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Journal of Frailty, Sarcopenia and Falls Sep 2023During hospitalisation with COVID-19, individuals may experience prolonged periods of immobilisation. Combined with the inflammatory effects of the virus, this may lead... (Review)
Review
During hospitalisation with COVID-19, individuals may experience prolonged periods of immobilisation. Combined with the inflammatory effects of the virus, this may lead to a significant reduction in both muscle mass and strength. Data from several long-term studies suggest that these symptoms may not fully resolve within one year. Owing to its effectiveness at inducing muscle fibre hypertrophy and improving neuromuscular efficiency, resistance training is of great interest in the rehabilitation of this population. This narrative review aims to identify the rationale and potential efficacy of resistance training for restoring physical function following infection with SARS-CoV-2, as well as evidence of its use in clinical practice. The studies included in this narrative review consisted mostly of multi-component rehabilitation trials. Of these, widespread improvements in muscle strength were reported using intensities of up to 80% of participants' 1-repetition-maximum. Evidence thus far indicates that resistance training may be safe and effective in patients following COVID-19, although its individual contribution is difficult to discern. Future exercise intervention studies investigating the efficacy of resistance training as a sole modality are needed.
PubMed: 37663156
DOI: 10.22540/JFSF-08-188 -
PeerJ 2023Jumping ability has been identified as a key factor that influences the performance of badminton athletes. Autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE) and... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVES
Jumping ability has been identified as a key factor that influences the performance of badminton athletes. Autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE) and velocity-based resistance training (VBRT) are commonly used approaches to enhance muscle strength and have been shown to accurately monitor the development of explosive power to improve jumping ability. This study aims to investigate the effects of APRE and VBRT on badminton athletes' jumping ability and to provide practical insights into improving their jumping performance during competitions.
METHODS
Upon completing familiarization and pretesting, 18 badminton athletes were included and completed the training intervention (age, 21.4 ± 1.4 years; stature, 170.1 ± 7.3 cm; body mass, 65.9 ± 12 kg); they were randomly divided into the APRE group ( = 9) and VBRT group ( = 9). Jumping performance was assessed during the countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and drop jump (DJ) SmartJump, with CMJ 's and SJ's jump height, eccentric utilization ratio (EUR), and reactive strength index (RSI). All participants then completed a 4-week in-season resistance training intervention.
RESULTS
(1) The results of the within-group indicated that only the CMJ (pre: 41.56 ± 7.84 post: 43.57 ± 7.85, < 0.05) of the APRE group had significant differences, whereas the SJ, EUR, and RSI were not significantly different ( > 0.05). (2) The results of the intergroups revealed that all indicators had no significant differences ( > 0.05), but APRE had a moderate effect size on the improvement of the CMJ ( = 0.244) and EUR ( = 0.068) when compared with VBRT.
CONCLUSIONS
The results showed that, compared to VBRT, APRE can effectively improve the performance of the reactive athletes' lower limb explosive power in the CMJ in a shorter period of time. The findings indicate that APRE may be useful for coaches seeking to improve the CMJ performance of athletes in the short term.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Young Adult; Athletes; Exercise; Muscle Strength; Racquet Sports; Resistance Training
PubMed: 37576500
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15877 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023To determine the impacts of concurrent aerobic and resistance training on vascular structure (IMT) and function (PWV, FMD, NMD) in type 2 diabetes (T2D). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To determine the impacts of concurrent aerobic and resistance training on vascular structure (IMT) and function (PWV, FMD, NMD) in type 2 diabetes (T2D).
METHODS
The electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus were systematically searched for articles on "type 2 diabetes" and "concurrent training" published from inception to August 2, 2022. We included randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of concurrent training versus passive controls on IMT, PWV, FMD and NMD in T2D.
RESULTS
Ten studies were eligible, including a total of 361 participants. For IMT, concurrent training showed a slight decrease by 0.05 mm (95% CI -0.11 to 0.01, p > 0.05). concurrent training induced an overall significant improvement in FMD by 1.47% (95% CI 0.15 to 2.79, p < 0.05) and PWV by 0.66 m/s (95% CI -0.89 to -0.43, p < 0.01) in type 2 diabetics. However, concurrent training seemed to exaggerate the impaired NMD (WMD = -2.30%, 95% CI -4.02 to -0.58, p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Concurrent training is an effective method to improve endothelial function and artery stiffness in T2D. However, within 24 weeks concurrent training exacerbates vascular smooth muscle dysfunction. More research is needed to explore whether longer and/or higher-intensity concurrent training interventions could enhance the vascular structure and smooth muscle function in this population.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022350604.
Topics: Humans; Resistance Training; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Exercise; Vascular Stiffness; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular
PubMed: 37780628
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1216962 -
ELife Nov 2023Low-protein (LP) diets extend the lifespan of diverse species and are associated with improved metabolic health in both rodents and humans. Paradoxically, many athletes...
Low-protein (LP) diets extend the lifespan of diverse species and are associated with improved metabolic health in both rodents and humans. Paradoxically, many athletes and bodybuilders consume high-protein (HP) diets and protein supplements, yet are both fit and metabolically healthy. Here, we examine this paradox using weight pulling, a validated progressive resistance exercise training regimen, in mice fed either an LP diet or an isocaloric HP diet. We find that despite having lower food consumption than the LP group, HP-fed mice gain significantly more fat mass than LP-fed mice when not exercising, while weight pulling protected HP-fed mice from this excess fat accretion. The HP diet augmented exercise-induced hypertrophy of the forearm flexor complex, and weight pulling ability increased more rapidly in the exercised HP-fed mice. Surprisingly, exercise did not protect from HP-induced changes in glycemic control. Our results confirm that HP diets can augment muscle hypertrophy and accelerate strength gain induced by resistance exercise without negative effects on fat mass, and also demonstrate that LP diets may be advantageous in the sedentary. Our results highlight the need to consider both dietary composition and activity, not simply calories, when taking a precision nutrition approach to health.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Resistance Training; Glycemic Control; Cadherins; Diet, High-Protein; Hypertrophy
PubMed: 38019262
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.91007 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Sep 2023Well programmed strength and conditioning training is an indispensable part of the long-term training process for athletes in individual and team sports to improve...
BACKGROUND
Well programmed strength and conditioning training is an indispensable part of the long-term training process for athletes in individual and team sports to improve performance and prevent injuries. Yet, there is a limited number of studies available that examine the effects of resistance training (RT) on muscular fitness and physiological adaptations in elite female athletes.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review aimed to summarize recent evidence on the long-term effects of RT or combinations of RT with other strength-dominated exercise types on muscular fitness, muscle morphology, and body composition in female elite athletes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted in nine electronic databases (Academic Search Elite, CINAHL, ERIC, Open Access Theses and Dissertations, Open Dissertations, PsycINFO, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus) from inception until March 2022. Key search terms from the MeSH database such as RT and strength training were included and combined using the operators "AND," "OR," and "NOT". The search syntax initially identified 181 records. After screening for titles, abstracts, and full texts, 33 studies remained that examined the long-term effects of RT or combinations of RT with other strength-dominated exercise types on muscular fitness, muscle morphology, and body composition in female elite athletes.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies used single-mode RT or plyometric training and nine studies investigated the effects of combined training programs such as resistance with plyometric or agility training, resistance and speed training, and resistance and power training. The training duration lasted at least 4 weeks, but most studies used ~ 12 weeks. Studies were generally classified as 'high-quality' with a mean PEDro score of 6.8 (median 7). Irrespective of the type or combination of RT with other strength-dominated exercise regimens (type of exercise, exercise duration, or intensity), 24 out of 33 studies reported increases in muscle power (e.g., maximal and mean power; effect size [ES]: 0.23 < Cohen's d < 1.83, small to large), strength (e.g., one-repetition-maximum [1RM]; ES: 0.15 < d < 6.80, small to very large), speed (e.g., sprint times; ES: 0.01 < d < 1.26, small to large), and jump performance (e.g., countermovement/squat jump; ES: 0.02 < d < 1.04, small to large). The nine studies that examined the effects of combined training showed significant increases on maximal strength (ES: 0.08 < d < 2.41, small to very large), muscle power (ES: 0.08 < d < 2.41, small to very large), jump and sprint performance (ES: 0.08 < d < 2.41, small to very large). Four out of six studies observed no changes in body mass or percentage of body fat after resistance or plyometric training or combined training (ES: 0.026 < d < 0.492, small to medium). Five out of six studies observed significant changes in muscle morphology (e.g., muscle thickness, muscle fiber cross-sectional area; ES: 0.23 < d < 3.21, small to very large). However, one study did not find any changes in muscle morphology (i.e., muscle thickness, pennation angle; ES: 0.1 < d < 0.19, small).
CONCLUSION
Findings from this systematic review suggest that RT or combined RT with other strength-dominated exercise types leads to significant increases in measures of muscle power, strength, speed, and jump performance in elite female athletes. However, the optimal dosage of programming parameters such as training intensity and duration necessary to induce large effects in measures of muscular fitness and their physiological adaptations remain to be resolved in female elite athletes.
Topics: Humans; Female; Resistance Training; Athletic Performance; Muscle Strength; Body Composition; Athletes; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal
PubMed: 37289331
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01859-4 -
Maturitas Oct 2023To investigate if abdominal adipose tissue volumes and ratios change after a 15-week structured resistance training intervention in postmenopausal women with vasomotor... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
To investigate if abdominal adipose tissue volumes and ratios change after a 15-week structured resistance training intervention in postmenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms (VMS).
STUDY DESIGN
Sixty-five postmenopausal women with VMS and low physical activity were randomized to either three days/week supervised resistance training or unchanged physical activity for 15 weeks. Women underwent clinical anthropometric measurements and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and after 15 weeks. MRI was done using a Philips Ingenia 3.0 T MR scanner (Philips, Best, The Netherlands). The per protocol principle was used in the analysis of data.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS
The absolute change from baseline to week 15 in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume and the relative ratio (VAT ratio) between VAT and total abdominal adipose tissue (TAAT), i.e. the sum of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (ASAT) and VAT.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the groups in characteristics, anthropometry or MRI measures at baseline. Women who were compliant with the intervention (i.e. participated in at least two of the three scheduled training sessions per week) had significantly different reduction over time in ASAT (p = 0.006), VAT (p = 0.002), TAAT (p = 0.003) and fat ratio (p < 0.001) compared with women in the control group.
CONCLUSIONS
Implementation of a 15-week resistance training regimen in midlife may help women to counteract the abdominal fat redistribution associated with the menopausal transition.
CLINICAL TRIALS
gov registered ID: NCT01987778.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adiposity; Resistance Training; Postmenopause; Anthropometry; Intra-Abdominal Fat; Subcutaneous Fat, Abdominal; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 37421844
DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2023.107794 -
Acta Physiologica (Oxford, England) Oct 2023Heavy-load free-flow resistance exercise (HL-FFRE) is a widely used training modality. Recently, low-load blood-flow restricted resistance exercise (LL-BFRRE) has gained... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Heavy-load free-flow resistance exercise (HL-FFRE) is a widely used training modality. Recently, low-load blood-flow restricted resistance exercise (LL-BFRRE) has gained attention in both athletic and clinical settings as an alternative when conventional HL-FFRE is contraindicated or not tolerated. LL-BFRRE has been shown to result in physiological adaptations in muscle and connective tissue that are comparable to those induced by HL-FFRE. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear; however, evidence suggests that LL-BFRRE involves elevated metabolic stress compared to conventional free-flow resistance exercise (FFRE).
AIM
The aim was to evaluate the initial (<10 min post-exercise), intermediate (10-20 min), and late (>30 min) hormonal, immune, and oxidative stress responses observed following acute sessions of LL-BFRRE compared to FFRE in healthy adults.
METHODS
A systematic literature search of randomized and non-randomized studies was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus. The Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB2, ROBINS-1) and TESTEX were used to evaluate risk of bias and study quality. Data extractions were based on mean change within groups.
RESULTS
A total of 12525 hits were identified, of which 29 articles were included. LL-BFRRE demonstrated greater acute increases in growth hormone responses when compared to overall FFRE at intermediate (SMD 2.04; 95% CI 0.87, 3.22) and late (SMD 2.64; 95% CI 1.13, 4.16) post-exercise phases. LL-BFRRE also demonstrated greater increase in testosterone responses compared to late LL-FFRE.
CONCLUSION
These results indicate that LL-BFRRE can induce increased or similar hormone and immune responses compared to LL-FFRE and HL-FFRE along with attenuated oxidative stress responses compared to HL-FFRE.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Regional Blood Flow; Hemodynamics; Exercise; Oxidative Stress; Resistance Training; Muscle, Skeletal
PubMed: 37732509
DOI: 10.1111/apha.14030 -
Journal of Electromyography and... Dec 2023The habitual use of resistance exercises involving concentric and eccentric contractions can increase muscle strength, speed and endurance. However, current knowledge...
The habitual use of resistance exercises involving concentric and eccentric contractions can increase muscle strength, speed and endurance. However, current knowledge has limited potential to fully understand the application of such resistance training and the muscle changes that occur to differentiate these two types of training. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of concentric contraction (CON) and eccentric contraction (ECC) during an acute bout of resistance training on the hamstring contractile properties. A group of 20 female recreational athletes were divided into two equal groups, CON training and ECC training. The contractile properties of the muscles on both sides of the body were assessed using tensiomyography (TMG): biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST). The muscles were assessed twice, before and after 10 maximal repetitions of either concentric or eccentric isotonic contractions. The results indicate a greater change in TMG parameters with ECC training, with p < 0.001 (Td and Tc). An acute bout of resistance training induces changes in the muscle hamstrings contractile properties in both CON and ECC training. Eccentric training causes greater changes than concentric training, shortening contraction time (Td, Tc), increase radial displacement velocity (Vrd) and affecting changes in muscle belly displacement (Dm), so may be more effective in training.
Topics: Humans; Female; Resistance Training; Muscle, Skeletal; Muscle Contraction; Muscle Strength; Exercise Therapy
PubMed: 37696055
DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2023.102824 -
Nutrients Oct 2023The combination of resistance exercise and creatine supplementation has been shown to decrease body fat percentage in adults ≥ 50 years of age. However, the effect on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The combination of resistance exercise and creatine supplementation has been shown to decrease body fat percentage in adults ≥ 50 years of age. However, the effect on adults < 50 years of age is currently unknown. To address this limitation, we systematically reviewed the literature and performed several meta-analyses comparing studies that included resistance exercise and creatine supplementation to resistance exercise and placebo on fat mass and body fat percentage Twelve studies were included, involving 266 participants. Adults (<50 years of age) who supplemented with creatine and performed resistance exercise experienced a very small, yet significant reduction in body fat percentage (-1.19%, = 0.006); however, no difference was found in absolute fat mass (-0.18 kg, = 0.76). Collectively, in adults < 50 years of age, the combination of resistance exercise and creatine supplementation produces a very small reduction in body fat percentage without a corresponding decrease in absolute fat mass.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Creatine; Resistance Training; Exercise; Dietary Supplements; Body Composition; Muscle, Skeletal; Muscle Strength
PubMed: 37892421
DOI: 10.3390/nu15204343 -
Current Obesity Reports Sep 2023Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is an increasing phenomenon and has been linked to several negative health consequences. The aim of this umbrella review is the assessment of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is an increasing phenomenon and has been linked to several negative health consequences. The aim of this umbrella review is the assessment of effectiveness and certainty of evidence of nutrition and exercise interventions in persons with SO.
METHOD
We searched for meta-analyses of RCTs in PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL that had been conducted in the last five years, focusing on studies on the treatment and prevention of SO. The primary endpoints were parameters for SO, such as body fat in %, skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI), gait speed, leg strength and grip strength. The methodological quality was evaluated using AMSTAR and the certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE.
RESULTS
Four systematic reviews with between 30 to 225 participants were included in the umbrella review. These examined four exercise interventions, two nutrition interventions and four interventions that combined nutrition and exercise. Resistance training was the most frequently studied intervention and was found to improve gait speed by 0.14 m/s to 0.17 m/s and lower leg strength by 9.97 kg. Resistance, aerobic, mixed exercise and hypocaloric diet combined with protein supplementation is not significantly effective on selected outcomes for persons with SO compared to no intervention. The low number of primary studies included in the reviews resulted in moderate to very low certainty of evidence.
CONCLUSION
Despite the lack in certainty of evidence, resistance training may be a suitable intervention for persons with SO, in particular for improving muscle function. Nevertheless, further research is necessary to strengthen the evidence.
Topics: Humans; Diet, Reducing; Exercise Therapy; Nutritional Status; Obesity; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sarcopenia; Meta-Analysis as Topic
PubMed: 37249818
DOI: 10.1007/s13679-023-00509-0