Ejercicios físicos diarios de intensidad moderada en el interior del aula mejora la fuerza de tren inferior y la agilidad en escolares: un estudio cuasi experimental (Daily moderate-intensity physical exercises inside the classroom improves lower body str

El estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar los cambios en la condición física y en el índice de masa corporal que se producen en una intervención de 16 semanas en escolares en . Setenta tres escolares (n=34 niñas; n=39 niños) con edad entre los 8 y 9 años recibieron las siguientes evaluaciones: flexibilidad de la musculatura dorsal de espalda (mediante la prueba de weels), fuerza muscular (mediante la prueba pararse y sentarse), agilidad (mediante la prueba 4x10m shuttle run) y índice de masa corporal (IMC) utilizando un estadiómetro y una balanza. Se aplicó un programa de entrenamiento con ejercicios de flexibilidad, fuerza y resistencia (30 minutos, 5x/semana). Hubo una disminución del IMC (diferencia de 0.60kg/cm2 en ambos géneros), aumento de la fuerza (10.4 repeticiones en niñas y 11.6 en niños) y mejora de la agilidad (0.91 segundos en niñas y 0.71 segundos en niños: p<0.05 en todas las comparaciones y tamaño de efecto entre 0.20-1.77 en niñas y 0.18-2.34 en niños). El índice de obesidad y sobrepeso entre el alumnado de la clase se vio reducido en un 5.3% y 5.9%, respectivamente. No hubo diferencias respecto a la flexibilidad (p>0.05). Un entrenamiento diario en el interior del aula sin implementación y en un espacio de un metro cuadrado , mejora la fuerza de tren inferior y la agilidad en escolares. Abstract. The objective of the study was to determine the changes in physical condition and body mass index that occur in a 16-week intervention in schoolchildren inside the classroom. Seventy-three schoolchildren (n=34 girls; n=39 boys) between the ages of 8 and 9 received the following evaluations: flexibility of the dorsal back muscles, through the weels test, muscular strength, through the standing and sitting test, agility, through the 4x10m shuttle test run and body mass index (BMI) using a stadiometer and scale. A training program was applied with flexibility, strength and resistance exercises were performed (30 minutes, 5x/ week). There was a decrease in BMI, (difference of 0.60kg/cm2 in both genders), increase in strength (10.4 repetitions in girls and 11.6 in boys) and improvement of the agility (0.91 seconds in girls and 0.71 seconds in boys), p<0.05 in all comparisons and effect size between 0.20-1.77 in girls and 0.18-2.34 in boys. The rate of obesity and overweight among the students in the class was reduced by one 5.3% and 5.9% respectively. There were no differences in flexibility (p>0.05). A daily training in schoolchildren without implementation and in a space of one square meter decreases BMI, improves lower body strength and agility in schoolchildren.

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

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.

Effects of an Eccentric Training Protocol Using Gliding Discs on Balance and Lower Body Strength in Healthy Adults

Impaired balance and lower body weakness are the main causes of falls, which are considered to be the major cause of fractures and head injuries in the elderly and are recognised as a serious health problem. The aim of this study is to observe the effect of eccentric training, introducing new technologies (gliding discs), on body composition, lower body strength, balance and quality of life. A quasi-experimental study was carried out with 56 healthy participants who were divided into an experimental group (n = 31) who underwent the protocol consisting of 12 training sessions and a control group (n = 25) who did not undergo the training. Before and after the intervention, all participants underwent a measurement of body composition, the SJ jump, balance with accelerometry and quality of life with the Short Form 12 Health Survey. In the experimental group, statistically significant improvements were found in the variables balance and lower body strength. The application of this training protocol improves lower body strength and the ability to control balance in the adult population.

Can a Whole-Body Vibration Program Potentialize the Benefits of a Psychomotor Intervention Program in Community-Dwelling Older Adults At Risk of Falling? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background To evaluate the effects of two interactive cognitive-motor programs in processing speed, lower-body strength, and body composition in community dwellings at risk of falling. Methods Forty-eight community dwellings (75.0 ± 5.4 years) completed this randomized controlled trial, were allocated into three groups: 1) experimental group 1 (EG1: psychomotor intervention program); 2) experimental group 2 (EG2: combined program [psychomotor intervention program + whole-body vibration]); and 3) control group (kept their daily life routines). Participants were assessed at baseline, at post-24-week intervention, and after a 12-week no-intervention follow-up. Results Significant improvements were induced by EGs programs in processing speed, lower-body strength, and bone mass (p < 0.05). The treatment effect was similar in both EGs in processing speed and lower-body strength, and higher in bone mineral content and density within EG2. The number of falls decreased by 44.2% in EG1 and 63% in EG2 (p < 0.05). After the follow-up, improvements in processing speed were maintained, particularly in EG2, but were reversed in lower-body strength in both EGs, as were in bone mineral content and density, particularly within EG2 (p < 0.05). Conclusions Both interactive cognitive-motor programs were accepted and well tolerated by the participants, inducing similar improvements in cognitive and physical functions and decreased the fall rate. Additionally, the combined program led to additional benefits in bone mass. This evidenced that both programs were effective for fall and injury prevention. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03446352, registered on 26/02/2018.

Feasibility of a Remotely Delivered Strength and Balance Training Program for Older Adults with Cancer

Falls are a major issue among older adults with cancer and lead to interruptions in cancer treatment. Resistance and balance training can prevent falls in older adults, but minimal evidence is available regarding the older cancer population, who often have unique risk factors. We used a pre–post design to assess the feasibility of a remotely delivered exercise program that progressed in difficulty and its efficacy on lower body strength, balance, and falls in older adults with cancer who had prior in-person exercise experience. Twenty-six older adults with cancer completed the intervention. Attendance rate for the virtual component was 97.6% and for the independent component was 84.7%. Participants perceived the program as rewarding and enjoyable (100%), felt this program prepared them to exercise on their own (92%), were confident to continue exercising on their own (81%), and would recommend the program to other patients (100%). The median balance score at baseline and end-of-study was 4 (IQR = 0). The median chair-stand time decreased from 9.2 s (IQR = 3.13) to 7.7 s (IQR = 4.6). A statistically significant difference in lower body strength (r = 0.68, p = 0.001) was detected post-intervention. The findings from this study can inform the design of a larger randomized trial.

Efficacy of Creatine Supplementation Combined with Resistance Training on Muscle Strength and Muscle Mass in Older Females: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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.

Effects of Resistance Training and Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Muscular Strength in Female Collegiate Softball Players

Strength and conditioning coaches frequently use traditional resistance training (TRT) to build strength. However, in recent years, whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) was used in elite athletes to increase muscle strength. This study aimed to assess the effect of two different types of training on muscular strength. Sixty female collegiate players (Age = 23.52±1.89 years, Height = 156.20±1.71cm; Mass = 53.21±3.17kg) participated in this study and were randomly assigned to three training groups. All groups trained as usual for eight weeks, except for the first group, which received additional TRT. The second group received additional electrical stimulation training, and the third group did not receive any additional training following the regular softball bat swing training. Muscular strength (upper and lower body) was assessed by a 3RM bench press and a 3RM squat test before and after the eight-week programme. The primary findings indicate that after eight weeks of training, upper body and lower body strength increased significantly in both the TRT and WB-EMS groups (p = 0.000 and p = 0.000, respectively) in comparison to the control group. However, the t value indicated that the TRT group improved both upper body strength (20.18) and lower body strength (29.18) more than the WB-EMS group (upper body = 6.18; lower body = 6.47). The findings demonstrate the efficacy of both training modalities for increasing muscular strength and suggest that TRT be prioritised over whole-body electrical stimulation training for increasing muscular strength in collegiate softball players.

Seasonal Changes in Strength and Power in Elite Rugby League: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The ability of a rugby league player to express high levels of strength and power is crucial for success in competition. Although researchers have shown relationships between physical attributes and performance, there is a lack of information related to changes in strength and power across various phases of the season. The purpose of this review was to identify the magnitude of change in muscular strength and power during different phases of an elite rugby league season. Percentage change and effect size were calculated to evaluate the magnitude of changes in strength and power. Meta-analyses were conducted to provide pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals. Twelve studies were included; six reported changes following pre-season training, two during the competition phase and four examined changes over multiple seasons. Pooled estimates indicated large increases in upper and lower body strength 0.81 [0.43-1.19] and 1.35 [0.79-1.91], respectively, following pre-season training. Studies incorporating predominantly heavier loads (p 80% 1 RM) in training reported greater increases in maximal strength than studies completing lighter loads. Four studies used a wave-like programming strategy to obtain large improvements in strength and power 0.91 [0.36-1.45] and 0.90 [0.22-1.57], over multiple seasons. The results of this review highlight the limited current evidence and provides a preliminary reference point for strength and conditioning coaches aiming to develop and maintain strength and power across various stages, and over multiple seasons. Importantly, the results also indicate that higher loads result in greater increases in strength than lower loads.

Novel approaches to reduce the risk of falling in community dwellings: effects of two multimodal programs in lower-body strength—a pilot study

Background Muscle weakness is a key risk factor for falls and strength exercises should be included in fall prevention programs. A psychomotor intervention promoting motor stimulation and the whole-body vibration (WBV) providing muscle contractions may reduce the incidence of falls. Our hypothesis relies on the greater benefits of a combined program. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and the feasibility of two 12-week multimodal programs in lower-body strength in community dwellings fallers or with balance impairment. Methods Thirty-seven participants (34 women; mean age 74.3 ± 5.2 years) were allocated into: experimental group 1 [EG1] (psychomotor intervention), or experimental group 2 [EG2] (combined program: psychomotor intervention plus WBV), 3x/week. Maximal strength of knee extensors and flexors was assessed by an isokinetic dynamometer at 60°/s. Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were performed. Results The overall adherence rate was high (86.3%), with a level intensity in the rating of perceived exertion of 12.1 ± 0.3 points, in EG1, and 12.5 ± 0.4 points, in EG2. Significant changes between the pre-post intervention were observed exclusively in EG2, in the variables ‘Peak torque extension’ (71.7 ± 28.6 Nm vs. 79.2 ± 23.5 Nm, P = 0.042) and ‘Agonist/Antagonist ratio’ (60.2 ± 13.0 vs. 53.5 ± 8.6, P = 0.013). The effect size (r) in both variables was medium. No significant changes between groups were detected. Conclusions This pilot results indicate that both programs were feasible and well-tolerated. The combined program demonstrates larger effectiveness, since the WBV may positively influence the lower-body strength, reducing the risk of falls. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03446352. Funding: This pilot was granted by the ESACA Project (Grant ALT20-03-0145-FEDER-000007) and by FCT (SFRH/BD/147398/2019).