scholarly journals Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Withania somnifera on Strength Training Adaptations and Recovery: The STAR Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Ziegenfuss ◽  
Anurag Kedia ◽  
Jennifer Sandrock ◽  
Betsy Raub ◽  
Chad Kerksick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Strength Training ◽  
Aqueous Extract ◽  
Withania Somnifera ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Training Adaptations ◽  
The Impact

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is an Ayurvedic herb categorized as having “rasayana” (rejuvenator), longevity, and revitalizing properties. Sensoril® is a standardized aqueous extract of the roots and leaves of Withania somnifera. Purpose: To examine the impact of Sensoril® supplementation on strength training adaptations. Methods: Recreationally active men (26.5 ± 6.4 years, 181 ± 6.8 cm, 86.9 ± 12.5 kg, 24.5 ± 6.6% fat) were randomized in a double-blind fashion to placebo (PLA, n = 19) or 500 mg/d Sensoril® (S500, n = 19). Body composition (DEXA), muscular strength, power, and endurance, 7.5 km cycling time trial, and clinical blood chemistries were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of supplementation and training. Subjects were required to maintain their normal dietary habits and to follow a specific, progressive overload resistance-training program (4-day/week, upper body/lower body split). 2 × 2 mixed factorial ANOVA was used for analysis and statistical significance was set a priori at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Gains in 1-RM squat (S500: +19.1 ± 13.0 kg vs. PLA +10.0 ± 6.2 kg, p = 0.009) and bench press (S500: +12.8 ± 8.2 kg vs. PLA: +8.0 ± 6.0 kg, p = 0.048) were significantly greater in S500. Changes in DEXA-derived android/gynoid ratio (S500: +0.0 ± 0.14 vs. PLA: +0.09 ± 0.1, p = 0.03) also favored S500. No other between-group differences were found for body composition, visual analog scales for recovery and affect, or systemic hemodynamics, however, only the S500 group experienced statistically significant improvements in average squat power, peak bench press power, 7.5 km time trial performance, and perceived recovery scores. Clinical chemistry analysis indicated a slight polycythemia effect in PLA, with no other statistical or clinically relevant changes being noted. Conclusions: A 500 mg dose of an aqueous extract of Ashwagandha improves upper and lower-body strength, supports a favorable distribution of body mass, and was well tolerated clinically in recreationally active men over a 12-week resistance training and supplementation period.

scholarly journals Sprint Kayaking Performance Enhancement by Isometric Strength Training Inclusion: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Sports ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Danny Lum ◽  
Tiago M. Barbosa ◽  
Govindasamy Balasekaran
Keyword(s):  
Strength Training ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Performance Enhancement ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Isometric Strength ◽  
Sports Performance ◽  
Knee Angle ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Main Effect

Performing isometric strength training (IST) can enhance various sports performance. This study compared the effects of including IST on sprint kayaking performance as compared to traditional strength training. Twenty sprint kayaking athletes (age 22 ± 4 year, stature 1.71 ± 0.09 m, body mass 72.0 ± 11.4 kg) performed a 200-m kayak ergometer time trial (200mTT), isometric squat (IsoSqT), isometric bench press (IsoPress) and isometric prone bench pull (IsoPull) during the pre- and post-tests. Athletes were randomly assigned to either traditional strength training (TRAD) or IST group. Both groups performed a similar strength training program twice a week for six weeks. However, half the volume for squat, bench press and prone bench pull were replaced by IsoSqT, IsoPress and IsoPull, respectively, for the IST group. IsoSqT was performed at 90° knee angle, while IsoPress and IsoPull were performed at 90° and 120° elbow angles, respectively. Each isometric contraction was performed with maximum intensity and sustained for three seconds. A significant main time effect was observed for 200mTT (p < 0.001, ƞ2p = 0.68) and all isometric strength measures (p = 0.001–0.032, ƞ2p = 0.24–0.76) except rate of force development at 0–90 ms (RFD90) obtained from IsoSqT120 and IsoPress90. A group main effect was observed in RFD90 obtained from IsoSqT120 and IsoPull120 (p = 0.003–0.004, ƞ2p = 0.37–0.39). Time x Group interaction was observed for 200mTT (p = 0.027, ƞ2p = 0.68), peak force obtained from IsoSqT90, IsoPress90, and IsoPull120 (p = 0.004–0.006, ƞ2p = 0.36–0.38) and RFD90 obtained from IsoSqT120 and IsoPull120 (p = 0.012–0.015, ƞ2p = 0.28–0.30). Inclusion of IST resulted in greater improvement for sprint kayaking and strength performances then TRAD alone.

scholarly journals What Is the Optimal Strength Training Load to Improve Swimming Performance? A Randomized Trial of Male Competitive Swimmers

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 11770
Author(s):  
Sofiene Amara ◽  
Emmet Crowley ◽  
Senda Sammoud ◽  
Yassine Negra ◽  
Raouf Hammami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Training ◽  
Strength Training ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Training Volume ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Leg Extension ◽  
Low Resistance ◽  
Volume Load ◽  
Competitive Swimmers

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of high, moderate, and low resistance training volume-load of maximum strength training on muscle strength and swimming performance in competitive swimmers. Thirty-three male swimmers were randomly allocated to high (age = 16.5 ± 0.30 years), moderate (age = 16.1 ± 0.32 years) and a low resistance training volume-load group (age = 15.9 ± 0.31). This study was carried out in mid-season (January to March). Pre and post strength (e.g., repetition maximum [1RM] leg extension and bench press tests), swimming (25, 50 m front-crawl), start (speed, time, distance) and turn (time of turn) performance tests were conducted. Our findings revealed a large main effect of time for 1RM bench press: d = 1.38; 1RM leg extension: d = 1.55, and for 25 (d = 1.12), and 50 m (d = 1.97) front-crawl, similarly for start and turn performance (d = 1.28–1.46). However, no significant Group × Time interactions were shown in all strength swimming performances, start and turn tests (p > 0.05). In conclusion, low training loads have been shown to elicit the same results as moderate, and high training loads protocol. Therefore, this study shows evidence that the addition of low training volume-loads as a regular part of a maximal strength training regime will elicit improvements in strength and swimming performance.

scholarly journals Behavioral Modification Enhances the Benefits from Structured Aerobic and Resistance Training

2019 ◽  
Vol 03 (02) ◽  
pp. E48-E57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brett A. Dolezal ◽  
David M. Boland ◽  
Eric V. Neufeld ◽  
Jennifer L. Martin ◽  
Christopher B. Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Aerobic Performance ◽  
Behavioral Modification ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Fitness Measures ◽  
Lower Body Power

AbstractBehavioral modification (BM) is a strategy designed to sustain or restore well-being through effects such as enhanced relaxation, reduced stress, and improved sleep. Few studies have explored the role of BM delivered in the context of fitness programs for healthy adults. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to examine whether BM combined with aerobic and resistance training programs would improve health and fitness measures more than the exercise training alone. Thirty-two healthy fitness club members (19 men) were randomized to receive a BM program (n=15) or an equal-attention (EA) control (n=17). BM consisted of twelve, 10-min education sessions between a trained fitness professional and the participant, coupled with weekly, individualized relaxation, stress reduction, and sleep improvement assignments. All participants engaged in 1 h of coached resistance training and remotely guided aerobic exercise thrice weekly for 12 weeks. Fitness measures (aerobic performance, body composition, muscle strength and endurance, lower-body power), sleep characteristics, and heart rate variability (HRV) were obtained at baseline and after the 12-week program. BM resulted in greater improvements in aerobic performance (increased maximum oxygen uptake, metabolic (lactate) threshold, and percent of maximum oxygen uptake at which metabolic threshold occurred), peak and average lower-body power, and body composition (decreased body fat percentage and fat mass) compared to EA. BM also positively influenced parasympathetic tone through increased High-frequency HRV. BM resulted in greater improvements in fitness measures, body composition, and heart rate variability compared with EA. These findings have intriguing implications regarding the role of BM in augmenting health and physical performance.

scholarly journals Once a Week Resistance Training Improves Muscular Strength in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 153473541987974 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wanderson Divino Nilo dos Santos ◽  
Amilton Vieira ◽  
Claudio Andre Barbosa de Lira ◽  
João Felipe Mota ◽  
Paulo Gentil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Muscular Strength ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Leg Press

Background: Exercise has been shown to reduce adverse outcomes related to breast cancer. However, the rate of adherence to physical exercise is very low among breast cancer survivors (BCS). This study investigated the effects of high supervision ratio resistance training (RT), once a week for 8 weeks, on changes in body composition and muscular strength in BCS. Methods: Twenty-five female BCS undergoing hormone therapy were randomized into resistance training group (TG, n = 12) or control (CG, n = 13) group. The TG performed 8 weeks of supervised RT, with 1 trainer per volunteer, once a week. Body composition was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and muscle strength was evaluated by 10 repetition maximum (10 RM) for leg press (45°) and bench press exercises. A 1-way analysis of variance was used to compare within-group effects at pre- and post-intervention. An analysis of covariance test was used to compare post-intervention values, using pre-intervention measures as covariates. The effect size (ES) was calculated by Cohen’s d. Results: The TG improved muscle strength in 10 RM leg press (45°; Δ 33.75 ± 11.51 kg, P = .02; ES = 0.96) and bench press (Δ 4.08 ± 1.83 kg, P = .01; ES = 1.15). Adherence to training was more than 99%. Changes in body composition were not detected. There were no changes in the CG for any assessment. Conclusion: Once-weekly supervised RT could be an alternative to increase the adherence to exercise and improve muscular strength in BCS.

scholarly journals The Effect of Different Resistance Training Load Schemes on Strength and Body Composition in Trained Men

2017 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 177-186
Author(s):  
Charles Ricardo Lopes ◽  
Marcelo Saldanha Aoki ◽  
Alex Harley Crisp ◽  
Renê Scarpari de Mattos ◽  
Miguel Alves Lins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Load Resistance ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Maximal Strength ◽  
Total Load ◽  
Low Load ◽  
Moderate Load ◽  
Training Schemes ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of moderate-load (10 RM) and low-load (20 RM) resistance training schemes on maximal strength and body composition. Sixteen resistance-trained men were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: a moderate-load group (n = 8) or a low-load group (n = 8). The resistance training schemes consisted of 8 exercises performed 4 times per week for 6 weeks. In order to equate the number of repetitions performed by each group, the moderate load group performed 6 sets of 10 RM, while the low load group performed 3 sets of 20 RM. Between-group differences were evaluated using a 2-way ANOVA and independent t-tests. There was no difference in the weekly total load lifted (sets × reps × kg) between the 2 groups. Both groups equally improved maximal strength and measures of body composition after 6 weeks of resistance training, with no significant between-group differences detected. In conclusion, both moderate-load and low-load resistance training schemes, similar for the total load lifted, induced a similar improvement in maximal strength and body composition in resistance-trained men.

scholarly journals Effects of Resistance Training in Muscle Mass and Markers of Muscle Damage in Adults with Down Syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 8996
Author(s):  
Antonio J. Diaz ◽  
Ignacio Rosety ◽  
Francisco J. Ordonez ◽  
Francisco Brenes ◽  
Natalia Garcia-Gomez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Task Performance ◽  
Muscle Damage ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Work Task ◽  
Muscle Hypotonia ◽  
The Impact

Recent studies have emphasized that regular exercise should be encouraged as a key part of care and support for people with Down syndrome (DS). However, muscle hypotonia has traditionally been considered a major barrier to resistance training (RT) in people with DS. The main objective of this study was to analyze the impact of circuit RT on markers of muscle damage. The secondary objective was to assess the influence of a RT program on body composition and work task performance. Thirty-six men with DS were recruited and randomly assigned to perform a circuit RT program with six stations 3 days/week for 12 weeks (n = 18) or to a control group (n = 18). Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Serum markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase, myoglobin, and lactate dehydrogenase) were determined at baseline and at the end of training weeks 1, 6, and 12. Work task performance was assessed using the weighted pail-carry test. RT did not induce significant changes in markers of muscle damage during the intervention. Furthermore, muscle mass and work task performance were significantly improved in the exercise group. These findings suggest that circuit RT can be used safely to increase muscle mass and work task performance in young adults with DS. Muscle hypotonia should not be considered a major barrier to exercise in people with DS, provided that qualified staff design and supervise all training sessions.

scholarly journals The effect of 8 weeks beta-alanine supplementation and resistance training on maximal-intensity exercise performance adaptations in young males

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Askari ◽  
F. Rahmaninia
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Anaerobic Power ◽  
Percent Body Fat ◽  
Young Males ◽  
Leg Press ◽  
Beta Alanine

Objectives : The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 8 weeks beta-alanine (BA) supplementation with resistance training on some components of physical fitness and body composition in young males. Methods : Twenty healthy young men volunteered to participate for the study and divided into two groups and performed 8-week resistance training while supplementing with either BA or placebo (4.8 g per day). The subjects were evaluated for 1 repetition maximum (1RM) bench press and leg press, vertical jump (VJ), anaerobic power (RAST) prior to and after training intervention. In addition, body composition variables such as percent body fat, and BMI were assessed per and post training period. Results : Both the groups showed significant increases in 1RM bench press and leg press, VJ, and anaerobic power (RAST), and also the BA supplementation group showed greater gains compared with the placebo. In addition, percent body fat decreased significantly in BA and placebo groups, while no statistically significant changes were seen in BMI for the BA supplementation group and placebo group. Conclusions : The results indicated that resistance training improved physical performance and BA supplementation induced greater gains and therefore it could be recommend to coaches and athletes who use this supplementation to greater gains in physical fitness variables.

Decreased Serum Levels of C-Terminal Agrin in Postmenopausal Women Following Resistance Training

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darryn S. Willoughby ◽  
Kaitlan N. Beretich ◽  
Marcus Chen ◽  
LesLee K. Funderburk
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Neuromuscular Junction ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Serum Estradiol ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Lower Body Strength

Elevated circulating C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF) is a marker of neuromuscular junction degradation and sarcopenia. This study sought to determine if resistance training (RT) impacted the serum levels of CAF in perimenopausal (PERI-M) and postmenopausal (POST-M) women. A total of 35 women, either PERI-M or POST-M, participated in 10 weeks of RT. Body composition, muscle strength, and serum estradiol and CAF were determined before and after the RT. The data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance (p ≤ .05). Upper body and lower body strength was significantly increased, by 81% and 73% and 86% and 79% for the PERI-M and POST-M participants, respectively; however, there were no significant changes in body composition. Estradiol was significantly less for the POST-M participants at pretraining compared with the PERI-M participants. CAF moderately increased by 22% for the PERI-M participants in response to RT, whereas it significantly decreased by 49% for the POST-M participants. Ten weeks of RT reduced the circulating CAF in the POST-M women and might play a role in attenuating degenerative neuromuscular junction changes.

Oral Contraceptive Use does not Negatively Affect Body Composition and Strength Adaptations in Trained Women

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (13) ◽  
pp. 842-849
Author(s):  
Ramón Romance ◽  
Salvador Vargas ◽  
Sergio Espinar ◽  
Jorge L. Petro ◽  
Diego A. Bonilla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Oral Contraceptive ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Oral Contraceptives ◽  
Fat Mass ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Fat Free Mass ◽  
Resistance Training Program ◽  
Oral Contraceptive Use

AbstractThe purpose was to analyze the influence of oral contraceptive use on body composition and strength levels in trained women. Twenty-three resistance-trained women participated in this study (age=27.4±3.4 years; fat mass=28.0±5.0%; BMI=22.9±2.7 kg∙m-2). Subjects performed an 8-week non-linear resistance-training program. Participants were assigned to either a group that consumed oral contraceptives (n=12, OC) or to a group that did not consume (n=11, NOC). Changes in body composition were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Strength performance was assessed via the one maximum repetition (1RM) test in the squat and bench press, and muscular power was evaluated using the countermovement jump (CMJ) test. Fat free mass increased significantly in OC but no changes were seen in NOC. There were no changes in fat mass for either OC or NOC. Significant changes were found in bench press 1RM for both OC and NOC; similarly, increases in squat 1RM were reported in OC and NOC. Alternatively, no significant changes were found in CMJ in both OC and NOC. No significant between-group differences were detected in any of the studied variables. The use of oral contraceptives during resistance training did not negatively affect body composition or strength levels in trained women.

EFFECTS OF CALORIC RESTRICTION WITH OR WITHOUT RESISTANCE TRAINING IN DYNAPENIC-OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE MENOPAUSAL WOMEN: A MONET STUDY

2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
E. NORMANDIN ◽  
M. SÉNÉCHAL ◽  
D. PRUD’HOMME ◽  
R. RABASA-LHORET ◽  
M. BROCHU
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Caloric Restriction ◽  
Metabolic Profile ◽  
Glucose Disposal ◽  
Euglycemic Hyperinsulinemic Clamp ◽  
Menopausal Women ◽  
The Impact

Objective: The dynapenic (DYN)-obese phenotype is associated with an impaired metabolic profile. However, there is a lack of evidences regarding the effect of lifestyle interventions on the metabolic profile of individual with dynapenic phenotype. The objective was to investigate the impact of caloric restriction (CR) with or without resistance training (RT) on body composition, metabolic profile and muscle strength in DYN and non-dynapenic (NDYN) overweight and obese menopausal women. Design: 109 obese menopausal women (age 57.9 ± 9.0 yrs; BMI 32.1 ± 4.6 kg/m2) were randomized to a 6-month CR intervention with or without a RT program. Participants were categorized as DYN or NDYN based on the lowest tertile of relative muscle strength in our cohort (< 4.86 kg/BMI). Measurements: Body composition was measured by DXA, body fat distribution by CT scan, glucose homeostasis at fasting state and during an euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, fasting lipids, resting blood pressure, fasting inflammation markers and maximal muscle strength. Results: No difference was observed between groups at baseline for body composition and the metabolic profile. Overall, a treatment effect was observed for all variables of body composition and some variables of the metabolic profile (fasting insulin, glucose disposal, triglyceride levels, triglycerides/HDL-Chol ratio and resting diastolic blood pressure) (P between 0.05 and 0.001). No Group X Treatment interaction was observed for variables of body composition and the metabolic profile. However, an interaction was observed for muscle strength; which significantly improved more in the CR+RT NDYN group (all P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: In the present study, dynapenia was not associated with a worse metabolic profile at baseline in overweight and obese menopausal women. DYN and NDYN menopausal women showed similar cardiometabolic benefit from CR or CR+RT interventions. However, our results showed that the addition of RT to CR was more effective in improving maximal strength in DYN and NDYN obese menopausal women.

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