Neuromuscular and cardiovascular adaptations during concurrent strength and endurance training in untrained men.

This study examined the effects of concurrent strength and endurance training on neuromuscular and endurance characteristics compared to strength or endurance training alone. Previously untrained men were divided into strength (S: n=16), endurance (E: n=11) or concurrent strength and endurance (SE: n=11) training groups. S and E trained 2 times and SE 2 + 2 times a week for strength and endurance during the 21-week period. Maximal unilateral isometric and bilateral concentric forces of leg muscles increased similarly in S and SE by 20-28% (p<0.01) and improvements in isometric forces were accompanied by increases (p<0.05) of maximal muscle activation. Rate of force development of isometric …

Effects of Stretching on Upper-Body Muscular Performance

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the influence of upper-body static stretching and dynamic stretching on upper-body muscular performance. Eleven healthy men, who were National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I track and field athletes (age, 19.6 +/- 1.7 years; body mass, 93.7 +/- 13.8 kg; height, 183.6 +/- 4.6 cm; bench press 1 repetition maximum [1RM], 106.2 +/- 23.0 kg), participated in this study. Over 4 sessions, subjects participated in 4 different stretching protocols (i.e., no stretching, static stretching, dynamic stretching, and combined static and dynamic stretching) in a balanced randomized order followed by 4 tests: 30% of 1 RM bench throw, isometric ben…

Serum sex-hormone binding globulin and cortisol concentrations are associated with overreaching during strenuous military training

The purpose was (a) to study the effect of an 8-week Finnish military basic training period (BT) on physical fitness, body composition, mood state, and serum biochemical parameters among new conscripts; (b) to determine the incidence of overreaching (OR); and (c) to evaluate whether initial levels or training responses differ between OR and noOR subjects. Fifty-seven males (19.7 ± 0.3 years) were evaluated before and during BT. Overreaching subjects had to fulfill 3 of 5 criteria: decreased aerobic physical fitness (VO2max), increased rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in 45-minute submaximal test at 70% of VO2max or sick absence from these tests, increased somatic or emotional symptoms of …

EMG, muscle fibre and force production characteristics during a 1 year training period in elite weight-lifters.

The effects of a 1 year training period on 13 elite weight-lifters were investigated by periodical tests of electromyographic, muscle fibre and force production characteristics. A statistically non-significant increase of 3.5% in maximal isometric strength of the leg extensors, from 4841 +/- 1104 to 5010 +/- 1012 N, occurred over the year. Individual changes in the high force portions of the force-velocity curve correlated (p less than 0.05-0.01) with changes in weight-lifting performance. Training months 5-8 were characterized by the lowest average training intensity (77.1 +/- 2.0%), and this resulted in a significant (p less than 0.05) decrease in maximal neural activation (IEMG) of the m…

Effect of time-of-day-specific strength training on serum hormone concentrations and isometric strength in men.

A time-of-day influence on the neuromuscular response to strength training has been previously reported. However, no scientific study has examined the influence of the time of day when strength training is performed on hormonal adaptations. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to examine the effects of time-of-day-specific strength training on resting serum concentrations and diurnal patterns of testosterone (T) and cortisol (CORT) as well as maximum isometric strength of knee extensors. Thirty eight diurnally active healthy, previously untrained men (age 20-45 yrs) underwent a ten-week preparatory strength training period when sessions were conducted between 17:00-19:00 h. Ther…

Fitness and lean mass increases during combined training independent of loading order.

Although the benefits of combined endurance (E) and strength (S) training for the development of physical fitness and health are well known, scientific examination of the effect of loading order when E and S are combined into the same training session (E+S vs S+E) is rare. This study investigated the effects of moderate frequency E+S versus S+E training on physical fitness, body composition, and blood lipids.Physically active and healthy young men performed E+S (n = 16) or S+E (n = 18) training 2-3 times a week for 24 wk. Endurance (by incremental bike test) and strength (by dynamic leg press) performance as well as body composition (by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), muscle cross-sectio…

Cardiorespiratory Responses Induced by Various Military Field Tasks

Typical military tasks include load carriage, digging, and lifting loads. To avoid accumulation of fatigue, it is important to know the energy expenditure of soldiers during such tasks. The purpose of this study was to measure cardiorespiratory responses during military tasks in field conditions. Unloaded (M1) and loaded (M2) marching, artillery field preparation (AFP), and digging of defensive positions (D) were monitored. 15 conscripts carried additional weight of military outfit (5.4 kg) during M1, AFP, and D and during M2 full combat gear (24.4 kg). Absolute and relative oxygen uptake (VO2) and heart rate (HR) of M1 (n = 8) were 1.5 ± 0.1 L min(-1), 19.9 ± 2.7 mL kg(-1) min(-1) (42 ± 7%…

Acute Hormonal Responses to Heavy Resistance Exercise in Men and Women at Different Ages

To examine acute endogenous hormonal responses to heavy resistance exercise eight young women (YW) and eight young men (YM) in the 30-year age group, seven middle-aged women (MW) and eight middle-aged men (MM) in the 50-year age group as well as eight elderly women (EW) and eight elderly men (EM) in the 70-year age group performed a heavy resistance exercise session with three different exercises (bench press, sit-up exercise and bilateral leg press). The relative loading intensity and volume of the exercise session were kept the same for each subject so that they performed each of the 5 sets of each exercise with the maximal load possible for 10 repetitions per set (10 repetition maximum).…

Explosive-strength training improves 5-km running time by improving running economy and muscle power

To investigate the effects of simultaneous explosive-strength and endurance training on physical performance characteristics, 10 experimental (E) and 8 control (C) endurance athletes trained for 9 wk. The total training volume was kept the same in both groups, but 32% of training in E and 3% in C was replaced by explosive-type strength training. A 5-km time trial (5K), running economy (RE), maximal 20-m speed ( V 20 m), and 5-jump (5J) tests were measured on a track. Maximal anaerobic (MART) and aerobic treadmill running tests were used to determine maximal velocity in the MART ( V MART) and maximal oxygen uptake (V˙o 2 max). The 5K time, RE, and V MART improved ( P &lt; 0.05) in E, but no…

Perspectives on Aerobic and Strength Influences on Military Physical Readiness: Report of an International Military Physiology Roundtable

Physical fitness training of military recruits is an enduring focus of armies. This is important for safe and effective performance of general tasks that anyone may have to perform in a military setting as well as preparation for more specialized training in specific job specialties. Decades of studies on occupationally specific physical requirements have characterized the dual aerobic and strength demands of typical military tasks; however, scientifically founded strategies to prepare recruits with a good mix of these 2 physiologically opposing capabilities have not been well established. High levels of aerobic training can compromise resistance training gains and increase injury rates. Re…

Exercise and Recovery Responses of Lymphokines to Heavy Resistance Exercise

To examine the effect of dynamic resistance exercise on the response patterns of lymphokines, 10 strength-trained men (21.7 +- 0.6 y) performed 2 resistance exercise protocols, high force (HF) and high power (HP), of equal total work (HF 5 33.0 +- 2.5 kJ; HP 5 33.3 +- 2.7 kJ) in a randomized order separated by 1 week. Resting blood samples were obtained preexercise and 0 (R-0), 15 (R-15), and 240 (R-240) minutes postexercise. Plasma lactate significantly (p < 0.05) increased from baseline for both protocols; however, concentrations were higher in response to the HF protocol. Plasma interleukin- 2 (IL-2) concentrations were significantly decreased from baseline at R-15 following the HF proto…

Acute Endocrine and Force Responses and Long-Term Adaptations to Same-Session Combined Strength and Endurance Training in Women

This study examined acute hormone and force responses and strength and endurance performance and muscle hypertrophy before and after 24 weeks of same-session combined strength and endurance training in previously untrained women. Subjects were assigned 1 of 2 training orders: endurance preceding strength (E + S, n = 15) or vice versa (S + E, n = 14). Acute force and hormone responses to a combined loading (continuous cycling and a leg press protocol in the assigned order) were measured. Additionally, leg press 1 repetition maximum (1RM), maximal workload during cycling (Wmax), and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) were assessed. Loading-induced decreases in force were significant (p < 0.01–…

Effects of concurrent strength and endurance training in women with early or longstanding rheumatoid arthritis: Comparison with healthy subjects

Objective To investigate the effects of a 21-week concurrent strength and endurance training protocol on physical fitness profile in women with early or longstanding rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with healthy subjects. Methods Twenty-three female patients with RA volunteered for the study. Twelve had early RA and eleven had longstanding RA. Twelve healthy women served as controls. Maximal strength of different muscle groups was measured by dynamometers, walking speed with light cells, and vertical squat jump on the force platform to mirror explosive force. Maximal oxygen uptake was measured by gas analyzer. Six training sessions (3 strength training and 3 endurance training) were carri…

A systems model of training responses and its relationship to hormonal responses in elite weight-lifters

A systems model, providing an estimation of fatigue and fitness levels was applied to a 1-year training period of six elite weight-lifters. The model parameters were individually determined by fitting the predicted performance (calculated as the difference between fitness and fatigue) to the actual one. The purpose of this study was to validate the systems model by comparing the estimated levels of fatigue and fitness with biological parameters external to the model calculation. The predicted and the actual performances were significantly correlated in each subject. The calculated fitness and fatigue levels were related to serum testosterone concentration, testosterone: cortisol and testost…

Acute neuromuscular and hormonal responses to 20 versus 40% velocity loss in males and females before and after 8 weeks of velocity-loss resistance training

Scientific examination of velocity-based resistance training (VBRT) has increased recently, but how males and females respond to different VBRT protocols or how these acute responses are modified after a period of training is unknown. Habitually resistance-trained males and females followed either a 20 or 40% velocity-loss programme for 8 weeks. Acute squat loading tests (five sets, 70% one-repetition maximum load, 3 min rest) were performed before and after the training period. Tests of maximum neuromuscular performance and blood sampling were conducted before, within 10 min of completion (POST) and 24 h after each acute loading test. Testing included countermovement jump, resting femoral …

Exercise in waist-high warm water decreases pain and improves health-related quality of life and strength in the lower extremities in women with fibromyalgia

Objective To evaluate the short- and long-term efficacy of exercise therapy in a warm, waist-high pool in women with fibromyalgia. Methods Thirty-four women (mean ± SD tender points 17 ± 1) were randomly assigned to either an exercise group (n = 17) to perform 3 weekly sessions of training including aerobic, proprioceptive, and strengthening exercises during 12 weeks, or to a control group (n = 17). Maximal unilateral isokinetic strength was measured in the knee extensors and flexors in concentric and eccentric actions at 60°/second and 210°/second, and in the shoulder abductors and adductors in concentric contractions. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was assessed using the EQ-5D que…

The effects of amino acid supplementation on hormonal responses to resistance training overreaching.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of amino acid supplementation on muscular performance and resting hormone concentrations during resistance training overreaching. Seventeen resistance-trained men were randomly assigned to either an amino acid (AA) or a placebo (P) group and underwent 4 weeks of total-body resistance training designed to induce a state of overreaching. The protocol consisted of two 2-week phases (phase 1, 3 sets of 8 exercises performed for 8-12 repetitions; phase 2, 5 sets of 5 exercises performed for 3-5 repetitions). Muscle strength and resting blood samples were determined before (T1) and at the end of each training week (T2-T5). One-repetitio…

Physical fitness profile in female horseback riders.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to examine the levels of endurance and neuromuscular performance variables in female horseback riders. METHODS: 52 female Finnish riders were involved (age 29.4±8.9 yrs, height 1.68±0.06 m, weight 67.5±10.0 kg), 19 show-jumping riders (SJ) and 33 eventing riders (E), riding-time minimum of 4 times/week, jumping level of minimum 1.06±0.11m. The measurements were maximal bilateral isometric leg press force (MVCLP), maximal unilateral isometric knee extension (MVCKE) and flexion forces (MVCKF), countermovement jump (CMJ), maximal isometric force of the trunk extensor and flexor muscles (MVCE, MVCF), weight distribution of the body (WD), handgrip…

Combined strength and endurance session order: differences in force production and oxygen uptake.

Purpose:To examine acute responses of force production and oxygen uptake to combined strength (S) and endurance-running (E) loading sessions in which the order of exercises is reversed (ES vs SE).Methods:This crossover study design included recreationally endurance-trained men and women (age 21−45 y; n = 12 men, 10 women) who performed ES and SE loadings. Force production of the lower extremities including countermovement-jump height (CMJ) and maximal isometric strength (MVC) was measured pre-, mid-, and post-ES and -SE, and ground-reaction forces, ground-reaction times, and running economy were measured during E.Results:A significant decrease in CMJ was observed after combined ES and SE in…

Daily hormonal and neuromuscular responses to intensive strength training in 1 week.

Daily adaptive responses in the neuromuscular and endocrine systems to a 1-week very intensive strength training period with two training sessions per day were investigated in eight elite weight lifters. The morning and the afternoon sessions resulted in acute decreases (P less than 0.05-0.01) in maximal isometric strength and in the maximal neural activation (iEMG) of the leg extensor muscles, but the basic levels remained unaltered during the entire training period. Significant (P less than 0.05-0.01) acute increases in serum total and free testosterone levels were found during the afternoon sessions. During the 1-week training period, serum total and free testosterone concentrations decr…

Muscle strength and serum testosterone, cortisol and SHBG concentrations in middle-aged and elderly men and women.

Forty healthy males (M) and females (F) divided into two different age groups i.e. M50 years (range 44–57; n= 9), F50 years (range 43–54; n= 9), M70 years (range 64–73; n= 11) and F70 years (range 63–73; n= 11) volunteered as subjects for examination of muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and maximal voluntary isometric force production characteristics of the leg extensor muscles and serum androgen and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations. The CSA in the male groups was greatly larger (P < 0.01) than in the female groups and both elderly groups demonstrated slightly (n.s.) smaller values in the CSA than the two middle-aged groups. Maximal force of 2854 ± 452 N in M50 was greater…

Strength, [corrected] endurance or combined training elicit diverse skeletal muscle myosin heavy chain isoform proportion but unaltered androgen receptor concentration in older men.

We investigated whether the myosin heavy chain (MyHC) proportion and androgen receptor (AR) concentration in skeletal muscle differ following 21 weeks of strength, endurance and combined training in untrained older men. Strength (S) and endurance (E) groups trained twice per week and combined (S+E) group trained four times per week (two strength and two endurance). Muscle biopsies were obtained before and after the training period from m. vastus lateralis (VL) and AR mRNA and protein concentration and MyHC proportion were determined. 1RM increased during the training period in S, S+E and E but the changes were greater in S and S+E than in E. Statistically significant increases were observed…

Heart Rate Dynamics after Combined Strength and Endurance Training in Middle-Aged Women: Heterogeneity of Responses

The loss of complexity in physiological systems may be a dynamical biomarker of aging and disease. In this study the effects of combined strength and endurance training compared with those of endurance training or strength training alone on heart rate (HR) complexity and traditional HR variability indices were examined in middle-aged women. 90 previously untrained female volunteers between the age of 40 and 65 years completed a 21 week progressive training period of either strength training, endurance training or their combination, or served as controls. Continuous HR time series were obtained during supine rest and submaximal steady state exercise. The complexity of HR dynamics was assesse…

Leukocyte β2-Adrenergic Receptor Expression in Response to Resistance Exercise

Purpose: Epinephrine and norepinephrine mediate interactions between the neuroendocrine and the immune systems to alter immune cell activity. Although both systems respond to exercise stress, less is known about how they interact in response to such stress. The purpose of this investigation was to examine s2-adrenergic receptor (s2-ADR) expression on circulating leukocytes to an acute bout of resistance exercise in men and women. Methods: Resistance-trained men (n = 8; mean ± SD age = 24.63 ± 5.07 yr, body mass index = 26.09 ± 2.21 kg·m-2) and women (n = 7; age = 22.13 ± 3.09 yr, body mass index = 22.63 ± 2.03 kg·m-2) performed an acute resistance exercise protocol (six sets of five-repetit…

Aerobic fitness, energy balance, and body mass index are associated with training load assessed by activity energy expenditure

The present study examined whether activity energy expenditure related to body mass (AEE/kg) is associated with maximal aerobic fitness (VO(2max)), energy balance, and body mass index (BMI) during the 2 hardest weeks of the military basic training season (BT). An additional purpose was to study the accuracy of the pre-filled food diary energy intake. Energy expenditure (EE) with doubly labeled water, energy intake (EI), energy balance, and mis-recording was measured from 24 male conscripts with varying VO(2max). AEE/kg was calculated as (EE x 0.9-measured basal metabolic rate)/body mass. The reported EI was lower (P&lt;0.001) than EE (15.48 MJ/day) and mis-recording of the pre-filled diary …

The effects of whey protein with or without carbohydrates on resistance training adaptations

Background: Nutrition intake in the context of a resistance training (RT) bout may affect body composition and muscle strength. However, the individual and combined effects of whey protein and carbohydrates on long-term resistance training adaptations are poorly understood. Methods: A four-week preparatory RT period was conducted in previously untrained males to standardize the training background of the subjects. Thereafter, the subjects were randomized into three groups: 30 g of whey proteins (n = 22), isocaloric carbohydrates (maltodextrin, n = 21), or protein + carbohydrates (n = 25). Within these groups, the subjects were further randomized into two whole-body 12-week RT regimens aimin…

Influence of neuromuscular factors and body composition on anaerobic simulated warfighter task performance

Serum hormones during prolonged training of neuromuscular performance.

The effects of a 24-weeks' progressive training of neuromuscular performance capacity on maximal strength and on hormone balance were investigated periodically in 21 male subjects during the course of the training and during a subsequent detraining period of 12 weeks. Great increases in maximal strength were noted during the first 20 weeks, followed by a plateau phase during the last 4 weeks of training. Testosterone/cortisol ratio increased during training. During the last 4 weeks of training changes in maximal strength correlated with the changes in testosterone/cortisol (P less than 0.01) and testosterone/SHBG (P less than 0.05) ratios. During detraining, correlative decreases were found…

Training-induced changes in neuromuscular performance under voluntary and reflex conditions.

To investigate training-induced changes in neuromuscular performance under voluntary and reflex contractions, 11 male subjects went through heavy resistance (high loads of 70-120% of one maximum repetition) and 10 male subjects through explosive type (low loads with high contraction velocities) strength training three times a week for 24 weeks. A large increase (13.9%, p less than 0.01) in voluntary unilateral maximal knee extension strength with only slight and insignificant changes in time of isometric force production were observed during heavy resistance strength training. Explosive type strength training resulted in a small insignificant increase in maximal strength but in considerable…

Androgen receptors and testosterone in men—Effects of protein ingestion, resistance exercise and fiber type

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of protein ingestion on circulating testosterone and muscle androgen receptor (AR) as well as on insulin-like growth factor-I (MGF and IGF-IEa) responses to a resistance exercise (RE) bout in (57-72 year) men. Protein (15 g whey) (n=9) or placebo (n=9) was consumed before and after a RE bout (5 sets of 10 repetition maximums), and vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were taken pre, 1 and 48 h post-RE. The protein ingestion blunted the RE-induced increase in serum free and total testosterone while the RE bout significantly increased muscle AR mRNA levels in older men (P<0.05). However, protein ingestion did not significantly affect AR mRNA or …

Muscle hypertrophy, hormonal adaptations and strength development during strength training in strength-trained and untrained men.

Hormonal and neuromuscular adaptations to strength training were studied in eight male strength athletes (SA) and eight non-strength athletes (NA). The experimental design comprised a 21-week strength-training period. Basal hormonal concentrations of serum total testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT) and cortisol (C) and maximal isometric strength, right leg 1 repetition maximum (RM) of the leg extensors were measured at weeks 0, 7, 14 and 21. Muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps femoris was measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at weeks 0 and 21. In addition, the acute heavy resistance exercises (AHRE) (bilateral leg extension, five sets of ten RM, with a 2-min rest…

Effects of long-term training specificity on maximal strength and power of the upper and lower extremities in athletes from different sports

Maximal concentric one repetition maximum half-squat (1RM(HS)), bench-press (1RM(BP)), power-load curves during concentric actions with loads ranging from 30% to 100% of 1RM(HS) and 1RM(BP)were examined in 70 male subjects divided into five groups: weightlifters (WL, n=11), handball players (HP, n=19), amateur road cyclists (RC, n=18), middle-distance runners (MDR, n=10) and age-matched control subjects (C, n=12). The 1RM(HS)values in WL, HP and RC were 50%, 29% and 28% greater, respectively, ( P<0.001-0.01) than those recorded for MDR and C. The half-squat average power outputs at all loads examined (from 30% to 100%) in WL and HP ( P<0.001 at 45% and 60% with HP) were higher ( P<0.05-0.00…

Adverse metabolic response to regular exercise: Is it a rare or common occurrence?

Background. Individuals differ in the response to regular exercise. Whether there are people who experience adverse changes in cardiovascular and diabetes risk factors has never been addressed. Methodology/Principal Findings. An adverse response is defined as an exercise-induced change that worsens a risk factor beyond measurement error and expected day-to-day variation. Sixty subjects were measured three times over a period of three weeks, and variation in resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) and in fasting plasma HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and insulin (FI) was quantified. The technical error (TE) defined as the within-subject standard deviation derived from these measur…

Effects of HRV-Guided vs. Predetermined Block Training on Performance, HRV and Serum Hormones

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare heart rate variability -guided (HRVG) and predetermined (PD) block periodization of high intensity aerobic training (HIT). Endurance performance, neuromuscular performance, heart rate variability (HRV) and serum hormone concentrations were measured before, in the middle and after the 8-week training period in 24 endurance trained males. Both groups improved significantly maximal treadmill velocity (Vmax) (p&lt;0.001) and 3000 m running performance (HRVG; p&lt;0.001 and PD; p=0.001). The relative changes in Vmax and countermovement jump were significantly greater in HRVG (p&lt;0.05). Nocturnal heart rate decreased in both groups (p&lt;0.01), but H…

Changes in Exercise Performance and Hormonal Concentrations Over a Big Ten Soccer Season in Starters and Nonstarters

As a consequence of the physiological demands experienced during a competitive soccer season, the antagonistic relationship between anabolic and catabolic processes can affect performance. Twenty-five male collegiate soccer players were studied throughout a season (11 weeks) to investigate the effects of long-term training and competition. Subjects were grouped as starters (S; n = 11) and nonstarters (NS; n = 14). Measures of physical performance, body composition, and hormonal concentrations (testosterone [T] and cortisol [C]) were assessed preseason (T1) and 5 times throughout the season (T2-T6). Starters and NS participated in 83.06% and 16.95% of total game time, respectively. Nonstarte…

High Responders to Hypertrophic Strength Training Also Tend to Lose More Muscle Mass and Strength During Detraining Than Low Responders.

Räntilä, A, Ahtiainen, JP, Avela, J, Restuccia, J, Kidgell, DJ, and Häkkinen, K. High responders to hypertrophic strength training also tend to lose more muscle mass and strength during detraining than low responders. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1500-1511, 2021-This study investigated differences in individual responses to muscle hypertrophy during strength training and detraining. Ten weeks of resistance training was followed by 6 weeks of detraining in men (n = 24). Bilateral leg press (LP) one-repetition maximum (1RM) and maximal electromyography (EMGs) of vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis, maximal voluntary activation (VA), transcranial magnetic stimulation for corticospinal exci…

Electromyographical and Perceptual Responses to Different Resistance Intensities in a Squat Protocol: Does Performing Sets to Failure With Light Loads Produce the Same Activity?

This investigation examined peak motor unit activity during sets that differed in resistance (50, 70, or 90% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]). Ten resistance-trained men (age, 23 ± 3 years; height, 187 ± 7 cm; body mass, 91.5 ± 6.9 kg; squat 1RM, 141 ± 28 kg) were assessed by electromyography (EMG) on the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles in a randomized within-subject experiment consisting of 2 test visits: a drop-set day and a single-set day using only the 50% of 1RM intensity performed to failure. At the start of each day, subjects performed 2 submaximal repetition sets (50% 1RM × 10 repetitions and 70% 1RM × 7 repetitions). On the drop-set day, subjects performed 3 consecutive max…

Association of military training with oxidative stress and overreaching.

ABSTRACT: We hypothesized that increased oxidative stress and disrupted redox balance may be predisposing factors and markers for overreaching (OR). Purpose: The study's purpose was to examine whether oxidative stress markers and antioxidant status and physical fitness are related to OR during an 8-wk military basic training (BT) period. Methods: Oxidative stress and antioxidant status were evaluated in the beginning and after 4 and 7 wk of training in 35 males (age = 19.7 ± 0.3 yr) at rest and immediately after a 45-min submaximal exercise. Physical activity (PA) was monitored by an accelerometer throughout BT. Indicators of OR were also examined. Results: From baseline to week 4, increase…

Neuromuscular and hormonal adaptations in athletes to strength training in two years.

Neuromuscular and hormonal adaptations to prolonged strength training were investigated in nine elite weight lifters. The average increases occurred over the 2-yr follow-up period in the maximal neural activation (integrated electromyogram, IEMG; 4.2%, P = NS), maximal isometric leg-extension force (4.9%, P = NS), averaged concentric power index (4.1%, P = NS), total weight-lifting result (2.8%, P less than 0.05), and total mean fiber area (5.9%, P = NS) of the vastus lateralis muscle, respectively. The training period resulted in increases in the concentrations of serum testosterone from 19.8 +/- 5.3 to 25.1 +/- 5.2 nmol/l (P less than 0.05), luteinizing hormone (LH) from 8.6 +/- 0.8 to 9…

Acute hormonal responses to heavy resistance exercise in strength athletes versus nonathletes.

The aim of the present study was to investigate acute hormonal and neuromuscular responses and recovery in strength athletes versus nonathletes during heavy resistance exercise performed with the forced and maximum repetitions training protocol. Eight male strength athletes (SA) with several years of continuous resistance training experience and 8 physically active but non-strength athletes (NA) volunteered as subjects. The experimental design comprised two loading sessions: maximum repetitions (MR) and forced repetitions (FR). MR included 12-RM squats for 4 sets with a 2-min recovery between sets. In FR the initial load was higher than in MR so that the subject could lift approximately 8 …

Factors Affecting Flutter Kicking Speed in Women Who Are Competitive and Recreational Swimmers

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between possible predictive measures of a 50 m front crawl swimming and a 22.86 m flutter kicking speed. Ten women who were National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I collegiate swimmers and 10 women who were recreational swimmers (mean +/- SD = 20.6 +/- 1.6 years; 66.7 +/- 10.3 kg; 166.7 +/- 8.8 cm) volunteered for the study. Anthropometric measures were obtained including height, leg length, lower leg length, and foot length. Ankle flexibility was assessed by measuring ankle plantar flexion and ankle inversion. Lower body power was measured using a vertical jump. Swimming and kicking speed were measured as the time to c…

STRENGTH AND POWER PROFILES OF THE LOWER AND UPPER EXTREMITIES IN MASTER THROWERS AT DIFFERENT AGES

Ojanen, T., T. Rauhala, and K. Hakkinen. Strength and power profiles of the lower and upper extremities in master throwers at different ages. J. Strength Cond. Res. 21(1):216-222. 2007.-Thirty-two master athletes (shot put, discus, and hammer throw) were divided into 4 groups according to their age (T40 [40 years of age], 50 [50 years of age], 60 [60 years of age], and 75 [75 years of age]). Twenty-eight age-matched men served as controls (C40 [40 years of age], 50 [50 years of age], 60 [60 years of age], and 75 [75 years of age]). The subjects were tested for maximal isometric strength of the lower and upper extremities. Power was measured by performing jump squats and bench press in the S…

Comparison of running kinematics between elite and national-standard 1500-m runners.

The aim of this study was to determine whether elite 1500-m runners differ in their running kinematics from national-standard 1500-m runners. Six national-standard male runners (seasonal best: 3 min 49.2 s +/- 3.2 s) were assessed during the second lap of a 1500-m race. Their running kinematics was then compared with those of five elite runners (seasonal best: 3 min 35.6 s +/- 2.6 s) analysed during the second lap of the men's 1500-m final at the 2005 World Championships. Data were collected using two high-speed cameras operating at 200 Hz with a three-dimensional pan and tilt system. Running speed was the same for both groups. Despite the similar contact times, the minimum knee angle durin…

Circulating IGF-I is associated with fitness and health outcomes in a population of 846 young healthy men

Abstract Context Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is thought to mediate many of the beneficial outcomes of physical activity. While IGF-I has previously been shown to be positively related with aerobic fitness, few studies have examined IGF-I relationships with other fitness and health parameters. The robustness of IGF-I as a biomarker of fitness and health has yet to be fully determined. Objective To determine the association of circulating IGF-I with fitness, body composition and health parameters in young, healthy men. Design and subjects A cross-section of 846 young, healthy Finnish men (25 ± 5 yr, 180 ± 6 cm, 81 ± 13 kg). Subjects were divided into quintiles of IGF-I concentrations…

The effect of heavy resistance exercise on the circadian rhythm of salivary testosterone in men.

Circadian rhythms of serum testosterone concentrations in men have been shown, in general, to be highest in the morning and lowest in the evening. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of acute resistance exercise upon the waking circadian rhythm of salivary testosterone over 2 days (with or without resistance exercise). The subjects included ten resistance-trained men (with at least 1 year of lifting experience) with the following characteristics [mean (SD)]: age 21.6 (1.1) years; height 177.8 (9.5) cm; body mass 80.5 (11.5) kg; percent body fat 7.9 (1.7)%. A matched, randomized, crossover study design was used such that each subject was tested under both the…

Substantial Fat Loss in Physique Competitors Is Characterized by Increased Levels of Bile Acids, Very-Long Chain Fatty Acids, and Oxylipins.

Funder: Finnish Foundation for Cardiovascular Research

Changes in strength and power performance and serum hormone concentrations during 12 weeks of task-specific or strength training in conscripts.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two different training programs on strength and power performance and serum hormone concentrations. A total of 104 male soldiers volunteered and took part in the 12‐week training period with baseline, mid‐, and post‐measurements of body composition, muscle strength, lower and upper body power, and blood samples to determine serum hormone concentrations. The mean (±SD) age of subjects was 20 ± 1 years, height 180 ± 6 cm and body mass 72.4 ± 8.8 kg. The subjects were divided into three different training groups: soldier task‐specific training (TS), strength training (ST), and control (CON). Each group had a total of 18 train…

Maximal Strength, Muscular Endurance and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Young Adult Men

The aim was to study associations of maximal strength and muscular endurance with inflammatory biomarkers independent of cardiorespiratory fitness in those with and without abdominal obesity. 686 young healthy men participated (25±5 years). Maximal strength was measured via isometric testing using dynamo-meters to determine maximal strength index. Muscular endurance index consisted of push-ups, sit-ups and repeated squats. An indirect cycle ergometer test until exhaustion was used to estimate maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max). Participants were stratified according to those with (102 cm) and those without abdominal obesity (102 cm) based on waist circumference. Inflammatory factors (C-react…

Effects of explosive type strength training on physical performance characteristics in cross-country skiers.

To investigate the effects of a combination of simultaneous strength and endurance training on selected neuromuscular and aerobic performance characteristics seven male cross-country skiers underwent training for a period of 6 weeks. The experimental group trained 6-9 times per week with a programme consisting of 34% explosive type strength training and 66% endurance training during the first 3 weeks of the experiment and 42% and 58% respectively during the last 3 weeks of the experiment. The total volume of training of the control group (eight skiers) was of the same magnitude but consisted of 85% pure endurance training and 15% endurance type strength training. The experimental training r…

Changes in myosin heavy chain composition with heavy resistance training in 60- to 75-year-old men and women.

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the myosin heavy chain (MHC) expression in the vastus lateralis muscle from elderly men and women, and to determine whether heavy resistance training influences its expression. Twenty healthy, mildly physically active subjects gave their informed consent to participate in the study. The experimental group consisted of seven men and seven women [mean (SD) age 65.5 (4.1) years] and the control group consisted of three men and three women [mean (SD) age 62.3 (3.6) years]. The 6-month resistance training program was divided into two phases with weeks 1-12 consisting of high-intensity resistance training, and weeks 13-24 involving power training. M…

Neuromuscular and hormonal responses to constant and variable resistance loadings.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of constant and variable resistance exercise on neuromuscular and endocrine responses during maximal strength and hypertrophic loadings. Methods: Thirteen young men (age = 28.4 ± 3.7 yr) took part in four loadings (maximal strength and hypertrophic loadings using both constant and variable resistance) in a counterbalanced order. Maximal strength loadings consisted of 15 sets of one repetition at 100% one-repetition maximum, and hypertrophic loadings consisted of five sets of 10 repetitions (initial load of 80% one-repetition maximum). Preloading, immediately postloading, 15 min postloading, and 30 min postloading tests …

Recovery after Heavy Resistance Exercise and Skeletal Muscle Androgen Receptor and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Isoform Expression in Strength Trained Men

The effects of heavy resistance exercise on skeletal muscle androgen receptor (AR) protein concentration and mRNAs of AR, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF)-IEa, and mechano growth factor (MGF) expression were examined from biopsies of vastus lateralis (VL) muscle before and 48 hours after heavy resistance exercise (5 × 10 repetition maximum [RM] leg press and 4 × 10RM squats) in 8 adult strength trained men. The present exercise induced an acute decrease in maximal isometric force and increased serum total testosterone (T) and free testosterone (FT) concentrations. During 2 recovery days, maximal isometric force and subjective perception of physical fitness remained significantly lowered, …

Maximal strength and power characteristics in isometric and dynamic actions of the upper and lower extremities in middle-aged and older men

Muscle cross-sectional area of the quadriceps femoris (CSAQF), maximal isometric strength (handgrip test and unilateral knee extension/flexion), the shape of isometric force-time curves, and power-load curves during concentric and stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) actions with loads ranging from 15 to 70% of one repetition maximum half-squat (1RMHS) and bench-press (1RMBP) were examined in 26 middle-aged men in the 40-year-old (M40) (mean age 42, range 35-46) and 21 elderly men in the 65-year-old age group (M65) (mean age 65, range 60-74). Maximal bilateral concentric (1RMHS and 1RMBP), unilateral knee extension (isometric; MIFKE and concentric; 1RMKE) strength and muscle CSA in M65 were lower…

Acute hormonal responses to heavy resistance exercise in younger and older men

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the acute responses of several hormones [total and free testosterone (TT and FT, respectively), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol (C), growth hormone (GH), and insulin (INS)] to a single bout of heavy resistance exercise (HRE). Eight younger [30-year (30y) group] and nine older [62-year (62y) group] men matched for general physical characteristics and activity levels performed four sets of ten repetitions maximum (RM) squats with 90 s rest between sets. Blood samples were obtained from each subject via an indwelling cannula with a saline lock pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise (IP), and 5, 15 and 30 min post-exercise. Levels o…

Alterations of mechanical characteristics of human skeletal muscle during strength training

To investigate the influence of strength training on the mechanical characteristics of human skeletal muscle, 14 male subjects went through training of combined heavy concentric and eccentric contractions three times a week for 16 weeks. The strength training program consisted mainly of dynamic exercises for leg extensors with loads of 80 to 120% of one maximum repetition. The force-time curves produced during various vertical jumps were the basis for calculation of various mechanical parameters. In addition to a great increase (p less than 0.001) in maximal isometric force, heavy resistance strength training also caused significant (p less than 0.05-0.01) increases in heights and in variou…

Neuromuscular adaptations and serum hormones in women during short-term intensive strength training

The effects were investigated in ten women of intensive heavy resistance strength training lasting for 3 weeks on electromyographic (EMG) activity, muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and voluntary force production characteristics of leg extensor muscles. Blood samples for the determinations of serum hormones were taken from five of the subjects. Significant increases occurred in the higher force portions of the isometric force-time curve with an increase of 9.7 (SD 8.4)% (P less than 0.01) in maximal peak force. An increase of 15.8 (SD 20.9)% (P less than 0.05) took place also in the maximal neural activation (integrated EMG) of the trained muscles, while an enlargement of 4.6 (SD 7.4)% (P l…

Cardiac autonomic function reveals adaptation to military training

Abstract The last 4 weeks of basic military training are very stressful. We tested the hypothesis that changes in cardiac autonomic function during this period are associated with changes in maximal oxygen uptake and/or serum hormonal concentrations in male conscripts (n=22). Cardiac vagal autonomic function was assessed by measuring the high-frequency (0.15–0.4 Hz) spectral power of R–R intervals. Maximal oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O2max) and basal serum testosterone concentration were measured at the beginning and end of the period. Individual changes in vagally mediated high-frequency power (range −15% to +25%) correlated (r=0.73, P=0.001) with changes in [Vdot]O2max (range −9% to +6%) and cha…

The effects of a roundtrip trans-American jet travel on physiological stress, neuromuscular performance, and recovery.

The purpose was to examine the effects of a round trip trans-American jet travel on performance, hormonal alterations, and recovery. Ten matched pairs of recreationally trained men were randomized to either a compression group (COMP) ( n = 10; age: 23.1 ± 2.4 yr; height: 174.8 ± 5.3 cm; body mass: 84.9 ± 10.16 kg; body fat: 15.3 ± 6.0%) or control group (CONT) ( n = 9; age: 23.2 ± 2.3 yr; height: 177.5 ± 6.3 cm; weight: 84.3 ± 8.99 kg; body fat: 15.1 ± 6.4%). Subjects flew directly from Hartford, CT to Los Angeles, CA 1 day before a simulated sport competition (SSC) designed to create muscle damage and returned the next morning on an overnight flight back home. Both groups demonstrated jet…

Differences in Training Adaptations of Endurance Performance during Combined Strength and Endurance Training in a 6-Month Crisis Management Operation

Decreases in aerobic fitness during military operations have been observed in several studies. Thus, differences in training adaptations during a 6-month crisis-management operation were compared by using the change in endurance performance as the outcome measure. Sixty-six male soldiers volunteered for the study, consisting of pre&#8722;post assessments of blood biomarkers, body composition, physical performance, and the military simulation test (MST) performance. Physical training volume was self-reported. After the follow-up, the data were divided based on individual changes in endurance performance. Endurance performance was improved in the high-responder group (HiR, n = 25) and maintai…

Individual Endurance Training Prescription with Heart Rate Variability

Introduction: Measures of HR variability (HRV) have shown potential to be of use in training prescription. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using HRV in endurance training prescription. Methods: Forty recreational endurance runners were divided into the HRV-guided experimental training group (EXP) and traditional predefined training group (TRAD). After a 4-wk preparation training period, TRAD trained according to a predefined training program including two to three moderate- (MOD) and high-intensity training (HIT) sessions per week during an 8-wk intensive training period. The timing of MOD and HIT sessions in EXP was based on HRV, measured every mornin…

Dietary Intake, Serum Hormones, Muscle Mass and Strength During Strength Training in 49 - 73-Year-Old Men

Effects of dietary intake on serum hormones, muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and strength during strength training were studied in two groups of men: 1) strength training + nutritional counseling (n = 22, 59.1 +/- 6.1 yrs), and 2) strength training (n = 23, 58.5 +/- 7.1 yrs). Both groups performed strength training twice a week for 21 weeks. Counseling increased carbohydrate (p < 0.01) and fiber intake (p < 0.001) and polyunsaturated/saturated fat-ratio (p < 0.05) and decreased fat intake (p < 0.01). Muscle strength and CSA increased by 16 - 20 % and by 5.4 - 5.9 % in both groups (p < 0.001). Changes in protein content of diet correlated with the changes in the acute postexercise concentr…

Effects of strength vs. endurance training and their combination on physical performance characteristics in female horseback riders

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of strength (S), endurance (E) and concurrent strength and endurance (SE) training on neuromuscular and cardiorespiratory characteristics during the 12-week volume-equated protocols in female horseback riders. METHODS: Subjects (N=44) (29.4±8.9 yrs) were assigned to S (n=11), E (n=11), SE (n=13) and control (C) (n=9) groups. Training consisted of progressive S, E or SE training 3x/week and riding exercise 4-6x/week. The measurements included maximal isometric bilateral leg press force (MVCLP) and EMG of VL and BF muscles, rapid isometric force production (0-500ms), maximal force of trunk extensor/flexors (MVCE/MVCF), countermo…

Neuromuscular fatigue induced by an isotonic heavy-resistance loading protocol in knee extensors.

Abstract The main aim of this study was to assess neuromuscular fatigue during a typical high-load, low-repetition loading protocol. Muscle stimulations were used to assess maximum voluntary contraction, resting single- and double-pulse twitch characteristics, and superimposed double-pulse twitch force (used to calculate voluntary activation) before and after an acute knee extension loading protocol. In our participants, who had previous resistance training experience, the mean voluntary activation level was 96.2% in an unfatigued state. Maximum voluntary contraction (−11.8%), resting double-pulse twitch force (−10.6%), and voluntary activation (−2.1%) were markedly decreased as a consequen…

Effects of resistance training on expression of IGF-I splice variants in younger and older men.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and its splice variants Insulin-like growth factor-I isoform Ea (IGF-IEa) and mechano growth factor (MGF) may play an important role in muscular adaptations to resistance training (RT) that may be modulated by ageing. It has been suggested that IGF-I induces cellular responses via AKT8 virus oncogene cellular homolog (Akt) and Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) signalling pathways. Therefore, resistance exercise-induced changes in skeletal muscle IGF-IEa and MGF messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), and MGF, Erk1/2, Akt and p70S6K protein expression were investigated before and after 21 weeks of RT in younger (YM, 20–34 yrs., n = 7) and older men (…

Comparison between direct and predicted maximal oxygen uptake measurement during cycling.

Predicted maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) measurements are based on the assumption of linear relationship between heart rate or power output and oxygen consumption during various intensities. To develop more reliable predicted test for soldiers, the purpose of the present study was to compare the results of direct measurements of VO2max to respective predicted values in cycling (military fitness test). The predicted mean (+/- SD) peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) value was 45.2 +/- 7.7 mL kg(-1) min(-1) during first week, whereas the respective direct value was 44.8 +/- 8.5 mL kg(-1) min(-1). During the ninth week, the predicted and measured mean (+/-SD) VO2max values were 47.4 +/- 6.7 mL kg(-1) …

Serum hormones in male strength athletes during intensive short term strength training

Training-induced adaptations in the endocrine system and strength development were investigated in nine male strength athletes during two separate 3-week intensive strength training periods. The overall amount of training in the periods was maintained at the same level. In both cases the training in the first 2 weeks was very intensive: this was followed by a 3rd week when the overall amount of training was greatly decreased. The two training periods differed only in that training period I included one daily session, while during the first 2 weeks of period II the same amount of training was divided between two daily sessions. In general, only slight and statistically insignificant changes …

Elevated endogenous testosterone concentrations potentiate muscle androgen receptor responses to resistance exercise.

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of endogenous circulating testosterone (T) on muscle androgen receptor (AR) responses to acute resistance exercise (RE). Six healthy men (26+/-4 years; 176+/-5 cm; 75.8+/-11.4 kg) performed a knee extension exercise protocol on two occasions separated by 1-3 weeks. Rest preceded one trial (i.e., control [CON] trial) and a high-volume upper-body RE protocol designed to increase circulating T preceded the other trial (i.e., high T [HT] trial). Serial blood samples were obtained throughout each trial to determine circulating T concentrations. Biopsies of the vastus lateralis were obtained pre-RE (REST), 10-min post-RE (+10), and 180-min …

Are skeletal muscle FNDC5 expression and irisin release regulated by exercise and related to health?

Recently, contradictory findings have been reported concerning the function of irisin and its precursor gene, skeletal muscle FNDC5, in energy homeostasis, and the associated regulatory role of exercise and PGC-1α. We therefore evaluated whether muscle FNDC5 mRNA and serum irisin are exercise responsive and whether PGC-1α expression is associated with FNDC5 expression. The male subjects in the study performed single exercises: (1) 1 h low-intensity aerobic exercise (AE) (middle-aged, n= 17), (2) a heavy-intensity resistance exercise (RE) bout (young n= 10, older n= 11) (27 vs. 62 years), (3) long-term 21 weeks endurance exercise (EE) training alone (twice a week, middle-aged, n= 9), or (4) …

Influence of HMB Supplementation and Resistance Training on Cytokine Response to Resistance Exercise

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a multinutritional supplement including amino acids, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB), and carbohydrates on cytokine responses to resistance exercise and training.Seventeen healthy, college-aged men were randomly assigned to a Muscle Armor™ (MA; Abbott Nutrition, Columbus, OH) or placebo supplement group and 12 weeks of resistance training. An acute resistance exercise protocol was administered at 0, 6, and 12 weeks of training. Venous blood samples at pre-, immediately post-, and 30-minutes postexercise were analyzed via bead multiplex immunoassay for 17 cytokines.After 12 weeks of training, the MA group exhibited decreased interfer…

Eight months of physical training in warm water improves physical and mental health in women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of 8 months of supervised exercise therapy in warm water and its effects on the impact of fibromyalgia on physical and mental health and physical fitness in affected women. Methods Thirty women with fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to an exercise therapy group (n = 15) or a control group (inactive) (n = 15). The impact of fibromyalgia on physical and mental health was assessed using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and the anxiety state with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Physical fitness was measured using the following tests: Canadian Aerobic Fitness; hand-grip dynamometry; 10-metre walking; 10-step stair-climbing and blind 1-leg stance. Resul…

Neuromuscular adaptations to constant vs. variable resistance training in older men.

This study examined the effects of constant or variable external resistance training on neuromuscular adaptations in the lower limbs of older men. 37 subjects (age 65±4 year) were quasi-randomly assigned to the constant or variable training group, or a non-training control group. Training consisted of a 20-week medium-intensity, high volume resistance training program. Maximum bilateral concentric and isometric force production of the leg extensors as well as repetitions-to-failure test were performed pre-, mid- and post-training. Vastus lateralis muscle cross-sectional area was assessed by ultrasound and lean leg mass was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Both training groups s…

Neuromuscular responses to different resistance loading protocols using pneumatic and weight stack devices

The purpose of this study was to examine single repetition characteristics and acute neuromuscular responses to typical hypertrophic (HL), maximal strength (MSL), and power (PL) loadings performed with two of the most common resistance modes; pneumatic and weight stack. Acute responses were assessed by measuring maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), corresponding quadriceps-EMG and resting and superimposed twitch torques. Activation level was calculated from the twitch torques. Decreases in MVC were greater during HL and MSL than during PL. During HL, resting twitch force decreased 8% (P < 0.05) more on the weight stack than on the pneumatic device. Furthermore, loading using the weight stac…

Muscle strength in healthy people and in patients suffering from recent-onset inflammatory arthritis.

Neuromuscular function was compared among 20 patients with relatively recent onset (symptomatic period 17 +/- 24 months) rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (experimental group; EG), and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy people (control group; CG). The comparison was repeated after a period of 6 months, when 16 patients had carried out progressive strength training. At baseline maximal grip strength and maximal dynamic unilateral strength of the knee extensors in the EG were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in comparison to the CG. The groups did not differ from each other in maximal isometric strength of the trunk flexors and extensors or the knee extensors. The 6-month dynamic strength training in the …

Kinetic and electromyographic analysis of single repetition constant and variable resistance leg press actions

During a multi-joint leg press action, maximal force capabilities increase with increasing knee angle. In typical resistance exercises, constant resistance is used, which does not stress the neuromuscular system at large knee angles. The purpose of this study was to compare constant and variable resistance settings using a range of contraction loads and velocities. Nine healthy, untrained males performed single contractions using four different resistance settings (constant resistance, two settings that increased resistance at large knee angles and one setting that reduced resistance at large knee angles). Single contractions using 40%, 60%, and 80% of one repetition maximum with both stead…

Effects of training on bone metabolism in young athletes

Purpose. This study investigated the effects of two types of training on the bone formation marker of osteocalcin and the bone resorption marker of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoenzyme 5b (TRAP5b) in young track and field boys and girls. Methods. The 14-year-old group (10 boys, 10 girls) performed first time an intensive and supervised 8-week plyometric training. In the 17-year-old group (13 athletic boys, 6 control boys, 12 athletic girls, 6 control girls), the normal many-sided track and field training lasted 6 months. Results. Significant increases were noticed in osteocalcin (p < 0.01) both in younger boys and girls. The 20-m sprint performance improved in girls (p < 0.01) and …

Associations of leisure time, commuting and occupational physical activity with fitness and clustered cardiovascular risk factor

Neuromuscular adaptations to combined strength and endurance training: order and time-of-day

AbstractThe present study examined the effects of 24 weeks of morning vs. evening same-session combined strength (S) and endurance (E) training on neuromuscular and endurance performance. Fifty-one men were assigned to the morning (m) or evening (e) training group, where S preceded E or vice versa (SEm, ESm, SEe and ESe), or to the control group. Isometric force, voluntary activation, EMG and peak wattage during the maximal cycling test were measured. Training time did not significantly affect the adaptations. Therefore, data are presented for SEm+e (SEm+SEe) and ESm+e (ESm+ESe). In the morning, no order specific gains were observed in neuromuscular performance. In the evening, the changes …

Muscle hypertrophy, strength development, and serum hormones during strength training in elderly women with fibromyalgia.

To examine the effects of strength training on maximal force, cross-sectional area (CSA), and electromyographic (EMG) activity of muscles and serum hormone concentrations in elderly females with fibromyalgia (FM).Twenty-six patients with FM were randomly assigned to a training (FMT; n = 13; mean age 60 years) or a control (FMC; n = 13; 59 years) group. FMT performed progressive strength training twice a week for 21 weeks. The measurements included maximal isometric and concentric leg extension forces, EMG activity of the vastus lateralis and medialis, CSA of the quadriceps femoris, and serum concentrations of testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT), growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth…

Increased interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels after instrumented lumbar spine fusion in older patients

Purpose: Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and the acute phase C-reactive protein (CRP) blood concentrations after lumbar spine fusion may be affected by age. The purpose of this prospective observational study was to assess postoperative serum levels of pro-inflammatory IL-6 and CRP after instrumented lumbar spine fusion surgery. We hypothesized that older patients would have increased levels of IL-6 and CRP after surgery. Methods: IL-6 and high-sensitive CRP biochemical marker levels were measured before instrumented spinal fusion, and postoperatively at 1 and 3 days, 6 weeks, and 3 months. The 49 patients in this sample were divided into two groups: age ≤ 60 years (n = 23) and age > 60 years (n = 26)…

Cardiopulmonary loading in motocross riding

The present study was designed to examine physiological responses during motocross riding. Nine Finnish A-level motocross riders performed a 15-min ride at a motocross track and a test of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in the laboratory. Cardiopulmonary strain was measured continuously during the ride as well as in the VO2max test. During the ride, mean VO2 was 32 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) (s = 4), which was 71% (s = 12) of maximum, while ventilation (V(E)) was 73% (s = 15) of its maximum. The relative VO2 and V(E) values during the riding correlated with successful riding performance (r = 0.80, P < 0.01 and r = 0.79, P < 0.01, respectively). Mean heart rate was maintained at 95% (s = 7) of its…

Serum basal hormone concentrations and muscle mass in aging women: Effects of strength training and diet

This study examined the effects of strength training and diet on serum basal hormone concentrations and muscle mass in aging women. Fifty-one women age 49 to 74 y were divided into two groups: strength training and nutritional counseling (n = 25), and strength training (n = 26). Both groups performed strength training twice a week for 21 wk. Nutritional counseling was given to attain sufficient energy and protein intake and recommended intake of fat and fiber. We found that the cross-sectional area of the quadriceps femoris increased by 9.5 ± 4.1% in the nutritional counseling group versus 6.8 ± 3.5% in the strength training only group after training (P &lt; 0.052). Nutritional counseling e…

Influence of load and stretch shortening cycle on the kinematics, kinetics and muscle activation that occurs during explosive upper-body movements.

Although explosive power in lower-body movements has been extensively studied, there is a paucity of research examining such movements in the upper body. This study aimed to investigate the influence of load and the stretch shortening cycle (SSC) on the kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activation that occurs during maximal effort throws. A total of 17 male subjects performed SSC and concentric only (CO) bench throws using loads of 15%, 30%, 45%, 60%, 75%, 90% and 100% of their previously determined one repetition maximum bench press. The displacement, velocity, acceleration, force and power output as well as the electromyogram (EMG) from pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and triceps brach…

PGC-1 isoforms and their target genes are expressed differently in human skeletal muscle following resistance and endurance exercise

The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the acute gene expression responses of PGC-1 isoforms and PGC-1a target genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis (cytochrome C), angiogenesis (VEGF-A), and muscle hypertrophy (myostatin), after a resistance or endurance exercise bout. In addition, the study aimed to elucidate whether the expression changes of studied transcripts were linked to phosphorylation of AMPK and MAPK p38. Nineteen physically active men were divided into resistance exercise (RE, n = 11) and endurance exercise (EE, n = 8) groups. RE group performed leg press exercise (10 9 10 RM, 50 min) and EE walked on a treadmill (~80% HRmax, 50 min). Muscle biopsies were ob…

Changes in muscle morphology, electromyographic activity, and force production characteristics during progressive strength training in young and older men.

Effects of a 10-week progressive strength training program composed of a mixture of exercises for increasing muscle mass, maximal peak force, and explosive strength (rapid force production) were examined in 8 young (YM) (29+/-5 yrs) and 10 old (OM) (61+/-4 yrs) men. Electromyographic activity, maximal bilateral isometric peak force, and maximal rate of force development (RFD) of the knee extensors, muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps femoris (QF), muscle fiber proportion, and fiber areas of types I, IIa, IIb, and IIab of the vastus lateralis were evaluated. Maximal and explosive strength values remained unaltered in both groups during a 3-week control period with no training…

Resistance Training Load Effects on Muscle Hypertrophy and Strength Gain : Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

PURPOSE This study aimed to analyze the effect of resistance training (RT) performed until volitional failure with low, moderate, and high loads on muscle hypertrophy and muscle strength in healthy adults and to assess the possible participant-, design-, and training-related covariates that may affect the adaptations. METHODS Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases were searched. Including only studies that performed sets to volitional failure, the effects of low- (>15 repetitions maximum (RM)), moderate- (9-15 RM), and high-load (≤8 RM) RTs were examined in healthy adults. Networ…

Relationship between diet and serum anabolic hormone responses to heavy-resistance exercise in men.

Relationship between dietary intake and serum anabolic hormone concentrations of testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT), and growth hormone were examined at rest as well as after the heavy-resistance exercise (HRE) in 8 strength athletes (SA) and 10 physically active non-athletes (NA). In the first part of the study serum basal anabolic hormone concentrations and dietary intake were examined in the total group of subjects. In the second part of the study a subgroup of 5 SA and 5 NA performed the high volume and high intensity HRE. Dietary intake was registered by dietary diaries for 4 days preceding the loading day. Significant correlations were observed between serum basal T and fat (E%:…

Muscle conduction velocity, strength, neural activity, and morphological changes after eccentric and concentric training

This study compared the effects of concentric and eccentric training on neuromuscular adaptations in young subjects. Twenty-two men and women were assigned to one of two groups: concentric (CON, n = 11) and eccentric (ECC, n = 11) training. Training consisted of 6 weeks of isokinetic exercise, performed twice weekly, starting with two sets of eight repetitions, and progressing to five sets of 10 repetitions. Subjects were tested in strength variables [concentric, eccentric, and isometric peak torque (PT), and rate of force development (RFD)], muscle conduction velocity (CV), neuromuscular activity, vastus lateralis (VL) muscle thickness, and echo intensity as determined by ultrasonography. …

Mitochondrial bioenergetic pathways in blood leukocyte transcriptome decrease after intensive weight loss but are rescued following weight regain in female physique athletes

Prolonged periods of energy deficit leading to weight loss induce metabolic adaptations resulting in reduced energy expenditure, but the mechanisms for energy conservation are incompletely understood. We examined 42 healthy athletic females (age 27.5 +/- 4.0 years, body mass index 23.4 +/- 1.7 kg/m(2)) who volunteered into either a group dieting for physique competition (n = 25) or a control group (n = 17). The diet group substantially reduced their energy intake and moderately increased exercise levels to induce loss of fat mass that was regained during a voluntary weight regain period. The control group maintained their typical lifestyle habits and body mass as instructed. From the diet g…

Neuromuscular characteristics and fatigue in endurance and sprint athletes during a new anaerobic power test

The purpose of this study was to investigate neuromuscular and energy performance characteristics of anaerobic power and capacity and the development of fatigue. Ten endurance and ten sprint athletes performed a new maximal anaerobic running power test (MARP), which consisted ofn x 20-s runs on a treadmill with 100-s recovery between the runs. Blood lactate concentration [la−]b was measured after each run to determine submaximal and maximal indices of anaerobic power (P 3mmol·1 −1,P5mmol·1 −1,P10mmol·1 −1andP max) which was expressed as the oxygen demand of the runs according to the American College of Sports Medicine equation: the oxygen uptake (ml·kg−1·min−1)=0.2·velocity (m·min−1) +0.9·s…

Maximal and explosive force production capacity and balance performance in men of different ages

A group of 32 healthy men (M) divided into three different age groups, i.e. M20 years [mean 21 (SD 1); n = 12], M40 [mean 40 (SD 2); n = 10] and M70 [mean 71 (SD 5); n = 10] volunteered as subjects for examination of maximal and explosive force production of leg extensor muscles in both isometric and dynamic actions (squat jump, SJ and counter movement jump, CMJ, and standing long-jump, SLJ). The balance test was performed on a force platform in both isometric and dynamic actions. Maximal bilateral isometric force value in M70 was lower (P < 0.001) than in M40 and as much as 46% lower (P < 0.001) than that recorded in M20 (P < 0.001). The maximal rate of force development (RFD) on the force…

Cardiorespiratory Adaptations during Concurrent Aerobic and Strength Training in Men and Women

This study investigated the effects of endurance followed by strength training (ES, men n = 16; women n = 15), the reverse exercise order (SE, men n = 18, women n = 13) and concurrent endurance and strength training performed on alternating days (AD, men n = 21, women n = 18) on cardiorespiratory parameters. Peak oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]O2peak) and oxygen consumption at sub-maximal power outputs ([Formula: see text]O2submax) of 50 to 175 Watts in men and 50 to 125 Watts in women were assessed during an incremental cycling test both before and after 24 weeks of training. Increases in [Formula: see text]O2peak in both men and women were statistically larger in AD (18±9% and 25±…

The effects of creatine supplementation on muscular performance and body composition responses to short-term resistance training overreaching

To determine the effects of creatine supplementation during short-term resistance training overreaching on performance, body composition, and resting hormone concentrations, 17 men were randomly assigned to supplement with 0.3 g/kg per day of creatine monohydrate (CrM: n=9) or placebo (P: n=8) while performing resistance exercise (5 days/week for 4 weeks) followed by a 2-week taper phase. Maximal squat and bench press and explosive power in the bench press were reduced during the initial weeks of training in P but not CrM. Explosive power in the bench press, body mass, and lean body mass (LBM) in the legs were augmented to a greater extent in CrM ( P<or=0.05) by the end of the 6-week period…

Strength training in endurance runners.

This study examined effects of periodized maximal versus explosive strength training and reduced strength training, combined with endurance training, on neuromuscular and endurance performance in recreational endurance runners. Subjects first completed 6 weeks of preparatory strength training. Then, groups of maximal strength (MAX, n=11), explosive strength (EXP, n=10) and circuit training (C, n=7) completed an 8-week strength training intervention, followed by 14 weeks of reduced strength training. Maximal strength (1RM) and muscle activation (EMG) of leg extensors, countermovement jump (CMJ), maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2MAX)), velocity at VO(2MAX) (vVO(2MAX)) running economy (RE) and basal…

Neomuscular fatigue to power loading using a weight-stack device fitted with or without additional rubber band resistance

The addition of a rubber band (RB) to traditional weight-based resistance may be beneficial regarding the deceleration phase common during explosive power actions with light weights. This would lead to greater force and muscle activity during the latter part of the movement, but this may influence the distribution of neuromuscular fatigue. Fifteen men performed 2 knee extension power loadings (5 × 5 × 40% of 1 repetition maximum [1RM]) using a typical weight-stack device without (WS) and with the addition of a RB (WS + RB) in a crossover design. Concentric contractions were performed as fast as possible, and analyzed for torque, velocity, power, and vastus lateralis and medialis surface ele…

Physical fitness, BMI and sickness absence in male military personnel

Background In modern society, decreased physical activity and/or changes in quality and quantity of nutritional intake contribute to obesity and lifestyle diseases that result in economic costs, both to society and to individuals. Aims To measure physical fitness and body mass index (BMI) and to assess their association with sickness absence in male soldiers. Methods Data regarding BMI and physical fitness (aerobic endurance and muscle fitness) were collected for male Finnish military personnel and combined with sickness absence data collected in the year 2004. The duration and costs of sickness absence were obtained from the personnel administration. Results A total of 7179 male military p…

Autophagy is induced by resistance exercise in young men but unfolded protein response is induced regardless of age

Aim Autophagy and unfolded protein response (UPR) appear to be important for skeletal muscle homoeostasis and may be altered by exercise. Our aim was to investigate the effects of resistance exercise and training on indicators of UPR and autophagy in healthy untrained young men (n = 12, 27 ± 4 years) and older men (n = 8, 61 ± 6 years) as well as in resistance‐trained individuals (n = 15, 25 ± 5 years). Methods Indicators of autophagy and UPR were investigated from the muscle biopsies after a single resistance exercise bout and after 21 weeks of resistance training. Results Lipidated LC3II as an indicator of autophagosome content increased at 48 hours post‐resistance exercise (P < .05) and …

Effects of time of day on resistance exercise-induced anabolic signaling in skeletal muscle

This study examined the effect of morning versus afternoon exercise on acute responses in phosphorylation of proteins regulating muscle size and metabolism. Twenty-two untrained men, divided into the morning (n = 11) or afternoon (n = 11) group, performed maximal isometric leg extensions before and after resistance loading at 07:30–08:30 h and 16:00–17:00 h, respectively. Muscle pre- and postloading biopsies were analyzed for phosphorylated Akt, p70S6K, rpS6, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Erk1/2, and eukaryotic elongation factor (eEF) 2. Muscle force declined after exercise in both groups (p < 0.001). p70S6K Thr389 (p < 0.05) and Thr421/Ser424 and rpS6 (all p < 0.001) increas…

In vivo vibrational wave propagation in human tibiae at different ages

Vibrational wave propagation was tested in vivo on the tibial bone of both legs of 56 female volunteers. The impact was produced by a hammer with a force strain gauge and the response was monitored by two accelerometers. The peak amplitude of the accelerations, the velocity of the acceleration wave propagation and damping were analysed for comparison among the different age groups. The results showed significant negative correlations between age and the peak amplitude of acceleration, and the velocity of acceleration wave propagation (p less than 0.01). The damping time of the acceleration wave also had a negative correlation with age. These findings suggested that age differences were rela…

Maximal force, force/time and activation/coactivation characteristics of the neck muscles in extension and flexion in healthy men and women at different ages

This study examined the force production characteristics, activation/coactivation and endurance capacity of the neck extension and flexion muscles in healthy men (n=29) and women (n=28) divided into three age groups (18–26 years, 30–37 years and 45–55 years). Force and electromyography (EMG) measurements were performed during the maximal voluntary isometric extension and flexion actions. This was followed by an endurance test (ET; 60% force level of maximal voluntary contraction sustained until exhaustion), after which the force and EMG recordings were repeated. Men were both stronger and had higher values (P<0.001) for explosive force (rate of force development, RFD) than women in both act…

Effects of Far Infrared Heat on Recovery in Power Athletes

Effects of Far Infrared Heat on Recovery in Power Athletes Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the far infrared (FIR) heat on the recovery of the power athletes during the 5-day intensive training period. Methods: The experimental group acted also as its own control group and it consisted of ten national level male athletes (22.3 ± 4.5 years) from power events. Training consisted of strength-, power-, and technique sessions. Performance tests included isometric strength tests, a countermovement jump (CMJ) and a Wingate 30 s test. Serum concentration of testosterone, cortisol, sex hormone binding globulin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and creatinekin…

Effects of strength and endurance training on antioxidant enzyme gene expression and activity in middle-aged men

This study was aimed at investigating the effects of a 21-week period of progressive strength or endurance training on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) antioxidant enzyme gene expression and activity in healthy middle-aged untrained men. Strength (n=11) and endurance (n=12) training were performed twice a week, including resistance exercises to activate all the main muscle groups or cycle-ergometer pedaling, respectively. mRNA levels of catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and cytosolic superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) were increased after 21 weeks of strength training, while endurance training induced significant changes only in MnSOD an…

Effectiveness of a 12-month home-based exercise program on trunk muscle strength and spine function after lumbar spine fusion surgery:a randomized controlled trial

Purpose: The effectiveness of a 12-month home-exercise program on trunk muscle strength after lumbar spine fusion surgery was evaluated. Materials and methods: Three months postoperatively, 98 patients were randomized either to the exercise group (EG), with a progressive 12-month home-based exercise program, or to usual care group (UCG), with one guidance session for light home-exercises. Maximal trunk muscle strength was measured by a strain-gauge dynamometer and trunk extensor endurance was measured by Biering-Sørensen’s test at baseline and after the intervention. Results: The mean change in extension strength during the intervention was 75 N in EG and 58 N in UCG. Flexion strength impro…

Effects of Easy-to-Use Protein-Rich Energy Bar on Energy Balance, Physical Activity and Performance during 8 Days of Sustained Physical Exertion

Background Previous military studies have shown an energy deficit during a strenuous field training course (TC). This study aimed to determine the effects of energy bar supplementation on energy balance, physical activity (PA), physical performance and well-being and to evaluate ad libitum fluid intake during wintertime 8-day strenuous TC. Methods Twenty-six men (age 20±1 yr.) were randomly divided into two groups: The control group (n = 12) had traditional field rations and the experimental (Ebar) group (n = 14) field rations plus energy bars of 4.1 MJ•day−1. Energy (EI) and water intake was recorded. Fat-free mass and water loss were measured with deuterium dilution and elimination, respe…

Effects Of Combined Strength And Endurance Training On Physical Performance And Biomarkers Of Healthy Young Women

Kyröläinen, H, Hackney, AC, Salminen, R, Repola, J, Häkkinen, K, and Haimi, J. Effects of combined strength and endurance training on physical performance and biomarkers of healthy young women. J Strength Cond Res 32(6): 1554– 1561, 2018—Cardiovascular fitness has decreased and obesity has increased in young adults worldwide during the last 10 years. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find out optimal exercise training programs for improving physical performance and health outcomes, especially among sedentary women. Subjects were 25- to 30-year-old women with a very low physical activity, and 65% of them were overweight (body mass index . 25). They performed endurance and strength traini…

Miten yhdistää voima- ja kestävyysharjoittelu urheilijalla, kuntoilijalla, lapsilla tai ikääntyneillä?

Jyväskylän yliopiston liikuntabiologian laitos järjesti 23.–25.9.2015 kansainvälisen symposiumin koskien kestävyys- ja voimaharjoittelun yhdistämistä. Tapahtumaan osallistui yli 350 tutkijaa, valmentajaa, liikunta-alan ammattilaista sekä opiskelijaa yli 30 eri maasta. Kolmipäiväisen symposiumin aikana pohdittiin lukuisissa asiantuntijaesityksissä, miten niin urheilijoiden ja kuntoilijoiden kuin lasten ja ikääntyneiden tulisi yhdistää kestävyys- ja voimaharjoittelu, jotta kummastakin harjoittelumuodosta saataisiin mahdollisimman suuret hyödyt. nonPeerReviewed

Bilateral and Unilateral Neuromuscular Function and Muscle Cross-Sectional Area in Middle-Aged and Elderly Men and Women

Forty-eight healthy men (M) and women (W), divided into two different age groups, i.e., M50 yrs (range 44-57; n = 12), W50 yrs (range 43-57; n = 12), M70 yrs (range 59-75; n = 12), and W70 yrs (range 62-75; n = 12), volunteered as subjects for examination of muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), maximal voluntary forces, force-time curves, and electromyographic activity of the knee extensor muscles during bilateral and unilateral isometric contractions. The maximal bilateral knee extension force and the average CSA values in M50 were greater (p < .05) than in M70 and in W50 were greater (p < .05-.001) than those recorded for W70. The early forces in the force-time curve were greater (p < .05) …

Endocrine Response Patterns to Acute Unilateral and Bilateral Resistance Exercise in Men

Rehabilitation programs and research experiments use single-arm protocols in which the contralateral arm is not functional or used as a control limb. This study was interested in determining the hormonal signal impacts of such one- versus two-arm exercise responses that might have an impact on adaptational changes with training. The purpose was to examine the acute hormonal responses to a unilateral and a bilateral upper-body resistance exercise (RE) protocol. A balanced randomized treatment intervention with series time frame for blood collections before and after exercise was used as the basic experimental design. Ten recreationally resistance trained men (18-25 years, 20.4 +/- 1.2 years,…

A 10-Week Block of Combined High-Intensity Endurance and Strength Training Produced Similar Changes in Dynamic Strength, Body Composition, and Serum Hormones in Women and Men

Purpose: To examine the potential sex differences in adaptations to combined endurance and strength training in recreationally endurance trained (eumenorrheic) women (n = 9) and men (n = 10). Methods: Isometric (ISOMmax) and dynamic bilateral leg press (1RM), countermovement jump (CMJ), running performance (3,000 m time trial), lean mass and body fat % (LEAN and FAT% determined by dual X-ray absorptiometry) as well as serum testosterone and cortisol (TES and COR, respectively, measured using hormone-specific immunoassay kits) were examined before a control period and pre, mid, and post a supervised 10-week combined high-intensity interval endurance training (4 × 4 min intervals and 3 × 3 × …

Body composition in 18 to 88-year-old adults - comparison of multifrequency bioimpedance and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

Objective -- This study compared bioimpedance analysis (BIA) in the assessment of body composition with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 18- to 88-year-old adults. Design and Methods -- Body composition of 882 adults was estimated by eight-polar BIA and DXA. In addition, estimates of lean mass, fat mass, and percentage of fat were investigated across a range of age and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) groups. Results -- Compared to DXA, larger lean masses (mean difference 2.9 and 1.6 kg) and smaller fat masses (3.1 and 2.6 kg) were estimated by BIA in both women and men, respectively. Differences between the methods' mean values were evident in all age and LTPA groups, except …

Mucosal immunity and upper respiratory tract symptoms in recreational endurance runners.

The present study investigated the effects of a 12-week endurance-training intervention on salivary proteins and upper respiratory tract symptoms (URS) in 25 young men. Saliva samples of 25 recreational male endurance runners (age 34.6 years, body mass index = 23.8 kg·m−2, peak aerobic capacity = 47.2 mL·kg−1·min−1) were collected before (PRE) and after (POST) the training intervention, in a fasting state, as well as both before and after a maximal incremental treadmill run. The training consisted of both continuous and interval training sessions, 4–6 times per week based on the polarized training approach. Participants filled in Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-21 and were retro…

Recovery from a national collegiate athletic association division I football game: muscle damage and hormonal status.

The purpose of this study was to examine markers of skeletal muscle tissue damage and circulating anabolic and catabolic hormones to gain insight into the recovery process from Friday until Monday, when a new practice week begins. Twenty-eight National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football players gave consent to participate in the investigation in the ninth game of the season. Sixteen players started the game and played the entire game (PL), and 12 others did not play and were on the bench during the game (DNP). Each player had fasted blood samples obtained at the same time of day between 1000 and 1200 hours the day before the game (Friday; T1), 18-20 hours after the game (Su…

Biomechanical and skeletal muscle determinants of maximum running speed with aging.

Purpose: Aging diminishes the ability to run fast, but the specific mechanisms responsible for this deterioration remain largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the age-related decline in sprint running ability through a cross-sectional examination of biomechanical and skeletal muscle characteristics in 77 competitive male sprinters aged 17-82 yr. Methods: Ground reaction force (GRF) and kinematic stride cycle parameters were measured during the maximum-velocity phase using a 9.4-m-long force platform. Knee extensor (KE) and ankle plantar flexor (PF) structural characteristics were investigated using ultrasonography and muscle biopsies (vastus lateralis). Force production cha…

Neuromuscular adaptations during bilateral versus unilateral strength training in middle-aged and elderly men and women.

Twelve middle-aged men and 12 middle-aged women in the 50-year-old age group (M50; range 44-57 years; W50; 43-57), and 12 elderly men and 12 elderly women in the 70-year-old age group (M70; 59-75; W70; 62-75) volunteered as subjects in order to examine effects of 12-week progressive heavy resistance strength training on electromyographic activity (EMG), muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps femoris and maximal concentric force in a one repetition maximum (1 RM) test of the knee extensor muscles. One half of the subjects in each group performed the knee extension (and flexion) exercises only bilaterally (BIL), while another half performed the exercises only unilaterally (UNIL).…

Oxygen uptake, heart rate and blood lactate levels in female horseback riders during the obstacle test track

The purpose of this study was to examine endurance performance by recording oxygen uptake, heart rate and blood lactate during the obstacle test track, equivalent to competitive performance in female horseback riders. In total 42 female riders participated in the study (show jumping, SJ n = 16, eventing, E n = 26). Age, height and weight of the total group were 29.0(9.2) yrs, 1.68(0.06) m, and 68.1(10.3) kg, respectively. Participants rode a minimum of 4 times per/week, and the riding level was from national to international. VO2peak/VO2mean and HRpeak/HRmean of the total group during the obstacle test track (OTT) were 34.4(5.0)/26.4(4.0) ml/kg/min and 184.4(9.6)/178.1(10.2) bpm. BLa concen…

On “The Basics of Training for Muscle Size and Strength”

Effects of morning vs. evening combined strength and endurance training on physical performance, sleep and well-being

The aim of the present study was to examine how combined strength and endurance training in the morning and evening influences the adaptations in strength and endurance performance, perception of time management, psychological well-being and sleep. The combined training period lasted for 24 weeks and the participants were divided into the morning training (MG, n = 18), evening training (EG, n = 24) and control groups (CG, n = 10). Isometric leg press force (iLP), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), sleep behavior, fatigue, time management, motivation, self-esteem and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were assessed. Morning to evening difference in iLP was observed in both MG and EG at…

Serum thyroid hormones, thyrotropin and thyroxine binding globulin during prolonged strength training.

The effects of progressive strength training for 24 weeks on maximal strength and pituitary-thyroid function were studied in 21 males during the training and during the following detraining period of 12 weeks. Maximal strength increased greatly (p less than 0.001) in the first 20 weeks, followed by a plateau phase in the last 4 weeks of training. Maximal strength decreased greatly (p less than 0.001) during the detraining period. The concentrations of serum total (T4) and free thyroxine (fT4) decreased (p less than 0.05 and less than 0.01, respectively) during the training period and they rose to pretraining levels during the detraining period. During the most intense training phase (the la…

Hormonal Responses of Multiset Versus Single-Set Heavy-Resistance Exercise Protocols

The purpose of this study was to compare serum growth hormone (GH), testosterone (T), cortisol (C) and whole blood lactate (L) responses to single set (1S) versus multiple set (3S) heavy-resistance exercise protocols. Eight recreationally weight-trained men completed two identical resistance exercise workouts (1S vs. 3S). Blood was obtained prexcerise (PRE), immediately postexercise (0P), and 5 min (5P), 15 min (15P), 30 min and 60 min (60P) postexercise and was analyzed for GH, T, C, and L levels. For 1S and 3S, GH, L, and T significantly increased from PRE to 0P and remained significantly elevated to 60P, except for 1S. For GH, T, and L, 3S showed significantly greater increases compared…

Effects of strength and endurance training on metabolic risk factors in healthy 40–65-year-old men

This study compared 21 weeks of combined high-intensity strength and endurance training with endurance or strength training only on metabolic risk factors in 40-65-year-old men. The healthy men (n=63) were randomized into endurance (E), strength (S), combined strength and endurance training (SE) and control (C) groups. S and E trained two times a week and SE 2+2 times a week. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly both in E (-6+/-8 and -4+/-6 mmHg) and in S (-9+/-8 and -5+/-7 mmHg), but not in SE or C (P=0.003 for the difference in the changes of SBP between the groups). The changes in serum glucose and insulin during an oral glucose tolerance test did not diffe…

Effects of Task-Specific and Strength Training on Simulated Military Task Performance in Soldiers.

A soldier’s occupational physical task requirements are diverse and varied. However, the type of physical training that most effectively improves soldiers’ occupational task requirements has not been studied previously. The purpose of this study was to determine the important strength characteristics for soldiers during a repeated simulated military task course, and the type of training that may be effective to improve these abilities during a specialized military training period. Forty-two (n = 42) soldiers participated in the study. They were divided into three training groups; a soldier task-specific training group (TSG, n = 17), a strength training group (STG, n = 15), and a control gro…

Strength athletes are capable to produce greater muscle activation and neural fatigue during high-intensity resistance exercise than nonathletes.

Acute neuromuscular responses to maximum versus forced repetition (FR) knee extension resistance exercises (4 sets of 12 repetitions [reps] with a 2-minute recovery between the sets) were examined in 4 male strength athletes (SAs) and 4 nonathletes. Maximum repetition (MR) sets were performed to voluntary exhaustion (12 repetition maximum [RM]), whereas in the FR sets, the load was greater (8RM) and the set was continued after voluntary fatigue with 4 additional assisted reps. Maximal isometric force and electromyogram (EMG) activity of the knee extensors were measured before and after the exercise, as well as 2 recovery days after the exercise. Electromyogram activity was also measured dur…

Cardiorespiratory and Neuromuscular Responses to Motocross Riding

The aim of the present study was to examine physiological and neuromuscular responses during motocross riding at individual maximal speed together with the riding-induced changes in maximal isometric force production. Seven A-level (group A) and 5 hobby-class (group H) motocross-riders performed a 30-minute riding test on a motocross track and maximal muscle strength and oxygen uptake (VO2max) tests in a laboratory. During the riding the mean (+/-SD) VO2 reduced in group A from 86 +/- 10% to 69 +/- 6% of the maximum (P < 0.001), whereas in group H the corresponding reduction was from 94 +/- 25% to 82 +/- 20% (P < 0.05). This relative VO2 during the riding correlated with riding speed (r = 0…

Effects of Basic Training on Acute Physiological Responses to a Combat Loaded Run Test

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the study was to examine the effects of an 8-week basic training (BT) with added strength training (ST) or endurance training (ET) on both the performance of a 3K-combat loaded run test and the acute neuromuscular and hormonal responses. All training groups improved (p < 0.001) their run-test times: ST by 12.4%, ET by 11.6%, and normal training (NT) by 10.2%. Significant acute decreases were observed in maximal isometric force of leg extensors (p < 0.01–0.05) in all subject groups following the run. Increases were observed in acute testosterone responses (p < 0.001) after the test in all groups both at pre- and post-training. However, ET and NT demonstrated lower (p <…

Similar increases in strength after short-term resistance training due to different neuromuscular adaptations in young and older men

This study investigated whether differences in neuromuscular performance and muscle hypertrophy occur between young and older men. Twenty-three young (29 ± 9 years) and 26 older men (64 ± 8 years) completed 10 weeks of high-volume, medium load “hypertrophic” resistance training with low frequency (twice per week) with 10 young (34 ± 11 years) and 11 older men (65 ± 3 years) acting as nontraining control subjects. Training consisted of 2–5 sets of 8–14 repetitions (1- to 2-minute rest). Lower-limb dynamic (leg press) and isometric maximum leg extension force, as well as lower-limb lean mass and vastus lateralis cross-sectional area were assessed before and after the training period. Training…

Serum hormone concentrations during prolonged training in elite endurance-trained and strength-trained athletes.

A study of 1 year was performed on nine elite endurance-trained athletes (swimmers) and on eight elite strength-trained athletes (weightlifters) in order to examine the effects of training on the endocrine responses and on physical performance capacity. The measurements for the determination of serum hormone concentrations were performed at about 4-month intervals during the course of the year. The primary findings demonstrated that during the first and most intensive training period of the year in preparing for the primary competitions similar but statistically insignificant changes were observed in the concentrations of serum testosterone, free testosterone and cortisol in both the endura…

Effect of circulating growth hormone on muscle IGF-I protein concentration in female mice with growth hormone receptor gene disruption.

Growth hormone (GH) is a potent secretague for circulating insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of circulating GH on muscle IGF-I protein expression using GH transgenic animal models. Three different models were used: mice that overexpress bovine GH (bGH; n=10), mice without a functional GH receptor (GHR-/-; n=10), and wildtype mice (n=10). All mice were 16-week old females and each group differed in their basic phenotypic characteristics. Immediately after euthanization the triceps surae muscle group (soleus, plantaris, and gastrocnemius muscles) was removed. IGF-I was extracted from the muscle with an acid-ethanol solution (12.5% 2N hyd…

Effects of heavy-resistance training on hormonal response patterns in younger vs. older men.

To examine the adaptations of the endocrine system to heavy-resistance training in younger vs. older men, two groups of men (30 and 62 yr old) participated in a 10-wk periodized strength-power training program. Blood was obtained before, immediately after, and 5, 15, and 30 min after exercise at rest before and after training and at rest at −3, 0, 6, and 10 wk for analysis of total testosterone, free testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone, lactate, and ACTH analysis. Resting values for insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF-binding protein-3 were determined before and after training. A heavy-resistance exercise test was used to evaluate the exercise-induced responses (4 sets of 10-repe…

Effects of Upper Body Eccentric versus Concentric Strength Training and Detraining on Maximal Force, Muscle Activation, Hypertrophy and Serum Hormones in Women

Effects of eccentric (ECC) versus concentric (CON) strength training of the upper body performed twice a week for 10 weeks followed by detraining for five weeks on maximal force, muscle activation, muscle mass and serum hormone concentrations were investigated in young women (n = 11 and n = 12). One-repetition bench press (1RM), maximal isometric force and surface electromyography (EMG) of triceps brachii (TB), anterior deltoid (AD) and pectoralis major (PM), cross-sectional area (CSA) of TB (Long (LoH) and Lateral Head (LaH)) and thickness of PM, as well as serum concentrations of free testosterone, cortisol, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin were mea…

Strength training and neuromuscular function in elderly people with total knee endoprosthesis

The effects of 1 year of intensive strength training on neuromuscular function were studied in elderly people operated for total endoprosthesis (n=30) divided into 3 groups: training pup 1 (TG1, n=11), training pup 2 (TG2, n=10) and control group (CG, n=9). After the operation, TG1 and TG2 trained every second day and the training was controlled by training diaries, and CG performed only conventional exercises by themselves. The overall volume of training in TG2 was 30% greater than in TG1. Neuromuscular function was examined by measuring maximal electromyography (EMG) and maximum voluntary isometric and dynamic strength of the knee extensor and flexor muscles. The range of motion of the kn…

Serum basal hormone concentrations, nutrition and physical fitness during strength and/or endurance training in 39-64-year-old women.

We examined effects of 21 weeks of strength and/or endurance training and nutrition on serum hormones and physical fitness in 39-64-year-old women. Subjects (n=79) were randomized into the endurance group (E), strength group (S), combined group (SE) and controls (C). Total body strength training and high-intensity bicycle training were used. Average energy and nutrient intake remained the same in all groups. Body fat (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) decreased significantly in all training groups and body mass index in E, SE and C. Only SE increased total body lean mass (2.2%, p=0.001), between groups p=0.044. Maximal cycling power increased more in E (16%) and SE (17%) than in S (8%)(all …

Serum hormone and myocellular protein recovery after intermittent runs at the velocity associated with VO(2max).

The responses of serum myocellular proteins and hormones to exercise were studied in ten well-trained middle-distance runners [maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2max)) = 69.4 (5.1) ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)] during 3 recovery days and compared to various measures of physical performance. The purpose was to establish the duration of recovery from typical intermittent middle-distance running exercises. The subjects performed, in random, order two 28-min treadmill running exercises at a velocity associated with VO(2max): 14 bouts of 60-s runs with 60 s of rest between each run (IR(60)) and 7 bouts of 120-s runs with 120 s of rest between each run (IR(120)). Before the exercises (pre- exercise), 2 h a…

Fatigue in a simulated cross-country skiing sprint competition

The aim of this study was to assess fatigue during a simulated cross-country skiing sprint competition based on skating technique. Sixteen male skiers performed a 30-m maximal skiing speed test and four 850-m heats with roller skies on a tartan track, separated by 20 min recovery between heats. Physiological variables (heart rate, blood lactate concentration, oxygen consumption), skiing velocity, and electromyography (EMG) were recorded at the beginning of the heats and at the end of each 200-m lap during the heats. Maximal skiing velocity and EMG were measured in the speed test before the simulation. No differences were observed in skiing velocity, EMG or metabolic variables between the he…

Effects of Combined Strength and Endurance Training on Body Composition, Physical Fitness, and Serum Hormones During a 6-Month Crisis Management Operation

Pihlainen, K, Kyröläinen, H, Santtila, M, Ojanen, T, Raitanen, J, and Häkkinen, K. Effects of combined strength and endurance training on body composition, physical fitness, and serum hormones during a 6-month crisis management operation. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-Very few studies have examined the impact of training interventions on soldier readiness during an international military operation. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of combined strength and endurance training on body composition, physical performance, and hormonal status during a 6-month international military deployment consisting of typical peacekeeping tasks, e.g., patrolling, observation, a…

Predictors of individual adaptation to high-volume or high-intensity endurance training in recreational endurance runners

The aim of this study was to investigate factors that can predict individual adaptation to high-volume or high-intensity endurance training. After the first 8-week preparation period, 37 recreational endurance runners were matched into the high-volume training group (HVT) and high-intensity training group (HIT). During the next 8-week training period, HVT increased their running training volume and HIT increased training intensity. Endurance performance characteristics, heart rate variability (HRV), and serum hormone concentrations were measured before and after the training periods. While HIT improved peak treadmill running speed (RSpeak ) 3.1 ± 2.8% (P < 0.001), no significant changes occ…

Acute heavy-resistance exercise–induced pain and neuromuscular fatigue in elderly women with fibromyalgia and in healthy controls: Effects of strength training

Objective To examine heavy-resistance exercise–induced acute neuromuscular fatigue, blood lactate concentration, and muscle pain in elderly women with fibromyalgia (FM) and in healthy controls before and after a period of strength training. Methods Thirteen elderly women with FM (mean ± SD age 60 ± 2 years) and 10 healthy women (mean ± SD age 64 ± 3 years) performed a heavy-resistance fatiguing protocol (5 sets of leg presses with 10 repetitions maximum) before and after a 21-week strength training period. Maximal isometric force and electromyography (EMG) activity of leg extensors and blood lactate concentration were measured during the loading. Pain was assessed by visual analog scale. Re…

Effects of heavy resistance/power training on maximal strength, muscle morphology, and hormonal response patterns in 60-75-year-old men and women.

Eleven women (TRW; 64 ± 4 yrs) and ten men (TRM; 65 ± 5 yrs) participated in the strength/power training twice a week for 24 weeks. Basal concentrations of serum total and free testosterone, growth hormone (GH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), cortisol and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) as well as acute responses of serum total and free testosterone, growth hormone (GH) were measured. Maximal 1RM strength in the squat, chair rise time and muscle fibre distribution and areas of type I and IIa and IIb of the vastus lateralis were also examined. 1RM squat increased in TRW by 26 (SDIO) % (p &lt; .001), and in TRM by 35(7) % (p &lt; .001) and chair rise time improved in both groups…

Effects of combined strength and sprint training on regulation of muscle contraction at the whole-muscle and single-fibre levels in elite master sprinters

The aims of this study were to investigate the mechanisms underlying (1) the ageing-related motor handicap at the whole muscle, cellular, contractile protein and myonuclear levels; and (2) ageing-related differences in muscle adaptability.In vivo muscles function was studied in the knee extensors. Decreases were observed in isokinetic and isometric torque outputs in old age in the sedentary men and women and elite master sprinters. A 20-week long specific sprint and resistance training successfully improved the maximal isometric force and rate of force development in a subgroup of master sprinters.In vitro measurements were performed in muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle. Immu…

Radiotherapy before or during androgen-deprivation therapy does not blunt the exercise-induced body composition protective effects in prostate cancer patients : A secondary analysis of two randomized controlled trials

Background Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) contributes to lean mass loss and adiposity increases in prostate cancer patients. Radiotherapy during ADT might act synergistically and further worsen body composition. Previous investigations have shown that resistance training is an effective method of preserving body composition during ADT, however, most have not accounted for direct or indirect effects of other therapies, such as radiotherapy. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine training adaptations of the tissue composition in patients receiving radiation therapy (RT) prior or during ADT. Methods Analyses were performed by combining data from two previous trials for a total…

Acute Effects of High-intensity Resistance Exercise on Cognitive Function

The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of an acute bout of high-intensity resistance exercise on measures of cognitive function. Ten men (Mean ± SD: age = 24.4 ± 3.2 yrs; body mass = 85.7 ± 11.8 kg; height = 1.78 ± 0.08 m; 1 repetition maximum (1RM) = 139.0 ± 24.1 kg) gave informed consent and performed a high-intensity 6 sets of 10 repetitions of barbell back squat exercise at 80% 1RM with 2 minutes rest between sets. The Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) was completed to assess various cognitive domains during the familiarization period, immediately before, and immediately after the high-intensity resistance exercise bout. The repeated measures …

Serum hormones and strength development during strength training in middle-aged and elderly males and females.

Effects of a 12-week progressive strength training period on serum concentrations of testosterone, cortisol and sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) as well as on strength development of the leg extensor muscles were investigated in nine middle-aged males (M50; range 44-57 years) and in nine middle-aged females (F50; range 43-54 years) as well as in 10 elderly males (M70; range 64-73 years) and in 11 elderly females (F70; range 66-73 years). Substantial increases took place in maximal isometric strength during the 12-week training period both in M50 (from 2834 +/- 452 to 3941 +/- 772 N; P < 0.001) and in F50 (from 2627 +/- 725 to 3488 +/- 1017 N; P < 0.001) as well as in M70 (from 2591 +/- 7…

Randomized controlled trial of postoperative exercise rehabilitation program after lumbar spine fusion: study protocol

Abstract Background Lumbar spine fusion (LSF) effectively decreases pain and disability in specific spinal disorders; however, the disability rate following surgery remains high. This, combined with the fact that in Western countries the number of LSF surgeries is increasing rapidly it is important to develop rehabilitation interventions that improve outcomes. Methods/design In the present RCT-study we aim to assess the effectiveness of a combined back-specific and aerobic exercise intervention for patients after LSF surgery. One hundred patients will be randomly allocated to a 12-month exercise intervention arm or a usual care arm. The exercise intervention will start three months after su…

Are skeletal muscleFNDC5gene expression and irisin release regulated by exercise and related to health?

Recently, contradictory findings have been reported concerning the function of irisin and its precursor gene, skeletal muscle FNDC5, in energy homeostasis, and the associated regulatory role of exercise and PGC-1α. We therefore evaluated whether muscle FNDC5 mRNA and serum irisin are exercise responsive and whether PGC-1α expression is associated with FNDC5 expression. The male subjects in the study performed single exercises: (1) 1 h low-intensity aerobic exercise (AE) (middle-aged, n = 17), (2) a heavy-intensity resistance exercise (RE) bout (young n = 10, older n = 11) (27 vs. 62 years), (3) long-term 21 weeks endurance exercise (EE) training alone (twice a week, middle-aged, n = 9), or …

Differential effects of exhaustive cycle ergometry on concentric and eccentric torque production.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential differences in peak isokinetic concentric end eccentric torque following low- and high-intensity cycle exercise fatigue protocols. Ten healthy, recreationally-active men were tested in a balanced, randomized testing sequence for peak eccentric and concentric isokinetic torque (60 degrees/sec) immediately before and after three experimental conditions each separated by 48 hours: 1) a bout of high intensity cycling consisting of a maximal 90-second sprint; 2) a bout of low-intensity cycling at 60 rpm equated for total work with the high-intensity protocol: and 3) no exercise (control bout). Blood was drawn from an antecubital vein and…

Monitoring Training Adaptation With a Submaximal Running Test in Field Conditions

Regular monitoring of adaptation to training is important for optimizing training load and recovery, which is the main factor in successful training. Purpose: To investigate the usefulness of a novel submaximal running test (SRT) in field conditions in predicting and tracking changes of endurance performance. Methods: Thirty-five endurance-trained men and women (age 20–55 y) completed the 18-wk endurance-training program. A maximal incremental running test was performed at weeks 0, 9, and 18 for determination of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and running speed (RS) at exhaustion (RSpeak) and lactate thresholds (LTs). In addition, the subjects performed weekly a 3-stage SRT including a …

Associations of Physical Fitness and Body Composition Characteristics With Simulated Military Task Performance

Pihlainen, K, Santtila, M, Hakkinen, K, and Kyrolainen, H. Associations of physical fitness and body composition characteristics with simulated military task performance. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1089-1098, 2018-The purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations of physical fitness and body composition characteristics with anaerobic endurance performance, tested in the combat load using the occupationally relevant military simulation test (MST). Eighty-one male soldiers, deployed to a crisis management operation in the Middle East, volunteered for the study and participated in a test battery consisting measurements of muscle strength, body composition characteristics, endurance ca…

Isometric parameters in the monitoring of maximal strength, power, and hypertrophic resistance-training.

This study monitored strength-training adaptations via isometric parameters throughout 2 × 10 weeks of hypertrophic (HYP I–II) or 10 weeks maximum strength (MS) followed by 10 weeks power (P) training with untrained controls. Trainees performed bilateral isometric leg press tests analyzed for peak force (maximal voluntary contraction (MVC)) and rate of force development (RFD) every 3.5 weeks. These parameters were compared with dynamic performance, voluntary and electrically induced isometric contractions, muscle activity, and cross-sectional area (CSA) in the laboratory before and after 10 and 20 weeks. RFD increased similarly during the first 7 weeks (HYP I, 44% ± 53%; MS, 48% ± 55%, P &l…

Fitness, body composition and blood lipids following 3 concurrent strength and endurance training modes

This study investigated changes in physical fitness, body composition, and blood lipid profile following 24 weeks of 3 volume-equated concurrent strength and endurance training protocols. Physically active, healthy male and female participants (aged 18–40 years) performed strength and endurance sessions on different days (DD; men, n = 21; women, n = 18) or in the same session with endurance preceding strength (ES; men, n = 16; women, n = 15) or vice versa (SE; men, n = 18; women, n = 14). The training volume was matched in all groups. Maximal leg press strength (1-repetition maximum (1RM)) and endurance performance (maximal oxygen consumption during cycling), body composition (dual-energy X…

Aiming strategy affects performance‐related factors in biathlon standing shooting

This study focused on investigating differences in shooting performance and performance-related factors between two different aiming strategies (HOLD, low radial velocity during the approach 0.4-0.2 seconds before triggering, and TIMING, high radial velocity) in biathlon standing shooting. A total of 23 biathletes fired 8 × 5 standing shots at rest (REST) and 2 × 5 shots during a race simulation (RACE). Shooting performance (hit point distance from the center of the target), aiming point trajectory and postural balance were measured from each shot. Shooting performance was similar both at REST (HOLD 33 ± 5 mm vs TIMING 38 ± 8 mm, P = .111) and in RACE (40 ± 11 mm vs 47 ± 12 mm, P = .194). B…

Associations of Physical Fitness and Body Composition Characteristics With Simulated Military Task Performance

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations of physical fitness and body composition characteristics with anaerobic endurance performance, tested in the combat load using the occupationally relevant military simulation test (MST). Eighty-one male soldiers, deployed to a crisis management operation in the Middle East, volunteered for the study and participated in a test battery consisting measurements of muscle strength, body composition characteristics, endurance capacity, and MST. A Spearman correlational analysis revealed that the strongest variable, correlated with MST time, was the countermovement jump performed with the combat load (CMJ2) (rs = 20.66, p , 0.001). Among t…

Cold-water immersion combined with active recovery is equally as effective as active recovery during 10 weeks of high-intensity combined strength and endurance training in men

Summary Study aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of cold-water immersion (CWI) vs. active recovery performed after each individual strength and endurance training session over a 10-week period of high-intensity combined strength and endurance training. Materials and methods: Seventeen healthy men completed 10 weeks of high-intensity combined strength and endurance training. One group (AR, n = 10) completed active recovery that included 15 minutes of running at 30–40% VO2max after every strength training session while the other group (CWI, n = 7) completed 5 minutes of active recovery (at the same intensity as the AR group) followed by 10 minutes of cold-water (12 ± 1°…

Biomechanical analysis of different starting strategies utilized during cross-country skiing starts

The present study was designed to analyse and compare the kinetics and kinematics associated with three different starting strategies during classic cross-country ski racing. Inside a ski tunnel, 12 elite male skiers performed three sets of three 38 m starts. Each set included one start using: double poling only (DP), diagonal stride only (DIA) and freely chosen (FREE) (i.e. where subjects used the strategy or combination of strategies they felt was fastest) in random order. The first 18 m was performed on a series of force plates that measured horizontal and vertical forces followed by 20 m of a standard snow track. Additionally, cycle characteristics and joint angles were measured. DIA an…

Inter-individual variation in response to resistance training in cardiometabolic health indicators.

Resistance training (RT) may improve metabolic health; however, the extent of its effectiveness is constantly evaluated to assess improvements in the group means, thus obscuring the heterogeneous individual effects. This study investigated inter-individual variation in response to RT as reflected in metabolic health indicators and how age, sex, nutrition, and pre-training phenotypes are associated with such variabilities. Methods Previously collected data of men and women (39-73 years, 135 trained, 73 non-trained controls) were pooled for analysis. Measurements were taken twice before training to estimate individual day-to-day variations and measurement errors (n = 208). The individual resp…

Active and passive recovery influence responses of luteinizing hormone and testosterone to a fatiguing strength loading

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute hormonal and muscular responses to a strenuous strength loading [bilateral leg press (LP) 10x10 1RM] followed by loading-specific active (AR, n = 7, LP 10x10x30% 1RM) or passive (PR, n = 11, seated) recovery. The subjects were men age: 26±4 years, height: 174±8 cm, body mass: 75±13 kg. After control measurements, experimental measurements were conducted at pre and post loading as well as post recovery and next morning. A significantly higher absolute concentration (p<0.05) of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) was observed in AR than PR at next morning while no differences were observed in serum testosterone (T), cortisol (C) or sex hormone bin…

Morphological, molecular and hormonal adaptations to early morning versus afternoon resistance training

It has been clearly established that maximal force and power is lower in the morning compared to noon or afternoon hours. This morning neuromuscular deficit can be diminished by regularly training in the morning hours. However, there is limited and contradictory information upon hypertrophic adaptations to time-of-day-specific resistance training. Moreover, no cellular or molecular mechanisms related to muscle hypertrophy adaptation have been studied with this respect. Therefore, the present study examined effects of the time-of-day-specific resistance training on muscle hypertrophy, phosphorylation of selected proteins, hormonal concentrations and neuromuscular performance. Twenty five pre…

Effects of Strength Training and Nutritional Counseling on Metabolic Health Indicators in Aging Women

Purpose: Effects of strength training (ST) and nutritional counseling (NC) on metabolic health indicators were examined in 50 aging women. Methods: Subjects performed ST for 21 weeks. NC was given to obtain sufficient energy and protein intake, and recommended intake of fat and fiber. Results: NC increased intake of protein and polyunsaturated fat by 4.5% and 10.7% and decreased intake of saturated fat by 18.3%. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), total and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio and triacylglycerols (TAG) decreased, and serum HDL-C increased in all subjects after ST. Respectively, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and serum insulin concentrat…

Effects of time-of-day on neuromuscular function in untrained men: Specific responses of high morning performers and high evening performers

It has been clearly established that maximal force varies during the day in human muscles but the exact mechanisms behind the diurnal rhythms are still not fully clarified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the diurnal rhythms in maximal isometric force production in a large group of participants and also by separating the high morning performance types (n = 8) and the high evening performance types (n = 19) from the neutral types (n = 45) based on their actual maximal isometric force levels. Measurements were performed in the morning (7:26 h ± 63 min) and in the evening (17:57 h ± 74 min) for maximal bilateral isometric leg press force (MVCLP) together with myoelectric activi…

Combined aerobic and resistance training decreases inflammation markers in healthy men

Our primary aim was to study the effects of 24 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance training performed on the same day or on different days on inflammation markers. Physically active, healthy young men were randomly divided into three groups that performed: aerobic and resistance training consecutively in the same training session (SS) 2-3 days wk-1 or on alternating days (AD) 4-6 days wk-1 as well as control (C). The total training volume was matched in the training groups. The control group was asked to maintain their habitual physical activity and exercise level. Maximal leg press strength (1RM) and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak ) were measured. Abdominal fat mass was estimated with du…

Neuromuscular, anaerobic, and aerobic performance characteristics of elite power athletes.

Various aspects of neuromuscular, anaerobic, and aerobic performance capacity were investigated in four powerlifters, seven bodybuilders, and three wrestlers with a history of specific training for several years. The data (means +/- SD) showed that the three subject groups possessed similar values for maximal isometric force per unit bodyweight (50.7 +/- 9.6, 49.3 +/- 4.1, and 49.3 +/- 10.9 N/kg, respectively). However, significant (P less than 0.05) differences were observed in the times for isometric force production, so that e.g., times to produce a 30% force level were shorter for the wrestlers and bodybuilders (28.3 +/- 3.1 and 26.4 +/- 6.6 ms) than that (53.3 +/- 23.7 ms) for the powe…

Acute Neuromuscular and Endocrine Responses and Recovery to Single-Session Combined Endurance and Strength Loadings

The purpose of this study was to investigate acute neuromuscular and endocrine responses and recovery to a single session of combined endurance and strength loading using 2 loading orders. Forty-two men were demographically matched to perform a single session of combined endurance + strength (E + S) or strength + endurance (S + E) loading. The strength loading was conducted on a leg press and included sets of power, maximal strength, and hypertrophic loads with an overall duration of 30 minutes. The endurance loading was conducted on a bike ergometer and performed by continuous cycling over 30 minutes at 65% of subject's individual maximal watts. Both loading conditions led to significant a…

Relationship between off-ice testing variables and on-ice speed in women's collegiate synchronized figure skaters: implications for training.

The purpose of the current investigation was to identify any existing relationships between off-ice performance measures and on-ice performance quantified by speed and acceleration. Twenty-seven women (age 19 +/- 1 year; body mass (59.5 +/- 6.8 kg; height 164.6 +/- 6.35 cm; body fat 23.2 +/- 3.9%) who were collegiate synchronized figure skaters volunteered for the investigation. To examine the relationship between off-ice performance and on-ice speed and acceleration, collegiate synchronized skaters were evaluated on various performance tests over a 1-week period. Off-ice tests completed were peak torque for hip abduction and adduction, 40-yard sprint, vertical jump height, 30-second slide …

Maximal strength and power, muscle mass, endurance and serum hormones in weightlifters and road cyclists.

Maximal strength, power, muscle cross-sectional area, maximal and submaximal cycling endurance characteristics and serum hormone concentrations of testosterone, free testosterone and cortisol were examined in three groups of men: weightlifters (n = 11), amateur road cyclists (n = 18) and age-matched controls (n = 12). Weightlifters showed 45-55% higher power values than road cyclists and controls, whereas the differences in maximal strength and muscle mass were only 15% and 20%, respectively. These differences were maintained when average power output was expressed relative to body mass or relative to muscle cross-sectional area. Road cyclists recorded 44% higher maximal workloads, whereas …

Muscle strength and range of movement deficits 1 year after hip resurfacing surgery using posterior approach.

The aim was to evaluate the effect of the posterior surgical approach on hip muscle strength and range of movement (ROM).Maximal isometric external and internal rotator strength of the hip muscles and bilateral leg extension strength were measured by dynamometers. Active (AROM) and passive (PROM) range of motion of the hip were measured by goniometers in 30 patients before and 3, 6 and 12 months after hip resurfacing. Postoperatively the patients were advised to return to their usual physical activities.Prior to the surgery internal rotation strength was on the same level on both sides, whereas external rotation strength of the operated hip was 26% (p0.001) lower compared with the unoperate…

Effects of L-Carnitine L-Tartrate Supplementation on Muscle Oxygenation Responses to Resistance Exercise

Previous research has shown that L-carnitine L-tartrate (LCLT) supplementation beneficially affects markers of hypoxic stress following resistance exercise. However, the mechanism of this response is unclear. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to determine the effects of LCLT supplementation on muscle tissue oxygenation during and after multiple sets of squat exercise. Nine healthy, previously resistance-trained men (25.2 +/- 6.years, 91.2 +/- 10.2 kg, 180.2 +/- 6.3 cm) ingested 2 g.d of LCLT or an identical placebo for 23 days in a randomized, balanced, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled, repeated-measures study design. On day 21, forearm muscle oxygenation was measu…

Heavy resistance exercise training and skeletal muscle androgen receptor expression in younger and older men

Effects of heavy resistance exercise on serum testosterone and skeletal muscle androgen receptor (AR) concentrations were examined before and after a 21-week resistance training period. Seven healthy untrained young adult men (YT) and ten controls (YC) as well as ten older men (OT) and eight controls (OC) volunteered as subjects. Heavy resistance exercise bouts (5 × 10 RM leg presses) were performed before and after the training period. Muscle biopsies were obtained before and 1h and 48 h after the resistance exercise bouts from m.vastus lateralis (VL) to determine cross-sectional area of muscle fibers (fCSA) and AR mRNA expression and protein concentrations. No changes were observed in YC …

Axial neck rotation strength in neutral and prerotated postures.

Abstract Objective. To characterize isometric rotation strength in the neutral and in different prerotated positions of the neck. Design. This was a descriptive study involving maximal isometric strength measurements of the cervical musculature. Background. The literature contains only a few studies pertaining to strength levels of the neck rotator muscles in the neutral position. None of these studies have dealt in detail with maximal neck strength in selected prerotation positions. Method. Twenty healthy men volunteered as subjects. Maximal axial rotation strength of the neck muscles was measured in a neutral position and bilaterally at 30° and 60° rotation using the isometric neck streng…

Effects of Strength Training and Reduced Training on Functional Performance and Metabolic Health Indicators in Middle-Aged Men

Changes in muscular fitness and metabolic health indicators were examined in 22 men (57.9 +/- 6.6 years, BMI 24.5 +/- 2.6 kg/m (2)) and 21 control men (58.2 +/- 6.1 years, BMI 25.4 +/- 2.8 kg/m (2)) during two consecutive 21-week periods: 1) whole body progressive strength training (ST: twice a week), and 2) continued reduced training (CRT: 3 ST sessions/2 weeks, n = 17 + 17). After the 21-week ST period, maximal strength of leg extensors increased in the ST group by 19.6 +/- 7.6 % vs. 2.8 +/- 4.4 % (p < 0.001) and also 10-m walking time and 10-step stair-climbing time shortened by - 17.2 +/- 7.6 % vs. 4.1 +/- 3.9 % (p < 0.01) and by - 8.2 +/- 6.8 % vs. - 3.0 +/- 6.8 % (p < 0.05) compared t…

Muscle cross-sectional area, force production and relaxation characteristics in women at different ages

Thirty women, divided among three different age groups, i.e. 30 years (range 26–35;n = 10), 50 years (range 46–55;n = 10) and 70 years (range 66–75;n = 10) volunteered as subjects for examination of the characteristics of the muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), maximal voluntary isometric force, isometric force-time and relaxation-time of their leg extensor muscles. The CSA of the quadriceps femoris muscle in the youngest age group was slightly larger (NS) than in the middle-aged group and much larger (P<0.41) than in the oldest age group whose CSA was markedly smaller (P<0.01) than the middle-aged group. Maximal force in the youngest group was slightly greater (NS) than in the middle-aged g…

Effects of amino acids supplement on physiological adaptations to resistance training.

KRAEMER, W. J., D. L. HATFIELD, J. S. VOLEK, M. S. FRAGALA, J. L. VINGREN, J. M. ANDERSON, B. A. SPIERING, G. A. THOMAS, J. Y. HO, E. E. QUANN, M. IZQUIERDO, K. HAKKINEN, and C. M. MARESH. Effects of Amino Acids Supplement on Physiological Adaptations to Resistance Training. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 41, No. 5, pp. 1111-1121, 2009. Introduction: Previous research has demonstrated that ingestion of essential amino acids and their metabolites induce anabolic effects with the potential to augment gains in lean body mass and strength after resistance exercise training. Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of an essential amino acid-based formula (Muscle Armor…

Effects of Concurrent Strength and Endurance Training on Physical Fitness and Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women With Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Valkeinen H, Alen M, Hakkinen A, Hannonen P, Kukkonen-Harjula K, Hakkinen K. Effects of concurrent strength and endurance training on physical fitness and symptoms in postmenopausal women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. Objective To examine the effectiveness of concurrent strength and endurance training on muscle strength, aerobic and functional performance, and symptoms in postmenopausal women with fibromyalgia (FM). Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting Local gym and university research laboratory. Participants Twenty-six women with FM. Intervention Progressive and supervised 21-week concurrent strength and endurance training. Main Outcome Measures Muscle …

Influence of exercise training on physiological and performance changes with weight loss in men.

The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological effects of a weight-loss dietary regimen with or without exercise.Thirty-five overweight men were matched and randomly placed into either a control group (C; N = 6) or one of three dietary groups; a diet-only group (D; N = 8), a diet group that performed aerobic exercise three times per week (DE; N = 11); and a diet group that performed both aerobic and strength training three times per week (DES; N = 10).After 12 wk, D, DE, and DES demonstrated a similar and significant (Por = 0.05) reduction in body mass (-9.64, -8.99, and -9.90 kg, respectively) with fat mass comprising 69, 78, and 97% of the total loss in body mass, respectively…

Effects of Strength Training on Muscle Strength Characteristics, Functional Capabilities, and Balance in Middle-Aged and Older Women

Progressive strength training can lead to substantial increases in maximal strength and mass of trained muscles, even in older women and men, but little information is available about the effects of strength training on functional capabilities and balance. Thus, the effects of 21 weeks of heavy resistance training--including lower loads performed with high movement velocities--twice a week on isometric maximal force (ISOmax) and force-time curve (force produced in 500 milliseconds, F0-500) and dynamic 1 repetition maximum (1RM) strength of the leg extensors, 10-m walking time (10WALK) and dynamic balance test (DYN.D) were investigated in 26 middle-aged (MI; 52.8 +/- 2.4 years) and 22 older …

Acute responses of comprehensive gonadosteroids and corticosteroids to resistance exercise before and after 10 weeks of supervised strength training

New Findings: What is the central question of this study? Although acute responses of the principal gonadosteroid and corticosteroid hormones to resistance exercise are well documented, there is no information regarding how the key lower-concentration intermediary hormones respond and potentially influence these hormonal pathways. What is the main finding and its importance? This study provides evidence for cascading conversions of some gonadosteroids, and the data suggest that the testosterone concentration increases independently of these hormones. These findings challenge future studies to determine the exact physiological roles of the lower-concentration gonadosteroids and corticosteroi…

Acute Neuromuscular and Hormonal Responses to Different Exercise Loadings Followed by a Sauna.

Rissanen, JA, Hakkinen, A, Laukkanen, J, Kraemer, WJ, and Hakkinen, K. Acute neuromuscular and hormonal responses to different exercise loadings followed by a sauna. J Strength Cond Res 34(2): 313-322, 2020-The purpose of this study was to investigate acute responses of endurance (E + SA), strength (S + SA), and combined endurance and strength exercise (C + SA) followed by a traditional sauna bath (70° C, 18% relative humidity) on neuromuscular performance and serum hormone concentrations. Twenty-seven recreationally physically active men who were experienced with taking a sauna participated in the study. All the subjects performed a sauna bath only (SA) first as a control measurement follo…

Relationship between heart rate variability and the serum testosterone-to-cortisol ratio during military service

Abstract The autonomic nervous system and circulating hormones control a stress reaction through a complex interaction. We tested the hypothesis that changes in cardiac vagal regulation may be positively associated with the serum testosterone-to-cortisol ratio during the first week of military service in 24 conscripts aged 19.0±0.3 years. Cardiac autonomic function was assessed by measuring high-frequency (HF: 0.15–0.4 Hz) and low-frequency (LF: 0.04–0.15 Hz) power spectral indices of R-R intervals during supine rest and during a controlled standing condition (5 min for both) from the second to the seventh mornings at the beginning of military service. Blood samples were collected to analys…

Microdialysis-Assessed Exercised Muscle Reveals Localized and Differential IGFBP Responses to Unilateral Stretch Shortening Cycle Exercise

Microdialysis allows for a preview into local muscle metabolism and can provide physiological insight that blood measurements cannot. Purpose: To examine the potential differential IGF-I system regulation in interstitial fluid during unilateral stretch shortening cycle exercise. Methods: 10 men (26 ± 7 year) performed unilateral jumping [stretch shortening cycle (SSC) exercise at 50% of optimal jump height] until volitional fatigue on a sled apparatus. Biological sampling took place using a catheter inserted into an antecubital vein (serum), and 100 kDa microdialysis probes inserted into the thigh muscle of each exercise/control leg (dialysate). Serum was drawn before (Pre; −3 h) and after …

Acute hormonal and neuromuscular responses and recovery to forced vs maximum repetitions multiple resistance exercises.

Acute hormonal and neuromuscular responses and recovery three days after the exercises were examined during the maximum repetitions (MR) and forced repetitions (FR) resistance exercise protocols in 16 male athletes. MR included 4 sets of leg presses, 2 sets of squats and 2 sets of knee extensions (with 12 RM) with a 2-min recovery between the sets and 4 min between the exercises. In FR the initial load was chosen to be higher than in MR so that the subject could not lift 12 repetitions per set by himself. After each set to failure the subject was assisted to perform the remaining repetitions to complete the 12 repetitions per set. Thus the exercise intensity was greater in FR than in MR. Bo…

Health-Promoting Effects of Serial vs. Integrated Combined Strength and Aerobic Training

Combined strength and aerobic training programs are widely used for improving markers of physical fitness and health. We compared the efficiency of a serial and an integrated combined training program on health and overall fitness in middle-aged females. 54 females (46.7±4.5yrs) were assigned to a serial (SCG) or an integrated (ICG) combined training group or to a control group (CG). The SCG and ICG performed a 3-month training combining aerobic dance and calisthenics. The 2 training programs differ in the sequence of aerobic and strength exercises. SCG performed the strength exercises prior to aerobic; in ICG, the aerobic and strength exercises were altered in a predetermined order. Body c…

Aging, muscle fiber type, and contractile function in sprint-trained athletes

Biopsy samples were taken from the vastus lateralis of 18- to 84-yr-old male sprinters ( n = 91). Fiber-type distribution, cross-sectional area, and myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform content were identified using ATPase histochemistry and SDS-PAGE. Specific tension and maximum shortening velocity ( Vo) were determined in 144 single skinned fibers from younger (18–33 yr, n = 8) and older (53–77 yr, n = 9) runners. Force-time characteristics of the knee extensors were determined by using isometric contraction. The cross-sectional area of type I fibers was unchanged with age, whereas that of type II fibers was reduced ( P &lt; 0.001). With age there was an increased MHC I ( P &lt; 0.01) and re…

Acute hormone responses to heavy resistance lower and upper extremity exercise in young versus old men

Acute hormone responses of growth hormone (GH), total and free testosterone (TT and FT) and cortisol (C) to heavy resistance isometric exercise were examined in ten young men [YM 26.5 (SD 4.8) years] and ten old men [OM 70.0 (SD 3.7) years]. Loading conditions of the same relative intensity were created for the lower and upper extremity actions separately as well as for both of them together – lower extremity exercise (LE; knee extension), upper extremity exercise (UE; bench press extension), and lower and upper extremity exercise (LUE) performed simultaneously in a seated position. Single voluntary maximal isometric actions lasting for 5 s were performed repeatedly for ten repetitions (wit…

Basal concentrations and acute responses of serum hormones andstrength development during heavy resistance training in middle-aged andelderly men and women

Effects of 6 months of heavy resistance training combined with explosive exercises on both basal concentrations and acute responses of total and free testosterone, growth hormone (GH), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), cortisol and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), as well as voluntary neural activation and maximal strength of knee extensors were examined in 10 middle-aged men (M40; 42 +/- 2 years), 11 middle-aged women (W40; 39 +/- 3 years), 11 elderly men (M70; 72 +/- 3 years), and in 10 elderly women (W70; 67 +/- 3 years). The maximal integrated electromyographic (iEMG) and 1 repetition maximum (RM) knee-extension values remained unaltered in all g…

Short vs. Long Rest Period Between the Sets in Hypertrophic Resistance Training: Influence on Muscle Strength, Size, and Hormonal Adaptations in Trained Men

Acute and long-term hormonal and neuromuscular adaptations to hypertrophic strength training were studied in 13 recreationally strength-trained men. The experimental design comprised a 6-month hypertrophic strength-training period including 2 separate 3-month training periods with the crossover design, a training protocol of short rest (SR, 2 minutes) as compared with long rest (LR, 5 minutes) between the sets. Basal hormonal concentrations of serum total testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT), and cortisol (C), maximal isometric strength of the leg extensors, right leg 1 repetition maximum (1RM), dietary analysis, and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps femoris by magneti…

Neuromuscular adaptation during prolonged strength training, detraining and re-strength-training in middle-aged and elderly people.

Effects of a 24-week strength training performed twice weekly (24 ST) (combined with explosive exercises) followed by either a 3-week detraining (3 DT) and a 21-week re-strength-training (21 RST) (experiment A) or by a 24-week detraining (24 DT) (experiment B) on neural activation of the agonist and antagonist leg extensors, muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps femoris, maximal isometric and one repetition maximum (1-RM) strength and jumping (J) and walking (W) performances were examined. A group of middle-aged (M, 37–44 years, n=12) and elderly (E, 62–77, n=10) and another group of M (35–45, n=7) and E (63–78, n=7) served as subjects. In experiment A, the 1-RM increased subs…

Individual responses to combined endurance and strength training in older adults.

Purpose: A combination of endurance and strength training is generally used to seek further health benefits or enhanced physical performance in older adults compared with either of the training modes alone. The mean change within a training group, however, may conceal a wide range of individual differences in the responses. The purpose, therefore, was to examine the individual trainability of aerobic capacity and maximal strength, when endurance and strength training are performed separately or concurrently. Methods: For this study, 175 previously untrained volunteers, 89 men and 86 women between the ages of 40 and 67 yr, completed a 21-wk period of either strength training (S) twice a week…

Changes in agonist-antagonist EMG, muscle CSA, and force during strength training in middle-aged and older people

Effects of 6 mo of heavy-resistance training combined with explosive exercises on neural activation of the agonist and antagonist leg extensors, muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps femoris, as well as maximal and explosive strength were examined in 10 middle-aged men (M40; 42 ± 2 yr), 11 middle-aged women (W40; 39 ± 3 yr), 11 elderly men (M70; 72 ± 3 yr) and 10 elderly women (W70; 67 ± 3 yr). Maximal and explosive strength remained unaltered during a 1-mo control period with no strength training. After the 6 mo of training, maximal isometric and dynamic leg-extension strength increased by 36 ± 4 and 22 ± 2% ( P &lt; 0.001) in M40, by 36 ± 3 and 21 ± 3% ( P &lt; 0.001) in M7…

Effect of time-of-day-specific strength training on muscular hypertrophy in men.

The purpose of the present study was to examine effects of time-of-day-specific strength training on muscle hypertrophy and maximal strength in men. A training group underwent a 10-week preparatory training (wk 0-wk 10) scheduled between 17:00 and 19:00 hours. Thereafter, the subjects were randomized either to a morning or afternoon training group. They continued with a 10-week time-of-day-specific training (wk 11-wk 20) with training times between 07:00 and 09:00 hours and 17:00 and 19:00 hours in the morning group and afternoon groups, respectively. A control group did not train but was tested at all occasions. Quadriceps femoris (QF) cross-sectional areas (CSA) and volume were obtained b…

Effect of explosive type strength training on isometric force- and relaxation-time, electromyographic and muscle fibre characteristics of leg extensor muscles.

Eleven male subjects (20-32 years) accustomed to strength training went through progressive, high-load strength training for 24 weeks with intensities ranging variably between 70 and 120% during each month. This training was also followed by a 12-week detraining period. An increase of 26.8% (P less than 0.001) in maximal isometric strength took place during the training. The increase in strength correlated (P less than 0.05) with significant (P less than 0.05-0.01) increases in the neural activation (IEMG) of the leg extensor muscles during the most intensive training months. During the lower-intensity training, maximum IEMG decreased (P less than 0.05). Enlargements of muscle-fibre areas, …

Effects of 12-Week Low or Moderate Dietary Acid Intake on Acid–Base Status and Kidney Function at Rest and during Submaximal Cycling

Prolonged effects of dietary acid intake on acid–base status and kidney function have not yet been studied in an intervention study in healthy subjects. Dietary acid load can be estimated by calculating the potential renal acid load (PRAL) of foods. Effects of low-PRAL and moderate-PRAL diets on acid–base status and kidney function were investigated during a 12-week exercise training period. Healthy, 20–50-year-old men (n = 21) and women (n = 25) participated in the study and were randomly divided into low-PRAL and moderate-PRAL groups. Before (PRE), mid-phase (MID) and after the intervention (POST), the subjects participated in measurement sessions, where a 12-h urine sample and fasting bl…

Changes in Physical Performance During 21 d of Military Field Training in Warfighters

Introduction: Few studies have reported the amount of physical activity (PA) and its associations to physical performance of warfighters during military field training (MFT). The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in neuromuscular performance and PA among male Finnish Army conscripts during a 21-d MFT and to evaluate their recovery during 4 d after MFT. Methods: Body composition and physical performance were measured four times during the study (before MFT (PRE), after 12 d (MID), post training (POST) and after 4 d of recovery (RECO)). PA was measured throughout MFT in a group of healthy young male conscripts (n=49) by using a tri-axial accelerometer. The study was approved by…

Sprint mechanics evaluation using inertial sensor-based technology: A laboratory validation study.

Advances in micro-electromechanical systems have turned magnetic inertial measurement units (MIMUs) into a suitable tool for vertical jumping biomechanical evaluation. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether appropriate reliability and agreement reports could also be obtained when analyzing 20-m sprint mechanics. Four bouts of 20-m sprints were evaluated to determine whether the data provided by a MIMU placed at the lumbar spine could reliably assess sprint mechanics and to examine the validity of the MIMU sensor compared to force plate recordings. Maximal power (P0), force (F0), and velocity (V0), as well as other mechanical determinants of sprint performance associated with the force-…

Associations of Maximal Strength and Muscular Endurance with Cardiovascular Risk Factors

The aim was to study the associations of maximal strength and muscular endurance with single and clustered cardiovascular risk factors. Muscular endurance, maximal strength, cardiorespiratory fitness and waist circumference were measured in 686 young men (25±5 years). Cardiovascular risk factors (plasma glucose, serum high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure) were determined. The risk factors were transformed to z-scores and the mean of values formed clustered cardiovascular risk factor. Muscular endurance was inversely associated with triglycerides, s-LDL-cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure (β=-0.09 to - 0.23, p0.05), and positively with s-HDL choles…

Effects of prolonged and maintenance strength training on force production, walking, and balance in aging women and men

To examine effects of 21-week twice/week strength training (ST) period followed by an additional 21-week twice or once/week ST period on force production, walking and balance in aging people. Seventy-two women (58 ± 7 years; W) and 63 (58 ± 6 years) men (M) were randomized for the first 21-week ST period: STW and STM, control (C) CW and CM. Training participants were randomized for the second 21-week ST period: once/week STWx1 and STMx1, twice/week STWx2 and STMx2. LegPress, isometric leg extension rate of force development (RFD), walking time, and balance. First 21-week ST period: leg press, RFD, balance, and walking improved significantly in STW and STM. Second 21-week ST period: leg pres…

Basal Endogenous Steroid Hormones, Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin, Physical Fitness, and Health Risk Factors in Young Adult Men.

Purpose: Few large-scale population-based studies have adequately examined the relationships between steroid hormones, health status and physical fitness. The purpose of the study was to describe the relationship of serum basal endogenous steroid hormones (testosterone, TES; empirical free testosterone, EFT; cortisol, COR) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) to body composition, cardiovascular risk factors, and physical fitness in young healthy men. Methods: Male reservists (25 ± 4 years, N = 846) participated in the study. Basal TES, EFT, COR, and SHBG were measured in morning fasted blood. Stepwise regression analyses were used to examine associations between individual hormones to fo…

Active recovery shows favorable IGF-I and IGF binding protein responses following heavy resistance exercise compared to passive recovery

IGF-I and IGFBPs have important physiological modulatory effects and this study sought to examine the influence of active vs. passive recovery following a heavy resistance exercise on IGF-I and IGF binding protein (IGFBP) recovery responses. It was hypothesized that increased IGF-I and decreased inhibitory IGFBPs during active recovery may be reflective of cascades promoting physiological recovery. 18 untrained men ((AR n = 7, PR n = 11), age: 26 ± 4 years, height: 174 ± 8 cm, body mass: 75 ± 13 kg) performed either a protocol-specific 10 × 10 × 30% 1RM active (AR) or passive recovery (PR) session following a heavy resistance exercise session performed on a leg press device (10 × 10 1RM). M…

Glucocorticoid receptor expression on human B cells in response to acute heavy resistance exercise.

&lt;i&gt;Objective:&lt;/i&gt; To examine glucocorticoid receptor (GCR) expression on B lymphocytes in response to an acute bout of resistance exercise. &lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt; Using a within-subject design, resistance-trained women (n = 7; age: 22.13 ± 3.09 years; height: 1.69 ± 0.084 m; body weight: 65.60 ± 10.01 kg; body mass index: 22.63 ± 2.03 kg/m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;; means ± SD) and men (n = 8; age: 23.28 ± 4.26 years; height: 1.73 ± 0.086 m; body weight: 73.93 ± 12.71 kg; body mass index: 24.51 ± 2.61 kg/m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;; means ± SD) performed an acute resistance exercise protocol (6 sets of 5 repetition maximum heavy squats) and a control test in a balanced, randomi…

Changes in Physical Performance During 21 d of Military Field Training in Warfighters.

Introduction Few studies have reported the amount of physical activity (PA) and its associations to physical performance of warfighters during military field training (MFT). The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in neuromuscular performance and PA among male Finnish Army conscripts during a 21-d MFT and to evaluate their recovery during 4 d after MFT. Methods Body composition and physical performance were measured four times during the study (before MFT (PRE), after 12 d (MID), post training (POST) and after 4 d of recovery (RECO)). PA was measured throughout MFT in a group of healthy young male conscripts (n=49) by using a tri-axial accelerometer. The study was approved by t…

Exercise medicine for cancer cachexia: targeted exercise to counteract mechanisms and treatment side effects.

Abstract Purpose Cancer-induced muscle wasting (i.e., cancer cachexia, CC) is a common and devastating syndrome that results in the death of more than 1 in 5 patients. Although primarily a result of elevated inflammation, there are multiple mechanisms that complement and amplify one another. Research on the use of exercise to manage CC is still limited, while exercise for CC management has been recently discouraged. Moreover, there is a lack of understanding that exercise is not a single medicine, but mode, type, dosage, and timing (exercise prescription) have distinct health outcomes. The purpose of this review was to examine the effects of these modes and subtypes to identify the most opt…

Neuromuscular and hormonal responses in elite athletes to two successive strength training sessions in one day

Acute neuromuscular and endocrine adaptations to weight-lifting were investigated during two successive high intensity training sessions in the same day. Both the morning (I) (from 9.00 to 11.00 hours) and the afternoon (II) (from 15.00 hours to 17.00 hours) training sessions resulted in decreases in maximal isometric strength (p less than 0.01 and less than 0.05), shifts (worsening) in the force-time curve in the absolute scale (p less than 0.05 and ns.) and in decreases in the maximal integrated EMG (p less than 0.01 and less than 0.05) of the selected leg extensor muscles. Increases in serum total (p less than 0.05) and free testosterone (p less than 0.01) and in cortisol (p less than 0.…

Physical Fitness in Postmenopausal Women with Fibromyalgia

The purpose of this study was to compare physical fitness and health-related quality-of-life between twenty-three postmenopausal women with fibromyalgia (age 58 +/- 3 years) and eleven healthy women (58 +/- 5 years). Aerobic fitness and isometric force of different muscle groups were measured. Functional performance was assessed by walking and stair-climbing times. Symptoms were assessed by visual analog scale and quality-of-life by RAND-36 questionnaire. Women with fibromyalgia had significantly lower isometric force in bilateral leg extensors (1285 vs. 1898 N), unilateral knee extensors (414 vs. 502 N) and flexors (197 vs. 235 N) than healthy women, but no differences were observed in for…

Changes in neuromuscular performance and muscle fiber characteristics of elite power athletes self-administering androgenic and anabolic steroids

The influence of androgenic-anabolic steroid-induced changes in measures of body composition, muscle fiber characteristics and various aspects of the neuromuscular performance of the leg extensor muscles was investigated in five experimental and six control power athletes during the 24-week programmed strength training followed by the additional six week training without hormone drugs. The mean values of the dosages of self-administration during the 24-week period were 31.0 +/- 14.3 mg/day for anabolic steroids (methandienone, stanozolol, nandrolone) and 178.4 +/- 82.7 mg/week for testosterone. During the 24-week hormone period the experimental group gained in fat-free weight (p less than 0…

Acute elevations in serum hormones are attenuated after chronic training with traditional isoinertial but not accentuated eccentric loads in strength‐trained men

It has been proposed that the maintenance of acute hormonal responses reveal an efficacy of a training stimulus to evoke ongoing increases in strength and muscle mass. We previously observed that maximum strength continued to improve throughout a 10‐week period in an accentuated eccentric loading group (AEL) but not a traditional isoinertial loading (ISO) group. Therefore, this study investigated whether the magnitude of acute hormonal responses was greater (i.e., maintained) in AEL compared to ISO at the end of the training period. Subjects in AEL (eccentric load = concentric load + 40%) and ISO performed experimental loading tests (three sets of 10 repetitions in the leg press and knee ex…

Neutral Spine Control Exercises in Rehabilitation After Lumbar Spine Fusion

Lumbar spine fusion (LSF) has been reported to change the biomechanics of the spine and therefore the rehabilitation after LSF is important. In this study, the effect of selected neutral spine control exercises on activation of trunk muscles after LSF was evaluated. Muscle activity was measured by surface electromyography of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, longissimus, and multifidus muscles during 6 exercises in 22 LSF patients (mean age = 59 years; age range = 25-84 years; 50% women). Muscle activity concurrent with trunk flexion and extension during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) was used as a reference value. Pain during the effort was assessed with a visual anal…

External rotation strength deficit after hip resurfacing surgery.

The aim was to assess the effect of resurfacing hip arthroplasty on hip muscle function, when, in the posterior approach, the piriformis tendon and outer rotators of the hip joint were divided. The unoperated side was used as a control.Thirty-three consecutive patients (mean age 55 years, 73% males) were operated using the posterior approach. Main outcome measures were isometric muscle strength of external and internal rotators and extensors of the hip and hip pain.Hip external rotation strength (p0.001) and leg extension strength (p0.001) were significantly lower on the operated side compared with the un-operated side prior to the surgery. On the operated side external rotation strength de…

Neuromuscular fatigue during dynamic maximal strength and hypertrophic resistance loadings

The purpose of this study was to compare the acute neuromuscular fatigue during dynamic maximal strength and hypertrophic loadings, known to cause different adaptations underlying strength gain during training. Thirteen healthy, untrained males performed two leg press loadings, one week apart, consisting of 15 sets of 1 repetition maximum (MAX) and 5 sets of 10 repetition maximums (HYP). Concentric load and muscle activity, electromyography (EMG) amplitude and median frequency, was assessed throughout each set. Additionally, maximal bilateral isometric force and muscle activity was assessed pre-, mid-, and up to 30 min post-loading. Concentric load during MAX was decreased after set 10 (P<0…

Hormonal stress responses of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I in highly resistance trained women and men

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the responses of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF I) to intense heavy resistance exercise in highly trained men and women to determine what sex-dependent responses may exist. Subjects were highly resistance trained men (N = 8, Mean ± SD; age, yrs., 21 ± 1, height, cm, 175.3 ± 6.7, body mass, kg, 87.0 ± 18.5, % body fat, 15.2 ± 5.4, squat X body mass, 2.1 ± 0.4; and women (N = 7; Mean ± SD, age, yrs. 24 ± 5, height, cm 164.6 ± 6.7, body mass, kg 76.4 ± 8.8, % body fat, 26.9 ± 5.3, squat X body mass, 1.7 ± 0.6). An acute resistance exercise test protocol (ARET) consisted of 6 sets of 10 repetitions at 80% of the 1 RM w…

Serum hormones in soldiers after basic training: effect of added strength or endurance regimens.

Introduction Military personnel are often exposed to training programs and operational situations that involve multiple stressors such as caloric deficit, sleep deprivation, and prolonged physical effort, which may disturb body homeostasis, as indicated by hormonal responses.Therefore, we investigated the effects of three training regimens on serum basal hormone concentrations before and after the 8-wk basic training (BT) period, and whether possible changes in serum basal concentrations are related to changes in endurance and strength performance. Methods Serum hormone levels were measured in 3 groups of 24 male military conscripts before and after 3 different types of training programs: n…

Acute neuromuscular and metabolic responses to combined strength and endurance loadings: the "order effect" in recreationally endurance trained runners.

The study examined the acute neuromuscular and metabolic responses and recovery (24 and 48 h) to combined strength and endurance sessions (SEs). Recreationally endurance trained men (n = 12) and women (n = 10) performed: endurance running followed immediately by a strength loading (combined endurance and strength session (ES)) and the reverse order (SE). Maximal strength (MVC), countermovement jump height (CMJ), and creatine kinase activity were measured pre-, mid-, post-loading and at 24 and 48 h of recovery. MVC and CMJ were decreased (P0.05) at post-ES and SE sessions in men. Only MVC decreased in ES and SE women (P0.05). During recovery, no order differences in MVC were observed between…

Hormonal Contraceptive Use Does Not Affect Strength, Endurance, or Body Composition Adaptations to Combined Strength and Endurance Training in Women

Myllyaho, MM, Ihalainen, JK, Hackney, AC, Valtonen, M, Nummela, A, Vaara, E, Häkkinen, K, Kyröläinen, H, and Taipale, RS. Hormonal contraceptive use does not affect strength, endurance, or body composition adaptations to combined strength and endurance training in women. J Strength Cond Res 35(2): 449-457, 2021-This study examined the effects of a 10-week period of high-intensity combined strength and endurance training on strength, endurance, body composition, and serum hormone concentrations in physically active women using hormonal contraceptives (HCs, n = 9) compared with those who had never used hormonal contraceptives (NHCs, n = 9). Training consisted of 2 strength training sessions a…

Changes in electromyographic activity, muscle fibre and force production characteristics during heavy resistance/power strength training in middle-aged and older men and women

The effects of a 6-month resistance training (2 day/week) designed to develop both strength and power on neural activation by electromyographic activity (EMG) of the agonist and antagonist knee extensors, muscle fibre proportion and areas of type I, IIa, and IIb of the vastus lateralis (VL) as well as maximal concentric one repetition maximum (1 RM) strength and maximal and explosive isometric strength of the knee extensors were examined. A total of 10 middle-aged men (M40; 42 +/- 2), 11 middle-aged women (W40; 39 +/- 3), 11 elderly men (M70; 72 +/- 3) and 10 elderly women (W70; 67 +/- 3) served as subjects. Maximal and explosive strength values remained unaltered during a 1-month control p…

Adverse Cardiovascular Response to Aerobic Exercise Training

AB Purpose: Aerobic exercise training in sedentary individuals improves physical fitness and various cardiovascular (CV) biomarkers. Nevertheless, there has been controversy as to whether exercise training may adversely affect some biomarkers in a small segment of the population. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether clinically significant worsening of CV biomarkers was more prevalent among individuals randomized to a supervised endurance training program as compared with those randomized to a control condition. Methods: Baseline and end of study measurements of fasting insulin (FI), triglycerides (TG), resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), and HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) were o…

Heart Rate Dynamics after Combined Endurance and Strength Training in Older Men

Purpose: Aging alters cardiac autonomic function, which may contribute to a higher risk of cardiac events. Spectral measures of HR variability (HRV) and fractal-like behavior of HR are considered as markers of a healthy heart. The present study examined the effects of combining endurance and strength training compared with endurance or strength training alone on HR dynamics and physical fitness in older previously untrained men aged 40-67 yr. Methods: Subjects were randomized into endurance training (E, n = 23), strength training (S, n = 25), combined endurance and strength training (ES, n = 29), or control group (C, n = 16). Short-term fractal scaling exponent ([alpha]1) and spectral HRV w…

Effects of resistance training on testosterone metabolism in younger and older men

This study investigated the effects of resistance training (RT) on the metabolism of testosterone (T) in younger (n=5, 28±3yrs.) and older (n=8, 70±2yrs.) men. Experimental heavy resistance exercises (5×10RM leg presses) were performed before and after a 12-month of RT. No age differences were found in the production or metabolic clearance rate of T (determined by stable isotope dilution method), skeletal muscle androgen receptor content or serum LH concentrations due to acute or chronic RT. The T production capacity response to gonadotropin stimulation and the concentrations of the urinary T metabolites (androsterone and etiocholanolone) were lower in the older compared to younger men (p<0…

Mechanical efficiency of locomotion in females during different kinds of muscle action

The mechanical efficiencies (ME) of pure positive and pure negative work as well as of stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) exercise were investigated with a special sledge apparatus. The subjects were 20 young females who performed six different types of submaximal exercise: two of pure concentric exercise (positive work), two of pure eccentric exercise (negative work) and two SSC exercises. The work intensities were determined individually, from the recordings of distance obtained during a single maximal concentric exercise. Each exercise involved 60 muscle actions lasting a total of 3 min per testing condition. The MEs of pure positive work with intensities of 30% and 60% maximum (C30 and C60 …

Effect of resistance training regimens on treadmill running and neuromuscular performance in recreational endurance runners.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of heavy resistance, explosive resistance, and muscle endurance training on neuromuscular, endurance, and high-intensity running performance in recreational endurance runners. Twenty-seven male runners were divided into one of three groups: heavy resistance, explosive resistance or muscle endurance training. After 6 weeks of preparatory training, the groups underwent an 8-week resistance training programme as a supplement to endurance training. Before and after the 8-week training period, maximal strength (one-repetition maximum), electromyographic activity of the leg extensors, countermovement jump height, maximal speed in the maximal ana…

Acute Physiological Responses to Four Running Sessions Performed at Different Intensity Zones

AbstractThis study investigated acute responses and post 24-h recovery to four running sessions performed at different intensity zones by supine heart rate variability, countermovement jump, and a submaximal running test. A total of 24 recreationally endurance-trained male subjects performed 90 min low-intensity (LIT), 30 min moderate-intensity (MOD), 6×3 min high-intensity interval (HIIT) and 10×30 s supramaximal-intensity interval (SMIT) exercises on a treadmill. Heart rate variability decreased acutely after all sessions, and the decrease was greater after MOD compared to LIT and SMIT (p&lt;0.001; p&lt;0.01) and HIIT compared to LIT (p&lt;0.01). Countermovement jump decreased only after …

Effects of Strength Training on Neuromuscular Function and Disease Activity in Patients with Recent-onset Inflammatory Arthritis

Thirty-nine consecutive patients with recent-onset rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis were randomly allotted for six months period either to the experimental progressive dynamic strength training group (EG, 10 women and 11 men; 41 +/- 10 yrs), or to the control group (CG, 10 women and 8 men; 45 +/- 11 yrs) who just maintained their habitual physical activities. All patients received antirheumatic medication throughout the experimental period. During the study period significant improvements took place in the EG in maximal muscle strength of all examined muscle groups (31.5% for the knee extensors, p0.001; 14.8% and 10.7% for the trunk flexors and extensors, p0.01; 27.8% and 20.4% for grip st…

Combined Strength and Endurance Training Improves Health-Related Quality of Life in Healthy Middle-Aged and Older Adults

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 21 weeks of strength and/or endurance training on health related quality of life (HRQoL) in 39-77 year-old healthy subjects. 108 men and 96 women were randomized into endurance, strength, or combined training groups and controls. Strength-group performed high-intensity strength training while endurance-group performed cycle training. Combined-group completed both training protocols. Leg extension strength and maximal oxygen uptake were measured. HRQoL was assessed with a Finnish version of SF-36 questionnaire. A significant training-induced difference was observed between groups (p=0.038) in the vitality dimension of HRQoL, which was …

Acute Hormonal and Force Responses to Combined Strength and Endurance Loadings in Men and Women: The “Order Effect”

Purpose To examine acute responses and recovery of serum hormones and muscle force following combined strength (S) and endurance (E) loading sessions in which the order of exercises is reversed (ES vs. SE). Methods This cross-over study design included recreationally endurance trained men and women (age 21–45 years, n = 12 men n = 10 women) who performed both loadings. Maximal bilateral isometric strength (MVC), isometric rate of force development (RFD) and serum concentrations of testosterone (T), cortisol (C), growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured during and after both loadings. Results B…

Effects of prolonged hypertrophic resistance training on acute endocrine responses in young and older men.

The present study investigated changes in acute serum hormone responses to a resistance exercise bout following a prolonged period of hypertrophic resistance training in young (YM) and older men (OM). Subjects performed a 5 × 10RM leg press exercise protocol before and after 20 weeks of hypertrophic resistance training. In YM, the acute responses in growth hormone were greater compared with before training (p &lt; .05), and cortisol concentration did not increase after training. Endocrine responses in OM were similar before and after training. Greater acute growth hormone responses after training were associated with larger gains in lean mass in the entire subject group (r = .596, p = .019)…

Effect of resistance exercise on muscle steroid receptor protein content in strength-trained men and women

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effect of resistance exercise (RE) on muscle androgen receptor (AR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) protein content. Fifteen resistance-trained men (n=8; 21+/-1 years, 175.3+/-6.7 cm, 90.8+/-11.6 kg) and women (n=7; 24+/-5 years, 164.6+/-6.7 cm, 76.4+/-15.6 kg) completed 6 sets of 10 repetitions of heavy squats. Blood samples were obtained before RE, after 3 and 6 sets of squats, and 5, 15, 30 and 70 min after RE. Muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis were obtained before RE, and 10 min and 70 min after RE. Blood samples were analyzed for total and free testosterone concentrations and muscle samples were analyzed for AR and GR protein …

Effects of fatigue and recovery on electromyographic and isometric force- and relaxation-time characteristics of human skeletal muscle

Effects of fatigue produced by a maintained 60% isometric loading on electromyographic and isometric force-time and relaxation-time characteristics of human skeletal muscle were studied in 21 males accustomed to strength training. Fatigue loading resulted in a slight but not significant change in the maximal integrated EMG of a maximal isometric contraction, and a large decrease (20.4 +/- 6.3%, p less than 0.001) in maximal force. Fatigue loading increased (p less than 0.05-0.01) neural activation of the muscles during rapidly produced submaximal isometric forces, but had a considerable adverse effect (p less than 0.001) on the corresponding force-time characteristics. Correlations between …

Effects of morning versus evening combined strength and endurance training on physical performance, muscle hypertrophy, and serum hormone concentrations

This study investigated the effects of 24 weeks of morning versus evening same-session combined strength (S) and endurance (E) training on physical performance, muscle hypertrophy, and resting serum testosterone and cortisol diurnal concentrations. Forty-two young men were matched and assigned to a morning (m) or evening (e) E + S or S + E group (mE + S, n = 9; mS + E, n = 9; eE + S, n = 12; and eS + E, n = 12). Participants were tested for dynamic leg press 1-repetition maximum (1RM) and time to exhaustion (Texh) during an incremental cycle ergometer test both in the morning and evening, cross-sectional area (CSA) of vastus lateralis and diurnal serum testosterone and cortisol concentrati…

Effects of combined endurance and strength training on muscle strength, power and hypertrophy in 40-67-year-old men

Both strength and endurance training have several positive effects on aging muscle and physical performance of middle-aged and older adults, but their combination may compromise optimal adaptation. This study examined the possible interference of combined strength and endurance training on neuromuscular performance and skeletal muscle hypertrophy in previously untrained 40-67-year-old men. Maximal strength and muscle activation in the upper and lower extremities, maximal concentric power, aerobic capacity and muscle fiber size and distribution in the vastus lateralis muscle were measured before and after a 21-week training period. Ninety-six men [mean age 56 (SD 7) years] completed high-int…

Effects of different strength training frequencies on maximum strength, body composition and functional capacity in healthy older individuals

There is controversy in the literature regarding the dose-response relationship of strength training in healthy older participants. The present study determined training frequency effects on maximum strength, muscle mass and functional capacity over 6 months following an initial 3-month preparatory strength training period. One-hundred and six 64–75 year old volunteers were randomly assigned to one of four groups; performing strength training one (EX1), two (EX2), or three (EX3) times per week and a non-training control (CON) group. Whole-body strength training was performed using 2–5 sets and 4–12 repetitions per exercise and 7–9 exercises per session. Before and after the intervention, ma…

Individualized Endurance Training Based on Recovery and Training Status in Recreational Runners

Purpose Long-term development of endurance performance requires a proper balance between strain and recovery. While responses and adaptations to training are highly individual, this study examined whether individually-adjusted endurance training based on recovery and training status would lead to greater adaptations compared to a predefined program. Methods Recreational runners were divided into predefined (PD, n = 14) or individualized (IND, n = 16) training groups. In IND, the training load was decreased, maintained or increased twice a week based on nocturnal heart rate variability, perceived recovery, and heart rate-running speed index. Both groups performed three-week preparatory, six-…

Increased fascicle length but not patellar tendon stiffness after accentuated eccentric-load strength training in already-trained men

Purpose This study examined whether additional external load during the eccentric phase of lower limb strength training exercises led to greater adaptations in knee extensor strength, muscle architecture, and patellar tendon properties than traditional concentric–eccentric training in already-trained men. Methods Twenty-eight men accustomed to strength training were randomized to undertake 10 weeks of supervised traditional (TRAD) or accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) or continue their habitual unsupervised (CON) strength training. TRAD and AEL trained 2∙week−1 with a six-repetition maximum (RM) session and a ten-RM session. TRAD used the same external load in both concentric and eccentric…

Fitness, body composition and blood lipids following three concurrent strength and endurance training modes

This study investigated changes in physical fitness, body composition, and blood lipid profile following 24 weeks of 3 volume-equated concurrent strength and endurance training protocols. Physically active, healthy male and female participants (aged 18–40 years) performed strength and endurance sessions on different days (DD; men, n = 21; women, n = 18) or in the same session with endurance preceding strength (ES; men, n = 16; women, n = 15) or vice versa (SE; men, n = 18; women, n = 14). The training volume was matched in all groups. Maximal leg press strength (1-repetition maximum (1RM)) and endurance performance (maximal oxygen consumption during cycling), body composition (dual-energy X…

Acute hormonal responses to submaximal and maximal heavy resistance and explosive exercises in men and women.

The purpose of this study was to examine acute hormonal and neuromuscular responses in men and women to 3 heavy resistance but clearly different exercise protocols: (a) submaximal heavy resistance exercise (SME), (b) maximal heavy resistance exercise (HRE), and (c) maximal explosive resistance exercise (EE). HRE included 5 sets of 10 repetition maximum (10RM) situps, bench press, and bilateral leg extensions (David 210 machine) with a 2-minute recovery between the sets. In SME, the load was 70%, and in EE, the load was 40% from that used in HRE. A significant increase (p , 0.05) in serum growth hormone (GH) was observed after HRE both in men and women, but the increase was greater (p < 0.05…

Biomechanical Comparison Between Sprint Start, Sled Pulling, and Selected Squat-Type Exercises

The purpose of this study was to compare kinetics, kinematics, and muscle activity among sprint start, sled pulling, and selected squat-type exercises (countermovement jumps [CMJs] and 1/2-squats with various loads) and also to examine how these exercises correlate with the performance time of the block start (10 m). Nine male athletes (4 sprinters, 3 decathlonists, 1 long jumper, and 1 triple jumper: age = 24.9 ± 3.9 years; 100-m record = 11.35 ± 0.29 seconds; track and field training years = 11.8 ± 3.1 years) volunteered as subjects. The comparisons were made with regard to the block phase (the phase of force production toward starting blocks) of the block start. In nearly all exercises, …

The Effects of Intensive Weight Reduction on Body Composition and Serum Hormones in Female Fitness Competitors.

Worries about the potential negative consequences of popular fat loss regimens for aesthetic purposes in normal weight females have been surfacing in the media. However, longitudinal studies investigating these kinds of diets are lacking. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of a 4-month fat-loss diet in normal weight females competing in fitness-sport. In total 50 participants finished the study with 27 females (27.2 +/- 4.1 years) dieting for a competition and 23 (27.7 +/- 3.7 years) acting as weight-stable controls. The energy deficit of the diet group was achieved by reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing aerobic exercise while maintaining a high level of…

Neuromuscular fatigue and recovery in maximal compared to explosive strength loading.

The purpose of this study was to examine acute neuromuscular fatigue and its recovery in men (n = 8) and women (n = 8). Two strenuous, but clearly different exercises were compared: maximal (MSL) versus explosive strength loading (ESL). The MSL included five sets of ten repetition maximum bilateral leg extensions. The same task and the same number of sets was performed in ESL but with 40% from the load used in MSL and performed as explosively as possible. Isometric force-time curves were measured during maximal voluntary bilateral isometric action of the leg extensors before the fatigue loading and after each set. The measurements were repeated after resting for 1 h, 2 h, 1 day and two days…

Hormonal adaptations and modelled responses in elite weightlifters during 6 weeks of training.

The concentrations of serum testosterone, sex-hormone-binding-globulin (SHBG) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were examined throughout 1-year of training in six elite weightlifters. A systems model, providing an estimation of fatigue and fitness, was applied to records of training volume and performance levels in clean and jerk. The analysis focused on a 6-week training period during which blood samples were taken at 2-week intervals. A 4-week period of intensive training (period I) could be distinguished from the following 2-week period of reduced training (period II). During period I, decreases in serum testosterone (P less than 0.05) and increases in serum LH concentrations (P less than 0.0…

Physiological, Perceptual, and Performance Responses to the 2-Week Block of High- versus Low-Intensity Endurance Training

Purpose This study examined the physiological, perceptual, and performance responses to a 2-week block of increased training load and compared whether responses differ between high-intensity interval (HIIT) and low-intensity (LIT) endurance training. Methods Thirty recreationally trained males and females performed a two-week block of 10 HIIT-sessions (INT, n = 15) or 70 % increased volume of LIT (VOL, n = 15). Running time in the 3000 m and basal serum and urine hormone concentrations were measured before (T1) and after the block (T2), and after a recovery week (T3). In addition, weekly averages of nocturnal heart rate variability (HRV) and perceived recovery were compared to the baseline.…

Heart rate variability in prediction of individual adaptation to endurance training in recreational endurance runners

The aim of this study was to investigate whether nocturnal heart rate variability (HRV) can be used to predict changes in endurance performance during 28 weeks of endurance training. The training was divided into 14 weeks of basic training (BTP) and 14 weeks of intensive training periods (ITP). Endurance performance characteristics, nocturnal HRV, and serum hormone concentrations were measured before and after both training periods in 28 recreational endurance runners. During the study peak treadmill running speed (Vpeak) improved by 7.5 � 4.5%. No changes were observed in HRV indices after BTP, but after ITP, these indices increased significantly (HFP: 1.9%, P 5 0.026; TP: 1.7%, P 5 0.007)…

Effect of time-of-day-specific strength training on maximum strength and EMG activity of the leg extensors in men.

In this study, we examined the effects of time-of-day-specific strength training on maximum strength and electromyography (EMG) of the knee extensors in men. After a 10-week preparatory training period (training times 17:00-19:00 h), 27 participants were randomized into a morning (07:00-09:00 h, n = 14) and an evening group (17:00-19.00 h, n = 13). Both groups then underwent 10 weeks of time-of-day-specific training. A matched control group (n = 7) completed all testing but did not train. Unilateral isometric knee extension peak torque (MVC) and one-repetition maximum half-squat were assessed before and after the preparatory training and after the time-of-day-specific training at times that…

Molecular Pathways Mediating Immunosuppression in Response to Prolonged Intensive Physical Training, Low-Energy Availability, and Intensive Weight Loss

Exercise and exercise-induced weight loss have a beneficial effect on overall health, including positive effects on molecular pathways associated with immune function, especially in overweight individuals. The main aim of our study was to assess how energy deprivation (i.e., "semi-starvation") leading to substantial fat mass loss affects the immune system and immunosuppression in previously normal weight individuals. Thus, to address this hypothesis, we applied a high-throughput systems biology approach to better characterize potential key pathways associated with immune system modulation during intensive weight loss and subsequent weight regain. We examined 42 healthy female physique athle…

The effects of whey protein with or without carbohydrates on resistance training adaptations.

Background Nutrition intake in the context of a resistance training (RT) bout may affect body composition and muscle strength. However, the individual and combined effects of whey protein and carbohydrates on long-term resistance training adaptations are poorly understood. Methods A four-week preparatory RT period was conducted in previously untrained males to standardize the training background of the subjects. Thereafter, the subjects were randomized into three groups: 30 g of whey proteins (n = 22), isocaloric carbohydrates (maltodextrin, n = 21), or protein + carbohydrates (n = 25). Within these groups, the subjects were further randomized into two whole-body 12-week RT regimens aiming …

Effects of Combined Strength and Endurance Training on Treadmill Load Carrying Walking Performance in Aging Men

Holviala, J, Hakkinen, A, Karavirta, L, Nyman, K, Izquierdo, M, Gorostiaga, EM, Avela, J, Korhonen, J, Knuutila, V-P, Kraemer, WJ, and Hakkinen, K. Effects of combined strength and endurance training on treadmill load carrying walking performance in aging men. J Strength Cond Res 24(6): 1584-1595, 2010—The present study examined the effects of twice weekly total body strength training (ST), endurance cycling (ET), and combined ST and ET (2 + 2 times a week) (SET) training on the load carrying walking test performance on the treadmill (TM) and changes in neuromuscular and endurance performance during a 21-week training period in aging men. Forty healthy men (54.8 6 8.0 years) were divided in…

Effects of age and soccer expertise on general tests of perceptual and motor performance among adolescent soccer players.

This study of perceptual and motor skills in soccer players was conducted on adolescent males. The goals were to monitor the development of general perceptual motor skills in nonsoccer-playing and soccer-playing groups ( n = 245), to examine the relationship between physical maturity and general perceptual motor skills ( n = 41), and to compare the differences in general perceptual motor skills between groups with different soccer expertise ( n = 142). The measured variables were simple reaction time, peripheral awareness, eye–hand–foot coordination, and testosterone blood level. The results suggested that general perceptual motor skills improved with age, the development of these skills w…

Neuromuscular Adaptations to Same-Session Combined Endurance and Strength Training in Recreational Endurance Runners

This study examined neuromuscular adaptations in recreational endurance runners during 24 weeks of same-session combined endurance and strength training (E+S, n=13) vs. endurance training only (E, n=14). Endurance training was similar in the 2 groups (4-6x/week). Additional maximal and explosive strength training was performed in E+S always after incremental endurance running sessions (35-45 min, 65-85% HRmax). Maximal dynamic leg press strength remained statistically unaltered in E+S but decreased in E at week 24 (-5±5%, p=0.014, btw-groups at week 12 and 24, p=0.014 and 0.011). Isometric leg press and unilateral knee extension force, EMG of knee extensors and voluntary activation remained…

Training-induced changes in daily energy expenditure: Methodological evaluation using wrist-worn accelerometer, heart rate monitor, and doubly labeled water technique

IntroductionWrist-mounted motion sensors can quantify the volume and intensity of physical activities, but little is known about their long-term validity. Our aim was to validate a wrist motion sensor in estimating daily energy expenditure, including any change induced by long-term participation in endurance and strength training. Supplemental heart rate monitoring during weekly exercise was also investigated.MethodsA 13-day doubly labeled water (DLW) measurement of total energy expenditure (TEE) was performed twice in healthy male subjects: during two last weeks of a 12-week Control period (n = 15) and during two last weeks of a 12-week combined strength and aerobic Training period (n = 13…

Acute Neuromuscular and Hormonal Responses to Power, Strength, and Hypertrophic Protocols and Training Background

This study investigated how two slightly different athlete groups would differ in acute neuromuscular and endocrine responses to specific resistance exercise loadings and recovery compared to untrained participants. Power athletes (PA, n = 8), strength athletes (SA, n = 8) and non-athletes (NA, n = 7) performed power (PL, 7 × 6 × 50% of 1RM), maximal strength (MSL, 7 × 3 × 3RM), and hypertrophic (HL, 5 × 10 × 10RM) loadings in Smith-machine back-squat. Neuromuscular performance, serum testosterone, growth hormone, and cortisol concentrations, and blood lactate (BL) were measured before (Pre), at Mid and after (Post) loading, and after recovery for 24 and 48 h. All loadings led to acute decr…

Effects of Sparring Load on Reaction Speed and Punch Force During the Precompetition and Competition Periods in Boxing.

Seven, male, national-level boxers (age, 20.3 ± 2.7 years; height, 1.80 ± 0.06 m; mass, 73.8 ± 11.1 kg) participated in this study to investigate the effects of sparring on reaction time and punch force of straight punches measured during the precompetition and competition periods. Heart rate and blood lactate concentrations were also monitored. Sparring load was chosen in accordance with the current rules: 3 × 3-minute bouts with 1-minute break in between. Reaction time of rear straight lengthened (p < 0.01) during the sparring load of the precompetition period after the third round (to 390 milliseconds) in comparison to the competition period (to 310 milliseconds). Reaction time of lead s…

Validity of Using Velocity to Estimate Intensity in Resistance Exercises in Men and Women

AbstractThis study aimed to examine the validity of using bar velocity to estimate relative load in squat and bench-press exercises for both young men and women. Twenty-five men and 25 women performed a progressive loading test up to 1-RM in the squat and bench-press exercises, which were repeated after 2-weeks. Relationships between mean propulsive velocity and%1-RM were analysed. A second-order polynomial equation for predicting the corresponding velocity of each percentage of 1-RM was developed for men (validation). This equation was then applied in women (cross-validation). Moreover, a specific equation for women was developed (validation) and was also applied in a sub-sample of women (…

The order effect of combined endurance and strength loadings on force and hormone responses: effects of prolonged training

Purpose To examine acute responses and recovery of force and serum hormones to combined endurance and strength loadings utilizing different orders of exercises before and after training. Methods Physically active men were matched to an order sequence of endurance followed by strength (E + S, n = 12) or strength followed by endurance (S + E, n = 17). The subjects performed one experimental loading consisting of steady-state cycling and a leg press protocol before and after 24 weeks of order-specific combined training. Results No between-group difference in acute reductions of force was observed at week 0 (E + S −23 %, p < 0.001; S + E −22 %, p < 0.01) and 24 (E + S −25 %, p < 0.001; S + E −2…

Trunk Muscle Strength After Lumbar Spine Fusion: A 12-Month Follow-up.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in trunk muscle strength 12 months after lumbar spine fusion (LSF) compared to preoperative strength. Methods: A total of 194 patients (mean ± standard deviation [SD] age, 61 ± 21 years) who underwent LSF participated in this prospective longitudinal study. Physical measurements of the participants were made before surgery and 12 months postoperatively. Isometric trunk extension and flexion strength was measured using a strain-gauge dynamometer in the standing position. Strength changes were calculated. Regression analysis was performed to explore which factors predicted strength levels at 12 months postoperatively. Results: The pr…

Neuromuscular adaptations and serum hormones in females during prolonged power training.

Training-induced adaptations in the neuromuscular and endocrine systems were investigated in seven females during prolonged power type strength training. Great (p less than 0.05) changes occurred primarily during the earlier weeks of the 16-week training especially in the time of force production (from 161 +/- 107 to 93 +/- 65 ms to produce a 500 N force) and, correspondingly, in the average forces in the earlier positions of the (absolute) force-time curve of the leg extensor muscles. These changes were accompanied by significant (p less than 0.05) increases in the neural activation of the trained muscles in the earliest positions of the IEMG-time curve. Hypertrophic changes, as judged fro…

Strength training induced adaptations in neuromuscular function of premenopausal women with fibromyalgia: comparison with healthy women.

Objective—To investigate the eVects of 21 weeks’ progressive strength training on neuromuscular function and subjectively perceived symptoms in premenopausal women with fibromyalgia (FM). Methods—Twenty one women with FM were randomly assigned to experimental (FMT) or control (FMC) groups. Twelve healthy women served as training controls (HT). The FMT and HT groups carried out progressive strength training twice a week for 21 weeks. The major outcome measures were muscle strength and electromyographic (EMG) recordings. Secondary outcome measures were pain, sleep, fatigue, physical function capacity (Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire), and mood (short version of Beck’s depression inde…

Molecular signaling in muscle is affected by the specificity of resistance exercise protocol

Mammalian target of rapamycin and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways have been highlighted as important for muscle adaptations and thus, they may distinguish adaptations to different exercises. Typically, resistance exercise designed for muscle hypertrophy has moderate intensity (60-80% of one repetition maximum, 1 RM) while one prioritizing maximal strength with minor hypertrophy has a higher intensity (≥90% of 1 RM). Eight untrained men (28.4 ± 3.7 years) conducted two different bilateral leg press exercise protocols: hypertrophic (5 × 10 RM) and pure maximal strength (15 × 1 RM) in a counterbalanced, cross-over design with 1 week between exercises. Vastus laterali…

NEUROMUSCULAR PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF OPEN-WHEEL AND RALLY DRIVERS

The purpose of the present study was to investigate neuromuscular performance characteristics in open-wheel and rally drivers using the cross-sectional study design. The subjects (N = 28) consisted of experienced international-level open-wheel drivers (n = 9), experienced international-level rally drivers (n = 9) and a physically active nondriving male control group (n = 10). In 3 separate test sessions, speed, muscle strength, and endurance tests were performed. The rally drivers had higher (p < 0.05) grip, shoulder flexion, and ankle plantar flexion strength, as compared to the control group. The open-wheel drivers showed higher strengths (p < 0.05) than the controls in neck forces, grip,…

Aerobic Fitness Does Not Modify the Effect of FTO Variation on Body Composition Traits

Purpose Poor physical fitness and obesity are risk factors for all cause morbidity and mortality. We aimed to clarify whether common genetic variants of key energy intake determinants in leptin (LEP), leptin receptor (LEPR), and fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) are associated with aerobic and neuromuscular performance, and whether aerobic fitness can alter the effect of these genotypes on body composition. Methods 846 healthy Finnish males of Caucasian origin were genotyped for FTO (rs8050136), LEP (rs7799039) and LEPR (rs8179183 and rs1137101) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and studied for associations with maximal oxygen consumption, body fat percent, serum leptin levels, wa…

Effect of alkalosis on plasma epinephrine responses to high intensity cycle exercise in humans

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of alkalosis on epinephrine concentrations in response to a 90 s maximal exercise test. A group of ten healthy men ingested either a bicarbonate (BS) supplement (0.3 g x kg(-1) of body mass of sodium bicarbonate) or placebo mixture (P) prior to performing a 90 s maximal cycle ergometer test. An indwelling Teflon cannula was placed in the antecubital vein and blood samples were drawn at three times at rest separated by 10 min, immediately following the protocol, and at 2.5, 5, and 10 min post exercise to determine plasma epinephrine concentrations. Sodium bicarbonate ingestion significantly ( P0.05) induced alkalosis both at rest [mean (…

Epinephrine Preworkout Elevation May Offset Early Morning Melatonin Concentrations to Maintain Maximal Muscular Force and Power in Track Athletes

The optimal time of day for training has become an important question for many strength and conditioning specialists, and this study was designed to add some insights into this complex question. The primary purpose of this investigation was to examine physical performance within the temporal context of the relationship between physical performance, epinephrine, and melatonin concentrations in the early morning (0530 hours) and late (1500 hours) afternoon in elite collegiate male track and field athletes (jumpers and sprinters). Subjects had a mean (±SD) age, height, and body mass of 20.4 (±1.6) years, 185.8 (±9.4) cm, and 77.9 (±8.5) kg, respectively. Blood was obtained before each AM and P…

Cardiorespiratory and Muscular Fitness are Associated with Cardiovascular Risk Related to Obesity in Young Men

Responses of serum androgenic-anabolic and catabolic hormones to prolonged strength training.

Endocrine and neuromuscular effects of prolonged strength training were investigated in 21 strength-trained male subjects during the course of a 24-week progressive strength training and during a subsequent detraining period of 12 weeks. Maximal isometric leg extensor force increased by 19% (P less than 0.001) during the first 20 weeks, followed by a plateau during the 4 latest weeks of training. During the course of the training period, no systematic change was found in serum testosterone concentrations, but there was a decreasing tendency in the concentrations of free testosterone (NS), 17-OH-progesterone (NS), androstenedione (P less than 0.05), dehydroepiandrosterone (P less than 0.05),…

l-Carnitine l-tartrate supplementation favorably affects biochemical markers of recovery from physical exertion in middle-aged men and women.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Carnipure tartrate (Lonza, Allendale, NJ) supplementation (total dose of 2 g/d of l-carnitine) on markers of performance and recovery from physical exertion in middle-aged men and women. Normally active and healthy men (n = 9, 45.4 +/- 5.3 years old) and women (n = 9, 51.9 +/- 5.0 years old) volunteered to participate in the investigation. Double-blind, placebo, balanced treatment presentation and crossover design were used with 3 weeks and 3 days of supplementation followed by a 1-week washout period before the other counterbalanced treatment was initiated. After 3 weeks of each supplementation protocol, each participant then performe…

Effects of strength training on muscle power and serum hormones in middle-aged and older men.

Effects of 16-wk strength training on maximal strength and power performance of the arm and leg muscles and serum concentrations [testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT), and cortisol] were examined in 11 middle-aged (M46; 46 ± 2 yr) and 11 older men (M64; 64 ± 2 yr). During the 16-wk training, the relative increases in maximal strength and muscle power output of the arm and leg muscles were significant in both groups ( P &lt; 0.05–0.001), with no significant differences between the two groups. The absolute increases were higher ( P &lt; 0.01–0.05) in M46 than in M64 mainly during the last 8 wk of training. No significant changes were observed for serum T and FT concentrations. Analysis o…

The effects of short-term resistance training on endocrine function in men and women.

This investigation examined hormonal adaptations to acute resistance exercise and determined whether training adaptations are observed within an 8-week period in untrained men and women. The protocol consisted of a 1-week pre-conditioning orientation phase followed by 8 weeks of heavy resistance training. Three lower-limb exercises for the quadriceps femoris muscle group (squat, leg press, knee extension) were performed twice a week (Monday and Friday) with every other Wednesday used for maximal dynamic 1 RM strength testing. Blood samples were obtained pre-exercise (Pre-Ex), immediately post-exercise (IP), and 5 min post-exercise (5-P) during the first week of training (T-1), after 6 weeks…

Acute Hemodynamic Responses to Combined Exercise and Sauna.

AbstractThis study investigated acute hemodynamic, plasma volume and immunological responses to four loading protocols: sauna only, and sauna after endurance, strength or combined endurance and strength exercise. Twenty-seven healthy, slightly prehypertensive men (age 32.7±6.9 years) were measured at PRE, MID (after exercise), POST, POST30min and POST24h. The measurements consisted systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and concentrations of high-sensitive C-reactive protein, white blood cells and plasma volume measurements. Endurance+sauna showed significant decreases in systolic blood pressure at POST (–8.9 mmHg), POST30min (–11.0 mmHg) and POST24h (–4.6 mmHg)…

Acute neuromuscular and endocrine responses and recovery to single session combined endurance and strength loadings: ‘Order effect’ in untrained young men.

The purpose of this study was to investigate acute neuromuscular and endocrine responses and recovery to a single session of combined endurance and strength loading using two loading orders. Forty-two men were demographically matched to perform a single session of combined endurance+strength (E+S) or strength+endurance (S+E) loading. The strength loading was conducted on a leg press and included sets of power, maximal strength and hypertrophic loads with an overall duration of 30 minutes. The endurance loading was conducted on a bike ergometer and performed by continuous cycling over 30min at 65% of subject’s individual maximal Watts. Both loading conditions led to significant acute reducti…

Inter‐individual variation in responses to resistance training in cardiometabolic health indicators

Abstract Resistance training (RT) may improve metabolic health; however, the extent of its effectiveness is constantly evaluated to assess improvements in the group means, thus obscuring the heterogeneous individual effects. This study investigated inter‐individual variation in responses to RT as reflected in metabolic health indicators and how age, sex, nutrition and pre‐training phenotypes are associated with such variabilities. Methods Previously collected data of men and women (39‐73 years, 135 trained, 73 non‐trained controls) were pooled for analysis. Measurements were taken twice before training to estimate individual day‐to‐day variations and measurement errors (n=208). The individu…

Effects of endurance training only versus same-session combined endurance and strength training on physical performance and serum hormone concentrations in recreational endurance runners.

This study investigated the effects of endurance training only (E, n = 14) and same-session combined training, when strength training is repeatedly preceded by endurance loading (endurance and strength training (E+S), n = 13) on endurance (1000-m running time during incremental field test) and strength performance (1-repetition maximum (1RM) in dynamic leg press), basal serum hormone concentrations, and endurance loading-induced force and hormone responses in recreationally endurance-trained men. E was identical in the 2 groups and consisted of steady-state and interval running, 4–6 times per week for 24 weeks. E+S performed additional mixed-maximal and explosive-strength training (2 times…

Neuromuscular function and balance of prepubertal and pubertal blind and sighted boys

Aim: To compare the neuromuscular function and balance of blind prepuberty- and puberty-aged boys to those with normal sight. Methods: Thirty-three prepubertal (aged 9–13 y) and pubertal (aged 15–18 y) blind and sighted boys were tested for muscle mass thickness, electromyography and maximal isometric strength, dynamic explosive actions, and balance. Results: There was no difference in the muscle mass thickness, maximal strength or vertical jump between the blind and sighted boys. However, fitness-ball throwing and five-jump distances were significantly shorter in both blind groups compared to the sighted groups. One-leg stance of the prepuberty-aged sighted boys was 109 (67) s and in blind…

Training-Induced Acute Neuromuscular Responses to Military Specific Test during a Six-Month Military Operation

Limited data are available regarding strength and endurance training adaptations to occupational physical performance during deployment. This study assessed acute training-induced changes in neuromuscular (electromyography

Evaluation of occupational physical load during 6-month international crisis management operation

Objectives Generally, operational military duties are associated with a variety of stressors, such as prolonged physical activity (PA). However, limited information is available on the occupational workload or changes in PA during international military operations. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the changes in body composition, stress biomarkers, PA, and heart rate (HR) responses of 79 male soldiers during a 6-month international crisis management operation. Material and Methods Measurements were conducted 3 times in South-Lebanon during the operation. Body composition was assessed by the bioelectrical impedance method. Blood samples were analyzed for serum testosterone, sex-…

Moderate-Load Muscular Endurance Strength Training Did Not Improve Peak Power or Functional Capacity in Older Men and Women

The present study determined the effects of muscular endurance strength training on maximum strength and power, functional capacity, muscle activation and hypertrophy in older men and women. Eighty-one men and women acted as an intervention group while 22 acted as non-training controls (age range 64–75 y). Intervention training included super-sets (i.e., paired exercises, immediately performing the second exercises following completion of the first) with short rest intervals (30–60 s between sets) at an intensity of 50–60% one-repetition maximum (1-RM) for 15–20 repetitions. Concentric leg press actions measured maximum strength (1-RM) and concentric peak power. Functional capacity was asse…

Different hormonal response to continuous and intermittent exercise in middle-distance and marathon runners

In order to study the effects of different athletic backgrounds on exercise-induced hormonal responses, serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and cortisol concentrations were measured before and after intensive continuous and intermittent running in well-trained middle-distance runners (MID) and marathon runners (MAR). They performed two 40-min exercises on a treadmill: a continuous run at an intensity of 80% [tempo run (TR)] and an intermittent run (IR) at an intensity of 100% of the velocity associated with VO(2max). The testosterone response to IR and the cortisol response to TR was higher (P<0.05) in MID compared with MAR. The testosterone response to IR …

Heart rate-running speed index may be an efficient method of monitoring endurance training adaptation.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a novel heart rate (HR)-running speed index could be used in monitoring adaptation to endurance training. Forty-five recreational runners underwent a 2-phased 28-week training regime. The first 14 weeks included basic endurance training, whereas the second 14 weeks were more intensive (increased volume and intensity). A maximal treadmill running test was performed in the beginning of the experiment, in the middle of basic endurance training, and at the end of each training period (PRE, WEEK 7, WEEK 14, and POST). The novel HR-running speed index was calculated from every continuous-type running exercise during the 28-week experiment based on …

Effect of Prolonged Military Field Training on Neuromuscular and Hormonal Responses and Shooting Performance in Warfighters

Introduction: Previous studies have shown that military field training (MFT) has effects on warfighters’ hormonal responses, neuromuscular performance, and shooting accuracy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in body composition, upper and lower body strength, serum hormone concentrations of testosterone (TES) and cortisol (COR), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and shooting accuracy during prolonged MFT. Methods: Serum hormone concentrations, isometric strength of the upper and lower extremities, and shooting performance were measured four times during the study: before MFT (PRE), after 12 d (MID), at the end of MFT (PO…

Neuromuscular fatigue and recovery in male and female athletes during heavy resistance exercise.

To examine neuromuscular fatigue and recovery ten male and nine female athletes performed a strenuous heavy resistance exercise protocol. The subjects strained their leg extensor muscles with the same maximal relative intensity by performing one maximal squat-lift with a load of 100% of 1 RM (one repetition maximum) 20 times (20 x 1 x 100%). Maximal voluntary neural activation (integrated EMG), maximal bilateral isometric force, force-time and relaxation-time curves of the leg extensor muscles were measured before and immediately after the exercise session as well as after resting for 1 hour, 2 hours, 1 day and 2 days. The session resulted in considerable gradual decreases in maximal force …

Addition of strength training to off-road cyclists training : A pilot study

This study investigated the effects of adding a traditional strength training approach (endurance-strength = ES) during the pre-season versus a non-traditional approach where strength training is further maintained throughout the season (maximal-strength = MS), on aerobic and anaerobic parameters of off-road cyclists. Eleven off-road cyclists were divided into two groups. The ES group (n=6) performed during the first 8 weeks endurance-strength training, while the MS group (n=5) performed maximal-strength training, both together with their usual endurance training. During the following 8 weeks, only MS group maintained 1 session of strength training per week. 1RM, VO2max, Maximal aerobic pow…

Body Composition and Fitness during Strength and/or Endurance Training in Older Men

PURPOSE: This study examined adaptations in body composition and physical fitness during a 21-wk strength and/or endurance training period in 40- to 65-yr-old men. We also compared the usefulness of different methods for the analysis of body composition to detect training-induced adaptations. METHODS: Fifty-three men were randomized into the endurance training (E: N = 14), strength training (S: N = 13), combined strength and endurance training (SE: N = 15), or control (C: N = 11) groups. S and E trained 2 and SE 2 x 2 times a week for strength and endurance. RESULTS: Percentage of fat (fat%) decreased (5-8%) similarly in all training groups. Fat% measured by DXA at baseline and its change c…

Acute neuromuscular and hormonal responses during contrast loading: Effect of 11 weeks of contrast training

The purpose of this study was to assess (1) acute neuromuscular and endocrine responses during a contrast loading protocol and (2) how these acute responses are possibly influenced by 11 weeks of contrast training. Contrast loading tests consisting of 4 sets of 80% 1 RM back squat and 4 sets of squat jump (SJ) were performed before and after training. Bilateral isometric leg extension (LE) assessed the impact of loading on isometric variables pre-, mid-, and post-loading. Potentiated SJ performance was observed in set 2 (4.6%, P<0.05), before training only. Greater indications of fatigue were observed in SJ, isometric force, and vastus lateralis (VL) activation after training (P<0.05). Trai…

Muscle Activity and Inactivity Periods during Normal Daily Life

Recent findings suggest that not only the lack of physical activity, but also prolonged times of sedentary behaviour where major locomotor muscles are inactive, significantly increase the risk of chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to provide details of quadriceps and hamstring muscle inactivity and activity during normal daily life of ordinary people. Eighty-four volunteers (44 females, 40 males, 44.1±17.3 years, 172.3±6.1 cm, 70.1±10.2 kg) were measured during normal daily life using shorts measuring muscle electromyographic (EMG) activity (recording time 11.3±2.0 hours). EMG was normalized to isometric MVC (EMGMVC) during knee flexion and extension, and inactivity threshold o…

Postexercise myostatin and activin IIb mRNA levels: effects of strength training.

ABSTRACTHULMI, J. J., J. P. AHTIAINEN, T. KAASALAINEN, E. PO¨LLA¨NEN, K. HA¨KKINEN, M. ALEN, H. SELA¨NNE, V. KOVANEN,and A. A. MERO. Postexercise Myostatin and Activin IIb mRNA Levels: Effects of Strength Training. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol.39, No. 2, pp. 289–297, 2007. Purpose: Muscle hypertrophy is likely to result from the cumulative effects of repeated bouts ofresistance exercise (RE) on postexercise molecular responses. Therefore, we determined muscle growth- and regeneration-relatedmRNA expression in response to a single RE bout both before and after a strength-training (ST) period. By means of this novellongitudinal setting, we examined whether postexercise gene expression at the …

Selective muscle hypertrophy, changes in EMG and force, and serum hormones during strength training in older women.

Effects of strength training (ST) for 21 wk were examined in 10 older women (64 ± 3 yr). Electromyogram, maximal isometric force, one-repetition maximum strength, and rate of force development of the leg extensors, muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps femoris (QF) and of vastus lateralis (VL), medialis (VM), intermedius (VI) and rectus femoris (RF) throughout the lengths of 3/12–12/15 (Lf) of the femur, muscle fiber proportion and areas of types I, IIa, and IIb of the VL were evaluated. Serum hormone concentrations of testosterone, growth hormone (GH), cortisol, and IGF-I were analyzed for the resting, preexercise, and postexercise conditions. After the 21-wk ST, maximal for…

Muscle cross-sectional area and voluntary force production characteristics in elite strength- and endurance-trained athletes and sprinters

Seven male elite strength-trained athletes (SA) from different weight categories, six elite sprinters (SPA) and seven elite endurance-trained athletes (EA) volunteered as subjects for examination of their muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), maximal voluntary isometric force, force-time and relaxation-time characteristics of the leg extensor muscles. The SA group demonstrated slightly greater CSA and maximal absolute strength than the SPA group, while the EA group demonstrated the smallest values both in CSA and especially in maximal strength (p<0.05). When the maximal forces were related to CSA of the muscles, the mean value for the SA group of 60.8±10.0 N·cm−2 remained slightly greater than…

A Submaximal Running Test With Post-Exercise Cardiac Autonomic And Neuromuscular Function In Monitoring Endurance Training Adaptation

Vesterinen, V, Nummela, A, Laine, T, Hynynen, E, Mikkola, J, and Häkkinen, K. A submaximal running test with postexercise cardiac autonomic and neuromuscular function in monitoring endurance training adaptation. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 233-243, 2017-The aim of this study was to investigate whether a submaximal running test (SRT) with postexercise heart rate recovery (HRR), heart rate variability (HRV), and countermovement jump (CMJ) measurements could be used to monitor endurance training adaptation. Thirty-five endurance-trained men and women completed an 18-week endurance training. Maximal endurance performance and maximal oxygen uptake were measured every 8 weeks. In addition, SRTs wi…

LONGITUDINAL TRACKING OF MUSCULAR POWER CHANGES OF NCAA DIVISION I COLLEGIATE WOMEN GYMNASTS

Gymnastics relies upon power as a critical component of sports-specific fitness. The purpose of this study was to monitor long-term training adaptations in the power of National Collegiate Athletics Association Division I women gymnasts. Twenty members of a women's gymnastic team (aged 18-22) were tracked over 3 years with the first year a baseline year of testing. Whole body power for the counter-movement (CMJ) and squat (SJ) vertical jump was obtained via force plate analyses at 2 assessment time points during each year (February and November). Results showed significant (p < or = 0.05) and continued increases in peak power output in the CMJ and SJ at each biannual assessment. Improvement…

Neuromuscular Adaptations to Different Modes of Combined Strength and Endurance Training

The present study investigated neuromuscular adaptations between same-session combined strength and endurance training with 2 loading orders and different day combined training over 24 weeks. 56 subjects were divided into different day (DD) combined strength and endurance training (4-6 d·wk(-1)) and same-session combined training: endurance preceding strength (E+S) or vice versa (S+E) (2-3 d·wk(-1)). Dynamic and isometric strength, EMG, voluntary activation, muscle cross-sectional area and endurance performance were measured. All groups increased dynamic one-repetition maximum (p<0.001; DD 13±7%, E+S 12±9% and S+E 17±12%) and isometric force (p<0.05-0.01), muscle cross-sectional area (p<0.0…

Substantial fat mass loss reduces low-grade inflammation and induces positive alteration in cardiometabolic factors in normal-weight individuals

AbstractThe accumulation of fat, especially in visceral sites, is a significant risk factor for several chronic diseases with altered cardiometabolic homeostasis. We studied how intensive long-term weight loss and subsequent weight regain affect physiological changes, by longitudinally interrogating the lipid metabolism and white blood cell transcriptomic markers in healthy, normal-weight individuals. The current study examined 42 healthy, young (age: 27.5 ± 4.0 years), normal-weight (body mass index, BMI: 23.4 ± 1.7 kg/m2) female athletes, of which 25 belong to the weight loss and regain group (diet group), and 17 to the control group. Participants were evaluated, and fasting blood samples…

Effects of different accentuated eccentric load levels in eccentric-concentric actions on acute neuromuscular, maximal force, and power responses.

This study examined the effects of different dynamic accentuated external resistance load levels during the eccentric(ECC) phase of ECC-concentric (CON) actions on acute neuromuscular, maximal force, and power responses in the bench press exercise in male subjects (age, = 32 +/- 4 years; n = 11). Four maximum strength sessions consisted of 1 repetition maximum (RM) lifts with traditional isoinertial resistances and of 1RM lifts with the different dynamic accentuated external resistance (DAER) loads of 100, 105, 110, and 120% of 1 RM for the ECC phase, whereas 100% of 1RM was constantly used for the CON phase. One explosive strength session consisted of explosive repetitions with the 50, 60,…

Aiming strategy affects performance-related factors in biathlon standing shooting

This study focused on investigating differences in shooting performance and performance related factors between two different aiming strategies (HOLD, low radial velocity during the approach 0.4‐0.2 seconds before triggering, and TIMING, high radial velocity) in biathlon standing shooting. 23 biathletes fired 8x5 standing shots at rest (REST) and 2x5 shots during a race simulation (RACE). Shooting performance (hit point distance from the center of the target), aiming point trajectory and postural balance were measured from each shot. Shooting performance was similar both at REST (HOLD 33±5 mm vs TIMING 38±8 mm, p=0.111) and in RACE (40±11 mm vs 47±12 mm, p=0.194). Better shooting performanc…

Serum Sex Hormone–Binding Globulin and Cortisol Concentrations are Associated With Overreaching During Strenuous Military Training

The purpose was (a) to study the effect of an 8-week Finnish military basic training period (BT) on physical fitness, body composition, mood state, and serum biochemical parameters among new conscripts; (b) to determine the incidence of overreaching (OR); and (c) to evaluate whether initial levels or training responses differ between OR and noOR subjects. Fifty-seven males (19.7 ± 0.3 years) were evaluated before and during BT. Overreaching subjects had to fulfill 3 of 5 criteria: decreased aerobic physical fitness (VO2max), increased rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in 45-minute submaximal test at 70% of VO2max or sick absence from these tests, increased somatic or emotional symptoms of …

Neuromuscular responses to explosive and heavy resistance loading

The EMG power spectrum may shift towards higher frequencies with higher movement velocities. Fatigue, on the other hand, can cause a decrease in the frequency components. The purpose of this study was to examine acute effects of explosive (EE) and heavy resistance (HRE) concentric leg press exercise on muscle force, EMG and blood lactate. The EE included five sets of ten repetitions with 40+/-6% of the isometric maximum at a 100 degrees knee angle performed as explosively as possible. The same number of repetitions was performed in HRE but with a heavier load (67+/-7% of the isometric maximum at a 100 degrees knee angle). Maximal isometric and single concentric actions of different loads, a…

Autophagy is induced by resistance exercise in young men, but unfolded protein response is induced regardless of age.

AIM Autophagy and unfolded protein response (UPR) appear to be important for skeletal muscle homoeostasis and may be altered by exercise. Our aim was to investigate the effects of resistance exercise and training on indicators of UPR and autophagy in healthy untrained young men (n = 12, 27 ± 4 years) and older men (n = 8, 61 ± 6 years) as well as in resistance-trained individuals (n = 15, 25 ± 5 years). METHODS Indicators of autophagy and UPR were investigated from the muscle biopsies after a single resistance exercise bout and after 21 weeks of resistance training. RESULTS Lipidated LC3II as an indicator of autophagosome content increased at 48 hours post-resistance exercise (P < .05) and …

Association of physical fitness with health-related quality of life in Finnish young men

Abstract Background Currently, there is insufficient evidence available regarding the relationship between level of physical fitness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in younger adults. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of measured cardiovascular and musculoskeletal physical fitness level on HRQoL in Finnish young men. Methods In a cross-sectional study, we collected data regarding the physical fitness index, including aerobic endurance and muscle fitness, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), body composition, health, and HRQoL (RAND 36) for 727 men [mean (SD) age 25 (5) years]. Associations between HRQoL and the explanatory parameters were ana…

Effects of different accentuated eccentric loads on acute neuromuscular, growth hormone, and blood lactate responses during a hypertrophic protocol.

This study monitored acute neuromuscular responses and growth hormone (GH) and blood lactate (La) concentrations in the eccentric-concentric (ECC-CON) hypertrophic protocol by using various dynamic accentuated external resistance (DAER) loads in the bench press exercise. Male subjects (age = 32 +/- 4 years; n = 11) performed 4 sets of 10 repetitions with 2 minutes of recovery between the sets. The loads were 70, 80, 90, and 100% of 1 repetition maximum (RM) for the ECC phase, whereas 70% RM was constantly used for the CON phase. Electromyographic activity (EMG), ECC, CON, and isometric (ISOM) forces, serum GH and blood La, were measured at pre- and postloading. Significant reductions occurr…

Changes in Cardiovascular Performance During an 8-Week Military Basic Training Period Combined with Added Endurance or Strength Training

ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study was to examine the changes in cardiovascular performance (VO2 max) and maximal strength development during an 8-week basic training (BT) combined with emphasized endurance training (ET) or strength training (ST) among 72 conscripts. The emphasized ST and ET programs combined with BT improved VO2 max by 12.0% (p < 0.01) and 8.5% (p < 0.05), while the increase in the control group (normal training) was 13.4% (p < 0.001). Body fat and waist circumference decreased in all groups. Normal training did not increase maximal strength of leg extensors but both ST (9.1%; p < 0.05) and ET (12.9%; p < 0.01) did. In conclusion, the current BT program including a …

Diurnal Variation in Maximal and Submaximal Strength, Power and Neural Activation of Leg Extensors in Men: Multiple Sampling Across Two Consecutive Days

This study aimed to compare day-to-day repeatability of diurnal variation in strength and power. Thirty-two men were measured at four time points (07 : 00 - 08 : 00, 12 : 00 - 13 : 00, 17 : 00 - 18 : 00, and 20 : 30 - 21 : 30 h) throughout two consecutive days (day 1 and day 2). Power during loaded squat jumps, torque and EMG during maximal (MVC) and submaximal (MVC40) voluntary isometric knee extension contractions were measured. The EMG/torque ratio during MVC and MVC40 was calculated to evaluate neuromuscular efficiency. A significant time-of-day effect with repeatable diurnal patterns was found in power. In MVC, a significant time-of-day effect was present on day 2, whereas day 1 showed…

Endogenous opioid peptide responses to opioid and anti-inflammatory medications following eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage.

To determine the effects of Vicoprofen, Ibuprofen, and a placebo on the responses of endogenous opioid peptides following eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage 36 healthy men (age: 22.8 years; height: 178.8+/-6.2cm; body mass: 78.9+/-13.7kg; body fat: 15.8+/-6.5%) volunteered to participate in the study. Each participant was evaluated for pain 24h post and randomly assigned to an experimental group: VIC (Vicoprofen), IBU (Ibuprofen), or P (placebo). Medication was given four times daily (i.e., VIC (hydrocodone bitartrate 7.5mg with Ibuprofen 200mg) and IBU 200mg). Blood was obtained at rest and at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120h following the eccentric exercise damage protocol. No significant…

Acute hormonal responses to two different fatiguing heavy-resistance protocols in male athletes.

To examine endogenous hormonal responses to heavy-resistance exercise, ten male strength athletes performed two fatiguing but different types of sessions on separate days. In session A the loads for the leg extensor muscles in the squat-lift exercise were maximal so that the subjects performed 20 sets at 1 repetition maximum (RM) (20 x 1 RM x 100%), whereas during session B the loads were submaximal (70%) but the subjects performed each of the 10 sets until the RM (i.e., 10 repetitions/set or 10 x 10 x 70%). The recovery time between the sets was always 3 min. A decrease of 10.3 +/- 4.7% (P &lt; 0.001) occurred in the squat-lift in 1 RM during session A, whereas session B led to a decrease…

Neuromuscular performance in voluntary bilateral and unilateral contraction and during electrical stimulation in men at different ages.

A group of 33 men divided into three different age groups, M30 years (n = 11), M50 years (n = 12) and M70 years (n = 10) volunteered as subjects for examination of their maximal voluntary isometric bilateral and unilateral forces and force-time curves of the knee extensor muscle group as well as electromyogram activity of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and rectus femoris muscles of the right and/or left leg contractions. Electrical stimulation (ES) of 50 Hz was also given by two surface tin electrodes for each subject and each leg separately with the maximal tolerable intensity for recording the isometric force evoked. The maximal force produced by the voluntary isometric unilateral …

Dataset for: ACUTE ELEVATIONS IN SERUM HORMONES ARE ATTENUATED AFTER CHRONIC TRAINING WITH TRADITIONAL ISOINERTIAL BUT NOT ACCENTUATED ECCENTRIC LOADS IN STRENGTH-TRAINED MEN

It has been proposed that the maintenance of acute hormonal responses reveal an efficacy of a training stimulus to evoke ongoing increases in strength and muscle mass. We previously observed that maximum strength continued to improve throughout a 10-week period in an accentuated eccentric loading group (AEL) but not a traditional isoinertial loading (ISO) group. Therefore, the present study investigated whether the magnitude of acute hormonal responses was greater (i.e. maintained) in AEL compared to ISO at the end of the training period. Subjects in AEL (eccentric load = concentric load + 40%) and ISO performed experimental loading tests (3 sets of 10 repetitions in the leg press and knee …

Randomized controlled trial of postoperative exercise rehabilitation program after lumbar spine fusion: study protocol

Abstract Background Lumbar spine fusion (LSF) effectively decreases pain and disability in specific spinal disorders; however, the disability rate following surgery remains high. This, combined with the fact that in Western countries the number of LSF surgeries is increasing rapidly it is important to develop rehabilitation interventions that improve outcomes. Methods/design In the present RCT-study we aim to assess the effectiveness of a combined back-specific and aerobic exercise intervention for patients after LSF surgery. One hundred patients will be randomly allocated to a 12-month exercise intervention arm or a usual care arm. The exercise intervention will start three months after su…

Association of physical fitness with health-related quality of life in Finnish young men

Abstract Background Currently, there is insufficient evidence available regarding the relationship between level of physical fitness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in younger adults. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of measured cardiovascular and musculoskeletal physical fitness level on HRQoL in Finnish young men. Methods In a cross-sectional study, we collected data regarding the physical fitness index, including aerobic endurance and muscle fitness, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), body composition, health, and HRQoL (RAND 36) for 727 men [mean (SD) age 25 (5) years]. Associations between HRQoL and the explanatory parameters were ana…