Significant Improvement In Muscle Strength Research Articles

Effects of School-Based Physical Activity Programs on Health-Related Physical Fitness of Korean Adolescents: A Preliminary Study.

As adolescents spend the majority of their time focused on exams and assignments, they do not have sufficient time to engage in physical activity; this lack of physical activity is an important public health concern. This study aimed to investigate how school-based physical activity programs affect the health-related physical fitness of adolescents in the Republic of Korea. For this study, a total of 120 high school students participated in a school-based physical activity program that included badminton and table tennis for 15 weeks each (35 min/day, three times a week), with a total of 30 weeks for one academic year. The parameters for health-related physical fitness measured muscle strength (handgrip strength), power (standing long jump), cardiorespiratory fitness (shuttle run test), flexibility (sit and reach), body mass index (BMI), and the total score. The results revealed a statistically significant improvement in muscle strength (p < 0.001), power (p < 0.001), cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001), flexibility (p = 0.005), and the overall health-related physical fitness score (p = 0.001). However, students’ BMI showed no significant difference before and after participation (p = 0.825). The results of this study indicated that school-based physical activity programs can have a positive effect on the health-related physical fitness of adolescents.

The effects of bright white light therapy on obese frailty in older men with prostate cancer on hormonal therapy: A pilot randomized control trial.

75 Background: Exposure to bright white light (BWL) has been shown to improve outcomes including fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances among the general older population but the benefit has not been demonstrated as yet in prostate cancer. Older men with prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) are at risk for obese frailty (components: fatigue, weakness, poor mood, slowness and obesity). In this pilot study, we aimed to determine if BWL, compared to dim white wight (DWL), reduces obese frailty in older prostate cancer patients starting anti-androgens. Methods: Men age ≥ 65 with prostate cancer initiating ADT were randomly assigned to either the BWL (exposure to full spectrum light, 500-1500 lux) or DWL cohort (exposure to low dose white light (&lt;50 lux)) and were blinded to assignment. Men received daily 30-minute morning light session from special glasses (Luminette) for 3 months. Participants were assessed at the beginning of treatment and 3 months later with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) - including timed 4m walk, tandem balance, and timed chair stands (range: 0 to 12) - energy levels (self-reported 5-point Likert scale), waist circumference (measured via tape (mm)), and muscle strength (handgrip: assessed via dynamometer (kg)). Pre-post outcomes (means differences) were evaluated using paired t-tests with a p-value of 0.05 considered significant. Results: 18 patients (9 per cohort) were recruited. Patients in the BWL arm showed a statistically significant improvement in muscle strength (BWL p=0.012 versus in DWL p=0.22). Compared with DWL, BWL arm showed no decline in energy levels, (BWL p=0.28 vs. DWL p=0.035) nor gain in waist circumference (BWL p=0.51, DWL p=0.046). There were no statistically significant differences in either arm on the SPPB (BWL p=0.44, and in DWL p=0.09). Conclusions: BWL may offset negative effects of ADT for older men with prostate cancer, through improved muscle strength, maintained energy levels, and no waist circumference gain. While a small pilot study, the intervention warrants further research in a larger sample.

Effects of maximal strength training on bone mineral density in people living with HIV and receiving anti-retroviral therapy: a pilot study

BackgroundAnti-retroviral therapy (ART) is associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) among people living with HIV (PLWHIV). Although physical activity is recommended for improving bone health in patients with reduced BMD, data on effects of strength exercises on low BMD among PLWHIV is scarce. This study therefore aimed to determine the effects of a 12 weeks maximal strength training (MST) on BMD among PLWHIV in Blantyre, Malawi.MethodsTwenty-six PLWHIV with reduced BMD were randomised into a training group (TG, n = 15) and control group (CG, n = 11). The TG underwent 12 weeks of MST consisting of 4 sets of 3 to 5 repetitions at 85–90% of one repetition maximum (1RM) 3 times per week. The CG was advised to maintain their usual lifestyle. Measurements of BMD using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, 1RM using a squat machine, heart rate using a heart rate monitor, weight, height and body mass index were obtained before and after the intervention in the TG and CG. Descriptive statistics and student’s t - tests were used to analyse data.ResultsThe study was conducted for 12 weeks. Data of 24 participants [14 (TG) and 10 (CG)] were analysed. At base line, there were no significant differences in age (p = 0.34), height (p = 0.91), weight (p = 0.43) and body mass index (p = 0.34) between participants in the TG and the CG. After the intervention, there were significant improvements in lumbar BMD (p < 0.001) and resting heart rate (p = 0.03) in the TG compared to the CG. There were significant improvements in muscle strength (1 RM) in both the TG (p < 0.001) and the CG (p = 0.01).ConclusionsMST improves lumbar BMD and strength in PLWHIV receiving ART in Blantyre, Malawi. MST with a shorter exercise duration of 12 weeks seem to have the potential in treating reduced BMD in PLWHIV.Trial registrationPACTR201712002889203. Registered with the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry on 22nd December, 2017 at www. pactr.org

Resistance Training in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review of Exercise Programs.

The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of resistance training (RT) programs for breast cancer survivors (BCS). A systematic review of the literature was performed using PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, the Cochrane Breast Cancer Specialised Register of the Cochrane Library, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Scopus, with the aim of identifying all published studies on RT and BCS from 1 January 1990 to 6 December 2019, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The risk of bias in the studies was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0). Sixteen trials were included for qualitative analysis. More than half of the trials do not adequately report the characteristics that make up the exercise program. The maximal strength was the most frequently monitored manifestation of strength, evaluated mainly as one-repetition maximum (1RM). Resistance training was performed on strength-training machines, twice a week, using a load between 50% and 80% of 1RM. The trials reported significant improvement in muscle strength, fatigue, pain, quality of life, and minor changes in aerobic capacity.

Efficacy of branched-chain amino acid to increase muscle strength in chronic heart failure patients: an evidence-based case report

Background: Chronic heart failure (CHF) patients can fall into cardiac cachexia (CC), which is marked by the decrease of muscle mass and strength. Cardiac cachexia decreases the functional capacity and quality of life also increases the length of stay, medical fees, complications, and mortality rate. Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) accounted for 35% of amino acids that build the muscle. We hope that BCAA supplementation can increase muscle strength of CHF patients, especially the elderly who is more prone to fall into CC. Thus, we performed an evidence-based case report to seek an opportunity of BCAA supplementation to an elderly with CHF.Objectives: To determine the efficacy of BCAA supplementation on increasing muscle strength in CHF patients.Methods: Literature searching of the evidence-based case report was performed on Pubmed, Cochrane, and Scopus according to the clinical query. Screening on title, abstract, and full text was done based on eligibility criteria (meta-analysis or clinical trials, suitability to clinical questions, English language, full-text availability, and human studies), followed by duplication filter and critical appraisal.Results: A randomized-controlled trial was found, but it didn’t find a significant difference between the experimental and control groups.Conclusions: BCAA supplementation doesn’t give a significant improvement in muscle strength in CHF patients.

Low-Load Resistance Training Performed to Muscle Failure or Near Muscle Failure Does Not Promote Additional Gains on Muscle Strength, Hypertrophy, and Functional Performance of Older Adults.

Bergamasco, JGA, Gomes da Silva, D, Bittencourt, DF, Martins de Oliveira, R, Júnior, JCB, Caruso, FC, Godoi, D, Borghi-Silva, A, and Libardi, CA. Low-load resistance training performed to muscle failure or near muscle failure does not promote additional gains on muscle strength, hypertrophy, and functional performance of older adults. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1209-1215, 2022-The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of low-load resistance training (RT) protocols performed to failure (FAI), to voluntary interruption (VOL), and with a fixed low repetitions (FIX) on muscle strength, hypertrophy, and functional performance in older adults. Forty-one subjects (60-77 years) were randomized into one of the RT protocols (FAI, VOL, or FIX) and completed 12 weeks of RT at 40% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM), twice a week. The assessments included 1RM test, muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), rate of torque development (RTD), and functional performance (chair stand [CS], habitual gait speed [HGS], maximal gait speed [MGS], and timed up-and-go [TUG]). All protocols significantly increased 1RM values from Pre (FAI: 318.3 ± 116.3 kg; VOL: 342.9 ± 93.7 kg; FIX: 328.0 ± 107.2 kg) to Post (FAI: 393.0 ± 143.1 kg, 23.5%; VOL: 423.0 ± 114.5 kg, 23.3%; FIX: 397.8 ± 94.6 kg, 21.3%; p < 0.0001 for all groups). Regarding CS, all protocols showed significant improvements from Pre (FAI: 11.5 ± 2.4 seconds; VOL: 12.1 ± 2.5 seconds; FIX: 11.3 ± 1.1 seconds) to Post (FAI: 10.5 ± 1.1 seconds, -8.5%, p = 0.001; VOL: 10.3 ± 1.5 seconds, -15.1%, p = 0.001; FIX: 11.0 ± 1.1, -3.2%, p = 0.001). Habitual gait speed values increased significantly from Pre (FAI: 1.3 ± 0.2 m·s-1; VOL: 1.3 ± 0.1 m·s-1; FIX: 1.3 ± 0.1 m·s-1) to Post (FAI: 1.4 ± 0.2 m·s-1, 2.5%, p = 0.03; VOL: 1.4 ± 0.2 m·s-1, 5.2%, p = 0.036; FIX: 1.4 ± 0.1 m·s-1, 5.7%, p = 0.03). No significant differences between protocols were found (p > 0.05). In addition, there were no significant changes in CSA, RTD, MGS, and TUG for any protocols (p > 0.05). In conclusion, low-load RT performed without muscle failure promotes significant improvements in muscle strength and some parameters of functional performance in older adults.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Inflammatory Myositis: Experience in a Tertiary Medical Center.

Inflammatory myopathies are treated with glucocorticoids and other immunosuppressive medications. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is increasingly used for refractory or severe cases; however, the evidence for their effectiveness is limited. We assessed effectiveness and safety of IVIG when used with other immunomodulatory agents in the treatment of inflammatory myopathies. This study reviewed records of patients diagnosed with dermatomyositis or polymyositis and treated with IVIG, from 2009 through 2016 in 1 tertiary medical center. Mixed-effects general linear regression models were applied to determine effectiveness of treatment on muscle strength, creatinine phosphokinase levels, and steroid dosage. Twenty-three patients with dermatomyositis/polymyositis treated with IVIG were followed up for a mean of 31 (SD, ±25) months. During this period, a significant improvement in muscle strength was demonstrated, with a mean increase of 0.92 Medical Research Council scale points (β = 0.14; confidence interval [CI], 0.136-0.149; p < 0.0001), a significant reduction of creatinine phosphokinase levels and steroid dosage with a mean decrease of 1140 IU/L (β = -0.274; CI, -0.354 to -0.195; p < 0.0001), and 36 mg/d (β = -0.008; CI, -0.011 to -0.006; p < 0.0001), respectively. Overall, remission was observed in 10 patients (43.5%), and partial remission in 6 patients (26%), whereas 1 patient (17%) remained refractory to treatment, and 6 patients (27%) were lost to follow-up. The majority of patients with inflammatory myopathies experienced a clinical and laboratory improvement during IVIG treatment. In addition, a steroid-sparing effect was noticed in most patients. These results encourage the use of IVIG as an alternative treatment option for patients with limited responsiveness to conventional methods.

Effects of an exercise intervention for patients with advanced inoperable lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy: A randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveExercise can improve treatment-related side effects, quality of life, and function in patients with various types of cancer; however, more evidence is needed for patients with advanced inoperable lung cancer. Material and methodsWe randomized 218 patients with advanced inoperable lung cancer to a 12-week supervised, structured exercise training program (aerobic, strength, and relaxation training) twice weekly versus usual care. Primary outcome was change in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 peak). Secondary outcomes were muscle strength, functional capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, health-related quality of life, anxiety, and depression. ResultsThere was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in VO2 peak. There was a significant improvement in muscle strength. There was also a significant difference between the two for social well-being (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Lung, FACT-L), anxiety, and depression. ConclusionThere was a significant reduction in the level of anxiety and depression and a significant increase in all muscle strength outcomes in the intervention group compared to patients randomized to usual care. There was a significant difference between the groups for social well-being. The primary outcome did not show a significant improvement in VO2 peak. Based on our results, future patients with advanced inoperable lung cancer should be considered for supervised exercise during the course of their disease.

Evaluation of Anterior Decompression Surgical Outcomes of Proximal-Type Cervical Spondylotic Amyotrophy: A Retrospective Study.

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficiency of anterior decompression on the proximal‐type cervical spondylotic amyotrophy patients.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis. From January 2014 to November 2017, 21 patients with proximal‐type cervical spondylotic amyotrophy (CSA) underwent anterior decompression. There were 15 males and 6 females, aged 35–73 years with an average of 51.62 years. All the patients underwent surgery of anterior decompression (ACDF or ACCF). Among them, 12 patients underwent C4/5 single level ACDF, eight patients underwent C4/5 and C5/6 double level ACDF, and one patient underwent C5 anterior cervical corpectomy decompression and fusion surgery. Preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiologic parameters were assessed. The clinical examinations were reviewed, including muscle strength, neck disability index (NDI) score, cervical Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and improvement rate of manual muscle test (MMT) at the last follow‐up. Preoperative spinal cord or nerve impingement was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) myelography. Postoperative lateral X‐ray radiographs were performed every 3 months after the surgery.ResultsSevere preoperative muscle atrophy of the deltoid or biceps muscles occurred in 21 patients included in the study. All of them involve impingements of the ventral nerve root and/or the anterior horn according to MRI and CT myelography. The preoperative duration of symptoms averaged 8.4 months. The average follow‐up for all patients was 13.2 months. At the final follow‐up, all patients showed statistically significant improvements in muscle strength and NDI scores (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). For the deltoid muscles force and C‐JOA scores, the average improvement rates were 66.49% ± 10.04% and 62.23% ± 9.23%, respectively. With respect to MMT, 12 proximal‐type patients were graded excellent, six were good, and three were fair, and the overall improvement rate was 85.7%.ConclusionsFor proximal‐type CSA patients with cervical radiculopathy, earlier anterior decompression surgery can achieve satisfactory results by significantly improving a patient's muscle strength and relieving compression symptoms.

Zingiber officinale Roscoe Prevents DNA Damage and Improves Muscle Performance and Bone Integrity in Old Sprague Dawley Rats

Age‐related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength or sarcopenia is attributed to the high level of oxidative stress and inadequate nutritional intake. The imbalance in oxidative status with increased production of free radicals results in damage to the DNA which leads to cell dysfunction. This study aimed to determine the effect of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) on muscle performance and bone integrity in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. SD rats aged three (young), nine (adult), and twenty‐one (old) months old were treated with either distilled water or ginger extract at a concentration of 200 mg/kg body weight (BW) daily for 3 months via oral gavage. Muscle performance was assessed at 0, 1, 2, and 3 months of treatment by measuring muscle strength, muscle function, and bone integrity while DNA damage was determined by comet assay. Muscle cell histology was analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) staining. Young and adult ginger‐treated rats showed a significant improvement in muscle strength after 3 months of supplementation. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were increased while fat free mass (FMM) was decreased after 3 months of ginger supplementation in young rats but not changed in adult and old ginger supplemented groups. Interestingly, supplementation of ginger for 3 months to the old rats decreased the level of damaged DNA. Histological findings showed reduction in the size of muscle fibre and fascicles with heterogenous morphology of the muscle fibres indicating sarcopenia was evident in old rats. Treatment with ginger extract improved the histological changes even though there was evidence of cellular infiltration (mild inflammation) and dilated blood vessels. In conclusion, Z. officinale Roscoe prevents DNA damage and improves muscle performance and bone integrity in SD rats indicating its potential in alleviating oxidative stress in ageing and thus delaying sarcopenia progression.

L-Arginine supplementation blunts resistance exercise improvement in rats with chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients present L-arginine (L-arg) deficiency and L-arg supplementation has been used as a treatment. In addition, sarcopenia is another common problem in CKD population, resistance training (RT) is one of the conservative strategies developed to prevent CKD progression, and however there are no evidences of a combination of these two strategies to treat CKD outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral L-arg supplementation combined with RT in an experimental model of CKD. Twenty-five Munich-Wistar male rats, 8-week-old were divided in 5 groups: Sham (sedentary control), Nx (CKD sedentary), Nx L-arg (CKD sedentary supplemented with 2% of L-arg), Nx RT (CKD exercised) Nx RT + L-arg (CKD exercised and supplemented with 2% of L-arg). CKD model was obtained by a subtotal 5/6 nephrectomy. RT was performed on a ladder climbing, three weekly sessions on non-consecutive days, with an intensity of 70% maximum carrying capacity. They were submitted to RT and/or L-arg supplementation for 10 weeks. There was a significant improvement in muscle strength, renal function, anti-inflammatory cytokines, arginase metabolism and renal fibrosis after RT. However, the combination of RT and L-arg impaired all the improvements promoted by RT alone. The L-arg supplementation alone did not impair renal fibrosis and renal function. In conclusion, RT improved inflammatory balance, muscle strength, renal function and consequently decreased renal fibrosis. Nevertheless, the association with L-arg supplementation prevented all these effects promoted by RT.

Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise Improves Muscle Strength and Hemodynamics, but Not Vascular Function in Coronary Artery Disease Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Resistance training may be associated with unfavorable cardiovascular responses (such as hemodynamic alterations, anginal symptoms or ventricular arrhythmias). In healthy adults, blood flow-restricted (BFR) resistance training improves muscle strength and hypertrophy improvements at lower loads with minimal systemic cardiovascular adverse responses. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of BFR resistance training in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to usual care. Patients with stable CAD were randomized to either 8 weeks of supervised biweekly BFR resistance training (30–40% 1RM unilateral knee extension) or usual exercise routine. At baseline and after 8 weeks, patients underwent 1-RM knee extension tests, ultrasonographic appraisal of vastus lateralis (VL) muscle diameter and of systemic (brachial artery) flow-mediated dilation, and determination of markers of inflammation (CD40 ligand and tumor necrosis factor alfa), and fasting glucose and insulin levels for homeostatic model assessment (HOMA). A total of 24 patients [12 per group, mean age 60 ± 2 years, 6 (25%) women] were included. No training-related adverse events were recorded. At baseline groups significantly differ in age (mean difference: 8.7 years, p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (mean difference: 12.17 mmHg, p = 0.024) and in metabolic control [insulin (p = 0.014) and HOMA IR (p = 0.014)]. BFR-resistance training significantly increased muscle strength (1-RM, +8.96 kg, p < 0.001), and decreased systolic blood pressure (-6.77 mmHg; p = 0.030), whereas VL diameter (+0.09 cm, p = 0.096), brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (+1.55%; p = 0.079) and insulin sensitivity (HOMA IR change of 1.15, p = 0.079) did not improve significantly. Blood flow restricted resistance training is safe and associated with significant improvements in muscle strength, and may be therefore provided as an additional exercise option to aerobic exercise to improve skeletal muscle functioning in patients with CAD.Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03087292.

PS-02-006 The improvement of muscle strength after a pelvic floor training program in females with stress urinary incontinence is associated with a better sexual function of the couple

Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) has been recommended as the first step of conservative management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Several studies have suggested that pelvic floor muscles play an important role in female sexual function. The aim of our study was to evaluate if a significant improvement of muscle strength after pelvic floor training program in females with SUI is associated with a better sexual function of the couple. A retrospective observational study was conducted. The sample consisted of 169 women with SUI, treated with a supervised program of PFMT for 6 months. All females were evaluated at the beginning and the end of the study for incontinence episodes, the number of daily pads, pelvic floor muscle strength and fulfilled Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. All male partners were evaluated with the Satisfaction Scale of Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ) and the Likert visual scale (1 to 5 points). Pelvic floor muscle strength was assessed via vaginal palpation (using the Modified Oxford Scale) and vaginal squeeze pressure using the Peritron perineometer. According to the final continence status after six months of PFMT, women were divided into Group A, 107 women, still presenting incontinence episodes and Group B, 62 women who were dry.

Effectiveness of an early mobility protocol for stroke patients in Intensive Care Unit.

Objectives:To evaluate the effectiveness of an early mobility protocol for stroke patients in the intensive care unit.Methods:Participants were patients with first or recurrent stroke (n=60, age=49.02±6.36 years, body mass index=32.95±5.67 kg/m2) admitted to the intensive care stroke unit in general hospitals, Riyadh during October and December 2016. Single group pretest-posttest design involving an early mobility protocol was started within first 24 hours admission. Pre and post measurements of muscle strength, pulmonary function and quality of life were carried out.Results:There were significant improvements in muscle strength of upper and lower extremities´ muscles after treatment (p<0.05), pulmonary functions including Forced Vital Capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume 1 (p<0.05) and quality of life, namely, Barthel Index and modified Rankin Scale (p<0.01).Conclusion:This study demonstrates that initiating an early mobility protocol is safe and effective for intensive care unit stroke patients and supports introducing the current protocol as a standard protocol in neurogenic Intensive Care Units.

Assessment of respiratory muscle strength and airflow before and after microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion.

To assess alterations in respiratory muscle strength and inspiratory and expiratory peak flow, as well as skeletal and dental changes in patients diagnosed with transverse maxillary deficiency before and after microimplant-assisted rapid maxillary expansion (MARPE). Twenty patients (13 female and 7 male) were assessed by respiratory tests in three different periods: T0 initial, T1 immediately after expansion, and T2 after 5 months. Tests included: maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), oral expiratory peak flow, and inspiratory nasal flow. Cone-beam computed tomography measurements were performed in the maxillary arch, nasal cavity, and airway before and immediately after expansion. There was a significant increase in MIP between T0 and T2 and MEP between T0 and T1 (P<.05). Oral and nasal peak flow increased immediately after and 5 months later, especially in patients with initial signs of airway obstruction (P<.05). In addition, after expansion there was a significant enlargement of the nasal cavity, alveolar bone, and interdental widths at the premolar and molar region. Molars tipped buccally (P<.05) but no difference was found in premolar inclination. MARPE increased airway volume significantly. Skeletal changes promoted by MARPE directly affected airway volume, resulting in a significant improvement in muscle strength and nasal and oral peak flow.

Tai Chi and whole-body vibrating therapy in sarcopenic men in advanced old age: a clinical randomized controlled trial.

This study was to investigate the effects of Tai Chi (TC) and whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise in sarcopenic men in advanced old age. Ninety sarcopenic men (mean age 88.6years; age range 85-101years) were divided into three groups: TC group, WBV group, and control (CON) group. Patients in the two treatment groups received 8weeks of training in either TC or WBV, while the control group received reminders not to change their level of physical exercise or lifestyle. Patients in all groups also received health information related to sarcopenia. Muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance [balance, gait speed, timed-up-and-go test (TUGT), and five-times-sit-to-stand test (FTSST)] were analyzed and compared among the three groups. Finally, seventy-nine subjects completed the study (TC n = 24; WBV n = 28; and CON 27). Muscle strength was significantly increased in the TC and WBV groups compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Following 8weeks of exercise, improvements were observed in all physical performance tests for the TC and WBV groups (P < 0.05). The improvement in balance was greater in the TC group than the WBV group. Time × Group effects revealed significant improvements in muscle strength in the lower extremities (P < 0.05) and physical performance (P < 0.01) in both the TC and WBV groups. Changes in muscle mass, as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, did not significantly differ between groups. These findings indicate that TC and WBV are effective treatments for improving muscle strength and physical performance in sarcopenic men in advanced old age.

The effect of a Janda-based stretching program range of motion, muscular strength, and pain in middle-aged women with self-reported muscular skeletal symptoms.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a stretching program, based on the Janda approach and compared with a static stretching program, on range of motion (ROM), muscle strength and pain. Subjects for this study were 11 middle-aged women with self-reported muscular skeletal symptoms. The subjects were randomly divided into six women as an experimental group (stretching based on Janda approach group, SJAG) and five women as the comparison group (traditional static stretching group, TSSG). Static stretching program in both groups consisted of 14 types of exercise and strength program in SJAG was comprised of five isometric contractions. The stretching program was performed 3 times per week for 6 weeks. The ROM and muscle strength of the neck and shoulder region were measured and a numerical rating scale was used for measuring pain. Significant differences between groups were determined with two-way repeated analysis of variance and paired t-test. As a result of this study, the ROM did not show generally significant changes but was affirmatively improved in both groups. SJAG showed significant improvement in muscle strength and pain reduction compared to the TSSG. Consequently, a stretching program based on the Janda approach would be more effective on self-reported muscular skeletal symptoms caused by posture misalignment than a static stretching program

Technology-Supported Self-Guided Nutrition and Physical Activity Interventions for Adults With Cancer: Systematic Review.

BackgroundNutrition and physical activity interventions are important components of cancer care. With an increasing demand for services, there is a need to consider flexible, easily accessible, and tailored models of care while maintaining optimal outcomes.ObjectiveThis systematic review describes and appraises the efficacy of technology-supported self-guided nutrition and physical activity interventions for people with cancer.MethodsA systematic search of multiple databases from 1973 to July 2018 was conducted for randomized and nonrandomized trials investigating technology-supported self-guided nutrition and physical activity interventions. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Outcomes included behavioural, health-related, clinical, health service, or financial measures.ResultsSixteen randomized controlled trials representing 2684 participants were included. Most studies were web-based interventions (n=9) and had a 12-week follow-up duration (n=8). Seven studies assessed dietary behaviour, of which two reported a significant benefit on diet quality or fruit and vegetable intake. Fifteen studies measured physical activity behaviour, of which eight studies reported a significant improvement in muscle strength and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Four of the nine studies assessing the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) reported a significant improvement in global HRQoL or a domain subscale. A significant improvement in fatigue was found in four of six studies. Interpretation of findings was influenced by inadequate reporting of intervention description and compliance.ConclusionsThis review identified short-term benefits of technology-supported self-guided interventions on the physical activity level and fatigue and some benefit on dietary behaviour and HRQoL in people with cancer. However, current literature demonstrates a lack of evidence for long-term benefit.Trial RegistrationPROSPERO CRD42017080346; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=80346

Intradialytic resistance training: an effective and easy-to-execute strategy.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) alters the morphology and function of skeletal muscles, thereby decreasing patient physical capacity (PC) and quality of life (QoL). Intradialytic resistance training (IRT) is a pragmatic tool used to attenuate these complications. However, IRT has not been strongly adopted in nephrology care centers. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a low-cost, easy-to-use IRT protocol.Methods:The study enrolled 43 patients (52.8 ± 13.85 years) on HD for five to 300 months followed from April 2014 to July 2017. The efficacy of IRT was assessed based on PC - derived from muscle strength (MS) and preferred walking speed (PWS) - and QoL. The occurrence of adverse events was used as a measure of safety. The IRT protocol consisted of exercises of moderate to high intensity for the main muscle groups performed three times a week.Results:The mean follow-up time was 9.3 ± 3.24 months, for a total of 4,374 sessions of IRT. Compliance to the protocol was 96.5 ± 2.90%, and patients presented significant improvements in MS (from 27.3 ± 11.58 Kgf to 34.8 ± 10.77 Kgf) and PWS (from 0.99 ± 0.29 m/s to 1.26 ± 0.22 m/s). Physical and emotional components of QoL also increased significantly.Conclusion:IRT led to significant increases in PC and higher scores in all domains of QoL. Important adverse events were not observed during intradialytic resistance training.

Effects of Plyometric and Resistance Training on Muscle Strength, Explosiveness, and Neuromuscular Function in Young Adolescent Soccer Players.

McKinlay, BJ, Wallace, P, Dotan, R, Long, D, Tokuno, C, Gabriel, D, and Falk, B. Effects of plyometric and resistance training on muscle strength, explosiveness, and neuromuscular function in young adolescent soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 32(11): 3039-3050, 2018-This study examined the effect of 8 weeks of free-weight resistance training (RT) and plyometric (PLYO) training on maximal strength, explosiveness, and jump performance compared with no added training (CON), in young male soccer players. Forty-one 11- to 13-year-old soccer players were divided into 3 groups (RT, PLYO, and CON). All participants completed isometric and dynamic (240°·s) knee extensions before and after training. Peak torque (pT), peak rate of torque development (pRTD), electromechanical delay (EMD), rate of muscle activation (Q50), m. vastus lateralis thickness (VLT), and jump performance were examined. Peak torque, pRTD, and jump performance significantly improved in both training groups. Training resulted in significant (p ≤ 0.05) increases in isometric pT (23.4 vs. 15.8%) and pRTD (15.0 vs. 17.6%), in RT and PLYO, respectively. During dynamic contractions, training resulted in significant increases in pT (12.4 and 10.8% in RT and PLYO, respectively), but not in pRTD. Jump performance increased in both training groups (RT = 10.0% and PLYO = 16.2%), with only PLYO significantly different from CON. Training resulted in significant increases in VLT (RT = 6.7% and PLYO = 8.1%). There were no significant EMD changes. In conclusion, 8-week free-weight resistance and plyometric training resulted in significant improvements in muscle strength and jump performance. Training resulted in similar muscle hypertrophy in the 2 training modes, with no clear differences in muscle performance. Plyometric training was more effective in improving jump performance, whereas free-weight RT was more advantageous in improving peak torque, where the stretch reflex was not involved.