Lower Body Strength Research Articles

Validation of remote assessment of preschool children's anthropometrics and motor skills.

Remotely delivered treatment and research procedures were rapidly adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is unclear if these measures are valid. The purpose of this study was to compare the validity of anthropometry and motor skill proficiency measurements collected in a remote-setting to in-person setting among a sample of children ages 3-4 years. Child anthropometry and motor skill performance were measured in-person by trained assessors and by parents at home with remote supervision via videoconference by trained assessors. The following measures from the National Institutes of Health Toolbox were collected: anthropometry (height and weight), manual dexterity/manipulation (9-hole pegboard), motor coordination and agility (supine timed up and go), lower body strength (standing long jump), and postural stability (one-leg standing balance). Differences in expert and parent-based measurements were assessed using Bland-Altman plots, paired samples t-tests, and Pearson correlations. A total of n = 14 children completed the assessments. No significant differences were observed between measurement locations for weight and motor skills (p > .05). Remote measurement of height (M = 101.1 cm, SD = 5.40) was significantly greater than in-person measurements (M = 98.2 cm, SD = 5.16); p < .0001. Remote measurements of motor skills and weight are valid assessments for researchers and clinicians to utilize in young children. Remote assessment with guidance offers comparable and valid estimates as in-person assessment, potentially offering a solution to resource-constricted barriers in research and access to care. There is an opportunity for researchers to fine-tune remote height and individual-level assessment strategies.

Dual-task multicomponent exercise-cognitive intervention improved cognitive function and functional fitness in older adults.

Maintaining cognitive and physical function is essential to healthy aging. This study aims to investigate the effect of an exercise-cognitive dual-task program in Chinese language on cognitive function and functional fitness in older adults. Seventy adults aged 60-84years were conveniently assigned to one of the three groups: exercise-cognitive dual-task (EC) group (n = 28), exercise group (n = 22), and control group (n = 20). The EC group received a 90-min class including multicomponent exercise-cognitive dual-task twice a week. The exercise group received a 90-min class including multicomponent exercise twice a week. The control group maintained their regular level of physical activity and general lifestyle. Cognitive functions and functional fitness were measured before and after the 12-week intervention. The participants in the EC and exercise group significantly improved scores in Taiwanese Frontal Assessment Battery, the Chang Gung University Orthographical Fluency Test, and the Mini-Mental State Examination; however, those in the control group did not. The participants in the EC and exercise group showed significant increases in almost all functional fitness tests. The participants in the EC group showed significantly higher improvements in Chang Gung University Orthographical Fluency Test score and aerobic endurance than the exercise group and in Chang Gung University Orthographical Fluency Test score and lower body strength than the control group. In addition, the changes in Taiwanese Frontal Assessment Battery and Mini-Mental State Examination scores were significantly correlated with the changes in functional fitness. The dual-task intervention resulted in greater improvements in verbal fluency, endurance, and muscular strength than exercise alone and control.

Association between physical fitness and musculoskeletal health in firefighters.

Introduction: Firefighters are often placed in situations that require high levels of physical exertion, leading to significant strain on firefighters' musculoskeletal system, predisposing them to musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) and/or musculoskeletal injury (MSI). Physical fitness programs are often recommended and justified, in part, to prevent injuries. The aim of this study was to determine the association between physical fitness and musculoskeletal health (MSH) in firefighters. Methods: A total of 308 full-time firefighters took part in the study conducted in Cape Town, South Africa. Physical fitness tests encompassed a non-exercise estimation for cardiorespiratory fitness, grip and leg strength for upper and lower body strength, push-ups and sit-ups for muscular endurance, and sit-and-reach for flexibility. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire were used to determine MSIs and MSD, respectively. A p-value <0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results: Every one-unit increase in AbVO2max, push-ups, sit-ups, and sit-and-reach decreased the odds of firefighters reporting MSIs by 5% (p = 0.005), 3% (p = 0.017), 3% (p = 0.006), and 3% (p = 0.034), respectively. Every one repetition increase in push-up capacity increased the odds of firefighters reporting neck, elbow and forearm, wrist and hand, and thigh discomfort by 3% (p = 0.039), 4% (p = 0.031), 5% (p = 0.002), and 5%` (p = 0.007), respectively. Every one repetition increase in sit-up capacity increased the odds of firefighters reporting upper back discomfort and thigh discomfort by 5% (p = 0.045) and 7% (p = 0.013), respectively. Conclusion: Maintenance of physical fitness is likely beneficial in reducing MSIs, which, however, may increase the feeling of MSD in firefighters. In addition, it may be noticed that there is an ideal level of physical fitness that is conducive to the reduction of MSIs and should be studied further.

Development of an Evidence-Based Exercise Program for Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Feasibility and Pilot Study

This study aimed to develop an exercise program for childhood cancer survivors and examine its feasibility and effects on improvements in physical fitness, muscle strength, and body composition. A tailored exercise program for childhood cancer survivors was developed through 8 systematic procedures, including a review of literature, physical activity survey, qualitative study, the first expert panel discussion, drafting an evidence-based exercise program, secondary expert panel discussion, revising the exercise program, and conducting feasibility and pilot study. For the feasibility and pilot study, 10 childhood cancer survivors (mean age 16.30 ± 1.77 years) participated, divided into either an exercise or a control group. Participants in the exercise group participated in the exercise program for 6 weeks. Based on preliminary studies, the exercise programs consisted of home-based and supervised exercise programs, including resistance and sports, conducted for 6 weeks. The body composition was measured, and a 6-minute walk test, grip strength, vertical jump, sit-up, push-up, chair stand test, and sit and reach test was conducted. After completing the exercise program, muscular endurance (sit-up test, p-value = 0.039) and lower body strength (chair stand test, p-value = 0.010) were significantly increased in the exercise group compared to the control group. Fat mass significantly decreased in the exercise group compared to the control group (p-value = 0.010). In conclusion, the exercise program developed in this study demonstrated feasibility and effectiveness in reducing body fat mass and improving muscular endurance and lower body strength in childhood cancer survivors.

Effects of a single or multi-step drop-set training compared to traditional resistance training on muscle performance and body composition

The purpose was to examine two drop-set (DS) protocols (single step vs. multi-step) compared to traditional resistance training (TRT) over 8 weeks on changes in muscular strength, endurance and body composition. Twenty-seven trained males were randomized to one of three groups: traditional resistance training (TRT: n = 9), the single step drop set group (DS-S: n = 10) and the multi-step drop set group (DS-M: n = 8). Before and after training, body composition (percent body fat and skeletal muscle mass), and muscular strength and endurance (bench and leg press) were determined. Results: There was a significant interaction for leg press 1-RM (p &lt; .001) and absolute change for leg-press 1-RM was significantly greater for both drop set protocols compared to TRT (p &lt; .001). There were significant interactions for both leg press and bench press endurance (p &lt; .001), with post hoc analyses revealing that only DS-M was superior to TRT (p &lt; .001). There was a significant main effect of time for % body fat (p = .020), SMM (p &lt; .001), however there were no differences between groups. Conclusions: Overall, single-step and multi-step drop-set training to failure appear to be effective strategies to enhance lower body strength, while only the multi-step drop set training enhanced muscular endurance compared to TRT.

The safety, feasibility, and efficacy of an 18-week exercise intervention for adults with primary brain cancer – the BRACE study

Purpose To determine the safety, feasibility, and potential effect of an 18-week exercise intervention for adults with primary brain cancer. Materials and methods Eligible patients were 12-26-weeks post-radiotherapy for brain cancer. The individually-prescribed weekly exercise was ≥150-minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, including two resistance-training sessions. The intervention was deemed “safe” if exercise-related, serious adverse events (SAE) were experienced by <10% of participants, and feasible if recruitment, retention, and adherence rates were ≥75%, and ≥75% compliance rates were achieved in ≥75% of weeks. Patient-reported and objectively-measured outcomes were assessed at baseline, mid-intervention, end-intervention, and 6-month follow-up, using generalized estimating equations. Results Twelve participants enrolled (51 ± 19.5 years, 5 females). There were no exercise-related SAEs. The intervention was feasible (recruitment:80%, retention:92%, adherence:83%). Participants completed a median of 172.8 (min:77.5, max:560.8) minutes of physical activity per week. 17% met the compliance outcome threshold for ≥75% of the intervention. Improvements in quality of life (mean change (95% CI): 7.9 units (1.9, 13.8)), functional well-being (4.3 units (1.4, 7.2)), depression (−2.0 units (−3.8, −0.2)), activity (112.8 min (42.1, 183.4)), fitness (56.4 meters (20.4, 92.5)), balance (4.9 s (0.9, 9.0)), and lower-body strength (15.2 kg (9.3, 21.1)) were observed end-intervention. Conclusion Preliminary evidence support that exercise is safe and beneficial to the quality of life and functional outcomes for people with brain cancer.Registration: ACTRN12617001577303

Effects of Engaging Older Adults in Technology-Based Dance Programs

Functionality is a crucial aspect of aging that is vital to one’s health and well-being. Older adults often struggle with mobility issues, which increases their risk of injury from falls and other problems. Dancing has the potential to be a physically stimulating activity that may be tailored to older individuals’ ages, physical conditions, and cultural preferences. The study aimed to determine whether dancing programs can improve older adults’ physical and mental health by using technology. Sixty women were divided into two groups at random: a dance group (N = 33; mean age 62.24) and a dance group using technology (N = 27, mean age 67.37). The intervention lasted six months and was performed twice a week for 75-min sessions. Dances were chosen from all over Greece. Participants’ physical and cognitive status was evaluated before and after the intervention. The results show that the dance group improved balance (p = 0.001), lower body strength (p = 0.006) and aerobic capacity (p = 0.006), while the dance group with the use of technology shower greater improvement in the same tests (p = 0.002, p &lt; 0.0001 and p &lt; 0.0001). Both groups improved on walking balance and danger of falling (p &lt; 0.0001). Depression (p = 0.007) and sociability (p = 0.001) significantly improved in the dance group. Dance, an enjoyable activity, contributes to the well-being of older adults by maintaining their physical status and functional capacity at acceptable levels.

Skating sprint performance and the influence of lower-body strength and power in professional and junior elite ice hockey athletes

ABSTRACT Skating sprint performance is essential for competitive success in ice hockey; however, it is unknown which component of a skating sprint is most critical for development throughout the performance pathway. Fifty-seven Swiss male ice hockey athletes were subjects (National League [NL], n = 22; Under 20 [U20], n = 20; Under 17 [U17], n = 15). Athletes performed: on-ice 30 m skating sprint, countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) tests in a single day. Linear mixed models, effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were used to compare sprint performance and CMJ, SJ and IMTP between each performance level, with a correlation matrix used to determine the influence of lower-body strength and power on sprint performance. The NL and U20 athletes were significantly faster and had greater performance in most CMJ, SJ and IMTP variables compared to the U17 athletes, indicating minimum standards of lower-body strength and power are required to optimise technical performance. Significant differences were observed between NL and U20 for 10-20 m skating sprint split time and CMJ concentric relative peak and mean force, and reactive strength index-modified. Therefore, flying acceleration (10-20 m) is likely the most critical variable for pathway progression, with relative concentric force production the greatest influence.

The relationship between relative lower-body strength, sprint and change of direction ability in elite youth female soccer athletes

Soccer is described as a high-intensity, multidirectional sport requiring athletes to possess a high level of physical conditioning to compete at the elite level. Strength, linear sprint and change of direction (COD) abilities are key physical characteristics in soccer-specific performance, with research suggesting athletes who possess greater relative lower-body strength are superior in sprint and COD ability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between relative lower-body strength with linear sprint and COD ability among elite youth female soccer athletes in Western Australia. Forty-four (U13, n = 11; U14, n = 12; U15, n = 11; U19, n = 10) athletes completed an isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), 30 m sprint and 505 COD test. Results demonstrated a significant moderate correlation between relative IMTP (IMTPr) performance and 10 m ( r = −0.315, p = 0.037) and 30 m ( r = −0.0347, p = 0.021) sprint time, however, there was no significant correlation between IMTPr performance and COD deficit ( r = −0.227, p = 0.168). This study suggests that relative lower-body strength is moderately related to greater sprint performance but not COD ability in elite youth female soccer athletes. Overall, relative lower-body strength appears to be advantageous to linear sprint performance in elite youth female soccer athletes, and therefore the inclusion of appropriate and targeted strength training in the physical preparation and long-term athlete development of this demographic may be recommended.

Anthropometric Measures, Muscle Resistance, and Balance in Physically Active, Aged Adults.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between age, body mass index, muscle strength, and balance in physically active, aged adults. Eighty-five participants were recruited for this study, having an average age of 70.31 years (SD = 9.90), ranging from 50 to 92 years. Twenty-six (30.6%) participants were male and fifty-nine (69.4%) were female. The participants had an average body mass index of 27.30 kg/m2 (SD = 3.62), ranging from 20.32 to 38.58 kg/m2. Participants undertook the Timed-Up and Go to test balance, and the chair-stand test to assess lower body strength. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted. Three models (Model 1, 2, and 3) were tested to assess their relationships with balance: M1-Lower body muscle strength; M2-Lower body muscle strength and body mass index; M3-Lower body muscle strength, body mass index, and age. All hierarchical models displayed significant variance. The third model explained 50.9% of the variance in dynamic balance, [F(3, 81) = 27.94, p < 0.001, R = 0.71, Ra2 = 0.51]. The difference in Ra2 between the first, second, and third models was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Age, body mass index, and lower body muscle strength had significant (p < 0.05) correlations with balance. In terms of the significant impact of each predictor, age had the strongest association with balance (p < 0.05). The results are useful to understand mechanisms or diagnose people at risk of fall.

Jumping Rope Improves the Physical Fitness of Preadolescents Aged 10-12 Years: A Meta-Analysis.

To systematically review the effects of jumping rope on physical fitness among 10 to 12-year-old preadolescents, and to provide evidence-based support for its use in school physical education curriculum work. The PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, ScienceDirect, and CNKI databases were searched for randomized controlled trials that assessed jumping rope and physical fitness among preadolescents aged 10-12 years. Meta-analyses were used to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) values and 95% confidence intervals (CI), and subgroup analyses were conducted on intervention duration, frequency and period. A total of 1048 subjects from 15 studies were included. Compared to regular physical education courses, jumping rope did not show a significant advantage in terms of body morphology. In terms of physical function, boys showed greater improvements in vital capacity, and girls showed greater improvements in resting HR. In terms of physical performance, boys showed greater improvements in speed, upper-body strength, lower-body strength, muscular endurance and agility, while girls showed greater improvements in coordination and balance. Boys experienced a minimal improvement in flexibility, while girls did not show a significant difference. Combining the results of the subgroup analyses, the optimal session time, frequency and intervention length of jumping rope for significantly improving the physical fitness of preadolescents were >40 min, 2 times/week and 8-12 weeks, respectively. In conclusion, jumping rope provides small to large benefits over regular physical education for both boys and girls aged 10-12 years in terms of physical function and physical performance indicators other than flexibility, while showing no significant advantage in terms of body morphology. Based on the available research, it is recommended that children aged 10-12 years participate in jump rope sessions for at least 40 minutes once or twice a week for 8-12 weeks to better develop physical fitness.

The associations between unilateral leg strength, asymmetry and injury in sub-elite Rugby League players

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between unilateral leg strength, associated asymmetries and the injuries suffered by sub-elite Rugby League (RL) players in one competitive season. DesignA prospective cohort design was used. MethodUnilateral leg strength was measured using the rear foot elevated split squat five repetition maximum test. Injuries were recorded using the Orchard classification system and were used to quantify relative risk (RR), mean severity, burden, player availability and survival time. ResultsNo measures of leg strength were related to RR, relative leg strength was found to have a significant, but not meaningful correlation with total time lost to lower body injury, lower body injury burden and lower body injury survival time. ConclusionsThe data from the current study indicates a possible positive effect of increasing relative leg strength for injury outcomes in sub-elite RL players. This supports a heuristic that multi-joint lower body strength training for RL players has a potential dual effect of enhancing physical performance and reducing injury time loss, with minimal risk of harm.

Feasibility and safety of Heavy Lifting Strength Training in Head and Neck Cancer survivors post-surgical neck dissection (the LIFTING trial).

Light-to-moderate intensity strength training (LMST) improves muscular strength, physical functioning, and some side effects in head and neck cancer survivors (HNCS). Heavy lifting strength training (HLST) may further improve these outcomes; however, it has not been studied in HNCS. The primary aim of the LIFTING trial was to examine the feasibility and safety of a HLST program in HNCS ≥1-year post-surgical neck dissection. In this single-arm feasibility study, HNCS were asked to complete a twice weekly, 12-week, supervised HLST program, gradually progressing to lifting heavy loads of 80-90% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) for barbell squat, bench press, and deadlift. The feasibility outcomes included recruitment rate, 1RM completion rate, program adherence, barriers, and motivation. The preliminary efficacy outcomes included changes in upper and lower body strength. Nine HNCS were recruited over an 8-month period during the COVID-19 pandemic. All 9 (100%) completed the 1RM tests and successfully progressed to heavy loads at approximately 5 weeks. The median attendance was 95.8% (range 71-100%), and few barriers were reported. Weight lifted increased for squat/leg press (median change: +34kg; 95% CI +25 to +47), bench press (median change: +6kg; 95% CI +2 to +10), and deadlift (median change: +12kg; 95% CI +7 to +24). No adverse events were reported and participants were motivated to continue HLST after the study. HLST appears feasible and safe for HNCS and may result in meaningful improvements in muscular strength. Future research should consider additional recruitment strategies and compare HLST to LMST in this understudied survivor population. NCT04554667.

Association between lower body strength and related factors in community-dwelling older adults

The aim of this study is identify the association between lower body strength and some related factors in community-dwelling older adults. This is a cross-sectional study with people ≥ 60 years old. Variables including demographic information, body mass index, 30-second chair stand test, frailty, time up and go test, cognitive function, falls risk, depression risk, functional independence and nutrional status, and history of fall. Lower body strength was defined by 30 seconds stand test. A total of 396 participants with mean of age was 69.6 ± 7.9 were tested. The mean of thirty second chair stand test was 11.44 ± 2.9. Cognitive function impairment and time up and go test &lt; 12s were significant associated with lower body strength in multivariate logistics (p &lt; 0.05). Evaluating the strength of the lower body is important to identify imbalance problems and falls. It is essential to have early screening for cognitive function and time up and go test.

Double-pyramid and Reverse step resistance training effectiveness on physical fitness factors among elite female athletes

Due to the necessity of resistance training for athletes conditioning, loading patterns in order to improve training outcomes have received more attention in recent decades. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to assess the impact of 8-week resistance training performed with double pyramid (DP) and reverse step (RS) systems on some physical fitness components of elite female athletes. 30 young female handball players are randomly assigned to the three groups of DP (age: 17.43±1.63 year, weight: 70.28±10.14 kg, fat percentage: 15.60±1.17), RS (age: 17.13±1.32 year, weight: 67.80±7.78 kg, fat percentage: 15.40±1.69), and control groups (age: 17.33±1.71 year, weight: 61.04±6.61 kg, fat percentage: 16.50±1.43). Training programs was performed for an eight-week, 3 sessions per week with loading pattern of DP or RS. Measurements including fat percentage, anaerobic power (RAST), agility (Illinois), Speed (45 meter sprint), strength (1RM), and muscle endurance (60% 1RM) are taken before and after the training course.After the training period, DP and RS groups had significant effects on the mean power, upper and lower body muscular endurance, fat percentage, agility and speed (p&amp;lt;0.05). Also, DP showed a significantly more increase in upper body strength compared to RS groups and RS showed a significantly more increase in lower body strength compared to DP groups (p&amp;lt;0.05). Also, comparison of DP and RS groups showed a significant difference in lower and upper body muscle endurance between the two groups (P &amp;lt;0.05); While, there was not a significant difference in anaerobic power, upper and lower body strength, fat percentage, speed, and agility tests between training groups. DP resistance training appears that to have more impact in improving anaerobic power, upper body strength and speed. While, RS ones showed a greater effect on increasing the lower body strength, muscular endurance, agility and fat percentage of female handball players.

Effect of Nordic Walking Training on Physical Fitness and Self-Assessment of Health of People with Chronic Non-Specific Lower Back Pain

In order to determine the impact of a four-week cycle of Nordic Walking (NW) training on the physical fitness of people with chronic non-specific lower back pain and the impact of this form of activity on their self-assessment of health quality, the study included 80 men and women aged 29 to 63 years. The subjects were divided into two equal (40-person) groups: experimental and control. In both study groups the degree of disability in daily activities caused by back pain was assessed with the FFb-H-R questionnaire, the physical fitness was evaluated with the modified Fullerton test and the sense of health quality was assessed with the SF-36 questionnaire. The same tests were repeated after four weeks. In the experimental group NW training was applied between the two studies. During four weeks, 10 training units were carried out, and each training session lasted 60 min with a two-day break between each training. The four-week NW training resulted in a statistically significant sense of disability due to back pain (p < 0.001), significant improvement of physical fitness expressed by improvement in upper (p < 0.001) and lower (p < 0.01) body strength, upper and lower body flexibility (p < 0.001) and ability to walk a longer distance in a 6-min walk test (p < 0.001). The training participants also showed significant improvements in health quality in both physical (p < 0.001) and mental (p < 0.001) components. The four-week NW training has a positive impact on the physical fitness of men and women with chronic lower back pain. Participation in NW training also contributes to a significant reduction in the sense of disability caused by back pain and improvement in the self-assessment of health quality.

Association between Relative Lower and Upper Body Strength and Hyperinsulinemia in U.S. Adults: NHANES 1999-2002 and 2011-2014

Association between Relative Lower and Upper Body Strength and Hyperinsulinemia in U.S. Adults: NHANES 1999-2002 and 2011-2014

The acute effects of concurrent endurance and resistance training on circulating microRNAs in trained rugby players

MicroRNA (miR) are small noncoding RNA involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and may serve as biomarkers of muscle fatigue and muscle adaptations. The present study aimed to explore the acute responses of cycling vs. running endurance exercises within a concurrent endurance/resistance training on some specific miR. We hypothesized miR would acutely reveal greater muscle damage during the running endurance exercise as compared to cycling that would affect muscle protein synthesis biomarkers.Twenty-five trained rugby players participated in three randomized experimental sessions: 1) cycling endurance training session followed by a resistance session (CYCLE), 2) running endurance training session followed by a resistance session (RUN), and 3) a single resistance training session (CONTROL). Cycling and running endurance sessions were conducted in the morning and consisted in three sets of six 6-s maximal (cycling or running) sprints with 24 seconds passive recovery. Four hours later, volunteers conducted the resistance training (afternoon) composed of several upper- and lower-body strength exercises with heavy loads and low repetitions. During CONTROL, volunteers only performed the resistance training during the afternoon. Blood samples were collected before (PRE), immediately after (POST) and 3h after (POST3) the resistance training sessions. Extracellular vesicular miR were subsequently extracted and quantified using a real time quantitative PCR.The statistical analyses revealed that hsa-miR-203a-3p, hsa-miR-205-5p and hsa-miR-184 were not affected by our experimental procedures (p&gt;0.05). hsa-miR-9-5p and hsa-miR-1290 were significantly higher during CONTROL as compared to CYCLE (p=.033 and p=.039, respectively). hsa-miR-206 was significantly higher POST during RUN as compared to CYCLE and CONTROL (p=.018 and p=.014, respectively). hsa-miR-19-3p was significantly higher during RUN as compared to CONTROL (p=.38).Taken as a whole, our results revealed some differences in circulating miR as a result of a running endurance exercise as compared to no endurance or cycling endurance exercise. Confirming our a priori hypothesis, the higher values of circulating miR suggested greater muscle damage (i.e., hsa-miR-206) after running that could affect the muscle protein synthesis pathway expected by a subsequent resistance training session. Indeed, the higher hsa-miR-19-3p after RUN could have an inhibitory effect on Akt/mTOR. It is therefore suggested that conducting cycling endurance exercises within a concurrent training program could lower the likely interferences between endurance and resistance training in trained individuals. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Supervised resistance exercise for women with ovarian cancer who have completed first-line treatment: a pragmatic study

ObjectivesIn ovarian cancer (OC), suboptimal muscle morphology (i.e., low muscle mass and density) is associated with poor clinical outcomes, yet little is known about the effect of interventions aimed at improving these measures. We investigated the effect of resistance exercise after first-line treatment on muscle mass and density, muscle strength and physical function, health-related quality of life (QoL), and pelvic-floor function in advanced-stage OC survivors.MethodsFifteen OC survivors participated in supervised resistance exercise twice weekly for 12 weeks (in-clinic or by telehealth). Assessments included muscle mass and density (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, peripheral quantitative computed tomography), muscle strength (1-repetition maximum [1RM] chest press, 5RM leg press, handgrip strength), physical function (400-m walk, timed up-and-go [TUG]), QoL (QLQ-C30 questionnaire), and self-reported pelvic floor function (Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire).ResultsThe median age was 64 (range 33–72) years, 10 women underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and five underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. All participants completed the intervention (median attendance = 92%; range 79–100%). Post-intervention improvements were observed for whole-body lean mass (1.0 ± 1.4 kg, p = 0.015), appendicular lean mass (0.6 ± 0.9 kg, p = 0.013), muscle density (p = 0.011), upper and lower body strength (p ≤ 0.001), 400-m walk (p = 0.001), TUG (p = 0.005), and social and cognitive QoL domains (p = 0.002 and 0.007), with no change to pelvic floor symptoms (p > 0.05).ConclusionIn this study, supervised resistance exercise effectively improved muscle mass and density, muscle strength, and physical functioning without deleterious effects on the pelvic floor. Considering the prognostic value of these outcomes, larger studies are needed to confirm the benefits of resistance exercise in OC supportive care.

Associations between health-related fitness and quality of life in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients

Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients face substantial stress and uncertainty that may undermine their quality of life (QoL). The purpose of the present study was to examine the associations between health-related fitness (HRF) and QoL in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients from the Alberta Moving Beyond Breast Cancer Study. Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with early-stage disease (n = 1458) were recruited between 2012 and 2019 in Edmonton and Calgary, Canada to complete baseline HRF and QoL assessments within 90days of diagnosis. HRF assessments included cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak treadmill test), muscular fitness (upper and lower body strength and endurance tests), and body composition (dual x-ray absorptiometry). QoL was assessed by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) version 2. We used logistic regression analyses to examine the associations between quartiles of HRF and poor/fair QoL (bottom 20%) after adjusting for key covariates. In multivariable analysis, the least fit groups compared to the most fit groups for relative upper body strength (OR = 3.19; 95% CI = 1.98-5.14), lean mass percentage (OR = 2.31; 95% CI = 1.37-3.89), and relative VO2peak (OR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.21-3.57) were independently at a significantly higher risk of poor/fair physical QoL. No meaningful associations were found for mental QoL. The three main components of HRF (muscular fitness, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition) were independently associated with physical QoL in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Exercise interventions designed to improve these components of HRF may optimize physical QoL and help newly diagnosed breast cancer patients better prepare for treatments and recovery.