Comparison between cold water immersion therapy (CWIT) and light emitting diode therapy (LEDT) in short-term skeletal muscle recovery after high-intensity exercise in athletes-preliminary results

In the last years, phototherapy has becoming a promising tool to improve skeletal muscle recovery after exercise, however, it was not compared with other modalities commonly used with this aim. In the present study we compared the short-term effects of cold water immersion therapy (CWIT) and light emitting diode therapy (LEDT) with placebo LEDT on biochemical markers related to skeletal muscle recovery after high-intensity exercise. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial was performed with six male young futsal athletes. They were treated with CWIT (5A degrees C of temperature [SD +/- 1A degrees]), active LEDT (69 LEDs with wavelengths 660/850 nm, 10/30 mW of output power, 30 s of irradiation time per point, and 41.7 J of total energy irradiated per point, total of ten points irradiated) or an identical placebo LEDT 5 min after each of three Wingate cycle tests. Pre-exercise, post-exercise, and post-treatment measurements were taken of blood lactate levels, creatine kinase (CK) activity, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. There were no significant differences in the work performed during the three Wingate tests (p > 0.05). All biochemical parameters increased from baseline values (p < 0.05) after the three exercise tests, but only active LEDT decreased blood lactate levels (p = 0.0065) and CK activity (p = 0.0044) significantly after treatment. There were no significant differences in CRP values after treatments. We concluded that treating the leg muscles with LEDT 5 min after the Wingate cycle test seemed to inhibit the expected post-exercise increase in blood lactate levels and CK activity. This suggests that LEDT has better potential than 5 min of CWIT for improving short-term post-exercise recovery.

Efficacy of high intensity diode laser as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment: a randomized controlled trial

The high intensity diode laser has been studied in periodontics for the reduction of subgingival bacteria in non-surgical treatment. Our study evaluated the bacterial effect as well as changes in periodontal clinical parameters promoted by root scaling and planing associated with this wavelength. Twenty-seven patients randomly assigned in two groups underwent root scaling and planing on the tested sites, and only the experimental group received the diode laser irradiation. Among the clinical parameters studied, the clinical probing depth (CPD) and the clinical attachment level (CAL) resulted in significant enhancement in the control group when compared with the experimental group (P = 0.014 and P = 0.039, respectively). The results were similar for both groups regarding the plaque index (PI) and bleeding on probing (BP). No significant difference in the microbiological parameters was observed between the control and experimental groups. It was possible to conclude that the high power diode laser adjunct to the non-surgical periodontal treatment did not promote additional effects to the conventional periodontal treatment.

New treatment of cellulite with infrared-LED illumination applied during high-intensity treadmill training

Phototherapy improves cellular activation which is an important factor for the treatment of cellulite. The objective of this research was to develop and evaluate the effects of a new (noninvasive and nonpharmacological) clinical procedure to improve body aesthetics: infrared-LED (850 nm) plus treadmill training. Twenty women (25-55 years old) participated in this study. They were separated in two groups: the control group, which carried out only the treadmill training (n = 10), and the LED group, with phototherapy during the treadmill training (n - 10). The training was performed for 45 minutes twice a week over 3 months at intensities between 85% and 90% maximal heart rate (HR(max)). The irradiation parameters were 39 mW/cm(2) and a fluence of 106 J/cm(2). The treatment was evaluated by interpreting body composition parameters, photographs and thermography. This was primarily a treatment for cellulite with a reduction of saddlebag and thigh circumference. At the same time, the treadmill training prevented an increase of body fat, as well as the loss of lean mass. Moreover, thermal images of the temperature modification of the thighs are presented. These positive effects can result in a further improvement of body aesthetics using infrared-LED together with treadmill training.

Does high-intensity resistance training maintain bone mass during moderate weight loss in older overweight adults with type 2 diabetes?

The aim was to investigate whether the addition of supervised high intensity progressive resistance training to a moderate weight loss program (RT+WLoss) could maintain bone mineral density (BMD) and lean mass compared to moderate weight loss (WLoss) alone in older overweight adults with type 2 diabetes. We also investigated whether any benefits derived from a supervised RT program could be sustained through an additional home-based program. This was a 12-month trial in which 36 sedentary, overweight adults aged 60 to 80 years with type 2 diabetes were randomized to either a supervised gymnasium-based RT+WLoss or WLoss program for 6 months (phase 1). Thereafter, all participants completed an additional 6-month home-based training without further dietary modification (phase 2). Total body and regional BMD and bone mineral content (BMC), fat mass (FM) and lean mass (LM) were assessed by DXA every 6 months. Diet, muscle strength (1-RM) and serum total testosterone, estradiol, SHBG, insulin and IGF-1 were measured every 3 months. No between group differences were detected for changes in any of the hormonal parameters at any measurement point. In phase 1, after 6 months of gymnasium-based training, weight and FM decreased similarly in both groups (P<0.01), but LM tended to increase in the RT+WLoss (n=16) relative to the WLoss (n=13) group [net difference (95% CI), 1.8% (0.2, 3.5), P<0.05]. Total body BMD and BMC remained unchanged in the RT+WLoss group, but decreased by 0.9 and 1.5%, respectively, in the WLoss group (interaction, P<0.05). Similar, though non-significant, changes were detected at the femoral neck and lumbar spine (L2-L4). In phase 2, after a further 6 months of home-based training, weight and FM increased significantly in both the RT+WLoss (n=14) and WLoss (n=12) group, but there were no significant changes in LM or total body or regional BMD or BMC in either group from 6 to 12 months. These results indicate that in older, overweight adults with type 2 diabetes, dietary modification should be combined with progressive resistance training to optimize the effects on body composition without having a negative effect on bone health.

High-intensity resistance training improves glycemic control in older patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE -- To examine the effect of high-intensity progressive resistance training combined with moderate weight loss on glycemic control and body composition in older patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS -- Sedentary, overweight men and women with type 2 diabetes, aged 60-80 years (n = 36), were randomized to high-intensity progressive resistance training plus moderate weight loss (RT & WL group) or moderate weight loss plus a control program (WL group). Clinical and laboratory measurements were assessed at 0, 3, and 6 months.

RESULTS -- HbA._1c fell significantly more in RT & WL than WL at 3 months (0.6 ± or -] 0.7 vs. 0.07 ± 0.8%, P < 0.05) and 6 months (1.2 ±1.0 vs. 0.4 ±0.8, P < 0.05). Similar reductions in body weight (RT & WL 2.5 ±2.9 vs. WL 3.1±2.1 kg) and fat mass (RT & WL 2.4 ± 2.7 vs. WL 2.7±2.5 kg) were observed after 6 months. In contrast, lean body mass (LBM) increased in the RT & WL group (0.5 ±1.1 kg) and decreased in the WL group (0.4±1.0) after 6 months (P < 0.05). There were no between-group differences for fasting glucose, insulin, serum lipids and lipoproteins, or resting blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS -- High-intensity progressive resistance training, in combination with moderate weight loss, was effective in improving glycemic control in older patients with type 2 diabetes. Additional benefits of improved muscular strength and LBM identify high-intensity resistance training as a feasible and effective component in the management program for older patients with type 2 diabetes.

Effects of high-intensity progressive resistance training on self-reported health status in older persons with type 2 diabetes

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of high-intensity progressive resistance training (PRT) on self-reported physical and mental health in older persons with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: We performed a 12-month RCT with 36 overweight men and women with type 2 diabetes (aged 60-80 years) who were randomly assigned to a moderate weight-loss diet plus PRT (PRT&WL) or a moderate weight-loss diet plus a control (stretching) program (WL). Gymnasium-based training for 6 months was followed by an additional 6 months of home-based training. The SF-36 (v1) questionnaire was used to obtain physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) health component summary scores at baseline, 6 and 12 months.

Results: Subject retention was 81% and 72% after 6 and 12 months respectively. Exercise adherence during gymnasium- and home-based training was 88% and 73% for the PRT&WL group, and 85% and 78.1% for the WL group respectively. In a regression model adjusted for age and sex, PCS improved in the PRT&WL group compared to the WL group after 6 months of gymnasium-based training (2.3 versus -2.0, p = 0.05), which persisted after 12 months training (0.7 versus -4.1, p = 0.03). There were no between-group differences at 6 or 12 months for the MCS.

Conclusion: High-intensity PRT was effective in improving self-reported physical health, but not mental health. PRT provides an effective exercise alternative in lifestyle management for older adults with type 2 diabetes.

Effect of posture on high-intensity constant-load cycling performance in men and women

The time sustained during a graded cycle exercise is ~10% longer in an upright compared with a supine posture. However, during constant-load cycling this effect is unknown. Therefore, we tested the postural effect on the performance of high-intensity constant-load cycling. Twenty-two active subjects (11 men, 11 women) performed two graded tests (one upright, one supine), and of those 22, 10 subjects (5 men, 5 women) performed three high-intensity constant-load tests (one upright, two supine). To test the postural effect on performance at the same absolute intensity, during the upright and one of the supine constant-load tests subjects cycled at 80% of the peak power output achieved during the upright graded test. To test the postural effect on performance at the same relative intensities, during the second supine test subjects cycled at 80% of the peak power output achieved during the supine graded test. Exercise time on the graded and absolute intensity constant-load tests for all subjects was greater (P<0.05) in the upright compared with supine posture (17.9±3.5 vs. 16.1±3.1 min for graded; 13.2±8.7 vs. 5.2±1.9 min for constant-load). This postural effect at the same absolute intensity was larger in men (19.4±8.5 upright vs. 6.6±1.6 supine, P<0.001) than women (7.1±2 upright vs. 3.9±1.4 supine, P>0.05) and it was correlated (P<0.05) with both the difference in VO₂ between positions during the first minute of exercise (r=0.67) and the height of the subjects (r=0.72). In conclusion, there is a very large postural effect on performance during constant-load cycling exercise and this effect is significantly larger in men than women.

Metabolic adaptations to short-term high-intensity interval training : a little pain for a lot of gain?

High-intensity interval training (HIT) is a potent time-efficient strategy to induce numerous metabolic adaptations usually associated with traditional endurance training. As little as six sessions of HIT over 2 wk or a total of only approximately 15 min of very intense exercise (~600 kJ), can increase skeletal muscle oxidative capacity and endurance performance and alter metabolic control during aerobic-based exercise.

Pacing strategy and high-intensity cycling performance

This thesis found that a brief maximal acceleration, followed by a steady effort thereafter is the most effective pacing strategy for intense, short-term cycling performance. This strategy leads to an increase in aerobic energy supply early in exercise, which contributes to a faster speed throughout the race.

Exercise performance and V0₂ kinetics during upright and recumbent high-intensity cycling exercise

This study investigated cycling performance and oxygen uptake (VO₂) kinetics between upright and two commonly used recumbent (R) postures, 65ºR and 30ºR. On three occasions, ten young active males performed three bouts of high-intensity constant-load (85% peak workload achieved during a graded test) cycling in one of the three randomly assigned postures (upright, 65ºR or 30ºR). The first bout was performed to fatigue and second and third bouts were limited to 7 min. A subset of seven subjects performed a final constant-load test to failure in the supine posture. Exercise time to failure was not altered when the body inclination was lowered from the upright (13.1 ± 4.5 min) to 65ºR (10.5 ± 2.7 min) and 30ºR (11.5 ± 4.6 min) postures; but it was significantly shorter in the supine posture (5.8 ± 2.1 min) when compared with the three inclined postures. Resulting kinetic parameters from a tri-exponential analysis of breath-by-breath VO₂ data during the first 7 min of exercise were also not different between the three inclined postures. However, inert gas rebreathing analysis of cardiac output revealed a greater cardiac output and stroke volume in both recumbent postures compared with the upright posture at 30 s into the exercise. These data suggest that increased cardiac function may counteract the reduction of hydrostatic pressure from upright ~25 mmHg; to 65ºR ~22 mmHg; and 30ºR ~18 mmHg such that perfusion of active muscle presumably remains largely unchanged, and also therefore, VO₂ kinetics and performance during high-intensity cycling.

Accumulated oxygen deficit measurements during and after high-intensity exercise in trained male and female adolescents

The purpose of this study was to compare accumulated oxygen deficits and markers of anaerobic metabolism [plasma ammonia (NH3) and lactate (La⁻) concentrations] in anaerobically trained male [n = 8, age 14.8 (0.5) years; maximal oxygen consumption V˙O2 max 61.74 (2.23) ml ·  kg⁻¹ · min⁻¹] and female [n = 8, age 14.5 (0.2) years; V˙O2 max 49.62 (3.52) ml · kg⁻¹ · min⁻¹] adolescents. The exercise protocol consisted of runs to exhaustion at speeds predicted to represent 120% and 130% of V˙O2 max. Arterialised blood samples were obtained from a pre-warmed hand via a catheter inserted into a forearm vein. Samples were taken at rest and after 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15 and 20 min of recovery. The high-intensity exercise resulted in mean accumulated oxygen deficits that were less (P < 0.05) in females (52.3 ml · kg⁻¹) than in males (68.6 ml · kg⁻¹). Lower (P < 0.05) plasma concentrations of NH3 and La⁻¹, and a higher pH were evident in females compared with males during various stages of the 20-min recovery period. The increase in anaerobic performance in the male adolescent athletes when compared with their female counterparts was associated with an increased plasma concentration of selected plasma and blood metabolites. The observed results may reflect well-established differences between the sexes in the morphology and metabolic power of muscle.