Dynamic Muscular Strength Research Articles

Does Stretching Training Influence Muscular Strength? A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression.

Thomas, E, Ficarra, S, Nunes, JP, Paoli, A, Bellafiore, M, Palma, A, and Bianco, A. Does stretching training influence muscular strength? A systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 1145-1156, 2023-The aim of this study was to review articles that performed stretching training and evaluated the effects on muscular strength. Literature search was performed using 3 databases. Studies were included if they compared the effects on strength following stretching training vs. a nontraining control group or stretching training combined with resistance training (RT) vs. an RT-only group, after at least 4 weeks of intervention. The meta-analyses were performed using a random-effect model with Hedges' g effect size (ES). A total of 35 studies ( n = 1,179 subjects) were included in this review. The interventions lasted for a mean period of 8 weeks (range, 4-24 weeks), 3-4 days per week, applying approximately 4 sets of stretching of approximately 1-minute duration. The meta-analysis for the stretching vs. nontraining control group showed a significant small effect on improving dynamic (k = 14; ES = 0.33; p = 0.007) but not isometric strength (k = 8; ES = 0.10; p = 0.377), following static stretching programs (k = 17; ES = 0.28; p = 0.006). When stretching was added to RT interventions, the main analysis indicated no significant effect (k = 17; ES = -0.15; p = 0.136); however, moderator analysis indicated that performing stretching before RT sessions has a small but negative effect (k = 7; ES = -0.43; p = 0.014); the meta-regression revealed a significant negative association with study length (β = -0.100; p = 0.004). Chronic static stretching programs increase dynamic muscular strength to a small magnitude. Performing stretching before RT and for a prolonged time (>8 weeks) can blunt the strength gains to a small-to-moderate magnitude. Performing stretching in sessions distant from RT sessions might be a strategy to not hinder strength development.

The Effect Of A12 Weeks Physical Activity Program On Muscular Strength In Breast Cancer Survivors

Breast cancer is the second cause of death due to cancer in females in US. The deleterious side effects of the treatments on their physiological and psychological health are powerful, limiting their daily living and quality of life. Therefore, interventions that help ameliorate the side effects of the treatments and rehabilitate the survivors to regain their daily living and improve their quality of life are necessary. Physical activity programs have shown to have a positive effect on body composition, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and muscle strength in breast cancer survivors. PURPOSE: The aim of this analysis was to determine the effect of a 12 weeks physical activity program that included 4 weeks of resistance training, on static and dynamic muscular strength. METHODS: Twenty one breast cancer survivors participated on a 12 weeks physical activity program. The variables measured were static arm strength and dynamic muscular strength assessed before and after the intervention. The arm static strength was measured using a hand dynamometer and the upper/lower dynamic strength was measured performing a 1RM test for bench press and leg press exercises. The physical activity program consisted of different aerobic and anaerobic activities throughout 12 weeks. The resistance program consisted of 2 consecutive weeks, twice in the intervention (week 2 and 3; and later week 8 and 9), were they completed 10 exercises using resistance machines. The intensity for each exercise was individualized and were as follow: week 2- 3 sets x 16 reps @50%1RM, week 3-3 sets X 18 reps @50% 1RM. For week 8, 3 sets x 8 reps @60%1RM and week 9 was 3 sets x 8 [email protected] 70% 1RM. (IRB #1314-201) RESULTS: Static muscle strength increased in both arms (right arm: 18kg to34 kg; left arm: 19kg to 32 kg). Dynamic strength increased for bench press exercise (21kg to 30kg) and in the leg press exercise (77 kg to 103 kg). The results showed that the participants significantly increased their static arm strength in both arms (p<.05). Also, the participants significantly increased their dynamic muscular strength as measured in the bench press and leg press (p<.05). CONCLUSION: A 12 week physical activity program that included 4 weeks of resistance training was effective in increasing upper and lower body strength in breast cancer survivors.

Relationship between muscle mass and neuromuscular function in the muscular strength of elderly women practicing and non-practicing physical activities

Objective. To verify the correlation between muscle mass and neuromuscular function in muscle strength of women practicing and not practicing physical activities. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study conducted with older women (60 and over), physically active (fa) and physically inactive (fi). The muscle strength of the upper limb (handgrip strength - hgs; resisfor test) and lower limb (30 second chair stand test) were evaluated; as well as muscle mass (calf circumference - cc); and neuromuscular activity (semg) of the following muscles: flexor carpi radialis (fcr) and biceps brachii (bb) (upper limb); vastus lateralis (vl), vastus medialis (vm) and tibialis anterior (ta) (lower limb). The student t test and multiple linear regression were used (95%; p &lt;.05). Results. Overall, 59 women were evaluated (71.5 ± 7.1 years), 31 fa and 28 fi. Fa women had significantly better values ​​in dynamic muscular strength tests of the upper (p=.001) and lower limbs (p&lt;.0001). There was no significant difference in muscle mass between groups. After adjustment for covariates, there was relationship between cc and activity of fcr muscle with hgs (r2adj.= 0.64), and cc with the 30 second chair stand test (r2adj.= .39) in fa women. Among fi women, there was significant correlation between activity of fcr muscle and hgs (r2adj.= .35) and cc and neural activity of fcr with resisfor (r2adj.= .66). Conclusion. Physical exercise was related to higher dynamic muscle strength. Differences in the relationship between muscle mass and neuromuscular activity with strength in each test indicate physiological differences for each strength exercise applied.

Effects of Focal Knee Joint Cooling on Static and Dynamic Strength of the Quadriceps: Innovative Approach to Muscle Conditioning.

Recent evidence suggests an innovative approach to muscle conditioning: focal knee joint cooling (FKJC) appears to improve quadriceps function, including static (isometric) strength. However, there is limited evidence on the effects of FKJC on dynamic (concentric and eccentric) strength. Thus, the purpose of the study was to examine dynamic quadriceps strength following FKJC as well as static strength. Twenty-one college-aged participants volunteered. They randomly underwent 20 min of FKJC and control condition at least 72 h apart. FKJC involves two ice bags, placed on the anterior and posterior surfaces of the knee, whereas the control condition received a plastic ice bag filled with candy corn. We assessed isometric and isokinetic (concentric and eccentric) quadriceps strength at two different velocities (60°/s and 180°/s). Participants performed three maximal voluntary contractions for each mode of muscle contraction, before and after each treatment (immediately, 20, and 40 min after). The outcome variable was maximum knee extension peak torque. FKJC did not change peak torque during any mode of muscle contraction (p > 0.05). The current findings suggest that 20 min of FKJC does not change static (isometric) or dynamic (isokinetic) strength of the quadriceps. FKJC was neither beneficial nor harmful to static or dynamic muscular strength.

Sustainability Strategies Of A 3-week Preventive Measure In Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis as a degenerative joint disease is particularly relevant for occupational groups whose activities are associated with high loads or unfavorable postures over long periods of time. In the sense of effective secondary prevention, the BG Trauma Hospital of Hamburg uses a multimodal therapy concept, the so-called Kniekolleg. Data are now available for a two-year follow-up so that not only acute effects of the three-week start-up intervention, but also sustainability effects for long-term exercise adherence after two refresher courses, each after 12 month, can be reported. PURPOSE: Craftsmen and workers in the construction industry are at an increased risk of developing knee osteoarthritis due to their work-related burdens. In order to maintain the ability to work, occupational co-operative measures for secondary prevention can be carried out (Kniekolleg). The aim was to evaluate the efficacy after two years, depending on the degree of exercise adherence. METHODS: In a repeated measurements design (T1 before, T2 after Kniekolleg, T3 after one year (first refresher), T4 after two years (second refresher)), 140 construction patients were assessed for their dynamic muscular strength (knee extension, 60°/s), their quality of life (SF-36) and their characteristics for knee osteoarthritis (WOMAC). They were evaluated using analyses of variances, whereby one group trained after the Kniekolleg in the gym with instruction (G1 n=63), one group completed a home training program (G2 n=38) and one group did not train (G3 n=39). RESULTS: For all parameters, significant acute efficacy and 2-year sustainability effects were observed (p≤0.05, d: 0.2-0.8). There was no interaction with adherence during training after the Kniekolleg (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Kniekolleg has proved to be effective in the long term, with a critical questioning of future research, why there are no differences between guided, reduced or even missing long-term maintenance training.

CHANGES IN SOME PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOLLOWING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL FOR BODY CORPUS MUSCLE STABILITY IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS CLASSES

Muscles of the trunk are responsible for the movement and stability of the spine. Very often children worsen their body posture in school-age because of weak musculature and bad studying position. THE PURPOSE of the study is to apply an experimental model of body corpus muscle stability in physical education and sports classes and to compare the strength performance indicators of those muscles before and after the experiment. METHODS: The contingent of the study represents 21 students on average age 12.4 years. Data of anthropometric indicators, static and dynamic strength indicators of body corpus muscles and degree of mobility of the spine were collected during the experiment. All data were processed and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The analysis of the results shows that the implementation of the experimental model of exercises significantly improves the static and dynamic muscular strength of body corpus muscles and does not increase the flexibility of the spine. CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that the obtained results confirmed the effectiveness of the experimental model of exercises and it could be included in ordinary Physical education and sports classes like the opportunity to counteract of poor body posture and spinal deformities.

Association between functional balance and knee extensors strength in people with Parkinson’s disease

Aims: The aim of this study is to verify if there is a correlation between functional balance and muscular strength of knee extensors in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.Methods: The sample consisted of 28 volunteers with Parkinson’s disease (age: 65.43±8.48 years, height: 1.68±0.10 cm, weight: 71.50±13.27 kg) classified on the modified Hoehn &amp; Yahr scale. The Four Step Square Test and the isokinetic dynamometer were used to evaluate the dynamic balance and muscular strength of knee extensors, respectively.Results: The peak torque shows a moderate, negative and significant correlation with the Four Step Square Test (right knee: r=-0.471 and p=0.012; left knee: r=-0.444 and p=0.018).Conclusions: There is a negative, moderate and significant association between muscular strength of knee extensors and dynamic balance in Parkinson’s disease individuals.

Reliability and agreement of the IsoKai isokinetic lift test - A test used for admission to the Swedish Armed Forces.

This study was performed to evaluate the reliability and agreement of the IsoKai isokinetic lift test as it is currently administered in admission to the Swedish Armed Forces. The study included an intrarater (n = 534) and interrater reliability sample (n = 137), of Swedish male conscripts who performed the test on two test occasions about two hours apart. Two-to-four lifts were performed at each occasion, and the highest mean (IsoKaiMF) and peak force (IsoKaiPF) produced (N) were used for evaluation. All intraclass coefficients showed excellent reliability. The interrater analyses resulted in intraclass coefficients of 0.942 (95% CI; 0.920–0.959) and 0.858 (95% CI; 0.806–0.896) for the IsoKaiMF and IsoKaiPF, respectively, while the corresponding coefficients for the intrarater analyses were 0.935 (95% CI; 0.923–0.946) and 0.865 (95% CI; 0.842–0.886). Agreement, the capability of a test to detect changes, was assessed by the standard error of measurement (SEM/SEM%) and the smallest real difference (SRD/SRD%). These estimate indicated that it is possible to achieve measurements relevant to use in real practice with the IsoKai isokinetic lift test. Bland and Altman analyses revealed no systematic errors in either sample. Based on these findings, the IsoKai isokinetic lift test is suggested to be a highly reliable test for maximal dynamic muscular strength. The test could be of use in selection procedures in order to accurately evaluate maximal dynamic muscular strength, and for evaluating longitudinal changes in strength.

Concurrent validity of an isokinetic lift test used for admission to the Swedish Armed Forces.

The aim of this study was to assess the concurrent validity of the IsoKai isokinetic lift test peak force (IsoKaiPeak) in comparison to a submaximal 5-10RM deadlift test (5-10RMDL), and to develop an equation for converting the IsoKaiPeak in Newton (N) to an estimated 1RM (1RMest) deadlift load in kilograms (kg). The participants included 28 males and 16 female employees in the Swedish Armed Forces (20–59 years). Each participant conducted the IsoKai lift test, followed by the 5-10RMDL test at one occasion. The Pearson′s correlation coefficient, with a 95% confidence interval was calculated to evaluate the validity between the IsoKaiPeak and the 1RMest deadlift load derived from the 5-10RMDL test. Univariate and multivariable linear regressions were used to derive the equation for calculating the 1RMest deadlift load based on the IsoKaiPeak. The IsoKaiPeak showed good- to-excellent correlation with the 1RMest deadlift weight with a correlation coefficient of 0.84 (0.72–0.91) for the total sample, and 0.65 (0.37–0.83) and 0.81 (0.53–0.93) in males and females, respectively. The final equation, 1RMest deadlift weight (kg) = -51.63 + (0.08 x IsoKaiPeak) + (2.28 x BMI), explained 72% (adjusted R2 = 0.72) of the total variance in the 1RMest, and had a standard error of the estimate (SEE) of 16.57 kg. In conclusion, the IsoKai isokinetic lift test could be considered a highly valid measure of maximal dynamic muscular strength in comparison to the 5-10RMDL. The equation can be used to convert the IsoKai lift test (N) results to an 1RMest deadlift load (kg), but with consideration of the relative large SEE.

Water-based aerobic training improves strength parameters and cardiorespiratory outcomes in elderly women.

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of water-based aerobic training and water-based resistance training on muscular strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in older women. Sixty-nine individuals were randomized into the following three groups: the water-based aerobic training (WA, n = 23) group, the water-based resistance training (WR, n = 23) group, and the control group (CG, n = 23). Participants were trained two times per week for 10 weeks. The trainings presented a linear periodization with an increase in the volume-intensity relation. Maximal dynamic muscular strength and the cardiorespiratory fitness were evaluated before the start of training and after 10 weeks of training. Only the WA group showed an increase in maximal oxygen consumption (13.8%) and oxygen consumption at the second ventilatory threshold (16.4%). Maximal dynamic strength of knee extensors improved in 10.6% of WA, 8.0% of WR, and 4.7% of CG participants, without any difference between the groups. Maximal dynamic strength of knee flexors was increased in 14.1% of WA and in 17.7% of WR participants; however, it remains unchanged in CG participants. No differences were observed in resting heart rate, peak heart rate, heart rate at the second ventilatory threshold and maximal dynamic strength of shoulder horizontal flexors. It was concluded that WA seems to be more efficient for improvement in cardiorespiratory responses, and both WA and WR were efficient for development of maximal dynamic strength of knee flexion and extension.

Effect of Movement Velocity During Resistance Training on Dynamic Muscular Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Movement velocity is an acute resistance-training variable that can be manipulated to potentially optimize dynamic muscular strength development. However, it is unclear whether performing faster or slower repetitions actually influences dynamic muscular strength gains. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effect of movement velocity during resistance training on dynamic muscular strength. Five electronic databases were searched using terms related to movement velocity and resistance training. Studies were deemed eligible for inclusion if they met the following criteria: randomized and non-randomized comparative studies; published in English; included healthy adults; used isotonic resistance-exercise interventions directly comparing fast or explosive training to slower movement velocity training; matched in prescribed intensity and volume; duration ≥4weeks; and measured dynamic muscular strength changes. A total of 15 studies were identified that investigated movement velocity in accordance with the criteria outlined. Fast and moderate-slow resistance training were found to produce similar increases in dynamic muscular strength when all studies were included. However, when intensity was accounted for, there was a trend for a small effect favoring fast compared with moderate-slow training when moderate intensities, defined as 60-79% one repetition maximum, were used (effect size 0.31; p=0.06). Strength gains between conditions were not influenced by training status and age. Overall, the results suggest that fast and moderate-slow resistance training improve dynamic muscular strength similarly in individuals within a wide range of training statuses and ages. Resistance training performed at fast movement velocities using moderate intensities showed a trend for superior muscular strength gains as compared to moderate-slow resistance training. Both training practices should be considered for novice to advanced, young and older resistance trainers targeting dynamic muscular strength.

Effect of muscle strength at different intensities on resting energy expenditure

Introduction: the regular practice of physical exercise is an important modulator of resting energy expenditure (REE), which depending on the intensity, duration, and type of exercise can increase the REE in an acute manner as well as long term. The effects of dynamic muscular strength exercises on the REE have been treated very little in literature. Objective: compare the effect of muscle strength exercise (MSE) at different intensities on the REE in young males. Methods: Intra-group design. Fourteen subjects aged 22,5±1,5 0,05) after the exercise at 40%RM. The REEpost 24h was maintained according to the REEpre when the intensity was 80%RM. Conclusion: The REEpost exercise is independent of the intensity of the exercise and only is maintained after 24 hours when the MSE is at a high intensity.

Effects of combined special education treatment and occupational therapy on upper extremities motor skills in adult patients with hemiplegia

Background/Aim. Stroke is the most common single cause of severe and multiple physical disabilities, and rehabilitation that reduces functional deficits is the most effective treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of special education treatment as a supplement to occupational therapy on upper extremities motor skills in adult patients with post stroke hemiplegia. Methods. Standard education tests for motor function evaluation of the upper extremities: O`Connor, Ring and Hand grip test, were applied on a sample of 64 patients who were in the process of rehabilitation in the Clinic for Rehabilitation ?Dr. Miroslav Zotovic? in Belgrade. After the evaluation, all the participants were included in occupational therapy and divided in two intervention groups per 32 subjects each. The patients from the first experimental group received individually dosed special education treatment which was performed for at least 12 weeks as a supplement together with occupational therapy, while patients from the second experimental group were only in the process of occupational therapy without special education treatment. At the end of the study the same tests were used to re-evaluate the level of motor abilities of the patients in both groups. Results.The patients from the first experimental group with individually dosed special education treatment as a supplement showed significantly better scores after applying the treatment in all tested variables ? explosive, static and dynamic muscular strength grip fist, as well as oculomotor skills at the level of the elbow and shoulder for both healthy and paretic hand. Conclusion. On the basis of the obtained results, it can be concluded that special education treatment added to occupational therapy lead to better performing of upper extremities motor skills and that it can be a good supplement to conventional occupational therapy methods and techniques.

Efeitos agudos do alongamento estático no desempenho da força dinâmica em homens jovens

INTRODUÇÃO: O alongamento muscular é frequentemente utilizado nas práticas desportivas, com o objetivo de aumentar a flexibilidade muscular e amplitude articular, assim como diminuir o risco de lesões e melhorar o desempenho atlético. OBJETIVO: Analisar o efeito agudo do alongamento com diferentes tempos no desempenho da força dinâmica de membros superiores e inferiores em homens jovens. MÉTODOS: Participaram da amostra 14 voluntários do sexo masculino com idade de 23 ± 2 anos, peso corporal de 84 ± 10kg, estatura de178 ± 7cm, IMC de 26 ± 2kg/m² e percentual de gordura de 11 ± 3%. Eles foram avaliados com o teste de 10RM em três situações distintas: condição sem alongamento (SA), aquecimento especifico seguido do teste de 10-RM; condição com oito minutos de alongamento (AL-8), uma sessão de alongamento estático com oito minutos de duração, seguido do aquecimento e teste de 10RM; e a condição alongamento 16 minutos (AL-16), 16 minutos de alongamento seguidos dos procedimentos descritos anteriormente. Os testes foram feitos no supino reto e leg-press 45º; os alongamentos foram selecionados de forma a atingir as musculaturas solicitadas nos respectivos exercícios. RESULTADOS: Houve redução de 9,2% da força muscular dinâmica de membros superiores em comparação dos grupos SA e AL16, e entre os grupos AL8 e AL16 (p &lt; 0,001). Em membros inferiores essa redução de força (p &lt; 0,001) foi de 4,8% para AL-8 e de 14,3% para AL-16 em comparação com o grupo SA. CONCLUSÃO: Sessões de alongamentos estáticos efetuados antes de atividades que envolvam força dinâmica possuem a capacidade de alterar negativamente o desempenho dessa qualidade física, acarretando pior rendimento em longos períodos de alongamento.

Genomics and Sports: Building a Bridge Towards a Rational and Personalized Training Framework

It is now widely acknowledged that several genes influence the athletic performance and it is increasingly being highlighted that a major integration between genetic and environmental factors might contribute towards unveiling the most important determinants of physiology and pathology in humans, allowing the construction of a rational personalized framework that would be applied in both clinical and sport settings [[7], [9]]. The alpha-actinin 3 (ACTN3) gene, which encodes for a protein of the Z disk of myofibers, has been found to be associated with performance in elite athletes, in whom the R allele was more common in sprint and power athletes and the X allele more common in endurance athletes [[15]]. Data in a large sample size have also shown that women with the nonsense allele in ACTN3 are at a disadvantage in the ability to produce high-force isometric strength, but they are at an advantage in developing dynamic muscular strength in response to a progressive resistance training program. Up to 2 % of the variability in the absolute and relative difference in 1-repetition maximum strength and in the baseline elbow flexor isometric strength are attributable to the ACTN3 genotype [[2]]. Turley et al. further confirmed the presence of a substantial genetic influence on acute submaximal exercise and regular endurance training, as maximal oxygen uptake and training response are influenced by multigenetic effects, which account for nearly 40 % and 20 % of the variance, respectively [[13]].

PREDICTION OF ONE REPETITION MAXIMUM STRENGTH FROM MULTIPLE REPETITION MAXIMUM TESTING AND ANTHROPOMETRY

The purpose of this study was to quantify the decrease in the load lifted from 1 to 5, 10, and 20 repetitions to failure for the flat barbell bench press (chest press; CP) and plate-loaded leg press (LP). Furthermore, we developed prediction equations for 1 repetition maximum (RM) strength from the multiple RM tests, including anthropometric data, gender, age, and resistance training volume. Seventy subjects (34 men, 36 women), 18–69 years of age, completed 1, 5, 10, and 20RM testing for each of the CPs and LPs. Regression analyses of mean data revealed a nonlinear decrease in load with increasing repetition number (CP: linear Sy.x = 2.6 kg, nonlinear Sy.x = 0.2 kg; LP: linear Sy.x = 11.0 kg, nonlinear Sy.x = 2.6 kg, respectively). Multiple regression analyses revealed that the 5RM data produced the greatest prediction accuracy, with R2 data for 5, 10, and 20RM conditions being LP: 0.974, 0.933, 0.915; CP: 0.993, 0.976, and 0.955, respectively. The regression prediction equations for 1RM strength from 5RM data were LP: 1RM = 1.0970 X (5RM weight [kg]) = 14.2546, Sy.x= 16.16 kg, R2= 0.974; CP: 1RM = 1.1307 X (5RM weight) + 0.6999, Sy.x = 2.98 kg, R2 = 0.993. Dynamic muscular strength (1RM) can be accurately estimated from multiple repetition testing. Data reveal that no more than 10 repetitions should be used in linear equations to estimate 1RM for the LP and CP actions.

Prediction of One Repetition Maximum Strength From Multiple Repetition Maximum Testing and Anthropometry

The purpose of this study was to quantify the decrease in the load lifted from 1 to 5, 10, and 20 repetitions to failure for the flat barbell bench press (chest press; CP) and plate-loaded leg press (LP). Furthermore, we developed prediction equations for 1 repetition maximum (RM) strength from the multiple RM tests, including anthropometric data, gender, age, and resistance training volume. Seventy subjects (34 men, 36 women), 18-69 years of age, completed 1, 5, 10, and 20RM testing for each of the CPs and LPs. Regression analyses of mean data revealed a nonlinear decrease in load with increasing repetition number (CP: linear S(y.x) = 2.6 kg, nonlinear S(y.x) = 0.2 kg; LP: linear S(y.x) = 11.0 kg, nonlinear S(y.x) = 2.6 kg, respectively). Multiple regression analyses revealed that the 5RM data produced the greatest prediction accuracy, with R(2) data for 5, 10, and 20RM conditions being LP: 0.974, 0.933, 0.915; CP: 0.993, 0.976, and 0.955, respectively. The regression prediction equations for 1RM strength from 5RM data were LP: 1RM = 1.0970 x (5RM weight [kg]) + 14.2546, S(y.x) = 16.16 kg, R(2) = 0.974; CP: 1RM = 1.1307 x (5RM weight) + 0.6999, S(y.x) = 2.98 kg, R(2) = 0.993. Dynamic muscular strength (1RM) can be accurately estimated from multiple repetition testing. Data reveal that no more than 10 repetitions should be used in linear equations to estimate 1RM for the LP and CP actions.

Physical and perceptual benefits of yoga asana practice: results of a pilot study

Summary Twenty-six healthy adults age 20–58 (Mean 31.8) participated in six weeks of either astanga yoga or hatha yoga class. Significant improvements at follow-up were noted for all participants in diastolic blood pressure, upper body and trunk dynamic muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, perceived stress, and health perception. The improvements differed for each group when compared to baseline assessments. The astanga yoga group had decreased diastolic blood pressure and perceived stress, and increased upper body and trunk dynamic muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and health perception. Improvements for the hatha yoga group were significant only for trunk dynamic muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. The findings suggest that the fitness benefits of yoga practice differ by style.

Effects of one year of resistance training on the relation between muscular strength and bone density in elderly women

Objectives—There is a paucity of long term studies on exercise training in elderly women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of one year of progressive resistance...

Fibromyalgia in the Adutt Danish Population: II. A Study of Clinical Features

Clinical characteristics of fibromyalgia have so far been based mainly on patients identified in rheumatologic settings. This paper offers the clinical findings in fibromyalgia based on a national health interview survey, in which 123 persons fulfilled preset criteria for widespread pain. Clinical examination could be performed on 65 subjects (53%) and included physical examination, tender point palpation by two blinded trained physicians, blood sample analysis, measurement of dynamic muscular strength and a detailed self-administered questionnaire. Significantly more subjective swelling, fatigue, headache, difficulty in stair-climbing, and poorer self-evaluated health with more tender points was found. Contrary to that which was expected, fibromyalgia subjects did not suffer from sleep disturbances, irritable bowels or morning stiffness. Our findings indicate that clinical characteristics of fibromyalgia in the general population may differ from those found in rheumatological settings.