Conventional Strength Training Research Articles

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

Conventional strength training and core exercises are commonly prescribed to improve cycling performance. Although previous studies have explored the utility of strength training in various cycling populations, this intervention has never been compared to core exercises. Thirty-six trained road cyclists were divided into three groups of 12 participants that performed either no strength training, conventional strength training, or core exercises, in all cases together with their regular cycling training during a 12-week period. Peak power outputs (POs) across different durations (five seconds, 60 seconds, five minutes, and 20 minutes) were recorded before and after the intervention. The results of the present study showed higher increases in relative PO with conventional strength training when compared to core training and no strength training for all measured durations: five-second Δ = 1.25 W/kg vs 0.47 W/kg and -0.17 W/kg; 60-second (Δ = 0.51 W/kg vs 0.13 W/kg and 0.02 W/kg; five-minute Δ = 0.22 W/kg vs 0.06 W/kg and 0.05 W/kg; and 20-minute Δ = 0.22 W/kg vs 0.07 W/kg and 0.06 W/kg. According to the data obtained in this study, conventional strength training is superior to core exercises, and no strength training was performed by trained road cyclists. Accordingly, it is recommended that this population incorporates strength training during their regular weekly workouts.

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.

Efficacy of Low Blood Flow Restricted Exercise on Increasing Muscle Strength in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis Comparing with Conventional Strength Training

Background: The prevalence of OA knee is diagnosed with radiographic features 15% of patients were symptomaticin one study. OA affects nearly 6% of adults. Female sex is more common. 13% of females and 10% of male in 60years are affected with OA and in 70 years of population rises to 40%.Purpose: To find the efficacy of low blood flow restricted resistance exercise on increasing muscle strength inpatients with knee OA compared with conventional strength training using NPRS for pain and knee ROM.Materials and Methods: A total of 60 subjects were assigned in this study. The NPRS and knee ROM were usedto calculate pre-and post-test results. Each session included three sets of five repetitions with a ten-second hold inbetween. The tables were tabulated and statistically evaluated.The entire process was conducted from November2022 to April 2023.Result: According to the statistical analysis, both groups had a statistically significant improvement between theirpre and post-exercise values (p&lt;0.0001). There is also a significant variation in post-exercise results between thetwo groups (p&lt;0.0001), indicating that blood flow restriction with exercises is more effective than conventionalstrength training with exercises.Conclusion: Blood flow restriction has been shown to be more effective than conventional strength training atrelieving pain and increasing knee ROM.

Additional Active Movements Are Not Required for Strength Gains in the Untrained during Short-Term Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Training

Recommendations for conventional strength training are well described, and the volume of research on whole-body electromyostimulation training (WB-EMS) is growing. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether active exercise movements during stimulation have a positive effect on strength gains. A total of 30 inactive subjects (28 completed the study) were randomly allocated into two training groups, the upper body group (UBG) and the lower body group (LBG). In the UBG (n = 15; age: 32 (25-36); body mass: 78.3 kg (53.1-114.3 kg)), WB-EMS was accompanied by exercise movements of the upper body and in the LBG (n = 13; age: 26 (20-35); body mass: 67.2 kg (47.4-100.3 kg)) by exercise movements of the lower body. Therefore, UBG served as a control when lower body strength was considered, and LBG served as a control when upper body strength was considered. Trunk exercises were performed under the same conditions in both groups. During the 20-min sessions, 12 repetitions were performed per exercise. In both groups, stimulation was performed with 350 μs wide square pulses at 85 Hz in biphasic mode, and stimulation intensity was 6-8 (scale 1-10). Isometric maximum strength was measured before and after the training (6 weeks set; one session/week) on 6 exercises for the upper body and 4 for the lower body. Isometric maximum strength was significantly higher after the EMS training in both groups in most test positions (UBG p < 0.001-0.031, r = 0.88-0.56; LBG p = 0.001-0.039, r = 0.88-0.57). Only for the left leg extension in the UBG (p = 0.100, r = 0.43) and for the biceps curl in the LBG (p = 0.221, r = 0.34) no changes were observed. Both groups showed similar absolute strength changes after EMS training. Body mass adjusted strength for the left arm pull increased more in the LBG group (p = 0.040, r = 0.39). Based on our results we conclude that concurring exercise movements during a short-term WB-EMS training period have no substantial influence on strength gains. People with health restrictions, beginners with no experience in strength training and people returning to training might be particularly suitable target groups, due to the low training effort. Supposedly, exercise movements become more relevant when initial adaptations to training are exhausted.

TREINAMENTO COMBINADO E FORÇA EXPLOSIVA NOS MEMBROS INFERIORES DOS JOGADORES DE BASQUETE

ABSTRACT Introduction: Basketball presents unique competitive characteristics, requiring athletes a high level of strength, especially explosive strength. Objective: Study the effect of combined training on the explosive power of lower limbs in basketball players. Methods: The author selected 18 basketball players, equally distributed with the random method into a unipodal combined training group (S group), a two-legged combined training group (D group), and a conventional strength training group (W group), for the three-test data. Statistical analysis was performed on the data collected from the experiment. Results: There was a significant difference in approach height and three-quarter sprint in group S (p&lt;0.05). The difference was not evident in the height of touch in situ (p&gt;0.05). In group D, there was a significant difference in situ touch height p&lt;0.01. There was no significant difference in the results of the three test indicators in group W (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Compared to conventional strength training, unipodal combined training is more effective for the development of explosive strength in the lower limbs of basketball students. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

INFLUÊNCIA DO TREINAMENTO DO CORE NA APTIDÃO FÍSICA DE ATLETAS UNIVERSITÁRIOS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Recent research shows the CORE is the central link in the kinetic chain of aerobic gymnastics. The athlete’s synchronized performances depend not only on strength but also on the balance and precision of the movements that start from this area. Although the importance of this muscle group is recognized, there is no consensus about the most effective protocol to increase performance in aerobic gymnastics athletes. Objective: Develop and verify the influence of a protocol for CORE training on the aerobic gymnasts’ balance. Methods: This paper selects high-level aerobic gymnastics athletes and randomly divides them into experimental and control groups. The experiment was conducted over eight weeks. The experimental group adopted systematic core strength training methods, and the control group continued with traditional conventional strength training methods. Volunteers were tested for physical fitness before and after the experiment. Results: Aerobic gymnastics athletes’ physical fitness and athletic abilities were significantly improved after training. Conclusion: The CORE training protocol in aerobic gymnastics athletes increased the execution quality in complex movements. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the result.

Functional versus conventional strength and conditioning programs for back injury prevention in emergency responders.

Back pain and back-related injuries are common complaints among emergency responders. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two strength and conditioning programs in improving back muscle characteristics and disabilities in emergency responders (firefighters/paramedics). Participants (n = 24) were randomized into two groups to complete 16 weeks of supervised exercise intervention: 1) Functional training used unilateral movements that mimicked the asymmetrical nature of emergency operations, 2) Conventional training performed bilaterally loaded exercises. Outcome measures were maximum isometric back extension strength, passive muscle stiffness, lumbar extensor fatigability, and revised Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire. A mixed model Analysis of Variance with repeated measures was performed to compare the difference over time and between groups. While the training effects were similar between groups, both programs improved isometric back extension strength (+21.3% functional, +20.3% conventional, p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.625) and lumbar extensor muscle fatigability (+17.4% functional, +9.5% conventional, p = 0.009, ηp 2 = 0.191). Bilateral symmetry in muscle stiffness was improved as indicated by reduction in symmetry index (-7.1% functional, -11.8% conventional, p = 0.027, ηp 2 = 0.151). All self-reported pain and disability scores fell within the category of “minimum functional limitation” throughout the intervention and 6-month follow-up periods. For frontline firefighters and paramedics, both functional and conventional strength training are effective for improving back muscle characteristics.

Acute imagery resistance exercise improves subsequent muscle power performance in teenage futsal athletes

Background: Futsal is one of the most popular sport in Brazil with millions of players worldwide. It is characterized by intermittent stimuli of high intensity anaerobic actions. Recently, studies have shown that imagery resistance training (IRT), like conventional strength training, can increase muscle strength, making it reasonable to think that this effect can also be transferred to muscle power. Purposes: we aimed to verify the acute responses of IRT on muscle power in teenage Futsal players. Methods: fifteen Futsal athletes were enrolled and underwent three visits to the laboratory: 1) familiarization with the resistance exercise they would undergo; 2) one them for vertical jump test after the IRT session and the other one for control session, without any intervention before vertical jump test. Sessions 2 and 3 being applied in random order. Results: the results indicate that acute IRT improved muscle performance, since it produced higher power output [3134.5 Watts (2744 - 3796.3)] than control session [2952.4 Watts (2637.55 - 3433.45)] (Z=3.4078; p=0.0007). In addition, all participants in IRT group showed some improvement after the IRT session. Conclusions: a single imagery resistance exercise session can increase acute muscle power output in teenage Futsal athletes.

Effects of Training with Different Modes of Strength Intervention on Psychosocial Disorders in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Physical exercise has a positive impact on anxiety and depression. However, the evidence that associates strength training with a decrease in adolescents’ psychosocial disorders is scarce. Consequently, the objective was to analyze the effects of training with different modes of strength intervention on anxiety, stress, and depression in adolescents. The search was designed according to PRISMA®. We searched WoS, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and MEDLINE (2010–2020). Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration. The analysis was carried out with a standardized mean difference (SMD) pooled using the Hedges g test (95% CI). The Main Outcome Measures were: anxiety, stress, and depression in adolescents post strength training. Nine studies were included in the systematic review and seven in the meta-analysis. These studies showed a large and significant effect of strength training on anxiety (SMD = −1.75; CI = 95%: −3.03, −0.48; p = 0.007) and depression (SMD = −1.61; CI = 95%: −2.54, −0.67, p = 0.0007). In conclusion, training with different modes of strength intervention have shown control over anxiety and depression in adolescents. However, conventional strength training seems to have better results than other modes of strength intervention.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Training vs. Conventional Strength Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effect on Strength Development.

Happ, KA, and Behringer, M. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation Training vs. conventional strength training: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect on strength development. J Strength Cond Res 36(12): 3527-3540, 2022-A systematic review of the current state of literature and a meta-analysis were conducted to compare the strength development between neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and conventional strength training when training volume is matched. Searches of PubMed and several other databases were conducted for studies that met the following primary inclusion criteria: randomized studies of >20 days duration with a sample size of >4 subjects in each group ("voluntary contraction" [VC] and "electrically stimulated" [ES]) conducted with percutaneous stimulation only in healthy individuals at equal training volume. Finally, a total of 19 studies were included in the analysis. When comparing strength gains between groups (ES-VC), no favorable effect toward a training method could be observed (0.023 hg [95% CI: -0.198 to 0.246, p = 0.836]). Subgroup analyses were performed based on the application type (NMES evoked and NMES onto voluntary contractions) and stimulation frequency. Both analyses revealed no favorable effect and significant difference of groups (significance level set at 0.05). A meta-regression evaluated the relationship between stimulation frequency and effect size difference. The regression showed a tendency of higher stimulation frequencies being associated with higher study effect size differences (predicted effect size = -0.599 + 0.008 (Hz) ( p = 0.176)). The findings indicate that training with NMES results in virtually identical strength gains compared with conventional strength training when training volume is matched. If training with NMES is preferred, the stimulation frequency type (regular or Burst Mode Alternating Current) can be chosen according to preference without loss of effectiveness.

Effects of neuromuscular training on agility, balance and functional performance in young cricketers

Introduction: For improving balance Agility, Functional performance, so many research has been done in past for cricketers. For this purpose, the effectiveness of 4 week of Neuromuscular training on functional movement screen and physiological performance in adolescent cricketers is done. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of 4 week of Neuromuscular training with Conventional strength training on the physical fitness of adolescent cricketers. Methods: 30 adolescent cricketers were divided into Neuromuscular training group (NMT, n=15) and Conventional strength training group (CST, n=15). For the verification of Neuromuscular training response – 1. Y test= For balance 2. T test= For agility 3. FMS test= For functional performance (Functional Movement Screen) was used. The NMT group (intervention group) received a weekly 4×45 min. training session with an emphasis on movement quality, whereas the CST group (control group) was involved in regular conventional training protocol. ANALYSIS: The statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 22 .Descriptive analysis was carried out for Age, BMI, Gender, T-Test, Y-Test and FMS was done. Paired T-test, Y-Test, FMS was used to evaluate the difference within the group for all outcome measure. 9 Independent T-Test, Y-Test, FMS was used to evaluate the difference between the groups. RESULT: At the end of 4 weeks, when compare to NMT groups and CST group. The group undergone NMT showed significant increases in Agility, Balance and Functional performance in participant compared to those undergone CST training. The agility of the cricketers was measured using T-test and there was significant improvement in the pre and post values of T-test within the group as well as between the group i.e. (pre p=0.91 and post p=.113) The balance of the cricketers was measured using Y-Test and there was significant change in the pre and post value of Y -test within the group as well as between the group in Left lower limb. (pre [p]=.000 post[p]=.953) While, there was not much significant difference in pre and post value of Y-test of Right lower limb. i.e. (pre (p)=.000, post (p)=.961. The Functional performance of the cricketers were measured using FMS (Functional Movement Screen) and there was significant change in the pre and post value within the group as well as between the group. (pre [p]=.002 post [p] =.000 CONCLUSION: Both interventions are efficient to improve physical fitness of adolescent cricketers, however NMT includes better adoptive responses to CST.

PERCEPTIONS OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYERS ON INJURY RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES

ABSTRACT Considering individual beliefs and preferences is a pillar of the evidence-based practice and determines compliance and outcomes of an intervention. However, little is known about the professional football (soccer) players’ perceptions on injury issues. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the professional football players’ perceptions towards injury risk factors and prevention strategies. One-hundred male professional football players answered an online questionnaire. The top-five risk factors included poor muscle strength/power; poor rest/sleep; short interval between matches; high number of matches in season; and excessive training. More than ¾ of football players in our study considered the following strategies as being effective in reducing injury risk: workload monitoring; warm-up; lumbo-pelvic stability training; proprioceptive training; functional training; monitoring diet; flexibility training; and conventional strength training. In conclusion, perceptions of professional male football players regarding injury risk factors and prevention strategies are only partially in line with current scientific evidence. These perceptions have been usually overlooked, and should be considered by medical/coaching staffs in order to get greater compliance to injury prevention programs.

Does partial activation of the neuromuscular system induce cross-education training effect? Case of a pilot study on motor imagery and neuromuscular electrical stimulation.

Cross education defines the gains observed in the contralateral limb following unilateral strength training of the other limb. The present study questioned the neural mechanisms associated with cross education following training by motor imagery (MI) or submaximal neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), both representing a partial activation of the motor system as compared to conventional strength training. Twenty-seven participants were distributed in three groups: MI, NMES and control. Training groups underwent a training program of ten sessions in two weeks targeting plantar flexor muscles of one limb. In both legs, neuromuscular plasticity was assessed through maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MViC) and triceps surae electrophysiological responses evoked by electrical nerve stimulation (H-reflexes and V-waves). NMES and MI training improved MViC torque of the trained limb by 11.3% (P < 0.001) and 13.8% (P < 0.001), respectively. MViC of the untrained limb increased by 10.3% (P < 0.003) in the MI group only, accompanied with increases in V-waves on both sides. In the NMES group, V-waves only increased in the trained limb. In the MI group, rest H-reflexes increased in both the trained and the untrained triceps suraes. MI seems to be effective to induce cross education, probably because of the activation of cortical motor regions that impact the corticospinal neural drive of both trained and untrained sides. Conversely, submaximal NMES did not lead to cross education. The present results emphasize that cross education does not necessarily require muscle activity of the trained limb.

Biological analysis of trunk support strength training in sports training

With the increasing probability of sports injury in sports training or competition, trunk support strength training has been given more significance, including functional training and rehabilitation training. There are more and more researches on trunk support strength training, but the results are not satisfactory. To make the athletes maintain a high level of sports for a long time and reduce the occurrence of injuries, the biological analysis of trunk support strength training is studied in this paper. In this study, 12 male athletes of a track and field team were divided into experimental group (n = 6) and control group (n = 6). The experimental group received trunk support strength training, while the control group received conventional strength training. Before the experiment, the basic qualities of the two groups of athletes were counted, and the related indexes of functional movements and dynamic balance ability of the two groups of athletes were tested. After 8 weeks, the relevant indexes were tested again to compare the data. The experimental data show that there is no significant difference between the two groups in all aspects of basic quality. Before and after the experiment, the total score of functional movement screening test of the two groups of athletes were improved, the experimental group increased by 21.09%, the control group only increased by 11.03%. In the medium difficulty dynamic balance ability test, the green goal score (A) of the experimental group was the largest, which was 17.4% and 22.26%, respectively; the balance distribution (E) of the control group was the smallest, which was − 0.66% and − 0.72%, respectively. In the dynamic balance ability test of extreme difficulty, the green goal score (A) of the experimental group was the largest, which was 17.95% and 23.75%, respectively; the stability (D) of the control group was the smallest, which was 0.72% and 1.24%, respectively. This shows that the functional movement and dynamic balance ability of the experimental group based on the trunk support strength training is better than that of the control group based on the conventional strength training.

Mind-Muscle Connection: Verbal Instructions Alter Electromyographic Activity for Elbow Flexors and Extensors During Co-Contraction Training.

Co-contraction training has demonstrated similar electromyographic (EMG) activity levels compared to conventional strength training. Since verbal instructions can increase EMG activity on target muscles during conventional exercises, the same should occur during co-contraction. In this study we analyzed whether different verbal instructions would alter the EMG activity of target muscles - biceps brachii (BB) and triceps brachii lateral head (TB) - during co-contraction training for the elbow joint. Seventeen males with experience in strength training performed a co-contraction set in two verbal instruction conditions to emphasize either elbow flexion or elbow extension. Surface electrodes were fixed over biceps brachii and triceps brachii lateral head muscles. We measured EMG mean amplitude and analyzed data with 2-way ANOVA. We found a significant interaction between muscle and verbal instruction (p = 0.002). Post hoc tests indicated that verbal instructions (p = 0.001) influenced the BB EMG activity (elbow flexion: M = 68.74, SD = 17.96%; elbow extension: M = 53.47, SD = 16.13%); and also showed difference (p = 0.006) in the EMG activity between BB and TB with verbal instruction emphasizing the elbow extension (BB: M = 53.47, SD = 16.13%; TB: M = 69.18, SD = 21.79%). There was a difference in the EMG ratio of BB/TB (p = 0.001) when focusing on elbow flexion (M = 1.09, SD = 0.30) versus elbow extension (M = 0.81, SD = 0.25). As verbal instruction modified the magnitude of muscle recruitment during co-contractions for elbow joint muscles, there is a clear mind-muscle connection of importance to this method of training. Also, of importance to trainers, verbal instructions seemed to affect individuals differentially.

Reductions of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors after a 14-week periodized training model in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

To evaluate the effects of a periodized circuit training (CT) compared with a conventional strength training (ST) and an educational protocol (EP) on body composition, metabolic parameters, muscle strength, pain, and physical performance in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This study followed a randomized controlled trial design. A sample of sixty-one patients with KOA, 40-65years old and BMI < 30kg/m2, were randomly divided into three 14-week protocols: CT, ST, or EP. The CT performed whole body exercises organized in circuit, 3 times a week. The ST performed conventional resistance exercises also 3 times a week, and the EP joined in educational meetings twice a month. Body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)); metabolic parameters (abdominal obesity, triglyceride, HDL, blood pressure and fasting glucose), knee maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) extension and flexion, performance-based tests (40-m walk test, 30-s chair test, and stair climb test), self-reported pain, stiffness, and physical function (WOMAC) and pain catastrophism were evaluated at baseline and follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to compare differences between groups (CTxSTxEP) at the different times of assessment (baseline × follow-up). When group-time interaction was found, a one-way ANOVA, followed by a Bonferroni post hoc test, was used to compare groups in each time point; while a paired t test was used to verify the time effect in each group. Additionally, the training effect was analyzed in terms of the percent change (Δ%). Effect size was calculated for post intervention (week 14) between groups. For all analyses a significance level of 5% was adopted (p < 0.05). The CT was the only protocol that presented significant lower body mass (p = 0.018; Δ% = - 1.4), fat mass (p = 0.017; Δ% = - 10.3), %fat mass (p < 0.001; Δ% = - 13.9), adipose indices (%fat trunk/%fat legs p = 0.031; Δ% = 7.8; fat mass/height2 p = 0.011; Δ% = - 15.1; trunk/limb fat mass p = 0.012; Δ% = - 8.2; visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume (cm3) p = 0.039; Δ% = - 11.6; VAT area (cm2) p = 0.044; Δ% = - 12.2), blood pressure levels (SBP p = 0.042; Δ% = - 3.4 and DBP p = 0.001; Δ% = - 4.9), higher lean mass and HDL (p < 0.001; Δ% = 5.9) compared to baseline. CT and ST presented lower WOMAC pain, stiffness and physical function (p < 0.001; Δ% = - 64.0 for CT and p < 0.001; Δ% = 0.001; Δ% = - 46.4 for ST in WOMAC total score, pain catastrophizing (p < 0.001; Δ% = - 66.7 for CT and p < 0.001; Δ% = - 61.5 for ST) a higher functional performance (30s chair test: p < 0.001; Δ% = 45.7 for CT and p < 0.001; Δ% = 26.9 for ST; 40m walk test: p < 0.001; Δ% = 26.7 for CT and p < 0.001; Δ% = 12.5 for ST; stair climb test: p = 0.002; Δ% = - 33.9 for CT and p < 0.001; Δ% = - 18.8 for ST) and knee extension MIVC (p < 0.001; Δ% = 21.92 for CT and p < 0.001; Δ% = 30.25 for ST). A periodized CT model reduces visceral adipose tissue, SBP and DBP, and improves HDL, important cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, in patients with KOA. Both trained groups (CT and ST) improve self-reported clinical symptoms, muscle strength, and physical performance in this sample. ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02761590 (registered on May 4, 2016). • A 14-week periodized circuit training reduces visceral adipose tissue, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and improves HDL blood levels in patients with knee osteoarthritis. • Both periodized circuit training and conventional strength training improve clinical symptoms, functional performance and muscle strength in this sample.

Feasibility of eccentric overloading and neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve muscle strength and muscle mass after treatment for head and neck cancer.

Treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC) results in severe weight loss, mainly due to the loss of lean body mass. Consequently, decreases in muscular strength and health-related quality of life (HRQL) occur. This study investigated the feasibility of a 12-week novel strength training (NST) and conventional strength training (CST) intervention delivered after HNC treatment. Participants were randomized to a NST group (n = 11) involving eccentric overloaded strength training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), or a CST group (n = 11) involving dynamic resistance exercises matched for training volume. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, completion, adherence, and evidence of progression. A neuromuscular assessment involving maximal isometric voluntary contractions (MIVCs) in the knee extensors was evaluated prior to and during incremental cycling to volitional exhaustion at baseline and after the interventions. Anthropometrics and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were also assessed. Although recruitment was challenging, completion was 100% in NST and 82% in CST. Adherence was 92% in NST and 81% in CST. Overall, MIVC increased by 19 ± 23%, muscle cross-sectional area improved 18 ± 22%, cycling exercise time improved by 18 ± 13%, and improvements in HRQL and fatigue were clinically relevant. Both interventions were found to be feasible for HNC patients after treatment. Strength training significantly improved maximal muscle strength, muscle cross-sectional area, and PROs after HNC treatment. Future research should include fully powered trials and consider the use of eccentric overloading and NMES during HNC treatment. Eccentric- and NMES-emphasized strength training may be useful alternatives to conventional strength training after HNC treatment.

Effects of Local Vibration on Dynamic Strength Training.

Drummond, MDM, Couto, BP, Oliveira, MP, and Szmuchrowski, LA. Effects of local vibration on dynamic strength training. J Strength Cond Res 35(11): 3028-3034, 2021-The study aim was to compare the chronic effects of maximal dynamic strength training with and without the addition of local vibration (LV) on maximal force generation and hypertrophy of the elbow flexor muscles in trained subjects. Twenty men were divided into 2 groups (conventional training [CT] group and vibration training [VT] group). The CT group performed conventional maximal dynamic strength training, and the VT group performed maximal dynamic strength training with mechanical vibrations (frequency of 26 Hz and amplitude of 6 mm). CT and VT groups performed 5 sets of 3-4 repetitions, with 2-minute rest intervals between sets. The subjects trained 3 times per week for 12 weeks. After the training period, the CT group presented a significant increase in the mean 1 repetition maximum (1RM) value in the elbow flexion exercise in the orthostatic position (EFO) (7.2 ± 1.5%) (p < 0.0001) and elbow flexion exercise using the Scott bench (EFSB) (6.3 ± 1.8%) (p < 0.0001). The VT group also showed significant increases in 1RM values in the EFO (6.87 ± 0.8%) (p < 0.0001) and EFSB (6.56 ± 1.4%) (p < 0.0001). The CT group presented a significant increase in the mean maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) value after the training period (8.2 ± 2.3%) (p < 0.0001). The VT group also showed a significant increase in the mean MVIC value after training (9.1 ± 2.4%) (p < 0.0001). After the training period, both groups presented a significant increase in the mean value of elbow flexor thickness (CT = 5.6 ± 3.5%, VT = 5.1 ± 2.8%) (p = 0.001). The increases in 1RM, MVIC, and muscle thickness were statically similar between groups. Therefore, the addition of LV does not represent an additional stimulus for individuals trained in dynamic maximal strength training.

Effects of different methods of strength training on indicators of muscle fatigue during and after strength training: a systematic review

Introduction: The development of strength has shown to be beneficial to sports performance and health. However, during strength training, they also produce alterations in muscle fatigue indicators, leading to a decrease in the ability to generate strength. Despite this, there is still not enough knowledge about the levels of muscle fatigue generated by different methods of strength training and how this information can be integrated into sports planning. Review and analyze the studies existing between January 2009 and January 2019 that have used indicators of muscle fatigue established in the search terms during and after strength training as measurement variables. Evidence acquisition: The study corresponds to a systematic review of previously published studies, following the PRISMA model. Articles published between 2009 and 2019 that measured muscle fatigue indicators during and after strength training were evaluated. The electronic search was conducted through Web of Science, Scopus, Sport Discus, PubMed, and Medline. We included all articles that used a strength protocol and also measured indicators of muscle fatigue and its possible effect on physical performance. Evidence synthesis: A total of 39 articles were found, which were stratified according to the protocol used: (i) plyometric training, (ii) Bodypump® training, (iii) occlusion training, (iv) variable resistance training, (v) conventional strength training, (vi) eccentric strength training, (vii) rest times in strength training and (viii) concurrent training. Conclusion: At the end of the systematic review, it was shown that the different training methodologies for strength development generate increases in muscle fatigue indicators, and the increase generated in the different muscle fatigue indicators depends both on the methodology used and on the type of population, sex, level of training and type of sport. The most-reported indicators are [La], HR and RPE, DOM, MR variation, and ammonium.

Efecto de un protocolo de entrenamiento de fuerza con característica socializadora sobre el ángulo craneovertebral en adultos mayores

Objective: Evaluate the effect of a strength training protocol with a socializing characteristic on the craniovertebral angle in older adults. Material and methods: The present study has an experimental, longitudinal design, based on the measurement of the craniovertebral angle before and after the application of a 4 month long strength training protocol with a socializing characteristic. Three groups of 44 randomly chosen participants were carried out: two experimental groups and a control group. A conventional strength training protocol was performed in one experimental group, the strength training protocol with a socializing characteristic was performed in the other experimental group, and no training was applied to the control group. The 132 participants fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria: older adults > 60 years, craniovertebral angle < 50 degrees, without spinal, rheumatic, neurological and systemic pathologies. Results: There were statistically significant changes in the increase of the craniovertebral angle in the group that performed conventional strength training and in the group that performed strength training with a socializing characteristic (P