Resistance Training Intervention Research Articles

Effects of combined resistance training and Tai Chi on oxidative stress, blood glucose and lipid metabolism and quality of life in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT This study examined the effects of resistance training (RT), Tai Chi (TC) and combination intervention (RT & TC) on the oxidative stress, blood glucose and lipid metabolism and quality of life of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Ninety-four elderly patients with T2DM were randomly divided into an RT group (RTG, n = 23), TC group (TCG, n = 24), combination intervention group (CIG, n = 24) and control group (CG, n = 23). All participants were given nutrition and medication. On this basis, RTG, TCG and CIG were administered for 24 weeks (3 times/week, 40 minutes/time). Observation indicators were malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and diabetes specific quality of life (DSQL). RT, TC and joint intervention can reduce the oxidative stress damage on elderly patients with T2DM to different degrees, control the levels of blood sugar and blood lipid and improve the quality of life. Compared with single intervention, combination intervention can further reduce the level of oxidative stress but has no additional benefits on blood glucose and lipid control and quality of life.

E-PROOF: E-intervention for protein intake and resistance training to optimize function: A study protocol.

Accounting for more than 60% of cancer survivors, older (≥65 years) cancer survivors have a 2- to 5-fold risk of physical function impairment, compared to cancer-free peers. One strategy to improve physical function is dietary and resistance training interventions, which improve muscle strength and mass by stimulating muscle protein synthesis. The E-PROOF (E-intervention for Protein Intake and Resistance Training to Optimize Function) study will examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week randomized controlled trial of an online, tailored nutritional and resistance training education and counseling intervention to improve physical function and associated health outcomes (muscle strength, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), self-efficacy, and weight management). In this study, 70 older cancer survivors will be randomized to one of two groups: experimental (receiving remote behavioral counseling and evidence-based education and resources), and control (general survivorship education). We will examine the intervention effects on physical function, muscle strength, HRQoL, self-efficacy, weight, and waist circumference during a 12-week period between the experimental and control groups. Three months following the end of the intervention, we will conduct a follow-up assessment to measure physical function, muscle strength, and HRQoL. This study is the first synchronous, online protein-focused diet and resistance training intervention among older cancer survivors. This novel study advances science by promoting independent health behaviors among older cancer survivors to improve health outcomes, and provide foundational knowledge to further address this growing problem on a wider scale through online platforms.

Effect of 60-min Single Bout of Resistance Exercise, Reformer Pilates, on Vascular Function Parameters in Older Adults: A Randomized Crossover Study.

Aging leads to vascular endothelial dysfunction and muscle impairment. While resistance exercise improves muscular function, its acute effects on vascular function vary in the literature, with some studies reporting detrimental effects. These findings indicate the need for exercises that optimize muscle function without compromising vascular function. Reformer Pilates (RP) is a low-impact exercise involving an adjustable sliding platform. However, the acute effects of RP on vascular function among older adults remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the acute effects of RP on vascular function in older adults. Overall, 17 participants (age: 60±2.76 years, body mass index: 23.42±3.68 kg/m2) were assigned to control and RP conditions under a randomized crossover design. The RP condition involved a 3.5-5 omnibus (OMNI) perceived exertion scale with 19 exercise postures for 60 min. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and blood pressure were measured at baseline and 0, 10, 30, and 60 min after exercise. RP significantly improved FMD at all time points compared with that at baseline (p<0.05). baPWV increased at 0 min post-RP but returned to baseline levels at other time points. Additionally, RP showed improved FMD at 0, 10, and 30 min compared with that in the control condition (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in blood pressure or mean arterial pressure in either condition. RP enhanced FMD and regulated blood pressure for approximately 60 min post-exercise, suggesting its suitability for older adults to enhance vascular function and control blood pressure during exercise. Nonetheless, longitudinal resistance training intervention studies are needed to validate these findings.

Resistance training and combined resistance and aerobic training as a treatment of depression and anxiety symptoms in young people: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To determine the treatment effect of resistance training in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in young people. We searched MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and PubMed for articles published in English from January 1980 to September 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCT) that included at least 4 weeks of resistance training, with participants aged 26 years or younger with clinically elevated anxiety and depression symptoms. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate a pooled effect size of resistance training pre-and post-intervention compared to control groups. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias 2 (RoB 2) and Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Ten RCTs involving 376 participants (209 females and 127 males) across educational, clinical, and community based setting were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Resistance training was associated with a significant reduction in depressive (Hedge's g = -1.06, 95% CI -1.61 to -0.51, p < .001) and anxiety (Hedge's g = -1.02, 95% CI -1.50 to -0.54, p < .001) symptoms. Substantial heterogeneity was observed in the analysis of depression symptoms (I2 = 79%) and anxiety symptoms (I2 = 66%). Six trials had a low risk of bias, four trials showed some concerns. The GRADE analysis demonstrated a high level of certainty for depressive symptoms and a moderate level for anxiety symptoms. Resistance training is an effective intervention in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in young people, delivered across a range of settings. Future trials exploring the effect resistance training interventions with long-term follow up are warranted to understand the outcomes.

LONG-TERM SPORT OR EXERCISE COMMENCED BEFORE 16 YEARS OF AGE REDUCES ADVERSE BODY COMPOSITION OUTCOMES IN CEREBRAL PALSY

INTRODUCTION &amp; AIMS Bone mineral density (BMD) and appendicular lean mass (ALM) deficits are common in people with cerebral palsy (CP), increasing sarcopenia and osteoporosis risk, while sport/exercise participation before age 16 improves adult peak bone mass accretion. This study investigated the effects of high-level sport/exercise participation commenced before 16 years of age on body composition in ambulatory adults with CP. METHODS Body composition was measured via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in a cross-sectional observational pilot study of 26 adults (m=19; f=7; GMFCS I-III) grouped via self-reported activity level into Low (&amp;lt;150 minutes moderate-vigorous activity weekly; n=10), Post-16 (active but commenced participation after 16; n=6), and Pre-16 (active and commenced participation before 16; n=10). Between-group Z-score differences were assessed via Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA, with post-hoc comparisons via Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS Whole body, spine and hip BMD Z-scores were significantly higher in Pre-16 (1.020 (0.639), 1.210 (1.102), and 0.450 (1.325), respectively) versus Low (-0.500 (0.715), -0.840 (0.957), and -1.020 (1.059), respectively) (p&amp;lt;0.001-0.008). Thirteen participants, including four competitive athletes, had low BMD, and 15, including eight athletes, had moderate-significant ALM deficits, versus age- and sex-specific reference populations. CONCLUSION Ambulatory adults with CP who exceed physical activity guidelines and commenced participation before 16 years of age have higher BMD than those who are sedentary or commenced participation after 16 years. Sport and exercise across the lifespan are critical to ameliorate adverse body composition outcomes common in CP, however, some athletes remain at-risk and require targeted combined resistance training and dietary interventions in addition to sport training to address low ALM and BMD.

The Effects of Resistance Training Interventions on Weight, Body Mass Index, Body Fat Percentage, and Flexibility in College Students: A Comparison Between Sports and Non-Sports Students

Background. Resistance training is an effective form of exercise that promotes healthy body weight regulation and enhances flexibility. However, discrepancies exist regarding the varying impacts of resistance training based on individuals’ training status across different fitness components, such as body composition and flexibility. Objectives. The primary objective of this study is to assess whether there are significant differences in the outcomes of resistance training responses between trained and untrained groups concerning body composition and flexibility. Materials and methods. This experimental resistance training study involved 60 male students (age = 20.83 ± 0.85 years old) from the same university. The participants were divided into two groups based on their training status: a trained group (S; n = 30) and an untrained group (NS; n = 30). Both groups underwent an identical training regimen, consisting of three sessions per week over a total of four weeks or 12 training sessions. Results. Significant differences were observed in the paired sample T-test analysis between pre-test and post-test results in the untrained group for body weight (t (29) = 7.940, p &lt; 0.001, d = 1.45), body mass index (t (29) = 7.579, p &lt; 0.001, d = 1.38), body fat percentage (t (29) = 9.733, p &lt; 0.001, d = 1.77), and sit-and-reach flexibility (t (29) = -7.714, p &lt; 0.001, d = -1.40). Similarly, the trained group showed significant changes in body weight (t (29) = 2.644, p = 0.013, d = 0.483), body fat (t (29) = 2.561, p = 0.016, d = 0.351), and flexibility (t (29) = -2.543, p = 0.017, d = 0.351), while no substantial difference was found in body mass index (t (29) = 1.925, p = 0.064, d = -0.464). Conclusion. The study found that using resistance training protocols targeting weight reduction with 60-70% of 1 Repetition Maximum (RM) over a one-month intervention period, without stringent calorie restriction, significantly decreased weight and BMI while enhancing flexibility. Notably, regardless of training status disparities, the untrained group demonstrated more expressed improvements compared to the trained group, indicating the influence of training status on response variations to training stimuli.

Peripheral quantitative computed tomography is a valid imaging technique for tracking changes in skeletal muscle cross-sectional area.

Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) has recently expanded to quantifying skeletal muscle, however its validity to determine muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA) compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is unknown. Eleven male participants (age: 22 ± 3 y) underwent pQCT and MRI dual-leg mid-thigh imaging before (PRE) and after (POST) 6 weeks of resistance training for quantification of mid-thigh mCSA and change in mCSA. mCSA agreement at both time points and absolute change in mCSA across time was assessed using Bland-Altman plots for mean bias and 95% limits of agreement (LOA), as well as Lin's concordance correlation coefficients (CCC). Both pQCT and MRI mCSA increased following 6 weeks of resistance training (∆mCSApQCT: 6.7 ± 5.4 cm2, p < 0.001; ∆mCSAMRI: 6.0 ± 6.4 cm2, p < 0.001). Importantly, the change in mCSA was not different between methods (p = 0.39). Bland-Altman analysis revealed a small mean bias (1.10 cm2, LOA: -6.09, 8.29 cm2) where pQCT tended to overestimate mCSA relative to MRI when comparing images at a single time point. Concordance between pQCT and MRI mCSA at PRE and POST was excellent yielding a CCC of 0.982. For detecting changes in mCSA, Bland-Altman analysis revealed excellent agreement between pQCT and MRI (mean bias: -0.73 cm2, LOA: -8.37, 6.91 cm2). Finally, there was excellent concordance between pQCT and MRI mCSA change scores (CCC = 0.779). Relative to MRI, pQCT imaging is a valid technique for measuring both mid-thigh mCSA at a single time point and mCSA changes following a resistance training intervention.

Effect of 5:2 Regimens: Energy-Restricted Diet or Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Training Combined With Resistance Exercise on Glycemic Control and Cardiometabolic Health in Adults With Overweight/Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: A Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial.

We aimed to examine the effects of a 5:2 diet (2 days per week of energy restriction by formula diet) or an exercise (2 days per week of high-intensity interval training and resistance training) intervention compared with routine lifestyle education (control) on glycemic control and cardiometabolic health among adults with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes. This two-center, open-label, three-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial recruited 326 participants with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes and randomized them into 12 weeks of diet intervention (n = 109), exercise intervention (n = 108), or lifestyle education (control) (n = 109). The primary outcome was the change of glycemic control measured as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) between the diet or exercise intervention groups and the control group after the 12-week intervention. The diet intervention significantly reduced HbA1c level (%) after the 12-week intervention (-0.72, 95% CI -0.95 to -0.48) compared with the control group (-0.37, 95% CI -0.60 to -0.15) (diet vs. control -0.34, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.11, P = 0.007). The reduction in HbA1c level in the exercise intervention group (-0.46, 95% CI -0.70 to -0.23) did not significantly differ from the control group (exercise vs. control -0.09, 95% CI -0.32 to 0.15, P = 0.47). The exercise intervention group was superior in maintaining lean body mass. Both diet and exercise interventions induced improvements in adiposity and hepatic steatosis. These findings suggest that the medically supervised 5:2 energy-restricted diet could provide an alternative strategy for improving glycemic control and that the exercise regimen could improve body composition, although it inadequately improved glycemic control.

A Mobile Health Resistance Training Intervention Using Outdoor Gym Equipment: Process Evaluation of the Ecofit Effectiveness Randomized Controlled Trial.

Few mobile health resistance-based physical activity interventions have targeted community-dwelling adults. "Ecofit" is a multicomponent intervention that promotes resistance and aerobic activities using smartphone technology, outdoor gyms, and social support. This study evaluated process evaluation outcomes of the ecofit randomized controlled trial: (1)the acceptability and usability of the ecofit smartphone app and app user workouts; (2)perceptions of factors influencing outdoor gym use; and (3)the fidelity, reach, recruitment, and dose received of the ecofit program. Process data were collected through program evaluation surveys at 3months, and app usage data were collected via the intervention platform for up to 3months. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The survey was completed by 57% (n = 69) of eligible participants. The majority (93%) believed the app provided them with sufficient information to perform muscle-strengthening activities. Approximately half (51%) agreed that the goal-setting function encouraged them to complete their workouts, and 42% agreed that the self-assessment helped them monitor progress. "Proximity" to outdoor gyms emerged as the most important factor for choosing locations to workout (mean = 5.5, SD = 1.1). Participants logged a median of 5.5 (interquartile range = 19) workouts and 1 (interquartile range = 1) upper- and lower-body muscular fitness self-assessment. The ecofit app provided participants with sufficient skills to perform unsupervised resistance training exercises using mobile health. Only half of the participants regarded self-assessments and goal setting as useful, suggesting a need for modifications to how these are implemented. Mobile health remains a promising delivery platform to promote unsupervised resistance training, although more research is needed to improve uptake.

Effects of resistance training on sleep quality and disorders among individuals diagnosed with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Sleep disorders are often complained by cancer patients and can last years after the end of therapies, leading to different negative consequences. Non-pharmacological strategies such as exercise interventions may be considered to counteract this phenomenon. The literature supports the beneficial effects of aerobic training (AT), while evidence on resistance training (RT) is scarce. Accordingly, our systematic review aims to investigate the potential novel effect of RT on sleep outcomes in cancer survivors. The literature search was conducted on MEDLINE (Pubmed), Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases, including only randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The screening procedure was conducted using the web-based software COVIDENCE. Sleep outcomes assessed through self-reported questionnaires or objective sleep measurements were extracted from RCTs recruiting cancer survivors of any age and gender, on or off treatment. The risk of bias (RoB) for each study was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool for RCTs. Meta-analytic syntheses were performed on sleep quality and insomnia. A total of 21 studies were included in the review. Considering the mean percentage differences of all studies combined, promising positive results were found after combined aerobic and resistance exercise program (COMB) for sleep quality (-19%) and sleep disturbance (-17.3%). The meta-analysis results showed significant improvement for both sleep quality and insomnia (d = 0.28, SE: 0.11, Z = 2.51, p < 0.01, 95% CI: 0.07-0.49 and d = 0.43, SE: 0.20, Z = 2.18, p = 0.029, 95% CI: 0.07-0.49, respectively). RT interventions of 60 minutes per session, performed 2-3 times a week for 12 weeks, with exercise intensity ranging from 60% to 80% of one-repetition maximum can be administered to cancer survivors, aiming to improve sleep outcomes.

Qualitative Description of the Exertional Symptoms of Participants with Persistent Symptoms of Lyme Disease during a Low Intensity Resistance Training Intervention

Introduction: Greater emphasis needs to be placed on approaches to improve the health-related quality of life of patients with persistent symptoms of Lyme disease (PSLD), but little information exists to inform an exercise professional’s expectations of their supervision of resistance training (RT) programs with PSLD patients. In order to build this knowledge base, a secondary qualitative analysis was performed to explore the RT exertional symptoms of PSLD patients that participated in a 4-week study investigating the feasibility of an RT intervention. Methods: Comments regarding exertional symptoms that were recorded in a daily exercise log were the main source of data for this secondary analysis. A manifest content analysis was performed in order to identify recurrent themes of exertional symptoms experienced by this sample of PSLD patients during RT. Results: The reported findings revealed that strain, discomfort, crepitus, tightness, shaking, and control loss were the major themes of exertional symptoms recorded during the RT intervention. Conclusions: These results provide insights intended to inform the expectations of supervisors of exercise (personal trainers, physical therapists, exercise researchers, etc.) when directing RT programming with patients with PSLD.

Cortical and spinal responses to short-term strength training and detraining in young and older adults in rectus femoris muscle.

Strength training mitigates the age-related decline in strength and muscle activation but limited evidence exists on specific motor pathway adaptations. Eleven young (22-34years) and ten older (66-80years) adults underwent five testing sessions where lumbar-evoked potentials (LEPs) and motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) were measured during 20 and 60% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Ten stimulations, randomly delivered, targeted 25% of maximum compound action potential for LEPs and 120, 140, and 160% of active motor threshold (aMT) for MEPs. The 7-week whole-body resistance training intervention included five exercises, e.g., knee extension (5 sets) and leg press (3 sets), performed twice weekly and was followed by 4weeks of detraining. Young had higher MVC (~ 63 N·m, p = 0.006), 1-RM (~ 50kg, p = 0.002), and lower aMT (~ 9%, p = 0.030) than older adults at baseline. Young increased 1-RM (+ 18kg, p < 0.001), skeletal muscle mass (SMM) (+ 0.9kg, p = 0.009), and LEP amplitude (+ 0.174, p < 0.001) during 20% MVC. Older adults increased MVC (+ 13 N·m, p = 0.014), however, they experienced decreased LEP amplitude (-0.241, p < 0.001) during 20% MVC and MEP amplitude reductions at 120% (-0.157, p = 0.034), 140% (-0.196, p = 0.026), and 160% (-0.210, p = 0.006) aMT during 60% MVC trials. After detraining, young and older adults decreased 1-RM, while young adults decreased SMM. Higher aMT and MEP amplitude in older adults were concomitant with lower baseline strength. Training increased strength in both groups, but divergent modifications in cortico-spinal activity occurred. Results suggest that the primary locus of adaptation occurs at the spinal level.

Is Resistance Training an Option to Improve Functionality and Muscle Strength in Middle-Aged People with Multiple Sclerosis? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Currently, it is essential to adopt physical therapy strategies, such as resistance training, to enhance muscle strength and gait in middle-aged individuals (ages 45-65) suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. This is crucial in combating the typical symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases associated with functional loss. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of resistance training interventions on walking and muscle strength in middle-aged people with Multiple Sclerosis. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted by searching specific keywords in the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. For inclusion, studies had to incorporate resistance training as a primary or significant component of the overall intervention for middle-aged patients with MS. Out of the 3675 articles identified, 12 randomized clinical trials met the criteria for inclusion in the review, with resistance training being a consistent feature in all of them. Results: Muscle strength and gait were evaluated as the main variables, with fatigue and the quality of life as secondary variables. This review reveals that resistance training significantly improves muscle strength. Resistance training achieves modest and non-significant improvements in gait. Notably, studies combining resistance training with motor control exercises achieve results of greater clinical significance in terms of gait. However, resistance training yields variable positive effects on perceived fatigue and the quality of life. Conclusion: Resistance training is useful for improving muscle strength; however, walking needs to be combined with motor control training.

Prevention of Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: The Role of Physical Activity and Exercise.

Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia, specifically cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), are the second most common cause of dementia. Currently, there are no specific pharmacological treatments for CSVD, and the use of conventional antidementia drugs is not recommended. Exercise has the potential to prevent and mitigate CSVD-related brain damage and improve cognitive function. Mechanistic pathways underlying the neurocognitive benefits of exercise include the control of vascular risk factors, improving endothelial function, and upregulating exerkines. Notably, the therapeutic efficacy of exercise may vary by exercise type (ie, aerobic versus resistance training) and biological sex; thus, studies designed specifically to examine these moderating factors within a CSVD context are needed. Furthermore, future research should prioritize resistance training interventions, given their tremendous therapeutic potential. Addressing these knowledge gaps will help us refine exercise recommendations to maximize their therapeutic impact in the prevention and mitigation of CSVD.

Multimodal and conventional resistance training interventions improve muscle function in older adults: Findings from the Training IMCT study

Age-associated remodeling processes affect the intramuscular connective tissue (IMCT) network, which may significantly impair muscle function. Thus, we aimed to test whether including exercises shown to efficiently target the IMCT to a conventional resistance exercise intervention (CONV) would result in greater functional gains as compared to CONV alone. Fifty-three men and women (66.2 ± 3.3 years) were assigned to either CONV (n = 15), multimodal training (MULTI; n = 17) or a control (CTRL; n = 21) group. All subjects were tested at baseline, and those assigned to CONV or MULTI underwent a 16-week training intervention. The CONV group followed a progressive resistance training program, in which the number of weekly training sessions gradually increased from 1 to 3. In the MULTI group, one of these sessions was replaced with plyometric training, followed by self-myofascial release. Testing included maximal strength and power, imaging-based muscle volume, architecture, and functional performance. The intervention effects were analyzed using two- or three-way repeated measures ANOVA models (α = 0.05). Briefly, the maximal knee extension isometric contraction, one-repetition maximum, and isokinetic peak torque increased in all groups (p < 0.05), albeit to a lesser extent in CTRL. On the other hand, quadriceps femoris muscle volume (p = 0.019) and vastus lateralis pennation angle (p < 0.001) increased only in the MULTI group. Handgrip strength did not change in response to the intervention (p = 0.312), whereas Sit-to-Stand performance improved in all groups after the first 8-wks, but only in MULTI and CONV after 16-wks (all p < 0.001). In conclusion, we found that a resistance training intervention in which one weekly training session is replaced by plyometric training is feasible and as effective as a program consisting solely of conventional strength training sessions for inducing gains in muscle strength and function in older adults. Muscle size and architecture improved only in the MULTI group. German Clinical Trials: DRKS00015750.

Similar muscle hypertrophy following eight weeks of resistance training to momentary muscular failure or with repetitions-in-reserve in resistance-trained individuals

ABSTRACT This study examined the influence of resistance training (RT) proximity-to-failure, determined by repetitions-in-reserve (RIR), on quadriceps hypertrophy and neuromuscular fatigue. Resistance-trained males (n = 12) and females (n = 6) completed an 8-week intervention involving two RT sessions per week. Lower limbs were randomised to perform the leg press and leg extension exercises either to i) momentary muscular failure (FAIL), or ii) a perceived 2-RIR and 1-RIR, respectively (RIR). Muscle thickness of the quadriceps [rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL)] and acute neuromuscular fatigue (i.e., repetition and lifting velocity loss) were assessed. Data was analysed with Bayesian linear mixed-effect models. Increases in quadriceps thickness (average of RF and VL) from pre- to post-intervention were similar for FAIL [0.181 cm (HDI: 0.119 to 0.243)] and RIR [0.182 cm (HDI: 0.115 to 0.247)]. Between-protocol differences in RF thickness slightly favoured RIR [−0.036 cm (HDI: −0.113 to 0.047)], but VL thickness slightly favoured FAIL [0.033 cm (HDI: −0.046 to 0.116)]. Mean volume was similar across the RT intervention between FAIL and RIR. Lifting velocity and repetition loss were consistently greater for FAIL versus RIR, with the magnitude of difference influenced by the exercise and the stage of the RT intervention.

Patterns and influencing factors of exercise attendance of breast cancer patients during neoadjuvant chemotherapy

BackgroundPerforming 2–3 exercise sessions/week may relieve therapy-related side effects of breast cancer patients (BRCA) and improve their quality of life. However, attendance to the exercise sessions is often impaired. Thus, we investigated patterns and possible influencing factors of attendance to an aerobic (AT) or resistance training (RT) intervention in BRCA during neoadjuvant chemotherapy.MethodsBRCA (N = 122) were randomly allocated to supervised AT or RT twice weekly during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (18 ± 4 weeks). Attendance was calculated individually and group-wise per training week as the percentage of the performed sessions out of the prescribed sessions. Possible influencing factors were investigated using multiple regression analyses.ResultsMean individual attendance was 44.1% ± 29.3% with no significant differences between the groups. Group-wise attendance was highest in the first 6 weeks of training with ≥ 60% for AT and ≥ 50% for RT, but decreased over the course of the intervention accompanying chemotherapy. Significantly higher attendance was associated with not having vs. having nausea (ß = − 14.57; p = 0.007) and not having vs. having pain (ß = − 12.07; p = 0.12), whereas fatigue did not show any association (ß = − 0.006; p = 0.96). Having been randomized into a preferred intervention group (48.8%) showed no association with attendance. Yet, patients’ rating of the exercise intervention as “good”/ “very good” (58.7%) was significantly associated with higher attendance (p = 0.01).ConclusionFor both exercise interventions, group-wise attendance/training week decreased during chemotherapy despite good intervention ratings. While some patients never started, others trained almost constantly twice weekly. The study revealed that patients who are nauseous or experience pain may need more support to attend more exercise sessions.Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02999074 from May 6, 2016.

Mechanisms of Behavior Change for a Digital Resistance Training Intervention: A Mediation Study

ABSTRACT Introduction/Purpose Few interventions that seek to enhance resistance training behavior examine the mechanisms through which they exert their effects. Rather, many trials focus on physiological outcomes under tightly controlled training regimens. Understanding how to promote resistance training in everyday life is vital. This study aimed to examine the mediators of a remote-based 9-wk randomized controlled trial with a 4-wk self-regulation intervention period. Methods Sixty-one participants 18–35 yr of age who were not currently achieving the American College of Sports Medicine resistance training guidelines received two Zoom-based personal training sessions, resistance training equipment, and access to a Web site with training videos. After the two personal training sessions, participants were randomized to an intervention or comparison condition. Participants in the intervention condition received four weekly Zoom-based coaching calls to discuss barriers and solutions to resistance training participation. Resistance training behavior participation, self-efficacy, intention, behavioral expectations, and coping planning were assessed after the intervention period and at a follow-up 4 wk later. A mediation analysis was conducted to examine if the intervention had indirect effects on behavior through changes in any of the measured psychological variables. Results All necessary measures were completed by 96.7% of participants. After the intervention, direct effects were observed on self-efficacy (b = 0.68, standard error (SE) = 0.26, P = 0.01), intention (b = 0.77, SE = 0.27, P = 0.004), coping planning (b = 0.43, SE = 0.13, P = 0.001), and behavioral expectations (b = 19.7, SE = 5.3, P = 0.0001). Self-efficacy (b = 2.07, SE = 0.83, P = 0.01) and intention (b = 3.0, SE = 0.61, P = 0.0001) had direct effects on behavior. In the multiple mediation model, intention emerged as a significant mediator (b = 2.64, SE = 0.83, P = 0.001). Conclusion These findings suggest that changes in intention contributed to changes in behavior. Techniques that target behavioral intention may be appropriate for in-home strength-training interventions in young adults.

Resistance Training on an Outdoor Exercise Structure Improves Lower-Body Relative Strength in Older Adults.

Improving relative strength is important for maintaining functionality with age, and outdoor exercise structures could be useful to facilitate this. A total of 29 adults aged 65+ participated in a non-randomized crossover study with a 6-week control followed by a 6-week resistance training intervention on an outdoor exercise structure (3x/week). Relative strength (predicted maximal leg press/lower body lean mass [Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry]) and physical function variables were measured at baseline, post-control, and post-intervention. Represented as median (25th-75th), lower body relative strength improved from 7.91 (7.01-9.35) post-control to 8.50 (7.99-9.72) post-intervention (p = .002) in study completers (n = 17). Maximum leg press (p = .002), 30-second chair stand (p < .001), one-leg stance (p = .011), and maximum chest press (p = .009) also improved significantly during the intervention. There were no significant changes in aerobic activity, grip strength, lean mass, or muscle power. This study demonstrates that there could be potential relative strength benefits associated with the use of outdoor exercise structures in older adults.

Effects of resistance training and protein supplementation interventions on muscle volume and muscle function: sex differences in humans.

This review aimed to identify differences in the effects of co-intervention with resistance training (RT) and protein supplementation according to sex and provide meaningful information for future research on the development of exercise programs to improve muscle volume and muscle function. PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were searched to identify clinical and nonclinical studies that assessed the effects of RT in older adults with sarcopenia; these studies were published between 1990 and 2023. Cross-sectional and double-blind studies (randomized controlled trials, RCTs) were examined in this review. The effects of parallel intervention with RT and protein supplementation on muscle volume and physical function were found to differ according to sex. Both males and females had improvements in muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical function after RT and protein supplementation; however, many studies found a greater increase in muscle volume and function in males than in females. Such difference may be due to differences in physiological characteristics between males and females. Based on the findings of this review, the effects of combined intervention with RT and protein supplementation on muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical function to differ according to sex. Owing to these sex differences in the response and physiological characteristics caused by the parallel intervention of RT and protein supplementation, such differences must be considered to maximize the effects of RT and protein supplementation.