Effects of resistance training on measures of muscular strength in people with Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the overall effect of resistance training (RT) on measures of muscular strength in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods Controlled trials with parallel-group-design were identified from computerized literature searching and citation tracking performed until August 2014. Two reviewers independently screened for eligibility and assessed the quality of the studies using the Cochrane risk-of-bias-tool. For each study, mean differences (MD) or standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for continuous outcomes based on between-group comparisons using post-intervention data. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on differences in study design. Results Nine studies met the inclusion criteria; all had a moderate to high risk of bias. Pooled data showed that knee extension, knee flexion and leg press strength were significantly greater in PD patients who undertook RT compared to control groups with or without interventions. Subgroups were: RT vs. control-without-intervention, RT vs. control-with-intervention, RT-with-other-form-of-exercise vs. control-without-intervention, RT-with-other-form-of-exercise vs. control-with-intervention. Pooled subgroup analysis showed that RT combined with aerobic/balance/stretching exercise resulted in significantly greater knee extension, knee flexion and leg press strength compared with no-intervention. Compared to treadmill or balance exercise it resulted in greater knee flexion, but not knee extension or leg press strength. RT alone resulted in greater knee extension and flexion strength compared to stretching, but not in greater leg press strength compared to no-intervention. Discussion Overall, the current evidence suggests that exercise interventions that contain RT may be effective in improving muscular strength in people with PD compared with no exercise. However, depending on muscle group and/or training dose, RT may not be superior to other exercise types. Interventions which combine RT with other exercise may be most effective. Findings should be interpreted with caution due to the relatively high risk of bias of most studies.

The effect of a segmental, localized lower limb cooling protocol on muscular strength and balance

The human neuromuscular system is susceptible to changes within the thermal environment. Cold extrinsic temperatures can significantly reduce muscle and nervous system function and communication, which can have consequences for motor performance. A repeated measures design protocol exposed participants to a 12°C cold water immersion (CWI) up to the ankle, knee, and hip to determine the effect that reduced skin and muscle temperature had on balance and strength task execution. Although a linear reduction in the ability to perform balance tasks was seen from the control condition through to the hip CWI, results from the study indicated a significant reduction in dynamic balance (Star Excursion Balance Test reach distance) performance from only the hip CWI (P<0.05). This reduced performance could have been due to an increase in joint stiffness, increased agonist-antagonist co-contraction, and/or reduced isokinetic muscular strength. Reduced physical performance due to cold temperature could negatively impact outdoor recreational athletics.

Respiratory muscular strength decrease in children with mylomeningocele

Study Design. Case-control study.Objective. To evaluate respiratory muscle force in children with myelomeningocele. Summary of Background Data. Myelomeningocele is a common spinal cord malformation with limitations linked to central nervous system lesions and abnormalities in respiratory movements. Despite this, little attention has been given to evaluating respiratory muscle force in these patients.Methods. Children with myelomeningocele aged between 4 and 14 years ( myelomeningocele group; MG, n = 20) were studied and compared with healthy children ( control group; CG, n = 20) matched for age and gender. Respiratory muscular force was evaluated by maximum inspiratory ( Pimax) and expiratory ( Pemax) pressures.Results. Groups were similar for age [ CG = 8 ( 6 - 13) = MG = 8 ( 4 - 14), P > 0.05]; gender, and body mass index [ CG = 17.4 ( 14.1 - 24.7) x MG = 19.2 ( 12.6 - 31.9), P > 0.05]. The lumbosacral region was predominantly affected ( 45%). Maximum respiratory pressures were significantly higher in CG than MG ( Pimax = CG: similar to 83 +/- 21.75 > MG: -54.1 +/- 23.66; P < 0.001 and Pemax = CG: + 87.4 +/- 26.28 > MG: + 64.6 +/- 26.97; P = 0.01). Patients with upper spinal lesion ( UL) had lower maximum respiratory pressure values than those with lower spinal lesion ( LL), [Pimax ( UL = - 38.33 +/- 11.20 cm H2O x LL = - 60.85 +/- 24.62 cm H2O), P < 0.041 and Pemax ( UL = + 48 +/- 20.82 cm H2O x LL + 71.71 +/- 26.73 cm H2O), P = 0.067]).Conclusion. Children with myelomeningocele at the ages studied presented reduced respiratory muscle force with more compromise in upper spinal lesion.

Effect of a previous high intensity running exercise on isokinetic muscular strength in individuals with different training backgrounds

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

Effects of high intensity running to fatigue on isokinetic muscular strength in endurance athletes

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of high intensity exhaustive running exercise on the muscular torque capacity of the knee extensors for two types of contraction (concentric and eccentric) at different angular velocities (60 and 180 degrees/s) in well-trained runners. Eleven male runners specialized in middle and long-distance running volunteered to participate in this study. Initially each subject performed, on different days, two familiarization sessions on an isokinetic dynamometer and an incremental treadmill test to volitional exhaustion to determine the velocity associated with the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA). The subjects then returned to the laboratory on two occasions, separated by at least seven days, to perform maximal isokinetic knee contractions at each of the velocities under eccentric (Ecc) and concentric (Con) conditions. Conducted randomly, one test was performed after a standardized warm-up period of 5 min at 50% VO2 max. The other test was performed 15 min after continuous running at OBLA until volitional exhaustion. Following this high intensity exercise there was a significant reduction of Con at 60 degrees/s and a significant reduction of Ecc at both velocities. Percent strength losses after running exercise were significantly different between contraction types only at 180 degrees/s. We can conclude that the reduction in isokinetic peak torque of the knee extensors after a session of high intensity exhaustive running exercise at OBLA depends on the contraction type and angular velocity.

Muscular strength, bone density and body composition of a woman with systemic lupus erythematosus submitted to a resistance training program: A case report

Introduction. Physical activity can provide long-term benefits for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Objective. This study sought to demonstrate the effects of progressive resistance training on the muscular strength, bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition of pre-menopausal women with SLE undergoing glucocorticoid (GC) treatment. Materials and Methods. This is the case report of a 43-year-old African-South American premenopausal woman with non-extensive SLE and low bone density. A six-month program with three bimonthly cycles of 70%, 80%, and 90% intensity according to the 10 maximum-repetition test was used. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure the BMD, T-scores and body composition, and indirect fluorescence was used to measure the levels of antinuclear antibodies. Student's t-test was used. Results. Statistical improvement was noted in all strength exercises, including the 45° leg press (Δ%=+50%, p<0.001) and knee extension (Δ%=+15%, p=0.003) to maintain the BMD of the L2-L4 lumbar (Δ%=+0.031%; p=0.46) as well as the trochanter (Δ%=+0.037%; p=0.31) and BMI (Δ%=-0.8, p=0.54). Conclusion. In this case study, the presented methodology had a positive effect on strength and contributed to the maintenance of BMD and body composition in a woman with SLE undergoing GC treatment. © 2012 Revista Andaluza de Medicina del Deporte.

A Case Study of Muscular Strength, Endurance, and Power Responses to a 6-Week High Intensity Training Program

We evaluated the muscular strength, endurance, and power responses of 12 college students, ranging in age from 19-40 years, who participated in a 6-wk high-intensity training program commonly used to improve muscular endurance. Muscular strength was measured by a one repetition maximum (1RM) bench press test and a 1RM Hammer bench press test; muscular endurance was measured by administering a 70-percent 1RM test to failure on the Hammer bench press; and upper body power was measured by adminstering a medicine ball throw test. We observed a 4.8-percent improvement of 2.7 kg on the bench press, a 14.6-percent improvement of 10.5 kg on the Hammer bench press, a 45.5-percent improvement with an average increase of five repetitions on the submaximal test to failure and an average improvement of ~ 20 percent, 60 cm, for the medicine ball throw. Foe our subjects, a commonly used high-intensity training muscular endurance program resulted in improved performance on tests measuring muscular strength, endurance, and power, and resulted in zero reported injuries during training or assessment procedures.

Análisis de salto vertical repetido en jugadores de baloncesto

Con el propósito de analizar los cambios de la fuerza máxima explosiva en relación a la ejecución de series de salto vertical repetido (SVR) con periodos cortos de recuperación pasiva en jugadores de baloncesto, se evaluaron 12 deportistas en un protocolo de cuatro series (S) de 15-s de saltos verticales con 10-s de recuperación entre S. Se midieron la altura de salto inicial (ASI) y final (ASF) de cada S; se utilizó ANOVA de una vía con post hoc de Bonferroni para el análisis de las diferencias ASF-ASI por S y una prueba t de Student para analizar el índice de fatiga (IF) por serie. Se encontró que la diferencia ASF-ASI fue progresivamente incremental desde la S1 hasta la S4 (-2,8 6,2 cm, -6,8 4,9 cm, -8,4 5,6 cm y -9,3 5,9 cm, respectivamente), aunque la diferencia fue mayor solo en S4 con respecto a S1 (p=0,014). Es posible que los períodos de recuperación entre cada S influyeron en el mantenimiento de la fuerza muscular explosiva (FME) durante los primeros 45-s de saltos, sin embargo, la suma de estas ejecuciones generó un aumento de la fatiga al final de la prueba. La FME puede ser afectada por la suma de ejecuciones de SVR aun con la inclusión de períodos cortos de recuperación entre series. La relación trabajo-recuperación en baloncesto es un factor que debe considerarse para planificar el entrenamiento en jugadores de baloncesto.

Análisis de salto vertical repetido en jugadores de baloncesto

Con el propósito de analizar los cambios de la fuerza máxima explosiva en relación a la ejecución de series de salto vertical repetido (SVR) con periodos cortos de recuperación pasiva en jugadores de baloncesto, se evaluaron 12 deportistas en un protocolo de cuatro series (S) de 15-s de saltos verticales con 10-s de recuperación entre S. Se midieron la altura de salto inicial (ASI) y final (ASF) de cada S; se utilizó ANOVA de una vía con post hoc de Bonferroni para el análisis de las diferencias ASF-ASI por S y una prueba t de Student para analizar el índice de fatiga (IF) por serie. Se encontró que la diferencia ASF-ASI fue progresivamente incremental desde la S1 hasta la S4 (-2,8 6,2 cm, -6,8 4,9 cm, -8,4 5,6 cm y -9,3 5,9 cm, respectivamente), aunque la diferencia fue mayor solo en S4 con respecto a S1 (p=0,014). Es posible que los períodos de recuperación entre cada S influyeron en el mantenimiento de la fuerza muscular explosiva (FME) durante los primeros 45-s de saltos, sin embargo, la suma de estas ejecuciones generó un aumento de la fatiga al final de la prueba. La FME puede ser afectada por la suma de ejecuciones de SVR aun con la inclusión de períodos cortos de recuperación entre series. La relación trabajo-recuperación en baloncesto es un factor que debe considerarse para planificar el entrenamiento en jugadores de baloncesto.

Análisis de salto vertical repetido en jugadores de baloncesto

Con el propósito de analizar los cambios de la fuerza máxima explosiva en relación a la ejecución de series de salto vertical repetido (SVR) con periodos cortos de recuperación pasiva en jugadores de baloncesto, se evaluaron 12 deportistas en un protocolo de cuatro series (S) de 15-s de saltos verticales con 10-s de recuperación entre S. Se midieron la altura de salto inicial (ASI) y final (ASF) de cada S; se utilizó ANOVA de una vía con post hoc de Bonferroni para el análisis de las diferencias ASF-ASI por S y una prueba t de Student para analizar el índice de fatiga (IF) por serie. Se encontró que la diferencia ASF-ASI fue progresivamente incremental desde la S1 hasta la S4 (-2,8 6,2 cm, -6,8 4,9 cm, -8,4 5,6 cm y -9,3 5,9 cm, respectivamente), aunque la diferencia fue mayor solo en S4 con respecto a S1 (p=0,014). Es posible que los períodos de recuperación entre cada S influyeron en el mantenimiento de la fuerza muscular explosiva (FME) durante los primeros 45-s de saltos, sin embargo, la suma de estas ejecuciones generó un aumento de la fatiga al final de la prueba. La FME puede ser afectada por la suma de ejecuciones de SVR aun con la inclusión de períodos cortos de recuperación entre series. La relación trabajo-recuperación en baloncesto es un factor que debe considerarse para planificar el entrenamiento en jugadores de baloncesto.

Relação da potência aeróbica máxima e da força muscular com a economia de corrida em atletas de endurance

The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship of maximal aerobic power and the muscular strength (maximal isotonic strength and vertical jump explosive power) with the running economy (RE) in endurance athletes. Twenty-six male runners (27.9 ± 6.4 years; 62.7 ± 4.3 kg; 168.6 ± 6.1 cm; 6.6 ± 3.1% of body fat) performed in different days the following tests: a) incremental test to determine the maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and the intensity corresponding to the V̇O2max (IV̇O2max); b) constant-velocity treadmill run to determine RE; c) 1-RM test in the leg press and; d) maximal vertical jump test (VJ). V̇O2max (63.8 ± 8.3 ml/kg/min) was significantly correlated (r = 0.63; p < 0.05) with RE (48.0 ± 6.6 ml/kg/min). However, the IV̇O2max (18.7 ± 1.1 km/h), the maximal isotonic strength (230.3 ± 41.2 kg) and the VJ (30.8 ± 3.8 cm) were not significantly correlated with RE. One concludes that the maximal aerobic power can explain in part the inter-individual RE variability in endurance athletes. However, maximal isotonic strength and explosive strength seem not to be associated with RE values observed in this group of athletes.

Método DeLorme versus Electroestimulação no fortalecimento muscular do quadricípete

Monografia apresentada à Universidade Fernando Pessoa para obtenção do grau de Licenciada em Fisioterapia

Fruit and vegetable consumption and muscle strength and power during adolescence: a cross-sectional analysis of the Northern Ireland Young Hearts Project 1999-2001

Objectives: To examine the association between fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption and muscle strength and power in an adolescent population. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis among 1019 boys and 998 girls, aged 12 and 15 years, who participated in The Young Hearts Project. FV consumption (excluding potatoes) was assessed by 7-d diet history. Grip strength and jump power was assessed with a dynamometer and Jump-MD meter, respectively. Associations between FV consumption and strength and power were assessed by regression modelling. Results: Boys and girls with the highest FV intakes (>237.71 g/d and >267.57 g/d, respectively, based on the highest tertile) had significantly higher jump power than those with the lowest intakes (<135.09 g/d and <147.43 g/d, respectively), after adjustment for confounding factors. Although girls with the highest FV intakes had higher grip strength than those with the lowest intakes, no significant independent associations were evident between FV intake and grip strength in boys or girls. Similar findings were observed when FV were analysed separately.Conclusions: Higher FV consumption in this group of adolescents was positively associated with muscle power. There was no independent association between higher FV consumption and muscle strength. Intervention studies are required to determine whether muscle strength and power can be improved through increased FV consumption.

Força Muscular Isocinética após Reconstrução do Ligamento Cruzado Anterior – Influência do Tipo de Enxerto (Osso-Tendão-Osso/Isquio-Tibiais)

Introdução: É reconhecida a importância do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) no funcionamento normal do joelho. Em caso de rotura ligamentar, nomeadamente em desportos com marcada solicitação dos movimentos de rotação do joelho, é justificada a necessidade de reconstrução do LCA na maioria dos casos. Objetivo (s): Avaliar a influência do tipo de enxerto na reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior na força muscular isocinética, assim como na funcionalidade e sintomas após 6 meses. Métodos: Estudo transversal analítico, constituído por 20 indivíduos voluntários do sexo masculino, que haviam sido submetidos a uma ligamentoplastia do cruzado anterior, pelo mesmo cirurgião, seguido de uma intervenção individualizada por um fisioterapeuta. Em 10 indivíduos, o procedimento cirúrgico foi realizado com enxerto do tendão rotuliano (grupo OTO), e nos restantes 10 com enxerto do semitendinoso e gracilis (grupo STG). Como forma de avaliar a Força Muscular Isocinética (Peak Torque, Trabalho Total Muscular, ratio Isquiotibiais/Quadricipite), foi utilizado o Dinamómetro Isocinético Biodex. A avaliação foi efectuada apenas aos 6 meses após o procedimento cirúrgico. Para observação da funcionalidade, amplitude de movimento e sintomas, utilizou-se o questionário International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC). Resultados: Foi possível observar que entre os grupos apenas se observaram diferenças significativas no peak torque de extensão a 180º no membro não lesado (p=0,019). Contudo, foi observada uma tendência para o grupo OTO apresentar um maior défice no peak torque e trabalho total muscular em extensão. Comparativamente ao membro contra-lateral, o membro lesado apresentou valores significativamente inferiores na maioria das variáveis ( p < 0,05). Conclusão: Após 6 meses de pós-cirúrgico com reabilitação de fisioterapia, não foi possível apontar qual o enxerto que garante uma melhor recuperação da força muscular. Aos 6 meses, ambos os grupos ainda apresentaram limitações musculares, quando comparados com o lado contra-lateral. Relativamente ao rácio isquiotibiais/quadricípite, assim como no IKDC, não se observaram diferenças entre os dois tipos de enxertos.

From Mind to Body: Is Mental Practice Effective on Strength Gains? A Meta-Analysis

Mental practice is an internal reproduction of a motor act (whose intention is to promote learning and improving motor skills). Some studies have shown that other cognitive strategies also increase the strength and muscular resistance in healthy people by the enhancement of the performance during dynamic tasks. Mental training sessions may be primordial to improving muscle strength in different subjects. The aim of this study was to systematically review and meta-analiyze studies that assessed whether mental practice is effective in improving muscular strength. We conducted an electronic-computed search in Pub-Med/Medline and ISI Web of Knowledge, Scielo and manual searchs, searching papers written in English between 1991 and 2014. There were 44 studies in Pub-Med/Medline, 631 in ISI Web of Knowledge, 11 in Scielo and 3 in manual searchs databases. After exclusion of studies for duplicate, unrelated to the topic by title and summary, different samples and methodologies, a meta-analysis of 4 studies was carried out to identify the dose-response relationship. We did not find evidence that mental practice is effective in increasing strength in healthy individuals. There is no evidence that mental practice alone can be effective to induce strength gains or to optimize the training effects.