Conventional Resistance Training Research Articles

CHRONIC ADAPTATIONS TO BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION AEROBIC OR BODYWEIGHT RESISTANCE TRAINING: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

INTRODUCTION Blood flow restriction (BFR) training has garnered considerable attention in recent years as an innovative method for enhancing aerobic fitness, muscle strength, and muscular hypertrophy. However, the variation of intervention protocols has impeded consensus in the scientific literature. As a result, the primary objective of this study is to systematically investigate and review the available evidence concerning BFR in conjunction with aerobic and bodyweight resistance training. METHODS A thorough search of electronic databases, including PubMed (MEDLINE), Cinahl, SPORTDiscus® (via EBSCOhost), Embase, and Cochrane (Central), was conducted to identify relevant published studies. The inclusion criteria encompassed a healthy sample population aged 18 and above, original studies, chronic exercise sessions (minimum duration of 2 weeks of training) involving BFR in the context of aerobic or bodyweight resistance training, and comparisons with conventional non-BFR training. RESULTS The review identified 24 eligible studies that met the inclusion criteria. The findings demonstrated that chronic adaptations to BFR aerobic training were characterized by substantial improvements in VO2max (4-9%) and muscle strength (6-31%) compared to conventional aerobic training. Furthermore, BFR bodyweight resistance training yielded muscle hypertrophy (3-5%) and strength (4-11%) gains on par with those achieved through conventional resistance training. CONCLUSION This systematic review underscores the potential benefits of chronic adaptations stemming from blood flow restriction training in both aerobic and bodyweight resistance training. BFR aerobic training presents itself as a promising avenue for enhancing cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and hypertrophy. Meanwhile, BFR bodyweight resistance training shows promise in promoting muscle hypertrophy and strength gains, although it is worth noting that the available evidence is limited. Further research and a broader base of studies are required to validate and expand upon these findings.

Influence of Conventional Resistance Training Compared to Core Exercises on Road Cycling Power Output

Influence of Conventional Resistance Training Compared to Core Exercises on Road Cycling Power Output

Randomized Controlled Trial of Cardiac Rehabilitation Using the Balance Exercise Assist Robot in Older Adults with Cardiovascular Disease.

Recent studies have investigated the effects of exercise on the functional capacity of older adults; training with a balance exercise assist robot (BEAR) effectively improves posture. This study compared the clinical safety and efficacy of training using BEAR video games to conventional resistance training in older adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Ninety patients (mean age: 78 years) hospitalized due to worsening CVD were randomized to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) Group R (conventional resistance training) or Group B (training using BEAR). After appropriate therapy, patients underwent laboratory testing and functional evaluation using the timed up-and-go test (TUG), short physical performance battery (SPPB), and functional independence measure (FIM) just before discharge and 4 months after CR. The rates of CVD readmission, cardiac death, and fall-related fractures were monitored. BEAR had no adverse effects during exercise. At 4 months, TUG and SPPB improved significantly in both groups, with no significant difference between them. FIM motor and the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index were significantly improved in Group B versus Group R. There was no significant difference in cardiac events and fall-related fractures between the two groups. CR with BEAR is safe and comparable to conventional resistance training for improving balance in older adults with CVD.

Multimodal and conventional resistance training interventions improve muscle function in older adults: Findings from the Training IMCT study

Age-associated remodeling processes affect the intramuscular connective tissue (IMCT) network, which may significantly impair muscle function. Thus, we aimed to test whether including exercises shown to efficiently target the IMCT to a conventional resistance exercise intervention (CONV) would result in greater functional gains as compared to CONV alone. Fifty-three men and women (66.2 ± 3.3 years) were assigned to either CONV (n = 15), multimodal training (MULTI; n = 17) or a control (CTRL; n = 21) group. All subjects were tested at baseline, and those assigned to CONV or MULTI underwent a 16-week training intervention. The CONV group followed a progressive resistance training program, in which the number of weekly training sessions gradually increased from 1 to 3. In the MULTI group, one of these sessions was replaced with plyometric training, followed by self-myofascial release. Testing included maximal strength and power, imaging-based muscle volume, architecture, and functional performance. The intervention effects were analyzed using two- or three-way repeated measures ANOVA models (α = 0.05). Briefly, the maximal knee extension isometric contraction, one-repetition maximum, and isokinetic peak torque increased in all groups (p < 0.05), albeit to a lesser extent in CTRL. On the other hand, quadriceps femoris muscle volume (p = 0.019) and vastus lateralis pennation angle (p < 0.001) increased only in the MULTI group. Handgrip strength did not change in response to the intervention (p = 0.312), whereas Sit-to-Stand performance improved in all groups after the first 8-wks, but only in MULTI and CONV after 16-wks (all p < 0.001). In conclusion, we found that a resistance training intervention in which one weekly training session is replaced by plyometric training is feasible and as effective as a program consisting solely of conventional strength training sessions for inducing gains in muscle strength and function in older adults. Muscle size and architecture improved only in the MULTI group. German Clinical Trials: DRKS00015750.

Effects of blood-flow restricted exercise versus conventional resistance training in musculoskeletal disorders—a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo compare the effect of low-load blood flow restricted resistance training (BFR-RT) versus high-load resistance training (HL-RT) on muscle strength, muscle mass, physical function, patient-reported outcomes, and adherence to training in clinical musculoskeletal populations.Data sourcesWeb of Science, Cochrane Central, Medline, Embase, SportDiscus was searched on the 30th May 2022.Review methodsThis study was conducted as a systematic review and meta-analysis. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were included if they (i) included patients, (ii) comprised of a BFR-RT intervention protocol and a group who performed HL-RT (≥ 70%1RM) for at least eight exercise sessions, and (iii) involved at least 1 exercise that targeted the lower limbs. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias. The meta-analyses were performed using a random effects model with an adjustment to the confidence interval.ResultsSeven RCTs comprising 303 participants (BFR-RT: n = 151; HL-RT: n = 152) were identified. HL-RT and BFR-RT showed similar gains in dynamic (1-10RM) knee extensor strength and leg press strength, quadriceps cross sectional area, sit-to-stand performance, and patient reported pain and function. There was a moderate effect favoring BFR-RT for increasing maximal isometric knee extensor strength. The grading of certainty in evidence was low-to-very low for all outcome variables.ConclusionThis systematic review and meta-analysis extends our current knowledge about BFR-RT and HL-RT as equally effective exercise methods for inducing gains in maximal muscle strength in healthy populations, by now also comprising patients suffering from various clinical musculoskeletal conditions. The certainty in the estimates was low-to-very low, prompting the inclusion of future higher-quality trials.Trial registrationPROSPERO ID (CRD42022337173). Registered June 18th 2022.

Ankle-targeted exosuit resistance increases paretic propulsion in people post-stroke

BackgroundIndividualized, targeted, and intense training is the hallmark of successful gait rehabilitation in people post-stroke. Specifically, increasing use of the impaired ankle to increase propulsion during the stance phase of gait has been linked to higher walking speeds and symmetry. Conventional progressive resistance training is one method used for individualized and intense rehabilitation, but often fails to target paretic ankle plantarflexion during walking. Wearable assistive robots have successfully assisted ankle-specific mechanisms to increase paretic propulsion in people post-stroke, suggesting their potential to provide targeted resistance to increase propulsion, but this application remains underexamined in this population. This work investigates the effects of targeted stance-phase plantarflexion resistance training with a soft ankle exosuit on propulsion mechanics in people post-stroke.MethodsWe conducted this study in nine individuals with chronic stroke and tested the effects of three resistive force magnitudes on peak paretic propulsion, ankle torque, and ankle power while participants walked on a treadmill at their comfortable walking speeds. For each force magnitude, participants walked for 1 min while the exosuit was inactive, 2 min with active resistance, and 1 min with the exosuit inactive, in sequence. We evaluated changes in gait biomechanics during the active resistance and post-resistance sections relative to the initial inactive section.ResultsWalking with active resistance increased paretic propulsion by more than the minimal detectable change of 0.8 %body weight at all tested force magnitudes, with an average increase of 1.29 ± 0.37 %body weight at the highest force magnitude. This improvement corresponded to changes of 0.13 ± 0.03 N m kg− 1 in peak biological ankle torque and 0.26 ± 0.04 W kg− 1 in peak biological ankle power. Upon removal of resistance, propulsion changes persisted for 30 seconds with an improvement of 1.49 ± 0.58 %body weight after the highest resistance level and without compensatory involvement of the unresisted joints or limb.ConclusionsTargeted exosuit-applied functional resistance of paretic ankle plantarflexors can elicit the latent propulsion reserve in people post-stroke. After-effects observed in propulsion highlight the potential for learning and restoration of propulsion mechanics. Thus, this exosuit-based resistive approach may offer new opportunities for individualized and progressive gait rehabilitation.

Effects of 4-Week Low-Load Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction on Muscle Strength and Left Ventricular Function in Young Swimmers: A Pilot Randomized Trial.

Low-load resistance training combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) is known to result in muscle hypertrophy and strength similar to that observed with higher loads. However, the effects of resistance training with BFR on cardiac structure and cardiac function remain largely unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this randomized study was to compare the effects of conventional high-load resistance training (HL-RT) with the effects of low-load resistance training with BFR (LL-BFR) on muscle strength and left ventricular function. Sixteen young swimmers (mean ± standard deviation: age = 19.7 ± 1.6 years, body mass = 78.9 ± 9.7 kg, body height = 180.8 ± 5.8 cm) were randomly allocated to a conventional HL-RT group (n = 8) or a LL-BFR group (n = 8) with a pressure band (200 mmHg) placed on both thighs of participants for 4 weeks (3 days•week-1). Outcome measures were taken at baseline and after 4 weeks of training, and included body composition, one-repetition maximum (1RM) back squat, and echocardiography measures. The 1RM back squat significantly improved (partial eta squared (Ƞ2) = 0.365; p = 0.013) in HL-RT (mean difference (Δ) = 6.6 kg; [95% confidence interval (CI) -7.09 to 20.27]) and LL-BFR groups (Δ = 14.7 kg; [95% CI 3.39 to 26.10]), with no main effect of group or group × time interaction (p > 0.05). Interventricular septum end-systolic thickness showed a slight but statistically significant increase in LL-BFR and HL-RT groups (Ƞ2 = 0.253; p = 0.047), yet there was no main effect of group or group × time interaction (p > 0.05). There were no statistically significant changes (p > 0.05) in other cardiac structure or function parameters (e.g., left ventricular (LV) mass, LV cardiac output, LV ejection fraction, LV stroke volume) after the training programs. Results suggest that 4 weeks of HL-RT and LL-BFR improve muscle strength similarly with limited effects on left ventricular function in young swimmers.

Comparison of the effects of long-lasting static stretching and hypertrophy training on maximal strength, muscle thickness and flexibility in the plantar flexors

Maximal strength measured via maximal voluntary contraction is known as a key factor in competitive sports performance as well as injury risk reduction and rehabilitation. Maximal strength and hypertrophy are commonly trained by performing resistance training programs. However, literature shows that long-term, long-lasting static stretching interventions can also produce significant improvements in maximal voluntary contraction. The aim of this study is to compare increases in maximal voluntary contraction, muscle thickness and flexibility after 6 weeks of stretch training and conventional hypertrophy training. Sixty-nine (69) active participants (f = 30, m = 39; age 27.4 ± 4.4 years, height 175.8 ± 2.1 cm, and weight 79.5 ± 5.9 kg) were divided into three groups: IG1 stretched the plantar flexors continuously for one hour per day, IG2 performed hypertrophy training for the plantar flexors (5 × 10–12 reps, three days per week), while CG did not undergo any intervention. Maximal voluntary contraction, muscle thickness, pennation angle and flexibility were the dependent variables. The results of a series of two-way ANOVAs show significant interaction effects (p < 0.05) for maximal voluntary contraction (ƞ2 = 0.143–0.32, p < 0.006), muscle thickness (ƞ2 = 0.11–0.14, p < 0.021), pennation angle (ƞ2 = 0.002–0.08, p = 0.077–0.625) and flexibility (ƞ2 = 0.089–0.21, p < 0.046) for both the stretch and hypertrophy training group without significant differences (p = 0.37–0.99, d = 0.03–0.4) between both intervention groups. Thus, it can be hypothesized that mechanical tension plays a crucial role in improving maximal voluntary contraction and muscle thickness irrespective whether long-lasting stretching or hypertrophy training is used. Results show that for the calf muscle, the use of long-lasting stretching interventions can be deemed an alternative to conventional resistance training if the aim is to increase maximal voluntary contraction, muscle thickness and flexibility. However, the practical application seems to be strongly limited as a weekly stretching duration of up to 7 h a week is opposed by 3 × 15 min of common resistance training.

A Comparative Study of Compression Training and Conventional Resistance Training in the Development of Lower Limb Explosive Power in Adolescent Track and Field Athletes

The article takes 10 young track and field athletes from Xiangtan Sports School as the experimental subjects, carries out the application practice of pressurization training and conventional resistance training in the lower body strength training of young track and field athletes, and compares two different training methods The effect of the method on the lower limb explosive force of adolescent track and field athletes. The results showed that: (1) Both pressurization training and conventional resistance training had a positive effect on the development of lower limb explosive power of adolescent track and field athletes. After 12 weeks of training, the intervention group using pressurization training and the control group using conventional resistance training, The evaluation data of lower limb explosive power have all improved. (2) Pressurization training has a more significant effect on promoting the development of lower limb explosive power of young track and field athletes. The two groups of young track and field athletes with the same base of lower body explosive power, after 12 weeks of training, the evaluation data of the lower limb explosive power of athletes in the intervention group are all excellent. Compared with the control group, there was a significant difference between the two groups (P&lt; 0.05 ). It can be seen that pressurization training has a better effect on promoting the development of lower limb explosive power of adolescent track and field athletes.

Abstract 13877: Robotic Exercise Rehabilitation of Older Adults With Cardiovascular Disease Appears Safe and Effective

Introduction: Recent research has focused on the effects of physical exercise in improving the functional capacity of frail older adults. Training with a balance exercise assist robot (BEAR) system is effective for improving posture. We compared the clinical safety and efficacy of postural strategy training using a BEAR system with those of conventional resistance training or no training in older patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: Elderly patients (n = 130; mean age, 77.5 years) admitted to our hospital for worsening CVD were randomly allocated to two cardiac rehabilitation (CR) groups: conventional resistance training (group R, n=65) and use of the BEAR (group B, n=65). After appropriate medical therapy, patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing, including assessment of comfortable walking speed, timed up-and-go (TUG), and a short physical performance battery (SPPB), just before discharge and after a weekly for 4 months of CR. We followed up the patients for fall-related fractures and cardiac events, which were defined as hospitalization for worsening CVD or cardiac death, and then compared with non-CR group (group N, n=165). Patients were followed for a mean of 2.1 years. Results: BEAR use had no adverse effects in any patient. Comfortable walking speed, TUG, and SPPB had improved significantly in both groups at 4 months compared with baseline but did not differ significantly between groups. No fall related fractures occurred in group B and 2 in group R, there was no significant difference between the two exercise groups. On the other hand, although there was no significant difference in event-free survival rates between the two exercise groups, event-free survival was significantly greater in these groups than in group N ( P ˂ 0.001). Conclusions: Exercise training by using a BEAR system is safe and effective for older adults with CVD. We demonstrated here that BEAR use is comparable to conventional resistance training for improving exercise capacity and balance in elderly patients with CVD. Both exercise groups were better prognosis compared with non-exercise.

Effects of Low Intensity Blood Flow Restriction Training on Muscle Volume, Strength and Power in Healthy Middle-Aged Females

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of weight training with controlled blood flow occlusion compared to conventional resistance training, in the ageing population.METHODS Twenty-three healthy female subjects (aged 40-55) were randomly assigned to one of three groups; low intensity blood flow restriction training (LI-BFRT) (n = 9), conventional resistance training (RT) (n = 7) and control (CON) (n = 7). The RT group trained between 65-70% one repetition maximum (1RM) and the LI-BFRT group trained at 30% 1RM while wearing pressure cuffs inflated to 100-120% of brachial systolic blood pressure (bSBP). Relative appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM/weight), isokinetic strength and power were tested pre and post 8 weeks of training.RESULTS Upper limb ASM/weight increased significantly in the LI-BFRT and RT groups (both p &lt; 0.001). Only LI-BFRT showed significant difference compared with the CON group (p &lt; 0.01). Lower limb ASM/weight improved in both the LI-BFRT (p &lt; 0.01) and CON (p &lt; 0.01) groups without group differences. Lower limb flexion strength increased in the LI-BFRT and RT groups (both p &lt; 0.01), with differences between groups (p &lt; 0.01, LI-BFRT &gt; RT &gt; CON). Only RT increased extension muscle strength (p &lt; 0.05). Lower limb flexion and extension power improved following LI-BFRT (p &lt; 0.05 and p &lt; 0.01, respectively), significantly greater than RT in both flexion (p &lt; 0.001) and extension (p &lt; 0.01).CONCLUSIONS LI-BFRT may be as, if not more effective than RT for increasing muscle volume, strength and power in middle-aged women.

Whole body vibration for chronic patellar tendinopathy: A randomized equivalence trial.

Purpose: Whole body vibration (WBV) triggers anabolic responses in various tissues, including tendons, without requiring high force production. In this waitlist-controlled equivalence trial, we tested its clinical effectiveness as an alternative treatment for patellar tendinopathy against conventional heavy slow resistance training (HSR). Methods: Thirty-nine patients were randomized to either 3months of WBV training (n = 13), HSR training (n = 11), or a waitlist control (WLC) group (n = 15). In a partly cross-over design, 14 patients of the WLC group were redistributed to one of the two intervention groups (5 in WBV, 9 in HSR). Pre- and post-intervention testing included pain assessments (VAS), functional limitations (VISA-P), knee extension strength and tendon morphological, mechanical and material properties. Follow-up measurements (VAS, VISA-P) were performed in the WBV and HSR groups 6months after the intervention. Results: Comparisons with the WLC group revealed significant improvements in VISA-P and VAS scores after HSR (41%, p = 003; 54%, p = 0.005) and WBV (22%, p = 0.022; 56%, p = 0.031) training. These improvements continued until follow-up (HSR: 43%, 56%; WBV: 24%, 37%). Pre-post improvements in VAS scores were equivalent between WBV and HSR groups but inconclusive for the VISA-P score and all pre-test to follow up comparisons. The mid-tendon cross-sectional area was significantly reduced after WBV (-5.7%, p = 0.004) and HSR (-3.0%, p = 0.004) training compared to WLC although the equivalence test between interventions was inconclusive. Conclusion: Whole body vibration improved symptoms typically associated with patellar tendinopathy. This type of intervention is as effective as HSR against maximum pain, although equivalence could not be confirmed for other variables. The beneficial responses to WBV and HSR treatments persisted for 6 months after the end of the intervention. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.drks.de/drks_web/setLocale_EN.do, identifier DRKS00011338.

Effects of vibration training vs. conventional resistance training among community-dwelling older people with sarcopenia: three-arm randomized controlled trial protocol.

IntroductionSarcopenia is a chronic and progressive disease, which is accompanied by the decline in muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance with aging, and it can lead to falls, fracture, and premature death. The prevention and treatment of sarcopenia mainly include exercise therapy and nutritional supplement. Exercise therapy is one of the most potential interventions to prevent and/or delay the progression of sarcopenia. Resistance training (RT), one of the most commonly used exercise types, is widely used in the treatment of sarcopenia, while vibration training (VT) is a prospective strategy for improving sarcopenia in older people. The aim of our study is to compare the effect of VT and RT in older people with sarcopenia on muscle mass, muscle strength, physical performance, blood biomarkers, and quality of life.Methods and analysisOur study is a 12-week, three-arm randomized controlled trial with assessor-blinded. The diagnosis criteria for subject recruitment adopt the guidelines for the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. A total of 54 subjects who met the criteria were randomized into one of the following three groups: VT group, RT group, and control group. The VT group and RT group received a 12-week whole-body vibration training and a resistance training program three times every week, respectively. The primary outcome is lower limb muscle strength, and the secondary outcomes include muscle mass, upper limb muscle strength, physical performance, blood biomarkers, and quality of life. We then performed assessments three times, at baseline (0 week), after intervention (12 weeks), and follow-up (24 weeks). The adverse events were also be reported. All outcome measurements were performed by the same researchers. Data were saved in the unified database, and the collected data of all subjects were analyzed by intention-to-treat analysis.Ethics and disseminationThis study was reviewed and approved by the Ethical Committee of Xinhua Hospital Chongming Branch. The findings of the study were authorized in peer-reviewed journals with online access; meanwhile, it will be presented at domestic or international academic congresses.Clinical trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100051178), registered on 15 September 2021.

Improving Tennis Serve Velocity: Review of Training Methods and Recommendations

ABSTRACT One of the essential components to success in tennis is serve velocity (SV). Coaches and practitioners aim to maximize performance and results by increasing this determinant aspect. Concentrically or eccentrically predominant conventional resistance training programs have been used to raise SV, obtaining moderate increases in experienced populations. Nevertheless, indirect improvements in other components, such as asymmetry reductions and increased neural adaptations following these designs, could interest the young competitor. Other methodologies such as medicine ball throws and explosive or power-based programs that mimic the serve kinetic chain seem to obtain greater gains in young players, because the implication and body structures involved seem more specific to the action. More recent methodologies such as flywheel-based training or weighted implements or limbs also could be of interest, although further studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of these programs and specific load prescriptions. However, data suggest that heavier or lighter load exercises seem valid options to improve SV if the athlete performs maximal intended execution velocity. Added to the currently available literature on training methods to increase SV, exercise prescription examples are provided to help the strength and conditioning coach improve this key variable.

Efficacy of power training to improve physical function in individuals diagnosed with frailty and chronic disease: A meta-analysis.

Muscle power training with emphasis on high‐velocity of concentric movement improves physical functionality in healthy older adults, and, maybe superior to traditional exercise programs. Power training may also be advantageous for patients with acute and chronic illnesses, as well as frail individuals. To determine the efficacy of power training compared with traditional resistance training on physical function outcomes in individuals diagnosed with frailty, acute illness or chronic disease. PubMed (MEDLINE), CINAHL, PEDro, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. (1) at least one study group receives muscle power training of randomized controlled trial (RCT) (2) study participants diagnosed as prefrail, frail or have an ongoing acute or chronic disease, condition or illness; (3) study participants over the age of 18; (4) publication in English language; (5) included physical function as the primary or secondary outcome measures. Two independent reviewers assessed articles for inclusion and graded the methodological quality using Cochrane Risk‐of‐Bias tool for RCTs. Fourteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria. In seven studies, muscle power training was more effective at improving physical function compared to control activities with a mean fixed effect size (ES) of 0.41 (p = 0.006; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.71). Power training and conventional resistance training had similar effectiveness in eight studies with a mean fixed ES of 0.10 (p = 0.061; 95% CI –0.01 to 0.40). Muscle power training is just as efficacious for improving physical function in individuals diagnosed with frailty and chronic disease when compared to traditional resistance training. The advantages of power training with reduced work per session may support power training as a preferential exercise modality for clinical populations. The findings should be interpreted with caution since generalizability is questioned due to the heterogeneity of patient populations enrolled and participants were relatively mobile at baseline.

Fast and ballistic contractions involve greater neuromuscular power production in older adults during resistance exercise

PurposeNeuromuscular power is critical for healthy ageing. Conventional older adult resistance training (RT) guidelines typically recommend lifting slowly (2-s; CONV), whereas fast/explosive contractions performed either non-ballistically (FAST-NB) or ballistically (FAST-B, attempting to throw the load) may involve greater acute power production, and could ultimately provide a greater chronic power adaptation stimulus. To compare the neuromechanics (power, force, velocity, and muscle activation) of different types of concentric isoinertial RT contractions in older adults.MethodsTwelve active older adult males completed three sessions, each randomly assigned to one type of concentric contraction (CONV or FAST-NB or FAST-B). Each session involved lifting a range of loads (20–80%1RM) using an instrumented isoinertial leg press dynamometer that measured power, force, and velocity. Muscle activation was assessed with surface electromyography (sEMG).ResultsPeak and mean power were markedly different, according to the concentric contraction explosive intent FAST-B > FAST-NB > CONV, with FAST-B producing substantially more power (+ 49 to 1172%, P ≤ 0.023), force (+ 10 to 136%, P < 0.05) and velocity (+ 55 to 483%, P ≤ 0.025) than CONV and FAST-NB contractions. Knee and hip extensor sEMG were typically higher during FAST-B than CON (all P < 0.02) and FAST-NB (≤ 50%1RM, P ≤ 0.001).ConclusionsFAST-B contractions produced markedly greater power, force, velocity and muscle activation across a range of loads than both CONV or FAST-NB and could provide a more potent RT stimulus for the chronic development of older adult power.

Four-week whole-body vibration training and its effects on strength, power and sprint performance in young basketball players - a randomized control trial

We aimed to investigate whether the addition of whole-body vibration (WBV) to resistance training (RT) will be more beneficial in improving lower limbs muscle strength, power and sprinting performance than RT alone in young basketball players. We recruited 30 young basketball players to participate in four weeks of training and assessments. They were randomized into the WBV resistance training group (VRTG, n=15) and a conventional resistance training group (RTG, n=15), performed 3 times per week. At the beginning and end of the four weeks a back squat one-repetition maximum (1RMBS), Countermovement jump (CMJ), Squat jump (SJ), 10 meters (10m) and 20 meters sprint (20m) were performed. We found that: a) VRTG when added to RT can induce greater improvements in 1RMBS (percentage difference [PD], 8.4%, p &lt; 0.001), CMJ (PD = 4.7%, p = 0.001) and SJ (PD = 1.6, p = 0.02) than RT alone. In contrary, significant time*group interactions were found for sprint times at 10m (p=0.08, F=3.2) and 20m (p=0.17, F=1.93). An additional 4-week WBV resistance training program proved effective in improving lower limb power and strength in young basketball players. When performed on a vibration platform (with accurate and constant vibration stimulus parameters), the resistance exercises were superior to their conventional forms and resulted in additional gains on measures of muscle power and strength, while sprint performance remained unchanged.

Efficacy and Safety of Blood Flow Restriction Training in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) in the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Seven electronic databases were searched to identify trials comparing BFRT and conventional resistance training in a population with knee OA. Studies were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) or risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated to compare outcome measures of the groups. The methodologic quality of selected studies and the quality of evidence were evaluated for included studies. A total of 5 studies were included in this meta-analysis, with very low to moderate risk of bias. The pooled results showed no significant difference between BFRT and conventional resistance training for knee OA, including pain (SMD -0.04 [95% CI -0.31, 0.24], P=0.79), physical function performance (SMD 0.12 [95% CI -0.55, 0.78], P=0.73), self-reported function (SMD 0.14 [95% CI -0.24, 0.52], P=0.48), and adverse events (RR 0.45 [95% CI 0.20, 1.01], P=0.05). In subgroup analysis, BFRT had a lower incidence of adverse events when compared with high-load resistance training (HLRT). Data from pooled studies showed that BFRT may not have greater efficacy for treating patients with knee OA, and it is less likely to have a higher risk of adverse events. However, limited evidence supports the idea that BFRT is likely safer than HLRT. More evidence with high quality is needed in further research on efficacy and safety.

Efficacy of low-load resistance training combined with blood flow restriction vs. high-load resistance training on sarcopenia among community-dwelling older Chinese people: study protocol for a 3-arm randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSarcopenia is accompanied by a decline in muscle mass, muscle strength, and muscle function. Resistance training is the most potential training method for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. However, the conventional high-load resistance training (CRT) recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine is a challenge for older people with sarcopenia. As a novel training method, low-load resistance training combined with blood flow restriction (LRT-BFR) may elicit similar muscle mass and muscle strength gains as CRT but with less effort. The objectives of this study are to assess and compare the efficacy and safety of 12-week LRT-BFR and CRT on muscle strength, muscle performance, body composition, pulmonary function, blood biomarkers, CVD risk factors, and quality of life in community-dwelling older Chinese people with sarcopenia.MethodThis is a 12-week, assessor-blinded, 3-arm randomized controlled trial with a non-exercise control group. Community-dwelling people over 65 years will be screened for sarcopenia according to the diagnostic criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS). Fifty-one subjects will be randomized into a LRT-BFR group (n = 17), a CRT group (n = 17), and a no-strength training control group (n = 17). The primary outcome is lower limb muscle strength. The secondary outcomes are body composition, upper limb muscle strength, pulmonary function, blood biomarkers, CVD risk factors, and quality of life. Post-intervention follow-up will be performed for 12 weeks. These indicators will be assessed at baseline (0 week), after the 12-week intervention (12 weeks), and at follow-up (24 weeks). The adverse events will also be reported. Data will be analyzed for all participants in an intent-to-treat plan.DiscussionThis study is the first RCT that will systematically measure and compare the efficacy and safety of LRT-BFR and CRT in older people with sarcopenia on muscle strength, body composition, pulmonary function, blood biomarkers (inflammatory biomarkers, hormone, and growth factors), CVD risk factors, and quality of life. This study can provide an efficient and safe method to prevent the progression of sarcopenia in older people.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100042803. Registered on 28 January 2021.

The effectiveness of blood-flow restricted resistance training in the musculoskeletal rehabilitation of patients with lower limb disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of low-load Resistance Training (RT) with or without Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) compared with conventional RT on muscle strength in open and closed kinetic chains, muscle volume and pain in individuals with orthopaedic impairments. Data sources: Searches were conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane databases, including the reference lists of randomised controlled trials (RCT’s) up to January 2021. Review method: An independent reviewer extracted study characteristics, orthopaedic indications, exercise data and outcome measures. The primary outcome was muscle strength of the lower limb. Secondary outcomes were muscle volume and pain. Study quality and reporting was assessed using the TESTEX scale. Results: A total of 10 RCTs with 386 subjects (39.2 ± 17.1 years) were included in the analysis to compare low-load RT with BFR and high or low-load RT without BFR. The meta-analysis showed no significant superior effects of low-load resistance training with BFR regarding leg muscle strength in open and closed kinetic chains, muscle volume or pain compared with high or low-load RT without BFR in subjects with lower limb impairments. Conclusion: Low-load RT with BFR leads to changes in muscle strength, muscle volume and pain in musculoskeletal rehabilitation that are comparable to conventional RT. This appears to be independent of strength testing in open or closed kinetic chains.