brazilian community-dwelling elderly women.

To investigate the lifestyles, physical performance and quality of life (QOL) of frail and robust Brazilian community‐dwelling older women, and to identify risk factors for frailty.

Sarcopenia Is Associated with High Pulse Pressure in Older Women

Introduction. Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome associated with impairment of muscle function, metabolism, and cognition in older women. Recent studies have shown a relationship between changes in muscle mass and the cardiovascular system. However, this relationship has not been fully elucidated. Methods. One hundred and thirty community-dwelling Brazilian older women (65.4 ± 6.3 years) were recruited to participate in this study. Data on body composition (via bioelectrical impedance measurements), cardiovascular parameters (using an automatic and noninvasive monitor), and muscle function (using a 3-meter gait speed test) were measured. Results. Sarcopenic older women (n = 43) presented higher levels of pulse pressure (PP) (60.3 ± 2.6 mmHg) and lower muscle function (0.5 ± 0.0 m/s) compared with nonsarcopenic subjects (n = 87) (53.7 ± 1.5 mmHg; 0.9 ± 0.0 m/s) (P < 0.05). Linear regression analysis demonstrated a significantly negative association between skeletal muscle index (SMI) and PP levels (β = −226, P < 0.05). Furthermore, sarcopenic older women showed a 3.1-fold increased risk of having higher PP levels compared with nonsarcopenic women (IC = 1.323–7.506) (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Sarcopenic older women showed lower muscle function and higher cardiovascular risk due to increased PP levels compared with nonsarcopenic subjects.

Efeito de diferentes protocolos de treinamento de força sobre parâmetros morfofuncionais, hormonais e imunológicos

El objetivo del estudio fue examinar la influencia de 2 protocolos diferentes de entrenamiento de fuerza sobre parametros antropometricos (peso, IMC, masa grasa), funcionales (prueba de 1-RM y prueba de repeticiones maximas) y los parametros relacionados al sistema endocrino (concentraciones de testosterona y de cortisol) y al sistema inmunologico (la concentracion del glutamina y de IgG). Participaron en el estudio 12 hombres entrenados (27,4 ± 4,8 anos). Estos individuos fueron aleatoriamente divididos en 2 grupos que despues se sometieron a 2 protocolos de entrenamiento en dos series diferentes, Multiple (MS) y Tri-juego (TS). Las muestras de sangre eran reunidos antes y despues de una sesion de ejercicio de fuerza, al principio y en el fin del periodo de 8 semanas de entrenar. No se observaron alteraciones en los parametros morfo-funcionales (salvo la prueba de repeticiones maximas para el agachamiento). Con respecto a los parametros endocrinos, se observo que TS provoco un aumento significante del cortisol, inmediatamente despues de la sesion de entrenamiento, al principio y en el fin de las 8 semanas (p < 0,05). Al observar la conducta de la testosterona en relacion con el cortisol (T:C), puede notarse un aumento excelente en el grupo sometido al MS protocolar despues de 8 semanas de entrenar (p < 0,05). Con respecto a los parametros inmunologicos, no se observo alteracion en la concentracion de la imunoglobulina G; la concentracion del glutamina sufrio una disminucion despues de 8 semanas en ambos grupos. Esta disminucion se acentuo mas en el TS de grupo (p < 0,05). Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que el metodo TS impuso una tension mas grande al organismo. Ademas, los datos tambien indican que el MS protocolar promueve una atmosfera mas favorable al anabolismo, despues de 8 semanas de entrenar. Sin embargo, ambos metodos fallaron promoviendo las alteraciones significantes en los parametros morfo-funcionales.

Consumo de aminoácidos de cadeia ramificada não afeta o desempenho de endurance

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) supplementation is one of the most popular dietary manipulations used by endurance athletes. However, the ergogenic role of these amino acids in endurance exercise is not well established yet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of BCAA supplementation upon endurance exercise performed until exhaustion. In order to induce glycogen supply reduction, and thus maximize BCAA utilization, the subjects (n=17) were submitted to a prior exercise trial (one bout of running at 75% of VO2max for 40 min followed by two bouts at 90% of VO2max for 10 min each). Subsequently, the participants performed an endurance test (running at 90% of the anaerobic threshold) until exhaustion after the ingestion of 77 mg.kg-1 of BCAA or placebo, in a double blind crossover design. Both trials, BCAA and placebo, were a week apart. No differences were observed between placebo and BCAA experimental conditions regarding time to exhaustion (50.1±8.9 vs 52.4±4.5 min, respectively) and total distance performed (8.8±1.3 vs 9.1±0.6 km, respectively) in endurance capacity test. Furthermore, no difference was observed in glucose, lactate or ammonia plasma concentration between both experimental conditions. In conclusion, BCAA supplementation did not affect endurance exercise performance.