Combined Training Research Articles

Effects of aerobic, resistance and combined training on endothelial function and arterial stiffness in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

We conducted a systematic review of randomized clinical trials evaluating the effects of aerobic, resistance and/or combined training on flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and/or pulse wave velocity (PWV) in older adults. The studies were selected from the electronic databases PubMed, Cochrane, LILACS, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the gray literature. We assessed the studies using Cochrane risk of bias (RoB2) tool and the GRADE tool. The GRADE assessment showed moderate quality of evidence for aerobic training and resistance training and very low for combined training. The measures of effects are presented as mean differences of the intervention group versus the control group and related 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) pooled by a random-effects model using an inverse variance method. Our analysis of 24 RCTs (Intervention group [n = 251]: 67.7 ± 5.6 years old; control group [n = 228]: 68.7 ± 5.9 years old) showed that aerobic training was effective to improve FMD (0.64% [95% CI 0.24 to 1.03], p = 0.002) and PWV (-1.21 m/s [95% CI -1.37 to -1.05], p< 0.001) by compared to the control group. The subgroup analyses showed no FMD differences following aerobic training in healthy adults when compared to those with any health condition. Combined training was effective in improving FMD (0.60% [95% CI 0.50 to 0.71], p< 0.001) and PWV (-0.79 m/s [95% CI -1.23 to -0.35], p = 0.002). But these same parameters did not show any improvement in response to resistance training. A major limitation of this study is that the analysis to evaluate the effect of resistance training on PWV include only one study, and no inferences could be made from the data. Aerobic and combined training, but not resistant training, improve flow-mediated dilation and pulse wave velocity in the elderly. PROSPERO: CRD42021275282.

The Effect of Combined Strength, Plyometric, and Sprint Training on Repeated Sprint Ability in Team-Sport Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Repeated sprint ability (RSA) is crucial for success in team sports, and involves both neuromuscular and metabolic factors. While single-mode training (SGL; e.g., sprint training) and combined training (CT; e.g., sprint + plyometric) can improve RSA, whether CT offers additional benefits compared to SGL or active controls maintaining routine training (CON) remains uncertain in team-sport athletes. This study evaluates the effect of CT versus SGL and CON on the RSA of team-sport athletes. A comprehensive search was conducted in five electronic databases. Thirteen studies involving 394 males and 28 females, aged 14 to 26 years, were included. The random effects model for meta-analyses revealed greater improvement in RSA mean after CT compared to SGL (Hedge's g effect size [g] = -0.46; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: -0.82, -0.10; p &lt; 0.01) and CON (g = -1.39; 95% CI: -2.09, -0.70; p &lt; 0.01). CT also improved RSA best compared to CON (g = -1.17; 95% CI: -1.58, -0.76; p &lt; 0.01). The GRADE analyses revealed low- to very-low certainty of evidence in all meta-analyses. Subgroup analysis revealed that plyometric + sprint training yielded greater RSA mean (g = -1.46) and RSA best (g = -1.35) improvement than plyometric + resistance + sprint training and resistance + sprint training. The effects of CT on RSA did not differ according to age (≥ 18 vs. &lt; 18), sports (e.g., soccer vs. basketball vs. handball), or RSA test type (linear sprint vs. sprint with change-of-direction). Studies showed an overall high risk of bias (ROB 2). In conclusion, CT may be improving team-sport athletes' RSA more effectively than SGL (small effect size) and CON (large effect size), particularly when CT involves plyometric + sprint training.

Combined exercise hinders the progression of pulmonary and right heart harmful remodeling in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension.

The aim of this study was to test whether combined physical exercise training of moderate intensity executed during the development of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) hinders the progression of pulmonary and right heart harmful functional and structural remodeling in rats. Wistar rats were injected with MCT (60 mg/kg) and after 24 hours were exposed to a combined exercise training program: aerobic exercise (Treadmill running - 60 min/day; 60% of maximum running speed); and resistance exercise (Vertical ladder climbing - 15 climbs; 60% of maximum carrying load), on alternate days, 5 days/week, for approximately 3 weeks. After euthanasia, lung, and right ventricle (RV) were excised and processed for histological, single myocyte and biochemical analyses. Combined exercise increased the tolerance to physical effort (time until fatigue and relative maximum load), and prevented increases in pulmonary artery resistance (TA/TE) and reductions in RV function (TAPSE). Moreover, in myocytes isolated from the RV, combined exercise preserved contraction amplitude, as well as contraction and relaxation velocities, and inhibited reductions in the amplitude and maximum speeds to peak and to decay of the intracellular Ca2+ transient. Furthermore, combined exercise avoided RV (RV weight, cardiomyocyte, extracellular matrix, collagen, inflammatory infiltrate, and extracellular matrix) and lung (pulmonary alveoli and alveolar septum) harmful structural remodeling. Additionally, combined exercise restricted RV (NO and CP) and lung (CAT, GST, and NO) oxidative stress. In conclusion, the applied combined exercise regime hinders the progression of pulmonary and right heart functional and structural harmful remodeling in rats with MCT-induced PAH.

Combined diet and exercise training decreases serum lipids associated with insulin resistance.

Circulating lipids are linked with insulin resistance and increased cardiovascular disease risk. We previously reported that dihydroceramides, a specific type of sphingolipid, are elevated in insulin-resistant individuals; however, little is known regarding whether insulin-sensitizing lifestyle interventions can improve profiles of sphingolipids and other lipid species. A total of 21 individuals with obesity participated in a 3-month lifestyle intervention of combined weight loss and exercise training. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps, and serum lipidomics was conducted. Following the intervention, BMI was significantly reduced by 10%; VO2peak and insulin sensitivity increased by 12% and 57%, respectively; and total serum triacylglycerol (TAG), diacylglycerol, dihydroceramides, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and sphinganine-1-phosphate were significantly reduced, as were specific species of dihydroceramides (C18:0 and C24:1). Individuals with higher preintervention TAG concentrations had significant decreases in serum lipids, which were not significantly changed in individuals with lower preintervention TAG. These data show that serum sphingolipid species previously linked to insulin resistance in humans can be reduced with insulin-sensitizing lifestyle interventions. Furthermore, individuals with elevated serum TAG may significantly benefit from lifestyle interventions that increase insulin sensitivity due to a greater decrease in serum lipids related to insulin resistance.

Effects of Interval and Power Training on the Physical, Physiological, and Training Characteristics of Trained Distance Runners

Effects of Interval and Power Training on the Physical, Physiological, and Training Characteristics of Trained Distance Runners

Cardiac rehabilitation combined training improves lower limb strength in older adults after only twelve sessions

Cardiac rehabilitation combined training improves lower limb strength in older adults after only twelve sessions

Value-driven training of leaders in the service of Hungarian denominational (Reformed) public education

AbstractOur paper focuses on a specific subsystem of the Hungarian public education system, the Reformed educational network. After a theoretical foundation, the study will review the characteristics and legislative environment of Reformed public education management and leadership training, and then examine the concept, reception, results and further development potentials of the accredited training in Value-Driven Leadership, a relatively new element of the range of trainings. The training was developed in collaboration between Dutch and Hungarian specialists, taking into account the international context of Christian education. Our study uses a variety of research methods, such as document analysis, statistical analysis and analysis of a questionnaire survey on further needs. Some basic conclusions can be drawn from the survey as: (1) The target group is highly interested in modern knowledge about Christian leadership, which is considered a priority area, which also coincides with the needs of the maintenance. (2) The management powers of headmasters of ecclesiastical institutions are much broader than those of headmasters of public institutions, but their knowledge and interest in these areas are insufficient. (3) More than ever before, the organisation of training should aim at modularity and a variety of organisational methods. The tools of combined training organisation, which have already proved their worth in higher education, should also be applied to 30-h continuing training, possibly with the addition of distance learning elements.

Consequences of Pilates Training with and Without Yogic Practice on Body Composition Balance of Male Youth

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to find out the Consequences of Pilates Training with and without Yogic Practice on Body Composition Balance of Male youth. To achieve the purpose of this study, the researcher examined body mass index of 750 students studying in various schools of Virajpet, kodoga, Karnataka and found out 200 obese students. Out of these 200 obese students, 80 obese students were selected at random; their age ranged from 15 to 17 years as per the school records. The selected subjects were divided into three experimental groups and a control group with twenty subjects in (n=20) each. Experimental Group I (PTG-20) underwent Pilates training, Experimental Group II (YTG-20) underwent yoga training, Experimental Group III (PTYTG-20) underwent combination of Pilates and yoga training and Group IV served as control group (CG) for the training period of 12 weeks. All the subjects were informed about the nature of the study and their consent was obtained to co-operate till the end of the experiment and testing period. Pilot study groups and experimental groups (namely PTG, YTG and PTYTG) were given training independently with separate subjects in each group. A qualified physician examined the subjects medically and declared them fit for the study. The subjects were free to withdraw their consent in case they felt any discomfort during the period of their participation, but there were no dropouts. The body composition was measured by anthropometric measures and balance is measured by physical performance test, as a result of two training programmes, the following improvements occurred on body composition and balance among the obese students. It was concluded from the results of the study that the Pilates, yoga training and combined training showed significant improvement in balance, when compared with control group as well as pre-test. Due to the influence of Pilates, yoga training and combined training significantly reduced the body fat percentage, when compared with control group as well as pre-test. Combined training was identified as the best training and was a suitable training system to improve all the selected criterion variables when compared to the Pilates and yoga training. Pilates training methods were identified as one of the methods to improve all the selected dependent variables.

The Added Effect of Respiratory Training on Stabilometric, Respiratory and Agility Outcomes Among Recreational Athletes: an Experimental Design

Background Diaphragm activation plays a crucial role in various function activities through the adequate core muscle setup. In order to bring a change in balance, agility, and respiratory outcomes in recreational athletes, the role of combined diaphragm and balance training is still under debate. Purpose The study aimed to investigate the added effect of respiratory training on balance training in recreational athletes. Methods Forty-two male recreational athletes were randomized into either the balance training group alone or the added respiratory training group. Result The result of the study revealed that the agility, balance, and respiratory outcomes were improved significantly (p &lt; 0.05) in the combined respiratory and balance training group. However, in the balance training group seperately, the respiratory and agility outcomes did not improve significantly (p &gt; 0.05), but the balance outcomes improved significantly (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion The study concludes that additional respiratory training can help enhance respiratory and agility outcomes compared to balance training alone.

Characterizing and Evaluating the Structures of Combined Pediatrics and Medical Genetics and Genomics Residency Programs.

There is limited information on rationale for the current training structure within combined Pediatrics-Medical Genetics and Genomics Residency (MGG) residency programs. This study addresses the benefits and drawbacks of different training structures. Program Directors (PDs) and Associate PDs of combined Pediatrics-MGG residency programs were surveyed to evaluate perceived benefits of different structures and the relative importance of particular pediatric rotations for combined training. Programs varied in terms of how many times a typical resident transitioned between Pediatrics and MGG during training (range 4 to > 9). PDs varied in their opinions of which training structure would be most ideal for training a future Clinical Geneticist within a combined Pediatrics-MGG program. However, the majority of PDs indicated that consecutive training (completing two years of Pediatrics, followed by MGG) would support particular aims of training including continuity of patient care and research productivity. The top six out of twenty pediatric rotations that were ranked as most important in order of importance were neonatal intensive care, development and behavior pediatrics, term newborn, pediatric intensive care, neurology, and inpatient pediatric wards. Particular structures may facilitate distinct aims within training; however, there was not widespread consensus on which program structure would be best. Specific pediatric rotations were highlighted as very important, which could influence future curriculum development.

Effectiveness of supervised combined aerobic and resistance exercise in fatigue of prostate cancer survivors under androgen deprivation therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives Cancer-related fatigue is prevalent in prostate cancer patients. This symptom can negatively affect patients’ performance and emotional well-being, but there is no consensus on the best therapeutic approach. Despite the growing evidence on the management of fatigue with exercise, there are recognised limitations in its use when considering the different cancer patients. Specifically, prostate cancer patients under androgen deprivation therapy present several contributors to fatigue, emotional distress, inactivity, and deconditioning. The aim of this research was to describe the current literature on the effects of supervised combined aerobic and resistance training on fatigue in patients under androgen deprivation therapy. Methods We conducted a literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The GRADE and the Cochrane tools were used to assess the quality and risk of bias of the selected studies. Only randomised controlled trials in which combined aerobic and resistance training was used with prostate cancer patients under androgen deprivation therapy were included. A cancer-related fatigue meta-analysis was performed. Results Nine studies with a low risk of bias were included in the review. Regarding cancer-related fatigue, significant results that cannot be attributed to chance were found in favour of combined exercise (MD=0.71; 95 %; CI=0.05, 1.37; p=0.03; I2=91 %). The GRADE system showed a moderate recommendation. Conclusions Supervised combined aerobic and resistance training was proven to significantly improve fatigue in patients with prostate cancer under androgen deprivation therapy. These findings could provide clinicians with more information on the management of cancer patients under androgen deprivation therapy.

Abstract 4137180: Effectiveness of Exercise-based Interventions in the Prevention of Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Breast cancer patients receiving anticancer therapy are at risk of developing cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). While exercise has been shown to improve cardiorespiratory fitness in these patients, its effectiveness in preventing CTRCD remains unclear. Research Questions: How do exercise-based interventions affect CTRCD in breast cancer patients? Which exercise modality is most effective in preventing CTRCD? Goals: This network meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the effectiveness of exercise-based interventions based on cardiac function parameters and to identify the optimal exercise modality for preventing CTRCD. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to March 4, 2024. Studies that used exercise interventions, either exercise alone or with other interventions, were included. Outcome measures included at least one cardiac function parameter such as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) or global longitudinal strain (GLS). Pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed using R software (v.4.3.3). Results: A total of 1149 participants from 14 RCTs were included. Compared to the usual care, exercise-based interventions significantly improved LVEF (MD=1.68; 95% CI=0.59-2.77; p＜0.05) and GLS (MD=1.40; 95% CI=0.59-2.21; p＜0.05). Based on the ranking probabilities, combined aerobic and resistance exercise was the most effective way to improve LVEF (4 studies, SUCRA: 96.46%), followed by cardiac rehabilitation (2 studies, SUCRA: 45.31%) and aerobic exercise (4 studies, SUCRA: 41.57%). In terms of improving GLS, combined aerobic and resistance exercise also ranked highest (3 studies, SUCRA: 87.77%). However, cardiac rehabilitation (2 studies, SUCRA: 46.70%) and aerobic exercise (1 study, SUCRA: 44.92%) were still less effective. Conclusion: This network meta-analysis provides low-certainty evidence for the potential efficacy of exercise-based interventions in preventing CTRCD, especially the combined aerobic and resistance training. Further rigorous studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of exercise-based interventions in the prevention of CTRCD.

Combined high-intensity interval and resistance training improves cardiorespiratory fitness more than high-intensity interval training in young women with overweight/obesity: a randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with resistance training (RT) versus HIIT alone on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and glycolipid metabolism in young women with overweight/obesity. This randomized controlled trial divided 40 subjects into an experimental group (HIIT+RT) and a control group (HIIT). Both groups underwent training three times per week for eight weeks. Body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and glycolipid levels were assessed before and after the intervention. The results revealed that compared to baseline, both the experimental and control groups showed significant improvements in body weight, body mass index (BMI), Body fat, waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), vital capacity (VC), oxygen pulse (VO2/HR), minute ventilation, resting heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.05). Additionally, a significant increase in muscle mass and a significant reduction in 2-hour postprandial glucose were observed in the experimental group (p<0.05). Muscle mass (mean difference: 2.75%), VO2peak (mean difference: 1.61 mL/min/kg), VC (mean difference: 334mL), and VO2/HR (mean difference: 0.51mL/beat) showed greater improvement in the HIIT+RT group compared to the HIIT group (p<0.05). In conclusion, an 8-week regimen of either combined HIIT and RT or HIIT significantly improves body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and glycolipid metabolism in women with overweight/obesity. However, the combined training appears to offer more benefits than HIIT alone. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects and feasibility of combined training. https://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR2300075961.

Power exercises with elastic bands combined with endurance training improve pulse pressure, systolic blood pressure, and functional parameters in older adults.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of power training (PT) using elastic bands combined with endurance training (ET) on pulse pressure (PP), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressures (DBP), autonomic response (AR), and functional parameters in older adults. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to the control group (n = 15) and the intervention group (IG) (n = 15). IG participants performed PT with elastic bands combined with ET twice weekly for 8 weeks. PP, SBP, DBP, AR, and functional parameters were assessed before and after 8 weeks. PP, SBP, and functional parameters significantly improved after 8 weeks in the IG (P < 0.05). The study also found a clinically significant reduction in the SBP (Δ = -16.5 mmHg; η2p = 0.36) and DBP (Δ = -4.3 mmHg; η2p = 0.26), and a clinical reduction in the 5-Repetition Sit-To-Stand test (η2p = 0.63) and the elbow flexion test (η2p = 0.51). Our findings indicate that PT with elastic bands combined with ET improves PP, SBP, and functional parameters in older adults. Hence, our combined training protocol can be an easily accessible, low-cost, nonpharmacological strategy for strength, and conditioning professionals to prescribe as an exercise intervention to older adults.

Cross-instrument optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCTA)-based prediction of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) disease activity using artificial intelligence

This study investigates the efficacy of predicting age-related macular degeneration (AMD) activity through deep neural networks (DNN) using a cross-instrument training dataset composed of Optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCTA) images from two different manufacturers. A retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed 2D vascular en-face OCTA images from Heidelberg Spectralis (1478 samples: 1102 training, 276 validation, 100 testing) and Optovue Solix (1003 samples: 754 training, 189 validation, 60 testing). OCTA scans were labeled based on clinical diagnoses and adjacent B-scan OCT fluid information, categorizing activity into normal, dry AMD, active wet AMD, and wet AMD in remission. Experiments explored cross-instrument disease classification using separate and combined datasets for training the DNN. Testing involved 100 Heidelberg and 60 Optovue samples. Training on Heidelberg data alone yielded 73% accuracy on Heidelberg images and 60% on Optovue images. Training on Optovue data alone resulted in 34% accuracy on Heidelberg and 85% on Optovue images. Combined training data from both instruments achieved 78% accuracy on Heidelberg and 76% on Optovue test sets. Results indicate that cross-instrument classifier training demonstrates high classification prediction accuracy, making cross-instrument training viable for future clinical applications. This implies that vascular morphology in OCTA can predict disease progression.

Serum BDNF Increase After 9-Month Contemplative Mental Training Is Associated With Decreased Cortisol Secretion and Increased Dentate Gyrus Volume: Evidence From a Randomized Clinical Trial

BackgroundIn this study, we investigated whether mindfulness- and meditation-based mental training that improves stress regulation can upregulate BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), an important promoter of hippocampal neuroplasticity, and examined cortisol reduction as a mediating pathway. MethodsIn a randomized clinical trial, 332 healthy adults were randomly assigned to one of the 3 training cohorts or a passive control cohort. Training participants completed up to three 3-month-long modules targeting attention-based mindfulness, socio-affective skills, or socio-cognitive skills. We examined change in serum BDNF levels after each 3-month training interval; evaluated whether training effects were linked to reduced cortisol release in the long-term, diurnally, and when acutely stress-induced); and explored associations with hippocampal volume changes. ResultsIn the combined training cohorts, BDNF increased significantly and cumulatively after 3-, 6-, and 9-month training relative to the pretraining baseline (3 month: t516 = 3.57 [estimated increase: 1353 pg/mL], 6 month: t516 = 3.45 [1557 pg/mL], 9 month: t516 = 3.45 [2276 pg/mL]; all ps < .001). After 9 months, training cohort BDNF was not higher than control cohort BDNF, which displayed unexplained variance. However, moderated mediation analysis showed that only training effects, and not control cohort BDNF change, were partially mediated by simultaneously reduced long-term cortisol release (3-month averages) measured in hair (15.1% mediation, p = .021). Individually greater BDNF increase after training correlated with more reduced long-term and stress-induced cortisol release. Moreover, greater BDNF increase after 9 months of training correlated with dentate gyrus volume increase (t108 = 2.09, p = .039). ConclusionsLongitudinal contemplative training may promote a neurobiological pathway from stress reduction to increased BDNF levels to enhanced hippocampal volume. However, single-serum BDNF measurements are unreliable for assessing long-term neurotrophic effects in healthy adults. Future studies should investigate nonspecific measurement effects before considering preventive health care applications.

Plyometric and Resistance Training: A Dual Approach to Enhance Physical Fitness in 12–15-Year-Old Girls

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an 8-week combined plyometric and resistance training program on the physical fitness (PF) of adolescent girls aged 12 to 15 years. The objective was to determine whether combined training (CT) would yield greater improvements in performance measures compared to resistance training (RT) alone. Methods: Forty-seven adolescent girls were randomly assigned to either the CT group or the RT group. Performance measures such as the 20 m sprint, squat jump, vertical jump, handgrip strength, and flexibility (sit and reach test) were assessed before and after the 8-week intervention. Changes in these measures were analyzed to compare the effects of the two training approaches. Results: The CT group showed a significant reduction in sprint time (−6.5%) compared to the RT group (−4.1%), although the difference was not statistically significant. Squat jump height improved significantly by 5.6% in the CT group compared to 1.1% in the RT group (p &lt; 0.05). Similarly, vertical jump height increased by 6.7% in the CT group and by 2.4% in the RT group (p &lt; 0.05). Handgrip strength improved by 7.5% in the CT group and 4.6% in the RT group, with no significant differences between the groups. Flexibility showed slight, non-significant improvements in both groups. Conclusions: The findings suggest that a combined plyometric and RT program is more effective in enhancing explosive power, specifically squat and vertical jump performance, in adolescent girls compared to RT alone. These results highlight the potential of CT programs for improving overall physical performance in this population.

Enhancing Mandarin Tone and Vowel Recognition in Cochlear Implant Simulation through Combining Task Practice

Purpose: Mandarin tone recognition with cochlear implant simulation can be enhanced via targeted auditory training. However, such training generally does not transfer to different tasks, even when they share the same stimuli. As such, this study investigated whether combined Mandarin tone and vowel recognition training leads to greater improvements in Mandarin tone, vowel, and sentence recognition compared to tone- or vowel- only training.Methods: Twenty-nine native Mandarin-speaking young adults with normal hearing were randomly assigned to one of three training regimens: Tone-Only, Vowel-Only, Tone-Vowel. Mandarin tone, vowel, and sentence recognition were tested before and after training.Results: Tone-Only training improved Mandarin tone recognition but not vowel recognition, while Vowel-Only training improved Mandarin vowel recognition but not tone recognition. The combined Tone-Vowel training improved both tone and vowel recognition. ToneVowel training also led to improvements in Mandarin sentence recognition, although these gains were not significantly greater than those observed in Tone-Only or Vowel-Only groups.Conclusion: These findings suggest that within an equivalent amount of training, combined tone and vowel recognition training enhances both tone and vowel recognition, while tone- or vowel-only training improves the performance in the targeted task alone. Combined tone and vowel recognition may be necessary to achieve improvements in Mandarin tone, vowel, and sentence recognition.

Effects of a 4-Week Detraining Period After 12 Weeks of Combined Training Using Different Weekly Frequencies on Health-Related Physical Fitness in Older Adults.

Detraining refers to the decline in physical fitness that occurs after the cessation of exercise, compromising the adaptations resulting from regular exercise training. To understand how long the benefits acquired from an exercise program can be maintained, the present study evaluated the detraining effects of a 4-week exercise cessation period in older adults who performed combined training at various weekly frequencies for 12 weeks. This randomized controlled trial assigned participants to one of two training programs: a combined training program twice a week (CT2) or four times a week (CT4) over a period of 12 weeks, followed by a four-week detraining period. The resistance training consisted of six bodyweight exercises, while the aerobic training involved either walking or running. Both the CT2 and CT4 groups completed the same total training volume and overload each week; the only difference was the number of training sessions per week. Assessments were conducted at baseline, after the training period, and after the detraining period, and included the 30-s and five-repetition chair-stand tests, isometric handgrip strength, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio. Thirty-one participants completed the study (CT2: 17 and CT4: 14). The groups presented similar attendance records during the training period (CT2: 96 ± 18% versus CT4: 94 ± 19%). After the 12-week training period, CT2 and CT4 improved lower limb strength, CT2 improved upper limb strength, and CT4 reduced waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio compared to baseline. After the 4-week detraining period, the lower limb strength remained improved in both groups (CT2: 4 ± 1 repetition; p < 0.001 and CT4: 4 ± 1 repetition; p < 0.001) when compared to the corresponding baseline values. The handgrip strength decreased in CT2 compared to post-training values. And the body composition benefit in CT4 was not sustained after detraining. The effects of 4 weeks of detraining after 12 weeks of training performed two or four times per week are similar on some but not all health-related physical fitness parameters.

The Effects of Combined Versus Single-Mode Resistance and Repeated Sprint Training on Physical Fitness, Hematological Parameters, and Plasma Volume Variations in Highly Trained Soccer Players.

We examined the effects of eight weeks of single-mode resistance, repeated sprint training, and the combination of the two programs on selected measures of physical fitness (muscle power, speed, and body composition), hematological parameters, and plasma volume variations in highly trained soccer players. Sixty male soccer players from the Tunisian national Ligue were randomly allocated to a resistance training group (RTG), a repeated sprint training group (RSTG), a combined resistance and repeated sprint training group (CTG), or an active control group (CG, soccer training only). The training volumes were similar between groups. Before and after training, we examined body composition, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), sprint 30 m (S30), repeated-sprint sequences (RSSs), hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean hemoglobin concentration (MHC), and plasma volume. Significant group-by-time interactions were recorded for the RSS indices, SJ, and S30 (p < 0.039], 0.1< ηp2 < 0.49]), as well as the hematological parameters (p = 0.0001-0.045, 0.11 < ηp2 < 0.46). In terms of physical fitness, using post hoc tests, the CTG showed significantly greater gains compared to the RSTG, RTG, and the CG on the best time index of the RSSs (p = 0.008; d = 4.1), SJ (p = 0.004; d = 4.18) and 30 m linear sprint time (p = 0.008; d = 3.84). Body fat percentage also decreased significantly in the CTG compared to all other groups (p < 0.005, 0.21 < d< 0.35). Regarding hematological parameters (i.e., hemoglobin and hematocrit), the CTG, RSTG, and RTG showed significant decreases (p < 0.05) in their hemoglobin and hematocrit values compared to the CG (p < 0.05, 0.11 < d< 2.22]). Eight weeks of combined training compared to single-mode training was found to be more effective in improving fitness measures in highly trained soccer players. However, there appeared to be no consensus regarding the effect of single and combined repeated-sprint and resistance training on the hematological system.