Influence of exercise order on upper body maximum and submaximal strength gains in trained men

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of exercise order on one-repetition maximum (1-RM) and ten-repetition maximum (10-RM) strength gains after 6 weeks of resistance training (RT) in trained men. Sixteen men were randomly assigned into two groups based on the order of exercises performed during training sessions: a group that performed large muscle group exercises first and progressed to small muscle group exercises (LG-SM); while a second group performed the opposite sequence and started with small muscle group exercises and progressed to large muscle group exercises (SM-LG). Four sessions of RT were conducted per week; all exercises were performed for three sets of 8-12 repetitions with 1-min rest intervals between sets. Maximal and submaximal strength were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks of RT with 1-RM and 10-RM testing for the bench press (BP), lat pulldown (LPD), triceps pulley extension (TE) and biceps curl (BC), respectively. Two-way ANOVA for the 1-RM and 10-RM tests indicated a significant group x time interaction. The 1-RM values significantly increased for all exercises in both groups (P<0.05), but were not significantly different between groups. However, effect size (ES) data indicated that the LG-SM group exhibited a greater magnitude of gains (1-RM and 10-RM) for the BP and LPD exercises. Conversely, ES indicated that the SM-LG group exhibited a greater magnitude of gains (1-RM and 10-RM) for the TE and BC exercises. In conclusion, the results suggest that upper body movements should be prioritized and performed according to individual needs to maximize maximal and submaximal strength. © 2013 Scandinavian Society of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine.

Efeitos da eletroestimulação sobre os parâmetros eletromiográficos e dinamométricos do músculo quadríceps femoral

To analyze the effects of electrical stimulation at two frequencies on the EMG parameters (EMG) and dynamometer, in muscles with different typing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a controlled clinical trial, randomized and double blind. Sixty healthy volunteers (23.6 ± 4.2anos; 54.2 ± 7.7kg, 1.62 ± 0.009 cm) of both sexes were divided randomly into three groups: control group (CG), experimental group 1 (SG1) with application of the current Russian 30 HZ and experimental group 2 (EG2) at 70 Hz The volunteers performed an initial assessment (AV1) on the isokinetic dynamometer with three repetitions maximum voluntary isometric (MVC) for knee extension concomitant uptake of EMG for the VM muscle, VL and RF. Later, after application of NMES, they underwent an experimental protocol of isometric fatigue using 70% of MVIC, ending with the completion of a final assessment (AV2) in the same manner as the AV1. RESULTS: By analyzing the profile of the 60 subjects in three broad, VM showed a higher value of RMS behavior when the VL and RF (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02). With respect to Fmed the RF muscle (p = 0.001) showed a higher value for the VM. The VM muscle showed significant increases of Fmed (p = 0.05) after electrical stimulation at 70 Hz when compared the AV1 AV2 and RF showed significant decreases (p = 0.009) after stimulation at 30 Hz during the fatigue showed an increase RMS in the VM and VL, with a reduction in RF. For the variable Fmed was observed in three broad decline during fatigue. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide evidence that the muscles VM, VL and RF fiber typing are different besides indicating that the frequency of NMES tend to relate to the muscle stimulated. Finally suggests the surface EMG as a noninvasive method for characterizing muscle

O efeito de diferentes intervalos de recuperação entre as séries do treinamento com pesos, nas respostas neuromusculares e do hormônio do crescimento, em idosas treinadas

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Effects of different resistance training frequencies on flexibility in older women

Objective: The main purpose of the investigation reported here was to analyze the effect of resistance training (RT) performed at different weekly frequencies on flexibility in older women.Participants and methods: Fifty-three older women (>= 60 years old) were randomly assigned to perform RT either two (n= 28; group "G2x"), or three (n= 25; group "G3x") times per week. The RT program comprised eight exercises in which the participants performed one set of 10-15 repetitions maximum for a period of 12 weeks. Anthropometric, body-composition, and flexibility measurements were made at baseline and post-study. The flexibility measurements were obtained by a fleximeter.Results: A significant group-by-time interaction (P<0.01) was observed for frontal hip flexion, in which G3x showed a higher increase than G2x (+12.8% and +3.0%, respectively). Both groups increased flexibility in cervical extension (G2x=+19.1%, G3x=+20.0%), right hip flexion (G2x=+14.6%, G3x=+15.9%), and left hip flexion (G2x=+25.7%, G3x=+19.2%), with no statistical difference between groups. No statistically significant differences were noted for the increase in skeletal muscle mass between training three versus two times a week (+7.4% vs +4.4%, respectively).Conclusion: Twelve weeks of RT improves the flexibility of different joint movements in older women, and the higher frequency induces greater increases for frontal hip flexion.

High- and low-volume resistance training similarly enhances functional performance in older adults

It is well known that resistance training improves muscle strength in older adults and may enhance or preserve functional performance. However, it is unclear if the volume of work undertaken in the elderly alters the response in functional performance. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of a high- versus low-volume resistance training program on functional performance in older adults. METHODS: Thirty-two healthy men and women aged 65-78 years were randomly assigned to either a single-set (SS, n = 16) or 3-set (MS, n = 16) progressive resistance training program for 20 weeks. Groups trained 2 days per week using machine weights at 8 repetitions maximum (8-RM) for 7 upper and lower body exercises. Muscle strength was assessed by the 1-RM and functional performance by a battery of tests (repeated chair rise, usual and fast 6-m walk, 6-m backwards walk, floor rise to standing, stair climb, and 400-m walk time). RESULTS: Twenty-eight subjects completed the study. There was no difference between groups at baseline in muscle strength or functional performance. Whole body muscle strength significantly increased in both groups with greater gains in the 3-set group (MS 32.9 ± 3.1%; SS 18.6 ± 2.7%, mean ± SE; P < 0.01). Significant improvement (time effect, P < 0.01) occurred for both groups in the chair rise (MS 13.6 ± 3.2%; SS 10.2 ± 3.0%), 6-m backwards walk (MS 14.9 ± 3.3%; SS 14.3 ± 4.2%), stair climb (MS 6.4 ± 2.8%; SS 7.7 ± 3.1%) and 400-m walk (MS 7.4 ± 1.4%; SS 3.9 ± 1.2%). There were no interaction (group × time) effects for functional performance and no differences by sex. CONCLUSION: Resistance training that utilizes either a singleset or 3-set regimen may significantly and similarly improve functional performance in community-dwelling older adults. Enhancement of functional performance may prolong independence and improve quality of life. ©2004The American College of Sports Medicine

S-metolachlor efficacy on the control of Brachiaria decumbens, Digitaria horizontalis, and Panicum maximum in mechanically green harvested sugarcane

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o controle em pré-emergência de Brachiaria decumbens, Digitaria horizontalis e Panicum maximum pelo herbicida S-metolachlor aplicado em pré-emergência em área de cana-de-açúcar colhida mecanicamente sem queima prévia das plantas, com e sem palha sobre o solo. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições, em esquema de parcela subdividida 7 x 2. Nas parcelas, foram estudados cinco tratamentos de herbicidas (S-metolachlor a 1,44, 1,92 e 2,40 kg ha-1; clomazone a 1,20 kg ha-1; e isoxaflutole a 0,188 kg ha-1) e duas testemunhas sem aplicação. Nas subparcelas, foi avaliada a manutenção ou não da palha de cana na superfície do solo. A eficácia do herbicida S-metolachlor não foi prejudicada pela presença de 14 ou 20 t ha-1 de palha de cana sobre o solo. Com a manutenção da palha, a dosagem de S-metolachlor para o controle adequado das plantas daninhas foi de 1,44kgha-1. No ambiente sem palha, o S-metolachlor controlou B. decumbens, D. horizontalis e P. maximum nas dosagens de 1.92, 1.44 e 1.92kgha-1, respectivamente. Nas duas condições de palha, os herbicidas clomazone e isoxaflutole foram eficazes para as espécies estudadas. O S-metolachlor não causou nenhum sintoma visível de intoxicação à cana-de-açúcar. O clomazone e o isoxaflutole ocasionaram injúrias visuais às plantas de cana. Os herbicidas estudados não afetaram o número de colmos viáveis por m², a altura e o diâmetro de colmos.

Produção e composição bromatológica da forragem do capim-mombaça (Panicum maximum Jacq.), submetidos a diferentes fontes e doses de corretivo de acidez

The experiment was carried in protected (greenhouse) atmosphere, in University of Engineering, UN-ESP of Ilha Solteira-SP, with the objective of evaluating sources (limestone and calcium silicate slag) and doses (0,0 0,5 1,0 1,5 2,0 times the recommended dose) of corrective in the bromatolouic composition, tillering and production of dry matter of the grass mombaca (Nuncio? maximum Jacq.). The lineation was completely randomized design, with four repetitions. It was evaluated the tiller number, the production of dry matter, the gross protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). The corrective influenced the tillering in almost all of the countings. The limestone provided larger production of dry matter in the doses of 1,5 and 2,0 times the recommended dose. The bromatologic composition of the forage was not influenced by the corrective and doses.

Influência da estrutura dos pastos de capim tanzânia (Panicum maximum Jacq.) sobre o comportamento ingestivo de cabras F1 Boer x Saanen

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Maximal strength, number of repetitions , and total volume are differently affected by static-ballistic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching

Barroso, R, Tricoli, V, dos Santos Gil, S, Ugrinowitsch, C, and Roschel, H. Maximal strength, number of repetitions, and total volume are differently affected by static-, ballistic-, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching. J Strength Cond Res 26(9): 2432-2437, 2012-Stretching exercises have been traditionally incorporated into warm-up routines before training sessions and sport events. However, the effects of stretching on maximal strength and strength endurance performance seem to depend on the type of stretching employed. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of static stretching (SS), ballistic stretching (BS), and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching on maximal strength, number of repetitions at a submaximal load, and total volume (i.e., number of repetitions 3 external load) in a multiple-set resistance training bout. Twelve strength-trained men (20.4 +/- 4.5 years, 67.9 +/- 6.3 kg, 173.3 +/- 8.5 cm) volunteered to participate in this study. All of the subjects completed 8 experimental sessions. Four experimental sessions were designed to test maximal strength in the leg press (i.e., 1 repetition maximum [1RM]) after each stretching condition (SS, BS, PNF, or no-stretching [NS]). During the other 4 sessions, the number of repetitions performed at 80% 1RM was assessed after each stretching condition. All of the stretching protocols significantly improved the range of motion in the sit-and-reach test when compared with NS. Further, PNF induced greater changes in the sit-and-reach test than BS did (4.7 +/- 1.6, 2.9 +/- 1.5, and 1.9 +/- 1.4 cm for PNF, SS, and BS, respectively). Leg press 1RM values were decreased only after the PNF condition (5.5%, p < 0.001). All the stretching protocols significantly reduced the number of repetitions (SS: 20.8%, p < 0.001; BS: 17.8%, p = 0.01; PNF: 22.7%, p < 0.001) and total volume (SS: 20.4%, p < 0.001; BS: 17.9%, p = 0.01; PNF: 22.4%, p < 0.001) when compared with NS. The results from this study suggest that, to avoid a decrease in both the number of repetitions and total volume, stretching exercises should not be performed before a resistance training session. Additionally, strength-trained individuals may experience reduced maximal dynamic strength after PNF stretching.

Novel resistance training-specific rating of perceived exertion scale measuring repetitions in reserve

The primary aim of this study was to compare rating of perceived exertion (RPE) values measuring repetitions in reserve (RIR) at particular intensities of 1 repetition maximum (RM) in experienced (ES) and novice squatters (NS). Furthermore, this investigation compared average velocity between ES and NS at the same intensities. Twenty-nine individuals (24.0 ± 3.4 years) performed a 1RM squat followed by a single repetition with loads corresponding to 60, 75, and 90% of 1RM and an 8-repetition set at 70% 1RM. Average velocity was recorded at 60, 75, and 90% 1RM and on the first and last repetitions of the 8-repetition set. Subjects reported an RPE value that corresponded to an RIR value (RPE-10 = 0-RIR, RPE-9 = 1-RIR, and so forth). Subjects were assigned to one of the 2 groups: (a) ES (n = 15, training age: 5.2 ± 3.5 years) and (b) NS (n = 14, training age: 0.4 ± 0.6 years). The mean of the average velocities for ES was slower (p ≤ 0.05) than NS at 100% and 90% 1RM. However, there were no differences (p > 0.05) between groups at 60, 75%, or for the first and eighth repetitions at 70% 1RM. In addition, ES recorded greater RPE at 1RM than NS (p = 0.023). In ES, there was a strong inverse relationship between average velocity and RPE at all percentages (r = −0.88, p < 0.001), and a strong inverse correlation in NS between average velocity and RPE at all intensities (r = −0.77, p = 0.001). Our findings demonstrate an inverse relationship between average velocity and RPE/RIR. Experienced squatter group exhibited slower average velocity and higher RPE at 1RM than NS, signaling greater efficiency at high intensities. The RIR-based RPE scale is a practical method to regulate daily training load and provide feedback during a 1RM test.

Extraction of road lanes from high-resolution stereo aerial imagery based on maximum likelihood segmentation and texture enhancement

Accurate road lane information is crucial for advanced vehicle navigation and safety applications. With the increasing of very high resolution (VHR) imagery of astonishing quality provided by digital airborne sources, it will greatly facilitate the data acquisition and also significantly reduce the cost of data collection and updates if the road details can be automatically extracted from the aerial images. In this paper, we proposed an effective approach to detect road lanes from aerial images with employment of the image analysis procedures. This algorithm starts with constructing the (Digital Surface Model) DSM and true orthophotos from the stereo images. Next, a maximum likelihood clustering algorithm is used to separate road from other ground objects. After the detection of road surface, the road traffic and lane lines are further detected using texture enhancement and morphological operations. Finally, the generated road network is evaluated to test the performance of the proposed approach, in which the datasets provided by Queensland department of Main Roads are used. The experiment result proves the effectiveness of our approach.

Maximum recovery after knee replacement - the MARKER study rationale and protocol

Background There is little scientific evidence to support the usual practice of providing outpatient rehabilitation to patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery (TKR) immediately after discharge from the orthopaedic ward. It is hypothesised that the lack of clinical benefit is due to the low exercise intensity tolerated at this time, with patients still recovering from the effects of major orthopaedic surgery. The aim of the proposed clinical trial is to investigate the clinical and cost effectiveness of a novel rehabilitation strategy, consisting of an initial home exercise programme followed, approximately six weeks later, by higher intensity outpatient exercise classes. Methods/Design In this multicentre randomised controlled trial, 600 patients undergoing primary TKR will be recruited at the orthopaedic pre-admission clinic of 10 large public and private hospitals in Australia. There will be no change to the medical or rehabilitative care usually provided while the participant is admitted to the orthopaedic ward. After TKR, but prior to discharge from the orthopaedic ward, participants will be randomised to either the novel rehabilitation strategy or usual rehabilitative care as provided by the hospital or recommended by the orthopaedic surgeon. Outcomes assessments will be conducted at baseline (pre-admission clinic) and at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months following randomisation. The primary outcomes will be self-reported knee pain and physical function. Secondary outcomes include quality of life and objective measures of physical performance. Health economic data (health sector and community service utilisation, loss of productivity) will be recorded prospectively by participants in a patient diary. This patient cohort will also be followed-up annually for five years for knee pain, physical function and the need or actual incidence of further joint replacement surgery. Discussion The results of this pragmatic clinical trial can be directly implemented into clinical practice. If beneficial, the novel rehabilitation strategy of utilising outpatient exercise classes during a later rehabilitation phase would provide a feasible and potentially cost-effective intervention to optimise the physical well-being of the large number of people undergoing TKR.