Exercise Practitioners Research Articles

Exercício aeróbico e intensidade autosselecionada por mulheres: uma revisão sistemática

Objetivo: Identificar o perfil das praticantes de exercícios aeróbicos sob intensidade autosselecionada. Métodos: Analisou-se os dados a partir das bases de dados PubMed e BVS, com artigos originais, realizados em mulheres acima de 18 anos de idade, publicados nos últimos 10 anos, com análise de exercício aeróbico de forma autosselecionada através da mensuração da frequência cardíaca (FC) e percepção subjetiva do esforço (PSE), sendo incluídos 20 artigos. Resultados: Foi encontrado em 15 estudos que a intensidade autosselecionada estaria dentro das recomendações para melhorar a saúde, além de obter resposta afetiva positiva e maior prazer quando comparado à intensidade imposta. Pessoas com sobrepeso e obesidade demonstraram um menor gasto energético quando comparado com pessoas eutróficas, além de caminharem em velocidade inferior. A idade parece não influenciar nas respostas afetivas, apenas nas respostas fisiológicas. Foi encontrado também maior sensação de prazer ao realizar atividade física (AF) ao ar livre quando comparado com ambiente interno. Conclusão: Quando a intensidade do exercício é autosselecionada, há maiores sensações de prazer e atendem às recomendações do American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), além de promover melhorias na aptidão física.

Stimulants cocktail: Methylphenidate plus caffeine impairs memory and cognition and alters mitochondrial and oxidative status

Methylphenidate (MPH) is a psychostimulant widely misused to increase wakefulness by drivers and students. Also, MPH can be found in dietary supplements in a clandestine manner aiming to burst performance of physical exercise practitioners. The abusive use of high doses of caffeine (CAF) in these contexts is equally already known. Here, we demonstrate the behavioral, oxidative and mitochondrial effects after acute exposure to high doses of MPH (80 mg/L) and CAF (150 mg/L), alone or associated (80 mg/L + 150 mg/L, respectively). We used zebrafish as animal model due to its high translational relevance. We evaluated the behavioral effects using the Novel Tank Test (NTT), Social Preference Test (SPT) and Y-maze Task and analyzed biomarkers of oxidative stress and activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes. MPH alone induced antisocial behavior. MPH inhibited lipid peroxidation. The association of MPH + CAF presented memory impairment and anxiogenic behavior. In oxidative status, it inhibited lipid peroxidation, increased protein carbonylation and mitochondrial complex II, III and IV activity. Our results demonstrate that MPH and CAF alone negatively impact the typical behavioral of zebrafish. When associated, changes in cognition, memory, oxidative and mitochondrial status are more relevant.

Adaptações cardíacas fisiológicas induzidas pelo exercício físico em atletas amadores: revisão narrativa

Objetivo: Compilar evidências científicas recentes sobre as adaptações fisiológicas que ocorrem no coração de atletas amadores. Revisão bibliográfica: A prática de exercícios físicos proporciona um aumento do trabalho cardíaco para suprir a demanda metabólica, o que pode provocar adaptações fisiológicas a depender de vários fatores, como o tipo de exercício realizado, sendo esse predominantemente de força, resistência ou misto. Com a popularização da prática de atividades físicas por pessoas que não dependem do esporte como fonte de renda, os atletas amadores, tornou-se significativo a análise de registros de adaptações cardíacas fisiológicas induzidas pelo exercício que podem ocorrer nesses indivíduos. Com isso, foi possível observar as principais adaptações em praticantes de exercícios de resistência, que incluem as adaptações morfológicas do coração, no sistema de condução do impulso elétrico, além de adaptações bioquímicas e funcionais do sistema cardiovascular. Já as induzidas pelos exercícios de força, incluem predominantemente as adaptações morfológicas e funcionais, enquanto as desenvolvidas pela prática de exercícios mistos incluem alterações funcionais, morfológicas e elétricas. Considerações finais: Percebe-se a necessidade de um maior monitoramento cardiológico em atletas amadores, tendo em vista o risco aumentado de complicações cardiovasculares nesses atletas.

Physical Literacy - A Journey of Individual Enrichment: An Ecological Dynamics Rationale for Enhancing Performance and Physical Activity in All.

Internationally, governments, health and exercise practitioners are struggling with the threat posed by physical inactivity leading to worsening outcomes in health and life expectancy and the associated high economic costs. To meet this challenge it is important to enhance the quality, and quantity, of participation in sports and physical activity throughout the life course to sustain healthy and active lifestyles. This paper supports the need to develop a physically literate population, who meaningfully engage in play and physical activity through the development of functional movement skills in enriched environments. This is a shift away from reductionist approaches to physical activity engagement and maintenance to an ecological dynamics approach that focuses on enrichment to support functional movement skill learning and development. This is an embedded approach to physical literacy that allows learners the space and time to “explore–discover” (ecological psychology) within environments that will lead to a concomitant self-organization of highly intricate network of co-dependent sub-systems (anatomical, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, and perceptual-cognitive) resulting in functional movement solutions for the performance task and enduring positive adaptations to subsystems supporting the physical literacy journey across the life course. “Explore-discover adapt” is at the heart of two contemporary learner-centered pedagogies: Non-linear Pedagogy (NLP) and the Athletic Skills Model (ASM). Both emphasize the importance of enrichment experiences from an early age, and throughout life course, and both appreciate the inherent complexity involved in the learning process and the importance of designing a rich and varied range of athletic, participatory experiences that will support the embedded development of physical literacy leading to ongoing physical activity for all. The final part of this paper will demonstrate the potential of an ecological dynamics approach for supporting the concept of physical literacy by providing a roadmap for a reliable and valid measurement of physical literacy when considered from both an ecological dynamics perspective and the phenomenology understanding of physical literacy.

Comparison of ankle range of motion and functional performance between practitioners of resistance exercise with free-weight vs. Machine

The purpose of this investigation was to compare ankle functional performance and ankle range of motion (ROM) between practitioners of resistance exercise (RE) with free-weights versus machines. Twenty-five men participated in this study. They were separated into two groups: (a) Free-weights; and (b) Machines. All subjects practiced regularly RE 5.3±0.7 d∙wk-1 and low aerobic training of 1.2±0.5 d∙wk-1 with a total time volume of 254.9±9.4 min∙wk-1. ROM measurements were taken in both ankles with a digital goniometer. Active ankle-dorsiflexion and plantar flexion range of motion were measured with subjects lying prone with an extended knee on a standard treatment table. The rising on the heel and the rising on toes were used to assess endurance of the ankle dorsiflexor and plantar flexor muscles, respectively. Ankle functional stability was assessed with the Single Leg Hop Test in both limbs. Ankle-dorsiflexion ROM showed a significant difference (Δ% left=21.1%; Δ% right=25.8%; P<0.01) between the Machines Group when compared to the Free-weights Group. Rising on the heel and rising on the toes showed no significant differences between the 2 groups (i.e., free-weights versus machines) (P>0.05). On the other hand, the Single Leg Hop Test (Δ% left=16.3%; Δ% right=15.4%; P<0.05) and number of jumps (Δ% left=27.9 %; Δ% right=26.1 %; P<0.05) recorded were lower in the Free-weights Group compared to the Machines Group. This study found a greater ankle-dorsiflexion ROM and performance during the Single Leg Hop Test in practitioners of RE with free-weights, showing a better control of sagittal plane movements.

A Comparative Study on Loadings of the Lower Extremity during Deep Squat in Asian and Caucasian Individuals via OpenSim Musculoskeletal Modelling

Populations of different ethnicities may present different movement capacities and muscular function adaptations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences of motion and loading in the lower extremity during dynamic deep squats between Asian and Caucasian individuals using OpenSim modelling technique with a customized squat-specific musculoskeletal model. Twenty-four participants joined the test performing the step-squat test, with right foot stepping side, squatting, and returning. The one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping package was used for statistical analysis. The main findings of the current study were as follows: (1) significant lower squat depth was observed in the Asian individuals, (2) the greater knee range of motion and contact forces were found in the Asian individuals, and (3) the greater ankle contact forces in the Caucasian individuals were notable while performing the deep squat compared to the Asian group. Knowledge found in the current study may provide implication for exercise practitioners and physiotherapists while designing schemes for the prevention of loading accumulation in the lower extremity.

Electromyographic Analysis Of Steel Mace Exercises: A Descriptive Study Of Alternative Training Modalities

Alternative training modalities (ATM) have recently gained popularity as a form of resistance exercise through non-traditional methods and equipment. ATM share a common characteristic, the incorporation of non-traditional exercise movements and equipment in efforts to develop strength in a multi-planar fashion. Forms of common ATM include kettlebells, battle ropes, tires, and the steel mace. The steel mace, like a sledgehammer, consists of a long-levered club attached with a heavy sphere (i.e. mace head) fixed at one end. What remains relatively unknown are the neuromuscular demands of specific muscles or muscle groups among steel mace exercises. PURPOSE: To examine the electromyographic profile of four common steel mace exercises: the overhead squat, 360° overhead rotation, reverse lunge offset, and lap offset squat. METHODS: Twenty-nine resistance-trained males (n=15) and females (n=14) were recruited to participate in this cross-over experimental design investigation. All participants completed each of the four exercises with the mace head (i.e. heavy sphere) on both dominant and non-dominant sides of the body. Normalized surface electromyography (EMG) of the dominant-side upper trapezius, anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, triceps brachii, biceps brachii, external oblique, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris were analyzed. A one-way ANOVA was used to compare normalized EMG among muscles within each exercise and among exercises for each muscle. RESULTS: As a summary of major findings, for each exercise and muscle group, EMG activity was significantly altered when positioning the mace head ipsilateral vs. contralateral to the dominant side (p<0.05). Additionally, each exercise demonstrated differential EMG activities among muscle groups (p<0.05). Overall, the upper trapezius and rectus femoris exhibited the greatest EMG activity (p<0.05). All muscle groups except for the biceps brachii and external oblique showed differential EMG activity among exercises (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present findings provide practically significant information regarding the muscle-specific demands of popular steel mace exercises which may provide valuable insight for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and exercise practitioners who implement steel mace training programs.

The Effects Of Citrulline Malate Supplementation In Strength And Muscle Mass

L-citrulline (CIT) is a non-essential amino acid, found abundantly in watermelon, which has the ability to indirectly increase nitric oxide production by increasing arginine levels. A combination and the acute use of CIT with malate (intermediate of the Krebs cycle) has shown interesting results in the sports science literature, but the chronic effect of citrulline malate (CM) in the scientific literature is still unclear. PURPOSE: Investigate the chronic effects of citrulline malate supplementation in increasing strength and muscle mass in trained healthy adults. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo clinical study. Twenty four (25.96 ± 4.7 years) healthy adult men were randomly divided into 2 groups; citrulline malate group (CM= 12; 82.4±10.7kgs) or placebo group (PL = 12; 82.11±10,9kgs). The CM group received a sachet containing 6g of citrulline malate + 15g of maltodextrin and the PL group 6g of non-essential amino acids (NAAE) + 15g of maltodextrin. Supplementation was performed for 28 days (4 weeks) and included a wash-out week. After this week, there was an exchange of supplements in both groups. Before and after each supplementation, body composition (body weight, fat mass and muscle mass) by plethysmography (BodPod), and repetition maximum test (1RM) in the bench press were performed. Statistical analysis was performed using the covariance analysis model for crossover experiments, considering a significance level p<0.05. RESULTS: CM supplementation promoted an increase in total lean mass (67.28 ± 8.11kgs vs 67.77 ± 7.97kgs, p<0.005) in relation to placebo (67.83 ± 7.84kgs vs 67.43 ± 8.57kgs) (CM vs PL p<0.001), a decrease in total weight (CM 82.39 ± 10.72kgs vs 81.63 ± 9.98kgs and PL 82.11 ± 10.9kgs vs 82.08 ± 9.78kgs, CM vs PL p<0.05) and an increase in the final bench press (CM 37.95 ± 7.6kgs vs 41.55 ± 8.31kgs, p<0.05) in relation to placebo supplementation (38.26 ± 8.69kgs vs 40.08 ± 8.19kgs, p<0.05) (CM vs PL, p<0.01), regardless of the sequence in which the supplement was ingested. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of CM for 4 weeks proved to be effective in improve body composition (decrease in total weight and increase lean mass) and increased strength, without showing adverse effects, indicating a viable strategy for practitioners of resistance exercise.

Idosos praticantes de exercícios aquáticos: um olhar biopsicossocial de acordo com a Classificação internacional de funcionalidade, incapacidade e saúde (CIF)

OBJETIVO: Classificar sob a ótica da classificação internacional de funcionalidade, incapacidade e saúde (CIF), os praticantes de exercícios aquáticos com algum tipo de doença crônica não transmissível (DCNT) e com fibromialgia de uma unidade de saúde (US) de Curitiba/PR.MÉTODOS: Estudo com delineamento transversal e de caráter qualiquantitativo, com amostra de 35 participantes, sendo 20 praticantes de hidroginástica (grupo DCNTs) e 15 praticantes de hidroterapia (grupo fibromialgia). Foram analisadas, com seus respectivos instrumentos de avaliação, as seguintes variáveis: qualidade de vida (World Health Organization Quality of Life – WHOQOL-bref e WHOQOL-old); mobilidade funcional (teste timed up and go – TUG); e, velocidade da marcha (VM) (teste de caminhada de 10 metros). Após a verificação da normalidade dos dados (teste de Shapiro-Wilk) foi realizada a correlação de Pearson e o teste F para verificar a variância entre os grupos. Para calcular a diferença significativa entre as médias foi utilizado o teste t para duas amostras independentes (p≤0,05).RESULTADOS: Houve diferença significativa entre os grupos nas variáveis do TUG, da VM, nos itens da autoavaliação, ambiente e na média dos domínios da qualidade de vida.CONCLUSÕES: O modelo BPS permite um olhar integral dos participantes do estudo por levar em conta sua funcionalidade associada aos fatores contextuais que a permeiam, tanto relacionados às valências físicas e aos fatores pessoais, quanto aos fatores ambientais da US e do município.

Assessing Maximal Oxygen Uptake: Creating Personalized Incremental Exercise Protocols Simply and Quickly

ABSTRACT Measuring cardiorespiratory fitness (CF) is important for researchers, clinicians, and exercise practitioners to assess an individual's CF. One method of assessing CF is accomplished by measuring the maximal oxygen uptake during a personalized maximal graded exercise test (GXT). Tailoring a GXT protocol to a specific subject can be troublesome and time-consuming. In this article, simple and ready-to-use spreadsheets allowing the creation of individualized walking, running, and cycling GXT protocols are presented and explained. The procedures within the spreadsheets are based on the latest validated protocols, and the spreadsheets represent a time-saving, practical, and useful tool.

Body dissatisfaction, addiction to exercise and risk behaviour for eating disorders among exercise practitioners

ObjectiveThis study investigated the association between body dissatisfaction (BD), addiction to exercise and risk behaviors to eating disorders (EDs) among Brazilian exercise practitioners, besides comparing the variables according to sex, age group and modality.MethodsParticipants were 60 exercice practitioners of fitness (n = 44) and crossfit (n = 16), with mean age of 26.58 ± 7.76 years. Data collection was conducted through Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), Diagnosis of Orthorexia Questionnaire (ORTO-15), Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and Scale of Dedication to Exercise (SDE). Data analysis was conducted through Kolmogorov-Smirnov and independent t tests, Pearson correlation, and Path Analysis (p < .05).ResultsMain results showed the association between BD, addiction to exercise and risk behaviour for EDs. Further, individuals dissatisfied with their bodies showed higher level of addiction to exercise and risk behavior for EDs. Furthermore, women showed higher presence of BD than men, and fitness participants reported higher presence of addiction to exercise than crossfit practitioners.ConclusionsThis study revealed that BD seems to be a determinant factor for risk behavior for ED’s and addiction to exercise among fitness and crossfit particpants.

Brazilian version of the Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain questionnaire for musculoskeletal injuries relating to dance and sport: translation and cross-cultural adaptation.

Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain (SEFIP) is a questionnaire specifically designed to measure musculoskeletal pain or discomfort. To perform translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the SEFIP for dancers (SEFIP-dance), for use in Brazilian Portuguese. In addition, as a secondary objective, we adapted the translated version of SEFIP-dance for use among athletes or exercise practitioners (SEFIP-sport). Questionnaire translation and cross-cultural adaptation study conducted at a public university. The Brazilian version of the SEFIP-dance questionnaire was developed following the processes of translation (involving two translators with Brazilian Portuguese as their mother tongue and fluency in English), backtranslation (involving two translators with English as their mother tongue and fluency in Brazilian Portuguese), committee review and pre-testing. SEFIP-sport was developed following the processes of content and face validation. SEFIP-dance was applied to 30 dancers, of mean age 22.38 years (standard deviation [SD] = 3.41), among whom 14 were men (46.66%). The participants understood 100% of the SEFIP-dance items and alternatives. SEFIP-sport was applied to 30 athletes or physical exercise practitioners, of mean age 25.09 years (SD = 8.93), among whom 25 were men (86.33%). The participants understood 100% of the -SEFIP-sport items and alternatives. The Brazilian Portuguese versions of SEFIP-dance, translated and cross-culturally adapted for dancers, and SEFIP-sport, adapted for athletes or physical exercise practitioners, were shown to have adequate levels of understanding.

Great Expectations: A Qualitative Analysis of the Factors That Influence Affective Forecasts for Exercise.

The extent to which people expect to feel pleasure during exercise is proposed to influence an individual’s decision to be active. In order to identify the factors that shape this affective forecast for exercise, this study explored what people think about when creating their affective forecast for exercise. Thirty-one inactive participants provided an affective forecast for a moderate intensity exercise session using the global affective forecast questionnaire. Immediately after, they were asked a series of questions to verbally explain what they were thinking about in order to generate their forecast. Thematic analysis identified four themes relating to the exercise intensity, the exercise outcomes, the exercise environment, and the enjoyment of exercise that influenced affective forecast creation. Exercise practitioners should design strategies to manipulate these factors, and structure exercise environments to support a positive affective forecast and better motivate exercise participation.

Components of physical fitness as prognostic factors for falls in elderly female exercise practitioners: a longitudinal study

Abstract Introduction: Physical exercise is used as a strategy for the prevention of falls because it improves the physical fitness of older adults. Objective: To determine which components of physical fitness are predictors of falls in elderly female exercise practitioners. Method: Longitudinal, descriptive, comparative study. The components of physical fitness (upper and lower limb strength and flexibility, agility, aerobic endurance, and hand grip strength) and the occurrence or not of falls in the last 12 months were analyzed in 80 older women practitioners of exercise from 2013 to 2016. Descriptive analysis, ROC curve attributing cut-off points, and binary logistic regression for the prediction of falls were used. Results: The mean age of the participants was 67.46 years (SD=7.65). Over the years, a significant difference between elderly fallers and non-fallers was observed for right hand grip strength (2013 and 2015), left hand grip strength (2014 and 2015), lower limb flexibility (2013, 2014 and 2015), agility (2015), and aerobic endurance (2015). In adjusted analysis, older women with poor lower limb flexibility in 2013 had a higher risk of falls in 2016 (OR=4.98; 95%CI 1.12 - 22.1). Older women with poor flexibility in 2015 also had a higher risk of falls (OR= 6.08; 95%CI 1.06 - 34.67). Conclusion: Poor performance in the lower limb flexibility, right and left hand grip strength, agility and aerobic endurance tests was associated with falls and these components are predictors of future falls in elderly exercise practitioners.

Investigating the adoption intention of gamification apps on mobile services

Previous studies exploring adoption in the field of management information systems have focused on the objects of information systems or information technologies. However, since the popularity of smart phones has led to the usage of apps, limited investigations have attempted to understand the usage intention of apps. In this study, a research model is proposed to comprehend how users perceive and adopt a gamification app in the initial adoption phase of the information system life cycle. Since there are various topics within gamification services, we only pinpoint one popular type of service, exercise, as the research subject. The investigation involving 173 usable subjects was conducted to evaluate the model by using structural equation modelling. The result demonstrates that our proposed model explains 56.7% of the variance. The findings have interesting implications with respect to the initial usage of exercise gamification apps, both for researchers and practitioners.

Effects of milk proteins supplementation on muscle protein synthesis

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the acute effect of milk proteins supplementation, compared to another nitrogen compound on muscle protein synthesis.Design/methodology/approachThe search was conducted on MEDLINE® (via PUBMED®), Cochrane and Embase databases, using the terms “whey proteins,” “caseins,” “milk proteins,” “protein biosynthesis,” “human” and its related entry terms. The selected outcome was fractional synthetic rate (FSR) before (0) and 3 h after consumption of milk proteins, compared to supplementation with other protein sources or isolated amino acids.FindingsThe results were expressed as mean difference (MD) of absolute values between treatments with confidence interval (CI) of 95 per cent. Of the 1,913 identified studies, 4 were included, with a total of 74 participants. Milk proteins generated a greater FSR (MD 0.03 per cent/h, CI 95 per cent 0.02-0.04; p < 0.00001), compared to control group. Acute consumption of milk proteins promotes higher increase in FSR than other protein sources or isolated amino acids.Originality/valueThis paper is a systematic review of the effects of milk proteins supplementation, which is considered an important subject because of its large consumption among athletes and physical exercise practitioners.

Effect of dual-task and visual manipulation on the balance of older physical exercise practitioners and sedentary older and young adults

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar o efeito da dupla-tarefa e da manipulação visual no equilíbrio posturalem idosos praticantes de diferentes modalidades de exercícios físicos, idosos e adultos jovens não praticantes. Participaram do estudo 51 indivíduos, subdivididos em quatro grupos: grupo de idosos praticantes de karatê (GPK), grupo de idosos praticantes de ginástica funcional (GPF), grupo de idosos não praticantes (GNP) e grupo de adultos jovens (GNP). A tarefa consistiu em permanecer, na posição ereta, sob plataforma de força, por 40 segundos, sem e com dupla-tarefa, por meio de soma aritmética e com manipulação visual, com e sem visão. As variáveis analisadas do Centro de Pressão (COP) foram: área de oscilação e amplitude média de oscilação, nos sentidos médio-lateral e ântero-posterior. Os resultados foram desempenhos semelhantes entre os grupos que praticavam exercícios físicos (OPK e OPG) e o de adultos jovens (YNP), enquanto o ONP apresentou maior oscilação postural, nas variáveis área e amplitude de oscilação. Na condição visual, com visão e com a dupla-tarefa, os grupos OPK, OPG e YNP oscilaram menos, quando comparados a condição sem dupla-tarefa. Dessa forma, pode-se inferir que a prática de exercícios físicos, independente da modalidade, é eficaz no equilíbrio postural de idosos, com desempenho semelhante no grupo de adultos jovens, mesmo em condições com dupla-tarefa e manipulação sensorial da visão.

Resistance Training Frequencies of 3 and 6 Times Per Week Produce Similar Muscular Adaptations in Resistance-Trained Men.

Saric, J, Lisica, D, Orlic, I, Grgic, J, Krieger, JW, Vuk, S, and Schoenfeld, BJ. Resistance training frequencies of 3 and 6 times per week produce similar muscular adaptations in resistance-trained men. J Strength Cond Res 33(7S): S122-S129, 2019-We examined the effects of resistance training (RT) frequency performed 3 times per week (RT3) vs. RT performed 6 times per week (RT6) under volume-equated conditions in resistance-trained men. Twenty-seven men were randomly allocated to RT3 (n = 14) or RT6 (n = 13). The supervised training intervention lasted for 6 weeks. Upper- and lower-body strength were assessed using the 1 repetition maximum test. Also, muscular endurance (60% 1 repetition maximum performed to momentary failure) and muscle thickness (elbow flexors, elbow extensors, rectus femoris, and vastus intermedius) were measured before and after intervention. Pre-to-post intervention, both groups increased upper-body strength (RT3: +4%; RT6: +6%) and lower-body strength (RT3: +22%; RT6: +18%) with no significant between-group differences. No significant pre-to-post intervention increases in muscular endurance were seen in either of the training groups. Both groups increased elbow extensor thickness (RT3: +14%; RT6: +11%), rectus femoris thickness (RT3: +5%; RT6: +6%), and vastus intermedius thickness (RT3: +10%; RT6: +11%) with no significant between-group differences. Only the RT3 group significantly increased elbow flexor thickness from pre-to-post intervention (+7%). When training volume is equated, it seems that RT performed either 3 or 6 times per week can result in similar strength gains over a 6-week training period. Furthermore, under volume-equated conditions, comparable hypertrophy results may also be expected with both RT frequencies. Finally, no changes were seen in muscular endurance possibly because of the considerable interindividual variability in responses. The findings presented herein might be of interest to coaches, exercise practitioners, athletes, and recreational trainees.

Underestimation of economy from incremental tests: Implications for practitioners

Summary Purpose Current practices for estimating exercise economy using an extrapolation of sub-gas exchange threshold (GET), and to a lesser degree supra-GET, data will likely result an underestimation of actual economy, however, this is yet to be empirically demonstrated. Despite contentions, these protocols remain in widespread use. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether estimation of exercise economy from moderate only, and moderate and heavy intensity exercise underestimates actual oxygen cost. Summary of Facts and Results Twelve recreationally active males (mean ± SD; age 29 ± 9y, height 1.81 ± 0.07 m, mass 81.4 ± 10 kg) volunteered for this study. Following a maximal ramp test to determine the VO2peak, peak power (Wpeak), VO2 and power output at GET, participants completed a sub-GET only, a sub/supra-GET (both five-stage incremental tests), and a fixed WR protocol (10 min duration at 75% Δ). Economy was determined by extrapolation of sub- and sub/supra-GET VO2 and directly measured VO2 at 75% Δ. Within-subjects ANOVA was performed to identify differences in economy between sub-GET only, sub/supra-GET, and fixed WR protocols. Significant effects between the predicted values compared to the measured value were investigated post hoc using Bonferroni corrected paired t-tests. There was a significant effect of protocol on VO2 and economy (P Conclusion The large error obtained by extrapolating sub-GET exercise intensities for the purpose of estimating exercise economy needs to be acknowledged, as does the concomitant, albeit reduced, error that remains when incorporating supra-GET data. Exercise scientists and practitioners should adopt more appropriate testing protocols such as serial assessments, up-to and including race pace, to accurately assess economy.

Acute physiological and affective responses in postmenopausal women during prescribed and self-selected aerobic exercise:

Few elderly meet current physical activity (PA) guidelines. The limitations for PA adherence is due the barriers found such as displeasure, discomfort, pain and sense of exhaustion. Self-selected exercise has been strategy for PA adherence, due greatest tolerance by aerobic exercise practitioners. The aim of this study was investigate physiological and psychological responses in prescribed and self-selected sessions in postmenopausal women. It was recruited 27 women active. The study consisted 3 moments: familiarization, self-selected, prescribed sessions. The intensity of self-selected session was replicated in prescribed session. There was significant main effect of the time for HR (p=0,047), FS (p=0,009) and Borg scale (p=0,012). Session by time interaction the significant main effect in HR (p&lt;0,001). Significant mean difference was observed for psychological variables FS (p= 0,011), Borg scale (p= 0,016) and ITL (p&lt;0,001). This study demonstrates the self-selected session relationship with greatest affection and low perceived effort exercise when compared to prescribed exercise