Matheus Amarante do Nascimento

Familiarization and reliability of one repetition maximum strength testing in older women.

Abstract Amarante do Nascimento, M, Januário, RSB, Gerage, AM, Mayhew, JL, Cheche Pina, FL, and Cyrino, ES. Familiarization and Reliability of one repetition maximum Strength Testing in Older Women. J Strength Cond Res 27(6): 1636–1642, 2013—Strength is a fundamental component of physical fitness, and therefore should be precisely assessed. The purpose of this study was to analyze the number of testing sessions required to achieve consistent 1 repetition maximum (1RM) strength measurements in untrained older women. Forty-five untrained older women were measured for 1RM in bench press machine (BP), leg extension (LE) machine, and free weight arm curl (AC). Reliability coefficients for trials 1 and 2 for BP (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.973) and LE (ICC = 0.976) were higher than for AC (ICC = 0.953). Percent change from trial 1 to 2 for BP (3.5 ± 10.9%) and AC (3.8 ± 8.1%) was less than for LE (5.4 ± 6.2%), but all were significant increases between trials (p < 0.05). Trial differences were reduced to nonsignificant levels (p > 0.05) in the third trial for BP (0.0 ± 0.0%), LE (1.2 ± 3.0%) and AC (2.7 ± 5.9%). Reliability coefficients rose for BP and LE (ICC = 0.999) and AC (ICC = 0.963) when a third trial was performed. Bland and Altman plotting showed very small bias and limits of agreement (LoA) for both the exercises (BP: bias = 0 kg, limits of agreement = 0 kg; LE: bias = −0.16 kg, LoA = 2.21 kg; AC: bias = −0.11 kg, LoA = 1.72 kg). This approach to determine 1RM strength values produced rapid lifting technique familiarization resulting in a need of 2 to 3 test sessions to achieve consistent 1RM measurements in untrained older women.

Cardiovascular adaptations to resistance training in elderly postmenopausal women.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of resistance training on resting blood pressure and heart rate variability in elderly postmenopausal women. 29 untrained, non-hypertensive elderly women were randomly assigned to 2 groups: an intervention group (n=15, 65.5±5.0 years, 57.3±6.5 kg, 156.7±5.1 cm) that underwent a supervised resistance training program (8 exercises, 2 sets, 10-15 repetitions, 3 times/week) or a control group (n=14, 66.2±4.1 years, 61.1±11.7 kg, 157.5±7.1 cm) that participated in a supervised stretching program (25-30 min/session, 2 times/week). Resting auscultatory blood pressure, heart rate variability, evaluated from short recordings in a seated position, and maximal dynamic strength (1-RM test) were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. A group x time ANOVA revealed that muscular strength increased significantly in the resistance training group (+ 10.2% for bench press and +12.7% for leg extension, P<0.05). Systolic blood pressure was reduced significantly in the resistance training group from pre- to post-intervention period (- 5 mmHg; P<0.05), while no significant effect was noted for diastolic blood pressure and heart rate variability indexes (P>0.05). None of these variables changed in the control group throughout the study. In conclusion, a supervised resistance training program improved muscular strength and reduced systolic blood pressure without affecting diastolic blood pressure and heart rate variability in elderly postmenopausal women.

Highly specific changes in antioxidant levels and lipid peroxidation in Parkinson's disease and its progression: Disease and staging biomarkers and new drug targets.

There is evidence that immune-inflammatory, stress of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (IO&NS) processes play a role in the neurodegenerative processes observed in Parkinsons disease (PD). The aim of the present study was to investigate peripheral IO&NS biomarkers in PD. We included 56 healthy individuals and 56 PD patients divided in two groups: early PD stage and late PD stage. Plasma lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), sulfhydryl (SH) groups, catalase (CAT) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, paraoxonase (PON)1 activity, total radical trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. PD is characterized by increased LOOH, MDA and SOD activity and lowered CAT activity. A combination of five O&NS biomarkers highly significantly predicts PD with a sensitivity of 94.5% and a specificity of 86.8% (i.e., MDA, SOD activity, TRAP, SH-groups and CAT activity). The single best biomarker of PD is MDA, while LOOH and SOD activity are significantly associated with late PD stage, but not early PD stage. Antiparkinson drugs did not affect O&NS biomarkers, but levodopa+carbidopa significantly increased CRP. It is suggested that MDA may serve as a disease biomarker, while LOOH and SOD activity are associated with late PD stage characteristic. New treatments for PD should not only target dopamine but also lipid peroxidation.

Effects of different resistance training frequencies on flexibility in older women

Objective The main purpose of the investigation reported here was to analyze the effect of resistance training (RT) performed at different weekly frequencies on flexibility in older women. Participants and methods Fifty-three older women (≥60 years old) were randomly assigned to perform RT either two (n=28; group “G2x”), or three (n=25; group “G3x”) times per week. The RT program comprised eight exercises in which the participants performed one set of 10–15 repetitions maximum for a period of 12 weeks. Anthropometric, body-composition, and flexibility measurements were made at baseline and post-study. The flexibility measurements were obtained by a fleximeter. Results A significant group-by-time interaction (P<0.01) was observed for frontal hip flexion, in which G3x showed a higher increase than G2x (+12.8% and +3.0%, respectively). Both groups increased flexibility in cervical extension (G2x=+19.1%, G3x=+20.0%), right hip flexion (G2x=+14.6%, G3x=+15.9%), and left hip flexion (G2x=+25.7%, G3x=+19.2%), with no statistical difference between groups. No statistically significant differences were noted for the increase in skeletal muscle mass between training three versus two times a week (+7.4% vs +4.4%, respectively). Conclusion Twelve weeks of RT improves the flexibility of different joint movements in older women, and the higher frequency induces greater increases for frontal hip flexion.

Validation of the Brzycki equation for the estimation of 1-RM in the bench press

The aim of the present study was to analyze the validation of the equation proposed by Brzycki for the prediction of a maximum repetition (1-RM) in the bench press. Fifty sedentary or moderately active male subjects (22.2 ± 3.5 years; 64.7 ± 8.6 kg), were initially submitted to six test sessions of 1-RM in the bench press, with 48 hours of interval between each session, in order to determine the maximum workload. A protocol of force resistance was then performed for the determination of 7-10-RM. The used criteria for the validation included: t-Student test for dependent samples, for comparison among the mean values obtained by the predictive equation and by the 1-RM test; Pearson correlation coefficient for analysis of the association degree among the measurements; standard error of estimate (SEE) for evaluation of the mean deviation degree of the individual data along the produced line; total error (TE) for the verification of the mean deviation of the individual values of the identity line; constant error (CE) for analysis of the difference among the mean values obtained in the 1-RM test and predicted by the proposed equation. None statistically significant difference was verified among the values produced by the 1-RM test and the Brzycki equation (P > 0.05). Both the SEE and the TE were relatively low (2.42 kg or 3.4% and 1.55 kg or 2.2%, respectively), as well as the CE found (0.22 kg or 0.3%). Moreover, the correlation coefficient value found was extremely high (r = 0.99; P < 0.05), thus showing a strong association between the values found by the 1-RM test and the Brzycki equation. Therefore, the equation analyzed by this study satisfied the validation criteria established by the literature. The results suggest that the Brzycki equation seems to be a fairly attractive alternative for the estimation of 1-RM values in the bench press from the performance of submaximal tests of 7-10-RM, in sedentary or moderately active male adults.The aim of the present study was to analyze the validation of the equation proposed by Brzycki for the prediction of a maximum repetition (1-RM) in the bench press. Fifty sedentary or moderately active male subjects (22.2 ± 3.5 years; 64.7 ± 8.6 kg), were initially submitted to six test sessions of 1-RM in the bench press, with 48 hours of interval between each session, in order to determine the maximum workload. A protocol of force resistance was then performed for the determination of 7-10-RM. The used criteria for the validation included: t-Student test for dependent samples, for comparison among the mean values obtained by the predictive equation and by the 1-RM test; Pearson correlation coefficient for analysis of the association degree among the measurements; standard error of estimate (SEE) for evaluation of the mean deviation degree of the individual data along the produced line; total error (TE) for the verification of the mean deviation of the individual values of the identity line; constant error (CE) for analysis of the difference among the mean values obtained in the 1-RM test and predicted by the proposed equation. None statistically significant difference was verified among the values produced by the 1-RM test and the Brzycki equation (P > 0.05). Both the SEE and the TE were relatively low (2.42 kg or 3.4% and 1.55 kg or 2.2%, respectively), as well as the CE found (0.22 kg or 0.3%). Moreover, the correlation coefficient value found was extremely high (r = 0.99; P < 0.05), thus showing a strong association between the values found by the 1-RM test and the Brzycki equation. Therefore, the equation analyzed by this study satisfied the validation criteria established by the literature. The results suggest that the Brzycki equation seems to be a fairly attractive alternative for the estimation of 1-RM values in the bench press from the performance of submaximal tests of 7-10-RM, in sedentary or moderately active male adults.

Resistance training in older women: Comparison of single vs. multiple sets on muscle strength and body composition

BACKGROUND: Studies are conflicting as to whether single-set resistance training (RT) are as effective as multi-set protocols with respect to promoting muscular adaptations. Several meta-analyses have shown that a clear dose-response relationship exists between RT volume and muscular adaptations. However, a majority of studies were not specific to older individuals, particularly women. OBJECTIVE: To determine changes in strength and body composition in elderly women following 1 vs. 3 sets of RT. METHODS: Thirty older women participated in a 12-week supervised total body RT program. Participants were randomly assigned to perform either 1 set (G1S) or 3 sets (G3S) per session. All other RT variables were held constant. Body composition was assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry, muscle strength was evaluated by 1RM in chest press and knee extension. RESULTS: Increases in strength were significantly (p 0.05) differences were noted in body composition components between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that multiple set protocols are required to optimize strength gains in older women. Changes in body composition appear to be similar irrespective of training volume during the initial stages of RT.

Validação da equação de Brzycki para a estimativa de 1-RM no exercício supino em banco horizontal

The aim of the present study was to analyze the validation of the equation proposed by Brzycki for the prediction of a maximum repetition (1-RM) in the bench press. Fifty sedentary or moderately active male subjects (22.2 ± 3.5 years; 64.7 ± 8.6 kg), were initially submitted to six test sessions of 1-RM in the bench press, with 48 hours of interval between each session, in order to determine the maximum workload. A protocol of force resistance was then performed for the determination of 7-10-RM. The used criteria for the validation included: t-Student test for dependent samples, for comparison among the mean values obtained by the predictive equation and by the 1-RM test; Pearson correlation coefficient for analysis of the association degree among the measurements; standard error of estimate (SEE) for evaluation of the mean deviation degree of the individual data along the produced line; total error (TE) for the verification of the mean deviation of the individual values of the identity line; constant error (CE) for analysis of the difference among the mean values obtained in the 1-RM test and predicted by the proposed equation. None statistically significant difference was verified among the values produced by the 1-RM test and the Brzycki equation (P > 0.05). Both the SEE and the TE were relatively low (2.42 kg or 3.4% and 1.55 kg or 2.2%, respectively), as well as the CE found (0.22 kg or 0.3%). Moreover, the correlation coefficient value found was extremely high (r = 0.99; P < 0.05), thus showing a strong association between the values found by the 1-RM test and the Brzycki equation. Therefore, the equation analyzed by this study satisfied the validation criteria established by the literature. The results suggest that the Brzycki equation seems to be a fairly attractive alternative for the estimation of 1-RM values in the bench press from the performance of submaximal tests of 7-10-RM, in sedentary or moderately active male adults.The aim of the present study was to analyze the validation of the equation proposed by Brzycki for the prediction of a maximum repetition (1-RM) in the bench press. Fifty sedentary or moderately active male subjects (22.2 ± 3.5 years; 64.7 ± 8.6 kg), were initially submitted to six test sessions of 1-RM in the bench press, with 48 hours of interval between each session, in order to determine the maximum workload. A protocol of force resistance was then performed for the determination of 7-10-RM. The used criteria for the validation included: t-Student test for dependent samples, for comparison among the mean values obtained by the predictive equation and by the 1-RM test; Pearson correlation coefficient for analysis of the association degree among the measurements; standard error of estimate (SEE) for evaluation of the mean deviation degree of the individual data along the produced line; total error (TE) for the verification of the mean deviation of the individual values of the identity line; constant error (CE) for analysis of the difference among the mean values obtained in the 1-RM test and predicted by the proposed equation. None statistically significant difference was verified among the values produced by the 1-RM test and the Brzycki equation (P > 0.05). Both the SEE and the TE were relatively low (2.42 kg or 3.4% and 1.55 kg or 2.2%, respectively), as well as the CE found (0.22 kg or 0.3%). Moreover, the correlation coefficient value found was extremely high (r = 0.99; P < 0.05), thus showing a strong association between the values found by the 1-RM test and the Brzycki equation. Therefore, the equation analyzed by this study satisfied the validation criteria established by the literature. The results suggest that the Brzycki equation seems to be a fairly attractive alternative for the estimation of 1-RM values in the bench press from the performance of submaximal tests of 7-10-RM, in sedentary or moderately active male adults.

The improvement in walking speed induced by resistance training is associated with increased muscular strength but not skeletal muscle mass in older women

Abstract Objective: The purpose of the present study was to analyze whether improvements in fast walking speed induced by resistance training (RT) are associated with changes in body composition, muscle quality, and muscular strength in older women. Methods: Twenty-three healthy older women (69.6 ± 6.4 years, 64.95 ± 12.9 kg, 1.55 ± 0.07 m, 27.06 ± 4.6 kg/m²) performed a RT program for 8 weeks consisting of 8 exercises for the whole body, 3 sets of 10–15 repetitions maximum, 3 times a week. Anthropometric, body composition (fat-free mass [FFM], skeletal muscle mass [SMM], legs lean soft tissue [LLST], fat mass), knee extension muscular strength (KE1RM), muscle quality index (MQI [KE1RM/LLST]), and 10-meter walking test (10-MWT) were performed before and after the intervention. Results: Significant (P < .05) changes were observed from pre- to post-training for FFM (+1.6%), MQI (+7.2%), SMM (+2.4%), LLST (+1.8%), KE1RM (+8.6%), fat mass (−1.4%), and time to perform 10-MWT (−3.7%). The percentage change in 10-MWT was significantly associated with percentage change in MQI (r = −0.46, P = .04) and KE1RM (r = −0.45, P = .04), however not associated percentage of changes in SMM (r = 0.01, P = .97), LLST (r = −0.22, P = .33), and body fat (r = 0.10, P = .66). Conclusion: We conclude that the improvement in the 10-MWT after an 8-week RT program is associated with increases in lower limb muscular strength and muscle quality, but not with muscle mass or body fat changes in older women.

Quality of life of primary caregivers of spinal cord injury survivors

Este estudo objetivou avaliar a qualidade de vida de cuidadores familiares de pacientes com Lesao da medula espinal (LM). Quatorze mulheres (sete cuidadoras familiares e sete controles) foram submetidas a avaliacao pelo questionario Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) e pelo questionario Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS). Utilizou-se o Teste de Mann-Whitney (p 0,05), caracterizada pela diferenca percentual de 62%, 66,7%, 55%, 50%, 57% e 63%, para tensao geral, isolamento, decepcao, envolvimento emocional, ambiente e escore global, respectivamente. O questionario CBS mostrou-se adequado para verificar a qualidade de vida dos cuidadores de pessoas com LM e o ato de cuidar produz um impacto negativo sobre a qualidade de vida destes.The aim of this study was to analyze quality of life of caregivers who are relatives of patients with spine cord injury (SCI). Fourteen women (seven caregivers and seven controls) were evaluated by the Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS) Questionnaires. The data from both questionnaires were compared using the Mann-Whitney U testing procedure for differences between caregivers and controls (p<0.05). The results from SF-36 were not statistically significant between groups, however, for the CBS data, there were significant differences between groups (p>0.05), characterized by the percentage difference of 62%, 66.7%, 55%, 50%, 57% and 63% for tension, isolation, disappointment, emotional involvement, environment and overall score, respectively. The CBS questionnaire was more adequate for verifying quality of life of caregivers of SCI patients, and caregiving may have a negative impact on their quality of life.

Chronic Blood Pressure Reductions and Increments in Plasma Nitric Oxide Bioavailability

This study analyzed the effects of 12 weeks of resistance training (RT) on resting blood pressure (BP) and plasma levels of nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) in pre- and hypertensive older women, and evaluated the relationship between these 2 parameters. Thirty-five older women (68.2±5.7 years, 70.0±14.4 kg, 157.1±6.4 cm, 28.3±5.0 kg.m-2) were randomly allocated into a training group (TG; n=17), which performed a 12-week RT program, and a control group (CG; n=18), which did not perform any physical exercise. Anthropometry, one repetition maximum (1RM), body composition analysis by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, blood samples, and resting BP were measured. There was a significant interaction for all variables analyzed, in which reductions of systolic BP (-8.5%), diastolic BP (-8.4%), and mean arterial pressure (-8.5%), and increases of NOx (+35.2%) were observed only for the TG. Moreover, a negative and significant correlation was observed (P<0.05; r=-0.63) between NOx and systolic BP in the TG. Results suggest that a 12-week RT program is sufficient to induce reductions in BP in pre- and hypertensive older women and that the decrease in systolic BP is associated with an increase in plasma NOx concentration.