Untrained Women Research Articles

Training in the Initial Range of Motion Promotes Greater Muscle Adaptations Than at Final in the Arm Curl.

The effects of ROM manipulation on muscle strength and hypertrophy response remain understudied in long-term interventions. Thus, we compared the changes in strength and regional muscle hypertrophy after training in protocols with different ranges of motion (ROM) in the seated dumbbell preacher curl exercise using a within-participant experimental design. Nineteen young women had one arm randomly assigned to train in the initial ROM (INITIALROM: 0°-68°; 0° = extended elbow) while the contralateral arm trained in the final ROM (FINALROM: 68°-135°), three times per week over an eight-week study period. Pre- and post-training assessments included one repetition maximum (1RM) testing in the full ROM (0°-135°), and measurement of biceps brachii cross-sectional area (CSA) at 50% and 70% of humerus length. Paired t-tests were used to compare regional CSA changes between groups, the sum of CSA changes at 50% and 70% (CSAsummed), and the strength response between the training protocols. The INITIALROM protocol displayed a greater CSA increase than FINALROM protocol at 70% of biceps length (p = 0.001). Alternatively, we observed similar increases between the protocols for CSA at 50% (p = 0.311) and for CSAsummed (p = 0.111). Moreover, the INITIALROM protocol displayed a greater 1RM increase than FINALROM (p < 0.001). We conclude that training in the initial angles of elbow flexion exercise promotes greater distal hypertrophy of the biceps brachii muscle in untrained young women. Moreover, the INITIALROM condition promotes a greater dynamic strength increase when tested at a full ROM compared to the FINALROM.

A comparative study of muscle strength and muscle endurance in strength trained and untrained human beings

Background: Exercises play an important role in preventing many cardiovascular diseases and other health problems. The exercises such as walking and running were more focused on increasing cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength. Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the results of the untrained and strength trained exercise groups and study the effect of strength training and endurance. Materials and Methods: Fifty normal healthy adult male subjects and 50 normal healthy female subjects aged 21–30 years volunteering for the study were included by random sampling and after taking informed consent and were divided into four groups. Institution Ethics Committee permission was obtained the before the study. Cross-sectional study with100 healthy individuals randomly allocated into four groups. Subjects were 50 strength trained individuals. We divided the subjects into four groups consisting of each 25 members. Twenty-five male untrained healthy control subjects of 20–30 years age group are selected. Twenty-five female untrained healthy control subjects of 20–30 years age group are selected. Individuals participating in regular running, jogging, swimming, or aerobic games are excluded from Groups A and C. Smokers and alcoholics are excluded from the study. Severe anemia (Hb &lt;8 g%) as it is mandatory to clinically treat such subjects. Then, mid arm circumference and muscle endurance (for arm) were measured. Results: The mean mid arm circumference of strength trained men was higher (37.4 ± 2.95 cm) when compared to mean mid arm circumference of untrained men (30.12 ± 2.94 cm, P &lt; 0.01). The mean mid arm circumference of strength trained women was higher (30.96 ± 2.05 cm) when compared to mean mid arm circumference of untrained women (28.32 ± 3.52 cm, P &lt; 0.01). Conclusion: It can be prescribed to all persons aged 18–70 years and preferably in patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity, along with diet control.

Effects of transdermal estrogen therapy on satellite cell number and molecular markers for muscle hypertrophy in response to resistance training in early postmenopausal women.

To investigate the effects of resistance training with or without transdermal estrogen therapy (ET) on satellite cell (SC) number and molecular markers for muscle hypertrophy in early postmenopausal women. Using a double-blinded randomized controlled design, we allocated healthy, untrained postmenopausal women to perform 12weeks of resistance training with placebo (PLC, n = 16) or ET (n = 15). Muscle biopsies obtained before and after the intervention, and two hours after the last training session were analyzed for fiber type, SC number and molecular markers for muscle hypertrophy and degradation (real-time PCR, western blotting). The analysis of SCs per Type I fiber showed a time x treatment interaction caused by a 47% decrease in PLC, and a 26% increase after ET after the training period. Also, SCs per Type II fiber area was lower after the intervention driven by a 57% decrease in PLC. Most molecular markers changed similarly in the two groups. A decline in SC per muscle fiber was observed after the 12-week training period in postmenopausal women, which was counteracted when combined with use of transdermal ET. nct03020953.

Assessment of knowledge of farm women about clean milk production practices

Livestock keeping has been practiced as a way of life by the farmers of our country from generation to generation. Dairy farming is recognized only next to agriculture as a source of income to the dairy farm women. A study was conducted in Rajkot and Amreli district of Gujarat state to assess the knowledge level of respondents regarding clean milk production practices and to ascertain the association between the characteristics of trained and untrained farm women and their level of knowledge. A sample of 240 respondents was selected for present study. Majority of the trained farm women were from medium level of knowledge, while 18.33 per cent and 12.50 per cent of the trained farm women were from high and low level of knowledge. In case of untrained farm women majority of the farm women were from medium level of knowledge while 28.33 per cent and 14.17 per cent of the untrained farm women were from low and high level of knowledge. There was positive and highly significant relationship between education, experience in dairy farming, extension participation, risk orientation and their knowledge of trained farm women While, in case of untrained farm women education, experience in dairy farming, extension participation, risk orientation had positive and significant relationship with knowledge.

Cardiac autonomic responses to high-intensity kettlebell training in untrained young women: A pilot study

Backgroundand purpose: The autonomic recovery after exercise provides information about the cardiovascular overload employed during the training session. The autonomic response over a training course is unclear in exercises performed at high intensities, such as kettlebell training. The study aimed to characterize the cardiac autonomic modulation after exercise in three distinct phases of a high-intensity kettlebell training program in young women. MethodsTen women (25.0 ± 2.9 years; 23.4 ± 3.0 kg/m2) were submitted to 10 weeks of training divided into three phases (three times a week). The autonomic response was measured in the pre-exercise and at 10, 20, and 30 min of recovery and evaluated temporal and linear analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) indices. Resultsvigorous intensity was performed in the sessions (75–86% HRmax). There was a significant reduction of HRV measured during post-exercise recovery (p < 0.05). In the initial two phases, the parasympathetic activity did not rebound to pre-exercise values (p < 0.05), and sympathetic was increased significantly until the end of the recovery period (p < 0.05). The third phase demonstrated the resumption of almost all the HRV indices at pre-exercise values at 20 min of recovery (p > 0.05). ConclusionThe high-intensity kettlebell training program reduces HRV to 30 min of recovery (phases I and II). In the last phase (III), HRV components returned in 20 min. In addition, the program promoted improvement in aerobic fitness.

12주 유산소 운동프로그램이 비만 여성의 염증단백질, 인슐린저항성에 미치는 영향

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of aerobic training on inflammatory protein, insulin resistance in middle-aged obese women. In this study, jumping aerobic training(HRmax 55-80%. 60min/day, 5day/week) was performed and 32 subjects were participated for study during 12 weeks, one group as experimental group(n=16) and the other as control group(n=16).BR The untrained obese women in I city volunteered to participate in this study. Analytical items were C-reactive protein, Interleukin-6, % body fat, insulin and glucose. Analysis for variables was performed between pre and post after exercise intervention for next 12weeks. All data were expressed as mean±sd by using SPSS package program(win 9.0).BR The results of this study were as follows. Interleukin-6, C-reactive protein were significantly decreased in exercise group. Plasma glucose, insulin levels and HOMA-IR were significantly reduced, % body fat, was significantly decreased in exercise group, too. In conclusion it was found that 12weeks jumping aerobic exercise has a good affect on preventing cardiovascular disease by improving body fat.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Exercise-Induced Fat Loss Efficiency

There is a wide range of individual variability in the change of body weight in response to exercise, and this variability partly depends on genetic factors. The study aimed to determine DNA polymorphisms associated with fat loss efficiency in untrained women with normal weight in response to a 12-week aerobic training program using the GWAS approach, followed by a cross-sectional study in athletes. The study involved 126 untrained young Polish women (age 21.4 ± 1.7 years; body mass index (BMI): 21.7 (2.4) kg/m2) and 550 Russian athletes (229 women, age 23.0 ± 4.1; 321 men, age 23.9 ± 4.7). We identified one genome-wide significant polymorphism (rs116143768) located in the ACSL1 gene (acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 1, implicated in fatty acid oxidation), with a rare T allele associated with higher fat loss efficiency in Polish women (fat mass decrease: CC genotype (n = 122) -3.8%; CT genotype (n = 4) -31.4%; p = 1.18 × 10-9). Furthermore, male athletes with the T allele (n = 7) had significantly lower BMI (22.1 (3.1) vs. 25.3 (4.2) kg/m2, p = 0.046) than subjects with the CC genotype (n = 314). In conclusion, we have shown that the rs116143768 T allele of the ACSL1 gene is associated with higher fat loss efficiency in response to aerobic training in untrained women and lower BMI in physically active men.

The effects of technological and traditional feedback on back squat performance in untrained women

BackgroundRecently, a novel method for improving movement quality called open-ended augmented feedback has been introduced. However, the effects of using such feedback in a training intervention have not yet been examined. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in performance and movement quality following a five-week resistance-training program with either (1) technological feedback or (2) traditional, verbal feedback from an experienced trainer.MethodsNineteen untrained females (age: 21.84 ± 2.24 years, height: 169.95 ± 5.92 cm, body mass: 65.05 ± 7.93 kg) randomly allocated to one of the two conditions completed five weeks of training with two weekly sessions. Pre- and post-intervention, participants were tested for physical performance (i.e., back squat and isometric mid-thigh pull strength) and movement quality parameters (weight distribution, center of gravity variation, and subjective rating of the back squat technique).ResultsBoth groups similarly increased the training resistance throughout the intervention (p < 0.01), as well as strength in the back squat (technological feedback group: effect size (ES) = 1.31, p = 0.002; traditional feedback group: ES = 1.48, p = 0.002). Only the traditional feedback group increased isometric mid-thigh pull strength (ES = 1.11, p = 0.008) and subjectively rated lifting technique at the same load (p = 0.046). No changes in force distribution (p = 0.062–0.993) or center of gravity variation (p = 0.160–0.969) occurred in either group when lifting the same absolute loads at post-test. However, both groups displayed a greater variation in center of gravity when lifting the same relative load at post-test (technological feedback group: p < 0.001; traditional feedback group: p = 0.006). No differences were found between the groups for any of the observed changes (p = 0.205–0.401).ConclusionsFive weeks of back-squat training with verbal feedback increased isometric mid-thigh pull strength and subjectively rated lifting technique from pre- to post-test, whereas technological feedback did not. Both methods improved back squat strength and training resistance. For resistance-training beginners, the choice between feedback methods should be based on the desired outcomes and the availability of expertise and equipment.

MRI Characterization Of Skeletal Muscle Size And Fatty Infiltration In Long-term Trained And Untrained Individuals

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate various body composition measures in highly trained and untrained men and women using whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Additionally, correlations between these measures and skeletal muscle gene expression were performed. METHODS: Thirty-six individuals were included: endurance-trained men (ME, n = 8) and women (FE, n = 7), strength-trained men (MS, n = 7) or untrained control men (MC, n = 8) and women (FC, n = 6). Whole-body MRI scans were performed, and m. vastus lateralis biopsies were collected at rest. Cross-sectional area (CSA) and infiltration of muscular adipose tissue (IMAT) were calculated from Mm. pectoralis, M. erector spinae and M. multifidus combined, Mm. quadriceps, and Mm. triceps surae (TS). RESULTS: ME and FE had significantly lower liver fat fraction, visceral fat volume and total body fat mass relative to body weight than MC and FC, respectively. MS had larger CSA across all four muscle groups and less IMAT in all muscles apart from TS (p = 0.053) compared with MC. ME was found to have less IMAT across all muscle groups and a larger CSA in three of the four muscle groups compared with MC. However, the only difference in IMAT between FE and FC was found in Mm. pectoralis. Functional analysis of muscle gene expression of the top 50 genes that correlated most strongly with IMAT revealed a significant enrichment of the AMPK-pathway. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that both regular endurance and resistance training are, over time, appropriate to maintain muscle mass and reduced skeletal muscle infiltration of adipose tissue in male adults. Although a significant relationship between IMAT and the AMPK pathway was found, future studies are needed to determine the mechanism by which infiltration of adipose tissue is regulated in muscle.

A Noninvasive Test For Estimating Type I Myosin Heavy Chain Expression In Women Using Mechanomyography

PURPOSE: To determine if mechanomyographic amplitude (MMGRMS)-torque relationships could estimate type I percent myosin heavy chain expression (%MHC) of the vastus lateralis (VL) in sedentary women. METHODS: Fifteen healthy women (mean ± SD; age = 21.3 ± 5.3 yrs) volunteered for this study. Subjects performed 3 isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) of the knee extensors on an isokinetic dynamometer. The highest torque output determined the target torque levels for the subsequent randomly ordered isometric trapezoidal muscle actions at 30% and 70% MVC. An MMG sensor was placed on the VL. Simple linear regression models were fit to the log-transformed MMGRMS-torque relationships for the linear increasing and decreasing segments. MMGRMS was averaged for the steady torque segment. After testing, muscle biopsies were taken from the VL. %MHC was analyzed using SDS-PAGE. Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficients determined relationships among type I %MHC expression and each MMG variable (6 total). Sequential multiple-regression procedures determined if a predictive model for type I %MHC of the VL could be developed with the MMG variables significantly correlated with type I %MHC. Alpha was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Type I %MHC was correlated with the b terms from the MMGRMS-torque relationships for the linearly increasing segments at 70% MVC (p = 0.003; r = -0.72) and MMGRMS for the steady torque segments at 30% (p = 0.008; r = -0.65) and 70% MVC (p = 0.040; r = -0.54). No other relationships existed (p > 0.05). For the regression model, correlated variables were added in order of significance. The addition of each variable significantly added to the model (p < 0.05) and overall accounted for 81.2% of the variance in type I %MHC (Table 1). CONCLUSION: MMGRMS may provide a noninvasive method for estimating type I %MHC of the VL in untrained women. Future research should investigate the utility of this model in other populations.

Influence Of The Menstrual Cycle On Muscle Damage Marker And Leukocyte Reaction Following Eccentric Exercise

PURPOSE:Ovarian hormone could inhibit exercise-induced muscle damage and leukocyte infiltration. Premenopausal women experience ovarian hormonal changes by the menstrual cycle (MC); therefore, MC could be related to muscle damage and leukocyte reaction, although it is not be clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate how MC could influence serum creatine kinase (CK) and leukocyte reaction following eccentric exercise. METHODS: Twenty-two untrained women with eumenorrhea (age 27.0 ± 6.4 years; height 160.1 ± 4.2 cm; weight 57.8 ± 7.0 kg; and body mass index 22.5 ± 2.3 kg/m2 [mean ± SD]) participated in the study. The subjects performed 10 sets of 6 repetitions of eccentric exercises with their nondominant arm in the early follicular phase (E-FP, n = 12) or midluteal phase (M-LP, n = 10). Blood samples were collected pre-exercise (PRE) and 4, 48, and 96 hours (h) post-exercise (POST) to analyze serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentration, serum CK, leukocyte count, and leukocyte fractionation (neutrophils, lymphocyte, monocyte, and other leukocytes). We assessed the isometric strength of elbow flexion, range of motion in the elbow joint, upper arm circumference and visual analog scale rating of perceived muscle soreness at PRE, immediately post, POST 4, 48, and 96 h. RESULTS: The serum E2 concentrations at PRE were significantly higher in the M-LP than the E-FP (E-FP 42.9 ± 18.6 vs. M-LP 186.4 ± 98.6 pg/mL; p < 0.01). The serum P4 concentrations at PRE were significantly higher in the M-LP than the E-FP (E-FP 0.2 ± 0.1 vs. M-LP 15.0 ± 3.1 ng/mL; p < 0.01). Significant time effects were present for serum CK at PRE to POST 48 h and 96 h (p < 0.05). No MC phase effect could be observed. The percent change in neutrophils at PRE to POST 4 h tended to be lower in the M-LP than the E-FP (E-FP 38.2 ± 32.6 vs. M-LP 11.4 ± 20.6%; p = 0.050). The serum E2 and P4 concentrations were not related to serum CK at all measurement points. A significant positive correlation could be observed between the PRE serum E2 concentration and PRE lymphocyte count (r = 0.470, p < 0.05). It was unrelated after the exercise. The POST 96 h serum CK was related to the POST 96 h neutrophil count (r = 0.469, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that MC could affect the early leukocyte reaction following eccentric exercise without influencing the serum CK.

A Sovereign and Virtuous Body: The Competent Muslim Woman’s Guide to Health in Thanawi’s Bihishtī Zēwar (1905)

AbstractMaulana Ashraf `Ali Thanawi, a reformist Islamic scholar, was very much part of his times in his urgent concern with women’s potential role in individual and societal “improvement,” the goal of the enormously successful encyclopedic work that included the chapter considered here. Thanawi’s teachings included generic elite male “best practices” on health and ethics, undergirded by Greco-Arabic humoral medicine in its Indian form. His text caught a historical moment when medical treatments were more craft than industrial, and when the professionalization of discrete Muslim and Hindu “systems” of Unani Tibb and Ayurveda, with Ayurveda increasingly incorporated into majoritarian Hindu nationalism, was only incipient. Health maintenance in Thanawi’s hands was a matter of empowering women to both spiritual and practical competence and responsibility, freeing them from resort to (as he saw it) quacks, ignorant midwives, and untrained women, along with dubious healers and holy men, Muslim or Hindu or any other. In its description of challenges, strategies, and resources related to health, his text offers a window into women’s everyday world. But it also raises comparative questions about the history of medicine, the history of emotions, ethnicity in a colonial context, and the potentially empowering implications of Islamic socio-religious reform for women.

Affective and Perceptual Responses During an 8-Week Resistance Training to Failure Intervention at Low vs. High Loads in Untrained Women.

Anderson, AlOK, Voskuil, CC, Byrd, MT, Garver, MJ, Rickard, AJ, Miller, WM, Bergstrom, HC, and Dinyer McNeely, TK. Affective and perceptual responses during an 8-week resistance training to failure intervention at low vs. high loads in untrained women. J Strength Cond Res 37(3): 546-554, 2023-This study examined the effects of resistance training (RT) to failure on the perceptual and affective responses, intent-to-continue RT to failure in a self-initiated session, and affect-intent relationship. Twenty-three untrained women (mean ± SD : age 21.2 ± 2.2 years; height 167 ± 5.7 cm; body mass, 62.3 ± 16.2 kg) completed an 8-week, full-body RT to failure intervention at a low (30% 1RM; n = 11) or high (80% 1RM; n = 12) load. The Borg's rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale was used to assess the acute (aRPE) and session (sRPE) RPE immediately after repetition failure and each training session, respectively. Immediately, 15-minute, and 60-minute postsession affective responses were assessed using the feeling scale (FS; -5 to +5), and intent to continue to RT was assessed on a scale of 0-100% intention. During week 4 (W4) and week 8 (W8), aRPE (W4: 18 ± 2, W8: 18 ± 2; p ≤ 0.032) and sRPE (W4: 17 ± 2, W8: 18 ± 1; p ≤ 0.018) were greater than that during week 1 (W1; aRPE: 17 ± 2; sRPE: 16 ± 2). The FS responses increased from immediately to 60-minute postsession during W4 ( p ≤ 0.019) and W8 ( p ≤ 0.049). The correlation between affect and intent-to-continue RT increased from W1 ( r = 0.416) to W8 ( r = 0.777). Regardless of load, untrained women reported similar perceptual, affective, and intention responses. These variables should be considered to improve RT program adoption and adherence in women.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY FOR RESOURCE USE EFFICIENCY OF TRAINED AND UNTRAINED FARM WOMEN

The resource-use efficiency of crop production have been computed using primary data collected from 240 farm women respondents i.e. 120 trained and 120 untrained spread over eight villages of Junagadh district. The multistage, purposive and random sampling techniques were used for the study. The study has revealed that planting material, plant protection chemicals, chemical fertilizers, human labor and irrigation had a positive and significant influence on crop yield. For trained farm women economic efficiency of human-labour, chemical fertilizers, bullock labour and plant chemicals were greater than unity and it indicates that these resources are being used at sub optimum level and there exists the possibility of enhancing the production by increasing their use. The ratios of irrigation and planting material were less than unity, there by indicating over utilization of the said variables. Whereas, for untrained farm women the variables human-labour, chemical fertilizers and plant protection chemicals were observed to be greater than unity ad of bullock-labour, irrigation and planting material were less than unity. The cost invested in underutilized variables should be decreased and the use of underutilized resources should be encouraged. Hence, moving towards achieving the ratios of unity or optimal use which will increase the production for per unit cost spent.

Similar Inflammatory Adaptation in Women following 10 Weeks of Two Equalized Resistance Training with Different Muscle Action Duration.

This study is aimed at evaluating the profile of inflammatory markers and components of redox regulation in untrained women after 10 weeks of resistance training using equalized protocols but different muscle action duration (MAD). Twenty-two women underwent progressive resistance training exercising the knee extensor muscles for 10 weeks—3x/week, with 3-5 sets of 6 repetitions at 50% of the 1 repetition maximum strength test (1RM), with a rest of 180 s between the series, following the training protocol (i) 5 s of concentric muscle action for 1 s of eccentric muscle action (5C-1E) and (ii) 1 s of concentric muscle action for 5 s of eccentric muscle action (1C-5E). Quadriceps muscle hypertrophy maximum strength (1RM) and redox regulation/muscle damage/inflammatory markers (CAT, SOD, TBARS, FRAP, CH, LDH, CXCL8, and CCL2) were evaluated. Plasma markers were evaluated before and 30 minutes after the first and last training sessions. A similar gain in hypertrophy and maximum strength was observed in both groups. However, in the 5C-1E, a significant major effect was observed for SOD (F1.19 = 10.480, p = 0.004) and a significant major time effect, with a reduction in the last training session, was observed for CXCL8 (F1.37 = 27.440, p < 0.001). In conclusion, similar protocols of resistance training, with different MAD, produced similar inflammatory and adaptive responses to strength training. As the training load is progressive, the maintenance of this inflammatory and redox regulation profile suggests an adaptive response to the proposed strength training.

Becoming a body

ABSTRACT All dancing bodies are created and/or crafted; they are bodies that speak; and bodies that prepare to occupy public realms. These bodies are prepared and trained, either intentionally or unintentionally. There could be a differentiation of dancers on the basis of whether (s)he is a dancer by choice, by necessity, or by imposition. But whatever is the path for anyone to become a dancer, he or she first becomes a body during the time of the initiation process and then a dancer. This paper contextualizes these basic facts within the specific empirical examples of (1) dancers trained in a specific Indian dance form, largely considered a hobby or a leisure activity and (2) professional dancers, who have chosen or been forced to dance to earn a living. It also brings, in contrast, untrained women’s bodies that have created a history of choreographed protest events through acts of community dissent in public presence, as witnessed in the recent women’s protests all over India. Through a range of different relations with the concepts of labour, effort, deviance, dedication, precarity and resistance, the paper asserts that all bodies in public spaces are under scrutiny and none of the above categories escape that surveillance.

A randomized trial on the efficacy of split-body versus full-body resistance training in non-resistance trained women

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a 12-week upper/lower split- versus a full-body resistance training program on maximal strength, muscle mass and explosive characteristics. Fifty resistance untrained women were pair-matched according to baseline strength and randomized to either a full-body (FB) routine that trained all of the major muscle groups in one session twice per week, or a split-body program (SPLIT) that performed 4 weekly sessions (2 upper body and 2 lower body). Both groups performed the same exercises and weekly number of sets and repetitions. Each exercise was performed with three sets and 8–12 repetition maximum (RM) loading. Study outcomes included maximal strength, muscle mass, jump height and maximal power output.ResultsNo between-group differences were found in any of the variables. However, both FB and SPLIT increased mean 1-RM from pre- to post-test in the bench press by 25.5% versus 30.0%, lat pulldown by 27.2% versus 26.0% and leg press by 29.2% versus 28.3%, respectively. Moreover, both FB and SPLIT increased jump height by 12.5% versus 12.5%, upper-body power by 20.3% versus 16.7% and muscle mass by 1.9% versus 1.7%, p < 0.01, respectively.ConclusionsThis study did not show any benefits for split-body resistance-training program compared to full-body resistance training program on measures of maximal- and explosive muscle strength, and muscle mass.Trial registration: ISRCTN81548172, registered 15. February 2022.

Sex‐specific mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy response to muscle damage

Muscle damage imposes stress on mitochondria resulting in mitochondrial fusion, fission, and mitophagy. Testosterone is a regulator of these processes. However, no study has examined the effect of sex‐specific resistance exercise (RE)‐induced hormonal response on mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy after muscle damage in untrained men and women. Untrained men and women performed two sessions of 80 unilateral maximal eccentric knee extensions (ECC) followed by upper‐body RE (ECC+RE) aimed to induce hormonal changes and maintain a similar lower body demands between conditions or 20 min seated rest (ECC+REST). Vastus lateralis samples were analyzed for gene and protein expression of OPA1, MFN1, DRP1, PINK1, and Parkin at baseline (BL), 12 and 24 h. Testosterone area under the curve was greater for ECC+RE than ECC+REST in men and was greater in men than women for both conditions. A significant time × sex × condition effect was found for Parkin protein expression. At 12 and 24 h, Parkin was lower for ECC + REST than ECC + RE for men; whereas, Parkin was increased at 24 h for women regardless of condition. A significant time effect was found for OPA1 protein expression increasing at 12 and 24 h. A significant time × sex × condition effects were found for MFN1, DRP1, and PINK1 gene expression with increases at 12 h in men for ECC + RE. A significant time × sex effect was found for OPA1 gene expression with a decrease at 12 h in men, and 12 h expression in men was lower than women. RE‐induced hormonal changes promoted expression of fission, fusion, and mitophagy markers in men. With muscle damage, regardless of condition, expression of inner mitochondrial membrane fusion markers are promoted in both sexes; whereas, those for mitophagy were promoted in women but reduced in men.

Does Heavy-Resistance Training Improve Mobility and Perception of Quality of Life in Older Women?

Simple SummaryHeavy-resistance training can offer physicians a viable option for improving functional performance, helping their patients stay independent, active and healthy. The present results clearly demonstrate that circuit weight training is as effective as traditional resistance training for improving functional mobility but is more effective in stimulating positive perception of health-related quality-of-life adaptations in older women.Regular physical exercise has shown great benefits in preventing age-related functional losses and in improving the perception of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older people. To optimize these benefits, it would be interesting to evaluate what type of exercise is better. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effects of heavy-resistance training on mobility and HRQoL in older women. Forty healthy, untrained older women (60–75 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: circuit resistance training (CRT, n = 15), traditional resistance training (TRT, n = 15) or the control group (CG, n = 10). During the 12-week training period, both experimental groups performed training with heavy loads, twice a week. Before and after the training period, the Timed Up and Go test, as a proxy of mobility, and the perception of HRQoL were evaluated. TRT and CRT resulted in a statistically significant improvement in the Timed Up and Go test (−5.4 and −10.3%, respectively; p < 0.05), but only the improvement after CRT was significantly greater than changes in the CG (p < 0.001). Only CRT elicited improvements in several dimensions of the perception of the HRQoL questionnaire, such as: physical functioning (13%, p < 0.001), general health (8.1%; p = 0.048), vitality (17.7%; p < 0.001), role emotional (6.7%; p = 0.044) and physical component summary (6.3%; p = 0.001). The change in the CRT group was greater than in the CG (p < 0.001) in the physical functioning score. The present findings show that CRT might be a time- (and hence cost-) effective alternative to trigger multiple positive functional and psychological adaptations in older women.

The effects of blood flow restriction resistance training on indices of delayed onset muscle soreness and peak power

BACKGROUND: Low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (LL + BFR) attenuated delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) under some conditions. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study examined the effects of reciprocal concentric-only elbow flexion-extension muscle actions at 30% of peak torque on indices of DOMS. METHODS: Thirty untrained women (mean ± SD; 22 ± 2.4 years) were randomly assigned to 6 training days of LL + BFR (n= 10), low-load non-BFR (LL) (n= 10), or control (n= 10). Participants completed 4 sets (1 × 30, 3 × 15) of submaximal (30% of peak torque), unilateral, isokinetic (120∘s-1) muscle actions. Indices of DOMS including peak power, resting elbow joint angle (ROM), perceived muscle soreness (VAS), and pain pressure threshold (PPT) were assessed. RESULTS: There were no changes in peak power, ROM, or VAS. There was a significant interaction for PPT. Follow-up analyses indicated PPT increased for the LL + BFR condition (Day 5 &gt; Day 2), but did not decrease below baseline. The results of the present study indicated LL + BFR and LL did not induce DOMS for the elbow extensors in previously untrained women. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested LL + BFR and LL concentric-only resistance training could be an effective training modality to elicit muscular adaptation without inducing DOMS.