Marcus Peikriszwili Tartaruga

Physiological effects of concurrent training in elderly men.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of concurrent strength and endurance training on neuromuscular and hormonal parameters in elderly men. 23 healthy men (65±4 years) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: concurrent (CG, n=8), strength (SG, n=8) or endurance group (EG, n=7). The programs consisted, of strength training, endurance training on a cycle ergometer or a combination of both in the same session 3 times per week over a duration of 12 weeks. Subjects were evaluated on parameters related to muscle strength, muscle activation and serum hormones. There were significant increases in lower-body strength in all groups (P<0.05), with higher increases in SG (67%) than CG (41%) and both were higher than EG (25%) (p<0.01). Only SG and CG increased upper-body strength (p<0.01), with no significant difference between the 2 groups. Furthermore, there were significant decreases in free testosterone in EG after training. Significant increases in isometric strength and maximal muscle activation (p<0.05) as well as decreases in the submaximal muscle activation to the same load, were only seen in SG (p<0.05). The present results suggest that the interference effect observed due to concurrent strength and endurance training could be related to impairment of neural adaptations.

Effects of Strength, Endurance, and Concurrent Training on Aerobic Power and Dynamic Neuromuscular Economy in Elderly Men

Cadore, EL, Pinto, RS, Pinto, SS, Alberton, CL, Correa, CS, Tartaruga, MP, Silva, EM, Almeida, APV, Trindade, GT, and Kruel, LFM. Effects of strength, endurance, and concurrent training on aerobic power and dynamic neuromuscular economy in elderly men. J Strength Cond Res 25(3): 758-766, 2011-The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of concurrent training on endurance capacity and dynamic neuromuscular economy in elderly men. Twenty-three healthy men (65 ± 4 years) were divided into 3 groups: concurrent (CG, n = 8), strength (SG, n = 8), and aerobic training group (EG, n = 7). Each group trained 3 times a week for 12 weeks, strength training, aerobic training, or both types of training in the same session. The maximum aerobic workload (Wmax) and peak oxygen uptake (&OV0312;O2peak) of the subjects were evaluated on a cycle ergometer before and after the training period. Moreover, during the maximal test, muscle activation was measured at each intensity by means of electromyographic signals from the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris long head, and gastrocnemius lateralis to determine the dynamic neuromuscular economy. After training, significant increases in &OV0312;O2peak and Wmax were only found in the CG and EG (p < 0.05), with no difference between groups. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in myoelectric activity of the RF muscle at 50 (EG), 75 and 100 W (EG and CG) and in the VL for the 3 groups at 100 W (p < 0.05). No change was seen in the electrical signal from the lateral gastrocnemius muscle and biceps femoris. The results suggest specificity in adaptations investigated in elderly subjects, because the most marked changes in the neuromuscular economy occurred in the aerobically trained groups.

The Relationship between Running Economy and Biomechanical Variables in Distance Runners.

In this study, we analyzed the relationship between running economy (RE) and biomechanical parameters in a group running at the same relative intensity and same absolute velocity. Sixteen homogeneous male long-distance runners performed a test to determine RE at 4.4 m.s-1, corresponding to 11.1% below velocity at the ventilatory threshold. We found significant correlations between RE and biomechanical variables (vertical oscillation of the center of mass, stride frequency, stride length, balance time, relative stride length, range of elbow motion, internal knee, ankle angles at foot strike, and electromyographic activity of the semitendinosus and rectus femoris muscles). In conclusion, changes in running technique can influence RE and lead to improved running performance.

Neuromuscular economy, strength, and endurance in healthy elderly men.

Cadore, EL, Pinto, RS, Alberton, CL, Pinto, SS, Lhullier, FLR, Tartaruga, MP, Correa, CS, Almeida, APV, Silva, EM, Laitano, O, and Kruel, LFM. Neuromuscular economy, strength, and endurance in healthy elderly men. J Strength Cond Res 25(4): 997-1003, 2011-Declines in muscular strength resulting from reduced neural activity may influence the reduction in aerobic capacity in older men. However, there has been little investigation into the relationship between muscular strength and economy of movement during aerobic exercise in elderly subjects. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between strength, aerobic performance, and neuromuscular economy in older men. Twenty-eight aged men (65 ± 4 years old) were evaluated in dynamic (1 repetition maximum test), isometric strength (maximal voluntary contraction), and rate of force development. Peak oxygen uptake, maximal workload, and ventilatory threshold were determined during a ramp protocol on a cycle ergometer. Throughout the same protocol, the neuromuscular economy (electromyographic signal) of the vastus lateralis was measured. Significant correlations were found between muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and neuromuscular economy (r = 0.43-0.64, p < 0.05). Our results suggest that cardiorespiratory capacity and economy of movement are associated with muscular strength during aging.

Perceived exertion in different strength exercise loads in sedentary, active, and trained adults.

Tiggemann, CL, Korzenowski, AL, Brentano, MA, Tartaruga, MP, Alberton, CL, and Kruel, LFM. Perceived exertion in different strength exercise loads in sedentary, active, and trained adults. J Strength Cond Res 24(8): 2032-2041, 2010-The aim was to analyze the relationship between the perceived exertion (PE) and different loads in strength exercises (SEs), in sedentary, active, and trained adult subjects. Thirty young men (18-34 years) were divided into 3 groups (experimental group [EG]): sedentary EG (SEG), physically active group (PAG), and the strength trained group (STG). Maximum strength was established using the 1 repetition maximum test (1RM). Using series of 12 repetitions, different loads were applied until the 4 ratings of PE (RPEs) (11, 13, 15, and 17) from 15 category Borg Perceived Exertion Scale (RPE 6-20). The pace of the repetitions and the intervals between the sets were controlled, the loads were blind, the order of the RPE randomized, whereas the PE was localized and determined after completion of the series. Strength correlations between the RPE and the %1RM, according to the EGs and SEs (0.826-0.922, p < 0.001), were observed. Similar behavior was seen in the SEs. Higher loads are related to higher RPEs and are differentiated between the EGs. The STG used higher %1RM when compared to the SEG, whereas the PAG, displayed an intermediary behavior in relation to the other groups. The use of PE represents a reliable instrument for the measurement of intensity in strength training.

Correlation Between Rating of Perceived Exertion and Physiological Variables During the Execution of Stationary Running in Water at Different Cadences

Alberton, CL, Antunes, AH, Pinto, SS, Tartaruga, MP, Silva, EM, Cadore, EL, and Kruel, LFM. Correlation between rating of perceived exertion and physiological variables during the execution of stationary running in water at different cadences. J Strength Cond Res 25(1): 155-162, 2011-The purpose of the present study was to correlate the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) with cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular variables during the execution of stationary running in water at different cadences. The sample consisted of 12 apparently healthy women (age: 22.33 ± 0.57 years). During the assessment session, the subjects performed the stationary running exercise in water at 3 different cadences: 60, 80, and 100 bpm. The heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (&OV0312;o2), ventilation (Ve), and electromyographic (EMG) signal of the vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), rectus femoris (RF), and semitendinosus (ST) muscles were measured during the exercise, and the overall body RPE was measured immediately following the end. Pearsons linear correlation and multiple linear regression were used, with p < 0.05. The analyses demonstrate a high and significant relationship between RPE and HR (r = 0.65; p < 0.001), RPE and %HR maximal (r = 0.65; p < 0.001), RPE and &OV0312;o2 (r = 0.60; p = 0.001), RPE and %&OV0312;o2 maximal (r = 0.71; p < 0.001), and RPE and Ve (r = 0.77; p < 0.001). However, there was no relationship between the RPE and the EMGs of the VL, BF, RF, and ST muscles. With regard to the regression, the model was significant (p < 0.001) with an r2 = 0.79, whereas the variables that explained better the RPE were %&OV0312;o2 maximal and Ve. Hence, these results suggest an association between the perception of exertion and cardiorespiratory variables, which was not the case with the neuromuscular variables evaluated in this study. Therefore, the Borg scale of RPE can be used when prescribing stationary running exercise in water for young women.

Cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular responses during water aerobics exercise performed with and without equipment.

The aim of the study was to compare the cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular responses to water aerobics exercise performed with and without equipment. 15 women performed stationary jogging combined with elbow flexion/extension without equipment, with water-drag forces equipment and with water-floating equipment, at 2 submaximal cadences and at maximal cadence. Heart rate, oxygen uptake and electromyographic signal from biceps brachii, triceps brachii, biceps femoris and rectus femoris were collected during the exercise. The heart rate and oxygen uptake showed significantly higher values during the execution of the water aerobics exercise with either equipment compared to the execution without equipment. In addition, significant difference was found between submaximal cadences. For neuromuscular responses, no significant differences were found between the submaximal cadences for all muscles analyzed; however, significant differences were found between these submaximal cadences and the maximal cadence. Similarly, the results showed no significant differences between the execution of the exercise with or without equipment, except in the muscle activation of triceps brachii and biceps femoris, which was higher when using water-floating and water-drag forces equipment, respectively. In conclusion, the water aerobics exercise presented higher cardiorespiratory responses with equipment and also increased the cadence of execution. Nevertheless, neuromuscular responses were higher only at maximal cadence.

MAXIMAL AND VENTILATORY THRESHOLDS OF OXYGEN UPTAKE AND RATING OF PERCEIVED EXERTION RESPONSES TO WATER AEROBIC EXERCISES

Abstract Alberton, CL, Antunes, AH, Beilke, DD, Pinto, SS, Kanitz, AC, Tartaruga, MP, and Kruel, LFM. Maximal and ventilatory thresholds of oxygen uptake and rating of perceived exertion responses to water aerobic exercises. J Strength Cond Res 27(7): 1897–1903, 2013—This study aimed to compare the V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and first and second ventilatory threshold (1stVT and 2ndVT) V[Combining Dot Above]O2 values and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) responses of treadmill running (TR) with those of 3 water aerobic exercises: stationary running (SR), jumping jack (JJ), and forward kick (FK). Nine women (22.89 ± 1.81 years, 1.66 ± 0.07 m, 58.46 ± 4.19 kg) performed 1 maximal test session for each of the 4 exercise protocols in a randomized order to determine the V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and V[Combining Dot Above]O2 values and RPE responses corresponding with the 1stVT and 2ndVT. V[Combining Dot Above]O2 values were also expressed as a percentage of V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (%V[Combining Dot Above]O2max). A repeated measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni’s post hoc test were used, with &agr; = 0.05 denoting statistical significance. The analyses showed that the V[Combining Dot Above]O2 responses were significantly higher for TR than for the other exercises at all effort intensities (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max: p < 0.001; 1stVT and 2ndVT V[Combining Dot Above]O2: p < 0.001), followed by intermediate responses for SR and FK and lower responses for JJ. However, no significant differences between exercises for values of %V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (1stVT: p = 0.099; 2ndVT: p = 0.131) and RPE (1stVT: p = 0.275; 2ndVT: p = 0.477) were found at submaximal intensities, indicating that it is possible to achieve and maintain the same training intensity with these exercises during a typical water fitness lesson. Moreover, the RPE values obtained for the 1stVT and 2ndVT can make the prescription of intensity for these water exercises for young women more simple and practical.

Maximal and ventilatory thresholds cardiorespiratory responses to three water aerobic exercises compared with treadmill on land.

Abstract Alberton, CL, Pinto, SS, Antunes, AH, Cadore, EL, Finatto, P, Tartaruga, MP, and Kruel, LFM. Maximal and ventilatory thresholds cardiorespiratory responses to three water aerobic exercises compared with treadmill on land. J Strength Cond Res 28(6): 1679–1687, 2014—The purpose of this study was to compare the cardiorespiratory responses of young women to exercise at the first ventilatory threshold (VT1), the second ventilatory threshold (VT2), and at maximum effort (MAX) between maximal incremental tests performed using water aerobic exercises and a treadmill on land (TL). Twenty women (24.0 ± 2.5 years; 163.3 ± 6.7 cm; 60.0 ± 6.7 kg) underwent 4 maximal tests in randomized order, with a 48-hour interval between tests. Three tests involved performing water aerobic exercises (stationary running, frontal kick, and cross-country skiing) and 1 TL. Oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2), ventilation (VE), and heart rate were measured throughout the tests, and their values at the VT1, VT2, and MAX intensities were determined by 3 independent, experienced physiologists. Repeated measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc tests were used for comparisons between tests (&agr; = 0.05). Heart rate was significantly higher in the TL condition compared with the water aerobic exercises at the VT1 (p = 0.001), VT2 (p < 0.001), and MAX (p < 0.001) intensities. V[Combining Dot Above]O2 and VE had similar values across the 4 protocols at the VT1 intensity, but significantly higher values were observed with TL (V[Combining Dot Above]O2: p < 0.001; VE: p < 0.001) at the VT2 intensity. At the MAX intensity, V[Combining Dot Above]O2 was significantly higher with TL compared with the 3 water aerobic exercises (p < 0.001), whereas no significant differences in VE between the 4 protocols were found. These results suggest that the prescription of water aerobics classes should be based on specific maximal tests for water aerobic exercises. Training intensities could be overestimated if they were based on maximal tests on dry land.

Scale model on performance prediction in recreational and elite endurance runners.

PURPOSE To identify the effect of allometric scaling on the relationship between running efficiency (R(Eff)) and middle-distance-running performance according to performance level. METHODS Thirteen male recreational middle-distance runners (mean ± SD age 33.3 ± 8.4 y, body mass 76.4 ± 8.6 kg, maximal oxygen uptake [VO(2max)] 52.8 ± 4.6 mL · kg(-1) · min(-1); G1) and 13 male high-level middle-distance runners (age 25.5 ± 4.2 y, body mass 62.8 ± 2.7 kg, VO(2max) 70.4 ± 1.9 mL · kg(-1) · min(-1); G2) performed a continuous incremental test to volitional exhaustion to determine VO(2max) and a 6-min submaximal running test at 70% of VO(2max) to assess R(Eff). RESULTS Significant correlation between R(Eff) and performance were found for both groups; however, the strongest correlations were observed in recreational runners, especially when using the allometric exponent (respectively for G1, nonallometric vs allometric scaling: r = .80 vs r = .86; and for G2, nonallometric vs allometric scaling: r = .55 vs r = .50). CONCLUSION These results indicate that an allometric normalization may improve endurance-performance prediction from R(Eff) values in recreational, but not in elite, runners.