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PeerJ 2022Progressive overload is a principle of resistance training exercise program design that typically relies on increasing load to increase neuromuscular demand to... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Progressive overload is a principle of resistance training exercise program design that typically relies on increasing load to increase neuromuscular demand to facilitate further adaptations. However, little attention has been given to another way of increasing demand-increasing the number of repetitions.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to compare the effects of two resistance training programs: (1) increasing load while keeping repetition range constant (2) increasing repetitions while keeping load constant. We aimed to compare the effects of these programs on lower body muscle hypertrophy, muscle strength, and muscle endurance in resistance-trained individuals over an 8-week study period.
METHODS
Forty-three participants with at least 1 year of consistent lower body resistance training experience were randomly assigned to one of two experimental, parallel groups: A group that aimed to increase load while keeping repetitions constant (LOAD: = 22; 13 men, nine women) or a group that aimed to increase repetitions while keeping load constant (REPS: = 21; 14 men, seven women). Subjects performed four sets of four lower body exercises (back squat, leg extension, straight-leg calf raise, and seated calf raise) twice per week. We assessed one repetition maximum (1RM) in the Smith machine squat, muscular endurance in the leg extension, countermovement jump height, and muscle thickness along the quadriceps and calf muscles. Between-group effects were estimated using analyses of covariance, adjusted for pre-intervention scores and sex.
RESULTS
Rectus femoris growth modestly favored REPS (adjusted effect estimate (CI), sum of sites: 2.8 mm [-0.5, 5.8]). Alternatively, dynamic strength increases slightly favored LOAD (2.0 kg [-2.4, 7.8]), with differences of questionable practical significance. No other notable between-group differences were found across outcomes (muscle thicknesses, <1 mm; endurance, <1%; countermovement jump, 0.1 cm; body fat, <1%; leg segmental lean mass, 0.1 kg), with narrow CIs for most outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Both progressions of repetitions and load appear to be viable strategies for enhancing muscular adaptations over an 8-week training cycle, which provides trainers and trainees with another promising approach to programming resistance training.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Muscle, Skeletal; Quadriceps Muscle; Resistance Training; Muscle Strength; Leg
PubMed: 36199287
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14142 -
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and... Feb 2023Muscle ultrasound is an emerging tool for diagnosing sarcopenia. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the diagnostic test accuracy of ultrasound for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Muscle ultrasound is an emerging tool for diagnosing sarcopenia. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the diagnostic test accuracy of ultrasound for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. We collected data from Ovid Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Diagnostic test accuracy studies using muscle ultrasound to detect sarcopenia were included. Bivariate random-effects models based on sensitivity and specificity pairs were used to calculate the pooled estimates of sensitivity, specificity and the area under the curves (AUCs) of summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC), if possible. We screened 7332 publications and included 17 studies with 2143 participants (mean age range: 52.6-82.8 years). All included studies had a high risk of bias. The study populations, reference standards and ultrasound measurement methods varied across the studies. Lower extremity muscles were commonly studied, whereas muscle thickness (MT) was the most widely measured parameter, followed by the cross-sectional area (CSA). The MTs of the gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, soleus, rectus abdominis and geniohyoid muscles showed a moderate diagnostic accuracy for sarcopenia (SROC-AUC 0.83, 8 studies; SROC-AUC 0.78, 5 studies; AUC 0.82, 1 study; AUC 0.76-0.78, 2 studies; AUC 0.76, 1 study; and AUC 0.79, 1 study, respectively), whereas the MTs of vastus intermedius, quadriceps femoris and transversus abdominis muscles showed a low diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.67-0.71, 3 studies; SROC-AUC 0.64, 4 studies; and AUC 0.68, 1 study, respectively). The CSA of rectus femoris, biceps brachii muscles and gastrocnemius fascicle length also showed a moderate diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.70-0.90, 3 studies; 0.81, 1 study; and 0.78-0.80, 1 study, respectively), whereas the echo intensity (EI) of rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, quadriceps femoris and biceps brachii muscles showed a low diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.52-0.67, 2 studies; 0.48-0.50, 1 study; 0.43-0.49, 1 study; and 0.69, 1 study, respectively). The combination of CSA and EI of biceps brachii or rectus femoris muscles was better than either CSA or EI alone for diagnosing sarcopenia. Muscle ultrasound shows a low-to-moderate diagnostic test accuracy for sarcopenia diagnosis depending on different ultrasound parameters, measured muscles, reference standards and study populations. The combination of muscle quality indicators (e.g., EI) and muscle quantity indicators (e.g., MT) might provide better diagnostic test accuracy.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Sarcopenia; Quadriceps Muscle; Ultrasonography; Rectus Abdominis; Diagnostic Tests, Routine
PubMed: 36513380
DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13149 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders May 2023More than 2 million anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occur worldwide each year. Most surgeons suggest that athletes and active persons with significant knee... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of quadriceps training at different levels of blood flow restriction on quadriceps strength and thickness in the mid-term postoperative period after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized controlled external pilot study.
BACKGROUND
More than 2 million anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occur worldwide each year. Most surgeons suggest that athletes and active persons with significant knee functional demands, including cutting motions, require and should be offered ligament reconstruction surgery. Despite concentrated rehabilitation efforts, deficits in quadriceps size and strength can persist for years after surgery. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training can help overcome disuse muscular atrophy in the mid-term postoperative period after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of quadriceps training with different levels of blood flow restriction on quadriceps strength and thickness of participants after ACLR.
METHODS
In this study, 30 post-ACL reconstruction participants were randomly divided into three groups (control, 40% Arterial Occlusion Pressure [AOP] and 80% AOP groups). All patients were subjected to different levels of BFR, combined with conventional quadriceps rehabilitation, for 8 weeks. Assessments included scaled maximal isokinetic knee extension strength at 60°/s and 180°/s, the sum of the thickness of the affected femoris rectus and vastus intermedius, Y-balance test performance, and International Knee Documentation Committee questionnaire responses before and after the intervention.
RESULTS
In total, 23 participants completed the entire study. The 80% AOP compression group showed an increase in quadriceps femoris muscle strength and muscle thickness (p < 0.01). As compared with the control group, outcome indicators in the 40% AOP and 80% AOP group were improved (p < 0.05). After 8 weeks of experimental BFR intervention, the results were better for the 80% AOP compression group than for the 40% AOP compression group in quadriceps peak torque to body weight at 60°/s and 180°/s angular velocity, as well as the sum of the thickness of the rectus femoris and vastus intermedius.
CONCLUSION
The combination of BFR and low-intensity quadriceps femoris training can effectively improve the muscle strength and thickness of knee extensors in participants with ACLR and help reduce the difference between the healthy and surgical sides of the knee joint while improving knee-joint function. Choosing quadriceps training with 80% AOP compression intensity could provide the most benefits. Meanwhile, BFR can accelerate the rehabilitation process of patients and allow early entry into the next rehabilitation cycle.
REGISTRATION
Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, registration number ChiCTR2100050011, date of registration: 15/08/2021.
Topics: Humans; Quadriceps Muscle; Pilot Projects; Research Design; Knee Joint; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
PubMed: 37158913
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06483-x -
PloS One 2020The Monopodal Squat, Forward Lunge and Lateral Step-Up exercises are commonly performed with one's own body weight for rehabilitation purposes. However, muscle activity...
Electromyographic activity in the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and rectus femoris during the Monopodal Squat, Forward Lunge and Lateral Step-Up exercises.
The Monopodal Squat, Forward Lunge and Lateral Step-Up exercises are commonly performed with one's own body weight for rehabilitation purposes. However, muscle activity evaluated using surface electromyography has never been analyzed among these three exercises. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to evaluate the amplitude of the EMG activity of the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and rectus femoris muscles in participants performing the Lateral Step-Up, Forward Lunge and Monopodal Squat exercises. A total of 20 physically active participants (10 men and 10 women) performed 5 repetitions at 60% (5 repetition maximum) in each of the evaluated exercises. The EMG amplitude was calculated in percentage of the maximum voluntary contraction. The Monopodal Squat exercise showed a higher EMG activity (p ≤ 0.001) in relation to the Lateral Step-Up and Forward Lunge exercises in all of the evaluated muscles (d > 0.6) except for the rectus femoris. The three exercises showed significantly higher EMG activity in all of the muscles that were evaluated in the concentric phase in relation to the eccentric one. In the three evaluated exercises, vastus lateralis and vastus medialis showed the highest EMG activity, followed by gluteus medius and gluteus maximus. The Monopodal Squat, Forward Lunge and Lateral Step-Up exercises not only are recommended for their rehabilitation purposes but also should be recommended for performance objectives and strength improvement in the lower limbs.
Topics: Adult; Electromyography; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Female; Hamstring Muscles; Humans; Lower Extremity; Male; Muscle, Skeletal; Quadriceps Muscle; Young Adult
PubMed: 32236133
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230841 -
Journal of Sports Science & Medicine Jun 2019The present systematic review aimed to analyze the activation of the muscles involved in the barbell hip thrust (BHT) and its transfer to sports activities that include...
The present systematic review aimed to analyze the activation of the muscles involved in the barbell hip thrust (BHT) and its transfer to sports activities that include horizontal displacement. A search of the current literature was performed using the PubMed, SPORTDiscuss, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. The inclusion criteria were: (a) descriptive studies, (b) physically trained participants, (c) analyzed muscle activation using normalized EMG signals or as a percentage of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and (d) acute or chronic transfer of the BHT to horizontal displacement activity. Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria and the following results were found: 1) neuromuscular activation: hip extensor muscles (gluteus maximus and biceps femoris) demonstrated greater activation in the BHT compared to the squat. The straight bar deadlift exercise demonstrated greater biceps femoris activation than BHT; 2) Regardless of the BHT variation and intensity used, the muscle excitation sequence is gluteus maximus, erector spinae, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, vastus lateralis, gluteus medius, vastus medialis and rectus femoris; 3) acute transfer: four studies demonstrated a significant improvement in sprinting activities after BHT exercise; 4) as for the chronic transfer: two studies demonstrated improvement of the sprint time, while other two studies failed to present such effect. We concluded that: a) the mechanics of BHT favors greater activation of the hip extensor muscles compared to more conventional exercises; b) regardless of the variation of BHT used, the muscle excitation sequence is gluteus maximus, erector spinae, hamstrings, and quadriceps femoris; c) the acute transfer of the post-activation potentiation of the BHT is significant, improving the sprinting time; and d) despite training with BHT submaximal loads can improve sprint times, further investigations are needed.
Topics: Biomechanical Phenomena; Buttocks; Hamstring Muscles; Hip; Humans; Isometric Contraction; Paraspinal Muscles; Posture; Quadriceps Muscle; Thigh; Weight Lifting
PubMed: 31191088
DOI: No ID Found -
Medicine Jun 2018Controversy exists regarding whether the kinesiology tape application direction affects muscle strength. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Controversy exists regarding whether the kinesiology tape application direction affects muscle strength.
METHODS
Eighteen healthy volunteers (12 men, 6 women) participated. Kinesiology tape was randomly applied to the quadriceps muscles either from origin to insertion or from insertion to origin. A Biodex isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure the peak torque of the quadriceps pre-and post-taping.
RESULTS
There was a significant difference in muscle strength after taping, regardless of the kinesiology tape application direction. There were no significant differences in the peak torque of the quadriceps between the 2 kinesiology tape application directions.
CONCLUSIONS
The application of kinesiology tape application to the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis of the quadriceps increased the muscle torque, regardless of the tape application direction. Therefore, to enhance quadriceps strength, we recommend the application of kinesiology tape to 3 of the muscles of the quadriceps (specifically, the rectus femoris, vastus medialis and vastus lateralis), irrespective of the tape application direction.
Topics: Adult; Athletic Tape; Cross-Over Studies; Female; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Kinesiology, Applied; Male; Muscle Strength; Muscle Strength Dynamometer; Quadriceps Muscle; Torque
PubMed: 29901599
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000011038 -
Journal of Strength and Conditioning... Feb 2022Hirono, T, Ikezoe, T, Taniguchi, M, Tanaka, H, Saeki, J, Yagi, M, Umehara, J, and Ichihashi, N. Relationship between muscle swelling and hypertrophy induced by...
Hirono, T, Ikezoe, T, Taniguchi, M, Tanaka, H, Saeki, J, Yagi, M, Umehara, J, and Ichihashi, N. Relationship between muscle swelling and hypertrophy induced by resistance training. J Strength Cond Res 36(2): 359-364, 2022-Muscle swelling immediately after resistance exercise may be induced by metabolic stress. The accumulation of metabolic stress is considered to promote muscle hypertrophy after several weeks of resistance training (RT). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between muscle swelling immediately after the first session of RT and muscle hypertrophy after a 6-week RT using ultrasonography. Twenty-two untrained young men performed knee extension resistance exercise consisting of 3 sets with 8 repetitions at a load of 80% of one repetition maximum for 6 weeks (3 d·wk-1). Muscle thickness of the quadriceps femoris was measured using ultrasonography device at 3 anatomical sites (proximal, medial, and distal sites) of the middle, lateral, and medial part of the anterior thigh. The sum of the muscle thickness at 9 measurement sites was used for analysis. Acute change in muscle thickness immediately after the first session of RT was used as an indicator of muscle swelling. Chronic change in muscle thickness after the 6-week RT was used as an indicator of muscle hypertrophy. A significant increase in muscle thickness was observed immediately after the first session of RT (8.3 ± 3.2%, p < 0.001). After the 6-week RT, muscle thickness increased significantly (2.9 ± 2.6%, p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between muscle swelling and muscle hypertrophy (ρ = 0.443, p = 0.039). This study suggests that the greater the muscle swelling immediately after the first session of RT, the greater the muscle hypertrophy after RT.
Topics: Humans; Hypertrophy; Male; Muscle Strength; Muscle, Skeletal; Quadriceps Muscle; Resistance Training; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 31904714
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003478 -
The American Journal of Sports Medicine Aug 2022Blood flow restriction (BFR) training has been shown to have beneficial effects in reducing quadriceps muscle atrophy and improving strength in patients with various... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Blood flow restriction (BFR) training has been shown to have beneficial effects in reducing quadriceps muscle atrophy and improving strength in patients with various knee pathologies. Furthermore, the effectiveness of BFR training in patients undergoing knee surgery has been investigated to determine if its use can improve clinical outcomes.
PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS
The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effectiveness of BFR training in patients undergoing knee surgery. We hypothesized that BFR, before or after surgery, would improve clinical outcomes as well as muscle strength and volume.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.
METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed literature was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from 1980 to present. Search results were limited to those assessing BFR training in patients undergoing knee surgery published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal in English. Selected studies subsequently underwent data extraction, methodological quality assessment, and data analysis.
RESULTS
Eleven studies were eligible, including anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (n = 10) and knee arthroscopy (n = 1). Two studies specifically assessed BFR use in the preoperative time frame. For the meta-analysis, including 4 studies, the primary outcome variables included the cross-sectional area of the quadratus femoris muscle group assessed with magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography, and patient-reported outcome measure scores. The results demonstrated that BFR use in the postoperative time period can lead to a significant improvement in the cross-sectional area when quantifying muscle atrophy. However, there were no significant differences found for patient-reported outcome measures between the included studies. It should be noted that 4 of the included papers in this review reported increases in clinical strength when using BFR in the postoperative setting. Last, preoperative BFR training did not show any significant clinical benefit between the 2 studies.
CONCLUSION
This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to study the effects of BFR in patients undergoing knee surgery. The results of this analysis show that BFR in the postoperative period after knee surgery can improve quadriceps muscle bulk compared with a control group. However, future research should examine the effects of preconditioning with BFR before surgery. Lastly, BFR protocols need to be further investigated to determine which provide the best patient outcomes. This will help standardize this type of treatment modality for future studies.
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Humans; Muscle Strength; Muscular Atrophy; Quadriceps Muscle; Regional Blood Flow; Resistance Training
PubMed: 34406084
DOI: 10.1177/03635465211027296 -
International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2022The present study aimed to examine and compare the effects of a rehabilitation exercise (RE) using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and blood flow restriction...
The present study aimed to examine and compare the effects of a rehabilitation exercise (RE) using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and blood flow restriction (BFR) on muscle function and knee functional abilities in patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). A total of 45 patients who underwent ACLR (28.76 ± 0.8 years; 34 males and 11 females) were retrospectively divided into three groups: control (CON, n = 15), NMES (n = 15), and BFR (n = 15). All participants carried out the RE program for 60 min, thrice a week for 12 weeks. The Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, thigh circumference at 5 cm from the knee joint, Y-balance posterior medial, and lateral significantly increased in all groups via intervention ( < 0.05). However, NMES showed a higher thigh circumference at 15 cm from the knee joint than CON via intervention ( < 0.05), and the strength and endurance of quadriceps femoris and hamstrings and Y-balance anterior showed a significant increase via intervention in NMES and BFR compared with CON ( < 0.05). In conclusion, we confirmed that RE using NMES and BFR effectively enhances muscle function and balance in ACLR patients.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Quadriceps Muscle; Hemodynamics; Electric Stimulation
PubMed: 36429760
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215041 -
PloS One 2022Several studies comparing resistance training (RT) frequencies may have been affected by the large between-subject variability. This study aimed to compare the changes... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Several studies comparing resistance training (RT) frequencies may have been affected by the large between-subject variability. This study aimed to compare the changes in lower limbs maximal dynamic strength (1RM) and quadriceps femoris cross-sectional area (CSA) after a RT with different weekly frequencies in strength-trained individuals using a within-subject design. Twenty-four men participated in a 9-week RT program, being randomly divided into two conditions: resistance training with equalized total training volume (RTEV) and with unequalized total training volume (RTUV). The RT protocol used the unilateral leg press 45° exercise and each subject's lower limb executed one of the proposed frequencies (one and three times/week). All conditions effectively increased 1RM and CSA (p<0.001); however, no significant differences were observed in the values of 1RM (p = 0.454) and CSA (p = 0.310) between the RT frequencies in the RTEV and RTUV conditions. Therefore, RT performed three times a week showed similar increases in 1RM and CSA to the program performed once a week, regardless of training volume equalization. Nevertheless, when the higher RT frequency allowed the application of a greater TTV (i.e., RTUV), higher effect size (ES) values (0.51 and 0.63, 1RM and CSA, respectively) were observed for the adaptations.
Topics: Humans; Hypertrophy; Male; Muscle Strength; Muscle, Skeletal; Quadriceps Muscle; Resistance Training; Weight Lifting
PubMed: 36228016
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276154