Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training and Intermittent Fasting on Body Composition and Physical Performance in Active Women

Nutritional strategies may have an effect on body composition and physical performance. Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of eating and fasting in specified time periods. Moreover, it is a common strategy among members of the athlete population that are looking for weight loss. However, this strategy may negatively affect physical performance, as compared to other weight loss strategies. The main purpose of this research was to use a cross-over design to study the effects of HIIT, with or without intermittent fasting, on muscular and anaerobic performance in 14 active women (27 ± 6 y). To assess performance, body composition (anthropometry), hand-grip strength, and counter-movement jump (CMJ) height was measured, and a 30 s Wingate test was completed assessed. HIIT + IF reduced fat mass (1 kg, p < 0.05, d = 1.1; 1.5%, p < 0.01, d = 1.0) and increased CMJ height (6.2 cm, p < 0.001, d = 1.8). In addition, the change in CMJ height in HIIT + IF was higher over HIIT (5.2 cm, p < 0.001, d = 1.9). In conclusion, intermittent fasting could be a nutritional strategy to decrease fat mass and increase jumping performance. However, longer duration programs would be necessary to determine whether other parameters of muscle performance could be positively affected by IF.

Sixteen Weeks of Supplementation with a Nutritional Quantity of a Diversity of Polyphenols from Foodstuff Extracts Improves the Health-Related Quality of Life of Overweight and Obese Volunteers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Clinical Trial

Overweight and obesity adversely affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL) through day-to-day impairments of both mental and physical functioning. It is assumed that polyphenols within the Mediterranean diet may contribute to improving HRQOL. This investigation aimed at studying the effects of a polyphenol-rich ingredient on HRQOL in overweight and obese but otherwise healthy individuals. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study including 72 volunteers was conducted. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive for a 16-week period either 900 mg/day of the supplement or a placebo. Dietary recommendations were individually determined and intakes were recorded. Daily physical mobility was also monitored. Improvement of HRQOL was set as the primary outcome and assessed at baseline and at the end of the investigation using the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) health survey. Body composition was analyzed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Physical activity was calculated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). After 16 weeks, despite there being no adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS), supplemented individuals experienced significant HRQOL improvement (+5.3%; p = 0.001), including enhanced perceived physical (+11.2%; p = 0.002) and mental health (+4.1%; p = 0.021) components, with bodily pain, vitality, and general health being the greatest contributors. Body fat mass significantly decreased (-1.2 kg; p = 0.033), mainly within the trunk area (-1.0 kg; p = 0.002). Engagement in physical activity significantly increased (+1308 Met-min (Metabolic Equivalent Task minutes)/week; p = 0.050). Hence, chronic supplementation with nutritional diversity and dosing of a Mediterranean diet-inspired, polyphenol-rich ingredient resulted in significant amelioration in both perceived physical and mental health, concomitant with the improvement of body composition, in healthy subjects with excessive adiposity.

Eating Disorders in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: A Systematic Review

Background: Pregnancy is a stage associated with various biopsychosocial changes. These changes, along with concerns about keeping an adequate weight, can modulate an individual's risk for psychological disorders, especially eating disorders (EDs). The aim of this review was to investigate the prevalence, associated risks, and consequences of eating disorders in pregnancy and in breastfeeding mothers. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines in the scientific databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO. Search terms related to EDs, pregnancy, and breastfeeding were used. The evaluation of the methodological quality of the studies was carried out using different scales; CASP (Checklist for Cohort Study), NICE (Methodology Checklist for Cohort Study), ARHQ (Methodology Checklist for Cross-Sectional), and NOS (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for Cohort). Results: From 2920 studies, 16 were selected to study EDs in pregnant women and 2 studies in nursing mothers. Most of the studies used questionnaires and scales as tools for the diagnosis of EDs. Binge eating, anxiety, and depression were the most common comorbidities of EDs, accompanied in most cases by excessive concern about weight gain. The consequences of EDs are diverse. The prevalence of EDs in this population is estimated to be 1 out of 20. Conclusions: Eating disorders are related to anxiety and depression and have negative consequences for both mothers and fetuses (cesarean, miscarriages, premature births). More research on the field to determine the risk factors for EDs in the population of pregnant and lactating women is needed.

Tools Used to Measure the Physical State of Women with Celiac Disease: A Review with a Systematic Approach

Celiac disease (CD) is an immunological disorder that mainly affects the small intestine, generating an inflammatory process in response to the presence of gluten (a protein). Autoimmune diseases are part of a group of diseases that are difficult to diagnose without a specific protocol or consensus to detect them due to the number of symptoms and diseases with which it has a relationship. Therefore, the aim of this review was to analyze the diagnostic tools of CD used in middle-aged women, to compare the use and effectiveness of the different tools, and to propose a strategy for the use of the tools based on the results found in the literature. The present research followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. The search was conducted in the following databases: Scielo, PubMed, Web of Science, and Worldwide Science org. In the initial literature search, 2004 titles and relevant abstracts were found. Among them, 687 were duplicates, leaving 1130 articles. Based on the inclusion criteria, only 41 articles passed the selection process; 4 main types of analyses appear in the studies: blood tests, questionnaires, clinical history, and biopsy. It can be said that none of the analyses have a 100% reliability since most of them can present false negatives; therefore, the best way to diagnose celiac disease up to now is through a combination of different tests (Immunoglobulin A and small intestinal biopsy).

Pilates versus resistance training on trunk strength and balance adaptations in older women: a randomized controlled trial

Background

The neuromuscular decline impact in the functional independence of older women is determining the necessity of implementing new strategies focused on core strength training and postural stability maintenance to promote healthy aging.

Objectives

To define whether Pilates or resistance training is better at improving (a) core isometric and isokinetic muscular strength, and (b) static and dynamic balance, in older women.

Methods

This was a cluster randomized controlled trial. Physically independent older women (60–80 years) from day centers were randomly allocated to Pilates, Muscular and Control Groups (PG, MG and CG) using a block randomization method. Only the research staff performing the assessment and statistical analysis were blinded. Exercise groups trained twice a week (1 h per session) for 18 weeks in a moderate-to-vigorous intensity. Core strength (primary outcome): trunk and hip isometric and hip isokinetic muscular strength (Biodex System III Pro Isokinetic Dynamometer), alongside one leg static balance (portable force platform Kistler 9286AA) and dynamic balance (timed up and go (TUG)) were assessed.

Results

A total of 60 participants were randomized (PG, n = 20; MG, n = 20; CG, n = 20) and 49 completed the trial (PG, n = 16; MG, n = 19; CG, n = 14). Regarding hip isometric extension strength, PG was statistically better than CG (P = 0.004). There were no differences between groups regarding isokinetic strength or balance. Intra-group comparisons showed significant improvements (P < 0.05) in the dynamic balance and trunk and hip isometric extension strength for PG and MG, whereas every hip isokinetic measurement was improved in MG. Exercise programs did not produce any adverse event.

Conclusions

The Pilates training program was more effective for improving isometric hip and trunk extension strength, while the Muscular training program generated greater benefits on trunk and hip isokinetic strength. Moreover, both training programs showed moderate effects for the TUG.

Clinical Trial Registration

The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT02506491).

Muscle Architecture and Neuromuscular Changes After High-Resistance Circuit Training in Hypoxia

Ramos-Campo, DJ, Martínez-Guardado, I, Rubio-Arias, JA, Freitas, TT, Othalawa, S, Andreu, L, Timón, R, and Alcaraz, PE. Muscle architecture and neuromuscular changes after high-resistance circuit training in hypoxia. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-This study aimed to analyze the effect of 8 weeks of high-resistance circuit (HRC) training in hypoxia on muscle architecture, strength, and neuromuscular variables. Twenty-eight resistance-trained subjects were assigned to a hypoxia (FiO2 = 15%; HG: n = 15; age: 24.6 ± 6.8 years; height: 177.4 ± 5.9 cm; and mass: 74.9 ± 11.5 kg) or normoxia group (FiO2 = 20.9%; NG: n = 13; age: 23.2 ± 5.2 years; height: 173.4 ± 6.2 cm; and mass: 69.4 ± 7.4 kg). Each training session consisted of 2 blocks of 3 exercises (block 1: bench press, leg extension, and front lat pulldown; block 2: deadlift, elbow flexion, and ankle extension). Each exercise was performed with a 6 repetition maximum load. Subjects exercised twice weekly and, before and after the training program, vastus lateralis muscle thickness and pennation angle, knee extensors electromyographic activity, maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), and rate of force development (RFD) and H-Reflex (Hmax), M-wave of the soleus muscle were assessed. Both training groups showed similar improvements in muscle thickness (effect size [ES] = HG: 0.23; NG: 0.41), pennation angle (ES = HG: 0.86; NG: 0.15), MVC (ES HG: 0.63; NG: 0.61), Hmax (ES = HG: 0.96; NG: 0.40), RFD at 200 milliseconds (ES = HG: 0.31; NG: 0.61) and peak RFD (ES = HG: 0.21; NG: 0.66). No significant between-group differences were found. In conclusion, similar morphological and neuromuscular adaptations can be achieved after 8 weeks of HRC training under hypoxic or normoxic conditions.

Acute Effects of Hesperidin in Oxidant/Antioxidant State Markers and Performance in Amateur Cyclists

Human and animal studies have shown that Hesperidin has the ability to modulate antioxidant and inflammatory state and to improve aerobic performance. The main objective of this study was to assess whether the acute intake of 500 mg of 2S-Hesperidin (Cardiose^®) improves antioxidant status, metabolism, and athletic performance, during and after a rectangular test (aerobic and anaerobic effort). For this, a crossover design was used in 15 cyclists (>1 year of training), with one week of washout between placebo and Cardiose^® supplementation. After the intervention, significant differences in average power (+2.27%, p = 0.023), maximum speed (+3.23%, p = 0.043) and total energy (∑ 4 sprint test) (+2.64%, p = 0.028) between Cardiose^® and placebo were found in the best data of the repeated sprint test. Small changes were also observed in the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione concentration and oxidized/reduced glutathione (GSSG/GSH) ratio, as well as the lipoperoxidation products (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; TBARS), at different points of the rectangular test, although not significant. Our findings showed improvements in anaerobic performance after Cardiose^® intake, but not in placebo, suggesting the potential benefits of using Cardiose^® in sports with a high anaerobic component.

Effects of high-intensity resistance circuit-based training in hypoxia on body composition and strength performance

Hypoxic training methods are increasingly being used by researchers in an attempt to improve performance in normoxic ambients. Moreover, previous research suggests that resistance training in hypoxia can cause physiological and muscle adaptations. The primary aim of this study was to compare the effects of 8 weeks of high-intensity resistance circuit-based (HRC) training in hypoxia on body composition and strength performance. The secondary aim was to examine the effects of HRC on metabolic parameters. Twenty-eight male participants were randomly assigned to either hypoxia (Fraction of inspired oxygen [F_IO₂] = 15%; HRC_hyp: n = 15; age: 24.6 ± 6.8 years; height: 177.4 ± 5.9 cm; weight: 74.9 ± 11.5 kg) or normoxia [F_IO₂] = 20.9%; HRC_norm: n = 13; age: 23.2 ± 5.2 years; height: 173.4 ± 6.2 cm; weight: 69.4 ± 7.4 kg) groups. Training sessions consisted of two blocks of three exercises (Block 1: bench press, leg extension and front pull down; Block 2: deadlift, elbow flexion and ankle extension). Each exercise was performed at six repetition maximum. Rest periods lasted for 35-s between exercises, 3-min between sets and 5-min between blocks. Participants exercised twice weekly for 8 weeks, and body composition, strength and blood tests were performed before and after the training program. Lean body mass and bone mineral density significantly increased over time in the HRC_hyp (p < .005; ES = 0.14 and p < .014; ES = 0.19, respectively) but not in the HRC_norm after training. Both groups improved their strength performance over time (p < .001), but without group effect differences. These results indicate that simulated hypoxia during HRC exercise produced trivial effects on lean body mass and bone mineral density compared to normoxia.

Heart rate variability to assess ventilatory thresholds in professional basketball players

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine if heart rate variability (HRV) during incremental test could be used to estimate ventilatory threshold (VT) in professional basketball players, with sufficient precision to be used in their training. Furthermore, the second aim was to analyse the association between HRV and 3 methods of VT determination by gas analysis.

METHODS

Twenty-four professional basketball players (age: 23.4 ± 4.9 years; height: 195.4 ± 9.8 cm; body mass: 92.2 ± 11.9 kg) performed an incremental running test to exhaustion. First ventilatory threshold (VT1) was determined by ventilatory equivalent (VE) and HRV and second ventilatory threshold (VT2) was determined by 3 methods of gases analysis (V-slope, VE and gas exchange ratio (R), and HRV). Pearson's coefficient (r) was used to detect differences between data and the strength of each relationship. The mean of absolute differences and Bland-Altman analysis were used to evaluate whether there was agreement.

RESULTS

The results showed no significant differences in HR and oxygen consumption (VO₂) at VT1 between the 2 methods. Furthermore, no significant differences among the methods of gases analysis and HRV were observed in speed, HR, and VO₂ at VT2. Moreover, VTs estimated using HRV and gas methods were significantly correlated. Correlation in HR values was higher between R and HRV (r = 0.96) and VE and HRV (r = 0.96) than V-slope and HRV (r = 0.90).

CONCLUSION

These findings provide a practical, inexpensive approach for evaluating specific training loads when determining VT2 in basketball players. Therefore, HRV is an alternative method to determine VT2 without the application of expensive technology that limits its use to laboratories.

The efficacy of resistance training in hypoxia to enhance strength and muscle growth: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Recent studies have reported that resistance training in hypoxia (RTH) may augment muscle size and strength development. However, consensus on the effects of RTH via systematic review and meta-analysis is not yet available. This work aimed to systematically review studies which have investigated using RTH versus normoxic resistance training (NRT) to improve muscular size and strength, and to perform a meta-analysis to determine the effect of RTH on these adaptive parameters. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library from database inception until 17 June 2017 for original articles assessing the effects of RTH on muscle size and strength versus NRT. The effects on outcomes were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD). Nine studies (158 participants) reported on the effects of RTH versus NRT for muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) (n = 4) or strength (n = 6). RTH significantly increased CSA (SMD = 0.70, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.05, 1.35; p = .04) and strength (SMD = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.20, 2.56; p < .00001). However, RTH did not produce significant change in CSA (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI -0.19, 0.68, p = .27) or strength (SMD = 0.20; 95% CI = -0.27, 0.78; p = .23) when compared to NRT. Although RTH improved muscle size and strength, this protocol did not provide significant benefit over resistance training in normoxia. Nevertheless, this paper identified marked differences in methodologies for implementing RTH, and future research using standardized protocols is therefore warranted.

The effects of intermittent hypoxia training on hematological and aerobic performance in triathletes

The aim of the present research was to analyze modifications on hematological and aerobic performance parameters after a 7-week intermittent hypoxia training (IHT) program. Eighteen male trained triathletes were divided in two groups: an intermittent hypoxia training group (IHTG: n: 9; 26.0 ± 6.7 years; 173.3 ± 5.9 cm; 66.4 ± 5.9 kg; VO₂max: 59.5 ± 5.0 ml/kg/min) that conducted a normoxic training plus an IHT and a control group (CG: n: 9; 29.3 ± 6.8 years; 174.9 ± 4.6 cm; 59.7 ± 6.8 kg; VO₂max: 58.9 ± 4.5 ml/kg/min) that performed only a normoxic training. Training process was standardized across the two groups. The IHT program consisted of two 60-min sessions per week at intensities over the anaerobic threshold and atmospheric conditions between 14.5 and 15% FiO₂. Before and after the 7-week training, aerobic performance in an incremental running test and hematological parameters were analyzed. After this training program, the IHTG showed higher hemoglobin and erythrocytes (p < 0.05) values than in the CG. In terms of physiological and performance variables, between the two groups no changes were found. The addition of an IHT program to normoxic training caused an improvement in hematological parameters but aerobic performance and physiological variables compared to similar training under normoxic conditions did not increase.

Biochemical, physiological, and performance response of a functional watermelon juice enriched in L-citrulline during a half-marathon race

Background: Watermelon is a rich natural source of l-citrulline. This non-essential amino acid increases exercise performance.

Objective: Evaluate the effect of Fashion watermelon juice enriched in l-citrulline (CWJ) (3.45 g per 500 mL) in physical performance and biochemical markers after a half-marathon race.

Design: A randomised, double blind, crossover design where 2 h after drinking 500 mL of CWJ or placebo (PLA, beverage without l-citrulline) amateur male runners performed two half-marathon races. Jump height, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion were evaluated before and after the races. Moreover, muscle soreness and plasma markers of muscle damage and metabolism were evaluated for 72 h after the races.

Results: Muscle soreness perception was significantly lower from 24 to 72 h after the race with CWJ beverage. Immediately after the races, runners under CWJ condition showed plasma lactate and glucose concentrations significantly lower and higher lactate dehydrogenase and l-arginine concentration than runners under PLA. A maintenance of jump heights after the races under CWJ supplementation was found, decreasing significantly with PLA.

Conclusion: A single Fashion watermelon juice enriched in l-citrulline dose diminished muscle soreness perception from 24 to 72 h after the race and maintained lower concentrations of plasma lactate after an exhausting exercise.

Consumption of Watermelon Juice Enriched in l-Citrulline and Pomegranate Ellagitannins Enhanced Metabolism during Physical Exercise

l-Citrulline is a nonessential amino acid precursor of arginine and indirectly a precursor of nitric oxide (NO), which is a vasodilator and increases mitochondrial respiration. On the other hand, the antioxidant pomegranate ellagitannins are precursors of urolithin A, which has been associated with mitophagy and increased muscle function. To elucidate if a single dose of watermelon enrichment with these compounds could have a positive effect after high-intensity exercise (eight sets of eight repetitions of half-squat exercise), a double-blind randomized crossover in vivo study was performed in healthy male subjects (n = 19). Enrichment juices maintained basal levels of blood markers of muscle damage, such as lactate dehydrogenase and myoglobin, and showed a significant maintenance of force during the exercise and a significant decrease in the rating of perceived exertion and muscle soreness after exercise. A positive effect was observed between l-citrulline and ellagitannins, improving the ergogenic effect of watermelon juice.

Physical performance of elite and subelite Spanish female futsal players

The aim of this study was to determine the parameters distinguishing top female futsal players from lower level players. Twenty-seven female futsal players participated in the study, composed of professional first division (elite; n = 15) players and semi-professional second division players (sub-elite; n = 14). Active and passive straight leg raise tests, isokinetic strength of the knee extensor and flexor muscles at 60° · s(-1) angular velocity, squat and counter movement jumps, 30 m sprint, 30 m agility, repeated sprint ability test and maximum ball speed during shooting were measured. The elite players were more agile and kicked harder than sub-elite players in maximum ball speed during the shooting test (P ≤ 0.05). However, no significant differences between teams were observed in active and passive hamstring flexibility, jumping ability, repeated sprint ability test, 30 m sprint time, H/Q ratio and absolute and relative torque from 60° · s(-1) angular velocity. Based on these findings we conclude that agility and maximum ball speed during shooting may be important determinant factors of Spanish female futsal actions and could distinguish ability at high-level games.

Effect of 6 weeks of whole body vibration training on total and segmental body composition in healthy young adults

The applied use of new technologies to enhance performance and improve health has been increasing. Initially, whole body vibration training (WBVT) was used as system to improve elite athlete performance. However, this is also used to improve body composition, especially there is a great attention on the effectiveness of WBVT to reduce fat and body weight, with a potential increase in muscle tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 6-week vibration-training program on total and segmental body composition in a group of physically healthy participants. The final study sample included 64 healthy young adults. Subjects were randomly allocated into the control group (CG: n = 26; 16 males and 10 females) and the experimental group (EGWBVT: n = 38; 19 males and 19 females). The program lasted six weeks with a frequency of three sessions per week and each session varied in intensity. There were not found statistically significant differences in any of the body composition variables analysed. This study suggests that a six-week vibration-training program with an increasing intensity (7.2 g-32.6 g) in healthy young adults that are not overweight did not alter total and segmental body composition.

[EFFECTS OF WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION TRAINING ON BODY COMPOSITION AND PHYSICAL FITNESS IN RECREATIONALLY ACTIVE YOUNG ADULTS]

In the last decade, it has been suggested that whole- body vibration training (WBV) may increase neuromuscular performance and consequently affect the muscular improvement as either acute response to vibration or chronic adaptation training. Vibrating platforms generate frequencies from 5-45 Hz and vertical oscillations of 1-11 mm peak to peak, affecting more or less intensity acceleration changing by combining frequency and amplitude. Vibration training, in a session as various offers different results in regard to changes in body composition and in increasing the vertical jump, sprint, and the different manifestations of force development. These promising results await further research to establish parameters (duration, frequency and amplitude) with vibration stimulation in young active subjects. This literature review provides an update on the scientific evidence on the body vibrations in order to answer the question whether WBV, meaning the exercise by increasing the gravitational load collection, is a treatment option if the aim is to improve neuromuscular function, flexibility, balance, agility, coordination and body composition.

PAHA study: psychological active and healthy aging: psychological wellbeing, proactive attitude and happiness effects of whole-body vibration versus Multicomponent Training in aged women: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Evidence demonstrates that physical exercise and psychological wellbeing are closely interlinked, particularly in older-aged women. However, research investigating how different forms of exercise influence mental health in older-aged women is underdeveloped.

METHODS/DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial (N = 300) will assess the relative effectiveness of two different exercise programs (whole-body vibration and Multicomponent Training) for improving psychological wellbeing in older-aged women. The following outcomes will be assessed at three time points (that is, pre, post, and follow-up): psychological wellbeing, proactive attitude, quality of life, and happiness.

DISCUSSION

Results will have important implications for preventing psychological and physiological disease in older-aged women and for managing health-related costs for this population group.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Number NCT01966562 on Clinical Gov database the 8 October 2013.

Effect of a whole-body vibration training modifying the training frequency of workouts per week in active adults

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of whole-body vibration by varying the training frequency (2 or 3 sessions per week) on the development of strength, body composition, and mechanical power. Forty-one (32 men and 9 women) recreationally active subjects (21.4 ± 3.0 years old; 172.6 ± 10.9 cm; 70.9 ± 12.3 kg) took part in the study divided in 2 experimental groups (G2 = 2 sessions per week, G3 = 3 sessions per week) and a control group (CG). The frequency of vibration (50 Hz), amplitude (4 mm), time of work (60 seconds), and time of rest (60 seconds) were constant for G2 and G3 groups. Maximum isokinetic strength, body composition, and performance in vertical jumps were evaluated at the beginning and the end of the training cycle. A statistically significant increase of isokinetic strength was observed in G2 and G3 at angular velocities of 60, 180, and 270°·s. Total fat-free mass was statistically significantly increased in G2 (0.9 ± 1.0 kg) and G3 (1.5 ± 0.7 kg). In addition, statistically significant differences between G3 and CG (1.04 ± 1.7%) (p = 0.05) were found. There were no statistically significant changes in the total fat mass, fat percentage, bone mineral content, and bone mineral density in any of the groups. Both vibration training schedules produced statistically significant improvements in isokinetic strength. The vibration magnitude of the study presented an adaptation stimulus for muscle hypertrophy. The vibration training used in this study may be valid for athletes to develop both strength and hypertrophy of the lower limbs.