Progressive Resistance Training Group Research Articles

Rehabilitation of Gate and Balance Disorders in Multiple Sclerosis using Progressive Resistance Power Training: a Randomized Controlled Study

INTRODUCTION. Progressive resistance training (PRT) has been recognized as an effective tool in the rehabilitation of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), however its comparative efficacy remains has yet to be determined.
 AIM. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the self-guided in-patient progressive resistance power training (PRT) program for improving gait and balance in patients with MS compared with the standard rehabilitation program.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS. 60 patients with MS were equally randomized into control group (CG) and the PRT group (PG). Training was performed 5 times/week, for 4 weeks in both groups. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with improvement in the 6-minute walking test above a minimal clinically significant difference in both groups. Tests of walking speed and balance (Timed 25-foot walking test (T25FW), Timed up-and-go (TUG) test, walking speed), mean voluntary muscle contraction on dominant and non-dominant legs as well as quality of life tests (cognitive and physical domains) at week 4 were used as secondary endpoints.
 RESULTS. In PG, 17/27 (63 %) patients reached the primary endpoint compared to 11/23 (48 %) in KG, which did not make a statistically significant difference (p = 0.89). Patients showed significant improvement in the T25FW test and TUG test in PG, but not in CG one. Muscle strength improved in both groups, however patients in PG showed mostly improvement in non-dominant leg and more on knee flexors and feet extensors, while patients in the CG showed improvement in hip flexors on both legs. Quality of life parameters improved in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups at all the endpoints studied at week 4.
 DISCUSSION. In both groups, significant increases in distance and walking speed prevented reaching the primary endpoint. PRT has been shown to provide a statistically significant improvement in short-distance walking speed, which may have been due to a positive effect on the rate of force development, increasing walking speed and improving walking balance. The increase in muscle strength occurred in trained muscle groups and had differences between the study groups. This result could be obtained both due to the direct training of certain muscle groups, and due to the phenomenon of contralateral transfer.
 CONCLUSION. Progressive resistance training may have some beneficial differences compared to non-progressive training that need to be elucidated further.

Efficacy of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in improving shoulder biomechanical parameters, functionality, and pain after axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer: A randomized controlled study

PurposeAxillary lymph node dissection and radiotherapy have been associated with pain, physical symptoms, and decreased functional abilities in the upper extremity. This study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique on muscle strength, pain and functionality in this patient group in comparison with progressive resistance training (PRT). MethodsThe study was conducted with a randomized clinical trial design. Sixty-six women were included in the study and randomly divided into three groups: the PNF group (n = 22), the PRT group (n = 22), and the control group (n = 22). The participants were evaluated at the baseline and after eight weeks of treatment. Outcome measures were determined as pain (the Visual Analog Scale), upper extremity strength (isokinetic dynamometer), functionality (the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire), and perception of change (the Global Rating of Change Scale). Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05288036. ResultsThe results showed statistically significant changes in both treatment groups in terms of shoulder flexors/extensors, abductor/adductors, internal/external rotators strength/power/endurance measurement, pain, and functionality (p < 0.05). Concerning functionality and perception of change, the PNF group had a statistically significantly higher improvement compared to the remaining two groups (p < 0.05). ConclusionPNF is an effective technique in increasing upper extremity muscle strength, reducing pain during rest and activity, and improving functionality in patients receiving breast cancer treatment.

60 POWER-AGERS: IMPLEMENTING PROGRESSIVE RESISTANCE TRAINING TO MANAGE SARCOPENIA AMONG COMMUNITY DWELLING OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Background The prevalence of sarcopenia among community dwelling older adults is between 10-40%. Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) improves sarcopenia and functional performance among older-adults. A PRT programme was introduced to a Day Hospital service as part of a sarcopenia management quality improvement initiative. Methods The PRT programme was implemented on a phased basis. Phase 1 evaluated the feasibility, safety and participant satisfaction. Phase 2 then collected pre and post outcome measures (gait-speed, grip strength and 5-Times-Sit-to-Stand [5TSTS]), and a patient perception questionnaire. The intervention consisted of a physiotherapist-lead PRT programme (weekly in phase 1 and biweekly in phase 2). Recent community dwelling Day Hospital attendees were recruited by the physiotherapist to participate. The class consisted of a circuit of 4-6 exercises targeting upper and lower limbs, along with an educational component. Exercises were progressively overloaded on an individual basis. Results Ten participants attended the PRT programmes (phase 1 [n=5], phase 2 [n=5]). Most were female (n=6), mean age was 84 years. None had prior formal experience of PRT. The phase 1 PRT group was deemed feasible and safe in an outpatient setting. All phase 1 participants (n=5) felt it was beneficial and rated it 5/5. All phase 2 participants had improvements in sarcopenia markers (grip strength [range=1kg-9kg], gait-speed [range=0.04m/s-0.19m/s], and 5TSTS [range=5.1sec-11sec]). All participants reported that the programmes improved their confidence in PRT and that they were interested in continuing PRT in the future. Conclusion This supports that PRT a clinical setting with community dwelling older adults is safe, feasible and effective in improving sarcopenia markers. Furthermore, the high rate of satisfaction supports its use with this population. Further research is required to examine the impact of combined nutritional education with strength training as an intervention for older adults with sarcopenia.

Effects of a combined progressive resistance training and functional electrical stimulation-evoked cycling exercise on lower limb muscle strength of individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury: A randomized controlled study.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of combined progressive resistance training (PRT) and functional electrical stimulation-evoked leg cycling exercise (FES-LCE) on isometric peak torque and muscle volume in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury. In the single-blind, randomized controlled trial performed between April 2015 and August 2016, 28 participants were randomized between two exercise interventions (FES-LCE+PRT and FES-LCE alone), and training was conducted over 12 weeks. The isometric muscle peak torque and muscle volume for both lower limbs were measured at the baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks. Linear mixed-model analysis of variance was performed to test the effects of FES-LCE+PRT versus FES-LCE on each outcome measure over time via an intention-to-treat analysis. Twenty-three participants (18 males, 5 females; mean age: 33.4±9.7 years; range 21 to 50 years) completed study (10 in the FES-LCE+PRT group, and 13 in the FES-LCE group). The 12-week pre-and posttraining change for left hamstrings' muscle peak torque in the FES-LCE+PRT group (mean difference=4.5±7.9 Nm, 45% change, p<0.05) was consistently higher than that in the FES-LCE group (mean difference=2.4±10.3 Nm, 4% change; p<0.018). The improvement in the right quadriceps muscle's peak torque of the FES-LCE+PRT group (mean difference=19±7.6 Nm, 31% change, p<0.05) was more significant compared to the FES-LCE group. The left muscle volume showed a remarkable increase after 12 weeks in the FES-LCE+PRT group (mean difference=0.3±9.3 L, 7% change, p<0.05). The combination of PRT and FES-LCE was better in improving lower limb muscle strength and volume in chronic incomplete individuals with spinal cord injury.

Effect of 4 Weeks of Progressive Resistance Training on Plasma Levels of Omentin-1 and Metabolic Factors in Diabetic Male Rats

Background and Objectives Omentin-1 is a new adipokine with a potential to increase insulin sensitivity, and is associated with lipid profile. There are limited studies on the effect of exercise on the serum level of Omentin-1. The present study aims to investigate the effect of progressive resistance training (PRT) on plasma level of omentin-1 and glycemic control in diabetic male rats. Subjects and Methods In this study, 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: Control, diabetic, and diabetic+PRT. The training group performed a PRT program using a ladder (three days a week, for 4 weeks). Body weight, glucose level, amentin-1 level, insulin level, and lipid profile were measured. Results The PRT significantly increased plasma levels of omentin-1 and triglycerides in the diabetic + PRT group compared to the diabetic group (P=0.017). There was no significant difference in high-density lipoprotein (F=0.318, P&gt;0.05), low-density lipoprotein (F=0.612, P&gt;0.05) and cholesterol (F=0.049, P&gt;0.05) levels between the study groups. Conclusion The PRT improves omentin-1 and insulin resistance in diabetic rats.

Androgen deprivation in prostate cancer: benefits of home-based resistance training

IntroductionAndrogen deprivation therapy (ADT) has detrimental effects on body composition, metabolic health, physical functioning, bone mineral density (BMD) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in men with prostate cancer. We investigated whether a 12-month home-based progressive resistance training (PRT) programme, instituted at the start of ADT, could prevent these adverse effects.MethodsTwenty-five patients scheduled to receive at least 12 months of ADT were randomly assigned to either usual care (UC) (n = 12) or PRT (n = 13) starting immediately after their first ADT injection. Body composition, body cell mass (BCM; a functional component of lean body mass), BMD, physical function, insulin sensitivity and HRQOL were measured at 6 weeks and 6 and 12 months. Data were analysed by a linear mixed model.ResultsADT had a negative impact on body composition, BMD, physical function, glucose metabolism and HRQOL. At 12 months, the PRT group had greater reductions in BCM by − 1.9 ± 0.8 % (p = 0.02) and higher gains in fat mass by 3.1 ± 1.0 % (p = 0.002), compared to the UC group. HRQOL domains were maintained or improved in the PRT versus UC group at 6 weeks (general health, p = 0.04), 6 months (vitality, p = 0.02; social functioning, p = 0.03) and 12 months (mental health, p = 0.01; vitality, p = 0.02). A significant increase in the Matsuda Index in the PRT versus UC group was noted at 6 weeks (p = 0.009) but this difference was not maintained at subsequent timepoints. Between-group differences favouring the PRT group were also noted for physical activity levels (step count) (p = 0.02). No differences in measures of BMD or physical function were detected at any time point.ConclusionA home-based PRT programme instituted at the start of ADT may counteract detrimental changes in body composition, improve physical activity and mental health over 12 months.Trial registrationAustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12616001311448

Improvement in Muscular Strength in HIV-Infected Individuals Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy.

Purpose: This study investigated (1) the effect of a progressive resistance training (PRT) program and whey protein intake on maximal muscle strength in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and (2) alterations in maximal strength 12 wks after the cessation of PRT with continued supplementation. Methods: Sixty HIV-infected individuals were recruited. Whole body PRT was performed twice weekly for 12 wks. Participants received, in a double-blind placebo controlled manner, either 20 g whey or placebo (maltodextrin) before and immediately after each session. Both PRT groups continued to take either whey protein or placebo for a further 12 wks following the exercise intervention to examine the effects of detraining. Results: Forty participants (mean and standard deviation (SD) age 40.8 (±7.7) years, weight 70.8 (±16) kg, body mass index (BMI) 30.9 (±7.2) kg m2); whey protein /PRT (n = 13), placebo/PRT (n = 17), and a control group (n = 10) completed the study. A significant main effect for time occurred for the bench press (p = 0.02), the squat (p < 0.0001), the deadlift (p = 0.001) and the shoulder press (p = 0.02) one-repetition maximum (1RM) in the intervention groups. Conclusion: The PRT program increased maximal strength regardless of whey protein intake. The detraining period demonstrated minimal strength loss, which is beneficial to this population.

Effects of progressive resistance training and aerobic exercise on type 2 diabetics in Indian population

Background and objective: The Indian population faces a high risk for diabetes because of a high genetic predisposition and susceptibility to environmental insults. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 16 weeks of Progressive resistance training (PRT) and Aerobic exercise (AE) on glycemic control, blood pressure, heart rate, muscle strength and control of type 2 diabetics. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 type 2 diabetics, 14 females and 16 males, aged between 40-70 years, were randomly assigned to the 16 weeks supervised PRT (n=10), or AE (n=10) or Control group (n=10). Pre- and post-outcome measures included glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and isometric muscle strength of the right hamstring and quadriceps muscles. Results: Plasma glycosylated hemoglobin levels decreased significantly (p=0.002) both in the PRT (7.57 ± 1.4 to 5.74 ± 0.8) and in AE group (8.11 ± 0.9 to 6.78 ± 1.3). FBG decreased by 39.9% in PRT group by14.3% in AE group and by 18.6% in the control group. PRT group exhibited significant reductions in blood pressure (p=0.002 for systolic BP, p<0.001 for diastolic BP) and heart rate (p=0.007). Improvements in isometric muscle strength and balance were seen in both exercise groups. Conclusion: PRT is a more effective form of exercise training than AE for improving glycemic control, blood pressure and heart rate in type 2 diabetics.

The impact on glycemic control through progressive resistance training with bioDensityTM in Chinese elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: The PReTTy2 (Progressive Resistance Training in Type 2 Diabetes) Trial

AimsTo evaluate the effects of a novel, low-volume, high-intensity Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) technique on blood glucose control in elderly Chinese patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Materials and methodsThe PReTTy2 trial enrolled 300 male and female patients with Type 2 Diabetes in a randomized resistance training program with the bioDensity™ technique. 100 were control patients with no training intervention and 200 had resistance training. Anthropometry, biochemical parameters, HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were measured at baseline, 3-month and 6-month intervals. Results265 patients completed the study with no adverse events. There were no statistically significant differences in HbA1c for all patients, control and PRT groups, at baseline (p = 0.60), 3 months (p = 0.42) and 6-months (p = 0.45). Subgroup analysis with baseline HbA1c > 7.5% (58 mmol/mol), showed statistically significant differences in HbA1c and FPG between groups at 6 months (p < 0.05). All PRT group patients had statistically significant differences from baseline at 6 months for HDL (1.25 + 0.32 vs. 1.17 + 0.26 mmol/L, p < 0.001), LDL (3.23 ± 0.89 vs. 2.93 ± 0.80 mmol/L, p < 0.001) and total cholesterol (4.97 ± 1.22 vs. 4.58 ± 1.03 mmol/L, p < 0.001). ConclusionsPRT improves glycemic indices in elderly patients with Type 2 Diabetes with poor glucose control as an adjunct to diet and medication. Progressive Resistance Training with bioDensity™ is feasible, safe and effective in elderly patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Effects of Different Intensities of a Nine-Week Resistance Training on Serum Levels of Malondialdehyde in Young Sedentary Men

Background: The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of a nine-week resistance training program on serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in 17 - 21 year-old sedentary men. Methods: In the present quasi-experimental study, 36 volunteers with no history of physical and mental illnesses and regular physical activities were randomly assigned to three groups of 12 men, including progressive resistance training group, moderate resistance training group and control group. Thee experimental groups underwent nine weeks of resistance training with weights; the control group was, however, banned from any forms of exercise. The training programs comprised three 3-week courses. In the progressive group, the intensity and volume of training gradually increased during these courses once every three weeks, whereas the moderate group underwent the same level of moderate resistance training during the whole nine-week program. Ten cc of fasting blood was taken from the anterior brachial vein of the subjects before training at 9 AM, i.e. pre-test and 72 hours after each course, i.e. posttest. The blood samples were transferred to the laboratory to have MDA levels measured using the kits manufactured by the Zell-Bio Company. Repeated measures ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey test were used to analyze the collected data. Results: The findings showed that the serum levels of MDA significantly decreased from 138.85 µM at pretest to 118.92 at mid-test and 102.38 µM at posttest in the progressive resistance training group and from 137.25 µM at pretest to 119.29 at mid-test and 114.43 µM at posttest in the moderate resistance training group compared to the controls. Although the decline rate was higher in the progressive group than in the moderate group, the difference was statistically insignificant. Conclusions: The increasing intensity of daily resistance training with weights’ from light to moderately severe appears to increase the compatibility of oxidative stress and decrease lipid peroxidation .

The Effect of Functional Home-Based Strength Training Programs on the Mechano-Morphological Properties of the Plantar Flexor Muscle-Tendon Unit in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of functional progressive resistance training (PRT) and high-intensity circuit training (HICT) on the mechano-morphological properties of the plantar flexor muscle-tendon unit in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Twenty-two children (12.8 [2.6]y old, Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I/II = 19/3) were randomly assigned to either a PRT group or an HICT group. The interventions consisted of functional lower limb exercises, which were performed at home 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Measurements at baseline, preintervention, postintervention, and follow-up were taken to assess ankle joint range of motion and the properties of the gastrocnemius medialis, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and Achilles tendon (eg,thickness, strength, stiffness). Despite a nonsignificant increase in active torque in the HICT group, neither gastrocnemius medialis morphology nor Achilles tendon properties were significantly altered after the interventions. Vastus lateralis thickness increased following PRT only. Functional home-based strength training did not lead to significant changes at the muscular level in children with cerebral palsy. We therefore assume that a more specific stimulus of higher intensity combined with a longer training duration might be necessary to evoke changes in muscles and tendons in individuals with cerebral palsy.

Effects of testosterone and progressive resistance exercise on vascular function in older men.

The cardiovascular effects of testosterone (T) are controversial. Low T has been associated with accelerated vascular aging, characterized by large elastic artery stiffening (decreased compliance), intimal-medial thickening (IMT), and endothelial dysfunction. Endurance exercise improves vascular function, but resistance training may increase arterial stiffness. We sought to determine whether T supplementation improved markers of vascular aging in men with low-normal T and whether T supplementation prevented arterial stiffness with resistance exercise. We studied 160 community-dwelling older men (66 ± 5 yr) with low-normal baseline total T levels (200-350 ng/dl). Participants were randomized to transdermal T gel targeting either a lower (400-550 ng/dl) or higher (600-1,000 ng/dl) T range or to placebo gel and to either progressive resistance training (PRT) or to no exercise for 12 mo. Carotid artery stiffness (arterial compliance) and carotid IMT were measured at baseline, 6 mo, and 12 mo. Endothelial function (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation) was measured in a subset (n = 86). Changes in carotid artery compliance, IMT, and endothelial function with either the lower or higher range of T supplementation were not different from placebo at 6 or 12 mo. There were no differences between PRT and no PRT groups, alone or with T supplementation, in changes in any of the vascular measures at either time point. Supplementation of T and PRT in older men with low-normal levels do not appear to improve or harm vascular function.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Increased promotion and prescription of testosterone (T) to aging men has raised concerns about potential adverse cardiovascular effects. We show that in older men with T levels in the low-normal range, 12 mo of T supplementation with or without resistance exercise did not improve or harm vascular function.

Progressive Resistance Training Improves Torque Capacity and Strength in Mobility-Limited Older Adults.

Progressive resistance training (PRT) is consistently shown to improve muscle strength in older adults. The efficacy of PRT to improve muscle fatigue in older adults with demonstrated mobility limitations remains unclear. Mobility-limited (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] ≤ 9) older adults (age 70-92 years) were recruited for this study and randomized to either PRT or home-based flexibility (FLEX) 3 d/wk for 12 weeks. Muscle fatigue and strength outcomes were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. The primary outcome was torque capacity, a composite measure of strength and fatigue, defined as the sum of peak torques from an isokinetic fatigue test. Seventy participants were randomized (mean [SD] age 78.9 [5.4] years; 60% female; mean [SD] SPPB 7.5 [1.6]). At follow-up, the PRT group improved significantly in torque capacity, mean between-group difference (95% confidence interval) 466.19 (138.4, 793.97) Nm (p = .006), and maximal strength 127.3 (60.96, 193.61) Nm (p = .0003), when compared with FLEX group. Neither group demonstrated significant changes in muscle fatigue or torque variability. Twelve weeks of PRT improved torque capacity, as well as strength in mobility-limited older adults. These results demonstrate PRT improves multiple age-related muscular impairments.

Does Home-Based Progressive Resistance or High-Intensity Circuit Training Improve Strength, Function, Activity or Participation in Children With Cerebral Palsy?

ObjectiveDoes home-based progressive resistance or high-intensity circuit training improve strength, function, activity, or participation in children with cerebral palsy (CP)? DesignThis was the first study on high-intensity circuit training for children with CP. This study was conducted as a randomized prospective controlled pilot study. SettingEvaluation took place at the gait laboratory of the university hospital, training sessions were performed at home. ParticipantsChildren (N=22) with CP (average age: 12y, 10mo, 19 Gross Motor Function Classification System level I, 3 level II) were randomly assigned either to progressive resistance training (PRT) or high-intensity circuit training (HICT). InterventionsThe PRT group trained with progressive overload, while the HICT group performed as many repetitions as possible within 30-second intervals (8wk, 3 times weekly in both groups). Main Outcome MeasuresOutcome measures stretched over all domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and included muscle strength, muscle power sprint test (MPST), timed stairs test (TST), 6-minute walking test, Gait Profile Score (GPS), timed Up and Go test (TUGT) and participation questionnaires. ResultsOnly the HICT group was able to improve strength. Furthermore, the HICT group scored better in the MPST, while PRT participants improved in the TST and TUGT. The HICT-group was able to show improvement in the subscores of the parent-reported participation questionnaire. Other measures of mobility or participation did not change. ConclusionsBoth programs improved function specific to intervention. However, only the HICT group showed significant strength and participation improvements. Compliance was decent in both groups, but the average training unit was shorter in the HICT group. Both exercise programs showed functional benefits, but HICT might be the preferable option for strengthening in highly functional children with CP.

Progressive resistance exercise training and changes in resting-state functional connectivity of the caudate in persons with multiple sclerosis and severe fatigue: A proof-of-concept study

ABSTRACTFatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). While progressive resistance training (PRT) has been shown to reduce fatigue in persons with MS, it is not clear why these reductions occur. One hypothesis is that PRT may induce functional changes to the caudate, a region highly implicated in MS fatigue. The aim of the current study was to study the effects of PRT on overall fatigue impact and resting-state functional connectivity of the caudate in persons with MS reporting severe fatigue. Participants were semi-randomly assigned to either a 16-week home-based PRT (n = 5) or stretching control (n = 5) condition. Both groups demonstrated reductions in overall fatigue impact (main effect of time: F = .84, d = .65). Significant group × time interactions were found, with the PRT group demonstrating post-training increases in functional connectivity between the caudate and left inferior parietal (F = 66.0, p < .001), bilateral frontal (both p < .001), and right insula (F = 21.8, p = .002) regions compared to the stretching group. Furthermore, greater post-training increases in functional connectivity between the caudate and left inferior parietal region were associated with greater decreases in cognitive fatigue (r = −.52) specifically. This study provides initial evidence for the caudate as a potential neural substrate for the beneficial effects of PRT on fatigue in persons with MS.

Effect of continuous progressive resistance training during hemodialysis on body composition, physical function and quality of life in end-stage renal disease patients: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of continuous progressive resistance training on body composition, functional capacity and self-reported quality of life in end-stage renal disease patients. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Subjects: The study included 52 hemodialysis patients (aged 55.7 ± 14.03 years) randomized into exercise (progressive resistance training (PRT), n = 28) or control (CON, n = 24) groups. Intervention: Patients randomized into the PRT group received prescribed strength exercises in two sets of 15–20 repetitions, in a repetition maximum training zone regime, thrice a week for 12 weeks, during hemodialysis. Patients randomized into the CON group received a sham-exercise with active mobilization of the arms and legs without load and progression. Main outcome measure: Body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), strength using handgrip dynamometry (HGS), repeated sit-to-stand test (STT), 6-minute walk test, flexibility and the SF-36 questionnaire (quality of life (QoL)) were assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks. Results: Leg lean mass (P = 0.04, effect size (ES) of 0.56), bone mineral content (P = 0.02, ES of 0.65), leg strength in STT repetitions (P = 0.01, ES of 0.66) and flexibility (P < 0.01, ES of 1.03) were significantly improved in the PRT group compared to the CON group. Walking capacity, HGS and QoL were not different between the groups. Conclusion: 12 weeks of PRT with a repetition maximum training zone regime provided significant load to increase leg lean mass and STT performance as well as bone mineral content, compared to the CON, which continued to deteriorate. There was lack of efficacy on walking test, HGS and QoL.

Effects of Progressive Resistance Training on Cardiovascular Autonomic Regulation in Patients With Parkinson Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of a progressive resistance training (RT) on cardiac autonomic modulation and on cardiovascular responses to autonomic stress tests in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). DesignRandomized clinical trial. SettingThe Brazil Parkinson Association. ParticipantsPatients (N=30) with PD (modified Hoehn & Yahr stages 2–3) were randomly divided into 2 groups: a progressive RT group (PD training [PDT] group) and a control group (PD control [PDC] group). In addition, a group of paired healthy control (HC) subjects without PD was evaluated. InterventionsThe PDT group performed 5 resistance exercises, 2 to 4 sets, 12 to 6 repetitions maximum per set. Individuals in the PDC group maintained their usual lifestyle. Main Outcome MeasuresThe PDT and PDC groups were evaluated before and after 12 weeks. The HC group was evaluated once. Autonomic function was assessed by spectral analysis of heart rate variability and cardiovascular responses to autonomic stress tests (deep breathing, Valsalva maneuver, orthostatic stress). ResultsCompared with baseline, the normalized low-frequency component of heart rate variability decreased significantly after 12 weeks in the PDT group only (PDT: 61±17 normalized units [nu] vs 47±20nu; PDC: 60±14nu vs 63±10nu; interaction P<.05). A similar result was observed for systolic blood pressure fall during orthostatic stress that also was reduced only in the PDT group (PDT: −14±11mmHg vs −6±10mmHg; PDC: −12±10mmHg vs −11±10mmHg; interaction P<.05). In addition, after 12 weeks, these parameters in the PDT group achieved values similar to those in the HC group. ConclusionsIn patients with PD, progressive RT improved cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction.

Comparison of the effectiveness of resistance training in women with chronic computer-related neck pain: a randomized controlled study.

Chronic computer-related neck pain is common among office workers. Studies have proposed neck strengthening exercise as a therapy to pain relieving and function improvement. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of different loading resistance trainings and we hypothesized that women with work-related neck pain could benefit more from progressive resistance training for pain and function recovery. A randomized controlled trial was conducted and subjects characterized by monotonous jobs were recruited. One hundred and nine employed women with chronic neck pain were randomly allocated into three groups, namely, progressive resistance training (PRT), fixed resistance training (FRT), and control group (CG). In PRT and FRT, four exercises for neck muscles with an elastic rubber band were performed on regular basis for 6weeks. The therapeutic effectiveness was then evaluated at pretreatment, 2, 4, and 6weeks during training period, and 3-month posttreatment. Assessment tools included visual analog scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and maximal isometric neck strength. The outcomes were significantly better in PRT and FRT than those in CG at 6-week timepoint and 3-month follow-up (p=0.000), in terms of VAS, NDI, PPT, and neck muscle strength. Besides, there were statistically significant decreases observed in VAS scores of PRT group compared with those in FRT at 4-, 6-week timepoints, and 3-month follow-up (p<0.05). The neck resistance training was an effective method for pain relieving, mobility improving, pain threshold, and neck muscle strength enhancing in women with chronic computer-related neck pain. Thus, our study provided evidence that women with work-related neck pain might benefit more from PRT, which may have important implications for future clinical practice. The study was qualified and registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry as ChiCTR-TRC-12002723.

Resistance Training Versus General Exercise In Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Of Low Back Pain

PURPOSE: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is commonly managed through multidisciplinary rehabilitation (MDR). We aimed to assess if the effectiveness of MDR could be improved by replacing general exercise (GE) with progressive resistance training (PRT) with high intensity using elastic bands. METHODS: Consenting adults (n=99) with moderate to severe non-specific CLBP were randomized to an intervention (PRT) or a comparative group (GE). Both groups received 3-weeks MDR with either GE or PRT (squats, stiff-legged deadlifts, flies, unilateral rows, reversed flies, lateral shoulder raises and lateral pulldown performed 3 times per week with resistance varying from 15-20 to 8-10 repetitions). Both groups were instructed to continue their respective exercise program for 9 weeks after completing the MDR, in which time participants were offered up to three supervised booster sessions. Researchers were blinded during data collection and analyses. The difference in change between groups at 12-weeks in pain-related disability (Oswestry disability index; ODI: 0-100) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were pain (numerical pain rating scale), limitations in important activities (patient-specific functioning scale; PSFS: 0-10), health related quality of life, work ability, global perceived change, fear-avoidance beliefs and back-extension strength were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Baseline data were missing for 25 patients due to early dropouts. Thus, data from 74 participants (mean age: 45 years, 57% women, mean ODI: 30.4) were obtained at baseline and included in the analyses. Forty-six persons participated at the 12-week follow-up test. There were no difference in change in ODI score between groups at 12 weeks (mean difference 1.6, 95% CI: -3.9-7.0, p=0.570, in favor of GE). The improvement in PSFS was larger in the GE group than in the PRT group (mean difference 1.4, 95% CI: 0.1-2.7, p=0.033). No significant differences between the groups were observed for the other secondary outcomes (p≥0.11). CONCLUSIONS: This study provided no evidence in support of replacing GE with PRT in MDR for CLBP. In fact, GE might be slightly more beneficial than PRT in reducing limitations in important activities.

Exercise in myasthenia gravis: A feasibility study of aerobic and resistance training.

It has not been established whether progressive resistance training (PRT) and aerobic training (AT) are feasible and efficient in myasthenia gravis (MG). Fifteen subjects with generalized MG (Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) clinical classification II-IV) were randomly assigned to 20 training sessions during 8 weeks of either PRT or AT. Feasibility was evaluated based on adherence, drop-out rate, adverse events, and Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score. Twelve subjects (MGFA II, n = 11; MGFA III, n=1) completed the intervention with a mean adherence of 95 % ± 8. One dropout (PRT) could potentially be related to PRT. Both groups reported adverse events, including bulbar symptoms (n = 2) and increased fatigue (n = 3), but no change in QMG score was observed in either group. The PRT group showed increases in maximal strength and functional capacity. Eight weeks of moderate to high intensity AT and PRT were feasible for most patients with mild MG. Maximal strength and functional capacity increased in the PRT group. Muscle Nerve 56: 700-709, 2017.