scholarly journals Inter-Limb Symmetry at Simultaneous and Alternated Arms Flexion by the Elbow during Water Fitness Sessions

Symmetry ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 1776
Author(s):  
Catarina C. Santos ◽  
Tiago M. Barbosa ◽  
Raúl F. Bartolomeu ◽  
Nuno D. Garrido ◽  
Mário J. Costa

The aim was to compare the inter-limb symmetry between alternated and simultaneous arms flexion during water fitness sessions. Twenty-three elderly women were recruited to perform flexion by the elbow with different mechanical strategies: (a) simultaneous and (b) alternated. An incremental protocol was used, with four music cadences, starting at 105 beats per minute up to 150. The peak force of dominant and non-dominant upper-limbs was retrieved. A symmetry index (SI, %) was also used to quantify coordination. There were significant variations in force produced by the dominant and non-dominant limbs in most of the cadences in the alternated or simultaneous actions. Differences with a medium effect between upper-limbs were shown when moving simultaneously indicating that an alternated movement can be a more proper strategy to work with. Despite that, both strategies seemed to be characterized by an asymmetric pattern (SI from 20 to 30%), requiring full attention from water fitness practitioners.

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taysi Seemann ◽  
Carolina Weber Schmitt ◽  
Adriana Coutinho de Azevedo Guimarães ◽  
Simone Korn ◽  
Joseani Paulini Neves Simas ◽  
...  

Objective To assess the trainability and reversibility of variables of physical fitness in elderly participants in Active Living Functional Gymnastics. Method This ex post facto study was composed of 115 elderly women from six functional fitness groups in the Active Living Program in Florianopolis. The Rikli and Jones battery of tests (Chair Stand Test, Arm Curl Test, Chair Sit and Reach Test, Back Scratch Test, 8-Foot Up and Go Test, 6 Minute Walk Test) was used. The intervention period lasted for eight months, and the detraining period took three months. Descriptive and inferential statistics with paired Student t-test and Scheffé post hoc was used. Results The performance of the age groups differed in agility and aerobic capacity; Trainability was identified in the strength and resistance variables of the lower and upper limbs, and the flexibility of the lower limbs; Detraining was perceived in the strength and resistance of upper limbs, and aerobic capacity. Conclusion A Functional Gymnastics program produces positive effects on the strength and resistance of the lower and upper limbs, and flexibility of the lower limbs in elderly women. An interruption period lasting three months results in detraining in strength and resistance of the lower limbs and aerobic capacity.


Author(s):  
Aline De Freitas Brito ◽  
Naiane Ferraz Bandeira Alves ◽  
Alessandra Araújo Silva ◽  
Alexandre Sergio Silva

Escalas de percepção subjetiva de esforço têm sido usadas há bastante tempo para se referir à intensidade de esforço no exercício aeróbio. Somente há pouco tempo foi validada a escala de OMNI-RES para exercício resistido, de modo que sua aplicação em algumas populações ainda é escassa. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a efetividade da escala de OMNI-RES em mulheres idosas hipertensas. Vinte e uma voluntárias (60.2±3,8 anos, IMC de 28,7±1,2 Kg/m2), realizaram quatro sessões de exercício resistido randomicamente ordenadas. Duas das sessões eram para membros inferiores (MI), com intensidades de 60% e 80% de 15 RM, e as outras duas, para membros superiores (MS), com as mesmas intensidades. As sessões tiveram três séries de 15 repetições e intervalos de 90 segundos. Ao final de cada série, mediu-se a frequência cardíaca e a percepção subjetiva foi referida pelas mulheres. Para a análise estatística, foi utilizado o teste de ANOVA two-way. A frequência cardíaca se apresentou significativamente mais elevada nas sessões a 80% de 15RM em relação a 60% de 15RM em todas as séries, tanto de membros superiores quanto de membros inferiores. Nos protocolos para MI, as mulheres referiram pontuações na escala de OMNI-RES sempre significativamente maiores ao final das três séries, com intensidade de 80% em relação a 60% de 15 RM (6,1±0,1 versus 3,7±0,1; 6,1±0,1 versus 3,8±0,2 e 6,1±0,1 versus 3,9±0,2 para as 1ª, 2ª e 3ª séries a 80 e 60% respectivamente). Nos protocolos para MS a pontuação na escala de OMNI-RES foi igualmente maior para os exercícios a 80% de 1RM em todas as séries (6,1±0,1 versus 3,5±0,1; 6,1±0,1 versus 3,5±0,1 e 6,1±0,1 versus 3,6±0,1 para as 1ª, 2ª e 3ª séries a 80 e 60% respectiva  mente). Os valores de pontuação foram equivalentes à classificação de razoavelmente leve e compatível com treino de endurance muscular segundo a escala de OMNI-RES nos exercícios a 60% de 15 RM e razoavelmente pesado e compatível com treinamento de hipertrofia para a intensidade de 80% de 15RM. Concluiu-se que a escala de OMNI-RES representa adequadamente a intensidade adotada em exercícios resistidos com características de Resistência Muscular Localizada (RML) e hipertrofia em mulheres idosas hipertensas. THE USE OF THE OMNI-RES SCALE IN HYPERTENSIVE ELDERLY abstract Scales of perceived exertion have been used for some time to refer to the intensity of effort in an aerobic exercise. Only recently the OMNI-RES scale has been validated for resistance exercise, as a result of that its application in some populations is still scarce. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the OMNI-RES scale in elderly women with hypertension. Twenty one volunteers (60,2 ± 3,8 years, BMI 28,7 ± 1,2 Kg/m2), undertook four sessions of resistance exercise ordered randomly. Two of those sessions were for lower limbs at intensities of 60% and 80% of 15RM, and the other two were for upper limbs with the same intensity. The sessions had 3 sets of 15 repetitions and intervals of 90 seconds. At the end of each series it was measured the heart rate and the subjective perception was reported by the women. For statistical analysis, it was used the two-way ANOVA test. Heart rate was significantly higher in sessions at 80% with 15RM than at 60% with 15RM in all series, both upper limbs and lower limbs. In the protocols for lower limbs, the women always reported significantly higher scores on the OMNI-RES at the end of the three series with an intensity of 80% compared to 60% with 15 RM (6,1 ± 0,1  versus 3,7 ± 0,1; 6,1 ± 0,1 versus 3,8 ± 0,2 and 6,1 ± 0,1 versus 3,9 ± 0,2 for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades 80 and 60% respectively). The values in scores were equivalent to the classification of fairly mild consistent with muscle endurance training according to the OMNI-RES scale on the exercises at 60% with 15 RM and fairly heavy and consistent with hypertrophy training at an intensity of 80% with 15RM. It was concluded that the OMNI-RES scale adequately represented the adopted intensity in resistance exercises with features of RML and hypertrophy in hypertensive elderly women.


2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 214-221
Author(s):  
Fernando Max Lima ◽  
Luciane Fernanda Rodrigues Martinho Fernandes ◽  
Dernival Bertoncello

This study aimed to identify useful electronic grip dynamometry parameters to track differences between trained (TR) and untrained (UT) participants, and between dominant (DO) and non-dominant (ND) limbs as a consequence of upper limbs muscle fatigue following 10 RM tests of the brachial biceps. This experimental study with transversal design involved 18 young adult males, of whom 9 were untrained and 9 were experienced in resistance training.Isometric grip force was evaluated (30 seconds long) previous and after 10RM tests by means of a G200 Model grip dynamometer with precision load cell (Biometrics(r)). Significant differences between initial and final measurements were found only for trained participants: Peak force for TR-DO (67.1 vs 55.5 kgf, p = .0277); Raw average for TR-DO (46.96 vs 42.22 kgf, p = .0464), and for TR-ND (40.34 vs 36.13 kgf, p = .0277). Electronic grip dynamometry efficiently identified upper limbs fatigue in trained participants, being raw average measurements the best parameter.


2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anders Holsgaard-Larsen ◽  
Paolo Caserotti ◽  
Lis Puggaard ◽  
Per Aagaard

Explosive-type strength training may alter kinetics and neuromuscular activity during stair ascent in elderly women. This may improve functional ability. Nineteen women (69.7 ± 3.4 yr) were randomly allocated to strength training (TG; twice per wk, 12 wk) or a control group (CG). Stair ascent was assessed at self-chosen (AFV), standardized (ASV), and maximal velocity (AMV) pre- and posttraining. Ground-reaction force (GRF) and EMG quantified kinetics and neuromuscular activity. After training, TG increased AMV and AFV velocity by 8% (p= .02) and 17% (p= .007), respectively (TG vs.CG; p< .05). This was accompanied by elevated rectus femoris EMG (from 21% to 48%,p< .047). At AFV, TG increased GRF first peak force 4% (p= .047), and CG increased second peak force 5% (p= .036). Muscle coactivation remained unaltered in both groups. Explosive-type strength training led to enhanced stair-climbing performance at maximal and self-chosen speed, reflecting an improved functional ability.


Author(s):  
Diogo D. Carvalho ◽  
Susana Soares ◽  
Rodrigo Zacca ◽  
Daniel A. Marinho ◽  
António J. Silva ◽  
...  

Although performance and biomechanical evaluations are becoming more swimming-specific, dryland testing permits monitoring of a larger number of performance-related variables. However, as the degree of comparability of measurements conducted in-water and on land conditions is unclear, we aimed to assess the differences between force production in these two different conditions. Twelve elite swimmers performed a 30 s tethered swimming test and four isokinetic tests (shoulder and knee extension at 90 and 300°/s) to assess peak force, peak and average torque, and power symmetry index. We observed contralateral symmetry in all the tests performed, e.g., for 30 s tethered swimming and peak torque shoulder extension at 90°/s: 178 ± 50 vs. 183 ± 56 N (p = 0.38) and 95 ± 37 vs. 94 ± 35 N × m (p = 0.52). Moderate to very large direct relationships were evident between dryland testing and swimming force production (r = 0.62 to 0.96; p < 0.05). Swimmers maintained similar symmetry index values independently of the testing conditions (r = −0.06 to −0.41 and 0.04 to 0.44; p = 0.18–0.88). Asymmetries in water seems to be more related to technical constraints than muscular imbalances, but swimmers that displayed higher propulsive forces were the ones with greater force values on land. Thus, tethered swimming and isokinetic evaluations are useful for assessing muscular imbalances regarding propulsive force production and technical asymmetries.


Motricidade ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 57-65
Author(s):  
Larissa Aguirres ◽  
Helio Furtado ◽  
Gabriela Rezende de Oliveira Venturini ◽  
Flavia Porto ◽  
José Manuel Vilaça Maio-Alves ◽  
...  

With the increase in life expectancy, it is important to acknowledge the impact of health promotion programs on the elderly. The aimed of this study was to evaluate the influence of the Rio de Janeiro Ar Livre physical program on the functional autonomy of octogenarian elderly women´s. To this end, elderly women´s from 19 Rio de Janeiro Ar Livre program gyms were selected for the experimental group (EG) (n=23; 82.57±3.78 years), and for the Control Group (CG) (n=17; 82.88±2.23 years) from the attending cohabitation houses of the City of Rio de Janeiro. To access the functional autonomy was used Rikli and Jones (1999) protocol in two times separated by (28 weeks). It was observed in the EG a significant (p=0.010) increase in Upper limbs' strength test (13.00±3.41 to 15.09±3.60 times, pre and post innervation, respectively) and a significant (p=0.002) increase in 2 minutes Step test in the CG (36.59±15.00 to 47.24±10.96 times, pre and post, respectively). However, any significant differences between groups were observed in all variables analysed. Based in the present data we can conclude that the training program was only effective in the promotions of the functional strength of the upper limbs and to maintain the functional autonomy of octogenarian elderly women.


2002 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 345-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique Alcántara ◽  
Arturo Forner ◽  
Elena Ferrús ◽  
Ana-Cruz García ◽  
José Ramiro

Impact mechanics of the human heel pad were studied using a ballistic pendulum. Young and elderly men and women took part in the experiment. Twelve parameters were used to describe heel pad properties. Analysis of variance was conducted to assess the influence of age, gender, and obesity. Heel pad properties were correlated with impact force and time to peak force in order to study impact mechanics. Maximal stiffness, peak displacement, and energy absorption were established so as to sufficiently describe impact properties of the heel pad. Age, gender, and obesity introduced significant differences in heel pad properties. Peak displacement and time to peak force increased in the elderly. Women presented a shorter time to peak force together with lower peak displacement, energy absorption, and lower maximal stiffness than men. Obese elderly showed lower impact forces, longer time to peak, and greater peak displacement than non-obese and younger participants. In addition, energy absorption was greater and maximal stiffness was lower for obese than for non-obese participants.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1054
Author(s):  
Catarina C. Santos ◽  
Daniel A. Marinho ◽  
Luís B. Faíl ◽  
Henrique P. Neiva ◽  
Mário J. Costa

The aim of this study was to compare bilateral propulsive forces and coordination while exercising at static and dynamic conditions in the water. A total of 27 older women (age: 65.1 ± 6.7 years old) performed the following exercises: (i) horizontal upper-limbs adduction (HA; static condition) and (ii) rocking horse (RH; dynamic condition) through an incremental protocol with music cadences from 105 up to 150 b·min−1. The duration of each trial was set at 30 second (sec). Propulsive peak force (in Newton, N) of dominant (PFD) and nondominant (PFND) upper limbs was retrieved using hand sensors coupled to a differential pressure system. Significant differences in force production were found between static and dynamic exercises at higher cadences (120, 135, and 150 b·min−1). The static condition elicited higher bilateral propulsive forces and a more symmetric pattern. The in-water static exercise with bilateral action from the upper limbs proved to be the most appropriate strategy for older women to work strength and to reduce asymmetries.


Author(s):  
Matheus Barbalho ◽  
Paulo Gentil ◽  
Rodolfo Raiol ◽  
Fabrício Boscolo Del Vecchio ◽  
Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo ◽  
...  

Background: The maximal one-repetition test (1-RM) is widely used in scientific research; however, there are conflict results regarding its reproducibility in elderly population. The present study aimed to analyze the reproducibility the test both before and after a 12 week training period by using the bench press and leg press 45&deg; 1-RM tests in the elderly taking into consideration the training experience and strength level of the women. Methods: Elderly women (n = 376; age, 68.5 &plusmn; 14.1 years; height, 162.7 &plusmn; 5.5 cm; body mass, 71.2 &plusmn; 16.0 kg) who underwent &ge;3 months of resistance training performed an initial week of familiarization and a second week of testing and retest, with a 48&ndash;72 hour interval. Results: The results showed maximal and relative load strength of 39.3 kg and 0.59 kg/body mass for lower limbs and 20.9 kg and 0.31 kg/body mass for upper limbs. The Kappa indices were 0.93 and 0.95, and the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.99 and 0.99 for the lower and upper limbs, respectively. Conclusion: Therefore, the present study confirms that the 1-RM test has high reliability and reproducibility in the elderly, for both upper and lower limbs.


2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 127-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dariusz Boguszewski ◽  
Monika (Cieślik) ◽  
Jakub Adamczyk ◽  
Andrzej Ochal

The Role of Pilates and Aquafitness Exercises in Sustaining the Health and Fitness of Elderly WomenBackground: The aim of this study was an evaluation of the effectiveness of two forms of physical activity: Pilates and aquafitness - gymnastics in water, in sustaining the health and fitness of women after the age of 55.Material and methods: In research groups were twenty five volunteer women - participants of physical training of the age from 55 to 76 years. One of the groups (Group 1) conducted exercise according to the Pilates method, and the second group (Group 2) practiced in water - aquafitness. The exercises took place once a week, 1.5 hours each. The research ("up and go" test, test for strength and endurance of lower limbs, test for strength of upper limbs, test for suppleness of the lower body part) has been conducted twice - in the first four weeks of training and after ten weeks.Results: The strength of upper limbs considerably increased (p=0.038) in the case of women practicing in water. The program of aquafitness contains a lot of resistance exercises for the upper limbs, which had impact on the above mentioned result. Improvement in the results of tests of suppleness of lower body part was observed (after an 10-week cycle of exercises) in Pilates groups.Conclusions: Pilates and aquafitness were beneficial for the level of suppleness of seniors. The frequency of exercises - once a week - is insufficient for sustaining full fitness, however, even such minimal doze of physical activity positively affects the physical and mental condition of the seniors.


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