Major Muscle Groups Research Articles

Altered intramuscular network of lipid droplets and mitochondria in type 2 diabetes.

Excessive storage of lipid droplets (LDs) in skeletal muscles is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. However, LD morphology displays a high degree of subcellular heterogeneity and varies between single muscle fibers, which impedes the current understanding of lipid-induced insulin resistance. Using quantitative transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we conducted a comprehensive single-fiber morphological analysis to investigate the intramuscular network of LDs and mitochondria, and the effects of 8 wk of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) targeting major muscle groups, in patients with type 2 diabetes and nondiabetic obese and lean controls. We found that excessive storage of intramuscular lipids in patients with type 2 diabetes was exclusively explained by extremely large LDs situated in distinct muscle fibers with a location-specific deficiency in subsarcolemmal mitochondria. After HIIT, this intramuscular deficiency was improved by a remodeling of LD size and subcellular distribution and mitochondrial content. Analysis of LD morphology further revealed that individual organelles were better described as ellipsoids than spheres. Moreover, physical contact between LD and mitochondrial membranes indicated a dysfunctional interplay between organelles in the diabetic state. Taken together, type 2 diabetes should be recognized as a metabolic disease with high cellular heterogeneity in intramuscular lipid storage, underlining the relevance of single-cell technologies in clinical research. Furthermore, HIIT changed intramuscular LD storage toward nondiabetic characteristics.

The effect of three different sets method used in resistance training on hypertrophy and maximal strength changes

Background and Study Aim. To compare the effects of three different sets method, which is frequently used in resistance training, on strength and hypertrophy values.
 Materials and Methods. Thirty-three young male athletes with similar daily activities and nutrient intakes at the Fitlife fitness center in Sakarya were included in the study. Participants were randomly divided into three different groups as Modified German Volume Training (MGVT) (n=11, 21.5 ± 2.4 years), Super Set (SS) (n=11, 22.4 ± 2.9) and Giant Set (GS) (n=11, 23.0 ± 4.3 years). The study was started with a total of thirty-three people, but two participants in the Giant set group were excluded from the measurements because they left the study due to personal reasons. Strength, muscle thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements were made in the upper extremity muscles before and after the six-week training period. 
 Results. After six weeks of training, significant increases were observed in the cross-sectional area and thickness (p<0.05) of pectoralis major, deltoid, and latissimus dorsi muscle groups in all three groups, and in the strength parameter (p<0.05) in bench press, barbell row and shoulder press exercises. There was no difference in strength, muscle cross-sectional area and thickness parameters between the groups (p>0,05). 
 Conclusions. Modified German Volume Training (MGVT), Super Set (SS) and Giant Set (GS) methods reveal that there is no difference between the set methods in the 1 Repetition Maximum (1RM) strength and hypertrophy development of young male individuals who do not have a history of resistance exercise but have completed the adaptation period, and that there is an improvement in all set methods.

Abstract 11957: Physical Training Augmented With Whole Body Electronic Muscle Stimulation is Superior to Conventional Training Alone in Healthy Subjects, a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Physical activity is protective against cardiovascular (CV) disease and mortality, yet more than 25% of adults do not perform any regular exercise. Whole body electronic muscle stimulation (WB-EMS) is a novel FDA-approved device used for physical training that simultaneously stimulates all major muscle groups using percutaneous electrical impulse transmission during exercise. Preliminary studies demonstrated increased muscle mass, reduced fat mass, and improved functional capacity in elderly individuals who trained with WB-EMS. We evaluated the effects of training with WB-EMS on measures of CV health. Methods: Healthy adults were randomized to physical training with versus without WB-EMS for one 20-minute session each week for 16 weeks. Participants wore a specifically designed vest and arm and leg straps connected to the WB-EMS device (Miha Bodytec, Germany). Biphasic electrical stimulation was delivered through the vest and straps (4 sec on, 4 sec off) at a frequency that elicited a score of 5-6 on the Borg perceived exertion scale when each major muscle group was stimulated. Individuals randomized to no WB-EMS wore the same equipment but received no stimulation. Sessions were provided by trainers certified in WB-EMS training and consisted of a fixed protocol of simple exercises such as squats and lunges. Temporal changes in measures of CV health were compared between groups. Results: Forty-one individuals were recruited between 02/2021 and 02/2022 (n=24 WB-EMS, n=17 no WB-EMS; mean age 35.9±11.2 yrs; 61.3% females; median BMI 24.3 (21.8, 28.1) kg/m 2 . After 16 weeks there were significant and favorable differences in the intervention group compared to controls in waist: hip ratio (-1.2 cm vs. 0.9, p=0.05); total cholesterol (-1.1 mg/kg vs. 14.2 mg/kg, p=0.02); anaerobic threshold (68.2% vs. 30.8%, p=0.03); breathing efficiency (VE/VCO2: -10.36 vs -7.38, p=0.01); and peripheral endothelial function, measured with reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry (-0.009 vs. -0.29, p=0.06). Conclusions: Once weekly training with WB-EMS yielded more favorable changes in CV biomarkers compared to conventional training alone in healthy adults, and thus may offer an effective and time-efficient method of physical training.

People with mild Parkinson's disease have impaired force production in upper limb muscles: A cross-sectional study.

There has been little examination of force production of the upper limb in people with Parkinson's disease (PD), despite its impact on activities of daily living and clear evidence that force production is significantly reduced in lower limb muscle groups. The aim of this study was to determine the force production of the major muscle groups of the upper limb in people with PD during the "on" phase after medication, compared with aged-matched neurologically-normal controls. A cross-sectional study was carried out. Thirty people with mild PD (Hoehn Yahr mean 1.1) and 24 age-matched neurologically-normal controls. Maximum isometric force production of the shoulder flexors, extensors, abductors, adductors, internal rotators and external rotators, elbow flexors and extensors, wrist flexors and extensors and hand grip using dynamometry. There was a significant impairment in force production in all upper limb muscle groups, compared with control participants, except in the wrist flexors. On average the deficit in force production was 22%, despite people with PD having mild disease, being physically active and being measured during the "on" phase of medication. The most severely affected muscle groups were the upper limb extensors. People with PD have a significant deficit in force production of the upper limb muscle groups compared with age-matched neurologically normal controls. Regular assessment of strength of the upper limb should be considered by clinicians and strengthening interventions could be implemented if a deficit is identified.

Benefits of Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Moderate to Severe Forms of COVID-19 Infection.

Our aim was to evaluate the benefits of cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation on severe to moderate COVID-19 patients. 25 discharged COVID-19 patients underwent a cardio-pulmonary test (CPET), a spirometry test and a measure of carbon monoxide lung diffusion capacity (DLCO) at the beginning of their rehabilitation program and after 23 ± 5 rehabilitation sessions. This rehabilitation program combined interval training exercises on a bike and resistance exercises for major muscle groups. We then compared their progress in rehabilitation to that obtained with cardiac patients. At the beginning of their rehabilitation program, COVID-19 patients presented a reduced physical capacity with a maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max) at 71% of predicted value, a maximal workload at 70% of predicted value and an exercise hyperventilation measured by a higher VE/VCO2 slope. Exercise was mainly limited by muscle deconditioning. After rehabilitation, the VO2 max and maximal workload increased in COVID 19 patients by 18% and 26%, respectively. In patients with ischemic heart disease the post-rehabilitation gains in VO2 max and maximal workload were 22% and 25%, respectively. Moreover, exercise hyperventilation decreased by 10% in both groups. On the other hand, the intrinsic pulmonary function of COVID 19 patients improved following natural recovery. In conclusion, even if cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation is probably not the only parameter which explains the partial recovery of moderate to severe COVID-19 patients, it certainly helps to improve their physical capacity and reduce exercise hyperventilation.

The Effect of 12 Weeks of Theraband Resistance Training on IGF-1 and FGF-2 Levels and Their Relationships with Myokines on Bone Mineral Density of Osteosarcopenic Obese Women

Background: Muscle-induced insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) are important factors for muscle growth and maintenance. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of Theraband resistance training on IGF-1 and FGF-2 levels and their relationships with myokines on bone mineral density (BMD) in older women with osteosarcopenic obesity. Methods: In this single-blind randomized clinical trial, 48 older women with osteosarcopenic obesity (mean age: 64.63 ± 3.68 years; fat percentage 45.4 ± 6.6%; BMI 33.1 ± 3.71 kg/m2; and T score of bone minerals density of femur and 1 - 4 lumbar spine -1.86 ± 1.42, based on the results of the DEXA test) were randomly divided into control (n = 22) and training (n = 26) groups. The training group performed 12 weeks of Theraband resistance training for all major muscle groups. Blood samples were collected 48 hours before and 12 weeks after the intervention. Results: After 12 weeks, a significant difference was observed in IGF-1 (P = 0.033) levels in the training group compared to the control group. Also, FGF-2 (P = 0.003) and IGF-1 (P = 0.013) levels increased significantly in the training group. However, there was no significant relationship between IGF-1 (P = 0.240) and FGF-2 (P = 0.806) levels and BMD. Conclusions: Theraband resistance training can be an appropriate training strategy to improve muscle mass in older adults with osteosarcopenic obesity by increasing IGF-1 and FGF-2 levels.

Resistance training and Down Syndrome: A narrative review on considerations for exercise prescription and safety.

The current manuscript reviews the literature on the health effects of resistance training (RT) for individuals with Down syndrome (DS), focusing on this training modality’s methodology, application, and safety. The literature has mentioned that early aging in this population is associated with loss of muscle strength, lower lean and bone mass, and increased obesity. It is necessary to propose non-pharmacological measures for prevention and health promotion. Thus, this review suggests a current research-based RT guide for individuals with DS. This review is divided into three sections: Section 2 briefly reviews DS and the effects on structural and functional decline and how exercise and physical activity can influence health aspects in this population; Section 3 summarizes the evidence for RT prescription; Section 4 briefly reviews the health and potential benefits of RT in individuals with DS. The findings from this review suggest that most individuals with DS should engage in moderate-intensity RT at least 2 days a week and perform RT on the major muscle groups and include balance training. The RT program should be modified and adapted according to individuals’ characteristics and limitations. RT promotes positive, health-related benefits such as increasing strength, improving body composition, improving functional capacity and balance, reducing inflammatory status and oxidative stress, and improving the immune system. The RT protocols summarized in this current review provide guidance, critical conclusions, and novel research settings, which could be useful to coaches, clinicians, and researchers to effectively design RT program for individuals with DS.

Three-Dimensional Image Analysis and Training Method of Action Characteristics of Sanda Whip Leg Technique Based on Wavelet Transform

The whip leg technique is an indispensable offensive action for high-level Sanda athletes in the competition. In order to improve the effective guidance of the action of Wushu Sanda whip leg, based on wavelet transform, the three-dimensional image analysis of Sanda whip leg technical action characteristics, to explore the movement speed of each link of the attacking leg, the contraction form, and force sequence of major muscles or muscle groups and put forward correct and reasonable movement techniques, is expected to provide theoretical basis and reference for coaches and athletes in the training of Sanda whip leg movement. Based on this, this paper attempts to use the three-dimensional image analysis system and surface electromyography acquisition system from the perspective of wavelet transform to collect the speed of the attacking leg movement and the parameters related to muscle discharge and to quantitatively analyze and evaluate its movements. The sequence of activities of the whip leg strike is hip joint-knee joint-hip joint-knee joint-ankle joint. It is suggested to strictly follow the principle of link movement in practice, and the completion of the whole movement should be relaxed and natural.

Neither Resistance Or Aerobic Training Improve Postprandial Lipemia Or Glycemia In Post-menopausal Women.

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women. Post-menopausal (PM) women are particularly vulnerable in terms of adverse cardiometabolic risk factors, including impairments in glucose and lipid metabolism. Acute resistance and aerobic exercise are efficacious for improving postprandial metabolic glucose (GLU) and triglycerides (TG), however it is unclear if chronic training elicits improvements in postprandial metabolism in PM women. Purpose: To determine if 16 weeks of progressive resistance (RT) or aerobic (AT) training improve postprandial GLU and TG in PM women. Methods: Forty-eight PM women (56 ± 5 y) completed 16 weeks of RT (n = 18), AT (n = 16), or no exercise (control (CON; n = 14)). PM women in the RT group completed 2-4 sets of 9 exercises for the major muscle groups at 50-70% of one repetition maximum on 3 d·wk-1. PM women in the AT group walked, jogged, or cycled at 50-65% of heart rate reserve on 5 d·wk-1. PM women in the CON group maintained habitual physical activity and dietary habits. Before and after the intervention period, participants arrived to the lab after a 10-h fast and having abstained from exercise for at least 72 h. Participants’ GLU and TG were measured while fasted (BL), and 2 h and 4 h after consuming a standardized high-fat, high-sugar meal (12 kcal/kg body weight; 61% fat, 25% carbohydrate). Metabolic load index (MLI) was calculated as the sum of GLU and TG at each time point. Trapezoidal area under the curve (tAUC) and incremental area under the curve (iAUC) were calculated for GLU, TG, and MLI. Non-normally distributed data were log-transformed for analyses, which included two-way mixed effects models (group * time). Results: The GLU tAUC decreased (p = 0.025) from pre- to post-intervention independent of group (539.7 ± 53.6 vs. 520.0 ± 59.63 mg/d x 4 hr). No significant interactions or main effects were observed for any other outcome (p = 0.134 - 0.814). Conclusions: Neither 16 weeks of RT or AT influenced postprandial TG or GLU in PM women. These data may suggest that chronic exercise training does not modify postprandial metabolic response to mixed meals independent of acute exercise, or otherwise that PM women are resistant to the potential beneficial effects of chronic training on postprandial metabolism. Future studies are needed to examine these possibilities.

Association between baseline handgrip strength and cognitive function assessed before and after a 12-week resistance exercise intervention among community-living older adults

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is beneficial for the improvement of both physical and cognitive functions for older adults. Handgrip strength is strongly associated with cognition in cross-sectional studies, however, whether handgrip strength is associated with cognitive function in exercise intervention has not been well investigated. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether baseline handgrip strength is associated with cognitive function measured at baseline and after the intervention among community-living older adults. MethodsA 12-week resistance exercise program (3 times/week; 3 sets, 6–8 repetitions at 75–80% of the 1-repetition maximum) was designed to increase strength and muscle mass of major muscle groups. At the end of the study, 201 out of 237 completed the study (mean age 73.0 ± 5.5 years, 57.0% female). Body composition, PA, handgrip strength, cardiovascular risk factors, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were measured at baseline and endpoint. The linear regression analysis was used to examine the association. ResultsBaseline handgrip strength was 28.7 ± 8.7 (kg) and mean MMSE score was 27.6 ± 2.0 at baseline. We found that baseline handgrip strength was significantly associated with the MMSE score measured before the intervention adjusting basic characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors at baseline. Baseline handgrip strength was also significantly associated with MMSE measured after the intervention. One kg higher baseline handgrip strength was significantly associated with a 0.63 and 0.33 higher MMSE score measured at baseline and after the 12-week resistence exercise intervention. DiscussionOur study found that baseline handgrip strength was strongly associated with cognitive function measured before and after the resistance training intervention. Handgrip strength could be an indicator for cognition among healthy independent older adults.

P366 EFFECTS OF EXERCISE REHABILITATION IN PATIENTS WITH LONG COVID–19

Moving from the first COVID–19 pandemic to the chronic phase of COVID–19, more than 50 long–term detrimental effects have been recognized in the so–called long COVID–19 syndrome. The exact mechanisms underlying the exercise capacity reduction and functional limitations are unknown, however, rehabilitation could play a pivotal role. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a combination of aerobic and resistance training performed in the same session for 8 weeks could be well–tolerated and effective in long COVID–19 patients with reduced exercise capacity [(<85% of predicted peak aerobic capacity (VO2peak)] at 3–month from hospital discharge after COVID–19. The exercise training program included 3 exercise sessions per week. Each session included: a) aerobic exercise (starting at 30 min and increasing to 60 min) with 5 min warm–up and 5–min cool down; b) nine major muscle group resistance exercises (for the lower extremity: leg extension/flexion, abduction/adduction, and leg press; for the upper extremity: push–up/pull–down; for the core muscles: abdomen, back). The intensity of aerobic exercise was defined according to VO2peaktest results targeting the 80% level of lactate threshold in Watts. Resistance training load was determined for each muscle groups according to the results of the maximal dynamic strength testing (1RM; one repetition maximum) and was confirmed and updated after 4 weeks by defining new 1RM values. Resistance training prescription loading was defined as 40% of 1RM, 2 sets (3 sets for last two weeks) and 12 repetitions for each muscle group. The duration of a single training session was approximately 90 min. Out of 220 patients screened, 50 patients (aged 55.8±9.7 years, 15 women, body mass index 26.6±5.2 kg/m2) were enrolled. Mean exercise training sessions was 66.1±34.0; none of the patients dropped out from the study. VO2peak increased 15% and peak ventilation 9% (p < 0.001 for both). After the training program, mean percentage of VO2peak significantly increased (+14.2%, p < 0.001). Muscle strength increased markedly for all major muscle groups ranging from 16% to 33% increase (p < 0.010). An exercise rehabilitation with combined aerobic and resistance exercises for 8 weeks increases markedly both cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal fitness in long COVID–19 patients. These results may highlight the importance of regular exercise rehabilitation aiming to promote daily activities, independent living, and better quality of life.

A randomized trial on the efficacy of split-body versus full-body resistance training in non-resistance trained women

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a 12-week upper/lower split- versus a full-body resistance training program on maximal strength, muscle mass and explosive characteristics. Fifty resistance untrained women were pair-matched according to baseline strength and randomized to either a full-body (FB) routine that trained all of the major muscle groups in one session twice per week, or a split-body program (SPLIT) that performed 4 weekly sessions (2 upper body and 2 lower body). Both groups performed the same exercises and weekly number of sets and repetitions. Each exercise was performed with three sets and 8–12 repetition maximum (RM) loading. Study outcomes included maximal strength, muscle mass, jump height and maximal power output.ResultsNo between-group differences were found in any of the variables. However, both FB and SPLIT increased mean 1-RM from pre- to post-test in the bench press by 25.5% versus 30.0%, lat pulldown by 27.2% versus 26.0% and leg press by 29.2% versus 28.3%, respectively. Moreover, both FB and SPLIT increased jump height by 12.5% versus 12.5%, upper-body power by 20.3% versus 16.7% and muscle mass by 1.9% versus 1.7%, p < 0.01, respectively.ConclusionsThis study did not show any benefits for split-body resistance-training program compared to full-body resistance training program on measures of maximal- and explosive muscle strength, and muscle mass.Trial registration: ISRCTN81548172, registered 15. February 2022.

Exercise may impact on lumbar vertebrae marrow adipose tissue: Randomised controlled trial.

Animal and human cross-sectional data suggest that bone marrow adipose tissue (MAT) may respond to mechanical loads and exercise. We conducted the first randomised controlled trial of exercise on MAT modulations in humans. Forty patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (NSCLBP) were enrolled in a six-month single-blinded randomised controlled trial (ACTRN12615001270505). Twenty patients loaded their spines via progressive upright aerobic and resistance exercises targeting major muscle groups (Exercise). Twenty patients performed non-weightbearing motor control training and manual therapy (Control). Testing occurred at baseline, 3-months (3mo) and 6-months (6mo). Lumbar vertebral fat fraction (VFF) was measured using magnetic resonance imaging axial mDixon sequences. When compared to baseline (percent change), lumbar vertebral fat fraction (VFF; measured using magnetic resonance imaging axial mDixon sequences) was lower in Exercise at 3mo at L2 (-3.7[6.8]%, p=0.033) and L4 (-2.6[4.1]%, p=0.015), but not in Control. There were no between-group effects. The effects of Exercise on VFF were sex-specific, with VFF lower in men at L2, L3, L4 at 3mo and at L1, L2, L3 and L4 at 6mo (p all≤0.05), but not in women. Leg and trunk lean mass were increased at 3mo in Exercise. Changes in VFF correlated significantly with changes in total fat (ρ=0.40) and lean (ρ=-0.41) masses, but not with lumbar BMD (ρ=-0.10) or visceral adipose tissue volume (ρ=0.23). This trial provided first prospective evidence in humans that a moderate exercise intervention may modulate lumbar VFF as a surrogate measure of MAT at 3mo, yet not 6mo. The effect of exercise on MAT may be more prominent in males than females.

Does Strength training improve quality of life and balance related confidence in older adults?

Background: Individual above the age of 60 years belong to the rapidly raising proportion in Indian population. Aging results in decline in the performance of daily activities that rely on the mobility and balance represent a solemn drip in the functional status leading to the risk of institutionalization. Adopting a regular physical activity and targeting the muscle weakness through resistance training would produce greater benefits in this population. Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of progressive strength training on balance related confidence and health related quality of life. Study design – Quasi experimental study. Method: This study was conducted in elderly between 60 to 75 years from residential care homes. Nearly 23 participants received progressive strengthening exercises for 8 weeks. The effect of strength training on balance confidence and quality of life were analysed using activity specific balance confidence (ABC) scale and Euro quality of life questionnaire (EQL-5D-5L) respectively. Result: Progressive strength training showed significant improvements in quality of life and balance related self confidence measure in elderly with impaired balance. Conclusion: Engagement of older adults in strengthening activities involving major muscle groups are essential component in elderly rehabilitation to maintain and control the age related wane in physical activity.

Demonstration of fast and equilibrium human muscle creatine CEST imaging at 3 T.

Creatine chemical exchange saturation transfer (CrCEST) MRI is used increasingly in muscle imaging. However, the CrCEST measurement depends on the RF saturation duration (Ts) and relaxation delay (Td), and it is challenging to compare the results of different scan parameters. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the quasi-steady-state (QUASS) CrCEST MRI on clinical 3T scanners. T1 and CEST MRI scans of Ts/Td of 1 s/1 s and 2 s/2 s were obtained from a multi-compartment creatine phantom and 5 healthy volunteers. The CrCEST effect was quantified with asymmetry analysis in the phantom, whereas 5-pool Lorentzian fitting was applied to isolate creatine from phosphocreatine, amide proton transfer, combined magnetization transfer and nuclear Overhauser enhancement effects, and direct water saturation in four major muscle groups of the lower leg. The routine and QUASS CrCEST measurements were compared under two different imaging conditions. Paired Student's t-test was performed with p-values less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. The phantom study showed a substantial influence of Ts/Td on the routine CrCEST quantification (p= 0.02), and such impact was mitigated with the QUASS algorithm (p= 0.20). The volunteer experiment showed that the routine CrCEST, amide proton transfer, and combined magnetization transfer and nuclear Overhauser enhancement effects increased significantly with Ts and Td (p< 0.05) and were significantly smaller than the corresponding QUASS indices (p< 0.01). In comparison, the QUASS CrCEST MRI showed little dependence on Ts and Td, indicating its robustness and accuracy. The QUASS CrCEST MRI is feasible to provide fast and accurate muscle creatine imaging.

Abstract P177: Resistance Training Improves Cardiorespiratory Fitness And Maximal Fat Oxidation Similarly To Aerobic Training, But Uniquely Decreases Visceral Adipose Tissue In Previously Sedentary Postmenopausal Women

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women, and postmenopausal (PM) women are a particularly vulnerable population in terms of adverse cardiometabolic (CM) risk. Progressive aerobic exercise training (AT) is efficacious for improving CM risk factors such as cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), body composition (e.g., relative body fat (BF%)), and metabolic flexibility. However, there are large clinical gaps regarding the efficacy of progressive resistance training (RT) to reduce CM risk in PM women. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that 16 weeks of RT would (a) improve CRF, (b) decrease body weight, BF%, and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume, and (c) improve metabolic flexibility (as evidenced by an increase in maximal fat oxidation (MFO) during exercise) in a manner similar to AT, but greater than habitual activity control (CON). Methods: Forty-eight PM women (aged 56 ± 5 years) were randomized into RT (n=18), AT (n=16), or CON (n=14) and completed the study per protocol. Women in the RT group performed 2 - 4 sets of 9 resistance exercises using all major muscle groups on 3 d·wk -1 at 50-70% of one repetition maximum. Women in the AT group walked or biked 5 d·wk -1 at 50-65% of heart rate reserve. Women in the CON group maintained habitual physical activity levels and dietary habits. All exercise was progressive in nature. Pre- and post-intervention, participants arrived to the laboratory following a 10-h fast, and had body weight and VAT assessed using a medical-grade bioelectrical device and BF% determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. CRF (relative VO 2 in mL/kg/min), exercising whole body MFO (g/min), and the intensity at which MFO occurred (Fat max , %CRF) were determined using indirect calorimetry during a graded exercise test to volitional exhaustion on a cycle ergometer. Two-way mixed factorial ANOVAs and follow-up Holm-Sidak-corrected comparisons were used for statistical analyses. Changes are reported as mean ± SE of difference. Results: CRF and MFO increased similarly in the RT (+4.2 ± 1.0 mL/kg/min and +0.17 ± 0.05 g/min) and AT (+4.9 ± 1.0 mL/kg/min and +0.19 ± 0.05 g/min) groups (all p holm ≤ 0.001), and these changes were greater than in the CON group (+0.4 ± 1.0 ml/kg/min and -0.06 ± 0.05 g/min). There was similar improvement in Fat max among groups from pre- to post-intervention (+2.4 ± 1.7%; p = 0.01). Despite no observed changes in bodyweight ( p = 0.25), BF% decreased similarly in the RT (-1.21 ± 0.3%) and AT (-0.9 ± 0.3%) groups (all p holm ≤ 0.03), and to a greater extent than in CON (-0.49 ± 0.4%). However, only RT decreased VAT (-0.40 ± 0.14 l; p = 0.02). Conclusions: Sixteen weeks of RT was similarly efficacious to AT for improving CRF, reducing BF%, and increasing MFO in previously sedentary PM women. Interestingly, we demonstrate that RT may provide a unique benefit in reducing VAT.

Landmark movement trajectory: A simple reference to understand the dominant muscle contraction in a dynamic smile expression

Insight into the roles of perioral muscles play in smiling is essential to the relevant esthetic and reconstructive treatment. This study analyzed specific landmarks' movement trajectories to understand the dominant muscle activity in smiling. Sixty volunteers (aged 18-45 years) were included, and standardized frontal view images were obtained by three-dimensional photogrammetry. Each image sequence frame was referenced and superimposed onto the neutral image. Six surface landmarks were digitized on each frame to form the entire movement trajectories from resting to maximal smile. The perioral muscles were divided into different groups according to the inserting position of muscular fibers and the contracting direction. The movement paths of landmarks were analyzed to find the major muscle groups involved. The dominant muscle groups throughout smiling were successfully identified by landmark trajectory analysis in all 60 volunteers. Zygomaticus major was the dominant force for the beginning of most smiles. Apart from the zygomaticus major, other perioral muscles played a dominant role throughout smile expression, including levator anguli oris, buccinator and risorius, depressor anguli oris, and the upward muscle group of the upper lip were all identified. Besides, a notable high percentage of smiles presented a mixed pattern, indicating the cooperation of several muscle groups during smiling. Landmark movement trajectory provides a simple reference to understand the dominant perioral muscles in smiling. It can help surgeons get more information for the dynamic treatment of smiles.

A Review on Aging, Sarcopenia, Falls, and Resistance Training in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

As aging continues to grow in our society, sarcopenia and associated fall risk is considered a public health problem since falling is the third cause of chronic disability. Falls are negatively related to functionality and independence and positively associated with morbidity and mortality. The cost of treatment of secondary injuries related to falls is high. For example, one in ten fall incidents leads to bone fractures and several other comorbidities. As demonstrated by several experimental studies, adopting a more active lifestyle is critical for reducing the number of fall episodes and their consequences. Therefore, it is essential to debate the proven physical exercise methods to reduce falls and fall-related effects. Since muscle mass, muscle strength, bone density, and cartilage function may play significant roles in daily activities, resistance training may positively and significantly affect the elderly. This narrative review aimed to examine current evidence on existing resistance training using resistance machines and bodyweight or low-cost equipment for the elderly and how they are related to falls and fall-related consequences. We provide theoretical links between aging, sarcopenia, and falls linking to resistance training and offer practical suggestions to exercise professionals seeking to promote regular physical exercise to promote quality of life in this population. Exercise programs focusing on strength may significantly influence muscle mass and muscle strength, minimizing functional decline and risk of falling. Resistance training programs should be customized to each elderly according to age, sex, and other fundamental and individual aspects. This narrative review provides evidence to support recommendations for practical resistance training in the elderly related to intensity and volume. A properly designed resistance training program with adequate instructions and technique is safe for the elderly. It should include an individualized approach based on existing equipment (i.e., body weight, resistance machines). Existing literature shows that exercise performance towards 2–3 sets of 1–2 exercises per major muscle group, performing 5–8 repetitions or achieving intensities of 50–80% of 1RM, 2–3 times per week should be recommended, followed by training principles such as periodization and progression. Bearing this in mind, health and exercise professionals should combine efforts focusing on efficient strategies to reduce falls among the elderly and promote higher experiences of well-being at advanced stages in life.

Functional improvements to 6months of physical activity are not related to changes in size or density of multiple lower-extremity muscles in mobility-limited older individuals.

Older adults are encouraged to engage in multicomponent physical activity, which includes aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. The current work is an extension of the Vitality, Independence, and Vigor in the Elderly 2 (VIVE2) study - a 6-month multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of physical activity and nutritional supplementation in community dwelling 70-year-old seniors. Here, we examined whether the magnitude of changes in muscle size and quality differed between major lower-extremity muscle groups and related these changes to functional outcomes. We also examined whether daily vitamin-D-enriched protein supplementation could augment the response to structured physical activity. Forty-nine men and women (77±5yrs) performed brisk walking, muscle-strengthening exercises for the lower limbs, and balance training 3 times weekly for 6months. Participants were randomized to daily intake of a nutritional supplement (20g whey protein+800IU vitamin D), or a placebo. Muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and radiological attenuation (RA) were assessed in 8 different muscle groups using single-slice CT scans of the hip, thigh, and calf at baseline and after the intervention. Walking speed and performance in the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were also measured. For both CSA and RA, there were muscle group × time interactions (P<0.01). Significant increases in CSA were observed in 2 of the 8 muscles studied, namely the knee extensors (1.9%) and the hip adductors (2.8%). For RA, increases were observed in 4 of 8 muscle groups, namely the hip flexors (1.1HU), hip adductors (0.9HU), knee extensors (1.2HU), and ankle dorsiflexors (0.8HU). No additive effect of nutritional supplementation was observed. While walking speed (13%) and SPPB performance (38%) improved markedly, multivariate analysis showed that these changes were not associated with the changes in muscle CSA and RA after the intervention. We conclude that this type of multicomponent physical activity program results in significant improvements in physical function despite relatively small changes in muscle size and quality of some, but not all, of the measured lower extremity muscles involved in locomotion.

CORRELATION OF THE BALL SPEED AND RELATIVE STRENGTH POTENTIAL AND EXPLOSIVE POWER OF THE LOWER LIMBS OF IN-STEP KICK OF ELITE FOOTBALL PLAYERS

The purpose of this study was to reveal the significance of the strength component of major muscle groups and explosive power of lower limbs of elite football players in relation to ball speed upon execution of in-step kick. Methods The research was done among 42 football players aged between 18 and 19 years. The following methods were used: speed metric, tensometry, and dynamometry. The data were processed with math-statistical methods (descriptive statistics and correlation analyses). Results The structural interdependencies between different indicators influencing ball speed were revealed. The data analysis established a strong direct ratio correlation dependence between ball speed and the relative strength of hip muscles of left and right legs (r=0,703 and r=0,720 respectively). We found that the strength component affecting ball speed was more significantly influenced by the relative strength of the muscles of the hip flexors and less influenced by those of the hip extensors. There was a strong interdependence with speed-strength abilities which are related to the magnitude of the power. Conclusions All in all, we believe that the revealed specifics and guidelines for strength and explosive power influence in conditional training sessions will help increase ball speed upon execution of in-step kick.