Influence of the resistance training on heart rate variability, functional capacity and muscle strength in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background. The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with the strength and resistance decreasing in addition to the dysfunction on autonomic nervous system (ANS). The aerobic training isolated or in association with the resistance training showed evidence of beneficial effects on an autonomic modulation of COPD; however, there are no studies addressing the effect of isolated resistance training.Aims. This study aims at investigating the influence of resistance training on an autonomic modulation through heart rate variability (HRV), functional capacity and muscle strength in individuals with COPD.Design. Clinical series study.Setting. Outpatients.Population. The study involved 13 individuals with COPD.Methods. The experimental protocol was composed by an initial and final evaluation that consisted in autonomic evaluations (HRV), cardiopulmonary functional capacity evaluation (6-minute walk test) and strength evaluation (dynamometry) in addition by the resistance training performed by 24 sessions lasted 60 minutes each one and on a frequency of three times a week. The intensity was determined initially with 60% of one maximum repetition and was progressively increased in each five sessions until 80%.Results. The HRV temporal and spectral indexes analysis demonstrates improvement of autonomic modulation, with significant statistical increases to sympathetic and parasympathetic components of ANS representing by SDNN, LF and HF. In addition, it was observed significant statistical increases to shoulder abduction and. knee flexion strength and functional capacity.Conclusion. The exclusive resistance training performed was able to positively influence the autonomic modulation; in addition it promoted benefits on cardiorespiratory functional capacity and strength benefits in individuals with COPD.Clinical Rehabilitation Impact. This study could contribute to clinical and professionals researchers that act with COPD, even though the resistance component of pulmonary rehabilitation presents consensual benefits on several healthy indicators parameters. There is no evidence about the effects on HRV before. Moreover, this study showed, on clinical practice, the HRV uses as an ANS activity on sinus node evaluation and highlights further importance on scientific context.

Abdominal muscle strength is related to the quality of life among older adults with lumbar osteoarthritis

The aim of the present study was to determine the association between abdominal muscle strength and quality of life among older adults with lumbar osteoarthritis. A blind, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 40 older adults: 20 with lumbar osteoarthritis (12 women and 8 men, mean age of 65.90 ± 4.80 years) and 20 controls (14 women and 6 men, mean age of 67.90 ± 4.60 years). The volunteers were submitted to an abdominal muscle strength test. Quality of life was evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire. Both abdominal muscle strength and quality of life scores were significantly lower in the group with lumbar osteoarthritis in comparison to the controls (p < 0.05). Moreover, significant and positive associations were found between abdominal muscle strength and the subscales of the SF-36 questionnaire (p < 0.05, 0.421 ≥ rs ≤ 0.694). Based on the present findings, older adults with lumbar osteoarthritis with greater abdominal muscle strength have a better quality of life.

Free-running circadian rhythms of muscle strength, reaction time, and body temperature in totally blind people

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Evaluation of rotator cuff muscle strength in healthy individuals

OBJECTIVE: To compare the strength generated by the rotator muscles of the shoulder joint between the right upper limb and left upper limb among healthy individuals. METHODS: To evaluate the muscle strength of upper limbs from isometric contractions in the horizontal direction (rotation) an isometric dynamometer was used, equipped with transducers, signal conditioning, a data acquisition board, and finally, a computer. Study participants were 22 male military subjects, aged between 18 and 19 years old, body mass between 57.7 and 93.0 kg (71.8 ± 9.45 kg) and height between 1.67 and 1.90 m (1.75 ± 0.06 m), healthy and without clinical diseases or any type of orthopedic injury in the muscle skeletal system. RESULTS: The internal rotation in the right upper limb (RUL) was higher than the average strength of internal rotation in the left upper limb (LUL) (p = 0.723). The external rotation strength in RUL was lower than the average strength of external rotation in the LUL (p=0.788). No statistical difference was observed by comparing the strength values of all isometric strength tests. CONCLUSION: For the sample and methodology used to assess muscle strength, there was no statistical difference between the strength generated by the muscles of the rotator cuff of the right and left upper limbs. Experimental Study.

Reliability of pelvic floor muscle strength assessment in healthy continent women

Background: The aim of this study was to compare pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength using transvaginal digital palpation in healthy continent women in different age groups, and to compare the inter- and intra-rater reliability of examiners performing anterior and posterior vaginal assessments.Methods: We prospectively studied 150 healthy multiparous women. They were distributed into four different groups, according to age range: G1 (n = 37), 30-40 years-old; G2 (n = 39), 41-50 years-old; G3 (n = 39), 51-60 years-old; and G4 (n = 35), older than 60 years-old. PFM strength was evaluated using transvaginal digital palpation in the anterior and posterior areas, by 3 different examiners, and graded using a 5-point Amaro's scale.Results: There was no statistical difference among the different age ranges, for each grade of PFM strength. There was good intra-rater concordance between anterior and posterior PFM assessment, being 64.7%, 63.3%, and 66.7% for examiners A, B, and C, respectively. The intra-rater concordance level was good for each examiner. However, the inter-rater reliability for two examiners varied from moderate to good.Conclusions: Age has no effect on PFM strength profiles, in multiparous continent women. There is good concordance between anterior and posterior vaginal PFM strength assessments, but only moderate to good inter-rater reliability of the measurements between two examiners.

Effects of high and low volume of strength training on muscle strength, muscle volume and lipid profile in postmenopausal women

Changes in lipid profile are considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially in postmenopausal woman who have been associated with age-related loss of muscle mass. The beneficial role of aerobic exercise in the prevention of CVD has been well documented. However, the effect of strength training has not been established. The purpose of this study was to determine the changes of lipoprotein levels after 12 weeks of different volumes of strength training and its correlation with strength and muscle volume in postmenopausal women. The participants were randomized into three groups: low volume (LVST; n = 12, 1 set) and high volume of strength training (HVST; n = 11, 3 sets), or control group (n = 12). Training groups performed 12 weeks of supervised strength exercises, 15 maximum repetitions, five times a week, 20 minutes for LVST and 40 minutes for HVST for each training session. Measurements included body composition, strength and muscle volume, as well as blood analysis (glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein) pre- and post-training. The HVST and LVST improved the one-repetition maximum knee extension strength (p < 0.001), maximal dynamic strength (p < 0.001), and muscle volume (p = 0.048). Post-training triglyceride was lower in HVST when compared to LVST and the control group (p = 0.047). Even though they present the same neuromuscular and morphological adaptations in postmenopausal women, the HVST is more effective than LVST in improving the lipid profile of postmenopausal woman, and can be considered as an ideal program of intervention to reverse changes in lipid metabolism commonly found in this group. Copyright (C) 2014, The Society of Chinese Scholars on Exercise Physiology and Fitness. Published by Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.

Balance and ankle muscle strength predict spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy

The aims of this study were to evaluate aspects of balance, ankle muscle strength and spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and verify whether deficits in spatiotemporal gait parameters were associated with ankle muscle strength and balance performance. Thirty individuals with DPN and 30 control individuals have participated. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were evaluated by measuring the time to walk a set distance during self-selected and maximal walking speeds. Functional mobility and balance performance were assessed using the Functional Reach and the Time Up and Go tests. Ankle isometric muscle strength was assessed with a handheld digital dynamometer. Analyses of variance were employed to verify possible differences between groups and conditions. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to uncover possible predictors of gait deficits. Gait spatiotemporal, functional mobility, balance performance and ankle muscle strength were affected in individuals with DPN. The Time Up and Go test performance and ankle muscle isometric strength were associated to spatiotemporal gait changes, especially during maximal walking speed condition. Functional mobility and balance performance are damaged in DPN and balance performance and ankle muscle strength can be used to predict spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with DPN.

Short-term low-intensity blood flow restricted interval training improves both aerobic fitness and muscle strength

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Plasma hormones, muscle mass and strength in resistance-trained postmenopausal women

Objective: To associate changes of body composition, muscle strength (MS) and plasma hormones (PH) in resistance-training protocol in sedentary postmenopausal women (PMW).Design: This randomized controlled trial, Brazilian 43 PMW (45-70-year-old) able for physical exercises were selected after they have accomplished medical and ethical criteria. They were assigned in two groups: RT, resistance training (n = 22); and CT, not trained control (n = 2 1); with supervision sessions of two to three exercise for large and one exercise for smaller groups in three series of 8-12 rep. (60-80% 1RM) for each exercise. The training period lasted 16 weeks and was preceded by low-load exercise (40-50% 1RM) adaptation period of 4 weeks (3/(times week)). Body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and composition (BIA) along with fast-PH (FSH, LH, estrachol, cortisol, IGF-1 and testosterone) were assessed before (MO) and after (M 16) the 4 weeks period with the MS (1RM) determined also at 8 weeks (W). The values were correlated by Person's test and the means compared by Student's t-test and ANOVA.Results: At baseline both groups were similar in age, time of PMW, body composition, MS and fast-PH. However after 16 weeks, RT presented higher BMI (2. 1 %), IGF- 1 (37.8%) and MM gain (1.8 +/- 0.8 kg) than CT. MM correlated positively with IGF-1 (r = 0.45, p < 0.05) and MS progressively increased in all exercise greater in pectoral than legs and upper arms.Conclusion: Former sedentary postmenopausal women submitted to resistance training gained MM and MS irrespectively of fat mass changes but significantly associated with IGF-1 increase. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hamstrings-to-quadriceps strength and size ratios of male professional soccer players with muscle imbalance

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Handgrip strength predicts pressure ulcers in patients with hip fractures

Objective: Pressure ulcer (PU) is a frequent complication of hip fracture. Studies were carried out to identify the risk factors of PU development after hip fractures. The objective of the study was to determine the role of anthropometric measurements and handgrip strength as predictors of PUs in patients with hip fractures during their hospital stay and 30 d after discharge, which has not yet been established.Methods: Ninety-two consecutive patients with hip fractures who were older than 65 y old and admitted to an orthopedic unit were prospectively evaluated. Within the first 72 h of admission, each patient's characteristics were recorded, anthropometric measurements were taken (circumferences of the arm, waist, thigh, calf, triceps, and biceps and subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds), handgrip strength was measured, and blood samples were collected. PU evaluations were performed during the hospital stay and 30 d after hospital discharge.Results: Three patients were excluded because of PUs before hospitalization. Eighty-nine patients (average age 80.6 +/- 7.5 y) were studied; 70.8% were women, and 49.4% developed PUs during their hospital stay. In a univariate analysis, length of hospital stay (P = 0.001) and handgrip strength (P = 0.02), but not body circumferences and skinfolds, were associated with PUs during a hospital stay. Only handgrip strength (P = 0.007) was associated with PUs 30 d after hospital discharge. In a multivariate analysis, only handgrip strength was found to predict PU development at these points.Conclusion: Handgrip strength was found to predict PU development in patients with hip fractures during their hospital stay and 30 d after discharge. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pelvic floor muscle evaluation in incontinent patients

The aim of this study was to assess pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and perception and its correlation with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). One hundred and one women were divided into two groups according to the presence (G1=51 patients) or absence (G2=50 patients) of SUI. Subjective [urine stream interruption test (UST), visual survey of perineal contraction and transvaginal digital palpation to assess pelvic muscle contraction] and objective evaluations of pelvic floor muscles in all patients were performed (vaginal manometry). During the UST, 25.5% of G1 patients and 80% of G2 patients were able to interrupt the urine stream (p<0.05). Digital evaluation of pelvic muscular contraction showed higher strength in G2 than in G1 patients (p<0.0001). Perineometer evaluation of PFM strength was significantly higher in the continent group (p<0.001). Pelvic floor muscle weakness in incontinent patients demonstrates the importance of functional and objective evaluation of this group of muscles.

An explanatory mechanism for the different decline in limb strength in older women

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

L-carnitine as an ergogenic aid for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease submitted to whole-body and respiratory muscle training programs

The effects of adding L-carnitine to a whole-body and respiratory training program were determined in moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Sixteen COPD patients (66 ± 7 years) were randomly assigned to L-carnitine (CG) or placebo group (PG) that received either L-carnitine or saline solution (2 g/day, orally) for 6 weeks (forced expiratory volume on first second was 38 ± 16 and 36 ± 12%, respectively). Both groups participated in three weekly 30-min treadmill and threshold inspiratory muscle training sessions, with 3 sets of 10 loaded inspirations (40%) at maximal inspiratory pressure. Nutritional status, exercise tolerance on a treadmill and six-minute walking test, blood lactate, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory muscle strength were determined as baseline and on day 42. Maximal capacity in the incremental exercise test was significantly improved in both groups (P < 0.05). Blood lactate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate at identical exercise levels were lower in CG after training (P < 0.05). Inspiratory muscle strength and walking test tolerance were significantly improved in both groups, but the gains of CG were significantly higher than those of PG (40 ± 14 vs 14 ± 5 cmH2O, and 87 ± 30 vs 34 ± 29 m, respectively; P < 0.05). Blood lactate concentration was significantly lower in CG than in PG (1.6 ± 0.7 vs 2.3 ± 0.7 mM, P < 0.05). The present data suggest that carnitine can improve exercise tolerance and inspiratory muscle strength in COPD patients, as well as reduce lactate production.