Sandor Balsamo

Higher muscle performance in adolescents compared with adults after a resistance training session with different rest intervals.

Abstract Tibana, RA, Prestes, J, da Cunha Nascimento, D, Martins, OV, de Santana, FS, and Balsamo, S. Higher muscle performance in adolescents compared with adults after a resistance training session with different rest intervals. J Strength Cond Res 26(4): 1027–1032, 2012—The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of 3 different rest intervals between sets on the total training volume, number of repetitions, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and resistance to fatigue in adolescents and adults during a resistance training session in the isoinertial chest press exercise. Fifteen male adolescents (15.2 ± 1.2 years; 20.7 ± 2.0 kg·m−2; Tanner −4; 61.5 ± 8.9, 10 repetition maximum [RM]) and 15 adults (22.2 ± 2.7 years; 23.3 ± 2.0 kg·m−2; Tanner −5; 84.3 ± 13.5, 10RM) without previous experience with resistance training participated in the study. After 10RM test-retest on 3 different occasions, participants were randomly assigned to a resistance training protocol with 30-, 60-, and 120-second rest interval between sets. The protocol consisted of 3 sets with 10RM. In all studied variables, with exception to total training volume and RPE, adolescents presented superior results as compared with adults (p < 0.001). On the other hand, both adults and adolescents exhibited a higher resistance to fatigue, total training volume, and number of repetitions with a longer rest interval (120 > 60 > 30 seconds) (p < 0.01). Thus, these results indicate that adolescents present a higher recovery capacity between sets in a resistance training session than adults and a longer rest interval results in a higher number of repetitions completed, total training volume, and resistance to fatigue.

Fatigue in systemic lupus erythematosus: an association with reduced physical fitness.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by fatigue; however, little research has been performed to identify non-pharmacological strategies, such as physical exercise, that can be employed in the prevention and treatment of fatigue in patients with SLE. Moreover, it is not clear whether physical fitness (defined here as cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength) and functional capacities are related to SLE-associated fatigue. Here, we review the studies, mechanisms and results that relate to SLE-associated fatigue. The main findings indicate that SLE patients have lower cardiovascular capacity than healthy subjects. Physical fitness, muscle strength and functional capacity are also lower in patients with SLE than in healthy individuals. The effects of exercise programs in reducing symptoms of fatigue in SLE patients remain unclear.

Relação da circunferência do pescoço com a força muscular relativa e os fatores de risco cardiovascular em mulheres sedentárias

OBJECTIVE To verify the relation of neck circumference and relative muscle strength and cardiovascular risk factors in sedentary women. METHODS A cross-sectional study with 60 premenopausal women (33.9±9.1 years; 67.4±13.6kg; 1.57±0.6cm and 27.2±5.3kg/m²). Based on the neck circumference, the sample was divided into two groups: Group Circumference <35cm (n=27) and Group Circumference >35cm (n=33) to compare relative muscle strength and cardiovascular risk factors. The correlation between variables was tested by Pearson and Spearman correlations, with a significance level established at p<0.05. RESULTS The findings revealed that women with neck circumference >35cm presented higher values of body mass, waist circumference, body adiposity index, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin and volume of visceral fat when compared with the group with neck circumference <35cm. Additionally, the group with larger neck circumference presented lower values of relative strength. CONCLUSION Neck circumference seems to be an important predictive factor of cardiovascular risk and of relative strength loss in middle-aged sedentary women.

Effectiveness of exercise on cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease

Physical activity has a protective effect on brain function in older people. Here, we briefly reviewed the studies and results related to the effects of exercise on cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. The main findings from the current body of literature indicate positive evidence for structured physical activity (cardiorespiratory and resistance exercise) as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for preventing cognitive decline. More studies are needed to determine the mechanisms involved in this preventative effect, including on strength, cardiorespiratory, and other types of exercise. Thus, the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease may depend on healthy lifestyle habits, such as a structured physical fitness program.

Exercise order affects the total training volume and the ratings of perceived exertion in response to a super-set resistance training session

The super-set is a widely used resistance training method consisting of exercises for agonist and antagonist muscles with limited or no rest interval between them – for example, bench press followed by bent-over rows. In this sense, the aim of the present study was to compare the effects of different super-set exercise sequences on the total training volume. A secondary aim was to evaluate the ratings of perceived exertion and fatigue index in response to different exercise order. On separate testing days, twelve resistance-trained men, aged 23.0 ± 4.3 years, height 174.8 ± 6.75 cm, body mass 77.8 ± 13.27 kg, body fat 12.0% ± 4.7%, were submitted to a super-set method by using two different exercise orders: quadriceps (leg extension) + hamstrings (leg curl) (QH) or hamstrings (leg curl) + quadriceps (leg extension) (HQ). Sessions consisted of three sets with a ten-repetition maximum load with 90 seconds rest between sets. Results revealed that the total training volume was higher for the HQ exercise order (P = 0.02) with lower perceived exertion than the inverse order (P = 0.04). These results suggest that HQ exercise order involving lower limbs may benefit practitioners interested in reaching a higher total training volume with lower ratings of perceived exertion compared with the leg extension plus leg curl order.

Low dynamic muscle strength and its associations with fatigue, functional performance, and quality of life in premenopausal patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and low disease activity: a case–control study

BackgroundThe purpose of the present study was to compare dynamic muscle strength, functional performance, fatigue, and quality of life in premenopausal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with low disease activity versus matched-healthy controls and to determine the association of dynamic muscle strength with fatigue, functional performance, and quality of life in SLE patients.MethodsWe evaluated premenopausal (18–45 years) SLE patients with low disease activity (Systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index [SLEDAI]: mean 1.5 ± 1.2). The control (n = 25) and patient (n = 25) groups were matched by age, physical characteristics, and the level of physical activities in daily life (International Physical Activity Questionnaire IPAQ). Both groups had not participated in regular exercise programs for at least six months prior to the study. Dynamic muscle strength was assessed by one-repetition maximum (1-RM) tests. Functional performance was assessed by the Timed Up and Go (TUG), in 30-s test a chair stand and arm curl using a 2-kg dumbbell and balance test, handgrip strength and a sit-and-reach flexibility test. Quality of life (SF-36) and fatigue were also measured.ResultsThe SLE patients showed significantly lower dynamic muscle strength in all exercises (leg press 25.63%, leg extension 11.19%, leg curl 15.71%, chest press 18.33%, lat pulldown 13.56%, 1-RM total load 18.12%, P < 0.001-0.02) compared to the controls. The SLE patients also had lower functional performance, greater fatigue and poorer quality of life. In addition, fatigue, SF-36 and functional performance accounted for 52% of the variance in dynamic muscle strength in the SLE patients.ConclusionsPremenopausal SLE patients with low disease activity showed lower dynamic muscle strength, along with increased fatigue, reduced functional performance, and poorer quality of life when compared to matched controls.

Sustained effect of resistance training on blood pressure and hand grip strength following a detraining period in elderly hypertensive women: a pilot study.

Introduction Hypertension is the most prevalent modifiable risk factor with a high prevalence among older adults. Exercise is a nonpharmacological treatment shown to benefit all patients with hypertension. Objective This study examined the effects of a 14-week moderate intensity resistance training program (RT) on the maintenance of blood pressure and hand grip strength during an extended detraining period in elderly hypertensive women. Methods Twelve hypertensive sedentary elderly women completed 14 weeks of whole body RT at a moderate perceived exertion following a detraining period of 14 weeks. Results Following the training period, participants demonstrated an increase in absolute hand grip strength (P=0.001), relative hand grip strength (P=0.032) and a decrease of systolic (P=0.001), diastolic (P=0.008), and mean blood pressure (P=0.002) when compared to pre-exercise values. In addition, these effects were sustained after 14 weeks of detraining. Conclusion Resistance training may be a valuable method to improve muscular strength and blood pressure in elderly people with benefits being maintained up to 14 weeks following training cessation.

Exercise Order Influences Number of Repetitions and Lactate Levels But Not Perceived Exertion During Resistance Exercise in Adolescents

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of resistance training (RT) order on number of repetitions, total training volume, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and the lactate response in male adolescents. Twelve adolescents (age: 15.7 ± 1.4 yrs) completed two RT sessions in a counterbalanced crossover design: one with exercises for smaller muscle groups followed by larger muscle groups (SM-LM), whereas the other session was performed in the opposite sequence (LM-SM). The exercise order for SM-LM was standing triceps extension (TE), dumbbell biceps curl (BC), bench press (BP), and seated row machine (RM), while the order for LM-SM was the opposite. Subjects performed three sets of a predetermined 10 repetition maximum for each exercise. Total repetitions completed for each exercise and RPE were assessed after each set, and blood lactate (BL) was measured before RT, 1 m after the first exercise, 1 m after the third exercise, and 10 m after each RT session. Blood lactate (BL) was higher for the LM-SG compared with SM-LM 10 m after exercise (7.4 ± 1.8 versus 6.5 ± 2.1 mmol/L; p < 0.05). More repetitions were completed on the TE and BC in the SM-LM compared with LM-SG (24.9 ± 3.4 and 16.2 ± 3.2 versus 16.3 ± 4.2 and 14.6 ± 3.0, respectively; p < 0.02), while more repetitions were completed on the BP and RM following the LM-SM (14.3 ± 2.3 and 23.4 ± 4.5 versus 12.4 ± 4.2 and 13.6 ± 5.1, respectively; p < 0.02). No differences were found for RPE. It may be appropriate to perform multijoint exercises first to improve general coordination and force, while the use of smaller muscle groups first may be interesting to target specific muscle weaknesses.

Avaliação da capacidade funcional em pacientes com artrite reumatoide: implicações para a recomendação de exercícios físicos

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic symmetric polyarthritis of large and small joints and by morning stiffness that may lead to musculoskeletal impairment, with functional impotence. The concept of functionality relates to the ability of an individual to perform effectively and independently daily activities and tasks of everyday life. The aim of this review is to familiarize the rheumatologist with the concept of functional capacity evaluation and with the tests that can be applied in this population, as these are important steps for a proper exercise prescription. From functional tests already used in the elderly population, the Physical Fitness and Rheumatology Laboratory - LAR - Brasilia, which is accompanying patients from Brasilia Cohort of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis, describes in this article a protocol of tests to assess functional capacity for application in patients with RA, including the description of tests: 1) Sit and Reach; 2) Agility/Dynamic Balance; 3) Manual Dynamometry; 4) Sit Back and Lift; 5) Biceps Curl and 6) Six-minute Walk Test.

The interactions between hemostasis and resistance training: a review.

Physical inactivity is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is strongly associated with changes in arterial structure. Regular physical activity and exercise contributes to the prevention of coronary artery disease. Therefore, cardiovascular and resistance training improve hemostatic parameters and promote a less thrombotic blood profile. This review highlights the studies, mechanisms, and outcomes relating to the effectiveness of resistance training on the process of hemostasis. The Pubmed, Scopus, Medline, Scielo, Lilacs, Ibecs, and Cochrane databases were used to locate the original articles. Seventeen studies were found during the research process. Of these, ten articles were excluded. Those protocols using a high volume of training for young adults showed a greater fibrinolytic response, and training protocols with intensities above 80% of 1 maximum repetition showed an increased platelet activity. In subjects with coronary artery disease, just one session of resistance training resulted in improvement in the fibrinolytic system (tissue plasminogen activator) without raising potential thrombotic markers.