High-intensity Functional Training Research Articles

DOES EXERCISE PRESERVE FAT FREE MASS DURING A VERY LOW ENERGY DIET IN PATIENTS WITH OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA?

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Obesity is a major comorbidity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), contributing to 58% of moderate to severe cases in adults. Very low energy diets (VLED) are effective for rapidly reducing weight however are associated with a greater fat free mass reduction compared to other energy restricted diets. Exercise may protect against this and has been shown to improve apnoea hypopnea index (AHI) independently of weight loss. We aimed to assess the feasibility and tolerability of rapid weight loss induced by VLED with or without high-intensity functional exercise in overweight and obese men with OSA. METHODS This two-arm open-label pilot randomised trial included 20 participants with a BMI of ≥27kg/m2 and moderate to severe OSA. Patients were randomised to VLED-only (VO) or VLED plus exercise (VEX) for 12-weeks. Both groups followed a VLED providing <800kcal/day for 8 weeks, followed by a 4-week refeeding period. The VEX group also participated in supervised high-intensity functional exercise training consisting of resistance and aerobic training of up to 5 days per week. RESULTS A total weight loss of -14.5kg [95%CI -17.5 to -11.5] and -9.3kg FM [95%CI -11.0 to -7.6] was achieved (measured by DEXA). Fat-free mass (FFM) reduction occurred (-3.9kg [95%CI -5.5 to -2.3]), with a trend towards preservation in the VEX group. The VO group reduced AHI by 42.9%, moving from severe to moderate OSA. The VEX group’s AHI change (-32.6%) approached but did not reach the moderate category post-intervention. CONCLUSION The VLED, with or without exercise, proved feasible and well-tolerated and demonstrated positive outcomes in body composition and AHI. The VEX group suggested a potential trend in preserving FFM compared to the VO group. These results are promising, indicating the need for a larger, definitive trial to confirm these findings and explore the impact of exercise on FFM preservation in this population.

High Intensity Functional Training for Patients Diagnosed with Cancer: A Study Evaluating the Feasibility of a Pragmatic Intervention

Abstract Purpose To investigate the feasibility of a municipality-based 16-week group-based HIFT-program (e.g. CrossFit) as a part of the physical rehabilitation of cancer survivors at different stages of cancer treatment. Methods Non-randomised clinical feasibility study. Younger adult patients (age 18–44 years) diagnosed with cancer who were referred to rehabilitation between August 2019 to December 2019 were eligible for inclusion. The group-based HIFT intervention was designed as a 16-week program with two sessions weekly (1.25 h each). The intervention program was not developed with pre-defined progression in terms of gradually added resistance, intensity, or volume during the 16 weeks period but the physiotherapist leading the sessions was trained in scalability. Feasibility was evaluated as retention, adherence, and accrual rates. Data on quality of life and cancer-related fatigue were measured EORTC QLQ-C-30 and evaluated using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results Eighty-three percent of the eligible patients were included and initiated the HIFT program. However, 25% of the patients were not adherent to the intervention and only 34% of the patients were still adherent to the intervention after 4 months. Nonetheless, a significant improvement in cancer specific HRQoL was found from baseline [Mean = 53.4, 95%CI (47.6, 59.1)] to the end of the intervention [Mean = 66.3, 95%CI (60.8, 71.9)]. Conclusion It is possible to recruit patients diagnosed with cancer to a municipality-based HIFT rehabilitation program, however, adherence to the intervention is found to be difficult for the majority of the patients.

High intensity functional training for people with spinal cord injury & their care partners.

Non-randomized clinical trial. Examine the feasibility, physical and psychosocial effects of a high intensity functional training (HIFT) exercise program for people with spinal cord injury (pSCI) and their care partners (CPs). Community fitness center in a Medically Underserved Area (Fort Smith, USA.) METHODS: A single-group design with three assessment points (before the program, at midpoint (13 weeks), and post-program (25 weeks) was used to examine the effects of up to 49 HIFT sessions over 25-weeks. Sessions were 60 to 75 min in duration and adapted to the abilities of participants. Feasibility measures included recruitment, retention, attendance, safety and fidelity (exercise intensity rated via session-Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE). Physical measures included cardiovascular endurance, anaerobic power, and muscular strength. Psychosocial measures included perceived social support for exercise, exercise self-efficacy and health-related quality of life. Fourteen pSCI (7 with paraplegia and 7 with tetraplegia, 2 females) and 6 CPs (4 females) were included (median age = 60) (IQR = 15.8). Recruitment rates were 40% for pSCI and 32% for CPs. On average, participants attended 73% (22%) of exercise sessions with a median session-RPE of 5 (IQR = 1). Retention rates were 83% and 67% for pSCI and CPs, respectively. For pSCI and their CPs, large effect sizes were observed for cardiovascular endurance, anaerobic power, muscular strength, and social support for exercise. For pSCI and their CPs, HIFT appears feasible and potentially leads to improvements in physical and psychosocial health for both groups.

High Intensity Functional Training for People with Parkinson's & Their Care Partners: A Feasibility Study.

Various forms of exercise have proven health benefits for people with Parkinson's (pwPD) yet high intensity functional training (HIFT) has yet to be studied. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility, physical and psychosocial impacts of a HIFT program for pwPD and their care partners (CPs). A single group, pre-post design with assessments before, in the middle (13weeks), and after the 25-week intervention. Community fitness facility. Fourteen pwPD (10 at Hoehn Yahr Stage ≤2, 4 females) and 10 CPs (5 females) were included (mean age = 71.5 (6.1)). A 25-week HIFT program (≤49 exercise sessions, ≤75min long). Recruitment, retention, attendance, safety and exercise intensity (measured via session-Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)) was assessed in addition to cardiovascular endurance, lower extremity strength, walking speed, balance, exercise self-efficacy, balance confidence, social support for exercise and health-related quality of life. Descriptive data was used to describe feasibility measures. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pre- and post-program data. Effect size, r, was calculated. Recruitment rates were ≥40% for pwPD and CPs and retention rates were 80% for pwPD and 62.5% for CPs. Average session attendance was 71.2% with 15 adverse events reported, including 7 non-injurious falls. Median session-RPE was 5 (IQR = 1) out of 10. PwPD demonstrated significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance, self-selected and fast walking speeds, balance and social support for exercise. CPs demonstrated significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance and lower extremity strength. Exercise self-efficacy, balance confidence and health-related quality of life did not significantly change for pwPD or CPs. High intensity functional training appears feasible for pwPD and their CPs and may lead to health benefits. Healthcare providers should consider HIFT as another option to engage pwPD in community-based exercise.

Unlocking the power of synergy: High-intensity functional training and early time-restricted eating for transformative changes in body composition and cardiometabolic health in inactive women with obesity.

The purpose of this study was to examine the long-term effects of time-restricted eating (TRE), with or without high intensity functional training (HIFT), on body composition and cardiometabolic biomarkers among inactive women with obesity. Sixty-four women (BMI = 35.03 ± 3.8 kg/m2; age = 32.1 ± 10 years) were randomly allocated to either: (1) TRE (≤8-h daily eating window, with ad libitum energy intake) group; (2) HIFT (3 sessions/week) group; or (3) TRE combined with HIFT (TRE-HIFT) group. The interventions lasted 12 weeks with a pre-post measurement design. A HIFT session consists of 8 sets of multiple functional exercises with self-selected intensity (20 or 30s work/10s rest). TRE-HIFT showed a greater decrease of waist and hip circumferences and fat mass compared to TRE (p = 0.02, p = 0.02 and p<0.01; respectively) and HIFT (p = 0.012, p = 0.028 and p<0.001; respectively). Weight and BMI decreased in TRE-HIFT compared to HIFT group (p<0.001; for both). Fat-free mass was lower in TRE compared to both HIFT and TRE-HIFT groups (p<0.01 and p<0.001; respectively). Total cholesterol, triglyceride, insulin, and HOMA-IR decreased in TRE-HIFT compared to both TRE (p<0.001, p<0.01, p = 0.015 and p<0.01; respectively) and HIFT (p<0.001, p = 0.02, p<0.01 and p<0.001; respectively) groups. Glucose level decreased in TRE-HIFT compared to HIFT (p<0.01). Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in both TRE-HIFT and HIFT groups compared to TRE group (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02; respectively). In inactive women with obesity, combining TRE with HIFT can be a good strategy to induce superior effects on body composition, lipid profile and glucose regulation compared with either diet or exercise intervention alone. Clinical Trials Number: PACTR202301674821174.

FEASIBILITY OF HIGH-INTENSITY FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING AT HOME FOR POSTINJURY OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Older adults who experience a slip, trip, or fall may experience preclinical mobility limitation (PCML), where individuals report modifications but not difficulty in mobility tasks and are at increased risk for future functional decline. Functional decline may be prevented with exercise. The purpose of this pilot trial was to determine the feasibility (adherence, recruitment, retention, safety) and preliminary outcomes (physical functioning, cognitive functioning, enjoyment) of home-based 12-week high-intensity functional strength training (HIFST) for community-dwelling older adults (≥ 55 years) with PCML who have had an injury from a slip, trip, or fall in the previous year. The trial is currently underway (target completion spring 2023). Participants are stratified by sex and randomized (1:1) to HIFST or a stretching program, both delivered by a physiotherapist via videoconferencing. Feasibility will be assessed based on predetermined criteria and reported using descriptive statistics. Preliminary effects will be reported as between group differences. To date, 20 participants (11 HIFST, 9 stretch) have enrolled (target n=24). Six participants have completed the HIFST intervention, and 2 have withdrawn before completion (reasons: mental health crisis and acute knee pain episode) with a total adherence rate of 85.8% of sessions completed (97.7% for the 6 participants who did not withdraw) which exceeds our threshold for feasibility (≥ 70%). No serious intervention-related adverse events have been reported. The results of this pilot will provide essential information for future research regarding the process, resources, and potential effects of home-based HIFST in a PCML post-injury older adult population.

ACCEPTABILITY OF HIGH-INTENSITY FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING AT HOME FOR POSTINJURY OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Regular exercise plays a vital role in optimizing aging and preventing functional decline. Despite the recognized benefit of exercise, adherence is challenging, and acceptability of exercise interventions is crucial. Acceptability is influenced by various factors, including content, context, and delivery. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study is to determine the acceptability to older adult participants of a home-based high-intensity functional strength training (HIFST) intervention delivered by a physiotherapist via videoconferencing. HIFST involves the use of periods of ‘hard’ effort using everyday strength-building movements alternating with ‘easy’ recovery periods. This study accompanies an ongoing pilot randomized controlled trial investigating the feasibility of HIFST (completion: spring 2023). We are conducting semi-structured interviews and a short anonymous survey with participants who have completed HIFST. Data collected is being analyzed using qualitative content analysis. To date, results from 8 participants (2 men, 6 women, 55-81 years) demonstrate a positive overall impression of HIFST with all participants noting enjoyment, a good experience, and/or meeting their expectations. Participants reported certain aspects less/more enjoyable than others (e.g., specific exercises). No technical difficulties have been noted and many participants appreciated the convenience of an online format. Prior knowledge of interval-based exercise was minimal for most participants and the majority commented on a preference for shorter intervals with shorter rest periods. Further data collection and analysis will provide a contextualized understanding of the HIFST intervention and important considerations for exercise prescription in an aging population.

A Description of Exercise Programs Implemented During a Firefighter Training Academy.

The aim of the study is to thoroughly describe exercise programs that were performed during a firefighter training academy, including their effects on body composition and physical fitness. Fourteen recruits performed exercise programs during a 24-week training academy and several components of their body composition and physical fitness were measured. Moreover, their heart rate (HR) and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) were recorded during and after every training session, respectively. Fat-free mass, subcutaneous fat in the abdomen, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, lower-body power, and muscular endurance significantly improved during the study ( P ≤ 0.05). The highest HR and sRPE responses were observed during aerobic training (AT) sessions. The average HR responses relative to maximum HR were similar during AT, high-intensity circuit training, multimodal high-intensity interval training, and high-intensity functional training; however, the sRPEs during high-intensity circuit training and multimodal high-intensity interval training were significantly lower than AT. Several effective exercise programs can be implemented during firefighter training academies.

Effects of high-intensity functional training on physical fitness and sport-specific performance among the athletes: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

This study aims to meta-analyze the impact of high-intensity functional training on athletes' physical fitness and sport-specific performance. A systematic search was conducted in five well-known academic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and the Cochrane Library) up to July 1, 2023. The literature screening criteria included: (1) studies involving healthy athletes, (2) a HIFT program, (3) an assessment of outcomes related to athletes' physical fitness or sport-specific performance, and (4) the inclusion of randomized controlled trials. The Physical Therapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was used to evaluate the quality of studies included in the meta-analysis. 13 medium- and high-quality studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, involving 478 athletes aged between 10 and 24.5 years. The training showed a small to large effect size (ES = 0.414-3.351; all p < 0.05) in improving upper and lower body muscle strength, power, flexibility, and sport-specific performance. High-intensity functional training effectively improves athletes' muscle strength, power, flexibility, and sport-specific performance but has no significant impact on endurance and agility. Future research is needed to explore the impact of high-intensity functional training on athletes' speed, balance, and technical and tactical performance parameters.

Translating scientific recommendations into reality: a feasibility study using group-based high-intensity functional exercise training in adolescents with cerebral palsy

Purpose To examine the feasibility and effects of a functional high-intensity exercise intervention performed in a group-setting on functionality, cardiovascular health and physical performance in adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods Ten adolescents with a diagnosis of CP (2 females; 16.6 ± 3.4 years; GMFCS: I-II) participated in a 12-week training intervention, containing progressive resistance training using free weights and high-intensity workouts twice a week. The six-minute walking test, arterial stiffness and physical performance (strength and power tests) were measured before and after the intervention. Results No adverse events were reported. We measured small increases in the six-minute walking test (Δ = 28.8 m, 95% CI [-1.78;52.7]; g = 0.34 [-0.04;0.72]) and a small reduction in arterial stiffness (Δ = −4.65% [-10.90;1.25]; g = −0.46 [-1.36;0.21]). All measures of physical performance increased (0.24 ≤ g ≤ 0.88). Conclusion Functional training with free weights in high-functioning adolescents with CP is safe and effective in increasing parameters of physical performance and cardiovascular health. Positively influenced indicators of everyday independence (i.e. strength parameters) showed a transfer into movements of daily life. Concerns about adverse events through high-intensity training in adolescents with CP appear unjustified when training is performed progressively, following basic training principles.

A Preliminary Investigation into the Frequency Dose Effects of High-Intensity Functional Training on Cardiometabolic Health.

The objective of this study was to explore the effects of three weekly frequency doses of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) on an array of cardiometabolic markers in adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Twenty-one men and women, randomized into one (HIFT1), two (HIFT2), or three (HIFT3) days per week of HIFT, completed 3-weeks of familiarization plus a 12-week progressive training program. Pre- and post-intervention, several cardiometabolic, body composition, oxygen consumption, metabolic syndrome severity, and perceptions of fitness measurements were assessed. Additionally, an exercise enjoyment survey was administered post-intervention. A Cohen's d was used to demonstrate within-group change effect size. Although this study was not fully powered, a one-way and two-way ANOVA were used to compare the dose groups to provide provisional insights. No differences were found when frequency dose groups were compared. Many cardiometabolic, body composition, and fitness improvements were seen within each group, with clinically meaningful improvements in the metabolic syndrome severity score (MSSS) (HIFT1: -0.105, d = 0.28; HIFT2: -0.382, d = 1.20; HIFT3: -0.467, d = 1.07), waist circumference (HIFT1: -4.1cm, d = 3.33; HIFT2: -5.4cm, d = 0.89; HIFT3: -0.7cm, d = 0.20), and blood glucose (HIFT1: -9.5mg/dL, d = 0.98; HIFT2: -4.9mg/dL, d = 1.00; HIFT3: -1.7mg/dL, d = 0.23). All three groups similarly reported high exercise enjoyment and likeliness to continue after the intervention. In conclusion, HIFT performed once, twice, or thrice a week elicits improvements in MetS and is considered enjoyable. HIFT, even at a low weekly dose, therefore represents a potential strategy to reduce the global MetS burden.

The Effect of High-intensity Functional Training on LRG1 Levels and Its Relationship with Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Atherogenic Indices in Overweight and Obese Women

Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of high-intensity functional training on leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein 1(LRG1) levels and its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors and atherogenic indicators in overweight and obese women. Method: In this semi-experimental study, 19 overweight and obese women were randomly divided into two groups of high-intensity functional training (n=9) and control (n=10). The participants of the training group performed high-intensity functional exercises three times per week for eight weeks. Before and after the intervention, blood samples were taken to measure LRG1 concentration and lipid profile, in addition to the calculation of atherogenic indices. Analysis of covariance test was used to analyze the data. Results: After eight weeks of high-intensity functional training, LRG1 concentration (P=0.027), plasma atherogenic index (P=0.000), Castelli risk index-I (CRI-I) (P=0.001), and Castelli risk index-II (CRI-II) (P=0.002) were significantly decreased in the experimental group compared to the control group. A positive and significant correlation was observed between changes in LRG1 concentration and changes in body fat percentage (r=0.437, P=0.041), plasma atherogenic index (r=0.512, P=0.025), and CRI-I (r=0.479, P=0.038). A negative and significant correlation was observed between the changes of LRG1 and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (r =-0.569, P=0.011). Conclusion: Eight weeks of high-intensity functional training in overweight and obese women is effective in reducing LRG1 and improving cardiovascular risk factors and atherogenic indicators. Therefore, high-intensity functional exercises can be effective as auxiliary exercise interventions in controlling and reducing complications related to overweight and obesity

Comparison of physiological and psychobiological acute responses between high intensity functional training and high intensity continuous training

Little is known about the physiological and psychobiological responses that occur during and after high intensity functional training (HIFT). We compared physiological and psychobiological responses during and after a HIFT session with a high intensity continuous training (HICT) session. Twenty-one trained and healthy men were submitted to 20-min session of HIFT and HICT on separate days. The heart rate, blood lactate concentration [Lac], levels of state anxiety, rates of perceived exertion (RPE) and perceived discomfort (RPE-D), and affective valence were measured. Exercise intensity of the HICT was adjusted to the mean heart rate obtained in the HIFT session. The highest heart rate in the training sessions was significantly higher in HIFT (mean ​± ​standard deviation [SD]: [187 ​± ​9] bpm) than in HICT (mean ​± ​SD: [178 ​± ​8] bpm, p ​< ​0.001). The [Lac] was significantly higher immediately after the HIFT (median [interquartile range (IQR)]: 6.8 [4.4] mmol/L) than the HICT (median [IQR]: 3.2 [1.9], p ​= ​0.021) and 10 ​min after (median [IQR]: HIFT ​= ​6.8 [4.9] mmol/L, HICT ​= ​2.9 [2.4] mmol/L, p ​= ​0.003). The RPE was also significantly higher in the HIFT (median [IQR]: HIFT ​= ​20 [2], HICT ​= ​15 [5], p ​= ​0.009). The physiological and psychobiological responses compared between HIFT and HICT sessions are similar, except for the higher heart rate obtained during the sessions, [Lac] and RPE. Probably, the results found for the higher heart rate obtained during the sessions, [Lac] and RPE may be explained by the higher participation of the anaerobic glycolytic metabolism during the HIFT session.

Androgenic-anabolic steroids use among women: prevalence of use and intention to use among those with high-intensity functional training practice

ABSTRACT Background Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use among women has raising over years, especially due to aesthetic motivation, but performance improvement is another motivation. Since high-intensity functional training (HIFT) exhibits an intrinsic competitive aspect, we investigated the AAS use among women HIFT practitioners. Methods Using the “virtual snowball,” 291 Brazilian women HIFT practitioners answered an online survey. Results The prevalence of AAS use was 22%, but the use after the HIFT adherence was 15%. Among those who never used, 12.3% reported intention to use. Age, marital status, and time of training were significantly associated with AAS use. Aesthetics was the main motivation for use, and 59.7% reported using it on medical advice. The main motivation was aesthetics, but it seems to have a trend to change the motivation for performance improvement over aesthetics, especially among women with longer training time. Conclusion The prevalence of AAS use was high; however, it seems that HIFT adherence is not a factor raising the prevalence of AAS use among physically active women. Additionally, the motivation for AAS use among women HIFT practitioners seems to be trending toward change, increasing the motivation for performance improvement over aesthetic motivation, especially among women with longer HIFT adherence time.

Resilience And High-intensity Functional Training To Strengthen Mental Health Among Northern Arizona Firefighters

Resilience And High-intensity Functional Training To Strengthen Mental Health Among Northern Arizona Firefighters

Effect of High Intensity Functional with Strategy Sports Training on Cognitive Performance for Physical Education Achievement in High School Students

Study purpose. This research aims to develop cognitive performance on the success of sports skills in physical education in Buriram Province. Materials and methods. The sample group of 80 people was divided into 2 groups of 40 people each. The control group was taught a regular strategy of handball instruction. The experimental group was taught a strategy of handball instruction with high-intensity functional training. Both groups were taught for 1 hour per week according to the normal teaching schedule of the school for a period of 8 weeks. All students were assessed by a computerized cognitive test battery and Sports skills achievement test in pre- and post-experimental. Analysis of the research data was performed by testing differences between the groups using the parametric and non-parametric statistics. Results. After 8 weeks of the experiment, analysis of the difference between the experimental group and the control group in the experimental data was carried out showing that the cognitive performance in terms of attention, executive function, cognitive flexibility, and working memory takes less time in the experimental group than in the control group, including Sports skills achievement scores in the test where the experimental group had more scores than the control group, which is statistically significant at .05. Conclusions. High-intensity functional with strategy sports training program in physical education class can develop cognitive performance in terms of attention, executive functions, cognitive flexibility, and working memory in high school students.

The effects of high-intensity functional training on muscle damage and recovery capacity in trained individuals

Objective: High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) is nowadays widely used due to low time demand and efficiency to improve performance and health. The dynamics of recovery of muscle damage and physical fitness after a HIFT in individuals with different fitness status provide a practical information for coaches and practitioners. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify the muscle damage and performance recovery responses after an acute HIFT session in healthy young men with different fitness status.Method: Sixteen recreationally trained participants (age: 23.4 ± 2.4 y; body mass index: 24.6 ± 2.4 kg·m-2; 1RM back squat: 120.1 ± 19.9 kg) were divided into two groups according to their maximum strength (higher-trained [HT] and lower-trained group [LT]), and performed a single HIFT session. Muscle damage (creatine kinase [CK] and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]) and physical fitness tests (strength, power, and oxygen consumption) were analyzed before, immediately after, 24h and 48h after the HIFT session. The internal training load for both groups was equalized using the Rating of Perceived Exertion method (RPE) and the percentage 1 repetition maximum (1RM).Results: Biochemical markers and performance indicators showed that both groups suffered exercise-induced muscle damage. There was a trend towards faster muscle damage recovery in HT group.Conclusions: HT group showed higher muscle damage recovery compared to the LT group. A longer recovery time to complete muscle recovery might be expected in the LT group.

Long-term adherence to high-intensity functional training: An exploratory analysis in a “real-world” setting

ObjectiveTo analyze the long-term adherence to High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT). Equipment and methodsOnly information about registration date, last payment, age and sex of 405 participants (women=224; men=111; M age=30.2, SD=8.1 years), between January 2017 and March 2019 were available to us. We analyzed the overall adherence probability curve by the Kaplan-Meier method, and we compared participants of varied gender and age using Mantel-Cox Log-Rank. ResultsWith adherence defined in this fashion, the participants’ median adherence time to the HIFT facility was three months (95% CI=2.60–3.40). The adherence probabilities for individuals to stay in the HIFT facility for more than three, six, and 12 months were 0.43, 0.28, and 0.13, respectively. There was no difference in adherence probability between males and females (χ2(1)=2.026; P=0.155) or between older and younger age groups (χ2(1)=0.430; P=0.512). Adherence to HIFT decreased drastically in the first months, and long-term term adherence was low.

Supplementation with spinach-derived thylakoid augments the benefits of high intensity training on adipokines, insulin resistance and lipid profiles in males with obesity.

This study investigated the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) combined with spinach-derived thylakoid supplementation on some selected Adipokines and insulin resistance in males with obesity. Sixty-eight participants (mean age: 27.6 ± 8.4 yrs.; mean height: 168.4 ± 2.6cm; mean weight: 95.7 ± 3.8kg, mean BMI: 32.6 ± 2.6 kg/m2) were randomly divided into four groups of 17 per group: Control group (CG), Supplement group (SG), Training group (TG), and Training + supplement group (TSG). Following baseline measurements, the two training groups (TG and TSG) started the 12 weeks of exercise training program (3 sessions per week). A total of 36 sessions lasting up to 60min were included in the HIFT program using the CrossFit program. The eligible participants received 5 g/day of thylakoid-rich spinach extract or matching placebo as 5 g/day of raw corn starch (one sachet, 30min before lunch) for 12 weeks. Baseline assessments were obtained 48 hours before the start of the training protocols and 48 hours after the last training session in all groups. There were significant interactions (p<0.001 for all) between exercise and time for adiponectin (ES:0.48), leptin (ES:0.46), resistin (ES:0.3), omentin (ES:0.65), vaspin (ES:0.46), visfatin (ES:0.62), apelin (ES:0.42), RBP4 (ES:0.63), chemrin (0.36) and semaphorin3c (ES: 0.5). Plasma levels of semaphorin3c were significantly correlated (p<0.05) with body weight (r= 0.57), BMI (r= 0.43), FFM (r= -0.612), FAT (r= 0.768), VO2peak (r=-0.53), insulin (r= 0.756), glucose (r= 0.623), and HOMA-IR (r= 0.727). There were also significant group differences in insulin (ES: 0.77), glucose (ES: 0.21), and HOM-IR (ES: 0.44) (p<0.05). Our findings indicate that 12 weeks of HIFT supplemented with spinach-derived thylakoid reduced levels of leptin, resistin, vaspin, visfatin, apelin, RBP4, chemrin, semaphorin3c and insulin resistance while increasing adiponectin and omentin levels in men with obesity.

Two-dimensional video analysis of the overhead squat: a preliminary study

The aim of this study was to identify changes in the pattern of movement during performance of the overhead squat, as well as possible differences between the sexes, during a protocol of an extreme conditioning program. The subjects were eleven men (28.6 ± 4.5 years, 85.1 ± 8.4 kg, 1.80 ± 0.07 m, and 13.8 ± 7.7 months of practice) and eleven women (30.5 ± 4.8 years, 68.2 ± 10.36 kg, 1.70 ± 0.05 m, and 20.3 ± 17.01 months of practice), all of whom were extreme conditioning program practitioners. The protocol chosen for the training was the “Nautical Nancy”, which consisted of 5 rounds of 15 overhead squats and 400 meters of rowing. During the exercise, an analysis was performed in which the shoulder, knee, and hip flexion angles were analyzed in the first and last rounds. For men, there were increases of the shoulder and hip flexion angles, while the women showed increase of the shoulder flexion angle and decrease of the knee flexion angle. Changes in technique occurred due to the attempt at self-preservation on the part of the practitioners, when exposed to the protocol, which could lead to increased risk of injury. Key words: CrossFit; High Intensity Functional Training; Resistance Training; Biomechanics; Exercise Technique.