Neuromuscular adaptations to water-based concurrent training in postmenopausal women: effects of intrasession exercise sequence

Water-Based Training Programs Improve Functional Capacity, Cognitive and Hemodynamic Outcomes? The ACTIVE Randomized Clinical Trial

Purpose: To compare the effects of 16 weeks of aerobic training (AT) to 8 weeks of AT followed by 8 weeks of combined training (CT), as well as to a control group (CG), on the functional, cognitive and hemodynamic responses of older women exercising in the aquatic environment. Materials and Methods: The study is a three-armed parallel randomized controlled clinical trial. For this, 52 older women were first randomized in an aerobic training (AT; n = 35) or control group (CG; n = 17). After 8 weeks of intervention, participants from AT group were again randomized into another 8-week period of either AT (n = 17) or combined training (CT; n = 18). AT was performed at the percentage of the heart rate corresponding to the anaerobic threshold, resistance training was performed with sets at maximal effort and the control group performed low-intensity therapeutic exercises in water. All outcomes were assessed before (week 0) and after the intervention (week 17). In addition, some outcomes were also investigated in the middle timepoint (week 9). Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) and Bonferroni post-hoc tests (α = 0.05) were used to compare timepoints and groups. Results: All groups similarly improved functional capacity (3-11%) and blood pressure (-4 to -10%), whereas cognitive function was not modified for any group. Conclusion: Water-based training programs and therapeutic exercises (i.e., CG) improve functional capacity and blood pressure responses in older women. Clinical Trials NCT03892278.

Effects of concurrent training sequence on VO2max and lower limb strength performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of concurrent strength and endurance training sequences on VO_2max and lower limb strength performance to provide scientific guidance for training practice. We searched PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science (WOS), Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases up to December 2022. The included articles were randomized controlled trials that allowed us to compare the strength-endurance (S-E) sequence and endurance-strength (E-S) sequence on VO_2max, maximum knee extension strength, maximum knee flexion strength, and lower limb power. The Cochrane bias risk tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included literature, and Stata 12.0 was used for the heterogeneity test, subgroup analysis, draw forest map, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias evaluation. The results have been presented as standardized mean differences (SMDs) between treatments with 95% confidence intervals and calculations performed using random effects models. Significance was accepted when p < 0.05. The studies included 19 randomized controlled trials (285 males and 197 females), 242 subjects in S-E sequence, and 240 subjects in E-S sequence in the analyses. No difference changes between S-E and E-S sequences has been observed on VO_2max in the overall analysis (SMD = 0.02, 95% CI: -0.21-0.25, p = 0.859). The S-E sequence shows a greater increase in lower limb strength performance than does the E-S sequence (SMD = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.02-0.37, p = 0.032), which was manifested in the elderly (p = 0.039) and women (p = 0.017); in training periods >8 weeks (p = 0.002) and training frequencies twice a week (p = 0.003); and with maximum knee flexion (p = 0.040) and knee extension strength (p = 0.026), while no difference was found in lower limb power (p = 0.523). In conclusion, the effect of VO_2max will not change with different concurrent training sequences. The S-E sequence improves lower limb strength more significantly, mainly in the improvement of knee flexion and knee extension. This advantage is more related to factors such as age, gender, training period, and training frequency.

Effects of water exercise on body composition and components of metabolic syndrome in older females with sarcopenic obesity

[Purpose] Very few studies have been conducted on the benefits of water exercise for older adults with sarcopenic obesity. Whether the water exercise intervention is effective for improving sarcopenia and/or obesity remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of water exercise on body composition and components of metabolic syndrome in older females with sarcopenic obesity. [Participants and Methods] Participants (aged ≥60 years) were divided into a water exercise group and a control group. Water-based strength and endurance exercises were performed three times a week for 12 weeks. Lean soft tissue mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. [Results] Two-way analysis of variance revealed significant interactions (time × group) for total body fat percentage and leg body fat percentage. In the exercise group, leg body fat percentage significantly decreased after the intervention, but no significant change was observed in the control group. The components of metabolic syndrome showed no significant interactions in either group (time × group). [Conclusion] No significant changes were observed in the components of metabolic syndrome. However, 12-week water exercise may be effective for reducing fat mass in females with sarcopenic obesity.

Effects of water-based exercises on functioning of postmenopausal women: A systematic review with meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of Water-Based Exercise (WBE) versus Land-Based Exercise (LBE) and of WBE versus Non-Exercise in postmenopausal women on muscle strength, agility, flexibility, bone mineral density and aerobic capacity.

METHODS

We systematically searched in MEDLINE, PEDro, SciELO and the Cochrane Library RCT published until May 2022. Only randomized controlled trials were included. We analyzed the pooled results using weighted mean differences, standardized mean difference, and 95%CI were calculated.

RESULTS

Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria; although, sixteen studies were included in the meta-analyses. The studies presented low methodological quality. WBE was more effective than NE for improving muscle strength of knee extension (3.34), knee flexion (2.51), arm curl (6.78 repetitions), VO2Max (4.12 ml/kg), and flexibility (6.38 cm) When comparing WBE with LBE, no significant statistical difference was found regarding muscular strength of lower limbs (1.00), muscular strength of upper limbs (0.47), flexibility (1.95 cm), aerobic capacity (0.82 ml/kg) and lumbar bone mineral density (0.04 g/cm²).

CONCLUSIONS

WBE promotes significant benefits in muscle strength, aerobic capacity, and flexibility, when compared to no intervention. However, WBE was similar to the LBE for improving muscle strength, aerobic capacity, flexibility, agility, and bone mineral density - lumbar in postmenopausal women.

Effects of different order of combined training on functional capacity, blood pressure, and body composition in women from 53 to 79 years old

Objective: To assess the effects of order of resistance training (RT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on functional capacity, blood pressure, and body composition in middle-aged and older women. Methods: Twenty-two participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: RT followed by HIIT (RT-HIIT, n = 10, mean age 64.5 ± 7.9 years) or HIIT followed by RT (HIIT-RT, n = 10, mean age 59.32 ± 4.44 years). Both groups trained twice a week for 8 weeks. RT was composed of 7 exercises for the upper and lower body. HIIT was composed of alternate pairings of high-intensity (> 85% of maximum heart rate [MHR]) and moderate-intensity (60% MHR) running. Results: A time effect was found for upper-body muscle endurance (HIIT-RT = +9.43%; RT-HIIT = +6.16%), agility and dynamic balance (HIIT-RT = -5.96%; RT-HIIT = -8.57%), and cardiorespiratory fitness (HIIT-RT = +5.14%; RT-HIIT = +6.13%), with no difference between groups. Body composition and blood pressure did not change throughout the investigation for either group. Conclusion: Eight weeks of a combined HIIT and RT exercise program improved functional capacity of middle-aged and older women without altering blood pressure and body composition, regardless of the order of exercises.

Aerobic and combined water-based trainings in older women: effects on strength and cardiorespiratory outcomes

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to investigate the muscular and cardiorespiratory adaptations of two water-based training programs in older women.

METHODS

Volunteers were divided between a water-based aerobic training (WBA; n=13), water-based combined training (WBC; n=11) or an active control group (CG; n=9) and those assigned to WBA and WBC exercised twice a week for 12 weeks. All outcomes of interest were assessed prior and after the intervention. The data were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE), and Bonferroni post-hoc test (α = 0.05). Aerobic training was performed at the percentage of the heart rate corresponding to the anaerobic threshold and resistance training during WBC was performed with sets at maximal effort.

RESULTS

Improvements were observed for the maximal knee extension dynamic strength (1RM) and oxygen uptake (VO2) corresponding to the second ventilatory threshold for both WBA and WBC (1RM: 16 ± 12% vs. 15 ± 16%; VO2: 20 ± 24% vs. 23 ± 13%, respectively), whereas VO2 peak improved in all three groups (WBA: 23 ± 21%; WBC: 18 ± 9%; CG: 7 ± 16%). No increase was found for horizontal chest press 1RM (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that WBA, WBC and CG are effective to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, however, only water-based training programs (WBA and WBC) appear capable of improving the maximal strength of the lower limbs.

Anaerobic Threshold in a Water-Based Exercise: Agreement Between Heart Rate Deflection Point and Lactate Threshold Methods

ABSTRACT

Alberton, CL, Andrade, LS, Pinheiro, RB, and Pinto, SS. Anaerobic threshold in a water-based exercise: agreement between heart rate deflection point and lactate threshold methods. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2472-2478, 2021-The purpose of this study was to compare and assess the agreement of the heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) corresponding to the anaerobic threshold (AT) between HR deflection point (HRDP) and lactate threshold (LT) methods during a water-based exercise in young men. Sixteen young men (24 ± 6 years) performed the experimental protocol, which comprised the performance of a maximal incremental test during the water-based stationary running exercise. The initial cadence corresponded to 90 b·min-1, with 10 b·min-1 increases every 3 minutes up to exhaustion. Heart rate was monitored every 30 seconds while blood lactate concentrations and RPE were measured at the end of each 3-minute bout. Anaerobic threshold was identified by HRDP and LT methods by experienced physiologists. Paired Student's t-test, Bland-Altman analysis, and Pearson correlation were used for data analysis (α = 0.05). As results, there was agreement between HRDP and LT methods for HR, while RPE presented significant higher values for the HRDP method, resulting in an absence of acceptable agreement between methods. In addition, strong relationships (p ≤ 0.001) were verified between methods of AT determination for HR (r = 0.786) and RPE (r = 0.916). Therefore, based on the agreement between HRDP and LT methods, the HR determined by HRDP may be a valid parameter used for the intensity prescription of water-based stationary running exercise in young men during water aerobics programs and may be considered more reliable than RPE.

Long-Term Effects of Three Water-Based Training Programs on Resting Blood Pressure in Older Women

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of three water-based training on blood pressure (BP) in older women. A total of 57 participants were randomized into the following groups: (a) aerobic training (AT), (b) concurrent training in which resistance training progresses to the use of resistive equipment (CTRE), and (c) concurrent training in which resistance training progresses to multiple sets (CTMS). The participants trained twice a week for 16 weeks. Systolic BP decreased from pretraining to after 8 weeks of training and, subsequently, to after 16 weeks of training (AT: -6.53 mmHg, CTRE: -10.45 mmHg, and CTMS: -10.73 mmHg). Diastolic BP decreased from pretraining to after 8 and 16 weeks of training (AT: -6.23 mmHg, CTRE: -4.61 mmHg, and CTMS: -6.19 mmHg). Furthermore, 16% of the AT participants, 23% of the CTRE participants, and 28.5% of the CTMS participants were no longer classified as hypertensive. Water-based aerobic and concurrent training are efficient nonpharmacological measures to reduce BP in older women.

Relationship between Oxygen Uptake, Heart Rate, and Perceived Effort in an Aquatic Incremental Test in Older Women

Different parameters can be used to control the intensity of aerobic exercises, a choice that should consider the population and exercise environment targeted. Therefore, our study aimed to verify the relationship between oxygen uptake (VO₂), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and cadence during an aquatic incremental test in older women. Nine older women (64.3 ± 4.4 years) engaged in a water-based aerobic training performed an aquatic incremental test using the stationary running exercise (cadence increases of 15 b·min⁻¹ every 2 min) until participants’ volitional exhaustion. VO₂, HR, and RPE data were measured, and the percentage of peak VO₂ (%VO_2peak) and percentage of maximal HR (%HR_max) were calculated. Linear and polynomial regression analyses were performed (α = 0.05). Polynomial regressions revealed the best adjustments for all analyses. Data showed a significant relationship (p < 0.001) between %VO_2peak and %HR_max (r = 0.921), %VO_2peak and RPE (r = 0.870), and %HR_max and RPE (r = 0.878). Likewise, significant relationships between cadence (p < 0.001) and %VO_2peak (r = 0.873), %HR_max (r = 0.874), and RPE (r = 0.910) were also observed. In summary, the physiological, subjective, and mechanical variables investigated were highly associated during an aquatic incremental test to exhaustion in older women. Therefore, these different parameters can be employed to adequately prescribe water-based programs according to preference and availability.

Acute Effects of Water-Based Concurrent Training Intrasession Exercise Sequences on Energy Expenditure in Young Women

BACKGROUND

To compare the acute effects of water-based aerobic-resistance and resistance-aerobic concurrent training (CT) sessions on energy expenditure (EE) during and postexercise in young women.

METHODS

Nine active women (24 [3] y; 60 [5] kg) completed 4 sessions: (1) familiarization, (2) aquatic maximal test to determine the heart rate corresponding to the anaerobic threshold, (3) CT protocol with aerobic-resistance sequence, and (4) CT protocol with resistance-aerobic sequence. Both protocols started and ended with the participants in the supine position for 30 minutes to perform resting and postexercise oxygen consumption measurements. The water-based resistance protocol comprised 4 sets of 15 seconds at maximal velocity, and the water-based aerobic protocol was performed at a continuous intensity (heart rate corresponding to the anaerobic threshold). EE measurements were calculated based on oxygen consumption and the corresponding caloric equivalent. Paired t test was used to compare the EE values between the water-based CT intrasession exercise sequences (α = .05).

RESULTS

There was no difference between the water-based aerobic-resistance and resistance-aerobic in total EE (330.78 vs 329.56 kcal; P = .96), EE per minute (7.35 vs 7.32 kcal·min-1; P = .96), and postexercise EE (63.65 vs 59.92 kcal; P = .50).

CONCLUSIONS

The intrasession exercise sequence during water-based CT had no influence on the EE in young women.

Adaptations to Concurrent Training in Combination with High Protein Availability: A Comparative Trial in Healthy, Recreationally Active Men

Background

We implemented a high-protein diet (2 g·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹) throughout 12 weeks of concurrent exercise training to determine whether interferences to adaptation in muscle hypertrophy, strength and power could be attenuated compared to resistance training alone.

Methods

Thirty-two recreationally active males (age: 25 ± 5 years, body mass index: 24 ± 3 kg·m⁻²; mean ± SD) performed 12 weeks of either isolated resistance (RES; n = 10) or endurance (END; n = 10) training (three sessions·w⁻¹), or concurrent resistance and endurance (CET; n = 12) training (six sessions·w⁻¹). Maximal strength (1RM), body composition and power were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Results

Leg press 1RM increased ~ 24 ± 13% and ~ 33 ± 16% in CET and RES from PRE-to-POST (P < 0.001), with no difference between groups. Total lean mass increased ~ 4% in both CET and RES from PRE-to-POST (P < 0.001). Ultrasound estimated vastus lateralis volume increased ~ 15% in CET and ~ 11% in RES from PRE-to-POST (P < 0.001), with no difference between groups. Wingate peak power relative to body mass displayed a trend (P = 0.053) to be greater in RES (12.5 ± 1.6 W·kg BM⁻¹) than both CET (10.8 ± 1.7 W·kg BM⁻¹) and END (10.9 ± 1.8 W·kg BM⁻¹) at POST. Absolute VO_2peak increased 6.9% in CET and 12% in END from PRE-to-POST (P < 0.05), with no difference between groups.

Conclusion

Despite high protein availability, select measures of anaerobic power-based adaptations, but not muscle strength or hypertrophy, appear susceptible to ‘interference effects’ with CET and should be closely monitored throughout training macro-cycles.

Trials Registry: This trial was registered with the Australian-New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12617001229369).

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s40279-018-0999-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Combined Exercise Modulates Cortisol, Testosterone, and Immunoglobulin A Levels in Individuals Living With HIV/AIDS

BACKGROUND

Combined exercise (CE) has been recommended for individuals living with HIV/AIDS (ILWHA) under antiretroviral therapy. However, depending on the intensity and duration, physical exercise may occasionally increase inflammatory parameters and reduce immunological responses that if not reversed, cause health injury specifically in this population. Information about immunological and hormonal responses after CE in ILWHA has not been completely elucidated. Therefore, the aim is to verify the acute effects of CE on cortisol, testosterone, immunoglobulin A, and pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines over 24 hours in ILWHA.

METHODS

Noninfected individuals and ILWHA undergone 5 sessions of CE prior to the acute assessment session. Seventy-two hours after the last session, the subjects were submitted to one session of CE (aerobic exercise: 25 min at 60-70% reserve heart rate and resistance exercise: 3 sets of 15 maximum repetitions of 6 exercises). Saliva samples were collected before, immediately, 6 and 24 hours after CE.

RESULTS

CE reduced cortisol (6 h: 2.54 [0.58] vs 0.65 [0.22] pg·mL-1; P = .02), increased testosterone (all moments) and immunoglobulin A levels (24 h: 255.3 [44.7] vs 349.2 [41.9] μm·mL-1; P = .01) without significant difference in cytokines levels in ILWHA.

CONCLUSION

CE modulates cortisol, testosterone, and immunoglobulin A levels without the change in immunological parameters in ILWHA.

Effects of Different Models of Water-Based Resistance Training on Muscular Function of Older Women

PURPOSE

To compare the effects of three water-based resistance trainings on neuromuscular parameters of older women.

METHOD

Thirty-six women were randomized to groups: simple set of 30 seconds (1 × 30 s, 66.41 ± 4.71 years, n = 12), multiple sets of 10 seconds (3 × 10 s, 66.50 ± 4.74 years, n = 11), and simple set of 10 seconds (1 × 10 s, 65.23 ± 3.93 years, n = 13). Maximal isometric strength concomitantly with neuromuscular activity during extension and flexion knee was evaluated. In the same exercises, rate of force development at different time intervals was measured. Finally, functional capacity was assessed.

RESULTS

All trainings promoted similar improvements in the rate of force develpment of extension (effect size RFD 50 ms: 1 × 30 s .49, 3 × 10 s .67, 1 × 10 s .65; ES RFD 100 ms: 1 × 30 s .76, 3 × 10 s .80, 1 × 10 s .63; ES RFD 250 ms: 1 × 30 s .31, 3 × 10 s .49, 1 × 10 s .37) and flexion knee (ES RFD 50 ms: 1 × 30 s .59, 3 × 10 s .31, 1 × 10 s .48; ES RFD 100 ms: 1 × 30 s .41, 3 × 10 s .44, 1 × 10 s .42; ES RFD 250 ms: 1 × 30 s .57, 3 × 10 s .36, 1 × 10 s .43; ES RFD maximal: 1 × 30 s .63, 3 × 10 s .23, 1 × 10 s .26), however only the 3 × 10 s group improved the performance in the 8-foot up-and-go test (ES 3 × 10 s: .93, 1 × 30: .39, 1 × 10 s: .23). There was a maintenance of the isometric force and neuromuscular activity, except for the activity of the rectus femoris that showed an increase after training in all groups (ES 3 × 10 s: .04, 1 × 30: .36, 1 × 10 s: .50).

CONCLUSION

Water-based resistance training using simple or multiple sets promotes the same gains in rapid strength, however only multiple sets induced improvement on functional capacity.

Does Aerobic Exercise Impair Neuromuscular Function During Water-Based Resistance Exercises?

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of water-based aerobic exercises on the performance of water-based resistance exercises by assessing kinematic parameters during protocols and neuromuscular responses after them.

METHOD

Ten women performed 2 water-based protocols (i.e., resistance and concurrent water-based exercises) on separate days. We evaluated isometric force and electromyographic signal (sEMG) before and after protocols and analyzed kinematic parameters during a water-based resistance exercise.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between knee extension force production and sEMG from the vastus lateralis during the maximal voluntary contraction performed before and after the protocols. However, sEMG from the rectus femoris presented a significant difference between pretest and posttest measurements in both water-based protocols with greater values in the measurement after the end of the protocol (p = .046). The peak angular velocity of knee extension and mean angular velocity of knee extension and flexion showed similar values among the sets, with no difference between protocols. The peak angular velocity of knee flexion presented greater values in the water-based resistance exercises compared with the water-based concurrent protocol in the last set (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

The main impairment induced by the water-based concurrent exercises was the lower peak angular velocity in the knee flexors compared with water-based resistance exercises alone.

Water-based aerobic training improves strength parameters and cardiorespiratory outcomes in elderly women

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of water-based aerobic training and water-based resistance training on muscular strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in older women. Sixty-nine individuals were randomized into the following three groups: the water-based aerobic training (WA, n = 23) group, the water-based resistance training (WR, n = 23) group, and the control group (CG, n = 23). Participants were trained two times per week for 10 weeks. The trainings presented a linear periodization with an increase in the volume-intensity relation. Maximal dynamic muscular strength and the cardiorespiratory fitness were evaluated before the start of training and after 10 weeks of training. Only the WA group showed an increase in maximal oxygen consumption (13.8%) and oxygen consumption at the second ventilatory threshold (16.4%). Maximal dynamic strength of knee extensors improved in 10.6% of WA, 8.0% of WR, and 4.7% of CG participants, without any difference between the groups. Maximal dynamic strength of knee flexors was increased in 14.1% of WA and in 17.7% of WR participants; however, it remains unchanged in CG participants. No differences were observed in resting heart rate, peak heart rate, heart rate at the second ventilatory threshold and maximal dynamic strength of shoulder horizontal flexors. It was concluded that WA seems to be more efficient for improvement in cardiorespiratory responses, and both WA and WR were efficient for development of maximal dynamic strength of knee flexion and extension.

The Role of Intra-Session Exercise Sequence in the Interference Effect: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

There is a necessity for numerous sports to develop strength and aerobic capacity simultaneously, placing a significant demand upon the practice of effective concurrent training methods. Concurrent training requires the athlete to perform both resistance and endurance exercise within a training plan. This training paradigm has been associated with an 'interference effect', with attenuated strength adaptation in comparison to that following isolated resistance training. The effectiveness of the training programme rests on the intricacies of manipulating acute training variables, such as exercise sequence. The research, in the most part, does not provide a clarity of message as to whether intra-session exercise sequence has the potential to exacerbate or mitigate the interference effect associated with concurrent training methods.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess whether intra-session concurrent exercise sequence modifies strength-based outcomes associated with the interference effect.

METHODS

Ten studies were identified from a systematic review of the literature for the outcomes of lower-body dynamic and static strength, lower-body hypertrophy, maximal aerobic capacity and body fat percentage. Each study examined the effect of intra-session exercise sequence on the specified outcomes, across a prolonged (≥5 weeks) concurrent training programme in healthy adults.

RESULTS

Analysis of pooled data indicated that resistance-endurance exercise sequence had a positive effect for lower-body dynamic strength, in comparison to the alternate sequence (weighted mean difference, 6.91% change; 95% confidence interval 1.96, 11.87 change; p = 0.006), with no effect of exercise sequence for lower-body muscle hypertrophy (weighted mean difference, 1.15% change; 95% confidence interval -1.56, 3.87 change; p = 0.40), lower-body static strength (weighted mean difference, -0.04% change; 95% confidence interval -3.19, 3.11 change; p = 0.98), or the remaining outcomes of maximal aerobic capacity and body fat percentage (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the practice of concurrent training with a resistance followed by an endurance exercise order is beneficial for the outcome of lower-body dynamic strength, while alternating the order of stimuli offers no benefit for training outcomes associated with the interference effect.

Postexercise hypotension during different water-based concurrent training intrasession sequences in young women

The purpose of the study was to compare the acute effects of water-based resistance-aerobic (RA) and aerobic-resistance (AR) sequences on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean blood pressure (MBP) in young women. Thirteen active women participated in four sessions: (1) exercises familiarization, (2) aquatic maximal test to determine the heart rate (HR) corresponding to the anaerobic threshold (HR_AT), (3) concurrent protocol RA, and (4) concurrent protocol AR. Both protocols were initiated with the blood pressure measurements at rest in supine position. After that, either RA or AR concurrent protocol was performed. At the end of both protocols, blood pressure was measured throughout 60 minutes (every 10 minutes). The water-based resistance protocol was made up by exercises at maximal velocity, and the water-based aerobic protocol was performed at ±5 bpm of HR_AT continuously. Two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to analyze the data (α = 0.05). There was no hypotensive effect on systolic blood pressure among the time points (P = .235) in both water-based intrasession exercise sequences (P = .423). Regarding the DBP and MBP, both intrasession exercise sequences presented similar (DBP: P = .980; MBP: P = .796) hypotensive effects in the first 10 minutes (DBP: P = .003; MBP: P = .008) at the end of RA and AR sessions (DBP: -4 vs. -13 mm Hg; MBP: -3 vs. -10 mm Hg). It was concluded that both RA and AR water-based concurrent training sessions resulted in postexercise hypotension (DBP and MBP) in normotensive young women.

Short-term water-based aerobic training promotes improvements in aerobic conditioning parameters of mature women

Aging is accompanied by a decrease in aerobic capacity. Therefore, physical training has been recommended to soften the effects of advancement age. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a short-term water-based aerobic training on resting heart rate (HR_rest), heart rate corresponding to anaerobic threshold (HR_AT), peak heart rate (HR_peak), percentage value of HR_AT in relation to HR_peak and test duration (TD) of mature women. Twenty-two women (65.91 ± 4.83 years) were submitted to a five-week water-based interval aerobic training. Aerobic capacity parameters were evaluated through an aquatic incremental test. After training, there was an increase in TD (16%) and HR_AT percentage in relation to HR_peak (4.68%), and a reduction of HR_rest (9%). It is concluded that a water-based aerobic interval training prescribed through HR_AT of only five weeks is able to promote improvements in aerobic capacity of mature women.

Horizontal ground reaction forces to stationary running performed in the water and on dry land at different physiological intensities

The aim of the present study was to compare the peak anterior-posterior (Fy) and medio-lateral (Fx) ground reaction forces (GRFs) of women performing stationary running at different intensities in aquatic and dry land environments. Fourteen young women performed the stationary running exercise at three cadences (first ventilatory threshold, second ventilatory threshold and maximum effort, as determined during exercise in water) in aquatic and dry land environments. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyse the data (α = .05). As a result, significantly lower peak Fy anterior, Fy posterior, Fx medial and Fx lateral values were observed for the aquatic environment, except for the Fy posterior at the first ventilatory threshold. Significant differences were observed between cadences in the peak Fy anterior, Fy posterior, Fx medial and Fx lateral values, with higher values for the cadence corresponding to maximum effort compared to the first ventilatory threshold, except for the Fy posterior and Fx medial in the aquatic environment. The results indicate that the horizontal GRFs are reduced in the aquatic environment and depend on the intensity of stationary running exercise performance.