Muscle Strength In Men Research Articles

Adiposity and Muscle Strength in Men With Prostate Cancer and Cardiovascular Outcomes

BackgroundThere are limited data on the physical effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PC), and on the relationships of such measures of adiposity and strength to cardiovascular outcomes. ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships of measures of adiposity and strength to cardiovascular outcomes (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, arterial revascularization, peripheral arterial disease, and venous thromboembolism) in patients with PC. A secondary objective was to characterize the relationships between ADT use and 12-month changes in these physical measures. MethodsThis international, prospective cohort study included 3,967 patients with PC diagnosed in the prior 12 months or being treated with ADT for the first time. Median follow-up duration was 2.3 years. ResultsParticipants’ mean age was 68.5 years, and 1,731 (43.6%) were exposed to ADT. ADT was associated with a 1.6% increase in weight, a 2.2% increase in waist circumference, a 1.6% increase in hip circumference, a 0.1% increase in waist-to-hip ratio, a 27.4% reduction in handgrip strength, and a 0.1% decrease in gait speed. High waist circumference and low handgrip strength were associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Adjusting for age, education, race, tobacco and alcohol use, physical activity, cardiovascular disease, glomerular filtration rate, and ADT use, waist circumference above the highest quartile (110 cm) and handgrip strength below the lowest quartile (29.5 kg) were associated with higher likelihoods of a future cardiovascular event, with respective HRs of 1.40 (95% CI: 1.03-1.90; P = 0.029) and 1.59 (95% CI: 1.14-2.22; P = 0.006). ConclusionsADT was associated with increased adiposity and reduced strength over 12-month follow-up. High waist circumference and low baseline strength were associated with future adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Associations of passive muscle stiffness and muscle echo-intensity with muscle strength

Objective: Muscle tissue parameters including composition and stiffness of muscle can have an important effect on muscle strength. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationships between muscle echo-intensity (EI), tendon stiffness and muscle strength in young men and women. Methods: Ultrasound B-mode images of the Rectus Femoris (RF), Vastus Medialis (VM) and Patellar Tendon (PT) were acquired in fifty-two healthy subjects (mean age; 27.43±5.3 years). RF, VM and PT stiffness were characterized by shear-wave elastography measurements. Quantitative evaluations were performed, including measurement of muscle and tendon thickness and muscle EI. Isometric knee extension muscle strength was measured using hand-held dynamometer. Results: RF stiffness had a good correlation with muscle strength (r=-0.46, p<0.05) and had a fair correlation with EIRF(r=-0.37,p<0.05), VM stiffness had a good correlation with muscle strength (r=0.42, p<0.05) and had a fair correlation with EIVM (r=-0.43,p<0.05) in women. RF stiffness had a good correlation with muscle strength (r=-0.54, p<0.05), had a good correlation with EIRF(r=-0.41,p<0.05) in men.VM stiffness had a good correlation with muscle strength(r=-0.50; p<0.05), and had a good correlation with EIVM(r=-0.60,p<0.05) in men. EIRF and EIVM had a good relation with muscle strength in men and women (For EIRF; r=-0.46; r=-0.54; for EIVM; r=-0.42; r=-0.50 p<0.05, respectively) Conclusions: This study demonstrates that there is a relationship between isometric muscle strength and passive muscle stiffness, muscle EI. Additionally, muscle EI affects muscle stiffness in healthy men and women. Our results should be considered in elite athletes for whom the strengthening program is important.

Effects of Exercise Type on Muscle Strength and Body Composition in Men and Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: There are typical differences in body composition and distribution of muscle fiber types between women and men. However, research investigating the effects of exercise based on sex differences is limited, and studies examining sex differences in physiological adaptations according to exercise type are scarce. We aimed to compare the effects of exercise types on muscle strength and body composition in men and women through a meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, and EBSCO databases. Keywords included "endurance training", "resistance training", "concurrent training", "muscle strength", "body composition", "sex characteristics", and "men and women". The standardized mean difference (SMD) was presented separately for men and women based on the pre- and post-intervention values for each exercise type. Results: Concurrent training showed the greatest effect on the increase in leg press muscle strength in men, and resistance training showed the greatest effect in women. Concurrent training showed the greatest effect size in both men and women in increasing bench press muscle strength. Resistance training and concurrent training showed a small effect size on lean mass reduction in both men and women. Endurance training and concurrent training significantly reduced fat mass in men. However, no significant changes in fat mass were observed in any exercise type among women. Conclusions: Concurrent training is the most efficient type of exercise for men, as it is effective in increasing upper- and lower-body muscle strength, increasing lean mass, and reducing fat mass. Resistance training is most effective in increasing muscle strength in females, whereas endurance training is most effective in reducing fat mass. However, it is difficult to corroborate these results because of the lack of study samples included in the analysis and the differences in exercise methods, participant age, and exercise duration.

Differences in the effects of plyometric squat jumps and bileg band training on leg strength increases in volleyball players of different gender

Background and purpose This study aims to determine differences in the effects of plyometric jumps, squats, and double leg band training on leg muscle strength gains in volleyball players of different genders. Material and methods This study was conducted at SMP Negeri 3 Karanganyar, Jalan Lawu No. 86, Ngarjosari, Karanganyar Regency, Central Java. This study was conducted over a six-week period, beginning February 5, 2024, and ending March 16, 2024, with meetings occurring three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The experimental method is chosen to identify certain symptoms through an intervention carried out on a test sample. An experiment is a design that allows researchers to simultaneously study the effects of two or more types of experimental variables. Results After the analysis in the group of men, an increase in leg strength indicators was obtained as a result of the experiment by 2.468%. Meanwhile, in the group of women, an increase in leg strength indicators was obtained as a result of the experiment by 2.892%. Comparing the two female groups, there is a higher percentage increase than the male groups, which is 2.892% in females compared to 2.468% in males. Thus, the female group showed a more pronounced increase in results than the male group, with a significance of p < 0.05. Thus, hypothesis 2 «there is a difference in the growth of leg muscle strength as a result of training using plyometric exercises in male and female students» is accepted. Conclusions Significant differences in the indicators of leg muscle strength increase in male and female volleyball players as a result of the use of special training were revealed. This is evidenced by the average increase in leg muscle strength in men by 2.468%, and in women by 2.892% at p < 0.05.

Assessment of muscle strength using handgrip test in a middle-aged and elderly Russian population and its association with health characteristics

Aim. To establish reference values of handgrip test for a middle-aged and elderly population (35-74 years), as well as study the association of health characteristics and muscle strength.Material and methods. For the analysis, we used data from the Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases and their Risk Factors in Regions of Russian Federation-3 (ESSE-RF3) study, conducted in 2020-2022. The sample was selected similarly to the previous ESSE-RF stages. The sample included 27689 men and women aged 35-74 years from 14 Russian regions. Of the individual variables, the characteristics with the highest evidence level of influence on muscle strength were taken as covariates. Muscle strength was assessed by a handgrip test using a MEGEON 34090 device with an accuracy of 0,1 kg. Three measurements were taken for each arm in a standing position, and the maximum value was used in the analysis. Normative sex-specific handgrip test values were established regardless of age: a participant's handgrip value was considered reduced if it was 2 standard deviations below the average value of participants at the age with the best/highest scores.Results. The average handgrip test values for the entire male sample were 43,4±11,1 kg, while for the female sample — 27,6±6,1 kg. In men under 53 years of age, muscle strength decreases at a rate of 0,12 kg/year, then the decline accelerates to 0,48 kg/year. In women under 45,5 years of age, a slight and insignificant increase in muscle strength was detected by 0,02 kg/year, and after 45,5 years, handgrip value falls at a rate of 0,2 kg/year. Therefore, both men and women lose 1,3% of muscle strength per year to year and the decline rate do not differ. The peak age can be considered 35 years old, since at this age, the average muscle strength in men and women is 47,6±11,5 and 29,2±5,7 kg, respectively, and the calculated norm (M–2SD) for men was 47,6–2´11,5≈24 kg using rounding down, and for women it was 29,2– 2´5,7≈17 kg. With age, as expected, the proportion of people of both sexes with a metabolic syndrome level below the threshold increases, reaching 7,5% after 65 years. Multivariate regression analysis showed that, taking into account adjustments for covariates, for every 10 years, muscle strength decreases by an average of 3,1 kg in men and by 1,7 kg in women. Negative associations of metabolic syndrome with inflammation markers (fibrinogen and C-reactive protein) and noncommunicable diseases are also significant, but only men have significantly lower rates of metabolic syndrome in the presence of anxiety and depression, low income and urban residence.Conclusion. The use of handgrip test in any age range during medical examinations or preventive examinations of the adult population and informing primary care specialists about the results obtained can help improve the general health of the population.

Nutritional program among patients with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

12072 Background: Treatment with ADT can lead to changes in body composition, including an increase in body fat and a decrease in muscle mass. To minimize the nutritional risks associated with ADT, a nutritional program was developed. Thus, this study sought to determine the benefit of this program among patients with prostate cancer receiving ADT. Methods: Patients were recruited in a cancer center located in Brasilia, Brazil. Patients were eligible if they were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and about to initiate treatment with ADT. They were assessed before starting ADT and at follow-up assessment (3 months). Based on their risk, patients were instructed to follow either a normocaloric (20-25 kcal/kg) or a hypocaloric (18-20 kcal/kg) diet, and both groups were required to consume a hyperproteic diet (1-1.2 g/kg), including the use of whey protein supplementation as needed. Outcomes measures included nutritional risk (Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment; PG-SGA), body composition (Medical software Lookin’Body120), and muscle strength (Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer). Descriptive statistics were generated, and paired T-test, Wilcoxon signed rank on paired samples and ANOVA-RM were used to evaluate changes in variables over time. Results: A total of 62 patients were included in this program. Participants had a median age of 75 years (range from 41-97) and were predominantly married (87%). A great proportion of patients (65%) were diagnosed with a stage IV disease. Notably, 23% were diagnosed with moderate to severe nutritional risk at baseline; 47% were overweight, 13% were obese and 14% were with sarcopenia. The nutritional program resulted in maintenance of total body weight (median 74.1 vs 75.6 kg, P=0.12), lean body weight (median 29.1 vs 29.4 kg, P=0.11), and muscle strength (median 30 vs 30 kg, P=0.62), while a statistically significant loss of body fat weight (median 22.0 vs 20 kg, P=0.003) was found over the 12-week period. Despite no change in the PG-SGA scores were noted overtime, the rate of sarcopenia has decreased (15% vs 13%, P=0.03) and the proportion of eutrophic patients has increased (18% vs 27%, P=0.001), as seen in the contingency table below. Conclusions: These findings suggest that this program may improve body composition and maintain muscle strength in men receiving treatment with ADT after only three months of intervention. Future studies should validate the benefit of this program in randomized trial with a longer follow-up assessment (6 and 12 months after treatment initiation). [Table: see text]

ODP444 The Effect of Glucocorticoid Therapy on Cardio-Metabolic Risk in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) often requires usage of glucocorticoids (GC). Excess of GC may affect muscles, which increases mortality. This study evaluates the effect of GC therapy on muscles and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in patients with MS. Methods 45 patients (55.5% women), 37.8 (20-45) years, were examined. 51% of patients received GC (methylprednisolone 3000-5000 mg, 3-5 days). MS duration was 5.9±1.2 years, the assessment by EDSS - 3.3±1.2. Muscle tissue was assessed by bioimpedance analysis, a chair-rising test, dynamometry. Glucose and lipid metabolism, blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC),physical activity were evaluated. Statistical analysis was carried out using "Statistica 10. 0". Normal distribution was tested by the Shapiro–Wilks test, p>0. 05. А Mann-Whitney U-test, a t-test,χ2 test were used,p<0. 05. Results Patients with GC had significantly higher BMI (28.56±5. 02 vs 22.87±3.49 kg/m2), WC (98 (66-123) vs 79.9±5.27cm), lower muscle mass (36.4 (35-38) vs 40.75±2. 02 kg). A negative correlation between GC dose and a grip strength of the dominant hand among men was noted (r=-0.88, p<0. 0001). A normal WС was identified in 52% of patients. Comparing with others received GC, they had a lower level of low-density lipoproteins (1.35±0.39 vs 1.39(1-3,32) mmol/l), systolic BP (132.3±15.7 vs 141 (100-165)) and better handgrip strength (40 (25-47) vs 27±7.3 daN). Conclusions The negative effect of GC on cardiometabolic parameters in all patients with MS and muscle strength in men was confirmed. Metabolic healthier patients probably have a resistance to GC side effects, which may be determined genetically. It is promising for finding protective factors against GC. Presentation: No date and time listed

Serum Creatinine to Cystatin C Ratio is an Effective Indicator for Muscle Strength Decline in Men with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

PurposeThis study explored the value of the serum creatinine/cystatin C (Cr/CysC) ratio in diagnosing the reduction of muscle strength in men with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).Patients and MethodsIn this study, we enrolled 72 male patients with AECOPD and 32 male patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We compared clinical characteristics between the AECOPD and stable COPD groups. Then, we subdivided AECOPD patients into normal muscle strength and low muscle strength groups; we compared the clinical characteristics between these two groups. We analyzed the relationships of serum creatinine (Cr), cystatin C (CysC), and Cr/CysC ratio with clinical characteristics in male AECOPD patients. We also investigated whether the Cr/CysC ratio could aid in the diagnosis of muscle strength decline via receiver operating characteristic curve and binary logistic regression analysis.ResultsWe found that handgrip strength, Cr/CysC ratio, serum Cr, FEV1, FVC, and FEV1%pred were lower in AECOPD patients than in stable COPD patients. Among AECOPD patients, BMI, weight, FEV1, FVC, FEV1%pred, and Cr/CysC ratio were lower in the low muscle strength group than in the normal muscle strength group; there were more patients with ≥2 acute exacerbations within the past year in the low muscle strength group. The Cr/CysC ratio was correlated with handgrip strength, FEV1, FVC, FEV1%pred, BMI and weight. The area under curve for low handgrip strength was greater for the Cr/CysC ratio than for Cr. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that a Cr/CysC ratio <0.99 was a risk factor for decreased muscle strength in male patients with AECOPD.ConclusionThe Cr/CysC ratio is a useful predictor of muscle strength decline in male AECOPD patients, while a low Cr/CysC ratio is a risk factor for muscle strength decline in male patients with AECOPD.

Sex Differences in Neck Strength Force and Activation Patterns in Collegiate Contact Sport.

The purpose of this study was to assess changes in cervical musculature throughout contact-heavy collegiate ice hockey practices during a regular season of NCAA Division III ice hockey teams. In this cross-sectional study, 36 (male n = 13; female n = 23) ice hockey players participated. Data were collected over 3 testing sessions (baseline; pre-practice; post-practice). Neck circumference, neck length, head-neck segment length, isometric strength and electromyography (EMG) activity for flexion and extension were assessed. Assessments were completed approximately 1h before a contact-heavy practice and 15 min after practice. For sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles, males had significantly greater peak force and greater time to peak force versus females. For both left and right SCMs, both sexes had significantly greater peak EMG activity pre-practice versus baseline, and right (dominant side) SCM time to peak EMG activity was decreased post-practice compared to pre-practice. There were no significant differences for EMG activity of the upper trapezius musculature, over time or between sexes. Sex differences observed in SCM force and activation patterns of the dominant side SCM may contribute to head stabilization during head impacts. Our study is the first investigation to report changes in cervical muscle strength in men's and women's ice hockey players in the practical setting.

Functionally relevant threshold of inspiratory muscle strength in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

ObjectivesWe aimed to identify the inspiratory muscle strength thresholds below which exercise capacity is compromised in men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsWe measured the maximum static inspiratory mouth pressure (PImax) and the percentage of predicted values (%PImax) in 113 patients with COPD. Six-minute walk distance (6-MWD) was measured as an indicator of functional exercise capacity, and a 6-MWD of <350 m was defined as functional exercise intolerance. Thresholds were determined as values with high specificity (>0.90) and maximal sensitivity. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.01. ResultsThe data of 96 patients (74 ± 6 years old; forced expiratory volume in 1-s [FEV1], 56.5 ± 26.2% predicted) were analyzed; three women and 14 participants with missing data were excluded. Multivariate logistic regression models identified significant associations of PImax (odds ratio at 99% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95 [0.92–0.98]) and %PImax (odds ratio at 99% CI: 0.97 [0.95–0.99]) with 6-MWD, after adjustments for height and FEV1. C-statistics showed that the area under the curves (99% CI) of PImax and %PImax were comparable (0.87 [0.77–0.96] and 0.83 [0.72–0.94]). The thresholds of PImax and %PImax were 45.1 cmH2O and 66%; PImax and %PImax also had moderate positive likelihood ratios of 4.44 and 5.00. ConclusionsThresholds of inspiratory muscle strength in men with COPD could help clinicians evaluate whether their patient's inspiratory muscle strength is inadequate to achieve a 6-MWD of ≥350 m, and identify patients who should be targeted for inspiratory muscle training.

Hubungan Umur Dan Jenis Kelamin Terhadap Myofascial Trigger point Syndrome (MTPS) Pada Guru SMP Ar Rahman

A person's age and gender will be related to physical capacity to some extent. As a person ages, muscle strength, sensory and motor abilities will also decrease. Thus age will be related to the work of a person. In general, women only have physical strength 2/3 of the physical ability or muscle strength of men, but in certain cases women are more careful than men. To get high work power, it is necessary to try to divide the tasks between men and women according to their respective abilities, skill and limitations. MTPS complaints often occur in teacher workers related to age, resulting in complaints of muscle pain. This study aims to determine the relationship between Age and Gender with Myofascial Trigger Point Syndrome (MTPS) against teachers at Ar Rahman School Medan. This type of research uses an analytic design with a cross sectional design. The population and sample were 32 people. The results showed that there was a relationship between age (p value = &lt;0.005) and there was no relationship between sex (p value = &gt;0.05) with Myofascial Trigger Point Syndrome (MTPS). It is recommended for teachers to take advantage of the rest time to relax muscles in order to improve and improve physiological function.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Aim. To study the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD).Material and methods. Patients with stable CAD (n=387) were included in the study. The subjects were admitted to the hospital for planned myocardial revascularization (ages of 50-82). The median age was 65 [59;69] years. Most of the sample consisted of males - 283 (73.1%). 323 (83.5%) patients had arterial hypertension (AH), 57.1% - history of myocardial infarction, and a quarter of the patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The study of musculoskeletal system included the identification of sarcopenia in accordance with The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP, 2019); verification of osteopenia/osteoporosis according to the WHO criteria (2008); diagnosing osteosarcopenia in case of sarcopenia and osteopenia/osteoporosis coexistence.Results. At the initial screening of sarcopenia in accordance with EWGSOP, clinical signs (according to the Strength, assistance with walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and falls (SARC-F) questionnaire) were detected in 41.3% of cases, but further examination (dynamometry, quantitative assessment of skeletal muscle) confirmed this diagnosis only in 19.9% of patients with CAD. Among the examined patients with CAD a low T-score according to DEXA was found in 53 (13.7%) of cases, and osteopenia was diagnosed 10 times more often than osteoporosis (90.6% vs. 9.4%). Furthermore, due to combination of low bone density (osteopenia/osteoporosis) and reduced muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia), osteosarcopenia was verified in one patient. Thus, the study revealed the prevalence of particular types of musculoskeletal disorders in 105 (27.1%) patients with stable CAD. The most common type of musculoskeletal disorder was sarcopenia - 52 cases (13.4%); osteopenia/osteoporosis was detected in 28 patients (7.2%), osteosarcopenia in 25 (6.5%). The most pronounced clinical manifestation of sarcopenia and osteopenia/osteoporosis, reflected by a higher score on the SARC-F questionnaire, low handgrip strength, small area of muscle tissue, low musculoskeletal index, as well as low values of bone mineral density, were observed in patients with osteosarcopenia. Patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis did not differ significantly from patients without musculoskeletal conditions in most parameters, with the exception of the T-score, the average SARC-F score, and muscle strength in men. The conducted correlation analysis revealed not only the relationship between the parameters of musculoskeletal function, but also their association with age, duration of AH, CAD, and type 2 DM.Conclusion. Several types of musculoskeletal disorders were found in a third of patients with CAD. Sarcopenia was revealed to be the most frequent type of musculoskeletal disorder.

Sexual intercourse before exercise has a detrimental effect on lower extremity muscle strength in men

IntroductionThe question of whether sexual intercourse can harm athletic performance is a long-debated topic since first sport competitions were invented. Therefore, due to the lack of solid evidence, we aimed...

Different Relationships Between Thyrotropin and Muscle Strength According to Sex and Age in Euthyroid Koreans (The 6th Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2014-2015).

Background: Changes in muscle mass and strength can be caused by multiple endocrine factors, including thyroid dysfunction. However, the relationship between thyroid function and muscle strength in euthyroid individuals is not clear. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between thyroid function and handgrip strength (HGS) in euthyroid Koreans, especially according to sex and age. Methods: This was a population-based, cross-sectional study from the 6th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey including 2894 Koreans (1487 men and 1407 women) aged ≥19 years. Serum thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) levels were measured. HGS was measured using a digital grip strength dynamometer. Results: Serum TSH level, but not serum fT4 level, was significantly associated with HGS in men, but neither TSH nor fT4 level was associated with HGS in women. Serum TSH showed a negative association with HGS in men aged <65 years (n = 1376; β = -0.566, p = 0.008), but a positive association in men aged ≥65 years (n = 111; β = 1.158, p = 0.010) after adjusting for confounders. HGS decreased as TSH tertile increased in men aged <65 years (p for trend = 0.010), but increased with TSH tertile in men aged ≥65 years (p for trend = 0.009) after adjusting for confounders. Odds ratios (ORs) for the lowest quartile of HGS increased in the highest tertile of TSH among men aged <65 years (OR = 1.657 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.099-2.500], p = 0.006) and decreased in the highest tertile of TSH among men aged ≥65 years (OR = 0.176 [CI 0.032-0.966], p = 0.034) after adjusting for confounders. Conclusions: In euthyroid Koreans, serum TSH levels were significantly associated with HGS only in men and this relationship was found to depend significantly on age. These findings suggest that age has a distinct influence on the effect of even subtle change of thyroid function on muscle strength in men.

Four months vitamin D supplementation to vitamin D insufficient individuals does not improve muscular strength: A randomized controlled trial.

Main objectiveThe inconsistent results on the effects of vitamin D on muscle strength reported by intervention trials may partly be explained by inclusion of vitamin D sufficient individuals. The main objective was to study whether vitamin D supplementation will improve muscle strength in men and women with low serum vitamin D status, as measured by 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) at baseline.Methods417 men and women aged 40–80 years were included and randomized to receive a loading dose of 100 000 IU (2500 ug) vitamin D3 followed by 20 000 IU (500 ug)/week, or placebo. Muscle strength was tested by dynamometers at baseline and after four months.ResultsSerum 25(OH)D levels increased from 32.6±11.1 nmol/l to 88.8±19.4 nmol/l (p<0.01) in the vitamin D group, while remaining low in the placebo group (baseline and final levels at 35.1±13.6 nmol/l and 30.7 ±9.7 nmol/l respectively). Muscle strength (hip flexion, biceps flexion, pectorals and handgrip strength) did not change in any of the groups. The results were the same in analyses stratified on sex, 25(OH)D above/below 25 nmol/L (10 ng/ml); smoking status; and BMI above/below 27 kg/m2.ConclusionThese data does not support vitamin D supplementation for improving muscle strength.

Long-term Enrollment in Cardiac Rehabilitation Benefits Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Skeletal Muscle Strength in Men With Cardiovascular Disease

BackgroundDespite known associations between fitness and recurrent cardiovascular events, changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscle strength with long-term cardiac rehabilitation (CR) have not been extensively examined. The objectives of this study were to (1) examine changes in CRF and muscle strength associated with long-term CR program enrollment in men, and (2) compare these changes to previously published rates of decline (2.0% per year for CRF and 2.36% per year for muscle strength in healthy age-matched individuals). MethodsData were extracted from the program charts of 160 men (64 ± 9 years) who were enrolled ≥ 1 year in a maintenance-phase CR program and who completed ≥ 2 exercise tests. CRF was represented by peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak, mL/min/kg). The skeletal muscle strength was assessed using 1-repetition maximum tests for chest press, seated row, and knee extension. Mixed model analyses with polynomial functions were used to determine changes in CRF (up to 5.5 years) and muscle strength (up to 10 years). ResultsCRF increased nonlinearly up to 3 years (range, 0.33%-3.23% per year) and then declined nonlinearly to the 5.5-year endpoint (range, 1.03%-2.59% per year). Chest press and seated row strength declined at < 1% per year over 10 years, whereas knee extension increased nonlinearly by 0.18%-1.40% per year from baseline until 4 years and then declined nonlinearly at 1.00%-3.58% per year until the 10-year endpoint. All declines were similar to literature rates. ConclusionsThe results indicate that significant health benefits are associated with maintenance-phase CR programs for men. Enrollment was associated with preserved CRF and lower body muscle strength for 3-4 years.

Apparatus and method for determination of isometric muscle strength in man

Apparatus and method for determination of isometric muscle strength in man

Pacing Strategies in the 'Athens Classic Marathon': Physiological and Psychological Aspects.

Despite the increased scientific interest in the relationship between pacing and performance in marathon running, little information is available about the association of pacing with physiological and psychological parameters. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the role physical fitness and training characteristics on pacing in the ‘Athens Classic Marathon.’ Finishers in this race in 2017 (women, n = 26, age 40.8 ± 9.4 years; men, n = 130, age 44.1 ± 8.6 years) were analyzed for their pacing during the race, completed the Motivation of Marathon Scale (MOMS) and performed a series of physiological tests. Women and faster recreational runners adopted a more even pacing. A more even pacing was related with a higher aerobic capacity and lower muscle strength in men, but not in women. Men with more even pacing scored higher in psychological coping, self-esteem, life meaning, recognition and competition than their counterparts with less even pacing. Considering the increasing number of participants in marathon races, these findings might help a wide range of professionals (fitness trainers, physiologists, and psychologists) working with runners to optimize the pacing of their athletes.

Inverse relationship between serum hsCRP concentration and hand grip strength in older adults: a nationwide population-based study.

Despite the potential detrimental effects of systemic inflammation on muscle mass, which is mainly observed in patients with pathologic diseases, its role in muscle strength, especially in a healthy general population reflecting subclinical low-grade inflammation, is unclear. This is a nationally representative population-based, cross-sectional study from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which enrolled 1,036 men aged ≥50 years and 1,080 postmenopausal women. After adjustment for confounders, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level was inversely associated with hand grip strength (HGS) in men. Consistently, compared with men in the lowest serum hsCRP quartile, those in the highest quartile showed a significant lower HGS, with a linear decrease of HGS across increasing serum hsCRP quartiles. Men with low muscle strength had 74.2% higher serum hsCRP than those without, and each standard deviation increment in serum hsCRP was associated with a multivariate-adjusted odds ratio of 1.35 for the risk of low muscle strength in men. However, these associations were not statistically significant in women. These findings provide clinical evidence that chronic subclinical low-grade inflammation may contribute to the deterioration of muscle strength seen with aging, especially in men.

Relationship between Homocysteine and Muscle Strength Decline: The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.

Decreased muscle strength is strongly associated with future mobility limitations in older adults. Homocysteine is a risk factor for vascular disease and may exacerbate muscle strength decline. The present study aimed to examine the association between homocysteine levels and muscle strength in adults aged 50 years or older. Data were from 1,101 participants of The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging between December 2004 and March 2015. Muscle strength was measured using grip strength. Mixed effects linear regression was used to estimate the association between homocysteine and muscle strength in men and women, separately. Total mean follow-up time was 4.7 ± 3.1 years, range from 0 to 10.1 years. Baseline mean grip strength was 39.9 kg for men and 25.5 kg for women. Grip strength declined over the follow-up time for both men and women. Among women, there was a significant inverse relationship between homocysteine and grip strength, where grip strength declined as a function of increasing homocysteine over time (β = -0.05, p = .031). Among men, an increase of 1 μmol/L in homocysteine was associated with -0.10 kg decrease in grip strength, though not significantly. In this study of healthy older adults aged 50 years or older, higher homocysteine was related to lower muscle strength in women. This is the first study to characterize the relationship over a long follow-up period. Future research should focus on assessing homocysteine as a marker of physical function decline and translating the relationship into clinical and public health practice.