Upper-body Muscle Strength Research Articles

A comparative study on the physical fitness of college students from different grades and majors in Jiangxi province.

Research to date has not provided a clear understanding of how different grades and majors affect the physical fitness of college students. It is postulated that there are significant disparities in physical health among college students of different grades and majors. The purpose of this study was to evidence these health disparities and to engage in an extensive analysis and discussion thereof. A sample of 8,772 (2,404 boys and 6,368 girls) Chinese college students from freshman to junior years, aged 17-22, including 12 different majors in four colleges, were recruited in Jiangxi Province. All seven physical fitness indicators (body mass index (BMI), forced vital capacity, 50-m dash, standing long jump, sit and reach, upper body muscle strength, and endurance runs) were conducted for all participants. One-way ANOVA and LSD tests were conducted to compare the physical fitness scores of different grades in the same major. Independent sample t-tests were utilized to compare the differences in every physical fitness indicator for different majors. Pearson's correlations among 12 majors for every grade were conducted to study the significant corrections between the two physical fitness indicators. The body mass index (BMI) and physical fitness indicator (PFI) for college students of different grade were investigated using a nonlinear regression model. The current state of physical fitness among college students is concerning, as the majority of students were barely passing (with a passing rate of 75.3%). Specifically, junior students exhibited lower scores than freshman and sophomore students across all 12 majors. From freshman to junior year, majors of music (78.01±4.58), English (79.29±5.03), and education (76.26±4.81) had the highest scores, respectively, but major art consistently scored the lowest, which were 73.85±6.02, 74.97±5.53, and 72.59±4.84, respectively. Pairwise comparisons revealed more significant differences in individual physical fitness indicators among the three grades in humanities than in sciences. Pearson's correlations showed significant correlations among seven physical fitness indicators in all three grades. PFI had a parabolic trend with BMI both for boy and girl college students in Jiangxi province. The physical fitness indicators of college students in Jiangxi province significantly differed in grades and majors, showing undesirable phenomena. The physical fitness of senior and humanities major college students was much weaker and needs sufficient attention. The relationship between BMI and PFI presented an inverted "U"-shaped change characteristic. Continued nationwide interventions are needed to promote physical activity and other healthy lifestyle behaviors in China.

Reliability of dynamic and isometric upper muscle strength testing in breast cancer survivors.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, and its treatment usually involves a combination of many medical procedures, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy. One of the detrimental effects on physical function is reduced upper limb muscle strength. This study aimed to evaluate upper body strength intra-day and inter-day (test-retest) reliability using the handgrip strength test (HGS) and the bilateral isometric bench press (BIBP) and the test-retest reliability of the one repetition maximum on the bench press (BP-1RM) in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Thirty-two (52.94 ± 8.99 yrs) BCS participated in this study. The muscle strength tests were performed in two different moments, three to seven days apart. Intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV) were used to assess the reliability. Standard error of measurement (SEM), typical error of measurement (TEM), and minimally detectable change (MDC) analyses were performed. The Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess the agreement between test-retest. We found a reliability that can be described as "high" to "very high" (ICC ≥ 0.88; CV ≤ 10%) for intra-day and test-retest. SEM% and MDC% were lower than 5% and 11%, respectively, for all intra-day testing. SEM% and TEM% ranged from 3% to 11%, and MDC% ranged from 9% to 23% in the test-retest reliability. The agreement demonstrated a systematic bias ranging from 2.3% to 6.0% for all testing, and a lower systematic bias may be presented in the non-treated side assessed by HGS and BIBP. HGS, BIBP, and BP-1RM assessments are reliable for measuring upper-body muscle strength in BCS.

Effectiveness of ballistic exercises for increasing upper body explosive power in physical education lessons for university students

Background and Study Aim. Explosive power is an important element of fitness levels, with fast muscle contractions being required in most physical activities. Study implements and verifies the effects of ballistic exercises with medicine balls of various weights on upper body explosive strength for non-sporting university students. Material and Methods. The study involved 184 male and 143 female undergraduate students, all 21 years old. These students had no medical contraindications to participating in the activities required by the physical education program. The development of upper body explosive strength was conducted using ballistic exercises, specifically various types of medicine ball throws, over one academic year. The evaluation comprised six tests: Overhand Ball Throw, Overhead Medicine Ball Throw-forward, Overhead Medicine Ball Throw-backward, Medicine Ball Chest Throw, Shot Put - Track and Field, and 30 s Plyometric Push-Ups. These tests were scheduled at three different times during the academic year: October, December, and May. Results. The results of the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with repeated measurements indicate F values associated with statistically significant thresholds (p < 0.05). In contrast, partial eta squared (η²p) values demonstrate a stronger effect of ballistic exercise application for the male group. Significant improvements in results were observed for both genders from one test to another. The differences were notably larger between the test conducted before the winter holiday (December) and the test at the end of the second semester (May) compared to those between the test at the beginning of the academic year (October) and the one before the winter holiday (December). This pattern indicates a clear improvement in muscle strength in the second semester (January-May). The only test where high percentages of men, and especially women, encountered problems was the 30-second Plyometric Push-Ups. In the final tests, 10% of males and 40% of females scored zero. Conclusions. Ballistic exercises based on various medicine ball throws prove to be an attractive and effective solution to improve upper body muscle strength for non-sporting university students. The application of these exercises can significantly enhance physical education programs by providing clear benefits in terms of strength development. This is particularly evident in environments aimed at general student populations rather than athletes. Furthermore, while the exercises are broadly beneficial, they may require modifications to address the challenges some students face.

Creatine supplementation for optimization of physical function in the patient at risk of functional disability: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The efficacy of creatine replacement through supplementation for the optimization of physical function in the population at risk of functional disability is unclear. We conducted a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and CINAHL from inception to November 2022. Studies included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing creatine supplementation with placebos in older adults and adults with chronic disease. The primary outcome was physical function measured by the sit-to-stand test after pooling data using random-effects modeling. We also performed a Bayesian meta-analysis to describe the treatment effect in probability terms. Secondary outcomes included other measures of physical function, muscle function, and body composition. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. We identified 33 RCTs, comprising 1076 participants. From six trials reporting the primary outcome, the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) was 0.51 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01-1.00; I2 = 62%; P = 0.04); using weakly informative priors, the posterior probability that creatine supplementation improves physical function was 66.7%. Upper-body muscle strength (SMD: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.06-0.44; I2 = 0%; P = 0.01), handgrip strength (SMD 0.23; 95% CI: 0.01-0.45; I2 = 0%; P = 0.04), and lean tissue mass (MD 1.08 kg; 95% CI: 0.77-1.38; I2 = 26%; P < 0.01) improved with creatine supplementation. The quality of evidence for all outcomes was low or very low because of a high risk of bias. Creatine supplementation improves sit-to-stand performance, muscle function, and lean tissue mass. It is crucial to conduct high-quality prospective RCTs to confirm these hypotheses (PROSPERO number, CRD42023354929).

The relationship between blood pressure and functional fitness of older adults in Korea.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure (BP), is a critical health issue that can cause cardiovascular disease. It is observed more frequently in older adults. Thus, this study aimed to identify the functional fitness and body composition factors that significantly influence both systolic and diastolic BPs in older adults. Data from 155,266 older adults (51,751 men [33.3%] and 103,505 women [66.7%]) who underwent functional fitness tests between 2013 and 2018 were analyzed. The following seven functional fitness tests were conducted: (a) aerobic endurance (2-min step), (b) upper body muscle strength (hand grip strength), (c) lower body muscle endurance (chair sit-and-stand), (d) flexibility (sit-and-reach), (e) agility (Timed Up and Go), and (f) body composition (body mass index [BMI] and body fat percentage). Systolic and diastolic BPs were used as outcome variables. In examining the proposed relationships, the regression analysis revealed that BMI, body fat percentage, sit-and-reach, 2-min step, hand grip, chair sit-and-stand, and Timed Up and Go were significantly associated with reduced systolic and diastolic body pressures.

Muscle strength deficits are associated with low bone mineral density in young pediatric cancer survivors: The iBoneFIT project

BackgroundPediatric cancer survivors are at increased risk of muscle weakness and low areal bone mineral density (aBMD). However, the prevalence of muscle strength deficits is not well documented, and the associations of muscle strength with aBMD are unknown in this population. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of upper- and lower-body muscle strength deficits and to examine the associations of upper- and lower-body muscle strength with age-, sex, and race-specific aBMD Z-scores at the total body, total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 116 pediatric cancer survivors (12.1 ± 3.3 years old, mean ± SD; 42.2% female). Upper- and lower-body muscle strength were assessed by handgrip and standing long jump test, respectively. Dual‑energy X‑ray absorptiometry was used to measure aBMD (g/cm2). Associations between muscle strength and aBMD were evaluated in multivariable linear regression models. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the contribution of muscle strength (1-decile lower) to the odds of having low aBMD (Z-score ≤ 1.0). All analyses were adjusted for time from treatment completion, radiotherapy exposure, and body mass index. ResultsMore than one-half of survivors were within the 2 lowest deciles for upper- (56.9%) and lower- body muscle strength (60.0%) in comparison to age- and sex-specific reference values. Muscle strength deficits were associated with lower aBMD Z-scores at all sites (B = 0.133–0.258, p = 0.001–0.032). Each 1-decile lower in upper-body muscle strength was associated with 30%–95% higher odds of having low aBMD Z-scores at all sites. Each 1-decile lower in lower-body muscle strength was associated with 35%–70% higher odds of having low aBMD Z-scores at total body, total hip, and femoral neck. ConclusionMuscle strength deficits are prevalent in young pediatric cancer survivors, and such deficits are associated with lower aBMD Z-scores at all sites. These results suggest that interventions designed to improve muscle strength in this vulnerable population may have the added benefit of improving aBMD.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Physical Fitness and Risk of Hypertension in Korean Adults Aged 20-59.

Intervention for hypertension in young age groups is very important. Adults in their 30s and 40s in Korea are the main producers of economic activity. Stress in work life, frequent drinking and smoking, an unhealthy diet, and a lack of physical activity are the biggest factors that increase the risk of high blood pressure. This study analyzed obesity-related body composition, physical fitness, and risk according to age and sex by analyzing population-based hypertension and physical fitness trends in individuals aged 20-59 years in 360,321 Korean adults via National Physical Award Project (NFAP) data points collected from 2012 to 2019. The functional fitness test battery for adults was composed of seven components: (a) aerobic endurance (2-min step), (b) upper body muscle strength (hand grip strength), (c) lower body muscle endurance (sit-ups), (d) flexibility (sit and reach), (e) cardiopulmonary endurance (progressive aerobic capacity endurance run), (f) body compositions (body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference [WC]), and (g) blood pressure. For all items, there was a significant difference in blood pressure according to people's physical fitness levels. Specifically, for obesity-related BMI and WC, the higher the obesity, the higher the blood pressure (post hoc, obesity > overweight > normal > underweight). It was also confirmed that the lower the grade, that is, the weaker the grip, the higher the blood pressure (post hoc, 4 > 3 > 2 > 1). Subsequently, in identifying the risk factors for high blood pressure, the physical fitness level (Model 1) and obesity-related indicator (Model 2) differed by 1.024 and 1.335 times, respectively. Finally, it was confirmed that the risk of high blood pressure in the age and gender model (Model 3) increased by 1.388 times. In addition to the recommendation for changes in blood pressure, significant differences in blood pressure according to physical fitness and significant effects on blood pressure risk in terms of age, obesity-related body composition, and physical fitness were confirmed.

한궁 운동프로그램 참여 고령 여성노인의 체력, 우울 및 일상생활수행능력에 미치는 영향

This study, the 12-week Hangung exercise program’s effects on physical fitness, depression and ability of daily living(ADL) of 17 middle- and old-aged women were analyzed and the following results are drawn. First, body weight decreased by 10.6% from 58.89±6.99kg before exercise to 55.40±6.57kg after excercise, body fat percentage decreased by 9.4% from 36.57±6.48kg/m2 before exercise to 34.65± 5.978kg/m2, after exercise and muscle mass was gained 9.5kg from 18.91±2.04kg before exercise to 19.89±2.32kg after excercise, respectively, showing statistically significant differences in all the items. Second, for health fitness, cardiopulmonary endurance increased from 110.41±59.83 before exercise to 126.06±48.71 after exercise, upper body muscle strength increased from 21.82±5.81 before exercise to 25.53±4.09 after exercise, upper body flexibility increased from 2.47±13.97cm before exercise to 6.55±13.40cm after exercise, lower body flexibility increased from 111.61±7.74cm before exercise to 15.41±7.43cm after exercise, and agility increased from 6.52±1.09 seconds before exercise to 5.84±0.78 seconds after exercise. Third, the depression index decreased by 11.87% from 11.59±5.54 points before exercise to 9.76±5.93 points after exercise, showing a statistically significant difference. Fourth, for the changes in ability of daily living, Basic ADL was from 34.82±0.39 points before exercise to 35±0.0 points after exercise, and IADL was from 49.06 points before exercise to 49.65±1.05 points after exercise, respectively, and there were few changes, showing no statistically significant differences. As seen above, this study concludes the 12-week elastic band and Hangung exercise program had positive effects on the physical fitness, physical strength, and depression, and it is expected that it will be an effective exercise program for middle- and old-aged women.

Synergistic Effects of Combined Concurrent Training and Eri-Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Bone Mineral Density, Muscle Strength, and Inflammation.

Obesity has been associated with lower bone mineral density (BMD) and rapid muscle weakness. Regular exercise and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) consumption have been recognized as nonpharmaceutical approaches to increase BMD and ameliorate muscle weakness. This study aimed to determine the effects of concurrent training (CCT) and Eri-PUFA supplementation on BMD, muscular strength, and inflammation in obese adults. A total of 33 obese participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n=11 per group): (1) a placebo group; (2) an Eri-PUFA ingestion group (ERI); or (3) a CCT and Eri-PUFA ingestion group (CCT+ERI). The ERI and CCT+ERI groups received approximately 2.5 g of linolenic acid per day from Eri silkworm pupae. The exercise program included aerobic and resistance exercises performed under supervision three times per week for 8 weeks. Before and after the 8-week intervention, BMD, muscular strength, and inflammatory markers were measured. Only the CCT+ERI group showed a significant increase in lumbar spine BMD (5.1%, P<0.01) and upper-body muscle strength (16.9%, P<0.01) after the intervention, with differences between the groups. After the intervention, both the ERI and CCT+ERI groups showed a significant decrease in the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (-25%, P<0.01 and -21.4%, P<0.05, respectively) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (-21.6%, P<0.05 and -19.4%, P<0.05, respectively). These findings demonstrate that combining CCT and Eri-PUFA supplementation increases BMD and upper-body muscular strength and decreases inflammation. Although Eri-PUFA consumption did not affect BMD or muscle strength directly, it may have an additive effect on BMD by reducing inflammation.

A Non-Randomized Combined Program of Walking and Low-Load Resistance Exercise Improves Cognitive Function and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Community-Dwelling Elderly Women.

Background: This study examines whether changes in cardiometabolic risk factors, functional fitness, and depressive symptoms following a six-month exercise intervention were associated with cognitive function in Korean women aged 65 years and older. Methods: A non-randomized study design was used to compare post-intervention changes in measured variables between control (n = 30) and exercise (n = 30) groups. The exercise intervention consisted of three days of low-load resistance exercise and two days of walking. Cognitive function and depressive symptoms were assessed with the Korean version of the Mini–Mental State Examination and the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale, respectively. Functional fitness was measured using a senior fitness test battery. Results: The exercise group showed a significant improvement in cognitive function (p < 0.001) in conjunction with significant decreases in blood glucose (p = 0.052), triglycerides (p = 0.011), insulin (p = 0.002), tumor necrosis factor-α (p = 0.043), and depressive symptoms (p = 0.006) and an increase in interleukin-10 (p = 0.037), compared with the control group. Multivariate stepwise regression showed that changes in depressive symptoms (p < 0.001), insulin resistance (p < 0.001), and upper body muscle strength (p = 0.003) were positively associated with cognitive function. Conclusion: A six-month exercise intervention consisting of walking and low-load/high-repetition elastic band resistance exercise has the potential to improve cognitive function, as well as physical function and cardiometabolic risk factors, and to decrease depressive symptoms in older women.

Science, Medicine, and the Anesthesiologist

Science, Medicine, and the Anesthesiologist

Exercise training as part of multidisciplinary rehabilitation in cancer survivors: an observational study on changes in physical performance and patient-reported outcomes

PurposeTo describe changes in physical performance and patient-reported outcomes in cancer survivors who participated in an exercise program as part of usual-care multidisciplinary rehabilitation and the influence of training adaptations during the coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic.MethodsIn an observational cohort study, cancer survivors underwent usual-care multidisciplinary rehabilitation including a 10-week exercise program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the exercise program was adapted with reduced training time and frequency. Mean changes and 95% confidence intervals in physical performance (peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), peak work rate during a steep ramp test (SRT-WRpeak), 6-min walking distance, muscle strength) and patient-reported outcomes (health-related quality of life, fatigue, anxiety, and depression) were assessed between the start and the end of the exercise program. Linear regression analysis, adjusting for baseline levels of outcomes, was used to investigate differences in changes in outcomes between participants who underwent the original and the adapted program.ResultsAll outcomes statistically significantly improved over time, regardless of adaptations in the exercise program. VO2peak increased with 9.6% and 7.7% in the original and adapted program, respectively. Significant smaller improvements were observed in SRT-WRpeak (− 3.9%) and upper body muscle strength (− 10.8%) after participation in the adapted compared to the original program. No significant between-group differences were observed for other outcomes.ConclusionPhysical performance and patient-reported outcomes statistically and clinically significantly improved in cancer survivors who participated in an exercise program as part of usual-care multidisciplinary rehabilitation. Improvements of performance outcomes were smaller since the training adaptations, though only significant for SRT-WRpeak and upper body strength.

Resistance Training in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure, and Valvular Heart Disease: A REVIEW WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON OLD AGE, FRAILTY, AND PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS.

Current guidelines recommend individually adapted resistance training (RT) as a part of the exercise regime in patients with cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this review was to provide insights into current knowledge and understanding of how useful, feasible, safe, and effective RT is in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure (HF), and valvular heart disease (VHD), with particular emphasis on the role of RT in elderly and/or frail patients. A review based on an intensive literature search: systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in 2010 or later; recent studies not integrated into meta-analyses or systematic reviews; additional manual searches. The results highlight the evaluation of effects and safety of RT in patients with CAD and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in numerous meta-analyses. In contrast, few studies have focused on RT in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) or VHD. Furthermore, few studies have addressed the feasibility and impact of RT in elderly cardiac patients, and data on the efficacy and safety of RT in frail elderly patients are limited. The review results underscore the high prevalence of age-related sarcopenia, disease-related skeletal muscle deconditioning, physical limitations, and frailty in older patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). They underline the need for individually tailored exercise concepts, including RT, aimed at improving functional status, mobility, physical performance and muscle strength in older patients. Furthermore, the importance of the use of assessment tools to diagnose frailty, mobility/functional capacity, and physical performance in the elderly admitted to cardiac rehabilitation is emphasized.

Rescuers’ characteristics associated with the correct chest compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

AimTo analyse the caregivers’ physical, anthropometrical and educational characteristics associated with adequate chest compression and full chest recoil during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). MethodsAn observational prospective research study was conducted. Emergency and critical care health professionals and students performed two minutes of chest compressions on a dummy. Depth and residual leaning after the compressions were assessed and their association with several variables (physical, anthropometrical, and educational) was analysed using logistic regression models. ResultsTwo hundred thirty-eight volunteers participated. Previous experience of the rescuer in less than six CPRs (OR = 3.03; 95% CI 1.2–7.63) was related to a higher probability of not achieving an adequate depth of compressions. Greater height (OR: .93; 95% CI .87–.99) and grip strength (OR: .94; 95% CI .89–.99) were associated with correct performance of chest compression. We did not find any characteristic related to chest recoil. ConclusionsThe caregiver’s previous experience with CPR was the strongest factor associated with adequate performance of chest compressions. To a lesser extent, the professional’s height and upper body muscle strength also have an influence. No factors associated with the adequacy of full chest recoil were identified.

The Protective Role of Physical Fitness on Cardiometabolic Risk During Pregnancy: The GESTAtion and FITness Project.

Physical fitness (PF) is a cornerstone of metabolic health. However, its role in maternal-fetal metabolism during pregnancy is poorly understood. The present work investigates: (i)the association of PF with maternal and fetal cardiometabolic markers, and with clustered cardiometabolic risk during pregnancy, and (ii)whether being fit counteracts cardiometabolic abnormalities associated with overweight/obesity. Several PF components (flexibility, lower and upper body strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness [CRF]) were objectively assessed in 151 pregnant women at gestational weeks 16 and 33, and an overall PF cluster score calculated. At the same times, maternal glycemic and lipid markers, cortisol, and C-reactive protein were assessed with standard biochemical methods, along with blood pressure and a proxy for insulin resistance, and a cardiometabolic risk cluster score determined. These analytes were also measured in maternal and umbilical cord arterial and venous blood collected at delivery. PF was found to be associated with several maternal and a small number of fetal cardiometabolic markers (p < .05). Lower and upper body muscle strength, CRF, overall PF (week 16), and CRF changes (weeks 16-33) were inversely associated with clustered cardiometabolic risk (p < .05). Normal weight fit women had lower values for insulin level, insulin resistance, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, C-reactive protein, and diastolic blood pressure than did overweight/obese unfit women at week 16 (p < .05). In conclusion, greater PF, especially muscle strength and CRF in early-middle pregnancy, appears to be associated with a better metabolic phenotype, and may protect against maternal cardiometabolic risk. "Keep yourself fit and normal weight before and during early pregnancy" should be a key public health message.

Mat Pilates improves lower and upper body strength and flexibility in breast cancer survivors undergoing hormone therapy: a randomized controlled trial (HAPiMat study)

Purpose To evaluate the effects of 24 weeks of Mat Pilates in breast cancer survivors (BCS) undergoing hormone therapy on lower and upper body muscle strength parameters and flexibility. Materials and methods Forty-three BCS (≥40 years) with confirmed breast cancer stage 0–III undergoing hormone therapy were included. Participants were randomized into Mat Pilates (three times/week, 60 min session) or control group (relaxation activities every two weeks). The difficulty and number of exercise repetitions were increased over the weeks. Assessments were performed at three times points (baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks). The generalized estimating equations (GEE) model was used to compare each outcome measure during the analysis of intention to treat (ITT) and “Per protocol analysis” (PPA). Results The Pilates group presented significantly increased (p < 0.05) isometric flexor–extensor PT, and concentric and eccentric flexor PT and mechanical work (MW) after the intervention. Most of the upper body strength parameters, time to achieve maximal force (TFmax), maximal force (F max), and rapid force index (RFI) and right-left upper and lower body flexibility (p < 0.05) also improved. Conclusions From our findings, we conclude that 24 and 12-weeks of Mat Pilates induced strength and flexibility gains for lower and upper body, respectively. Implications for rehabilitation Mat Pilates can be adapted to the fitness level of breast cancer survivors, with a great variety of exercises that can be performed using a mat only or a few pieces of equipment. Patients can practice at home to gain different health benefits (i.e., increasing strength, flexibility, and functional capacity level), which could positively impact on quality of life. Mat Pilates performed three times per week with systematized increments in exercise level, load, and volume throughout the intervention was effective to improve hip extensor–flexor muscles peak torque and mechanical work at different muscle contractions, as well as upper and lower body flexibility. Mat Pilates was also able to improve right-left shoulder abductor and trunk extensor muscles strength parameters after 12 weeks of intervention, as well as both surgery and non-surgery sides of the upper body.

Evenness of Dietary Protein Intake Is Positively Associated with Lean Mass and Strength in Healthy Women.

Background:Evenness of protein intake is associated with increased lean mass, but its relationship with muscle strength and performance is uncertain.Objectives:We determined the association of evenness of protein intake with lean mass, muscle strength and endurance, and functional ability.Design:This was a cross-sectional study.Setting:Data were collected at a research university in the upper midwestern United States.Participants:One hundred ninety-two healthy women, aged 18 to 79 years, mean ± SEM 41.9 ± 1.3, completed the study.Measurements:Dietary intake was assessed using 3-day food diaries verified with food frequency questionnaires. To assess evenness of protein intake, the day was divided into 3 periods: waking to 11:30, 11:31 to 16:30, and after 16:30. Lean mass was measured with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Lower-body muscle strength and endurance were determined using isokinetic dynamometry. Upper-body muscle strength was maximal handgrip strength. Functional ability was assessed using 6-m gait speed and 30-second chair stand tests. Accelerometry measured physical activity.Results:Intakes of 25 g or more of protein at 1 or more of the 3 periods was positively associated with lean mass (β ± S.E.; 1.067 ± 0.273 kg, P < .001) and upper-body (3.274 ± 0.737 kg, P < .001) and lower-body strength (22.858 ± 7.918 Nm, P = .004) when controlling for age, body mass index, physical activity, and energy and protein intakes. Consuming at least 0.24 g/kg/period for those under 60 years and 0.4 g/kg/period for those 60 years and older was related to lean mass (0.754 ± 0.244 kg, P = .002), upper-body strength (2.451 ± 0.658 kg, P < .001), and lower-body endurance (184.852 ± 77.185 J, P = .018), controlling for the same variables.Conclusions:Evenness of protein intake is related to lean mass, muscle strength, and muscular endurance in women. Spreading protein intake throughout the day maximizes the anabolic response to dietary protein, benefiting muscle mass and performance.

The influence of age on the recovery from worksite resistance exercise in career firefighters.

To examine the changes in indirect markers of muscle damage in young and older firefighters following a feasible worksite resistance exercise routine. Nineteen young (25.5±3.4years) and 19 older male career firefighters (50.3±3.5years) completed pre-testing, an acute bout of resistance exercise, and post-testing at 24, 48, and 72h post-exercise at their fire station. Prior to all testing, firefighters completed a work-related fatigue (WRF) questionnaire to account for potential unanticipated differences in previous shift workloads. Testing included perceived muscle soreness, ultrasonography to quantify muscle size and echo intensity (EI) of the vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps brachii (BB), countermovement jump (CMJ) height and velocity, upper body (UB) peak force (PF), lower body (LB) PF and rapid force, and electromyographic (EMG) amplitude of the VL. The resistance training session included 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions of a deadlift, shoulder press, lunge, and upright row exercise at 80% 1-RM. All recovery variables were analyzed using a linear mixed model, controlling for WRF. There was no interaction (age × time) for any of the variables and a similar training volume were completed between groups (P≥0.171). Muscle soreness, CMJ height and velocity, UB PF, LB rapid force and EMG amplitude at later time intervals (100-200ms), and VL and BB muscle size were altered from baseline (P≤0.044) for 48, 24, 48, 72, and 72h post-exercise, respectively. Young firefighters exhibited greater CMJ height and velocity, LB PF, LB rapid force (200ms), and lower VL EI values than the older firefighters (P≤0.047). Age did not influence the recovery from an acute bout of worksite resistance exercise in firefighters. However, UB muscle strength, CMJ performance, and LB rapid force production were reduced 24-72h post-exercise. Appropriately scheduled and chronic on-duty resistance training may mitigate these decrements.

Características de los reanimadores asociadas a la correcta compresión torácica durante la reanimación cardiopulmonar

AimTo analyse the caregivers’ physical, anthropometrical and educational characteristics associated with adequate chest compression and full chest recoil during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). MethodsAn observational prospective research study was conducted. Emergency and critical care health professionals and students performed two minutes of chest compressions on a dummy. Depth and residual leaning after the compressions were assessed and their association with several variables (physical, anthropometrical, and educational) was analysed using logistic regression models. ResultsTwo hundred thirty-eight volunteers participated. Previous experience of the rescuer in less than six CPRs (OR: 3.03; CI 95%: 1.2-7.63) was related to a higher probability of not achieving an adequate depth of compressions. Greater height (OR: .93; 95% CI: .87-.99) and grip strength (OR: .94; 95% CI: .89-.99) were associated with correct performance of chest compression. We did not find any characteristic related to chest recoil. ConclusionsThe caregiver's previous experience with CPR was the strongest factor associated with adequate performance of chest compressions. To a lesser extent, the professional's height and upper body muscle strength also have an influence. No factors associated with the adequacy of full chest recoil were identified.

Masculinising testosterone treatment and effects on preclinical cardiovascular disease, muscle strength and power, aggression, physical fitness and respiratory function in transgender men: protocol for a 10-year, prospective, observational cohort study in Denmark at the Body Identity Clinic (BIC)

IntroductionThe number of individuals with gender dysphoria seeking gender-affirming treatment is increasing. The short-term and long-term effects of masculinising treatment with testosterone are debated as serum testosterone increases up to...