Isokinetics and Exercise Science - Volume 29, issue 2

Authors: Pirauá, André Luiz Torres | de Oliveira, Valéria Mayaly Alves | Cavalcante, Bruno Remígio | Beltrão, Natália Barros | Batista, Gabriel de Amorim | Pitangui, Ana Carolina Rodarti | Araújo, Rodrigo Cappato de

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Combining strength training (ST) with unstable surfaces (US) is a promising complementary approach to traditional ST to optimize muscle strength and balance in different populations. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of traditional ST and ST+US on grip strength, flexibility and quality of life in older women. METHODS: Fifty-eight older women were randomly assigned into ST (n = 22), ST+ US (n = 22) or control (n = 14) group. Exercise groups performed whole-body, moderate-intensity strength exercises, …thrice a week during 24-weeks. ST+ US participants performed the same exercise prescription progressively adding unstable surfaces and devices. Dependent variables (grip strength, flexibility and health-related quality of life) were measured at baseline, 12-weeks and after 24-weeks of intervention. RESULTS: At completion of 24-weeks, compared with control group, traditional ST promote flexibility gains [SRT = + 5.42 cm (95% CI = 1.01 to 9.83)]. Both training regimes improved quality of life [ST = + 9.50 (95% CI = 1.80 to 17.20); ST+ US = + 15.23 (95%CI = 7.37 to 23.08). No significant between-group difference was observed for grip strength at completion of the intervention. CONCLUSION: Traditional strength exercises were effective to improve flexibility and health-related quality of life among healthy older women. Combining unstable devices with traditional exercise did not provide additional gains in order to promote flexibility and quality of life. Show more

Keywords: Resistance training, muscle strength, flexibility, quality of life, aging

DOI: 10.3233/IES-204187

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 199-207, 2021

Authors: Neto, Frederico Ribeiro | Costa, Rodrigo Rodrigues Gomes | Tanhoffer, Ricardo Antônio | Leal, Josevan Cerqueira | Bottaro, Martim | Carregaro, Rodrigo Luiz

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The neuromuscular efficiency index (NME) is defined as the individual ability to generate force in relation to the muscle activation level and might be useful to the assessment of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and might elucidate the modifications in strength after an SCI compared to non-disabled subjects (CG). OBJECTIVE: Verify if the NME of fully and partially preserved muscles discriminate men with low and high levels of SCI and a matched non-disabled CG. METHODS: Fifty-four men with SCI were stratified into the high (HP), and low (LP) paraplegia groups and …twenty-seven non-disabled individuals were selected (CG). All subjects performed maximum strength tests in the isokinetic dynamometer for shoulder abduction/adduction (isokinetic) and trunk flexion/extension (isometric). Surface electromyography was measured to calculate the NME, and discriminant analysis was carried out to identify which NME variables would be able to discriminate HP, LP, and CG. RESULTS: There were no NME significant differences between groups for the primary muscles of the shoulder abduction/adduction. All NME data failed at discriminant tolerance test to compare HP from LP. The latissimus dorsi NME during trunk extension discriminated CG from HP and LP. CONCLUSIONS: The latissimus dorsi NME during trunk extension might be used as an assessment tool to compare SCI individuals and the non-disabled-matched controls. The authors recommend using the NME index for the analysis or comparisons between the same SCI levels. Show more

Keywords: Electromyography, muscle strength dynamometer, rehabilitation, strength training, resistance training; test tasking skills

DOI: 10.3233/IES-202209

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 209-218, 2021