scholarly journals Meta-Analysis of Elderly Lower Body Strength: Different Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on the Knee Joint-Related Muscle Groups

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Yuan Yang ◽  
Jia-hui Li ◽  
Nan-Jun Xu ◽  
Wei-Yi Yang ◽  
Jun Liu

Importance. Tai Chi exercise mostly involves muscle fitness with biological, biomechanical, and psychosomatic medicine in elderly rehabilitation. Increased incidents related to elderly muscle fitness deficiency tend to be an urgent public health issue. However, there is a controversy on the effects of Tai Chi exercise on muscle fitness, especially the lower body strength of the elderly. Objective. To determine whether lower body strength such as keen extension and flexion strength may be improved by Tai Chi exercise in older adults from the perspective of evidence-based medicine. Methods. Databases of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched up to July 1, 2021. Randomized clinical trials are adopted to compare Tai Chi exercise with sedentary behavior or other low intensity exercise in terms of influence on lower body strength rehabilitation, especially keen extension and flexion strength in people aged over 60. A meta-analysis was performed to discuss outcomes of lower body strength, knee muscle strength, and knee extension/flexion strength. Results. A total of 25 randomized trials involving 1995 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. (1) Tai Chi exercise significantly improved elderly lower body strength (−0.54, [−0.81, −0.28], p < 0.00001 , I2 = 74%), but there was no differential improvement in the strength of the knee joints (0.10, [−0.02, 0.23], p = 0.11 , I2 = 34%). (2) Elderly individual lower body strength declined with age, while this trend was suppressed by Tai Chi exercise (−0.35, [0.14, 0.56], p = 0.001 , I2 = 70%). (3) Although Tai Chi exercise did no significantly improve the large muscle group of knee joint extensor like quadriceps femoris (3.15, [−0.69, 6.99], p = 0.24 , I2 = 26%), it showed marked enhancement to the strength of deep small muscle group of knee joint flexor (10.25, [6.90, 13.61], p < 0.00001 , I2 = 0%). The heterogeneity might be caused by distinguished measurements of muscle strength. Therefore, Tai Chi exercise specifically enhanced some certain muscle strength of knee joints and improved muscle fitness rehabilitation as well as function activity for elderly. Conclusions. In this RCT meta-analysis, Tai Chi exercise has positive effects on lower body strength of elderly. Although no obvious improvement on the knee extensor is observed, it may be used as a rehabilitation treatment for training stable deep muscle groups to improve the knee flexion strength significantly.

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 991-1010
Author(s):  
Henrik Petré ◽  
Erik Hemmingsson ◽  
Hans Rosdahl ◽  
Niklas Psilander

Abstract Background The effect of concurrent training on the development of maximal strength is unclear, especially in individuals with different training statuses. Objective The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis study was to compare the effect of concurrent resistance and endurance training with that of resistance training only on the development of maximal dynamic strength in untrained, moderately trained, and trained individuals. Methods On the basis of the predetermined criteria, 27 studies that compared effects between concurrent and resistance training only on lower-body 1-repetition maximum (1RM) strength were included. The effect size (ES), calculated as the standardised difference in mean, was extracted from each study, pooled, and analysed with a random-effects model. Results The 1RM for leg press and squat exercises was negatively affected by concurrent training in trained individuals (ES =  – 0.35, p < 0.01), but not in moderately trained ( – 0.20, p = 0.08) or untrained individuals (ES = 0.03, p = 0.87) as compared to resistance training only. A subgroup analysis revealed that the negative effect observed in trained individuals occurred only when resistance and endurance training were conducted within the same training session (ES same session =  – 0.66, p < 0.01 vs. ES different sessions =  – 0.10, p = 0.55). Conclusion This study demonstrated the novel and quantifiable effects of training status on lower-body strength development and shows that the addition of endurance training to a resistance training programme may have a negative impact on lower-body strength development in trained, but not in moderately trained or untrained individuals. This impairment seems to be more pronounced when training is performed within the same session than in different sessions. Trained individuals should therefore consider separating endurance from resistance training during periods where the development of dynamic maximal strength is prioritised.


Kinesiology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 238-245
Author(s):  
Hamid Arazi ◽  
Ehsan Eghbali

2D:4D ratio is determined by balance between androgens and estrogens. Low level estrogen reduces bone mineral density (BMD) and incurs negative changes to bone microarchitecture, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and, as a consequence, fracture risk in women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between 2D:4D, muscle strength and body composition to BMD in young women. One hundred twenty-seven young women (age range 24-36 years) voluntarily participated in this study. Lengths of the second (index) and fourth (ring) fingers, upper and lower body strength and body composition (body mass index, BMI; waist to hip ratio, WHR) and body fat percentage were estimated. Also, blood levels of calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) were evaluated and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device was used to measure BMD in the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN). The results showed that digit ratios, upper body and lower body muscle strength, BMI and fat percentage had a positive relationship with LS and FN BMD (LS BMD: r=.47, r=.56, r=.46, r=.34, r=.28, p≤.001, respectively; FN BMD: r=.34, r=.49, r=.51, r=.45, r=.27, p≤.001, respectively). In addition, there was no significant relationship between WHR and BMD of LS and FN (p˃.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed the upper body strength was a stronger determinant of LS BMD and the lower body strength was a stronger determinant of FN BMD. Based on the results, the researchers concluded that upper and lower body strength, 2D:4D ratios and BMI were important determinants of young women’s BMD. Also, it seemed that some of these factors may be able to help predicting the osteoporosis potential in young women


2014 ◽  
Vol 44 (12) ◽  
pp. 1693-1702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurent B. Seitz ◽  
Alvaro Reyes ◽  
Tai T. Tran ◽  
Eduardo Saez de Villarreal ◽  
G. Gregory Haff

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 347-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J.A. Speranza ◽  
Tim J. Gabbett ◽  
David A. Greene ◽  
Rich D. Johnston ◽  
Andrew D. Townshend ◽  
...  

This study investigated the relationship between 2 tests of tackling ability, muscle strength, and power in semiprofessional rugby league players. Thirty-one players, 19 first-grade and 12 second-grade, underwent tests of muscle strength (1-repetition-maximum bench press, chin-up, and squat) and power (plyometric push-up and countermovement jump). Tackling ability was assessed via video analysis of under-and over-the-ball tackle drills. The first-grade players had significantly greater scores in both the under-the-ball (P = .03, effect size [ES] = 0.84, 95% CI 0.07–1.50) and over-the-ball tackling-ability tests (P < .001, ES =1.86, 95% CI 0.83–2.52) than the second-grade players. A large, significant relationship was found between under- and over-the-ball tackling ability (r = .55, 95% CI .24–.76, P = .001). Lower-body strength (r = .37, 95% CI .02–.64, P = .04) was moderately associated with under-the-ball tackling ability, whereas over-the-ball tackling ability was moderately associated with plyometric push-up performance (r = .39, 95% CI .04–.65, P = .03). This study found that over-the-ball tackling ability was significantly associated with under-the-ball tackling in semiprofessional rugby league players. Furthermore, it was found that, compared with the second-grade players, the first-grade players had superior tackle ability in both tackle drills. In this study it was observed that plyometric push-up peak power was significantly related to over-the-ball tackling ability and absolute lower-body strength was associated with under-the-ball tackling ability. These findings provide skill coaches and strength and conditioning staff a greater understanding of elements that contribute to effective tackling ability.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 3757
Author(s):  
Ellem Eduarda Pinheiro dos Santos ◽  
Rodrigo Cappato de de Araújo ◽  
Darren G. Candow ◽  
Scott C. Forbes ◽  
Jaddy Antunes Guijo ◽  
...  

Sarcopenia refers to the age-related loss of muscle strength and muscle mass, which is associated with a reduced quality of life, particularly in older females. Resistance training (RT) is well established to be an effective intervention to counter indices of sarcopenia. Accumulating research indicates that the addition of creatine supplementation (Cr) to RT augments gains in muscle strength and muscle mass, compared to RT alone. However, some evidence indicates that sex differences may alter the effectiveness of Cr. Therefore, we systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy of Cr + RT on measures of upper- and lower-body strength and muscle mass in older females. A systematic literature search was performed in nine electronic databases. Ten RCTs (N = 211 participants) were included the review. Overall, Cr significantly increased measures of upper-body strength (7 studies, n = 142, p = 0.04), with no effect on lower-body strength or measures of muscle mass. Sub-analyses revealed that both upper-body (4 studies, n = 97, p = 0.05) and lower-body strength (4 studies, n = 100, p = 0.03) were increased by Cr, compared to placebo in studies ≥ 24 weeks in duration. In conclusion, older females supplementing with Cr experience significant gains in muscle strength, especially when RT lasts for at least 24 weeks in duration. However, given the level of evidence, future high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting Liu ◽  
Sek Ying Chair ◽  
Aileen W Chan

Introduction: Substantial evidences demonstrate impaired physical health and decreased psychosocial well-being among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Tai Chi is an effective exercise option in cardiac rehabilitation to manage CHDs. There has been an increasing focus on home-based cardiac rehabilitation to improve participation rate, while none of studies emphasized the effect of home-based Tai Chi program. Hypothesis: A group- plus home-based Tai Chi program improves physical function (aerobic endurance, lower-body strength, lower-body flexibility, and agility and dynamic balance), and psychosocial well-being (perceived stress, social support, exercise self-efficacy) among CHD patients. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 98 community-dwelling patients with CHD (mean age: 69.2±4.68 years; 69 women; 29 men) were randomized to Tai Chi (n=49) or control group (n=49). Participants in Tai Chi group first attended 6 weeks supervised group-based Tai Chi classes that were scheduled as follows: 2 times/week for week 1 and 2, 3 times/week for weeks 3 and 4, and then 4 times/week for week 5 and 6, with 60 minutes/class. After that, participants in Tai Chi group practiced home-based Tai Chi 4 times/week, 60 minutes for each time, for another 6 weeks. Outcomes, namely, aerobic endurance, lower-body strength, lower-body flexibility, and agility and dynamic balance were tested by 2-Minute Step Test (steps), Chair Stand Test (times), Chair Sit-and-Reach Test (cm), and 8-Foot Up-and-Go Test (seconds), respectively. Other outcomes included perceived stress, social support, and exercise self-efficacy. Data were collected at baseline, post group-based Tai Chi training at 6-week, post Tai Chi intervention at 12-week, and at 24-week follow-up assessment. Generalized estimating equations models were used to compare changes in outcomes over time between groups. Results: Compared to changes in control group, Tai Chi showed significant improvements in aerobic endurance (+12 steps), lower-body strength (+3 times), agility and dynamic balance (log-transformed score: -0.058s), perceived stress, emotional support, belonging support, tangible support, and exercise self-efficacy at 24-week. Significant improvement in lower-body flexibility (4 cm) was only achieved at 12-week, compared to changes in control group. No significant changes in self-esteem support over time between groups were observed. Intervention adherence: Tai Chi=79.6% (39 of 49) (attending ≥75% of total Tai Chi sessions). Attrition rate: Tai Chi=20.4% (10 of 49), control=24.5% (12 of 49). Conclusions: This Tai Chi program significantly improve physical function and psychosocial well-being among CHD patients, indicating that Tai Chi could be taught in group sessions and then continued independently as a home exercise routine for health promotion in CHD patients.


2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 754-760 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J.A. Speranza ◽  
Tim J. Gabbett ◽  
Rich D. Johnston ◽  
Jeremy M. Sheppard

Purpose: This study examined the relationships between tackling ability, playing position, muscle strength and power qualities, and match-play tackling performance in semiprofessional rugby league players. Methods: Sixteen semiprofessional rugby league players (mean ± SD age 23.8 ± 1.9 y) underwent tests for muscle strength and power. Tackling ability of the players was tested using video analysis of a standardized 1-on-1 tackling drill. After controlling for playing position, players were divided into “good tackler” or “poor tackler” groups based on the median split of the results of the 1-on-1 tackling drill. A total of 4547 tackles were analyzed from video recordings of 23 matches played throughout the season. Results: Maximal squat was significantly associated with tackling ability (rS = .71, P < .05) and with the proportion of dominant tackles (rS = .63, P < .01). Forwards performed more tackles (P = .013, ES = 1.49), with a lower proportion of missed tackles (P = .03, ES = 1.38) than backs. Good tacklers were involved in a larger proportion of dominant tackles and smaller proportion of missed tackles than poor tacklers. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that lower-body strength contributes to more effective tackling performance during both a standardized tackling assessment and match play. Furthermore, players with good tackling ability in a proficiency test were involved in a higher proportion of dominant tackles and missed a smaller proportion of tackles during match play. These results provide further evidence of the practical utility of an off-field tackling assessment in supplying information predictive of tackling performance in competition.


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ehsan Seyed jafari ◽  
Mansour Sahebozamani ◽  
Ramin Beyranvand ◽  
Ehsan Ebrahimipour ◽  
Mahbobeh Razavi

Back ground: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of deep aquatic exercises on lower body strength and balance among elderly men. Methods: Thirty elderly men over 65 years old were randomly divided into two equal groups including experimental and control groups. Experimental group participated in a deep aquatic exercise program that consisted of 60-minute sessions three times a week for 8 weeks while control group had no plan of exercise.  Muscle strength and balance was assessed before and after the program as pre and post-test by HHD (Hand-Held Dynamometer) and BBS (Biodex Balance System) respectively. Repeated measures two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on outcome variables.(p≥0.05).  Results: deep aquatic exercises promoted significant increases in the elderly men's muscle strength and balance, as assessed using HHD (p< 0.001) and the BBS (p< 0.001). Conclusion: The present deep-aquatic exercise training for the elderly are able to improve the muscle strength and static balance.


Author(s):  
Ian Bonder ◽  
Andrew Shim ◽  
Robert G. Lockie ◽  
Tara Ruppert

Based on current law enforcement officer (LEO) duties, musculoskeletal injury risk is elevated due to the unpredictable nature of physically demanding tasks. The purpose of this 4-week study was to determine the effectiveness of a 15-min post-shift standardized occupational specific training program. The standardized program was designed to improve lower-body strength and speed to aid physically demanding task performance. Seven male LEOs completed the program after their 12-h shift. Subjects were required to use the department fitness center to perform the 15-min standardized program consisting of a dynamic warm-up, 4 sets of 3 repetitions on hex-bar deadlift and four 20-m sprints. Two minutes of rest was required between each set of 3 repetitions on hex-bar deadlift and 1 min of rest between each 20-m sprint. A dependent T-test was used between pre-test and post-test scores for hex-bar deadlift (HBD) and sprint. Data revealed significant improvements in relative lower-body strength with HBD (p ≤ 0.001). However, insignificant results were demonstrated with the 20-m sprint (p ≤ 0.262). In conclusion, a 15-min post-shift workout can improve lower-body strength as measured by the hex-bar deadlift. However, data indicated running speed may require a different training approach to improve the 20-m sprint.


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