Upper-body Exercise Research Articles

Cuff width does not affect discomfort ratings immediately following isometric handgrip exercise

AbstractPrevious work has found that wide cuffs produce greater discomfort with elbow flexion exercise than narrower cuffs. It is our hypothesis that this is due to the balling up of the biceps underneath the cuff that is more pronounced with a wider cuff. One method to test this is through an upper body exercise where there is no contraction of the biceps.PurposeTo investigate the effects of cuff width on discomfort following isometric handgrip exercise.MethodsOne hundred participants completed this experiment. In a randomized order, the participants performed four sets of two-minute isometric handgrip contractions with thirty seconds of rest at thirty percent of their maximal voluntary contraction with a 5 and 12 cm cuff inflated to 40% of arterial occlusion pressure. Discomfort ratings (0–100) were given after the fourth set of exercise. Average force was recorded for all four sets.ResultsThere was no difference in discomfort (BF10 = 0.158) [median difference (95% credible interval) −0.997 (−3.360, 1.283) arbitrary units], or in average force (BF10 = 0.132) [median difference (95% credible interval) 0.08 (−0.199, 0.372) kilograms], between cuff conditions. There did not appear to be a greater preference for either cuff. Forty people preferred the narrow cuff (BF10 = 0.325), forty people preferred the wide cuff (BF10 = 0.325), and twenty people had no preference (BF10 = 7.719).ConclusionCuff width does not appear to influence discomfort or the average force produced. This provides support for our hypothesis that the shape of the muscle may interact with wider cuff sizes, leading to greater discomfort.

Load and muscle group size influence the ergogenic effect of acute caffeine intake in muscular strength, power and endurance.

Although acute caffeine intake seems to improve muscular strength-power-endurance performance, there is scarce evidence evaluating upper vs lower-body exercises at different loads. Thus, this study aimed to examine the effects of acute caffeine intake on upper and lower-body muscular strength, power and endurance performance at different loads. Twenty resistance-trained athletes (male/female: 10/10; age: 23 ± 4years; body mass: 70.6 ± 15.1) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over and randomized study. Participants were provided with either 3mg/kg of body mass of caffeine or maltodextrin (placebo). Sixty minutes after ingestion, they performed muscular strength and power assessment for bench press and back squat exercise at 25%, 50%, 75% and 90% 1-repetition-maximum (1RM), performing 3, 2, 1 and 1 repetitions respectively, followed by muscular endurance assessment for both exercises at 65% and 85% 1RM performing until task failure. Isometric handgrip, isometric mid-thigh pull and vertical jump tests were also performed. In muscular strength and power, compared to placebo, caffeine improved mean velocity (P = 0.045; pη2 = 0.101), mean power (P = 0.049; pη2 = 0.189) and rate of force development (RFD, P = 0.032; pη2 = 0.216), particularly in back squat exercise at 75% and 90% 1RM where mean velocity increased by 5-7% (P = 0.48-0.038; g = 0.348-1.413), mean power by 6-8% (P = 0.050-0.032; g = 0.547-0.818) and RFD by 17-97% (P = 0.042-0.046; g = 1.436-1.196). No differences were found in bench press exercise. In muscular endurance, caffeine improved the number of repetitions in all exercises and loads (P = 0.003; pη2 = 0.206), but only in back squat exercise at 85% 1RM, caffeine increased mean and peak velocity (8-9%, P = 0.006-0.004; g = 2.029-2.075), mean and peak power (10-13%, P = 0.006-0.003; g = 0.888-1.151) and force peak (3%, P = 0.009; g = 0.247). Acute caffeine intake (3mg/kg) improved muscular strength, power and endurance performance, revealing a more pronounced effect at high-loads (≥ 75% 1RM) and in lower-body (back squat) than in upper-body exercise (bench press) according to muscle group size.

Effects of Upper Body Exercise Training on Aerobic Fitness and Performance in Healthy People: A Systematic Review

Purpose: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of upper body endurance training (UBET) on oxygen uptake (VO2) in healthy persons and derive evidence-based recommendations to improve upper body fitness and performance. Methods: Databases were systematically searched in accordance with PRISMA guidelines until 1 February 2023. Eligibility criteria included healthy male and female adults and older adults who underwent an UBET intervention. Outcomes of interest included physical fitness (VO2peak and/ or VO2 submax) and transfer effects (i.e., effects from trained (VO2peak ARM) to untrained (VO2peak LEG) musculature). Results: The search identified 8293 records, out of which 27 studies reporting on 29 interventions met our eligibility criteria. The average duration of interventions was 6.8 ± 2.6 weeks with 3.2 ± 0.8 training sessions per week. For 21 of 29 interventions, significant increases in VO2peak ARM were reported following UBET (+16.4% ± 8.3%). Three of the nine studies that analyzed transfer effects of untrained legs after upper body training exhibited significant increases in VO2peak LEG (+9.3% ± 2.6%). Conclusions: This review showed that UBET is a beneficial and useful training modality to increase the oxygen utilization in the upper body. Although UBET is an uncommon form of endurance training in healthy individuals, transfer effects to the untrained muscles can be observed in isolated cases only, rendering transfer effects in UBET inconclusive. Further research should focus on the peripheral changes in muscle morphology of the trained muscles and central changes in cardiovascular function as well as when transfer effects can occur after UBET in healthy people.

Barriers and enablers associated with participation in a home-based pragmatic exercise snacking program in older adults delivered and monitored by Amazon Alexa: a qualitative study

Background‘Exercise snacking’, which is characterised by shorter and more frequent exercise bouts compared with traditional exercise guidelines, may be an acceptable strategy for increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour in older adults.AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the enablers and barriers for older adults associated with participation in a home-based exercise snacking program delivered and monitored using an Amazon Echo Show 5 device (Alexa).MethodsThis study used an interpretive description qualitative design to conduct semi-structured interviews following a 12-week pilot study in 15 adults aged 60–89 years with at least one chronic condition. All participants were prescribed a home based, individualised, lower limb focussed ‘exercise snacking’ program (involving ≤ 10 min of bodyweight exercises 2–4 times per day) delivered and monitored by an Alexa. Qualitative interview data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsAll 15 participants (mean age 70.3 years) attended the semi-structured interview. Themes including time efficiency, flexibility, perceived health benefits, and motivation were enablers for participation in the ‘exercise snacking’ program. A lack of upper body exercises and omission of exercise equipment in the program, as well as a lack of time and motivation for performing exercise snacks three or more times per day, were barriers to participation.ConclusionWhile ‘exercise snacking’ is acceptable for older adults, future trials should provide equipment (e.g. adjustable dumbbells, exercise bands), prescribe whole-body exercise programs, and establish strategies to support participation in more than three exercise snacks per day.

The effects of normobaric hypoxia on the leukocyte responses to resistance exercise

There is growing interest in the use of systemic hypoxia to improve the training adaptations to resistance exercise. Hypoxia is a well-known stimulator of the immune system, yet the leukocyte responses to this training modality remain uncharacterised. The current study characterised the acute leukocyte responses to resistance exercise in normobaric hypoxia. The single-blinded, randomised trial recruited 13 healthy males aged 18-35 years to perform a bout of resistance exercise in normobaric hypoxia (14.4% O2; n = 7) or normoxia (20.9% O2; n = 6). Participants completed 4 × 10 repetitions of lower and upper body exercises at 70% 1-repetition maximum. Oxygen saturation, rating of perceived exertion and heart rate were measured during the session. Venous blood was sampled before and up to 24 hours post-exercise to quantify blood lactate, glucose and leukocytes including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. Neutrophils were higher at 120 and 180 minutes post-exercise in hypoxia compared to normoxia (p<0.01), however lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils were unaffected by hypoxia. Oxygen saturation was significantly lower during the four exercises in hypoxia compared to normoxia (p < 0.001). However, there were no differences in blood lactate, heart rate, perceived exertion or blood glucose between groups. Hypoxia amplified neutrophils following resistance exercise, though all other leukocyte subsets were unaffected. Therefore, hypoxia does not appear to detrimentally affect the lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil or basophil responses to exercise.

Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Various Physiological Factors among Different Population: A Narrative Review

Purpose: Blood flow restriction (BFRT) is a recent rehabilitation modality in which a tourniquet is used toreduce arterial inflow and occlude venous outflow along with a set of exercise or resistance training. This studyhighlights various aspects and physiological factors which are affected by BFRT along with different exerciseregimens. Relevance: BFRT provides advantages over traditional resistance training (moderate-heavy) as itprovides muscular adaptations and increase in muscle cross sectional area despite relatively low external loads,producing less muscle damage and increasing frequency of training. Traditional resistance training usuallyused exercise loads of 70% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and it is known that stress on connective tissuescan be detrimental for elderly population and rehabilitative patients,but in BFRT only 20%-40% of 1RM instudies have shown consistently to increase muscle strength, hypertrophy and angiogenesis. It is very popularamong practitioners, researchers, physiotherapists and athletes to increase muscle mass, endurance, strength andfunctional performance or activity of daily living. Studies show that resistance exercises coupled with BFRT arediverse which include body weight exercises, lower body exercises, upper body exercises, in-water exercises,older populations or clinical cases. Participants: Total 15 articles were included and reviewed. Only full textarticles from past ten years were included in this review. Methods: A literature search was performed usingGoogle Scholar and PubMed using terms blood flow restriction, resistance exercise, 1 repetition maximum.

The acute leukocyte and cytokine response of older adults to resistance exercise in normobaric hypoxia.

Ageing causes a decline in leukocyte function and blunted leukocyte responses to resistance exercise. Systemic hypoxia exposure augments the leukocyte response to resistance exercise in young adults, yet this response remains uncharacterised in older adults. This study characterised the effects of normobaric hypoxia on the acute leukocyte and inflammatory cytokine responses to resistance exercise in older adults. We recruited 20 adults aged 60-70 years to perform an acute bout of resistance exercise in normobaric hypoxia (FiO2 14.4%; n = 10) or normoxia (FiO2 20.93%; n = 10). Participants completed 4 × 10 repetitions of lower and upper body exercises at 70% of their predicted 1-repetition maximum. Venous blood was sampled before and up to 24 hours post-exercise to quantify neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNFα). Flow cytometry was used to classify lymphocytes as T (CD4+ helper and CD8+ cytotoxic), B and NK cells, in addition to the expression of the senescence marker CD45RA on T cells. The hypoxic group showed a larger lymphocyte response over the 24 hours post-exercise compared to the normoxic group (p = 0.035). Specifically, there were greater concentrations of CD4+ T helper cells following hypoxic exercise compared to normoxia (p = 0.046). There was also a greater proportion of CD45RA+ CD4+ T helper cells, suggesting that the cells were more senescent (p = 0.044). Hypoxia did not impact any other leukocyte population or cytokine following exercise. Normobaric hypoxia increases the lymphocyte response to an acute bout of resistance exercise in older adults.

Efficacy of Arm Ergometer Exercise on Glycaemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus- An Interventional Study

Introduction: Type-2 diabetes develops when the body’s natural metabolism is disrupted, which is marked by a decline in glucose tolerance over time. Diabetes mellitus is a dreadful condition specified by an increase in the concentration of glucose that influences the cardiovascular system, veins, arteries, vision, renal system, and ganglion over time. Arm ergometer is an upper body exercise apparatus that quantifies and standardises physical activity in terms of work output. Thus, it is well recognised as an essential component in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Exercise has been demonstrated to aid glycaemic management in those at high risk of diabetes. The symptoms of peripheral artery disease, peripheral neuropathy, vision disturbances, renal disease, heart disease, cognitive impairment, and metabolic dysfunction are likely to worsen due to poor glycaemic control. Limited evidences on arm ergometer have shown its effectiveness on glycaemic control. Aim: To find the efficacy of arm ergometer exercise on glycaemic control in patients with T2DM. Materials and Methods: This interventional study will be conducted in the Diabetes Out Patient Department (OPD) of Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha from April 2022 to March 2023 after obtaining the ethical clearance. A total of 40 participants with T2DM will be recruited, and after baseline health parameter assessment like post-prandial blood glucose, Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and 6-minute walk test, the participant will perform arm ergometer exercise for 30 minutes for 5 days/week. All the parameters will be assessed again after 6 weeks. Frequency distribution will be calculated using Chi-square and pre and post data will be compared using student’s paired t-test. Expected outcome: Arm ergometer exercise will be effective on glycaemic control in T2DM individual.

Maximal Fat Oxidation during Incremental Upper and Lower Body Exercise in Healthy Young Males.

The aim of this study is to determine the magnitude of maximal fat oxidation (MFO) during incremental upper and lower body exercise. Thirteen non-specifically trained male participants (19.3 ± 0.5 y, 78.1 ± 9.1 kg body mass) volunteered for this repeated-measures study, which had received university ethics committee approval. Participants undertook two incremental arm crank (ACE) and cycle ergometry (CE) exercise tests to volitional exhaustion. The first test for each mode served as habituation. The second test was an individualised protocol, beginning at 40% of the peak power output (POpeak) achieved in the first test, with increases of 10% POpeak until volitional exhaustion. Expired gases were recorded at the end of each incremental stage, from which fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates were calculated. MFO was taken as the greatest fat oxidation value during incremental exercise and expressed relative to peak oxygen uptake (%V˙O2peak). MFO was lower during ACE (0.44 ± 0.24 g·min-1) than CE (0.77 ± 0.31 g·min-1; respectively, p &lt; 0.01) and occurred at a lower exercise intensity (53 ± 21 vs. 67 ± 18%V˙O2peak; respectively, p &lt; 0.01). Inter-participant variability for MFO was greatest during ACE. These results suggest that weight loss programs involving the upper body should occur at lower exercise intensities than for the lower body.

Pull-up Counter Device Using Arduino Uno for Fitness Purposes

A pull-up is a type of upper-body exercise that involves the use of both hands. It works by raising the body's head and shoulders and bending the elbows, and extending the shoulders. It can be performed anywhere and is a great way to tone and expand various muscle groups. This study aims to design a device that can count and track the number of pull-up exercises. Pull-Up Counter Device was developed using the Rapid Prototyping model. The product was evaluated by 30 respondents. The result shows that 83.33% of the users strongly agree that the device can display the correct pull-up record on the LCD, and 50% strongly agree that the device can detect pull-up position correctly.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SPORT RELATED POLYGENIC PROFILE AND MAGNITUDE OF PHYSICAL PERFORMANCES CHANGES FOLLOWING RESISTANCE TRAINING AMONG NOVICE FIELD HOCKEY ATHLETES

Background: Studies have shown that inter-individual variation in response to resistance training is attributed to genetic variation. Aim: To correlate total genotype scores (TGS) with the magnitude of physical performances (skeletal muscle mass, muscular strength, muscular power, performance decrement, and VO2max) change, following 8 weeks of resistance training. Methods: We included forty-five (N=45) participants (age = 16.53 ± .5 years old, body mass = 61.03 ± 6.67 kg, height = 1.67±.05 m) and randomly assigned into; high intensity resistance training (n=15), moderate intensity resistance training (n=15) and a control group (n=15). They were prescribed with the same upper and lower body exercise routines. Pre- and post-test physical performances were measured. Genotyping was conducted using in-house designed allele-specific polymerase chain reaction assays. TGS for nine SNPs: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme, ACE rs1799752; Alpha-acitin-3, ACTN3 rs1815739; Adrenergic Receptor B3, ADRB3 rs4994; Angiotensinogen, AGT rs699; Bradykinin Receptor B2, BDKRB2 rs1799722; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha, PPARA rs4253778; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Co-Activator 1-Alpha, PPARGC1A rs8192678; Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone Receptor, TRHR rs7832552 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, VEGF rs1870377,were calculated and assigned with strength-power and endurance quality. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to investigate the correlation between TGS, and magnitude of physical performances change following intervention. Result: There is a significant correlation between strength-power TGS with lower body muscular strength (r= .65, p&lt;.01) and power (r= -.69, p&lt;.01) following moderate intensity resistance training. Conclusion: In this study, it is demonstrated that participants with higher strength-power TGS, gained greater lower body strength improvement and lesser muscular power decrement even with moderate intensity as compared to high intensity resistance training. Therefore, personalising training based on athlete’s genetic profile may optimise performance.

Body Fluid Estimation Via Segmental Multi-Frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Following Acute Resistance Exercise

Segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (S-MFBIA) estimates body composition and fluids by passing electrical currents through the body and can separate the body into distinct segments. The minimum required abstention from exercise before S-MFBIA is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to monitor changes in total body water (TBW), intracellular water (ICW), and extracellular water (ECW) estimated via S-MFBIA following acute, localized bouts of resistance exercise (RE). METHODS: Thirty-two female (n = 18; age: 22.7 ± 1.4 y; height: 167.5 ± 7.5 cm; body mass: 66.6 ± 14.5 kg; body fat: 30.3 ± 6.2%) and male (n = 14; age: 24.2 ± 2.9; height: 178.7 ± 5.3; body mass: 85.7 ± 7.8 kg; body fat: 19.6 ± 6.9%) resistance-trained volunteers completed three randomly assigned conditions in a crossover design. Each RE protocol (REUPPER or RELOWER) consisted of three exercises and began with two warm-up sets of 12-15 repetitions per exercise. This was followed by a RE circuit of 5 sets of 10 repetitions per exercise with a one-minute rest interval between circuits. In the resting (REST) condition, participants did not complete any physical activity. S-MFBIA was performed at five timepoints: pre-exercise, immediate post-exercise, 15-, 30-, and 60-minutes post-exercise. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models with a random intercept for participant. In all models, REST was the reference condition, and pre-exercise was the reference time point. RESULTS: Although body mass did not differ between conditions, condition by time interactions were observed for TBW, ICW, and ECW (p < 0.001 each), with the higher values observed at post-exercise time points in REUPPER as compared to the REST condition. Mean differences between REUPPER and REST for TBW, ICW, and ECW ranged from 0.6-1.0 kg, 0.4-0.6 kg, and 0.2-0.4 kg, respectively. Conversely, RELOWER did not alter fluid estimates. CONCLUSIONS: An acute increase in TBW, ICW, and ECW is detected by S-MFBIA after a single bout of upper body, but not lower body, RE. This could be due to the smaller initial diameter and greater relative change in diameter of the arms as compared to legs. Due to the potential of artificial body fluid changes, users should avoid exercise - particularly upper body exercise - prior to S-MFBIA assessments.

Resistance Training Muscle Adaptations Using D3-creatine Dilution In Older Adults: A Pilot Study

High intensity resistance training (RT) is well known to increase muscle mass in older adults. However, the degree to which is dependent on the measurement method. D3-creatine (D3Cr) dilution is a promising new method that provides a direct and accurate measurement of creatine pool size and whole-body skeletal muscle mass. There are a limited number of studies that compare intervention-based adaptations between D3Cr derived skeletal mass versus lean mass by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) Purpose: To evaluate and compare D3Cr derived skeletal mass and DXA lean mass changes following whole body progressive RT in moderate to low functioning older adults. Methods: Twenty-four older adults who tested as moderate to low-functioning on a standardized performance battery were randomized to a whole-body RT or health education program. RT was performed 3 days per week for 14 weeks. It included upper and lower body exercises performed at ~70% of maximal strength in progressive manner. Health education workshops were conducted weekly as an attention “control”. D3Cr dilution and whole body DXA scans were performed prior to randomization and shortly after completion of the programs. Results: D3Cr derived whole body skeletal mass increased more in participants randomized to the RT group compared to the health education group (3.5 ± 2.0 vs. 1.2 ± 1.7 kg, p = 0.03). Mean differences between groups was lower with DXA appendicular lean (RT: 0.81 ± 0.67 vs Education: -0.23 ± 0.70 kg, p = 0.008) and DXA total lean body mass (RT: 1.1 ± 1.4 vs Education: -0.19 ± 0.70 kg, p = 0.06). Pearson correlation coefficients showed weak relationships between changes in D3Cr muscle and DEXA appendicular (0.19, p = 0.48) and total lean mass measures (0.41, p = 0.13). Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates that D3Cr dilution method is sufficiently sensitive to detect whole body changes in skeletal muscle mass of older adults. The unexpected discordance between D3Cr dilution and traditional DXA based measures of lean mass requires further study.

Upper-body Rowing Increases Cardiorespiratory Fitness But Not Flow-mediated Dilation In Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is often associated with low cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak). Traditional upper-body exercise training for individuals with SCI (e.g. arm crank exercise and wheelchair propulsion) elicits positive effects on VO2peak, while the effects on vascular health are less clear. Upper-body rowing may prove to be an effective exercise modality for improving VO2peak and vascular health, as it involves repeated contractions of a relatively large muscle mass. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of exercise training performed on a rowing ergometer modified for wheelchair users on VO2peak, resting diameter of brachial artery and flow-mediated dilation (FMD). METHODS: Fifteen participants with SCI (8 males, 7 females; level of injury: C4-L3; ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS): A-C) were randomized to a control (CON, n = 7) or exercise (EXR, n = 8) group. VO2peak, resting brachial artery lumen diameter (mm) and FMD (%) were assessed before, and after six (6 W) and 12 weeks (12 W) of three weekly sessions of moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise. VO2peak (ml/kg/min) was determined using an incremental arm crank test until exhaustion. FMD (%) was calculated as the relative increase in brachial artery diameter (determined by high-resolution ultrasound) after five minutes of cuff occlusion. Changes in diameter were analyzed off-line using semi-automated edge-detecting software. Main effects of group and time and group-by-time interactions were examined using linear-mixed models. RESULTS: There was an interaction effect for VO2peak and resting brachial artery diameter (p < .001 and p = .016, respectively). VO2peak increased from baseline (15.1 ± 5.0 ml/kg/min) to 6 W (16.6 ± 5.3 ml/kg/min, p = .007) and 12 W (17.8 ± 6.1 ml/kg/min, p < .001) in EXR, but not in CON. Resting brachial artery diameter increased from baseline (4.8 ± 0.7 mm) to 12 W (5.1 ± 0.9 mm, p = .005) in EXR, with no changes at 6 W (5.0 ± 0.9 mm), and no changes in CON. There were no main effects or interaction effect observed for FMD. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that rowing is efficient for improving VO2peak in individuals with SCI. While resting lumen diameter increases with training, 12 weeks of rowing does not increase brachial artery endothelial function.

Ischaemic preconditioning improves upper-body endurance performance without altering V̇O2 kinetics

ABSTRACT Purpose: Whilst pre-exercise ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) can improve lower-body exercise performance, its impact on upper-limb performance has received little attention. This study examines the influence of IPC on upper-body exercise performance and oxygen uptake (V̇O2) kinetics. Methods: Eleven recreationally-active males (24 ± 2 years) completed an arm-crank graded exercise test to exhaustion to determine the power outputs at the ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) and V̇O2peak (40.0 ± 7.4 ml·kg−1·min−1). Four main trials were conducted, two following IPC (4 × 5-min, 220 mmHg contralateral upper-limb occlusion), the other two following SHAM (4 × 5-min, 20 mmHg). The first two trials consisted of a 15-minute constant work rate and the last two time-to-exhaustion (TTE) arm-crank tests at the power equivalents of 95% VT1 (LOW) and VT2 (HIGH), respectively. Pulmonary V̇O2 kinetics, heart rate, blood-lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion were recorded throughout exercise. Results: TTE during HIGH was longer following IPC than SHAM (459 ± 115 vs 395 ± 102 s, p = .004). Mean response time and change in V̇O2 between 2-min and end exercise (ΔV̇O2) were not different between IPC and SHAM for arm-cranking at both LOW (80.3 ± 19.0 vs 90.3 ± 23.5 s [p = .06], 457 ± 184 vs 443 ± 245 ml [p = .83]) and HIGH (96.6 ± 31.2 vs 92.1 ± 24.4 s [p = .65], 617 ± 321 vs 649 ± 230 ml [p = .74]). Heart rate, blood-lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion did not differ between conditions (all p ≥ .05). Conclusion: TTE was longer following IPC during upper-body exercise despite unchanged V̇O2 kinetics. Highlights Whilst pre-exercise ischaemic preconditioning can improve lower-body exercise performance and alter V̇O2 kinetics, its impact on upper-limb performance has received little attention. An acute bout of ischaemic preconditioning prior to arm-crank ergometry exercise significantly improved time to exhaustion compared to a sham control condition. V̇O2 kinetics in response to ischaemic preconditioning remained unchanged, suggesting alternative mechanisms may explain performance improvements.

Effects of a Whole-body General Movement Intervention on Functional Muscle Strength of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Results From a Comparison of Face-to-face Versus Telehealth-Based Intervention Delivery

Background Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) demonstrate impairments in postural strength and control, both of which are important for activities of daily living. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, more focus has been placed on telehealth interventions. Objective Our randomized controlled trial assessed the effects of a general movement (GM) intervention compared to a standard-of-care seated play (SP) intervention delivered via face-to-face (F2F) and telehealth (TH)-based modes of intervention delivery in children with ASD. Methods Thirty 5- to 14-year-old children were matched at baseline and randomly assigned to the GM or SP groups. Children participated in a 10-week study with pretests and posttests conducted during the first and last weeks and training in the intermediate 8 weeks (2 sessions/week at 1.5 hours/session). The strength subtest of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2) and a custom-developed functional strength test were administered at pretest and posttest. In addition, we assessed functional strength using 15 upper and lower body exercises that were administered during early and late training sessions. All strength tests were coded for errors in movement form and movement quality during execution. Results On the BOT-2, the GM group (pretest: mean 8.3, SE 1.1; posttest: mean 10.31, SE 1.3; P=.007) but not the SP group showed improvements in scaled scores on the strength subtest. There were no differences in the amount of change for children seen F2F versus TH in the GM group (F2F: mean 2.3, SE 0.8; TH: mean 1.8, SE 0.9; P=.70). In the GM group, 77% of participants showed improvement in front raises and 50% improved on both sumo squats and donkey kicks. Of the 15 upper and lower body functional strength exercises performed, 7 provided significant results at a significance level of P=.05. For the upper body, these included back row (early: mean 81.3, SE 4.6; late: mean 57.0, SE 7.8; P=.01), spread your wings (early: mean 55.5, SE 6.0; late: mean 32.1, SE 5.4; P=.008), press ups (early: mean 72.1, SE 5.3; late: mean 46.8, SE 8.0; P=.01), and superman reach (early: mean 74.4, SE 2.8; late: mean 58.9, SE 6.8; P=.009). For the lower body, these included donkey kicks (early: mean 69.2, SE 2.9; late: mean 40.2, SE 6.0; P&lt;.001), do-a-dot (early: mean 77.4, SE 3.3; late: mean 56.3, SE 6.3; P=.008), and superman kick (early: mean 71.9, SE 2.9; late: mean 49.8, SE 6.8; P=.008). Across all 7 moves, a comparable or higher proportion of children seen via TH showed improvement in movement performance scores compared to children seen F2F. For 6 of 7 movements, the mean reduction in percent movement performance errors (early vs late) was greater for children seen via TH compared to children seen via F2F. In addition, for superman kick (sk), donkey kick (dk), press ups (pu), and superman reach (sr) exercises, a higher proportion of children seen via TH compared to F2F improved movement performance error scores with training (sk: 80% TH vs 50% F2F; dk: 90% TH vs 60% F2F; pu: 100% TH vs 50% F2F; sr: 90% TH vs 25% F2F). Conclusions Although preliminary, our data suggest that TH is an effective mode of delivery of gross motor interventions and can be used to promote functional upper and lower body muscle strength in children with ASD.

Are Trainees Lifting Heavy Enough? Self-Selected Loads in Resistance Exercise: A Scoping Review and Exploratory Meta-analysis.

Traditionally, the loads in resistance training are prescribed as a percentage of the heaviest load that can be successfully lifted once (i.e., 1 Repetition Maximum [1RM]). An alternative approach is to allow trainees to self-select the training loads. The latter approach has benefits, such as allowing trainees to exercise according to their preferences and negating the need for periodic 1RM tests. However, in order to better understand the utility of the self-selected load prescription approach, there is a need to examine what loads trainees select when given the option to do so. Examine what loads trainees self-select in resistance training sessions as a percentage of their 1RM. Scoping review and exploratory meta-analysis. We conducted a systematic literature search with PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar in September 2021. We included studies that (1) were published in English in a peer-reviewed journal or as a MSc or Ph.D. thesis; (2) had healthy trainees complete at least one resistance-training session, composed of at least one set of one exercise in which they selected the loads; (3) trainees completed a 1RM test for the exercises that they selected the loads for. Eighteen studies were included in our main meta-analysis model with 368 participants. Our main model indicated that on average participants select loads equal to 53% of their 1RM (95% credible interval [CI] 49-58%). There was little moderating effect of training experience, age, sex, timing of the 1RM test (before or after the selected load RT session), number of sets, number of repetitions, and lower versus upper body exercises. Participants did tend to select heavier loads when prescribed lower repetitions, and vice versa (logit(yi) = - 0.09 [95% CI - 0.16 to - 0.03]). Note that in most of the analyzed studies, participants received vague instructions regarding how to select the loads, and only completed a single session with the self-selected loads. Participants selected loads equal to an average of 53% of 1RM across exercises. Lifting such a load coupled with a low-medium number of repetitions (e.g., 5-15) can sufficiently stimulate hypertrophy and increase maximal strength for novices but may not apply for more advanced trainees. Lifting such a load coupled with a higher number of repetitions and approaching or reaching task failure can be sufficient for muscle hypertrophy, but less so for maximal strength development, regardless of trainees' experience. The self-selected load prescription approach may bypass certain limitations of the traditional approach, but requires thought and further research regarding how, for what purposes, and with which populations it should be implemented.

EFFECT OF UPPER BODY EXERCISES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF BACKSTROKE SWIMMERS

The purpose of the study was to clarify the Influence of 6 week selected upper body exercises on the performance of backstroke in swimming.Thirty boys swimmers (age =14 to 16 years) were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=15) and control group (n=15). All swimmer was selected from Panchal high school, Panchal, Bankura West Bengal. Upper body exercises were included in the experimental group training session 5 times (each session 30 minutes) per week over 6 weeks as part of their usual weekly training regime. Both groups of swimmers were tested backstroke swimming before and after training. Backstroke swimming performance were tested and measured through standard procedure with the help of expert and under the direct supervision of the experimenter.For the analysis of data statistical mean, standard deviation and T-test was used. The level of significance was set at 0.05 levels. In conclusion, there was a significant effect of upper body exercise on backstroke performance of experimental group.

Motor Unit and Capillary Recruitment During Fatiguing Arm-Cycling Exercise in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Types 3 and 4.

Exercise intolerance is an important impairment in patients with SMA, but little is known about the mechanisms underlying this symptom. To investigate if reduced motor unit and capillary recruitment capacity in patients with SMA contribute to exercise intolerance. Adolescent and adult patients with SMA types 3 and 4 (n = 15) and age- and gender matched controls (n = 15) performed a maximal upper body exercise test. We applied respiratory gas analyses, non-invasive surface electromyography (sEMG) and continuous wave near-infrared spectroscopy (CW-NIRS) to study oxygen consumption, arm muscle motor unit- and capillary recruitment, respectively. Maximal exercise duration was twofold lower (p < 0.001) and work of breathing and ventilation was 1.6- and 1.8-fold higher (p < 0.05) in patients compared to controls, respectively. Regarding motor unit recruitment, we found higher normalized RMS amplitude onset values of sEMG signals from all muscles and the increase in normalized RMS amplitudes was similar in the m. triceps brachii, m. brachioradialis and m. flexor digitorum in SMA compared to controls. Median frequency, onset values were similar in patients and controls. We found a similar decrease in median frequencies of sEMG recordings from the m. biceps brachii, a diminished decrease from the m. brachioradialis and m. flexor digitorum, but a larger decrease from the m. triceps brachii. With respect to capillary recruitment, CW-NIRS recordings in m. biceps brachii revealed dynamics that were both qualitatively and quantitatively similar in patients and controls. We found no evidence for the contribution of motor unit and capillary recruitment capacity of the upper arm muscles in adolescent and adult patients with SMA types 3 and 4 as primary limiting factors to premature fatigue during execution of a maximal arm-cycling task.

MO600: Effects of Intradialytic Progressive Resistance and Aerobic Exercise Training on Physical Function

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Haemodialysis (HD) patients frequently experience reduced physical function, which is exacerbated throughout dialysis vintage, therefore compromising their quality of life. Despite recent studies highlighting improvements in physical function regardless of exercise modality, well-designed randomized controlled trials with progressive resistance exercise training protocols are scarce. Thus, this study investigated the effects of 12 weeks of intradialytic progressive resistance exercise (RE) and aerobic exercise (AE) training on physical function in HD patients. METHOD Fifty-six adult HD patients from three NephroCare Portugal SA clinics were included in this study. Following a 6-week run-in control period, participants were randomly allocated into either a supervised intradialytic AE [(n = 29, male: 66%, age: 66 ± 16 years)] or RE [(n = 27, male: 67%, age: 63 ± 14 years)] training protocol, 3 sessions per week for 12 weeks. Intradialytic RE training consisted of 2 sets of 12 repetitions of 8 different exercises for upper and lower body using free-weight dumbbells and a newly designed weight machine, while intradialytic AE training was performed on a cycle ergometer at 50–70 rpm for 30 min at a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) 12–14 (Borg scale). Physical function was assessed by completing the Sit to Stand 60 (STS-60) test, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and isometric handgrip strength (HGS) on three occasions: before and after the 6-week run-in control, and after the 12-week exercise periods. The 6-week control period data were analyzed by paired sample t-tests or Wilcoxon rank test as this is prior to randomization. Training effects were examined using an ANOVA with mixed design (within- and between-subjects) for data with normal distribution or if data still with non-normal distribution after log transformation, Wilcoxon rank test (within subjects) and Mann–Whitney test (between subjects) were used with a significance value of P &amp;lt; 0.05. RESULTS There was no change in any variable when comparing before and after the 6-week control period (P &amp;gt; 0.05). AE and RE training significantly increased the number of repetitions performed on the STS-60 test compared to before the 12-week intervention, but had no effect on the SPPB scores. Additionally, despite no changes in the distance covered in ISWT in the AE group, AE training reduced the TUG time and an increase in HGS was observed. On the other hand, patients that performed RE training increased their walking distance in ISWT. However, no change in HGS was observed. Yet, and despite not impactful, a 0.1 s significant increase in the median time performed on the TUG test was also observed. Nevertheless, no changes between groups were observed after the 12-week exercise intervention (Table 1). CONCLUSION We conclude that 12 weeks of AE training seem to improve HGS, STS-60 and TUG test performance in HD patients, whereas progressive RE training only had an effect on the STS-60 and ISWT performance in these patients. This may suggest that HD patients can benefit from different exercise interventions which can improve their overall physical function. FUNDING Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology (SFRH/BD/138 940/2018 and UID/04 045/2020). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to acknowledge the support of NephroCare Portugal, the University of Maia staff, MSc students and all study participants for their collaboration.