Paulo Ricardo Prado Nunes

Predicting Functional Capacity From Measures of Muscle Mass in Postmenopausal Women

Menopause increases body fat and decreases muscle mass and strength, which contribute to sarcopenia. The amount of appendicular muscle mass has been frequently used to diagnose sarcopenia. Different measures of appendicular muscle mass have been proposed. However, no studies have compared the most salient measure (appendicular muscle mass corrected by body fat) of the appendicular muscle mass to physical function in postmenopausal women.

Adding Soy Protein to Milk Enhances the Effect of Resistance Training on Muscle Strength in Postmenopausal Women

ABSTRACT Resistance training (RT) and high-quality protein ingestion improves muscle mass (MM) and strength (MS). However, no study has evaluated the effect of ingesting milk plus soy protein (SOY) on MM and MS in postmenopausal women (PW). Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding SOY to milk on MM and MS after 16 weeks of RT. Thirty-two PW were randomized and allocated into two groups: placebo and RT (PL+RT, n = 16) and SOY and RT (SOY+RT, n = 16). The SOY+RT received 25 g of SOY while the PL+RT received 25 g of maltodextrin (placebo). All supplements were given in the form of a chocolate-flavored powder added to 200 mL of milk. The RT protocol consisted of eight total body exercises at 70% of one repetition maximum (1RM), three sets of 8–12 repetitions, 2–3 times/week. No differences were found in the baseline measures between groups (age, menopause status, anthropometric and nutrition patterns), except for protein intake, which was higher in the SOY+RT. Both groups increased the MM (bioimpedance) showing no difference between groups (PL+RT = 1.5 kg; SOY+RT = 1.1 kg). For MS, the SOY+RT showed a larger (p < .05) increase in 1RM of bench press (PL+RT = 6.7 kg; SOY+RT = 12.5 kg), knee extension (PL+RT = 3.7 kg; SOY+RT = 6.7 kg), total load (PL+RT = 15.1 kg; SOY+RT = 24.2 kg), and the total load exercises/MM (PL+RT = 0.3 kg; SOY+RT = 0.9 kg). These results suggest that adding SOY to milk combined with 16 weeks of RT resulted in more significant increases in MS in PW.

Acute resistance exercise reduces increased gene expression in muscle atrophy of ovariectomised arthritic rats

Objective We studied the effect of resistance exercise (RE) on mRNA levels of atrogin-1, MuRF-1, and myostatin in the gastrocnemius muscle of arthritic rats after loss of ovarian function (LOF). Material and methods Thirty female Wistar rats (nine weeks old, 195.3 ±17.4 grams) were randomly allocated into five groups: control group (CT-Sham; n = 6); group with rheumatoid arthritis (RA; n = 6); group with rheumatoid arthritis subjected to RE (RAEX; n = 6); ovariectomy group with rheumatoid arthritis (RAOV; n = 6); and an ovariectomy group with rheumatoid arthritis subjected to RE (RAOVEX; n = 6). After 15 days of intra-articular injections with Met-BSA the animals were subjected to RE and six hours after workout were euthanised. Results The rheumatoid arthritis provoked reduction in the cross-sectional area (CSA) of muscle fibres, but the CSA was lower in the RAOV when compared to the RA groups. Skeletal muscle atrogin-1 mRNA level was increased in arthritic rats (RA and RAOV), but the atrogin-1 level was higher in RAOV group when compared to other arthritic groups. The Muscle MuRF-1 mRNA level was also increased in the RAOV group. The increased atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 mRNA levels were lower in the RAOVEX group than in the RAOV group. The myostatin mRNA level was similar in all groups, except for the RAOVEX group, in which it was lower than the other groups. Conclusions LOF results in increased loss of skeletal muscle-related ubiquitin ligases (atrogin-1 and MuRF-1). However, the RE reduces the atrogin-1, MuRF-1, and myostatin mRNA levels in muscle of arthritic rats affected by LOF.

High-intensity body weight training is comparable to combined training in changes in muscle mass, physical performance, inflammatory markers and metabolic health in postmenopausal women at high risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Objective: This study compared the effects of 12weeks of high‐intensity interval body weight training (HIBWT) with combined training (COMT; aerobic and resistance exercises on body composition, a 6‐minute walk test (6MWT; physical performance), insulin resistance (IR) and inflammatory markers in postmenopausal women (PW) at high risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (TDM2). Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical study, 16 PW at high risk of TDM2 were randomly allocated into two groups: HIBWT (n=8) and COMT (n=8). The HIBWT group performed a training protocol (length time ˜28min) consisting of ten sets of 60s of high intensity exercise interspersed by a recovery period of 60s of low intensity exercise. The COMT group performed a training protocol (length time ˜60min) consisting of a 30min walk of moderate intensity following by five resistance exercises. All training sessions were performed in the university gym facility three days a week (no consecutive days) for 12weeks. All outcomes (body composition, muscle function, and IR and inflammatory markers) were assessed at the baseline and at the end of the study. Results: Both groups increased (P<0.05) muscle mass index (MMI), 6MWT, and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist and decreased fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, Insulin, HOMA‐IR, and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (trend, P=0.056). HIBWT effects were indistinguishable (P>0.05) from the effects of COMT. There was a significant (P<0.05) interaction of time by the group in muscle strength, indicating that only the COMT increased the muscle strength. Conclusions: This study suggests that changes in HOMA, IL‐1ra, 6MWT, and MMI with HITBW are similar when compared to COMT in PW at high risk of TDM2. Trial registration: The patients were part of a 12‐week training study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03200639). HIGHLIGHTSWe compared the effects a HIBWT with a COMT in PW at high risk of TDM2.Both training protocols increased MMI and 6MWT.Both training protocols improved HbA1c, insulin, HOMA‐IR and glucose.Both training protocols increased IL1ra.The HIBWT is an alternative time‐efficient treatment strategy for preventing TDM2.

Maior índice de massa corporal e menor circunferência da cintura estão associados com maior desempenho físico (SPPB) somente em idosas dinapênicas

22 ABSTRACT Physical performance limitation is defined as difficulties in performing physical tasks. It is critical for the functional independence of the elderly. Limited physical performance is strongly associated with increased falls, hospitalizations, cardio and cerebrovascular diseases, and mortality in the elderly. The impact of body mass status and low muscle strength (dynapenia) on elderly physical performance is well documented. However, the interaction of these factors (muscle strength and body mass status) on the physical performance of the elderly is not yet clear. Objective: To assess the predictive power of body mass index (BMI) associated with waist circumference (WC) in determining the physical performance of older women classified as dynapenic (low muscle strength) or non-dynapenic. Method: One hundred forty-two older women were evaluated according to: anthropometry (BMI and WC), handgrip (HG) and physical performance (SPPB). The elderly were classified in dynapenic (HG < 20 kg) or non-dynapenic (HG ≥ 20 kg). Results: In both groups, multiple linear regression analysis indicated that BMI and WC were not associated with SPPB when they were analyzed separately. However, when BMI and WC were analyzed concomitantly, both were significantly associated with SPPB only for the dynapenic group. Conclusion: The main findings of this study suggest that WC and BMI applied together, but not separate, are predictors of physical performance in older women with dynapenia. These results are important for clinical practice because of easy application and low cost of measures.

Muscular strength adaptations and hormonal responses after two different multiple-set protocols of resistance training in postmenopausal women.

Abstract Nunes, PRP, Barcelos, LC, Oliveira, AA, Furlanetto, R, Martins, FM, Resende, EAMR, and Orsatti, FL. Muscular strength adaptations and hormonal responses after two different multiple-set protocols of resistance training in postmenopausal women. J Strength Cond Res 33(5): 1276–1285, 2019—We studied the effects of 2 different resistance training (RT) multiple-set protocols (3 and 6 sets) on muscle strength and basal hormones concentrations in postmenopausal women (PW). Postmenopausal women were randomly allocated into 3 groups: control (CT, n = 12), low RT volume (LV = 3 sets for each exercise, n = 10), and high RT volume (HV = 6 sets for each exercise, n = 12). The LV and HV groups performed 8 exercises of a total body RT protocol 3 times a week, at 70% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) for 16 weeks. Muscle strength and basal hormone concentrations were measured before and after RT. Our findings show that 3 sets or 6 sets at 70% of 1RM protocol increased muscular strength similarly after 16 weeks (sum of all exercises, LV: 37.7% and HV: 34.1% vs. CT: 2.1%, p < 0.001). Moreover, the RT volume does not affect basal levels of testosterone (TT) (LV: 0.02%, HV: −0.12%, and CT: 0.006%, p = 0.233), cortisol (C) (LV: 72.4%, HV: 36.8%, and CT: 16.8%, p = 0.892), insulin-like growth factor-1 (LV: 6.7%, HV: 7.3%, and CT: 4.1%, p = 0.802), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (LV: 0.1%, HV: −4.5%, and CT: −6.7%, p = 0.885), and TT:C ratio (LV: −0.9%, HV: −1.6%, and CT: −0.4%, p = 0.429). Our results suggest that 3 sets and 6 sets at 70% of 1RM seem to promote similar muscle strength gain. Thus, 3-set RT is a time efficient protocol for strength gain after 16 weeks in PW.

Effect of resistance training volume on walking speed performance in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Low muscle strength and high abdominal fatness play an important role in fast and usual walking speeds decrement in postmenopausal women (PW). Low‐volume resistance training (RT) improves muscle strength. However, high‐volume RT has shown to improve muscle strength and abdominal fatness in PW. Thus, high‐volume RT would elicit greater improvement in fast and usual walking speeds than low‐volume RT. Objective: To confirm whether the high‐volume RT is better than the low‐volume RT, we performed a randomized controlled trial (clinical trial registration: RBR‐8SBBVP) study to investigated the effects of two different RT volumes (three sets vs. six sets) on fast and usual walking speed performances (fast: one‐mile walk test and usual: four‐meter walk), muscle strength (1 RM test), and abdominal fatness (WC – waist circumference; WC/W waist circumference‐to‐weight ratio; WHtR – waist‐to‐height ratio; ABSI – A body shape index; BRI – body roundness index; CI – conicity index) in PW. Methods: Thirty‐three PW were randomized (simple randomization) in three groups: control group (CT – no exercise), low‐volume RT (LV) and high‐volume RT (HV). The RT consisted of eight total body exercises at 70% of one repetition maximum for 16 weeks performed three times a week. Results: The fast walking speed (6.1% [CI 95% 2.3–9.9]), WC (− 4.1% [CI 95% − 6.9 to − 1.4]), WHtR (− 4.2% [CI 95% − 7.0 to − 1.4]) and BRI (− 10.3% [CI 95% − 17.3 to − 3.4]) improved in the HV when compared to the LV and CT. The WC/W (− 3.7% [CI 95% − 6.5 to − 0.93]), ABSI (− 3.8% [CI 95% − 6.5 to − 1.2]) and CI (− 3.9% [CI 95% − 6.6 to − 1.3]) improved in the HV when compared to the CT. Muscle strength improved similarly in trained groups (LV: 49.1% [CI 95% 42.5–55.6] and HV: 43.7% [CI 95% 33.0–54.5]) when compared with the CT. No differences were observed in usual walking speed. Conclusion: Our results suggest that high‐volume RT (six sets) at 70% of 1 RM is necessary to promote an improved fast walking speed performance and abdominal fatness in PW. HIGHLIGHTSHigh and low volume resistance training improves strength in postmenopausal women.High volume resistance training reduces central fatness in postmenopausal women.High volume resistance training improves walk speed in postmenopausal women.

Loss of Ovarian Function Results in Increased Loss of Skeletal Muscle in Arthritic Rats

OBJECTIVE We studied the effects of loss of ovarian function (ovariectomy) on muscle mass of gastrocnemius and the mRNA levels of IGF-1, atrogin-1, MuRF-1, and myostatin in an experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis in rats. METHODS We randomly allocated 24 female Wistar rats (9 weeks, 195.3 ± 17.4 grams) into four groups: control (CT-Sham; n = 6); rheumatoid arthritis (RA; n = 6); ovariectomy without rheumatoid arthritis (OV; n = 6); ovariectomy with rheumatoid arthritis (RAOV; n = 6). We performed the ovariectomy (OV and RAOV) or Sham (CT-Sham or RA) procedures at the same time, fifteen days before the rheumatoid arthritis induction. The RA and RAOV groups were immunized and then were injected with Met-BSA in the tibiotarsal joint. After 15 days of intra-articular injections the animals were euthanized. We evaluated the external manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (perimeter joint) as well as animal weight, and food intake throughout the study. We also analyzed the cross-sectional areas (CSA) of gastrocnemius muscle fibers in 200 fibers (H&E method). In the gastrocnemius muscle, we analyzed mRNA expression by quantitative real time PCR followed by the Livak method (ΔΔCT). RESULTS The rheumatoid arthritis induced reduction in CSA of gastrocnemius muscle fibers. The RAOV group showed a lower CSA of gastrocnemius muscle fibers compared to RA and CT-Sham groups. Skeletal muscle IGF-1 mRNA increased in arthritics and ovariectomized rats. The increased IGF-1 mRNA was higher in OV groups than in the RA and RAOV groups. Antrogin-1 mRNA also increased in the gastrocnemius muscle of arthritic and ovariectomized rats. However, the increased atrogin-1 mRNA was higher in RAOV groups than in the RA and OV groups. Gastrocnemius muscle MuRF-1 mRNA increased in the OV and RAOV groups, but not in the RA and Sham groups. However, the RAOV group showed higher MuRF-1 mRNA than the OV group. The myostatin gene expression was similar in all groups. CONCLUSION Loss of ovarian function results in increased loss of skeletal muscle-related ubiquitin ligases atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 in arthritic rats.

Muscle strength to body weight ratio is a better predictor of low physical function than absolute muscle strength in postmenopausal women

Objetivo: Correlacionar a forca muscular respiratoria e a capacidade funcional em pacientes com FC. Metodos: Estudo transversal em adultos com fibrose cistica. Os dados amostrais foram catalogados no Microsoft Office Excel 2007 e as variaveis analisadas pelo SPSS versao 20.0 atraves do teste t de Student e do coeficiente de Spearman. O nivel de significância adotado foi p < 0,05. Resultados: Foram avaliados 35 pacientes com fibrose cistica (44,6 ± 19,0 anos), grande parte dos pacientes de FC (n=26) nao apresentaram fraqueza da musculatura inspiratoria (PImax -90,7 ± 27,4 cmH2O). Nao foi encontrada estatistica significativa apenas entre os pacientes adultos e idosos. Houve correlacao positiva entre PImax, PEmax e teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6) nos participantes com fraqueza muscular respiratoria e nos idosos. Houve diferenca estatisticamente significativa entre as medias da distância percorrida no TC6 e das pressoes respiratorias maximas com a media do que foi previsto para estas variaveis. Conclusao: Todos os grupos apresentaram limitacao da forca respiratoria e da capacidade funcional. As correlacoes entre as pressoes respiratorias com o TC6 foram baixas e pequenas nos adultos e individuos sem fraqueza muscular respiratoria; moderadas a alta nos idosos; pequenas a moderada nas mulheres; pequenas e negativas nos homens; e, altas naqueles com fraqueza muscular respiratoria.