Weeks Of Strength Training Research Articles

The A55T and K153R polymorphisms of MSTN gene are associated with the strength training-induced muscle hypertrophy among Han Chinese men

Myostatin, encoded by the MSTN gene, is a strong regulator of skeletal muscle growth. The present study aimed to investigate whether the A55T and K153R polymorphisms of MSTN were associated with the strength training-induced muscle hypertrophy among Han Chinese men. A total of 94 healthy, untrained men were recruited for an 8-week strength training programme. The thicknesses of biceps and quadriceps, along with anthropometric measurements of the participants, were assessed before and after the programme. The MSTN polymorphisms were subsequently genotyped employing polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique and confirmed by DNA sequencing. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the pre- and post-training measurements between carriers of different polymorphic genotypes. Our results indicated that individuals with AT + TT genotype of the A55T polymorphism showed a significant increase in the thickness of biceps (0.292 ± 0.210 cm, P = 0.03), but not quadriceps (0.254 ± 0.198 cm, P = 0.07), compared to carriers of AA genotype. For the K153R polymorphism, the increases in the thicknesses of both biceps (0.300 ± 0.131 cm) and quadriceps (0.421 ± 0.281 cm) were significantly higher among individuals with KR than those with KK genotypes (P < 0.01 for both muscles). The results obtained therefore suggested a possible association between the two polymorphisms and the strength training-induced muscle hypertrophy among men of Han Chinese ethnicity.

Tendon and skeletal muscle matrix gene expression and functional responses to immobilisation and rehabilitation in young males: effect of growth hormone administration

We examined the effect of growth hormone (GH) on connective tissue of tendon and skeletal muscle during immobilisation and re-training in humans. Young men (20-30 years; n = 20) were randomly assigned to daily recombinant human GH (rhGH) (33-50 μg kg(-1) day(-1)) or placebo (Plc), and had one leg immobilised for 2 weeks, followed by 6 weeks of strength training. The cross-sectional area (CSA), maximal muscle strength (maximal voluntary contraction, MVC) and biomechanical properties of the quadriceps muscle and patellar tendon were determined. Muscle and tendon biopsies were analysed for mRNA of collagen (COL1A1/3A1), insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1Ea/Ec), lysyl oxidase (LOX), matrix metalloproteases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), decorin and tenascin-C. Fibril morphology was analysed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to detect changes in the fibril diameter distribution. In muscle, CSA and MVC declined with immobilisation and recovered with rehabilitation similarly in both groups. Likewise, both groups showed increased IGF-1Ea/Ec and COL1A1/3A1 expression in muscle during re-training after immobilisation compared with baseline, and the increase was more pronounced when subjects received GH. The tendon CSA did not change during immobilisation, but increased in both groups during 6 weeks of rehabilitation (∼14%). A decline in tendon stiffness after immobilisation was observed only in the Plc group, and an increase during 6 weeks of rehabilitation was observed only in the GH group. IGF-1Ea and COL1A1/3A1 mRNA increased with immobilisation in the GH group only, and LOX mRNA was higher in the GH group than in the Plc group after immobilisation. Both groups showed an increase in MMP-2 with immobilisation, whereas no changes in MMP-9, decorin and tenascin-C were observed. The tendon fibril diameter distribution remained unchanged in both groups. In conclusion, GH stimulates collagen expression in both skeletal muscle and tendon, abolishes the normal inactivity-related decline in tendon stiffness and LOX, and results in increased tendon CSA and stiffness during rehabilitation. GH has a matrix-stabilising effect during periods of inactivity and rehabilitation in humans.

The effect of maturation on adaptations to strength training and detraining in 11–15‐year‐olds

To investigate how maturity status modifies the effects of strength training and detraining on performance, we subjected 33 young men to 8 weeks of strength training twice per week followed by 8 weeks without training. Changes in performance tests were analyzed in three maturity groups based on years from/to age of predicted peak height velocity (PHV): pre-PHV (-1.7 ± 0.4 years; n = 10), mid-PHV (-0.2 ± 0.4 years; n = 11), and post-PHV (1.0 ± 0.4 years; n = 12). Mean training effects on one repetition maximum strength (3.6-10.0%), maximum explosive power (11-20%), jump length (6.5-7.4%), and sprint times (-2.1% to -4.7%) ranged from small to large, with generally greater changes in mid- and post-PHV groups. Changes in force-velocity relationships reflected generally greater increases in strength at faster velocities. In the detraining period, the pre-PHV group showed greatest loss of strength and power, the post-PHV group showed some loss of sprint performance, but all groups maintained or improved jump length. Strength training was thus generally less effective before the growth spurt. Maintenance programs are needed for most aspects of explosive performance following strength training before the growth spurt and for sprint speed after the growth spurt.

Improved Glucose Tolerance after High-Load Strength Training in Patients Undergoing Dialysis

Background/Aims: The aim of this controlled study was to investigate the effect of high-load strength training on glucose tolerance in patients undergoing dialysis. Methods: 23 patients treated by dialysis underwent a 16-week control period followed by 16 weeks of strength training three times a week. Muscle fiber size, composition and capillary density were analyzed in biopsies obtained in the vastus lateralis muscle. Glucose tolerance and the insulin response were measured by a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. Results: All outcome measures remained unchanged during the control period. After strength training the relative area of type 2X fibers was decreased. Muscle fiber size and capillary density remained unchanged. After the strength training, insulin concentrations were significantly lower in patients with impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes (n = 14) (fasting insulin from 68 ± 12 (46-96) to 54 ± 10 (37-77) pmol/l, p < 0.05, 2-hour insulin from 533 ± 104 (356-776) to 344 ± 68 (226-510) pmol/l, p < 0.05, total insulin area under the curve from 1,868 ± 334 (1,268-2,536) to 1,465 ± 222 (1,094-1,913), p < 0.05). Insulin concentrations were unchanged in patients with normal glucose tolerance (n = 9). Conclusion: The conducted strength training was associated with a significant improvement in glucose tolerance in patients with impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes undergoing dialysis. The effect was apparently not associated with muscle hypertrophy, whereas the muscle fiber type composition was changed.

The effects of back extension training on back muscle strength and spinal range of motion in young females.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a 10-week dynamic back extension training programme and its effects on back muscle strength, back muscle endurance and spinal range of motion (ROM) for healthy young females. Seventy-three young females (age: 19.32±1.80 years, height: 158.89±4.71 cm, body weight: 55.67±6.30 kg) volunteered for the study. Prior to the training period, all participants completed anthropometric measurements, back muscle strength and endurance test, lateral bending and spinal ROM measurements. After measurements, the participants were divided into two groups. The exercise group (N:35) performed the dynamic back extension exercise 3 days per week for 10 weeks. The control group (N:38) did not participate in any type of exercise. The mixed design ANOVA (group x time) was used to determine the difference in pre- and post-training values. The present findings show that there were significant differences between pre-training and post-training values for back muscle strength and spinal ROM in the exercise group. Following the dynamic strength training programme, back muscle strength and spine ROM values except flexion of the lumbar 5-sacrum 1 (L5-S1) segment of the exercise group showed a significant increase when compared with the pre test values. The control group did not show any significant changes when compared with the pre-training values. The results demonstrate that the 10-week dynamic strength training programme was effective for spinal extension ROM and back muscle strength, but there was no change in back muscle endurance. In this context, this programme could potentially be used to prevent the decrease of spinal ROM as well as provide an increase in the fitness parameters of healthy individuals.

Strength-Training with Whole-Body Vibration in Long-Distance Runners: A Randomized Trial

A parallel group randomized trial was designed to analyze the impact of 6 weeks of strength training programs performed with or without whole-body vibration on muscular and endurance performance parameters in long-distance runners. 22 endurance runners were allocated into strength with whole-body vibration (n=8), without (n=8), and control (n=6) groups. Before and after the experimental period the subjects performed the following tests: a) maximum dynamic strength test, b) maximal incremental treadmill test, and c) time to exhaustion at velocity corresponding to maximal oxygen uptake. The fractions of the aerobic and anaerobic contribution in time to exhaustion test were also calculated. Both strength trained groups showed a similar increase in maximum dynamic strength (~18%). The aerobic contribution was enhanced for strength training group without whole-body vibration (~25%) after experimental period. No statistical differences were observed in any other variable. These results suggest that 6 weeks of strength training performed with or without whole-body vibration improve similarly the maximum dynamic strength in long-distance runners. In addition, both training modes studied had no deleterious effects on the traditional parameters of endurance performance, traditional strength training program results in increased aerobic contribution during high-intensity aerobic exercise.

Influence of Inter-Set Stretching on Strength, Flexibility and Hormonal Adaptations

Adequate levels of strength and flexibility are important for the promotion and maintenance of health and functional autonomy as well as safe and effective sports participation. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of 8 weeks of strength training with or without inter-set static stretching on strength, flexibility and hormonal adaptations of trained men. Sixteen trained men were randomly divided into 2 groups: the static stretching group (SSG) and passive interval group (PIG). All participants performed 24 training sessions 3 times a week. The test and retest of 8RM, strength, flexibility, cortisol and growth hormone concentration in pre and post test conditions were also evaluated. To compare the differences between and within groups in pre- and post-training tests, ANOVA with repeated measures was performed (SSGpre x SSGpost; PIGpre x PIGpost; SSGpost x PIGpost). An alpha level of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant for all comparisons. Both groups showed significant increases in strength (SSGpre vs. SSGpost; PIGpre vs. PIGpost) in the same exercises for leg extension (LE) and Low Row (LR). Specifically, in the SSG group, the parameters for LE were (p = 0.0015 and ES = 2.28 - Large), and the parameters for LR were (p = 0.002 and ES = 1.95 - Large). Moreover, in the PIG group, the parameters for LE were (p = 0.009 and ES = 1.95 - Large), and the parameters for LR were (p = 0.0001 and ES = 2.88 - Large). No differences were found between the groups (SSGpost vs. PIGpost). Both groups showed significant increases in flexibility but in different joints (SSGpre vs. SSGpost; PIGpre vs. PIGpost). In the SSG group, only three joints showed significant increases in flexibility: shoulder extension (p = 0.004 and ES = 1.76 - Large), torso flexion (p = 0.002 and ES = 2.36 - Large), and hip flexion (p = 0.001 and ES = 1.79 -Large). In the PIG group, only three joints showed increases in flexibility: horizontal shoulder abduction (p = 0.003 and ES = 2.07 - Large), hip flexion (p = 0.001 and ES = 2.39 – Large), and hip extension (p = 0.02 and ES = 1.79 - Large). In-between group analyses (SSGpost x PIGpost) revealed differences in two joints: shoulder extension (p = 0.001) and horizontal shoulder abduction (p = 0.001). Hormonal profiles showed no significant differences in cortisol secretion or growth hormone concentration. In conclusion, both studied strength protocols (with and without inter-set static stretching) resulted in flexibility and strength gains without an effect on the anabolic and catabolic hormonal profile.

Assess The Effect of Resistance Training Compared To a Weight Loss Diet Program, on Body Composition, Insulin Sensitivity and Cardio-Vascular Risk Factors In Obese Adolescents.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of a Resistance training program (BT) versus weight loss diet (DR) on body composition, insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular risk factors in obese adolescents. Methods: Thirty obese adolescents with a BMI above the 97th percentile participated in a training program and diet for 12 weeks. They were randomized into two groups: a diet group (DR, n = 16) with a caloric restriction of 500 kcal / day and Strength training group (BT, n = 14) for all major muscle groups, three sessions / week with an intensity of 50-80% (1.RM) for 3 months. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were performed for all of our subjects before and after the intervention program of 12 weeks. Results: Significant variations of body composition parameters were observed in both groups. The decrease of BMI, body weight, fat mass and (WC) for the group (DR) was more important than the group (BT) (p <0.01 and p <0.05 respectively). Strength training significantly increases the sensitivity to insulin (HOMA-IR of group (BT), was 4.53 ± 1.2 before and 3.47 ± 1.4 after the training program (p <0.05)), while there was no significant change for the group (DR). 12 weeks of strength training, improves the plasma concentrations of TG and HDL-C the LDL-C/HDL-C reports, TC / HDL-C and HDL-C / TG (p <0.05). The diet of weight loss induced a significant decrease only for the TC and LDL-C. (4,46 ± 0.24 before to 4.15 ± 0.37 after and 2.68 ± 0.18 before to 2.42 ± 0.14 after (p <0.05) respectively). Conclusion: Strength training improves much more the sensitivity to insulin and cardiovascular risk factors than weight loss diet program. The latter is more effective for weight loss, BMI and body fat in obese adolescent boys.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) reduces structural and functional losses of quadriceps muscle and improves health status in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with quadriceps atrophy and weakness, so muscle strengthening is an important point in the rehabilitation process. Since pain and joint stiffness make it often difficult to use conventional strength exercises, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may be an alternative approach for these patients. This study was aimed at (1) identifying the associations of knee OA with quadriceps muscle architecture and strength, and (2) quantifying the effects of a NMES training program on these parameters. In phase 1, 20 women with knee OA were compared with 10 healthy female, asymptomatic, age-matched control subjects. In phase 2, 12 OA patients performed an 8-week NMES strength training program. OA patients presented smaller vastus lateralis thickness (11.9 mm) and fascicle length (20.5%) than healthy subjects (14.1 mm; 24.5%), and also had a 23% smaller knee extensor torque compared to the control group. NMES training increased vastus lateralis thickness (from 12.6 to 14.2 mm) and fascicle length (from 19.6% to 24.6%). Additionally, NMES training increased the knee extensor torque by 8% and reduced joint pain, stiffness, and functional limitation. In conclusion, OA patients have decreased strength, muscle thickness, and fascicle length in the knee extensor musculature compared to control subjects. NMES training appears to offset the changes in quadriceps structure and function, as well as improve the health status in patients with knee OA.

Effects of strength training and detraining on knee extensor strength, muscle volume and muscle quality in elderly women

Strength training seems to be an interesting approach to counteract decreases that affect knee extensor strength, muscle mass and muscle quality (force per unit of muscle mass) associated with ageing. However, there is no consensus regarding the changes in muscle mass and their contribution to strength during periods of training and detraining in the elderly. Therefore, this study aimed at verifying the behaviour of knee extensor muscle strength, muscle volume and muscle quality in elderly women in response to a 12-week strength training programme followed by a similar period of detraining. Statistical analysis showed no effect of time on muscle quality. However, strength and muscle volume increased from baseline to post-training (33 and 26 %, respectively). After detraining, the knee extensor strength remained 12 % superior to the baseline values, while the gains in muscle mass were almost completely lost. In conclusion, strength gains and losses due to strength training and detraining, respectively, could not be exclusively associated with muscle mass increases. Training-induced strength gains were partially maintained after 3 months of detraining in elderly subjects.

The Effects of High-Load Strength Training With Protein- or Nonprotein-Containing Nutritional Supplementation in Patients Undergoing Dialysis

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of high-load strength training and protein intake in patients undergoing dialysis with a focus on muscle strength, physical performance, and muscle morphology. This was a randomized controlled study conducted in three dialysis centers. Subjects for the study included 29 patients undergoing dialysis. The participants went through a control period of 16 weeks before completing 16 weeks of strength training. Before the training period, the participants were randomly assigned to receive a protein or a nonprotein drink after every training session. Muscle strength and power were tested using the good strength equipment and the leg extensor power rig. Physical performance and function were assessed using a chair stand test and the Short Form 36 questionnaire. Muscle fiber type size and composition were analyzed in biopsies obtained from the m. vastus lateralis. All variables remained unchanged during the control period. After training, muscle strength and power, physical performance, and physical function increased significantly. Muscle fiber composition was changed by a relative decrease in type 2x muscle fiber number whereas muscle size at the fiber level was unchanged. There were no effects of combining the training with protein intake. High-load strength training is associated with improvements in muscle strength and power, physical performance, and quality of life. The effects were surprisingly not associated with muscle hypertrophy, and the results did not reveal any additional benefit of combining the training with protein intake. The positive results in muscle strength and physical performance have clinically relevant implications in the treatment of patients undergoing dialysis.

O treinamento de força com e sem o uso da plataforma vibratória é capaz de modular a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca em repouso?

Esse trabalho comparou a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) de repouso antes e após 10 semanas de treinamento de força de grupos que usaram e não usaram a plataforma vibratória. Dezessete homens saudáveis foram divididos nos grupos treinamento de força convencional (TF) ou treinamento de força sobre a plataforma vibratória a frequência de 30 Hz (TF+V30). As mensurações do desempenho de força dinâmica máxima (1-RM) no exercício meio agachamento e da VFC de repouso foram feitas antes e após o programa de treinamento. Ambos os grupos tiveram aumento significante da força no período pós (de 15,1% no grupo TF e de 16,4% no grupo TF+V30), no entanto esse aumento se alterou na mesma magnitude para os dois grupos, não havendo diferença entre eles no desempenho de 1-RM nos períodos pré e pós-treinamento. Não foi observada diferença nas comparações entre os grupos e nas situações pré e pós-treinamento nas análises da VFC de repouso, no entanto a magnitude do effect size foi moderada (ES = 0,50-0,80) para algumas variáveis (intervalo R-R, desvio-padrão da média de todos os intervalos R-R - SDNN, raiz quadrada da média dos quadrados das diferenças entre os intervalos R-R sucessivos - RMSSD, componente de baixa frequência ajustada por meio de logarítmico - InLF e componente de alta frequência ajustada por meio de logarítmico - InHF) no grupo TF+V30 após o período de treinamento. Conclui-se que 10 semanas de treinamento de força com e sem a presença da vibração proporcionou aumento semelhante no desempenho de 1-RM em ambos os grupos e, embora o estímulo adicional da vibração tenha dado indícios de maior atividade vagal analisado por meio do ES, nenhum dos grupos apresentou alteração significante da VFC.

Combining strength training and botulinum neurotoxin intervention in children with cerebral palsy: the impact on muscle morphology and strength

Purpose: Investigate the combination effects of strength training and Botulinum Toxin Type-A (BoNT-A) on muscle strength and morphology in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Methods: Fifteen children receiving BoNT-A, classified as Spastic Diplegic CP, GMFCS I-II, and aged 5–12 years were recruited for this study. Randomly allocated to 10 weeks of strength training either before or after BoNT-A, children were assessed over 6 months. Eight of the 15 children also completed a control period. The Modified Ashworth Scale measured spasticity. The Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) assessed achievement of functional goals. Magnetic Resonance Imaging assessed muscle volume (MV). Instrumented dynamometry assessed strength. Results: Spasticity was significantly reduced following BoNT-A injection (p = 0.033). Children made significant isokinetic strength gains (mean p = 0.022, ES = 0.57) in the intervention period compared to the control period (mean p = 0.15, ES = 0.56). Irrespective of timing, significant strength improvements were seen immediately (10 weeks) and over 6 months for all children. This was also the case for improvements in the GAS (immediately: mean p = 0.007, ES = 4.17, 6 months: mean p = 0.029, ES = 0.99), and improvements in MV in all assessed muscles. Conclusion: The simultaneous use of BoNT-A and strength training was successful in spasticity reduction, improving strength and achieving functional goals, over and above treatment with BoNT-A alone. Muscles targeted for BoNT-A injection should be included in strength training.Implications for RehabilitationCerebral PalsyBotulinum toxin type-A (BoNT-A) and strength training are available interventions that, on their own have found success in managing spasticity and muscle weakness (both significant motor impairments), respectively in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP).This study has demonstrated that the concurrent treatment of BoNT-A and strength training can achieve positive outcomes in terms of strength, spasticity and for the achievement of set functional goals.The results of this study show that the improved muscle strength can be associated with hypertrophy, which could indicate the potential role of strength training in altering the rate of muscle growth, in an aim to improve the failure of muscle growth associated with CP.Home based strength training, based on a child’s individual goals is shown to be successful in improving strength and goal attainment for children with CP.

Effects of strength training on mechanomyographic amplitude

The aim of the present study was to determine if the patterns of mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude across force would change with strength training. Twenty-two healthy men completed an 8-week strength training program. During three separate testing visits (pre-test, week 4, and week 8), the MMG signal was detected from the vastus lateralis as the subjects performed isometric step muscle actions of the leg extensors from 10–100% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). During pre-testing, the MMG amplitude increased linearly with force to 66% MVC and then plateaued. Conversely, weeks 4 and 8 demonstrated an increase in MMG amplitude up to ∼85% of the subject's original MVC before plateauing. Furthermore, seven of the ten force levels (30–60% and 80–100%) showed a significant decrease in mean MMG amplitude values after training, which consequently led to a decrease in the slope of the MMG amplitude/force relationship. The decreases in MMG amplitude at lower force levels are indicative of hypertrophy, since fewer motor units would be required to produce the same absolute force if the motor units increased in size. However, despite the clear changes in the mean values, analyses of individual subjects revealed that only 55% of the subjects demonstrated a significant decrease in the slope of the MMG amplitude/force relationship.

Effect of Strength Training on Rate of Force Development in Older Women

We analyzed the effect of an 8-week strength training (ST) program on the rate of force development (RFD) and electromyographic activity (EMG) in older women. Seventeen women (M age = 63.4 years, SD = 4.9) without previous ST experience were randomly assigned to either a control (n = 7) or training (n = 10) group. A leg-press isometric test was used for assessment. ST (three sessions/ week, three sets of 10–12 repetition maximum, five different exercises) induced significant increases (p < .05) on peak RFD (48.4%) and on RFD and EMG of vastus medialis at time intervals of 0–50, 0–100, 0–150, and 0–200 ms (41.1–69.2% and 43.8– 64.3%, respectively). Therefore, ST resulted in favorable changes in neuromuscular responses in older women.

Effects of glucosamine sulfate and exercise therapy on serum leptin levels in patients with knee osteoarthritis: preliminary results of randomized controlled clinical trial

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a slow, chronic disease characterized by the focal deterioration and abrasion of articular cartilage. Leptin may play an important role in the pathophysiology of OA. Exercise and glucosamine sulfate therapy is one of the most commonly used in patients with knee OA. The goals of the present study are performed to investigate whether 12-week strength training program and glucosamine sulfate have an effect on serum leptin levels in knee OA and the relationship between leptin, clinical parameters, and radiographic severity of knee OA. Thirty-seven women with the diagnosis of knee OA were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups. Group I (n = 19) received an exercise program, while group II (n = 18) received glucosamine sulfate (1,500 mg/day) in addition to the exercise therapy. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. Leptin level was assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. The concentration of leptin was measured by ELISA. The patients were evaluated regarding pain, disability, functional performance, and muscle strength. Both groups showed significant improvements in leptin levels, pain, disability, muscle strength, and functional performance with no statistically significant difference between the groups after the therapy. At basal time, plasma leptin levels were significantly correlated with body mass index and duration of disease, but no significant correlation was found with patient age, pain, disability, functional performance, muscle strength, and radiographic severity of knee OA. The results of this preliminary study revealed that exercise alone was adequate to prevent structural changes relieving the symptoms of OA. We also found that exercise alone could affect serum plasma levels of the leptin, important mediators of cartilage metabolism. Decreases in serum leptin may be one mechanism by which cartilage metabolism affects physical function and symptoms in OA patients.

The effect of isometric exercise of the hand on the synovial blood flow in patients with rheumatoid arthritis measured by color Doppler ultrasound

In 90% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the joints of the hand are affected. Studies of grip strength training have not indicated a negative effect on disease activity after training. Introduction of ultrasound Doppler (USD) to measure increased blood flow induced by inflammation has made it possible to investigate the direct effect on blood supply in the synovium after training. In this case-control study, 24 patients with RA with USD activity in the wrist joint participated. The USD activity was measured by the color fraction (CF) (CF = colored pixels/total number of pixels in ROI). Twenty-four patients were assigned to an 8-week grip strength training program. At baseline and after 8 weeks of training, an USD examination of the wrist joint was performed. In the training group, we measured grip strength and pain in the wrist joint. Six patients withdrew from the training because of pain or change in medication. Eighteen patients served as control group. There was a modest, not significant, decrease in the CF in response to training (1.86%; P = 0.08). Grip strength increased 8.8% after training (P = 0.055). Pain in motion deceased after training (P = 0.04). No difference in the CF was seen between the training and control groups, neither at baseline nor at follow-up (P = 0.82 and P = 0.48). Patients withdrawing from training had a significantly higher CF than the other patients (P > 0.001). The results in this study might indicate that the flow in the synovium assessed by USD is not affected by grip strength training.

The influence of resistance exercise training on the levels of anxiety in ischemic stroke.

The aim of this pilot study was to analyze the effect of a strength training program on indicators of trait and state anxiety in patients with ischemic stroke. The subjects were divided into two groups: experimental group (EG) consisting of 11 subjects aged 51.7 ± 8.0 years and a control group (CG) with 13 subjects aged 52.5 ± 7.7 years. EG underwent 12 weeks of strength training, with a frequency of three times a week. For data collection, a State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used. Significant differences were found between pre- and posttest in EG for trait anxiety (43.2 ± 12.5 pretest 39.9 ± 7.3 posttest) and state anxiety (46.9 ± 7.6 pretest 44.9 ± 7.7 posttest) with no differences in CG for trait anxiety (42.9 ± 12.2 pretest 42.6 ± 12.1 posttest) and state anxiety (47.4 ± 8.1 pretest 47.5 ± 8.0 posttest). In the evaluation between the groups, significant differences were found for all indicators of trait anxiety (39.9 ± 7.3 EG; 42.6 ± 12.1 CG) and state anxiety (44.9 ± 7.7 EG; 47.5 ± 8.0 CG). This pilot study indicates that strength training may provide an improvement in trait and state anxiety more than one year after stroke.

The Effects of six weeks strength exercises on static and dynamic balance of young male athletes

This study was conducted to examine the effects of six weeks of strength training on static and dynamic balance in young male athletes. Thirty 15-17 young male athletes with mean and SD (62.79±3.62kg ∞171.1±4.46cm) were divided into two groups (15 subjects for each group). We used the SEBT and Romberg adjusted balance test before and after exercise programs to test balance. Strength exercise consisted, including: squat, leg extension, and calf raise, lunge, curl up. The results showed a significant increase in static and dynamic balance in the group (P=0.001). A possible reason for increased balance in the experimental group maybe increasing strength muscle in lower extremity after exercise program, the process of decreasing disinhibition and stimulating of muscles’ spindles during strength training.

Jump Shot Performance and Strength Training in Young Team Handball Players

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 12-week strength training on the jumping throw performance in young handball players. 18 handball players (age:13.66±0.5 year; height:160.0±6.25 cm; weight: 49.0±8.97 kg) participated to the study. The Training Group Program: A 12 week strength training and handball technical training program were supervised 3 times a week and each session was 60 min. Control Group Program: A 12 week handball technical training program were supervised 3 times a week and each session was 60 min. Push up, vertical jump (VJ), performances and some kinematic parameters (velocity (VCG) and height (hCG) of center of gravity) were evaluated before and after training program. For kinematics parameters, performances were recorded with a camera (50 Hz) and evaluated with Videopoint 2.0. program. There were significant differences between before and after training program in push up and the height of center of gravity parameters(p 0.05).