Strength training in seniors: The knowledge of positive aspects of eccentric training in elderly is sparse

Trapezius muscle Hoffman (H) reflexes were obtained to investigate the neural adaptations induced by a 5-wk strength training regimen, based solely on eccentric contractions of the shoulder muscles. Twenty-nine healthy subjects were randomized into an eccentric training group ( n = 15) and a reference group ( n = 14). The eccentric training program consisted of nine training sessions of eccentric exercise performed over a 5-wk period. H-reflex recruitment curves, the maximal M wave (Mmax), maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force, rate of force development (RFD), and electromyographic (EMG) voluntary activity were recorded before and after training. H reflexes were recorded from the middle part of the trapezius muscle by electrical stimulation of the C3/4 cervical nerves; Mmax was measured by electrical stimulation of the accessory nerve. Eccentric strength training resulted in significant increases in the maximal trapezius muscle H reflex (Hmax) (21.4% [5.5–37.3]; P = 0.01), MVC force (26.4% [15.0–37.7]; P < 0.01), and RFD (24.6% [3.2–46.0]; P = 0.025), while no significant changes were observed in the reference group. Mmax remained unchanged in both groups. A significant positive correlation was found between the change in MVC force and the change in EMG voluntary activity in the training group ( r = 0.57; P = 0.03). These results indicate that the net excitability of the trapezius muscle H-reflex pathway increased after 5 wk of eccentric training. This is the first study to investigate and document changes in the trapezius muscle H reflex following eccentric strength training.

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Supramaximal Eccentric Training for Alpine Ski Racing—Strength Training with the Lifter

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app10248831 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (24) ◽

pp. 8831

Author(s):

Carson Patterson ◽

Christian Raschner

Keyword(s):

Strength Training ◽

Isometric Exercise ◽

Testing Device ◽

Eccentric Training ◽

Large Role ◽

Muscular Work ◽

Highly Effective ◽

Squat Jumps ◽

Ski Racers

Eccentric muscular work plays a large role in alpine ski racing. Training with supramaximal eccentric loads (SME) is highly effective to improve eccentric strength but potentially dangerous. Most SME training devices do not allow the athlete to move a barbell freely as they would when performing conventional barbell training. The Intelligent Motion Lifter (IML) allows for safe SME training with a free barbell and no spotters. The IML can be used for free barbell training: a spotter for normal training, eccentric only, concentric only, and squat jumps. It is also a training and testing device for isokinetic and isometric exercise. This commentary addresses the necessity of eccentric training for elite alpine ski racers, the development of the IML and its use in training.

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Effect of Eccentric Strength Training on Elbow Flexor Spasticity and Muscle Weakness in People With Multiple Sclerosis: Proof-of-Concept Single-System Case Series

Physical Therapy ◽

10.1093/ptj/pzaa055 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 100 (7) ◽

pp. 1142-1152

Author(s):

Andrea Manca ◽

Gianluca Martinez ◽

Elena Aiello ◽

Lucia Ventura ◽

Franca Deriu

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Strength Training ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Case Series ◽

Eccentric Contractions ◽

Single System ◽

Group Level ◽

Eccentric Training ◽

Passive Motion ◽

Active Range Of Motion

Abstract Objective To date, no attention has been devoted to the employment of eccentric contractions to manage spasticity in multiple sclerosis. This single-system case series aimed to explore the effects of eccentric training on spasticity-related resistance to passive motion in people with multiple sclerosis with elbow flexor spasticity. Methods Six people with multiple sclerosis (median Expanded Disability Status Scale score = 4.8, range = 2.0–5.5; Modified Ashworth Scale [MAS] score ≤ 3) underwent a 6-week eccentric strength training of the spastic muscles. Before and after the intervention, the following outcomes were assessed: resistive peak torque (RPT), isometric strength, resting limb position, passive range of motion and active range of motion, severity of hypertonia by MAS, and numerical rating scale. At baseline, the primary outcome (RPT) was tested over 3 time points to ensure a stable measurement. The 2-SD method was used to test pre-post training effects at individual level. Group-level analyses were also performed. Results Following the intervention RPT decreased by at least 2 SDs in all participants but 1, with a significant reduction at group level of 41.6 (29.6)%. Four people with multiple sclerosis reported a reduction in perceived spasticity severity. No changes in MAS score were detected. Group-level analyses revealed that maximal strength increased significantly in the trained elbow flexors (+30.9 [9.1]%). Elbow flexion at rest was found to be significantly reduced (−35.5 [12.4]%), whereas passive range of motion (+4.6%) and active range of motion (+11.8%) significantly increased. Conclusion Eccentric training is feasible and safe to manage spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis. Preliminary data showed that this protocol can reduce resistance to passive motion, also improving strength, spasticity-free range of motion, and limb positioning. Impact Patients with multiple sclerosis–related spasticity and moderate-to-severe disability can benefit from adding slow submaximal eccentric contractions to the conventional management of spasticity.

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Counteracting sarcopenia in post-menopausal women: do hormones and strength training accomplish the task?

Clinical Science ◽

10.1042/cs20010123 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 101 (2) ◽

pp. 171 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

MICHAEL KJÆR

Keyword(s):

Strength Training ◽

Menopausal Women ◽

Post Menopausal

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Strength Training Helps Fitness, Coordination

Pediatric News ◽

10.1016/s0031-398x(05)70426-4 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 39 (2) ◽

pp. 23

Author(s):

NORRA MACREADY

Keyword(s):

Strength Training

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Supplementation with beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate impacts glucose homeostasis and increases liver size in trained mice

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research ◽

10.1024/0300-9831/a000445 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 90 (1-2) ◽

pp. 113-123

Author(s):

Ines Schadock ◽

Barbara G. Freitas ◽

Irae L. Moreira ◽

Joao A. Rincon ◽

Marcio Nunes Correa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Strength Training ◽

Muscle Mass ◽

Glucose Homeostasis ◽

Fasting Blood Glucose ◽

Hepatic Metabolism ◽

Mass Gain ◽

Trained Group ◽

Tissue Mass ◽

Liver Size ◽

Intensive Training

Abstract. β-hydroxy-β-methyl butyrate (HMB) is a bioactive metabolite derived from the amino acid leucine, usually applied for muscle mass increase during physical training, as well as for muscle mass maintenance in debilitating chronic diseases. The hypothesis of the present study is that HMB is a safe supplement for muscle mass gain by strength training. Based on this, the objective was to measure changes in body composition, glucose homeostasis and hepatic metabolism of HMB supplemented mice during strength training. Two of four groups of male mice (n = 6/group) underwent an 8-week training period session (climbing stairs) with or without HMB supplementation (190 mg/kgBW per day). We observed lower body mass gain (4.9 ± 0.43% versus 1.2 ± 0.43, p < 0.001) and increased liver mass (40.9 ± 0.9 mg/gBW versus 44.8 ± 1.3, p < 0.001) in the supplemented trained group compared with the non-supplemented groups. The supplemented trained group had an increase in relative adipose tissue mass (12.4 ± 0.63 mg/gBW versus 16.1 ± 0.88, P < 0.01) compared to the non-supplemented untrained group, and an increase in fasting blood glucose (111 ± 4.58 mg/dL versus 122 ± 3.70, P < 0.05) and insulin resistance (3.79 ± 0.19 % glucose decay/min versus 2.45 ± 0.28, P < 0.05) comparing with non-supplemented trained group. Adaptive heart hypertrophy was observed only in the non-supplemented trained group (4.82 ± 0.05 mg/gBW versus 5.12 ± 0.13, P < 0.05). There was a higher hepatic insulin-like growth factor-1 expression (P = 0.002) in supplemented untrained comparing with non-supplemented untrained group. Gene expression of gluconeogenesis regulatory factors was increased by training and reduced by HMB supplementation. These results confirm that HMB supplementation associated with intensive training protocol drives changes in glucose homeostasis and liver metabolism in mice.

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