High Resistance Exercise Research Articles

Lower and Higher Load Resistance Exercise Protocols: Acute Muscle Activation and Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy

Lower and Higher Load Resistance Exercise Protocols: Acute Muscle Activation and Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy

Comparison of Acute Hormonal Responses to High and Low-Intensity Resistance Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction in Young Wrestlers

Background: The traditional resistance training is the most effective way known to increase muscle mass. However, high-intensity resistance training may be difficult for some individuals and specific groups. In addition, most people are not encouraged to engage in high-intensity resistance training. Therefore, an alternative intervention is needed to solve this problem. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the acute hormonal responses to high and low-intensity resistance exercise with blood flow restriction in young wrestlers. Methods: Thirty young wrestlers (age: 16.51 ± 2.1 years, weight: 53.23 ± 7.13 kg, height: 165.14 ± 8.42 cm, body mass index (BMI): 18.64 ± 1.35 kg/m2) participated in a quasi-experimental research. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups of resistance training: Low-intensity (LI), high-intensity (HI), and low-intensity with blood flow restriction (LI-BFR). The training protocol included three exercises: Leg extension, arm curl, and bench press. Blood samples were collected before and 30 minutes after the training sessions. Results: The results showed that the creatine kinase level in the HI group, as well as the cortisol level in the HI and LI-BFR groups, increased significantly after resistance training (P 0.05). Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that blood flow restriction training with the same anabolic effects, lower muscle damage index, less fatigue, and lower intensity is a better choice for training compared to high-intensity resistance training.

Effect of Low Load Resistance Blood Flow Restriction Training on Knee Osteoarthritis

AbstractBackground: The initiation, progression, and severity of knee osteoarthritis (OA) have been associated with decreased muscular strength and alterations in joint biomechanics. Resistance exercise has been shown to be an effective inter-vention for decreasing pain, restoring muscle strength and joint mechanics while improving physical function in patients with knee OA. High-resistance exercise has been demonstrated to be more beneficial than low-resistance exercise. However, patients with knee OA may have reduced tolerance of high resistance training programs.Aim of Study: The current study was conducted to assess whether concurrent application of blood flow restriction (BFR) to low load resistance (LLR) training is an efficient and tolerable mean of improving functional mobility in patients with knee OA.Patients and Methods: Forty female patients with mild to moderate unilateral tibiofemoral OA. Their age ranged from 45-60 years old. All patients were referred by orthopedic surgeons who were responsible for diagnosis of OA based on clinical and radiological examination. All patients were randomly assigned into one of two groups: Group (A) This group included 20 patients underwent conventional high load resistance (HLR) training exercises (60% 1RM), group (B) This group included 20 patients received LLR training exer-cises (30% 1RM) combined with BFR, three sessions per week for one month. The study was conducted from September 2017 to February 2018 in a private orthopedic and physical therapy center.Evaluation: Timed up and go (TUG) test was used to assess patient's functional mobility. Results showed that both groups had significant improvement in functional mobility.Conclusion: Both conventional HLR training and LLR-BFR training are effective treatment options for improving functional mobility in patients with knee OA, However, the use of LLR-BFR training resulted in less anterior knee pain during sessions compared to high load training.

Safety and feasibility of high speed resistance training with and without balance exercises for knee osteoarthritis: A pilot randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesPeople with knee osteoarthritis (OA) have increased risk of falling with impaired ability to rapidly respond and generate lower limb muscle power to arrest a fall. We examined the feasibility and safety of a high speed resistance training program with and without balance exercises. DesignA randomised controlled pilot trial comparing pre and post 8 weeks intervention within 3 groups: control, high speed resistance training (HSRT), high speed resistance training plus balance exercises (HSRTB). SettingExercise rehabilitation clinic. ParticipantsTwenty-eight participants (67.8 ± 6.5 yr) with knee OA. Main outcome measuresFeasibility and safety - adherence, drop-out rate, adverse events, pain during and post-exercise. Secondary measures - strength, mobility, functional tests, pain, executive function, satisfaction. ResultsHigh adherence (99.3% HRST, 96.8% HRSTB), high satisfaction (92% HRST, 91% HRSTB), no drop-outs or serious adverse events, and reduced overall pain were reported. Almost 1 in 5 sessions resulted in substantial pain incidents, although these typically settled quickly. Significant improvements occurred in function, strength and mobility following the 8 weeks for intervention groups. ConclusionBoth exercise groups were feasible and safe and improved physical function and strength. Further study is required to examine the optimal combination of high speed resistance and balance exercises and its effect on falls in people with knee OA.

Sclerostin and parathyroid hormone responses to acute whole-body vibration and resistance exercise in young women.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) has been shown to improve bone mineral density, and muscle strength and power. No studies to date have examined sclerostin and parathyroid hormone (PTH) responses to WBV combined with resistance exercise (RE). This randomized crossover study compared acute serum sclerostin and PTH responses to RE and WBV + RE in young women (n = 9) taking oral contraceptives. Participants were exposed to 5 1-min bouts of vibration (20Hz, 3.38 peak-peak displacement, separated by 1min of rest) before high intensity resistance exercise. Fasting blood samples were obtained before (PRE), immediately after WBV (POSTWBV), immediately post RE (IP) and 30min post RE (30P). Pre-exercise sclerostin and PTH levels were not significantly different between conditions. Sclerostin levels significantly (p < 0.05) increased from PRE to IP for the WBV + RE condition, then decreased back to the pre-exercise level. PTH significantly decreased from PRE to 30P (p < 0.05) and IP to 30P (p < 0.01) for both conditions. Correcting for hemoconcentration eliminated the significant sclerostin responses, but the significant decrease in PTH remained (p < 0.05). There were no significant relationships found between sclerostin and PTH. In conclusion, sclerostin concentrations increased in response to the WBV + RE condition, which may have been mediated by plasma volume shifts. There was no transient PTH increase, but it showed a large decrease at 30P for both conditions. Based on these findings, the addition of WBV exposures prior to high intensity RE did not alter sclerostin and PTH responses to RE in young women.

Acute Cardiovascular Responses To Resistance Training With And Without Blood Flow Restriction

Recently, it has been suggested that resistance exercise (RE) can be applied for cardiovascular function, maintenance and/or for rehabilitation purposes. PURPOSE: To compare the acute effects of high intensity RE (HI), low intensity RE (LI) and low intensity RE with blood flow restriction (LI-BFR) on heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) in healthy subjects. METHODS: 52 subjects ((27.3±7 years; BMI: 27.3±3.1) were assigned into three groups: High intensity (HI, 75%-1RM; n=15); low intensity (LI, 30%- 1RM; n=13); and low intensity with blood flow restriction training (LI-BFR, 30%-1RM and 30% of total vascular restriction; n=24). All participants performed 4 sets of plantar flexion in the leg press machine with 1 set of 30 repetitions following 3 sets of 15 (for LI and LI-BFR group) or 10 repetitions (HI group). Blood flow restriction was achieved using a cuff positioned on the dominant calf. The cuff was inflated at 30% of total vascular restriction of each individual (mean: 47.6 ± 19.8 mmHg). Cardiovascular variables were obtained during and after the session. RESULTS: Results indicated that HR increased significantly during the 4 exercise set for all groups (p <0.05), although the highest increases were found during the last set for the HI group (pre: 70.0±10.0 bpm; post: 81.6±11.7 bpm; p<0.001) and during the first set for the LI-BFR group (pre: 66.1±12.9 bpm; post: 73.7±15.1bpm; p<0.001). There were no significant differences in BP for any group. However, significant intergroup differences were observed in systolic BP during the first set for HI and LI-BFR groups when compared to LI group (p=0.03). HI and LI-BFR promoted significant systolic BP reductions (p<0.001) 30min post-exercise (pre: 126.1±11.7 mmHg; post: 112.3±14.0 mmHg), 45min post-exercise (pre: 126.1±11.7 mmHg; post: 113.1±10.2 mmHg) and for HI group post-15min (pre: 123.6±15.7 mmHg; post: 115.0±15.9 mmHg), post-45min (pre: 123.6±15.7 mmHg; post: 114.4±16.7 mmHg) and post-60min (pre: 123.6±15.7 mmHg; post: 113.3±14.7 mmHg). There were no significant changes (p>0.05) for diastolic BP and HR of the LI-BFR group. CONCLUSION: LI-BFR resistance training is able to generate an acute hemodynamic and cardiovascular response similar to HI and LI resistance exercise. HI and LI-BFR seem to promote a hypotensive post-exercise response.

The Influence of Total Load on Cardiac Autonomic Recovery Following Resistance Exercise in Young and older adults

IntroductionThe delay in cardiac autonomic recovery (CAR) following physical activity is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. Aging is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and older adults have altered resting cardiac autonomic modulation than young individuals. The intensity of exercise also influences autonomic recovery in young individuals.ObjectiveTo compare the CAR following resistance exercise (RE) in young (Y) and older (O) men, using high and low intensity RE.MethodsThe two groups (Y: n=9, age=26.3±4y, BMI=22.3±1.5Kg/m2 and O: n=9, age=64.3±4y, BMI=26.2±1.8 Kg/m2) performed 4 sets of RE, using leg press equipment, until failure. Subjects performed two different protocols; RE at 80% of 1RM (RE80) and at 30% of 1RM (RE30) in a random sequence. Heart rate was measured via a heart rate monitor and CAR was obtained through heart rate variability analysis pre and 30‐min post‐RE. The change values for heart rate variability (post 30‐min – pre) were assessed by root mean square (RMSSD) of successive RR intervals (iRR), high and low frequency in normalized units (HF and LF, respectively) and analyzed by 2‐way ANOVA (group*load).ResultsThe table shows a greater reduction of iRR, RMSSD and HF and a greater increase of LF in Y compared to O. Since the total load was higher in Y compared to O in RE80 and RE30 (Y RE30: 13767 ± 4738 kg vs. O RE30: 7812 ± 2094 kg, p &lt; 0.05, and Y RE80: 10921 ± 4201 kg vs. O RE80: 7488 ± 2040 kg, p &lt; 0.05), we evaluated the change in heart rate variability as a function of TL. This correction eliminated differences between Y and O for iRR and RMSSD (p &gt; 0.05), while HF and LF remained different between Y and O (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionY showed delayed CAR in protocols with both RE80 and RE30. The higher TL in Y did not explain the delayed CAR in this group, thus other factors are involved. It is possible the lower heart rate variability adjustments of O is associated with limiting increases in sympathetic and reductions in parasympathetic modulation during RE but this needs further investigation.Support or Funding InformationWe thanks the support of CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico), FAEPEX (Fundo de Apoio ao Ensino, à Pesquisa e Extensão da Universidade Estadual de Campinas) and CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior).This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Effects of Resistance Exercise Intensity on Cytokine and Chemokine Gene Expression in Atopic Dermatitis Mouse Model

Background and Objective&#x0D; Although the evidence is unclear, literature indicates that resistance exercise reduces inflammation in colorectal disease. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of colon tissue on cytokine and chemokine gene expression with changes in resistance exercise intensity.&#x0D; Material and Methods&#x0D; We divided male BABL/c mice into 6 groups (each group n=10, total=60) (control group: CON, low resistance exercise group: EX_L, high resistance exercise group: EX_H, atopic dermatitis group: AD, atopic dermatitis+low resistance exercise group: AD+EX_L, atopic dermatitis+high resistance exercise group: AD+EX_H) and subjected them to ladder climbing resistance exercise for 4 weeks. After 24 h of each exercise schedule, a real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine mRNA expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20).&#x0D; Results&#x0D; The AD group showed significantly higher mRNA expression of IL-6 and CCL20 compared with the CON, EX_L, EX_H, AD+EX_L, and AD+EX_H groups (p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; In conclusion, both high and low resistance exercise effectively decreases the concentration of IL-6 and CCL20 in mice with and without AD.

Time Course Change in Muscle Swelling: High-Intensity vs. Blood Flow Restriction Exercise.

This study determined the time course for changes in muscle swelling and plasma volume following high (HI) and low-intensity resistance exercise with blood-flow restriction (LI-BFR). Ten male participants (22.1±3.0 yrs) completed three experimental conditions: high-intensity exercise (HI - 80% of 1RM), low-intensity exercise with BFR (LI-BFR -20% of 1RM, and 160 mmHg of BFR), and control (CON - no exercise or BFR). Muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA), muscle thickness, thigh circumference, and percentage change in plasma volume (PV%∆) were measured. mCSA was significantly greater than rest values at 15 min post-exercise (p<0.01) for HI and LI-BFR, and at 75 min post-exercise (p<0.01) for HI. Muscle thickness was significantly greater than rest immediately post-exercise (p<0.01) and 30 min post-exercise (p<0.01) for HI and LI-BFR, and at 60 min post-exercise for HI (p=0.01). Muscle thickness was greater for BFR immediately post-exercise compared to HI (p=0.01) post-exercise. Thigh circumference was significantly greater from rest at 15 min post-exercise (p=0.01) and at 75 min post-exercise for both LI-BFR (p=0.03) and HI (p<0.01). PV%∆ significantly decreased from rest immediately post-exercise for both HI (p<0.01) and LI-BFR (p<0.01). In conclusion, BFR exercise induces changes in muscle swelling and plasma volume similar to those observed at high-intensities.

Relationship between exercise volume and muscle protein synthesis in a rat model of resistance exercise.

Resistance exercise (RE) volume is recognized as an important factor that stimulates muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and is considered, at least in part, to be involved in the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)-associated signaling. However, the effects of relatively high-volume RE on mTORC1 and MPS remain unclear. In the present study, we used an animal model of RE to investigate the relationship between RE volume and MPS. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to RE, and muscle samples were obtained 6 h after performing 1, 3, 5, 10, or 20 sets of RE. Although 1 set of RE did not increase MPS [measured by the surface sensing of translation (SUnSET) method], multiple sets (3, 5, 10, and 20 sets) significantly increased MPS. However, the increase in MPS reached a plateau after 3 or 5 sets of RE, and no further increase in MPS was observed with additional RE sets. In contrast to the MPS response, we observed that p70S6K phosphorylation at Thr389, a marker of mTORC1 activity, and Ser240/244 phosphorylation of rpS6, a downstream target of p70S6K, gradually increased with higher RE volume. The above results suggest that the relationship between RE volume and MPS was not linear. Thus the increase in MPS with increasing RE volume saturates before p70S6K phosphorylation, suggesting a threshold effect for the relationship between p70S6K activation and MPS.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between resistance exercise (RE) volume and muscle protein synthesis. We found that the relationship between RE volume and p70S6K phosphorylation was almost linear, but the increase in muscle protein synthesis began to plateau after approximately five sets of RE.

β2-adrenergic receptor maladaptations to high power resistance exercise overreaching

The effects of a recovery drink on overreaching induced by high frequency, high power resistance exercise was assessed. Resistance trained men were assigned to a supplemented (SUP, n = 8), placebo (PL, n = 3) or control (CON, n = 6) groups. All groups completed two weeks of familiarization training using the barbell squat. In week three, SUP and PL performed ten sets of five repetitions of speed squats twice daily, for a total of 15 training sessions. CON maintained their prior training schedule. Data were collected before week three (T1), after week three (T2) and after a week of recovery by training cessation (T3). During week three, SUP consumed an amino acid, carbohydrate and creatine monohydrate containing recovery drink immediately after each training bout. PL was provided a drink of similar appearance and taste but containing minimal nutritional value. At T2, both SUP and PL decreased mean squat velocity and power at 70% 1RM. Additionally, SUP and PL decreased muscle β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) expression by 61 and 83%, respectively. Increases in the ratio of nocturnal urinary epinephrine/β2-AR ratio (EPI: β2AR) for SUP and PL suggested impaired sympathetic nervous system sensitivity. SUP demonstrated a smaller decrease in β2-AR expression and a lower EPI: β2AR, suggesting the recovery drink attenuated the detrimental effects of overreaching on the sympathetic activity. In conclusion, high power resistance exercise overreaching can induce performance decrements and impair sympathetic activity, but these effects may be attenuated by supplementation.

Comparison Of High And Low 25(OH)-Vitamin D Concentrations On Recovery From Resistance Exercise In Men

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D status (VITD) has been related to impaired skeletal muscle function, and may be associated with recovery after muscle injury. Limited data exists on the relationship between VITD concentrations, muscle damage and inflammatory markers from an acute bout of exercise. PURPOSE: Examine the effect of VITD concentrations on acute physiological responses and recovery indices from resistance exercise. METHODS: 15 resistance trained men (24±4 y) with at least 2 years of resistance training experience volunteered to participate in this study. Participants were grouped into a low 25(OH)-VITD (LVD; 26.7±1.7 ng·ml-1; n=7) or high 25(OH)-VITD (HVD; 37.2±7.2 ng·ml-1; n=8) group based upon baseline (BL) 25(OH)-VITD concentrations. Participants performed 8 sets of 10-12 repetitions at 70% of the maximal strength of the squat exercise, with 75 s of rest between sets. Performance [counter movement jump (CMJP), endocrine (testosterone [T] and cortisol [C]), inflammatory (IL-6 and C-reactive protein [CRP]), and muscle damage (creatine kinase [CK] and myoglobin [MB]) assessments were performed at BL, 30-min, 24-h, 48-h and 72-h post-exercise. Data was analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA. To complement this procedure, magnitude based inferences were used to provide additional interpretation of the differences that VITD concentrations may have had on the recovery response. RESULTS: No significant interactions were noted between LVD and HVD in CMJP (p=0.26), C (p=0.97), T (p=0.21), CRP (p=0.30), IL-6 (p=0.58) or CK (p=0.16) responses to the exercise protocol. However, a significant interaction was observed in MB (p=0.05) responses. Although post-hoc analyses failed to see any significant differences between the groups at any time point, inferential analysis indicated that MB concentrations was “likely” higher at 30-min for LVD (87.2±57.4 ng·ml-1) than HVD (51.3±21.9 ng·ml-1). CRP levels were “likely” lower at 24-h (549±373 mg·L-1 vs.1344±1654 mg·L-1) and 48-h (565±386 mg·L-1 vs.1079±1077 mg·L-1) for HVD. Inferences for all other comparisons were unclear. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that HVD provides a degree of resiliency towards acute muscle damage and enhances recovery of high velocity resistance exercise compared to LVD. Further research using greater sample size appears warranted.

Effect of a high protein diet and/or resistance exercise on the preservation of fat free mass during weight loss in overweight and obese older adults: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundIntentional weight loss in obese older adults is a risk factor for accelerated muscle mass loss. We investigated whether a high protein diet and/or resistance exercise preserves fat free mass (FFM) during weight loss in overweight and obese older adults.MethodsWe included 100 overweight and obese adults (55–80 year) in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a 2 × 2 factorial design and intention-to-treat analysis. During a 10-week weight loss program all subjects followed a hypocaloric diet. Subjects were randomly allocated to either a high protein (1.3 g/kg body weight) or normal protein diet (0.8 g/kg), with or without a resistance exercise program 3 times/week. FFM was assessed by air displacement plethysmography.ResultsAt baseline, mean (±SD) BMI was 32 ± 4 kg/m2. During intervention, protein intake was 1.13 ± 0.35 g/kg in the high protein groups vs. 0.98 ± 0.29 in the normal protein groups, which reflects a 16.3 ± 5.2 g/d higher protein intake in the high protein groups. Both high protein diet and exercise did not significantly affect change in body weight, FFM and fat mass (FM). No significant protein*exercise interaction effect was observed for FFM. However, within-group analysis showed that high protein in combination with exercise significantly increased FFM (+0.6 ± 1.3 kg, p = 0.011).ConclusionA high protein diet, though lower than targeted, did not significantly affect changes in FFM during modest weight loss in older overweight and obese adults. There was no significant interaction between the high protein diet and resistance exercise for change in FFM. However, only the group with the combined intervention of high protein diet and resistance exercise significantly increased in FFM.Trial registrationDutch Trial Register, number NTR4556, date 05-01-2014.

High Load And Intensity But Low Volume

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of a high load and intensity experimental physical training regimen to improve recruit performance within the Australian Army. METHODS: Military recruits were assigned to either a 12-week Experimental (EXP n = 68, 21.7 ± 4.2 y), Military (MIL n = 60, 21.1 ± 4.1 y) or civilians act as a control group (CON n = 11, 25.5 ± 4.5 y) and were assessed at Weeks 1, 6 and 12, in military tests for 3.2 km 22 kg load carriage, 1RM 1.5m box lift, 20 m multistage fitness test and 2 min push-up test. A random sub-sample of recruits (EXP n = 33; MIL n = 38) also performed physiological tests (DEXA, V [Combining Dot Above]O2peak, 1RM squat and bench press, vertical jump and 30 s Wingate). Total training time (41 hours) and frequency (41) was match between EXP and MIL. However, compared to MIL the EXP had 50% lower physical activity count (triaxial accelerometer), but higher heart rate reserve (heart rate monitor, EXP >70%, MIL 15RM). Significant interactions (P<0.05) are reported as the mean change between Weeks 1 and 12, ± SD. RESULTS: No changes were observed for CON. EXP significantly reduced total body fat (EXP -2.7 ± 2.2 kg, MIL -1.7 ± 2.2 kg) whilst total lean mass was observed to increase in both groups (EXP 2.1 ± 1.9 kg, MIL 2.4 ± 2.2 kg). EXP showed superior improvement in load carriage time (EXP -155.1 ± 122.4 s, MIL -104.1 ± 123.6 s), 1RM box lift (EXP 4.8 ± 6.0 kg, MIL 1.0 ± 5.5 kg), 20 m multistage fitness test (EXP 5.3 ± 4.1 mL.kg-1.min-1, MIL 3.4 ± 4.0 mL.kg-1.min-1), 2-min push-up (EXP 10.8 ± 7.1 reps, MIL 8.0 ± 7.4 reps), 1RM bench press (EXP 18.0 ± 6.7 kg, MIL 9.2 ± 18.6 kg), 1RM squat (EXP 27.8 ± 10.5 kg, MIL -6.1 ± 27.6 kg) and V [Combining Dot Above]O2peak (EXP 2.7 ± 4.1 mL.kg-1.min-1, MIL -1.2 ± 6.3 mL.kg-1.min-1). MIL had a significantly greater decline in vertical jump power (EXP -36.8 ± 128.7 W, MIL -72.1 ± 139.4 W). In contrast, 30 s mean power declined in both groups after training (EXP -24.5 ± 53.7 W, MIL -25.0 ± 107.7 W). CONCLUSION: Despite a significant reduction in training volume, recruit performance in basic military, occupational and physiological tests of physical fitness were superior. Our results suggest that high resistance training loads and exercise endurance intensity can be successfully implemented within a mass military recruit training environment. Supported by a UOW/DST Group doctoral scholarship

Impact of Physical Exercise on Endocrine Aging.

Physical exercise may be vital to the maintenance of the endocrine system with aging and its helps to restore loss of activity of the endocrine system with aging. There is evidence that physical exercise induces activity of the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor-1 axis and so produces anabolic effects in skeletal muscles. Mechano growth factor (MGF), a locally produced isoform of IGF-1, has been hypothesized to be important for the maintenance of skeletal muscles with aging. Short-term high-resistance exercise results in an increase of MGF mRNA in young but not in elderly subjects. Reported changes in levels of circulating sex steroid hormones in men after different types of (acute and chronic) physical exercise are mixed and not consistent. In addition, physical exercise may increase local effects of sex steroid hormones, and this may be more important than levels of circulating sex steroids for the maintenance and function of skeletal muscles. In elderly women, both increased physical exercise and reduced body fat may decrease levels of circulating sex hormones. Aging is further associated with changes in the dynamic functions of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, but these changes may be attenuated/modified by aerobic training. Chronic exercise does not alter circulating cortisol levels in elderly subjects.

Can we improve athletic performance by using Direction Bias Specific Gym Programming? A Clinical Pilates concept

Background: Direction bias assessment (DBA) is a Clinical Pilates concept found to be an accurate predictor of performance after low resistance matched Clinical Pilates exercises. High resistance training is an integral part of any athletes training plan. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect on athletic performance of high resistance exercises matched to an athlete's DBA against a program that contained a mix of matched and unmatched exercises over 4 weeks of strength training and 4 weeks of power training.

Effect of Resistance Exercise Intensity on the Strength and Lymphedema of Upper Extremity in Patients with Breast Cancer

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of high and low resistance exercise using an elastic band on the strength and lymphedema of upper extremity in patients with breast cancer. Methods: Seventeen female patients with breast cancer related lymphedema were randomly allocated...

MON-PP209: Effect of a High Protein Diet and/or Resistance Exercise on Preservation of Fat Free Mass During Weight Loss in Overweight Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Correspondence a.verreijen@hva.nl, Amely Verreijen, MSc., School of Sports and Nutrition, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Dr. Meurerlaan 8, 1067 AM, Amsterdam, Netherlands Conclusion Although the targeted high protein diet was not completely achieved, the contrast of 23 gram protein per day had no effect on changes in FFM and FM during weight loss in older overweight subjects. Supervised resistance exercise increased the loss of relative FM but had no effect on FFM. However, in the group receiving the protein and exercise combination a significant increase in FFM was observed. Results At baseline, mean±SD BMI was 32±4 kg/m2. During intervention, protein intake was 1.15±0.27 g/kg in the protein groups vs. 0.93±0.19 g/kg in the non-protein groups, corresponding to a 23±5 g/day (p<0.001) higher protein intake. Mean adherence to the exercise program was 2.8±0.3 times/week. No interaction was observed between protein*exercise for all outcomes. Overall, subjects lost weight (-3.1±2.8 kg, p<0.01) without significant between-group effects, and had no significant change in FFM (+0.4±1.9 kg, p=0.12). Effects of protein and effects of exercise on body composition are displayed in the Table and Figure. Table: Outcome measures for protein vs. non-protein groups and for exercise vs. non-exercise groups in means ± SD. Protein (n=40) Non-protein (n=32) Protein effect

The Effects of Upper Limb Exercise Through Yoga on Limb Swelling in Chinese Breast Cancer Survivors – A Pilot Study

Breast cancer is the most common female cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of yoga on lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. Repeated measures before and after the intervention. We enrolled 15 women with breast cancer who had not previously worn elastic clothing to treat lymphedema. The program was led by a certified trainer and consisted of 60-minute sessions, three times a week for 12 weeks. The volumes of the affected and normal limbs were measured. A self-assessed edema score was also recorded. Fifteen patients completed the program, none of whom suffered from complications related to exercise. There was no significant edema after exercise. No significant differences were noted in subgroup analysis by age or the affected arm. Yoga does not induce lymphedema. Lymphedema is usually treated with uncomfortable elastic clothing, and high-resistance exercise may induce edema. Yoga may be suitable for these patients.

Low- and High-Resistance Exercise: Long-Term Adherence and Motivation among Older Adults

Background: In terms of motivation and long-term adherence, low-resistance exercise might be more suitable for older adults than high-resistance exercise. However, more data are needed to support this claim. Objective: The objective was to investigate the effect of low- and high-resistance exercise protocols on long-term adherence and motivation. Methods: This study was designed as an exploratory 24-week follow-up of a randomized 12-week resistance training intervention in older adults. Participants were free to decide whether or not they continued resistance training at their own expense following the intervention. Fifty-six older adults were randomly assigned to HIGH [2 × 10-15 repetitions at 80% of one repetition maximum (1RM)], LOW (1 × 80-100 repetitions at 20% of 1RM), or LOW+ (1 × 60 repetitions at 20% of 1RM + 1 × 10-20 repetitions at 40% 1RM). Motivation, self-efficacy and the perceived barriers for continuing resistance exercise were measured after cessation of each supervised intervention and at follow-up, while long-term adherence was probed retrospectively at follow-up. Results: Participants reported high levels of self-determined motivation before, during, and after the supervised intervention, with no differences between groups (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, only few participants continued strength training after the intervention: 17% in HIGH, 21% in LOW+, and 11% in LOW (p > 0.05). The most commonly reported barriers for continuing resistance exercise were perceived lack of time (46%), being more interested in other physical activities (40%), seasonal reasons (40%), and financial cost (28%). Conclusion: The results suggest no difference in long-term adherence after the end of a supervised exercise intervention at high or low external resistances. Long-term adherence was limited despite high levels of self-determined motivation during the interventions. These findings highlight the importance of further research on developing strategies to overcome barriers of older adults to adhere to resistance exercise without supervision.