Combined Resistance Training Research Articles

The impact of pandemic-related social distancing regulations on exercise performance-Objective data and training recommendations to mitigate losses in physical fitness.

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, governmental restrictions led to the closure of sports facilities for several months. To date, only subjective and fitness-tracking related data on physical activity during the pandemic are available. Using data of a chip-controlled fitness circuit, training data as a measure of physical performance before and after the lockdown during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic will show the impact of the training interruption on exercise performance in middle-aged and older adults. The re-training data are analyzed, to extract practical recommendations. Objective training data of 17,450 participants [11,097 middle-aged (45-64 yrs), 6,353 older (≥65 yrs)] were exported from chip-controlled milon® fitness circuit systems before and after the first COVID-19 related lockdown in Germany. The change in the product of training weight (sum of lifting and lowering the training weight) and repetitions on the leg extension resistance exercise device (leg score) between the last three training sessions before the lockdown and the first ten training sessions after individual training resumption as well as the last training session before the second lockdown in October 2020 was analyzed. Participants who trained with high intensity before the lockdown, experienced deleterious effects of the training interruption (middle-aged group: -218 kg, older group: ~-230.8 kg; p < 0.001 for change in leg score from to post-lockdown) with no age effect. Participants training with a leg score of more than 3,000 kg did not resume their leg score until the second lockdown. The interruption of training in a fitness circuit with combined resistance and endurance training due to the lockdown affected mainly those participants who trained at high intensity. Apparently, high-intensity training could not be compensated by home-based training or outdoor activities. Concepts for high-intensity resistance training during closure of sports facilities are needed to be prepared for future periods of high incidence rates of infectious diseases, while especially vulnerable people feel uncomfortable to visit sports facilities. Identifier, DRKS00022433.

Why Flexibility Deserves to Be Further Considered as a Standard Component of Physical Fitness: A Narrative Review of Existing Insights from Static Stretching Study Interventions

The utility of flexibility as a standard component of physical fitness has recently been questioned, sparking a heated debate among scientists. More specifically, it has recently been proposed to retire flexibility as a major component of physical fitness and as a result de-emphasis stretching from exercise prescriptions. The aim of this narrative review was to summarize and discuss the most recent evidence related to the chronic effects of static stretching (SS) on muscle strength, muscle power, muscle hypertrophy, and injury prevention in healthy individuals. A literature search was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to November 2022. We only considered studies written in English that addressed the chronic effects of SS exercises on flexibility, muscle strength, muscle power, muscle hypertrophy, or injury prevention in healthy individuals. With reference to the existing knowledge, we concluded that flexibility deserves to be further considered as a standard component of physical fitness. This is based on the findings that in addition to flexibility, long-term SS training induces positive effects on muscle strength, muscle power, and muscle hypertrophy, irrespective of age and sex. There are also indications that long-term SS training could mitigate the risk of injury, although this remains a debatable topic. Furthermore, promising evidence shows that combining resistance training with SS exercises constitutes an effective approach benefiting muscle strength and hypertrophy more than resistance training alone. In conclusion, we would not support the recent suggestion that flexibility should be retired as a standard component of physical fitness and we would advocate for a continuous emphasis on the prescription of stretching exercises.

Training to Improve Pro-Agility Performance: A Systematic Review.

Effective directional change in sport is imperative to success in key game situations. Change of direction (COD) ability is underpinned by various athletic qualities which can be developed through specific and non-specific training methods. This review examined the effect of specific and non-specific training methods on pro-agility performance, by analysing the intervention type and resulting magnitude of training effects on pro-agility shuttle performance. A total of 20 studies were included for review. Data from 638 subjects and 29 intervention groups involving seven different training methods were extracted and analysed in relation to training method classification and primary outcome measures. Interventions involving sprint training, plyometric training, resistance training, and combined resistance, plyometric, and sprint training were found to produce statistically significant positive change on pro-agility performance per session (p < 0.05). Sprint training (0.108 ES), plyometric training (0.092 ES), resistance training (0.087 ES), and combined resistance, plyometric, and sprint training (0.078 ES) methods were found to have the highest per session training effect. While total time is the typical unit of measure for this test, different types of training may lead to preferential improvements in either acceleration, deceleration, or COD phases of the pro-agility shuttle. Specifically, resisted or inclined sprinting may develop the linear acceleration phases, unilateral resistance training may promote increased strength to overcome the imposed forces during the deceleration and COD phases, multiplanar plyometrics can help enhance stretch-shortening cycle capabilities across different force vectors, and a combination of two or more of these methods may enable simultaneous development of each of these qualities.

Effects of Resistance Exercise Using Theraband with Weighted Cuff Resistance on Fall Risk and Balance among the Geriatric Population: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Introduction: Balance impairments and an increased fall risk are common concerns among individuals with various health conditions. Resistance exercise has shown potential in improving balance and reducing fall risk. Aim: To determine the effects of home-based Thera-Band resistance training in reducing the risk of falls among the geriatric population and to compare it with weight-cuff resistance training. Materials and Methods: A Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) was conducted at the Amity Institute of Health and Applied Science, Noida, India, from November 2022 to April 2023. The intervention period spanned four weeks, and a total of thirtythree subjects were enrolled in the study. The participants were divided into three groups: Group A, Group B, and Group C. Group A performed resistance exercises using weight cuffs combined with standard balance training, Group B performed resistance training with Thera-Band combined with standard balance training, and Group C received standard balance exercises alone. The effects of the interventions on fall risk reduction were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and Fall Efficacy Scale (FES) among the geriatric population. Paired t-tests were employed to compare pre- and post-intervention data within each group, determining significant changes within each group over the intervention period. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilised to assess between-group effects of the different interventions. Results: The FES scores were assessed pre- and postintervention for each group. Group B (Thera-Band) demonstrated significantly better outcomes in fall efficacy compared to Group A (Weight-cuff) (p&lt;0.01) and Group C (p&lt;0.01). For balance assessment using the BBS, both Group A and Group B showed better results compared to Group C (p&lt;0.01). In terms of mobility assessed through the TUG test, Group B exhibited substantial improvement compared to both Group A and Group C (p&lt;0.05). Improvements in fall efficacy, balance, and mobility were seen in Group B (Thera-Band). Conclusion: Home-based resistance training using TheraBand was found to be the most effective method for reducing the risk of falls in the geriatric population, followed by weightcuff resistance training in combination with conventional balance training. Thera-Band is not only effective but also more convenient, hassle-free, and cost-effective. The geriatric population should be provided with more multi-mode exercises that are easy to perform and have been found to be effective and helpful at their advanced age.

Improved arterial stiffness after combined aerobic and resistance training: correlation with heart rate variability change in prehypertensive offspring of hypertensive parents.

Prehypertensive offspring of hypertensive parents are strongly linked to pathological processes of hypertension in later life. It is observed that young adults with high blood pressure (BP) have increased arterial stiffness, which is linked to autonomic anomalies. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of combined resistance and aerobic exercise training on BP, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baP-WV), and heart rate variability (HRV) in prehypertensive young men with hypertensive parents. Thirty prehypertensive males aged 19.6±1.2 years were randomly assigned to either a combined exercise training group (CBT, n=15) or no exercise group (CON, n=15). The CBT group performed combined exercise for 8 weeks, 3 times per week. BP, baP-WV, HRV, peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), and muscle strength were measured before and after the exercise intervention. Systolic BP (-5.1 mmHg, 3.9% decrease, P<0.05), diastolic BP (-3.9 mmHg, 6.1% decrease, P<0.01), mean arterial pressure (-4.2 mmHg, 4.7% decrease, P<0.05), baPWV (-0.4 m/sec, 3.5% decrease, P<0.01), standard deviation of all RR intervals (+58.5% increase, P<0.05) and very low frequency (VLF) (+34.6% increase, P<0.01), VO2peak (+11.7% increase, P<0.01) and one-repetition maximum leg press (+30.3% increase, P<0.01) were significantly improved in the CBT group after 8 weeks of training versus the CON group. Additionally, a reduction in baPWV was associated with an increase in the VLF power of HRV (r=0.72, P<0.01). These findings indicate that the combined training improves BP, arterial stiffness, vagal activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and lower-body muscle strength in prehypertensive offspring of hypertensive parents.

Establishment of a biomarker of peripheral stress in opioid addicts based on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-The improvement effect of exercise.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between peripheral blood oxytocin (OT), vasopressin (AVP), and subjectively perceived stress and cortisol in male opioid addicts based on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. We also investigate the impact of exercise on reducing subjectively perceived stress, craving level, negative reinforcement, anxiety, sleep quality, plasma OT, AVP, and cortisol levels. Participants were divided into 28 subjects in the low-stress control group (LSC group), 29 subjects in the medium-high stress control group (MTHSC group), and 28 subjects in the moderate-high-stress exercise group (MTHSE group), based on their subjectively perceived stress levels. Subjects in the MTHSE group performed 12 weeks of combined aerobic resistance training (60 min per day, 5 days per week). Plasma OT, AVP, and cortisol concentrations were analyzed via Elisa. PSQI was used to assess the subjective perceived stress, craving, negative reinforcement, anxiety, and sleep quality level, respectively. Mixed-effects ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis were employed to explore the impact and correlation between different parameters. Plasma OT levels significantly increased (95% CI: -7.48, -2.26), while plasma AVP (95% CI: 2.90, 4.10), and cortisol (95% CI: 19.76, 28.17) levels significantly decreased in the MTHSE group after exercise. The PSS (95% CI: 1.756, 4.815), "Desire and Intention" (95% CI: 1.60, 2.71), and "Negative reinforcement" (95% CI: 0.85, 1.90) (DDQ), SAS (95% CI: 17.51, 26.06), and PSQI (95% CI: 1.18, 3.25) scores of the MTHSE group were significantly decreased after exercise. Plasma OT, plasma cortisol, craving, negative reinforcement and anxiety were negatively correlated. Plasma AVP was positively correlated with craving. As an auxiliary treatment, exercise improves the plasma OT, AVP, and cortisol levels of opioid addicts, and reduces their subjective perceived stress level, desire, negative reinforcement level, anxiety level, and sleep quality. In addition, peripheral plasma OT, AVP, and cortisol may play a role as potential peripheral biomarkers to predict stress in male opioid addicts.

Arterial Stiffness Response to Acute Combined Training with Different Volumes in Coronary Artery Disease and Heart Failure Patients.

Resistance training has been shown to acutely increase arterial stiffness (AS), while endurance training appears to decrease AS. However, the findings are from studies in apparently healthy subjects and have limited applicability to patients at low and high cardiovascular risk, for whom combined exercise is recommended. We compared the time course of changes in local and regional indices of AS in response to high-volume combined endurance training (CET) and high-volume combined resistance training (CRT) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF). We studied 20 men with CAD and HF (10 each) aged 68.3 ± 9.6 years. AS was measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV), and brachial and central blood pressure (BP) were determined after 15 min of rest and 5 and 15 min after the exercise session. All patients completed two sessions on nonconsecutive days. A protocol by time interaction effect was observed for carotid (η2 = 0.21, p = 0.02), aortic (η2 = 0.60, p &lt; 0.001), and femoral (η2 = 0.46, p = 0.01) PWV after CET and CRT, suggesting that PWV decreased after CET and increased after CRT. Decreases in the brachial and central variables of BP across time points were observed in both protocols. CET decreased whereas CRT increased carotid, aortic, and femoral PWV at 15 min after exercise in patients with CAD and HF.

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour following combined aerobic and resistance training in coronary artery disease patients: A randomised controlled trial

BackgroundEffective training modalities and potential determinants to induce favourable changes in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) remains elusive in patients with coronary artery disease. AimsThis study aimed to investigate the effects of high-load resistance training and low-load RT combined with aerobic training in comparison to aerobic training alone on PA and SB, and whether baseline level of SB modifies PA outcomes in coronary artery disease patients. MethodsWe randomised 79 patients to aerobic training, low-load resistance training and aerobic training or high-load resistance training and aerobic training. PA and SB were measured using triaxial accelerometer at baseline and post-training for 8 days. ResultsThere was no difference between training modalities in post-training PA and SB. When stratified by baseline SB, the very sedentary patients improved SB (−52 min/day, p = 0.001) and light intensity PA (+27 min/day, p = 0.009) following intervention. The improvement in PA was greater in the very sedentary patients (SB: +27%, p = 0.002; light intensity PA: +24%, p = 0.004) and in sedentary patients (SB: +24%, p = 0.009) compared to the very active patients. ConclusionsPost-training improvement in PA and SB was determined by baseline SB, while the addition of low-load or high-load resistance training provided no further benefits in coronary artery disease patients.Clinical trials registration number: NCT04638764.

Creatine Supplementation Improves Muscular Performance without Additional Impact on the Cardiovascular System in Trained Women

Creatine monohydrate supplementation in females is largely under-represented in the literature, and their potentially differential hemodynamic responses are unknown. Methods: Twenty-eight resistance-trained women (25.5 ± 6.1 years, 59.7 ± 6.3 kg, 163 ± 5 cm) were randomly assigned to the supplement creatine monohydrate (CRE; 5 g creatine monohydrate + 5 g dextrose) or placebo (PLA; 10 g dextrose) four times per day for 7 days in a double-blind fashion. Each subject subsequently completed resistance training sessions (3 × week) for four weeks with four sets to muscular failure of both half-squat and leg press exercises. The change in body mass (BM), exercise repetition number (REP), rated perceived exertion (RPE), and cardiovascular variables were assessed (sessions 1, 6, and 12). Statistical analyses were performed at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Results: Analyses revealed a significant CRE-specific BM increase (p = 0.013), as well as significantly greater half-squat (p = 0.006) and leg press (p = 0.017) REP per set versus PLA. Additionally, CRE demonstrated significantly lower relative RPE values at session 12 compared with previous sessions. Any significant main or interaction effects were observed for the studied cardiovascular variable. Conclusions: The present data substantiate the creatine’s efficacy to improve muscular performance in females while demonstrating the safety of combined creatine monohydrate supplementation and resistance training on cardiovascular parameters.

Effects of combined aerobic and resistance training on gut microbiota and cardiovascular risk factors in physically active elderly women: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Exercise can modulate gut microbiota and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the association between exercise-induced changes in gut microbiota and CVD risk have not been investigated. Objective: This study determined the effects of exercise training on CVD risk and gut microbiota in physically active elderly women and whether exercise-induced gut microbiota changes were associated with CVD risk. Methods: An 8-week randomized controlled trial was conducted with 14 elderly women assigned to exercise group (n = 8) or control group (n = 6). Physical function, sarcopenic obesity, and metabolic syndrome were evaluated as components of CVD risk. Gut microbiota composition was determined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to examine intra-group and inter-group differences. Results: A significant group × time interaction was observed for chair sit-and-reach (F = 8.262, p = 0.014), single-leg standing with eyes closed (F = 7.340, p = 0.019), waist circumference (F = 6.254, p = 0.028), and body fat mass (F = 12.263, p = 0.004), for which the exercise group showed improved trends. The exercise group exhibited significant improvements in skeletal muscle mass (p = 0.041) and fasting blood glucose (p = 0.017). Regarding gut microbiota, a significant interaction was observed for the class Betaproteobacteria (F = 6.822, p = 0.023) and genus Holdemania (F = 4.852, p = 0.048). Conclusion: The 8-week exercise training improved physical function, lowered CVD risk, and modulated relative abundance of gut microbiota associated with CVD in physically active elderly women.

Does Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Reduce Mortality and Hospitalization Rates After Heart Valve Surgery?: A Cochrane Review Summary With Commentary.

Does Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Reduce Mortality and Hospitalization Rates After Heart Valve Surgery?: A Cochrane Review Summary With Commentary.

Resistance Training Combined with Balance or Gait Training for Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

Background Gait and balance disorders in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) lead to major mobility limitations. To counteract this, physical therapy such as gait, balance, or resistance training is applied. Integrative training methods, which combine these elements, could be particularly effective. Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the effects of two integrative interventions on gait and balance of patients with PD. Methods Twenty-six patients with PD received either resistance training in combination with gait training (gait resistance training, GRT) or resistance training in combination with balance training (stability resistance training, SRT) for six weeks. Gait and balance outcome parameters were assessed before, immediately after, and six weeks after the interventions. The primary outcome parameters were the functional reach test to evaluate balance and stride length to evaluate gait. Secondary outcomes included further gait analysis parameters, knee extension strength, the timed up and go test, and the six-minute walk test. Results The functional reach test results were significantly better after the intervention in both groups. Stride length increased significantly only in the GRT group. Several further gait parameters and the six-minute walk test improved in the GRT group, and the increase in gait speed was significantly higher than in the SRT group. The SRT group performed better after the intervention regarding the timed up and go test and knee extension strength, the latter being significantly more improved than in the SRT group. At six-week follow-up, the improvement in functional reach was maintained in the SRT group. Conclusions Integrative therapies, combining gait or balance training with resistance training, have specific positive effects in PD rehabilitation. More pronounced effects on gait parameters are achieved by GRT, while SRT has more impact on balance. Thus, the combination of both training methods might be particularly efficient in improving the mobility of PD patients.

Effects of resistance training combined with balance training on physical function among older adults: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionThe world’s population is ageing. Age-related declines in physical function negatively affect the quality of life but may be ameliorated by certain types of exercise. The purpose of this study...

The role of physical exercise as a prevention towards dementia

Background: Indonesia as a country with an aging population structure is highly potential to develop an increase in dementia cases. Dementia is known as a syndrome of decreased cognitive function that can affect emotions, behavior, and daily activities, thus affecting the patient's quality of life. The management of dementia remains limited until this day, so it is necessary to prevent dementia by improving lifestyle, one of which is through exercise and physical activity. Methods: This study used a literature review method using 18 scientific articles as online data sources which were then further analyzed. Results and Discussion: Physical activity and exercise are important non-pharmacological interventions in reducing the risk of dementia. The risk of dementia is related to the intensity of the activity - the higher the intensity, the greater the role it has in reducing risk of dementia. Activities of moderate to vigorous intensity can improve cognitive function, induced by neurogenesis and neurotrophic factors expression that prevent brain atrophy. Aerobic exercise is predominantly done, supported by a combination of resistance training or other forms of exercise. Conclusion: Exercise or physical activity plays a role in the prevention of dementia through the mechanism of neurogenesis and preventing brain mass reduction. The delay in the progression of neurocognitive disorders by doing exercise or physical activity is influenced by the type and intensity of exercise, combined with lifestyle improvements such as nutritional diet and cognitive exercise. This intervention needs to be recommended for elderly adults to prevent dementia and other neurocognitive diseases.

Acute Intraocular Pressure Responses to Resistance Training in Combination With Blood Flow Restriction

ABSTRACTObjective: To determine the effect of blood flow restriction (BFR) applied to the legs at different pressures (40% and 60%) on intraocular pressure (IOP) during the execution of ten repetitions maximum (10RM) in the half-squat exercise. Methods: Quasi-experimental, prospective study with 17 healthy physically active subjects (9 males and 8 females; 24.1 ± 4.2 years). Two sessions were conducted. The 10RM load was determined in the first session. The second session consisted of 10RM under three BFR conditions (no-BFR, 40%-BFR, and 60%-BFR) that were applied in random order. IOP was measured before each condition, immediately after each repetition, and after 1 minute of passive recovery. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (restriction type [no-BFR, 40%-BFR, and 60%-BFR] x measurement point [basal, repetitions 1–10, and recovery]) was applied on the IOP measurements. Results: A significant main effect of the BFR condition (p = .022, ƞp2 = 0.21) was observed due to the significantly higher mean IOP values for the 60%-BFR (19.0 ± 0.7 mmHg) compared to the no-BFR (18.0 ± 0.8 mmHg; p = .048, dunb = 1.30). Non-significant differences with a large effect size were reached between 60%-BFR and 40%-BFR (18.1 ± 0.8 mmHg; p = .081, dunb = 1.16) and between no-BFR and 40%-BFR (p = .686, dunb = 0.18). IOP increased approximately 3–4 mmHg from baseline to the last repetition. Conclusions: Low-pressure BFR (40%-BFR) in combination with moderate-load (10RM load) resistance exercise could be an effective and safe strength training strategy while avoiding IOP peaks associated with heavy-load resistance exercises. These findings incorporate novel insights into the most effective exercise strategies in individuals who need to maintain stable IOP levels (e.g., glaucoma patients).

Combined resistance and aerobic training improves lung function and mechanics and fibrotic biomarkers in overweight and obese women.

Background: Obesity impairs lung function and mechanics and leads to low-grade inflammation, but the effects of combined physical exercise (CPE) on that are unknown. Methods: We investigated the effects of 12 weeks of combined physical exercise (aerobic + resistance training), in non-obese (n = 12), overweight (n = 17), and obese grade I (n = 11) women. Lung function and lung mechanics were evaluated. The systemic immune response was evaluated by whole blood analysis and biomarker measurements, while pulmonary fibrotic biomarkers were evaluated in the breath condensate. Result: CPE improved forced vital capacity (FVC) % (p < 0.001) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) % (p < 0.0003) in the obese group; resistance of the respiratory system (R5Hz) in non-obese (p < 0.0099), overweight (p < 0.0005), and obese (p < 0.0001) groups; resistance of proximal airways (R20Hz) in non-obese (p < 0.01), overweight (p < 0.0009), and obese (p < 0.0001) groups; resistance of distal airways (R5Hz–R20Hz) in non-obese (p < 0.01), overweight (p < 0.0012), and obese (p < 0.0001) groups; reactance of the respiratory system (X5Hz) in non-obese (p < 0.01), overweight (p < 0.0006), and obese (p < 0.0005) groups; impedance of the respiratory system (Z5Hz) in non-obese (p < 0.0099), overweight (p < 0.0005), and obese (p < 0.0001) groups; central resistance (RCentral) in non-obese (p < 0.01), overweight (p < 0.001), and obese (p < 0.0003) groups; and the peripheral resistance (RPeripheral) in non-obese (p < 0.03), overweight (p < 0.001), and obese (p < 0.0002) groups. CPE reduced the pro-fibrotic IGF-1 levels in BC in overweight (p < 0.0094) and obese groups (p < 0.0001) and increased anti-fibrotic Klotho levels in BC in obese (p < 0.0001) groups, and reduced levels of exhaled nitric oxide in overweight (p < 0.03) and obese (p < 0.0001) groups. Conclusion: CPE improves lung function, mechanics, and pulmonary immune response in overweight and obese grade I women by increasing anti-fibrotic protein Klotho and reducing pro-fibrotic IGF-1.

Combined resistance training with aerobic training improves physical performance in patients with coronary artery disease: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BackgroundThe efficacy of combined resistance training (RT) and aerobic training (AT) compared with AT alone is well established in cardiac rehabilitation (CR); however, it remains to be elucidated whether RT load (high load [HL] vs. low load [LL]) modifies the outcomes. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of HL-RT and LL-RT combined with AT in comparison to AT alone on body composition and physical performance in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) enrolled in phase II CR.MethodsWe randomized 79 patients with a stable CAD to 12 weeks of lower limb LL-RT + AT (35–40% of one repetition maximum [1-RM]; n = 28), HL-RT + AT (70–80% of 1-RM; n = 26), or AT (n = 25). Fifty-nine patients (75% men) with mean (standard deviation) age 61 (8) years and left ventricular ejection fraction 53 (9)% completed LL-RT (n = 19), HL-RT (n = 21) and AT (n = 19). Body composition and physical performance (upper and lower submaximal muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility) were measured at baseline and post-training.ResultsTraining intervention had no significant impact on time × group interaction in the body composition measures. There was a significant time × group interaction for the gait speed test, chair sit-and-reach test, arm curl test, Stork balance test, up and go test, STS-5, and 6-min walk distance (p-values ≤ 0.001–0.04) following the training intervention. After the training intervention, HL-RT improved gait speed (+12%, p = 0.044), arm curl (+13%, p = 0.037), and time of Up and Go test (+9%, p < 0.001) to a greater extent compared with AT group, while there was a greater improvement in time of Up and Go test (+18%, p < 0.001) and time of five sit-to-stand tests (+14%, p = 0.016) following LL-RT when compared with AT. There were no differences between HL-RT and LL-RT in post-training improvement in any of the physical performance measures.ConclusionThe combination of AT with HL-RT or LL-RT promoted similar improvements in physical performance, which were superior to AT. Therefore, both types of combined AT and RT can be applied to patients with CAD.Clinical trial registration[https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04638764] Identifier [NCT04638764].

Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction and Ocular Health: A Brief Review.

Despite the many health benefits of resistance training, it has been suggested that high-intensity resistance exercise is associated with acute increases in intraocular pressure which is a significant risk factor for the development of glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Therefore, resistance training using a variety of forms (e.g., resistance bands, free weights, weight machines, and bodyweight) may be harmful to patients with or at risk of glaucoma. An appropriate solution for such people may involve the combination of resistance training and blood flow restriction (BFR). During the last decade, the BFR (a.k.a. occlusion or KAATSU training) method has drawn great interest among health and sports professionals because of the possibility for individuals to improve various areas of fitness and performance at lower exercise intensities. In comparison to studies evaluating the efficiency of BFR in terms of physical performance and body composition changes, there is still a paucity of empirical studies concerning safety, especially regarding ocular health. Although the use of BFR during resistance training seems feasible for glaucoma patients or those at risk of glaucoma, some issues must be investigated and resolved. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the available scientific data describing the influence of resistance training combined with BFR on ocular physiology and points to further directions of research.

Effects of exercise on sleep spindles in Parkinson's disease.

BackgroundIn a randomized, controlled trial, we showed that high-intensity rehabilitation, combining resistance training and body-weight interval training, improves sleep efficiency in Parkinson's disease (PD). Quantitative sleep EEG (sleep qEEG) features, including sleep spindles, are altered in aging and in neurodegenerative disease.ObjectiveThe objective of this post-hoc analysis was to determine the effects of exercise, in comparison to a sleep hygiene, no-exercise control group, on the quantitative characteristics of sleep spindle morphology in PD.MethodsWe conducted an exploratory post-hoc analysis of 24 PD participants who were randomized to exercise (supervised 3 times/week for 16 weeks) versus 26 PD participants who were assigned to a sleep hygiene, no-exercise control group. At baseline and post-intervention, all participants completed memory testing and underwent polysomnography (PSG). PSG-derived sleep EEG central leads (C3 and C4) were manually inspected, with rejection of movement and electrical artifacts. Sleep spindle events were detected based on the following parameters: (1) frequency filter = 11–16 Hz, (2) event duration = 0.5–3 s, and (3) amplitude threshold 75% percentile. We then calculated spindle morphological features, including density and amplitude. These characteristics were computed and averaged over non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stages N2 and N3 for the full night and separately for the first and second halves of the recording. Intervention effects on these features were analyzed using general linear models with group x time interaction. Significant interaction effects were evaluated for correlations with changes in performance in the memory domain.ResultsA significant group x time interaction effect was observed for changes in sleep spindle density due to exercise compared to sleep hygiene control during N2 and N3 during the first half of the night, with a moderate effect size. This change in spindle density was positively correlated with changes in performance on memory testing in the exercise group.ConclusionsThis study is the first to demonstrate that high-intensity exercise rehabilitation has a potential role in improving sleep spindle density in PD and leading to better cognitive performance in the memory domain. These findings represent a promising advance in the search for non-pharmacological treatments for this common and debilitating non-motor symptom.

Effect of resistance training with and without vitamin D calcium chitosan nanoparticle supplements on apoptosis markers in ovariectomized rats: An experimental study.

BackgroundHormone therapy is one of the most effective treatments for menopausal disorders, but it may increase the risk of breast cancer, coronary heart disease, and pulmonary embolism.ObjectiveThe present study investigated the effect of resistance training with and without vitamin D calcium(Ca) chitosan nanoparticles on apoptosis markers in ovariectomized rats.Materials and Methods42 female Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups (n = 6/each). One group was assigned as the healthy controls to show the induction of menopause. The other 6 groups comprised ovariectomized (OVX) animals including: 1) vitamin D + calcium + chitosan + resistance training, 2) saline + estrogen + resistance training, 3) saline + resistance training, 4) vitamin D + calcium + chitosan, 5) saline + estrogen, and 6) OVX + control. 48 hr after the last intervention, the hippocampus tissue was extracted to measure the BCL-2-associated X (BAX), B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), and caspase-3 gene expression as well as the percentage of dead cells.ResultsOVX rats demonstrated increased BAX gene expression, ratio of BAX gene expression to BCL-2, caspase-3 gene expression, and percentage of dead cells of hippocampal tissue, but decreased BCL-2 gene expression. Resistance training and vitamin D Ca chitosan nanoparticle supplements seemed to reverse these changes.ConclusionThe combination of resistance training and vitamin D Ca chitosan nanoparticle supplements may be considered a non-pharmacological treatment for OVX-induced apoptosis.