Lower Limb Muscular Endurance Research Articles

The effects of aerobic gymnastics training on performance-related variables in an elite athlete: a 2-year follow-up study.

This study investigates individual performance adaptations on 2years of training between European Aerobics Championships. An elite, 22-year-old aerobic gymnast performed postural coordination test, Y-Balance test, squat and countermovement jumps, 60s test of repeated jumps, an isokinetic leg muscle strength test, and the Wingate test. Postural stability and flexibility improved in terms of increased distance achieved in the Y-Balance test in the anterior (by 6.3%), posteromedial (by 2%), and posterolateral (by 4.8%) directions. Lower limb muscular endurance also increased, which can be corroborated by a reduced fatigue index in the 60s test of repeated jumps (from 42% to 27% after the 1st and to 22% after the 2nd year of training). In addition, mean power increased during dominant (by 23.2% at 60°/s and by 18.5% at 180°/s) and non-dominant leg extension (by 4.9% at 180°/s and by 15.5% at 300°/s), plus dominant leg flexion (by 2.0% at 60°/s and by 6.9% at 300°/s). Similarly, peak torque/body weight ratio increased during dominant (by 24.9% at 60°/s, by 11.5% at 180°/s, and by 2.1% at 300°/s) and non-dominant leg extension (by 0.5% at 60°/s and by 6.4% at 300°/s), plus dominant leg flexion (by 1.7% at 60°/s and by 5.4% at 300°/s). However, 2years of training failed to show any significant improvements in the explosive power of lower limbs and anaerobic performance. These findings indicate that general aerobic gymnastics training without any specific inputs leads to performance adaptation, namely, in abilities closely related to competition routine (dynamic balance and strength endurance of lower limbs).

Functional and Traditional Resistance Training Are Equally Effective in Increasing Upper and Lower Limb Muscular Endurance and Performance Variables in Untrained Young Men

Background: Functional resistance training (FRT) has been proposed as a safe alternative to traditional resistance training (TRT) for developing neuromuscular adaptation capacity and improving muscular strength and competitive performance. This study sought to compare the effects of 6 weeks of FRT and TRT on upper and lower limb muscular endurance and performance variables in untrained young men. Methods: Twenty-nine untrained healthy young males aged 18–29 years were randomly given 6 weeks of FRT [40% of 1repetition maximum (RM), 4,5 sets of 20 repetitions, 3 times/week] or TRT (70% of 1RM, 4,5 sets of 12 repetitions, 3 times/week). All participants underwent numerous tests before and after the 6-week training, such as muscular endurance (reps of bench press and leg flexion) and physical performance tests (sprint performance, pull-ups, throwing ability, and jumping ability). Results: After the 6 weeks of training, the TRT and FRT groups showed an equally significant increase in muscular endurance (p < 0.01), while the throwing and jumping abilities, 30-m sprint, and pull-ups performances in both the groups (p < 0.01) also improved significantly. However, no differences were observed between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These findings indicate that both functional resistance training and traditional resistance training are effective training methods for improving the upper and lower limb muscular endurance and performance in untrained young men.

The Effect of Structured Exercise Compared with Education on Neuropathic Signs and Symptoms in People at Risk of Neuropathic Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background and Objectives: Lifestyle interventions such as exercise prescription and education may play a role in the management of peripheral neuropathy in people with diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of undertaking an exercise program in comparison with an education program on the signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in people with diabetes at risk of neuropathic foot ulceration. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four adult participants with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy were enrolled in this parallel-group, assessor blinded, randomised clinical trial. Participants were randomly allocated to one of two 8-week lifestyle interventions, exercise or education. The primary outcome measures were the two-part Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) and vibratory perception threshold (VPT). Secondary outcome measures included aerobic fitness, balance and lower limb muscular endurance. Results: Participants in both lifestyle interventions significantly improved over time for MNSI clinical signs (MD: −1.04, 95% CI: −1.68 to −0.40), MNSI symptoms (MD: −1.11, 95% CI: −1.89 to −0.33) and VPT (MD: −4.22, 95% CI: −8.04 to −0.40). Although the interaction effects did not reach significance, changes in values from pre to post intervention favoured exercise in comparison to control for MNSI clinical signs (MD −0.42, 95% CI −1.72 to 0.90), MNSI clinical symptoms (MD −0.38, 95% CI −1.96 to 1.2) and VPT (MD −4.22, 95% CI −12.09 to 3.65). Conclusions: Eight weeks of exercise training or lifestyle education can improve neuropathic signs and symptoms in people with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. These findings support a role for lifestyle interventions in the management of peripheral neuropathy.

Effects of Vitality Acupunch exercise on functional fitness and activities of daily living among probable sarcopenic older adults in residential facilities.

To test the effects of a Vitality Acupunch exercise program on the functional fitness and the ability to perform the activities of daily living (ADL) among older adults with probable sarcopenia in residential facilities. This was a cluster-randomized controlled trial. A total of 12 long-term care facilities randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups with 1:1 allocation ratio. Among them, 114 older adults with probable sarcopenia participated at baseline and were allocated to either the intervention or control group according to the facility where they resided in. Of these, 103 older adults completed the study. The intervention group (n=52) underwent the Vitality Acupunch exercise program three times a week, each lasting 40min, for 6months while the control group (n=51) performed its routine daily activities. The functional fitness and ADL of the intervention group significantly improved at each time point (all p<0.001), while the control group showed a significant decreasing trend. Except the lower limb muscular endurance, the functional fitness and ADL of the intervention group significantly improved compared to the control group at T1, and the improvements were still significant at T2. Functional fitness and the ability to perform ADL in older adults with probable sarcopenia were significantly improved after receiving the Vitality Acupunch exercises. An exercise that integrates the meridian theory and exercise concepts effectively improves functional fitness in probable sarcopenic older adults. Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04504786). The trial was first posted on August 7, 2020. This part of the data was collected from August 2020 to March 2021.

Comparing the Effects of Eight Weeks of Whole Body Vibration Exercise Combined With Rope Skipping at Two Different Intensities on Physical Performance of Older Men: A Randomized Single-Blind Clinical Trial

Objectives: Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) exercise seems to be an effective alternative to improve physical performance in the elderly. This study aims to compare the effects of eight weeks of WBV exercise combined with rope skipping at two different intensities on physical performance of older men. Methods &amp; Materials: This is a randomized single-blind clinical trial. Participants were 30 older men (Mean±SD age= 65.83±4.16 years; Mean±SD height= 169.26±3.90 cm; Mean±SD weight= 77.04±4.62 kg; Body Mass Index= 26.86±0.69 kg/m2) living in Mashhad, Iran in 2019, who were selected by purposive and convenience sampling methods and randomly divided into three groups: high intensity (HI; n=12), low intensity (LI; n=12) and control (n=10). The WBV exercise was performed at a frequency of 25-40 Hz and amplitude of 3 mm. Rope skipping was performed based on the Borg scale at 13-14 level intensities with 30-35 jumps per minute. Physical performance indicators, body mass index, and fat percentage were measured before and after eight weeks of intervention. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used for data analysis in SPSS v. 20 software. The significance level was set at P≤0.05. Results: In HI and LI groups, body fat percentage (-4.50%, -5.99%), lower body flexibility (105%, 102%), upper limb muscle strength (42.43%, 42.93%), handgrip strength (43.38%, 39.45%), dynamic leg strength (36.47%, 26.43%), lower limb muscular endurance (27.20%, 26.10%), cardiorespiratory function (10.27%, 10.90%), and dynamic balance (-32.60%, -24.10%) showed a significant improvement compared to the control group (P&lt;0.05). There was no significant difference in body mass index between exercise and control groups (P&gt;0.05), and no significant difference between the two exercise groups in any of the study variables (P&gt;0.05) Conclusion: It seems that low intensities of the WBV exercise + rope skipping is effective in improving body composition and physical performance in older men. The selection of intensity level depends on the physical condition of the elderly.

EFFECTIVENESS OF STANDING PILATES ON DYNAMIC BALANCE AND LOWER LIMB MUSCULAR ENDURANCE IN BADMINTON PLAYERS: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Badminton is a very challenging sport which demands high intensity, swift, precise and continuous movements that require a high level of dynamic balance and muscular endurance. Standing Pilates is a form of training developed to improve core strength, balance and endurance. Thirty badminton players between 18-25 years were included and divided into two groups. Experimental group (Group A) received standing Pilates and conventional training whereas control group (Group B) was given only conventional training. All players were assessed for dynamic balance and lower limb muscular endurance with Star Excursion Balance Test and Squat Test respectively. Student t-test was used in the analysis of the data collected for all variables at the beginning and at the end of 4 weeks. Comparing post SEBT and squat test values of Group A and Group B showed that standing Pilates has signicant effect on dynamic balance and lower limb muscular endurance in badminton players

Effect of 12 Weeks of Resistance Training on Motor Coordination and Dynamic Balance of Older Woman.

Resistance training (RT) is considered a viable strategy to enhance the autonomy and functionality of older populations. We randomized 49 older women (64.2 ± 3.8) into one of two groups: an intervention group (IG) (n = 29) that performed regimented RT or a nontraining control group (CG) (n = 20). The RT protocol was carried out three times a week for both the upper and lower limbs over a 12-week study period. A 30-second arm flexion test was used to test upper limb endurance and a 30-second chair stand test was used to analyze lower limb endurance. Dynamic balance was tested by a Y balance test normalized by leg length. A Soda Pop test was employed to analyze coordination. Results showed significant improvements in IG versus CG in both upper limb (19.50 ± 1.52 vs. 11.40 ± 2.87, p = 0.001) and lower limb muscular endurance (14.90 ± 3.10 vs. 26.56 ± 3.17, p = 0.001). Moreover, the training group showed superior improvements in anterior and posterolateral balance compared to CG (63.9% ± 3.1% to 70.2 ± 2.1 and 88.1 ± 3.9 to 94.2 ± 2.7 with p = 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in coordination outcomes between groups. In conclusion, we demonstrate that RT is effective in developing muscular endurance and dynamic balance in postmenopausal women, but does not influence muscular coordination in the measures studied. Study registered in the Brazilian Registry Clinical Trials Registry (No. RBR-7MZ2KR).

Gait and functionality of individuals with visual impairment who participate in sports

BackgroundIndividuals with visual impairment (VI) have often been observed to walk slower than individuals with unimpaired vision. These observations might be confounded by typical low levels of physical activity and greater sedentary behavior in individuals with VI than the overall population. Research questionHere, we compared gait and balance measures between individuals with VI who participate in disability sports, and activity level matched sighted individuals. MethodsWe assessed static balance, anthropometry, self-selected walking speed, locomotion rehabilitation index, and lower limb muscular endurance; and applied physical activity level and fear of falling questionnaires. ResultsIndividuals with VI who participate in disability sports, self-selected a similar walking speed (1.29 ± 0.26 m/s) as active sighted individuals (1.39 ± 0.21 m/s). Locomotor rehabilitation index and muscular endurance of lower limbs were also similar between groups. Individuals with VI presented lower static balance (42.0 ± 17.0s) than the sighted control group (45.0 ± 0s) when the controls were tested with their eyes open. However, no difference was found when the controls were tested with their eyes closed (30.3 ± 17.0s). Furthermore, individuals with VI showed a greater fear of falling. SignificanceIn conclusion, individuals with VI who participate in disability sports, as goalball and football, walk with similar self-selected walking speeds as active sighted individuals, but have slightly worse static balance and fear of falling.

Efeitos do treinamento aeróbio sobre a capacidade muscular e funcional em pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus leads to reduced aerobic capacity as well as the reduction of respiratory muscle strength. Objective: To evaluate the impact of aerobic training (AT) on respiratory muscle strength (RMS) measured by maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) pressures, thoracic expansibility (TEx), submaximal functional capacity (SFC) by 6-min walk test (6MWT) and muscular endurance (ME) of the lower limbs and flexibility in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and Methods: Prospective trial, non-randomized with 27 subjects with T2DM, which were allocated into AT group (G1) and control group (G2). Evaluations were performed before and after the RMS, TEx, 6MWT, lower limb ME and flexibility interventions. The AT lasted 8 weeks, three times a week, 60 minutes each. The prescription of AT was performed at 60-70% of maximum heart rate monitored by analog Borg scale. Results: The study shows that occurred an increase in the RMS (49% of the MIP and MEP), 6MWT, ME and flexibility in the G1 group. Conclusion: The TA was effective in improving respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity in patients with T2DM.

오래 달리기 시 하지 근지구력에 따른 몸통의 3차원 각 변화

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the muscular endurance on the kinematic factors during a prolonged run. Subjects, 12 males, who were divided into three groups(lower group, general group, and in higher group) after measuring the lower limb's muscular endurance previously. They were asked toe run on the treadmill at 7.4km/h of speed. To analyze the kinematics parameters of the trunk during running, the ProReflex MCU Camera(Qualisys, Sweden) were used. All parameters were sampled from 5 minute, 40 minute, and 60 minute moments during running. An ANOVA with Repeated Measure was used to test the statistic significance between and within groups for all parameters determined with SPSS 11.0. Significance was defined as p<.05. The conclusions were as follows; There was significantly difference within(lapse of running time) groups in the take-off and minimum knee angle event of swing phase of the trunk flexion and extension. In conclusion, the muscular endurance affected on movement of the trunk during a prolonged run. In addition, it showed that there was significant difference in the energy consumption by lapse of running time. Therefore, it seems to be relationships between the muscular endurance and running efficiency.