Upper-body Muscular Endurance Research Articles

Effects of 8 Weeks Conditioning Exercises on Muscular Endurance: A Cross-Sectional Study of Female Cadets of Ghana Immigration Service Academy, Assin Fosu, Ghana

Physical conditioning enables athletes to meet all the physical requirements of their sport, perform well, and minimize their risk of injury. This study aims to determine the effects of eight (8) weeks conditioning training on the muscular endurance of Female Cadets of the Ghana Immigration Service Academy. The Army Physical Training Fitness Test (APFT) was used to evaluate muscular endurance levels of the Female Cadets. The quasi-experimental pre-test post-test study design was used to conduct the study. A total of 60 female cadets were randomly stratified into two groups based on APFT age categories (22-26) and (27-31) years. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-test and independent sample t-test was used to test the hypothesis. Higher upper body muscular endurance performance as measured by the APFT was observed in the age group (27-31) years compared to age group (22-26) years. Significant difference was found in muscular endurance in the females age groups (22-26) and (27-31) years (P<0.05). Significant positive effect on muscular endurance after conditioning exercises for female Cadets in both age categories, (22-26) and (27-31) years (P<0.05) was observed. Conditioning exercises had a significant impact on APFT upper body muscular endurance performance in the age categories of (22-26) and (27-31) years.

Age-Related Differences in Physical Fitness and Performance of an “Ability Test” among Firefighters

This study’s primary objective was to examine the differences in body composition, abdominal strength, absolute and relative power, handgrip strength, one repetition maximum for squat and bench press, and the maximum count of push-up and sit-up repetitions executed within a minute across different age cohorts of firefighters. Furthermore, this study aimed to evaluate the age-related differences in firefighters’ completion times of six firefighting tasks. Eighty-four male volunteer firefighters (age 33.79 ± 6.97 years) were grouped into three age categories, 20–30 years, 31–40 years, and 41–50 years, and underwent the aforementioned evaluations. One-way analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed that age exerts a statistically significant influence (p < 0.001) on body fat percentage, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. Furthermore, age significantly affected the overall time of the ability test (p < 0.001) and the duration required to accomplish each individual task (p < 0.001). Additionally, age significantly affected abdominal strength, relative power (as measured by the step test), and the maximum count of push-up and sit-up repetitions performed within a minute. These outcomes support earlier research indicating an age-associated decrement in physical fitness parameters among firefighters. It is recommended that firefighters prioritize maintaining strength and endurance of the abdominal muscles, upper body muscular endurance, and a healthy body weight. The emphasis on specific muscular groups is essential for improving task performance within this profession.

ACTIVE COMMUTING TO SCHOOL, BMI, AND HEALTH-RELATED FITNESS OF PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Active commuting is considered one of the many forms of physical activity that could increase the level of physical activity among school children. The aim of the current study was to examine the differences between the health-related fitness of school children who engage in active and passive commuting to school, and to explore the associations between active commuting to school and the health-related physical fitness of school children. A total of 152 children (58 girls and 94 boys), aged 12, from four primary schools in the Kraljevo area participated in this study. Basic anthropometric measures were taken along with eight physical fitness tests. Boys who actively commute had greater upper body muscular endurance and cardiorespiratory fitness, and girls who were active school commuters had better results in flexibility, explosive power, upper body muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Linear regression analysis revealed significant associations between active commuting, and abdominal strength and cardiorespiratory fitness for boys, and flexibility and upper body muscular endurance for girls. Considering these positive findings, it is recommended that future studies be conducted on a larger sample and that they include intensive educational campaigning to encourage Serbian schoolchildren to practice active commuting to and from school is likewise recommended.

A Videoconference Physical Activity Intervention for Colorectal Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Physical activity (PA) after a colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis can improve physical function and quality of life and is associated with decreased mortality rates and longer disease-free survival. The accelerated use of videoconference technology during and following the COVID-19 pandemic offers an opportunity to explore the potential of a virtually supervised intervention to help survivors of CRC increase PA. A two-arm single blind pilot randomized controlled trial of individuals who had completed treatment for CRC within the previous five-years (NCT03781154, 12/19/2018). The 12-week intervention consisted of circuit-based, combined aerobic and resistance exercise, twice per week for approximately one-hour per session, and five social cognitive theory-based PA behavior change discussion sessions. All intervention components were delivered in real-time via Zoom. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed, and the effects of the intervention were explored for the outcomes of PA (activPAL™ accelerometers and self-report), social cognitive theory constructs (barriers self-efficacy and outcome expectations), and physical fitness (submaximal aerobic capacity, upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance). Twenty-nine eligible individuals (55.2% women, <em>Mean</em> = 61 ± 11 years old, <em>Mean</em> = 22.0 ± 15.1 months since diagnosis) were randomized to the videoconference PA intervention (<em>n</em> = 15) or a PA education control (<em>n</em> = 14). A total of <em>N</em> = 25 completed the study for a retention rate of 86.7% in the intervention arm and 85.7% in the control. Adherence to intervention components was >86%. The intervention was highly acceptable with ≥90% responding “yes” or “definitely yes” that they enjoyed participating. Trends suggested that intervention participants had greater improvements in accelerometer measured steps per day, daily minutes of light PA, sedentary time, and aerobic fitness. There was no change in social cognitive theory constructs, and muscular strength and endurance improved in both the intervention and control. A 12-week videoconference PA intervention was feasible and acceptable among survivors of CRC, and the greatest magnitude of difference for intervention effects was observed for light PA and sedentary time. A fully powered trial is needed to determine efficacy of the intervention for increasing PA and physical functioning.

Yoga Improves Movement, Balance, And Upper Body Muscular Endurance In Healthy Adults

Yoga Improves Movement, Balance, And Upper Body Muscular Endurance In Healthy Adults

Effect of Online Vinyasa Training on Housewives’ Lower and Upper Body Endurance: A Randomized Post-Pandemic Covid-19 Trial

Study purpose. The COVID-19 pandemic has a considerable impact on social and financial factors in addition to health outcomes. There is, however, still little information available as to how Covid-19 actually impacted housewives. Consequently, this paper aims to provide a new dimension to the study of how vinyasa could support mothers’ fitness throughout the pandemic. This study sought to determine whether an online vinyasa programme for 8 weeks during Covid-19 pandemic could significantly influence housewives’ upper and lower body muscle endurance. Materials and methods. 24 housewives (between the ages of 26 and 36) from the NCR region of Delhi participated in the study. The participants were divided at random and put either into the experimental group (vinyasa) or the control group. Both upper and lower body muscular endurance was found to be the health-related variable. The longest-lasting bent knee push-ups were used to gauge upper body muscular endurance, while the longest-lasting bodyweight squat holds over a 90-degree angle were used to gauge lower body muscle endurance. Results. To analyse the findings, tests were run both prior to and following the training. A substantial difference between the experimental group and control group was found using ANCOVA to compare them to the baseline after 8 weeks. Conclusions. Thus, it was determined that the online/virtual vinyasa training programme was a successful way for housewives to increase  their body muscular endurance (health-related fitness).

Double-pyramid and Reverse step resistance training effectiveness on physical fitness factors among elite female athletes

Due to the necessity of resistance training for athletes conditioning, loading patterns in order to improve training outcomes have received more attention in recent decades. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to assess the impact of 8-week resistance training performed with double pyramid (DP) and reverse step (RS) systems on some physical fitness components of elite female athletes. 30 young female handball players are randomly assigned to the three groups of DP (age: 17.43±1.63 year, weight: 70.28±10.14 kg, fat percentage: 15.60±1.17), RS (age: 17.13±1.32 year, weight: 67.80±7.78 kg, fat percentage: 15.40±1.69), and control groups (age: 17.33±1.71 year, weight: 61.04±6.61 kg, fat percentage: 16.50±1.43). Training programs was performed for an eight-week, 3 sessions per week with loading pattern of DP or RS. Measurements including fat percentage, anaerobic power (RAST), agility (Illinois), Speed (45 meter sprint), strength (1RM), and muscle endurance (60% 1RM) are taken before and after the training course.After the training period, DP and RS groups had significant effects on the mean power, upper and lower body muscular endurance, fat percentage, agility and speed (p<0.05). Also, DP showed a significantly more increase in upper body strength compared to RS groups and RS showed a significantly more increase in lower body strength compared to DP groups (p<0.05). Also, comparison of DP and RS groups showed a significant difference in lower and upper body muscle endurance between the two groups (P <0.05); While, there was not a significant difference in anaerobic power, upper and lower body strength, fat percentage, speed, and agility tests between training groups. DP resistance training appears that to have more impact in improving anaerobic power, upper body strength and speed. While, RS ones showed a greater effect on increasing the lower body strength, muscular endurance, agility and fat percentage of female handball players.

Unstable compared to stable core exercises improve muscular endurance in preadolescents and adolescents

Although previous studies have indicated the importance of a core strength and muscular endurance training in preadolescents and adolescents, there is a lack of evidence regarding effects of a long-term core training in unstable conditions. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of core training in stable versus unstable body positions on core and upper body strength and muscular endurance in non-trained children aged 11-14 years. Participants were randomly assigned to either stable (SC, N=569) or unstable (UC, N=633) core-exercise group and assessed at baseline, four, and eight months for sit-ups, dynamic trunk extension, static trunk extension, and push-ups. Repeated measures ANOVA, with time as a within factor, and exercise group, age, and gender as between factors, was employed for data analysis. Post-hoc comparisons showed greater absolute improvements after the eight-month training in UC compared to SC for all measures, age groups, and both genders (p≤.01), and greater relative improvements (differences in Cohen’s d between UC and SC ranged from 0.08 to 1.58), except for static trunk extension in 11- and 12-year-old participants. However, the differences between SC and UC in four-month effects were inconsistent. These results point out that core exercises in unstable compared to stable conditions have a greater capacity for long-term improvement of core and upper body strength and muscular endurance in non-trained preadolescents and adolescents.

Effects of throw ball practice combined with neuromuscular drills on upper body muscular endurance

Effects of throw ball practice combined with neuromuscular drills on upper body muscular endurance

A Group-Based, Videoconference-Delivered Physical Activity Program for Cancer Survivors.

Virtually supervised, group-based exercise presents an innovative way to expand the reach of exercise-oncology programs and help cancer survivors increase physical activity (PA) and connect with other participants. This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a group-based PA program delivered exclusively using videoconferencing software. This study used a single-group pre-post design. The 8-wk program consisted of aerobic and resistance exercise sessions once per week and three PA behavior change discussion sessions in groups of four to six. Feasibility was determined by enrollment, retention, safety, and adherence. Postprogram surveys evaluated acceptability using a Likert scale and open-ended responses. Changes in PA (Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire), quality of life (QOL; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- General), and upper and lower body muscular endurance (bicep curl and sit-to-stand test) were also evaluated. Enrollment was feasible (n = 61 of 65 who expressed interest in the program), and retention (86.9%) and adherence (88% for exercise, 91% for discussion) were high; no adverse events were reported. Participants (mean age, 59.9 ± 10.1 yr; 96.2% female; 64.2% ovarian cancer, 28.3% breast cancer, 7.5% other cancer) reported they enjoyed the program (median, 7 of 7), and videoconferencing software was easy to use and had good video and audio quality (median, 5 of 5). From preprogram to postprogram, participants increased their weekly minutes of aerobic (mean (SD) change, 82.4 (144.2)) and resistance (mean (SD) change, 31.9 (42.7)) PA; sit-to-stand (mean (SD) change, 1.4 (3.9)) and bicep curl (mean (SD) change, 5.3 (6.8)) repetitions; and emotional (mean (SD) change, 0.82 (2.3) points), functional (mean (SD) change, 1.2 (3.6) points), and total QOL (mean (SD) change, 3 (7.9) points; all P < 0.05). A group-based PA program delivered using videoconference technology is feasible and acceptable for cancer survivors, and may increase PA and improve physical fitness and some aspects of QOL. A larger, controlled intervention is needed to determine efficacy, as well as pragmatic studies to directly compare this approach with conventional strategies (i.e., face-to-face programs).

Health-related components of physical fitness and adiposity indicators: a comparative study among Kathak dancers and non-dancers of North India

ABSTRACT The present study aims to do a comparative analysis of health-related components of physical fitness and adiposity levels between Kathak dancers and non-dancers. Participants included 206 female Kathak dancers and 235 physically active controls, ages 18–45 years. Participants performed handgrip strength test and modified push up test for assessing upper body muscular strength and endurance, half sit-up test for abdominal strength and endurance, wall sit, and squat test for lower body strength and endurance, and v-sit and reach test for flexibility. Eight somatometric measurements were recorded based on the ISAK Protocol for assessing the adiposity levels. Basic descriptive statistics were calculated to assess the distribution of various health-related components of physical fitness and adiposity indicators across the sample. Pearson correlation assessed the association between health-related components of physical fitness, age, and years of learning dance. Results revealed that of all the adiposity indicators, only waist-to-hip ratio was significantly higher in Kathak dancers than the non-dancers (M = 0.77 vs. 0.74, p = .028). Kathak dancers endorsed significantly higher scores in all the tests assessing muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility (p < .001) compared to controls. Kathak dance can be taken up as a form of exercise by females of all age-groups that may prevent the development of obesity and improve muscular strength. However, within Kathak dancers, there were high number of participants who reported lower abdominal endurance and lower back flexibility levels, which emphasize the need to encourage supplementary exercise training among Kathak dancers.

The Association between Body Mass Index and Muscular Fitness in Chinese College Freshmen.

(1) Background: The present study aimed to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and muscular fitness in Chinese college freshmen. (2) Methods: A total of 6425 college freshmen in mainland China were recruited. BMI was classified as underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5~23.9 kg/m2), overweight (24~27.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥28 kg/m2), according to the Working Group on Obesity in China. Health-related physical fitness components including cardiorespiratory fitness, lower body explosive power, upper body muscular endurance, abdominal muscular endurance, flexibility, and vital capacity were assessed. Physical fitness index and muscular fitness index were calculated, respectively, as the sum score of the standardized values (z-score) of the corresponding components. Three regression models were used to evaluate the potential associations: a linear regression model, a polynomial regression model, and a restricted cubic spline regression model. Adjust R square was used to compare among models. (3) Results: Significant differences were observed among different BMI categories in nearly all physical fitness components as well as physical fitness z-score and muscular fitness z-score (p < 0.001), regardless of gender. Significant linear associations were found between BMI and physical fitness z-score as well as muscular fitness z-score among total, male, and female groups (p < 0.05). However, the restricted cubic spline regression model showed a better fitting effect (adjust R2 was 7.9%, 11.2%, and 4.8% in total, male, and female for physical fitness and 7.7%, 15.7%, and 4.0%, for muscular fitness, respectively), compared with the linear and polynomial regression models, presented by a higher adjusted R2. Restricted cubic splines analysis showed that BMI value and physical fitness z-score showed a non-linear relationship with an approximate inverted U curve in all groups, while an approximate reversed J-shaped association was observed between BMI and muscular fitness z-score in all groups. (4) Conclusions: The present study showed a nonlinear negative relationship between BMI and physical fitness with underweight and overweight/obese college freshmen having poorer physical fitness and muscular fitness than their normal BMI peers, which may provide useful evidence to the development of public health recommendations and encourage the health management of young adults. Future studies should further explore the relationship between BMI and muscular fitness with multi-centered large sample size studies.

A Group-based Videoconferencing Intervention To Increase Physical Activity, Fitness, And Group Cohesion In Cancer Survivors

PURPOSE: Group-based videoconferencing presents a viable and innovative way to help cancer survivors increase physical activity (PA), improve fitness outcomes, and connect with other participants. This study examined the effects of a pilot intervention on PA, muscular endurance, and group cohesion. METHODS: Single-arm 8-week intervention, consisting of circuit-style aerobic and resistance exercise sessions 1x/week, and PA behavior change discussion sessions. All components were delivered in real time via Zoom in groups of 4-6 participants. Differences in aerobic and resistance PA (Godin-Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire), and upper and lower body muscular endurance (30 second arm curl and sit-to-stand tests) from pre- to post-intervention were evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Group cohesion was measured at post-program using the PA Group Exercise Questionnaire (PAGE-Q). Median and interquartile range was calculated for total score and the subscales: attraction the group-task (ATG-T), and -social (ATG-S), group integration- task (GI-T), and -social (GI-S). RESULTS: Participants (N = 39) were M = 60 ± 10 years old, 97.4% female, and diagnosed with ovarian (56.4%), breast (30.8%) or other (12.8%) cancer. Completion rate was 89.7% (N = 35) and adherence was 88.2% for exercise and 87.0% for discussion sessions. From baseline to post-intervention, there was a difference in aerobic PA (MΔ = +82.77 ± 164.18 mins/week, p = .0059) resistance PA (MΔ + 37.37 ± 39.38 mins/week, p = .0001), number of sit-to-stand repetitions (MΔ = +1.58 ± 2.54, p = .0005) and arm curl repetitions (MΔ = +5.96 ± 7.24, p = .000). Median scores for PAGE-Q were: ATG-T = 7.5 (7-8), ATG-S = 6.2 (4.8-7.2), GI-T = 5.8 (5-6.8), GI-S = 4.5 (2.8-5.5), and Total = 5.8 (5.2-6.7). CONCLUSIONS: PA, upper and lower body muscular endurance increased following an 8-week group-based videoconference intervention. Group cohesion was lower than reported in previously published face-to-face PA interventions, but in those studies, exercise session frequency was higher (2-3x per week) and duration was longer than 8-weeks. Future studies should include a control condition to confirm the efficacy of a videoconferencing intervention, and compare group cohesion to a dose-matched face-to-face intervention.

EFFECT OF A NITRIC OXIDE PRE-WORKOUT SUPPLEMENT ON MUSCULAR ENDURANCE

Introduction: Multi-ingredient dietary supplements have been developed to increase nitric oxide (NO) production, with the expectation of improving resistance training performance. Many of these supplements contain ingredients and/ or ingredient amounts that have yet to be studied for their synergy or efficacy in increasing NO production and thus, resistance training performance. Purpose of the study: A randomized crossover design was used to investigate the effect of a citrulline malate (CM) based non-stimulant nitric oxide pre-workout supplement (NOPWS) blend or placebo on Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) bench press performance. Applied Methodology: Thirty minutes were provided between NOPWS or placebo ingestion and YMCA bench press assessment. Pre/post heart rate was taken following each condition. Two- and one-way repeated measures ANOVAs (α = 0.05) were run to determine the effect of each condition on heart rate (HR) and the number of repetitions performed (respectively) during the bench press test. Achieved major results: There was a significant two-way interaction between the treatment and time for HR, F(1, 20) = 6.82, p = .017. Resting HR was significantly higher during the supplement session (M = 74.67, SE = 2.54 bpm) than during the placebo session (M = 69.14, SE = 2.31 bpm), F(1, 20) = 8.19, p = .010, ηp2 = .290. No significant difference was found between conditions for number of repetitions performed. Leads: A specific CM-containing NOPWS blend had no significant effect on a standardized assessment of upper body muscular endurance. Practical implications: These findings highlight the need for consideration of the minimum effective dosage and assimilation timing of each respective ingredient when developing or researching pre-workout supplement blends. Originality/Value: This is the first known research to study the effectiveness of this specific blend of ingredients on resistance training performance. Thus, this study provides necessary foundational knowledge for future research in this area.

Predicting lower body explosive strength using hand grip dynamometer strength test

Problem statement: Numerous fitness tests are usually administered to determine either muscular strength or cardiovascular endurance. Even though an ample number of tests exist to measure upper body muscular endurance and lower body maximal muscular strength, a single test that assesses both could be beneficial in some circumstances. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if a hand-grip dynamometer strength test is a valid predictor of lower body explosive strength. Methods: Participants included 164 college students including both genders included boys = 83, (age 20.72±2.82 yrs., height 170.28±5.48 cm, weight 62.01±9.55 kg) and girls = 81, (age 20.64±2.74 yrs, height 159.30±5.68 cm, weight 55.71±8.14 kg). Subjects performed the standing broad jump (SBJ) for lower body explosive strength. Subjects performed 3 trials of the dominant hand grip strength (dHGS) test, after which the maximum value was recorded. Pearson bivariate correlation analyses were used to determine relationships between measures. Simple linear regression with enter method was performed to predict variation in lower body explosive strength through the hand grip dynamometer strength test. Results: Significant correlations were found between dHGS and SBJ (r = .802, p

Effects of Creatine Nitrate and Caffeine Alone and Co‐ingested on Anaerobic and Muscular Endurance Performance

BACKGROUNDIngestion of creatine nitrate and caffeine individually improve anaerobic and muscular endurance performance; however, co‐ingestion of creatine nitrate and caffeine remains unclear.METHODSIn a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled cross over study, 12 resistance‐trained participants (22±1 y; 180.0±9.5 cm; 85.9±15.1 kg) completed 4 conditions in random order: creatine nitrate (CN: 5 g/day + 0.675 g/day of maltodextrin), caffeine (CAF: 400 mg/day + 5 g/day of maltodextrin), CN+CAF (5 g/day of creatine nitrate + 400 mg/day of caffeine), and placebo (PL: 5.4 g/day of maltodextrin). Supplements were ingested for 7 days with a 7‐day washout period between conditions. Before and after supplementation, muscular endurance (bench press and leg press; 3 sets at 70% 1RM) and a Wingate anaerobic test were performed. Peak power (PP), mean power (MP), and fatigue index (FI) were calculated. Data were analyzed using a two‐way (within‐within) analysis of variance (p≤0.05) with a Tukey’s post hoc when appropriate. Absolute change (post minus pre‐testing) was calculated and analyzed with a repeated‐measures ANOVA.RESULTSThere was a significant main effect of time for both leg press (p=0.009) and bench press (p&lt;0.001) with post‐testing greater than pre‐testing; however, there were no differences between conditions. For peak power, there was no significant interaction (p=0.436), the main effect of time (p=0.967), or differences between conditions for absolute change (p=0.436). For mean power, there was a significant interaction (p=0.037); however, post hoc analysis revealed no significant pairwise effects; however, absolute change for mean power between conditions was significant (p=0.037), with post hoc analysis revealing a trend (p&lt;0.10) for both CN conditions (CN alone and CN+CAF) to be superior compared to CAF. There were no significant differences between conditions or overtime for fatigue index.CONCLUSIONShort‐term CN and CAF ingested either individually, or co‐ingested could not augment upper or lower body muscular endurance or anaerobic performance compared to PL in resistance‐trained participants.

Evaluating 5% Healthier: An e-Service-Learning Teleexercise Program for Undergraduate and Graduate Students in Exercise Physiology

An e-service-learning teleexercise program, 5% Healthier, provided a remote experiential learning opportunity for students and a supervised exercise program for participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study retrospectively evaluated whether students achieved course learning outcomes and improved their ability to work in teleexercise and if the intervention was a successful exercise program for participants. Supervised by graduate students, undergraduate student coaches provided 10 weeks of personalized exercise coaching to participants. Pre- and postperformance assessments were collected on participants, and anonymous surveys were administered to students and participants. Twenty-two undergraduate students and nine graduate students participated. Students’ perceptions of the e-service-learning experience were generally positive, and almost all felt it allowed them to meet the course learning outcomes and improved their ability to work in teleexercise. Seventy-three participants completed the exercise program and showed improvements in all performance assessments (body composition (weight, BMI), shoulder and hamstring flexibility, upper and lower body muscular endurance, and overall function ( p &lt; 0.01 )). Participants rated the program highly and agreed that 5% Healthier helped them gain fitness (93%). The 5% Healthier e-service-learning program is a successful model for experiential learning in exercise physiology, and the teleexercise program improved participants’ performance outcomes.

Effect of Circuit Training Combined with Speed Agility Quickness Drills and Jump Rope Drills on Upperbody Muscular Endurance

The purpose of study was to find out the effect of two modes of circuit training on muscular endurance in term of upper body of school boys. To achieve the purpose of the study, thirty school boys from different schools from of Alagappa Sports Foundation at Karaikudi, were selected as subject at random. Their age group range between 11 to 14 years. The study was formulated as pre and post test random group design, in which thirty subject were divided into three equal groups. The experimental group-1 (n=10, CT-SAD) underwent circuit training combined with speed agility quickness drills, the experimental group-2 (n=10, CT-JRD) underwent through circuit training combined with Jump Rope Drills and group 3 served as a control group (n=10, CG) did not undergo any specific training. In this study, two training programme were adopted as independent variable, i.e., circuit training combined with speed agility quickens and circuit training combined with jump rope drills. The physical fitness variable muscular endurance in term of upper body was selected as dependent variable. It was measured by push-up measured in counts. The selected two treatment groups namely circuit training combined with speed agility quickens drills and circuit training combined with jump rope drills were performed five days in a week for the period of six weeks, as per the stipulated training program. The muscular endurance in term of upper body was collected before and after the training period. The collected pre and post test data was critically analyzed with apt statistical tool of analysis of co-variance, for observed the significant adjusted post-test mean difference of three groups. The Scheffe’s post hoc test was used to find out pair-wise comparisons between groups. To test the hypothesis 0.05 level of significant was fixed. The performance of the muscular endurance in term of upper body is similar in circuit training combined with the jump rope drills and the circuit training combined with speed agility and quickness drills.

The Acute Effects of Normobaric Hypoxia on Strength, Muscular Endurance and Cognitive Function: Influence of Dose and Sex.

Simple SummaryHypoxic training is a novel method to increase resistance training adaptations. There is some evidence that resistance exercise performed in systemic hypoxia can lead to structural and functional adaptations of skeletal muscle. Studies have also demonstrated that normobaric hypoxia (i.e., normal pressure, low oxygen) increases intramuscular metabolic stress and type two (fast twitch) fiber recruitment, which leads to a greater morphological adaptations over time. However, to date, there is no research that has investigated the effects of different doses of acute normobaric hypoxia on strength and muscular endurance performance, nor has there been research investigating potential sex-based differences.The aim of this study was to examine the acute effects of different levels of hypoxia on maximal strength, muscular endurance, and cognitive function in males and females. In total, 13 males (mean ± SD: age, 23.6 ± 2.8 years; height, 176.6 ± 3.9 cm; body mass, 76.6 ± 2.1 kg) and 13 females (mean ± SD: age, 22.8 ± 1.4 years; height, 166.4 ± 1.9 cm; body mass, 61.6 ± 3.4 kg) volunteered for a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Participants completed a one repetition strength and muscular endurance test (60% of one repetition maximum to failure) for squat and bench press following four conditions; (i) normoxia (900 m altitude; FiO2: 21%); (ii) low dose hypoxia (2000 m altitude; FiO2: 16%); (iii) moderate dose hypoxia (3000 m altitude; FiO2: 14%); and (iv) high dose hypoxia (4000 m altitude; FiO2: 12%). Heart rate, blood lactate, rating of perceived exertion, and cognitive function was also determined during each condition. The one repetition maximum squat (p = 0.33) and bench press (p = 0.68) did not differ between conditions or sexes. Furthermore, squat endurance did not differ between conditions (p = 0.34). There was a significant decrease in bench press endurance following moderate (p = 0.02; p = 0.04) and high (p = 0.01; p = 0.01) doses of hypoxia in both males and females compared to normoxia and low dose hypoxia, respectively. Cognitive function, ratings of perceived exertion, and lactate were also significantly different in high and moderate dose hypoxia conditions compared to normoxia (p < 0.05). Heart rate was not different between the conditions (p = 0.30). In conclusion, high and moderate doses of acute normobaric hypoxia decrease upper body muscular endurance and cognitive performance regardless of sex; however, lower body muscular endurance and maximal strength are not altered.

Intermittent fasting and continuous energy restriction result in similar changes in body composition and muscle strength when combined with a 12 week resistance training program

PurposeThe objective of this study was to compare the effects of 12 weeks of resistance training combined with either 5:2 intermittent fasting or continuous energy restriction on body composition, muscle size and quality, and upper and lower body strength.MethodsUntrained individuals undertook 12 weeks of resistance training plus either continuous energy restriction [20% daily energy restriction (CERT)] or 5:2 intermittent fasting [~ 70% energy restriction 2 days/week, euenergetic consumption 5 days/week (IFT)], with both groups prescribed a mean of ≥ 1.4 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Participants completed 2 supervised resistance and 1 unsupervised aerobic/resistance training combination session per week. Changes in lean body mass (LBM), thigh muscle size and quality, strength and dietary intake were assessed.ResultsThirty-four participants completed the study (CERT = 17, IFT = 17). LBM was significantly increased (+ 3.7%, p < 0.001) and body weight (− 4.6%, p < 0.001) and fat (− 24.1%, p < 0.001) were significantly reduced with no significant difference between groups, though results differed by sex. Both groups showed improvements in thigh muscle size and quality, and reduced intramuscular and subcutaneous fat assessed by ultrasonography and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), respectively. The CERT group demonstrated a significant increase in muscle surface area assessed by pQCT compared to the IFT group. Similar gains in upper and lower body strength and muscular endurance were observed between groups.ConclusionWhen combined with resistance training and moderate protein intake, continuous energy restriction and 5:2 intermittent fasting resulted in similar improvements in body composition, muscle quality, and strength. ACTRN: ACTRN12620000920998, September 2020, retrospectively registered.