High-intensity Resistance Training Research Articles

A Comparison of Bone-Targeted Exercise With and Without Antiresorptive Bone Medication to Reduce Indices of Fracture Risk in Postmenopausal Women With Low Bone Mass: The MEDEX-OP Randomized Controlled Trial.

The goal of the MEDEX-OP trial was to compare the efficacy of a known effective high-intensity resistance and impact training (HiRIT) with a low-intensity exercise control (Buff Bones® [BB]), alone or in combination with antiresorptive bone medication, on indices of fracture risk (bone mass, body composition, muscle strength, functional performance), compliance, and safety. Primary study outcomes were 8-month change in lumbar spine (LS) and total hip (TH) bone mineral density (BMD). Healthy postmenopausal women with low bone mass (T-score ≤ -1.0) on or off stable doses (≥12 months) of antiresorptive medication were recruited. A total of 115 women (aged 63.6 ± 0.7 years; body mass index [BMI] 25.5 kg/m2 ; femoral neck [FN] T-score -1.8 ± 0.1) were randomly allocated to 8-month, twice-weekly, 40-minute HiRIT (5 sets of 5 repetitions, >80% to 85% 1 repetition maximum) or BB (low-intensity, Pilates-based training), stratified by medication intake, resulting in four groups: HiRIT (n=42), BB (n=44), HiRIT-med (n=15), BB-med (n=14). HiRIT improved LS BMD (1.9 ± 0.3% versus 0.1 ± 0.4%, p < 0.001) and stature (0.2 ± 0.1 cm versus -0.0 ± 0.1 cm, p=0.004) more than BB. Both programs improved functional performance, but HiRIT effects were larger for leg and back muscle strength and the five times sit-to-stand test (p < 0.05). There was a positive relationship between maximum weight lifted and changes in LS BMD and muscle strength in the HiRIT groups. Exploratory analyses suggest antiresorptive medication may enhance exercise efficacy at the proximal femur and lumbar spine. Exercise compliance was good (82.4 ± 1.3%) and both programs were well tolerated (7 adverse events: HiRIT 4; BB 3). HiRIT improved indices of fracture risk significantly more than Buff Bones®. More trials combining bone medication and bone-targeted exercise are needed. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

HIIT, RESISTANCE TRAINING, AND RISK FACTORS IN ADOLESCENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

ABSTRACT It has been shown that combined physical exercise is an efficient non-pharmacological approach in the context of public health, since it has demonstrated satisfactory results in the prevention, treatment and control of various morbidities. Therefore, it is essential to systematize current knowledge to enable professionals involved in the prescription of physical exercise to do so based on evidence. Thus, the objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of randomized clinical trials to verify changes in cardiometabolic risk factors induced by high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and resistance training (RT) in adolescents. The systematic search was performed in the following databases: Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, LILACS and Scielo. Initially 933 studies were identified, then two researchers eliminated duplications and manuscripts that did not meet the eligibility criteria. Thus, two articles were included that met these criteria: a randomized clinical trial conducted with adolescents (10 to 19 years) of both sexes, an intervention lasting for at least four weeks, which prescribed HIIT and RT in the same session or not, and evaluation of at least one cardiometabolic risk factor. The results demonstrated that eight to 12 weeks of HIIT and RT without nutritional intervention were effective in significantly reducing waist circumference and body fat percentage. However, data pertinent to the efficacy of this combination on risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension are controversial. In view of the above, it is ascertained from the included studies that the combination of HIIT and RT has the potential to reduce cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents; therefore, further studies should be conducted to determine the effectiveness of this prescription of physical exercise. Level of Evidence II; Systematic review of Level II or Level I Studies with discrepant results.

High-Intensity Resistance Training Suppresses Exacerbation of Atopic Dermatitis in Mice

PURPOSE: Training generally promotes health and inhibits diseases. However, in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), training and sweating are significant aggravating factors. This study examined the effect of high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) on AD-like skin lesions in mice.METHODS: Eight-week-old female BALB/c mice were divided into four groups (control, HIRT, AD-only, and AD+HIRT). The mice in the HIRT group performed vertical ladder climbing for four weeks.RESULTS: After four weeks of HIRT, histopathological examination revealed reduced epidermis/dermis and dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells in the mice ear tissue. Additionally, HIRT suppressed serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels and mRNA expression of pathogenic cytokines in the ear tissue; further, it reduced the size and weight of the draining lymph node (dLN) and non-dLN (ndLN), and the pathogenic cytokine-related mRNA expression of CD4+T cells from dLNs and ndLNs. We thus observed a negative correlation between HIRT and AD symptoms in mice.CONCLUSIONS:The results show that HIRT exerts positive effects in patients with AD.

Detraining effects after 18months of high intensity resistance training on osteosarcopenia in older men-Six-month follow-up of the randomized controlled Franconian Osteopenia and Sarcopenia Trial (FrOST).

Detraining after dedicated exercise programs might be a frequent situation in older people's exercise patterns. The aim of the present study was thus to determine the effects of 6months of detraining after 18months of high intensity resistance exercise (HIT-RT) on musculoskeletal outcomes in older men with sarcopenia. Community-dwelling men aged 72years and older with osteosarcopenia (n=43) were randomly assigned to an 18-month HIT-RT (EG: n=21) or a non-training control group (CG, n=22). After the intervention, participants of the EG stopped HIT-RT for 6months, but continued their habitual physical activity. Study outcomes were skeletal muscle mass index, bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar-spine and total-hip, maximum hip/leg-extensor strength, handgrip strength and gait velocity. We applied an intention-to-treat analysis with multiple imputation. Changes in the HIT-RT were much more pronounced during the detraining period compared with the CG, although this effect was only significant for skeletal muscle mass index and hip-/leg-extensor strength (p=.002 and p=.013), but not for lumbar-spine BMD (p=.068), total-hip BMD (p=.069), handgrip strength (p=.066) or gait velocity (p=.067). Apart from total-hip BMD (p=.055), handgrip strength (p=.069) and gait velocity (p=.881) values of the HIT-RT group decreased significantly during detraining. However, after 24months, overall effects (p<.001) were still observed for skeletal muscle mass index and hip-/leg-extensor strength. Although unable to state from which point in time relevant detraining effects emerge, we conclude that health care providers should focus on continuous rather than intermitted exercise programs for older people. Clinical trial number: clinicalTrials.gov: NCT03453463; NCT04444661.

Effectiveness of the PROMUFRA program in pre-frail, community-dwelling older people: A randomized controlled trial

This study evaluated the effect of PROMUFRA program on physical frailty, kinanthropometric, muscle function and functional performance variables in pre-frail, community-dwelling older people. Participants (n = 50, 75 ± 7 years) were randomly assigned to two groups: intervention group (IG), and control group (CG). The IG performed multi-component exercise program, focused on high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) combined with self-massage for myofascial release (SMMR) for 12 weeks (2 d.wk−1). Two measurements were performed, at baseline and post-3 months. Participants (n = 43) were analyzed and significant differences were found in group-time interaction for muscle mass (p = 0.017), fat mass (p = 0.003), skeletal muscle mass index (p = 0.011), maximum isometric knee extension (p = 0.042), maximum dynamic knee extension (p = 0.001), maximum leg press (p < 0.001), Barthel Index (p = 0.039) and EuroQol 5-dimensions-3-levels (p = 0.012). We conclude that PROMUFRA program is an effective training method to achieve healthy improvements for the pre-frail community.

Intensity of resistance training via self-reported history is critical in properly characterizing musculoskeletal health

BackgroundIntensity of resistance training history might be omitted or poorly ascertained in prescreening or data questionnaires involving musculoskeletal health. Failure to identify history of high-versus low-intensity training may overlook higher effect sizes with higher intensities and therefore diminish the precision of statistical analysis with resistance training as a covariate and bias the confirmation of baseline homogeneity for experimental group designation. The purpose was to determine the degree to which a single question assessing participant history of resistance training intensity predicted differences in musculoskeletal health.MethodsIn the first research aim, participants were separated into groups with a history (RT) and no history (NRT) of resistance training. The second research aim evaluated the history of resistance training intensity on muscular strength, lean mass, and bone mineral density (BMD), RT participants were reassigned into a low- (LIRT) or high-intensity resistance training group (HIRT). 83 males and 87 females (19.3 ± 0.6 yrs., 171.1 ± 9.9 cm, 67.1 ± 10.5 kg, 22.9 ± 2.8 BMI, 26.2 ± 7.2% body fat) completed handgrip dynamometry (HG) and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans (DXA) for BMD and bone mineral-free lean mass (BFLM).ResultsA 3-group method (NRT, LIRT, HIRT) reduced type-I error compared with the 2-group method (NRT, RT) in characterizing the likely effects of one’s history of resistance training. For the second aim, HIRT had significantly (p < 0.05) greater HG strength (76.2 ± 2.2 kg) and arm BFLM (6.10 ± 0.16 kg) than NRT (67.5 ± 1.3 kg; 4.96 ± 0.09 kg) and LIRT (69.7 ± 2.0 kg; 5.42 ± 0.14 kg) while also showing significantly lower muscle quality (HG/BFLM) than NRT (13.9 ± 0.2 vs. 12.9 ± 0.3). HIRT had greater BMD at all sites compared to NRT (whole body = 1.068 ± 0.008 vs. 1.120 ± 0.014; AP spine = 1.013 ± 0.011 vs. 1.059 ± 0.019; lateral spine = 0.785 ± 0.009 vs. 0.846 ± 0.016; femoral neck = 0.915 ± 0.013 vs. 0.970 ± 0.022; total hip = 1.016 ± 0.012 vs. 1.068 ± 0.021 g/cm2) while LIRT revealed no significant skeletal differences to NRT.ConclusionsRetrospective identification of high-intensity history of resistance training appears critical in characterizing musculoskeletal health and can be ascertained easily in as little as a single, standalone question. Both retrospective-questionnaire style investigations and pre-screening for potential participation in prospective research studies should include participant history of resistance training intensity.

High-Intensity Interval Aerobic Resistance Training to Counteract Low Relative Appendicular Lean Soft Tissue Mass in Middle Age: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundSarcopenia is the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function and may exist in early middle age. Previous research in this area has focused on resistance training in older individuals; however, there is a lack of intervention trials in middle-aged adults with low relative appendicular lean soft tissue mass who may be at risk for sarcopenia in older age.ObjectiveThis randomized controlled trial aims to determine the effects of a high-intensity interval aerobic resistance training intervention on appendicular lean soft tissue mass in middle-aged adults with low relative appendicular lean soft tissue mass.MethodsWe will conduct a 40-week, single-blinded randomized controlled trial in 84 middle-aged adults with low appendicular lean soft tissue mass in the wider Dunedin area, New Zealand. We will randomly allocate participants to receive either a group-based, 20-week high-intensity interval aerobic resistance training intervention program or a single, 60-minute education session on current exercise recommendations. After the first 20 weeks, both groups will be given a 20-week home program. The study will assess primary and secondary outcome measures, including body composition (regional and whole-body lean soft tissue mass, fat mass, percentage body fat, measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry), blood biomarkers (cortisol, creatinine, C-reactive protein, lipid profile, hemoglobin), physical fitness (maximum oxygen consumption, blood pressure), physical activity (accelerometry), physical function (handgrip strength, sit-to-stand, gait speed, quadriceps strength), and self-reported questionnaires (health outcomes, self-efficacy, perceived enjoyment of physical activity, and multifactorial lifestyle), at baseline, 20 weeks, and 40 weeks. Physical function and self-reported questionnaires will also be measured at 10 weeks. We will assess the primary outcome measure, total body lean soft tissue mass, at baseline, 20 weeks, and 40 weeks. Analyses will be performed using intention-to-treat principles, comparing the outcomes resulting from the intervention, using linear mixed models.ResultsWe obtained ethical approval for this study from The University of Otago Human Ethics Committee on December 10, 2018. Participant recruitment started on February 11, 2019 and was completed on May 14, 2019. Data collection started on February 25, 2019 and was completed on February 28, 2020. We expect to publish the results in January 2021.ConclusionsHigh-intensity interval aerobic resistance training is a time-efficient form of exercise, enabling busy middle-aged adults to meet physical activity recommendations while maximizing training results. The findings can inform the development of future prevention-focused interventions aimed at counteracting the high prevalence of sarcopenia in the aging population.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12618001778279); https://tinyurl.com/y555z6fz.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/22989

Exercise Interventions as the Primary Treatment for Depression: Evidence from a Narrative Review.

There is an increasing evidence supporting the efficacy of exercise interventions in the treatment of depression, which is a growing global health concern. However, data on the efficacy of exercise as the primary treatment for depression are scarce. This narrative review explored the efficacy of exercise interventions as the primary treatment for depressive disorders. A comprehensive search for English-language literature published between January 1965 and November 2019 was conducted via PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane database and Medline. Thirteen randomised control trials (RCTs) were included in the final analysis. Their results indicated that supervised aerobic exercise and high-intensity progressive resistance training (PRT) were effective in ameliorating depressive symptoms as the primary treatment compared with control groups, but they were not superior to other active treatments, such as antidepressants and cognitive behavioural therapy. Aerobic exercise and high-intensity PRT may be a promising primary treatment for depression as they may induce biopsychosocial effects (effects on neurotrophic factor, pro-inflammatory cytokines, monoamine, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, self-efficacy, mastery experience, adaptive coping and social interaction), which may ameliorate the severity of depressive symptoms. However, future RCTs with more comprehensive and well-designed methodologies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Effect of blood flow restriction during low-intensity resistance training on bone markers and physical functions in postmenopausal women

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 12-week low intensity resistance training (RT) with blood flow restriction on bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers (BTM), physical functions, and blood lactate concentration in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteopenia. Methods26 study participants (56 ± 1.8yrs, T-score: −2.5 ± 0.7) were randomly assigned into Moderate to High-Intensity RT (MHIRT, n = 7), BFR combined with Low-Intensity RT (LIBFR, n = 7), Low-Intensity RT (LIRT, n = 6), or Control group (CON, n = 6). Exercise group performed leg press, leg extension, biceps curl, and triceps extension 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Training intensity were set at 60% of 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) for MHIRT, and at 30% of 1-RM for LIBFR and LIRT, and reset every 4 weeks for increasing intensity. ResultsLower, and upper limb 1-RM only increased in MHIRT (65%, p < 0.001), and LIBFR (40%, p < 0.05), while LIRT only showed increment on lower limb 1-RM (28%, p < 0.05). All exercise groups demonstrated significant increment on blood lactate concentration after training session (p < 0.001). However, LIBFR showed 2.7 folds higher increment than LIRT (p < 0.001). Although no changes were observed in MHIRT, LIBFR, and LIRT, CON showed significant decrease in BMD (p < 0.05). While, LIRT showed no responses on BTM, LIBFR significantly increased bone formation markers (P1NP) about 7.05 ng/ml (p < 0.05). Lastly, balance improvement was only found in MHIRT, and LIBFR (p < 0.05). Conclusion12-week LIBFR can be implied as a safe, and effective method to improve muscle strength, P1NP, and balance similar to MHIRT in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteopenia.

Feasibility and effects of high-intensity interval training in older adults living with HIV

ABSTRACT Adults with HIV on therapy can live a normal lifespan but exhibit advanced ageing which includes reduced cardiorespiratory fitness. Our objective was to determine the feasibility and effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with resistance training (RT) in older adults with HIV. We conducted a cross-over pilot study within a randomized exercise trial in sedentary adults with HIV ≥50 years of age. First, participants were randomized to 4 months of continuous high-intensity aerobic exercise (AEX) and RT 3x/week or standard of care control. Then, the control group completed 4 months of HIIT + RT (3x/week). Among the 32 individuals enrolled, 26 eligible participants were randomized. Most participants were African American (63%) and male (95%) with a mean (SD) age of 61.5 (6.7) years and VO2peak of 24.5 (4.9) ml/kg/min. Attendance and adherence to both exercise training interventions were high. The clinically significant increases in VO2peak (ml/kg/min) after HIIT (3.09 ±1.04, p=0.02) and AEX (2.09 ±0.72, p=0.01) represented improvements of 17.1% and 7.7%, respectively. Both groups had improvements in exercise endurance (time on the treadmill) and strength (all p< 0.01). This pilot study supports HIIT as an efficient means to deliver high-intensity AEX to improve cardiorespiratory fitness toward the goal of attenuating the accelerated ageing process in adults with HIV.

Are muscle fibres of body builders intrinsically weaker? A comparison with single fibres of aged-matched controls.

Skeletal muscles of Body Builders (BB) represent an interesting model to study muscle mass gains in response to high volume resistance training. It is debated whether muscle contractile performance improves in proportion to mass. Here, we aim to assess whether muscle hypertrophy does not occur at the expense of performance. Six BB and Six untrained controls (CTRL) were recruited. Cross-sectional area (CSA) and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of quadriceps femoris muscle (QF) and CSA and architecture of vastus lateralis (VL) were determined. Moreover, a biopsy was taken from VL mid-portion and single fibres were analysed. QF CSA and MVC were 32% (n.s., P=.052) and 58% (P=.009) higher in BB than in CTRL, respectively. VL CSA was 37% higher in BB (P=.030). Fast 2A fibres CSA was 24% (P=.048) greater in BB than in CTRL, when determined in immunostained sections of biopsy samples. Single permeabilized fast fibres CSA was 37% (n.s., P=.052) higher in BB than in CTRL, and their force was slightly higher in BB (n.s.), while specific tension (P0 ) was 19% (P=.024) lower. The lower P0 was not explained either by lower myosin content or by impaired calcium diffusion. Conversely, the swelling caused by skinning-induced permeabilization was different and, when used to correct P0 , differences between populations disappeared. The results show that high degree of muscle hypertrophy is not detrimental for force generation capacity, as increases in fibre size and force are strictly proportional once the differential swelling response is accounted for.

Mud Pack With Menthol and Arnica Montana Accelerates Recovery Following a High-Volume Resistance Training Session for Lower Body in Trained Men.

Bartolomei, S, Nigro, F, D'Amico, A, Cortesi, M, and Di Michele, R. Mud pack with menthol and Arnica montana accelerates recovery following a high-volume resistance training session for lower body in trained men. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 1909-1915, 2022-The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a mud pack, containing menthol and Arnica montana, on the recovery responses following a high-volume resistance protocol. Ten resistance-trained men (mean ± SD: age = 25.3 ± 6.1 years; body mass = 79.1 ± 10.6 kg; height = 178.9 ± 7.5 cm) performed a high-volume resistance workout for lower body squat and leg extension, (5 sets of 10 reps at 70% of one repetition maximum for both exercises). All the subject used mud (MUD) or a placebo (PL) in randomized counterbalanced crossover design. MUD or PL were applied 4 times: 3, 19, 27, and 45 hours after the workout, on the skin surface above the quadriceps muscle of both legs. Muscle performance (countermovement jump power [CMJP], isokinetic leg press at 75 cm·s-1 and 25 cm·s-1 [ISOK75 and ISOK25, respectively], isometric squat [ISQ]), and morphology (muscle thickness of vastus lateralis [VLMT]), were measured before exercise (baseline [BL]), and 15 minutes (15P), 24 hours (24P), and 48 hours (48P) postexercise. In addition, muscle soreness was assessed at the same time points using a visual analog scale (VAS). No significant interactions (p > 0.05) between the trials were detected for CMJP, ISOK75, ISQ, and VLMT. A significant interaction between trials was noted for ISOK25 (p = 0.022) and for VAS (p = 0.001). ISOK25 was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced from BL at 15P, 24P and 48P in PL, whereas changes were significant (p < 0.05) at 15P and 24P only in MUD. The present findings indicate that MUD may enhance the recovery rate of strength and reduce muscle soreness after high-volume exercise. Muscle morphology do not seem to be influenced by mud packs.

Exploring thoracic kyphosis and incident fracture from vertebral morphology with high-intensity exercise in middle-aged and older men with osteopenia and osteoporosis: a secondary analysis of the LIFTMOR-M trial

The Lifting Intervention For Training Muscle and Osteoporosis Rehabilitation for Men (LIFTMOR-M) trial examined efficacy and safety of an eight-month, supervised, high-intensity progressive resistance and impact training (HiRIT) program compared with machine-based isometric axial compression (IAC) training in middle-aged and older men with low areal bone mineral density (aBMD). The primary purpose of the current work was to explore change in thoracic kyphosis and incident fracture from vertebral morphology following eight-months of HiRIT or IAC training. The secondary purpose was to explore change in clinical kyphosis measures for HiRIT, IAC and a non-randomized, matched control group. Men (≥ 45yrs), with low aBMD, were recruited and randomized to HiRIT or IAC, or designated control. Clinical measures of thoracic kyphosis with inclinometry were determined. Cobb angle of kyphosis and vertebral fracture assessment using the Genant semi-quantitative method were determined from lateral thoracolumbar DXA (Medix DR, Medilink, France). Per-protocol (n = 40) and intention-to-treat (n = 93) analyses were conducted. Forty participants (HiRIT n = 20, IAC n = 20; 66.1 ± 7.8yrs.; lumbar spine T-score - 0.1 ± 0.8; femoral neck T-score - 1.5 ± 0.5) underwent clinical kyphosis measures and thoracolumbar DXA at baseline and follow-up. No between-group differences were detected in kyphosis change, however, within-group improvements in neutral (HiRIT - 2.3 ± 0.8°; IAC - 2.5 ± 0.8°) and 'standing tall' (HiRIT - 2.4 ± 0.8°; IAC - 2.0 ± 0.8°) postures were observed (p < 0.05). HiRIT improved Cobb angle (- 3.5 ± 1.5°, p = 0.027) from baseline. Over the 8months, no incident vertebral fractures nor progression of prevalent vertebral fractures occurred for HiRIT participants. Five incident fractures of thoracic vertebrae occurred for IAC and one wedge fracture progressed. Ninety-three participants underwent clinical kyphosis measures at both time-points (HiRIT n = 34, IAC n = 33, control n = 26). HiRIT exhibited a reduction in 'standing tall' kyphosis compared to control (- 2.3 ± 0.6° versus 1.4 ± 0.7°, p < 0.05), but no other between-group differences were detected. Although there was no difference in change between intervention groups, thoracic kyphosis appeared to improve in both HiRIT and IAC with exercise exposure. HiRIT improved 'standing tall' posture in comparison to usual activities. HiRIT was not associated with vertebral fracture progression or incident vertebral fracture, but for some IAC participants there was evidence of progression of vertebral fracture severity and incident vertebral fractures, in our small sample. Larger trials are required to confirm the observations of the current work, which was exploratory in nature.

The effects of aerobic training, resistance training, combined training, and healthy eating recommendations on lipid profile and body mass index in overweight and obese children and adolescents: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUNDThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 8 weeks of aerobic training, resistance training (RT), combined training, and nutritional recommendations on lipid profile and body mass index (BMI) in obese and overweight children and adolescents.METHODSThis randomized, clinical trial was conducted on 120 children and adolescents (10-19 years of age) with overweight and obesity. Participants were divided into 4 groups, the 3 intervention groups of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), RT, and combined training, and 1 non-exercising control group with healthy eating recommendations. We considered 24 sessions of training during 8 weeks for the intervention groups. The participants’ anthropometric indices and lipid profile were assessed before and after the intervention.RESULTSThere were no significant differences between the groups in terms of anthropometric indices and lipid profiles before the intervention. After the intervention, there was a significant difference between the groups in terms of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level; the control group (37.70 ± 9.45) and the HIIT group (43.65 ± 9.09) displayed the lowest and highest mean, respectively (P = 0.040). Comparison of physical variables and blood lipid profiles before and after the intervention showed a significant difference in waist circumference (P = 0.030), hip circumference (P ≤ 0.001), and HDL level (P = 0.040) in RT, HIIT, combined, and control groups.CONCLUSIONThese results demonstrate that the combined training program and HIIT program with nutritional recommendations in overweight and obese children and adolescents were more effective in reducing BMI and hip circumference, respectively.

Neural Drive is Greater for a High-Intensity Contraction Than for Moderate-Intensity Contractions Performed to Fatigue.

Miller, JD, Lippman, JD, Trevino, MA, and Herda, TJ. Larger motor units are recruited for high-intensity contractions than for fatiguing moderate-intensity contractions. J Strength Cond Res 34(11): 3013-3021, 2020-The purpose of this study was to investigate whether moderate-intensity contractions performed to fatigue activate the motor unit (MU) pool to the same extent as a higher-intensity contraction. Subjects (7 men, 2 women, age = 22.78 ± 4.15 years, height = 173.78 ± 14.19 cm, mass = 87.39 ± 21.19 kg) performed 3 isometric maximum voluntary contractions (MVCs), an isometric trapezoidal contraction at 90% MVC (REP90), and repetitive isometric trapezoidal contractions at 50% MVC performed to failure with the first (REP1) and final repetition (REPL) used for analysis. Surface EMG was recorded from the vastus lateralis. Action potentials were extracted into firing events of single MUs with recruitment thresholds (RTs), MU action potential amplitudes (MUAPAMP), and mean firing rates (MFRs) recorded. Linear MFR and MUAPAMP vs. RT and exponential MFR vs. MUAPAMP relationships were calculated for each subject. The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. B terms for the MFR vs. MUAPAMP relationships (p = 0.001, REPL = -4.77 ± 1.82 pps·mV, REP90 = -2.63 ± 1.00 pps·mV) and predicted MFRs for MUs recruited at 40% MVC (p < 0.001, REPL = 11.14 ± 3.48 pps, REP90 = 18.38 ± 2.60 pps) were greater for REP90 than REPL indicating firing rates were greater during REP90. In addition, larger mean (p = 0.038, REPL = 0.178 ± 0.0668 mV, REP90 = 0.263 ± 0.128 mV) and maximum (p = 0.008, REPL = 0.320 ± 0.127 mV, Rep90 = 0.520 ± 0.234 mV) MUAPAMPS were recorded during REP90 than REPL. Larger MUs were recruited and similar sized MUs maintained greater firing rates during a high-intensity contraction in comparison to a moderate-intensity contraction performed at fatigue. Individuals seeking maximized activation of the MU pool should use high-intensity resistance training paradigms rather than moderate-intensity to fatigue.

Effects of High-Intensity Resistance Training on Fitness and Fatness in Older Men With Osteosarcopenia.

To date, there has been no study on the long-term effects of resistance exercise on sarcopenia and obesity indices for people with sarcopenia. The present study thus aimed to determine the effect of 18 months of periodized, high-velocity/intensity/effort progressive resistance training (HIT-RT) on body composition and strength in older men with osteosarcopenia. Using a single-blind, two-group parallel design, 43 community-dwelling men, 72 years and older, with osteopenia and sarcopenia in Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany, were randomly assigned to two study arms by drawing lots: (1) an exercise group that conducted a consistently supervised periodized high-velocity/intensity/effort protocol (HIT-RT; n = 21) on machines twice a week for 18 months or (2) a control group (CG; n = 22) that maintained their physical activity/exercise habits. Both groups were supplied with protein, cholecalciferol, and calcium according to current recommendations. The study outcomes were lean body mass (LBM), total and abdominal body fat as determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and maximum hip/leg extensor strength as assessed on an isokinetic leg press at baseline and after 8, 12, and 18 months of follow-up. The intention-to-treat principle and multiple imputation were applied to calculated study outcomes. After 18 months of HIT-RT, altogether five participants were lost to follow up (HIT-RT: n = 2, CG: n = 3). The attendance rates (95%) for HIT-RT were high; relevant adverse effects were not observed. Significant effects (i.e., differences between HIT-RT vs. CG) in favor of HIT-RT were determined for LBM (+1.73 kg, 95% CI: +1.13 to +2.32 kg), total body fat mass (−2.44 kg, 95% CI: −1.28 to 3.60 kg), abdominal body fat percentage (−2.68, 95% CI: −1.70 to −3.66), and maximum hip/leg extensor strength (+533 N, 95% CI: +397 to +670 N; all p < 0.001). Even after adjusting for multiple testing, all effects remained significant. Of note, after 8 months of HIT-RT, only slight (LBM and fat indices) to moderate (maximum strength) ongoing effects were observed. Carefully introduced, continuously supervised HIT-RT is an effective, attractive, feasible, and safe method to improve body composition and muscle strength in older community-dwelling men with sarcopenia. However, even when consequently applying principles of exercise intensity progression within the RT protocol, only slight further positive changes were observed after 8 months of exercise.

The Use of Acute Exercise Interventions as Game Day Priming Strategies to Improve Physical Performance and Athlete Readiness in Team-Sport Athletes: A Systematic Review.

The use of exercise as a priming strategy to enhance sport performance is becoming increasingly popular in professional sports and as an area of research interest. Early research suggests that the acute physiological responses to exercise can positively influence performance for up to 48h. There is yet to be a comprehensive review of exercise strategies which could be implemented specifically on the day of competition. The aim of this systematic review was to provide a synthesis of research investigating acute exercise interventions as game day priming strategies for team-sport athletes to improve physical performance and athlete readiness when implemented in the 1-12h prior to competition. A literature search of SPORTDiscus, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials was conducted. A total of 6428 studies were retrieved and assessed against the following inclusion criteria: (1) randomised controlled trials and non-randomised comparative studies with reported pre-post intervention outcomes; (2) exercise interventions were applied 1-12h prior to the assessment of outcome measures. Studies were excluded if they used nutrition, supplementation, pre-heating, pre-cooling, stretching, massage or vibration training as the priming strategies, or if interventions were performed at altitude or in hypoxic environments. Studies were assessed for methodological quality at the study level using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Twenty-nine studies satisfied the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Studies were categorised as resistance training; cycling; running; and other strategies. Resistance training using heavy loads at low volumes increased strength and power measures following a 4-6h recovery, with limited improvements observed following shorter (1-3h) and longer (6-12h) recovery periods. Running-based sprint priming led to improvements in subsequent sprint and repeat sprint performance following a 5-6h recovery, whereas cycling improved counter-movement jump height in a single study only. No significant differences were reported in any performance measures following endurance-based running or cycling strategies. Physiological markers, such a hormone and blood lactate responses, showed mixed results between studies. High-intensity low-volume resistance training leads to a greater physiological and performance response than high-volume resistance training. Maximal running sprints may be more effective than maximal cycling sprints due to an increased physiological demand; however, loading protocols must also be considered in conjunction with exercise volume and movement specificity to achieve a beneficial response for subsequent performance. There is limited evidence to suggest endurance cycling or running exercise is beneficial as a priming strategy.

Effects of resistance training and turmeric supplementation on reactive species marker stress in diabetic rats

BackgroundType 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and excessive generation of reactive oxygen species caused by autoimmune destruction of beta-cells in the pancreas. Among the antioxidant compounds, Curcuma longa (CL) has potential antioxidant effects and may improve hyperglycemia in uncontrolled T1DM/TD1, as well as prevent its complications (higher costs for the maintenance of health per patient, functional disability, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic damage). In addition to the use of compounds to attenuate the effects triggered by diabetes, physical exercise is also essential for glycemic control and the maintenance of skeletal muscles. Our objective is to evaluate the effects of CL supplementation associated with moderate- to high-intensity resistance training on the parameters of body weight recovery, glycemic control, reactive species markers, and tissue damage in rats with T1DM/TD1.MethodsForty male 3-month-old Wistar rats (200–250 g) with alloxan-induced T1DM were divided into 4 groups (n = 7–10): sedentary diabetics (DC); diabetic rats that underwent a 4-week resistance training protocol (TD); CL-supplemented diabetic rats (200 mg/kg body weight, 3x a week) (SD); and supplemented diabetic rats under the same conditions as above and submitted to training (TSD). Body weight, blood glucose, and the following biochemical markers were analyzed: lipid profile, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), uric acid, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS).ResultsCompared to the DC group, the TD group showed body weight gain (↑7.99%, p = 0.0153) and attenuated glycemia (↓23.14%, p = 0.0008) and total cholesterol (↓31.72%, p ≤ 0.0041) associated with diminished reactive species markers in pancreatic (↓45.53%, p < 0.0001) and cardiac tissues (↓51.85%, p < 0.0001). In addition, compared to DC, TSD promoted body weight recovery (↑15.44%, p ≤ 0.0001); attenuated glycemia (↓42.40%, p ≤ 0.0001), triglycerides (↓39.96%, p ≤ 0.001), and total cholesterol (↓28.61%, p ≤ 0.05); and attenuated the reactive species markers in the serum (↓26.92%, p ≤ 0.01), pancreas (↓46.22%, p ≤ 0.0001), cardiac (↓55.33%, p ≤ 0.001), and skeletal muscle (↓42.27%, p ≤ 0.001) tissues caused by T1DM.ConclusionResistance training associated (and/or not) with the use of Curcuma longa attenuated weight loss, the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects, reactive species markers, and T1DM-induced tissue injury.

Application of High-Intensity Functional Resistance Training in a Skilled Nursing Facility: An Implementation Study.

Rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) is under scrutiny to deliver high-quality care and superior outcomes in less time. High-intensity resistance training demonstrates functional improvements in community-dwelling and long-term care populations but has not been generalized to the SNF population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate implementation issues including safety and feasibility and to provide preliminary information on effectiveness of rehabilitation focused on high-intensity functional resistance training in an SNF. The implementation study design consisted of 2 nonrandomized independent groups (usual care and high intensity) that were staged within a single SNF. The i-STRONGER program (IntenSive Therapeutic Rehabilitation for Older Skilled NursinG HomE Residents) integrates principles of physiologic tissue overload into rehabilitation. Physical therapists administered the Short Physical Performance Battery and gait speed at evaluation and discharge. Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance was used to evaluate the implementation process. An observational checklist and documentation audits were used to assess treatment fidelity. Regression analyses evaluated the response of functional change by group. No treatment-specific adverse events were reported. Treatment fidelity was high at >99%, whereas documentation varied from 21% to 50%. Patient satisfaction was greater in i-STRONGER, and patient refusals to participate in therapy sessions trended downward in i-STRONGER. Patients in i-STRONGER exhibited a 0.13m/s greater change in gait speed than in the usual care group. Although not significant, i-STRONGER resulted in a 0.64-point greater change in the Short Physical Performance Battery than usual care, and average SNF length of stay was 3.5days shorter for i-STRONGER patients. The findings from this study indicate that implementation of a high-intensity resistance training framework in SNFs is safe and feasible. Furthermore, results support a signal effectiveness of improving function and satisfaction, although the heterogeneity of the population necessitates a larger implementation study to confirm. This pragmatic study demonstrates that high-intensity resistance training in medically complex older adults is safe and favorable in SNFs. This work supports the need to fundamentally change the intensity of rehabilitation provided to this population to promote greater value within post-acute care. Furthermore, this study supports the application of implementation science to rehabilitation for rapid and effective translation of evidence into practice.

High intensity resistance training (HIRT) improves functional and immunological lung responses in elderly with metabolic syndrome

High intensity resistance training (HIRT) improves functional and immunological lung responses in elderly with metabolic syndrome