Effect of resistance training on phase angle in older women: A randomized controlled trial

Phase angle (PhA) is an angular‐derived bioelectrical impedance parameter based on resistance and reactance that has been widely used in different populations as an objective indicator of cellular health. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of resistance training (RT) on PhA in older women. Forty‐one older women (67.2 ± 4.5 years, 64.0 ± 12.3 kg, 154.7 ± 5.2 cm, and 26.6 ± 4.8 kg/m²) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a training group (TG, n = 19) that underwent progressive RT for 12 weeks (eight exercises, three sets of 10–15 repetitions maximum, three times per week) or a control group (CG, n = 22) that did not perform any type of exercise during the intervention period. Resistance, reactance, PhA, total body water (TBW), intracellular (ICW) and extracellular (ECW) water were assessed by spectral bioelectrical impedance. There was a significant group by time interaction (P < 0.05) for PhA, TBW, and ICW in which only the TG increased their scores after the intervention period (PhA = +6.5%, TBW = +2.8%, and ICW = +5.1%). The results suggest that progressive RT promotes an increase in PhA in older women. Therefore, the PhA seems to be a good parameter to assess changes in cellular health during RT intervention.     

The prevalence and performance of resistance exercise training activities in an Australian population in relation to health authority guidelines

Objectives

Resistance training research highlights the importance of training intensity to resistance exercise training (RET) and the associated benefits to health and function for healthy and at-risk populations. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommend specific intensities, frequencies, repetitions, and number of exercises of RET to be performed to maintain health. The primary aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of achieving recommended levels of RET in relation to ACSM guidelines for intensity, frequency, repetitions, and number of exercises in a regional Australian population.

实施健康促进方案对武警战士体能训练伤和运动能力的效果观察

 目的观察健康教育促进方案对新训期武警战士训练伤和运动能力的干预效果.方法采用分层随机抽样,将战士分为实验组(420例)和对照组(415例),实验组按照制定的干预方案实施体能训练的有关安排,对照组按照部队的常规训练要求进行训练.训练结束后,由军医按照统一诊断标准检查伤病情况,由本课题组人员进行运动能力测试.结果新训结束后,实验组训练伤的总发生率(15.5%)低于对照组(22.2%),差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01),运动能力测试成绩高于对照组(P＜0.05).结论健康促进方案对降低武警战士训练伤和提高运动能力有明显效果.     

Transfer effects of step training on stepping performance in untrained directions in older adults: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAlthough step training improves the ability of quick stepping, some home-based step training systems train limited stepping directions and may cause harm by reducing stepping performance in untrained directions. This study examines the possible transfer effects of step training on stepping performance in untrained directions in older people.MethodsFifty four older adults were randomized into: forward step training (FT); lateral plus forward step training (FLT); or no training (NT) groups. FT and FLT participants undertook a 15-min training session involving 200 step repetitions. Prior to and post training, choice stepping reaction time and stepping kinematics in untrained, diagonal and lateral directions were assessed.ResultsSignificant interactions of group and time (pre/post-assessment) were evident for the first step after training indicating negative (delayed response time) and positive (faster peak stepping speed) transfer effects in the diagonal direction in the FT group. However, when the second to the fifth steps after training were included in the analysis, there were no significant interactions of group and time for measures in the diagonal stepping direction.ConclusionsStep training only in the forward direction improved stepping speed but may acutely slow response times in the untrained diagonal direction. However, this acute effect appears to dissipate after a few repeated step trials. Step training in both forward and lateral directions appears to induce no negative transfer effects in diagonal stepping. These findings suggest home-based step training systems present low risk of harm through negative transfer effects in untrained stepping directions.Trial registration: ANZCTR 369066.     

Slackline training and neuromuscular performance in seniors: A randomized controlled trial

Slackline training (balancing on nylon ribbons) has been shown to improve neuromuscular performance in children and adults. Comparable studies in seniors are lacking. Thus, 32 seniors were randomly assigned [strata: age, gender, physical activity (PA)] to an intervention [INT; n = 16, age: 65 ± 4 years, PA: 9 ± 5 h/week] or control [CON, n = 16, age: 63 ± 4 years, PA: 8 ± 4 h/week] group. Slackline training was given for 6 weeks (3 times per week, attendance 97%). Static and slackline standing balance performance, force development, and maximal strength of the ankle muscles were assessed before and after slackline training. Muscle activity (lower limb and trunk) was recorded during balance testing. Moderate to large group × time interactions (0.02 < P < 0.04, 0.11 < η_p² < 0.17) in favor of INT were found for slackline standing times (INT: left, +278%, P = 0.02; right, +328%, P = 0.03; tandem, +94%, P = 0.007) and muscle activity during single‐limb slackline standing [INT: right: rectus abdominis (RA), P = 0.003, ?15%; multifidus (MF), P = 0.01, ?15%; left: tibialis anterior (TIB), P = 0.03, ?12%; soleus (SOL), P = 0.006, ?18%; RA, P = 0.04, ?11%; MF, P = 0.01, ?16%; gastrocnemius medialis (GM), P = 0.02, ?19%]. Static balance performance, ankle strength, and power were not affected. Slackline training induced large task‐specific improvements of slackline standing performance accompanied with reductions of lower limb and trunk muscle activity. Transfer effects to static balance and strength measures seem limited.     

Effects of treadmill training with load addition on non-paretic lower limb on gait parameters after stroke: A randomized controlled clinical trial

The addition of load on the non-paretic lower limb for the purpose of restraining this limb and stimulating the use of the paretic limb has been suggested to improve hemiparetic gait. However, the results are conflicting and only short-term effects have been observed. This study aims to investigate the effects of adding load on non-paretic lower limb during treadmill gait training as a multisession intervention on kinematic gait parameters after stroke. With this aim, 38 subacute stroke patients (mean time since stroke: 4.5 months) were randomly divided into two groups: treadmill training with load (equivalent to 5% of body weight) on the non-paretic ankle (experimental group) and treadmill training without load (control group). Both groups performed treadmill training during 30 min per day, for two consecutive weeks (nine sessions). Spatiotemporal and angular gait parameters were assessed by a motion system analysis at baseline, post-training (at the end of 9 days of interventions) and follow-up (40 days after the end of interventions). Several post-training effects were demonstrated: patients walked faster and with longer paretic and non-paretic steps compared to baseline, and maintained these gains at follow-up. In addition, patients exhibited greater hip and knee joint excursion in both limbs at post-training, while maintaining most of these benefits at follow-up. All these improvements were observed in both groups. Although the proposal gait training program has provided better gait parameters for these subacute stroke patients, our data indicate that load addition used as a restraint may not provide additional benefits to gait training.     

Slow movement resistance training using body weight improves muscle mass in the elderly: A randomized controlled trial

To examine the effect of a 12‐week slow movement resistance training using body weight as a load (SRT ‐BW ) on muscle mass, strength, and fat distribution in healthy elderly people. Fifty‐three men and 35 women aged 70 years old or older without experience in resistance training participated, and they were randomly assigned to a SRT ‐BW group or control group. The control group did not receive any intervention, but participants in this group underwent a repeat measurement 12 weeks later. The SRT ‐BW program consisted of 3 different exercises (squat, tabletop push‐up, and sit‐up), which were designed to stimulate anterior major muscles. Initially, these exercises were performed by 2 sets of 10 repetitions, and subsequently, the number of repetitions was increased progressively by 2 repetitions every 4 weeks. Participants were instructed to perform each eccentric and concentric phase of movement slowly (spending 4 seconds on each movement), covering the full range of motion. We evaluated muscle mass, strength, and fat distribution at baseline and after 12 weeks of training. Changes over 12 weeks were significantly greater in the SRT ‐BW group than in the control group, with a decrease in waist circumference, hip circumference, and abdominal preperitoneal and subcutaneous fat thickness, and an increase in thigh muscle thickness, knee extension strength, and hip flexion strength. In conclusion, relatively short‐term SRT ‐BW was effective in improving muscle mass, strength, and fat distribution in healthy elderly people.     

Effects of traditional balance and slackline training on physical performance and perceived enjoyment in young soccer players

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 12-week balance and slackline training programs on physical performance and perceived enjoyment scale in young soccer players. Forty-one preadolescent soccer players were assigned to two experimental groups performing traditional balance (BLT) or slackline training (SLT), and a control group. Pre-post assessment encompassed Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), Star Excursion Balance test (SEBT), sprint with 90° turns (S90), and countermovement jump (CMJ). The rate of perceived enjoyment scale (PACES) was applied at the end of the experimental period. SLT and BLT improved similarly in BESS, SEBT and S90. No changes were detected in the CMJ. Regarding PACES score, SLT presented significantly higher values than BLT. Young athletes may benefit from a motivating training approach, thus, a designed program based on slackline drills should be preferable to improve physical performance in terms of balance and change of direction ability in preadolescent soccer players.     

Relationship between balance capacity and jump ability in amateur soccer players of different ages

It is a well known fact that in many sport activities, a technical gesture is more effective and easier to perform in a situation of balance. Short-term balance training (BT) seems to be effective for rapidly improving muscular strength and for reducing imbalances between corresponding limbs. Moreover, reducing imbalances between corresponding limbs may be useful for the prevention of injuries. The aim of the present study was to investigate the link between balance and strength in young soccer players. The experiment was carried out on 133 young male soccer players (age: 18.2±1.9). The Libra Fixed Point (LPF)-Libra Closed Eye (LB) balance tests as well as the Counter Movement Jump (CMJ-CMJMono) tests were significantly (p<0.05) correlated (r=0.43 and r=0.63, respectively; p<0.01). Significant correlations (p<0.05) were found between the balance LPF and CMJ (r=−0.36, p<0.01), between LB and CMJ (R=−0.22, p<0.05), between LPF and CMJMono (r=−0.48, p<0.01) and between LB and CMJMono tests (r=−0.42, p<0.01). These results may have interesting implications for the effects of BT.     

Dual-task training on cognition and resistance training improved both balance and working memory in older people

ABSTRACT

Objectives: With increasing age, declines in executive functions and basic motor skills such as posture control, muscle strength, and balance performance have been observed. However, no intervention has focused on enhancing both executive functions and balance performance concomitantly. Accordingly, the aim of the present study is to investigate whether and to what extent two different dual-task interventions improved both working memory and balancing. Specifically, we examined whether either a motor-cognitive dual task training (mCdtt) or a motor-motor dual-task training (mMdtt) impacted more favorably on working memory and on balance performance among a sample of older adults.

Methods: A total of 60 older males (mean age: 68.31 years; SD = 3.83) were randomly assigned either to the mCdtt, the mMdtt or to control condition. Balance performance and working memory performance were tested at baseline, four weeks later at study completion, and again 12 weeks later at follow-up.

Results: Balance and working memory improved from baseline to post-intervention and to follow-up (significant Time effect), but more so in the mCdtt compared to the mMdtt condition (significant Time × Group interaction). Further, compared to the mMdtt condition, higher scores were observed in the mCdtt condition (significant Group effect).

Conclusion: Dual-task interventions improved both balance performance and working memory, but more so if cognitive performance was specifically trained along with resistance training.     

Combining higher-load and lower-load resistance training exercises: A systematic review and meta-analysis of findings from complex training studies

ObjectivesThe aim of the present meta-analytical review was to determine the effectiveness of training programmes combining higher-load and lower-load exercises in one workout (i.e. complex training [CT]) on lower-body performance.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsA search of five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SportDiscus, CINAHL and Scopus) was conducted to identify all publications up to 7 March 2018. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model with the dependent variables countermovement jump (CMJ) height, squat jump (SJ) height, one-repetition maximum (1-RM) squat performance and sprint time for 5 m, 10 m, 20 m, 30 m and 40 m, respectively.ResultsThe analysis comprised 33 studies and a total of 1064 healthy participants. The meta-analysis revealed that CT is effective in improving CMJ (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.6%–12.3%), SJ (95% CI 8.0%–17.4%), 1-RM squat (95% CI 16.4%–30.7%) and sprint performance (5 m = 95% CI −14.8% to −0.9%, 10 m = 95% CI −6.0% to −2.1%, 20 m = 95% CI −7.4% to −1.4%, 30 m = 95% CI −8.0% to −0.6%). However, when directly compared to traditional training methods, only 1-RM squat strength performance and 20 m sprint time were superior following CT interventions (95% CI 0.2%–13.7% and 95% CI −1.6% to −0.1%, respectively)ConclusionsCT is an acceptable method for improving jump, strength and sprint performance in athletes. Compared to traditional training methods, CT seems to produce superior training effects only for 1-RM squat and 20 m sprint performance; however, these findings were influenced by single studies and should be therefore interpreted with circumspection.     

Combined aerobic and resistance training in breast cancer survivors: A randomized, controlled pilot trial

The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effects of a combined cardiorespiratory and resistance exercise training program of short duration on the cardiorespiratory fitness, strength endurance, task specific functional muscle capacity, body composition and quality of life (QOL) in women breast cancer survivors. Sixteen subjects were randomly assigned to either a training (n = 8; age: 50 +/- 5 yrs) or control non-exercising group (n = 8; age: 51 +/- 10 yrs). The training group followed an 8-week exercise program consisting of 3 weekly sessions of 90-min duration, supervised by an experienced investigator and divided into resistance exercises and aerobic training. Before and after the intervention period, all of the subjects performed a cardiorespiratory test to measure peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), a dynamic strength endurance test (maximum number of repetitions for chest and leg press exercise at 30 - 35 % and 100 - 110 % of body mass, respectively) and a sit-stand test. Quality of life was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 (EORTC-C30) questionnaire. In response to training, QOL, VO2peak (mean 3.9 ml/kg/min; 95 % CI, 0.93, 6.90) performance in leg press (17.9 kg; 95 % CI, 12.8, 22.4) and sit-stand test (- 0.67 s; 95 % CI, - 0.52, - 1.2) improved (p < or = 0.05). We observed no significant changes in the control group. Combined cardiorespiratory and resistance training, even of very brief duration, improves the QOL and the overall physical fitness of women breast cancer survivors.     

An evaluation of the training determinants of marathon performance: A meta-analysis with meta-regression

ObjectivesMarathoners rely on expert-opinion and the anecdotal advice of their peers when devising their training plans for an upcoming race. The accumulation of results from multiple scientific studies has the potential to clarify the precise training requirements for the marathon. The purpose of the present study was to perform a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of available literature to determine if a dose-response relationship exists between a series of training behaviours and marathon performance.DesignSystematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression.MethodsA systematic search of multiple literature sources was undertaken to identify observational and interventional studies of elite and recreational marathon (42.2 km) runners.ResultsEighty-five studies which included 137 cohorts of runners (25% female) were included in the meta-regression, with average weekly running distance, number of weekly runs, maximum running distance completed in a single week, number of runs ≥32 km completed in the pre-marathon training block, average running pace during training, distance of the longest run and hours of running per week used as covariates. Separately conducted univariate random effects meta-regression models identified a negative statistical association between each of the above listed training behaviours and marathon performance (R² 0.38-0.81, p < 0.001), whereby increases in a given training parameter coincided with faster marathon finish times. Meta-analysis revealed the rate of non-finishers in the marathon was 7.27% (95% CI 6.09%–8.65%).ConclusionsThese data can be used by athletes and coaches to inform the development of marathon training regimes that are specific to a given target finish time.     

Effects of different exercise training programs on body composition: A randomized control trial

We aimed to investigate the effects of different exercise training programs on body composition parameters in sedentary middle‐aged adults. A total of 89 middle‐aged adults (53.5 ± 4.9 years old; ~53% women) participated in the FIT‐AGEING study. A 12‐week randomized controlled trial was performed with a parallel group design. The participants were randomly assigned to (a) a concurrent training based on physical activity recommendation from the World Health Organization group (PAR group), (b) a high‐intensity interval training group (HIIT group), and (c) a high‐intensity interval training group adding whole‐body electromyostimulation group (WB‐EMS group). A significant decrease of fat body mass, fat body mass index, and visceral adipose tissue was observed in all training modalities compared to the control group (all P ≤ 0.001). There was a significant increase in lean body mass in the HIIT group as well as in the WB‐EMS group compared to the control group and the PAR group (all P ≤ 0.044), whereas an increment of lean body mass index was only observed in the WB‐EMS group compared to the control group and the PAR group (all P ≤ 0.042). A significant increase of bone mineral content was observed in the WB‐EMS group compared to the control group (P = 0.015), while no changes were found in the PAR group and in the HIIT group compared to the control group (all P ≥ 0.2). Our findings suggest that PAR, HIIT, and WB‐EMS can be used as a strategy to improve body composition parameters, obtaining slightly better results with the application of WB‐EMS.     

Prevalence and application of priming exercise in high performance sport

ObjectivesRecent research has revealed that low volume resistance ‘priming’ exercise may improve neuromuscular performance when completed within 48 h before competition. The aim of this study was to investigate the current prevalence and application of this strategy by practitioners in sport.DesignThis study surveyed practitioners who were currently programming and/or prescribing resistance training programs for high performance athletes.MethodsSixty-nine practitioners completed the online survey relating to their perceptions of resistance priming exercise strategies and the training methods prescribed in the days prior to competition.ResultsFifty-one percent of respondents currently prescribed priming exercise. Of the practitioners who prescribed this strategy, most respondents (59%) prescribed this session within 8 h of competition. Sessions typically included 2–3 upper body and lower body exercises (mean = 2.5 ± 0.7 and 2.1 ± 0.6 respectively), usually involving both loaded and unloaded activities. Large variations in exercise selection were reported, however, unloaded jumps (87%), loaded jumps (60%) and bench press (56%) were commonly prescribed. A low volume of sets (mean = 2.8 ± 0.9) and repetitions (mean = 3.8 ± 1.3) were used during these sessions. Lastly, various resistance loading strategies were prescribed, ranging from unloaded activities to heavy loaded exercises performed at ≥85% 1RM.ConclusionsPriming exercise is currently prescribed by many practitioners to prepare athletes for competition. A wide range of priming exercise methods are used, despite limited evidence supporting these methods. Future research should examine the effects of the various priming methods which are currently applied in practice.