Traditional Resistance Exercise Research Articles

Effect of Resistance Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction on Peripheral Oxygen Saturation and Cardiovascular Stress in Untrained Diabetic Women: A Cross and Randomized Study

This study aimed to analyze the effects of high-load (HL) resistance exercise (RE), low-load (LL) RE, and LL RE with blood flow restriction (LL + BFR) in peripheral oxygen saturation level (SpO2), heart rate (HR), and double product (DP: HR × systolic blood pressure [SBP]) in untrained women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Ten untrained women with T2DM (Age = 56.9 ± 7.4 years; BMI = 27.2 ± 4.2 kg/m2; and Diagnostic time = 10.6 ± 4.1 years) participated in this study. Participants attended a local gym for four non-consecutive days. During the first visit, arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) and predictive values of one maximum repetition (1RM) for knee extension exercise (KE) were assessed. The second, third, and fourth visits were randomly assigned to the following: HL RE (~65% of predicted 1RM in 3 sets of 10 repetitions), LL RE (~20% of predicted 1RM in 3 sets of 15 repetitions), and LL + BFR RE (~20% of predicted 1RM in 3 sets of 15 repetitions; 50% of AOP). HR, SBP e SpO2 were assessed before and immediately after each protocol. All protocols significantly increased the analyzed variables (p ≤ 0.05). There were no significant differences in hemodynamic responses between the protocols (p > 0.05). Therefore, resistance exercise with BFR seems to promote cardiovascular responses similar to traditional low and high load resistance exercise protocols in untrained diabetic women. Keywords: Double Product, Heart Rate, Ischemia, Hemodynamics, Kaatsu training, Resistance Training, Therapeutic Occlusion. Read more →

Effects of exercise on cervical muscle strength and cross-sectional area in patients with thoracic hyperkyphosis and chronic cervical pain

There is a lack of studies comparing the effects of different exercise types in patients with thoracic hyperkyphosis. Twenty-four subjects were divided into three groups: corrective exercise, resistance exercise, and physical therapy. The groups performed their respective interventions, two times per week for three months. Clinical outcomes, including the value of Cobb’s angle, cervical muscle strength and endurance, and the cross-sectional area of the cervical deep muscles were measured pre- and post-intervention. There was a significant difference in the changes in the thoracic Cobb’s angle between the groups (P < 0.001). The corrective exercise group revealed a significantly superior increase in muscle strength and endurance between pre- and post-intervention (P < 0.012). There was a significant difference in the cross-sectional area of the cervical deep muscles included longus capitis and multifidus between the groups (P < 0.036 and 0.007, respectively). The corrective exercise group showed the most significant increase in cross-sectional area between pre- and post-intervention (P < 0.012). A corrective exercise program is a more effective intervention than traditional resistance exercise and physical therapy for improving the thoracic Cobb’s angle, cervical muscle strength and endurance, and the cross-sectional area of the deep muscles in patients with thoracic hyperkyphosis.Trial registration: KCT0005292.

Resistance Training in Hypoxia as a New Therapeutic Modality for Sarcopenia-A Narrative Review.

Hypoxic training is believed to be generally useful for improving exercise performance in various athletes. Nowadays, exercise intervention in hypoxia is recognized as a new therapeutic modality for health promotion and disease prevention or treatment based on the lower mortality and prevalence of people living in high-altitude environments than those living in low-altitude environments. Recently, resistance training in hypoxia (RTH), a new therapeutic modality combining hypoxia and resistance exercise, has been attempted to improve muscle hypertrophy and muscle function. RTH is known to induce greater muscle size, lean mass, increased muscle strength and endurance, bodily function, and angiogenesis of skeletal muscles than traditional resistance exercise. Therefore, we examined previous studies to understand the clinical and physiological aspects of sarcopenia and RTH for muscular function and hypertrophy. However, few investigations have examined the combined effects of hypoxic stress and resistance exercise, and as such, it is difficult to make recommendations for implementing universal RTH programs for sarcopenia based on current understanding. It should also be acknowledged that a number of mechanisms proposed to facilitate the augmented response to RTH remain poorly understood, particularly the role of metabolic, hormonal, and intracellular signaling pathways. Further RTH intervention studies considering various exercise parameters (e.g., load, recovery time between sets, hypoxic dose, and intervention period) are strongly recommended to reinforce knowledge about the adaptational processes and the effects of this type of resistance training for sarcopenia in older people.

Comparison between traditional resistance exercise and variable resistance with elastic bands in acute vertical jump performance

PurposeResistance exercise (RE) with variable resistance (VR) may be an interesting strategy to increase strength and power in several sports activities. The present study aimed to compare the effect of RE vs. VR exercise in the back squat on subsequent jump performance at different time points.MethodsNine male elite handball athletes (age: 21.4 ± 2.1 years; body fat percentage: 10.5 ± 4.2%) undergoing in-season training participated in the study. They randomly completed 3 sets of 5 back squat repetitions at 85% of predicted one-repetition maximum (1RM) with 3-minute rests between sets. They performed RE back squat alone or VR back squat by combining 55% of 1RM using standard weight plates and 29.7 ± 2.0% of the athlete’s 1RM in fully erect position (starting position) with elastic band resistance. Countermovement jump (CMJ) test was applied at baseline, immediately after the conditioning activity (within 15 seconds), and every 2 minutes after the protocols (2, 4, 6, and 8 minutes).ResultsThere was a very large (5.8%, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.02, &lt;i&gt;ES&lt;/i&gt; = 1.53) increase in CMJ performance 2 minutes after VR back squat, while no significant changes were observed after the completion of RE back squat. Moreover, there was a large (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.04, &lt;i&gt;ES&lt;/i&gt; = 1.27) increase in peak power after VR exercise.ConclusionsCMJ performance and peak power output can be potentiated after 2 minutes of recovery following the completion of back squat exercise combining RE plus elastic bands, reinforcing the practical applicability of VR exercise.

The perceptual responses of individuals with multiple sclerosis to blood flow restriction versus traditional resistance exercise

BackgroundLow-load resistance exercise with blood flow restriction (LLBFR-RE) has been shown capable of improving neuromuscular parameters in several clinical populations, however, its tolerability and effects on individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) remains unknown. ObjectiveTo investigate the perceptual responses of individuals with MS to LLBFR-RE versus traditional high-load resistance exercise (HL-RE). MethodsFour men and eleven women diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS randomly completed the following experimental trials: 1) LLBFR-RE four sets of 30–15–15–15 repetitions, at 20% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM) of leg-press (LP) and knee-extension (KE), with 50% of BFR, and a 1-min rest interval between sets; 2) HL-RE– four sets of 8–10 repetitions, at 70% 1-RM of LP and KE, with the same rest intervals. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured after each set, pain was measured before and after sets, and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) was measured at 5, 30, 60 min, and 24-h post-exercise. ResultsHL-RE elicited significantly (p<0.05) greater RPE compared to LLBFR-RE during all sets. Additionally, there were no significant (p>0.05) differences between LLBFR-RE and HL-RE for pain immediately after all sets, although pain measured before sets were significantly (p<0.05) greater for LLBFR-RE. Finally, both protocols resulted in similar DOMS, however, it was significantly (p<0.05) elevated 24-h post-exercise compared to 1-h after for HL-RE but not for LLBFR-RE. ConclusionAltogether, these data demonstrate that LLBFR-RE is well tolerated by individuals with MS, requires less muscular exertion than HL-RE, and does not cause exaggerated pain during exercise or elevated DOMS up to 24 h post-exercise.

The Acute Physiological Responses to Traditional vs. Practical Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise in Untrained Men and Women.

This study compared the acute physiological responses of traditional and practical blood flow restriction resistance exercise (tBFR and pBFR, respectively) and high- and low-load resistance exercise without BFR (HL and LL, respectively), as well as the potential sex differences within the aforementioned exercise methods. Fourteen men and fifteen women randomly completed the following experimental conditions: (1) tBFR, consisting of four sets of 30-15-15-15 repetitions of the bilateral horizontal leg press and knee extension exercises, at 30% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM), with a 13.5 cm wide pneumatic cuff placed at the most proximal portion of each thigh and inflated to a pressure equivalent to 50% of the participant’s total occlusion pressure; (2) pBFR, which was the same as the tBFR condition, except that an elastic band wrapped around the proximal portion of each thigh at a tightness of 7 on a 0 to 10 perceived pressure scale was used to reduce blood flow; (3) LL, same as the tBFR and pBFR protocols, except that no BFR was applied; and (4) HL, consisting of 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 80% of 1-RM, with the same 1-min rest interval between sets and a 3-min rest period between exercises. At baseline, immediately post-, 5 min post-, and 15 min post-exercise, whole-blood lactate (WBL), indices of muscle swelling (muscle thickness and thigh circumference), hematocrit and plasma volume changes, were measured as well as superficial electromyography (sEMG) amplitude during exercise. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences between the tBFR and pBFR exercise protocols for any of the physiological parameters assessed. However, significantly greater (p < 0.05) WBL and sEMG values were observed for HL compared to the remaining exercise conditions. Finally, males displayed greater WBL levels than females at 15 min post-exercise. Interestingly, males also displayed significantly (p < 0.05) greater sEMG amplitude than females within the low-load trials during leg press, but no significant (p < 0.05) sex differences were observed during knee extension. In conclusion, tBFR and pBFR seemed to be capable of inducing the same acute physiological responses. Furthermore, males displayed greater responses than females for some of the physiological parameters measured.

Transfer of Dry-Land Resistance Training Modalities to Swimming Performance.

A great number of studies focusing on the effects of dry-land resistance training interventions on swimming performance remain inconclusive. It is suggested that transferability of dry-land strength gains to swimming performance appear when dry-land resistance training programs are swim-specific. The main aim of this study was to compare the effects of specific dry-land resistance training on an ergometer with traditional dry-land exercises, and to determine how much of the resistance training effects were transferred to specific swimming conditions. The study included a group of 26 youth competitive male swimmers (age 15.7 ± 0.5 years, height 174.6 ± 6.6 cm, weight 68.4 ± 8.2 kg, training experience 5.8±0.7 years) of regional level. They were randomly allocated to one of two groups: experimental (E) and control (T). Both groups were involved in a 12-week dry-land resistance training concentrated on increasing muscular strength and power output of the upper limbs. Group E used a specialized ergometer (JBA – Zbigniew Staniak), while group T performed traditional resistance exercises. The program consisted of 10 sets of 30 s of exercise with 30 s rest intervals between each set. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA with Tukey HSD post hoc comparisons was used to determine if any significant differences existed between training groups across pretest and posttest conditions. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. Dry-land resistance training modalities were the only differences in training between both groups. Our findings show that rates of transfer are much higher in group E than in group T, which resulted in a significant increase in swimming velocity (by 4.32%, p<0.001; ES=1.23, and 2.78%, p<0.003, ES=0.31, respectively).

Effect of high-velocity and traditional resistance exercise on serum antioxidants and inflammation biomarkers in older women: A randomized crossover trial.

Contrary to the production of oxidant and inflammation biomarkers, antioxidant enzymes decrease with age and the adaptive response to oxidative stress is reduced. The effects of the different resistance exercise protocols to attenuate these conditions are largely unexplored. We compared the acute effects of traditional resistance exercise (TRE) and high velocity RE (HVRE) on inflammatory biomarkers and antioxidant activity in elderly women. Fourteen elderly women (67±7years) were randomly assigned to TRE or HVRE. Blood samples were collected to measure inflammatory markers and antioxidant enzymes at three time-points (pre-exercise, post-exercise, 30min post-exercise). TRE and HVRE induced acute reductions over time on tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble receptor of IL-6 (sIL-6R), as well in catalase, glutathione and superoxide dismutase antioxidant levels without differences between groups. In addition, TRE and HVRE groups displayed acute increments in interleukin-10 (IL-10) and IL-10/IL-6 ratio over time, while the HVRE protocol displayed higher IL-10 values post-exercise and 30min post-exercise time points as compared with TRE. Based on magnitude based inference, subjects from the HVRE group demonstrated superior responsiveness for IL-6 and IL-10 as compared with the TRE group. All participants from the HVRE group displayed a minimal clinical important difference on IL-10 levels as compared to only two persons from the TRE group. Both RE protocols were capable of positive changes in inflammatory and antioxidant status in elderly subjects, but HVRE demonstrated a superior response on IL-10. The HVRE may be incorporated to exercise recommendation in this population.

Discomfort And Ratings Of Perceived Exertion To Practical Vs. Traditional Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise

Elastic knee wraps are used to produce blood flow restriction (BFR) but it is unclear how discomfort and perceived exertion may compare to more traditional ways of producing BFR such as nylon cuffs where the pressure is known. PURPOSE: To investigate how elastic knee wraps (practical) compare in ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and discomfort after exercising to failure when compared to nylon cuffs (traditional) or low and high loads without BFR. METHODS: Nine participants (male=7, female=2) completed this study. The average age and body mass index were 22 (4) years and 25.4 (1.5) kg/m2. Each participant completed six conditions, in a randomized order, of unilateral knee extension exercise to failure for four sets. Two conditions (30% one-repetition maximum, 1-RM) included elastic knee wraps that were either stretched by two inches from resting length (Practical-Low) or they were stretched to a new length that was 85% of the thigh circumference (Practical-High). Two more conditions (30%-1RM) used nylon cuffs that were inflated to either 80% (BFR-High) or 40% (BFR-Low) of arterial occlusion pressure. The last two conditions had no restriction stimulus and were 30% 1-RM (LL) or 70% 1-RM (HL). Discomfort (0-10) and RPE (6-20) were measured before exercise and at the end of the four sets. The change scores from before exercise to the end of set 4 were used for analysis. Friedman’s test and Conover’s post hoc test were used to determine if there was a difference in discomfort and RPE between conditions. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Practical-High had larger changes in discomfort compared to HL (8 vs 6, p=0.007) and LL (8 vs 6, p=0.018). Practical-Low had a smaller change in discomfort compared to BFR-High (7 vs. 9, p=0.028) but it was not different from BFR-Low (7 vs. 7, p=0.450). No differences were found between Practical-High vs. BFR-High (8 vs. 9, p=0.211) or Practical-High vs. BFR-Low (8 vs 7, p=0.316). Practical-Low had smaller changes in RPE compared to BFR-High (12 vs 11, p=0.024) but there was no difference in RPE between Practical-High and the other conditions (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When exercising to failure, both discomfort and RPE are impacted by the pressure used and elastic knee wraps can produce changes in discomfort and RPE levels that are comparable to high pressure BFR.

The Perceptual Responses Of Multiple Sclerosis Patients To Traditional Versus Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise

PURPOSE: To investigate the perceptual responses (ratings of perceived exertion [RPE] and discomfort [RD]) of multiple sclerosis patients (MS) to low-load resistance exercise (RE) with blood flow restriction (BFR) and to traditional high-load RE without BFR. METHODS: Thirteen individuals (males = 3, females = 10) with a confirmed diagnose of relapsing-remitting MS were randomly assigned to the following RE conditions: 1) low-load RE with BFR (LL-BFR) and 2) high-load RE without BFR (HI). Participants performed 4 sets (30-15-15-15 reps) of bilateral leg press (LP) and knee extension (KE), at 20% of their one-maximum repetition (1-RM), and with 50% of BFR for the LL-BFR exercise trial. For the HI exercise condition, participants completed 4 sets (10-10-10-10 reps) of the same exercises at 70% of 1RM. There was a 3-minute rest period between sets and 5 minutes between exercises. RPE was assessed after each set using the OMNI-RES scale, with scores ranging from 0 to 10. The RD were assessed immediately before and after each set using a visual numeric pain scale, with scores ranging from 0 to 10. Data were analyzed using the Friedman’s and the Wilcoxon non-parametric tests with Bonferroni correction, and with p set at 0.05. Data are winsorized means ± SD. RESULTS: Greater RPE values were observed for the HI exercise condition compared to LL-BFR following the first set of LP (6.83±1.17 vs 4.84±2.05, p < 0.05), but not after sets 2 (6.83±1.48 vs 4.2±2.14), 3 (7.62±1.63 vs 4.82±2.09), and 4 (7.94±1.44 vs 4.98 ± 1.87). During KE, HI elicited significantly (p < 0.05) higher RPE after sets 2 (8.07±1.06 vs 6.47±1.52), 3 (8.86±1.02 vs 6.84±1.26), and 4 (9.02±1.17 vs 6.84±1.26, but not set 1 (8.24±0.66 vs 6.54±1.74). For the RD, LL-BFR induced significantly (p < 0.05) greater RD than HI only after the first set of both LP (2.26±1.46 vs 0.80±0.54) and KE (4.69±1.80vs 2.52±1.65). For the RD measured immediately before each set, LL-BFR was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than HI only before sets 3 (3.13±1.41 vs 0.52±0.68) and 4 (3.14±1.92 vs 1.10±1.09) of LP, and before sets 2 (3.75±1.93 vs 0.94±1.10) and 3 (3.15±1.41 vs 1.15±0.96) of KE. CONCLUSION: LL-BFR results in similar RPE and RD compared to HI. However, the RD perceived immediately before a subsequent set remained partially elevated following some of the sets of LL-BFR.

Acute cardiovascular response to unilateral, bilateral, and alternating resistance exercise with blood flow restriction.

Blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise is a common alternative to traditional high-load resistance exercise used to increase muscle size and strength. Some populations utilizing BFR at a low load may wish to limit their cardiovascular response to exercise. Different contraction patterns may attenuate the cardiovascular response, but this has not been compared using BFR. To compare the cardiovascular response to unilateral (UNI), bilateral (BIL), and alternating (ALT) BFR exercise contraction patterns. Twenty healthy participants performed four sets (30s rest) of knee extensions to failure, using 30% one-repetition maximum, 40% arterial occlusion pressure, and each of the three contraction patterns (on different days, at the same time of day, separated by 2-10days, randomized). Cardiovascular responses, presented as pre- to post-exercise mean changes (SD), were measured using pulse wave analysis and analyzed with Bayesian RMANOVA. ALT caused greater changes in: aortic systolic [ΔmmHg: ALT = 21(8); UNI = 13(11); BIL = 15(8); BF10 = 29.599], diastolic [ΔmmHg: ALT = 13(8); UNI = 7(11); BIL = 8(8); BF10 = 5.175], and mean arterial [ΔmmHg: ALT = 19(8); UNI = 11(11); BIL = 13(7); BF10 = 48.637] blood pressures. Aortic [ΔmmHgbpm: ALT = 4945(2340); UNI = 3294(1408); BIL = 3428 (1461); BF10 = 113.659] and brachial [ΔmmHgbpm: ALT = 6134(2761); UNI = 4300(1709); BIL = 4487(1701); BF10 = 31.845] rate pressure products, as well as heart rate [Δbpm: ALT = 26(14); UNI = 19(8); BIL = 19(11); BF10 = 5.829] were greatest with ALT. Augmentation index [Δ%: UNI = -6(13); BIL = -7(11); ALT = -5(16); BF10 = 0.155] and wave reflection magnitude [Δ%: UNI = -5(9); BIL = -4(7); ALT = -4(7); BF10 = 0.150] were not different. Those at risk of a cardiovascular event may choose unilateral or bilateral BFR exercise over alternating until further work determines the degree to which it can be tolerated.

How Are Mechanical, Physiological, and Perceptual Variables Affected by the Rest Interval Between Sets During a Flywheel Resistance Session?

The use of flywheel devices has increased in popularity during the last few years. Flywheel training is an attractive alternative to traditional resistance exercise because it allows for the loading stimulus to be manipulated. Some of the benefits associated with flywheel training include increases in muscle hypertrophy, muscular strength and reductions in injury risk. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research about how basic training variables [i.e., rest intervals (RI) between sets], or variables associated with manipulation of the loading stimulus (i.e., different inertial loads), influence the acute responses during a flywheel session. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the influence of three different RI between sets (1, 2, or 3 min), during a flywheel squat session with two different inertial loads: light (0.025 kg⋅m2) and high (0.075 kg⋅m2). Twenty-three participants performed six exercise sessions (two inertial loads × three RI) consisting of four sets of 11 repetitions. Concentric and eccentric power, lactate concentration ([La]) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during the exercise session, and delayed onset muscular soreness (DOMS) were recorded 24 h post-exercise. Both concentric (9.1 and 22.1% at light and high load respectively; p = 0.022 and 0.005) and eccentric peak power (17.5% at high load; p = 0.02) decreased across sets when the 1 min RI was used. Concentric peak power was decreased (11.1%, p = 0.041) from the 2 min RI only with the high inertial load. RPE was higher during the 1 min compared with the 3 min RI protocol when using the high inertial load (p = 0.028). [La] was higher when using the 2 min RI compared with the 3 min RI at light load (p = 0.03). In conclusion, during flywheel training sessions, a short RI (1 min) was insufficient to maintain power output across all four sets and was linked to greater perceptual variables. A 2 min RI allowed for power to be maintained, but only when training with light inertial loads. Based on these results, coaches should consider prescribing 3 min RI’s when performing flywheel squat exercises regardless the inertial load. In contrast, when using 2 min RI’s the inertial load should be light.

Physiological differences between advanced CrossFit athletes, recreational CrossFit participants, and physically-active adults.

This investigation examined anthropometric, hormonal, and physiological differences between advanced (ADV; n = 8, 27.8 ± 4.2 years, 170 ± 11 cm, 79.8 ± 13.3 kg) and recreational (REC; n = 8, 33.5 ± 8.1 years, 172 ± 14 cm, 76.3 ± 19.5 kg) CrossFit (CF) trained participants in comparison to physically-active controls (CON; n = 7, 27.5 ± 6.7 years, 171 ± 14 cm, 74.5 ± 14.3 kg). ADV and REC were distinguished by their past competitive success. REC and CON were resistance-trained (>2 years) and exercised on 3–5 days·wk-1 for the past year, but CON utilized traditional resistance and cardiovascular exercise. All participants provided a fasted, resting blood sample and completed assessments of resting metabolic rate, body composition, muscle morphology, isometric mid-thigh pull strength, peak aerobic capacity, and a 3-minute maximal cycle ergometer sprint across two separate occasions (separated by 3–7 days). Blood samples were analyzed for testosterone, cortisol, and insulin-like growth factor-1. Compared to both REC and CON, one-way analysis of variance revealed ADV to possess lower body fat percentage (6.7–8.3%, p = 0.007), greater bone and non-bone lean mass (12.5–26.8%, p ≤ 0.028), muscle morphology characteristics (14.2–59.9%, p < 0.05), isometric strength characteristics (15.4–41.8%, p < 0.05), peak aerobic capacity (18.8–19.1%, p = 0.002), and 3-minute cycling performance (15.4–51.1%, p ≤ 0.023). No differences were seen between REC and CON, or between all groups for resting metabolic rate or hormone concentrations. These data suggest ADV possess several physiological advantages over REC and CON, whereas similar physiological characteristics were present in individuals who have been regularly participating in either CF or resistance and cardiovascular training for the past year.

Immediate Effects of a Semi-Occluded Water Resistance Ventilation Mask on Objective and Subjective Vocal Outcomes in Musical Theater Students.

Background Traditional semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTEs) are restricted to single-phoneme tasks due to the semi-occlusion at the mouth, which hinders full articulation, continuous speech, and singing. Innovative SOVTEs should overcome this limitation by creating the semi-occlusion outside the oral cavity. Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of a semi-occluded water resistance ventilation mask, which allows for continuous speech and singing, on objective (voice range, multiparametric voice quality indices) and subjective (auditory-perceptual, self-report) vocal outcomes in musical theater students. Method A pre-/posttest randomized controlled trial was used. Twenty-four musical theater students (16 women and eight men, with a mean age of 21 years) were randomly assigned into a study group and a control group. The study group received a vocal warm-up session with the innovative water resistance ventilation mask (tube attached to the mask "outside" the mouth), whereas the control group received the traditional water resistance approach (tube "inside" the mouth). Both sessions lasted 30 min and were similar with respect to vocal demand tasks. A multidimensional voice assessment including objective and subjective outcomes was performed pre- and posttraining by an assessor blinded to group allocation. Results The Dysphonia Severity Index significantly and similarly increased (improved) in both the study and control groups, whereas the Acoustic Voice Quality Index solely decreased (improved) in the control group. The intensity range significantly decreased (worsened) and the semitone range significantly increased (improved) in the study group, whereas no differences in voice range profile were found in the control group. Auditory-perceptually, a more strenuous speaking voice was noticed after the use of the traditional water resistance approach. The subjects perceived both SOVTEs as comfortable vocal warm-up exercises that decrease the amount of effort during speaking and singing, with a slight preference for the water resistance ventilation mask. Conclusions Both the innovative water resistance ventilation mask and the traditional water resistance exercise seem effective vocal warm-up exercises for musical theater students. The additional articulatory freedom of the mask might increase the phonatory comfort and the practical implementation of SOVTEs in the daily vocal warm-up of (future) elite vocal performers. The hypothesis of a higher transfer to continuous speech or singing in the mask condition has not been supported by the current study. Larger scale investigation and longer term follow-up studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.11991549.

Acute effects of muscle failure and training system (traditional vs. rest-pause) in resistance exercise on countermovement jump performance in trained adults

BACKGROUND: Traditional and rest-pause systems are commonly used during resistance training. These systems have different rest times between repetitions that might affect neuromuscular status and fatigue level. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the acute effects of traditional and rest-pause resistance exercise done to muscular failure on countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. METHODS: Twenty-nine recreationally strength-trained adults of both sexes aged from 18 to 33 years old performed four experimental resistance exercise sessions (half back-squat exercise) in a randomized order. The experimental conditions were: Traditional system to muscular failure (TR-F; 4 × 15 [15RM]) or non-failure (TR-NF; 5 × 12 [15RM]), and rest-pause system to muscular failure (RP-F; 60 reps with 30 s rest between each failure) or non-failure (RP-NF; 60 reps with 10.2 s rest between each repetition). CMJ height was measured at pre-experiment, Post-15 s, and Post-30 min. Perceived recovery was assessed at pre-experiment, lactate concentration Post-2 min, and rating of perceived exertion Post-30 min. RESULTS: CMJ height decrease occurred at Post-15 s and 30 min for the TR-F, TR-NF, and RP-F sessions (p&lt; 0.05). Interaction effects (p&lt; 0.05) showed exercise to muscle failure (TR-F and RP-F) induced greater neuromuscular decrement at Post-15 s, with RP-F leading to a higher CMJ performance impairment at Post-30 min (p&lt; 0.001). Higher blood lactate concentrations were found following TR-F, TR-NF, and RP-F (p&lt; 0.05) than RP-NF conditions, whereas greater internal training load perception was reported after training to muscular failure (p&lt; 0.05) than non-failure exercise. CONCLUSION: Resistance exercise to muscular failure induced greater CMJ height decrement and internal training load perception than non-failure exercise, with RP-F leading to a higher acute neuromuscular performance impairment.

Effects of Resistance Exercise with Instability on Cognitive Function (REI Study): A Proof-Of-Concept Randomized Controlled Trial in Older Adults with Cognitive Complaints.

Activities which simultaneously challenge both physical and cognitive function are promising strategies for promoting cognitive function. To examine the effects of resistance exercise with instability and traditional resistance exercise compared with a health education control on cognitive function in older adults with cognitive complaints. Sixty-seven participants were randomized to either 12 weeks of thrice-weekly resistance exercise (RE = 23), RE with instability (REI = 22), or a weekly health education control (CON = 22). At each training session, RE and REI participants performed seven exercises for three sets and 10-15 repetitions. REI participants performed each exercise using instability devices. The primary outcome was a composite score of global cognitive function. Secondary outcomes included composite scores for cognitive sub-domains and physical function. Most participants were women (REI: 77%; RE = 78%; CON = 77%; mean age of 71 years), and did not need transport to the intervention site. At completion, compared with CON, REI and RE did not significantly improve on global cognition or each cognitive sub-domain. Both exercise groups improved on the timed up and go (REI - CON: -1.6 s, 95% CI: [-2.6, -0.5]; RE - CON: -1.4 s, 95% CI: [-2.4, -0.5) and 1-RM (REI - CON: 24 kg, 95% CI: [11, 36]; RE - CON: 25 kg, 95% CI: [12, 37]). An exploratory contrast showed that compared with RE, REI promote greater gains on global cognition (2.20, 95% CI: [0.10, 4.31]) and memory (1.34; 95% CI: [0.15, 2.54]). REI did not substantially improve cognitive function but did promote physical function among older adults with cognitive complaints. However, compared with RE, REI improved global cognition and memory.

Blood flow restriction - short insight of the method

Abstract Introduction: The blood flow restriction method is a training method that is based on the partial occlusion of circulation during a workout. This technique combines low-intensity exercise with the occlusion of the bloodstream which produces results similar to high-intensity training. Aim: We aimed to identify the areas in which this method is applicable, its potential benefits and effects, recommendations regarding the rules of use for maximal effects (dosage, intensity, etc.), and also possible contraindications or warnings regarding the use of this method. Methods: We have analyzed a number of 20 articles on this topic from the field literature of the last 10 years, using ”google academic” as a search engine. Results: After this study we concluded that blood flow restriction is a method with wide applicability in the field of sports training, but also in the recovery process; however, it requires attention in choosing the necessary equipment. For healthy individuals, best training adaptations occur when combining low-load blood flow restriction resistance exercise with traditional high-load resistance exercise. Conclusion: Low-intensity resistance exercise with blood flow restriction is as effective as high-intensity training (for strength and muscle mass gains), but only the high-intensity protocol promotes significant hypotensive responses after exercise.

Perceptual responses to continuous versus intermittent blood flow restriction exercise: A randomized controlled trial

We investigated the perceptual responses to resistance exercise (RE) with continuous and intermittent blood flow restriction (BFR). Fourteen males randomly completed the following exercise conditions: low-load RE with continuous BFR (cBFR), low-load RE with intermittent BFR (iBFR), low-load RE without BFR (LI), and traditional high-load RE (HI). Participants completed 4 sets of 30-15-15-15 repetitions of bilateral leg press and knee extension exercises during the low-load conditions, at 20% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM), a 1.5‑sec metronome-controlled pace, with a 1-min rest interval between sets; HI consisted of 4 sets of 10 repetitions of the same exercises, at 70% 1-RM, with the same pace and rest interval. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and discomfort were assessed using psychometric scales before exercise and after each set. RPE displayed no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the BFR conditions for either exercise. Additionally, both BFR conditions elicited significantly (p < 0.05) greater RPE than LI and significantly (p <0.05) lower RPE than HI during both exercises. Rating of discomfort displayed no significant differences between BFR conditions during the first two sets of leg press; however, cBFR evoked greater discomfort compared to iBFR during the last two sets. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences observed between conditions during the knee extension exercise. Rating of discomfort was similar between the BFR and HI conditions and each were significantly greater than LI during both exercises. Therefore, cBFR and iBFR seem to produce similar perceptual responses, which are greater than LI and lower than HI, but similar in regards to discomfort.

A randomised controlled trial of movement quality-focused exercise versus traditional resistance exercise for improving movement quality and physical performance in trained adults

ABSTRACTThe aim of this trial was to compare an eight-week individual movement quality versus traditional resistance training intervention on movement quality and physical performance. Forty-six trained adults were randomised to a movement quality-focused training (MQ) or a traditional resistance training (TRAD) group, and performed two individualised training sessions per week, for 8 weeks. Session-RPE (sRPE) was obtained from each session. Measures of movement quality (MovementSCREEN and Functional Movement Screen (FMS)) and physical performance were performed pre- and post-intervention. All measures improved significantly in both groups (3–14.5%, p = <0.005). The between-group difference in MovementSCREEN composite score was not statistically significant (0.3, 95% CI −3.4, 4.1, p = 0.852). However, change in FMS composite was significantly greater in MQ (1.3, 95% CI 0.8, 1.8, p < 0.001). There were no significant between-group differences in physical performance (p = 0.060–0.960). The mean sRPE was significantly lower in MQ (5.25, SD 1.2) compared to TRAD (6.6 SD 1.0, p = <0.001). Thus, although movement quality scores were not distinctly greater in the MQ group, a movement quality specific intervention caused comparable improvements in physical performance compared to traditional resistance training but at lower perceived training intensity.

Autonomic modulation following an acute bout of bench press with and without blood flow restriction.

Traditional resistance exercise decreases vagal tone up to 30min after an acute bout of resistance exercise, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular events. However, the effects of resistance exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) on autonomic modulation are unclear. To evaluate autonomic modulation after resistance exercise with and without BFR in resistance-trained men. Eleven young men volunteered for the study. Autonomic modulation was assessed at rest, 15 (Rec 1), and 25 (Rec 2) minutes after low-load bench press with BFR (LL-BFR), traditional high-load bench press (HL), and a control (CON). Autonomic modulation assessments were expressed as natural logarithm (Ln), and included total power (LnTP), low-frequency power (LnLF), high-frequency power (LnHF), sympathovagal balance (LnLF/LnHF ratio), root mean square of the successive differences (LnRMSSD), and the proportion of intervals differing by > 50ms from the preceding intervals (LnPNN50). A repeated measures ANOVA was used to evaluate conditions (LL-BFR, HL and CON) across time (Rest, Rec1, and Rec2) on autonomic modulation. There were significant condition by time interactions for LnTP, LnHF, and LnRMSSD such that they were reduced during recovery after LL-BFR and HL compared to Rest and CON. There were no interactions in the LnLF, LnLF/LnHF ratio, and LnPNN50. These data suggest that LL-BFR and HL significantly alter autonomic modulation up to 30min after exercise with significant reduction after HL compared to LL-BFR when exercise volume is equated.