Home-Based Indoor Physical Activity Programs for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review

CONTEXT

Home-based exercise programs are a good strategy to promote benefits to health for people who cannot visit gyms, clinics, or have limited time for physical activity outside.

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize the effect of home-based indoor physical activity on psychosocial outcomes and mobility in community-dwelling older adults.

DATA SOURCES

A comprehensive search was conducted in the MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases.

STUDY SELECTION

A total of 11 studies (13 publications) were included involving a total of 1004 older adults.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted using the aforementioned 7 databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 2.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two authors independently selected studies, extracted data, and determined the risk of bias and evidence level using the Grading quality of evidence and strength of recommendations (GRADE) guidelines. We conducted a synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) to assess the outcome.

RESULTS

There is moderately certain evidence that home-based exercise programs reduced the fear of falling. Psychosocial (mental health and quality of life) and mobility outcomes may improve after participating in the intervention inside the home.

CONCLUSION

The review found very low to certain evidence that home-based exercises programs improved psychosocial outcomes (mental health and quality of life) and walking speed (mobility). Moderately certain evidence suggests that home-based exercises improved fear of falling.

PROTOCOL REGISTER NUMBER

CRD42020182008.

Evaluating the Asymmetry of Muscle Activation and Strength in Paralympic Powerlifting Athletes

BACKGROUND

Strength training is a complex task, as it requires a combination of many variables. In paralympic powerlifting (PP) asymmetries for the evaluation of activation, and static force indicators have been increasingly studied.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the asymmetries in the strength and muscle activation indicators, before and after a training session of PP athletes.

METHODOLOGY

Twelve elite athletes from the PP participated in the study, and asymmetry was evaluated through surface electromyography (sEMG) and static strength indicators. Evaluations were made before and after a protocol of five series of five repetitions (5 × 5), with 80% of 1-Maximum Repetition (1RM).

RESULTS

In the pectoral muscles, there were differences in the non-dominant limbs between the before and after in the sEMG. There were differences in the pectoralis muscle in the non-dominant limb between moments before (110.75 ± 59.52%) and after (130.53 ± 98.48%, p < 0.001), and there was no difference in triceps activation. In the Maximum Isometric Strength (MIF), there was a difference in the non-dominant limb between before (710.36 ± 129.36) and after (620.27 ± 69.73; p < 0.030). There was a difference before in the dominant (626.89 ± 120.16; 95% CI 550.55-703.24) and non-dominant (710.36 ± 129.36; p = 0.011) limbs. There was no difference in time to MIF.

CONCLUSION

PP athletes showed small levels of asymmetry before and after training, and adaptation to training tends to promote fewer asymmetries.

Evaluation of the Training Session in Elite Paralympic Powerlifting Athletes Based on Biomechanical and Thermal Indicators

BACKGROUND

Paralympic powerlifting (PP) is performed on a bench press, aiming to lift as much weight as possible in a single repetition.

PURPOSE

To evaluate thermal asymmetry and dynamic force parameters with 45 and 80% 1 Repetition Maximum (1 RM) in PP athletes.

METHODS

Twelve elite PP male athletes were evaluated before and after a training session regarding skin temperature (thermography) and dynamic force indicators (Average Propulsive Velocity-MPV, Maximum Velocity-VMax, and Power). The training consisted of five series of five repetitions (5 × 5) with 80% 1 RM. The force indicators and dynamics before and after (45% 1 RM) were evaluated in series "1" and "5" with 80% 1 RM.

RESULTS

The temperature did not present asymmetry, and there were differences between the moment before and after. In MPV, Vmax, and Power, with 45% 1 RM, there were differences both in asymmetry and in moments (p < 0.005). With 80% 1 RM, asymmetry was observed, but no differences between moments (p < 0.005).

CONCLUSION

No thermal asymmetry was observed. There were reductions in MVP and VMax at 45 and 80% 1 RM but without significant differences between time points (before and after). However, there was asymmetry in the moments before and after within a safety standard, where Paralympic powerlifting was safe in terms of asymmetries.

Corrigendum: Development and cross-validation of a predictive equation for fat-free mass in Brazilian adolescents by bioelectrical impedance

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.820736.].

Force-velocity relationship in Paralympic powerlifting: two or multiple-point methods to determine a maximum repetition

Background

Due to the absence of evidence in the literature on Paralympic Powerlifting the present study investigated various methods to assess bench press maximum repetition and the way each method influences the measurement of minimum velocity limit (MVT), load at zero velocity (LD0), and force–velocity (FV).

Objective

To evaluate the precision of the multi-point method using proximal loads (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90% of one repetition maximum; 1RM) compared to the four-point method (50, 60, 70, and 80% of 1RM) and the two-point method using distant loads (40 and 80% and 50 and 80% of 1RM) in in the MVT, LD0, and FV, in bench press performed by Paralympic Powerlifters (PP).

Methods

To accomplish this, 15 male elite PP athletes participated in the study (age: 27.7 ± 5.7 years; BM: 74.0 ± 19.5 kg). All participants performed an adapted bench press test (free weight) with 6 loads (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90% 1RM), 4 loads (50, 60, 70, and 80% 1RM), and 2 loads (40–80% and 50–80% 1RM). The 1RM predictions were made by MVT, LD0, and FV.

Results

The main results indicated that the multiple (4 and 6) pointsmethod provides good results in the MVT (R² = 0.482), the LD0 (R² = 0.614), and the FV (R² = 0.508). The two-point method (50–80%) showed a higher mean in MVT [1268.2 ± 502.0 N; ICC95% 0.76 (0.31–0.92)], in LD0 [1504.1 ± 597.3 N; 0.63 (0.17–0.86)], and in FV [1479.2 ± 636.0 N; 0.60 (0.10–0.86)].

Conclusion

The multiple-point method (4 and 6 points) and the two-point method (40–80%) using the MVT, LD0, and FV all showed a good ability to predict bench press 1RM in PP.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COMPETITION SIMULATION AND TRAINING ON STRENGTH AND DAMAGE INDICATORS IN JIU-JITSU

ABSTRACT Background: The relationship between training and competition is very important and aims at a more specific and adequate preparation in Jiu-Jitsu. Problem and objective: To evaluate the relationship between training and competition through indications of injury and muscle strength. Methods: The study sample included nine subjects (22.54 ± 2.77 years of age) who were submitted to the following two conditions: 1) training simulation and 2) competition simulation. Results: There were no significant differences in the countermovement jump (CMJ) test. However, 48 hours after training there was an indication of values higher than the post-competition ones. Creatine kinase (CK) indicated significant differences in muscle damage after competition in relation to the other conditions and moments (p <0.01) with a high effect. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) showed differences in the moments before, during, and after both competition and training conditions (p <0.05) with a high effect. The power of the upper limbs (PUL) showed a medium correlation at 24h (> 0.55) and 48h (0.47) after the intervention. There was high correlation (> 0.70) for all conditions in the squat jump (SJ). LDH showed a high correlation (> 0.70) at 48 hours. Conclusion: There was a good correlation between training and competition simulation, which tends to indicate that the training model used in the study properly prepare Jiu-Jitsu athletes for the demands of competition. Level of evidence I; High-quality randomized clinical trial with or without a statistically significant difference, but with narrow confidence intervals.

Evaluation of Ibuprofen Use on the Immune System Indicators and Force in Disabled Paralympic Powerlifters of Different Sport Levels

Background: Paralympic powerlifting (PP) training is typically intense and causes fatigue and alterations in the immune system. Objective: To analyze whether IBU would affect performance and the immune system after training in PP. Methodology: 10 athletes at the national level (NL) and 10 at the regional level (RL) participated in the study, where force and blood indicators were evaluated after training. The study took place over three weeks: (1) familiarization and (2 and 3) comparison between recovery methods, with ibuprofen or placebo (IBU vs. PLA), 800 mg. In the evaluation of the force, the peak torque (PT), fatigue index (FI), and blood immune system biomarkers were analyzed. The training consisted of five sets of five repetitions with 80% of one maximum repetition (5 × 5, 80% 1RM) on the bench press. Results: The PT at the national level using IBU was higher than with PLA (p = 0.007, η2p = 0.347), and the FI in the NL was lower with IBU than with PLA (p = 0.002, η2p = 0.635), and when comparing the use of IBU, the NL showed less fatigue than the regional level (p = 0.004, η2p = 0.414). Leukocytes, with the use of IBU in the NL group, were greater than in the RL (p = 0.001, η2p = 0.329). Neutrophils, in the NL with IBU, were greater than in the RL with IBU and PLA (p = 0.025, η2p = 0.444). Lymphocytes, in NL with IBU were lower than in RL with IBU and PLA (p = 0.001, η2p = 0.491). Monocytes, in the NL with IBU and PLA, were lower than in the RL with IBU (p = 0.049, η2p = 0.344). For hemoglobin, hematocrit, and erythrocyte, the NL with IBU and PLA were higher than the RL with IBU and PLA (p < 0.05). Ammonia, with the use of IBU in the NL, obtained values higher than in the RL (p = 0.007), and with the use of PLA, the NL was higher than the RL (p = 0.038, η2p = 0.570). Conclusion: The training level tends to influence the immune system and, combined with the use of the IBU, it tends to improve recovery and the immune system.

Reliability of biological maturation analyses performed by equations predicting skeletal age and peak height velocity with hand and wrist X-ray results

BACKGROUND

Hand-wrist radiography is the gold standard for the assessment of skeletal age (SA) and the assignment of biological maturation (BM) status. However, its practical use in the field is questioned, prompting the development of anthropometric equations to estimate BM. However, there is no consensus on the reliability of these equations in relation to hand-wrist X-rays.

OBJECTIVE

To test the reliability of the BM estimated from predictive equations with the results of hand-wrist X-rays.

METHODS

One-hundred forty-four young athletes (38%-males, 62%-females; 12.3 ± 1.4 years) were recruited. SA was assessed by analyzing X-rays of the hand-wrist using the Greulich-Pyle protocol. SA was predicted using the anthropometric equations of Cabral and Macêdo. By subtracting chronological age from SA, a measure of BM or biological age (BA) was computed. In addition, a BA of years from peak height velocity (PHV) was predicted using the anthropometric equations of Mirwald and Moore.

RESULTS

Relative to X-ray, Cabral's equations showed high reliability in estimating BM in both sexes (p < .0001) while Macêdo's equations showed substantial reliability or males (p < .0001) only. Mirwald and Moore's equations showed weak reliability (p < .05 and p = .043, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The prediction of SA using anthropometric equations was found to be reliable in categorizing individuals as late, synchronized, and/or early maturers in both sexes. However, the predictive equations of years from PHV only reliably categorized late and synchronized maturation stages in males and the synchronized maturers in females.

Are sEMG, Velocity and Power Influenced by Athletes' Fixation in Paralympic Powerlifting?

The bench press is performed in parapowerlifting with the back, shoulders, buttocks, legs and heels extended over the bench, and the use of straps to secure the athlete to the bench is optional. Thus, the study evaluated muscle activation, surface electromyography (sEMG), maximum velocity (MaxV) and mean propulsive velocity (MPV), and power in paralympic powerlifting athletes under conditions tied or untied to the bench. Fifteen experienced Paralympic powerlifting male athletes (22.27 ± 10.30 years, 78.5 ± 21.6 kg) took part in the research. The sEMG measurement was performed in the sternal portion of the pectoralis major (PMES), anterior deltoid (AD), long head of the triceps brachii (TRI) and clavicular portion of the pectoralis major (PMCL). The MaxV, MPV and power were evaluated using an encoder. Loads of 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% 1RM were analyzed under untied and tied conditions. No differences were found in muscle activation between the tied and untied conditions; however, sEMG showed differences in the untied condition between AD and TRI (F (3112) = 4.484; p = 0.005) in the 100% 1RM load, between PMCL and AD (F (3112) = 3.743; p = 0.013) in 60% 1RM load and in the tied condition, between the PMES and the AD (F (3112) = 4.067; p = 0.009). There were differences in MaxV (F (3112) = 213.3; p < 0.001), and MPV (F (3112) = 248.2; p < 0.001), between all loads in the tied and untied condition. In power, the load of 100% 1RM differed from all other relative loads (F (3112) = 36.54; p < 0.001) in both conditions. The tied condition seems to favor muscle activation, sEMG, and velocity over the untied condition.

Development and Cross-Validation of a Predictive Equation for Fat-Free Mass in Brazilian Adolescents by Bioelectrical Impedance

The bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is one of the most commonly used techniques for assessing body composition in a clinical setting and in field approaches, as it has the advantages of easy application, fast, and non-invasive, in addition to its relatively low cost. However, the available predictive equations need to be valid for the evaluated subjects. The aim of this study was to verify the validity of several published BIA equations in estimating fat-free mass (FFM) among Brazilian adolescents, in addition to developing and cross-validating a BIA equation to estimate FFM appropriate for Brazilian adolescents. This is a cross-sectional study with 257 adolescents (128 girls) aged 10-19 years, randomly divided into two groups, namely, development (n = 172) and cross-validation (n = 85). The standard technique for assessing FFM was dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The paired t-test, multiple regression, and the Bland-Altman plots were used to test the validity of the proposed models and to perform cross-validation of the model. The equation derived in this study was as follows: FFM = -17.189 + 0.498 (Height²/Resistance) + 0.226 Weight + 0.071 Reactance - 2.378 Sex + 0.097 Height + 0.222 Age; r ² = 0.92; standard error of the estimate = 2.49 kg; the new equation for FFM showed better agreement when compared with that of the equations developed in other countries. In conclusion, the newly developed equations provide a valid FFM estimation and are recommended for Brazilian adolescents with similar characteristics.

Performance of postural balance in children and adolescents living with and without HIV

RESEARCH QUESTION

The present study aimed to compare the postural control of children and adolescents with and without Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

METHODS

A total of 32 children and adolescents (18 with HIV and 14 without) of both sexes, aged 6-18 years, were included in the present study. Participants in the HIV + group were infected through vertical transmission and received antiretroviral therapy. Participants maintained an erect, bipedal posture in the following conditions: with vision, without vision, and on a foam base.

RESULTS

Concerning the evaluation of time variables, higher values ​​were observed in the HIV + group for mean anterior-posterior (AP) velocity, mean medial-lateral (ML) velocity, AP perimeter (p = 0.001), and ML perimeter (p = 0.001). Concerning the evaluation of conditions, a difference was observed in the mean AP mean sway amplitude (MSA) (p = 0.039), as the AP MSA was lower with vision than without vision or with foam. Concerning the evaluation of spectral domain variables, higher values ​​were observed in the HIV+ group for the predominant ML frequency (p = 0.04) and mean AP (p = 0.001) and ML frequencies (p = 0.001). Regarding the evaluation of conditions, a difference was found only in the predominant AP frequency (p = 0.001). Higher values ​​were found in the closed eye condition than in with foam (Δ = +103 %).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicated that children and adolescents living with HIV have poorer postural control performance than those without HIV.

Myoelectric Activity and Fatigue in Low-Load Resistance Exercise With Different Pressure of Blood Flow Restriction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Low-load resistance exercise (LL-RE) with blood flow restriction (BFR) promotes increased metabolic response and fatigue, as well as more pronounced myoelectric activity than traditional LL-RE. Some studies have shown that the relative pressure applied during exercise may have an effect on these variables, but existing evidence is contradictory.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to systematically review and pool the available evidence on the differences in neuromuscular and metabolic responses at LL-RE with different pressure of BFR.

Methods: The systematic review and meta-analysis was reported according to PRISMA items. Searches were performed in the following databases: CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science, until June 15, 2021. Randomized or non-randomized experimental studies that analyzed LL-RE, associated with at least two relative BFR pressures [arterial occlusion pressure (AOP)%], on myoelectric activity, fatigue, or metabolic responses were included. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed for MVC torque (fatigue measure) and myoelectric activity. The quality of evidence was assessed using the PEDro scale.

Results: Ten studies were included, all of moderate to high methodological quality. For MVC torque, there were no differences in the comparisons between exercise with 40–50% vs. 80–90% AOP. When analyzing the meta-analysis data, the results indicated differences in comparisons in exercise with 15–20% 1 repetition maximum (1RM), with higher restriction pressure evoking greater MVC torque decline (4 interventions, 73 participants; MD = −5.05 Nm [95%CI = −8.09; −2.01], p = 0.001, I² = 0%). For myoelectric activity, meta-analyses indicated a difference between exercise with 40% vs. 60% AOP (3 interventions, 38 participants; SMD = 0.47 [95%CI = 0.02; 0.93], p = 0.04, I² = 0%), with higher pressure of restriction causing greater myoelectric activity. This result was not identified in the comparisons between 40% vs. 80% AOP. In analysis of studies that adopted pre-defined repetition schemes, differences were found (4 interventions, 52 participants; SMD = 0.58 [95%CI = 0.11; 1.05], p = 0.02, I² = 27%).

Conclusion: The BFR pressure applied during the LL-RE may affect the magnitude of muscle fatigue and excitability when loads between 15 and 20% of 1RM and predefined repetition protocols (not failure) are prescribed, respectively.

Systematic Review Registration: [http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero], identifier [CRD42021229345].

Effect of Training and Detraining in the Components of Physical Fitness in People Living With HIV/AIDS

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of training and detraining on the physical fitness components of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA). The study was characterized as experimental with a sample composed of 21 people divided into two groups: 11 volunteers (PLHA, 46.9 ± 8.0 years, 63.8 ± 12.7 kg, 161.7 ± 8.7 cm, 7 men, and 4 women), using antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 10 people without HIV/AIDS in the control group (CG, 43.8 ± 13.8 years, 75.2 ± 11.2 kg, 163.3 ± 7.8 cm, 3 men, and 7 women), with the same average age and level of physical activity. The intervention, applied to both groups, consisted of combined training for 15 weeks, followed by detraining for 5 weeks. Before and after the training and detraining period the following parameters were evaluated: body composition by dual energy radiological absorptiometry (DXA), cardiorespiratory fitness by ergospirometer, and strength of upper and lower limbs by isometric dynamometer. The results show the effect of the intervention moments on the strength and oxygen consumption variables (time factor), considering the two study groups. Regarding the analysis of the interaction (group vs. time), there was a significant effect on the isometric extension strength of the left (p = 0.019) and right (p = 0.030) knees, with training (left: 10.4%; right: 12.4%) and detraining (left: −10.8%; right: −12.1%) effect in PLHA, when compared with the control group (left: 8.1 and 3.9%, respectively; right: 11.5 and −0.2%, respectively). In addition, there was a significant interaction on ventilatory threshold 1 (p = 0.002), indicating a significantly greater increase with training (27.3%) and decrease with detraining (−22.7%) in the PLHA group compared with the Control group (19.9 and −6.7%, respectively). In conclusion, combined training and the subsequent period of detraining caused similar responses in body composition, isometric strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness of PLHA and CG, except for the extensor strength of the lower limbs and ventilatory threshold 1, which presented positive effects on training and negative effects on detraining for PLHA.

Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03075332.

Effects of Ibuprofen Use on Lymphocyte Count and Oxidative Stress in Elite Paralympic Powerlifting

Simple Summary

Paralympic Powerlifting (PP) is a strength sport and training tends to promote fatigue. Ten national-level PP athletes were evaluated concerning post-training oxidative stress using Ibuprofen and a placebo. Strength indicators were evaluated. The training consisted of five sets of five repetitions (80–90% 1-Repetition Maximum) in the bench press. The IBU had a positive effect on strength indicators, with decreased fatigue and increased lymphocyte count. There were no differences in oxidative stress. The use of IBU provided improvements in strength and fatigue reduction and did not protect against oxidative stress.

Abstract

Background: Paralympic Powerlifting (PP) training tends to promote fatigue and oxidative stress. Objective: To analyze the effects of ibuprofen use on performance and oxidative stress in post-training PP athletes. Methodology: Ten national level PP athletes (age: 27.13 ± 5.57) were analyzed for oxidative stress in post-training. The study was carried out in three weeks, (1) familiarization and (2 and 3) evaluated the recovery with the use of a placebo (PLA) and ibuprofen (IBU), 800 mg. The Peak Torque (PT), Torque Development Rate (TDR), Fatigue Index (FI), reactive substances to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and sulfhydryl groups (SH) were evaluated. The training consisted of five sets of five repetitions (80–90%) 1-Repetition Maximum (1-RM) in the bench press. Results: The IBU showed a higher PT (24 and 48 h, p = 0.04, ɳ² p = 0.39), a lower FI (24 h, p = 0.01, ɳ²p = 0.74) and an increased lymphocyte count (p < 0.001; ɳ²p = 4.36). There was no change in oxidative stress. Conclusions: The use of IBU provided improvements in strength and did not protect against oxidative stress.

Are Strength Indicators and Skin Temperature Affected by the Type of Warm-Up in Paralympic Powerlifting Athletes?

(1) Background: the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of different types of warm-ups on the strength and skin temperature of Paralympic powerlifting athletes. (2) Methods: the participants were 15 male Paralympic powerlifting athletes. The effects of three different types of warm-up (without warm-up (WW), traditional warm-up (TW), or stretching warm-up (SW)) were analyzed on static and dynamic strength tests as well as in the skin temperature, which was monitored by thermal imaging. (3) Results: no differences in the dynamic and static indicators of the force were shown in relation to the different types of warm-ups. No significant differences were found in relation to peak torque (p = 0.055, F = 4.560, η2p = 0.246 medium effect), and one-repetition maximum (p = 0.139, F = 3.191, η2p = 0.186, medium effect) between the different types of warm-ups. In the thermographic analysis, there was a significant difference only in the pectoral muscle clavicular portion between the TW (33.04 ± 0.71 °C) and the WW (32.51 ± 0.74 °C) (p = 0.038). The TW method also presented slightly higher values than the SW and WW in the pectoral muscles sternal portion and the deltoid anterior portion, but with p-value > 0.05. (4) Conclusions: the types of warm-ups studied do not seem to interfere with the performance of Paralympic Powerlifting athletes. However, the thermal images showed that traditional warm-up best meets the objectives expected for this preparation phase.

Development and cross-validation of predictive equations for fat-free mass and lean soft tissue mass by bioelectrical impedance in Brazilian women

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Bioelectrical impedance is one of the most used clinical techniques to assess body composition; however, it is necessary that the available predictive equations are valid for the evaluated subjects. This study aimed to develop and cross-validate equations for fat-free mass (FFM) and lean soft tissue mass (LSTM) by bioelectrical impedance for Brazilian women, in addition to test the validity of other available equations.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Cross-sectional study with 222 women aged 20-59 years, randomly divided into two groups: development and cross-validation. The standard technique for assessing fat mass, FFM and LSTM was dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Paired t test, multiple regression, and Bland-Altman plots were used to test the validity of the proposed models, as well as to perform cross-validation of the models.

RESULTS

The equations derived in this study were: FFM = 16.284 + 0.442 × (Height²/Resistance) - 0.13 × age + 0.302 × Weight - 0.121 × Waist Circumference; r² = 0.86; SEE = 2.32 kg; and LSTM = 14.732 + 0.427 × (Height²/Resistance) - 0.125 × age + 0.291 × Weight - 0.115 × Waist Circumference; r² = 0.92; SEE = 2.29 kg. In addition, the new equation for FFM showed better agreement when compared to another equation developed for a Brazilian population.

CONCLUSIONS

The newly developed equations provide a valid FFM and LSTM estimation and are recommended for Brazilian women with similar characteristics.

Comparison of Muscle Strength, Aerobic Capacity and Body Composition between Healthy Adolescents and Those Living with HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The adverse effects of antiretroviral therapy associated with complications generated by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) promote impairments in physical fitness in adolescents. Objective: To analyze the aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and body composition of adolescents living with HIV compared with a healthy population of the same age. Methods: Searches were performed in the MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and SportDiscus databases until September 2019 and updated in April 2020. Eligibility Criteria: adolescents of both sexes in the age group from 10 to 19 years; living with HIV; cross-sectional, case–control, cohort studies; comparing with a healthy population. Mean differences and 95% Confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using RevMan (software for systematic reviews). Results: Five articles were included, involving 197 adolescents living with HIV (16 to 18 years) and 185 without infection (13 to 18 years), with the sample in each study ranging from 15 to 65 adolescents. Aerobic capacity and muscle strength were reduced in adolescents with HIV, and body mass index was also significantly lower in this group. Conclusion: Adolescents living with HIV have impaired cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and body composition when compared to their uninfected peers. However, this systematic review provides limited evidence on the differences between the physical fitness outcomes of adolescents living with HIV compared to healthy adolescents.

Body adiposity index to analyze the percentage of fat in young men aged between 7 and 17 years

BACKGROUND

The body adiposity index (BAI), uses anthropometry to estimate percent body fat (%F). However, previous studies have shown that the BAI has limited accuracy for children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

We propose to develop and validate an adjusted BAI for use in male children and adolescents from 7 to 17 years of age.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 141 physically active male children and adolescents (age: 12.5 ± 2.14). The %F was determined by X-ray dual energy absorptometry equipment (DXA) as the standard method and by BAI, using an equation that uses height and hip circumference. Arithmetic modeling was used to adjust the structure of the BAI mathematical model.

RESULTS

The BAI arithmetic adjustment was successful, resulting in the mathematical model named in the present study of adjusted body adiposity index (BAI_ADJ ). BAI and BAI_ADJ correlated with DXA (r ≤ .70, p < .001). Regression analyzes indicate that, BAI (CI 95% β: [1.35; 1.90], p < .0001) and BAI_ADJ (CI 95% β: [1.40; 1.90], p < .0001) have the potential to estimate %F. BAI pointed out a difference in relation to DXA (p = .04). While there was no difference between BAI_ADJ and DXA (p = .1). There was a proportion bias of 13.2% for BAI (p < .05), but not for BAI_ADJ (p > .05).

CONCLUSION

The adjusted model of the body adiposity index proves to be an effective tool for the analysis of the fat percentage in young males. In addition, it demonstrated significant degrees of agreement and validity in relation to DXA.

Two Weekly Sessions of High-Intensity Interval Training Improve Metabolic Syndrome and Hypertriglyceridemic Waist Phenotype in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Exercise training provides physiological benefits for maintaining good health. A common exercise strategy is high-intensity interval training (HIIT). HIIT may alleviate metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype, but remains largely unstudied in ageing participants. The aim of this research was to investigate the impact of 2 weekly HIIT sessions on MetS markers and HTGW-related factors in older adults. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 140 older men and women were randomized into two groups, the experimental group (EG), and the control group (CG). The EG performed 2 weekly sessions of HIIT during 12 weeks. HIIT sessions consisted of 40 min treadmill running/walking: a 10 min warm-up at 50%-60% of maximum heart rate (HR_max), followed by 10 sets of 1 min bouts at 85%-90% of HR_max interspersed with 1 min walking at self-selected pace (totaling 20 min), and 10 min cool-down walking at self-selected pace. The CG did not perform any type of intense exercise during the intervention period. Results: Participants in the EG of both sexes decreased MetS, HTGW, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glycemia (P < 0.05). After training, the number of hypertensive men decreased by 100% and women by 70%. There was a 75% reduction in women with diabetes, a 100% reduction in MetS indicators and over 80% reduction in HTGW in participants of both sexes. Conclusion: Two weekly sessions of HIIT proved to be feasible and effective to induce clinically relevant improvements in MetS and HTGW indicators.

Active Video Games for Improving Mental Health and Physical Fitness-An Alternative for Children and Adolescents during Social Isolation: An Overview

The aim of this study was to synthesize the evidence on the effects of active video games (AVGs) on mental health, physical fitness and body composition of children and adolescents. A search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed; MEDLINE (by Ovid); SportDiscus, Cochrane library systematic reviews (CENTRAL) and EMBASE with no language restrictions during October 2020. Reviews on the use of AVGs were included in the study. We use the AMSTAR (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews) scale to analyze the methodological quality of the studies. Seventeen systematic reviews and meta-analyzes were included on the effects of AVGs with 30 to 4728 children and adolescents of both sexes with ages ranging from 6 to 19 years. In five studies, the population was overweight or obese. Regarding the quality, 12 studies were of moderate quality, two had high quality, two had low quality and one showed very low quality. The analyzed data indicate that the use of AVGs with a frequency of 1 to 3 times a week with durations of between 10 and 90 min per day shows positive effects on mental health and physical functioning. There was moderate quality evidence that AVGs can result in benefits for self-esteem, increased energy expenditure, physical activity and reduced body mass index in children and adolescents who used AVGs in the home environment. Further research is needed on this tool to help in the process of social isolation and consequently in promoting health and well-being.

Equation for analyzing the peak power in aquatic environment: An alternative for olympic rowing athletes

PURPOSE

To develop an equation to provide the peak power (PP) through a specific stimulus performed in an aquatic environment, as well as to correlate morphological, anthropometric and strength variables with rowing performance.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 16 elite young rowing athletes of both sexes (15.7 ± 1.21 years). The strength of upper limbs and lower limbs was verified. To analyze the PP, a 100-m Sprint test was performed on an indoor rowing type ergometer, and after a 72-hour wash-out, the test was repeated in an aquatic environment on a vessel equipped with a global position system. Body composition was analyzed by examining bone densitometry with an X-ray source and maturation was verified by anthropometry.

RESULTS

The tests for water sprint and indoor rowing showed significant reliability (ICC = 0.695; p = 0.0007). The PP aquatic showed reliability with that acquired in indoor rowing (ICC = 0.897; p<0.0001) and was related to maturation (p<0.05). The morphology, anthropometry and strength of the upper limbs were related to the sprint and peak strength in both tests (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The equation for the PP in aquatic environment presented by the present study is highly reliable with an indoor ergometer digital ergometer.

The Influence of Warm-Up on Body Temperature and Strength Performance in Brazilian National-Level Paralympic Powerlifting Athletes

Background and Objectives: The effects of warm-up in athletic success have gained strong attention in recent studies. There is, however, a wide gap in awareness of the warm-up process to be followed, especially in Paralympic powerlifting (PP) athletes. This study aimed to analyze different types of warm-up on the physical performance of PP athletes. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 12 elite Brazilian PP male athletes (age, 24.14 ± 6.21 years; bodyweight, 81.67 ± 17.36 kg). The athletes performed maximum isometric force (MIF), rate of force development (RFD), and speed test (Vmax) in three different methods of warm-up. Tympanic temperature was used to estimate the central body temperature. Results: A significant difference was observed for MIF in the without warm-up (WW) condition in relation to the traditional warm-up (TW) and stretching warm-up (SW) (p = 0.005, η²_p = 0.454, high effect). On the contrary, no significant differences were observed in RFD, fatigue index (FI) and time in the different types of warm up (p > 0.05). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in relation to the maximum repetition (p = 0.121, η²_p = 0.275, medium effect) or the maximum speed (p = 0.712, η²_p = 0.033, low effect) between the different types of warm up. In relation to temperature, significant differences were found for the TW in relation to the “before” and “after” conditions. In addition, differences were found between WW in the “after” condition and SW. In addition, WW demonstrated a significant difference in relation to TW in the “10 min later” condition (F = 26.87, p = 0.05, η²_p = 0.710, high effect). Conclusions: The different types of warm-up methods did not seem to provide significant differences in the force indicators in elite PP athletes.

Effects of Resistance Training and Bowdichia virgilioides Hydroethanolic Extract on Oxidative Stress Markers in Rats Submitted to Peripheral Nerve Injury

The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of the combination of resistance training (RT) and the hydroethanolic extract (EHE) of Bowdichia virgilioides as markers of oxidative stress (OS) in rats with peripheral nerve injury (PNI). Rats were allocated into six groups (n = 10): animals without interventions (C), animals with an exposed nerve but without injury, injured animals, trained and injured animals, injured animals that received EHE, and animals that received a combination of RT and EHE. RT comprised the climbing of stairs. EHE was orally administered (200 mg/kg) for 21 days after PNI induction. RT reduced the amount of lipoperoxidation in plasma (14.11%). EHE reduced lipoperoxidation in the plasma (20.72%) and the brain (41.36). RT associated with the extract simultaneously reduced lipoperoxidation in the plasma (34.23%), muscle (25.13%), and brain (43.98%). There was an increase in total sulhydrilyl levels (a) in the brain (33.33%) via RT; (b) in the brain (44.44%) and muscle (44.51%) using EHE; and (c) in the plasma (54.02%), brain (54.25%), and muscle using the combination of RT + EHE. These results suggest that RT associated with oral EHE results in a decrease in OS.

Effect of Acute and Chronic Aerobic Exercise on Immunological Markers: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The effects of aerobic exercise on the immune system are not yet fully defined in the scientific literature. This fact demonstrates the need to investigate its influence on existing immunological markers by classifying and quantifying their acute and chronic effects. Objective: To investigate the effects of acute and chronic aerobic exercise on inflammatory markers of healthy adults. Methods: This study is a systematic review according to PRISMA recommendations. The following databases were searched: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, Bireme and Cochrane Library, and article references. The last search was performed in March 2019. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled trials (NRCTs) investigating the acute and chronic effects of aerobic exercise on immune markers in healthy male and female adults aged 20 to 45 years, without restrictions in language or year of publication. Two authors independently analyzed the studies by reading the titles, abstracts, and full texts. Risk of Study bias was analyzed using Cochrane's Risk of Bias Tool. Outcomes: We included 15 studies in this systematic review, 13 of which were acute intervention and 2 were chronic, with 296 participants, 196 men and 100 women all being healthy individuals. It was observed that the acute intervention promotes changes in most immunological markers, while the chronic intervention interferes with a smaller proportion, this being in lymphocyte subpopulations. In the evaluation of quality, it was found that most studies did not present a high risk of bias in the evaluated aspects, but an unclear related risk of bias was observed, requiring a more careful analysis. Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that the evidence indicates that acute and chronic interventions may modify most immune markers, but aspects such as gender, contraceptive pill use in women, physical capacity of the investigated individuals, environment, and type and intensity of the exercises may interfere with these markers as well as the data analysis. Therefore, this review suggests that further research is needed to contribute to the confirmation and estimation of results.

The stretch-shortening cycle efficiency is dependent on the maturational stage

Abstract Maturation interferes with physiological and mechanical aspects of muscle contraction. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficiency of the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) between different maturation stages. One hundred forty six young people, with 72 boys and 74 girls, were recruited to participate in the study. Sexual maturation was measured and the group was stratified into adolescents (> 3 auto-tanner) and children (<2 auto-tanner). Squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance were measured to measure reactive force (RF) capacity, eccentric utilization ratio (EUR) and pre-stretch augmentation (PSAP). The children did not present statistical difference between SJ and CMJ (t(55)= -1.93; ∆ = -0.61; 95% CI = -1.24 to -0.02; p = 0.058), while the adolescents presented higher performance of CMJ (t(89)= -12.28; ∆ = -2.44; 95% CI = -2.84 to -2.05; p <0.001). In addition, adolescents had higher RF performance (t(144)= 5.18; p <0.0001; 95% CI = 2.53 to 1.13), PSAP (t(144)= 4.38; p <0.0001; 95% CI = 14.00 to 5.29) and EUR (t(144)= 4.38; p <0.0001; 95% CI = 0.14 to 0.05). We conclude that more mature young people have better SSC utilization.