Efficacy of Split Versus Full-Body Resistance Training on Strength and Muscle Growth: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT

Ramos-Campo, DJ, Benito-Peinado, PJ, Caravaca, LA, Rojo-Tirado, MA, and Rubio-Arias, JÁ. Efficacy of split versus full-body resistance training on strength and muscle growth: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-No previous study has systematically compared the effect of 2 resistance training routines commonly used to increase muscle mass and strength (i.e., split [Sp] and full-body [FB] routines). Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines to compare the effects on strength gains and muscle growth in healthy adults. 14 studies (392 subjects) that compared Sp and FB routines in terms of strength adaptations and muscle growth were included. Regarding the effects of the Sp or FB routine on both bench press and lower limbs strength, the magnitude of the change produced by both routines was similar (bench press: mean difference [MD] = 1.19; [-1.28, 3.65]; p = 0.34; k = 14; lower limb: MD = 2.47; [-2.11, 7.05]; p = 0.29; k = 14). Concerning the effect of the Sp vs. FB routine on muscle growth, similar effects were observed after both routines in the cross-sectional area of the elbow extensors (MD = 0.30; [-2.65, 3.24]; p = 0.84; k = 4), elbow flexors (MD = 0.17; [-2.54, 2.88]; p = 0.91; k = 5), vastus lateralis (MD = -0.08; [-1.82, 1.66]; p = 0.93; k = 5), or lean body mass (MD = -0.07; [-1.59, 1.44]; p = 0.92; k = 6). In conclusion, the present systematic review and meta-analysis provides solid evidence that the use of Sp or FB routines within a resistance training program does not significantly impact either strength gains or muscle hypertrophy when volume is equated. Consequently, individuals are free to confidently select a resistance training routine based on their personal preferences.

Response to physical activity of females with multiple sclerosis throughout the menstrual cycle: a protocol for a randomised crossover trial (EMMA Project)

The relationship between multiple sclerosis (MS) and females is a crucial aspect in the development of the disease, with the ovarian hormonal cycle being a sensitive stage, especially in females with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The objectives of the study are to identify moderating variables that modify satisfaction with physical activity practice throughout the menstrual cycle (MC) in females in or out of their MC, during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength training sessions and to compare the acute effects of different types of physical activity sessions in females with and without MS. This protocol is the methodology used in the EMMA Study, a randomised, single-blind crossover trial study conducted in females with MS who were matched 1:1, based on age, lifestyle factors and country of residence, with females without MS, to analyse the effect of physical activity practice on satisfaction, functionality, fatigue and inflammatory profile through their MC. Participants will visit the facilities approximately 10 times (4 preliminary familiarisation visits and 6 visits to carry out a physical activity session in each phase of the MC) for 3-4 months. A total sample of 30 females (15 females without MS and 15 with MS) is necessary for the study. The evaluation will comprise clinical, nutritional and psychological interviews, including different variables. It is hypothesised during the luteal phase, females with MS are expected to exhibit different acute responses to HIIT and strength training sessions as compared with females without the disease. Before starting the study, all participants will read and sign an informed consent form. Trial registration number: This research protocol is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov to ensure transparency and accessibility of study information (NCT06105463). The university's ethics committee number for this study is UALBIO2022/048.

Assessment of Intercostal Muscle Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Estimating Respiratory Compensation Point in Trained Endurance Athletes

This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of estimating the respiratory compensation point (RCP) in trained endurance athletes by analyzing intercostal muscles' NIRS-derived tissue oxygenation dynamics. Seventeen experienced trail runners underwent an incremental treadmill protocol on two separate occasions, with a 7-day gap between assessments. Gas exchange and muscle oxygenation data were collected, and the oxygen saturation breakpoint (SmO2BP) measured in the intercostal muscles was compared to the RCP, which was identified by the increase in the VE/V.CO2 slope and the point at which the PetCO2 started to decrease. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two methods for any of the variables analyzed. Bland-Altman analysis showed significant agreement between the NIRS and gas analyzer methods for speed (r = 0.96, p < 0.05), HR (r = 0.98, p < 0.05), V.O2 relative to body mass (r = 0.99, p < 0.05), and %SmO2 (r = 0.98, p < 0.05). The interclass correlation coefficient values showed moderate to good reliability (0.60 to 0.86), and test-retest analysis revealed mean differences within the confidence intervals for all variables. These findings suggest that the SmO2BP measured using a portable NIRS device in the intercostal muscles is a reliable and valid tool for estimating the RCP for experienced trail runners and might be useful for coaches and athletes to monitor endurance training.

Effect of a sustained-release formulation of β-alanine on laboratory parameters and paresthesia in recreational trained men: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study

Introduction

Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that has been a focus of increasing research by its role as ergogenic aid to improve muscle performance.

Methods

A randomized, double-blind and controlled trial was conducted to determine the effect of a nutritional supplement of a sustained-release formulation of β-alanine in recreational trained men. The active product was an innovative sustained-release β-alanine microgranules powder blend, administered at high doses (15 g/day) divided into 3 intakes during 30 days. There were 10 participants in the experimental group and 9 in the placebo group, with a mean age of 22.5 ± 3.3 years. Participants were testing at baseline and at the end of study.

Results

In the β-alanine group, there were statistically increases in serum triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, and urea nitrogen at the end of the study as compared with baseline, although there were no differences with the control group. The occurrence of paresthesia, described above all as tickling, was the majority but presented VAS score less than 3/10 in almost all subjects.

Discussion

More studies are required to evaluate the changes in blood parameters that can be caused by high intake of β-alanine during a long period of time.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier (NCT05334121).

Efficacy of Boswellia serrata Extract and/or an Omega-3-Based Product for Improving Pain and Function in People Older Than 40 Years with Persistent Knee Pain: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial

A single-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial with four arms was conducted in healthy subjects with persistent knee discomfort (pain intensity on 1-10 cm visual analog scale (VAS) > 3) aged 40 years and older treated with a dietary supplement for 8 weeks. The study groups were Boswellia serrata extract (n = 29), an omega-3-based product (AvailOm® 50 High EPA) (n = 31), Boswellia + AvailOm® (n = 30), and placebo (n = 30). The intake of Boswellia + AvailOm® improved the quality of life (QoL) (WOMAC index) and some variables of muscle strength. Statistically significant differences between the AvailOm® and the placebo groups in the decrease of pain intensity were found. Weekly VAS scores showed a significant decrease in pain perception when comparing the AvailOm® product to the placebo, with the lowest VAS scores at week 8. Consumption of Boswellia improved sleep latency. The time to perform the Up and Go test decreased after the intake of AvailOm®. There was an increase in the omega-3 fatty acids, with the greatest increase in the Boswellia + AvailOm® group. AvailOm® was safe and effective in reducing pain and improving the QoL and functionality of subjects over 40 years with persistent knee pain.

Study the Effect of an Innovative Educational Program Promoting Healthy Food Habits on Eating Disorders, Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Body Composition in University Students

The university stage is a good time to promote healthy eating strategies. The sociological and cultural changes experienced by students lead them to skip meals, increase their intake of fast food and energy-dense foods, decreasing adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD). Professionals related to food such as nutritionists and dietitians are also considered a population at risk of developing eating disorders due to the extensive knowledge they possess, which can be used for both good and bad practice. The objective was to analyze the impact of a 4-month educational program promoting the Mediterranean diet on risky eating behaviors, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and body composition in nutrition and dietetics students, studying the differences according to the group investigated (control group and educated group). The context of the research was 196 students (49 males and 147 females) from two consecutive years. The control group did not receive any type of intervention, while with the control group (educated) an educational program was carried out. Results showed that women with greater control over energy intake, carbohydrates, and sugar had a lower percentage of fat mass, while in men, the relationship was established with weight. Regarding adherence to the Mediterranean diet, at post, it is adequate in both men (8.25 ± 2.87) and women (7.90 ± 2.89), with no significant differences between the intervention groups.

Effects of Exercise Programs on Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in People With Acquired Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this systematic review and meta-analyses were to evaluate the effects of exercise on the functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) of people with acquired brain injury (ABI) and to analyze the influence of training variables.

METHODS

Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, SportDiscus, and Web of Science) were searched until October 2021 for clinical trials or experimental studies examining the effects of exercise on the functional capacity and QoL in adults with ABI and comparing exercise interventions with non-exercise (usual care).

RESULTS

Thirty-eight studies were evaluated. A total sample of 2219 people with ABI (exercise, n = 1572; control, n = 647) were included in the quantitative analysis. A greater improvement was observed in walking endurance (z score = 2.84), gait speed (z score = 2.01), QoL physical subscale (z score = 3.42), and QoL mental subscale (z score = 3.00) was observed in the experimental group than in the control group. In addition, an improvement was also observed in the experimental group in the "Timed Up and Go" Test scores and balance without differences from the control group. Significant interactions were also observed between the rehabilitation phases, type, frequency and volume of training, and overall effects.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that exercise improves functional capacity and QoL regardless of model training, highlighting the effectiveness of long-term exercise that includes short sessions with components such as strength, balance, and aerobic exercise.

IMPACT

The results shown in this systematic review with meta-analysis will allow physical therapists to better understand the effects of training on people with ABI.

Can strength training modify voluntary activation, contractile properties and spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis?: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to analyze the effects of 10 weeks of strength training (ST) on voluntary activation, muscle activity, muscle contractile properties, and spasticity in people with MS.

METHODS

30 participants were randomized to either an experimental [EG](n=18) or a control [CG](n=12) group. The EG carried out 10-weeks of ST, where the concentric phase at maximum voluntary velocity. Muscle activity of the vastus lateralis (surface electromyography (sEMG) during the first 200 ms of contraction), maximal neural drive (peak sEMG), voluntary activation (central activation ratio), and muscle contractile function (via electrical stimulation) of the knee extensor muscles, as well as spasticity, were measured pre- and post-intervention.

RESULTS

The EG showed a significant improvement with differences between groups in muscle activity in EMG_0-200 (p=0.031;ES=-0.8) and maximal neural drive (p=0.038;ES=-0.8), as well as improvement in the ST group with a trend towards significance in EMG_0-100 (p=0.068;ES=-0.6). CAR increased after intervention in ST group (p=0.010;ES=-0.4). Spasticity also improved in the ST group, with differences between group after intervention, in first swing excursion (right leg: p=0.006;ES=-1.4, left leg: p=0.031;ES=-1.2), number of oscillations (right leg: p=0.001;ES=-0.4, left leg: p=0.031;ES=-0.4) and duration of oscillations (left leg: p=0.002; ES=-0.6). Contractile properties remain unchanged in both ST group and control group.

CONCLUSIONS

10 weeks of ST improves muscle activity during the first 200 ms of contraction, maximal neural conduction, and spasticity in people with MS. However, ST does not produce adaptations in muscle contractile properties in people with MS.

Effects and optimal dosage of resistance training on strength, functional capacity, balance, general health perception, and fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To analyze the effectiveness of resistance training programs (RTP) on strength, functional capacity, balance, general health perception, and fatigue for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and to determine the most effective dose of RTP in this population.

METHODS

Studies examining the effect of RTP on strength, functional capacity, balance, general health perception, and fatigue in MS patients were included. 44 studies were included. The meta-analysis, subgroup analysis and meta-regression methods were used to calculate the mean difference and standardized mean difference.

RESULTS

Significant group differences were observed in knee extensor (p = 0.01) and flexor (p < 0.001), but not in 1-repetition maximum. Regarding functional capacity and balance, differences between groups, in favour of the RTP group, were found in the Timed Up and Go Test (p = 0.001), walking endurance, (p = 0.02) gait speed (p = 0.02) and balance (p = 0.02). No significant differences between groups were observed in fatigue or general health perception. The results regarding the optimal dose are inconsistent.

CONCLUSIONS

RTP improves strength, functional capacity, balance, and fatigue in people with MS. Registration: (PROSPERO): CRD42020182781Implications for rehabilitationResistance training is a valid strategy to improve isometric strength and functional capacity in MS patients.RTP using long durations (more than 6 weeks), high intensity (more than 80% 1-RM) and two-day weekly training frequency may be a correct stimulus to improve strength, functional capacity, balance, and fatigue in people with MS.Trainers and rehabilitators should consider these indicators in order to maximize muscular and functional adaptations in this population.

The Impact of Resistance Training Program on Static Balance in Multiple Sclerosis Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that affects balance. Among the non-pharmacological strategies to improve this variable, physical exercise is one of the most widely used. However, the benefits of some types of training, such as resistance training, on static balance in this population are still unclear. This study aims to analyze the effects of a resistance training (RT) intervention on balance in people with MS. Methods: Thirty people with MS were randomized to either an experimental (n = 18) or a control (n = 12) group. The RT group performed 10 weeks of lower limb resistance training with a concentric phase at maximum velocity. Static balance was measured before and after intervention. Results: No significant group × time interaction effects were found (ANOVA test) in any of the variables at the end of the intervention. No intragroup differences were found before or after the intervention in the balance variables. Conclusions: Resistance training with a concentric phase at maximum velocity showed no impact on balance in our sample. Future studies should examine programs of longer duration or combined with other types of training, such as balance training, with the aim of obtaining improvements in this variable in people with MS.

Fast-velocity resistance training improves force development and mobility in Multiple Sclerosis

This study aimed to analyze the benefits of a lower-limb fast-velocity concentric resistance training on rate of force development, mobility, and quality of life in people with Multiple Sclerosis. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 30 people with Multiple Sclerosis, who were randomly assigned to either an experimental (n=18) or a control (n=12) group. The experimental group carried out 10-weeks of fast-velocity concentric resistance training, while the control group did not perform any intervention. Early and late rate of force development during knee extension in both legs, sit-to-stand and Timed Up and Go tests and quality life questionnaire were evaluated before and after intervention. The training program evoked an increase in early rate of force development in experimental group (0-30; Rightleg: 63.9%, p<0.001;ES=-1.4; Leftleg: 52.7%, p<0.001;ES=-1.0) compared to control group (showed modest increases). Furthermore, experimental group improved mobility after training (Sit-to-stand: 22.2%, p<0.001;ES=1.0; Timed Up and Go Test: 10.1%, p<0.001;ES=1.1) and increased the perception of quality of life after training, while control showed no changes. The fast-velocity concentric resistance training has the potential to improve early rate of force development and mobility after 10-weeks of training. In addition, the increase in self-perceived quality of life following this training modality demonstrates promising results in the Multiple Sclerosis population.

10-Weeks of resistance training improves sleep quality and cardiac autonomic control in persons with multiple sclerosis

PURPOSE

To examine the acute and chronic effects of 10-weeks of progressive resistance training on sleep quality and sleeping heart rate variability in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS).

METHODS

Eighteen pwMS (age = 44.8 ± 10.6 years; EDSS = 3.1 ± 1.7) completed a 10-week of resistance training, with three training sessions per week. Each session consisted of 4 lower body exercises, performing 2-4 sets of each exercise, with 8-15 repetitions each set, at an intensity ranging from 60 to 75% of 1-repetition maximum. Subjective and actigraphic sleep quality and sleeping heart rate variability were carried out at 4 different times: (1) Before the starting of the intervention on a rest day; (2) the night after training week 1 (3) the night after training week 10 and 4) after completing the resistance training program on a rest day.

RESULTS

Regarding subjective sleep quality, significant main effects were observed on the variables of sleep quality, sleep comfort, easy of falling sleep, easy of waking up and felling of rest. Sleep quality, sleep comfort and easy of falling sleep were greater in rest night in week 1 vs. rest night in week 10_. Actigraphic sleep quality also improved after the training program (rest night in week 1 vs. rest night in week 10). In the pair-wise comparison showed an acute effect in the session after the training program (rest night in week 10< training night in week 10) on HF, pNN50 and RMMSD.

CONCLUSIONS

Resistance training is a non-pharmacological treatment that has the capacity to improve the regulation of autonomic system and, consequently, the sleep quality in pwMS.Implications for rehabilitation10 Weeks of resistance training improves the sleep quality of persons with multiple sclerosis.Resistance training can modulate autonomic cardiac control in this population.Improving the sleep quality is essential for persons with MS because of its close relationship to other variables, such as symptomatic fatigue.

The impact of COVID-19 home confinement on neuromuscular performance, functional capacity, and psychological state in Spanish people with Multiple Sclerosis

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a global confinement of more than 2 months in Spain. As a result, the general population has significantly decreased their physical activity levels. The consequences of this abrupt, sedentary lifestyle in Spanish people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) were unknown. Our aim was to examine the impact of COVID-19 home confinement on neuromuscular performance, functional capacity, physical self-perception, and anxiety in pwMS.

Methods

Eighteen pwMS (8:10 men/women, age: 43.41±10.88 years, Expanded Disability Status Scale: 2.85±1.34) participated in the study. Rate of force development (RFD) and maximal voluntary isometric contraction during knee extension in both legs, Timed-Up and Go test (TUG), sit-to-stand test, 6 min walk test, 10 m walk test, Physical-Self Perception Questionnaire (PSPQ) and State-Train Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were performed just before and after home confinement.

Results

A non-significant moderate effect (p = 0.07; ES = -0.48) was observed in the time in the sit-to-stand test compared to pre-home confinement. There was a significant increase in the time in TUG (p = 0.02; ES = -0.67). The PSQP score decreased (p = 0.01; ES = 0.79) and STAI-state increased (p = 0.01; ES = -0.65) following home confinement.

Conclusion

Home confinement had an impact on functional capacity, physical self-perception and state anxiety. However, neuromuscular performance was not altered after home confinement.

Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Body Composition, Cardiometabolic Risk, and Strength in the Population Who Are Overweight and Obese: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on body composition, metabolic and cardiovascular risk variables, and lower limb strength in participants who are overweight/obese.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted in 3 databases (PubMed-MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) from inception through to January 26, 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies analyzing the effect of WBVT on body composition variables, metabolic profile, blood pressure, heart rate, and lower limb strength in the population who are overweight/obese, with interventions of a minimum length of 2 weeks were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 studies involving 884 participants who were obese/overweight (experimental group: 543; weight=79.9 kg; body mass index (BMI) =31.3 kg/m², obesity class I according to World Health Organization) were used in the quantitative analysis. The sex of the participants involved in the studies were as follows: (1) 17 studies included only female participants; (2) 1 study included only boys, and (3) 5 studies included both sexes. Meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression methods were used to calculate the mean difference and standardized mean difference (SMD; ± 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) as well as to analyze the effects of pre-post intervention WBVT and differences from control groups.

DATA SYNTHESIS

WBVT led to a significant decrease in fat mass (-1.07 kg, not clinically significant). In addition, WBVT reduced systolic blood pressure (-7.01 mmHg, clinically significant), diastolic blood pressure (-1.83 mmHg), and heart rate (-2.23 bpm), as well as increased the lower extremity strength (SMD=0.63; range, 0.40-0.86). On the other hand, WBVT did not modify the weight, BMI, muscle mass, cholesterol, triglycerides, or glucose.

CONCLUSIONS

WBVT could be an effective training modality to reduce blood pressure (clinically relevant) and resting heart rate. In addition, WBVT led to improved lower limb strength. However, these findings were not consistent with significant improvements on other variables associated with metabolic syndrome (body composition, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose).

Differential Health Effects on Inflammatory, Immunological and Stress Parameters in Professional Soccer Players and Sedentary Individuals after Consuming a Synbiotic. A Triple-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

The main objective of this research was to carry out an experimental study, triple-blind, on the possible immunophysiological effects of a nutritional supplement (synbiotic, Gasteel Plus®, Heel España S.A.U.), containing a mixture of probiotic strains, such as Bifidobacterium lactis CBP-001010, Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-4036, and Bifidobacterium longum ES1, as well as the prebiotic fructooligosaccharides, on both professional athletes and sedentary people. The effects on some inflammatory/immune (IL-1β, IL-10, and immunoglobulin A) and stress (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol) biomarkers were evaluated, determined by flow cytometer and ELISA. The effects on metabolic profile and physical activity, as well as on various parameters that could affect physical and mental health, were also evaluated via the use of accelerometry and validated questionnaires. The participants were professional soccer players in the Second Division B of the Spanish League and sedentary students of the same sex and age range. Both study groups were randomly divided into two groups: a control group-administered with placebo, and an experimental group-administered with the synbiotic. Each participant was evaluated at baseline, as well as after the intervention, which lasted one month. Only in the athlete group did the synbiotic intervention clearly improve objective physical activity and sleep quality, as well as perceived general health, stress, and anxiety levels. Furthermore, the synbiotic induced an immunophysiological bioregulatory effect, depending on the basal situation of each experimental group, particularly in the systemic levels of IL-1β (increased significantly only in the sedentary group), CRH (decreased significantly only in the sedentary group), and dopamine (increased significantly only in the athlete group). There were no significant differences between groups in the levels of immunoglobulin A or in the metabolic profile as a result of the intervention. It is concluded that synbiotic nutritional supplements can improve anxiety, stress, and sleep quality, particularly in sportspeople, which appears to be linked to an improved immuno-neuroendocrine response in which IL-1β, CRH, and dopamine are clearly involved.

Dosage and Effectiveness of Aerobic Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Functional Capacity, Balance, and Fatigue in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits of aerobic training (AT) programs on cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity, balance, and fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to identify the optimal dosage of AT programs for individuals with MS via a systematic review with meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

Two electronic databases were searched until March 2020 (PubMed-Medline and Web of Science).

STUDY SELECTION

Studies examining the effect of AT program on cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity, balance, and fatigue were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we included 43 studies. A total sample of 1070 individuals with MS (AT group, n=680; control group, n=390) were analyzed.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The AT group demonstrated a significant increase in cardiorespiratory fitness (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.29; P=.002), functional capacity (timed Up and Go Test: SMD, -1.14; P<.001; gait speed: SMD, -1.19; P<.001; walking endurance: SMD, 0.46; P<.001), and balance (SMD, 3.49; P<.001) after training. Fatigue perception also decreased (SMD, -0.45; P<.001). However, no significant differences were observed when compared with the control group in either cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD, 0.14; P=.19) or fatigue perception. Nevertheless, we observed significant differences between the AT and control groups in balance (P=.02), gait speed (P=.02), and walking endurance (P=.03), favoring the participants who performed AT. Regarding the subgroup analysis, no significant differences were observed between subgroups in any of the variables studied except for gait speed, for which a greater increase in posttraining was observed when the AT program applied the continuous method (χ²=7.75; P=.005) and the exercises were performed by walking (χ²=9.36; P=.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Aerobic training improves gait speed, walking endurance, and balance. Cardiorespiratory fitness and fatigue perception also improved after AT, but we found no differences with the control group. In addition, subgroup analysis suggested that training using continuous and walking methods could optimize gait speed.

Neuromuscular and Mobility Responses to a Vibration Session in Hypoxia in Multiple Sclerosis

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of vibration training (WBVT) under hypoxic and normoxic conditions on the voluntary rate of force development (RFD), balance and muscle oxygen saturation (SMO₂) in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). 10 participants completed the study (30% males, 44.4±7.7 years, 164.3±8.9 cm, 65.2±11.1 kg, 2.5±1.3 Expanded Disability Status Scale, 24.1±4.0 kg.m^-2 BMI). Maximal force, RFD during isometric knee extension, static balance with eyes open and closed and sit-to-stand test were evaluated before and immediately after one session of WBVT (12 60-s bout of vibration; frequency 35 Hz; amplitude 4 mm; 1-min rest intervals) under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. In addition, SMO₂ of the gastrocnemius lateralis was assessed during each condition. No changes were found in force, static balance and sit-to-stand test. Time-to-peak RFD increased in the left leg (p=0.02) and tended to increase in the right leg (p=0.06) after the hypoxic session. SMO₂ resulted in significant increases from the initial to final intervals of the WBVT under both hypoxic and normoxic conditions (p<0.05). Increases in SMO₂ during WBVT demonstrates muscle work that may contribute to the observed muscle adaptations in long-term WBVT programs without inducing decreases in neuromuscular activation, physical function and balance within a session.

Movement Velocity as A Measure of Exercise Intensity in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis: A Validity Study

Objectives: This study aims to analyse the validity (agreement between two methods) of the movement propulsive velocity (MPV) as an indicator of relative load in leg press (LP) and bench press (BP) exercises in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: 18 persons with MS (sex = 55% male; age (mean ± SD) = 44.88 ± 10.62 years; body mass = 67.19 ± 10.63 kg; height = 1.66 ± 0.07 m; Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) = 3.12 ± 1.73) performed an incremental loading test in BP and LP exercises in two separate sessions. Individual determination of the one-repetition maximum (1RM) and full load-velocity profile were obtained for each participant. Results: a significant linear relationship was observed between the %1RM load and the MPV in LP (%1RM = −133.58 × MPV + 117.44; r² = 0.84; standard error of the estimate (SEE) = 9.38%1RM) and BP (%1RM = −95.66 × MPV + 115.26; r² = 0.86; SEE = 9.82%1RM). In addition, no significant differences were found between the %1RM achieved directly and the %1RM obtained by the equation calculated from the linear regression (LP, p = 0.996; BP, p = 0.749). Conclusions: these results indicate that movement velocity can estimate the relative load in bench press and leg press exercises in persons MS.